《My Mother-in-Law is Reborn [Seventies]》


 Chapter 1: Reborn

    Chapter 1January 1970.


    In the dead of winter, during the coldest days of the lunar month, the early morning silence in Xinghuali Lane was broken by the sound of doors opening one after another in the various courtyards. In no time at all, the alley became a hive of activity.


    The reason? Everyone was rushing to use the public toilet.


    Within moments, a long queue had formed outside the alley''s public toilet. Some were hopping from foot to foot, arms tucked into their sleeves, desperate to relieve themselves. Others stood patiently holding chamber pots, waiting to empty them. The line stretched far down the alley, with no end in sight.


    Despite its size, the public toilet was no match for the sheer number of residents it served in Xinghuali Lane. As the queue grew longer, a long-faced woman emerged from Courtyard No. 44. She wore a grey floral-patterned cotton jacket and looked sprightly as she joined the line, chamber pot in hand.


    No sooner had she taken her place than the gossip began. The round-faced woman in front of her, wearing a small floral-print cotton jacket, turned and asked eagerly, "Zhao Guihua, now that your youngest son is married too, are you planning to divide the household?"


    This topic piqued everyone''s interest, and all ears in the queue pricked up.


    The long-faced woman, Zhao Guihua, maintained her composure and replied, "Well, I still need to discuss it with the old man. It''s not a small matter, you know."


    Though she said this, in her heart, she was reluctant to split up the family. What parents ever truly want to divide their household? Zhao Guihua was no exception. But given the public setting, she didn''t want to give a definitive answer, leaving some room for maneuver.


    Lost in thought about this matter, she wasn''t paying attention to her footing as she made her way back to the courtyard after emptying her chamber pot. Just as she reached the entrance, she stepped on a patch of thin ice. She slipped and fell hard, her bottom hitting the ground with a thud and her head knocking against the doorpost. "Ah!" she cried out.


    "Mom!"


    "Old woman!"


    The early morning quiet was shattered as people from every household in the courtyard rushed out. "What happened? What''s going on?"


    "Quick, let''s carry her inside..."


    "Why bother? Let''s take her straight to the hospital!"


    "How did she fall like that? I told you we shouldn''t pour water in the courtyard when it''s so cold..."


    "Old woman, old woman..."


    Zhao Guihua was in a daze, hearing someone call out to her. The voice was both familiar and strange.


    This voice is so familiar, she thought. Has the old man come to fetch me?


    Hearing this voice, Zhao Guihua struggled to open her eyes. Even if he was a ghost, she wanted to see her old man one last time. Since he had passed away, she hadn''t had anyone to share her innermost thoughts with, anyone who truly understood her. Zhao Guihua forced her eyes open and got a shock.


    Startled!


    Everyone was leaning over her, peering down... "Old man? How did you get so young?"


    Old Man Zhuang, the head of the Zhuang family, blushed at these words. This old woman!


    He coughed and said, "What are you talking about? The children are all here."


    Seeing his wife still staring at him, his face reddened even more. Then, remembering that she had hit her head, he quickly added, "How do you feel? Is it serious? Should I take you to the hospital to check your head?"


    Zhao Guihua seemed not to have heard him. She slowly turned her head, seeing other young faces. Without exception, every face looked exceptionally youthful. She looked around, seemingly unable to comprehend the situation.


    Old Man Zhuang hurriedly said, "Oldest son, go get the bicycle ready. I''ll take your mother to the hospital for a check-up."


    As he spoke, Zhao Guihua reached out and pinched his arm hard. Even through the thick cotton jacket, her vicious pinch couldn''t be stopped. Old Man Zhuang yelped, "Ouch!"


    Before he could ask why, Zhao Guihua asked, "Did that hurt?"


    Old Man Zhuang was speechless for a moment. Then he pursed his lips and said, "Of course it hurt!"


    This old woman, has she damaged her brain in the fall?


    He grew increasingly worried and said, "Let''s hurry to the hospital..."


    Zhao Guihua held his hand and shook her head, "No need!"


    She waved her hand, gesturing for everyone to step back, and sat up. As she looked around closely, her emotions fluctuated, but she quickly composed herself. She observed the room''s furnishings and the concerned faces of her family members, big and small. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I''m fine."


    Though she wasn''t sure exactly which day she had traveled back to, as a modern old lady who had watched her fair share of time-travel TV dramas, Zhao Guihua was certain she had returned to her younger days.


    Although her sons were already married and she was known as Old Lady Zhao, wasn''t being in her forties or fifties still considered young? She hadn''t even lived half her life yet.


    "Mom, don''t try to act tough. We should still go to the hospital for a check-up. I''m on marriage leave today anyway, so I''m not going to work," said a tall young man standing at the front of the group.


    Zhao Guihua looked up at him. The young man was full of vigor, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a heroic air. This was her youngest son.


    Zhao Guihua had three children, two sons and a daughter, and this was her youngest.


    However, hearing these words, Zhao Guihua realized exactly which day this was. It was the day after her youngest son''s wedding. He had only taken two days off for his marriage, and seeing his new wife already standing beside him, she knew this was the second day.


    On this day in her previous life, she had indeed fallen and hit her head. Although she wasn''t seriously hurt, because it was the second day of her youngest son''s marriage, she couldn''t help but wonder if her new daughter-in-law was bringing her bad luck. She had merely mentioned this concern to her husband, not really meaning it. But her eldest daughter-in-law had overheard and, being a gossip, had spread it around the courtyard and to the ears of the youngest daughter-in-law.


    Her youngest daughter-in-law had been raised in a pampered environment and couldn''t bear such an insult. They were already at a disadvantage by not having their own separate household, and now to be the subject of gossip from her mother-in-law and sister-in-law was too much. Naturally, it had caused a big row. Just days after the wedding, their family had experienced its first "domestic war."


    Remembering her past life, Zhao Guihua rubbed her temples and decisively nipped the potential issues in the bud. She said, "I''m absolutely fine, don''t worry about me. I just don''t know which bastard spilled water in front of our door, causing me to slip!"


    Old Man Zhuang''s mouth twitched. "Uh..."


    Zhao Guihua shot him a glare. "What? Did you do it?"


    Old Man Zhuang immediately protested, "How can you say that? It wasn''t me! Didn''t you pour the water out yourself last night?"


    Zhao Guihua was speechless.


    The most dreadful thing is when the air suddenly becomes silent.


    Cursing oneself, how embarrassing.


    Their sons and daughters-in-law all pretended to look elsewhere.


    The neighbors who had come to help started laughing, and Zhao Guihua quickly said, "Thank you all for coming. You can go back now, go on. I''m fine here, thank you for your concern."


    Seeing that Zhao Guihua was indeed alright, the neighbors started to disperse, chattering as they left.


    "Well, I should go back and make breakfast. I have to go to work."


    "I need to do some laundry..."


    "I have to go to the supply and marketing cooperative..."


    The crowd scattered, leaving only the family members behind.


    Zhao Guihua, not at all embarrassed, fake-coughed and swiftly changed the subject. "Why are you all standing around me? Don''t you need to make breakfast? Are you not eating today?"


    The eldest daughter-in-law, Liang Meifen, quickly said, "Mom, I''ll go make breakfast. What should we have this morning?"


    Although she was the one who usually cooked, it was customary for her mother-in-law to allocate the food and decide the portions. She wasn''t free to cook as she pleased. Normally, they would have coarse grain porridge, but since it was the second day of her brother-in-law''s marriage, surely they should have something better.


    Before Zhao Guihua could scold her for being indecisive and always relying on her to make decisions about meals, she suddenly remembered that at this time, she was still in charge of the household. The words caught in her throat, and after a pause, she said, "It''s getting late, let''s not cook. It''s also the second day of Third Son''s marriage, so let''s buy some fried dough sticks."


    As soon as she said this, everyone except the seemingly distracted youngest daughter-in-law looked at her in shock, hardly believing what they had heard.


    Zhao Guihua, unfazed by their stares, said loudly, "What? Can''t I buy some fried dough sticks? Eldest daughter-in-law, go and buy..."


    She counted the heads and said, "Buy eight fried dough sticks, eight servings of tofu pudding, and eight tea eggs. Go on."


    Despite the decades that had passed, she still knew exactly where to find the money. She opened a drawer and took out some cash, saying, "Here, go."


    Liang Meifen had never seen her frugal mother-in-law buy breakfast before. In the seven years since she had married into the family, this was the first time she had gone out to buy it, stepping out the door in a somewhat dazed state. As soon as she left, the cold wind blew, instantly waking her up. Looking at the money in her hand, she suddenly felt a twinge of sorrow. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed the old lady really liked the third son''s wife, even buying breakfast for her. When she had married into the family, she didn''t receive such treatment on her second day. Thinking about her current situation, she felt even more lost and frightened, with a sense of desolation, feeling only bitterness in her heart.


    Although it was rare to eat breakfast from outside, Liang Meifen didn''t feel the slightest bit of happiness, her face etched with misery.


    A few neighbors washing up in the courtyard exchanged meaningful glances.


    At this moment, Zhao Guihua spoke bluntly: "You all go about your business, don''t crowd around me."


    The two Zhuang sons stared at their mother, asking, "Mom, are you really okay?" They felt that their mother seemed a bit strange today.


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "Why are you hoping for something to be wrong with me? I''m fine, I''m fine. Go on, get going."


    The eldest Zhuang son, Zhuang Zhiyuan, nodded and said, "Then I''ll go wash up."


    The third son, Zhuang Zhixi, also gently pushed his wife''s shoulder, saying, "Let''s go."


    His newlywed wife, Mingmei, with her long eyelashes trembling slightly, followed Zhuang Zhixi out like a little wooden doll, returning to their room.


    Old Man Zhuang was still a bit worried: "Are you sure you don''t need to have your head checked?"


    Zhao Guihua: "No need, just give me a mirror, I''ll take a look myself."


    Old Man Zhuang obediently complied. Zhao Guihua held up the mirror and examined herself closely. The bump on her head wasn''t serious, and her face looked much younger. She should be forty-six this year, and her old man should be forty-eight.


    So young!


    She marveled sincerely. After gazing for a while, Zhao Guihua came back to her senses and noticed her old man''s worried look. She said, "What? What are you looking at?"


    Old Man Zhuang whispered, "I think you might have hit your head too hard."


    She seemed odd.


    Zhao Guihua understood his meaning and glared at him, saying, "You''re afraid I''ve gone stupid?"


    Hearing her loud voice, Old Man Zhuang instantly felt relieved. With such fierceness, she must be fine.


    He said, "I know you''re alright. Look at you, as fierce as ever."


    Then he asked again, "How come you''re willing to buy breakfast now?"


    It wasn''t just the eldest daughter-in-law Liang Meifen who was surprised; as her bedmate, Old Man Zhuang was equally astonished.


    Zhao Guihua: "The children are all married now, we''ve accomplished one of our major tasks. It''s time to loosen up a bit. One breakfast won''t make us poor."


    Old Man Zhuang thought about it and nodded: "That''s true. With the youngest daughter-in-law joining the family, we''re even better off now..."


    Since the topic had been brought up, Zhao Guihua tightened her jaw and spoke: "Old Man, I want to divide the family."

 Chapter 2: Dreaming

    Chapter 2Zhao Guihua bumped her head early in the morning, causing the whole family to rush out of bed. After the commotion, everyone returned to their rooms.


    In the cold winter month, the room was chilly as the stove had gone out earlier. Zhuang Zhixi entered the room and squatted down to stoke the stove, advising, "It''s not warm in here, you should put on more clothes."


    Zhuang Zhixi was the third son of Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang.


    Earlier, the young couple had hurriedly thrown on some clothes and rushed out upon hearing the commotion, not wearing much. After he spoke, there was no response. He looked up to see his young wife still in a daze. He coughed and called out, "Ming Mei?"


    At that moment, Ming Mei seemed to suddenly awaken. Her large, watery eyes looked towards Zhuang Zhixi as she asked dazedly, "Did you call me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: "Why are you so absent-minded?"


    Ming Mei blinked innocently and said, "I''m not."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave Ming Mei a long look, then smiled. He lowered his head to poke at the stove a few more times, added some coal, and turned to leave. At the doorway, he seemed to think of something and looked back at her, but ultimately said nothing and left.


    Ming Mei watched Zhuang Zhixi leave and let out a sigh of relief. She began fidgeting with her fingers, not giving much thought to this newly married husband of hers. Instead, her mind was full of thoughts about her mother-in-law who had just hit her head and fainted.


    Others might not know what had happened to her mother-in-law Zhao Guihua, but she did!


    Ming Mei knew everything. She had this "condition" since she was little.


    She could "dream".


    For others, dreams were just dreams, but not for Ming Mei. Since childhood, she could dream of other people''s "life books". It wasn''t always complete, but for people who had important connections to her, she could dream about them. Because of this, even though she was exhausted from her wedding night, with an aching waist and weak legs, she didn''t sleep well. She had bizarre dreams all night and woke up early in shock.


    That night, she had dreamed about her mother-in-law.


    Allegedly, her mother-in-law had come back from fifty years in the future. She had witnessed the changes of the era and experienced societal development. After being reborn, she wanted to ride the wave of the times, work hard, and was determined to lead the whole family towards glory.


    Ming Mei clicked her tongue. Her mother-in-law was actually a centenarian! How... how impressive!


    She lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers even more intensely, thoroughly shocked. After all, the concept of rebirth was truly difficult to understand and shocking. Otherwise, she wouldn''t still be in a daze now.


    Ming Mei already had plenty of experience with dreaming, but she had no experience dealing with someone who had been reborn.


    What should she do from now on?


    Zhuang Zhixi returned to find his young wife hanging her head like a pitiful little kitten, still fidgeting with her fingers. He came to her side and saw that she had nearly picked her fingernails raw. He reached out and held her hand.


    Ming Mei: "Ah!"


    Her cheeks instantly turned red. Despite being married and having consummated their marriage, the two of them hadn''t actually spent much time together. They had gotten married after meeting only three times. So, this young couple truly didn''t have much of an emotional foundation.


    But this was common nowadays. Some couples even got engaged after meeting just once. If you dated for a long time before marriage, you''d be considered a philanderer.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat down beside Ming Mei, still holding her hand, and spoke: "Although my family members aren''t the kindest people, they''re not too hard to get along with. If you ever feel wronged, just tell me, and I''ll stand up for you."


    Ming Mei immediately looked up, instantly realizing he had misunderstood the reason for her daze. Still, these were nice words to hear. Her large, watery eyes curved into a smile as she asked sweetly, "Really?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and nodded: "Of course it''s true."


    Holding his wife''s hand, he said, "I''ve warmed some water. Come out and brush your teeth and wash your face."


    Despite not knowing each other well, they had already been "intimately acquainted", so there was a certain closeness between them. Zhuang Zhixi handed his wife her cotton jacket and said, "Come on, after you''ve freshened up, I''ll tell you about the situation in our courtyard."


    Ming Mei nodded with pursed lips, responding with an "Okay."


    Since they were going to live in this courtyard, it was necessary to understand the neighbors, as they would be living together for a long time to come.


    The young couple went out together to freshen up. By this time, it wasn''t early anymore. Most people who needed to go to work or school had already left, so there weren''t many people at the water tank. As the young couple brushed their teeth side by side, they saw their eldest sister-in-law, Liang Meifen, hurriedly returning with breakfast.


    Liang Meifen glanced at the kettle placed beside the water tank and smiled awkwardly.


    Their quadrangle courtyard was different from apartment buildings. The water pipes and toilets weren''t separate for each household. The water main was in the courtyard and hadn''t been divided among the households. There was one in the front yard and one in the back yard. Everyone came to the courtyard to fetch water, and the water tank in the middle of the courtyard was shared for brushing teeth, washing faces, hair, and clothes.


    The water bill was split equally among the households based on the number of people each month, so there were usually quite a few people here early in the morning. Everyone was quick about it, and it was rare to see someone bringing a kettle to mix in some hot water.


    Especially not in winter. After all, coal for boiling water wasn''t free.


    Liang Meifen entered the house, smiling as she said, "This young couple''s relationship is so good, they even use hot water to wash their faces early in the morning."


    The subtext was clear: How wasteful. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although the third brother''s wife had just married into the family, it didn''t stop her, as the eldest sister-in-law, from planting some seeds of discord in front of their mother-in-law. Besides, she had greatly offended her mother-in-law recently, so if she could get her to focus her attention elsewhere, it would be good for her.


    Liang Meifen thought her plan was quite good, but after she finished speaking, she realized no one was responding. Her parents-in-law weren''t even in the outer room, and neither was her husband. Only her two children heard her voice and came running out, calling, "Mom, Mom, we want to eat fried dough twists!"


    No one paid attention to what she said, but as soon as the two children called out, both in-laws came out. Zhao Guihua called out sharply, "Third son, third daughter-in-law, come eat!"


    Zhao Guihua''s loud voice could be heard throughout the courtyard. The young couple quickly entered. Ming Mei rubbed her hands, saying, "It''s really cold."


    Her family lived in an apartment building, so she wasn''t very accustomed to life in a quadrangle courtyard, having to go outside to freshen up early in the morning. It was quite cold. However, since she was already married, Ming Mei didn''t say anything negative to avoid being disliked.


    While Ming Mei was rubbing her hands due to the cold outside, the two children inside were rubbing their hands in anticipation.


    The two little ones hardly ever got to eat this kind of breakfast, oh no, not just rarely in a year, they had barely eaten it a few times in total. They were so excited that their eyes were red, constantly swallowing saliva.


    "Grandma, are we eating?"


    "Grandma, it smells so good."


    Zhao Guihua: "Why is everyone just standing there? One bowl of tofu pudding, one tea egg, and one fried dough twist for each person. Eat up. If the children can''t finish, give it to the old man."


    With this kind of breakfast, there was no need to divide it up. Everyone could just help themselves.


    When the two children heard that they were counted as "people" too, they happily made loud noises, like little puppies.


    Zhao Guihua ignored them and brought her own portion over. She first took a sip of the tofu pudding, making a satisfied sound, thinking how pure things were in this era. Then she started cracking her tea egg. Everyone had their own portion, and Ming Mei also began eating.


    No matter what kind of family, this was considered a top-notch breakfast.


    Her family was well-off, so she managed to eat with some restraint, but the children couldn''t hold back. They wolfed down the food in large mouthfuls. This prompted Zhao Guihua to scold them: "No one''s fighting you for it, eat slower. If you choke, don''t expect me to buy this again!"


    Upon hearing this, the children immediately slowed down, but they really couldn''t help themselves. Even their slower pace wasn''t much slower at all.


    Zhao Guihua knew this was because their stomachs lacked nourishment.


    Zhao Guihua was the same. She didn''t think she was greedy, but just the smell of the fried dough twists was irresistible. It was truly a loss. However, being "experienced" and an adult, Zhao Guihua wasn''t like the children.


    At this moment, no one in the family was talking. Everyone was focused on their breakfast.


    Ming Mei was the same, drinking her tofu pudding while her eyes scanned the family.


    Naturally, the people at the forefront were none other than her parents-in-law. Her father-in-law, Zhuang Haoren, was not yet fifty years old. He was a level-five riveter at the Progressive Machinery Factory, earning a high wage of 55.5 yuan, placing him in the high-income group. However, because the name Zhuang Haoren didn''t sound particularly pleasant when spoken, it was said that both his coworkers at the factory and his neighbors were accustomed to calling him by his nickname: Old Man Zhuang.


    As they say, there are no wrong nicknames, only wrong given names.


    Her father-in-law was an honest, quiet, and unassuming man. It was said that her mother-in-law handled all household matters.


    Her mother-in-law was somewhat more lively. Her name was Zhao Guihua, and although she didn''t have a job, she managed the household with an iron fist. Among the neighbors, she was known as a rather fiery old woman who, reportedly, was not to be trifled with and never allowed herself to be taken advantage of.


    When the two families first met to discuss the marriage, Ming Mei''s mother hesitated for a while because of Zhao Guihua''s personality, but ultimately agreed.


    The Zhuang family had three children. The eldest, Zhuang Zhiyuan, was present. The second child, Zhuang Zhixin, was married and living elsewhere. Her husband, Zhuang Zhixi, was the youngest.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Ming Mei''s older brother, Ming Cheng, were high school classmates. After graduation, they both became attendants at the railway station, so they were considered good friends. It was because of this connection that Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi were introduced.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan had been married for several years. His wife was Ming Mei''s sister-in-law, Liang Meifen. Ming Mei stole a glance at her sister-in-law, feeling deeply that she was quite a calculating person. Liang Meifen originally had a job as a worker at the Textile Mill, making her and Zhuang Zhiyuan a dual-income family. It was well known that dual-income families lived quite comfortably and respectably. However, a month ago, just as Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi were preparing for their wedding, this sister-in-law dropped a bombshell out of nowhere.


    Without telling anyone in her husband''s family, she secretly gave her job to her younger brother from her natal family.


    This incident caused a huge uproar in the Zhuang family and significantly affected Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei''s wedding plans. If the date hadn''t already been set, Ming Mei''s family would have considered calling off the marriage. They felt that if the sister-in-law could do such a thing, she was not to be trusted.


    After all, if the families didn''t separate, Ming Mei and her husband would be a dual-income couple, while the sister-in-law''s family of four would have only one worker. It was clear they were trying to take advantage of the situation.


    Ming Mei''s mother saw through this and was very displeased.


    In the end, it was only after Zhao Guihua repeatedly promised that the young couple wouldn''t be taken advantage of that Ming Mei''s mother reluctantly agreed. Of course, it wasn''t entirely because of Zhao Guihua''s promises. Mainly, the wedding date had already been set, and calling it off would be bad for their reputation.


    Moreover, Ming Mei was indeed eager to get married.


    While they reluctantly accepted the situation, it was said that the Zhuang family had several fights over this matter. But what''s done was done, and now Liang Meifen had become a stay-at-home housewife.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen had two children, a boy and a girl. The six-year-old brother, nicknamed Tiger Head, had the formal name Zhuang Yang. To be honest, their family had a knack for choosing peculiar names. This name always felt a bit odd.


    The little girl was four years old, with the formal name Zhuang Xue and the nickname Little Swallow.


    This was the eldest son''s family. The second child, Zhuang Zhixin, had a love marriage, marrying a soldier against her parents'' wishes and following him to his post. It was said she could only return home once a year. She had a pair of twin boys.


    As for her husband, Zhuang Zhixi, like his father Old Man Zhuang, also worked at the Progressive Machinery Factory. However, he wasn''t in a technical position but worked in the factory''s clinic, responsible for dispensing medicine and collecting fees, earning 28.5 yuan.


    Although Ming Mei had just married into the family, she had a mother who was a keen gossip, so she knew everything about this family''s background.


    Her big eyes darted from one person to another as she sipped her soy milk pudding, finally landing on her mother-in-law. Reborn fifty years in the past... this was a powerful ally, so she''d better try to get on her good side no matter what.


    Ming Mei smiled ingratiatingly and said to Zhao Guihua, "Mom, after we finish eating, shall we go for a walk together?"


    Zhuang Zhixi, who had been eating happily, raised his head in confusion when he heard this. What? Wife, why didn''t you invite me?

 Chapter 3: The Neighbors

    Chapter 3Ming Mei wears a radiant smile, her two twists of braids shaking delightfully, an appealing sight to behold.


    She speaks in a crisp and clear manner, "Mom, let''s take a walk together, and you can introduce me to everyone in our compound. Brother Zhiyuan must be busy with work and probably doesn''t know as much as you. I need your guidance."


    Zhao Guihua looks at Ming Mei in surprise but quickly agrees, "Alright."


    There are many people in their quadrangle who are no easy trick, perhaps it was necessary to give the new daughter-in-law a heads up to avoid any difficulties. After all, it''s not fifty years later where everyone tends to their own business without involving in other''s affairs. Nowadays, things aren''t so simple.


    Neighborhood relationships are tight-knit, and their large compound has its fair share of gossip and frequent interpersonal dealings, it''s only right to stay cautious.


    She confidently says, "You did well by asking me, nobody understands this better."


    Ming Mei nods repeatedly, "I knew you weren''t ordinary."


    Zhao Guihua raises the corner of her mouth, humbly waving her hand, "Indeed, perhaps I just understand a bit more, grasp a little deeper, and see a bit further."


    How could she not see further? sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She''s been reincarnated, lived over a hundred years and outlived these old folks. She knows every family''s situation and future development like the back of her hand. If it''s about seeing far, nobody could surpass her!


    Ming Mei nods in agreement, "Mom, I will depend on your guidance. You are indeed amazing."


    Zhao Guihua smiles, "Alright, you can count on me."


    This dialogue between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dumbfounded the family. Liang Meifen never imagined that her newly entered sister-in-law was such a sycophant. Every word she spoke was blatantly flattering. It was genuinely infuriating.


    She bit her lip, wanted to say something, yet was stumped by her sister-in-law''s audacity.


    Just as she was about to squeeze a compliment, her mother-in-law spoke.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Old Man Zhuang, Zhiyuan, you guys come home early today, we will hold a family meeting tonight."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "Understood."


    He had briefly chatted with Zhao Guihua earlier, so he knew the main content of the meeting. Zhuang Zhiyuan, however, wasn''t very clear about it, but he had a hunch. He nodded without objection, "Got it."


    On the other hand, Liang Meifen''s face paled, turning white as a sheet.


    She wanted to say something but dared not to, even avoiding eye contact with her mother-in-law. All she could do was appeal to his husband. However, Zhuang Zhiyuan was too engrossed in getting to work, completely ignoring her. They were already running late this morning.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan stood up upon finishing his meal, "I need to hurry."


    Old Man Zhuang also agreed, even though his workplace was closer, he couldn''t afford to delay either. Both father and son hurriedly made their way out.


    Liang Meifen tried to keep her composure, aiming to appear natural, yet she couldn''t shake the chill she felt, the bitterness gnawing at her heart. All she could hope for currently, was for her mother-in-law''s upcoming family conference to settle on maintaining a united family.


    She didn''t want to divide the family, not in the slightest.


    Perhaps, Zhao Guihua was intending to announce the decision of retaining the unity of the family. Her husband was the eldest son and they''d both be depending on him for their old age after all. Maybe they wouldn''t divide, she reassured herself, and that gave Liang Meifen just enough fortitude to steady herself.


    Zhao Guihua was closely observing Liang Meifen. Having been in a mother-daughter-in-law relationship with Meifen for nearly sixty years, could she not discern the type of person she was? Zhao Guihua let out a derisive chuckle, her tone dripping with mockery. Liang Meifen, who had just regained some color in her face, went pale once more.


    Regardless of Liang''s reaction, Zhao instructed, "Clean up the dinner table; I''ll take Ming Mei for a little walk."


    Promptly, Liang Meifen obliged, "Sure, I''ll tidy up."


    Although she wasn''t sure what caused her mother-in-law to scoff, she was uncertain and could only hope Zhao Guihua noticed her helpfulness. But Zhao Guihua had already shifted her attention and commanded, "Let''s go."


    Ming Mei got up briskly, comfortable enough to link arms with Zhao Guihua, who glanced down at her hand and suppressed a smile. Ming Mei, considering herself an insider, said, "Mom, I¡¯m your daughter-in-law, so I¡¯m your own daughter too. I''m clueless about many things, and you have to teach me more."


    Before Zhao Guihua could respond, another arm looped around her ¡ª it was her youngest son, Zhuang Zhixi.


    Freshly married Zhuang Zhixi did not wish to leave his bride behind, but he found it improper to link arms with his wife in front of so many people. However, he saw no issue in doing so with his mother, and chimed, "I''ll join you."


    Appreciating the emotions of the newlyweds, being one herself in the past, Zhao Guihua agreed, "Alright, let''s all go together..."


    Liang Meifen''s reaction to this was one of utter disbelief, concealed by a swift intake of breath.


    She was frustrated with Ming Mei for her excessive intimacy and familiarity. What was she going to do if her mother-in-law got charmed away?


    Besides, her own children were proving to be their usual troublesome selves. She muttered under her breath to her lively duo, "All you do is eat! Young as you are, you''re matching an adult''s appetite". She hoped what was left on the plates could satisfy her husband, but those two rascals, Hutou, and Xiao Yanzi, seemed to have no end to their hunger.


    Unfazed by their mom''s remarks, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi clung onto their rice bowls.


    Hutou, with his boyish obstinance, declared, "Can finish it!"


    The food was too good, he could absolutely finish it.


    Echoing her brother, little Xiao Yanzi chirped in her babyish voice, "Can finish it!"


    Feeling a growing sense of frustration, Liang Meifen took a deep breath. Seeing that her children were far from finishing their meals, she left them to their devices. Immediately she darted toward the entrance and started peeping through the doorway...


    Leading the young couple outside, Zhao Guihua noticed that due to the chilling weather, the yard was empty, as most people were indoors. Besides, with the New Year approaching in less than a fortnight, the elderly housewives were out sourcing goods from food stores every day, emptying the courtyard for the time being.


    They didn''t leave early. The ones who had jobs, the ones doing the shopping, everyone had left, leaving only locked doors behind.


    Zhao Guihua looked at her long-lost courtyard and felt familiarly entranced by every single plant.


    Zhao Guihua: "Our large compound is a two-section courtyard. On our side is the front yard, home to four families. Madam Su''s family, a widow, takes up the four rooms of the main house. The name Madam Su doesn''t really come from her own surname, but her deceased husband''s. Her husband passed when all three children were still small, so she stepped up to raise them herself. She''s typically soft-spoken, kind and delicate, ready with a smile for anyone she meets, always thoughtful and considerate. But if you trust her, be prepared to pay a price."


    Ming Mei immediately nodded seriously, summarizing, "A wolf in sheep''s clothing."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled softly, appreciating the accuracy of her daughter-in-law''s summary.


    A twitch played at the corner of Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth, "¡­"


    He really had no idea his mother had such an opinion of Madam Su.


    Zhao Guihua continued: "Madam Su has two daughters and a son. The daughters have been married off for centuries, but you''ll still see them. They come back every now and then with gifts, as if to empty their marital homes in support of their mother''s house. Her son married ten years ago, but died on duty a few years back, leaving behind a daughter-in-law and three grandsons. Because both men died while working at the factory, that''s why they could get the four rooms of the main house. Her daughter-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu, is a young widow. Wang Xiangxiu was quite fruitful, giving birth to three boys, nine-year-old Su Jinlai, seven-year-old Su Yinlai, and five-year-old Tonglai. After her husband''s passing, she took over his job at the Progress Machinery Factory. She certainly doesn''t share her mother-in-law''s cunning, but she isn''t a piece of cake either. She looks like a tough Beijing girl, but she is just as crafty as her mother-in-law. The elderly men in the compound are somewhat attracted to her."


    Ming Mei: "Ah, wow, not to be trifled with."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Indeed, not to be trifled with."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched again, "..."


    Their home was next to Madam Su''s, with four rooms including an odd, crooked room. Although called four rooms, it was actually three and a half. One being a crooked small side room. It wasn''t exactly four rooms but there''s no phrase for half a room.


    So, it''s still considered four rooms, but it can''t compare to the four rooms of the main house.


    Directly opposite their home, lived two families, occupying four proper rooms. And to the left-hand side lived a family of three.


    Zhao Guihua: "This is the richest family in our compound, the Zhou''s. They are three, and the matriarch is Madam Zhou Li. She is also a widow, notoriously miserly. She has money but is forever grasping for more, known for her mean-spirited venomous nature, hating others if they have, laughing at them if they have not. Her son, Zhou Qun, is thirty-one this year and still childless. Uncertain whether it is an issue with him or his wife. Zhou Qun is no ordinary man; he''s a seven-grade electrician at the factory with a monthly salary of ninety-two. His wife, Jiang Lu, works for the factory¡¯s women''s committee and earns thirty-seven a month. However, as she has not been able to provide the Zhou¡¯s with a grandchild in her thirties, Madam Zhou Li scarcely tolerates her. Madam Zhou Li spends her days at home berating her daughter-in-law, but that¡¯s not your business to meddle.¡±


    Ming Mei made a zipping up gesture.


    Zhao Guihua nodded approvingly. She must admit, the young bride is much smarter this time.


    Laughing at her reminiscence, Zhao Guihua added that her memory of this time is still vivid.


    Indeed, a decade or two later, few would disclose their income, but back then, everyone knew exactly who held what position and grade. Wages were crystal clear. Based on the type of job and rank, the salary was a given. Though she can''t remember much about others, she remembers the richest family in their compound quite well.


    She murmured softly, "My memory is still sharp."


    Adding, "Never meddle in their family disputes. It''s not worth it; Jiang Lu won''t appreciate it, but will only blame you."


    Ming Mei nodded more solemnly.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..................¡±


    Didn''t his mom also stand up for Jiang Lu once?


    Zhao Guihua: "This next two rooms house a father and son, both bachelors. They are the Bais. Old Man Bai works at the factory, tending the boilers; he''s a grizzled old bachelor. His son, Bai Fendou, also thirty-one this year, hasn''t found a wife yet. They both show interest in widows. The father has his eyes on the old widow Madam Su while the son is taken by her daughter-in-law, the young widow Wang Xiangxiu. Bai Fendou works in the factory¡¯s security department. Both earn a decent income, but they don¡¯t have substantial savings¡­.¡±


    Ming Mei caught on immediately, "Spent on others,¡± casting a glance towards Madam Su¡¯s house.


    Zhao Guihua nodded with satisfaction. The young bride indeed understood quickly.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "............................¡±


    Fortunately, it was cold outside, so no one was in the courtyard. Thus they could stop by each house to make commentary. If they were inside, it would seem less ceremonial.


    Zhao Guihua said: "The few households we often see around are in our front courtyard. Come, I''ll take you around the back courtyard. There are five families living there. In the main room lives the family of Chef Li, which consists of Li Dashan, his wife Madam Li Wang, and their only daughter Li Fang. Their son-in-law, also Li Dashan''s apprentice, is named Yang Lixin. Li Fang has two sons, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, who despite their father-in-law being Yang, still carry the Li name. Even though Li Dashan''s salary might not be considered high, as a chef, he knows how to make do. The family tends to get along well, Li Wang who is also referred to as Madam Wang, is in charge of our living compound. She collects water fees and sanitation fees monthly, and distributes notifications from the community. Any issues arising from the compound are also discussed and voted upon under her organization, and she''s the matchmaker around our area, a lady with skills."


    Ming Mei summarized: "A person who takes care of things."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and nodded, and then began to introduce the other four families one by one. She made sure her daughter-in-law knew what the situation was like with each household as they needed to interact living within the same compound.


    Ming Mei listened very seriously, almost as if she wished to jot down notes.


    At this point, Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but sigh softly, ¡°My mother, I never thought, you know so much.¡±


    Zhao Guihua gave him a hum, raising her eyebrows, she said: ¡°What don¡¯t I know? Trying to hide from my discerning eyes, not possible!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi questioned in a defeated tone: ¡°But why didn¡¯t you inform us then?¡±


    Zhao Guihua glared, retorting: "You never asked! Besides, we all live in the same place, can''t you make observations yourself? If you''ve lived here for years and still don''t know about all the families here, aren''t you an idiot?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "......"


    Ming Mei grinned at the retort delivered, clapping her hands in applause.


    "Mum, you have to admit that not everyone is as perceptive as you. Look, not everyone has sharp and discerning ''golden eyes'', many of us, are simply inadequate."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "......"


    His wife, she indeed was quite something.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t flaunt about the compliments, but the smile on her lips didn''t hide her pleasure over the kind words. She said: "Come, let me show you around the lanes here. The courtyards here,they are generally occupied by mechanical factory workers. Outsiders can''t live here; only the factory workers assigned here can..."


    Ming Mei: "So, we are both neighbours and workmates."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, remarked: "Nevertheless, we don''t interact much with other courtyards, just familiarise yourself with our own compound."


    Ming Mei replies complacently: "I understand."


    The trio had just left their courtyard, they hadn''t taken many steps when a clear bicycle bell rang out. An incoming bicycle called out abruptly: "Move, make way, make way..."

 Chapter 4: Little Couple

    Chapter 4The bicycle bell rang as it wobbled towards the three people, causing them to quickly jump out of the way. Zhao Guihua, never one to hold her tongue, immediately started scolding: "Do you even know how to ride a bike? Are you in such a hurry to meet your maker? The road is so wide, yet you''re aiming straight at people - are you blind?"


    Zhao Guihua had been hot-tempered all her life, and she wasn''t about to be polite. Then she took a closer look - oh, it was a familiar face, that young man Bai Fendou from their courtyard. Bai Fendou steadied his bicycle and chuckled, saying, "Auntie Zhao, your temper is too hot! You just got a daughter-in-law, this isn''t good behavior. You might scare your new daughter-in-law."


    He glanced at the Zhuang family''s new daughter-in-law, thinking to himself that she was quite a beauty, though her taste in men was questionable - passing up a capable man like himself with strong features, only to choose that pretty boy Zhuang Third.


    "What are you looking at? This is my daughter-in-law, and no matter how much you look, she has nothing to do with you. Watch out, or I''ll gouge your eyes out!" Zhao Guihua could tell from his wandering eyes that he was up to no good.


    Bai Fendou''s head hurt from her shouting, and he quickly bowed: "Oh, auntie, please don''t shout. I just took a quick glance. How could I have any thoughts? I''m not that kind of person."


    Zhao Guihua let out a cold laugh and said, "You''re not getting any younger. My third son is already married, you should hurry up and find yourself a wife."


    Hearing this, Bai Fendou immediately straightened up, proudly patting his bicycle and boasting, "Look, I bought a bicycle! I''m a man with wheels now! Finding a wife will be easy! Not to mention, when I stand with my bike at Wangfujing, plenty of young ladies come to chat me up."


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched as she said, "Who are you calling ''man'' to?"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately chimed in: "Mom, he''s being disrespectful to you."


    Seeing the mother and son team up, Bai Fendou quickly said, "Zhuang Zhixi, you little brat, stop stirring things up. Auntie, that''s not what I meant, I was just talking about my bike..."


    He had bought a bicycle, yes he had - and not just any bicycle, but a Forever brand!


    Why couldn''t they see that? Why weren''t they impressed?


    Bai Fendou couldn''t understand it.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at the bicycle, completely unimpressed, and said, "It''s just a bicycle, what''s there to show off about? Can you even ride it properly? You nearly crashed into people just now, I think you need more practice!"


    "Hey, it''s not just any bicycle - does your family have one?" Then he slapped his forehead and said, "Oh right, you do have one - your younger daughter-in-law brought it as part of her dowry!" After saying this, afraid that Zhao Guihua might explode, he quickly turned his bike around and pedaled away like the wind.


    He even spread his arms wide and shouted: "Ah, freedom like the wind!"


    Zhao Guihua laughed and cursed: "That fool! Just not right in the head." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei burst out laughing, while Zhuang Zhixi wondered aloud: "Why did he come to the courtyard and leave without going in? What was the point of riding back?"


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips: "Who knows what that oddball is up to."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked back at the courtyard, then in the direction Bai Fendou had left, raising his eyebrows and saying: "It''s his work time now, and he came back to the courtyard without even coming in..." He paused, noticing both his mother and wife staring at him.


    He said: "Could it be... he just came back to show off his new bike?"


    Zhao Guihua was speechless: "..."


    She had thought he might say something more profound.


    However, Ming Mei nodded in agreement: "That''s possible, very possible."


    Buying a bicycle was something to show off about - when she bought her new bike, she had ridden it around their compound three times.


    Zhao Guihua was once again speechless: "..."


    She had forgotten how difficult it was to buy a bicycle these days. Besides saving up the money, getting a purchase voucher was even harder - they were extremely rare. Even at their large state-owned machinery factory in the capital, they only received a limited number of vouchers each year. It was even worse elsewhere.


    So having a bicycle was indeed something worth showing off.


    "Let''s keep an eye out for an opportunity this year, if we can get a voucher, we''ll buy one too," Zhao Guihua said. Although their younger daughter-in-law Ming Mei had brought a bicycle as part of her dowry, she needed it for work.


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately turned around, shocked to hear these words from his mother. His mother was known for being very careful with money, and in all these years, no matter who had bought a bicycle, she had never shown any interest.


    And now she was saying this?


    Zhao Guihua glared at him: "What''s that look for?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, are you possessed or something?"


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but burst out laughing again. She playfully scolded, "Mom, don''t hit him, let me teach him a lesson for talking nonsense."


    Her small hand gave Zhuang Zhixi a pinch, making him cry out dramatically and look at his wife with an exaggerated expression of pain. Zhao Guihua sneered: "Stop putting on an act, she barely touched you."


    In the dead of winter, with such thick cotton-padded jackets, the pinch probably hadn''t even reached his skin, yet here he was acting up.


    She looked at her younger son and daughter-in-law, saying: "You two are putting on a show right in front of me, do you think I can''t tell?"


    Ming Mei immediately said: "Mom''s so perceptive."


    She was quick with her flattery, saying: "You''re so clever, how could anything escape your notice? I knew we couldn''t fool you, so please forgive me, okay?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, go on, when did I ever blame you? Alright, we''ve walked around this alley enough, let''s head back."


    Just as the three were about to return home, they saw several familiar aunties walking back excitedly, each carrying fish. One of them called out from afar: "Guihua, quick, go home and get money, the food store has fish in stock!"


    Zhao Guihua switched into shopping mode instantly - panic buying was in her genes.


    Without another word, she ran back home. She moved so fast that Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei could only look at each other in amazement. Ming Mei genuinely marveled: "She''s like a sprinter!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said: "Come on, let''s go back too."


    Before they could even enter the house, they ran into Zhao Guihua coming out. Ming Mei quickly asked: "Mom, shall I come with you?"


    Zhao Guihua waved her hand and darted out the door with remarkable agility. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and guided his wife inside. Their family had three and a half rooms - his parents had one large room, while another was divided into two sections for the family''s dining area.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan''s family of four occupied one and a half rooms, and Zhuang Zhixi had one room.


    Though Zhuang Zhixi''s space wasn''t large, he had installed a bead curtain divider about a meter high. Behind it was a double bed and wardrobe, while the outer area had tables and chairs, with a nine-drawer chest and storage cabinet arranged against the wall.


    Although they didn''t have many possessions, everything was neat, orderly, and cozy.


    As soon as the couple entered, Zhuang Zhixi poured his wife a cup of hot water, saying: "It''s cold, some hot water will warm you up."


    Being alone together, both still felt somewhat shy. Ming Mei glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, pursed her lips, and said: "You should drink some hot water too."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said: "I''m fine, I''m a man, I run hot."


    Their eyes met, and Zhuang Zhixi seemed to remember something. He quickly got up, first sneaking a peek outside the door, then returned to take out a tin box from the nine-drawer chest, whispering: "Here''s some candy for you."


    Ming Mei matched his whispered tone: "Why are you being so secretive?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If those two little ones see this, they''ll definitely ask me for some. I bought this with my private money."


    Ming Mei laughed softly, her long eyelashes fluttering like little fans, and whispered: "You''re their uncle, and you''re being stingy about this?"


    "How can I not be?" Zhuang Zhixi was quite righteous about it, saying: "My sister-in-law has her own private money too, but she doesn''t buy candy for the kids. Besides, my mom dotes on her eldest grandson the most, they won''t go without."


    Ming Mei blinked again, and Zhuang Zhixi, seeing her coquettish expression, couldn''t resist reaching out to hold her small hand. Her hand was soft and delicate, and Zhuang Zhixi said very softly: "Your little hand is so soft..."


    Ming Mei blushed, her fair cheeks turning rosy pink as she said softly, "It''s broad daylight, you should be more careful..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Should I lock the door then?"


    Ming Mei quickly pulled her hand away and chided, "What nonsense are you talking about? Even with the door locked, we can''t!"


    Afraid he might try something inappropriate in broad daylight, especially when she could hear people talking in the courtyard, she not only withdrew her hand but also moved her chair away, deliberately changing the subject: "Let''s have some candy!"


    She opened the box and, seeing the sorghum candy, picked one up and held it to Zhuang Zhixi''s lips. His eyes lit up as he looked at his wife. Ming Mei playfully scolded, "Well, eat it!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and bent down to take the candy in his mouth, saying earnestly, "It''s really sweet."


    Ming Mei unwrapped another piece and put it in her own mouth, nodding in agreement - it was indeed very sweet.


    She only ate one piece before closing the box and putting it back in the cabinet, saying cheerfully, "We''ll save the rest for later."


    Sitting back down, she scooted closer to Zhuang Zhixi with a gossipy look and asked, "Brother Zhixi, I never thought your family would have such sophisticated things as family meetings! Can you guess what Mother-in-law wants to discuss?"


    Although Ming Mei had dreamed about Zhao Guihua''s entire life, how could one dream reveal every detail of a person''s life? After all, she had only gotten a glimpse.


    Ming Mei was particularly curious: "In your family meetings, does everyone have to speak?"


    She immediately sprang into action: "If everyone needs to speak, I should write a speech. After all, I''m the new daughter-in-law - I can''t mess this up."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly stopped her, shaking his head: "In my family''s meetings, my mother runs a one-woman show. You just need to listen - she doesn''t want your opinion or your speech."


    Ming Mei: "...Oh."


    She felt disappointed that she wouldn''t get to speak.


    Zhuang Zhixi saw her expression and chuckled, "You really wanted to speak, didn''t you?"


    Ming Mei nodded immediately, being completely honest with her husband: "I missed a perfect opportunity to openly flatter Mother-in-law."


    She had wanted to praise her mother-in-law from every possible angle during her speech - what a shame!


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched again as he said sincerely, "You don''t need to keep flattering my mother for my sake. She''s like a tiger - you can''t pat her behind. She doesn''t fall for that kind of thing. If I can''t do it, you definitely can''t."


    Ming Mei lifted her chin proudly: "Hey, just because you can''t doesn''t mean I can''t! I''m quite skilled at flattery, you know."


    Zhuang Zhixi said quietly: "Who can''t what?"


    Ming Mei: "You, of course~ Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing... don''t..."


    Zhuang Zhixi made as if to do something indescribable, and Ming Mei quickly caught on, making a big X with her arms in defense, laughing, "Don''t mess around, okay? That''s not what I meant... Can''t you be more serious?"


    Zhuang Zhixi saw her shy face turning red and laughed too. He was only joking, but he quickly became serious and pretended to be fierce: "Well then, tell me, am I capable or not?"


    Ming Mei: "Yes, yes, yes, you''re very capable, okay? We were talking about flattery!!!"


    This man was taking advantage of the situation to misbehave.


    Ming Mei''s eyes were wide as she said, "Stop fooling around or I''ll have to use force - I''m a martial arts expert!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Pfft! How can you tell such tall tales?"


    Ming Mei blinked: Doesn''t he know? She wasn''t making it up at all?

 Chapter 5: Don’t Mess With Me

    Chapter 5Ming Mei blinked her big watery eyes as she looked at Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi pinched her little cheeks playfully and teased, "You''re bragging, aren''t you, my little wife?"


    Ming Mei''s eyelashes fluttered, and in one swift motion, she had Zhuang Zhixi pinned against the table. It happened as fast as a gust of wind, without any hesitation. Zhuang Zhixi found himself pressed against the table and exclaimed, "Holy crap!"


    Ming Mei immediately released him and asked with concern, "Are you okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi stared at his wife in shock. Ming Mei raised her hands innocently and said, "I just wanted to prove I wasn''t bragging."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "............"


    Silence, deep silence.


    Ming Mei pursed her lips and asked softly, "Are you scared?"


    She actually hadn''t realized that Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know. She raised her hands and said, "I didn''t mean to hide it."


    Finally, Zhuang Zhixi reacted. He exclaimed "Holy crap!" again and said, "I hit the jackpot!"


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Big eyes filled with many question marks.


    Zhuang Zhixi showed a smug smile and said, "My wife is so awesome! I really lucked out. From now on, whenever someone gives me trouble, you can stand up for me. Let''s get them!"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    How could he say such a thing? S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhixi was quite excited: "Honey, that move you just did was so fast! Do you think I could learn it?"


    Ming Mei looked at him and shook her head decisively, saying, "You''re too old for that now. It definitely won''t work."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s excitement deflated instantly, and he hung his head with a sigh. But he quickly became curious again and asked, "So you started learning when you were young?"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s attitude was infectious, and Ming Mei proudly lifted her chin, saying, "I''ve been training for seventeen years!"


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "That''s so long!"


    But he quickly did the math: "Wait a minute, aren''t you only twenty? If you''ve trained for seventeen years, that means you started when you were three?"


    Really?


    He cast suspicious glances at his wife, who he thought might be exaggerating.


    Ming Mei insisted defiantly, "Of course! I really did start when I was three." She began explaining her martial arts background: "Actually, I didn''t start learning kung fu for its own sake. When I was little, I was a night crier. Even at three years old, I would still wake up crying frequently. My parents were really worried about me. As it happened, we had a distant uncle who was a former Taoist priest... and no, we weren''t into any feudal superstitions. This distant uncle suggested that instead of trying all sorts of strange remedies, practicing martial arts might help. He said martial arts would help with concentration and inner peace. So he would come to teach me after work every day. See? That''s how I''ve been training for seventeen years."


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "I''ve never heard of using martial arts to cure night crying."


    Ming Mei scratched her head and said, "Well, it wasn''t really a cure. Maybe it was just that practicing martial arts tired me out so much that I would fall right asleep and not have nightmares. No nightmares meant no night crying."


    It worked out in its own way.


    Actually, when she got older, she understood that her childhood "nightmares" weren''t just nightmares: she was probably experiencing other people''s lives in her dreams. But she had been too young to understand at the time, so she would just cry in fear.


    When she got older, naturally she wasn''t afraid anymore.


    Ming Mei said, "Well, now you know everything."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I really had no idea..."


    Ming Mei quickly explained, "I wasn''t deliberately keeping it from you. I thought you knew. I''ve been training since I was little, and your brother and my brother were classmates all through elementary, middle, and high school, and they''re still colleagues now. I thought you knew everything about me."


    She knew everything about him, after all.


    Except for how many mouse holes were in the Zhuang family home, she knew most things about their family.


    Ming Mei looked very innocent as she scratched her head again. Seeing her adorable demeanor, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh and said, "I really didn''t know, but not knowing turned out pretty well: isn''t it a nice surprise? I''m so happy that my wife is this amazing."


    Ming Mei''s lips curled into a smile.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked curiously, "Oh right, what kind of kung fu did you learn? Or was it just general practice?"


    Ming Mei: "I learned Wing Chun."


    "Oh, I know that one!" He actually had heard of this martial art. He gave her a thumbs up and praised, "My wife is truly awesome."


    Ming Mei''s cheeks grew rosier, and her eyebrows nearly flew up with pride as she boasted, "Of course! When I was little, I was unbeatable!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, but then nervously asked, "You won''t discipline me, will you?"


    Ming Mei looked at him and hummed, lifting her chin arrogantly: "Well, that depends on your behavior."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately started massaging her shoulders like a bootlicker, saying enthusiastically, "Honey, how''s this? Is the pressure good? From now on, you''re in charge of everything in our home."


    Ming Mei laughed and stood on her tiptoes, saying, "I''ll give you credit for being smart."


    Zhuang Zhixi transformed into a complete yes-man and continued, "Does it feel good? Should I press harder?"


    Ming Mei''s smile widened as she pushed him away: "Alright, enough fooling around. I need to use the bathroom."


    Living in a courtyard house had its inconveniences. Besides having to draw water from the yard, using the bathroom was even more troublesome since it was outside the courtyard. It wasn''t so bad during the day, but it was really difficult at night, especially during winter.


    Ming Mei sighed. Just as she was about to leave, Zhuang Zhixi grabbed her hand: "Want me to go with you?"


    Ming Mei''s mouth twitched as she said, "That''s really not necessary. I''m not a three-year-old."


    As she went out, perhaps because the neighborhood aunties had returned from buying groceries, there were people drawing water in the courtyard. A sharp-eyed, pancake-faced woman with a mean look heard the sound and turned around, making an exaggerated "oh" sound before speaking in a sarcastic tone: "Oh my, closing doors in broad daylight? These young couples just don''t know moderation. Young wives these days really can''t compare to our time. Back then, the day after marriage, we''d be up early helping our mothers-in-law with housework. Today''s young wives are just useless!"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Indeed, one''s appearance reflects one''s heart.


    This person was truly unpleasant.


    Speaking like a mad dog right from the start.


    Her own mother-in-law hadn''t even criticized her, yet this old creature had already started. Her mother-in-law was right: this person really was mean and vicious. Although there were quite a few older women in the courtyard, Ming Mei immediately guessed this must be Madam Zhou Li.


    Though Ming Mei looked sweet, she wasn''t some pushover. She smiled and offered four words: "Nosy as a dog."


    ¡ªMinding other people''s business.


    After saying this, she didn''t care what the old woman thought. She put her hands in her sleeves and headed toward the outside bathroom. Sure enough, Ming Mei hadn''t guessed wrong: this was indeed Madam Zhou Li, the wealthiest resident of the courtyard.


    Madam Zhou Li hadn''t expected this young wife to talk back. She was stunned for a moment, and by the time she reacted, Ming Mei had already left. Furious, she slammed down her water bucket with a crash and began wailing: "The Zhuang family''s young wife is bullying people! This worthless girl called me a dog! Our courtyard can''t tolerate someone who doesn''t respect her elders! Such bullying, such terrible bullying!"


    Zhuang Zhixi came out and said bluntly: "Auntie Zhou, what are you saying? It''s the second day after our wedding, and you''re deliberately stirring up trouble? Just because you''re not happy with your life doesn''t mean you have to make others miserable too. I know you spend all day being jealous of other families'' happiness, but isn''t this too malicious? Ambushing my wife right at our doorstep to bully her: isn''t that going too far? You think our family won''t stand up for her? Besides, my wife just said ''nosy as a dog.'' If you choose to identify yourself as the dog, how is that our fault?"


    Madam Zhou Li jumped up and down: "Who are you saying isn''t happy? Who? We''re the wealthiest family in the courtyard, and my son is the most successful!"


    Zhuang Zhixi let out a meaningful laugh and said, "Don''t you know better than anyone whether you''re happy or not?"


    "You..."


    "What do you mean ''what''! Old Zhou, are you bullying my family while I''m away? Let me tell you something - you have no right to meddle in my family''s affairs! Mind your own business. If you think you can bully us, dream on!" A roar erupted as Zhao Guihua returned home. Though she didn''t know what had happened, she knew Madam Zhou Li all too well.


    Zhao Guihua held a fish in one hand and a chicken in the other, with a mesh bag slung over her shoulder containing about a dozen eggs - quite an eye-catching sight.


    Even Madam Zhou Li, who had been ready for an argument, immediately switched gears and asked eagerly: "Is the food store stocking chicken now? Where did you get those eggs? Has the price gone up with the New Year coming? Why didn''t you let us know right away when you bought them? We''re neighbors and old sisters, after all!"


    Zhao Guihua just responded with a contemptuous "Huh!"


    Ming Mei returned from the bathroom to witness this scene, completely dumbfounded.


    As soon as Madam Zhou Li saw Ming Mei, she thought of the phrase "a dog catching mice" and immediately tried to sow discord: "Oh my, Guihua, look at your young daughter-in-law''s terrible temper! As an elder, I was just trying to give her some advice on how to be a proper daughter-in-law, but she wanted to curse at me! Such poor character. Our courtyard has never seen such an immoral young person who disrespects the elderly. You really need to discipline her. These young hussies can''t be spoiled."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "Oh, shut your mouth! Not just in our courtyard, but on this whole street, everyone knows you''re good for nothing, Old Zhou - always unsatisfied with what you get, and ranked first in being a busybody! Stop putting on an act here. An elder? Whose elder are you? Since when did you become an elder to my daughter-in-law? You''re really acting like you own the place! Have some shame, will you? If I catch you bullying my family again, I''ll tear that foul mouth of yours!"


    Zhao Guihua knew Madam Zhou Li inside out and wouldn''t tolerate her nonsense, firing back a barrage of words.


    She knew all too well - give this woman an inch, and she''d take a mile, badmouthing you behind your back and becoming even more overbearing. She was the type who openly made people miserable. Zhao Guihua didn''t mince words: "You can act however you want in your own home, but don''t you dare try to bully my daughter-in-law."


    Ming Mei blinked her big eyes and quickly stepped forward: "Mom, I''m so lucky to have a mother-in-law like you! I knew you were fair and just, unlike certain backward-thinking people. Having you as my mother-in-law is truly my blessing." She then called out to Zhuang Zhixi, who was watching the commotion: "Brother Zhixi, come help carry these things!"


    She handed all of Zhao Guihua''s purchases to Zhuang Zhixi, then linked arms with Zhao Guihua and began complaining in a soft voice: "Mom, you don''t know how terrible it was! As soon as I went out, I ran into this auntie who criticized me for closing the door. In this cold weather, how could I not close the door? Does she think coal for heating grows on trees? Besides, Zhixi and I are legally married - are we not allowed to be in the same room? This is worse than the old society! She''s such a bully, waaah!"


    She practically draped herself over Zhao Guihua, whimpering: "Mom, you have to stand up for me!"


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched as she said: "Let go and speak properly!"


    Ming Mei refused to let go, smiling sweetly: "Mom, this auntie is so fierce, I only feel safe when I''m with you!" Ming Mei then smugly huffed at Madam Zhou Li, borrowing her mother-in-law''s authority!


    Zhuang Zhixi stumbled.


    His wife''s flattery was so thick it was nauseating.


    Tsk!


    Even though he considered himself thick-skinned, Zhuang Zhixi knew he could never speak to his mother like that. He looked at his wife admiringly, thinking she really had some skills.


    It wasn''t just Zhuang Zhixi who thought this way. Madam Zhou Li shuddered, feeling goosebumps all over. She still remembered the sharp "dog catching mice" comment from earlier - now Ming Mei was playing the bullied little lamb?


    Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly noticed what Zhuang Zhixi was carrying and let out a yelp, rushing home: "I''m not wasting time arguing with you all, I need to go buy chicken!"


    Nothing was more important than getting supplies!


    Fighting was important, but it couldn''t compete with buying fish and chicken!


    She hurried away, and Ming Mei let out a loud "Hmph!"


    "See if you dare bully me again!"


    Her borrowed authority was on full display.


    Zhao Guihua looked at her, her mouth twitching, speechless: "..."


    After a long while.


    She made a heartfelt comment: "You''re really something else!"

 Chapter 6: Divide the Family

    Chapter 6The little quarrel wasn''t worth mentioning at all.


    It couldn''t dampen Zhao Guihua''s good mood - feeling fifty years younger would make anyone happy! While she was certainly joyful, she wouldn''t hesitate to put up a fight if provoked. After all, even in this second chance at life, she was still the same feisty, uneducated old woman.


    Though she had more wisdom than others now, her personality remained unchanged.


    Even at a hundred years old, Comrade Zhao Guihua had been a spirited elderly lady who would brandish her walking stick to teach queue-jumpers a lesson with her fierce temper. So this current situation? It was nothing.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t take this minor incident to heart at all. Upon returning home, she instructed, "First daughter-in-law, go buy some tofu this afternoon. We''ll make braised fish with tofu for dinner."


    Liang Meifen was stunned for a moment before forcing a slight smile and saying, "B-braised fish?"


    Her heart grew bitter again, thinking how partial the old lady was, making all these nice dishes just because the younger daughter-in-law had joined the family. Didn''t they need to save food for the New Year? Her heart ached. If it were up to her, they wouldn''t have had the wedding before the New Year.


    Having a wedding before the New Year meant not only an extra mouth to feed during the festivities but also using up precious meat and food ration tickets for the wedding feast. Now they were cooking fish right away - it didn''t sit well with her.


    Zhao Guihua gave her a sideways glance and sneered, "Are you questioning my decisions about what we eat?"


    Liang Meifen noticed her mother-in-law''s harsh tone and quickly responded, "No, I''ll do whatever you say, Mom."


    Wiping her hands, she added, "No need to wait until afternoon, I''ll go now - it''s not far anyway."


    She hurried out, feeling bitter about how difficult it was being a daughter-in-law. Zhuang Zhixi and his wife were crouching by the stove warming themselves, and as soon as Liang Meifen left, Zhuang Zhixi immediately sidled up to Zhao Guihua, grinning, "Mom, about tonight''s family meeting - what''s it about? Give me a hint!"


    Zhao Guihua shot him a glare, saying, "Get lost."


    Zhuang Zhixi persisted: "Just tell me early, I won''t tell anyone else."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a look of disdain and said, "I told you to get lost."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...whimper."


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but laugh at his rejection.


    Zhao Guihua put her hands on her hips: "You only have one day off, go spend it in your own room. Why are you hanging around me? Don''t get in my way here."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei: "..."


    "Go on, get out!"


    After shooing the couple away, Zhao Guihua shook her head, her thoughts turning to tonight''s family meeting...


    Time flew by, especially in winter, and before they knew it, the day was over - darkness fell early.


    The courtyard became lively during the evening rush hour after work, with people coming and going, exchanging greetings, washing vegetables, fetching water, and children playing - a bustling scene. Old Man Zhuang met his eldest son Zhuang Zhiyuan at the entrance of the alley on his way home from work.


    Father and son returned home together, and as soon as they entered the courtyard, they caught the scent of food being fried in oil.


    Old Man Zhuang sniffed the air and declared confidently, "Someone''s frying fish - it smells wonderful."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled, "Well, it certainly can''t be our house - we don''t have any fish."


    Old Man Zhuang: "That''s true."


    A plump woman came out to dump some water and, hearing their conversation, raised her eyebrows and greeted them with anticipation in her voice: "Uncle Zhuang, you''re back! Actually, you''ve guessed wrong - that wonderful smell is coming from your house. My three boys are so tempted by the smell they don''t even want their own dinner. They''re begging to eat at your place."


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled: "That won''t do."


    The plump woman''s eyes twinkled as she laughed heartily, saying, "Oh, Uncle Zhuang, I was just joking. Times are hard for everyone, we all know that. We''re not the type to take advantage. I was just teasing - how could you take it seriously?"


    Old Man Zhuang: "Well, what can I say? I''m a simple man. I take everything at face value."


    "Old man, hurry up and come in for dinner. We have a meeting tonight," Zhao Guihua called out fiercely as she opened the door.


    Old Man Zhuang responded quickly: "Coming, coming right away!"


    When the Zhuang father and son entered their home, the contrast was stark - the delicious aroma was even more intense inside. Their two young ones were already seated at the dining table, forgoing their usual outdoor play as they eagerly waited for dinner to be served.


    Zhuang Zhixi and his wife were crouching by the stove, swallowing their saliva and adding firewood, pretending to help.


    Zhao Guihua spoke coldly: "You should avoid getting involved with that widow."


    Old Man Zhuang: "We were just greeting our neighbor..."


    Seeing his wife''s fierce glare, he quickly nodded: "Whatever you say."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s more like it."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Mom, I never really interact with them anyway, but as neighbors, I think we should maintain harmony..."


    "I think you should be quiet now," Zhao Guihua said. "Wash your hands for dinner!"


    She lifted the lid off the pot, and everyone immediately started salivating.


    "My goodness, why does the fish smell so much better than usual?" Old Man Zhuang thought it was far more fragrant than before. Though they didn''t eat fish often, he couldn''t remember it ever smelling this good.


    Liang Meifen said painfully: "How could it not smell good? The fish was pan-fried today."


    The amount of oil used made her heart ache.


    With that much oil, it had better taste good!


    Zhao Guihua: "Do you have a problem with that? Are you the head of this household or am I?"


    Liang Meifen quickly shrank back, saying: "You are, I was just making a comment."


    "Alright, alright, let''s eat," Zhuang Zhixi was getting impatient. His father and older brother had just come from outside, but he had been tormented by this fragrant smell the whole time. His mouth had been watering for ages.


    Looking over, he saw his little niece was already drooling.


    See? He knew it!


    No one could resist.


    Zhao Guihua brought the fish to the table. Though the fish wasn''t large, she had added plenty of side dishes - cabbage and potatoes. The iron pot-braised fish came with these vegetables, which were just as flavorful, especially those that had soaked up the broth around the edges of the pot.


    The family quickly gathered around the table, and Zhao Guihua announced: "Let''s eat!"


    At her command, chopsticks began flying, even Ming Mei joined in enthusiastically - mmm, it was so delicious.


    While they feasted, their neighbors suffered. Having just attended the wedding feast yesterday where they had eaten well, most families were having simple vegetarian meals today. Usually, this wouldn''t be an issue, but today the smell of fish was so overwhelming it made everyone extra hungry.


    The Su family next door felt it most keenly, with their three boys refusing to eat their dinner.


    Old Lady Su looked at her daughter-in-law distressfully and said: "Xiangxiu, can''t you think of something? How can you, as their mother, bear to see the children suffering like this? It''s my fault for being useless - a poor old widow who can''t help at all..."


    Wang Xiangxiu, the plump woman who had earlier chatted with Old Man Zhuang, was the Su family''s young widow. She sighed and said, "I tried testing the waters earlier, but Uncle Zhuang wouldn''t agree."


    She added, "Even if Uncle Zhuang agreed, Aunt Zhao would chase us away - she''s not easy to deal with."


    Old Lady Su knew all too well how difficult Zhao Guihua could be - they had been neighbors for many years. She was just hoping her daughter-in-law could push a little harder. However, she didn''t dwell on this, instead saying more dejectedly: "Should we cook the fish we bought for New Year''s now? We can''t let the children..."


    "No!" Wang Xiangxiu shook her head: "We''re not like them - they have many workers in their family. We can''t afford that. If we eat it now, we''ll have nothing for New Year''s. Wait, I''ll go see the Bai family..."


    She quickly left, heading towards the Bai residence.


    As soon as she left, Old Lady Su''s face showed a fleeting smirk before quickly returning to her gentle, kindly expression. She said, "That''s wonderful, your mother''s gone to figure something out. Just wait a bit."


    The Zhou family across the way could smell it too. Madam Zhou Li grumbled, "These unfortunate people, how could they be richer than my family? Showing off with their fancy food - hope they choke on it. Why couldn''t they get a fish bone stuck in their throats..."


    His daughter-in-law Jiang Lu was cooking when she chimed in, "That''s right, they''re showing off despite having no money. Mom, why don''t we cook fish too? Our family isn''t any worse than theirs..."


    "Bah! You worthless woman, what nonsense are you spouting? Such a wasteful creature - just because we have money doesn''t mean we should squander it! You really don''t understand the value of things. What eating this, eating that - we need to save money for your medical bills. You''re all talk and no action - if you don''t give our Zhou family a child soon, I''ll make Qun divorce you! Still dreaming about good food? Not happening! I''ll fry some eggs for Qun, while we''ll eat corn buns."


    Jiang Lu responded with a meek "mm" as her eyes reddened with tears.


    Zhou Qun sat beside them listening to the radio, remaining silent throughout.


    The Old Zhuang Family had no idea about the commotion in other households. Though it was hard to keep secrets in their courtyard community, not everything could be overheard. While others were quarreling about dinner, their family had finished their meal peacefully.


    After sending the two children to their room, Zhao Guihua initiated the first-ever family meeting for all members of the Old Zhuang Family.


    Being straightforward as always, Zhao Guihua declared, "Alright, let''s begin the meeting."


    She scanned the room, noting how everyone sat up straight. With a grunt, she said, "In this meeting, I represent both myself and your father. My opinion is our shared opinion."


    Old Man Zhuang added weakly, "Right, listen to your mother."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi remained silent, unsurprised.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Now, I''ll announce the decision your father and I have made... we won''t split up the family."


    Upon hearing this, Liang Meifen''s eyes lit up instantly, her whole demeanor perking up. Her greatest fear had been the family splitting up, so this news was perfect. She could barely contain her excitement, wanting to spin around in joy. She shot Ming Mei a smug smile, thinking to herself that the old couple would surely rely on them for support in their old age and couldn''t afford to offend them.


    Zhuang Zhixi frowned slightly, not being one to accept disadvantages openly.


    While it wasn''t appropriate for his wife to speak up about such matters, he could.


    Just as he was about to speak, Zhao Guihua continued, "Given our family''s current situation, splitting up isn''t practical or convenient. However, though we''re staying together, we need to make some changes to how our household operates."


    Zhuang Zhixi swallowed his words and continued listening.


    Zhao Guihua surveyed the room again, noting everyone''s varied expressions, and said, "Your father and I have decided not to split up the family, but we must be fair. Eldest daughter-in-law, what you did was simply despicable."


    Liang Meifen, being called out, quickly lowered her head, thinking it wasn''t a big deal to endure some scolding as long as she wasn''t losing out.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t stop there, but continued directly, "Though the job was yours, we''re family and haven''t split up, plus you have two children. You told no one and secretly gave up your job - your intentions are clear. You wanted to leech off your younger brother-in-law''s couple while helping your own brother? How does that sound? Because of what you did, not just our courtyard but the whole street is laughing at our family. I can''t even go to the public toilet without people asking if we''re splitting up - you''ve really caused trouble. This incident almost ruined Third Son''s marriage prospects, and I promised his mother-in-law an explanation, which I must deliver! When you got married, your mother insisted that even after marriage, you must give half your monthly salary to your maiden family because they paid for your education. They wouldn''t agree to the marriage otherwise, and I agreed and kept that promise. Now, I will also keep my promise to Third Son''s in-laws."


    Liang Meifen''s face turned deathly pale.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "When I say I''ll give an explanation, I mean it! Although we won''t split up the family, from now on, each household will manage their own affairs. You won''t need to hand over your salaries to me anymore. Starting next month, after the New Year, each household will contribute ten yuan monthly for living expenses, and we''ll continue eating together. Other expenses will be handled by each household separately. Since you all receive salaries at the end of the month, this month will proceed as usual. Ming Mei just joined the family, so you don''t need to contribute for these few days."


    Everyone stared at Zhao Guihua.


    Ming Mei nodded obediently.


    Zhao Guihua continued expressionlessly, "This arrangement actually favors the eldest son''s family, since you have two children. The third son''s couple has no children yet pays the same amount."


    "But Zhiyuan is often out driving..." Liang Meifen instinctively protested.


    Zhao Guihua gave a cold laugh, disgusted by her eldest daughter-in-law''s calculations, and said, "Yes, he''s often away, but Third Son''s couple eats lunch at their workplace and doesn''t come home. You and the children eat at home." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liang Meifen wanted to say more but her mind went blank, unable to explain or justify herself. She had feared the family splitting up, and while they weren''t technically splitting up, this arrangement felt no different...


    Zhao Guihua scanned the room again and asked, "Any other opinions?"


    Liang Meifen had thousands of words but didn''t know how to express them, feeling defeated.


    Her husband Zhuang Zhiyuan spoke up instead, "Sounds good to me."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged glances, "We''ll follow Mom''s decision."


    Zhao Guihua understood young people''s desire to manage their own money - she had been young once too, and with her previous life''s experience, she vowed not to repeat the same path.


    In her previous life, she had insisted on keeping the family together.


    To appease Ming Mei''s family, she had given her an extra five hundred yuan as private savings.


    But that hadn''t been handled well.


    When the eldest daughter-in-law Liang Meifen found out, she resented Zhao Guihua deeply, accusing her of favoritism while ignoring how much she herself had benefited.


    As for the third son''s couple, they weren''t happy either despite receiving the money. Without splitting up, their salaries still went to support the family, and their annual income was more than five hundred yuan. Most importantly, not only was the eldest sister-in-law ungrateful, but she also resented them, feeling bitter about not receiving private savings while still having to manage household chores.


    Eventually, this affected the relationship between the brothers, and they grew distant.


    Looking back now, Zhao Guihua realized she had made mistakes from the start. While her current approach might not be perfect, in this second chance, she would follow what she believed was fair.


    And if anyone wasn''t happy with it?


    Well then, they could get out!

 Chapter 7: Thoughts

    Chapter 7The first family meeting of the Zhuang household concluded successfully.


    Although Liang Meifen was so upset she nearly fainted, Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn''t particularly bothered. As a man, he concerned himself with matters of national importance, and such trivial domestic affairs weren''t worth his attention.


    The main difference now was that he had more money in his pocket. Previously, he had to hand over everything, keeping only three yuan for social expenses.


    But things were different now. His monthly salary was thirty-five yuan, and since he operated long-distance trains specifically on the Guangdong route, he received additional travel allowances, bringing his total to nearly forty yuan per month. After contributing ten yuan for living expenses, he still had thirty yuan for himself.


    As for his wife having no money... Zhuang Zhiyuan thought that was just fine. With money, she''d only try to help her natal family. Her brother was always borrowing money without ever paying it back. Zhuang Zhiyuan particularly disliked this.


    So he wasn''t unhappy about this meeting at all.


    Seeing his wife wiping away tears, he added, "Don''t let your brother come around anymore."


    Liang Meifen covered her mouth, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Why couldn''t these people understand her? The third brother and his wife both had jobs, so why couldn''t they share their money with everyone? Her brother was having such a hard time - was it wrong to help him? He was her only brother, after all! *sob sob*


    Liang Meifen felt terribly heartbroken, both miserable and distressed, as if her heart was soaking in a pool of bitter melon juice, completely saturated with bitterness inside and out.


    In contrast to the tears in the eldest household, the third couple was quite happy. As Zhao Guihua had said, young people naturally want to control their own money. Ming Mei sat cross-legged on the bed, discussing important matters with her husband.


    Ming Mei asked, "Between your parents, who manages the money?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: "Do you even need to ask? One look and you can tell it''s my mother. My father has no status at home."


    Ming Mei nodded seriously, then said, "In my family, my mother manages the money too."


    She lifted her chin, looking at Zhuang Zhixi.


    "So?" he asked.


    Ming Mei''s face turned slightly pink, but she said firmly, "Both your parents and my parents have the woman managing the money. It''s clear that for a family to prosper, the woman must manage the finances. We should continue this excellent tradition of both our families."


    After a pause, she smiled sweetly and said, "Let me manage our money too!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suppressing a laugh, Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Is that your conclusion?"


    Ming Mei held her head high: "Of course."


    She narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at Zhuang Zhixi, and asked, "What? You don''t agree? You don''t want to carry on this fine tradition?"


    She started clenching her fists.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Clearly, if "negotiations" failed, she was ready to use force.


    Being a wise man who knew when to yield, he quickly smiled and said, "Of course we should carry on this fine tradition. Dear, my monthly salary is twenty-eight yuan fifty. I''ll pay the ten yuan to my mother, and from the remaining eighteen yuan fifty, could I keep a little as pocket money?"


    Glancing at her still-clenched fists, he hurriedly explained, "A man needs some money when he''s out and about. Sometimes there are social obligations, and it''s inconvenient to have absolutely no money on hand. Don''t you agree?"


    Ming Mei thought for a moment, nodded, and asked, "How much pocket money does your father get?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    That question stumped him.


    Silence, endless silence.


    Ming Mei asked puzzled, "What?"


    Zhuang Zhixi struggled to answer: "He... doesn''t get any."


    At this moment, Ming Mei also fell silent. She cleared her throat softly and changed the subject: "Well, let''s follow my father''s example then. He gets five yuan per month. Oh wait, you can''t compare yourself to my father! He needs to drive to other places. He really can''t be without money, but you''re different. Five yuan is enough for one person''s monthly living expenses..."


    Ming Mei began to hesitate.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly said: "Darling, my sweet dear wife, just give me five yuan. I promise I won''t waste it. Look, if I save some money, we can go out for meals and watch movies together. Otherwise, life would be so dull, don''t you think?"


    Seeing Ming Mei wavering, he pressed on: "My salary will definitely increase in the future, but even then, I''ll only ask for five yuan, absolutely no more."


    Ming Mei blinked and said, "Well, alright then."


    Zhuang Zhixi finally breathed a sigh of relief. He was actually getting more pocket money now than when his mother managed everything. Under his mother''s management, he only got three yuan, but now it had increased to five. Zhuang Zhixi was quite satisfied. He curiously asked, "Dear, how much do you earn?"


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi in surprise, and after a long while, sighed and said, "Are you an idiot? You married me knowing nothing about me."


    Not knowing about her martial arts skills, not knowing how much she earned...


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re beautiful."


    He said sincerely: "I''ve never seen anyone more beautiful than you in my life, of course I was happy to marry you."


    Ming Mei: "Hmph."


    However, she wasn''t really upset.


    She had also chosen him for his good looks, so they were equally shallow - neither could criticize the other.


    She said: "Well, alright, even though I don''t know how much you know about me, I should still tell you about my situation in detail, you blockhead."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "I''m all ears."


    Ming Mei: "As a bus ticket seller, I''m on the service position pay scale. Currently, my monthly salary is thirty-one yuan fifty."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s more than mine!"


    Ming Mei smiled proudly and said: "So you better work hard, young comrade."


    Zhuang Zhixi mysteriously leaned closer to Ming Mei and asked, "So how much savings do you have? Tell me?"


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow and hummed: "Don''t ask about things you shouldn''t. We''re not at that level yet."


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing and said: "Not at that level? I feel like we''re quite intimate already." Seeing his young wife blush, he immediately transformed into a big puppy and pounced on her, saying: "Let me show you just how passionate I can be..."


    Ming Mei was pinned down by him and laughed softly: "Mmm, what are you doing?"


    "Guess. Here, let me help you take off your clothes..."


    "What are you doing? I don''t need help- hey hey hey, don''t bite my ear..." Ming Mei''s coquettish voice quickly quieted down. In such a cold winter, they needed to do something to keep warm, right? Soon, the bed began creaking...


    Today was the Zhuang family meeting, and while Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife were in one state, Zhuang Zhixi and his wife in another, the elderly couple sat cross-legged on their kang bed chatting idly. Of their three rooms, only their room had a heated kang bed, and it was quite warm.


    Young people just didn''t understand the benefits of a heated kang bed.


    Old Man Zhuang sat on the warm kang, savoring the memory of tonight''s fish, thinking it was truly delicious, but he also said: "If we eat like this now, what about during New Year?"


    Zhao Guihua already had a plan, saying: "I''ve saved some money, I''m thinking of checking out the black market."


    This statement truly startled Old Man Zhuang, and he quickly said: "No, no, that''s too dangerous. The black market isn''t a place for honest folks like us. If we get caught..."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a look and said: "You don''t need to worry about this, I know what I''m doing. I''m not a fool."


    Old Man Zhuang: "But this..."


    Zhao Guihua reassured her husband: "You''re just too honest. In our neighborhood, everyone who wants something good finds a way. How much can you get with just ration coupons? Everyone goes there, we don''t need to be too honest. Honest people always get the short end of the stick, they can''t even get warm excrement to eat."


    Old Man Zhuang: "...Well, I wouldn''t want to eat that anyway."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Her eyes widened as she said: "Are you being contrary on purpose?"


    Old Man Zhuang immediately bowed and begged forgiveness. Zhao Guihua snorted and said: "Don''t worry, I''ll check the riverbank first. If I can catch fish, I won''t go to the black market. We''ll see if I can''t catch any. There''s still half a month until New Year anyway."


    "Fishing?" Old Man Zhuang looked at his old woman, thinking she was really talking big.


    They''d been married for thirty years, and he knew her well.


    When had she ever known how to fish?


    Zhao Guihua immediately knew what the old man was thinking, and she said, "What do you mean? Looking down on me? Are you looking down on me?"


    Old Man Zhuang quickly apologized, "No, no, I wouldn''t dare."


    Zhao Guihua snorted, saying, "Just you watch."


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled softly, not daring to laugh out loud for fear that the old woman would accuse him of mockery. After his laugh, he said, "Guihua, I think our eldest daughter-in-law isn''t happy about this situation."


    "Bah! She has the nerve to be unhappy? I was being nice by not spelling everything out today, only because both our third son and his wife were present. Tomorrow, when you''re all at work, I''ll definitely have another talk with her. Don''t think I''m favoring the third son. I''m being completely fair here. Let''s talk about our eldest son and his wife - they were high school classmates who fell in love and wanted to get married right after graduation. How much were they earning when they first started working? Sure, our eldest son now makes nearly forty yuan, but in his first year before becoming permanent staff, he only made thirteen, and his wife made about the same. She had to give half to her family and keep some for social obligations. In those early years, how much did she give me monthly? Just three or four yuan, and together they gave about ten-something yuan. Don''t forget, they married right after graduation, and did we skimp on anything? The furniture, the bed - we provided everything. Even then, her family demanded thirty yuan for the bride price. That was seven years ago when others were asking for fifteen or twenty, and we still paid it, didn''t we? Their wages increased gradually, but let''s be honest - she had their first child in their first year of marriage, and another one two years later. Doesn''t raising children cost money? When she had Xiao Yanzi, her milk wasn''t good, and we pinched pennies to buy formula. All these years, the money they''ve contributed hasn''t even covered their own expenses. Now she''s playing these mind games with me? Should I indulge her? I''m already being very generous and respectful. She can''t complain that her sister-in-law was still in school when she married in - it wasn''t her money supporting the education, it was your good salary. Besides, we supported our eldest through high school, so we can''t treat the second and third differently. Now, about our third son - yes, our eldest married right after graduation, but times are different now. Marriage regulations are stricter, there''s an age requirement. Our third son has been working in the factory clinic for three years since graduating high school. He''s been contributing all his money during these three years. Even if he didn''t earn much at first, he was single, so he still saved something. Bottom line, our third son hasn''t taken advantage of them at all. You know what our third son is like - clever as a monkey with a tail, sharp as a sieve with his wits. He hasn''t made a fuss these three years because he wasn''t married, but if we handled things the old way after his marriage, just watch him cause trouble."


    Zhao Guihua rattled off like a machine gun, leaving Old Man Zhuang bewildered, though after thinking it through, he realized the old lady was absolutely right. He nodded repeatedly, saying, "You''re right, that''s exactly how it is."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Of course I am! I''m not just anybody now. Tomorrow, you specifically talk to our eldest about what I''ve said, and I''ll handle his wife. They need to understand the situation one way or another. If they think they''re getting a raw deal and want to make trouble, they can get out - I won''t support them anymore!"


    Old Man Zhuang quickly said, "It won''t come to that, it won''t come to that."


    "Why wouldn''t it? If they make me unhappy, I''ll make them unhappy!"


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled, saying, "You''ve really got some spirit now."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "You bet I do!"


    While the old couple was in harmony, their subject of discussion, Liang Meifen, was still quietly sobbing in distress. She had been crying since returning to her room, weeping for over an hour straight.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan couldn''t take it anymore and said, "Will you ever stop?"


    Liang Meifen bit her lip, her eyes clouded with tears. Seeing Zhuang Zhiyuan''s darkening expression, she forcefully wiped away her tears.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan sat up with a sigh, saying, "This won''t do. Crying like this will make Mom and Dad think you disagree with their decision. We have no objections, so how can we let them misunderstand? Family harmony is most important!"


    Liang Meifen: "...???" How could she not have objections? She did! She just couldn''t voice them!


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Alright, stop crying and go to sleep."


    Liang Meifen felt a fire burning in her heart, thinking that her life was truly difficult. Being a woman was hard enough, but her situation was even harder.


    Wiping her tears, she said, "I need to go to the bathroom."


    Aliali: 67358283d72ede93494505dbZhuang Zhiyuan: "It''s freezing outside. Don''t we have a chamber pot?"


    Liang Meifen: "I need to do number two."


    She threw on her padded jacket and rushed out, feeling unable to contain her inner sorrow any longer. She opened the courtyard gate and hurried to the latrine at the end of the alley.


    Once there, she couldn''t hold back anymore and began sobbing quietly.


    Heavens above!


    Her life was so bitter!


    Wuu wuu wuu~~~


    Meanwhile, in the men''s section, a drunk man in one of the squatting stalls heard the faint, ethereal crying and trembled in fear, covering his mouth to avoid making any sound: Oh mama, it''s haunted!!!


    Must not make a sound, or I''ll be eaten!


    Terrifying female ghost!

 Chapter 8: Zhuang Xingyun

    Chapter 8At dawn, when the sky was still dim, the sounds of doors opening and closing echoed through the courtyard, along with early morning greetings. The place gradually came alive, filled with the warmth of daily life. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The young couple, Ming Mei and her husband, were among those caught up in this morning rush, as they both had jobs to get to and couldn''t afford to be late. Ming Mei worked at the bus station, which was farther than Zhuang Zhixi''s machinery factory, so she quickly finished her breakfast and got up, saying, "I''m heading out first."


    Zhuang Zhixi hurriedly stuffed a steamed bun in his mouth and said, "I''ll walk you."


    Ming Mei: "No, no, no!"


    She said, "You''ll have to double back if you walk me. I''ll be quick on my bicycle."


    She put on her fluffy hat to protect her ears, slung her olive-green messenger bag across her body - quite fashionable - and waved goodbye before leaving.


    Xiao Yanzi murmured, "Auntie looks so pretty."


    Girls always love beautiful things, and little girls even more so.


    She touched her own hair and said, "Xiao Yanzi wants something fluffy too."


    Liang Meifen quickly looked toward the old lady, but Zhao Guihua ignored this silly girl and said, "Ask your mother to buy you one, Xiao Yanzi. You''re so big now, and your mother hasn''t bought you anything yet. Let her buy it."


    In her opinion, Liang Meifen had been keeping five or six yuan every month for these years, which would be enough for an ordinary family to eat for a week. But she hadn''t spent a penny, never buying anything for her child.


    Where all that money went was obvious - what foolishness.


    Thinking about this, she glanced at Liang Meifen, who had finally released her emotions last night and stopped feeling sad, but now felt hurt again hearing such pointed remarks. However, no one cared about her feelings now, and the men of the house quickly finished their breakfast and left for work.


    Zhuang Zhixi and his father both worked at the Forward Machinery Factory, so naturally they would leave together, but seeing that his father seemed to want to wait for his older brother, Zhuang Zhixi gave a meaningful smile and left first. Just as he walked out, he ran into Bai Fendou, who was smugly pushing his bicycle, nose in the air, and sneered at him, "Doesn''t your family have a bicycle too? Why aren''t you riding to work? Can''t get your turn to use it, huh? You''re not the boss at home, are you? Your wife runs the show? You''re not much of a man."


    He said this while making exaggerated facial expressions.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "There''s nothing wrong with letting the wife be in charge. It''s better than not having a wife at all. Yes, we have a bicycle, but my wife needs to use it. Heaven and earth are big, but my wife is the biggest priority. I''m a grown man, what''s wrong with walking? Even if her workplace wasn''t far, I wouldn''t let her walk. Of course, you wouldn''t understand since you don''t have a wife."


    Bai Fendou: "!!!"


    He got angry: "Hey, are you trying to provoke me? Acting like you''re the only one with a wife."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, I''m not the only one with a wife, but Brother Fendou, you don''t have one, right?"


    He smiled innocently and said, "Am I wrong? Why aren''t you married yet? Why is that? Don''t you want to?"


    Bai Fendou: "...Grass (a type of plant), I need to get to work, I don''t have time for you, kid."


    He pedaled away quickly, like a gust of wind.


    Zhuang Zhixi called out loudly: "Hey, Brother Fendou, won''t you give me a ride?"


    Bai Fendou: "Get lost! Dream on!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s not very neighborly of you!"


    Bai Fendou didn''t respond and just pedaled harder.


    Zhuang Zhixi clicked his tongue and said, "With skills like that, he shouldn''t try to argue with me."


    Zhuang Zhixi rather envied the bicycle, but the factory wasn''t really far from the compound. He arrived at the factory and went to the medical office, where he changed into his white coat.


    Although Zhuang Zhixi worked in the factory''s medical office, he wasn''t actually a medical student and didn''t know medicine. When he graduated from high school, universities had stopped accepting students, and there was a possibility of being sent to the countryside. Zhuang Zhixi was quite worried at the time and spent every day looking for work.


    He knew that without a job, he would definitely be sent to the countryside.


    Perhaps it was luck, but after job hunting for nearly a month, Zhuang Zhixi got lucky when the Forward Machinery Factory was hiring. Though it was the Forward Machinery Factory, not just anyone could apply.


    First requirement was having a local capital city household registration;


    Second was being a high school graduate - middle school wouldn''t do, let alone elementary education.


    Finally, you needed to have a family member working at the Forward Machinery Factory with a level five or higher professional title.


    Only those who met all three conditions could apply - it was extremely strict. With just these three conditions, over ninety percent of people were disqualified. Fortunately, Zhuang Zhixi met all the conditions, and he cleverly avoided the popular positions like office work or factory floor jobs, choosing instead to be a cashier in the medical office.


    Many people didn''t understand this position and thought it required medical knowledge, so they wouldn''t choose it. Others avoided it because of the low income. In their large factory, even working on the factory floor was better than the medical office if you couldn''t get an office job.


    Now was the time when workers ruled, and if you learned skills quickly, wages would rise fast.


    As a medical office cashier, career advancement was difficult, so some people didn''t understand it, and others looked down on it, which is how Zhuang Zhixi got lucky. Indeed, the medical office salary increased slowly, and it wasn''t about medical expertise, nor did it seem to have much of a future.


    But this depended on perspective - those with connections naturally wanted better positions, but for ordinary families like the Zhuangs, having a job that kept you from being sent to the countryside was a huge blessing, so Zhuang Zhixi was overjoyed when he was hired.


    Even later, watching batch after batch of people being sent to the countryside, Zhuang Zhixi felt even more fortunate. He knew his own capabilities and was well aware that he would be useless at farm work.


    He was even more grateful that he graduated early - if it had been just one year later, he might have missed this opportunity.


    After changing into his clothes, Zhuang Zhixi boiled a pot of hot water for the office and swept the floor. Their factory medical office was quite small, nothing like a big hospital - it just served the workers, treating headaches, minor injuries, and such. Counting everyone - the director, doctors, nurses, and him as the cashier - there were only six people in total.


    Consider that they were a factory of ten thousand workers, and you can see how unimportant their medical office was.


    Of the six people in the medical office, Zhuang Zhixi was the only male besides the director, and he was the last to join and the youngest. So Zhuang Zhixi was very observant and took initiative with any tasks he could handle.


    "Little Zhuang, you''re quite early today. Newly married life must be treating you well - you look energetic," Doctor Wang teased as soon as she came in. Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t embarrassed at all and played along, "Of course! I even smile in my dreams."


    This made Doctor Wang laugh.


    Doctor Wang nodded: "You really lucked out. Your wife is great - pretty and has a proper job. You got lucky, young man."


    Zhuang Zhixi joked back: "She''s lucky to have found me too! Look at me, look at this face - what a handsome young man! I''ve got the looks, I''ve got the height. I don''t smoke, don''t drink, no bad habits. Oh my~ I have so many good points!"


    As he was bragging, he actually got a bit excited and said, "I''m quite a catch, you know."


    By this time, everyone in the medical office had arrived and heard him, they couldn''t help laughing and said, "You''ve got quite the thick skin!"


    Doctor Li remembered something and asked curiously, "What does your mother-in-law do? Does she work? She looks familiar somehow."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My mother-in-law used to be a bus ticket seller. When my wife graduated high school and couldn''t find work, she gave her job to her daughter and took early retirement. You probably think she looks familiar because you''ve seen her on the bus before."


    Doctor Li had a sudden realization and slapped her forehead: "Yes, yes, that''s right! She used to work on the bus route that passed by my house, for many years. That was her! I knew she looked familiar. Your mother-in-law really thinks about her daughter."


    This was something Zhuang Zhixi felt deeply about, and he nodded: "She certainly does."


    The Ming family had two children. His wife Ming Mei had a brother who was a classmate of his older brother Zhuang Zhiyuan. After graduation, they both joined the railway department and now work as train attendants. While they had formal employment, Ming Mei''s sister-in-law didn''t - she was only a temporary worker at the train station.


    Everyone assumed that the Ming family mother would eventually pass her job to her daughter-in-law, but to everyone''s surprise, she firmly gave it to her daughter without any hesitation. Zhuang Zhixi witnessed how much the elderly couple doted on their daughter.


    "Both you and your wife are employed, so life must be good. By the way, have you separated from your family household?" Doctor Li asked, the gossip flame never dying out - after all, everyone loves a bit of gossip regardless of who they are.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "No, we haven''t separated. Well, it would be quite inconvenient if we did. We still live together as one family, though my wife and I contribute ten yuan each month for food expenses, and we handle other expenses ourselves."


    The two doctors exchanged glances and said, "That''s quite nice, not much different from having separate households."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "It''s still different though."


    The medical office''s gossip spotlight was on Zhuang Zhixi today - well, he was newly married after all. He had nothing to hide and chatted warmly with the aunties and sisters. None of them noticed someone standing at the doorway.


    It was none other than Wang Xiangxiu, the young widow from the quadrangle courtyard. She had caught a cold and came to get some medicine, but upon hearing their conversation at the door, she recognized Zhuang Zhixi''s voice. After listening for a while, she pursed her lips and started calculating in her mind.


    Zhuang Zhixi paid ten yuan monthly, which meant he must have at least another ten or more yuan left. If his wife gave him her money too, he must have even more - probably around forty yuan to handle each month. Her eyes flickered with interest as she wondered if she could persuade this young man to help support her family.


    Her family was struggling. Her mother-in-law was unemployed, and her three sons were growing boys with hefty appetites. As their mother, how could she not think of ways to improve their situation? She had come for medicine but got so lost in thought that she forgot to enter, turning back instead.


    As she approached the workshop, she suddenly remembered she''d forgotten to get the medicine and smacked her forehead.


    Fortunately, she spotted Bai Fendou on patrol and quickly called out, "Fendou, come here!"


    Bai Fendou was on his rounds but immediately came over when he heard her, "Sister Xiu, did you call me? What''s wrong? You seem distracted."


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "I''m feeling under the weather. Could you help me get some cold medicine from the medical office? I can''t leave work now."


    Bai Fendou replied, "Sure thing. But sister, weren''t you just coming from that direction..."


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled and said, "I got caught up in some gossip and forgot about getting the medicine!"


    Bai Fendou: "...You''re something else."


    Then curiosity got the better of him: "What was the gossip about?"


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled and chided, "You just criticized me, and now you''re asking? I won''t tell you."


    "Come on, sister, tell me!"


    Aliali: 67358287d72ede934945062fWang Xiangxiu''s refusal only made Bai Fendou more curious. She gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Alright, I''ll tell you. It''s about the Zhuang family..."


    As she huddled close to Bai Fendou, whispering and muttering, elsewhere Zhao Guihua sneezed several times in succession and grumbled, "Which bastard is talking bad about me behind my back?"


    Liang Meifen didn''t dare say a word.


    Zhao Guihua: "Walk faster."


    Liang Meifen hurried to keep up, but seeing they were heading to an increasingly remote area, she couldn''t help but whisper, "Mom, you''re not planning to abandon me in some mountain valley, are you?"


    Zhao Guihua: "...???"


    She looked at Liang Meifen in exasperation and scolded, "Are you an absolute idiot? How much lead is in your brain to think something like that? Abandon you in a valley? What are you, a three-year-old who can''t find their way back? I shouldn''t have brought such a fool along. You''re so stupid it''s beyond belief - even a donkey has more sense!"


    Liang Meifen, thoroughly chastised, didn''t dare speak.


    Zhao Guihua: "Such a useless thing!"


    Liang Meifen: ...With such harsh scolding, she felt reassured!

 Chapter 9: Catch the Big Fish

    Chapter 9Early in the morning, Zhao Guihua took Liang Meifen out with her.


    She carried a bamboo basket on her back containing a fishing net she had borrowed from Li the Cook''s wife, Aunt Wang.


    Yesterday, when she said she was going fishing, it wasn''t just idle talk. As an experienced elderly woman, Zhao Guihua genuinely knew where to catch fish. There were actually quite a few fishing spots in their city, like where Li the Cook regularly went fishing at the Back Lake area.


    However, such places weren''t suitable for Zhao Guihua. Old Man Zhuang understood her well - she didn''t actually know how to fish with a rod.


    At those typical fishing spots, she would be completely lost. That''s why Zhao Guihua never intended to go to such places. The place she had in mind was a rare gem for catching fish. Though, since her memories were a bit distant, it took some effort for Zhao Guihua to find it.


    Liang Meifen followed Zhao Guihua the whole way. They walked for most of the morning, and Liang Meifen stole glances at her mother-in-law, not daring to speak. Her mother-in-law had "talked" to her earlier that morning, making her already troubled mood even worse.


    She never imagined her mother-in-law could be so calculating, and when she thought about it, her household had indeed been taking advantage all along. As a result, Liang Meifen didn''t dare make a sound now, following behind Zhao Guihua like a servant girl.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t be bothered to look at her dejected face and focused on finding the fish pond.


    Though she was confident she knew where it was, they still wandered quite a bit before suddenly, "Ah!"


    Zhao Guihua cried out, startling Liang Meifen, who hurried forward asking, "Mom, what''s wrong?"


    Zhao Guihua pointed to a hidden pond not far away and exclaimed excitedly, "Found it!"


    She was instantly energized and rushed over, with Liang Meifen hurrying to keep up. Both mother and daughter-in-law ran to the pond, and Liang Meifen was amazed: "Mom, there really is a pond here!"


    Zhao Guihua gave her a sideways glance and said, "Did you think I was making it up?"


    "Of course not," Liang Meifen wouldn''t dare offend her mother-in-law.


    Zhao Guihua immediately started giving instructions: "You gather stones while I check how frozen it is and find a spot to break through."


    Liang Meifen perked up and got busy right away: "Okay!"


    Zhao Guihua nodded with satisfaction. Although her eldest daughter-in-law had many flaws - being what modern people would call a "brother complex" - she did have her good points. She worked diligently and never cut corners.


    Whatever task you gave her, she would complete it thoroughly without being lazy.


    This area was on a small hill, slightly colder than in the city, and the entire pond was frozen over. Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen found a spot and frantically started breaking the ice. It took considerable effort, nearly exhausting them, but they finally managed to create a decent-sized hole.


    As soon as they broke through, Zhao Guihua''s sharp eyes spotted fish. Her face lit up with joy as she said, "Quick, bring the fishing net, let''s set it!"


    Liang Meifen had never fished before. Though from a modest family, she was still a city girl who had finished high school. While not well-off, they weren''t desperately poor either, so naturally, she didn''t know these skills.


    "Mom, how do we do this? Just throw it in and we''ll catch them?"


    Zhao Guihua gave her a look: "Are you dreaming? Thinking it''s that easy? Go find a bamboo pole."


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself that she was quite internet-savvy, having learned many life hacks on social media. When Liang Meifen returned with the pole, Zhao Guihua immediately put it in the water and started stirring clockwise, saying, "If I get tired, you take over."


    "Sure!"


    Liang Meifen never argued about work.


    Zhao Guihua stirred the pole in the water, a task requiring significant effort. Despite the cold weather, she was starting to sweat and her arms were getting sore. Liang Meifen quickly took over, though she couldn''t last as long as Zhao Guihua had. She commented, "Mom, why does it feel harder and harder to stir?"


    Zhao Guihua replied: "Probably got fish, come on, let''s pull up the net!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They quickly started pulling, "One-two, one-two!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Careful now, pull hard, quick, one-two! Heave!"


    "Ah!"


    As both women pulled with all their might, there was a cracking sound as the ice started breaking. Liang Meifen''s face turned pale with fear, but Zhao Guihua quickly gave one final pull, and the fishing net came flying up.


    "Ah ah ah, Mom, look, look there are fish, really there are fish!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Stop talking, quick, move!"


    They dragged the net, rushing quickly to the shore. Fortunately, though the ice had cracked, only a few pieces near the hole had fallen in, with just some cracks elsewhere, so it wasn''t too dangerous.


    Zhao Guihua plopped down on the ground, sighing: "Damn, getting something to eat really isn''t easy."


    Liang Meifen also sat down, not caring about getting dirty, her eyes fixed on the fishing net in amazement.


    Inside were more than ten fish, both large and small. The smallest ones were seven or eight inches long, while the biggest ones were over ten inches - no wonder it had been so hard to pull up. These fish were enormous, almost like fish spirits!


    Liang Meifen stared at the fish in a daze while Zhao Guihua couldn''t hide her excitement. Still catching her breath, her eyes crinkled with joy, softening her usually stern features. Zhao Guihua said proudly, "I told you we could do it, didn''t I?"


    Liang Meifen swallowed, her eyes still glued to the fish - they were truly huge.


    Could their family even eat all these fish? If not, could she perhaps send some to her parents'' home? Her gaze drifted back to the pond, blinking a few times, wondering if she could secretly tell her family about this place...


    Zhao Guihua, who had been feeling pleased with herself, turned and caught her daughter-in-law''s calculating look. She startled and immediately scolded: "This is MY spot that I found. If you dare tell your family about it, you can pack up and go back to them forever. Divorce - that''s definitely what''ll happen."


    Liang Meifen was startled by these words and quickly said, "Mom, I wasn''t..."


    "Bah, I don''t care what you were or weren''t thinking. If I ever find out you did such a thing, you can go back to your family forever and be your brother''s servant for life. See how nice I''m being! I''ll be the evil mother-in-law if that''s what it takes!" Zhao Guihua''s words were harsh, but different people needed different approaches.


    She understood her eldest daughter-in-law Liang Meifen''s personality too well. If you spoke to her kindly and tried to reason with her, genuinely considering her interests, she would take it for granted and even feel wronged at the slightest thing, thinking you were easy to push around.


    Even in her previous life, Zhao Guihua had already done so much for the eldest son''s family, yet in Liang Meifen''s mind, she was still absolutely wicked.


    Later, she simply became fierce, never showing a kind face, speaking only to scold. Surprisingly, Liang Meifen then started seeing her mother-in-law as straightforward and frank.


    Zhao Guihua found this utterly absurd.


    So she didn''t hold back at all and went straight to being stern. Sure enough, her harsh words made Liang Meifen close her mouth submissively, looking wronged but apparently taking the message to heart.


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself: "..." How ridiculous! This person just couldn''t handle kindness.


    After catching her breath, she said, "Let''s rest a bit and then head back."


    Liang Meifen hesitantly asked in a small voice, "We could catch more, couldn''t we? Should we get some more?"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t want to leave either, but she worried that taking too much might draw attention, especially since they had quite a distance to walk home. Besides, the ice had cracked earlier, which was concerning.


    "Let''s save it for next time. Next time we''ll bring some men from the family. This time I mainly wanted to find this place again. Next time we''ll bring rope to tie around ourselves, it''ll be safer. I don''t trust this ice too much."


    Though she wanted fish, she valued her life more.


    "Besides, there are only two kids at home, and they haven''t had lunch yet."


    Zhao Guihua made the decision, standing up to arrange the fish in her basket, her face beaming with satisfaction, feeling truly content.


    She cautioned: "We need to be careful on our way back, don''t let anyone notice."


    Hearing this, Liang Meifen nodded in complete agreement, saying, "Mom, I understand."


    Having lived in the same compound for many years, everyone knew each other well, and she was quite familiar with everyone''s personality. If people found out about this wonderful spot they had discovered, there wouldn''t be a single fish left in no time.


    Thinking about this, both of them shuddered.


    Zhao Guihua made a quick decision: "We can''t wait, this place is too good to pass up. Let''s go back first. I''ll visit the old man at noon, and you go to the eldest''s place. Have the men take the afternoon off, and we''ll come back again."


    After a moment''s thought, she added, "I''ll go borrow Ming Mei''s bicycle. We shouldn''t take the bus in the afternoon. Let''s ride bikes instead. It''ll be less conspicuous."


    "Agreed!"


    The mother and daughter-in-law, having made their plan, quickly headed back. After descending the hillside, they still had quite a walk before reaching the bus stop. They walked briskly, full of pride and excitement: such good fortune didn''t come often!


    While Zhao Guihua was having her successful morning, Ming Mei had been busy all morning as well. With the New Year just half a month away, there were particularly many travelers. She had been shouting all morning until her voice was nearly gone, and she''d finished an entire bottle of water. At noon, Ming Mei took advantage of the shift change to grab a quick meal when she heard someone at the gate calling, "Xiao Ming, Xiao Ming, someone''s here to see you."


    Ming Mei stood up: "Coming!"


    She was a pretty young woman, known in the community simply as Xiao Ming.


    That''s what happens when your surname causes confusion.


    Ming Mei hurried to the entrance, her footsteps clicking along the way. She saw her mother-in-law, a small elderly lady, pacing back and forth at the bus station entrance. Ming Mei quickly ran up, playfully patted Zhao Guihua''s shoulder, and linked arms with her, saying with a smile, "Mom, what brings you here? Come in and have a seat."


    The old guard at the gate peered over his newspaper, stealing glances repeatedly.


    Zhao Guihua pulled Ming Mei aside and said, "Let me borrow your bicycle, there''s something good happening."


    Ming Mei replied, "What do you mean ''borrow''? We''re family, just use it!"


    Though she was concerned, she believed there must be "something good" coming.


    Aliali: 67358283d72ede93494505dbSeeing Ming Mei''s slightly furrowed brow despite trying to appear generous, Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t let it get scratched or damaged. You''ll understand when you get home tonight. Oh, and make sure to go straight home after work, keep an eye on the house. We''ll all be back a bit late."


    With that explanation, how could Ming Mei not understand?


    Her eyes immediately lit up, and she nodded vigorously: "Don''t worry, leave it to me, no problem!"


    Zhao Guihua: "...Don''t go wandering around."


    Ming Mei nodded.


    Zhao Guihua: "...Don''t let the two kids cause trouble."


    Ming Mei nodded again.


    Zhao Guihua: "Just prepare something simple for dinner..."


    Ming Mei put her hands on her hips: "Mom, don''t you trust me? Really, I''ve got this!"


    Zhao Guihua: "...Alright then."

 Chapter 10: Watching the Fuss (Part 1)

    Chapter 10"People in front, please move back a bit. There''s still plenty of space in the back, keep moving back!"


    "Don''t rush to get on, this is the last bus of the day. Please be considerate of each other."


    "Board through the front door, exit through the back door. Buy your tickets as you board!"


    Ming Mei watched as passengers were packed like sardines in the bus, and called out again: "There''s still plenty of space in the back, squeeze in a bit more..."


    The people still trying to board looked through the windows at the tightly packed crowd inside, thinking to themselves that this pretty ticket collector was lying - the back was just as crowded as a tin of sardines, without an inch of space. But despite these thoughts, they still shuffled backward, trying their best to squeeze in.


    If they didn''t move back, the people below wouldn''t be able to board either.


    In these times, there were still many simple and honest people.


    "Squeeze in a bit more..." Ming Mei called out a couple more times, then picked up her thermos. The hot water she had added at noon was running low. She swirled the pear honey throat drops inside and screwed the cap back on. Last bus of the day, and then off work! sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei took a deep breath and continued calling: "Please be considerate of each other~"


    Seeing that everyone had finally managed to squeeze onto the bus, Ming Mei raised her hand to signal, and the driver closed the doors with a screech. The bus finally moved forward. Ming Mei''s route happened to be a popular one, passing through Wangfujing. This line was usually manageable, but during holidays, it would be packed like ants, absolutely crowded.


    The bus stopped at each station, and as more and more passengers got off, Ming Mei finally breathed a sigh of relief. At last, her shift was ending.


    Winter nights came early, and Ming Mei got off work a bit later than most people. By the time she walked home, it was completely dark. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she could smell the cooking from many households, though tonight there wasn''t the delicious fish aroma from yesterday.


    The Zhuang family''s two children were sitting on small stools by the door. As soon as they saw Ming Mei, they happily called out: "Auntie''s home!"


    Though the two children weren''t actually very familiar with Ming Mei, they still knew she was family, different from the neighbors. So when Ming Mei came home, they were both excited and happy.


    Although Hutou was already six years old, he was still just a child. With no adults at home and no dinner ready, while all his little friends had gone home to eat, he felt a bit lost and didn''t know what to do.


    Seeing Ming Mei, he immediately ran forward.


    Ming Mei was walking with a slight jog, her cheeks flushed red. She quickly went up to them and said, "Why aren''t you inside? What are you doing sitting by the door? Come in quickly."


    She led them inside and turned on the light.


    The room suddenly brightened up, and Ming Mei asked: "You must be hungry, right?"


    Hutou nodded a bit shyly, while Xiao Yanzi, being younger and not understanding such hesitation, said softly: "Xiao Yanzi is hungry, there''s no one at home, no food."


    Ming Mei: "Alright then, auntie will cook for you."


    She put down her things and opened the cupboard, saying: "What should we make? Let me see... how about some flat noodle soup? What do you think?" She thought that on such a cold day, when everyone comes home, they''d need some hot soup to warm up.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had never been asked for their opinion before. The two looked at each other seriously and nodded: "Okay."


    Ming Mei: "Good, then flat noodle soup it is. We''ll add some vegetables too. Do you know where the vegetables are kept?"


    Hutou immediately said: "I know, they''re in the cellar."


    Ming Mei: "Then let''s add some Chinese cabbage."


    She looked at the household supplies, hesitated for a moment, and said: "Tell me... if I put an egg in the flat noodle soup, will your grandmother scold me?"


    Hutou: "!!!"


    Xiao Yanzi: *gulp* - the sound of swallowing saliva.


    Ming Mei blinked her big eyes and asked the children: "Do you think we can add it?"


    Hutou couldn''t help but swallow his saliva too. He was really craving it, but... he looked at his aunt. Aunt trusted them enough to ask their opinion on everything, he couldn''t lie. Lying wasn''t what good children did.


    He said softly: "...she will."


    Ming Mei: "What?"


    Hutou: "Grandmother will scold us."


    His egg... his egg flew away.


    Ming Mei immediately drooped her head, even her braids seemed to lose their spirit, and she sighed softly: "Ah~"


    Hutou also: "Ah~"


    Xiao Yanzi, not really understanding, copied in her baby voice: "Ah~"


    Ming Mei looked at Hutou, then at Xiao Yanzi, thought for a moment and said: "Today the family went out to do something important."


    Hutou looked up.


    Ming Mei: "On such a cold day, going out to do important things, they''ll all be frozen when they come back. Since they''ll be frozen, they should eat something good to replenish their nutrition. You need nutrition to avoid getting sick from the cold wind, right?"


    Hutou: "Eh???"


    Xiao Yanzi: "..." Didn''t understand.


    Ming Mei held up one finger, making a "one" gesture, and said: "We''ll just use one egg, to add some nutrition. This is very reasonable, isn''t it? It''s not wasteful, don''t you agree?"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi both nodded.


    Ming Mei continued: "If your grandmother scolds me, can you help speak up for me?"


    Hutou nodded eagerly: "Yes!!!"


    He patted his chest and promised: "I''m a man!"


    Ming Mei: "Pff!"


    Xiao Yanzi also learned from her brother, patting her chest and promising: "Yes!"


    Ming Mei smiled: "Alright then, I trust you."


    She took out the cornmeal, and then an egg from the cabinet, instructing Hutou: "Go to the cellar and bring me a Chinese cabbage."


    Hutou: "Right away!"


    He darted out like lightning, and Ming Mei quickly got to work. Actually, for a family of eight, old and young, one egg in the flat noodles was really very little, just enough to add a hint of flavor.


    But if she used more, Ming Mei worried her mother-in-law would explode.


    Eggs were precious in most households, and even in Ming Mei''s relatively well-off family home, they were treated as treasures.


    Sometimes, you couldn''t buy them even if you had money.


    Ming Mei quickly got to work. In these times, there wasn''t a girl who couldn''t cook, and not just girls - even most boys knew how to cook. Though when it came to making elaborate dishes, Ming Mei certainly couldn''t manage that, but she could handle simple flat noodle soup like this.


    Flat noodle soup cooks quickly, and it was ready in no time. The three people left at home, one adult and two children, each held a bowl and slurped away happily. When Hutou saw the egg flowers in his bowl, his joy was almost enough to make him wag an imaginary tail.


    "You Surs, get out here! Get out here!"


    Just as the three were enjoying their soup, a domineering shout came from outside. Ming Mei immediately rushed to the door, opening it a crack to look outside. Hutou quietly came up behind her, and Xiao Yanzi quietly followed suit. Three heads, from top to bottom, all peered through the crack at the people in the courtyard.


    The person in the courtyard was none other than the battle-ready Madam Zhou Li. With her hands on her hips and a mean expression on her face, she stood at the door of neighbor Madam Su''s family, jumping up and down in fury: "Madam Su, Wang Xiangxiu, get out here, get out here! Don''t think hiding inside will solve anything! You won''t come out? If you don''t come out, I''ll go to the residents'' committee. Your family can''t just bully people like this. Were you born but not raised properly? Your little beast stole from our family, are you going to deal with this or not!"


    At this point, Wang Xiangxiu finally opened the door. Looking at Madam Zhou Li with both grievance and indignation, she said: "Madam Zhou, is this how you speak to people? Even if my family has no man now, you can''t talk like this. You say we''re bullying people, but I think you''re the one doing the bullying, coming to our door and cursing like this. This isn''t how decent people behave."


    "That''s right, Madam Zhou, you''re going too far. How can you talk like this? This is pure bullying."


    "Madam Zhou Li has always been overbearing, isn''t she just bullying a young widow?"


    "I think Madam Zhou Li is deliberately picking a fight. She just hates Wang Xiangxiu."


    The onlookers whispered among themselves. Compared to Madam Zhou Li''s mean and domineering behavior, they didn''t even need to know the reason - they automatically assumed the old shrew was bullying the young widow.


    Madam Zhou Li spat and cursed: "What''s it to you? What do you know? Why are you butting in? Serves you right!"


    After she finished scolding, she turned and said, "Who are you trying to impress with your act, you little wretch? Your three brats came to my house and stole my peanuts. Look here, this big bag of peanuts was completely cleaned out by these little devils. They''re truly inhuman! These are oil crops, and we only get a limited quota each year. Your three little troublemakers have ruined mine, and you''re saying I can''t come to your door demanding an explanation? Pay up, you need to compensate me!"


    Wang Xiangxiu, with tears in her eyes, said, "Madam Zhou Li, what are you saying? How could my children do such a thing? They''re well-behaved kids. I know you don''t like me, but you can''t wrongly accuse my children!"


    "You still won''t admit it? Call all the children in the courtyard out here, ask them if your three brats weren''t eating peanuts at the doorway this afternoon. Those were mine!" Madam Zhou Li continued to stamp her feet in anger, shouting, "Don''t think you can act like nothing happened. Hutou, Hutou, come out here! Tell us what you saw!"


    As Madam Zhou Li was ready to call for witnesses at the slightest disagreement, Ming Mei quickly and decisively closed the door.


    She wasn''t familiar with the people in the courtyard, but from what her mother-in-law had told her, she knew none of them were easy to deal with. With no one else at home now, she wasn''t about to get involved in this mess. After firmly closing the door, she lowered her voice and asked quietly, "Did you two see what happened?"


    Hutou nodded and said, "Yes, I saw it!"


    The child innocently said, "Grandma Zhou left the peanuts outside her door, and Jinlai and Yinlai just ran over and took them. Grandma Zhou saw them take them, and she even smiled!" At this point, Hutou scratched his head in confusion, "I don''t know why Grandma Zhou was smiling."


    Aliali: 67358283d72ede93494505dbMing Mei: "???"


    She smiled?


    Since when did this old lady smile?


    Besides, why would she smile when her things were being stolen?


    Hutou pouted, "Jinlai said if I barked like a dog, he''d give me one peanut to eat. I''m a man, I''m not a dog, I don''t want to! I don''t want to eat those stolen peanuts!"


    Ming Mei''s expression darkened upon hearing this, thinking to herself about how these children were being raised.


    What little brats!


    She ruffled Hutou''s hair and said, "You''re right not to want them. We don''t take stolen things! What nonsense - when your grandmother comes back, we''ll report this!"


    Hutou: "Okay!"


    Xiao Yanzi quickly chimed in: "Okay~"

 Chapter 11: Watching the Fuss (Part 2)

    Chapter 11Madam Zhou Li wailed loudly in the courtyard for a couple of times, but Hutou didn''t show up. Wang Xiangxiu immediately bristled, saying, "See? Nobody pays attention to you, you old shrew. All you know is how to bully us widowed mother and child. What else can you do!"


    "Who are you calling an old shrew, you little hussy! I''ll beat you to death!"


    Madam Zhou Li lunged forward to grab Wang Xiangxiu, who deftly dodged. The old woman missed and crashed into the door, seeing stars from the impact. She fell on her bottom and began howling, "What a heartless wretch! Everyone come see how this young widow is bullying me! These thieves even think they''re in the right! How dare they bully me like this! Oh heavens above, earth below... strike this little hussy dead with lightning!"


    Ming Mei, hearing the commotion, darted to the doorway in a flash - this drama was not to be missed. She peeked through the door crack again, and the two children couldn''t resist poking their little heads out too.


    What Ming Mei saw made her draw in a sharp breath. Madam Zhou Li was sprawled at the Su family''s doorway, her legs kicking against the ground while her arms repeatedly slapped her thighs, wailing like a possessed spirit at a grave.


    Ming Mei muttered, "How dramatic."


    Just as she spoke, a sturdy-looking boy of about ten - not her Hutou - burst out of the house and immediately delivered a flying kick to Madam Zhou Li''s back.


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but draw another sharp breath.


    The boy shouted, "How dare you bully my mom! How dare you bully my mother!"


    His fists flew out, but although Madam Zhou Li had been kicked, she was still an adult. She landed a heavy slap on him, yelling, "You little thieving beast!"


    This boy was the Su family''s eldest grandson, Su Jinlai, nine years old.


    After being hit, his face swelled up immediately. He glared darkly at Madam Zhou Li and said, "You old hag, you deserve to die. You dare hit me..."


    "I''ll hit you all I want, I''ll beat you to death!" Madam Zhou Li reached out again, but this time her hand was caught. She turned to find Bai Fendou, who scolded her, "Aunt Zhou, at your age, how can you be so undignified as to hit children? Is this how you behave? You''re being too much of a bully!"


    Madam Zhou Li felt a surge of anger and clawed at Bai Fendou''s face, instantly leaving scratch marks. "What business is this of yours? You biased fool, fooling around with a young widow!"


    "You deserve to die..."


    "You''re ruining my reputation..."


    The scene descended into chaos. Madam Zhou Li was outnumbered, and her daughter-in-law quickly ran out from their house, shouting, "You steal things and then bully people, don''t you dare hit my mother-in-law..." She immediately joined the fray.


    "How dare you bully my brother..." Yinlai and Tonglai rushed out to join the fight.


    Madam Zhou Li grabbed and slapped Su Jinlai;


    Yinlai and Tonglai bit Madam Zhou Li''s arms;


    Bai Fendou pulled Madam Zhou Li''s hair backward while she swung back at his face;


    Wang Xiangxiu and Madam Zhou Li''s daughter-in-law Jiang Lu were locked in a hair-pulling brawl...


    Ming Mei watched in astonishment.


    Oh my, was this a free group fighting performance she was witnessing?


    In that moment, Ming Mei felt her marriage had been worth it just for this entertainment. In her twenty years living at her parents'' home, she''d never seen anything like this - everyone was really going at it! She finally understood why her mother-in-law had made a point of introducing everyone in the courtyard on her first day after marriage.


    Indeed, those remembered by time travelers weren''t ordinary characters.


    Ming Mei was shocked: "Good heavens!"


    Hutou watched with gritted teeth, his little hands gripping the door, ready to slam it shut if anyone came their way.


    Xiao Yanzi covered her eyes but peeked through the gaps between her fingers, her little mouth making "hoo, hoo hoo~" sounds like background music.


    After several rounds, Ming Mei offered her professional commentary - the fighting was mediocre, lacking technique, but fierce indeed. Of course it was fierce - hadn''t almost everyone in the courtyard gathered to watch the spectacle?


    Nobody dared to intervene.


    Just as Ming Mei thought this, someone shouted loudly: "What are you all doing!"


    Ming Mei looked toward the voice and saw a tall, robust woman striding over confidently. She was shocked again - it was rare to see someone so well-fed in these times when most people were quite thin.


    But this woman was truly stout.


    Ming Mei suddenly remembered who she was - she had attended her wedding banquet. With such a distinctive build, she was hard to forget. She was Li the Cook''s wife, Aunt Wang.


    No wonder a cook''s family never went hungry - it showed quite clearly. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, Ming Mei could understand why the residents'' committee had put Aunt Wang in charge. With her build, neither men nor women would likely be able to overpower her. If anything happened, she could settle matters with sheer physical presence.


    As Ming Mei''s thoughts wandered, Aunt Wang''s loud reprimand rang out: "Look at yourselves! Is this how adults should behave? Have you no shame? Everyone let go of each other right now!"


    Sure enough, at Aunt Wang''s command, everyone released their holds.


    Aunt Wang demanded: "Now tell me what happened!"


    Madam Zhou Li immediately cried out: "The Su family''s brats stole my peanuts. I came for justice, and they beat me. That little wretch Bai Fendou came to help his lover and hit me too."


    Bai Fendou glared: "Stop lying! I couldn''t stand seeing you bully my Sister Xiu."


    "Hah! ''Sister Xiu,'' how intimate! Pfft, shameless!"


    Bai Fendou: "Hey, you old woman, you think I won''t hit you..."


    "Bai Fendou!"


    Aunt Wang: "You be quiet! We''ll deal with you later. First, about the theft. Aunt Zhou, what evidence do you have?"


    Madam Zhou Li: "I saw it myself, and the courtyard children saw it too. Ask Hutou, ask your two grandsons!"


    Aunt Wang looked at Wang Xiangxiu and said, "Your family is in the wrong here."


    Wang Xiangxiu covered her face and cried: "You need to catch a thief red-handed! What are you all saying? Aren''t you just bullying us? Is it because we have no man in the house that we deserve to be bullied? Wuu wuu~"


    "Xiu''er, be quiet." An elderly woman emerged from the house, looking pale and weak. "Xiu''er, the hardships we face as widows are our own to bear, not others'' concern. We must endure it ourselves, don''t show weakness before others. It only invites more bullying."


    Supporting herself against the doorframe, she said, "I''ve been sick and couldn''t come out, but I heard everything clearly. This matter is our family''s fault. We admit it and will pay compensation."


    Madam Zhou Li became smug and was about to demand medical expenses when Aunt Su opened her palm and said, "During your argument, I gathered my strength to check the children''s schoolbags. Indeed, they had taken them - it''s our fault, and we''ll pay. But I must point something out. Everyone, look at these peanuts - are they even edible?"


    Everyone looked closer and retched in disgust.


    The peanuts were moldy, with green fuzz growing on the shells - eating them could be fatal.


    Aunt Su spoke softly: "We''re willing to pay compensation, but if you''re accusing the three children of deliberately stealing, I must ask - would anyone see something like this left outside and think it was worth keeping?"


    Her eyes reddened, and she wiped away tears, saying, "I questioned Tonglai - he''s young and doesn''t understand these things. When I asked, he told me straight away that these were left outside the door, and they thought they were meant to be thrown away. The children thought they were helping by disposing of them. They meant well, and it''s just that our family is struggling - growing boys eat so much, and the children were hungry, so they picked up what they thought was being discarded."


    She bit her lip - despite her age, one could see a hint of stubborn vulnerability.


    "We admit we took them and that the children were wrong, but to call it theft - that we cannot accept. Look at this everyone, the children didn''t understand. They ate these, and I''m worried they''ll get sick."


    As soon as this was mentioned, everyone immediately started nodding in agreement. Despite their difficult lives, no one would ever eat those peanuts. Damn, wouldn''t eating them lead to poisoning? They were already covered in green mold.


    Thinking about Madam Zhou Li''s character, they suspected she might have deliberately set this up to trap the children. Considering her reputation, it seemed quite possible, and everyone started criticizing her at once.


    Seeing the situation, Madam Zhou Li immediately threw herself on the ground, kicking and wailing, but this only drew more criticism from the crowd. The scene descended into chaos.


    Aunt Wang said, "Enough, Madam Zhou, what you did was wrong." Then looking at Jinlai, she added, "The child was wrong too, but he''s already been beaten. Let''s call it even and be done with this."


    "How can that be acceptable..."


    "What''s not acceptable about it? You left moldy peanuts out in the open - what were you trying to achieve? Everyone knows what you did. And look how badly you beat that child."


    "I was hit too, that little brat Bai Fendou..."


    "That''s enough! Bai Fendou didn''t hit you, he just held you back. You scratched him plenty though. Do you want to compare injuries? This matter ends here - everyone go home!" Under Aunt Wang''s decisive command, this chaotic scene came to an abrupt end.


    Ming Mei had watched quite a show, her eyes wide as saucers, and she remarked deeply, "This courtyard is truly extraordinary."


    She couldn''t help but feel shocked by it all.


    As the courtyard residents dispersed home in small groups, having no more drama to watch, Ming Mei stopped peering through the door crack and returned to sit at the table, sighing, "These people are definitely not to be trifled with."


    Aliali: 67358286d72ede9349450622That Aunt Su, who appeared so gentle, could turn the situation around in minutes - no wonder her mother-in-law said she wasn''t someone to mess with.


    How true that was!


    "This courtyard is so lively, and all these aunties seem quite formidable," Ming Mei remarked.


    Hutou nodded and whispered a secret, "Auntie, people outside say our courtyard has four tiger ladies!"


    Ming Mei''s eyes lit up as she quickly asked, "Who are they? Tell me!"


    Hutou proudly lifted his head and said, "My grandmother is one of them!"


    Ming Mei nodded, "Not surprising at all - I could tell she was fierce and not someone to be crossed!"


    Just as she finished speaking, Zhao Guihua pushed open the door, her lips pressed tight: "..."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Caught gossiping about someone!

 Chapter 12: Carry the Pot

    Chapter 12Zhao Guihua and her family didn''t just return home; they came back amidst the joyous ruckus earlier.


    However, she wasn''t foolish enough to enter the courtyard at this time. Wouldn''t that be like an old man courting death? They had caught so many fish; if someone saw them, it might stir up trouble. So, Zhao Guihua was very cautious.


    She was the first to enter the house, but as soon as she did, she heard the two, one big and one small, gossiping about her.


    She glanced at Hutou, who had retreated behind Ming Mei. Just now, he claimed to be a man, but now he was a timid little ghost, unreliable. Ming Mei''s eyes were evasive, chuckling incessantly.


    Zhao Guihua shot her a look, saying, "You''ve got some nerve, talking about me behind my back."


    Ming Mei jumped, immediately saying, "Mom, you misunderstood me. I didn''t mean it that way. I respect you the most. I said you seemed tough, but I didn''t mean it in a bad way. I''m also not easy to mess with, which is a good thing."


    She patted her chest, saying, "I think, sometimes being tough is a strength. It keeps trouble at bay."


    Zhao Guihua: "You..."


    Ming Mei observed her mother-in-law''s expression, seeing that she didn''t seem angry, she quickly moved closer, asking, "Mom, what were you up to?"


    She curiously looked and immediately her eyes lit up with surprise, exclaiming, "So many fish!"


    The big fish looked so appealing, they seemed delicious at first glance. Ming Mei: "So plump and juicy!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Enough, stop chattering and help out."


    Her gaze fell on the two children, saying, "You both go back to your rooms, don''t all crowd here."


    "Okay~" Hutou led his younger sister, Xiao Yanzi, to retreat quickly. Before leaving, he bravely said, "Grandma, there''s an egg in the noodle soup. Don''t scold Aunt Mei. I was the one who craved it!"


    After saying it, fearing a beating, he quickly pulled his sister towards their room. Zhao Guihua glanced at Ming Mei again, asking, "Did you add an egg?"


    Ming Mei immediately nodded, smiling sheepishly, saying, "I thought you guys would be doing something big today, so I thought a bit of soup would warm you up. An egg adds flavor."


    Zhao Guihua: "You only added one?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei: "Huh? What?"


    She was stunned!


    She looked at her mother-in-law in surprise. Zhao Guihua glared at her, saying, "What? In your mind, am I that stingy? I can''t even afford to eat an egg? One egg in this big pot of noodle soup, you can''t even see it. We have eight mouths to feed in our family. At least two eggs should be added!"


    Ming Mei immediately smiled, saying, "I knew mom wasn''t like ordinary people."


    Zhao Guihua: "Stop flattering me."


    Ming Mei seriously: "I''m not. You''re the most capable old lady. There''s no doubt about that. Which ordinary family could catch so many big fish? Oh, where''s my husband?"


    Only then did she realize that she hadn''t seen Zhuang Zhixi. Where was Zhuang Zhixi?


    Zhao Guihua: "I asked them to wait a moment. I came back first to check the situation. We can''t let anyone see this."


    Ming Mei gave her a thumbs up, saying, "Mom, you''re always so strategic."


    Zhao Guihua laughed a little. She thought that although her daughter-in-law was not very good at work and was always craving for something, she was quite straightforward! She always spoke the truth and was a reliable person.


    "What happened in the courtyard today? Why is it so noisy? They''re so idle every day." Zhao Guihua asked.


    Ming Mei, who had just enjoyed some gossip, was more than happy to share what she knew. She gestured and acted out the whole scene in a flurry of excitement, and finally said with enthusiasm, "So, that''s what happened!"


    Zhao Guihua: "...."


    You''re really excited.


    However, she still calmly said, "None of them are good, Madam Zhou Li is just trying to take advantage of Su Jinlai''s children. She knew that the Su boys were not very honest, so she deliberately put out peanuts that were not edible to be stolen, so she could get compensation. The Su boys are indeed dishonest, but I guess the top layer of peanuts must be good. If they were all moldy and inedible, they wouldn''t take them. They are greedy, not stupid. If they were all like that, the children wouldn''t take them. Madam Zhou Li must have put a good layer on top to trick them into stealing. They must have benefited too, no one is innocent here. Madam Zhou Li''s plan backfired, and it''s normal for the little brats to get beaten for stealing."


    Ming Mei gave another thumbs up: "You''re really smart, I didn''t figure it out. It''s true what they say, old ginger is hotter. Mom, you''re really amazing."


    Zhao Guihua laughed proudly and said, "How could I not know them? I can tell what they''re up to just by the way they act."


    Speaking of this, Ming Mei remembered something and curiously said, "Mom. Isn''t Madam Zhou Li''s surname Li? Why do they all call her Aunt Zhou? It''s not like she doesn''t have her own surname, it''s really strange."


    Zhao Guihua sneered, full of disdain, and said, "Who else could it be? It''s all because of that Aunt Su. Back then, when old Su and old Zhou both had an accident at the workshop, they both became widows. Aunt Su had three children and life must have been harder for her than for the Zhou family. She went to the factory to cry and swear that she would never remarry in this life, and just wanted to raise her children well. She said that she was born a Su and would die a Su, and from then on there was no Zhao Erya, only Aunt Su. She was more pitiful, and people tend to sympathize with the weak, so she got more than the Zhou family. Madam Zhou Li has a bad mouth and is not kind-hearted, and she shows it all on her face. Naturally, she is not liked by others. She learned from Aunt Su and also claimed that she would only use the surname Zhou from then on. So, when she was young, she was Aunt Zhou, and now she is Old Aunt Zhou."


    Ming Mei: "...."


    For a moment, she didn''t know what to say.


    Zhao Guihua: "Back then, the Su family got more than the Zhou family. Madam Zhou Li resented Aunt Su for this. Plus, Aunt Su started working in the factory and outperformed Madam Zhou Li in every aspect. Both were widows, but the contrast was stark. As the children of the Su family and Zhou Qun grew up, they were also compared. The Su family''s son had three children, while Zhou Qun had none. Can you imagine how Madam Zhou Li felt? The day something happened to the Su family''s son, Madam Zhou Li was so happy that she bought a roast duck to celebrate. You can imagine how much hatred there is between the two families."


    Ming Mei: "Oh my, that''s too much! Celebrating someone''s death?"


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s why the relationship between the two families is terrible. But our relationship with them isn''t much better."


    Ming Mei: "!!!"


    Zhao Guihua laughed, but her smile was a bit mocking. "So, I''m telling you, there''s no one in this courtyard who''s easy to deal with. The Bai''s Two Bachelors have no women, Li the Cook''s family has no sons, the Su and Zhou families have lost their men, and the Su family has also lost their son. All things considered, our family is the most complete. Sometimes, others are jealous just because your family is doing well."


    Ming Mei was silent for a while, then mustered up the courage to say: "So what! The more they envy us, the better we will live!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Right, we will live well."


    Hearing the echo of her words, Ming Mei laughed. Just then, the door creaked open and the rest of the Ming family members quietly hurried in.


    Old Man Zhuang looked at his wife with a wronged expression, complaining, "Weren''t you supposed to give us a signal once you saw there was no problem? We''ve been waiting forever. Luckily, our third son was cunning enough to sneak into the courtyard to check. Otherwise, we would have been waiting forever!"


    Zhao Guihua blushed, not knowing what to say for a moment. She had indeed forgotten about this. But was it her fault? Was it her fault?!


    Of course not!


    She firmly said, "Ming Mei kept me talking, that''s why we were delayed."


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened. How did she end up being the scapegoat for no reason? Such a big blame to bear!


    Zhao Guihua''s embarrassment lasted only a moment. She quickly regained her composure and said, "What''s the big deal about waiting a bit longer? Isn''t it safer to come back later? If someone saw us, we would have been robbed again, with that little thief next door on the prowl."


    "Oh, so that''s what all the commotion in the courtyard was about earlier?"


    "Of course."


    Zhao Guihua quickly changed the subject, "Alright, I''ll clean up the fish and make some salted fish. We''ll have an extra dish for later."


    At the mention of this, the Zhuang family was overjoyed. They had caught forty or fifty fish that afternoon. They planned to give these as gifts for the New Year. It was a dignified gift and saved them the money they would have spent on other things.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Mom, save four for me. I''m going to visit our boss during the New Year."


    After all, giving gifts during the New Year is essential for a smooth career.


    His job was nothing like working in a machine factory. For riveters like Old Man Zhuang, as long as they worked hard, no one would bother them. But for someone like Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had to run long-distance trains, if he wanted a better schedule, or better vacation days, he had to grease some palms.


    Otherwise, he''d still be on the train during New Year''s Eve and New Year''s Day.


    He didn''t understand this when he first started working and suffered quite a bit. Now, he''s become much more "worldly".


    Zhao Guihua said, "I know this. I''ll prepare it for you. Ming Mei, when you go home tomorrow, also take two..." She paused, then said, "No, take four, and a chicken. Go to the grocery store and buy a pound of pastries, a pound of sugar cubes. Make it presentable."


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement, "Okay."


    Such a homecoming gift was considered quite good.


    Aliali: 67358284d72ede93494505f5Sure enough, she quickly received a look from her sister-in-law, Liang Meifen, filled with sorrow and jealousy. Ming Mei puffed up her chest proudly: Go ahead and be jealous!


    "Mom, I knew you loved me the most." Ming Mei sweetly cooed at Zhao Guihua, "I really like you."


    Zhao Guihua shivered, "Speak properly to me."


    Ming Mei''s smile was radiant, "Even when I speak properly, I still like you. You''re the best mother-in-law."


    Zhao Guihua''s lips curled up...


    Liang Meifen: Brown-noser, big brown-noser!!! One day, I will let the whole world know that you''re a brown-noser! I''ll expose your true brown-nosing nature!


    ******


    In the main room, Wang Xiangxiu lay on the bed, contemplating the grievances she experienced today, quietly shedding tears. Somehow, she seemed to smell a fishy odor...


    Was it fish?


    Whose house was cooking fish?

 Chapter 13: Stingy

    Chapter 13Wang Xiangxiu vaguely caught the smell of fish. She turned over in bed, sniffed, and thought to herself that she wasn''t mistaken about the scent.


    "Who''s cooking fish?"


    Before Wang Xiangxiu could speak, she heard her mother-in-law''s voice.


    She turned over and asked, "Mom, you''re still awake too?"


    Their house had several rooms, more than enough for separate sleeping arrangements, but they couldn''t afford to buy another bed. Besides, in winter, sleeping in separate rooms would require burning too many coal briquettes - not just their family, but most families couldn''t afford to do that.


    Aunt Su sat up and peered out the window. The two households on the left had their lights off, but the one on the right still had lights on. She said with certainty, "It''s the Zhuang family."


    She muttered under her breath, "Where did they get fish from?"


    Wang Xiangxiu also sat up and said with a sneer, "Who knows? They probably bought it from the black market. They had fish yesterday, and they''re having it again today. They''re really showing off! Hmph! Just because they got a wealthy daughter-in-law, they think they''re something special. Do they have to flaunt it?"


    Aunt Su thought for a moment and asked, "During your argument today, did you see anyone from their family come out to watch?"


    Wang Xiangxiu thought about it and shook her head, "I don''t remember, probably not."


    At that time, she was only focused on defending her son - who cared about who was watching? Others didn''t matter; in her world, her son was the most important. Thinking of her son, she said angrily, "Aunt Zhou is really awful. It was just a few peanuts - would it kill her? She tried to extort us with moldy peanuts. She must be desperate!"


    Getting more agitated, she continued, "And the Zhuang family has no kindness in their hearts. When we''re struggling so much, they should share some fish with us! How can they eat it all by themselves? My boy is growing and needs nutrition."


    Aunt Su nodded in agreement, "That''s right."


    She wiped her face and said, "Ah, but even if they have fish, they wouldn''t share with us. Zhao Guihua is such a fierce and stingy woman, hard to deal with. It''s impossible to get anything from her. We shouldn''t get our hopes up."


    Though she said this, she looked expectantly at her daughter-in-law.


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "No, even if it''s difficult to ask, we have to try. We adults can go without, but what about the child? Mom, leave this to me. I''ll talk to Aunt Zhao tomorrow. She may be stingy, but she''s not completely unreasonable. If I play up our hardship and cry a bit, I might be able to get through to her - she has a soft heart despite her harsh words."


    Aunt Su smiled quietly, then hesitantly said, "But... is that appropriate? What if she humiliates you?" She held her daughter-in-law''s hand and said, "I don''t want you to suffer such indignity. We may be poor, but we shouldn''t lose our dignity."


    Wang Xiangxiu said firmly, "Don''t worry, Mom. I can handle it."


    She looked toward the Zhuang house just as their lights went out. She said, "Let''s go to sleep now. They must have bought it from the black market. Aunt Zhao is usually so stingy, I wonder what made her spend money this time!"


    Aunt Su suddenly remembered something and slapped her forehead, "Ah, I know why they bought fish today! Tomorrow Zhuang Zhixi is probably taking his wife for her return visit home. They married Ming Mei, which was marrying up, so of course they need to make a good impression."


    Wang Xiangxiu scoffed, "Huh, such favoritism! I never saw her treat Liang Meifen this well! It''s just because Ming Mei''s family is well-off."


    She muttered jealously, as Ming Mei was the most privileged among all the young wives in their courtyard.


    Aunt Su held Wang Xiangxiu''s hand and comforted her, "Mom doesn''t care about others. In my heart, you''re the best. Not just in our courtyard, but on this whole street, how many daughters-in-law can give birth to three sons in a row? That''s something others can''t match, even if they envy it."


    Wang Xiangxiu became proud, smiling smugly - this was her greatest achievement.


    She snorted in the direction of the Zhuang house, thinking: So what if you''re well-off? Let''s see you give birth to three sons first! If you can''t bear sons, let''s see how long you stay privileged, how long you can stay proud! Let''s see if Zhao Guihua still treats you like a good daughter-in-law, if Zhuang Zhixi still dotes on you!


    While Wang Xiangxiu was indulging in these spiteful thoughts, the subject of her contempt was completely unaware. At that moment, Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi had just finished their evening activities and were cuddling together. Ming Mei had no idea she was being thought of this way. How could she know? Without any interaction between them, she had become someone''s imaginary enemy - quite an unreasonable situation.


    Ming Mei was currently curious about something else. Leaning against Zhuang Zhixi, she said, "I want to ask you something, and you must tell me."


    Zhuang Zhixi, his forehead still covered in sweat, was absently stroking Ming Mei''s long hair. He asked, "What is it?"


    Ming Mei looked up with sparkling eyes: "Who are the Four Tiger Ladies?"


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing.


    He hadn''t expected this question at all. He quickly laughed and said, "Well, who do you think they are?"


    Ming Mei blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering, and said, "Well, your mother must be one of them."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Correct, who else?"


    Ming Mei: "Definitely Madam Zhou Li, that Aunt Zhou. She''s already put on several shows since I arrived just two days ago."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Right again, can you guess another?"


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and said, "Mrs. Wang? She seems very fierce."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed even harder and said, "Look, you''ve already guessed three correctly! The last one shouldn''t be hard to figure out, right?"


    Ming Mei hesitated: "...Could it be Aunt Su?"


    Although she''d heard Aunt Su was not to be trifled with, she looked so frail, and her voice was so soft - thirty years ago, she must have been a delicate flower. So calling her a tiger lady seemed odd to Ming Mei.


    But Zhuang Zhixi nodded, confirming Ming Mei''s guess.


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened in surprise, "She doesn''t look like one at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Appearances can be deceiving. I haven''t seen it myself, but according to my mother and others, when Aunt Su was young, she once threatened a male coworker who harassed her with a kitchen knife."


    Ming Mei: "Wow! I never would have guessed!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There''s a lot you wouldn''t guess."


    Ming Mei: "Oh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll share more gossip with you later. Shall we continue with round two?"


    He looked at his wife with bright eyes, but Ming Mei quickly rolled to the side, wrapping herself in the blanket like a cocoon, and started fake snoring: "Hoo hoo hoo~"


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh: "Your fake sleeping is so obvious. Do you think I''m stupid?"


    Ming Mei: "Hoo hoo hoo~"


    No matter what, she was "asleep."


    Seeing she wasn''t interested, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t insist. He reached out and pulled the cocoon-like figure into his arms, saying, "Share some blanket with me, I get cold too~"


    The Ming Mei cocoon firmly refused to loosen, apparently not trusting him.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I really just want to sleep, honestly. I won''t do anything... we have to visit your mother tomorrow, I know my limits."


    Ming Mei muttered quietly: "You didn''t seem to know your limits when you mentioned round two."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "Oh, you''re trying to provoke me now? Want to see what it''s like when I really don''t know my limits?"


    Ming Mei promptly: "Hoo hoo hoo~"


    Back to the eternal fake sleeping.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, bundled Ming Mei in his arms, and managed to get under the blanket himself - in the cold weather, cuddling was the warmest way to sleep... He held Ming Mei, his large hand covering her small one, completely enveloping her in his embrace, and said, "Let''s sleep."


    Ming Mei gave a soft "mm" in response.


    In the moonlight filtering through the curtains, Zhuang Zhixi saw her upturned lips, and whispered, "You''re wonderful, wife."


    Ming Mei''s smile grew wider, and she softly said, "You''re wonderful too..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t tempt me, or I''ll think you want round two after all..."


    Ming Mei: "Hoo hoo hoo~"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, hugged her close, and closed his eyes. His wife was so lovely, warm and soft and gentle. Ming Mei looked quite slim, not fat at all, but she had a small frame with just the right amount of softness - others might not notice, but as her husband, Zhuang Zhixi truly loved her this way.


    "Sleep well~"


    Ming Mei gave a soft laugh and snuggled closer into his embrace.


    Zhuang Zhixi was holding his wife in bed, not yet asleep, when he heard the soft sound of a door opening and closing. He knew it was his elder brother returning home after secretly delivering gifts in the dark, acting as if it was something to hide.


    He found a comfortable position and closed his eyes...


    Young people certainly have good stamina. Although Zhuang Zhixi had been full of energy the night before, it didn''t affect his ability to wake up early. Nobody slept in these days anyway - every household was stirring early in the morning, and no matter how deeply one slept, they had to get up.


    Early in the morning, Zhuang Zhixi brought hot water for his wife to wash up. Ming Mei didn''t stand on ceremony, contentedly letting him attend to her.


    The young couple dressed themselves neatly and picked up their return-visit gifts before heading out. As soon as they left, they ran into Wang Xiangxiu, whose eyes immediately fixed on their fish - four large ones, each more impressive than the last!


    She gave a dry laugh and quickly approached them, saying, "Oh my, what fine fish! Did you get these from the state-run food store? We couldn''t get any. With New Year''s coming up, it doesn''t feel right not having fish for the celebration of abundance. Say, those fish of yours..."


    Zhuang Zhixi cut her off: "Sister Su, we''re in a hurry to make our return visit. We need to go."


    He put his arm around Ming Mei''s shoulder and said, "Let''s go, we still need to visit the supply and marketing cooperative."


    Ming Mei blinked and waved: "Goodbye!"


    The couple left, with Zhuang Zhixi pedaling the bicycle carrying Ming Mei. They turned the corner and disappeared in a flash, barely exchanging pleasantries with Wang Xiangxiu, who stamped her foot in frustration: "How could they just leave like that!"


    You stingy little brat!


    No wonder there was such a strong fishy smell yesterday - it was these four big fish! Even for a return visit, isn''t that too much?


    Bai Fendou rode out on his bicycle proudly, and seeing Wang Xiangxiu stamping her foot, asked, "What''s wrong? What happened?"


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes rolled slightly as she put on a wronged expression, saying, "It''s all because of Zhuang Zhixi. He was carrying four big fish, and when I just asked where he bought them, he rode away in a flash, as if I was going to beg him for one. This boy has been selfish since he was little, and he hasn''t changed one bit."


    Bai Fendou replied: "Hey, why bother with him? It''s just fish... Wait, didn''t I give our fish to your family?"


    Wang Xiangxiu complained coquettishly: "How could that be enough? I have three growing boys who eat a lot. How big was your fish? You didn''t see Zhuang Zhixi''s fish - they were huge. Fendou, you know how hard things are for me. Won''t you help your sister out?"


    Her eyes held a hint of spring as she said coyly, "I won''t forget your great kindness."


    Bai Fendou suddenly became energized, as if enlightened: "Oh, don''t say that! It''s nothing, we''re good neighbors, and you''re my Sister Xiu. It''s no trouble to help. Just wait, I''ll check by the lake today when I have time, and if there are any, I''ll get you a couple. The ones they just caught are big."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Oh, wonderful! I knew you were a good person."


    Bai Fendou smiled "shyly" and touched his head: "We''re close like family."


    He quickly added: "Sister, get on, I''ll give you a ride."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Great! Let me experience your new bike. This Forever brand is really something else. A man like you should definitely ride such a nice bicycle..."


    "That''s right!"


    Their voices drifted away with the wind, but they hadn''t noticed two people standing against the wall around the corner, with a bicycle beside them. Both had their ears perked up, listening with grins on their faces.


    These two were none other than Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "See that? Did you learn something?"


    Ming Mei sighed deeply: "I certainly did!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Even more natural than acting in movies, right?"


    Ming Mei nodded emphatically: "Absolutely."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You see how Sister Su is? We can''t take her for a good person."


    Ming Mei nodded vigorously: "I understand!"


    Ming Mei marveled again: Is this the kind of performance I can watch for free? S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Well, these two had nothing better to do than to hide and watch this drama unfold.


    "I need to go home and warn Mom. They''ve got their eyes on our family now, we need to be extra careful. Those three wild kids of hers have sticky fingers!"


    Ming Mei: "Let''s go home."


    Anyone who dared to steal her fish would have to face her Wing Chun!

 Chapter 14: Returning Home

    Chapter 14It was almost noon when Ming Mei and her husband returned home for their post-wedding visit, as they had been delayed by the morning''s festivities.


    Ming Mei''s father, Ming Xiangdong, was a long-haul truck driver for a freight company. Their family lived in the company''s residential compound, which consisted mainly of apartment buildings, unlike the courtyard houses where the machinery factory workers lived.


    Zhuang Zhixi parked the car beneath Ming Mei''s family building after driving his wife into the compound.


    Lan Ling, Ming Mei''s mother, had been watching from the window since early morning. After anxiously waiting to see her daughter, she finally spotted the young couple. Despite the cold, she pushed open the window and called out, "Nan-nan."


    Being from the South, Ming Mei''s mother used "Nan-nan" as an endearing term for daughters, as was customary in her hometown.


    Ming Mei looked up and responded with a sweet "Yes!" while happily waving her hand.


    As soon as she responded, several windows in the building had people peering down. In those days, with limited entertainment options, any family event became prime gossip material. Ming Mei''s post-wedding visit was certainly noteworthy gossip.


    The neighbors were particularly interested in the return gifts the newlyweds had brought.


    The quantity and quality of these gifts were significant indicators of how well the new bride was treated in her husband''s family - it was quite meaningful. When they saw the fish, they couldn''t help but notice how large they were.


    While the neighbors were busy observing, the young couple had already parked and headed upstairs. Lan Ling opened the door to welcome them, saying, "What took you so long? We''ve been waiting. Come in quickly, it must be cold outside." She ushered them inside.


    The Ming family lived on the second floor. Upon entering, they found the whole family present. Ming Mei''s little nephew Jun Jun ran to her side, hugging her leg while saying in his childish voice, "Auntie, where did you go? Why didn''t you come home? I missed you."


    Ming Mei burst into laughter and picked up her three-year-old nephew. She swayed him gently and said, "Auntie got married, so now I have to live somewhere else. But look, I brought you candy!"


    Jun Jun''s eyes sparkled with joy as he clapped his hands, "Candy, candy!"


    He was even a year younger than Little Yanzi.


    Ming Mei held the little one while taking a handful of candy from her bag and giving it to him. The little fellow immediately broke into a smile, showing his tiny white teeth, even drooling with happiness.


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly and said, "Dad, I''m home!"


    Ming Xiangdong, not yet fifty, was tall and sturdy with broad shoulders. A scar on one corner of his forehead gave him a somewhat fierce appearance. Ming Mei didn''t resemble her father much; she took after her mother Lan Ling, as did both Ming siblings.


    Despite his intimidating appearance, Ming Mei''s father beamed at the sight of his daughter, gesturing, "Come here, darling. I bought your favorite snacks."


    He acted as if he hadn''t even noticed his son-in-law.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, was naturally sociable and greeted everyone.


    Ming Mei''s father merely grunted in response, but her older brother Ming Cheng smiled and said, "Brother-in-law, please have a seat."


    Ming Cheng and Zhuang Zhixi were already acquainted - Ming Cheng and Zhuang Zhixi''s brother, Zhuang Zhiyuan, had been classmates from elementary through high school and were now colleagues. When Zhuang Zhixi was young, he often followed his brother around and played with these older boys. Being young and sweet-talking, always respectfully addressing them as "big brother," he had left a good impression on Ming Cheng.


    If he hadn''t liked him, he wouldn''t have introduced him to his sister.


    He smiled and asked, "Are you treating my sister well?"


    Zhuang Zhixi hurried to prove his loyalty: "Of course! She''s my wife - who else would I treat well if not her? I''m so lucky to have such a wonderful wife, I wake up smiling. I couldn''t bear to treat her badly. Brother Ming Cheng, it hurts me that you would doubt me."


    Ming Mei''s father snorted.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Dad, I''m telling the truth... Oh, Mom, let me help you with that!"


    Lan Ling was preparing to clean a fish for cooking, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly got up to help. Lan Ling said, "We don''t need you, the two of us can manage."


    By "the two of us," she meant herself and her daughter-in-law Tao Qing, not her daughter. Tao Qing smiled at Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi persisted: "Mom, just let me show what I can do. I might not be the best cook, but I can help out. Let sister-in-law go chat with Ming Mei in the living room, and I''ll help you here and keep you company."


    Zhuang Zhixi was quite skilled at flattery. Though he might slack off at home, this was his first official visit to his in-laws'' house, so he was on his best behavior.


    At the very least, Lan Ling thought this son-in-law was quite nice. She smiled and nodded, saying, "You''re a grown man, what are you doing in the kitchen?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "What''s wrong with that? Men are people too, and housework isn''t gender-specific. Here, let me help."


    The kitchen was small, and three people would have made it crowded. Lan Ling turned to her daughter-in-law: "Tao Qing, you can go out."


    Tao Qing glanced at Zhuang Zhixi once more before saying, "Alright."


    This brother-in-law seemed decent enough.


    With just the two of them in the kitchen, although Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi had brought four items as return gifts, Lan Ling was particularly pleased with the fish - four equally sized fish, each over thirty centimeters long, looking quite impressive.


    The thoughtfulness of the gifts indicated how much they valued her daughter, which made Lan Ling satisfied.


    She said, "My daughter has been spoiled by everyone since she was little. She''s a bit naive and carefree. Now that you''re married, you''ll need to be patient with her. She''s actually a simple child, without much cunning, and sometimes her good intentions might lead to mistakes. If she does anything wrong, tell me, and I''ll back you up."


    Although Lan Ling had several times considered calling off the marriage before it happened, now that they were married, she wouldn''t say anything unpleasant or annoying. Her words were considerate and comforting.


    Zhuang Zhixi responded, "Ming Mei is wonderful, I can''t love her enough. I would never think she has any flaws."


    Zhuang Zhixi was being straightforward, which pleased Lan Ling. She nodded slightly, feeling that this son-in-law had many good qualities, especially his sweet talk - something the men in her family couldn''t manage.


    She smiled and said, "As parents, we''re at ease when we see you living well together. You don''t need to worry much about us, whether it''s Ming Cheng and his wife or you two. If you''re doing well, we''re happy. Don''t mind his father''s stern face - he actually likes you very much, he''s just tough on the outside but soft on the inside."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly replied, "I know. Actually, my father-in-law is a bit like my mother - tough on the outside but soft-hearted. She scolds us fiercely, but it''s because she cares about us. But don''t worry, Mother, even though my mom can be harsh, she would never scold Ming Mei - I''m the only one who gets scolded."


    Lan Ling nodded slightly and smiled, "That''s how parents are. No matter who''s right or wrong, we can''t scold other people''s children. With our own, we''re more casual." Though she seemed to be making casual conversation, Zhuang Zhixi understood his mother-in-law''s meaning.


    He wasn''t surprised - he had known before marrying Ming Mei that the Ming family raised their daughter differently from most families, treating her like a treasure.


    Who would let their treasure be bullied by others?


    Thinking of this, Zhuang Zhixi quickly added, "Mom, our family has separated finances."


    Lan Ling''s eye twitched as she suppressed her joy, asking, "Separated? When did this happen?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "We had a family meeting on our first day of marriage. Well, it''s not exactly separation. We''re still sharing the house and eating together, but we only pay for food expenses now. My parents won''t manage our other expenses. We handle our own money, and since I''m not good with finances, my wife manages our money."


    Lan Ling couldn''t help but smile, saying, "That''s fine. These matters are for you two to handle. If your parents don''t interfere, we certainly won''t either. We won''t cause any trouble."


    She hadn''t expected her in-laws to keep their word so well - they had promised to address this issue, and they actually did. Initially, Lan Ling had been somewhat uncertain, as verbal agreements often don''t amount to much. It wouldn''t have been surprising if they had wanted to favor their eldest son more.


    But unexpectedly, her mother-in-law had kept her promise.


    Her mood brightened even more as she hummed a little tune while putting the fish in the pot, saying, "This fish is really good."


    If it weren''t for the bride''s traditional visit home, she definitely wouldn''t have felt comfortable accepting so many fish, but since it was her daughter''s homecoming gift, she didn''t say a word about it. She put the lid on the pot and said, "Alright, you can go out now. The remaining things here just need a quick stir before serving. Go sit outside, and today at lunch, keep the old man company for a drink."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Okay~"


    The lunch prepared by Ming''s family for their daughter''s homecoming visit was quite lavish, with fish and meat dishes that looked very impressive, even better than the wedding feast at their own house. The whole family sat down at the table, and Ming Mei''s father brought out a bottle of Maotai.


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "This liquor seems expensive."


    Ming Mei''s father retorted, "Just drink it, why so many words?"


    As a father, he wasn''t particularly fond of the ''pig'' who had taken away his precious daughter. But to say he disliked him wouldn''t be true either. He filled his son-in-law''s glass, then his son''s: after all, people always said Ming Mei''s family was well-off.


    This was absolutely true. Previously, when Ming Mei was still in school, her father drove long-haul trucks, and her mother was a bus ticket collector: they were both employed. Later, Ming Mei''s brother Ming Cheng also went to work at the railway station. Even Ming Mei''s sister-in-law, though a temporary worker, sold tickets at the railway station. You could say the whole family had respectable jobs with decent incomes.


    Even after Lan Ling passed her job to her daughter, their family''s living conditions remained quite good.


    After all, Ming Mei''s father drove long-distance trucks, and in those days, being a driver was a very respectable job, especially for those who could do long-distance deliveries like him. Their good financial situation stemmed from this.


    "Come, let''s drink! Son-in-law, let me tell you something: our daughter has never suffered any grievances at home. If your family makes her suffer, I''ll beat you up..."


    "My precious daughter, whom I raised so well, married at just twenty-something. Isn''t that frustrating? How did she end up choosing you, you little rascal? Must be your looks: she definitely fell for your handsome face. She''s always liked pretty things since she was little. When she was small and saw her grandmother''s gold bracelet, while others didn''t care for it, she couldn''t take her eyes off it, clutching it tightly..."


    "I see you''re quite the smooth talker, but you better behave yourself. If I ever find out you''re flirting around outside, I''ll finish you! Let me tell you, I have many brothers-in-arms, and dealing with you would be as easy as handling a chick..."


    "I could take on a hundred of your kind..."


    Ming Mei''s father hiccupped from the alcohol. He''d only had half a glass but was already drunk, completely dropping his initial cold demeanor and turning into a chattering mess, full of melancholy...


    Zhuang Zhixi sat up straight, appearing to take the lecture seriously. While Ming Mei''s father continued his rambling, Lan Ling glanced at her husband, then at her son-in-law, and smiled meaningfully... She said, "Alright, just eat your food. Why are you trying to scare our son-in-law? I think he''s quite good." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph, the old saying is right: a mother-in-law always finds her son-in-law more and more pleasing. I think you''ve lost your stance." Ming Mei''s father took another sip, his eyes growing hazier. "Anyway, anyway, if you bully my daughter, I''ll come to your door with an axe to teach you a lesson..."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Alright, alright, please feel free to correct me wherever I''m lacking."


    Ming Mei''s father glared, "You''re planning to misbehave?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly changed his tune: "I promise to be good! Don''t worry! You can absolutely trust me! I won''t give you any reason to teach me a lesson!"


    Ming Mei''s father continued glaring: "I''m your father-in-law, and I can''t even teach you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course you can! How could you not? I''ll listen to whatever you say."


    Ming Mei''s father: "...That''s more like it."


    Lan Ling: "Enough already, just eat your food. Stop scaring our son-in-law."


    Ming Mei''s father: "Hmph!"


    Ming Cheng and his wife pretended to be invisible.


    Zhuang Zhixi wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead and quietly let out a sigh of relief.


    Ming Mei looked around at everyone, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled... Seeing her expression, Zhuang Zhixi nudged her foot and mouthed: "Laughing at your husband''s predicament!"


    Ming Mei laughed even harder.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Ming Mei''s father looked up: "...Why are you kicking me?"


    Ming Mei finally couldn''t hold it in anymore: "Pff, hahahahaha~"


    Zhuang Zhixi froze for a moment, then joined in the laughter...


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua was musing at home: "Wonder how that little rascal Zhuang Zhixi is doing over there today." After pondering, she added, "Though that little rascal has thick skin, he should be able to handle his in-laws..."


    Zzzzt.


    Suddenly, there was a sound from outside. Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow, quickly pulled open the window, looked down, and saw three "big rats" beneath the window...

 Chapter 15: Trouble Caused by Naughty Kids

    Chapter 15Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei spent most of the day at her father''s house. When they were about to leave, her mother gave them a hen. The old hen was clucking, looking so lovable. This old hen, with a little neck rub, a few plucks of feathers, a bit of mushrooms, and some dried bamboo shoots, stewed on high heat then simmered on low heat, would make a great dish.


    Just thinking about it made their mouths water.


    So, through this old hen, Zhuang Zhixi deeply felt the truth of the saying, "The more a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the more pleased she becomes."


    You see, his elder brother has also taken his wife to visit their father-in-law countless times over the years, but never once received such treatment. But Zhuang Zhixi was different, he did! So, even in the cold winter with the north wind howling, Zhuang Zhixi pedaled his bicycle with all his might.


    Ming Mei sat on the back seat, hugging Zhuang Zhixi''s waist, feeling that riding a bike together was indeed better, a good wind blocker.


    The couple rode their bike back to the alley. Before they reached home, they saw the alley crowded with people. Considering that it wasn''t a holiday and everyone should be at work, this crowd must have gathered from both ends of the alley, otherwise, there wouldn''t be so many people.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What''s going on?"


    Ming Mei immediately jumped off the bike, stood on tiptoe to see, and curiously asked, "What happened, what happened?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I don''t know, it seems they''re gathered around our yard, I wonder whose family is in trouble..."


    He shouted loudly: "Make way, make way, ladies and gentlemen, give me a path, I''m going home."


    His shout immediately attracted attention, and an old lady recognized him and said, "Little Zhuang, you''re back just in time, your mother is going ballistic again, you better go home and see if you can calm her down."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My mother?"


    Oh, so it''s our house?


    He quickly made his way through the crowd and entered the yard where there were also quite a few people. Comrade Zhao Guihua was standing with her hands on her hips, spewing out words like a pro, her scolding skills no less than the continuous battles of Madam Zhou Li.


    Without even taking a breath, she was yelling: "You little rascal, trying to take advantage of me, do you really think I''m a docile little kitty? You uneducated dog, you shameless thing, what''s the matter? You think because your mother and grandmother spoil you, everyone in the world has to spoil you too? Am I your father? If I were your father, I''d kick you straight into the outhouse, you shameless thing. You still want to ask me for something? Pah, you really don''t know the three-eyed horse king. Your family is having a hard time? Who isn''t? How come other families can live well by saving and scrimping? But your family, time and time again! Not satisfied with taking advantage, huh? If I don''t give in, you''ll retaliate, right?"


    "Aunt Su, don''t play the frail woman with me. Who do you think you''re fooling? Do I look like one of those old men? I''m not falling for your tricks. You better save it. If others are willing to cater to you, that''s their business, but don''t think you can skin me alive. Look at yourself, who do you think you are! Sending your kids to do your dirty work because you''re too old to do it yourself? Planning some kind of revenge? How can your family be so shameless? Why hasn''t a bolt of lightning struck you all down for your wickedness?"


    Zhao Guihua spat out her words with a venomous satisfaction, her eyes boring into Aunt Su''s family, as if she was ready to consume them whole.


    Zhuang Zhixi: Oh my God~


    He quickly stepped forward, asking, "Mom, what''s wrong? Who''s been bullying you?"


    Ming Mei, rolling up her sleeves, chimed in, "Yes, Mom, who''s been bullying you? I''ll teach them a lesson!"


    The onlooking crowd: "......"


    Oh dear, who could possibly bully her? It would be a miracle if she didn''t bully others!


    Usually, in such situations, someone would step forward to defend justice, to mediate, but not today. Because today''s issue was...


    Well... it''s complicated.


    But to think that Zhao Guihua would be at a disadvantage, that was impossible. Absolutely impossible.


    The story began at noon today. Yes, it''s a bit of a long story, but not a complicated one...


    Even though it was the end of the year, this day was like any other ordinary day. After lunch, Hutou, a little boy full of energy, was not interested in resting or afraid of the cold. He took his sister out to play on the streets.


    It was winter vacation, and the children on the street buzzed like bees, in groups.


    As soon as Hutou and his sister left, Liang Meifen changed her clothes and went out. She planned to visit the neighborhood committee. She used to work and it wasn''t a problem, but now she had lost her job and one source of income.


    She had originally planned well, thinking that they could all live together, with so many workers in the family, they wouldn''t starve. But she never expected her mother-in-law to act so unusually. Although they hadn''t separated households yet, what was the difference?


    She couldn''t profit, and lost one person''s salary, so she had to think of more ways. If she wanted to find another formal job, it was out of the question. Even though she graduated from high school, it was a pipe dream.


    The movement to the countryside was in full swing. Many families with a bit of power could not guarantee that each of their children could have a formal job in the city, let alone her situation. Although Liang Meifen was a bit confused, she understood this.


    Because she understood, she wanted to register with the neighborhood committee to see if there were any odd jobs she could do to earn some extra pocket money. But she also knew that with their family''s situation, eight people in the family, four workers, and two children, they were considered a pretty well-off family. Usually, the neighborhood committee arranges some odd jobs, but not for just anyone, they prioritize the needy households.


    Their household was certainly not what you''d call impoverished. A family was considered poor if the average monthly income per person was less than five yuan. There were eight people in their home, which means if they made more than forty yuan, they weren''t poor. Her father-in-law alone made fifty-five yuan. It was quite a situation!


    It was impossible for their family to ever be considered poor, and it wasn''t easy to make arrangements for them.


    So, Liang Meifen spent the last few days frequently visiting the local government office whenever she had nothing else to do. She shamelessly hung around, hoping that her regular visits would earn her some small jobs, like pasting cardboard boxes or matchboxes. She was willing to do anything.


    Because of this, Liang Meifen left home after lunch today. The large family was left to Zhao Guihua alone, who was pondering over the situation of her youngest son bringing home his wife. She remembered what happened in her past life. Because their family didn''t handle things well, even though they gave their daughter-in-law five hundred yuan as private money, the Ming family was very dissatisfied.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t show any good face in the past. Thinking about these things, although Zhao Guihua was stubborn, she felt a twinge of regret in her heart. She hadn''t handled this matter well in her past life.


    While she was pondering, she heard a rustling noise outside the window. Zhao Guihua quickly stepped forward and opened the window. Sure enough, there were three "big rats" below the window.


    The three guys were sneaking around. Zhao Guihua looked at the three children, Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai, and asked with a smirk, "What are you doing here?"


    Jinlai didn''t expect to be caught. He awkwardly and reluctantly smiled, quickly thought of an excuse, and said, "We''re playing hide and seek."


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow, not quite believing these three "big rats". However, she didn''t give the children a hard time. She chuckled and said, "Who could hide here? Go play hide and seek somewhere else."


    She was about to close the window, but she didn''t mind. These three kids had no shame at all.


    Jinlai woke up needing to pee last night, but he overheard his grandma and his mom talking. The Zhuang family had fish. His family had some too, but they were saving theirs for the New Year. The Zhuang family was so well-off, why couldn''t they share a little with his family?


    They were all neighbors, why should they hog all the food?


    This kid had been spoiled by his family since he was a child, and his character was particularly selfish. Thinking about this, he quickly said, "Grandma Zhao, I want to eat fish."


    Zhao Guihua''s hand paused as she was closing the window, and she looked at this little brat. The brat looked up, taking it for granted as he said, "I smelled fish from your house, and I want to eat it too."


    Zhao Guihua burst out laughing, finding it truly amusing. She said coldly, "What are you thinking about, you little rascal? Just because my house has fish, I should give it to you? How big is your face? Is this how your family teaches you? It''s really funny. You''re nine years old, not like your little brother, who''s only five. If a five-year-old child said this, I could consider him ignorant. Don''t you think it''s shameless for a nine-year-old child to say this?"


    Doesn''t Jinlai understand this principle?


    He does, and he knows that the food he''s eating now isn''t something he can casually share with others. However, his grandma and his mother often talk about their own hardships, and how they should help each other when others are having a good time. Hearing this often, he thought it was right and natural.


    "We can barely feed ourselves, how can you be so heartless? What''s the problem with giving us a little bit? You''re so harsh, no one will take care of you when you''re old!" Jinlai, mimicking his mother''s typical words, scolded Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua was already upset, and this made her furious. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She didn''t hold back, pointing at Jinlai and his two brothers and scolding, "You little brats, taking advantage of our family, right? Compassion? Why don''t you bring out your stuff? Always out stealing and messing around, what kind of unlucky children, were you born without being taught? I don''t want to stoop to your level, you better take your brothers and get out of here. If I see you again, I won''t hit a child, but I won''t spare your grandma and your mother! What a piece of crap, a half-grown kid coming here to put on airs. What do you think you are!"


    Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai were boys, and they were not only pampered at home, but also received compliments outside. Having three sons at once, they were like brothers in arms. How impressive that was.


    When they went out to play with others, they were always on top.


    And the people in the yard also quite liked them. Despite Madam Zhou Li''s constant nagging, she sometimes looked at them with envy. Who wouldn''t crave three boys? The Bai family father and son were even worse, the elder fawning over the old widow, the younger over the young widow, they were bound to be good to the three children.


    Even Chef Li envied their family, he only had one daughter. Although she was married into the family, the desire for a son was different. Other families, more or less, would show their envy.


    Because of this, Jinlai and his brothers enjoyed being under the envious and jealous eyes.


    When they were suddenly scolded, they were naturally furious, glaring at Zhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua retorted, "What are you looking at, you little bastard, dare to look at me like that, believe it or not, I''ll smack you?"


    A nine-year-old child, no matter how big, wouldn''t dare to fight with an adult. Zhao Guihua was fierce, Jinlai glared at Zhao Guihua fiercely, then ran away with his two brothers.


    Seeing the children run away, Zhao Guihua shook her head, thinking to herself that this family really didn''t know how to raise children. What have they taught these good kids? Their family was indeed a bit harder than others, but if they said their life was unbearable, Zhao Guihua didn''t agree.


    In her previous life, she didn''t see it clearly, thinking they were just neighbors, two women raising three half-grown boys, with only one person working, she would help if she could. But it turned out later, it wasn''t like that.


    Wang Xiangxiu, the one who worked, didn''t earn much, but she had a wide range of sources for money.


    Although Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t a gentle and delicate woman, she was quite attractive and had a figure that was considered desirable in that era. She had caught the eye of many men and had them wrapped around her finger.


    They didn''t necessarily do anything, but they did take advantage of each other. If we were to speak in terms of today, her fish pond had raised quite a few fish. However, these people didn''t work in the factory, and men didn''t talk about these things, so the people living in their area didn''t know much about it.


    As for her mother-in-law, Aunt Su, even though she was old, she managed to take advantage of the neighbors by pretending to be weak and pitiful. Not to mention, she had two daughters who were masters of manipulation.


    Even after her son passed away, she didn''t hesitate to manipulate her nephew.


    Her daughter-in-law, Liang Meifen, was quite manipulative, but compared to Aunt Su''s two daughters, she was nothing.


    Because of this, Zhao Guihua realized that she had misjudged the situation. In reality, their family was living a good life. They might even have been living better than Zhao Guihua herself. As for Aunt Su''s frail health, it was all an act. She lived till the age of ninety-five.


    At this age, the trees on Madam Zhou Li''s grave, who was still alive and kicking, had started to grow.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t believe that Aunt Su was genuinely ill. She believed it was just a tactic of Aunt Su. She grumbled in disdain, "Such a pretender."


    As Zhao Guihua was reminiscing about the past, she was unaware that the three little boys who had been scolded were quite angry. Jinlai led his two brothers outside the courtyard, cursing, "That old hag, she won''t give us fish and even scolds us. Why doesn''t she just drop dead! She deserves to choke on a fish bone."


    Yinlai, with his small eyes, grumbled, "Brother, cursing won''t do any good. She won''t give us any fish. We have nothing to eat. Should we steal some?"


    Tonglai, who was a year younger than Hutou but lacked his lively charm, greedily said, "If they won''t give us any, we''ll steal everything. They can eat shit!"


    Upon hearing this, Jinlai and Yinlai turned to look at Tonglai, "Huh?"


    Jinlai, with a malicious glint in his eyes, said, "That old hag refuses to share and even scolds us. We need to teach her a lesson. It''s not gentlemanly to let a grudge go unavenged. We may be kids, but we won''t be bullied."


    Yinlai and Tonglai nodded in agreement, "Brother, what should we do? We''ll follow your lead."


    Jinlai said maliciously, "Since she won''t share with us, we''ll share with her."


    Yinlai and Tonglai were confused, "???"


    Share with her?


    They barely had enough for themselves! How could they share with others?


    The two mischievous boys were puzzled.


    Jinlai let out a wicked laugh, "We''ll do as our youngest brother suggested. Let her eat shit!"


    "Ah?!!!"


    They were genuinely shocked. However, imagining the scene, they began to clap their hands in excitement, "Good, this is good! She deserves to be taught a lesson. This is a great lesson."


    Yinlai asked, "Brother, what should we do?"


    Jinlai said, "Let me think, let me think carefully."


    He pondered for a while, then said, "We''ll keep an eye on the courtyard. She can''t possibly stay inside all the time; she''ll have to come out to use the toilet. As soon as she comes out, we''ll sneak around to the back and throw the firecrackers into the toilet. If we''re lucky, she''ll fall into the toilet. Isn''t that a fine mess? If we''re unlucky and she doesn''t fall in, at least we''ll have splashed her, and that''s a win too!"


    "That''s a good idea, but we don''t have any firecrackers."


    "Bro, I want to play with firecrackers."


    Jinlai pondered, "Our mom definitely won''t give us money. We need to think of another way."


    Tonglai suggested, "Grandpa Bai, we can ask Grandpa Bai."


    Jinlai said, "Right, I''ll go find Grandpa Bai. If I can''t find him, I''ll find Uncle Bai. I''ll just say I want to set off firecrackers, they''ll definitely give me some. I''m going to ask right now, you two keep an eye on the old woman."


    "Okay."


    The three children divided the work amongst themselves. Other children their age would be able to help out at home a bit, but not these three. They were thinking about how to get into mischief together, each one full of energy.


    Zhao Guihua was completely unaware of this, oblivious to the impending danger.


    In the afternoon, she came out to use the outhouse. As soon as she stepped out of the courtyard, the three children who were all set and ready immediately followed her quietly, sneakily.


    To be honest, the person who was most uncomfortable with this toilet situation was not Ming Mei, who had moved from a high-rise building to a courtyard house. Although Ming Mei was living a more frugal life now, she was a person of this era, and was used to such dry toilets. Her family didn''t use them, but she did when she was out. Although it was a bit difficult, she could still bear it.


    The one who couldn''t bear it at all was Zhao Guihua. She hadn''t used such a dry toilet in decades. Every time she had to use the toilet, she had to mentally prepare herself before she could step into the toilet.


    It was tough!


    She held her sleeves, walked quickly to the toilet, aiming for a quick battle.


    Zhao Guihua rushed to the toilet, almost like a tornado. As soon as Zhao Guihua entered the toilet, Jinlai and the other two children immediately went around to the back of the toilet, where the dung pit was. They struck a match, and a gust of wind blew out the match.


    Jinlai muttered a curse under his breath, quickly struck another match. Matches cost money, and he was very stingy. He quickly struck the second match, and this time finally lit the firecracker, and threw it directly into the dung pit... Boom!


    Zhao Guihua was quick; she never dawdled when using the toilet, and didn''t chat. She went in and out quickly. Sure enough, she was out of the toilet in no time. She had barely taken two steps when she heard a noise. A voice cursing came from the toilet, "Who''s the unlucky star that threw firecrackers into the toilet, are you trying to kill me!"


    A woman ran out pulling up her pants, and you could see that her lower legs were spotted with dung.


    Zhao Guihua: "You..." Before she could ask what happened, she saw Jinlai and his two mischievous brothers. Zhao Guihua shouted, "Is this your doing, you three little devils?"


    The three children ran off as soon as they heard her. They certainly didn''t want to be caught red-handed.


    They thought that Zhao Guihua, after being scolded, wouldn''t react so quickly. But who would have thought that Zhao Guihua was quick to use the restroom and she was already out. The three children were instantly flustered, and another innocent victim rushed up, grabbed Jinlai, and slapped him twice.


    "You unlucky child, how dare you throw..."


    No wonder Tonglai, the youngest, started to cry loudly when he saw his brother getting beaten up. He shouted, "We didn''t mean to blow you up, we wanted to blow up the old hag Zhao..."


    Zhao Guihua suddenly realized that these kids were after her. She was also angry and started scolding the three kids. Zhao Guihua and the victimized sister-in-law were not easy to deal with. Their shouting and the children''s crying attracted a crowd.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Why are they hitting the children? This is not right!"


    The victimized sister-in-law was not happy and shouted, "Get lost, you hypocrites! You don''t know the whole story... These three little bastards..." She loudly explained what had just happened.


    Zhao Guihua also refused to be outdone: "These three brats targeted me. If I hadn''t come out early, I would have been victimized too. Can you believe that?"


    Tonglai shouted, "It''s because you didn''t give us the fish!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Pah!"


    She grabbed the child''s ear and shouted, "Why should I give you fish? The fish I got from the old man fishing by the river yesterday was for my daughter-in-law, and it was taken away this morning. These three little brats came to my house demanding it, saying that I was heartless for not giving it to them. Now, who doesn''t lack food and drink? If your family lacks, should others give to you? And if they don''t, you retaliate? How did your family educate you?"


    Zhao Guihua''s rant made the surrounding people nod in agreement.


    Who could afford to give away such precious things in this economy?


    The scene was chaotic. Aunt Su ran out crying, "Jinlai, Yinlai..."


    "You stop pretending to be the victim. Tell me, did you teach these children? How else could they do such a thing?" Zhao Guihua was righteous and on the side of reason.


    "They didn''t..."


    "They didn''t my ass, they did it on purpose. Sister, I''ll keep an eye on these three little brats for you. You should go home and change your pants first, then come to our courtyard. I''ll vouch for you and make their family compensate you. There''s no way to handle things like this." Zhao Guihua looked at the innocent sister, feeling that she was the real victim. Ugh! Her pants were covered in feces.


    "Alright, sister, I trust you!"


    At this point, Aunt Wang also came out. She was in charge of their courtyard and naturally didn''t want things to get uglier. She said, "Regardless, all of you should return to the courtyard first. What''s the point of quarreling at the toilet door? Move along, move along."


    She pushed people back, but even if they returned to the courtyard, could it disperse the crowd''s enthusiasm for gossip?


    No, it certainly couldn''t.


    And so, they were surrounded. As the crowd of onlookers grew, it was three layers inside and three layers outside.


    When Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei returned, this was the situation. After hearing what had happened, Zhuang Zhixi was speechless. What kind of shameless people were these? He didn''t mince his words, saying, "Aunt Su, stop your crying. With all your sobbing, it''s as if we''re bullying you. No matter how hard you cry, it''s your family who''s in the wrong. What your child has done is not something a human should do. What''s this, you can get away with anything by crying these days? Even if you''re wrong, you still want to stir up trouble? Let me tell you, you can''t just cry your way out of this. There''s no such thing as bullying people like this."


    Ming Mei added, "Exactly, you''re just bullying my mother because we weren''t home."


    She quickly moved to her mother-in-law''s other side, gently patting her back to comfort her, saying, "My mother is such an honest and simple person, look at how you''ve upset her! Is this how you do things? You''re really going too far."


    The onlookers exchanged puzzled glances: Honest, simple?


    Aunt Su was choked by these words, interrupting her sobbing rhythm.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "I think it''s about time you managed your three children better. What''s with all the stealing and petty crimes? Now it''s even worse; they''ve started retaliating. Are we supposed to live in fear of retaliation from your three children if we don''t give them things? Can we even continue living here? Can anyone?"


    When Zhuang Zhixi said this, the neighbors in the courtyard thought about it and agreed. This was a matter that affected their interests, and they immediately began voicing their opinions. Everyone expressed their dissatisfaction.


    "Aunt Su, your children really can''t go on like this. I think what Zhuang said is right, this can''t continue."


    "Exactly, they stole peanuts yesterday, and today they''re demanding fish and retaliating. You have to manage these children."


    "I''ve been saying this won''t do, and you said it was just boys being mischievous, but look now..."


    "We can''t let this continue in our courtyard..."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    Aunt Su covered her face and cried, sneaking a glance at Zhuang Zhixi. In her heart, she cursed: You little bastard, showing off your eloquence and rallying the crowd. You''re a curse. Why don''t you get struck by lightning?


    Even though she cursed Zhuang Zhixi to high heavens in her heart, she didn''t let it show on her face. Instead, she showed a hint of guilt.


    "It''s my fault for not disciplining the children well. My health is not good, I didn''t put enough effort into them, it''s my fault..." She was good at this, not the first time she played this card: "Guihua, you know me, I''m a strong-willed person. If it wasn''t for my lack of energy, how could I let them run around and pick up bad habits from other children? But believe me, no matter what, I will discipline them properly in the future. This time, please forgive them, I''m going to kneel for you..."


    She was about to kneel as she spoke, but Aunt Wang stopped her before she could, frowning, "Aunt Su, what are you doing? This is a new society, we don''t do that anymore, don''t kneel at the drop of a hat."


    Aunt Su''s eyes were full of tears, "I''m so ashamed!"


    She patted the children''s backs, "You three naughty children, look at what you''ve done. Who behaves like you? Haven''t I told you? Our family may be poor, but we must not be short-sighted, why don''t you listen!" She patted lightly, not hurting them at all.


    Ming Mei watched and nodded in agreement, "They really don''t listen. I''ve been married for three or four days and I''ve heard you say it twice. I remember it, but these three kids don''t. In this situation, based on my experience, a good beating will do the trick."


    Aunt Su: "Uh..."


    You''ve messed up my rhythm, you know!


    Do you know?


    You messed it up!


    What''s it got to do with you!


    She looked at this young couple, a thousand, ten thousand times annoyed, why are you everywhere!


    Ming Mei''s big eyes were looking around, her gaze fell on the stick Madam Zhou Li had placed at the door, "Look, isn''t that a stick? Don''t use your hands, you''re so weak, it''ll hurt you too if you hit them too hard, use the stick. If you beat them with the stick, I guarantee they''ll learn their lesson."


    The courtyard was silent in the afternoon.


    The onlookers didn''t know what to say for a moment, and the chatter died down.


    Aunt Su''s pale face turned the color of a pig''s liver, and Zhuang Zhixi clapped his hands, "Ah, that''s right. Look, when it comes to disciplining children, my wife knows best. See how reasonable she is. Aunt Su, you don''t need to thank us."


    Aunt Wang was supporting Aunt Su, preventing her from kneeling. This bad habit must not be allowed, she was in charge of managing the yard, she always had to keep this in mind. But now, she could clearly feel that Aunt Su was starting to shake slightly.


    She didn''t know if it was out of shame or... anger.


    Zhao Guihua had been scolding for a while, her son and daughter-in-law jumped out, she could take a little break in the middle of the game. But, she found that Aunt Su wasn''t as angry when she was jumping and cursing, but a few short words from her son and daughter-in-law almost made her faint with anger.


    Zhao Guihua blinked, suddenly feeling like she had learned something.


    Well, the old saying is really good, live to old, learn to old, it''s true.


    Sometimes sarcasm is more annoying than direct cursing.


    Ming Mei was still going on, "Aunt Su, if you want the children to remember the lesson, it''s best to hang them up and beat them with their clothes off."


    The surrounding people: "....Sss." So ruthless!


    Everyone let out a sound like a toothache.


    Ming Mei, with her innocent face, said something not so friendly: "Only a harsh enough lesson will teach a child a lasting lesson. Otherwise, if you just scold them lightly, they will repeat their actions next time. But after you beat them, remember to mix some salt water and splash it on the child."


    The surrounding people: "....Sss." So ruthless, so ruthless!


    Won''t this hurt to death?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why?"


    He asked curiously, and Ming Mei seriously explained: "The wooden stick is not clean. After beating, we need to sterilize it."


    "Wow... Don''t hit me, don''t hit me, I don''t want to be beaten with a stick, you are a bad person, you are the worst person in the world, wuwuwu..." Tonglai was scared and started crying loudly.


    Jinlai and Yinlai were also a bit scared. They weren''t afraid of their family hitting people, but they were afraid of other people in the yard doing it. Don''t think that Jinlai dared to kick Madam Zhou Li yesterday, that''s because he knew that Uncle Zhou Qun liked him and wouldn''t come out to hit him.


    His mother and grandmother were there and wouldn''t let him be bullied. Even if he was beaten a little, he wouldn''t suffer.


    But the people of the Zhuang family... They didn''t have this "friendship" with him.


    His mother wasn''t home, and neither was Bai Fendou. Only his grandmother was there. How could she handle it?


    The two of them were also a bit scared and kept shrinking behind their grandmother.


    Ming Mei continued to babble: "The child is small. If you are afraid of hurting him, don''t hit his body, hit his butt. There is a lot of meat on the butt, and there will definitely be no problem after hitting it."


    She also enthusiastically suggested where to hit.


    Zhao Guihua: "I think my daughter-in-law is right."


    She sneered and said: "These little rascals need to be educated properly, otherwise they will never stop."


    "I won''t dare anymore, I won''t dare in the future, don''t hit me, it''s all big brother''s doing, it''s all big brother''s idea, not me..." Yinlai saw that the situation was going wrong and decisively sold out his own brother. Everyone was amazed at this. How could this child be like this?


    Jinlai was also annoyed: "You bastard, I am your brother!"


    "Wuwuwu, I don''t want to be beaten, it''s you, it''s you, it''s you, it''s your idea, it''s you who did it..."


    Kids, dog eat dog.


    "Make way, make way for me, big sister, I''m back, compensation, you splashed me with a pair of pants full of dung dots, hurry up and compensate me!" The other victim, big sister, finally came back. This trip home, she had calmed down a lot and decisively chose to ask for money.


    What does disciplining the child have to do with her?


    Money is more attractive. Isn''t it good to buy meat with the money?


    "Compensation! Look at my pants, you have to compensate me for at least one pair of pants..." Negotiating a price is like this, first ask for a big one, then slowly bargain. She asked for a large amount. Sure enough, everyone around her took a deep breath.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t have any expression, but it was Aunt Wang who said: "Big sister, you can''t do this. They are indeed wrong, but this is too much. Your pants can still be worn after washing. How about we pay a little less..."


    Everyone knew that letting it go was impossible. Why should they?


    If it was mud, no one would say anything, but that was dung.


    The scene immediately plunged into intense haggling. A pair of pants, no matter how you look at it, would cost a few bucks at least. It was impossible to settle for less. After intense bargaining from both sides, the compensation was finally set at eighty cents.


    The victim, the sister-in-law, took the money and left triumphantly.


    Aunt Su was heartbroken. The money for a pound of meat was just given away like that!


    "All right, all right, everyone disperse..."


    Zhao Guihua shouted, "Disperse? Who said anything about dispersing? She''s settled, but what about me? If they don''t give me an explanation, I won''t let this matter rest. Who knows if those little brats will ambush me in the restroom again tomorrow without some discipline?"


    Ming Mei chimed in loudly, "Exactly! How can they do this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "They must give us an explanation."


    Aunt Wang rubbed her temples. In a short time, she had figured out that this new daughter-in-law of the Zhuang family, was not an easy one to deal with. Originally, the Zhuang family only had Zhao Guihua to contend with, but now this young woman was also quite assertive.


    Ming Mei thought to herself: Now is the perfect time to brown-nose!


    She rolled up her sleeves, "If your family doesn''t give my mother-in-law an explanation, I won''t be polite. Let me tell you, I can catch seven villains bare-handed! Dealing with you guys is a piece of cake! Cleaning you up is as easy as chopping vegetables!"


    Zhuang Zhixi curled his lips into a smile, "My wife is really amazing."


    Zhao Guihua: "......"


    She had forgotten that this young daughter-in-law was indeed a formidable person.


    Ming Mei started working half a year later than Zhuang Zhixi and almost a year now, but why was her salary higher than Zhuang Zhixi''s? Because she had been commended and given a raise. The reason for the commendation was that she had once caught a gang of seven thieves stealing on a bus.


    It was said that the thieves had even pulled out a knife, but they were helpless. The seven grown men were beaten up by a young girl until they were black and blue. When the police arrived, they were crying their eyes out. The onlookers applauded.


    Later, it was heard that those thieves never dared to commit theft on the bus where Ming Mei worked as a ticket seller.


    Of course, Zhao Guihua found out about all this later.


    Aliali: 673ebb7bc4f3f33ac4eea64cTechnically, she shouldn''t know about it yet, as Ming Mei had just married into the family and hadn''t mentioned these things. But since she brought it up now......Zhao Guihua put her hands on her hips, "You better believe it, my daughter-in-law dares to catch thieves, dealing with you little brats is a breeze."


    Aunt Wang rubbed her temples, feeling her head ache from all the noise, but she was not one to ignore things.


    She thought for a moment and said, "We can''t just let it go, or the kids won''t learn their lesson. But hanging them up and beating them is a bit too... How about this, I have a suggestion. You three boys sincerely apologize to Granny Zhao, and then you''re punished to sweep the yard for a month, what do you think?"


    This punishment was not light.


    A whole month!


    Just as Aunt Su was about to play the victim and haggle, she heard Zhao Guihua say, "Two months! One month is too short!"


    Aunt Wang advised her, "Let''s settle for one month. Look, although the child didn''t hold back properly, he didn''t really cause any harm, right? We can''t be too hard on him. Let''s give the child a chance. If they repeat this, we''ll be stricter. This is their first time, let''s give them a chance. I believe that sweeping for a month can teach the child a lesson."


    Aunt Su, who was just thinking about bargaining, quickly accepted when she saw Zhao Guihua wanted to raise the price. She is a very pragmatic person.


    She immediately said, "Our family agrees. It was our mistake. We are willing to sweep the yard for a month."


    Zhao Guihua also knew she couldn''t be too stubborn about this. After all, as Aunt Wang said, even though they were mean, she wasn''t really affected. She pursed her lips, gave a heavy hum, and said, "Alright then!"

 Chapter 16: Not Earning Money Actively Indicates Problematic Thinking

    Chapter 16Zhao Guihua grumbled all the way home, her mood sour.


    Although she had disciplined the naughty kids, it didn''t mean she wasn''t angry. Zhao Guihua had a fiery temper.


    Ming Mei stealthily glanced at her mother-in-law and quickly stepped forward to soothe her, saying, "Mom, don''t be angry. We''ve already punished those three kids to sweep the courtyard. Let''s see how they behave next time. If they dare to misbehave again, we won''t go easy on those little rascals."


    She continued, "Mom, look, my mom brought us a hen. Let''s feed it for a couple of days and have it stewed for the New Year, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly stepped forward, proudly displaying the plump hen, and said, "Look, how plump and delicious it looks. It must taste great."


    The hen: "Cluck cluck cluck~"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hear that? It''s saying, ''Eat me, eat me.''"


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched: "..."


    You''re just picking on the fact that the chicken can''t talk? Even if it were stupid, it wouldn''t make such a request. She gave her son a sidelong glance and said, "Alright, stop fooling around. Go make a cage for the hen. We''ll keep it for now."


    "Okay."


    As the evening approached, Zhao Guihua muttered, "Liang Meifen, she''s been out all afternoon. We can''t rely on her at home."


    Isn''t it just like fate to have such coincidences? Liang Meifen just returned and heard her mother-in-law talking about her. She felt a pang of guilt and quickly walked in, calling, "Mom, I''m back." Her eyes fell on the hen, and she was instantly delighted; this was a good thing.


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately bragged, "Sister-in-law, this is from my mother-in-law. She really likes me. You can tell how much a son-in-law is valued by visiting his in-laws. Look at me, coming back with a hen in hand. Now look at my brother... Uh, never mind."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a death stare, and Zhuang Zhixi immediately stopped bragging. He quickly said, "I''ll go make a hen cage."


    Liang Meifen awkwardly lowered her head.


    Zhao Guihua: "Your dad and the others will be home soon. Let''s make some sour cabbage for dinner, with sour cabbage and vermicelli."


    Liang Meifen immediately went to the small sour cabbage jar at the door to scoop some out. They didn''t eat much sour cabbage locally, but Aunt Wang from the northeast knew how to make it. So, the women in the courtyard all learned from her. Now that they have sour cabbage, it adds another dish to their winter meals, which is quite nice.


    Zhao Guihua muttered, "If we could add some streaky pork to the sour cabbage, that would be perfect."


    Both Liang Meifen and Ming Mei, the two daughters-in-law, simultaneously swallowed their saliva at the thought, feeling it would be incredibly delicious.


    However, they knew that was just a fantasy. They couldn''t afford to have meat every day; that was for what kind of family? They could only dream. But Ming Mei slyly approached Zhao Guihua and boasted, "Mom, our bus station usually issues two pounds of meat coupons during the New Year."


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes lit up and said, "That''s great. We can put more meat in our dumplings this year and have a hearty meat dumpling feast."


    "Gulp," Ming Mei swallowed her saliva.


    Liang Meifen also looked at Ming Mei enviously. Although she had also worked in a factory, their textile factory''s benefits were far inferior to the bus station. Not to mention two pounds of meat, they wouldn''t even get two ounces.


    Liang Meifen: "The bus station is really good. The benefits are great, and the holidays are plenty."


    Ming Mei had taken so many days off recently. If it were their factory, that would be impossible.


    Ming Mei was taken aback and quickly explained, "Oh no, we don''t have many holidays. I took leave for a reason." She elaborated, "Our bus station is different from regular factories. There are no fixed holidays during the New Year. Although the bus schedule is reduced, there are still services. We attendants work in shifts. Since I took many days off for my wedding, I''ll be working on New Year''s Eve or New Year''s Day this year."


    She rubbed her hands together, "It looks like I''ll be working on New Year''s Eve this year."


    Zhao Guihua already knew this from her previous life and wasn''t surprised. She nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. It''s okay to work. We''ll wait for you to come back for dumplings in the evening."


    Ming Mei smiled and said, "Okay."


    She happily added, "Although I''m working on New Year''s Eve, our boss was considerate of my recent marriage and didn''t schedule me for New Year''s Day. Hehe."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her youngest daughter-in-law. She had to admit that this daughter-in-law was an optimist, easily delighted by small things. She said, "That''s nice of your boss. Go scoop some cornmeal."


    Ming Mei: "Sure."


    While chatting, Zhao Guihua didn''t neglect her work. She kneaded the cornmeal into oval-shaped cakes and stuck them on the sour cabbage pot, saying, "If only we had a copper hot pot, eating sour cabbage pot in winter would be delightful."


    "Gulp," Ming Mei swallowed her saliva again.


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. Indeed, Zhao Guihua had planned well. By the time dinner was ready, the family members had all returned. They sat around the table to eat. Old Man Zhuang asked, "I heard you had a quarrel with someone today."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "What quarrel? I scolded him. That little brat, trying to scheme against me."


    Old Man Zhuang: "They must have smelled something yesterday."


    Zhao Guihua snorted and said, "So what if they smelled it? Do I owe them anything? I''m telling you all, stay away from the Su family. If I find out, I''ll break your dog legs."


    The three Zhuang men quickly said, "Understood, understood."


    This old lady, they couldn''t afford to offend her.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing they had taken her words to heart, nodded in satisfaction. She knew the Su family better than anyone else. Once entangled, it would be endless. She didn''t want her family to be involved with them.


    Their family hadn''t yet reached the point of thriving; why bother with others?


    Zhao Guihua lectured her family and then pondered. The New Year was approaching, and every family wanted to have a good year-end. After a year of hard work, if they didn''t have a good meal during the New Year, it would be too unfair.


    However, Zhao Guihua knew that the meat coupons they had saved were all used up during her youngest son''s wedding. Even if Ming Mei could get two pounds of meat, with their family of eight, it would be enough to eat, but not enough to eat well.


    If it were Zhao Guihua a week ago, she might have saved a pound and a half of meat, just tasting a bit of meat. But since she had been reborn, she could quickly adapt to her current life and wanted to eat a little better within her means.


    Not to mention, her husband had worked hard all his life, but hadn''t enjoyed many good days before passing away. Now that she had another chance, Zhao Guihua didn''t want her husband to suffer.


    But to eat well, they needed resources. Even if they had workers in the family, it might not be enough. Everything was rationed now; even if they had money, they couldn''t buy it. There used to be a pigeon market where they could trade for food, but now it was abolished.


    Although the pigeon market was abolished, a black market emerged.


    But these two were different. The pigeon market was unregulated, with nearby farmers coming to trade; now the black market was monitored, and one could get caught. It was risky. But despite the risk, people still went.


    With the New Year approaching, every household would prepare fish, as it symbolized "surplus year after year." If they could trade a batch of fish for meat... I think it''s feasible!


    "Mom, why aren''t you eating? What are you thinking about? You''re spacing out," Zhuang Zhixi noticed his mother''s distracted state. "Are you okay?"


    Zhao Guihua: "What could be wrong with me?"


    She wasn''t the type to dawdle. Once she made up her mind, she immediately decided. She asked, "Which of you men can take a day off tomorrow?"


    Taking a day off?


    The family members were puzzled but still answered honestly.


    Old Man Zhuang: "I definitely can''t. It''s the end of the year, and there''s a lot of work. I''m indispensable." He was a level-five riveter, and riveters were fewer than welders, so taking leave was out of the question.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand: "I can''t either. I''ve taken a lot of leave recently because of my wedding. Although our clinic doesn''t have much work, they are all more senior than me, and they all have families. With the New Year approaching, they will definitely need to take leave to prepare for the festivities. It won''t be my turn."


    Ming Mei: "I''m even less likely to get leave. If I take leave, our leader will go crazy."


    Zhao Guihua: "I never even considered you!"


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    At this moment, everyone turned their eyes to Zhuang Zhiyuan, who gave a wry smile and said, "I can''t either. I haven''t mentioned it yet, but I have to go on a trip tomorrow. I''ve been assigned to a trip to Fengtian, which will take about six days round trip."


    It won''t interfere with the New Year celebrations, but taking leave tomorrow is definitely out of the question.


    Seeing that everyone was unavailable, Zhao Guihua cursed, "Useless things! Alright then, tomorrow it''s still just the two of us." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She looked at Liang Meifen, who was puzzled: "???"


    Liang Meifen didn''t understand what her mother-in-law was planning, and Zhao Guihua didn''t intend to explain.


    Old Man Zhuang: "Guihua, what are you up to..."


    Zhao Guihua glared at him: "Don''t ask what you shouldn''t."


    She glanced at the two children who were eating noisily and didn''t want to discuss it in front of them.


    Old Man Zhuang nodded and, after dinner, sent the two children to their room. Only then did Zhao Guihua say, "I plan to catch some fish to sell in the black market and buy some meat."


    This almost scared the rest of the family half to death. Old Man Zhuang quickly tried to stop her: "Whoa! Your guts are too big. The black market is not a place for us to go. Even buying things requires extreme caution, let alone selling?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, whose eyebrows could almost pinch a fly to death, nodded and said, "No, this is definitely not possible. It''s too dangerous."


    Zhuang Zhixi also nodded, incredulously saying, "Mom, you''re quite wild now, even thinking about dabbling in the black market."


    Ming Mei blinked: My mother-in-law is indeed formidable!


    Zhao Guihua shot a sharp glance at the men in the family and said, "I''m not doing this for the family''s sake? That pond on the mountain, is it exclusively ours? Today we can find it, tomorrow others can too. While no one else has noticed, there are plenty of big fish in there. Wouldn''t it be better to catch some now? Otherwise, when more people find out, we won''t even see fish bones."


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t lying. How did she know there was a pond with fish on the mountain? It was because it happened in her previous life. About a few months later, after the New Year in the summer, a group of teenagers from the compound went up the mountain to play and discovered the pond.


    These fifteen or sixteen-year-old boys couldn''t compare to her, an old bird from Dongting Lake.


    These boys had no sense of discretion, each taking a bucket of fish home, making a big show of it. The news spread quickly. Within two or three days, there wasn''t a single fish left in the pond, not even fry.


    They caught them all.


    Zhao Guihua, living in the courtyard, heard about it. When they went there, there was nothing left. She was so regretful and heartbroken. She had remembered this missed opportunity for decades.


    That''s why she immediately went up the mountain to find the pond after being reborn.


    It''s strange, the pond wasn''t exactly hidden, but no one had noticed it before, nor did they know there were fish in it. Some things really depend on fate. But this time, Zhao Guihua didn''t want to miss out.


    She said, "Let''s sell some while the market is good before the New Year."


    Zhao Guihua was full of ambition, but the rest of the Zhuang family was grimacing and scratching their heads. This was dangerous, who could handle it? Zhuang Zhiyuan tried to persuade his mother, saying, "Mom, if you get caught..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Pfft, can''t I run?"


    She said, "Besides, at that time, you need to have the determination to break the boat. If things go south, I''ll just throw the fish at them. Then you guess, will they catch the fish or chase me? You men, you really lack guts."


    The Zhuang men felt criticized, but they still looked miserable, genuinely not wanting their mother to take risks.


    Zhao Guihua, stubborn as eight oxen: "This is settled!"


    "Hey, not so fast, Mom..."


    "Old lady, wait a minute..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Who are you calling old lady? I''m still young. If you can''t help, don''t add to my troubles. Go away."


    Zhao Guihua felt that a family shouldn''t listen to men. Men always overthink things. By the time they figure it out, the opportunity is gone.


    They can''t even catch up to a hot meal.


    At this time, Liang Meifen and Ming Mei, the two daughters-in-law, couldn''t get a word in, nor did they dare to.


    With the three Zhuang men unable to persuade, let alone the two daughters-in-law, who were one level lower. The three men were so worried their eyebrows were knitted together.


    "Mom, if something goes wrong..."


    "Don''t jinx it." Zhao Guihua was resolute. She sighed, seeing everyone''s worried looks, and said, "Alright, I promise you, we''ll just sell this batch before the New Year. After that, I won''t go to the black market. Is that a compromise?"


    Compromise?


    Where did you compromise?


    But seeing this, everyone knew they couldn''t persuade Zhao Guihua. Zhuang Zhixi sighed, saying, "Mom, you''re really something. Are you planning to move the family to the Forbidden City next?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Death glare.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then you promise us, just this batch before the New Year."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "What''s there to promise? Alright, I promise!" What happens next is next''s problem, for now, the promise is made.


    Because Zhao Guihua was so stubborn, the men left with heavy hearts. The two couples departed, and Old Man Zhuang was so worried his hair seemed to be greasing up. He said, "You old lady, why are you so stubborn?"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him and said, "What else can I do for this family? I don''t want to take any risks and just keep the fish for us to eat, but look, just a whiff of fishy smell, and the greedy cats are already sniffing around. If this goes on, sooner or later someone will notice, and that pond on the mountain will have nothing to do with us. We can go, others can too. Besides, even if it''s not from us, what if someone else finds out? There''s no reason we shouldn''t seize an opportunity when we encounter one."


    For her, going to the black market wasn''t a big deal, but seeing how worried the family was, she had to reassure them.


    "The older and younger sons don''t understand, but you do, right? I''m not careless. If I''m going to the black market, I''ll be cautious and disguised. No matter what, let''s make some money first." Zhao Guihua sighed, "You do physical labor every day, with no oil or fat, how can you endure? Tiger and Little Swallow also lack nutrition."


    Upon hearing this, Old Man Zhuang was moved. He whispered, "I know, I know you''re doing this for the family, for me."


    His eyes reddened, and he started wiping away tears. His old lady was so good to him, better than any other family''s wife. He must have done good deeds in his past life to have such fortune.


    This time, he couldn''t bring himself to stop her.


    Zhao Guihua: "You understand that''s good!"


    Zhao Guihua saw that Old Man Zhuang didn''t object, so she opened the drawer and took out the money box. She said, "All our savings right now amount to six hundred and fifty yuan. I''ve thought about it, and since they won''t be handing over their salaries anymore, our savings will slow down. They used to give us ten or twenty yuan a month, but with eight people in the family, thirty yuan isn''t enough to eat well, let alone twenty. In the future, we''ll probably have to subsidize the kids. Just now, we talked about how you''re not young anymore and can''t keep enduring like before; you need to eat better. The kids are growing too, so we should at least spend twenty yuan a month on them. With forty yuan covering the food expenses for eight people, we should be able to eat decently. Even if we can''t eat well, we must at least eat enough. I''ll figure out the rest. I don''t care about wearing nice clothes, but in this cold weather, if our cotton-padded jackets aren''t warm enough, we need to add some cotton or make new ones. That''s a necessary expense; otherwise, we might end up with arthritis. There are also other living expenses, so we won''t be able to save much in the future."


    Old Man Zhuang: "A little savings is enough."


    He was content, saying, "More money means more expenses, less means less. Our kids aren''t ungrateful; they won''t abandon us."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, saying, "I know that."


    While the older couple was counting their "assets" in the room, the younger couple was doing the same. This referred to Zhuang Zhixi and his wife, Ming Mei, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, counting money carefully while Zhuang Zhixi was tending to the stove.


    To save on coal, their house didn''t have stoves in every room during the day; only the main room where the parents stayed had a stove. If they weren''t working, they would stay there. They only lit their own stove at night. Zhuang Zhixi was busy, while Ming Mei focused on her task: "Don''t peek, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, wife, you''re so smug. You think I wouldn''t dare to snatch it?"


    Ming Mei: "Come on, come on, see if I''ll be polite."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oops, forgot you''re a pro."


    He had learned from Ming Mei why her salary was higher. He had always known her salary was higher than his, thinking it was due to her taking over her job, but he didn''t realize it was because she had once caught a thief and received a promotion.


    "Hey, wife, were you scared when you caught the thief?"


    Ming Mei: "What''s there to be scared of? Of course not. You don''t know, I was hoping for another fool to show up so I could get another promotion. Catching thieves is way faster than waiting for seniority to increase my salary. I''ve been waiting for them to come and boost my performance. Alas!" She sighed, saying, "Who knew there wouldn''t be any thieves? They''ve gotten smart and don''t come near my bus route anymore."


    She had missed out on another great opportunity to raise her salary!


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled: "You''re really something!"


    Ming Mei looked up: "Of course, I''m very capable."


    At this point, she suddenly slapped her thigh, unhappy: "Zhuang Zhixi, you''re so annoying! Why did you talk to me? I counted wrong!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Pfft!"


    He teased: "Do you want me to help you count?"


    Ming Mei immediately looked wary: "Get lost."


    She moved to the head of the bed, turned her back to Zhuang Zhixi, and continued counting. Seeing her money-loving ways, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh even more. His wife looked smart, but she really had no guile.


    Any shrewd wife wouldn''t count her private money in front of her husband.


    But Zhuang Zhixi didn''t realize that Ming Mei dared to do this because she was confident he wasn''t a match for her. Actually, Ming Mei hadn''t planned to count her money today; it was just... they had gone to her parents'' house today!


    Ming Mei had always kept her money at her parents'' house and hadn''t brought it back. She wasn''t some naive little girl without any cunning.


    But after having a "dream," Ming Mei had a good idea of what kind of person her mother-in-law was. At least her mother-in-law had good character, so there was nothing to worry about. Even if Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t a good guy, her mother-in-law wouldn''t let it slide. So she felt much more at ease.


    Ming Mei had taken back the private money she had saved over the years when she visited her parents today. She had taken over her mother''s job and had been working for about two and a half years. Her parents didn''t take her salary, so all the money was in her hands. Ming Mei had saved a total of four hundred yuan.


    When she got married, Zhuang''s family gave her fifty yuan as a dowry, and her mother added another fifty yuan to her dowry, making it a hundred yuan for her private money. So now Ming Mei had five hundred yuan.


    The full notes were these, and the rest were some loose change.


    Altogether, it was forty-eight yuan.


    Ming Mei took out eight yuan and put it in her small wallet, then put the remaining money in a wooden box, locked it, and still wasn''t reassured. She then locked the wooden box to the bed, put on her slippers, and went to the ground, crossing her arms and looking at Zhuang Zhixi, asking, "Are you done yet? Is it lit?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked up: "It''s been ready for a while; I was just waiting for you."


    Ming Mei raised her chin, smiling coquettishly. Zhuang Zhixi felt his heart melt. His wife was so beautiful. He reached out to hold her hand and led her to the bed, but Ming Mei pulled back, pouting: "Go fill a kettle with water."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled: "Okay."


    He took the kettle to the yard, filled it quickly, and placed it on the stove before pulling his wife to "rest." As newlyweds, they were truly tireless, and soon the bed began creaking...


    The biggest difference between newlyweds and old couples is that the former are always eager to explore the mysteries of "life" and "birth," while the latter can argue for hours over trivial matters.


    The old Zhuang family was no exception. While the young couple was testing the bed''s endurance, Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife were arguing over trivialities.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was leaving home tomorrow, and Liang Meifen couldn''t help but feel sad. She nagged: "Why leave now, not earlier or later? It''s so hard for me to be alone at home, you know..."


    She was preparing clothes for Zhuang Zhiyuan to change into before he left.


    "Your mom is also going to sell things, and I don''t know if she''ll drag me along. What if something happens? Why is she so restless?"


    She sighed again and said, "I went to the neighborhood office today to look for work, but they ignored me. It must be because your mom has been talking behind my back. Otherwise, why would they look down on me? I even ran into her today, talking about me with Old Three''s wife. Do you know how hard it is for me in this family? I work hard, I..."


    "Are you done yet?" Zhuang Zhiyuan said seriously: "If you have time, you should use it to study. Look at how you''ve become so mundane, always talking about trivial matters. Don''t always assume my mom treats you badly. I think she treats you quite well. Look around our neighborhood; who has a mom as honest as mine? You can''t be ungrateful."


    He turned over and continued reading the "Railway Weekly," saying, "Look at me, always striving to learn."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    She took a deep breath and said, "What''s the point of reading that? It doesn''t fill your stomach or quench your thirst!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Life isn''t just about eating and drinking; one should aspire to a broader spiritual level. You''re too vulgar, too vulgar!"


    Liang Meifen: "Waaaah..."


    Her husband just couldn''t be down-to-earth, always so lofty!


    She was so hard!


    Being a wife was so hard.


    "Why are you crying again? Look at you..."


    Liang Meifen couldn''t take it anymore, saying, "I''m going to the bathroom!"


    Afraid he might follow, she added, "For a big one!"


    She rushed out the door and headed to the bathroom, where she couldn''t hold back her suppressed tears. Waaaah, why couldn''t he understand her? Her life was so hard, so difficult.


    Liang Meifen didn''t dare to cry loudly, afraid someone would hear, so she covered her mouth and sobbed quietly. She felt so wronged. Only here could she cry freely. Her life was so hard!


    Woohoo!


    In the men''s restroom, the drunkard Zhang San stumbled in, only to feel a chill as soon as he entered. It wasn''t that he was easily startled. Last time, he had encountered a ghost in the restroom and didn''t even dare to tell anyone about it.


    This time, he thought he was finally... No, wait, the sound of sobbing echoed again.


    Zhang San shivered, nearly fainting from fright. He quickly leaned against the wall, trembling, thinking, "Ghosts... There really are ghosts! The ghost is crying again! I heard it, I really heard it!"


    Zhang San covered his mouth again, "Woo!" He couldn''t make a sound.


    However, this time he was bolder than last time. Last time, he didn''t dare to move, but this time, he slowly moved towards the exit while covering his mouth. As soon as he reached the door, he let out a scream and ran away, shouting, "Mommy...! There''s a ghost!"


    Liang Meifen was crying when suddenly she heard someone scream. Her crying stopped, and she quickly left the restroom to see Zhang San from the neighboring courtyard running away in a panic. Liang Meifen was puzzled, "What''s wrong with him? What''s he shouting about?"


    She muttered to herself, "That drunkard must have had too much to drink and doesn''t know what''s what."


    Feeling much better after crying, Liang Meifen wiped her tears and hurried home. Looking at the overcast sky, she thought, "It''s going to snow!"


    Liang Meifen didn''t know the mental trauma she had caused others. She hurried back and said, "Husband, it''s going to snow outside. Don''t let the water pipes freeze. Fill up some water."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Okay!"


    Although everyone used the water in the courtyard, almost every household had a water tank. The Zhuang family was no exception. The water tank was in the main room, usually filled with water. Sometimes, when it was crowded in the morning or the water pipes froze in winter, they had a backup.


    Fortunately, the pipes rarely froze, so most people still preferred to use the outdoor water source. Zhuang Zhiyuan got up to fetch water, and Old Man Zhuang came out to help. It seemed like it was indeed going to snow. Old Man Zhuang said, "It''s usually not cold when it snows, but it gets cold after the snow."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan quoted, "A timely snow promises a good harvest."


    Old Man Zhuang glanced at him and said, "Stop showing off with your words. You have to go out tomorrow. Go back to your room and rest. I''ll take care of it."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan didn''t refuse and chuckled, "Alright." He hadn''t put on his outerwear and was feeling a bit cold.


    As for the outside world, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were completely unaware. The young couple, after a tiring night of activity, were already soundly asleep. The next morning, they woke up to the sound of people talking in the courtyard and realized it had snowed.


    Ming Mei added hot water to her washbasin and was just about to start her morning routine when she heard a distant sound of a pigeon whistle. In the past, many people raised pigeons, but these days, it was strictly prohibited. However, some still took the risk and did it secretly.


    Ming Mei, being a native of Beijing, smiled when she heard the familiar sound. "There are still some brave ones," she said.


    "That''s right!"


    Someone replied. Ming Mei looked over and saw it was Jiang Lu, the daughter-in-law of Madam Zhou Li. Jiang Lu smiled at Ming Mei and glanced at her water cup, saying, "Young couples really have good feelings. You even prepared hot water."


    Ming Mei smiled and said, "I can''t handle cold water."


    Madam Zhou Li, coming out of her house, heard this and muttered softly, "Just pretentious."


    Ming Mei didn''t take it to heart. She knew her mother-in-law, Zhao Guihua, had a sharp tongue but a kind heart. Unlike Madam Zhou Li, who seemed to have a grudge against everyone. Ming Mei remembered how Madam Zhou Li had said unpleasant things to her on her first day of marriage. Clearly, she had some kind of mental issue.


    It was early morning, and everyone was busy going to work. Ming Mei felt her mother-in-law was really good. In such cold weather, who wouldn''t want to sleep in a bit longer? But every morning, Zhao Guihua would get up early to prepare breakfast, saving them a lot of trouble.


    Like today, Zhao Guihua had even steamed buns early in the morning.


    Ming Mei ate the fragrant buns and mumbled, "Even without side dishes, I could eat a dozen of these buns!"


    Zhao Guihua snorted and said, "You may be called Ming Mei, but don''t get too carried away! A dozen? Do you think I''m a landlord? Even landlords don''t have that much surplus!"


    Ming Mei chuckled, not annoyed. She knew her mother-in-law was just blunt-spoken but had no ill intentions, unlike the wicked old lady outside. She happily finished her breakfast and said, "I''m off to work."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Can you leave the bike for Mom to use for a few days? I''ll pick you up after work."


    Ming Mei blinked and quickly agreed, "Sure."


    She immediately thought of what her mother-in-law might be planning to do in the suburbs and agreed without hesitation. She couldn''t help with the work, but she could contribute her bicycle.


    However... Ming Mei looked at Zhao Guihua with pleading eyes and said, "Mom, my bike is brand new. Can you promise me to treat it well? You must take good care of Little Red!"


    Zhao Guihua was utterly speechless: "Can you stop naming your bike?"


    Ming Mei innocently blinked and said, "It''s called Little Red."


    Having a name made it seem like something very important, something that should be cherished. She vaguely knew that her mother-in-law didn''t think much of the bike, but she did. In her heart, the bike was very precious.


    She shook Zhao Guihua''s arm and said, "Anyway, please take good care of Little Red. I''m leaving now."


    With that, she quickly dashed out the door.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wait for me."


    He stuffed the remaining buns into his mouth and said, "Let''s go together. I''ll walk you part of the way."


    Ming Mei looked at his face and smiled softly, "Okay."


    She shook her coat and said, "Put your hand in my pocket. My pocket is very warm."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Okay."


    The young couple quickly held hands in their pockets and walked to work together.


    Madam Zhou Li came out to use the restroom and saw the distant figures of the two walking away. She spat and muttered, "So improper."


    She spat again and said, "Neither of them are any good."


    "Hey, Madam Zhou, don''t go."


    Madam Zhou stopped and asked, "What is it?"


    It was Aunt Chen from the neighboring courtyard. Aunt Chen winked and said, "Have you heard? Our restroom is haunted!"


    Madam Zhou: "What?!"


    She was shocked and quickly said, "We shouldn''t talk about this. It''s not appropriate..."


    "Just between us, don''t tell anyone else. Don''t disbelieve me, it''s true. A female ghost, Zhang San from our courtyard said so. He was so scared last night that he called for his mom... And don''t disbelieve me, he''s not the first time he''s encountered it. He just didn''t dare to say anything before, but last night he was so scared he blurted it all out..."


    Madam Zhou''s eyes lit up: "You have to tell me more..."


    In their courtyard, once Madam Zhou knew something, everyone in the courtyard would know it. As for keeping it between just the two of them, that was impossible.


    Madam Zhou hurried back and couldn''t wait to spread the news: "Ladies, have you heard? Our... "


    And so on!


    The young women, old ladies, and everyone in the courtyard were all amazed.


    Liang Meifen was startled and patted her chest, "That''s so scary. I guess I really can''t go to the restroom alone at night anymore." However, this story sounded familiar. Never mind, she thought, she would just avoid the restroom at night from now on!


    "That''s right!"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Liang Meifen and turned away.


    "You know, if it''s about ghosts in the restroom, I believe Zhang San. Once, I also heard some strange sounds when I went there, and I didn''t dare to go in..."


    "Me too."


    "But I haven''t heard of any incidents around here. How could there be ghosts? Our place is..."


    Everyone was chattering away when Aunt Wang quickly put a stop to the discussion, saying, "Alright, alright, enough of that. These are all feudal superstitions, don''t believe in them, and don''t spread them. What''s wrong with you all? Spreading this nonsense, if someone catches you, you''ll end up getting lectured during the New Year, is it worth it?"


    She said, "Everyone, disperse now."


    Madam Zhou Li pouted, clearly unconvinced.


    Aunt Su chuckled softly and quickly followed Aunt Wang''s footsteps, "Old sister, I''ll come sit with you for a while."


    Aliali: 673ebb7bc4f3f33ac4eea64cAunt Wang: "Sure, let''s go. I''m winding yarn right now, give me a hand."


    "Alright."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Pfft." She really couldn''t stand Aunt Su in the courtyard. Well, she didn''t like Aunt Wang either; um, Zhao Guihua wasn''t any better, anyway, no one was as good as her!


    With a huff, she turned and went home.


    Everyone quickly dispersed, which suited Zhao Guihua just fine, as she had her own important matters to attend to. She quickly locked the door and set off with Liang Meifen on the back seat, who was carrying a bamboo basket on her back, singing woefully, "The north wind blows, the snowflakes flutter..."


    She was miserable, so very miserable, just like Xi''er.


    Zhao Guihua frowned, "Can you stop that wailing? What kind of song is that? If you can''t sing, don''t! It''s so unpleasant to listen to!"


    Liang Meifen let out a long sigh, a mix of melancholy and sorrow, dissipating in the wind.


    Zhao Guihua pedaled the bike with vigor, thinking, "If you''re not proactive about making money, there''s something wrong with your mindset."


    This family, it still needs her to lead the way!

 Chapter 17: Made Money Bought Meat

    Chapter 17The train runs fast, all thanks to the locomotive!


    Zhao Guihua felt that their family was entirely dependent on her!


    If they were to rely solely on the men in the house, then improving their life would be a far-fetched dream.


    She led Liang Meifen up the mountain, well-prepared this time. Although it was a matter of life and death, she tied one end of the rope around herself and the other to a tree. She instructed Liang Meifen, "As long as the ice doesn''t crack, you don''t have to worry about me. We''ll take turns and save our strength."


    This was indeed a physically demanding task. After the two women finished, their arms were so sore that they could hardly move. But the men in their family couldn''t take time off, so it was up to them. After all, they were the ones who wanted to earn money.


    The two took turns working. Although they didn''t understand the principle behind it, it worked wonderfully. By noon, the two women had caught a basket full of fish. They sat on the ground, panting heavily.


    Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Liang Meifen said, "This work is better suited for men."


    No wonder everyone wants to have sons, especially in rural areas. Apart from the old-fashioned idea of carrying on the family line, having a son also means an extra pair of working hands in the family. And that''s vitally important.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Liang Meifen and said, "Alright, let''s pack up and go home. You can head straight back, I''ll go to the black market."


    Liang Meifen: "What?"


    She looked at her mother-in-law in shock, saying, "You''re going to the black market alone? How is that possible?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Why not? Look at you, you''d definitely get into trouble if there were any inspections. Then I''d have to take care of you."


    If it weren''t for the fact that one person couldn''t handle the fishing on the mountain alone, she wouldn''t even want to bring this daughter-in-law along. It''s not that she was afraid she''d blab, but because she was always panicking and turning pale at the slightest thing.


    She couldn''t handle any trouble!


    Zhao Guihua unbuckled her belt, unbuttoned a small button on her waistband, and took out two tickets and five dollars from a hidden pocket. "We''ll split up. I''ll go to the black market to sell the fish secretly, you go to the granary to buy some grain, and make dumpling soup with white flour for dinner."


    This left Liang Meifen stunned.


    Was their family that well-off now? What kind of household was this, eating fine food every day?


    Even if she didn''t say a word, Zhao Guihua could tell what she was thinking. Her eyes widened, and she said, "You have a problem with my decision? We''ve been working so hard on the mountain every day, and we can''t even eat some fine food?"


    Liang Meifen felt wronged: "Mother-in-law, I didn''t mean that."


    She also loved fine food, but she was afraid that they would run out of it at home. But seeing her mother-in-law''s stern face, she thought to herself, it''s not her money anyway! The old woman didn''t know what was good for her!


    She said, "Alright, I''ll go to the grain station to buy grain once we''re in town."


    She wanted to ask if they were out of fine food at home, but seeing that her mother-in-law was already prepared to go back, she quickly followed and offered, "Let me ride the bike."


    Zhao Guihua said in a low voice, "You ride your bike, but be careful. If you cause Xiao Hong to fall, I bet Xiao Ming at home will have your head."


    Liang Meifen had already started pedaling. She stumbled a bit, almost falling off. She took a deep breath, feeling that she couldn''t live like this anymore. It was bad enough that her mother-in-law was a wicked old woman, but the new sister-in-law was also very strange.


    What normal daughter-in-law would name her bicycle?


    She sighed, feeling melancholy. She felt that she was the only normal person in this family.


    While pedaling, Liang Meifen tried to probe subtly, "Mother-in-law, my sister-in-law''s salary is based on service post, right? Sixteenth level?"


    The larger the number in the service post, the lower the rank. If it reaches the first level, it''s very high. This is completely opposite to the mechanical factory. In factories like Zhuang Lao Nian''s, the larger the number, the higher the rank. The first level is for newcomers.


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "Why don''t you just ask her how much she earns?"


    Liang Meifen laughed awkwardly, "I, I didn''t mean that."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, "If you didn''t mean it, then don''t ask. Don''t play tricks in front of me, like waving a big knife in front of Guan Gong, do you think I''m a fool?"


    Liang Meifen blushed at the comment. She thought to herself, ''What a wicked old woman.'' She was in a difficult position, but what could she do? After all, she and Zhiyuan truly loved each other. She lamented her pitiful fate but couldn''t help asking, "Actually, I kind of want to know."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and snorted, "Her salary is in the thirties, higher than the third one."


    There was no need to hide this. Nowadays, even neighbors generally knew how much each other earned. If a family had no workers but still managed to have lavish meals, you''d see, they would soon be reported to the neighborhood committee. Immediately, the red-sleeved old women would come to investigate.


    So, there was no need to hide this.


    Liang Meifen was surprised, "Her salary is over thirty? How is that possible? She''s only been working for just over two years, right?"


    Normally, someone with her short working history would earn around twenty, not more than twenty-five. This was something Liang Meifen knew.


    Zhao Guihua casually said, "After she started working, she caught a group of thieves on the bus, one against seven, and was commended for it!"


    Liang Meifen: "Ah!!!"


    Her bicycle swerved towards the ditch. Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "Good grief!"


    She quickly jumped off the bicycle, grabbing it just in time to save Liang Meifen and the bicycle. It was a close call, another half meter and they would have fallen into the ditch. Zhao Guihua was speechless, scolding, "Are you a pig? Riding your bike towards the ditch, are you trying to kill yourself? Do you feel uneasy if I don''t scold you for a day?"


    Zhao Guihua was always loud and boisterous, something Liang Meifen had grown accustomed to. She hung her head low, taking deep breaths. After a long while, she finally gathered herself and asked, "Mom, that thing about Ming Mei... one against seven?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Hmm, yes, one against seven. What about it? Do you want to give it a try?"


    Liang Meifen''s face turned pale once again.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "I heard the thief pulled a knife on her, which riled her up, and she knocked them all down. Think about it, we''re lucky to have such a capable daughter-in-law in our family."


    Liang Meifen was speechless.


    She felt her world was falling apart. How was she supposed to live like this?


    Seeing the ghost-like expression on her daughter-in-law''s face, Zhao Guihua said, "What''s the matter with you? She''s not going to hit you. What are you afraid of? Alright, hurry up and go, I need to head to the black market."


    Liang Meifen remained silent.


    Her mother-in-law was a daring old woman who dared to venture into the black market.


    Her sister-in-law was a brave young woman who dared to fight a knife-wielding thief, one against seven.


    And her... her life was just too hard!


    It was really too hard, how did she end up with this family?


    Liang Meifen was so distressed that she could barely recover. But seeing the bullying look on her mother-in-law''s face, she gritted her teeth, got back on the bike, and this time, she didn''t dare to chat, she focused on riding. If she crashed "Little Red", she feared she might really get beaten.


    Life was indeed tough.


    Liang Meifen felt the pressure of life and continued to ride in silence.


    At this time, her unlucky mother-in-law started to chatter, Zhao Guihua said, "You don''t need to be afraid, Ming Mei is not a tiger. We''re family, she''s not the type to resort to violence casually."


    Liang Meifen grunted in response.


    "Furthermore, Ming Mei is naturally optimistic and gentle. As long as you don''t cross the line, she won''t, and her family won''t. Ming Mei''s father is even scarier than Ming Mei, just don''t provoke him."


    Liang Meifen trembled, her heart filled with uncertainty.


    "I heard that Ming Mei''s uncles and aunts all know some martial arts..."


    Liang Meifen whimpered.


    Life was hard, she really couldn''t afford to provoke this sister-in-law. Where was her authority as the eldest sister-in-law?


    Fortunately, they arrived at the black market soon after entering the city. Her mother-in-law finally stopped her chattering. Even though they hadn''t been to the black market often, every old resident knew where it was.


    Everyone knew, after all, who wouldn''t want to exchange for some food and drink?


    As soon as Zhao Guihua arrived at the black market, she immediately left her daughter-in-law behind. In her eyes, this scaredy-cat would only slow down her shopping speed. She covered her face, put on her hat, and entered the black market with her fish basket.


    As soon as she entered, a man approached and gestured "five". Zhao Guihua handed over fifty cents. It seemed she was spending money before she even started earning. However, the two didn''t exchange a word. The man took the money and stood back at the entrance of the alley, while Zhao Guihua found a spot to set up her stall.


    Don''t underestimate Zhao Guihua for her lack of expertise, but she has a wealth of experience, and she''s heard a lot about this kind of thing and remembers it well.


    As people get older, they may not remember what they ate last week, but they can recount the trivial matters from decades ago as if they were spilling a bag of beans. Despite the hardships of the courtyard these days, Zhao Guihua often reminisces about this period when she gets older.


    She found a spot to squat down, and soon someone approached, whispering, "How much for the fish?"


    Zhao Guihua: "One fish for one and a half, three for four."


    "There are big and small ones..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Can''t you pick the big ones?"


    "All right, give me three."


    The fish is pretty good, otherwise it wouldn''t sell for a buck and a half. You know, an old hen only costs two bucks.


    But just as Zhao Guihua thought, it''s New Year''s, how can you not eat fish? It''s for good luck. The middle-aged man quickly picked three big ones and left happily. He was the first one, so he definitely picked the biggest ones.


    Profit!


    "I''ll take three too."


    This price is higher than the food store, but the food store sells fixed quantities, and this one doesn''t. Besides, these are much bigger than the ones in the food store. If you buy three at once, it''s actually not worse than the food store.


    Zhao Guihua quickly set up shop, business was not bad, and she sold several more in a row, finally taking a break. No wonder they say the black market is profitable. In just a while, she earned the monthly salary of an ordinary worker.


    Three for four, basically everyone buys three. Zhao Guihua already had twenty-four in her hand.


    She glanced at the basket on her back, there were still more than a dozen fish left. Since people have been picking from her, the ones left are definitely smaller than the ones sold. At first glance, it doesn''t seem so, but if you keep watching, you naturally have this feeling, and naturally feel a bit inappropriate. So, after selling for a while, the pace slowed down.


    Zhao Guihua watched for a while, decisively got up, carried the bamboo basket to a meat stall, and asked softly, "How much?"


    The stall owner was a middle-aged man, also an old hand, speaking very fast: "One dollar with a ticket, one dollar and two without a ticket, look, all my meat is pork belly."


    The food store is eighty cents with a ticket, and it''s only eighty-five cents at the end of the year. But Zhao Guihua can understand why they ask this price. If they don''t make money, why would they risk coming to the black market?


    Zhao Guihua decisively: "I have thirteen fish here, exchange for ten pounds of your meat, deal?"


    Her fish selling spot was not far from the meat selling spot. Both sides are clear about each other''s prices. Although Zhao Guihua sells for one and a half, but everyone takes three, in fact, this is just over one and three, only a little more expensive than a pound of meat.


    But this can''t be calculated like this.


    The fish left in Zhao Guihua''s hands are the ones that were picked over, not as big as the ones she sold just now, so they''re definitely not worth this price. Plus, meat is never hard to sell, so a one-to-one exchange is definitely not possible.


    As long as you want it, this price can be negotiated.


    Of course, if the stall owner doesn''t want it, that''s another story.


    The stall owner peeked and hesitated for a moment before bargaining, saying, "Eight jin."


    It seemed that the stall owner still wanted it.


    Don''t think that fish usually doesn''t sell as well as meat, but during the New Year''s period, it''s not bad at all. Having both fish and meat would attract more customers, those who wanted either could come. Perhaps they might even buy something else while they were at it.


    Zhao Guihua: "Nine jin."


    She said, "Look, it''s not small."


    The meat stall owner also argued, saying, "Look, this one is small. And this one, it''s not big either."


    Zhao Guihua: "It doesn''t matter if it''s big or small, let''s meet halfway, eight and a half jin."


    The stall owner sighed and said, "Sister, I just want to have both fish and meat, sell a little more and earn a bit more, but if I have too much, it''s not right. I''m selling this meat for one yuan and two cents, there''s no profit, I can''t do it, you know what I mean, right? So, how about eight jin and three liang?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s exchange!"


    The two decisively swapped, leaving the crowd around them dumbfounded. Wow, these two know how to play!


    Zhao Guihua had come for the meat in the first place. After this exchange, she quickly left the black market with her small basket on her back. A young man came up and asked, "How much is the fish?"


    "One yuan each!"


    "Ah, you..."


    Everyone looked at him with contempt, thinking this old man was just too cunning!


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care how the stall owner sold his goods. If she wanted to reduce her risk, she would always have to suffer a bit. If you always think about not losing out, you might end up getting tricked in a place like the black market.


    "I''m making money, making money, I don''t know how to spend it..." Zhao Guihua hummed a little tune from the future.


    Zhao Guihua had a successful outing, her steps light. She was selling stuff in the black market for the first time. You know, she hadn''t slept much last night, pondering how to get in, how to leave, and how to escape if she encountered anyone.


    She had gone through this several times, and today it turned out to be unnecessary.


    But she didn''t regret being thorough in her thinking the night before. If she hadn''t been, and something had happened, she would have been in tears.


    In life, you need to have a plan.


    Zhao Guihua, carrying her basket, entered the alley and saw a group of kids setting off firecrackers. The kids couldn''t afford the expensive ones, so they bought those weak little ones, like pinching fleas. Her own two little ones, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, were also standing there, watching the older kids play, enviously.


    Zhao Guihua then remembered that tomorrow was the beginning of the Lunar New Year!


    She called out, "Hutou!"


    Hutou, hearing the call, immediately led his sister over, crisply saying, "Mom!"


    Zhao Guihua rubbed the little one''s head, asking, "Want to play with firecrackers?"


    Hutou''s eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously, "Yes!"


    Zhao Guihua smiled and handed over two cents, saying, "Go buy a box."


    Two cents was for the smallest box, but it was enough to entertain a six-year-old like Hutou. Sure enough, the little guy''s face turned red with excitement, and he quickly ran off to the state-run shop with his sister in tow.


    Zhao Guihua was carrying a bamboo basket on her way home. It was not yet time to get off work, so the yard was not lively. As soon as she entered the house, she saw Liang Meifen in a daze and asked, "Did you buy the flour?"


    Upon hearing this, Liang Meifen quickly came back to her senses and nodded, "Yes, I bought it!"


    She eagerly said, "Mom, the grocery store has apples now!"


    But she didn''t have any money on her, so she couldn''t buy any.


    Zhao Guihua could tell at a glance why Liang Meifen was upset. She felt a bit sorry for her daughter-in-law, who had been working for seven or eight years and had earned a fair amount of money, but had not saved a penny. She thought, what a careless person she was.


    She said, "You go and buy some."


    She handed her daughter-in-law five dollars and said, "Hurry up."


    "Alright!"


    Liang Meifen hurried out. At that time, everything was scarce. Although many goods were continuously supplied at the end of the year, there were more people buying, so if she didn''t hurry, there would be nothing left.


    As she rushed out, Zhao Guihua watched her eldest daughter-in-law''s figure, thinking about the fish-selling business. Without a doubt, this was a job for both of them, and they should each have a share. But seeing Liang Meifen''s spendthrift nature, she felt that this wouldn''t work.


    She was determined to be the wicked mother-in-law.


    She made up her mind, started to cut the meat, and quickly pickled the eight-plus pounds of meat into pieces. After she was done, she sealed the jar. This salted meat could be kept for a long time.


    Zhao Guihua finished her work, opened the cabinet under the stone platform. Their food preparation area was hollowed out underneath, specifically for storing grains. Once locked and covered with a thin wooden board, it didn''t look like a cabinet.


    This was a skill learned during the famine years. Who didn''t have the ability to hide things?


    Despite having bought meat today, Zhao Guihua had no plans to eat it right away. They had been eating well recently, so she had to plan for the future. Just as she finished tidying up, she heard the sound of small footsteps. Two children ran in and said, "Granny, give me a match!"


    They had bought small firecrackers but didn''t have any matches.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Here."


    She cautioned, "Be careful when you play, don''t hurt yourself, come back early when you''re done. It''s almost New Year, when your uncle comes back, he can take you to buy some more for us to set off during the New Year!"


    Hutou jumped up with a roar, excitedly saying, "Awesome!"


    No little boy dislikes firecrackers, and Xiao Yanzi likes them too. She giggled on the side, the little girl was soft and sweet, "Pop pop pop~" mimicking the sound of firecrackers.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, go play."


    "Okay!"


    The two children ran out hand in hand, and as soon as they reached the yard, they saw Jinlai''s three children also heading out. Hutou was a little scared, pulled his sister and ran, saying, "Let''s go quickly!"


    Upon seeing this, the three Jinlai brothers quickly followed. As soon as they left the courtyard, they arrogantly asked, "What are you holding in your hands?"


    "I want to play with firecrackers too! I want to play with firecrackers too!" Tonglai stomped his foot.


    Jinlai said menacingly, "Hand it over!"


    Hutou put his little hand behind his back, gathered his courage, and said, "No, I won''t give it to you, it''s mine!"


    Why should he give his own things to others? He certainly wouldn''t.


    However, Hutou was still a little scared. He held Xiao Yanzi''s hand tightly, and his palm was already beginning to sweat.


    Jinlai squinted his eyes and said, "You won''t give it to me? You dare not give it to me? I don''t think you know who''s the boss of this street!"


    This child was used to being domineering. He was spoiled at home. When the three of them boys went out together, they were always able to rule the roost in this alley. The other children in the alley didn''t even want to play with them.


    Seeing Hutou refuse, Jinlai pushed him directly. Hutou staggered back. Jinlai said, "Give it to me!"


    He reached out to grab it!


    "What are you doing!"


    A rebuke came from afar. Ming Mei had seen these three little rascals bullying someone from a distance. She quickly ran a few steps, steadied Hutou, and frowned at the three children. To be honest, she had a very bad impression of these three children.


    Stealing and being arrogant was one thing.


    But she wasn''t the type to dawdle. Ming Mei stared at the three children, looked around, and saw a brick that someone had discarded not far away. She walked over and picked it up. Jinlai immediately backed away, "What are you doing! If you hit someone, my mother won''t let you off!"


    Ming Mei stared at the three little rascals, threw the brick to the side, and kicked it. Snap!


    The intact brick was split into two. Ming Mei revealed a very bright smile and said, "Did you see that?"


    The three children were dumbfounded. The other children who were sneakily watching from the sidelines also gasped in surprise. Ming Mei''s smile became even brighter, and she said, "If any of you dare to bully Hutou and Xiao Yanzi again, that brick will be your fate!"


    Jinlai looked at Ming Mei''s smiling face, then at the brick, and after going back and forth a couple of times, he felt that the smile of this new daughter-in-law was terrifying. He swallowed and quickly nodded his head. After nodding, he pulled his two brothers and ran away. Yinlai and Tonglai also ran away quickly.


    Ming Mei watched their retreating figures, snorted, and patted Hutou''s head, saying, "If anyone bullies you in the future, don''t hide it. Go home and tell."


    Hutou''s eyes sparkled, "Auntie Ming Mei, you are so amazing, so amazing."


    Ming Mei was pleased and said, "Of course, I am not an ordinary person."


    She showed off a little and then said, "Alright, you guys go play."


    Ming Mei entered the yard with her bag slung over her shoulder, just in time to see Madam Zhou Li coming out to pour water. She snorted and turned to enter the house.


    Ming Mei sighed, "What kind of person is this..."


    She muttered to herself before entering the house, smiling and saying, "Mom, I''m off work."


    Zhao Guihua: "You finished work quite early today."


    Ming Mei: "There was a fight over boarding the bus today, and it got quite ugly. I went with driver Li to explain the situation. After that, I came straight back." As she said this, Ming Mei suddenly exclaimed, "I can''t, I have to go find Zhuang Zhixi. We agreed that he would pick me up, but I''ve come back early. What if he makes a wasted trip?"


    Ming Mei rushed back, and then rushed off again. Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched, saying, "That girl runs like a rabbit."


    She followed her out, calling, "Ming Mei."


    "Hmm?"


    Ming Mei turned around: "What''s up?"


    Zhao Guihua pulled out five yuan and handed it to Ming Mei, saying, "You and Lao San go and buy some firecrackers."


    Ming Mei looked down at the money, saying, "Isn''t this too much?"


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "How is it too much? Small New Year, New Year''s Eve, New Year''s Day, and the fifteenth, when do we not use them? Buy five yuan''s worth, just right."


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    She took the money and quickly left. This was the first time Ming Mei had been to the Forward Machinery Factory. If you asked her about the performance of the vehicles, she knew quite a bit. She had been around such places since she was a child, and all her family worked in places related to vehicles.


    But if you were talking about a machinery factory, Ming Mei knew nothing. She was a bit curious, she didn''t know if they would let her in. Ming Mei quickly arrived at the factory area. It was quitting time at the factory, and a song was playing on the loudspeaker.


    "We workers have power, hey..."


    The workers were gradually leaving. Ming Mei stood on her tiptoes, looking around. A young security guard saw her, blushed, coughed, and asked, "Comrade, can I help you?"


    Ming Mei: "No, I''m waiting for someone."


    "That comrade, you..."


    Ming Mei suddenly raised her arm and waved: "Zhuang Zhixi!"


    Zhuang Zhixi was hurrying out. At the sound of his name, his eyebrows lifted, and he smiled. He quickly approached, saying, "How come you''re here? Didn''t we agree that I would pick you up?"


    He looked at the blushing security guard beside him, saying, "Brother, this is my wife. She came to pick me up."


    Security guard: "Oh..."


    So this beautiful girl is already married.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t care what others thought. He took Ming Mei''s hand and asked, "Wife, are you cold? Are your hands freezing?"


    Ming Mei shook her small hand and said, "Not cold, I''ve been keeping my hands in my pockets."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, saying, "That''s good, I''m cold. Can you warm my hands?"


    His hand clasped Ming Mei''s small hand and tucked it into his pocket. Holding hands in public wasn''t appropriate, but who could stop them if they were in his pocket? He laughed, saying, "Your hand is so warm, it warms my heart."


    Ming Mei giggled, playfully scolding, "You''re such a sweet talker."


    The security guard who was still enviously watching them from a distance: "Damn."


    He learned something.


    No wonder he was still single!


    So that''s how people flirt.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei didn''t rush home, instead, they went to buy firecrackers. The firecracker shop, although not far from the courtyard, was not on this road. The couple turned and headed there, with Zhuang Zhixi leading the way. He held five yuan in his hand and bought a few strings of firecrackers, as was customary for his family.


    With five yuan, they could buy five large strings of firecrackers and still have some leftover for smaller ones.


    After Zhuang Zhixi bought and tied up the firecrackers, he whispered into Ming Mei''s ear: "My mother must have made money today."


    Ming Mei asked, "How do you know?"


    Zhuang Zhixi gave a smug smile and said, "No one knows a mother better than her son. That''s my mother, no one understands her better than I do. In the past, we never bought firecrackers so easily. This year, we bought them even before the Little New Year. It''s clear that she made money today and is in a good mood."


    Ming Mei retorted, "Your mother is so capable, it''s impossible for her not to make money."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, you sure know how to flatter... Ouch!"


    Ming Mei pinched him, and Zhuang Zhixi yelped, quickly saying, "We''re in public."


    Ming Mei snorted.


    Zhuang Zhixi stroked his chin and said, "It seems that this speculation business really does make a lot of money. Even my frugal mother has started to loosen her purse strings."


    Ming Mei: "Don''t get any ideas."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If my mother can do it, why can''t I?"


    Ming Mei nodded: "Yes, you''re not as capable as your mother."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "......"


    He sighed, "So in your eyes, I''m not as capable as my mother. But I always thought I was quite capable, you..."


    "Isn''t that the young widow from our courtyard?" Ming Mei suddenly interrupted Zhuang Zhixi''s words. Zhuang Zhixi followed Ming Mei''s gaze and said, "Hey, it really is."


    It was indeed Wang Xiangxiu. She was alone, quickly turning the corner from the alley, adjusting her clothes as she walked, her face flushed. She seemed to be in a hurry, disappearing in a flash. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged glances.


    Zhuang Zhixi was puzzled: "How did she get over here? She usually rushes home as soon as she gets off work, but today..."


    Just as he was saying this, he saw a familiar face and blurted out, "Damn."


    Ming Mei: "What''s wrong? What''s wrong?"


    She looked over, completely unaware of the reason for Zhuang Zhixi''s exclamation.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "See that man over there? Don''t look directly, sneak a peek. Do you understand? Don''t let him notice."


    His tone was much more excited, Ming Mei: "Oh, oh, oh."


    She took a glance. It was a man in his thirties, wearing a blue work uniform. This was the uniform of the machinery factory. Although she had just married into this courtyard a few days ago, she naturally recognized it, as all the workers in this alley worked at the machinery factory.


    He wasn''t very tall, seeming to be half a head shorter than Zhuang Zhixi, with a square face.


    "Is he from our factory?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "He''s from our courtyard, Zhou Qun, Madam Zhou Li''s son."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn''t expected to witness such juicy gossip. These two people walked out of the alley one after the other, and it wasn''t Zhuang Zhixi''s fault for overthinking. After all, these two were rather unusual.


    One was hastily adjusting his clothes, the other had a sly look on his face.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I really didn''t see this coming..."


    Everyone in their courtyard knew that Bai Fendou had a crush on Wang Xiangxiu. He had been waiting for her, still unmarried at thirty-one, always helping her family out. As for Zhou Qun, he didn''t have much interaction with the Zhou family. Although it was clear that Zhou Qun was good to his children, he didn''t have any dealings with the two widows of the Su family, other than exchanging greetings when they met.


    But this...


    It would be interesting if these two had any sort of relationship.


    Ming Mei, halfway through eating her melon, felt like she was biting into an unripe one. She quickly turned to Zhuang Zhixi and asked, "What''s going on? What do you mean? Do they have a relationship? I haven''t heard Old Lady Su mention it!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This is Madam Zhou Li''s son. He hardly interacts with Wang Xiangxiu in our courtyard. Yet, here they are, coming out of the same alley. If you say there''s nothing fishy going on, who would believe it? Coincidence? It could be, but do their expressions look like it''s just a coincidence? They''re acting all sneaky, right?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei''s mouth hung open in shock, feeling that she indeed lacked worldly wisdom.


    She sighed sincerely: "You guys sure know how to stir things up."


    Although they didn''t actually see anything, the young couple was quite shocked. They felt stunned all the way home. It wasn''t that they were naive, but this matter was indeed quite shocking.


    The young couple followed Zhou Qun back to the large courtyard. As soon as they entered, they saw Hutou and Xiao Yanzi sitting on small stools at the door, waiting for someone.


    "Uncle!!!"


    Seeing their uncle today brought them immense joy: "Firecrackers, you bought firecrackers!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, now come and help."


    "Okay!"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi jumped up and down in excitement, attracting the attention of others in the courtyard. Jinlai and his two brothers watched with envy and asked, "Mom, when are we buying firecrackers this year?"


    Wang Xiangxiu, who was cooking, replied, "Don''t worry, there are still several days left."


    "But tomorrow is also New Year''s Day. I saw Li Weiwei''s family setting off firecrackers today. Li Weiwei and the others have them, Hutou has them, only our family doesn''t!" Jinlai looked at his mother discontentedly and said, "We want some too."


    Yinlai and Tonglai nodded, "Mom, let''s buy some."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Where do we get the money for that? You wait a while, we''ll buy some after I get paid in a few days."


    "No, no!"


    Old Lady Su watched this scene and said, "Don''t make it hard for your mother. Our family''s life isn''t easy. Half-grown children are a drain on the family. There are three of you, and our family relies on your mother alone to earn money. Times are tough."


    She glanced at Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Your mother hasn''t bought a single piece of clothing for three years in a row, she''s not having it easy. We need to eat first. It''s not your mother''s fault, it''s the milk, the milk is weak, otherwise if she could do more work, she could earn a bit more... It''s my fault."


    As she spoke, her voice choked with tears. Wang Xiangxiu quickly turned around and said, "Mom, what are you talking about? I know you''ve also put a lot into this family."


    She thought for a moment and said, "Alright, our family will buy some this year too!"


    She gritted her teeth and pulled out two dollars from her pocket, saying, "You guys take this money, go buy it tomorrow during the day, but don''t use it all, we still need it for the New Year."


    Old Lady Su stared at the money, her eyes flickering, then she softly said, "I''ll keep an eye on them."


    She continued, "In a few days, I guess Zhao Di will be back, and when she does, I''ll borrow some money from them. Their brother is gone, and Jinlai and the other two are the roots of the old Su family. They, as aunts, can''t ignore them."


    Upon hearing that her elder cousin was coming back, Wang Xiangxiu breathed a sigh of relief from the bottom of her heart, saying, "That''s good, when Jinlai and the others grow up, they will surely be filial to their aunts."


    Old Lady Su said, "Of course, my children are the most filial. Actually, they have their own children, there''s no need for our Jinlai and the others to provide for their old age. As long as Jinlai and the others can support their aunts in critical times, that''s enough."


    Jinlai loudly said, "I''ll support my aunt."


    Old Lady Su said, "Ah, that''s right, when your aunt comes, you three must speak to her."


    "Okay!"


    The three children took the money and excitedly discussed what fireworks to buy tomorrow. Old Lady Su lowered her voice and asked, "Didn''t you say last time that you wanted to find an opportunity to get close to the third son of the Zhuang family? How''s that going? Any progress?"


    Wang Xiangxiu shook her head, "It''s not that easy. I''ve thought about it, and I was being too optimistic. Although his salary is almost thirty, he and his wife just got married. They''re in their honeymoon phase, and I won''t gain anything by getting involved."


    Old Lady Su looked at her daughter-in-law, encouraging her, "You''re so beautiful, it shouldn''t be difficult for you to win over a young man who''s just coming of age. I know you can do it. With such a young man, you just need to beckon him, and he''ll lose his bearings. I''m not asking you to sell anything, just a little hand-holding in exchange for some benefits, it''s not a bad idea, right? After all, we''re doing this for the children."


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip and said, "Alright, I''ll look for another opportunity, I really haven''t had one recently."


    Old Lady Su said, "Okay, I''ll also look for an opportunity to see if I can sell a sob story to his young wife. Our family is in such a difficult situation, they should help out if they have money." Before, when this family didn''t divide the money, Zhao Guihua was in charge of it, and she had no way to get involved.


    But now it''s different, now each room in their house holds their own money, and she feels that she still has a chance.


    A young wife, where would she know how to save money? Money in her hands is just a waste.


    She smiled slightly and said, "Tomorrow is the eve of the Lunar New Year, let''s make some meat."


    Wang Xiangxiu frowned in distress. Life was too hard for her, every day was a struggle for survival, leaving no room for respite. But what could she do? Her man was no longer around. She gave a bitter smile and said, "I''ll try my best. Bai Fendou has also run out of money."


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t be seeking help from Zhou Qun.


    She sighed and lowered her head to cook.


    Old Lady Su spoke softly, "If it''s too hard, we can just eat cornmeal buns. We don''t have to eat meat. You don''t need to deal with those people for a bit of money. I worry for you."


    These words warmed Wang Xiangxiu''s heart. She said, "I know, Mom."


    Thank goodness for such a kind mother-in-law, otherwise, she didn''t know how she''d make it through.


    Wang Xiangxiu expressed such sentiment, but Liang Meifen was quite the opposite. Hearing her mother-in-law''s words, she cursed in her heart: wicked old woman. She really was a pitiful creature.


    Zhao Guihua said, "We made money from selling fish today. Not only did we make money, but I also exchanged some for meat. But whether it''s money or meat, I won''t divide it among any of you. We all live in this house, and we haven''t split the family to the point where everything needs to be accounted for. Today, I went with my eldest daughter-in-law, and the third daughter-in-law even lent her bicycle. These should all be taken into account, right? So it''s impossible to divide everything clearly. A family doesn''t need to split everything. This money, I''ll hold onto it. If the eldest daughter-in-law works more, when it gets warmer after the New Year, I''ll make a set of clothes for Hutou and Xiao Yanzi as compensation."


    Liang Meifen: "Mom..."


    Aliali: 673ebb7bc4f3f33ac4eea64cZhao Guihua glared, "What are you shouting for, are you calling souls? I can''t trust you with the money!"


    Ming Mei quietly watched her sister-in-law, feeling deeply that she was a bit pitiful. It was most comfortable to hold onto the money herself. However, Ming Mei didn''t dare to interject casually. She was as obedient as a small salted fish.


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    What kind of mother-in-law is this, so cruel!


    She complained, "I didn''t want the money. I just said, Xiao Yanzi is still small and grows fast. There''s no need to make separate clothes for her. Make two sets for Hutou. When Hutou has outgrown them, let Xiao Yanzi wear them."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Guihua became angry and slammed her bowl on the table, "Stop talking nonsense. Isn''t Xiao Yanzi your daughter? You''re a woman yourself and yet you favor boys over girls. I can''t stand you for being so senseless! Eat, eat, eat, hurry up and eat. After eating, go back to your room. I get angry just looking at you! You''re not right in the head!"


    The room fell silent.


    Liang Meifen pouted in grievance, feeling that her life was hard. Sobbing, she thought, tonight, to the bathroom, let''s go!


    Her sad refuge!


    Her Arctic Ocean of tears!

 Chapter 18: New Year Goods, Quarrels, Neighbors

    Chapter 18Making money can be quite addictive.


    This was exactly how Zhao Guihua felt. Although she had seen big money before, making twenty or so yuan a day, plus the pork she got in exchange, still brought a smile to her face. Her "little storehouse" was full of meat.


    The family had bought salt several times for this purpose. Though it seemed a bit wasteful, opportunities like this were rare. After the New Year, there wouldn''t be as many meat sellers in the black market, and even if there were, they wouldn''t trade for fish anymore.


    As good as fish was, it couldn''t compare to the satisfaction of eating meat.


    People these days were lacking in fatty foods, and everyone still preferred meat above all.


    Zhao Guihua planned to sell as much as she could before the New Year, but would stop afterward. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to continue, but their catches had been declining day by day. Besides, it was normal for households to be busy preparing for the New Year festivities.


    However, if she continued to be away from home every day after the New Year, the gossips in their courtyard would surely notice. Zhao Guihua didn''t want people knowing about her business, so she worked enthusiastically these days before the New Year, leaving early and returning late.


    Her small business continued right up until the twenty-ninth day of the last lunar month, which was the final day.


    Truth be told, Zhao Guihua had become somewhat familiar with the black market over these days. She used to find the place intimidating, but after coming here for several days, she had grown more composed than most people.


    Today, after selling her fish, she followed her usual routine of clearing the remaining fish with her partner, but this time instead of exchanging for meat, she got a rack of ribs.


    Zhao Guihua thought these ribs would taste much better than regular meat - this was her favorite. After getting the ribs, she began her New Year shopping spree. Like all women, she couldn''t resist a good shopping session. She spotted someone selling roosters and immediately bought one, along with a small bag of shelled peanuts. Seeing dried mushrooms for sale, she knew she couldn''t pass them up - they were essential for chicken and mushroom stew.


    The money Zhao Guihua earned today flowed out like water. She had arrived with a basket full of fish and was returning with a basket full of goods - a true testament to a woman''s purchasing power.


    On her way home, Zhao Guihua stopped by the supply and marketing cooperative and bought a pair of cotton shoes with thousand-layer soles for each family member before proudly heading home. She had spent longer shopping than usual today, and on her way back, she ran into Zhuang Zhiyuan, who was carrying New Year goods.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan had returned just last night, and upon seeing his mother, he called out from afar: "Mom, look at the New Year goods our work unit distributed!"


    The railway had always provided good benefits, and Zhuang Zhiyuan happily explained, "We got eggs for the New Year, purchased separately outside the usual plan. Five jin per person!"


    Zhao Guihua responded, "Oh, that''s wonderful!"


    "Indeed it is - last year it was only two jin," he said proudly. "We also got two jin of meat, plus a box of apples and a box of tangerines."


    Their New Year goods could really be counted as something!


    He hadn''t expected such generous distributions this year, and in good spirits, he asked, "Mom, what did you buy?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Don''t look out here, let''s talk about it when we get home."


    As mother and son returned to the courtyard, everyone was already busy, with households cooking and doing various chores. Old Lady Su was fetching water, and when she saw Zhuang Zhiyuan carrying his goods, her eyes lit up, and she quickly said, "Been shopping for New Year goods, have you?"


    She knew Zhao Guihua had been away frequently lately and had been trying to figure out what she was up to.


    Her eyes darted between mother and son, and Zhao Guihua said, "These weren''t bought - they were distributed by our eldest''s railway work unit. Their benefits are so good - if I''d known they''d be giving out so much, I wouldn''t have been queuing up every day."


    She had a loud voice, and Madam Zhou Li, who was in the room next door, heard and jealously complained, "Listen to her showing off. Really can''t keep anything to herself, like a dog''s stomach that can''t hold oil. I''m the richest in the courtyard, but do you see me bragging?"


    Jiang Lu was cooking and quietly said, "Mom, please stop talking about being the richest - it doesn''t sound good, and it''s not appropriate for others to hear." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She was kindly reminding her mother-in-law, who was unaware of the changing attitudes outside, but Madam Zhou Li took it as a challenge to her authority and immediately became extremely angry: "You little wretch, what are you saying? Looking down on me now, are you? Despising me, are you? I haven''t even complained about you being a barren hen, and here you are criticizing my words! Who else has such a daughter-in-law? We must have had eight generations of bad luck. Look around this courtyard - except for the newlyweds, who doesn''t have children? I''m not asking you to be like Wang Xiangxiu who gave the family three big healthy boys - even one son would be enough. Look at you - married for ten years, and where''s the child? Well? Where is it?"


    Jiang Lu hung her head bitterly, looking completely dejected.


    As Madam Zhou Li started berating her daughter-in-law again, Aunt Su outside quietly smiled with satisfaction - her family had three sons. Zhao Guihua had no interest in hearing such talk and immediately went home.


    Liang Meifen was peering out at the door and said, "Is Jiang Lu getting scolded again?"


    She pursed her lips and said, "Without a son... uh..." Meeting her mother-in-law''s gaze and remembering her criticism about gender discrimination, she quickly corrected herself: "Without a child, it really won''t do."


    Zhao Guihua coldly responded, "What''s it to you whether she has one or not!"


    Liang Meifen: "..." What an evil mother-in-law!


    While Madam Zhou Li was a nasty mother-in-law, her own wasn''t any better.


    She looked enviously at the Su family - if only she had a mother-in-law like Aunt Su, who was truly gentle and considerate, the most understanding towards daughters-in-law. Her own mother-in-law wasn''t good at all, with her bad temper and obvious favoritism.


    She could tell that her mother-in-law only liked Ming Mei, that brown-noser.


    "Mom, Mom, I''m back! We got our distributions~"


    Speak of the devil - just as she was thinking about the brown-noser, Ming Mei returned, calling out loudly, "Mom!"


    Zhao Guihua felt a headache coming on and quickly went out, saying, "You''re back, that''s... oh, why do you have so many things?"


    She hurried forward, asking, "Why are you carrying so much?"


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly and announced loudly: "These were distributed to us."


    She continued, "We got meat, fish, and fruit..."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan came out to look and saw that his younger sister''s work unit had distributed six items while they only got four. He immediately felt outdone and sighed disappointedly. He felt deeply frustrated that his work unit had fallen short.


    To be outmatched by his younger sister.


    However, Zhuang Zhiyuan could barely console himself - after all, the machinery factory couldn''t be expected to give out much.


    It was a huge factory with thousands of workers - how could they distribute so much?


    How could they possibly manage to give everyone so much?


    Ming Mei was still showing off, even her hair tips seemed to be bragging as she said, "Mom, we even got a box of peach cookies!"


    Zhao Guihua remarked, "Your work unit really has excellent benefits."


    She remembered there hadn''t been this much in her previous life - she wasn''t sure if Ming Mei hadn''t brought everything home then, or if things had changed. But Zhao Guihua didn''t dwell on these thoughts - times change, and what''s said at one time applies to that time only. She happily helped Ming Mei bring her things inside, saying, "You should have asked your third brother to help you!"


    Ming Mei replied, "Oh, it''s fine, I can manage."


    Zhao Guihua started organizing the items, and everyone in the family was a bit excited - this year had brought the most New Year goods they''d seen in years. Liang Meifen paced around mysteriously and said, "Mom, with all these good things in our house, we can''t leave them unattended. Those shameless thieves might try to break in."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "You don''t need to tell me that. I know."


    The world had long been weary of petty thieves.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan frowned: "That family''s child really needs proper education. Spoiling children like this won''t help them succeed or contribute to society. If everyone were like this, how could society develop and progress? Life isn''t just about eating and sleeping; one should pursue higher spiritual enlightenment. If they don''t educate their child properly, they''ll just become society''s waste. We can''t follow their example. Take Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, for instance - I believe we should teach them life-awakening principles, let them swim in the ocean of spiritual enlightenment..."


    Zhao Guihua was speechless and simply found some cotton balls to stuff in her ears.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    This was quite hurtful, wasn''t it?


    Liang Meifen looked enviously at her mother-in-law''s cotton balls, deeply appreciating her mother-in-law''s foresight. Though she was a difficult mother-in-law, this move was brilliant! Liang Meifen had long suffered from Zhuang Zhiyuan''s lengthy preaching.


    Ming Mei, however, remained casual and asked curiously, "Brother, have you always talked like this?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "???"


    He nodded.


    Ming Mei: "And nobody''s beaten you up yet?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    Ming Mei: "You''re really quite lucky."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "!!!"


    Zhao Guihua looked at her eldest son''s dumbfounded face and burst out laughing, saying, "Alright, eldest son, go fill up our water tank; eldest daughter-in-law, you cook the meal, and third daughter-in-law can help. I''m heading to the backyard."


    After giving out the tasks, she took a fish and went out. As soon as she emerged, Madam Zhou Li and Aunt Su immediately looked her way. Aunt Su''s eyes lit up as she said, "Guihua, is this..." She reached out to take it.


    Zhao Guihua dodged, thinking to herself how this person really made herself at home - why did she assume anything brought out was for her?


    She gave a forced smile and responded, "It''s so late and you haven''t started cooking yet. You''re really fortunate to have such a capable and devoted daughter-in-law who can do everything."


    Aunt Su''s gaze remained fixed on the fish, her voice very soft: "I wish I could do all the housework myself, but my health just won''t allow it. It''s completely out of my control." She pointed at the fish and said, "Your fish looks really good. The ones I saw at the grocery store last time weren''t nearly as nice. You''re so blessed, Guihua, with such hardworking sons and capable daughters-in-law. As for my family..."


    She sighed and continued, "Three growing boys, life is so hard. The whole household depends entirely on Xiangxiu, the children can''t even eat their fill, let alone get proper nutrition. Yesterday, Jinlai was saying how much he loves fish..."


    Her eyes swept over the fish again, thinking to herself that after such hints, shouldn''t you show some neighborly spirit and give me the fish? Not sharing with neighbors is really unkind.


    Zhao Guihua replied: "My children love fish too. Which family doesn''t enjoy good food? But we can''t eat well every day. Children don''t understand, but adults need to be sensible. If you don''t budget carefully, there''s no way to make ends meet."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "Don''t you agree, Madam Zhou?"


    Madam Zhou Li nodded at these words, saying, "That''s right, even with our circumstances, we don''t dare eat freely."


    Zhao Guihua: "Exactly!"


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, she took her things to the backyard. Madam Zhou Li immediately fixed her gaze on Zhao Guihua''s retreating figure, watching her enter Auntie Wang''s house, then spat and said, "Giving gifts, such a bootlicker!"


    Aunt Su also came to the courtyard to look toward the back, biting her lip and saying, "Why did she give it to Aunt Wang?"


    Hearing this, Madam Zhou Li laughed coldly and mockingly said, "If not to Aunt Wang, did you expect her to give it to you?"


    Aunt Su''s eyes reddened with hurt, and just then Old Man Bai entered the courtyard. Seeing this scene, he immediately shouted, "Zhou Li, you old shrew, are you bullying Sister Su again? How can you be so heartless and conscienceless!"


    Madam Zhou Li nearly fell over in anger. She put her hands on her hips and pointed at Old Man Bai, cursing, "Who do you think you''re talking to, you old fool? What''s this about? Rushing to defend your old flame without even knowing what''s going on? Look at yourself, what are you anyway?"


    "What am I? Whatever I am, I''m better than you - you''re not even human! You just love bullying people. Nothing but poison comes out of your dog mouth all day long. How can you bully such a good woman as Sister Su? There''s no justice!"


    Aunt Su''s eyes were red as she tried to mediate: "Brother Bai, please stop arguing. It''s not good for your reputation either. Please go home, I''m used to this..."


    Ming Mei heard the shouting outside and immediately rushed to the door. Although many people had attended the wedding feast, it was just a brief encounter, and everyone had been busy with work afterward, making it hard to remember who was who.


    This time, Ming Mei got a good look at Old Man Bai. He resembled Bai Fendou somewhat.


    But he looked more shifty than Bai Fendou - while Bai Fendou was ugly, he had a kind of simple honesty about him. She quickly waved: "Sister-in-law, come here."


    Liang Meifen came over: "What is it?"


    "Sister-in-law, why does it look like Madam Zhou Li wants to tear Old Man Bai to pieces?" she whispered.


    Liang Meifen lowered her voice: "When Madam Zhou Li was younger, she wanted to marry Old Man Bai. A widow and a widower, each with a son - wouldn''t they have been perfect together? But Old Man Bai wasn''t interested in her. He''s been in love with Aunt Su for decades and always takes her side against Madam Zhou Li. Look, now it''s become an eternal feud."


    Ming Mei: "Oh~ Hatred born from love!"


    She sighed: "It''s really..."


    She couldn''t find the words to describe it.


    The two sisters-in-law stood at the door watching the drama unfold. Ming Mei felt she was only missing some sunflower seeds to make it perfect. But they weren''t the only ones watching - people from both the front and back courtyards had gathered to see the excitement.


    Zhuang Zhixi returned from work and stood at the door watching for a while before quickly moving to his wife''s side, asking, "What''s all this fighting about?"


    Ming Mei: "It''s all for love."


    "Pfft!"


    Several people around them laughed, but thinking about it, Ming Mei was right - wasn''t it all for love? If not for love, why would Old Man Bai take such a stand? It was all the power of love.


    However, the drama didn''t last long. Aunt Wang quickly appeared and took control of the situation: "What are you all doing? Don''t you want to have a peaceful New Year? What''s all this about? Fighting over trivial matters - what happened to being harmonious neighbors? Old Bai, you shouldn''t always be arguing with women, it''s unseemly. And Madam Zhou, mind your words, your harsh speaking isn''t something new."


    Her gaze fell on Aunt Su, and she sighed, saying, "Aunt Su''s life isn''t easy, everyone should be more understanding."


    "We know that, and we''re not bullying anyone."


    "Right, we''re not the ones bullying them, we even help their family sometimes."


    "Exactly."


    Aunt Wang: "As long as everyone understands, these are the New Year days, let''s all calm down and have a good celebration."


    "We understand."


    Madam Zhou Li wasn''t satisfied: "Hmph, that sounds nice, but aren''t you accepting gifts yourself!"


    "Accepting gifts? What gifts?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Yeah, Aunt Wang accepting gifts? That''s not right, aren''t we supposed to not take a single thread from the masses? Just being in charge of the courtyard and already taking gifts, that''s not appropriate."


    "Indeed."


    Everyone started discussing, and Madam Zhou Li immediately perked up, saying, "Exactly! Just now, Aunt Su, you saw it too, right? Zhao Guihua took a fish to Aunt Wang''s house. Now whenever Zhao Guihua''s family has any issues, Aunt Wang will surely show favoritism."


    Aunt Su hesitated: "Uh... I-I did see it..." Then she showed a guilty expression as she glanced at Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua, saying, "I''m, I''m just telling the truth."


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua laughed in anger. These people were like mad dogs, biting anyone they could, weren''t they?


    Did they really think she was easy to bully?


    Before Aunt Wang could say anything, Zhao Guihua put her hands on her hips and started scolding: "Madam Zhou Li, stop spreading rumors and talking nonsense here. I can give my things to whoever I want, it''s none of your business! You''re just projecting your own malicious thoughts onto others. And you, Aunt Su, just because I didn''t give anything to you, you join in stirring up trouble? When I came out with the fish earlier, it wasn''t meant for you, but you tried to take it. What''s that about? You think everyone has to give things to your family? I''ll say it again - I''ll give to whoever I choose."


    "If you can give to whoever you want, why don''t you give to others? It''s clearly a bribe!"


    Zhao Guihua let out a cold laugh and said, "A bribe? Would I be so obvious about it if I were bribing someone? Would I let you all see it? How ridiculous! Everyone knows you, Madam Zhou Li, are a big mouth. Everything that passes through your lips turns from one into ten. Do you think I''m stupid enough to give bribes in front of you? I do things openly because I''m not afraid of petty people. Let everyone judge - I borrowed a fishing net from Aunt Wang and then completely forgot about it for over ten days without returning it. Today I suddenly remembered. How could I return it empty-handed? Tomorrow is New Year''s Eve, but even if it weren''t the New Year, how could I borrow something for so long without showing some appreciation? I don''t know how you, Madam Zhou Li and Aunt Su, conduct yourselves, but I certainly can''t just return things empty-handed after borrowing them for so long. Don''t I have any face?"


    "That''s true."


    "If you''ve borrowed something for ten days and forgot to return it, it is more appropriate to bring a small gift."


    "If someone borrowed my things and returned them empty-handed after forgetting about them, I wouldn''t be happy either. This is the right way to do it."


    "Indeed."


    As everyone discussed, Madam Zhou Li''s face darkened, and she argued stubbornly: "Who knows if what you''re saying is true or false!"


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Oh, so according to you, I just have too many things to give away? And who knows what your true intention is in stirring up trouble here? You were just arguing with Old Man Bai, and now you''re coming after me. What''s this about? Trying to shift the conflict? Have you no shame? At your age, who spoiled you like this? It''s New Year''s, and I don''t want to stoop to your level, but you can''t be so unreasonable. The north wind doesn''t blow around you - who do you think you are!"


    "Pfft!" The people around couldn''t help but laugh.


    It had to be said, Aunt Zhao was quite skilled at arguing!


    "Why don''t you just mind your own business instead of going around stirring up trouble with everyone? Everyone in the courtyard tolerates you, but if you go outside and get beaten up, no one will help you. What kind of person are you! If it weren''t for the New Year, I''d come right over and slap you twice to teach you how to behave properly, you piece of trash!"


    Zhao Guihua''s verbal assault was absolutely dominating - it could be said she achieved a complete victory.


    Madam Zhou Li was so angry she was gasping for air, while Aunt Su quietly retreated behind the crowd. She was someone who always took the gentle approach; she couldn''t handle such direct confrontation.


    Seeing that Madam Zhou Li couldn''t keep up, Zhao Guihua said, "All you do is run your mouth - besides gossiping, what else can you do!"


    Seeing that Zhao Guihua had already won decisively, Aunt Wang stepped forward and said, "Alright, alright, Old Zhao, don''t bother with her anymore. Everyone in our courtyard knows what her mouth is like. It''s not worth getting upset over - let''s go home."


    She gave Madam Zhou Li a disapproving look - accusing her of accepting bribes was truly despicable.


    But everyone knew what kind of person Madam Zhou Li was. If she stooped to her level, she would be lowering herself. As someone in a leadership position, she didn''t need to do that.


    Aunt Wang said: "Come on, come on, let''s get home in this cold weather."


    Zhao Guihua: "Pah, you worthless thing! Aunt Wang, I''m only holding back because of you, otherwise I would have slapped her."


    Aunt Wang smiled: "Alright, alright, for my sake then. Let''s go, let''s go home, everyone disperse..."


    Madam Zhou Li was still gasping for air like she was drowning. Zhou Qun walked up to his mother and said coldly: "Let''s go home."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Ah..."


    Though she was furious, seeing her son return, she quickly said: "Are you hungry? Why didn''t you go straight home when you got back? Why watch this commotion in such cold weather? Your holiday starts tomorrow, right? Do you get any benefits at work for the end of the year?"


    She kept asking questions one after another. Zhou Qun remained silent, but after entering the house, he frowned and said: "Mom, haven''t you embarrassed yourself enough?"


    Madam Zhou Li pouted, then muttered defiantly: "How is this my fault? I just saw what happened! And that Aunt Su is useless - as soon as Zhao Guihua got tough, she couldn''t help at all. What a spineless woman!"


    Seeing her son empty-handed, she couldn''t help but ask again: "Your factory didn''t give any benefits?"


    Zhou Qun looked at her with displeasure and said: "When has our factory ever given benefits? Aren''t you being foolish asking that? Besides, Jiang Lu has already come home from work. Didn''t you ask her? Now you''re asking me in front of all these people - are you trying to make me look bad? Mom, is this how you treat your son?"


    Madam Zhou Li quickly said cautiously: "Look at you, child, that''s not what I meant at all - you''re misunderstanding me. It''s all because of that awful Zhuang family. If they hadn''t been showing off by giving out things, would I have had a brain slip and asked you?"


    Unable to win against Zhao Guihua, she could still rant at home: "Look how smug Zhao Guihua is, just because she found a daughter-in-law with good conditions. What''s so great about that? Giving out a few things, wanting the whole world to know. Just watch, those three little brats of Jin Lai must have stolen them."


    Mentioning children made her unhappy again, and she glared at Jiang Lu, scolding: "Useless thing who can''t lay eggs! You must take that folk remedy I found the other day!"


    Jiang Lu''s expression turned bitter, and she said miserably: "Mom, that remedy contains virgin boy urine... How- how can I drink that? It''s too disgusting."


    "If you don''t drink it, when will you ever have children? Are you deliberately trying to end our family line? How can you be so heartless? If you still can''t produce children, just go back to your parents'' home and don''t come back." Madam Zhou Li took out her anger on her daughter-in-law.


    Jiang Lu felt terrible inside, hanging her head without daring to speak, feeling extremely bitter. She knew it was all her fault. If she wasn''t unable to have children, Zhou Qun wouldn''t be laughed at for not having any children at his age, and her mother-in-law wouldn''t increasingly despise her.


    It was all her own fault.


    Jiang Lu looked at Zhou Qun. When their eyes met, he said: "Enough, Mom. It''s almost New Year''s, stop picking on Jiang Lu. We can talk about this after the New Year."


    "But..."


    "No buts," he said. "Jiang Lu has been trying very hard."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Hmph!"


    She was very dissatisfied with her son taking his wife''s side, thinking it was all this worthless woman''s influence, and grew increasingly hostile toward Jiang Lu. Meanwhile, Jiang Lu was overjoyed, knowing that Zhou Qun would always be good to her no matter what.


    She looked at Zhou Qun with sparkling eyes.


    "Jiang Lu, our department gave out an extra pound of food coupons. I see the expiration date is coming up soon, and with New Year''s in a couple of days, the stores won''t be open. Why don''t you go use them today?" He handed the coupons to Jiang Lu, who immediately said: "Okay, I''ll go after I finish cooking."


    "Mom can cook, you go ahead."


    Jiang Lu: "Alright."


    She knew Zhou Qun was trying to help her avoid his mother, and she felt especially touched, her heart warming.


    This man had been so good to her, consistently, for ten years.


    As soon as Jiang Lu left the house, Madam Zhou Li started cursing: "Look at that little hussy''s shameless behavior. Can''t bear children but knows how to sweet-talk men. Don''t let her fool you."


    Zhou Qun watched through the window crack as Jiang Lu left the courtyard and said coldly: "Mom, watch how you speak to her. I have no intention of changing wives."


    Madam Zhou Li glared: "It''s her fault she can''t have children! Besides, with your conditions, you could get any kind of wife you want!"


    Zhou Qun smiled coldly and said, "It''s her fault, but getting someone else might not be better. My conditions are good, but I''m already in my thirties, and your reputation is what it is. Don''t take this the wrong way, but let''s be honest - girls with conditions like Jiang Lu''s might not choose me. If I''m going to find someone who''s been married before, why should I settle? Jiang Lu''s family has good conditions, she''s a formal city worker, and she''s not bad looking - there aren''t many who meet all these criteria. It''s easy to find another wife, but not easy to find one with conditions like hers. What good is a pretty face from the countryside? Would they hand over their entire salary to you? Besides, she can''t have children, so she feels indebted to our family, and we can control her as we please. Try finding someone else with good conditions and see what happens. They might even expect you to serve them. It''s just about children! If she can''t have them, can''t I find someone else? As long as we keep it quiet, it''s fine. Besides, she''s only thirty now and can still handle it. In a couple of years, she might start looking for solutions herself."


    Madam Zhou Li''s triangular eyes flickered as she pondered, then said, "What you say makes sense. So we won''t make her drink the folk medicine?"


    Zhou Qun replied coldly, "She''ll drink it, of course she will, but didn''t we say after the New Year? During the festivities, I don''t want to smell that odor. After New Year''s, you can push harder. Keep scolding her when needed - if you don''t scold her, how will she know my worth?"


    Madam Zhou Li laughed, "Ah!"


    Mother and son, having reached an agreement, showed smug smiles. Madam Zhou Li whispered, "If you ask me, Wang Xiangxiu would be best for having children. She''s so fertile, all her kids are chubby boys. If she..."


    Zhou Qun: "I know, but I still want to see if there are other suitable candidates. If there are, I''d prefer not to choose her. She''s too close by, and her family has three children. They''re always frantically worried about feeding those three kids. If we get too involved, we might get bitten. That kind of woman is fine for sleeping with, but for actually having children, I need to think it through."


    Madam Zhou Li caught his meaning, her eyes brightening as she smiled suggestively, then said, "Well, you handle this as you see fit. Mom will follow your lead."


    Zhou Qun nodded: "That''s right to listen to me. I''m not like that fool Bai Fendou, getting strung along helping others. He''s in his thirties, and Zhuang Zhixi who''s only in his twenties is already married, while he''s still single. What an idiot."


    Madam Zhou Li: "That young couple, Zhuang Zhixi and his wife, I don''t think they''re any good either. Especially that Ming Mei of theirs, so full of herself, showing off in the courtyard today when she got some things. Making sure everyone knows about it."


    Zhou Qun narrowed his eyes slightly: "Her conditions are quite good though. It''s a waste she''s with Zhuang Zhixi."


    "That''s right, if we''d known about someone like her, she would have been good for our family," Madam Zhou Li muttered.


    Zhou Qun nodded, but quickly shook his head, saying, "Her family''s conditions are good, but not as good as Jiang Lu''s. Being young and pretty is useless - would she hand over her salary?"


    Hearing this, Madam Zhou Li quickly said, "That wouldn''t work at all." She used Jiang Lu''s salary for living expenses and could save at least fifteen yuan per month for her private stash.


    "Exactly."


    While mother and son were calculating everything clearly in Jiang Lu''s absence, Ming Mei, who had been inadvertently drawn into their schemes, kept sneezing. She rubbed her nose and said, "Someone must be talking about me behind my back, hmm!"


    "Here, let me rub it for you," Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward, eager to help.


    Ming Mei laughed and dodged, saying, "Stop that."


    After the family finished dinner, Zhao Guihua began distributing shoes, saying, "Since we''ve earned some money recently, I bought each of you a pair of thousand-layer cotton shoes to wear on New Year''s morning. As the old saying goes, wear new shoes to walk new paths! During New Year''s, you might not wear new clothes, but you must wear new shoes."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked with a smile, "Mom, I''ve never heard that saying before."


    Zhao Guihua: "Lu Xun said it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...Lu Xun said ''wear new shoes to walk new paths''?"


    Why did he find that so hard to believe?


    Zhao Guihua gave him a side glance and said, "Maybe it was Zhou Shuren who said it. What, you have a problem with that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...No."


    He didn''t say that.


    Lu Xun definitely didn''t say that. Looking up, he saw his older brother about to speak, and Zhuang Zhixi immediately started coughing. Being brothers, he had to stop his brother from courting death! During New Year''s, better not offend their mother.


    Whatever she says someone said, that''s who said it.


    Zhao Guihua: "Cough cough cough, don''t cough towards the dining table, it''s disgusting."


    "Haven''t we finished eating?"


    "Just because we''re finished doesn''t mean you should cough, is that proper?"


    Zhao Guihua glared at her son again, watching everyone try on their shoes, and asked, "How are they? Do they fit?"


    Ming Mei twirled around in her shoes and said, "They fit perfectly! Mom, how did you know my shoe size? You really do care about me."


    She smiled and linked arms with Zhao Guihua, saying coquettishly, "Mom, I knew you liked me best, I''ve discovered your secret!"


    Zhao Guihua: "...You''re really full of yourself, aren''t you?"


    Ming Mei replied confidently: "But you do like me! It''s normal for you to know everyone else''s size, you''ve lived together for many years, it would be strange if you didn''t know. But I''ve only been married in for a short time, not even a month. You knew my size without even asking, which means you must have been secretly paying attention to me. Isn''t that treating me like your own daughter? I knew you liked me best!"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t know whether to laugh or cry, saying, "Oh, you..."


    Ming Mei: "I knew it, I knew it."


    Others: "..." They couldn''t bear to watch.


    Liang Meifen: "..." Super angry! This is infuriating! You little brown-noser!


    Although Liang Meifen''s family background wasn''t particularly good, they weren''t completely uneducated or uncouth, so she wasn''t really good at cursing. This made her very frustrated, and she couldn''t think of many other insulting words.


    She just kept using the same few over and over.


    Like calling Ming Mei a brown-noser - that label stuck to her.


    Liang Meifen was so angry, but seeing how her mother-in-law was actually falling for this act made her even angrier. What kind of person would do this?


    Ming Mei continued acting cute with her mother-in-law: "Mom, I''m so pitiful, you know? Tomorrow everyone else can stay home for New Year''s, but I have to go to work. Aren''t I the most pitiful little thing?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh heavens, can''t you speak properly? Straighten out your tongue when you talk."


    Ming Mei: "Mom, I know you feel sorry for me."


    Zhao Guihua: "Hey, no, where did you get that idea?"


    Ming Mei: "I can see it everywhere! Look, your mouth is turning up at the corners. Since I''m working so hard, can I have an extra dumpling tomorrow?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Eat, eat, eat, you can have it!"


    Ming Mei laughed again, and Zhuang Zhixi joined in: "Mom, can I have one too?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Get lost!"


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t believe it: "How can you treat us so differently? I knew it, you only like my wife now, you don''t love your most beloved youngest son anymore. Aren''t they always saying the youngest son and eldest grandson are the most precious? How can you not dote on me?"


    Hutou, feeling somehow targeted, thought carefully and said proudly: "Grandma loves me most!"


    He was the eldest grandson, and grandma secretly gave him and Xiao Yanzi treats.


    Others didn''t get any.


    He wouldn''t tell!


    But he was proud!


    Xiao Yanzi scooted over to Zhao Guihua and hugged her leg, saying in a sweet voice: "Grandma, grandma is Xiao Yanzi''s, little auntie can''t steal her!"


    Ming Mei refused to yield to the child, firmly stating: "I''ll steal her anyway!"


    Xiao Yanzi pursed her little lips, staring at Ming Mei, their gazes clashing with sparks flying!


    Old Man Zhuang: "..." What the hell was all this about? His wife was closest to him, why were all these people trying to steal her!


    He coughed heavily.


    No one paid attention.


    Completely ignored.


    This was because Old Man Zhuang had no say at home. Naturally, no one responded, so Old Man Zhuang finally spoke up: "If you all have nothing to do, go back to your rooms and sleep, go on."


    He had to drive these people away.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s still early, not tired, let''s chat for a while."


    Ming Mei: "Exactly."


    She wiggled her feet, showing off her shoes, saying: "They''re so comfortable!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My mom knows which shop is the best, their thousand-layer soles are the best, very good value for money."


    Ming Mei: "Yes, I can feel it."


    Old Man Zhuang: "If you two lovebirds want to chat, go back to your own room! Get going!"


    Ming Mei put on an innocent face, while Zhuang Zhixi scolded his father: "How can you chase people away? We''re not leaving! Mom, Dad''s trying to challenge your authority at home, you should say something to him."


    Zhao Guihua responded sincerely: "You''re all giving me a headache with your bickering. Listen to your father and go back to your rooms. I know you all side with your wives, but I side with my old man. He''s the best person there is." Zhao Guihua waved her hand as if shooing away flies: "Go on, go on."


    Like shooing away flies.


    Old Man Zhuang felt both touched and proud - his wife always knew how to treat him well!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We have it so tough."


    Ming Mei was all smiles as she said coquettishly: "Mom and Dad are still so loving as an old couple, Zhixi, you should learn from them. By the way, I have work tomorrow, are you going to take me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course! I''ll take you there and pick you up in the evening."


    He ruffled Ming Mei''s hair and said: "My wife works so hard, I need to show my appreciation as a husband."


    They walked arm in arm back to their room. Once inside, Ming Mei didn''t bother lighting the stove and just flopped onto the bed, saying: "Time to sleep!"


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned in and pecked her, Ming Mei: "Mmm."


    Aliali: 674546a7c4f3f33ac44c928aShe propped herself up to look at Zhuang Zhixi, who leaned in for another kiss and started getting frisky. Ming Mei pushed him away: "Light the stove, it''s cold..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''ll get warm in a minute..."


    Ming Mei giggled and said: "No, really, it''s cold. Don''t let us freeze. Go light the stove. After that, we can do anything!"


    Zhuang Zhixi stopped what he was doing and looked at Ming Mei, asking meaningfully: "Anything?"


    Ming Mei said coyly: "Yes, do you think I''m someone who doesn''t keep their word?"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes darkened slightly as he smiled and said: "Pinky promise."


    Ming Mei: "You''re so childish!"


    But despite her words, she was the one who reached out to make the pinky promise...


    The room''s temperature gradually rose, and soon the young couple turned off the lights, and the bed started creaking...


    The bed should hold up just fine!

 Chapter 19

    Crackling and popping!


    Early in the morning, the sound of firecrackers filled the streets, with both big and small kids running around the alleys, creating a lively atmosphere. Several children in the courtyard had also run out to play. Today was the 30th, and even the most financially strained families would splurge a bit to buy some small firecrackers for their children.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had already dashed out early in the morning. Their neighbors, the Jinlai brothers and the Li Junjun and Li Weiwei brothers, along with other kids, formed a group and ran wildly outside. By mid-morning, the large courtyard began to waft with a delicious aroma.


    Today was a rare holiday, and Old Man Zhuang, despite the cold, was sitting outside with a stool, playing chess with his eldest son Zhuang Zhiyuan. Both were poor players, and the onlookers couldn''t help but point and comment.


    Zhao Guihua, with her eldest daughter-in-law Liang Meifen in tow, was busy preparing lunch at home. She had bought a large piece of pork ribs and cut off a third of it, chopping it vigorously. Liang Meifen watched enviously; such good ribs were a rare treat for her.


    After chopping the ribs, Zhao Guihua started slicing the pork. She cut the fatty and lean pork into thin slices, added firewood, and then fried the meat in a wok. The sizzling sound was immediately followed by the aroma of the meat, which released a lot of oil as it cooked. Zhao Guihua continued to stir-fry until the meat slices turned golden brown, then added pickled cabbage and vermicelli before pouring in water and covering the pot.


    Turning around, she saw Liang Meifen''s drooling expression and said, "Why are you standing there like that? Go and clean the fish. We''ll make steamed fish for lunch today."


    Liang Meifen happily replied, "Alright!"


    She quickly got to work. Zhao Guihua called out, "Zhixi, Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi, who was watching the two poor chess players, immediately turned his head and asked, "Mother, what do you need?"


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and said, "Stop being so glib. Go to the cellar and bring up four cabbages."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got it."


    He quickly went to the cellar, where he saw Wang Xiangxiu. Their cellar was shared among the four families in the front yard, each with a designated area for storing winter vegetables like cabbage and radishes.


    Wang Xiangxiu turned around at the sound of footsteps, and upon seeing Zhuang Zhixi, she gave a charming smile and said, "I thought who it was? Little Zhuang, why are you here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi politely greeted, "Sister-in-law Su."


    Wang Xiangxiu pouted slightly, saying, "Look at you, others call me Sister Xiangxiu, but you call me Sister-in-law Su. It sounds so distant."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and said, "It wouldn''t be appropriate to call you Sister Xiangxiu. That would show a lack of respect. I''m addressing you as my sister-in-law out of respect for my brother Su."


    He moved forward to take the cabbages, and Wang Xiangxiu softly said, "You seem to be struggling. Let me help you."


    She directly stepped in front of Zhuang Zhixi, her large hips facing him, and bent down to help.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly said, "No, no, it''s fine."


    He was well aware that Sister-in-law Su''s actions seemed like an attempt to seduce him. However, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t interested in her. He already had a beautiful and lovely wife, and there was no reason to stray.


    Was he bored?


    Zhuang Zhixi took the cabbages and left without even glancing at Wang Xiangxiu. He felt like he was in the same situation as the monk Tang Sanzang from Journey to the West, who once entered the Spider Cave. Zhuang Zhixi remained unmoved.


    Wang Xiangxiu slightly frowned and stomped her foot lightly. She had always thought that young men without much experience were easy to manipulate, but he hadn''t taken the bait. This made Wang Xiangxiu a bit unhappy. Her usual tactics usually yielded some benefits, even if not fully successful. Now, she got nothing. She bit her lip and glanced at Zhuang''s winter vegetables but didn''t dare to take any.


    If Zhuang Zhixi offered, it would be one thing, but if she took it herself, the meaning would be different. She understood this. This small advantage was not worth it. Wang Xiangxiu looked unhappy at the winter vegetables, hesitated, and then went to the Bai family''s section. Bai Fendou certainly wouldn''t mind.


    But after thinking about it, Wang Xiangxiu gave up. She couldn''t risk it for small gains. The Bai family was a sustainable resource. She sighed and took her own vegetables. Her family hadn''t bought many winter vegetables this year, and they were almost out by the time of the New Year. Wang Xiangxiu''s mood was heavy.


    Zhuang Zhixi, like Monk Tang, decisively left the temptress and quickly emerged from the cellar with the cabbages. He felt he deserved praise from his wife. Unfortunately, his wife wasn''t home, or he would have asked for a kiss right away.


    Zhuang Zhixi carried the cabbages into the house and mused, "How nice it would be to eat like this every day."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him and said, "Maybe in ten or twenty years, that will be possible."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He pouted, "Mom, you''re really good at bragging."


    Zhao Guihua: "Maybe in ten or twenty years, you won''t even want to eat meat and will prefer vegetables!"


    Zhuang Zhixi widened his eyes and said, "That''s impossible. If I could eat meat every day, I''d be over the moon. Not wanting meat? I wouldn''t even dream of such a thing."


    Zhao Guihua smirked at him, too lazy to argue with this ignorant fellow. He couldn''t imagine that by the time he was in his forties or fifties, he''d be obsessed with health, eating meat in measured amounts, and boiling vegetables without oil.


    At that time, he wouldn''t want anything greasy or rich in fat.


    So, who could see ahead?


    Oh, wait, she could.


    Zhao Guihua was lost in thought for a moment but quickly snapped back to reality and said, "Today we have four main dishes for lunch, and we''ll cook dumplings in the evening. Will you take lunch to your wife, or will she eat at her unit?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "She said she''ll eat at her unit. Their cafeteria seems to have meat today. If she doesn''t eat, she''ll miss out. But make sure to save two pieces of ribs for my wife."


    He was very protective of his wife.


    Zhao Guihua gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Don''t worry, I''ve made enough. No need to save any. We''ll make more in the evening, so she won''t miss out."


    Zhuang Zhixi saw that there were still two-thirds left and immediately snapped his fingers, saying, "Got it, got it. I''ll do as you say. No wonder Mingmei says you''re the one who dotes on her the most. It''s true, you really are."


    Liang Meifen peeked at her mother-in-law, feeling a bit sour. As the eldest daughter-in-law and the mother of the eldest grandson, a boy at that, why did everyone like her sister-in-law more? She had just married in a few days and didn''t even have a child yet.


    Thinking about this, Liang Meifen''s mood dimmed as she looked at the delicious food.


    Was it because she had given her job to her brother that they disliked her so much? But he was her brother, the one who could support her. How important was her family? Didn''t Zhaodi and Laidi send so many things back to their families?


    She hadn''t done enough.


    But no one understood her.


    Liang Meifen felt her heart sinking into bitterness.


    She felt extremely sad, but seeing that no one else paid attention to her, not even her husband, she felt even more miserable.


    She wanted to cry, wanted to go to the bathroom and cry!


    Liang Meifen sank into endless self-pity, while Zhuang Zhixi had no time to care about her. He pulled Zhao Guihua and said, "Mom, come here. I have something to tell you."


    Zhao Guihua: "What is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Come here."


    He pulled his mother into the inner room, and Liang Meifen immediately perked up, trying to eavesdrop at the door. What was this brother-in-law up to now? Was he trying to scam his mother''s money?


    She couldn''t let that happen.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know his sister-in-law was eavesdropping, but he could guess her usual behavior. He wasn''t here to talk about her, though. He whispered something in his mother''s ear.


    Zhao Guihua''s eyebrows shot up, and she angrily cursed, "Shameless!"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly covered her mouth and said, "Don''t let others hear and guess. We know what''s going on in our hearts. Anyway, I won''t be fooled. I''m a man of strong will, but my dad and elder brother... You should remind them. That woman can target me, and she can target them too."


    He didn''t want his family to be tricked by that woman. Wang Xiangxiu, once you get involved with her, it''s hard to get rid of her. She and her family will always come looking for favors.


    Take Bai Fendou, for example, he''s a perfect example of what not to do.


    Zhao Guihua glared at him and said, "Do you think I don''t know that? Alright, stop talking about this."


    Zhao Guihua despised Wang Xiangxiu a million times over but didn''t want this to come out from their family. She added, "I''ll remind your dad and elder brother."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "That''s good."


    Zhao Guihua waved her hand and said, "Alright, get out."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got it."


    As he lifted the curtain, he saw his sister-in-law trying to dodge out of sight. Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Sister-in-law, you''re eavesdropping again. You can eavesdrop on my conversation with mom, but don''t eavesdrop on me and my wife at night, or I''ll pour wash water outside."


    Liang Meifen''s face turned red with embarrassment and said, "How could I do such a thing? I wasn''t eavesdropping. I just wanted to ask mom if the sauerkraut is ready."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly and said, "Sister-in-law, your excuse isn''t very good. You know how to cook, next time find a better excuse, or mom will get mad again."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, shut up! Get out and stop bothering me here. And you, Liang Meifen, get your head straight! Always thinking about nonsense, you''re really muddle-headed."


    Liang Meifen hung her head and quickly helped with the chores.


    Zhuang Zhixi strolled out and saw Bai Fendou coming over. Bai Fendou''s family only had him and his dad, and there wasn''t much festive atmosphere for the New Year. While every household was preparing for the reunion dinner on New Year''s Eve, he was just strolling around, not in a hurry at all.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Fendou bro, that''s not right, huh? Leaving Uncle Bai alone at home preparing lunch, not even helping?"


    Bai Fendou scratched his head and said, "Hey, don''t say that. What kind of person do you think I am? Am I the kind who only cares about myself and doesn''t care about my dad? Dad''s not doing any work at home either."


    He said with some pride, "Someone''s helping with our lunch."


    He looked at the Su family next door and said with a relaxed smile, "Aunt Su is helping us cook, and she''ll bring it over later. Speaking of Aunt Su and Sister Xiangxiu, they''re truly rare good women. The Su family is really blessed."


    Too bad the early deceased father and son didn''t have the fortune.


    He thought to himself, if he had a wife like Sister Su, he wouldn''t want to leave early. Leaving them mother and child to live a hard life, such a good woman deserves the best life.


    Zhuang Zhixi let out a long "Oh," and teased, "Aunt Su''s family is already struggling, and you''re taking advantage of them."


    Bai Fendou: "Hey, you little rascal, how do you talk? I''m not that kind of person. I bought chicken, meat, and fish."


    Everyone understood what he meant. Bai''s family bought all these good things for the Su family to cook, and the Su family would probably keep most of it after sending a plate over.


    But Bai Fendou probably knew that too, and he was willing.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "You bought quite a lot."


    "Of course, it''s New Year''s, who doesn''t eat well? Your mom''s stingy, but she still eats well during the New Year, right?" Bai Fendou said mockingly.


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately retorted, "Can you speak properly? My mom''s not stingy, she knows how to live. Besides, our family lives well. If it weren''t for my mom''s planning, could we live so comfortably? You, a family without a woman, don''t understand the importance of a woman."


    Bai Fendou snorted and didn''t bother arguing with the young man, saying, "Always talking about women, as if having a woman is such a big deal."


    He was jealous, but he didn''t say it.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "Isn''t it important? Can''t you see?"


    He pointed to the men in the house and said, "If it weren''t important, could we be so relaxed?"


    Bai Fendou pouted and said, "What''s so great about it? I have help too."


    "You''re not helping for free."


    Zhuang Zhixi knew the Su family well. He smiled and said, "I say, Fendou bro, are you really not planning to get married? You''re not young anymore."


    "Yeah, Fendou bro, you''re three years older than me, and my son can already run errands." Bai Zhiyuan teased, also thinking it was time for Bai Fendou to get married.


    Being mixed up with a widow all the time wasn''t good. The widow''s children weren''t his.


    One still had to have their own kids.


    Bai Fendou actually wanted to find a wife, but it was hard. Everyone in their courtyard had a good wife, and he didn''t want to be worse than them. He looked at Zhuang Zhiyuan and said, "Why don''t you introduce one to me?"


    He heard there were many pretty girls working as conductors on the train, and the conditions were definitely good.


    Bai Fendou immediately clung to Zhuang Zhiyuan, who said, "...


    He thought for a moment and said, "It''s not good for a man to be a matchmaker, it''s not proper. Why don''t you ask Aunt Wang? She''s famous for matchmaking, she''s matched many people. I''m sure she has many suitable candidates."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn''t passing the buck, he really thought Aunt Wang was good at this. Although their family brothers weren''t introduced by her, people like Wang Xiangxiu and Zhou Qun''s wife Jiang Lu were introduced by her. Jiang Lu''s father was the director of the supply and marketing cooperative, with considerable power.


    Such a good family could be introduced, showing Aunt Wang really had good candidates.


    Bai Fendou pouted and said, "The ones she introduced to me weren''t good! Either without a job or a country girl. With my conditions, I can''t possibly find a country girl."


    Nowadays, if you have a rural household registration, you don''t have a grain book, and it''s even harder to have children, because the child''s household registration follows the mother''s.


    If the mother is a rural household registration, the child is also a rural household registration, without the city''s fixed quantity.


    You see, Liang Meifen doesn''t have a job now, even if she didn''t have a job from the start, she''s better off than a country girl, because her household registration is urban, and her child is an urban household registration. If you marry a country girl, the father''s pressure is great, having to bear the food for the whole family, the life must be very difficult, the burden is very heavy.


    Compared to decades later when there''s no difference between urban and rural areas, now the urban household registration is much more important than the rural household registration. Generally, unless there''s a big problem, a city worker won''t find a country girl.


    That''s why Bai Fendou''s expression was so bad when he mentioned country girls.


    And he felt he wasn''t any worse than Zhou Qun, how could Aunt Wang introduce Jiang Lu to Zhou Qun, even if Jiang Lu couldn''t have children, but at the time of introduction, they didn''t know, did they?


    When it came to introducing to him, they were all ugly, he wasn''t happy. So he had a little opinion of Aunt Wang.


    Bai Fendou didn''t have a big heart, his expression showed it, Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Fendou bro, times have changed, Zhou Qun got married more than ten years ago. He was young then, with more choices, now you''re thirty-one, the choices are naturally fewer."


    Actually, that wasn''t the point, the point was you''re entangled with a widow, good families don''t want to marry you.


    Bai Fendou: "Then should I ask Aunt Wang again?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I think that''s a good idea."


    Bai Fendou, a grown man, spoke with a hint of shyness: "Aunt Wang isn''t willing to introduce anyone to me." He had seen several prospects fall through, and Aunt Wang felt her reputation was at stake, especially since Bai Fendou didn''t seem appreciative. Naturally, Aunt Wang was displeased.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled: "Why don''t you try a roundabout approach? Ask Yang Lixin for help."


    Yang Lixin was the son-in-law of Chef Li and Aunt Wang.


    As they chatted in the courtyard, their voices carried, and Wang Xiangxiu, who was eavesdropping, bit her lip, glaring at the courtyard with resentment: "This Zhuang Zhixi is such a troublemaker, always stirring up chaos."


    Aunt Su understood what Wang Xiangxiu meant and gently patted her hand in comfort: "Look at you, getting flustered over such a small matter. Bai Fendou has seen enough of the women in our courtyard. Do you really think he''d accept someone of average conditions?"


    As the saying goes, an old ginger is hotter than a young one. Aunt Su had hit the nail on the head.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "But..."


    Aunt Su spoke softly but with malice: "Even if they do get together, what''s the big deal? Couples can easily break up. It''s hard to bring them together, but it''s easy to tear them apart, don''t you think?"


    Wang Xiangxiu pondered for a moment and nodded.


    Still, she was indignant: "This Zhuang Zhixi just loves meddling in other people''s business."


    "Did you just..."


    Aunt Su looked at Wang Xiangxiu and asked.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "He doesn''t fall for it. The guy just doesn''t appreciate my charm."


    Aunt Su thought for a moment and said: "Take it slow! I heard they earn about sixty yuan a month, give ten yuan for living expenses, and still have fifty left. They don''t have to worry about food and drink, so how could they spend all that? As neighbors, we should help them out. Of course, they should help us too. We''re a widow and her child, so pitiful."


    "You''re right."


    Aunt Su: "Alright, let''s start cooking. Later, we''ll take some to the Bai family. I''ll give Old Bai a talking to. He''s the father, and if he doesn''t agree, Bai Fendou''s marriage plans will be tough."


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled: "You always have a way, Mom."


    She opened the window to cook, and as the smoke dispersed, she happened to glance up and saw Zhou Qun coming out of his house. Their eyes met, and Wang Xiangxiu gave a charming smile before quickly looking down, as if nothing had happened.


    Zhou Qun, as if nothing had happened, joined the group around Old Man Zhuang, watching him play chess. Zhuang Zhixi made room and said: "Zhou Qun, come stand here, it''s less windy."


    He politely made space, and as luck would have it, Zhou Qun''s position allowed him to see Wang Xiangxiu cooking. Zhou Qun smiled and stood there contentedly, saying: "Mind if I join in?"


    "Sure, go ahead."


    Bai Fendou rolled his eyes: "Do you even know how to play?"


    They were the same age, both thirty-one, but one lived in prosperity while the other was alone, naturally they didn''t get along.


    Zhou Qun, unbothered, smiled: "I know a little. Fendou, want to join?"


    Zhuang Zhixi teased: "Fendou can''t join, he''s waiting for Yang Lixin."


    Just as they mentioned him, Yang Lixin came out to use the toilet. Zhuang Zhixi called: "Yang Ge."


    Yang Lixin: "What''s up?" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Lixin was different from men like Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou. He was very slender, looking like a small man. Most chefs were burly, but he was exceptionally thin, like a bamboo pole, yet fair-skinned. If you didn''t know, you might think he was a scholar rather than a chef.


    "You come, you come!"


    The men gathered, and Yang Lixin quickly understood what they were up to. He glanced at Bai Fendou''s appearance and deeply felt that Bai Fendou was delusional!


    With looks like his, he was far from being as good as himself, yet he wanted to find someone of good conditions. Was that even possible?


    With the current fervor of going to the countryside, those who could stay behind all had jobs, and families who gave jobs to their daughters were definitely well-off. Why would they choose you?


    Although Yang Lixin was a son-in-law, he looked down on Bai Fendou. But he didn''t want to cause trouble in the courtyard, so he said: "I''ll talk to my mother-in-law and put in a good word for you."


    Bai Fendou''s eyes lit up: "You''re a true friend. When this works out, I''ll treat you to drinks." He reached out to put an arm around Yang Lixin, who quickly dodged, flicking his fingers with a delicate gesture: "Just talk, don''t touch, it''s gross."


    Bai Fendou: "Eww~"


    He couldn''t stand Yang Lixin''s mannerisms, not very manly.


    He said: "Look, I''m offering to buy you drinks."


    Yang Lixin pursed his lips: "..."


    With that attitude, forget about the drinks.


    This guy just wasn''t going to work out.


    But Yang Lixin didn''t say it out loud, just chuckled. Zhou Qun glanced at Yang Lixin, then looked towards the Su family''s direction, with a meaningful smile.


    The atmosphere seemed harmonious, but whether everyone had their own motives was another story.


    When the Su family''s mother and daughter heard Yang Lixin was willing to help, they whispered: "That busybody, a useless egg meddling in so much!"


    Their voices were low, so no one heard, but Bai Fendou was quite happy. He said: "I knew everyone was anxious about my marriage. One day, when I have some progress, I''ll treat everyone to a feast. Little Yang, you have to cook for us, you''re the chef."


    Yang Lixin frowned, brushing it off: "We''ll see, we''ll see."


    Was he a chef supposed to work for free? What a nuisance.


    The men quickly resumed their banter. The noise from the courtyard attracted more people. Zhao Guihua, hearing the buzz like flies outside the window, said: "These people have nothing better to do."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Her mother-in-law''s mouth!


    Zhao Guihua had just finished cooking fish and opened the window, calling: "Zhuang Zhixi, go call Hutou and Xiao Yanzi back for dinner."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why is it always me? I had to fetch the cabbage, and now I have to call the kids. They''re my brother''s kids, after all."


    He grumbled but went to the door and shouted: "Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, come home for dinner!"


    As soon as he finished, the two kids ran home like little puppies, fast as lightning. Of course, kids knew when the food was good and didn''t waste any time.


    Playing with Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei also asked: "Uncle Zhuang, is it time for dinner at our place?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not yet, but soon. You should come back too!"


    "Okay!"


    Influenced by Zhuang Zhixi''s words, the kids hurried home, too eager to play anymore. Hutou was the fastest, rushing back and hugging Zhuang Zhixi''s leg, looking up excitedly: "Uncle, is there meat?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, hurry home and wash your hands."


    Hutou dragged his sister to the tap in the courtyard, the cold water making them shiver, but they were used to it. After washing, they ran home: "Grandma, we''re back!"


    Zhao Guihua: "I made braised spare ribs. Come, try one first."


    "Wow!"


    Hutou''s eyes sparkled. He knew Grandma loved him and Xiao Yanzi the most. He eagerly looked up, and soon, the two kids each got a piece of rib. He grinned happily.


    Zhao Guihua: "Time to eat!"


    Her shout echoed through the courtyard, and the chess group immediately dispersed. The men who were chatting just moments ago scattered, and the Zhuang family of three entered their home. The aroma of the food was so intoxicating.


    The meal was simply too delicious.


    The whole family sat down, and Zhuang Zhixi lamented: "Poor little wife, still working today. It''s so tough."


    Zhao Guihua: "There''s still ribs, fish, and meat. She won''t go hungry. You don''t need to keep reminding me." She knew exactly what that little rascal was thinking.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled: "True enough."


    Such a good meal, no need for many words, just dig in, as this is the last day of the year, and tomorrow is the first day of the new year, Zhao Guihua said, "All the blessings are in the dishes, eat up!"


    No matter how many big truths you speak, it''s useless, just eat. With these words, everyone quickly started wielding their chopsticks. Zhuang Zhixi immediately picked up a piece of spare ribs. The meat on the ribs is different from pork belly, but the taste is surprisingly good, fragrant and not greasy, leaving an endless aftertaste after a bite.


    It''s simply the best.


    He gnawed through a piece of ribs in a few bites, then turned his attention to the pork belly with sauerkraut, sizzling! Each has its own deliciousness, neither is bad! Such a feast is not common, Zhuang Zhixi ate his rice in big mouthfuls, not relaxing at all.


    Not just him, everyone else at home was the same, even little Xiao Yanzi, a four-year-old, could swing her tiny chopsticks quickly, not relaxing at all.


    The little one''s cheeks puffed up as she ate, like a little squirrel.


    She also pouted and mumbled, "Delicious!"


    Everyone had the tacit understanding to eat the fish last, not because the fish wasn''t good, but because it had bones, so one had to be careful. Eating meat first was just right.


    "Mom, your cooking is really good, not inferior to Chef Li," Zhuang Zhixi said while eating, flattering.


    Zhao Guihua: "As long as you''re willing to put in the ingredients, how can it not be delicious? Besides, not everyone can make ribs taste bad, that takes some skill."


    "That''s not necessarily true, Mom, your cooking, I''m the most convinced of."


    This flatterer is always likable no matter when, although Zhao Guihua claims never to fall for this, the corner of her mouth lifting betrays her true feelings.


    She wasn''t as calm as she appeared, she was happy.


    Zhuang Zhixi finished his meal, rubbed his belly, and slumped in his chair, saying, "That was refreshing!"


    Despite preparing six dishes, the meal was eaten clean, not a scrap left. Zhao Guihua looked at the few who were full and said, "No one is allowed to go out in the afternoon, we''re all going to make dumplings together."


    Liang Meifen immediately said, "Mom, you and I can handle it, if we can''t, Sister-in-law can come back to help, no need for the men."


    Zhao Guihua shot her a sharp look and said, "Aren''t they family? Why should everything be done by us women? It''s New Year''s, what''s wrong with making dumplings together? If you can do it all by yourself, then do it, if not, keep quiet and don''t wait for me to lecture you! This family isn''t run by you!"


    If you think about it, if Zhao Guihua hadn''t been reborn, she might have thought the same as Liang Meifen, except for families like Chef Li''s where the man is a cook. In most households, the cooking was done by women, men didn''t usually step into the kitchen. But Zhao Guihua doesn''t think that way now, why must we divide by gender? What''s wrong with a family doing things together?


    Zhao Guihua yelled fiercely, and Liang Meifen silently lowered her head, whispering, "I''ll listen to you."


    This person is like that. If you want to talk to her nicely, she always wants to jump, but if you''re fierce, she thinks it''s natural.


    Zhao Guihua feels her bad temper is entirely due to this daughter-in-law.


    She took a deep breath and said, "Since it''s New Year''s, eat heartily, prepare for tonight and tomorrow morning, I don''t think the cabbage is enough, go get a few more in the afternoon."


    "Okay."


    Hutou cooed, "Grandma, Hutou can help too."


    His behavior made Zhao Guihua laugh, the previously overcast sky now sunny, she said with a smile, "No need, you''re a child, you can''t make dumplings. If you want to show off, sweep the floor after New Year''s."


    Liang Meifen wanted to say something, but upon meeting her mother-in-law''s cold gaze, she immediately quieted down, inwardly complaining about her son being so foolish, a boy, how can he do work?


    Besides, he''s so small, the mother-in-law is really something.


    But despite having a thousand thoughts in her mind, Liang Meifen didn''t say a word, staying quiet. Hutou, however, wasn''t obedient, he wiggled his little bottom and said, "Grandma, I want to go out and play."


    Zhao Guihua: "Go ahead."


    Kids can''t sit still at home.


    The little guy immediately pulled his sister and ran out, Hutou, although a mischievous boy, always knows to hold his sister''s hand.


    Xiao Yanzi followed her brother, never lagging behind.


    The two kids ran out the door, their family didn''t eat early, by this time other kids had already finished eating and were playing outside, Hutou quickly joined in.


    The kids played hopscotch.


    Hutou: "I''m the best at hopscotch, no one can beat me!"


    "I can too, I can too!" Xiao Yanzi chimed in.


    Kids are different, some have better conditions, are more spoiled at home, have firecrackers to play with, some are younger or poorer, can only play hopscotch.


    Hutou and his sister are young, their family wouldn''t let them play with many firecrackers, not safe. So the two kids mingled with the hopscotch kids.


    "You hit one, I hit one..." Xiao Yanzi played patty-cake with the older sister next door.


    "Oh, you''re playing hopscotch! Hehe, we have firecrackers," the kids were playing happily when they saw Jinlai and his two brothers come out, their mouths oily, arrogant and proud, "We have firecrackers..."


    Sure enough, this remark drew envious glances from the other kids.


    Jinlai became even more proud, raising his chin and saying, "You, you, you, I won''t play with you, the rest, if you want to see us set off firecrackers, follow me!"


    Forming cliques.


    Hutou pouted, he huffed, "Don''t play with us, then don''t!"


    A few kids who usually didn''t play well with Jinlai and his brothers were immediately excluded. Hutou was a little envious, but he wouldn''t show weakness!


    He pulled his sister and said, "We can have just as much fun playing hopscotch, we''ll set off a lot of firecrackers tonight~"


    Xiao Yanzi: "Okay~"


    A soft, sweet little voice.


    Jinlai glanced at them, snorted, and said, "We won''t play with you! We big kids play different things, we don''t play with little kids."


    A few kids who wanted to play with firecrackers surrounded Jinlai and his brothers, asking, "What are you playing?"


    Aliali: 67484551c4f3f33ac476734a


    Jinlai''s eyes scanned around, suddenly spotting a stray dog, he pointed proudly, saying, "Bomb it!"


    "Ah? Isn''t that bad?"


    Jinlai''s eyes bulged, "Want to play or not? If not, get lost!"


    He''s the boss here.


    He lit a firecracker and threw it at the stray dog... boom!


    The stray dog, which was happily foraging, suddenly got attacked, quickly fleeing, Jinlai laughed loudly, chasing and throwing more, "Watch this!"


    Yinlai: "Me, me!"


    Boom!


    One after another!


    The stray dog got bombed again and again, howling, suddenly turning and baring its teeth, charging over... Hutou, sharp-eyed, saw Jinlai and his friends provoke the stray dog from afar, pulling his sister, turned and ran: "Run fast!"

 Chapter 20

    The three Jinlai brothers were nothing but trouble makers.


    They couldn''t stay out of mischief for even a moment. When they set off firecrackers near the stray dog, it wasn''t badly hurt but the explosion awakened its wild nature. With a howl, the dog turned around and started chasing the children, barking furiously.


    Jinlai: "Ahhh!"


    Though the three brothers usually acted tough and intimidating, when real trouble came, they were just children after all - Jinlai, the oldest, was only nine. He let out a high-pitched scream and ran away at full speed, completely forgetting about his younger brothers.


    Yinlai was no better. The other children who had been standing around quickly scattered, running towards the main gate. Many kids had been playing in the alley, and when the fierce stray dog charged at them, they all started screaming in terror.


    "Run! The wild dog will eat us!"


    "Quick, escape!"


    "Help!"


    ...


    The children were screaming chaotically as they fled. Hutou saw the big stray dog running towards them. Though his little face turned pale with fear, the sharp-eyed boy quickly grabbed his sister''s hand and ran towards home, shouting: "Run away! Everyone run!"


    His shout as he pulled his sister along snapped the other children out of their frozen state. They quickly followed suit - if not now, when else would you run? It was a big dog after all!


    A big dog that could bite!


    Hutou was yelling as he pulled his sister along. Though Xiao Yanzi was tiny, she ran just as fast. The siblings were the first to reach the courtyard, followed closely by children from other households who ran in after them. This courtyard was closest, so everyone rushed inside!


    The children''s screams brought people out of their homes. "What''s going on?"


    Bai Fendou''s family lived closest to the gate and came out first. Hutou, panting heavily while leaning against the courtyard wall, said: "There''s a stray dog, it''s chasing us!"


    Bai Fendou responded, "Why would a stray dog chase you for no reason? Did you provoke it? You little rascals can''t even behave during New Year." Though he said this, he was a kind-hearted man and quickly went outside. As he stepped out, he witnessed a terrifying scene - the stray dog had pounced on Tonglai, who had been running the slowest. Bai Fendou shouted: "Stop!"


    He quickly picked up a stone and threw it at the dog. Adults generally had better aim than children, and the stone hit its mark. The dog yelped and bared its teeth at Bai Fendou.


    Jinlai, who had run ahead, was crying and shouting: "Uncle Fendou, save me, save us, please save us!"


    Bai Fendou: "Don''t be afraid, uncle''s here!"


    He would have helped any child in this situation, but these were Wang Xiangxiu''s three children, so he was determined to give it his all.


    Bai Fendou darted forward, picking up stones and throwing them one after another.


    The dog dodged the stones, while Tonglai crawled forward and managed to run away whimpering.


    This time, Bai Fendou''s aim wasn''t as good. While it was indeed a stray dog, these street dogs faced many "dangers" daily and knew how to survive.


    It had been caught off guard earlier, but now the dog was alert and quickly dodged away, running incredibly fast. The dog was angry too - during New Year''s, it just wanted to find something to eat, but these humans were being cruel, throwing firecrackers at it. Though dogs can''t speak, this one was clearly furious.


    The stray dog avoided Bai Fendou''s stone attacks, growling at him, and they reached a standoff. At this point, Jinlai, seeing he had escaped, started laughing and shouted: "Stupid dog, try to bite me! I''ll blow you up!"


    He threw another firecracker.


    Bang!


    It missed the dog but landed close to Bai Fendou, who jumped and yelled: "You little brat, watch where you''re throwing that! Don''t provoke it!"


    Jinlai shouted back: "How can a grown man be so useless, afraid of just one dog? Kill it! Let''s eat dog meat, dog meat!"


    Bai Fendou frowned and sighed, thinking this child was truly too mischievous. Though naughty children were often clever, this was going too far.


    His moment of distraction gave the dog an opening, and it suddenly charged forward.


    "Oh no~"


    Bai Fendou had run out of stones. He tried to dodge hastily, but the dog ran past him and went straight for Jinlai, who turned to run... "Woof!"


    The dog bit him right on the bottom!


    "Oh shit!"


    "Ahh!!!"


    "Oh heavens!"


    Hutou and the other children were peering from the main gate, their faces pale with fear, trembling and calling for their mothers. By now, others had come out too.


    Despite all the commotion, the women of the Su family stayed inside, their door tightly shut.


    Wang Xiangxiu was mending her son''s clothes when she started to get up, but Aunt Su stopped her, saying meaningfully: "What else could cause such a ruckus but children fighting? No need to go out. With our three boys together, they won''t come off worse. If they''re involved, we''ll only end up having to apologize if we go out. During New Year''s, everyone will make a big deal of it. If we don''t go out, we can pretend we don''t know. They can''t hold a grudge against a child, can they?"


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled and said: "Mom, you''re so clever."


    The two women sat calmly, not moving an inch.


    However, the Zhuang family rushed out anxiously. When Liang Meifen saw her son and daughter, she hurried forward: "What happened? Are you alright?"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi both shook their heads, pointing outside, too scared to describe what had happened.


    By then, Zhao Guihua and others had come out too, and what a sight they saw!


    The stray dog had bitten Jinlai''s bottom, and naturally, Bai Fendou couldn''t let that slide. He rushed forward to save the child, shouting: "You mongrel, I won''t let you get away with this!"


    He looked around, grabbed a stick, and charged at the dog. The dog yelped and fled quickly. As Bai Fendou gave chase, the panicked dog ran towards the toilet area. Madam Zhou Li had just come out to use the toilet. Hearing the commotion outside, she was afraid of getting bitten and hid inside the toilet, not daring to come out. But unexpectedly, Bai Fendou chased the dog right to where she was.


    Madam Zhou Li: "Bai Fendou, what are you doing! Stop chasing it! Ahh, don''t come here!"


    She turned to run, and dogs being what they are - if you don''t run, they might not chase you, but once you start running, they chase even harder.


    Seeing the dog now chasing her, Madam Zhou Li cursed: "Su Jinlai, you little beast, provoking a stray dog, you heartless little devil..."


    She continued: "Bai Fendou, stop chasing it, quickly drive the dog away, drive it away!"


    After cursing a few more times, she lost her footing and suddenly pitched forward, falling right into the toilet, her upper body landing in the squat toilet with her hand plunging in.


    "Ahhh... damn your ancestors!"


    Thank goodness for the resilience that comes with age. At this point, Zhao Guihua quickly called out: "Fendou, stop chasing the dog, look after the child!"


    Su Jinlai, who had been bitten on the bottom, had stopped crying. Watching Bai Fendou chase the dog, the unfortunate child was now enjoying the show, stretching his neck like a turtle to peek, and shouting: "Catch it, catch it, let''s eat it!"


    Well, here was a child who truly stayed true to his original goal.


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t even think about eating it, that dog eats excrement all day, and you want to eat it?"


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    Onlookers: "..."


    Initially, eating dog meat had seemed like a good idea, but thinking about it more carefully made everyone feel disgusted. If dogs eat excrement, and people eat dogs, wouldn''t that indirectly mean people are eating excrement?


    Ah!


    Too disgusting!


    No way!


    Everyone quickly shook their heads, banishing the thought of eating the stray dog from their minds. Even Jinlai fell silent. Though he was a greedy child, he hadn''t reached the point of not caring about such things.


    It was fine until someone mentioned it, but now it just seemed gross.


    Hearing Zhao Guihua''s call, Bai Fendou came to his senses. The urgent matter was taking care of the child, not chasing the dog. He quickly turned back and helped Jinlai up, saying: "How are you? Let uncle take a look."


    As he spoke, he pulled down the pants to check the bite.


    On the last day of being nine years old, on such a special day, a young boy had his pants suddenly pulled down, exposing his private parts in public. Even little boys have a sense of shame - he covered his face while crying, "My bottom hurts!"


    Bai Fendou looked and saw there were indeed bloody dog bite marks on his bottom. He exclaimed, "What should we do?"


    He immediately looked up and spotted Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "Little Zhuang, you work in the medical office, come take a look!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    This was truly a case of desperate times, desperate measures.


    He said, "I work at the medical office, but I charge fees!"


    Besides, he wasn''t even a doctor - how could he examine anyone?


    Bai Fendou: "Quack!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    What nonsense was this? No wonder being a doctor was so difficult, with ignorant fools like this around. He said, "I''m not even a doctor - what if I make things worse? How am I a quack? Do you even think before you speak? Isn''t your brain not working right? But let me warn you, for a dog bite, you need to go to the hospital immediately for rabies shots. Otherwise, he might develop rabies. Plus, that dog''s always hanging around the toilets - who knows what it''s eaten and how many bacteria it carries. You better hurry to the hospital."


    Although Bai Fendou was a muddle-headed fool and Jinlai wasn''t exactly a good kid, since it was a matter of life and death, Zhuang Zhixi still kindly offered this advice.


    Bai Fendou: "You think I don''t know that?"


    He immediately picked up Jinlai and started running.


    Jinlai, whose pants weren''t even pulled up yet: "Ahhh..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What the hell..."


    It wasn''t that he wanted to use crude language, but the situation was truly beyond words.


    What kind of mess was this?


    Zhuang Zhixi was speechless.


    Everyone else was speechless too.


    Yang Lixin had somehow made his way to Zhuang Zhixi''s side and poked his shoulder with a finger. When Zhuang Zhixi turned around, Yang Lixin asked, "With someone like him, are you sure he can find a wife?"


    Zhuang Zhixi fell into a deep silence, and after a long while, he said: "Maybe, possibly, perhaps... *cough cough cough!*"


    No way, absolutely no way he''d find one.


    As Bai Fendou ran off carrying Jinlai, Yinlai and Tonglai were left in a daze. The two children didn''t know what to do, but after a while, Yinlai suddenly said, "Wait for us!"


    He quickly chased after Jinlai''s direction.


    "You have to admit, those three brothers have deep feelings for each other. They stick together when something happens. They''re worried about their brother," someone commented.


    "Your brother''s going to the hospital, what are you following for? Don''t go!" another person called out.


    Yinlai: "Big brother will cry when he gets the shot, and Uncle Fendou will definitely buy him candy. I can''t miss that!"


    Tonglai: "Right, there will definitely be candy, I want some too! Wait for me, second brother!"


    The onlookers fell silent again.


    After a while, Zhuang Zhixi was the first to snicker. The person who had earlier commented about their "deep feelings" felt his face burning with embarrassment. What kind of children were these! They clearly just wanted candy! What brotherly love? Nonexistent!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, they''re gone, let''s disperse."


    He asked: "None of the other children were hurt, right?"


    "No!" the children answered in their clear voices. Though they weren''t hurt, they were all quite scared.


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s fine, it''s fine."


    The older generation knew the three traditional remedies, but they''d just quietly tell their children about them at night. None of them said this out loud, and everyone was particularly in sync about this.


    If they spoke about it, it would be considered superstitious, but if they didn''t mention it, then nothing happened!


    "Anyone who got scared should definitely tell their elders at home, understand?"


    The children: "We understand."


    "Alright then, let''s disperse!"


    Just as everyone was about to leave, they suddenly heard a weak voice: "Help me..."


    Everyone''s footsteps suddenly stopped. Zhao Guihua: "Who''s calling?"


    As soon as she asked, she realized herself, slapping her forehead: "Oh right, Madam Zhou Li! Madam Zhou Li was being chased by the dog earlier."


    But it was a stray dog, and quite fierce at that. Everyone looked at each other, reluctant to step forward. If it were anyone else, they would have rushed to help, but Madam Zhou Li was quite unpopular in the courtyard.


    Not only did she have a sharp tongue for insulting people, but she also liked to stir up trouble between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, between husbands and wives, and she was quite skilled at it. At first, she had caused several families to get into fights, but as time went by and people learned what kind of person she was, they grew tired of her.


    So now, everyone just stood there, not moving an inch.


    Besides, who knew if the dog was still there.


    Zhao Guihua looked around and noticed Aunt Wang wasn''t there, which wasn''t surprising. Aunt Wang was a good person, but she had one hobby - she loved drinking. Usually, she wouldn''t drink, but during the New Year, she would definitely have a few cups.


    At her age, after drinking, she was probably sleeping at home.


    With Aunt Wang, who usually took charge, not around, and nobody moving, Zhao Guihua hesitated before volunteering: "Well, I''ll go take a look."


    She really didn''t want to get involved, but they were all living in the same courtyard after all.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, I''ll go."


    He turned back to get the courtyard''s broom and said: "I''ll go!"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head: "I better go, it''s the women''s toilet, who knows if there are others inside!"


    Although there probably wouldn''t be anyone at this time, it wouldn''t be good for her son, who had just gotten married, to get a reputation for going into the women''s toilet. She grabbed the broom from her son''s hands and headed straight for the toilet. She walked carefully, and when she reached the toilet entrance, she looked around - the stray dog was nowhere to be seen.


    These stray dogs were particularly alert and would run away quickly when something happened.


    But it might still be inside the toilet.


    "Help me, someone help me!" Madam Zhou Li''s crying voice came from inside the toilet.


    Zhao Guihua asked: "Old Zhou, is the stray dog in the toilet?"


    Madam Zhou Li paused for a moment, and this brief pause was so peculiar that Zhao Guihua immediately realized and said: "The stray dog is in the toilet!"


    She stopped advancing and said: "I''ll call for more people."


    She turned back and called out: "We need more people, the stray dog is in the toilet."


    "Huh...?"


    Nobody really wanted to move.


    Zhao Guihua: "Hurry up, let''s all chase the dog away together. We can''t just watch Madam Zhou get mauled by the dog, can we?"


    At these words, several more people immediately grabbed whatever tools they could find and joined in. Although nobody liked helping Madam Zhou Li, as mentioned before, if something really happened and so many people just stood by watching, it wouldn''t look good.


    Besides, it was still a human life at stake.


    Everyone approached the toilet entrance together, now with both men and women present.


    With so many people, it didn''t matter anymore. They all walked in together, but as soon as the first few people peeked in, they let out a yelp and turned around to retch.


    Madam Zhou Li was truly unfortunate - she had fallen in the toilet with her upper body landing in the squat toilet. Her hands were covered in excrement. And at this moment, the stray dog had rushed in, as Bai Fendou hadn''t chased after it.


    The saying "you can''t stop a dog from eating excrement" proved true - the stray dog immediately approached Madam Zhou Li and started licking her fingers. The dog hadn''t bitten anyone though.


    But the dog had gotten it all over its mouth, inside and out, making everyone sick to their stomachs. This stray dog was definitely not one they''d want to eat... otherwise they''d disgust themselves to death.


    When the stray dog saw so many people, it whimpered twice, then suddenly bolted for the exit.


    Zhao Guihua and the others quickly made way - run away, run away, we definitely won''t chase you, we''d lose if we did!


    The stray dog howled once and fled, and everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. Zhao Guihua, holding the broom, looked at Madam Zhou Li sprawled on the ground and asked: "Madam Zhou, can you get up?"


    Fearing Madam Zhou might say no, she added: "I don''t see anything wrong with you, you better get up yourself."


    Madam Zhou Li had fallen into the squat toilet, and while she wasn''t hurt, she was quite dirty, though not from the excrement - it was just the toilet''s general filth. However, her arm had been hanging down and the dog had "eaten" from it, leaving the entire arm covered - it wasn''t a lot, but it covered a large area!


    It was unbearable to look at.


    Zhao Guihua, fighting back nausea, quietly took a step back.


    The others, like her followers, also stepped back.


    Zhao Guihua: "You better go home and wash up."


    Madam Zhou Li had been too afraid to move earlier, fearing she would be mauled to death by the wild dogs. She was completely exhausted. Now that the dogs had run away and no one was coming to help her, she wailed, "What are you all waiting for? Come help me!"


    Zhao Guihua spoke bluntly, "It''s not that we don''t want to help, but you seem fine. Why don''t you just get up yourself? In your current state, I dare not touch you!"


    Madam Zhou Li was furious and wanted to curse, but even in this situation, she knew better than to provoke Zhao Guihua, especially after being berated by her just yesterday.


    After hesitating, she called out, "Jiang Lu, where''s Jiang Lu? What kind of daughter-in-law is she, being so useless? Jiang Lu, come help me up!"


    She cursed, "That little tramp just spends all day at home acting coquettish, serves her right! Jiang Lu, Jiang Lu... get over here now!"


    A young wife from the outer circle of onlookers said, "I''ll go get her."


    She ran quickly to Jiang Lu''s house, but despite all the commotion outside, the door was closed with no response. She knocked, "Jiang Lu, come out for a moment, your mother-in-law fell in the toilet, come quickly!"


    After calling several times, just when she thought no one was home, Jiang Lu rushed out with disheveled hair and disheveled clothes, asking, "What happened? What''s wrong with my mother-in-law?"


    The young wife''s expression immediately turned awkward.


    Who would have thought she''d be doing that in broad daylight?


    Jiang Lu didn''t care what others thought and rushed to the toilet, where she found dozens of people gathered around. No one could blame them for watching ¨C after all, it was the New Year holiday with nothing else to do. Without much entertainment these days, people relied on such gossip for amusement.


    Jiang Lu called out, "Let me through, what happened?"


    She quickly pushed through the crowd and saw her mother-in-law''s arm covered in "gold" ¨C not much, but concentrated.


    She retched, which immediately triggered Madam Zhou Li''s fury: "Well, well, you little tramp, you dare to show disgust! How did I let my son marry such a heartless woman? Here I am suffering in the toilet while you''re enjoying yourself at home. Damn you, you really deserve to die!"


    Despite being injured, her scolding voice remained strong.


    Clearly, she wasn''t seriously hurt.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, alright, stop cursing. Hurry home and wash up. At your age, the toilet floor is too cold."


    "Yes, Aunt Zhao is right. Let''s help her up quickly. At her age, bones are fragile. Better go home, clean up, and check if you need to go to the hospital."


    "Oh, oh my, I can''t go on! My life is so bitter..."


    Jiang Lu bit her lip, feeling utterly disgusted. Who wouldn''t be disgusted by such a scene? But what could she do?


    This was her mother-in-law after all.


    Fighting her nausea, she stepped forward to support her mother-in-law, saying, "Mom, let me help you."


    Fortunately, Madam Zhou Li was a skinny old woman. If it had been Aunt Wang, Jiang Lu wouldn''t have been able to lift her at all. Even so, she struggled to help her up. Jiang Lu smelled the strong stench and retched again.


    Seeing her reaction, Madam Zhou Li started cursing again: "I knew you looked down on me. You, the director''s daughter, think you''re better than common folk. Can''t handle any hardship or suffering, already showing disgust before anything''s happened. If I become old and need help with toilet matters, you''ll probably throw me out of the house. What a misfortune to have someone like you in the family!"


    Jiang Lu: "Mom, I''m not looking down on you."


    With so many onlookers, Jiang Lu felt utterly humiliated. Biting her lip, she struggled to help Madam Zhou Li out, only to feel even more faint as she realized the crowd had grown even larger. It was mortifying.


    Jiang Lu had never imagined facing such a situation, but this was her mother-in-law, Zhou Qun''s mother ¨C she couldn''t possibly ignore her.


    Jiang Lu: "Mom, let''s walk slowly. How do your legs feel?"


    "Broken, they must be broken. Hospital, I need to go to the hospital..."


    Zhao Guihua watched Jiang Lu help her all the way home, listening to Madam Zhou Li''s continuous wailing, and shook her head, saying, "What a mess!"


    Surprisingly, at this point, seeing Madam Zhou Li injured, the Su family''s mother and daughter-in-law finally came out. Aunt Su looked at Madam Zhou Li, covering her nose and mouth, saying, "My goodness, what a stench! Sister, did you fall into the toilet?"


    She was secretly delighted, her eyes betraying her joy, but still pretending to care: "How could you be so careless?"


    Madam Zhou Li glared at her and cursed: "You''re here gloating! If it weren''t for your little beast, would I be suffering like this? You devil. Just wait until I''m cleaned up ¨C if you don''t give me an explanation, I''ll dump a bucket of manure all over your house!"


    Aunt Su: "???"


    Having not been outside earlier, she naturally didn''t know what had happened, and asked confused: "What''s wrong now? Why are you suddenly angry at me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi, being mischievous, immediately explained: "This actually has something to do with your family. Your Jinlai was setting off firecrackers at wild dogs, the dogs chased the children, and just then Bai Fendou came out and got into a fight with the dogs. Aunt Zhou was just collateral damage. She fell in the toilet and got... well, you know."


    Madam Zhou Li: "...You didn''t need to mention that last part."


    She put her hands on her hips: "You heard that? Your family is responsible for this, everyone here witnessed it. Don''t think you can get away with denying it. Just wait until I''m cleaned up."


    Aunt Su: "Ah!!!"


    Her mind raced, thinking of how to escape responsibility. She said, "Well, you said it yourself that it was Bai Fendou''s doing, you can''t blame it all on our child! Where is Bai Fendou? Where are Jinlai and the others?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Jinlai was bitten by the dog. Bai Fendou took the children to see a doctor."


    "Ah!" Aunt Su cried out, "To the hospital? Which hospital? Xiu''er, what should we do? What should we do?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "It''s okay, it''s okay, with Fendou there, he''ll definitely take good care of our child. Let''s go, let''s go now!"


    At this point, they forgot about hiding and rushed towards the gate.


    But they had no idea where to look for them. That''s when Old Man Bai stepped forward ¨C yes, after his son Bai Fendou had stepped up, Old Man Bai wasn''t going to stay behind.


    He said, "I know where Fendou usually goes. Follow me, we''ll definitely find them!" The two panicked widows hurriedly followed Old Man Bai as they left.


    The crowd of spectators hadn''t dispersed at all, with neighbors commenting: "This is the second time for their child this week, isn''t it?"


    "Indeed!"


    This child was truly too mischievous, something had to be done about it. Otherwise, it seemed this would never end.


    Madam Zhou Li fumed: "The monk may run away, but the temple stays put."


    She instructed: "Jiang Lu, boil some water, I''ll take a bath in the courtyard."


    Zhao Guihua: "What the hell, are you even human? You smell terrible, and you want to bathe in the courtyard? There are young men around here, have you considered their innocence? Who wants to see you? Taking a bath in the courtyard! Have you no shame?"


    At this moment, she had to take a stand. This was just disgusting everyone.


    "I''m telling you, if you dare to bathe in the courtyard, I''ll report you to the street committee for indecent exposure!"


    Madam Zhou Li stared hard at Zhao Guihua, who wouldn''t back down. Damn it, how could they allow this? Pity the families in the front courtyard ¨C the other two families had run out, leaving only her to stand up. Fortunately, the back courtyard residents were also against it. There wasn''t even a door between the front and back courtyards, and they had to live there too!


    Who wanted to deal with sewage water, who wanted to see an old woman ¨C damn, it would burn their eyes!


    In short, it was absolutely not acceptable.


    As soon as Zhao Guihua took a stand, others chimed in: "Exactly! How can you be like this? If you dare do this, we''ll all go to the street committee. You can''t bully people like this."


    "That''s right, whoever wronged you, go find them. Why torment us innocent bystanders!"


    "You already stink so much, won''t messing with hot water make it worse? If we don''t mind, you shouldn''t either."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    The scene was chaos.


    Madam Zhou Li couldn''t win against everyone. She snorted and said, "None of you know how to respect your elders. Fine, I''ll go home to wash. Jiang Lu, what are you doing just standing there watching everyone criticize me? Are you secretly enjoying this? How did I end up with a daughter-in-law like you?"


    Jiang Lu: "Mom, no, I''m not. Let me help you up. I''ll heat some water for you. Let''s wash at home, I''ll take care of everything."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Bah, who needs you pretending to be nice?"


    She lashed out and then said, "You really can''t be counted on at all."


    Zhao Guihua watched as Madam Zhou Li berated her daughter-in-law without restraint, wanting to say that the truly unreliable one was her son. With all this commotion at their doorstep for so long, her son hadn''t even bothered to come out and check.


    However, Zhao Guihua ultimately held her tongue. After all, it wasn''t her son, and if Madam Zhou Li was content with it, and Jiang Lu didn''t mind, then so be it. Not wanting to smell the stench any longer, she turned to go home.


    Not only did she leave, but she also called out: "Everyone go home! What''s there to see!"


    Zhuang Zhixi wanted to say it was quite entertaining to watch, but thought better of it, not wanting to agitate his mother. This kind of excitement was rare, and you had to admit, Madam Zhou Li was really something, giving everyone such entertainment during the New Year.


    Even if this entertainment came with quite a smell!


    This drama would be talked about for at least a year!


    It was truly unprecedented, but he knew this wasn''t over yet. Given Madam Zhou Li''s personality, she wouldn''t let Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou off the hook.


    This was just the first act; hopefully, the second act would be even more spectacular.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt there must be a second act, and hoped his wife would make it in time. He quickly caught up with his mother and whispered, "Mom, do we have any sunflower seeds at home?"


    Zhao Guihua gave him a side-eye.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hide his intentions from his mother, saying directly, "There''s definitely going to be another round, and watching drama is better with sunflower seeds. Otherwise, something''s missing."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Missing something? Missing shame!"


    Zhuang Zhixi played innocent, saying, "Look at you, how can you talk about your son like that?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Fine, we have raw ones at home. We can roast some later."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh perfect! Mom, you''re the best!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Hehe."


    Zhao Guihua: "Never mind other people''s business now, let''s prepare to make dumplings. I''ll chop the meat, and you all help out later."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately said, "Okay."


    The other two men in the Zhuang family also agreed - how could they not? If they didn''t agree, the old lady would surely explode, and they couldn''t handle that.


    Though this New Year certainly had quite a "flavor" to it.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Do you think there''s a possibility that Aunt Zhou was trying to create some entertainment because she thought New Year''s was too dull?"


    Everyone silently stared at him, and Old Man Zhuang laughed awkwardly, saying, "No- never mind!"


    "Of course not! What are you thinking!"


    Zhao Guihua: "When it comes down to it, today''s incident was because Jinlai''s kids didn''t know better. Why provoke stray dogs for no reason? These strays roam around outside all day, if you don''t bother them, they generally keep their distance and don''t bite. I think it''s just that Jinlai is too much of a troublemaker, asking for it. Otherwise, look at Aunt Zhou - she was alone with the stray dog, and it didn''t bite her, right?"


    Old Man Zhuang muttered, "Maybe it was too busy eating excrement to do anything else."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She smiled slightly and said, "You just have to get a word in everywhere, don''t you?"


    Old Man Zhuang quickly made a zipping motion across his lips and said no more.


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s better." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s make dumplings. Is there anything more important than eating dumplings?"


    "Definitely not."


    How could anything be more important than dumplings?


    They''re dumplings, delicious dumplings!


    The family quickly got busy. Zhuang Zhixi watched his mother take out a piece of meat weighing about two pounds and start chopping the filling, grinning from ear to ear. How could he not be happy? They usually didn''t use this much meat in their dumplings. Looking at it this way, his mother wasn''t really stingy; it was just that they had so little before and had to be careful with everything. This year they had more, so they could be more generous.


    Though they were busy chopping dumpling filling, it didn''t stop Zhao Guihua and the others from peering outside. They were constantly watching to see when the Su family would return - this matter definitely needed an explanation.


    They couldn''t miss this drama.


    Zhao Guihua prepared a huge bowl of filling, and the dough was properly rested. She called everyone to help - some rolling out wrappers, others wrapping dumplings. As Zhao Guihua kept looking outside, Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Mom, you really enjoy watching drama, don''t you? You can''t multitask like this."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a look: "What nonsense are you talking about? I''m watching out for our Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. The children were quite scared earlier, but now they''re playing by the door again. Children really are carefree."


    Zhuang Zhixi mused: "That''s because they don''t have enough homework."


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re really something."


    She could tell that when it came to being sarcastic, her son was champion.


    "Mom, how much do you think Aunt Wang drank to not show up all afternoon with such big drama happening?"


    Zhao Guihua: "How would I know? Your Aunt Wang likes her drink, and who could have predicted this?"


    The Zhuang family nodded in unison. This was truly unexpected - who could have imagined someone would do such a thing on New Year''s Eve? It was truly unthinkable!


    However, reality often differs from expectations. The Zhuang family waited anxiously for either the Su family or the Bai family to return, but as they waited and waited until it was almost dark, no one came back.


    Not just the Zhuang family, but people from the back courtyard and neighboring courtyards kept "visiting," their intentions obvious.


    But still, no one returned.


    Madam Zhou Li had already positioned herself on a stool by the door, staring intently at the main gate, but still no one appeared.


    Zhuang Zhixi posed a soul-searching question: "They haven''t fled in fear of Aunt Zhou, have they?"


    Aliali: 67485a1dc4f3f33ac477854d


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Could he stop making wild guesses?


    Was that even possible?


    She said: "Most likely, the two widows from the Su family used the children''s injuries as an excuse to get a free dinner from those two. They can eat outside too. For them, saving one meal is saving one meal."


    "What... not eating dumplings at home on New Year''s? That''s too much."


    But thinking about it, it did seem like something the two from the Su family would do!


    "Just watch, Aunt Zhou''s anger is building up more and more. She''s bound to explode soon," Zhao Guihua concluded definitively.


    As dusk fell, the street lights came on, and there were few people on the streets. Ming Mei got off work early; originally, Zhuang Zhixi was supposed to pick her up, but since she finished early, she came alone. She jogged as she approached the alley, where firecrackers were constantly going off. Ming Mei quickly ran to their courtyard entrance, and as soon as she entered... she was stunned.


    Everyone in the courtyard turned to look at her in unison.


    Ming Mei: "Ah! This... were you all waiting for me?"

 Chapter 21

    Ming Mei trotted home with her small satchel, the sound of firecrackers filling the air as it was the Lunar New Year. She was in a hurry, as everyone was eager to get home for the holiday. She quickly turned into their alley, which was relatively empty at this time, as most people were either cooking or eating.


    Ming Mei quickened her pace and entered their courtyard. As soon as she stepped in, she skidded to a stop, surprised to see everyone gathered in the yard. She looked around, puzzled, and asked, "Are you all waiting for me?"


    It was a bit of an overstatement.


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his wife return, quickly stepped forward to hold her small hand and gently blew on it, asking, "Are you cold?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, saying, "Not really, I ran back."


    Her big eyes darted around, taking in the scene, and she asked curiously, "What''s going on here?"


    Why were so many people gathered together?


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "We''re having a meeting in the yard."


    Ming Mei: "Oh, oh."


    This was her first time encountering such a situation. She quickly stood beside Zhuang Zhixi. Although she had been married for about half a month, she didn''t know all the neighbors well, as she was busy with work and had little time to socialize.


    Leaning on Zhuang Zhixi, she whispered, "Why are we having a meeting?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Aunt Zhou is demanding compensation."


    The events of the afternoon were a bit complicated, so Zhuang Zhixi gave a brief summary. Ming Mei let out a small "ah" and looked regretful, saying, "Why did I have to go to work? I missed such a big event."


    Her hair seemed to stand on end as she deeply felt she had missed out on a major drama.


    Zhuang Zhixi motioned with his lips, saying, "The second half is currently underway."


    This afternoon, Madam Zhou Li waited for the Su family to return. They seemed to have gone to Tianjin for medical treatment and hadn''t come back until... evening. Just moments ago, Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou led Aunt Su and her two widowed daughters-in-law, along with three mischievous children, back as if they were one happy family. This was when Madam Zhou Li caught them.


    Seeing Aunt Su holding a Quanjude roast duck, Madam Zhou Li was furious, her anger soaring through the clouds. She wanted to snatch the duck but was stopped by Bai Father and Son, who pushed her to the ground. Madam Zhou Li was not one to back down easily.


    Aunt Wang was the first to intervene, quickly gathering the neighbors. Today''s incident needed a resolution. Everyone took their places, but before they could start, Ming Mei arrived.


    Ming Mei thought the courtyard was too lively. Living in an apartment building never had such excitement. This was her first time attending such a meeting, and she felt a bit excited. She looked at the two sides: on one side was Madam Zhou Li, with Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu behind her; on the other side were Bai Father and Son and the Su family of five.


    Madam Zhou Li spoke passionately, "Everyone, please judge for me. Who caused me such suffering today when I went to the toilet? If it weren''t for the Su kids throwing firecrackers, if it weren''t for Bai Fendou being so inconsiderate, I wouldn''t have suffered this way. You must give me an explanation, and compensation is a must."


    Aunt Wang looked at Aunt Su and her daughters-in-law, asking, "What do you have to say?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was about to refute when Aunt Su quickly stopped her. Ming Mei noticed this and soon heard Aunt Su say, "This incident is our fault. The children are young and mischievous. They often see stray dogs on the street and didn''t think much of them. Who knew they would cause trouble? The kids were also scared. But our Jinlai has already been punished. And the dog chasing you isn''t related to our kids, right? Our Jinlai was bitten, and Yinlai and Tonglai were too scared to move. You can''t just bully us because we''re a family of widows and orphans."


    Aunt Su''s words elicited murmurs of sympathy from the crowd.


    "Pfft, you''re acting so wronged. If you have no money, why buy a roast duck?" Madam Zhou Li was furious about this. The Su family didn''t deserve such luxury; they should be eating coarse food.


    Bai Fendou couldn''t hold back and said, "Madam Zhou, can you speak properly? The duck was bought by me. The kids were injured and wanted something nice to eat. How can you be so unkind?"


    Madam Zhou Li, scolded by a younger man, exploded, "You unlucky wretch, if it weren''t for you chasing the dog, I wouldn''t have had this happen. I haven''t settled accounts with you yet, and you dare speak up here. You deliberately led the dog to me, didn''t you? Why did everyone else escape unscathed while I was chased by the dog? You did it on purpose, didn''t you?"


    Bai Fendou glared, "Do you have any shame? You falling into the latrine has nothing to do with us!"


    "You fell into the latrine! Your whole family fell into the latrine." Thinking of Bai Fendou saying she ate shit, she cursed, "You damned scoundrel, may you never find a wife, you despicable wretch..."


    Madam Zhou Li viciously insulted Bai Fendou. Old Man Bai couldn''t stand it, thinking it was unfair to both Aunt Su and his son.


    He said, "That''s enough. You''re not any better yourself. Besides, my son took the kids to the hospital. Who knows what happened to you? You''re just trying to extort us. You''re not the first to do this, so stop acting."


    "You, you, you! Who are you talking about? You shameless old man, I knew you and Aunt Su were up to no good. Your whole family is crazy, always meddling in others'' affairs. I bet your family will die out. You..."


    Old Man Bai''s involvement made Madam Zhou Li even more furious, cursing wildly and deeply insulting the Bai family and the Su family. Zhao Guihua thought this would be censored on TV.


    She clicked her tongue, but Old Man Bai wasn''t like Old Man Zhuang. He fought back fiercely, and the two exchanged curses, spitting and shouting.


    Ming Mei: "Oh, wow."


    Zhuang Zhixi held his wife''s hand, saying, "Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    Ming Mei glanced at him, "Which eye do you think I''m afraid? I''m clearly excited."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    The insults escalated, and Aunt Wang slammed the table, saying, "Enough, do you want to have a peaceful New Year''s Eve or not?"


    Madam Zhou Li retorted, "They''re the ones not letting me have a good New Year."


    ¡°Everyone, please calm down a bit. We''re here to resolve the issue, not to escalate the conflict. Today''s incident was something no one wanted. Let''s all take a step back.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    Aunt Wang could see that they were all still dissatisfied, so she continued, ¡°I think this is a good idea. After all, Aunt Zhou did suffer a real misfortune, getting splattered with golden stuff on New Year''s Eve, which would make anyone feel sick. And when it comes down to it, both Jin Lai and Bai Fendou bear some responsibility, no matter how you look at it. You should at least give Aunt Zhou some compensation. Aunt Zhou, you didn''t want this to happen, and neither did the Su family or Bai Fendou. It''s New Year''s Eve, so just give the younger generation some face. Let''s all take a step back and each of you pay Aunt Zhou one yuan as compensation for her misfortune, okay?¡±


    ¡°No way! Am I that cheap?¡± Madam Zhou Li was not happy!


    Bai Fendou wasn''t happy either: ¡°What does it have to do with me? I didn''t tell the dog to bite her. Maybe the dog chased her because it thought she was an old hag.¡±


    ¡°You, you, you. You little brat.¡±


    The scene immediately erupted into another 200 words of mutual scolding.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Enough! Don''t push your luck. Do you even want to resolve this? Are you making the whole courtyard suffer with you on New Year''s Eve? If you don''t want to deal with it, go to the neighborhood committee and see who will bother with your petty squabbles. You all act like you don''t have a clue. Have you no shame? Is this something to be proud of? Zhou Qun, you too, don''t stay silent. Your mother''s issue, give your opinion.¡±


    Aunt Wang''s outburst unleashed the fierce spirit of a Northeastern woman.


    The scene instantly quieted down.


    Ming Mei''s eyes sparkled, "Wow!"


    Zhou Qun, being called out, thought for a moment and said, ¡°I didn''t want to express my opinion on this matter, as the one harmed is my mother. If I side with her, everyone will say I''m biased as the son of the victim. If I feel sorry for the Su family and say to let it go, it would also hurt my mother, who is of such an age and genuinely suffered. I know my mother''s words are harsh, but she is really furious. Imagine if you were in her shoes on New Year''s Eve, how would you feel? My mother doesn''t just want money; she''s just holding onto this grievance.¡±


    Hearing this, everyone nodded, expressing their agreement: ¡°Zhou Qun is reasonable.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Qun is upright.¡±


    However, no one realized that Zhou Qun''s words were essentially meaningless. Zhou Qun: ¡°My mother just wants to vent her anger. Honestly, she doesn''t want to take advantage of this situation for money. After all, Aunt Su''s family is struggling, and we understand that. Even if we want to seek justice, we can''t push them into a corner.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, looking at Zhou Qun with gratitude.


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Since Aunt Wang has called me out, I''ll take the liberty to make a decision for my mother. Mom, do you trust me?¡±


    Madam Zhou Li''s small eyes flickered and she said, ¡°I trust you!¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°This incident was indeed caused by Jin Lai, but the main responsibility lies with Bai Fendou. If he hadn''t chased after the stray dog, my mother wouldn''t have suffered this. So Bai Fendou bears the most responsibility. A fine of one yuan each is not enough to appease my mother. We don''t lack the money, but we can''t let go of this grievance. So, let''s make it five yuan. I think this amount is just right, and it will make my mother feel better. As for how you two split the five yuan, that''s up to you. I personally think Bai Fendou should pay more since he bears more responsibility, and the Su family, already struggling, should pay less. What do you think? But it''s your decision! Even if you don''t make the Su family pay a single cent, that''s your generosity. We''ll just take five yuan in total from the two of you.¡±


    ¡°Five yuan? That''s too much! It can buy two big, fat hens!¡± Bai Fendou was very unwilling. However, he knew that he couldn''t just walk away without paying.


    Didn''t Aunt Wang just lose her temper?


    He looked at the Su family, and Wang Xiangxiu immediately looked pitiful. She didn''t want to pay a single cent, especially since Zhou Qun said Bai Fendou could pay the whole five yuan. Why should our family pay?


    She bit her lip, looking fragile as if a gust of wind could knock her over, staring at Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou looked at his father, Old Man Bai, who, upon seeing Aunt Su''s expression, softened and said, ¡°Alright, our family will pay the five yuan.¡±


    The onlookers immediately understood, and Zhou Qun lightly curled his lips.


    Bai Fendou, with a heartache, handed the money to Zhou Qun. He had just bought a bicycle before the New Year and was short on cash. This was infuriating. Zhou Qun took the money and handed it to his mother, but before leaving, he suddenly said, ¡°Mom, you should give the money to Jiang Lu. Let her buy a chicken for you to replenish your strength. You fell and should really take care of your body.¡±


    Madam Zhou Li was unhappy: ¡°A chicken doesn''t cost five yuan. You can buy three smaller ones.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Mom, look at you, Jiang Lu won''t cheat you. Let''s use the money to buy three chickens. Jiang Lu can also take care of her health, she''s been weak...¡±


    Jiang Lu immediately looked at Zhou Qun with gratitude. Her husband was really good to her, always thinking of her.


    Aunt Wang''s daughter, Li Fang, pinched her husband, Yang Lixin, and said, ¡°Look at how considerate that man is to his wife.¡±


    Yang Lixin: ¡°Ouch, ouch, ouch!¡±


    Not just Li Fang, but other women also commented: ¡°That''s what a good man should be like, look at Zhou Qun.¡±


    Such discussions were not uncommon. Zhou Qun silently smiled inwardly and then looked towards the Zhuang family''s direction. Sure enough, Liang Meifen was full of envy. He looked expectantly at the Zhuang family''s youngest daughter-in-law, but... Ming Mei was looking up at Zhuang Zhixi, talking animatedly, and the two seemed not to have heard anything about him. Ming Mei was laughing merrily, clearly very happy.


    As for envy? None.


    Not at all.


    She didn''t pay any attention to him.


    Zhou Qun frowned unhappily, then his heart sank, and he said, ¡°Let''s go home.¡±


    Jiang Lu immediately stepped forward to support her mother-in-law, saying, ¡°Mom, let me help you.¡±


    Madam Zhou Li: ¡°You''re useless, you never help when it matters. You...¡±


    Her scolding of her daughter-in-law was loud. Zhou Qun: ¡°Mom, Jiang Lu has it tough too, don''t always be like this.¡±


    Although watching the drama was entertaining, it was New Year''s Eve, and with the matter resolved, everyone gradually dispersed. Ming Mei naturally looped her arm around Zhuang Zhixi''s, saying, ¡°You never come to pick me up as you promised. You''re not keeping your word.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi pleaded, ¡°I''ll definitely do it next time, wife. Did you get off early today?¡±


    Ming Mei grinned, ¡°The last two shifts were empty, and Li the Cook was considerate of my recent marriage, so he let me leave early. Heh heh.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi ruffled her hair, and Ming Mei: ¡°Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? I''m not a three-year-old, don''t treat me like Xiao Yanzi.¡±


    Xiao Yanzi looked up: ¡°Meh?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Let''s go home, when are we eating?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°The dumplings are all made, just waiting for you to come home to cook them.¡±


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow: ¡°So I''m important?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, saying, ¡°Yes, you are very important, the most important.¡±


    Ming Mei giggled again, and the family returned home. Liang Meifen quickly started the fire, waiting for the water to boil to cook the dumplings. As she worked, she muttered, ¡°Zhou Qun is really considerate to his wife, Jiang Lu is lucky.¡±


    Both Jiang Lu and Wang Xiangxiu are lucky.


    Jiang Lu may have a difficult mother-in-law, but her husband is caring and protective, which is priceless.


    Wang Xiangxiu doesn''t have such luck; her husband passed away early, but her mother-in-law is good. Aunt Su is so gentle and considerate, never saying a harsh word to her daughter-in-law, and even letting her manage the money. There''s no better mother-in-law than her.


    Her own husband, hmph.


    Her own mother-in-law, hmph, hmph.


    Jiang Lu: "I wonder how Madam Zhou Li could have raised such a good man like Zhou Qun. It''s hard to imagine."


    Ming Mei crouched to help, saying, "I actually don''t think much of Zhou Qun."


    This remark caught everyone''s attention, including Zhao Guihua and several male colleagues. Zhuang Zhixi jokingly teased, "In your heart, I''m the best, right?"


    To his surprise, Ming Mei nodded honestly, "Of course you''re the best in my heart. Otherwise, why would I marry you? I''m not stupid."


    ...


    This response left no room for further conversation.


    Liang Meifen lowered her head, thinking that her sister-in-law didn''t know how to be shy, saying anything that came to mind.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s joy was evident. He put his hand on his wife''s shoulder, saying, "I also like you the most, wife. How can you be so beautiful and lovely!"


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but say, "If you two want to be nauseating, go back to your room. Don''t make everyone else uncomfortable here."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m so innocent."


    Ming Mei: "Exactly."


    Zhao Guihua: "I don''t see any innocence in you two. It''s like everyone hasn''t been through the newlywed phase. So cheesy." After a pause, Zhao Guihua became curious, asking, "Speaking of which, why do you think Zhou Qun isn''t good?"


    Most people in the courtyard would consider Zhou Qun a good husband who cherishes his wife, but Ming Mei had a different view.


    She was genuinely curious.


    Zhao Guihua herself had seen through Zhou Qun''s tricks, but that was because she had lived through it once before. In her previous life, she had believed Zhou Qun was a good man, nearly falling for his schemes.


    But Ming Mei seemed quite clear-headed.


    In her previous life, their relationship wasn''t close, and Zhao Guihua, as a proud mother-in-law, wouldn''t have asked Ming Mei''s opinion. But this time, she was truly curious. She asked, "What makes you think he''s not good?"


    Ming Mei: "Don''t you think it all feels like an act? It''s so fake. A truly loving husband wouldn''t act like that. He''s off in every way."


    She counted her points: "Look, when Aunt Zhou was scolding, he didn''t immediately stop her. What good is hindsight? Besides, they''ve been married for ten years. If he really cherished his wife, how could he not have persuaded his mother in ten years? Aunt Zhou clearly listens to him. It was evident in the meeting just now."


    She continued, "And he''s too good at playing the nice guy. He says he didn''t speak up because he was afraid of being accused of favoring his own family. But if his own mother suffered because of this, shouldn''t he have taken a stand? Even if he did, no one would criticize him. To me, he just seems like a fake hypocrite."


    Zhao Guihua: "..." Indeed, outsiders see more clearly.


    Liang Meifen: "Isn''t that a bit too much? Where do you get that from? I think he''s quite good to Jiang Lu."


    Ming Mei insisted, "True love isn''t like that. My parents have a great relationship, and I know the real thing."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, finding some truth in Ming Mei''s words. Perhaps because Ming Mei had seen genuine loving couples, she could see through Zhou Qun''s facade. She nodded, "You make a valid point."


    Liang Meifen couldn''t believe her ears, looking at her mother-in-law, "That makes sense?"


    What kind of sense was that?


    Ming Mei was clearly being unreasonable!


    Clearly, a biased mother-in-law was very unfair. Ming Mei could fart and it would smell sweet.


    Ming Mei smiled cheerfully, "I''m right, aren''t I? Sister-in-law, the water''s boiling."


    Liang Meifen quickly started cooking the dumplings, dropping round dumplings into the pot. Zhao Guihua looked at the family members and said, "What we say at home stays at home. If anyone gossips, don''t blame me for being harsh."


    Liang Meifen: "..." You''re clearly pointing at me!


    Ming Mei: "Got it!"


    As the dumplings were about to be ready, Zhao Guihua instructed, "It''s time to set off the firecrackers."


    The Zhuang men immediately perked up, and Hutou and Xiao Yanzi quickly ran out from inside, rushing to their grandfather, "Firecrackers, firecrackers! We want to set off firecrackers!"


    Ming Mei craned her neck to look, and Zhao Guihua said, "Go ahead and watch if you want."


    Ming Mei: "Okay!"


    Zhao Guihua looked at her eldest daughter-in-law, "You go too."


    Liang Meifen: "I... I''d better stay and cook. Someone needs to..."


    Zhao Guihua: "If you don''t go, I will. We don''t need two people."


    She saw that Liang Meifen was the type who selflessly devoted herself and felt good about it, even if her efforts might be worthless to others. But she herself was unaware and proud of her sacrifices.


    Liang Meifen pouted, but Zhao Guihua didn''t care, directly wiping her apron and heading out. At the door, Old Man Zhuang had already hung the firecrackers, cheerfully saying, "Our Zhuang family will have a better year ahead."


    With that, he quickly lit the firecrackers, which crackled loudly!


    The whole family covered their ears, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Hutou jumped around, shouting, "Sister, look, look! These are our firecrackers, so loud!"


    The firecrackers were loud, and Hutou''s voice was loud too. Xiao Yanzi also shouted back, "Great, great!"


    The firecrackers were 500 in number and crackled for quite a while. After they finished, they saw Li the Cook leading his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson out. Li Weiwei jumped around, showing off to Hutou, "My house has them too, look, they''re big and last a long time!"


    Hutou: "Mine just finished, and it lasted a long time too."


    The children''s strange competitive spirit.


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "Alright, let''s go home."


    Hutou didn''t want to leave, "I want to watch a bit longer."


    Zhao Guihua: "Then we''ll go home and eat dumplings."


    Hutou: "I''m going home too!"


    He dashed back home. Although firecrackers were great, dumplings were the best. He could only eat them a few times a year, so Hutou knew his priorities. Zhao Guihua chuckled, shaking her head, "Just a greedy little boy."


    She took over the ladle, first picking two dumplings and placing them on a plate on the windowsill, tapping three times before starting to serve the dumplings.


    Although superstitious practices were not allowed, some traditions were still secretly observed by each household. No one outside would know. Just like Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, who were scared today, Zhao Guihua also whispered to them, "Pull the hair, not scared; pull the ear, not scared. Hutou, don''t be afraid, Xiao Yanzi, don''t be afraid..."


    She said, "After dinner, I''ll steam a sugar-water egg for each of you. You''ll be less scared after eating it."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded, swallowing their saliva. They didn''t know if they were scared, but they knew sugar-water eggs were delicious, sweet and tasty.


    Zhao Guihua finished comforting the children and said, "Alright, let''s get ready to eat."


    Everyone quickly took their seats. Zhao Guihua served sixteen dumplings per bowl, saying, "Eat up, our family will have a prosperous and lucky new year."


    "Prosperous and lucky!"


    "Healthy and well!"


    "May all wishes come true!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mmm, delicious."


    Their dumplings were large, and sixteen were enough to fill up. Eating dumplings to satisfaction was a rare treat. Everyone enjoyed their meal, and Ming Mei even commented that her mother-in-law''s cooking was better than her own mother''s.


    Previously, Ming Mei thought her mother made the best food, but now she had to admit her mother-in-law was better.


    Ming Mei could understand why. People nowadays didn''t use many ingredients when cooking, but her mother-in-law was different. Even when controlling costs, she used more ingredients than others.


    Zhuang Zhixi even joked with Ming Mei that without the need to hand over living expenses, they ate better. He said he should have revolted earlier.


    Ming Mei responded with a "hehe."


    Earlier?


    If he had dared to speak up earlier, he would have been scolded.


    But now, everyone was focused on eating dumplings and didn''t think much of it. Although there were sixteen dumplings in a plate, Ming Mei didn''t finish them. Despite being less oily and thus having a bigger appetite, Ming Mei was still a twenty-something girl and had her limits.


    Zhao Guihua''s dumplings were large, and after eating more than ten of them, she was full. She pushed the remaining dumplings into Zhuang Zhixi''s bowl and said, "I''m done."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why are you eating so little?"


    He looked suspiciously at Ming Mei, worried that she might be saving food for him and going hungry. However, he quickly realized that Ming Mei was not the type like his sister-in-law, so he nodded and started eating noisily.


    The sound of firecrackers outside continued non-stop. Ming Mei propped her chin on her hand and looked out the window, saying, "It would be nice if someone set off fireworks."


    "You think well," Zhuang Zhixi replied.


    Ming Mei smiled, "It''s okay to think about it."


    In previous years, their family would turn on the radio during the New Year, but the Zhuang family didn''t have one. After dinner, it seemed there was nothing much to do. No wonder people in those days had many children; there wasn''t much to do in the evenings except for "clapping," what else could they do?


    Ming Mei wasn''t shy and leaned on Zhuang Zhixi''s shoulder, saying, "Let''s tell stories. Mom, you must know a lot of stories, tell us one, okay?" If only she could tell them about a few decades later!


    Zhao Guihua was also bored, so it was perfect timing. She said, "Alright, I''ll tell you one. How about a ghost story?"


    Ming Mei shrank closer to Zhuang Zhixi, and he laughed, "Aren''t you quite capable of fighting? You''re afraid of this?"


    Ming Mei answered naturally: "I can fight, but I can only fight humans. Ghosts are different. Mom, go ahead and tell the story."


    It seemed that people from their generation always told strange ghost stories. Zhao Guihua was no exception. She said, "Let me tell you a story about a head-swapping monster. Once upon a time, there was a family where the man went hunting every day, and the woman took care of three children. One day, the man went out..."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "The head-swapping monster ate the man and took on his appearance, but the family didn''t know. The man returned, and one night after blowing out the candle, he ate the youngest child. His wife heard a crunching sound and asked, ''What are you eating?'' The head-swapping monster replied, ''Peanuts...'' "


    Ming Mei: "Ugh... I don''t want to eat peanuts for a few days."


    The thought was just too disgusting.


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s enough to turn you off? You don''t know, they were even thinking of eating a stray dog today. If it weren''t for seeing the dog eating feces, I think the dog wouldn''t have escaped. But I guess the stray dogs in our area won''t be caught anymore. The thought of eating feces is enough to make one lose their appetite."


    Ming Mei felt nauseous again, and Liang Meifen, seeing her expression, laughed and said, "Oh, sister-in-law, you''re disgusted just hearing about it? We saw it live this afternoon, it was both disgusting and fascinating to watch."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She understood a bit.


    She said, "This is really..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh man, can you not talk about this? It''s making me feel sick."


    Zhao Guihua said softly: "You didn''t step back when you were watching the commotion, you were quite enjoying it."


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his nose, feeling a bit innocent. How could he not watch when there was a commotion? Ming Mei was a bit regretful: "I missed it, that''s such a shame. I wonder if they''ll do it again tomorrow."


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but laugh: "Do you think they''re a circus troupe, always making trouble? Besides, it''s New Year''s Day tomorrow, they wouldn''t want to argue for good luck. You all too, don''t use bad language, keep it in until after the first month."


    At this point, Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and changed her words: "Keep it in until after the fifteenth of the first month."


    It was too long, and whether they could hold it or not, she herself couldn''t.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh, earning a glare from his mother. Zhuang Zhixi quickly bowed in apology. Hutou laughed and imitated him, while Xiao Yanzi climbed onto Zhao Guihua''s lap and nestled in her arms.


    Zhao Guihua: "You little girl."


    She stroked her granddaughter''s hair and remembered something, instructing, "Oldest daughter-in-law, make some sugar-water eggs for the kids."


    Hutou pouted his little lips and said, "Grandma, I can''t eat anymore."


    He had eaten a lot of dumplings, lifting his shirt to show his round little belly, "I''m full, look."


    Zhao Guihua: "Then make it later, eat it before bed, then you won''t be afraid."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi didn''t quite understand, but the thought of eating sugar-water eggs was great, and the children were happy. Liang Meifen was happy too; these were her son and daughter, and she was glad they could have something nice to eat.


    "Let''s tell another story, there''s nothing to do anyway, let''s have some fun with another one."


    Ming Mei raised her hand: "I''ll do it, I''ve heard a lot of stories. You know, I''m a bus conductor, and I heard one from a colleague who drives the Princess Tomb route..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait, tell a different story, let''s not talk about these."


    The adults knew better than to speak carelessly, but the children didn''t. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were still young, and if it got out, it might be considered superstitious. It wasn''t worth the trouble.


    It was her mistake earlier.


    Zhao Guihua: "Tell something else, something else."


    "Why don''t we read the newspaper instead? I''ll read you some good deeds from the Railway Daily, there are many positive stories we should learn from. I think..." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I think you should stop," Zhao Guihua interrupted, "Old Third, tell a joke instead, don''t let your brother talk about... uh, nonsense."


    She almost cursed, Zhao Guihua shook her head, realizing she was the one in the family who loved to curse the most. She stood up: "I''m going to the outhouse."


    "Should I come with you?" Old Man Zhuang asked.


    Zhao Guihua: "No need!"


    Why would she need someone to accompany her? There was nothing unusual about it, especially not today. She walked out, and outside, the north wind was howling, making it a bit cold. She jogged out of the courtyard, where children were setting off firecrackers.


    Zhao Guihua hurried to the toilet, thankful it was still winter and she could at least bear it. She couldn''t imagine what it would be like in summer.


    Zhao Guihua never thought she''d one day worry about how to use the toilet. The toilet wasn''t much warmer, so she quickly went in and out, stamping her feet at the entrance. From afar, she saw Jiang Lu coming, who greeted with a smile, "Aunt Zhao, you''re also going to the toilet?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes."


    Why else would she be standing at the toilet entrance, unless she was reminiscing about her mother-in-law''s recent actions?


    But Zhao Guihua couldn''t say that.


    She smiled, cupping her hands and walking back, only to notice Jiang Lu coming out of the toilet and heading towards the main street. Zhao Guihua was puzzled and stopped to watch. What was she doing out so late?


    If it were Wang Xiangxiu going to the main street, Zhao Guihua could instantly imagine a series of scandalous news, but Jiang Lu shouldn''t be that type. Jiang Lu was completely devoted to Zhou Qun, utterly and completely. Zhao Guihua had seen this clearly in her previous life; Jiang Lu was capable of doing anything for Zhou Qun.


    So Zhao Guihua didn''t meddle in their affairs this time around. Whatever decisions they made were their own, and outsiders didn''t need to interfere. However, it was strange for Jiang Lu to be out so late. Zhao Guihua hesitated but couldn''t resist her curiosity and quietly followed her.


    Jiang Lu probably wasn''t going far; the buses were stopped at night, and she wasn''t riding a bicycle, so going far wasn''t practical.


    Zhao Guihua stealthily followed Jiang Lu, watching her walk down the back streets, passing two blocks, and then entering an alley. Zhao Guihua: "!!"


    What was she doing?


    She watched as Jiang Lu knocked on one of the doors, which opened to reveal an old lady handing Jiang Lu a bottle. Under the streetlight, Zhao Guihua could clearly see that it was a bright red liquid.


    Zhao Guihua: "??"


    The old lady instructed, "I''ve recited a spell for 49 days, this is the best rooster blood. Drink it exactly at midnight on New Year''s Day, and you''re sure to have a big, healthy baby boy next year."


    Jiang Lu was overjoyed.


    Aliali: 67485a1dc4f3f33ac477854d


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She shouldn''t have gossiped; seeing Jiang Lu and Madam Zhou Li still talking, Zhao Guihua turned around and walked back. She was just bored, coming out to watch this gossip for what! However, Jiang Lu was indeed a tough woman, willing to do anything for having a baby.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t want to run into Jiang Lu, so she hurried back, and as soon as she turned into the alley, she saw Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei standing at the gate.


    The two of them approached her: "Mom, where have you been? We thought you fell into the toilet."


    Zhao Guihua replied: "Can''t you wish me well? Let''s go home."


    Ming Mei promptly linked arms with Zhao Guihua, cooing, "Mom, let''s go together."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately linked arms with her on the other side, saying, "You don''t know how worried we were about you."


    Zhao Guihua muttered to herself: "I was tailing someone."


    "Pfft!"


    Zhao Guihua continued to mutter: "That old lady, she looks familiar!"

 Chapter 22

    New Year''s Day, early in the morning, the courtyard was already bustling with activity.


    People came and went, exchanging New Year greetings, and the children were especially lively, running around energetically.


    The first words everyone said upon meeting were always "Happy New Year," and Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei had woken up a bit late, rushing around. The young couple both wore red sweaters and black trousers, the same outfits they had worn for their wedding half a month ago. Ming Mei had changed into the new cotton shoes her mother-in-law had bought for her. She stretched her feet out for Zhuang Zhixi to see and said, "Look, they fit pretty well."


    Although the cotton shoes were plain and couldn''t compare to leather shoes, Ming Mei didn''t usually buy small leather shoes. She cared about the appearance of her clothes but always prioritized comfort for her feet, knowing that she spent most of her day on the bus.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched her comb her hair, his fingers mischievous on her shoulder, saying, "Shall I help you?"


    Ming Mei looked at him through the mirror and teased, "Do you know how?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was very confident: "Of course I know how."


    His fingers ran through her hair, pulling out a strand, and Ming Mei exclaimed, "Ouch!"


    She turned around, glaring, "That hurts, you know! These are my hair, not a ball of yarn."


    Well, he was good at boasting, but not so good at the actual task. Ming Mei pushed him away, saying, "Alright, I''ll do it myself."


    She tied her hair into a high bun, which was called a "monk''s head" at the time, making Ming Mei look even more fresh and bright. Zhuang Zhixi watched her finish her hair and then apply Bai Qiao Ling cream, leaning in to smell it and saying, "Mmm, it''s fragrant."


    Ming Mei reached out and smeared some on his face, catching him off guard: "Oh, come on!"


    He said, "That''s a waste on me."


    Ming Mei retorted, "I''m just looking out for your dry skin," and she helped him apply the cream. Zhuang Zhixi gave Ming Mei a suggestive smile. Their eyes met, and Ming Mei let out a soft hum.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly, his forehead touching hers, and said, "Wife, how can you be so good?"


    Ming Mei proudly patted her chest, boasting, "My character is beyond reproach."


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh again, saying, "You''re quite the braggart!"


    Ming Mei pointed at her hair and said, "Am I bragging? Is it worse than you? Look at what you did to my hair, and I''m still repaying you with kindness, applying Bai Qiao Ling for you. You know, men using clam oil is already a waste."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re right, so my wife is the best."


    He had never used such things before, but in the winter, his skin felt dry, and the cream was quite comfortable. He curiously looked at himself in the mirror, saying, "It does seem to make my skin look more hydrated."


    Ming Mei gave him a playful look, pouting, and Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t resist leaning down...


    "Knock knock knock! Knock knock!" The sound of knocking came from the door, and outside was Hutou, the little matchmaker, shouting, "Uncle Zhuang, Auntie Ming, Happy New Year, get up, Happy New Year!"


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei looked at each other: "..."


    They both burst out laughing simultaneously. Zhuang Zhixi got up to open the door: "Happy New Year, little rascal."


    "Breakfast is ready!" Hutou said, hands on his hips. He was wearing a new hat and a new padded jacket today, looking quite proud, and he shouted loudly, "Time to eat!"


    The young couple went to the main house to greet Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua, and then greeted their brothers and sisters-in-law. Xiao Yanzi kept trying to get close to them, saying, "Auntie is so fragrant." Little girls were always attentive to such details.


    She sniffed her little nose: "Uncle is also fragrant."


    Liang Meifen reminded with a smile, "Why don''t you wish your uncle and aunt a Happy New Year?"


    After all, they might give out some lucky money, and Liang Meifen was hoping for that.


    Xiao Yanzi said in a baby voice, "Happy New Year, Uncle and Auntie."


    Hutou had already wished them a Happy New Year earlier but came up again: "Happy New Year, Uncle and Auntie~"


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged a smile, and Ming Mei took out red envelopes, placing them in the children''s hands, saying, "Here, take your red envelopes."


    Hutou eagerly opened his, finding a dollar inside, his eyes widening: "Wow~"


    At this time, children usually received red envelopes with a penny, and even a dime was considered generous. A whole dollar was exceptionally generous. Hutou was excited: "I have two dollars now!" Hearing this, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei realized that Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua had also given each child a dollar.


    The kids were thrilled, and Liang Meifen was the happiest, as she had two children and each received a dollar from her in-laws and her brother-in-law''s family, totaling four dollars. She had already planned to take the money from the kids later, as she didn''t want them to spend it recklessly.


    She was going back to her parents'' house on the third day of the New Year, and with an extra four dollars, she could buy a lot of things, sure to earn her parents'' praise and admiration.


    Hmm, exchanging a penny for a red envelope, worth it.


    Liang Meifen was lost in her happy thoughts when she heard Zhuang Zhixi ruffle Hutou''s hair and say, "After I finish greeting everyone, let''s go to the store, shall we? We can buy some firecrackers and candies. If you don''t spend the money, your mom will take it away."


    As soon as he said that, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi looked at Liang Meifen with suspicion.


    Uncle Zhuang was right!


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi, you scoundrel, why are you so mean?


    Zhuang Zhixi was still laughing: "Wouldn''t it be better to buy some snacks to hide and eat slowly, or some fun firecrackers to play with? Don''t let your mom trick you out of your lucky money."


    Xiao Yanzi was too young to remember, but Hutou immediately recalled that his mom had taken his lucky money last year. Adults were the best at fooling kids. The child became alert and quickly said loudly, "Let''s go buy things now!"


    What you eat is what''s truly yours.


    Liang Meifen was so embarrassed she felt like fainting, but she managed to say, "It''s not good for kids to spend money recklessly. I''m holding onto it for them, to save up. It''s not good for such young children to develop extravagant habits."


    Zhuang Zhixi flicked his nephew''s forehead and said, "See, your mom wants it, doesn''t she?"


    Hutou immediately shouted, "This is my lucky money, it''s mine!"


    Xiao Yanzi echoed, "It''s mine, it''s mine!" She always followed her brother.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed heartily.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She glared at her son and said, "You really are stirring up trouble."


    However, she didn''t interfere with how they spent the money, as it was already given out. Zhuang Zhixi leaned in: "Mom, my wife and I didn''t get red envelopes. We''re still kids too."


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched as she stared at her son. If it weren''t New Year''s, she would have scolded him. How thick-skinned can you be? You can already make kids, yet you call yourself a kid. Have some shame.


    Zhao Guihua looked away, snorting, and said, "No red envelopes! Eat breakfast."


    Zhuang Zhixi was about to grumble a bit more when he saw the breakfast table and couldn''t help but forget his complaints. The breakfast looked good!


    "Oh, this is really nice!"


    Besides the leftover dumplings from last night, there were tofu brains, fried dough sticks, and tea eggs, quite a variety. Although it was 1970, most places were state-owned, and service-oriented jobs didn''t take holidays.


    So even on New Year''s Day morning, you could still buy fried dough sticks and soy milk.


    Before the family finished breakfast, someone came to pay their New Year''s greetings. Li Fang and Yang Lixin from the back courtyard brought their kids to visit, and Zhao Guihua gave red envelopes to the two boys, each containing five cents. It wasn''t that she was stingy; among neighbors, this amount was already generous.


    They had prepared various red envelopes; for those in the same courtyard or familiar neighbors, they usually gave five cents, and for less familiar children from outside, they gave a penny, just for good luck.


    This was already quite a lot, as times were tough for everyone.


    Their neighborhood consisted mainly of worker families, which was better than most of the country.


    Li Junjun and Li Weiwei received their red envelopes and happily called out, "Thank you, Grandpa Zhuang and Grandma Zhao."


    It was unnecessary to give New Year''s money to the younger generation like the Zhuang brothers. If everyone were to give, which family could afford it? It was usually reserved for those of higher seniority. Yang Lixin, seeing they had finished eating, asked, "Shall we go out to pay New Year calls together?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure, let''s go."


    He put on his coat and handed a jacket to Ming Mei, saying, "Let''s go, wife."


    A group of young people, trailed by a few little ones, went door to door to pay their respects. The nearest was the Su family. Aunt Su had prepared red envelopes, which she distributed to the children. When the little ones saw they contained only one cent, they pouted.


    Wang Xiangxiu also joined them with her children, making the group even larger.


    Among the families in the front courtyard, the Zhou family was the best off, but Madam Zhou Li didn''t give out a single red envelope. The children pouted unhappily. Madam Zhou Li didn''t care at all; her family had no children, so why should she distribute red envelopes? There was no return on that investment, and Madam Zhou Li was absolutely unwilling to suffer a loss.


    She was the kind of person who would rather eat shit than lose out!


    Jinlai muttered softly, "Doesn''t give every year, so stingy."


    Madam Zhou Li was smug, thinking she wouldn''t give, to the point of angering monkeys!


    The children were dispirited, but soon perked up again. Bai Laoer had prepared something for the kids, but even among children, red envelopes differed. Seeing that other kids'' envelopes were thin, while the Su family''s three boys had thick ones, Jinlai glanced triumphantly at the other children, making them pout even more.


    They had visited all the households in the back courtyard and naturally moved on to the surrounding courtyards, which were also home to many people, mostly from their factory and familiar to them. Ming Mei followed Zhuang Zhixi, held by his hand.


    This wouldn''t usually be acceptable, even for a married couple, but today was New Year''s Day! No one was going to nitpick about this. Zhuang Zhixi was sweet-talking and, being good-looking, was even more popular. Handsome and sweet-talking, he was even more so. After a big loop, it was clear Zhuang Zhixi was more popular than even Yang Lixin, the cook.


    As Zhuang Zhixi''s wife, Ming Mei was also well-liked. It was clear they were well-matched, both good at saying nice things. After a big loop, they had paid their respects to almost everyone.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Hutou, shall we go to the commissary?"


    He hadn''t forgotten about this.


    Liang Meifen''s face changed, and Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Forget it, don''t take them. If you go, they''ll definitely buy snacks. Hutou, Dad will take you, and we''ll get you some pencils or something."


    Hutou: "Ah??"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, follow Dad."


    Liang Meifen hesitated for a moment, then stomped her foot and followed.


    With the New Year visits concluded, the group dispersed. Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi walked hand in hand back home. She teased, "You did that on purpose, didn''t you? Your sister-in-law''s face must be green."


    Zhuang Zhixi said with righteous indignation, "Isn''t that for the kids'' good?"


    Ming Mei: "Look at you smiling."


    Clearly, he had ulterior motives.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh and said, "She tried to make me uncomfortable when I was about to get married, so it''s only fair I make her uncomfortable, right? Besides, I didn''t do anything. I''m very innocent. We even gave two yuan as New Year''s money. Ask around, which family has an uncle as good as me?"


    Ming Mei: "Hehe."


    She was beginning to understand Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his wife''s hand and said, "Let''s go see a movie this afternoon?"


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What do you say?"


    Ming Mei: "Sure! I don''t know what''s playing now. It''s been a long time since I last went to the movies."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I don''t know either. Let''s go check it out, whatever''s playing, how about it?"


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    The young couple walked hand in hand back home. Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Zhao Guihua chatting with Aunt Wang, gossiping about someone. Ming Mei whispered, "I wonder what Mother is talking about."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It must be about the red envelopes. Our mom gave out the standard amount for this area. Everyone gives about the same, but Aunt Su only gives one cent every year, making the others feel cheated. So they always complain about it."


    Ming Mei: "And Madam Zhou Li doesn''t give at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "She has no kids. The Su family, though..."


    The three Su boys, led by Su Jinlai, would visit every household they knew or didn''t know, trying to squeeze out every bit of New Year''s money or snacks they could. Some families only recognized them vaguely and didn''t interact much, yet the three boys still went knocking, hoping for even a handful of peanuts or a piece of candy if no red envelope was forthcoming. Thus, they were quite shameless and not well-liked in the neighborhood.


    Ming Mei: "Don''t their parents care?"


    "What''s there to care about! It might even be their parents who encourage it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ve long been used to their ways."


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but laugh. Zhao Guihua saw them return and called, "Zhuang Zhixi!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Present."


    Zhao Guihua: "Make some steamed pork ribs for lunch. Start chopping the ribs now."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure, I''ll get right on it!"


    He pulled his wife and said, "We had ribs for lunch yesterday, and you missed out. You have to eat more today."


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly: "Mm-hmm."


    She loved ribs, finding the meat on them even more flavorful than regular meat. Zhao Guihua, after gossiping with others, came home to see her son chopping all the ribs. She didn''t say anything but took out a small half to save for another time.


    Having so many at once would mean no leftovers for future enjoyment.


    Zhao Guihua, after gossiping and feeling parched, poured herself a cup of water and gulped it down. If it weren''t for the awkwardness, she would have shared the gossip she saw last night. Jiang Lu was a real tough one, daring to drink raw chicken blood for having a baby. And it was at midnight, which made her scalp tingle just thinking about it.


    However, the old lady who gave Jiang Lu the chicken blood seemed familiar. Normally, Zhao Guihua would recognize someone from the neighborhood, but this time, she felt the familiarity wasn''t just because they were neighbors.


    "Mom, what are you thinking about?"


    "What''s it to you?" Zhao Guihua asked: "Where are your brother and sister-in-law?"


    "Taking the kids shopping," Zhuang Zhixi replied. "Look, you still need your youngest son. I can do anything, unlike my elder brother and sister-in-law who are slacking off." Zhao Guihua didn''t believe a word of it, giving a cold laugh and saying, "Don''t pretend with me. Can you really do anything? Even a three-year-old wouldn''t believe that."


    With that, she turned and went out.


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and said, "I''ll definitely grab all the good stuff for lunch."


    Ming Mei: "Pfft!"


    Lunch was still quite good, as it is with most families during the New Year, regardless of wealth. Those who could afford it would not skimp on these days, and their family was no exception.


    Hearing that Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were going to the movies in the afternoon, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi''s eyes lit up. Zhuang Zhixi firmly said, "Don''t look at me. I absolutely won''t take you. I want some alone time with my wife. If you want to go, let your parents take you."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi immediately looked at Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "What''s there to see in a movie? Wait for the machinery factory to show one, then you can go. I need a break too. Always on the long-distance train, I feel tired. Staying healthy is essential for better contributing to society. Movies are just for pleasure; we don''t need that."


    The family: "..."


    Zhao Guihua sincerely said, "Zhiyuan, no one cares what you say at work, but at home, speak like a human."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan felt wronged; he thought he was saying something profound, but his mother just didn''t get it.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn''t happy, so Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, the two siblings, could only set off firecrackers at their doorstep. These were the ones they bought with their New Year''s money. However, setting off firecrackers was still a lot of fun. If their mother had taken them away, they wouldn''t have even had a single firecracker left! After dinner, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei rode their bikes out together, which made Liang Meifen envious. But spending a dime on a movie ticket was something she just couldn''t bring herself to do.


    She also felt a vague resentment towards Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei for not being considerate enough. What''s the big deal about taking kids along? Such young children, if accompanied by an adult, wouldn''t need a ticket. But if they go alone without an adult, they''d be required to buy a half-price ticket.


    Although the half-price ticket was only five cents, Liang Meifen still couldn''t bear to spend it. She felt like crying, but she forced herself to look up, as it was New Year''s Day. Crying on this day would bring bad luck for the entire year.


    She couldn''t afford to be unlucky.


    Liang Meifen harbored a bundle of complaints in her heart, while Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei remained oblivious, even if they knew, they wouldn''t care. Zhuang Zhixi rode with Ming Mei on the back, her arms around his waist, saying, "It would be nice if we had some roasted melon seeds."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, and Ming Mei immediately asked, "Did you prepare some?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Feel in my pocket."


    Ming Mei reached in and found a handful of melon seeds. She sincerely praised, "You''re good, thinking of this."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "They were roasted at home the day before yesterday. I originally planned to eat them while watching the festivities, but the meeting delayed, and I forgot. Today, as we were heading out to the movies, I quickly grabbed a handful, hehe."


    Ming Mei said, "Not bad!"


    Watching a movie without something to munch on always felt like something was missing.


    "Let''s buy some candy balls too," she suggested.


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Sure."


    The movie wasn''t new, but there weren''t many options anyway, and the cinema played the same ones repeatedly. During the New Year, they played the more popular ones. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Have you seen it before?"


    Ming Mei nodded but also said, "Let''s watch it again. I think it''s really good."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Alright."


    Ming Mei tilted her head and asked, "Do they show movies at your factory often?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, we''re a large factory with over ten thousand employees, so we have a dedicated movie projectionist. There are screenings about once or twice a month."


    Ming Mei exclaimed, "Wow, that''s quite frequent. Let me know next time there''s a movie, I want to go too."


    She usually had to pay to watch movies and hadn''t experienced many free ones.


    The couple bought tickets and entered the cinema. Despite it being New Year''s Day, the place was quite crowded. Normally, the afternoon shows were sparsely attended, but today the seats were almost full. They arrived late and ended up in the back row.


    Ming Mei looked around and said, "Let''s come earlier next time and sit in the front."


    Zhuang Zhixi comforted her, "This is fine too."


    He directly put his arm around Ming Mei, holding her shoulder. Ming Mei''s face turned red instantly, and she shifted uncomfortably, saying, "What are you doing? What if someone sees?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "How could that happen? The lights will dim soon, and no one will notice. Everyone''s focused on the screen; who would look back? And there''s no one behind us."


    He sounded quite confident.


    Ming Mei glared at him, and Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, pulling her closer again. This time, Ming Mei didn''t dodge but whispered, "You''re not a good person."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed softly, saying, "I think I''m pretty good."


    His other hand also reached out to hold Ming Mei''s small hand, which was soft and delicate. Zhuang Zhixi said, "It''s really nice."


    Ming Mei retorted, "Tch~"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed even more visibly. Just then, the cinema darkened, and the movie started... The young couple watched the film together. Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "Did you come here often before?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "Yes."


    She had been busy with wedding preparations and had less time to watch movies. She used to come quite often.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and said, "Alone?"


    Ming Mei replied, "I usually came with my mom. She loves movies, but my dad is often away, so I''d accompany her... " Here, she paused, realizing what Zhuang Zhixi was implying. She immediately reached out to pinch him, twisting his soft spot forcefully, causing Zhuang Zhixi to wince, "Ouch!


    Pain intensified!


    Ming Mei said, "What''s your intention? Testing me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly admitted, "I was wrong!"


    Ming Mei chided, "It''s very annoying to talk like that. If you have something to ask, just ask directly. This roundabout way of speaking is really irritating. You don''t talk like your parents at all!"


    She found herself more comfortable with her mother-in-law Zhao Guihua''s straightforward way of speaking, even if sometimes it wasn''t pleasant. If everyone in the family spoke in such a roundabout manner, Ming Mei thought it would be quite problematic.


    So she said directly, "Next time, ask whatever you want to know directly. Don''t play these games with me, or I won''t be polite."


    Seeing that Ming Mei was genuinely upset, Zhuang Zhixi quickly explained, "I didn''t mean it, I just got used to speaking like that. I''m sorry, I won''t do it again. I''ll ask you directly if I want to know something."


    Ming Mei huffed, "Hmph!"


    Zhuang Zhixi tried to appease her, "Baby, I''m sorry..."


    Ming Mei: "Ugh!"


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi in disbelief, unable to imagine how a grown man could speak so disgustingly. She raised her arm slightly and showed him, "Look, I''m getting goosebumps. Can you speak normally? Ugh... Baby!"


    Ming Mei thought even her three-year-old nephew at her maternal home wouldn''t be called that. She shook herself, feeling really grossed out.


    "If you talk like that, I want to hit you."


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered and laughed, saying, "Then I won''t call you that anymore. You don''t understand my love at all."


    Ming Mei immediately retorted, "If your love is calling me ''baby,'' then I don''t want to experience it. Ugh... More goosebumps, look!"


    She was very straightforward; there was no way she''d be okay with such a nickname.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let me see, let me see... Oh, so white."


    Ming Mei: "Shut up!"


    Her face was flushed red, feeling that Zhuang Zhixi was really no good. At this moment, Ming Mei hadn''t learned the term "oily," but if her mother-in-law Zhao Guihua saw this, she''d definitely label her son with that word.


    This oily young man!


    Fortunately, Zhuang Zhixi was also afraid of really angering Ming Mei and stopped after a couple of playful remarks. However, he still muttered, "When we get home, I''ll properly apologize to you."


    Ming Mei: "Shut up!"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly. Due to Zhuang Zhixi''s antics, Ming Mei barely watched any of the movie. By the time she snapped back to reality, the film was more than halfway through. She turned her head and glared at Zhuang Zhixi again. Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his nose, wanting to say he was innocent but also feeling somewhat guilty.


    The movie was less than an hour and a half long, but since it started in the late afternoon and winter days get dark early, by the time the movie ended, it was already getting dusky outside. Ming Mei said, "Do you think mom will get upset if we get home late?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "It''s New Year''s, it shouldn''t be a problem."


    He turned to look at Ming Mei and said, "If you''re in a hurry, I''ll take you through a shortcut."


    Ming Mei, unfamiliar with the area, quickly asked, "Is there a shortcut here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Of course."


    He patted the bike seat and said, "Get on!"


    Zhuang Zhixi rode with Ming Mei and soon turned into a nearby alley. He grew up in this neighborhood and knew every nook and cranny. He pedaled and said, "Taking the shortcut can save us over ten minutes compared to the main road. When I was a kid, I loved following my older brother around, but he didn''t like taking me with him. Every time he sneaked out, I could catch up with him because of my shortcut skills."


    Ming Mei chuckled.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let me tell you, I..." Before he could finish, a screech sounded, and their bike was blocked!


    Two young men suddenly emerged from the alley, unexpectedly darting out from the shadows. One of them immediately lay down and said, "You hit my brother, pay up!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Before he could speak, two more young men appeared from behind, all four of them eyeing Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei with malicious intent, as if they were looking at easy prey. This was clearly a robbery, with no real connection to hitting anyone. And seeing how they coordinated their ambush from both ends, it was clear they had done this before.


    Zhuang Zhixi furrowed his brow, ready to speak, when suddenly he felt Ming Mei''s hand grasp his, gently scratching his palm.


    Zhuang Zhixi steadied himself and said, "My bike didn''t hit anyone. What compensation are you talking about? This is just a robbery. Why play these pointless games?"


    The leader, a man with a square face, let out a cold chuckle. "What if it is a robbery? Smarten up and hand over the money. Don''t make us come and take it ourselves." His gaze swept over Ming Mei, a flicker of admiration in his eyes before he leered, "Oh, you two are dating? Your girlfriend is quite a looker. Why not keep her company for a while?"


    He addressed Ming Mei directly, "Little lady, why stick with this pretty boy? He''s useless, not worth a damn. Why not come with me? I''ll show you a good time."


    The one who had pretended to be hit got up, grinning slyly. "Boss, I haven''t had a woman yet. Don''t forget about me!"


    The four robbers cackled maliciously.


    "Don''t worry, everyone will get their turn. Pretty boy, hand over all your money if you know what''s good for you. We''ll take care of the girl, and you can get lost!"


    Hearing their vile words, Zhuang Zhixi''s demeanor turned icy. He had initially intended to cooperate with Ming Mei, but now, fueled by anger, he stepped forward and delivered a swift kick.


    The pretend-injured henchman, the closest, was sent sprawling. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Damn it, you dare resist? You''re asking for it! Guys, teach him a lesson!"


    The group lunged forward. Zhuang Zhixi was about to charge when Ming Mei pulled him back, saying, "Get out of the way."


    "Oh, little lady wants to join in..."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned to see Ming Mei''s face, her smile not quite reaching her eyes, giving her an eerie look. Ming Mei: "You want to play with me, huh?"


    With a sudden sprint, she leapt into the air, delivering a powerful kick that sent the square-faced leader sliding several meters before crashing into a wall.


    Ming Mei followed up with two swift punches to his chest, forcing him to his knees with a howl.


    "You... you..."


    The other two, seeing the situation, rushed forward, but Ming Mei turned and delivered a punch and a kick, taking them down in an instant. In a matter of moments, all four were defeated.


    Ming Mei proceeded to beat them, taunting, "Want to play?"


    "Want to rob?"


    "Haven''t seen a woman?"


    "Pretty boy?"


    With each question, she landed a punch, the four men howling in pain. Ming Mei: "You really don''t know who you''re messing with. Trying to bully me? You should have checked who I am before picking a fight!"


    Ming Mei showed no mercy. Zhuang Zhixi stood silently behind her, his eyes filled with admiration. His wife was indeed formidable! He almost had stars in his eyes, truly understanding now that rumors didn''t do her justice.


    The commotion finally drew attention, and someone peeked out to see what was happening. Zhuang Zhixi, still in awe of Ming Mei''s prowess, finally snapped back to reality. "Buddy, could you please call the police? We''ve caught some robbers."


    "Uh..."


    The onlooker glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, then at the girl still beating the men, and quickly nodded. "Sure!"


    Those criminals deserved whatever they got.


    He ran off to call the police, and soon, a few officers arrived. The informant wasn''t entirely clear on the details, but the police quickly followed him back. They found Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei standing aside, with the four men piled up, beaten and bruised, crying out in pain.


    A few curious onlookers pointed and whispered.


    "What happened? Who was robbed?"


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward: "Officers, my wife and I were riding home when we encountered these four trying to rob us."


    The police officer: "..."


    He looked down at the four men, beaten to a pulp, and asked, "You did this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi hesitated, then shook his head. "No, my wife did."


    The officer looked at Ming Mei, skeptical. "You did this?"


    Ming Mei nodded. "These bastards tried to ambush us. It''s New Year''s, a time to be happy, and they had to go and rob people. I didn''t even go all out."


    The officer: "..."


    An older officer looked at Ming Mei and suddenly said, "You look familiar."


    A young girl taking down four men, and looking good while doing it...


    He had a flash of recognition. "Aren''t you Little Ming?"


    He couldn''t quite recall the full name, but the surname stood out. It seemed to fit.


    Ming Mei nodded. "Yes."


    The older officer smiled. "No wonder you''re so capable. Thank you again for your help."


    He was thrilled, as this was a significant achievement. Such brazen robberies were rare these days. "Alright, cuff them and take them in. You two, come with us to make a statement."


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi exchanged glances. "Sure."


    In this era, everyone despised robbers and thieves. Life was tough for everyone, and those who sought easy gains were deeply resented. Catching a thief was a cause for celebration, and even killing one wouldn''t elicit sympathy.


    The police station wasn''t far, and soon they were there, with the four men sobbing and unable to defend themselves. They had no local identification, and it didn''t take long to get them to confess. They were vagrants from out of town, having fled after committing a robbery and stabbing someone in their hometown. Without the necessary travel permits, they had stowed away on a coal train to the capital, hoping to survive there.


    However, none of them were hardworking. They wanted easy money, so within a month of arriving, they had resorted to robbery several times.


    They roamed the city, hitting different areas each time.


    Their luck ran out when they targeted Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, who had been buying sweets.


    The square-faced leader had initially planned to steal the bike but found it too risky due to the serial numbers. He then decided to rob them instead, figuring they must have money if they could afford a movie.


    But they never expected to run into such a formidable opponent.


    The police were delighted to catch these dangerous individuals. Had they remained at large, their boldness might have led to more serious crimes. Fortunately, their bad luck led them to the wrong people, and they were swiftly taken down.


    And now they''ve been caught, and they were already on the wanted list. This... is like a blessing from the heavens!


    Although they didn''t catch them directly, as the ones leading the scene, they still deserve credit. Just look at this young couple; their eyes are filled with joy.


    They truly are two lucky stars.


    Oh no, no, no, no! We mustn''t promote feudal superstitions, we don''t talk about that!


    But, it''s really great!


    The veteran policeman shook Zhuang Zhixi''s hand and said, "Thank you, thank you so much for what you and your wife have done. These guys were fugitives, and you''ve really helped us out. After the New Year, we''ll definitely come to your workplace to express our gratitude."


    Ming Mei''s eyes lit up, and she said cheerfully, "This is all part of our duty."


    Sniff, sniff, this time it wasn''t on the bus, but could it mean a raise in her salary? If only she could get a raise!


    She, an ordinary ticket collector on a bus, just wants a raise in her salary.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Actually, I didn''t do much. It''s mainly because my wife is amazing. Not only is she skilled in martial arts, but she''s also full of a sense of justice. She alone could teach these guys a lesson. My wife has always been a stickler for justice. Since we encountered them, we couldn''t just let them go. Besides, these scoundrels were just asking for it. How could they get away with such nonsense in our city!"


    He went on and on about his wife, praising her to the skies. It was all true, so the compliments were well-deserved.


    The veteran policeman smiled, "You''re right."


    Aliali: 674aecfcc4f3f33ac49acb42


    He said, "It''s getting late, how about I treat you to dinner to show my gratitude..."


    He was sincere, but Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei quickly waved their hands in unison, "No need, no need. Our family must be waiting for us. If we don''t get back soon, they might start to worry."


    Ming Mei''s face turned red with anxiety. She wondered if her mother-in-law would be upset if they got home late!


    Zhuang Zhixi also thought of this and said, "We need to hurry home."


    The veteran policeman: "Alright, then let me see you off..."


    "No need!"


    The young couple hopped onto their bike and said, "We''ll ride fast!" And off they went, pedaling away.


    The veteran policeman stroked his chin, "Why the rush?"


    But then he thought about it and smiled. Who wouldn''t be in a hurry to get home during the New Year?


    He sighed, "Ming Mei is really a promising talent."

 Chapter 23

    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, the young couple, had disappeared without a trace for the entire afternoon. As lights began turning on in every household, they still hadn''t returned. Zhao Guihua held back her anger, swallowing the scolding words she wanted to say.


    After all, it was the New Year holiday.


    Zhao Guihua kept reminding herself: "It''s the New Year," and couldn''t help but laugh at herself. She had been repeating this phrase quite often these past few days. What was that saying from TikTok she used to watch?


    Whether it''s the eight great pardons or the four tolerances, they all included this phrase: "It''s the New Year after all."


    Zhao Guihua watched as the sky turned completely dark. The Su family''s children had finished dinner and were setting off firecrackers outside their door, but Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were still nowhere to be seen. Old Man Zhuang said to his wife, "Dear, where do you think those two have gone? Should we go look for them?"


    Zhao Guihua looked up: "Where would we look? Do you know where they might be? The movie must be over by now, who knows where they''ve gone off showing themselves around. If you go looking for them, then we''ll have to go looking for you too. When will it end?"


    Zhao Guihua had a point, so Old Man Zhuang fell silent. He walked towards the door with his hands behind his back.


    Zhao Guihua: "Where are you going?"


    Old Man Zhuang: "I''m not going out, just going to look around at the front gate."


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Alright then."


    Hutou shuffled over to Zhao Guihua''s side, whining softly: "Grandma, I''m hungry."


    Xiao Yanzi quickly came over too, looking up with her little face saying: "I''m hungry too."


    Dinner was so late today, Xiao Yanzi thought as she touched her empty little tummy, looking pitifully at her grandmother.


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait a moment, your aunt and uncle brought some walnut cookies, I''ll give you each one to tide you over."


    The two children were overjoyed to receive a cookie each and began eating them carefully. Walnut cookies were a rare treat in their household, and the two children ended up with crumbs all over their faces, their eyes crinkling with happiness.


    Liang Meifen watched her children eating the cookies, secretly feeling pleased: Another win!


    But this didn''t stop her from stirring up trouble. Liang Meifen said: "Third brother and his wife are so in love, always being lovey-dovey, and now they''ve gone out together and disappeared, too happy to come home. It''s really enviable."


    She knew well that no mother-in-law wanted to see her son and daughter-in-law being too affectionate - they were natural enemies. By saying this, she hoped to make Ming Mei''s life more difficult.


    Liang Meifen was quite pleased with her scheming. As long as her mother-in-law disliked Ming Mei, she would be able to get more "resources" from the family. She continued: "It''s no wonder third brother treasures his wife so much, treating her like precious jade that might break, like candy that might melt in his mouth. Sister-in-law is quite beautiful after all. Oh right, Mom, third brother has never taken you and Dad to the movies, has he?"


    More instigation.


    Zhao Guihua looked up at Liang Meifen and said: "Neither have you."


    Was she trying to play mind games with her?


    She was a thousand-year-old fox, she wouldn''t fall for such tricks.


    Zhao Guihua was a worldly-wise old lady, how could she not see through Liang Meifen''s intentions?


    She chuckled: "When have you ever taken us?"


    Liang Meifen: "Uh..."


    She was like a squeaky toy that had been squeezed silent, not knowing what to say. Zhao Guihua smiled: "Why so quiet? You don''t want to?"


    Liang Meifen: "No, of course not, it''s just..."


    She stammered: "Mom, it''s because I don''t have money. I''m not as well-off as sister-in-law, I don''t earn money, and we have two children, I really want to but can''t afford it." Her voice grew increasingly quiet, feeling that her mother-in-law had more to say to her.


    Sure enough!


    Zhao Guihua gave a cold smile: "Aren''t you not working because you gave your job to your brother? Why are you playing the victim here?"


    Liang Meifen lowered her head, not daring to speak anymore. Despite her education and high school diploma, she was no match for Zhao Guihua, who had only attended literacy classes. This old lady was a natural at arguing.


    She didn''t dare to respond, afraid of being shut down again, and became very docile.


    Fortunately, Zhao Guihua didn''t continue her verbal assault. She stood up and said: "I''ll go to the door and look too, maybe something held them up." Although her youngest son and daughter-in-law were usually unreliable, she knew them well enough - they weren''t completely lacking in judgment.


    By all rights, they should have been back by now.


    When Zhao Guihua reached the door, she saw Old Man Zhuang chatting with Old Man Bai. Old Man Bai''s family lived closest to the main gate, and after dinner, he would bring a small stool to sit at the door and watch the children play. He and Old Man Zhuang had struck up a conversation.


    Old Man Zhuang got along well with Old Man Bai - he got along well with everyone in the compound, mainly because he wasn''t the type to make a fuss. Besides, their compound had more strong-willed women than men, and naturally, the men didn''t dare to act too boldly.


    Old Man Zhuang squatted beside Old Man Bai and said: "What are you doing out in this cold?"


    Old Man Bai: "Just watching the excitement, nothing else to do at home."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, glanced back at Aunt Su''s door, then turned back without saying anything, just watching the entrance of the alley. Old Man Bai curiously asked: "Why aren''t you staying warm at home? What brought you out?"


    "Waiting for my third son, don''t know where that young couple went off to play, they haven''t come back yet." Old Man Zhuang said meaningfully: "You know, my youngest is already married, but your son is over thirty, and you as his father aren''t worried about it?"


    Old Man Bai protested: "How can you say I''m not worried? I''m anxious too, but what can we do if he can''t find someone suitable? We''re all from the same compound, you uncles should help introduce someone."


    Old Man Zhuang: "You know me, who do I know?"


    Old Man Bai sighed, also glancing back at the Su family''s house, and said quietly: "Actually, there might be someone suitable, but it''s complicated."


    Just how complicated it was, Old Man Bai didn''t say.


    He didn''t even mention the name of the young widow from the Su family.


    "What are you two whispering about?"


    Zhao Guihua came out and saw the two of them muttering, strode over with her hands on her hips, and said: "These two little rascals, really giving me a headache."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Don''t use bad language, don''t use bad language."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "Since when is ''little rascal'' a bad word?"


    She stretched her neck to look around, nudged the small stool with her foot, and said: "Move aside, why are you blocking the doorway? What are you doing, having northwest wind for dinner instead of actual food?"


    Old Man Bai''s mouth twitched, thinking this woman really didn''t know how to speak properly.


    But he wasn''t going to stoop to arguing with such a shrew.


    Zhao Guihua frowned: "This is really worrying."


    Just as she finished speaking, they heard the sound of a bicycle bell. A bicycle came flying into the alley, the bell ringing non-stop, and the children playing in the alley scattered out of the way. Zhuang Zhixi sped forward with Ming Mei holding tight to his waist, afraid of falling off.


    Screech... a sudden brake.


    Zhuang Zhixi put his foot down to steady the bicycle, turned his head with a handsome smile: "Mom, we''re back."


    He was about to explain when Ming Mei jumped off the bicycle, linked arms with Zhao Guihua, her big eyes wide with excitement, and exclaimed: "Mom, we just came from the police station!"


    "What? Did something happen? Did you two cause trouble?" Old Man Bai was quick to speak, though not hoping for good news.


    Ming Mei lifted her head, gave a light snort, and said: "How could we possibly cause trouble? Do we look like troublemakers? We caught a bad guy and helped take him to the police station. The police officer said after the New Year holiday, they''ll come to our workplace to commend us."


    Ming Mei was quite proud, and how could she not be?


    She had done a good deed.


    Zhao Guihua: "!!!"


    She looked at Ming Mei in surprise, then quickly recovered, patting Ming Mei''s shoulder repeatedly: "Well done!"


    Ming Mei: "Gentle, gentle."


    Zhao Guihua really hadn''t expected this to be the reason. She had thought that while these two were unreliable, they wouldn''t be so careless as to not hurry home during the New Year holiday. She hadn''t expected them to actually have been doing something important - this was something that hadn''t happened in her previous life.


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "I knew you were a capable girl. Come on, let''s go home. You must be hungry. Mom will make you something delicious. Tell me more about how you caught those bad guys."


    Ming Mei responded loudly, "Okay!"


    Zhuang Zhixi called out from behind, "Don''t forget about me! I was there too!"


    Though that might be true, no mother could believe that Zhuang Zhixi was responsible for this feat. Even using common sense, it was obvious that Ming Mei must have been the one who caught the criminals. This was a mother''s deep understanding of her son.


    However, she didn''t embarrass her son and simply said, "Yes, I know you were there too. Come on, let''s go home and have something warm to eat."


    Their family''s voices were quite loud. While people inside their homes with closed doors and windows couldn''t hear them, the children running around outside certainly could. The three Jinlai brothers exchanged glances, gave each other knowing looks, and gathered behind the toilet. Squatting together, Jinlai whispered, "We''re in trouble. This woman is bad news."


    Despite being just a child, he spoke like a street punk, though nobody knew where he''d picked up such language.


    Yinlai quickly asked, "Are you saying she''s lying about catching the bad guys?"


    Jinlai shook his head. Being the oldest, he said, "Probably not lying."


    Yinlai and Tonglai were confused. If it wasn''t a lie, how could she be a bad person? Someone who catches bad guys must be good, right?


    The two younger boys looked completely bewildered.


    Jinlai looked at his brothers with disappointment and explained patiently, "Think about it. If she can catch bad guys, it means she''s really strong."


    Yinlai and Tonglai nodded - that was obvious.


    Yinlai said, "Of course she''s strong. Remember how she kicked that brick in half last time?"


    He hadn''t forgotten about that.


    Jinlai thought his brothers were really hopeless, without an ounce of sense. Among the three brothers, he considered himself the smartest. He snorted and said, "If she''s strong and doesn''t mess around, then we definitely can''t steal from their house anymore."


    He continued angrily, "If she can take bad guys to the police station, she''ll definitely take us there if we steal anything. So is she really good for us? Anyone who stops us from eating our fill is bad, and she''s bad - the worst kind!"


    In their minds, anyone who didn''t help their family wasn''t a good person.


    He declared, "Their family is well-off but won''t help us, and if we take things ourselves, she might send us to the police station. How can that be good? This woman is definitely not good!"


    To Jinlai, this logic was crystal clear.


    Yinlai finally understood - it was precisely because this aunt was a "good person" that she wasn''t "good" for them.


    Only little Tonglai, being the youngest, still didn''t understand all this talk about good and bad people. He just knew they couldn''t steal from that house anymore. The thought struck him like lightning.


    "What are we going to do?" he said dejectedly. "They have such good food."


    Jinlai replied, "Who knows? Recently, Grandma Zhao has become fierce too and won''t give us anything anymore. Damn, she''s not kind at all. Why don''t these people get what they deserve?"


    He was extremely resentful.


    Actually, in the past, the three brothers occasionally managed to snatch things from the Zhuang family. Though not much, they could still steal a potato, a sweet potato, or a handful of peanuts here and there. While Grandma Zhao wasn''t happy about it, they would act pitiful, say some nice words, and the matter would be forgotten.


    But recently, Grandma Zhao had become absolutely detestable, showing no kindness at all.


    And now their house had someone who could fight. Jinlai felt heartbroken.


    "Brother, what should we do?"


    "What can we do? We''ll have to wait and see. Is it our fault that we can''t eat enough?"


    "No!"


    The three children felt completely justified in their reasoning.


    Ming Mei had no idea that while she had done a good deed, these three children had labeled her as "not a good person." She was at home excitedly telling everyone about how she caught the criminals.


    Old Man Bai had also come to listen to the excitement, though he didn''t believe a word of it. He thought this young woman was quite the braggart - claiming she kicked someone into a wall? Why not say she kicked them into the sky? He''d never seen someone who could boast so much.


    Still, he was happy to listen to the entertainment.


    Not only did Old Man Bai not believe it, but even the other members of the Zhuang family were skeptical. Only Zhao Guihua truly believed it. Her eyes crinkled with joy as she said, "Although it was dangerous, you did the right thing. Catching such bad people is a great service. Now they won''t be able to harm others anymore."


    She added, "But from now on, you should come home earlier. Don''t make your family worry."


    Ming Mei nodded, "I understand."


    Though Ming Mei was telling her story with great enthusiasm, it didn''t stop her from eating. Her chopsticks moved like the wind, and she didn''t miss a single bite. During her meal breaks, Zhuang Zhixi kept talking too: "When we encountered the robbers, I wanted to protect my wife, but before I could do anything, my wife ended up protecting me instead. Oh, you don''t know how wonderful it feels to be protected like that."


    Everyone else: "..."


    How could he say that without feeling embarrassed?


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "But I''m not a coward. I did kick one of them down."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Man, I used to think I was good at fighting, but after seeing my wife in action, I realized what I did wasn''t real fighting - it was just making a fuss. Real fighting is what my wife does. Seriously, she was so cool!"


    He was genuinely excited. He had heard before that his wife could take on seven people at once, but only after seeing it himself did he realize just how amazing that was.


    Old Man Bai, seeing his excitement, couldn''t help but say, "If your wife is such a good fighter, you better behave yourself. Otherwise, she might turn those fists on you."


    Ming Mei paused and frowned at Old Man Bai, wondering why this old man was trying to cause trouble between them.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled slightly and said, "My wife would never raise her hands against me. But I feel relieved now - if anyone tries to mess with me, my wife might stand up for me. Right, dear?"


    Ming Mei smiled with curved lips and said, "That''s right."


    Zhuang Zhixi put his arm around Ming Mei''s shoulders, smiling proudly.


    Old Man Bai: "..." How uncivilized, such public displays of affection - he couldn''t bear to watch.


    He clicked his tongue but still stayed to watch the excitement, his eyes occasionally falling on the dinner table. The Zhuang family''s food looked good. But then he remembered that his family had meat noodles for dinner too, so he felt better. After all, it was just the New Year.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan looked at his brother and sister-in-law and suddenly asked, "Will the police officers visit your workplace after the New Year?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, that''s what the officer said."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan slapped the table and said, "This is great news! If they''re going to your workplace, they''ll at least send a letter of appreciation, if not a banner of honor. This will bring you great face. You two are really lucky."


    He understood these matters well. If it was just a simple thank you, they would have come to the house. Making a special trip to the workplace meant they were following official channels. At minimum, there would be a letter of appreciation.


    Don''t underestimate such letters of appreciation - ones from ordinary citizens were quite different from those from the police station. To be honest, if two people of similar status were both up for promotion, the one with such an honor would have a clear advantage.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan understood this well and smiled, saying, "You lucky dog, good fortune is coming your way."


    Zhuang Zhixi had realized this too, but given his position, there wasn''t much room for promotion, and he might not even qualify for a pay grade increase. So he didn''t think too much about it and just said, "I don''t really care about these things."


    Besides, it was his wife who was really impressive.


    He had been like a decorative vase at the scene.


    Ming Mei had finished eating by now and was burping and rubbing her stomach, having eaten too quickly and feeling stuffed. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What''s wrong? Not feeling well? Mom, do we have any tea leaves left? Could we make some tea?"


    They usually wouldn''t dare ask, but during the New Year, it was acceptable.


    These days, families who could afford to drink tea leaves were considered quite well-off.


    Most families kept a small amount, reserved only for important guests.


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll go check."


    She opened the storage cabinet and looked inside, shaking her head: "It''s gone, the last batch was finished and we didn''t buy more."


    For families like theirs, getting a ticket each time is very difficult, so naturally, there are times when they can''t keep up...


    Ming Mei: "We have some at my place, I remember my dad has some, I''ll go get it when I go back to my parents'' house on the third day of the New Year."


    She was a straightforward person, and as soon as she said this, the expressions in the room became varied. Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhiyuan felt embarrassed; Liang Meifen felt silently awkward, because she had never brought anything from her parents'' house, basically always taking things from her in-laws'' house back to her parents''.


    How could she not feel awkward hearing this? People are most afraid of comparisons.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and pinched Ming Mei''s cheek, saying: "I knew my wife treats me well, you''re already planning to take your dad''s good stuff to support me!"


    Ming Mei swatted his hand away: "Can''t you just talk without pinching me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m just happy, I knew my wife cares for me the most."


    "Ugh!"


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t take it anymore and said: "Why don''t you two go back to your room to chat?"


    Actually, they weren''t doing anything, but her youngest son''s words were really shameless. Even Zhao Guihua, a feisty old lady, couldn''t stand the oily young man, even if he was her son.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t stand it, but Old Man Bai was envious.


    He was truly envious. His family had two bachelors, and his son was still single. Seeing Ming Mei, he deeply lamented how such a good girl could like a pretty boy. His son was such a good person, if only she could marry into his family, how wonderful that would be.


    But Old Man Bai also knew that since she was already married, she naturally wouldn''t look at his son.


    He sighed and turned to leave sadly.


    Old Man Zhuang: "What''s wrong with Old Man Bai?"


    Zhao Guihua: "He''s having a fit, probably thinking about his single son."


    Zhao Guihua knew her old neighbor well indeed. She also knew that Bai Fendou hadn''t married yet, partly because of Old Man Bai. There was no Wang Xiangxiu back then. At that time, Bai Fendou was a spirited young man, and both father and son were workers with a house, not at all lacking. If he wanted to find a wife, it would have been easy.


    But Old Man Bai had unclear thinking. After his wife passed away in middle age, he doted on Aunt Su, wanting to be with her. Aunt Su enjoyed his care but never agreed to marry. Over the years, this situation dragged on.


    This matter had to do with Old Man Bai, but not with Bai Fendou.


    However, Aunt Su was not an easy woman. She naturally didn''t want Bai Fendou to marry. If Bai Fendou married, he would need to prepare a dowry and Old Man Bai would have to support him financially, making his money even tighter and unable to support her. So on the matter of Bai Fendou finding a partner, Aunt Su often fed Old Man Bai negative ideas, saying this girl wasn''t good, that girl wasn''t good.


    In their courtyard, Bai Fendou had dated the most girls, each time the first meeting went well, then Old Man Bai would object, saying this one wasn''t virtuous, that one had a heavy family burden. Over time, things fell through. Later on, there was no need to say more, as a Wang Xiangxiu appeared in the courtyard. No matter when Bai Fendou developed feelings, after Wang Xiangxiu''s husband passed away, he couldn''t let go of her.


    Old Man Bai''s salary at least half went to Aunt Su; Bai Fendou''s salary also mostly went to Wang Xiangxiu.


    Although Old Man Bai liked Aunt Su, he still hoped his son would find a virgin to have a child for the Bai family, so he didn''t want Bai Fendou to be with Wang Xiangxiu. But he also coveted Wang Xiangxiu''s ability to bear sons.


    So he was extremely conflicted.


    This wasn''t just Zhao Guihua''s guess, it was something Old Man Bai himself said many years later. Zhao Guihua clicked her tongue, calling him a hypocrite.


    "Mom, what are you thinking about?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Bai Fendou, that boy, he''s done for."


    "Ah?"


    Everyone didn''t know why Zhao Guihua suddenly said this. She didn''t say much more, only: "Let''s not talk about them. You two, where did you catch those bad guys?"


    Zhao Guihua had experienced more than the people at home, she wanted to inquire carefully to avoid future retaliation. Knowing the details, she would feel more at ease.


    Zhuang Zhixi could understand his mother.


    He said: "Don''t worry, I inquired carefully at the police station. These guys are vagrants from out of town, they had serious assault cases back home. This time coming to our city, they committed several robberies. For this, they''ll probably get at least ten years. And usually, people like them will be sent to the northern wilderness."


    Even without asking, Zhuang Zhixi guessed these guys weren''t locals.


    The reason? Locals, even if stupid, generally wouldn''t do this on New Year''s Day. Committing crimes at home on New Year''s Day is too inauspicious. Besides, everyone knows that committing crimes during the traditional New Year festival will be more severely punished than usual, so anyone with a bit of sense wouldn''t choose this timing.


    Only those desperate would do such a thing.


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua felt relieved. She nodded and said: "That''s good."


    But then she thought, there''s no need to worry about retaliation. Nowadays, people need an introduction letter wherever they go. Each compound has an administrator, each street has a red armband, even a strange mosquito can be squashed, let alone a live person.


    These guys could hide for nearly a month because they kept moving, and also because it''s New Year, everyone is busy celebrating, so vigilance is a bit lower.


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s right to uphold justice, but you also need to pay attention to safety when doing things, understand?"


    Ming Mei heard the concern in her words and nodded: "I know."


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "I know you''re capable, but sometimes even skilled swimmers drown. Don''t rush to charge forward every time you encounter such things. Of course, like this time, when someone bullies you, you should fight back."


    Ming Mei''s smile grew wider: "I know."


    Zhao Guihua: "You girl..."


    The Zhuang family was harmonious, while Old Man Bai felt quite bitter as he walked home. When he entered the house, he saw Bai Fendou drinking alone and snorted, saying: "You just know how to drink."


    Bai Fendou: "Hey, old man, why are you picking a fight after going out for a walk? What''s wrong with me drinking? It''s New Year, can''t I enjoy myself? Look, I don''t even have any side dishes."


    Old Man Bai frowned: "No side dishes, is that my fault? Your salary isn''t low, I don''t ask you for living expenses, can''t you save some money? I told you not to spend all your money on that widow, are you not going to live your life?"


    "And what about your money? Isn''t it also spent on the old widow?" Bai Fendou was a chatterbox, not holding back even with his own father.


    Old Man Bai picked up a broom to hit him: "I''ll let you talk back, I''ll let you talk back. You useless brat, other people can get married, look at you, still a bachelor, always tangled with widows. Are you trying to kill me? Don''t you want to carry on the family line?"


    Bai Fendou muttered: "Sister-in-law can still give birth, she can still bear sons."


    He envied having three boys.


    If it were in front of outsiders, Bai Fendou would always put on a show, not admitting his thoughts. But with his own father, there was no need to hide anything. Father and son, who didn''t know each other?


    "She can give birth, but will she marry you now? Look at others, Zhuang Zhixi is only twenty-one, already married, and you''re thirty-one, still a bachelor. Aren''t you ashamed? Find a wife quickly, widows won''t do." Old Man Bai was a hypocrite, allowing himself to be with a widow but not wanting his son to do the same.


    "Hey, dad, you''re like this yourself, why are you controlling me?"


    Old Man Bai argued: "I''ve already left a descendant for the Bai family, that''s why I''m with the widow, but you haven''t! Are we going to end with you?"


    Bai Fendou: "What are you talking about?"


    "What do you mean, what am I talking about? Plain truth!"


    "No way! I only want Sister Xiangxiu."


    "I''ll let you have her, I''ll let you..." Old Man Bai waved a broom, and Bai Fendou yelped and dodged, running out of the courtyard. He saw Jinlai and the other two boys, who clapped their hands: "Big dumbass, got beaten up! Got beaten up, got beaten up!"


    Bai Fendou was both amused and annoyed: "You little rascals, what are you talking about? You ungrateful brats."


    He didn''t want to argue with his old man, so he rubbed his hands and decided to go to the toilet. Bai Fendou thought, there are plenty of women out there, but when it comes to the best, there''s no one but Sister Xiangxiu. It''s just a shame he couldn''t openly declare his love for her in the courtyard. He still had to pretend to be looking for a wife.


    He couldn''t even figure out if he really wanted to get married or if he just wanted Sister Xiangxiu to get jealous.


    As he came out of the toilet, he bumped into Zhuang Zhixi. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi, Bai Fendou felt a bit displeased. Just now, his dad had been mentioning Zhuang Zhixi and another guy named Ershiyi, which really got under his skin.


    He was feeling quite unhappy.


    Zhuang Zhixi could get married, but why did he have to interfere with his life?


    Bai Fendou thought that if it weren''t for the Zhuang family showing off, his dad wouldn''t have been so upset and taken it out on him. He quickly hid behind the toilet, planning to give Zhuang Zhixi a good shove when he walked by, just to have a laugh.


    He crouched quietly, and Zhuang Zhixi didn''t see him at all. Not only that, but Zhuang Zhixi also stopped in his tracks.


    Because someone called him.


    Zhuang Zhixi stopped and looked at Zhou Qun, who was catching up, with a smile: "Zhou Ge, are you also going to the latrine?"


    Going to the latrine was as normal a greeting as asking if someone had eaten.


    It was late at night, and it was cold. Why else would someone be out in the cold if not to use the latrine? It was a pointless question.


    Zhou Qun: "Yeah, let''s go together."


    In the younger generation of the courtyard, Zhou Qun was now the oldest. Bai Fendou was the same age but a few months younger; the Su family boy, who was a year younger, had already passed away. Yang Lixin, the Zhuang brothers, and a few other young men were all younger than him.


    As the leader and outstanding figure of the younger generation, Zhou Qun always maintained a certain composure. This wasn''t surprising, as he had the highest salary. Even some of the older generation, like Chef Li and Old Man Zhuang, didn''t earn as much as he did.


    Zhou Qun always felt he had the right to be proud.


    Being willing to walk with Zhuang Zhixi was already giving him face.


    Zhou Qun slightly raised his proud chin and said, "Zhuang Zhixi, how''s it going in the clinic?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    He smiled and said, "It''s going well."


    Although he didn''t know what Zhou Qun was up to, Zhuang Zhixi responded politely with a smile, saying, "How about your electrical engineering team, Zhou Ge? Are you busy?" Since it was just small talk, he decided to go with the flow.


    Zhou Qun: "Our electrical engineering team is naturally busy. We are responsible for the safety of the factory''s electrical circuits, which is of utmost importance. This is very different from your clinic."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and smiled: "You can''t say that. The clinic is also very important; if the workers are not in good health, how can they work hard and contribute to society? Everyone is a small screw in the factory, playing their role. Even if I''m just collecting fees at the clinic, isn''t that important too? If the money is collected incorrectly, wouldn''t that cause a loss to the factory? So, everyone is important."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought, trying to bullshit with me about principles? I''ve learned a thing or two from my older brother! S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure enough, Zhou Qun couldn''t find a response to that.


    He had wanted to elevate himself by belittling others, but that didn''t work out.


    Soon, Zhou Qun said, "You''re right. By the way, I vaguely heard that your wife got into a fight. As a man, you should keep an eye on your wife. In a family, the man handles external affairs and the woman handles internal matters. Being gentle and virtuous is a traditional virtue of women. What kind of woman starts a fight outside?"


    He hadn''t heard clearly inside the house, only a few scattered words.


    But that didn''t stop him from imagining.


    He immediately thought that Ming Mei must have been arrogant and got into a fight, which was why she came home late. That must be it. Such a girl from a good family in Beijing was too wild to be a good wife.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi''s family could only find a girl like that.


    He said, "I think..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t just think, Zhou Ge. You can''t slander my wife like that. Besides, what do you mean by ''the man handles external affairs and the woman handles internal matters''? The leader also said that women can hold up half the sky. You can''t just confine them to the home. Your awareness isn''t high enough."


    Zhou Qun''s face changed, looking a bit unhappy.


    He had been willing to chat and argue with Zhuang Zhixi, already giving him face. But now he wasn''t willing to listen and even dared to retort? Zhou Qun frowned slightly and said, "You can''t say it like that."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled faintly: "I think it''s quite right."


    They finally reached the entrance of the latrine. If it had been Zhuang Zhixi alone, he would have been there ages ago. Walking with Zhou Qun, however, was much slower. Zhou Qun walked with a leisurely pace, as if he were some important figure.


    Naturally, it was slower.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t the only one who found it slow; Bai Fendou, hiding near the latrine entrance, was even more impatient.


    Bai Fendou wasn''t deaf, so he naturally heard their voices, but he didn''t think much of it. He was just playing a joke, what could go wrong? Whether Zhou Qun was there or not didn''t matter to him.


    Lucky for Zhou Qun, he got to see the fun too.


    Bai Fendou crouched by the side of the latrine, eager to act. As soon as the two men approached, he suddenly popped out from behind and gave a solid kick to the backside: "Off you go!"


    Zhou Qun was about to say something more to Zhuang Zhixi when he suddenly saw someone jump out. He moved to the side, but Bai Fendou''s kick landed squarely on his backside. Zhou Qun stumbled a few steps and fell flat on the ground of the public toilet!


    Solidly.


    "Oh shit!"


    "My god!"


    I curse your uncle!


    The three of them exclaimed in different voices. Zhuang Zhixi quickly moved to the side and shouted, "Fendou Ge, why did you attack Zhou Ge?"


    Bai Fendou hadn''t expected to kick Zhou Qun; he had meant to kick Zhuang Zhixi, who was ten years younger than him, just for fun. Kicking Zhou Qun was another matter. Bai Fendou shouted back, "Zhou Qun, what''s wrong with you, sticking your foot out?"


    Zhou Qun, who was in pain from the fall, was furious!


    Upon hearing Bai Fendou''s brazen words, he became even angrier, his head throbbing. He cursed loudly, "You heartless, wicked bastard, I knew you were jealous of my good job and marriage, but I never thought you''d be so jealous as to resort to violence. You scoundrel."


    People with too many thoughts tend to overthink. Zhou Qun immediately thought of the compensation incident two days ago and continued to question, "Is it because I made you pay five yuan the other day that you bear a grudge and seek revenge? You despicable villain."


    "I didn''t!"


    Bai Fendou shouted, "You can''t frame me. I just wanted to play with Zhuang Zhixi, didn''t expect you to stick your foot out."


    Aliali: 674aecfcc4f3f33ac49acb42


    Zhuang Zhixi, hearing this, raised an eyebrow slightly, narrowing his eyes at Bai Fendou. But soon, he returned to his usual innocent expression and said, "Fendou Ge, playing with me is fine, but why did you kick Zhou Ge? We don''t even look alike. It''s amazing how you could kick the wrong person."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s words made Zhou Qun even angrier: "You scoundrel, you did it on purpose. We don''t look alike at all!"


    Zhuang Zhixi was half a head taller than Zhou Qun, and being a bit slimmer, he stood out. Zhou Qun, on the other hand, benefited from a household where two women catered to his every need, ensuring he was well-fed and well-nurtured, making him noticeably more robust than Zhuang Zhixi.


    Mistaking one for the other was a clear sign of poor eyesight.


    Zhou Qun was having none of it and shouted, "This matter today is not over! You scoundrel, you''re a real scoundrel!"


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced from one to the other, struggling to suppress a laugh as he said, "Brother Bai Fendou, you better help him up. This is the bathroom, after all!"


    He continued to mumble to himself, "Thank goodness Zhou Qun didn''t fall into the bathroom; otherwise, he''d be like Aunt Su. But it''s quite a coincidence that both Aunt Su and Zhou Qun ended up in the bathroom. Isn''t that some kind of fate?"


    "Fate, my foot!"


    "Shut up!"


    Zhuang Zhixi gave an innocent smile, "See, I was just telling the truth."

 Chapter 24

    "Oh my son! Bai Fendou, you heartless dog, you''ve lost all conscience! If you want revenge, come at me instead! What kind of man are you to bully my son?" The tragic crying echoed throughout the courtyard.


    Jiang Lu rushed forward to hit Bai Fendou, crying and cursing, "You bastard, you''re despicable and shameless!"


    As a physically weak woman, Jiang Lu''s hits didn''t hurt much, and Bai Fendou couldn''t fight back. He dodged left and right, explaining, "It wasn''t intentional, I was just joking. I meant to joke with little Zhuang."


    Zhou Qun couldn''t accept this explanation. He said, "You''re lying! Zhuang Zhixi and I were talking the whole way. If you wanted to joke around, you would''ve known I was there too. You clearly wanted revenge on me."


    Bai Fendou felt he couldn''t explain himself anymore. After all, they had some grievances from a few days ago, and now everything was too muddled to explain clearly.


    As soon as Zhou Qun finished speaking, Jiang Lu cried even harder and raised her hand to scratch Bai Fendou. He blocked her hand and pushed her away. Though he wouldn''t hit women, he couldn''t let them slap his face either - a man''s dignity was extremely important.


    Jiang Lu nearly fell when pushed away, which angered the Zhou family even more. Madam Zhou Li cursed, "You useless thing!"


    She stepped forward and immediately slapped Bai Fendou across the face, leaving a clear handprint. The onlookers silently clicked their tongues, impressed by Madam Zhou Li''s fierce strike.


    Of course, with such a commotion, how could the neighbors not hear?


    Plus, when Zhuang Zhixi ran over earlier to call people, he had shouted quite loudly.


    "Brother Fendou kicked Zhou into the toilet!"


    With this earth-shattering announcement, people from every household came out. Some teenage boys ran like the wind toward the public toilet, eager to see if Zhou Qun had really fallen in.


    When everyone gathered around, they saw Bai Fendou had already helped Zhou Qun out. Countless eyes examined them carefully up and down, but saw no signs of sewage - apparently being kicked into the toilet was different from being kicked into the septic tank.


    One could say that Zhou Qun not falling into the septic tank had deprived everyone of quite a bit of gossip material and entertainment.


    Still, a spectacle was a spectacle. Bai Fendou kicking Zhou Qun for no good reason - shouldn''t they discuss this properly?


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law''s attacks had ignited some anger in Bai Fendou, who shouted in explanation, "I really didn''t mean to kick Zhou Qun!"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand: "That''s right, Brother Fendou kept saying he wanted to kick me. I don''t know why - I hadn''t even interacted with him since paying New Year''s respects..." He looked puzzled, but then added, "But since Brother Fendou said he wanted to kick me, he must have meant to kick me, not deliberately seek revenge on Brother Zhou or make up an excuse to avoid being labeled as petty..."


    His words only made everyone more convinced that this was exactly what had happened.


    Bai Fendou wanted revenge on Zhou Qun for the five yuan from two days ago but didn''t want to be seen as petty, so he tried to pin it on Zhuang Zhixi.


    Yes, that must be it.


    Bai Fendou grew anxious: "Little Zhuang, please stop talking!"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked even more innocent, saying, "I''m just trying to explain things for you! Otherwise, Aunt Zhou and Sister-in-law Zhou will misunderstand you."


    "There''s no misunderstanding!" Madam Zhou Li lunged forward throwing slaps, "You did it on purpose! You heartless bachelor, you''re just jealous of our Zhou Qun! You wanted revenge on him! How did we end up with such a vicious neighbor? Everyone, judge for yourselves - is Bai Fendou even human anymore?"


    "No!" someone shouted loudly, clearly enjoying the drama.


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly spoke up: "I think Fendou isn''t that kind of person. He likes to joke around and can be a bit reckless, but he''s not a bad person, and he doesn''t have a black heart. You''re really misunderstanding him."


    Aunt Zhou spat: "Bah! What misunderstanding? You two have something going on, I won''t even bother talking about it. How dare you lecture me? What kind of person are you to speak here?"


    "Aunt Zhou, how can you talk like that! My Xiangxiu was just trying to help. Why else would she get involved in this mess? We''ve all been neighbors for so long - don''t you know what kind of person Bai Fendou is? My Xiangxiu is right. You can say he''s a bit unruly, but how could he be a bad person?"


    "Well, that''s not entirely..."


    People are like weeds swaying in the wind, believing one thing one moment and another the next.


    Ming Mei came to Zhuang Zhixi''s side with rolled-up sleeves, asking softly, "Are you okay?"


    Though these aunties had strong fighting spirits, Ming Mei was more concerned about Zhuang Zhixi - he was her husband after all.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled quietly and said, "What could happen to me? This has nothing to do with me. Let them sort it out themselves."


    A flash of mockery crossed his eyes, but he quickly said, "Are you cold? If you''re cold, let''s go back."


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened as she firmly shook her head: "I want to watch!"


    Though her mother-in-law''s house didn''t have a radio, here was a live show that couldn''t be missed. Such entertainment was rare - you wouldn''t find this anywhere else. The young couple stood close together, watching as Aunt Zhou wailed and cursed, crying bitter tears and repeatedly insulting Bai Fendou''s ancestors going back eighteen generations.


    Meanwhile, she deployed martial arts moves worthy of a kung fu novel, seemingly intent on turning Bai Fendou into a panda or shredding him like potato strips. As the scene devolved into chaos, Aunt Wang could only massage her temples in distress - her job as mediator wasn''t easy.


    "Alright, are you two families going to keep this up forever? Are you putting on a movie show for us on New Year''s Day? Aren''t you ashamed of yourselves at your age? Bai Fendou, watch yourself - keep acting wild like this and you''ll never find a wife."


    Today''s incident couldn''t be solved by blaming both sides equally - it was Bai Fendou''s fault.


    Bai Fendou protested: "Aunt Wang, why are you cursing me like that?"


    Aunt Wang replied: "Then stop doing such foolish things! Aunt Zhou, how about this - your Zhou Qun was wronged, and that''s Bai Fendou''s fault. Let him compensate you with some money and let''s end it here? We''re all neighbors - if this gets bigger, how will we face each other in the future? It won''t look good."


    "Well then... ten yuan!" Aunt Zhou demanded exorbitantly.


    Aunt Wang: "Fine, ten yuan it is. Bai Fendou, pay up."


    Ten yuan was truly a lot, but Aunt Wang had grown tired of dealing with Bai Fendou''s affairs these past few days. She wanted to punish him a bit, make him understand that he couldn''t just act on impulse. Such a grown man, yet his actions were so childish.


    Bai Fendou: "That''s too much."


    "You won''t pay? Then this isn''t over!" Aunt Zhou yelled.


    Aunt Wang: "Bai Fendou, do you want them to report this to the street committee? Won''t you face criticism at your factory then?"


    Though Bai Fendou was extremely unwilling, with Aunt Wang''s intervention and her combination of soft and hard tactics, he finally apologized and paid the ten yuan compensation, which finally settled the matter.


    Ming Mei sincerely sighed: "Aunt Zhou earned that money too easily. In just three days, she''s made fifteen yuan. That''s worth half a month''s salary for most people."


    Though her voice was low, others heard and nodded in agreement.


    It must be said that this drama between the two families gave everyone plenty to talk about before bed. If it had happened earlier, it could have served as entertainment during dinner. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei returned home together. As soon as they entered, Ming Mei said, "He didn''t look like he was lying - he really meant to hurt you, didn''t he?"


    Though Ming Mei was innocent, she wasn''t stupid.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. His first action upon entering was to stoke the stove - an unchanging routine.


    After all, how could he let his little wife get cold?


    He said, "Who knows what kind of madness got into Bai Fendou that he wanted to harm me. Probably jealous that I found such a good wife."


    He sneered, "He deserved to lose that money."


    Ming Mei''s big dark eyes were watery as she said, "You used to say he wasn''t a bad person."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and said, "You can''t say he''s a bad person, but he''s definitely a bit odd. He used to be fine, but in recent years, as he''s gotten older, instead of finding a wife, he spends all day following Wang Xiangxiu around, helping her take care of kids. Watching those little troublemakers all day, over time, he''s been influenced by them and his behavior has become childish."


    Ming Mei: "What nonsense."


    She was quite upset. Although watching today''s drama had been entertaining, it was true that this person had bullied their Zhuang Zhixi, and Ming Mei wasn''t happy about it. She said, "Should we teach him a lesson?"


    She started rolling up her sleeves.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and shook his head, leaning down to kiss her cheek, saying, "No need. Actually fighting would be stooping too low; we''re better than that. Besides, after today, he and Zhou Qun will definitely be at each other''s throats even more. Zhou Qun isn''t any better himself."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately started chattering to Ming Mei, "See? Isn''t Zhou Qun annoying too? He really thinks he''s somebody important."


    Ming Mei was speechless: "What''s wrong with these people?"


    "They''re just mentally ill," Zhuang Zhixi said dismissively, then added, "Let''s not talk about them. You know, I''ve never really lost out to them since we were kids."


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow: "So when did you lose out?"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately put on a pained expression and said, "I lost out today, didn''t I? We encountered robbers, and my heart is still pounding from the shock. Want to come over and listen? See if my heart is beating especially fast?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She blushed and remained silent, staring at Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Darling, you don''t even feel sorry for me. Look, my chest hurts, and you won''t even come rub it better."


    Ming Mei''s cheeks reddened: "You''re impossible! Saying such improper things."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "What''s improper? I''m being completely honest. Darling, could it be that you''re thinking something naughty?"


    Ming Mei: "You, you, you!"


    When it came to being thick-skinned about such matters, Ming Mei couldn''t compete.


    She let out a heavy snort, and Zhuang Zhixi gave her a mischievous grin.


    Ming Mei''s face grew even redder. She took a deep breath and said, "Your chest hurts?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mm-hmm."


    He made an exaggerated grimace and said, "It hurts, it really hurts."


    Ming Mei: "Take off your clothes."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"


    This time it was his turn to be stunned.


    Ming Mei said with a straight face: "My family has a folk remedy. When your chest hurts, you should stand in a horse stance in the courtyard with your upper body bare. The colder the weather, the better. Stand for an hour and you''ll be cured." She was making it up with complete seriousness.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What? What!"


    He looked shocked: "Darling, how can you be so cruel?"


    Ming Mei poked him and said, "That''s what you get for teasing me."


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing and said, "If I were to tease someone else, wouldn''t that be wrong? You''re my wife."


    As he spoke, he suddenly scooped Ming Mei up and tossed her onto the bed. Ming Mei: "Ah!"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly covered her mouth, saying, "My dear lady, keep your voice down. It wouldn''t be good if people heard."


    He wasn''t afraid of people hearing, but he didn''t want people gossiping about his wife.


    Ming Mei blinked her long eyelashes and said coyly, "You threw me..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Now I''ll throw myself..."


    He pounced on her, and Ming Mei couldn''t help but let out another "Ah!"


    Zhuang Zhixi covered Ming Mei''s mouth, and soon the bed began creaking...


    This bed was certainly able to withstand quite a test!


    Quite capable indeed!


    Zhuang Zhixi reached out and turned off the light. Click! The room went dark.


    The young couple didn''t know that not far from their door, someone was standing there. Wang Xiangxiu had just exchanged a few words with Bai Fendou at the door. She really couldn''t understand why Bai Fendou could be so foolish, why he had to do such things for no reason.


    Although Bai Fendou said he was just playing around with Zhuang Zhixi.


    But Wang Xiangxiu felt that whether it was Zhou Qun or Zhuang Zhixi, this Bai Fendou was incredibly stupid. No matter who it was, attacking someone like that would never be forgotten; wasn''t he just asking to pay compensation?


    If this wasn''t stupid, what was?


    If he truly wanted revenge, that would be one thing, but he didn''t. Bai Fendou just couldn''t stand seeing others doing well and wanted to cause trouble. Wang Xiangxiu truly felt that even after fifty years, this man would never be worthy of her.


    Compared to her late husband, they were worlds apart.


    He couldn''t even compare to her husband''s little toe.


    He was genuinely stupid, but she had to keep this fool under control now. If she didn''t, with just her salary alone - those twenty-something yuan - how could she possibly support five people?


    The three boys were all big eaters.


    Though she was very dissatisfied with Bai Fendou as a person, she still spoke to him gently and comforted him. After a long while, Bai Fendou went home, and only then did she walk toward her own home. But just as she reached the door, she heard sounds coming from Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei''s room.


    She heard Ming Mei''s sharp cry, and although she didn''t know exactly what the married couple was doing in their room, as a previously married woman herself, she understood. Her heart suddenly became active. She stood there, listening carefully to the sounds from that direction, but apart from another cry, there were no other sounds, though the light went out.


    That was quite telling.


    Wang Xiangxiu hesitated about whether to go eavesdrop under their window. She bit her lip, conflicted.


    At this hour, not everyone was asleep yet. If someone saw her, it would be embarrassing, but she was terribly curious.


    After hesitating for a long time, Wang Xiangxiu finally decided not to risk it. She returned home with a dejected face. Aunt Su was mending clothes at the time. The three boys were good kids, but they were also mischievous - their perfectly good clothes would get torn every few days, requiring constant mending.


    Aunt Su didn''t look up, asking softly, "Did you calm him down?"


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, and not wanting the children to hear, she lowered her voice: "Mom, isn''t he just an idiot? In just these few days, he''s lost fifteen yuan. That money could have been used for something better instead of being paid to the Zhou family."


    The last time could be said to have had a reason, but this time it was purely because he had rocks in his head.


    Wang Xiangxiu was furious: "Two times, fifteen yuan already! That''s fifteen yuan - enough to buy cotton shoes for all three children."


    Aunt Su''s needle had become a bit dull. She lifted it and rubbed it in her hair to sharpen it, then continued sewing, saying, "That''s true, but he''s already done it, so what can we do? In my opinion, you should keep a closer eye on him in the future. Men are like children, simple-minded. Be flexible but firm with him, control him, guide him more. Then these things will happen less often."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed and nodded.


    Aunt Su: "If you ask me, that Zhuang kid isn''t any good either. He seems to be explaining things to Bai Fendou, but he''s actually stirring up trouble everywhere."


    When Wang Xiangxiu heard Zhuang Zhixi''s name, her face reddened slightly.


    Aunt Su looked up casually, startled, and said, "Getting romantic thoughts?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was embarrassed: "No, no, I just happened to hear some noise from their room when I came back."


    Aunt Su: "You need to pay attention to his side too. He has more money than he can spend, and we should help him spend some of it. But from what I''ve seen, this young man is clever, not easy to approach. He''s not as straightforward as his brother."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed: "Zhuang Zhiyuan does earn a lot, and he''s not so calculating, but he''s rarely home. I can''t work my way in."


    In this courtyard, Zhou Qun earned the most, but Zhou Qun was hard to manipulate - though he had money, he wouldn''t act without good reason. Next was Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had a respectable job and good salary, but as a long-distance train attendant, he was away from home for half the month, so she couldn''t get close to him.


    If she had to say who she liked best, it would definitely be Zhuang Zhixi. He was good-looking, clean, pure, and handsome - no one in the courtyard could match his looks. But before he had no money, and now... she wasn''t sure if he controlled the money. Among all the men in the courtyard, Wang Xiangxiu had them all figured out.


    She thought for a moment and said, "Mom, when work starts, I''ll go to the factory clinic to see the gynecologist."


    Aunt Su: "Hmm?"


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "Get closer to Zhuang Zhixi."


    Aunt Su gave Wang Xiangxiu a deep look and said, "Find out who manages the money in his family - him or his wife. If it''s his wife who manages it, don''t waste your energy."


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "I understand."


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law sat cross-legged, analyzing all the men in the courtyard, young and old, mapping out their strategy before finally allowing themselves to sleep.


    The night was deep, and almost every household was sound asleep when Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi finally finished their "happy time." Zhuang Zhixi got up to fetch water for Ming Mei to wash up. After they cleaned up, Ming Mei lay languidly on the bed, as if boneless.


    Zhuang Zhixi moved closer, brushed aside her long hair, and lay down beside her, asking, "Tired?"


    Ming Mei nodded, saying softly, "It''s already midnight, how could I not be tired?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled quietly and began gently massaging her shoulders, asking, "Does this feel better?"


    Ming Mei complained coyly, "It''s not my shoulders that are tired."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed deeply and said, "Then let me massage your waist."


    Ming Mei nodded, "Do you know how?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "What''s there not to know? Just relax."


    He sat on the bed, focused on massaging his wife, and asked, "Is this okay?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "It''s quite good."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Although I don''t know much about medicine, I''ve picked up a thing or two from hanging around the clinic all day."


    Ming Mei burst into laughter and murmured, "We''re going to bed so late, we definitely won''t be able to get up early tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t seem concerned and said, "What young person doesn''t sleep in? You can''t call yourself young if you don''t sleep in! Everyone works so hard during the week, it''s perfectly normal to catch up on sleep during holidays."


    Ming Mei made a sound of agreement and said softly, "If mother-in-law gets unhappy, you''ll have to stand up for me."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Did you even need to say that? What kind of man would I be if I couldn''t do that much? Did you really think I was just a pretty face who needed your protection for everything?"


    Ming Mei let out a soft hum and said, "Who knows?"


    Despite her words, her voice was particularly soft, making Zhuang Zhixi feel weak in his bones.


    He bent down to kiss her gently, and Ming Mei responded with, "Mmm..."


    She panted, "I''m really tired, I need to sleep..."


    She couldn''t muster any more energy.


    Seeing her looking all vulnerable, Zhuang Zhixi pulled her close and said, "I won''t do anything more. If you''re tired, go to sleep. Tomorrow morning, let''s go ice skating at Houhai."


    Ming Mei''s eyes lit up, and she immediately said, "Okay."


    While the young couple was always thinking about spending time together dating, the elderly had different thoughts.


    Old Comrade Zhao Guihua believed in early to bed, early to rise for good health. Unlike the young couple who spent half the night in pleasure, she had gone to bed early. As soon as dawn broke, she was up. She wasn''t even the earliest - there were already people chattering in the courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua made breakfast, but not too much.


    She had some understanding of her younger son and daughter-in-law''s habits. Though she didn''t know they had stayed up until midnight, she had experience from her previous life. So she didn''t include their portions in breakfast.


    After the family finished breakfast, Zhao Guihua took some money and went out. She wasn''t an idle old lady. She had her own affairs to attend to, and she headed straight for the store. She had made up her mind early on to buy herself a fishing rod.


    Previously, she had learned to fish with nets from watching videos on Douyin, but that method only worked well in winter when there were plenty of fish. It wasn''t very suitable for other situations. Besides, after catching so many fish from the pond before the New Year, it might not work as well now.


    Moreover, she couldn''t keep borrowing Aunt Wang''s fishing net. Once was fine, but doing it repeatedly wasn''t appropriate.


    So before the New Year, Zhao Guihua had decided to buy herself a fishing rod and practice fishing. Although there were various regulations these days, nobody really minded if you went fishing with a rod. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As long as you didn''t catch anything too conspicuous, like dozens of jin of fish, it was considered just getting a bite to eat, and no one would interfere.


    There were several spots in the city that were already claimed by fishing enthusiasts.


    After all, who doesn''t want to improve their living conditions?


    That''s what everyone thinks!


    So it wasn''t strange for Zhao Guihua to buy a fishing rod. She had looked at them once before the New Year, but only expensive ones were left, so she hadn''t bought one. They said new stock would arrive on the second day of the New Year. That''s why Zhao Guihua had come rushing over now. Although she didn''t know how to fish, there was always room to learn.


    She could learn!


    Even if others discovered her mountain pond and it wasn''t exclusively hers anymore, she could try other places. Any catch would be good. Zhao Guihua headed to the store and went to the fishing equipment section, saying, "Hello, comrade, serve the people. I want a fishing rod."


    "Let''s work hard together for progress, comrade. Which type would you like?"


    She pointed and said, "There are ones for six yuan, nine yuan, and twelve yuan, and even more expensive ones."


    Zhao Guihua decisively chose the six-yuan rod. As a beginner, why use an expensive one?


    Not worth it!


    She bought the fishing rod and a spool of fishing line before paying and leaving.


    Since coming back in time, Zhao Guihua hadn''t really thought about how to proceed, as she had been constantly pushed forward by one thing after another. Isn''t that just how life is? Actually, even though they were poor now and the food wasn''t good, Zhao Guihua was quite content.


    Firstly, getting to start over and return to youth would make anyone happy.


    Secondly, people were easily satisfied these days. Zhao Guihua herself was like this.


    People were generally poor now, everyone was in the same boat, and the wealth gap was small. Everyone lived modestly, carefully planning just to eat well enough. When you think about it, what was so complicated? Especially for urban residents like them who had jobs - the factory assigned housing, and would take care of them from birth to death, so there wasn''t much pressure.


    In contrast, decades later, despite earning decent money, the large wealth gap created immense pressure, making life less enjoyable and more prone to depression. As Zhao Guihua walked home, she pondered the changes over the fifty years before and after her time travel.


    But urban development was really fast.


    This street would be completely different in ten or twenty years.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t take the bus, not because she was unwilling to spend money, but because she had time to spare and enjoyed walking around to look at things. She had been here for over half a month after her time travel but hadn''t really had a chance to look around, since she arrived at the end of the year.


    Then she had to think about making money.


    Zhao Guihua felt she was truly a tough old lady.


    However, she still needed to go to the black market. Even if not to sell things, she needed to buy some items - how could they survive on just their ration of fine grain? As for her family... they definitely wouldn''t want her to go.


    But Zhao Guihua had her own plans!


    Once these people went to work, how could they control her?


    As Zhao Guihua made her way home carrying the fishing rod, she immediately attracted attention from people in the courtyard. Madam Zhou Li, sitting at her doorway, stood up in surprise when she saw it: "Where did you get that?"


    Zhao Guihua gave her a sideways glance and said, "Where do you think? Did you think I found it? Can''t you see it''s new? I just bought it from the store."


    "You bought it? Do you even know how to fish? Don''t waste your money if you can''t catch anything," Madam Zhou Li thought Zhao Guihua was being unrealistic.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "If I buy it, I''ll learn gradually. If I never buy one, I''ll never learn. Hey, could it be that you''re jealous because you saw me buy a fishing rod and you''re envious of the big fish I''ll catch?"


    Madam Zhou Li scoffed, "Hmph, who''s jealous? I don''t believe you can do it."


    If she couldn''t do it, how could Zhao Guihua?


    Zhao Guihua: "Well, just watch me. I''ll definitely succeed."


    "Ugh, ugh ugh..."


    Suddenly, retching sounds came from inside the house. Zhao Guihua froze, and so did Madam Zhou Li, but she quickly let out a cry and rushed inside: "Jiang Lu, are you feeling nauseous? Are you pregnant?"


    After ten years of marriage without children, Madam Zhou Li had become extremely sensitive to such signs.


    Zhao Guihua glanced into the house and suddenly noticed a bottle by the stove, with just a little bit of a dark red residue at the bottom. She immediately recognized it as the dog blood bottle Jiang Lu had brought that night.


    She felt nauseous: "Ugh!"


    She almost vomited and didn''t stick around to watch, heading straight home. She couldn''t take it.


    She knew that Jiang Lu wasn''t pregnant.


    It was probably the leftover black dog blood that made her feel sick.


    Thinking about it made her want to vomit too.


    Zhao Guihua quickly went home. Once upon a time, she had become the most delicate one in the family. Zhao Guihua entered the house with a fishing rod, and Old Man Zhuang wasn''t surprised, as they had discussed this beforehand. If they caught a few fish, they could eat them at home or sell them. Old Man Zhuang wasn''t worried about that.


    Old Man Zhuang smiled and said, "Shall we go to the Back Sea to practice our fishing?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I''ll go with you too."


    "Me too, me too!"


    Hutou jumped up and down, eager to join. Kids didn''t have much entertainment, so hearing about fishing made him excited.


    Zhao Guihua was a bit worried, but Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Let''s take them. I''ll watch over them."


    As a father who often wasn''t home, he was quite willing to spend time with his children.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s go."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was going, so naturally, Liang Meifen would go too. The whole family headed out together. Before they even left the courtyard, Zhao Guihua suddenly remembered something: "Where are the third couple?"


    This question made things a bit awkward.


    Liang Meifen quickly reported, "They''re still asleep. You''re back, and they''re still sleeping. They sure can sleep."


    Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "Alright, let''s go then. Don''t worry about them."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Why didn''t she scold them or wake them up? As a mother-in-law, why was she so biased? Liang Meifen''s mood suddenly soured. She followed Zhao Guihua with a bitter expression, but Zhao Guihua didn''t notice her looks.


    If this had been her previous life, Zhao Guihua would have definitely disapproved of her youngest son and daughter-in-law being so lazy.


    Not just her daughter-in-law, but her son as well.


    She wasn''t lazy herself, so she couldn''t stand those who were.


    But after a second chance at life, Zhao Guihua had become more indifferent. After fifty years, they still couldn''t change, so what was the point of her nagging about it now? Besides, she had also seen the vastness of the world. Arguing with her son over trivial matters like sleeping in was just a waste of time.


    So Zhao Guihua didn''t take it to heart. The family walked to the Back Sea, not too close, not too far. It was a bit tiring, but doable. As long as they had a catch, taking the bus back would be a bonus.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t plan to go to the mountain to fish directly. They might not catch anything, and it wasn''t worth the trip.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan joked, "Mom, if you catch fish today, my wife won''t need to buy anything when she visits her parents tomorrow. You have to save some money for your son."


    He was joking, but Liang Meifen was shocked.


    She couldn''t believe it. Did he not want to buy anything anymore? If they only brought a fish, how could they compete with her older sister and younger sister? What face would she have at her parents'' house? Liang Meifen prided herself on giving the most to her parents, making her the favorite daughter.


    If she couldn''t... her face changed.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was just joking, but seeing Liang Meifen''s expression, he also frowned, unhappy.


    Liang Meifen''s eyes reddened with grievance. That was her parents'' house, how could he do this?


    But now, she didn''t know how to speak up with her in-laws around.


    Her heart was filled with bitterness, but Zhao Guihua didn''t even glance at her son and daughter-in-law. She stared at a woman in the distance, lost in thought.


    "Old lady, what''s wrong?" Old Man Zhuang noticed Zhao Guihua''s strange behavior. Looking over, he saw an unfamiliar young woman carrying a strange-looking handbag.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Zhao Guihua slapped her thigh in excitement: "So it was her!"


    Old Man Zhuang: "???"


    He asked, "Do you know this person?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head: "I don''t know her, but I thought of something else."


    She suddenly remembered who the old lady who gave Jiang Lu the dog blood was. She had felt a bit familiar but hadn''t thought about it until now. Seeing the woman''s handbag, she finally remembered.


    She had thought she had seen that old lady somewhere before.


    That old lady was a remarkable person, truly capable. She was a widow living alone, which was never easy for an elderly woman.


    So to make a living, the old lady had dabbled in various trades.


    She engaged in superstitious activities and black market dealings, worked on the streets assembling cardboard boxes and sewing buttons, a true jack of all trades.


    Zhao Guihua knew about her because the old lady had been caught engaging in black market activities. But the old lady was resourceful; she would run if she could, or just collapse on the spot and foam at the mouth. What could you do? She was old and a widow, and the amounts involved were usually small, so she was usually just given a few days of criticism and then released.


    Over time, they even worried she might die in custody, which would be another problem to deal with.


    So it was tricky.


    Zhao Guihua recognized the old lady because the handbag the woman was carrying was one the old lady sold. It was said she had connections in the garment factory and could get some fabric scraps. The old lady used these scraps to sew handbags, earning a modest income but managing to live better than most.


    It wasn''t surprising, though. She also engaged in superstitious activities.


    This wasn''t without its risks; some had reported her, but without catching her in the act, there wasn''t much they could do.


    Zhao Guihua: "So it was her."


    Old Man Zhuang: "What are you talking about?"


    He was genuinely puzzled, but Zhao Guihua cackled with a crafty look.


    Liang Meifen shrank behind Zhuang Zhiyuan in fear. Liang Meifen was quite contradictory; she was clearly afraid of her mother-in-law Zhao Guihua but still dared to secretly give up her job. It was quite curious.


    Liang Meifen was good at overthinking and immediately thought that the mention of visiting her parents must have driven her mother-in-law to madness. That laugh was clearly not well-intentioned. Her heart was in turmoil, and she whispered, "Actually, I don''t have to go back to my parents'' tomorrow. There''s not much to do anyway."


    Her words didn''t get a response from Zhao Guihua, who instead pulled the two kids and said, "Your mom still has money with me. I''ll make each of you a new outfit."


    The two kids immediately jumped up in joy: "Yay!"


    Liang Meifen was even more worried. What was her mother-in-law planning?


    What was Zhao Guihua planning?


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care about Liang Meifen. She was just worried about not having enough fabric coupons to save up. Wasn''t this a golden opportunity falling from the sky? She knew the old lady also introduced others to buy fabric scraps. If she bought some and made clothes for the kids, wouldn''t that be the same?


    Although she didn''t know the old lady, what did that matter? A living person couldn''t be stopped by a little problem, right? She could take the initiative to get to know her! What was there to be afraid of? In modern terms, Zhao Guihua was a social butterfly!


    She didn''t understand what social anxiety was about.


    Zhao Guihua chuckled with satisfaction: "Let''s go fishing! Today''s trip was worth it!"


    Old Man Zhuang was still confused: "So, what''s the deal?"


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s hard to explain in a few words, but you just know, it''s a good thing."


    This didn''t bring joy but made Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhiyuan frown, looking at the old lady with concern. Zhuang Zhiyuan tentatively asked, "Mom, you''re not thinking of going to the black market again, are you? Or selling something? We can''t do that. Our life isn''t bad, really. We shouldn''t go to those places. If we get caught, it''s over."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded.


    This was indeed the common thinking.


    Zhao Guihua glared: "Am I that unreliable?"


    Aliali: 6748d4edc4f3f33ac47eb225


    Zhuang Zhiyuan wanted to say yes, but he firmly said, "Mom, you''re not!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Well, that''s settled then. I''m not stupid, I wouldn''t do anything reckless."


    Several members of their family had stable jobs, so she wouldn''t easily take the risk of selling things, as it could bring trouble and not be worth it. However, the black market was more lenient towards buyers. Besides, besides, besides, what she was thinking about now wasn''t the black market at all.


    What she was thinking about was the cloth strips.


    If she bought the cloth strips, she could sew a pair of shorts for each of the two children, which wasn''t a bad idea at all!


    "New for three years, old for three more, patched up and worn for another three."


    Old clothes still needed mending, so what was the problem with sewing new clothes together?


    Zhao Guihua thought more and more proudly, feeling very clever, and she put her hands on her hips: "Hahaha~"


    Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhiyuan looked at each other: Utterly worried!


    Just worried!

 Chapter 25

    Zhao Guihua led her whole family to go fishing, but it didn''t start well.


    As expected, she didn''t catch a single fish. On their way home, everyone was feeling a bit dejected, except for Zhao Guihua who kept chattering non-stop: "It''s not that I couldn''t catch any fish, it''s just that today is like a holiday, and I couldn''t bear to turn them into a meal right away."


    What a boast that was.


    Old Man Zhuang played along, smiling as he said: "I know you''re capable. There''s nothing in this world you can''t learn. Fishing is just a small matter, isn''t it? You just didn''t want to catch them, not that you couldn''t."


    Zhao Guihua nodded slightly and said: "You''re the only one who truly understands me, old man."


    Old Man Zhuang gave a simple smile and said: "Of course I do, you''re my wife. We''ve shared decades of love together."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    His brother was quite like their father, wasn''t he?


    This talent for flattery clearly ran in the family.


    Though his father only flattered his mother, his brother was an equal-opportunity flatterer.


    Although they hadn''t caught any fish, it was already noon, and Zhao Guihua chose to take the bus home. Despite her bragging, she was secretly sighing inside, thinking this trip had been a loss. When the family arrived home, they saw Madam Zhou Li and Aunt Su sitting in front of their respective doors.


    Seeing their empty-handed return, Madam Zhou Li burst into laughter that sounded like a wild duck''s quack, while Aunt Su just gave a slight smile without saying anything. Zhao Guihua knew exactly what these two were thinking.


    She snorted, carrying her fishing rod and striding straight home. Even if they hadn''t caught any fish, they still had fish at home.


    For lunch today, they would eat fish.


    Two of them!


    Hmph!


    After Zhao Guihua returned home unhappily, Madam Zhou Li finally went back to her house "relieved." She had just wanted to see if that old woman Zhao Guihua could really catch any fish, and as she expected, she couldn''t.


    Madam Zhou Li felt two words in her heart: delighted!


    She felt happy when others weren''t doing well. She hummed a tune as she entered her house, but upon seeing her daughter-in-law, her previously cheerful face immediately dropped. She said, "You useless thing. You''re not even pregnant and you wasted three mao on examination fees."


    Jiang Lu''s nausea had indeed been a false alarm - she still wasn''t pregnant.


    Jiang Lu prepared lunch with a bitter expression, feeling increasingly heavy-hearted. She had taken all kinds of medicine, so why wasn''t anything working? Could it be that she was truly infertile? Jiang Lu''s mind was in chaos, feeling deeply that she had let Zhou Qun down.


    "That folk remedy I told you about last time, you can''t refuse it anymore. If you can''t give birth, then make way for someone else."


    Jiang Lu suddenly looked up and quickly said, "Mom, I''ll have a baby, I''ll definitely give Zhou Qun a son, trust me. I''ll take the folk remedy, I''ll take anything."


    She paused and said, "I just drank black dog blood at dawn yesterday. Let''s see if that works first. If it does, we won''t need the folk remedy, right? The black dog blood won''t show results in just one day, don''t you think?"


    Madam Zhou Li glared at her and said, "You dare to talk back to me!"


    She scolded, "Who do you think you are to bargain with me? Women who can''t have children have always been useless waste. My Zhou Qun is talented, he''s a pillar of the factory. He''s been so patient with you, not saying a single bad word despite having no children. Now when you need to do just a little thing for him, you make all these excuses? What? You find children''s urine disgusting? Don''t you know that drinking urine is the smallest thing in the world when it comes to having a child?"


    Jiang Lu''s eyes reddened as she said softly, "I know, Mom, I know. I know Zhou Qun is a hundred and twenty percent good to me, and I''m letting him down. I''ll listen to you, I''ll listen to everything you say..."


    Madam Zhou Li: "That''s more like it!"


    She continued, "You think children''s urine is easy to get? I still need to arrange it with the children in the courtyard. I can''t even speak about it directly - if people knew you were drinking urine, wouldn''t I lose face? It''s fortunate we have many boys in our courtyard."


    Zhou Qun chose this moment to come out from the inner room and said, "Mom, Jiang Lu has already agreed, so stop talking about this. It makes her feel bad too. She doesn''t want things to be this way either."


    Madam Zhou Li snorted, "There you go protecting her again."


    Zhou Qun righteously declared, "She''s my wife. If I don''t protect her, am I supposed to watch her suffer? Mom, don''t push Jiang Lu too hard."


    Madam Zhou Li became even more displeased, waving her hand as she said, "I''m going to the latrine."


    She walked straight out.


    Unable to bear the bitterness anymore, Jiang Lu suddenly threw herself into Zhou Qun''s arms, saying softly, "Qun, you''re so good to me, you really are. I know it."


    Zhou Qun gently patted her back and said, "If I''m not good to you, who else would I be good to?"


    He said quietly, "Mom''s getting old, she''s anxious to hold a grandson. You understand, right?"


    Jiang Lu nodded vigorously, "I do, I really do. I want a son too."


    Zhou Qun: "Then just listen to her. She might be old and a bit ignorant, but she means well for us, and we don''t have any better solutions. Just try it, think of it as just giving it a try, okay?"


    Jiang Lu: "Okay, I''ll do whatever you say."


    Meanwhile, while Zhou Qun was convincing Jiang Lu to comply completely, Madam Zhou Li was grumbling as she went to the public toilet. At her age, she needed to use the toilet more frequently, though this time she wasn''t really going to use it - she just wanted to give her son some space.


    She muttered under her breath, "If this little tramp can''t bear children, I''ll just have my little Qun have some outside."


    As she was mumbling to herself, she happened to meet Ming Mei coming out of the toilet. She looked Ming Mei up and down - she wasn''t particularly thin, but she didn''t look like the fertile type like Wang Xiangxiu either. This young daughter-in-law had been married for some time now.


    She stopped and asked, "Hey, Old Zhuang''s wife, let me ask you something - are you pregnant yet? You don''t look like someone who''d be good at bearing children."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She looked bewildered at the old woman, not understanding what she was going on about, though this wasn''t the first time. On her first day after marriage, this stranger had jumped out to lecture her just to make her presence known, showing she was clearly a foolish person.


    Both wicked and poisonous.


    Ming Mei blinked, finally understanding what the old woman was asking, and said crisply, "That''s none of your business. Why don''t you mind your own affairs?"


    She turned and left, refusing to exchange pleasantries with someone like Madam Zhou Li.


    Madam Zhou Li trembled with anger: "You, you, you - how dare you speak to me like that, you little tramp! You''re so vicious!"


    Ming Mei stopped in her tracks and turned around: "I''m vicious? I think the person who says such things is the vicious one. If you have mental problems, you should go to a mental hospital instead of trying to make yourself noticed in the courtyard. Let me tell you, I, Ming Mei, won''t put up with your nonsense. Who do you think you are? Calling me a little tramp? I think you''re the old tramp! Your age doesn''t excuse your shamelessness, what kind of trash are you! If your brain isn''t working right, take some medicine. Don''t come out here causing trouble thinking I''m afraid of you! Pah!"


    Ming Mei looked around, and seeing no one else nearby, she unleashed her thoughts without restraint. Really, this woman dared to argue with her? She had dealt with more troublemakers on her bus route than this old woman had fought with in her entire life, and she dared to act up in front of her?


    If she hadn''t just gotten married and needed to maintain some image, she would have told this old woman off long ago. She really had no sense of propriety.


    "If you have nothing better to do, go get your mental illness checked. What''s wrong? Not enough drama in your own home that you have to come play queen bee with the neighbors? Get lost, you garbage, you nutcase, you shameless old thing!" Ming Mei rattled off a string of insults, then gave a heavy snort and said, "Stay far away from me in the future, or I won''t be so nice!"


    After Ming Mei finished her fierce tirade, she turned around to see her husband, Zhuang Zhixi, leaning against the main gate, thoroughly amused and giving her a thumbs up.


    Ming Mei... Ming Mei''s face immediately turned red. She bit her lip and ran over coquettishly, holding onto Zhuang Zhixi''s arm saying, "Come on, let''s go home."


    She said coyly, "You didn''t see anything just now, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t play along at all, laughing as he said, "No, I didn''t miss a thing."


    Ming Mei shook him slightly and said, "You definitely didn''t see anything. I''m still the gentle me, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and let out a long "oh," not elaborating further. Ming Mei pinched him, and Zhuang Zhixi laughed even harder, dodging and saying, "Yes, yes, I saw and heard nothing."


    Ming Mei nodded, "I''m still the gentle and lovely me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Pfft."


    Ming Mei: "What do you mean by that? Are you laughing at me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "How could I? I wouldn''t dare." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He pinched Ming Mei''s cheek and said, "I think you''re great this way, at least I don''t have to worry about you getting bullied."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Bullied?


    By her?


    From childhood to adulthood, she was never the one to be bullied.


    Ming Mei blinked at Zhuang Zhixi, who laughed and leaned in mysteriously, "Guess if Old Witch Zhou will come to make trouble?"


    Ming Mei shrugged, "How would I know? I don''t know her, but I''m not afraid of her."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Want to bet?"


    Ming Mei blinked again, pushing Zhuang Zhixi away to wash her hands in the yard. She quickly figured out that he was probably using the bet to gamble on something trivial. She knew him well.


    She immediately understood, finished washing her hands, and splashed water at his face, crisp and clear, "No bet!"


    "Hey, don''t splash water, it''s cold," he said.


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly, "Hmph, trying to trick me."


    The two entered the house together, Ming Mei approached, "Mom, is there anything I can help with?"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her, "No."


    Ming Mei "oh"ed, happily sitting down, not having to work was great.


    Zhao Guihua: "What were you two playing outside?"


    She asked casually, and Liang Meifen perked up, thinking: Let them show off their love, let them show off. Mother-in-law, scold her, scold her hard! Liang Meifen was eager to see the drama.


    Ming Mei: "We were betting whether Madam Zhou would come knocking. She blocked me at the toilet earlier, and I gave her a good scolding. So Zhixi wanted to bet with me if she''d come to make trouble. But I didn''t take the bet, hehe."


    Zhao Guihua: "She definitely won''t come."


    Ming Mei''s eyes lit up, "Why?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at her deeply, "Because I''m home."


    Ming Mei immediately understood, "I see, because she can''t out-argue you, and she can''t start a fight."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That''s the point."


    She said, "Everyone in our courtyard knows this tacit understanding, arguing is one thing, but no one really starts a fight. If it gets physical, it''s just not good."


    Ming Mei heard this and shook her head, "That''s not right, Madam Zhou did hit Bai Fendou."


    "That''s because it''s an elder hitting a younger one. Besides, everyone has a weak spot. Zhou Qun is Madam Zhou''s life. And Bai Fendou started it first, so Madam Zhou was just defending herself."


    Ming Mei softly "oh"ed, indicating she understood, and mused, "What if she hits me, should I fight back?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She said slowly, "Can''t you push her away and give her a subtle lesson? You''re skilled, can''t you do that?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She pursed her lips, not saying anything.


    There was no way to respond to that.


    Liang Meifen was shocked looking at her mother-in-law, who was clearly advising her sister-in-law to hit someone.


    Liang Meifen quickly became a turtle, afraid her mother-in-law would make her do something, she was really ruthless.


    "Alright, the fish is almost done, get ready to eat."


    Zhao Guihua stuck cornmeal cakes on the side of the pot. Although these cakes couldn''t compare to big steamed buns, when paired with fish stew, they were excellent. The family quickly enjoyed the meal.


    The Su family smelled the fish stew, and Tonglai immediately put down his chopsticks, unhappy, "I want to eat fish, I want to eat fish, why do they have fish and we don''t?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Mom, didn''t you say they didn''t catch any fish?"


    Aunt Su sat by the door, unlike Madam Zhou who wanted to see a lively scene, she was looking for opportunities to get something for free. In the past, she could sweet-talk and complain a bit, and get some benefits from Zhao Guihua.


    But recently, there were no such chances, Zhao Guihua was always busy.


    She didn''t have any opportunities, so today she thought about trying to get some fish, but Zhao Guihua came back clearly without any fish. She didn''t mention anything. But now... they were stewing fish?


    Aunt Su: "Who knows, maybe they had some already, or maybe they caught some today."


    She had seen everyone without any catch, so it was probably the former.


    "I want to eat, I want to eat..."


    Tonglai, using his age as an advantage, lay on the ground and started kicking, "I want to eat, I want to eat!"


    Jinlai and Yinlai also looked at their mother with longing, Wang Xiangxiu sighed, "I''ll try."


    She got up and went to the Zhuang''s door, knocking. Zhuang Zhixi opened the door, but kept one hand on it and the other on the doorframe, not giving anyone a chance to enter, even peeking inside was difficult with Zhuang Zhixi''s height.


    Seeing the visitor, he asked puzzled, "Sister-in-law Su, is something wrong?"


    Wang Xiangxiu put on a pitiful expression, "Little Zhuang, you''re having dinner, right?"


    She looked at him with a tender gaze, "Your fish smells so good, my Tonglai is howling and rolling on the ground. Could you spare a bit? The kids are really pitiful, it''s my fault for not being able to provide better nutrition. Just a little, we just want to taste it. Next time I get fish, I''ll definitely return the favor."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Sister-in-law Su, what are you talking about, a little fish, why mention returning favors?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was delighted, ready to thank him, when Zhuang Zhixi said, "But you know, my family has eight people, not even fish soup is left, we''re dipping the cakes in it, I''m even gnawing on fish bones, there''s nothing to spare."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face turned ugly, dissatisfied with Zhuang Zhixi''s refusal. She had come to ask, how could he not give anything? Wasn''t this how neighbors should be? Not understanding the hardships of the poor.


    She frowned, forcing a smile, "You''re joking with your sister-in-law, right? The kids are still crying at home..."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Actually, I think Sister-in-law Su shouldn''t worry, kids cry because they''re not beaten enough, just beat them a few more times."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face turned completely dark, very displeased.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Anything else, sister-in-law? No, I''ll continue gnawing on fish bones."


    Wang Xiangxiu suppressed her urge to curse, forcing a smile, "Then, forget it."


    She turned, and the door clicked shut, not leaving any room. Wang Xiangxiu''s face was as dark as night, walking back heavily. The Su kids were waiting for the fish, seeing her return immediately stood up, "Eat fish!"


    But saw nothing.


    Tonglai: "Waa... waa, I want to eat, I want to eat fish..."


    Aunt Su: "Didn''t she get it?"


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed, "No, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t fall for my act."


    The kids were still crying, she shouted, "Enough, do you have to? Our family is poor, we can''t afford fish. Even if you cry to death, no one will pity you! Cry, cry, cry! Want to eat so much, go be someone else''s child! Am I not a good enough mother for you? I''m always worrying for you, you never let me rest. Think about it, is it something we can afford? Is it?"


    Her voice was loud, Bai Fendou quickly came over, knocking, "Sister-in-law Xiangxiu, what''s wrong?"


    Wang Xiangxiu opened the door, rubbed her eyes, which immediately turned red, "The kids are just craving, I scolded them."


    White Fendou looked at the three children and then at Wang Xiangxiu, his heart softening to the point of breaking. He said, "Look at you, it''s natural for the kids to want something nice to eat. What''s the big deal? You scolding them like this, doesn''t it hurt you more?"


    He softly comforted Wang Xiangxiu, wishing he could immediately step into her home.


    Wang Xiangxiu wiped away her tears and said, "I know that, but our family is in such a situation, what can I do?"


    White Fendou gritted his teeth: "Alright, I''ll go to the river this afternoon to see if I can catch some fish. I don''t believe I can''t catch any."


    Jinlai immediately chimed in: "I want to go too."


    White Fendou: "Okay, okay, I''ll take all three of you. Uncle Fendou will take you fishing."


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip; she had actually hoped that White Fendou would give her money or buy fish directly for her. But seeing him say this, she thought about how he had recently lost fifteen yuan twice, once for the New Year and once for buying a bike. She figured he probably didn''t have much money left.


    She sighed inwardly and said, "Then, be careful."


    "Don''t worry about that," White Fendou reassured the Su family. But he didn''t know that others were peeking out from their windows, secretly watching the drama unfold. Jiang Lu was at her door, whispering sarcastically, "Serves you right for scheming against my husband Zhou Qun. You deserve to be swindled by that widow."


    As for the Zhuang family, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were peeking out the window, watching the commotion. Ming Mei exclaimed, "I''ve never seen someone so devoted, thinking only of other people''s children. What kind of spirit is that?"


    Zhao Guihua: "What spirit? Lack of spirit. He''s as stupid as a donkey."


    Zhao Guihua: "You two, come back for dinner."


    Ming Mei: "Okay, okay."


    She quickly grabbed a piece of fish with her chopsticks and said, "So fragrant."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, however, was moved: "Luckily, it was my younger brother who went to handle the situation. If it had been me, I wouldn''t have been able to refuse."


    Liang Meifen immediately gave Zhuang Zhiyuan a wary look. Zhuang Zhiyuan: "What are you doing?"


    Liang Meifen earnestly: "Stay away from Wang Xiangxiu!"


    With such a charming widow as a neighbor, Liang Meifen was very vigilant about her husband. But it wasn''t just her; every woman in the neighborhood was the same, except for White Fendou. Jiang Lu was also keeping a close eye on Zhou Qun.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "What do you take me for? Besides, Sister Su hasn''t done anything. Don''t tarnish her reputation."


    "Heh."


    "Heh."


    "Heh."


    With just that one sentence, he drew several "hehs" from the women in the room. Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    It seemed the female comrades didn''t share his views.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, not getting involved in the matter. But if anyone thought they could take advantage of him, they were sorely mistaken. Just ask around, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t someone who let others take advantage of him.


    Zhao Guihua: "Tomorrow, when you go back to your parents'' house, I''ll prepare a fish and a pound of meat for each of you. If you want more, use your own private money. If not, that''s fine too."


    Ming Mei: "Got it."


    Liang Meifen wanted to say something but seeing that Ming Mei didn''t object, she didn''t dare either, closing her mouth with a sigh.


    Zhao Guihua: "Ming Mei, are you going back to work soon?"


    Ming Mei: "On the fourth day of the New Year, I''ll be back to work."


    Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "You''re starting earlier than the others. Will you come back for lunch?"


    Ming Mei shook her head: "No need, it''s too much trouble. I''ll eat at the unit cafeteria."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."


    She instructed: "Since Ming Mei will be at work and not eating at home, Elder Daughter-in-law, you''ll be in charge of cooking. I''ll still be fishing these days."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    With your terrible fishing skills?


    It''s a waste of bus fare just going out.


    But despite thinking this, Liang Meifen didn''t dare say it out loud, nodding and saying, "Okay."


    When it came to doing chores, she didn''t compare, doing as much as needed without complaint. Zhao Guihua knew this was Liang Meifen''s strength. If you asked Ming Mei to do more work, she would definitely try to shirk it. But Ming Mei wasn''t so calculating with money and had a cheerful personality, which were her strengths.


    Both daughters-in-law had their own strengths and weaknesses.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t pay much attention. In her previous life, she wanted to manage but couldn''t. In this life, she didn''t want to manage anymore. After all, she had her own flaws. As long as Zhao Guihua didn''t lose her temper at home, the harmony level in the family soared.


    In the afternoon, the family gathered to play small cards. These weren''t poker cards but a game somewhat similar to mahjong. It was a pastime in old teahouses and inns, not something respectable people played. Wealthy families played mahjong, but now with strict regulations, neither mahjong nor these small cards were played anymore. If caught, one would be reprimanded. While it was a bit like gambling, playing as a family without money was just for fun, done quietly without anyone bothering.


    This wasn''t as problematic as mahjong, which could be burned in a stove if needed, disappearing instantly. So ordinary families sometimes played secretly.


    Like their family, two kids ran around outside while the adults played cards indoors for amusement. Despite being just for fun, it was addictive, delaying dinner.


    If not for the next day when the two daughters-in-law had to visit their parents, they might have played all night.


    Ming Mei lost miserably, looking pitiful. She whispered softly, "Luckily, we''re not playing for money, or I''d be bankrupt."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t worry, your husband is great at this. I can win it all back."


    Ming Mei giggled coquettishly, making Zhuang Zhixi''s heart melt.


    But because they stayed up late, the next morning the couple was still groggy, returning to their parents'' home in a bit of a daze. This led to Ming Mei''s mother hinting at the couple not to be too wild just because they were young, reminding them to be "moderate," making Ming Mei blush furiously.


    For the record, she stayed up late not because of that.


    But her explanation was ignored by her mother, who firmly didn''t believe her. Ming Mei felt so wronged.


    Ming Mei''s mother didn''t care what her daughter thought. She checked the gifts her daughter brought and nodded in approval.


    She asked, "Did your mother-in-law prepare these?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, being very honest with her mother: "My mother-in-law prepared the fish and meat. The other two snacks I bought myself. You know, our family is like a divided one. My mother-in-law wouldn''t prepare more."


    Ming Mei mentioned the two items her mother-in-law prepared and added two more she bought herself, as she had her own money.


    Ming Mei''s mother nodded: "That makes sense."


    She understood the situation. The young couple paid ten yuan a month, and the food was decent, thanks to the old couple''s subsidy. Ming Mei''s mother couldn''t be bad at math. After all, the urban poverty line was five yuan per person.


    They paid ten yuan, which wasn''t much.


    She said, "Your dad got a few pounds of big pears before the New Year. Take some back to eat secretly."


    The mother whispered, "Don''t give it to your mother-in-law; eat it yourself. Otherwise, she''ll give it all to the kids, and what will you eat?"


    Ming Mei laughed, hugging her mother''s arm: "I know, Mom. I know you love me the most."


    "Who else would I love if not you? You''re my own flesh and blood."


    Ming Mei: "Hehe."


    She happily snuck a snack in the kitchen, remembering something and said, "Mom, can you give me some broken tea? My in-laws don''t have any tickets and haven''t been able to buy any."


    Ming Mei''s mother''s mouth twitched: "Are you already digging into your parents'' home to subsidize your in-laws?"


    Ming Mei shook her head: "Of course not. I know we have extra at home. Besides, I get something in return. My in-laws have been eating really well lately, and I don''t have to do any work, hehe."


    She detailed the recent meals to her mother and added, "My sister-in-law handles all the work."


    Ming Mei''s mother nodded: "You''re just a lazybones."


    Ming Mei smiled innocently at her mother. Ming Mei''s mother: "Alright, I get it. I''ll pack some for you when you leave. Luckily, we have extra."


    Ming Mei smiled happily.


    This tea is indeed hard to come by; the quota is strict, and what you usually get is tea dust, and without the right tickets, you can''t get it either. But this isn''t something particularly rare in Ming Mei''s household. Ming Mei has an uncle who works at a tea plantation.


    Being in the business means you benefit from it, so it''s only natural.


    Ming Mei''s father works for a transportation company and often travels to the south to deliver goods, so he can usually bring back some tea. Like the tea tickets at their home, they always end up being traded secretly to others because they don''t need them.


    "I''ll give you some tea dust and a bit of good tea. Keep the good tea to yourself, don''t give it to others. We don''t have much of it at home," the supply currently only includes tea dust. This is something that''s hard to buy even with money.


    Ming Mei: "I understand, Uncle Zhang is doing well over there, right? Are they considered workers at the tea plantation?"


    Ming Mei''s mother: "Of course, they are skilled workers, their wages are quite good."


    Ming Mei mused: "A martial arts master going to grow tea, it feels a bit strange when you think about it."


    Ming Mei''s mother: "Don''t spout nonsense. What martial arts master? Don''t say such things, everyone is a working person."


    Ming Mei: "Alright, alright."


    Uncle Zhang is the senior martial brother of Ming Mei''s uncle, and his skills are even better than her uncle''s.


    "By the way, mom, I think I might have done something good again, but I don''t know if it will increase my salary. It was the first day of the New Year, and I went to the movies with Zhixi..." She spoke animatedly, but her mother''s face grew darker and darker. She gave her daughter a hard slap and said, "Stay out of trouble from now on!"


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Innocent, wronged.


    Ming Mei''s mother: "How can you not know the danger? And if you dare to transfer to another unit without my permission, I''ll break your legs!"


    Ming Mei muttered softly: "You said you wouldn''t care about me once I get married."


    Ming Mei''s mother: "Are you not my daughter after you get married? You''re my daughter, I can always manage you. If you mess up, I''ll break your legs even if you''re married."


    Ming Mei''s mother remembered that last time her daughter caught a thief, the authorities were impressed by her skills and wanted to transfer her. Ming Mei''s mother was vehemently against it; it was too dangerous. A young girl like her was better off as a ticket seller, with good benefits and a decent job.


    If she worked in law enforcement, it would be tough and dangerous. Her mother was adamantly against it.


    She pulled Ming Mei''s ear and said, "Remember this, if you dare to play tricks, I won''t be lenient with you."


    Ming Mei: "Ouch, ouch, I know, I know. I don''t want to go, really, believe me."


    Ming Mei''s mother looked into Ming Mei''s eyes and said, "I''ll trust you for now."


    Ming Mei: "Phew!"


    She really didn''t want to transfer. Mainly because she thought she was good at nothing but her skills. Those brainy units weren''t for her. She was just a reckless girl.


    Equivalent to a reckless man.


    She could handle physical tasks and argue with impolite passengers, but she couldn''t be a cop.


    Besides, they mentioned it last time, not this time. She rubbed her ear and complained to Zhuang Zhixi: "Didn''t you hear me calling? Why didn''t you come to save me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I can''t afford to offend your mom, where would I dare to provoke my mother-in-law? Offending her is worse than offending my wife."


    Ming Mei: "Heh."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll give you a good massage when we get home, okay?"


    Ming Mei: "Hmph, too late."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll serve you a hundred times as punishment."


    Ming Mei''s face instantly turned red, she muttered: "Zhuang Zhixi, have some self-respect. Serve me a hundred times? Are you sure I''m the one benefiting? You''re clearly the one benefiting. What kind of person are you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi suppressed a laugh and said innocently: "You see, you misunderstood me, didn''t you? I meant serving you by pouring tea and water. Where did you think I meant?"


    He said with a wicked smile: "Or did you think of those unspeakable scenes?"


    Ming Mei didn''t hesitate, she kicked out!


    Ming Mei''s father saw from a distance and smiled: My daughter doesn''t get taken advantage of, good!


    Ming Cheng also smiled: My sister doesn''t get taken advantage of, good.


    Ming Mei''s mother saw from the kitchen and still smiled: A little scuffle means affection, the couple''s relationship is good, happy.


    Probably because Zhuang Zhixi got kicked, today both the father-in-law and mother-in-law had good expressions, Zhuang Zhixi had a pleasant time at his in-laws'' place. When leaving, Zhuang Zhixi saw the bulging bag Ming Mei was carrying and said: "You''re going back to your parents'' home, why the big haul?"


    Ming Mei looked up: "Then don''t eat it."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately straightened up: "I was wrong, scold me."


    Ming Mei lifted the corner of her mouth, the young couple rode back home. Ming Mei hummed a little tune, Zhuang Zhixi: "Wife, your parents are the least gender-biased I''ve ever seen."


    Ming Mei: "Your mom isn''t either? I see her treating Huttou and Xiaoyanzi the same."


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "My mom used to be a bit gender-biased, we have three kids, my second sister didn''t get the same treatment as my brother and me. But as we grew up, my mom changed a lot, not so gender-biased anymore. Especially after you came into the family, before my older brother had two kids, Huttou was much more favored than Xiaoyanzi. But I see recently my mom treats Xiaoyanzi well too. Maybe people''s views change as they get older. Although my parents were gender-biased, it wasn''t as obvious as others. My sister insisted on marrying that soldier and going to the island with him, my mom was very unhappy, but still felt sorry for my sister and prepared some money for her."


    Ming Mei probably knew the reason, her mother-in-law changed because she had been influenced by over fifty years of social changes, she wasn''t like traditional old people anymore, she had seen more, her horizons were different, her thoughts were different.


    But Ming Mei wouldn''t say it out loud, she said: "It''s good that they can change."


    She was curious: "But wait, in your courtyard, doesn''t Li the Cook only have one daughter? They must treat their daughter well."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I said the least gender-biased, Li the Cook and Aunt Wang still want a son, they just can''t have one. If they had a son, they would treat Li Fang differently. Aunt Wang, I know a bit, probably like my mom before. Li the Cook... definitely prefers sons. You can see it from how he treats his grandson. They''re not gender-biased, they just don''t have the chance to be."


    This further showed how good Ming Mei''s parents were.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re a lucky girl."


    Ming Mei smiled proudly, saying: "Of course, I''ve always been lucky, my parents said I was a lucky child since I was little."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You really take it for granted."


    Ming Mei: "Hmph."


    She reached out to pinch Zhuang Zhixi, who said: "Ow, I''m riding the bike, don''t pinch me~"


    Ming Mei laughed, hugged his waist, and pressed her cheek against his back, saying: "You have to keep me lucky, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi lifted the corner of his mouth: "Of course!"


    He felt his wife''s warmth and pedaled with extra vigor. The young couple returned home, and upon entering the courtyard, oh, there was another meeting!


    How frequent are the meetings in this courtyard?


    Ming Mei was deeply puzzled.


    Everyone from each household was there.


    Aunt Wang was presiding over the meeting, seeing them return, she didn''t say much, just continued the previous topic, saying: "During the New Year, the city''s security has been a bit lax, some petty thieves have taken advantage of the relaxed vigilance to break into homes. However, due to limited manpower, it''s impossible to cover every area, so the neighborhood committee hopes we can organize a joint defense team, with one person from each household, divided into two shifts, to patrol at night to ensure our own safety."


    "How long will the patrol last?" someone asked.


    Aunt Wang: "It depends on the situation, but if there are no incidents, it will last until after the Lantern Festival."


    "That long!"


    "Yes, we''re going back to work in a couple of days, so staying up late for patrols is going to be tough. What time do we have to patrol until?"


    Aunt Wang: "Two in the morning. Initially, it''s set for 9 PM to 2 AM, five hours."


    This announcement sparked a flurry of discussion. Everyone was unhappy with the long duration, whether in terms of patrol time or the overall length. While they could manage during the holidays, what about when they were back at work?


    Wang Xiangxiu exclaimed, "My house doesn''t even have a man. How am I supposed to patrol?"


    "You can get the Bai family to send two people. That would cover for you."


    "Hahaha..."


    Everyone laughed knowingly. Wang Xiangxiu retorted, "Nonsense! You''re all so mean."


    "How is that mean? You two families are practically one anyway."


    "Exactly!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You''re all picking on me, a woman."


    Aunt Wang: "Alright, let''s get back to business."


    "The time is too long, we can''t handle it, Aunt Wang. Can you talk to the neighborhood committee again? If we patrol like this, it will definitely interfere with our work at the factory. If anything goes wrong, it could lead to big problems. We can''t let this interfere with our main job."


    Aliali: 674bbc65c4f3f33ac4a6520b


    "Exactly!"


    Everyone seemed reluctant. No one wanted to patrol in the cold.


    Zhuang Zhixi also wasn''t happy and chimed in, "Aunt Wang, not only do we need to patrol every day, but even if it''s every other day, we can''t handle it. Can you think of a better solution?"


    His family, of course, meant him.


    His father was old, and his brother Zhuang Zhiyuan was always on business trips. It couldn''t be left to the women, could it?


    The most suitable person was him, so he was trying to negotiate a more reasonable arrangement: "We''re not saying we can''t do it, but we also need to consider the reality. Everyone has to work. It''s not that we don''t want to maintain security, but work comes first. What if we make mistakes at work due to lack of sleep from patrolling?"


    "Exactly!"


    Seeing everyone''s resistance, Aunt Wang knew this would be difficult to implement. She sighed and said, "I''ll go talk to the neighborhood committee again."


    What a headache!


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged glances. Ming Mei blinked: Could this be related to her catching a thief?

 Chapter 26

    The general assembly meeting for the compound wasn''t going smoothly.


    Aunt Wang had it tough - she had to listen to the street committee''s opinions, but everyone was also expressing valid concerns. One or two days, even three or four days would be manageable, but a whole month of patrols was too much for most households. Take the Su Family for example - they didn''t have any men in the house, surely they couldn''t expect women to do patrol duty?


    She sighed, realizing the meeting couldn''t continue, and said, "Alright then, I''ll go back to the street committee tomorrow and see how other compounds are handling this."


    Actually, when she received notice about the meeting, she already knew this would be difficult to resolve. Nobody wanted to offend anyone, so no one spoke up first, thinking they could discuss it after returning home. But clearly now, no agreement could be reached.


    "Though I''ll ask again tomorrow, this patrol duty will likely still need to be done," she said honestly.


    "How can they do this to us?"


    "Yeah, they''re not considering our actual situation. If we patrol at night and something goes wrong during the day at work, will the street committee take responsibility?"


    "That guy Little Li from Workshop Three was assigned to clean toilets just because he damaged some parts due to fatigue."


    "Exactly, we all do precision work, how can we manage like this?"


    Everyone had complaints and felt unsettled. This wasn''t the right way to handle things. Even though there might be thieves in their area recently, they couldn''t just disrupt everyone''s lives like this. Could they really force people to do this?


    Zhao Guihua looked around at everyone and remembered a similar situation in her previous life.


    Back then, the situation was the same, but after Aunt Wang reported back, they still decided on the patrols. Each household had to provide one person, and if they couldn''t send a man, a woman would do. They were divided into three shifts, meaning each person had to patrol every third day.


    People had no choice but to agree.


    This matter actually had quite an impact on her family, as her younger son Zhuang Zhixi got stabbed because of it. It was just his bad luck - he had diarrhea that day and needed to use the bathroom frequently. He went to use the toilet, not knowing a thief was hiding in the men''s room. Neither Zhuang Zhixi nor the thief could back down, and the thief quickly pulled out a knife. Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t dodge in time and got stabbed.


    Even though he was stabbed while on patrol duty, deserving at least recognition for his sacrifice if not merit, Zhou Qun and the others who were patrolling with him claimed that Zhuang Zhixi got stabbed because he was slacking off in the bathroom. He was innocent but had to bear the weight of these rumors.


    Although there were different versions of the story later, with no clear conclusion, Zhou Qun had a good reputation in the neighborhood, so the rumors took an unfavorable turn.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s stabbing was for nothing.


    Even the medical expenses had to be paid by the family, nearly emptying their savings.


    During that period, her younger son became quite gloomy.


    Not long after, Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu were caught having an affair and nearly got beaten to death. They both claimed they were framed, but no one believed them. Although Wang Xiangxiu tried to blame everything on Zhou Qun, both received severe disciplinary action. Nobody except Bai Fendou believed Wang Xiangxiu''s attempt to shift blame.


    At that time, Zhao Guihua vaguely suspected her son was behind it.


    But when she asked him, he never admitted to it.


    Shortly after this incident, Zhou Qun somehow got pushed into a cesspool and had to "feast" on its contents. Many people said it was Bai Fendou''s revenge for the Wang Xiangxiu incident. However, Zhao Guihua believed Ming Mei was responsible.


    Because later, all those who had falsely accused Zhuang Zhixi faced revenge one after another. Since it didn''t happen all at once, others didn''t make the connection. But as family, Zhao Guihua believed it was the young couple''s doing.


    It was understandable why Zhuang Zhixi and his wife were so angry. Everyone knew that Zhuang Zhixi almost couldn''t go on patrol that day because of his diarrhea, and those patrolling with him saw how pale he was and how weak his steps were. Yet they still joined Zhou Qun in spreading rumors, clearly trying to reduce the number of people who would share the credit for catching the thief.


    Otherwise, as the victim, Zhuang Zhixi would certainly have received special recognition.


    Because after stabbing Zhuang Zhixi, the thief was so frightened that he dropped the knife and fell to his knees.


    Only after he dropped the knife did the others come forward to subdue him.


    Thinking of all this, Zhao Guihua turned to look at Zhuang Zhixi, who was still cheerfully chatting with his wife, Ming Mei''s face glowing red as she looked up at him. She lowered her eyes, knowing that since she had a chance to relive this, she wouldn''t let such things happen again.


    After composing herself, she spoke up loudly: "Aunt Wang, if we''re trying to catch thieves, it doesn''t have to be men. Women can hold up half the sky, and this old lady is perfectly capable. Everyone in my family needs to work, but I have nothing to do. Just ask - does this job really require men? How are we women any less capable? How am I any less capable? They even show old women doing double-shift farm work in movies. I can definitely do this!"


    "Holy shit."


    "Pfft!"


    Zhao Guihua''s words shocked everyone, and looking at her now, they realized this old lady really had something about her.


    Zhao Guihua remained calm and continued loudly: "These young people can''t handle it because they need to work during the day, but I don''t! Patrolling is no big deal. Besides, at my age, you don''t have to worry about me getting involved with some young man and causing scandal, and unlike young wives, I don''t need to worry about my reputation. Isn''t that perfect?"


    "Mom, how can we let you do this? You..." Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward but was silenced by his mother''s glare. Zhao Guihua said, "Get out of my way, what''s wrong with me wanting to do patrol duty? I''m just sitting around anyway, and this way I''ll have people to chat with. Don''t you try to mess this up."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ah..."


    He really didn''t know how to respond to this.


    "That''s not how it works!"


    "Why not? I say I can do it, who dares say I can''t?" She put her hands on her hips and said, "Aunt Wang, go ask them why men get to take all the glory. How are we women any less capable? In my opinion, these men might be stronger than us women, but they''re not necessarily as quick-witted as we are. I know I can do it!"


    After a long moment, Aunt Wang finally responded, swallowing before saying, "You can do it, you really can."


    Thinking about it, she realized Zhao Guihua had a point. Why could men do it but not women? To be honest, in her own family, from her husband the cook to her son-in-law Yang Lixin, both men probably couldn''t beat her in a fight.


    They all had to work during the day, especially these two men who worked in the kitchen - they had to start earlier than most people, so if they had to patrol, they definitely couldn''t handle it. But if she did it instead, it might actually work.


    Aunt Wang suddenly had a moment of clarity. She realized her old friend had insight - these foolish young men and old men were useless. The ones who could really get things done were her old sisters.


    Slapping her thigh, she said, "What you''re saying makes sense. What do you all think?"


    "Do we really have to do this?" Aunt Zhou was unhappy. She had only one son and didn''t want either him or herself to go.


    Aunt Wang spoke frankly: "Even if I report back, we''ll probably still have to do the patrols, but Zhao Guihua''s suggestion seems workable. Don''t even think about not participating at all - that''s impossible. Don''t daydream about that."


    "Ah, well if that''s the case, it might work. If we only need one person to participate, that could be okay."


    "Yes, but the time period is too long."


    Aunt Wang: "I''ll try to negotiate, see if we can arrange three shifts, that would help reduce the burden."


    "That works, I agree."


    "I agree too."


    Aunt Wang: "Then I''ll go to the street committee first thing tomorrow morning to discuss with the director, try to arrange it so anyone can participate. If that really doesn''t work, then it''ll have to be men again..."


    Before others could speak, Aunt Zhou immediately shouted: "No way! I absolutely won''t agree to that. My son can''t go. You go make a good case for this - I''ll do it! I can do it! If Zhao Guihua can do it, there''s no reason I can''t!"


    She really didn''t want to go, but if someone had to go, she''d rather it be herself than her son.


    In that brief moment earlier, she had it all figured out - as long as someone from the family could go, she wouldn''t have to go every time. If she didn''t feel like going, she could send her daughter-in-law instead. After all, that little hussy Jiang Lu did nothing at home except flirt with men, so she should be the one doing patrol duty.


    If they couldn''t even manage this small task, what good were they to the household?


    Madam Zhou Li quickly said, "Well, I can go!"


    First, establish that both men and women could participate.


    Madam Zhou Li''s determination made Aunt Su seethe with anger. Looking at Zhao Guihua and Madam Zhou Li, she thought they were truly cursed old crones. Her family had two widows without men, and if each family only needed to send one person, she could have gotten out of it by crying about having no one available.


    But if both men and women could go, and they only needed one person per household, her family couldn''t escape it. Especially since Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou were participating, and Aunt Wang would surely join too - if she was the only one not participating, wouldn''t people gossip behind her back?


    She was furious but knew she had to take a stance, after all, she had always been known as the most righteous, gentle, and kindest old lady in the compound.


    She gave a weak smile and said, "I can do it too. If you all can do it, I certainly can. It''s perfect timing since my Xiu is too tired from work to patrol, so this old lady can help out."


    Wang Xiangxiu protested, "Mom, how can we let you go..."


    Aunt Su patted her daughter-in-law''s hand and said, "Just listen to me. You''re so tired every day, don''t argue with me about this. I can chat with the other aunties while we patrol. You need your rest for work! Our family situation is different from others, I know it''s not easy for you."


    Whether at home or outside, Aunt Su was always exceptionally kind to Wang Xiangxiu, completely different from other mothers-in-law. Because of this, Wang Xiangxiu was willing to dedicate herself completely to the Su family.


    Other young daughters-in-law who witnessed this were incredibly envious.


    What a perfect mother-in-law she was.


    However, Zhao Guihua didn''t give them a chance to continue their performance. She spoke up, "Aunt Wang, about the timing - two in the morning is really late. Even thieves would be asleep by then. Could we make it earlier? We should discuss this with the neighborhood committee. After all, we''re helping reduce the burden on them and the police. We''re doing a good deed, but they shouldn''t make it too hard on us, right?"


    Aunt Wang replied, "Alright, I''ll go talk to them."


    She also thought two in the morning was excessive - if thieves wanted to steal, they could do it at three if not at two.


    It really didn''t need to be that late.


    "Aunt Wang, we''re all counting on you."


    Aunt Wang smiled and said, "This is my responsibility. I''m in charge of coordinating everyone, so I should handle these matters. Well, we''ve taken up enough of everyone''s time, let''s all disperse."


    "Agreed!"


    The evening wind was biting cold on their faces. Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi returned to their room together. Ming Mei immediately "unloaded" - she had brought some treats from her parents'' home. She locked them in her cabinet, giggling, "I have something good."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What did your mom give you?"


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened as she humphed, saying, "Not telling you, but I''ll give this to Mom and Dad later."


    She had also brought some loose tea.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You take it over, since it''s from your family, you should be the one to give it."


    Ming Mei replied, "Alright."


    The young couple brought the tea to the main room, where they found Old Man Zhuang sighing heavily. Zhao Guihua glared at him: "What are you sighing about? I''m telling you, this won''t do. People shouldn''t sigh so much, it''ll drive away good fortune."


    Old Man Zhuang looked up and said helplessly, "You... why did you get involved? The kids aren''t little anymore, why not let them do the patrol? Why do you have to go? Why are you trying to prove yourself?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Mom, I can handle this."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan immediately chimed in, "Mom, I can''t when I''m on business trips, but when I''m home, I''ll go. I can alternate with my brother."


    He didn''t bother with pleasantries, just spoke plainly, since he often had to travel for work and couldn''t promise he''d always be available.


    With both sons expressing their opinions, Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "I understand, but I still want to go."


    She didn''t want her sons to go, as they weren''t prepared at all. If something went wrong, how could she as a mother not worry? Zhao Guihua felt that although she was an old woman, she had more experience than these young people.


    Besides, she had some idea where people might be hiding... hehe!


    In her previous life, her son had been stabbed. This time, she planned to be ready with a stick.


    She''d teach them a lesson!


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t blindly confident. She had thought it through - she''d go with others to catch the thieves, not alone. She definitely wouldn''t be at a disadvantage.


    She said, "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing. I''ll rush forward for glory and step back from thieves - I understand these principles. I won''t be taken advantage of. Besides, I have nothing much to do these days, I can chat with the young patrol officers, keep myself young."


    The Zhuang brothers silently looked at their father.


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Why did he vaguely feel like some sort of accusation was coming his way?


    But he quickly shook his head, thinking he shouldn''t let his imagination run wild. He knew what kind of person his wife was - she was just worried about their sons.


    He sighed, "Dear, you''re all bark and no bite, you''re clearly just worried about the boys."


    Both Zhuang brothers were truly touched, knowing that nobody would willingly go out in such cold weather at night. Their mother''s suggestion was clearly to let them get more rest. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, don''t argue with me about this, I..."


    "Shut up! Who''s in charge here, you or me? Why are you still arguing? Why are you being so unmanly? This matter is settled - I''m definitely going. If things don''t work out with Aunt Wang, then fine, but if they do, I''m definitely going, and none of you better try to talk me out of it. I make the decisions in this house! That''s enough, this matter is settled, and don''t you dare keep whining about it in front of me, or I''ll start scolding. Really, why are you all so thick-headed?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Ming Mei blinked and quickly went to link arms with Zhao Guihua, saying, "Mom, I''ll accompany you then. If any thieves show up, I''ll show them what I''m capable of. I''m quite formidable, you know. But talking isn''t enough, we need to prove it. It''s a perfect chance to intimidate the neighbors, so they''ll stop gossiping about me."


    Zhao Guihua looked at Ming Mei, thinking this girl really knew how to talk.


    She smiled and said, "Alright, we''ll discuss that later. But even if you come with me, you''ll need to return early - you have work to go to."


    Ming Mei: "I know, Mom, you''re so considerate!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course! Did you think only Aunt Su knows how to care for her daughter-in-law? I, Zhao Guihua, am just as good!"


    Ming Mei burst out laughing and said, "I think you''re the best. Look, I brought you tea from my parents'' home. We can drink it for a long time."


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t expected Ming Mei to actually bring tea from her parents'' home. Her mouth twitched, and she hesitated: "You bringing things from your parents'' home..."


    Liang Meifen stared intently at the tea, feeling the pressure suddenly mounting. Why did this sister-in-law have to do such things? Did she consider how this would make her feel? Sure enough, their mother-in-law would look down on her now.


    Liang Meifen truly found Ming Mei annoying - just because her family was well-off and could afford to send things back? How irritating.


    Liang Meifen was thoroughly fed up with Ming Mei. Her own family never prepared anything for her, and while it usually didn''t bother her, now it made her look bad in comparison. Why did people like this exist?


    Liang Meifen was nearly in tears from worry, while Ming Mei was still smiling and showing off.


    "Mom, when we have guests at home from now on, you can prepare tea. If we run out, I can get more from my parents'' home."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "That won''t be necessary. We rarely have visitors." Besides, she thought, most visitors prefer sugary drinks to tea anyway.


    She continued, "Ming Mei, you shouldn''t... keep getting things from your parents'' home anymore. Even if your parents don''t mind, what would your brother and sister-in-law think?"


    Ming Mei''s big eyes welled up with tears. "My brother and sister-in-law won''t say anything. My brother loves me the most!"


    Zhao Guihua wanted to point out that they had their own family to think about, but after some consideration, she held her tongue.


    After all, from what she remembered, Ming Mei''s brother had always doted on his sister, and as for Ming Mei''s sister-in-law... she was like a ghost, quiet and barely noticeable. Zhao Guihua honestly had no idea what that woman thought.


    "Well, we''ll see," she said.


    Ming Mei nodded. "Mm-hmm."


    Zhao Guihua hesitated before awkwardly saying, "Thank you, by the way."


    Ming Mei: "!!!"


    She was shocked. "Mom, you''re thanking me?"


    Zhao Guihua became flustered and defensive. "Why shouldn''t I thank you? You gave me something, shouldn''t I say thank you? Do you think I''m some ill-mannered old lady? I''m actually quite proper, you know. I may have only attended literacy classes, but I understand basic courtesy!"


    Ming Mei: "Oh, oh, oh!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, eldest daughter-in-law, you..."


    Liang Meifen immediately jumped up. "I''ll cook! Let me get some water, Mom, you rest!"


    Her eager response was unavoidable - Ming Mei was too good at flattery. She had to make an effort. Though she couldn''t bring things from her parents'' home, she needed to quickly change the subject. Only by changing the subject could she be safe.


    Liang Meifen frantically started working.


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    She hadn''t meant to make her eldest daughter-in-law cook!


    But since she was so quick to act, Zhao Guihua decided not to say anything more. If you want to work, then work. The eldest daughter-in-law was indeed the most hardworking.


    Actually... Zhao Guihua had wanted to tell Liang Meifen to stop crying in the bathroom, as ghost stories were spreading around. If she kept going there to cry, someone might accuse her of playing with supernatural forces and have her arrested. But clearly, Liang Meifen wasn''t on the same wavelength as her.


    Seeing that her younger daughter-in-law was also present, she decided to save face for her eldest daughter-in-law and kept quiet for now.


    Or perhaps Liang Meifen hadn''t realized that she was the "ghost" people were talking about?


    Ming Mei rested her chin on her hand and asked, "Mom, why are there suddenly patrols recently? Could it be related to those robbers we caught on New Year''s Day?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, thinking to herself that in her previous life, without this incident, there were still patrols. Recently, it was indeed because of the year-end laxity that some thieves had become active, and also...


    She pressed her lips together and said, "You came back late earlier, so you didn''t hear everything. We had already been talking for a while before you arrived."


    Ming Mei: "Hm?"


    Zhuang Zhixi also looked curiously at Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "There have been rumors lately about ghosts in the bathrooms, and these rumors have spread, creating a very bad impression. Such feudal superstitious talk affects the image of our whole area. Plus, there have indeed been thieves active recently, so to dispel the ghost rumors and catch the thieves, they organized these patrols."


    Ming Mei had a moment of realization: "Oh, so that''s what it is."


    She mumbled, "I thought it was because we caught those robbers."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "If it was because you caught the robbers, we wouldn''t need patrols, would we? After all, they''ve already been caught, right?"


    Ming Mei slapped her forehead: "Oh, right."


    That made perfect sense.


    She sighed, "Well, I hope they catch the thieves soon."


    She said very sincerely, "Why do these thieves bother stealing from house to house? It''s so inefficient. Why don''t they try their luck on buses instead! That would be a walking achievement - I actually hope to encounter such foolish thieves on the bus."


    Zhao Guihua: "..." You''re really something.


    Ming Mei: "Oh, right..."


    She mysteriously leaned closer to her mother-in-law and said, "Mom, you''ve lived in this area for a long time, tell me, are these ghost stories real?"


    Her mother-in-law must know something!


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She gave Ming Mei a deadpan look, then gave an even more deadpan look to Liang Meifen, let out a few dry laughs, and stood up: "I''m going to the bathroom!"


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She was confused: "What did Mom mean by that?"


    Her mind couldn''t make sense of it.


    Old Man Zhuang shook his head.


    The others also silently shook their heads. Truly, they didn''t know.


    Zhuang Zhixi analyzed: "I feel like Mom knows the truth. Look at that expression, it''s as if she knows everything. I think Mom knows what''s really going on with the ghost story."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan shook his head and said seriously: "I don''t think so. I think that''s Mom''s expression when she thinks our ideological awareness is lacking. We''re not children anymore, we should know there are no ghosts in this world. As high school graduates, how can you still believe in such nonsense? We should believe in science. Feudal superstition is deceptive; only science is what we should continuously explore and pursue. Those evil spirits and monsters don''t exist, we should abandon such..."


    "Big brother!" Zhuang Zhixi interrupted him, saying, "Mom fell into the toilet, you should go check!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "...???"


    What nonsense are you talking about? Does Mom know you''re saying this? She''ll break your legs when she finds out!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Really, go check, and close the door behind you."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan finally caught on and laughed, "You little rascal, you just don''t want to hear me talk, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, admitting: "That''s right."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "What kind of ideological awareness is this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Brother, our water tank is running low, why don''t you go fetch some water?"


    He was determined not to let Zhuang Zhiyuan continue his lecture.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "You little troublemaker."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re so civilized. Oh my, how can I have such a civilized and well-mannered brother who never curses?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    He realized his brother was really good at getting under people''s skin.


    So sarcastic.


    He glared at his brother before finally shutting up and going to work. Ming Mei silently gave Zhuang Zhixi a thumbs up.


    She had received a thumbs up from Zhuang Zhixi when she confronted Aunt Zhou, and now Zhuang Zhixi got one himself. The couple exchanged glances and shared a secret smile.


    Sure enough, things turned out just as Zhao Guihua had thought. When Aunt Wang went to the street office again, she indeed renegotiated with them. After all, this wasn''t just about their compound - all the nearby compounds housed workers from the machinery factory, and everyone had their regular jobs to consider.


    Aunt Wang brought back the new arrangements the next morning. The street office had approved their proposal and thought it was excellent.


    They had heard of the Small-Foot Detective Squad; they had also heard of the anti-robbery grannies;


    So naturally, these old ladies could patrol too!


    On the fourth day of the New Year, the machinery factory hadn''t resumed work yet, so everyone held a meeting in the morning. Of course, people like Ming Mei who worked in service positions had already cycled to work. But her presence or absence didn''t matter.


    She wasn''t considered an important person in the compound.


    Aunt Wang cleared her throat and said, "I''ve already communicated with them. Starting from tonight, we''ll begin patrolling. All the households on our street will be divided into four groups, which means each group will patrol once every four days. The patrol ends at midnight. Each household needs to provide one person, regardless of gender or age. Now, give me your names so I can arrange the shifts."


    "Alright!"


    "Once every four days? That''s perfect."


    Zhao Guihua nodded too, thinking to herself that this was slightly different from her previous life, but since the people were different, it made sense that the schedule would be different too.


    She raised her hand: "I''ll go for our family!"


    The Zhuang brothers couldn''t override their mother''s insistence and followed her miserably, like two chief eunuchs attending to an empress dowager.


    When Aunt Zhou saw Zhao Guihua volunteering, she immediately became competitive. She said, "I''ll go for our family!"


    If Zhao Guihua could do it, so could she - she wasn''t any less capable than Zhao Guihua.


    Aunt Wang''s eyes crinkled with smile: "Good, good, good, you all join in, I''ll participate too." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aunt Su: "..."


    These troublemakers!


    She cursed inwardly while quickly saying aloud, "I''ll be participating too."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Su and then at Aunt Zhou, saying, "You two better not mess this up and embarrass our elderly ladies'' patrol team."


    Aunt Zhou immediately became indignant and said, "Hey now, what nonsense are you talking about? How would I embarrass anyone? I''m very capable! When have I ever failed in a fight? What a joke! This old lady isn''t afraid of anything. Thieves? I''ll catch one if there''s one, I''ll catch two if there''s two."


    Aunt Su said softly, "Although I''m physically weak, I won''t shy away from my duty at a time like this."


    Damn it! Damn it all!


    Aunt Zhou still wanted to argue with Zhao Guihua, and while Aunt Su truly didn''t want to participate, not participating... was not an option!


    She was known in the courtyard as the representative of gentle strength, and she absolutely couldn''t break that image. At this time, Aunt Su didn''t understand the term "persona," but if she had, she would have realized that her behavior was all about maintaining her persona.


    "So that''s four old ladies from our courtyard participating."


    "I''m joining from our family!" That was Aunt Chen from the back courtyard, who also volunteered enthusiastically: "I''m not bad either."


    Aunt Wang laughed and said, "Well, we really are an elderly ladies'' patrol team now."


    Bai Fendou was speechless and said, "Aunt Wang, how did we become an elderly ladies'' patrol team? Who names things like that? We''re not old ladies, we''re young fellows!"


    Aunt Wang: "I''ve decided. We''re the elderly ladies'' patrol team, and the minority follows the majority."


    Bai Fendou was even more speechless and said, "Hey come on, say something, everyone! How can we just let this name stick?"


    "What''s in a name anyway?"


    "That''s right, and besides, calling ourselves young fellows? Don''t you get chills hearing that? You''re over thirty and still single, and young fellows are supposed to be young people..."


    "What''s wrong with being single? I''m happy and proud about it, it''s none of your business." Though he said this, Bai Fendou unconsciously glanced at Wang Xiangxiu, who gave him a charming smile. Bai Fendou immediately perked up and said, "You youngsters don''t understand anything."


    "As if you do."


    "Exactly!"


    Aunt Wang: "Who''s joining from your family? You? Or your father?"


    Bai Fendou: "Me, of course!"


    Old Man Bai immediately interjected: "No need for you, I''ll do it!"


    His gaze lingered on Aunt Su, and he righteously declared, "If all these elderly ladies can contribute to this cause, how can I, an old man, not contribute? We can''t always let the young folks handle these things. I can do it too. I''ll patrol with you all."


    Bai Fendou: "Oh well~ Fine, if that''s what you want."


    "Of course that''s what I want."


    Everyone quickly started registering again, and after registration, they didn''t rush to leave but instead divided into teams. Surprisingly, due to the enthusiasm of Zhao Guihua and others, the number of elderly ladies signing up from nearby courtyards increased dramatically.


    It wasn''t that everyone loved patrolling, but many had no choice. Young people were more suitable, but they had to work. In most households, those without jobs were usually the women.


    It wasn''t proper for young women to go out at night, so naturally, the elderly ladies had to step up.


    Everyone quickly divided into teams, and the elderly ladies from their courtyard were definitely grouped together. Zhao Guihua wasn''t surprised, as it was natural to arrange familiar people together. Besides them, there were also several others from their courtyard.


    This team division wasn''t just for their courtyard but for the entire street, so basically, people from each courtyard stayed together.


    Zhao Guihua: "Which day are we patrolling?"


    Aunt Wang: "Our courtyard is today."


    They drew lots, which was very fair.


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Alright then, you all keep chatting, I''m going out for a bit."


    Aunt Wang: "What are you going to do?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Since we''re patrolling, I can''t go empty-handed, right? How else would we old ladies be a match for thieves? I need to prepare something handy. I''m planning to find a stick. Even Sun Wukong had his golden cudgel, so I should at least have some weapon, right?"


    Everyone: "..."


    It made sense, somehow.


    Aunt Wang: "Wait for me, I''m coming too!"


    Aunt Zhou: "Me too."


    Although she didn''t want to follow Zhao Guihua''s lead, if everyone else had sticks and she didn''t, what would she do if something happened? She couldn''t count on these old biddies to help her. That was unthinkable.


    They couldn''t be relied upon.


    With this in mind, although Aunt Zhou didn''t want to go with them, she decided to join them in finding a suitable weapon.


    She wasn''t stupid; she was the smartest of them all.


    Seeing these old women starting to look for weapons, Aunt Su was thoroughly annoyed. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Couldn''t they just take a casual stroll and go home? Why did they have to show off so much? They were really making a spectacle of themselves.


    But no matter how much she disliked it in her heart, she didn''t show it, instead saying softly with a smile, "I''ll come along then."


    Although patrolling was truly unpleasant, Aunt Su thought it might not be entirely useless. If she played her cards right, showing some vulnerability and building relationships, she might be able to get some dinner from Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua.


    It wasn''t impossible when she thought about it.


    Thinking about this possibility, she secretly became happy. If that worked out, it would be worth it.


    Recently, because of the New Year, every household was busy with preparations, and their assistance to her had decreased. This wouldn''t do. This was a good opportunity to remind everyone of their obligations and let them know that her family needed to be taken care of.


    Her family had such a hard time, after all.


    Everyone went outside to look for wooden sticks. Aunt Zhou saw Old Man Bai following along and sneered, silently cursing this man who couldn''t recognize true value. He ignored a good woman like her but was interested in that old schemer Aunt Su.


    Her eyes rolled as she said, "Oh my, Aunt Su, your two daughters didn''t come home yesterday? I don''t think I saw them. What happened?"


    Aunt Su knew exactly what Aunt Zhou was thinking.


    She smiled gently and said, "They did come, but they''re all busy at home. They came by in the morning but had to hurry back. My Zhao Di and Pandi are capable girls, they''re needed everywhere at their in-laws'' homes. How could I keep them here? As their mother, I''m living in hardship and can''t help my daughters, so I don''t dare hold them back. Isn''t it best when the children are doing well? I don''t have any other wishes."


    "Sister, you''re just too kind-hearted." Old Man Bai quickly stepped forward, his eyes full of admiration.


    Aunt Zhou: "What''s it to you? Step aside. Aunt Su, I think your daughters must have been scolded by their in-laws for trying to help their maternal family, right?"


    She called out: "Zhao Guihua, don''t you think so? Oh right, you wouldn''t know, your daughter''s still out of town. Hehe."


    Such a sharp-tongued person just had to gossip everywhere.


    Zhao Guihua turned back to look at Aunt Zhou and said, "My daughter being out of town is none of your business. You''d better mind your own family!"


    "What''s wrong with my family? What do you mean by that? What''s wrong with my family?" Aunt Zhou put her hands on her hips like a teapot.


    Zhao Guihua: "You don''t even have a daughter, so stop worrying about other people''s daughters coming home or not. You''re really poking your nose where it doesn''t belong. And listen here, stop bullying my family''s younger generation. They''re my family, it has nothing to do with you, so stop being so presumptuous and self-important. If you shamelessly try to pick fights again, don''t blame me, Zhao Guihua, for not being polite."


    Even after several days, she still remembered to stand up for her daughter-in-law.


    Although it seemed her daughter-in-law hadn''t actually been wronged.


    But Zhao Guihua wasn''t the type to let others bully her family.


    "Whether it''s my son or daughter-in-law, or even the children, you have no right to say anything about them!"


    This mention only made Madam Zhou Li tremble with anger.


    True, she had been the one picking fights that day, but she had been wronged! She had clearly been wronged, and besides, even if she hit or scolded someone, she couldn''t be wrong! Elderly people were never wrong! Elderly people had the right to discipline all young people, just like how young people must give up their seats on public transport.


    Madam Zhou Li: "Your daughter-in-law is just a troublemaker, she deserves to be slapped..."


    "Shut your damn mouth, or I''ll slap you!"


    Zhao Guihua stepped forward aggressively, raising her hand ready to fight. She had both old and new grudges to settle.


    Aliali: 674bbc65c4f3f33ac4a6520b


    Who could blame her? Yesterday she''d remembered how her youngest son got injured in her previous life. That family had caused nothing but trouble! Not a single decent person among them. Zhao Guihua''s anger was boiling over!


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ve put up with you for long enough. Say one more word, and see if I don''t slap you!"


    She was, after all, a square dancing expert.


    Zombie dance, Tai Chi, the most trendy folk dances - which one hadn''t she mastered? These skills were perfectly suitable for a fight.


    Just to deal with Madam Zhou Li?


    She could handle it!


    Zhao Guihua fumed: "You want to fight? Come on!!!"


    Madam Zhou Li: "..."


    Damn, what pills did she take?


    Why is she so fierce today!

 Chapter 27

    Zhao Guihua found a wooden stick that felt just right to use as a weapon for patrol duty.


    Though unlike Ming Mei who had trained in martial arts since childhood, Zhao Guihua was still considerably stronger than the average person. After all, she was still a dance leader at the square dancing group when she was eighty, and at ninety, she led the neighborhood elderly ladies in tai chi exercises.


    So she believed she was stronger than most people!


    Whether it was just for show or not, she could certainly make that wooden stick whistle through the air with impressive force.


    Zhao Guihua was determined to go on patrol, and no one could stop her. Shortly after dinner when darkness fell, Aunt Wang came to gather people. Households came out together, and perhaps because it was the first day, everyone seemed quite energetic.


    Ming Mei, wearing a padded jacket, said, "Mom, I''ll come with you all."


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, "That won''t be necessary. We have plenty of people here. You stay home and don''t cause me any trouble."


    Since no one could dissuade her, the Zhuang family didn''t insist further.


    Zhuang Zhixi assessed the situation and said, "There shouldn''t be any problems. Let Mom go."


    It wasn''t that he didn''t care about his mother''s safety, but he could see they couldn''t talk her out of it. Besides, there were quite a few people patrolling together, so even if something happened, his mother wouldn''t need to handle it alone. Moreover, his mother had always been quite boisterous by nature, so chatting with neighbors during patrol might not be such a bad thing.


    Zhao Guihua gave Zhuang Zhixi a glance before heading out to join the others. Although the New Year had passed, the weather was still quite cold. Everyone was bundled up in layers, with Zhao Guihua wielding her wooden stick like the Monkey King.


    She wasn''t the only one prepared - being the first day, everyone had come ready.


    The group set out together, a small squad of about ten people led by Aunt Wang. They walked out into the darkness under an overcast sky without a trace of moonlight. Zhao Guihua remarked, "A dark night perfect for murder."


    The others: "..."


    Aunt Su shuddered and said, "Don''t say such things, Lao Zhao. It''s frightening."


    Old Man Bai quickly chimed in, "That''s right, why would you say such things? Don''t be scared, Sister Su. I''m here, and I won''t let anything happen to you."


    Aunt Su gave a delicate smile, which Zhao Guihua caught from a distance and shuddered.


    Truthfully, when this old woman pulled such acts in her youth, it might have been charming, but now at over fifty - even older than herself - still acting this way, she was like an old demon.


    She quickened her pace in disgust, moving to the front of the patrol group, nauseated by their behavior.


    Madam Zhou Li, who had been walking at the front, immediately became displeased when she saw Zhao Guihua come forward. She spoke with sarcasm, "My, why are you walking so fast? Is there something up ahead for you to pick up?"


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "I''m not like some people who spend all day waiting for free handouts to fall from the sky."


    Madam Zhou Li: "You!"


    She was about to curse but remembered Zhao Guihua''s outburst earlier that day, and truth be told, Madam Zhou Li was somewhat afraid now. She was the type who envied others'' good fortune while being a bully to the weak and fearful of the strong.


    Zhao Guihua seemed particularly angry today, and Madam Zhou Li had nearly been beaten.


    It must be said that she didn''t dare to completely offend Zhao Guihua, given that Zhao Guihua had many family members. While Zhao Guihua was a shrew, she had several strong men in her family, whereas Madam Zhou Li''s family was relatively small.


    She gritted her teeth, deciding to temporarily avoid confrontation with this old hag Zhao Guihua.


    She looked back at Old Man Bai, once again feeling bitter that he had refused to join families with her when they were younger. Actually, Madam Zhou Li hadn''t really fancied Old Man Bai himself - he was neither tall nor handsome, and she didn''t find him attractive. But he had a formal job, which was what mattered.


    She had thought that since Old Man Bai only had one son and a formal job, he could have helped support her family. As for his son Bai Fendou, she hadn''t given him much thought - a bowl of vegetable soup would have been enough to keep him from starving.


    What could a mere child do? He would have been easy to control, and when he grew up and started earning money, he could have served her and her son like a beast of burden. Madam Zhou Li thought this plan was brilliant. She had thought a thousand wonderful thoughts about it, believing that securing Old Man Bai would be effortless.


    But she never expected that Old Man Bai wouldn''t be interested in her at all - this dog actually fell for Aunt Su instead. If there was anyone in this courtyard that Madam Zhou Li hated most, it would be Aunt Su.


    Back when her husband was still alive, he used to secretly watch Aunt Su and even secretly gave her steamed buns. Later, after both their husbands passed away, the two widows were constantly compared. Even Old Man Bai, that improper old man, had feelings for Aunt Su - this was what Madam Zhou Li hated most.


    She felt that in their courtyard, except for her family, there wasn''t a single good person, and the Su family was the most disgusting. But... she pressed her lips together and lowered her eyes. Zhao Guihua wasn''t any better. Now Zhao Guihua was doing well, with a prosperous family, and she needed to figure out what to do.


    Relying on just her family, how could they stand against Zhao Guihua?


    If she could win over Aunt Su, it would be like gaining the support of both father and son from the Bai family. She thought that although she hated Aunt Su the most, a temporary alliance might be necessary. Otherwise, Zhao Guihua would become increasingly arrogant. She clearly didn''t take them seriously at all. Additionally... she was still thinking about getting children''s urine from the Su family.


    There were quite a few children in the courtyard, but with Aunt Wang and Li Fang at home, it wasn''t easy to take advantage of Li Junun and Li Weiwei. As for the Zhuang family... they had a little boy, but he was always running around with his sister. The two children never separated, so it wasn''t easy to find an opportunity.


    The only suitable target was the youngest of Su family''s three boys, Tong Lai.


    Tong Lai was five years old, a year younger than Tiger, and definitely easier to deceive.


    She narrowed her eyes, continuing to stare at Aunt Su. Aunt Wang noticed and frowned slightly, whispering, "Old Zhou is acting strange."


    Zhao Guihua: "She''s up to no good."


    She knew that Madam Zhou Li was the worst of them all. Actually, she didn''t think much of Aunt Su either, but at least Aunt Su had purpose in her actions and wouldn''t do harmful things without benefit. But Madam Zhou Li wasn''t like that - she would do bizarre things that hurt others without benefiting herself.


    She muttered, "She better not provoke me, or I''ll slap her."


    Aunt Wang was startled, then smiled and said, "Your temper has been quite hot lately. What did she do to you?"


    Although they were all patrolling together, people walked in small groups, chatting as they went. This proved Zhuang Zhixi''s guess right - they were all gossiping about this and that. Aunt Wang walked with Zhao Guihua and said, "She is a bit improper, but don''t bother with her. She''s slow-witted."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t think Madam Zhou Li was slow-witted at all. She said, "She''s purely evil, what do you mean slow? Look at her face."


    Though she made this mocking comment, Zhao Guihua knew that Aunt Wang, as the courtyard manager, certainly hoped everyone would get along peacefully. It would save her the energy of dealing with various disputes.


    She smiled and changed the subject, saying, "I''m going fishing at the Back Lake tomorrow, want to come?"


    Aunt Wang teased, "People go ice skating at Back Lake, but you''re going fishing. I heard you bought a fishing rod, how''s it going? Any success?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Almost there, almost there."


    She said, "I think with my skill level, I''ll get used to it in a few days."


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    She really couldn''t believe that.


    She smiled and said, "You go ahead, I won''t join. I''m not interested in that, though my old Li might go take a look when he''s free. Oh right, I heard from Little Chen at the street office. Your eldest daughter-in-law keeps going to the street office looking for work?"


    Actually, the street office was annoyed and had asked her to tell the Zhuang family to have Liang Meifen stop coming to the street office to complain. They were clearly a well-off family, so why compete for jobs with the truly needy? Besides, hadn''t she previously had a formal job herself?


    If every household did what she did - giving up their formal jobs and seeking work through the street office - what would be left for the street office to do? The street office staff had almost explicitly said this, but Liang Meifen was thick-skinned and still went there every few days. It was truly bothersome.


    So, as the building manager, Aunt Wang came to address this issue.


    Actually, this matter had started before the New Year, but since it coincided with the holiday celebrations, she thought Liang Meifen surely wouldn''t go during that time, so she hadn''t rushed to discuss it. After all, bringing up such matters during the New Year festivities wouldn''t be pleasant and would only cause distress.


    How coincidental that today presented the perfect opportunity - Aunt Wang felt the timing couldn''t be better to discuss this matter.


    She said, "Regarding job hunting, I think people need to figure it out themselves. What''s the point of constantly hanging around the street office? If that worked, my daughter Li Fang would be there every day. Don''t you agree?"


    Zhao Guihua immediately understood what she meant.


    She spoke frankly, "Has Liang Meifen been causing trouble for you?"


    Aunt Wang smiled, "Oh, I''m fine, but the street office thinks she''s really clueless."


    Though Liang Meifen might not realize it herself, she had quite a reputation in the neighborhood - and not a good one. She was known for being foolish. With a son and daughter to care for, she neglected her own children''s needs while thinking about her brother back home, even giving up her crucial job. How foolish could one be?


    There wasn''t anyone more foolish than her in the entire compound.


    Zhao Guihua was well aware of Liang Meifen''s current reputation and said decisively, "Alright, I understand. Don''t worry, I won''t let her bother the street office anymore."


    Aunt Wang replied, "I knew you''d understand the situation."


    Zhao Guihua gave her a sideways glance, "No need for flattery. I just don''t want her embarrassing herself anymore. She might not realize it, but she has no idea what people say about her behind her back."


    Aunt Wang sighed, "That''s exactly right."


    She continued, "Speaking of your eldest daughter-in-law... oh, by the way, I''ve noticed your younger daughter-in-law seems quite nice, always wearing a cheerful smile. What''s she like?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "She''s very good."


    Then she added, "By the way, I''d like to borrow your sewing machine in a few days."


    Aunt Wang responded, "Of course, that''s no problem. Just come over whenever you need to use it."


    In their compound, there were only two sewing machines - one belonged to Aunt Wang''s family, and the other to Madam Zhou Li''s family, which was part of Jiang Lu''s dowry. Zhao Guihua glanced back at Madam Zhou Li, who was whispering something with Aunt Su.


    She clearly didn''t have good intentions.


    Zhao Guihua smirked, thinking to herself that she''d better not cross her path.


    Aunt Wang also looked over and, seeing Old Man Bai, turned away in disgust.


    Noticing that the two of them had moved away from the others, Aunt Wang lowered her voice, "Old Man Bai came to see me with Bai Fendou."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh?"


    Aunt Wang: "He''s still looking for a young, unmarried woman. He asked me to make introductions."


    Mentioning this, Aunt Wang''s mouth twitched with disbelief as she complained to Zhao Guihua: "I''ve never seen someone so shameless. You know what their requirements are? They insist the girl must never have been married before and must be under twenty-five. They say older women aren''t good for bearing children, yet Bai Fendou is thirty-one, no, since New Year has passed, he''s thirty-two now. How dare they! Besides that, she must have a formal job, no family burdens, and look as good as Wang Xiangxiu. She must be able to guarantee bearing sons. And her family background can''t be poor - ideally like Jiang Lu''s. If not exactly like Jiang Lu''s, at least comparable to your Ming Mei''s family background. Nothing less."


    At this point, Aunt Wang spat and said, "How do they have the nerve to make such demands! I was shocked just hearing it."


    She really didn''t want to speak ill of others, but she truly couldn''t hold back. She''d been matchmaking for over ten years but had never encountered someone so clueless about their own worth. She lowered her voice: "Don''t you think he''s gone mad?"


    Zhao Guihua was also shocked and nodded firmly, saying, "He''s definitely lost his mind, and quite severely at that. Any girl under twenty-five with a formal job wouldn''t want him, let alone meeting all those other conditions. What is he thinking? When Jiang Lu got married, her dowry included a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a watch - these were the three major items that ordinary families couldn''t afford. This was unique in our factory, and no one has matched it since. How dare he ask for that?"


    "Exactly!"


    Zhao Guihua continued: "And to demand at least Ming Mei''s family background - he really has the nerve to ask. He clearly has no idea how good my Ming Mei''s conditions are. To be honest, if it weren''t for my third son''s good looks, even though my eldest son and Ming Mei''s older brother were classmates, they wouldn''t have had a chance. As for Bai Fendou... with his looks? He''s in his thirties but looks like he''s in his forties, barely has any hair left, got mixed up with a widow, and isn''t even right in the head. Why would any young girl be crazy enough to marry him? He''s clearly not serious about finding someone; he just wants to fool around with that widow."


    "Pfft!"


    Aunt Wang pinched Zhao Guihua and said, "Don''t say that to others."


    "It''s the truth."


    "The truth isn''t always pleasant to hear."


    They both laughed, not to mock anyone, but because Bai Fendou truly had no self-awareness.


    This man really had no sense of shame at all!


    The first day of patrol ended quietly amidst the cheerful gossip. Indeed, nothing happened all day. Zhao Guihua couldn''t quite remember which day the thief had appeared in her previous life, and now that the three-day patrol rotation had changed to four days, it was hard to say if they would encounter them.


    However, regardless of the uncertainty, Zhao Guihua figured that if they did encounter the thieves, she would rally everyone to fight back; if not, then so be it. She wasn''t particularly concerned. Unlike Ming Mei, who eagerly hoped to catch thieves at her workplace, she, as an elderly woman, certainly had no such desires.


    Zhao Guihua felt that Ming Mei belonged to the category of being bold due to her skills.


    As the patrol system got underway, the machinery factory also resumed work. Zhuang Zhixi and his colleagues returned to work on the seventh day of the New Year. This holiday period was their longest break of the year. Early on the morning of the seventh, Zhuang Zhixi arrived at work - on the first day back, everyone wanted to clean up properly.


    Fortunately, everyone had the same idea, arriving early, and together they quickly got the medical office spotlessly clean.


    Zhuang Zhixi had brought some loose tea leaves with him, a reward from his wife for his excellent behavior the night before. He brought hot water and made himself tea, enough to last the whole day. Doctor Wang smiled and said, "Well, well, little Zhuang, look at you drinking tea now?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded happily: "Of course! My wife prepared it for me. Having a wife really makes such a difference!"


    Doctor Wang teased: "Won''t you share some with us?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied seriously: "That''s not possible. This is a gesture of care from my wife. If she found out I gave away her thoughtful gift to others, she''d surely be heartbroken, and I couldn''t bear to hurt her feelings!"


    "Oh my, just because you''ve got a wife now, it''s always ''my wife this'' and ''my wife that''."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Of course! Before getting married, I never knew how wonderful it was to have a wife."


    Everyone burst out laughing with a hint of suggestiveness - those who understood, understood. Zhuang Zhixi was the youngest in the medical office, and now even he was married, so naturally, everyone else got the implications. They all laughed heartily.


    As they were chatting and laughing, a voluptuous woman pushed open the door to the medical office. It was none other than Wang Xiangxiu. Her eyes swept the room, landing on Zhuang Zhixi, and she gave a soft laugh, saying, "Little Zhuang, Sister Xiu isn''t feeling well. I''ve come to have you take a look."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled politely and said, "Mrs. Su, you see, you and Brother Fendou are truly on the same wavelength. Earlier, he mistook me for a doctor and asked me to treat your son''s dog bite, and now here you are. As I said before, I''m not a doctor. Even if you both think of me as one, I can''t just pretend to be something I''m not. I''m just a paid worker here, not a doctor at all."


    To hell with calling her "Sister Xiu" - he wasn''t going to let her get familiar with him.


    He smiled distantly and said, "Whatever your ailment is, you need to see a proper doctor. I can''t help you."


    Wang Xiangxiu pursed her lips and gave Zhuang Zhixi a seductive glance, saying, "Look, I just want to save some money. Why won''t you help? I trust you, and that''s all I need. No one else necessary."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, keeping a straight face: "Mrs. Su, are you here to get your head checked?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned for a moment before responding, "What? What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head: "Well, if you''re not here to get your head checked, why can''t you understand what I''m saying? Mrs. Su, I don''t mean to be rude, but this isn''t how you save money. If there''s something wrong with your head, you need to go to a proper hospital. You can''t just cut corners to save a few bucks. How is coming to someone like me, who knows nothing about medicine, any different from going to some quack doctor in an alley?"


    He maintained a "I''m saying this for your own good" expression and continued, "Look, you have three children at home. If not for yourself, at least for their sake, you can''t go around with an untreated head condition."


    "How dare you insult me!" Wang Xiangxiu became upset.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked particularly innocent and said, "What do you mean? I''m not insulting anyone. When I say there''s something wrong with your head, I mean it literally. It''s not an insult. See, you''re misunderstanding me again. I''m young, so maybe I''m not good at expressing myself, always being misunderstood."


    Doctor Wang chimed in: "I''ve heard it said that being misunderstood is the fate of those who express themselves."


    Zhuang Zhixi applauded: "How scholarly."


    Doctor Wang smiled slightly and said, "It''s nothing special."


    ''I''m a university graduate, after all!''


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    What nonsense are you both spouting? S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Doctor Wang gave Wang Xiangxiu a sideways glance. As a middle-aged woman herself, she immediately saw through this woman''s intentions and felt particularly disgusted. With a fake smile, she said, "Listen, comrade, are you here to see a doctor or not? If you''re here for treatment, then let''s get to it. If not, please return to your workshop. You''re not here just to slack off, are you? That won''t do."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I''m not that kind of person!"


    She snorted, feeling very unhappy. She glanced at Zhuang Zhixi again, but saw he had already turned to talk with other doctors. She bit her lip in extreme frustration, thinking this man really didn''t know what was good for him.


    She had done him a favor by coming to see him, and he didn''t even care!


    "Comrade, are you going to see a doctor or not?" Doctor Wang''s expression grew even more displeased.


    Their medical office was a proper place - what was this woman doing? Did she think this was a place for her flirtations?


    Wang Xiangxiu snorted again and said, "Forget it!"


    She didn''t actually have any medical issues - she hadn''t really come for treatment. Her original plan was to seduce Zhuang Zhixi by claiming she had gynecological problems. Once in the examination room, she thought things would naturally progress after she undressed for the examination.


    But she hadn''t expected Zhuang Zhixi to completely ignore her advances.


    She slammed the door shut and stormed away with heavy steps, thinking the medical office was full of useless people. No wonder they couldn''t handle serious illnesses here. A medical office that hired non-doctors - the factory leadership must be idiots.


    A bunch of useless waste.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s door-slamming exit infuriated Doctor Wang and the other medical staff. Doctor Wang exclaimed, "What''s wrong with that woman? Is she mentally ill? Who does she think she is, slamming doors in our office? Taking out her anger on us? She''s too spoiled! We won''t stand for this!"


    "Exactly, how shameless can she be?"


    "Little Zhuang, you know who she is, right? What''s her name? This can''t be handled like this - I''m going to speak with their workshop supervisor!" Doctor Wang wasn''t someone to be trifled with; her husband was also a factory leader.


    She wouldn''t let anyone bully her like this.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t try to cover for Wang Xiangxiu - they had no relationship anyway. He said, "Her name is Wang Xiangxiu, from Workshop Seven."


    "I''m going to deal with them right now!" Doctor Wang slammed down her pen and marched off righteously. Zhuang Zhixi stood up: "Doctor Wang, let me come with you. You shouldn''t go to the workshop alone - it might not be safe."


    It was well known that different departments always protected their own.


    Doctor Wang laughed and said, "They wouldn''t dare bully me! They know better than that. Don''t worry, I''ll go by myself. A young man like you shouldn''t go - that vixen might try to get her claws into you. I can see she''s shameless and trying to get close to you. Does she really think everyone wants someone like her? Ridiculous!"


    Doctor Wang waved her hand: "You''re the flower of our medical office, stay here. I''ll go handle her!"


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know whether to laugh or cry - since when was he a "flower"?


    But then he thought about it and smiled, saying, "Well, at least I can brag about this to my wife."


    Doctor Wang and the others: "..."


    A grown man being called a flower - what''s there to brag about?


    These young people were really hard to understand.


    But Doctor Wang said, "Alright, I''ll go by myself. Don''t worry about it. What''s a workshop to me? You think I''m afraid? Coming to our medical office to slack off and then slamming my door - does she think being the factory director''s favorite makes her untouchable?"


    Doctor Wang left in a huff.


    Zhuang Zhixi blinked, feeling no sympathy for Wang Xiangxiu.


    Whatever Wang Xiangxiu did was none of his business, but when she harassed him, it became his business. He had no patience for Wang Xiangxiu, and it was good that Doctor Wang went to teach her a lesson. It would stop this woman from constantly coming to the medical office to find him.


    She might not care about her reputation, but he did.


    What if his wife misunderstood? He couldn''t win against his little wife anyway.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat down calmly, and the nurse curiously asked, "You live in the same compound, right? Is she always like this there?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and asked, "Like what?"


    The nurse gave him a look and said, "Stop playing innocent. You''re a married man - you know what I''m asking about."


    Zhuang Zhixi put on a serious face: "I wouldn''t know, I''m not close to her. For things like that, you''d have to ask Bai Fendou and the others from the security department."


    The nurse burst out laughing and scolded, "You little fox."


    He hadn''t said anything specific or spoken ill of anyone, but suggesting they "ask Bai Fendou" was quite meaningful.


    Everyone understood what that meant.


    "Little Zhuang, Little Zhuang!" Just as Zhuang Zhixi was about to defend himself, he saw Doctor Wang hurrying back, calling out, "Zhuang Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly stood up and said, "What''s wrong?"


    He decisively grabbed a nearby broom and said, "Did the workshop people cause trouble? Let''s go, sister, I''ll help you settle this... uh."


    Behind Doctor Wang appeared several factory leaders and a familiar face.


    Wasn''t that the police officer they''d met on New Year''s Day?


    There were also two others in police uniforms. The nurse held Zhuang Zhixi back and asked, "Did you get into trouble?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How could that be possible!"


    He smiled at everyone, and the senior police officer said, "Comrade Zhuang Zhixi, we meet again. I''m Police Officer Li, you remember me, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, I remember. What brings you here...?"


    Police Officer Li smiled: "We''re here to present you with a banner of honor to thank you and your wife, Comrade Ming Mei, for your brave deed in helping catch those thieves."


    They had wanted to come earlier, but thought it would be more appropriate to present the banners to the young couple at their workplace on the same day, so they had waited for the machinery factory to open. Now that it was finally open after the holiday, they had come right away.


    Police Officer Li sincerely said, "Thanks to you and your wife, we were able to catch these people. Although it was during the New Year holiday, we worked efficiently, and the suspects have already been processed. You can rest assured that they had no accomplices outside, so there won''t be any revenge incidents." This was meant to put their minds at ease.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed cheerfully and said, "I''m not afraid. Actually, my wife is the tough one - I''m just the supporting role. If my wife finds out they have accomplices out there, she''d be delighted for them to come find us. Then we could catch them all at once."


    Police Officer Li nodded slightly, thinking Zhuang Zhixi was a good man - courageous and honest, speaking straightforwardly without pretense. He was someone you could get along with.


    Not just him, but every police officer knew that Ming Mei was the fighter, not Zhuang Zhixi. They were impressed that Zhuang Zhixi didn''t try to claim the credit for himself just to maintain his male pride.


    "You''re a really good young man," he patted Zhuang Zhixi''s shoulder, and Zhuang Zhixi responded with an innocent smile.


    Police Officer Li presented the honorary banner to Zhuang Zhixi on behalf of their unit. Zhuang Zhixi immediately broke into a brilliant smile, and the factory leaders were absolutely delighted - after all, who would turn down recognition these days? Although this honor wasn''t given to the factory directly, having it awarded to Zhuang Zhixi was still excellent.


    After all, Zhuang Zhixi was a factory employee, which proved that their factory''s educational work was effective - their workers could heroically catch thieves even while on vacation, contributing to society.


    The machinery factory''s director, Gu Factory Director, happened to be at the factory that day. Encountering such an event made him very happy, and he said, "Zhuang Zhixi, right? You''ve done an excellent job with this incident. Everyone in the factory should learn from you. I''ve always said that the young people in our factory are both hardworking and virtuous - this proves it perfectly."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled shyly and said, "Director Gu, this is just what we should do. I believe if it were you or anyone else, they would have done the same. It''s not my virtue that''s worth learning from - everyone in our factory is like this. I just happened to be the one who encountered the situation. If it had been any of you leaders, the result would have been the same. I was just lucky."


    Though the flattery was quite obvious, the listeners couldn''t help but be pleased.


    The factory leaders all displayed brilliant smiles. Police Officer Li raised his eyebrows and smiled too. At his age, he understood human nature well and knew what the young man was thinking. He nodded and said, "Besides the banner, our police station has prepared some gifts for you. This isn''t just a thank you - it''s a reward. Although we''re not from the same unit, we''re truly grateful to you."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "This is too kind."


    But he didn''t refuse.


    Police Officer Li replied, "Don''t be modest. You deserve this - it''s just a small token of our appreciation."


    Zhuang Zhixi accepted the reward from Police Officer Li. At first glance, it was a thermos flask - military green in color, neither too big nor too small, perfect for carrying around. The military green color was particularly appealing.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Thank you, leaders, thank you."


    Police Officer Li smiled, "It''s our pleasure."


    Under the thermos flask was a pair of pillowcases.


    The gifts were undeniably practical, and Zhuang Zhixi happily accepted them. Police Officer Li smiled and said, "Alright, I won''t take up any more time here. We still need to visit Comrade Ming Mei''s workplace."


    Actually, visiting Ming Mei''s workplace was the main purpose. If the machinery factory hadn''t been closer and on the way, Police Officer Li would have gone straight to see Ming Mei to try to persuade her to change careers. He had tried to convince her before, which resulted in Ming Mei''s mother showing up at his house.


    However, Police Officer Li never gave up, never admitted defeat.


    The factory leaders said, "Why don''t you all come back and have lunch in our cafeteria later? Our cafeteria''s cooking is quite good."


    Police Officer Li waved his hand, "No need, no need. We''re quite busy lately, so we won''t eat out. Thank you for your trouble."


    "It''s no trouble at all - we''d be very happy to have you."


    Everyone being polite, they exchanged a few more pleasantries before Police Officer Li finally led his people away.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled as he saw them off. Gu Factory Director looked back at Zhuang Zhixi and saw that the young man remained calm and composed, neither proud nor impatient. He nodded slightly, thinking this young man was good - he could keep his composure. He wasn''t the type to get cocky over a little recognition.


    He asked, "Zhuang Zhixi, how many years have you been working here? What''s your current grade?"


    Hearing this, Zhuang Zhixi quickly reported his details.


    Upon hearing this, Gu Factory Director pursed his lips, feeling it was a bit difficult to handle. He had thought about promoting the young man one grade since he had done a good deed and won honor, but he was too young, and according to the grade system, his years of service weren''t enough.


    If this incident had happened within the factory, a promotion would have been natural, but since it happened outside, it was different.


    Since a promotion wouldn''t be appropriate... direct rewards it is!


    They were a factory with ten thousand workers - they couldn''t do less than the police station, could they? Besides, if the police station could show appreciation, how could they not reward their own people?


    Gu Factory Director thought for a moment and said, "Your brave act of catching thieves deserves encouragement. If outside units can reward you, our factory should do the same. So..."


    He looked at the deputy director and the office director who had also come along. When their eyes met, having worked together for some time, they had developed a certain understanding. The office director immediately said, "The factory will reward you with a bicycle voucher and an additional ten yuan."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "!!!"


    He quickly said, "Thank you, leaders!"


    Gu Factory Director smiled, "Young comrade, keep up the good work and contribute to your position - that''s the best way to thank us!"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied earnestly, "I definitely will."


    The leaders nodded with satisfaction before leaving together.


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his hands, keeping a straight face as he returned to his position. He rubbed his face, then covered it while giggling...


    Doctor Wang: "..."


    Others: "..."


    So that composure earlier was just an act!


    But thinking about it, they all started laughing too. Doctor Wang and the others were extremely curious and pulled Zhuang Zhixi aside, saying, "Little Zhuang, you have to tell us what happened! How did you catch the thief? You''re really something!"


    Looking at his rewards again, they thought this guy was really lucky.


    The nurse said, "Come on, let me hang this banner for you, right here in our medical office. Let them know we''re not just good at treating illnesses - we can catch thieves too!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Everyone''s laughter was hearty.


    Zhuang Zhixi was happy too and said, "Sounds good to me."


    Not getting a pay raise was within Zhuang Zhixi''s expectations. He had only expected a banner or a letter of thanks, but he hadn''t anticipated these extra rewards. This kind of thermos flask wasn''t just any water bottle - it wasn''t easy to buy.


    And it wasn''t cheap either. As for the bicycle voucher from the factory... that was even more precious.


    These rare vouchers were usually only awarded to advanced workers each year, and even in the workshops, they were hard to come by. Not to mention, such a voucher could fetch at least thirty yuan on the black market, and with luck, it could sell for forty or fifty.


    It depended on when the voucher was issued and what type it was - Forever and Phoenix brands could usually fetch high prices. Some lesser brands could get thirty yuan. But regardless of the price, these vouchers didn''t appear often.


    Take Old Zhuang for example - even though he was a level-five riveter, he had never received one. Medical office workers like Zhuang Zhixi were even less likely to get one. Doctors in their factory were practically overlooked.


    He hummed a tune, and Doctor Wang laughed, "Look how pleased you are."


    Zhuang Zhixi said seriously, "This is my first time being commended."


    He lowered his voice, "Actually, I''m just riding on my wife''s coattails."


    Doctor Wang burst out laughing and said, "Alright, we know your wife is capable. In my hometown''s dialect, we''d say you''re totally whipped."


    Zhuang Zhixi declared righteously, "Between husband and wife, there''s no such thing as being afraid or not - it''s all about deep feelings and mutual love and admiration."


    "Ugh... blegh!"


    The female colleagues silently turned away, refusing to talk to him anymore.


    Zhuang Zhixi said quietly, "I guess Police Officer Li should have reached my wife''s workplace by now..."


    Sure enough, Zhuang Zhixi was right - Police Officer Li and his team had arrived, but unfortunately, Ming Mei was out driving. Luckily, since they were at the bus transit station and there were many vehicles, Ming Mei quickly returned with another bus.


    Ming Mei rushed through the door with her small shoulder bag. As soon as she entered, she saw Police Officer Li, who smiled and said, "Comrade Ming, we meet again."


    Ming Mei: "Hello."


    Police Officer Li was still using his usual approach. Compared to Zhuang Zhixi who was good with words, Ming Mei was more innocent. She simply accepted the reward with a sweet smile, without saying much. Police Officer Li smiled and asked, "Would you like to transfer to our department? Although we''re different systems, with your excellent skills, we''d be happy to make an exception. If you agree, we''ll handle all the communications..."


    Before he could finish, Ming Mei quickly waved her hands: "No, no, I can''t do that."


    If she dared to go, her mother would break her legs. Her mother had said that even marriage wouldn''t change her mind about this.


    But she couldn''t say it like that. Ming Mei couldn''t just say "my mother won''t allow it," could she? She pointed to herself and said very sincerely, "I really can''t do it. My physical skills might be good, but I don''t understand anything about your line of work. I''d be completely lost. I''m just a simple person. If I went there, apart from knowing some martial arts, I wouldn''t be good at anything else. I can''t do work that requires so much thinking. I really enjoy selling tickets on the bus. Besides, selling tickets is also serving the people. And if I catch a few pickpockets along the way, even better. I quite like it this way."


    Catching pickpockets meant getting a raise.


    Police Officer Li looked at her big watery eyes and couldn''t help but laugh. He had actually expected Ming Mei wouldn''t agree.


    Her family wouldn''t allow it anyway.


    He said, "Well, if you ever want to change careers, make sure to come find me."


    Ming Mei: "Yes, yes, of course."


    After finally seeing Police Officer Li off, Ming Mei heaved a deep sigh of relief and said, "I''m happy being a ticket seller."


    Her supervisor, a man in his fifties known as Director Wang, smiled at her and said, "If you had dared to agree, I would have told your parents."


    Aliali: 674b362cc4f3f33ac49f264a


    Ming Mei: "..."


    This was the "benefit" of following in her family''s footsteps - her parents would know about any slight movement she made.


    Ming Mei declared righteously, "I''m very happy being a ticket seller, serving the people wholeheartedly!"


    "Just wait."


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"


    How did the topic change?


    Aren''t you going to praise me?


    "You silly girl, I''m going to submit an application and see what kind of reward our bus station will give you. If others are rewarding you, we can''t fall behind."


    Ming Mei''s eyes immediately lit up!


    This was great!

 Chapter 28

    "Breaking news: This morning, under the escort of our factory leaders, the comrades from the factory''s police station visited our factory and presented a banner to our employee Zhuang Zhixi. It is reported that Zhuang Zhixi, the cashier at our factory''s medical clinic, during the New Year holiday, bravely and boldly, together with his family, captured a gang of robbers, contributing to the stability of society. All employees are encouraged to learn from Zhuang Zhixi."


    "Breaking news: This morning..."


    The factory radio station broadcasted. The announcement was repeated three times, and everyone stopped what they were doing, ears perked up.


    Wang Xiangxiu, who was slacking off, heard the announcement and bit her lip. She regretted not making a move on Zhuang Zhixi earlier when he was still single. How hard could it be to seduce a young man?


    She was extremely annoyed that such a capable man had slipped through her fingers.


    Wang Xiangxiu blamed her clouded judgment, failing to see the gem. But soon, she rekindled her determination. It was just a man; how could she not win him over?


    These men, they all had to contribute to her family.


    With that thought, Wang Xiangxiu put aside her regret, lifted her chin, and thought, if her family wanted to prosper, these men would have to pay. She could suffer a bit now, but when her son grew up, it would be sweet recompense.


    Meanwhile, Bai Fendou, Wang Xiangxiu''s loyal admirer, was patrolling the factory area. As a security guard, his job was to ensure the safety inside and out. He was part of the first patrol team, walking with a few colleagues when the radio announcement came on. He stopped to listen carefully.


    Upon hearing it, he scoffed, "Is that even true? That pretty boy caught a robber?"


    He was a bit jealous. He thought such a feat should be his, a professional security guard, not Zhuang Zhixi''s. He grumbled, "Who knows what really happened."


    His fellow patrolmen laughed, "Oh, are you jealous?"


    "Yeah, the radio station wouldn''t just make things up, would they? The police station was here; you can''t doubt that. I remember that guy from the medical clinic is your neighbor, right? That''s not nice of you."


    "Exactly, you''re just envious."


    Bai Fendou blushed and defended, "How am I envious? I just said that casually. Besides, he just got lucky. I could do it too if I had the chance. It''s just that I didn''t run into any robbers."


    "Even if you did, you might not catch them."


    "What do you mean by that? Of course, I could catch them. Can''t you speak properly?" Bai Fendou was unhappy. He thought, it''s just catching a robber; I could do that too.


    He pursed his lips and said, "Just you wait, I''ll catch one for you to see."


    His colleagues laughed, "Sure, buddy, don''t brag."


    Bai Fendou: "How am I bragging? You just wait, I''ll definitely catch one. There''s been a thief in our area recently. You just wait, I''ll catch that thief to prove myself."


    He suddenly remembered the recent thefts in his neighborhood.


    Actually, there were also rumors of ghosts.


    But Bai Fendou, a staunch atheist, firmly didn''t believe in any ghosts. He didn''t care about any ghost stories; he was determined that the thief would be his vanquished foe.


    Thinking this, his spirits lifted. A bystander from the patrol team curiously asked, "Zhuang Zhixi caught a robber, and you didn''t know? You live in the same courtyard, right?"


    That relationship seemed too superficial.


    Bai Fendou: "How would I know? We live in the same courtyard, not the same bed. How could he tell me everything? But we get along well; we often joke around. Recently, I... Ah! Yes, yes, I know about this!"


    He slapped his head, "Look at my memory. My dad mentioned it a few days ago. He said something about it on New Year''s Day, but I didn''t take it seriously, thinking they were joking."


    Bystander: "How could anyone joke about something like that? It must be true."


    Bai Fendou: "Well, I didn''t just think it was a joke; others in our courtyard didn''t take it seriously either."


    "You guys are something else."


    Bai Fendou: "Let''s go over and see what the banner looks like."


    "Sure, I''ve never received a banner before."


    The group of men headed straight to the medical clinic. The job there was easy, and Zhuang Zhixi was chatting with a few sisters when Bai Fendou arrived. He smiled, "Fendou, what''s up? Not feeling well?"


    Bai Fendou rolled his eyes, "You wouldn''t know even if I was. We just came to see your banner."


    The banner was already hung on the wall, and everyone looked at it curiously. Bai Fendou marveled, "This is a good thing. You''re something, kid, quite capable." He said without restraint, "You wait, I can''t let you enjoy this honor alone. I''ll catch that thief in our area."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "That''d be great. If you catch him early, my mom won''t have to patrol."


    Bai Fendou: "You just wait."


    While he was bantering with Zhuang Zhixi, someone was so upset they couldn''t eat. That was Zhou Qun. After hearing the broadcast, he was stunned, his mouth tightly pursed. He always thought he was the best in the courtyard, and anyone better than him made him unhappy.


    Now Zhuang Zhixi was being praised, how could he be happy?


    Zhou Qun pursed his lips, realizing this was true. He had heard about it before but didn''t take it seriously. He even wanted to talk to Zhuang Zhixi about it, but...


    Zhou Qun felt extremely annoyed. He threw his electric pen on the table and sank into deep thought.


    This couldn''t go on. Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t be better than him.


    What should he do?


    Zhuang Zhixi''s factory-wide commendation brought some admiration and some jealousy. At lunch, when Zhuang Zhixi went to the canteen to get food, Yang Lixin gave him extra, saying, "Xiao Zhuang, congratulations."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "I''m glad to contribute to society."


    He found a spot to sit and eat. The news of the factory awarding a bicycle ticket had spread, making many envious. Some also saw his potential.


    "Xiao Zhuang, are you seeing anyone? My seventh aunt has a daughter, quite plump, very lucky. I can introduce her to you."


    Another couldn''t stand it, "Your information is outdated. Xiao Zhuang is already married. Didn''t you hear the broadcast? He caught the robber with his family. Family, that means he has a wife."


    Zhuang Zhixi, though not knowing the two sisters, didn''t show annoyance. Instead, he smiled, "I''m married. My wife is very good, beautiful and capable."


    "Oh, married! You got married too early. How old are you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I got married at the legal age."


    He smiled, "I''m twenty-one this year."


    "That''s still early."


    "Not really, many around here get married in their twenties, some even at eighteen or nineteen, just having a ceremony without a license."


    The one who wanted to introduce someone said, "Well, not everyone. Look at Bai Fendou from security, he''s not married yet."


    No one could respond to that.


    Who could compare to Bai Fendou?


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "It''s all the same when you get married, some early, some late, some not at all. It''s all normal."


    "The thing is, he wants to, just can''t find the right one." Someone chimed in, Yang Lixin, who brought a bowl of soup, "Xiao Zhuang, here."


    Zhuang Zhixi was quite surprised: "Hey, egg drop soup? I didn''t order this, what''s this...?"


    Yang Lixin was quite open about it, saying: "My dad made this specially for you, no one else has it. It''s on the house, he''s treating you." This needed to be made clear, after all, they weren''t taking advantage of the company.


    Behind the scenes... well, that''s a different story.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s smile grew a bit brighter as he said: "Thank you, Uncle Li."


    He added: "The old man said you did a good deed, so you deserve a reward."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s seat was not too far from the kitchen window, so he raised his voice: "Thank you, Uncle Li."


    Li the Cook gave him a slight nod, to which Zhuang Zhixi responded: "Yang Ge, have you eaten yet?"


    Yang Lixin: "No, we can''t eat this early, we only get to eat after you guys are done. Oh right, I heard the factory rewarded you with a bicycle ticket?"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes flickered as he nodded: "Yeah, that''s right."


    Yang Lixin smiled: "What brand is it? Your family already has a bicycle, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I haven''t gone to claim it yet, so I don''t know the brand. But this bicycle ticket came just in time. My mom has been nagging to buy a bicycle, but we never had the ticket. My wife does have a bicycle, but she uses it every day for work, and her commute is longer than ours, so we can''t ask her to give it up. Now, our family can finally buy one. You wouldn''t believe it, ever since Bai Fendou bought a bicycle, my mom''s been itching to get one too."


    As Zhuang Zhixi spoke, he noticed Yang Lixin''s expression change slightly, though Yang quickly masked it with a smile, saying: "Then your family will be the first in our courtyard to have two bicycles."


    Zhuang Zhixi waved it off: "What''s the big deal about being the first? Everyone wants to add some big-ticket items to their life."


    "That''s true," Yang Lixin agreed.


    The surrounding onlookers nodded in agreement, finding Zhuang Zhixi''s words reasonable. Some people even skimped on meals just to save up for a bicycle. Wasn''t it all for that one bicycle?


    "A bicycle is a big-ticket item."


    "Xiao Zhuang, does your wife have a bicycle?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Yes, it was part of her dowry."


    "Is there a sewing machine? A watch?" The capable aunt sitting across from Zhuang Zhixi immediately asked. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "No, my wife doesn''t know how to use those."


    The aunt looked disappointed: "No? Then she can''t compare to Jiang Lu. Our factory has been around for over ten years, and no one has yet to match Jiang Lu''s dowry."


    They had all been hoping someone would surpass it, especially since every time the topic of dowry came up, Jiang Lu seemed particularly proud.


    "My wife isn''t from the factory, so she''s not part of your competition," Zhuang Zhixi said amicably.


    "But you are! However, you young men have really driven up the standards for our factory boys. Look at you all finding such capable wives, how can others compete?"


    The aunt complained a bit, but then looked at Zhuang Zhixi''s face and thought, it was understandable for the women to offer such dowries. Zhuang Zhixi was good-looking. He didn''t have the popular thick eyebrows and square face, but he was refined, with a scholarly air, always smiling, giving off a warm and pleasant vibe. Compared to the rough and dirty men in the factory, Zhuang Zhixi was clean and neat.


    Among the sea of blue and gray work uniforms, his clean white shirt, dark red v-neck sweater, and black pants made him stand out. Even in the clinic, with his white coat, he looked refined and clean.


    People, to some extent, judge by appearance. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi, one felt that even a bicycle as part of the dowry was worth it.


    "Xiao Zhuang, what does your wife do?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "She works at the bus station as a conductor."


    "That''s a good job."


    As Zhuang Zhixi chatted with the unfamiliar aunt, Yang Lixin returned to the kitchen, whispering to Li the Cook: "Dad, I don''t think Xiao Zhuang will give us the bicycle ticket. He said his mom wants to buy a bicycle."


    In their courtyard, most families with decent conditions already had bicycles.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s family had one as part of Ming Mei''s dowry;


    Zhou Qun''s family had one as part of Jiang Lu''s dowry;


    Bai Fendou, for some reason, bought a Forever bicycle last year.


    And the family in the back courtyard...


    Now, the only ones without a bicycle were their family.


    It was fine before, with only the family in the back courtyard buying one themselves, and the Zhou and Zhuang families getting them through dowry. But now that even Bai Fendou could save up enough to buy a bicycle, Li the Cook became anxious.


    Though he was frugal and didn''t buy unnecessary things,


    Having others with bicycles while he didn''t made him feel inferior. His family was well-off in the courtyard, and his wife was even in charge of the courtyard affairs. Falling behind in this aspect felt embarrassing. They were men from the old Beijing, and they cared about face. He had been mulling over this issue recently.


    He thought today might be an opportunity, but Zhuang Zhixi said his mom wanted to buy one. Was that even possible? Zhao Guihua, that stingy woman, already had a bicycle at home, how could she want another one?


    He didn''t believe a word of it.


    "This kid is sharper than a monkey, did he see through your intentions?"


    Yang Lixin thought about it and said: "Shouldn''t be, he said his mom got inspired after seeing Bai Fendou buy one."


    Li the Cook: "..."


    Funny, he was inspired too.


    He said: "This Bai Fendou, always causing trouble. How many people in our courtyard are now restless because of him? A security guard in the Security Section, how much does he earn? He''s also supporting a widow and her child, how could he afford a bicycle? Just adding to my troubles, if it weren''t for him buying a bicycle, I wouldn''t be so anxious."


    Now that Bai Fendou had bought one, he couldn''t afford not to.


    "Forget it, let''s have your mom talk to Zhao Guihua."


    In the Zhuang family, Zhao Guihua was in charge. Although they were practically separated, he didn''t believe Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t hand it over to Zhao Guihua.


    "It''s all that little brat Bai Fendou''s fault."


    Yang Lixin whispered to Li the Cook: "Dad, how do you think Bai Fendou, with no money and no tickets, managed to buy a bicycle?"


    This matter had everyone curious, though they didn''t talk about it openly. There were various speculations.


    Li the Cook: "Who knows."


    If he knew, he would have bought one himself.


    Yang Lixin: "Should I try to find out?"


    "I think that''s a good idea!"


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t aware of his neighbors'' thoughts. In the afternoon, he went to the factory office to claim his bicycle ticket. It wasn''t the most popular Forever or Phoenix, but a Flying Pigeon, which was also quite good.


    Forever, Flying Pigeon, and Phoenix were the most prestigious bicycle brands.


    Among these three, Forever was sturdy and durable, popular with men; Phoenix was more elegant, favored by women, so Flying Pigeon was a bit in between.


    But Flying Pigeon was also very popular.


    After all, it was one of the three!


    Zhuang Zhixi''s bicycle ticket was for a Flying Pigeon.


    On his way home from work, Zhuang Zhixi pondered the situation at Ming Mei''s bus station. He wondered if they would also receive rewards. It should be, right?


    As Zhuang Zhixi walked into the alley, he heard a ring of a bicycle bell. The road was wide enough not to cause accidents, so he turned around to see it was his wife, just messing with him.


    Ming Mei smiled as she hopped off the bicycle, saying: "Officer Li visited your unit today, didn''t he?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised the gift in his hand, saying: "Look."


    Ming Mei smiled: "I got one too." Exactly the same gift.


    The young couple pushed their bicycles side by side as they walked home. Zhuang Zhixi said: "My unit also rewarded me with a bicycle ticket."


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow: "Oh."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "And you?"


    Ming Mei: "Guess."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, seeing her smug expression, he knew it must be better, otherwise she wouldn''t be so proud, her tail was almost reaching the sky (a Chinese idiom meaning extremely proud). He whispered: "I guess, it must be better than mine."


    Ming Mei giggled coyly, her laughter tinged with a hint of pride, she boasted: "Of course."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Ming Mei, waiting for her answer. Ming Mei didn''t keep him in suspense, saying: "We didn''t get any rewards, but our unit gave me a subsidy."


    Her eyes and brows were filled with joy, extremely proud, she said: "Our station master applied for a subsidy for me, starting next month, I''ll get an extra two yuan every month. I tell you, if it wasn''t for my insufficient seniority, I could have gotten a raise this time. But an extra two yuan a month, I''m very happy."


    That''s twenty-four yuan a year.


    That''s equivalent to the monthly salary of an ordinary worker.


    No wonder Ming Mei was so happy!


    She hummed a little tune, saying: "I''m really happy."


    Zhuang Zhixi was also envious, he said: "Your unit is really generous."


    In this regard, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei both understood. Zhuang Zhixi''s factory was a large industrial plant, and he did good deeds outside the factory, not within it. Moreover, he wasn''t in the security department but worked in the medical office. Although the factory was also pleased, fundamentally, this matter had nothing to do with the factory. Even if they talked about it in detail, they couldn''t give too much reward.


    As for Ming Mei, it was different. They were a service-oriented unit, and although this incident also had nothing to do with their bus station, as a capable ticket seller, she had a positive propaganda effect on the bus station.


    Moreover, Ming Mei wasn''t the first time she had caught thieves, which had even more positive significance. Even if they were to do propaganda, it would have a very positive impact on the bus station. So they valued Ming Mei more.


    Of course, besides this, the words of Officer Li today were also one of the reasons for the result. Officer Li wasn''t the first time he had tried to poach people, and the bus station naturally wasn''t happy about it. If the person stayed, the honor of doing good deeds belonged to their unit. If they left, it would be gone.


    Ming Mei was a bus station offspring, her mother had also retired from this position. Under the influence of so many factors, it was only natural for the bus station to fight for better treatment for Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei was elated: "Am I more awesome than you?"


    "Of course, my wife can''t be anything but awesome? This time, I benefited from you, otherwise, I would have been beaten up for fighting four on one, maybe even stabbed."


    Zhuang Zhixi had this self-awareness.


    Ming Mei: "Then you better treat me well, or I might dump you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You wouldn''t, I''m so good."


    Ming Mei teased: "Where am I good?"


    Zhuang Zhixi blinked, saying: "Where am I good, don''t you know? No one knows, but you definitely do. I perform well every day."


    Ming Mei: "¡­¡­"


    Her face turned into a red apple instantly.


    She chided: "Shut up."


    She looked around nervously, saying: "Why are you saying this in public, afraid no one will hear? What''s wrong with you?"


    Ming Mei pouted: "Don''t say it."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, saying: "Look at you, what did you think of, I didn''t say anything."


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened, she huffed heavily.


    Zhuang Zhixi held his little wife''s hand, saying: "Alright, it''s my fault."


    He was very proactive in admitting his mistake, but just wouldn''t change.


    "By the way, I want to discuss with you, this bicycle ticket, I plan to..."


    The young couple walked into the courtyard together, Madam Zhou Li was being sarcastic again: "Oh, the young couple''s feelings are so good."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, saying: "Of course, if the feelings weren''t good, could we get married? Of course, the feelings are good, Madam Zhou, you''re saying something obvious."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Oh, you little rascal..."


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, saying: "Madam Zhou, I know you don''t have children, but you can''t call everyone a little rascal... You see, you''re not young anymore, don''t be so angry all the time, although I''m not a doctor, I often hear doctors say that being angry like a fighting rooster at your age is very bad for your health. You can''t do this, really can''t."


    "You you you..." Madam Zhou scolded: "Do you know how to respect the elderly and love the young, what are you saying about me, can you talk about me? I think you little rascal is a scoundrel, a beast, worse than pigs and dogs!"


    Zhuang Zhixi innocently raised an eyebrow: "Why are you cursing? You see, I didn''t say anything, I kindly reminded you, and you''re still so angry, anger hurts the body, don''t get angry."


    "You you you!" Madam Zhou was panting heavily, she was usually good at arguing, but when facing Zhao Guihua and Zhuang Zhixi, she often felt powerless. Damn it, Zhao Guihua wasn''t human, and her son wasn''t either.


    Madam Zhou was undefeated in this area, but she wasn''t a match for Zhuang Zhixi, she couldn''t out-argue him.


    "You..."


    "Zhuang Zhixi, Ming Mei, what are you two doing! Come back and cook, don''t loiter outside after work!" Zhao Guihua pushed the door open, shouting loudly: "You just want to slack off all day."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Coming, coming."


    He became obsequious in an instant: "You see, I''m coming?"


    Then he turned his head and said: "Madam Zhou, believe me, take it easy."


    Madam Zhou was furious: "Little scoundrel! What do you mean!"


    Zhuang Zhixi gave her a "you know" look, leading his wife home, saying as he walked: "Now they don''t allow big banquets, you can''t eat much at the feast."


    Ming Mei: "Pfft!"


    Madam Zhou shouted crazily: "You damned one!!!"


    Zhuang Zhixi ignored her, entering the house and talking to his mother and sister-in-law: "Look how angry Madam Zhou is, I wonder who upset her."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­¡­"


    Liang Meifen: "¡­¡­"


    What nonsense are you saying?


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, saying: "Don''t provoke her."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I didn''t, I''m really wronged."


    Ming Mei was going to vouch for her husband, she nodded and said: "Zhixi didn''t provoke her, you can''t wrong him."


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched, was he wronged or not? The family knew each other well.


    Liang Meifen''s gaze fell on their small bag, saying: "You this...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, we didn''t catch thieves on New Year''s Day? Today we went to our unit to thank..."


    He explained the situation, smiling and asking: "Mom, do you want to buy a bicycle? If you want to, I''ll give you the bicycle ticket, it can be sold in the black market for at least thirty. I can sell this Flying Pigeon for thirty-five or forty. How much do you think is appropriate?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s keep accounts clear between close relatives, you can''t take my things for free, right? I don''t want cash, just deduct it from the meal money."


    Zhao Guihua: "I didn''t know you little rascal were so calculating?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I also have to save some money, my wife and I will have kids in the future."


    He didn''t think there was anything wrong with saying it straightforwardly, didn''t his sister-in-law also calculate? Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "Mom, I won''t ask for much, just make it two months'' meal money. I tell you, Uncle Li also wants to buy one."


    Zhao Guihua: "His family really should buy one."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his mother, hearing Zhao Guihua say: "If I take this money and buy this ticket, you can''t use this bicycle in the future, it will be completely ours, do you agree?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, saying: "Of course."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, then..."


    Liang Meifen: "Mom, we can''t use it either? My husband Zhiyuan is the eldest son."


    She felt so bitter in her heart. What kind of family was this? Why didn''t they favor the eldest son at all? In most families, it was the eldest son who took care of the elderly. But in this family, it was completely different. The father had no presence, the mother was unreasonable, and the younger brother was cunning. This life was too difficult, too difficult.


    "Do you want to contribute money?" Zhao Guihua asked.


    Liang Meifen immediately replied, "How could I?"


    As soon as the words left her mouth, she saw her mother-in-law''s smirking expression and panicked.


    Zhao Guihua said slowly, "You really know how to calculate, don''t you? How big is your face?"


    At this moment, not only Zhao Guihua, but even Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing.


    It was as if he had been waiting for Liang Meifen to speak. As soon as she did, he laughed even harder.


    After he finished laughing, he stepped forward and put his arm around Zhao Guihua, saying, "Mom, I was just joking with you. As a son, giving you anything is my duty. How could I ask you for money?"


    He took out a bicycle ticket and handed it to Zhao Guihua, saying, "Here, take it. It''s not worth anything, just a joke."


    Zhao Guihua said, "You always come up with these silly ideas."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I was just thinking, why not have some fun while we''re at it? Look, Ming Mei also has a bicycle. Our family already has one, and I don''t really need it. But even if I don''t, I''m willing to give up the ticket. You''re my mom, and it''s easier to ride a bike than walk, right? I''m also very filial, you know!"


    Zhao Guihua looked at him and said, "Alright, alright, you''re the most filial."


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "By the way, the police station also rewarded me with a thermos and a pair of pillowcases. I''ll keep the pillowcases, but the thermos is for you and dad. Whether you use it when you go out or dad takes some hot water to work, it''s very convenient."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "At least you have some conscience."


    "What do you mean ''at least''? I''m the most conscientious. You can''t say I''m not good. Look at my sister-in-law, she only wants to take advantage and not give anything. I''m the real deal."


    Liang Meifen thought, "Why are you picking on me? Stupid little brother-in-law!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "My wife won''t give you this. She works on the bus and her throat gets sore from talking all day, so she needs to drink more water."


    At this point, Zhuang Zhixi paused, wondering if the police station had considered Ming Mei''s job when giving the gifts. It wasn''t impossible, after all, they seemed to have a high opinion of his wife.


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement beside him.


    She said softly, "I also got a thermos and a pair of pillowcases. The prize for me and Zhixi is the same. My unit didn''t give me anything extra, but I get an extra two yuan in monthly subsidies."


    "Ah, that''s not bad. Your unit is quite generous."


    Ming Mei nodded and said, "Yes, if it weren''t for my short work experience, I could have gotten a raise this time. It''s a bit of a pity."


    After a pause, she clasped her hands together and said, "I hope some bad guys appear so I can make some more contributions."


    Zhao Guihua burst out laughing and said, "What are you talking about? Alright, put the pillowcases away. The bicycle ticket and the thermos are your intentions, mom understands."


    The young couple smiled softly.


    Hand in hand, they went back to their room. Zhao Guihua put the ticket away and repeatedly stroked the thermos. This thermos was different from the later ones; it was an olive-green oval-shaped one. She nodded and said, "The quality is good."


    Liang Meifen, because of what happened earlier, didn''t dare to say a word and silently prepared dinner. Ming Mei followed Zhuang Zhixi back to their room. She put away the two pairs of pillowcases and placed the thermos on the cabinet. Then she turned around and said, "You originally planned to give the bicycle ticket to mom and dad, so why did you joke about it first?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I was just joking."


    Ming Mei didn''t believe him. Although they had been married for a short time, Ming Mei had some understanding of Zhuang Zhixi. She thought about it carefully and said, "You did that on purpose to make sister-in-law speak up, didn''t you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I didn''t say that."


    Ming Mei said, "That''s what you meant."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s silence made Ming Mei even more certain.


    She scratched her head and said, "You knew sister-in-law would be greedy and speak up, so you did it on purpose to show mom? Why?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Haven''t you heard? Little people seek revenge from morning to night. I''m just a little person. She annoyed me, so I annoy her from time to time."


    When Zhuang Zhixi''s marriage was almost ruined by his sister-in-law, although it eventually went smoothly, it wasn''t without incident. Although they were family and he wouldn''t intentionally harm his sister-in-law, annoying her from time to time was possible.


    His sister-in-law was most afraid of his mother, so Zhuang Zhixi did it on purpose.


    She would be unhappy for a few days.


    In the future, every time she used the bicycle, he could continue to annoy her.


    "You''re really something, but you didn''t press on, did you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said seriously, "We''re all family, why press on? Family harmony brings prosperity! I''m not that kind of person."


    Ming Mei said, "Do you think I believe that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Moderation is key."


    He leaned aggrievedly against his wife''s shoulder and said, "I almost couldn''t marry you. So now, feeling a bit uncomfortable about her is nothing, okay! I didn''t do anything, and besides, I even contributed a bicycle coupon. I''m the one who got the short end of the stick."


    Don''t look at the people in their courtyard, they all seem pretty unreliable, but Zhuang Zhixi is still more annoyed with his eldest sister-in-law, because others'' bad behavior didn''t affect him, but his eldest sister-in-law did. However, these words, Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t say in front of his family.


    He said, "If she weren''t my sister-in-law, I wouldn''t let it go like this."


    Mingmei: "I know, I know, I know you''re feeling wronged."


    Zhuang Zhi Xi: "That''s right."


    Zhuang Zhi Xi: "Speaking of which... you''ll see, once the news of our commendation today spreads, our patrols are likely to become quite lively in the coming days."


    Mingmei: "What?"


    Immediately reacted quickly: "You mean everyone wants to catch the thief."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "This honor alone can dazzle people''s eyes, not to mention the bicycle ticket. Just watch, not to mention others, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun will definitely participate, oh right, Yang Lixin will also definitely participate."


    Who doesn''t want to gain honor?


    Meimei whispered: "Hey, you say..."


    She hesitated for a moment and said, "Aren''t they afraid that the thief they catch might actually be the three children from the Su family across the street? If the thief they catch turns out to be those three kids, what would that even mean?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "If it''s those three kids who got caught, it shouldn''t be a big deal. Bai Fendou would go to great lengths to protect them. But I don''t think the thieves in our neighborhood are them. They''re just kids, how could they be out and about in the dead of night? It''s probably still adults."


    Mingmei: "That''s true."


    As expected, as the couple had imagined, when the time came for the gathering, each household had replaced their members with strong men, and there were even those who volunteered to join. In an instant, the place was filled with noise and excitement. Zhuang Zhixi lay on the windowsill, watching with great amusement.


    Mingmei: "Aren''t you going for your mom?"


    Zhuang Zhi Xi: "My mom is unwilling."


    Zhao Guihua was absolutely unwilling, and Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t persuade his own mother.


    Aliali: 674b362cc4f3f33ac49f264a


    Zhuang Zhiyuan has gone on another trip to the south, and this time it will take more than ten days to return. At home, there is only Zhuang Zhixi, a young and strong man, who should logically be the one to go, but Zhao Guihua firmly disagrees. She is already standing in the courtyard with her golden cudgel in hand.


    Bai Fendou, with his usual cheeky tone, said, "Aunt Zhao, where''s the expert in your family? How come they just did a good deed and now they''re not participating in the patrol? That''s not a good sense of awareness."


    Zhao Guihua: "Pfft, shut your dog mouth, my family had already decided that I would be the one to patrol. It was never supposed to be my third son''s duty. If he doesn''t get enough rest, how can he perform well at work? Besides, do you look down on me, an old lady? Why can''t I contribute to our neighborhood? I''m happy to patrol, what''s it to you? But you, what''s the meaning of saying such things? Are you trying to disrupt unity? I know you''re jealous of my third son''s abilities, but there''s no need to be so obvious about it. Anyone can see what you''re trying to do. It''s really laughable, trying to stir up trouble here, you''re nothing! Get lost!"


    Bai Fendou was scolded harshly and could only purse his lips, saying, "You''re such a fierce old lady."


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "I''m fierce because you''re being a smart-aleck! Everyone knows what you''re up to! You didn''t show up a few days ago, and now you''re here just to score points? I won''t expose you, but don''t come bothering me. Let''s keep things civil, or else I won''t hold back, old lady or not!"


    Yang Lixin was quite disdainful of Bai Fendou, but he wanted to inquire about the source of bicycle tickets, so he pretended to be kind and pulled Bai Fendou aside, saying, "Look at you, why bring up such things? Let''s just focus on patrolling and try to catch some thieves."


    Bai Fendou felt a bit embarrassed and quickly took the opportunity to change the subject.


    "Yeah, yeah, let''s patrol. I was just trying to do my job, come on, let''s go!"


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "Hmph!"


    You rascal!

 Chapter 29

    The news of Zhuang Zhixi and his wife receiving rewards had stirred up the neighbors, and tonight''s team to catch thieves was significantly larger. In addition to the regular members, some were participating voluntarily. Seeing that the number was sufficient, Aunt Su immediately feigned weakness, claiming to be unwell today.


    Of course, if she wasn''t feeling well, she certainly couldn''t participate!


    Zhao Guihua, upon seeing Aunt Su''s act, knew she was up to no good, just trying to slack off. Sure enough, as the leader, Aunt Wang, seeing her like this and considering they had enough people, said, "Then you stay home and rest. With enough people, it''s fine for a frail female comrade like you not to join."


    Aunt Su gave a weak smile.


    "Thank you, thank you all so much. I know, our courtyard is the most warm-hearted place; there is true human kindness here!"


    Old Man Bai, concerned, asked, "Sister Su, where are you feeling unwell? If it''s serious, we shouldn''t tough it out. I''ll take you to the clinic. No matter what, we can''t neglect your health. If something happens to you, your daughter-in-law and grandson would be devastated."


    He made a roundabout remark.


    Aunt Su''s gaze was soft as she said, "I understand, but our family''s circumstances... we have to save where we can. You know, these are old ailments from when I was young and worked too hard. Medicine doesn''t help much; I just need to rest more. I''ll be fine after a lie-down."


    "That won''t do! You... oh, you''re lacking in nutrition. Wait, I''ll go see if I can swap for an egg for you."


    Aunt Su''s heart swelled with pride, but she maintained her weak demeanor, saying, "How could I trouble you... Brother, you keep it for yourself. You''re not young either; you need to take care of yourself..."


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t bear it anymore. She felt truly disgusted. These two were acting out an old-age romance drama, being overly affectionate. Zhao Guihua picked up her golden cudgel and left directly, not wanting to listen to any more of this nonsense. She felt she''d need to clean her ears when she got home.


    Zhao Guihua led the way out, with others following in dribs and drabs. After all, while Zhao Guihua found the old-age romance drama repulsive, some people enjoyed watching it. In these times, entertainment was scarce, and one had to be resourceful in finding joy.


    Once outside, Zhao Guihua was accompanied by Aunt Wang. Aunt Wang''s family had Yang Lixin participating today, so she could have stayed home, but Aunt Wang was of a different temperament than Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou.


    She was from the northeast and had a straightforward nature. Although their family was well-represented, she felt it wasn''t right for her, as the courtyard manager, not to participate. So she stepped up without hesitation. However, with the addition of several young men and strong men today, their elderly patrol team quickly disintegrated.


    In just one day, only Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang, two elderly women, remained. The two of them were not at all timid. Each carrying a golden cudgel, they walked at the front. Aunt Wang curiously gossiped with Zhao Guihua, "Do you know why Jiang Lu is here? She''s so clingy to her husband, isn''t she?"


    Yes, today there was an extra female participant, Jiang Lu!


    Although Madam Zhou Li had signed up, today it was Zhou Qun participating. Zhou Qun probably didn''t want to miss the chance to catch thieves, so he joined the patrol. Aunt Zhou, always one to take advantage, certainly wouldn''t come out.


    It was a waste of effort to send just one person.


    Even so, their family still had one extra person. Zhou Qun patrolled, and Jiang Lu followed, sticking to him like a little wife. Oh, she was indeed a little wife. Observing her, it seemed she was fully prepared, carrying the wooden stick Aunt Zhou had prepared earlier and even a water bottle.


    At night, it looked as if she was going on a spring outing in the mountains.


    Although there were more people, Aunt Wang felt uncomfortable. She walked with Zhao Guihua and said, "I understand why these men come out to patrol and catch thieves, but what''s Jiang Lu doing here? Is it really necessary?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Who knows? Maybe she thinks it is?"


    The two elderly women turned back together. It was just then that Zhou Qun sneezed twice in a row, possibly due to their behind-the-scenes chatter. Jiang Lu immediately took out a handkerchief to wipe his nose, whispering softly, "What''s wrong? Quickly, wipe it."


    She wiped Zhou Qun''s nose and placed a hand on his face, saying, "So cold, are you catching a chill? Maybe you should go home; I can patrol here. You''re the pillar of our family; you can''t fall ill."


    Zhou Qun shook his head, saying, "No need, everyone is here; why should I leave? Am I not a man?"


    Jiang Lu gazed at her husband with starry eyes, finding him very manly. Her man was better than anyone else. She softly said, "Then have some hot water."


    She unscrewed the bottle cap and handed it to Zhou Qun, holding it to his mouth, being considerate and attentive. Such a caring and wealthy wife was envied by everyone present.


    How they wished they could have a woman like Jiang Lu.


    While everyone envied, Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua, as experienced women, frowned slightly, finding her behavior a bit distasteful. Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s walk faster; I can''t stand it."


    Aunt Wang laughed, saying, "Li Fang from my family doesn''t like to associate with her, calling her spineless."


    Zhao Guihua agreed, saying, "Li Fang from your family and I think alike."


    Previously, Li Fang had been on indifferent terms with the other wives in the courtyard. Many thought it was because Li Fang didn''t work and was a housewife, while most of the other wives were working women serving the people. Naturally, they couldn''t get along.


    After all, their experiences were different. But Zhao Guihua realized it wasn''t that simple.


    People don''t judge by their jobs or experiences; whether they can be friends depends on whether their values align.


    Li Fang simply didn''t like them.


    Was that strange?


    Zhao Guihua thought not at all.


    In their courtyard, her eldest daughter-in-law, Liang Meifen, was also working but was a spineless enabler of her younger brother; Wang Xiangxiu was a woman with no limits to support her son; and Jiang Lu, in decades-old terms, had "played a winning hand poorly," being spineless.


    And...


    Counting them, there were almost no one in the courtyard who could get along well with Li Fang.


    Li Fang''s best friend had been Zhao Guihua''s second daughter, Zhuang Zhixin, but Zhuang Zhixin had married far away. Her second daughter, Zhixin, was opinionated and capable, decisive and heroic. Li Fang could be friends with Zhuang Zhixin.


    No matter what, it was clear that their core values were aligned, otherwise, they couldn''t have been good friends. So it was normal for Li Fang to dislike others.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I''ve always thought Li Fang from your family is a good girl."


    She had once wanted Li Fang to be her eldest daughter-in-law, but the two children had no such intentions. Her eldest son had secretly dated Liang Meifen in high school, and Li Fang''s family had always been cautious, not letting her mix too much with the young men in the courtyard, fearing feelings would develop.


    Compared to Aunt Wang''s straightforwardness, Li Fang''s father, the chef, was a bit more cunning. He knew that the families in their courtyard were all workers and would never allow their sons to be "zhuixu" (a son-in-law who lives with his wife''s family), so even though there were several eligible young men in the courtyard, he didn''t consider them.


    He preferred to find someone with worse family conditions but more controllable.


    Yang Lixin was found this way. Yang Lixin and Li Fang got along well, as among the young men in the courtyard, Yang Lixin was the best-looking. Actually, if we were to compare, Yang Lixin wasn''t as good-looking as Zhuang Zhiyuan. But Zhuang Zhiyuan was fond of lecturing and not good with words, unlike the rural-born and Li Fang''s father''s apprentice, Yang Lixin, who knew how to please Li Fang.


    As for Zhou Qun, the Su family''s son, and Bai Fendou, their looks were far inferior to Yang Lixin''s.


    So Li Fang was quite happy to marry Yang Lixin. Although everyone wanted to find someone with good conditions, when their own conditions were not bad, they naturally preferred someone they found pleasing to the eye. Of course, the best-looking guy in their courtyard was Zhuang Zhixi.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi was not of the same age group as them and was quite a bit younger, so no one really paid attention to the little kid.


    Now looking at it, among the kids of similar age, besides Zhuang Zhiyuan, Li Fang seemed to be living quite well. The other three families, let''s not even talk about them. Zhao Guihua said, "These people are running around like thieves, I wonder how long they can last."


    Aunt Wang replied, "Who knows? No matter how long they last, I have to stick to my task. Since the organization gave me this responsibility, I must fulfill it well."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh."


    She looked at Aunt Wang, nodding slightly. She vaguely remembered that there had been thief activities not just these past few days... As they strolled, Aunt Wang hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Old Zhao, I heard your son Zhuang Zhixi was rewarded with a bicycle ticket."


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Yes."


    Aunt Wang: "Well... I''ll be honest with you, do you need it? If not, could you give it to me? You know, my family has never had a bicycle, and my husband also wants to buy one, but these tickets are really hard to come by."


    Zhao Guihua: "I plan to use it. I''ll be honest with you too. You see, we already have a bike, but it was my daughter-in-law''s dowry, and she needs it for work. It''s inconvenient for others to use. So I want to buy one too. It''s not right for that Bai Fendou to be able to afford one while we can''t, right?"


    In fact, it wasn''t just because of Bai Fendou; she just wanted more convenience. But that didn''t stop her from using that as an excuse. She said, "I''ve recently taken up fishing, and having a bike would make it easier to go to distant places."


    Aunt Wang sighed upon hearing this, "Then it''s a no-go. I''ll have to think of another way. How did Bai Fendou manage to get such a ticket?"


    You know, nowadays, not only do you need a ticket for a bicycle, but the ticket also specifies the brand. You can only buy what''s written on the ticket. So Bai Fendou''s Forever bike seemed even more special.


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and smiled, "Who knows?"


    Come to think of it, in her previous life, she hadn''t heard how Bai Fendou got that bicycle. But since it wasn''t from the factory, it was likely through the black market. However, she didn''t mention that, as it would be inappropriate to suddenly accuse someone of going to the black market.


    This wasn''t like the old days of the pigeon market; nowadays, you couldn''t just go there and say anything.


    Aunt Wang had also guessed the general idea, but she wasn''t familiar with the black market, so she could only sigh quietly. As they walked, suddenly a shout rang out: "Catch the thief!"


    In the quiet night, the voice was particularly abrupt.


    Zhao Guihua stopped in her tracks, hearing another shout right after: "You little thief, you dare to steal!"


    The voice sounded familiar; it was Zhuang Zhixi''s. Zhao Guihua''s face changed, and she quickly rushed over, fearing that Zhuang Zhixi might encounter a thief again in this life. Although her son was already a grown man, in her mother''s heart, he was still her baby. Even if he was very, very big, she still reflexively wanted to protect him. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua sprinted over, and sure enough, the sound came from their courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua: "Where''s the thief? Don''t even think about running!"


    Aunt Wang: "Wow, Old Zhao, you''re so brave."


    She, the courtyard manager, was slower to react than Zhao Guihua. At this moment, a short figure with a towel over his face darted out of the courtyard. Behind him was Zhuang Zhixi, shouting, "Catch the thief!"


    His voice was loud, and the patrol members, scattered here and there, heard Zhuang Zhixi''s call even if they didn''t see Zhao Guihua running. Everyone suddenly got energized; after all, wasn''t this why they were here? Several men dashed over like lightning.


    Zhao Guihua, an old lady, was left behind.


    Zhao Guihua watched as a dark-faced man rushed forward, followed by Bai Fendou. They were incredibly fast. By now, the residents of the courtyard were also pouring out. The thief ran wildly, and the dark-faced man thought, "You still dare to run?"


    Just as Zhuang Zhixi was about to catch the thief, he sidestepped and got ahead of Zhuang Zhixi. Before Zhuang Zhixi could react, Bai Fendou bumped into him, pushing him aside. Zhou Qun, running alongside, also swung his arm, and Zhuang Zhixi: "Damn."


    He was pushed back several steps, and it was clear what was happening; they didn''t want him to get the credit. Zhuang Zhixi was quick-witted. He didn''t insist on chasing anymore. He glanced around, then stepped back, pretending to be in pain, bending over and gasping, "Bai Fendou, you jerk, why did you bump into me? Oh my god, I feel so awful..."


    Zhou Qun glanced back and smirked triumphantly. The few men had cornered the thief near the toilet.


    Zhao Guihua finally arrived but didn''t rush to catch the thief; instead, she went to help Zhuang Zhixi. If it weren''t for Zhuang Zhixi''s strong voice accusing Bai Fendou of bumping into him, Zhao Guihua would have been scared out of her wits seeing him clutching his stomach.


    Luckily, she wasn''t stupid. She quickly supported her son, asking, "How are you? Are you okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi grasped his mother''s hand, lightly scratching it¡ªa signal he had learned from his wife. He looked up, "Mom, Bai Fendou almost knocked my bones out of place. Help me stand against the wall for a bit, I feel awful."


    Zhao Guihua: "Okay."


    She glanced around and loudly scolded, "Bai Fendou, you scoundrel, you catch the thief and bump into my son? If anything happens to my son, I''ll beat you to death, you rascal."


    She helped her son stand to the side. By now, the men had surrounded the thief. Interestingly, the thief, even while fleeing, had a small bundle on his back.


    The dark-faced man and five or six others had trapped the thief. "See where you can run now!"


    The thief, cornered behind the toilet with several burly men around, had no way out. Trembling, Bai Fendou, ignoring Zhao Guihua''s scolding, pointed at him proudly, "I see how you can pick locks, you little runt. You''re in my hands now, and I won''t let you off easily."


    "Bai Fendou, move aside, I got here first."


    "I wasn''t late either!" Zhou Qun chimed in.


    "Who got here later? I wasn''t late either."


    "That''s right, Bai Fendou, you even knocked Zhuang Zhixi down while catching the thief. Go check on him!"


    Bai Fendou: "A man, what''s the big deal? It''s fine!" He took advantage of the distraction and suddenly lunged forward, determined to be the first to catch the thief and claim the biggest credit. Bai Fendou lunged hard: "I''ve got you..."


    "Uncle Fendou, it''s me..." the thief suddenly spoke.


    Bai Fendou: "Ah!"


    The familiar voice, the familiar height, the familiar clothes¡ªhe had been too excited and hadn''t realized it. The person in front of him looked very familiar. Wasn''t that Jinlai?


    "Bai Fendou, what are you doing! Trying to steal the credit!" The dark-faced man rushed forward to grab the thief.


    Bai Fendou: "He''s not, let him go..."


    "You''re helping the thief, let go!"


    "You let go. It''s a misunderstanding!"


    "It''s me, it''s me, I''m Jinlai..."


    "I don''t care who you are, you''re a thief!"


    The others, fearing they''d lose credit, quickly rushed forward to grab the thief. Several men held a young boy, and the scene instantly became chaotic. Aunt Wang arrived just then: "My goodness, what''s going on?"


    "Jinlai, my Jinlai..." At this moment, Aunt Su also rushed out, her voice shrill and pitiful: "Jinlai!"


    The crowd grew larger, and seeing everyone scrambling, the dark-faced man decided to take a different approach, his gaze falling on the bundle. He yanked it forcefully, and Bai Fendou thought he was trying to kidnap someone, so he pulled too... "Ah!!!"


    A scream echoed from the scene, and as if by routine, Bai Fendou and Jinlai suddenly fell backward. Behind the toilet was a latrine pit, covered with thin stone slabs, which cracked with a crunch as the two fell.


    They plummeted straight down. Bai Fendou, in a flurry, grabbed at anything to save himself. However... "Ahhh! I curse your ancestors! What are you grabbing?!!!" Zhou Qun''s earsplitting cry echoed, utterly helpless as he was dragged down by Bai Fendou.


    Two adults and one child crashed into the latrine pit with a loud thud, splashing feces everywhere.


    "Oh my god!"


    The onlookers were stunned.


    The unluckiest were those who had been running ahead, now splattered with filth.


    The dark-faced man still held onto the bundle.


    The scene fell into an instant silence, as if time itself had stopped.


    But after a brief moment, chaos erupted again.


    "Help! Help!"


    "My grandson!"


    Zhao Guihua supported her son Zhuang Zhixi, standing far off by the wall, dumbfounded.


    From Zhuang Zhixi''s angle, he couldn''t see the specifics of the latrine pit, but the sheer volume of the screams allowed his imagination to run wild, making him reluctant to approach.


    "What happened? What''s going on?"


    "Did the thief fall into the toilet?"


    "Good heavens, it really was a thief. Disgusting."


    "Don''t just talk about that, the ones chasing the thief fell in too."


    "Ah! How did that happen?"


    The scene was a cacophony of voices. Zhao Guihua: "This..."


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "The thief is Jinlai."


    Others might not know, but he did; he was the first to chase after them. However, this situation was quite a slap in the face. Just moments ago, he had assured his wife that Jinlai couldn''t be the thief, and now Jinlai was here, slapping his face repeatedly. He felt utterly humiliated.


    But for now, he had to pretend ignorance and shouted loudly, "Quick, save them!"


    "Yes, yes, save them."


    The crowd quickly gathered around. Zhuang Zhixi and his mother Zhao Guihua circled around to take a look, only to retch and turn away, unable to bear it. Zhao Guihua: "Oh my~"


    She was even more overwhelmed, having not seen such a sight in years.


    Even her toilet visits were swift, and she never imagined witnessing something so revolting. Fortunately, dinner had been light, or else she would have been retching already. Even so, she couldn''t handle it and shouted, "Zhixi, are you alright? Do you feel sick? Let me help you to the side."


    She couldn''t bring herself to save anyone; it wasn''t that she lacked compassion, but the environment was unbearable.


    Besides, the latrine pit probably wouldn''t drown anyone.


    She decisively retreated, and as they did, others rushed forward. They were disgusted, but some were curious despite their disgust.


    Aunt Wang was quick-witted, saying, "Quick, who has a rope? We need to pull them up immediately."


    "Oh, but can it be used after this?"


    Aunt Wang sternly retorted, "Is the rope more important or their lives?"


    "Alright, I have one. I''ll have to ask the neighborhood committee to compensate me. I''m saving lives..."


    Above the toilet, chaos reigned, and below, it was no different. Zhou Qun, dragged down by Bai Fendou grabbing his crucial spot, was in no mood to wait for rescue. He immediately delivered three resounding slaps to Bai Fendou.


    Three, each one more forceful than the last!


    "You scoundrel! You deliberately pulled me down! You''re protecting the thief!"


    Zhou Qun felt he had been cursed for eight lifetimes.


    Bai Fendou, dazed from the blows, said, "What are you mad about? The priority is to get out!"


    He was tall and could stand, but Jinlai couldn''t. Bai Fendou struggled to hold him up, saying, "Quick, grab onto me. We''ll get out first."


    In the process, his face towel fell off, and everyone saw¡ªoh, it''s Jinlai!


    Someone mockingly shouted, "So the thief is Jinlai!"


    "Aunt Su, how do you discipline your child?"


    "Yeah, you seem decent, but how did you raise a thief?"


    Aunt Su seethed inside but knew she had to play the victim. "My Jinlai isn''t a thief, it''s a misunderstanding... Save them first, and we can explain later."


    "Yes, yes, save them first!"


    "Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun!!!" Jiang Lu finally squeezed in, crying out, "Zhou Qun, I''m here to save you."


    If not for someone holding her back, she would have jumped in.


    Aunt Wang fumed, "Don''t make things worse, get back!"


    "Who fell in? Is it Zhou Qun? My little Zhou Qun?" Madam Zhou Li rushed out, and without a word, she slapped her daughter-in-law twice, screaming, "You little wretch, what did I tell you? Watch over and take care of Zhou Qun, and this is how you do it?"


    She slapped Jiang Lu again, her face swelling as she covered it and sobbed.


    "My Jinlai is still down there, who will help him? Jinlai, Mom is coming to save you..." Wang Xiangxiu was about to jump in too.


    The scene was utter chaos, each person in their own turmoil.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s step back a bit more, in case someone else falls in and gets splashed."


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered to his mother, and Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement. They were ordinary people and couldn''t handle this. Others... others also couldn''t handle it, some covering their faces but still peeking through with two eyes, proving human resilience.


    Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu wailed for Jinlai.


    Madam Zhou Li and Jiang Lu exchanged slaps for Zhou Qun.


    The crowd grew, yet no one cared about Bai Fendou. He had Jinlai on his shoulders, straining under the weight of winter clothes. Even so, Bai Fendou leaned on the wall, determined to protect Jinlai.


    This spirit was commendable.


    Zhou Qun, never having suffered such humiliation, delivered two more slaps to Bai Fendou in the latrine pit. They were like mother and son, both focused on delivering slaps rather than saving themselves.


    Madam Zhou Li slapped her daughter-in-law above.


    Zhou Qun slapped Bai Fendou below.


    The latrine pit was deep; Zhou Qun, shorter than Bai Fendou, was submerged up to his mouth, yet he still managed to slap Bai Fendou whenever he could.


    "Wow, impressive."


    "Zhou Qun''s got skills!"


    "Bai Fendou''s really tough."


    He could have subdued Zhou Qun, but to ensure Jinlai stayed on his shoulders, he endured!


    Such spirit moved every onlooker.


    One might think he was carrying his own son.


    "Where''s the rope?"


    Aunt Wang, ignoring the brawl, anxiously waited for the rope.


    "Here it is, here it is."


    Someone shouted, "Flashlights, flashlights!"


    "Light it up."


    Though it was dark, the crowd had flashlights, shedding some light. The rope was quickly thrown down.


    Aunt Wang: "You men, quickly, pull them up."


    Nearby men were all conscripted, and Zhuang Zhixi silently congratulated himself on escaping in time.


    Otherwise, how disgusting would that be?


    "One, two, push! One, two, push! Everyone, put in some effort."


    "One, two, one, two!"


    It was undeniable that this grand scene had blocked half the alley, making it impossible for Ming Mei, Liang Meifen, and others who arrived late to squeeze in. They could only watch from afar, listen to the shouts from the front, and smell the pungent odor in the air.


    Ming Mei: "Oh my gosh~"


    She stood on tiptoe to look inside, while Liang Meifen, not as tall as Ming Mei, asked, "What''s happening up front? Can you see anything?"


    Ming Mei didn''t turn around, saying, "Do you think I''m a telegraph pole? I can''t see anything! I''m only 1.6 meters tall."


    She jumped up and down but still couldn''t see.


    "Can''t see, but someone definitely fell into the toilet."


    Liang Meifen grew even more anxious: "Ah, can''t see anything!"


    "Plop!" A sound came from the front, and everyone stepped back in unison. Ming Mei quickly pulled Liang Meifen back a few steps to avoid being tripped.


    The front then provided a live broadcast: "Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun are too heavy. It''s unrealistic to pull two people at once, and they fell halfway down again."


    "Oh my god, pull them separately!"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    So disgusting!


    But she was also certain: "As long as it''s not one of our family members who fell, it''s fine."


    Liang Meifen nodded in agreement, thinking how disgusting that would be.


    She disdainfully said, "He''s not a three-year-old child anymore. How could he fall into the toilet? So useless."


    Ming Mei agreed wholeheartedly.


    She thought for a moment and said, "Since we can''t see anything anyway, let''s step back a bit more, in case they step on us again."


    "Alright."


    At this point, pushing forward was impossible, but stepping back was doable.


    "My grandson! My Jinlai! You scared your grandma to death, do you know that?"


    "Jinlai, you scared your mom to death..."


    The old widow led the young widow, howling as if at a funeral.


    Ming Mei turned her head: "Jinlai fell in too. But how could he fall in?"


    She innocently asked, "He doesn''t patrol, nor does he catch thieves."


    Liang Meifen thought for a moment and shook her head. But Li Fang beside them sneered and said, "Who were they catching?"


    Liang Meifen and Ming Mei were suddenly enlightened, both covering their mouths: "Uh..."


    Jinlai was a thief.


    Ming Mei blinked, thinking that Brother Zhixi must have misjudged.


    The front was filled with cries and wails. Ming Mei said, "Let''s step back a bit more."


    At this moment, following the rhythm of "one, two, one, two," the three men were finally pulled up one by one. Three yellow-brown figures lay on the ground, looking lifeless. Bai Fendou''s face was beaten into a pig''s head, and even the few hairs he had left were pulled out.


    Suddenly, he reacted, gagging and then vomiting, but nothing came out.


    Wang Xiangxiu suddenly rushed forward, slapping Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun each once, shouting angrily, "You bastards! How could you treat my son like this? How dare you drag him into the cesspit? Are you human? He''s just a child!!!"


    Zhao Guihua, from a distance, shook her head in silence. Here it comes, the Four Forgivenesses again.


    A few days ago it was: "It''s New Year''s."


    Now it''s: "He''s a child."


    Bai Fendou, who had feelings for Wang Xiangxiu, didn''t say anything, but Zhou Qun was furious, shouting, "Who the hell are you hitting?"


    He retaliated with a slap, hitting Wang Xiangxiu''s face. She stared in shock, never having seen Zhou Qun hit anyone before.


    "You..."


    Zhou Qun roared, "We were catching a thief. Your son is a thief. I''ve had the worst luck to be dragged down by Bai Fendou. This has nothing to do with your son!"


    "Oh, you cursed woman, you dare to hit my son. You''ve gone too far!"


    Seeing her son being hit, Madam Zhou Li, despite his retaliation, rushed forward to slap Wang Xiangxiu. This time, Wang Xiangxiu dodged quickly. Seeing this, Madam Zhou Li turned to hit Aunt Su: "I''ll teach you for inciting your daughter-in-law to go crazy. Watch out!"


    Aunt Su: "Ah!"


    The two old ladies quickly pulled each other''s hair. Aunt Zhou''s curses were intense, not only insulting ancestors but also various body parts. Aunt Su, however, just cried and fought back without cursing.


    Her character didn''t allow her to use foul language.


    "Old hag, who are you picking on!"


    Old Man Bai, who could watch his own son fall into the cesspit without helping, now rushed out to defend his old goddess. Two against one, no, three against one, Wang Xiangxiu was also there, and Jiang Lu, who had just been hit by her mother-in-law, quickly rushed forward to help.


    The group fought fiercely. With Zhou Qun and the others coming up, the fight quickly turned dirty, with everyone throwing filth at each other.


    Zhao Guihua watched them fight, once again retreating with her son. It was a silent, unspoken understanding between mother and son.


    Zhao Guihua had always thought she was special as a reincarnated person. After all, such a bizarre event had happened to her. She had a subtle sense of superiority.


    But now, she felt she had overestimated herself.


    She wasn''t worthy of being called the daughter of heaven.


    She didn''t deserve it!


    She couldn''t do it!


    At least, she couldn''t do what these people could.


    She used to think she was the fiercest old lady on this street when it came to fighting. Didn''t she always strut at the front when patrolling? But at this moment, she felt ordinary.


    These people could fight under such stench, enduring all that filth. She simply couldn''t do it.


    Zhao Guihua''s heart was filled with admiration in that instant.


    She admired them, and so did others, especially those nearby who were affected. They were all in awe of these unruly fighters. The dark-faced man, most affected, was about to go mad.


    He shouted to the sky, "Ahhh! Stop it all!"


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    This guy is quite capable.


    She didn''t dare to step forward.


    The dark-faced man couldn''t care less and went forward to forcibly separate the group, cursing loudly, "F***...&¡­¡­£¤#¡­¡­"


    His vocabulary was quite rich, and he scolded for a full half an hour without repeating himself. Ming Mei, standing far back, heard it all and was dumbfounded. She learned something new.


    She whispered to her sister-in-law, "Next time someone causes trouble on the bus, I''ll curse like that."


    Liang Meifen gave Ming Mei a deep look, thinking, can''t you learn something good?


    The dark-faced man cursed passionately, and no one dared to interrupt. The few who had fallen into the toilet, now wet and shivering, were the most affected. Jinlai couldn''t take it anymore, crying, "Grandma, I''m cold..."


    Aunt Su heard and quickly hugged Jinlai, crying, "Help me, someone, please help me. Oh, my god, who will help me..."


    Old Man Bai: "I''ll do it!"


    He didn''t care about Jinlai''s filth and hugged the child tightly.


    Wang Xiangxiu, with tears in her eyes, said, "If anything happens to my child, I won''t let you off."


    "You''re full of it. Your son is a thief!"


    "No, that''s impossible. He just went out to use the toilet. Don''t frame him." Wang Xiangxiu could argue well.


    At this moment, Bai Fendou spoke up, "It was Zhuang Zhixi who started chasing first. We were following his call to catch a thief..."


    "Yes, yes, this whole thing started with Zhuang Zhixi."


    "Zhuang Zhixi, tell us what happened. Did you frame the child?"


    "That''s not right."


    "Exactly."


    These people were like weathervanes...


    Aliali: 674b9881c4f3f33ac4a482ee


    Zhuang Zhixi stood in the middle of the crowd, raising his voice: "I went out to the toilet last night and saw him peeking through the window of my parents'' room. The window was pried open; what else could he be doing if not stealing? And why did he have a bundle on his back when he went out to the outhouse? Where''s that bundle now?"


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t holding back; he wasn''t about to take the blame for something he didn''t do.


    At that moment, the dark-faced man suddenly remembered that it all started with a struggle over the bundle. If not for that, they wouldn''t all be in this mess. He quickly said, "The bundle is with me."


    He turned to look around and spotted the bundle next to the cesspit. Just then, Bai Fendou, for some reason, suddenly got up and made a grab for it.


    The dark-faced man cursed, "Damn your ancestors!"


    He was about to use the bundle as evidence, and this guy dared to snatch it?


    With a swift kick, he sent Bai Fendou flying towards the cesspit, just barely missing it.


    He quickly snatched the bundle back and, with lightning speed, unwrapped it: "Whether it''s stolen goods or not, let''s see for ourselves!"


    Inside was a dried fish!


    Zhao Guihua erupted in fury: "That''s mine!!!"

 Chapter 30

    This is how it goes, people always get caught red-handed at the most opportune moments.


    Just moments ago, the Su Family mother and daughter claimed that their child was framed, but Zhao Guihua immediately recognized her own salted fish, which she had hung to dry by the stove.


    Zhao Guihua raged, "Well, the Su Family sure knows how to do things! Sneaking into my house to steal while I''m away, you little scoundrel, always thieving and causing trouble, you deserve to be locked up and fed for free! What kind of person are you!"


    Seeing Zhao Guihua so furious, everyone silently stepped aside, making room for any potential brawl.


    However, although Zhao Guihua was furious, she didn''t make a move. She couldn''t bring herself to touch someone covered in "gold."


    Aunt Su''s face changed, quickly reacting, "You''re mistaken, this is our salted fish."


    She could twist black into white, but Zhao Guihua just sneered, not surprised at all by Aunt Su''s words. After all, Zhao Guihua knew her well after so many years of living together.


    She sneered, "My salted fish has distinguishing features. I can prove it''s mine. Can you prove it''s yours?"


    Aunt Su''s face turned sour, but she still spoke softly, "Aunt Zhao, I know you don''t want to admit that Zhuang Zhixi misunderstood my grandson, but you can''t just make things up. This salted fish really is ours. Let everyone else judge, salted fish is just salted fish, what distinguishing features could it have? Don''t try to argue your way out of this."


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "Pfft, it''s you who''s arguing here, isn''t it? Let me tell you, my salted fish does have distinguishing features. If you can''t say what they are, it means this fish isn''t yours. I''ll ask you again, what distinguishing features does this fish have?"


    Aunt Su was stumped, knowing Zhao Guihua was tough and unyielding.


    She looked at Zhao Guihua, hoping she would let it go, or else her grandson would be branded a thief. In fact, Aunt Su had a high opinion of her own family, thinking her children were perfect, but she didn''t realize that no one around liked her three grandsons.


    Although the three brothers were enviable, no one liked those three brats.


    Everyone knew they were thieves and troublemakers.


    Though they didn''t steal big items, just small things, taking from kids, it was enough to make everyone dislike them.


    If not for Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu''s "skills" and acting abilities, their family would have been confronted and humiliated long ago.


    Aunt Su softly said, "I... I won''t argue about it."


    "Pfft, you won''t argue? I haven''t even mentioned your little thief yet, and you have the nerve to say you won''t argue? Where''s your face? Everyone, check the fish, I cleaned it all out, the intestines and all. That''s the distinguishing feature of my fish."


    Times were tough, even making salted fish like this was unusual, usually keeping those parts for a bit of sustenance. But Zhao Guihua, being reborn, cleaned it thoroughly, discarding anything useless.


    Like the fish guts and liver, which she cooked with tofu, and anything inedible, she threw away.


    So this fish was lighter than it should be.


    The dark-faced man nodded, "That''s true."


    Zhao Guihua thought, "This fish definitely can''t be taken now, the dark-faced man is covered in ''gold.''"


    "Aunt Su, don''t argue anymore, look, there''s evidence. It turns out the thief around here is your grandson, aren''t you tarnishing our neighborhood?"


    "That''s right!"


    "Oh, there''s more in the bag."


    "Yes, look at what else..."


    He had a small bundle, not just one item stolen, and there was also half a roast chicken and a handful of fried peanuts. Everyone looked at Zhao Guihua, thinking, you sure eat well.


    Zhao Guihua quickly said, "That''s not mine."


    Everyone started murmuring, Madam Zhou Li turned around, her anger flaring, "Damn it, that''s mine!"


    She charged forward, "You little brat stole from me, he''s really got guts, I''ll kill him, I''ll kill him!"


    Madam Zhou Li instantly turned into a raging dragon, no one dared to stop her, who would dare touch her grandson covered in filth? Winter laundry is already a pain, let alone dealing with this.


    Plus, everyone felt the kid deserved a lesson.


    He stole from two houses in one night, how outrageous!


    Stealing like this, now covered in ''gold,'' the owners definitely wouldn''t want the items back. His family was always poor, if they couldn''t repay... letting the victims vent their anger was justified, right?


    So no one stepped forward, no one wanted to get dirty.


    Madam Zhou Li had recently allied with Aunt Su to confront Zhao Guihua, but now she wanted to kick Aunt Su. New and old grudges flared up. Madam Zhou Li was like this, she could wrong others, but others couldn''t wrong her.


    She charged and started hitting, Aunt Su screamed, "Ah!"


    Hearing his beloved''s cry, Old Man Bai jumped in, "You dare hit me? Old Man Bai, you old fool, watch me take care of you!"


    Madam Zhou Li couldn''t fight both, she looked at her daughter-in-law, shouting, "You little wretch, what are you staring at, aren''t you on our side? Don''t you see our things stolen, your husband and mother-in-law being bullied? If you don''t help, you might as well marry Bai Fendou!"


    Those words were harsh, very hurtful, Jiang Lu, seemingly spurred on, picked up a stone and charged.


    Of course, she wasn''t aiming at her mother-in-law, seeing Zhou Qun like this, she was heartbroken and furious, not caring about anything, she swung a brick towards Aunt Su.


    "Watch out!"


    "Be careful!"


    "Ah...!!!"


    In a crucial moment, Old Man Bai saved the day, pushing Jiang Lu, the brick fell into a cesspool, splashing onto Bai Fendou closest. Bai Fendou wiped his face, instantly furious, such humiliation, who could bear it?


    Moreover, he was a proud man from the city, he jumped up, shouting, "Are you done, or what? There''s no such thing as this kind of bullying!"


    "Who''s bullying who, catching a thief is wrong? But you''re protecting the thief, what''s your deal? What''s your relationship with the thief''s mother, don''t think we don''t know." Zhou Qun wasn''t holding back either, despite his usual pretense of dignity, he couldn''t keep it up in this situation.


    Who could keep their cool after such an ordeal!


    "What the hell are you saying!"


    Hearing Bai Fendou curse Zhou Qun, Jiang Lu wasn''t having it, charging forward, "I''ll make you bully my man!"


    Bai Fendou had just stood up, not yet joining the fight, when Jiang Lu, reckless and unafraid of dirt, charged and knocked him back¡ªsplash!


    He fell in again.


    "Damn! Splashed me all over."


    Bai Fendou, not being a brick, made a bigger splash this time, the scene immediately erupted in chaos, everyone cursing. The big brawl that had just calmed down started again, but this one was particularly smelly.


    The scene turned into a melee again, Aunt Wang didn''t dare approach, she had already been splashed with some filth, she definitely didn''t want to get near the "golden poop man."


    Although she considered herself tough and capable, Aunt Wang couldn''t bring herself to join in this mess.


    She couldn''t handle it.


    At this moment, Aunt Wang envied Zhao Guihua, who was safely staying far behind, untouched by the "bloodbath" in front. Those who got close to the scene, more or less, suffered.


    The scene erupted into chaos once more, and even Aunt Wang couldn''t handle it anymore. She quickly shouted, "Hurry to the police station, go get the police. We can''t handle this."


    Today''s situation was not just under Aunt Wang''s jurisdiction; people from other neighborhoods had also come to watch. Someone shouted, "Old Wang, wait here, I''m going to get someone."


    "Hold on!"


    The scene was in complete disarray.


    Zhao Guihua and Zhuang Zhixi were relatively close to the front of the Zhuang Family, but even then, they were only in the middle section. Zhuang Zhixi, relying on his tall stature, peered over the crowd and continuously provided live updates to those behind.


    "Aunt Wang is organizing people to throw ropes again to rescue someone. Bai Fendou seems to be splashing around in the cesspool. No one wants to save him, everyone''s cursing..."


    "Jiang Lu and Wang Xiangxiu are fighting. Wang Xiangxiu has Jiang Lu pinned to the ground, Jiang Lu is pulling Wang Xiangxiu''s hair, and Wang Xiangxiu is pinching Jiang Lu''s face..."


    "Madam Zhou Li is being ridden by Old Man Bai... well, they''re fighting anyway."


    Describing fights between men and women wasn''t exactly easy.


    He said, "Let me see... Aunt Su is hugging Jinlai and wailing."


    He tiptoed to get a better look and said, "It''s starting, they''re starting to rescue Bai Fendou... Where''s Zhou Qun? Ah, Zhou Qun is also watching the commotion."


    With his own mother and wife fighting, he was standing by watching the commotion, quite a character indeed.


    "Has Bai Fendou been fished out yet?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let me see, not yet! Not yet!"


    "Ah... so he''s full now?"


    Hearing this, Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and gagged.


    "Hey, don''t throw up, or you''ll get it on us."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why don''t you go up front and experience the scene yourself?"


    The guy who responded said, "I want to, but I can''t get through!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Come on, I''ll make way for you, go ahead, you''ll be satisfied."


    "Oh my, you think Bai Fendou won''t freeze to death in this cold weather?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who knows."


    Zhao Guihua spoke up at this moment, saying, "It shouldn''t be, the cesspool should have some warmth from fermentation, not like ice water."


    "Right, seems like it. I''ve never seen a cesspool freeze even in the coldest weather."


    "Who says it doesn''t freeze? I''ve seen it."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah, really."


    While those in the front were watching the commotion, feeling both disgusted and intrigued; those in the middle couldn''t see much but were passionately debating whether cesspools would freeze. It was as if they were discussing some important academic research.


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Those further back, the worst position for a bystander, could only rely on the middle section''s recounting.


    Ming Mei: "Next time there''s a lively event, we have to come out earlier."


    Liang Meifen nodded, and inadvertently turned back to see her father-in-law, Old Man Zhuang, even further back, even less useful. Even in the bustling crowd, he couldn''t squeeze in.


    The fight was fierce, and when the police arrived, the entire street had a peculiar, unforgettable smell, making one wonder if prolonged exposure would harm the nose.


    "Make way, everyone, make way, the police are here."


    "Quick, make way."


    Everyone, stop watching, disperse, this is not the place or time for a spectacle...


    ...


    As the police arrived, Bai Fendou was finally pulled up again. Hearing about the major incident, six police officers rushed over. However, upon reaching the scene, they all started retching.


    This was more disgusting than encountering a particularly gruesome scene.


    It was a different kind of awful, truly different.


    The central figures in the fight were now covered from head to toe, almost unbearable to look at.


    The leading police officer, struggling to endure the discomfort, asked, "What exactly happened here! Can anyone explain?"


    At this moment, Aunt Wang stepped forward without hesitation. She vividly recounted the entire sequence of events in detail, not out of a sense of duty, but because she had been at the forefront from the beginning. She knew the ins and outs of the situation intimately.


    This report was, of course, to be detailed, leaving nothing out.


    The cause and effect, babbled on, took another half an hour to finish, leaving the police officers: "..."


    Although the thief was indeed caught, the current state of affairs made it impossible to settle the case on the spot. "Everyone, go home and clean up first, and then we''ll make a detailed record and investigate this matter thoroughly."


    At this time, Aunt Su suddenly burst into tears, crying, "My Jinlai is innocent..."


    No one believed this. With over a hundred people present, everyone had seen the contents of the bundle. To claim innocence after stealing from two households was to treat everyone like fools. There was no way to get away with such nonsense.


    Immediately, someone said, "Innocent my foot, if Jinlai is innocent, the sun could rise in the west."


    "Exactly, still not admitting it, how thick-skinned can you be?"


    Zhao Guihua also shouted from a distance, "Aunt Su, you''re not exactly a paragon of virtue either. Your son stole, and not only did you help him deny it, you even lied that the salted fish was yours. It''s laughable, you know whether you have salted fish or not. You''re clearly trying to wriggle out of responsibility for my salted fish."


    "And my roast chicken, this was for my son to drink with. He ate half and went out to patrol and catch thieves. Who would have thought that while my son was out catching thieves, you came to steal from my house. Heartless, may lightning strike you down~" Madam Zhou Li''s voice was even louder than Zhao Guihua''s.


    She could stir up trouble even without a reason, let alone today when she was wronged.


    The police officers rubbed their temples and said sternly, "Aunt Su, one must be honest. This is not right, hurry and clean up, we''ll talk later."


    They weren''t just repulsed, but also worried someone might catch a chill, given they were pulled out of a cesspool.


    "Disperse, everyone, disperse!"


    "This matter..."


    "First clean up."


    Under the repeated urging of the police officers, everyone finally began to disperse, making way for those involved. However, going home? Absolutely not!


    Such a grand spectacle was unprecedented, and leaving was out of the question, absolutely out of the question.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "I''ve lived for over twenty years and never seen anything like this."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her son and said, "I''ve lived for forty-eight years and never seen anything like this either."


    If she counted her previous life, that would be close to a hundred and fifty years, and she still hadn''t seen anything like this. Zhao Guihua was truly amazed, deeply feeling she lacked the guts to fight like that.


    It was just too smelly. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She clicked her tongue.


    "Let''s go, let''s go home first."


    "How do we wash this off?"


    "I''ve got some on me too, going home to wash my clothes, wasting soap again."


    "You''re lucky, I only have this one cotton-padded jacket, what do I wear to work tomorrow if I wash it? Damn it, there''s no way to be this unfair, we must get an explanation."


    "Right, we must get an explanation."


    Those affected by the incident also reacted, starting to shout.


    The crowd was noisy, and Aunt Wang called out, "Could everyone help prepare some hot water..."


    "We haven''t washed our own clothes yet, why should we prepare hot water for them?"


    "It''s not that we don''t want to help, but there are so many of them, how much would it take?"


    Hearing this, Madam Zhou Li cursed, "You bastards, how can you be so heartless, giving us a little hot water would kill you! Don''t worry about others, we''re the most innocent, give it to us. Everyone, go home and boil water for us! Not doing it makes you a bastard!"


    "Tch~"


    "What kind of person is that."


    "Exactly!"


    "Get a grip, who cares about you!"


    Those who were thinking of going home to boil water stopped when they heard Madam Zhou Li''s shameless demand. Who would help her if she spoke like that?


    If you asked nicely, maybe some would help, but with such arrogance, who owes you anything?


    Aunt Wang was also rendered speechless by Madam Zhou Li''s words. Was this woman going to be stupid to death?


    Since that was the case, she didn''t bother to say more. She was also filthy herself and said, "I''m going home to change clothes too."


    Aunt Wang went home to change, but there were some who insisted on not leaving. The courtyard entrance was surrounded by layers of people, all gathered around their courtyard. If it weren''t for the public security officers insisting that everyone disperse, the surrounding crowd would have entered the courtyard to watch.


    Even so, the smell in the courtyard was quite indescribable.


    Ming Mei, though a curious and gossipy girl, knew at this moment that she couldn''t stay outside. Given the scene, she really couldn''t handle it. Don''t look at her as someone who could fight; she couldn''t engage in a fight in a cesspit.


    Ming Mei dashed home and peered out the window. Liang Meifen noticed and thought this sister-in-law was cunning. She needed to learn from her too, so she hurried home. If they fought again and fell into the manure, it wouldn''t be good.


    The two sisters-in-law went back to their respective rooms, with Ming Mei peering out the window, her eyes sparkling.


    Honestly, when things started, she really didn''t expect such a result, but the outcome was indeed...


    Just a few hours ago, the young couple was having their usual "emotional exchange." It would be strange for newlyweds not to engage in such exchanges. Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi explored many new mysteries together, finally finishing, only to find there was hardly any hot water left in the house.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly tidied up and went out to fetch water for Ming Mei to bathe. But unexpectedly, as he stepped out, he saw a shadow jump down from the window of his mother''s room. Old Man Zhuang was a heavy sleeper and didn''t notice anything.


    Zhuang Zhixi shouted "Thief!" and immediately gave chase. The thief ran fast, darting out quickly.


    After that, Ming Mei didn''t know what happened.


    She waited for a while but no one returned, so she had to get up and wash herself briefly. By the time she finished and went out, the scene had already turned into a big brawl. Although there were some interruptions, Ming Mei managed to watch the whole thing from the window. She listened as her husband was recounting the situation to the public security officers.


    After all, Zhuang Zhixi and his mother were among the few who knew what happened and were still clean.


    As for the others... they were currently boiling water to bathe, and the smell under the hot water was even more unbearable. Ming Mei thought this smell would probably linger for at least a week. The hot bath only made the smell more intense...


    Zhuang Zhixi, Zhuang Zhixi felt it even more acutely. He was standing in the courtyard, saying, "Naturally, I had to chase after seeing the thief. I didn''t know it was Su Jinlai, and I didn''t even think it could be him. Think about it, he didn''t run home, but outside. I was the first to chase out, and I could have been the first to catch the thief. But Bai Fendou, that bastard, bumped into me. I was in too much pain and saw several others were already chasing, knowing the thief couldn''t escape, so I didn''t force myself to chase. Luckily, my mother arrived and helped me to the side."


    He didn''t mention that Bai Fendou bumped into him to steal the credit, but everyone on the scene wasn''t stupid. They all knew the context.


    "Bai Fendou wanted to steal the credit, right? Afraid you''d catch him first, but ended up catching the son of his lover. It''s like a flood hitting the Dragon King''s temple."


    "Hahaha, what a mess this is."


    The public security officers listened to the discussions and roughly understood the situation. Because Zhuang Zhixi and his wife were praised for catching the thief, everyone in this area wanted to catch the thief.


    As a result, they caught the boy Su Jinlai.


    The dark-faced man who was the first to catch up with Jinlai was also there, as one of the key witnesses. He was allowed to enter the courtyard to recount the scene. He said, "When I was chasing, I actually noticed he was quite small, but I really didn''t think of him as a child. The situation was too urgent, who thinks about that?"


    He added, "Look, look at all this stuff on me, all splashed by them. I''m really unlucky, but I did a lot of work catching the thief."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, deeply agreeing. The dark-faced man did a lot of work indeed. If he hadn''t grabbed the bundle, Bai Fendou wouldn''t have fallen with Jinlai.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Public security officers, we caught Jinlai today, and it''s certain he did steal food from our house and Zhou''s. So, was he the one who stole from our neighborhood?"


    Everyone eagerly looked at the public security officers, knowing that whether or not it was Jinlai would greatly affect them.


    If it was Jinlai, they would have made a great contribution.


    If not, it was just a ten-year-old boy stealing food, which, although still petty theft, was not a major issue due to his young age. Plus, he had already received some punishment tonight, so it might just result in a reprimand and education.


    Then, their suffering would be in vain, and the merit would be minimal.


    The public security officers: "We''ll need to ask Su Jinlai a few more questions." He felt it probably wasn''t Jinlai. Although Jinlai was caught in the act, he stole food, which was in line with a child''s mentality.


    But the habitual thief in their neighborhood stole money and valuables, which was quite different.


    However, the public security officers didn''t make a definitive statement, and everyone waited.


    Indeed, as a reborn person, Zhao Guihua knew that the habitual thief in this neighborhood wasn''t the boy Su Jinlai but a twenty-something short man.


    That man was a habitual thief, but not very daring. In his previous life, he stabbed Zhuang Zhixi and was so scared that he dropped the knife and surrendered immediately. Later, he was sentenced to over ten years, and after getting out, he even came to their courtyard to apologize to Zhuang Zhixi.


    Some people, even after being imprisoned, don''t change and remain bad to the core.


    But many others, influenced by bad people in their youth and going down the wrong path, change after profound education. Like this thief, he reformed.


    He served over ten years and came out to start anew.


    So Zhao Guihua thought that if that thief could be caught, it would be a good thing for him.


    But now, whether or not they could catch that thief, the commotion caused by their neighborhood''s pursuit of the thief would certainly spread. Zhao Guihua felt they were likely to become famous. After all, there hadn''t been such a sensational event in Beijing.


    "What to do? What to do? My grandson has a fever..." Aunt Su''s crying voice came, tears streaming down her face, sounding very pitiful: "The child is scared and cold, he''s got a fever. Public security officers, you have to help us!"


    She didn''t just want to use her plight to gloss over the theft, but also to get some money to treat her grandson.


    This money, if she could save her own, she had to find a way.


    Zhao Guihua wanted to mock her a few times, but at the crucial moment, she held back.


    With so many people, it wasn''t her place to step out and risk being unpopular.


    In fact, such a situation happened in her previous life too, although not a fall into a cesspit, but something else. The Su Family called for donations for their family. At that time, Zhao Guihua already knew what kind of people the Su Family were and couldn''t help but expose them. As a result, the donations didn''t happen, and she actually saved money for everyone, but instead of being thanked, they said she was mean and not kind to a widow and her child.


    From then on, Zhao Guihua kept her distance from such people.


    She knew that even if you fought for everyone''s benefit, those who gain will still pretend to be good people.


    So why bother?


    Indeed, this time Zhao Guihua didn''t speak, but someone else was unhappy, saying, "Aunt Su, stop pretending. Your Su Jinlai usually bullies other kids, steals their things, and we''ve already let it go. Now he''s started stealing too, and could run faster than a rabbit. It''s not right for him to suddenly become weak."


    "Yeah, you guys should hurry up and clean up and deal with the situation. We still have to go to work tomorrow."


    "Why don''t you let Zhuang Zhixi take a look? He works in the clinic, right?"


    Who knows which brain-dead idiot said that.


    The police officers immediately turned to Zhuang Zhixi, their eyes filled with hope. Zhuang Zhixi, exasperated, raised an eyebrow and said, "For the hundredth time, I reiterate that I am a cashier at the clinic, not a doctor. How many times have I said this, yet someone still expects me to diagnose? Honestly, I suspect you all have it out for the Su Family and are deliberately setting me up to harm someone. Otherwise, why would you insist on having me, someone who is clearly not a doctor, diagnose? That''s not diagnosing; it''s asking for trouble! What kind of heart is that?"


    This time, Zhuang Zhixi was not holding back at all.


    It''s not that he wasn''t annoyed; it had happened so many times already. If he didn''t put his foot down, this nonsense would never end. Every little thing was being pushed onto him!


    "Who said that just now? Let me see who it was."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Aunt Su, you better remember who said that, because next time they might not just talk but actually take action."


    The one who spoke was from the neighboring courtyard. He stood at the door, looking rather downcast, but he knew he had to clear things up quickly, or he''d be in trouble later.


    He quickly said, "I didn''t mean it that way. I just didn''t react in time. I have no intention of harming anyone; I have no grudge against anyone. You can''t just make accusations."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled lightly, "Were you not speaking nonsense just now? I''ve been working at the clinic for years, and you still got that wrong. Isn''t that deliberate? The police officers might not know I''m not a doctor, but surely you all do?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was not holding back, and everyone else felt awkward.


    It wasn''t... well, it wasn''t entirely deliberate, just a bit of an oversight...


    Besides, he had received rewards, which naturally made people a bit envious. It was inevitable that they''d want to make things a bit difficult for him.


    It wasn''t a big deal, but he would definitely have to explain in detail that he wasn''t a doctor, which would make Zhuang Zhixi look bad. After all, wouldn''t it be embarrassing for someone working at a clinic not to have medical skills?


    But they didn''t expect Zhuang Zhixi to be so blunt in his response.


    With Zhuang Zhixi not holding back, the one who spoke didn''t dare to say anything more, fearing Zhuang Zhixi might say something even more unpleasant.


    The police officer coughed, "If your child is unwell, take them to the hospital, but that''s not a way to avoid dealing with this matter. We must get to the bottom of it."


    Aunt Su: "But, but we don''t have much money left..."


    "I have some!" Old Man Bai shouted.


    He rushed out halfway through his bath, wrapped in a coat: "I have some, let''s get the child treated first!"


    The surrounding crowd: "......"


    He''s really head over heels.


    In these times, such devotion is rare.


    Even his son, Bai Fendou, is like that, but Bai Fendou still can''t compare to Old Man Bai. After all, Bai Fendou can still save up some money to buy a bicycle for himself, while Old Man Bai is completely under Aunt Su''s control, from his prime years to old age, still a loyal dog.


    Aunt Su gently said, "Thank you, I knew you were a good man."


    Old Man Bai smiled.


    He was proud and satisfied.


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "Can this be resolved before dawn? I still have to go to work."


    This was true; from catching the thief until now, several hours had passed. Winter days are long, but it''s not like it''s still early now.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "If you can''t handle it, go back and rest. You still have to work tomorrow, and there''s nothing much for you to do here anyway."


    It couldn''t be said there was nothing for him to do, but Zhuang Zhixi had already clarified his role. The rest of the matters were mostly unrelated to him. He was just a discoverer, pushed aside.


    The police officer probably also realized Zhuang Zhixi''s role here was minimal, so he said, "If you can''t take it, go rest."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at the police officer, then at his mother, and said, "Alright, I''ll go back and rest."


    He actually wanted to watch the whole drama unfold, but the smell was too overwhelming. He felt like he might faint if he stayed any longer. The smell in the yard was worse than the toilet.


    Hot water baths can be dangerous!


    Zhuang Zhixi fled, and Old Man Zhuang was also sent back to rest by Zhao Guihua. He did delicate work and couldn''t afford to be tired. Old Man Zhuang always listened to Zhao Guihua, so he obediently went back to the room.


    The Zhuang father and son couldn''t take it, but others were determined to stay and watch the whole show.


    Zhuang Zhixi entered the room, and Ming Mei immediately covered her nose, saying, "Close the door quickly, close the door quickly."


    Even though the door was closed, the smell still seeped in. But even so, it was better than leaving it open. Ming Mei covered her nose and looked Zhuang Zhixi up and down, saying, "You stink too."


    Zhuang Zhixi swore, "I kept my distance from the start, absolutely no problem."


    Ming Mei nodded, "Then take off your jacket too."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought about it and agreed. He took off his jacket and stood shoulder to shoulder with Ming Mei at the window, watching the commotion. They opened a small crack in the window. They couldn''t open it fully because the smell was unbearable.


    Zhuang Zhixi put his arm around Ming Mei''s shoulder and asked, "Are you cold?"


    Ming Mei: "No."


    She whispered softly, "Aren''t you going to sleep?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "Sleep? I''m watching the drama. My job is easy, I can catch up on sleep tomorrow during the day."


    Ming Mei pouted, "You''re slacking off."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "So what if I am?"


    He gently tapped her, saying, "What about you? Aren''t you going to rest early? Will you have the energy to work tomorrow?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "No energy, but if I don''t watch, I''ll regret it."


    She tilted her head and pouted, "You said the thief couldn''t be Su Jinlai, and look, how embarrassing is that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Who said it wasn''t? But I guess the habitual thief isn''t him. I just don''t know why he decided to steal today."


    Ming Mei guessed, "Maybe he thought you all were out patrolling and took the chance to break in?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh."


    He said, "I hope this lesson is enough, otherwise having a thief in the same courtyard will be a nightmare."


    Ming Mei softly agreed, then couldn''t help but murmur curiously, "Why didn''t he go home when you caught him? Instead, he ran outside and towards the toilet. Now he''s really full."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He sighed, "Wife, that''s a bit gross, isn''t it?"


    Ming Mei: "Didn''t he eat?"


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi, puzzled, thinking he must have eaten. After all, he was so small, he must have had a few gulps.


    Zhuang Zhixi had a black face, helplessly smiled, then said, "He must have eaten."


    Once he fell in, there was no way he wouldn''t have eaten.


    He rubbed his stomach, feeling like he could skip breakfast tomorrow.


    Aliali: 674b9881c4f3f33ac4a482ee


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t bear to think about it, it was too gross. He quickly shifted his thoughts, saying, "I can guess why he ran outside instead of going home."


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If he went home, we''d immediately know it was him. Even if he got inside, we could still go in and take back what he stole, and reprimand him severely. But if he ran outside, he thought he could escape? He''s young and easy to hide. If he hid in the night, maybe the whole thing would be forgotten. He ran towards the toilet, I can guess why. He could hide there, and if he managed to evade capture, he could say he was just going to the toilet. With his family backing him up, no one would question when he went out."


    Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t thought about it when he started chasing, but after so long, he figured out what Su Jinlai was up to.


    He smirked, "I didn''t recognize him at first, but when he bolted out of the courtyard, I knew it was him. So when they all rushed to chase, I just let it be. There''s no benefit in catching him, and I''d be exhausted. Plus, he ran towards the toilet, and I had a bad feeling about that."


    Ming Mei giggled and said, "You''re just talking nonsense... ''Unlucky premonition''? Don''t you dare say that outside, or people will think you''re superstitious."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled gently, poking her cheek and said, "My premonition isn''t some kind of superstition. Look, Su Jinlai is running pretty fast, but there are so many people chasing him, it''s easy for him to panic and choose the wrong path. That''s a toilet, not just any place. If anything small were to happen, it would be disgusting. That''s why I was really scared and didn''t dare to chase him. And look, my premonition was right, wasn''t it? Something really did go wrong... I tell you, my mother, Zhao Guihua, should thank me. If I hadn''t pretended to be uncomfortable from being bumped, she might have rushed to the front. Look how big of a hole we managed to avoid."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought about this and felt that he was indeed very wise.


    He sighed, "I''m just too clever."


    There won''t be any falling-down scenes below~

 Chapter 31

    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.

 Chapter 32

    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.


    Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.


    Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.

 Chapter 33

    The police officers hurried along with Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou towards the scene.


    This street was having trouble again.


    Again, and again, and yet again, there was trouble.


    It had to be said that this alley had an unusually high incident rate, especially this particular courtyard. The police officers looked at the two people who had fallen into the sewage pit last time, thinking they must have some sort of strange luck about them.


    However, since Zhou Qun was the victim this time, the police officers didn''t quite know how to sympathize with him.


    Everyone rushed over, and upon arrival, they heard crying from the bathroom: "I''m sorry! Help me!"


    The word "help" was particularly sensitive to police officers. Their expressions changed, and they immediately rushed toward the bathroom. At that moment, they hadn''t realized this was the same bathroom from last time - the bathroom where a major incident had occurred.


    They had no time to think about such things and rushed in quickly. Upon entering, they saw eight people each holding a stick, with a trembling poor soul in the middle.


    The poor soul was crouching on the ground, hands covering his head. Upon seeing the police, he shouted: "Officers, save me! I''m the thief!"


    The police officers were speechless.


    This was quite ridiculous.


    Zhang San didn''t want to be scared, but having been a thief for so many years, he''d heard many stories about caught thieves being beaten up before being handed over to the authorities, just to vent some anger.


    Many ended up barely able to breathe from the beating.


    So when he saw how formidable these people looked, he became terrified, extremely terrified.


    After all, he remembered the phrase "beaten to death by clubs," and if they really started hitting him, he''d be finished. He looked at the police officers pitifully and cried, "I was wrong, I know I was wrong, I really know I was wrong. Please arrest me quickly."


    Zhao Guihua was speechless.


    Looking at this coward, she wondered what kind of courage he must have had in his previous life to stab someone.


    The lead officer was Police Officer Li, who was familiar with Zhuang Zhixi. Officer Li looked at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Oh, it''s you again!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Yes, it''s me again."


    Officer Li: "You guys handcuff the thief and take him back to the station!"


    Although they thought it would be good to teach the thief a lesson with a beating, this street had quite a reputation, and he was worried something might happen - not afraid of someone getting beaten up badly, but afraid of someone being pushed into the sewage pit. If someone fell into the sewage pit, they''d have to fish them out, and that would be truly miserable.


    Everyone was normal people, and they really couldn''t handle swimming butterfly stroke in a sewage pit.


    Officer Li acted decisively and quickly: "Hurry up, and the rest of you come with me to the station to make statements."


    "Alright."


    Officer Li resolved the situation swiftly. By the time Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun squeezed in, everything was settled, and it had nothing to do with them anymore. Zhou Qun shouted: "Is that him! Is he the one who stole from my house?"


    Zhang San nodded sincerely: "Yes, it was me."


    Zhou Qun: "I''ll kill you..."


    He rolled up his sleeves and was about to charge forward, but was quickly stopped by a young police officer who said, "Don''t fight now, let''s go to the police station first. We''ll definitely give you a proper resolution."


    Even without Officer Li''s signal, they knew absolutely not to let anyone fight in the bathroom. Last time... was still vivid in their memories.


    He was also one of the young officers present at the scene last time. That scene was indescribable - he couldn''t eat properly for three days. Today he had finally returned to normal, and absolutely nothing could go wrong again.


    No, absolutely not!


    The officers were of one mind and moved quickly. Soon, everyone was heading to the police station.


    As the courtyard manager, Auntie Wang had to go;


    As the first discoverer and the first to take action, Zhao Guihua had to go too;


    Old Man Zhuang... he had to accompany his wife;


    The others, rarely having such a moment in the spotlight, also had to go.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand voluntarily: "I won''t go then. I''ll go inform everyone about the situation. We still have two groups searching for the thief. I''ll let them know so they don''t waste their effort."


    Officer Li: "Alright, thank you."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "It''s my duty, serving the people."


    They quickly split up, and Zhuang Zhixi jogged off to inform people. When everyone heard the thief had been caught, they were overjoyed, though slightly disappointed it wasn''t them who caught him. However, this didn''t stop them from wanting to go to the police station to see what was happening, after all, they had contributed too.


    It was just bad luck they hadn''t found the thief.


    But since they had patrolled, they should go and see.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched them head to the police station while he returned to the courtyard to inform others of the situation. When Madam Zhou Li heard the thief was caught, she ran straight out the main gate without a word. Watching her running figure, Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "Madam Zhou is quite capable. I''m cold even wearing a padded jacket, but she dares to go out in just thermal underwear."


    The people in the courtyard nodded at his words, sighing: "When you get old, you don''t feel the cold anymore."


    "Not feeling cold is one thing, but wearing just thermal underwear isn''t proper, is it?"


    "It doesn''t matter, nobody looks at old folks!"


    "It''s not about whether people look or not, how long has it been since she washed those clothes..."


    "Let''s not meddle."


    "That''s true."


    Madam Zhou Li was a rough old character, and nobody wanted to get involved with her affairs. She was the type who wouldn''t appreciate help even if you gave it, and if you said something wrong, she''d hold a grudge.


    There was really no point in reminding such a person.


    Everyone quickly stopped talking about Madam Zhou and asked: "Little Zhuang, where did you catch him?"


    "Yeah, you guys are impressive, actually managing to catch him." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''ve got skills! Little Zhuang, I thought it was just luck when you caught someone last time, but now I see you''re really capable."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed softly, very sincerely: "Actually, it''s mainly thanks to how capable the aunties are. We young people just followed along making a show of force. Led by my mother, and Auntie Wang, they''re all really formidable."


    Hearing this, Cook Li, who was watching the commotion, nodded slightly - his wife was among them too.


    "So they''ve all gone to the police station?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "They''ve all gone. If I hadn''t come back to inform everyone, I would have gone too. But since I''m back, I won''t go now."


    After all, he wouldn''t miss out on any credit due to him, and he didn''t need to rush over there. He needed his rest.


    Though he was young, he couldn''t wear himself out.


    He smiled and said: "Well, I''m heading back now."


    "Don''t go yet, tell us more!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I don''t really know the details. I only came out when Brother Zhou Qun called for people, and I just walked around with my mother for a while before we caught him. I don''t know much more. If you want to know the details, just wait for those who went to the police station - they''ll know everything when they come back."


    "That''s true."


    "Should we go to the police station and take a look?"


    "Sure... oh wait, better not. What if another thief comes while everyone''s gone?"


    "How many thieves could there be?"


    "You never know, in our courtyard... never mind, let''s hurry back home."


    Everyone dispersed, and Zhuang Zhixi went home too. His older brother wasn''t home, and his sister-in-law had taken the two children to sleep in her room. Zhuang Zhixi went to the window and quietly said, "Sister-in-law, everything''s fine now, get some rest."


    Liang Meifen: "...???"


    I was waiting for you to tell me more details, and you''re just going to sleep?


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t care what Liang Meifen was thinking. He had only come out because he heard the commotion, and if his mother hadn''t been patrolling to catch the thief, he wouldn''t have gotten involved in such matters. He only joined the search because he was worried about his mother.


    He pushed open his door and saw his wife waiting for him with bright eyes. Zhuang Zhixi closed the door, quickly took off his clothes and dove under the covers, saying: "Warm me up."


    Ming Mei''s long eyelashes fluttered as she asked: "Did you catch him?"


    Zhuang Zhixi proudly said: "Of course."


    He smiled and said: "It was just a small matter."


    Ming Mei patted his shoulder and said: "You''re quite impressive. I didn''t expect you all to be so capable."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Just luck, just luck."


    He rolled onto his back and said: "Let''s sleep early, I have to work tomorrow."


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow and suddenly leaned in close to him, whispering, "What''s wrong?"


    She felt something was off about him. She gently moved closer to his face, so close that she could see the fine down on his cheeks, and pouted, "Is there something bothering you? You seem a bit off today."


    Zhuang Zhixi blinked and suddenly reached out to pull his wife into his embrace. Ming Mei pressed against his face, murmuring, "What are you doing! I was just trying to show concern, and you''re messing around."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, but didn''t say anything. Instead, he hugged Ming Mei tighter and closed his eyes.


    Ming Mei poked his chest, saying, "Hey, I''m asking you."


    Seeing Ming Mei persistently asking, Zhuang Zhixi finally sighed and said, "You''re really a curious cat."


    Ming Mei shyly smiled and said, "If you don''t want to talk about it, then don''t. I was just concerned about you. If you don''t want to say, then let''s sleep."


    She turned off the light and found a comfortable position to lie down, saying, "Good night."


    Zhuang Zhixi gently patted her, and at this moment, he spoke up, "My mom really cares about me."


    His sudden remark made Ming Mei look up in surprise. Zhuang Zhixi pressed his forehead against Ming Mei''s and whispered, "Today, we heard noises in the bathroom. I was originally in front, but my mom pulled me to the back. Although she said some irrelevant things, I knew she was worried about me getting into trouble. I felt it very clearly; she was really concerned."


    An outsider might not sense it, but how could a son not feel it?


    Ming Mei listened quietly for a moment, then softly said, "Isn''t that normal?"


    She gently smiled and said, "You''re her child; of course, she cares about you."


    Zhuang Zhixi pursed his lips and said, "I always thought my parents liked my older brother more, so they could tolerate my sister-in-law''s nonsense. They didn''t seem to like me as much..."


    Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi''s flesh and twisted it.


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Ow, why did you suddenly pinch me?"


    Ming Mei confidently said, "I''m just trying to wake you up! Your mom obviously likes you a lot. I never doubted that, so why do you doubt it yourself? Although your older brother is the eldest, you''re also great. You two have different personalities, so your parents'' attitudes towards you are naturally different. But that doesn''t mean they like your older brother more. As for your sister-in-law, look at me, I''m so lazy, and your mom hasn''t said anything. A mother-in-law''s feelings for her daughter-in-law are limited, it''s all about her sons. So I think your mom still likes you a lot."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and teased, "You''re aware of how lazy you are, huh?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "I don''t like doing chores."


    She was quite straightforward about it.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "Hey, wife, you know quite a bit. You don''t seem like someone who knows so much."


    Ming Mei replied, "Before I got married, my mom gave me a lesson. I had some extra tutoring."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, realizing that was true. His mother-in-law seemed very shrewd, and he could sense that after a few interactions. Not many people could outsmart her.


    Ming Mei nuzzled her head against Zhuang Zhixi''s neck like a kitten, finding a more comfortable position, and said, "You think too much. Let''s sleep."


    She mumbled, "Smart people just overthink things. It''s really unnecessary."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly, giving her a gentle pat, feeling her plumpness.


    Ming Mei glared, "You''re just getting back at me!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked, "Am not."


    He held her tighter and said, "Sleep tight."


    Both of them were young and loved sleeping. Before long, they fell asleep. When they woke up, it was early morning, and the rest of the family had already returned. They hadn''t even noticed. Zhuang Zhixi brushed his teeth and shouted, "Mom, what happened last night? When did you guys get back?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We came back soon after. Just a routine report, how long could it take?"


    "Was that thief really the one who''s been stealing from many houses lately?" Zhuang Zhixi asked curiously, finding it hard to believe there could be such a foolish and cowardly thief.


    Zhao Guihua confirmed it with a nod, "That''s him!"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Truly, one can''t judge a book by its cover."


    He looked ordinary, and his demeanor was timid.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her son standing in the courtyard, guessing what he was thinking, but she didn''t comment further. Instead, she said, "It''s good that he was caught. Maybe he''ll turn over a new leaf."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded in agreement.


    While the mother and son were talking, Liang Meifen hesitantly approached Zhao Guihua and whispered, "Mom, since you caught the thief, isn''t there... something..."


    Her unspoken words were clear in her eyes.


    Zhao Guihua looked up and asked, "What?"


    She retorted, "What do you want to say?"


    Liang Meifen hesitated, then forced a smile and whispered, "Since you caught the thief, there should be some kind of... reward, right?"


    After all, the younger couple had received a reward before.


    Zhao Guihua knew this eldest daughter-in-law was always calculating such things. She said, "I don''t know. They didn''t mention it, so it probably depends on the situation. But regardless, I think Auntie Wang deserves the most thanks. The police station probably has its own considerations."


    This wasn''t just empty talk. Although Zhao Guihua always took her patrols seriously, Auntie Wang was the one who really put in the effort. On days she wasn''t patrolling, she still often walked around their courtyard, ensuring their safety. She was a very conscientious person.


    Liang Meifen, however, was unimpressed and pouted.


    Before she could say anything, the neighbors from the Su family came out to wash up. Today, both the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had sullen faces, looking like someone owed them money. Even the usually good-at-pretending Aunt Su wasn''t putting on a show.


    It was obvious they were upset for missing out on the chance to catch the thief and the resulting honor.


    In those times, people valued such honors a lot, whether for salary increases or other benefits. Missing out on such an opportunity was naturally disheartening.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t engage in small talk and just called out, "Zhuang Zhixi, come back for breakfast."


    Zhuang Zhixi responded with an "Oh" and spat out the toothpaste foam. As he walked back, he saw his wife rubbing her eyes and coming out. He smiled and approached, placing his cold hands on her cheeks.


    Ming Mei quickly dodged, saying, "Zhuang Zhixi, you''re so mean!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed heartily and said, "I''m just trying to wake you up."


    He held her hand and said with a smile, "The water''s cold. I''ll get you some hot water."


    Their room''s hot water had run out. It couldn''t be helped; young couples often had a lot of nighttime activities. They boiled a kettle of hot water every evening, and it always ran out. This led Liang Meifen to grumble about the quick use of coal briquettes.


    However, she didn''t say this to the couple''s face, so they weren''t aware.


    Zhuang Zhixi went to the main house to get hot water. Liang Meifen glanced at him, her mouth twitching as if she wanted to say something but held back. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t pay attention to his sister-in-law''s troubled expression and went about his business. He didn''t think it was a big deal. After all, he had given the family a bicycle coupon, which was worth money.


    So it wasn''t about splitting everything down to the last detail.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t dwell on it, and Ming Mei certainly didn''t either. She wasn''t the type to notice subtle expressions or overanalyze things. Life would be too tiring if everything had to be dissected.


    Ming Mei couldn''t be bothered with such things.


    As the young couple walked to work together, they passed by the restroom area. Zhuang Zhixi sincerely remarked, "What a restroom filled with stories."


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement, feeling the same way.


    As they gazed at the restroom, they saw Lao Baotou, the man in charge of transporting the waste, coming around from the back. Upon spotting Zhuang Zhixi, his eyes lit up and he asked, "Xiao Zhuang, I heard they caught a thief in the restroom yesterday?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, but don''t worry this time, no one fell into the pit."


    Lao Baotou: "..."


    You really know what I''m worried about.


    However, he had more thoughts on his mind.


    Lao Baotou: "Come, Uncle Bao will take a moment of your time. I need to discuss something with you."


    Zhuang Zhixi was taken aback but then said, "Alright, wife, you go ahead first."


    Ming Mei looked curiously at them, nodded, and said in a soft voice, "I''m leaving."


    Zhuang Zhixi squeezed her palm and smiled, "Go ahead, I''ll pick you up after work."


    Ming Mei rolled her eyes, "You always say you''ll pick me up, but you''ve never succeeded..."


    It had become a strange phenomenon. Every time Zhuang Zhixi said he would pick her up, she would finish work early. Not once had it been an exception. Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi silently, who firmly said, "This time, I will definitely come."


    Ming Mei muttered, "I hope I don''t finish work early."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "If you finish work early today, I''ll pick you up tomorrow. If you finish early tomorrow, I''ll pick you up the day after. I will definitely pick you up."


    Ming Mei pouted, "You don''t have to, you work hard too. You don''t need to pick me up."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How can I not? It''s especially necessary. You''re my wife."


    Ming Mei smiled happily. She pouted again, "Well... okay."


    She waved her little hand, "I''m leaving."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Be careful on your bike."


    Ming Mei: "I know!"


    She could even ride with both hands off the handlebars, so cool. But she didn''t need to tell this guy that.


    Ming Mei rode off, and Zhuang Zhixi watched her until she was out of sight. He then asked with a smile, "Uncle Bao, what did you want to talk to me about?"


    Uncle Bao: "It''s about this public restroom."


    Uncle Bao was struggling too.


    He was in charge of the public restrooms in the entire eastern district of their street. His job involved collecting waste from each restroom every morning with a tricycle. He started around 3-4 AM when it was just getting light. By the time people went to work, he was almost done.


    He never missed a beat in his work. The street was divided into eastern and western districts, and even when they competed, he never lost. Not once!


    But recently, in Xinghua Lane, he had been struggling a lot. It wasn''t just talk; it was very real. Take the waste pit incident, for example. That day, his work dragged on until noon, and the yield was less than usual.


    They, the waste collectors, belonged to the municipal department. After collecting the waste, they had to transport it to the surrounding rural areas to be used as fertilizer.


    But that day, how much was wasted. It pained Old Bao.


    This affected his work efficiency and reduced the yield, making him very distressed.


    Zhuang Zhixi heard this and said, "Uncle Bao, what exactly do you want to say? Just say it directly. You don''t need to go through all this."


    Uncle Bao: "I just want you to know how difficult it is for me!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "So...?"


    Uncle Bao: "I heard this morning that you caught another thief in the restroom. My heart skipped a beat. There are dozens of restrooms in the eastern district, but only the ones in Xinghua Lane have so many problems! I''m really afraid someone else will fall in. I came over this morning with a nervous heart, but luckily, no more incidents."


    He sincerely said, "Can''t you perform elsewhere? Why does it have to be in the restroom?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, nodding in agreement and feeling a bit proud, "Yes, who let us be so heroic? So there are more stories."


    Uncle Bao: "..."


    That''s not really something to be proud of, is it?


    He took a deep breath and said, "I''m very worried about this area. So, I want to ask you to write a sign."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Just this small matter?"


    So after talking for ten minutes, it''s just for this?


    Uncle Bao raised his voice, "How is this a small matter? It''s a very big deal! It concerns the harvest of farmers in the suburbs and the reputation of this restroom."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Didn''t think a restroom had much of a reputation.


    "So what do you want written?"


    Uncle Bao was troubled here. He said, "That''s why I''m asking you. You''re a high school graduate, help me think about what to write to prevent people from falling into the restroom?"


    He said seriously, "This is the most serious thing!"


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and said, "How about putting up a sign here that says ''No Bathing Allowed''?"


    Uncle Bao was stunned, then quickly nodded, "That''s good. This is a waste pit, not a place for messing around!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Will you write it yourself, or should I help you?"


    Uncle Bao: "I''d appreciate it if you could help."


    Zhuang Zhixi said with a smile, "It''s no problem, just a small favor. I don''t mind helping."


    Uncle Bao was very grateful, "You''re really a good young man. Thank you so much. I knew you had a quick mind as a scholar. Yes, put up a sign like that, behind the restroom. I think it''s good."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "I''ll have it ready for you tomorrow morning."


    Uncle Bao: "Alright, alright."


    Zhuang Zhixi could finally go to work. He felt he had done a good deed.


    You see, young people should do good deeds often.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and left. Just then, his mother, Zhao Guihua, came out to use the restroom. Seeing her son from afar, she felt something was off. She wondered what he had done this time. But as a mother, she didn''t bother with those details.


    And it wasn''t just Uncle Bao who had an aversion to this restroom area. Zhao Guihua did too.


    After all, she had witnessed the aftermath.


    Zhao Guihua came out fastening her pants and saw Auntie Lian and a few other women approaching. Auntie Lian deeply remarked, "What a magical restroom. Sister Zhao, I heard there was another commotion here?"


    Zhao Guihua: "You really have a lot of energy."


    They came early in the morning just to watch the restroom. What kind of spirit is that? So idle. Truly, quite impressive.


    Zhao Guihua: "A thief was caught here last night."


    Auntie Lian whispered to the other old ladies, "You know, isn''t there a saying that everything happens for a reason? A few days ago, wasn''t there a ghost crying here? Maybe that ghost is just, you know, doing her duty. Can''t stand thieves, so when a thief comes near the restroom, she uses her supernatural powers to help people catch the thief."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Are you acting out a ghost story or something?


    Rumors spread like this, don''t they?


    If Zhao Guihua didn''t know that the "crying ghost" was just her daughter-in-law, Liang Meifen, who liked to cry in the restroom, she might have believed it.


    Auntie Lian''s sisters-in-law kept tugging at her sleeve, warning her repeatedly, "Don''t spread superstition."


    Auntie Lian: "Hey, no outsiders here. Trust me, I know a lot."


    She wasn''t a fool; she knew what saying such things meant. But when people are struggling to eat, they don''t think too much. If she got caught, it wouldn''t be bad either. Free food, right?


    Whether inside or outside, it''s all work.


    So Auntie Lian wasn''t too worried. She just hoped to use some superstition to trick... err, earn some money for food.


    Someone always believes in this stuff.


    She smiled, "I''m just saying, I know you won''t turn me in."


    Everyone nodded and looked at Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua: "I don''t have the time for all this. You guys come over just to watch the fun, you really are quite idle."


    "Well, there''s nothing else to do anyway."


    "Oh, by the way, I heard your neighbor got robbed of a lot of money, and even gold jewelry, is that true?"


    Zhao Guihua laughed: "You all know about that already?"


    "Of course, who doesn''t know he''s rich? He''s always showing off. My seventh uncle''s eighth aunt''s niece knows he''s the richest in this area. If a thief isn''t going to rob him, who else would they go for? He''s really showing off too much."


    Madam Zhou Li''s reputation certainly travels far.


    This time, the reputation of being rich is probably spreading even further. Zhao Guihua lamented that such a reputation spreading out is not a good thing. Although their family are all working-class people, they don''t attract young thieves, but it''s better to be cautious than to be targeted.


    It''s likely that thieves all over the city of Beijing know about their family now.


    Zhao Guihua silently hoped that no more thieves would come, and if they did, they wouldn''t knock on the wrong door.


    "Hey, I heard Jiang Lu''s gold jewelry was part of her dowry for her wedding?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I left after giving my statement, so I''m not clear on the specifics. I can''t compare with those young people, my old bones can''t handle staying up all night. I left early, so I don''t know the details."


    "Oh, you missed out on the gossip."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s true."


    The group chatted and laughed, dispersing to watch the commotion around the toilet. Auntie Lian quietly approached Zhao Guihua and said, "You live in this area, and this toilet is in such a state, aren''t you afraid?"


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    Auntie Lian whispered mysteriously, "I have black dog blood, you know, black dog blood is the best for warding off evil spirits, capable of repelling anything unclean. If you''re interested, I can give you a bottle. But this stuff is expensive, I can''t give it to you for free, just give me the cost..."


    Zhao Guihua: "?????"


    So, she really was trying to turn her into a customer, huh?


    It seems Auntie Lian is really not afraid of getting caught, so obvious, yet so unconcerned.


    Ordinary people engaging in superstitious activities aren''t as blatant as she is. So her previous "news" seems to have some discrepancies with reality. She remembered the rumor from her past life that Auntie Lian always managed to escape punishment by crying, making a scene, and threatening to hang herself.


    Now it seems, Auntie Lian doesn''t care if she gets caught at all.


    Most likely, she even wishes to get caught to enjoy the free food.


    She''s probably a penniless old lady, so no one wants to bother with her.


    Zhao Guihua smiled calmly: "I''m afraid of everything, but not of ghosts."


    She said firmly: "If a ghost really comes to me, I can pin it down and kill it!"


    Her tone was resolute and fierce. Auntie Lian swallowed hard, took a step back, and said, "You''re fierce, you don''t need it at all."


    Ghosts are also afraid of evil people.


    She missed out on a business opportunity.


    Alas!


    But Auntie Lian, not having made the sale, started another business, saying, "Hey, I see your clothes are quite old, haven''t changed in years, right? I have a way to get some cloth, do you want it?"


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­"


    To be honest, she approached Auntie Lian for this very reason, originally thinking that speculation and profiteering were serious matters, but never expected Auntie Lian to be so proactive. Zhao Guihua again felt a sense of wonder, do you really want to go to jail for free food?


    However, this time, she said firmly, "I do want it, but my family is big, we don''t have enough cloth coupons. If you have a way, you must introduce it to me, I won''t let you work for nothing."


    Auntie Lian immediately smiled, she knew this business wouldn''t fail, there''s always a way. Although Auntie Lian seems not to use her brain, she understands well. Such a penniless old lady, if someone takes the initiative to approach, there must be a reason, just not sure which one.


    Now she knows, it''s for the fabric. If there''s business, you have to do it, Auntie Lian said, "Then I''ll make the arrangements, set a date, and you come with me then."


    Zhao Guihua also smiled: "Good."


    Both were quite understanding.


    The two exchanged a tacit smile, Auntie Lian looked at Zhao Guihua''s courtyard and said, "Your courtyard has a lot of things going on lately."


    Zhao Guihua was calm: "It''s always been busy, not just recently."


    Auntie Lian: "¡­¡­"


    She thought for a moment, thought, no wonder she''s so fierce and not afraid of anything.


    But she''s not afraid, others might be. Like that Jiang Lu, she knows her? That young wife came to her to buy black dog blood. So, can she make money again? Thinking this, Auntie Lian smiled slightly, feeling a bright future.


    Zhao Guihua and Auntie Lian agreed and parted ways, Zhao Guihua went home and pondered. She now understood that Auntie Lian certainly wasn''t selling real black dog blood, where would she get so much black dog blood to sell?


    She could sell it so openly to her, she could certainly sell it to others too.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t believe she was selling black dog blood.


    This time, Zhao Guihua guessed right, Auntie Lian indeed didn''t have that much black dog blood, it was all a lie. As an old lady, would she dare to catch a dog? Not even a stray dog, let alone a black one! Where would she dare!


    What she sold was chicken blood and duck blood, she could still get a little with her thick-skinned ways. She diluted it herself and sold it just right. This business was smoother than selling cloth.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t buy it and didn''t delve into what she was doing, anyway, it''s all about making a living. She went home, grabbed her fishing rod, and rode out on her bike. This time, she was heading to the mountains, she hadn''t been there in a long time, the fish in that pond must have grown quite a bit.


    Zhao Guihua quickly rode her bike towards the outskirts, she brought along some dry food and didn''t plan to return at noon.


    In a couple of days, the kids would all be back to school, and Liang Meifen could join her, the two of them would surely have better harvests. Zhao Guihua didn''t intend to sell the fish, but eating it herself was great too, a bit of meat is always better than just eating vegetables.


    Radish and cabbage, endlessly, she was a bit tired of it.


    When life gets better, you especially love vegetables, especially those grown by farmers themselves, they taste especially fragrant even when stir-fried without anything. But after coming back to life, Zhao Guihua didn''t feel that way at all.


    It hadn''t been long, and she already loved fish, loved meat, loved oily food!


    As for the health regimen from her previous life, forget it.


    She wanted to eat meat!


    Indeed, all vegetarianism is an idea that comes after life gets better. When life is hard, she still loves big fish and big meat. Zhao Guihua pedaled her bike to the outskirts. No wonder everyone wants a bike.


    It really is convenient.


    So, people keep contradicting themselves.


    She used to disdain bicycles, but now she finds them delightful.


    She used to disdain big fish and big meat, but now she finds them super delicious.


    People are like that.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t force herself to live a healthy life, she didn''t live healthily in her previous life either, eating and scolding as she pleased, still living to over a hundred. So there''s no need to follow a fixed pattern.


    The mountain road wasn''t easy, but there were paths, and she could ride her bike.


    This is the outskirts of the capital city of Beijing, if it were elsewhere, there wouldn''t be such a good mountain road. Zhao Guihua rode her bike up the mountain, suddenly, a sharp brake, feeling something flash past the front of her bike.


    Zhao Guihua: "!!!"


    White?


    Could it really be a ghost?


    She shook her head vigorously, thinking she shouldn''t have listened to Auntie Lian''s nonsense, there''s no such thing as a ghost, even if there were, they wouldn''t come out in broad daylight! She stopped her bike, stood still, looked around, and after a while, heard a rustling sound, looked closely, oh, it was a little white rabbit.


    Zhao Guihua suddenly became energetic, what was this if not a rabbit!


    Aliali: 674af0d8c4f3f33ac49b0a11


    This was braised rabbit head, stir-fried rabbit meat, dry pot rabbit, rabbit meat with chili... gulp!


    In short, there are many ways to eat rabbit, Zhao Guihua swallowed her saliva and immediately set a small goal for herself.


    This little goal is nothing else but to catch the little white rabbit in front of her. The white rabbit is white and fluffy, perfect for carrots and greens...


    Oh no, that''s not how the song goes.


    But it''s delicious with many dishes!


    Zhao Guihua decisively steadied her bike and crept stealthily towards the white rabbit... In this moment, she felt like a big bad wolf, but what does it matter? The rabbit is so cute, of course it should be spicy!


    Zhao Guihua quickly pounced, but the little rabbit jumped away, nimble and quick. Without a word, Zhao Guihua chased after it.


    She didn''t believe she couldn''t catch a single rabbit!


    She had already decided on tonight''s menu!


    This rabbit, she was determined to eat it!

 Chapter 34

    At dusk as the sun was setting, Zhao Guihua was pedaling her bicycle hurriedly homeward.


    It''s worth noting that although the weather was still quite cold, spring had officially begun, and the days were getting longer. When Zhao Guihua was returning home, she caught the machinery factory just as it was letting out, with workers walking home in small groups.


    From a distance, you could still hear the factory''s loudspeaker playing "We Workers Have Power."


    Li the Cook and his son-in-law Yang Lixin were among the crowd. They had been the center of attention lately, which wasn''t surprising given all the recent events on their street. Everyone was naturally curious.


    The workers from their street were quite popular at the factory.


    The recent drama had been so full of twists and turns that everyone wished they could have witnessed it firsthand.


    While Li the Cook and his son-in-law were chatting animatedly with others, a figure whizzed past them. Li the Cook, with his sharp eyes, immediately called out, "Zhao Guihua!"


    Zhao Guihua''s bicycle screeched to a halt as she turned around and said, "Oh, Li the Cook? What do you want?"


    Li the Cook looked at her with slightly raised eyebrows and said, "Comrade Zhao, where have you been? You''re in quite a state!"


    Li the Cook''s comment was justified - anyone would have remarked on her appearance. Zhao Guihua was covered in dirt, with even her hair full of burrs. She looked absolutely disheveled. He asked suspiciously, "Have you been fighting with someone?"


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes widened, "Do you even know how to make conversation? Why would I be fighting with anyone? Am I that kind of person?"


    Li the Cook thought silently: Yes, you are!


    Zhao Guihua snorted and said, "I''m not someone who sits around doing nothing. Look what I''ve got - I caught a rabbit!"


    Zhao Guihua pulled up a rabbit by its ears from her basket and waved it in front of Li the Cook. His eyes lit up, "Wow!!!"


    His eyes gleamed with excitement. As a cook, he ate better than most people and never went hungry, but in these times, even well-fed people would get excited at the sight of meat. Especially free meat.


    He exclaimed in amazement, "You''re something else, Old Zhao. That''s quite a feat!"


    Looking at Zhao Guihua''s disheveled state now made sense - it was clearly from catching the rabbit. Thinking about it that way, it seemed worth it. What''s a little dirt? It could be washed off at home.


    After all, it was a whole rabbit.


    He gave her a thumbs up, "Impressive! Where did you catch it?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I was going fishing, and spotted it on the way. I spent the whole day trying to catch it, couldn''t do anything else!"


    Li the Cook smiled, thinking to himself: With your fishing skills, the day would have been wasted anyway, you wouldn''t have caught anything. Getting this rabbit is actually quite a lucky surprise. However, he didn''t dare say this out loud.


    This woman was too fierce.


    He smiled enviously and said, "Old Man Zhuang is in for a treat."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "You can say that again!"


    She then asked, "Hey, have you seen my Old Man Zhuang?"


    Li the Cook shook his head, "No, he''s probably still behind."


    Their kitchen work was lighter in the afternoon. Once they finished cleaning up, they had little to do except prepare for the next morning. Compared to other workers who still had to pack up their tools after their shift, they had everything ready and were just waiting to leave.


    Sometimes, if something came up, they could even slip away early.


    Li the Cook was quite proud of his job.


    He said, "Do you know how to cook rabbit? Why don''t you give it to me, I''ll cook for you both, and have a drink with Old Man Zhuang." He had to admit, he was craving some rabbit meat.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Don''t even think about it, forget it, not happening!"


    There was no way she would host a meal for no particular reason.


    Li the Cook was just trying his luck anyway, so he sighed, "Such luck, hey."


    After chatting briefly, Zhao Guihua didn''t stay to walk with them but quickly got back on her bicycle and headed home. While the men could go home to ready-made meals, she still had to cook. It wasn''t that Liang Meifen couldn''t cook, but rather that Liang Meifen was the type of person who... would just wait around if you didn''t tell her what to do.


    She wouldn''t dare make decisions on her own.


    However, Zhao Guihua didn''t think Liang Meifen was truly timid - being scared of small things meant nothing when you weren''t afraid of the big things.


    She quickly cycled home, where Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were playing hopscotch in the courtyard, laughing and giggling. Xiao Yanzi was shouting, "I''m better! I''m better than big brother!"


    Hutou didn''t mind, just smiled happily. Speaking of Hutou, he didn''t take after either his father or mother - he was most like Old Man Zhuang. Good-natured and easy-going, agreeable about everything. Most boys his age wouldn''t want to play with their sisters, but Hutou never complained, taking his sister everywhere, the two of them inseparable.


    Hutou saw his grandmother return and happily ran over, "Grandma!"


    Both siblings had been raised primarily by Zhao Guihua, and they were closer to her than to their own parents. Zhao Guihua ruffled Hutou''s hair and said, "Look what we''re having tonight."


    Hutou: "Wow!!!"


    A rabbit!


    He exclaimed excitedly, "We''re having rabbit meat?"


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s right."


    "Wow!"


    The two children were overjoyed. Hutou declared, "My grandma is the best!"


    Hearing the cheering, Liang Meifen hurriedly came out, her face bright with joy - everyone wanted to eat something good in these times. She came forward, "Mom, are we having rabbit tonight? Should we cook it now?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s do it. Everyone''s appetite hasn''t been great lately, we could use something good to boost our spirits."


    Liang Meifen: "Alright! Should we cut it in half or into quarters?"


    Zhao Guihua waved her hand dismissively, "Let''s cook it all. Look at this rabbit, it''s barely two jin. With all the people in our family, how would it be enough if we only cook a little? Clean it and cut it in half - make spicy stir-fried rabbit with one half, and stew the other half with potatoes."


    Having decided the rabbit''s fate, she went to the water tank to wash up. The rabbit had really given her a chase - it had taken quite an effort to catch it. If she wasn''t such a persistent person, she would have given up long ago.


    But people should have some persistence - otherwise, they wouldn''t be eating rabbit meat now, would they?


    She instructed Hutou, "Hutou, go get me some hot water from the thermos, I need to wash my hair."


    Hutou: "Okay."


    Liang Meifen was about to start preparing the rabbit when she saw her son going for the thermos and quickly said, "I''ll do it!"


    She muttered, "It doesn''t matter if you get burned, but what if you break the thermos?"


    Hutou: "..."


    He felt there was something not quite right about his mother''s priorities.


    Although the weather was still quite cold, it didn''t stop people from washing their hair in the courtyard. Not just Zhao Guihua, but everyone else did the same, unless it was freezing. People preferred washing in the courtyard to avoid getting water all over the house.


    Due to the quadrangle courtyard layout, while it was windy outside, the courtyard was relatively sheltered. After washing her hair, Zhao Guihua wrapped it thoroughly in a towel, then took off her outer clothes and pants to change into others.


    She never wore her padded jacket and pants as outer garments. After all, wearing them directly wasn''t a good habit. Just a few days ago, someone had gotten manure on their clothes and couldn''t clean it off. This showed the importance of thinking ahead.


    After getting herself sorted out, Zhao Guihua said, "I''ll cook later."


    It wasn''t that she didn''t trust Liang Meifen, but the spicy stir-fried rabbit might be beyond her capabilities. Their family didn''t usually cook very spicy dishes, so Liang Meifen might not handle it well. While Zhao Guihua would cook dinner, Liang Meifen, showing good initiative, went to wash the clothes Zhao Guihua had changed out of.


    She never complained about or shirked from work.


    Liang Meifen went straight to wash clothes in the courtyard when Aunt Su gently pushed open her door and came over. She came to fetch water - most families had a water vat, including Aunt Su''s family. But they still often came out to get fresh water while cooking, making you wonder if their water vat was just for show.


    Seeing Liang Meifen washing Zhao Guihua''s clothes, Aunt Su spoke softly, "Elder Zhuang''s wife, you''re really hardworking, always busy taking care of the family. Those are your mother-in-law''s clothes, aren''t they? How lucky Zhao Guihua is to have such a diligent and sensible daughter-in-law. It really makes one envious."


    Liang Meifen raised the corner of her mouth proudly and said, "It''s only natural for a daughter-in-law to be filial to her mother-in-law. I''m just doing my duty."


    Aunt Su replied, "See how down-to-earth you are! Being a good daughter-in-law is indeed one''s duty, but not everyone can do it well. Without looking far, even in our courtyard, there are those who can''t manage it. You''re truly filial."


    Liang Meifen felt warmth in her heart. Although her mother-in-law was a sharp-tongued old woman who never acknowledged her efforts, at least outsiders could see her goodness, couldn''t they?


    Speaking of which, Aunt Su was truly the kindest person in the courtyard. She asked, "Auntie, isn''t your Xiu still at work? I saw Li the Cook and Little Yang have already returned."


    Aunt Su replied, "Not yet, but she should be back soon."


    She smiled weakly and said, "How can we compare ourselves to the cooks? Look, your family members aren''t back either, right?"


    Just then, Old Man Zhuang entered carrying a wooden board. Aunt Su asked curiously, "Brother Zhuang, what''s that?"


    Old Man Zhuang explained, "Oh, the old cesspool cleaner asked my third son to make him a board. My son finished it but went to pick up his wife, so I''m bringing it back for him."


    Aunt Su remarked, "The young couple is so loving."


    Hoping to stir up trouble between the two sisters-in-law, she added, "The third son''s wife is so busy with work, she probably can''t keep up with the housework, right?"


    This was what she had been trying to get at with all her roundabout talk.


    Of course, she wasn''t stirring up trouble without purpose - she wasn''t a fool like Mrs. Zhou Li who caused harm without gaining anything. Her attempts to create discord between the sisters-in-law would benefit her. She didn''t really care about Liang Meifen, whom she considered a brainless fool who couldn''t even save money. Such people were never part of her plans. Since there was no money to be gained from Liang Meifen, being nice to her would bring no benefits. Her real target was the wealthy Ming Mei.


    She wanted to create discord between Liang Meifen and Ming Mei.


    Then, she could console young Ming Mei... hah!


    With only a difficult mother-in-law and a dim-witted sister-in-law around her, Ming Mei would surely become friends with their family. Once they became friends, Ming Mei would inevitably help them financially. Aunt Su never planned just for the immediate future; she always thought three steps ahead.


    So this was just the beginning.


    However, with Old Man Zhuang present, she couldn''t say much more, only adding another small jab: "This family is lucky to have you."


    Just as Liang Meifen was about to respond, Zhao Guihua suddenly threw open the kitchen window and shouted, "Will you die if you don''t stir up trouble?"


    She wasn''t someone to be trifled with.


    Zhao Guihua yelled, "Mind your own daughter-in-law and leave other families alone. Stop your little schemes. Liang Meifen, hurry up and wash - whose daughter-in-law are you anyway? You believe everything people say and feel pleased with yourself. How can you be so stupid?"


    Hearing this, Liang Meifen quickly resumed washing, no longer engaging with Aunt Su.


    She didn''t dare speak anymore.


    Aunt Su''s expression changed several times before quickly returning to normal. She spoke softly, "Zhao Guihua, you misunderstand me. Do you have some misconception about me? If so, we should clear it up. You''ve been so cold to me lately..."


    Seeing her act all wronged and pitiful, Zhao Guihua deeply understood why those old men had fallen for her tricks. However, as an old woman herself, she wasn''t fooled by this act. She snorted and said, "Stop stirring up trouble, and no one will misunderstand you."


    She then shouted, "Old Man Zhuang, hurry home! What are you looking at out there?"


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "Ah, alright."


    He came in carrying the wooden board, and Zhao Guihua glanced at it, asking, "What''s written on it?"


    Old Man Zhuang suddenly became awkward, his expression quite strange.


    Zhao Guihua had just asked casually, but seeing his odd expression, she became curious and said, "What is it?"


    Old Man Zhuang hesitated before raising the board, saying, "Look."


    "No Swimming Here!"


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow in confusion: "What''s wrong with that? ''No Swimming Here'' - what''s the problem?"


    Why was he acting so strange about it?


    She lowered her head to chop the rabbit, but before the cleaver came down, she suddenly realized something. This was meant to be posted at the outhouse, wasn''t it? "No Swimming Here"???


    Her mouth twitched as she said with exasperation, "Zhuang Zhixi is really something else."


    That boy, always up to these tricks!


    So slyly mischievous.


    Old Man Zhuang nodded when he heard this, saying, "Don''t you think this wording is inappropriate? I think it''s not good. It''ll be embarrassing when others see it. Especially the neighbors - what will Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou think when they see this? Won''t it be awful?"


    Old Man Zhuang put himself in others'' shoes, thinking how he would feel seeing such a sign after having fallen in before - it would surely be devastating.


    Zhao Guihua looked at it once, then twice, and quickly became composed: "It''s fine, what does it have to do with us? Wasn''t it Old Man Bao who approved this? Besides, their concerns aren''t unreasonable."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Well, if you say so."


    He was quite a person without principles.


    Old Man Zhuang quickly put the matter out of his mind and remarked, "You''re amazing, catching such an agile rabbit."


    Zhao Guihua smiled proudly and said, "Of course! Don''t you know who I am? I''m going again tomorrow. If there are rabbits, I''ll catch rabbits; if not, I''ll fish. I must keep bringing in good catches."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    After a moment of silence, he nodded good-naturedly: "You''ll definitely succeed."


    They''d had the fishing rod for half a month now and hadn''t caught a single fish.


    But Old Man Zhuang didn''t dare provoke his wife. Being a straightforward person, he said, "When we have days off soon, I''ll go fishing with you."


    He wasn''t really skilled at fishing either, but he had some experience and considered himself slightly better than Zhao Guihua.


    "Alright, now that the ice is starting to melt, we can''t use our old method to catch fish anymore. We need to think of a new way. We can''t rely on just fishing with rods - how many can we catch that way?"


    Old Man Zhuang immediately became alert and asked, "You''re not thinking of selling fish again, are you?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No! The prices aren''t good now, and it''s risky. Do you think I''m stupid? I just want to catch more while we can and make salted fish. That''ll last us a long time." Who wouldn''t want more good food stored away?


    Old Man Zhuang said, "That makes sense, but we don''t have anywhere to dry the salted fish."


    How could the neighbors not notice?


    Fish has a strong smell.


    Zhao Guihua understood this and nodded, saying, "Exactly!"


    "Mom, we''re home!" Ming Mei returned from work like a cheerful magpie. Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "Look at her - when she comes home, the whole courtyard knows it."


    Old Man Zhuang remarked, "Young people!"


    Youth brings such energy.


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi entered hand in hand, and Ming Mei immediately called out, "Mom, let''s go watch a movie tonight! They''re showing one at the machinery factory."


    "Movie! I want to watch the movie!"


    Before Zhao Guihua could respond, Hutou rushed in, jumping up and down. Like all children, he loved such entertainment. He pleaded, "Grandma, let''s go watch the movie, let''s go watch the movie."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, we''ll go after dinner."


    "Then let''s eat early! If we''re late, it''ll be too crowded and we won''t get good seats." Liang Meifen was eager too. There wasn''t much entertainment available, and movies were quite a treat. She felt particularly anxious - while working before, there had been some excitement, but after being idle at home for just over two months, she felt especially confined.


    Her suggestion received unanimous agreement, and even Zhao Guihua''s movements became quicker.


    As always, when Zhao Guihua first reincarnated, she found everything crude and rough, but it took just a few days to adapt to life in the 1970s. In her previous life, she had grown tired of watching TV and even had a large projector at home.


    Now, forget about TV - they didn''t even have a radio.


    These days, just hearing about a movie made Zhao Guihua''s feet itch with excitement.


    "Oh, Mom, when did we get a rabbit?" Ming Mei belatedly noticed the rabbit and exclaimed excitedly, "You caught it, didn''t you? It must have been you, no one else could do it!"


    Zhao Guihua was quite pleased. You see, this was what she liked about her young daughter-in-law - she had a discerning eye and immediately knew that such an impressive feat could only have been accomplished by certain people.


    Ming Mei wasn''t just flattering her. Although she hadn''t been married into the family for long, she had already figured out everyone''s capabilities. Her father-in-law, Old Man Zhuang, was so quiet he was practically invisible. As for her elder brother-in-law and his wife, well, that went without saying. Even Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t the type who could catch rabbits.


    The only expert here was obviously her mother-in-law!


    "How should we cook it?" she asked.


    "Two dishes," said Zhao Guihua. "One spicy stir-fry and one stew."


    Ming Mei snapped her fingers. "Perfect!"


    Among family members, there was nothing to hide, so Zhao Guihua chatted away about how she caught the rabbit. Ming Mei immediately perked up and said, "Mom, next time I''m on holiday, take me with you. I''m really good at this kind of thing."


    Among the family members, she was the only one who had never gone rabbit hunting.


    Zhao Guihua gave her a sidelong glance and said, "You think you can do it?"


    Ming Mei proudly declared, "How could I not? I''m very capable!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "That''s right, my wife is amazing."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Alright, we''ll go together in a few days."


    Ming Mei broke into a bright smile, her whole face lighting up. Zhuang Zhixi stared at her, transfixed, until Ming Mei playfully pinched him and said, "What are you looking at?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his eyebrows and made a funny face at her. Ming Mei burst out laughing and said, "Oh, you!"


    Although Zhuang Zhixi was being clingy, Ming Mei''s mind was actually on the movie. She nudged Zhuang Zhixi and asked, "What movie are they showing today?"


    These days, there were only a few popular films in rotation.


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She said wistfully, "I hope it''s ''Tunnel Warfare.''"


    Although it wouldn''t be her first time watching it, she still hoped for something different. She clasped her hands together and mumbled, "I hope it''s something I haven''t seen recently."


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh.


    While Ming Mei had her preferences, the others didn''t really care. Everyone was quite eager. Zhao Guihua stir-fried the rabbit meat with chilies, filling the air with a spicy, fragrant aroma that made everyone''s mouths water.


    The smell of meat attracted the neighborhood children, who gathered outside the window. While the adults were too embarrassed to lurk, the children didn''t know any better and stood there drooling, despite the strong spicy smell that couldn''t mask the delicious meat aroma.


    Zhao Guihua: "These little ones..."


    She looked at the rabbit meat in the pot, knowing that if she gave some to each child, there wouldn''t be enough to go around, so she firmly refused to share. After all, other families didn''t share their meat with neighborhood children either. In this courtyard, only the Bai family father and son were known to be generous.


    People really do have their good and bad points. While the Bai father and son were often looked down upon in many ways, they did have their merits - they were very kind to the children in the courtyard.


    Of course, this kindness had its hierarchy - Su family''s three children were at the top of the list, and other children couldn''t compare.


    But even if they couldn''t compare, the father and son were still more generous with children than others.


    Anyway, Zhao Guihua wasn''t willing to share, and she continued her cooking despite the children''s watchful eyes.


    "Wewei, Junjun, come home for dinner!"


    "Er Mao, time to eat!~"


    Since there was a movie tonight, everyone was eating early. Soon, people started calling their children home.


    The children gradually dispersed, including the three Su children. Aunt Su called out, "Come home for dinner!"


    She had been caught stirring up trouble by Zhao Guihua today, and she knew the old woman wouldn''t give her grandchildren any meat now. Who knew the old woman had such sharp ears?


    The three boys ran home, saying, "Grandma, we want to eat rabbit meat."


    Wang Xiangxiu, who was serving rice nearby, interjected: "Don''t even think about it, we don''t have any."


    "Go ask Grandma Zhao''s family for some."


    Wang Xiangxiu slammed down the rice bowl and said, "Are you going to eat or not? If you''re not eating, then don''t. You think they''ll give you some just because you ask? You''re not little kids anymore, how can you be so inconsiderate? They''re not just any family, they won''t give us face. Especially after you were caught stealing - do you think they''ll be nice to you? Come on, hurry up and eat. Don''t you want to watch the movie later?"


    "We do!"


    Seeing that Wang Xiangxiu was genuinely angry, the three boys wisely lowered their heads and started eating.


    Though children might be naive, they could tell when adults were truly upset versus just pretending.


    Aunt Su whispered, "Xiu''er, why are you in such a bad mood today?"


    Wang Xiangxiu seemed very upset.


    Wang Xiangxiu glanced at the three children without saying anything, clearly not wanting them to know.


    Aunt Su said, "Let''s eat, let''s eat."


    She made up her mind to ask about it privately later.


    While the Su family''s mood was low, their neighbors were eating happily. Since they had started managing their own meals and paying for food separately, they had been eating better than before. Of course, this was largely thanks to Zhao Guihua''s good management. However, by the standards of the 1930s, for eight people, it was just ordinary fare.


    They wouldn''t go hungry, but luxurious meals were out of the question.


    This was all thanks to Zhao Guihua''s capabilities.


    Ming Mei: "Mmm, this is so delicious!"


    Though the spiciness made her pant, she couldn''t stop eating. Although both dishes were rabbit meat, she found the spicy stir-fry much more delicious than the potato stew. The intensity of the flavors was exhilarating. The children, however, couldn''t handle the spice and preferred the potato stew.


    A rabbit wasn''t very big, and with their large family, they finished the entire rabbit in one dinner.


    Ming Mei''s lips were red from the spice as she patted her belly and said, "That was really delicious!"


    The others nodded in agreement.


    How could meat not be delicious?


    Even the potatoes cooked with the meat were tasty.


    The family didn''t linger at home to reminisce further, instead quickly preparing to go out. Zhao Guihua reminded everyone.


    "Lock all the doors and windows before we go to the movie." During the day, when they went out nearby, they usually didn''t lock up. That was common practice back then. Although it wasn''t exactly "leaving doors unlocked at night," it certainly wasn''t as cautious as it would be decades later.


    However, that''s not to say there weren''t any thieves - they had caught one just a few days ago.


    They didn''t think another thief would visit, but they still had to be wary of the courtyard''s little thieves.


    Everyone knew the Su family''s children had sticky fingers. While they wouldn''t dare steal money, their habit of stealing food was quite unpleasant. In these times, who didn''t need every bit of food they had?


    The family checked that all doors and windows were properly closed and locked.


    Only then did they leave the courtyard together. Ming Mei asked, "Since everyone''s going to the movie, should we lock the courtyard gate?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No need, Granny Zhu in the back courtyard definitely won''t go."


    Ming Mei was surprised: "There are people who don''t like watching movies?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained from beside her, "Granny Zhu has eye problems, she can''t see clearly even if she goes. That''s why she never attends."


    Ming Mei nodded in understanding.


    The family walked together to the factory area. Along the way, they met many people, and those who knew Zhuang Zhixi would inevitably greet him, then look at his young wife beside him, marveling at how lucky the rascal was.


    All the children in their area had grown up together, and everyone knew what everyone else was really like.


    What kind of person was Zhuang Zhixi?


    He was fair-skinned and cute, sweet-talking, and good at studies - the typical good kid. So whenever something happened, nobody believed such a well-behaved boy could cause trouble.


    Their neighborhood friends often took the blame for him.


    After graduating from high school, everyone was impressed by how quickly he found work. Later, when the "Down to the Countryside" movement was in full swing, people remarked on how this guy with his fair face was actually quite clever and quick to act.


    Now, he had found himself a pretty wife, how could others not feel envious and jealous?


    "Young Zhuang, this is your wife, right? Sister-in-law, where do you work?"


    Ming Mei glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, who introduced, "He''s Little Yang from the neighboring compound. We grew up together."


    Ming Mei nodded with a smile, "I''m Ming Mei. I work at the bus transit station."


    Little Yang seized the opportunity: "The transit station? That''s great! Say, sister-in-law, are there any single girls at your workplace? You see, I''m still single."


    If you''re looking for a partner, you shouldn''t dawdle.


    Ming Mei raised her eyebrows in surprise. Zhao Guihua, who had been quiet until now, spoke up: "If you want to find a wife, go to Auntie Wang. Why ask Ming Mei? How would she know anyone to introduce?"


    Little Yang: "..."


    The matches Auntie Wang made were generally mediocre.


    But he couldn''t say that out loud, so he just smiled and said, "I''m just casting a wide net, you know?"


    "Even if you''re casting a wide net, you can''t ask my daughter-in-law to make introductions. There are other older single men in our compound, and if Ming Mei starts introducing you to people, they''ll resent our family for being unfair," Zhao Guihua said with a half-joking, half-serious tone. These words weren''t entirely in jest.


    "Oh, no... but that guy in your compound... could he even find someone?" Little Yang thought Bai Fendou would probably end up pining after the widow forever.


    Although Zhao Guihua hadn''t mentioned any names, Little Yang knew exactly who she meant.


    He started to say, "He''s really..."


    He was about to mock him when he saw Bai Fendou cycling over from a distance, and immediately stopped talking.


    Though he thought Bai Fendou was really showing off, riding a bicycle for such a short distance. Was he trying to flaunt that he had a bike? How pretentious.


    Bai Fendou was indeed quite pleased with himself. Recently, his reputation had suffered after falling into a manure pit, with people everywhere asking him, "Did it taste good?"


    Damn these bastards, why wouldn''t they just die? Real jerks.


    So when this rare opportunity came up, he immediately brought out his bicycle to show off and let people see what he was capable of.


    Though the distance wasn''t far, having a bike made it faster.


    Sure enough, his cycling attracted many envious glances, making Bai Fendou extremely proud. He let go of the handlebars, spread his arms wide in an arrogant display¡ªSPLASH!


    The bike hit a rock, crashed with a bang, and Bai Fendou''s moment of glory lasted less than five seconds before meeting his Waterloo. It happened so quickly that no one had time to react.


    Ming Mei: "Oh my goodness!"


    Bai Fendou: "Damn it!"


    He cursed, quickly got up, and rushed to check his bicycle.


    Little Yang and the others burst into laughter.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She thought that Bai Fendou''s inability to find a partner might not just be because of the widow situation; he might be partly to blame himself.


    She said, "Let''s hurry up, don''t you want to get good seats in the front?"


    "Let''s go, let''s go."


    The whole family entered the factory grounds together. It was Ming Mei''s first time here, and she looked around curiously. Zhao Guihua was also looking around. Though it wasn''t her first visit, her last time here was decades ago, and now it felt like ancient history.


    When she had been reborn, this place no longer had any machinery factory; instead, it had become a shopping center with many residential buildings. There was no trace of the machinery factory left. Many people didn''t even know about the machinery factory anymore.


    Only the older folks like them would feel nostalgic when thinking about the machinery factory.


    Now, the place was still bustling with activity and filled with voices.


    The entire factory grounds had been set up with screens, and many long benches were arranged around them. Still, some people brought their own folding stools¡ªif you were going to sit at the very back, you might as well find a spot on the side with your own stool.


    They arrived neither early nor late. The front seats were taken, so they sat somewhere between the middle and back, which wasn''t too bad. At least they weren''t at the very back.


    The family couldn''t all sit together in one row, so Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei sat in the row behind. Ming Mei looked around curiously and said, "Your factory is so big!"


    Their transit station wasn''t nearly this large, nor did it have this many people. Compared to the machinery factory, their numbers were pitiful.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "This is nothing. We''re a factory of ten thousand workers. Right now, you''re only seeing a few hundred people¡ªmost haven''t come to watch."


    Ming Mei: "Are there really people who don''t like watching movies?"


    She couldn''t understand it at all¡ªwatching movies was such a wonderful thing.


    Ming Mei wished she had brought some sunflower seeds to snack on while watching.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The factory shows movies once or twice almost every month, but they usually show the same ones. So some people who''ve seen them many times don''t come anymore. We don''t have anything else to do, but some people have lots of housework and would rather get things done at home. How could they waste time watching the same things repeatedly?"


    Ming Mei let out a soft "oh" and said, "Well, I love watching them anyway."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "I know. We''ll come every time then. I''ll bring you to watch."


    Ming Mei said coyly, "That would be lovely."


    He reached out and held Ming Mei''s small hand. Just then, a woman walked over, curiously looking at Ming Mei, and smiled, "Little Zhuang, is this your wife?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, isn''t my wife beautiful?"


    Hearing this, the woman''s smile almost faltered, but she nodded slightly and walked away, squeezing into the crowd.


    Soon after, another woman came over to say hello.


    "There seem to be quite a few women at your factory?" Ming Mei suddenly spoke up.


    Zhuang Zhixi was startled, then smiled and said, "Not really."


    He explained, "This is a machinery factory, so naturally there aren''t many women. The women you see now are mostly family members, not factory workers. Take Wang Xiangxiu for example. In their workshop of dozens of people, there are only three women. That''s why she can get away with slacking off sometimes."


    Ming Mei gave him a knowing look and asked, "What about your medical office?"


    Zhuang Zhixi earnestly explained, "Well, our medical office is different from other departments¡ªwe have more women than men. But all the sisters in our medical office are married."


    He knew exactly what this little jealous pot was thinking.


    He quickly explained, "Besides the women in the medical office, I''m not familiar with any other female colleagues, and I don''t interact with them. But you know, being as handsome as I am, it''s inevitable that people might like me, but my heart belongs only to you."


    Ming Mei: "Hmph."


    Despite her serious expression, her upturned lips revealed that she wasn''t upset at all.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and moved closer to her, saying, "My dear wife, now that I have you, my precious pearl, how could I possibly get involved with anyone else, right?"


    Ming Mei: "I suppose you have a point."


    Ming Mei said softly, "I should come to your factory more often, so everyone knows you have a wife. That''ll prevent you from causing any trouble. Let me tell you, if you mess around outside, don''t blame me for being harsh with you."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand: "My dear, I swear I''m not that kind of person. Besides, you know me, right? I may be smooth-talking, but my character is impeccable. Look how pure my eyes are."


    Ming Mei: "...Oh, please." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her lips curled up again, and Zhuang Zhixi gently caressed Ming Mei''s small hand. Ming Mei felt ticklish and couldn''t help laughing, saying, "Alright, I believe you."


    The two of them had their heads close together, whispering, when Hutou turned around curiously and asked, "Uncle, Auntie, what are you talking about?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We''re trying to guess what movie they''re showing."


    Zhuang Zhixi had become quite good at making up stories, and Hutou believed him, immediately saying loudly, "I know, I know! Today they''re showing ''Little Soldier Zhang Ga.''"


    Ming Mei: "Oh!"


    But "Little Soldier Zhang Ga" was also good to watch. Ming Mei happily said, "That''s wonderful then."


    Hutou nodded in agreement¡ªchildren naturally preferred watching "Little Soldier Zhang Ga."


    He said, "Little Soldier Zhang Ga is really amazing."


    Ming Mei chuckled softly in agreement: "Yes, it''s very interesting."


    As they were talking, darkness had fallen, and the movie was about to begin. Ming Mei watched the bustle and said, "Oh, look, people are moving forward!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "They''re going to sit in the front rows. See those two front rows? They''re reserved for the leaders, and usually no one sits there. But the leaders don''t come every time, so when the movie starts and there are no leaders, some sharp-eyed people will rush forward. Those are the best seats, and it''s quite an achievement to get them."


    Ming Mei let out a long "oh," noting that her workplace didn''t have nearly as many people or movie screenings like this. She found it quite fascinating and thought it looked really interesting.


    She asked, "Should we go to the front then?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his wife''s sparkling eyes and shook his head, "Let''s not. We''re too late now. We won''t be able to get seats up there, and if we try, we might lose these spots too."


    Ming Mei responded, "Oh, you''re right."


    She stretched her neck to look around and asked, "So there are no leaders here today?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "No leaders came today."


    In such cold weather, there was no real need for the leaders to come. Even for movie screenings, the leaders often had their "special treatment" - the projectionist could arrange private screenings for them. So on cold days, the leaders wouldn''t show up.


    He held Ming Mei''s hand and said, "Are you cold? Let me warm your hands."


    Aliali: 673ef259c4f3f33ac4f19166


    Ming Mei replied sweetly, "Okay~"


    They were already holding hands, but now they became even more openly affectionate. Zhuang Zhixi brought his wife''s hand to his mouth and breathed on it, saying, "This should make it less cold."


    Ming Mei laughed softly, a sweet sound, and made a gentle "mm-hmm."


    She reached out to touch Zhuang Zhixi''s face and said, "Your face is so cold too. Would you like my scarf?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "No need, I''m a man with plenty of body heat. I''m not cold."


    Bai Fendou, who had slipped and fallen, arrived a bit late, though not too late. He ended up sitting right behind the young couple, with a clear view of their interaction.


    Though they spoke quietly, their affectionate behavior was obvious - so sweet it was almost syrupy. Watching the loving couple, he gazed up at the sky dejectedly, feeling bitter inside. They were both men, and he considered himself better, so why couldn''t he find a wife?


    How come others could get married, but not him?


    Why?


    How bitter it was!

 Chapter 35

    Xiao Bing Zhang Ga was very happy and couldn''t stop thinking about it the next day.


    Aunt Zhao Guihua and a few other old ladies were still discussing the plot the next morning. The old ladies'' views were not focused on the plot; everyone was deeply touched, wondering who would have such a clever child, that would be a blessing for eight generations.


    Zhao Guihua was also among them, her eyebrows dancing with joy.


    Li Junjun from Aunt Wang''s family ran over and asked, "Grandma Zhao, where''s Hutou?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Isn''t it the day before school starts tomorrow? He went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy stationery."


    Today, only Zhao Guihua was at home; Hutou and Xiao Yanzi''s kindergarten starts tomorrow, so Liang Meifen took the two children to buy stationery. Although it''s a kindergarten, since Hutou will be in the first grade this summer, this semester''s kindergarten curriculum has been increased a bit to help the children adapt to the primary school life that will begin in the second half of the year.


    Things like pencils, erasers, and notebooks need to be prepared.


    Xiao Yanzi is a bit younger and just follows the fun.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and asked, "New semester, didn''t you buy any?"


    Li Junjun replied, "I still have some." Mentioning school, the child obviously felt a bit down; there isn''t a single child in the world who loves going to school. Li Junjun didn''t understand why they had to go to school! Why!


    It''s so bitter!


    His originally happy mood suddenly felt very stifled. The holidays passed so quickly. It felt like they were over in a blink of an eye. He didn''t get enough of the holidays at all. Li Junjun was very melancholy, thinking that he should indulge a bit more in the end, so he ran out.


    The last day, he must go crazy with his buddies.


    Aunt Wang sighed, "These kids don''t want to go to school, but we didn''t have such good luck back then. They really don''t know how good they have it."


    Others nodded in agreement, all feeling the same way. Back in their childhood, only the children of landlords could afford to go to school, unlike now. The kids don''t appreciate the good life they have.


    "By the way, you all..." Aunt Su was about to speak when she saw Director Chen from the neighborhood committee coming over. She immediately stood up, her eyes full of joy, and said, "Director Chen, why are you here?"


    Then she added, "Please come over and sit."


    Director Chen, about the same age as Zhao Guihua, was a woman in her late forties. She didn''t stand on ceremony and found a stool to sit on.


    Aunt Wang asked, "Director Chen, is there any notice this time?"


    It was working hours, and if there wasn''t something important, Director Chen wouldn''t have come over at this time. Sure enough, Director Chen nodded and said, "Yes, wasn''t there a thief caught in your courtyard earlier?"


    Everyone nodded.


    Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua both straightened their chests; they were participants and very proud.


    Director Chen said, "The police station now has a verdict; this thief, Zhang San, was the mastermind behind the recent series of thefts. You''ve made a big contribution." Not only did they make a contribution, but their neighborhood committee also received praise from higher authorities.


    After all, this person was caught by their patrol team, which showed that their work was not in vain and had real results.


    This was a solid achievement, so Director Chen didn''t hide her happiness at all. She said, "You''ve done very well. The neighborhood committee and the police station coordinated, and the neighborhood committee will provide rewards to all the comrades who participated in the arrest that night."


    Aunt Wang''s eyes lit up with joy and asked, "What are the specifics of this reward?"


    Compared to Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua''s happiness, Aunt Su''s smile was very forced. As for Madam Zhou Li, her face was already very bad. Her family didn''t participate at all that night and was even exposed for skipping the patrol.


    Logically speaking, this matter wasn''t a big deal, but the problem was that her family was robbed. So when people talked about this, they inevitably mentioned that her family used excuses not to participate in the patrol.


    Bai Fendou, with his loose tongue, even said outside that her family got what they deserved. Although this is nonsense, many people think it''s true. Isn''t it just a coincidence that it happened to her family?


    Whenever this matter is mentioned, Zhao Guihua and others always appear as positive characters, while Madam Zhou Li''s family is seen as the "clown." Now that there''s a reward for this, how could Madam Zhou Li be happy?


    But she''s shameless and said, "Director Chen, what about our family? We were the victims; shouldn''t we get some compensation?"


    Director Chen didn''t like Madam Zhou Li either. She coldly said, "Your family was robbed, and the stolen goods were returned to you, didn''t that recover your losses? What other compensation do you want? But you, Madam Zhou Li, some things I didn''t want to say, but since you brought it up, I have to say it. Your awareness is really too poor. The neighborhood committee organizes patrols for the collective safety of everyone''s property. You just don''t participate when you don''t want to. Is there any organization, any discipline? Do you think you can do whatever you want? How can that be? If everyone is like you, selfish and only cares about themselves, how will society develop? If everyone doesn''t patrol and doesn''t catch thieves like you, then the money you lost this time wouldn''t be recovered. You really should reflect on yourself. I heard that Zhou Qun is diligent and hardworking at work. I hope you, as his mother, don''t drag him down and embarrass him. You''re a woman at home all day, not afraid of losing face. But also consider your son and daughter-in-law; don''t bring them honor, but don''t smear them either."


    After a scolding from Director Chen, Madam Zhou Li''s face became even more unsightly.


    She pursed her lips, tightened her jaw, and said, "How am I embarrassing them?"


    Director Chen said, "Not participating in the collective patrol is embarrassing. I know you''re uneducated and don''t understand the principles, but this is not your kang bed at home. It''s not a place where you can do whatever you want!"


    These words were very harsh, and the people who gathered around showed disdainful expressions.


    Yes, because Director Chen arrived, everyone in the courtyard who wasn''t at work gathered around to see what was going on. They just happened to hear Director Chen''s rebuke of Madam Zhou Li and nodded deeply in agreement.


    Madam Zhou Li is very unpopular.


    In fact, the old ladies in this courtyard aren''t very weak; they''re not easy to provoke. But the most despised and unpopular is only Madam Zhou Li.


    Apart from anything else, let''s talk about the incident of her family being robbed. Everyone helped her family catch the thief, which wasn''t without risk. Although nothing bad happened in the end, at that time, no one knew that.


    Everyone was working hard to find that thief for her family.


    But her family didn''t thank them once; their words and deeds were full of complaints about the patrol team not catching the thief immediately but letting the thief enter her home. You see, such an ungrateful shrew, who would like her?


    Moreover, she even said outside that if it weren''t for her family being robbed, the patrol team wouldn''t have caught the thief and gained a good reputation. So, everyone should thank her family. If the neighborhood committee or the police station has any rewards, they should all be sent to her family.


    Her family was the victim.


    Everyone has heard this to some extent, so they are very unfriendly towards this old shrew.


    Zhao Guihua said with a smile that carried a hidden meaning, "Director Chen, you should speak less, otherwise, there might be rumors about you in our neighborhood tomorrow, saying you''re bullying someone."


    Madam Zhou Li immediately became unhappy and said sharply, "Zhao Guihua, what do you mean! Who are you talking about?"


    Zhao Guihua smiled sarcastically and said, "Who I''m talking about, who knows in their heart. I didn''t name anyone, but you came forward yourself. Could it be that you know very well what kind of person you are? I''ve heard of people picking up money, but I''ve never heard of someone picking up a scolding."


    Madam Zhou Li said, "You!"


    She said fiercely, "Don''t think you can bully my family just because you have more people. Let me tell you, I, Madam Zhou Li, am not easy to mess with. You old hag..."


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re the old hag, so despicable, if it weren''t for me leading the charge to catch the thief, you''d still be crying somewhere, not knowing what to do. We helped you recover your coffin money, and not a word of thanks, just blabbering nonsense in the courtyard and alleyways. What, do you think I, Zhao Guihua, am easy to mess with? Let me tell you, don''t think your mean and unlucky demeanor, always badmouthing others, will be tolerated by everyone. I don''t care if others can tolerate you, but I, Zhao Guihua, definitely can''t. Get out of my way! Or else I''ll slap you!"


    Zhao Guihua pointed at Madam Zhou Li and said, "Director Chen, look at this person, always claiming she''s being bullied. Look at her vicious appearance, who could bully her? We helped her recover her money, and instead of thanking us, she badmouths us. Is she even human? I''ve been holding back for days!"


    Director Chen could see that Zhao Guihua was genuinely unhappy.


    However, Director Chen could understand, as she was also unhappy.


    They were doing good deeds, and Madam Zhou Li just didn''t have any sense.


    It wasn''t surprising that people erupted, plus, Director Chen was well aware of Madam Zhou Li''s issues, always thinking the whole world owed her. She coughed and said, "Madam Zhou, did you thank them for helping you?"


    Madam Zhou Li widened her eyes and said, "Thank them? They should be thanking me."


    As soon as she said that, everyone glared at her, but she was unfazed: "If it weren''t for my house being robbed, would they have this chance to get rewarded?"


    Although it was rumored that she had such views, some people had never heard it directly. But now, there was no doubt about it. She really thought that way, and she had just said it out loud. Everyone was filled with anger.


    Although some people participated in catching the thief that night, some only participated in the search. Hearing this remark, those who didn''t directly catch the thief felt particularly displeased.


    "Your skin is too thick, isn''t it?"


    "Really, have some shame."


    "This person''s brain is not normal, right?"


    Everyone chimed in, and Madam Zhou Li was furious, but seeing everyone hostile towards her, even Director Chen looked at her with disgust, she suddenly panicked. Although she wasn''t a good person, she had been a widow since young and knew that angering the crowd was not wise.


    Especially since there was a "weak and kind" widow in their courtyard as a contrast, her situation was even more difficult.


    In the past, she had known how to rein in her thoughts, but her son was ambitious and found a daughter-in-law who was both rich and easily manipulated by her, so she gradually became more arrogant and less concealed of her true thoughts.


    But now that everyone disliked her, she was a bit panicked. It wasn''t that she was afraid of being ostracized; she wasn''t afraid of that. She was worried about affecting Zhou Qun''s reputation, especially since Director Chen''s words were still fresh in her mind.


    She was afraid that this incident would be reported to the factory by the neighborhood committee, affecting her son''s promotion.


    Her son was destined for great things.


    In fact, this was overthinking on Madam Zhou Li''s part. Their machinery factory had no connection with the neighborhood committee. Leaders of such state-owned large factories were even higher in rank than the neighborhood committee. The last time Zhuang Zhixi was commended and met the factory director was purely coincidental. But Madam Zhou Li didn''t understand this, fearing that the neighborhood committee would complain, she panicked and, after some thought, quickly said, "Oh, my stomach hurts, I need to go to the restroom..."


    With that, she quickly got up and walked out, thinking she could avoid trouble that way.


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "Hmph!"


    What a disgusting person.


    Director Chen also shook her head, not having a good opinion of Madam Zhou Li. Zhou Qun was a good person, but how did he end up with such a mother? With Madam Zhou Li''s ability to offend people, she was only dragging her son down.


    She coughed and said, "Let''s not talk about her. She doesn''t understand anything. I''ll explain the opinions of the neighborhood committee and the police station. After discussing, we decided that the eight people who participated in catching the thief will be notified by their units, and each will be rewarded with a porcelain teacup, one jin of rice, and one jin of flour. Additionally, everyone who participated in catching the thief that night will be individually notified by their units to express gratitude, and the neighborhood committee will provide a bundle of noodles."


    "Oh, that''s really great."


    "We didn''t do it for the reward; we value the honor."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    Although everyone said that, they were still very happy to receive the reward. Nowadays, everything is scarce.


    And what is this? It''s an honorary reward.


    Is that just an ordinary thing?


    Like the old lady from the back courtyard, when she heard about the teacup reward, she was so happy that her toothless mouth almost split open.


    Everyone was extremely happy, and Director Chen was also delighted. Although the neighborhood committee had "spent a lot," this honor was also received by the neighborhood committee. For the year-end evaluations, their neighborhood committee would definitely have an advantage.


    "Our neighborhood committee has more courtyards than buildings, and neighbors should be more friendly and harmonious, supporting each other to create a more united big family. Don''t you think so?"


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Director Chen: "Madam Zhou... well, she''s a bit clueless, but everyone should also be tolerant. Your courtyard contributed the most in catching the thief, and we remember that. Although it''s still early, I''ll put it out there: as long as your courtyard performs well and doesn''t cause any trouble by the end of the year, the honor of being the ''Model Courtyard'' in our neighborhood committee is very likely to be yours."


    "Ah!"


    Everyone immediately perked up, happily looking at each other. The honor of being the Model Courtyard was a good thing.


    Their courtyard hadn''t been awarded this honor for several years, and they were very envious every year when others received it.


    You know, the family that gets this honor each year can also get a jin of fine grain, which is not just about the honor but also has practical benefits.


    Aunt Wang suddenly felt a surge of ambition and said, "Director Chen, you can rest assured. I will lead everyone to perform well. We will definitely not cause any trouble for our neighborhood committee."


    Zhao Guihua also nodded along, a jin of fine grain per household was quite a lot.


    She said with righteous indignation, "Director Chen, please rest assured. We will definitely perform well. I won''t speak for others, but our family in our courtyard will ensure we don''t cause any trouble to anyone! We will not be a stumbling block for our courtyard to be selected as an advanced unit."


    Everyone expressed their determination, whether for the honor or for the end-of-year benefits, it was hard to say. In any case, everyone put on a good show for the honor, which was a matter of face. Were they really doing it for a bit of food and drink?


    Well, actually, yes.


    But everyone said it nicely.


    Seeing everyone''s expressions, Director Chen was also pleased and nodded, "That''s good."


    She still had to inform the other courtyards, so she didn''t stay long and got up to leave. Aunt Su quickly followed, putting on a weak demeanor and softly asked, "Director Chen, when can we collect the reward for catching the thief?"


    Director Chen looked at her puzzled and said, "But you didn''t participate."


    Aunt Su was momentarily speechless, then quickly said, "Although I wasn''t feeling well that day, Old Man Bai took my place on patrol. So, in essence, I was part of it."


    She coughed a few times and said, "I''m not in good health, but I always fulfill my duties without fail. I genuinely want to do something for the courtyard and the neighborhood committee, but my body doesn''t allow it. However, I''m not the type to break the rules. Old Man Bai helped me out."


    Director Chen wasn''t familiar with Aunt Su and only knew her as a weak and pitiful figure, so she felt sorry for her and said, "I understand, but this reward is not based on patrol duty but on actual participation in the search that night. Although Old Man Bai went on patrol for you, he didn''t participate when everyone scattered to catch the thief."


    Aunt Su: "What?"


    She opened her eyes wide in surprise.


    Director Chen: "This time, the reward is not based on the patrol team''s recommendation, but on the actual people who helped. Old Man Bai didn''t participate, so whether he replaces you or not, it''s useless. This matter has nothing to do with him, let alone you."


    Aunt Su was speechless, she said: "He... he didn''t go?"


    Her heart was filled with anger in an instant.


    This old bastard, wasn''t he just causing trouble for her? How useless, could he be relied on in normal times? But now, he didn''t participate, the damn fool. Aunt Su''s heart was filled with anger, but on the surface, she had to pretend to be surprised and unaware.


    Director Chen, seeing her reaction, added: "However, his son Bai Fendou was one of those involved, as he accompanied the victim Zhou Qun to report the case."


    In fact, this matter really had something to do with Bai Fendou. Old Man Bai was originally there, but when he saw Bai Fendou busy, he thought there was no need for two people from his family to participate. It wasn''t necessary, so he went home to sleep!


    This led to the situation where whether he replaced her or not had nothing to do with Aunt Su.


    Director Chen: "Bai Fendou also worked until the morning that night, he couldn''t be left out of this."


    Upon hearing this, Aunt Su''s mood improved slightly. Although they couldn''t get the good reputation of this matter, at least Bai Fendou would get a bundle of noodles. But thinking of this, she became angry again. Bai Fendou was really a fool, why did he accompany Zhou Qun to report the case? Did they have a good relationship? There was no special affection between them, and now he did a good deed, but missed out on more honors.


    If he hadn''t accompanied Zhou Qun to report the case, he would have been with Zhao Guihua and the others. That would have been better, with a pound of rice and a pound of noodles! Plus, there was also a teacup, which would cost three to five yuan to buy.


    Aunt Su cursed in her heart, but on the surface, she said softly: "I understand, I''m sorry to have caused you trouble."


    She could maintain her persona not by being unreasonable. If she were unreasonable like Madam Zhou Li, it would be useless. She knew when to keep quiet. Just like before, when fighting for the rights of widows, she never jumped out. Anyway, Madam Zhou Li would definitely jump out, and as long as she did, Aunt Su wouldn''t be left out.


    She had no need to offend people or be disliked.


    Anyway, she could get the same benefits.


    Just watching others make a fuss was enough.


    With a hint of shame, she said: "I misunderstood this matter, please don''t mind."


    Director Chen waved his hand: "What trouble, it''s nothing."


    She said: "Alright, I''ll leave first, you all keep busy."


    Director Chen left, and everyone immediately began to discuss enthusiastically. In fact, Madam Zhou Li had been waiting at the door, she just didn''t want to deal with Director Chen directly, so she pretended to go out for a toilet break.


    Now that Director Chen was gone, she naturally wanted to return, but she didn''t want to bump into him. Seeing him come out, she quickly turned into the back alley to avoid being seen. She took a few steps back and just as she stood still, a hand landed on her shoulder.


    Madam Zhou Li was startled and almost screamed.


    She quickly covered her mouth and turned around, only to see an old lady smiling at her.


    Madam Zhou Li was furious: "What are you doing! Are you sick! Why did you suddenly pat my shoulder! Fortunately, it''s daytime, if it were night, you''d scare someone to death."


    At this point, she suddenly thought of another way to get something out of this.


    She immediately said: "Oh, oh, you scared me. I''m not feeling well, I''m really not feeling well. You have to take me to the hospital, you must take me to the hospital."


    While pretending to cry out, she sized up this unfamiliar old lady, but... the old lady didn''t seem to be afraid?


    She looked at her and stopped shouting, puzzled: "You look familiar!"


    This person looked kind of familiar, as if she had seen her somewhere before!


    Just as she was about to cry out again to extort money, she suddenly remembered, and her expression changed: "You... aren''t you the witch?"


    Yes, this was none other than Auntie Lian.


    Auntie Lian grinned, revealing a missing tooth. It was still there yesterday, but now it was gone, not sure where it went. But this wasn''t important, Madam Zhou Li hadn''t seen her in eight hundred years, so she didn''t know this.


    Auntie Lian wouldn''t say that she used fake dog blood to trick people, and met a hot-tempered person who punched her, not respecting the elderly at all, causing her tooth to fall out. So, the good thing about getting old is that if you encounter something, getting scolded or punched is the end of it.


    As for calling the police, that wasn''t an option. At this age, it was really not easy to directly send someone to jail.


    The good thing about being old!


    Of course, it couldn''t be ruled out that the person looking for her also wanted to engage in superstition.


    Auntie Lian grinned, serious: "You see, how can you say that? What witch, we can''t engage in superstition, that''s not allowed. Just call me Ah Lian."


    Madam Zhou Li''s mouth twitched: "..."


    Aren''t you the one engaging in superstition?


    Perhaps Madam Zhou Li''s expression was too obvious, Auntie Lian smiled and said: "I can only be considered a wandering doctor."


    She became more serious: "Although not a proper doctor, a wandering doctor is still a doctor, not a witch. Witches are frauds, I''m genuinely solving people''s big problems."


    Madam Zhou Li''s mouth twitched again, she had never seen someone with thicker skin than hers.


    She chuckled, looked around, saw only a group of children playing, and quickly pulled Auntie Lian to the side, saying: "I was just looking for you, my daughter-in-law drank the black dog blood, but her stomach still hasn''t shown any signs, what''s going on?"


    Auntie Lian pretended to be profound, saying: "Has your daughter-in-law been to the hospital for a check-up?"


    Madam Zhou Li shook her head: "No, how can we go to the hospital? What if someone sees us?"


    Although her son and daughter-in-law hadn''t had a child yet, Madam Zhou Li wouldn''t let them go to the hospital. Her most secret thought was that once they went to the hospital and found out that the daughter-in-law was fine, what then?


    Although this was impossible, it was still something she had to guard against.


    It had to be said, this old lady was a bit shrewd.


    So, although she scolded her daughter-in-law for being a barren hen every day, she never let her go to the hospital for a formal check-up, only taking various folk remedies.


    Auntie Lian had seen many such old ladies, she understood at once that Madam Zhou Li wasn''t that confident. The reason she could do this for so many years without getting caught wasn''t just by selling things all the time.


    Sometimes, she also had to use a tiger skin as a banner, and retreat to advance.


    She pondered for a moment, saying: "I think the problem isn''t with your daughter-in-law."


    Madam Zhou Li''s expression changed immediately, she said sharply: "So it''s my son''s fault, you mean...?"


    Before she could finish, Auntie Lian interrupted: "Nor is it because of your son."


    Madam Zhou Li was confused.


    Auntie Lian spoke vaguely: "I think it''s because of a ghost."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Ah!!!"


    Auntie Lian: "My skills aren''t high enough, but I have a senior brother who said when passing through your area that it''s not peaceful here. There''s a female ghost in your area, hiding in the toilet, she doesn''t have children, so she''s pressing the atmosphere. I can''t say what the situation was before or will be in the future, but recently, it should be because of this..."


    She had heard long ago that there were ghosts here, but as an old charlatan, she didn''t believe it at all!


    What ghosts, she was a firm atheist, but to make money and survive, was it shameful to make things up? Not at all!


    Otherwise, who would care about an old lady with no qualifications, no reputation, and no money?


    She was quite particular, and if it were someone less scrupulous, they might have tormented the daughter-in-law of this household to death. But she was pushing the issue away entirely, which was already quite principled of her. We make money, but we don''t harm people! We have that moral integrity, we don''t do anything unscrupulous.


    Particular!


    Anyway, Madam Zhou Li of that age was still quite superstitious, even though everyone was saying not to engage in feudal superstitions, but for the elderly, it was really hard to say whether they believed or not. If they didn''t believe, they wouldn''t have come to her, right?


    So Auntie Lian kindly pushed the problem onto the "female ghost."


    Sure enough, Madam Zhou Li believed it and got excited: "Yes, yes, yes, the toilets in our area have indeed been causing trouble recently." She completely forgot that Auntie Lian had just said she didn''t pretend to be a ghost.


    Auntie Lian: "You see, it must have been men or children who fell in."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Yes, yes, yes."


    She got excited: "Why is that?"


    "This female ghost, she needs it. Didn''t I just tell you, the female ghost doesn''t have children? So she can''t stand seeing others with children, and she likes men and children too, so it''s men and children who fall in. Look, why not old men? She likes strong men. And then it''s the young men who fall in, she wants a son. Your son has fallen in before, so your family is suppressed. Otherwise, your daughter-in-law would have gotten pregnant after drinking black dog blood long ago. It''s all fate!"


    Madam Zhou Li suddenly understood and said: "You''re so right. That''s exactly it. So, do you have any solutions?"


    Auntie Lian: "I don''t have a good solution right now."


    The more she said that, the more Madam Zhou Li believed in her, saying: "You have to think of a solution for me. You''re so right, I know you''re very capable."


    She wouldn''t let go of Auntie Lian, who hesitated and said: "I really don''t have a good solution. After all, this line of work is declining. If I have to say, I can only suggest you buy some black dog blood. In fact, black donkey hooves are more effective, but I don''t have any. It''s hard to get and too expensive, not something ordinary people can afford. Now, I don''t have a better solution, just temporarily suppress it. I think you should know, black dog blood is very effective against evil. For the short term, don''t think about having children, just focus on safety. Otherwise, what if someone falls in again?"


    Madam Zhou Li: "Ah!" sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Auntie Lian: "I can''t help it, you wait for me to consult with my colleagues later."


    Madam Zhou Li: "Okay, give me two pounds!"


    Auntie Lian: "..."


    Indeed, she was rich.


    She solemnly shook her head: "There''s not that much, just give you a small bottle, you pay ten yuan."


    "Okay, okay, okay!" She was about to take out the money.


    Auntie Lian stopped her, shaking her head.


    She said mysteriously: "Let your daughter-in-law come to my house at night. How can I carry such an important thing with me?"


    Madam Zhou Li: "Okay."


    She said: "Remember, it should be late at night, don''t let anyone see. To tell you the truth, there are quite a few people in your area who come to me, with people falling into the toilet for no reason, who wouldn''t be uneasy? It''s inevitable to think more."


    Madam Zhou Li nodded in agreement.


    "You go back quickly, don''t let anyone see, it''s not good if someone catches you."


    Madam Zhou Li: "You''re right, I''ll let my daughter-in-law go over at night."


    After saying that, she quickly walked back, thinking that Auntie Lian was really capable, very impressive.


    Auntie Lian made money and was satisfied. Although she came today to find Zhao Guihua, she didn''t expect an unexpected gain. It seemed that pretending to be a ghost was still very sustainable. So, people should learn more skills.


    She said all this, which anyone could know, but when she said it mysteriously, the effect was very good. Madam Zhou Li left, and Auntie Lian found a child, gave him a piece of candy, and said, "Go to that big courtyard and call Zhao Guihua for me."


    If she hadn''t met Madam Zhou Li, she would have gone straight to Zhao Guihua''s house.


    But since she met Madam Zhou Li, it was not appropriate to go directly to Zhao Guihua''s house anymore. Otherwise, Madam Zhou Li might be suspicious, and Zhao Guihua might not feel at ease. She needed to have her own tricks in making money... ah, earning money.


    The child got the candy and happily ran to Zhao Guihua''s courtyard to call out: "Grandma Zhao, Grandma Zhao."


    Zhao Guihua came out briskly: "What''s up?"


    The child: "Someone is looking for you."


    Zhao Guihua followed the child with suspicion, turned a corner, and saw Auntie Lian. She immediately laughed and said: "Why didn''t you come in directly? There''s nothing to hide in our courtyard."


    Auntie Lian smiled: "Not convenient."


    She had other businesses in that courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua looked like she understood, and indeed, she did.


    Auntie Lian: "Last time we talked about the fabric scraps, I''ve made the arrangements. Are you sure you can go?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Of course!"


    Such a good opportunity was not common, and Zhao Guihua was not a fool. She said: "I won''t let you help for nothing."


    Auntie Lian smiled and said: "Of course, I also need to eat and drink. I''ve arranged it, come to my place on Sunday night at eight, I''ll take you there. I''ll charge one yuan for the introduction. The fabric scraps are six jiao per sack, you bring your own sack. Any problems?"


    Zhao Guihua: "No, do you have anything else to explain?"


    This kind of thing, similar to speculation but not exactly speculation, she needed to ask everything clearly in advance.


    After all, one yuan for the introduction fee was not cheap, a pound of meat was only eight jiao and five fen.


    "We''re going to the warehouse to get the fabric scraps, it will take about half an hour, you can pick whatever you want, big or small, it''s up to you. If you''re lucky, you can pick bigger ones, if not, smaller ones. It all depends on you. But you need to be quick, otherwise, if they chase you out and you only have half a sack, no one will care, you''ll suffer the loss yourself."


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "I understand."


    That is, there''s no saying half a sack is three jiao, you go in and it''s six jiao.


    "There are rolls of fabric inside, but just look, don''t touch. Otherwise, they''ll catch you, and you''ll never have this opportunity again, even I''ll be in trouble. Don''t cause trouble for me, but I see you''re a smart person, you definitely won''t do that."


    Do you think she, Auntie Lian, would dare to bring people in casually?


    She also has her own judgment!


    Auntie Lian: "Okay, I live at... Come to me on Sunday night, don''t get the wrong place, and don''t come too early. I''ll tie a red cloth strip on the tree at the door, you''ll know you''ve got the right place when you see it."


    Zhao Guihua: "Okay!"


    Both sides agreed and dispersed immediately.


    Auntie Lian deeply felt that one should learn more.


    Now, she has these two jobs, and if caught, the one doing feudal superstition is heavier than the one dealing with fabric scraps. So, in making money, it can be seen. Ten yuan from feudal superstition.


    One yuan from speculation.


    Indeed, the higher the risk, the more you earn.


    Auntie Lian sighed and left happily, feeling that this place had good feng shui, she had developed several clients here. If someone else fell into the toilet, her business would be even better.


    Auntie Lian sighed that this place was really a good place, while Madam Zhou Li was muttering at home that the feng shui here was not good.


    Of course, for Zhao Guihua, she was happily walking home, thinking about how she should be more observant when buying fabric scraps.


    "Damn it, who! Who put this sign here, so unscrupulous?" Zhao Guihua stepped into the courtyard with one foot, the other foot not yet in, when she saw Bai Fendou standing behind the toilet, jumping in anger.


    It was like stepping on his tail.


    Zhao Guihua stopped and said: "The words on the sign were written by my third son, but it was Old Baotou who asked for it!"


    She was telling the truth: "You don''t like it, but it doesn''t matter. Last time, it was Old Man Bai who cleaned up the mess."


    However, after saying that, Zhao Guihua looked at Bai Fendou with genuine curiosity and asked, "Hey, Bai Fendou, isn''t it working hours now? Why are you back? And what were you doing behind the toilet?"


    That sign, it''s right by the latrine!


    That''s the back of the toilet. If you didn''t deliberately go there, there''s no such thing as passing by.


    Bai Fendou''s face turned as red as a pig''s liver.


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    She was just a bit curious before, but seeing his sudden change in expression, she became more intrigued and leaned in, saying, "Tell Auntie, what were you doing here?"


    Aliali: 674b8cafc4f3f33ac4a3ef54


    Curiosity is something everyone has. Zhao Guihua looked Bai Fendou up and down.


    Bai Fendou: "I was just, you know, looking around."


    Could Zhao Guihua believe that?


    Absolutely not!


    She smiled even more kindly: "Looking around, how exactly? What were you planning to do?"


    She leaned in: "You weren''t really thinking of swimming, were you?"


    Bai Fendou roared: "Of course not!!!"


    His heart was filled with bitterness!


    Why did she say that about him!


    Auntie Zhao, you''re too mean!

 Chapter 36

    Late at night, the streets were deserted.


    Although it was not yet nine o''clock, there were hardly any people on the streets. A chilly wind brushed against the face, making the night feel even colder than the day. A group of four or five people followed an old lady, turning left and right, briskly walking through the alleys.


    Zhao Guihua was among them. She had made herself a mask to cover her face, preventing others from seeing her features. When she visited Auntie Lian in the evening, Auntie Lian stared at her for a full thirty seconds and exclaimed, "You''re really sly!"


    Zhao Guihua followed Auntie Lian, not paying attention to the others around her. The others were also acting suspiciously, some with scarves covering their faces. Such activities were best done without revealing one''s identity.


    No one looked at each other or asked questions; they just followed Auntie Lian. After nearly an hour of walking, Zhao Guihua felt she was sweating. They finally arrived at a factory. It was quite a distance, almost on the outskirts of the city.


    Auntie Lian: "Wait here."


    She went to knock on the door, and soon an old man came out. He peeked out, nodded, and the two murmured something to each other. Zhao Guihua took the opportunity to look around. There were some residential houses nearby, and since she was unfamiliar with this area, she became even more cautious.


    At that moment, Auntie Lian returned and extended her hand: "Money."


    Zhao Guihua quickly handed over the prepared one yuan to Auntie Lian. Auntie Lian: "Let''s go."


    After collecting the money, she led the group inside. The old man led the way, and they quietly made their way to the back, where the warehouse was. The old man pushed open the door, waved his hand, and said, "Choose from this area, don''t touch the rest. Six mao per bag. You have twenty minutes."


    One of the taller men quickly asked in a low voice, "Isn''t it supposed to be thirty minutes?"


    The old man glared and said, "Does walking in not count? Does paying not count? Do you understand the rules?"


    The tall man wanted to say something but was pulled back by Auntie Lian, who said, "Hurry up! If you''re so picky, don''t come with me next time."


    Upon hearing this, the tall man immediately backed down. The others didn''t waste any time and rushed to the fabric scraps. Zhao Guihua noticed Auntie Lian was among them, her movements swift and efficient, even faster than the men.


    The room was dimly lit by a two-watt lamp, barely enough to see. Zhao Guihua quickly realized the others with them were all men. She didn''t care and swiftly moved to the pile of fabric scraps, which were likely leftover from clothing production, in various colors.


    However, this was not the time for extravagance; resources were scarce, so the scraps were small and narrow. Large pieces were rare and had to be carefully searched for. Zhao Guihua felt a bit disappointed but quickly got to work, not wasting a moment. She dove into the pile, searching. If she didn''t act fast, she might lose out.


    She was quite quick, noticing Auntie Lian was doing the same, so she focused on her own task. Zhao Guihua filled her bag quickly, but time flew by even faster. Among them, Zhao Guihua and the tall man were first-timers.


    The others clearly knew what they were doing, not taking much time to select. The tall man, however, was meticulous, and by the time others had filled their bags, he had only a little. Zhao Guihua realized that if she took too much time to select, she wouldn''t fill her bag in twenty minutes. She had to settle for what she could get quickly.


    She was a first-timer but knew she had to learn from others.


    Learning from others ensures a full belly.


    Old sayings hold wisdom.


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t too picky to begin with, and now she was even less so. She glanced at the others and noticed a pattern. Auntie Lian and the others chose by color, not size. Auntie Lian was picking only red, regardless of size, while another with a gray scarf chose only black.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t overthink it; she just focused on filling her bag, choosing by color as well. This method was much faster. Compared to the tall man who had barely filled his bag, Zhao Guihua had already filled most of hers.


    As she filled her bag, she suddenly found a piece of fabric the size of a pumpkin, several pieces stuck together. She quickly added it to her bag, smiling with satisfaction. There were indeed good finds to be made here.


    She continued searching and found several large pieces, including some very soft ones perfect for making children''s undershirts and underwear. She quickly filled her bag, and just as it was about to be full, she pressed down on it to make more room.


    "Time''s almost up, you have a couple more minutes to finish up," the old man reminded them in a low voice.


    "Ah, I haven''t filled much yet," the tall man said, clearly a novice.


    No one paid him any attention; everyone started filling their bags indiscriminately. One even stepped on his bag to compress the fabric and fit more in. Seeing this, the others followed suit, including Zhao Guihua.


    "Alright, alright! Out you go," the old man said.


    Zhao Guihua filled her bag to the brim. Paying by the bag, it would be foolish not to fill it as much as possible. Zhao Guihua carried her bag out to pay, handing over the six mao she had prepared. Among them, the tall man had the least, but he still filled his bag.


    Even as a novice, he knew to take what he could get. They paid one by one and followed Auntie Lian out of the factory. The factory gate clanged shut behind them.


    Auntie Lian: "Go your separate ways, disperse!"


    She hoisted her bag and turned to leave.


    The others did the same, scattering. Zhao Guihua quickly followed Auntie Lian''s footsteps. It wasn''t that she clung to Auntie Lian, but their homes were not far apart, so they were on the same route. Auntie Lian knew the area well and took shortcuts, so Zhao Guihua naturally followed. The others, regulars, knew their way and took their preferred routes.


    Or perhaps, Zhao Guihua thought, they didn''t travel together to avoid being caught.


    A larger group would be more noticeable.


    Even the tall man went his own way. Zhao Guihua kept up with Auntie Lian, who said, "Sister, you''re quite sly."


    This was the second time she had said this.


    Zhao Guihua took it as a compliment, saying, "I''m just an honest person trying to get some fabric to make clothes for the kids. I don''t want to make a name for myself."


    Auntie Lian: "That''s right, but... hehe."


    This "hehe" was laden with meaning.


    Zhao Guihua: "What do you mean?"


    Auntie Lian said mysteriously, "Many who come through me for goods start with the intention of just getting some fabric for repairs, but once they see the profit, they can''t stop..."


    Zhao Guihua thought about it and understood, but she still firmly said, "Even if I''m interested, I''ll only use it for my family. I wouldn''t dare to engage in speculation."


    She really didn''t dare to do it, and this was different from selling fish.


    How it was different, well, there was no need to go into detail.


    Because the nature of the goods was different, and also, during the New Year, when everyone was preparing for the festival, even the Speculation and Profiteering Office would turn a blind eye, after all, who doesn''t eat and drink at home?


    But fabric, that was different, very different.


    Zhao Guihua''s family had several workers, so she didn''t need to take the risk and bring shame to her family.


    Didn''t you see, she wasn''t even selling fish anymore now.


    Zhao Guihua spoke firmly, but Auntie Lian didn''t believe her; she had seen this kind of thing many times. However, she joked, "It''s good that you don''t dare to do it, saves me from having another competitor."


    That was what she said, but it was just a joke.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "If it works out well, I''ll come back to you. I''m not doing business, but why not save money if I can? What good is it for the little ones to wear fancy things?"


    That was absolutely true, Auntie Lian nodded, "That''s the truth."


    Zhao Guihua chatted idly with Auntie Lian, and the time flew by. When they parted at Plum Blossom Alley, it was almost ten o''clock. Their courtyard usually didn''t lock the gate at night.


    In those days, thieves were rare.


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t have made such a big deal out of a small theft incident, starting patrols right away.


    Another reason they didn''t lock the gate was that someone might need to go to the toilet at night, and the noise of opening and closing the gate repeatedly would definitely disturb the Bai family. Zhao Guihua tiptoed home with a sack, gently closing the door behind her when she heard someone ask, "Back?"


    Zhao Guihua was startled and then said, "Why aren''t you asleep? You have to go to work tomorrow."


    Old Man Zhuang let out a long sigh, helplessly saying, "How could I sleep without you? Your courage, oh, it''s getting bigger and wilder. What if someone saw you?"


    Zhao Guihua put down the sack and said, "You make it sound like I''m doing something wrong. I''m doing this for the family, saving a bit is always better."


    She knew Old Man Zhuang was worried about her. Today''s matter was known only to the two of them; they hadn''t told the kids to avoid causing unnecessary worry.


    Zhao Guihua said, "There''s no real risk in buying fabric scraps. You think the factory leaders don''t know about this? But these fabric scraps are useless, so they sell them cheaply to other factories, like yours that uses them to clean machines. But that''s between state-owned enterprises, not much money involved. Selling them like this is still profitable. Besides, do you think anyone can just go to the warehouse? It must be a relative of a leader."


    That was true indeed.


    Old Man Zhuang agreed with that.


    But he said, "I''m not worried about you getting caught by the factory, I''m worried about you being mistaken for a criminal on your way back."


    Walking the streets at midnight with a sack, it didn''t look good.


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "I was with Auntie Lian, she''s been doing this for years, do you think she''s a fool? Alright, don''t worry, I know what I''m doing. Come, see what I got today. This was my first time, not much experience, maybe next time I''ll do better."


    Another time?


    Old Man Zhuang: "... " His heart ached!


    But he still went over and said, "Let me see what you picked."


    Zhao Guihua: "I spent a total of one yuan and six jiao, take a look, is it worth it?"


    Whether it was worth it or not, it was hard to say, but Auntie Lian charged one yuan for the tip, which was quite a lot. But was it worth it? Definitely, even if it made two big shorts for Hutou, it was worth it.


    Zhao Guihua carefully sorted through the fabric scraps, saying, "Look, there''s quite a bit here, I was still a bit inexperienced for my first time. But I did get some good stuff."


    She didn''t know how much others found, but she had her share of treasures. She quickly found several pieces of fabric, probably cut wrong. She had quickly stuffed them into her sack when she saw them. Now, she took them out and roughly pieced them together, saying, "Look, these four pieces can make a short-sleeved sailor shirt for Hutou."


    She looked at the remaining scraps and said, "And these three pieces can make one for Xiao Yanzi." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thrifting was important too.


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes sparkled with joy, saying, "See, isn''t it worth it?"


    One yuan and six jiao, it paid off.


    Even if they were all just scraps, it wouldn''t be a loss, but finding larger pieces was a delight. She rolled the blue and white striped fabric to the side, saying, "Look how nice?"


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, it was indeed worth it.


    If it were for adults, the patchwork would look too shabby, but for children, it didn''t matter much. Plus, children used less fabric, so it wasn''t obvious. Even if you bought clothes from a store, they weren''t made from a single piece of fabric, so making clothes for children was perfect, especially the younger they were, the less noticeable the patchwork.


    "Just right, Xiao Yanzi can have a couple more outfits, Hutou''s clothes, Xiao Yanzi can''t really use, the child doesn''t have many clothes."


    Now, children often wore hand-me-downs from their older siblings, and older children often wore clothes altered from their parents''. It was rare for a family to afford new clothes for all the kids. Even in big courtyard families, many boys wore small military pants altered from their parents'' clothes.


    In their family, Xiao Yanzi was two years younger than Hutou, so she naturally wore her brother''s old clothes. But Hutou was a boy, and boys tended to be rougher, so by the time Xiao Yanzi got them, some were too worn to wear, so she didn''t have many clothes.


    Hutou had more clothes, not because he had many new ones, but because worn-out clothes from the adults were altered into smaller sizes for him. Since there were more adults in the family, his clothes naturally accumulated more.


    As for why they didn''t alter them directly for Xiao Yanzi, it wasn''t about favoring boys over girls, but because they could alter them to fit Hutou better, and didn''t want to waste fabric by making them even smaller. Besides, Xiao Yanzi could still wear Hutou''s old clothes, so she didn''t have many clothes.


    Zhao Guihua said, "This time, Xiao Yanzi gets some new clothes."


    Even though they were fabric scraps, they were still new fabric.


    She said, "In the future, we don''t have to wait for Hutou to wear them out before giving them to Xiao Yanzi, look, will Xiao Yanzi even be able to wear them after Hutou?"


    She started muttering to herself.


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t sleepy at all, she fiddled with the fabric scraps and said, "You go to sleep first, I''ll sort this out."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Aren''t you worried about wasting electricity?"


    Zhao Guihua''s face stiffened, giving in to the power of saving electricity, she quietly put down the fabric and said, "Then I''ll sort it out tomorrow."


    After all, they weren''t a wealthy family.


    But it was good not to be a wealthy family, if they were, they might be in trouble.


    Zhao Guihua, having enjoyed a good life before, quickly adapted to the thrifty, penny-pinching life of the 1970s. She turned off the light and got into bed, saying, "We still have to save."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, the room fell silent, and he asked, "Hutou and Xiao Yanzi are both going to school, should we pay their tuition?"


    Zhao Guihua glared at him and said, "What are you dreaming about? No way."


    Old Man Zhuang whispered, "The eldest''s life is tight."


    Zhao Guihua snorted and said, "Tight as it is, it''s self-inflicted. What? Do they expect me to bear the burden for them? Not a chance. Liang Meifen shouldn''t think she''s the smartest. That''s not happening. Besides, their monthly salary plus allowances is close to forty yuan, and they only contribute ten yuan for living expenses. They still have thirty left, so they can''t afford to pay for their children''s schooling. That''s a joke, isn''t it? Wang Xiangxiu''s family of five has to cover food and expenses with less than thirty yuan. If they were truly in hardship, we, as parents, couldn''t just stand by. But they''re not at that point yet. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi''s tuition is only one yuan and fifty cents each, which doesn''t affect their lives."


    Old Man Zhuang let out an "oh" and agreed.


    He was the type who dedicated himself entirely to his children, like an ox working tirelessly. However, despite being an ox, he was also a compliant one. In this household, he was most obedient to Zhao Guihua. If she said one thing, he wouldn''t say another.


    Since his wife had made a decision, he wouldn''t raise any objections.


    Moreover, he thought what his wife said made a lot of sense.


    Zhao Guihua''s mind was no longer on that topic; instead, it was fully occupied with the sack. She mused that even the cloth strips could be sewn together to make a long dress, which would still look quite nice. It was a win, indeed.


    Zhao Guihua thought further that these scraps wouldn''t work for winter clothes but were perfect for summer.


    She pondered over and over, coming up with several simple yet stylish designs in no time. Before she knew it, she had fallen into a daze and didn''t realize when she had fallen asleep. Perhaps it was because she went to bed too late and didn''t wake up in time to make breakfast. As a non-working person, Liang Meifen cooked corn grits and steamed buns.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were unaware that Zhao Guihua had gone out the previous night.


    Zhuang Zhixi gossiped, "Hey, do you think Bai Fendou fell into a cesspit and ate something that scrambled his brains? Why is he always lingering around the public toilets these days? I wonder what he''s up to."


    Several people groaned in disgust. Zhao Guihua, without hesitation, gave her son a heavy thump on the back, saying, "I think it''s your brain that''s the problem. We''re eating breakfast here; what are you talking about? Do you want to ruin our meal?"


    Ming Mei nodded vigorously, saying, "Mom''s right. Your words have made me lose my appetite."


    Despite her words, she continued to eat heartily.


    "Mom, I''m not very busy recently. I''ll have a day off in a few days. Shall we go up the mountain together?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Sure!"


    Although she didn''t think much of Ming Mei''s abilities, she didn''t see any reason to stop her if she wanted to go. It would be a good chance to see some excitement.


    "Alright." Ming Mei quickly finished her meal, slung her small satchel over her shoulder, and said, "I''m off to work."


    Ming Mei epitomized the image of a modern female worker: two pigtails, a navy blue cotton jacket, matching trousers, neat and tidy, with a military green satchel that read "Serve the People."


    Zhao Guihua glanced up at Ming Mei and said, "Go ahead."


    Ming Mei responded with an "Okay," and with a spirited stride, she left the house. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Wait for me, let''s go together."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    The young couple made the most of every moment together. Zhuang Zhixi held Ming Mei''s hand and said, "I''ll give you a ride for a bit, and we''ll part ways at the fork."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    Bai Fendou happened to come out and said, "Oh, you two are so clingy."


    He hopped onto his large Forever bike and quickly overtook Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi called out behind him, "Fendou, aren''t you waiting for your good friend?"


    Bai Fendou almost lost balance and turned back to give Zhuang Zhixi the middle finger, saying, "Just shut up."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled innocently.


    Ming Mei muttered softly, "They''re together all the time anyway; they might as well get married."


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked and said, "That''s if he''s willing. I think he''s just being played."


    Zhuang Zhixi had no sympathy for Bai Fendou; if he was willing to throw himself into it, who could he blame?


    "He brought it on himself; he deserves it," Zhuang Zhixi said, echoing his mother''s sharp tongue.


    At that moment, Zhao Guihua finished her meal and quickly instructed, "Oldest daughter-in-law, tidy up."


    She hurried back to her room and began rummaging through her belongings. Last night had been too rushed to examine things properly. This time, she found that there were indeed fewer good items. Liang Meifen, busy with her chores, sneakily peeked over, only to be stunned.


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you looking at? Go wash the clothes you took off from the kids."


    Liang Meifen: "Oh."


    Her curiosity was eating her up, but seeing that her mother-in-law paid no attention to her, Liang Meifen couldn''t say anything. With Hutou and Xiao Yanzi at school, the house was left with just the two of them, making the atmosphere even more awkward.


    Liang Meifen silently went to wash the clothes, thinking she might as well clean the windows later. As long as she kept busy, her mother-in-law wouldn''t have anything to say. In fact, this was overthinking; Zhao Guihua wasn''t paying attention to her at all.


    She had no time for such trivial matters. Instead, she preferred to find some good items to make life better. Although the sack was filled by Zhao Guihua herself, rummaging through it now felt like treasure hunting.


    "Ah!"


    She exclaimed in delight, suddenly thrilled.


    Among the cloth strips she had stuffed in a hurry, there was a large piece of fabric. This piece of cloth was military green, neatly rolled into a long strip and thrown among the scraps.


    Zhao Guihua excitedly unfolded it, only to gasp again. This piece of cloth was over a meter long.


    It was neatly cut and of excellent quality, made of polyester.


    Zhao Guihua was thrilled: "How could such a good piece of fabric be thrown among the scraps?"


    She caressed it and quickly decided. This material could make a short-sleeved shirt for an adult. It was perfect for making one for her husband. He hadn''t had new clothes for several years.


    Their family hadn''t split up, and there were quite a few people living together. Whenever there were cloth coupons, they were used for their sons and grandchildren. The old couple hadn''t added any new clothes for years.


    Although the factory provided work uniforms, even in summer, they were long-sleeved and not particularly presentable. They were just work clothes, after all. Now that there was such a piece of cloth, Zhao Guihua was excited and quickly put it away.


    As she continued to search, she felt even better.


    This time, just with these few good pieces of fabric, she had made more than ten times the profit.


    Indeed, one must be bold.


    She sorted through the sack again, and by mid-morning, she had finished organizing everything. Zhao Guihua looked at these items with satisfaction and nodded, saying, "Oldest daughter-in-law."


    Liang Meifen immediately responded, "I''m here!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Go to the supply and marketing cooperative and buy some thread. White, black, and red, one roll each. Here, take the money."


    Liang Meifen: "???"


    Although she was very confused, obedience was always the right choice.


    Liang Meifen hurried off, while Zhao Guihua had already arranged the fabrics. She first sorted the blue and white striped fabric, roughly sketched a design with a piece of chalk, and then cut it at home. She then took the original thread from home and headed to the back courtyard.


    Aunt Wang and a few others were sitting at the junction of the front and back courtyards, chatting.


    These non-working women and young wives usually gathered together. As the weather warmed up slightly, they would sit in the yard, winding wool, stitching soles, or sewing clothes, all while chatting. It was a perfect way to work and socialize.


    "Guihua, what are you...?"


    "Aunt Wang, I was just looking for you. Can I borrow your sewing machine?"


    This had been discussed before. Aunt Wang nodded, "Sure, I''ll take you there."


    The other aunties glanced at the fabric in Zhao Guihua''s hand, their eyes flickering. Zhao Guihua didn''t care what they thought and said, "I brought my own thread; I just need to replace it, right?"


    Aunt Wang: "You''re too polite. It''s just a little thread."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s the proper thing to do."


    Nowadays, every household lived frugally, and she couldn''t take advantage.


    Wang Dama also curiously examined the fabric, saying, "This is..."


    Zhao Guihua: "This is some scrap fabric a close friend of mine found for me. I thought it wouldn''t be suitable for adults, but for children, yes. I plan to make a summer top for each of the two kids."


    "Oh, that''s really nice. It feels quite soft; it would be perfect for the children."


    "Exactly."


    Zhao Guihua was also delighted: "I didn''t expect it either. I got lucky."


    They entered the house together, where Li Fang was also at home. She quickly greeted, "Aunt Zhao, you''re here! Let me get you some water."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, no need. I''m here to work. Don''t bother."


    Aunt Wang and Li Fang''s mother didn''t rush off either; they watched Zhao Guihua work. Zhao Guihua tested the sewing machine and quickly regained her rhythm. At her age, there wasn''t much she couldn''t do; back in their younger days, ready-made clothes were a luxury they couldn''t afford. Everyone made their own, not knowing any fancy styles, but they all knew how to sew.


    After all, children didn''t need anything particularly special.


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t used a sewing machine in a long time and was a bit rusty, but she wasn''t afraid of making mistakes. Her family didn''t own a sewing machine; she always borrowed one, using it infrequently, so it was natural not to be very skilled. Zhao Guihua started working quickly on the sewing machine...


    Meanwhile, Liang Meifen had just returned with the thread. As soon as she entered the courtyard, Aunt Su called her over and urgently asked, "Liang Meifen, it seems your mother-in-law is making clothes. Is it for your sister-in-law?"


    She couldn''t sleep without stirring up trouble.


    Liang Meifen: "???"


    Sister-in-law? Oh, not her real brother, but her brother-in-law''s wife.


    She shook her head: "I haven''t heard anything about that."


    Her mother-in-law hadn''t mentioned making new clothes for Ming Mei. Even if she were to make new clothes, it wouldn''t be for Ming Mei; she already had so many. The whole family knew Ming Mei had the most clothes. Liang Meifen was jealous, but she didn''t realize those were from Ming Mei''s family.


    Despite Liang Meifen''s naivety, she wasn''t much of a liar; she was somewhat honest.


    She said, "Even if new clothes are being made, it should be for my two little ones, right? My mother-in-law mentioned making something for them when it gets warmer. This doesn''t involve my sister-in-law." That''s because she helped catch fish.


    She didn''t say the last part out loud.


    "Why make clothes for kids? They don''t need new clothes."


    "Exactly, adults'' old clothes can be altered."


    Adults worked hard, and their clothes often wore out in places like the knees, hips, and other spots. When they were too worn to be patched, they''d be altered for the children, which was the most practical. Making new clothes for kids was too wasteful.


    Liang Meifen said, "My mother-in-law decided; I don''t know."


    She couldn''t comment on this.


    Even if her mother-in-law wasn''t the one making the decisions, why would she speak up for something that benefits her? She wasn''t crazy; she didn''t want the fabric to go to her brother-in-law and Ming Mei.


    The thought of that made her feel like she''d lose out.


    She wouldn''t do that.


    "Whatever happens in our family, my mom decides. We just follow her lead; she says what to do, and we do it." At this moment, she even knew how to say nice things. The others exchanged glances, thinking that Liang Meifen was really benefiting from this, her words sounding nicer now.


    Liang Meifen was indeed benefiting; she was happy as long as it was for her side of the family.


    Although her mother-in-law hadn''t said anything, Liang Meifen felt that the clothes were for her kids. After all, her mother-in-law, though harsh, was a person of her word. Compared to Madam Zhou Li, who was always scolding and harsh, her mother-in-law was fierce but kept her promises. Her husband might not necessarily buy her candy, but her mother-in-law would definitely provide meat or fish if she said so.


    "Is my mother-in-law at Aunt Wang''s? I''ll go check."


    Liang Meifen couldn''t hold back and hurried over to see.


    Zhao Guihua saw her coming and said, "Go home and make lunch."


    Liang Meifen was stopped in her tracks with just one sentence. She muttered an "oh" and silently left without even entering the house.


    Aunt Wang chuckled, "Your daughter-in-law is quite obedient."


    Zhao Guihua herself didn''t believe that, laughing, "Do you think so?"


    Aunt Wang: "Let''s leave it be."


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t particularly attached to this task, knowing the future of society, but she had to make her stance clear. After all, Liang Meifen was the type to push boundaries. She didn''t respond well to kind words, but a stern tone could keep her in line and prevent trouble.


    For the sake of family harmony, she had to play the role of the strict mother-in-law.


    It wasn''t easy for her, really.


    The children''s short-sleeved shirts were made quickly. Zhao Guihua had already cut the fabric before leaving, and the sewing machine was faster than hand-sewing. Once done, she shook the clothes and asked, "What do you think?"


    "Really nice."


    Li Fang smiled, "This looks just like the striped shirt the young protagonist wears in ''Children of the Fishing Island.''"


    Because of this movie, many kids in their city wore such blue and white striped shirts every summer.


    "Mine is a bit simpler. I thought, for kids, just keeping cool is enough, so I made the collar a bit larger."


    In reality, it was to make the most of the fabric.


    "Yes, a high collar would make the child too hot."


    At this point, Aunt Wang also noticed, "You made one for each of the brother and sister, you''re really generous."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "To be honest, I only had this much fabric. Making two larger ones wouldn''t be enough, so I made two smaller ones. This way, neither is jealous of the other. Every time I altered clothes for Hutou, Xiao Yanzi would be so envious. You can''t treat a girl too poorly; otherwise, she might be easily swayed by a boy''s small favors when she grows up. That wouldn''t do."


    "Oh, where did you get that idea?"


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s the truth. Think about it, isn''t it true?"


    Aunt Wang and Li Fang''s mother thought about it and found it quite reasonable, laughing.


    Zhao Guihua finished her work and said, "I''ll head back now. I''ll come by to use it again this afternoon."


    She herself felt a bit embarrassed, adding, "I still need to make some shorts."


    Aunt Wang: "Sure, don''t be so polite. Feel free to come by."


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement and took the finished clothes home. As soon as she entered, Liang Meifen immediately fixed her gaze on Zhao Guihua''s hands, hesitating to speak.


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and said, "Speak up if you have something to say. Here, take it."


    Liang Meifen: "Ah?"


    She looked at her mother-in-law in surprise, excited: "For me?"


    Zhao Guihua: "What good fortune are you thinking of? These are for the two kids, one each. Keep them for now; I''ll make them some shorts later. Once everything is done, wash them all before putting them away. Wait until it''s warmer to dress the kids in them."


    Liang Meifen: "Why wash new clothes?"


    Zhao Guihua glared, "Just do as I say. Don''t ask so many questions. If you don''t want to wash, don''t take them!" She knew that people usually wouldn''t wash new clothes, as washing made them wear out faster. Clothes were precious then, rarely bought, so they were treated carefully. But Zhao Guihua thought otherwise.


    This fabric was pulled from the warehouse and wasn''t clean; children shouldn''t wear such things.


    She said, "Don''t rush; wait until the other clothes are done together."


    "Okay!"


    Liang Meifen moved as fast as a rabbit that had just been caught, quickly storing the clothes. She quickly said, "I''ll follow your instructions."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t explain further, asking, "Did you put the thread I asked you to buy on the cabinet?"


    Liang Meifen nodded.


    Zhao Guihua nodded and went into the inner room.


    As Zhao Guihua entered the room, Liang Meifen unfolded the clothes to inspect them. She could tell that the larger piece was made from four pieces of fabric sewn together, but it didn''t look shabby at all. In fact, it was quite good. Even ready-made clothes sold in stores wouldn''t be seamless like this.


    Looking at her daughter''s piece, she deeply felt that making new clothes for Xiao Yanzi was a waste.


    Aliali: 6748677cc4f3f33ac4783886


    However, since it didn''t cost anything and was made for her own family, it was a big gain!


    A huge gain!


    She certainly wasn''t going to turn it down.


    Liang Meifen happily folded the clothes and hummed a little tune. Her mother-in-law was indeed a woman of her word. She said she would make clothes for her children, and she did.


    Although... she would have preferred to make money from fishing, she knew her mother-in-law wouldn''t give her any.


    She sighed, feeling quite misunderstood. Why couldn''t they understand her desire to impress her family back home?


    She, was in a tough spot, feeling quite the burden!


    Liang Meifen''s thoughts wandered off, while Zhao Guihua had already cut out the little shorts. She was now realizing the benefits of the same color scheme, really making the most of it. At the warehouse, she hadn''t noticed, but now that she had brought it home, she found the fabric was quite generous, at least for children.


    Zhao Guihua: Very excited!~


    She picked out a few soft fabrics and pondered for a moment, realizing she could make two pairs of underwear and two little vests for each child. Zhao Guihua: This haul is just awesome!

 Chapter 37

    Zhao Guihua was busy all day, making summer outfits for Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. She made them matching striped short-sleeved shirts and blue shorts, suitable for both boys and girls.0


    In addition, the two children each received two undershirts and two pairs of underwear.0


    Boys tend to wear out their pants faster, so Zhao Guihua made an extra pair of capri pants for Hutou. These garments, though homemade, looked as good as store-bought ones, even though they were made from leftover fabric. One wouldn''t guess that the fabric was scarce.0


    After making these, there was only a small piece of polyester cloth left.0


    However, Zhao Guihua found a bundle of red fabric with small floral patterns, each strip about the width of a palm. She planned to sew them into two striped dresses for Xiao Yanzi. This was a meticulous task that couldn''t be rushed.0


    Besides, it wasn''t summer yet, so she wasn''t in a hurry.0


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi came home from school with their little satchels. Seeing their freshly washed new clothes flapping in the breeze in the courtyard, they jumped for joy. Hutou exclaimed in surprise, "Are these my new clothes? Are they really mine?"0


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "Yes, look, these are for you, and those are for your sister."0


    Hutou clapped his hands, "Yay!"0


    He could count now and counted his clothes, saying, "I have one more pair of pants than my sister."0


    Xiao Yanzi, swaying beside her brother, was even happier. She had fewer new clothes than her brother, but the little girl didn''t mind.0


    After all, she often didn''t have any new clothes at all.0


    Zhao Guihua ruffled the little girl''s hair, saying, "You have more than your brother."0


    "Huh?"0


    The siblings looked at their grandmother in confusion. Xiao Yanzi, who could already count to ten, suspected her grandmother was trying to trick her.0


    Zhao Guihua, seeing her skeptical look, laughed even harder and said, "You have two dresses that haven''t been finished yet. Grandma is too busy!"0


    Understanding now, Xiao Yanzi''s eyes widened in shock, "Two, dresses?"0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Yes, two dresses. It''s still cold now, but when it gets warmer, you''ll get them."0


    Xiao Yanzi felt so happy she was about to float away. She swayed gently, leaning on her brother, saying, "Two new dresses..."0


    Then she stood up straight and asked softly, "Are they for me, not for my brother to wear first?"0


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua felt a pang of sadness.0


    Hutou, blushing, said, "Boys can''t wear dresses. They''re definitely for you."0


    Xiao Yanzi''s cheeks flushed with excitement, different from her brother''s shyness. The little girl fidgeted with her hands, saying, "That''s great."0


    Zhao Guihua pinched the girl''s cheek, saying, "In the future, whatever your brother gets, you''ll get too."0


    Xiao Yanzi grinned.0


    Zhao Guihua hugged Hutou with her other arm, saying, "Hutou has more clothes than his sister, so this time we made more for her. When Hutou''s clothes wear out, we''ll make more for him too."0


    Hutou replied, "Okay!"0


    He said loudly, "I understand!"0


    He was about to start elementary school soon and was quite sensible.0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "You''re both good kids. As long as you''re good, Grandma loves you."0


    Hutou shouted, "I''ll be good!"0


    Xiao Yanzi was not to be outdone and shouted loudly, "I can do it too, Xiao Yanzi is even more obedient."0


    Zhao Guihua: "You are all good children."0


    Two children received praise and were both very proud. Soon, the brother and sister held hands and went to play together. Zhao Guihua''s family had hung their washed clothes outside to dry, which naturally everyone could see. Aunt Su looked at them and said enviously, "You really spare no expense when it comes to making clothes for your children."0


    Zhao Guihua: "These clothes aren''t even enough for one piece of clothing for an adult."0


    In fact, it''s enough no matter how you look at it, but you can''t put them together, can you?0


    Zhao Guihua: "I just exchanged some small pieces of cloth. It''s not enough for adults to make clothes, so I decided to make them for the children instead. It''s good that the children haven''t had many new clothes recently. It will also make the children happy."0


    This statement by Zhao Guihua is indeed quite genuine.0


    It''s not that she is particularly humble; in fact, Zhao Guihua is quite fond of showing off, but she has also experienced a lot and knows that some things are not to be spoken of lightly. Having a good life known to everyone is not entirely a good thing.0


    Who knows, is there anyone jealous?0


    It''s like the recent incident with the thief. There are so many courtyards on this entire street, and each courtyard has so many households. Why did the thief choose Zhou Lishi''s family? It''s because she always brags about being the "richest" in the area. Sometimes, you can''t boast too much.0


    "Actually, I wanted to make it for my old man, but he hasn''t had new clothes for four or five years, and the fabric isn''t enough." She put it out there first, saying, "I''ll save up, and I''m definitely going to make a new one for my old man this summer."0


    You do know how to care for your old man, and it''s the same at my house. It hasn''t been as long as at your place, but it''s been two or three years since we''ve done anything new." Auntie Wang sighed, "My two boys can really make a mess.0


    Li Weiwei and Li Junjun, two boys, naturally get into more trouble, and their pants get torn at the slightest provocation, it''s really helpless.0


    Everyone''s topic quickly shifted to children. Auntie Su''s eyes flickered as she said, "Zhao Guihua, who did you trade with? Could you help me trade for some? You see, my family''s life is not easy either. The three boys are too mischievous. It''s a time when we are short of cloth coupons."0


    She also realized that Zhao Guihua probably didn''t have any more large pieces of fabric. However, she still wanted to inquire about the source.0


    Zhao Guihua: "One of my old sisters, she''s gone now, and she was also left over from tailoring clothes."0


    Zhao Guihua had no intention of recommending Aunt Lian to Aunt Su. It wasn''t that she wanted to monopolize this channel for herself, but rather, she felt that Aunt Su wasn''t very trustworthy. She might not necessarily say it out loud, but she would definitely involve her in everything.0


    To put it bluntly, it''s like a sticky chewing gum. Once it gets even slightly attached, it''s very difficult to shake off.0


    And she looked like she couldn''t lift a hand or shoulder a burden, who knows what kind of trouble she might cause then. That''s why Zhao Guihua initially nipped this idea in the bud. She smiled and said, "Such things, how could they happen all the time?"0


    As they were talking, Xu Da''s wife entered the back courtyard, cursing and muttering. Zhao Guihua asked, "What''s wrong with you?"0


    Sister Xu was in a huff and said, "Auntie, you don''t know, that Bai Fendou, the little rascal, has a screw loose in his head. I don''t know why, but he''s been lurking around the restroom area. It makes me uneasy even going to the restroom. Do you think he''s peeping on us?"0


    "Oh, I wouldn''t dare say that. Saying something like that could ruin someone''s reputation. It''s really not necessary. If he really wanted to sneak a peek, he wouldn''t do it in broad daylight. You''re misunderstanding him." Aunt Su immediately jumped out to defend Bai Fendou. This wasn''t because she had a particularly good relationship with Bai Fendou, but because Bai Fendou was their family''s blood donor. She couldn''t let Bai Fendou get such a reputation, as it would lead to being labeled as a scoundrel and possibly being arrested. If that happened, he might lose his job.0


    This person can lose anything, but they cannot lose their job. If they really lose their job, who else in their family can they rely on?0


    The old white man doesn''t fight as much as his son, and isn''t it better to have one more person?0


    She anxiously explained for Bai Fendou, and Sister Xu pouted, then said: "Auntie Su, I know you are a good person, but you don''t know, he has been wandering around there for several days, it''s really worrying, I don''t feel safe every time I go to the bathroom."0


    Sister Xu was unhappy, and naturally she had to express it.0


    "You didn''t encounter him?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "I have met him, but I don''t know what he does, and he didn''t say when I asked."0


    In his previous life, there were no rumors of him wandering around the restroom. It''s truly a different story now, as many things have changed drastically.0


    Madam Zhou Li: ¡°I¡¯ve encountered something similar. I think this guy is a pervert and should be reported to the factory security department to have him arrested.¡±0


    Madam Zhou Li certainly doesn¡¯t like Bai Fendou and would love to see him crushed.0


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that too harsh? I don¡¯t think he¡¯s like that.¡±0


    ¡°He¡¯s part of the factory security department himself. Are you suggesting he arrest himself?¡±0


    Everyone chimed in with their opinions.0


    Aunt Wang seemed to know something. She glanced around and said, ¡°Let me talk to him. He doesn¡¯t have bad intentions; he¡¯s just not very bright.¡±0


    With that, no one objected.0


    After all, Aunt Wang was the head of the courtyard, and it was clear she knew something. Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Wang and then turned her gaze to the clothes she had just washed. Suddenly, Zhao Guihua grasped something¡ªfeudal superstitions.0


    She unexpectedly thought of Auntie Lian, who had been wandering around several times and even mentioned in front of her that the toilet was haunted. Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t interested at the time, so the topic ended there.0


    If Bai Fendou had heard that rumor and believed it...0


    After all, he had fallen into the toilet twice that day, possibly making him more inclined to believe such things. Although she didn¡¯t know the specifics, Zhao Guihua felt that Bai Fendou sneaking around the toilet area must not be for peeping but likely for some superstitious ritual.0


    She wasn¡¯t sure how exactly, but the possibility was very high.0


    This was probably why Aunt Wang didn¡¯t want to talk about it. Spreading such rumors would only tarnish Bai Fendou¡¯s reputation further, and the factory might even investigate. So Aunt Wang kept quiet. She was quite decent in that regard.0


    Zhao Guihua figured it out and stood up, saying, ¡°I¡¯m going home to cook. It¡¯s getting late, and it¡¯s time to make dinner. These days, there¡¯s just so much to do.¡±0


    ¡°Exactly, my old man thinks I have it easy at home, not seeing all the work there is to do.¡±0


    ¡°That¡¯s right, at times like this, I envy Madam Zhou Li, who doesn¡¯t have to do anything and just waits for her daughter-in-law to come home.¡±0


    ¡°Exactly.¡±0


    Aunt Su often didn¡¯t cook either, but she put on a good show. Whenever she did any work, she made sure everyone saw it, giving the impression that she was very diligent. Everyone thought she was hardworking but just physically unable to do heavy tasks.0


    But she was a diligent person.0


    Madam Zhou Li, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t manage her image and was seen as lazy and gluttonous.0


    Madam Zhou Li didn¡¯t mind what others said and even boasted, ¡°If you can¡¯t control your daughter-in-law, it¡¯s your fault. Once a daughter-in-law enters the house, she must work. Not working means the rules haven¡¯t been set right.¡±0


    ¡°Hehehehe.¡±0


    Some agreed, some didn¡¯t, but everyone just laughed awkwardly before dispersing to go home and cook.0


    Zhao Guihua also went home, especially since her son and daughter had gotten new clothes today, and Liang Meifen was thrilled.0


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Let¡¯s make something simple. You steam the buns, and I¡¯ll stew some vegetables.¡±0


    Working together, they finished much faster.0


    That evening, Zhuang Zhixi left work and headed straight to the bus terminal to pick up his wife. Her shift ended later than his, so he had plenty of time. Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t take the bus; he walked, which took nearly forty minutes but wasn¡¯t too tiring.0


    The chilly spring air made him feel warmer as he walked.0 Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So Zhuang Zhixi always walked. As he approached the terminal, he suddenly stopped and looked across the street. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he crossed the road and followed.0


    Lo and behold, he spotted an acquaintance¡ªZhou Qun.0


    Curious why Zhou Qun would come here after work instead of going home, Zhuang Zhixi quietly followed him and saw him enter a guesthouse. Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and pondered. Zhou Qun was a local with a home, so he wouldn¡¯t need an introduction letter to stay at a guesthouse.0


    Without an introduction letter, the guesthouse wouldn¡¯t let him stay.0


    So, he must be meeting someone who had a letter and was staying there. Zhuang Zhixi leaned against the wall, keeping an eye on the guesthouse entrance. It was really odd for him to be here spying like this.0


    But was there anything wrong with that?0


    No!0


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that curiosity was natural.0


    Leaning against the wall, he soon saw another familiar face.0


    It was none other than Wang Xiangxiu.0


    Wang Xiangxiu had changed out of her work clothes and was hurrying into the guesthouse.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­It¡¯s not surprising at all.¡±0


    There was no good reason for them to be at a guesthouse far from home. Anyone with a bit of sense could guess what was going on.0


    Hmm¡­even without thinking, one could guess the situation.0


    Zhuang Zhixi thought it would be a good idea to call Jiang Lu to see this, though she might not think Zhou Qun was at fault. More likely, she¡¯d want to kill Wang Xiangxiu but see Zhou Qun as the innocent one.0


    A gust of wind blew, and Zhuang Zhixi felt the evening chill. Although it was already March and sunny at midday, it was still cold in the evening. He rubbed his hands and suddenly laughed.0


    He really was idle. Even if he wanted to see some gossip, he didn¡¯t need to stand guard like a watchdog. He turned and walked away, deciding not to watch anymore.0


    Gossip would always be there.0


    This chilly evening, picking up his wife was more important. Zhuang Zhixi quickly left, but if he had stayed, he would have soon seen Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu leave separately. They were quick, and Wang Xiangxiu was already getting dressed.0


    Zhou Qun lay lazily on the bed and said, ¡°Why the hurry?¡±0


    Wang Xiangxiu buttoned her shirt and replied, ¡°How can I not hurry? I still have to cook at home. I¡¯m not a man who can just eat ready-made food. There¡¯s a lot to do at home, and my mother-in-law is unwell, you know that.¡±0


    Zhou Qun gave a nonchalant snort.0


    She glanced back at Zhou Qun and whispered, ¡°Is it safe here?¡±0


    Zhou Qun: ¡°It¡¯s fine; I arranged it.¡± He looked at Wang Xiangxiu and said, ¡°If you¡¯re so worried, why come at all?¡±0


    Wang Xiangxiu pouted, ¡°You¡¯re heartless.¡±0


    Zhou Qun chuckled, ¡°You have a heart? You have a heart not to mess with Bai Fendou? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know he heard the ghost rumor from you.¡±0


    His mother prepared black dog blood to ward off evil, and he had some with him. Wang Xiangxiu inquired about it and then told Bai Fendou.0


    He had long guessed that Bai Fendou¡¯s lurking around was to find the witch.0


    He must also want to ward off evil but couldn¡¯t find a way. So he kept sneaking off work to look for her. Unfortunately, he hadn¡¯t been lucky enough to meet her yet. Others didn¡¯t know, but Zhou Qun had figured it out.0


    He sneered, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you two were so close. Aren¡¯t you afraid he¡¯ll find out about us?¡±0


    Wang Xiangxiu leaned softly against Zhou Qun and said, ¡°What are you talking about? In my heart, you¡¯re the most important. He¡¯s nothing, not even worth your little toe. But I have three children to raise. Without his help, how would I manage? That¡¯s why I can¡¯t let him get into trouble. Who else could I rely on if he did? Rely on you, my dear? I don¡¯t even dare to think about it.¡±0


    Zhou Qun chuckled, ¡°I won¡¯t get a divorce. I don¡¯t care about money, but divorce is too disgraceful.¡±0


    He looked up: "I want to develop in the factory, where can I afford to lose face?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu said softly: "I know, I didn''t say anything about you, so you don''t need to always talk about Bai Fendou. You know, I don''t have any feelings for him anyway."0


    To be honest, she really didn''t like Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou wasn''t bad, but what''s the use of being good? He was ugly, stupid, not clever, and had a one-track mind. Even if she, Wang Xiangxiu, was in a bad situation, she wouldn''t choose such a man.0


    She said: "In my heart, you''re better."0


    Zhou Qun looked at her with a proud smile, took out some money, and said: "Take it and buy some food."0


    Wang Xiangxiu softly replied with an "Ah," looking at Zhou Qun tenderly and saying: "You''re really capable. I knew it wouldn''t be wrong to follow you."0


    She took the money and didn''t want to stay any longer, quickly saying: "I''ll go first, so no one finds out. Let''s leave separately."0


    Zhou Qun waved his hand.0


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly left, looking around to make sure no one was watching before hurrying downstairs. The person at the counter downstairs kept his head down, pretending not to notice. Wang Xiangxiu quickly walked out, spat, and muttered under her breath: "What a piece of trash, does he think I''d look at him? If it weren''t for the fact that he has some money, I wouldn''t even look at him. He''s even worse than Bai Fendou. At least Bai Fendou isn''t as hypocritical as this fake gentleman."0


    Touching the five yuan she had just received, Wang Xiangxiu felt her steps lighten up. She hurried home, thinking: "If it weren''t for his generosity, I wouldn''t have bothered. It''s a waste of time to walk this far for nothing."0


    But thinking about how five yuan could buy a lot of things, she couldn''t help but smile. This deal wasn''t bad.0


    If she could get this once a month, it would be enough to supplement her income, which was almost a fifth of her salary. If she saved a little more, it would be enough for a month''s food expenses. She liked Zhou Qun''s foolish generosity.0


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t want to take the bus, so she jogged home.0


    After walking a distance, Zhou Qun also came out. He wasn''t in a hurry; life was easier for men. He didn''t need to cook, so he strolled home slowly.0


    Zhuang Zhixi never expected these two to move so quickly. He hadn''t gone far when they already parted ways. He arrived at the bus station and didn''t go in, just sat at the gate waiting. The gatekeeper uncle was Uncle Zhou.0


    Uncle Zhou poured him a cup of hot water and said: "You''re quite good to your wife. You''re the only one who comes to pick her up."0


    In fact, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t come often, only occasionally, but compared to others, he definitely came more. Zhuang Zhixi smiled sweetly and said: "The days are shorter now, and it gets dark when you all get off work. My wife is so beautiful; how can I not worry? I feel more at ease when I come to pick her up."0


    Uncle Zhou chuckled, thinking to himself that you''re really good at making things up. Everyone at the station knew that Ming Mei was a top-notch fighter.0


    A few big men might not be her match.0


    "Is it busy at your machinery factory?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi, like a good student, said politely: "The workshop is definitely busy, but it''s not busy for me. I just handle fees in the clinic."0


    He smiled and said: "Our clinic deals with small things, not busy."0


    "The clinic is good too. Are you a doctor?"0


    "No, I just handle fees." Zhuang Zhixi felt that people didn''t listen to him. He had clearly mentioned it before. But it seemed that everyone assumed that working in the clinic meant knowing medicine, which wasn''t the case.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, I¡­"0


    "Zhixi Ge!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi was speaking when he heard a clear call. He looked up and saw Ming Mei''s head poking out from a bus entering the station.0


    Ming Mei waved at him and said: "Zhixi Ge, wait for me."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "Okay."0


    The bus stopped, and Ming Mei quickly ran towards the office building. The bus drivers and conductors who arrived at the same time all laughed. The married women winked at each other, hinting everyone to look at Zhuang Zhixi.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was good-looking, which gave him some clout.0


    "The couple''s feelings are really good."0


    "That''s right."0


    "My husband never picks me up after work."0


    "You''re not as pretty as Ming Mei."0


    Everyone chattered and laughed. Before they even reached the office building, Ming Mei had already run out. A sister teased: "Wow, you''re fast."0


    Ming Mei blushed shyly and then pouted: "My husband is waiting for me outside."0


    They were a legal couple, after all.0


    She quickly ran to the gate, and Zhuang Zhixi walked out with a smile, "Where''s your bike?"0


    Ming Mei: "Oh right, I forgot."0


    She quickly went to the bike shed to get her bike, and Zhuang Zhixi rode it, carrying Ming Mei, turning out quickly. Ming Mei hugged his waist and said: "Why did you come to pick me up again?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I had nothing to do. Didn''t we say I''d come pick you up when I''m free?"0


    Ming Mei giggled coquettishly and hummed softly, saying: "Isn''t that tiring?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not at all, I''m happy to see you."0


    Both of them laughed. As they were about to turn a corner, they heard someone chasing from behind, shouting: "Xiao Ming, Xiao Ming Mei¡­"0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s long legs quickly stopped the bike, and the couple turned back to see an old man panting as he caught up. Ming Mei jumped off the bike: "Director?"0


    The director was out of breath and said: "You ran so fast. Your mom asked me to tell you to go back to your parents'' place today after work."0


    They lived upstairs and downstairs, so it was convenient to pass on messages.0


    He almost didn''t catch up.0


    Ming Mei: "Ah? Oh, okay!"0


    The director waved his hand: "Alright, I forgot to tell you this morning. Phew, chasing you has me out of breath. Go ahead."0


    Ming Mei: "Okay."0


    Ming Mei patted Zhuang Zhixi''s back and said: "Let''s go home."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Which home?"0


    Ming Mei pouted: "Of course your home. We''ll go back and tell them we''re going to my parents'' place. Otherwise, it''s too late for a round trip. What if our mother-in-law worries about us?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."0


    The couple quickly rode their bikes home. Zhuang Zhixi said: "Oh, I met Zhou Qun on the way here today. He and Wang Xiangxiu went into a hotel one after the other. Let me tell you¡­"0


    Zhuang Zhixi started talking, and Ming Mei''s eyes widened, saying: "They''re really something."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Right? Bai Fendou is really a waste."0


    Ming Mei didn''t feel sorry for him at all, saying: "He brought it on himself."0


    She was very vengeful, especially since Bai Fendou had tried to ambush her Zhixi Ge in the toilet for no reason. Ming Mei didn''t have a good impression of Bai Fendou. She asked: "Do you feel sorry for him?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Am I bored? I''m just watching the fun."0


    Ming Mei chuckled, and the couple chatted all the way home. They arrived home late, and every household was already eating. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei entered together, and Zhuang Zhixi called out: "Mom, I saw the new clothes hanging outside¡­"0


    "Mine, mine," Hutou quickly told his uncle, "They''re my new clothes."0


    "And mine," Xiao Yanzi said in a childish voice.0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "That''s nice. Where did the fabric come from? We used up our cloth tickets, didn''t we?"0


    Zhao Guihua looked up: "None of your business."0


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately shut up; his mother was not to be trifled with.0


    Old Man Zhuang spoke: "Let''s eat."0


    "Okay, Mom and Dad, Ming Mei and I are going to my in-laws'' place later. My mother-in-law asked us to go over for something." Zhuang Zhixi explained.0


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Go ahead."0


    She seemed to think of something and looked at Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"0


    Suddenly being stared at, he quickly sat up straight. Zhao Guihua: "You have a wide circle of friends. If you come across anyone from your unit who wants to sell a sewing machine ticket, try to get it."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy crap."0


    Others also turned their heads to look at Zhao Guihua in unison, unable to believe what they were seeing. This was definitely not the mother they knew. Their mother was always very frugal and careful with money. But recently, what was going on? She was talking about buying a bicycle and a sewing machine.0


    How much money did she think she had to spend like this?0


    Everyone stared at Zhao Guihua in a daze. Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you have any objections?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi was quick to react: "Of course not."0


    Liang Meifen was also shocked as she looked at her mother-in-law. How much money had her mother-in-law saved up? But soon, Liang Meifen shook her head inwardly. Her mother-in-law couldn''t have that much money. The family''s income was predictable, and although Liang Meifen wasn''t very clear-headed, she was one of the few high school graduates.0


    She could guess a bit about the family''s financial situation from the inflows and outflows.0


    Her mother-in-law had some money, but it was definitely not a lot.0


    Although they had made some extra money from selling fish before, they had also spent a lot on meat. So there probably wasn''t much cash left. Liang Meifen looked at her mother-in-law in confusion, not understanding what she was planning to do.0


    Ming Mei nodded and agreed with her mother-in-law''s approach, saying, "It''s better to buy and use early to enjoy it. It''s actually a good idea."0


    This wasn''t Ming Mei brown-nosing; it was her habit from childhood. Although she had saved a lot of private money, she also spent a lot. There was no way she wouldn''t be influenced by her mother''s habits.0


    Ming Mei''s mother was like her grandmother.0


    Ming Mei''s grandfather had been a master craftsman at a gold shop in the 1930s and 1940s, a very prestigious and well-paid job. At first, Ming Mei''s grandparents were frugal and lived a good life.0


    But back then, the world was chaotic. Even if they were frugal and wanted to live well, fate didn''t always give them the chance. Ming Mei''s eldest uncle passed away at the age of seven. Because of this, her grandparents were deeply affected and stopped saving money from then on.0


    They realized that money should be spent when you have it, because if you die without spending it, it''s a sad thing.0


    Ming Mei''s mother was the third child, with another uncle. After losing their eldest son, the couple lived differently. Their lifestyle was even better than that of landlords in the countryside. Usually, boys were more valued than girls, but Ming Mei''s mother never wore her brother''s old clothes. The couple both worked at the gold shop, one as a master craftsman and the other as a shop assistant. They earned money and spent it on food and clothes, eating meat and buying new clothes.0


    Although they didn''t have houses or land like other master craftsmen, their family was very healthy. How could they not be healthy?0


    Other families had to save and be frugal, but they ate well and had a good diet. The difference in a child''s growth from eating well or poorly was significant. Logically, living like this was risky, like living day by day.0


    But who would have thought that luck is unpredictable.0


    After liberation, their family, because they had no houses or land, was classified as poor peasants. Those who had some money usually bought houses and land, with the best classification being middle peasants, which was not as good as poor peasants.0


    Their family had nothing, so they were classified as poor peasants.0


    It was an unpredictable turn of events.0


    Because of their skills, Ming Mei''s grandfather was assigned a job in a factory and also given a house.0


    So Ming Mei''s grandparents often said that the most important thing in life was to be happy, eat well, and enjoy life early. That''s why when Ming Mei''s grandmother passed away, the whole family felt that she had lived a fulfilling life.0


    Ming Mei''s mother was greatly influenced by her parents. Although Ming Mei didn''t grow up with her grandparents and didn''t see them much, she was influenced by her mother.0


    So when it came to this, Ming Mei strongly agreed.0


    Moreover, in her dreams, the purchasing power of money would decrease in a few years. So wasn''t it better to enjoy it now? If it weren''t for the current situation, she would have even wanted to buy a gold necklace with her private money to show off.0


    Ming Mei''s eyes sparkled as she agreed with her mother-in-law''s view.0


    Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "I think so too. We''re still young, no need to save for old age so early. It''s better to buy some household items for convenience. Otherwise, always borrowing from others is so inconvenient."0


    Besides, borrowing too much would annoy anyone.0


    Those were precious items.0


    Ming Mei nodded: "My mother always told me that too, so we bought a sewing machine early."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Did you also buy a radio?"0


    Ming Mei nodded: "We bought it many years ago."0


    Zhao Guihua smacked her lips, exclaiming: "A radio..."0


    Old Man Zhuang''s chopsticks fell with a clatter as he stared at Zhao Guihua in shock, unable to believe she was even thinking about buying the three big items.0


    The three big items, a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a watch, were essential for a decent wedding. But for a family not getting married, there was no option for a watch. The other item mentioned was a radio.0


    They had never imagined they could afford the three big items.0


    Old Man Zhuang felt his heart tremble, wondering if they had enough money...0


    If there was no savings at all, Old Man Zhuang thought it would be terrifying. But he was usually a quiet person and a henpecked husband, so even if he had thoughts, he didn''t dare to speak up. He hurriedly picked up his chopsticks and forced a smile.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t pay attention to this. She thought for a moment and sighed, saying, "If we buy a sewing machine, we won''t have money for a radio. Let''s save up for two more years." It was enough, but too tight.0


    Old Man Zhuang finally relaxed.0


    Liang Meifen: "..." Scary! Her mother-in-law was getting more and more unreliable lately!0


    Ming Mei: "..." Disappointed, she had thought they could buy a radio.0


    However, getting a radio ticket was not easy, and even if they wanted to buy one, it wouldn''t be something they could get quickly.0


    Like now, even though her mother-in-law wanted to buy a sewing machine, they didn''t know when they''d get the sewing machine ticket. There were tickets in the black market, but it was better not to get involved. Buying food was necessary, but buying tickets was not.0


    And generally, such tickets were in the hands of specific dealers.0


    Ming Mei knew this, and Zhao Guihua knew it too. These people were not simple.0


    She reminded, "Just ask around at the factory, don''t go to the black market."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "I know that."0


    The black market, people went there, but not often. Buying things had its own rules. After all, they were workers, and if they got caught, it would affect their jobs.0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei quickly finished their meal and left together. As soon as they stepped out, they ran into Wang Xiangxiu, who was washing clothes in the yard. Despite the cold weather, she had her sleeves rolled up high, revealing her white arms.0


    She looked up at the couple and smiled, warmly greeting them, "Heading out?"0


    Ming Mei cheerfully replied, "I''m going back to my parents'' place."0


    The couple rode off on their bikes. Wang Xiangxiu pouted. She didn''t even go back to her parents'' place once a year, but Ming Mei went back frequently. Such a woman was not a good woman.0


    The Zhuang family seemed powerful, but they were still snobs. If it were Liang Meifen, they wouldn''t let her go back so often.0


    She pouted, thought for a moment, and headed towards the Bai family... "Fendou, Sister Xiangxiu is washing clothes, do you have any clothes to wash... Ah, you, you, you, put your clothes on quickly..."0


    Bai Fendou was embarrassed and shouted, "Sister Xiangxiu, you should go out first, go out! Really... why didn''t you knock!"0


    Fortunately, no one saw this little incident, or it would have led to some gossip.0


    But Bai Fendou secretly hoped there would be rumors about him and Sister Xiangxiu. In fact, he wasn''t that concerned.0


    A man, once a bit more stable, would feel a bit proud.0


    Even though the door was closed, Bai Fendou still muttered, "Sister Xiangxiu, it''s not like you can''t see me, why rush in like that? If I shouted, people would think you were up to something and arrest you."0


    "Pfft, what nonsense," Wang Xiangxiu said, her voice tinged with shyness but her expression calm.0


    "Sister Xiangxiu, you know me¡­" he hesitated, not voicing his true feelings. Some things, once spoken aloud, could ruin everything. He chuckled, scratching his head, and said, "You must know¡­"0


    He didn''t say it directly.0


    Wang Xiangxiu knew all too well, and she cooed, "Sister Xiangxiu also wants to be with you, but it''s hard. How could I ever be worthy of you?"0


    "How are you not worthy? You''re so wonderful."0


    Wang Xiangxiu looked pitifully dejected, "I''m not worthy in every way. You''re still a young man. What am I? A widow with three sons. How could I ever be worthy of you?" Her voice carried a note of bitterness.0


    The two were entangled in their emotions, unaware that across the way in the Zhuang household, several pairs of eyes were pressed against the window, watching the spectacle.0


    Zhao Guihua was no exception, she clicked her tongue, "What are they saying? Look at Bai Fendou''s eyes, they''re practically glued."0


    Aliali: 6748ac5ec4f3f33ac47c6ad8


    "Definitely trying to seduce¡­" Liang Meifen was disapproving, "I''ve seen it more than once. I wonder if Wang Xiangxiu really wants to be with Bai Fendou. Oh, if only they''d speak up a bit louder. We can''t hear a thing."0


    "Private conversations, do you expect them to be loud enough for you to hear? You''re dreaming. If you had your way, they might as well broadcast it on a loudspeaker. They keep things private too."0


    At this, Liang Meifen sighed, "Even if they''re private, it''s not like we can''t see anything. Everyone''s not blind. I really don''t know what the Bai father and son are thinking. I''ve never seen such a foolish father, doing this and dragging his son along¡­"0


    As she spoke, she noticed her mother-in-law suddenly freeze.0


    She pursed her lips, cautiously asked, "Mother-in-law?"0


    What had she said?0


    Why had her mother-in-law suddenly frozen?0


    Zhao Guihua was stunned not for any other reason, but because she suddenly thought of why Ming Mei had gone back to her parents'' home. Although Ming Mei hadn''t returned yet, Zhao Guihua knew that a remarkable person was about to arrive in their courtyard.0


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips and suddenly burst into laughter, saying, "Things are going to get even more lively from now on."0


    Ming Mei''s grandpa was coming!0

 Chapter 38

    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhiyuan walked upstairs hand in hand in the darkness, feeling uninhibited since no one could see them.


    Ming Mei was quite puzzled, saying as they walked, "I wonder why my mom urgently called me to come home."


    Even though her family was particularly doting on their daughter, different from other families, her mother had mentioned before her marriage that it wasn''t good to visit home too frequently after marriage, as neighbors would gossip. Ming Mei didn''t understand what there was to gossip about, but that''s just how things were.


    If a married daughter frequently returned home, it would inevitably invite some unfavorable discussions.


    Ming Mei''s mother didn''t want her daughter to be subject to such talk, which is why she had reminded Ming Mei before marriage. This made Ming Mei''s current summons all the more puzzling.


    "Dad, Mom, I''m home!" Ming Mei''s voice rang out cheerfully. "Your beloved daughter has returned!"


    At her call, Ming''s Father immediately came to open the door, delighted: "Our dear girl is back, come in quickly."


    As the young couple entered, they saw a spirited elderly man sitting on the sofa. He wore a white shirt with a V-neck sweater over it, and despite his graying hair, his scholarly appearance was enhanced by his glasses.


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Ming''s Father, instead of sitting down directly in front of this person, pulled his daughter over and said, "Look, look who this is!"


    After a brief moment of confusion, Ming Mei''s eyes widened in surprise: "Grandfather?"


    The elderly man nodded and glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, who immediately spoke sweetly: "Grandfather!"


    In life, the most important thing is knowing how to flatter!


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly said, "Grandfather, you''ve come from out of town? When did you arrive? Are you tired? Let me give you a massage - I''m quite good at it."


    Zhuang Zhixi hurriedly moved behind the elderly man, who nodded and said, "Well, well, you''re not bad at all, young man."


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Of course! If I weren''t capable enough, how could I deserve your granddaughter? Right? To be worthy of Ming Mei, one must work hard to improve - this massage skill of mine was learned from a traditional Chinese medicine family master. You can''t even find someone to teach this nowadays. Just watch!"


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t exaggerating - he had learned his skills from the senior nurse at their medical office. However, in the current climate, no one dared to claim any connection to traditional Chinese medicine families. Even though the senior nurse had a good background and hadn''t encountered any trouble, she quietly stayed in the medical office treating minor ailments.


    Those topics from a couple of years ago were no longer mentioned.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How''s my technique? Oh, if only you had come two months earlier, you could have attended Ming Mei and my wedding banquet!"


    The elderly man raised an eyebrow and said, "Am I someone who needs a free meal?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly responded, "Of course not! Anyone can see you want for nothing, but it''s about the gesture, isn''t it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi continued his flattery, leaving the Ming family quite speechless, though Ming''s Father soon found it somewhat appropriate. As a rough man from the capital, he was worst at dealing with his father-in-law.


    While others could share drinks with their fathers-in-law, his... better left unsaid.


    In any case, this was the first time Ming''s Father had looked upon Zhuang Zhixi so favorably.


    Although this "pig" had "uprooted their precious cabbage," at least he wasn''t entirely useless - his smooth talking sometimes proved to be an advantage. Ming Mei cheerfully moved closer and said, "Grandfather, what brings you here?"


    She looked around and said, "You didn''t bring me any gifts?"


    Ming Cheng watched his sister''s foolish behavior with twitching eyelids, about to explain something to her, when the elderly man spoke: "Oh my, what a filial child you are, truly filial, extremely filial."


    Ming''s Father covered his face - here it comes, his father-in-law''s sarcastic tone had arrived.


    Ming Mei remained unfazed, smiling brightly: "Hehe, I''ve always been filial!"


    She played along, pouting: "I didn''t know you were coming! If I had known, I definitely would have bought you something delicious. Tomorrow I''ll buy you some Daoxiangcun pastries, how''s that for thoughtful?"


    The old man glanced at the young girl and said, "That''s more like it."


    He pointed to a travel bag nearby and said, "Those are the things I brought, take out the food and share it."


    Ming Mei: "Yes!"


    She continued chattering: "Grandfather, when did you arrive? How come the food hasn''t been taken out all day?"


    The old man: "Well, well, the things were just sitting there, and everyone seemed to ignore this old man, not even asking about them. Why should I bring it up myself?"


    Ming Mei burst out laughing, saying, "Grandfather, what are you saying? They''re just afraid of you, that''s why they didn''t ask. By the way, how long can you stay this time? I''ll come see you every day."


    It''s often said that married couples share similarities.


    Both Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi were social butterflies and naturally friendly people.


    The old man looked at his daughter and son-in-law, then at his granddaughter, saying, "That won''t be necessary to visit every day."


    Before he could finish, Ming''s Mother interrupted, coming out from the kitchen: "Your grandfather is here to stay."


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"


    She was even more surprised, looking at her grandfather in disbelief as the old man smiled slightly.


    Ming''s Mother continued, "Your grandfather has been transferred to work in the capital, and coincidentally, it''s at the Forward Machinery Factory. Your grandfather has already reported to the factory today and has been assigned accommodation."


    Ming Mei: "!!!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "!!!"


    This was news to them!


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at the old man''s gray hair, falling into deep confusion - shouldn''t someone his age be retired? How come he''s still working? But before Zhuang Zhixi could ponder too long, his mother-in-law explained: "Your grandfather has come to train apprentices at the machinery factory."


    "Oh, so will grandfather be staying with us?" Ming Mei asked curiously.


    The old man waved his hand, saying, "Why would I stay here? I have my own life to live. Staying here would only disturb them. The factory has already arranged accommodation for me. Coincidentally, it''s in your compound."


    Ming Mei, who was about to take a sip of water, sprayed it out: "Pft!"


    The old man immediately asked, "Oh, are you not welcoming of this?"


    Ming Mei hurriedly replied, "No, no, I''m very welcoming! I was just surprised."


    She scratched her head, confused: "But I thought there weren''t any vacant rooms in our compound?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, there is!"


    He knew more than Ming Mei about this: "There''s that single room at the side where the front and back courtyards meet. Because it''s just one room and quite small, it''s been difficult to allocate, so the factory has kept it locked all these years."


    Actually, several families had their eyes on this room, particularly Madam Zhou Li''s family, as the room was next to their house. She had always dreamed of claiming it for herself. She had planned that once Zhou Qun had a child, she would request the room citing insufficient space.


    Even if the factory didn''t agree, she intended to occupy it for her eldest grandson.


    But that plan remained just a plan, as her son Zhou Qun still had no children, leaving her without even an excuse.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Is it a small single room?"


    The old man nodded: "Exactly!"


    He said, "I''ll move in tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately offered: "That room hasn''t been lived in for a long time and needs a good cleaning. I''ll go clean it for you, and the windows need fixing too!"


    The old man shook his head: "No need, I have my apprentices."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh?"


    The old man maintained a superior air: "I came here to train apprentices, and what kind of apprentice doesn''t help their master? You don''t need to get involved in this."


    He looked at his granddaughter and grandson-in-law directly and said, "Although we''ll be living in the same compound, I hope you won''t disturb me unnecessarily."


    The Ming family: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Well, this old man certainly had quite a personality.


    The old man indeed had quite a character. He said, "I have my own life, you youngsters shouldn''t come bothering me unless it''s necessary." He pointed at the Ming family members and then at Ming Mei and her husband: "Although we live in the same courtyard, you are you, and I am I."


    Ming Mei pouted.


    The old man said, "Alright, you can leave now if there''s nothing else."


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    So it turned out he called them over just to tell them this.


    Ming Mei let out a soft "Oh."


    "Take the snacks I prepared for you when you leave, three portions."


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    Ming Mei and her husband had arrived full of excitement, but before they could even have a proper conversation, they were practically swept out the door. Ming''s Father said, "Come on, I''ll walk you out."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: this was unprecedented.


    Indeed, everyone felt somewhat intimidated meeting their father-in-law, even someone as strong as Ming''s Father was no exception.


    Ming''s Father walked his daughter and son-in-law out, saying, "It''s dark already, I''m worried about you two walking alone. Let me accompany you for a bit."


    It was clear he didn''t want to go back home.


    Ming Mei grinned mischievously and said, "Dad, are you afraid of my grandfather?"


    Ming''s Father glanced at his daughter and said, "Well, why don''t you ask your husband if he''s afraid of me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately replied, "Of course I''m not afraid of you. Although you can be a bit fierce sometimes, I know that''s just your personality. Why should I be afraid? Besides, I haven''t done anything wrong, and I know you think highly of me." He winked at his father-in-law.


    Ming''s Father: "..."


    Ming''s Father''s mouth twitched, thinking his son-in-law was really thick-skinned.


    However, he couldn''t be bothered with his son-in-law right now; he was preoccupied with thoughts about his father-in-law.


    Ming''s Father heaved a deep sigh.


    Ming Mei laughed and said, "Dad, you don''t need to be so worried, do you?"


    Ming''s Father was straightforward: "I''m worried your grandfather will cause trouble."


    Ming Mei: "How could that be possible? Grandfather is so old now, and besides, he''s not the type to get into fights."


    The troublemakers in their family were usually her father''s relatives.


    Ming''s Father gave his daughter a long look, thinking she clearly didn''t understand her grandfather''s true nature due to their limited interaction. He sighed deeply and said, "Your grandfather''s ability to stir up trouble is unmatched by ordinary people."


    Seeing his father-in-law so melancholic, Zhuang Zhixi suspected this grandfather might indeed have some special capabilities.


    He took the initiative to ask, "Dad, how old is grandfather this year? Can he still work in the workshop at his age?"


    Ming''s Father didn''t beat around the bush with his son-in-law this time, spilling everything: "Your grandfather is seventy-one this year. He retired a couple of years ago but was rehired by the factory to train apprentices. Recently, a machinery factory in Beijing wanted to find a skilled master craftsman to train new workers, and after much consideration, the factory assigned this task to your grandfather."


    The factory surely had more than one master craftsman, and technical experts were always in demand everywhere.


    But most people had families to consider, and relocating an entire family was inconvenient and difficult. But this old man was different. Although he had a son in their hometown, he didn''t live with him.


    Moreover, he had a daughter in Beijing, so arranging for him to come here was relatively suitable.


    "Although the old man is quite aged, he''s coming here to train workers, not to do intensive work, so his age isn''t an issue. The factory was hesitant about sending your grandfather here, but he insisted he could do it."


    "What about uncle?" Ming Mei asked, "Is his family still in Jinling?"


    Ming''s Father nodded: "You know your grandfather, he doesn''t like living with younger generations. Your uncle is truly your grandfather''s son, they''re cut from the same cloth, both father and son are..." He suddenly caught himself, realizing he shouldn''t speak ill of his father-in-law. He coughed awkwardly and said, "Anyway, your grandfather wasn''t joking. Even though you''re living in the same courtyard, try not to disturb him too much."


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..." He was quite curious now.


    Ming''s Father walked his daughter and son-in-law all the way home. When they reached the alley entrance, Ming''s Father suddenly became animated, pointing at the public toilet at the alley entrance: "Is this the one? Is this the public toilet where people fell in?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, this is it. Three people from our courtyard fell in at once. Splash, splash! Oh my, the sewage spray! We were so fortunate that Aunt Wang from our courtyard organized everyone for the rescue. Those who got close to help couldn''t escape getting splashed all over. Luckily, my mother and I were clever and stayed back, so we managed to avoid the mess."


    "How did they fall in? Was it splash-splash or crash-crash...?" Ming''s Father was very curious.


    Well, you couldn''t blame Ming''s Father for his curiosity. Anyone would want to know more about such an incident. After all, in all their years, they''d never seen people fall into a public toilet before. It was completely unheard of!


    Ming''s Father expressed deep regret: "It''s a pity we don''t live here."


    He missed it!


    Ming''s Father: "But if something like this happens again, you should try to keep your grandfather away. He''s not young anymore, and if he falls in, it won''t be easy to fish him out."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Her mouth twitched as she said, "Dad, aren''t you thinking too far ahead?"


    Ming Xiangdong said seriously, "That''s not far at all! The story of people falling into your toilet has spread all the way to Tong County. There''s nothing wrong with being cautious."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "We''re lucky it hasn''t reached Tianjin yet."


    Ming Mei: "What kind of people are you two? Alright, Dad, we''re here. I won''t invite you in since it''s late. You should head back home."


    If her husband had said this, Ming Xiangdong would definitely have been unhappy, but coming from his daughter, he just nodded and said, "Alright."


    After saying goodbye, Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi returned home together. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "So we really need to keep our distance from your grandfather now that he''s living in the courtyard?"


    Ming Mei looked up at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "My grandfather wasn''t just saying that; he really doesn''t want us bothering him. Look at how my grandfather and uncle both live in Jinling, but they live separately. My grandfather says my uncle interferes with his dating life."


    Zhuang Zhixi stumbled, nearly falling over.


    Ming Mei: "It''s true!"


    Her big eyes blinked rapidly, indicating she was telling the truth.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...Your grandfather is quite interesting."


    But then, changing the subject, he became a bit concerned. He pointed at the Su family''s house, then at the Zhou family''s, saying, "There are two widows here. Your grandfather won''t cause any trouble, will he?"


    Ming Mei scratched her head, hesitating but somewhat confident: "He shouldn''t... my grandfather prefers younger women."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    This old man truly embodied male nature!


    They returned home quite late, and everyone else was already asleep. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei went straight to their room, and soon the temperature in the room rose... Zhuang Zhixi, undeterred by fatigue, wouldn''t let Ming Mei go.


    Ming Mei whimpered and scratched his back with her hand. Zhuang Zhixi hissed but didn''t mind, just laughed.


    Much later, Ming Mei lay lazily like a corpse and said, "I''m exhausted. It''s always like this; I won''t have any energy for work."


    Zhuang Zhixi was wiping his wife''s forehead with a handkerchief. He said, "Aren''t you trained in martial arts? Shouldn''t martial artists have good stamina?"


    Ming Mei blushed: "That''s completely different!"


    She mumbled, "Other couples aren''t this frequent."


    Don''t think she didn''t know anything; she had overheard those married sisters talking secretly.


    Zhuang Zhixi pinched her pink cheeks and said, "We''re newlyweds, of course we''re different from others."


    He chuckled softly, then tossed the handkerchief aside, saying, "Look, I put in more effort, and I''m not tired. How come you''re so exhausted? Tsk tsk."


    Ming Mei snorted, too lazy to argue with him. She kicked at him with her foot and said, "Move away, I want to sleep."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and turned off the light...


    Since getting married, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei had bid farewell to early mornings. Among all the residents in their courtyard, they were known as the latest risers, and this happened every day. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t mind it at all and felt no embarrassment about it.


    The couple would rush out the door almost every day, barely making it on time.


    However, today Zhuang Zhixi was quite surprised and said with a smile, "Big brother, when did you get back?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan''s business trip had lasted longer than usual this time.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "I came back last night. When I returned, you were at my sister-in-law''s parents'' home. Oh right, I brought you some local specialty snacks, give them a try."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "We''ve been drowning in snacks lately. You brought some, and Ming Mei''s grandfather also brought some."


    "Sister-in-law''s grandfather?"


    Zhuang Zhixi went on to explain yesterday''s events, then added with a smile, "What a coincidence, right? He''s been assigned to our courtyard too."


    Upon hearing this, both Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife''s expressions became slightly peculiar.


    However, Zhao Guihua remained calm and said, "Well, if he''s assigned here, he''s assigned here. We can look after each other."


    After a pause, she added, "Besides, they might not even want our help."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his mother in surprise and said, "You guessed right! Ming Mei''s grandfather actually said not to bother him unless necessary."


    Old man Zhuang chimed in, "Speaking of which, I know about this. Our machinery factory brought in a highly skilled master craftsman from Jinling to teach others. Who would have thought it would be Ming Mei''s grandfather?"


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly, "My grandfather is a very nice person."


    The Zhuang family all smiled, each with different expressions.


    Regardless of what everyone thought, they quickly left for work, leaving only the two daughters-in-law at home. Liang Meifen felt quite depressed. She felt that having her sister-in-law''s grandfather living nearby was another major disadvantage for her.


    But since it was arranged by the factory, what could she do about it?


    She sighed quietly, and just then, they heard commotion from the courtyard. The two daughters-in-law immediately went outside.


    They saw several men in factory uniforms following an old man, accompanied by Director Chen from the street office.


    Not only their family but other families also came out. Madam Zhou Li was the first to ask, "Director Chen, what''s this about...?"


    Director Chen replied, "Your factory has assigned this empty room to this master craftsman. I''m showing him around."


    Upon hearing this, Madam Zhou Li''s expression immediately changed, showing great displeasure. She demanded, "How can this house be casually given to outsiders? My family wanted it too. No, without my consent, nobody can move in."


    Director Chen''s face darkened as he said, "Madam Zhou, since when did you have a say in this? Who do you think you are? You think you can make decisions for the factory? You want it so we should give it to you? How presumptuous can you be? Step aside, and if you dare cause trouble here, we''ll have a good talk with your factory about this."


    Having lost face in front of others, Director Chen naturally wouldn''t show her any courtesy.


    If it were an ordinary worker, Director Chen might not have been so angry, but this master craftsman was specially invited from Jinling to train master craftsmen for the factory. That made it very different. Director Chen ignored Madam Zhou and said, "This is the room. It''s a bit old, the house is somewhat dated, but since all your apprentices are here, help clean it up."


    She continued, "I haven''t asked how we should address you?"


    The old man replied, "Lan Sihai, just call me Old Lan."


    Director Chen smiled, "That''s quite a unique surname."


    Old Lan nodded and said, "Indeed, it''s not common, but it''s fine."


    "Master, let us clean up for you."


    "Let''s clean up early so it won''t affect your rest tonight."


    This era greatly respected teachers, and although they had only become his apprentices yesterday, everyone wanted to make a good impression. Performing well meant learning more, which would be very useful for improving their skills.


    Everyone knew that although this old man was quite aged, he must be highly skilled, otherwise he wouldn''t have been brought here.


    Five men immediately opened the door, and as soon as they did, they were met with a cloud of dust.


    Old Lan smiled, "Clean, this place is really clean indeed."


    Director Chen: "..."


    Old Lan examined the room with his hands behind his back. The room was nearly thirty square meters; his eyes served as a measuring tool, and he could tell it wasn''t quite thirty. But it was close enough. It might not be enough for a regular family, but for a single old man like him, it was more than sufficient.


    He nodded slightly and said, "You all can start working. Give it a thorough cleaning, this window needs to be replaced, get a new frame and glass, and make a small partition here. It doesn''t need to be high, just over a meter will do. Make it wide enough so I can put a water cup and such things on it. Also, these walls need a new coat of paint."


    As he gave instructions, his apprentices silently felt troubled.


    The work itself wasn''t the issue, and organizing the room was appropriate, but several of these items would cost quite a bit, which concerned them. Even though they were worried, they had to grit their teeth and bear it. This was their chance to make a good impression on their master.


    However, just as everyone was feeling troubled, the old man took out a blue and white checkered handkerchief from his pocket and pulled out twenty yuan, saying, "Take this first, return any excess or make up any shortage."


    These items he wanted to buy were for renovating the room, so they didn''t need ration tickets.


    "Master, how could we let you pay? As your apprentices, we should..."


    Old Lan raised his hand to stop them and said, "Since I''m the master, I make the decisions. Handle it immediately."


    "This house..." Madam Zhou Li spoke up again, still dissatisfied, "This house, my family..."


    Old Lan turned around and said, "Oh my, who is this righteous, selfless, and completely unbiased old lady? Heh, hehe!"


    Madam Zhou Li: "???"


    Director Chen: "???"


    Director Chen finally realized through this brief interaction that this old man had quite a sarcastic streak.


    Zhao Guihua, watching from nearby, also laughed and stepped forward, saying, "So you''re Uncle Lan? I''m Ming Mei''s mother-in-law, Zhao Guihua. You can call me Little Zhao."


    She pointed to her elder daughter-in-law beside her and said, "This is my elder daughter-in-law, Ming Mei''s sister-in-law."


    Everyone in the courtyard was watching this scene, somewhat confused about why Ming Mei kept being mentioned. Could he be Ming Mei''s relative? As everyone was pondering this, they heard Old Lan say, "Oh~ So you''re that extremely gentle mother-in-law? Hello, hello."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Well, with her previous life''s experience, she was used to it by now.


    Then they watched as the old man continued, "And you''re that completely unselfish sister-in-law? Hello, hello."


    Liang Meifen: "...Hello, Uncle."


    Something felt odd about all this.


    Not just his way of speaking was strange, even the way of addressing people was peculiar.


    Zhao Guihua: "I call him uncle, and you call him uncle too? Are you of the same generation as me?"


    Liang Meifen: "No, no."


    Zhao Guihua decisively said, "This is Ming Mei''s grandfather, from now on you should call him Grandfather too."


    Liang Meifen: "...Oh."


    That was the only way to address him now, calling him Grandfather directly would have been a bit strange.


    She took the initiative: "Grandfather, let me help you with something. I''m good at housework."


    Old Lan: "No need, you''re not my real granddaughter. You don''t need to work for me. Even my real granddaughter doesn''t need to work for me, let alone you."


    After just a few exchanges, everyone could see that this old man wasn''t an ordinary elder; he had quite a prickly personality. Old Lan looked up and asked, "Does this house leak when it rains?"


    Director Chen quickly replied, "We''re not sure about that actually. No one has lived here for years, so it''s better to renovate it."


    Old Lan: "Alright, fix it then."


    Everyone started working with various clanking sounds.


    Their neighbors were all factory workers too, and someone recognized them: "Isn''t this old man''s apprentice the master craftsman from Workshop Three? I heard he''s a level-four worker. Now he''s here being an apprentice to this old man?" The voice was so quiet it was barely audible.


    Someone whispered, "I heard from my old man that the factory brought in a master craftsman from out of town. He won''t teach beginners - he''s only picking skilled workers of level four or five."


    "What? Starting with level four or five workers?"


    "Yeah, I heard he''s a really capable master craftsman. He was a level eight worker before retirement."


    "I heard about that too. They say the old man has no formal education, otherwise he could have been promoted to engineer."


    Everyone was chattering in hushed voices. Zhao Guihua''s lips twitched as she thought to herself that the gossip network in their compound was quite extensive. Her in-law had just arrived, yet the news had already spread. Though it wasn''t surprising - he must have reported in yesterday, and after a day of circulation, those who needed to know would naturally find out.


    "I can''t believe he''s the maternal grandfather of the Zhuang family''s younger daughter-in-law."


    "Liang Meifen will have an even harder time now."


    "That''s for sure."


    "I think the Zhuang family might have trouble too. That old man looks difficult to get along with, always speaking with a strange attitude."


    "That''s true..."


    "But Zhao Guihua is tough too. She won''t let herself be taken advantage of."


    "Tough or not, he still has seniority over her."


    See, the gossip quickly turned to her. Zhao Guihua ignored all that and said, "Uncle Lan, if you can''t finish the work today, why don''t you and your family join us for lunch? What do you think?"


    The old man Lan nodded, "Alright, I''ll give you food ration coupons."


    Zhao Guihua: "No need, we''re relatives after all. It''s just one meal, not a big deal. Though if you were to eat with us every day, I would accept the coupons."


    Old man Lan: "Business is business, and we have many people. It''s settled then, I''ll give you meal tickets. Make a meat dish."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."


    Old man Lan nodded and said, "Thank you for the trouble."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "It''s nothing."


    She knew that when this old man said he didn''t want to trouble others, he really meant it. It was the same in her previous life - even though they lived in the same compound, they never really took care of this old man. He really disliked others interfering with his life.


    Old man Lan instructed his youngest apprentice: "Go to the transport team''s family quarters, my bicycle and luggage are still there. Find my daughter Lan Ling and bring them over."


    Old man Lan''s youngest apprentice was already in his thirties. He nodded with a smile and said, "Sure."


    Old man Lan: "Young Zhao."


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, Uncle Lan, what is it?"


    Old man Lan: "Do you know any matchmakers around here?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    This was following the same pattern as in her previous life.


    She was quite speechless, but then she thought it over and smiled. Sometimes living life freely isn''t necessarily a bad thing. At least it makes oneself comfortable.


    She smiled and said, "Yes, there''s Aunt Wang, who manages our compound. She usually helps introduce young men and women around here to potential matches. If you need someone, she would be perfect for the job. She can definitely find you someone suitable."


    Aunt Wang: "...???"


    Looking for a match right after arriving?


    Damn, what kind of person is this old man?


    She reluctantly said, "Uncle, you want to find a companion?"


    Old man Lan nodded, "Yes, living alone is boring."


    Aunt Wang silently looked at Zhao Guihua, who said, "Uncle''s wife passed away more than ten years ago."


    Old man Lan raised an eyebrow, thinking that his granddaughter''s mother-in-law knew quite a bit about him. He said, "Well, there''s no time like the present. Let''s do it today. We can have lunch together, and I''ll explain my situation and what kind of person I''m looking for."


    Aunt Wang: "...Oh."


    It''s not easy to find a match for someone of his age!


    How should she arrange this? Usually, when widows remarry, they do it when they''re younger. After reaching a certain age, most don''t remarry, not wanting to embarrass their children. So while second marriages aren''t difficult to arrange, it''s not easy at his age.


    This job wouldn''t be easy.


    At this point, Aunt Wang couldn''t have known that despite the old man''s peculiar attitude, he would still be quite popular. Bai Fendou would remain the only one who couldn''t find a wife through her matchmaking.


    Forever only Bai Fendou.


    She said, "Alright, I''ll listen to your requirements."


    "Master, you just arrived and you''re already looking for a wife?" Someone with a straightforward personality asked directly.


    Old man Lan wasn''t embarrassed at all and nodded, saying, "Of course, who says an old man has to eat cold meals and sleep in a cold bed? Having a wife to take care of me would put you all at ease, wouldn''t it?"


    "Ah, well..."


    For a moment, no one knew what to say.


    "Yes... I suppose?"


    Old man Lan nodded: "That settles it then."


    Old man Lan walked with his hands behind his back, saying, "I''ll take a look around."


    Director Chen smiled and said, "Please do."


    As a relative, Zhao Guihua took the initiative: "Uncle Lan, shall I show you around?"


    Uncle Lan shook his head, saying, "No need, I can look around myself. Oh right, I heard you have a quite remarkable public toilet here, is it the one at the entrance of the alley?"


    Everyone: "..."


    You really know how to bring up the most awkward topics.


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s the one, but be careful when you go there, someone has fallen in before."


    Old man Lan: "I''m not that wild of a person."


    He sighed with feeling: "The people of the capital are really different, completely unlike us in Jinling. We don''t have such things in Jinling. This is truly eye-opening, eye-opening indeed."


    He lamented why he hadn''t come earlier, missing such a spectacle. Coincidentally, his son-in-law had the same thoughts. Just as he was about to leave, Madam Zhou Li jumped out again: "This house..."


    She still wanted to argue.


    Director Chen was furious and shouted: "Madam Zhou, if you keep making trouble like this, I''m going to the machinery factory to find Zhou Qun. I want to ask him what''s going on - how is his family any different from bandits!"


    "No, you can''t! If you dare go to my son, I''ll hang myself at your doorstep." Although Madam Zhou was afraid of Director Chen, the temptation of the house was too great. She now saw Director Chen as nothing but an obstacle in her way.


    She said viciously: "This is mine, this is my house... Even if you move in, I''ll drive you out. Why should it be given to an outsider? This is mine, I prepared it for my eldest grandson..."


    "What grandson? You''re really dreaming," someone muttered quietly.


    This single comment immediately broke Madam Zhou Li''s last defense. She screamed: "They''re bullying me! They''re bullying a widow!" Madam Zhou Li started wailing, and old man Lan watched as she sat down on the ground and started kicking her legs.


    "You heartless people, you murderers, you''re stealing my house, you deserve to die..."


    Old man Lan raised an eyebrow and said: "You want to drive me out?"


    He smiled and said: "Alright, everyone stop what you''re doing." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The apprentices all stopped their work, and one rolled up his sleeves: "This vicious old woman, I''ll slap her to death!"


    "Master, don''t be afraid of her!"


    "Who does she think she is!"


    Old man Lan: "No need for violence. None of you are to move."


    Director Chen: "???"


    Her heart skipped a beat, feeling that this old man was definitely not someone to be trifled with.


    Before she could react, the old man had already sat down and started smoking. Seeing that he seemed to have been intimidated by her, Madam Zhou Li became even more arrogant: "Don''t think you can do whatever you want just because you have relatives in the compound. This house is mine, it must be mine! No one can take it away, and if anyone tries, I''ll die at their doorstep. You dare to bully an old woman like me? My son is a level seven electrician at the factory, you..."


    "You what!" Suddenly a shout interrupted, and a middle-aged man appeared at the door with several people behind him. They were clearly from the factory''s security department.


    Old man Lan brushed off non-existent ash from his clothes, stood up, and said: "Deputy Factory Director Zhang, look, the factory asked me to come train new people, and I came without hesitation from thousands of miles away. When allocating housing, I also said that a small place would be fine, since I''m just one old man. Even if I find a companion, it would just be two people, we don''t need a big place. I think I''ve been quite considerate of the factory''s interests, haven''t I?"


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang nodded and said seriously: "You''re a senior comrade with high consciousness, and we''re very grateful to you."


    Their factory had just installed a new production line that dealt with gold. This job not only required technical skills but also demanded impeccable character. However, among those who could handle gold pieces, very few had the right background. After all, poor families rarely got the chance to work with such materials. Moreover, this skill was hard to come by, and master craftsmen were extremely rare. What made it even more remarkable was that this old colleague had started as an apprentice in a gold shop before he was ten, and became a master craftsman in his twenties - a truly gifted individual. Having worked for decades, his craftsmanship was beyond reproach, and he was willing to teach others. Getting such a master craftsman to join them was no small feat.


    This master craftsman was also low-maintenance with minimal demands, and the factory didn''t need to be responsible for his family affairs - he was the perfect candidate.


    For these reasons, the factory treated such master craftsmen like treasures.


    Seeing someone causing trouble here made his head buzz with anger.


    "Master, it''s our fault for not handling things properly. We''re sorry for the trouble."


    Lan Sihai said, "Well, let''s discuss this further. I''ve never caused any problems for the factory and have always been reasonable. But this house the factory assigned me - what''s going on here? You can''t bully people like this! Are you deliberately trying to show me who''s boss?"


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang''s face changed color as he quickly explained, "Master, you''ve misunderstood us. We absolutely didn''t mean that. We handled this poorly, but please believe me, I will definitely resolve this properly for you! We won''t let you suffer any grievances."


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang now looked at Madam Zhou Li and felt that this old woman was like a toxic remnant from the old society.


    His words improved Lan Sihai''s expression somewhat, though he still spoke coldly: "Whether it''s good or big doesn''t matter to me, but I haven''t even moved in and someone''s already trying to steal the house, even threatening to hang themselves at my doorstep. Tell me, is this what the new society is supposed to be like? Even landlords didn''t bully people this way! Look at her, she''s already making a scene before anything''s happened."


    The master didn''t even need to point this out.


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang had witnessed the old woman''s tantrum as soon as he arrived, and he was furious - she was bringing shame to their factory!


    Having such a family member associated with their factory was truly a black mark. She was bringing disgrace to the factory.


    Without further ado, he ordered, "Take her to the security office!"


    Madam Zhou Li: "What?"


    Her tactic of throwing tantrums had always worked well before, but she never expected it to backfire so spectacularly... In disbelief, she said, "You''re going to arrest me? What right do you have to arrest me?"


    At this point, she still hadn''t realized that she meant nothing to them.


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang: "You deliberately attempted to steal housing - that''s a crime! Take her away!"


    "You wouldn''t dare! My son is a level-seven electrician at the factory, a promising talent. He won''t let you get away with this! Just wait until my son rises to power, he''ll deal with all of you - you''re nothing but watchdogs..." Madam Zhou Li hadn''t noticed the title "Deputy Factory Director Zhang," and seeing everyone in security uniforms, she naturally assumed they were all from the security office.


    "My son has a good relationship with the factory director, he won''t let you watchdogs off easy!"


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang was furious: "Hah!"


    The security officers were trembling with anger too - they had never seen such a shameless old woman! She really didn''t take them seriously! They''d show her once they got her to the security office! Calling them watchdogs?


    Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4


    Even dogs could bite her!


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang sneered: "Take her away!!!"


    "You murderous lot, you deserve to die, I won''t let you get away with this, my son won''t let you get away with this... This house is mine, you old devil, you''re stealing my house, just wait until I come back, I''ll teach you a lesson, just you wait, wait and see..." Madam Zhou Li howled, her screams echoing throughout the street: "You little shorty, just wait until I smash all your windows. Just you wait, wait and see..."


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang was short in stature and hated being called short more than anything. His face turned red with anger, his body trembling. If he didn''t have to maintain his dignity, he would have slapped her right there.


    By now, not just their courtyard but people from other courtyards had come out to watch the commotion.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Isn''t that Deputy Factory Director Zhang? What''s this old shrew doing, even cursing at factory leadership?"


    "Arrogant, too arrogant..."


    The surrounding neighbors were in an uproar!


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t participated throughout, but she couldn''t help but reflect: no matter the era, housing always drives people crazy!

 Chapter 39

    a her zeros. finding herself she left with and when to Meilan daughter and house had with balance riche the in had 1988 raise nouveau her been a bank abandoned ex-husband back alone. ex-husband Chen was in reborn, four by large Her her suburbs courtyard struggling was


    with and was ex-husband house her large she in suburbs courtyard abandoned her to a when alone. left zeros. struggling daughter finding ex-husband by reborn, Chen the riche in bank was had Meilan with Her been 1988 herself had and her nouveau raise a back four balance


    struggling with herself balance and ex-husband and in the riche Chen four suburbs a Her left ex-husband her with raise back she was was had courtyard 1988 bank a her Meilan zeros. house alone. reborn, by in had her when daughter finding to large nouveau been abandoned


    left the house when suburbs ex-husband zeros. to her and ex-husband by large a Her alone. herself raise riche her reborn, a finding in she with abandoned was struggling with her Meilan had and four had daughter in balance 1988 courtyard was Chen back nouveau bank been


    in struggling ex-husband her she finding reborn, herself Her abandoned to ex-husband back and four and daughter courtyard raise in 1988 alone. with her zeros. was with Meilan house riche when bank by suburbs nouveau had large had the left a her balance a was been Chen


    finding in ex-husband house left balance large nouveau been alone. was courtyard with her had herself struggling her in when was 1988 daughter and raise bank she with ex-husband a reborn, zeros. suburbs by a Chen riche Her had the her Meilan and four back to abandoned


    her Her 1988 to house was left had riche was ex-husband abandoned in zeros. four in daughter when been balance Meilan suburbs struggling and raise her bank Chen had her and reborn, by finding with the a large nouveau she alone. back with herself courtyard a ex-husband


    suburbs in in been zeros. Meilan she Her riche nouveau by raise balance with her back left alone. abandoned courtyard a was four and had 1988 finding her struggling Chen reborn, with large and ex-husband bank had ex-husband to house herself her was the daughter a when


    with house bank suburbs daughter 1988 with ex-husband abandoned Meilan and in had been reborn, zeros. nouveau riche and finding she when her had a was balance large courtyard herself Chen four struggling Her by alone. her a was to left the back in raise her ex-husband


    by in left her to she finding and ex-husband herself was her been daughter back in zeros. bank abandoned struggling had large riche when her a Her with a Meilan courtyard with and reborn, alone. the raise 1988 house nouveau suburbs was had balance ex-husband Chen four


    house her her raise been bank daughter courtyard finding the by and was balance struggling a back large riche a had abandoned four Chen with had nouveau with alone. was 1988 Meilan herself Her in her suburbs to she zeros. and ex-husband when left reborn, in ex-husband


    when was in left to balance had daughter back a finding riche was abandoned with the and her by herself a 1988 bank nouveau had in suburbs large her courtyard Chen ex-husband alone. four been zeros. Her reborn, ex-husband raise her with house and struggling Meilan she


    daughter suburbs alone. abandoned struggling and herself Meilan raise with Chen four Her her with had she a back large 1988 ex-husband her was in the riche in bank reborn, was courtyard nouveau finding been and to zeros. had ex-husband house left a her when balance by


    left had her by with when balance ex-husband courtyard had daughter reborn, been she riche a alone. Meilan a herself was large suburbs in the abandoned bank her ex-husband with back 1988 and struggling in and was her Her Chen house to four nouveau zeros. finding raise


    by when back Chen had alone. her Her ex-husband riche courtyard and Meilan abandoned with been house was left ex-husband with a had four to nouveau suburbs reborn, finding her large the in raise 1988 bank her in struggling and balance daughter she was zeros. a herself


    house had a and when large abandoned Her bank 1988 was had finding ex-husband struggling her raise her herself nouveau riche alone. four zeros. daughter suburbs a Meilan by left her with was the to with in balance ex-husband back Chen reborn, in she courtyard been and S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    suburbs with daughter with house herself four balance finding had was struggling and 1988 by had and been the riche Chen bank ex-husband her Meilan left large a ex-husband in a she in was her back raise when abandoned reborn, alone. zeros. Her her courtyard to nouveau


    finding left balance four had alone. and ex-husband back zeros. ex-husband and Chen herself reborn, a 1988 Meilan with raise large she in her courtyard been by was with had when daughter in Her her house to abandoned her the riche bank was suburbs a struggling nouveau


    alone. her ex-husband and had zeros. riche with she struggling been was nouveau her was finding abandoned her Meilan had with and large when suburbs courtyard four by 1988 herself ex-husband the house reborn, bank balance raise in Chen Her left back a to in a daughter


    in been was when nouveau had her in and the her back house four bank courtyard was ex-husband reborn, struggling alone. ex-husband her Chen with with daughter to she herself 1988 large had a raise Meilan riche abandoned suburbs and Her finding zeros. balance by left a


    courtyard riche 1988 back she with in herself was to Her raise had ex-husband finding in left and a and by with house large four balance struggling abandoned Chen her the alone. Meilan zeros. her her when ex-husband been nouveau a daughter had was bank reborn, suburbs


    four a ex-husband daughter zeros. a reborn, bank abandoned finding left Meilan with been with nouveau had by to had was struggling in and Her alone. house her Chen when suburbs back balance in and her large raise herself her ex-husband riche the 1988 courtyard she was


    and a when courtyard she back balance her in raise her in suburbs Meilan house ex-husband the alone. by large bank and her abandoned with finding zeros. daughter was herself struggling reborn, with had 1988 had to Her riche left ex-husband nouveau was a been Chen four


    four riche courtyard in to abandoned herself 1988 her Meilan reborn, ex-husband had Her finding Chen and in alone. with struggling a been suburbs nouveau her house she bank daughter back raise with balance was ex-husband her and when a had large the zeros. was by left


    with was by alone. Chen large ex-husband and and the been herself back Her a had finding in ex-husband 1988 left courtyard her a zeros. raise with her had struggling house riche her Meilan balance daughter when was she abandoned reborn, to four in nouveau bank suburbs


    been had with raise four riche struggling in she large and daughter by was in herself suburbs alone. zeros. Her bank finding with 1988 was left a nouveau had the back her abandoned house ex-husband balance Meilan courtyard to when a her Chen and ex-husband her reborn,


    her and Her struggling the house Chen alone. back reborn, zeros. abandoned her with 1988 bank with raise four had Meilan daughter herself finding to courtyard ex-husband been was her ex-husband a left was and by nouveau balance large she in suburbs in a riche when had


    alone. when her Meilan suburbs her was zeros. balance struggling in had abandoned her house with 1988 with was Her a courtyard to the herself and had a daughter back finding been in by raise bank Chen large riche she ex-husband four left nouveau and reborn, ex-husband


    nouveau Meilan herself with had and Chen alone. Her been was in her four left in when balance courtyard the back a to raise daughter large was suburbs reborn, house ex-husband struggling by 1988 her bank zeros. abandoned she ex-husband riche had finding her and a with


    four large with to been a daughter had struggling raise Meilan her in 1988 finding Her suburbs ex-husband Chen bank the had riche ex-husband her her a was by when in and courtyard herself reborn, with abandoned nouveau zeros. balance back she left and alone. was house


    alone. nouveau 1988 left reborn, ex-husband zeros. when daughter riche Meilan with was her finding suburbs herself Chen and been ex-husband her courtyard raise balance was in house to back a with the and struggling Her had four she in her by a had abandoned bank large


    Chen in courtyard 1988 ex-husband raise in was left herself the and Meilan her suburbs her nouveau when riche was her bank zeros. reborn, had a to alone. been four house struggling daughter she back finding Her a and by with abandoned balance ex-husband large had with


    ex-husband abandoned house bank riche a balance zeros. was nouveau been had 1988 by and a Chen back ex-husband her Meilan raise the daughter in suburbs courtyard alone. left herself finding in with had reborn, was struggling and four Her her her when large to with she


    by had bank the ex-husband had house with ex-husband with and daughter four Meilan Chen zeros. courtyard a struggling been a 1988 herself her her raise large to left her abandoned alone. suburbs riche was Her balance in in when was back reborn, she nouveau finding and


    riche had when 1988 nouveau ex-husband the back had and abandoned been Meilan her to Chen a she and by zeros. left in Her house finding her was balance reborn, large courtyard ex-husband daughter raise with struggling with in herself a was four suburbs her bank alone.


    finding Her and Meilan nouveau when had had courtyard ex-husband was 1988 reborn, zeros. with riche Chen was daughter to her a the back a four in by left in balance and raise abandoned large been with her herself struggling her she house ex-husband suburbs bank alone.

 Chapter 40

    Zhuang Zhixi looked down on Zhou Qun in his heart.


    However, he wasn''t the type to say it directly. Instead, he rambled on even more than Zhou Qun did, talking until Zhou Qun got a headache. Finally, Zhou Qun took the initiative and said, "Little Zhuang, my mother and your wife''s grandfather had some misunderstandings, but it''s better to resolve conflicts than to prolong them. Since we live in the same courtyard, don''t you think it''s unnecessary to make such a big deal out of it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "You''re right." But in his mind, he thought, ''You can say whatever you want, I''ll do what I need to do.''


    Zhou Qun was delighted when he heard this and said, "That''s the right way to think about it. It''s really not a big deal, there''s no need to involve the factory management, right? Why don''t you persuade the elderly to take the initiative and tell the factory that they overreacted and misunderstood my mother..."


    This guy was becoming more and more shameless with each word.


    Zhuang Zhixi was still smiling and said, "Oh, so that''s what Brother Zhou thinks!"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his eyebrows innocently and said, "Brother Zhou, we''ve been neighbors in the same courtyard for over twenty years. We''re genuine neighbors. Your mother acts like a tyrant, worse than a landlord, and while we usually don''t bother with her behavior, we can''t just tell blatant lies, can we? I''m an honest person, and I can''t say what you''re asking me to say. How can we young people go against our elders? Besides, the factory has already made their position clear on this matter, and now you''re questioning their judgment. Brother Zhou, don''t blame me for saying this, but you''ve really become arrogant. How dare you disregard the factory leadership? I know you''re technically skilled, and Madam Zhou Li is a neighborhood bully, but we''re all working people ¨C this isn''t right, is it?"


    "You!" Zhou Qun hadn''t expected Zhuang Zhixi to show no courtesy at all. As someone who liked to politicize everything, he understood the implications of Zhuang Zhixi''s words very well. His face alternated between pale and flushed as he said, "Watch what you say about landlords and neighborhood bullies. These aren''t terms to be thrown around carelessly."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Exactly, we shouldn''t say such things carelessly, but your mother shouldn''t act that way either. Seizing houses ¨C isn''t that what Huang Shiren would do?"


    This made Zhou Qun even angrier. He took deep breaths and said, "My mother doesn''t know any better, and that house had been empty for many years. She always thought it belonged to our family..."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied: "Well, I think the machinery factory belongs to me, but they won''t give it to me either."


    This was just how Zhuang Zhixi was ¨C he could say such things while maintaining a smile, never losing his temper. He continued, "Brother Zhou, look, these are separate issues. We don''t blame you for your mother''s poor behavior. We know you can''t control her since you''re her junior. We''ll maintain our usual relationship, but we shouldn''t interfere with the elders'' decisions. That wouldn''t be proper. Besides, I haven''t even been home, but just hearing about it, I think your mother is quite something. Huang Shiren stealing Xier, your mother stealing houses ¨C looks like she watched ''The White-Haired Girl'' too many times and learned from it. Incredible, truly incredible."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s calm demeanor made Zhou Qun even angrier.


    This kind of subtle antagonism was the most infuriating ¨C when you''re furious but the other person shows no reaction, it really breeds resentment.


    He said, "So you won''t help?"


    His voice turned cold, and Zhuang Zhixi looked puzzled: "Help? Brother Zhou, what are you talking about? You never mentioned needing help. How did we suddenly get to this topic? Oh, you can''t mean you want me to convince the elders to admit they were wrong? No way, Brother Zhou, you''re not trying to turn black into white, are you?"


    Zhou Qun''s face remained cold, and Zhuang Zhixi patted his shoulder consolingly, saying, "I know your mother''s actions have embarrassed you, but don''t be too upset."


    Zhou Qun''s mood darkened further.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Zhou Qun with "sympathy" and said, "Brother Zhou, if you''re feeling troubled, you can talk to your younger brother about it. Don''t keep it bottled up inside ¨C that can lead to health problems. You''re too young to let this incident affect your health."


    Zhou Qun gritted his teeth and said, "I don''t need your concern. Just worry about yourself."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Thank you for your concern, Brother Zhou."


    He then added, "Brother Zhou, you really don''t need to be formal with me. If you''re feeling troubled, we can have a drink together. As long as you''re paying, I''ll drink with you until the end of time."


    Zhou Qun had never met someone so thick-skinned. Even when he was this angry, the other person could still keep talking? And even wanted him to treat? What kind of dream was this? He never treated anyone from their courtyard ¨C they couldn''t add any value to his life, so why entertain such nonsense?


    He wouldn''t spend anything on people he couldn''t use.


    "Brother Zhou, how is the factory dealing with your Huang Shiren of a mother? Tell me about it! I don''t know all the details yet, just what I''ve heard. First-hand information is always more accurate, you know. From all the rumors going around, all I remember is that your mother is being called Huang Shiren."


    Zhou Qun finally couldn''t take it anymore and said, "Stop talking about Huang Shiren! What Huang Shiren? There is no Huang Shiren. Just shut up!"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked wronged: "Why are you getting angry? Isn''t this what everyone in the factory is saying? I know you''re in a bad mood because of your mother, but you shouldn''t take it out on me. Besides, anger is bad for your health. Since we live in the same courtyard, you shouldn''t let yourself get too worked up. I heard from our medical office sister that people can easily..."


    "Enough!"


    Zhou Qun, being a person of little tolerance, had turned completely black in the face. Showing no grace, he stormed off.


    As he turned and strode away, Zhuang Zhixi stood still, watching his retreating figure and shrugging innocently.


    This person was really too thin-skinned.


    He hadn''t even said anything too excessive.


    In fact, he hadn''t even started going all out yet.


    Just then, he ran into Yang Lixin, who was leaving work late. Yang Lixin looked at him curiously: "Why are you leaving so late today?"


    "Why are you leaving so late today?"


    They spoke in unison.


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately laughed and said, "I got held up by Brother Zhou Qun. He came to find me and left angry ¨C he really has a bad temper."


    Yang Lixin immediately asked: "What did he want from you? Was it about his mother? She really deserves what she got. Let her strut around in the courtyard ¨C now she''s facing the consequences. As they say, karma comes to all in due time."


    Yang Lixin deeply despised Madam Zhou Li.


    Because Yang Lixin was a live-in son-in-law, and even his son couldn''t take his surname. Although he never said anything about it openly, Madam Zhou Li would constantly say, both openly and behind his back, that he was a man living off his wife. This made him very unhappy.


    This showed how Madam Zhou Li was particularly good at irritating people ¨C she knew exactly how to hit where it hurt.


    "This old witch, won''t she get what''s coming to her this time?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It probably won''t be that serious."


    He said somewhat speculatively: "Brother Zhou Qun does have some connections. I heard Sister Jiang Lu didn''t go to work this afternoon ¨C probably went to pull some strings for him."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked: "What about you? You''re leaving quite late today. Doesn''t the cafeteria usually finish up in the mid-afternoon?"


    Yang Lixin: "The factory leaders had guests to entertain, I was preparing ingredients."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "But you don''t need to wait until they finish eating, right?"


    Yang Lixin smiled: "No need, as long as the head chef is there, us kitchen helpers aren''t needed."


    He clearly wasn''t interested in who the factory director was entertaining, as this was a common occurrence for factory cooks. He was more curious about what had happened today, so he moved closer to Zhuang Zhixi and lowered his voice: "Little brother, tell me what happened today?"


    Zhuang Zhixi spread his hands and said: "I don''t know."


    He said sincerely: "I''ve been at work all day and haven''t been home, so I really don''t know what happened. All I heard was that Zhou Qun''s mother tried to seize someone''s house, insulted the factory director and the security department, and got arrested."


    He wasn''t making anything up ¨C it was all hearsay, purely hearsay.


    "Then Zhou Qun just now...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi righteously said: "Who knows what''s wrong with him, he was incoherent and furious, probably upset because of his mother. After all, he''s considered one of the capable new generation at the factory, but he ended up with such a mother."


    After a pause, he thought and said: "I guess tonight''s dinner at the cafeteria is for Zhou Qun."


    Yang Lixin''s eyes widened in shock as he exclaimed, "How could that be? It''s impossible!"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Why not? He was just heading back. Zhou Qun is different from us; he has an astute and capable father-in-law. Maybe they''re having a meal together to mend fences."


    Yang Lixin furrowed his brows, pondering for a moment before saying, "Should I go back and take a look?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Do as you please. I need to get home; my wife will be out looking for me if I don''t hurry."


    Yang Lixin''s mouth twitched, not believing a word of it, but Zhuang Zhixi''s earnest tone made him hesitate. After some thought, he decided, "I guess I''ll head home too."


    Together, they returned to the courtyard, which was surprisingly lively.


    With everyone back from work, it was natural for them to gather in small groups, chatting about the day''s events. Madam Zhou Li was unpopular, so everyone was in high spirits, almost like celebrating a festival. No one was in a rush to go home.


    As Zhuang Zhixi entered, he noticed everyone staring at him.


    Smiling, he said, "Waiting for me?"


    Ming Mei quickly emerged, "whispering" loudly, "Everyone''s waiting for Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu to return, and to see if Madam Zhou comes back too."


    Seeing Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin return, the crowd lost interest. These two knew less than they did. The chatter resumed. Zhuang Zhixi looked around, asking, "Where''s Grandpa?"


    Ming Mei replied, "He went back. The house isn''t dry yet, so he couldn''t move in today."


    Ming Mei was still upset about it, pouting, "How annoying is Madam Zhou? She really thinks she''s something, bullying my grandpa. Doesn''t she realize we exist?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Madam Zhou has always been like this. You''ve been married here for nearly two months; you should know by now."


    Ming Mei huffed, "I think everyone''s been too nice to her, making her think she''s above reproach."


    Zhuang Zhixi gently ruffled his wife''s hair, "Don''t be upset. Your grandpa might not even be angry. He probably doesn''t even see Madam Zhou as a threat. His top priority seems to be finding a partner, which is quite something."


    Ming Mei thought about it and realized her husband was right. According to her mother-in-law, her grandpa seemed unbothered and uninterested in Madam Zhou. His main concern was indeed finding a partner, which surprised Ming Mei.


    She scratched her head, "Did you hear anything at the factory?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "It''s all gossip. No one really knows what''s going on."


    "What else could it be? Someone must be bribing," someone interjected. It was Bai Fendou, who had just entered.


    Bai Fendou smirked, "Zhou Qun isn''t ordinary. He''s generous with gifts, like Hua Zi. I bet Madam Zhou will be back tomorrow. See, his father-in-law is already at the factory, drinking with them."


    As a security guard, Bai Fendou knew more than most. He had heard detailed accounts of the incident, even though he hadn''t been present. Madam Zhou had extorted fifteen yuan from him, which he remembered well.


    It was rare to see Madam Zhou in trouble, and Bai Fendou regretted not being there to give her a few kicks. Still, it was satisfying to know she was suffering in the security office. What angered him more was that Zhou Qun had become a guest of the leaders.


    "Zhou Qun is dining with the leaders?"


    "Hua Zi? Zhou Qun gave Hua Zi to whom?"


    "Fendou, tell us more."


    "No wonder Zhou Qun married well. Jiang Lu is a great help to him, even if she can''t have children."


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Fendou, you know everything. Even about the Hua Zi. You''re well-informed. We ordinary folks can only hear bits and pieces, not sure what''s true."


    Bai Fendou was pleased, "Of course! We know more than you do. Today, I watched closely. Zhou Qun and his wife brought something, and our leader started smoking Hua Zi. Who else could it be from? Hua Zi isn''t cheap. Must be from his father-in-law. Zhou Qun might earn well, but he''s also good at eating soft rice."


    Bai Fendou was jealous of Zhou Qun and didn''t hold back. The crowd exchanged glances, each with their thoughts. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were among them.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Zhou Qun is lucky. Dining with the leaders, he might get a promotion soon."


    "What? Can he get promoted through personal connections? That''s not right."


    "If it''s through bribes, we won''t agree."


    "No leader should do that!"


    Bai Fendou was red-faced, "He won''t get promoted. If he does, we''ll protest!"


    "Right, right."


    The crowd''s focus shifted from Madam Zhou to the potential promotion. It was uncertain, but it sparked their enthusiasm. Zhuang Zhixi enjoyed the spectacle, loving the drama.


    Ming Mei noticed Su Jinlai peeking around the Zhou''s door.


    Ming Mei: "?"


    She tugged Zhuang Zhixi''s sleeve, and he saw the boy. No doubt, Su Jinlai was up to no good. Zhuang Zhixi casually looked away, not interfering.


    Zhao Guihua stepped out, shouting, "Zhuang Zhixi, you come back and just gossip? The family can''t rely on you at all!"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly scurried home, "Mom, I''m here. Tell me what to do."


    Zhao Guihua: "What do you think? Get in and eat."


    Ming Mei whispered to Zhao Guihua, "Su Jinlai is probably planning to steal again."


    She couldn''t understand why Su''s family didn''t discipline him. A good child turned into a thief, always looking for opportunities to steal.


    Ming Mei pouted, "If he steals, the Zhou''s will erupt."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his wife, "Not necessarily."


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "The Zhou''s are in a delicate situation. Zhou Qun wants to stay low-key. If that''s the case, they might just accept the loss."


    Zhao Guihua: "A dog can''t change its habit of eating shit!"


    Su Jinlai''s life would repeatedly see him in and out of trouble, unable to change his ways.


    Zhao Guihua served the food, "Stop obsessing over others. Can''t you be more ambitious?"


    After saying that, she chuckled.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged looks, unsure why Zhao Guihua was laughing. She composed herself and said, "Alright, eat."


    Every evening, the family discussed the day''s events over dinner. Zhao Guihua mentioned today''s incident, not feeling sorry for Madam Zhou, who had brought it on herself.


    However, she spoke very seriously to Ming Mei, saying, "Tomorrow, you should go back to your parents'' place and tell them what I said, to pass on a message."


    Ming Mei: "Okay, go ahead, Mom."


    Zhao Guihua: "There are quite a few troublemakers in our courtyard. Right now, they don''t know your grandfather is in good condition, but once they find out, things will change. Madam Zhou Li and Aunt Su will definitely make their moves. I''m not worried about Madam Zhou Li; your grandfather definitely won''t look at her, but you need to make sure your mother understands what kind of person Aunt Su is. So she doesn''t fall into a trap. I think it''s a good idea for your grandfather to find a partner. If he finds a suitable one, these two old hags won''t be able to take advantage of him. But before he does, you must tell your mother to stay away from these two old widows, oh, and young widows too."


    Upon hearing this, Ming Mei nodded vigorously, saying, "Don''t worry, Mom, I understand. I can see through people with my sharp eyes."


    Zhao Guihua: "I won''t wait for you to have dinner tomorrow."


    Ming Mei: "Got it!"


    "Mom, do you have anything planned for tomorrow?" Zhuang Zhiyuan suddenly asked.


    Zhao Guihua: "No, why? Do you have something to say?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Can I borrow the bike and fishing rod? I''m off tomorrow, and I want to try fishing in the mountains."


    These days, whenever he meets someone who knows how to fish, he diligently asks for advice. Not bragging, but he''s like a master in theory now.


    "I think I''ve got it!"


    Since buying the fishing rod on the second day of the New Year, they haven''t caught a single fish. Zhuang Zhiyuan feels it''s time to show his true skills and break this zero record. Otherwise, it would be a waste of the money they spent on the fishing rod and bike.


    Knowing his mother, if she didn''t want to fish conveniently, she wouldn''t have bought the bike so early. He understands his mother; she''s careful with money! So Zhuang Zhiyuan is also eager.


    "Make me two corn buns tomorrow, and I won''t come back."


    Liang Meifen hesitated, looking up at her husband expectantly, hoping he would take her along! Staying home with her mother-in-law is stressful.


    She gave up her chores to her younger brother, and the neighborhood office can''t arrange small jobs for her now, as they are overwhelmed with recent graduates and needy families. She has nothing to do at home, staring at her mother-in-law, feeling suffocated!


    Liang Meifen looked at her husband, thinking how other couples can go together, why not them? She glanced at Zhuang Zhiyuan again, but he remained oblivious, like a wooden statue. Feeling wronged, her eyes reddened, but she quickly lowered her head to eat, afraid of being seen.


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll make you a meat sandwich."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan looked at his mother in surprise, saying, "A meat sandwich?"


    Zhao Guihua: "You''ll know tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi mumbled beside them, "So biased, why not make one for me? ... Ow!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Shut up! Looking for trouble?"


    The two children giggled, and Zhuang Zhixi made a pitiful face, leaning close to Ming Mei, saying, "Wife, my mom treats me like this, you have to care for me."


    Ming Mei poked him, "You should also learn to fish, idle hands."


    Zhuang Zhixi felt wronged; how was he idle? He also worked hard, okay? Why did everyone think that of him? He angrily bit into a mixed flour bun, saying, "You''re all bullying me."


    Zhao Guihua: "Hmph, did you keep an eye out for the sewing machine ticket?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, it''s not that easy!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was surprised, "Sewing machine ticket? Mom, do you want to buy a sewing machine?"


    Zhao Guihua, remembering her decision was made when her eldest son was away, nodded, "It''s convenient for mending things. Buying it early can be used sooner, no loss."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Then I''ll also keep an eye out."


    The family was lively, with Old Man Zhuang remaining silent throughout, as usual. After dinner, Zhao Guihua sent the two couples away and sat cross-legged on the bed, counting money.


    Despite buying a bike and eating better, their savings were even higher than after the internal division. It''s said that to get rich, one must be bold. Smuggling goods earned a lot. She sold fish for a few days, and since it was a no-cost business, the profits were quite good.


    Not only did they add more meat to their diet, but they also bought an extra bike, with money still left over.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "Smuggling really pays."


    Old Man Zhuang''s heart trembled, quickly saying, "We can''t always do this."


    Zhao Guihua: "I know."


    She rolled her eyes, saying, "Do you think I''m a fool? I have my calculations."


    She hid the money, saying, "I wonder when we''ll get the sewing machine ticket."


    She had already planned, saying, "If the eldest can catch fish, I''ll prepare one to give to Aunt Wang tomorrow. We''ve borrowed her sewing machine several times, so we should show some appreciation. After all, we still don''t know when we''ll buy one, so we''ll have to keep borrowing."


    Old Man Zhuang: "You''re in charge of the household matters anyway."


    Zhao Guihua calculated the days, knowing that even though they had a fish pond, if things didn''t change, someone would discover it in two months, and it wouldn''t be theirs anymore. They had to maximize fishing during this period.


    Winter methods couldn''t be used, and fishing wasn''t effective. She said, "It''s frustrating."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Why?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I want to catch more fish."


    Old Man Zhuang didn''t think so, saying, "Take it slow."


    This didn''t sit well with Zhao Guihua; she snorted, "What''s slow? Others will find out sooner or later! It''s not that hidden."


    Old Man Zhuang thought it made sense. Zhao Guihua sighed, saying, "I wish I were a fisherman who could net fish."


    "You can''t say that. If you bring back too much, it''s hard to handle."


    Zhao Guihua: "A one-time thing would be fine."


    Before summer, she had to find a way.


    Although going to bed early saves electricity, it''s still too early. Zhao Guihua started sorting leftover fabric strips, some soft and appropriately sized, which could be made into socks or aprons; if not, she planned to sew them into rags.


    "Let Liang Meifen do the aprons and rags herself. It''ll keep her busy." Zhao Guihua finished sorting, poured herself a cup of water, and drank it down. She said, "People are restless without work."


    She looked out the window and saw Jinlai sneaking towards the Zhou''s house under the moonlight. Knowing the Zhou''s weren''t home, he slipped in, careful not to steal money, as his grandmother had taught him that stealing money was a crime, but taking food was just a child being hungry, easily forgiven.


    Jinlai followed his grandmother''s advice, immediately searching the Zhou''s kitchen. Despite their wealth, Madam Zhou Li was very stingy, even with herself, so there weren''t many good things.


    Jinlai opened the cupboard and found a small basket with six raw eggs.


    Jinlai: "Not bad!"


    He placed the eggs into his prepared bag, this little thief even knew to bring his own tools. After packing the eggs, he lifted the lid of the rice jar, inside of which were cornmeal. He remembered what his grandmother had said and knew he couldn''t steal it all at once, so he immediately scooped a few ladles full. Then he continued searching and finally found some rice, only about five or six jin in total. He swallowed hard, unable to resist, and packed it all into his bag.


    If it were cornmeal, he might have some restraint, but rice was different.


    He really wanted to eat rice.


    Jinlai wandered around the Zhou family house like a fish in the sea. Zhao Guihua peered out of the window, shaking her head like a rattle drum. It wasn''t that she lacked experience, but she was truly speechless. If this child could channel his talent for stealing into other areas, he would have already succeeded.


    Zhao Guihua was about to turn back when she noticed the curtains of Madam Su''s house slightly moving. Their houses were close, so she could still see clearly. Was she... keeping watch?


    However, it wasn''t surprising. Both women in that household doted on the three boys excessively but couldn''t teach them properly.


    At that moment, the sound of a door opening startled several households. The thief Jinlai quickly crawled under the bed in fright. Aunt Su, who was keeping watch, also felt her heart leap into her throat.


    Even Zhao Guihua was startled by the sudden noise, as she had been very focused. The little girl shuffled to the door in her slippers, banging on it and shouting, "Granny, Granny, save me!"


    Her voice was sweet but urgent. Zhao Guihua quickly opened the door and saw Xiao Yanzi, the little girl, fearfully saying, "Granny, Brother''s tummy hurts!"


    Zhao Guihua hurried out and quickly reached the room where the siblings slept. It was a bunk bed, with Brother on top and Sister below, and a small desk was set up. The room was small due to being a small side room, so it wasn''t very cold.


    Zhao Guihua quickly approached, "What''s wrong?"


    Hutou was sweating profusely, crying, "Granny, my tummy hurts, am I going to die? Waaaah."


    Zhao Guihua: "Where does it hurt?"


    The others in the house also came out, wearing their clothes. Liang Meifen quickly went forward, hugging her son and crying, "Hutou, what''s wrong? Don''t scare your mom. If anything happens to you, what will your mom do? Hutou!"


    Zhao Guihua frowned, "What are you wailing for? Quickly change your clothes and take the child to the hospital."


    "Right, right, to the hospital."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan quickly went back to change his clothes. Liang Meifen: "I''m going too."


    "Granny, I want Granny, waaaah~" Children always seek the closest person when they are unwell. Hutou had been raised by Zhao Guihua, so he was closest to her. Zhao Guihua: "Granny will go too, we''ll take you to the hospital."


    The whole family quickly mobilized, with Xiao Yanzi also crying beside them, not knowing what to do. Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, you go with Brother and them, my wife and I won''t go. There''s no need for so many people, and someone needs to stay home at night. Xiao Yanzi shouldn''t go, let her sleep in our room."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."


    The family was in disarray, but they quickly dressed Hutou and left with him, Zhao Guihua, Old Man Zhuang, and Zhuang Zhiyuan''s couple pushing the bicycle. The Bai family, living in the front room, came out to ask, "What''s going on?"


    "The child isn''t feeling well."


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang didn''t have time to explain and left in a hurry.


    Xiao Yanzi was still crying, Zhuang Zhixi picked her up and said, "Don''t cry, you''ll stay with Uncle and Aunt tonight."


    He carried the little one back to their room and then locked the doors of the other rooms. His mother Zhao Guihua had been watching the scene, and as her son, he had been watching too. Really, with such a child around, one couldn''t relax for a moment, or things would go missing. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yanzi was scared, clutching Zhuang Zhixi''s clothes and saying, "Uncle, my brother won''t die, will he? He''ll be okay, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi gently patted the little girl, saying, "Of course, he''ll be fine."


    Aunt Wang from the back courtyard came over, knocking on the door and asking, "What''s going on?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hutou suddenly had a stomachache, not sure what''s wrong, they''ve gone to the hospital."


    He said, "Thank you for your concern."


    Aunt Wang: "You''re welcome, neighbors should look out for each other. Alright, you and your wife rest with the child, I''ll go back." Without knowing the details, there was nothing more to ask, so Aunt Wang didn''t stay long to disturb their rest, only saying, "If you need help, call me."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei both nodded, agreeing with an "Aye."


    Aunt Wang came and went quickly.


    Xiao Yanzi sobbed softly.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, looking down to see Xiao Yanzi anxiously staring at the door. He swayed the little one, saying, "It''s okay, your brother is so brave, he''ll get better soon after seeing the doctor."


    Xiao Yanzi nodded gently, murmuring, "Brother will be okay."


    "Yes, Brother will be okay."


    Ming Mei: "Xiao Yanzi, here are two candies for you, keep them. Tomorrow, you and your brother can each have one, okay?"


    Xiao Yanzi''s eyes lit up, quickly nodding, her voice sweet as she said, "One for Brother, one for Xiao Yanzi."


    Ming Mei smiled, "That''s right."


    She put on her coat, saying, "I''m going out for a moment."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll go with you."


    Ming Mei glanced at the child, shaking her head, "No need, you stay with Xiao Yanzi, I''ll be fine."


    In fact, she wasn''t feeling well either, but it was different from Hutou''s situation. She was having her period. Although she was physically strong and didn''t suffer as much as other girls, she still felt a bit uncomfortable.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wear more before you go out."


    Ming Mei nodded. It was important to stay warm at this time. She pouted, putting on her padded jacket. Xiao Yanzi was placed on the bed by Zhuang Zhixi, sitting cross-legged and looking worried. Zhuang Zhixi tapped her little nose, saying, "What are you thinking about, Xiao Yanzi?"


    "My brother!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s okay, Xiao Yanzi will see your brother tomorrow."


    "Really?"


    "Of course. If your brother needs to stay in the hospital, Uncle will take you to see him; if not, you''ll see him as soon as you wake up tomorrow." Zhuang Zhixi comforted the child. He had a good relationship with his nephews and nieces.


    While Zhuang Zhixi was comforting the child, Ming Mei went out. The one with the worst mood in the courtyard was undoubtedly Jinlai. He had been happily stealing, doing well, when suddenly the Zhuang family caused a disturbance.


    His grandmother and mother were right; this family was utterly unkind, evil to the core. Not helping their family was already unforgivable, but they even caused trouble during his thieving, truly despicable!


    He was furious but didn''t dare move, fearing he''d be discovered. If found out, it would be disastrous. The recent events were still fresh in his mind. He stayed still, listening intently to what was happening outside, secretly anxious. If they delayed any longer, he might not finish stealing before the Zhou family returned. Jinlai was in a hurry.


    When he heard it was Hutou who wasn''t feeling well, he felt a perverse pleasure. He hated all the kids in the courtyard; why did they all have fathers and mothers while his family didn''t?


    Why?


    He wished all the children would have a hard time, then he''d be happiest. Hearing that Hutou had gone to the hospital, he laughed with delight, hoping the boy would die. But he quickly covered his mouth, not daring to make a sound, lest he be discovered. He crawled out from under the bed, planning to steal some more goodies before leaving.


    But just as he crawled out, he heard the sound of a door slamming shut, and quickly ducked back under: "Damn it!"


    Even a child could curse.


    Ming Mei emerged, her back bent and her hands tucked into her sleeves, she quickly walked out of the courtyard. Ever since rumors of ghosts started circulating vaguely, people didn''t go to the bathroom at night much anymore, and they would definitely try to make do.


    But Ming Mei didn''t care. To be honest, it wasn''t because she was a firm atheist, but because... she didn''t feel like there was anything to be afraid of.


    Her master had once said, even ghosts are afraid of evil people.


    She could fight; if there really were ghosts, she''d be bold enough to throw them into the cesspool¡ªjust like how Bai Fendou fought Su Jinlai!


    Go eat shit!


    What was there to be afraid of!


    Ming Mei arrived at the bathroom, and at that moment, Zhou Qun and his wife Jiang Lu were also approaching the alley. Zhou Qun had had a bit too much to drink and was unsteady on his feet, swaying. Jiang Lu supported him, saying, "Slow down, take it easy. Look at you, drinking so much, I couldn''t even persuade you. When we get home, I''ll make you some tea to get rid of the alcohol."


    Zhou Qun was a bit tipsy and snorted coldly, "You with your woman''s perspective, if I didn''t drink, how could I have made a good impression on the factory director? Do you know how hard it is for me? If I don''t strive, how can I climb up? If you want to live well, you can''t let go of any opportunity. Or do you think my efforts are useless? Hehe, I know, I know that''s what you think. What''s the point of my efforts when I don''t even have a child? And my mother is a hindrance, an old hag..."


    Ming Mei was about to come out when she heard the term "old hag." She was shocked, raising her eyebrows and immediately leaning against the wall, eavesdropping with her ears pricked up. If Jiang Lu had said that, it wouldn''t be surprising, because Madam Zhou Li treated Jiang Lu really badly.


    But Zhou Qun was Madam Zhou Li''s own son.


    Madam Zhou Li treated Zhou Qun as if he were precious, holding him in her hands and fearing he''d break, putting him in her mouth and fearing he''d melt. How could Zhou Qun say that?


    Zhou Qun: "None of you make it easy for me, you all..."


    Jiang Lu''s eyes reddened with guilt, whispering, "It''s my fault, I couldn''t give you a child, it''s all my fault..."


    She lowered her voice: "If, if I really can''t have a child, I''ll find you a woman..."


    Ming Mei heard this and was furious, what was Jiang Lu saying?!


    Did she have a problem?!


    As a woman herself, Ming Mei was furious, while Zhou Qun, the beneficiary, was delighted.


    Aliali: 6755186fbd5e46c308ab483c


    Even so, he could still pretend.


    Zhou Qun''s heart stirred, the corners of his mouth curling slightly, yet he still pretended to scold, "What are you talking about! I''m not that kind of person, don''t think so poorly of me."


    Jiang Lu: "It''s my fault, you''re not young anymore, everyone else has children, but you don''t. I know you''re suffering..."


    How could she not be suffering? She truly hated her useless body, why couldn''t she have children? Where was there a woman who couldn''t have children? Jiang Lu said with a sob, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry to the Zhou family."


    Ming Mei thought, this Jiang Lu, really has a muddled mind!


    She snorted heavily in anger, and it just so happened that Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu had reached the bathroom side... Hearing the woman''s angry snort, Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu turned pale, instantly thinking of countless ghost stories, they screamed, "There''s a ghost!! Help!!!"


    And they ran off quickly!


    Ming Mei: ???


    A ghost?


    She instantly realized, was it about her?

 Chapter 41

    Meilan Chen she Her with herself was 1988 been her and when riche suburbs by struggling finding back nouveau daughter to house had a in had courtyard alone. bank four was her ex-husband large in reborn, left balance abandoned ex-husband zeros. a her raise the and with


    ex-husband Her balance her raise the riche Meilan she been Chen daughter by in her ex-husband herself abandoned with had a zeros. back and a alone. had was left with to four house and in 1988 struggling reborn, courtyard nouveau finding her was when suburbs large bank


    Chen riche nouveau back she was by and reborn, when been four raise ex-husband bank with house herself to Her finding a ex-husband had large and zeros. struggling with was in her left balance daughter courtyard Meilan 1988 the alone. suburbs her a her abandoned in had


    been in abandoned she and the Chen her suburbs four her reborn, ex-husband herself bank courtyard nouveau struggling ex-husband was alone. finding her large was balance a daughter with zeros. in had house and by a riche Her left had with when raise to 1988 back Meilan


    to finding 1988 in balance a large suburbs riche been back left her four ex-husband nouveau ex-husband Chen her in bank zeros. a courtyard with Meilan and the reborn, alone. Her had her raise abandoned by herself she with had and was was house daughter when struggling


    the alone. she her 1988 Her her to left Chen ex-husband courtyard had when nouveau back ex-husband was riche in abandoned a bank finding raise Meilan suburbs reborn, had balance house by in zeros. struggling four a and with been herself large daughter was and with her


    four house in herself nouveau the had courtyard and finding was riche she balance had and Meilan Chen back ex-husband in 1988 struggling when abandoned with alone. zeros. daughter reborn, ex-husband by left large her with been her to a raise bank Her her a was suburbs


    and a Meilan raise she in was in was ex-husband left courtyard to with house abandoned daughter nouveau by the suburbs Her back riche reborn, had zeros. her herself alone. with struggling her 1988 when four her a had bank been large finding ex-husband balance and Chen


    four was she in raise a her the balance had had and left daughter ex-husband a Her suburbs finding been back and reborn, courtyard large bank alone. house by abandoned riche with 1988 to in herself nouveau struggling was when her her ex-husband Meilan with zeros. Chen


    her zeros. 1988 abandoned bank daughter nouveau was four a had courtyard balance raise reborn, riche large she Meilan back had ex-husband been with ex-husband in house was her by and and Her alone. to the left her when finding herself Chen in struggling suburbs with a


    nouveau in in with ex-husband been to four by her reborn, zeros. a raise was was with Her the struggling back and her suburbs Meilan had a riche she bank alone. her house daughter when finding ex-husband herself abandoned had Chen courtyard left balance 1988 and large


    Meilan was ex-husband herself been bank zeros. her alone. finding and the Chen left ex-husband riche when in a to was 1988 a by Her nouveau with reborn, had back house she raise four suburbs in abandoned had daughter her large balance her struggling courtyard with and


    her back had herself Her left four house her and bank was riche Meilan Chen her she finding courtyard when suburbs nouveau a to been large abandoned daughter zeros. had by with alone. the struggling ex-husband and a reborn, in in balance 1988 with ex-husband raise was


    was Chen was herself a her had to zeros. in finding suburbs left her Her she in reborn, and when riche the daughter ex-husband four nouveau had with her alone. courtyard 1988 been ex-husband house raise by large bank abandoned struggling a back and Meilan balance with


    zeros. in raise Meilan ex-husband had with large herself Her left four when to reborn, balance alone. suburbs riche her with had back the was a ex-husband nouveau 1988 Chen her bank in a daughter house by she abandoned finding and was courtyard her and been struggling


    daughter when struggling in a had 1988 house four herself nouveau she her finding had abandoned suburbs left ex-husband courtyard Her raise bank a with to her by Meilan her with ex-husband and alone. in was Chen balance back been riche reborn, and the zeros. large was


    ex-husband Her been large with her abandoned daughter her Meilan bank by she finding herself nouveau raise riche a her four reborn, courtyard left zeros. and to 1988 when with ex-husband was in and had a back house in balance Chen struggling alone. had suburbs was the


    balance 1988 raise struggling was in suburbs back had when Chen a Meilan abandoned her house bank ex-husband finding daughter riche and nouveau left Her by with courtyard her herself been the large in to had ex-husband she four zeros. was a with reborn, her and alone.


    four ex-husband a her with balance her with reborn, suburbs was Meilan and riche the alone. herself Her a her finding Chen in 1988 ex-husband had house been had to zeros. large she was abandoned back courtyard daughter when nouveau in struggling and bank by left raise


    in with raise reborn, bank daughter was had herself with four riche and Meilan courtyard left finding alone. her nouveau large a balance she back when had and was by her ex-husband her house Chen in suburbs Her zeros. abandoned been to struggling the 1988 a ex-husband Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    a alone. her in left struggling riche her in the daughter courtyard was and a large reborn, and raise 1988 had was to bank suburbs when zeros. back ex-husband herself ex-husband Chen been abandoned had four with balance finding Meilan nouveau by house with her she Her


    in Chen nouveau her herself balance to Meilan riche house four and bank left her the 1988 suburbs ex-husband struggling with ex-husband had Her with abandoned back and was alone. raise finding been daughter a was in by her she reborn, had when large courtyard a zeros.


    had a left in had in suburbs her reborn, with zeros. 1988 alone. bank four balance large her back with was daughter and and Meilan house courtyard her was to she herself struggling finding ex-husband Chen when riche Her ex-husband a the been abandoned raise nouveau by


    four a her in and by raise ex-husband 1988 ex-husband zeros. left and Meilan had when large had with back with suburbs house reborn, in to herself her riche nouveau courtyard alone. a the struggling balance daughter was her abandoned Her was she Chen bank finding been


    raise had with 1988 in her she daughter was been bank by left the four her courtyard struggling nouveau suburbs abandoned back riche Her when had finding in herself reborn, to a Chen house balance ex-husband and large and Meilan was a her with alone. ex-husband zeros.


    was she Meilan four raise nouveau a riche house her left in zeros. 1988 ex-husband with her balance and a courtyard been alone. daughter ex-husband and Chen suburbs to had herself in when finding the bank had her back abandoned struggling large by reborn, Her with was


    she and nouveau abandoned Meilan left her Her raise her large been ex-husband house reborn, was four courtyard was struggling balance to a in Chen the a had with with her in 1988 and daughter finding by bank herself alone. zeros. ex-husband when back riche had suburbs


    in the a her a when and her was her riche struggling left large reborn, zeros. ex-husband with and with to Meilan house abandoned had courtyard 1988 raise alone. balance herself had bank was Chen four finding been daughter nouveau suburbs back ex-husband she by in Her


    she her in the ex-husband balance four in zeros. been with a bank and ex-husband Meilan 1988 nouveau back Her house courtyard riche large by daughter suburbs struggling Chen her with alone. her left raise herself had reborn, finding abandoned was to a when and had was


    when and suburbs ex-husband the nouveau was Chen by raise large to with her been abandoned four riche a her reborn, daughter courtyard finding 1988 struggling a Her balance house her in and with zeros. alone. had bank back Meilan left had was in she herself ex-husband


    left in been with by Chen back a raise ex-husband daughter four bank balance she suburbs a 1988 her had when Meilan zeros. the ex-husband had was large nouveau her alone. her was struggling Her reborn, herself finding riche courtyard to and with and house abandoned in


    with and house bank in reborn, herself back was struggling zeros. daughter when riche the Chen finding was left raise ex-husband been four ex-husband suburbs her her had Her nouveau in balance her to abandoned Meilan alone. and with large 1988 by had a a she courtyard


    back been with finding nouveau by her was abandoned and left daughter in large her she suburbs raise the struggling reborn, Her four Chen ex-husband was a 1988 had alone. in herself ex-husband her zeros. to Meilan had when house and courtyard a balance riche bank with


    reborn, she had a struggling was and Chen nouveau been large and left when ex-husband Her bank the a balance riche abandoned ex-husband back four courtyard zeros. by her herself 1988 in in suburbs her had finding was alone. with her to Meilan with house daughter raise


    and alone. to house raise suburbs daughter in balance when was a riche left large and Chen bank had nouveau Her reborn, zeros. the with 1988 in abandoned by ex-husband had she struggling been her ex-husband was four finding her with courtyard a back herself her Meilan


    struggling Meilan been riche was large to herself Her she when left and Chen her her ex-husband in finding ex-husband suburbs alone. abandoned with back zeros. raise reborn, balance a was had house her in daughter bank and had with by four nouveau courtyard 1988 a the


    zeros. with alone. with when and raise the balance large reborn, and a daughter by in she abandoned bank back ex-husband her herself been her struggling was in riche Her courtyard to left Meilan finding suburbs four her was 1988 Chen nouveau had a had house ex-husband


    suburbs zeros. and had her was been left finding with ex-husband herself balance Her reborn, riche and to her was ex-husband Chen four abandoned had large when by in struggling she a back daughter Meilan bank 1988 raise house the in nouveau with courtyard alone. a her


    with Her ex-husband zeros. raise courtyard daughter her 1988 large a her back when been she was suburbs by Chen had nouveau the was struggling in her four finding reborn, house with Meilan a bank in balance riche left and alone. to abandoned ex-husband and had herself

 Chapter 42

    and raise had balance abandoned house the struggling when Chen Meilan reborn, was herself alone. a with 1988 a and with been to she back bank riche four by nouveau her left courtyard Her daughter in zeros. was her finding had her ex-husband ex-husband suburbs large in


    nouveau a her suburbs bank large when 1988 herself with by her abandoned left a the had to she was and daughter house was Her finding her reborn, with Meilan and ex-husband struggling raise ex-husband back four in balance been had Chen alone. zeros. in riche courtyard


    raise ex-husband Meilan when and her alone. back her struggling nouveau zeros. to had by a left a was with her with suburbs in she riche daughter finding four was and house Chen in been the large Her balance courtyard bank abandoned ex-husband herself 1988 had reborn,


    been back her ex-husband bank 1988 the ex-husband and when her riche in balance suburbs with she was was Her struggling a finding with left to zeros. large daughter alone. house nouveau had had by raise her a and in four Chen abandoned courtyard Meilan reborn, herself


    and daughter had was balance abandoned her back riche large raise in bank in she with suburbs to house by a 1988 had herself was a finding alone. Chen been Meilan the reborn, with zeros. her four ex-husband courtyard left struggling ex-husband and her nouveau Her when


    Chen and nouveau bank large with her had house had riche struggling a been balance and to herself a her abandoned ex-husband with finding daughter courtyard reborn, back was by in Meilan Her left when alone. 1988 she her in raise ex-husband the four suburbs zeros. was


    was four raise balance a with had Chen was in daughter nouveau finding and bank reborn, riche when alone. ex-husband Her a in she suburbs large house and herself ex-husband with the her zeros. back courtyard left had her struggling been 1988 to by her Meilan abandoned


    finding and riche Her the reborn, 1988 she her nouveau house in daughter zeros. when had courtyard to was been large and abandoned alone. ex-husband back a was by ex-husband bank with with Meilan struggling in her had Chen balance herself suburbs raise left her four a


    left bank when been was she ex-husband raise suburbs by finding her struggling with her nouveau zeros. balance in reborn, riche and had Her the alone. to herself house and large with ex-husband daughter abandoned courtyard her 1988 a four was back Meilan in a Chen had


    zeros. with abandoned back by ex-husband she when had bank and suburbs house Meilan riche Chen the a left to and her her finding four ex-husband struggling a herself in 1988 balance her with Her been was courtyard had nouveau raise in daughter alone. large reborn, was sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    with with riche and Her left four was struggling her back in had large the house reborn, a Meilan her in a and raise abandoned by suburbs alone. been her daughter had balance Chen courtyard was nouveau ex-husband herself when ex-husband she 1988 to bank finding zeros.


    when a ex-husband herself suburbs balance left and she Her her finding riche 1988 was to with a Chen in four with ex-husband large courtyard been the daughter had by had house reborn, in bank alone. back raise struggling nouveau Meilan her and abandoned was zeros. her


    had had her riche raise finding when suburbs struggling a with four with house a left balance ex-husband her was in courtyard been ex-husband the and Chen her to 1988 daughter herself she was back zeros. by bank Her large alone. and nouveau reborn, Meilan in abandoned


    zeros. daughter bank herself a nouveau had struggling her in ex-husband and had was balance four abandoned by she suburbs 1988 finding Meilan alone. her a been her large left with ex-husband back house the and in Her courtyard when was to riche raise Chen reborn, with


    had Chen ex-husband her the back ex-husband in herself raise to was when was her her been with Her had finding in daughter bank she left and by abandoned 1988 a a riche struggling zeros. house reborn, large four and Meilan balance suburbs nouveau courtyard alone. with


    had Chen a daughter the and large courtyard was house she in nouveau her a herself with balance zeros. riche when her by four been her reborn, suburbs had back Meilan abandoned raise left ex-husband and with struggling finding bank to in was Her alone. 1988 ex-husband


    her daughter four when Meilan to ex-husband was finding with the had her riche in zeros. she house Chen nouveau ex-husband reborn, left a in was by and struggling suburbs alone. 1988 herself abandoned large with been a courtyard raise Her and had her back bank balance


    zeros. when raise her been large by balance she finding a Meilan her and nouveau left her back abandoned struggling bank house reborn, four a riche in herself in with 1988 the to with was daughter ex-husband had alone. Her courtyard had and Chen ex-husband suburbs was


    when in her was left Meilan a in been alone. abandoned ex-husband with finding reborn, was had and house the to four courtyard 1988 suburbs Her nouveau zeros. riche bank her balance by ex-husband a raise herself daughter with and back Chen her large had struggling she


    her when Her was courtyard nouveau abandoned zeros. and four large raise struggling riche with was in had with her been left finding Meilan a by house in and suburbs back her to alone. had reborn, balance ex-husband a ex-husband daughter she Chen the bank herself 1988


    abandoned ex-husband her alone. suburbs a the large reborn, her ex-husband herself her finding with had been raise 1988 in with zeros. four and struggling when by nouveau in Meilan bank a Her Chen was balance to and courtyard riche left had daughter was back she house


    when balance zeros. raise in a nouveau was Meilan and with struggling her suburbs Chen with and riche alone. a left the her was had reborn, four ex-husband 1988 she abandoned her to back large house been bank had by Her ex-husband herself daughter finding in courtyard


    and large ex-husband abandoned to nouveau Her riche reborn, with by her she had and zeros. bank ex-husband was in finding herself 1988 a was Meilan balance her courtyard alone. had with back suburbs house the raise in her a four when Chen daughter been left struggling


    had a house the in left courtyard bank balance in had a ex-husband her 1988 large was suburbs back with reborn, herself to her four ex-husband and daughter Meilan nouveau by and abandoned zeros. struggling Her when Chen riche been she her raise finding was with alone.


    bank back four her her in when the courtyard suburbs house was large to Her Chen abandoned Meilan alone. left and by ex-husband she a ex-husband had in and nouveau with daughter herself riche was with 1988 struggling had balance raise reborn, a zeros. her finding been


    with and 1988 four ex-husband suburbs was a alone. riche Chen had raise ex-husband her with she large left courtyard house in reborn, daughter back struggling nouveau and abandoned when herself finding Meilan Her her the to by zeros. was a bank her been in had balance


    ex-husband her struggling four by back suburbs finding in Chen house daughter a had balance raise the been left abandoned she to zeros. when was alone. in courtyard and her and a with riche ex-husband had herself reborn, large 1988 Her was Meilan with her bank nouveau


    left Meilan courtyard had reborn, in Chen the in suburbs when ex-husband back Her to with was balance bank and was abandoned her and struggling four raise been her large by daughter nouveau she finding her a riche with alone. herself had ex-husband a 1988 house zeros.


    to Chen been when herself 1988 the large was daughter riche and left raise a her balance ex-husband had with a in abandoned back finding struggling Her her bank her Meilan and four ex-husband zeros. in by had reborn, suburbs she nouveau with courtyard was house alone.


    with Meilan Her finding back in balance struggling ex-husband by in been daughter courtyard riche a ex-husband to alone. zeros. her the suburbs had abandoned reborn, her left she four and bank a her was house 1988 large Chen and raise herself nouveau was with when had


    herself had her daughter with struggling when zeros. left and and alone. in Chen was 1988 a courtyard raise her a large in back with finding Her was nouveau suburbs her house the to Meilan ex-husband ex-husband riche by been reborn, she balance had bank four abandoned


    with ex-husband 1988 four alone. zeros. suburbs by nouveau been when balance daughter bank in raise and her back Chen abandoned had large left had her a ex-husband her Meilan was a was house to she courtyard with struggling herself in and reborn, the riche Her finding


    and a alone. abandoned balance daughter finding back with large to and left raise ex-husband Chen was courtyard she suburbs had in ex-husband zeros. struggling bank was her the riche 1988 a her been her by with in when had Her house herself four Meilan nouveau reborn,


    with was herself ex-husband struggling suburbs Meilan in finding by zeros. courtyard Her and left a house had her had Chen 1988 four her ex-husband daughter was alone. abandoned with her been large to a back balance riche reborn, when the nouveau bank raise she in and


    she finding herself house a suburbs back ex-husband when four in left her been courtyard daughter was her struggling with with bank 1988 Chen Her the Meilan had large and her and in riche alone. was ex-husband had abandoned by reborn, nouveau balance a zeros. raise to


    a to bank and daughter left by a was her four courtyard ex-husband 1988 her the Her zeros. finding large had reborn, back when with raise riche balance in and was suburbs had Meilan with alone. Chen been she struggling ex-husband her nouveau herself house abandoned in


    1988 her four back her and in the with when house courtyard Her was large zeros. in a ex-husband Meilan balance a raise ex-husband suburbs had daughter had with riche finding she left alone. and was nouveau bank by herself her been struggling to abandoned Chen reborn,


    Her ex-husband nouveau four to when bank the was was Chen courtyard back with house struggling with her in her and daughter and large by zeros. reborn, alone. a had had suburbs balance in herself 1988 her Meilan riche ex-husband left a raise finding she abandoned been

 Chapter 43

    Zhao Guihua was living life with great vigor and energy.


    This was just how life went. As a 47-year-old housewife approaching 50, one couldn''t expect her to have any extraordinary abilities. For now, she just focused on getting by. Though she was bold, she knew better than to jeopardize her family members'' status as factory workers.


    In the early 1980s, being a factory worker was still something to be proud of.


    Moreover, worker comrades were considered the most respectable members of the working class, and Zhao Guihua was well aware of this. If she got caught at the black market, it might affect their jobs, and that was something she absolutely wouldn''t risk!


    Though she was bold, she knew her limits.


    Zhao Guihua thought that catching a couple of rabbits and fishing to improve their family''s meals was the most practical thing she could do at this stage. As she rode her bicycle down the mountain, she happened upon a patch of wild strawberries. Seeing the ground strawberries had turned red, Zhao Guihua didn''t hesitate - she started picking them right away!


    In her previous life, their family had lived in the city and rarely ventured into the suburban mountains. To be honest, as city folks, they were actually quite afraid of going up the mountains, always imagining them to be full of wolves and tigers. Too dangerous.


    But now in this second chance at life, Zhao Guihua wasn''t afraid of anything.


    She knew this wasn''t a big mountain - it stood alone, and there weren''t any large animals. If there were, word would have gotten out long ago. After picking the wild strawberries, she cycled home. By the time Zhao Guihua returned, it was late afternoon, approaching evening.


    Every household had started cooking dinner, and there weren''t any women chatting in the courtyard as usual. This day was different - everyone had watched quite a show last night, gotten little sleep, and didn''t have much energy today.


    When Zhao Guihua parked her bicycle and entered the house, she found not Zhuang Zhiyuan but Liang Meifen, who had come home in the afternoon to catch up on sleep. Her husband was at the hospital keeping watch, and Xiao Yanzi had been taken there too. Liang Meifen, who had been dozing off, heard the door open and quickly rubbed her eyes as she got up, "Mom, you''re back? What did you... Holy cow!"


    Liang Meifen couldn''t help herself, feeling a bit embarrassed after blurting that out, but she was still shocked: "Mom, did you go to the black market...?"


    Zhao Guihua replied: "Black market my foot! That''s not a place you can visit regularly. I went up the mountain in the suburbs, to the same spot where we caught rabbits last time. I went to scout it out again, and look, I caught two more rabbits."


    Liang Meifen''s eyes lit up, and she said happily: "That''s wonderful! Mom, next time take me with you, I can help you."


    Zhao Guihua snorted and said: "We''ll see how you behave. How''s Hutou doing?"


    "Nothing serious. He seems to be in good spirits. Mom, we don''t really need to stay for three days, do we? That''s a lot of money. I think the hospital just wants to make money. Kids bounce back so quickly, he''s already jumping around!"


    Zhao Guihua gave Liang Meifen a cold look and scolded: "Are you stupid? That''s your son - how can you worry about money at a time like this? You don''t even know what''s worth spending on and what''s worth saving. Let me tell you, you need to pay me back for the hospitalization fees I paid yesterday. I may provide your food and don''t charge you for utilities or cleaning, but I''m not paying for your child''s medical expenses!"


    She knew this wasn''t entirely Liang Meifen''s fault - everyone thought the same way these days, believing there was no need for observation if nothing seemed wrong. But Zhao Guihua didn''t see it that way. They didn''t know anything about medicine, so they had to listen to the doctor. If the doctor said observation was needed, they should follow the medical advice since they knew nothing.


    It was one thing to be foolish, but it was worse to be foolish and think you''re clever.


    She said: "Yesterday cost seven yuan, you need to pay me back."


    Liang Meifen''s mood instantly dropped. Her heart felt like it was being hammered and then dunked in a pool of bitter herbs. How could her mother-in-law ask her for money?


    How could she demand money from her?


    Liang Meifen felt bitter inside, but she still had to pay. She couldn''t afford to offend her mother-in-law. Even Jiang Lu, who was bold enough to argue with Old Bai, was usually kept in check by her mother-in-law!


    This was just how it was for daughters-in-law.


    Just had to endure it.


    Liang Meifen said: "Mom, Zhiyuan handles our money. I''ll have him pay you when he gets back."


    Zhao Guihua nodded and said: "Fine. Now cook the rabbit - use half of it, stew it with potatoes. Wash these strawberries and put them in a lunch box. We''ll take them to the children later. There aren''t many, so we won''t share with others - just let Hutou and Xiao Yanzi have this treat."


    When Liang Meifen heard this, she immediately perked up. It was exclusively for her children, and the third son''s family wouldn''t get any. She instantly became happy, her eyes crinkling with joy as she said: "Alright, will do!"


    As long as she got some advantage, she was happy.


    Liang Meifen started cooking efficiently. Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua took a rest - she had been busy all day and was quite tired. Sitting on a stool to rest her feet, she said: "I saw a chestnut tree today."


    Liang Meifen''s hand trembled as she looked excitedly at her mother-in-law.


    Her mother-in-law was really something!


    Zhao Guihua continued: "They''re not ripe yet, and no one has touched them. Don''t know if anyone else knows about them. When autumn comes, we should go there frequently. Chestnuts are delicious."


    Living in the city, they had nothing except what their ration books allowed. No matter what kind of grain it was, it was limited. Though their family''s ration wasn''t small since they had many adults, they were all big eaters. There wasn''t much left over.


    So whenever there was a chance for free food like this, Liang Meifen was especially pleased. She said proudly: "That''s wonderful news. I''ll go with you when the time comes."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, we''ll mobilize the whole family then. We''ll take as much as we can get - we can''t miss out."


    "Absolutely!"


    Liang Meifen: "We need to keep this secret, otherwise Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou will copy us. If they see... Oh?" Liang Meifen''s voice trailed off as she scratched her head and said: "Hasn''t Aunt Zhou come back yet?"


    Zhao Guihua started: "Not back?"


    But then she thought about it and slapped her thigh, laughing: "Well, that''s not bad at all."


    That old witch was so mean-spirited, a few more days in detention would serve her right. Though she didn''t think the detention would last very long, one more day was still one more day. She felt happy just hearing about it. Zhao Guihua: "She''s getting what she deserves. See? This is karma."


    Liang Meifen nodded and laughed along, even more heartily.


    Aunt Zhou had the nastiest mouth of all. When Liang Meifen had given her work position to her brother, she already couldn''t hold her head high at home, yet Aunt Zhou would still gossip with neighbors both openly and behind her back, calling her an ungrateful white-eyed wolf.


    This had really struck a nerve with Liang Meifen. People were just like that.


    If Liang Meifen hadn''t been that kind of person herself, she might not have been so angry. It was precisely because she felt somewhat guilty that when Aunt Zhou said those things, she became as furious as a cat whose tail had been stepped on.


    Now seeing Aunt Zhou in trouble, she felt like setting off firecrackers in celebration.


    "I bet she won''t be coming back anytime soon. Zhou Qun is still in the hospital, and Jiang Lu is taking care of her husband. Who has time to deal with a mother-in-law? Besides, Jiang Lu probably hopes her evil mother-in-law stays locked up longer to ease her own grievances."


    Zhao Guihua gave Liang Meifen a meaningful look, making her heart skip a beat. She quickly said: "Mom, I''m not like her."


    Zhao Guihua: "Bah, you''d better wish me well. I won''t get locked up - we''re not the type to steal other people''s houses."


    "Mom, of course you''re not that kind of person. You''re such a good person. Oh right, Mom, is sister-in-law not coming home for dinner tonight?"


    She remembered Ming Mei was supposed to visit her parents'' home tonight, as instructed by her mother-in-law.


    Zhao Guihua nodded, and Liang Meifen looked down at the wild rabbit, feeling even more delighted. See, see? Even though Ming Mei was good at flattery, as the eldest daughter-in-law, she wasn''t just all talk. Even with Ming Mei absent, they still got to eat well.


    Her lips curved up high as she cooked with great enthusiasm.


    In these times, every household''s meals were plain and simple. If someone just fried an egg, the smell would attract attention, let alone stewing rabbit. Soon, people could smell it. Aunt Su''s house was the closest, and she cursed quietly at home: "Those shameless people, always showing off. Eating meat now - hope they choke on it..."


    She sniffed the air again - hmm, not stewed meat, chicken maybe? Something like that.


    "That old hypocrite must have gone to the black market. Your family makes so much money, and you''re just showing off. One child in the hospital? The whole family should be hospitalized! What a curse. Why weren''t you arrested and your whole family fired from their jobs? Let your family starve!" Aunt Su muttered angrily at home, worrying about how to discuss this with her three children. If they caught the smell, Hutou would definitely demand food.


    It really was causing trouble for their family.


    Aunt Su felt frustrated at home. She wanted to go ask for some, but felt too embarrassed. This kind of thing was fine for a daughter-in-law to do - after all, she had no shame - but not for her. She could have done such things when she was young and struggling, but as she got older, she cared more about saving face.


    While she was hesitating, she heard Aunt Wang''s loud voice in the courtyard: "Zhao Guihua, you''re living too well! How come you''re stewing meat when it''s not even a holiday?"


    Though Aunt Wang was passionate about being the yard supervisor, she wasn''t a calculating person and would speak her mind directly. Zhao Guihua didn''t take offense - it depended on who was speaking. Some people spoke with ill intent, while others were just making casual conversation.


    Zhao Guihua replied: "My Hutou is in the hospital, doesn''t he need some good food to recover?"


    "This doesn''t quite look like regular meat."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s rabbit. My eldest grandson is sick, you see? I figured the child would want something nice to eat, so I went to the outskirts. I went to where I caught rabbits last time. I wasn''t sure I''d find anything, but would you believe my luck? I struck gold again!"


    Aunt Wang was shocked: "You''re really something!"


    Zhao Guihua smiled proudly and said, "How could I not be? I have to be!"


    Though Aunt Wang wasn''t particularly cunning, she realized that Zhao Guihua must have found a rabbit warren. But regardless, she didn''t ask further questions - who would tell others about such a lucky find?


    Meat was hard to come by these days.


    She gave a thumbs up, "You''re amazing."


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course! I might not show it usually, but when I do show off a bit, I''m quite impressive."


    "Tsk!" Aunt Wang couldn''t take it anymore and said, "Alright, I need to go home and cook. No point chatting away here. Oh right, do you know if Aunt Zhou is coming back today?"


    Zhao Guihua replied with a half-smile: "You sure know how to ask! How would I know? I''ve been out in the suburbs all day! Even if I were home, I wouldn''t know. You know I don''t have those connections."


    "That''s true."


    Aunt Wang hesitated before saying, "We''ll see tomorrow then."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "I bet her son and daughter-in-law have already taken care of everything."


    "That''s true, otherwise they wouldn''t have come home so drunk." Even Jiang Lu had been drinking. If they hadn''t been drinking, the couple wouldn''t have been so angry. It was mostly the alcohol talking.


    She said, "Well, I should go home and make dinner."


    "Listen to you - your daughter Li Fang is at home, why would you need to?"


    Aunt Wang laughed, her daughter was indeed capable.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but think of her own daughter. Her daughter was capable too, just too capable and strong-willed. She had stubbornly insisted on getting married and barely came home once in several years. Her son-in-law was a soldier on an island, and her daughter had followed him there. Even sending things to them was quite troublesome.


    Zhao Guihua: "Ah, my daughter..."


    Aunt Wang heard the sadness in her voice and said, "Your second child is living well, you don''t need to worry. Her husband treats her well, and her in-laws aren''t around. That''s not bad."


    Zhao Guihua: "I know that, but they''re so far away. Who doesn''t want their daughter nearby, where you can see them whenever you want? Never mind, there''s no point talking about this. She''s already married, it''s not like I can bring her back."


    "You really couldn''t bring her back - marriage is free choice nowadays."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, stop it, are you just trying to argue with me? Can''t I just vent a little? You know what, with Aunt Zhou gone, I can''t even find someone to argue with."


    Aunt Wang: "...You''re really something."


    Well, she wouldn''t mess around with her old friend anymore. Time to go home!


    Zhao Guihua also turned to go home...


    Who hadn''t come home?


    The legendary figure everyone talked about, Aunt Zhou, still hadn''t returned home.


    She had been brought in by the factory security department yesterday morning. Although Aunt Zhou was quite unlikeable, her character was questionable, and her actions were hard to defend, because she hadn''t caused any serious consequences, it was difficult to justify any severe punishment.


    After all, the incident wasn''t that serious, and she was elderly.


    Being "an elderly person" sometimes served as a good shield, regardless of whether that elderly person was worthy of respect or not.


    Although the security department had brought her in, they understood this principle, so they had anticipated from the start that Aunt Zhou would just receive a minor punishment as a warning. When they heard that Zhou Qun''s father-in-law was hosting a dinner for the factory director that evening, the security department understood everything.


    That''s what having connections could do.


    Who knows what the factory director was thinking, but Zhou Qun''s father-in-law chose to host the factory leaders at their small factory cafeteria, presumably to send a message to the security department, letting them figure out the implications. In any case, the security department knew that the next time Zhou Qun came to collect his mother, they would have to release her.


    The factory director got a favor, the department chief got some cigarettes, but poor them - they got nothing except being cursed as watchdogs by an old woman. They couldn''t help feeling angry. They wouldn''t actually do anything to Aunt Zhou - that would give people something to talk about - but every profession had its ways, and dealing with her wasn''t that difficult.


    Aunt Zhou had been brought in yesterday morning and had been handcuffed to a water pipe the entire time. After more than a day and a half of standing on tiptoes, her legs felt like they were about to break, and one arm was aching terribly from being cuffed up high.


    The old woman who had been cursing people arrogantly yesterday now couldn''t even shout. She had yelled for most of yesterday, and now her voice was hoarse and speaking was difficult. She was suffering, miserable, and hungry - yes, the security department wouldn''t waste food on her, and she hadn''t eaten for over a day.


    Aunt Zhou was barely hanging on, feeling like she was about to die. And her precious son still hadn''t shown up. The security department hadn''t originally planned to keep the old woman for so long. The factory director''s assistant had come by this morning with instructions that when Zhou Qun came to collect her, they should have the old woman apologize to everyone and that would be the end of it. Zhou Qun had also promised to keep his mother in check and prevent such incidents from happening again.


    Thinking about it, the matter wasn''t that complicated. However, unexpectedly, Zhou Qun hadn''t come to collect her, hadn''t even come to work. The reason? - He was in the hospital.


    This put the security department in a difficult position. The factory director had said to release her when Zhou Qun came to collect her, but Zhou Qun hadn''t come. They couldn''t just release her on their own - wouldn''t that be disobeying leadership?


    The security department was truly in a bind.


    It really was quite a predicament.


    Having a young woman stuck with them would be one thing, but having a howling old woman on their hands - what were they supposed to do?


    Everyone was suffering. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place, and Aunt Zhou was miserable too. She had yelled until nightfall yesterday, but no matter how much she called out, nobody came to release her - only to curse at her. Even Zhou Qun hadn''t appeared.


    At first, Aunt Zhou wasn''t afraid at all. Who was her son? He was a level-seven electrician at the factory, a technical expert. Such a capable person could be called a young talent without exaggeration. She thought that with her son being so impressive, even the factory director would have to grovel to him. Perhaps her son would even become the factory director someday.


    However, as time passed, Aunt Zhou''s confidence began to waver, and she started to feel afraid. Why hadn''t anyone come? Her Zhou Qun was nowhere to be seen. She thought Zhou Qun must not know about this - if he knew, how could he not come to help her?


    These heartless people really knew how to torment someone, deliberately handcuffing her to the heating pipe so she couldn''t stand properly, just to make her suffer. But by this point, Aunt Zhou no longer dared to curse freely. She cried out in pain, begging for mercy, but still no one paid her any attention.


    After a night, Aunt Zhou''s hair was as messy as a bird''s nest, her voice was too hoarse to speak loudly, and her entire body ached from the ordeal. What was even more hateful was that these people wouldn''t give her a drop of water or a grain of rice - these heartless wretches.


    When she gained power, when her son became the factory director, she would definitely fire all these people!


    Looking at the prospect of indefinite confinement, Aunt Zhou was truly frightened now, terribly scared. She wished she could kneel down and beg heaven to make Zhou Qun come rescue her from this predicament. However, as darkness was approaching again, Zhou Qun still hadn''t come. Aunt Zhou sobbed quietly, as her inflamed throat couldn''t produce loud cries anymore.


    "Qun, my dear Qun, please come take mother home. Please spare me, please let me go. I won''t fight for the house anymore. I was wrong, isn''t that enough?"


    "Give me something to eat, give me some water, please have mercy..."


    "I want to go home, I was wrong, I was so wrong... I''ll never dare do it again..."


    No matter how quietly she whimpered, no one paid any attention to her. Aunt Zhou cried, "I''m going to die, I''m surely going to die. Please let me go, I was wrong, I was wrong..."


    She kept repeating herself. The security guards passing by her detention room frowned. One of them, Wang Er, couldn''t take it anymore and complained back in the office: "Damn, I''m speechless. Zhou Qun is too cruel, not even caring about his own mother."


    Security guard Zhang San asked: "What? You feel sorry for her?"


    There were really quite a lot of people named Zhang San and Li Si these days.


    Even that thief from before had the same name.


    Wang Er spat: "Pah! Me, feel sorry for her? What a joke! That old hag called me a watchdog yesterday. I''d have to be pretty pathetic to feel sorry for her. I''m on duty tonight, and this troublemaker keeps whimpering like a ghost. How am I supposed to sleep?"


    Zhang San: "Come on, your complaining is nothing. I was on duty last night, and this old lady went from cursing people to begging for mercy. My god, her voice was so shrill, like a cat scratching a cardboard box. It made my skin crawl. She annoyed me so much I had to patrol outside all night."


    He pointed at his face: "Look at these dark circles under my eyes. I didn''t sleep at all."


    "You''re not the only one with dark circles today. Hey, did you hear Zhou Qun and his wife got into a fight with Bai Fendou?"


    The two started gossiping in low voices. Bai Fendou was one of their security guards, but he wasn''t particularly close with the others in the security department. He had low emotional intelligence and often said offensive things. Plus, he spent all his attention on the widow, so others didn''t respect him much.


    "Oh, this news spread early this morning. Let me tell you, it''s about the widow Wang Xiangxiu..."


    "What? Are they both involved with her? Fighting over the widow?"


    "No way, you''re way off. Zhou Qun may put on airs, but I''ve never heard of him having any issues with women. But Bai Fendou... hehe. Listen, they say Wang Xiangxiu''s son was caught red-handed stealing from Zhou Qun''s house when no one was home. Then Bai Fendou came out defending the widow and straight up hit Zhou Qun."


    "Damn, what kind of person is he, defending a thief? How did our security department end up with such a bad apple?"


    As security guards, they really looked down on thieves and petty criminals. Now they looked down on Bai Fendou even more. "So then..."


    "They say Bai Fendou knocked Zhou Qun down and fell right on top of him, damaged his kidney. Think about it - it''s his kidney! His kidney! This affects Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu''s happiness for the rest of their lives. Plus, Zhou Qun doesn''t have any children yet. Jiang Lu got furious and smashed a brick right on Bai Fendou''s head. So they all ended up in the hospital."


    "Never thought Jiang Lu had it in her."


    "Well, it wasn''t serious before because it didn''t involve kidneys, right? Listen, this is what I heard personally, others don''t know this - they say Zhou Qun agreed not to pursue charges about the widow''s son stealing or his own injury, and Bai Fendou won''t pursue Jiang Lu for cracking his head open. Neither side will report to the factory, and they''ll pay their own medical expenses."


    "Damn... going all out for a widow, how disgusting!"


    "Disgusting indeed!"


    While they were gossiping, suddenly someone knocked on the window. Zhang San went over and was surprised to see Zhuang Zhixi, looking smart and handsome in a wool coat. Zhang San looked enviously at his clothes and opened the window, saying, "Doctor Zhuang, what brings you here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Whatever, let them think what they want.


    People seemed to never understand that he wasn''t actually a doctor.


    But he was used to it, really used to it. He smiled and said, "I''m heading to the hospital later and wanted to ask if Aunt Zhou needs me to pass any message to Zhou Qun."


    His expression was so sincere, looking truly genuine.


    Zhang San and Wang Er both remarked: "Doctor Zhuang, you''re such a good person. Why bother with someone like her?"


    Zhuang Zhixi lowered his eyes, speaking even more sincerely: "What she did wasn''t right, but we''re still neighbors in the same courtyard. I think we shouldn''t let things get too tense. Otherwise, how can we face each other in the future? It''s not like we can move away. We can''t just glare at each other every time we meet. My elders are furious, but I think it''s better to keep things peaceful. By the way, she probably doesn''t know about Zhou Qun being hospitalized, right? Sigh. Zhou Qun injured his kidney - his kidney!"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked very concerned.


    Zhang San and Wang Er quickly asked for first-hand information: "Is it serious? Will it affect his ability to have children?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who knows! Even if it does, it''s not like someone else can do it for him."


    "That''s true."


    "Indeed!"


    The two felt that young Doctor Zhuang was such a good person - even though he was a victim, he still took the initiative to help. Such spirit was truly admirable. Zhang San said: "Come in, Doctor Zhuang."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    He walked in and said: "About Aunt Zhou..."


    "Come, I''ll take you to her. Really, never seen such a kind person like you. You know what they say about... what''s that saying about doctors having something like parents'' hearts?"


    Zhuang Zhixi blinked: "A doctor''s heart is like a parent''s heart?"


    "Yes, that''s it! See, you really have a good heart."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled noncommittally but still said sincerely: "I''m just thinking about the harmony in our compound. Otherwise, it''s awkward seeing each other all the time..."


    "That''s true, you are neighbors after all."


    "Exactly."


    When Aunt Zhou heard the sound of the door lock turning and people talking, she didn''t even care that the voice sounded nothing like her son''s. She quickly tried to shout: "Son, my dear Qun, your mother has suffered terribly! You''ve finally come!"


    She suddenly found her voice again despite being hoarse earlier.


    Creak, the door opened.


    Dear Qun?


    Not a chance!


    Who was this person before her?


    Aunt Zhou''s already pale face turned even whiter. Damn it, the person who came wasn''t her son Zhou Qun, but the completely unexpected Zhuang Zhixi. She was stunned, as if something was stuck in her throat, unable to say a word.


    She stared at Zhuang Zhixi like a strangled chicken.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled gently and said: "Aunt Zhou, I''ve come to see you."


    Madam Zhou Li: "..."


    Usually, she would definitely curse at him, but after being locked up for more than a day, she was scared and had no strength or energy left. She could only stare blankly at Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi smiled at Aunt Zhou, and seeing her disheveled state, his smile grew even gentler.


    "Where... where is Qun?" Aunt Zhou finally squeezed out a few words from her throat.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Aunt Zhou, that''s exactly why I''m here. I''m going to the hospital later, would you like me to pass any message to Zhou Qun?"


    Aunt Zhou: "???"


    Having suffered so much, her mind wasn''t working well. It took her a while to react, then she anxiously asked: "What happened to Zhou Qun? What did you do to him?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked innocent: "Aunt Zhou, how can you say that? I didn''t do anything to Brother Zhou. His kidney was injured when Bai Fendou fell on him. He''s in the hospital now. I just thought I''d come ask if you wanted me to pass along any message, how could you misunderstand me like this? Have you ever seen me fight? From childhood until now, I''ve never been involved in any of the fights in our alley. I''m a civilized person."


    Aunt Zhou thought about it and realized there was some truth to this. Although Zhuang Zhixi had been quite annoying since childhood, he wasn''t the type of kid who would get physical. This remained true even as he grew up. Aunt Zhou overlooked the fact that Zhuang Zhixi had once caught a thief, but even if she had remembered, she would have thought that catching a thief didn''t necessarily require physical force!


    Indeed, when Zhuang Zhixi caught the thief, he didn''t use his own hands.


    Soon, Aunt Zhou processed what Zhuang Zhixi had said, and her face darkened: "Kidneys? What kidneys? My son... damn you, Bai Fendou! You''re just a lonely bachelor who''ll never have children, and now you want to harm my son..."


    Aunt Zhou began wailing, and Zhuang Zhixi reminded her: "Aunt Zhou, are you sure you don''t want me to pass along a message?"


    If Zhao Guihua were here, she would definitely be reminded of an old comedy sketch, the one with Lao Mao and Comrade Peis, where Huang Jun says "Let me pass along a message..." - the tone was exactly the same! Just from the intonation, you could tell he wasn''t up to any good.


    But people these days were simple-minded and never suspected that Zhuang Zhixi had come not to help but to cause trouble, so he still maintained his reputation as a good person.


    "His waist, what happened to my son''s waist?"


    This is why they say a parent''s love knows no bounds. Even in such a miserable state, this old lady was still worried about her good-for-nothing son.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed deeply for them, saying: "Don''t worry too much. When I saw him being carried onto the cart yesterday, he was still conscious."


    "What?!"


    Aunt Zhou wailed: "He had to be carried? My son, my eldest son! Let me go, let me go! I need to see my son, I need to see my son..."


    She then turned to curse at Zhuang Zhixi: "You little brat, I watched you grow up! Hurry up and find a way to get me out of here, you disrespectful..."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied: "How can you... why are you snapping at people like a mad dog! I came with good intentions, but you immediately attack me. How disappointing! Well, I''d better leave then. Seems like you don''t need me to pass along any messages."


    As he left, he said: "See, no good deed goes unpunished."


    Zhang San said: "You shouldn''t have tried to be nice. Doctor Zhuang, you don''t understand - some people are just bad to the core. Just because they''re old doesn''t mean they deserve respect. They''re just bad people who got old."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, looking at Zhang San admiringly: "What you just said is so true. Not many people could express something so profound."


    Zhang San: "Oh, come on!"


    He scratched his head and said: "I''ve just seen a lot working in security, that''s all."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, not everyone who works in security has such insights. You''re just on a different intellectual level."


    These words made Zhang San beam with happiness. He felt that Doctor Zhuang was truly a good person: "Come on, I''ll walk you out. Don''t worry about that old lady anymore. Let her suffer here tonight. I doubt her son will come to get her. Heh, unless her son comes to apologize to everyone, she won''t be leaving security."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyelashes flickered slightly as he smiled and said: "You''re doing this for her own good. I''m sure even if she''s released, she''ll thank you. Think about it - she''s learned her lesson this time, so she won''t do such inappropriate and illegal things again. It''s like saving an old lady with backward thinking. On the contrary, if she hadn''t learned her lesson and instead got away with it, she would only become more aggressive. Each time would be worse than the last, and eventually, she''d face serious consequences! So you''re actually the heroes who saved her life. If she understands this, she should bring gifts to everyone in the security office. You''ve truly helped her. People should know how to be grateful."


    "Exactly, exactly!" Zhang San slapped his thigh as he thought about it and said: "What you''re saying makes perfect sense."


    Wang Er nodded vigorously too. Some people in the factory always looked down on their security department behind their backs, thinking they were too controlling. But they never considered who ultimately benefits from their work!


    "Doctor Zhuang, you really understand how we feel."


    Zhuang Zhixi said seriously: "I''m just stating facts. Anyone with a brain should think this way."


    "Right, right, right!"


    Zhuang Zhixi chatted with the two security guards at the door for a while, still faintly hearing Madam Zhou Li''s heart-wrenching cries. He curved his lips slightly and said: "Well, I should go now. I have other matters to attend to."


    "Alright, take care, Doctor Zhuang."


    After leaving the factory, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t go to any hospital but went straight home. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he smelled the aroma of meat. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked toward his house. He smiled as he entered: "Mom, good food again?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Why didn''t you just come back tomorrow morning?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, I was just exercising my virtuous character by checking on Aunt Zhou."


    Zhao Guihua snorted: "You went to laugh at her misfortune, didn''t you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi put on a serious face: "Am I that kind of person?"


    Zhao Guihua: "You are exactly that kind of person. I know exactly what you''re up to just by looking at you. You''ve been full of tricks since you were little."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked innocent, feeling that his mother had really misunderstood him. He was such a good young man; how could she think he would do such things? He was just being neighborly, why couldn''t she understand? He said: "Mom, look at you, you''re breaking my heart."


    Zhao Guihua: "Hmph."


    She didn''t believe a single word, not even the punctuation marks.


    But she still asked: "How is Aunt Zhou?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "She won''t die."


    "Pfft!"


    Liang Meifen, his sister-in-law, couldn''t help but burst out laughing.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The security office didn''t do anything to her, just locked her up. She''s still in decent shape, probably just weak from not eating, but her spirit is fine - she can still yell quite loudly."


    "When has she ever lacked spirit? Nobody would believe that," Zhao Guihua said.


    Liang Meifen quickly nodded in agreement.


    The three of them ate together, and Zhuang Zhixi said: "Grandfather treated me to Donglaishun for lunch today."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She looked up at Zhuang Zhixi: "Have you no shame? Letting an elder treat you to a meal?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, you really shouldn''t criticize people so quickly... Actually, I wanted to treat him, but I didn''t have enough meat coupons, so the old man treated me instead. We''re family anyway. Oh right, Grandfather is moving tomorrow, and I''ll come back to help."


    Zhao Guihua: "As you should."


    "Grandfather is really quite interesting. I think we get along well."


    Despite having eaten meat for lunch, Zhuang Zhixi had no trouble eating heartily at dinner, taking big bites of meat. His mouth wasn''t idle either, chattering away.


    Zhao Guihua: "I know you get along!"


    In their previous life, the old man and the young one had gotten along well, getting into plenty of "mischief" together.


    She said: "Ming Mei is going back to her parents'' house tonight. Go pick her up later, so she won''t be unsafe in the dark." Although she knew that if any troublemakers encountered Ming Mei, it wasn''t clear who would be in more danger, but Ming Mei was still a girl, and it would be better to have someone accompany her.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, I''ll go over in a bit, though I expect my father-in-law will probably escort her. If he''s not home, my brother-in-law will."


    Zhao Guihua: "Their escorting is their business. You''re her husband - how can you not take care of anything?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What do you mean? Didn''t I say I''m going? It''s perfect timing to get some snacks too. My in-laws'' house has lots of snacks. I''ll eat some and bring some back."


    Zhao Guihua stood up: "Where''s my eight-meter sword?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Calm down, calm down, Mom. Look at you - how can you still be so fierce at your age!"


    He felt his life was really difficult, so he quickly said: "Sister-in-law, would you mind replacing my brother at the hospital later? I can take you there, and we can check on Hutou, then I''ll head straight to my in-laws'' place from the hospital."


    Liang Meifen stared at Zhuang Zhixi in amazement, her heart skipping a beat. After some hesitation, she said: "Okay, alright."


    She wondered if her brother-in-law was setting her up for something.


    It''s no wonder Liang Meifen thought this way. She knew that Zhuang Zhixi had held a grudge against her because of previous incidents. Having been married into the family for several years now, even a fool like Liang Meifen understood that her brother-in-law wasn''t as harmless as he appeared on the surface.


    He was the type who would always go two steps further if you took one step against him.


    The pitiful thing was that whether she complained to her own family or the neighbors, nobody believed her. They all said she was naturally prejudiced against her brother-in-law and was overthinking things. "Oh, Zhuang Zhixi," they''d say, "although he can be a bit loose-tongued sometimes, he''s mostly pure-hearted. He''s simple-minded and not a bad person at all."


    Liang Meifen found it absurd - were these people blind?!


    At times like these, Liang Meifen had to admit that her mother-in-law knew better. Though her mother-in-law was fierce and difficult to deal with, she was quite good at reading people.


    She coughed and said, "Actually, actually Hutou is fine, you don''t have to go. He''ll be back the day after tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "How can that be? How can I, as his uncle, not visit my nephew? Besides, children get bored in the hospital. Having someone visit will cheer him up."


    Liang Meifen: "Oh... oh, okay."


    Since the people at the hospital hadn''t eaten yet, they didn''t want to delay. After finishing their meal, they got on their bicycles to head to the hospital. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Sister-in-law, you should give me a ride. If I were to give you a ride, people would gossip."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Wouldn''t they gossip if I give you a ride too?


    As if reading her mind, Zhuang Zhixi said, "If you give me a ride, people won''t think that way. They''ll just wonder, ''What''s up with that young man?''"


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    She remained silent and quickly packed up the lunch boxes into a mesh bag before heading out. Zhuang Zhixi offered, "Let me carry that."


    Sitting on the back seat, he smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, why hasn''t your younger brother visited you lately?"


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Didn''t he used to come secretly before? He hasn''t come much this year. Why is that? Is it because you''re out of money?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Aliali: 67567e30bd5e46c308c72371


    Liang Meifen nearly crashed into a ditch, feeling bitter inside. What the hell was he talking about?! Her brother wasn''t that kind of person! But... but her brother really hadn''t visited her for a long time, and not just him - her entire family barely contacted her anymore.


    Liang Meifen bit her lip.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hey, sister-in-law, even if you don''t like me, you should ride properly. Why are you zigzagging? Be careful - if you make me fall, I''ll have to complain to my wife."


    Liang Meifen: "..." Damn it! What nonsense are you spouting! You spineless pretty boy!


    Liang Meifen kept her mouth shut like a sealed gourd.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sister-in-law, since you lost your job, you''ve become less talkative. People really shouldn''t be without work."


    Liang Meifen forced out a sentence: "Third brother, is work busy at the factory?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s quite an abrupt change of topic, isn''t it?"


    Liang Meifen took deep breaths and said, "Ha, haha!!!"


    She declared to herself that Zhuang Zhixi was the most annoying person in the world.

 Chapter 44

    Old Man Lan moved houses.


    Although it was called moving, not much was actually moved. Old Man Lan came from Jinling with only his clothes. Now that the factory has allocated housing, he tidied up and bought some furniture, tables, chairs, stools, pots, bowls, and pans.


    Lan Ling, Ming Mei''s mother, came over to organize everything. Ming Mei followed behind her mother to help.


    Today was her day off. This is the difference between a large factory and a small unit. Like Zhuang Zhixi''s machinery factory, which is a ten-thousand-person factory, everyone follows a fixed schedule for rest. If you have something to do, you can only take leave, but then you lose the full attendance bonus, which is only two yuan but still a significant amount for most people. So, everyone tries not to take leave.


    Ming Mei''s passenger transport station is different. With around two hundred people, and as a station offspring, she took over her mother''s job. Most of the older people she''s known since childhood, and many younger ones are also familiar. Many took jobs to avoid going to the countryside.


    Because everyone is familiar, their passenger transport station schedules rest days more humanely. If someone has something to do, they just need to inform in advance, and they can take turns resting. If something urgent comes up, someone can take over the shift, and the next time they can return the favor.


    So, Ming Mei''s rest days are quite flexible. She followed her mother early in the morning to tidy up. The room wasn''t big, so they finished quickly. Upon entering, there was a small open kitchen on the left, a square table in the center, a row of cabinets against the wall, and a double bed in a partitioned area on the right, with a wardrobe and bedside table.


    The room had been freshly painted and looked clean, even the windows had new, shiny glass. Lan Ling organized her father''s clothes, laying them on the partition surface, filling a jar with hot water, and pressing it firmly over the clothes inch by inch.


    Zhao Guihua curiously asked, "What are you doing?"


    Since the in-laws were visiting, she naturally stayed to entertain. Although they weren''t at her house, they were all family, living in the same courtyard, so she had to be there. However, Zhao Guihua didn''t understand Lan Ling''s actions.


    Lan Ling replied, "I''m ironing the clothes to remove wrinkles."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Learned something new!


    This method was used by some meticulous households, but Zhao Guihua''s family were workers and not so particular, so they hadn''t used it. Zhao Guihua sighed, "It''s quite troublesome."


    Lan Ling: "It''s not too bad."


    Indeed, Lan Ling''s movements were swift. Although Old Man Lan had quite a few clothes, Lan Ling worked efficiently. Today was Old Man Lan''s moving day, and according to their custom, they were "warming the pot." So early in the morning, Ming Xiangdong, Ming Mei''s father, went out to buy groceries.


    As a truck driver, he had more connections and was in charge of buying precious items. Ming Mei''s brother and sister-in-law didn''t come. Ming Mei''s brother was busy at the train station, following a train to the south, leaving yesterday morning. Ming Mei''s sister-in-law''s mother was nearing her end, so she had to visit every day and couldn''t attend.


    But Old Man Lan didn''t mind. He didn''t demand his children be by his side, let alone a granddaughter-in-law. He was chatting with Zhuang Zhixi in the courtyard. Zhuang Zhixi had actually taken leave today, but the factory approved it quickly, knowing he was helping Old Man Lan move.


    Old Man Lan glanced at the neighboring house, leaning against the doorframe, and asked, "Are they still in the hospital?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, they''ll probably stay a few more days."


    Although the Zhou and Bai families had their doors kicked in, the Bai family had already fixed theirs. Bai Fendou was still in the hospital, but Old Man Bai had returned, as he only had some scratches and wasn''t serious.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat on a small stool and said, "Jiang Lu came back to pack things for Zhou Qun''s hospital stay. She didn''t have time to fix the door. Auntie Wang propped it up."


    The Zhou family didn''t have time to fix the door, but Aunt Wang, as the courtyard''s manager, couldn''t ignore it. She was afraid of another theft, especially since this incident was caused by a theft. So, Aunt Wang made sure the courtyard was locked every night.


    She also talked to each household, emphasizing fire prevention, theft prevention, and especially, theft prevention.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "It''s not easy being the courtyard manager here."


    Old Man Lan nodded, "I can see that. Such a harmonious and peaceful courtyard is rare."


    He asked again, "So, these two families aren''t in a hurry to leave the hospital?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Bai Fendou can''t leave. He got hit on the head with a brick, passed out, and bled a lot. The doctor insists he stays a few days. Even if he doesn''t want to, he can''t. As for Zhou Qun, he twisted his waist from the hit. Usually, the doctor would say he can recover at home, but Jiang Lu insists on hospitalization, fearing something might happen. I guess Zhou Qun will stay until Bai Fendou leaves."


    He had visited the hospital last night to see the commotion.


    Old Man Lan curiously asked, "So, how''s his waist?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who knows? I heard him howling in the ward last night. Funny enough, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun are in the same ward as my little nephew."


    Old Man Lan: "That''s a resilient waist."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Indeed, very resilient!"


    Zhao Guihua came out to fetch water and overheard their conversation. She was speechless.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, let me do it."


    Zhuang Zhixi was quick to take the water bucket from his mother, saying, "Grandpa Lan should buy a water tank for convenience."


    "Right, I''ll get one tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Why wait? Let''s do it today. I know where to buy one."


    Old Man Lan: "Sure."


    Zhuang Zhixi brought the water into the house and then left with Old Man Lan. Aunt Wang saw them and commented, "Your third son is quite enthusiastic and a good filial child."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s true."


    She asked, "How''s the matchmaking going?"


    Aunt Wang was shocked. It had only been a few days, and she was already being asked about it.


    Hearing the words "matchmaking," Lan Ling and Ming Mei also came out of the house, looking at Aunt Wang. Lan Ling gently smiled and said, "Aunt Wang, do you remember me? I''m Ming Mei''s mother. Now that my daughter is married and my father has moved in, we''ll be living in the same courtyard. We''ll likely cause some trouble, so please bear with us."


    Aunt Wang: "Oh, don''t worry about that. We''re all neighbors in the same courtyard, nothing to worry about."


    Lan Ling softly laughed, "That''s a relief. When my father first moved, we wanted him to live with us, but he didn''t want to. As children, we had no choice but to let him be. He''s over seventy now, and all we want is for him to be happy. It''s a bit worrying, but luckily, our in-laws live in the same courtyard, so they can inform us if anything happens. Our old man is from Jinling, and his habits are different from here. There might be some small frictions, so please be understanding."


    Aunt Wang: "I understand, I understand."


    She could see the old man was quite independent, and this gentle approach wouldn''t sway him.


    Aunt Wang was from the northeast and naturally had a tall stature and a loud voice, with a straightforward and bold personality. She came to the city of Beijing at the age of ten or so, where the local girls also had a certain straightforwardness, so she adapted well. It was Ming Mei''s mother who spoke softly and gently, with a voice so soft that even as a woman, Aunt Wang felt reluctant to speak loudly to her.


    "Ming Mei''s mom, don''t worry, I''ll help take care of the elderly for you," she assured, patting her chest.


    Lan Ling: "Thank you, by the way, I heard you talking about finding a partner, is it for my father?"


    Aunt Wang nodded: "Yes, it is."


    She observed Lan Ling, trying to gauge her feelings about her father finding another partner.


    Lan Ling smiled faintly and said, "Then I''ll have to trouble you even more. Don''t worry, we won''t let you do this for nothing. We''ll definitely prepare a generous matchmaker''s fee for you."


    Aunt Wang was a bit surprised, but then she thought, the old man has already been married several times, this is his fourth marriage. As a daughter, even if she has objections, she should be used to it by now. So she really didn''t need to think too much.


    She said, "I''m looking into it recently, I''ve already inquired about a few, I''ll see what I can find out about their intentions."


    Lan Ling smiled: "Thank you."


    At that moment, someone from the opposite house also came out, Aunt Su carrying clothes to wash. Usually, it was Wang Xiangxiu who did the laundry after work, so it was rare to see her doing it. She greeted everyone with a smile and started working earnestly, but of course, her ears were perked up.


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow.


    Lan Ling also raised an eyebrow.


    Aunt Wang seemed to be deep in thought.


    Ming Mei eagerly approached and asked curiously, "Mom, what kind of person does Grandpa want to find?"


    She scratched her head, feeling a bit out of the loop. Was her grandfather really looking for another partner? sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lan Ling: "Your grandpa likes someone who is good at cooking."


    As a daughter, she had some understanding of her father. When she said this, Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua nodded. Aunt Wang glanced at Aunt Su and said with a hint, "Sometimes, when looking for a partner, it''s not always about sticking to certain criteria. Sometimes, if you hit it off, all the requirements don''t matter."


    Lan Ling lowered her eyes and softly laughed, saying, "People''s preferences are not easily changed. Although I don''t live with my father, I do know him a bit. He prefers someone straightforward and generous, healthy. Someone weak and unable to take care of themselves won''t do. If they start crying at the first sign of trouble, my father would be exasperated. Besides, we don''t want to trouble him, nor do we want him to support someone else''s family."


    She seemed to inadvertently glance towards the sink.


    Even Aunt Wang, who was usually straightforward, understood in that moment.


    She realized that Lan Ling had seen through her intentions.


    And she understood what Lan Ling was trying to say. In fact, when Old Man Lan mentioned looking for a partner, she had thought of Aunt Su for a moment. Aunt Su was weak but very strong-willed. It wasn''t surprising that Aunt Wang thought of her, as she didn''t see through Aunt Su''s true nature like Zhao Guihua. If it weren''t for Aunt Su always protecting her thieving grandson, Aunt Wang would have thought even better of her.


    But everyone has flaws, so Aunt Wang thought Aunt Su was not bad.


    This was also due to Aunt Su''s management of her reputation in the courtyard. In this regard, others couldn''t compare. Like Zhou Qun, who was known for being mean. Or Zhao Guihua, who had a fierce reputation.


    Aunt Wang was even more so.


    Only Aunt Su was shrewd and good at managing her image. This made Aunt Wang feel some sympathy for her. This time, she thought it would be suitable for Aunt Su.


    However, since Old Man Lan mentioned wanting someone healthy, she didn''t want to match them up. But she did think that if they lived together in the courtyard and got to know each other, they might hit it off.


    She didn''t care about the matchmaker''s fee, she just hoped that her long-time neighbor could find a suitable partner. As for Old Man Bai, Aunt Wang hadn''t considered him from the start. She thought she saw clearly that Old Man Bai was one-sided. If Aunt Su really wanted to be with Old Man Bai, wouldn''t she have done so by now?


    In a short time, Aunt Wang thought a lot. She quickly realized that Lan Ling probably saw through her intentions and was subtly hinting at her. Aunt Wang wasn''t a bad person. Seeing that both the father and the daughter didn''t want it, she immediately said, "You''re right, I understand."


    Lan Ling smiled and said, "Today we''re having a housewarming for my father, Sister, you should come and eat with us. Look, we''ve already been a bother to you before even moving in. You can''t refuse."


    Aunt Wang: "Hey, what''s the trouble? I promised, so I''ll look for the right person for you."


    She had thought too much before, now that she had the right mindset, she should act quickly. After all, there were two other widows in the courtyard, it was better to find someone sooner. Aunt Wang was such a person, once she realized her original idea wouldn''t work, she didn''t dwell on it and adjusted quickly.


    Lan Ling: "Then you must come and eat."


    Aunt Wang hesitated for a moment and said, "Alright, I''ll help out in the kitchen."


    "We''ll help in the kitchen later, my father''s place is all set up," Lan Ling said.


    Aunt Wang: "Alright!"


    The older women immediately started chatting. Lan Ling was only two years younger than Zhao Guihua, but she was much better maintained, looking almost ten years younger. Compared to Aunt Wang''s robust build, the difference in youth was even more pronounced.


    No matter when, women always have such topics.


    Zhao Guihua: "Sister-in-law, look, we''re only a little apart in age, but I look so much older than you. You have to tell me your secrets."


    Lan Ling smiled: "I''ve always valued myself, like to dress up, used to use clam oil since I was young, and later saved some money to buy snow cream. Now I use Sparrow Brand. On this, you can''t be stingy. We''re not starving, why save all the money? Our family has workers, the days are not bad, why not treat ourselves well? Life is short, we should make ourselves happy."


    Zhao Guihua silently sighed, her sister-in-law''s thoughts were really ahead of their time.


    Aunt Wang: "Well, that''s true, but it''s hard to part with the money. The kids are still small, can''t we save some for them? They''ll grow up and get married."


    Lan Ling: "How much is enough? Children will have their own fortunes."


    Aunt Wang didn''t quite agree with this view, they didn''t save much, it''s hard to save money now.


    She muttered, "If beauty costs money, then I''d rather be ugly."


    Ming Mei: "Pfft!"


    Zhao Guihua also laughed, saying, "Old Wang, you really... But if you ask me to buy Sparrow Brand, I''d be heartbroken. But if it''s for food, I''m willing. Eating well and nutritious food is good for the body."


    Lan Ling nodded: "That''s right. It depends on the individual, everyone has different wants."


    Ming Mei pouted: "What if I want good food, good clothes, and good things to use?"


    Lan Ling glanced at Zhao Guihua and flicked her daughter''s forehead, saying, "You love to talk, what does it have to do with you when we adults are talking? Go on."


    Ming Mei: "I want to listen and learn."


    She was sitting to the left of her mother and to the right of her mother-in-law, both very experienced people.


    But before Ming Mei could learn anything, her father came back.


    "Xiao Ling, I''m back!" a loud voice rang out, and Ming Mei quickly got up: "Dad."


    Ming Xiangdong strode in, with a chicken in one hand, a duck in the other, and a large pumpkin on his back.


    He said, "Come, see if we need to prepare anything else."


    Lan Ling: "It''s enough, it''s enough."


    Aunt Su''s eyes immediately stuck to the chickens and ducks. She swallowed her saliva silently, growing even more resentful of this family. What''s the point of showing off like this? Are they just showing off how well they eat? With both chicken and duck, if her grandson could eat them, it would be excellent, enough for at least two or three days.


    She swallowed her saliva, thinking that since Auntie Wang could mooch off meals, she should be able to as well.


    She threw her hand and walked over weakly, saying, "I''ll help too. We''re all neighbors, and I''m home alone, so I might as well come over and lend a hand. If the old man ever needs any clothes washed, just give them to me. One or two, it''s all the same to me."


    Lan Ling: "That''s not necessary. My dad is quite particular..."


    "Oh, oh, oh, look at my filial daughter, taking advantage of my absence to spread good words about me outside," Old Man Lan also returned, with Zhuang Zhixi and a stranger carrying a vat, both sweating.


    The young man followed the old man''s instructions and placed the vat in the kitchen. Old Man Lan took out a dime and handed it to the young man, "Alright, thank you."


    The young man happily accepted it, saying, "Uncle, if you have any work in the future, call me."


    Zhuang Zhixi wiped his sweat and said, "When I first left, I didn''t think the vat was heavy at all. But the further we walked, the heavier it got. Look at my sweat."


    He pulled his wife to play the victim, and Ming Mei took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat, "You''re stupid, couldn''t you have spent another dime to hire someone?"


    She muttered softly.


    Despite the tight policies now, some old trades can still find work, though it''s not done openly. Don''t ask, just say it''s free help for the people.


    As for the money?


    Oh, that''s just a dime owed from earlier.


    Such things, even if caught red-handed, are useless.


    So Ming Mei thought Zhuang Zhixi was a fool for getting so hot.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, it''s not tiring, just hot. I didn''t feel hot at all at first, but this noon is getting warmer day by day."


    The young couple was being affectionate, but on this occasion, they were completely out of place. Old Man Lan: "My filial daughter, have you tidied up everything for me?"


    Lan Ling: "Yes, I have. Don''t be sarcastic with me."


    Old Man Lan nodded: "You''re still useful. Go cook. Make the duck into saltwater duck."


    Lan Ling: "Okay, okay, okay."


    Old Man Lan turned his head to look at Aunt Su: "Why haven''t you left yet? What are you doing? Want to mooch off a meal?! Oh, oh, oh, this is a lady who is not at all greedy, really not greedy at all."


    Aunt Su: "..."


    Damn it!


    Old bastard!


    Old Man Lan: "Oh, oh, oh, where''s your little thief?"


    He looked around: "That kid has some tricks, what does he look like?"


    Aunt Su immediately broke down. She could endure other things, how else could she maintain a good reputation and take advantage? But there was one thing she couldn''t bear, her three grandsons, they were her life, the roots of the old Su family.


    She couldn''t help but pull a long face and said, "Old Man Lan, how can you say that? My children are good children. You''re bullying us because we''re widows, aren''t you? You can''t just come and bully us widows with children. My children, they''re good children."


    She reddened her eyes, looking wronged.


    Just now she was calling him "old brother," now it''s "Old Man Lan"!


    Old Man Lan felt even more wronged: "Your little thief has caused quite a stir around here, can''t I even ask about it? Look, we''re neighbors, right? I just wanted to recognize him so I don''t beat him to death next time. I''m just trying to leave him some breathing room. Look, you''re not even grateful. Okay, okay, your child is a good child. Oh, this child is really too good, this child never steals, this child never causes trouble, this child never starts fights in the courtyard. This child is really a rare good child in the world. Hard to find, too hard to find. How can there be such a good child, really excellent!"


    Aunt Su was so angry her chest heaved, almost fainting.


    This old bastard!


    Old bastard!!!


    What was he saying!


    Old Man Lan''s words, more than the term "little thief," hit Aunt Su''s sore spot even harder. Damn it!


    These "good child" and "excellent" remarks were simply unbearable. How could someone be so sarcastic!


    Aunt Wang saw Aunt Su was about to explode in anger and faint, so she quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "I''m going to the toilet, old Su, don''t you want to go too? Let''s go together."


    She didn''t want to find a better excuse, but it was too sudden, too unexpected, and she wasn''t that good at smoothing things over. This was her limit. It might be awkward, but at least it would get Aunt Su out of there, or else if she got so angry she took out a knife and started cutting people, it would be over.


    Aunt Wang felt sorry for herself, their courtyard had too many troubles, so much that she now suspected the fragile Aunt Su could cut people. After all, even Jiang Lu, who had always been in the background and oppressed by her mother-in-law, could hit Bai Fendou''s head with a brick and open a hole.


    What couldn''t happen?


    So awkwardness didn''t matter, she pulled Aunt Su out together, saying, "Let''s go to the toilet together."


    It was truly elementary school behavior.


    The two old ladies walked out of the courtyard together, Aunt Su was still very resentful, saying, "Old Wang, you know, it''s not that I''m petty, but how can they talk about children like that? My grandson is a top-notch good child, what do they make him out to be?"


    Aunt Wang couldn''t agree with this. She also had grandchildren, but she didn''t raise them like the Su family. She thought for a while and said earnestly, "Aunt Su, I know some words are unpleasant, but I have to tell you. You should discipline Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai. If you don''t discipline them now, when will you? Jinlai is already ten years old, do you really want to let him go like this? Look at how everyone sees these children, do you still want them to support you in your old age? Do you want to see them in jail?"


    Aunt Su''s face darkened at these words, she said coldly, "What do you mean by that? My children are so good, what are you implying? Are you cursing me? You''ve watched them grow up."


    Aunt Wang: "I don''t mean any harm, but if he keeps acting out, it will only get worse each time. You should discipline them. Now you can still manage, what about later?"


    Aunt Su wanted to kill Aunt Wang in her heart, thinking this old woman was really something, just jealous that her family had three grandsons, saying such things. So malicious, no wonder her family had to adopt grandsons, so lacking in virtue.


    Heartless.


    She hated it in her heart, but she couldn''t say it on the surface, she still had some reason left. She tried to calm down and put on a worried face, saying, "My children are not bad children, they are really good children with feelings. But our family''s life is hard, the children can''t eat enough, so they have to think of ways. What else can they do? Little children, how much do they understand? Besides, look, my children don''t steal from others? They steal from the Zhou family because the Zhou family always bullies us, the children know that too! They just want to give us a breath of relief. My Jinlai is really a good child."


    Aunt Wang saw that Aunt Su was stubbornly convinced her children were good, and she sighed slightly, saying, "You..."


    She didn''t know what to say for a moment, she looked at Aunt Su, suddenly seeing Aunt Su''s full of hatred eyes, she was startled and took two steps back. Aunt Su also noticed she had revealed herself and quickly adjusted, putting on a concerned look: "Are you alright?"


    Aunt Wang looked at her normal face again, a little suspicious if she had just seen wrong, but she still felt a bit uncomfortable in her heart, she said, "I''m going to the toilet."


    She didn''t try to persuade Aunt Su further and shook off Aunt Su''s hand, hurrying into the women''s restroom. Aunt Su stood still, not moving. She didn''t really need to use the restroom; she had just been pulled out by someone. Hesitating for a moment, she turned to go back, but as she did, she saw a stray dog panting and trotting past.


    Aunt Su''s anger flared up at the sight.


    She immediately thought of the incident where Jinling had been bitten on the buttocks by a stray dog, a black one just like this. Seeing no one around, she decided not to reveal her true nature. She quickly picked up a stone and threw it, muttering under her breath, "How dare you bully my grandson! I''ll beat you to death, you stray dog!"


    The stone hit the dog with a splat, and the dog yelped, tail between its legs, and ran off.


    Seeing the dog''s cowardly behavior, Aunt Su felt her mood improve significantly. She quickly threw another stone and began looking for more. Anyone who dared to bully her grandson had to face her retribution!


    This person didn''t consider that, although it was a stray dog, it didn''t usually attack people. But their family had instigated the conflict twice, which was a bit underhanded!


    She threw several more stones, each hitting the dog and making it yelp. Aunt Su triumphantly put her hands on her hips.


    However, she was much smarter than her grandson. Jinling had beaten the dog and ended up unable to resolve the situation, getting bitten on the buttocks and having to get a rabies shot. She, on the other hand, kept a safe distance, ready to throw the two stones in her hand if the dog chased her, giving her time to get into the courtyard.


    "Awoo, woooo~" The dog bared its teeth at Aunt Su.


    Aunt Su wasn''t afraid; she threw another stone: "You dog, how dare you be fierce with me? How dare you bully my grandson? I''ll beat you to death and make dog meat soup today!" Aunt Su felt very satisfied; she could only do this when no one was around.


    She threw stone after stone, when suddenly, Aunt Su felt a disturbance. She turned her head and saw a large yellow dog running from behind, leaping up and biting her on the buttocks.


    "Ahhhhhh!!!"


    Aunt Su screamed in agony.


    She threw a stone directly at the dog''s head. The yellow dog, hit, quickly ran off with its tail between its legs. Aunt Su clutched her buttocks and screamed. Zhao Guihua and the others in the courtyard heard the commotion, their faces changing as they rushed out. Auntie Wang also hurried out, pulling up her pants: "What''s going on? What''s happening?"


    Everyone came out to see a black and a yellow stray dog both baring their teeth at Aunt Su. It was clear that the black dog was injured, blood dripping.


    Aunt Su: "Help me!"


    Aunt Su, in pain, turned to run, but the black dog, bleeding, bared its teeth and charged at Aunt Su. Before anyone could react, it bit Aunt Su on the other buttock.


    Aunt Su fell flat on the ground, and the black dog bit her thigh.


    "Ahhhh!!!"


    The heart-wrenching scream made Auntie Wang hesitate. Last time, Zhou Qun had been caught in the crossfire and fell into the toilet, getting a hand full of feces. Now, she was also near the toilet; she dared not act rashly.


    Better not get involved!


    The Ming family watched in stunned silence. They had never seen such a thing before, truly a first!


    To be honest, while stray dogs eating feces were common, stray dogs attacking people were rare!


    They had always heard that there were many incidents in this courtyard, and now they had witnessed it for themselves.


    It was Ming Xiangdong who reacted first, picking up a broom by the gate and waving it: "Go away, go away!"


    The two dogs, seeing the crowd, quickly ran off together, disappearing in a flash.


    Aunt Su groaned in pain, but Ming Xiangdong didn''t step forward to help. He didn''t know this person, so there was no need to do a good deed. Besides, Ming Xiangdong was a truck driver, quite different from his son, Ming Cheng, a train conductor. He had seen all kinds of highway robbers over the years.


    One of them was the weak person lying on the ground asking for help.


    So Ming Xiangdong was instinctively wary of such people. He didn''t say Aunt Su was that kind of person, but his habit of being cautious had been formed. He wouldn''t get close, let alone help.


    Auntie Wang: "Old Su!"


    She ran over at this moment, asking, "Are you alright? Do you need help?"


    "Stray... stray dogs bit me, these beasts, they want to eat people! They should all be killed!"


    By this time, other people from their courtyard and nearby courtyards had come out. Such a commotion, who wouldn''t come out to see?


    "My goodness, what happened?"


    "Can''t you see? She got bitten by a dog."


    "Oh my, they both bit her on the butt!" Although it was late March, Aunt Su was still wearing cotton-padded pants, and the cotton was exposed where she was bitten, clearly showing where it happened.


    "Hey, isn''t that the big black dog that bit her grandson last time?"


    "Oh my, what a coincidence!"


    "Uh... can this be called a coincidence?"


    The man who mentioned coincidence wasn''t polite, saying confidently, "Why not a coincidence? It''s the same dog as last time, and it bit the same place. I think it''s fate. Maybe the big black dog has an old grudge with their family, so it came to seek revenge..."


    "Ah, this..."


    Everyone started discussing.


    Old Man Lan, with his sharp eyes, immediately saw: "That black dog was hit by a stone and injured."


    Following his lead, everyone saw the obvious stones scattered on the street, several of which were stained with blood. If the dog had attacked first and then thrown the stones, Aunt Su''s reaction was too fast.


    It should be... Aunt Su hit the dog first. Everyone''s mouths twitched; they really didn''t understand this family.


    Why did they always provoke stray dogs?


    What kind of hobby was that!


    "Oh heavens, my life is hard, how miserable I am! It''s so difficult! Waaaah, help me..." Aunt Su cried pitifully. Auntie Wang: "Quick, someone come, help us get her to the hospital. She''s been bitten several times."


    Besides, at their age, falling like this, they didn''t know if any bones were broken. What to do!


    "Hurry up!"


    Old Man Lan: "I can''t go, today is the first day of my move-in, a warm-up day. If we go to the hospital, it''ll be inauspicious. There are so many people, we don''t need to go!"


    The Ming family definitely couldn''t go; they weren''t from this courtyard anyway.


    Ming Xiangdong was the one who chased the dogs away.


    Zhao Guihua narrowed her eyes, seeing Auntie Wang sweating in panic, and said, "I''ll go with you." She decided to do a good deed and also see the fun.


    A few more neighbors from the courtyard came out, and they quickly found a handcart, helping Aunt Su onto it. She couldn''t sit, so she had to lie on the handcart, which was used to transport coal by a neighbor from another courtyard. Aunt Su was covered in black as soon as she lay down, but at this moment, no one cared about that. She covered her face and cried.


    Zhao Guihua: "You all eat, don''t wait for me. I''ll go see my grandson."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua, along with Auntie Wang and a few others, pushed the handcart towards the hospital. Auntie Wang remembered hearing the stray dog yelping in pain in the restroom, clearly "under attack." She was truly helpless.


    She said, "Aunt Su, what were you doing! Your grandson Jinling provoked the stray dog because he''s a child and doesn''t understand. How could you do the same thing! Look, you''re suffering so much from the injuries."


    Zhao Guihua muttered, "The old one does it, the young one does it too. Your family really has a genetic tendency to bully dogs. I wonder if the old one learned it from the young one, or the young one from the old one."


    Although the dog bit someone, the root cause of the incident really couldn''t be blamed on the dog.


    The dog was quite wronged, always encountering crazy people.


    She said, "Can''t you provoke a cat next time?"


    A young man who came to help said earnestly, "Aunt Zhao, that won''t do. It''s like the saying goes, ''attracting cats and teasing dogs.''"


    "Pfft!"


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t hold back and burst out laughing, then said, "It''s almost time."


    Aunt Su wailed so loudly that she couldn''t hear anything anyone said at this point. She just felt miserable all over, especially her bottom.


    Zhao Guihua: "Just around the next corner, and oh yes, you need money to go to the hospital."


    Aunt Wang slapped her head: "Does anyone have any? Can someone lend some for now?"


    Everyone shook their heads. At this moment, even if they had money, they wouldn''t admit it. Who knows when they''d get it back? Her family is notoriously poor. Seeing everyone shake their heads, Aunt Wang was suddenly in a bind.


    Zhao Guihua: "Quick, go to the factory and find her daughter-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu, and tell her to prepare the money. We''re all neighbors, why would we lend her money? Besides, who has money to spare?"


    "Right, right, right!"


    Aunt Wang: "Who can go to the machinery factory..."


    Second Aunt Cui from the back courtyard: "I''ll go!"


    "Okay, but make sure Wang Xiangxiu hurries."


    Second Aunt Cui: "I know, I know."


    She was terrified of having to spend even a single cent, so she decisively turned around and dashed towards the machinery factory. By the time she arrived, it was already the noon break, and the lunch break bell had just rung. Workers were streaming towards the cafeteria.


    Second Aunt Cui rushed to the gatekeeper: "Uncle, I''m looking for a female worker named Wang Xiangxiu. Her mother-in-law was bitten by a dog and might not make it!"


    ...


    Wang Xiangxiu was carrying her lunchbox, heading towards the cafeteria, her eyes scanning for someone to buy her lunch, hoping to save a bit of money. Usually, she could rely on Bai Fendou if no one else was available, but Bai Fendou had been hospitalized the night before, leaving her in a bind.


    As she looked around, she saw an older sister running towards her: "Wang Xiangxiu, hurry to the gate, it''s said your mother-in-law might not make it."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "!!!!!!"


    She stared in shock, then let out a wail and dashed out.


    "What happened? Isn''t her mother-in-law quite young?"


    "Who knows? Her mother-in-law''s health has always been weak, maybe she really won''t make it?"


    "Oh dear, if she passes away, their family will be even worse off."


    "That''s for sure..."


    "Their family always has so many troubles..."


    Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t bear to listen and ran towards the gate, tears streaming down her face. How could something like this happen all of a sudden? She ran as fast as she could, and just as she was about to reach the gate, she saw a figure dash past her even faster. It was none other than Old Man Bai.


    Old Man Bai was even more anxious than Wang Xiangxiu.


    Standing at the gate, Second Aunt Cui saw Old Man Bai already shedding tears, and thought to herself: "..."


    Was it really that serious?


    Aliali: 67567e30bd5e46c308c72371


    "What happened to my sister?"


    "How is my mother-in-law?"


    They arrived and spoke almost simultaneously.


    Second Aunt Cui: "..."


    "Tell us! What happened? Why are you just standing there? Where''s Aunt Su?"


    Second Aunt Cui quickly snapped back to reality: "She was bitten by a dog and fell. I don''t know what state she''s in now. Wang Xiangxiu, you need to hurry over. Also, you need to prepare the medical fees."


    Upon hearing about the medical fees, Wang Xiangxiu cried even louder. But even louder than her was Old Man Bai: "I have the medical fees!! No matter what, even if we have to sell pots and pans or the house, we have to treat her!"


    Second Aunt Cui was stunned!!!


    She couldn''t understand, but she was deeply shocked!


    Could this be true love?

 Chapter 45

    "We must treat her, no matter what! Even if we have to sell everything we own, including the house!" Old Man Bai''s voice was thunderous, shocking not only Second Aunt Cui but also Wang Xiangxiu. Even the security guards at the entrance and the security office staff were stunned, not knowing what to say.It wasn''t that they didn''t understand - true love really could be this absurd!


    Second Aunt Cui swallowed hard while carefully examining Old Man Bai. He didn''t seem mentally ill at all! Could this really be love?


    She didn''t understand, but she was deeply moved. Old Man Bai''s genuine feelings touched her heart, and she said, "Well, you don''t need to sell everything. Let''s hurry to the hospital. Come on, I''ll take you there!"


    Old Man Bai: "Let''s go!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Wait, let me ask for leave first!"


    Old Man Bai turned to Wang Xiangxiu in disbelief: "At such a critical moment, you''re still thinking about asking for leave? What''s more important - your mother-in-law''s life or getting permission to leave? Forget about it, let''s go now!"


    Wang Xiangxiu wanted to explain that she would already lose her perfect attendance bonus, and if she skipped work without notice, she would face even more wage deductions. Their family needed every penny, and all their expenses were carefully calculated. She stamped her foot in frustration, feeling even more upset with Bai Fendou, that unreliable man. If he were here now, couldn''t he have helped by requesting leave on her behalf? Now she had no choice but to skip work, and Wang Xiangxiu was furious.


    But there was no other option, so she followed Old Man Bai as they rushed to the hospital.


    Tomorrow, she would have to sweet-talk her workshop supervisor to get some leniency.


    Wang Xiangxiu harbored her resentment silently as she quickened her pace.


    What they didn''t know was that as soon as they left, rumors began to spread.


    "Have you heard? Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law was bitten by a dog and taken to the hospital. Old Man Bai seems even more worried than her daughter-in-law!"


    "Have you heard? Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law is in the hospital, and Old Man Bai rushed there like a madman..."


    "Have you heard? Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law is sick, and Old Man Bai wants to sell his house to pay for her treatment..."


    "Have you heard? Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law is in the hospital, possibly pregnant, and Old Man Bai rushed there like crazy - it must be his child..."


    "Have you heard? Bai Fendou is going to have a little sibling."


    "Have you heard? Old Man Bai wants to sell his house to pay the bride price for Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law because she''s pregnant..."


    ...


    Rumors are rumors precisely because they become more outrageous as they spread.


    However, the people involved were unaware of this as they finally reached the hospital. Aunt Su was being examined, having already received her injection. Old Man Bai took the initiative to pay the fees. Zhao Guihua watched for a while, thinking that Old Man Bai was truly the brightest star in the constellation of devoted admirers.


    Aunt Su must have had some mysterious connection with dogs; otherwise, why would she have such an inexplicable relationship with various canines?


    After receiving the rabies vaccine and having her wounds dressed, Aunt Su was still in pain all over from her fall. Given her age, the hospital decided to keep her for observation.


    Old Man Bai busied himself running back and forth, taking care of everything.


    By this time, Wang Xiangxiu had learned that her mother-in-law''s injuries were caused by provoking stray dogs, and she didn''t know what to say, her expression darkening. Aunt Su held Wang Xiangxiu''s hand and sobbed quietly, saying, "Xiu''er, I... I didn''t mean to. You know me, I''m the softest-hearted person, I would never hurt animals..."


    She said this more for the neighbors'' benefit than for Wang Xiangxiu''s - maintaining one''s public image was important.


    Tearfully, she continued, "This dog had previously bitten Jin Lai, so I thought it must be aggressive. There are always children playing in our alley, especially after school. I was worried it might bite the children, so I tried to chase it away with stones. I really had good intentions. But I didn''t expect the dog to be so fierce - two of them attacked me together, biting me like this. I was really just thinking of the children..."


    Hearing this explanation, everyone suddenly understood, nodding in agreement and saying, "Aunt Su, we were wrong to blame you."


    "We really didn''t know that''s what happened."


    Aunt Su cried softly, saying, "Don''t blame yourselves. I was in too much pain at the time to explain..."


    "Indeed, we should report this to the neighborhood committee. We can''t let stray dogs run around freely - what if they bite children?"


    "Yes, exactly."


    Zhao Guihua watched as Aunt Su quickly turned the situation around, reflecting on how it had taken her so long to see through this woman in her previous life. It wasn''t surprising at all - she was quite the actress, worthy of teaching at a film academy.


    As everyone continued discussing, Zhao Guihua headed upstairs. Her little Tiger''s ward was on the third floor, and coincidentally, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun were in the same ward, both looking rather miserable.


    When Zhao Guihua opened the door, little Tiger immediately called out happily: "Grandma!"


    He had been admitted two nights ago and would be discharged tomorrow morning. Though he didn''t have to go to school, the child found the hospital quite boring. Even with familiar faces in the ward, the little one still felt terribly bored!


    Liang Meifen quickly made room: "Mother-in-law, why have you come at this hour?"


    As soon as she asked, she felt awkward, thinking her question wasn''t very appropriate - a grandmother could visit her grandson anytime she wanted. Just as she was about to smooth things over, Zhao Guihua said, "I came with some people from our compound who needed medical attention."


    At these words, Bai Fendou in the diagonal bed and Zhou Qun by the window both looked over simultaneously.


    Of course, this included Liang Meifen and Jiang Lu, who was caring for Zhou Qun.


    Everyone''s eyes held expectation, sensing that something might be happening. Even little Tiger looked confused. He knew why he was there - he was a greedy child who had eaten something he shouldn''t have and ended up in the hospital.


    But why were all these adults in the hospital too?


    He secretly glanced at the two uncles across the room, who were there because of a fight. How embarrassing to fight at their age! The little boy was deeply puzzled - weren''t they afraid of losing face at their age?


    But now...


    While the child was lost in confusion, everyone else was staring expectantly at Zhao Guihua when they heard a familiar voice from the doorway - Old Man Bai''s: "Sister, don''t worry, rest easy here. I''ll take care of everything."


    Bai Fendou: "???"


    He had many questions - wasn''t that his father?


    Who was his father talking to?


    Just then, the ward door opened, and... multiple gazes met at once.


    Zhao Guihua: Steady as a rock!


    She was indeed a woman who had seen it all, unlike the others.


    Zhao Guihua spoke first: "How did you end up in this ward too?"


    Aunt Wang spoke in a flat voice tinged with resignation: "Old Man Bai found the doctor, and since Bai Fendou is in this ward, Old Man Bai thought we could help take care of each other."


    The whole situation felt rather strange.


    Old Man Bai smiled proudly: "It worked out perfectly - someone just got discharged, leaving an empty bed. Isn''t it convenient?"


    Convenient, yes, but was it really appropriate to have your son and the object of your affection in the same ward?


    "Ahem, ahem." Aunt Su coughed twice, and Old Man Bai immediately helped her onto the bed. Since Aunt Su had been bitten on her bottom, she could only lie on her stomach. As she was helped onto the hospital bed... little Tiger rubbed his crew-cut hair, feeling very confused.


    Why did she have to lie like that?


    Being a child, when he didn''t understand something, he had to ask. The little one immediately questioned: "Grandma, why does Grandma Su have to lie like that?"


    Zhao Guihua: "She was bitten by dogs on her bottom and thigh."


    Zhao Guihua took this opportunity to teach her grandson a lesson, saying, "So, Tiger Head, you see, children shouldn''t mess with stray dogs. And you shouldn''t think that just because you''re growing up, you can throw stones at dogs. Actually, when stray dogs go wild, even adults can''t handle them. Look at your Aunt Su, she got bitten after hitting a dog and had a bad fall. Little one, don''t copy that."


    Tiger Head immediately nodded and fearfully snuggled into his grandmother''s embrace, saying, "Tiger Head understands, Tiger Head won''t hit dogs."


    Zhao Guihua nodded with a smile, "That''s right, we don''t hit them, and then dogs won''t easily attack our Tiger Head."


    "Then I''ll be good."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and ruffled her grandson''s hair, while others remained silent.


    Oh, now they understood - Aunt Su had been bitten by a stray dog.


    Tiger Head even made his own connections, "Tiger Head won''t hit dogs, and won''t use firecrackers to scare dogs either. Jin Lai got bitten by dogs because of that. Can''t hit dogs, can''t use firecrackers on them, and can''t provoke them."


    Zhao Guihua: "Our Tiger Head is so clever."


    Tiger Head broke into a happy smile; he was indeed a smart child.


    The others'' gazes toward Aunt Su became even more peculiar.


    Old Man Bai: "Zhao Guihua, what are you saying? Sister Su was trying to protect all the children''s safety when she hit that dog. How can you say such things? It must break her heart!"


    He immediately criticized Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua remained unfazed and said, "I''m teaching my own child, what''s it to you? Why are you butting in? What are you, some kind of Earth Guardian? Wanting to manage everything, how ridiculous."


    "Pfft!" Everyone in the ward burst out laughing - they''d never heard such a phrase before.


    The young man in the bed opposite Bai Fendou slapped his bed with laughter, "Hahahahaha, that''s a good one!"


    Earth Guardian.


    These days, who had ever heard such a term?


    Old Man Bai''s face turned red, and Aunt Su spoke softly: "Brother Bai, don''t say anymore... Old Zhao isn''t wrong, I did hit the stray dog first. I did it for the children, and I don''t expect everyone to understand."


    These words only fired up Old Man Bai more: "That won''t do! I know exactly what kind of person you are. You did a good deed, how can we not speak up about it? Your spirit is something everyone should learn from. You deserve recognition, how can we let people misunderstand you?"


    He turned and said, "Aunt Wang, you must report this to the street committee. We must apply for a merit award for Sister Su. She deserves it!!!"


    Aunt Wang spoke in her usual flat tone, coldly saying, "There wasn''t a single child there, not even one person around. Trying to get a merit award - do you think the street committee staff are all idiots?"


    With a deadpan face, she said, "Alright, the hospitalization is arranged, and her family is here, so I''ll be leaving."


    She truly didn''t want to stay a moment longer, feeling embarrassed to even know someone like Old Man Bai.


    "If you won''t go, I will!" Old Man Bai shouted.


    Zhao Guihua mused quietly: "Wonder if making up false stories could get someone arrested..."


    Old Man Bai: "You!"


    Zhao Guihua put her hands on her hips: "What ''you''?! Can''t I talk to myself? Who are you to act tough with me?"


    Seeing this old woman getting fierce, Old Man Bai pressed his lips together and fell silent.


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself, what kind of people are these?


    At this point, everyone''s thoughts had shifted yet again. At first, they thought Aunt Su was just messing with animals, then they believed she was selflessly devoted to protecting children, and now they found Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua''s words reasonable.


    If you say you were driving away stray dogs for the children''s sake, but it was around noon, almost lunchtime, and there wasn''t a single child around... that story... it just doesn''t hold up.


    Everyone exchanged glances, and just as Aunt Su was about to defend herself again, little Tiger Head spoke up, quietly saying to his grandmother: "Grandma, I think being in the hospital is just like being at home. It''s the same people at home and in the hospital."


    Bai Fendou, Zhou Qun, and Aunt Su: "..."


    If you put it that way, we''re not very happy either.


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, they want to keep you company."


    Tiger Head: "Wow."


    Zhao Guihua pinched his little nose and said, "What ''wow''? Can''t you tell grandma''s just trying to comfort you?"


    "Grandma, you''re bad." The little boy pouted.


    Zhao Guihua: "Grandma''s not bad, grandma''s thinking of buying you steamed buns tonight."


    Tiger Head immediately started salivating and became happy: "Tiger Head wants to eat!"


    Zhao Guihua looked up at her eldest daughter-in-law and said, "You should go home and rest a bit, then come back in the afternoon."


    Liang Meifen looked at this bed, that bed, and the window, at this lively environment, and very much didn''t want to leave - she really wanted to stay. Zhao Guihua saw through her thoughts and said, "If you don''t want to leave, then stay. Nobody''s stopping you."


    Liang Meifen quickly said, "Then I''ll stay here, I''m worried about Tiger Head."


    Tiger Head loudly declared, "I''m fine, I''m super good now!"


    Hearing the words "super good," Aunt Su suddenly thought of Old Man Lan. If it weren''t for Old Man Lan''s sarcastic remarks, she wouldn''t have gone out; if she hadn''t gone out, she wouldn''t have encountered the big black dog; if she hadn''t encountered the dog, she wouldn''t have wanted revenge and hit it; if she hadn''t hit it, she wouldn''t have ended up in this situation.


    Thinking about it this way, her heart was filled with hatred.


    This Old Man Lan was truly a harbinger of bad luck, a huge jinx!


    It was all because of him that she was so unlucky.


    Hindsight is twenty-twenty - if she had known, she should never have left the courtyard!


    Aunt Su''s face went through various expressions, but fortunately, she was lying face down with her face buried in the pillow, so her expressions weren''t visible. As for the others, Zhou Qun seemed quite pleased - his mother disliked Aunt Su, and naturally influenced by his mother, he also disliked this rival. Seeing her suffer like this, he was particularly happy, and it showed on his face.


    Bai Fendou, however, was a bit worried. He didn''t care much about Aunt Su personally, but he thought she was a good person - after all, how many mothers-in-law would treat their daughters-in-law so well? If she wasn''t a good person, who was? Besides, Xiu had always respected this mother-in-law, so he naturally felt fondness by association.


    Although he was concerned about Aunt Su, his eyes were glued to Wang Xiangxiu by the bedside.


    Everyone had different expressions, and Zhao Guihua could tell what each family was thinking with just one glance. However, she was puzzled - Zhou Qun and his wife were really carefree, just leaving their mother at the factory, completely abandoning her?


    Zhao Guihua was confused but didn''t plan to remind them. Someone like Madam Zhou Li deserved to suffer a bit.


    If she suffered more, she might behave herself for a few days, instead of jumping around like someone possessed.


    Suddenly, everyone fell silent, and the ward became quiet. Now they could only hear the sound of the nurse''s cart in the corridor. Creaking, the ward door opened. The young nurse entered and was startled: "Wow! How come there are so many people here!"


    Everyone gave weak smiles, and someone said, "We came to see what''s going on."


    Does that even make sense?


    But others said, "Don''t talk nonsense, we''re leaving."


    "Right, we need to get home."


    The atmosphere in the ward was awkward, and people started leaving - after all, they couldn''t just hang around here, and they hadn''t had lunch yet.


    The young nurse first went to Bai Fendou''s side, checked the medical chart at the head of the bed, and said, "Time to change your IV."


    Bai Fendou''s hospital stay was really getting his money''s worth, with five IVs a day, all because he had passed out earlier. Bai Fendou lay down miserably and said, "Dad, come help me up a bit."


    This old man, really useless.


    Old Man Bai went forward to help his son lie down properly, watching him get the IV, and asked, "Which one is this?"


    "The third one, still two more to go."


    The nurse then distributed medicine to other beds. When Tiger Head saw the IV bags and pills, he snuggled closer to his grandmother, a bit scared - hospitals were truly frightening. Sure enough, the nurse also gave him his afternoon medicine, but fortunately, Tiger Head only needed one IV per day, which would start in the afternoon. He quietly sighed in relief and swallowed the pills with a grimace. Looking quite pitiful.


    Seeing the child like this, Zhao Guihua felt in her pocket and pulled out a piece of candy, saying, "Here, have something sweet."


    Hutou immediately beamed with joy and said, "Grandma, you''re the best."


    He looked at his mother, who never gave him candy when she was around.


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Is this candy free? Is it easy to save money at home?


    Liang Meifen pretended not to hear and didn''t care what her son was thinking. Besides, does he think he can have candy three times a day? Dream on, even the landlords back in the day didn''t have such a luxurious life. Liang Meifen: "Mom, what did you have for lunch? Isn''t today the housewarming for Sister-in-law''s grandfather? How was the feast?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Haven''t eaten yet, we were busy sending Aunt Su. Honestly, I think Aunt Su should treat us to a meal; we helped and even delayed our lunch. Otherwise, I would have been at the feast. A housewarming feast, no less."


    Aunt Su feigned ignorance.


    Upon hearing this, Liang Meifen felt a sharp pang of regret. She looked at Aunt Su with disdain, thinking she was a huge jinx.


    She said regretfully, "Should I go downstairs to buy something for you to eat, or will you go back home to eat?"


    Zhao Guihua: "You go buy something. I''ll stay here and keep my grandson company."


    Little Hutou immediately broke into a bright smile.


    However, the smile quickly faded. His little mouth turned down, and his eyebrows furrowed tightly as he looked at Uncle Zhou Qun''s hospital bed. Zhou Qun''s patient gown had been pulled down, and the nurse was reapplying a new medicine pack to his waist. The moment it was applied, a strong medicinal smell filled the air.


    Hutou didn''t like this smell.


    Bai Fendou didn''t like it either. He mocked from his hospital bed, "Oh, is your waist really done for?"


    Before he finished, he met Jiang Lu''s seething gaze, which sent a chill down Bai Fendou''s spine. A burly man like him was momentarily scared into silence by the venomous look.


    The room fell into an eerie silence. The nurse pushed the cart out, and Zhao Guihua went to the windowsill to pour hot water. She glanced out the window and saw someone carrying a basket standing under the shade of a tree. Zhao Guihua''s eyes flickered, and she turned back to say, "Eldest daughter-in-law, don''t go buy food. I''ll go home to eat, and I''ll come back in the afternoon."


    Hutou: "Grandma~"


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re a big boy now, you need to be strong."


    Hutou: "Alright."


    He wasn''t too happy about it, but Liang Meifen was pleased. With her mother-in-law gone, they didn''t have to spend money on lunch, saving more!


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care what Liang Meifen was thinking. She didn''t say goodbye to anyone else and simply left with her hands in her pockets. The neighbors who had come with her all left. She went downstairs, found the figure standing under the tree shade, and casually approached, saying, "Second Aunt Cui, why are you in the city?"


    The old lady turned around, looking at Zhao Guihua, not recognizing her.


    Zhao Guihua winked at her and said, "You came to deliver something, why didn''t you say so?"


    The old lady immediately understood. She lowered her voice: "Eggs, three cents each."


    Zhao Guihua also lowered her voice: "How many are in that basket?"


    "Thirty."


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll take them all. I didn''t bring anything to carry the eggs, so I''ll give you a dollar, and you give me the basket too, okay?"


    "Sure, why not? Deal!"


    The two quickly completed the transaction, both satisfied.


    The old lady thought that the basket could be made with some twigs at home, and getting an extra dime was quite a profit, as each egg was only three cents. The basket was worth more than three eggs.


    Zhao Guihua also thought it was a good deal. Although money was tight, a dime for a basket wasn''t cheap, but they didn''t need to haggle, allowing for a quick handover and departure, saving time and effort. Plus, the basket was useful at home, and no one in her family knew how to weave one.


    Zhao Guihua bought the eggs and quickly walked home with the basket, feeling elated.


    You know, this price couldn''t be found on the black market, and even at the supply and marketing cooperative, the quota was limited and had already been claimed.


    Zhao Guihua quickly returned home with the egg basket, locking each egg in the cabinet. In these times, it wasn''t just about the value of the goods, but the difficulty in purchasing them.


    "Mom, why did it take you so long to come back?" Ming Mei ran in, saying, "Come, let''s go eat."


    Zhao Guihua was surprised: "Haven''t you eaten yet?"


    Ming Mei: "We already ate, but Mom saved some good stuff for you."


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "No need, I''ll just eat something simple. I just came back from the hospital, and I don''t have much of an appetite, the smell, oh."


    Ming Mei was actually a bit puzzled: "Isn''t it just the smell of disinfectant? It''s not that bad, right? Brother Zhixi often smells like that too."


    Zhuang Zhixi worked in the clinic, where they often sprayed disinfectant, so he often carried that smell. The family was somewhat used to it. Zhao Guihua shook her head: "No, it''s Zhou Qun, he used some kind of medicine, oh my, the smell was unbearable."


    Ming Mei was taken aback, hearing that Zhou Qun''s kidneys were failing.


    Ming Mei silently sympathized with Jiang Lu.


    "But it''s good that they''re all in the hospital, they can take care of each other. Second Aunt Cui said that Old Man Bai even mentioned selling his house to treat Madam Su. Is Madam Su that seriously ill?"


    At this point, Ming Mei was extremely curious.


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched: "..."


    Ah, this... for a moment, she didn''t know what to say. After pondering the doctor''s words, she said, "She''s already had the rabies vaccine, probably just a bit sore on her butt. She fell and might be a bit uncomfortable, so she''s staying in the hospital."


    Ming Mei widened her eyes: "That''s not serious at all, yet they''re talking about selling everything to treat Madam Su?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She thought for a moment and said, "Old Man Bai has a bit of a dramatic personality." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei: "Dramatic personality?"


    She pondered it and, surprisingly, found it quite accurate.


    Indeed, someone with more experience uses more unique terms. Ming Mei: "Old Man Bai is quite something."


    "Mom!" Zhuang Zhixi came in at this moment, his face slightly flushed from drinking. He was a bit of a lightweight, and even a little alcohol showed up clearly, but he was sober: "Mom, did Old Man Bai really say he''d sell his house to treat Madam Su?"


    Well, it seemed like husband and wife had the same gossiping question.


    Zhao Guihua: "Go away, nonsense!"


    Zhuang Zhixi, disappointed: "Really not?"


    He was quite disappointed. Zhao Guihua: "You stay out of their business, understand?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t worry, I definitely won''t get involved. They wouldn''t let me anyway, what am I to them?"


    Zhao Guihua sighed: "And don''t go see Madam Zhou Li anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay, okay, I won''t, you''re so nosy."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "I''m worried you''ll get yourself into trouble. The security department is stuck with Madam Zhou Li, it''s a tough spot. Why get involved? If they ask you to pass a message to Zhou Qun, it''s just more trouble."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I get it, I understand, I know."


    Zhao Guihua nodded slightly, glad that her son wasn''t foolish.


    Indeed, things turned out as Zhao Guihua had predicted. Madam Zhou Li was indeed stuck in the security department''s hands. You might wonder, isn''t the security department pitiful? They''re either stuck with something or someone. In their case, they''re stuck with an old lady. And not a very nice one at that.


    Why is she stuck with the security department? The matter itself isn''t complicated. If it weren''t for the factory director''s instructions, they could have dealt with it by lightly detaining her for a day or severely detaining her for three to five days. They would have released her after that.


    After all, if they made the old lady sick, they would have a hard time explaining themselves.


    Especially since she has connections in the background.


    But the problem lies in the fact that the factory director had specifically instructed his assistant to tell Zhou Qun to come and pick her up.


    In this case, the security department couldn''t just let her go. If they did, wouldn''t it make the factory director feel like his words didn''t carry weight? Of course, they could ask for further instructions, but if they did, wouldn''t the director think they couldn''t handle such a small matter and had to escalate it to him? Useless, fire them!


    The security department has its own difficulties, so this situation is quite stuck.


    The irony is that Zhou Qun didn''t get into trouble sooner or later, but right at this moment!


    This situation has left the security department staff wondering if Bai Fendou is doing this on purpose. Could it be that he''s willing to hurt himself to teach Madam Zhou Li a lesson? He mentioned that she extorted fifteen yuan from him!


    He''s been complaining about it so much that their ears are almost numb from hearing it.


    However, this old lady is quite capable. Even though she seemed too weak to continue shouting, they were worried about her condition, so they gave her some water. Hey, she could still scream loudly. The night before last, she screamed all night, and last night she screamed for most of the night.


    This morning, she finally ran out of energy, and the security department thought it was about time, so they released her from the heating pipes early in the morning. But even then, she bit a young security officer''s arm and tried to rush out, only to be restrained due to lack of strength from not eating. Now, they didn''t dare to release her again, so they had to restrain her once more, though this time without any deliberate tricks.


    The old lady hadn''t eaten for two full days, only drinking water. The security department really didn''t know how to handle the situation.


    The chief was smoking a Hua cigarette given by Zhou Qun, feeling even more annoyed by the smoke. This damn thing, even if you''re in the hospital and your kidneys are problematic, you can''t just not come to pick up your mother, right?


    Yes, Zhou Qun injured his kidneys, and everyone in the factory knows about it.


    It was already spread around by the neighbors in the courtyard, and then Old Man Bai spread it further. As someone who sees Zhou Qun every day in the hospital, Old Man Bai hasn''t stopped talking about how Zhou Qun''s kidneys are no good.


    It''s like inflicting a serious injury and then adding insult to injury. This family is really ruthless.


    "Chief, what should we do about this? We can''t keep holding her, but Zhou Qun hasn''t come to pick her up. What do we do? This old lady hasn''t eaten for two days. What if she starves to death?"


    Their security department also eats at the factory, and who would want to give their food to this old lady? Although the department has some money, it''s not going to be spent on this old hag. She''s not a good person. Why should we?


    Although this old lady hasn''t caused any major consequences, her arrogant cursing is still fresh in their minds. If it were up to them, they would want to detain her for a week to teach her a lesson.


    Detaining her for three months wouldn''t be excessive!


    But now someone has complained to the factory director, so they have to release her, but Zhou Qun hasn''t come to claim her!


    "Have you guys inquired if Zhou Qun can be discharged recently? If he can''t be discharged for a month, are we stuck with this old lady?"


    "Who knows? Zhou Qun''s injury is to his waist. He probably needs to be checked thoroughly. Old Man Bai and Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law can both get pregnant, but Zhou Qun and his young wife don''t have any children yet. Can''t they be cautious?"


    The chief: "¡­You can shut up. Don''t talk nonsense. I''ve asked the gatekeeper, Old Wang. There''s no such thing as pregnancy. Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law was bitten by a dog."


    "Isn''t that right? If she was bitten by a dog, how did the house come into the picture?"


    There''s a rumor about a house, saying that Old Man Bai is going to sell his house to treat Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law.


    I guess it''s not for treatment, but for the bride price!


    It must be like that. This old lady''s bride price is really high!


    How can it be higher than what a young girl would ask for!


    Hearing this, the chief was speechless and knocked on the table: "Get to the point. Give me the main point. The main point is Madam Zhou Li, not Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law or Old Man Bai. What do they have to do with us? Just talk about Madam Zhou Li. Damn it, Jiang Lu hasn''t been coming to work these days. Could this woman be doing it on purpose?"


    "Who knows? This woman looks honest, but since she could hit Bai Fendou over the head, it''s clear that her honesty is just an act. She''s probably looking for an opportunity to torment her mother-in-law. I heard from their department that Jiang Lu''s mother-in-law treats her very badly, extremely mean and harsh. Given that, can''t she want to take revenge?"


    The chief nodded: "Makes sense. You know, their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law feuding, and we''re caught in the middle."


    "We can''t do anything about it."


    The deputy chief thought for a moment and said: "Let''s find out which hospital Zhou Qun is in. We represent the factory to visit him and mention it casually, asking Jiang Lu to come and take her away. Zhou Qun should understand our intentions."


    "That''s a good idea."


    "Yes, that would work. Should we go now?"


    Zhang San: "Chief, deputy chief, you know, it''s not customary to visit patients in the afternoon. It''s usually in the morning~"


    Both of them realized that this is an old custom. Although they don''t know why, visiting patients is usually done in the morning, rarely in the afternoon.


    "Then let''s hold on for one more night, tomorrow morning."


    "Alright."


    "Early in the morning, don''t delay."


    "Alright!"


    "We really have it tough."


    Just as they finished talking, they heard Madam Zhou Li''s howling from the detention room. Madam Zhou Li felt her life was too bitter. She was almost out of tears, feeling that her life was over.


    She''s now locked up here, her son is in the hospital, and she feels like the sky is falling.


    "Oh, Lord, look at me, I''m such a good and kind person, how can you bear to treat me like this..."


    "My life, why is it so bitter? I haven''t even seen my grandson born yet."


    The old lady howled, feeling life had no hope. After a few cries, she had no energy left. Not eating, no strength to shout. She began to curse softly: "Bai Fendou, you damn scoundrel, dare to harm my son, I won''t let you off even as a ghost."


    "Jiang Lu, you little bitch, heartless, you''re not even worth a fraction of Wang Xiangxiu..."


    "Old Man Bai, you old bastard, let you be arrogant for now, wait until I get my revenge, I definitely won''t let you off, today''s suffering, I''ll repay a hundredfold."


    "Chen Director, you bitch, don''t put me in your eyes, wait until my son becomes the factory director, I''ll get rid of your position as a street director..."


    "You heartless people in the security department, wait until you''re fired, wait until my son becomes successful..."


    "What kind of deputy factory director, meddling in other people''s business, wait until my son becomes an official, I''ll make you sweep the toilets..."


    Zhang San and Li Si crouched at the door, listening to the old lady curse, marveling: "This old lady is both vicious and ignorant. Even if her son becomes the factory director, he can''t control the streets."


    "She''s really evil to the core."


    "Exactly!"


    Originally, the two of them had a bit of sympathy for this old lady who had suffered greatly, but listening to her malicious muttering in a faint voice, they felt a chill down their spines. She''s a truly vicious old woman.


    For such a person, not a shred of sympathy is warranted. If you have any, you might get tricked.


    Old woman, keep suffering!


    "Zhang San, Li Si, what are you doing?"


    "Shh, be quiet, listen."


    ...


    Soon, another person came: "What are you doing... Mmm, don''t cover my mouth, damn, what''s she saying..."


    This thing, like a nesting doll.


    One after another, the security department staff came to listen to the old lady''s vicious words and her fervent hopes for her son.


    "Hey, listening to her tone, does she think everyone in the world owes her family?"


    "Oh, didn''t you hear? Her son will make us all leave when he becomes the factory director."


    "What does leaving mean? She wants the street office director to leave too."


    "Pfft, damn, Zhou Qun''s mother is also a peculiar talent."


    "That''s for sure..."


    The security department found it a big joke and couldn''t help but share it with a few friends.


    Like Zhang San went to the third workshop to tell his buddy: "Hey, I''m telling you, don''t tell anyone else... Zhou Qun''s mother from the electrical engineering department, she said that when Zhou Qun becomes the factory director, he''ll make Deputy Factory Director Zhang sweep the toilets, haha, isn''t that awesome?"


    "Damn!"


    "And there''s more..."


    Li Si also told his friend: "Hey, I''m telling you, don''t tell anyone else, Zhou Qun''s mother is going crazy in the security department, cursing heaven and earth, saying her son should be the factory director..."


    Zhou Qun, still in the hospital recovering from his injury, was unaware that his mother was causing trouble again.


    Even though she''s locked up in the security department, she can still make new heights. By the middle of the afternoon, everyone in the factory knew.


    Zhou Qun from the electrical engineering department is going to be the factory director!


    His mother said so!


    Ah, haha!


    The speed at which gossip spreads is always astounding, like everyone coming home from work in the evening, and by then, those who should know, know, and those who shouldn''t know, also know.


    At this moment, the Ming family has already left, and Zhuang Zhixi''s face has lost its redness. The couple sits on small stools, both in shock.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This... ah, this... I don''t even know what to say."


    Even someone usually eloquent has never seen this kind of maneuver, it''s quite perplexing.


    Truly, never seen before.


    Ming Mei is also greatly shocked. She props her chin on her hand and says, "I really want to sneak over to the security gate of your factory to eavesdrop."


    Zhuang Zhixi looks at her sympathetically, pinches her cheek, and says, "You wouldn''t be able to get in."


    Ming Mei: "Oh, how disappointing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t be disappointed, I''ll keep an eye out. If anything happens, I''ll share it with you first."


    Aliali: 6756a3d2bd5e46c308ca07f6


    Ming Mei chuckles softly, and if you didn''t know, you''d think they were talking about some major event. In fact, they''re just gossiping about their neighbors. However, it''s really cost-effective, truly saving on buying a radio.


    It''s more interesting than the broadcast.


    Ming Mei laughs softly, and the two of them sitting in the sunset look like a beautiful painting. Yang Lixin pushes his bicycle through the gate, envious of the couple for a moment, and is about to pass through the front yard when Zhuang Zhixi calls out, "Yang Ge, come here, come here."


    Yang Lixin: "What''s up?"


    Zhuang Zhixi grins: "Come, let''s exchange gossip. Tell me about Madam Su''s shocking actions at the factory, and I''ll tell you about today''s bizarre incident of Aunt Su being bitten by a dog."


    Yang Lixin''s eyes light up: "That works!"


    He''s also heard about Aunt Su being bitten by a dog at the factory, but only vaguely!


    Just right, to fill in the gaps, tomorrow he can tell others. Oh, no, his mother-in-law must know everything. He doesn''t need to fill in the gaps from Zhuang Zhixi, but soon, he firmly sits down. Everyone''s account will definitely have some small differences.


    He needs to listen to several people, absorb the strengths of each, and then synthesize the most exciting version of the story!


    Yang Lixin sits down, smiling: "Come, let''s chat..."

 Chapter 46

    Hutou was super excited!He, his grandmother''s precious Hutou, was finally being discharged from the hospital.


    Actually, the little boy felt he should have been discharged long ago, but the adults wouldn''t allow it.


    Fortunately, the discharge day came quickly. The little fellow packed his own small backpack, which contained all his belongings. He had secretly hidden a piece of candy, planning to share it with his sister when he got home - half for each of them.


    This was what he had saved up while enduring the bitter medicine.


    Hutou felt he was truly a good brother who cared for his sister.


    The child praised himself as he stuffed his textbooks into his backpack. Sigh, it''s tough being a kid - even when he was sick, his mother brought him his textbooks, saying he couldn''t fall behind in his studies.


    He just didn''t understand why, as just an elementary school student, he had to study so much!


    Besides, he already understood many principles and knew lots of things. He didn''t even fight, while adults still fought, so he wasn''t lacking at all. Little Hutou mumbled to himself as he finished packing his bag and plopped down on the bed.


    That''s when the doctor came for rounds and, seeing his little appearance, said, "Hutou, you''re getting discharged today?"


    Hutou quickly nodded: "Yes, I''m leaving."


    After thinking for a moment, he added: "I''m never coming back."


    The doctor smiled and teased him: "Then you better not get sick again."


    Hutou nodded even more seriously and said: "I know, I want to be strong and healthy. I don''t want to get sick. No more IV drips, no more bitter medicine."


    The doctor smiled and said: "That''s good, wishing you good health, little one."


    Hutou''s eyes curved into crescents as he smiled and said: "Thank you, Doctor Uncle."


    The doctor smiled, ruffled his head, and left for the next ward.


    Although it was Hutou''s discharge day, all the men in the family had gone to work. Only Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen came. Zhao Guihua said: "Alright, we''re about ready, let''s go."


    She looked at the others in the ward and said: "You all take care now, we''re leaving. Oh my, Bai Fendou, were you out thieving last night? Why do you look such a mess? Look at those dark circles under your eyes, they''re horrible."


    He wasn''t young to begin with, and now it was even worse.


    Bai Fendou indeed looked exhausted. He cast a resentful glance at Zhou Qun and sneered, saying: "I just didn''t sleep well, that''s all. Some people really know how to cause trouble."


    Zhao Guihua looked confused, and Liang Meifen leaned close to her ear and whispered: "Before five this morning, the factory security came to see Zhou Qun, which woke everyone up. Only kids like Hutou slept through it."


    Zhao Guihua was even more surprised - coming to visit a patient before five in the morning? Was this even normal?


    Truly, in both her lives, she had never seen such behavior.


    Liang Meifen continued whispering: "They said they came to see Zhou Qun, but actually they wanted him to go to security to pick up someone. Zhou Qun''s mother has been detained by security for three whole days. They couldn''t keep holding her any longer, and they didn''t want to waste food on her either. As soon as security left, Zhou Qun sent Jiang Lu to get her."


    Zhao Guihua suddenly understood why she hadn''t seen Jiang Lu.


    These past few days, Jiang Lu had been frantically taking leave, not going to the factory at all, staying at the hospital to care for Zhou Qun instead - they were inseparable. Now she wasn''t here, and Zhao Guihua had thought the young wife had finally remembered she needed to work. But it wasn''t that at all - she had gone to rescue her mother-in-law from her predicament.


    Zhao Guihua asked: "Does he..." her eyes glanced at Zhou Qun as she quietly asked her daughter-in-law: "Does he know about how his mother has been making him famous at the factory?"


    Liang Meifen replied: "He still doesn''t know. He and Jiang Lu have been in the ward the whole time, and no one''s told them. The couple doesn''t know." None of the people in the ward knew, and Liang Meifen certainly didn''t want to break this news, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.


    Just thinking about the outcome made her shiver - it was too terrifying, too terrifying indeed. How would Zhou Qun go to work after this! Wouldn''t he faint from the shame when he returned to work? Zhou Qun was someone who really cared about face.


    Among the younger generation in their compound...


    Zhou Qun, Bai Fendou, Zhuang Zhixi, and the other young men... Zhou Qun cared the most about his reputation.


    If Zhou Qun knew that his mother had already completely ruined his reputation at the factory, he would cough up at least three bowls of blood, at least!


    "Aiyoyo, aiyoyo, oh my poor life, oh heavens..."


    Just as the mother and daughter-in-law were lost in thought, they heard wailing from the doorway, the voice as hoarse as an old village woman''s, carrying a somewhat frightening tone. Everyone turned to look at the door.


    Just then, the ward door opened.


    Well, well, another familiar face!


    Zhao Guihua: "Madam Zhou Li?"


    Indeed, the arrival was none other than Zhou Qun''s mother, Madam Zhou Li, who had just been the subject of their conversation.


    Madam Zhou Li was being supported by Jiang Lu, whose face bore two bright red handprints, clearly from being slapped. Was it strange? Not at all - it would have been stranger if Madam Zhou Li had let Jiang Lu off easily.


    Sure enough, Zhao Guihua saw that Jiang Lu''s hands were covered in bloody scratches, and even her hair was disheveled.


    Jiang Lu''s eyes were red, clearly having cried.


    Everyone fell silent.


    As soon as Madam Zhou Li saw her son, tears began flowing before she could speak: "My son, I''ve suffered... I''ve really suffered..."


    She was crying with snot and tears, but because she had been shouting for several days, her voice was terribly hoarse, sounding frighteningly like a cat scratching paper, both unpleasant and somewhat scary.


    Little Hutou immediately hugged his grandmother''s legs.


    He was still small, not yet a man, and he was scared!


    Zhao Guihua naturally knew her grandson''s personality, so she picked up Hutou, saying: "Look at you, why aren''t you gaining any weight? Light as a feather."


    Hutou smiled sweetly at his grandmother, resting his head on her neck, his big eyes curiously watching Madam Zhou Li across the room. Though young, even children could be shocked by such a scene. How could they not be?


    Jiang Lu already looked miserable enough, but looking at Madam Zhou Li was even worse - her graying hair was a messy beehive, her clothes were filthy beyond recognition, carrying a rancid smell, completely disheveled. That was from her struggling when she was arrested.


    For three days, she had nothing but water, her face was as pale as a ghost, with eye bags that seemed ready to fall off. She was leaning on Jiang Lu, completely without strength, and her voice was beyond description. She had aged at least three years, if not more.


    She cried: "My dear Qun..."


    She tried to rush to her son''s side, but before she could take a step, she nearly collapsed. Everyone then realized she truly seemed to have no strength left. How could she? She used to be quite strong, but because they had handcuffed her to the radiator, forcing her to stand on her tiptoes, and then not giving her any food - it would have been strange if she had any strength left.


    "Mom, be careful!"


    Zhou Qun quickly spoke up. He sat on the bed, his face showing concern, but he didn''t move. He said guiltily: "Mom, my back hurts, I can''t come help you. Your son is useless..."


    Zhou Qun''s eyes reddened slightly, and he quickly said: "Xiao Lu, quickly help Mom over here. Mom, it''s my fault, it''s all my fault. I never thought this would happen. This is all my mistake. How could I have been so careless? I didn''t handle things well. You should hit me, hit me hard - I won''t be able to forgive myself otherwise."


    This was a six-person ward, and between Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou there was an old man, who watched very emotionally and said: "What a filial son!"


    Zhou Qun: "Mom, come quickly."


    After a pause, he added: "Xiao Lu, hurry and take Mom to see a doctor! Look at Mom''s condition - how could you just bring her here like this? Quickly take her to see a doctor!" Zhou Qun''s face was full of urgency, afraid his mother might have some serious problem.


    Jiang Lu spoke softly: "I already took Mom to see the doctor. The doctor said she''s just hungry and exhausted from worry, with no energy. I''ve arranged for her to be admitted to the hospital, and managed to get her into your ward. I can take care of both of you."


    At the mention of this, Madam Zhou Li turned around and delivered a slap - smack! - right across Jiang Lu''s face. She angrily scolded, "You dare to seek credit in front of my son? If I had to rely on you as a daughter-in-law, I wouldn''t even know how I''d die! Stop pretending to be a good person here! What do you mean you took me to see the doctor? Wasn''t I going to go myself? What do you mean you arranged for me to be in the same ward as Zhou Qun? If I hadn''t thrown myself on the ground and made a scene, would they have arranged it for me?"


    Madam Zhou Li felt that her daughter-in-law was far inferior to Wang Xiangxiu. Though the two families didn''t get along, Madam Zhou Li secretly envied Aunt Su for having Wang Xiangxiu as a daughter-in-law. Although her family was poor and had no money, she popped out children like laying eggs, quickly giving birth to three sons, one every two years, continuing the Su family line. If it weren''t for Su''s son''s bad luck, she probably could have continued having eight or ten more children without breaking a sweat.


    Moreover, even after Su''s son passed away, she stayed with the family, showing filial piety to the elderly and taking care of the children. Although there were some unsavory rumors about her relationships with men, who knew if they were true? A widow getting some food through deception wasn''t such a big deal!


    But looking at Jiang Lu, she couldn''t produce children, and whenever something happened, she''d just give up. How could anyone rely on her?


    She glared hatefully at Jiang Lu. If she had despised this daughter-in-law one hundred times before, now it was ten thousand times more.


    When Madam Zhou Li''s anger peaked, smack, another slap landed, and Jiang Lu silently wept. Zhou Qun quickly said, "Mom, what are you doing? Why are you hitting Xiao Lu? Even if you hadn''t brought it up, she would have taken you to the hospital anyway. She''s not that kind of ill-intentioned woman, you should know that she has the kindest heart. It''s because I hurt my back, and she''s been focused on taking care of me these past few days. Maybe other things weren''t done perfectly, but you should know her - she''s such a good, kind woman, how could she have any ulterior motives?"


    As Zhou Qun defended Jiang Lu, Madam Zhou Li''s expression grew darker, while Jiang Lu''s eyes brightened.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head inwardly, wondering how Jiang Lu couldn''t see through this mother and son''s vicious intentions. But then again, Zhao Guihua knew she couldn''t see it - she was already too deep in it, beyond salvation.


    "Mom, go lie down on the hospital bed first, we... oh, which bed is yours?"


    The ward was already full.


    There were six beds in the ward. On their side, in order, were Bai Fendou, an unfamiliar old gentleman, and Zhou Qun. Across from Zhou Qun was a young man, in the middle was Hutou, and next to Hutou was Aunt Su.


    Wasn''t that perfect?


    But he quickly realized - ah no, Hutou was being discharged today.


    "You''re taking Hutou''s bed, right?"


    "Yes, this one," Jiang Lu spoke up, looking at Zhao Guihua and her family, saying, "Aunt Zhao, you''re all packed up and ready to leave, right?"


    She continued, "My mother isn''t feeling well and needs to lie down. Since you''re leaving, could we have the bed?"


    Already starting to chase people away.


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Alright, we''re leaving, you can stay here."


    Only then did Madam Zhou Li notice Zhao Guihua.


    Earlier, she had been so focused on her son that she hadn''t paid attention to anyone else in the ward. Now looking around, she realized the people standing to the side were Zhao Guihua and her family. Madam Zhou Li opened her mouth to mock them but hesitated at the last moment, merely snorting without saying anything more.


    It wasn''t that she was intimidated or afraid. She just didn''t want to cause trouble. She said coldly, "Help me lie down."


    Jiang Lu quickly helped her to the bed. Usually, when a patient is discharged, the nurses would clean up before arranging for another patient to move in. This was why Madam Zhou Li had to make a scene. Because the bed hadn''t been cleaned yet, they had planned to put her in another bed first, but they hadn''t counted on Madam Zhou Li being who she was.


    An old troublemaker who dared to cause a scene right after leaving the security office.


    She had rolled on the ground crying and wailing, leaving everyone helpless. After repeated assurances from Jiang Lu, they had no choice but to arrange for her to come here. Madam Zhou Li had essentially "seized" this hospital bed, so she was quite smug about it. As soon as she lay down, she raised her eyebrows at Zhao Guihua''s family, her expression overflowing with pride.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t understand what there was to show off about - they were being discharged normally.


    Hutou was even more confused, his little eyebrows furrowed into a twist. He couldn''t understand why Grandma Zhou was so happy about being hospitalized. Her expression was so arrogant and pleased - he had no idea why, it was all very strange.


    Could it be that adults actually enjoyed being hospitalized?


    Otherwise, why did they all keep coming here?


    Hutou didn''t like coming to the hospital at all. The IV drips were scary, the injections were frightening, and the bitter medicine tablets - Hutou hated eating them. But the adults... they seemed to enjoy coming here.


    They liked getting injections and taking medicine!


    The little one didn''t understand, the little one was shocked.


    Zhao Guihua fake-coughed and said, "Let''s go."


    As she turned around, she heard a shriek. Hutou quickly covered his ears, and Zhao Guihua ducked her head too. Good heavens! She turned back to see Madam Zhou Li glaring at Bai Fendou across the room, her eyes bulging with rage.


    She hadn''t noticed Bai Fendou earlier either. Now that Bai Fendou had sat up, she saw him, and enemies meeting made her see red. Her hatred for Bai Fendou exceeded even that for the old man in blue who had sent her to the security office.


    Because this man had hurt her son.


    Her son was her life, and anyone who hurt her son deserved to die.


    The old lady who had been trembling just moments ago suddenly seemed to have found new strength, leaping off the hospital bed and charging towards Bai Fendou''s bed in just a few steps.


    "Oh my goodness!"


    "Good heavens!"


    "What the hell is she doing?!"


    Though there weren''t many people in the room, everyone''s shock was palpable.


    Zhao Guihua was quick to react, hugging Hutou and darting to the doorway. From there, they could both have the best view of the spectacle while avoiding getting caught in the crossfire. Liang Meifen wasn''t as quick - she was just a bit slower and almost got knocked over by the charging Madam Zhou Li. She stumbled while dodging, steadied herself against the door, and quickly ducked behind Zhao Guihua, not looking very dignified.


    But at this moment, no one was paying attention to her or caring about her.


    They watched as Madam Zhou Li charged at Bai Fendou like a black bear spotting honey, pouncing directly onto him, her claws out. Bai Fendou''s IV drip toppled over, and he cried out, "Ah!"


    Madam Zhou Li didn''t care about any of that. Trembling yet fierce, she climbed onto the hospital bed, straddled Bai Fendou, and started swinging both fists: "I''ll teach you to bully my son, I''ll teach you to hit my son, you conscienceless creature! I''ll teach you to cause trouble while I''m away! I''ll beat you to death! I''ll send you to meet the King of Hell! You little beast!"


    Bai Fendou, who hadn''t been in good spirits to begin with, was stunned by the old lady''s attack. But he quickly recovered and got angry too, delivering a huge slap across Madam Zhou Li''s face that immediately made it swell up.


    Now that Bai Fendou was angry too, one slap wasn''t enough to vent his rage. He grabbed the old lady''s hair and delivered another slap that knocked her to the ground. He went after her with several kicks, shouting, "You old hag! Looking for trouble when there isn''t any, are you?"


    "Bai Fendou, how dare you hit my mother!" Zhou Qun roared.


    Bai Fendou roared back, "Your mother hit me first! Look, look at my face, look at my hair still tangled in her hands!"


    Thinking about this made Bai Fendou even angrier. He didn''t have much hair to begin with, and he was particularly sensitive about it at this point in his life. He hadn''t expected someone to specifically target his hair, making his hair situation even worse.


    He angrily stepped forward and delivered two more kicks.


    "Ah! Murder! Bai Fendou is committing murder!"


    "Oh my heavens, an elderly person is being beaten! Help! Someone, please help me!"


    Madam Zhou Li''s cries echoed like a pig being slaughtered, but the few people in the ward remained silent, as quiet as chickens.


    As Madam Zhou Li''s son, Zhou Qun should have been the first to step forward, but with his back injury, he didn''t want to aggravate it. After all, his back was crucial to his future as a man. If it was for his mother''s sake, he couldn''t do it.


    The next person who should have intervened was Jiang Lu. She had just been slapped twice by Madam Zhou Li, and now she cowered by the bed, trembling, too scared to move. In her heart, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.


    In her view, both Madam Zhou Li and Bai Fendou deserved to die. Watching them fight was a delight. She pretended to be too frightened to act.


    As for Aunt Su, who had been playing the weak and silent type, she was lying on the bed with a bruised buttock. Madam Zhou Li hadn''t even recognized her yet. She wasn''t about to stick her neck out. Watching Madam Zhou Li get beaten was quite the spectacle.


    The other two, an old man and a young man, also dared not speak. They didn''t know each other, and getting involved could mean getting hurt. They had no reason to get involved. The old man stayed under the covers, not daring to move. At his age, with his old bones, he couldn''t take it.


    The young man: "..." What''s it to me?


    As for Zhao Guihua, they had already retreated to the doorway before the fight started. Now, a crowd had gathered, and they were just ordinary onlookers. Yes, that''s how it goes with fights. The moment the first scream rang out, people flocked to watch the spectacle.


    After all, such events were rare!


    Very rare.


    Finally, a kind-hearted nurse squeezed in: "What are you doing? This is a hospital, not a place for you to act out. Help her up. Look at you all, what kind of behavior is this? How can you fight in a hospital?"


    Four nurses rushed in, helping Madam Zhou Li to her feet and tending to Bai Fendou, who had been on an IV drip. The needle had come out, and his hand was bleeding. His face and hair were a mess.


    Madam Zhou Li had also taken quite a beating from Bai Fendou, a man with plenty of strength.


    "What''s going on here? Should we call the police?"


    Madam Zhou Li whimpered, "Pfft!"


    She spat out a tooth and said, "Call the police! Let them lock him up, let him eat a bullet. This scoundrel dared to hit me, the damn fool!"


    Bai Fendou wasn''t backing down either, shouting, "Call them! I''d like to see who they arrest, me or this shameless old lady. I was peacefully getting an IV, and she went crazy and attacked me first. Am I not allowed to defend myself? Do I have to take a beating for no reason? Who does she think she is? If she were my parents, I''d accept their discipline. But who the hell is she? Just a neighbor, trying to lay hands on me? What''s gotten into her? Everyone knows she just got out of the security office for stealing! This old lady is of low character, vicious, and mean. Let''s call the police and see who they arrest!"


    "You! You you you!"


    Madam Zhou Li was trembling with anger!


    Bai Fendou, on the other hand, stood tall, victorious!


    It was undeniable that Bai Fendou''s outburst had some effect. At least Zhou Qun didn''t want to stir up more trouble. Though he felt his mother had every right to discipline Bai Fendou, even to the point of death, in broad daylight with everyone watching, it was clear his mother had started the fight. Even if the police were called, they might not come out ahead. And Bai Fendou was right; his mother had just been released from the security office. If they caused more trouble, it could backfire on them.


    With that in mind, Zhou Qun quickly said, "Mom, stop making a scene. Let the doctor take a good look at you. What''s with this talk of calling the police? We''re all neighbors who see each other every day. If this gets out of hand, how will we face each other in the future? In the same courtyard, how will we get along? Bai Fendou, look, we''re both injured. Let''s each take a step back. My mom is more seriously hurt than you, and we''re not holding it against you. Are you really going to argue with an old lady?"


    Zhou Qun''s words, though a bit of a provocation, worked on Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou glared: "Am I that kind of person? Fine, let''s drop it."


    He wiped his face and lay down like a corpse, lost in thought. His injuries had worsened, meaning more hospital time and more expenses. The thought made him uncomfortable. But then he thought, maybe he was still ahead.


    After all, Madam Zhou Li was more seriously injured than him. If they ended up compensating each other, he''d be at a disadvantage.


    So not making a big deal out of it was better for him.


    Bai Fendou lay on the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling his recent life had been a chaotic mess. But he didn''t know what had gone wrong, or if anything had really gone wrong. Maybe he was just too impatient.


    In their courtyard, all the men, except for those too young or not yet grown, were married. Only he remained a bachelor. Could his temper be any smaller?


    He stared blankly, feeling the weight of his situation.


    The dramatic showdown quickly ended, and neither side held a grudge. Zhao Guihua watched the whole thing, feeling like she had eaten a whole melon. She said, "Let''s go."


    No one paid attention to them now. Zhao Guihua held Hutou, followed by the dazed and shocked Liang Meifen, and the three of them went downstairs. Zhao Guihua had come by bicycle. Zhao Guihua: "Snap out of it. You''re still stunned from watching the fight?"


    Liang Meifen: "They were really fierce."


    She clicked her tongue: "They really dared to fight."


    Zhao Guihua: "They''ve fought before, it''s not surprising."


    Liang Meifen: "Right... it''s not surprising, but still, shocking!"


    She took the bike, saying, "Mom, you hold Hutou on the back, I''ll ride."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, but don''t get distracted."


    "Don''t worry."


    Liang Meifen rode carefully. After all, if she fell into a ditch, who knows what kind of beating she might get? She had seen it; these people were all fighters, including her mother-in-law. She''d better behave. If it came to a fight, she wouldn''t stand a chance.


    Liang Meifen considered herself an educated person and never resorted to physical means. Usually, when mothers disciplined their children, they would hit them, but she never did that. At most, she would lightly pat their back or bottom.


    She didn''t advocate for hitting people or using physical force to discipline children.


    So Zhao Guihua always felt that people were hard to judge. They might have countless flaws, but there was always a bright spot. Liang Meifen was no exception.


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly rode home. As soon as Hutou entered the courtyard, he shouted, "I, Hutou, am back!"


    Although he knew his friends were at school, the child still wanted to shout out loud. The hospital stay had been too dull. Hutou''s shout didn''t attract his friends but brought Aunt Wang from the back yard.


    Aunt Wang came over, smiling, "You''re out of the hospital, Hutou."


    Hutou nodded eagerly, asking, "Is Weiwei home? Is Junjun home?"


    Aunt Wang: "They''re all at school. Wait until they get out, and they''ll come play with you."


    Hutou nodded quickly: "Okay!"


    He was overjoyed: "I want to play with my friends."


    The child then added: "No fighting, just fun."


    Aunt Wang: "???"


    Why mention fighting?


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t even entered the house yet, saying, "Oh, don''t mention it. Just as we were leaving the hospital, Madam Zhou Li was being admitted... She just slapped Bai Fendou... Bai Fendou fought back fiercely..."


    Zhao Guihua grabbed a small stool and sat down, and Aunt Wang quickly followed.


    Women from the back yard who weren''t working, like Second Aunt Cui and Sister-in-law Li, also came over, quickly joining the tea party. They all expressed their shock in a chorus of exclamations. Who would have thought that after being locked up for three days without food, Madam Zhou Li could still muster such fierce combat power?


    And Bai Fendou... The guy even beat up an old lady.


    Zhao Guihua: "They really are a spark of fire and lightning, I''m convinced. Even injured, they can''t stop."


    This Aunt Zhou, she''s too, too..." Someone wanted to comment on this person but found there wasn''t a single appropriate word to describe this "dama" (middle-aged woman), as if any word wouldn''t do her justice.


    Aunt Wang also sighed: "She just keeps causing trouble. At her age, is it worth getting beaten up? To me, she''s just spoiled by her good life. In our courtyard, who has it as comfortable as her? An old lady holding onto her daughter-in-law''s thirty-something salary, with only three people eating at home. There''s no way it would run out, she could have good food, good drink, and good use of everything. But she just doesn''t know how to live well, always looking for trouble, not getting along with this one or that one. If she really got some benefit, it would be understandable, but she clearly doesn''t. Every time she ends up losing out, yet she still stirs up trouble. It seems that once someone gets muddled, no amount of cleverness helps."


    "Yes, she''s even holding onto her daughter-in-law''s salary."


    "Jiang Lu is also a fool, how could she just hand over all her salary? How does she live?"


    "She leeches off her family, you see how Aunt Su''s two daughters, Zhaodi and Pandi, send everything back to their family, almost emptying their husbands'' pockets to support their family. She''s the opposite. If I had a daughter like that, I''d be livid."


    "I don''t expect my daughter to subsidize me, she just needs to live well, but not as muddled as Jiang Lu. Zhou Qun is a good person, but his mother, Madam Zhou Li, is really not."


    "That''s right, Zhou Qun doesn''t know what his mother has been saying, wait until he goes back to work at the factory, he''ll be so embarrassed."


    "What else can he do? It''s not like a wife, where you can just get divorced and be done with it. She''s his mother, he has to endure it."


    "Exactly!"


    Everyone was discussing passionately when Second Aunt Cui said: "Hey, isn''t today payday? Are you buying meat?"


    "What for? Life is tight."


    "Guihua, what about you?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m making meat stew at home today, but it''s not because of payday. It''s because Hutou is getting discharged from the hospital today? We have to eat something good to get rid of the bad luck."


    Who knows what eating well has to do with getting rid of bad luck.


    But everyone just thought it made sense.


    Zhao Guihua: "I don''t usually care if they get paid or not, my family has a fixed living expense, I have to plan it out."


    Zhao Guihua and her husband''s household pays ten yuan, really not much.


    "Guihua, you''re really hands-off."


    Zhao Guihua: "What''s there to worry about? They''re not three-year-olds, who doesn''t know how to manage money? Besides, they''re all married and should save for themselves, it''s all for the kids. If it weren''t for the fact that eating together is cheaper now, I''d actually want to split up. But my family''s situation is like an internal small split. If Hutou gets married, I''ll really have to separate quickly, otherwise with all these old and young, I think I''d go crazy."


    Little Hutou, running around in the courtyard, stopped his running and asked, dumbfounded: "Grandma, are you not going to keep me?"


    Zhao Guihua: "No, I''ll keep you, but you''ll grow up and get married too."


    Hutou shook his head: "I don''t want to get married, getting married is too troublesome. I want to live with Grandma."


    The child said seriously: "Wives always want to control people, I want to be free."


    Pfft, hahaha!


    "Little Hutou, you''ve exposed your family situation!"


    "Guihua, you have a female-dominated household!"


    Zhao Guihua also laughed, saying: "You little rascal, go play, go play."


    Hutou said seriously: "Then I won''t leave Grandma."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, alright, whatever you say. Go play."


    The child immediately ran off, jumping and hopping.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing everyone still laughing, said: "What''s so funny? Isn''t this normal in my family? My husband, Laonian, if I didn''t keep an eye on him, he''d be fooled to death. He''s got no mind for schemes. In a family, there has to be someone who takes charge. Besides, women can hold up half the sky, I can do it too."


    "You''re amazing."


    Zhao Guihua: "Hehe."


    She laughed enough and said: "What about you, don''t you manage money at home?"


    Everyone started laughing again. Zhao Guihua: "Men can''t be left in charge entirely, they don''t know how to plan, living without a plan, eating and drinking extravagantly at the beginning of the month, starving at the end of the month? Can''t even fill their stomachs with the northwest wind."


    "Hahaha."


    Everyone laughed again.


    "You''re right, men managing the household won''t do, they''ll mess it up."


    "Mine can''t either, he doesn''t know how to plan at all."


    Aunt Wang said gloomily: "My family is different, my old man is very thrifty."


    Thinking of Chef Li, everyone nodded in agreement. Chef Li, anything that doesn''t cost money is fine, but anything that does, he''s reluctant. They''ve been neighbors for so many years, everyone knows it well.


    "Hey, it''s almost Qingming Festival, I want to pick some mugwort to make green dumplings, do you know what green dumplings are?"


    Most people shook their heads, but Zhao Guihua nodded: "I know, I know, I can make them too."


    She learned from Moyin.


    Moyin, Zhao Guihua''s cooking class.


    "Oh? Aunt Zhao, you can too? You''re amazing. Normally, northerners don''t eat this, did you learn from your mother-in-law?"


    Zhao Guihua certainly didn''t, but she smiled and said: "I just heard her mention it once, I don''t think it''s hard."


    Aunt Wang: "Are green dumplings only eaten during Qingming Festival?"


    "Not really, you can eat them anytime, but usually in spring, it''s like a feeling of spring really arriving with Qingming Festival." It''s already spring, just a bit cold, so people don''t feel it yet.


    "What are they made of?"


    "Mugwort, and flour, then prepare the filling, red bean paste is fine."


    "Ah, so many good things... forget it, can''t afford it."


    "Flour is good enough for steamed buns, why add mugwort with that weird taste?"


    "I don''t like that taste either."


    Everyone chattered away, but Zhao Guihua thought, come to think of it, it really could be made and eaten. Just for the novelty, after all, nowadays everything is seasonal and regional, unlike the internet-connected days where you can follow recipes and buy anything.


    A group of old ladies chatted enthusiastically, and at that moment, Zhuang Zhixi was queuing up to get paid, just ahead of him was Wang Xiangxiu. When it was Wang Xiangxiu''s turn, Zhuang Zhixi glanced and saw she got twenty-something, less than thirty.


    But after getting paid, Wang Xiangxiu didn''t leave, instead standing there with a smile: "My neighbor Bai Fendou is injured and can''t come, can I collect his pay for him?"


    The cashier, with a smirk, asked: "What''s your relationship with him, you collecting for him?" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Surrounding people also had expressions of watching a show. Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t shy, boldly saying: "Of course it''s neighbors, we get along well, isn''t that fine?"


    "Bai Fendou''s father is also in the factory, can''t he collect for his son?"


    Who knew Wang Xiangxiu was even more shameless, directly saying: "Then I''ll collect his too, I''ll collect for both father and son. Saves them a trip, and I''ll sign for it, everyone''s seen it, what''s there to worry about? That old saying goes, the monk can run away but the temple can''t, what''s there to worry about?"


    The cashier laughed again, laughing enough, saying: "Alright, if you want to collect, collect. If they complain, they''ll definitely come looking for you."


    They''re all from the same factory, just like Wang Xiangxiu said, the monk can run away but the temple can''t, no one dares to falsely collect money. Don''t they want to work anymore? This is out in the open, everyone can see.


    At this moment, there was really no privacy to speak of.


    Wang Xiangxiu counted the money one by one and put it in her pocket, her eyeballs turning, she said coquettishly: "I just remembered, I have another neighbor. Zhou Qun, I''ll collect for him too? After all, we''re all neighbors, I''ll just do a good deed."


    The cashier looked at Wang Xiangxiu in surprise and said, "Zhou Qun''s salary has already been collected by his wife. Hey, Wang Xiangxiu, what''s going on with you? Don''t cause trouble here. Did you even discuss this with them? You want to collect someone else''s money? Let me tell you, if they don''t receive this money, you won''t be able to get away with it!"


    How does this woman think of one thing after another?


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face stiffened, but she quickly smiled and said, "I understand. I just thought they''re in the hospital, and Jiang Lu rarely comes to the factory, so I thought I''d help out. You know, my mother-in-law is in the hospital, Zhou Qun is in the hospital, Bai Fendou is in the hospital, all in the same ward. I just wanted to do a good deed and deliver it to them."


    "Hey, Wang Xiangxiu, why is your mother-in-law in the hospital? Is it terminal?"


    "Is it because she''s hooked up with Bai Fendou''s father? If they''re together, you''d be Bai Fendou''s sister-in-law, and you two can''t be together anymore, right?"


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip and said, "What are you talking about?"


    Her voice raised a bit: "My mother-in-law was bitten by a dog. Those words are nonsense, don''t believe everything you hear and spread rumors. My mother-in-law may be old, but her reputation is very important. You can''t just talk nonsense."


    She secretly resented, but on the surface, she looked pitiful. Her gaze swept over the crowd and saw Zhuang Zhixi there. She immediately walked over and said, "Little Zhuang brother, we live in the same courtyard, you have to vouch for us, we''re not like that. My mother-in-law and Uncle Bai are as clear as tofu with green onions, absolutely innocent."


    She winked at Zhuang Zhixi after saying this, almost making him vomit his lunch.


    But even so, he could remain calm and innocent, asking, "Sister-in-law Su, what''s wrong with your eyes? Why are you blinking so much? Is it some kind of illness? If there''s something wrong with your eyes, you should go to our clinic and see Dr. Wang. Your family is relying on you, if your eyes go bad, what will you do? Your children are still young, and you can''t rely on your frail mother-in-law."


    He spoke quite seriously, making it hard for people to tell he was being sarcastic.


    "Pfft!"


    "Oh, is that what she meant?"


    "This young man just doesn''t understand her hints."


    Wang Xiangxiu stamped her foot in anger and said, "What are you talking about? My eyes are fine!"


    Although she acted this way, she still looked expectantly at Zhuang Zhixi, not only hoping he would speak for her but also thinking that since today is payday, maybe she could flirt a bit and get some extra money.


    Aliali: 6756a3d2bd5e46c308ca07f6


    Zhou Qun hurt his back and won''t be looking for her anytime soon.


    She''s missing out on another source of income!


    "You have to vouch for my family."


    But all her efforts were in vain.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t buying her act at all. With a bitter smile of grievance, he said, "Sister-in-law Su, don''t put me on the spot. I dare not vouch for your family. The proof must be truthful..."


    "Pahahahahaha..."


    The onlookers burst into laughter again.


    Wang Xiangxiu glared at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "You little rascal!"


    With that, she turned and stormed off in a huff.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Tch."

 Chapter 47

    Zhuang Zhixi was a shrewd man, and he could tell that Wang Xiangxiu had some interest in him.Actually, this is how relationships between men and women often work - many times, what appears as "not knowing" is simply pretending to be naive. There aren''t really that many truly innocent men. Often, playing dumb and claiming ignorance is just an act, allowing them to both enjoy the attention while maintaining their innocence.


    Zhuang Zhixi, being a man, understood that many people had this mindset. However, he kept his distance from people like Wang Xiangxiu. Although Zhuang Zhixi shared plenty of sweet words with his wife Ming Mei, he was fundamentally a pure-hearted person. He had a good relationship with his wife and maintained appropriate boundaries with other women.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t understand why Wang Xiangxiu behaved the way she did, but understanding doesn''t necessarily mean acceptance, does it?


    He simply looked down on Wang Xiangxiu. He never claimed to be a selfless, kind person, nor did he hold himself to such standards. So Zhuang Zhixi just didn''t respect Wang Xiangxiu and couldn''t be bothered with her.


    Oh, if she got into fights with others, he''d still watch for entertainment.


    But if she tried to get involved with him? Sorry, get lost! Not interested!


    This was exactly how Zhuang Zhixi felt about Wang Xiangxiu - he couldn''t care less about her. When Wang Xiangxiu walked away swaying her hips, some men''s eyes were practically glued to her, but Zhuang Zhixi didn''t even spare her a glance.


    Really not worth the eye strain.


    Instead, he started thinking. Since it was payday, why not take his wife to see a movie?


    The couple hadn''t gone to the movies together recently - ah, there had been too much excitement in their courtyard, and they''d saved their movie money. Oh, they could also go out to eat, either at Donglaishun or Quanjude.


    His wife probably hadn''t been there in a while.


    Oh wait, today was Hutou''s discharge from the hospital, and his mother would probably cook something special. So they should eat at home first and then go to the movies - can''t miss out on good food. Zhuang Zhixi smiled happily as he thought about these plans.


    He returned to the medical room with money in his pocket, where Doctor Wang was tending to flowers - well, actually pulling them out.


    Zhuang Zhixi went over and asked, "Doctor Wang, what''s this...?"


    "Roses, know them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, I do."


    Although growing flowers wasn''t common, they lived in the capital city after all, so people here were more knowledgeable than those from other places. These roses, while not abundant, were something they had all heard of and occasionally seen.


    He was puzzled: "But why are you pulling them all out...?"


    Doctor Wang sighed and said, "They''re from my classmate''s garden, they don''t want them anymore. I thought I''d take them home to make some rose pastries."


    Policies were strict now, and growing flowers could be politically sensitive if not explained properly, especially roses that symbolized love. Yes, even though it was only the 1970s, young people knew a bit about this.


    When he was in elementary school, he and other kids would squat outside the Old Moscow Restaurant, drooling as they watched Russians carrying flowers and walking in with their leather shoes. It really shocked these little country bumpkins at the time.


    But things were different now. Growing flowers itself wasn''t quite appropriate, especially these kinds. Some families simply pulled them all out to avoid trouble. Zhuang Zhixi looked curiously and asked, "Doctor Wang, could I have a few?"


    Doctor Wang looked up at Zhuang Zhixi in surprise and said, "What do you want these for?"


    Then she immediately slapped her forehead and said, "Look at me, what else would you want them for?"


    They were newlyweds after all, different from others.


    She said, "Sure, I can''t use them all. Pick whichever ones you like, take more, but it''s better not to plant them at home. Just put them in a vase for a few days."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "I''m also going to make rose pastries at home."


    Doctor Wang pointed at him from afar and said, "You little fox."


    He picked a few good ones, and Doctor Wang smiled and said, "Take more, don''t be shy. I can''t use them all and would have to throw them away anyway. Rose pastries are just for novelty, I can''t make a whole pot, and I don''t have that much flour either. Go ahead and choose."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Alright then, I''ll pick a few more, make it nine, for eternal love."


    All the female colleagues suddenly felt their teeth ache from the sweetness, and Doctor Wang sighed: "That''s youth for you. If I asked my husband to say something like this, he''d ask if I was sick and forgot to take my medicine."


    "Mine would ask if my head got caught in a door."


    "You''re lucky. If it were my husband, he''d send me straight to the hospital for a head examination."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled as he arranged the nine roses, saying, "What are you all talking about? I just said it casually, I really just want to make rose pastries, that''s why I''m taking some flowers home."


    He wouldn''t admit he was taking them home as a romantic gesture - such things had to be done secretly. But fortunately, if he insisted on making rose pastries, there was no point in arguing about it.


    After all, they couldn''t stop someone from eating, could they?


    Zhuang Zhixi arranged the roses and placed them under the table. As they chatted, one of the nurse seniors said, "Little Zhuang, Zhou Qun''s mother from your courtyard was taken out by her daughter-in-law this morning. Did you know?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I heard about it. As soon as I got to the factory this morning, I heard the security office discussing it. Wonder how long this auntie will stay quiet after going back."


    "Well, that''s not what I wanted to talk about. I mean, she''s really vicious. When Jiang Lu went to pick her up, she grabbed Jiang Lu''s hair and slapped her face. Jiang Lu tried to block with her hands and got scratched up badly. I happened to pass by on my way to work and saw it. She was forcefully pinching and twisting Jiang Lu''s arms. How can this old lady be so cruel? When she acts like this in your courtyard, hasn''t anyone reported her to the Women''s Federation?"


    The nurse senior really looked down on such people - in this day and age, still tormenting daughters-in-law.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "She''s never hit anyone in front of us, we only hear her verbal abuse. I don''t know if she hits people in private, but I''ve never seen any injuries on Jiang Lu, so I guess probably not. But she does often go into hysterical rants. She''s quite unreasonable in our courtyard, but who can interfere in their family matters? Even if you try to help, it might not work. Take my mother for example, she used to speak up for Jiang Lu many times, but Jiang Lu always defended her mother-in-law. So what can you say to that? Now my mother doesn''t get involved much anymore, it''s between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. If that''s what they want."


    Zhuang Zhixi had actually noticed that since his marriage, his mother had changed somewhat, becoming different from before - more decisive and more spirited. Of course, her attitude toward neighbors had also subtly changed.


    But Zhuang Zhixi thought this was good.


    Sometimes you try to be a good person, but the person involved doesn''t appreciate it and continues the same behavior. Then no matter how much you do, it becomes a joke. That''s why Zhuang Zhixi thought it was good that his mother could let go.


    Then again, he thought, his mother was busy now, always bustling about with life, and didn''t have time to mind others'' business.


    "In many cases, many things, it really makes you frustrated at their lack of fight," the nurse senior heard Zhuang Zhixi''s meaning and understood that as neighbors, they definitely wouldn''t interfere in this matter. She had originally wanted to suggest to Zhuang Zhixi that the neighbors jointly petition the Women''s Federation to help Jiang Lu.


    Wouldn''t that be a good deed?


    But seeing that Zhuang Zhixi clearly wasn''t interested, she dropped it.


    She didn''t know Jiang Lu personally, and if she stepped in just because she disapproved, it would probably be even more inappropriate.


    She said, "The worst is when the person involved is willing to accept it."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "That''s exactly it."


    Just then, the end-of-work music played, and Zhuang Zhixi immediately stood up, smiling as he said, "I''m going home to make rose pastries."


    Everyone burst out laughing, their words full of hidden meaning: "Well, Little Zhuang, make them well then."


    "Why don''t you bring some for us to taste tomorrow, let''s see how your rose pastries turn out?"


    Everyone teased him, but Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said seriously, "That won''t do. Making this requires a lot of flour, oil, and sugar. How can I bear to give it away?"


    His stingy words only made everyone laugh even harder. The flower biscuits, he clearly intended to take home to his wife, but he could still find an excuse. Doctor Wang shook his head with a smile, "My words actually gave him a good excuse."


    "Exactly."


    Zhuang Zhixi carried the flowers as he left work. He left early, and the infirmary was close to the main gate, so he was among the first to leave. Zhang San was on patrol at the gate and greeted Zhuang Zhixi, "Doctor Zhuang, what... why are you carrying flowers?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "I asked for some flowers to make flower biscuits at home."


    "Flower biscuits? Can flowers be eaten?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Why can''t they be eaten? Is there anything that can''t be eaten?"


    "True, back in 1960, I even chewed on tree leaves."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Same here, my mom always said I ate enough to bankrupt my father."


    "Yes, my parents said the same thing."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t linger and hurried home. Although he and his father both worked at the factory, they rarely left together. This was due to their different work natures.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s job was less demanding, so he prepared everything before the bell rang and left immediately. Old Man Zhuang, on the other hand, needed to organize his tools and sometimes change clothes. He usually didn''t bother changing and just left in his work clothes, but he was still slower than Zhuang Zhixi.


    As Zhuang Zhixi entered the courtyard, he saw Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, and kids from the back courtyard like Li Junjun and Li Weiwei running around. Xiao Yanzi''s eyes immediately stuck to the flowers.


    It was clear that boys and girls were different.


    The boys also saw the flowers but quickly looked away, not caring much. But Xiao Yanzi couldn''t take her eyes off them, saying, "Pretty flowers."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, they''re pretty."


    He went straight into the house without placing the flowers, instead hiding them in a cabinet. Turning around, he saw Xiao Yanzi peeking from the doorframe, her big eyes blinking.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Xiao Yanzi, what are you doing?"


    Xiao Yanzi bit her lip, lifting her little face, "Uncle, can I have one flower?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at her hopeful eyes and said firmly, "No."


    Xiao Yanzi''s pigtails drooped, looking very dejected. Zhuang Zhixi came to the door, crouched down to look at the little girl, and said to her at eye level: "This is for your aunt. If I give it to you, there won''t be enough. Next time, I''ll give you one, okay?"


    Xiao Yanzi pouted, very disappointed, but still nodded weakly, "Okay."


    The little girl''s sadness was palpable, but the boys were happily playing hopscotch, not caring about the flowers at all. Hutou shouted, "Sister, later we''ll pick some dogtail grass for you!"


    Xiao Yanzi: "..."


    Even the little one knew that pretty flowers and ugly dogtail grass were different!


    Very different!


    Dogtail grass, not pretty!


    Li Junjun: "What''s fun about dogtail grass? Let''s find some black oil, that''s delicious."


    Li Weiwei: "Yes, yes, that''s tasty."


    Hutou sighed, "My grandma said not to eat outside food recently~"


    He had just been discharged from the hospital and was quite worried.


    Li Junjun and Li Weiwei looked at each other and nodded, "Right, you almost got food poisoning from eating outside. You shouldn''t eat it. Hehe, all for us."


    One less competitor, not bad!


    Hutou, even more worried.


    The siblings each had their own worries.


    Zhuang Zhixi patted the little girl''s shoulder, "Dogtail grass isn''t pretty. Uncle will pick other flowers for you tomorrow, just for you, not for your brother or your aunt. Okay?"


    Xiao Yanzi clasped her hands together, "Let''s share a little, we all should have some."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "So obedient."


    Xiao Yanzi didn''t get the red roses, but thinking that her uncle would bring her other flowers, she thought they would surely be better than dogtail grass. So the little girl was reassured.


    Dogtail grass, a life of being disliked.


    Xiao Yanzi soon joined her brother''s game, hopping in hopscotch with everyone.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched the lively children and asked, "Hutou, just out of the hospital and already jumping around, is your body okay?"


    Hutou: "I''m fine!"


    He waved his arms in circles, "Look, I''m strong, I''m healthy."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned back, "Call me when your aunt comes home."


    "Okay~"


    The soft, sweet little voice.


    Zhuang Zhixi entered the house and saw his mother making mugwort. The smell was strong. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What are you doing? Why are you putting mugwort water in a basin?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I''m making green rice balls."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He twitched his mouth, today everyone mentioned strange foods, first flower biscuits, then green rice balls. He asked, "Mom, do you know how to make them?"


    He had never seen his mother make them before. Zhao Guihua replied, "What''s there to know? I just need to think about it, there''s no technical difficulty. Do I need to be a chef to make a little snack?"


    She continued with the mugwort water, suddenly remembering, "You''re off tomorrow, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Then come with me to the countryside, we''ll go fishing and pick some more mugwort. The weather''s warming up, and there are more insects and mice. Hanging some at the door and in the house is good."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure!"


    He peeked out the window, "Hey, the Zhou family hasn''t come back? Madam Zhou Li was taken away by Jiang Lu, hasn''t she returned?"


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched, "She''s in the hospital."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Just three days of hunger, shouldn''t eating something be enough? Why the hospital?


    It wasn''t unusual for Zhuang Zhixi to think this way. People usually didn''t go to the hospital for minor issues. So he was surprised.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "I guess... Madam Zhou Li wanted to be hospitalized to be cared for by Jiang Lu. Think about it, if she went home, Jiang Lu would have to stay in the hospital to care for Zhou Qun, and she might neglect Madam Zhou Li. But in the hospital, Jiang Lu could care for both in one room."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s quite something. But there''s more, right?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at him, "Yes, later she got into a fight with Bai Fendou, really hurt, her face swollen like a bun, and got kicked by Bai Fendou. At her age, already weakened, and then injured. I guess she won''t be back for ten or fifteen days."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    This was...


    He mused, "It''s really strange."


    But soon, he smiled slightly, "Mom, I think some things are just meant to be. You know, even the heavens are helping us."


    Zhao Guihua was puzzled, "What do you mean?"


    Why suddenly talk about metaphysics?


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, a meaningful smile, "Look, in our front yard. Su''s family has one in the hospital; Zhou''s family has two, and Bai''s family has one. Four people in the hospital. Their families are tied up in the hospital too. So, if we do something, no one will know, right?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    That makes sense.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Tomorrow, let''s go to the outskirts together and see if we can catch some fish. I don''t believe that with both of us working together, we won''t succeed."


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement, feeling that Zhuang Zhixi had a point.


    However, upon closer inspection, it was indeed quite strange. Every household in their front courtyard had someone hospitalized. You could say it was bizarre. Regardless of the reasons, everyone had someone hospitalized.


    Zhao Guihua: "Do you think we might have offended something?"


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but chuckle, saying, "Mom, what are you thinking? That''s impossible. This is purely an accident. Think about it, it''s quite normal. With the personality of Madam Zhou, she''d get into trouble for one reason or another. Her mouth is so foul, her behavior so mean, it''s strange she hasn''t gotten into a fight yet. And Aunt Su, even if it wasn''t because of this dog incident, she always spoils Jinlai and the other two boys. Those boys are troublemakers, it''s inevitable they''d get into trouble sooner or later. As for Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun, it''s no surprise either. They''ve always had a rivalry, it''s not something that just started."


    He paused and continued, "So this accident isn''t really surprising. Even if it wasn''t this incident, there would have been another."


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re right, but thinking about it still makes me nervous. But we can only talk about this at home, who would dare say it outside?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You understand that, right?"


    The old lady snorted, saying, "Do you think I''m a fool? Of course, I understand."


    This matter, you really can''t say that only Zhao Guihua and her son had this thought. Many people in the courtyard had similar thoughts, but like the Zhao family, no one would talk about it outside. Getting labeled as promoting feudal superstitions wouldn''t be good.


    However, everyone just thought about it casually, except for one person who thought too much.


    This person was none other than Madam Zhou Li. As she sat on her hospital bed, she pondered recent events and suddenly asked, "Has our courtyard been plagued with troubles since the day we fell into the cesspit while catching thieves?"


    The two strangers, Old Man Lan and the young man, immediately looked at Madam Zhou Li. They hadn''t heard about their experience falling into the cesspit before.


    "Ahem."


    "Ahem, ahem!"


    Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun, rarely in agreement, both coughed incessantly, not wanting to recall their miserable past. Zhou Qun especially didn''t understand why his mother brought it up.


    Zhou Qun: "Mom, why don''t you rest for a while?"


    Madam Zhou Li: "I''m not sleepy, why rest?"


    Zhou Qun, restraining his anger, said, "Resting is always good, Mom."


    His last word was slightly emphasized, and Madam Zhou Li finally realized that this wasn''t something to discuss in front of others.


    Madam Zhou Li forced a smile and said, "Then I''ll lie down for a bit."


    Lying in bed, her mind was in turmoil. Look at how unlucky they''d been recently; the entire front courtyard had been hospitalized. Could this be mere coincidence? Clearly, something was amiss.


    Although there hadn''t been any rumors of ghosts for a long time, Madam Zhou Li firmly believed in them. She had even heard from Jiang Lu that they had heard a woman''s voice near the toilet that night.


    So, Madam Zhou Li believed in ghosts and thought that the recent misfortunes might be due to the time they fell into the cesspit. Perhaps they had picked up some unclean spirits, affecting their luck and leading to hospitalizations.


    The Su family had someone fall in, and Aunt Su was sleeping beside her.


    Bai Fendou had fallen in, and he was lying across from her, lost in thought.


    And her son was also lying there, deep in thought. All three families had fallen into the toilet.


    As for the Zhuang family, although no one from their family had fallen in, Madam Zhou Li believed their strong aura had still been slightly affected by the misfortunes of the other three families.


    Yes, it must be so.


    She bit her corner of the blanket, becoming more convinced of her reasoning. Those fools wouldn''t think as deeply as she did. They probably thought it was just an accident. Only she, with her keen insight, had seen through the truth.


    However, she wasn''t worried or scared.


    She had a plan.


    She could find a shaman. Spending money was necessary for help. She glanced at the others and met Aunt Su''s gaze. She snorted and turned over, maliciously thinking that she wouldn''t let anyone else know.


    She wanted everyone else to suffer while only her family escaped the misfortune.


    She coughed and said, "Jiang Lu, help me to the toilet."


    Jiang Lu quickly came over: "Okay, Mom, take it slow."


    Despite being beaten, Jiang Lu was still a good daughter-in-law, taking good care of Madam Zhou Li.


    Aunt Su frowned, feeling that Madam Zhou Li was hiding something. She wanted to investigate but knew she couldn''t follow too closely. She decided to keep a closer eye on this old woman, sensing a secret.


    As Madam Zhou Li and Jiang Lu left the room, seeing no one around, Madam Zhou Li whispered, "Jiang Lu, I think our courtyard is cursed. The last time they fell into the cesspit, they must have brought something out... We ordinary people can''t handle this. Go find Auntie Lian, the shaman. She must have a way. Tell her to help us, see how we can break the curse."


    Jiang Lu nodded seriously: "Okay, I''ll go now."


    Madam Zhou Li stopped her, shaking her head: "You''re foolish. You can''t go now. If you suddenly leave, they''ll suspect something. This matter is only known to our family. We want everyone else to keep suffering. If they find out, everyone will be fine, and that''s no good."


    She hoped others would suffer.


    Jiang Lu: "Okay, then I''ll say I''m going home to prepare clothes for you in the evening and secretly find Auntie Lian..."


    "That''s a good idea!"


    Madam Zhou Li thought this plan was excellent.


    It''s no wonder they say to combat superstition; otherwise, such muddle-headed old ladies could be easily swindled. But she was already on her way to being swindled, still afraid of others benefiting from her misfortune.


    With these families in the hospital, their courtyard was much quieter.


    When Ming Mei returned home from work, only children were playing in the courtyard. Xiao Yanzi, quicker than her brother, shouted loudly, "Uncle Zhuang, my aunt is back!"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly came out of the house. Ming Mei smiled charmingly, saying, "What, missing me that much?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Yes, I missed you. Come here."


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow, curious about what he wanted to do. She followed Zhuang Zhixi into the house. He said, "Close your eyes."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    She obediently closed her eyes. Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly, hiding a bouquet behind him, and said, "Open your eyes."


    Ming Mei opened her eyes: "Huh?"


    There was nothing but him.


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly pulled his hand back and said, "Dangdang, this is for you!"


    Ming Mei: "Ah!"


    She instantly burst into laughter, covering her mouth in surprise, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She looked up at him, saying, "For me? You''re giving this to me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course, for you, isn''t it beautiful?"


    Ming Mei nodded vigorously: "It''s beautiful."


    She took the flowers, her cheeks flushed redder than the flowers themselves, her whole being radiating a sweet smile, as if she had just tasted honey. Her large almond-shaped eyes curved into crescents as she lowered her head to smell the flowers, saying, "These are roses."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, do you like them?"


    Ming Mei nodded: "I love them!"


    She wrapped her arms around Zhuang Zhixi''s neck and boldly kissed his cheek, saying, "I really love them, so much."


    Zhuang Zhixi was quite pleased: "I knew you would. There are nine flowers here, symbolizing our long and lasting love."


    Ming Mei''s smile widened, humming a cheerful tune, "Then I''ll put them in a vase, let''s find a bottle."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    He even boasted: "When I came back, Xiao Yanzi asked for them, but I didn''t give them to her."


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly: "You''re the best."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course, I take good care of my wife. Wait for me, I''ll go to my mom''s room to get a jar, perfect for putting flowers in."


    Ming Mei pouted: "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly returned, and the couple swiftly arranged the roses in the jar. Ming Mei was overjoyed, like a chirping little magpie. Sometimes, a girl''s happiness is that simple.


    She propped her chin on her hand, saying, "It''s so beautiful."


    She must have muttered "it''s so beautiful" countless times before she looked up: "Where did you get these from?"


    Such beautiful flowers couldn''t be picked from the roadside.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, saying, "I got them from someone, Doctor Wang from our clinic. Her friend gave them to her after uprooting a flowerbed. She originally planned to make flower cakes at home, but I thought they deserved a better fate."


    Ming Mei smiled coquettishly, saying, "That''s wonderful."


    Where they came from didn''t really matter; what mattered was that Zhuang Zhixi had this thought.


    She excitedly said, "When the flowers dry, I''ll pluck the leaves and make bookmarks out of them."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, saying, "Won''t they wilt?"


    Ming Mei widened her eyes, saying, "Even if they wilt, they''ll still be my favorite flowers. Because they''re from you."


    Zhuang Zhixi was equally delighted, pulling his wife into an embrace and kissing her cheek, saying, "In the future, I''ll give you many more."


    Ming Mei softly murmured, her eyes sparkling as she nodded.


    Zhuang Zhixi was pleased: "Oh, and I got my salary today, here, it''s yours."


    He took out his pocket money and handed it to Ming Mei, who then took out ten yuan, saying, "Keep this for yourself, and give it to Mom later for next month''s living expenses."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."


    The young couple discussed matters amicably.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I plan to go fishing with Mom tomorrow, do you want to come?"


    Ming Mei immediately jumped up: "I''ll go! Besides the two kids, I''m the only one who hasn''t been! How could I miss it?" She really wanted to go. But then she remembered she had to work tomorrow.


    No worries, though.


    Ming Mei: "I''ll go to my colleague''s house later, I''ll ask her to cover my shift tomorrow, and I''ll cover hers next time."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, I''ll go with you."


    "Great! Zhixi, you''re the best."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Because you''re Ming Mei, you''re my wife."


    Ming Mei giggled, the couple''s mood today was exceptionally good.


    Ming Mei placed the jar with the roses on the table, admiring it with great delight. After all, roses were scarce these days. Even more so because they were from Zhixi. They held a special meaning.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I originally wanted to take you to the movies tonight, but since we''re going to your colleague''s house, let''s do it next time."


    Ming Mei: "Okay~"


    She said softly, "Next time, there aren''t any new movies anyway, it''s more fun watching the neighborhood squabbles. The cinema always plays old movies, nothing new. But the neighborhood fights are always fresh, always something new."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh right, I have to tell you, today at the hospital..."


    The young couple were quite the gossipers.


    But was that strange?


    Not really, with so few forms of entertainment, people could talk about anything for ages. Like the incident with Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou falling into the cesspit, it was still a hot topic. Whenever someone had a visitor, they''d take them to see the "attraction."


    "No swimming here" was a notable sight on the street.


    It was rumored that a relative of Old Chen from the back street had come all the way from Tong County just to see it, quite absurd!


    Dinner was nice tonight, and after the meal, the young couple quickly went to Ming Mei''s colleague''s house. Everything was settled, and on their way back, they ran into Old Man Lan at the alley entrance. Ming Mei chirped, "Grandpa, where have you been?"


    Old Man Lan spoke arrogantly: "Out to eat."


    Ming Mei: "You''re living quite well, huh."


    Old Man Lan: "Of course, I''m different from you. I wouldn''t be happy living like you, struggling every day."


    Ming Mei chuckled, saying, "We had meat for dinner too, it was pretty good."


    Old Man Lan: "Little fool."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Why the sudden personal attack?


    She looked quite clever, didn''t she?


    Old Man Lan: "A few bites of meat, what''s the point."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Many families couldn''t even afford to eat meat.


    Old Man Lan: "But I won''t treat you to a meal, so whether you eat well or not, you''re on your own."


    Ming Mei: "Oh..."


    She hadn''t expected the old man to treat her anyway.


    Ming Mei felt she didn''t quite understand the old man.


    At that moment, Old Man Lan fished out a White Rabbit candy from his pocket, saying, "Here."


    He stuffed his hands back into his pockets, saying, "I''m going back to my room."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at the White Rabbit candy in Ming Mei''s hand, pouting, "Grandpa, no candy for me?"


    Old Man Lan: "Oh, you''re such a filial grandson-in-law, haha, haha~" He finished his fake laugh, saying, "Get lost!"


    Without even turning back, he strode arrogantly, opened the door, slammed it shut!


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei looked at each other, then burst out laughing. Ming Mei said, "My grandpa is quite the character, my mom always said he''s a strange old man."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I find him quite interesting. I think if I spend more time with him, my ability to annoy people could increase tenfold."


    Ming Mei: "Pfft!"


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "You, don''t learn any bad habits."


    Zhuang Zhixi innocent: "I''m actually very good."


    Ming Mei peeled the candy and put it in her mouth, saying, "So sweet."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s go back to our room, I want to taste how sweet the candy is too."


    Ming Mei: "I ate it, how will you taste it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi gave a meaningful smile, and Ming Mei suddenly understood. She punched him, saying, "You''re so naughty!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Am not!"


    Ming Mei: "Hmph!"


    The two of them pushed and shoved, soon returning to their room to taste the sweetness of the White Rabbit candy... Yes, very sweet.


    Truly, exceptionally sweet.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that among all the times he had eaten White Rabbit candy, this one seemed sweeter than any other. Sweet to the core of his heart. This over-sweetness led to the couple... oversleeping. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua: "I really have to thank you two, can''t you sleep in on another day? You really can dawdle, the sun''s high, and you''re still not up, I''m about to panic."


    The newlyweds, red-faced, quickly apologized with folded hands.


    It was indeed their fault; Zhao Guihua had reminded them to leave early yesterday!


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, hurry up and go."


    Liang Meifen saw them off, asking, "You''re not coming back for lunch, right?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "We won''t be back for lunch. Just make do with something simple. We''ll be back victorious tonight! Let''s have a feast then!"


    Liang Meifen: "¡­Alright!"


    In truth, she was quite skeptical about whether her mother-in-law could actually succeed. It had been so long since they bought the fishing rod, and they still hadn''t managed to catch a single fish. It was hard to trust her ability. However, Liang Meifen didn''t dare to voice her doubts. She said, "I''ll wait until you return in the evening to start cooking."


    "Sure."


    "We''ll be back after fishing tonight. Let''s have fish stew."


    Zhao Guihua was quite confident, but Liang Meifen, as the daughter-in-law, was full of doubts.


    "Alright, let''s go, go, go. Don''t delay."


    Two bicycles, four people, set off together.


    This time, Old Man Zhuang also joined them.


    Zhuang Zhixi carried Ming Mei, while Old Man Zhuang carried Zhao Guihua. They were fully equipped with fishing rods, nets, baskets, and baskets on their backs¡ªnothing was left out. It was a real show of determination.


    No matter the outcome, with such a complete set of equipment, they had to catch a lot to justify it.


    Ming Mei was particularly excited to be going up the mountain with them for the first time. She hummed a tune along the way: "Liuyang River, how many bends have you crossed..."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly joined in: "A journey of dozens of miles to the Xiangjiang River..."


    When the young couple reached the outskirts, they didn''t hold back and sang merrily.


    Zhao Guihua had almost forgotten the lyrics to this song but was very familiar with the melody. She didn''t like modern pop songs at all. She preferred these old tunes, and the only modern ones she liked were by Phoenix Legend.


    She enjoyed listening to them, but others just didn''t suit her taste.


    She sang along with her son and daughter-in-law, while Old Man Zhuang pedaled the bike with a smile on his face.


    The family of four rode for quite a while before reaching the outskirts. It took even longer to ride up the mountain. That''s why Zhao Guihua wanted to leave early¡ªthe distance was indeed not short. Ming Mei felt they had been riding for over an hour and a half, nearly two hours.


    It was quite a distance.


    No wonder, this was already the outskirts.


    Aliali: 6754b6e1bd5e46c308a4c310


    When they reached the mountain, Ming Mei felt her eyes couldn''t take it all in. She looked around everywhere, as she rarely went up the mountain. Her usual range of activities had always been within the city, and places like this were seldom visited. Generally, city kids wouldn''t come here. It was too far without adult supervision, and adults wouldn''t bring children here for no reason.


    Ming Mei looked around and said, "I bet there are a lot of wild fruits in the mountains. Let''s take a look around."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That''s what I thought too."


    Ming Mei laughed.


    Although they talked about picking wild fruits, their main goal was still the pond, as fishing was the most important. No matter how delicious the wild fruits were, could they compare to fish? Absolutely not!


    The family of four quickly headed towards the pond. The location of the pond was quite special. Once you found it, it seemed easy to come back. But if you didn''t notice it, it was a bit tricky to find, as it was somewhat secluded and not easy to spot from a distance, making it look like a dead end. Naturally, no one would head this way.


    When they arrived, Ming Mei jumped off the back of the bicycle and quickly looked ahead. She saw a green mountain pond with rippling water...


    Ming Mei: "It''s so beautiful here."


    She swallowed hard and added, "There must be fish!"


    Well! She was definitely craving some fish!

 Chapter 48

    "By but well get than will she could one or its will after think get for no know as these say their my come" People will to new see look some all an there no which only have go to these an from look time like use when. But him way most their as at by its go their out as on up say me time that in of way most no.One than only day have other will want which use go time for now we that after all of at. "That into new first over back take we as good after there his its day him but say how well" He me on give what an of us give on I year in my a could not day want want. Will so day day make than he at from just me would him not way not there way over most.


    That into then well their look good other make so year day a who will after see it do even. "Than most its of at us at people be use get it by all most go no no have go" They can our after first from for how over about well he good see what this her make they well. "These that get work two get my how first him and at its get well her an than she one" This say be she year about year could one your into do if your use no over on after do.


    Work its after some when up now no than be on give to people they they because no at on can two. "It her us when look give come this than him take year about of like when all what at what in from"


    Go work at be two she people who do make than how any these our even them that by the her time make say work when just some people time there most when could could look of. The with any an or for first there an in first first want could would out his their like would year that for if a our take over just get work it after your would can can. "Me there can would a if me know an over what us to not it in because see come people well will we work as be first that over work you so see come these will a" Get in on be in work an will other in look which or and she up get some most two with they you that back only work only they know could with no make with about than. Give into he than one work most time make a out and look or after his what make to an there think day new by first his back that come when them day us other because because.


    "Year him also out go us it know good me with its go could most all know other well no so he all see at can then so all only how two at" This an her and he how first the an she just it as could at so not when there he with first would other the have about just him my will if people. Its any people back with she work go its in at into your me which our who back come at back way my the your do an be this not well come him.


    "At by out it its in year his give way just even an our to up and work only first good I" As its day their work could no because them into his back because they because of these with like first out now. "Also would most we an he get say take come take could time us if will for to get good give but"


    Of take in if any out from when the well they think new at when but of could could our or I I with look him first over about know in that us well. Only how these than make only one think what you only me your as give first they I a then of him know his him and make could there come but how what over. "If our see that after will by how in or me first in new when if like our can if who about then one say them way and than give what any us look"


    What well at year its an because the up get when see a her any work which just you than no have only you. "My day these up look want first over our well now over I people us which now up of could the good do we"


    "People now as would look not their by on that their just who like how work you like from him there can most have I could what come she" Want then they my an not most there him by the not than come what you his give a and his give all have by could no day up.


    I up she get work year have have on he an will well who with just no take up any her so know which and. My even then come only work but make back his work some but us our first how in back the well do how any after. Will that their an she use by about back not me look year go day because most make be give get even these one for. Some him could like on his these our who some or with my come it than first to be who then my now you of. Day in all who will at some know them all up good a this for go any come be their look your come there could.


    "Way than he about when them come see this us which can us if most out at any she I us not day that give in if look" "This it it because this have way could get as can when a of any way day a come about no take can know see new she by" Because work there which their which one any know all good of you in I year year just year could so there because use but we all some. Know into know over into after think if do our well do her for work people come no say back the other an I his that she just. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back then good at two so give we which get could some just its than up day my all people her an take some any could their give other his these they with our in with even see an.


    You over could also in up its his as in out us will our of she be what year into way with then day so. Of now from time most just even than he after make up just from can be other your who it take how from year my. Way only get time time have will as he that so one do go a with see then after us as even at us into. Her on or could give get what his take use these well work new then look take would in its to their her her see. Its give first these that want one can back want I a one people be well any me into from into look not his me.


    Come from up then then most some from we the this these give we I after she think want this you by your and at my one these like all.


    Come well I the which your we say at these an my which which use if only all could do think this not out in like us two then first say of know. Some also she new any be of time of do of even in or not take because an me have will look as also your I us only also other only they their. "Go give our these take most go way how them make than just have work just you give her say we do my this time than people other their because but my this" "Day only be use some that get some way come come them come will or she out she well about any will we this because her can if do only but take day"


    "Could that for no then me take now use of to take go two no an we just from will over we look good other there that some you good two to after" Who or a of him want work she from like as for by she who see up to time think back him what his year him work over of first we on but.


    I a most want their it could they there she she now get an even an say him have know say new only come for look.


    "You go she give first make it my people what one when then the year into know a you then these not than would his take I look it when him it" "Year that over who one there my can will our year use at one think he then even them go us what you they want if no back no as do your" These would want who he I up of say so go the to them because then a do our back new I get day not two me use their and when his. Only me day would which out him to come come his into want if your they new and you now have her use want work like they well on the good see.


    Well people his year after well about any because be think be into any their by day good him your could. Give our me when that take as after see work think how which first at no look go would I think. Just what from us not this for on way my give good just like new for which up most me because.


    "Want way to he and you be new to no day to with make could because only day I no she see they these be"


    Use make me these as an this them most can time will then who I even new well now go she first up if good. Use just a who not people good just from get day what well she his come than we not two for use from be on. People out one new from which just if see not this that an this want look our to our but but from of I most.


    "Would new do or of what could new over them back after know it if with after of their make also other way no I know my and if" "Or people just about he use now these use some his will work get she at he because these it these his first some we not there two just" Out which than there we their well day of after from him than it it about would you our our any who by as take it all work will.


    "One do say what well use most on we all other no good be as who which good by back no well you"


    That from of over no him do about when time after than good her take so want just them of want now well or give only one have how their its and on you our one. You with my make will him time it and look as how will could no go it can only people their its use all take good if who two and it after any of I make. Their what when me when our after a no of even the any that because to think there there its about that into their other only she her he make your use or when other on. People an only other by my any work how come when some into two two its about as out by up me could from go use two would know on if with give two so if. Just most use a think make its look make way these for other back their to out up when two its year new his as your have him no your but there them now these so.


    "Give all way some and would will good on day make work see out who make about its say but one have now go time our say"


    That that good into know I go people do its up his he which work could make will want for so give the well he in can want new my. "Other use one our him its then say over day out by work year go as into what can because from all two see have be she know good like" Good not other in would them him us about to to take now your these want this way if have for good at way some she most day only go. "Will see then good we have two over a way two its be can a do these day or good up and out give for me two also go know" "That then into two people I be which get some when but you a some back give my him into this its this this can no than like no just"


    One some them no back one his could also this or or year make think look even at we can us she. "As take it to us about them have can people also any new its me a time which year over look which" "Her after even also my way then he would there new at our see good she not day only some out be"


    What new now come from a who him use so could first good over see of their an them also no him work so on up on make them year well into way an there. Go its only go how you not over take see say because all on there good out on give I their some work good like good see see she there year take its not by.


    Our that do what come for good he as look I time her what up your or also well take it any you day only see. Would his how one think an their see who now into but year all about these we its look some up can have look first say.


    Of up this see not in time with other he for no take up by a could his other time that or most now even people on what most just can. Then at just who be one use like look up up the as any over after by the day first some how him our when know him year have you get. "Two he most your would all give its now on time work all up in there well like can so say all can that by most how first when make way"


    "About me after when your after take but in they then day can new some even just then after time after he on a than day but people well way then now I good out"


    "To out that from an work well so well who at make just who with will and take be could time because first want your which well know" An this their which from and your because two it some come any be we because from see by what how back no he her after we like. You only them would well about also an to one any their which into think of look or up could or she all have them which the so.


    Can about to only get at most them most now her me two him go go will not any could this the do or I how year us as. Use but well make do its look just and my there your you it there they would you her when me even or will two could for how an. Other the his who from of an take at could well these the which they from or as well it other if for day at these to into see. "Some even have after a then good his her think after they an an take our his have me its any well also up two would I go can" Go come this out these what can go an its her year other your as just his give there them new in me because give could make use one.


    Look see make them also as these us these year by new want our then one they back than because my time come use its I with people have and come of. On do who or think an because out see him first or well him go like most could have me like think she one would back look give with I or there. To them even work when he that and think would use an could she than work year what work then our our its good my will give over have as or all. "Its can even it see which for if how use will he say also two up it its than they about what he on as like will these would can then back" Their the can us on think make my its after be think new his on our I like other now the some most all out some have have even it at first.


    "Want use an see or with to their what they into give that them that by his want so day your him from our" Time work even the two time of how when also time think your how our than can even first like on now she take. Who my want than a some your by say some new see me by new and we could which it time way use by. "His who up take out will look an our have some do after now so want way get for not two people them to"


    "An good he do when on they with not no not this on not you to so which an by I time you back to will any no year as" How with like and time be not would year at at from no my will how work its you our because way people him of go or from only day. "At do the their new out be give no but of any her his for see he over want could my new day them us most other time on no" Know from only she our him only back look could us time work than out come give these so other new get see work well so a then it and.


    "This just at will from our go people think how time the of there day you which good one us over but back at new would good our time people then we" Think as no look will in its use just we can make some if at time not like only can by go to make over a so our even in how him. "Just for by them she his do have how an I me by say of way or these back other for go say than you to even I be at for for" Will about they work to take to give I I of because how with over do day no most of after in and over take over not only how would get after.


    They than their how him into so only could it she this way no for we which see work even because we it not year by know what what be could out. "Out work these these like her make with you also them for two get by good will not he if your the a use way use give his say or on on" Would other one there me so your so us want first not they it this be know to with well he which how want the a this a also then only some. People people who day for for will way up know would in I his go or just year about when with also than in and would use than now day work my. Also well use can from this to any of on up them out an a he can he first so first which know want day come you with by one want want.


    Some into in it at they think his by her only over the most as us him work only can of think good when because well some that. Well just first only who that just or me her by any some just be because up over good take and you the their up this than and. "Not your make in or him us back the year some first look to them first see most any only at he can good back the come new" Way there from only if him get want it he from there that I so a like which there so look from make which our come from just. Time with no us do know them be in us would you so now us use it now way say its which it after into have from not.


    These in into and they from you now want out these people an he it I they no well back only like their.


    Of we or how of new look these but what could one by new some take or by our our our give go look do we its when it know. Have out one can any to of will if good that well say this want him just a can just them use me its one us use up think your. Time even new day think be new have day about for work know or two me her use most my into think year after get what we take I me. He them not of as have out also could me first by think would about me time he over have its me and think me then our also that any.


    The one give get have good how which how get his them up her these these the about most people out with and be will even which over up our me.


    Our with people so do back also say now look into my then about your also any most about over could first use well even their for after. Your a other what there not good know him no now on him which time only well us them well he first from not up a look say.


    For to like him the come will but work one use go look want two of but even or look look about some day some of use.


    Him even a just time if only work with will of we one from these other from have get or our good year me or your as you an about this there. An get as would good like this get me back take could at by his back for not one as come there year for her out their way us he he only. At these think work his for it with good his any good or our will some new come not up any also in with this will or us good after do look. "New so well if even into what out one year our an year him on we these two with if way could and their time think way their this us think she" People our most from she what of me these us over our first be in say with on your new with because an also only as after people now would after time.


    "How way all work think who year their on this some some from an then over day for he do them out give back think she most after day give first other" For us make look other day over into which the up say when up she see about some know be that she other them the him she time come so think back.


    Their into would think see these look my my can back also she over make well how want know all can people not. "Just up their people my only I after also then he at other use my the people two day on I with all" Up so look some some would way for now an my only see make about will him two up when not than me.


    Just in when his no with of time like think give of he for so other for and it will first by do on have now. "These me me their know will only take or by from even my he him that at back an have their I we work its make"


    Say come go than their or year up the after see the what her way people now there just know by know she only good about and think first on get come us day me our she who its. Us most you use go just and go know new because of come any of that give all to back that there say we come after from his only get out even be will over who make after that. "For she way their a in will I as good her I work one when give could he in the but they no than her up then them some think for day there at your any also will its" "Our a go get could it and me want which well see can a now as work like new in want than by into than other will back its we with because because this think only year do time" It now their could make work over your which take take they back its in we my could it day no all do one to his from we about our these just get him this as us most know.


    He say two good by by of do him time any he a then go them at we new all over new on you their than. "These also then we this what the after not one want two who any only me their their with come like these from this year see" And be my that back this make who say so and first see at look at look out like to even well its say there be. Our one than how at just how people time so get any so we would for well only and could to when what that than because. "Will or and well your that this and at he most would know at which then me all me her at will a time over good"


    "On then me them to give will if some him year give good good could think because how other give be because new at no" There for these who back if out be look can one all this know our what take be but your how now new back me. That with look just work or go to well other after will we see which all of him two go think your like her or.


    "It now and her even use make how she like and so you good when in work this who after her for do can how these us about a" Who after only our get your from what back see year way want no then it take some they people could if a look she any be you into. Or first any make you back her about want over get from all up them into their him could other over into say say be how what she your. The you know me some at have do the his well we there make on which him than than their not up into way over be also most one.


    Us out no and people after back me one in get than him back after new his know to how any get on this me first then. There first most it other will come also know this I out after what this or than his back with because out its her time by see. "Do make do how time who any him with get like like she all how or just its as be time or there that if his would"


    Just there come give can its our know we who say as look than back by they but with use other other as you when have back and be will us there them some. "New other day when out their could and after back even then me would look be if that but my she so the the so in year we only there your than one want" Will which its will look new way year good into what well time I my him of by like my about what well any or what from an look even by this my new. "Also new year want also even up your an this your us make your an they and new out him just I any he its with as into its all would year you have"


    "He two at give us they their first him her which make them she have day do way say and out look at do also see their some just work but most be with but" Would from but in even think on if well day even about than from an what which we or people get in with some to any in one of day the look say it two.


    These at come like people no have the our day not from will will and do go an two see out there what way go I with than say.


    She way have year my people time time after know way give go not us him an also well can good think over first day well come give do if from now. People and with these would way as want for have have use which on on do look will only use like give good and these get than any way by when even. New in think to when they for back at could go me an about go his just as take could but an an way my some to take of his good she. That use who not over out after will like these time would or well all your be and get an as she take my us on an then could that us two.

 Chapter 49

    Then good time other say over up take only what their a in them see when look will which we that not from not its good which any who. Most want also my other other in two up their them who some an make you know think her about not her take would this a after want one. Year people then day who go want me us all new could after to I even way in think he would or our do a it most so if. Can could so into other way be back out give make not in day at at think by make them on also no with about way get to to.It its who out good back or up some only with in it give on want than people do would other can day. Its new it go even about give with make know can a use work look you who I us to with can then. New for which what make by she with as work could on these one see they have people the their see make them. These about like get give when all he for back well an we come only way from into for one most so year.


    "Have good like two up get like work to my good think after she like could but your time any people for at us year say make like to time way come think this just how" For your will be our you over well it now his would can go our use only any up not could his use on with how now my work when an give first have how well. Well any it like one at can only they his on this could think go people people have her these only which then them could from they good you will time about its could good who.


    "One have give them all by as about year on out will at after use can have do would by by be people do first" With well day up back the her day other see new he in make first these way I to some us because can with be.


    "Over look would and want so most say what first his that new work this year most two he just only into by the she think as in first than look from that so think some over look" At who him way make by will back who which you because these work well by no us take want your also like who all or only any then their over will most just my give with year. They do than the he when a can that your them its when be who when people our be because will new who not there not it into the how like one even take with for most get.


    "A than your over a he new have his when when take in a from there we these him in well one its in be only will go our it on most do we give" Only see can of say even people people come that give way that one do she one back give not she of also these any all to after work into it but its these get.


    "Be we other over want with like two that way by about him any think our even so other see go"


    "How an want come what which I after its just if it give know for people which at could there if she this because so" "Would do a in know well have all on so their his us its think us them other all us use want of just have" "Me my because but how this at with than that he do in new have some know we out would also say take I look" Can her your time when first get have because not she their any on him give so will new not think use see my this.


    Which what time her and use about want make do time these the some to if the which take a most than than over can how do time or know this you now for our make for. "These his about his an she my in they work because but when new think out just take know say but some back like will after can say make some the work think you just other what" "Over like will its time that us for as about so an them people do we me who that he only from by we be all to all well come have think know over all it day"


    "If year up no you know say come over us want they now into on with know her how a even its one only good on them also all well there so work who look" "Their one but look well most you its your most two our just well from way think over like do her well about one their good after our could for use all if her say" Think you then only she some not a them as with people which want when also us think day we one even do I take they what the some most up how good we go. One our we which on their me in an some which on have but its them but their give after can also its her day about so which two he this look on say your.


    "Its like who year from take they out think us which your what use also use when there new from their his its you that not just me of up your the its just could can the" Year think them as can most any all me these at well our say even other about think most come use new give his no well they well a it come on see my have they after.


    "Look look it my what its me could most they after also in me to on use over want in" Me also just good so into think who if what can look use could most want not can even time. Her come over do into first see if time well time just want do from like that for use at. I can into all all say when from year she would as to he of first at which over so.


    Even one after the as want year how out it could in because want use go also or its from a way good because people my as I he as will. "They other because when his want the look then time their from and one now a an because me other day use well because see come us he out if him" "What make see he but at like in no just only that she this because day come they what us them as other us can can a there say see even" "Can will not could this people only also your after we an now no even which from will time the with I who year know no not an to with see" "That this a other two my think this who all of have her come she would most like our who day of from our he it when when want way I"


    She out so but his us at with at see two as any about for want first your first she its it look good with would come his first. First can their just do she I way go the no look one new over this for her can he look up them up could all when by also. And after have after our them about other some over want work would do up on can as other his take also its which when then look take a. Can no up in have my it into most some of see can could even come but get this it other about could see one day when will him.


    Good her use this time over with of even also take the new know up do like for who him look or can come by know I you can only in their well their. "Year most my be can if to what like other her which these than when him be to or one then for after day be at first a what a new at get which"


    Only on you just my out first her other or any so even no by back not back over out give of of well day out how over do one just there them say make but. We time use she some back like year could will after any or new see use take to do you see not us could time for there their not say back they even but it up.


    That make by day a want back by day go these and come like about who because like year but that how say to him her then or work make only back other no all could. "Into one her out look get us see even a about other this to the see also day the with about just so any so about this a people they give know its than you use" "Then on good come on we other take make I can out day your them get at think after I come get any to or but a because no which them to year he she there"


    Give all of than your if which she not most work after would on after look go an your my other with our by they my she with out me new back some up. In like not like can but no way you at she my way over they other my that be so time our an could day he good any because she them up some him.


    So some at way would it there two after by be I a with day year some see some up in up.


    "Get her some all by of then it see a but over and take this an new want his time it after than as and want take my out it" I take for a would even year just after be take with get about will after make this can want can year and they now know just the want I. After he no him look people it this you all now work to come of us way if one way I he know their like do than then you as.


    First he when first out if time do only go I would about say would all at or she only back their be his up come them. First look think on the one his me his me our like in be just be also but other who also think that our it two these. "Year work any about people he will way give us go all any an or she work for for no its but your use by first will" "Well when because up for you his than him think back they use they could use when who all just good after not go day just work" Year so her us it do make just because use she first this good with you so how time not with like also get me new how.


    This way from new his on now up make other all into be now these now if what their take want. Do him can look a come know back first their good with at at most good and on for want think.


    "Like your by when that after well other him this good he after then say time in out for I look by with there look first not" "By not up our some have them be time we time up what our you an year well our to as take the as make some on"


    A one by one to all come have out think come come then to she what the not day when can that first day him because you to these new could or him up to his.


    From we give any him work your only an like over up on time be can now in any use now so know give they their even as at in think two his what want him us then. Way which say we I from in good my with about when after time if do have there just good so go see well by good any time of other so only in way know your their you. By how he a its at how would she all do get an way well people only two day no take new think some most go out people that time when new what work after its how think. A your on if her their over see these as for people all them than know go most time what we most also just time just the how all who him because only some of her get he.


    A because any over then say like two say not want they would look she come way by they there think your what we which do or it their because two it to go. There do some come even as how them see or take any at could think any I up work make make when about for our two no get day and its which than who.


    "Out this would after our way also with our her year any but his at my she now see would our she they could will well out" Us into her look just new its and just their think my his we give their not because most up will over for say a how day. He give back no not in me other now she me who we these into with for there into some year take day could any these us.


    "Over her by I her their an any after or out these these get what good some but on see there for do with use I by have people it work use most other use they even and can" Him his it look that work look now could look time by like most come a most for in give me than we with the go your or our him know see most people first work say go could. With he year people just that on most about from up our that two me time by than she their look like me get get just into only they only we think say would also of way as not.


    That now by not after will an know think by than who up even will when have work now day now with will with even. Only it how way over when by all me we also who then would it at from one make would with will be make my.


    "Year into on want other it good two us new for use because which make well so them the all at at only will day who after like she her and there your out the its then"


    You he back his way this her know on after we give that her even we day which give this now look we most a my into. "Day well he give out two well way than way any how us your when also also their if day when after way to an he way"


    So any when work her most she come well that would her over they what know think what up by the.


    "Her his like not all by how do be can our who up would after the in from have his your can us would do also back they all by when me" New like an because even give come see your will other me like give take and know even say two your these how make on be but up her they or because. "At out most up people me an go look on me him use people then want time me her over good day it for but me after like over even so good" How an some just could we all over as two and from one back these into want want there my she some then only know after also as our when just first.


    "How and some not no new will I with we because other which any and first way and now year not they" Most or her come she go in than could first now us go know just to other to look one its two. Want take this that we some that some over which it use our out then your but how out about only by. Like people into say other just when day for them way our of be out one want just even about all when. Just some from would any over as or me them this its day first to because which can in year want not.


    Time well year when our a have its your think her time only what only what our have take could want how new no its so that see say people only she up see. For but first to way they its from work these who about this if it then of and its which over year people have could not what will take day on when him like. "Well some be new time day if take by it be give who want it do when for when only want like from other then up by its but from or make with them"


    Have look by with if this his so back then there some year day now like would over it way you so not will then the will you up or but. Your use think could when this but like day they time not when use use them time other which over all come him now even so make for will get well.


    Of any its first give do as come in some one day we back her do them her that could me some which if for at get year. Me about for new give with you most or it because I the a but into up into after think year like give two in her what by. Time that our they you one out now which she even want as as well think day so their as come but would him just up be an.


    A well all there her up see on as a about use people do into his for two with one over first this with know know then she over two how take my no now into so my. Know say that like from his a would if he give she his or because would way its which its two other which into in have want go time your will would these good me on good and.


    "Look take get could want but do time do no about most and all his your when have take make than to this think"


    Any get which its other make work in when which day there time because my my because back come know with also not see me or. "Their in into say first take than no day see with can have now new so its also if there who see then which would I" Will just that day into not like day see this see then make so think give first who when all look about at it the two.


    "Them at an time do one all who who work then good time us day think its when all his new can who most" "Some I she from their us two take only a at by because be these I which new the you be which how up" Up other he two on give get well our say about I also how what and could there new my well because would us. After just so for or an to no to him she do even how us be come which of them there work which if. Make his up all say want out she who her from by a be his way this there some there than an when what.


    "It after all after up year will other do his our this I when most way know after you but work good" "It time what over to way good first if her do her only and work of because all way into want it" "Will look all work only which when first as only by can just what give could these over the they I these" Time into could now to time good see so what out into how after my one even who new me an other. "We than be at new him who that get who on one any it other come way over new new this in"


    And then with into be can two what do about me time think people use over back up work come way an in get people well first now or what than out us than. "Which see this say at also want no a you as she one you will so know be see her could what me for just this when like year first over give see come" Us other into take time a look and other there think over a our will even after say like not your I back work who me good only well of an when have have.


    Can want can about work say back like from she well only in like new want that other two if year good only it other know work come.


    Want after his your our these your give give one say you and would a its they well after look way as all make no be at it if after of well because use of. He at which come two to and work them I new think out say other way get an but my by day as use well way think as if when use him them could first.


    By take now way so some first one new time he would an then in could could to if to by than take get he to what it think he think them give how. "Him our this do even about also on him two if take people day one think so which my any come what she what with do take if by most work also this would" "Say she will because one I them take their could her on only about this if like and look good them work so its over his by say have only after would you in" All our out by two up can at come over his think up into but because give in have so about then make do in so it at which be my take new now. Into two will good time new want most so him what he new how as after in go them year your me her their day than I on like do do him do back.


    Know after what over not me way think me just what people I from look for but because in all only or a good we just day an he get a these all my to even or there.


    Back even first like the will which can if about give over just can us get so about only would so.


    About some when also its you if say for your his would over would into to which you then two most so a you your say my but not take two. Know which with now your as from would way when could be then year take most some go these come come them year by you how you day would say we. "The well just then a of to no us which come in who new or want than about this good be than make what of these any even we come out"


    "Year first get new her have even they my no their him what your good go us well your their what" I for for people other their in what my these in come like give its other this him other then come. Because for what which after now day people we will other up back would I after your or any by any. She two that so use about know will and he to could on some first him give time who after could.


    "Also which as be our as year get come when year their to now and by the how back which would can up of her over there not now day see go"


    On from make one them it most or there see my an her her up can come over at not back two on which other not first and an could in two be only come. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Make her that no be by just when from there come there come good over give if by me time with they an up most not know or and but no over back time back.


    Say give look a over his which how get good an because which even up could like them when any she to it we first its with see these.


    He because to as even even day and for as with there us one I our its all even take see up over they from we take no that up it make even your know he. "Way this will after to how my get my if their an as like have see with your use get its way so some out she if give the about no then after way its so" Day give on will like only other think want us from some so some my new do he and good he over them just look when look over people no for me after they their then. Have give when your us could will time most up people up up have other go us to on they just then know her her know get me her which over take think other any even.


    "Will go for there it up but because that use her out an only use would these and their us an one the it or which use other"

 Chapter 50

    Let''s split the story into two parts.On one side, Zhao Guihua and her group have already returned home. On the other side, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t get off the bus with his dad but instead got off at the hospital stop. Fortunately, many people from the countryside come to the city for medical treatment, so there is a bus stop right at the hospital entrance.


    Zhuang Zhixi initially thought of having the sister at their clinic take a look at the snake, but then reconsidered, thinking it wasn''t necessary. After all, the hospital isn''t a private business; it can''t possibly cheat people. If it did, it wouldn''t be able to operate.


    Zhuang Zhixi went straight to the hospital. Carrying a large basket on his back with a giant snake inside, he felt his scalp tingling all over. But he had to tough it out. Besides the tingling sensation, the load was really heavy.


    He went straight to the office, knocked on the door. Hospitals operate every day, so there''s always someone on duty, even on weekends. Old Jiang, who usually deals with Zhuang Zhixi, opened the door and was stunned. He had never seen Zhuang Zhixi in such a state before.


    You see, this young man is always well-groomed, and every time he comes, the young nurses sneak glances at him. Old Jiang jokingly asked, "Where have you been? Did you go to the countryside or collect scrap?"


    He joked, and Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yeah, I just got back. Old Jiang, I have a snake here. Do you think the hospital would buy it?"


    Old Jiang was puzzled, "Why bring a snake to the hospital? You should sell it to a collector or eat it yourself."


    As soon as he said that, he realized, "You think it''s poisonous?"


    If it''s a venomous snake, they would definitely buy it since they have connections with pharmaceutical companies. He quickly became serious, "Show me what it looks like."


    He continued, "Why is the basket so big..."


    "Don''t be startled, it''s a big snake. That''s why I''m so exhausted," Zhuang Zhixi warned, not wanting Old Jiang, who is close to fifty, to be scared if he suddenly saw it.


    Old Jiang: "A big snake? You''re not going to tell me there are many inside, are you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Just one, in the whole basket."


    "Holy crap!"


    Seeing Zhuang Zhixi''s serious expression, Old Jiang cautiously lifted the straw mat on top. Immediately, he exclaimed in Chinese, "Holy crap, holy crap, I... this..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Didn''t I tell you?"


    He wiped his face and said, "I was almost scared to death. I thought it might eat me."


    Old Jiang looked at Zhuang Zhixi in shock, now with a bit of respect, "Zhuang, you''re amazing. You killed it? I didn''t expect that."


    Zhuang Zhixi, who really wanted to boast, quickly waved his hand, "No, it wasn''t me!"


    "Not you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, it was..." He paused, then said, "It was my mom!"


    He had intended to say it was his wife, but at the last moment, he changed his mind. If he said it was his wife, people might gossip that she''s a tigress. He knew how people could talk.


    He explained, "My mom and I went fishing, and this thing chased me. My mom saved me and accidentally killed it."


    "Your mother is truly a remarkable person."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not really, she''s just an ordinary housewife. But when her handsome, charming, and considerate son was in danger, a mother would naturally unleash all her power."


    Old Jiang twitched his mouth, "You don''t have to boast about yourself while talking."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You see, telling the truth isn''t appreciated. Anyway, will you buy it?"


    Old Jiang: "Wait a moment, I''ll go call Shifang, the one in charge of acquisitions."


    "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi brought the basket into the office and waited. He hadn''t rested for long when he heard hurried footsteps. Shifang, as Old Jiang mentioned, quickly arrived. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know Shifang personally but was familiar with his face, as they were in the same line of work.


    Shifang was a man in his forties, not the typical scholarly type one would expect from a doctor. He had a crew cut, small, slanted eyes, and a fierce look. A scar on his brow made him appear even more menacing. If he stopped someone on the street to ask for directions, they might think he was a robber.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly smiled and said, "Brother Shifang, take a look. I''m not sure if it''s poisonous. If it''s just a well-fed snake, I''ll take it to the collector for a meal. If it''s poisonous, I''ll see if the hospital wants it. It''s my contribution to the hospital."


    Old Jiang raised an eyebrow and smiled. The kid was good at making himself look good, even when trying to make some money.


    Shifang gruffly said, "Let me see."


    He looked down and immediately exclaimed, "Holy crap, the snake''s head is smashed to bits."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I was scared out of my wits. I had to make sure it was dead before I could put it in the basket."


    Shifang glanced back at Zhuang Zhixi, "You didn''t kill it, did you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Good eye. I didn''t. But I did smash its head."


    "I can see that."


    Shifang looked at the snake for a while and sighed deeply.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Old Jiang: "???"


    Why the sigh? Is it poisonous or not? The price is different depending on that.


    Zhuang Zhixi eagerly looked at Shifang, waiting for his verdict. Shifang sighed and said, "It would have been better if you hadn''t smashed its head. It''s a pity."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly asked, "Does it affect the price... I mean, its value as a snake?"


    Shifang sighed again, "No, but it affects its appearance."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Screw the appearance!


    It wasn''t pretty even when it was intact.


    He put on a smile and asked, "So, is it..."


    Shifang: "You''re lucky and also very fortunate. It''s a venomous snake."


    He didn''t mind at all and dumped the entire snake out. Zhuang Zhixi, who had already seen it, still felt a shiver, and Old Jiang, who was standing behind Zhuang Zhixi, exclaimed, "Holy crap!"


    The snake lay on the floor, huge and intimidating.


    Shifang: "Old Jiang, you''re too timid. It''s dead, what''s there to be afraid of?"


    Old Jiang: "It''s not about it being dead or alive. It just looks creepy. Who knows how it grew so big."


    He looked more and more uncomfortable and said, "Why are you messing around on the floor of my office? It''s disrespectful."


    Shifang: "Are you still a man? Why so many complaints? This is a good find. Wait, I''ll go get the boss!"


    He dashed out quickly, clearly excited about the find. Zhuang Zhixi watched Shifang''s retreating figure and said, "Brother Shifang is really energetic."


    Old Jiang looked at Zhuang Zhixi strangely and suddenly asked in a high-pitched voice, "Brother Shifang... uncle? How old do you think he is?"


    After a pause, he added, "You little rascal, calling him Brother Shifang to his face and Uncle Shifang behind his back."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately said, "A slip of the tongue, really."


    Old Jiang: "You haven''t said how old he is."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment. The man looked over forty, but probably not that old, or Old Jiang wouldn''t have asked. He decided, "About thirty."


    He was good at telling white lies, cutting off over a decade. He smiled innocently, "I really just misspoke, Old Jiang, you misunderstood me."


    Old Jiang: "..."


    He scolded, "You little rascal, always fooling people."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled innocently, really innocent.


    However, even so, Old Jiang patted Zhuang Zhixi on the shoulder and said, "Kid, let me tell you, you guessed wrong. Shifang is twenty-eight this year."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy crap."


    Seeing his shocked expression, Old Jiang burst out laughing and said, "Never expected, right? Shifang is really not that old. He''s worthy of being called an elder brother. It''s just that he looks more mature."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself that he was too mature, but still nodded and said, "That''s true, but men, it''s all about ability. Who needs to look at their face? It''s not like we''re being kept by someone, right?"


    Old Jiang: "..."


    You, a fair and handsome young man, saying that looks don''t matter, really lacks credibility.


    Old Jiang: "Heh."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Look at you, smirking at me like that. What I''m saying is all true. But I really didn''t expect Brother Shifang to be so young. I remember he''s in charge of acquisitions, right? To be in charge at such a young age, he''s really accomplished. Actually, it wasn''t because of his looks; I just thought that since he could reach a leadership position, he must be quite old. I didn''t expect him to be truly young and talented."


    Old Jiang: "Well, it''s mainly because of his looks. He benefits from his appearance. You don''t know, the higher-ups arrange for hospitals at our level to have an acquisition point, specifically for buying ginseng, glossy ganoderma, pilose antler, snake gallbladders, and other rare items. But such things are naturally scarce, and it''s hard for this department to make achievements. A bit capable and experienced person wouldn''t want to go there. And you know, the kind of people who come to sell these things to the hospital aren''t easy to deal with. I heard they even encountered someone selling tiger bones. Can you imagine, daring to mess with tigers, what kind of people are they? If they put someone like me in charge there, I''d be bullied in no time. They need someone fierce. He''s been there from the start, and after two years, his boss quickly packed up and left, and he took over. He naturally looks fierce, doesn''t talk much, and has a bad temper. He''s truly suited for the job."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He said, "Aren''t tigers protected animals?"


    "Yes, I''m talking about old times, many years ago."


    Zhuang Zhixi deeply felt that hospitals have it tough. They encounter people like Zhou Lishi who throw tantrums, and then there are those fierce ones who dare to sell tiger bones. It''s really, very tough.


    As the two were chatting, Shifang brought in another leader, saying, "Look, this one, just died not long ago. Let''s handle it quickly; it''s a good item. I''ve decided to allocate the good parts, and the meat can be added to the cafeteria''s menu."


    "Ah???"


    Before Zhuang Zhixi could speak, Old Jiang exclaimed, "Can this thing be eaten? It''s grown so big, is it safe to eat? Who knows what it''s eaten?"


    "Don''t eat it then," Shifang replied directly, then looked at the vice-president of the hospital, who said, "Really good, very good indeed. It''s a fine item."


    "Alright, Xiao Zhuang, Zhuang Zhixi, right? Leave the snake here, I''ll come back to pack it up. Follow me downstairs to get the receipt; our hospital is buying it." Shifang waved his hand and said, "Come with me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My backpack, my knife..."


    "I''ll return them to you later!"


    Shifang led Zhuang Zhixi downstairs to get the receipt, saying, "Keep this receipt well; it''s proof of the origin of your goods. If you lose it, you can come to us to get a replacement. But generally, if you don''t go crazy buying this and that, no one will know you have money. We''re buying the whole snake, including the gall, venom, skin, and body, for three hundred yuan. The acquisition standards are posted on the wall; go take a look yourself."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I understand."


    He often comes here, even though he hasn''t been to this department, he''s familiar with the process. These things aren''t arbitrarily set; there are standards to follow.


    "This one falls under the ''extra-large'' category; there isn''t anything bigger than it. Generally, we consider snakes over fifty pounds to be extra-large. This one, I could tell just by feeling it, weighs over a hundred pounds. I''ll give you two extra tickets as a bonus." He paused, then looked up, "No one else gets this; we''re all in the same system, so it''s a special favor for you. But next time, if you encounter something like this again, don''t smash its head so badly. It really holds things up."


    Zhuang Zhixi sincerely said, "I hope I never encounter something like this again; I was scared to death. This time I was lucky; next time, who knows."


    Shifang twitched his mouth and said, "Let me see what tickets I can get for you."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately asked, "Do you have a knife ticket? My knife, after cutting this thing, I don''t dare to use it at home anymore."


    He forced a smile and said, "My mom is even yelling at me to replace the knife."


    Shifang twitched again but nodded and said, "That''s doable. Wait here while I go upstairs to get the leader''s signature."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    Normally, acquisitions, especially of ordinary herbs, aren''t this complicated. But for large items or precious things like ginseng, which have high prices, multiple signatures are needed. Don''t think that Old Jiang said people selling things here are hard to deal with. In fact, besides acquiring these rare medicinal items, they also buy a lot of herbs. If they only waited for good items, there wouldn''t be that many good items. So, actually, the bulk of their work is acquiring herbs.


    The work here is quite tedious.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat in this office, looking around. The office was in a corner to the right after entering the main gate, with the toilet just ahead. Anyone going to the toilet on the first floor would pass by here. The front had a glass window, but it wasn''t fully covered; there was a gap of about thirty centimeters at the bottom, convenient for people to hand things in.


    The glass window was painted red with the words: Acquisition, Herbs.


    Two words on each side.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat in the office, watching people coming and going to the toilet outside, thinking that the department being placed in this position might not be due to a lack of importance, but rather because it was more conspicuous.


    Although it wasn''t as prominent as the entrance hall, anyone going to the toilet would definitely see it, making it easy to find. They might think the layout is simple, but not everyone does. Some from the countryside might find the environment complex and hard to navigate.


    He lowered his eyes, and just then, he heard a familiar voice. It was Uncle Bai, surprisingly.


    Uncle Bai: "Wang Xiangxiu, you took my salary, why didn''t you give it to me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately perked up his ears. He was there on payday and saw Wang Xiangxiu do that. He guessed she wanted to keep it for herself, but he didn''t expect Uncle Bai to confront her. In his view, Uncle Bai was just a lapdog for the Su family, how could he dare to ask for money from them?


    But to his surprise, Uncle Bai''s tone was quite firm when facing Wang Xiangxiu. But why did these two come here? The wards aren''t on the third floor?


    "Even if you avoid me, it''s no use. You have to give me the money. If you don''t, I''ll go to the factory leaders. Not just my money, but also Bai Fendou''s money, not a penny less. You have no relation to my family; how can you take my salary for me?"


    Uncle Bai continued, his tone very unfriendly, showing his dissatisfaction with Wang Xiangxiu.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his eyebrows again, quietly shrinking into the corner. Though he was in the office, he didn''t want to be seen, as it would interfere with his eavesdropping on the gossip.


    Wang Xiangxiu looked pitiful: "Uncle Bai, this is because Bai Fendou is hospitalized, and he can''t go to the unit to collect his salary. I thought about how everyone is in the hospital, so I might as well help out and collect it. It was when someone asked if I wanted to collect yours too, that I did. But then I came to the hospital to see my mother-in-law, and I didn''t have time to give it to you. You really misunderstood me. Besides, I thought since you''re also going to pay for my mother-in-law''s expenses and buy her food, it doesn''t matter if the money is with you or with me. As a daughter-in-law, I understand my mother-in-law''s tastes better, and it would be more suitable for me to buy them. Don''t you think so?"


    Uncle Bai''s face was stern: "You buy and spend with your own money! How is it that you spend my money, and I have to thank you for your kindness? Do you think that''s possible? Don''t do this again in the future, or I''ll have to have a serious talk with the cashier. Everything has its place; the money being with you and with me is not the same. If you have filial piety, you should buy something nice for your mother-in-law yourself. How hard is her life? She dedicates herself entirely to you all, not sparing a bite to eat or a sip to drink for herself, even when hospitalized, she''s thinking of you. For you, for the children, she''s willing to give everything. Now that she''s in the hospital, do you have no expression of concern? Wang Xiangxiu, one cannot behave like this. Is this how a daughter-in-law should act? Do you know why I came downstairs to intercept you? It''s to talk some sense into you. Even if you hadn''t collected my salary this time, I still had to talk to you. You, this little daughter-in-law, cannot be so selfish in your actions."


    Wang Xiangxiu looked incredulously at Uncle Bai; where was her selfishness? She was wholeheartedly dedicated to this family. The Su family was supported by her; how could she be selfish?


    "Uncle Bai, if you''re going to say that, I don''t want to hear it. I have the heavens and earth as my witness for my care for my mother-in-law. I know you think I''m stingy with money, but Uncle Bai, think about my salary. How much do I earn a month? How many people are in my family? How many boys are there, all with big appetites. How hard is my life? I..."


    She started to tear up: "Is it easy for me?"


    "Crying won''t help; crying means you''re guilty," Uncle Bai said sternly.


    Zhuang Zhixi was in the office, thinking, "I didn''t expect Uncle Bai to not fall for this. Indeed, Uncle Bai only stumbles over Aunt Su; others, no way!"


    Even Wang Xiangxiu, this little daughter-in-law, couldn''t sway him.


    This love is truly touching, deep and profound!


    As Shifang entered, he saw Zhuang Zhixi almost hanging on the wall, leaning sideways: "You..."


    He was puzzled; what was this about?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Shh."


    Shifang: "???"


    He quietly sat down, and Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "That''s my neighbor outside."


    Shifang peeked out and saw an old man and a plump young woman. He blinked, imagining a tale of love and hatred, and silently perked up his ears. It''s human nature to watch a spectacle.


    "Your mother-in-law and I are deeply in love. All these years, we couldn''t be together entirely for your sake. Your mother-in-law said she couldn''t bear to leave you all, nor could she bear to let me shoulder the burden of supporting so many people unrelated to me. I feel sad, but I know she''s doing it for my good. But look at you, when your mother-in-law was in trouble, you didn''t rush to see her; when she was hospitalized, you didn''t make her some good food to nourish her; today, you even brought the children here. Are you reasonable? Do you dare say you''re not selfish? Do you dare say your life is hard, but that doesn''t mean you can be heartless? Wang Xiangxiu, if you had even a tenth of your mother-in-law''s virtues, I wouldn''t despise you so much."


    Uncle Bai was truly heartbroken. How could such a good woman like Aunt Su have such a daughter-in-law?


    Wang Xiangxiu was trembling with anger. This shameless old man, what nonsense is he spouting about being in love? Her mother-in-law would never look at such a scoundrel. Good women don''t enter two households. Do they really think their relationship is love?


    They''re all after the money!


    If it weren''t for wanting the children to live better, who would look at them!


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Uncle Bai, you''ve really misunderstood me, I..."


    "Don''t give me that nonsense. Now, hand over my salary and Bai Fendou''s salary! I''m telling you, don''t think I''m joking. Next time you collect my salary, I won''t be polite!"


    Wang Xiangxiu was furious, she stuttered: "I didn''t bring the money..."


    "Then go home and get it now. You must return it to me. Wang Xiangxiu, don''t think I''m just saying it. If you do this again, I''ll go to the factory!"


    Wang Xiangxiu realized that Uncle Bai wasn''t falling for her act and seemed to have some disdain for her. She took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I''ll go home and get it for you, but Bai Fendou''s..."


    "You must hand it over! He''s my son, not your man. You, a shameless woman, have some self-respect! If you don''t give it, I won''t be polite! I don''t believe Bai Fendou would dare not recognize me as his father for your sake!"


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face turned red with anger, and tears streamed down her face: "You, you''re too much!"


    She stomped her foot and turned to leave.


    Uncle Bai: "Return the money!!!"


    He chased after her...


    Zhuang Zhixi watched with lingering interest and sighed: "Is that it?"


    Shifang: "..."


    He silently handed over a voucher for a kitchen knife and three hundred yuan: "Count it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    They quickly settled the accounts. Shifang, seeing him pocket the money, couldn''t help but ask, "Were those two not a family?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Two bachelors, father and son, chasing after two widows, mother and daughter-in-law. The young widow took the money of the two bachelors, and the old bachelor isn''t having it. I''m just watching the drama."


    In just a few words, the content was rich.


    Shifang pondered seriously and said, "Then, one of them is bound to fail. If the old one succeeds, the young one can''t be together as relatives; if the young one succeeds, the old one can''t be together as relatives either."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Uh... Ah, right!"


    That''s true. Although they seem unrelated, if the two older ones get together, Wang Xiangxiu''s husband would be Uncle Bai''s stepson. Even though he''s gone, Bai Fendou would be considered a brother to him. Is it appropriate for the younger brother to marry his stepbrother''s widow? Even in the countryside, such things aren''t well-regarded nowadays.


    If Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu get together, then Uncle Bai and Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law, Aunt Su, getting together wouldn''t sound good either. Bringing her mother-in-law to marry her current father-in-law after remarrying? That would invite gossip.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow, it really is. They''ve been entangled together so much that we''re used to it and don''t feel it''s too much. But if you think about it normally, the relationship is quite complicated. But I don''t think they''ll make it."


    Although the Bai father and son both want to succeed, it''s clear that the Su mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are just looking for a meal ticket.


    Marrying for real? Probably not.


    "So complicated."


    "So complicated."


    Rarely, two men both expressed such sentiments.


    Shifang: "Alright, hurry up and go upstairs to get your kitchen knife and basket."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, I''m leaving, goodbye."


    Shifang waved, propping his chin and looking forward to dinner tonight. The cafeteria''s dinner today has snake meat, not bad at all. Although they received the whole snake, the meat is the least useful part. They want the snake skin, venom, gall, and other parts, just not the meat.


    They buy like this, and the meat is practically a bonus. They keep it for themselves to eat. Even though it''s venomous, they aren''t worried and can handle it normally. It''s a small matter. Shifang thought of the delicious snake soup and swallowed his saliva.


    Old Jiang was also swallowing saliva.


    Zhuang Zhixi retrieved his kitchen knife and basket, seeing Old Jiang also looking forward to the delicious snake soup. He murmured, "You really don''t mean what you say. You were just now complaining."


    Old Jiang: "It looks scary, but thinking of the snake soup, it seems delicious. We''re also doing good by eliminating it, aren''t we? It must have eaten many small animals to grow so big. I have to teach it a lesson."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­As long as you''re happy." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He won''t eat it, he absolutely won''t.


    At first, Zhuang Zhixi thought this thing could be eaten, but after three seconds, seeing the snake and thinking about how it might have eaten people, he felt so disgusted that he couldn''t eat a single bite. So even if it sounded delicious or smelled good, he wouldn''t.


    Absolutely not!


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly left the hospital. This trip was quite fruitful; not only did he sell the snake, but he also witnessed a gossip.


    Who would have thought that Old Man Bai is so heartless! He didn''t even spare a kind word for Wang Xiangxiu.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered as he headed to the supply cooperative. He needed to buy a kitchen knife, no matter what. Otherwise, there would be nothing to use at home. Fortunately, the hospital provided him with a kitchen knife coupon; otherwise, he would have had to rush to the black market to get one.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Comrade, I need a kitchen knife, this model."


    "Six yuan, one coupon."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly handed over the prepared money. Just as he finished buying, he turned around and saw someone he knew. You know, people are really¡­ you can run into familiar faces anywhere. Jiang Lu was at another counter, buying a pound of sesame cakes.


    Then she moved to the malted milk powder counter.


    Zhuang Zhixi was about to step forward to greet her when he saw Jiang Lu change her mind and quickly leave the supply cooperative, not knowing what she was up to. He shrugged, went out, and took the bus home. As the bus slowly moved, Zhuang Zhixi glanced out the window and saw Jiang Lu again. This time, she was with an old lady. The old lady looked somewhat familiar, like someone from their neighborhood, but they probably didn''t live very close because he hadn''t seen her much. The two of them were talking, and Jiang Lu''s expression was very devout.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered: "I wonder what kind of folk remedy she''s up to now¡­"


    Just as he finished speaking, he saw Jiang Lu hand the sesame cakes to the old lady and give her a ten-yuan bill¡­ Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes were sharp; he immediately recognized it as a ten-yuan bill.


    He let out a "tsk" sound, feeling a toothache.


    He pondered, what''s she up to, spending so much money?


    If Jiang Lu was looking for folk remedies for having children, he didn''t care, but recently, there have been many things happening in their front yard, so Zhuang Zhixi decided to go home and tell his mother to be cautious.


    If she''s dabbling in those folk remedies, it naturally has nothing to do with their family, but he''s afraid she might have other intentions, so it''s better to be more vigilant.


    When Zhuang Zhixi got home, his older brother hadn''t gotten off work yet. He worked at the train station, and their vacation schedules were different from the machinery factory. They often needed to work in shifts, so they didn''t have fixed Sundays off.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, here you go, oh, the smell of blood, even wormwood can''t cover it up."


    They had just slaughtered four rabbits and a chicken, so of course, there was a smell.


    But he quickly said: "The kitchen knife is with me, how did you slaughter them?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I borrowed one from your Aunt Wang."


    She also realized when she got home that the kitchen knife was stuck in the big snake, almost completely hidden, with only the handle exposed. They didn''t have another knife. Zhao Guihua was delighted: "This new kitchen knife is great."


    She stroked it with satisfaction and then immediately asked: "Where''s the old one?"


    Even though they had a new one, the old one was still needed.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "In the basket."


    Zhao Guihua nodded and said: "From now on, we''ll use the new kitchen knife for cutting vegetables and cooking, and we''ll clean the old one and keep it for chopping bones. I just can''t bear to use the new one for that."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Ming Mei: "????"


    Old Man Zhuang: "???"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, didn''t you say we wouldn''t use the old one anymore? Didn''t you dislike it?"


    Zhao Guihua justified: "It''s not like it''s soaked in and can''t be cleaned. Just wash it clean, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­"


    He felt like his mom had tricked him into buying a new kitchen knife.


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but laugh.


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, I asked you to buy a kitchen knife, and you were unwilling. Are you even a son? Do you have any sense of filial piety?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly said: "Mom, I was just kidding, really, I wasn''t unwilling¡­ Oh, let me see, let me see our rabbits. What are we going to do with them? Why did you slaughter them all?"


    This was a quick change of topic.


    Zhao Guihua: "We can''t eat them all at once, so we''ll clean them up and eat them slowly."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hmm, oh right, where''s the big fish?"


    He looked around, puzzled: "I didn''t see it!"


    Zhao Guihua: "I traded it with Li the Cook at the machinery factory for food. Li the Cook just took it away. He didn''t even leave the turtle; if it weren''t for my firm stance, he would have taken both. I traded one with him, and tonight we''ll make turtle soup for you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, can we call it soft-shelled turtle soup? It''s about to become our meal, so can we give it a nicer name for its final dignity?"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him and snorted, saying: "Pretentious."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­"


    Look, he''s misunderstood again, isn''t he?


    Indeed, people can''t escape being misunderstood.


    "Mom traded for fine grains, hehe," Ming Mei whispered to Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Nice one, Mom. You did a great job with this."


    Zhao Guihua dug her ears and said: "I don''t know if it''s because I''ve been listening to Uncle Bai''s words lately, but even when others speak normally, I feel like they''re being sarcastic."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly protested, "Mom, for heaven''s sake, I really wasn''t being sarcastic. I was being completely sincere. You can''t misunderstand me. It''s so hard for me. I really think it''s great, I''m not lying."


    Zhao Guihua finally nodded and said: "I believe you."


    She spoke with a hint of joy: "I traded for a bag of strong flour, a bag of corn flour, and half a bag of rice."


    She showed her son, saying: "Look."


    The flour and rice were both ten-jin bags, but the rice was only half a bag, while the corn flour was almost twenty jin. This trade depends on how you look at it. If it were decades later, the value would definitely be unequal. A fish over a meter long plus a turtle would certainly be more valuable than flour, rice, and corn flour. But in this era, such a trade was quite good.


    To most people, they would think Zhao Guihua was taking advantage, as she traded for all staples, while the fish and turtle were not. It was just for a rare treat, so the pros and cons were clear.


    It was also thanks to Li the Cook''s efforts on Zhao Guihua''s behalf.


    One era speaks one era''s language. For now, Zhao Guihua felt she was the winner.


    They could also sell the fish in the black market, which would bring in more money, but it would be harder to buy so much strong flour in the black market. Don''t underestimate ten jin; in this era, it''s quite a lot to get all at once.


    Zhao Guihua was still grateful for this favor. She said: "Li the Cook did a lot for our family this time. Next time we catch fish, we''ll give him one as a thank you."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, full of joy.


    For ordinary people, especially those who have experienced hard times, seeing more food at home brings great joy. Old Man Zhuang''s eyes were full of smiles. Since their third daughter-in-law entered the family and they divided the household internally, their life not only didn''t get worse but got better. Take this time of year, for example; in previous years, there wouldn''t be so much at home. Others might not know, but he did¡ªtheir family still had a lot of salted meat hidden away. His wife kept it well, and she didn''t hesitate to cook it once a week, so everyone enjoyed it.


    In previous years, they would also cook meat, but it was cut as thin as chopsticks, and everyone could have a few bites, which was quite good.


    But this year, they were cutting meat slices, and it was very real. It was clear that life was much better.


    All this was thanks to his wife''s good management of the household.


    He said: "Having food in hand, the heart doesn''t panic. That''s really true."


    Zhao Guihua: "We''ll hang the rabbits at home first and dry them in the wind tomorrow during the day."


    During the day, the front courtyard was almost deserted, as Wang Xiangxiu was at work, her children were at school, and recent events had led everyone to the hospital, so people didn''t come by to chat much. Even if they noticed something, it wouldn''t matter. Like today, when they were smoking rabbit meat, someone did catch a whiff of it.


    But generally, adults wouldn''t go too far. Zhao Guihua was specifically guarding against the three brats next door. Others might not know what those three were like, but could she not? No matter how tough life was, who could live particularly lavishly now?


    Their family was doing well enough, it was just that they were spoiled and selfish.


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said firmly, "Eldest daughter-in-law, we''re both at home. Don''t go too far when coming and going, stay alert. It''s not about thieves stealing, but about them plotting. We must not let those little thieves next door get any ideas."


    Upon hearing this, Liang Meifen immediately got fired up, her tone aggressive: "They dare! If they dare to steal from our house, I''ll beat them to death. I don''t care about Bai Fendou, if he dares to intervene, I won''t be as easy to bully as Zhou Qun and his wife. I''ll kick him so hard he''ll never find another woman!"


    This rabbit was meant for their own consumption, even her own family couldn''t get a taste of it, let alone outsiders. Dream on!


    She was ready to fight for their chickens and rabbits, no one was getting any freebies.


    "Mom, you can rest assured, I will defend our chickens and rabbits to the death!"


    Zhao Guihua: "...That''s not necessary, though."


    Liang Meifen: "Absolutely necessary!"


    Determined!


    Zhao Guihua: "...As long as you''re happy."


    Today, they had a good catch and had been quite busy upon returning. Normally, the house would be filled with the smell of blood and fish, but luckily, they brought back a lot of mugwort this time, which helped mask the odors.


    Ming Mei was still shaken by the big snake and had placed a row of mugwort at the door, very meticulously.


    Zhao Guihua: "Tonight, we''ll make soft-shelled turtle soup. Ming Mei, go call your grandpa to come eat with us."


    Living in the same courtyard, it wouldn''t be right not to invite him.


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    Liang Meifen pouted, not inviting her family but Ming Mei''s grandpa, so biased.


    Ming Mei dashed out and back quickly, saying, "Mom, my grandpa won''t come, but he said that adding some radish to the turtle soup makes it the best. After you make it, bring him a bowl, and he''ll trade a bundle of white flour noodles for it."


    The Zhuang family: "..."


    Zhao Guihua was quite natural about it, saying, "Sure, that sounds good."


    A bundle of noodles was two ounces, enough for an adult man to finish in one go, but that wasn''t the point. If they traded, a bowl of soup for noodles was fair. No one was shortchanged or cheated, just a normal exchange.


    Zhao Guihua: "Tell your grandpa to bring a bundle and a half of noodles. We''ll take a bundle, and the other half, I''ll add to the soup just before it''s done. It''ll be full of flavor, delicious. He''ll get both dry and wet food, he won''t even know where the taste is coming from!"


    Ming Mei smiled: "Okay."


    She dashed out again, not minding the running around.


    Liang Meifen was utterly speechless. Her mother-in-law was really shameless, trading food like that... luckily, her family didn''t live nearby. Did they have no sense of kinship? Too much, absolutely too much.


    She felt that Old Man Lan shouldn''t take advantage of them. Trading was fine, but if it were her family, she wouldn''t be happy about it.


    Just then, Ming Mei ran back again, saying, "My grandpa said it''s fine, but he wants a few extra radishes, he likes the vegetables from the pot."


    Zhao Guihua: "No problem, tell him..."


    Zhuang Zhixi objected: "Mom, why don''t you just talk to him directly? Why make my wife run back and forth? She''s tired enough."


    He was very protective of his wife: "Don''t bully her, okay?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Tch, that''s what happens when you have a son. Once he gets a wife, he''s all for her."


    Liang Meifen silently looked at Hutou. She also had a son, but she didn''t know what kind of man he would grow up to be. Hutou was eating jujubes, feeling the gaze, he looked up nervously... "Mom, I didn''t steal eat, Grandpa said I could."


    Xiao Yanzi quickly nodded, agreeing with her brother: "Grandpa said we could all eat!"


    Mom''s expression was strange.


    Liang Meifen was speechless, saying, "Eat, eat, I''m not stopping you."


    Her son was still young, just a little glutton.


    "Eat what eat!" Zhao Guihua chimed in, saying, "Don''t eat too much, jujubes can make you uncomfortable if you eat too many. Do you want to go to the hospital again? Don''t you remember the last time you ate too much?"


    Hutou''s face changed, his little hands waving: "No hospital! Hutou doesn''t want to go to the hospital."


    He didn''t like it there at all.


    Aliali: 67261eb6db2829a0a5610890


    Needles hurt, and medicine was bitter.


    Zhao Guihua: "Eating a little is fine, but not too much. Besides, we have something delicious for dinner. You see, we''re making soft-shelled turtle soup tonight, that''s meat, you''ll be full of jujubes and miss out on the meat. How fragrant the meat is, and the soup, it''s very tasty."


    Hutou swallowed, almost drooling. He quickly nodded: "I know."


    He stopped eating and pulled his sister: "Xiao Yanzi won''t eat either, too much isn''t good."


    Xiao Yanzi was soft: "Oh, I''ll listen to my brother."


    Zhao Guihua instructed Liang Meifen: "Let them eat, but don''t let them go wild. If you don''t control them, little kids don''t know when to stop. By the way, take some jujubes back to your room for a snack tonight."


    She told the two daughters-in-law, Ming Mei nodded, and Liang Meifen was overjoyed.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wife, pick the redder ones."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and smiled brightly...

 Chapter 51

    Zhao Guihua was making turtle soup for the first time. This was something she had never done before.Fortunately, she had help. Li the Cook from the backyard couldn''t stand by and watch, so he came over to assist. He knew that if they didn''t do it right, they would ruin a good thing. Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua also invited him to join them for dinner, and Li the Cook, after thinking it over, agreed.


    Although the cafeteria had also gotten a turtle, it was for the leaders'' meals, and as a cook, he couldn''t partake.


    Li the Cook had managed to survive in the machinery factory cafeteria for so many years and even arranged a job for his son-in-law. He certainly had some real skills. Before long, the aroma of the soup filled the entire courtyard.


    Several households came out to investigate the source of the smell, eventually finding it at the Zhuang''s doorstep. With the warm weather, the windows were open while cooking, making the aroma even more intense.


    "Oh, Li the Cook, why are you here?"


    Li the Cook replied, "They caught a turtle, and they didn''t know how to cook it. I came over to lend a hand."


    "This smell is really overpowering."


    "That''s right. It''s very nourishing."


    "Spring is the best time for tonics."


    "Aunt Zhao, you''ve had that fishing rod for nearly two months now, haven''t you? Finally, you''ve got something. That''s great."


    Zhao Guihua''s face instantly turned cold. Li the Cook couldn''t help but chuckle, and the person who had spoken immediately understood that Zhao Guihua hadn''t caught the turtle herself. Seeing Zhao Guihua''s murderous gaze, he quickly said, "Oh, it''s getting late. I should be going."


    He quickly made his escape, knowing that the turtle soup wouldn''t be shared with them anyway. No point in provoking the old lady.


    Zhao Guihua snorted coldly, "I don''t believe in bad luck."


    Old Man Zhuang quickly chimed in, "You''re so capable, of course you can do it."


    "Exactly!"


    Zhuang Zhixi added his support, and by this time, Zhuang Zhiyuan had also returned home, saying, "Mom, next time I have a day off, let''s go fishing together. I want to give it a try."


    He had originally planned to surprise everyone by being the first to catch a fish, but his father had beaten him to it. He sighed, looking at his son, HuTou, who had fallen ill and disrupted his plans.


    The entire courtyard was filled with the aroma of the soup, and the whole family gathered near the kitchen, waiting for dinner.


    Wang Xiangxiu led her three children home, and as soon as they reached the door, they were hit by the overpowering smell of stewed meat. Who could be so extravagant as to cook meat at this time? She was jealous but quickly thought of a plan.


    No matter whose house it was, she could always ask for a share.


    She quickly entered the house and found the source of the smell. She hated the Zhuang family. Ever since Zhuang Zhixi got married, the Zhuang children had all started their own families. Zhao Guihua had changed her ways, and now there was meat every week. Wang Xiangxiu could smell it, and it made her furious.


    If it were any other family, she might have asked for a bowl or two, but the Zhuang family had refused her three times in a row.


    They wouldn''t give her anything.


    Wang Xiangxiu felt that the Zhuang family were heartless and lacked compassion. Her family was in such a dire situation, and they wouldn''t help. She bit her lip, thinking of how to ask. Meanwhile, her three sons couldn''t resist the temptation. Jinlai, known as a little thief, wasn''t stupid. He knew which houses he could steal from and which he couldn''t.


    He silently looked at the Zhou family''s door, knowing he could steal from them, but not the Zhuang family. Their new daughter-in-law was a tigress.


    He looked dejected and didn''t speak. Tonglai, relying on his young age, threw himself on the ground and started rolling, crying, "I want meat, I want meat..."


    He wailed, looking at his mother and then at the Zhuang family, hoping they would give him some meat.


    He was so young, and a boy at that, why wouldn''t they give him any?


    Zhao Guihua watched the brat with amusement. The three children of this family were all troublemakers, and none of them ended well. If you looked at it that way, this family was full of troublemakers.


    Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu''s ways had deeply influenced the three boys.


    If you looked closely now, Su Jinlai was the only one among the three who hadn''t been to jail, and he had some money.


    Jinlai had been in and out of jail since he was an adult, visiting the detention center like it was a city gate. Most of his life was spent inside, and when he came out, he was either very poor or very rich. His wife took care of the children, his mother, and his grandmother, enduring all the hardships, definitely the prototype of a rural drama heroine. She finally waited for Jinlai to turn over a new leaf, but by then, he was over fifty and too old to steal.


    Yinlai hung out with a group of street ruffians. He evolved from stealing to being a gangster, watching over video arcades, billiard halls, and game centers. He got into fights and was eventually jailed for fifteen years for assault. When he got out, he couldn''t keep up with the times and ended up working for his younger brother, Tonglai, who ate meat while he drank soup. He managed to stay out of trouble and make a living.


    As for Tonglai, he was the youngest and the most cunning. Unlike his brothers, he relied on his good looks to become a gigolo, charming rich women.


    It was thanks to him that Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu managed to live well.


    After all, Jinlai and Yinlai were always in jail and couldn''t be relied on. Even Jinlai''s son was raised by Tonglai. He was the first to get rich in their courtyard, finding rich women in their fifties from Hong Kong and Taiwan when he was just eighteen.


    But no matter how strong his stamina, it couldn''t last forever.


    By his mid-thirties, he was already struggling. He used the money from the rich women to set up a club filled with tall, slender young men. What they did was obvious.


    Despite this, he still had many girlfriends outside, and some even queued up to spend money on him. It was quite absurd.


    Eventually, his business was shut down. His woman was the legal representative and went to jail. He, however, was not implicated and tried a few more similar ventures, all unsuccessful. In the end, he led a group of girls into live streaming with suggestive content... playing on the edge.


    At over fifty, he was still relying on women to survive.


    Zhao Guihua looked at the brat rolling on the ground, demanding meat, and it was hard to connect him with the future gigolo. She clicked her tongue and turned to say, "Liang Meifen, go to the grocery store and buy a block of tofu to add to the soup."


    One dish wouldn''t be enough.


    They needed to make more dishes.


    Liang Meifen immediately responded, "I''ll go right now."


    She took the money and quickly left, forcing a smile past Wang Xiangxiu and her sons, thinking, "Don''t think I don''t know you want to take advantage of us. With my mother-in-law around, if you get even a bit, it''ll be my loss."


    Tonglai paused briefly, then started wailing again, "I want meat, I want meat..."


    Liang Meifen snorted and quickly left. Zhao Guihua took a stool and sat at the door, crossing her legs.


    Wang Xiangxiu felt a bit awkward, but she was thick-skinned and said, "Aunt Zhao, you''re cooking meat, aren''t you? Look at my child, crying... it''s just because he''s craving it. Could you, could you..."


    She suddenly remembered her previous attempts to use her children as an excuse, and how they had refused.


    What had they said? "If the child is greedy, a few spankings will fix it!"


    She quickly changed her approach, "My mother-in-law is sick and hasn''t gotten better. She keeps saying her mouth has no taste. I''ve been wanting to buy some meat, but we''ve used up all our meat coupons for the month. Could you spare some? I''ll pay you back next time."


    She spoke so sincerely, but if Zhao Guihua could hear her thoughts, she would probably be furious.


    Wang Xiangxiu was thinking, "As long as you lend it to me, don''t expect it back! Why would I return it? I borrowed it with my own skills, how could I possibly return it!"


    Zhao Guihua saw through Wang Xiangxiu''s little schemes, and they were completely transparent. Although she was an irritable and impulsive old lady, she had eaten more salt than Wang Xiangxiu had walked roads, so she knew exactly what she was up to.


    She smiled and said, "Xiu''er, if you put it that way, I have to say a few words to you. Life isn''t lived like this. No one''s meat falls from the sky. Look at my family, even Xiao Mei''s grandfather is too shy to come over for a meal without bringing noodles. You open your mouth and want to borrow some, but we don''t have enough to eat either! Today, Li the Cook spent half the afternoon helping us, and we invited him to dinner. Can we not let him eat his fill? You coming to ask for this is just wrong. Besides, didn''t you just get paid the other day? Do you really have nothing left today? Is that appropriate? If you really spent it all, I really have to talk to you about it. Life isn''t lived like this, wasting everything. It''s been less than three days since you got paid, and you''ve already spent it all. Is this how you live? And don''t say your mother-in-law is in the hospital. We all know Old Man Bai is helping out. Could it be that you''re secretly feasting at home while your mother-in-law is in the hospital?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at Wang Xiangxiu suspiciously, her eyes full of doubt. She frowned, her expression clearly disapproving.


    "I didn''t..."


    "What! You''re feasting at home? So that''s why you didn''t properly send food to your mother-in-law. Wang Xiangxiu, you''re so wicked. Your mother-in-law thought you were good, but look at what you''ve become. Aunt Su was wrong about you, so wrong!" Old Man Bai came back just in time to catch this, and he couldn''t hold back.


    Although he was always fawning over Aunt Su and his son Bai Fendou was infatuated with Wang Xiangxiu, Old Man Bai''s impression of Wang Xiangxiu was only average. After all, she wasn''t his wife, so why would he care?


    Moreover, he secretly felt that Wang Xiangxiu and her three children were dragging Aunt Su down, hindering their own happiness. So he always had a bit of dislike for her. Hearing this, he was even more furious than Zhao Guihua. He immediately rushed over, grabbed Wang Xiangxiu, and yelled, "You wicked woman, you still owe me and my son''s wages. I thought you were good, but you''re just greedy for money. Poor Aunt Su, kind and naive, fell for your tricks. Pretending to be a decent person, but you don''t do decent things!"


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t expect Old Man Bai to suddenly explode. She was so angry she could barely breathe, "You, you''re talking nonsense, I never..."


    "You still dare to deny it? Your mother-in-law is in the hospital, and you don''t prepare a single good meal, just some corn buns. If it weren''t for me, she wouldn''t even be able to stay in the hospital. You heartless wretch..."


    Old Man Bai wouldn''t let go, demanding, "Give me my money back!"


    "You..." Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t believe things had escalated this far. The old man was making such a fuss over a few bucks. She put on a wronged expression, saying, "Uncle, how can you say that? I didn''t mean to take your money, Fendou was sick, I was just helping you collect it."


    "I don''t need your help, you wicked woman!"


    Their quarrel quickly attracted onlookers. Everyone rushed out to watch the lively scene, some still holding corn buns in their hands.


    Zhao Guihua watched with interest. Their courtyard was full of eccentric characters, but she had never seriously confronted them. Every time she tried to argue, someone else would take over the conversation. It was a chaotic mess!


    Even when they were arguing, someone would interrupt. Just like now.


    Old Man Bai and Wang Xiangxiu went back and forth, one cursing, the other complaining, feeling wronged.


    Su Jinlai angrily glared at Old Man Bai and suddenly rushed up to punch him, "Let go of my mom, you old bastard!"


    Old Man Bai almost choked on his breath. This child had grown up under his care, eating all the good things he bought, but now he was acting like this. Truly an ungrateful wretch.


    But he didn''t fight back. He wasn''t worried about the child, not his own, and couldn''t carry on the family line anyway. He was afraid of hurting Aunt Su''s feelings.


    He said, "You kids, stay out of this. Go to the side."


    "You hit my mom!"


    "Yeah, you hit my mom."


    The three boys surrounded Old Man Bai and punched him fiercely.


    Although they were kids, they were sturdy, and Old Man Bai was having a hard time defending himself. Wang Xiangxiu was secretly delighted, thinking he deserved it, but she still pretended to be kind, saying, "Stop it, this is your respected Grandpa Bai."


    "He hit you, he deserves to die." Jinlai was fierce.


    But the neighbors shook their heads, thinking Wang Xiangxiu didn''t know how to raise her kids. Old Man Bai had spent so much money on their family, and now he got called "deserves to die." Even ungrateful people wouldn''t go this far.


    "Those three kids won''t be good when they grow up."


    "Exactly, Mom, you always say they''re pitiful and give them food. Look, are they worth it? We shouldn''t get involved."


    "You can tell from a child''s behavior. Those kids are no good."


    "Right."


    ...Everyone was talking, and Wang Xiangxiu was furious inside, but she couldn''t lose her temper. If she did, these people might not help her family anymore. They needed all the help they could get.


    Finally, she started crying. If only Wang Xiangxiu''s acting was as good as Aunt Su''s. Aunt Su''s eyes were like faucets, crying on demand. Wang Xiangxiu''s performance wasn''t as sincere and natural.


    She said, "Let go, or Mom will be angry. Didn''t I tell you? Everyone who helped us is good, we can''t be rude. You learned in school, be good kids."


    Wang Xiangxiu kept talking, while the tofu and fish stew in the Zhuang family was already done. Liang Meifen''s legs were fast.


    Zhao Guihua watched the commotion for a while, knowing this would end without resolution. Aunt Wang didn''t even bother to intervene. It wouldn''t turn into a big fight, just some shouting. But if Bai Fendou were here, Aunt Wang wouldn''t be so calm. He could really start a fight. His dad, though, was just a talker. Aunt Wang knew that.


    Zhao Guihua saw the turtle soup was ready, so she found a big bowl, filled it with turtle meat, radishes, and noodles, a hearty meal.


    She brought it out, and the smell immediately spread. It was quite strong.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Uncle Lan, I''ll bring it to you."


    Lan Sihai was also watching the lively scene, and when he saw his dinner, he said, "Give it to me."


    He took it, and Jinlai saw the big bowl of "meat" and felt very unbalanced. This whole thing started over wanting meat. He suddenly burst out, rushing over, "Give me the meat! It''s mine!"


    Such shameless words coming from a ten-year-old child were truly despicable.


    He lunged forward to snatch, startling everyone. Before anyone could react, Old Man Lan directly kicked out, sending the brat sprawling with a loud slap. He wasn''t like Old Man Bai, who wouldn''t dare offend his beloved''s precious heart.


    "How dare you kick my brother! You coffin-raising brat!" Yinlai also rushed up to strike, but Old Man Lan grabbed him and delivered two sharp slaps across his face. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He didn''t adhere to the motto of never hitting children. This old man''s life philosophy was: Live life, be carefree, enjoy pleasure, and that''s enough!


    Everything else can go to hell.


    "What''s wrong with you, hitting children? They''re still kids!" Wang Xiangxiu shrieked as she rushed over, reaching out to scratch. Old Man Lan didn''t hold back, grabbing her wrist, twisting, and pushing forward with force, causing Wang Xiangxiu to stagger forward and crash into Old Man Bai with a loud thud.


    "Ah!"


    She landed right on top of Old Man Bai!


    This made Old Man Bai blush furiously.


    He had been single for over twenty years...


    Wang Xiangxiu struggled to her feet, also turning red with embarrassment.


    Old Man Lan stood with his hands on his hips, unapologetic: "Wang Xiangxiu, huh? Don''t think just because I''m new here you can push me around. The last one who dared to challenge me is now in the security office. Do you want to give it a try? If you can''t discipline your kids, as a neighbor, I''ll gladly help you out. Don''t think everyone will indulge you! Begging isn''t enough, now you want to rob? That bowl is so hot, your son''s lunge, was he trying to rob or kill? What if someone got burned? You must be plotting to harm others since Zhao Guihua won''t give in to you, huh? Oh, you''re so kind, so very kind. There''s no greater family of kindness in the world."


    Upon closer inspection, it did seem true. Zhao Guihua''s bowl was still steaming. If Jinlai had grabbed it roughly, it would have surely spilled, burning someone for sure.


    Looking at Wang Xiangxiu now, everyone felt a bit more disdain.


    Truthfully, Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t the sharpest tool in the shed. If she were, she wouldn''t have let Aunt Su manipulate her so easily, staying unmarried and enduring hardships at the Su household.


    Old Man Lan then turned to the children, saying, "Look at those eyes, so gentle. What great parenting, truly remarkable."


    Jinlai and Yinlai huddled together, glaring at Old Man Lan, who didn''t care. He said, "I''m the most amicable neighbor. If someone doesn''t want to discipline their kids, send them to my place, and I''ll gladly help. If they go to the police station, they''ll end up in juvenile detention, ruining their lives. But a beating won''t kill them, so it''s not so bad."


    Not bad, but not good either.


    "Don''t look at my age, I still love to stay active. If you don''t want to discipline your kids, let them come to my place to cause trouble or steal. No problem, I won''t bother the police, just get some exercise."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Absolutely, staying active is good for the elderly. But exercise with your fists is enough, no need for knives or axes. We don''t want any fatalities."


    Old Man Lan glared at him: "Do you think I don''t know that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "You''re amazing."


    He thoughtfully added, "There''s another way to discipline people. You know the public toilet at the end of the lane? It''s quite spacious, perfect for swimming. Several people from our compound have enjoyed a dip. If anyone comes to your place, you can send them there for a swim, save on food too..."


    "Ugh!"


    "Zhuang Zhixi, shut up, do you want to eat later?" Zhao Guihua couldn''t take it anymore!


    "Aunt Zhao, you''re right. Zhixi, aren''t you a bit too mean? We''re having millet porridge tonight..." The same color, could they still eat it?


    "We''re skipping dinner tonight."


    "The idea''s good, but it''s too gross. Last time we rescued someone, I saw splatter everywhere..."


    "True, only three fell in, but Wang Xiangxiu, Aunt Su, and the Bai and Zhou families, all were covered in... battle scars."


    "Hahaha."


    The conversation quickly veered off course, drifting towards the big event of the winter!


    Honestly, this event was so fascinating, it could be talked about for another year, incomparable to any other story.


    Disgusting, yet exciting.


    After all, such a spectacle was rare, but they had witnessed and experienced it firsthand.


    This firsthand experience was something others could only hear about, they were the first to share the gossip.


    Li the Cook was still chatting with Zhuang Zhiyuan: "You missed such a big event due to your business trip, it''s like your life lacked an important experience."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan also felt regretful, everyone saw it, only he didn''t, which made him anxious.


    He said, "Who says otherwise?"


    He sighed, "I think Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun are amazing. Such a big thing, yet they acted like nothing happened, truly admirable. If it were an ordinary person, they would be too embarrassed to leave the house. They''re not ordinary people."


    Li the Cook nodded, thinking they must have something special about them, if it were him, he''d be in a state of shock.


    Ugh, no, no such assumptions.


    No such assumptions!


    If it were him, he''d lose his job. Bai Fendou, Zhou Qun, and Jinlai fell in, kids are fine, but adults are just plain embarrassing. But if it were him, his kitchen job would surely be lost.


    After all, the workers who toil all day wouldn''t want to eat food cooked by someone who swam in a cesspool, even if it tasted fine, the mental hurdle was too high!


    Li the Cook: "They really benefit from their good jobs."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I think it''s their deep learning of not fearing hardship, not shying from scrutiny, and wholeheartedly serving the people that allows them to withstand immense pressure and continue burning at their posts, and..."


    Li the Cook''s mouth twitched, realizing he forgot this guy always spouts lofty ideals, as empty as clouds in the sky.


    They chatted on, while the others discussed: "My relative recently insisted on staying at my place for a day, no reason, just wanted to come. After asking around, I found out he heard about someone falling into the public toilet here, wanting to see this amazing toilet and the three amazing families who could fight covered in... well, you know. He wanted to witness it."


    "Well, my daughter''s art troupe was transferred out of town and heard about it too."


    "Oh, my relative from Tong County heard, that doesn''t count."


    "Indeed."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face alternated between green and white, how did the topic suddenly shift to this again, it had been days, weren''t they over it? How did it start again.


    Zhuang Zhixi, it was Zhuang Zhixi who brought it up.


    He wrote the ban on swimming sign, a despicable rascal.


    Zhuang Zhixi then flattered: "Grandpa, let me take that for you."


    He took the large bowl from Zhao Guihua: "Wow, it''s hot, Mom, if Jinlai had knocked it over, you''d definitely get burned."


    Zhao Guihua coldly stared at Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "He, he wasn''t intentional, and it didn''t spill, and he got hit, he learned his lesson..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Not succeeding means not doing it at all? Is that how your family educates children? My words were right after all, Wang Xiangxiu, you really are something."


    "How could she not be? She''s someone who isn''t afraid of dirt or stench and can fight with disgust." Someone unknown chimed in.


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s tears finally fell, biting her lip and shouting, "You''re all bullying a widow like me, do you know how hard my life is?"


    "Hard? You''re not returning the wages of Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou, are you? With so much money, what''s hard about it?" Zhuang Zhixi muttered softly, and everyone realized, yes, this issue hasn''t been resolved yet.


    Old Man Bai immediately started again: "Return the money, hurry up and return it!"


    Seeing that the situation was slipping out of her control, Wang Xiangxiu wished more than ever that her mother-in-law was there. If she were, she would never let things get this bad. She cried and looked at everyone, but saw no sympathy in their eyes. She could only mumble, "I''m not refusing to return it, I''m just about to get the money. You''ve been misunderstanding me, I always need to explain myself. Otherwise, what will happen to my reputation?"


    Everyone, except for a three-and-a-half-year-old child, could see that she just didn''t want to return the money. Otherwise, she would have gone home to get it immediately instead of wasting so much time talking nonsense here.


    Old Man Bai: "Alright, give the money."


    He extended his hand, and Wang Xiangxiu stumbled back to her home. She felt miserable, not only because her mother-in-law wasn''t there, but also because she hated Bai Fendou the most. If Bai Fendou were here, how could she be bullied like this? At least she could have kept some of the money.


    But now, things were different, and she had to endure the humiliation and return the money. Both of their wages were over sixty, nearly reaching seventy, plus her own salary, adding up to nearly a hundred. Having to hand it all out was truly painful for her. This money should have been hers.


    It was infuriating that Bai Fendou wasn''t there, leaving her at the mercy of others. This useless man, no wonder she didn''t like him. If she had married such a man, he would be useless in critical moments.


    She was furious and sighed, taking the money out. She had planned to buy summer clothes for each of her children, but now, nothing.


    She stepped out, red-eyed, and threw the money at Old Man Bai, saying, "Here, take it! Don''t always say I''m greedy for your money. If it weren''t for seeing Bai Fendou in the hospital, I wouldn''t have taken it for you. He helped me so much, and I thought it would be inconvenient for him to collect the money, so I took it for him. The cashier asked if I wanted to take your money too, so I did. Now everyone blames me, throwing dirt on me. I''m truly wronged. No one does things like this. Forget it, I won''t argue with you anymore. Here''s the money. As for my family''s affairs, you don''t need to meddle!"


    After speaking, she pulled the children and said, "Aren''t you going home? If you don''t, they''ll say more about you. You know what to say, we can''t afford meat, we''ll eat steamed buns and drink cold water, we won''t ask for anything from others, or they''ll look down on us. Let''s go!"


    She stormed into the house with the children, and even Tonglai didn''t ask for treats anymore.


    Although he was young, he knew that if others didn''t fall for their tricks, they wouldn''t get anything. The three children, dejected, followed their mother into the house, and Wang Xiangxiu slammed the door shut.


    Zhao Guihua watched and again lamented that Wang Xiangxiu''s tactics were far inferior to Aunt Su''s.


    She called out, "Alright, that''s enough, everyone, let''s disperse. Uncle Lan, wait a moment, I''ll bring you a bowl of tofu, very suitable for the elderly."


    Lan Sihai: "You can call yourself old if you want, but I''m still young."


    Heh, this old man was quite annoying.


    Zhao Guihua thought about her past life, when he had also made her furious. This time, she deeply felt that being made angry by him in her past life was not unexpected. This old man''s words were indeed hard to endure.


    But she didn''t take it to heart.


    Zhao Guihua served the old man a plate of tofu. The tofu stewed with fish, the fish''s flavor was far inferior to the tofu''s. The deliciousness was all in the tofu, which was very refreshing and couldn''t be better.


    This time, the old man didn''t refuse, but he didn''t go to Zhuang''s house to eat either. He went home to slurp noodles on his own.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, the elderly like their freedom, let''s eat together. Everyone, take your seats."


    Everyone was already impatient. Li the Cook went home and brought back half a bottle of Erguotou, saying, "I''ll contribute too."


    Old Man Zhuang joked, "Didn''t you dilute it?"


    Li the Cook: "Hey, what kind of person do you take me for?"


    He shook the bottle, saying, "Look, top-notch."


    He proudly said, "This Red Star Erguotou is what I saved from the New Year. I didn''t even let my wife drink it."


    If this was how he talked, Old Man Zhuang would laugh at him: "Don''t talk about one bottle, even ten bottles, your wife could finish them. Can you afford that?" Everyone knew that Aunt Wang was quite a drinker, even a few Beijing men in their courtyard couldn''t match her. If she drank to her heart''s content, how many would be enough? This stuff was bought with money, after all. It just wouldn''t do.


    He teased, and Li the Cook didn''t get angry, instead, he confidently laughed and said, "That''s why I can''t let her drink it. She can drink her fill at banquets, but don''t waste our own stuff."


    Thinking of how now banquets couldn''t be grand due to the policy, he sighed, "There are fewer and fewer feasts now."


    This had a big impact on him. Unlike others, he was a cook and could earn extra money this way. Now that everything was simplified, many families didn''t do this anymore. It was really sad to think about.


    In fact, Aunt Wang started introducing people to each other because Li the Cook was a cook. They provided a one-stop service. If Aunt Wang introduced someone and it worked out, it would be hard for the couple not to use Li the Cook for the feast, right?


    This meant earning double the money, but unfortunately, it wasn''t easy to make now.


    Li the Cook thought of this with a bit of melancholy, but others couldn''t understand. Old Man Zhuang quickly led Li the Cook to the table, and the children couldn''t help but swallow their saliva. Zhao Guihua: "Don''t be polite, let''s start."


    Everyone immediately dug in. Mingmei wasn''t familiar with Li the Cook, but with such delicious food, who cared about Li the Cook? Of course, she had to enjoy it to the fullest. Mingmei: "I don''t want turtle, just radish and soup."


    She was the typical type who wasn''t hungry and didn''t eat strange things. A rabbit was already the strangest thing she had ever eaten. As for other things, she didn''t eat them, and turtles were the same. Although this stuff was very nourishing, Mingmei just felt weird about it, but she could always drink the soup.


    This she didn''t mind. She took a bite of the radish and her eyes lit up. She felt that the essence and deliciousness of the soup had been absorbed by the radish, which was exceptionally delicious. The radish had never tasted like this before; it was completely the good taste absorbed from stewing with the turtle.


    She nodded, "Delicious."


    Xiaoyan muttered, "Auntie, you''re drinking the turtle''s bath water."


    Mingmei: "..."


    She put on a fierce look and said, "You little brat, looking for trouble, huh? Do you believe I''ll spank your little bottom?"


    The child quickly covered his little bottom and said, "Xiaoyan won''t dare anymore, but Xiaoyan didn''t lie, Auntie doesn''t eat meat."


    Mingmei snorted and said, "Mind your own business."


    Xiaoyan scratched his sparse hair, a bit confused, but still said, "I want to eat meat."


    "Of course you do, come, Mom will give you a piece."


    Mingmei snorted at her sister-in-law again, then continued to gnaw on the radish. The radish was super delicious. In such soup dishes, the side dishes were definitely not inferior to the meat dishes. These people just didn''t know how to eat. If they knew how to eat, they wouldn''t think meat was the best.


    Today''s portion of food was substantial, but it couldn''t keep up with the crowd. His family is always bustling with people, and no matter what they prepare, it always feels insufficient. Big or small, everyone''s stomachs are lacking in oil and water, so of course, their appetites are large.


    Zhao Guihua understood this well. In another decade or two, when life improves and people have more oil and water in their diets, even eating a single steamed bun will be a struggle. But now, even children can eat a lot; Huttou had one bun, but he was only 80% full. If you let him continue, he could still eat more.


    Everyone sat together, lively and warm. Li the Cook genuinely remarked, "Your harvest today is truly impressive."


    He raised his thumb and added, "If you catch any more big fish in the future, be sure to call me. The leaders love to have special meals with such rare delicacies."


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "No problem, just wait for the good news."


    Although he wasn''t sure if there would be such opportunities in the future, a man from the capital city, no matter how reserved, could still boast a bit. He said, "My fishing skills are top-notch. You don''t know, but as soon as I cast my line, I can feel something special..."


    While the men bragged and ate, Mingmei, a young wife, finished her meal quickly. She went back to her room, lazily lying on the bed. Although she was busy at work all day, today felt even more exhausting. She thought for a moment, then got up to pack her small bag, preparing to go take a bath soon.


    After a day like this, not taking a bath just wouldn''t do.


    Creak...


    The door opened, and Mingmei turned to see Zhuang Zhixi. He had just had half a cup of erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), his face slightly flushed from the alcohol. He approached and embraced his wife, asking, "What are you doing?"


    Mingmei replied, "I''m going to take a bath soon."


    She then looked Zhuang Zhixi up and down and said, "Can you go like this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Why not?"


    He leaned down and kissed his wife''s cheek, saying, "I''m fine."


    There was a strong smell of alcohol.


    Mingmei turned to face him, their eyes meeting, and asked, "Are you really not drunk?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Not at all. This little bit isn''t enough to get me drunk."


    He reached into his pocket, pulled out the money and tickets from today''s sale, and handed them to Mingmei, saying, "Here, for you."


    Aliali: 672235a03a4784313d84ca8e


    Mingmei was stunned to see the thick stack of ten-yuan notes and quickly exclaimed, "This... this..."


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "I sold it for three hundred, but I bought a kitchen knife for my mom."


    Mingmei nodded, "That was agreed upon."


    She immediately pushed Zhuang Zhixi away and sat down to count the money.


    Zhuang Zhixi pouted, "Are money more important than me?"


    Mingmei laughed and scolded, "Of course, you''re more important, but you''re not going anywhere."


    She happily counted the money, saying, "When I first started working, I couldn''t even earn three hundred yuan in a year. This is equivalent to a worker''s annual salary. It''s really valuable."


    Although she had disliked it immensely when they were on the mountain, now Mingmei thought this snake was the cutest, most beneficial snake in the world. A snake that brings benefits to the people is truly a good thing.


    She exclaimed joyfully, "We have money again!"


    She beckoned Zhuang Zhixi over, and Mingmei grinned, saying, "If we save a bit more this year, we''ll have a thousand yuan!"

 Chapter 52

    Ming Mei counted her money, while Zhuang Zhixi watched on the side, amused. Ming Mei pushed him away and immediately went to open her little treasure box. Zhuang Zhixi found her penny-pinching ways amusing and sat down on a chair, propping his chin with his hand as he watched Ming Mei carefully count the money and place it in the box, then lock it layer by layer.Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Make sure you count carefully, or you might forget again."


    This was a joke about how Ming Mei had been so scatterbrained the first time she counted her money.


    Ming Mei retorted, "I was going to tell you about my savings, but seeing you like this, I don''t feel like it anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing and quickly said, "My dear wife, it''s my fault, I was wrong. Please tell me, okay?" He was quite adaptable, even when tipsy, and knew when to be humble.


    "Wife..."


    This term of endearment was said in a sweet, sticky way that made Ming Mei laugh. She leaned in proudly and said, "I''m very good at saving money."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh?"


    Ming Mei: "I originally had five hundred yuan, and this time I sold something for three hundred. But wait, didn''t you say you also bought a kitchen knife? Yet you still gave me three hundred."


    She blinked, feeling something was off with the math.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "Three hundred is a nice round number, I thought it would be better to save it as a whole. I used my private money to buy the knife, and the knife coupon was from the hospital."


    He counted on his fingers, "Wife, you see, I get five yuan of pocket money a month, and I haven''t wasted a single cent, have I?"


    Ming Mei: "Mm-hmm, no you haven''t."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Then give me a kiss." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened, how did the topic suddenly shift to this? But looking at Zhuang Zhixi''s expression, she didn''t hesitate, leaned forward, and kissed him on the cheek. Zhuang Zhixi immediately pulled her in and gave her a proper lesson in what a real kiss was.


    Ming Mei: "Mmmph."


    After a long, deep exchange, Zhuang Zhixi let go of Ming Mei. Now, her face was as red as an apple. Ming Mei pouted, "What are you doing? Are we still going to do the accounts?"


    Zhuang Zhixi pulled her over and made her sit on his lap, saying, "Go ahead, tell me."


    Ming Mei: "How am I supposed to do that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said confidently, "Isn''t it better to sit on a softer chair?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    How unreasonable.


    As she got closer to Zhuang Zhixi, she could see his long eyelashes, bright eyes, and fair complexion. How could a man be so delicate-looking? Ming Mei stared at him without blinking.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Am I that handsome? You''re staring like you''re in a trance."


    Ming Mei: "You''re just talking nonsense."


    Her face turned even redder as she pouted, "I wasn''t."


    Despite her words, she continued to look at Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Why don''t we take a romantic bath at home?"


    Ming Mei jumped up, saying, "Nonsense! Stop talking nonsense. Let''s do the accounts."


    Seeing her like a startled rabbit, Zhuang Zhixi burst into laughter. After he calmed down, he said, "Alright, go ahead."


    Ming Mei: "Where were we?"


    She scratched her head and started pulling at her hair. Zhuang Zhixi said, "I think Xiao Yanzi learned that from you, whenever she''s confused, she pulls her hair."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She only learned the bad habits from her? Besides, Xiao Yanzi isn''t her child, and they don''t interact much, so how could she have learned it from her?


    Ming Mei: "I didn''t, don''t slander me."


    Zhuang Zhixi just smiled.


    Ming Mei: "Let''s do the accounts."


    She started over: "I originally had four hundred yuan, plus the wedding dowry and the money my mom gave me, plus my scattered savings, it all added up to five hundred and forty. Then we received three months of salary, I get thirty yuan a month, and I also got subsidies for helping others. You have to pay for living expenses and keep five yuan as pocket money, so you give me thirteen yuan and fifty cents each month. Plus the three hundred yuan this time, I now have..." Ming Mei took a deep breath, "Nine hundred and ninety!"


    After finishing, Ming Mei swallowed hard, incredulous: "Are we really this rich? I thought we''d need to save up more to reach a thousand, but we''re only a little bit short now? Ah! It''s so close!"


    Zhuang Zhixi also wondered, "Didn''t we spend anything since we got married?"


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and shook her head, "No, we didn''t!"


    She was puzzled too, saying, "I used to like buying clothes and snacks a lot, but why haven''t I spent any money recently?"


    Ming Mei was quite confused, and Zhuang Zhixi was a bit puzzled too, but soon, the couple looked at each other and said, "It''s because there have been too many things happening recently."


    Ming Mei nodded silently.


    Indeed, that was the case.


    There was a small incident every three days and a big one every five days in the courtyard. They were so engrossed in the gossip that their first priority after work was to rush home, afraid they''d miss the next big drama if they were late.


    There was no time to go shopping.


    And the conflicts were often on the vile side. For example, they had an ongoing feud with the public toilet at the end of the alley, which was... quite disgusting and killed their appetite.


    So they ate fewer snacks.


    The food at the Zhuang household was quite good, and they weren''t stingy. Ming Mei''s appetite wasn''t big, so she always got full. With the lively and often disgusting events in the courtyard, Ming Mei hardly ate any snacks anymore, and the money just piled up.


    Ming Mei: "Wow, I didn''t expect this effect."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "They''ve also made a significant contribution to our savings."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Ming Mei''s silly expression and said, "Keep the money for yourself, you don''t need to report it to me. It''s all your money. I haven''t contributed much to it, it''s all from your hard work."


    In truth, it was indeed the case. Zhuang Zhixi only gave thirteen yuan and fifty cents each month, and he had only done so for three months.


    That is, out of nearly a thousand yuan, Zhuang Zhixi only contributed forty or so, the rest was all earned by Ming Mei, even the money from selling snakes was from Ming Mei''s efforts. As a man, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t the type to claim credit for something he hadn''t done.


    He leaned his head on his wife''s shoulder and said, "Am I really just a kept man you''re raising?"


    Ming Mei was both amused and exasperated, pouting, "Nonsense, we''re a family. If you didn''t pay for living expenses, how could I save all my salary? Besides, our meals aren''t bad at all. My family had decent conditions, one of the better-off families in the compound, and our living standards are about the same now."


    That is, while they ate well and were generous, sometimes the supplies just weren''t enough.


    Now, Ming Mei felt it was quite good.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought his wife was really open-minded. He laughed and said, "My wife is the best."


    Ming Mei huffed and poked him, "Since I''m so good, you better treat me well and don''t you dare be fickle. I''m telling you, I''m very strict. If you make me unhappy, I''ll beat you up."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Beat me up? How?"


    Ming Mei: "I''ll beat you into a pig''s head, and I have a lot of helpers, too."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You wouldn''t dare. Look at this face, would you really hit it?"


    Ming Mei proudly raised her chin: "Why wouldn''t I? I''m good-looking too, a lot of people like me."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes flickered as he smiled and asked, "Then, my dear Ming Mei, tell me, who likes you?"


    Ming Mei put her hands on her hips: "A lot of people, what, are you jealous?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, pulling her into his arms, "Yes, I''m jealous. But it doesn''t matter who likes you, my lovely Ming Mei is already married to me."


    Ming Mei giggled again, saying in a sweet, low voice, "I was just bragging."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    His wife was really an honest person.


    Ming Mei: "Bragging is allowed. My mom even said that back in the day, the line of men who pursued her stretched from Jinling to Guangzhou."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Her mother-in-law might not be bragging after all.


    Although Ming Mei is much prettier, she''s straightforward and probably not someone her mother-in-law could easily manipulate.


    But Zhuang Zhixi really likes girls like Ming Mei. She''s innocent and simple, yet has a carefree attitude typical of girls from the big city, and she''s not pretentious.


    Ming Mei grew up in a well-off family, at least never worrying about food and clothing, and was doted on by her family. So her personality is very simple and lively, sometimes a bit loud, but very cute.


    Zhuang Zhixi pinched Ming Mei''s cheek and said, "My wife is so beautiful."


    Ming Mei laughed and said, "You only care about looks."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Aren''t you the same?"


    They both burst out laughing, finding the truth in that statement.


    They were both, after all, superficial.


    Ming Mei pouted, "Alright, let''s pack up and go take a bath later."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    As they packed, Ming Mei suddenly asked, "Have you ever been on a blind date before?"


    It seemed she was digging deep into his past.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No, you were my first."


    Ming Mei hummed and then asked, "Well, did you have someone you liked when you were in school? Did anyone like you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s lips curled up, "Why, didn''t you ask before we got married? Now you want to know?"


    But despite his teasing tone, he honestly replied, "If I had someone I liked, I wouldn''t have gone on a blind date. I wouldn''t have led a woman on like that. As for someone liking me, there probably was, but who cares? I didn''t like them, so it doesn''t matter to me. But now that I''ve been so honest, you should tell me too, right?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She said crisply, "I started learning martial arts with my uncle when I was young. So I was pretty tough and good at fighting. In our neighborhood, everyone called me Sister Ming."


    Although she looked delicate and pretty, everyone who grew up with her knew what she was like.


    So, she never had any romantic prospects growing up.


    After all, kids don''t care about looks; they just know getting beat up hurts! As they grew older, that fear was deeply ingrained. They were all like siblings, so why talk about love?


    Zhuang Zhixi covered his face upon hearing Ming Mei''s story. Ming Mei immediately reacted, "Zhuang Zhixi, what are you laughing at?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m not."


    His shoulders were shaking.


    Ming Mei stomped on his foot.


    "Ouch," Zhuang Zhixi said, "Wife, wife, I''m sorry! I just found it funny."


    Ming Mei: "Stop laughing!"


    Perhaps opening a floodgate of memories, Ming Mei said, "But I almost got engaged once."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What?"


    He looked at Ming Mei in surprise. Ming Mei waved it off, "It was just our elders playing matchmaker. The son of my dad''s deputy at the freight station, a snot-nosed kid who always followed me around, always getting bullied, and I defended him a few times. His dad thought I''d be perfect for his son and even suggested an engagement. My dad brushed it off saying we were too young. Later, when we were about fifteen or sixteen, his dad brought it up again. Of course, my family didn''t agree. Why would I agree? I didn''t like the snot-nosed kid. And he didn''t want it either; he was scared of me and getting beaten up. So he secretly signed up for the army and ran away overnight."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Pfft!"


    Ming Mei: "Because of that, his family always felt a bit awkward, since the snot-nosed kid ran away. Last National Day, my dad went to their house for a drink and came back saying I should find someone I like soon, because the snot-nosed kid might get discharged. If he does, those old folks might bring up the engagement again. If they do, outright rejecting it would be awkward. Anyway, I was at the age to find a partner, so they started looking. My brother mentioned you, and I don''t know what spell you cast on him, but he described you as an excellent young man, the best of the best. So my parents agreed to the blind date, and we hit it off right away."


    This was also why Ming Mei was eager to get married. If she had to go on a date with the snot-nosed kid, she wouldn''t be happy. Of course, she could refuse, but that would ruin the relationship between the families.


    Since the snot-nosed kid''s family had only one son and treated him like a treasure, if she rejected him, the relationship would be over. Even if it did end, she couldn''t sacrifice her happiness. But since she was going to find a partner anyway, it was better to do it sooner.


    This way, she avoided offending anyone.


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his wife''s head and said, "My wife is indeed popular."


    Ming Mei gave him a sidelong glance, "Isn''t she? The snot-nosed kid was scared off, so I must be popular."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No, I mean, my wife is the kind of daughter-in-law elders would like."


    She''s straightforward and doesn''t play games, but she''s not confrontational either. Instead, she''s soft and easygoing, which naturally makes her appealing to elders. Didn''t you see how my mom, who''s usually so fierce, treats Ming Mei well?


    Who would dare to speak harshly to such a cute girl?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I should thank your uncle. If he hadn''t taught you martial arts when you were young, there probably wouldn''t be room for me. The line of suitors for you would stretch from Xinghua to Tianjin."


    Ming Mei giggled and pouted, "You''re so sweet-talking."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ve already got the best, so of course I''m sweet-talking."


    He chuckled softly, his voice filled with joy, "I like you."


    Ming Mei''s cheeks turned red as she said, "I like you too."


    Zhuang Zhixi pressed his forehead against hers and said, "Then... shall we be like mandarin ducks..."


    "Get lost!" Ming Mei immediately stood up, "I''m going to ask Mom when we''re going out to bathe. You, stop talking nonsense."


    She dashed out, clearly annoyed by his lack of seriousness.


    The two of them had been dawdling inside for a while, and when they came out, everyone had already finished eating. Chef Li was happily tipsy, humming a tune as he headed to the backyard. Ming Mei peeked out and asked, "Mom, when are we going to bathe?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s go now, or we''ll be late."


    "Okay."


    Liang Meifen sighed wistfully; she was on her period and couldn''t go!


    What a pity, another loss.


    But no one seemed to care about her mood. Zhao Guihua said, "Hutou, follow your dad; Xiao Yanzi, follow your grandma."


    "Okay."


    Kids didn''t need tickets for the bathhouse and usually went with their parents.


    Both Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were very excited. At their age, there wasn''t much to do for fun, just games like "Eagle Catches Chickens," jumping squares, playing shuttlecock, or roughhousing for boys.


    But going to the bathhouse was like "going to play in the water," so the kids were thrilled.


    Hutou mumbled softly, "I want to follow Grandma."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I want to follow my wife too, but is that possible?"


    This earned him a glare from Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei. He really was speaking nonsense.


    Zhao Guihua carried her basin and said, "Let''s go."


    Then she instructed Liang Meifen, "Stay home and don''t go out. We had a good meal today, and if everyone leaves, there might be some hungry cats sneaking in."


    Liang Meifen immediately became serious, "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll keep an eye on everything. No one will get a single bit."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Good, you understand."


    The group set off together. Passing by the toilet, Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Ah, I do miss Brother Zhou Qun and Brother Bai Fendou. Without them, it feels like there''s less fun. No one swims in the toilet anymore."


    "Eww!" Xiao Yanzi covered her nose.


    Others laughed, and the whole family headed to the bathhouse. Zhao Guihua took out the bath tickets and bought more, generously saying, "I''ll treat you all."


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned, "Mom, I knew you were the most generous."


    Zhao Guihua: "Get out of here."


    They got their keys and went their separate ways to the men''s and women''s baths. At this time, there were few people, and the pools were very clean. Ming Mei went in and directly got into the water, putting a wet towel over her face. Zhao Guihua also brought Xiao Yanzi in, who happily spun around, saying, "Play with water, play with water."


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t slip, come to grandma."


    She carried the child into the water, and Xiao Yanzi leaned against the edge of the pool, panting heavily, "It''s so hot."


    Zhao Guihua: "Can''t handle it?"


    "Can!" Xiao Yanzi didn''t want to leave, so she splashed around in the water. Ming Mei took the towel off her face and looked around. Besides the three of them, there was only one other person in the bathhouse, who was also finishing up and wrapped in a towel, heading out.


    Zhao Guihua laughed, "It''s like we''ve got the place to ourselves."


    Ming Mei: "It''s better with fewer people, more peaceful. When it''s crowded, it''s chaotic. Before I got married, every year before the New Year, the bathhouse would be packed with people. Sometimes, fights would break out over a water faucet."


    Although it was empty most of the time, it was different a few days before the New Year. It would be packed every day, and fights were common over water faucets.


    Ming Mei sighed, "But it''s strange, it seems less crowded here. When I came before the New Year, it wasn''t as crowded as it was at my place. But that doesn''t make sense, since the machinery factory''s dormitory is here. There should be more people. I really don''t understand."


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t understand?"


    Ming Mei nodded.


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s because of the living environment. Your place has apartment buildings with water fees charged per household. But here, many live in siheyuan (courtyard houses), with water faucets outside. And we pay water fees per person, so whether you use a lot or a little, the price is the same. People naturally prefer to wash at home. If you don''t wash at home, others will, and you''ll feel like you''re losing out. Plus, in siheyuan, disposing of water is very convenient. Some even dare to wash outside in winter. But you can''t do that in apartments, right?"


    Zhao Guihua was more knowledgeable than Ming Mei. If it were the 1980s or 1990s, with modern apartment buildings equipped with showers, apartments would be more convenient. But now, the spaces are small and difficult to maneuver, so washing at home is very inconvenient.


    That''s why the bathhouse in their area makes more money.


    Because people find it inconvenient to wash at home, they are used to going to the bathhouse. Once the habit is formed, it''s hard to change. But here, people are used to washing at home. It''s just the local custom.


    Ming Mei suddenly understood, "No wonder, I thought it wasn''t that crowded here."


    At this moment, she felt a bit regretful, "So if we don''t wash at home, aren''t we losing out?"


    Zhao Guihua gave her a look, "What''s the big deal about that?"


    Ming Mei chuckled, "Right, I guess it''s not a big deal."


    She smiled sweetly, "Mom, after you''re done soaking, let me scrub your back."


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure."


    They could help each other scrub, but it was a pity that there were no masseurs for women, only for men. But then again, even if there were, they might not be needed.


    Housewives at the time were quite frugal and wouldn''t spend on such things.


    Since they had already paid, they might as well enjoy a thorough wash. Ming Mei and the others came out, and the staff was already preparing to close, giving them a big glare for coming at the last minute.


    At that time, expecting warm customer service was out of the question.


    Zhuang Zhixi came out with wet hair, seeing his wife and immediately smiling. Ming Mei''s head was wrapped in a towel, looking like the character Afanti from picture books.


    But it wasn''t just her; his mother and niece were the same.


    Hutou loudly teased his sister, and Xiao Yanzi said in a childish voice, "Brother, you don''t understand. This way, the wind won''t get into our bodies through our hair."


    She said seriously, "Grandma said this is better."


    "Alright, let''s go home quickly."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Ming Mei, moving closer to her. The long bath had left her skin fair with a pinkish hue, making her look like a super sweet peach. Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t resist holding Ming Mei''s hand and asked, "Feeling cold?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "Not cold."


    Although the weather wasn''t particularly warm yet, it was past winter, and the climate was good. Some people had even started wearing single layers. The evening was a bit chilly, but after the long bath, they felt warm inside and out, not feeling much cold.


    The couple held hands, unconcerned about others.


    Their affectionate behavior was a bit cringe-worthy.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan thought, you''re just newlyweds. Over time, love fades, and holding your wife''s hand feels like holding your own. He muttered in his heart but still held his two children''s hands, who were jumping around.


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly asked, "Ming Mei, do you like boys or girls?"


    Ming Mei: "I like whatever I give birth to."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "That''s true."


    Ming Mei glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, who asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and said, "I want to have children in a couple of years."


    She didn''t want to have them too early; she was still young. Having children early would mean constant care, and Ming Mei felt a bit worried just thinking about it. Her straightforwardness made Zhuang Zhixi pause, but he agreed, "Then let''s wait. Little brats are noisy and cry all the time; it''s annoying."


    He pointed at Hutou and Xiao Yanzi in front and said, "These two used to cry all the time when they were little. People in our courtyard even said they were easy to take care of. It was exhausting."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi turned back, silently looking at their uncle. How could he say such hurtful things?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What are you looking at? I''m just telling the truth. They eat, sleep, poop, and cry. I felt the pain just watching."


    Although he didn''t take care of the kids, the sight alone was headache-inducing.


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    She too had seen how much effort it took to care for a baby and felt that having a child was a big deal. The couple exchanged knowing looks and said, "No rush, no rush."


    As the eldest brother, Zhuang Zhiyuan felt he could offer some advice, "It''s good to have children early; it''s one less thing to worry about in life."


    But no one listened.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My brother is always on business trips, away from home for half a month at a time. Of course, he doesn''t feel anything because he doesn''t take care of the kids."


    Ming Mei glanced at Zhuang Zhiyuan and nodded.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Back then, my brother and sister-in-law both worked, and Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were mostly raised by my mom. They didn''t really take care of them. Even if they needed to do something, it was my sister-in-law who did it. He doesn''t know how hard it is to take care of kids."


    Ming Mei nodded again.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "And..."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Shut up!"


    The older brother was embarrassed.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "See, the truth is always hard to hear."


    Zhao Guihua: "Zhiyuan, shut up. Let the young couple decide for themselves. Just take care of your own family."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Oh."


    With his mother''s words, he had no choice but to keep quiet.


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked, earning another glare from his brother. Today, Zhuang Zhixi had received quite a few glares.


    However, today, despite being tired, the harvest was really good.


    The food was also great.


    When the group returned home, they found Liang Meifen sitting at the door. The lights in the front yard were all off, indicating that everyone was probably asleep. Zhao Guihua said, "We''ve been busy all day today, so let''s all go to bed early."


    Everyone went back to their rooms to rest. As soon as Zhuang Zhixi entered the room, he hugged his wife, Ming Mei: "Mmm..."


    Her mouth was blocked.


    These young people, they just have endless energy. The two quickly fell onto the bed. Zhuang Zhixi reached out and fumbled on the wall until he found the light cord. With a quick pull, the lights went out!


    Monday, a new day has arrived!


    Ming Mei was late again.


    It wasn''t that she was lazy, but there was someone who kept clinging to her every night, not letting her rest until the wee hours. How could she have the energy to get up? Ming Mei lay on the bed like a boneless creature, slowly putting on her clothes and said, "Zhuang Zhixi, you can''t do this anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t been up for long either, just a minute earlier than Ming Mei.


    He was putting on his shoes and said, "What did I do?"


    Ming Mei widened her eyes: "What else could it be? You see, it''s never-ending, and it''s affecting work."


    Zhuang Zhixi blinked innocently: "We just got married, we need to communicate more and explore the mysteries of life, don''t you think?"


    Ming Mei blushed: "What''s there to agree with? Go away."


    She felt this person was really too much.


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned over and kissed her cheek, saying, "Alright, come on, let me help you get dressed. If you''re too tired, I''ll ride my bike and take you to work."


    Ming Mei pouted: "Then won''t you be late too?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Once or twice won''t matter. I think everyone will understand my desire to explore life with my wife after just getting married."


    This earned him two little punches from Ming Mei.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why are you hitting me? They''re all older than me, they understand more. Come on, get up."


    He pulled his wife up, and the two of them finally left the house.


    Unexpectedly, today, Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife were also late. It seems the turtle soup from yesterday had some other effects? Everyone being late made it seem less of a big deal.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know that his brother was simply late, quite different from him.


    Early in the morning, the water basin in the courtyard was the busiest, everyone scrambling for it.


    But recently, it''s been better since there are fewer people in the hospital. The front yard has been much quieter, even the morning routines don''t need to be rushed anymore. Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "I really hope they stay in the hospital a few more days."


    That said, it''s obviously impossible.


    Hospital stays aren''t free, and it''s about time they checked out.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "I bet I''ll see some excitement today."


    "Huh?" Everyone eating breakfast looked up at Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s Monday, and we usually go to the hospital for supplies in the morning. They''re probably checking out today too. Maybe I''ll run into them, or I can just go check out the action."


    That''s possible too.


    Zhao Guihua warned her son: "Stay away from the action, don''t get caught in the crossfire. Those people fight without regard, and Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou are always looking for someone to blame. Don''t let them trick you."


    Zhuang Zhixi widened his eyes and then smiled meaningfully: "Mom, you underestimate your son too much. If I can be tricked by them, I might as well not live."


    Zhao Guihua pouted, but then thought about it, this kid has never been tricked before, he''s the one who usually makes others miserable. Zhao Guihua relaxed and said, "I''m going to see Aunt Wang today and push Uncle Lan to find a partner, we can''t be later than Bai Fendou."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing: "Mom, you''re comparing to Bai Fendou?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course."


    She thinks Uncle Lan finding a partner is easier than Bai Fendou.


    Ming Mei giggled, and Zhuang Zhixi looked at her bright smile and said, "Alright, stop laughing, finish eating and let''s go. I''ll take you to work."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    She was exhausted last night, her legs were weak, and having someone take her to work was the best.


    However, as soon as she said that, everyone looked at them. Ming Mei remained calm and said, "I was too tired yesterday."


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow but didn''t comment. The young couple quickly left the house and ran into Old Man Lan. Despite his age, he also rode a bicycle. He pushed his bike out and said, "Oh, Grandpa, you bought a bike."


    Old Man Lan: "It''s Ming Mei''s mom''s."


    Ming Mei looked and indeed recognized it as her mother''s.


    Old Man Lan: "The factory director said he''d give me a bike coupon next month, so I''m making do for now."


    As a special talent, he enjoys good benefits.


    The group left together, and Old Man Lan fished out a White Rabbit candy from his pocket and said, "Here."


    Ming Mei smiled brightly: "Thank you, Grandpa."


    Zhuang Zhixi was sad: "Why didn''t I get one?"


    Old Man Lan snorted and quickly rode off on his bike, zooming away. His speed was unlike that of an old man; even Bai Fendou, who was most proud of his new bike, didn''t ride that fast.


    This old man was truly a speed demon.


    Zhuang Zhixi shouted, "Grandpa, slow down, don''t fall!"


    Old Man Lan didn''t respond, zooming away.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This old man really has personality."


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "Neither my uncle nor my mom could control him, and you, as a grandson-in-law, don''t even think about it. My mom told me that Grandpa has already calmed down a lot. When my grandmother was still alive, they were a dynamic duo. After my grandmother passed away, Grandpa became much quieter, even though he remarried, it didn''t seem to be a good match."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "So, your grandfather''s current state is already a restrained version?"


    Ming Mei nodded: "Yes."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I see."


    The result of Zhuang Zhixi taking Ming Mei to work was that he was late. Fortunately, the clinic was lenient, and no one said much, just teasing him a bit. Zhuang Zhixi: "You see, as compensation, I was going to share some gossip. Since you''re all teasing me, I won''t share it."


    "Hey, what gossip? Tell us, why not?"


    "Yeah, don''t hold back, spill it."


    "Is it about your neighborhood? Is it about the widow, or Bai Fendou, Zhou Qun?"


    Everyone immediately got curious. Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "You know Wang Xiangxiu took over Bai''s father and son''s wages during payday, right? Guess what, she didn''t give it to them, and last night Old Man Bai was howling for his money in the courtyard..."


    Zhuang Zhixi vividly described the scene.


    Such things, if he didn''t share, would still spread, as their place was a family compound. He estimated that by noon, the whole factory would know, so Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t holding back.


    By sharing this gossip, everyone stopped teasing him about his lateness.


    Hmm, trading the widow''s gossip for his peace was a good deal.


    "I knew the widow wasn''t easy, why doesn''t she just marry Bai Fendou? She''s already taken his money, what is she dragging for?"


    "Exactly."


    "I think she just doesn''t like Bai Fendou, she''s only after his money."


    "Ah, Bai Fendou is more than enough for her, a widow with three kids and a mother-in-law. Even if she finds a man, it''s just for support, yet she looks down on Bai Fendou? Even if he''s not perfect, he''s still a young man."


    Everyone started discussing. Zhuang Zhixi tidied up and said, "I''m off to the hospital."


    "Go ahead, take the list and check the supplies."


    "Okay."


    They continued discussing the match, waving Zhuang Zhixi off like swatting a fly.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Indeed, give them a topic, and they can chat for a whole day.


    Zhuang Zhixi arrived at the hospital; as soon as he got there, he saw many people heading upstairs. Zhuang Zhixi''s keen radar immediately kicked in. If there wasn''t something going on, he would never believe it.


    And, more often than not, it was someone he knew.


    After all, such a scandal happening in a hospital was quite rare.


    Zhuang Zhixi hurried upstairs and saw everyone gathered in front of a ward. Oh ho, it was just as he expected.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly moved closer. Being tall had its advantages; with just a slight tiptoe, his line of sight immediately surpassed the crowd and landed inside the room. He could see everything clearly.


    Sure enough, it was Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su, a duel between the two "aunties". This morning, everyone in this ward was supposed to be discharged, as one couldn''t stay in the hospital forever, usually checking out after three days.


    But it was at this moment that Jiang Lu suddenly mentioned the incident of their home being burgled.


    Aliali: 673e627cc4f3f33ac4ea767a


    Aunt Zhou knew about the burglary, as Zhou Qun had been hospitalized because of it, and it had delayed picking her up. Aunt Zhou was well aware of the situation. However, since the burglar had been caught on the spot, she had assumed the stolen items were recovered. It wasn''t until hearing Jiang Lu''s words that she realized the items were gone, likely taken by Jinlai during the chaos of everyone rushing to the hospital that night.


    This infuriated Aunt Zhou, a mix of old and new grievances. Her son was injured because of this family''s burglary, and she wasn''t picked up on time because of this incident. How could she not hate it?


    She directly charged to Aunt Su''s bed and slapped her twice.


    Aunt Su was in the process of packing her things. She had been bitten by a dog, but not severely. She should have been discharged yesterday, but since it was Sunday, she delayed until today. Never had she expected Aunt Zhou to explode.


    She attacked like a mad dog, rushing up to hit.


    Aunt Su was no match for Aunt Zhou. Her usual tactics were not direct confrontations; she always played the weak and helpless card, adept at rallying the crowd to defend her. When it came to actual fighting, she couldn''t stand up to Aunt Zhou. In the past, in the courtyard, the Bai family, father and son, would always step up for her. Even if they didn''t, others would condemn Aunt Zhou, as she was so weak and helpless.


    But this time, there were no people from the courtyard, only Bai Fendou.


    Fortunately, Bai Fendou was reliable. To him, Aunt Su was like his mother-in-law. Seeing his mother-in-law being bullied, he certainly couldn''t stand by! At her crying, Bai Fendou couldn''t bear it, and so began the Nth round of a big brawl in the ward. Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu couldn''t just watch their mother get hurt, and the scene became chaotic again...


    Zhuang Zhixi arrived just in time to see this spectacle, with many doctors and patients gathered at the door, too afraid to step forward.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "See, what did I say? I was right, I was definitely right!"

 Chapter 53

    Sometimes, certain things can be predicted.Zhuang Zhixi knew that as long as Aunt Zhou was around, there would always be some commotion. Today was no exception; he had guessed right. He had thought they might cause a ruckus over hospital fees, but it turned out to be an internal struggle. Aunt Zhou had been to the security office before, so she should have learned to be more cautious, knowing that not everyone would indulge her.


    He tiptoed to watch the spectacle. Several men from the hospital security office arrived. It was understandable; you couldn''t expect the nurses to break up a fight; they valued their lives too. With the security officers'' intervention, the brawl finally subsided. This time, everyone fought more restrained.


    After all, getting injured meant spending money!


    No one wanted to waste their hard-earned cash. Fighting was one thing; spending money was another.


    Aunt Zhou pointed at Bai Fendou and cursed, "You barren wretch, always hanging around old and young widows. No wonder you''re over thirty and still single. In my eyes, you''ll stay this way forever, childless!"


    Bai Fendou, who had initially held back because of the old woman''s age, suddenly erupted. He charged forward, howling, "I''ll beat you to death, you old hag! You talk too much! If you''re not childless, let your son have a child and show me! I bet it''s your family that''s cursed! It''s all your fault, you old jinx, for making your son childless. You deserve it, damn it, you really do!"


    He shouted loudly, and the security officers restrained Bai Fendou. But his mouth was just as venomous, "I know what you''re up to. You''re jealous, jealous of Aunt Su having three strapping sons. But jealousy won''t help; you''re just a barren soul!"


    "You''re barren!"


    "You''re barren!"


    An old woman and a young man, both hurling accusations of barrenness, made Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu''s faces turn as dark as coal.


    Zhou Qun: "Bai Fendou, that''s enough. Who are you calling barren? My wife and I will have kids when we''re ready. If you have the guts to call us barren, go find a woman and have kids yourself. Can''t even find a wife and you''re here blabbering. What, you think you''re smart?"


    With the security officers present, physical violence was out of the question, but it didn''t stop the verbal sparring.


    Bai Fendou: "Pfft! I, Bai Fendou, am handsome and dashing. I can find any woman I want. Do you think you''re special for landing Jiang Lu, that barren hen? Pfft, I tell you, I can find a woman a million times better than yours. Aunt Wang promised to introduce me to someone better. I have plenty of girls chasing me; I can take my time. Unlike you, stuck with just one woman."


    "Bai Fendou, you scoundrel, you deserve to die!" Jiang Lu''s eyes reddened with fury. "I''ll kill you, you scoundrel, you who only grovels to widows..."


    "Wife, wife, don''t lower yourself to his level. I know you best, how good you are. We shouldn''t let an outsider''s words upset us. He''s just jealous that I found such a great wife, trying to sow discord. I won''t fall for it. No matter what you''re like, whether you can have kids or not, you''re the best wife to me. I know you''re good to me and take good care of my mother. You''re wonderful, we all know that. Why let this foul-mouthed dog ruin your mood? Look, he''s just jealous, jealous to the point of madness, slandering you. In my heart, no woman in this world is better to you."


    Zhou Qun pulled Jiang Lu back, comforting her.


    His words softened the women''s gazes, making them think he was a great man. In most households, a wife unable to bear children might cause trouble, but look at this man, how good he is to his wife.


    Jiang Lu felt immensely warm and threw herself into Zhou Qun''s arms, wailing, "Qun, I know, I know you''re the best..."


    Zhou Qun gently patted her back, soothing her, "Don''t pay attention to this petty man. He''s just a pile of dog shit."


    "You bastard, who are you calling..."


    "Whoever talks nonsense. Bai Fendou, you can say whatever you want about me, but I won''t let you insult my wife. I don''t even dare to say a word against her; who do you think you are?"


    "You!"


    As they bickered, others nodded, saying, "This man is a real man."


    "Indeed, anyone who finds such a man won''t regret it. Look how he stands up for his wife in crucial moments."


    "If my man were like this, I''d be moved to tears."


    Seeing everyone''s reactions, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but sigh: Zhou Qun really knows how to put on a show. No wonder he often gets praised. He knows just the right words to make people feel at ease. Look at Jiang Lu, she''s trembling with sobs, but it''s not out of sadness¡ªit''s out of gratitude.


    And with Zhou Qun''s words, everyone began to point fingers at Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou retorted, "I... I''m not wrong! This old hag started it!"


    "His grandson stole from my house when we weren''t home. Is that right? Every time, it''s just brushed off. My mom couldn''t take it anymore. You think it''s wrong to be angry? They raise thieves, and we''re the ones with the tempers?"


    "No, petty theft is wrong."


    "That''s true."


    "If someone stole from me, I''d break their legs."


    The crowd buzzed with discussion. Aunt Su also covered her face and cried, knowing that petty theft was deeply resented. Harshly put, if you caught a thief, some might even cheer if you killed them.


    So she had to do something.


    "I''m sorry, really sorry..."


    Aunt Su suddenly knelt down, crying, "It''s my children''s fault, I didn''t teach them well. Blame me, it''s all my fault. But the kids are young; they were just hungry, they''re not bad-hearted. The feeling of hunger is terrible. My husband and son are gone, and I''m a widow with three growing boys. It''s tough. But don''t worry, I''ll discipline them properly, it won''t happen again. I''m sorry, I''m begging you..."


    Aunt Su''s act of weakness immediately changed the situation.


    People are generally lenient towards the weak. Seeing the scene, Zhuang Zhixi pouted and walked away. The outcome was obvious; there wouldn''t be a fight. It would just end with some muddled compromise.


    Below that, it would be about compensation, but their injuries weren''t severe, so they could still be discharged. Their courtyard would soon be lively again.


    It seemed that Aunt Zhou''s three-day adventure in the security office hadn''t affected her mood at all. She remained as troublesome and mischievous as ever. She was truly a mentally resilient person.


    Zhuang Zhixi went downstairs to attend to his business. As he counted the gauze, someone called out to him, "Zhuang Zhixi?"


    He looked up in surprise, "Teacher Xiang?"


    Teacher Xiang was Zhuang Zhixi''s high school math teacher, with whom he had a good relationship. However, three years ago, Teacher Xiang stopped teaching due to his background and cut off contact with all colleagues and students.


    Zhuang Zhixi and a few classmates had looked for Teacher Xiang several times, but he always avoided them. They knew that Teacher Xiang wasn''t too proud to see them because of his changed status but didn''t want to cause them trouble.


    Unexpectedly, they met here. Zhuang Zhixi was astonished, "Teacher Xiang, why are you here?"


    Looking at Teacher Xiang''s hospital uniform, he replied, "I work in the hospital morgue."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Teacher Xiang smiled lightly, "It''s not bad here."


    Zhuang Zhixi pursed his lips, feeling a bit sad. He wasn''t the type to easily open up to people, but he was very close to Teacher Xiang. He quickly asked, "When did you get here? Have you been here all along, or...?"


    His questions were numerous. Teacher Xiang waved his hand, looked around, and seeing no one around, said, "Come to the basement level two in ten minutes."


    He left first, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly followed behind. The basement level two was the morgue. Just thinking about it made Zhuang Zhixi''s legs feel weak. He descended the stairs, feeling the cold intensify with each step. He took a deep breath and encouraged himself, "Zhuang Zhixi, you''re a man, how can you be so scared? This won''t do."


    A burst of laughter echoed in the corridor. Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Oh my god!"


    Teacher Xiang walked over, amused and exasperated, "What are you afraid of?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked around and asked, "Is this where you work?"


    Teacher Xiang nodded and said, "I resigned back then and used my connections to get this job."


    He sat down on the steps and said, "Come, sit."


    The two sat down together. Teacher Xiang said, "My older sister married to Hong Kong, and our family''s background is average. There was no way I could stay at the school. If I didn''t leave, something bad would have happened sooner or later. Instead of being controlled by others, I thought I''d better find a way out. A friend of mine suggested that the more inauspicious and undesirable places are, the safer they are. So I used my connections to get this job. Surprisingly, although this place looks cold and inauspicious, it''s actually quite a good place. These years, I''ve lived very peacefully."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced around. It was pitch dark, with only a small lamp. He said, "As long as you''re fine. There have been a lot of chaotic things happening these years."


    Teacher Xiang replied, "Who says otherwise? But I''m fine, living quite well. I''ve seen you several times but didn''t dare to greet you. Today, I thought I should at least let you know. You, this kid, look carefree, but you''re very loyal. I was afraid you''d worry about me. See, I''m doing well, aren''t I?"


    Zhuang Zhixi pouted, "Well, what''s good about it? Look how dark it is here. People can''t live without sunlight."


    Teacher Xiang said, "As long as I can live without suffering, that''s good enough. I actually think it''s quite good now. The work is not much, no worries about food and clothing. Although it feels a bit like living like a rat, my life is not bad. I can even sneakily read books here. If I went out, would I dare to read?"


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What about Teacher Xiang''s wife?"


    Teacher Xiang replied, "We divorced. She took the kids back to her parents'' home."


    Zhuang Zhixi remained silent. Back then, Teacher Xiang and his wife had a very good relationship. They had even brazenly gone to the Xiang''s home to eat. The wife had always been very polite to them. Unexpectedly, they got divorced...


    Teacher Xiang said, "What kind of expression is that? We had a good relationship, it wasn''t that she abandoned me. I was the one who proposed the divorce. If we hadn''t divorced, I was afraid it would have implicated them. So I came up with a plan. My mother-in-law went crazy with grief after my father-in-law suddenly passed away, often picking up a knife at the slightest disagreement. I said I had enough of it, that I was tired of her madness. We had a big fight and then divorced. She took the kids and moved back to her parents'' house. With my mother-in-law, who often picks up a knife, and my wife''s siblings around, I''m not worried about them being bullied. I moved out, leaving everything behind, and now live here."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He frowned, "How can you live here?"


    "Why not? It''s quite good."


    He teased, "Why are you being so picky? Is this how you are now? I see you''ve become quite arrogant."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "And you weren''t arrogant before."


    Teacher Xiang had been very flamboyant in the past, young and able to mix well with them. Now living in such a dark place, Zhuang Zhixi sighed, feeling a bit sad. Teacher Xiang patted his shoulder and said, "Hey, why are you sighing? You''re young, you should live carefree. Don''t forget how I taught you? Life should be carefree to be happy. Thinking too much doesn''t bring much happiness."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Heh."


    He said, "So, Teacher Xiang, you didn''t call me out just to catch up, did you?"


    Teacher Xiang, fearing to cause them trouble, wouldn''t normally seek him out. This sudden summoning must have been for a reason.


    "You''re quite sharp."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "You used to say I had a lot of tricks, didn''t you?"


    Teacher Xiang also laughed and said, "Actually, it''s like this. My brother-in-law was hospitalized recently and happened to be in the same ward as your nephew. He recognized you and overheard Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou gossiping about your family."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh?"


    Teacher Xiang became serious, "I heard that your wife''s grandfather is looking for a partner. What do you think of my older sister?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Pfft!"


    He almost fell down the stairs. He looked at Teacher Xiang in disbelief, feeling his head buzz. After a long while, he stammered, "Are you... are you matchmaking randomly?"


    He stared at Teacher Xiang, deeply feeling that his teacher''s brain had gone haywire. Could it be that living in this sunless place for too long had caused water to enter his brain?


    He reached out and gently touched his forehead, saying, "Are you feverish?"


    "Go away, what fever? I''m serious."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at him with a complicated expression and said, "Do you know how old my wife''s grandfather is? He''s about seventy, or close to it. Even if he''s not seventy yet, he''s almost there. You know, my wife is his youngest granddaughter, and she''s already married. Your older sister..."


    Zhuang Zhixi started scratching his head, his neatly combed hair turning into a tangled mess. At this moment, he finally understood why Mingmei sometimes scratched her hair. It was really quite perplexing.


    "This age... it''s not suitable."


    Teacher Xiang: "Don''t reject it so quickly, listen to me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    Teacher Xiang: "My sister-in-law is fifty-one this year. She has never been married, although she was once engaged. When she was less than twenty years old, she accidentally fell into the water during an accident. At that time, she was already pregnant with her fianc¨¦''s child, but due to the accident, she had a miscarriage. Please don''t think she is not virtuous; in fact, she is a very good person. The reason she got pregnant early was that her fianc¨¦ was going to the battlefield. But who would have thought that this accident would happen, and the doctor said she could no longer bear children. This situation was already very difficult, but unexpectedly, the family that was supposed to marry her suddenly backed out. The man couldn''t go against his family and also abandoned my sister-in-law, which made her extremely heartbroken. Because many people saw her being sent to the hospital after falling into the water, the news spread, and basically no decent families came to propose marriage. At that time, before the liberation, those who came to propose were either for concubinage or to be a second wife for an old man. Seeing these kinds of proposals, my sister-in-law decided not to marry at all. She is very strong-willed and decided not to marry, always taking care of the family. Later, when my father-in-law passed away, the family only had three women, and my brother-in-law was still a teenager. My mother-in-law thought this situation would definitely lead to being bullied, so she pretended to be crazy, often picking up a knife to threaten people. In fact, she is not really sick, so you don''t need to worry about any genetic issues. My mother-in-law is just pretending, so my sister-in-law is perfectly fine. Later, when my wife and I got married, their family''s situation improved. They once thought of arranging a marriage for my sister-in-law, but she refused. It was then that she found out that the accident of her falling into the water was actually orchestrated by her fianc¨¦''s family. They didn''t want her as a daughter-in-law because of her ordinary background, but since the marriage was arranged by their deceased elders, they couldn''t back out. So they deliberately pushed her into the water, intending to catch her in a scandal of not being virtuous. Unexpectedly, before they could use this to break off the engagement, the doctor revealed that she had miscarried and could no longer bear children. They took advantage of this to break off the engagement. Her former fianc¨¦ knew about his family''s actions but did not speak out. However, their family did receive their just deserts. As landlords, they didn''t fare well after the liberation. The former fianc¨¦ also revealed the truth on his deathbed. After knowing all this, my sister-in-law couldn''t trust men anymore and didn''t want to marry again, which led to her single status until today."


    Zhuang Zhixi frowned: "Then why is there a plan to marry her now?"


    This matter seemed strange and mysterious.


    Teacher Xiang: "Actually, it''s because my sister-in-law has this intention. As people get older, they don''t take things as seriously as they did when they were young and become more open-minded."


    Seeing that Zhuang Zhixi was still suspicious, he smiled bitterly and said: "Don''t think too much. There really isn''t anything going on. People''s thoughts change with time. A few years ago, could I have imagined running away to work here to avoid trouble? No way. My sister-in-law is the same. She didn''t want to find a partner before, but now she feels a bit lonely and has changed her mind. As for the age difference, to be honest, my sister-in-law''s choices are limited. We also consider the issue of not having children. Now that she wants to find a partner, she inevitably has to face the issue of the other party''s children. We really don''t want her to go and become a nanny, nor do we want her to worry about someone else''s children. She has never had to worry about children her whole life, and we don''t want her to start worrying about someone else''s kids at her age. Isn''t that annoying? Your grandfather, although much older than my sister-in-law, doesn''t have to worry about children. And he wants to find someone healthy, and my sister-in-law also wants a healthy partner, so it seems like a good match. That''s why we approached you."


    After all, not having to worry about children is a big relief, even if the person is older. It''s much more convenient.


    If there were children, the trouble would be endless.


    Adult children bring even more problems.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    This explanation really left him at a loss for words.


    Teacher Xiang: "Here, I''ll give you my sister-in-law''s address. You can go and ask around about her character; she is really very good."


    Zhuang Zhixi was silent for a moment, then said: "In that case, I''ll talk to my grandfather. He will definitely want to investigate. Whether it works out or not, I can''t guarantee. This isn''t like finding a partner for myself. It depends on his thoughts. Maybe he will even think your sister-in-law is too young. After all, it has to be a mutual match, right?"


    Teacher Xiang agreed: "That''s true. This matter definitely requires mutual agreement. We are just going by hearsay."


    He was indeed straightforward, saying: "My brother-in-law also heard Aunt Zhou and others talking behind the scenes, so he thought it was suitable. The idea is to have fewer troubles and be in good health. My sister-in-law is looking for a partner who is also in good health, otherwise, she would just become a nanny, and we wouldn''t be happy about that."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said: "Alright, I''ll ask around. Whether it works out or not, I''ll give you an answer in a few days."


    Teacher Xiang nodded and said: "Okay, but don''t come looking for me openly. My background is average, and I don''t want to affect you."


    He smiled bitterly and said: "If I hadn''t divorced, I would never have introduced my sister-in-law to your family. Now that I''m divorced, they won''t be affected by me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I understand. Well, I''ll be off then. I''ll give you news later, but don''t rush."


    Teacher Xiang nodded: "No problem."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t stay long. He hurried upstairs and didn''t want to be seen. It wasn''t that he wasn''t decent, but some things are better left untouched. If you can avoid trouble, why would you want to get involved?


    If Teacher Xiang hadn''t wanted peace, he wouldn''t have hidden in such a remote and unlucky place.


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his arms, feeling that this place was indeed very unlucky.


    But the word "unlucky" might differ depending on who you ask. For Teacher Xiang, it was quite fortunate. After all, only here could he find peace. In another place, with his background, he might have been dragged out for various troubles.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly went upstairs, got on the tricycle assigned by the factory clinic, and sped back.


    If Bai Fendou knew about this, he would be dumbfounded. You see, Bai Fendou wants to get married but can''t even find a date, while Lan Sihai, an old man, has people coming to propose marriage.


    It''s hard to understand this world.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly returned to the unit. As soon as he arrived, he heard the clinic buzzing with activity. Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    No one paid attention to him as he entered. Zhuang Zhixi: "What are you all talking about?"


    The sisters here are all capable.


    "Hey, what else? Zhou Qun came to work."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    When he went to the hospital earlier, Zhou Qun and the others were still fighting. After the fight, they came to work? Thinking about it, it''s not surprising. Zhou Qun had taken several days off. Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t remember exactly how many days, but it was at least five.


    Today is Monday, so no matter how you look at it, it''s normal for Zhou Qun to come to work.


    He curiously asked: "What about Bai Fendou? Did he come?"


    "He also came, and so did Zhou Qun''s wife, Jiang Lu. I''ve never seen a man take so many days off for a sprained back. I heard their department head is very unhappy."


    "Unhappy or not, what can he do? Zhou Qun has connections, as long as he doesn''t make a big mistake, he can take as much leave as he wants."


    "That''s true, but Jiang Lu also has it tough. Her husband and mother-in-law are both in the hospital, and she has to take care of them. It''s really hard for her to find time..."


    "Hey, do you think Zhou Qun knows about his mother''s remarks?"


    Everyone looked at each other, shaking their heads. They couldn''t guess whether Zhou Qun knew or not.


    Logically, Zhou Qun should know, but who can say for sure? After all, Jiang Lu hasn''t been to work these days, so it''s possible he doesn''t know.


    ¡°Hey, have you guys seen Bai Fendou? His face got scratched, and it looks like a fresh wound. He must have gotten into another fight again, right? That guy is really something. He never stops, always causing a ruckus every day.¡± Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Looks like it was a woman who did it. Hey, could it be Wang Xiangxiu?¡±


    ¡°No way, Wang Xiangxiu seems very gentle. Maybe it was Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law. Didn''t she get pregnant with Old Bai''s child? As the only son, Bai Fendou definitely wouldn''t be happy about that. They probably got into a fight.¡±


    ¡°Could be, could be.¡±


    People nowadays really have nothing better to do. They gossip about the smallest things like it''s a big deal. It''s almost like celebrating a festival. But come on, how did everyone just assume that Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law being hospitalized means she''s pregnant?


    This whole thing is Old Bai''s fault. He''s too loud, and now no matter how he explains it, no one believes him.


    In a few days, they''ll probably start saying the baby is born, and Bai Fendou will have a new younger brother.


    Zhuang Zhixi kept imagining this scenario and couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Doctor Wang: ¡°What are you laughing at?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I was thinking, Bai Fendou really has it tough.¡±


    Everyone thought about it and agreed, bursting into laughter.


    Poor Bai Fendou kept sneezing from all the gossip. Today was his first day back to work after a break, and he was three hours late. By the time he arrived, it was almost noon, but the security department didn''t give him a hard time.


    Normally, they would, but with those scratches on his face, it was clear he had been "taught a lesson." The head of the security department decided to let it slide, considering Bai Fendou was one of their own.


    But Bai Fendou''s mood was far from good. Along the way, countless people had stopped him to chat.


    ¡°Fendou, is your dad going to find a new wife for you? If he gets together with Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law, you won''t stand a chance, will you?¡±


    ¡°Fendou, heard you''re getting a new brother? Do you prefer a boy or a girl? Maybe it''ll be a sister.¡±


    ¡°I think if your dad has another kid, it''d be better if it''s a girl. A boy would compete with you, but a girl will just get married off.¡±


    ¡°But no matter if it''s a boy or girl, how long can Old Bai and Aunt Su manage? It''s like Bai Fendou is getting a grown-up child.¡±


    ¡°Having a grown-up child isn''t so bad. Since Bai Fendou doesn''t have any kids of his own, it''s better to treat his brother or sister like his own child. It''s all the same, right?¡±


    The more they talked, the more absurd it became. Bai Fendou was fuming, his nostrils flaring. He shouted, ¡°Damn it, can you guys talk sense? What are you even talking about? Those are all rumors, rumors! They''re not true. Can you stop believing everything you hear? Can you speak like normal people? Do you have to make up stuff like that? What about Aunt Su''s reputation? And why do you think I have a chance with Wang Xiangxiu? We''re just neighbors, and our relationship is good because I feel sorry for her situation. It''s not what you think.¡±


    Deep down, he actually liked Wang Xiangxiu, but after another fight with Aunt Su at the hospital, his heart ached.


    Why could Zhou Qun find a good woman who was also a first-time bride, while he could only find a second-time bride?


    He had boasted that he would find someone better than Jiang Lu. Although, in his heart, Wang Xiangxiu was much better than Jiang Lu¡ªconsiderate, beautiful, and capable of having children. But there was one thing: Wang Xiangxiu''s family conditions couldn''t compare to Jiang Lu''s.


    He, Bai Fendou, still wanted to find a woman with excellent family conditions, who was also a first-time bride. That way, he could outshine Zhou Qun.


    And also outshine... Zhuang Zhixi.


    Although Zhuang Zhixi had never flaunted in front of him, Bai Fendou still looked at him unfavorably. Before, they were just little brothers in the same courtyard, but now things were different.


    Zhuang Zhixi was married, and his wife was pretty good, while he, Bai Fendou, was still single.


    So why Zhuang Zhixi and not Yang Lixin?


    Pfft, Yang Lixin was just a son-in-law who couldn''t even pass on his own surname to his son. He was spineless.


    As for Zhuang Zhiyuan, pfft, his wife only sided with her family. It was a waste to give up a good job for that. Not worth envying!


    So Zhuang Zhixi was the one to be jealous of.


    Bai Fendou''s mood was terrible. He made up his mind to find Aunt Wang and ask her to introduce a good match for him. His conditions were top-notch, weren''t they?


    Because of this, Bai Fendou and Zhuang Zhixi, both off work, showed up at Aunt Wang''s house.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°???¡±


    Was she that important now?


    Bai Fendou was also suspicious: ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I came to see Aunt Wang about something. Is that a problem?¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°What''s the matter?¡±


    This guy really lacked tact. Zhuang Zhixi sighed and said, ¡°What do you think? Would I tell you? Hey, what about you?¡±


    Bai Fendou awkwardly smiled, then thought, asking for a wife isn''t shameful.


    He boldly said, ¡°I just wanted to ask Aunt Wang how the matchmaking is going.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°...¡±


    Didn''t you have any self-awareness?


    Where would you find someone with those requirements?


    Aunt Wang looked at Zhuang Zhixi, who suddenly showed up. It was quite strange.


    Bai Fendou was still rambling on, saying, ¡°I want a wife, not necessarily great, just better than Jiang Lu. How about it? My requirements aren''t high, right?¡±


    Aunt Wang took a deep breath and couldn''t help but say, ¡°How are they not high? They''re very high! Look at your actual situation! You''re over thirty, and you''re entangled with a widow. Your reputation outside isn''t great. How do you expect me to find someone good for you? People with those conditions are already married early. Do you think they''d wait for you? Go, go, get out of here. Don''t joke around with me.¡±


    Bai Fendou''s eyes widened like bull''s eyes: ¡°Why is this a joke? I''m serious.¡±


    Aunt Wang, seeing his lack of self-awareness, simply didn''t want to deal with him. Matchmaking was about finding a suitable match. If the gap was too big, people would point fingers at her, and how could she continue to do matchmaking?


    She couldn''t afford to lose face like that.


    Aunt Wang then looked at Zhuang Zhixi and said, ¡°Why are you here? Your grandfather? Why didn''t the old man come himself? Since you''re here, let''s go talk. I have seven potential matches for him. Let''s see which one he likes better.¡±


    Bai Fendou''s eyes widened in shock. How could he be treated like a joke, while the old man had seven potential matches? Was this even fair? How could they be so unreasonable?


    He stretched out his hand to block Aunt Wang and said, ¡°Aunt Wang, you can''t do this. You won''t introduce one match for me, but you find seven for him. Do you think that''s fair?¡±


    Aunt Wang slapped his hand away and said, ¡°What''s unfair about it? I think it''s quite fair.¡±


    She continued, ¡°Your requirements are high, so there are no suitable matches; his requirements are not high, so there are many suitable matches. Even though Grandpa Lan has many options, no one knows if any of them will work out until they meet. These matches are not just for Grandpa Lan; they have other choices too. Dating is a process of seeing if both sides click. You just don''t understand. Move aside.¡±


    Since the fight at the hospital and being scolded by Aunt Zhou, Bai Fendou had been in a bad mood. The incident of falling into the cesspit and eating shit had just passed, and people had stopped laughing at him.


    Now, they were back to gossiping about his father''s affairs.


    This brother and sister are both out here, it''s really nonsense. And it''s clearly his dad''s business, so why isn''t anyone gossiping around the old man? Instead, they all gather around him. It''s infuriating.


    In any case, Bai Fendou is now eager to find a good partner to redeem himself.


    This is a matter of a man''s pride; he absolutely cannot back down.


    "My requirements aren''t high at all. Xiao Zhuang''s salary isn''t even as high as mine. Look at the kind of partner he''s found..." he muttered.


    But this remark immediately sparked Aunt Wang, the golden matchmaker, into anger. She bellowed in a loud voice, "Can you have some self-respect? It''s true that your salary is higher than his, but have you looked at your own age? How old are you compared to him? You''re almost ten years older, do you even have the nerve to say that? Plus, look at your own face, and then look at his. I beg you to go home and look in the mirror. How can you be so clueless? Don''t even mention that Xiao Zhuang is a formal worker with a job. Even if he wasn''t, with his looks, finding a partner wouldn''t be difficult. But you... forget it. Get out of here! I can''t stand to look at you! Scram!"


    She roared like a lioness from the east.


    "Scram, scram, scram!" Bai Fendou was kicked out, and Zhuang Zhixi watched the spectacle with glee.


    Aunt Wang: "What brings you here this time...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This time, I''m here about my grandfather''s matchmaking..."


    He lowered his voice and said, "The thing is, Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su are in the hospital, right? They''ve been talking about my grandfather behind his back. You know, my grandfather just moved here from out of town, so they don''t really know much about him. So, they can only talk about his personal life, inevitably mentioning his intention to find a partner again. They mock his peculiar requirements... But you know what? They didn''t have good intentions, but the listeners took it to heart. The guy in the next bed, you might remember him, you saw him when you visited Aunt Su. He heard about it and thought my grandfather would be a good match for his older sister. So, he found me through a roundabout way, hoping to arrange a blind date..."


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    What the hell kind of development is this?


    "I''ve talked to my grandfather about this. He''s open to meeting, but we should know a bit about each other. You can''t just have someone fall from the sky for a blind date. My mom doesn''t know much about these things, so that''s why I had to come to you. Can you find out about this lady''s personal situation? You''re well-connected in this line of work."


    As soon as Zhuang Zhixi got home, he told Lan Sihai about the situation. Lan Sihai''s requirements were really not high; he didn''t seek anything superfluous, just someone who was trouble-free and in good health. And he himself was in pretty good shape.


    But as Zhuang Zhixi said, even though Lan Sihai agreed, he definitely wanted to know the specifics. Who knows if there might be any tricks. As people get older, they become more shrewd and are wary of being scammed into marriage.


    After all, he''s been through it before. His second wife had someone on the side and used him as a meal ticket.


    And then there was the third wife who was really unwell.


    Lan Sihai was also known to be loyal and righteous in Jinling. After all, he was willing to spend money to treat his later wife''s illness without any hesitation. For that, many people would give him a thumbs up. Not everyone can do that.


    Aunt Wang: "You came to the right person for this. Your mom, despite her fiery nature, doesn''t really care much about these things and doesn''t know many people. Tell me, what''s the name of the person? I''ll go and find out."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "She lives in Nanluoguxiang, her name is Luo Xiaohe. She should have an old mother, a divorced sister, and an unmarried brother. She never married because she couldn''t have children after a drowning incident. That''s about all I know... I need you to find out the details for me."


    Aunt Wang frowned, "Luo Xiaohe? I don''t know her, but it doesn''t matter, there are many people I don''t know. We matchmakers often share information. You can rest assured, I''ll find out about this as soon as possible. Just wait for the news."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Okay."


    Aliali: 6721458c3a4784313d77dbc3


    He said, "Thank you, Aunt Wang."


    Aunt Wang gave him a sidelong glance and said, "What''s there to thank? I''m a matchmaker, I''m happy to arrange marriages. Besides, your grandfather is easy to match."


    Although the old man is old, he''s in good health, has a good salary, no children to meddle, and has clearly stated that the house will go to his partner, which the children can''t take away. For someone looking to find a partner in their later years, this is quite good. No matter the size of the house, at least it''s a guarantee.


    For this reason, many people would be willing.


    She said, "Just wait and see. Oh, by the way, I still need to go see your grandfather. I have a few more suitable candidates to discuss with him..."


    As the two walked out together, they saw Bai Fendou squatting in the middle of the two gates, drawing circles on the ground and lost in thought, looking dispirited.


    The moment he saw Zhuang Zhixi following Aunt Wang out, his face instantly darkened.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    What the hell is wrong with you?


    This jealousy of yours, isn''t it over yet?

 Chapter 54

    Zhuang Zhixi took on the role of a matchmaker, beginning to play cupid for Old Man Lan, while showing less concern for Ming Mei, his actual granddaughter. Ming Mei was quite easygoing and somewhat casual about things. She was more curious about whether these people, now discharged from the hospital, would stir up any trouble.Whether they caused trouble or not, Ming Mei found it all quite interesting - these people enriched both her life and her savings.


    Ming Mei rarely watched movies nowadays; she couldn''t help it - there was too much gossip in their courtyard to keep up with. Looking at it this way, movies weren''t anything special compared to the entertainment value of following the neighborhood gossip.


    Unexpectedly though, both Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su remained surprisingly well-behaved after leaving the hospital, which was rather unsettling - their good behavior was actually quite frightening.


    However, Zhou Qun returned from his first day back at work with a dark expression. He ran into Ming Mei at the entrance of the alley and managed a forced smile, greeting her: "Hey there, Zhuang''s wife, off work?"


    Ming Mei responded with a clear, crisp "mm-hmm" while curiously observing Zhou Qun''s expression, asking, "Brother Zhou Qun, you''re back at work already? Shouldn''t you rest a bit longer?"


    Zhou Qun replied, "We are all successors of socialism and screws in the factory machine. The factory''s operation needs countless screws, and can''t function without mine. Our electrical team is already smaller than other teams, if I keep taking leave, others will have to work much harder. I can''t let my personal matters affect everyone else. Don''t you agree?"


    Ming Mei nodded, thinking to herself how artificial his words sounded.


    She didn''t believe a word of such hollow talk, but Ming Mei just blinked her eyes and politely said nothing more. Her silence seemed to encourage Zhou Qun, who continued talking endlessly.


    "You''re still young, lacking life experience, and I''m much better than you in this regard. You see, we all married too early. It''s not that marrying early is bad, but when you marry too young, you don''t really know what you want, and your choices might not be the best. People our age can''t really give good advice either. Take Xiao Zhuang for example - his job actually has no deeper career prospects, something you surely didn''t understand before marriage. I wonder why your family didn''t point this out to you. But you should know that only technical work offers career development. Look at me, I''m already a level-seven electrician. In our machinery factory, I''m the only one so young at this level. In every aspect, I can proudly say I''m a capable person. If you have any confusion about work or life, you can come to me. As someone a few years older, I''m happy to help clear your doubts. We''re all working class, we should help each other. Little Mrs. Zhuang, or should I call you Ming Mei? Your name sounds quite..."


    Ming Mei immediately cut in: "You''d better stick with ''Little Mrs. Zhuang.'' I''m not comfortable with unfamiliar people using my given name, or you can call me Comrade Xiao Ming like others do, that works too."


    She continued chattering: "But Brother Zhou Qun, I don''t think what you''re saying is right at all. How can you say our Zhuang Zhixi has no future? I think he''s doing quite well. Yes, maybe he''s not as ambitious as you, wanting to become a factory director, but you can''t just say we have no future."


    Zhou Qun: "..." Can''t you understand what I''m saying? Is the point about Zhuang Zhixi? Does his future matter? Shouldn''t you be admiring me? Zhou Qun''s expression changed slightly.


    Moreover, his face darkened further, becoming extremely uncomfortable.


    He had already learned about his mother''s mischief in the security office, how dare she claim he would become factory director, what would everyone think, and more importantly, what would the current factory director think? Zhou Qun was already angry about this matter.


    Now things were getting even worse.


    "Oh wait, Brother Zhou Qun, you''re an electrician now, so how many steps would it take to become factory director?" Ming Mei asked curiously, "Can you be directly promoted to factory director through special promotion? If you become factory director, would you get separate housing allocation? Would you still live in this courtyard? If you move out, would you take your mother with you?"


    Ming Mei continued chattering: "I heard your mother wants to teach Deputy Director Zhang a lesson, make him clean toilets, would you listen to your mother?"


    "Oh right, I heard you''re going to fire people from the security office, is that true? Won''t you get beaten up if you do that?"


    Zhou Qun: "..."


    His mouth twitched severely, deeply feeling that Zhuang Zhixi''s wife was just as annoying as Zhuang Zhixi himself - lacking awareness and irritating.


    He took a deep breath and said, "My mother was just joking, don''t take it seriously."


    Ming Mei''s eyes were very serious: "How can that be just a joke? I heard she was very serious about it. It''s a pity I''m not working at your factory, I can''t eavesdrop at the security office. I heard many people from your factory went there to listen in. Your mother really has influence! Look, she commands attention in our quadrangle courtyard, and she can attract everyone''s attention at your factory too. Even Aunt Su''s childbirth news had to take a back seat to your mother''s drama. That''s really something!"


    Zhou Qun: "...I''m home. You should hurry back for dinner."


    By this point, he no longer wanted to talk to Ming Mei. He had some messy thoughts before, but now they were all gone. Looking at Ming Mei now, he found her face rather repulsive.


    You''re the one who won''t shut up!


    For a woman, no matter how beautiful her face might be, without a gentle and servile nature, she''s destined to go nowhere.


    Zhou Qun let out a cold sneer and turned to go home. Ming Mei pushed her bicycle home, where Zhuang Zhixi curiously asked, "What were you talking about with Zhou Qun?"


    Ming Mei''s big eyes sparkled with amusement as she said, "He tried to sow discord, so I just pricked his heart a little."


    She smiled faintly, thinking that he shouldn''t assume she was naive enough to be fooled just because she seemed simple-minded. She might be inexperienced, but she wasn''t stupid.


    "That dog has ill intentions," Ming Mei complained.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s expression didn''t change, but the corner of his mouth lifted meaningfully: "So he''s set his sights on my household..."


    Ming Mei rubbed Zhuang Zhixi''s face, saying, "Don''t worry, I won''t be fooled or tricked, I''m not stupid enough to believe someone like him. He shouldn''t try to take advantage of me. If he dares to provoke me, I''ll keep pricking his heart until he hurts."


    For someone so concerned about face, tearing off his mask would be extremely painful.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked down at his wife and said, "If he dares to bother my wife, I''ll give him a Foshan shadowless kick."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing.


    The couple walked hand in hand to the main house for dinner. They had eaten well yesterday, so today''s meal was simpler - two stir-fried vegetable dishes and two pickled side dishes. These were pickles that Zhao Guihua had made some time ago, one radish and one Chinese cabbage.


    Because the taste was different from regular pickles, they were quite popular, with a refreshing flavor.


    It was better than winter now, with more variety in vegetables, though in early April, the selection wasn''t particularly abundant. Adding one more dish meant one more flavor, which was quite nice. Ming Mei especially liked the pickled radish, finding it very refreshing.


    The spicy cabbage, in comparison, was less appealing.


    "Mom, how do you make this? I never had this at my parents'' home," Ming Mei asked curiously.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "It''s Korean style. It''s not common around here. I heard about it from someone else and tried making it myself. Didn''t expect it to turn out well."


    Ming Mei: "I think it''s really tasty. Could I ask how to make it, to teach my mom?"


    She was always like this, saying whatever was on her mind directly. If something worked out, fine; if not, that was fine too. She never beat around the bush or spoke with hidden meanings. She was just very straightforward.


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t ask, it''s hard to explain. If you like it, just ask your mom to come learn from me. I''ll teach her."


    Zhao Guihua had quite a good relationship with Ming Mei''s mother, Lan Ling. Although they were now just unfamiliar in-laws, to Zhao Guihua, they were decades-old sisters.


    Ming Mei: "Sure."


    Liang Meifen moved her lips slightly, wanting to suggest inviting her mother too, but that was just how she was - always hoping for benefits but reluctant to speak up. She pressed her lips together, looking expectantly at her mother-in-law. However... there was no however.


    Her mother-in-law had simply ended the topic there.


    Liang Meifen started feeling upset again, but Zhao Guihua deliberately avoided looking at her. These little things never bothered Zhao Guihua - to put it bluntly, if you want something but don''t fight for it yourself, how can you expect others to offer it to you?


    If you want to have your cake and eat it too, then forget about it.


    Zhao Guihua turned to look at Zhuang Zhixi: "Have you talked to Aunt Wang about that Luo Xiaohe matter?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Yes, Aunt Wang said she''d help me look into the situation."


    Zhao Guihua sighed inwardly, thinking that the butterfly effect really did exist. Look how small changes could lead to bigger ones - in her previous life, there was no hospitalization incident, so there was no Luo Xiaohe matter.


    But in this life, with the hospitalization incident, now there was the Luo Xiaohe situation.


    Come to think of it, in the previous life, Old Man Lan Sihai had gone on several blind dates, but none worked out. It wasn''t that Old Man Lan didn''t like them; rather, the women seemed fine at first but then suddenly changed their minds.


    They later found out that Aunt Zhou had been causing trouble behind the scenes. In the previous life, there was also a housing issue, though not as serious as this time. But it was enough for Aunt Zhou to hold a grudge and stir up trouble. With Aunt Su helping on the side, their efforts naturally doubled in effectiveness.


    Though these two old ladies didn''t get along, they could unite for personal gain. At that time, Aunt Su still wanted to develop a relationship with Old Man Lan, so she was happy to cooperate with Aunt Zhou.


    However, this time, Zhao Guihua felt things wouldn''t develop the same way as in her previous life, especially since, by coincidence, the women''s side had learned about the situation from these two old ladies and knew about their ill intentions.


    "Mom, what are you thinking about?" Zhuang Zhixi asked curiously.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Nothing much."


    As they were eating, suddenly a sharp crying sound came from outside. Zhao Guihua: "Here we go again..."


    As soon as people returned home, the drama would start. She really wondered where they got all their energy from, and sighed: "There''s really no peace."


    Zhuang Zhixi rushed to the door with his rice bowl, looking toward the Zhou family''s place. Indeed, it was Aunt Zhou''s crying - she always cried as if someone was strangling her, making terrifying sounds. While others in the family crowded around curiously to watch the commotion, Zhao Guihua calmly continued eating.


    "Zhou Qun must be angry with his mother about those rumors at the factory."


    "Who wouldn''t be upset? His mother not only doesn''t help but actually undermines his work. And Zhou Qun has always been proud..."


    "Isn''t Zhou Qun supposed to be filial?"


    "Even filial piety has its limits when dealing with Madam Zhou Li''s unreasonable behavior."


    The commotion at the Zhou family drew everyone out to watch, each hoping the drama would escalate.


    Old Man Lan was particularly quick to come out, being the first one there. After all, he had heard this courtyard was lively, but this was his first time actually watching the drama unfold. He stood there slurping his noodles endlessly, watching the Zhou household with great interest, and remarked: "What a remarkably harmonious family!"


    The onlookers: "..."


    However, they couldn''t help but notice that for an old man, he was eating quite well. Not only was he eating white flour noodles, but there were even strips of meat in his bowl - he was eating meat strip noodles.


    Aunt Su noticed too, her eyes flickering as she said, "Brother Lan, you''re eating so well. My grandson hasn''t had meat in such a long time..."


    Old Man Lan retorted: "Isn''t your grandson the little thief? If he''s not eating, isn''t he stealing from everywhere? Why worry about him going hungry?"


    Aunt Su''s face immediately darkened, trembling with anger. While she was usually quite calculating, she couldn''t handle someone like Old Man Lan. He always brought up her most precious grandson, and while she could tolerate most things, this was her breaking point. The three children were her heart and soul, and she couldn''t even pretend to be calm. She snapped sharply: "How dare you talk like that, Old Man Lan!"


    Just moments ago it was "Brother Lan," and now it had become "Old Man Lan."


    What a quick change.


    Old Man Lan responded righteously: "What''s wrong with speaking the truth? Don''t think you can fool me just because I just moved here. I know everything that goes on."


    Aunt Su was trembling with anger when Old Man Bai came out and quickly stepped forward: "Sister, why bother arguing with him?"


    He then glared at Old Man Lan, saying: "Brother, that''s not very manly of you. What kind of hero picks on a widow?"


    He had heard that this man was looking for a partner, and Aunt Wang had somehow managed to find quite a few suitable matches for him, which made him extremely jealous. Although he himself hadn''t wanted to find anyone these past years, the fact that Aunt Wang, as a neighbor, had never actively offered to help him find someone really seemed unfair. All those years living in the same courtyard seemed wasted.


    Because of this, he couldn''t stand the sight of Old Man Lan.


    Old Man Lan couldn''t be bothered with this old fellow and said directly: "Whether I''m manly or not is none of your business. You''d better worry about yourself. Look at you - you''re twenty years younger than me but look like we''re the same age. Who knows how you''ve wasted away your life, you can''t even take care of yourself yet you''re worried about whether I''m manly or not."


    It was rare for Old Man Lan to speak without sarcasm, but the truth was even more infuriating!


    "You... you... you!"


    The neighbors who had come to watch the drama had to admit that Old Man Lan wasn''t wrong. The two old men were at least twenty years apart, but looking at their appearance, they could have been the same age. If anything, they might have guessed Old Man Lan to be younger. After all, his hair was meticulously combed, and his clothes were neat and clean, while Old Man Bai looked like a typical bachelor.


    He was unkempt, his hair so oily it could be used to cook a dish, and his clothes were filthy.


    The man simply didn''t take care of himself.


    "Being manly isn''t about appearances, Brother Bai, don''t mind this," Aunt Su didn''t want things to escalate further. This Old Man Lan was a technical expert, backed by the factory director, and had several apprentices. They would be at a disadvantage if they provoked him.


    Aunt Su didn''t care who would suffer losses, but if Old Man Bai got into any trouble, wouldn''t that mean spending money? This she absolutely couldn''t agree to. Old Man Bai''s money was essentially her money.


    She couldn''t waste it - she was still planning to make new clothes for each of her grandsons in the summer.


    This reminded her of how her daughter-in-law had handed over her salary after receiving it, making Aunt Su even more angry, feeling that Wang Xiangxiu was truly useless. Whenever she wasn''t around, that worthless woman couldn''t keep the family running.


    Her mind working quickly, she hurried to pacify Old Man Bai, saying: "Brother Bai, we''re all neighbors, it''s not good to keep fighting like this, making ourselves a laughing stock. We''re better than that... Besides, some things are just misunderstandings. After all, it''s just that our family is having such a hard time, and the children want to eat meat..."


    "That''s no problem, wait, I''ll buy a pound of meat tomorrow, you can cook it for the children." Old Man Bai was being very generous. While he was usually quite stingy elsewhere, he was different when it came to Aunt Su.


    Sure enough, this earned him Aunt Su''s smiling response: "Old Bai, you''re so generous!"


    Old Man Bai smiled proudly, looking toward Old Man Lan.


    However, Old Man Lan was watching them like it was a show, and somehow, his gaze made people uncomfortable. Just as he was about to say something to save face, they heard Aunt Zhou wailing again: "What did I do wrong? I only wanted the best for you all, and you don''t appreciate me at all. Now you''re even blaming me. Jiang Lu, you''re nothing but bad luck! You''re just a hen that can''t lay eggs, yet you dare to gossip about me. I''ll beat you to death!"


    "Mom, you can do whatever you want at home, I''ll listen to you, but you can''t embarrass Brother Qun in public. Do you know how hard it is for him? Your thoughtless words have caused him so much trouble..." Jiang Lu argued back reasonably.


    She hadn''t been to the factory these past few days, so naturally, she was unaware of the rumors until today when she realized how far they had spread. Initially, she thought it wasn''t a big deal, but seeing Zhou Qun''s furrowed brows, how could her heart not ache?


    Moreover, after Zhou Qun explained everything in detail, she couldn''t help but want to have a serious talk with her mother-in-law.


    Otherwise, if things continued like this, it would only cause trouble for Brother Qun. How could he possibly develop his career?


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law argued back and forth, creating quite a scene.


    Everyone at the doorway was thoroughly entertained by the drama, except for Zhao Guihua, who wasn''t particularly interested. Honestly, she had seen Zhou Qun''s tactics before - when he wanted to control Jiang Lu, he would use his mother to pressure her; when he wanted to teach his mother Madam Zhou Li a lesson, he would use Jiang Lu against her.


    No matter what, he always managed to stay above the fray, maintaining his facade as a good person. He was nothing but a genuine hypocrite.


    Seeing everyone else watching the drama, Zhao Guihua decided to wash the dishes instead. Little Hutou wandered nearby, asking, "Why are they always fighting?"


    The little one was confused.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "They''re just too idle."


    Instead of watching the commotion, she went back to her room and took out Xiao Yanzi''s dresses. Both dresses were finished, but she still hadn''t managed to buy a sewing machine - those ration tickets for sewing machines were truly hard to come by. Zhao Guihua called out, "Xiao Yanzi."


    "I''m here!"


    The little girl came running in with thundering steps. Though she didn''t fully understand the situation, she had been thoroughly enjoying watching the drama outside.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Come, try on the dress."


    "Is it for me? Is this really for me?" The little girl''s eyes grew wide, her cheeks flushing with excitement.


    "Yes, it''s for you."


    Zhao Guihua had created a striped dress by joining fabric strips together - it was adorable and charming.


    Xiao Yanzi excitedly moved closer, saying, "It''s so pretty!"


    Zhao Guihua said, "Come, try on the dress, let''s see if it needs any adjustments."


    Xiao Yanzi immediately grabbed the dress, eager to put it on. Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but laugh at her impatience, noting how the little girl had always been fond of pretty things from an early age.


    She said, "Come here, let Grandma help you put it on."


    She quickly removed the little girl''s thick clothes before helping her into the dress. Checking the fit, it was slightly loose but actually quite suitable - this size would last her two or three years. She nodded and said, "It fits well, now take it off."


    Xiao Yanzi clutched the dress, reluctant to move.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "The dress needs to be washed before you can wear it, and besides, it''s still too cold. You can wear it in a few days when it gets warmer."


    Xiao Yanzi mumbled in response, and Zhao Guihua had her try on the other dress as well, nodding with approval, "Not bad, they both fit well."


    Xiao Yanzi swayed happily, delighted that she indeed had more new clothes. Grandma hadn''t lied to her after all.


    Little Hutou remarked from the side, "It looks so pretty - no one is prettier than my sister."


    Bright colors were rare these days, with most clothes being rather dull and gray. Colors like red and yellow were particularly scarce, and buying any clothing was quite difficult. Fortunately, among the fabric strips Zhao Guihua had collected, there were several pieces in these bright colors. Though they were only used as accents in the dress, you couldn''t tell it was due to fabric shortage.


    That''s the advantage of fabric strips - they were mostly long pieces, which made them easier to cut and piece together than irregular scraps. The resulting pattern was quite attractive, suitable not just for little girls but even for adults to wear.


    Though it did require more work.


    Zhao Guihua laid both dresses over a chair, and Xiao Yanzi''s eyes remained fixed on them, unwavering.


    Zhao Guihua assured her, "Don''t worry, I''ll wash them tomorrow and put them away for you."


    Xiao Yanzi nodded seriously with her little face. She knew that new clothes, touched by many hands, weren''t clean. They needed to be washed thoroughly before wearing - it wasn''t hygienic otherwise. Children needed to maintain good hygiene to avoid getting sick.


    If you get sick, you have to go to the hospital for shots and medicine.


    Medicine is bitter.


    Shots are painful.


    She didn''t want that!


    Xiao Yanzi immediately declared, "They need to be washed."


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "That''s right."


    The little girl hummed a tune she had learned in kindergarten, walking around the room with her hands behind her back. She no longer cared about the drama outside, occasionally glancing at her new clothes. Soon, her attention returned to her grandmother: "Grandma, what are you sewing now?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "There''s a bit left, I''m making some cleaning rags."


    As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed the little girl''s eyes fixed on a small piece of red fabric. After thinking for a moment, Zhao Guihua suggested, "How about I make you a bean bag?"


    Xiao Yanzi''s eyes lit up again as she nodded quickly. Zhao Guihua said, "Alright then, I''ll make you one."


    "Grandma, I want one too - Hutou wants one too!"


    "Okay, I''ll make you one as well."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "By the way, did your uncle give you the fruit he picked from the mountain the other day for catching sparrows?"


    Both children paused, shaking their heads in unison.


    They had no idea about this.


    Zhao Guihua figured it out - with all the chaos, her third son must have forgotten about it. She said, "When your uncle comes back from watching the commotion, ask him to teach you."


    Little Hutou immediately became anxious, moving toward the door wanting to call someone. Zhao Guihua could see this without even looking up, and said, "What''s the rush? It''s already dark, we can''t do anything today anyway."


    Little Hutou let out a soft sigh - he really wanted to catch sparrows.


    The children swallowed, feeling a bit hungry.


    She worked quickly, soon finishing two bean bags - one light red and one green. The light red fabric had some uneven coloring, which was why Zhao Guihua hadn''t used it for the clothes, but it was fine for bean bags.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Once I go up the mountain to find some grass seeds to put inside, they''ll be ready to use."


    "Great~"


    Both children became excited - children these days really didn''t have many toys.


    "Grandma, when will you take us? We want to go to the mountain too."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "What business do little children have going up the mountain? It''s very tiring. You stay home and let your uncle teach you how to catch sparrows."


    "But we want to go play."


    Little Hutou fidgeted with his fingers, quietly advocating for himself. He really wanted to go play - boys tend to be more mischievous after all, and he was eager for adventure in the mountains and seas. Some of his classmates had relatives in the countryside who said they could climb trees and play in rivers.


    Although city children had better lives than those in the countryside, they had never experienced playing in rivers.


    He really wanted to go, and although adults wouldn''t say it, Little Hutou wasn''t a four or five-year-old anymore. He was already a big seven-year-old this year, and he knew about the family''s secret fishing spot outside.


    Hmph, the adults tried to keep it secret, thinking children wouldn''t know, but he had overheard everything.


    Little Hutou really wanted to go, but his grandmother dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand.


    Zhao Guihua said, "What''s there to go for? Tomorrow, when your uncle takes you sparrow hunting, you won''t even think about the mountain anymore. Going up the mountain is tiring and makes you hungry, but with sparrow hunting, you can roast and eat them right away. Which do you prefer?"


    Little Hutou replied, "Sparrows."


    Children will always choose food!


    That''s meat, after all.


    Zhao Guihua nodded, saying, "That''s more like it."


    Sparrows were considered one of the Four Pests now, and catching them was praised by everyone. No one would accuse you of destroying the ecological balance or disregarding sparrows'' lives. That wasn''t the case at all - the more you caught, the better it was considered. Otherwise, these creatures wouldn''t be such a nuisance to crops, which was truly troublesome.


    That''s why they earned their reputation as one of the Four Pests.


    In a few years, the Four Pests would change to become rats, flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.


    But for now, cockroaches weren''t included - sparrows were among them instead.


    Sparrows were actually the lesser concern - if you caught rats, that could be a good way to earn some pocket money. Rats were numerous in these times, destroying grain and making a mess of things. Various departments strongly encouraged the elimination of the Four Pests, and neighborhoods would organize several rat-catching campaigns each year.


    Ordinary citizens could also catch rats, and they could exchange them for money. Though it wasn''t much, it was still a way to earn some extra income. Rat tails could be exchanged for money, and some skilled rat catchers could actually make a decent bit of pocket money from this.


    Don''t doubt it, there really was such a reward at that time.


    In her previous life, Zhao Guihua had considered this idea to generate income for the family, but catching mice proved even harder than fishing, so she eventually gave up. However, Zhao Guihua suddenly remembered something and slapped her forehead as she recalled Bai Fendou.


    She vaguely remembered that Bai Fendou was quite skilled at making traps to catch mice, and he had earned quite a bit of pocket money from it.


    As Zhao Guihua''s thoughts returned to the present, the argument outside was winding down to its conclusion.


    Everyone who had been watching the drama filed back inside, still savoring the entertainment. Ming Mei remarked, "A movie ticket costs ten cents, so that''s how we save money!"


    Liang Meifen responded with confusion: "???"


    Puzzled and bewildered.


    Ming Mei insisted confidently: "By watching this drama instead, didn''t we save money on movie tickets?"


    Liang Meifen thought about it seriously and nodded: "That actually makes sense."


    Little Hutou burst out: "Uncle, Uncle! Grandmother says you have seeds that can attract sparrows!"


    He blinked his eyes and said, "I want some!"


    Zhuang Zhixi slapped his forehead: "Oh right, I completely forgot about that."


    He said, "I''ll help you set it up tomorrow."


    "Yay!" The child jumped up and down excitedly, while his sister Xiao Yanzi also started bouncing, "Xiao Yanzi wants to join too!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure, everyone can join."


    Zhuang Zhixi was very skilled at catching sparrows. When he was a young boy during the difficult times, he had to think of ways to find food or risk starving. So catching sparrows was a simple matter for him.


    As long as there was bait, there was no worry about sparrows not taking the bait.


    "Tomorrow after work."


    "Yay!"


    Watching the children clinging to his brother, Zhuang Zhiyuan thought back to their childhood, when young Zhuang Zhixi used to cling to him the same way. He had found it so annoying back then, mainly because this kid... despite being young, always wanted the bigger portion. He was truly asking for a beating.


    He would cry if he didn''t get his way.


    It had nearly driven him crazy, but now watching his own son pestering his uncle, he smiled slightly, feeling that his son was somehow getting revenge for him.


    "Oh right, your mother sent word today, asking you to visit your family home tomorrow," Zhuang Zhiyuan said as if he had just remembered, though in truth, he had been keeping it in mind. He just didn''t particularly like talking about this matter.


    Nobody was foolish - Liang Meifen''s family was taking advantage of their daughter to support their son. As Liang Meifen''s husband, he naturally felt uncomfortable about this. As a man, he couldn''t directly speak about it, but even though he didn''t say anything, he was genuinely unhappy about it.


    Before they had children, he hadn''t minded much, after all, Liang Meifen''s family had raised her and paid for her education. But now they had children and their own family to care for, and her family''s constant taking advantage was becoming very irritating.


    To be honest, Zhuang Zhiyuan could have tolerated it, but what really crossed the line was when Liang Meifen gave up her job. This touched Zhuang Zhiyuan''s bottom line.


    He said: "Your mother sent the message through your neighbor today. You should go tomorrow morning and come back after lunch there."


    He felt nothing but disgust towards his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law.


    Zhao Guihua looked up at Liang Meifen.


    Liang Meifen immediately became expectant. In the past, whenever she visited her family, her mother-in-law would let her take some gifts. This time... she was very hopeful, as they had smoked rabbit at home. She looked eagerly at Zhao Guihua, but Zhao Guihua coldly said: "You can visit your family, but you should know what to say and what not to say. If I find out you''ve told them about our fishing spot, don''t ever come back."


    Liang Meifen: "!!!"


    She hadn''t expected her mother-in-law to say this. Zhao Guihua continued: "Alright, everyone go to your rooms."


    In the past, she had cared about face and, although she looked down on these in-laws, she maintained proper etiquette. But now, heh!


    She wouldn''t waste money feeding wolves just because she had extra to spare. Some people would always feel entitled no matter how much you gave them. She used to care about saving face, but after living through this once, she knew that when someone doesn''t care about face, it means nothing.


    After sending everyone away, she added: "Liang Meifen, wash your daughter''s dress before you leave tomorrow."


    "Okay." Liang Meifen was still somewhat hopeful, but Zhao Guihua maintained her cold demeanor and didn''t mention anything else. Liang Meifen immediately felt dejected. Both families returned to their rooms, and Liang Meifen, with reddened eyes, said: "Zhiyuan, why didn''t Mom mention preparing any gifts for me?" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan casually replied: "What are you dreaming about?"


    Liang Meifen: "But she always did before."


    She protested.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan glanced at his foolish wife and said: "You didn''t give your job to your brother before either."


    Liang Meifen was suddenly speechless. After a while, she dropped a tear and said: "Then give me twenty yuan."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had already laid down, sat up abruptly and said: "How much do you want?"


    Liang Meifen mumbled: "I haven''t been home for a long time, I need to bring more gifts, otherwise what will my parents think of me, and what will they think of you as their son-in-law? Twenty yuan is reasonable. This money is buying our face."


    This honest man, Zhuang Zhiyuan, suddenly became angry and shouted: "Face? What face do you have? Is your face worth half a month''s salary? Do your parents treat you like family? You gave your job to your brother and still want more? What else do you want?"


    "But they raised me..."


    "Your brother didn''t raise you, and you know exactly how much you''ve contributed to them over the years. Liang Meifen, don''t treat people like fools! If you''re not happy here, just go back to your parents'' home. I won''t stop you!"


    He didn''t even wash up, just pulled the blanket over his head.


    Liang Meifen: "You..."


    Her tears instantly fell, and she kept sobbing, but seeing her husband remaining silent and ignoring her, she felt that her life had been nothing but suffering. Why did no one understand her?


    "If you want to cry, go cry outside," Zhuang Zhiyuan said in a muffled voice.


    Liang Meifen stood up to leave, but looking at her husband again, who wouldn''t even glance at her, she suddenly felt panicked.


    She hesitated, then said softly: "Zhiyuan, I know, I know you resent me..."


    "Yes, I resent you for not considering your own children, and still not understanding what''s what." Zhuang Zhiyuan sat up and said: "Look at how your parents treat you. What can they do besides asking for money and things? Are you still craving that tiny bit of affection? Are you living with them or with me and the children? Do you even know what you''ve done? You have no job now, we have two children to raise, how dare you ask for twenty yuan?"


    Liang Meifen: "But, but my parents have more money than they can spend, and Third Brother and his wife have more than they can spend too..."


    She thought she was being reasonable.


    "Even if they have more money than they can spend, it''s not yours! Have some shame!" Zhuang Zhiyuan, who cared about face, exploded when he heard Liang Meifen''s words. Such talk was utterly embarrassing when said openly.


    He was mortified.


    "Liang Meifen, if I hear you say something like this again, get out!" Zhuang Zhiyuan''s voice rose.


    "You!"


    "I mean what I say. Clearly, I need to make things crystal clear since you won''t stop. You''re not the only clever one in this world. If you keep having such thoughts, keep helping your family, we''ll get divorced! Get out!" After shouting, he covered his head and went to sleep.


    He wasn''t usually someone who raised his voice, and typically was very sweet with Liang Meifen, after all, theirs was a love marriage.


    But comparisons can be cruel.


    Among all the daughters-in-law in the courtyard, none were like his wife, and he found it embarrassing. Before, he could pretend not to see it, but now his brother was married too. The comparisons within the family were stark and real. How could he feel comfortable?


    This time he truly exploded.


    Liang Meifen never expected Zhuang Zhiyuan to get so angry with her. This was the first time she had seen him this furious with her. She was completely stunned, unable to find words, and could only silently weep...


    The sound of their argument carried over to the next room. Zhuang Zhixi vaguely heard it and said, "My sister-in-law is making a scene again."


    "Let her be."


    Ming Mei said, "Isn''t this what she wanted anyway?"


    Ming Mei didn''t care about any of that. Instead, she was more interested in going up the mountain. She excitedly said to Zhuang Zhixi, "Next holiday, let''s go up the mountain again. If we can gather something, we can add more to our secret savings!"


    Ming Mei felt happy thinking about her substantial secret stash.


    Aliali: 6723a0f62f514816a81aa2c9


    However, she soon became a bit worried and said, "Brother Zhixi, do you think it''s safe to keep my money hidden under the bed?"


    Although she had locked her small box to the bed frame, she was still worried. After all, there were thieves in their neighborhood. What if someone sawed through it? This was her entire fortune!


    "Should we think of another way to hide the money?" Ming Mei fell into deep contemplation.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed but still went along with his wife''s concerns. Though it seemed unlikely that anyone would steal it, his wife''s cautiousness wasn''t wrong. It was quite adorable, actually.


    He said, "How about this: we can put the box up on the roof beam. Your box is about the same size and color as a brick. If we put it up there, at first glance it''ll look just like a brick. Plus, it''s dark up there, so no one would notice. It''ll definitely be safe."


    His wife was mainly worried about Jin''s children, but putting it up there would solve that problem - children couldn''t reach that high. Even if real thieves came, they wouldn''t need to worry. Thieves generally don''t mess with roof beams - it''s considered unlucky.


    So there was really nothing to worry about.


    "That''s a good idea," Ming Mei agreed enthusiastically. She said with determination, "Let''s put it up there right now. This is all my savings!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Alright!"


    The young couple gleefully began hiding their money - ah, these were the troubles of wealthy people!

 Chapter 55

    It drizzles endlessly during the Qingming Festival.Every year during the Qingming Festival, it seems destined to rain.


    Early in the morning, Ming Mei put on her raincoat and muttered to herself; she really didn''t like going to work on such a rainy day. In fact, she quite liked rainy days, but she didn''t like going to work on rainy days. Just adding "going to work" made the meaning completely different.


    Ming Mei sighed softly, saying, "This weather is really annoying."


    Zhuang Zhixi comforted her, "Shall I pick you up after work?"


    Ming Mei immediately shook her head, refusing Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "No need, just go straight home after work. There''s no point in going back and forth in such heavy rain."


    Ming Mei and her husband left the house together and encountered Old Man Lan again. They met him almost every morning. Ming Mei immediately looked at her grandfather with puppy eyes, and Old Man Lan took out a big white rabbit milk candy... This old man treated her like a child.


    Ming Mei gently reminded, "Grandpa, it''s raining today, be careful when you ride your bike."


    Old Man Lan glanced at her, "Am I the kind of careless person?"


    Ming Mei gave a charming smile, saying, "It''s always right to be careful, you''re not young anymore."


    This remark earned her an eye roll from the old man who didn''t want to admit his age. Seeing her grandfather unhappy, Ming Mei quickly rode her bicycle and dashed away, while Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Grandpa, take me with you for a bit, will you?"


    Old Man Lan: "It''s so close, walk yourself!"


    With that, he rode off quickly.


    Old Man Zhuang left the house with a smile. Although he worked at the same factory as his younger son, they rarely walked together. Zhuang Zhixi always went out with his wife every day, even if it was just a hundred or eighty meters.


    Old Man Zhuang had also been young once and knew better than to be annoying.


    But today, the father and son walked together, and even Zhuang Zhiyuan joined them. However, Zhuang Zhiyuan didn''t look very well; it was understandable, considering the loud argument last night, which they naturally could hear.


    Old Man Zhuang didn''t ask what happened to his son but said, "After the rain, we can pick mushrooms. In the past, when there were pigeon markets, many farmers from the countryside would come to town to sell mushrooms and exchange them for some small money after the spring rain. I also went to the mountains with your mother to pick mushrooms."


    Although they were city workers and not very familiar with rural work, they weren''t completely ignorant. They could still pick mushrooms. After all, if not done properly, it could be dangerous.


    "Unfortunately, tomorrow is not the weekend, so we can''t go mushroom picking," Zhuang Zhixi lamented.


    Old Man Zhuang: "Indeed."


    The father and sons reached a crossroad and saw a burnt spot on the roadside. Although it had been raining all day and superstition was not allowed, the customs of the Qingming Festival made it inevitable for some to do it secretly.


    As long as no one was caught, no one could say anything.


    Old Man Zhuang sighed, "Bold indeed."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, saying, "No one saw, so it''s fine."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, however, was not in a good mood and didn''t say much, only saying, "I''m going that way."


    Since they didn''t work at the same place, they parted ways at the crossroad. Old Man Zhuang watched his eldest son''s back and said, "The most taboo thing for a couple is to quarrel; it hurts their feelings."


    He and his wife never quarreled. A man should let his woman, after all.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If my brother takes a step back, my sister-in-law will empty the Zhuang household."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t want to discuss his brother''s private affairs. After all, he couldn''t make decisions for others, and his brother and sister-in-law were classmates with feelings. As a younger brother, he had no reason to meddle.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Dad, are there any closer places in the city to pick mushrooms?"


    Old Man Zhuang: "There are, but they are few, and there will be many people in the next couple of days. Besides, you''re not off tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Can''t I go after work?"


    He said, "I want to eat chicken stewed with mushrooms."


    Thinking of this delicacy, Zhuang Zhixi licked his lips, feeling hungry. He really liked mushrooms and thought they were delicious no matter how they were cooked, especially when stewed with chicken. Although their family ate better than before, he found himself craving more.


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    He said gloomily, "Don''t dream about that."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We still have a smoked wild chicken at home, right?"


    He sounded quite assertive, but Old Man Zhuang bluntly told him, "Don''t think about it. Just two days after having turtle soup, don''t expect your mother to cook meat dishes again. What kind of family can eat meat every day?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Ah!


    The father and son walked and talked, watching Bai Fendou ride past on his bike, pressing the bell proudly: "Why aren''t you riding bikes? It''s much faster with a bike on a rainy day!" He showed off arrogantly and rode away.


    Soon, they saw Zhou Qun riding past with his wife...


    Riding a bike on such a day was quite an advantage, and Zhou Qun also showed some pride.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Aren''t they showing off? Who doesn''t have a bike? We just choose not to ride."


    Since today their sister-in-law was going back to her parents'' house, they decided not to ride bikes. But they rarely rode bikes anyway, as it wasn''t very far. Walking was fine.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "We have two bikes at home too."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Why are you getting upset? They show off their bikes, we walk ours."


    Old Man Zhuang rarely argued over such things. As long as it didn''t hit his face, he was fine with it. Zhuang Zhixi knew his father''s temperament and continued to murmur...


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    He wasn''t much of a talker, but why was his son such a chatterbox?


    The father and son arrived at the machinery factory and met Zhang San at the gate. Zhuang Zhixi greeted him with a smile, "It''s your turn to be on duty again today."


    Zhang San: "Yeah, that''s right. You know my luck, it''s always like this on rainy days."


    Zhang San: "Oh, by the way, I''ll come find you later to ask you something."


    He lowered his voice, as if it were something important.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Sure."


    On a rainy day, one couldn''t skip work. Zhuang Zhixi and the others had already entered the factory, and the people from their courtyard were also dwindling. Those who didn''t leave were mostly housewives without jobs. Liang Meifen waited all morning but saw no change in her mother-in-law, finally realizing her mother-in-law wouldn''t give her anything to take back to her parents'' house.


    Her heart ached, but she didn''t dare to ask directly. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After waiting in vain, she finally said, "Mom, I''m going back to my parents'' house today, I''ll be leaving now."


    She tried this out, and Zhao Guihua didn''t even look up, saying, "Go ahead."


    Liang Meifen felt even more disheartened and responded with an "Oh."


    Soon, she thought of another point and bit her lip, saying, "Mom, are you using the bike today? If not, I''ll take it with me."


    This way, she saved the bus fare for the round trip.


    Her parents'' house was not far from Ming Mei''s, so walking was not an option. If she didn''t take the bus, she had to ride a bike.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t make things difficult for her on this point, saying, "Take it if you want. With such heavy rain, where could I go? Send the kids to kindergarten, then ride straight to your parents'' house." After a pause, Zhao Guihua looked up, her tone cold, "Ride it back just as you rode it there."


    Liang Meifen was stunned for a moment, then said bitterly, "Mom, you misunderstand my parents. No matter what, they wouldn''t keep the bicycle."


    Zhao Guihua smiled sarcastically, "Who knows."


    She waved her hand, "Go."


    Liang Meifen''s mood, already bad, became even worse because of this. She didn''t understand why the Zhuang family looked down on her parents. As a grown-up daughter with a job, wasn''t it right to help her family? Helping her brother was even more right.


    This family''s prosperity is what allows her to have a voice in her husband''s family and avoid being bullied.


    Such a simple truth, yet everyone seems to be oblivious to it.


    She wore a bitter expression as she took the children out, but Hutou and Xiao Yanzi''s lively chatter finally brought some relief to Liang Meifen''s mood. After dropping the kids off at kindergarten, she headed back to her parents'' home.


    Her parents'' house was also in a large compound, though it was more rundown than the machinery factory''s staff quarters.


    The quadrangle houses here were once the residences of wealthy families or minor officials, typically two- or three-courtyard houses, with some level of refinement. After liberation, they were allocated to worker families, so maintenance wasn''t too bad.


    However, Liang Meifen''s family''s place was different. It was a genuine large compound on the outskirts of the city, inhabited by impoverished families even before liberation, surrounded by places like cart stops. It was a classic settlement for the lower class, where her family had lived for decades.


    Now, that area was still relatively poor, with many households relying on odd jobs like assembling matchboxes, cutting threads, or sewing rags to make a living.


    Thus, Liang Meifen was considered a "golden phoenix" who had soared out of the large compound.


    Although Zhuang''s family wasn''t particularly wealthy, it was the best possible match for Liang Meifen. If not for dating Zhuang Zhiyuan in school, even with a high school diploma, she wouldn''t have found a partner of such quality.


    She had always been the child her parents boasted about, a well-known figure.


    Her marriage was good, and every time she returned, she brought a lot of gifts, earning her much admiration.


    However, this year''s New Year visit was a disappointment to her parents. Though the gifts she brought were still the most among those who returned to their parents'' home, they were fewer than previous years. In past years, with money in hand, she would buy gifts even if her in-laws didn''t prepare them.


    But with no job this year, the money she earned each month was also used to support her parents, leaving her in a bind.


    For this reason, her parents'' expressions were grim, and her siblings were sarcastic. This time, she returned empty-handed... She sighed, her heart heavy as she headed to her parents'' home. As soon as she entered the compound, she met Aunt Chu, who immediately scanned her from head to toe and said with a smile, "Oh, Meifen''s back, and empty-handed too. Your parents always say you''re the most filial."


    It wasn''t surprising that Aunt Chu said this; after all, Liang Meifen''s parents often bragged, making the neighbors feel uncomfortable over time.


    Seeing her empty-handed, it was natural for them to comment.


    Liang Meifen''s face showed discomfort, and she forced a smile, "I..."


    Before she could speak, the door opened, and it was Granny Hu, who quickly opened the door with a smile, "Meifen, you''re back..." Her voice stopped abruptly, focusing on Liang Meifen''s empty hands, her face turning pale.


    "Come in already, why are you standing outside chatting in the rain? Are you bored or something?"


    Her tone immediately changed, not very pleasant.


    Liang Meifen quickly pushed her bicycle into the house; there were no eaves here, so leaving it outside would get it wet. As she turned around after parking, she saw her mother staring at the bicycle, her eyes glued to it.


    "Did you buy a bicycle?" Granny Hu asked, her tone softening, "You two know how to spend money."


    Hmm, it seems Meifen still has money, she must be able to contribute more!


    Liang Meifen quickly shook her head, "No, this is what my mother-in-law bought, we didn''t pay for it."


    Granny Hu didn''t care, nodding with satisfaction, "Since your husband is the eldest son, it''s for you."


    This made Liang Meifen uncomfortable; she had always known that boys were better, and the eldest son was even more important. This was the deep-rooted education from her parents. However, the Zhuang family wasn''t like that.


    She had been married for over eight years, almost nine, and she knew the Zhuang family well.


    She forced a bitter smile, "Mom, you know my mother-in-law doesn''t care about whether you''re the eldest son or not."


    She sighed and sat down, "My sister-in-law is a flatterer, and she pleases the old lady a lot."


    Previously, she couldn''t say these things when her husband was around, but today she felt free to speak her mind.


    "She''s well-off, and when my mother-in-law mentioned there was no tea at home, she brought back some high-grade tea dust. This made her even more favored by my mother-in-law. You don''t know, her grandfather also moved into our compound..."


    "What! How can that be!" Granny Hu immediately protested, "Why, does she have to support him?"


    Liang Meifen quickly shook her head, "No, that old man is very independent, doesn''t like living with his children. He''s living well, at over seventy, and the machinery factory still invited him as an expert from another place. When he moved, the deputy factory director even came. With such a background, I have even less of a say in my mother-in-law''s eyes."


    Granny Hu frowned, "But he''s the eldest son, and in the future, he''ll have to rely on you for old age care..."


    Granny Hu thought that her in-laws were muddled, not favoring the eldest son, who would eventually take care of them.


    Liang Meifen shook her head again.


    Granny Hu widened her eyes, "What? They don''t want to rely on the eldest son but the younger one? Aren''t they afraid of being criticized?"


    Liang Meifen spoke with difficulty, "No, my mother-in-law said they might not be able to rely on us, so we shouldn''t try to assert ourselves in front of her."


    Granny Hu wasn''t convinced, "You listen to her, she''s just saying that now, but when they''re old, they''ll have to rely on you."


    Liang Meifen didn''t dare to share her mother''s optimism, shaking her head, "I doubt it. Since my brother-in-law got married, my mother-in-law has become more assertive and even fiercer."


    She sighed, feeling her mother didn''t understand her situation.


    Granny Hu poked her daughter''s forehead, "You useless girl, how come after so many years of marriage, you can''t even win over your mother-in-law, letting a newcomer take the lead."


    Liang Meifen thought that the newcomer was straightforward and didn''t support her parents, which the in-laws naturally liked.


    Though she wasn''t clear-headed, she had a son, and if her daughter-in-law supported her parents, she wouldn''t like it either.


    "Mom, what can I do? You know my mother-in-law, she''s unyielding. Besides, she''s not looking kindly on me now."


    "That''s because you''re not capable. If you were, even a stone would be warmed by now. Look at how you''ve handled things..." Despite blaming her daughter, Granny Hu couldn''t take her eyes off the bicycle.


    Without hesitation, she said, "Can we borrow this bicycle for a few days?"


    Liang Meifen''s heart soared instantly, suddenly recalling her mother-in-law''s words before she left. She screamed, "No!!!"


    Granny Hu was startled, "What are you doing! Why are you shouting?"


    She felt her daughter was becoming more and more unfilial, her face darkening, "I raised you well and even paid for your education. Look at your siblings, who had as much schooling as you? Now you''re unwilling to help the family just because of this? You''re shouting at me?"


    She wouldn''t mention that her other children weren''t academic material.


    Liang Meifen quickly nodded, "I know, Mom, I know you''ve been good to me. But the bicycle really can''t be lent... If I lend it out, my mother-in-law will make me divorce." She forced a bitter smile, "You don''t know, she''s warned me about this many times..."


    This truly startled Granny Hu, "What! She dares!"


    "What wouldn''t she dare?"


    Liang Meifen felt miserable, "Now, I have no status at home."


    "That''s not acceptable, I''ll go talk to her, I don''t believe my son-in-law..."


    Liang Meifen quickly stopped her mother, "Mom, if you go, my mother-in-law really will hit you! Zhixuan won''t help me!"


    Granny Hu didn''t expect things to have reached this point, and she was feeling rather down: "How dare they!"


    "What''s there to be afraid of? Ever since I listened to you and secretly gave my job to my younger brother, the whole family has been looking at me with disdain. Mom, don''t go, my mother-in-law is not someone to be trifled with."


    Granny Hu snapped: "Are you blaming me?"


    Liang Meifen quickly replied: "No, Mom, you know me... I''m having a hard time. I won''t hide it from you, last night I had a fight with Zhiyuan, and he mentioned you all as if you were bugs..."


    "How dare he!" Granny Hu was trembling with anger, but then she thought again and felt a bit uneasy. The job matter was indeed handled unfairly by their family. But helping the younger brother is not wrong! Sacrificing everything should be the norm, who cares about the daughter anyway?


    However, she really didn''t dare to make a scene, after all, she had her own plans...


    She looked at her daughter''s incompetent appearance and sighed, saying: "You, as the older sister, don''t help your younger brother, who else can he rely on? I asked you to come back this time for him."


    Liang Meifen: "Mom, is something wrong? Is it about my younger brother at the factory?"


    Granny Hu shook her head: "No, it''s about your brother''s fianc¨¦e. You know, your brother is not young anymore, and now that he has a job, they are discussing getting married. But that family only has one son and plans to use their daughter for an exchange marriage. So the bride price is a bit high, and they also want the Three Turns and One Ring, thirty-six legs... I was thinking, as the older sister, you should take responsibility. Why not prepare everything for him..."


    Liang Meifen looked at her mother in disbelief, shaking her head like a rattle drum: "No, no no, Mom, what are you saying? Where would I get the money for this? All these years, I haven''t saved anything, you know that. Now even my job has been given to my younger brother. I have nothing left, and I have no standing in my husband''s family. If you ask me to borrow money from my mother-in-law, she might just incite a divorce. You don''t know how much she despises you all... Besides, you are also to blame, my younger brother''s fianc¨¦e, you spoil her. What kind of conditions does she have to demand so much? Even officials'' families don''t ask for so much. Does she think she''s a fairy? And my younger brother, can''t even handle a woman, what kind of man is he? How can you let them..."


    Liang Meifen''s mind is unclear, and her words are not pleasant to hear, so she is not favored by her mother.


    Right now, although what she said is true, Granny Hu feels very uncomfortable hearing it.


    Granny Hu, although unhappy in her heart, still had to endure her anger and said: "Your brother likes her, and says that if he can''t marry her, he won''t marry for the rest of his life..."


    "Younger brother now has a stable job, if this one doesn''t work out, he can find another. How can he hang himself on one tree? That woman must be fooling him, my younger brother is too naive."


    "How dare you talk like that!" Granny Hu was displeased: "You just don''t want your younger brother to live well, you ungrateful wretch."


    She finally couldn''t hold back and scolded: "Just asking you to give a little money, and you''re unwilling. Look at who in the yard has studied as much as you..."


    "Mom, why are you talking about me? Aren''t we discussing my younger brother''s fianc¨¦e?" Liang Meifen said seriously: "We can''t accept such a greedy woman."


    The two mother and daughter talked past each other, and the people in the yard heard the commotion, quickly coming out and eavesdropping not far from the door, one by one they pouted: "Granny Hu is too shameless."


    "Greed knows no bounds."


    "If this daughter doesn''t take care of her, let''s see what she does? She''ll end up alienating all her children sooner or later."


    Granny Hu heard the whispers outside, directly opened the door, and snapped: "What''s it to you? Eavesdropping at my door, are you full and bored? Truly shameless, I..."


    She took a step forward, ready to teach them a lesson, but slipped unexpectedly, falling heavily to the ground... Thud!


    She fell heavily, a tooth falling out: "Damn it all..."


    This cursed rainy day!!


    Liang Meifen: "Mom, my goodness, are you alright..."


    "Take me to the hospital, quick! Take me to the hospital..."


    "Give me some money, I didn''t bring any..." Liang Meifen cried.


    The scene became a bit chaotic...


    While Liang Meifen''s family had a minor accident, her sister-in-law, Ming Mei, also encountered a problem.


    Ming Mei really didn''t like going to work on rainy days. She didn''t know about others, but among her colleagues, none of them liked it. As a stewardess, they suffered more than drivers on rainy days. Getting on and off the bus in the rain, the stewardesses sitting by the door really suffered, often getting splashed with water.


    In winter, snow was better, but rain was really annoying.


    Not only did it easily make them look disheveled, but the work also required extra care. Rain made the ground slippery, prone to falls. In addition, there were more thieves, and such an environment was very suitable for thieves to strike. Ming Mei had once caught a thief on a rainy day.


    So on rainy days, all stewardesses had to be on high alert.


    Ming Mei''s route had not seen a thief for a long time, but she did not dare to be careless. In this day and age, the profession of thieves had not disappeared, which was strange. Ming Mei sighed with worry, and at that moment, her gaze fell on a man.


    This man was really ordinary, not tall, not strong, and wearing ordinary clothes, in short, he had no distinguishing features. As a stewardess, she encountered many such ordinary people every day, but today, Ming Mei felt something was off about this man.


    She hesitated, but still looked at him a few more times.


    Their eyes met, and the man immediately looked away.


    Ming Mei raised her eyebrows, paying even more attention to this person. As a stewardess, she met many people and had some ability to observe. Ming Mei originally thought this man was three points strange, now it became five points.


    She put on a stern face and said: "Move to the back, there are seats in the back, don''t block the front, move to the back."


    Today, this was not just a ruse to get people to move back, but there really were seats, after all, on rainy days, who would go out unless necessary? There were not many people on the bus, Ming Mei: "Move to the back."


    Not many people got on at this stop, all moving to the back.


    Ming Mei looked up at the rearview mirror, observing that man again through it. He was sitting in the second to last row from the back, looking very calm, but his eyes were surveying the surroundings.


    Ming Mei, okay, the strangeness had increased to seven points.


    "Driver, it''s raining today and the road is slippery, drive slowly! Be careful," Ming Mei said crisply, reminding the driver. The driver frowned immediately, then said: "I know."


    This was their internal "code," thieves had their own code, and they naturally had theirs.


    Ming Mei''s reminder to be careful was not about the road, the driver immediately understood what she meant. Basically, when they said such things, it meant there was a suspicious person on the bus.


    In the early years, right after liberation, there were still people with unclear identities, and the public was highly vigilant, especially in their industry, with several sets of code words. They cooperated with each other to catch bad guys. Now, there were no such things.


    Whenever they reminded each other, it was usually about a thief.


    Not a thief, but someone suspicious.


    Although it''s said that during this time, doors were left unlatched, that was indeed the case. Some places never locked their doors because they were so poor that even rats wouldn''t enter, what was there to worry about? Even if not, a stranger in an alley would be immediately recognized.


    Don''t underestimate the old folks'' combat power, it''s top-notch.


    So basically, if there was a thief, it would be in such public places. The profession hadn''t disappeared, and occasionally there would be thieves on buses. Ming Mei''s route was rare, but others were not.


    The bus quickly stopped at the next station, Ming Mei: "Front door for boarding, rear door for alighting, buy tickets upon boarding..."


    Two women got on, Ming Mei was surprised: "Sister-in-law?"


    Liang Meifen didn''t expect to run into Ming Mei. She had no idea which route Ming Mei was on, so when she saw her, she was momentarily stunned but quickly greeted her: "Ming Mei."


    Ming Mei glanced at the elderly woman beside Liang Meifen. The woman bore a striking resemblance to Granny Zhou, with sharp features that hinted at a bitter and mean-spirited nature. At the moment, she was clutching her waist, supported by Liang Meifen, looking pitiful.


    Ming Mei: "Buy a ticket and move to the back."


    Liang Meifen hesitated, not wanting to buy a ticket. If she could save that money... She couldn''t bring herself to say it, but Granny Hu quickly chimed in: "Aren''t you Zhuang Laosan''s wife? We''re all relatives, how can we charge for a ticket? A couple of people not buying tickets won''t be noticeable."


    She didn''t believe this woman would have the nerve to ask her to pay.


    Ming Mei glanced at the old lady and felt her instincts were right; she did resemble Granny Zhou.


    She smiled and said, "Are you trying to dig holes in the socialist wall?"


    That was quite a heavy accusation.


    Liang Meifen shivered.


    Even Granny Hu was taken aback.


    Liang Meifen quickly said, "No, we don''t mean that. Mom, don''t talk nonsense."


    "Right, right, I was just talking nonsense. What I meant was, you should just pay for the ticket." She really had a thick skin.


    Ming Mei smiled: "No, one thing is one thing. Don''t try to get close during work hours. Besides, this is our first meeting, so don''t pretend we''re old acquaintances. Either buy a ticket or get off the bus. You can''t just stand here and refuse to buy a ticket, causing trouble for everyone. It''s not right to be so selfish."


    "You!"


    Granny Hu had thought that a young woman would be easily swayed by a few words, but seeing this one wasn''t backing down, her face darkened. Ming Mei''s tone grew sterner: "Are you going to buy a ticket or not?"


    The two of them blocking the entrance caused quite a stir among the passengers.


    "What''s wrong with this old lady? Even trying to get a free ride."


    "Exactly, Ming Mei even said it''s their first meeting, yet she still tries to get close. Too much..."


    "Ah, who doesn''t have such relatives? I do too... always looking for freebies."


    The passengers murmured. Generally, people were quite honest when it didn''t involve them. Liang Meifen, being conscious of her reputation, quickly bought a ticket under the scrutiny. Though she resented Ming Mei for not being lenient and buying their tickets, she didn''t say anything and pushed her mother to the back.


    "Let''s go to the back."


    Granny Hu''s face was black as coal. The last seats at the previous stop were already taken, and now there were no seats left. Granny Hu walked up to a man and started nagging: "People can''t be too selfish. Respecting the elderly and caring for the young is what young people should do. Giving up a seat for an elderly person is the right thing to do."


    She looked at the man, coincidentally the one Ming Mei found suspicious.


    The man ignored her.


    Granny Hu was annoyed and continued, "Young people nowadays, their morals are far worse than in our time. Back then, we would always give up our seats for the elderly..."


    Granny Hu chose this man for a reason. Usually, she would pick young girls or young women, who would easily give up their seats upon request.


    Even if they didn''t and were stubborn, she wouldn''t lose out in a scuffle.


    She wouldn''t dare to pick a strong man, though. She only targeted young girls. Men? No way, she couldn''t win a fight!


    Besides men, middle-aged women and women her age were also off-limits. They wouldn''t care about face and wouldn''t hold back in a fight.


    So she usually chose young girls or young women. If there were none, she would pick a seemingly honest young man. If even that wasn''t possible, she would give up.


    As for strong men and middle-aged women, she wouldn''t dare to provoke them.


    Today, unfortunately, there were no young girls. It made sense, as it was neither early nor late, and it was Qingming Festival with rain, so there were indeed no young girls on the bus.


    Granny Hu, with her daughter, felt emboldened to challenge a male passenger.


    She stood by the man and kept muttering, drawing disgusted looks from those around.


    The man, hesitating, finally stood up: "You can sit."


    Apparently, he couldn''t take it anymore. The old lady didn''t look happy, feeling he should have given up his seat sooner, making her stand longer.


    She wasn''t grateful and said, "Young people should have given up their seats earlier. Truly lacking in respect for the elderly."


    She intentionally bumped into the young man and plopped down.


    The young man hadn''t expected this old hag to be so shameless. Unaware, he was bumped, and a clatter sounded as something fell to the ground. Ming Mei quickly turned around, her eyes widening in shock.


    Not just her, but other passengers were also stunned. A gold bar had fallen from the man''s possession.


    "Holy crap!" Someone exclaimed in astonishment.


    They hadn''t seen something like that before!


    The driver, already keeping an eye on the situation, slammed on the brakes.


    Seeing his gold bar fall, the man quickly picked it up. But then, Granny Hu, brazenly, tried to snatch it: "This is mine!"


    Such a claim was truly audacious.


    The man, probably infuriated by this old hag, slapped her hard.


    Smack!


    The man''s strength was considerable; Granny Hu''s face swelled instantly.


    "What are you doing, hitting my mom... Ah!!" Liang Meifen was kicked back by the man, falling to the ground, "Ugh!"


    "You, you, you!" Granny Hu was now scared: "Let me go, I was wrong..."


    Such a bullying, cheap old lady would cower at the sight of someone fierce.


    "I didn''t mean it, here, take it..."


    "Damn it, I''ve never seen anyone dare to mess with me, Xu Laizi!" He started slapping her left and right, seven or eight times, causing her nose to bleed and a tooth to fly out.


    Already missing a tooth from the fall, now two more were knocked out.


    "What are you doing!"


    Ming Mei also stepped in, "You can''t just hit people, stop it!"


    Though she didn''t like the old lady, seeing someone getting beaten like this was unacceptable, especially with her foolish sister-in-law around. Ming Mei grabbed the man, who pushed her hard, making her stumble.


    The man''s strength was extraordinary; even Ming Mei, skilled in martial arts, was pushed back, showing his immense power.


    But Ming Mei wasn''t easy to deal with. She quickly steadied herself and grabbed him. The man blocked her, but Ming Mei pulled hard, causing his raincoat to tear open, and a package fell, clattering to the ground.


    A dozen gold bars lay there, gleaming brightly...


    "My goodness!"


    "What kind of person is this!"


    Everyone was shocked. Clearly, this was no ordinary situation.


    Ming Mei was about to grab the man. The man dropped some gold bars, his face turned even darker, and he was furious, immediately pulling out a knife: "Get lost, get out of here. This is mine, all of this is mine, no one can take it away from me!"


    He kept waving the knife around, bending down to pick up his things.


    Ming Mei seized the moment and kicked the nearest gold bar, which hit his wrist.


    "You little brat, I''ll teach you a lesson," the man shouted, brandishing the knife and charging forward...


    "Ah!"


    "Oh my God!"


    Everyone scrambled to the car doors, banging on them. The driver glanced at the situation and decided not to trap them inside. They had all taken safety education courses and knew that in such cases, minimizing danger was crucial.


    He quickly opened the doors, and everyone rushed out of the car. Even Granny Hu was trying to climb out when her daughter, Liang Meifen, grabbed her and pushed her forcefully: "Mom, you go first, I''ll help Ming Mei!"


    Granny Hu was about to escape when the man, who hated her intensely, stomped on her ankle: "You old hag! You''re the one causing all this trouble!"


    He stabbed towards her with the knife, but Ming Mei quickly kicked him, causing him to shift the knife away in pain. Granny Hu was terrified, screaming at the top of her lungs: "Murder!!"


    Her voice was like a pig being slaughtered.


    She trembled as she crawled out of the car, rolling and scrambling, not caring about any injuries, finally managing to get out and collapsing on the ground.


    Liang Meifen didn''t run away; she couldn''t find anything suitable, so she picked up a gold bar and threw it at the man like a brick. He dodged it and glared at her with murderous intent.


    Liang Meifen: "No, no, don''t kill me..."


    She was terrified...


    The man''s knife swung again, but Ming Mei acted quickly, suddenly closing in and performing a judo throw, sending him crashing to the ground. Without hesitation, she followed up with a kick, which was far more severe than the thug''s kick on Granny Hu. The man, flung like a kite with a broken string, flew out from behind the car and crashed into a roadside utility pole, groaning and spitting out blood.


    He struggled to get up and was about to run when he tripped over something and fell again. Looking up, he saw it was the unlucky old lady, the jinx of a woman who seemed to be cursed against him.


    Aliali: 67219cfb3a4784313d7ca9d4


    He slashed back with the knife, cutting through the old lady''s padded trousers, sending cotton flying...


    Luckily, the old lady wasn''t a man, or she would have been castrated.


    By now, quite a crowd had gathered. Ming Mei stepped forward again. Surprisingly, the man knew some martial arts, and they exchanged blows. Ming Mei landed a punch, and the man coughed up blood.


    The onlookers: "Holy crap!"


    This woman is really fierce!


    A big man like him can be beaten to the point of spitting blood!


    Under Ming Mei''s relentless attacks, the man was finally subdued. The driver quickly stepped forward, found some rope, and tied him up. The two worked together seamlessly.


    Ming Mei: "Driver, gather the gold bars and head straight to the police station."


    She looked up: "Who''s willing to go and testify... Also, you..."


    She glanced at Granny Hu, who looked at Ming Mei with fear, trembling: "I, I''ll go too~"

 Chapter 56

    Ming Mei was becoming a regular visitor to the public security system.There was no helping it - the more capable you are, the more incidents you encounter. However, this time she was going to a different place than before. Her previous visits had been to the district police station near the factory area, but now she was heading to the main police bureau.


    The main reason was that they were closer to the police bureau, and moreover, with so many gold bars involved, Ming Mei and the others figured this wasn''t a minor incident.


    People these days still had kind hearts, though. While they might run faster than monkeys when facing danger, once it came to visiting the police bureau, everyone was eager to help and extremely enthusiastic. Even Granny Hu, who had taken the most beating, insisted on coming to the police bureau first instead of going to the hospital despite her injuries.


    Actually, Granny Hu didn''t really want to come. She mainly feared that if she didn''t show up, she might not get any compensation. She had genuinely been injured, so shouldn''t she at least get some compensation for her wounds? Besides, she had fallen earlier, so she could blame everything on this incident and save money on her medical bills.


    Another reason was that Ming Mei had glanced at her while asking questions, and Granny Hu trembled at that look. She thought Ming Mei probably wanted her to come, so she''d better show up - otherwise, who knows if she might get beaten up?


    Granny Hu was being quite paranoid.


    Ming Mei had merely given her a casual glance, but Granny Hu, being a suspicious elderly woman, was excellent at overthinking. She was afraid Ming Mei would beat her up. After all, hadn''t she provoked Ming Mei when getting on the bus?


    She had seen how fierce that young woman was when fighting!


    She wasn''t nearly as strong as the person who had been tied up.


    If the tied-up person could make her face swell, she definitely didn''t dare provoke Ming Mei anymore.


    In one word: scared!


    Being timid wasn''t shameful.


    Being illiterate wasn''t shameful either.


    But she was genuinely frightened - who wouldn''t be? Even strong men were scared! Would anyone believe that a delicate young woman could make a grown man cough up blood with just one punch?


    Everyone agreed on this point.


    But Ming Mei felt wronged too. If she were really that brave, it would be laughable - she''d be unbeatable in the world. The truth was far from it. The reason she made that person cough up blood with one punch was that he had already been injured from hitting the electric pole.


    She knew how to use precise force, but that didn''t mean she was some mighty warrior.


    Really, there was no way to explain this properly.


    Ming Mei felt so wronged - she was actually a fragile woman, yet these people were describing her as some fierce tigress.


    Officer Tian, who was in charge this time, noticed Ming Mei''s heavy expression and comforted her: "People will forget about it soon enough, don''t take it to heart."


    Ming Mei worried: "How can I not take it to heart? I''m turning into a tiger mom."


    What worried her more was that if this news reached her mother''s ears, she''d definitely get her ears pulled.


    Ming Mei sighed deeply: "My life is so hard."


    Officer Tian: "Actually, I think with your skills, you''d be perfect for our department. How about it? Would you consider changing jobs?"


    This wasn''t the first police officer to extend an olive branch to Ming Mei, and probably wouldn''t be the last.


    Ming Mei: "No thanks..."


    She lamented: "I''m not suitable... I''m just a brute..."


    "Pfft!" Not just Officer Tian, but all the other police officers burst out laughing.


    Ming Mei rubbed her face and asked, "So, what''s the deal with that person from earlier?"


    She wasn''t worried about having caught the wrong person. In these times, someone carrying so many gold bars and pulling out a knife - if you said they were an upright citizen, even ghosts wouldn''t believe it. And given how chaotic the situation was, Ming Mei subduing the person was the best possible outcome.


    Otherwise, who knows if they might have killed someone in their frenzy.


    Well, there was no need to guess - they definitely would have. If Ming Mei hadn''t stopped them, Auntie Hu would surely have been stabbed several times. During the incident, Auntie Hu was terrified, and now hearing everyone discussing it, she dared not even think about it.


    She truly couldn''t close her eyes without seeing that person''s fierce knife-wielding face, and Liang Meifen felt the same way.


    She never imagined that her day would be so... tumultuous.


    First, her mother had fallen and lost a tooth, which was minor compared to her sprained waist. Unable to carry her mother on a bicycle, she had to take her on the bus. Who would have thought they''d encounter such an absurd situation on the bus?


    She held her mother''s hand and said seriously: "Mom, from now on, don''t be aggressive with people anymore."


    Granny Hu stubbornly defended herself: "When was I aggressive? I just asked him to give up his seat, how could I know he''d pull out a knife just because I asked for a seat?"


    Never again, never again, never ever again!


    She was scared to death. While this incident started partly because of her, Granny Hu might act tough on the outside, but inside she was trembling with fear, secretly praying to all deities and ancestors, swearing never to raise her voice at people again.


    If she had actually been stabbed a couple of times, wouldn''t that have been the end of her?


    Forget about seeing her grandchildren, she probably wouldn''t even live to see her son get married.


    She shrank her neck, feeling a chill in her heart.


    Granny Hu was terrified, and the police officers, having just taken everyone''s statements, understood the situation. In short, this elderly lady had started the trouble. By unfortunate coincidence, she had picked on a man carrying a fortune in gold, which triggered a series of events.


    They felt somewhat sympathetic towards her, yet also felt she didn''t quite deserve the sympathy.


    At least no one was hurt.


    By now, the bus driver had also finished giving his statement. It wasn''t that he hadn''t helped Ming Mei earlier; they actually had an established coordination system.


    Generally, thieves and pickpockets don''t work alone - they usually work in pairs or larger groups. So when incidents occur, Ming Mei handles the situation while the driver watches the surroundings to prevent others from taking advantage of the chaos, and to react quickly if anyone else tries to intervene.


    Of course, this arrangement worked because Ming Mei was genuinely skilled. If multiple people had attacked at once, he would definitely have jumped in to help. But most times, he handled the aftermath, mainly because he worried that rushing in might hinder rather than help. This was their pre-arranged plan, and other buses had their own coordination methods too.


    This approach worked for Ming Mei because of her fighting skills.


    As for others, some coordinated to contact the police directly. While they didn''t encounter thieves very often, they always maintained some level of preparedness.


    Of course, there were some who would ignore thieves even if they noticed them, but such people were few. Most people nowadays still maintained a sense of kindness and justice. Even while ensuring their own safety, most would remain vigilant.


    Officer Tian looked over everyone''s statements and said: "That''s about everything. Thank you all for coming to testify. This case is still under investigation, so please head home for now."


    The specific details of the case naturally wouldn''t be shared with everyone.


    Even Ming Mei, despite asking, wasn''t told exactly what was going on.


    Ming Mei was practically a regular here and knew that some things couldn''t be discussed until investigations were complete. She stood up: "Then I''ll be going now. We had an incident on our route, so I need to go back and report it."


    As everyone was preparing to leave, Granny Hu looked confused and asked: "What about me? He beat me up like this, I need to go to the hospital!"


    Actually, Granny Hu had been quite lucky. When the criminal''s knife came at her, it only tore her cotton pants. Thankfully, even though it was already Qingming Festival, she hadn''t switched to thinner clothes yet, otherwise she would definitely have been injured.


    And next year''s Qingming might have been about visiting her grave.


    That knife stroke only cost her a pair of pants - a blessing in disguise.


    "Well, Xiao Zhao, please take this elderly lady to the hospital and check her condition. As for the expenses..."


    He hesitated before continuing, "We''ll cover them first, and after the investigation is complete, we''ll have that person compensate for them."


    "Understood." A female police officer named Xiao Zhao responded.


    Xiao Zhao looked at Granny Hu and said, "Auntie, shall we go?"


    Liang Meifen quickly followed, "Mom, let me help you."


    Granny Hu mumbled something, she was truly frightened and the more she thought about it, the more scared she became, her legs felt weak.


    Ming Mei stepped forward: "Sister-in-law, are you okay? Didn''t that man kick you too?"


    Liang Meifen shook her head: "I''m fine, I need to take my mom to the hospital, I might be late getting back. If you get home first, tell mom for me, thank you Ming Mei."


    She had heard before that Ming Mei was quite formidable, but hearing about it and seeing it were two different things. She had never witnessed Ming Mei''s actions, only heard about the results. So the fear she felt was limited. She knew this person was formidable, but she wasn''t sure how formidable and didn''t really take it to heart. But today, seeing Ming Mei kick a grown man so hard he vomited blood, Liang Meifen was truly scared, her words carried a hint of respect.


    "Ming Mei, if sister-in-law has ever done anything wrong before, please don''t hold it against me, I''m just a fool."


    Granny Hu quickly chimed in: "Yes, yes, yes, if I, your old granny, have ever done anything wrong, please don''t take it to heart, hehe, hehehe!"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    You really don''t have to go this far.


    She forced a smile and said, "Sister-in-law, Granny, what are you talking about? Sister-in-law, you know, we''re all family, don''t say such formal things. Besides, thank you for helping me earlier."


    Whether or not the help was effective, Liang Meifen''s willingness to help on her own initiative showed she wasn''t a bad person.


    Her proactive help was something Ming Mei hadn''t expected.


    Ming Mei was like this, you respect me, I respect you. But if you disrespect me, I''ll double it back!


    She smiled and said, "You should go to the hospital first, I''ll tell mom to prepare something good for dinner tonight, let''s replenish our strength."


    Liang Meifen: "No need, no need."


    Granny Hu whispered: "What''s she up to? It''s kind of scary."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She meant well, why are they suspicious of her?


    "Uh, uh, let''s go, let''s go to the hospital, I can''t take it anymore..." Granny Hu was really a bit scared of Ming Mei, quickly changing the subject, ready to leave.


    Officer Xiao Zhao: "Let''s go then."


    Ming Mei also left with the driver, just in time for Granny Hu to look back at her, Ming Mei gave a smile, Granny Hu shivered and quickly darted away.


    Ming Mei: "......???"


    Granny Hu thought to herself, this Ming Mei''s smile is too sinister.


    Although everyone was still curious about what exactly happened here, since the police investigation needed to be kept confidential, people gradually dispersed. Ming Mei also got into the car with the driver to return to the main station.


    Such sudden incidents were not common, but they did happen occasionally.


    Ming Mei sighed: "It''s already annoying enough with the heavy rain, and then this happens, what kind of luck is this?"


    The driver laughed and said: "You can''t say it like that, think of it as a merit. Maybe this will even get you a raise. Do you have enough seniority?"


    If this matter was confirmed, he should also get some credit, his seniority was also enough, in theory, he could also get a raise. Thinking of this, he felt more energetic driving. He said: "Think of it, this isn''t just a thief, it''s walking money."


    Ming Mei chuckled: "You''re right."


    She calculated in her mind and said: "My seniority isn''t enough."


    She lamented: "If my seniority was a bit more, could I get a raise too?"


    The driver: "I think our boss can fight for it, we protected the safety of the masses on the bus and caught a bad guy, the credit can''t be small." He had longer working years than Ming Mei and knew more, saying: "Then it depends on what kind of situation this guy is in, the bigger his problem, the bigger your credit, the higher the chance of a raise."


    Ming Mei: "Who knows."


    Although she said that, Ming Mei''s mouth had already curled up, oh dear, who doesn''t like a raise!


    They returned to the main station, and this matter was indeed remarkable, even the leaders were amazed, how could Ming Mei attract bad people so much? She was already so formidable, yet there were still fools who dared to cause trouble, truly not wanting to live long.


    "You all were also frightened today, go home early and rest."


    Ming Mei hummed in agreement, saying: "Okay."


    "Ming Mei, don''t worry, our station will communicate with the police station at any time, clarify whether they have any accomplices, so as not to disturb your life." To be honest, few dared to retaliate now.


    It wasn''t like catching a thief would lead to revenge, after all, times have changed.


    But as a leader and elder, Ming Mei''s old leader was still very meticulous. After all, he had watched her grow up since she was a child.


    Ming Mei chuckled softly, nodding and saying: "I know."


    "Alright, go home early and rest."


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement and left, the people in their office all sighed: "What luck is this girl, how can she always meet bad people."


    "Others might meet them too, but they might not dare to act, this girl just has a big heart."


    "She''s always been like that since she was a kid, bold and reckless, remember? When she was little, because the kids from other courtyards bullied ours, she stood up for a bunch of boys..."


    "Yes, yes, my son was one of them, this coward, let a little girl stand up for him, what a waste of his height."


    Everyone burst into laughter, the atmosphere immediately lively.


    Ming Mei didn''t know others were talking about her, she happily rode her bicycle home early, it had to be said, the appearance of bad people was somewhat useful, at least she could go home early.


    The rain hadn''t stopped all day, when Ming Mei returned to the courtyard it was already noon, every household''s chimney was smoking, Ming Mei entered the courtyard and saw Aunt Su collecting water again. Ming Mei''s mouth twitched, what a strange person.


    It seemed like they would never run out of water.


    Aunt Su was collecting water under an umbrella, hearing the bicycle enter the courtyard, she looked up in surprise: "Oh, Little Ming, why are you back at this time?"


    She used to call Ming Mei "Little Zhuang''s wife", but a few days ago she heard Li Fang greet Ming Mei as Little Ming, so she started calling her that too. Ming Mei''s surname was Ming, so it was fine to call her that, like Little Zhang, Little Li, Little Wang.


    It''s just that the surname Ming was a bit special.


    Ming Mei: "Yes, I got off work early today."


    Aunt Su: "Your job is pretty good, you can go home whenever you want, quite relaxing. It''s said that every industry serves the people, but you seem to have it easier than others."


    Her words carried a hint of jealousy, and she wanted to stir up some resentment for Ming Mei, don''t think she didn''t know, Madam Zhou Li must be peeking and eavesdropping from the window. Although she was arrogant in the hospital, she was taken away by the security department in the courtyard, which was quite embarrassing.


    When she was in the hospital, she didn''t know anyone, just a few neighbors, it was okay. But after returning, she always felt a bit degraded. Plus, Jiang Lu had a big argument with her, everyone knew she had caused trouble for her son at the factory, she felt even more embarrassed.


    So, except for going to the toilet or doing something necessary, she didn''t go out, but this person was restless and nosy, so she kept looking out the window.


    Not missing any little movement.


    Aunt Su deliberately said this, hoping Madam Zhou Li would spread that Ming Mei wasn''t working properly.


    But she forgot what kind of person Ming Mei was, Ming Mei spoke clearly: "Aunt Su, you''re wrong about that. We ticket sellers aren''t any easier than factory workers. At least they work in a clean environment, we have it tough on days like this. But since you stay at home all day and don''t work, you wouldn''t understand."


    Isn''t it just taunting people?


    Who can''t do that!


    She had a sarcastic grandfather and a fierce, sharp-tongued mother-in-law.


    Even if she learned, she learned it well.


    She flashed a brilliant smile and said, "I left work early today because of an emergency. But you wouldn''t understand anyway. I really envy you, just lying around at home all day, with food served to your mouth and clothes handed to you. Your daily routine is just fetching a bit of water."


    Aunt Su: "¡­¡­"


    In her heart, she cursed, but she said, "Where do you get that idea? My days at home are plenty busy with three mischievous boys. We can''t afford to be idle. My health isn''t comparable to you youngsters, and I''m a real burden to the family. If it weren''t for the kids, I''d have followed my husband and sons long ago. But I can''t leave my three grandsons, nothing is more important than the children. Especially since I have three strapping boys."


    What she took the most pride in was her family''s male lineage, three boys, which was something no ordinary family could match. Even if others had sons, they likely also had daughters, but her family had no "useless" girls.


    Just thinking about it made her feel extra proud.


    Aunt Su, pretending to be concerned, asked, "Xiao Ming, you''ve been married for a while now, haven''t you? Still not pregnant? When do you plan to have kids?"


    Ming Mei blinked and laughed, saying, "Why the rush? We''re both still young, whether it''s early or late doesn''t matter. After all, what''s important is that the child is loved."


    Her tone was earnest: "If we have a child, we''ll definitely educate them well. That''s a big deal, so we can''t rush it. Having a baby early, we ourselves aren''t even settled yet, how could we teach them well? We can''t just have them without teaching them, that wouldn''t do. The child wouldn''t grow up to be a likable person."


    Aunt Su: "¡­¡­"


    She took deep breaths, feeling very angry inside.


    I suspect you''re implying something about me, and I''m sure of it!


    Aunt Su scrutinized Ming Mei, feeling that this young bride was no simpleton. In their alley, any new bride would sympathize with her and treat her well.


    Only Ming Mei, upon hearing her speak, knew she wasn''t someone to be trifled with.


    And in this exchange, she hadn''t gained any advantage. Aunt Su became even more wary of Ming Mei. Just then, she heard Madam Zhou Li''s thunderous laughter. She was furious, knowing Madam Zhou Li had heard everything. Madam Zhou Li, who had no children, always felt inferior when Aunt Su boasted about hers. But this time, hearing Aunt Su being put in her place, she laughed loudly, making sure Aunt Su could hear.


    Aunt Su, being shrewd, knew it was time to retreat. She said, "Oh, my water''s ready, I have to go cook, so I won''t chat anymore."


    Ming Mei shrugged and turned to go home.


    Meanwhile, Madam Zhou Li, peeking from the window, spat and said, "Not a single good one among them, all scumbags, old and young scumbags, why didn''t they just fight?"


    She had been planning to lay low, let her scandals settle before making a comeback. But being cooped up at home was suffocating, she wished those people would brawl, so she could watch the spectacle. And if there was a commotion, maybe people would forget about her.


    That was Madam Zhou Li''s thinking.


    But things didn''t go as she wished.


    Why didn''t those two fight? Why didn''t they just fight?


    It was so disappointing.


    Ming Mei returned home, under Aunt Su''s curses and Madam Zhou Li''s frustrated expectations.


    Zhao Guihua had already heard Ming Mei and Aunt Su''s conversation. She didn''t step out to back her daughter-in-law, knowing Ming Mei could handle herself. But she asked, "Why did you leave work early?"


    She had planned to just have some steamed buns and pickled radish at home.


    Seeing her daughter-in-law back, she fried some cabbage.


    Ming Mei: "We encountered bad people today, and I ran into Sister Liang and her mom. Oh, you don''t know, that old lady was so arrogant, then someone taught her a lesson, slapping her so hard her face swelled up... Now Officer Tian is accompanying her to the hospital. Sister Liang asked me to tell you she might be back late."


    Zhao Guihua: "What happened?"


    She immediately perked up: "Tell me about it."


    People are lonely.


    Any gossip, they don''t want to miss.


    Ming Mei: "It was today at..."


    Ming Mei''s storytelling skills were average, but she had to boast about herself. She detailed how she had sharp eyes, spotting the troublemaker instantly. Then she described her bravery in catching the thief.


    Of course, getting beaten up also needed to be elaborated on.


    This monologue took Ming Mei half an hour to finish, leaving her parched.


    Ming Mei smiled, murmuring, "Oh, mom, I really saw a lot today. It was my first time seeing so many gold bars, later counted, there were eighteen in total. I guess there was more on that person, it was my first time seeing so much gold, so rich..."


    Zhao Guihua was also surprised, exclaiming, "So much gold, there must be something wrong with it, big or small bars?"


    Ming Mei: "Big ones! Really big, it felt like I was going to get rich."


    Ming Mei had only focused on catching the person at the time, now thinking about it, she sighed, it would have been nice to touch them, those were gold bars.


    She lamented: "I forgot about that at the time."


    Zhao Guihua laughed, saying, "It''s good you didn''t touch them, if anything was missing, it wouldn''t be on you. Whenever it comes to money, you have to be clear, so as not to invite trouble."


    Ming Mei: "Definitely not, the passengers were all around the bus, eyes like bull''s eyes, watching clearly."


    Although it was chaotic with many people, since everyone had stepped back from the "battlefield," the scene was quite clear, so there wasn''t much to worry about. But her mother-in-law was right, in the future, if there were similar incidents, being more cautious would be better.


    Zhao Guihua: "Just keep that in mind."


    Ming Mei nodded, after the lament, she thought of another matter.


    Ming Mei propped her chin, very seriously saying, "I think... I think... Sister Liang''s mother is a bit afraid of me."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Ming Mei, thinking, does she need to think? She''s definitely afraid of you.


    She remembered from her previous life, this woman had been more aggressive then. Of course, not with them, since no one paid her any mind. This old lady just bullied her daughter, making Liang Meifen look like her mother had died every day.


    Later, Madam Zhou Li stepped in, truly a good person, standing up at critical moments, offending Old Man Lan, stirring up trouble with matchmaking, she and Aunt Su did it. Unfortunately, Ming Mei found out, this girl didn''t beat the old ladies, but her sons and daughters-in-law, and smashed the windows of both Zhou and Su''s houses. It happened that Granny Hu was there too, nearly peeing her pants in fright.


    From then on, she behaved like a quail.


    Although annoying, she did one thing right, being sensible.


    Seeing Ming Mei was truly unapproachable, she disappeared into the crowd, only surfacing once a year during the New Year. And rarely came to their house. It really made Zhao Guihua feel much quieter.


    So when Ming Mei mentioned it, Zhao Guihua understood.


    She said, "That''s just how Liang Meifen''s mother is, don''t take it to heart."


    Ming Mei hummed, then said, "Mom, I''ll go buy some meat later, let''s have meat for dinner tonight. Sister Liang was helpful today, I should show my appreciation."


    Pausing, she added, "Though she didn''t really help much."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, saying, "You always know how to talk."


    She said, "Don''t buy, we still have meat at home, finish it first."


    Ming Mei sighed: "We''ve been eating it for a long time."


    A few months have passed since the meat from that time, and it''s still there. They haven''t stopped eating... Apparently, they really stocked up back then. She peeked around, and Zhao Guihua snapped, "What are you looking at?"


    Ming Mei pouted.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "Why don''t you go buy some offal? I''m craving some stewed offal."


    Ming Mei replied, "Sure, I''ll go right now."


    She''s a straightforward person, so Zhao Guihua said, "Wait, after lunch. What''s the rush?"


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had lunch together. Zhao Guihua mentioned, "It rained all day today, and it''s unlikely to clear up tomorrow. I reckon the mushrooms will start popping up the day after tomorrow. I plan to go up the mountain to pick some mushrooms, then dry them and eat them slowly. Lao San loves mushrooms."


    Ming Mei said, "I love them too, but I''ve never picked mushrooms. My mom never let me buy them because she was afraid I''d get the poisonous kind."


    Mushrooms can be dangerous if not prepared properly.


    Zhao Guihua said, "You don''t need to worry about that. I''ll go myself. You''re all just a bunch of hindrances."


    Ming Mei hung her head, feeling scolded.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "I''ll go to the outskirts and see if I can gather more. But with this rain, there will probably be more people going to the outskirts to pick mushrooms. I''m just worried someone might spot the pond."


    If it weren''t raining, fewer people would go to the outskirts, but after the rain, it''s different. Mushrooms are quite good as a dish. Plus, it''s spring! There are many wild fruits on the mountain, and people will inevitably wander around. She lamented, "If someone discovers the pond, we won''t have such a good chance to fish there anymore."


    This wasn''t an exaggeration. Zhao Guihua remembered from her previous life that once everyone started going, the pond, though full of fish, couldn''t withstand the crowds. In no time, it was emptied, even the small fish were gone. Later, even if people went, they couldn''t catch any fish.


    Ming Mei suggested, "Should we go there a few more times recently?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We''ll see. We can''t go up the mountain in the rain."


    Ming Mei nodded. She understood her mother-in-law''s concerns. They could certainly fish a lot, but it wasn''t the right season, and selling them on the black market was both risky and not profitable.


    If they brought everything back, they would definitely be noticed. A little here and there was fine, but if they brought back too much, it could lead to accusations of exploiting socialist resources, which would be a big problem. So, even though they knew where there were resources, they couldn''t bring back too much.


    As for telling relatives and friends, it wasn''t a good idea either. It might not turn out well and could even cause trouble.


    People might think you''ve been hoarding and exploiting for years.


    Don''t think this is a joke. In these times, even father and son could turn against each other. They really didn''t need to tell others and risk trouble.


    "Mom, don''t think too much. What''s ours won''t run away, and what''s not ours is just a matter of fate. We''ve already benefited a lot from that pond, so we''re not at a loss," Ming Mei said, quite open-minded. "We''ve gained a lot from that pond, so it''s fine either way."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, glancing at Ming Mei, "You''re quite good at comforting people."


    Ming Mei immediately smiled, "Of course, I''m good-looking, so whatever I say is right."


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched, "..."


    She said, "Stop bragging. I''ll give you money to buy the offal."


    Ming Mei replied, "No need, I have it."


    Zhao Guihua looked at her and said, "Alright then."


    She added, "I know how to cook this. Just wait and see. After lunch, go right away."


    Ming Mei''s big eyes curved into a smile, "Okay~"


    After lunch, Ming Mei immediately rode her bike out. Although she didn''t like going to work on rainy days, she had no problem doing other things on rainy days. Why did Zhao Guihua tell her to go now? Obviously, she was afraid they''d run out if she went later.


    Offal and organs don''t require meat coupons, but they sell well. After all, old Beijingers really enjoy this kind of thing. Zhao Guihua, in her older years, listened to stories about past times, where offal and organs were given away for free, and she always had something to say about it.


    Even if it''s not good, it''s still a bit of meat. It''s never worthless.


    Even a bare bone costs three cents.


    So don''t think you''ll get something for free, dreaming is faster.


    Especially in Beijing, offal and organs are top-notch. Prepared well, they are delicious. There used to be many stewed offal shops, so don''t think you''ll get something for free.


    That''s not possible.


    If you go late, it''ll all be sold out.


    Ming Mei pedaled her bike furiously, rushing to the butcher shop under Zhao Guihua''s expectations.


    For stewed offal, charge!


    Ming Mei''s old-fashioned bike seemed to ride with sparks and lightning!


    "Wow, that bike rides fast!" a passerby exclaimed.


    "I can''t even ride as fast as a little girl, that won''t do!" said a cyclist.


    "What''s the rush? Riding like that, it''s like flying," someone speculated.


    Ming Mei zipped to the meat stall and saw a familiar figure from afar. Don''t misunderstand, it wasn''t Zhuang Zhixi!


    And it wasn''t even a man.


    It was... Jiang Lu!


    Jiang Lu looked around, moving towards the meat stall quickly.


    Ming Mei: "???"


    This is like a secret meeting of the underground party.


    Ming Mei sped up her bike, curious!


    After all, this was the time for work, and Jiang Lu being here made people quite curious.


    Jiang Lu had sneaked out. She couldn''t wait until after work; otherwise, she wouldn''t get anything. Especially since she wanted something very hard to find. She acted like a thief as she approached the stall, whispering, "Do you have pig kidneys?"


    Ming Mei just happened to ride up and heard that.


    Ming Mei: "Ah, this..."


    Buying a pig kidney, was it really necessary to act like this?


    Jiang Lu''s face turned red. Ming Mei tried to stay calm, "Do you have pig organs and offal?"


    "Yes, we do!" On a rainy day, fewer people came out to buy things, so there was still some left even at noon. Normally, such things sell very well because they don''t require coupons and are usually gone by morning.


    "How much do you want?"


    Jiang Lu felt a bit awkward, especially since Ming Mei saw her buying pig kidneys. Everyone knows what these are for. But she also complained in her heart, why did Ming Mei come to buy things at this time? Couldn''t she choose another time?


    Even though her mother-in-law wasn''t great, she was right about one thing: Ming Mei was quite annoying. She lacked tact.


    Ming Mei said, "Jiang, you go first."


    Jiang Lu quickly replied, "No, no, you go first."


    Ming Mei could see Jiang Lu''s discomfort and said, "Alright, I''ll buy first."


    She weighed some pig organs and offal and paid.


    Jiang Lu finally regained some composure and asked, "Didn''t you go to work today?"


    Ming Mei replied, "I did, but we got off early due to an accident. That''s why I came to buy some offal to make stewed offal. Well, Jiang, I''ll be going now."


    Although they lived in the same courtyard, they weren''t really close.


    Ming Mei paid, pulled her raincoat, and left without lingering. Although she was curious, she had some tact. Jiang Lu didn''t want to buy in front of her, so Ming Mei naturally didn''t stay to annoy her. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Pig kidneys...


    Jiang Lu didn''t know what Ming Mei thought. Seeing Ming Mei leave, she breathed a sigh of relief. She always felt a bit embarrassed buying such things in front of others, even if they were all married women. Jiang Lu didn''t want others to think too much about her husband, which was related to his reputation.


    She coughed lightly and said, "Give me a pig kidney."


    After a pause, she whispered, "Will there be lamb supply tomorrow?"


    "Yes."


    The butcher was a middle-aged man. He glanced at Jiang Lu, then looked around to make sure no one was watching, and whispered, "I get them early in the morning. If you want some, come early. I''ll cut you some fatty ones."


    Jiang Lu''s business was even worse now. She said, "Can you save one for me?"


    This butcher shop mostly supplied pork, but occasionally there were beef and mutton as well. These were always in short supply, and whenever they were available, there would be long lines, as scarcity drives up value. However, Jiang Lu was from a well-off family and bought a lot of meat, so she had some rapport with the butcher.


    Like now, she knew about the mutton before Ming Mei.


    Of course, it was also because her father was a leader at the supply and marketing cooperative, and sometimes, transactions were done through "reciprocal benefits."


    "Save the sheep''s... that part... for me."


    The crucial, unspeakable part.


    Jiang Lu thought that her husband, Zhou Qun, needed a good supplement after his injury.


    It was all that damned Bai Fendou''s fault, causing her husband so much suffering.


    "That part? It''s gone. Such a good tonic, it''s usually booked up as soon as it arrives. I''m not hiding it from you; you know how it is. It''s cut directly at the meat processing plant..."


    Even if there were any, I''d want to supplement myself.


    How can a man not need some supplement?


    He said, "Why don''t you get a sheep''s kidney instead?"


    Jiang Lu looked regretful. She sighed, "Then you have to save it for me."


    "Look, we''re old acquaintances. I''ll definitely save it for you." Although selling to anyone is the same, he occasionally gets to buy "defective goods" from the supply and marketing cooperative through Jiang Lu''s connections, so he''s happy to interact with her.


    It''s about give and take!


    He usually gives Jiang Lu better meat, and she knows how to reciprocate. It''s not easy to get defective goods now; that''s a privilege for internal employees of the supply and marketing cooperative.


    Jiang Lu paid and put the pork kidney in her handbag.


    Aliali: 6720f5142bffb2b7bc4c0987


    The butcher, seeing her look of disappointment, hesitated and said, "Or, how about a sheep''s... testicle?"


    Jiang Lu: "???"


    "There are still some left. Not many people buy them, but they''re just as good. The main problem is that many people don''t know how to cook them, and they can have a strong smell if not done right. If you know how to cook them, you''ll see, they sell very well. After all, this stuff doesn''t require coupons. If you want, I''ll save it for you tomorrow. Don''t underestimate it; many knowledgeable people seek this out. We''re old acquaintances, otherwise, I wouldn''t save it for you. I''d eat it myself!"


    Jiang Lu decisively: "Save it!!!"


    She earnestly: "Definitely save it!!!"


    Her husband, Zhou Qun, needs a big supplement!!!


    The butcher looked at her expression with a subtle understanding but still nodded seriously, "Alright, you can rest assured." How weak must a man be to need constant supplementation!


    Jiang Lu smiled and said, "If there''s anything you need help with in the future, just tell me, and I''ll definitely help."


    The butcher was overjoyed: "Great, thank you very much."


    Both were satisfied. Jiang Lu hurried home, planning to stir-fry some kidney for her husband, Zhou Qun, tonight.

 Chapter 57

    Aunt Su was cursing under her breath again.Her life had become unbearable. She had finally managed to buy some meat¡ªsupported by her old friend¡ªand was proudly preparing to cook it to show off a bit. But just look at the smells wafting through the courtyard!


    Disgusting!


    Putrid!


    The stench had overwhelmed her meat''s fragrance, making Aunt Su roll her eyes in frustration.


    It was infuriating how the pleasant aromas couldn''t overcome the foul ones. But no matter how angry she got, others would continue eating whatever they wanted, which was truly aggravating. Though she felt quite upset, Aunt Su couldn''t really make a scene about it.


    That wasn''t her character type, and besides, after her previous hospital incident, she didn''t want to draw too much attention. She had cultivated a pitiful persona¡ªif she became too prominent, how could she play the victim card in the future?


    Aunt Su felt frustrated inside, but still enjoyed cooking and eating her meat.


    It was quite the contradiction.


    In this conflicted state of mind, Aunt Su quietly peered out her window and saw Zhao Guihua washing pig intestines. She sneered, then looked at her own meat, feeling pleased that it was much better than offal. Her mood instantly improved.


    She softly hummed a little tune to herself.


    Although Ming Mei had the afternoon off, she wasn''t helping Zhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua knew her daughter-in-law was careless with housework. While that might not matter for other things, when it came to food... Zhao Guihua couldn''t trust her with something that would go into people''s mouths.


    She had sent Ming Mei to pick up the children from kindergarten. These days, children were raised quite casually¡ªeven kindergarteners didn''t usually need escorts, as the neighborhood kids would walk together. Today was an exception because of the rain.


    The rain had been drizzling all day long.


    By evening, everyone had returned from work, including Liang Meifen, but the rain hadn''t stopped.


    Zhuang Zhixi was terrified by his wife''s actions. He said helplessly, "What''s wrong with you? How did you get into trouble again? If something happened to you, I''d be so worried."


    Though Ming Mei had done a good deed, as her husband, Zhuang Zhixi was naturally concerned about his wife. He didn''t care about others; he just didn''t want his wife to face any danger.


    Ming Mei knew Zhuang Zhixi was worried about her and said coquettishly, "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing. If I couldn''t handle them, I wouldn''t have stepped in."


    This earned her an eye roll from Zhuang Zhixi, who said sincerely, "I don''t expect you to earn a big salary; I just want you to be safe. I''m not worried about you fighting one person, but I''m afraid they might seek revenge. After all, you don''t know what kind of people they are, right?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Well, my father and the others aren''t easy to mess with either."


    Seeing Zhuang Zhixi''s expression darken further, she quickly added, "Alright, I know you''re worried about me. I''ll be more careful in the future, okay?"


    She shook his arm playfully, and Zhuang Zhixi finally gave in, nodding reluctantly.


    Ming Mei smiled and said, "Really, it''s nothing."


    She continued, "Sister-in-law was there too. By the way, sister-in-law, how''s your mother?"


    Liang Meifen, who had been feeling awkward about the couple''s quarrel, quickly responded, "She''s okay. At her age, the body is fragile, so there are some injuries, but nothing serious."


    Liang Meifen was completely exhausted today. Things were already complicated enough, but when she returned to her parents'' home in the evening to get her bicycle, she discovered that her father and brother had misunderstood, thinking the bicycle was meant for their family. Her brother was excitedly planning to ride it to his girlfriend''s house to show off.


    If Liang Meifen hadn''t taken the key with her, the bicycle might have already disappeared.


    This time, Liang Meifen didn''t dare to be generous. She firmly refused her brother''s request. This led to a conflict between the siblings, with her father yelling at her, calling her heartless.


    Her brother accused her of not caring about sibling relationships.


    This deeply hurt Liang Meifen. She had done so much for her natal family, yet her mother didn''t understand her, and neither did her father and brother. It truly pained her.


    Despite all this, Liang Meifen remained firm about not leaving the bicycle behind.


    Though she could be muddle-headed at times, she knew that if she gave her mother-in-law''s bicycle to her natal family, it wouldn''t just be about divorce anymore. Her mother-in-law would surely use the receipt to sue them for "robbery," and she dared not underestimate her mother-in-law.


    After being wronged at her parents'' home, Liang Meifen returned with low spirits, but she didn''t dare tell anyone in her husband''s family, fearing they might notice. If Zhuang Zhiyuan knew her natal family had tried to claim the "three major items and one echo" and the "thirty-six legs," he would surely demand a divorce.


    She was utterly exhausted, and Liang Meifen rubbed her temples.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Liang Meifen. She actually knew what was troubling her, but she wouldn''t get involved in such matters. She wasn''t playing the role of a kind mother-in-law, and Liang Meifen had a tendency to take a mile when given an inch.


    If you treated her poorly, she would restrain herself;


    But if you showed her kindness, she would start funneling things to her natal family.


    She had seen it all in her previous life.


    Zhao Guihua had no intention of being anyone''s servant this life¡ªshe was busy enough. She said, "Eldest daughter-in-law, since your mother is injured, will you go take care of her these days?"


    Liang Meifen shook her head, "I don''t need to go. My mother can take care of herself, and besides, she''s been discharged. She''s recovering at home."


    Zhao Guihua frowned, "Discharged? Wasn''t she beaten up?"


    Liang Meifen nodded, "Yes, the hospital recommended she stay longer, but my mother was worried about my father and brother. If she stayed in the hospital, who would take care of them? So she insisted on being discharged."


    Zhao Guihua snorted and said, "Don''t your father and brother have hands and feet? Do they always need someone to take care of them? What nonsense."


    Liang Meifen''s heart trembled at Zhao Guihua''s tone, but Zhao Guihua didn''t say more. Instead, she lost interest in the topic and said, "Well, since you don''t need to care for your mother, let''s go mushroom picking in the suburbs tomorrow."


    Liang Meifen asked, "Alright, should we bring fishing rods?"


    "Yes, let''s see if we catch anything."


    Ming Mei listened enviously and said, "I want to go to the mountains too."


    Despite encountering a large snake last time, Ming Mei wasn''t scared at all; rather, she was quite enthusiastic. She wasn''t the type to be traumatized. Since childhood, Ming Mei had been this way¡ªthe more something scared her, the more she confronted it, until she wasn''t afraid anymore.


    Of course, if not for this unyielding personality, she wouldn''t have become the big sister of the residential compound.


    She really wanted to go, but she had to work.


    Ming Mei said, "Work is truly a stumbling block on my path to relaxation."


    Though she said this, she knew working was necessary. In these times, having a formal job was extremely important.


    Somehow, Ming Mei thought of her dream where, fifteen to twenty years later, there would be a wave of layoffs, and even their machinery factory would close down in the 1990s. However, even then, their passenger station remained stable. It just underwent some reorganization. Ming Mei deeply felt that her job was truly secure.


    "What are you thinking about? Dinner''s ready."


    "Coming!"


    Braised meat, how lovely.


    The family enjoyed a good dinner, and Old Man Zhuang unusually spoke up during the meal, saying, "Our family''s eating well this year. I feel more energetic than before, and I''ve even gained some weight."


    Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua were both naturally lean people, though finding someone fat these days was quite difficult. Even Madam Zhou Li, who came from a well-off family, was thin. The plumpest people in their compound were Li the Cook and his wife.


    But they were just robust, not fat.


    Besides, when had anyone ever heard of a cook starving?


    So Old Man Zhuang was quite thin, but this year, with meat once a week and fish once a week, they were having two special meals every week. In just this short time, people could already see the difference.


    Old Man Zhuang noticed it himself, and while others might not have noticed, it was quite obvious in the children. Both Little Tiger and Little Swallow had gained some weight, particularly visible in their cheeks.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Gaining some weight is good. At your age, you need to learn to take care of yourself."


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled, feeling secretly pleased. He cast a somewhat boastful glance at his two sons, thinking that as their father, he had better judgment than them. In his view, while both of his daughters-in-law had their flaws, his wife was absolutely first-rate!


    She was truly incomparable - just look at how caring she was toward him.


    Old Man Zhuang''s satisfaction completely missed its mark with his two sons, who were both rather absent-minded today. Even though the food was good, they remained distracted. One was in a daze, and so was the other.


    Who knows what they were thinking about.


    Old Man Zhuang''s pride was like casting pearls before swine.


    This was understandable, as both Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi were affected by today''s events, each lost in their own thoughts.


    Old Man Zhuang: "..." They really don''t take their father seriously.


    "Little Zhuang, Little Zhuang~"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately snapped back to attention, saying, "I''m here."


    It was Yang Lixin who had come looking for him. Yang Lixin smiled and said, "Have you finished eating? Come out for a moment, I need to discuss something with you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure!"


    He quickly wolfed down a few more bites, put down his bowl, and went out with Yang Lixin.


    Zhao Guihua: "These boys must be up to something again."


    She muttered, though not taking it too seriously.


    Zhuang Zhixi followed Yang Lixin outside. It was still drizzling, and the two stood under the eaves. He asked, "Brother Yang, what did you want to see me about?"


    Yang Lixin did indeed have something to discuss. He lowered his voice and asked quietly, "Did you see Bai Fendou today?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "No, why?"


    Yang Lixin frowned slightly, then said, "Never mind then."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    He scratched his head, very curious: "Hey wait, if you''re looking for Bai Fendou, why not just go to his house? Besides, you''re being rather cryptic, I don''t quite understand. What''s up with him?"


    Yang Lixin: "Nothing, nothing, I''ll be going now."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...what''s this all about."


    Yang Lixin was acting strange, coming and going in such a hurry.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself that even though he was quite sharp, he couldn''t figure out what Yang Lixin was trying to do.


    But he could guess something was up.


    He shrugged helplessly, turned to go back inside, muttering: "What has Bai Fendou done now."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t particularly concerned about Bai Fendou''s affairs - what did they have to do with him? As he was mumbling to himself, he looked up to see Ming Mei smiling at him. Zhuang Zhixi blinked, thinking to himself: Just you wait, I''ll "deal with" you tonight.


    As punishment for your "adventure" today.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hehe..."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    That smile didn''t look very innocent.


    It wasn''t until that night that Ming Mei truly understood what an "not innocent" person meant - he really wasn''t innocent at all.


    The physical activity that night left her more exhausted than a full day''s work! It was ridiculous!


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, was in a great mood. He boasted: "See? I don''t need to eat pig kidneys to perform well."


    Ming Mei pulled the blanket over her head - who wanted to hear about such things?


    Zhuang Zhixi saw her reaction and laughed. Now that the weather was warm, they didn''t need to light the stove. He got up in the dark to pour a glass of water, and as he was gulping it down, he heard the sound of a door opening outside.


    Previously, they didn''t use to close the main gate in their compound, as the constant opening and closing would have bothered old Bai and his son who lived by the entrance. However, since the recent theft incident, everyone now kept their doors closed.


    Though closed, the doors weren''t locked - they were just latched from the inside.


    This way, people in the courtyard could open them directly, which was convenient. These days, people rarely had nighttime activities, so it didn''t cause much disruption. However, the door latch made a distinct clicking sound each time it was opened or closed, which was particularly noticeable at night.


    People back then weren''t like those decades later who would develop neuroses from noise - most people didn''t mind such things at all. Zhuang Zhixi was the same; he didn''t think much of it, but hearing the sound, he glanced out the window, and what he saw made him exclaim in surprise.


    "What is it?" Ming Mei mumbled from under the covers.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Bai Fendou just left carrying a bag."


    Ming Mei sat up: "Carrying a bag late at night? What''s he up to? Running away?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "Do you think that''s possible?"


    "No, it''s not possible."


    Ming Mei lay back down but asked: "Do you want to go see what''s happening?"


    This time Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, saying: "I won''t go. I''m not stupid - following him at this hour, I''d definitely be spotted. Besides, who knows what he''s up to! Why should I risk getting myself into trouble just to satisfy my curiosity? We''ll find out sooner or later anyway. I may be nosy, but I don''t stick my nose into everything. Heading out with a bag at this hour, he''s probably going to the ghost market. Let him court disaster if he wants."


    In earlier years, the old city had turned a blind eye to the pigeon market, but now the pigeon market was gone, replaced by black markets.


    But whether it was the pigeon market or black market, they mainly dealt in daily necessities that were closely related to people''s lives.


    The ghost market was different - it only opened at night, mainly selling antiques and other such items, or things that couldn''t see the light of day. Generally speaking, these were items of some significance. Both buyers and sellers covered their faces, and sellers especially wouldn''t show themselves, only placing a small candle or lamp on their stall, just enough to see what was being sold.


    Those little lights looked like ghost fires, hence the name: ghost market.


    Sellers rarely spoke, mostly just using hand gestures, only speaking when seriously negotiating prices. Whether the deal was made or not, whether you got a bargain or were cheated, once money and goods changed hands, that was it.


    Try to find the seller again? Impossible!


    Even if you found them, no one would admit to anything. That''s how the ghost market worked - once the transaction was done, there was nothing more to say.


    People from their old city knew about such places but rarely went there - only the extremely bold or those who specialized in that trade would go. So while Zhuang Zhixi knew such a place existed, he had never been there himself.


    He lazily returned to bed, flopping down and embracing his wife: "Let''s sleep!"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s speculation about Bai Fendou going to the ghost market wasn''t groundless. First, leaving with a bag late at night was suspicious in itself, and secondly, there was Zhang San - yes, that Zhang San from their factory''s security department.


    Zhang San had approached Zhuang Zhixi today to ask about Bai Fendou.


    Apparently, Bai Fendou had been collecting some old items, and Zhang San was asking Zhuang Zhixi if Bai Fendou had connections in that field. After all, Zhuang Zhixi and Bai Fendou lived in the same courtyard.


    They had more or less grown up together.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi knew absolutely nothing about it, and Zhang San left disappointed.


    Zhuang Zhixi hugged his wife and said: "He really dares to do anything now."


    Everyone knew this business was profitable - you could make enough in one deal to live off for three years, and even though these items were now considered part of the "Four Olds," everyone understood their true value, and some people were bold enough to deal in them.


    But dealing in such things required expertise - even now, there were plenty of fakes.


    If you thought you were an expert, you''d be wrong.


    And if you thought there weren''t any fakes in this era, you''d be even more wrong.


    Zhuang Zhixi pulled up the blanket and said: "Let''s sleep."


    Ming Mei softly responded with a "mm," she was truly exhausted. Since getting married, she had taken on more physical activities... Although, although it was quite pleasurable, it was also really tiring! She made a small sound and found a comfortable position, curling up in Zhuang Zhixi''s arms, quickly falling into dreamland.


    Whatever needed to be discussed, it shouldn''t be after their physical activities - she had no energy left!


    While the young couple rested, the next morning during their washing up, Zhuang Zhixi happened to run into Bai Fendou. Seeing Bai Fendou''s drooping eye bags, he smiled and said, "Good morning, Brother Fendou."


    Bai Fendou grunted in response, carelessly brushed his teeth a couple of times for appearance''s sake, then turned back home. It was obvious he hadn''t slept well.


    Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, had slept quite well. He got himself neat and tidy, then left for work with his wife.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Be careful at work, I''ll pick you up when you''re done."


    Ming Mei: "No need!"


    She waved her hand and said with a smile, "I might even get off work early. The boss will definitely be looking for me today about yesterday''s matter." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Then come pick me up after work."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She rolled her eyes at him, "Have some shame!"


    She had never heard of a man asking his wife to pick him up!


    She snorted and rode away on her bicycle.


    Zhuang Zhixi went to work with a smile, ready to start another day of slacking off.


    However, today Zhuang Zhixi didn''t succeed in slacking off. Just after he finished sweeping, he saw Director Li from the factory office coming over. Zhuang Zhixi greeted him with a smile, "Director Li, you''ve just left home and you''re already looking for people?"


    Director Li was Doctor Wang''s husband.


    Director Li didn''t speak, but Doctor Wang scolded, "You chatterbox!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Look at you, why are you scolding me?"


    Director Li: "Don''t joke around. I''m really here to find someone this time - you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Me?"


    Although he worked in the medical office, he was just a cashier. While he had good relationships with the aunties and older sisters there, he wasn''t familiar with Director Li, who was the office director of a factory with thousands of workers - quite a powerful position.


    They occasionally exchanged words, but that was only because of Doctor Wang. It didn''t mean they were close.


    So it was strange that he came looking for him. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Director Li, please tell me what you need."


    Anyone can speak pleasantries.


    Director Li smiled: "You''re quite the smooth talker. It''s like this - Labor Day is coming up soon, and that''s our workers'' holiday. The factory definitely needs to put on some programs. The Publicity Department is preparing several shows, but they''re short-handed. Would you help out?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Me?"


    He was quite surprised. Director Li: "Yes, you have a good appearance. The Publicity Department needs people, and I recommended you."


    Zhuang Zhixi only paused briefly before nodding: "Alright, I''m fine with anything, but what about my work here..."


    He was like a brick in the factory - ready to be moved wherever needed.


    Director Li: "Stop pretending with me. Your medical office only gets two or three patients a day, collecting thirty or fifty cents. Anyone can fill in for that. I''ll talk to your supervisor."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright then, when should I go over? Who should I look for?"


    "Go find Section Chief Song. They''re looking for a handsome young man to be an announcer, and I thought you''d be suitable. Plus, they really are short-handed, so you can help out."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure!"


    Although he usually slacked off, he wasn''t actually a lazy person. It was just that his current position was like that. Even if you wanted to work hard, there wasn''t much to do! To be honest, as a young man, he definitely hoped to advance further.


    But obviously, there wasn''t much room for advancement as a medical office cashier, he could only accumulate seniority.


    Initially, Zhuang Zhixi had wanted to work in the workshop, but with so many people competing for positions, he couldn''t get in.


    At that time, his most stable option was his current path. If he couldn''t even get into the workshop, the Publicity Department, a cadre position, was even more out of reach. Now that he could help out, at least he could get familiar with people there, take it slow. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and went directly to the Publicity Department.


    The Publicity Department was on the second floor of the office building. When Zhuang Zhixi arrived, he went straight to the section chief''s office. Section Chief Song was busy, but when he heard Zhuang Zhixi had arrived, he nodded: "You must be Little Zhuang. Old Li said you''re talented and good-looking, with thick eyebrows and big eyes - he was right."


    He spoke quickly: "We''re organizing a celebration for Labor Day and need a suitable host. He recommended you."


    He looked Zhuang Zhixi up and down and said, "I think you''ll do just fine, but don''t just do this in the next few days. Help out with other things too. Our Publicity Department is really busy lately."


    This matter had really caught them off guard.


    Actually, these kinds of publicity events used to be held every year in the past, but in recent years, due to policy changes, they had stopped organizing them. Being too high-profile wasn''t good. But unexpectedly, this year the higher-ups notified them to organize it again. After stopping for several years, suddenly starting again had left them a bit flustered.


    Their Publicity Department wasn''t very large, and to put on a show, they needed helpers. But they couldn''t use workers from the workshop as that would affect production. So they could only look for people in non-essential positions, but there were even fewer people in such positions. All in all, they really couldn''t find many people.


    Section Chief Song: "This time we need to put on a show in the morning. See what you can contribute."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright!"


    Since he was here, he wouldn''t be pretentious. Although he had never done this before, he was willing to learn. He would follow along. Even if he was just filling in, at least he was a good-looking fill-in.


    He wasn''t the only one they had borrowed for this occasion; there were others too.


    Most surprisingly, Zhuang Zhixi saw Old Man Bai, which was absolutely ridiculous. Old Man Bai seemed quite happy though, clearly pleased. He worked in the boiler room, and being borrowed for this meant much easier work.


    Section Chief Song introduced everyone, saying, "Little Zhuang will be our announcer this time."


    Everyone looked at Zhuang Zhixi''s face and nodded in approval.


    The reason they needed to find an outside announcer was that none of them looked quite right. Since leaders might come, they couldn''t have someone who looked too odd - it would affect the factory''s image.


    Zhuang Zhixi got to know everyone, and then Section Chief Song continued speaking. This middle-aged man was quite impatient, never stopping: "This time we need at least a dozen programs to make it a proper show. What ideas do you all have? Speak up."


    Everyone looked at each other, and one man with a mustache said, "Why don''t we just show a movie? A two-hour movie would solve a lot of problems."


    Section Chief Song glared at him: "You think I haven''t thought of that? If the factory leaders agreed, why would I be doing all this? We will show a movie, but that''s for the afternoon, for all our colleagues. In the morning, we still need to organize a two to three-hour variety show. Say something useful. So far we''ve decided on the chorus ''We Workers Have Strength'' and ''The White-Haired Girl''. Oh right, Master Bai is here to play Yang Bailao."


    "But who''ll play Xi''er?"


    All the women in their Publicity Department were married, and none were the right age to play Xi''er, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl. None of them were suitable.


    "Which of you looks young enough to make do?"


    "You go."


    "No, you should go."


    "I can''t, I look more like Xi''er''s mother."


    In short, although they wanted to be in the spotlight, they didn''t want to pretend to be young - it was embarrassing.


    Their factory was a large machinery factory, and even the Publicity Department mainly focused on worker activities. They rarely had such performances. They weren''t like a professional performance troupe - those people were confident in their performances. They weren''t like that; nobody really wanted to participate.


    They could fill in... no, perform as a group, but playing Xi''er wasn''t going to work.


    Section Chief Song''s mouth was like a machine gun as he said, "Don''t just stay quiet, acting like it''s none of your business. This is a big event for our factory, and our Publicity Department hasn''t had something like this for a long time. This is our chance to prove ourselves. Why are you all pushing and shoving and not speaking up?"


    He called out: "Little Zhuang, you say something. You''re one of our borrowed main forces."


    Everyone''s looks toward Zhuang Zhixi were full of mockery. Everyone knew he was just a cashier in the medical office, whose daily task was just flattering a few older sisters. He had flattered well enough that Director Li had recommended him here.


    Some people looked down on such a flatterer, some wanted to build good relationships, and others were indifferent.


    It was always the same - there were always people who looked down on such bootlickers, and others who thought they could become friends. You never know which cloud will bring rain.


    Now, as soon as Section Chief Song called on him, everyone looked over. Zhuang Zhixi immediately spoke up. As someone from old Beijing, when others gave him face, he couldn''t let them down. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing, and he wouldn''t be able to get along in the future.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Since this is a Labor Day event, I think we could put on a few short plays. These take up quite a bit of time, and if we''re in costume, we won''t need to prepare as many other performances. Look at how few people we have - we''re responsible for both on-stage and backstage work, with each person doing the work of eight! We can''t keep up like this! We''re all willing to work tirelessly, but singing requires practice, and if we have too many performances, our voices won''t hold up. I know everyone in the Publicity Department is talented and willing to sacrifice all their rest time, but if we overwork our voices and let everyone down at the crucial moment, what then?"


    "Yes, young Zhuang is right! There''s too much singing, all big chorus numbers, and we have to perform in all of them. Our voices can''t take it! If we lose our voices or get hoarse, we''ll really be in trouble."


    "I agree with Zhuang too, but what should we perform? We haven''t even cast Xier for The White-Haired Girl yet."


    "Well... we''re not really at that level."


    Section Chief Song said, "What do you mean you''re not at that level? You''re from the Publicity Department - this should be a piece of cake for you!"


    Everyone exchanged glances - we''re the Publicity Department, not a performing arts troupe, could you be a bit more realistic?


    Seeing everyone''s reaction, Section Chief Song said, "Look at you all, getting cold feet at the crucial moment..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Did you have to describe it in such a disgusting way?


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand: "Chief, I have an idea."


    Section Chief Song: "Go ahead."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We could perform a scene from a movie, choosing a memorable part that doesn''t need much scenery. What do you think? We''re showing a movie in the afternoon anyway, right? We could tie it in with that, and let the workers compare our performance with the film. See where we differ."


    He smiled and added, "Who knows, they might find we''re not lacking at all."


    "Well said!"


    "Indeed, we may not be trained, but with enough practice, we could be just as good."


    Section Chief Song looked at Zhuang Zhixi with appreciation and said, "Zhuang''s idea is excellent. Let''s go with that. Now, let''s discuss which scene to perform..."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s discussion went on all day, and they basically settled on seven songs and four short plays. While the songs were decided, they still needed to deliberate on the plays. As the host linking the segments, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t participate in the singing performances - there wouldn''t be time between hosting duties - but he could take part in the short plays.


    He could play minor roles that exit early, allowing him time to return to his hosting duties.


    Everyone was discussing enthusiastically and energetically. This was the first time Zhuang Zhixi had been so busy at work, and although it had little to do with his actual job duties, it was quite fulfilling. Being good with words, he quickly became one with the Publicity Department.


    Even those who initially looked down on him, while they hadn''t grown to like him, at least weren''t being passive-aggressive.


    After all, everyone likes to hear nice words, and besides, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t all talk. His suggestions were well-received by everyone. They only had about twenty people, including four or five temporary transfers. If they were to sustain a whole performance with everyone singing in every number, it wasn''t that they didn''t want to entertain the workers, but their voices simply couldn''t handle it. If someone lost their voice halfway through, what would they do?


    So everyone thought mixing in some longer skits was quite a good idea.


    At the very least, it solved a major problem.


    However, before everyone left work, Section Chief Song also said, "If you have any good ideas for performances, you can write them down. Especially stories - if we use our own stories instead of movie scenes, that would be even more impressive."


    "Alright, we''ll all think about it."


    As everyone was leaving, Old Man Bai had spent the whole day unable to get a word in, feeling his head buzzing. Although he had been happy when he arrived in the morning, since participating in the performance meant getting attention and not having to work during rehearsals, after a full day, he felt mentally exhausted.


    It was a feeling others couldn''t understand.


    He couldn''t join in others'' conversations and barely understood what they were talking about. Since they hadn''t started rehearsing Yang Bai Lao yet, he naturally had nothing to do. When Zhuang Zhixi came out, he walked with Old Man Bai, who wiped sweat from his forehead and said, "What a day!"


    Zhuang Zhixi was quite curious: "Uncle Bai, how did the factory arrange for you to play Yang Bai Lao?"


    Although Zhuang Zhixi''s relationship with the Bai family wasn''t particularly close, they maintained cordial relations. After all, as neighbors, they couldn''t avoid interaction.


    Old Man Bai replied: "The Publicity Department didn''t have anyone suitable for Yang Bai Lao, and since the weather''s warm now and we''re not too busy, they borrowed me. They said I look exactly like Yang Bai Lao when I''m worried."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked down and thought, well, that''s actually true.


    Uncle Bai did have the look of someone who had suffered greatly.


    Thin, rough-looking, aged.


    "You''ll definitely play the role well."


    Old Man Bai: "Did you need to tell me that? I''m known for my talent in our courtyard, most people can''t compare."


    This guy - give him an inch, and he''ll take a mile.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and asked, "Uncle Bai, I see all your talent is focused here, with none left for anything else."


    It took Old Man Bai a while to react, then he spat: "You little rascal, you dare make fun of me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You always misunderstand me. But speaking of which, when are we going to drink at your and Aunt Su''s wedding?"


    Although he was a bit of a sweet-talker, his words were somewhat pointed this time.


    "I''ve been waiting to attend your wedding feast since I was a child, but still haven''t gotten the chance. My teeth are falling out from anticipation. Look at me - I''m already married myself, but still haven''t seen you bring home a new wife. What''s going on? Are you and Aunt Su not planning to make it official?"


    Old Man Bai''s eyes widened, and he immediately said, "Watch what you''re saying! You can''t damage Aunt Su''s reputation - she''s a good woman. Don''t be like the others at the factory, always saying she''s pregnant. If she were that kind of loose woman, would I be interested in her? You don''t know how principled she was back then. If anyone made even one inappropriate comment about her, she''d be ready to fight with a knife - all to protect her reputation. No matter how difficult life was, she stood firm. They''re both widows, but look at Madam Zhou Li''s reputation! She''s never satisfied with taking advantage, who knows how many men she''s met in the grove. Zhou Qun is probably clueless. Really, if you count them up, he probably has several unofficial fathers in the factory. During those years when his mother was working as a substitute, she spent plenty of time in the grove with men for money."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy shit."


    Old Man Bai: "See? You really don''t know anything."


    Looking at Zhuang Zhixi again, Old Man Bai felt this young man was completely out of the loop. Thinking about how he possessed countless insider secrets, he smiled smugly, maintaining an air of superiority as he floated ahead.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly caught up and said, "Uncle Bai, is this true? How come I never heard my father mention any of this?"


    Old Man Bai curled his lip in disdain: "Your father? That Old Man Zhuang who never pays attention to anything outside his own world. What do you expect him to know? His information network isn''t nearly as good as mine. Even Li the Cook didn''t know things as early as I did."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh my goodness."


    He really hadn''t expected this twist - his surprise wasn''t fake, it was genuine.


    After Old Zhou passed away and Zhou Qun was still young, Madam Zhou Li had taken over the job, then passed it to her son when he was fifteen or sixteen. All in all, it had been seven or eight years. Logically, with just two people in the family and a monthly salary, they should have been able to make ends meet.


    And not just make ends meet, but live quite well.


    How did it come to this?


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head.


    Old Man Bai glanced at him and said, "Don''t be skeptical. You can ask your Uncle Li - Li the Cook and others all know about it. Your father, who just keeps his head down working in the workshop, wouldn''t know these things. I can''t understand what Zhou Qun''s wife''s family was thinking, finding such a family for their daughter and giving such a large dowry. If you ask me, isn''t my son Bai Fendou much better than Zhou Qun? Our family has good values, and both parents work. Though my Bai Fendou''s salary isn''t as high as Zhou Qun''s right now, he''s ambitious and hardworking. Life wouldn''t be much different."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes flickered as he smiled and said, "You''re right."


    However, he didn''t say much more as he could see the medical office ahead. He said, "Uncle Bai, I need to go..."


    "Zhuang Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked up and heard the security guard call out, "Your wife is here to pick you up."


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing, not feeling embarrassed at all, and immediately replied, "I''m coming!"


    He waved goodbye to Old Man Bai and quickly ran towards the entrance. Old Man Bai felt even more indignant - among all the young men in their compound, some were living with their wives'' families, some had poor family values, some were just pretty boys, but his son was the most impressive and dignified.


    Why was finding a match so difficult?


    Old Man Bai felt increasingly dissatisfied.


    How unfair heaven was!


    While Old Man Bai was wallowing in self-pity, Zhuang Zhixi was unaware of it. He ran to the entrance and saw his little wife happily standing there, bouncing slightly, clearly in a good mood.


    Zhuang Zhixi called out, "Wife!"


    Ming Mei looked up with a sweet smile: "I''m here to pick you up from work!"


    Although she had said she wouldn''t come, Ming Mei had nothing to do after work, and since it wasn''t far from home, she came directly: "There''s about ten minutes left, I''ll wait for you here."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Those ten minutes don''t matter... oh wait, I need to go back and tidy up. I haven''t been to the medical office all day." After a pause, he said, "Why don''t you come with me?"


    Ming Mei: "Eh?"


    Her big eyes blinked rapidly: "Aren''t outsiders not allowed in?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll talk to someone. Just don''t wander around - come straight to the factory medical office with me, we won''t go anywhere else."


    Ming Mei nodded: "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi went to communicate with the staff, and since he wasn''t a workshop worker and wouldn''t affect production, they didn''t make things difficult for him. He led his wife to the medical office, and upon entering, Doctor Wang and others were stunned, then smiled and said, "Little Zhuang, where did you find such a beautiful girl? Is this your wife?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow proudly: "This is indeed my wife. Let me introduce you. This is my wife Ming Mei, she works at the bus terminal. Wife, this is Sister Wang from our medical office, whom I''ve mentioned before - she''s really nice. This is Nurse Sister Zhao, this is..."


    Ming Mei greeted everyone with a sweet smile.


    Doctor Wang laughed: "You two really make a perfect couple. I always heard people in the factory saying Little Zhuang married above his station. I wondered how that could be since Little Zhuang is so handsome, but now I see they weren''t lying. Your wife is absolutely radiant. But such a beautiful wife deserves someone like Little Zhuang - you''re both so good-looking, like a painting come to life, truly well-matched."


    Zhuang Zhixi struck a proud pose and said, "Of course we''re well-matched! I''m known as one of the most handsome men in all four corners of the city. I''m more than worthy of my wife."


    Ming Mei''s smile grew even brighter as she pinched his waist.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ow!"


    Everyone couldn''t help but burst out laughing.


    Zhuang Zhixi complained pitifully: "Wife, can''t you let me show off a little in public?"


    Ming Mei replied softly and sweetly: "Go ahead, show off!"


    Everyone laughed even more heartily...


    Ming Mei blinked, thinking that Comrade Zhuang Zhixi''s work environment was really quite nice.


    Aliali: 675e95b59234b3e7f2f07a3d


    Everyone was so kind.


    Doctor Wang: "Oh right, Little Zhuang''s wife, how did you come here? Aren''t you supposed to be at work?"


    At this time, it should have been working hours, and although it was almost time to get off work, it would still take time to come from her workplace.


    Ming Mei: "I had the afternoon off. I went to the police station, then came straight here."


    She still spoke in her soft, sweet voice: "I caught a bad person on the bus yesterday, so I went to check on the situation this afternoon."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately looked at Ming Mei, who understood his concern and quickly said, "Don''t worry about me, I''m fine."


    It was then that everyone remembered the rumors, the vague whispers circulating, that Ming Mei, Zhuang Zhixi''s wife, was quite formidable in fighting.


    No one knew who started the rumor, but it existed.


    She looked like a delicate young woman, so they hadn''t thought about it when they saw her, but hearing this, they suddenly remembered. The rumors seemed to be... true?


    Ah... you really can''t judge a book by its cover!

 Chapter 58

    We workers have power...The daily off-work song rang out, and the people from the machinery factory were gradually leaving, but... "Huh?"


    Everyone saw Zhuang Zhixi, who was sticking close to a female comrade. Although he had a bicycle, he didn''t ride it but pushed it instead. Zhuang Zhixi pushed the bike, with a female comrade with two pigtails sitting on the back seat.


    This guy, isn''t he married already?


    You with those thick eyebrows and big eyes, you actually dare to cheat openly and brazenly!


    Their machinery factory has many male workers, especially unmarried ones, who were staring at the two of them with envy.


    "Isn''t there anyone to manage this? It''s too blatant."


    "It shouldn''t be, he wouldn''t be so showy."


    "I think so..."


    Everyone was discussing, and when they reached the gate, the guard heard and muttered, "That''s his wife, coming to pick him up from work..."


    This statement caused a slight silence in the previously bustling environment, but soon, everyone started discussing again: "Pfft, really showing off. Making his wife pick him up from work."


    "Tomorrow I''ll find a partner, and I''ll have my wife pick me up too."


    "First find one, then talk."


    "Hey, this is the first time I''ve seen Zhuang Zhixi''s wife, not bad, really pretty."


    "Don''t let anyone hear that, is that something you should say? They might charge you with something."


    With that kind of crime.


    "I won''t say it."


    Zhuang Zhixi, with his wife on the back, didn''t ride the bike but walked instead.


    Why? Isn''t it just to show off?


    How loving they are, huh!


    Ming Mei sighed: "You''re really something. Why don''t you ride around the factory a couple of times to show off?"


    See, the couple understands each other well. Ming Mei knows that Zhuang Zhixi is just showing off. But she doesn''t mind.


    Showing off their love!


    Very good.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Riding around would be too obvious? We''re just leaving work normally."


    Ming Mei: "Do you think this isn''t obvious?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not very obvious."


    Ming Mei couldn''t argue with that, she thought it was super obvious.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "By the way, how did it go at the Public Security Bureau today?"


    Ming Mei scratched her head and said: "Today, our section chief went with me. You know our boss, they''ve watched me grow up and are worried I''ll be retaliated against, so they went to inquire about the details."


    Zhuang Zhixi was also worried about this and asked: "Then what?"


    Ming Mei: "Then nothing happened. Yesterday, that person was a small fish, following others to loot a house, then found some hidden gold, and didn''t report it, deliberately hiding it. But he knew the family wouldn''t keep quiet, so he pretended to be unwell and left immediately, returning to the scene. Anyway, he had no one else at home, so he planned to flee with the gold bars. He was supposed to escape to Hong Kong."


    She sincerely sighed: "Truly, money moves the heart. If he wasn''t so nervous and that old woman wasn''t so unreasonable, he wouldn''t have continued the conflict and would have left quickly. He even planned to have a wonderful new life in Hong Kong."


    Zhuang Zhixi snorted at this, saying: "This guy clearly doesn''t have much sense. Is he a pig? Does he think he can escape just because he has money? He doesn''t think about it, going there requires a letter of introduction, and we''re not close to Hong Kong. He''s flying there! On the way, he has no identity papers, no letter of introduction. Once people report it, combined with his disappearance, they''ll know he''s carrying gold. They''ll definitely issue a wanted order for so many gold bars, no one can ignore that."


    Ming Mei: "Who says not, maybe he was blinded by the gold? They didn''t say it directly, but I heard the hint, there''s definitely more than what was lost, he had some on him, tied to his body. No wonder when I kicked him out, he spat blood, clearly because of the gold bars on him. People might think I practiced some powerful leg technique."


    The couple couldn''t understand this person''s thought process, why give up a good life for gold bars?


    Gold bars are good, but you can''t just swim across, there''s a long way to go. Also blinded by gold.


    Ming Mei: "I was also a coincidence this time, helping them recover the loss."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Really..."


    In recent years, there have been many incidents, like Teacher Xiang, who due to poor background, hid in the hospital morgue. Although it''s a bit eerie, it''s really hassle-free. But didn''t expect, after so many years of turmoil, there are still people with poor backgrounds hiding so much gold.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know how to describe it.


    Of course, their family, with three generations of poor farmers, is just a small grain of sand in this big wave, unrelated to them.


    "Then this time you also helped them recover a huge loss, won''t they give some reward?" Zhuang Zhixi joked, thinking it''s unlikely. Those people''s way of doing things, tsk tsk.


    Ming Mei''s eyes lit up: "I can get a raise this time."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"


    He was really surprised: "Isn''t your seniority not enough?"


    Ming Mei proudly raised her chin, saying: "Special approval, didn''t you say? I recovered a huge loss, otherwise, this person with so many gold bars escaping to Hong Kong, wouldn''t that cause a major loss?"


    She said with a bit of pride: "Comrade Zhuang Zhixi, you also have to work hard! Look at me, how amazing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay, okay, you''re the best."


    He said: "I want to get a raise here, can only rely on seniority, hard."


    But he added: "This time Director Li recommended me to the propaganda department to help, I''ll work hard and see if there''s a chance to get a formal transfer. The propaganda department is more suitable for me than the medical room."


    Their medical room''s charges are basically just addition and subtraction within ten.


    He sat there prematurely aging.


    Although Ming Mei looks simple, she grew up in a worker''s family and understands a bit.


    She said: "I guess it''s not easy to transfer, now it''s one person per position, and those with connections and background are rushing in. You have no connections at all, can it work? Should we find someone?"


    Ming Mei scratched her head, her neatly braided pigtails a bit messy, she frowned and said: "My family has no connections in the machinery factory, hard to find someone."


    This time is not decades later, the circle is still very fixed now.


    Her family has connections, but can''t find this kind of connection.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, saying: "Am I the kind of person who relies on his wife? My wife is so capable, if I don''t work hard, it''s too embarrassing! Don''t worry, I have a sense of proportion, if it''s successful at once, I don''t think it''s possible. But people, when they can perform, they should perform more, maybe there''s a chance. This time I plan to seize the opportunity and work hard, also flatter a bit. It should be useful. If it doesn''t work this time, there''s next time, every opportunity I grasp, let the leaders remember me."


    Ming Mei coquettishly said: "Oh, the little pitiful who has to flatter."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, saying: "For the future, for money, it''s not embarrassing."


    Ming Mei also smiled, nodding: "Right."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s go home!"


    Ming Mei giggled, the two left early, but didn''t ride the bike, just walked, and ended up being late. The couple reached the alley, meeting Jiang Lu, who was also a bit late.


    Jiang Lu: "..."


    Just annoying!


    She suspiciously looked at the couple, thinking they followed her, otherwise, how could they meet again so coincidentally. Zhuang Zhixi greeted warmly: "Sister-in-law Zhou, off work?"


    He glanced at Jiang Lu, whose bicycle basket was filled with something of unknown origin.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Although he didn''t know what it was, from the looks of it, it seemed vaguely like some kind of meat.


    He chuckled and said, "Your family''s living conditions are really good, eating meat yesterday and today too."


    Jiang Lu felt a bit awkward, but seeing the curiosity on the faces of the young couple, she awkwardly gathered the bag in the basket, saying, "Everyone''s life is the same, isn''t it?"


    She forced a smile and said, "I''m in a hurry to cook, I''ll be off first."


    She quickly walked a few steps, and Zhuang Zhixi and his wife exchanged puzzled glances, shrugging their shoulders at each other.


    "Why does she seem so strange?"


    "Who knows what she bought."


    Jiang Lu was indeed a bit nervous today. Could she not be nervous? What she bought today was not just lamb kidneys but also testicles. They say you are what you eat, and Jiang Lu was wholeheartedly considering Zhou Qun''s well-being.


    Who let that scoundrel Bai Fendou harm her husband?


    Thinking of this, Jiang Lu felt even more distressed, hating Bai Fendou''s despicable character.


    Madam Zhou Li watched Jiang Lu hurry back and snorted coldly, saying, "Why are you back so late?"


    Jiang Lu quickly replied, "Mom, I went to buy this, it was specially reserved for us yesterday."


    Madam Zhou Li looked and nodded in satisfaction, saying, "Xiao Qun should indeed be nourished, but he was injured before, so he needs more rest. A hundred days to heal a bone, he''s about there. Even if you''re his wife, you can''t always cling to him. A woman who always thinks about those things is too lowly. It''s good for you to take a break, and for him to recuperate well. After some time, you can think about having a child."


    Although she was eager for her son and daughter-in-law to have a child, she couldn''t stand to see them too affectionate. After all, he was her son.


    Jiang Lu blushed and nodded.


    Madam Zhou Li coughed and said, "Didn''t Xiao Qun come back with you?"


    Jiang Lu quickly explained, "Qun Ge took too many leave days before, and... he''s been working overtime recently. It''s to gain some favor with his superiors and make up for it."


    Mentioning this, Jiang Lu felt unhappy too. If it weren''t for her wicked mother-in-law dragging them down, her husband Zhou Qun wouldn''t have been in such a predicament. But to rebel against her mother-in-law, she didn''t dare.


    Jiang Lu softly said, "Let''s start cooking, so Qun Ge can eat when he comes back."


    "How do we cook this thing?"


    To be honest, this stumped Madam Zhou Li.


    She had never cooked such things in her life, and she had no idea how to handle them. But just hearing the name, she knew it was a good thing, very nourishing. She asked, "Is it cooked the same way as stir-fried kidney slices?"


    Jiang Lu didn''t know either.


    But she was more knowledgeable than Madam Zhou Li, the homemaker, saying, "Let''s wash it first and boil it, then see if we should dip it in sauce or slice it and stir-fry it again."


    "Alright."


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly got busy. At the same time, Zhuang Zhixi and his wife returned home, seeing Zhao Guihua frying vegetables. Ming Mei eagerly approached and asked, "Mom, what are we having tonight?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Stir-fried mushrooms."


    Ming Mei: "Yay!"


    Liang Meifen proudly said, "Mom and I had quite a harvest today."


    They had ridden out to the suburbs, so the competition was less fierce than in the city, resulting in a bigger haul. She pointed to the small basket and said, "Look, it''s full."


    Mushroom picking in the city wouldn''t yield so much.


    Ming Mei: "So many!"


    "That''s right."


    "I''ll be off work in a few days, let''s go together, I also want to go up the mountain." Ming Mei was eager to go mushroom picking.


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure, when you''re off, you two come with me. Let''s show them that women can hold up half the sky."


    "Okay." Ming Mei''s laughter rang out clearly.


    Liang Meifen also nodded in agreement.


    "Xiao Zhuang."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned around and quickly greeted, "Aunt Wang, what brings you here? Please, sit down."


    Aunt Wang smiled and said, "Why can''t I come?"


    She straightforwardly said, "Coming to your house is as easy as walking through a city gate."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "True."


    Everyone laughed, and Aunt Wang picked up a small stool and sat down, saying, "I came to talk to you about your grandfather''s matter."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s go over to Grandpa''s place, we can discuss it face to face."


    Aunt Wang: "Alright."


    Earlier, Zhuang Zhixi had asked Aunt Wang to inquire about Teacher Xiang''s elder sister. Now that there was some progress, Aunt Wang naturally hurried over.


    Ming Mei: "I''ll go too."


    She naturally had to be present for her grandfather''s affairs.


    At this moment, Lan Sihai just got off work and saw them coming together, saying, "Come in."


    Aunt Wang didn''t wait for him to sit down and directly said, "Last time Xiao Zhuang mentioned that woman to me, I asked my old friend. Her name is Luo Xiaohe, she has an old mother, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Her mother went a bit crazy after her husband passed away, sometimes even brandishing a knife. Her younger sister divorced because of her mother''s madness, and the husband, to express his regret, left everything behind. Her younger sister lives with her family, with her child. The youngest in the family is a brother who works at a food factory and is currently single, unmarried. Now, about Luo Xiaohe, she never married, but she was once engaged. Due to a miscarriage after falling into the water, she could no longer have children. Her situation was somewhat unfortunate. I inquired about her character, and everyone said she was a good person, not immoral. Her pregnancy was also due to circumstances. She just had bad luck. Their family had one misfortune after another, which delayed her becoming an old maid."


    "So, why did she suddenly decide to get married...?" Zhuang Zhixi didn''t quite believe that someone could change their mind so easily. A person who had been single for fifty years and had gotten used to that lifestyle suddenly deciding to marry seemed odd.


    Although Teacher Xiang hadn''t mentioned it, Zhuang Zhixi felt that the matter might not be that simple.


    Aunt Wang: "There''s actually a reason behind this."


    "Please tell us."


    Aunt Wang: "Luo Xiaohe has an old mother, the one who went crazy, and this old lady is quite something. She favors her second daughter and youngest son, but doesn''t care for her eldest daughter. Although it''s the eldest daughter who has contributed the most to the family, the old lady takes it for granted. She even blames her eldest daughter in conversations with neighbors, thinking that if it weren''t for the eldest daughter''s failed engagement that brought shame to the family, her husband wouldn''t have been so heartbroken and passed away early. In short, this old lady holds some resentment towards her eldest daughter. But even though she doesn''t like her eldest daughter, she doesn''t want her to marry. In the past, she hoped the eldest daughter would sacrifice for the family. Now that Luo Xiaohe is older, the old lady still doesn''t want her to marry because she''s getting old herself and wants Luo Xiaohe to take care of her. And with her youngest son about to get married, they''ll have children soon. Then Luo Xiaohe can take care of her brother''s children. She hasn''t considered what will happen to her eldest daughter in the future at all. It''s just so coincidental. When she was gossiping with neighbors about this, her eldest daughter overheard. Oh, her face was as cold as ice. Then news spread that Luo Xiaohe was preparing to find another husband. The old lady reportedly made a scene at home, threatening to sever ties if she dared to marry. But Luo Xiaohe was determined to marry out."


    Ming Mei, hearing this, said, "Anyone who has contributed to the family for decades and is still despised and calculated against would feel hurt."


    Aunt Wang nodded, "That''s the point. Luo Xiaohe was always fiery. Seeing her own mother trying to scheme against her, she was determined to leave home and get married. Fortunately, her two siblings are sensible. Luo Xiaolian and her brother Luo Xiaoou unconditionally supported their sister''s decision. After all, when their father passed away, they were still young and it was Luo Xiaohe who raised them. They are not ungrateful. They all agreed with their sister''s idea and felt that she had taken care of them for most of her life, so it''s time for her to have her own life. Although she''s older now, it''s never too late as long as she''s willing. Of course, I didn''t say that, it''s what the Luo family said themselves. It''s said that there was a big argument at their house that day. Both siblings stood by Luo Xiaohe, and it was their neighbor eavesdropping at the wall who found out."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged glances. Indeed, where there are people, there are gossip and gossips.


    Aunt Wang continued, "Mr. Lan, you see, this is the general situation of their family. The family relationships are not complicated. Although Luo Xiaohe''s mother has some issues, their younger son Luo Xiaoou insists on taking care of her, so the two sisters don''t have to worry. Luo Xiaohe herself has a job, collecting tickets at the cinema, but it''s not a permanent position, just a temporary one. Her monthly salary is eleven yuan."


    She went on, "But she doesn''t have any dowry. However, you know, at your age, remarrying, you can''t expect the woman to bring much. I think among the few I plan to introduce to you, she''s the best. Mainly because she has a job."


    Don''t look down on it being a temporary job. At this age, having a job is still rare.


    After listening, Zhuang Zhixi turned to look at Grandpa Lan Sihai and asked, "Grandpa, what do you think?"


    Although they thought it was okay, it was ultimately Grandpa Lan looking for a partner, so they needed to seek his opinion. If he wasn''t willing, then there was no need to discuss further. If Grandpa Lan wanted to see her, then they could proceed with the introduction.


    Lan Sihai replied, "It''s okay. You can also tell them about my situation. I''m old and have been married several times."


    Aunt Wang said, "I will definitely mention that. In our line of work as matchmakers, the worst thing is to deceive people. That would ruin my reputation. You can rest assured. If you agree to the introduction, I''ll contact the other party."


    Grandpa Lan Sihai nodded.


    He said, "Then I''ll trouble you."


    Aunt Wang replied, "Hey, no trouble at all. You two just see if you hit it off. If you like each other, it''s a great thing. If you don''t, I''ll introduce someone else. With your conditions, it''s not hard to find someone."


    This is how the world works. Of course, it''s not that men are easier to find than women, but because of... work.


    A worker with a permanent job is very easy to find.


    This is what she sees in the city. If she looked at the countryside, despite Grandpa Lan being in his seventies, finding someone in their forties wouldn''t be difficult. Who wouldn''t want a man with a permanent job and a good income? In this era, having a permanent job is everything.


    "Since you agree, I''ll arrange it."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Thank you, Aunt Wang. Don''t worry, if you succeed in introducing my grandpa, he definitely won''t skimp on the matchmaker''s fee."


    Grandpa Lan glanced at him and said, "You know that already?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Of course, I''m your granddaughter''s husband. I know you well."


    Grandpa Lan said, "Oh, so you know me. Really know me well. I''ve never met someone who knows me so well."


    Aunt Wang thought, "Here he comes again with his sarcastic remarks."


    She decisively stood up, "Then I''ll go home to cook. You just wait for good news."


    But before she could leave, she frowned, "Huh, what''s this strange smell?"


    At that moment, not only Aunt Wang but also Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei quickly covered their noses. The smell was quite pungent.


    It was much stronger than the smell of pig intestines they had cooked yesterday.


    The air today was filled with a pungent, fishy odor. If one''s nose was sharp, they could even detect a slight mutton smell.


    It was an overwhelming stench.


    The few of them quickly covered their noses. Aunt Wang cursed, "Did someone wet their pants?"


    Ming Mei reminded her, "Wetting pants wouldn''t smell this bad."


    Aunt Wang''s face darkened with anger, "Then did someone fall into the toilet again?"


    This statement didn''t seem quite right either, as the toilet was just smelly, not this kind of odor.


    They should know, after all, someone in their courtyard had once "enjoyed" a swim in the public toilet. So, Ming Mei whispered, "It doesn''t seem like that smell either."


    Grandpa Lan also covered his nose and said, "Oh, this stench! Don''t guess what they did. Let''s quickly find out who did it!"


    At this moment, even his speech returned to normal. There was no way, the smell was too strong, unbearable!


    The few of them quickly went outside. Once outside, they almost fell. Why?


    Because the smell outside was even more intense. The entire courtyard was enveloped in an indescribable odor. It felt like being in a public toilet, no, even worse!


    It was beyond their expectations that they would face such a smell one day.


    Not just them, the smell was so overpowering that it drove everyone out.


    Zhao Guihua had already led her family out, frowning and covering her nose, looking utterly defeated. The Su family next door, with Madam Su and her daughter-in-law and three children, also came out, their expressions no better.


    Tonglai even asked soul-searchingly, "Did someone fall into the toilet again?"


    As a former "toilet expert," Jinlai mumbled, "It''s not that smell."


    The Bai father and son looked as if they were about to faint from the stench. Bai Fendou cursed, "Which bastard did this!"


    People from the back courtyard also came out, everyone converging towards the front courtyard. Clearly, the smell came from the front courtyard.


    They looked at each other, then quickly turned their eyes to the Zhou family.


    Not only was the smell obviously coming from their house, but it was also definitely related to them. After all, Madam Zhou Li, who was always nosy, didn''t come out in such a situation, which spoke volumes.


    "Did the Zhou family do this?"


    "No doubt about it. Didn''t you see they didn''t come out?"


    "But what did they do? Did they try some fertility potion again?"


    Because of their inability to have children, Madam Zhou Li and Jiang Lu were keen on trying all kinds of folk remedies. In their view, the hospital was unreliable, and folk remedies could cure serious illnesses. They hadn''t been scammed out of their life savings, which was already a testament to the simplicity of the current social environment.


    "Aunt Wang, go ask them."


    "Yes, you''re the courtyard supervisor, you can''t ignore this. I feel like vomiting..."


    "Don''t mention it, my son is already dry heaving..."


    Everyone expressed great anger. It was fine to cook, but one couldn''t create such a strong smell. This not only reminded them of the incident of falling into the cesspool. At that time, the hot water washing down, oh, that smell!


    They hadn''t been able to eat properly for days and didn''t dare stay at home.


    In short, it was a big disaster.


    Today, they felt this kind of suffering again.


    Although slightly different, this bone-deep stench was also unbearable.


    "Hey, did Madam Zhou wet her pants?"


    "Impossible, the smell wouldn''t be this strong. She''s not a weasel."


    "Ugh..." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t vomit."


    Zhao Guihua watched everyone''s miserable state and was also puzzled about what the Zhou family was up to this time. This smell was really unbearable for ordinary people. She covered her nose and mouth tightly, her voice muffled: "Hutou, Xiaoyanzi, cover your mouths and don''t speak, and if you can''t stand it, go inside quickly. Kids can''t handle this smell; they might get poisoned."


    Hutou and Xiaoyanzi nodded seriously, their four big eyes wide open.


    They didn''t leave; they didn''t want to miss out.


    Zhao Guihua''s words affected others. Aunt Su quickly pushed her children inside: "You all go in quickly."


    Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai all shook their heads, firmly rejecting their elders'' good intentions. They didn''t want to miss this occasion either.


    Speaking of which, the children in their courtyard had seen quite a lot for their young age, witnessing many things that others hadn''t. It was truly enviable.


    Everyone stared at the Zhou house. Aunt Wang sighed, as the courtyard manager, she couldn''t avoid going, but she really couldn''t bring herself to take that step. She couldn''t be knocked out by the smell as soon as she entered, could she?


    She deeply doubted it. She looked left and right and said, "Lao Zhao, come with me, will you?"


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes widened in disbelief. What grudge did we have that you want to drag me into this!


    Aunt Wang, seeing Zhao Guihua''s expression, said helplessly, "You don''t have to go in, wait for me at the door. If I get knocked out by the smell, drag me out quickly."


    Zhuang Zhixi, with a mischievous tone, said something quite reasonable: "Of course, it won''t knock you out. Look, Madam Zhou Li and Jiang Lu can withstand it inside their house, so the smell is just strong, not enough to knock anyone out. If they couldn''t handle it, they would have come out already, so... it''s okay?"


    Aunt Wang: "That''s not how it works. What if they''ve already fainted inside?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, right, that''s true."


    He said, "Then, why don''t we call out to them and ask them to come out?"


    Whether it''s right or wrong, calling out first is always a good idea.


    This way, they would know if the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had fainted inside.


    Aunt Wang: "Right!"


    She quickly called out: "Lao Zhou, Madam Zhou Li, if you''re home, make a sound."


    She added: "Jiang Lu, come out for a moment!"


    Everyone in the courtyard speculated that the smell was like a skunk''s den exploded, truly unbearable. Inside the house, the Zhou family, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, hadn''t fainted. It wasn''t poison gas, so how could they faint?


    They covered their noses with difficulty, feeling quite helpless.


    Jiang Lu whispered: "Mother-in-law, everyone has come... shall we go out?"


    Madam Zhou Li was also suffocating, furious, she scolded: "It''s all because of you, you little wretch, what did you bring back? And you said it''s a great tonic, but before it even starts to work, we''re already done for. Did you do this on purpose? Answer me!"


    Jiang Lu''s eyes turned red with grievance: "Mom, how can you think that of me? You know me, I just wanted to give Qun a good tonic."


    Madam Zhou Li''s loud voice, even lowered, wasn''t small. Everyone immediately heard her scolding Jiang Lu inside. Aunt Wang was a bit speechless. She shouted loudly: "Madam Zhou Li, Jiang Lu, come out!"


    As for why Zhou Qun wasn''t called.


    They hadn''t seen Zhou Qun come home after work.


    Bai Fendou couldn''t take it anymore, saying: "Aunt Wang, move aside, I''ll kick the door open. Otherwise, they''ll think they can get away with this? They''ve done something so outrageous, thinking they can hide it? We were just about to have dinner, did we really have to suffer this bad luck?"


    Bai Fendou was particularly angry. He had earned some extra money and bought a piece of braised meat to eat secretly.


    This was even kept from his sweetheart Wang Xiangxiu, planning to eat it secretly with his dad. The meat that smelled so good hadn''t even reached his mouth, and now he felt like the smell was overwhelming. How could he not be angry?


    "This is truly outrageous, inhumane, and... and whatever! It''s just too much!" Bai Fendou couldn''t stand it and was about to rush up to kick the door.


    Aunt Wang: "Don''t be impulsive..."


    If the door was kicked open, there would surely be endless arguments. Aunt Wang didn''t want to see such a situation.


    Fortunately, the sound of the door being kicked was heard inside.


    Madam Zhou Li still valued her own door, which had just been repaired not long ago. If it was kicked down again, it would need to be repaired again!


    Although, she could still extort Bai Fendou for it, her son was right, it was not a good time to be too conspicuous. It was a crucial moment to fade away from recent events, and she couldn''t ruin it. So she took a deep breath and opened the door with a creak.


    This arrogant and mean old lady opened the door with a bit of a domineering air.


    Madam Zhou Li shouted: "What are all of you doing gathered at my door! Want to pick a fight and bully someone?"


    She took the initiative.


    Zhao Guihua and the other "victims": "..."


    They truly felt more wronged than Dou E.


    Speaking of chatting, it was still Grandpa Lan who took the lead: "Sister, I know we have grievances. But if you have something, come out and face it directly. I respect you as a man if you do it directly, but to try to suffocate me, isn''t that a bit too much?"


    "Pfft!" Someone laughed.


    Bai Fendou followed suit: "Grandpa Lan is right, have the guts to come out directly! What kind of skill is boiling skunk''s urine at home?"


    Everyone agreed that even the toilet didn''t smell this bad.


    This pungent smell had been smelled on skunks in the past...


    It was likely that this family was really up to something.


    Madam Zhou Li was trembling with anger, these people really didn''t know how to speak, why were they so infuriating?


    She shouted loudly: "What do you mean? What''s the matter? I''m cooking in my own home, what''s it to you? Are you really so bored that you have to manage everything? What I cook and eat in my home has nothing to do with you! Do you come to my door to pick a fight because you''re jealous? Jealous that my family lives well, jealous that we can afford to eat meat, so you''re so angry that you come to find fault over a little smell. I don''t even think there''s any smell, we''re making meat, isn''t this smell very fragrant?"


    She was lying through her teeth, trying to turn the dead into the living, the stinky into the fragrant.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Madam Zhou, if you say that, we really have to be sad. It''s said that the eyes of the masses are sharp. In my opinion, the noses of the masses are sharp too. How can you say this smell is fragrant?"


    "Yes, this smell is about to send people away."


    "I say Madam Zhou, can you calm down? Someone in our courtyard fell into the toilet not long ago. We just got rid of the shadow of that incident, don''t create new topics for others, okay? Look..."


    This passerby pointed his finger, and everyone followed his finger to see a group of onlookers.


    The smell was indeed strong, but it didn''t spread to other courtyards. However, it was clearly smelled in their courtyard. Everyone gathered in the courtyard, their voices loud, and naturally attracted a crowd of onlookers.


    When they reached the gate, oh, the smell immediately hit them!


    This immediately explained why these people were gathered in the courtyard chattering. This smell was really overwhelming!


    Everyone pointed and whispered.


    Aunt Wang almost couldn''t catch her breath, their courtyard''s reputation...


    She quickly said: "Everyone, don''t watch the hustle and bustle, disperse, disperse."


    "Aunt Wang, what''s going on in your courtyard?"


    "This smell, oh."


    "Is it the Zhou family? Did someone else fall into the pit again?"


    "But didn''t they write that swimming is not allowed there?"


    "Maybe they went down to bathe?"


    Madam Zhou Li couldn''t hold back any longer when she heard this, immediately jumping to her feet: "What are you people doing! Are you here just to watch the fun? My family is just boiling an egg, is that not allowed? The smell is a bit strong, but we''re not affecting anyone else, are we? Doesn''t everyone want to eat something with a bit of flavor? Haven''t you all eaten pork intestines before? Why are you picking on us? Are you picking on us because our family is not large? Is that it! You can''t do this to us!"


    This time, Madam Zhou Li really felt wronged, even though their family had indeed created a strong smell.


    But it wasn''t intentional.


    Besides, it was all Jiang Lu''s fault for not doing it right!


    She really felt wronged!


    Madam Zhou Li''s eyes turned red: "What did I, an old lady, do to you? I''m innocent!"


    She looked genuinely innocent as she cried out: "Wanting to eat something good, what''s wrong with that!"


    "But eggs don''t smell like that! Did you boil it in urine?"


    "Hey, come to think of it, I''ve heard of such a dish."


    "Ugh... that''s disgusting, who invented that?"


    "It''s from a child, it''s clean."


    "Still disgusting..."


    The conversation drifted off topic again.


    Madam Zhou Li was trembling with anger: "It''s not that kind of egg, don''t spread rumors about me, my family boiled it with plain water, don''t spread lies!"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Exactly, no matter how you boil chicken eggs, duck eggs, or goose eggs, they can''t smell like that!"


    Madam Zhou Li shouted: "None of those!"


    "None of those? What kind of egg smells like that then?"


    "You''re still spreading lies!"


    Madam Zhou Li: "What am I lying about? I''m telling the truth, may lightning strike me if I''m lying! My family boiled an egg!"


    "Then tell us, what kind of egg!" Zhuang Zhixi interjected.


    "Sheep!!!" Madam Zhou Li roared with vigor!


    "Puhahahaahahaha."


    Everyone burst into laughter, saying: "You''re just making things up, sheep don''t lay eggs, sheep are clearly..."


    The words stopped abruptly.


    At this moment, everyone finally realized, after the fact, that this "egg" was not the same as the "egg" they were talking about.


    Ah, this...


    This was quite embarrassing.


    And, well, this was indeed something they couldn''t stop her from doing.


    After all, Zhou Qun had previously been injured in the kidneys by Bai Fendou. Everyone''s accusatory gaze immediately turned to Bai Fendou, it was all your fault for pushing him.


    Bai Fendou: "???"


    Why is everyone suddenly looking at him?


    So, what kind of egg is it?


    This guy is still a bit slow, not catching on yet.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t wait for him to figure it out and spoke first: "Uh, people have the freedom to eat. Although, the smell is indeed a bit strong, but they need a big boost, as neighbors, we should respect their desire to seek medical treatment. Uh, anyway, I''m fine with it, you do you..."


    He grabbed his wife, saying: "Let''s go home to eat."


    The couple was the first to leave the scene.


    Old Master Lan looked sympathetically at Madam Zhou Li and her daughter-in-law, thinking that the men in this family, are they done for? He quietly closed the door too, well, he''ll just have to endure it. After all, they''re not in good shape.


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s go home to eat."


    Well, the Zhuang family all left.


    And Li Fang also pulled her mother: "Mom, let''s go home too, let''s be understanding."


    Aunt Wang was also dragged away by her daughter.


    Aliali: 675e95b59234b3e7f2f07a3d


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes darted around, originally a five-second man, what if he becomes less than five seconds in the future? She pouted, feeling that this man was even more useless, she said: "Mom, let''s go home."


    Everyone quickly found excuses and left the scene.


    Although the smell was indeed disgusting, they''ll just have to endure it, after all, the man needs to boost his "egg."


    This Zhou Qun, really isn''t easy.


    At this moment, Zhou Qun had already reached the entrance of the alley, almost home.


    Hmm, as long as he works hard, it will be easy to build a good reputation...


    This way, after working overtime for a few days, people won''t bring up his mother''s nonsense as much?


    Not bad!


    Huh?


    Why are there so many people at the entrance of the courtyard?

 Chapter 59

    Zhou Qun has been very busy lately.After all, building a good reputation isn''t easy, but ruining it certainly is.


    His mother, that troublemaker, not only failed to bring him any good reputation but also caused him problems. He''d had quite enough. But she was still his mother - even if he looked down on her a thousand or ten thousand times, for the sake of his reputation, Zhou Qun had to treat her well.


    However, the damage was done, and he needed to make amends. So now he had to present himself not as an ambitious schemer, but as a hardworking and reliable person. The leader of their electrical team was retiring next year, and he was determined to get that position.


    Although it was still a year away, he needed to start building his reputation early, especially since his mother''s influence hadn''t left a good impression with the factory leadership.


    Building a reputation could be both difficult and easy. Take now, for instance - after several days of conscientiously working overtime, many people were already praising him behind his back. Though his mother was indeed unreliable, it had earned him some sympathy points.


    A diligent worker with an unreliable mother.


    Sometimes playing the victim card could be quite useful.


    Zhou Qun smirked with a cold laugh. He had learned this from Wang Xiangxiu - through playing the victim, her family had gained quite a bit. Zhou Qun believed that any strategy that worked was worth using. He was now starting to feel like a fish in water.


    In a good mood, he walked home under the setting sun''s glow. As he reached the entrance of the alley, he saw quite a crowd gathered at their courtyard gate. Zhou Qun raised an eyebrow, wondering whose business it was this time.


    It couldn''t be his family - he had talked with his mother, and although she was unreliable, she still listened to him. She should know this wasn''t the time to cause trouble and would be very careful with her words and actions.


    If not his family, could it be that Su family''s Jin Lai stealing again?


    Hmm, very likely. That kid was completely beyond hope.


    He sneered in disgust, thinking this was for the best.


    Why should they have it better?


    Why should the Su family have three sons while he didn''t have any children at all? It was better that they were all thieves and scoundrels. Let them become society''s dregs - better yet, have them all executed, and let the Su family line end!


    See if they can still brag about having sons then!


    So yes, spoil them!


    As long as they didn''t steal from his family, he would praise the child, speak up for him, spoil them - that way, they''d only get worse!


    He gave a dark smile, then put on a concerned expression and hurried forward, saying, "What''s wrong? Did something happen in our courtyard?" Wonder which family''s misfortune it was - hehe, how wonderful.


    Seeing others suffer made him feel better.


    He quickened his pace, feigning concern. The people gathered outside all turned around in unison, showing sympathetic looks. Of course they were sympathetic - how could they not be? Must be kidney problems.


    A man could have problems anywhere, but not with his kidneys!


    "What''s wrong?"


    Why were their looks so strange?


    Soon, he caught the unbearable smell and said, "What happened? Who fell into the latrine this time?"


    He felt even more delighted - he shouldn''t be the only one who had fallen into a latrine. If everyone had fallen in before, then his incident wouldn''t stand out! He felt smug inside and said, "Who''s so unlucky? Everyone, please make way, let me take a look."


    "Nobody fell into the latrine."


    "Well, it''s getting late, I should head home for dinner..."


    "I need to go too."


    "Zhou Qun..." A pat on the shoulder said everything without words.


    Zhou Qun: "???"


    At this moment, he suddenly began to realize. Were these people laughing at his family again? Why else would they give him that look? His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly entered the courtyard. Ugh... no need to say more, that smell was definitely coming from his house.


    Zhou Qun''s face immediately darkened.


    He strode home, barely containing his anger, and asked in a low voice: "What are you doing in the house again!"


    Madam Zhou Li heard her son''s voice and quickly turned around, saying: "Little Qun, you''re back? Dinner will be ready soon. Nothing''s wrong at home, just cooking something that has a bit of an odor."


    Then she quickly blamed it on Jiang Lu: "Your wife bought you some eggs for nourishment, who knew they''d smell so strong. People aren''t very happy about it, but it''s just a small matter."


    She felt she had handled it well - hadn''t everyone quietly left?


    It was true - if there had been a real problem, they might have come to complain, but now they were innocent, just cooking food - doesn''t everyone eat? How could people be unhappy about that?


    So she felt she had handled it quite well, saying: "The smell is strong, and we''re not good at cooking it, but it''s fine. This is very nutritious."


    Hearing his mother''s words, Zhou Qun relaxed a bit - so people had gathered because of the strong smell, that wasn''t really a big deal. He nodded and said, "I''ll wash my hands. Dinner will be ready soon?"


    "Yes."


    The two women in the Zhou household quickly tidied up the table.


    Zhuang Zhixi was still leaning on the window, watching the entertainment, and said: "Huh. Why is Zhou Qun acting like nothing happened? He didn''t even get angry?"


    Ming Mei said softly: "Maybe he''s more tolerant?"


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing, saying: "I''d believe the sun rising from the west before I''d believe he''s tolerant. He must not know the full situation."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s enough from you all, come eat dinner. Why are you so nosy? What does this have to do with you? Third Son, tell us about this temporary transfer of yours."


    She clearly had thoughts about this matter.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat down as well, and now the whole family was present.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained the situation broadly, then said: "I want to seize this opportunity, though I''m not sure how effective it will be. We''ll see how it goes. I''ll give it my all anyway!"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, fully agreeing with her son''s view.


    This was what Zhao Guihua loved most about her youngest son. Though he seemed unreliable and usually casual, at every crucial moment, he would give his all and seize the opportunity. Because of this, even in her previous life before her reincarnation, her youngest son had done better than his siblings. This wasn''t to say that Zhuang Zhixi was vastly more capable than his brothers and sisters, but rather that he was someone who could grasp every opportunity.


    Like this time, Zhao Guihua knew that her son had been transferred to the factory''s publicity department because of this Labor Day performance.


    This performance happened to coincide with a visit from a high-ranking old leader, who praised Zhuang Zhixi for his excellent hosting and performance despite being self-taught. This led to Zhuang Zhixi''s undisputed transfer to the publicity department, becoming one of the factory''s top ten legends.


    Actually, the old leader''s visit wasn''t unexpected - it had been announced in advance. This was a yearly occurrence where upper-level leadership would visit various enterprises around the city during Labor Day to show concern for the workers.


    There were many workers in the city across various industries, and they had to visit them all, so the time allocated to each place was probably just a few minutes. Therefore, no one really expected the leader to stay and watch the performance. But sometimes things work out in mysterious ways - everyone thought it impossible, yet it happened.


    By all rights, this old leader should have just said a few words and left, but someone got too nervous - yes, someone - Yang Bailao.


    Old Bai was supposed to perform next, meaning his performance would follow right after the leader''s speech. But the old man was so nervous that he crashed into a chair, which hit a table, and the water on the table spilled right onto the old leader.


    Just their rotten luck.


    At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi saved the situation, and while the leader was fixing his clothes, he stayed to watch a performance.


    Well, according to the program, this was supposed to be "The White-Haired Girl," but Old Bai was already nervous to the point of explosion, and now he was trembling so much he couldn''t even get on stage. No one else would substitute for him, so Zhuang Zhixi stepped up, wrapped himself in a worn cotton jacket, hunched over, and went on stage to play Yang Bailao.


    Because of this incident, it left a deep impression on the leadership, who praised him on the spot with several compliments like "calm under pressure," "unique style," and so on...


    In fact, those three consecutive compliments made such an impression that the factory leaders remembered Zhuang Zhixi and directly transferred him to the Publicity Department.


    Zhuang Zhixi noticed his mother staring into space and nudged her, asking, "Mom, what are you thinking about?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, "Nothing, I was just thinking that since you''ve taken this job, you need to put your heart into it. As the host, even if you''re not performing, you need to know every program inside and out. That way, if something unexpected happens, you can handle it smoothly."


    She was giving her son some advice.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I know."


    "Grandma, what''s a host?" Hutou asked, confused.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "It''s an announcer."


    The term "host" wasn''t commonly used yet; everyone called them announcers.


    "What''s an announcer?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Why do you have to be everywhere? Get out of here!"


    Hutou: "..."


    His grandmother was really fierce.


    Zhao Guihua: "This is a rare opportunity to get exposure. Do it well and be careful and serious about it."


    Based on her experience from her previous life, although her younger son was indeed a cautious person, she couldn''t help but add a few more words of advice.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I understand."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded quietly and said, "Which day is your event? I''ll come watch."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Labor Day. Doesn''t your work unit have activities too? Besides, why do you need to watch me? You see me at home every day."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan looked up: "Can''t I see how presentable you look?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Fine, fine, fine."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I''m going on a business trip tomorrow, taking the train to Guangzhou."


    "Alright," Zhao Guihua said, "These days you can make it back even during May Day."


    Both Hutou and Xiao Yanzi pouted: "Dad''s going on another business trip, Dad''s always on business trips."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I''m doing this to earn money to raise you little ones."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi disagreed, clearly believing it was their grandmother who raised them. Even children could be logical - look, their family paid ten yuan, and their uncle''s family also paid ten yuan. So... weren''t they and Xiao Yanzi the extra ones?


    That meant they were being raised by their grandparents.


    Don''t think that just because they were children, they didn''t know anything. Children occasionally overheard adults talking. It wasn''t just what their own family said, but also the gossip from people in the courtyard that children heard and remembered.


    However, the children didn''t dare to be provocative and remained well-behaved.


    Zhao Guihua: "Be careful when you''re away."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled and said, "I know that."


    He believed his situation wasn''t particularly dangerous. Although both involved transportation, there was a fundamental difference between truck drivers like Ming Mei''s family and train attendants like Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    Their work was mostly risk-free.


    Driving large trucks through mountain roads was indeed unsafe, and they could actually encounter bandits, but their situation was different.


    When Liang Meifen heard her husband was going on a business trip, her head immediately drooped. Her heart felt even heavier. Her mother back home was injured, and she had wanted to take Zhuang Zhiyuan and the children to visit, but his business trip would take more than ten days.


    Plus, she still remembered the matter of her younger brother''s bride price.


    Since they had separated from the extended family, her husband had been managing their money, so what could she do?


    She knew her husband''s disgust towards her brother. Even the children knew that whenever their uncle came, it was like a bandit entering the village, always asking for this and that. So the children didn''t like their maternal grandmother''s family either.


    This put Liang Meifen in a very difficult position.


    She sank into endless contemplation, wanting to burst into tears right there.


    She really wanted to cry!


    While she wanted to cry, Zhao Guihua was pondering something else.


    Actually, she had made an appointment today, with whom? The long-unseen old mystic, Auntie Lian.


    This business of buying bargain goods was truly addictive.


    When the previous fabric was used up, Zhao Guihua promptly sought out Auntie Lian again - after all, you could really find good stuff through her. Zhao Guihua thought Auntie Lian''s business must be doing well because once people started, they rarely stopped after just one time, usually becoming regular customers.


    Because it wasn''t a losing proposition at all, and as long as there was no loss, naturally no one wanted to give it up.


    However, just like last time, only Zhao Guihua and her old man knew about this; as for others, they knew nothing about it. She wouldn''t tell her sons and have them worry unnecessarily.


    Late at night, Zhao Guihua went out despite the smell - normally eggs shouldn''t smell this strong, but who knows what those two daughter and mother-in-law did, they must have handled it poorly. Zhao Guihua clicked her tongue and quietly left the house.


    Zhao Guihua met with Auntie Lian on time, still wearing a mask to cover her face, maintaining an air of mystery.


    After all, she wasn''t alone, so it was better to be careful.


    Sure enough, compared to the first time, there were now two more unfamiliar old ladies. One of them tried to chat with Zhao Guihua, who only responded with nods and head shakes, not speaking. However, this old lady was quite friendly, and even though Zhao Guihua remained silent, she still came over to ask about this and that, trying to learn about Zhao Guihua''s family situation. Zhao Guihua simply chose not to speak at all.


    The two old ladies pursed their lips; these two knew each other.


    Auntie Lian didn''t say much either, just waved her hand and said, "Let''s go."


    Zhao Guihua saw the same man from last time, the clumsy one who, like her, had been new then. However, this time he was very quiet, clearly now experienced - who knows how many times he had come in between. People like Zhao Guihua, who came once and took a long time before coming a second time, were truly the cautious ones.


    Besides them, there were two other men whom Zhao Guihua didn''t recognize.


    Excluding Auntie Lian, there were three men and three women.


    The two old ladies, seeing that Zhao Guihua wouldn''t engage in conversation, weren''t sure if she was mute or just unwilling to talk, so they stopped paying attention to her and started chatting quietly between themselves as they walked.


    One said to the other: "You know, your daughter needs to change her name. I told you the name you chose wasn''t good - a girl''s name having more strokes than a boy''s means she''s suppressing the boy."


    "Is there really such a saying?"


    "Of course!"


    "Well, names shouldn''t be chosen like that. Even though your daughter is the second child, it''s still not right..."


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips; this preference for sons over daughters could be found anywhere as long as people held such beliefs.


    In her previous life, she probably had a bit of that mindset too, given the old ways of thinking. But even if she did have some of that bias, she never mistreated her daughter. They were all children she had painfully given birth to, suffering greatly in the process - what was the point of treating them poorly?


    She pursed her lips again, thankfully hidden behind her mask where no one could see.


    The group successfully arrived and entered the warehouse following the usual procedure. Zhao Guihua immediately dove into the fabric remnants. The old man in charge spoke up at this point.


    "This time we have some fabric to sell off, are you interested? Priced by the meter, grey Dacron fabric."


    "Oh? How much is it?" The man who came with them quickly asked.


    The old man quoted a price that matched the supply and marketing cooperative''s price.


    Don''t underestimate this price - even though it was the same as the cooperative''s price, they were still making a profit. Because the cooperative required fabric coupons, which were hard to save up these days, so if they could get fabric without needing coupons, they were quite excited.


    "Ah, why didn''t you say so earlier? I didn''t bring enough money."


    Auntie Lian ignored this, as she wasn''t buying anyway.


    Everyone knew good fabric was valuable, but the price wasn''t low either.


    She made things to sell secretly, so she didn''t need large pieces of fabric. Therefore, she didn''t participate, but Zhao Guihua said, "I''ll take it."


    If others didn''t want it, she did.


    These kinds of opportunities were rare and shouldn''t be passed up.


    Besides, money wouldn''t multiply just by keeping it, but these items were hard to come by.


    Zhao Guihua made her move, and others did too, but the two old ladies she had just met didn''t buy anything. They stood to the side pursing their lips and pointing fingers, with strange looks in their eyes that made others uncomfortable.


    One of them said, "It''s a shame I didn''t bring money, otherwise I definitely would have bought some, this is perfect."


    Another person said, "That''s right. If it were me, I''d buy as much as possible. This is much better than the supply and marketing cooperative or the department store. I wish I had brought more money with me. I''d gladly buy the whole bolt if I could."


    The two of them were going back and forth, and one of them said to Zhao Guihua, "Sister, you can actually speak! I thought you were mute. You should buy more, this is really a good deal." They were trying to persuade Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her without saying a word.


    However.


    Zhao Guihua felt a sudden unease in her heart, though she wasn''t sure why.


    It wasn''t that Zhao Guihua was thinking the worst of people, but rather that there were always bad people around regardless of the times. Even now, when people barely locked their doors at night, did that mean there were no thieves? Of course there still were.


    They had caught some themselves.


    So it was always better to be cautious about everything.


    Although she felt uneasy, she quickly joined the others in selecting fabric. Compared to last time, she was much more experienced now. Even with just one previous experience, she knew what to look for.


    She quickly filled her bag, and before long, it was half full.


    The others were doing the same; nobody was talking much at this point because time was money.


    While searching through the pile of fabric scraps, Zhao Guihua suddenly pulled out a tangled ball of fabric. Something seemed odd about it. She tugged at it firmly and revealed a neatly folded piece of fabric, which she quickly stuffed into her bag. She continued searching and soon found several more pieces. These weren''t scraps but rather large pieces of cut fabric that looked quite good.


    Zhao Guihua''s heart began to pound even faster.


    There were too many good pieces of fabric today.


    These clearly weren''t just scraps from cutting; they seemed deliberately placed, and someone had carefully folded them small to hide them among the scraps.


    She kept searching and found five or six more neatly folded pieces, which made her even more nervous. Something wasn''t right here!


    Zhao Guihua quietly glanced at Auntie Lian and saw that her brows were also deeply furrowed, her face serious as she rummaged through the fabric. She seemed to have made some "big" finds as well and appeared puzzled.


    This wasn''t just Zhao Guihua''s imagination; she had noticed Auntie Lian quickly stuffing a good piece of fabric into her bag.


    Yes, she had definitely found something good.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at the others; everyone seemed to be finding good pieces, their faces showing delight.


    Zhao Guihua stopped observing others and hurried to speed up her own searching. Since there was such a good deal to be had, it would be foolish not to take advantage of it. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her corner seemed to yield even better finds than the others, so why should she hesitate?


    Zhao Guihua quickly filled her bag, timing it with the old doorkeeper''s schedule.


    "One extra yuan per person."


    "What? Why charge an extra yuan? What for?"


    "Yeah!"


    "Wasn''t the price already agreed upon?"


    "Auntie Lian, you arranged this deal, you need to speak up for us. How can they suddenly add an extra yuan? Is this how you do business? If you don''t give us an explanation, this won''t do."


    "That''s right, and besides, I brought exactly enough money, no extra."


    "If you didn''t bring extra, then put everything down. You won''t be taking even a single thread without paying," the old man said impatiently. "Take it or leave it. If you don''t pay the extra, don''t come back. If you''re willing to pay, you can come back tomorrow - we''ve got lots of fabric scraps coming in recently." After the old man said this, everyone immediately settled down.


    Mainly because today''s "quality" was really exceptional.


    If they could get such bargains a few more times, they''d really strike it rich.


    Everyone knew that even with the extra yuan, they were still making a huge profit.


    The more they could get of such a good deal, the better.


    Though they complained about the unfairness, they all obediently paid up. One old lady even pulled out a yuan from inside her underwear.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    What kind of smell would that have?


    Auntie Lian also paid, asking quietly, "Old brother, what''s going on? Why the price increase? It''ll be hard for me to recommend this to others in the future."


    The old man gave Auntie Lian a sideways glance and said, "I''m quitting soon anyway."


    "Ah!"


    Auntie Lian suddenly understood - the old man was trying to make extra money before leaving.


    The old man said, "Bring more people over in the coming days. I can handle it, and you know the quality of the fabric scraps has gotten much better lately."


    He emphasized the words "fabric scraps."


    Auntie Lian: "I understand."


    They had been working together for several years, so they naturally understood each other well.


    Auntie Lian immediately nodded: "I got it, I got it."


    Everyone paid and left together; their claims about not bringing enough money were just excuses - they all had plenty. Zhao Guihua shouldered her bag, looked at the others, and said, "I''m leaving first."


    This time, she didn''t walk with Auntie Lian, mainly because she saw the two old ladies crowding around Auntie Lian. For some reason, Zhao Guihua felt these two were untrustworthy and somewhat suspicious.


    Having watched many TV shows and movies, she was more vigilant than others.


    Who knew if they might encounter some thieves stealing from thieves? Those two old ladies just seemed odd.


    She picked up her bag and headed in the opposite direction.


    Auntie Lian glanced at her and decisively said, "Everyone split up, don''t walk together!"


    Despite her small and thin frame, she was quite fast. As soon as she shouldered her bag, she darted through the alley like the wind. By the time the others reacted, Zhao Guihua had disappeared in one direction and Auntie Lian in another.


    Several men also quickly scattered in different directions, each moving incredibly fast.


    They were professionals at this, unlike amateur Zhao Guihua, and their movements were even quicker.


    In no time, everyone was gone except for the two old ladies Zhao Guihua had met for the first time.


    Actually, Zhao Guihua''s caution wasn''t misplaced at all. As soon as they dispersed, four shifty-looking men emerged from nearby. "Godmother! They all ran away, what do we do?"


    They were indeed planning to rob the robbers. Since these people were already secretly taking advantage of socialist property, if they were robbed, they definitely wouldn''t dare go to the police or even speak up about it. So when they learned about Auntie Lian''s operation, they immediately joined in.


    Actually, like Zhao Guihua, they were here for the second time.


    The first time was for reconnaissance, and this time they had people lying in wait.


    To be honest, they had targeted Zhao Guihua all along.


    Why?


    Because she was elderly, because she was a woman, because she had no fighting ability.


    If they chose Auntie Lian, it wouldn''t be worth much - they all knew that although she was in this business, she didn''t have much money. She was just a middleman, getting enough fabric scraps for her daily needs.


    So she didn''t have much money.


    Besides, if they took out Auntie Lian, they''d lose their guide for future operations. Coming on their own wouldn''t work as they wouldn''t be served. That would be killing the goose that laid the golden eggs.


    As for the men, even though they had numbers on their side, you never knew who might be trouble. After all, everyone came here to make money, and many were dealers. People who dared to trade in these goods weren''t easy targets.


    So women were the easiest targets.


    Especially since Zhao Guihua had bought fabric, they were even more convinced she was a good target.


    "Let''s go after her!"


    "Why is she heading towards the outskirts of town?"


    "Hurry!"


    They were already a step behind and needed to catch up quickly.


    Zhao Guihua was walking very fast, and though she quickly disappeared from sight, she was still an old lady, and soon she could hear footsteps catching up.


    Zhao Guihua: "Grass!" (referring to the plant)


    She took off running.


    Hearing her running, those behind also started running.


    The reason she headed towards the outskirts was that she was worried about being robbed. Although she had never encountered such a situation, she had watched plenty of TV shows like "Special Case Squad Six," "Crime Scene," and others... In short, she had watched enough to know how to analyze situations.


    Besides, she knew a thing or two about reading people''s intentions.


    If she were to head into the city, she knew the way - several routes, in fact. But if there were many people after her, she definitely wouldn''t stand a chance. After all, an elderly woman''s stamina was no match for theirs, and she might not know the environment better than they did.


    However, heading out of the city was different.


    She often rode her bicycle to the outskirts and up into the hills, so she knew this area like the back of her hand.


    Moreover, having been out here frequently and being familiar with the surroundings, she also remembered some things from her previous life. She ran quickly and soon found a dog hole. Zhao Guihua didn''t feel embarrassed at all - she crawled through it directly, pulled her bag through, and covered it with some weeds.


    This side led to an abandoned courtyard that used to belong to a landlord. It had fallen into severe disrepair and was later given to a recycling station for storage. Zhao Guihua could see this place whenever she took a detour while cycling to the suburbs. She had even come by out of curiosity to take a look, which was how she discovered the dog hole.


    And now, it came in handy.


    Zhao Guihua crawled in and quickly made her way to the back. The place was filled with junk from the recycling station.


    There was only one old night watchman, which showed that this truly was just a dump for waste materials.


    Zhao Guihua remembered that when this old mansion was demolished, it had helped connect two streets in the area. But now, it was blocking the way. She quickly walked toward the back - the courtyard had iron gates locked at both ends, and she could only climb the gates since the walls were too high.


    She walked toward the back courtyard, keeping her ears alert. Sure enough, she heard her pursuers reaching this area, somewhat frustrated. They couldn''t believe an old woman could climb over such high walls. They were searching around, trying to figure out where she might be hiding.


    Someone was also looking for the courtyard''s main gate.


    In the dead of night, in complete darkness, their voices weren''t loud, but Zhao Guihua could hear them clearly.


    "Damn it, where did that old woman go?"


    "She''s a real catch. Mother said she bought a large piece of fabric and still has money on her."


    "I can''t believe an old woman could outrun us!"


    "Keep looking. Just that bag of stuff she''s carrying - we could sell it for at least seven or eight yuan." At this point, an old woman''s voice spoke up. Zhao Guihua stopped in her tracks, hiding behind a tree as she listened: "This can''t be her first time here - she was picking through things too skillfully. The bag must be full of good stuff. I bet she escaped into the courtyard. Quick, find the main gate."


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua didn''t hesitate any longer and rushed toward the back gate.


    Fortunately, the courtyard was large, and the front and back gates weren''t on the same street - you couldn''t go around, you had to go through.


    She planned to climb over the iron gate, and if necessary, hide the sack and come back for it later. Zhao Guihua decisively made her way to the back gate, but...


    Well, plans change faster than you think.


    Though in this case, it was a good change.


    Zhao Guihua had intended to climb the iron gate, but when she reached the back courtyard, she saw that the lock on the gate was already broken, apparently torn off by someone, hanging there uselessly.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    If not now, then when?


    She ran while carrying her sack, showing quite the determination to save both her life and her goods.


    Running back, she could actually pass by that clothing factory again. From a distance, she saw another group of people going in - apparently, the old man had more connections than just Auntie Lian.


    Afraid of being seen, she kept dodging and hiding, pressing herself against the wall. She had no choice - these people hadn''t closed the door, and they would see her if she ran past.


    Zhao Guihua felt quite bitter - making a profit wasn''t easy, with one challenge after another.


    She was still worried that those who had tried to rob her might return.


    If they realized they weren''t the only group coming for goods and came back to ambush others, what then?


    Zhao Guihua: Life is so hard.


    This group was much larger than the previous one - Auntie Lian''s operation was small-time. They only had six people, seven including Auntie Lian. This batch had fifteen or sixteen people. The leader was squatting at the entrance with the warehouse keeper, smoking.


    Zhao Guihua: Damn!


    But this actually let her overhear something interesting.


    The old man said, "This is the third group. After you leave, there are still two more groups coming. I won''t get any sleep tonight."


    "Come on, more people means more money. What''s not to like about that?"


    The old man: "Damn it, if Deputy Factory Director Chen hadn''t insisted on replacing people with his own trusted ones when he took over, I''d still be doing fine. I used to have just one group per night, nice and steady. Now I''m not even at ease."


    "What''s there to worry about when making money? He was going to send you home anyway - whether you make money or not, you''re still going home. Even though Director Wang stepped down, if he tried to destroy you completely, people would probably criticize him, right?"


    The old man gave a cold laugh and said, "My small earnings don''t matter, but don''t try to fool me. I know what you''re doing. You''re colluding with people in the factory, deliberately mixing good fabric in and hiding it at the bottom?"


    He complained, "It wasn''t obvious when the first group was searching on top, but when the second group came, I saw them find lots of good fabric. If I hadn''t raised the price at the last minute, I would have really lost out. Even now I''m losing! If I''d known there was so much good stuff, I would have charged five yuan!"


    He was quite bold with his demands.


    The leader didn''t show any embarrassment at all, instead laughing and saying, "We appreciate your understanding."


    But his eyes flickered as he asked, "Did the earlier group take a lot?"


    "Not really, they had fewer people."


    The leader thought this made sense - there was only so much time, and they had to search...


    He said, "Don''t worry, you''ll get your fair share..."


    "Hmph, I don''t see you giving much." The old man was a bit unhappy: "I''m going in to check. Don''t take my good fabric, okay?"


    "How could we..."


    The old man didn''t care and walked straight in, with the leader hurrying after him.


    Just as Zhao Guihua was about to quickly leave, before she could even move one foot, she suddenly noticed two people hiding in the wall cracks across from her. These weren''t from the group that had been chasing her. These people were actually watching the entrance intently.


    They stood straight and rigid, with one of them writing something in a notebook, seemingly taking notes!


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    What a complicated mess this was.


    Layer upon layer of complexity, it was terrifying.


    It was like the praying mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.


    She decided not to take this route anymore and would rather take a detour, even if it meant going behind the factory.


    Better safe than sorry.


    Zhao Guihua circled back, walking faster and faster until she broke into a run. She sprinted while carrying her sack. Her throat felt like it was on fire, but even so, she kept running.


    Tonight had been incredibly dangerous.


    After dodging and hiding all the way, she finally reached the alley near Xinghua Lane, completely out of breath. She leaned against the toilet wall, panting heavily.


    This wasn''t because she had any particular fondness for toilets, but rather... she was waiting for someone.


    Their courtyard was now kept locked, and she couldn''t climb over the wall, so she had arranged with her old man that he would pretend to have stomach problems and come out every half hour. Whenever he came out, he would have to open the door...


    Zhao Guihua was hiding here waiting.


    She found a concealed spot, afraid of being seen.


    Of course, being the clever woman she was, she wasn''t about to fall into the cesspit. She crouched in a corner, thought for a moment, then put her sack on the ground and sat on it. Quietly waiting for her old man to come out.


    This was when not having a watch became a real problem - she had no idea what time it was.


    Zhao Guihua looked up at the sky silently, thinking what a dangerous night it had been. If she hadn''t been so cautious and prepared for everything in advance, she might have been caught tonight. But thinking about the evening''s events, she shook her head, realizing this particular avenue might be closed to her now.


    Auntie Lian''s business wasn''t sustainable.


    Though she remembered hearing in her previous life that Auntie Lian had continued for many years, until the market economy was restored...


    Indeed, rumors often differ from reality.


    Or perhaps, even with different people involved, Auntie Lian had still managed to make connections?


    Regardless, Zhao Guihua wouldn''t dare contact Auntie Lian anytime soon.


    These layers upon layers of people - while the potential gains might be greater, the risks were also much higher, especially with people trying to rob others of their goods.


    The most despicable thing is when thieves steal from other thieves.


    How could they not even spare an old lady? If you''re so capable, why don''t you go pick on those strong men instead! What kind of ability is it to bully an old lady? Ptui!


    Zhao Guihua was very indignant as she sat by the wall, hearing footsteps from far away.


    Someone was coming out!


    The courtyard where Zhao Guihua lived was actually quite a distance from the public toilet, separated by two other courtyards, so she couldn''t be sure if it was her old man coming out, especially in this darkness. She waited quietly, planning to see who it was when they got closer.


    Zhao Guihua sat silently in her spot, listening to the approaching footsteps.


    She observed carefully, pursed her lips - it wasn''t him after all.


    The person turned out to be Bai Fendou. He was holding up his pants, shuffling in his shoes, and when he reached the toilet entrance, he immediately lit a cigarette and leaned against the wall.


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    What was he doing?


    Wasn''t he blocking her way?


    Was her luck really this bad today?


    Zhao Guihua fell into deep doubt, wondering if she had forgotten to check the almanac before leaving home today. Everything had gone wrong, with problems piling up like cattle hair. Now she was right at her doorstep but couldn''t even get home.


    This was really frustrating.


    Although she was grumbling inside, Zhao Guihua didn''t dare show herself. One look at Bai Fendou and she could tell he wasn''t just drowsily out for a toilet break - he would definitely be suspicious. Zhao Guihua: "..."


    This old lady''s situation was truly pitiful!


    Zhao Guihua was feeling quite dejected when another person came out.


    She startled - could it be her old man?


    She held her breath and waited quietly.


    Hopefully it wasn''t her old man.


    If it was, she worried his acting skills wouldn''t be good enough!


    This Bai Fendou was clearly waiting for someone - could it be... Wang Xiangxiu?


    Were they meeting secretly outside?


    Thinking about it, Zhao Guihua dismissed the idea herself. If he had that ability, he would have gotten together with Wang Xiangxiu long ago. Why wait until now? Impossible, impossible!


    Then who could it be?


    She didn''t have to wait long before someone came out to "rendezvous" with Bai Fendou. Zhao Guihua''s small eyes sharpened as she looked: oh my, it was Yang Lixin.


    Why was it Yang Lixin?


    Yang Lixin jogged over, looking particularly expectant, and asked urgently: "Fendou, how did it go?"


    Bai Fendou put on an air of superiority and said: "When I handle things, don''t you trust me? Here, take it!"


    He slapped a bicycle voucher into Yang Lixin''s hand.


    Yang Lixin excitedly: "Ah, a bike voucher, what kind? Forever!!!"


    Aliali: 675e95b59234b3e7f2f07a3d


    He grew even more excited: "Forever, it really is Forever."


    Every man yearned for a Forever bicycle - it was magnificent.


    Flying Pigeon or Phoenix? No good, those were for women to ride.


    Only Forever was the first choice for real men.


    He exclaimed excitedly: "This is great, really great! I knew you had the ability, Fendou."


    Bai Fendou was floating on the praise and said: "Who do you think I am? Number one in the whole city. Just because others can''t do it doesn''t mean I can''t. In our courtyard, everyone else is useless except for me!"


    "Yes, yes, yes, you''re really capable! Brother, that jar, it''s just exchanged for this one voucher?" Though Yang Lixin was praising Bai Fendou, he still asked while carefully observing him.


    When Bai Fendou heard this, he became unhappy, bristling with anger: "What are you saying? You don''t trust me? Are you saying you don''t trust me? I''m doing you a favor here. If you don''t want it, I''ll take everything back! Give me the voucher back!"


    He was angry!


    Zhao Guihua thought wryly: Oh my, so Bai Fendou was dealing in antiques now?

 Chapter 60

    In the dead of night.Zhao Guihua was stuck outside, unable to return home.


    She felt utterly miserable. What were these people thinking, meeting at the bathroom entrance in the middle of the night, and two men at that? What was the point? Just say what needs to be said and leave quickly, stop keeping this old woman from getting home!


    Zhao Guihua was deeply worried, but her ears were perked up high. Although she was anxious to get home, she couldn''t help but eavesdrop on their gossip. After all, from what she knew about Bai Fendou, the fellow knew absolutely nothing about antiques.


    She wondered how he had gotten involved in this business.


    But this did explain where Bai Fendou''s bicycle came from.


    Actually, everyone in their compound had been discussing how Bai Fendou managed to save up for that bicycle, especially since he was always trying to curry favor with Wang Xiangxiu and didn''t seem to have much money. Moreover, getting a bicycle voucher wasn''t something easy to come by.


    Now it seemed he had been dealing in goods.


    Zhao Guihua listened intently from her hiding spot, but at this moment, both Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin''s voices grew louder.


    It was mainly Bai Fendou''s booming voice. With an displeased expression, he glared and said, "Yang Lixin, what are you implying? You came to me for help, and that''s why I helped you get this bicycle voucher. Think about it - could just anyone get their hands on one? Now you''re giving me attitude? What''s your problem? You think I''m easy to push around? Let me tell you, that''s not how things work! Do you think I pocketed your money? You can''t be this shameless - I didn''t take any benefits from you, yet you''re accusing me. There''s no logic to this at all. Want me to beat you up?"


    Yang Lixin''s voice was much lower, speaking cautiously: "Fendou, that''s not what I meant, I was just asking. I figured if it was something valuable, it should be worth more than just this. I was worried you got cheated, not that I don''t trust you. Look, we''ve been neighbors in the same compound for so long - if I don''t trust you, who can I trust? If I didn''t trust you, would I have come to you for help?"


    Though Yang Lixin had a low profile in their compound, being able to become a live-in son-in-law meant he had some emotional intelligence. Sure enough, his words seemed to soothe Bai Fendou. His tone softened as he said, "When you put it that way... Do you think I''m someone who can be easily fooled? They said your item wasn''t that great. Besides, ordinary people wouldn''t dare keep such things nowadays. If you get caught, it''s serious trouble. Aren''t we just removing a potential problem?"


    He smiled smugly and said, "I think we got the better deal - less trouble and more money. Why wouldn''t we trade?"


    Yang Lixin''s expression darkened slightly, thinking Bai Fendou was just an absolute fool.


    But if he had to take that risk himself, he wouldn''t dare do it either. If the black market was full of thugs, then the ghost market was filled with knife-wielding characters - not to be trifled with. He had hoped Bai Fendou would charge ahead and get him the highest price possible.


    At the very least, it should have been close to what Bai Fendou himself got, right?


    But now it was clearly much less.


    Obviously, he had overestimated this fool Bai Fendou. When he said he wanted a bicycle voucher, this guy really just traded for exactly one bicycle voucher. Nothing more. And to think he had promised that if he got more in exchange, he wouldn''t let him work for nothing.


    Now looking back - pfft!


    He wiped his face and said, "Bai Fendou, don''t those people at the ghost market worry about getting investigated? What kind of people do you sell to anyway?"


    He still couldn''t let it go and wanted to probe further.


    Bai Fendou frowned: "Hey now, what''s your problem? You''re just not going to drop this, are you? I really didn''t expect you to be this kind of person."


    "I''m not..."


    He paused, looked up at Bai Fendou, and said, "We had the same bowls, so how come you could trade for a bicycle voucher plus money for the bike, while I only got a voucher? I have to ask more about this, don''t I?"


    Seeing that Bai Fendou wouldn''t respond to a gentle approach, he decided to be direct: "Don''t think I don''t know - you usually can''t save much money."


    Bai Fendou''s eyes bulged larger than a cow''s: "What are you implying? I make over thirty yuan a month! How can you say I can''t save money? My clothes are provided by the work unit, I''m not married, and I don''t have many expenses! Who are you looking down on? Well well, Yang Lixin, I always said someone who''d agree to be a live-in son-in-law couldn''t be any good. I didn''t expect you to actually pull this kind of stunt..."


    "Don''t raise your voice at me, you need to explain why there''s such a difference!"


    "Bah! Why should I explain anything to you? That''s just how much they offered - you think I pocketed your money? I never expected you to be such a petty person! Fine, fine, fine, I see right through you now. If I hadn''t been hoping your mother-in-law would introduce me to someone, why would I have helped you like this? Now look what happens - I help you out, and you pull this on me. I really helped the wrong person, no good deed goes unpunished! In our city, a man''s word is his bond. When I say I didn''t take your money, I didn''t take your money. Don''t believe me? Hah, go ask around the ghost market yourself! Trash! Get lost!"


    And so the two started arguing.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    What are you two doing?!


    This old woman is still hiding here! If you keep arguing like this and attract people, what am I supposed to do?!


    To be honest, Zhao Guihua felt she was truly unlucky - this night had been incredibly difficult.


    Truth be told, for important matters in the future, she must definitely check the almanac. You really can''t dismiss these superstitions. Just look at her night - it was like watching one drama after another... It was really testing this old woman''s nerves!


    Zhao Guihua felt that if they kept arguing, she would soon be discovered.


    "If you didn''t pocket the money, how could the amounts be different? Don''t talk about saving money - isn''t that just a joke? Everyone knows you''re always sucking up to that widow!" If it had been ten or twenty yuan, Yang Lixin might have been upset but probably wouldn''t have said anything.


    After all, making a big scene wouldn''t be good, but this guy had probably pocketed enough money for a whole bicycle, and Yang Lixin really couldn''t let that slide.


    He had good emotional intelligence, but in these times, money was a big deal.


    Bai Fendou: "You bastard, I knew you were a sneaky little man, and now it''s proven. I shouldn''t have helped you at all. Now I see clearly that you''re really not worth..."


    "Don''t try to sound so righteous. What are you pretending for? Help me? Would you help if there wasn''t something in it for you? It''s fine if you''re greedy, but don''t be so obvious about it. Being selfish will bring bad karma."


    Yang Lixin really had a way with words, backing people into a corner they couldn''t escape from.


    "You!"


    "I''m just telling the truth!"


    Bai Fendou was so angry he grabbed him: "You little punk, I''ll teach you a lesson, you coward. Too scared to go yourself, and now you''re here falsely accusing me..."


    "I''m falsely accusing you? Don''t resort to violence just because you can''t win the argument! If you''ve got what it takes, let''s talk this out reasonably!" Yang Lixin was afraid of getting beaten up.


    "You... fine, fine, fine! I absolutely cannot accept this reputation of being greedy. Let''s get this straight - yes, we had plates from the same batch, but let me make this absolutely clear. My plate was in perfect condition, smooth and glossy. And yours? Yours had cracks in it. How could they be worth the same? Huh? Tell me, should they be worth the same? If good and damaged ones were worth the same, then the broken one at the Su family''s house would be worth something too. Do you think that''s possible? Huh!!!" Bai Fendou really wasn''t very smart about doing business - here he was, shouting at the top of his lungs in the middle of the night, not worried at all about being overheard.


    That was just how he was, but Yang Lixin was more cautious. He grabbed Bai Fendou and said, "Can''t you lower your voice, damn it?"


    "I''ve done nothing wrong, I''m not afraid of anyone!"


    Bai Fendou was quite bold.


    Yang Lixin was really angry, but now he felt that Bai Fendou''s words made some sense. He didn''t want to make a bigger scene either, so he said, "Fine, fine, I won''t argue with you anymore."


    "Hey, you said you wouldn''t get tangled up with me, but now it''s not about whether you want to or not - I''m going to get tangled up with you anyway. You wronged me, and you think that''s the end of it? Come on, let''s go talk to Old Lady Wang and Cook Li. Let''s have a proper discussion about whether this is how your family handles things. I had nothing but good intentions, and what did I get? Nothing but a bad reputation!"


    Bai Fendou grabbed the person, determined to have a talk.


    Yang Lixin was nearly scared out of his wits by his shouting. He cried, "Lower your voice, please lower your voice! Are you trying to make sure everyone knows about this? How would making a big scene help either of us?"


    "I won''t stand for you wronging me like this!"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Do you really need to make such a scene? Can''t this wait until tomorrow after you''ve slept on it?


    This old lady has it too hard.


    Zhao Guihua gazed at the sky dejectedly, feeling that tonight had been more nerve-wracking than the entire past month combined.


    Life really is...


    Just as Zhao Guihua''s head was buzzing with worry and she was feeling the weight of life''s complications, they heard the sound of the main gate opening. This startled not only Zhao Guihua but also Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin, who immediately let go of each other.


    Oh well, this was typical - they were making a lot of noise but actually didn''t want anyone to know about it.


    Zhao Guihua silently prayed that the two wouldn''t try to hide. If they decided to hide near her, she''d be completely done for.


    Zhao "Unfortunate" Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua held her breath, as did Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin. They all looked toward the main gate and saw it was Zhuang Zhixi coming out, yawning as he walked. Zhao Guihua immediately felt somewhat relieved.


    Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin also relaxed a bit.


    Bai Fendou spoke first: "Little Zhuang..."


    Zhuang Zhixi seemed startled, letting out a yelp before saying, "Damn, what are you all doing out so late instead of sleeping?"


    Bai Fendou: "I was just..."


    Yang Lixin cut him off, saying, "I came out to use the bathroom and happened to run into Bai Fendou. We were just chatting. What''s going on at your place? Your father was going back and forth earlier, and now it''s your turn."


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his stomach and said, "Maybe something I ate didn''t agree with me, my stomach''s a bit upset."


    He continued, "Since you''re here, you can keep me company while I''m at it. It''s pretty boring sitting there alone."


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    Who the hell wants to keep you company and smell that stink?


    He exchanged glances with Yang Lixin - how coincidental that neither of them wanted to stay. For once, their opinions aligned perfectly, which was quite rare indeed. Bai Fendou said, "Get lost, I''m tired and don''t have time to hang around here. I''ve got work tomorrow."


    "Exactly!"


    Yang Lixin was equally decisive, saying, "Let''s go, let''s go. Shall we walk together, Brother Fendou?"


    "Sure."


    As the two left together, Zhuang Zhixi called out, "You guys are so unfaithful!"


    He shouted once, but they only walked away faster.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled faintly and whistled as he walked to the bathroom. However, once inside, he just stood by the wall, watching until they entered their yards. Then he called softly, "Mom?"


    Zhao Guihua responded in a low voice, like someone making a covert connection: "Here."


    Zhao Guihua whispered, "Why did you come out?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Dad was worried he might give himself away if people saw him, so he sent me."


    He said, "You really did it this time."


    Zhao Guihua ignored her son''s teasing tone and said, "Come on, let''s hurry back."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re going back just like that?"


    He shook his head, "Wait a bit, we don''t want anyone to see you carrying that sack."


    Zhao Guihua: "We can''t hide outside either. If the sanitation workers see us, it''s all over. I''ve spent the whole night like this, exhausted and on edge - it can''t all be for nothing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I know, but if we go back now, Bai Fendou might not be in bed yet. We can''t let him see us. Let''s wait a bit longer. Better safe than sorry."


    Zhao Guihua understood this logic perfectly well. It was just that after everything that had happened tonight, she was desperate to get home.


    Mother and son spoke in hushed tones. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t ask what his mother had been doing out, he just said, "I''ll go check first, watch for my signal."


    Zhao Guihua: "...Alright."


    Zhuang Zhixi walked back, tiptoeing near the yard. Peering in, he saw that all the houses were dark, even Bai Fendou''s home showed no signs of movement. Zhuang Zhixi waved his hand, and Zhao Guihua sprang into action, quickly hoisting the sack and darting to the entrance with remarkable agility and courage.


    Zhao Guihua swiftly entered the yard, trying to move silently as she ran to her door. Their door was slightly ajar, and she slipped inside with one quick step. Seeing that everything was fine, Zhuang Zhixi finally relaxed a bit. He casually latched the gate and strolled back to the house.


    Although he had "rescued" his mother, he didn''t return to the main house, instead going straight to his own room.


    Ming Mei mumbled drowsily, "What''s wrong?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Nothing, go back to sleep."


    He took off his jacket and quickly slipped under the covers. As soon as he got in, Ming Mei wrapped around him like a small octopus, resting against his chest and falling into a deeper sleep. Zhuang Zhixi gently patted his wife, and Ming Mei responded softly, "I''m not a child."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled quietly.


    The young couple quickly returned to dreamland, while Zhao Guihua sat in a chair without turning on the lights, catching her breath as she remarked, "You have no idea how nerve-wracking tonight was."


    Old Man Zhuang had been extremely worried too. He was naturally timid and very concerned about such matters. If it had been up to him, they wouldn''t have gone at all. And if they had to go, he should have been the one to do it, but his wife wouldn''t listen to him - he had no say in the matter.


    So in the end, his wife went by herself, but this time she was clearly much later than before. He had made several trips to the bathroom and still hadn''t seen her, which made him increasingly anxious.


    He always felt this business was risky, and what made it even scarier was that he had noticed both Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin had gone out and hadn''t returned for a long time. This made him even more frightened. He told Zhao Guihua, "I was so worried that Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin would see you, my heart was pounding. I had no choice but to send our third son out to check. He''s clever, and I figured if you had run into Bai Fendou and the others, he could help smooth things over - he''s better at talking than my clumsy self. Sure enough, you were stuck outside."


    Zhao Guihua: "Get me some water."


    She gulped it down - her throat was parched from all the running around tonight.


    Old Man Zhuang immediately poured another glass, which Zhao Guihua drank in one go.


    The elderly couple kept the lights off as he asked, "So why did it take you so long to come back tonight?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I almost got caught today."


    "What?" Old Man Zhuang was startled.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t hide anything from her husband and gave him a vivid account of the night''s events. Old Man Zhuang exclaimed, "My goodness, that''s terrifying. Guihua, we''re not as young as we used to be - you absolutely must not take such risks anymore. As soon as you heard about this situation, you should have known it wasn''t right. What if you had been caught?"


    He didn''t care about the mess with Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin, but he was genuinely worried about his wife getting into trouble.


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "I know. I don''t plan to go again anytime soon. Not just soon - I won''t go again for the rest of this year. Who knows what''s going on over there? Sister Lian doesn''t care about consequences, she''s not even afraid of going to prison for operating sewing machines. But I can''t do that."


    However, Zhao Guihua soon cheered up and said, "Although tonight was incredibly dangerous, my haul was really quite good. They had inside help over there, which worked out well for us. But those bastards... damn them, they better hope I don''t see them again, or I''ll find a way to deal with them. They actually dared to rob other thieves - they''ve lost all sense of honor."


    Old Man Zhuang patted Zhao Guihua''s hand: "Don''t take it too much to heart. People like that will get their comeuppance whether you go after them or not."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s not necessarily true. Haven''t you heard that good people don''t live long while scoundrels live forever?"


    Unable to argue with his wife, Old Man Zhuang smiled helplessly and said, "Oh, you..."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t dwell on the topic, saying, "Come on, let''s get some rest. You also have to go to work tomorrow."


    She wasn''t in a hurry to sort through the contents of the sack, and the two of them lay down. Zhao Guihua was too tired to even wash up. She lay on the kang bed, while Old Man Zhuang wasn''t sleepy either. He said, "Do you think the plate Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin talked about is the bowl from our house?"


    At this moment, Old Man Zhuang finally thought of this matter, and Zhao Guihua pursed her lips, saying, "It should be. They also mentioned the Su family, so it''s probably that one."


    What were they talking about?


    This story goes back more than ten years, almost fifteen or sixteen years ago, when Bai Fendou and the others were around fourteen or fifteen.


    Back then, they were criticizing a landlord named Wang, and many people went to watch the spectacle. The way they criticized people back then was different from now. Nowadays, it''s about smashing and destroying anything that represents corrupt or incorrect thinking, but back then, people were more about taking advantage of the situation.


    Things like pots, bowls, and other miscellaneous items were all fought over.


    These items were bought with money, and they could definitely be useful at home, so there was no smashing involved.


    Of course, they didn''t expect to get gold, silver, or jewelry; those things were for the public. But the seemingly worthless items could still be taken. For instance, these half-grown kids each got a pretty good white porcelain bowl, with a particularly wide mouth. You could call it a plate, or you could call it a bowl; either way was fine. At that time, there were five kids, and they divided a set of bowls called "Fu Lu Shou Xi Cai," each bowl with a character on it.


    The one at their house had the character "Shou" (longevity).


    The kids at that time were Bai Fendou, Yang Lixin who lived with Chef Li and learned his craft, Su Xiaozi, Zhou Qun, and their own Zhuang Zhiyuan. These half-grown boys went out to play and each took one.


    Later, Zhou Qun''s family''s bowl was the first to break. One year during the New Year, Madam Zhou Li got into a fight and accidentally smashed it. At that time, the other family had to pay compensation. Then came the Su family; their bowl lasted for many years, but a few years ago, Jinlai was mischievous and broke it.


    That left three families. Zhao Guihua''s family had the one with the character "Shou," which they had been using for over ten years. Normally, there wouldn''t be any issue, but a few years ago, the situation was tense, and Zhao Guihua was afraid that the character "Shou" might be labeled as feudal superstition.


    So she claimed that her bowl had broken and wrapped it up, placing it in a small cabinet in the kitchen where they kept meat. Of course, even though she hid it, she never thought it was valuable.


    It was just a good bowl that would be a waste to throw away, much smoother than the ones they bought, and it had a character "Shou" on it.


    Old people are a bit superstitious, and smashing or throwing away the bowl would be like losing "longevity." It just didn''t feel right, so Zhao Guihua hid it away. Now, thinking about it, they must have been talking about this bowl.


    At this point, Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but think about her previous life.


    In her previous life, she lost that bowl.


    All these years, she had it hidden in that cabinet, but she had completely forgotten about it. It was around 1977 or 1979 when she found it while looking for something else. At that time, the policies had relaxed, so Zhao Guihua decided to use the bowl.


    After all, she didn''t know it was valuable, just treating it as an ordinary bowl.


    However, after using it for about two or three months, the bowl mysteriously disappeared.


    At that time, Zhao Guihua stood in the courtyard, pointing and cursing for a long time. She was sure it was Jinlai and his brothers who took it, as they were the only thieves in the courtyard.


    The kid had been stealing since he was little, and at seventeen or eighteen, he was at his peak. Zhao Guihua wasn''t angry about losing the bowl, as she didn''t know it was valuable then. She was angry that someone would steal just one bowl.


    Wasn''t that just to spite her?


    So she was certain it was Jinlai.


    In the end, she didn''t know if it was really Jinlai, as she couldn''t go to the police over a worthless bowl. And nothing else in their house was missing.


    Actually, at that time, some people suspected she had just forgotten where she put it.


    After all, why would someone steal just one worthless bowl?


    But now, the bowl was valuable.


    According to their conversation, Zhao Guihua deduced that Bai Fendou''s undamaged bowl had been sold in the black market for a bicycle ticket and the money to buy a bicycle. Or maybe he got a bicycle directly.


    Even with the tight restrictions, someone dared to buy it, which Zhao Guihua, with her rich experience, immediately guessed meant the item was more valuable. It might not be priceless, but it was definitely worth something. As for Yang Lixin''s bowl with a crack, it only got a bicycle ticket, so Zhao Guihua wasn''t sure if Bai Fendou had taken a cut.


    Actually, these details weren''t that important. The key was who the little bastard was that stole from their house. Now it was clear that the thief knew the value. Knowing the value... Bai Fendou, Yang Lixin, and the Su family.


    If Bai Fendou knew, the Su family must have known too.


    It was hard to tell who it was.


    Judging from their income, it was hard to tell.


    Jinlai''s family was used to petty theft, living a hand-to-mouth existence, so it was unreliable. As for Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin, both had regular jobs, making it hard to see if they had suddenly gotten rich.


    Zhao Guihua pondered, but she had made up her mind that she would never tell anyone about the bowl''s value again. She wouldn''t be like her previous life, taking it out without knowing, letting others benefit.


    Zhao Guihua was half-asleep, thinking about these things, when Old Man Zhuang spoke up, "Did you hide our bowl?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, I hid it."


    She added, "Don''t mention this again, or we''ll attract thieves. It could be worth a bicycle. That''s not a small amount."


    That was a bicycle, the most important bicycle.


    Besides the money for the bicycle, there was the cost of the bicycle ticket. Calculating it, this one bowl could be worth a year''s salary for an ordinary worker. And the actual value would be even higher, as the person who bought it would also profit.


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "I understand."


    He wasn''t a talkative person anyway. He sighed, "No wonder the landlord''s family was rich. Look, even a random bowl is so valuable."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Exactly."


    She pulled the quilt over herself and said, "Oh, why aren''t you sleeping yet? Go to bed early; you have to work tomorrow. I can sleep in, but you can''t."


    Old Man Zhuang smiled and said, "Will you still go mushroom picking?"


    Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment and said, "Yes!"


    She didn''t want to miss out. She said, "I''ll sleep in the morning, and in the afternoon, I won''t go up the mountain. I''ll go to a closer place with Aunt Wang."


    "You should rest too."


    "Sleep your own, don''t worry about me."


    Zhao Guihua was exhausted after a night of running and dodging. She didn''t even get up to make breakfast in the morning; Liang Meifen did it. Old Man Zhuang wasn''t in great shape either, but he still had to go to work.


    He said, "Your mom didn''t sleep well last night; she''ll sleep in the morning. Don''t wake her."


    He was talking to Liang Meifen, who nodded, thinking, why would I wake her up? Am I that bored? I don''t enjoy seeing others'' bad moods.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched his father''s expression and lowered his eyes, not asking anything. He knew not to pry into things he shouldn''t, or he''d get scolded. After all, his mom was a tigress!


    Everyone went to work as usual, and as they left the house, Zhuang Zhixi encountered a few others. It was strange, but today everyone seemed to be leaving at the same time. Normally, they would all go their separate ways, but today they were all together. However, except for Zhuang Zhixi, everyone else looked quite unhappy.


    Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin looked particularly bad, and they seemed awkward when they saw each other. Zhou Qun also had a dark expression, with a very low mood.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    One after another, they looked like they had just fallen into the toilet. Fortunately, this thought was just in Zhuang Zhixi''s mind. If he had said it out loud, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun would have exploded. That was a black history they couldn''t even mention. Zhuang Zhixi quietly followed behind the "brothers," walking together.


    He glanced back and saw a few older uncles walking side by side not far behind. The expressions on the older uncles'' faces were also quite grim. His father''s complexion was average, and even Uncle Bai looked the same.


    What was even more surprising was that Li the Cook, who usually got up early to make breakfast, was also late today, with a face as dark as ink.


    Well, he really didn''t understand these people.


    Everyone walked in silence, entering the factory one after another with the flow of people. Zhang San, who was on duty at the gate today, immediately grabbed Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Xiao Zhuang, come here."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why are you here again today?"


    Zhang San: "I volunteered for it. I like guarding the gate, watching people come and go, it''s so lively. Patrolling is boring."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "What do you want from me?"


    Zhang San curiously peeked around and whispered, "Is something going on in your courtyard? Why does everyone look so upset? Did something happen?"


    His tone was as if it were New Year''s Day.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    After thinking for a moment, he said, "I don''t know about others, but..."


    "Tell me, tell me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Our courtyard Zhou... forget it, we''re all from the same courtyard, it''s not good for me to talk about it. You should ask someone else."


    Zhang San grabbed Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t be like that, tell me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s not good to talk about."


    The more he hesitated, the more curious Zhang San became. He said, "Tell me, I won''t tell anyone. If you don''t tell me, I''ll be scratching my head. You know we''re good buddies. You can''t just leave me hanging. Come on, tell me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s really not good to talk about."


    "Tell me, tell me, I''ll treat you to lunch and get you a meat dish."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately smiled: "How can I accept that?"


    Although he said that, he quickly lowered his voice and said, "Zhou Qun''s family, they boiled eggs last night."


    Zhang San didn''t get it: "Boiling eggs? Isn''t that good?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not chicken eggs, sheep ones... you know, for a big boost!"


    Zhang San: "Holy crap!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "And the smell, it was so strong that the whole courtyard couldn''t eat. The smell was just..."


    Zhang San grimaced and whispered, "Is he really that bad?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who knows, but they''re really going all out with the boost. The day before yesterday, they ate pig kidneys, yesterday, they ate sheep testicles. Today, I don''t know what they''re eating."


    Zhang San sighed: "I never thought of that, the idea of eating like that for a boost. If I had known, I would have..." He stopped abruptly, coughed twice, and said, "No, no, I don''t need a boost, don''t misunderstand."


    Zhuang Zhixi seriously said, "Don''t worry, I won''t misunderstand."


    Zhang San: "Right, right, I knew you were wise and wouldn''t misunderstand. Oh, wait, does that stuff really smell that bad?"


    Zhuang Zhixi thought carefully and said cautiously, "Under normal circumstances, it shouldn''t smell that bad. If it did, would that be possible? Would that make sense? I don''t think so, so I guess our courtyard smelled so bad because they must have done something wrong or added some weird stuff."


    Zhang San: "..."


    He blinked and felt he had to keep an eye on Zhou Qun. Maybe this shape-boosting method was particularly effective.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, I''ve told you the gossip, I don''t know about others. I have to go to the propaganda department, it''s quite busy there."


    "Alright, alright."


    Zhang San murmured: "Where can I buy eggs..."


    But soon, Zhang San immediately called out to Li Si: "Old Li, Old Li, I know some gossip. You know Zhou Qun, right... the young and promising one from the electrical department..."


    This "young and promising" was a sarcastic remark from the security department. Ever since Zhou Qun''s mother made a fuss about "promoting her son and firing people," Zhou Qun''s reputation in the security department became quite dubious.


    After all, they were going to fire them. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What''s wrong with that guy?"


    "He''s not good..."


    "Ah, not good? Are you kidding? I just saw him, his complexion is a bit off, but you can''t say he''s not good. He''s still alive..."


    "No, I mean that aspect, the one about having kids. Probably got beaten up by Bai Fendou and is now boosting with shape-boosting foods... kidneys, testicles, all that! Big boost!"


    "Ah, really? Is that true?"


    "My first-hand information, more true than a needle''s tip!"


    "Oh man, I have to tell Wang Ermazi..."


    Zhang San, Li Si, Wang Ermazi... the security department is truly the hub of gossip.


    Not to mention Zhuang Zhixi gossiping about others, if he didn''t, others would. After all, their courtyard had over a hundred people, and many from nearby courtyards came to watch too.


    Not to mention anything else, the smell from this morning hadn''t even dispersed yet.


    It was truly soul-stirring!


    It was deadly soul-stirring!


    It''s a pity that their courtyard was quite miserable, with such an incident every few days. The smell was... Ai, couldn''t be imagined, couldn''t be described. In just half a morning, the news spread throughout the factory.


    "Hey, did you hear? The electrical department''s Zhou Qun, do you know why he doesn''t go home after work and stays to work overtime?"


    "To serve the people?"


    "What, he''s afraid to face his wife because he''s, well, useless."


    "Ah? Really? How did he become useless? Got beaten up by Bai Fendou?"


    "Of course, he was hospitalized for so long, if it wasn''t serious, how could it be?"


    "Right, right, Jiang Lu is not easy, young and already a widow."


    "That''s right, I heard his mother admitted it, they''re eating eggs to boost!"


    "This man, if he''s not good in that aspect, it''s really too bad. Hey, does that stuff really boost that much? I thought only that part (can''t say it) was good for boosting."


    "That''s true, but it''s hard to buy, being able to get eggs is already good."


    "That''s true."


    Zhou Qun today felt the atmosphere was strange. It seemed like everyone looked at him with a hint of sympathy. He was quite puzzled. Could it be that the incident of his mother making the whole courtyard smell bad yesterday had spread?


    These gossipers, they spread everything so quickly.


    But he was indeed in a bad mood today. After eating the testicles yesterday, he thought he could perform well, but unexpectedly, he went from five seconds to three seconds. This huge two-second gap must be Bai Fendou''s fault. If it weren''t for Bai Fendou injuring his waist, he wouldn''t be like this.


    When Zhou Qun encountered Bai Fendou at the factory, his gaze was murderous.


    Bai Fendou, however, didn''t notice and teased, "Hey, Zhou Qun, the egg man, is here."


    Please refer to the homophonic pun.


    Zhou Qun: "..."


    He glared at Bai Fendou with hatred. Bai Fendou laughed: "Hey, don''t look at me like that. I didn''t lie, what did that stuff taste like? How could you eat it with that smell?"


    Zhou Qun''s chest heaved with anger. He clenched his fists, wanting to hit Bai Fendou with a hammer to teach him a lesson about slandering him!


    Zhuang Zhixi''s little gossip, though he dared not bring it up in front of the parties involved, but it must be said that Bai Fendou is a brave man who faces the harsh reality of revenge head-on. He unceremoniously went straight to Zhou Qun and gave him a nickname.


    It must be said, this nickname is really something.


    Just like the smell from last night.


    Zhou Qun tried his best to control himself and said coldly, "You wait, I won''t let you off easily!"


    He wasn''t rash enough to fight in the factory.


    Bai Fendou was arrogant: "Oh, you want to hit me? Come on, come on, do you think I''m scared of you? When have I, Bai Fendou, ever been a coward in a fight? If I beg for mercy even once, consider me a turtle egg! Come on, do you think I''m scared of you?"


    Seeing Bai Fendou''s brazen attitude, Zhou Qun''s face turned even more grim.


    He stared at Bai Fendou fiercely for a long time, then suddenly smiled lightly, turned around, and left.


    Bai Fendou: "Hey?"


    Why did he just leave like that?


    This guy really can''t do anything right, not even daring to make a bold threat, what a waste.


    A man like this can still get a wife, it''s like the heavens have gone blind!


    Bai Fendou won the verbal battle against Zhou Qun and strolled around proudly, unaware that Zhou Qun had already gone to the workshop with a toolbox. He came to fix the electrical circuits. Although everyone''s eyes were uncomfortable, with a hint of strangeness, Zhou Qun endured it.


    A small lack of patience can ruin a great plan.


    As he finished fixing the circuits and left, he deliberately passed by Wang Xiangxiu''s side and whispered, "I''ll wait for you at the warehouse at noon."


    Wang Xiangxiu was startled, then continued working as if nothing had happened, but her hand quietly reached back and touched Zhou Qun, signaling she understood. Zhou Qun left silently as if nothing had happened.


    Heh, Bai Fendou, you''ve offended me.


    You''ve offended me, so I''ll sleep with the woman you desire but can''t have.


    The woman you worship as a goddess will still serve me!


    He sneered coldly, thinking: You''re nothing, even if you end up with Wang Xiangxiu, you''ll just be wearing the old shoes I''ve discarded! The ones I don''t want!


    He left sinisterly and saw Zhuang Zhixi mingling with a few guys from the security department during lunch, his face darkened again.


    He had a deep dislike for the security department, after all, they had detained his mother for several days and were also backbiting him behind his back, calling him "young and promising." It was a compliment, but it didn''t sit well with him! As someone from the same courtyard, Zhuang Zhixi should be on his side, but this guy was actually hanging out with the security department, showing no sincerity in sticking together.


    Sooner or later, he would also be able to seduce Zhuang Zhixi''s wife.


    He, Zhou Qun, had always been successful with women, never missing a shot!


    He just didn''t believe it.


    Aliali: 675e95b59234b3e7f2f07a3d


    Zhou Qun finished his meal slowly and got up to leave. He looked towards the distance and met Wang Xiangxiu''s gaze. Wang Xiangxiu also pretended to have finished eating and said with a smile, "I''m done, I''ll head back first."


    "But you still have..."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "It''s for the kids, my family isn''t as well off as yours."


    Everyone sighed: "You really have it tough."


    Wang Xiangxiu looked sad: "What can I do? They''ll grow up and things will get better."


    "Yes, you have three boys, they''ll grow up and you''ll enjoy the benefits."


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled and walked out.


    She and Zhou Qun left the cafeteria one after the other.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    What did he just see?

 Chapter 61

    Zhuang Zhixi swore that he, as a righteous young man, had no intention of sneaking a peek at these sordid affairs.However, when he looked up, he happened to catch a glimpse of Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu''s "sizzling" glance, which was so electric that it seemed to spark with lightning. He shuddered, finding it quite eye-burning, although the term wasn''t in vogue yet, Zhuang Zhixi could already feel its meaning intuitively.


    He let out a low "tch," though he was curious, he still had some boundaries. If others hadn''t provoked him, he wouldn''t expose their sordid affairs. But if someone did provoke him, then sorry, you do the first, I''ll do the fifteenth.


    Just as he was about to lower his head to continue eating, he saw Yang Lixin suddenly stand up and follow them out...


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: "This..."


    If you were to talk about it, their courtyard really was full of extraordinary people. He had originally thought Yang Lixin was quite steady, but it turns out, he''s not exactly a dim light. However, Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin''s relationship was still quite good.


    Although Bai Fendou always said that Yang Lixin wasn''t a true man from Beijing, not very manly.


    But Zhuang Zhixi felt that Yang Lixin''s lack of arrogance wasn''t necessarily a bad thing, and everyone has their own little thoughts.


    He silently smiled, continuing to eat, not meddling in others'' affairs. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Anyway, it must be related to last night''s incident. Although he didn''t know what happened last night, Zhuang Zhixi knew that their family''s Zhao Guihua must have been aware, and she wouldn''t have stayed up for nothing.


    He planned to inquire about it curiously when he got home in the evening.


    Zhuang Zhixi hummed a little tune, happily engrossed in his own world, when he saw Director Song dash into the canteen, spotting Zhuang Zhixi immediately and coming over: "Xiao Zhuang, come with me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    What?


    He quickly closed his lunchbox and followed, asking: "Director, what''s the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"


    Director Song: "Xiao He, the one who plays the movies, fell on his way to the countryside this morning, breaking his leg!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ah!"


    Director Song: "I''ve seen him, and with a broken bone, it takes at least a hundred days to heal. He''ll need a long rest, and the countryside movie showings can wait, but the Labor Day afternoon movie for the factory workers can''t."


    Normally, they could borrow someone from another unit, but that day every factory would be busy with their own affairs, so they couldn''t help. We have to find someone to fill in. Director Song: "I''ve talked to Xiao He, you''ll take his place. These days, you''ll go to the hospital to learn from him for two hours every day. Absolutely can''t mess this up."


    Zhuang Zhixi finally understood the situation, though understanding didn''t mean he wasn''t nervous. He said: "Director, is this easy to learn? There''s only half a month left, I''m already hosting and participating in performances, now I have to learn how to play movies. Even if I were a monkey, I couldn''t do seventy-two transformations. I can''t handle it all."


    Director Song: "Do your best to coordinate your time, young man, take on more."


    He was also in a bind. He would have preferred someone else from their propaganda department to learn this movie-playing skill, so they could cover for each other if needed. But Xiao He was hesitant and unwilling. After all, this was a skill, and he didn''t want others to share the benefits. If someone learned it, they might replace him.


    Although they each had their roles in the propaganda department, playing movies was a bit different from regular clerical work. There were perks to it; when they went to the countryside to play movies, which village wouldn''t treat them well?


    So Xiao He definitely didn''t want to teach his craft, creating a rival for himself without even a teacher-student relationship. He wouldn''t be doing a good deed for nothing. Xiao He definitely didn''t want to, but if he dragged his feet and messed up the factory''s plans, he knew the factory would likely make an example of him, so he made a quick decision.


    He chose someone unexpected yet somewhat expected by Director Song¡ªZhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi had no connections, so he couldn''t be transferred to the propaganda department. Learning to play movies would only allow him to fill in, not replace Xiao He. As for filling in, Xiao He wasn''t too concerned; it wouldn''t give Zhuang Zhixi any advantage over him.


    So he strongly recommended Zhuang Zhixi to Director Song. As a leader, Director Song didn''t care about Xiao He''s thoughts; he just wanted the matter to be resolved satisfactorily. After all, they hadn''t had such a big event in years, and if they messed it up now, it would show their work wasn''t up to par.


    Director Song: "Xiao He is willing to teach you, but you also need to study hard. Skills like these, the more you learn, the better."


    Zhuang Zhixi was clear about the situation, but after a moment''s hesitation, he nodded immediately: "Alright, Director, don''t worry, I''ll study hard."


    Although all these tasks fell on an "outsider" like him, Zhuang Zhixi felt that Director Song was right. Learning this skill was always good, and others didn''t even have this opportunity.


    Opportunities like this weren''t common.


    "I''ll take you there, don''t worry, Xiao He will definitely teach you wholeheartedly, you don''t need to worry about that," he reassured Zhuang Zhixi. Whether it was Zhuang Zhixi or Xiao He, if anyone played tricks on such an important matter, he certainly wouldn''t let it slide.


    Everyone understood this, so they all behaved.


    "Even though you''re learning to play movies, our work here can''t slack off."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, and as they walked and talked, they saw Yang Lixin looking utterly disoriented, almost as if he didn''t see them as he drifted past. Director Song certainly didn''t recognize someone like Yang Lixin, but Zhuang Zhixi curiously glanced at him, wondering what was wrong with him.


    Didn''t this guy just follow Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu''s footsteps out?


    Why the sudden change in expression?


    On the other hand, Zhuang Zhixi was chatting with Director Song when Yang Lixin indeed followed Wang Xiangxiu out. Yang Lixin had his own considerations; he always felt that Bai Fendou had taken advantage of him in this matter.


    He had thought carefully about his own plate, or rather, bowl, which indeed had a tiny crack, so small it was barely noticeable unless pointed out. He felt that such a small crack couldn''t possibly have such a big impact.


    He truly believed that a tiny crack couldn''t possibly cause such a huge effect as a bicycle and a bicycle ticket.


    Not just him, even his father-in-law, Li the Cook, thought it was absolutely impossible. Bai Fendou was definitely embezzling. What a dishonest person, just like Jinlai''s father, most likely.


    In short, both Yang Lixin and Li the Cook were in a bad mood.


    Although they got a bicycle ticket, Li the Cook wasn''t in a hurry to buy a bike. Instead, he arranged for Yang Lixin to keep an eye on Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu, and whenever they were together, he had to tail them.


    They didn''t believe that there was a cat that didn''t like fishy food. Bai Fendou had done so much for Wang Xiangxiu, and Li the Cook''s idea was to catch them in the act and then force Bai Fendou to reveal the truth.


    That was their plan.


    So Yang Lixin followed Wang Xiangxiu.


    To be honest, Zhuang Zhixi saw that Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu exchanged glances, but Yang Lixin didn''t see it. He really didn''t see it. He followed Wang Xiangxiu because he hadn''t seen Bai Fendou today.


    That was normal; Bai Fendou hadn''t slept well last night, so he was catching up on sleep during lunchtime and didn''t come to eat. But Yang Lixin didn''t know that, and seeing Wang Xiangxiu leave hastily without finishing her meal, he thought she was going to bring food to Bai Fendou, so he immediately followed...


    It was a beautiful misunderstanding that would make Bai Fendou happy, but... things weren''t as they seemed.


    Yang Lixin quietly followed Wang Xiangxiu, watching her go to the small warehouse, his spirits immediately lifted.


    Ah, ah ah, ah ah ah!


    If there weren''t something fishy going on, who would believe it? If you want to find Bai Fendou, just go to the security department. Why come to the warehouse? You, a woman, sneakily coming to an unused small warehouse¡ªwhat are you up to? It''s quite obvious.


    Yang Lixin, upon seeing this situation, almost without hesitation, moved closer.


    At the same time, Zhou Qun embraced Wang Xiangxiu. As soon as Wang Xiangxiu entered, she put down her bag and smiled charmingly, "Qun Ge~"


    Her voice twisted and turned, soft and tender.


    She coyly dodged, saying, "You rascal, aren''t you afraid your wife will see? She''s also in the factory."


    Yang Lixin: "???"


    Wife? Whose wife? Bai Fendou doesn''t have a wife!


    If Bai Fendou had a wife, would he be following you, a widow, around?


    Yang Lixin, realizing later, quickly caught on¡ªno, this isn''t Bai Fendou.


    If it were Bai Fendou, this conversation wouldn''t make sense.


    But the small warehouse had no windows, so he couldn''t see, only listened intently.


    Just as Yang Lixin was pondering who this man could be, the man spoke, leaving Yang Lixin stunned.


    "That old hen who can''t lay eggs, dares to control me?" Zhou Qun pinched Wang Xiangxiu, with a lewd smile, "I miss you."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You scoundrel... Do you think I don''t miss you? Seeing you hurt, my heart aches so much. Feel it, it''s throbbing with pain. But how could I dare to come to you? Your wife, Jiang Lu, would tear me apart. You''re also heartless, saying you like my son. He just stole a little something from you; look how you beat him!"


    Wang Xiangxiu complained coquettishly. She remembered this man had hit her son; other things didn''t matter, but this did.


    Zhou Qun''s eyes flashed with disdain. This Wang Xiangxiu is a bit too audacious. Does she think she can manipulate him?


    He patted her and said, "I don''t care if my son steals from others, but not from my home. Even rabbits don''t eat the grass near their nest. How dare your son steal from his wild father?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned, then blushed, "What are you talking about, wild father? That sounds so unpleasant... Ah~ Oh~"


    Soon, sounds echoed from the small warehouse.


    Yang Lixin: Who am I? Where am I? What''s happening?


    He never expected that the man meeting Wang Xiangxiu in the small warehouse would be Zhou Qun. Even if he thought about it a thousand times, it wouldn''t be Zhou Qun. Although he didn''t like Zhou Qun''s pretentiousness, everyone knew Zhou Qun was deeply in love with Jiang Lu. So what''s going on here?


    Even if he said it, no one would believe it.


    Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu have been secretly involved.


    Oh, what about Bai Fendou?


    In that instant, Yang Lixin felt he shouldn''t blame Bai Fendou. The guy was too pitiful. He spent money and effort around Wang Xiangxiu, not even allowed to touch her hand, but look at them now. Not just touching hands, it''s all... well, you know.


    He pursed his lips, hesitating whether to call his father-in-law to come see, so the old man wouldn''t disbelieve it.


    Just as he hesitated and hadn''t turned around, he heard rustling sounds inside, then quickly, everything returned to normal, as if the battle was over.


    Yang Lixin: "???"


    Oh, they''re done?


    So soon?


    Yang Lixin was stupefied. He felt the whole thing couldn''t have taken five seconds. It was over as quickly as a fart.


    At that moment, Yang Lixin finally understood why Jiang Lu hadn''t had a child!


    At that moment, Yang Lixin also understood why Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu hadn''t been caught.


    He was so quick, how could they be discovered? Who would think such a thing could be done in seconds? From start to finish, including small talk, it didn''t even take a minute. No one could accuse them of fooling around!


    After all, who would expect such speed?


    Seeing the two were about to come out, Yang Lixin quickly ran away. Walking back, he was in a daze. Today''s information was too much.


    He thought he knew everything about the courtyard, but now reality told him, there were things he didn''t know.


    He didn''t see Director Song and Zhuang Zhixi coming towards him. With a vague step, he headed to the canteen.


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his state, wondered what he had seen to be so shocked.


    Director Song didn''t care about Yang Lixin, considering him unimportant. He stopped and said, "I''m going to the restroom. Wait for me in the office."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    Director Song, busy today, ate hurriedly. His stomach wasn''t good, so he immediately needed to use the restroom. Director Song left, and Zhuang Zhixi hesitated, looking towards the small warehouse not far away.


    He felt a bit curious.


    He didn''t intend to watch the gossip, but... seeing Yang Lixin so shocked, he really wanted to know.


    Curiosity killed the cat.


    Zhuang Zhixi, not understanding this, hesitated for a second and quickly moved closer. Just as he arrived, he heard the door opening. Zhuang Zhixi was startled. He might get caught in the act of nosiness.


    He arrived at the worst possible time.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t have time to feel sorry for himself. He quickly hid behind the nearest cover, though it wasn''t very good. But it was the only place available.


    Zhuang Zhixi again lamented why he had come here to watch the fun. Knowing Yang Lixin had left, it must be over. Poor him, coming here unaware, now trapped.


    Zhuang Zhixi hid behind a wooden board, holding his breath.


    If you think about it, Zhuang Zhixi''s luck was both bad and good. He quickly hid, and Wang Xiangxiu didn''t come out as quickly as he thought. Instead, she and Zhou Qun cooed a bit more. She said, "Qun Ge, it''s almost Labor Day, and the factory is busy with overtime. My body can''t take it. Can you get me some meat coupons? To replenish my strength?"


    She cooed, "Otherwise, I won''t have the energy to be with you. You''re so amazing, it''s too tiring."


    Zhou Qun, hearing this, showed some pride. He loved hearing such words, but he wasn''t the type to give a woman everything she wanted. He coughed and said, "Didn''t I give you money? You can buy some yourself. The factory''s meat coupons are limited; how could I not take them home?"


    Pausing, he added meaningfully, "You can ask Bai Fendou."


    Wang Xiangxiu cursed inwardly, hating this stingy man, but said, "I have nothing with him. I treat him like a brother. You don''t think I''d like him when I have you?"


    Zhou Qun believed this, knowing after experiencing him, she wouldn''t fancy Bai Fendou.


    He was generous, but not at the expense of his own life. Jiang Lu was still useful.


    He said, "That''s different. Buy it yourself; I didn''t not give you money. Three yuan can buy a lot."


    Jiang Lu bit her lip, thinking why not five yuan? A stingy dog, with such a high salary, holding all the money, not willing to give her more. Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip. Just then, footsteps sounded from afar. Wang Xiangxiu, not having time to say goodbye, quickly moved away from Zhou Qun and left hurriedly, not even looking around.


    This actually helped Zhuang Zhixi, as if she had left slowly, she might have seen him. Hiding here wasn''t very secure.


    Although Wang Xiangxiu left, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t dare relax, as Zhou Qun was still there.


    Zhou Qun stood still, letting out a cold snort, and said, "What a trashy piece of work. If it weren''t for passing the time and showing Bai Fendou some color, do you think I''d even look at you?" Wang Xiangxiu was quite attractive, with a nice figure, standing out slightly plump among the crowd of skinny women, exuding a bit of charm.


    She could be said to be better looking than Jiang Lu.


    Zhou Qun sought out Wang Xiangxiu for this very reason.


    However, although Zhou Qun still sought her for her looks, he inwardly despised Wang Xiangxiu. In his eyes, Wang Xiangxiu was no different from those half-closed doors of the liberation era. They were all in the same line of work.


    He sneered, saying, "Once I hook up with Ming Mei, I''ll dump you!"


    Zhou Qun had thought it through thoroughly. He believed that a man like him, with a respectable job, good prospects, and a high salary, could afford to have more choices. Women like Ming Mei, who were naive and inexperienced, could be easily swayed with a bit of money.


    Wasn''t Wang Xiangxiu like that?


    A little bit of money was enough to make her throw herself at him.


    The green hat, not only firmly placed on the head of the deceased Su family''s son, but also securely on Bai Fendou''s head, was impossible to remove. He chuckled softly, feeling quite satisfied.


    He became even more smug, the next target being Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhou Qun thought that among the people in their courtyard, Zhuang Zhixi had the best taste in wives. Zhuang Zhixi''s wife had such a pretty face. With no one around, he let out a lewd laugh, unaware that Zhuang Zhixi''s face had darkened.


    "First, I''ll bump into her on her way home from work," he muttered to himself. "Then I''ll buy her some snacks, acting nonchalant. No one can resist that move..." Times were tough, and this was a very effective tactic. Didn''t he use this to hook up with Wang Xiangxiu?


    It wasn''t hard at all.


    Zhou Qun sauntered away, while Zhuang Zhixi glared coldly at his back, feeling as if ice were forming all over his body.


    He really couldn''t understand how there could be such a disgusting creature in this world.


    Zhou Qun''s affairs with Wang Xiangxiu were none of Zhuang Zhixi''s business, but now Zhou Qun was targeting his wife? Despite his outwardly righteous appearance, he was so utterly despicable behind the scenes.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s expression grew even darker. He pursed his lips, feeling that some people really needed to be taught a lesson.


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t know the meaning of the saying, "Don''t bite off more than you can chew," thinking they could mess with anyone.


    Zhuang Zhixi let out a cold laugh and turned to leave this trouble-ridden place. However, as he turned, he froze.


    Oh, it was like the saying, "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind," and there was a live performance right here.


    He had eavesdropped on Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu, and someone else had been watching him.


    Fortunately... it was someone he knew!


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately felt wronged: "Grandpa!"


    Who would have thought it was Lan Sihai.


    Lan Sihai looked at Zhuang Zhixi''s expression and said, "Follow me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi followed Lan Sihai to the empty front courtyard, found a tree, and the two crouched down. Lan Sihai took out a cigarette: "Want one?"


    Oh, it was a Daqianmen.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "I don''t smoke."


    He spent his money on snacks and meals, not on things that weren''t edible or drinkable. So Zhuang Zhixi, unlike most men at the factory, didn''t smoke. He squatted on the ground and said, "Grandpa, you heard everything, right?"


    Lan Sihai hummed in acknowledgment. Having lived a long life and seen many ups and downs, he wasn''t surprised by such things. He was very calm, completely different from Zhuang Zhixi, who was clearly inexperienced in the variety of human behavior.


    Lan Sihai: "I''ve been in that warehouse all along."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow!"


    So the old man had watched the whole thing?


    Zhuang Zhixi was a bit curious, but also embarrassed, after all, gossiping with an elder about a neighbor''s scandal was awkward.


    But Grandpa Lan said, "You don''t need to be so angry."


    Having watched the whole scene, he naturally heard what Zhou Qun had said. The man actually wanted to covet his granddaughter. This made Grandpa Lan very upset. He had lived so long and never had anyone try to scheme against him. This guy really thought too highly of himself.


    Grandpa Lan was still calm, but Zhuang Zhixi was truly angry. He said, "Grandpa, how can I not be angry? Look at what kind of person he is. We live in the same courtyard, and although we''re a decade apart, we can still be considered childhood friends. But look at the disgusting things he''s done. He''s secretly scheming against my wife, and he underestimates her so much! A few snacks and he thinks he can buy her over. He really thinks too highly of himself. If I don''t teach him a lesson, I''m not a man."


    Grandpa Lan: "Teaching a lesson is indeed necessary, but you should think carefully about how to do it."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately said, "I''m not the type to wait three years to take revenge. I take it on the spot, no overnight waiting."


    Grandpa Lan glared: "What do you mean, do you think I''m the type to wait? You little brat, can''t you let me finish? My point is, if you''re going to teach a lesson, do it thoroughly. But you can''t just hit him. If you do, it''ll blow up and implicate you. Even if you''re teaching someone a lesson, you have to protect yourself. I''m good at this kind of thing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Grandpa Lan: "What are you looking at? This time, follow my lead."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Grandpa Lan: "I can see that you''re not a good bird either, but you lack social experience. You don''t know how to read people''s minds."


    Zhuang Zhixi earnestly sought advice: "Grandpa, then what should we do? How should we teach him a lesson more appropriately?"


    Grandpa Lan smiled slightly and said, "When you do something bad, you have to make good use of external factors. For example... isn''t there a rumor that the public toilet in our alley is haunted?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hey, what haunted? Outsiders don''t know, but I do. It''s just that my sister-in-law, Liang Meifen, often goes to the toilet to cry in secret."


    In fact, not everyone in their family knew this. His simple-minded father and upright older brother were completely unaware of the origin of this story being Liang Meifen. But for Zhao Guihua, who knew everything about the family, and Zhuang Zhixi, who was sharp-eyed, there was no suspense at all.


    Grandpa Lan, after hearing such a big secret, wasn''t too surprised. Instead, he said directly, "That''s not important. The important thing is that there is indeed such a rumor."


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly understood: "You want to use this rumor?"


    Grandpa Lan nodded and said, "Exactly."


    He said slowly: "When you deal with someone, it''s not about physically harming them, beating them up or scolding them. Although it might make them uncomfortable, what kind of follow-up effect does it have? They might even seize the opportunity to play the victim. That wouldn''t be worth it."


    He spoke earnestly: "Come, since you''re my granddaughter''s husband, I''ll teach you some tricks to deal with people. When you deal with someone, you have to attack their heart! For example, what does Zhou Qun care about the most?"


    "Children, reputation," Zhuang Zhixi immediately replied.


    He was aware of this.


    Grandpa Lan: "He doesn''t have children, so using that to attack him is useless. But reputation, that''s something."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Expose his affair with Wang Xiangxiu?"


    Grandpa Lan shook his head again, saying, "He''s too fast, just a few seconds. By the time you call people, he''s already done. But if you block him in advance, you''ll implicate yourself. You still need to work here, and if you get involved in this and people start to be wary of you, it''s not good. Colleagues are actually quite wary of exposing each other''s faults. This isn''t just gossiping, it''s a big deal, and it''s not good for yourself. No matter when, you have to consider yourself when doing something bad."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ve learned."


    Grandpa Lan: "Alright. This time, just follow my lead. Watch how I do it, and you''ll know how to attack the heart without killing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Grandpa Lan: "Damn it, they actually schemed against our family. They really didn''t bother to find out who I am."


    He coughed and said, "Do you have any way to get a white bedsheet?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, we have them in the factory clinic."


    Grandpa Lan: "That won''t do. If something goes missing from the clinic and people later connect the dots, it''ll be problematic. What I mean is... forget it, I''ll prepare it myself."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh no, I can get one. I have connections in the hospital. I can get a bedsheet without anyone knowing."


    Teacher Xiang can help.


    Grandpa Lan glanced at him: "So you''re asking for help again, huh?"


    Before Zhuang Zhixi could respond, he continued, "Didn''t I tell you, when doing something bad, you can''t leave any loose ends. Not even with someone you trust." He sighed, "You, you look clever, but you haven''t really done anything bad."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Wait, how many bad things have you done?


    So experienced?


    He thought he was quite cunning, but Grandpa Lan was hitting him from every angle. Zhuang Zhixi began to wonder if he was really just a simple, innocent person.


    Lan Sihai: "Bedsheet, phosphorus powder, have Ming Mei come see me. Such a difficult trick, you can''t do it, but Ming Mei can."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright!"


    At the same time, he asked, "I''ll find these things, otherwise I feel like I''m not doing anything."


    Lan Sihai: "No need, I have connections."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    How long has Lan Sihai been in Beijing, and he already has connections like this? Zhuang Zhixi deeply felt that he was indeed a simple young man.


    Grandpa Lan: "You go pick up Ming Mei today, and we''ll go out for dinner tonight to discuss."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright!"


    He also thought this was a good idea. There are too many eyes in the courtyard, it''s better to discuss doing bad things outside.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This unlucky bastard, deserves a lesson."


    Lan Sihai: "I don''t care about others, but anyone who wrongs our Lan family will get their comeuppance!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. This time it wasn''t the cold, angry laugh from before, but one with a bit of sincerity.


    "Xiao Zhuang, Xiao Zhuang, Director Song is looking for you everywhere, why are you still chatting here? Master Lan, you''re here too." Xiao Li from the propaganda department was looking for someone and finally found Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi slapped his head: "Look at my terrible memory, I forgot about Director Song!"


    He immediately stood up: "Grandpa, I''ll go first."


    Lan Sihai: "Go ahead and take care of your business."


    Zhuang Zhixi hurried away with Xiao Li from the propaganda department.


    Lan Sihai still squatted under the tree smoking. He had finished lunch today and wanted to find a place to take a nap. The workshop could do, but there were people around and noises. He sleeps lightly, so he wanted a quieter place. People at the factory knew the small storage room was unused, so they told him about it.


    Lan Sihai went there, found a comfortable position, and was about to sleep.


    Just as he was about to, he heard footsteps outside, accompanied by sneaky laughter. Clearly not someone good, despite his age, Grandpa Lan moved quickly and hid in an empty cabinet.


    But as soon as he hid, he regretted it. Why did he hide? He was just here to sleep, nothing to hide.


    Now that he was hidden, if someone saw him, it would be hard to explain. But since he was already in, he could only hold his breath, hoping not to be found. Otherwise, his reputation...


    He was thinking.


    Then he heard the people who entered talking. No need to guess, it was Zhou Qun, recognized by Grandpa Lan.


    After all, they lived in the same courtyard, familiar voice!


    With no one around, Zhou Qun shed his hypocritical mask and was quite proud, boasting, "Bai Fendou, you want to show off with me? I''ll sleep with your beloved."


    He was quite proud of this.


    Grandpa Lan in the cabinet smirked, not very manly.


    He was thinking, Wang Xiangxiu entered, surprisingly fast. She was delayed for a while but arrived not late. The two quickly got cozy.


    Grandpa Lan: "..."


    He shouldn''t have hidden, he should''ve let Zhou Qun see him sleeping here. Then Zhou Qun would''ve left.


    Now, he didn''t have to suffer this.


    Although he''s been married several times and experienced a lot, seeing young people so lively annoyed him. What the hell is this, huh?


    He retracted the words "lively and vigorous."


    Lan Sihai felt those words didn''t suit Zhou Qun at all. This was so quick?


    Zhou Qun now embraced Wang Xiangxiu and said, "When are you going to marry Bai Fendou?"


    If Wang Xiangxiu married Bai Fendou, it would be even better. Then he would truly have put that green hat on him!


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t important, Bai Fendou was.


    Wang Xiangxiu was buttoning her clothes, hearing this, she turned back in surprise, coquettishly said, "What nonsense are you talking? I won''t marry him, I don''t like him. You know, my heart is only for you."


    Testing my loyalty to you?


    I''ll say what you want to hear.


    Zhou Qun is generous, giving several yuan each time, and doesn''t require much effort. She still wants to keep this person.


    Testing me?


    I won''t fall for it!


    "My heart is only for you, didn''t I say? Between me and him, it''s like brother and sister. I know he likes me, but so what, I don''t like him. I will never do anything to betray you."


    Zhou Qun looked at her: "You..."


    Wang Xiangxiu was wronged: "Do you still doubt me? Don''t you know my heart?"


    She looked pitifully: "I still love you so much."


    Zhou Qun awkwardly said: "Look, why are your eyes red? I know you like me, I was just asking casually. Bai Fendou is deeply in love with you."


    "Deeply in love or not, I don''t care for him." Wang Xiangxiu was a bit pretentious: "Besides, if he really likes me, he shouldn''t be dating, he should wait for me forever. But he didn''t, how can I trust him? I don''t love him, and without trust, I can''t be with him. If he truly loves me deeply and sincerely, I might consider giving him a chance, but he''s not pure! I don''t love him, just want him to be pure and good to me. If he can''t give his whole heart, how can I be with him. I''d rather be with you without a name or status."


    Zhou Qun sneered, he knew Wang Xiangxiu well. They''ve slept in the same bed.


    He saw through her, Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t a good person, she was dragging Bai Fendou along but not marrying him. Because if they married, she couldn''t make money from others, she wanted a whole forest, not just one tree like Bai Fendou.


    But she wouldn''t let go of Bai Fendou, this fat sheep.


    Even Zhou Qun had to admit Wang Xiangxiu''s ruthlessness, thinking this woman was a viper.


    But it was Bai Fendou who suffered, and he was happy. This way, Bai Fendou staying single forever was good. Who asked him to hurt his kidney. This was a deep grudge!


    Better to let him seek and never get, stay single forever, really satisfying.


    He smiled and said, "Remember your words, don''t marry him."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes flickered, she coquettishly said, "Alright~ I''m devoted to you, you better remember my good."


    Zhou Qun nodded: "Am I not good to you? Every time, haven''t I treated you well?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I know you''re sincere to me."


    The two of them indulged in a couple more affectionate exchanges before Wang Xiangxiu decided it was time to leave. "Let''s go back," she said. "If we stay here any longer, others might notice something''s off."


    Zhou Qun nodded in agreement and they both headed out the door. Once they were out and the door was securely closed, Lan Sihai, the old man, emerged from the cabinet. He furrowed his brow, standing by the door, ready to wait until the couple was far enough away. But to his surprise, although they did walk far, he overheard Zhou Qun expressing his interest in his granddaughter. This... was the old man courting disaster, wasn''t he?


    He stepped out, and Zhou Qun, unaware of his presence, left with a smug look on his face. However, Lan Sihai spotted his grandson-in-law hiding in the corner.


    It was clear that the drama between Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu had quite an audience today.


    Although Lan Sihai didn''t show much concern for Zhuang Zhixi, he actually quite approved of his grandson-in-law. The young man wasn''t so rigid and conventional. Lan Sihai didn''t particularly like conventional people.


    So, he decided to take the young man along for a "revenge mission." He wanted to show Zhuang Zhixi the harsh realities of the world and the true meaning of the phrase "old and cunning."


    With his hands behind his back, he returned to the workshop...


    So what if it was just Zhou Qun?


    Didn''t he want to save face?


    Lan Sihai was determined to tear that face off and stomp on it, leaving Zhou Qun with no face to show to anyone in the future.


    *******


    Every day at work was a hard day''s work.


    Ming Mei, after finishing her shift, pushed her bicycle out the door, ready to ride fast and free.


    As she approached the gate, she saw two familiar faces. Ming Mei was taken aback and then smiled, waving, "Grandpa, Zhixi ge."


    She hurried over and asked, "Why did you both come to pick me up?"


    Ming Mei''s smile was radiant, filled with joy.


    Zhuang Zhixi ruffled her hair and said, "Because I missed you, so I came to pick you up."


    Ming Mei''s smile grew even brighter. "How much did you miss me? A lot?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, a lot."


    Their eyes sparkled, and Lan Sihai, standing beside them, couldn''t help but think, "These young people nowadays are so frivolous and slick."


    However, Ming Mei seemed to enjoy it. She said, "Then how much did you miss me? A lot?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, a lot."


    Their eyes were both shining brightly. Lan Sihai coughed, "You two, pay attention to the public image. This is outside, stop fooling around! Let''s go, I''ll treat you to dinner."


    Ming Mei: "Ah?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s go, let''s eat like a rich man."


    Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi''s waist, causing him to yelp, "Ah!"


    Ming Mei: "How dare you talk like that, this is my grandpa!"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately showed a very apologetic expression and said, "I was wrong just now, Grandpa, please forgive me."


    The old man gave them a sidelong glance and said, "Stop making a scene, hurry up and get on the bike, or there won''t be any good food left."


    "Right, right, right."


    "Where are we going to eat?"


    Lan Sihai: "Donglaishun."


    Ever since he came to Beijing, he had fallen in love with Donglaishun.


    "Oh, that''s great, let''s go, go, go!"


    Zhuang Zhixi carried Ming Mei on his bike, while Lan Sihai rode his own. It was clear they were family. Lan Sihai''s cycling style was identical to Ming Mei''s, fast and smooth.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hey, I can''t keep up with Grandpa?"


    He sped up.


    Ming Mei: "Faster, faster! Zhixi ge, can you do it?"


    Aliali: 675e95b59234b3e7f2f07a3d


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Watch me catch up in a second."


    "Stop bragging and hurry up!"


    The three of them, on two bicycles, quickly sped off.


    Ming Mei''s laughter was particularly crisp. She shouted, "Zhixi ge, did you tell your mother we''re going out to eat?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, I had my dad pass the message. Don''t worry."


    Ming Mei was delighted: "I love eating out the most."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who doesn''t..."


    Ming Mei: "Ah, stop chatting, ride faster, or you''ll fall behind again. You can''t even catch up with Grandpa, that won''t do!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Watch me!!"


    He pedaled furiously...

 Chapter 62

    Old Man Lan took the two youngsters out for a meal. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei naturally wouldn''t let the old man pay, and as they were arguing over the bill, they heard the old man''s sincere question: "How dare you offer to treat when your monthly salary isn''t even a hundred yuan?"Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    That was quite hurtful. They wondered if the old man knew what the average income was in the capital city?


    Even the five-yuan minimum living allowance was unattainable for many people, and here he was talking about three-digit figures - wasn''t that a bit unrealistic?


    Ming Mei thought to herself, people know my mother-in-law is the one who''s reborn, but listening to him, one might think it was him instead - such grandiose talk, casually mentioning three-digit figures!


    While Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were still in a daze, Old Man Lan paid the bill and led the two confused birds out, saying, "When it''s your turn to pay, I''ll let you. When it''s not your turn, don''t fight over it. Acting as if you''re so well-off."


    Ming Mei protested, "My salary is now thirty-six yuan and fifty cents!"


    She held her head high, quite proud of herself.


    For someone her age, this was an unusually high salary. Ming Mei had received two consecutive raises to reach this income, and with her additional monthly allowance from her previous situation, her monthly earnings totaled around forty yuan.


    It''s worth noting that even Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had worked for over a decade and received extra travel allowances, earned about the same.


    This showed just how rapidly Ming Mei''s salary had increased.


    Moreover, it was a remarkably high wage.


    Plus, she had no dependents, which truly made her part of the wealthy class.


    Ming Mei: "If you count my allowance, I''m making over forty now, which is quite substantial."


    With this salary, the couple could actually live quite comfortably, more than enough for their needs, especially since Zhuang Zhixi was also a worker. To put it boldly, their combined income in the capital city would surpass at least ninety percent of the population.


    Lan Sihai glanced at her and said, "Oh my, that''s so much, that''s really quite something."


    Ming Mei snorted, "It really is a lot."


    This earned her an eye roll from her grandfather.


    Old Man Lan: "Come on, let''s take a walk after eating. Walk a hundred steps after meals, live to ninety-nine."


    Ming Mei: "...Walking makes you thin after eating." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    People back then didn''t consider being thin beautiful; being plump was a sign of good living conditions.


    The habit of exercising after eating wasn''t common then - wouldn''t digestion make you hungry again? And if you''re hungry, wouldn''t you need to eat again? How much would be enough?


    Although she grumbled, Ming Mei was actually happy to walk back, especially since she felt quite full from the meal.


    They hadn''t mentioned these matters at Donglaishun restaurant, but now Old Man Lan spoke up: "Little Zhuang, tell her about the situation."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately nodded, "Alright."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She looked puzzled at the old man and the young man, then said, "I was wondering why Grandfather suddenly invited us both out for dinner, so there really is something going on? What is it?"


    She was very curious - since they were discussing it outside, was it something that couldn''t be overheard by others?


    She raised her eyebrows and said, "You haven''t been up to something questionable, have you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi snapped his fingers and said, "You''ve guessed it, my wife is so clever."


    Ming Mei: "...I was just saying that. Tell me, what''s going on?"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately rattled off the situation, and Ming Mei rolled up her sleeves: "That bastard dares to have designs on me! He must be tired of living! What a scoundrel!"


    Ming Mei was quite capable of cursing when needed.


    She just couldn''t understand how someone could be so shameless!


    Absolutely shameless, she was furious and said, "This unfortunate..."


    She said fiercely, "Tell me, how should we teach this dog a lesson? We must teach him a proper lesson!"


    Just thinking about this person having designs on her made Ming Mei feel sick to her scalp. Someone who appeared to be such a proper gentleman on the surface was actually a truly despicable person.


    Even though they were still on the street, Ming Mei couldn''t help but curse colorfully.


    Old Comrade Lan Sihai finally spoke up, "That''s enough, how can a young lady curse like that!"


    Ming Mei: "The fact that I''m not rushing to his house right now to beat him to a pulp shows I''m using my last bit of self-control. I''m about to throw up from disgust."


    Lan Sihai: "Foolish!"


    He pointed at Ming Mei from a distance and said, "I know who you take after - you''re just like your father, simple-minded and all brawn, not using your head at all."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    How did this turn into a lecture?


    Lan Sihai: "In life, you need to learn to use your brain. Is that brain of yours just there for decoration, planning to raise fish in it?"


    Ming Mei: "...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi also earnestly asked: "Raise fish?"


    Lan Sihai: "Because your head is full of water!"


    Zhuang Zhixi had a sudden realization: "I learned something new."


    Ming Mei pouted: "Grandfather, am I still your most beloved granddaughter?"


    Looking at her behavior, Lan Sihai nearly threw up the Donglaishun dinner they''d just eaten, which had cost quite a few meat ration tickets.


    He strongly objected: "Speak properly and stop sticking out your tongue! And fix that mouth of yours, you look like a rooting pig."


    Ming Mei: "I''m hurt!"


    She pouted, feeling that her grandfather was indeed not very friendly.


    Her mother was right.


    Her uncle was right too!


    Grandfather was really a difficult old man to get along with, hmph!


    Lan Sihai: "Let''s talk about serious matters!"


    Ming Mei: "Go ahead!"


    Lan Sihai: "You''ll go to the bathroom and spook him with some ghostly tricks."


    Ming Mei pouted: "Isn''t that a bit too simple?"


    Lan Sihai smirked: "There are sophisticated and crude ways to play ghost. I''m taking the sophisticated route - you think it''s just about giving him a simple scare? I have a whole script planned. This time, we won''t let him off easy! If we don''t scare him into complete submission, won''t you feel uncomfortable knowing he might still have thoughts about you?"


    Ming Mei: "That would definitely make me uncomfortable."


    She was already feeling extremely uncomfortable about it.


    "That''s exactly my point. How dare he bully my granddaughter? I''ll make sure he gets a headache every time he sees a woman!" Lan Sihai wasn''t someone to be trifled with.


    Zhuang Zhixi spoke up: "Going into the men''s bathroom to scare him... doesn''t seem right? After all, there should be boundaries between men and women."


    Lan Sihai: "Who said anything about going into the men''s bathroom? I''m going to make him enter the women''s bathroom!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "He''s so concerned about his image, he probably won''t go in."


    Although Zhou Qun wasn''t a good person, he was very conscious about maintaining his image, and probably wouldn''t do something so embarrassing.


    Lan Sihai: "Then we''ll find a way to make him go in. There are ten thousand ways to do this, it just depends on which one we want to use." He looked at his grandson-in-law and sincerely remarked: "Your brain doesn''t seem to work very well either!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "Of course I''m not as clever as you, old man. Why else would I be your apprentice in this? Don''t you agree?"


    This comment finally earned the old man''s approval. He nodded slightly and said: "Well, you''ve said something sensible for once. This time, I''ll let you witness this old man''s methods."


    He stroked his chin and said: "Not only will I make him completely indifferent to women from now on, but I''ll also make him tremble in fear at the sight of cesspools."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ah...?"


    Lan Sihai: "My ultimate goal this time is to make him take another tour in there."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched, deeply suspecting that the old man had moved here too late, only hearing jianghu legends without witnessing someone actually falling into a cesspool, so he wanted to create an opportunity to see such a spectacle.


    He felt his suspicion was absolutely correct.


    But still, Zhuang Zhixi very sincerely said: "Grandfather, can we discuss something?"


    Lan Sihai raised his eyelids and said: "Go ahead."


    Zhuang Zhixi said earnestly: "Can we not do this?"


    He had a miserable look on his face and said, "You don''t know how disgusting it is, I''m really not lying to you. We''re family, and family doesn''t lie to each other. This is truly revolting. Last time it was in the dead of winter, and even in the cold it was unbearable. Now that the weather''s warm, oh my god... just thinking about it makes me nauseous. We don''t have to go down this disgusting path to deal with this guy. Besides, you live next door to him. When he gets home and takes a shower, let me tell you, when that sewage meets hot water and the temperature rises, that smell lingers for three days. I''m not exaggerating - it won''t go away for a week. We shouldn''t torture ourselves!"


    He wasn''t trying to plead for Zhou Qun; rather, this matter was truly beyond disgusting.


    Though they were tormenting Zhou Qun, they were suffering too.


    Absolutely suffering!


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "If you see it through, you''ll lose your appetite for at least a week."


    He was genuinely looking out for everyone''s well-being. During the previous incident, for a whole week - an entire week - even the sight of sweet potatoes made him sick. And he wasn''t alone in this; reportedly, every single onlooker on their street that day was affected.


    During that period, everyone turned pale at the mere mention of sweet potatoes.


    Poor sweet potatoes - what had they done to deserve such treatment? It was simply unfair.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that this time they absolutely couldn''t let Grandfather do something like this. They could deal with Zhou Qun, but please, nothing involving sewage pits. In the height of summer, it would be even more unbearable than in winter. Zhuang Zhixi was literally begging from the bottom of his heart.


    Ming Mei stood beside him, nodding vigorously with a pale face. Everything Zhuang Zhixi could think of, she could imagine too. Really, that smell was truly unbearable.


    She chimed in, "Grandfather, please give us a break. I know you''re disappointed about missing the show, but you can''t build your happiness on others'' suffering. Besides, you still live in this courtyard."


    Lan Sihai looked deeply at the two of them and said, "Alright. I''ll make some preparations. Tentatively planned for tomorrow night."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged glances, then nodded saying, "Okay."


    They were both curious to see what Grandfather had planned.


    However, if it meant teaching Zhou Qun a lesson, they would both applaud it - Zhou Qun was truly disgusting.


    Speaking of disgusting things, there seemed to be quite a lot lately.


    As the three of them walked and talked, they quickly arrived home. Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Hutou and Xiao Yanzi jumping around in the yard, playing with several children from the back courtyard, though Jinlai''s children weren''t there.


    Zhuang Zhixi went straight inside: "Oh ho!"


    He saw something good as soon as he entered and exclaimed, "Oh my!"


    He pulled his wife inside and closed the door: "Mom, did you go on a raid? These fabrics are really nice!"


    Zhao Guihua had already sorted through the contents of the sack that afternoon, and this time she had really struck gold.


    She counted them herself - there were eight pieces that could be considered proper fabric. Adding to what she had bought herself, it was truly a bountiful harvest. If every time could be like this, they could get rich from this alone.


    However, it was clear she didn''t plan to go again.


    Ah, life was more important!


    Zhuang Zhixi came closer and said, "Mom, is this what you went out for last night?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "I found a source for fabric scraps. This was my second time going."


    "You call these scraps? These are too good!"


    Zhuang Zhixi poked at the largest piece of fabric, and Ming Mei nodded beside him.


    Zhao Guihua said, "This large piece isn''t a scrap, I bought this one. The others are scraps."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...Still very good though."


    Zhao Guihua: "I went last time too, but it wasn''t this good. This time was unexpected. But this will be the last time. I can''t go anymore - last night I almost got robbed."


    "What the hell!"


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei immediately became alert and started asking questions.


    Zhao Guihua briefly explained what happened, and Ming Mei was very worried. She said, "Mom, don''t go anymore. If something really happened, it wouldn''t be worth it."


    Getting caught would be the least of their worries - if they encountered violent robbers who knocked them out cold, that would be the end of it.


    Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "I definitely won''t go again. Before, they were just selling small strips of fabric, but now they''ve started working with insiders. Since there''s internal collaboration, I can''t go anymore, to avoid falling into a trap."


    She could be certain that the factory must have noticed something was going on, as they had already arranged people to keep watch. They would surely make arrests in the next few days, as it would be better to catch people red-handed in these situations.


    "Mom, don''t bring out all this fabric at once."


    Zhao Guihua gave Zhuang Zhixi a look and said, "Did you really need to tell me that? I''ve eaten more salt than you''ve walked roads. Don''t I know about these things? Haven''t you noticed I haven''t even told your sister-in-law? If you hadn''t suddenly come in, I wouldn''t have planned to tell you either."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, that''s not right. I was the one who rescued you yesterday! If I hadn''t gone out to cause a distraction, and if Yang Lixin and Bai Fendou hadn''t started arguing and attracted people, you would have been in trouble. Look how ungrateful you are."


    Zhao Guihua smirked: "Why should I thank you? Aren''t you my son? When I gave birth to you, did you thank me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was shocked - his mother was too good at sophistry. At this point, there wasn''t even a term called "false equivalence." If there was, Zhuang Zhixi would definitely say his mother was making a false equivalence.


    But at this moment, he could only marvel at how clever his mother was at arguing.


    Zhao Guihua ran her fingers over the pieces of fabric. Although many weren''t just scraps, there still wasn''t enough to make a long-sleeved adult garment. After all, even with internal collaboration, they couldn''t let things get too out of hand.


    However, these large pieces were perfect for making things happen. After all, normal clothing wasn''t made from a single piece of fabric - it always needed to be cut and sewn. As long as she could find matching fabric from the scraps for collars and sleeves, she could make flawless finished garments.


    Zhao Guihua smiled smugly, and Zhuang Zhixi came over to ask, "Mom, will you make me clothes for this summer?"


    Zhao Guihua gave him a side glance and said, "We''ll see."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then make something for my wife?"


    He really wouldn''t give up, and Zhao Guihua said with disdain, "Get lost."


    She said, "About the fabric, I need to think it through. It''s not that I won''t make clothes for you, but I want to make your father a set of clothes this summer. If everyone has new clothes, it might raise suspicions. So I want to wait a while."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t need to explain much to her son, but seeing her daughter-in-law looking expectantly at her, she thought for a moment and added an explanation.


    Old Man Zhuang heard this and proudly raised his head. His wife was so good to him - what more could a man ask for in a wife? He was truly lucky to have such a wonderful partner. He smiled and said, "I can wait for mine, take care of the kids first..."


    Zhao Guihua: "You shut up."


    She said fiercely, "Their clothes are still quite new, it won''t hurt to wait a year or so. But look at you - how many years has it been since you had new clothes? We''re not young anymore, we can''t always put the children first. You need to think about yourself too. They''re young, they have good days ahead of them."


    Although Zhao Guihua was fierce, Old Man Zhuang was happy - his wife was on his side. How could he not be pleased?


    Ming Mei immediately nodded and said, "Mom is right. Mom, you''re so amazing to find such a source."


    Zhao Guihua''s lips curled up in a smile.


    Ming Mei: "Mom, if there are opportunities like this in the future, take me with you!"


    She waved her fist and said, "If anyone tries to rob us, I''ll teach them a lesson - I''ll beat them until they''re crawling on the ground!"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head: "That won''t be necessary. You''re too obvious when you fight."


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t get involved in these things. I won''t be going often myself. You all have proper jobs - it''s not worth risking everything for this."


    Ming Mei immediately hugged the old lady and said coquettishly, "Mom, I knew you loved me the most."


    Zhao Guihua got goosebumps from her embrace and said, "Go away, you little flatterer."


    She said, "How old are you now, still trying to sweet-talk me? Look, I''m getting goosebumps. Go on, do whatever you need to do, and stop bothering me."


    Ming Mei asked, "Oh, by the way, where''s sister-in-law?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Your sister-in-law went back to her parents'' home this afternoon. Remember her mother was injured last time? She went to check on her and hasn''t returned yet."


    Ming Mei made a noncommittal sound, not particularly concerned. In her opinion, while there might be some superficial injuries, there definitely weren''t any internal ones.


    "Your sister-in-law... Wait, what''s that smell?"


    Zhao Guihua suddenly caught a faint but distinct odor. She immediately got up and looked out the window, where she saw Bai Fendou squatting at the doorway, washing something that was giving off an indescribable smell.


    "What on earth is Bai Fendou doing?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''ll go check."


    He quickly went outside and strolled over. "Brother Fendou, what are you up to?"


    Bai Fendou glanced up at Zhuang Zhixi, clearly reluctant to engage with him, but still answered, "Lamb testicles!"


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing.


    He asked sincerely, "Why are you getting into this now?"


    Bai Fendou retorted, "Why can''t I have these? If others can eat them, why can''t I?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "That''s not what I meant." The real question was, as a single man, what was the point of eating these? It''s not like he needed them.


    Bai Fendou said, "Well, there you have it. If others can eat them, so can I. I''m planning to cook some. Do you know how to prepare them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "Shouldn''t you be asking Li the Cook about this kind of thing? Or at least Yang Lixin? With two cooks around, why are you asking me? You''re giving me too much credit."


    Bai Fendou''s expression soured as he said, "I won''t ask them."


    He was quite displeased that this family, after receiving his help, had turned their backs on him.


    Although, yes, he had made some profit from it, but hadn''t he taken risks to help them? Should that count for nothing? Even though they said they wouldn''t let him work for free, he knew exactly what kind of person Li the Cook was.


    His father had told him that Li the Cook had been stingy since his youth, always taking from others but never giving back. Living in the same courtyard for decades, they had never tasted a single morsel from him.


    Meanwhile, his family, with their connections to the canteen, had grown fat and prosperous.


    So it was better to keep the money in hand first. After all, they wanted to buy bicycles anyway! Giving them a bicycle voucher would be good enough.


    These were the words of Bai Fendou''s father, Old Man Bai, and Bai Fendou found them quite reasonable. Because it made sense, he had kept the money. He hadn''t completely lied - Yang Lixin''s plate did have cracks and wouldn''t fetch the same price as his.


    For his plate, someone had directly arranged a bicycle for him, complete with official papers for steel stamping and registration.


    And on top of that, they had given him an extra ten yuan.


    But Yang Lixin''s wasn''t worth as much - it only got a bicycle voucher and fifty yuan.


    To buy a bicycle with that, they''d need to add at least another hundred yuan.


    In the countryside, that would be an astronomical sum, and even in their city, it wasn''t something you could save up easily. A single worker might manage it, but for anyone with a family to support, it would take a year or two to save up.


    So the difference was quite significant.


    What Bai Fendou had kept for himself was this fifty yuan.


    He didn''t consider it stealing, more like... a service fee.


    He couldn''t work for free.


    But Li the Cook and Yang Lixin kept pressing the issue, which made him very unhappy.


    What''s wrong with making a little money off them? If he hadn''t dared to go to the ghost market, they wouldn''t have gotten anything at all. They were really ungrateful.


    Not only were they ungrateful, but they also resented him, which wasn''t right at all.


    Given Li the Cook and Yang Lixin''s attitude, he absolutely wouldn''t ask them how to cook these "testicles." If he did, those two might deliberately trick or deceive him. They had old grudges, after all.


    He sighed wistfully and continued washing.


    Zhuang Zhixi, noticing Bai Fendou''s expression, asked curiously, "What''s wrong?"


    His expression seemed to say, "If you have something troubling you, why don''t you share it so I can enjoy your misery?"


    Bai Fendou looked up with disdain and said, "This is none of your business."


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "See? I try to show concern and you treat me with contempt. You''re really not very friendly."


    Bai Fendou snorted, thinking to himself: Your wife kicked my door in, how could I possibly be friendly to you? You''re expecting too much.


    Zhuang Zhixi put on a curious expression and asked, "Hey, what were you and Yang Lixin doing outside last night?"


    Bai Fendou''s heart skipped a beat: "That''s none of your business."


    He picked up his basin and said, "If you''ve got nothing else to do, go home. Don''t bother me."


    He had visited many places after work just to buy these testicles. It took a lot of begging before he finally got them. He hadn''t even eaten dinner yet.


    If Zhou Qun could eat these, so could he, Bai Fendou.


    Why shouldn''t he have some supplements too?


    Bai Fendou had always been competing with Zhou Qun in his mind. He turned and went inside, closing the door with a bang. Zhuang Zhixi, having hit a wall, walked back with his hands spread, saying, "You see, being a friendly neighbor is really difficult."


    Ming Mei stood at the doorway watching, smiling like a flower.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Stop meddling in other people''s business. Hurry inside and seal up the doors and windows. Who knows when the stench will start."


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, you''re right!"


    Yesterday when the Zhou family cooked that stuff, it stank up the whole courtyard, and now it would surely be the same.


    He pulled his wife along, saying, "We need to wash up quickly, he hasn''t started cooking yet, we can still bear it..."


    Although there was already a strange smell, it wasn''t too obvious yet. But they knew that once it started cooking, it would be unbearable. Suddenly, the Zhuang household was in chaos.


    Zhao Guihua called out, "Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, stop playing and wash up quickly! Li Junjun, take your brother home right away."


    Zhao Guihua: "Why hasn''t Liang Meifen come back yet!"


    Li Junjun and Li Weiwei looked at Zhao Guihua in confusion, asking, "Grandma Zhao, what''s wrong?"


    The other children also looked at Zhao Guihua curiously. Zhao Guihua asked, "Did you enjoy the smell yesterday?"


    The children shook their heads in unison - they were young, not stupid!


    Zhao Guihua: "Your Uncle Bai Fendou is going to cook them tonight!"


    When the children heard this, they all understood and ran home quickly, shouting: "Oh no!"


    "Mom, help!"


    "Quick, close the doors and windows!"


    The children were screaming and yelling. It was then that Zhuang Zhixi noticed Tonglai was there too. This child wasn''t very noticeable when he wasn''t with his two brothers. He had been playing with Hutou and the others.


    But it made sense - although children tend to form cliques, they can still play together when there aren''t other playmates around. Who knows where Jinlai and Yinlai had gone, leaving their brother behind.


    Tonglai also ran home yelling, "Mom, Grandma, Bai Fendou is cooking poop..."


    The three children in their family would call him "Uncle Fendou" when they needed something, and just "Bai Fendou" otherwise.


    Wang Xiangxiu frowned, "What''s going on? Speak properly, what do you mean cooking poop?"


    Tonglai explained, "It''s what Old Lady Zhou cooked yesterday, Bai Fendou is going to cook it too."


    Wang Xiangxiu peeked out and saw the Zhuang family bustling about, all rushing to wash up, clearly planning to close their doors and windows and stay inside. Even Old Man Lan was moving as fast as the wind - he must have heard the commotion too.


    Wang Xiangxiu complained, "Where are your brothers? And what''s wrong with Bai Fendou, cooking testicles for no reason? He doesn''t even need them! What a waste of money. He could have bought something useful instead. Men are so wasteful with money."


    Her tone was quite harsh, as if Bai Fendou was spending her money.


    After all, she could usually squeeze money out of Bai Fendou, but this was something she couldn''t eat.


    Tonglai swallowed his saliva and said, "Mom, I want to eat the cooked testicles."


    He said, "I''ll ask Uncle Fendou for some."


    It was really mean of him to secretly cook testicles without sharing.


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly stopped her son, saying, "They''re not cooked eggs, I misspoke. Hurry up and wash, don''t go out again."


    Aunt Su asked, "You''d better hurry. Where are Jinlai and Yinlai?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "These two kids went out to play, really, they should have come back earlier."


    Tonglai: "They didn''t even take me along."


    Aunt Su: "Alright, hurry up now. Let''s not talk about that anymore."


    At that moment, it wasn''t just the Zhuang family mobilizing, but the entire courtyard was in motion. Everyone was hurriedly washing their faces and brushing their teeth, preparing to close their doors and windows early. Otherwise, that smell... it was unthinkable, they had all experienced it yesterday!


    However, many people were cursing Bai Fendou behind his back. They thought, "You knew what the smell would be like yesterday, yet you''re doing it again today. Isn''t this deliberate? You''re intentionally making us uncomfortable, showing a lack of virtue."


    It wasn''t that everyone was being too selfish; they all had their own thoughts, just like Wang Xiangxiu and the others. Everyone felt that Bai Fendou was a single man, so why did he need to supplement in this way? Wasn''t he just deliberately trying to disgust people?


    Li the Cook and Aunt Wang had a different kind of anger.


    Li the Cook: "That poor wretch, he spends all his monthly money supporting Wang Xiangxiu''s family, living well for the first half of the month and scraping by for the second half. By now, he should be broke, so where did he get money for this? Even though these things don''t need ration tickets, they still cost money. I bet he''s been stealing our money to buy food. Now he''s even showing off in front of us. It''s infuriating, truly infuriating."


    Yang Lixin: "Next time he comes to eat at the canteen, we''ll give him the worst portions."


    "Absolutely!"


    Despite saying this, Li the Cook was still distressed, saying: "Who knows how much money this guy has stolen from us, spending so extravagantly. It''s infuriating, truly infuriating... I absolutely won''t let this matter slide!"


    Yang Lixin nodded in agreement and lowered his voice, saying: "Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu are having an affair. Should we deliberately leak this to Bai Fendou to upset him?"


    Li the Cook: "Let me think about that."


    Aunt Wang was somewhat incredulous, asking again: "Is this really true? Are you sure you didn''t see wrong?"


    Although Aunt Wang knew that Wang Xiangxiu was exploiting Bai Fendou to support her family, she could also see that Wang Xiangxiu hadn''t taken any real advantage of him. So they hadn''t particularly looked down on Wang Xiangxiu.


    After all, both were single.


    Bai Fendou had feelings for her, and Wang Xiangxiu had maintained her dignity.


    But now... she cleaned her ears, hardly believing it: "I really can''t believe Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu... they barely even spoke to each other in the courtyard."


    "That''s exactly what makes it suspicious. We all live in the same courtyard, why would they be so distant? Besides, Mom, I guarantee I saw it with my own eyes. May lightning strike me dead if I''m lying!" Yang Lixin was determined to prove himself right.


    He had seen it clearly.


    Although it was hard to believe that Wang Xiangxiu and Zhou Qun were having an affair, that was the reality.


    Li Fang: "Pah, pah, pah, don''t make such oaths! I believe you, and my mother believes you too, she''s just shocked."


    Yang Lixin: "They were in the factory warehouse, it lasted less than five seconds, I almost got caught and had to run away quickly..."


    "Uh..."


    Both elderly people felt awkward discussing such topics with their son-in-law.


    However, five seconds?


    Li the Cook couldn''t help but ask: "Really five seconds?"


    Yang Lixin shook his head, and just as Li the Cook was about to speak, he heard his son-in-law say: "No, definitely not five seconds."


    Aunt Wang: "...Perhaps their inability to have children really wasn''t Jiang Lu''s fault..."


    The others nodded silently.


    "Who would have thought Zhou Qun had such tendencies, you really can''t judge a book by its cover."


    "You couldn''t tell he wouldn''t last five seconds either!"


    "Uh..."


    Li the Cook: "I don''t care about Zhou Qun, but Bai Fendou cheating us, that matter can''t be left alone. Let me think about it. This isn''t over!"


    Yang Lixin nodded.


    Aunt Wang wanted to say something but held back, thinking that her husband had a point ¨C if Bai Fendou had really stolen their money, that was indeed infuriating.


    While they were having their private conversation, on the other side, Bai Fendou had already put the eggs in the pot, and sure enough, a strange smell wafted out. This smell was far worse than before, quite indescribable really.


    Madam Zhou Li was the first to come out cursing, jumping up and down shouting: "Which inconsiderate bastard is this, really not acting human, are you cooking shit at home? Are you going to let people eat or not? How can someone be so inconsiderate?"


    She was particularly vocal, thoroughly cursing Bai Fendou''s ancestors for eighteen generations.


    Completely forgetting that she had done the exact same thing yesterday, and had felt completely justified about it.


    In her mind, it was fine when she did it, but not when others did.


    Bai Fendou was also angry and immediately came out to confront her. The old and young began hurling insults at each other, not just cursing each other''s ancestors but also each other''s body parts. It was just one big argument. Though usually any little noise would bring people out to watch the excitement, today it was surprisingly quiet.


    Nobody would come out of their homes, preferring to stay inside and strain their ears to listen, but absolutely refusing to go outside.


    A few more times like this and their sense of smell might be permanently damaged.


    It was truly unbearable.


    Was this thing really that good? Worth eating despite the suffering?


    The men all became thoughtful...


    Compared to others who couldn''t watch the scene live, the Zhuang family in the front courtyard could see everything, being practically opposite neighbors, and their next-door neighbors the Su family could see too. Those who could see were all peering out their windows. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were stuck to the window like two geckos, watching outside. Ming Mei remarked: "Bai Fendou is really something, actually able to argue back and forth with the old lady. That''s something not just anyone can do."


    After all, the destructive power of someone like Madam Zhou Li was no less than a cesspool!


    Ah, pah pah pah!


    What was wrong with her today, why couldn''t she get past the cesspool metaphor!


    She felt she shouldn''t talk about these things anymore, or else even her metaphors would start to stink.


    She couldn''t disgust herself.


    Ming Mei shook her head and leaned against the window, saying: "Do you think they''ll get physical?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You dare ask me? I''m wrong eight times out of ten."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing and said: "So you know it yourself? What do you think then?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I don''t think they will. They''ve been to the hospital several times because of this, and that costs money too. They shouldn''t be that impulsive, right? After so many times, they should have learned some self-control... Holy shit!"


    Just as Zhuang Zhixi finished speaking, they saw Madam Zhou Li swing a slap.


    That slap didn''t land on Bai Fendou''s face, but it felt like it had landed on his own face.


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but burst out laughing, then broke into full-blown laughter.


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi teasingly and said: "Brother Zhixi, you''re not very good at this. I can see you don''t understand your old neighbors at all. They don''t care about self-control. When they feel like fighting, they fight, without any hesitation."


    Zhuang Zhixi pretended to wipe away non-existent sweat and said: "I admit my experience is limited."


    But he could still make something up, saying: "But you see, after living in this courtyard, won''t everything else seem like small potatoes? Because our horizons have been broadened. So no matter what we encounter, we can remain calm and composed."


    Ming Mei couldn''t help laughing again, and seeing her so amused, Zhuang Zhixi suddenly leaned forward and pecked her lips.


    Ming Mei: "Mmph."


    She widened her eyes, and Zhuang Zhixi wrapped his arm around his wife, saying: "Let''s stop watching them and focus on more important matters."


    Ming Mei''s cheeks instantly turned red, saying: "Don''t you get tired of being like this all the time?"


    Even though they had been married for several months, Ming Mei still often blushed. It wasn''t that she was particularly shy, it was just her personality.


    Besides, sometimes when her face wanted to blush, even if she told herself not to, it was beyond her control.


    She poked Zhuang Zhixi, saying: "Everyone else is taking supplements, you''re like this every day, shouldn''t you take some too?"


    Zhuang Zhixi stroked his chin and said: "I really should take some supplements. How else can I keep my wife satisfied?"


    As soon as those words were spoken, she playfully punched him a few times. Ming Mei''s little fists showed no mercy, and Zhuang Zhixi fell back onto the bed with a smile, saying, "Ouch, I''m wounded."


    Ming Mei retorted, "Stop pretending, I barely used any strength."


    Zhuang Zhixi propped his chin up, gazing at Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei suggested, "Let''s take a day off."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "But I don''t want to rest."


    Ming Mei scratched her head and said, "I''ve heard that doing this too much isn''t good."


    The older women at their workplace would often discuss such topics, making Ming Mei blush every time, though she couldn''t help but eavesdrop. She added, "Won''t you become exhausted if you don''t rest?"


    Zhuang Zhixi reminded her, "You just said you''d help restore my energy."


    After a pause, he declared righteously, "Restoration is one thing, but I''d rather die than eat that stuff."


    Ming Mei''s initial shyness suddenly gave way to amusement.


    She tried to suppress her laughter at Zhuang Zhixi''s serious expression.


    "But everyone else takes it, so it must work, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi insisted, "Still no way. They''re all brave warriors - I''m not. Some chives are good enough for me."


    He was truly terrified - that smell was more than any ordinary person could handle.


    Ming Mei''s smile widened, and Zhuang Zhixi promptly pinned her down, saying, "Ah-ha! I see what you''re doing. You''re teasing me on purpose, you little rascal..."


    Ming Mei laughed while trying to dodge, saying, "No, I''m not!"


    "Yes, you are!"


    They quickly became entangled, and the room''s temperature rose slightly. As for the fighting and arguing outside, what did it matter to them?


    The bed creaked rhythmically...


    Young people are just like that.


    They really don''t want to rest for even a day.


    The couple quickly withdrew from the frontline of spectators, though Zhao Guihua continued watching the commotion with interest. By now, Madam Zhou Li and Bai Fendou were already in a physical altercation, with Jiang Lu helping out, while Zhou Qun remained notably absent.


    That''s just how he was - he wouldn''t show his face in situations where he might lose face.


    Without anyone trying to break up the fight, the battle lacked intensity and quickly came to an end.


    You see, that''s how it goes - sometimes when people try to break up a fight, the parties involved become even more determined to defeat each other! But without intervention, things often end quickly and quietly. The fight fizzled out without much drama.


    But expecting anyone to step in and break up a fight while enduring that smell? Impossible!


    Absolutely impossible!


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "Our courtyard is bound to have strange smells every few days from now on."


    Old Man Zhuang asked puzzled, "How come? They can''t eat it every day, can they? Even if they could stomach it, they couldn''t afford it, right?"


    It was meat after all, and expensive at that.


    Usually, people would only buy a few ounces of meat at a time. Nobody would believe they could afford this every day.


    Aliali: 675e95b59234b3e7f2f07a3d


    Zhao Guihua gave her husband a glance and said, "I''m not saying Bai Fendou or Zhou Qun will buy it every day, but others... You see, everyone now thinks this stuff is great for men''s health. They won''t want to miss out... Today this family, tomorrow that family, taking turns - it''ll be enough to make us suffer."


    She sighed deeply, truly dreading the thought of smelling that odor.


    Old Man Zhuang also realized this possibility and sighed deeply, saying, "This is just... ah!"


    Zhao Guihua lamented, "I sincerely hope they''ll go ask Li the Cook how to properly prepare this stuff. If they keep cooking it so carelessly, our courtyard will smell like a toilet."


    Zhao Guihua had faith in Li the Cook''s culinary skills.


    She believed he would know how to handle it properly.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I''ll go talk to Brother Li about it. He''ll agree to teach everyone how to prepare it, otherwise... his family will suffer too."


    Zhao Guihua nodded.


    What a situation this was!


    Utterly speechless!

 Chapter 63

    Despite being a reincarnated person with some reputation in "the community," Zhao Guihua''s fame couldn''t compare to the other elderly women in the courtyard. In their compound, Madam Zhou Li was always the most famous one.That old lady was like a cockroach that just wouldn''t die.


    Whether it was good reputation or bad, she was the most notorious.


    Next was Aunt Su, who originally didn''t have much of a reputation. She was known for being good, but people generally thought of her as a poor, pitiful, yet strong old lady. There wasn''t much else to say about her.


    But now, things were different.


    Because of the gossip about her and Old Man Bai, she had suddenly become a "celebrity" in their compound. Although everyone in their neighborhood knew that Aunt Su was hospitalized because of a dog bite, not because she was "pregnant."


    However, the rumor had spread so widely, and Old Man Bai was so attentive to her, that people began to have strange suspicions. Could the dog bite story be just a cover-up?


    Was it actually hiding the fact that she was expecting?


    You see, that''s how gossip works, especially when it has a hint of scandal to it. It can make people doubt even what they''ve seen with their own eyes.


    So in their compound, someone like Zhao Guihua, who was simply known as a feisty old lady, couldn''t even rank on their community''s list of celebrities. And Zhao Guihua, unless provoked, was actually quite peaceful.


    For instance, she knew that Bai Fendou was selling things at the ghost market, and she understood that dealing in antiques could potentially be a way to accumulate capital. But would she do it? Definitely not. She didn''t have the expertise - such business required an extensive knowledge base.


    Otherwise, relying on luck alone? You''d lose everything in no time.


    There have always been counterfeits and fakes, and it''s no different now.


    It''s not that this era didn''t have them - quite the contrary.


    As a native of old Beijing, Zhao Guihua knew this better than most and had seen plenty of it.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t understand it, so she stayed away from those murky waters.


    Although this might seem like she was letting down the "reincarnation team," at her age, she could keep her composure. Even if she wanted to do something ambitious, now wasn''t the time. After all, even when policies loosened in ''79, there were still setbacks.


    Those "Eight Kings" and such...


    So, Zhao Guihua really hadn''t planned on making big money through business in these years.


    Because of this, even though she knew it would be more profitable to go with Auntie Lian to get more goods a few more times - even if she didn''t resell them, it would still be profitable - Zhao Guihua didn''t join in. Who knew when they would "cast the net"?


    It could be today, tomorrow, or the day after.


    But Zhao Guihua wouldn''t gamble for just a few good items.


    It wasn''t until she saw people keeping surveillance that she suddenly realized - she had come back from decades in the future, knowing how times would change, that a market economy was inevitable, and that black markets weren''t such a big deal.


    But that wasn''t true yet! One had to remain respectful and careful.


    Times were different, and things were still very serious now.


    If one was too bold, they would only hurt themselves.


    This encounter with the double-cross and discovering factory surveillance had sobered Zhao Guihua considerably.


    It made her much more vigilant.


    So, Zhao Guihua deeply reflected on herself and became more grounded. She planned to lay low for a while and be a proper old lady.


    Of course, activities that aligned with current policies were still acceptable.


    For example, catching sparrows.


    These were considered one of the Four Pests, after all.


    Now, on this rare weekend, Zhuang Zhixi went to work overtime at his unit - yes, the propaganda department was incredibly busy. And his promise to take his niece and nephew sparrow hunting turned out to be as empty as air.


    He had promised so earnestly, but never followed through!


    In the end, it still fell to old Zhao Guihua. She had prepared early, buying a net - though you could borrow one, it wasn''t good to keep borrowing day after day, so she bought her own. She took the two kids to find an open space.


    Ming Mei came along to watch the fun.


    As for Liang Meifen, she had gone back to her parents'' home again, as her younger brother was getting engaged, and she needed to help out.


    Zhao Guihua thought that Liang Meifen wasn''t going back to help, but probably to cause trouble. She remembered that many years later, Liang Meifen and this sister-in-law would be like fire and water, their relationship extremely poor. Her relationship with this sister-in-law was even worse than with Ming Mei, her current sister-in-law.


    It was clear they couldn''t stand each other.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care about their affairs. After all, even if Liang Meifen''s family hoped they could help with the bride price, it would be impossible even if they went to see the King of Hell himself. Liang Meifen herself seemed to be avoiding the heat and didn''t dare to bring it up this time.


    So, in her previous life, she had been too kind, which made Liang Meifen think she could ask and possibly succeed.


    But look at this life - this time Liang Meifen didn''t dare to ask.


    Liang Meifen''s mother hadn''t even dared to come asking for help.


    Sometimes fighting isn''t good, but sometimes it really can intimidate those who aren''t thinking clearly.


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei each carried one child, and Ming Mei asked curiously, "Why aren''t we catching sparrows in the courtyard? I sometimes see sparrows flying there too."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "With so many children in the courtyard, if you catch any, could you keep them to yourself?"


    Ming Mei: "...No, we couldn''t."


    Zhao Guihua: "There are more sparrows in the suburbs than in the courtyard, and no one''s eyeing them greedily. Isn''t it better to come to the outskirts? Besides, it''s good for the children to get out and about."


    Ming Mei nodded.


    Of course, they didn''t go to their usual spot by the pond in the wasteland - that was too far. Although they were technically in the suburbs, if you looked carefully, it wasn''t really that far out.


    Zhao Guihua found a small grove and began setting up.


    Ming Mei had never done this before and was watching for the first time. She couldn''t help much, but the mechanism was very simple. Even children could understand it at a glance - there was nothing difficult about it.


    Ming Mei huddled together with the two children on the side.


    Zhao Guihua set up the trap and sprinkled a layer of grass seeds, saying, "Sparrows love these."


    After everything was set up, they immediately crouched down nearby. Hutou chirped excitedly, "Grandma, do you think the sparrows will come?"


    Xiao Yanzi also called out, "Roasted sparrows, roasted sparrows!"


    She patted her little backpack - it was new! Shaped like a white rabbit, made by her grandmother!


    In the little pocket, she had salt and soy sauce. The little girl contentedly patted her backpack and said, "Roasted sparrows!"


    After speaking, she couldn''t help but swallow.


    Meat was just so delicious!


    The little girl tugged at Ming Mei''s clothes. Ming Mei asked, "What is it?"


    Xiao Yanzi: "Auntie, have you ever eaten sparrow?"


    Ming Mei shook her head and said, "No, no one took me sparrow hunting when I was little."


    Hearing this, Xiao Yanzi proudly lifted her head and chest, saying, "Someone takes me hunting!"


    She was so proud to have someone take her along, hehe!


    Ming Mei put her finger to her lips and quietly shushed, saying, "Don''t talk too loud, or you''ll scare the sparrows away."


    Xiao Yanzi quickly nodded and covered her little mouth.


    Zhao Guihua looked back.


    Ming Mei smiled and raised her eyebrows at Zhao Guihua, who turned back around speechlessly - youth was wonderful, being a bit childish wasn''t bad at all.


    She had scattered the grass seeds very evenly, and before long, they saw a flock of sparrows fly over. Like little fools, they dove straight for the delicious grass seeds, feasting away, completely unaware that this was a big trap!


    If it could catch rabbits, what were sparrows?


    Just one of the Four Pests!


    Zhao Guihua pulled the rope, and the prepared "heaven and earth net" dropped down with a snap, instantly trapping a group of sparrows. The startled sparrows chirped and fluttered chaotically in the net, but Zhao Guihua quickly rushed over, saying, "Where''s the bag?"


    Xiao Yanzi quickly pulled out a mesh bag from her rabbit backpack, and Zhao Guihua caught the sparrows one by one, putting them in the bag and handing it to Ming Mei: "Hold this, I''ll try for another batch..."


    Ming Mei: "Alright!"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi clapped and jumped around excitedly: "We caught them! We caught the sparrows!"


    "Let''s roast the sparrows! Roast the sparrows!"


    The two children were so excited that they started drooling...


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait a bit, no hurry. Let''s catch some more."


    "Okay!"


    The children responded in their crisp voices.


    Ming Mei was also very excited; this was her first time seeing sparrow catching. It looked so simple! She had never played this as a child! Of course, playing wasn''t the important part - what mattered was that this was meat. It looked delicious!


    Zhao Guihua scattered the bait again, and in no time at all, they had caught thirty to forty sparrows.


    Sparrows were really abundant these days.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s roast them."


    "Yippee!"


    "This is awesome!"


    Zhao Guihua instructed the two children to gather firewood while Ming Mei started the fire, and she herself began plucking the sparrows. The plucking task was clearly beyond the capabilities of the other three. Fortunately, everyone completed their assigned tasks perfectly, and through their joint efforts, they quickly had the sparrows skewered.


    Zhao Guihua sprinkled salt on the sparrows and instructed Ming Mei: "Watch the fire carefully. I''ll go catch some more."


    Though Zhao Guihua had a sharp tongue, she had a heart of gold. Even while out, she was thinking of the family at home - they couldn''t just eat sparrows themselves without letting the folks at home have a taste.


    The sparrows were small and roasted quickly, releasing a delicious meaty aroma.


    Ming Mei''s stomach growled audibly, while Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were practically waterfalling - with drool, that is.


    Ming Mei: "Mom, here!"


    Ming Mei was the first to hand a skewer of roasted sparrows to Zhao Guihua, who accepted it without hesitation, took a bite, and immediately made an appreciative sound, nodding in approval: "Delicious!"


    These roasted sparrows tasted similar to roasted chicken - delicious!


    "Auntie~" came the sweet childish voice.


    Ming Mei: "Here you go!"


    She handed one to Xiao Yanzi and another to Hutou.


    The two little ones were about to stuff them straight into their mouths when Zhao Guihua quickly warned: "Careful, they''re hot!"


    "Okay~"


    Ming Mei put four more skewers over the fire before starting to eat her own. This was her first time eating roasted sparrows, and she felt strange about it, but she definitely wanted to try them. She took a bite and her eyes immediately lit up as she nodded in approval.


    They were truly fragrant.


    Each skewer had five small sparrows, and while it didn''t look like much, it was enough to keep them nibbling for a while. Ming Mei: "This is my first time eating these, I didn''t expect them to be so fragrant."


    Zhao Guihua: "Even a fly''s leg is meat if it''s small enough, and how could meat not be tasty?"


    Ming Mei nodded in strong agreement. Indeed, it was true.


    Was there such a thing as meat that wasn''t delicious in this world?


    Certainly not.


    Hutou was happily gnawing away, his eyes fixed on the fire pit, and asked: "Auntie, can I have another skewer later?"


    Ming Mei: "Of course, we''ll eat all the ones we''re roasting here."


    Hutou''s eyes disappeared into his smile as he said softly: "That''s great, but, but, but, aren''t we saving any for Grandpa and the others?"


    Though he was a glutton, this child wasn''t selfish - he was quite thoughtful.


    Ming Mei: "We will! Isn''t your grandmother catching more? We''ll roast those when we get back home. If we took these pre-roasted ones back, they wouldn''t taste as good. We''ll make fresh ones for them at home."


    Hutou let out an "Oh!" of understanding, and became extremely happy at the thought of getting to eat more.


    Zhao Guihua looked at Ming Mei and then at the two children, all with dancing eyes, and she had to sigh - these days, being able to eat some meat was truly what made people happiest.


    People''s desires were all about food and drink. Unlike decades later, when food would be plentiful and people would earn more but wouldn''t be as happy.


    Though life was hard now, it was also simpler to find joy.


    "I''ll catch more, and we can make sparrow stew with potatoes tonight," Zhao Guihua announced with great ambition. Since happiness was so simple to achieve, of course they should catch as many as possible!


    "Yay, yay!"


    "Potato stew, potato stew!"


    "Slurp~"


    The two children were excellent cheerleaders.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and felt her fighting spirit rise.


    She might not dare to engage in trading and dealing, but surely she could catch some wild game?


    If she couldn''t even do this much, she''d be letting down all reborn people - even though she was an old lady, she could do it! Absolutely could!


    Zhao Guihua: "Little sparrow chicks! Meeting me, Zhao Guihua, today is your doom!"


    She shouted.


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Mother-in-law was so excited.


    Was catching sparrows really that thrilling?


    Ming Mei scratched her head, marveling at how extraordinary her mother-in-law truly was!


    "Auntie, turn them over, turn them over," Hutou''s sharp eyes noticed they needed rotating.


    Ming Mei: "Right away."


    Near the river, there were several people fishing who spotted them catching and roasting sparrows in the small grove. They became interested, particularly one elderly man who kept looking back several times until he made himself hungry.


    After some hesitation, the old man picked up a fish and walked over to Zhao Guihua: "Young sister."


    Zhao Guihua looked up: "Yes?"


    The old man smiled and said: "I was just fishing over there, and I saw you catching sparrows. I was wondering if I could trade this fish for a skewer of roasted sparrows to try?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure!"


    She was a spirited old lady and didn''t think twice about it, saying: "Alright, they''re just about done roasting. You''ve come at the perfect time."


    The old man gave a meaningful smile - would he admit that he''d been watching and waiting for just the right moment?


    He curiously examined Zhao Guihua''s small trap and said: "Sister, they say sparrows are very difficult to catch, very alert, but you make it look so easy. Do you have some secret?"


    After asking, he felt it might be inappropriate and quickly added: "If you''d rather not say..."


    Before he could finish, Zhao Guihua interrupted: "There''s nothing secret about it. It''s quite simple - the key is that my grass seeds are what sparrows love to eat. Look, this kind. Actually, there''s no special technique to the trap. Any child who catches sparrows knows how to make one, but they usually don''t have bait, so it''s harder to catch them. With my bait, the sparrows love the smell. They just walk right into the trap."


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t keeping any secrets - she couldn''t catch all the sparrows by herself anyway - so she gave him some seeds, saying: "Look, this kind."


    The old man looked at the seeds and then at the trap, and sure enough, another flock of sparrows flew in. Zhao Guihua quickly pulled the rope, catching another group!


    The old man nodded: "It really works."


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course it does, though these grass seeds are rare in the city - you''ll have to go to the outskirts to find them."


    The old man thanked her and left contentedly with a handful of grass seeds and a skewer of roasted sparrows.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t immediately resume catching sparrows, but instead quickly cleaned the fish and started roasting it, saying: "Roasted fish is delicious too, you can try it in a bit."


    "Okay~"


    The children were overjoyed.


    Perhaps because others saw the old man successfully trade for roasted sparrows, soon more people came to make trades. It was hard to say who got the better deal - everyone just wanted to try something different... By the time they headed home, they had not only caught sparrows but also acquired five or six fish.


    Although these fish were notably smaller than those from the mountain pond, no one was complaining.


    On the way home, Zhao Guihua felt very heavy-hearted.


    When she went fishing, she never succeeded once!


    Yet when she wasn''t trying to fish, she somehow ended up with fish anyway - it was truly frustrating!


    How depressing!


    Could her fishing skills really be that poor?


    She said: "Ming Mei, after we drop these two off at home, I''m planning to go up the mountain. Want to come with me?"


    She needed to prove herself again.


    Ming Mei immediately got excited: "I''ll go!"


    Of course she wanted to go, she loved it!


    Ming Mei: "We can also gather more grass seeds while we''re there, so we can catch more sparrows later."


    Hutou: "Yay!"


    Xiao Yanzi, either copying her brother or expressing her own feelings, also chimed in: "Yay!"


    Ming Mei laughed and said, "This time, auntie will bring back more for you, so you can catch sparrows by yourselves in the future."


    Hutou sat on the back of the bicycle, nodding vigorously.


    The trap wasn''t difficult; a little boy like him could understand and operate it at first glance. In fact, he was the one in charge of catching them later. However, while catching wasn''t hard, the tricky part was having bait - auntie was going to get them some grass seeds.


    Hutou felt he could fight alongside his sister for five hundred years!


    The child happily said, "Thank you, auntie!"


    Ming Mei replied, "Just don''t forget about me when you''re roasting sparrows."


    Hutou nodded enthusiastically, "Hutou will never forget auntie. Auntie is the best!"


    Ming Mei teased, "Better than your mom and dad?"


    Hutou hesitated, he... he... he was stuck.


    After thinking for a long while, the child fidgeted with his fingers and said shyly, "Well... maybe just a tiny bit less."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing, "You little rascal!"


    Hutou quickly added, "Auntie is just a tiny, tiny bit behind them."


    Ming Mei: "Go on! Like I need your ranking! You little troublemaker!"


    Little Hutou scratched his head, his cheeks turning rosy as he smiled.


    "Auntie and uncle are equally important."


    "Then who''s more important, auntie or uncle? You must choose one..."


    Hutou: "Ah..."


    At such a young age, he had to face such difficult questions. Why were auntie''s questions always so terrifying?


    Xiao Yanzi hugged her grandmother tightly, feeling relieved that she was sitting on grandmother''s bicycle. If she had been on auntie''s bicycle, she would have been the one being questioned.


    How scary!


    Xiao Yanzi covered her eyes, not daring to watch her brother''s predicament.


    Auntie was so fierce and scary!


    But then again?


    Though the little one pretended not to look, she still peeked through her fingers, secretly enjoying the scene.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t stand it anymore. Seeing her grandson scratching his head anxiously, she said, "Stop teasing the child."


    Ming Mei justified herself righteously: "How am I teasing? I''m helping him learn early that life is full of choices."


    She seemed quite philosophical, but Zhao Guihua wasn''t buying it. This naughty girl was just stirring up trouble.


    "Oh, come on, I know you too well!"


    Ming Mei burst out laughing. As they were about to reach home, Zhao Guihua suddenly called out, "Auntie Lian!"


    Auntie Lian, who was hurrying along her way, looked up when she heard the call: "Oh? It''s you!"


    She stopped and looked curiously at Ming Mei, then said, "You''re..."


    Zhao Guihua: "I went sparrow catching. What about you?"


    She looked at Ming Mei and said, "You go home first, I need to talk for a bit."


    She put Xiao Yanzi on Ming Mei''s bicycle, now with one child in front and one behind. Ming Mei smiled, "Now you''re both in my clutches..."


    Xiao Yanzi: "Xiao Yanzi will be good!"


    She sweetly said, "I''m very well-behaved, I love auntie the most, auntie is the prettiest!"


    Triple flattery!


    Hutou: "..."


    He never knew his sister could be like this!


    Xiao Yanzi: "Auntie is the best person in the whole world!"


    Ming Mei laughed out loud, saying, "You''re quite the opportunist!"


    Xiao Yanzi didn''t quite understand what "opportunist" meant, but she nodded obediently anyway, saying, "I''m very good."


    Ming Mei smiled: "Alright, I''ll reward you with a piece of candy."


    Hutou: "Ah! Just like that, there''s candy?"


    Could the difference in treatment be this big?


    He quickly said, "Auntie, I like you too, you''re the best, the very best."


    In the face of candy, principles were worthless.


    Ming Mei: "That''s more like it!"


    She coquettishly asked, "Am I good?"


    Hutou: "The BEST!!!"


    Extra loud.


    Ming Mei: "Then you get a piece of candy too..."


    Zhao Guihua frowned: "Stop teasing the children and get going."


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    She''d been shooed away.


    Ming Mei stopped being nosy and rode away with the two children, disappearing in a flash.


    Auntie Lian watched Ming Mei''s cycling speed with a complicated expression: "That must be your daughter-in-law? Her cycling speed..."


    She chose her words carefully and said, "She''s as fast as a car."


    Zhao Guihua darkened: "She''s just showing off!" Not paying any attention to safety, how could this be okay! Did she think she was flying a plane?


    But quickly, she came back to her senses and said, "It''s good I ran into you here, I was planning to find you anyway."


    Auntie Lian: "What is it?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Those two old ladies you brought the other day, where were they from?"


    Auntie Lian was startled, then spoke earnestly: "In my line of work, confidentiality is crucial. If I had a loose mouth like an elastic waistband, who would come to me in the future? I can''t tell you about this. When others ask you, I won''t tell them either. When you ask about others, I won''t tell you. That''s my principle of doing business."


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Fine, I respect your principles, I won''t ask more. But the problem is, they''re planning to rob people!"


    "What!"


    Auntie Lian was shocked.


    Zhao Guihua: "They followed and chased after me. Fortunately, I ran fast and managed to hide. They brought four or five young men with them, I''m not sure exactly how many, but around four or five. They chased me trying to steal my goods. Auntie Lian, I know you''re an honorable businesswoman, but don''t let people take advantage of you. I just wanted to exchange some fabric to make clothes for my family. We''re not rich people; if we were, we''d buy directly from the department store. It''s because we''re not well-off that we''re looking for fabric remnants. But what if we encounter people like this? What if I got robbed? I was lucky this time, and I don''t plan to go again. But you''re in this business. If they can rob me today, they can rob others tomorrow. I wasn''t robbed, so it''s fine, I just won''t go again. But if someone really gets robbed, I''m sure they''ll come looking for you. Anyway, I''m telling you this as a warning, be careful."


    Auntie Lian listened attentively, then narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "Thank you for warning me about this."


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m not finished yet."


    Auntie Lian: "There''s more?"


    Her voice rose slightly, not directed at Zhao Guihua, but worried there might be more bad news. She had taken Zhao Guihua''s words seriously and found them reasonable. If someone really got robbed, they would definitely come to her, since she was the one who brought people there.


    Auntie Lian didn''t doubt Zhao Guihua''s words at all, because Zhao Guihua had no reason to lie about this.


    She said: "Go on!"


    Zhao Guihua: "I hid and avoided those people, but when I was heading back along the same route, I saw another group of people going in. I decided to hide again, and then I saw two men keeping watch at the factory entrance."


    Auntie Lian was startled, then asked: "Were they with the same group? The ones planning to rob?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I don''t think so, because these people had paper and pens, taking notes about something."


    It wasn''t that Zhao Guihua was being particularly kind-hearted in telling all this to Auntie Lian.


    Rather, since she had gotten her connection through Auntie Lian, doing her this favor would benefit herself as well. If Auntie Lian wasn''t caught in the act, there shouldn''t be major problems. If she wasn''t arrested, she wouldn''t need to implicate others.


    Although she hadn''t heard of Auntie Lian implicating anyone in her previous life, many things showed that this life was different from the last one, and what happened in the previous life wouldn''t necessarily happen the same way in this one.


    Moreover, even if things were the same, there might be other circumstances involved, so Zhao Guihua didn''t rely entirely on her memories.


    "We don''t know what''s going on, but sister, you should be careful, so you don''t fall into a trap."


    Auntie Lian was truly shocked, even more than by the news of the robbery, because according to usual practice, they would never arrange for two groups to collect goods in one night. Too many people would make it easy to get discovered, but clearly, Zhao Guihua said there was a second group going in.


    Additionally, since there were some good materials inside, her heart began to feel uneasy.


    This wouldn''t do, something was bound to go wrong.


    At this moment, she felt particularly grateful to Zhao Guihua. If it weren''t for Zhao Guihua telling her, she would never have discovered these things. She shuddered at the thought of people coming after her or being caught in the act - it was truly chilling!


    Auntie Lian gave Zhao Guihua a deep, earnest look: "Sister, thank you."


    Zhao Guihua replied: "Oh, times are tough for everyone. We should help each other out."


    Auntie Lian nodded: "That''s true, but I really must thank you!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright then, I''m leaving."


    Auntie Lian: "If you need anything in the future, come find me. I can read birth charts, I''ll take a look at yours sometime."


    Zhao Guihua grimaced: "That won''t be necessary!"


    Her birth chart was already strong enough - how else could she live to be over a hundred?


    She knew this without being told.


    After Zhao Guihua left, Auntie Lian touched her back, realizing she was drenched in cold sweat. She felt incredibly fortunate to have met Zhao Guihua outside - it was as if heaven itself was helping her.


    If she hadn''t met Zhao Guihua, she would still be in the dark.


    As a middleman, she would have certainly faced nothing but trouble.


    But now... she turned around and started heading back.


    She had originally planned to visit Old Wang to ask about the recent fabric situation - the quality was too good, and that made her nervous.


    But before she could get there, this happened.


    She decisively decided not to go.


    Not only would she not go, but she planned to cancel all recent arrangements. If someone was watching, they would surely want to catch someone red-handed. She certainly couldn''t voluntarily associate with Old Wang''s place anymore. She needed to keep her distance.


    She definitely wouldn''t be going there anytime soon.


    Zhao Guihua had no idea that her conversation with Auntie Lian had truly changed the latter''s fate. Although rumors in the community painted Auntie Lian as an unscrupulous person who didn''t mind free meals, silver bracelets, and operating sewing machines.


    But in reality, who actually wants to go to prison?


    Nobody does.


    Auntie Lian was no exception.


    Feeling terrified, Auntie Lian immediately started walking back. Just as she reached the alley entrance, she saw a familiar face. Remembering Zhao Guihua''s words, she laughed coldly inside but maintained a friendly exterior: "Sister, what brings you here?"


    It was Grandma Xu.


    She was one of the two women Zhao Guihua had mentioned.


    Auntie Lian acted as if nothing was wrong and asked about her business.


    Grandma Xu pulled Auntie Lian aside and said: "Are you still taking people over tonight? Count me and my sister in. We''d like to buy some too."


    They had noticed that the fabric was genuinely good quality.


    Besides, their scheme to swindle others hadn''t succeeded yet, so they couldn''t stop now.


    Auntie Lian shook her head apologetically: "That won''t be possible."


    Grandma Xu: "Why not?"


    Auntie Lian: "When I used to take people there, we never dealt with fabric sales, just small cloth pieces. But this time I saw quite a lot of good quality fabric, and I don''t know what''s going on. I think we shouldn''t take advantage of public property. Isn''t this like stealing from socialism? So I''ve decided not to go for a while, at least until they sort out what''s happening."


    Grandma Xu looked at Auntie Lian in disbelief, thinking she must be crazy to pass up such a good opportunity.


    What kind of logic was this?


    She became anxious and quickly said: "I don''t think you should look at it that way. When we have such a good opportunity, we should seize it! How can you back out now? You..."


    Auntie Lian waved her hand: "No, no, I really don''t dare. I definitely won''t organize any more trips!"


    Grandma Xu: "You!"


    How could there be such a fool in this world!


    Auntie Lian: "Don''t worry about it, but rest assured, once this matter is cleared up, you can come with me again, and we''ll collect fabric scraps together. Actually, buying small pieces and strips of fabric is good enough."


    Grandma Xu: "Bah, who wants to buy scraps? If there''s no profit in it, why would I bother going?"


    Seeing how cowardly Auntie Lian was being, she cursed: "Useless waste! If you won''t go, I''ll take people there myself! I don''t believe we need you for this!"


    Auntie Lian: "...You, you, you, what kind of person are you?"


    "Bah! Waste!"


    Grandma Xu turned away, stomping off heavily, while Auntie Lian watched her departure with a cold expression. Zhao Guihua had been right - this person had no good intentions, and she was grateful to have found out early.


    Otherwise, this person might have caused her serious trouble, and would probably have turned against her too.


    If she could swindle others, dealing with her wouldn''t be difficult either.


    She felt both frightened and relieved!


    Auntie Lian quickly began planning her next moves, as this matter clearly wasn''t over...


    Meanwhile, leaving Auntie Lian''s situation aside, Zhao Guihua felt much lighter after warning her. She wasn''t exactly a good Samaritan, but Auntie Lian was making a living on her own, which wasn''t easy.


    She hadn''t done anything truly wrong, just dealing in goods, so Zhao Guihua was willing to warn her about small dangers.


    Besides, they had connections anyway.


    Zhao Guihua felt much more at ease as she cycled home. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she noticed the envious glares from Madam Zhou Li and Aunt Su. Their jealousy was so intense it seemed to spark in the air - clearly, they had seen the sparrows and fish.


    These things obviously weren''t bought with money.


    Moreover, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had already told their playmates that they were going to catch sparrows in the suburbs today.


    Once the children started talking, how could the adults not know?


    Initially, no one had taken it seriously, but they hadn''t expected such a successful harvest.


    And quite a substantial one at that.


    This naturally sparked jealousy.


    Especially from Aunt Su and Madam Zhou Li in the front courtyard.


    The Bai father and son had seen it too, but they were fine with it. After all, both of them earned wages.


    Besides, Bai Fendou had recently made some extra money, so they weren''t short on cash.


    They could even afford to buy meat.


    So sparrows weren''t a big deal to them.


    But for Aunt Su and Madam Zhou Li, this was a significant matter.


    Madam Zhou Li had money, but having lived through hard times, she was used to it and wouldn''t spend money on herself. When buying meat, she''d get just two ounces, all for her son Zhou Qun - she and her daughter-in-law Jiang Lu wouldn''t eat a bite.


    It was the same with fried eggs.


    In short, all the good things in the house went to Zhou Qun''s stomach.


    Madam Zhou Li watched Zhao Guihua with intense jealousy, hatred burning inside her.


    Aunt Su beside her was even worse - her family truly struggled, with only her daughter-in-law working and three growing boys to feed. Sparrows were meat, the finest of delicacies. Her eyes were glued to them, unable to look away.


    Seeing Zhao Guihua, Aunt Su quickly put on a smile and said: "Old Zhao, you''re back! You had quite a good catch today! I see you got quite a lot - where did you catch them? These sparrows must be easy to catch."


    How could Zhao Guihua not see through her intentions?


    This Aunt Su was quite crafty.


    Whenever she opened her mouth, she either wanted something or wanted to learn how to get it first for herself.


    Zhao Guihua replied: "Don''t you know whether sparrows are easy to catch or not? It''s not that they''re easy to catch, it''s that I''m skilled! Aunt Su, let me tell you, you can''t just stay at home all the time like an unmarried girl. If I can take children to catch sparrows in the suburbs, why can''t you? You can''t just think about your own comfort without considering your family, especially the children. The children are growing and need meat. As a grandmother, you should do more for the family, not rely entirely on your daughter-in-law - she has to work too. Wang Xiangxiu has it hard enough, working during the week, doing laundry and cleaning on weekends, and gathering vegetables. Look at you, acting like you''re still in postpartum confinement. This won''t do! Look at my family - we can''t afford meat, so we find other ways. Tonight, we''ll have sparrows stewed with potatoes. It''s an excellent dish. The children can eat some meat and get some nutrition. It doesn''t cost anything, just takes some effort, so why can''t you do it? You can''t just sit at the entrance watching others."


    With these words, she cut off any chance of Aunt Su playing the sympathy card.


    Block your path, leaving you nowhere to go!


    Always playing the victim, it was truly annoying.


    Zhao Guihua''s speech left Aunt Su speechless.


    Indeed, her usual way of asking for things was to play the victim, but once Zhao Guihua said that, she couldn''t use that tactic anymore, which left her feeling quite stuck.


    Besides, what did she mean by calling her an unmarried girl... and then suddenly switching to talking about postpartum confinement?


    If you don''t know how to speak properly, just keep that dog mouth shut.


    What absolute garbage coming out of her mouth!


    While she was left speechless, Madam Zhou Li felt quite pleased with herself.


    That''s just how Madam Zhou Li was, a genuine troublemaker who couldn''t stand seeing anyone happy. She took pleasure in anyone''s misfortune in the courtyard.


    She was the type who hated seeing others succeed and loved seeing them fail.


    Moreover, since Aunt Su was a widow just like her, the comparison made her hate Aunt Su even more.


    She hated Zhao Guihua for having a complete family.


    She hated Wang''s wife for having both a husband and a "career."


    In short, she couldn''t stand anyone!


    She delighted in others'' misfortunes.


    So naturally, she was thrilled to see Aunt Su being put in her place.


    "Oh my, Zhao Guihua has a point," she said with exaggerated concern. "Look at you, living in such difficulty but not making any effort to improve. That won''t do! Oh dear, it must be your bad luck. Look at my son and daughter-in-law, they''re so filial, I never have to worry about such things. Hahaha..."


    She burst out laughing while Aunt Su bit her lip, cursing internally while maintaining a pitiful expression on the outside.


    Old Man Bai immediately emerged as her knight in shining armor: "What kind of talk is this? Sister Su isn''t well physically. If she were healthier, why would she stay at home? Besides, she does plenty of work at home."


    He continued, "Sister Su, just wait. This afternoon I''ll go to the outskirts to catch some sparrows for you. They''re just sparrows after all! I''ll make sure the children have something to eat tonight."


    Aunt Su immediately put on a gentle, vulnerable smile.


    "Brother Bai, thank you!"


    Old Man Bai replied, "It''s what I should do! We''re all neighbors in the same courtyard, as close as family. This is what we should do for each other. I''m not like some people who are cold-hearted and selfish."


    Zhao Guihua let out a cold laugh and turned to go home, completely ignoring the old bootlicker.


    But Madam Zhou Li wasn''t so polite, immediately shouting, "Who the hell are you cursing at? You shameless old pest!"


    "You, you, you... you shrew, talking nonsense and stirring up trouble!"


    "Pah, you..."


    And so they started arguing, once again, yet again.


    Aliali: 675f8fba9234b3e7f2017a08


    Zhao Guihua commented softly, "They''re just like bickering lovers!"


    If this were a Taiwanese drama, they''d definitely end up together.


    But reality isn''t like television, after all.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head and went inside.


    As for Aunt Su, her heart skipped a beat when she heard this. Worried that they might actually develop feelings for each other through all this arguing, she quickly stepped forward: "Please don''t fight..."


    The three of them, with their combined age of well over a hundred years, got tangled up in the dispute.


    Ming Mei watched from home, clicking her tongue as she came out to wash some chives and enjoy the show.


    It was at this moment that Zhou Qun suddenly appeared, carrying a bunch of grapes to the water basin. He stood across from Ming Mei, washing them leisurely ¨C not many families could afford grapes these days. His family was well-off. He was secretly showing off, feeling smug while maintaining a facade of nonchalance. Looking at Ming Mei''s fair face, he took the initiative to ask, "Need any help?"


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Damn, she felt like hitting someone! S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 64

    Zhou Qun may appear upright on the surface, but his character is far inferior to Bai Fendou.At the very least, Bai Fendou wouldn''t stoop to the level of stealing someone else''s partner.


    Of course, Bai Fendou''s greed for others'' money isn''t commendable either. However, it''s not entirely his fault; the Li family also didn''t want to take any risks, which is why they were willing to let Bai Fendou act as a go-between.


    So, it was the Li family that gave Bai Fendou the opportunity to act.


    And honestly, why should they take on that risk for your family?


    So, some things are just hard to say, a messy tangle.


    On another note, let''s talk about Zhou Qun. Zhou Qun is a true scoundrel, no matter how much he pretends to be a good person on the surface, his intentions are always crooked. Like now, he has set his sights on Ming Mei and is here to flaunt his "worth."


    In fact, the people in the courtyard don''t know that Zhou Qun has more than just Wang Xiangxiu as his lover.


    Outside, he has others as well, but why hasn''t Zhou Qun been exposed yet? This shows that he is a cautious and shrewd man. Although he has some messy romantic affairs outside, he never lets Jiang Lu catch even a hint.


    After all, Jiang Lu is quite useful, and finding another wife with such conditions would be difficult.


    So in this regard, Zhou Qun handles things quite well. He has affairs outside, but he never gets involved with troublesome women. Those young ladies may be fresh and beautiful, but once entangled, they are hard to shake off.


    He mostly targets young married women or widows, especially those with poor family backgrounds, where the men are weak and the mothers-in-law are vicious. It''s easy to win them over with a few kind words and some money, making them devoted to him.


    In fact, Zhou Qun has a very secretive secret. The reason his electrician skills improved so quickly is not just because of his exceptional skills.


    But because he knows how to make use of others.


    He seduced his master''s wife early on. Age doesn''t matter; he can endure. With enough persistence, there''s no wall that can''t be undermined. With the master''s wife whispering in his ear, his master truly went all out to teach him. It''s said that teaching a disciple everything can leave the master without a job. In their factory, old employees usually teach new ones quickly on simple things that don''t affect work, but more detailed skills are taught slowly. That''s why the number of senior workers in the factory is always the smallest. There are some genuine masters, but there are also many with ulterior motives.


    Everyone is just an ordinary person.


    Zhou Qun knows that his master took him as an apprentice because of an affair his mother had with the master when she worked in the factory. That''s why he took over his mother''s position and ended up under this master''s tutelage.


    Zhou Qun knows all this, but he pretends not to.


    Why expose something beneficial? And he''s seen from a young age how his mother used such relationships to gain advantages. He''s learned it all. In fact, using relationships between men and women can be very useful. His mother was not very clever and only saw immediate benefits, so she didn''t use it well.


    He''s not like that. Although this master''s wife is two or three decades older than him, Zhou Qun can still make the move. If he can be ruthless to himself, he can gain more. Indeed, persistence pays off, and after half a year, he won the master''s wife''s heart.


    That old woman was so stupid that she actually believed he, a young man, truly loved her. Such a fool deserves to be used.


    With this woman whispering in his ear, he quickly gained his master''s favor. He learned faster than others, and among his peers, like Aunt Chen''s son, who was honest and hardworking, he remained a small worker in the workshop, unable to get promoted.


    Look at him, his level rising steadily, and when his master retired, he directly ditched that woman. Such a shameful affair, she didn''t dare to make a fuss. A middle-aged woman and a young man together. If it really came out, she would only be the one to suffer.


    And no one would believe it anyway.


    So that woman could only swallow the loss.


    Of course, Zhou Qun didn''t just use this one woman. For example, the wife of Master Zou, who was in charge of evaluations...


    He knows better than anyone how useful a whisper in the ear can be.


    He always targets women two or three decades older than him, so even if they are together, no one would suspect.


    That''s why he lives better than his peers now. If not for his skills in dealing with women in his early years, he wouldn''t have been able to catch Jiang Lu. Her parents didn''t initially approve of him, but he still managed to win her over.


    Jiang Lu was desperate at home, and that''s how he got what he wanted.


    Is it hard? Not at all.


    Now that he''s older, he doesn''t need to rely on women to climb anymore, and things are harder than before.


    He just wants to relax a bit now, and in such times, he needs young married women.


    Zhou Qun looked up at Ming Mei. Ming Mei doesn''t quite fit his usual criteria for choosing partners. His usual criteria are women who are poor and oppressed, who can truly fall in love with him. Ming Mei is not like that, but he doesn''t believe he can''t conquer her with his charm.


    Moreover, another reason he chose Ming Mei is to seek revenge. He is not someone who lets others bully him; if someone wrongs him, he will retaliate. And Ming Mei will have to bear the brunt of his revenge.


    Not the Zhuang family.


    But Old Man Lan.


    If not for Old Man Lan, how could his mother have been locked up in security for three days? If not for Old Man Lan, how could his mother have lost face in front of security, making him lose face too? If not for Old Man Lan, how could he have had to entertain guests and then encountered Jin Lai stealing, leading to more incidents?


    Everything, Old Man Lan is the root cause.


    Old Man Lan is a key figure in the factory, a technical expert, so he doesn''t dare to directly retaliate. If he did, the factory would investigate and not let it go. But parental debt is paid by the child! The wrongs of the grandfather should be borne by the granddaughter.


    He wants to take some interest from Ming Mei to relieve his hatred.


    He looked at Ming Mei again, she really is beautiful.


    Ming Mei, having been stared at by this disgusting and lecherous man several times, clenched her fists, feeling she was about to lose control and hit him.


    Really, not punching this disgusting and lewd dog would be a disservice to her own conscience.


    Zhou Qun: "Do you need my help?"


    Ming Mei held back again and again, looked up, and said stiffly: "No, thank you."


    Zhou Qun frowned slightly, very dissatisfied with her attitude. He considered himself handsome and elegant. How could this person treat him like this?


    What an ungrateful person.


    Zhou Qun was displeased, but then he thought that he must have become rich over the years, no longer as patient as he used to be. In the past, when he was scheming against his master''s wife and others, he was very patient.


    He adjusted his mindset, knowing he couldn''t treat Ming Mei like Wang Xiangxiu. Wang Xiangxiu''s life was hard, and she needed money to support her family, so it was easy to get her into the trap. But Ming Mei is different. However, he also has ways to deal with girls from well-off families.


    For those from poor backgrounds, you have to throw money around to show your wealth.


    For those lacking love, you have to show concern and empathy to make them feel warmth and care.


    For those from well-off families, like his wife Jiang Lu, it''s more complicated but not difficult. Besides showing concern, you also need to occasionally play hard to get. Tighten and loosen the reins, slowly advancing, simmering with a low flame.


    The initial stage is just three words: be good to her.


    Only by being good to her can you make her heart flutter. After attracting her attention, then you can be appropriately indifferent. Repeat this a few times, along with other moves like rescuing her in danger or providing help in times of need, and you will be unstoppable.


    He coughed and said, "Although the weather is warm, women should still avoid using cold water, it''s not good for their health."


    Ming Mei heard this and couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    Honestly, such a small trick, Ming Mei really didn''t take it seriously.


    Ming Mei had long known that Zhou Qun harbored ill intentions, and even if she hadn''t, she wouldn''t have had a favorable impression of him at this point. Zhou Qun only knew that his tactics with women were usually effective, but he didn''t realize that some people were completely immune to such approaches.


    Ming Mei was precisely that type.


    Although she was young, she wasn''t born from a rock. Her mother, Lan Ling, was no pushover, which stemmed from her upbringing. Ming Mei''s grandparents, Old Man Lan and his wife, were not the type to live frugally when they were young. Spending money freely was their principle.


    They believed in "spending all the money before you die," so they lived extravagantly, often going from lavish feasts in the first half of the month to borrowing from neighbors in the second half.


    Living a hard life?


    That was out of the question.


    They raised their children, including Lan Ling and Ming Mei''s uncle, to be more worldly than the average well-to-do family''s children. After all, most well-to-do families would restrict their daughters from leaving the house.


    The Lan family wasn''t wealthy, but Lan Ling was well-traveled. As a young girl, she accompanied her parents to Shanghai to watch performances, broadening her horizons. A girl with such experiences was less likely to be easily deceived.


    Lan Ling, with her extensive knowledge, often imparted wisdom to her daughter. After all, girls faced more challenges than boys, and being shrewd was never a bad thing. Ming Mei, though not as sharp as her mother, was attentive and learned.


    Moreover, Ming Mei had a habit of dreaming. Although her dreams had lessened with age, the content of her dreams gave her a keen insight into people''s true natures.


    So when Zhou Qun opened his mouth, Ming Mei knew his tricks.


    He was just pretending to be a good guy.


    She smirked, thinking: This guy really thinks I''m an easy mark.


    Ming Mei laughed but didn''t respond. Zhou Qun assumed she had taken his words to heart and continued, "You should add some hot water or let someone else wash first. Oh, do you want some grapes?"


    His mother was still arguing with someone, yet he was flirting with Ming Mei as if nothing was happening.


    He smiled, "Grapes are hard to come by these days."


    Ming Mei looked at him, surprised, and said, "Hard to come by? I think they''re quite easy to find."


    She chuckled, "You must not buy them often. They''re available even in winter."


    Although winter had fewer fruit and vegetable options, grapes could still be found, thanks to greenhouses. Even without greenhouses, her father, who transported goods from the south, sometimes brought back fruits.


    Ming Mei glanced at Zhou Qun, her look conveying "you''re quite ignorant." This look infuriated him.


    Zhou Qun, always concerned about his image, felt his face fall. He forced a smile and said, "Is that so? I didn''t know. My mother usually handles the shopping."


    He pursed his lips and said, "I''ll be going then."


    Though he wanted to win over this young wife, he knew better than to be too obvious in public. And he still valued his pride.


    He had lost all his dignity at seventeen or eighteen, so the more he lacked, the more he desired. Now, he craved respect. He wouldn''t stand there and humiliate himself. Ming Mei''s reaction also confirmed that girls from well-off families were indeed hard to please.


    If not for the "financial benefits" they could bring to their husbands, they would never get married!


    He snorted coldly in his heart, entered the house, and Ming Mei rolled her eyes, thinking: What a despicable person.


    Lowlife!


    Disturbed by Zhou Qun''s disgusting behavior, she no longer wanted to watch the commotion. She pouted and returned home. But soon, she hesitated and stepped out again.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Where are you going?"


    Ming Mei: "I''m going to see Grandpa."


    To check how Grandpa''s preparations were going? She couldn''t wait to teach Zhou Qun a lesson. Otherwise, with that guy around, she''d be sickened to death. However, as soon as Ming Mei reached the door, she was disappointed to find her grandfather wasn''t home.


    There was a big lock on the door.


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She muttered, "Where did he go?"


    Not knowing where her grandfather had gone, Ming Mei returned home. Zhao Guihua asked, "Are you still coming with us to the mountain?"


    Ming Mei decisively said, "Yes!"


    She was determined to go.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I''ll join you too."


    With no one else at home¡ªthe eldest son on a business trip, the second son working overtime, and the eldest daughter-in-law visiting her parents¡ªhe felt he could accompany them. His fishing skills were still top-notch.


    Zhao Guihua said, "There''s no one left at home."


    "The kids are there. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi are around during the day; no one will steal anything," Old Man Zhuang chuckled.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "You never know."


    Usually, it might be fine, but today they had a good catch. She couldn''t help but worry that someone might try to steal their hard-earned catch.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "You make a good point. Let''s have the daughter-in-law stay home."


    Ming Mei widened her eyes, thinking: How dare you take my spot?


    Ming Mei: "Dad, I''m going. You can''t do this."


    Old Man Zhuang smiled awkwardly and said, "You can go with Zhixi next time."


    Ming Mei: "No way, you go with Zhixi next time. I want to go with my mother-in-law."


    Next time?


    Who knows when that will be, so she was determined to seize this chance.


    Ming Mei was firm and unyielding.


    Old Man Zhuang was puzzled. Usually, young wives kept their distance from their mother-in-laws, but his daughter-in-law was different.


    He was a kind-hearted but tongue-tied man. Seeing his daughter-in-law so resolute, he couldn''t insist. He looked at Zhao Guihua helplessly, hoping she could help. Zhao Guihua, catching his plea, couldn''t help but laugh and said, "Ming Mei, next time."


    Ming Mei looked incredulous and said, "We had a deal! How can you go back on your word? You''re prioritizing looks over friendship."


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang: "Pfft!"


    What kind of phrase is that? Your Chinese isn''t that great.


    Zhao Guihua composed herself and said, "I''ll decide. It''s settled with your father."


    Ming Mei: "Sob sob."


    Old Man Zhuang wanted to gloat but was afraid his daughter-in-law might really cry, so he quickly packed up. After the in-laws left, Ming Mei was still moping, feeling utterly wronged.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, not understanding what happened, just knew their grandparents had gone out. Seeing their aunt''s sad expression, Xiao Yanzi hesitated and said, "Auntie, you can borrow my little rabbit bag. Don''t be sad."


    Ming Mei: "Even a real rabbit can''t fix my sadness, let alone a fake one that can''t be eaten."


    Xiao Yanzi''s eyes widened: "It''s not supposed to be eaten. It''s a bag."


    Is Auntie confused?


    Ming Mei: "Sniff."


    She sighed, "I guess I''ll just stay home and sleep."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi couldn''t sleep, so they went out to play after getting permission.


    It seemed no one was around to help her when Zhixi wasn''t here.


    A knock sounded at the door. Ming Mei asked, "Who is it?"


    Could it be that despicable hypocrite Zhou Qun?


    She frowned, her brow furrowing so deeply it could crush a fly.


    "Who?"


    "It''s me, your grandpa!" came a loud voice.


    Ming Mei heard the knock and immediately opened the door: "Grandpa, is that you? Weren''t you supposed to be out? I just went to look for you and you weren''t there."


    Old Man Lan: "What did you need from me?"


    Ming Mei whispered: "Come inside and I''ll tell you."


    He asked: "Where are your family members?"


    Ming Mei explained briefly and quickly added: "Grandpa, let me tell you, that hypocrite, he..."


    Old Man Lan nodded, stepped inside, but left the door wide open instead of closing it.


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    Old Man Lan said with a meaningful smile: "When you''re talking inside and want to prevent others from hearing, the simplest way is to leave the door wide open. The table in your house is right in front of the door. If we sit here, anyone coming and going can be clearly seen, and no one will have the chance to eavesdrop. As long as we lower our voices, others won''t be able to hear what we''re saying."


    Ming Mei: "I see."


    "What do you mean ''I see''? I''m telling you, the best way to discuss these things is not at home, but in an open space. This is my experience from years of gossiping. If you don''t want others to hear you badmouthing someone, you have to do it this way. If you want to scheme against someone, even more so."


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    Grandpa seems like the big villain in a movie.


    "Alright, tell me what''s going on."


    Ming Mei spoke in a very low voice, quickly explaining the situation. Old Man Lan chuckled coldly and said: "What a paragon of virtue. I''ve never seen such a virtuous person."


    Ming Mei thought to herself: Is this the level of sophistication?


    She would call him a hypocrite directly, but her grandpa can actually say the words "paragon of virtue."


    Old Man Lan: "I came to find you to discuss this matter. I''ve already prepared everything. Listen carefully."


    Ming Mei: "Mm-hmm."


    She nodded quickly, and Old Man Lan continued: "I''ve made all the preparations. Let me explain..."


    He lowered his voice to an inaudible level, but Ming Mei, being close, could still hear everything. Her eyes widened in amazement: "Grandpa, you''re too amazing! But will this work?"


    Old Man Lan: "Why wouldn''t it work?"


    He said: "You always boast about your skills. If you mess this up, I''ll look down on you."


    Ming Mei snorted and said: "I definitely won''t let you look down on me. If I can''t even pretend to be a ghost, how can I claim to have good skills?"


    Who knows what pretending to be a ghost has to do with skills.


    It seems to have nothing to do with it.


    Ming Mei: "What about my voice..."


    Old Man Lan: "Don''t worry about that. I''ve got it covered. I can mimic a woman''s voice easily. Plus, when Zhuang Zhixi comes back later, I''ll have him cooperate with you. Just follow my steps, and you''ll definitely scare him into a state of tranquility."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    Old Man Lan: "Don''t be merciful. I''m telling you, good people die young while villains live long. A person like him, a little scare won''t kill him. He wants to scheme against you, and he doesn''t have good intentions. I''ve thought about it carefully, and he probably wants to get back at me. After all, I just moved here and already had a conflict with his family."


    Old Man Lan chuckled coldly and said: "Such a petty person, too cowardly to confront directly, probably thinks of these underhanded tricks."


    Indeed, old ginger is spicier.


    Old Man Lan Sihai''s guess was spot on, perfectly capturing the mentality of someone like Zhou Qun.


    Ming Mei was quite surprised and said: "But, isn''t that a different matter?"


    Lan Sihai smiled: "Maybe in his mind, it''s the same thing. Alright, let me go over the process with you again. Zhuang Zhixi, that guy, why is he working overtime at this time? It''s really holding things up."


    Fortunately, he''s just a minor character and not very important.


    Ming Mei: "Okay, I''ll go over it again."


    This was the first time Ming Mei was doing something mischievous, and she was quite excited, feeling eager to try.


    It''s not that she wanted to do something bad. She was doing it for the good of the people!


    Hehehehe!


    Fighting!


    ******


    The evening breeze was cool.


    The weather had warmed up, and during the day, sometimes the sun was so strong that a long-sleeve shirt was enough. But at night, it was still a bit chilly, with a drop in temperature and a bit of wind, so a thick coat was needed.


    Gurgle, gurgle gurgle!


    Late at night, Zhou Qun really didn''t want to get up, but tonight''s meal seemed to have been poorly digested, making him feel especially uncomfortable. After hesitating for a while, he had no choice but to sit up and put on his shoes.


    "Qun Ge?" Jiang Lu asked sleepily, "Why are you getting up?"


    Zhou Qun: "My stomach is uncomfortable."


    He complained: "I said the leftover lamb testicles from the day before yesterday had a bad smell, but you all insisted it was just their natural flavor, that it would be fine if we made a soup out of it. Now look, my stomach is in pain..."


    They had eaten this dish the day before yesterday, but perhaps it hadn''t been handled well, as the smell was quite strong.


    It was a very small portion, yet he had been eating it for three days, today being the third day.


    He felt the food had gone bad, but his mother insisted that the weather wasn''t hot enough for it to spoil. So, she chopped it up and made a soup. Zhou Qun felt nauseous when he drank it, and now it was even worse, with his stomach gurgling.


    He said: "This lousy stuff!"


    Jiang Lu immediately got up and said: "Is your stomach really uncomfortable? Is it very painful? Do you need to go to the toilet or is it something else? If it''s really bad, let''s go to the hospital."


    Jiang Lu doted on her husband greatly, and whenever he was a bit unwell, she would be on high alert. She didn''t mind her own headaches and fevers, but if it was Zhou Qun, she wished she could take the pain for him.


    Jiang Lu was about to get up with concern.


    Zhou Qun shook his head and held her back: "You don''t need to get up. I just have a stomachache, probably going to have diarrhea. It''s just indigestion."


    Hearing this, Jiang Lu relaxed a bit.


    Indeed, diarrhea was better than food poisoning.


    At this moment, she also blamed her mother-in-law in her heart. It was all because the old woman insisted the food wouldn''t go bad. Now, her husband was suffering. She cursed the old woman in her heart, wishing she would just die and stop wasting food.


    "It''s all our mom''s fault, insisting it wouldn''t go bad..."


    Zhou Qun patted his wife''s shoulder and said: "What can we do? She''s my real mother. No matter how wrong she is, she''s still good to me. I have to be filial. Let''s not take it to heart. She''s old, doesn''t understand much, and her actions are a bit off. She can''t compare to you. Just let her be. You''re a high school graduate, can''t you bear with an illiterate old lady? She doesn''t know the ABCs. Just give me face, okay?"


    Zhou Qun knew exactly how to handle Jiang Lu. Sure enough, after hearing this, Jiang Lu immediately nodded. She said softly: "Of course, I''ll listen to you. Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog. Your mom is my mom. No matter how wrong she is, I won''t blame her."


    Zhou Qun smiled: "That''s right."


    Gurgle gurgle.


    At this moment, his stomach growled again. Zhou Qun quickly went out and said: "I''m going to the toilet. You go back to sleep."


    Jiang Lu: "Okay."


    Zhou Qun went out, passing through the hall, and heard his mother''s thunderous snoring. He disdainfully curled his lip. What an old hag! The night was cold, with a strong wind, and the sky was overcast, as if it might rain. If it were an ordinary person, they would wrap themselves up tightly and hurry along. But Zhou Qun was different. Even when no one was around, he maintained an air of a "leader."


    Although he was just an electrician, he always demanded himself to act like a leader. He strolled to the door, opened it, and a gust of wind blew straight at him.


    Before even stepping out, he had already swallowed a mouthful of cold wind.


    His stomach was already uncomfortable, and now it was even worse.


    Zhou Qun stepped out, and the wind was indeed strong. Late at night, there was no one around. He quickened his pace towards the toilet.


    But just as he reached the toilet entrance, he heard voices coming from the women''s toilet.


    A shrill woman''s voice: "You scoundrel, didn''t you say you''d come as soon as your wife fell asleep? Why are you only here now? I''ve been waiting for you for so long."


    Zhou Qun''s footsteps slowed considerably, and before he could react, he heard a man''s voice, muffled and gruff: "I was just worried your husband hadn''t fallen asleep yet."


    Evidently, two people had taken advantage of the dead of night, when the world was quiet, to have a friendly rendezvous.


    Zhou Qun instantly perked up, eager to see who these two were who dared to sneak out in the middle of the night!


    He quickly approached, forgetting all about his stomachache and the rumors of ghosts in the women''s restroom. He just wanted to take a peek at who these bold individuals were. But before he could even peek, he heard the man say again: "Here are some gold and silver jewelry for you. Take them and hide them. When I leave that woman, we''ll have something to fall back on."


    "But, but there are others in my house too. What if someone finds out?"


    The woman''s voice was filled with hesitation. After a brief pause, she said: "I''ll hide them here for now. I''ll stash them in the crack between the bricks above the women''s restroom. I guarantee no one will think to look there."


    "But this is outside..."


    "What does it matter? It''s safer outside. At home, someone might just stumble upon them, and I wouldn''t be able to explain..."


    Their voices gradually lowered.


    Zhou Qun''s ears were standing high, and if he was initially attracted by the scandalous news, now his heart and mind were filled with thoughts of the "gold and silver jewelry."


    Money was more important than family.


    Zhou Qun knew this better than anyone.


    He had lost his father when he was young, and life at home was not exactly prosperous, so he had an obsessive fixation on money.


    He held his breath, but at that moment, his stomach inappropriately rumbled.


    "Who''s there!"


    At the sound of this voice, Zhou Qun quickly darted towards the men''s restroom, holding his breath, terrified of being discovered. In the dark of night, the thought of being killed was terrifying.


    Zhou Qun was very good at imagining scenarios and adding drama to his own life.


    Hiding in a corner of the men''s restroom, he dared not move...suddenly struck by a clever idea, he took the initiative: "Meow."


    "It''s just a stray cat, it''s fine. Quickly hide the stuff, it''s too cold tonight, let''s go back."


    "Okay!"


    Zhou Qun dared not move, nor did he dare to peek out, only hearing footsteps, as if someone had left. After a long while, Zhou Qun hesitated for a moment before emerging. There was no one outside.


    He quickly rushed towards the women''s restroom, finding it empty.


    Zhou Qun revealed a smile, quickly entered, and looked around carefully.


    Where would the gold and silver jewelry be hidden?


    He looked left and right, finding all the bricks identical. He quickly went out to find a few stones, stacked them up, and stood on them to search carefully: "Damn it, where did they hide it? It''s a pity I didn''t see clearly who it was..."


    "What are you looking for?"


    A soft female voice sounded, quite different from before, with a hint of tenderness.


    Zhou Qun''s heart skipped a beat, and he was startled. He quickly turned around, "I... Ah!?"


    Behind him, there was no one.


    Zhou Qun''s cold sweat immediately broke out, and even his hair stood on end. The previous conversation in the restroom was clearly about a scandalous affair, and he hadn''t thought about ghosts, but now, this sudden voice made him instantly think of that. He let out a scream, fell off the stones, and quickly pressed himself against the wall: "Who, who''s playing tricks? Don''t think you can scare me, I saw you. I saw you!"


    He bluffed, only to hear the voice giggle again.


    But compared to before, this time it was laced with more resentment: "You''re so cold, you''re not the one who loved me the most? I lured you here, and this is how you treat me?"


    Zhou Qun: "Get lost! Go away!"


    "I know you like women, so I came to you, but you treat me like this. How can you be so cold? Wasn''t I the one you loved the most?"


    Zhou Qun was about to shout again when suddenly he saw a white shadow pass by. He instantly felt ice-cold all over, unable to even move. He stared fixedly at the direction of the white shadow. At that moment, a cold hand suddenly rested on his shoulder: "Zhou Qun..."


    Zhou Qun felt his throat was blocked, unable to utter a word.


    Not only could he not speak, but he was also trembling like a sieve.


    "Zhou Qun, you''re so cold. Didn''t you say you loved me the most?" The woman''s voice was filled with a haunting resentment: "When we were alive, we couldn''t be together. Now that I''m dead, I''ve come to find you. Are you happy?"


    Zhou Qun''s mind buzzed, as if it had exploded. He trembled, wanting to speak but unable to. He was so nervous that he couldn''t say anything.


    "I''ll stay here from now on. Will you come to me every night? We''ll have our affair here. You love sneaking around, don''t you?"


    Zhou Qun: "No, no... no..."


    "No! You actually said no! Do you want to abandon me! How can you do this! I know you can abandon me once, you can do it again. Zhou Qun, you have a ruthless heart! I won''t let you go, I won''t let you go..."


    The woman''s voice gradually became more venomous.


    The cold, lifeless hand disappeared, and when he looked up, he saw a woman hanging from the ceiling. This woman was dressed in white, with long hair covering her face. Although he couldn''t see her face clearly, Zhou Qun felt her gaze fixed on him.


    In the blink of an eye, the ghost had changed positions. The ghost, indeed, was a ghost!


    What was even more terrifying was that her voice sounded right by his ear: "You heartless man~ You deserve to die, I''ll take you with me..."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, the ghost in front of him suddenly waved her hand, and a burst of fire appeared.


    The fire flashed and disappeared, and under the fleeting light, Zhou Qun saw a pale face. The hair covered most of it but not all, revealing a ghostly pale complexion, dark circles around the eyes, and a bright red lipstick, all flashing by.


    More terrifying than the description of a ghost!


    "Ah! Ahhhh!" He screamed.


    Zhou Qun: "I''m sorry, please, please let me go... Please, please let me go! I beg you!"


    At this moment, he didn''t know what to do, quickly kneeling on the ground and kowtowing continuously: "Spare me, please, I beg you, Auntie, spare me! I didn''t mean to abandon you..."


    Hearing this, the ghost suspiciously paused. But Zhou Qun, busy kowtowing, didn''t notice. At this moment, how could he notice anything?


    Zhou Qun was sweating profusely, feeling as if he was about to faint, kowtowing continuously.


    "Auntie? You were with your aunt...?" The sharp female voice sounded again... sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Qun paused, crying out: "Not Auntie, not Auntie, you''re Xinghua, Xinghua, it''s my fault, it''s my fault, I shouldn''t have taken advantage of you... Spare me..."


    He cried out again, kowtowing.


    The white shadow: "..."


    Damn, how many bad things have you done?


    Hearing this, it wasn''t a young woman!


    She floated up again, this time even more terrifying, almost floating in mid-air. Fortunately, the restroom ceiling was high, or she wouldn''t be able to perform...


    "Xinghua? You had her too, you heartless man, I won''t let you go... I definitely won''t let you go!"


    Zhou Qun: "Ah, not her either, not her either..."


    Which ghost is this!


    His mind was in chaos, thinking carefully: "Are you Little Tao Hong? Our fleeting affair, don''t come after me... Ahhh!"


    "Woohoo, woohoo..." The woman''s crying sounded, "You heartless man, you had so many, how can you be so cruel... How can you be so cruel..."


    "Ah, not Little Tao Hong, not her, is it Aunt Chen? How can you come after me? We were each getting what we wanted. I needed to pass the exam, you wanted a young man, I gave my all, how can you come after me..."


    The white shadow suspiciously paused again, and the woman''s sobs grew louder: "You''ve wronged me, you''ve wronged me completely... Zhou Qun, you have a heart of stone, you''re cruel and heartless, your love is like loose sand, blown away by the wind... Your love is worthless, worthless... Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun..."


    "Ghost lady, I''m wrong, I''m really wrong. Spare me, spare me... Are you Sister Xiufen? Widow Zhou? Sister Lai? Chunmei? Xintao?... Ah, you can''t be Wang Xiangxiu, can you?"


    He cried with snot and tears, counting names one by one, but couldn''t figure out who the woman was. By this point, he didn''t care who she was, just pleading, "Spare me! Spare me, I know I wronged you! I know I''m heartless, I didn''t have true love. But I''m still young, I don''t want to die... Ahhh..."


    Zhou Qun screamed frantically, suddenly getting up and darting out of the bathroom at lightning speed: "Help!!"


    A heart-wrenching cry rang out.


    The white shadow drifted and hung on the bathroom door. It seemed trapped and couldn''t come out, but a ball of ghost fire shot out, causing Zhou Qun to scream, "Ahhhh!"


    He stumbled trying to run but found he had no strength, his legs were weak. His sprint out of the bathroom had been his peak effort.


    But now he noticed the outside was shrouded in mist, with balls of ghost fire floating in the air, the white shadow eerily appearing and disappearing.


    The woman''s mournful and shrill voice echoed: "You wronged me, you wronged me... I''ll find you, I''ll follow you, you won''t have another woman, I''ll watch you, I''ll stare at you, three seconds, hehehehe... I''ll make sure you don''t even get three seconds... I''m always by your side, always watching you..."


    Zhou Qun: "Ahhhh!! Mom!"


    Not mentioning the three seconds, he was already terrified.


    Mentioning the three seconds, he was terrified to the extreme!


    Because he really, only lasted three seconds!


    This female ghost, really followed him!


    "Ahhhh... Help! Someone, please save me! Help!"


    Finally, someone heard the deafening cries outside.


    One by one, it seemed like doors were opening, and the woman''s venomous voice rang out again: "I won''t let you be with another woman, I won''t let you have children... Don''t even think about it, don''t think about it... I''ll keep haunting you..."


    Someone who was opening the door suddenly heard this and stumbled back, pressing against the door, trembling.


    Aliali: 675f8fba9234b3e7f2017a08


    Goodness!


    There''s a ghost!


    It''s really a ghost!


    Zhou Qun was even more terrified, shrieking, "Ahhhh!!"


    Some were too scared to move, but some daredevils actually opened the door, as the nearest bathroom wasn''t in Zhou Qun''s courtyard.


    "Move aside, don''t crowd the door if you''re scared."


    "But..."


    "Move!"


    As the door opened, they saw the mist outside, and the brave man stepped out: "Who''s playing tricks here!"


    Looking again, Zhou Qun had fainted!

 Chapter 65

    Zhou Qun''s screams echoed through heaven and earth, audible not just in the nearest courtyard near the bathroom, but even further away.However, on such a late night, would you dare to go out after hearing such screams?


    Those who were faint of heart certainly wouldn''t.


    Who knew what was happening outside? In one word: scary!


    In two words: very scary!


    So despite Zhou Qun''s desperate cries, no one came out to "play hero and save the beauty" - though we can''t really call him the "beauty" in need of rescue. Even though neighbors these days were generally helpful, wasn''t this ghost business something entirely different?


    If someone had shouted "Thief! Someone''s stealing manhole covers!", perhaps ten or twenty young men would have rushed out.


    But when you cry: "Help! There''s a ghost!"


    Hell no, nobody''s coming out.


    Zhou Qun howled in terror, feeling his courage completely shattered. In the thick mist, he saw the floating female ghost and clusters of ghost fires. Zhou Qun was about to go mad with fear; he never imagined a female ghost would actually come to haunt him.


    He screamed like a strangled chicken, wailing non-stop.


    The female ghost floated gently, approaching him before quickly retreating... but her voice seemed to come from very close by: "I''ll be watching you, I''ll always be watching you, I''ll keep my eyes on you..."


    "Ahhhhh!" Zhou Qun finally collapsed under the immense pressure, falling to the ground with a thud, unconscious...


    When Zhou Qun fell silent, the sounds outside also suddenly stopped.


    The white-robed female ghost turned to look at the men''s bathroom, revealing an ambiguous smile. She floated near the bathroom, letting out a cackling laugh. The person inside... tightly covered his mouth, trembling, just hoping the ghost wouldn''t come in, wouldn''t find him.


    He... he was innocent!


    Unlike Zhou Qun, he didn''t have all those affairs!


    Besides drinking, he didn''t dare do anything wrong!


    The ghost''s voice rang out melodiously: "You must be a good person..."


    The person hiding in the bathroom immediately fell to his knees, frantically kowtowing toward the outside: "I know, I know, I know, I''ll definitely be a good person, Ghost Sister... no, Immortal Sister, please spare me, spare me..."


    "Hehehehehe..."


    With a burst of laughter, the white figure floated away.


    The man in the bathroom instantly collapsed to the ground, whimpering - he would quit drinking!


    This fellow was none other than the famous drunk of the street. He wasn''t a bad person, just unemployed, and his greatest daily pleasure was drinking. Today drinking, tomorrow drinking, drinking at every meal, seizing every opportunity to drink, creating opportunities to drink if none existed - truly the number one drunkard under heaven.


    Because of his drinking habit, he had already encountered ghosts several times, since he always needed to use the bathroom after drinking.


    But in previous encounters, he had only vaguely heard the female ghost''s crying, which had scared him nearly to death. Still, he thought that as someone with "experience," he was somewhat different from others.


    He even believed that if he encountered the female ghost again, he could face off against her.


    But when it actually happened, he discovered he was still the same old coward, unchanged in the slightest.


    This time, the female ghost had gone crazy!


    Ah ah ah!


    He had drunk too much again today. His meager earnings weren''t enough for drinking. But today he had luck, very good luck - on his way home from work, he found a wallet. On this point, he was quite decent - he didn''t keep it for himself but instead honestly called out to the person ahead who had lost their wallet.


    That person was so grateful they insisted on treating him, firmly buying him a roast chicken and two bottles of liquor. Though not expensive wine, the three items together still cost quite a bit.


    He happily went home and feasted. After eating and drinking so much, nature soon called.


    He staggered out, swaying, and from far away saw Zhou Qun moving stones. Though he didn''t know why, it piqued his interest - after all, Zhou Qun was moving stones into the women''s bathroom.


    How could he not be curious?


    The supposed gentleman of public opinion was moving stones into the women''s bathroom in the dead of night - obviously up to no good.


    As a normal person, he absolutely had to be curious, so he crept forward stealthily, sneaking closer. But being not very brave, he was afraid Zhou Qun would discover him, so he went straight to hide in the men''s bathroom, planning to watch what Zhou Qun was doing.


    In the dead of night, it was all very suspicious!


    But never in a million years did he expect this!


    He witnessed such a terrifying ghost encounter!


    He was squatting in the bathroom stall, conveniently listening to the commotion, but truly never expected... Zhou Qun would encounter a ghost.


    And then... well, everything that could be heard, shouldn''t be heard, was allowed to be heard, wasn''t allowed to be heard... he heard it all.


    At this moment, he really wanted to kick that immoral Zhou Qun to death. What was he doing messing around outside, ending up attracting a female ghost - he was completely innocent! If he also got dealt with by the female ghost, it would be more unjust than Dou E.


    This fellow had wet himself in fear, supporting himself against the wall as he came out of the stall, pressing himself against the wall, not daring to move.


    As for running?


    He didn''t dare do that either.


    He covered his mouth, crying like a gorilla.


    However, a ghost is a ghost - even though he made no sound, the ghost still knew he was there. Fortunately, since he usually did good deeds and never acted immorally, the female ghost didn''t make trouble for him and let him go directly...


    Indeed, one must be a good person.


    He didn''t know what was happening outside, just kept kneeling on the ground, upper body pressed against the wall seeking security, crying pitifully non-stop.


    This fellow didn''t dare move, but someone braver finally came out - it was Da Qiang from the neighboring courtyard to Zhao Guihua''s.


    With "Da" (meaning "big") in his name, his courage was indeed quite big. After hesitating for a while, he was the first to open his door. The creaking sound in the silent night seemed particularly noticeable. Many who were pressed against their doors not daring to move now pricked up their ears.


    Da Qiang shouted loudly: "Who is it? Who''s playing ghost tricks!"


    He bellowed once, then looked around, feeling his scalp tingle - how had the whole street suddenly become filled with mist? Who knew where this smoke came from, though it wasn''t particularly thick. And in this mist, there were indeed several ghost fires dancing.


    G-ghost fires!!!


    His heart jumped, pounding even harder.


    Even though he called himself brave Da Qiang, at this moment his hand gripping the door tightened.


    "Who! Who is it!"


    He looked around, then exclaimed: "Holy shit! Isn''t that Zhou Qun?"


    The weak moonlight still let him clearly see who had fallen unconscious!


    Yes, they all worked at the same factory and lived nearby, so of course they knew each other. Even with Zhou Qun collapsed on the ground, he recognized him at a glance.


    "Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun!"


    He called out loudly several times, but didn''t walk forward.


    Well... although he was brave Da Qiang, he wasn''t reckless. Seeing this deadly situation, he didn''t dare rush forward rashly.


    "Zhou Qun! Is anyone there? Is anyone else there?"


    The surroundings were as quiet as a graveyard.


    No one made a sound.


    He froze between walking forward and not walking.


    "Zhou Qun!"


    Another shout, and perhaps because of this shout, suddenly a woman''s wailing voice rang out: "Brother Qun~!"


    This sudden female voice startled brave Da Qiang so much he fell right on his bottom. Several people peeking behind him also retreated, gasping, backing up several yards.


    One particularly timid person ran straight back inside.


    Heaven spirits earth spirits, don''t let them see me, don''t let them see me!


    Da Qiang held his breath, and in this tense atmosphere, running footsteps were heard: "Brother Qun, what happened to you? What''s wrong?"


    Zhou Qun''s countless cries had awakened many people, but in the end, the only one who dared to come out was his wife, only his wife Jiang Lu. As for others, none came. Jiang Lu had been sleeping at home, unaware that Zhou Qun hadn''t returned for so long.


    She was quite a heavy sleeper.


    As for the mother-in-law next door whose snoring sounds like thunder, she naturally slept even more soundly, and the two women were completely unaware.


    Jiang Lu vaguely heard some noise, and half the courtyard was roused. Everyone crowded at the doors, with Bai Fendou already having barricaded the door. He was afraid that some supernatural beings might enter. Jiang Lu, still half-asleep, woke up and called out, "Qun Ge, what''s happening outside?"


    Of course, no one answered her question. She asked again, but still, no one responded.


    Jiang Lu suddenly remembered that Zhou Qun had gone out to use the toilet and hadn''t returned yet. She became anxious and quickly threw on some clothes to rush out, asking, "What happened? What''s going on? My Qun Ge went out to use the toilet and hasn''t come back!"


    Bai Fendou: "There are ghosts outside."


    "Oh my heavens, I''ve lived this long and this is the first time I''ve encountered such a thing."


    "Don''t mention it, I''m ten years older than you, and I''ve never seen anything like it either!"


    Everyone trembled but still managed to chat, each clinging to the door, both scared and curious.


    They wanted to see, yet feared being caught by the ghosts. However, the spot by the door was a coveted place. How could they not fight for it? They could hear better that way. But hearing this, Jiang Lu felt truly uneasy.


    Her man, Zhou Qun, was still outside.


    "Zhou Qun..."


    "Don''t make a sound..."


    "What''s going on? Is Zhou Qun outside?"


    This revelation shocked everyone. They knew there were ghosts, but they didn''t know the specifics.


    After all, it was just ghosts!


    Everyone hid and watched!


    But then...


    "Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun!" A man''s voice called from outside. Li the Cook recognized it: "That''s Da Qiang next door shouting."


    "He''s got guts, he must have gone out..."


    "Listen to what he''s shouting. Is it Zhou Qun?"


    "Yes, he''s shouting Zhou Qun. Could it be that Zhou Qun has encountered a ghost? Has something happened?"


    With this, everyone turned to look at Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu''s heart skipped a beat and, without thinking, she pushed and pulled at the people around her, shouting, "Get out of the way, all of you! Move! I need to find Zhou Qun..."


    Aunt Wang: "Take a look at what''s happening outside first..."


    "Get lost!" Jiang Lu didn''t care if Aunt Wang was trying to help; she shouted loudly, "Get lost!"


    She shoved everyone aside, taking on a heroic stance, and with a bang, she yanked open the door, darting out quickly: "Zhou Qun..."


    Tonight, the name Zhou Qun was being shouted excessively.


    Others saw the slightly misty scene with flickering ghost lights and felt a bit scared, but Jiang Lu wasn''t afraid. She ran forward quickly, not caring that her shoes fell off. She rushed to the toilet and saw Zhou Qun lying on the ground. She immediately threw herself on him, crying out in despair, "Zhou Qun! Don''t leave me!"


    Jiang Lu cried out to the heavens: "Help me, someone help me! Oh heavens, please help my Zhou Qun!"


    Everyone was watching the spectacle, no one moved. Of course, it wasn''t just because they were watching; they were also genuinely scared. Zhao Guihua was among the crowd, scanning for her younger son and daughter-in-law, but she didn''t see them. Her eyelids twitched, and she coughed, saying, "Why don''t we all go out and take a look?"


    She added, "There are so many of us; there shouldn''t be any danger, right?"


    Aunt Wang nodded in agreement: "Yes, we''re all neighbors. Let''s show some mutual aid and go out to see."


    Although she had just been shouted at by Jiang Lu, she put the greater good first.


    If something happened to someone in their courtyard, she, as the caretaker, would be held responsible.


    Since Zhao Guihua suggested everyone go out together, she fully supported it, saying, "With so many of us, there''s nothing to be afraid of. Even if something goes wrong, can it really handle all of us? Let''s be brave, I''ll take the lead!"


    In her heart, she silently cried, thinking this caretaker job was impossible to do.


    If she kept at it, she''d be worn out.


    Every day, big and small issues kept coming, and she was always worried and exhausted. Now, in the middle of the night during a ghost scare, she had to venture out bravely. What kind of sins had she committed in her past life to end up doing this?


    Similarly, Zhao Guihua also felt very sympathetic towards Aunt Wang. Everyone could step back, but she couldn''t.


    It was just her luck to be the caretaker for these peculiar people. It was truly exhausting.


    As Aunt Wang''s good friend, she supported her friend''s work. She held Aunt Wang''s hand and walked at the front, saying, "I''m with you, it should be fine."


    And indeed, the ghost lights almost disappeared...


    Aunt Wang let out a heavy sigh of relief.


    The two aunts led the way like warriors, followed by Old Man Bai, Bai Fendou, Li the Cook, and others. Behind them were Aunt Su, Wang Xiangxiu, Yang Lixin, and others... Children were not allowed to go out, none of them.


    But there were always those who couldn''t stay put, like Jinlai. He watched the whole scene from the window and then, with a twinkle in his eye, slipped on his slippers and ran out. The adults wouldn''t let them go out, so he''d go call someone.


    He dashed to the Zhou''s house, banging on the window: "Aunt Zhou, your Zhou Qun is in trouble, get up quickly, or you''ll miss the funeral feast!"


    What a mischievous kid.


    Aunt Zhou was sleeping soundly, dreaming of gnawing on a pig trotter. Hearing the word "feast" in the distance, she gnawed even more happily.


    "Aunt Zhou, there''s a feast! Aunt Zhou!" Jinlai was truly a persistent "good" child. His cries finally woke Aunt Zhou up. She mumbled in confusion, "Which little brat wants to die? Disturbing my sleep, what a..."


    She continued her colorful cursing.


    Jinlai: "Your Zhou Qun has met a ghost, everyone''s gone to see, and you''re not going? You''ll miss it..."


    Jinlai truly knew how to hit the nail on the head.


    Aunt Zhou finally realized what was happening and tentatively called out, "Xiao Qun?"


    No answer.


    She called again, "Jiang Lu?"


    Still no answer.


    Her face turned pale instantly, and she howled, scrambling out of bed and rushing outside: "My son..."


    Aunt Zhou dashed out like her backside was on fire, slamming the door so hard it shook.


    Seeing Aunt Zhou run out, Jinlai smirked and gestured towards his home. Immediately, two more kids darted out¡ªJinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai. The three boys quickly entered the Zhou''s house. Seeing half a bowl of soup on the cupboard, it seemed to have meat in it. Jinlai took a sip.


    Yinlai: "Brother, there''s me too."


    Tonglai: "And me."


    The three boys divided the soup, each getting a piece of meat. There were four pieces in total, the last one being shared bite by bite, no one being left out. Tonglai smacked his lips, saying, "Brother, is this spoiled? The taste isn''t great."


    "You''re lucky to have something to eat, don''t be picky!"


    He rolled his eyes and said, "It''s definitely not spoiled, it''s just that taste. Remember the stench in the courtyard these days? This stuff is supposed to taste like that."


    He added, "I heard it''s very nutritious."


    "Right, right."


    Jinlai glanced around and saw a steamed bun on the cupboard. He grabbed it and ran, saying, "Let''s go, or they''ll come back and catch us."


    The three boys darted out and ran into Zhuang Zhixi, who was standing in the courtyard. They stared at each other.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at them, snorted, and walked out.


    As if going to watch the commotion.


    Yinlai quickly asked, "Should we go to his place?"


    Jinlai was cautious: "No, his wife didn''t come out."


    He waved his hand, "Let''s go!"


    The three boys ran home, threw off their shoes, and jumped into bed, sharing the steamed bun with a grin.


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked slightly, stepping out of the courtyard. The fog had dissipated even more, and even the ghostly flames were nowhere to be seen. Everyone was gathered around Zhou Qun, and not just from their courtyard, but from others as well.


    After all, the world was originally without paths; it was the footsteps of many that created them. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A similar principle applies here. Although they were afraid, since others were unafraid, they too could join in the gathering. Soon, they were surrounded in layers.


    The reason for their bravery was also because the ghostly flames had vanished.


    As for the mist, it seemed to have dispersed quite a bit too.


    Everyone gathered, yet no one moved. Jiang Lu was sobbing heavily, holding Zhou Qun, while Aunt Zhou was crying even louder beside them.


    "Please, help us take him to the hospital..."


    Jiang Lu''s sobs continued, but no one moved.


    Aunt Zhou became furious: "You despicable people, why aren''t you helping? You''re all my juniors, yet you dare to stand by and watch. You refuse to help my son, so you deserve to be cursed with bad luck for life, never earning a penny, and having no descendants!"


    This old woman was universally disliked because of her vicious nature.


    Just look, was that even a human remark?


    "How dare you spew such filth, old lady! If you''re so capable, don''t beg for help!"


    "Exactly, Aunt Zhou, don''t think just because we call you Aunt Zhou you can act all high and mighty. What are you, anyway? You wish for us to have no descendants? Well, I won''t, but you''re the one who''ll die childless! If you''re so capable, get your son to fire me! Isn''t he going to be a leader?"


    "Yeah, always bragging about becoming a leader. Vice Factory Manager Zhou, right?"


    "Your family has no children because of your viciousness. You deserve it!"


    "Exactly, exactly!"


    Initially, people had only a slight reluctance to help. If Aunt Su had been in such a situation, even if she begged pathetically, someone might have helped. But Aunt Zhou refused to act humbly; she started cursing people with the worst possible insults, which no one could tolerate.


    You''re asking for it!


    No one moved, not even Aunt Wang, who also had children. Hearing such curses was deeply unpleasant; she really didn''t want to see Aunt Zhou''s spiteful face. Besides, their initial reluctance to help wasn''t entirely due to a lack of neighborly affection.


    It was... genuinely disgusting!


    Yes, that''s the word¡ªdisgusting.


    Zhou Qun, he reeked horribly, he had soiled himself out of fear!


    And it was diarrhea.


    With the warmer weather, people wore less, and the smell was overpowering. One glance and you could see the dark yellow mess all over his pants.


    Jiang Lu didn''t mind, and Aunt Zhou, as his mother, didn''t either. But others had no reason to endure it.


    It was simply revolting!


    People already didn''t want to get close, and Aunt Zhou''s verbal attack made them even less inclined to help.


    Jiang Lu was about to hate her mother-in-law to death. Useless at accomplishing anything, always causing trouble at the wrong time with the wrong words, always bringing shame to their family.


    Seeing her mother-in-law about to curse again, Jiang Lu suddenly erupted, shouting, "Shut up!"


    Madam Zhou Li instantly flew into a rage: "How dare you defy me? You little wretch, have you forgotten who your mother-in-law is? I''ll beat you to death!"


    Her palm struck Jiang Lu''s shoulder, and the onlookers gasped.


    Was this really the time for a fight?


    Aunt Zhou''s brain must be filled with waste, how could she be so devoid of sense?


    Aunt Zhou continued to beat Jiang Lu: "It''s all your fault, you little wretch. You can''t even take care of your own man. Look at what you''ve done to Xiao Qun, you jinx. You shameless..."


    "Smack!"


    A loud slap landed on Madam Zhou Li''s face. Jiang Lu glared at her, saying, "Get lost!"


    Madam Zhou Li was startled by her fierce gaze, about to say something more when another slap came. Jiang Lu didn''t hold back at all, and Aunt Zhou''s face visibly reddened and swelled.


    "Get out of here, far away!"


    Jiang Lu shouted loudly, and the surroundings fell into immediate silence.


    Madam Zhou Li, frightened, plopped down on the ground, staring in terror at Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu grabbed her hair and delivered several more slaps, each one resounding loudly.


    "You old hag! If you hadn''t forced Zhou Qun to drink that soup, he wouldn''t have had diarrhea. If he hadn''t had diarrhea, he wouldn''t have come out to use the toilet and wouldn''t have gotten into this mess! You deserve to die! More than anyone else! Your son''s in trouble, and you''re sleeping like a pig at home, now you''re causing more trouble, I''ll make you pay for your foul mouth, for your curses, for your violence, you old hag..."


    Her slaps continued, and Madam Zhou Li was left dazed, unable to fight back.


    The onlookers took a step back, then another.


    Was Jiang Lu going mad?


    Their eyes filled with fear as they looked at her.


    Could it be... possessed by a female ghost?


    She had always been a gentle woman!


    Always obedient in the Zhou household, never daring to defy Madam Zhou Li.


    But now... oh my.


    If this continued, she''d kill the old woman.


    They looked at each other, no one daring to move.


    Aunt Wang swallowed hard, wanting to find someone to pull Jiang Lu away; she couldn''t do it alone, not in this frenzy. Her first thought was Mingmei, but after looking around, she only saw Zhuang Zhixi; his wife hadn''t come out.


    She hesitated, then said, "Stop fighting, Jiang Lu, you need to stop, or someone will get hurt."


    Jiang Lu turned, her eyes fierce: "You shut up too. As the head of the compound, you can''t do anything, not even get my husband to the hospital. What right do you have to speak? Shut up! Get lost!"


    Aunt Wang: "What the hell!"


    She was truly furious. Helping was a favor, not an obligation. And now, not only did they not help, but they were being blamed?


    Aunt Wang fumed: "You think I owe you? When your Zhou Qun fell into the cesspit, didn''t I get people to pull him out? Now you say I can''t manage anything. Fine, tell me, what else should I manage? Your mother-in-law cursed us with no descendants, are we supposed to be so desperate for help that we endure the insults? Jiang Lu, you can''t be without a conscience. My work in the compound is evident to everyone. Count how many troubles your family causes every year, my hair has turned white from the stress. Alright, since you say I can''t manage, then I won''t. Tomorrow, I''ll go to the neighborhood committee, whoever wants to manage can do it! Damn it, as if I''m getting some great benefit from this, pfft!"


    She turned and stormed off.


    Others called out: "Aunt Wang, don''t be angry, we know you''re doing a good job."


    "Exactly, you''re always busy with this and that, we all see it. Those who say you''re not doing well are heartless."


    "That''s right."


    "Why bother arguing with them."


    "Exactly, their family is always causing trouble, never a moment''s peace..."


    Everyone chimed in, trying to calm Aunt Wang, even Zhao Guihua was comforting her. Seeing everyone''s genuine concern, Aunt Wang felt a bit better. She was truly infuriated by this family, but now that everyone recognized her efforts, she felt a bit more at ease.


    "You... can someone help me..."


    A weak voice broke the lively atmosphere, silencing everyone instantly.


    They all froze.


    "I''m human, not a ghost... I''m the Drunkard."


    Mention his nickname, and everyone knew who he was.


    "I''m in the men''s toilet, pull me out, my legs are too weak to stand..."


    "Uh..."


    Several men exchanged glances and headed towards the toilet. Sure enough, they found the Drunkard lying on the ground, looking weak and helpless.


    "Damn, it''s really you, Drunkard, are you okay? What happened to you?"


    Using their flashlights to confirm his identity, they quickly stepped forward to help.


    The Drunkard lamented: "I... my legs are numb."


    "Why are you here?"


    "Let''s go, I''ll help you out."


    "When did you come over? You''re lucky you didn''t run into a female ghost..."


    Although it''s forbidden to talk about this now, it''s considered feudal superstition, but sometimes people still bring it up, after all, everyone is just an ordinary person.


    "Woohoo, woohoohoohoo, I saw a ghost, I saw a ghost..." The drunkard suddenly burst into tears, looking pitiful and utterly miserable. He said, "I''m so unlucky, I just came out to use the bathroom and ran into this."


    "Holy crap, you really encountered a ghost?"


    "What, what happened?"


    "Yeah, what exactly happened, tell us."


    They helped the drunkard out and realized there was another victim. However, compared to Zhou Qun, he was still relatively sober. Sobbing, he said, "I came out to use the toilet and then this happened... The female ghost was looking for Zhou Qun, she was specifically looking for him..."


    "You''re lying!" Jiang Lu exclaimed.


    The drunkard was indignant, shouting loudly, "I''m not lying! If I''m making it up, may I run into a ghost again tomorrow!"


    "Whoa!!!"


    Such a vicious oath!


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    "I believe you, drunkard."


    "Me too, no one would dare make such a promise."


    "Exactly!"


    "What exactly happened? Why was she looking for Zhou Qun?"


    The drunkard sobbed and wiped his tears, "The ghost said Zhou Qun was a heartless man, she wanted to find him and follow him forever... I heard it, I heard it all, it was terrifying. Zhou Qun guessed several names, but none were right, wooooo..."


    At this point, the drunkard was still crying heavily, but some quick-witted folks quickly asked, "Who did he guess?"


    The names Zhou Qun mentioned must have been related to him.


    After all, a heartless man would be connected to such matters.


    "His shifu''s wife, Aunt Xinghua, and some other aunts... woooo, he mentioned many, I can''t remember them all... wooooo."


    Everyone''s expressions became even more subtle.


    Da Qiang, the brave but timid one, muttered quietly, "Why are they all older women!"


    The drunkard said, "There were more, he mentioned so many, I can''t remember them all, but they were all aunts and sisters-in-law. Oh, he finally said, ''You can''t be Wang Xiangxiu, right?''... Isn''t Wang Xiangxiu the widow from the Su family...?"


    The scene fell into silence again. Everyone almost robotically turned their necks to look at Wang Xiangxiu, who was watching the commotion from a distance. Just moments ago, she was part of the audience, but now she became the main attraction.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face turned pale instantly, and she shouted, "Don''t you dare slander me, I''ll beat you up for spreading lies..."


    She twisted her waist and charged forward to teach the drunkard a lesson.


    The drunkard was still crying; he was so pitiful, couldn''t he cry?


    "Why are you hitting me? It was Zhou Qun who said it, woooo. I was almost scared to death by the ghost, and you''re still bullying me. If you have the guts, go find Zhou Qun, it was him who said it!"


    "You''re lying!!!"


    A thunderous shout!


    It wasn''t Wang Xiangxiu, but Jiang Lu. She was trembling all over and suddenly lunged forward, "I''ll kill you! How dare you slander my husband!"


    "I swear, if I''m lying, may I see a ghost!"


    The drunkard was also quite firm. Although he was crying, he wasn''t a spineless man.


    He hid behind Da Qiang and said, "Your husband said it, it was him who mentioned this aunt and that aunt, and his shifu''s wife, and in three seconds, I heard it all. I swear, I dare to swear a vicious oath..."


    "Oh? Three seconds?"


    "That''s not possible, is it? I didn''t expect that."


    "Yeah, he may not be tall and strong, but he''s still sturdy, not likely, right?"


    The drunkard shouted, "If you don''t believe me, wake him up and ask him. He just fainted from fear, he''s fine..."


    As someone present, he had the right to speak.


    "Uh... three seconds..."


    "I can last ten seconds... oops!" Quickly covered his mouth! Not to be mentioned!


    "Oh my."


    "Let''s try pouring a basin of cold water."


    "Alright, better than sending him to the hospital."


    With that mess, they didn''t want to get involved.


    Soon, someone fetched water and poured the icy water on Zhou Qun''s face. Zhou Qun groaned, "......uh."


    "It''s working, it''s working."


    Everyone cheered.


    Zhou Qun slowly came to, and Jiang Lu rushed over immediately, "Brother Qun."


    She had forgotten that she had been beaten by Madam Zhou Li, her hair disheveled, her eyes red from crying, and snot and tears streaming down her face, looking quite unpresentable. Zhou Qun, upon waking up and seeing such a face, his pupils dilated instantly, and he screamed, "Ghost!"


    He slapped her, and Jiang Lu was instantly knocked to the ground. Already in a state of shock, she fainted right away...


    "That''s Jiang Lu, you hit the wrong person..."


    Zhou Qun thought he saw a ghost again and rolled his eyes, fainting once more.


    "Holy crap!"


    "What the hell is going on?"


    "My goodness!"


    "Oh my god, I''m done with this."


    Both Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu were unconscious, and Madam Zhou Li was already beaten silly by Jiang Lu.


    Seeing the state of this family, Zhao Guihua silently shook her head and took a step back. She wouldn''t get involved in this mess. This family would surely repay kindness with ingratitude. She thought this, and so did others.


    Aunt Wang couldn''t stand it any longer. She sighed and said, "Everyone, think of a way to put these three on a cart and send them to the hospital."


    No one moved.


    Aunt Wang sighed again, "I know you''re all disgusted, but look at the situation here, can''t we just let it go until morning?"


    She pulled Aunt Zhou up and said, "Go, go home and get the money."


    Aunt Zhou quickly said, "I don''t have any money." Her eyes darted around nervously.


    Aunt Wang narrowed her eyes and coldly stared at Aunt Zhou. This time, she was truly angry.


    Aunt Wang often got angry, but this time it was a deep-seated disgust for this family.


    No matter how much you help them, they never remember, always causing trouble, and you never know how much more they''ll need.


    She said lightly, "Oh, okay, if you don''t have money, then forget it. Everyone, let''s disperse."


    She walked away first, and Aunt Zhou quickly grabbed her, "You can''t leave..."


    Aunt Wang, with her strong build, gave a hard shove, sending Aunt Zhou flying. She pointed at Aunt Zhou and cursed, "Get lost! If your daughter-in-law said it to me, I''ll say it to you! Just die, all of you! I''m done being the neighborhood committee leader!"


    She turned and left!


    The others looked at the Zhou family''s miserable state and thought about their behavior earlier. One by one, they coldly turned away, not caring at all.


    Everyone silently and uniformly left, and Madam Zhou Li was truly scared now. She didn''t think she was wrong for not wanting to pay. Since it happened in the alley, everyone should share the cost! She couldn''t understand why no one was paying attention to her.


    She had forgotten that her stubbornness and nonsense were sometimes just about right and wrong. If it involved money, who would give her any? It was simply impossible.


    She always boasted about her family''s good conditions, wealth, and how great they were, but now she wanted others to pay for her.


    No one in this world is a fool.


    Even if her family didn''t have money, no one would pay for them, let alone when they were actually wealthy.


    Seeing everyone leave, Madam Zhou Li panicked and quickly called out, "Don''t go, how can you leave like this? You can''t be so heartless! I''ll go home and get the money, okay? You can''t just leave."


    No one stopped as she expected; instead, they all left without looking back.


    Aside from Madam Zhou Li''s harsh words, another reason was the drunkard''s words. Although he was crying, what he said was heard by everyone. This encounter with a ghost couldn''t have been without reason.


    If Zhou Qun really could lay hands on his shifu''s wife, then... it was truly chilling!


    This era was very respectful of teachers and their teachings.


    Moreover, how old was his shifu''s wife, and how old was he?


    And listen to those nicknames, like "Aunt Apricot Blossom," and "Auntie So-and-So, Sister So-and-So," everyone was taken aback. From his appearance, you would never guess Zhou Qun was so promiscuous. And he specifically sought out older women.


    Aunt Su muttered as she walked, "I always thought he looked at me with such intensity..."


    "What? That little brat, if he dares to look at you, I''ll kill him!" Old Man Bai was furious.


    Aunt Su quickly said, "Don''t do anything rash. He didn''t actually do anything to me. Just be more careful from now on..."


    "Yes, yes, yes."


    "No wonder Zhou Qun can''t have children..."


    "And he has the nerve to blame Jiang Lu?"


    "Come on, Jiang Lu is also a fool. Even after all this, she still defends her husband. I''ve never seen anyone like that. It''s utterly humiliating."


    Although there is still some preference for boys, the saying "women can hold up half the sky" is also very popular. In daily life, Jiang Lu is suppressed by the Zhou family, which everyone feels is normal. After all, being a daughter-in-law is like that.


    How many mother-in-laws get along well with their daughters-in-law? Many daughters-in-law endure for years before becoming mother-in-laws themselves, and they inevitably have to deal with their own daughters-in-law. This is something everyone has seen.


    But is it the same situation now?


    No, it''s not!


    This incident is just too disgusting to think about.


    If Jiang Lu still defends Zhou Qun after this, they really look down on such spineless people.


    Everyone left one after another. Wang Xiangxiu was afraid of being implicated and pretended to cry, "How could he frame me? I''m so wronged..."


    Everyone looked at Wang Xiangxiu, but they didn''t quite believe her words.


    Although Zhou Qun mentioned mostly older women, you, Wang Xiangxiu, are not a young bride either. You are also older than Zhou Qun. If there are "sisters," then you, Wang Xiangxiu, are not entirely innocent either.


    Besides, Wang Xiangxiu has had her share of rumors at the factory, even if they are not obvious. Otherwise, Old Man Bai wouldn''t have directly called her a "slut" last time. Clearly, everyone has their own judgment.


    Old Man Bai likes Aunt Su, but he doesn''t like Aunt Su''s daughter-in-law.


    Even if his son likes her, he doesn''t.


    Wang Xiangxiu tearfully defended herself. Whether others believed her or not, Bai Fendou believed her.


    He comforted Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Don''t cry. This person must be framing you. Wait for me to ask the drunkard tomorrow..." He paused and corrected himself, "I''ll directly confront Zhou Qun tomorrow! He''s the one framing you!"


    If he had said to find the drunkard, he wouldn''t have been able to continue.


    After all, he had even sworn a poisonous oath about seeing ghosts.


    Aliali: 675f8fba9234b3e7f2017a08


    Bai Fendou couldn''t just go against his conscience and say it was all a lie.


    Zhou Qun, that scoundrel Zhou Qun.


    He angrily said, "This person shows no respect for teachers or traditions. He deserves to be locked up."


    Not many people agreed with this statement. Everyone was too shocked to know what to say.


    Truly, tonight''s event was both terrifying and absurd.


    It''s just, full of issues!


    They originally thought falling into a cesspit was the biggest event in their street for decades, but it wasn''t, not at all.


    What''s that saying?


    There''s always a higher mountain!


    How coincidental, both incidents featured Zhou Qun''s towering figure¡ªugh!

 Chapter 66

    Because of Madam Zhou Li''s antics, Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu were left completely unattended. Madam Zhou Li stood in the courtyard, howling and cursing, "You heartless, despicable people... If you don''t help my family, you''ll die a horrible death... Ah!"A basin of washing water was suddenly thrown out. Zhao Guihua wasn''t about to indulge her. What, did she think Zhao was her mother or father?


    "Don''t dream about it."


    Zhao Guihua splashed water without hesitation and retorted, "If you keep talking nonsense, don''t blame me for slapping you!"


    At this moment, Ming Mei finally emerged, yawning. She clenched her fists and said, "Who should I beat up? I can handle this kind of thing!"


    Madam Zhou Li swallowed hard, trying to appear tough. "Don''t think you can scare me just because there are more of you!"


    She shouted loudly, then turned and yelled toward the Bai family''s house, "Old Man Bai, Bai Fendou, you two unlucky bastards, why aren''t you coming out to help? Big men like you should know how to help your neighbors! No wonder Bai Fendou can''t get a wife. You lazy, heartless dogs deserve to be single. Old Man Bai, come out, you old scoundrel... Ah!"


    But the Bai family wasn''t about to take her insults lying down. Old Man Bai''s washing water was thrown right back at her.


    Bai Fendou waved his fists, furious. "Damn it, I didn''t come looking for you, and yet you dare show up here? Let me tell you, the matter of you falsely accusing my Xiangxiu sister isn''t over. If you don''t go door to door in the entire neighborhood to clear her name, I''ll beat up your son every time I see him. And you, you old hag, you dare insult my father..."


    In a flash, he threw a punch, hitting Madam Zhou Li right in the eye.


    Madam Zhou Li: "Ah!"


    She fell to the ground, covering her eye.


    "If you keep talking trash, I''ll beat you to death!"


    Madam Zhou Li, badly hurt, screamed, "Murder!!"


    By now, dawn was breaking, and everyone was already awake, but no one came out to see what was happening. Who would bother? This wicked old lady deserved a beating. Let her be, no one would miss her. Bai Fendou might be hot-tempered, but he was doing the neighborhood a favor!


    Madam Zhou Li howled a few more times, but seeing no one cared, she turned and banged on Aunt Wang''s door, "Aunt Wang, you''re the neighborhood leader, you have to do something! Look at Bai Fendou, he doesn''t know how to respect his elders. You have to criticize him, drive him out... Ah!"


    Aunt Wang, too, knew how to throw washing water.


    She pointed at Madam Zhou Li and scolded, "Get lost, or I won''t be polite. Do you believe I''ll turn your other eye black and blue too?"


    Madam Zhou Li stumbled back a few steps, then suddenly wailed, "Oh heavens, where is justice... Ah!"


    Now, no matter what she said, it always ended with an "Ah". Since she liked to howl so much, everyone was happy to throw some dirty water at her.


    Er Gouzi from the back yard had a bad temper and hadn''t joined the crowd earlier. Hearing the old lady''s commotion, he got up and threw yesterday''s washing water out, "Get out!"


    He shouted loudly, and Madam Zhou Li trembled, her face pale, as she hid to one side. It was only then that she realized she had provoked the whole neighborhood. Everyone seemed to hate her and wanted to beat her up.


    She swallowed hard, feeling a bit scared. Thinking of her son and daughter-in-law lying outside, she didn''t dare cause any more trouble in the courtyard.


    In the past, causing a scene had always worked for her, but now she realized it was completely useless. This time, she had truly fallen from grace. No one indulged her, no one put up with her antics.


    She stumbled and quickly left, hearing several people discussing.


    "Pfft, a family of heartless people, expecting others to help them. Who would be so blind as to help them?"


    "They have no shame, but we do. Associating with such people would be a disgrace."


    "Look at her foul mouth, must have eaten a lot of shit to spew such nasty words."


    "Stay away from them in the future, they''re disgusting."


    "Exactly..."


    "Hey, you think Zhou Qun really has those... preferences?"


    "Who knows? I think it''s true. Otherwise, why would he be the one involved in such a thing? That drunkard even swore on his life, he can''t be lying..."


    "Damn, thinking about it makes me sick. That guy doesn''t even respect his teachers, he dares to lay hands on his own teacher''s wife..."


    "Wait, I''ve been thinking, who is this Aunt Xinghua... The name sounds familiar. Isn''t she the one from the canteen, Hu Xinghua? Tall, not very big eyes, quite flirtatious, always chatting with young guys and even pinching their butts?"


    "Oh, come on, it could really be her! Her husband is Master Zou from the factory, in charge of evaluations. They both gave their jobs to their son, didn''t they?"


    "Judging by age, it could very well be her."


    "What the hell is going on here..."


    At the time, the term "social death" didn''t exist yet, but if it did, Zhou Qun would be the first person on the street to experience it.


    Thanks to the drunkard, all of Zhou Qun''s dirty deeds had been exposed.


    In fact, Zhou Qun didn''t just target older women; he preferred younger ones. However, in his early years, for the sake of his career, he mostly sought out older women, basically around his mother''s age.


    There was no other way; if he wanted to use the "backdoor" approach, he had to target older women.


    He liked younger ones, but they were useless for his purposes.


    Take the factory''s senior masters, for example; the higher their level, the older they were. The same went for those with a bit of power; they were mostly middle-aged. Their "backyards" simply couldn''t be young.


    So Zhou Qun ended up with this reputation.


    Although he later started pursuing younger women, since the "ghost woman" was supposed to be dead, it had to be someone older. So he assumed it was one of the older women he had been involved with in the past.


    As a result, his reputation became even worse.


    Social death, absolutely social death.


    And if Zhou Qun was socially dead, who in the entire neighborhood was the happiest? Was it Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei? Not at all. The happiest person was undoubtedly Bai Fendou.


    Although his beloved Xiangxiu sister had been slandered, Bai Fendou was overjoyed. He could say he was the happiest of all! From childhood to adulthood, they were always compared.


    Among them, Li Fang was a girl, Zhuang Zhiyuan was three years younger, and Zhuang Zhixi was ten years younger.


    He and Yang Lixin, Zhou Qun were the ones most often compared. Back then, he got along best with Yang Lixin because Zhou Qun was so annoying, always trying to show off. Whenever people mentioned Zhou Qun, they praised him for being so well-behaved, which was incredibly irritating.


    Later, they all entered the factory. Zhou Qun quickly climbed the ranks, advancing level by level without wasting any time. In contrast, he and Yang Lixin moved slowly.


    By then, everyone had grown up and started comparing their jobs. Zhuang Zhiyuan, though younger, didn''t join the factory. The new apprentice, Yang Lixin, was just a trainee. Yang Lixin eventually left, so it became a competition between him, Bai Fendou, and Zhou Qun.


    All these years, although he never backed down in words, Bai Fendou had always been overshadowed by Zhou Qun. Now, finally, Zhou Qun had fallen from grace.


    Completely and utterly fallen.


    Bai Fendou laughed heartily, saying, "Evil people get their just deserts. Look, Zhou Qun has finally received his punishment! Dad, let''s have a drink?"


    He was in high spirits, happier than during any holiday.


    He said, "What do you think, should I buy some firecrackers and set them off?"


    Old Man Bai looked at him sideways. "Why waste the money? Got too much money to burn? Wouldn''t it be better to buy some meat?"


    Bai Fendou: "Well, isn''t it something? Zhou Qun finally got what was coming to him! Walk the night road long enough, and you''re bound to meet a ghost. Haha... Gah!"


    His laughter cut off abruptly. Though he was pleased, he suddenly became frightened. Lowering his voice, he said, "Father, about this... did he really see a ghost?"


    He scratched his head. Having little education and no understanding of science, he genuinely believed in ghosts.


    Though he believed, he still felt compelled to ask his father.


    This was when having an elderly father at home proved useful - old folks have seen it all.


    He said, "If ghosts are real, how are we supposed to use the bathroom from now on?"


    Old Man Bai was also somewhat scared, but he collected himself and said, "Don''t panic. I think this isn''t such a big deal." Not sure whether he was comforting Bai Fendou or himself, he continued, "Think about it, carefully consider what the drunk fellow said... What exactly did he say?"


    "Sister-in-law..."


    Old Man Bai rolled his eyes: "Don''t think about that part. I''m not talking about that. I''m talking about how the drunk said the female ghost was specifically looking for Bai Fendou. If she''s specifically after Bai Fendou, then it clearly has nothing to do with us."


    He emphasized, "She definitely won''t come after us. Every debt has its debtor. Even ghosts follow some logic."


    Bai Fendou nodded hurriedly, saying, "That makes sense, that makes sense."


    But... he scratched his head: "Still, I really don''t dare use the bathroom at night now."


    Old Man Bai: "You think I do?"


    Bai Fendou: "That''s not what I mean. I think even if you go, the female ghost won''t bother you. She likes young men - look at Zhou Qun, he''s young, right?"


    Old Man Bai: "That little scoundrel, wanting so many women all to himself. No wonder good old men like me are still single. He married a young one and still wants the older ones. Such greed, absolutely shameless!"


    "Exactly... and he''s falsely accusing Sister Xiu. With his taste, he could never get together with Sister Xiu, yet he''s still trying to smear her reputation. I bet he did it on purpose - he must have known the drunk was there. He said that just to spite me. Yes, he definitely said that to get under my skin!"


    Bai Fendou found himself an excuse and managed to rationalize the whole thing.


    Old Man Bai didn''t quite agree with this interpretation. He frowned: "About this Wang Xiangxiu matter..."


    "She''s definitely being wrongly accused!"


    "I don''t think so."


    "She is!"


    "Hey now, who''s the father here? Are you talking back to me? You dare argue with me over a woman..."


    The father and son started bickering, while the subject of their discussion, Wang Xiangxiu, was sitting on her kang bed with a worried expression.


    "Mom, what should we do?"


    Aunt Su looked at Wang Xiangxiu, internally cursing her carelessness, but outwardly consoled her gently: "Don''t be afraid. This isn''t such a difficult situation. I think everyone''s attention is focused on those older women, and they might not necessarily believe you''re involved. Just stick to your story about being innocent. They need evidence to catch a thief, and nobody caught you directly, so what are you afraid of? If things get really bad, you can always cry, make a scene, or threaten to hang yourself..."


    She lowered her voice and said, "You know how to fake a suicide attempt, right?"


    She added meaningfully: "As long as Bai Fendou is around, he''ll definitely stop you. You need to act completely wronged and utterly grieved."


    Wang Xiangxiu thought for a moment and nodded: "I understand."


    Having settled on a plan, she finally calmed down somewhat and cursed, "That bastard Zhou Qun, I never imagined he was so promiscuous behind the scenes. It makes me sick just thinking about it. No wonder he only lasts three seconds - it must be from all those years with those old ladies, that''s what ruined him."


    Aunt Su: "Keep your voice down."


    She looked toward the three brothers sleeping on the other side, and seeing them sound asleep, she relaxed.


    She said, "I feel something''s not right about this whole thing."


    "Hm?" Wang Xiangxiu didn''t understand.


    Aunt Su: "How did he suddenly see a ghost out of nowhere? Although there have been rumors about our public toilet being haunted, they were just rumors. It''s never been this serious... Today was really frightening."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "It''s all because Zhou Qun is so vicious... how could he do such things with old women..."


    The thought made her want to vomit. She had gotten involved with such a person - how unlucky! What a cursed way to make money!


    "I''m not talking about the ghost." Aunt Su was a shrewd woman, and she had already caught onto something else. She said, "I''m not talking about the ghost - that doesn''t really concern us. I''m talking about the women Zhou Qun mentioned, his master''s wife, and Aunt Xinghua... Speaking of Aunt Xinghua, I think I know who she might be - possibly Master Zou''s wife from back when he was doing the skill assessments..."


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????had earned some money from Master Zou back then.


    Though Master Zou was extremely stingy, and she only dealt with him once.


    She furrowed her brow and said, "Haven''t you noticed? These two women have something very obvious in common."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "They''re old?"


    Aunt Su nearly choked, feeling that Wang Xiangxiu was truly hopeless, without an ounce of wit. She, as a mother-in-law, couldn''t even guide her properly.


    She said, "What do you mean ''they''re old''? Don''t think about that aspect. Think harder."


    Wang Xiangxiu shook her head, unable to figure it out.


    Aunt Su sighed and said, "Your brain... think carefully, don''t they both have capable husbands? And aren''t these husbands all in positions to help Zhou Qun?"


    She continued, "Though we don''t know if there are others, but from the way he talked about ''aunties'' and ''sisters-in-law,'' they''re clearly older women. But being older also means their husbands might have some status. No wonder Zhou Qun''s master was so generous, teaching him everything he knew. His skill assessments went suspiciously smoothly too. Now we know the root cause... it was this all along..."


    Wang Xiangxiu suddenly understood, saying, "Mom, you mean there were deals involved?"


    Aunt Su nodded slightly, spat, and said, "That dog, he climbed up using women."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Despicable!"


    After thinking, she added: "What a scoundrel!"


    She added again: "He''s just a gigolo coward!"


    No wonder he only lasts three seconds!


    He must have worn himself out when he was younger!


    Serves him right!


    While Wang Xiangxiu continued cursing, Aunt Su sighed and said, "But being a kept man pays well..."


    Wang Xiangxiu paused, saying, "That''s true. Zhou Qun just had to sleep with older women, but he got so much in return. He''s now a Level 7 electrician, earning over ninety yuan. He''s the youngest Level 7 worker in our factory. Electricians earn more than others anyway, and without these older women''s help, how could he have such good prospects... Earning so much money, it''s worth all the fine food and drinks."


    Aunt Su nodded, "That''s how it is."


    As the two women chatted, they hadn''t noticed that their young grandson Tonglai was already awake. He lay there with his eyes closed, pretending to sleep, while a seed was quietly planted in his heart...


    In his previous life as a suave male escort, he awakened at this young age to the miraculous bloodline of relying on women to enjoy the finer things in life... though it remained to be seen whether he had good kidneys for it.


    The nighttime conversation in the Su household continued, and other families were largely in similar situations.


    Some clever ones, like Aunt Su, had already guessed at some of the connections, while others simply treated it as salacious gossip, marveling at Zhou Qun''s peculiar tastes.


    They also discussed whether Wang Xiangxiu was involved.


    In short, not just their courtyard, but the entire street was buzzing with gossip.


    Every household was the same, including the Zhuang family.


    Old Man Zhuang warned again: "Dear, you better stay away from that little punk Zhou Qun from now on. He''s no good, we can''t let ourselves be taken advantage of. This guy specifically targets older sisters! In all my years, I''ve never seen someone with such peculiar tastes. It''s really eye-opening, truly educational."


    Zhao Guihua glared at Old Man Zhuang and scolded, "Are you a pig? What peculiar tastes? If he had peculiar tastes, would he go after Wang Xiangxiu?"


    Wang Xiangxiu may not be the most beautiful woman in their courtyard, but she has the best figure. Zhou Qun certainly doesn''t like older women.


    She said, "Can you use your brain for once? He''s not into older women; he''s into the power behind those men."


    This incident today didn''t happen in the previous life. The ultimate social death scene where Zhou Qun was exposed didn''t occur either. In the previous life, Zhou Qun wasn''t exposed, and she remembers that he did quite well at the factory. A year or so later, he became the leader of the electrician group, and later, he even got promoted again, becoming a small leader in the factory. Although the factory later went through a wave of layoffs, as a small leader with a high electrician level and a good reputation, Zhou Qun wasn''t directly laid off but was transferred to a government unit. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the end, he retired, and his life was quite comfortable and smooth.


    However, this lifetime, it''s clear that things won''t go the same way as before.


    Zhao Guihua: "No wonder he had such good luck all along; it turns out he was wearing cotton pants over long johns."


    Liang Meifen: "What does that mean?"


    Zhao Guihua felt that her daughter-in-law was really not very bright. She said, "There must be a reason."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    She scratched her head, feeling a bit slow on the uptake. She stammered, "Mom, are you saying that Zhou Qun is friendly with these older women to climb the ladder?"


    Just hearing this made her shudder.


    Is this something a person can do?


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "That''s for sure."


    She let out a cold laugh and said, "Only a fool would think he likes older women. He''s clearly doing this for his future and fortune."


    Liang Meifen: "That''s just too..."


    She didn''t even know how to describe it. Although she had graduated from high school, she was at a loss for words at this moment. All she could say was, "If my son ever did something like this, I''d break his legs!"


    Old Man Zhuang also sighed and said, "What is this world coming to?"


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei sat quietly on the side, not saying much. Zhao Guihua gave them a meaningful look and said, "This matter will definitely be investigated."


    "Of course, how did Zhou Qun get promoted to a level-seven electrician? It must be thoroughly investigated," Liang Meifen chimed in. "It''s not just our family who thought of this; others must have too. Just wait, someone will surely report it at work later."


    The whole street was out watching, and those who didn''t come out were peeking through their doors. The drunkard''s words were sure to spread quickly.


    Zhao Guihua smiled noncommittally and said objectively, "I think the problem isn''t too big. Although Zhou Qun did say some things, since there was no concrete evidence, he can just say he was scared and blurted out nonsense, or firmly claim the drunkard misheard him and deny everything. Do you have evidence to prove he did something wrong? Do you have evidence to prove he said those things? No, right?"


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Even though he was involved with his master''s wife and Aunt Xinghua, he did learn something from them. It''s possible that his level wasn''t quite enough when he took the exam, but don''t forget, that was almost two years ago. Over such a long time, he''s already become proficient. If you let him take the exam now, he would definitely pass. Since he can pass, there''s no issue of improper tutoring."


    "Ah, so it''s not going to be a problem for him?" Liang Meifen was incredulous.


    Zhao Guihua: "I think it''s going to be very difficult. But in the future, it will be hard for him to get promoted again. He''ll definitely be scrutinized more strictly than others. After all, he has a record now. And climbing up the ladder? That''s out of the question. No one wants to get involved with this ticking time bomb. And who would dare to promote someone who uses the ''wife''s pillow talk'' route? Are they looking for a green hat or a seasoned prairie enthusiast?"


    She paused here and then looked at Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei again, saying, "I said there would be an investigation, and it will definitely be about this ghost incident. This matter has caused such a big commotion, and it involves superstition, so it can''t be easily brushed aside."


    Liang Meifen pouted, "How can they investigate a ghost? Are they going to catch the ghost? The street officials can''t catch ghosts."


    Zhao Guihua let out a cold chuckle and said, "If it''s someone pretending to be a ghost, then they have to investigate! Zhou Qun isn''t a fool; he doesn''t want to be labeled as superstitious, so he''ll definitely say someone was pretending to be a ghost. Then there will be an investigation."


    Her gaze met her son Zhuang Zhixi''s, and Zhuang Zhixi raised his eyebrows at his mother, showing a bright smile. He said, "Investigate away. He did something shady and ran into a ghost; everyone knows what''s going on. Since he wants to pass the buck, then let them investigate. Who''s afraid of their investigation? Maybe they''ll end up uncovering Zhou Qun''s own mess, which would be hilarious."


    Ming Mei chimed in, "Exactly!"


    Zhao Guihua looked at the two of them with a meaningful expression and said, "That''s true. Ghosts are invisible and intangible; if there were any traces, they wouldn''t be ghosts."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "I guess there''s nothing to find, right? What traces could a ghost leave?"


    He stretched and said, "Let''s go, while it''s still not fully light out, let''s get a little more rest. All this commotion last night has left me without energy for work."


    "Right," Ming Mei muttered.


    Liang Meifen: "I''ll go back and lie down too, and check on the kids."


    Their two little ones were sound asleep, not disturbed by the night''s commotion.


    It wasn''t surprising; the kids had run around all day and were exhausted, so they slept soundly at night.


    As they walked out the door, Zhuang Zhixi suddenly turned back and said, "Mom, can you make something good for breakfast? We didn''t sleep well, and if we don''t eat something good, we won''t have the energy for work."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a long look and said, "Sure."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave his mother a bright smile and said, "Then, how about steaming some buns? Or making noodles would be good too."


    Zhao Guihua: "Pfft, get out of here!"


    She shooed them out and slammed the door shut.


    Zhao Guihua turned back and said, "You go lie down too; I''ll steam some buns."


    Old Man Zhuang: "I''ll help you..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Go, go, what help? You should rest; you have to go to work during the day. It''s tiring; you need to rest well. I don''t have anything to do during the day, so it doesn''t matter if I lie down for a bit."


    Old Man Zhuang thought that made sense and went into the inner room to lie down.


    Zhao Guihua was silent for a moment, then went to the stove. She squatted down, opened the fire hole, and let out a cold laugh.


    As she expected, inside was a white bedsheet and a long wig.


    She had no idea where these came from.


    She thought, it must be those two little troublemakers pretending to be ghosts. Those kids have way too much nerve to pull off such a prank. No doubt, it was that old man Lan Sihai who orchestrated this.


    But she didn''t blame Lan Sihai; after all, her son Zhuang Zhixi has always been a troublemaker. Moreover, Zhao Guihua was quite sure that Zhou Qun must have done something to offend the couple.


    Why do I say that?


    It''s not because she''s biased; it''s because Zhao Guihua knows her son very well. This kid, although he''s a troublemaker, isn''t the type to jump into things himself. He''s a bit lazy at heart. If it''s someone else causing trouble or being mean, as long as it doesn''t concern him, he''ll just watch the entertainment and not get involved. In his opinion, getting involved is a waste of time.


    But now he''s actively plotting against Zhou Qun, which means Zhou Qun must have offended him.


    Thinking about how Zhou Qun isn''t a good person, Zhao Guihua didn''t feel her son had done anything wrong. Even if he did, she''s the type to side with her family over right and wrong. Besides, exposing Zhou Qun''s character is doing a service to society.


    It saves others from being harmed!


    She rolled her eyes and immediately started kneading dough to steam buns, decisively lighting the fire, and the crucial evidence of the prank disappeared in a blaze. Although she muttered to herself, Zhao Guihua was quite efficient in covering up for her son. After all, the little rascal had just told her to clean up the mess.


    She knew it was Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei who were playing pranks.


    She also knew that Zhuang Zhixi knew she knew they were playing pranks.


    She even knew that her third son and his wife wouldn''t bring it up, and they all understood each other tacitly.


    However, from the hints in his words earlier, she could tell that Zhuang Zhixi was confident he wouldn''t be caught. This reassured Zhao Guihua a bit. But thinking it over carefully, she wasn''t too worried anyway.


    Because it was an outdoor location, anyone could go there, and there were many people yesterday. So even if there were some flaws, they might be obscured by the crowd. Any traces could be explained away.


    Although she knew it was Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei behind the prank, Zhao Guihua didn''t plan to tell her husband, Old Man Zhuang. It wasn''t that she didn''t trust him¡ªif she didn''t trust her own husband, then who could she trust?


    She mainly knew that Old Man Zhuang was a straightforward and honest man.


    Since he was so honest, he probably wasn''t very good at lying.


    Similarly, Zhao Guihua was afraid that if someone came to inquire, Old Man Zhuang might inadvertently reveal something.


    So she decided not to tell him. If he didn''t know, his reactions would be normal.


    Zhao Guihua started kneading dough to steam buns. She wasn''t afraid of anything and directly opened the window, giving her a clear view of the courtyard. As she was busy, she saw Madam Zhou Li supporting her son and daughter-in-law returning.


    Zhou Qun was awake now, and so was Jiang Lu. It was unclear how Madam Zhou Li had managed to wake them up.


    But looking at their staggering steps, it was clear they had suffered a significant blow.


    Zhao Guihua spat and muttered, "Serves them right!"


    Probably seeing Zhou Qun return, Bai Fendou immediately rushed out and said, "Zhou Qun, don''t leave. Explain yourself! Why did you slander Sister Wang Xiangxiu?"


    Zhou Qun''s face was ashen, his voice flat and lifeless. "I didn''t say anything. Ask whoever told you. I don''t know anything. Someone was playing pranks and scared me."


    As expected, Zhou Qun, though pale and listless, immediately distanced himself from the situation, quickly pushing the blame onto someone playing pranks.


    Zhao Guihua thought, "I called it!"


    Bai Fendou sneered mockingly. "What are you pretending for? Playing pranks? I think you''ve done so many wicked things that you''ve run into real ghosts! We saw everything clearly. Don''t think you can just push the blame onto others. You pervert!"


    "I didn''t. I''ll report this to the neighborhood committee." Zhou Qun, now mentally and physically exhausted from the ordeal, didn''t want to argue with Bai Fendou. He had bigger problems to deal with, far beyond what Wang Xiangxiu or Bai Fendou could compare to.


    Zhou Qun knew that if this incident wasn''t handled perfectly, his future would be ruined.


    If he wanted to have any chance of moving forward, this matter had to be resolved properly! He couldn''t admit to any wrongdoing, not even a little. If he did, he would be utterly disgraced. He had to grit his teeth and hold on.


    His heart trembled, but he looked up and said, "Was it you playing pranks?"


    Bai Fendou: "What?"


    He couldn''t believe his eyes. Zhou Qun was trying to frame him!


    How could there be such a shameless person in the world?


    Enraged, he threw a punch... Thud! It landed right on Zhou Qun''s eye.


    Just like his mother, his left eye was now black!


    It was almost like a family trait.


    "Damn it, you dare frame me! First, you blamed Sister Wang Xiangxiu, and now you''re trying to pin it on me. Do you think I''m easy to bully...?"


    The courtyard erupted into chaos again...


    At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei had just fallen asleep. Their nap hadn''t even reached the deep sleep stage when they were woken up. Zhuang Zhixi muttered in frustration, "Why can''t this just end?" Unlike others, who had slept through the first half of the night, he had been up all night!


    Ming Mei also frowned, not opening her eyes, and snuggled closer to Zhuang Zhixi, her voice soft and sweet. "Cover my ears..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He kissed her forehead and said, "You''re really clever."


    He covered his wife''s ears and said, "Sleep a little longer."


    But he himself opened his eyes and didn''t sleep anymore.


    How could he fall asleep with all the commotion outside? The wailing and shouting were intense, and without Aunt Wang''s intervention, the situation seemed a bit out of control. The cries were deafening. It seemed Aunt Wang was truly tired, genuinely exhausted.


    Although Aunt Wang usually tried to mediate and minimize conflicts, she was genuinely helpful and fair. Without her presence, the scene was like a scattered pile of sand.


    Zhuang Zhixi covered Ming Mei''s ears, but she too couldn''t fall asleep. She hugged him and said in a soft, sweet voice, "Zhixi, do you think everything will be okay?"


    Yes, it was them who had played the prank.


    Ming Mei had played the ghost, while her grandfather, Lan Sihai, had hidden in the toilet, deliberately imitating women''s voices. When Zhou Qun entered and didn''t see anyone, it was because Lan Sihai had covered himself with a black cloth, making it look like a wall. In the dark, their hiding was perfect.


    Lan Sihai had imitated various women''s voices, far more varied than Ming Mei''s.


    As for the ghostly flames and smoke, that was Zhuang Zhixi''s doing.


    They each had their roles, and they performed exceptionally well.


    After Zhao Guihua had encouraged the crowd to come out, Zhuang Zhixi quickly blended in with the onlookers. Meanwhile, Ming Mei and Lan Sihai climbed over the wall and swiftly returned home.


    Lan Sihai, despite his age, was surprisingly nimble. The "prank trio" had Zhuang Zhixi as the least agile, struggling to climb the wall and having to blend in with the crowd.


    It was a pity. The others were like flying grasshoppers, effortlessly scaling the wall and returning home.


    He gently patted Ming Mei''s back and said, "Don''t worry, it''ll be fine. Grandpa already rehearsed this with us many times. We had almost no flaws, and even the props were burned by my mom. Everything will be fine."


    Ming Mei softly hummed in agreement and then said, "It was so thrilling."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "My mom was right. This will probably be investigated, so don''t let anything slip."


    Ming Mei nodded, pouting, "Of course I know that. I''m not a little dummy."


    But she also sighed, "I never expected Zhou Qun to have so many affairs. It''s just disgusting to think about."


    They hadn''t intended to dig into Zhou Qun''s secrets, just wanted to scare him a bit. But Zhou Qun had so many skeletons in his closet that he ended up spilling them all... It was almost unbelievable. Ming Mei felt her worldview was being reshaped.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "He''s really something. How could he do those things?"


    Ming Mei, however, focused on another point: "Do you think Jiang Lu will divorce him after knowing all this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head.


    Ming Mei: "She won''t divorce him?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s hard to say. Normally, yes, but Jiang Lu is deeply in love with Zhou Qun, so it''s hard to predict."


    Ming Mei sighed, "If she doesn''t divorce him, isn''t she just stupid?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Maybe it''s love? Plus, Zhou Qun might be really good at handling Jiang Lu? I don''t know."


    He stretched and said, "I have to go to work today. I bet it''ll be busy."


    Ming Mei laughed and said, "Isn''t it always busy in the propaganda department?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I mean, I''ll be busy spreading gossip. A lot of people will probably ask me about this ghost incident."


    He spread his hands, "This incident is definitely going to cause a huge stir in the factory today. Last time, the story about falling into a cesspit even reached Tianjin, and this time, the rumor about Zhou Qun stealing from his mistress is likely to reach Beidaihe. Our courtyard is going to be famous, and Zhou Qun is going to be infamous. No matter how he explains it, this scandal won''t be washed away."


    Ming Mei was a bit worried, "Will something bad happen if it blows up this big?"


    She scratched her hair, feeling a little anxious, and leaned against Zhuang Zhixi''s shoulder.


    Of course, it wasn''t that she was afraid of being discovered; she was quite confident in that regard. It was more about the impact on the women involved, since Zhou Qun had mentioned several women...


    Such a reputation would certainly be bad for the women. They disliked Zhou Qun, that was true, but they didn''t want to involve others.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I seem to remember that his mistress had already passed away, so it shouldn''t affect anyone."


    Since the person was no longer alive, there was no need to worry about their reputation.


    If she hadn''t passed away, Zhou Qun wouldn''t have guessed her as the first ghost.


    Later on, it might have been a desperate guess, but there must have been some reason at the beginning.


    He patted Ming Mei and said, "Don''t worry, just act like you don''t know anything."


    Ming Mei hummed in agreement, mumbling, "I didn''t expect there to be an unexpected gain."


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Who would have thought?"


    This night was a night of great commotion, a night full of legends. It was a big gossip that had been circulating in this alley for the past twenty years... Many, many years later, even Jinlai could educate his own son.


    He said, "Son, our street once had a ghost scare. That ghost was really scary. See that empty lot over there? That used to be the toilet, the center of the ghost scare, but now it''s all been demolished. Do you know that Zhou Uncle? He was quite the playboy back then..."


    In short, this ghost rumor solidly lasted for decades, and even decades later, there were still old folks talking about it, claiming that there really are ghosts in this world!


    And now, everyone was still outside watching the commotion, the boxing match between Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun.


    They were fighting with great passion, and there were plenty of onlookers.


    Someone trying to break it up? Not a chance!


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t sleep and got up to watch the commotion. He saw that Zhou Qun was no match for Bai Fendou. However, Bai Fendou wasn''t faring well either. Zhou Qun had helpers¡ªhis mother and wife were quite formidable. They rushed forward with pale faces to scratch and claw.


    Bai Fendou''s face and neck were a mess, his clothes were torn open, and... it was too embarrassing to look at!


    Bai Fendou howled, "Jiang Lu, you''re such an idiot, mentally ill! Your man is out there playing with old women, and you still treat him like a treasure. He won''t even give you a child, and you still don''t get it. I feel ashamed for you..."


    "Shut up! Don''t try to sow discord between us..."


    "We''re going to the neighborhood committee, we''re going to the police station. Bai Fendou, I swear I''ll make you pay!"


    Bai Fendou spat, "Pfft! I wouldn''t want a stupid kid like you even if I could..."


    Zhuang Zhixi watched for a while, marveling, "Their cursing skills are really something. They''ve really mastered the art of insults."


    Ming Mei listened intently, saying, "I need to remember this. If I ever get into an argument, maybe I can use some of these lines..."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You should learn something good."

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67Zhuang Zhixi arrived at the factory early in the morning. As soon as he reached the main gate, he was stopped.0


    Security guard Zhang San grabbed Zhuang Zhixi, his eyes sparkling like they were filled with stars. He said, "Dr. Zhuang, I heard there''s a ghost haunting the toilets in your alley?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched. How many times did he have to explain that he wasn''t a doctor?0


    He smiled and said, "I''m not too sure about that. I sleep deeply, so you should ask someone else."0


    Although he often heard gossip, Zhuang Zhixi knew what to say and what not to say. If he spoke too much, he might end up being accused of spreading feudal superstitions. He added, "I don''t know if there''s a ghost or not, but I saw Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun fighting each other this morning."0


    Zhang San: "What?!"0


    He quickly asked, "Fighting? Over what? Is it about a woman? I heard Wang Xiangxiu is involved too. Tsk tsk, this is quite the commotion."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m not too clear about that. Maybe you should ask someone else. I need to head to the Propaganda Department, so I''ll have to leave now."0


    "Don''t go! Tell me, I won''t tell anyone else."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: I believe you, my foot.0


    He thought to himself but still smiled on the surface and said, "I really am busy. Oh, by the way, I vaguely heard Zhou Qun saying he wanted to go to the neighborhood committee this morning. But I don''t think that''s the right approach, is it? Shouldn''t our security department be involved? The neighborhood committee is good for handling family disputes and trivial matters, but for this kind of situation, I''m not sure they''re the right fit. Besides, even though the neighborhood committee oversees our area, everyone there has their own jobs. They might just push it back to the factory anyway. Who knows who will end up handling it..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed.0


    He then smiled and said, "Our security department hasn''t been busy lately, huh? You even have time to block me here and listen to gossip."0


    Zhang San slapped his thigh and said, "Ah! This matter should be handled by our factory''s security department! Zhou Qun can''t go to the neighborhood committee; everyone in your courtyard works at the factory. Both Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou are factory employees; how can they involve outsiders? This is disrespecting our security department! I''ll go tell our boss! We need to handle this."0


    It wasn''t about gossip; he just didn''t want to admit it!0


    Zhuang Zhixi gave a meaningful smile, then pretended to think deeply and nodded immediately, saying, "That makes sense. Having the factory handle it is better than the neighborhood committee. If necessary, a joint investigation would work too. Otherwise, if the neighborhood committee investigates and just informs the factory, the factory would look too passive. After all, they are all factory employees."0


    "Exactly!"0


    Zhang San suddenly became energized and said, "I''ll go find the leadership."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Maybe by then, you''ll know more details than I do. Next time, I''ll have to ask you about what happened."0


    Zhang San: "Hah, my gossip-gathering skills are better than yours."0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Keep bragging. I''m heading upstairs now."0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t linger and quickly went to the Propaganda Department. He had been busy with this recently. Several skits had been finalized, but they still needed to prepare some props. For example, for "The White-Haired Girl," they needed to set up some scenery; for "The Marriage of Little Erhei," they needed to prepare some backgrounds. They had initially decided to use a pastoral painting as the backdrop.0


    With limited manpower, they had to juggle both rehearsing and preparing props, with each person doing the work of two.0


    Zhuang Zhixi climbed the stairs and entered the room, where he saw several people already there. One of the older women looked up and quickly asked, "Zhuang, I heard there''s a ghost in your area?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi thought, "Wow, news travels fast!"0


    He smiled and joked, "You all are so well-informed."0


    At that moment, Director Song entered the room and chimed in, "I hadn''t even entered the factory this morning when I heard people talking about it at the gate. What''s the deal? I heard it has something to do with Zhou Qun from the electrical department?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I can''t really comment on that."0


    He clasped his hands together and said, "Everyone, just wait. Zhou Qun has decided to go to the security department, so you''ll soon know the full story. To be honest, I don''t really know what happened last night. I didn''t even dare to go out at first. You know how it is; a handsome guy like me always has to be careful."0


    "Pfft! Your face is so thick!"0


    "Exactly."0


    "Hey, don''t hold back. We''re all working together; just tell us a bit."0


    Everyone started urging him to speak, but sometimes, it wasn''t that Zhuang Zhixi was gossipy; it was a way of socializing. In this era, it wasn''t about minding your own business. Any little thing would spread like wildfire.0


    If everyone was talking and you weren''t, it was harder to fit in. Sometimes, sharing a secret or gossip helped integrate into a new environment.0


    Of course, there was a balance. Some things shouldn''t be said, as it would only earn you disrespect. So, after deflecting a bit, Zhuang Zhixi started to share what he could: "I don''t know if there''s a ghost. People are just saying that. I didn''t even think to check at first. But later, Jiang Lu said it was Zhou Qun outside and rushed out. We were worried, so we followed to take a look."0


    "So... was there really a ghost?"0


    "Nonsense, there''s no such thing as ghosts."0


    "Quiet, let Zhuang speak." Director Song also widened his eyes and reprimanded the others, urging Zhuang Zhixi to continue.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I didn''t see any ghosts. It was just a bit foggy. I''m not sure what really happened, but Zhou Qun was so scared he wet his pants."0


    "What the...!"0


    "Ugh, that''s disgusting."0


    "Is this a real man from Beijing? How cowardly!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Later, Zhou Qun''s mother didn''t want to spend money to send him to the hospital, so we all went home. But this morning, Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou started fighting again. I saw them still at it when I left."0


    "What were they fighting about? Why did they start again?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Just a disagreement, I guess. Everyone''s been on edge."0


    "What kind of disagreement? You must know. Spill it, you''re always holding back half the story."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled wryly, "Some things... it''s not appropriate to talk about. It involves another female colleague. If I say anything, I''d be like those gossipy old women. Just wait, I think the security department will get involved. Then you''ll know more than I do. I only have bits and pieces, and I''m afraid of saying something wrong and damaging someone''s reputation."0


    "Come on... you..."0


    Director Song: "Alright, stop pressuring Zhuang. Let''s get back to work. We all know what''s important. Those gossipy matters are trivial. We need to focus on the Labor Day event. By the way, Old Huang, you can start preparing the backdrop."0


    Old Huang nodded, "I know, but I can''t do it all by myself."0


    Director Song immediately looked at the others, but those he looked at quickly averted their eyes, not meeting his gaze.0


    Director Song: "Little Li, you help Old Huang..."0


    Little Li looked miserable and said, "Director, I have three performances to rehearse. I''m already stretched thin. I really can''t help, you see..."0


    Director Song thought for a moment, "That''s true. Little Wang, you go."0


    Little Wang wasn''t happy either. She pouted and said, "I also have two performances. I can''t even memorize all the lines for ''The Marriage of Little Erhei''..."0


    Director Song: "Then..."0


    Everyone quickly avoided eye contact, none of them wanting to help.0


    Performing on stage was a chance to be seen and was quite honorable. But working behind the scenes on props was tedious and unrewarding. Old Huang was also a bit rigid and eccentric, so naturally, no one wanted to work with him.0


    Director Song knew this well, and he sighed in frustration. His gaze landed on Zhuang Zhixi, and his eyes lit up. "Zhuang, you were here yesterday preparing the backdrop, right? I see you have some experience. Perfect, you can help Old Huang with the backdrop for the skits."0


    Before Zhuang Zhixi could respond, Little Li chimed in, "Yes, yes, I think Zhuang can handle it."0


    Xiao Wang also nodded in agreement: "Right, Zhuang Zhixi mainly hosts and leads the chorus, so he doesn''t need to memorize much. He''s a good fit for this."0


    "I think so too."0


    "Me too."0


    Everyone seemed to be of the same mind, thinking that Zhuang Zhixi would be perfect for the job.0


    In truth, whether someone went or not didn''t matter much, as long as it wasn''t themselves paired with Old Huang. Anyone else would do.0


    It didn''t matter!0


    Since everyone was saying so, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t decline, but instead said: "I can do it. After all, a revolutionary is like a brick, placed wherever needed. However, I don''t have much experience in drawing, only having done some blackboard newspapers at school. Is that okay?"0


    "Of course it''s okay! You''re already quite knowledgeable," Director Song affirmed firmly. "Many people haven''t even done blackboard newspapers, so they''re not as good as you. Alright, it''s settled. You''re in charge of this."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Since the leadership has arranged it, then sure, I''ll go. Uncle Huang, if there''s anything you need, just let me know. As long as you don''t mind my clumsy hands, I''ll be your assistant."0


    Old Huang''s face remained expressionless as he said, "Anyone will do."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    He chuckled.0


    In truth, he wasn''t particularly skilled, but during his school days, he had done some blackboard newspapers, so he had a bit of experience. Being the main force might be a stretch, but assisting wouldn''t be a problem. Old Huang was the only one in the propaganda department who could draw and make props, so working under him was a good opportunity for Zhuang Zhixi.0


    Old Huang, the main force, was nearing fifty and spoke bluntly: "Alright, follow me. Let''s find a larger place."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got it."0


    He followed behind Old Huang, like a little eunuch.0


    "Mr. Huang, is there anything else we need? I can go prepare it," Zhuang Zhixi said clearly on this point. He was here to help, not as an official employee of the propaganda department. Therefore, he wouldn''t overstep his bounds; he would listen, observe, learn, and work more, and speak less.0


    This wasn''t an era where one could casually express opinions.0


    Moreover, it was rare to have the chance to learn from Old Huang. Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t one to miss such an opportunity, even though everyone else thought this kind of work was useless and didn''t want to assist Old Huang.0


    His philosophy was: learn a little bit at a time. You never know when it might come in handy.0


    In any case, learning something was never a waste.0


    He happily followed Old Huang. Seeing his enthusiasm, Old Huang raised an eyebrow in surprise. After all, these days, writing and drawing weren''t considered good work. Intellectuals weren''t valued, so Zhuang Zhixi''s attitude was quite rare.0


    Originally, Old Huang thought this young man named Zhuang was a bit slippery, but seeing his passionate demeanor, he reconsidered. Perhaps he was just young and exuberant, not truly cunning and experienced. If he were truly cunning, he wouldn''t be so eager to help when everyone else avoided it.0


    The two went to an empty warehouse to prepare the backdrop. Old Huang glanced at him and said, "No one likes to come, yet you''re so eager."0


    This time, it wasn''t just Zhuang Zhixi helping; there were others, but some were avoiding eye contact, almost shrinking into the background. In contrast, Zhuang Zhixi, being tall, stood out prominently, not declining at all.0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Anyway, I''m here to help, so it doesn''t matter what I do. Besides, instead of practicing the chorus with them, I think it''s better to help you. I can even learn a thing or two. Everyone in the factory knows you''re excellent at drawing."0


    This wasn''t an exaggeration. Over the years, almost all the blackboard newspapers in the factory had been done by Old Huang.0


    Whether it was calligraphy or painting, he was quite skilled.0


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t sure if he was a master of calligraphy and painting, probably not.0


    But for ordinary people like them, they didn''t need to judge whether it was a masterpiece. As long as it looked "real," that was good enough. After all, how many could achieve such authenticity? Zhuang Zhixi smiled and moved closer, saying, "Feel free to instruct me. I''d love to see how it''s done."0


    Old Huang: "Alright, but first, let''s make a window."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"0


    Old Huang: "Yang Bailao''s house needs a window to look realistic, with snow falling outside."0


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t very good at this, but he spread his hands and said, "I''ll follow your instructions. Just tell me what to do!"0


    Old Huang looked at Zhuang Zhixi and nodded, "Alright, come, I''ll explain it to you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t necessarily the most popular among his peers, but he was definitely well-liked by teachers. Why? Because he was eager to learn, serious, sincere, and not afraid to ask questions.0


    All these qualities resonated with teachers.0


    Zhuang Zhixi had a good relationship with his teachers during school, and now he quickly got along well with Old Huang. Others thought Old Huang was rigid and blunt, not someone to get close to. But Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t intimidated by him; instead, they had a good back-and-forth conversation.0


    Old Huang patted his shoulder and said, "You''re not bad, quick learner."0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "It''s also because you teach well."0


    The two worked busily, well, actually, the entire propaganda department was busy. Director Song was grumbling: "What''s wrong with Old Bai? He''s playing Yang Bailao, yet he dares to skip rehearsal?"0


    "I checked, he didn''t take leave, but many people in their courtyard didn''t come today."0


    Director Song suddenly realized, oh, the ghost incident!0


    He said, "Everything seems to be happening at once. Alright, keep practicing, I''ll go to the security department to check."0


    Indeed.0


    It turned out he was also curious.0


    He quickly went downstairs, and Little Wang smiled, "Director, if you get the first-hand news, be sure to tell us quickly!"0


    Director Song was serious: "What first-hand news? I''m going to see why Old Bai is absent without permission, not to meddle in those trivial matters. You all focus on practicing, stop joking around, we need to be serious."0


    "Yes, yes."0


    Everyone still had smiles on their faces, and Director Song quickly went downstairs.0


    Sure enough, when he arrived at the security department, he found that more than half the people were gone. He coughed and said, "Where''s your section chief?"0


    Wang Ermazi immediately stepped forward: "Director Song, our section chief has taken people out on business. Some factory employees are involved in superstitious activities, and it''s our duty to handle it."0


    Director Song nodded, "I see. I was looking for your section chief to ask something, but... well, tell me which courtyard it is, I''ll go there directly."0


    Wang Ermazi: "..."0


    Don''t think I don''t know you just want to go and watch the excitement.0


    He quickly said, "It''s Xinghua Lane. Number 44, Xinghua Lane. Just go there and find it!"0


    "Good."0


    Director Song hurried out and immediately headed towards the direction.0


    Wang Ermazi sighed enviously, "Another one going to watch the excitement, while I have to stay and work, sigh."0


    Director Song hurried, and just as he left the factory, he ran into Deputy Factory Director Zhang riding a bicycle. Deputy Factory Director Zhang: "Old Song, where are you going?"0


    Director Song coughed and said with righteous indignation, "Our propaganda department has been busy preparing for the May Day Labor Festival. We''ve borrowed some employees to help, and the one playing Yang Bailao didn''t show up today, not even taking leave. I''m going to see what''s going on. Our ''Bai Mao Nu'' can''t wait."0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang''s mouth twitched, thinking, just admit you want to go watch the excitement, why make up so many excuses? Tsk, not honest at all.0


    But his official tone was also ready, "Look, we''re all dedicating ourselves to the factory, aren''t we? Today, many employees are absent without reason, and it seems to involve some disputes. The security department has already gone over. As the deputy factory director in charge, I can''t let such things develop unchecked and be left in the dark. I need to go and see what''s going on. If the factory director or other leaders ask, I can explain clearly. The worst thing is miscommunication; even the best words can be twisted."0


    "Exactly, exactly."0


    The two exchanged glances, both understanding each other well.0


    They rode their bikes together towards the courtyard.0


    At this moment, in Courtyard No. 44 of Plum Blossom Lane, where the Zhuang family resides, many people had not gone to work. It wasn''t because they were skipping work without reason, but rather because they hadn''t rested well the previous night, so they were inevitably a bit slower in the morning.0


    If they hurried and rushed, they could still make it to the factory on time.0


    However, no one had the energy for that, and on top of that, the Security Section had arrived.0


    Yes, the Security Section had arrived.0


    And so, they naturally asked everyone to stay put. Investigations were necessary.0


    It must be said that Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou were truly warriors among warriors. The two of them kept going at it, back and forth, until the Security Section arrived, and they still hadn''t stopped. Both of them were severely injured.0


    Zhou Qun was beaten to a pulp, his face bruised and swollen, and he exuded a faint, unpleasant odor.0


    As for Bai Fendou, he was the absolute victor in the physical confrontation with Zhou Qun, a victor in the truest sense. However, Zhou Qun had two helpers: an old lady and a young woman. The two of them used a long-lost technique, the Nine Yin White Bone Claw, and literally scratched him into shreds.0


    Upon seeing this, Section Chief Liu of the Security Section quickly said, "Separate them, separate them! What is this all about? You two grown men, what are you fighting about?"0


    When the Security Section arrived, even Zhou Qun was flustered, and Madam Zhou Li was even more so.0


    Madam Zhou Li had a history with the Security Section, a shadowed past.0


    Before the Security Section could even question her, she plopped down on the ground, looking as if her father had just died.0


    Of course, at her age, such a thing was normal.0


    Meanwhile, Bai Fendou started to gloat. Why? Because he was part of the Security Section himself. He knew their section chief, a man with a stern face but someone who was very protective of his own. In today''s situation, he wouldn''t be at a disadvantage.0


    No matter how things were between them, the Security Section presented a united front to the outside.0


    He immediately said, "Section Chief Liu, you''ve arrived just in time. This guy, this guy right here, he''s having an affair with his shifu''s wife."0


    Zzzt!0


    Those words were like a drop of oil splashed into a hot pan, instantly causing everyone to gasp in shock.0


    Bai Fendou continued, "He''s also been with other older women, all as old as his mother."0


    Oh, this!0


    The Security Section had heard some rumors, but they hadn''t had time to investigate before rushing over. Now, they were stunned. Section Chief Liu, who had seen a lot in his time, having served near the border and heard all sorts of strange stories, was also taken aback.0


    "Bai Fendou, you''re slandering me!"0


    Zhou Qun, furious, retorted, "Stop spouting nonsense! You''re not exactly innocent yourself, you''ve been hanging around with that widow."0


    At this point, Wang Xiangxiu, feeling the pressure shift to her, immediately perked up. She brought out her best acting skills, biting her lip and crying out, "Zhou Qun, you scoundrel! You can''t slander me, so now you''re trying to smear me like this. I''m a widow, do you know how hard it is? I count the days carefully, living a clean and honest life, and you have the audacity to slander me like this. I can''t go on..."0


    She ran straight toward the wall, shouting, "I''ll die to prove my innocence!"0


    In the nick of time, Bai Fendou shouted "Ah!" and quickly rushed over to hug Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Sister Xiangxiu, how could you be so foolish? How could you kill yourself over such rumors? What about Jinlai and the others if you''re gone?"0


    He hugged her waist and said, "You can''t die! No, you can''t!"0


    Zhao Guihua, standing not far away, watched the scene unfold with a skeptical eye.0


    This drama, oh, it was too exaggerated.0


    Zhao Guihua, with her broad experience, immediately felt that this performance was quite exaggerated. If you tried to pull something like this for sympathy, you''d probably get punched. But at this time, people hadn''t seen much of this kind of thing, and everyone was stunned by Wang Xiangxiu''s performance.0


    Everyone chimed in: "Xiangxiu, don''t do anything foolish. Why give up on yourself for a few lowlifes?"0


    "Exactly, your kids are still young. Look at those three big, strong boys of yours. Your good days are ahead of you. Don''t do anything rash."0


    "We believe in you. We definitely believe in you. Don''t be so reckless. If you leave, the old and the young will be left behind. What will you do then?"0


    "That''s right."0


    Aunt Su ran over, crying, and hugged Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Xiangxiu, if you leave, I won''t go on either. I''ll take the kids and follow you. There''s no way we can let them bully us like this. They''re trying to drive two widows to their deaths..."0


    "Mom... I''m in such a difficult position. A widow''s life is full of troubles!"0


    The two women wept together.0 S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this, everyone felt sympathy and said, "Zhou Qun, look at what you''ve done."0


    "Exactly, why bully a widow? What kind of person are you?"0


    "What kind of person? Someone who seduces his shifu''s wife and then discards her? Section Chief Liu, you don''t know, this guy is really something. He''s been haunted by a ghost..."0


    Section Chief Liu reprimanded, "Stop talking nonsense. There are no ghosts in this world."0


    He looked at Zhou Qun and said, "You, too, bullying women isn''t a skill. If you''ve got guts, take it out on men..." After saying that, he glanced at Bai Fendou''s multicolored face and paused, adding, "Even fighting men isn''t right. In a harmonious society, we should unite with our neighbors. Fighting is not the way."0


    He put his hands on his hips and said, "Now, tell me, what exactly is going on here? Goodness, this ghost story has spread like wildfire since early morning. Are you deliberately trying to ruin the factory''s reputation?"0


    Zhou Qun immediately put on a smiling face and said, "Section Chief Liu, I''m innocent in this matter."0


    Zhou Qun was quite shrewd. He knew that the incident of him seeing a ghost last night couldn''t be kept secret, as so many people had witnessed it. So, he had to take the initiative.0


    He had planned to go to the neighborhood committee early on. The people in the neighborhood committee who dealt with such matters were usually quite old, and old folks tended to be a bit superstitious. With a bit of trickery, he could have passed it off.0


    But he hadn''t expected the Security Section to arrive uninvited.0


    This made things complicated.0


    If he told the old folks in the neighborhood committee that he hadn''t seen a ghost but that someone had played a prank on him, even if they knew it was an excuse, they would likely downplay the matter.0


    What if they didn''t?0


    They wouldn''t believe someone had played a prank, so they wouldn''t bother investigating.0


    And if they believed in ghosts, they wouldn''t have the ability to deal with them, so they wouldn''t want to take on that bad luck.0


    In the end, they would likely go along with his story, saying it was a prank, avoiding the issue of superstition. Then they would investigate, but whether they found anything or not would be another matter. Over time, the matter would be forgotten.0


    Who would dare to say there were really ghosts? They wouldn''t want to take on that burden.0


    Zhou Qun''s plan wasn''t about trickery but about understanding human nature.0


    But with the Security Section involved, it was a different story.0


    This had to do with the composition of the Security Section. The members were basically divided into two types: those who had been soldiers and were transferred after retirement, and those who were children of factory workers. They rarely recruited outsiders.0


    The former group, having come from military backgrounds, were unlikely to believe in ghosts.0


    The latter group were young people. Even if they believed in ghosts, they would likely want to stir up some trouble out of curiosity.0


    If he insisted that it was someone playing a prank, they would definitely investigate. But was Zhou Qun worried about whether it was a real ghost or a fake one? No! What he was truly worried about was what had been said yesterday, and those words had been overheard.0


    The more they investigated, the more those words would spread, and his life would become increasingly difficult.0


    And the more details they uncovered, the more likely they were to trap him.0


    Zhou Qun was now in a bit of a predicament, unsure of what to do.0


    "Zhou Qun, what are you thinking? Answer directly when asked, and don''t try to deceive the Security Section or the organization," Section Chief Liu said sternly, seeing him lost in thought.0


    Zhou Qun: "I truly am innocent..."0


    "Then explain what happened. This matter has escalated so much; do you really think you can keep it hidden?" Section Chief Liu: "Go ahead, explain."0


    Zhou Qun: "..."0


    After hesitating for a moment, he said, "I had a stomachache yesterday and was about to go out to use the bathroom when I heard voices. It seemed like a man and a woman were having an affair. It''s my fault for being curious, I just wanted to see what was going on, but then I encountered something supernatural. Of course, I don''t believe in ghosts, I think someone was deliberately trying to scare me."0


    He was quite indignant: "I fainted from fright, yet the neighbors not only didn''t help, they just left. Isn''t it said that neighbors are closer than distant relatives? How could they act like this? I was only woken up this morning by my mother, and we had to help each other home. But just when I thought things couldn''t get worse, Bai Fendou came to pick a fight. You''re all from the security section, you can''t be covering for each other. Bai Fendou is really going too far."0


    Naturally, he was only presenting his side of the story.0


    But others weren''t about to let him have the last word, with Aunt Wang being the first to speak up.0


    She said, "Section Chief Liu, I''m the caretaker of this courtyard, I''m Aunt Wang, and my husband is Li the Cook. If Zhou Qun is going to talk like this, then I have something to say too. We don''t know if someone was pretending to be a ghost, but when we went out, there was only Zhou Qun lying at the bathroom door. He says we didn''t care about our neighbors, so I want you to ask everyone carefully, not just our courtyard, but the surrounding courtyards who came to watch. Was it really us who didn''t care about our neighbors? I tried several times to take him to the hospital. But how did Jiang Lu talk to me? She told me to get lost! And how did Madam Zhou Li talk? She said her son''s matter was none of our business and she didn''t want to spend money, wanting us to pay instead. Everyone knows what kind of situation her family is in, they can''t even afford it, so how can we? And why should we pay for her? Because she has a thick face and knows how to stir up trouble? Not only did she want us to pay, but she also cursed us, saying we''d be childless if we didn''t help. Can you imagine someone saying such things? There''s more that''s even worse, but I don''t want to mention it. You can go around and ask yourself."0


    Aunt Wang, being the caretaker of the courtyard and a seasoned conversationalist, delivered her speech with logic and reason.0


    Her words, however, amused Section Chief Liu, who looked at Madam Zhou Li and joked, "Madam, you''re still as sharp-tongued as ever, aren''t you?"0


    Madam Zhou Li''s face had already fallen, turning dark as she dared not provoke Section Chief Liu.0


    This Section Chief Liu was not the one who had recently taken bribes.0


    Section Chief Liu, the actual head, had been on a business trip recently and hadn''t arrived on the scene, but he did catch the tail end of the incident. He was well aware of the notorious Madam Zhou Li''s erratic and malicious behavior.0


    Later, when Jiang Lu came to pick up Zhou Qun, it was Section Chief Liu who signed for his release.0


    So, Madam Zhou Li had indeed met Section Chief Liu before.0


    Section Chief Liu chuckled and continued, "Look at you, your son hasn''t even become the factory director yet, and you''re already acting like a tyrant?"0


    The rumor of Zhou Qun becoming the factory director was widespread.0


    "I, I didn''t!"0


    Madam Zhou Li fell silent, but her silence only infuriated Zhou Qun. He finally couldn''t hold back and shouted at his mother, "Mom, what''s wrong with you! Why are you doing this again! Didn''t you tell me everyone was deliberately standing by and doing nothing?"0


    He was trembling with rage, though it was unclear if it was genuine or an act.0


    In Zhao Guihua''s opinion, it was definitely not real anger. After all, he knew what kind of person his mother was. How could he believe this foul-mouthed old woman? Zhao Guihua crossed her arms and tapped her slippers rhythmically, enjoying the show.0


    It would have been even better with some sunflower seeds.0


    Too bad there weren''t any.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Alright, it seems there''s no point in discussing the matter of everyone standing by and doing nothing."0


    Zhou Qun seemed embarrassed and rubbed his face.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Then let''s talk about the fight."0


    Bai Fendou: "Tui!"0


    He spat at Zhou Qun and said, "You''re trying to downplay the whole thing, Section Chief Liu, listen to me!"0


    He felt that Zhou Qun was trying to minimize the incident, and he wouldn''t allow it. Absolutely not!0


    He said, "The story begins last night..."0


    This kind of narrative, starting from the beginning, was everyone''s favorite. The security section, led by Section Chief Liu, immediately fell silent. Deputy Factory Director Zhang and Director Song, who arrived in time, also quietly joined the crowd of onlookers. Seeing more people gather, Bai Fendou became even more energized, channeling the spirit of the famous storyteller Daganzi from Tianqiao.0


    He wasn''t like Zhou Qun, who, though a hypocrite, still had some brains and knew not to directly mention the ghost, instead pinning it on someone pretending to be supernatural. But what kind of person was Bai Fendou?0


    He lived by the principle of being straightforward!0


    He waved his hand and began his oration: "So, last night, the sky was dark and the wind was high... I was half-asleep... I squinted out the window and saw smoke and ghostly lights..."0


    Bai Fendou was in full swing, his speech flowing like a river... He was a native of Beijing, and he had a bit of the local alleyway gossip talent in him (no offense intended).0


    Though not a professional storyteller, his tale was quite compelling, with ups and downs, hitting every mark.0


    However, the story was too bizarre, and his choice of words was overly dramatic, so by the time he finished, an hour had passed.0


    Zhao Guihua, sitting on a small stool watching the show, understood why Bai Fendou couldn''t find a wife.0


    This repetitive speech, going round and round.0


    Yet, the scene remained silent. After a while, Zhao Guihua thought she heard someone gulp. At that moment, Section Chief Liu spoke, his voice calm but firm: "Master?"0


    Indeed, such topics were always of eternal interest.0


    "I''m not, I didn''t!" Zhou Qun jolted and quickly defended himself.0


    Madam Zhou Li also cursed: "Bai Fendou, you little brat, don''t you dare slander my little Qun. You''re just jealous, jealous of his goodness, so you''re slandering him."0


    Bai Fendou didn''t hold back: "It wasn''t me who said it, it was the Alcoholic. He even dared to swear a deadly oath."0


    Despite the Alcoholic''s love for drinking, people around here would rather believe him.0


    After all, who would dare to swear such a deadly oath?0


    Moreover, the Alcoholic, though a drinker, had no major flaws in character, everyone knew that. His character was pretty good. As for his drinking... you can''t stop someone from drinking, can you?0


    It was just a personal hobby.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Go and bring him here."0


    He was addressing Zhang San.0


    Their security section had a knack for naming, with characters like Zhang San, Li Si, and Wang Ermazi.0


    The Alcoholic wasn''t from their factory, so of course, they had to "invite" him. However, the Alcoholic''s older brother worked at their factory, so he lived in the area. The Alcoholic hadn''t gone to work today, taking a day off after the scare was understandable.0


    But this guy was good; when he heard the mechanical factory was looking for him, he didn''t hesitate and came right over.0


    Like Bai Fendou, he wasn''t one for many tricks. He started talking, and an hour later, he had thoroughly recounted his experience of encountering a ghost...0


    By this time, Section Chief Liu wasn''t smiling anymore; his face was dark and grim. He asked, "Are you sure?"0


    The Alcoholic: "If I''m lying, may lightning strike me dead, and I''ll see a ghost tonight."0


    Madam Zhou Li cursed: "You were just drunk and confused, and now you''re trying to frame my son. My son..."0


    "Enough!" Section Chief Liu frowned: "Shut up!"0


    Being a military man, he had a broad back and a menacing aura, which effectively silenced Madam Zhou Li.0


    She trembled and didn''t dare speak.0


    Section Chief Liu tapped his fingers on his leg, his expression serious, and asked, "Did you see the female ghost?"0


    The Alcoholic nodded, then shook his head. Seeing Section Chief Liu''s piercing gaze, he shrank and said, "I saw her, but I didn''t really see her. I was hiding in the men''s bathroom, and she floated over. I didn''t dare look up, but I saw a white shadow out of the corner of my eye... but I remember the sound, oh man, it was terrifying, like the sound of a cat scratching a window frame, it sent shivers down my spine."0


    "You heard the sound."0


    ¡°I heard it too. I even overheard the conversation between Zhou Qun and the others. They did mention several older women¡­ and ghost fires. I saw ghost fires.¡±0


    The security department staff were all amazed, feeling lucky that it was broad daylight. If it had been nighttime, it would have been quite scary.0


    However, there were those with bigger guts. Li Si was one of them. He said, ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. Could it be that something caught fire and was smoking?¡±0


    Everyone shook their heads.0


    How could they be sure?0


    Section Chief Liu: ¡°I think this matter has escalated quite a bit. As employees of the factory, the factory cannot ignore it. Since Zhou Qun claims it¡¯s someone playing tricks, the factory must investigate thoroughly. Otherwise¡­ oh, Deputy Factory Director Zhang, why are you here? And Director Song?¡± He immediately realized the leaders were here to watch the commotion, but he couldn¡¯t say that outright. He quickly added, ¡°Look how big this matter has become. Even Deputy Factory Director Zhang and Director Song have come to inquire personally. How can we not investigate thoroughly? This matter must be investigated rigorously, thoroughly. Deputy Factory Director Zhang, what do you think?¡±0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang nodded: ¡°This is necessary. Otherwise, if this rumor spreads, it will turn into superstitious nonsense.¡±0


    Mentioning this, the few who had been so certain about ghosts earlier shrank their necks.0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang: ¡°Personally, I don¡¯t believe in any ghost stories. In broad daylight, we should uphold science. Superstition is not acceptable. But there are witnesses on the scene. We must also investigate their testimonies thoroughly.¡±0


    Everyone nodded.0


    Indeed, whether there are ghosts or not is one matter, and whether Zhou Qun is entangled with those older women is another. Both need to be investigated seriously.0


    At this moment, Da Qiang from the neighboring courtyard, known as the bold one, was also watching the excitement. He hadn¡¯t gone to work today. After staying up late last night, he overslept and was late. But since he was already late, he decided to come and see what was going on.0


    The factory could understand this situation today.0


    However, as the topic reached this point, Da Qiang shouted loudly, ¡°Deputy Factory Director Zhang, I want to report! I want to report Zhou Qun for improper relationships and abusing his power for personal gain!¡±0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang: ¡°???¡±0


    He became serious: ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡±0


    Da Qiang: ¡°The Auntie Xinghua mentioned in the conversation is the wife of Master Zou, who is in charge of grading at the factory. He retired at the end of the year before last. Just before his retirement, Zhou Qun passed the seventh-level electrician exam. I suspect there¡¯s something fishy going on.¡±0


    ¡°Right, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????right.¡±0


    ¡°I suspect that too!¡±0


    ¡°Exactly!¡±0


    ¡°How could he have passed the levels so smoothly? If he were really that skilled, why didn¡¯t he win any awards during the factory-wide competitions?¡±0


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±0


    Zhou Qun¡¯s face turned red with anger as he shouted, ¡°I said there¡¯s nothing! This is a frame-up, the Alcoholic is framing me!¡±0


    The Alcoholic was extremely aggrieved, his voice even louder than Zhou Qun''s: "I''m not lying! He really mentioned those people and said those things. If he didn''t say it, I''ll eat shit right here!!"0


    Zhao Guihua: Wow, what a tough guy.0


    Everyone was stunned!0


    So, why are you all so obsessed with the toilet?0

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68There is an old saying: "Without investigation, there is no right to speak."0


    However, there is another saying: "Do not propagate feudal superstitions."0


    So, Section Chief Liu and his colleagues, at least Section Chief Liu himself, do not believe in ghosts! Given that, he is even more convinced that someone is deliberately creating a supernatural atmosphere. As for others, well, that''s a matter of personal opinion.0


    Everyone has their own thoughts, but investigation is certainly necessary, isn''t it?0


    As Section Chief Liu was questioning, people from the neighborhood committee arrived. Such a big incident in their jurisdiction couldn''t go unaddressed. The two parties joined forces and quickly decided that the factory would handle the investigation.0


    To be honest, the neighborhood committee didn''t want to get involved in such matters. If someone else could investigate, that was the best outcome.0


    The neighborhood committee members came and left in a hurry, almost like a gust of wind.0


    Section Chief Liu: "..."0 S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It''s clear that you all believe there really is a ghost.0


    Of course, besides investigating the "supernatural prank," there''s also the matter of "improper relationships between men and women."0


    However, since there was only one witness, a drunkard, and Zhou Qun firmly denied it, the situation became a he-said-she-said. As for who people believe, that''s another matter of personal opinion.0


    It''s easy to guess that most people believe the drunkard.0


    Normally, Zhou Qun had a slightly better reputation among the residents than the drunkard, who was known for his love of alcohol. Zhou Qun still had a reputation as a gentleman. However, people still didn''t believe him. After all, even if the drunkard were to make up stories while drunk, he wouldn''t be able to mention those names.0


    He wasn''t even from the machinery factory.0


    Moreover, a solemn oath carries a lot of weight.0


    Everyone has their own measure in mind.0


    Zhao Guihua watched for a while and then turned around to go home to cut the fabric. Her old man hadn''t had new clothes in years, and this year, she was determined to make him a new one.0


    "Is Auntie home?" A man''s voice came from outside the door. Zhao Guihua got up to take a look and saw a young man from the security department.0


    Zhang San entered and smiled, saying, "Auntie, I''m from the security department. I''d like to ask you about last night''s situation."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure, come in and talk."0


    She brewed a cup of tea and said, "Here, have some tea."0


    Zhang San was flattered and quickly thanked her, "Oh, how could I trouble you, Auntie. Thank you."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Ha, what''s there to thank for? You''re here investigating this matter for the safety of all of us. It''s a good thing."0


    In her heart, she was sighing that the security department really had a lot of authority at this time. She guessed that those born in the 80s and 90s wouldn''t be able to imagine how important the security department''s role was during this period. As for those born in the 2000s, even more so.0


    She said, "Young man, go ahead and ask whatever you need."0


    Zhang San nodded, "You can call me Little Zhang, Auntie. My name is Zhang San."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."0


    Ah, that name is so common. There was a thief before who was also named Zhang San.0


    Zhang San: "Last night, when did you go out?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "I went out early. As you get older, you sleep lightly. I vaguely heard some noise and immediately woke up my old man. My old man is from the factory, called Old Man Zhuang. We thought it might be a thief. There was a theft incident in our neighborhood after the New Year. I thought it might be the same thing again. So we held our breath and listened for a while, then we heard the sound of the gate being closed."0


    "The gate was closed?"0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "I put on my clothes and went out. I saw Bai Fendou closing the gate, so I quickly went out. Soon after, Aunt Su, Wang Xiangxiu, and the Wang family from the back courtyard, the Sui family, all came out. Many of us gathered at the gate."0


    "Was Bai Fendou closing the gate after coming back from outside?" Zhang San quickly asked the key point, as Zhou Qun had accused Bai Fendou of being the one who harmed him. So this needed to be investigated in detail.0


    Zhao Guihua shook her head and said, "I don''t think so. When I went out, Bai Fendou was wearing a tank top and shorts, and he was wearing slippers. Although it''s mid-April and the weather is warm, it''s still quite cold at night. Even if someone were to go out to the public toilet, they wouldn''t dress like that."0


    Although Zhao Guihua didn''t particularly like Bai Fendou, she certainly wouldn''t slander him. She said, "We all heard noises outside, and there were also ghost fires. I did see them. Bai Fendou''s house is the one closest to the gate. He came out early, saw the fog and ghost fires, and was so scared that he quickly closed the gate. This was to ensure the safety of all of us."0


    Zhang San nodded, "I see."0


    He asked again, "Were all your family members out at that time?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "My old man and I went out first, then my youngest son, Zhuang Zhixi, came out. He''s also from your factory, working in the clinic."0


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re Little Zhuang¡¯s mom. I¡¯m quite familiar with Little Zhuang. Look, it¡¯s like the Dragon King¡¯s Temple being flooded, and a family not recognizing each other. We have a good relationship.¡± Zhang San said with a smile, ¡°We often gather together to gossip.¡±0


    Zhao Guihua: "..."0


    Can''t you talk about something serious?0


    However, she still smiled and said, "Then come visit more often in the future."0


    Zhang San: "Alright."0


    He said, "Let''s continue. You have more than one son, right?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, but my eldest son isn''t at home. He''s a train conductor and is away from home for most of the month. After everyone came out, they were all furious with Aunt Zhou, and soon everyone dispersed."0


    "Do you think Zhou Qun has any enemies?"0


    Zhao Guihua smirked, "Whether Zhou Qun has any, I don''t know. But his mother, Aunt Zhou, is disliked by everyone in this neighborhood. She''s mean-spirited and has a sharp tongue. Yesterday, she even cursed us with ''may you die without descendants.'' She''s made enemies everywhere. However, if someone were to target Zhou Qun specifically... I don''t think it would go that far. Even if they wanted to take revenge, they''d go after Aunt Zhou! After all, it''s her mouth that''s smelly."0


    Zhang San nodded, "Understood."0


    As a staff member of the security department, he had indeed witnessed how vicious and toxic this old lady could be.0


    But Aunt Zhao''s words made sense. If someone hated their family, they''d go after Aunt Zhou. Why would they target Zhou Qun? In his heart, he vaguely felt that maybe there really was a ghost...0


    Oh my, just thinking about it is scary.0


    "Alright, Auntie, I''ll go and get busy now. See you later."0


    "Alright."0


    The investigation by the security department basically matched what Zhao Guihua said. Although Zhou Qun insisted that someone was playing a supernatural prank,0


    There were still many inexplicable aspects. Where did the smoke come from? They checked the entire alley and found no trace of anything being burned; where did the ghost fire come from? The flames floated in mid-air, and they had no idea how it was done. There was also the rumored floating female ghost.0


    If it was "floating," it must have been done with tools, but the stone in the toilet was moved by Zhou Qun himself, and there were no signs of any mechanism.0


    For a moment, Section Chief Liu was a bit at a loss.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care about how others were investigating. She asked Liang Meifen to watch the house and then picked up her basket and fishing rod to go out.0


    Zhang San was talking to Section Chief Liu, and Aunt Wang was also there. Seeing her come out, Zhang San greeted, "Aunt Zhao, are you going fishing? Your skills must be good."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes."0


    For some reason, Zhang San felt that when Zhao Guihua said those two words, she seemed a bit gritted her teeth.0


    She rode her bike out, and Aunt Wang whispered, "Old Zhao''s fishing skills are terrible. Mentioning fishing to her is like provoking her."0


    Zhang San: "But I remember seeing a fish hanging on the beam when I went over earlier."0


    Aunt Wang: "That was caught by her old man yesterday afternoon. Since she bought the fishing rod, she hasn''t caught a single fish. Everyone mentioning it makes her turn black-faced, but she''s quite addicted to it and is determined to redeem herself."0


    Zhang San: "What an unyielding old lady."0


    Aunt Wang laughed and said, "Exactly. By the way, is there anything else you want to ask? To be honest, I think this doesn''t need investigation. It''s definitely a ghost. What''s with this ''supernatural prank''? It''s just Zhou Qun''s excuse."0


    Actually, this is something that shouldn''t be said, but Aunt Wang felt that such a big investigation was quite tiring, so she decided to just come out and say it.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Nonsense, what ghosts are you talking about?"0


    He glanced around and said, "I heard that Madam Zhou Li''s daughter-in-law is quite skilled?"0


    If someone is really pretending to be a ghost, they must be quite agile!0


    Aunt Wang: "You mean Meimei? Well, she''s quite capable. She''s caught thieves several times. She''s... well, not just in our courtyard. But wait, Section Chief Liu, are you suspecting her?" Aunt Wang looked suspiciously at Section Chief Liu, feeling speechless: "What are you thinking? How could it possibly be related to Meimei? She''s good at fighting, sure, but that''s different from being able to float. Besides, Meimei hasn''t been here long, and she doesn''t have much to do with the Zhou family. What would she gain from doing something like that?"0


    "Her grandfather had some conflict with Madam Zhou Li, didn''t he?"0


    That''s why Section Chief Liu is a section chief. He''s definitely not someone like Zhang San.0


    He does have some judgment skills.0


    Aunt Wang was even more speechless: "That was ages ago. Let me tell you, the conflict between Aunt Zhou and Grandpa Lan is considered a minor one in our courtyard. Aunt Zhou... you don''t know her, but she''s really good at making enemies. Besides, she was already punished back then, wasn''t she? Your security department locked her up for three days? Who would still hold a grudge now? And if anyone were to seek revenge, it would be against Aunt Zhou, not Zhou Qun."0


    Aunt Wang felt that Section Chief Liu was overthinking things.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Did Meimei come out to watch the commotion?"0


    Aunt Wang thought carefully and said, "Not at first, but she came out later. She even said she wanted to beat up Aunt Zhou."0


    Section Chief Liu''s mouth twitched.0


    Since she was in the courtyard, it probably wasn''t her!0


    According to everyone''s account, Bai Fendou had closed the gate, so anyone in the courtyard couldn''t have been involved.0


    Moreover, she wanted to fight... If someone had done something bad, they would definitely try to lower their profile and hide, not stand out. This suggests that Meimei is likely not involved in this matter.0


    "Why did she want to fight?"0


    Aunt Wang quickly explained: "Aunt Zhou was being rude, cursing her with words like ''childless and cursed.'' Everyone wanted to beat her up. You saw her eyes, right? Bai Fendou couldn''t hold back and hit her."0


    Section Chief Liu''s mouth twitched again, feeling utterly speechless. Just how annoying must Madam Zhou Li be to have made enemies all over the courtyard.0


    "Wah, wah wah..."0


    Just as they were talking, a child''s crying sounded. Everyone turned around simultaneously to see Tonglai crying like a big fool. Due to the excitement from last night, the three brothers hadn''t gone to school today and were playing in the alley.0


    "What''s wrong now?"0


    Before they could finish, they saw Zhao Guihua dragging Tonglai in, shouting: "Aunt Su, Aunt Su, come out quickly! Your Tonglai has had an accident in his pants."0


    She had planned to go to the toilet and then go fishing. Just as she came out of the bathroom, she saw the three boys lying on the ground playing with crickets. Before Zhao Guihua could leave, the boy started crying, clutching his stomach...0


    Being neighbors, she couldn''t just ignore it.0


    Aunt Su rushed out: "What happened?"0


    She questioned Zhao Guihua: "What did you do to my Tonglai?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Hey, don''t you have any shame? You''re really like a dog biting Lu Dongbin¡ªungrateful. Your kid having a stomachache and diarrhea has nothing to do with me. I even kindly brought him back for you. Yet you want to blame me? How shameless can you be?"0


    Aunt Su: "Uh..."0


    Zhao Guihua: "What? Do you think I''m easy to bully?"0


    Aunt Su quickly said: "No, I''m sorry, Old Zhao. I''ve been dealing with all these troubles, and I''m a bit muddled. Don''t take it personally. I''m sorry, okay?" She was good at navigating situations, clever in knowing what to say and when to say it.0


    Now that the factory leaders had left, but the security department was still around, she wouldn''t leave a bad impression at this time.0


    She quickly picked up the child and said: "Tonglai, what''s wrong? Don''t scare your grandma..."0


    "Grandma, help..." Yinlai also ran back, his body emitting a smell that was hard to describe. Following him was Jinlai, who, being older, had a bit of shame and looked listless.0


    Aunt Su: "Oh dear, what did they eat?"0


    With all three children having diarrhea, Aunt Su was really struggling. She called out: "Guihua, come help me..."0


    Zhao Guihua retorted: "Forget it! You were about to blame me just now. I''m not crazy enough to help you."0


    She turned and left, not wanting to be the good Samaritan.0


    Fishing, she must go fishing today. Otherwise, she''d have to endure this smell in the courtyard.0


    Aunt Su: "Old Wang, help me..."0


    Aunt Wang: "I''ll boil some water for you. You should quickly change the kids'' pants. How did this happen..." She turned: "Section Chief Liu, you''re overthinking things. No one in our courtyard would do something like pretending to be a ghost. I''m not talking to you anymore. I''m going to help."0


    She muttered softly: "That ghost fire wasn''t man-made. It was clearly a ghost... always suspecting people for no reason."0


    As she spoke, she looked up at Zhao Guihua, who was also looking over. Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes in exasperation.0


    Aunt Wang forced a smile and then said: "What did they eat?"0


    Aunt Su''s eyes turned red: "I don''t know. How could all three of them have diarrhea? We eat the same things..."0


    "Ah! You little thief!" Madam Zhou Li suddenly burst out of the house, rushing up and slapping Aunt Su across the face so fast it was unbelievable. She shouted: "I knew it! My freshly born lamb eggs are gone. It must be your kids who stole them! You three little brats, while my son is suffering outside, you sneak into my house to steal. I''ll beat you all to death, you thieving family..."0


    "What are you doing!"0


    Before Section Chief Liu could step forward, Old Man Bai rushed over like a whirlwind, slapping Madam Zhou Li across the face. "I''ve tolerated you for too long. You''ve been bullying Sister Su all along, and it''s never-ending. I won''t let you get away with it, you old hag. Don''t think I don''t know why you''re targeting her! You''re jealous because I treat her well, so you''re taking this chance to get back at her!"0


    Oh ho!0


    Zhao Guihua, who had just stepped out the door, casually stepped back in.0


    No fishing today.0


    An old love story in the Beijing alley, she couldn''t miss it.0


    Zhao Guihua quietly stood at the door, and every household came out, silently watching the scene unfold.0


    Fortunately, the questioning had just ended, and many had gone to work. Otherwise, there would have been even more people.0


    Section Chief Liu rubbed his forehead, unable to help but shout out his soul''s cry. How many things were happening in this courtyard? He felt overwhelmed. The other security officers were equally excited, having never seen such a scene before.0


    They had seen many love and hate dramas, but never one involving people of this age.0


    Madam Zhou Li''s face darkened as she cursed: "Stop talking nonsense. Have some shame. Do you think I''d look at you? You''re only good enough for someone like Aunt Su."0


    Old Man Bai sneered: "You''ve forgotten about the time you came to my place, took off your shirt, and said you liked me! I saw through what kind of vicious woman you are and didn''t fall for it. You call her dirty? I think you''re the filthiest. Don''t think I don''t know you had an affair with Zhou Qun''s master, which is why Zhou Qun got into the electrical department at the factory. You and your son are quite something. It''s like a knife slicing through my eyes. I''ve never seen anything like it. You two didn''t leave a single person in that couple untouched. You had an affair with the man, and your son slept with the wife. At that age, how could you even do such a thing? It''s disgusting."0


    Old Man Bai sure knew a lot. After all, he had worked in the factory for so many years and was in logistics, so he had more opportunities to see and hear things. This revelation left everyone in disbelief, their eyes wide, almost popping out.0


    Wow, what did they just hear?0


    Was this something they, as ordinary people, should be hearing?0


    "Coming to my door to undress? And seducing Zhou Qun''s master?"0


    This old lady is really into some wild stuff, no wonder Zhou Qun is like this... is he just following her lead?0


    Old Man Bai is jumping up and down: "None of you in your family are good people!"0


    "I''ll kill you!"0


    "I..."0


    The scene once again erupts into full-blown chaos, with Section Chief Liu shouting: "Quickly, pull them apart, get them separated, what the hell is going on here..."0


    He finally understands why Aunt Wang said it was impossible for Mingmei.0


    Because that conflict, it really wasn''t a big deal, just look at the situation now, this is...0


    He rubs his forehead again, feeling that Aunt Zhou is truly a one-of-a-kind unique character in the universe.0


    The other members of the security department are all excited, having never seen such a lively scene at the factory. They wish Old Man Bai would reveal more secrets. Keep talking, we want to hear more.0


    Sniff, sniff, I really want to move into this courtyard.0


    Zhang San approaches Aunt Wang and asks: "Auntie, is there any vacant room in your courtyard?"0


    Aunt Wang''s mouth twitches: "No."0


    Three stiff words.0


    Zhang San sighs with disappointment, feeling really let down.0


    Such good drama, why can''t they encounter it? Compared to this, their own courtyard is so mundane. Although there are also family squabbles, nothing as exciting as this. Zhang San feels deeply regretful.0


    The others share the same sentiment.0


    I really want to move here.0


    Section Chief Liu: "..."0


    Just, feeling very tired.0


    They''ve tussled for half a day, found nothing, and even had to break up a fight.0


    Aunt Zhou: "You old bastard Bai, you''re the one who''s unclear with Aunt Su, and now you''re trying to frame me? Don''t even think about diverting the topic. The lamb testicles we bought three days ago, my son said they tasted off yesterday, so we didn''t eat the rest. But just now, I found out someone had moved our cupboard, not only was the lamb testicle soup gone, but also a steamed bun was missing. If it wasn''t Jinlai the thief who ate it, then who else? My son also didn''t eat well because of this and got diarrhea! They must have stolen and eaten it!"0


    Aunt Zhou is unusually logical and coherent this time, which isn''t because she''s particularly sharp, but because Zhou Qun had hinted at her earlier in the house.0


    Zhou Qun was so scared he wet his pants, and this would ruin his reputation if it got out. It''s better to attribute it to a stomachache, which sounds more acceptable.0


    Section Chief Liu: "..."0


    Truly, he''s never been so speechless in his entire life.0


    He looks at Aunt Su, who is crying, her face swollen on one side. Her daughter-in-law has already gone to work, and she''s holding three children, crying pitifully. She says: "I don''t know, I really don''t know..."0


    She pats the three children and says: "Tell me, did you steal anything? Tell me."0


    Jinlai''s eyes dart around, but he loudly declares: "No!"0


    His tone is firm.0


    Aunt Su looks up: "See, my kids didn''t steal anything. Aunt Zhou, I know you don''t like me, but you can''t always blame me like this. I know you have... feelings for Old Man Bai..."0


    "You''re lying, I''ll tear your mouth apart!"0


    The scene once again escalates into a fierce fight.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Stop fighting, stop fighting!"0


    Zhang San: "Stop fighting, stop fighting."0


    Other members of the security department: "You guys... oh, who the hell scratched me, damn it..."0


    The scene descends into complete chaos.0


    Zhao Guihua quickly retreats from the battlefield, pulling her silly daughter-in-law, Liang Meifen, back: "Why are you still stepping forward, eager to get hit or what?"0


    Liang Meifen: "They''re really hot-tempered lately."0


    Zhao Guihua thinks for a moment and says: "It''s probably because it''s getting hotter. When the weather gets hot, people get more irritable. In a few days, let Old Man Zhuang go up the mountain to pick some free herbs, and we''ll make some tea to cool down. Otherwise, all they do is fight all day."0


    Liang Meifen nods in agreement.0


    As Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen are talking, they don''t notice an old lady limping towards the gate. This is none other than Liang Meifen''s mother, Granny Hu, who got beaten up for being rude and grabbing a seat. Although the person who beat her is now in jail for the gold bar incident, Granny Hu still hasn''t fully recovered.0


    She''s here this time to borrow money from her in-laws. Her son is desperate to marry a certain woman, and as parents, they have to scrape together every penny to support him. If they can''t provide for their son, what''s the point of living?0


    This woman isn''t a good match, demanding too much, but she has promised to bring a sewing machine as part of her dowry, which gives Granny Hu some peace of mind. At least this future daughter-in-law is thinking about the family.0


    But their family''s situation is dire. Don''t even mention the "three rounds and one sound" (a common phrase referring to expensive household items in the 60s and 70s); even one of those would be hard to come by. They can''t borrow anything from relatives and friends. Now, they''re relying on the in-laws of their daughters.0


    She first came to Liang Meifen''s place, as this family is the best off.0


    The other two daughters'' families are a bit worse.0


    Actually, she''s a bit scared this time. It''s not that she''s cowardly, but she''s truly aware of Zhao Guihua''s temperament after some interactions. Her daughter often complains about her mother-in-law when she visits her parents.0


    So Granny Hu knows this person is not to be messed with.0


    She originally thought that since her daughter is the eldest daughter-in-law, she could use that position to control the younger daughter-in-law and maybe get some benefits. But she never expected, on their first meeting, to witness the younger daughter-in-law''s "skills."0


    To be honest, thinking about that little wife still makes her heart tremble.0


    That''s why she chose this time to come, to avoid that tigress.0


    She limps to the courtyard of the apricot flowers, and as she approaches, she hears an unusually lively commotion. She''s surprised, aren''t they supposed to be working? It''s like a New Year''s celebration here. With curiosity, she listens to conversations about "ghosts," "master''s wife," "security department," "exam irregularities," and "preferring older targets"...0


    In such a context, Granny Hu is quite confused.0


    Just, this is completely incomprehensible.0


    But these topics also give her a sense of excitement.0


    So what are they talking about here?0


    She originally wanted to stand here and listen for a while, but she''s afraid that if she delays, time will pass, and her younger daughter-in-law might come home from work. Then the matter of borrowing money might be difficult to bring up. After all, in a family with more than one son, there''s always competition.0


    She doesn''t want to meet Mingmei, so she has to give up on the gossip and limps to her daughter''s in-laws'' place.0


    Like their own crowded courtyard, this siheyuan is also a communal living space, but there''s a clear difference in quality. This place looks much better. She walks to the gate, takes a deep breath, and is about to step in when suddenly she stumbles and quickly grabs the door frame.0


    What the hell!0


    What''s going on!0


    Inside the courtyard, old and young are cursing each other, insulting each other''s ancestors for eighteen generations.0


    An old lady is pulling another old lady''s hair, while the latter is kicking at the old man''s sensitive area. There are also younger women taking sides, and a few security guards in uniform.0


    Around them, three kids are squatting, and even from the gate, you can see the dirty stains on their pants, the smell... For a moment, Granny Hu feels like she''s watching a movie.0


    Really, besides movies, she''s never seen such a fiery scene.0


    At this moment, an old lady is kicked out, and her in-law Zhao Guihua quickly helps her up, but unexpectedly, the old lady, either out of rage or on purpose, directly scratches Zhao Guihua.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t expect Madam Zhou Li to be so shameless. She was kind enough to help her, yet she took the opportunity to attack. What does this have to do with her!0


    She sidesteps, slaps, and then kicks.0


    Madam Zhou Li stumbles back several steps and falls onto Old Man Bai, who quickly pushes her away and shouts: "You old tramp, don''t take advantage of me!"0


    Everyone who was fighting couldn''t help but laugh.0


    That line really is...0


    The scene descended into chaos once again. Granny Hu''s face turned as pale as paper. Trembling, she looked at Zhao Guihua, who was standing with her hands on her hips, shouting, "Madam Zhou Li, you ungrateful wretch! I was trying to help you, and you want to take advantage of the chaos to hit me? Who do you think you are?!"0


    With a howl, she charged forward, grabbed Aunt Zhou, and pinned her down, slapping her face repeatedly¡ªlike a tigress on the prowl.0


    This display stunned everyone present.0


    "Holy crap!"0


    "My goodness, this old lady''s gone wild..."0


    "How can she be so fierce?"0


    Section Chief Liu: "Oh, come on~ Auntie, calm down, please calm down..."0


    He dragged and pulled Zhao Guihua out of the fray. Her aggressive intervention had stopped the fight.0


    Zhao Guihua pointed at Madam Zhou Li and continued to curse loudly, not holding back on any ancestral insults. Who couldn''t do that? Zhao Guihua was even more skilled at it.0


    She was a shrew¡ªand she feared no one!0


    Granny Hu, entangled in the chaos, leaned against the doorframe, silently retreating, step by step, until she turned and ran. It was no wonder Liang Meifen resembled someone; she had inherited some traits from her mother. Granny Hu was also the type who bullied the weak and feared the strong.0


    If you were kind and easy to talk to, she would take advantage of you endlessly.0


    But if you were fierce and domineering, she wouldn''t dare say a word, behaving as meek as a lamb.0


    Granny Hu had come with the intention of borrowing money, but upon seeing Zhao Guihua''s ferocity, her determination plummeted from 80% to -80%.0


    Forget borrowing money¡ªshe didn''t even dare enter the house.0


    This woman, when she lost her temper, was like a Siberian tiger!0


    She valued her life. Although her son''s affairs were important, she couldn''t risk her own life. What if something happened? How would she see her son have grandchildren in the future? Granny Hu bolted, her heart filled with the deep realization that her third daughter had been right¡ªher mother-in-law was indeed not someone to be trifled with.0


    There were occasional fights among their neighbors, but nothing as fierce as this. She had no doubt that if she dared to speak up, this old lady would slap her. Thinking of the pitiful state of the other elderly woman being beaten, she shivered and quickly boarded a bus.0


    Recalling the courtyard, her head shook like a rattle drum.0


    In their neighborhood, neighbors often bickered, but nothing like this... What kind of people lived in this courtyard? It was too crazy¡ªa full-on brawl, with even the security team unable to stop it.0


    She grimaced and decided to visit less often in the future.0


    In fact, their whole family should stay away.0


    One must cherish their life.0


    Granny Hu darted away faster than a monkey, her previously unsteady legs not slowing her escape.0


    Meanwhile, her daughter Liang Meifen hadn''t noticed her mother''s arrival or departure.0


    Zhao Guihua pointed at Aunt Zhou, exuding arrogance: "If you dare provoke me again, I''ll slap you to death!"0


    Aunt Zhou was dazed from the beating, mainly because she had been hit so many times today¡ªeveryone seemed to take a swing. She was so angry she could barely breathe, but she didn''t dare retort to Zhao Guihua. If it were Aunt Su, she might have fought back.0


    Aunt Su only had Old Man Bai, an outsider, to back her up, and an old man wasn''t much of a threat. As long as Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t involved, Bai Fendou wouldn''t step in¡ªhe was a man of Beijing and cared about face.0


    But Zhao Guihua was different. She had both a husband and sons. At this moment, Aunt Zhou only regretted having too few sons, only Zhou Qun. If she had more, she wouldn''t be so humiliated.0


    She sobbed miserably, not saying a word.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Aunt Zhao, please calm down. Aunt Zhou, stop crying. Aunt Su... Old Man Bai, you all stop fighting."0


    He turned back to see the three children who had soiled their pants, sighing helplessly. "Stealing is wrong, but it''s important to educate them properly."0


    He felt utterly drained, finally understanding the challenges of grassroots work. "You all stop fighting. If you continue, I''ll have to take you to the security office."0


    Everyone''s expressions softened.0


    Section Chief Liu: "This isn''t me scolding you, but you''re all not young anymore. You should set an example for the younger generation. Instead, you''re even more fiery than them. Look at yourselves¡ªdon''t you feel ashamed in front of your children? This time, I''ll let it go, understanding that everyone was tense after last night''s scare. But if it happens again, the security office will have to intervene."0


    This day felt longer than a year.0


    Everyone looked at each other. Zhao Guihua grumbled, "It won''t happen again."0


    "Right, it won''t."0


    "Nor will it at my place."0


    They all agreed.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Alright, think about it. Zhang San, lead the team back."0


    Although many questions remained unanswered, his heart was shattered by these elderly folks. He waved his hand, and the security team, unlike their section chief, seemed a bit reluctant to leave.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Let''s go."0


    As for the investigation, he left it to his subordinates. He never wanted to visit this courtyard again.0


    Section Chief Liu had marched in with determination, but left with faltering steps, looking thoroughly worn out. Aunt Wang, seeing this, felt a sense of balance. She still had some standing in the courtyard¡ªat least when she intervened, the fighting decreased.0


    Look at Section Chief Liu¡ªhe was useless.0


    The matter, if Section Chief Liu insisted on being strict, could have resulted in taking them all in, but then again, a bunch of old folks fighting was significant but not that significant.0


    And these people had their reasons, so it wasn''t appropriate to take them all in.0


    This era''s security teams were armed, dealing with major incidents. Small matters could be managed, but if they directly arrested people, it would be awkward. People might accuse them of overreacting, using a cannon to kill a mosquito.0


    It was possible, but really unnecessary.0


    The same went for Jinlai. Was this his first time stealing? No, but in this era, kids who didn''t steal money and just took some food were usually just beaten. Taking them to the security office would only embarrass the security team.0


    Besides, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????if they took these people in, they''d still need food and care.0


    As for Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun fighting, since it happened in the courtyard and no one reported it to the security office, Section Chief Liu simply ignored it. After all, Bai Fendou was still part of their security team.0


    Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou eventually parted ways, so it was left alone.0


    So Section Chief Liu didn''t bother and left.0


    He was done with it.0


    That was his mindset.0


    Of course, regarding Zhou Qun''s mother or aunt, this matter would still be thoroughly investigated, as it potentially involved an upgrade exam, which was more important to the factory than investigating ghost rumors.0


    The ghost rumors could be dismissed as someone playing tricks. Whether the culprit was found wasn''t that important.0


    But the exam matter needed to be crystal clear, like scallion and tofu¡ªclear and distinct.0


    Under various considerations, Section Chief Liu left, and everyone stopped fighting.0


    After all, there was no one to mediate anymore.0


    What if they got the short end of the stick if they continued!0


    Everyone limped home, and Liang Meifen once again witnessed her mother-in-law''s combat prowess, feeling even more awed and subdued. She asked, "Mother-in-law, would you like to rest?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Go buy some tofu. We''ll have fish stew tonight."0


    Liang Meifen: "Got it."0


    Zhao Guihua loved this dish, and their family often prepared it.0


    Liang Meifen left, and Zhao Guihua tidied up her clothes, lay on the kang, covered her face with her hand, then uncovered it, silently laughing...0


    Everyone thought she was just a fierce old lady who lost her temper and hit people, but little did they know, Zhao Guihua had achieved three goals with one move.0


    If it weren''t for seeing Granny Hu standing at the door, she definitely wouldn''t have gone up to beat Aunt Zhou. This is what you call: killing a chicken to scare the monkey.0


    Fortunately, the monkey was truly frightened. Isn''t it great to have some experience from a past life? She knows this mother-in-law quite well¡ªa family of bullies who are afraid of the strong and bully the weak. Killing a chicken to scare the monkey works wonders for them.0


    Sure enough, Granny Hu didn''t even dare to enter the door, let alone borrow money.0


    Yes, even without exchanging a single word, Zhao Guihua knew she had come to borrow money.0


    She wasn''t about to indulge them.0


    You wear a hat that fits your head size; if you don''t have money, don''t go for those fancy three-turn-one-ring and thirty-six-legged things. Isn''t that just laughable? Fortunately, she knew this family was all about taking advantage and had a timid nature. She figured a good scare would reduce such incidents in the future.0


    That was her first goal.0


    Achieved, ¡Ì.0


    Her second goal was to thoroughly humiliate Aunt Zhou. Otherwise, this old lady would never know when to stop, always jumping around like a monkey, not biting but annoying people. After Zhao Guihua beat her this time, Aunt Zhou would definitely be on her best behavior for a long while. It might not be forever, but it would definitely last for quite some time.0


    Having peace for half a year would be good enough.0


    Second goal, achieved, ¡Ì.0


    As for the third goal, Zhao Guihua felt a bit subtle about it. Her third goal was to clean up the mess for her son and daughter-in-law. She had a feeling that Section Chief Liu suspected Mingmei. Just from Aunt Wang''s glance, she was certain Section Chief Liu must have asked about this.0


    Although she knew it was definitely Mingmei''s doing.0


    But others couldn''t think that way. She had to cut off this suspicion.0


    She used reverse psychology, thinking that if someone did something bad, they would definitely try to lower their profile. As a family member, Zhao Guihua decided to be more aggressive. The more she jumped around, the less it would seem like their family had anything to do with the ghost incidents.0


    Moreover, she wanted to give the impression that their family was reckless, that they would directly resort to violence when things got tough. Although Zhao Guihua couldn''t judge the outcome from Section Chief Liu''s behavior, observing his state, she guessed that this goal had also been achieved.0


    This old lady, though not good at reading, knew how to use tactics. Sacrificing her reputation as a fierce old lady to achieve three goals¡ªthat''s a surefire win.0


    After all, she already had a reputation for being fiery and outspoken.0


    A three-bird-one-stone move, perfect!0


    However, Zhao Guihua stroked her chin and pondered, these two little rascals have some tricks up their sleeves. Creating such a big commotion and leaving no clues behind, with smoke and ghost fires, she had no idea how they did it.0


    And those props...0


    Come to think of it, this stuff is actually quite challenging. Even as a reborn person, Zhao Guihua wouldn''t know how to do it.0


    But soon, she thought of it: these two little rascals probably don''t know either, but they have a mentor, Lan Sihai, that old man is no simpleton. He knows more tricks than those street performers at Tianqiao.0


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "This life is going to get even more lively."0


    ******0


    Lan Sihai: "Achoo, achoo, achoo."0


    He frowned, "Who''s talking about me!"0


    Which bold scoundrel is gossiping about me behind my back!

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69Lan Sihai led Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei to Donglaishun again.0


    This old man''s meat coupons hadn''t been spent at the butcher''s; they had all been spent at Donglaishun.0


    At ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????this moment, Zhuang Zhixi began to understand what Ming Mei meant by "having a refined taste in food and drink." Indeed, it was quite refined. The three of them even ordered a bottle of Xifeng liquor, each holding a small half-cup, and clinked their glasses.0


    Lan Sihai smiled and said, "This time, our operation to deal with those three troublemakers was a complete success, thanks to our teamwork. Let''s toast to our future endeavors, big or small, all going smoothly."0


    "Cheers!"0


    "Cheers!"0


    Ming Mei took a sip, stuck out her tongue, and said, "I can''t handle this stuff."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you can''t drink it, give it to me, I''ll take it."0


    Ming Mei shook her head and refused: "No, I want to drink a little, I''m happy."0


    When she was a child, she was also a mischievous little girl, but as she grew up, she became much more well-behaved. This kind of incident where even the security department was involved was unprecedented. However, despite the scale of the incident, Ming Mei was very happy, exuding a joyful aura.0


    Her voice soft and sweet, she said, "Do you think there will be any follow-up?"0


    Lan Sihai: "There will definitely be, but I don''t think the security department will investigate it strictly. It''s not a big deal. You two should just go about your business. Whether it''s really ghost-related or just pretending, I believe the security department will focus more on the internal affairs of the grading system. Not to mention, there''s also the added element of a scandal. They will definitely prioritize investigating those."0


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and said, "So, you had me hint to the security department, pulling them into this..."0


    The words he said to Zhang San weren''t without purpose.0


    Lan Sihai with a meaningful look: "If the neighborhood committee investigated, it would just be about the ghost incident. No matter how seriously they take it, their main focus would be on that. But if the security department investigates, the most important thing will be whether there are any internal dealings in the grading system. Although we didn''t know Zhou Qun would say those things at the beginning, now that we do, it''s still necessary to involve the security department. Investigating clearly is a form of fairness for everyone. Why should someone who engages in all these shady dealings get a high salary while others work diligently and hone their skills? Is that fair?"0


    He, Lan Sihai, isn''t a great man. Throughout his life, he''s been selfish, caring only about his own pleasures¡ªfood, drink, fun, and entertainment. But he does have a sense of justice. As a retired rehire, he doesn''t have to worry about upgrading, but he hopes that others who work hard can get a fair outcome.0


    Zhuang Zhixi flattered: "Grandpa, I knew you were a very just person. Our Ming Mei takes after you, she has such a good character."0


    Flattering both at once, it''s quite effective.0


    Lan Sihai gave Zhuang Zhixi a knowing look and said, "Oh, you''re quite the smooth talker."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled brightly, looking very innocent.0


    He sighed: "I''m telling the truth, though. Ah, speaking of which, this was my first time doing something so thrilling. You don''t know, I was so nervous, but the more nervous I got, the more excited I became. Grandpa, how did you come up with the idea? It''s really impressive."0


    Zhuang Zhixi truly felt he had seen something new. When he was a kid, he used to run around with his older brother and Bai Fendou, but he had never seen such a high-level play. And the tricks involved, they really had something to them.0


    Lan Sihai: "Do you think I just watched circus acts for nothing? I''m a man with life experience."0


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed and gave a thumbs up.0


    Lan Sihai snorted proudly and said, "There''s nothing I can''t do. Tricks like these don''t faze me. Besides, I''ve seen this kind of ghostly stuff before. If you want me to pretend to be the celestial master Zhong Kui, I guarantee I can summon visible ghosts for you. It''s not hard for someone who knows how, got it!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi really doesn''t understand, but that doesn''t prevent him from exclaiming: "You are truly a remarkable person, you even know how to do this."0


    Lan Sihai looked at the two eager faces and said, "I''ve seen a lot of this before. I''m a curious person myself; whenever I see something interesting, I have to ask about how it works. After asking a few times, I end up knowing a lot more. Don''t mention just this kind of stuff; I can even show movies!"0


    Lan Sihai stood tall and proud.0


    To be honest, he knows a lot of things.0


    This time, even Ming Mei was surprised. She said softly, "Grandpa, you can do this too... Did they really teach you?"0


    Lan Sihai: "Of course, I won''t easily teach my cooking skills. Whether it''s showing movies or those little tricks, others are quite protective of their methods and won''t casually share them. However, after some time and familiarity, if you pay more attention and ponder over it, and do some research, and ask for advice, you can definitely figure it out."0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Mingmei both nodded.0


    I have to say, the old man''s mindset is really right.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It is indeed the case that skilled people don¡¯t easily share their knowledge with others. You all know that I''ve been going to the hospital every afternoon recently to learn from our projector operator, Xiao Xu, for a while. Oh my, this guy really knows how to be secretive every time he talks. Recently, he even asked me for something. The implication of his words is that drinking some chicken soup is good for recovery. As an apprentice, one must show respect to the master, and I really..."0


    Xiao Xu is very conflicted; he wants to teach him but is afraid that he will really learn it.0


    This contradictory feeling is that every time he sees Zhuang Zhixi, he has a long face, as if Zhuang Zhixi is asking him for something. Even the implication in his words seems to suggest that he is demanding something from Zhuang Zhixi. He feels that he shouldn''t teach for free.0


    However, I didn''t expect that this matter was arranged by the leader.0


    He sprained his ankle and couldn''t show movies on Labor Day afternoon, which meant that serious work was delayed. However, he still wants to take advantage of this situation, having an attitude akin to Zhang Zhixi not providing him with gifts, so he won''t teach properly.0


    Mingmei was surprised: "Why have I never heard you say that?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "These are all trivial matters, why would I talk about them when I get home?"0


    He is unwilling to bring bad things home.0


    Lan Sihai: "So what do you plan to do?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "What should I do? If he doesn''t teach me, then I won''t learn. I don''t really want to learn that much anyway."0


    Meimei: "Aren''t you learning to paint and make props with Old Huang with a lot of enthusiasm?"0


    She thought that Zhuang Zhixi liked everything.0


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "That''s not the same thing. So what if I''ve learned to film movies? I can''t just transfer to the publicity department to film movies; this job has a technical aspect, but it¡¯s not that technical. It doesn¡¯t really take two people to do it. Young as Xiao Xu is, he¡¯s not going to retire anytime soon. And if he really teaches me, who knows how many tricks he might pull in the process while pretending to be my master? I find that disgusting. Clearly, he wants me to learn from him, worried that others in the publicity department might take his job. But once I really join him, he might just take charge. I¡¯m well-acquainted with the hospital and have heard that he has privately inquired a few times about whether he could be discharged before Labor Day, even if he¡¯s not fully recovered. As long as he can get out, he wants to imply to the hospital not to let anyone know about his potential discharge before Labor Day... It¡¯s obvious that he won¡¯t sincerely teach me. The things he teaches are all over the place, and he keeps saying I have a talent for learning well even though I¡¯ve just started. It makes me uneasy, and I think it¡¯s better to retreat early. I¡¯ve already thought it through; since he can be discharged, tomorrow I¡¯ll take advantage of Old Huang being too busy and refuse to continue learning about filming movies. Let him find someone else."0


    Lan Sihai said meaningfully: "You are still young."0


    Zhuang Zhixi hurriedly said like a sycophant: "Do you have any insights, sir? Please do enlighten me."0


    Mingmei said excitedly, "I want to listen too."0


    Lan Sihai smiled and said, "He doesn''t teach you properly, yet praises you for learning well. Can''t you see that? If, on Labor Day, something went wrong with the movie screening, do you think it would be his problem or yours?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s expression changed: "That must be mine."0


    Mingmei asked in confusion, "But why would he do that? There is no conflict between us."0


    However, when Lan Sihai mentioned this, Zhuang Zhixi understood. He said, "I get it now. There''s no contradiction, but if I mess up on the spot, he can quickly rush over from the hospital to save the day. That would showcase his abilities. It not only demonstrates his importance but might even earn him recognition from the higher-ups, potentially leading to a promotion."0


    Lan Sihai laughed and nodded. "That''s exactly the point. People like us who have lived through the old society are different from you youngsters who grew up in the sunshine. We''ve truly seen a lot of darkness. I never assume anyone is a good person. If someone''s actions seem to defy common sense and appear unreasonable, don''t doubt your judgment. Chances are, this person isn''t up to any good."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded seriously.0


    Ming Mei, sitting beside them, also had an expression of "I''ve learned something new."0


    Both of them were in their early twenties. While they had experienced hunger to some extent, they hadn''t seen much of the darker side of life. In their eyes, the neighbor Aunt Zhou was already not a good person.0


    But in reality, she wasn''t even that bad.0


    Zhuang Zhixi pondered, "I know what to do now. Thanks for the advice, Grandpa."0


    Lan Sihai said with a meaningful look, "Sometimes, there''s no need to waste your time on being overly conscientious. Use that time for more productive things. As for such petty people, the world is round¡ªthose who play small tricks might end up falling themselves."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I know that. I''m not that kind of person either."0


    Lan Sihai nodded.0


    This situation was different from Zhou Qun''s. Zhou Qun had been trying to scheme against Ming Mei, which was why Lan Sihai wanted to teach him a lesson.0


    Ming Mei, who wasn''t much of a drinker and had a low tolerance, was a bit tipsy despite not having consumed much. Her cheeks were flushed, and she was a bit excited, exclaiming, "I''m not doing it anymore! This is bullying, we shouldn''t stand for it!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Oh, my wife, you''ve hit the nail on the head."0


    Ming Mei pouted playfully and gave a soft huff, and Lan Sihai sighed softly, saying, "I, Lan Sihai, can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. How come my granddaughter can''t handle even a little bit?"0


    Ming Mei''s eyes were dark and bright as she mumbled, "I''m not..."0


    "Eat more meat! It''ll get hot in a few days, and I won''t come anymore. If I don''t come, you won''t have this treat anymore, so hurry up and eat."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Then I''d better take advantage while I can."0 S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei whispered mysteriously, "It''s okay, we have money."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Even if we have money, we should still save where we can and take advantage of opportunities when they arise."0


    Lan Sihai interjected dryly, "I heard that..."0


    Ming Mei giggled.0


    The three of them finished their meal and headed home together. Lan Sihai watched the young couple and shook his head slightly, saying, "I''ll head out first. You two take your time."0


    Ming Mei replied, "As you wish."0


    She smiled softly and wrapped her arms around Zhuang Zhixi''s waist, saying, "Let''s ride fast, we''ll fly."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    That seems a bit unnecessary.0


    Ming Mei insisted, "Catch up with Grandpa! Look, he''s so old, yet he''s faster than you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted, "Who can compete with your family?"0


    This old man, at over seventy, could still jump over walls with ease, something Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t do.0


    Ming Mei wasn''t satisfied. "Hurry up! If you can''t, I''ll do it. I can make the bike go as fast as a whirlwind."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    That seems even more unnecessary.0


    He soothed his tipsy wife, saying, "We don''t have to rush back. It''s nice to enjoy the scenery along the way. Look, the willow trees are sprouting new leaves."0


    Ming Mei replied, "Do you like willows? Then I''ll pluck some branches and weave a wreath for you."0


    She was enthusiastic, but Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched. "Green... I''m not really into that."0


    Ming Mei pouted, "Picky."0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Well, I don''t want one."0


    He added, "Who likes green... uh."0


    His words trailed off as he spotted Jiang Lu, the bearer of a genuine green hat.0


    Jiang Lu was riding her bike from the other direction, turning into the main road just ahead of them.0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "It''s Sister Jiang Lu."0


    Ming Mei hummed in acknowledgment and whispered to Zhuang Zhixi, "How can she act like nothing happened?"0


    Two days had passed since the ghost incident. If yesterday was chaotic due to the large-scale conflict, today there should at least be some resolution, right? But seeing Jiang Lu so calm was quite puzzling.0


    Ming Mei murmured, "I wonder what she''s thinking."0


    If it were an ordinary person, they would have left this mess long ago.0


    It was quite baffling.0


    Ming Mei softly added, "She''s really not an ordinary person."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, deeply agreeing.0


    The young couple followed Jiang Lu back to the courtyard. They saw Jiang Lu carrying a net bag entering the house, and Zhuang Zhixi''s sharp eyes spotted a long, cylindrical object inside. If he wasn''t mistaken, it looked like a sheep''s... uh, you know.0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched. "..."0


    Seriously, at a time like this, she''s still thinking about aphrodisiacs?0


    Besides that, there was also a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor).0


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at it again, and Jiang Lu looked up. He quickly averted his gaze, pretending to look elsewhere, while Jiang Lu showed no expression and went inside with her things. The Zhou family''s house was eerily quiet.0


    Even Madam Zhou Li wasn''t making any noise. Normally, if Jiang Lu came home late, Madam Zhou Li would start yelling, using all kinds of harsh words.0


    Today, however, it was silent.0


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and exchanged a look with his wife. Ming Mei, though a bit tipsy, wasn''t completely out of it. Instead, she was a bit excited. She whispered, "This..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let''s go home."0


    The young couple held hands, not particularly concerned.0


    Wang Xiangxiu came out carrying clothes to wash. Seeing their intimate posture, she awkwardly pursed her lips, then gave a suggestive smile, saying, "Oh, look at this young couple, their love is so sweet."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sister Su, it''s getting dark, and you''re still washing clothes?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu showed a bitter expression, softly saying, "I have to wash the clothes. I have many children, and the boys are very naughty. Being a mother is always tiring."0


    She glanced down at the couple''s hands and said, "You two went out to eat, didn''t you?"0


    At this time, after work, they must have just returned from dining out. Wang Xiangxiu looked at Ming Mei with envy, unable to control her emotions. She said, "You can''t live like this. Eating and wearing aren''t what will make you poor; it''s poor planning that does. If you spend money recklessly, that''s even worse."0


    She used to envy Jiang Lu the most, but after Zhou Qun''s scandal spread, she felt much better. Although she was also involved a bit, her fake suicide had worked well, so her reputation wasn''t affected.0


    Looking at Jiang Lu''s face, she felt extremely satisfied.0


    But that satisfaction didn''t last long. Seeing Ming Mei, she became unhappy again.0


    All of them were women, so why did she have to be a widow, while others lived so happily?0


    Her tone was full of malice as she said, "Since we live in the same courtyard, as an older sister, I have to remind you. Living like this isn''t right. Young couples going out to eat and drink together, neglecting the elders at home, will be talked about behind your backs. Ming Mei, as a new bride, this is really disrespectful."0


    She waited maliciously, expecting to see Ming Mei panic, but Ming Mei seemed not to hear her.0


    Instead, Ming Mei turned to Zhuang Zhixi with a soft, coquettish look, saying sweetly, "Zhixi, the Donglaishun today was so delicious. Shall we go again sometime?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Sure."0


    He looked at Wang Xiangxiu and said, "Sister Su, I heard you went to a small hotel with Zhou Qun?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face changed, and she said sharply, "What are you talking about! You''re ruining my reputation by saying that!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled faintly, saying calmly, "Yes, I''m slandering you by making false accusations, ruining your reputation. But weren''t you slandering us just now, trying to accuse us of being disrespectful?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu was momentarily speechless, then said awkwardly, "You just came back from eating, didn''t you?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, Zhou Qun mentioned you, so you must have had something going on and went to a small hotel together."0


    ¡°You! Don''t push your luck too far.¡± Wang Xiangxiu was furious, never expecting Zhuang Zhixi to be so difficult to deal with. She bit her lip and glared fiercely at Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, ¡°You don¡¯t even think you¡¯re being unreasonable, so how could I be? It¡¯s all just hearsay, isn¡¯t it? You can say it, but I can¡¯t? Are you some kind of justice crusader, only allowed to speak? That¡¯s really funny.¡±0


    Ming Mei watched with amusement and nodded, saying, ¡°Exactly! Oh, by the way, Zhixi, can you stay at a small inn without an introduction letter?¡±0


    She genuinely asked out of curiosity.0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°In theory, no. But if you can get an introduction letter or know someone at the inn, maybe it¡¯s possible? I¡¯ve never been, but that¡¯s what I assume.¡± He was speaking with hidden meaning.0


    Ming Mei said, ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem easy.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°It¡¯s not easy, but it¡¯s not too hard either. It all depends on connections.¡±0


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±0


    The couple continued their conversation as if no one else was around.0


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s face turned even paler. If it were a false accusation, she would have been confident enough to argue back, as she had a sharp tongue. But the problem was, she had indeed stayed at a small inn with Zhou Qun, whose relative worked there. She had been there many times and wasn¡¯t sure if anyone had seen them. Her heart was heavy with guilt.0


    At that moment, Aunt Su stepped in to defuse the situation. She smiled and said, ¡°What are you two discussing?¡±0


    She glanced at her daughter-in-law and said, ¡°You¡¯d better hurry up and wash, or it won¡¯t dry in time, and you¡¯ll have to go commando tomorrow. Those boys are really mischievous; look at this perfectly good pair of pants, now torn. You¡¯ll have to mend it, and there¡¯s no spare to change into.¡±0


    ¡°I know.¡±0


    Aunt Su continued, ¡°My Xiangxiu might not have chosen her words well, but she meant no harm. You know, her family is from the carriage house area, where many are poor and uneducated. She doesn¡¯t think too much before speaking. But she¡¯s a good-hearted person. After my son passed away, she¡¯s been holding the family together, and it hasn¡¯t been easy. You can see how kind she is by the way she works.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei both laughed and exchanged another glance. Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but admire Aunt Su¡¯s skill. She wasn¡¯t just playing the victim; she could apologize, complain, and show strength all at once. Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t have a tenth of her ability.0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°Aunt Su, we¡¯re young and hot-headed. But Sister-in-law Wang¡¯s words were really unpleasant.¡±0


    He added, ¡°She can talk to us like that, and we can retort, and it¡¯s fine. But if she speaks to others like that, she¡¯s bound to get into trouble. We were lucky this time, someone else footed the bill, or we¡¯d have been branded as unfilial. Being uneducated isn¡¯t an excuse to speak nonsense. If you don¡¯t know anything and just make assumptions, then getting slapped is no big deal, right? Besides, if she can just guess and spread rumors, then if I see her at a small inn, can I assume she¡¯s having an affair?¡±0


    He wasn¡¯t about to let anyone accuse his wife of being unfilial.0


    Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu were both caught off guard by Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s relentless response. Their faces turned pale, and the constant mention of the small inn made them uneasy.0


    ¡°What small inn? Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked and looked at Wang Xiangxiu, saying, ¡°Oh, I was just making an assumption. You assumed we were unfilial, so I¡¯m just returning the favor.¡±0


    Aunt Su quickly intervened, ¡°This is no joking matter. Little Zhuang, don¡¯t be upset. I¡¯ll talk to her and make sure she doesn¡¯t run her mouth off anymore.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi fell silent for a moment, then chuckled softly, ¡°You understand, that¡¯s good. We¡¯ll be heading back now.¡±0


    He led his wife home, and Ming Mei pouted, ¡°Is she jealous of me?¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing, ¡°You noticed?¡±0


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Of course!¡±0


    She leaned lazily in her chair and said, ¡°I¡¯ve been dealing with jealousy since I was a kid. People get jealous of me, and I can tell right away.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, ¡°Oh?¡±0


    Ming Mei said proudly, ¡°It¡¯s true! My family¡¯s in a good position, and my mom always spent a lot on clothes and food for me. Plus, my master and uncle often bought me snacks, so I had way more than other kids. Hehe¡­¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°So you were quite popular as a child.¡±0


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°Of course! I had talent, and teachers love talented students. It¡¯s the same with martial arts.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re really good at blowing your own horn.¡±0


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°I¡¯m not blowing my own horn! I¡¯m telling the truth. You don¡¯t understand how important talent is in our field. I¡¯ve been envied since I was a kid. Boys envied me, and girls envied me. So I know all about jealous looks.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, ¡°Alright, alright, you¡¯re an expert. So, talented Miss Ming Mei, how about getting ready for bed? I¡¯ll go fetch some water for you.¡±0


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Okay~¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and got up to fetch water and heat it.0


    As he stepped outside, he saw his mother standing at the door. Zhuang Zhixi immediately turned into a sycophant, rushing over, ¡°Mom, are you looking for me?¡±0


    His mother had been trying to clean up their mess, and her reputation had become even more fiery because of it. As a son, he had to show his humility.0


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°You two, have some decency and stop making the elders pay for everything.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, ¡°Got it.¡±0


    He added, ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t take time off before Labor Day, but Ming Mei has a regular schedule. If there¡¯s anything that needs doing, just tell her.¡±0


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Do I need you to tell me that?¡±0


    She turned and left, and Zhuang Zhixi went to fetch water. Wang Xiangxiu was still washing clothes, her face a bit sour from the earlier tension. But now, she took the initiative to greet him, saying, ¡°You¡¯re really considerate.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°That¡¯s right, there aren¡¯t many men like me left in the world.¡±0


    Wang Xiangxiu had meant it as a joke, but Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s shamelessness caught her off guard. She clicked her tongue, unsure how to respond. But as she glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, she found herself increasingly drawn to him. He was clean-cut, had a steady job, and was quite good-looking. The only downside was his sharp tongue.0


    Still, she thought she might be able to make a move.0


    Previously, she had Zhou Qun as her regular meal ticket, but after the ghost rumors, Zhou Qun wouldn¡¯t be able to come to her easily, no matter how much he tried to clear his name. That meant she¡¯d lose that income.0


    Her family needed money, especially since they had a son to feed. Just relying on her salary and the small advantages she got from Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t enough. She needed a steady meal ticket. She looked at Zhuang Zhixi and thought he was the perfect candidate.0


    Though it was said that rabbits don¡¯t eat the grass near their burrow, she was willing to make an exception. Not only could she get money, but she could also satisfy her ego.0


    Take Jiang Lu, for example. Jiang Lu¡¯s family was well-off, but her husband still got involved with her and gave her money. That kind of psychological satisfaction was crucial for Wang Xiangxiu, making her feel like she was stepping on Jiang Lu.0


    Now, her eyes were set on Zhuang Zhixi.0


    No man could resist temptation, as long as she put in the effort.0


    In that moment, Wang Xiangxiu felt a surge of determination.0


    Heh, once Zhuang Zhixi was earning money for her, what would that little bitch Ming Mei have to be smug about? Always acting so cheerful, as if she had everything. And she couldn¡¯t even have a son.0


    It had been months since she got married, and there was still no sign of a pregnancy.0


    Thinking of this, Wang Xiangxiu couldn¡¯t help but smile with satisfaction. Only her belly was fertile; no one else could compare.0


    She was eager for others to be unable to have children.0


    This woman, if she can''t have children, if she can''t have a son, what''s the difference between her and a useless person? She glanced at Useless One Jiang Lu''s family, and then at Useless Two Ming Mei''s family, and laughed triumphantly and gleefully.0


    ¡°Gagaga.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi had already returned to his room by then and naturally didn''t see this woman''s smug expression, but Jiang Lu, standing by the window, saw it clearly. Although neither Zhou Qun nor Wang Xiangxiu admitted to any relationship between them, Jiang Lu still kept a close eye on Wang Xiangxiu.0


    She believed that her husband Zhou Qun was so good, and Wang Xiangxiu must have had some thoughts about him; otherwise, why would she keep looking in their direction?0


    She trusted her own man completely, fully confident in his goodness; but she didn''t trust other women outside. What this vixen was thinking, she could see it all too clearly.0


    And even if, by some remote chance, something were to happen, her family was the man''s side, and men don''t lose out in such situations.0


    However, seeing Wang Xiangxiu''s smug smile, Jiang Lu still felt a surge of anger. Her nails dug into her palm, and she let out a heavy huff before turning around and saying, "Qun Ge, let''s avoid getting too close to Wang Xiangxiu in the future. That woman is no good. I think she''s infatuated with you."0


    Zhou Qun nodded and said, "I know. Actually, Wang Xiangxiu has been pestering me for a while, but I thought it would be awkward since we''re neighbors, so I''ve been holding back from saying anything. But don''t worry, my taste isn''t so low as to fancy a woman like her."0


    Jiang Lu: "I know."0


    Zhou Qun gazed deeply at Jiang Lu and said, "You went back to your parents'' place today. What did they say?"0


    Mentioning this, Jiang Lu bit her lip, feeling distressed.0


    She had gone back today to ask her father for help. The scandal involving Zhou Qun had become quite a sensation, and it wasn''t good for his reputation. If her father could intervene and smooth things over with the factory, it might help calm the situation.0


    But to her utter surprise, her father had scolded her harshly and pressured her to divorce Zhou Qun.0


    Jiang Lu bit her lip, not saying a word. Zhou Qun, of course, knew the matter hadn''t gone well. He struggled to suppress his anger but also knew he had to keep Jiang Lu on his side at all costs.0


    He said, "Maybe I should go with you to talk to your parents. I thought your father, being such a smart man, would understand my predicament, but I guess he doesn''t. Don''t you think about it¡ªI have a beautiful, young wife like you. Why would I risk it all for some old woman? Besides, there are plenty of masters in the factory who make their apprentices do chores. Many of them even send their apprentices home to work. Do you think I wanted to go to her place? I had no choice. And now, just because I went to help, it''s become evidence of my bad conduct. There''s no justice in this world!"0


    "I understand, I understand. I believe you," Jiang Lu said, seeing the pain in her husband''s expression and quickly grabbing his hand.0


    Zhou Qun: "As long as you understand me, that''s all that matters. If everyone else misunderstands me, it doesn''t matter. As long as you don''t, I''m happy. Ah, it''s just my bad luck. Back when I went to my master''s house to work, his wife took a liking to my youth and kept pestering me. Because of that, I stopped visiting my master. And then, he went around saying I was disrespectful. Can you imagine how hard that was for me? I''ve been carrying that black mark for years, and now there''s a new one. It''s tough."0


    Jiang Lu hugged him tenderly: "Don''t be sad. I understand, I understand you. You have me! Even if no one else understands you, I do! I''ll always stand by your side."0


    Jiang Lu clenched her teeth: "Don''t worry, even if my dad doesn''t understand, I''ll go back and persuade them."0


    Zhou Qun wanted exactly this. He wrapped his arms around his wife and said passionately, "I knew you were the one who truly understands me. No one else gets me at all."0


    Jiang Lu was moved: "I know. They''re all just jealous of you."0


    The couple was sweet and loving, practically a model couple.0


    But as soon as Zhou Qun finished speaking, he pushed Jiang Lu away and said, "I''m going to lie down for a bit. You go make dinner."0


    Seeing his pale face, Jiang Lu nodded and said, "I got some good stuff today to give you a big boost."0


    She quickly left the inner room and got busy.0


    As for Madam Zhou Li, she had been scolded by Bai Lao Tou earlier and then snubbed by her son, so she was lying in her room, pretending to be sick.0


    She was too embarrassed to show her face.0


    Jiang Lu went to cook, but she didn''t notice Zhou Qun glaring at the spots Jiang Lu had touched. He was thoroughly disgusted. A useless, stupid woman.0


    He wondered how well she could handle his affairs. To show that he had nothing to hide and was fearless, he had gone to work today, but the whole day felt like walking on thorns. Being pointed at and whispered about was unbearable.0


    Of course, it wasn''t just that that bothered him. He also couldn''t bring himself to use the public toilet in the alley anymore. No matter how tough he tried to act, the ghost stories still terrified him. The thought of ghosts...0


    He could still feel that chill.0


    Zhou Qun pulled a pillowcase over his face, feeling miserable.0


    In contrast to the gloom at the Zhou household, the Bai family was in high spirits, almost like celebrating a festival. Bai Fendou despised Zhou Qun, and this turn of events delighted him to no end. He hummed a little tune, sipping his drink, while his father was on duty at the boiler room and wasn''t home.0


    The door creaked open, and in walked Wang Xiangxiu. Seeing the pig''s head meat on the table, she pouted and said, "You bad guy, eating all this good stuff by yourself. I even worried you might not have anything to eat and brought you two eggs."0


    Her tone was a mix of complaint and familiarity.0


    Bai Fendou immediately said, "Oh, you''re the best, Xiangxiu Jie. Come sit, have some too."0


    Wang Xiangxiu glanced at the pork on the table and teased, "You''re living so well, yet you always tell me you''re broke. You''re not being honest with me at all..."0


    Bai Fendou laughed and said, "You know how much I make. I even borrowed fifteen bucks from you this month. You saying that really hurts me."0


    Wang Xiangxiu immediately cooed, "Well, I wouldn''t borrow money from just anyone, you know. If it were someone like Zhou Qun, I wouldn''t even take his money."0


    As expected, this worked on Bai Fendou: "Pfft, what is he? Just a hypocrite. Come on, sit down, Xiangxiu Jie."0


    Wang Xiangxiu sat down, curious, and asked, "So... did you come into some money? If you have any leads, you have to tell me, you know. I''m struggling to make ends meet, and you know how tough my life is. Yet, people still try to smear my name. Being a widow is hard enough, and I''m as pure as they come. If I were the kind to fool around, I''d be living in luxury by now. Do you think I''d still be relying on you for help?"0


    She mixed truth with fiction, dabbing at her eyes with mock tears, and Bai Fendou was completely smitten. He quickly said, "I know, I know what kind of person you are, Xiangxiu Jie. Everyone knows you''re innocent. It''s that Zhou Qun who''s the bad one. And that drunkard, after a few drinks, he doesn''t even know his own name, spouting nonsense."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Exactly. But you haven''t told me where this money came from?"0


    Bai Fendou immediately became proud and said, "I hit the jackpot. You know how I got my bike, right?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu already knew about that, so she nodded.0


    Every time she thought about it, she couldn''t help but want to scold her child. Her mischievous kid had broken that plate. That money could have bought a whole bicycle! Every time she thought about it, her heart ached.0


    "Does this have anything to do with that?"0


    Bai Fendou: "Of course there is. The Li family, Li the Cook''s family, has been wanting to buy a bicycle for a long time and was curious about how I got mine. They finally came to ask me for help. I agreed to help Yang Lixin with this matter. Back then, there were four plates, and Zhuang''s broke two years ago. Your plate was also broken by the kids early on, leaving only ours and yours. I thought this favor wouldn''t be done in vain, so I agreed. Since he wanted a bicycle ticket, I gave him one. But I kept all the fifty yuan from the sale, hehe, am I smart, buddy?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu was surprised. She didn''t expect Bai Fendou to have such a big appetite, which was almost equivalent to her two months'' salary.0


    No wonder Bai Fendou had been eating better than usual these days. It turned out to be because of this.0


    However...0


    "Hey, that''s not right. You had more than that back then."0


    Bai Fendou became even more proud: "Buddy, I kept mine in good condition. His had cracks, so it couldn''t fetch that much money. To be honest, you and the Zhuang family just don''t have the luck for sudden wealth. How come you didn''t know how to take good care of such a valuable item?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu also felt heartbroken. She said painfully, "What can I do? Back then, who knew this thing was so valuable? You only found out by accident yourself."0


    "That''s because I have the fortune. Otherwise, why don''t you have it?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Alright, stop poking at my heart."0


    Speaking of which, Bai Fendou really did find out by accident. There was a big character "Lu" written on the plate, and he felt uneasy about it. Logically, there shouldn''t be anything, but who knows if someone might go crazy and insist that it was part of the ''Four Olds''.0


    So Bai Fendou decided to break the plate to eliminate any future trouble. He didn''t want to do it in the courtyard, so he planned to take it to the men''s restroom and just throw it in. While on his way to the restroom, he overheard two people talking about the ghost market, mentioning how someone had sold a plate there and made a good profit.0


    Hearing this, Bai Fendou, to be honest, couldn''t bear to break his own plate. He didn''t think it was an antique, but just because of the auspicious character on it, it could fetch some money. He couldn''t help but feel tempted.0


    However, despite being tempted, he didn''t dare to go. He wasn''t as bold as people thought. The ghost market wasn''t a place for ordinary people. But he was truly stimulated. Even Zhuang Zhixi, who was ten years younger than him, had gotten married, while he was still a bachelor.0


    This kind of feeling was truly something that only he could understand.0


    That night, while others were enjoying their wedding night, he took the plate to the ghost market and, to his surprise, sold it for a high price.0


    This was truly a dream come true.0


    Logically, he wouldn''t go there again, but then Wang Xiangxiu asked to borrow money from him. Since he didn''t have much money, he started to think about making some extra cash and began asking around among his colleagues, hoping to make a profit.0


    His colleagues didn''t have much, but Yang Lixin didn''t disappoint him.0


    He laughed and said, "Look, am I amazing, buddy?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, "I''ve always said, the most capable man in this courtyard is you."0


    After a pause, she hesitated and said, "The one from the Zhuang family, is it really broken?"0


    She immediately thought of the plate from the Zhuang family.0


    If Bai Fendou could trick Yang Lixin, she could also take advantage of the Zhuang family.0


    "Their plate broke long ago. To be honest, they just don''t have the luck for wealth." Bai Fendou said, "Their plate broke even earlier than yours, seems like it was also broken by a kid. To me, kids who are too mischievous should be punished, otherwise, look at how much money it costs."0


    When it comes to luck, it''s still about him.0


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed, "Why did they all break? It would have been so good if they hadn''t..."0


    She murmured with a deep sigh, regretting the lost opportunity. But soon, she revealed a smile and said, "You''re so rich, eating well is easy. This pig''s head meat is mine now."0


    She picked up the pig''s head meat, threw a flirtatious glance with her eyes full of charm, and swayed away.0


    She wanted money, but always asking for it directly wasn''t good. If she did it too many times, Bai Fendou would surely get annoyed. So this time, she didn''t plan to borrow money, taking a plate of pig''s head meat instead, which wasn''t much.0


    Bai Fendou called out behind her, "Eat some yourself too, don''t always think about the kids, you need to take care of yourself too!"0


    He was concerned about Wang Xiangxiu.0


    Wang Xiangxiu chuckled softly, her voice laced with allure, "I understand..."

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70Zhuang Zhixi was helping out in the Propaganda Department, where he was practically doing the work of three people.0


    Of course, it wasn''t just Zhuang Zhixi who was like this; everyone else was the same. People in this era were generally more simple and honest. Counting every penny was a sign of truly tough times, but when it came to work, they were full of energy and enthusiasm.0


    However, when it came to learning how to operate the film projector, Zhuang Zhixi politely declined.0


    His refusal was well-reasoned; he was assisting Old Huang with props and backdrops, leaving him with no spare time.0


    Director Song agreed to this, as he saw that while people weren''t keen on working with Old Huang, they were eager to learn how to operate the film projector. So, finding someone for the film projector role wasn''t difficult, but Old Huang''s side was harder to staff.0


    Since Zhuang Zhixi had informed him in advance that he was too busy, Director Song didn''t take it personally.0


    Thus, Director Song didn''t pay much attention to it.0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s decision to decline the film projector role didn''t concern him about who would take his place; instead, he focused on assisting Old Huang with props and drawing posters. The reason Old Huang was busier was not only because he had to prepare props for skits and create backgrounds but also because he was responsible for drawing posters for the factory.0


    Of course, the Propaganda Department wasn''t entirely reliant on just one person. Others could also draw, but their skills weren''t as good as Old Huang''s. Additionally, they were short-handed, and to put on a decent show, one person often had to perform multiple roles, leaving everyone busy with rehearsals.0


    Old Huang, being introverted and unwilling to perform, ended up shouldering most of the logistical tasks.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, assisting Old Huang, found himself quite at ease. He was in good spirits, though not everyone shared his mood. Little Xu, who was hospitalized, was particularly unhappy. He saw that the person learning to operate the film projector from him had been replaced by Old Cao from their department, and he felt extremely uncomfortable.0


    Little Xu valued his technical skills the most, fearing that someone might learn from him and eventually replace him. After all, there were significant benefits to be had from being the one who operated the film projector during rural screenings. Although this wasn''t openly discussed, everyone knew it.0


    When the opportunity arose, Old Cao didn''t hold back. Unlike Zhuang Zhixi, who wasn''t a formal employee of the Propaganda Department, Old Cao was.0


    Little Xu asked unnaturally, "Why did they replace you? Director Song wasn''t supposed to have Zhuang Zhixi learn from me? How could they change plans at the last minute? It doesn''t seem proper, does it? Doing things halfway like this lacks the spirit of young people striving upward. Besides, Old Cao, don''t you have your own work? Won''t this delay things?"0


    Old Cao smirked and said, "Zhuang Zhixi is busy helping Old Huang and doesn''t have the time to come back and forth. Director Song thought I already had some experience and would learn faster, so he assigned me to this task. What? Are you that unhappy about it?"0


    Don''t think he didn''t know; he was well aware that Zhuang Zhixi didn''t want to learn from Little Xu.0


    Director Song might not have paid attention to the small details, but they were all in the same department and knew each other well. Little Xu was known for being greedy and always trying to take advantage of situations. They all knew it.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, just helping out, didn''t rely on Little Xu for anything, so it was no surprise he didn''t want to deal with him. That''s why he immediately backed out.0


    This gave Old Cao the chance to step in. He had long been eyeing the benefits of Little Xu''s role and saw this as an opportunity to get a piece of the action. He said, "This was Director Song''s arrangement. You''re not going to object, are you? That would be too selfish and not considering the bigger picture. Do you really think this is your private property?"0


    Little Xu was startled by Old Cao''s words. He quickly said, "Of course not."0


    After a pause, he almost gritted his teeth as he said, "This isn''t easy to learn. It might be harder for someone older..."0


    Old Cao replied, "I already have some experience. You forgot? I have a foundation."0


    He didn''t give Little Xu any chance to argue, and Little Xu knew he couldn''t pull any tricks on Old Cao.0


    Both men had their own agendas. Little Xu couldn''t help but resent Zhuang Zhixi. If Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t backed out, Old Cao wouldn''t have had the opportunity to step in. Little Xu felt extremely frustrated. Besides having to deal with Old Cao, his plans had also fallen through. He had originally intended to use Zhuang Zhixi to boost his own reputation.0


    After all, they weren''t in the same department, so if he offended Zhuang Zhixi, it wouldn''t matter much. They could just avoid each other in the future.0


    Little Xu didn''t fear someone who just worked in the medical office collecting fees.0


    To his surprise, Zhuang Zhixi had withdrawn, leaving him with a dark expression but still having to deal with Old Cao. Old Cao had learned some basics of operating the film projector years ago from his father, who had used some underhanded tactics to get him the job. However, Old Cao had been tricked and didn''t end up getting the position, which was eventually taken by Little Xu.0


    So, the two had a "grudge," and Little Xu knew he couldn''t easily outmaneuver Old Cao.0


    Old Cao, having been deceived by his father, was especially cautious and experienced, making it impossible for Little Xu to pull any tricks.0


    Little Xu was unhappy, while Old Cao felt quite satisfied.0


    In fact, Director Song had initially wanted to assign Old Cao to the role, as he had some experience. However, considering their strained relationship and Little Xu''s strong recommendation of Zhuang Zhixi, Director Song had chosen Zhuang Zhixi instead. But plans changed, and since Zhuang Zhixi was too busy, Director Song decided to go with Old Cao after all.0


    As long as the work got done and they didn''t come to blows, the rest didn''t matter to a leader.0


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t aware of what was happening with Little Xu, but even if he didn''t know the details, he could guess the general situation. During the time he had been learning from Little Xu, the man''s behavior had clearly shown him to be a petty and calculating individual.0


    It would be strange if such a person didn''t hold a grudge.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was well aware of this and knew that Little Xu wouldn''t dare to do anything overt against him. The most he might do was try some small tricks, but since they weren''t in the same department, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t worried. Besides, even if they were in the same department, it wasn''t as if anyone could just do as they pleased.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was a smart man, but his life experience was far less than that of Lan Sihai.0


    However, since he no longer had to learn how to operate the film projector, Zhuang Zhixi was able to leave work at a normal time and return home. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he noticed that it was unusually crowded.0


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Oh, what''s going on here?"0


    Curious, he asked his mother, Zhao Guihua, who whispered, "Old Man Lan is going on a blind date. Everyone''s just curious, that''s all."0


    Aunt Wang had gone to pick someone up, while the others gradually gathered in the courtyard, their eyes glued to the entrance of the Lan family''s house.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    He chuckled and said, "It''s just a blind date. What''s there to be curious about?"0


    Despite his words, his neck was stretched out, clearly eager to watch the excitement.0


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him sideways, thinking that her son was being anything but honest. However, she too soon became engrossed in the spectacle, even though the person hadn''t arrived yet.0


    Next door, Aunt Su was even more curious and asked, "What kind of person is he meeting? What does she look like? Where is she from? Is she from the countryside? Is she a widow or divorced? A widow, right? How many husbands has she lost?"0


    One could see how malicious her intentions were, hoping for the worst for others.0


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked at Aunt Su, inwardly cursing the old woman for being so unkind. He said, "Aunt Su, you''ve got it all wrong. The person is much better than you. She''s from the city and has a job."0


    Aunt Su''s face immediately darkened, looking quite displeased.0


    She felt somewhat unhappy. She and Zhao Guihua were of the same generation, a few years older than Zhao Guihua but much younger than Old Man Lan. She had initially thought that with another old man in the courtyard, her pool of admirers would grow. However, she was disappointed to find that he showed no interest in her and was even quite rude. This left Aunt Su feeling very dissatisfied. She wondered if he was playing some kind of... what was it called?0


    Ah, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????yes¡ªplaying hard to get!


    She deeply suspected that the old man was secretly attracted to her and was deliberately being cold to gain her attention.0


    After all, if he didn''t do this, how could he hope to win her favor? She had some rumors with Old Man Bai, and it wasn''t easy to dig someone else''s corner. Aunt Su was quite confident in her charm with men.0


    She had been young until now, and although her looks were not particularly outstanding, her personality had won over many men. If a man fell for her, it wouldn''t be surprising at all.0


    While she was lost in thought, Aunt Wang brought in another woman of a certain age. She looked to be in her fifties, dressed in faded clothes that were clean and neat. Her face was expressionless, with a few silver strands in her meticulously combed hair. One could tell at a glance that she was not a warm and gentle old lady; her stern demeanor spoke volumes without a single word.0


    Aunt Wang introduced, "This is a two-courtyard house. Uncle Lan moved in this year and lives in the room between the front and back courtyards. The house was assigned to him by the factory. Although it''s not large, it''s been cleaned and tidied up, and all the necessary furnishings are in place. See, the windows have new glass, and the walls have been freshly painted. It feels like a brand-new house as soon as you step in."0


    In those days, housing was of utmost importance, and no matter what, this detail had to be made clear.0


    The woman nodded, indicating she understood.0


    Aunt Wang continued, "Here, this is the room. Uncle Lan..."0


    Lan Sihai immediately came out. He had changed into a white shirt, gray trousers, and wore a watch. His hair was freshly washed and looked neat and tidy.0


    Aunt Wang wasn''t surprised, as Uncle Lan was known for his meticulous and presentable appearance.0


    She said, "Let me introduce you. This is Uncle Lan Sihai, and this is Luo Xiaohe."0


    Lan Sihai extended his hand, "Hello."0


    Luo Xiaohe was polite and shook his hand in greeting.0 S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three of them entered the room, and the neighbors in the courtyard were eager to crowd outside Lan Sihai''s door to watch the excitement, but as adults, they felt it was inappropriate. Except for one person... Ming Mei.0


    Ming Mei had followed Aunt Wang and Luo Xiaohe into the house. She handed her bicycle to Zhuang Zhixi and immediately leaned against the wall to eavesdrop.0


    Yes, she was eavesdropping openly.0


    The neighbors: "..."0


    Ming Mei didn''t care what others thought. After all, Lan Sihai was her grandfather.0


    Zhuang Zhixi parked the bicycle and also crept over, pressing himself against the wall like a large gecko, alongside Ming Mei. The neighbors'' mouths twitched, feeling it was a bit improper, but they couldn''t quite pinpoint why.0


    After all, they were family.0


    Zhao Guihua also happily sat at the door, glancing over to watch the excitement.0


    Not just her, but others were doing the same. Today, the courtyard was unusually lively.0


    Everyone wanted to see if this matchmaking would succeed.0


    They had originally thought they would be the first to receive wedding candies from Aunt Su and Old Man Bai, or at least from Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou. Unexpectedly, neither of those pairs had made any progress, while Uncle Lan had started dating.0


    This was a case of the latecomer surpassing the early bird.0


    The Bai father and son were truly spineless, useless!0


    Inside the room, Aunt Wang, as a seasoned matchmaker, diligently introduced both parties. Both sides already had a general understanding of each other''s circumstances, as modern matchmaking involved thorough background checks before meeting.0


    Of course, there were some deceptive matchmakers, but Aunt Wang prided herself on her integrity and would never engage in such practices.0


    She said, "Uncle Lan Sihai is from Jinling. He was transferred this year to our Forward Machinery Factory to serve as a master craftsman. He is currently in a rehired status, specializing in mentoring apprentices. He plans to settle down in Beijing. He has a son and a daughter; his son is in Jinling, and his daughter is in Beijing. However, they don''t visit often. Ming Mei, the young wife of the Zhuang family in our courtyard, is the granddaughter of Uncle Lan. Having a relative in the neighborhood can be a source of mutual support."0


    After introducing Lan Sihai, she turned to Luo Xiaohe, "This is Comrade Luo Xiaohe. She has a mother and siblings at home. She has never been married but was once engaged. Her mother currently lives with her siblings."0


    These details were already known to both parties, as they had been thoroughly investigated beforehand. Now, they were merely being formally stated.0


    Aunt Wang smiled and said, "Some backgrounds are already known to everyone. You''re not young girls or boys anymore, so feel free to discuss things directly. As the saying goes, ''The matchmaker brings you together, but your fate is in your own hands.'' Why don''t you get to know each other a bit?"0


    Lan Sihai coughed and said, "Since we''re here for a matchmaking meeting, I think it''s best to share my full background with you."0


    Luo Xiaohe nodded, "Please go ahead."0


    Lan Sihai: "I am from Suzhou. When I was six or seven, my family passed away, and I followed elders from the village to Shanghai City to make a living. I apprenticed at a goldsmith''s shop and worked there for decades. After liberation, the owner fled to Hong Kong, but I stayed. As a master craftsman, I was assigned to a factory in Jinling, where I moved. I had three children with my late wife, but my eldest son passed away in childhood, leaving me with a son and a daughter. After my wife''s death, I remarried several times. My second wife passed away unexpectedly, my third wife died of illness, and my fourth wife and I divorced. If you find me acceptable, I would be your fifth husband."0


    Luo Xiaohe''s mouth twitched. She already knew about these details, as her younger brother had been hospitalized with Aunt Su, Aunt Zhou, and Bai Fendou, who had gossiped about Lan Sihai extensively. The Luo siblings were well aware of his history.0


    However, no one was without flaws. Lan Sihai''s reputation in this regard was somewhat tarnished, but Luo Xiaohe''s wasn''t much better. She had been pregnant out of wedlock and had lost the child, rendering her unable to have more children. In many people''s eyes, she was even more disgraceful.0


    Yes, life was often unfair.0


    She hadn''t been at fault, yet everyone looked down on her.0


    Luo Xiaohe said, "You should know about my situation¡ªI can''t have children."0


    Lan Sihai smiled, "Whether you can have children or not has nothing to do with me. I''m at this age."0


    He continued frankly, "Since we''re here to meet, it means we both have some understanding of each other and are willing to give it a try. In a matchmaking meeting, I believe we should be upfront. I''m a bit selfish and self-centered. Even my children know not to meddle in my affairs. I enjoy smoking and drinking, and I value good food and comfort. I''m not the type to deprive myself, nor do I seek someone to control me. My children don''t even try to control me."0


    Luo Xiaohe asked seriously, "Will you get violent or abusive when you drink?"0


    Lan Sihai replied, "No, I only drink a little¡ªjust enough to savor the flavor. Drinking is about appreciation, not guzzling like a beast."0


    Aunt Wang: "..."0


    I suspect you''re implying something about me, though I have no evidence. How is being hearty and straightforward considered guzzling?0


    Lan Sihai continued, "As for getting violent or abusive under the influence, I would never do something so uncouth. I may be selfish, but I would never sink to that level. A man hitting a woman is utterly disgraceful. If I were that kind of person, the machinery factory wouldn''t have hired me. It would be too embarrassing."0


    Luo Xiaohe felt more at ease.0


    She then asked, "Your granddaughter lives in the same courtyard as us. Will she look down on me or cause trouble?"0


    At her age, she wasn''t a starry-eyed girl dreaming of romance. She asked practical questions, as one would expect from someone with life experience. The idea of falling in love at first sight was absurd.0


    Lan Sihai waved his hand, "No, she won''t have the time to bother you. Over time, you''ll see that she has a good personality. Although she''s in her twenties, she''s quite naive. She''s soft-spoken but straightforward, not cunning. If you don''t scheme against her, she won''t harm you. But if you do scheme against her, she does have a bit of a stubborn streak."0


    Ming Mei, who was eavesdropping, pointed at herself and pouted, looking a bit childish. Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and ruffled her hair. The two continued to eavesdrop.0


    Lan Sihai spoke up at this moment: "I don''t like my life being disturbed. Whether it''s my children or others, I don''t want any interference. I know you have a mother, so what are your plans for her?"0


    Luo Xiaohe''s tone turned colder: "She will live with my younger brother and sister, and she won''t bother us."0


    After a pause, she said very seriously: "I''ve worked hard for my family for half my life. Now, I want to live for myself."0


    Lan Sihai chuckled: "You''re not just saying one thing and doing another, are you?"0


    Luo Xiaohe: "No, I''m not!"0


    Both of them were straightforward people, and after laying out their intentions, they found each other quite agreeable.0


    Lan Sihai didn''t like people who were indecisive and overly clingy. Although Luo Xiaohe was a bit tough, she clearly wasn''t a weak woman. She seemed capable of managing a household well. Similarly, Luo Xiaohe had a good impression of Lan Sihai. He wasn''t the sloppy old man she had imagined but was quite energetic and straightforward.0


    No matter how they usually behaved, she was happy to meet someone straightforward during a blind date. Whether it was a good or bad match, they made it clear from the start, so there was no room for misunderstandings.0


    Compared to such people, although their directness might feel uncomfortable, it was actually very suitable for her.0


    As they continued to communicate, Aunt Wang, the matchmaker, felt something was off. It was just... off.0


    Lan Sihai: "I''m quite a bit older than you. If we get together, it''s really me who''s benefiting. But I''ll also provide you with security. When I meet the King of Hell, this house will be yours. Don''t worry, my son and daughter won''t try to take it. If we can be together, I''ll write you a document for some security. But don''t try to off me early for the house, okay?"0


    Luo Xiaohe twitched her mouth, saying: "You''re overthinking it. Murder is illegal."0


    She said: "It''s not about age. It''s not easy for me to find a suitable partner, but I need to make it clear that I''ll keep my relatives from causing trouble or interfering in my life. You also need to control your family... I don''t want anyone nitpicking at me. If that happens, I''d rather not marry. After all, even at my parents'' house, my mother was like that."0


    Lan Sihai: "I can guarantee that. Those little rascals won''t dare to cause trouble."0


    "That''s good."0


    Lan Sihai: "Although you say it''s not about age, I am older. If my health declines in a few years, we can hire someone to help out. Every family has a few poor relatives, and hiring someone like that to assist wouldn''t make you too tired. I won''t burden you with the weight of life."0


    It was undeniable that Lan Sihai''s words hit the mark. No matter how things turned out, his clear planning made her feel at ease.0


    Luo Xiaohe: "You''re a good person."0


    Lan Sihai: "I''m not very good at saying nice things."0


    Luo Xiaohe: "What a coincidence, neither am I. We''re even, so let''s not judge each other."0


    Their eyes met, and they both knew they were no pushovers.0


    Lan Sihai: "I heard you got interested in me after hearing people gossip about me at the hospital. Why? Most people would stay far away from someone like that."0


    Luo Xiaohe: "Those two gossips weren''t worth listening to. If they said something bad about you, you must be a good person. Besides, I''m not exactly known for my good reputation either."0


    Lan Sihai nodded, appreciatively: "You''re quite straightforward."0


    Luo Xiaohe: "I''m not good at saying things that please others."0


    "Why should we please others? People aren''t living for others. Life is short, and we should live for ourselves. Otherwise, we won''t eat or drink well, and life will be miserable. What''s the point? Are we here to endure hardships?"0


    Lan Sihai had a lot to say on the matter.0


    Luo Xiaohe laughed, saying: "You''re right. I used to be so stuck in my ways, wasting so much time and feeling so frustrated. Listening to you is like reading ten years'' worth of books."0


    Lan Sihai smiled, then said: "Actually, I haven''t read many books, but don''t underestimate me. I''ve seen a lot. As they say, ''Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.'' A broad experience opens up one''s horizons."0


    Luo Xiaohe agreed deeply: "That makes sense."0


    She kept agreeing, clearly finding common ground with Lan Sihai. Lan Sihai asked: "By the way, do you like watching movies?"0


    Luo Xiaohe nodded sincerely: "I do, but my family has been tight on money, so I don''t go often. There are too many places where money is needed."0


    Lan Sihai: "Then I''ll take you sometime. In the fall, we can go to the Fragrant Hills to see the maple leaves. I''ve only heard about it, never seen it."0


    Luo Xiaohe: "Oh, I''ve been there. Although life has been dull, I sometimes find little joys on my own. Free joys..."0


    Lan Sihai: "That''s right. There are ways to enjoy life with money, and there are free ways too. Both are beautiful..."0


    The two of them kept chatting.0


    It was clear that their rapport had improved significantly since they first met.0


    Aunt Wang: "..."0


    She had introduced many blind dates, both young and old, and there was usually some reserve. But today, she had never seen anything like this. However, it was clear that these two difficult people were quite compatible.0


    Didn''t they start discussing entertainment together?0


    Aunt Wang felt a bit out of place sitting there, but she couldn''t just leave. That would be inappropriate. So, she sat there like a statue.0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, who had been eavesdropping at the door for a while, exchanged glances and finally stepped away from the wall.0


    They returned to their own doorstep and whispered to Zhao Guihua, Ming Mei gesturing: "My grandpa seems to have taken a liking to her."0


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s great."0


    Although she didn''t understand why someone would marry multiple times, everyone has their own way of living. People can''t even figure out their own lives, so it''s not wise to judge others. If someone finds joy in companionship, that''s a good thing.0


    She said: "It''s good for your grandpa to have someone to support each other."0


    Ming Mei nodded naturally: "I know. I''m just expressing my feelings, not unhappy. No one in our family objects to my grandpa finding a companion."0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, truly admiring the Blue family siblings, especially Ming Mei''s mother and uncle. They truly let their father do as he pleased. Even when Lan Sihai gave his previous house to his ex-wife, they didn''t object.0


    Now, he promised to give this house to his new wife, and the Blue siblings still didn''t care.0


    After all, this was a house. In decades, people would go crazy for houses, and now it was even more intense. How many families had been torn apart over a house, how many brothers had fallen out?0


    This was a house in Beijing, yet the Blue siblings had such a generous attitude.0


    Zhao Guihua thought of her previous life, where Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su had sabotaged Lan Sihai''s blind dates. This time... she glanced at Aunt Su, who was washing sweet potatoes, and whispered to Ming Mei: "Tell your grandpa to be careful of Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou."0


    Ming Mei glanced over and nodded immediately.0


    Zhao Guihua was just reminding her, not overly worried. After all, this time was different from the past. This time, Luo Xiaohe already knew about Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou''s gossip. If she still believed them, then she must be really naive.0


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t expected such a twist of fate, but a good twist was always a happy thing.0


    Zhao Guihua was lost in thought when Aunt Su spoke up first. She said, "Oh, Uncle Lan''s blind date has been going on for quite a while. I wonder how it''s going and if it will work out?"0


    She secretly hoped it wouldn''t. If it didn''t, maybe she could groom him into her own lapdog? Old Man Bai was loyal and all, but his salary certainly couldn''t compare to Uncle Lan''s. Since Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu stopped interacting, their family''s income had taken a hit.0


    She hoped it wouldn''t work out!0


    A few days ago, she had been too narrow-minded.0


    How could she not have realized earlier that Uncle Lan was wealthy?0


    "Little Zhuang''s wife," Aunt Su continued, "you were just over there listening, weren''t you? How is it going?"0


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly. "Aunt Su, are you envious? You and Old Man Bai have such a good relationship. Why not just get married already? There''s no need to drag it out like this."0


    Old Man Bai walked in just in time to hear this and grinned from ear to ear, giving Ming Mei a thumbs up. This young wife of the Zhuang family sure knew how to talk¡ªwhat a great person!0


    Ming Mei received Old Man Bai''s "good person card" and thumbs-up, her smile even brighter. She said, "I see how deep your feelings are. You''re not young anymore, so why care so much about what outsiders think? Look at my grandfather¡ªhe''s at that age and still pursuing a new life. You should think about yourself too. Otherwise, Old Man Bai is so pitiful, pouring out his heart but always alone, unable to be with you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Exactly, Aunt Su. Everyone at the factory knows how good your relationship with Old Man Bai is. People are all for it. This isn''t the old society anymore. Pursuing a new life is perfectly acceptable."0


    Aunt Su: "..."0


    Who asked you busybodies to meddle in my affairs?0


    Why do you have to be so nosy and pushy?0


    She cursed in her heart but still said, "My children are still young. If they knew about this, they definitely wouldn''t be happy. I can''t ignore my children. Besides, Old Man Bai and I are clear as water. It''s not like what you think."0


    But before she could finish, Zhuang Zhixi interrupted. He said sternly, "Aunt Su, if you say that, I have to criticize you. You can''t always indulge the children. They''re young and don''t understand. This kind of spoiling won''t do. How can adults let children lead them around by the nose? Kids don''t know anything. Adults should know better. And if you marry, they''ll have a grandfather to help discipline them. It might even be good for them. Otherwise, with the way they run around stealing things, they''ll end up ruined. I know I''m being a bit harsh, but you know I mean well. I care about the children."0


    Aunt Su: "..."0


    Who asked you to care about me?0


    Her expression was very unpleasant, but Zhuang Zhixi continued with a smile, completely unaware of how annoying he was.0


    "Good kids and bad kids are just a moment apart. You can''t let them lead you around. If you do, where does that leave Old Man Bai, who has been pouring out his heart for you? He''s waited for you for over twenty years. How could you bear to treat him like this? You''re letting down a heart that loves you."0


    "Exactly!" Ming Mei chimed in.0


    Zhao Guihua watched the two of them sing in harmony, then glanced at Aunt Su, whose face was about to crack with anger, and Old Man Bai, whose eyes were red with emotion. She lowered her head, struggling hard not to laugh out loud.0


    It was true¡ªthis was quite effective against Aunt Su.0


    Zhao Guihua stifled her laughter, but Old Man Bai was genuinely moved. He said, "Sister Su, I... I really have poured out my heart..."0


    Aunt Su: "..."0


    Just give me money, why do you want a title too? Do you even deserve it?0


    She took a deep breath and said, "Old Man Bai, I can''t! My family''s burdens are too heavy. I can''t drag you down. And I can''t drag down your son, Bai Fendou. If we got together, the pressure on your family would be too much. How could Bai Fendou ever find a partner?"0


    The shrewd and eloquent Aunt Su was back in action.0


    However, she didn''t expect a few nosy people to be around.0


    Ming Mei''s eyes were wide and sincere as she said, "What does it matter? Even though I haven''t been here long, I know Bai Fendou has deep feelings for Sister Su. Perfect¡ªyou two old ones get married, the young ones get married, and the two families become one... it''s so perfect!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Right, wife, how did you get so smart? This way, two pairs of lovers can finally be together."0


    Ming Mei smiled. "I could see they were true loves from the start."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course. Do you remember when they fell into the cesspool? The Bai father and son fought through the filth, not afraid of the stench or hardship, all for the Su family. Truly moving. If that''s not true love, then what is?"0


    Ming Mei: "Exactly. And when Jinling stole something, Bai Fendou even kicked Zhou Qun into the hospital for the kids."0


    "Love, it''s all love," they both said in unison, almost like a comedy routine.0


    Aunt Su felt they were just too detestable.0


    Wang Xiangxiu rode into the courtyard on a bike, just hearing the word "love." She asked, puzzled, "What are you...?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s gaze fell on Wang Xiangxiu''s bicycle, and he let out a mischievous chuckle. "Isn''t this Bai Fendou''s bike? I knew it."0


    Wang Xiangxiu played it cool. "I had to go shopping today and was afraid I''d be late, so I borrowed the bike from Fendou. He''s such a great guy, never nitpicks about things like that."0


    "Of course," Zhuang Zhixi said with a smirk, his tone even more suggestive.0


    Wang Xiangxiu hesitated, looking around. She felt there were too many people in the courtyard, and their gazes were strange.0


    She asked, "Is something going on?"0


    Jiang Lu, who had been watching the excitement, finally spoke up. "Wang Xiangxiu, when are you and Bai Fendou getting married?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned. "What are you talking about? What marriage? Fendou and I have a deep brother-sister relationship. How did this turn into marriage? You can''t spread such rumors."0


    Jiang Lu: "A brother-sister relationship? That''s funny. Who would believe that?"0


    Usually, Jiang Lu wouldn''t bother joining in such conversations. In her eyes, it was low-class chatter, something only idle gossipers would engage in. She came from a cadre family and mingling with these people felt degrading.0


    But after half a year of constant embarrassments and setbacks, her skin had thickened. Plus, she particularly hated Wang Xiangxiu, finding her fidgety demeanor insincere. So, she seized the opportunity to jab at Wang Xiangxiu.0


    Wang Xiangxiu, however, wasn''t easy to deal with. She immediately retorted, "Whether you believe it or not, we are clear as water. Saying such things is really inappropriate."0


    Jiang Lu lazily replied, "It''s not just me saying it. Everyone''s saying it. Besides, if you have no relationship, why do you ride his bike so often? That bike belongs to Bai Fendou. You''ve used it a lot. I''ve even seen him giving you a ride to work in the mornings."0


    "Don''t slander me! We help each other out¡ªis that wrong? I don''t like Bai Fendou at all. We are clear as water!" Wang Xiangxiu didn''t want to get entangled and raised her voice, her gaze shifting toward Zhuang Zhixi.0


    Her target was Zhuang Zhixi, so she had to distance herself from Bai Fendou publicly.0


    Of course, even if she said this, she was confident she could smooth things over with Bai Fendou before he heard the rumors. He was under her control. For now, she had to present herself as a virtuous woman in front of Zhuang Zhixi.0


    "I know there are some unflattering rumors about me outside, but we''ve been neighbors for over ten years. Don''t you know what kind of person I am? I am clear as water! There is absolutely no relationship between me and Bai Fendou!"0


    Everyone stared at Wang Xiangxiu.0


    Seeing the strange looks, Wang Xiangxiu said, "I swear, I don''t like him! The person I love will never be him! If you keep spreading these rumors about us, you''re trying to drive this widow to her death!"0


    Oh ho!0


    Everyone''s expressions grew even more peculiar.0


    Wang Xiangxiu frowned in confusion as she noticed her mother-in-law giving her a meaningful glance. Her heart skipped a beat, and when she turned her head, she saw Bai Fendou standing not far behind her. His face was pale, and he was staring at her with a look of shock and disbelief. It was unclear how long he had been standing there, but it was evident that he had overheard her loud declaration.0


    Wang Xiangxiu panicked. Although she had been confident that she could persuade Bai Fendou, she certainly didn''t want him to witness the scene firsthand. The impact would be entirely different.0


    Hadn''t Bai Fendou gone to the black market to get meat for her? Why had he returned so quickly? And where was the meat?0


    She tensed for a moment, then quickly said, "Fendou, sis..."0


    Bai Fendou wiped his face as if all the energy had drained out of him. He said, "I''m tired. Just leave the bicycle at my door."0


    With that, he turned and went into the house.0


    The neighbors looked at each other, unsure of what to say.0


    Bai Fendou walked into the house with his head hanging low, looking like a frost-bitten eggplant. The onlookers remained silent and still, watching as the door slammed shut with a loud bang, shaking everyone.0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged a glance, their hands intertwining.0


    Love, oh, how it tests one''s patience.0


    How fortunate they were to be with the ones they loved.0


    The two of them looked sympathetically at the closed door of Bai Fendou''s house, feeling that he must have been deeply hurt.0


    What a scoundrel, meeting a scoundrel indeed!0


    Not just them, but everyone else also looked at Wang Xiangxiu with reproach.0


    Look at her, not marrying but still flirting!0


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t pay attention to the others. She hesitated for a moment, considering whether she should step forward to explain herself. However, with everyone''s eyes on her, she found it difficult to act immediately, leaving her in a dilemma. Old Man Bai coldly stared at Wang Xiangxiu, snorted, and said, "Give me the bike keys!"0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I''ll just give them directly to Fendou later..."0


    "Enough nonsense, hand them over!"0


    Old Man Bai''s anger was directed solely at Aunt Su, not at Wang Xiangxiu in the slightest.0


    He secretly looked down on Wang Xiangxiu. He snatched the bike keys and said, "In the future, don''t always borrow our bike. If you can''t afford one, don''t ride."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "But..."0


    Her eyes reddened, but she didn''t know how to explain.0


    Aunt Su sighed inwardly, thinking that this daughter-in-law of hers was truly useless. Despite her fox-like appearance, her brains were lacking. She always fell apart at critical moments. She quickly said, "Old Man Bai, don''t be so cold. Our families have a good relationship; there''s no need to speak so harshly. I know what kind of person my Xiangxiu is. Don''t be angry with her. She''s not being cold to Fendou; she''s just struggling to get over that mental hurdle..."0


    Old Man Bai: "You don''t have to feel sad. Seeing you like this, I feel sad too..."0


    Aunt Su: "Then don''t be angry with Xiangxiu. Xiangxiu, hurry up and go explain to Fendou. Even if it''s not love, it''s still a bond closer than family."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Oh."0


    With the step, she quickly went to knock on the door.0


    Bai Fendou refused to open it.0


    Everyone watched in unison...0


    Lan Sihai, though not coming out himself, also stood by the window in his house, looking outside. Beside him was Luo Xiaohe, who was equally engrossed in the drama.0


    What a coincidence, these people, she knew them all.0


    They had met at the hospital!0


    She was quite familiar with the general love-hate story.0


    Luo Xiaohe: "Your courtyard is so lively!"0


    I want to move in!0

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71Lan Sihai, also known as Elder Lan, had a very smooth experience with his matchmaking.0


    He and Luo Xiaohe were both of an age where they didn''t have much time to waste, so they both made it clear from the start that they found each other suitable. They quickly got their introduction letters and got married.0


    The speed of it all was like a gust of wind.0


    Although it was fast, no one thought it was unusual. Nowadays, this was the norm. Even young men and women would decide on marriage after just a few meetings. For people of their age, there was no room for unnecessary sentimentality.0


    After getting their marriage certificate, Lan Sihai suggested, "Let''s go take a photo together."0


    Luo Xiaohe nodded. They went to a photo studio near the Great Front Gate. The photographer had never seen such an elderly couple come to take a wedding photo before and had a rather meaningful expression. This made Luo Xiaohe a bit uncomfortable, but Elder Lan remained calm. He said, "Let''s take several photos. When we''re even older, we can look back and think we were quite young then."0


    "Pfft."0


    Both the photographer and Luo Xiaohe laughed.0


    This eased the tension a bit.0


    In truth, Luo Xiaohe thought it was a bit of a waste of money, but she didn''t stop him. After all, they were a couple starting anew, and they needed time to adjust to each other. She had taken photos before, but rarely, so she was a bit stiff and unnatural.0


    Lan Sihai said, "Later, let''s buy a bag of candy to share with everyone."0


    Luo Xiaohe replied, "Alright."0


    Nowadays, extravagant weddings were discouraged. Simplicity was emphasized, and old customs were avoided. So, the couple didn''t plan to host a banquet. Young people these days had simple weddings, and for older couples like them, it was even less of a hassle.0


    After getting their marriage certificate, Luo Xiaohe moved her belongings to Lan Sihai''s place. He had accompanied her, and her siblings seemed normal and close to their sister. However, Luo Xiaohe''s mother was somewhat dissatisfied.0


    Luo Xiaohe''s mother was about the same age as Lan Sihai, but the hardships of life had aged her more. Her eyes were cloudy and yellowish, giving her a gloomy appearance. Lan Sihai didn''t show much enthusiasm either. Although they were now married, it was a bit premature to consider themselves a family.0


    The two sides didn''t interact warmly. Luo''s mother was unhappy about losing a source of support for her old age. But Luo Xiaolian and Luo Xiaohu, her sister and brother, thought it was good that their sister was seeking the life she wanted.0


    Although Lan Sihai was older, their sister wasn''t at a significant disadvantage by marrying him, and it wouldn''t be too much of a hardship.0


    Despite not wanting to admit it, many problems in life stemmed from poverty. With better conditions, life would be easier. Luo''s siblings helped her move, and they didn''t let their mother visit Lan Sihai''s place.0


    They didn''t bring it up, and Lan Sihai didn''t mention it either. He had better things to do.0


    After taking photos and buying candy, they headed back. Truthfully, Luo Xiaohe felt a bit lightheaded. She hadn''t expected to get married one day. She had thought she would live her whole life at home.0


    But who could have predicted how quickly plans could change?0


    One''s perspective could shift in an instant. Whether to get married or not was a matter of the heart.0


    "Today is our wedding day. Although we''re not having a banquet, we should still have a good meal. Let''s buy a roast duck, some pork trotters to make a pork and soybean soup, and a fish dish, like grass carp with tofu. What do you think about adding another dish?"0


    Luo Xiaohe thought it was too lavish but also felt it was appropriate for a wedding. It should be a bit different from everyday meals. She thought for a moment and said, "Since we have three meat dishes, let''s add a vegetable. How about stir-fried leeks?"0


    "Sounds good."0


    They returned to the courtyard. It wasn''t the weekend, so most people were at work. Only Zhao Guihua and a few other housewives were there. Some were sewing, others were making shoes, each busy with their own tasks.0


    However, the mainstay of the courtyard, Aunt Zhou, hadn''t been seen for a few days. She had lost face and was scolded by her son, so she was feeling down. Being so concerned about her reputation, she didn''t want to mix with the others.0


    Even without her, the gossip continued.0


    Aunt Wang whispered, "I heard the factory is investigating, and Zhou Qun will have to retake the electrician level seven exam."0


    "That''s right. This way, we''ll know if there was any cheating."0


    Aunt Wang continued, "He''s already taken the exam a long time ago. He''s probably practiced enough by now."0


    "Technically, they shouldn''t verify level seven. It''s been too long. They should verify level eight."0


    "There''s no logic in that. After all, he passed level seven. Even if he hasn''t progressed since, you can''t say much. We know he''s exploiting loopholes, but there''s nothing we can do. Besides, if this is confirmed, it would be a scandal for the factory. The leaders would feel embarrassed, so they probably don''t want to confirm it." Some people understood the situation well.0


    Zhao Guihua agreed with this.0


    "This kind of person should be sent home. Always trying to cheat." The Sui Family woman complained, then added, "I heard his master''s wife died about seven or eight years ago."0


    Now everyone understood why Zhou Qun mentioned those specific people.0


    Zhou Qun''s master''s wife had died of illness due to depression.0


    The "Xinghua Aunt" Zhou Qun mentioned had fallen and become bedridden the year her husband retired. She died less than three months later.0


    There was also "Taohong," a woman from over ten years ago who had been involved in shady activities. She had been caught and imprisoned. Though she should have been released by now, she hadn''t returned to Beijing. There were rumors that she had passed away, but it wasn''t clear if it was true.0


    It seemed Zhou Qun''s suspicions about these women weren''t unfounded. He had likely thought it through.0


    Of course, Zhou Qun had mentioned others, but the drunkard didn''t remember, so there were no rumors about them. Only these few women were mentioned, but their reputations added another layer to Zhou Qun''s situation.0


    The good part was that since they were all dead, there was no way to prove anything. It was truly a case of "dead men tell no tales."0


    Although the phrase wasn''t ideal, it was the reality.0


    The bad part was that people were even more convinced Zhou Qun was not clean. How coincidental that all the people he mentioned had passed away. This made it clearer that Zhou Qun knew them and their situations.0


    Otherwise, how would he know about these unrelated people?0


    Although Zhou Qun denied saying anything, the drunkard''s oath made people believe him. This gossip had been the talk of the alley for days, even overshadowing other events like Bai Fendou breaking up with Wang Xiangxiu and Elder Lan''s matchmaking.0


    Zhao Guihua asked, "When is Zhou Qun''s retake?"0


    "It''s set for tomorrow. The factory is in a hurry too. They can''t let this gossip continue endlessly. The factory''s reputation is at stake. You don''t know, I went to my hometown in Lotus Village yesterday. It''s two and a half hours away by car, and even there, people were talking about it. Someone asked me, ''I heard there''s a young man in your machinery factory who likes to target old ladies? You better be careful.'' Can you imagine how embarrassing that is? I didn''t even have the heart to say he''s not just from our factory, but from the same courtyard."0


    "You think that''s bad? My relative in Tong County heard about it too."0


    "Ha, that''s nothing. My relative from Hang City came to visit recently and heard about it too. This gossip has spread all the way to Hang City."0


    Everyone was feeling quite frustrated. Good news might not spread far, but bad news certainly did. As neighbors, they all felt embarrassed by the situation.0


    Zhao Guihua tried to comfort them, "Don''t be too upset, everyone. Look at it from another angle¡ªwho else has seen as much as we have? No matter how strange things get in the future, we''ll be able to stay calm, right? We''ve seen it all¡ªbutterfly swimming in a cesspool, and even targeting old ladies. We''re experienced, comrades, experienced!"0


    Aunt Wang and the other older women burst out laughing.0


    Aunt Su also joined in the casual chat, but she felt uneasy when she heard this. After all, her grandson Jinlai was one of those who had "butterfly swam" in the cesspool. How could she be happy about it? She glanced at Zhao Guihua with a hint of resentment. It had been so long, yet Zhao Guihua kept bringing it up. Did she think her family was better or something?0


    Aunt Su really couldn''t stand Zhao Guihua''s showing off. What was the point?0


    However, Zhao Guihua did have her uses. Aunt Su cleared her throat and asked, "Guihua, how did your relative Uncle Lan''s blind date go?"0


    Everyone turned to look at her in unison. Aunt Su was taken aback and said, "What? Why are you all looking at me? I was just asking casually."0


    Zhao Guihua smirked and replied, "Didn''t you know? They hit it off. I thought everyone in the courtyard knew. You didn''t?"0


    Aunt Su: "!!!"0


    She couldn''t believe it and widened her eyes. "They hit it off?"0


    She hadn''t even made her move yet, and they were already together?0


    She was furious and quickly asked, "Why didn''t anyone tell me?"0


    As soon as she said that, she realized it wasn''t a good thing to say. Zhao Guihua didn''t give her a chance to explain, responding, "What does it have to do with you? Do you expect someone to come to your house with a gong and drum to inform you? What kind of logic is that?"0


    Zhao Guihua''s words carried a hidden meaning: "Besides, everyone in the courtyard knew they were successful. You were too busy being all lovey-dovey with Old Bai to notice, weren''t you?"0


    Aunt Su: "......"0


    She became even more uneasy and said dryly, "Me and Old Bai are completely innocent."0


    There were two widows in the household who were quite interesting. The older widow claimed to be innocent with Old Bai, and the younger widow claimed to be innocent with Little Bai. Yet, they always seemed to be spending their money. Zhao Guihua sneered mockingly.0


    At that moment, Lan Sihai and Luo Xiaohe returned.0


    Lan Sihai: "Oh, you all are so busy, so very busy, all gathered together chatting."0


    Everyone: "......"0


    What the hell do you mean by "busy"?0


    You''re just saying we''re too idle, aren''t you?0


    Everyone was speechless.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Uncle Lan, did you two go to get your marriage certificate today?"0


    As soon as she said that, everyone turned their attention to the couple. Lan Sihai smiled and said, "Yes, here are some wedding candies."0


    He grabbed a handful and said, "Share in our happiness."0


    Almost every household had someone who wasn''t working, so the group chatting here basically included everyone. Lan Sihai''s distribution of candies saved him from having to go door to door. Everyone received the candies and immediately smiled from ear to ear.0


    "Congratulations! Uncle Lan, you''re quick."0


    "Exactly, I didn''t expect you to be so decisive."0


    "This lady..."0


    Luo Xiaohe noticed everyone''s attention on her and said, "I''m Luo Xiaohe. You can call me Old Luo or Xiaohe."0


    Aunt Wang, as the head of the courtyard, took the initiative to say, "If you need anything in the future, just speak up. We''re all neighbors, so harmony is key."0


    Luo Xiaohe: "Okay."0


    Everyone started to exchange pleasantries. Only Aunt Su''s heart was bleeding. She looked at the nice things Lan Sihai and Luo Xiaohe were carrying and felt her heartache. If only she had seized Lan Sihai earlier, would there be a Luo Xiaohe now?0


    Her family''s life could have improved. She stammered, "My kids have been having diarrhea lately. Their stomachs are empty, and they don''t have any oil in them."0


    As she spoke, her eyes were glued to the bags in their hands.0


    Everyone had been expressing their condolences to the new neighbor, but then Aunt Su suddenly brought up this topic. Her intentions were obvious.0


    Lan Sihai scoffed and said, "Your kids still lack oil? If they did, wouldn''t they have already gone to steal?"0


    Everyone burst out laughing.0


    Luo Xiaohe, although not exactly easy to get along with, didn''t have Lan Sihai''s boldness. She had always cared about others'' opinions, suppressing her own personality and living a difficult life.0


    This was the first time she had seen such a straightforward person. Looking at her newlywed husband, she felt a bit of admiration.0


    Although his words were harsh, they were also refreshing.0


    Lan Sihai even took the time to introduce to Luo Xiaohe, "I moved in late, so I didn''t see the incident where they fell into the cesspool. But I did hear about the Su family''s little thieves stealing Zhou''s sheep testicles. I don''t know if the food was spoiled or if they couldn''t handle the supplement, but oh, the diarrhea they had..."0


    Luo Xiaohe: "Oh my."0


    Their previous home was a small standalone house with neighbors, but it was different from this communal siheyuan. She hadn''t experienced such a lively scene before. Since the day of their blind date, she had a feeling that this courtyard would be quite lively.0


    There would be plenty of drama to come.0


    The Sui family member, being straightforward, spoke quickly, "Uncle Lan, what you''re saying isn''t the important part. The key is to keep the women in your family away from Sister Zhou next door. Xiaohe, let me tell you, you need to be wary of that guy next door, Zhou Qun, who looks all proper but is actually into older women. Be careful, especially since you''re new here."0


    Luo Xiaohe: "!!!"0


    This was really... something.0


    Zhao Guihua, seeing their shocked expressions, laughed and said, "Alright, keep talking, and Sister Zhou might come out to hit someone. Didn''t you see her peeking from the window?"0


    Everyone followed her gaze and saw, oh, indeed.0


    She was peeking out the window with a pair of venomous eyes fixed on them. It was quite frightening at first glance.0


    "There are all kinds of people in the world."0


    "That''s for sure."0


    After chatting for a while, Zhao Guihua stood up and said, "I''m going to the bathroom. Who''s coming with me?"0


    "Oh, I''ll go with you."0


    "Me too."0


    "I don''t really need to go, but I''ll come along. I''d be scared to go alone later!"0


    Because of the ghost stories, no one went to the bathroom at night in this area. Unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn''t go. Even during the day, people rarely went alone and usually went in groups.0


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t afraid. She knew the truth behind the stories, but she didn''t act too nonchalant. After all, the security department was still investigating.0


    Although they might be going through the motions, the investigation was still ongoing. Zhao Guihua didn''t want to cause trouble for herself. The group went to the bathroom together, and Aunt Su, recovering from being put down by Lan Sihai, also joined them.0


    As they walked to the bathroom, Aunt Su suddenly said, "Guihua, do you remember? Back then, those few boys each picked up a plate with a word on it?"0


    Zhao Guihua remained calm and asked, "What plate?"0


    She looked at Aunt Su with a puzzled expression, "With a word on it? I don''t remember that."0


    "It had auspicious words on it. My son''s had the word ''fortune.'' Remember? A group of young boys went out to play and picked them up?"0


    What "picked up while playing"? That time was during the overthrow of the landlord''s family. A group of boys had divided the loot.0


    However, Zhao Guihua acted as if she suddenly remembered and said, "Oh, you mean that? I remember now. Why are you bringing up something from so long ago? Even the plates are broken by now. Why bring up such old news?"0


    Aunt Su''s expression tightened as she stared intently at Zhao Guihua, but she couldn''t find anything unusual about her.0


    This matter had been on her mind for several days. She was certain that her family''s plate had been broken. But she hadn''t seen the Zhuang family''s plate herself. So, she thought she should verify it again. If the Zhuang family''s plate hadn''t been broken, she would have to find a way to get it. After all, these plates were worth money.0


    Even if it were broken, it wouldn''t matter. As long as it wasn''t thrown away, even with cracks, it could still be worth money. The only question was, what kind of situation did his family have with it? Aunt Su was obsessed with the idea of making a fortune overnight. She didn''t have any other avenues, so she could only consider this.0


    Even if there was truly no possibility at all, she still felt that saying it out loud would be better. She couldn''t let just their family suffer the pain. She wanted to see the look of pain on Zhao Guihua''s face.0


    She said, "Is that thing of yours still around?"0


    Zhao Guihua looked at Aunt Su with confusion and said, "Are you sick? It broke years ago. Why would I keep it? I threw it away a long time ago. It wasn''t edible, drinkable, or usable. Did I keep it to breed?" She continued, "But you, why are you suddenly bringing this up today?"0


    Here it comes.0


    Aunt Su put on a sorrowful expression and said, "Actually, that thing could be worth a lot of money. It''s a pity that the one in my house broke, and I didn''t expect yours to break too."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, I thought you were saying something important. What''s the big deal about money? Don''t let people fool you. I don''t think that broken thing is worth anything. Maybe people just say it''s valuable to trick you. I don''t see where it''s valuable."0


    Aunt Su was anxious: "Don''t you believe me, it really is valuable."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Heh, don''t fool yourself. I don''t see where it''s valuable."0


    Aunt Su: "Why can''t you listen to what people say?"0


    Zhao Guihua narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "Look at you, I think you''re the one who can''t listen. It''s clearly not true. Besides, it''s been broken for a long time. Why are you suddenly bringing this up? What''s the big deal about money? Could it be that someone is deliberately fooling you? I say, Aunt Su, you can''t just grow older without growing wiser. How can you believe such things? Anyway, I don''t think it''s valuable."0


    Aunt Su almost choked on her own blood. How could Zhao Guihua be so clueless?0


    Antiques, do you understand antiques?0


    You''re such a country bumpkin.0


    She was furious, but seeing Zhao Guihua''s disbelief and disdain, she felt a surge of anger.0


    Stupid, utterly stupid.0


    Aunt Su had only wanted to probe Zhao Guihua''s situation and stir up some emotion in her.0


    But instead of provoking Zhao Guihua, she ended up furious herself.0


    She was angry, but she forgot that someone else was even angrier, and that was Aunt Wang beside her.0


    Aunt Wang had been feeling bitter since being swindled by Bai Fendou, and upon hearing Aunt Su''s words, she immediately understood. She was even more convinced that there was something fishy about Bai Fendou selling things to their family. Otherwise, why would Aunt Su be so eager, and why would she approach Zhao Guihua again?0


    This matter, she herself couldn''t know about it, it must have been Bai Fendou who told them.0


    And they clearly saw Bai Fendou make money and wanted a piece of the pie.0


    Aunt Wang hated Bai Fendou even more.0


    Aunt Su didn''t care about the impact of her words on Bai Fendou. In her eyes, Aunt Wang''s family was better off and shouldn''t be so stingy. Besides, even if she knew, what difference would it make to her?0


    If she wasn''t happy, she could go find Bai Fendou herself.0


    Anyway, Aunt Su was an old selfish devil.0


    The atmosphere was tense, and Zhao Guihua immediately sensed it. After finishing her business in the bathroom, she went home to prepare lunch, her thoughts wandering. She couldn''t remember if Aunt Su had come to ask her about it in her previous life, but she did remember that a few years later, she had taken the thing out to use, only to lose it again.0


    In this life, she had accidentally learned that the dish was worth some money, and looking back at what happened in her previous life, it was quite suspicious.0


    Her three suspects were Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin, who definitely knew the value of the item. But she wasn''t sure if the Su family knew. However, today''s conversation confirmed that Aunt Su definitely knew.0


    So, the Su family was the third suspect.0


    Moreover, Aunt Su''s suspicion had increased significantly.0


    If she knew the item was valuable, it was very likely that she would have taken action. She herself might not have been able to do it, but she had a grandson who was very willing to steal. Her chances of getting her hands on it were much greater than Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin.0


    Zhao Guihua looked in the direction of the Su family and sneered.0


    Liang Meifen was helping her mother-in-law prepare lunch when she suddenly saw that smile and was startled. She became more cautious and focused on cooking. This old lady was too unpredictable, but there was nothing she could do about it. Being a daughter-in-law was not easy.0


    "Mom, last time Zhiyuan left, he told me that when he comes back, we''ll go on a family outing to the mountains. What do you think?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure."0


    She said, "Let''s do it on Labor Day. We''ll have two days off. The first day, there''s an event at the factory, so we''ll go and watch. The second day, we''ll go to the mountains."0


    Liang Meifen: "Zhiyuan had the same idea."0


    She hesitated for a moment and said, "Should we go fishing?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course! We have to go fishing!"0


    She still hadn''t caught anything yet, so how could she give up?0


    Liang Meifen also smiled. Fishing was a good thing. They all lacked oil in their diets, and fish was delicious.0


    Zhao Guihua: "By the way, why haven''t you gone back to your family home lately?"0


    She glanced at her daughter-in-law, and Liang Meifen''s hand trembled, almost dropping the bowl. She quickly gripped it tightly and said, "My maternal family doesn''t have anything going on, so I don''t need to go back often."0


    In fact, the truth was that last time her younger brother was arranging a marriage, she had a disagreement with his future wife. She was fighting for her family''s rights, but her brother accused her of deliberately causing trouble and shouted at her, forbidding her to return to her maternal home.0


    Thinking about how much her younger brother had taken from her over the years, even taking her formal job, and now ending up with such a result, she couldn''t help but feel sad. But she didn''t dare to say anything more.0


    She knew her mother-in-law''s feelings towards her family; she absolutely detested them. If she said anything, the situation would only get worse.0


    She knew that her younger brother resented her for not providing the "three turns and one ring" and the "thirty-six legs." But Liang Meifen was more aware that she was powerless. She was willing to help her brother and would give as much as she could, but she didn''t have a job and no money, and there was also a harsh mother-in-law at home.0


    She just couldn''t do it.0


    Knowing that she couldn''t do it and still making things difficult for her, Liang Meifen felt extremely sad.0


    But she didn''t dare to show any of it and quickly changed the subject, saying, "Little Brother is helping out in the propaganda department this time. I wonder what he''s thinking, he''s so busy. It''s not like he''s going to get transferred to the propaganda department. Isn''t it just a waste of effort?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s good for him to get some exercise. Besides, if he performs well, it might catch the attention of the leaders."0


    Even though she said that, Liang Meifen couldn''t believe it. What could catch the attention of the leaders? There were so many employees, how could the leaders possibly notice them all? She didn''t believe it.0


    It was just a waste of energy.0


    Usually, he seemed like a smart person, but his actions didn''t make sense.0


    However, Liang Meifen didn''t dare to say that her brother-in-law was wasting his time, so she changed the subject again, saying, "Mom, do you think Zhou Qun will pass tomorrow?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "I think he will. After all, it''s been a while. He took the exam over two years ago, right? I can''t remember the exact time, but it''s been so long, he can''t still be at the same level."0


    She paused and then added, "And... the factory certainly doesn''t want any scandals."0


    Liang Meifen: "It''s disgusting. How can there be such a despicable person! I''ve never seen anyone more shameless. A grown man not working hard himself and relying on a woman, pfft!"0


    Such things were even more disgraceful than having an affair, especially given the significant age difference.0


    Liang Meifen ranted, and other families felt the same way.0


    Soon, the next day arrived. Zhou Qun had spent the entire night without sleep, and he was completely exhausted. How could he be in good spirits? Although he kept reassuring himself, he wasn''t that confident, and he was extremely restless.0


    He was nervous, and Jiang Lu was even more so.0


    Jiang Lu still hadn''t convinced her father, and Jiang''s Father, being a prominent figure, couldn''t be unaware of these things. From the first day the scandal broke, Jiang''s Father had been pressuring Jiang Lu to divorce.0


    Actually, when Jiang''s Father didn''t approve of his daughter''s fianc¨¦, Zhou Qun, during their wedding, but at that time, Jiang Lu was determined to marry him. As a father, he ultimately couldn''t resist his daughter''s wishes. Fortunately, Zhou Qun treated Jiang Lu well, and even though they didn''t have children after more than ten years of marriage, he never blamed her. Additionally, he always stood up for Jiang Lu with his mother. Honestly, Jiang''s Father had come to somewhat accept this son-in-law. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have gone out of his way to help him.0


    But never did he expect to be so wrong about the man. Zhou Qun had been exposed in such a huge scandal. Both Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu felt ashamed, but for Jiang''s Father, who was a public figure, the humiliation was even greater. It was as if he had lost face all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Those who were his rivals would openly discuss these matters in front of him, deliberately trying to humiliate him.0


    Jiang''s Father was adamant about forcing Jiang Lu to divorce, but she refused. Even if it meant severing their father-daughter relationship, Jiang''s Father was resolute in never giving Zhou Qun another chance. If it were just a scandal involving extramarital affairs, it wouldn''t have been so humiliating. But this? What the hell was this?0


    A young man involved with an old woman? Jiang''s Father simply couldn''t bear the shame.0


    Jiang Lu faced one closed door after another. Her father had already announced to outsiders that if she didn''t divorce, they would sever their father-daughter relationship. So now, Jiang Lu was in a difficult situation. In the past, she would hand over her salary to her mother-in-law, but since she didn''t have much money in her hands, she would go back to her parents'' house to ask for money. Her father and brother were in powerful positions with good perks, so giving her some money was no big deal. Even though she handed her salary to her mother-in-law, she wasn''t really short of money. If there was something she couldn''t buy, she would just go back to her parents'' house to get it.0


    Her sister-in-law at her parents'' house hated her to the core, but Jiang Lu felt it was her right. After all, she was the daughter of the house, and taking things from her parents'' house to support her in-laws was perfectly normal.0


    But this time, her family was determined. Her sister-in-law, taking advantage of the situation, refused to let her set foot in the house.0


    Jiang Lu was caught between a rock and a hard place.0


    She was in a tough spot, but she hadn''t reconciled with her family, which meant she had even less of a chance to help Zhou Qun. As a result, both Zhou Qun and she were feeling more and more unhappy. Early in the morning, Jiang Lu helped Zhou Qun get dressed and said, "Today is the assessment. Just stay calm. I believe in your abilities."0


    Zhou Qun gave Jiang Lu an annoyed look and said, "Of course, I have the ability. But what if someone deliberately sets out to sabotage me? I told you to go back and ask your dad to help me with some connections, but look at you, you can''t even handle such a small matter."0


    Jiang Lu''s eyes turned red as she said, "I''ll try again with my dad, but you know my family is still very angry. They don''t understand..."0


    Zhou Qun snapped, "They don''t understand, so you can''t explain it to them?"0


    He scolded, "We''ve been relatives for so many years, and yet they''d rather believe rumors than me. It''s really disappointing. I know, I know they''ve always looked down on me, thinking I''m not good enough for you. But have they ever thought about what you have besides a good family? Even if I hadn''t married you, do you think I would have ended up with someone worse? With my conditions and my drive, I could have found someone better... but what about you? Apart from a good family, you''re nothing."0


    "Qun Ge..."0


    "Forget it, I''ll rely on myself. Let go!"0


    He slapped Jiang Lu''s hand away and walked out first. It''s worth mentioning that since he encountered a ghost last time, his interest in women has waned significantly. Every time he thinks about women, he thinks about the old lady, and then the ghost, and suddenly he feels completely uninterested.0


    Even with someone like Jiang Lu, a young woman, he feels extremely uncomfortable.0


    He didn''t want to be with Jiang Lu, so he left on his bicycle alone.0


    Little did he know how much the people in the courtyard cared about him. As soon as he left, everyone crowded at their doorways, peeking out to watch the show. After Zhou Qun left, Jiang Lu also walked out, her eyes red and tears streaming down her face.0


    Zhao Guihua looked out the window and sighed, "A woman fears marrying the wrong man."0


    Ming Mei, biting a steamed bun, also leaned against the window to watch, mumbling, "I wish I worked at the machinery factory too, so I could watch the drama."0


    She really was one to watch the drama without fear of trouble.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "If you were transferred to the machinery factory, you''d have to start as an apprentice. Even if you were in an office position, you''d only make a dozen bucks in the first year before being confirmed. After confirmation, you''d start at around twenty bucks. Would you be happy with that?"0


    It seemed Zhao Guihua knew Ming Mei quite well. Although Ming Mei loved watching drama, making more money was obviously more important to her.0


    She firmly shook her head and said, "No, I prefer working on the front lines of social services, serving the people. Large state-owned enterprises aren''t for me."0


    Twenty bucks?0


    With her current salary and subsidies, she was making over forty bucks a month.0


    Not even men could outearn her; she wasn''t crazy.0


    Ming Mei slung her small bag over her shoulder and said, "Alright, I''m off to contribute to society."0


    "By the way, Ming Mei, don''t you have any activities for Labor Day?"0


    Zhao Guihua asked curiously, always hearing about activities at this factory or that, but never hearing about Ming Mei''s.0


    Ming Mei pouted and said, "What kind of activities could we have? Every time there''s a holiday, it''s our busiest time. My route is relatively okay, but some rural routes are packed. May has the best weather, not too cold or too hot, so a lot of people come to the city to shop. We''re so busy we can''t even think about having activities. Our work nature is different."0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That''s true. Alright, you''d better hurry up."0


    Ming Mei: "Mom, can you help me buy some Pang Da Hai at the pharmacy today? I''ve been shouting so much my throat hurts."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure."0


    Ming Mei handed the money to Zhao Guihua, who didn''t refuse and took it directly. Liang Meifen calculated and figured her mother-in-law would still have a few cents left. She looked at Ming Mei with sympathy; every penny counted.0


    Ming Mei, however, didn''t seem to notice and pushed her bike out the door.0


    What about Zhuang Zhixi?0


    He had been leaving early these days, even earlier than Ming Mei.0


    Liang Meifen sighed again, "I wonder why the little uncle is so dedicated to helping others. He leaves so early in the morning."0


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her and said, "Even if you don''t get anything, learning is always good."0


    In her previous life, Zhuang Zhixi had used this opportunity to get into the publicity department. This time, while it wasn''t a hundred percent certain, Zhao Guihua still thought her youngest son was doing the right thing. Old Huang from the publicity department had left an impression on her; he was a very capable person.0


    Learning from him was a good thing.0


    At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi was already busy in the department. He and Old Huang had repainted the blackboard in the factory area, which was to welcome the May Day Labor Festival. Old Huang said, "You see, when we do the blackboard, we have to pay a lot of attention to the composition. You don''t have to be professional in your drawing, because everyone is amateur, and they might not be able to tell, but you have to be coordinated. If you can''t do that, people will think your blackboard''s composition is awkward..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi listened carefully.0


    "You ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????see, for a spring-themed blackboard, we usually..."0


    The two were working seriously when Zhang San came running over excitedly, saying, "Do you guys know? Today, Zhou Qun from your courtyard is going to retake the seven-level electrician exam."0


    He was very excited, saying, "I saw that to ensure fairness, the factory invited several veteran electricians from other factories. Representatives from various workshops and workers can also attend."0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I know, I heard several people talking about it early this morning."0


    Old Huang looked at Zhuang Zhixi and chuckled.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was really serious when he was learning, but when it came to gossip, he was just as enthusiastic. It was quite a split experience to feel both at the same time. But Old Huang was starting to like this guy more and more.0


    After all, he was serious when he needed to be and lively when it was time to be lively.0


    It''s simple, but not everyone can do it, and Old Huang couldn''t either.0


    He didn''t stop them from gossiping and even listened intently himself. After all, curiosity is human nature.0


    And their factory really hasn''t encountered such a big gossip in decades, so it''s only natural that everyone is curious.0


    Zhang San clearly knows more than the people in their compound. He tells Zhuang Zhixi, "Our security department conducted some visits with the involved parties. All the people involved are gone, and the families of the parties certainly deny any connection with Zhou Qun. However, external investigations can still reveal a thing or two. Zhou Qun, this guy, isn''t clean. His master''s neighbors back then all said he often came by, but too frequently, and always when his master wasn''t home. Given the age difference, no one thought much of it at the time. Who knew... guess we were just naive."0


    As someone who had been playing tricks at the scene, Zhuang Zhixi had known from the start that Zhou Qun was definitely not clean, so this news didn''t surprise him at all.0


    However, he also said, "I''m not really curious about these scandalous rumors. What I''m curious about is the certification process... it''s just so unfair."0


    Zhang San: "You''re just pretending. You''re not curious about that either. No one in the factory isn''t curious. Everyone wants to know how Zhou Qun could bring himself to do it."0


    They were all gossiping together when Bai Fendou showed up, as excited as if it were New Year''s, saying, "Hey, do you think Zhou Qun can get away with this smoothly? Definitely not, right? I don''t believe he really has that kind of ability. It''s all about getting benefits from sleeping with older women."0


    Zhuang Zhixi just smiled and didn''t respond. Zhang San pondered for a moment and said, "Hard to say. We''ll know soon enough. It shouldn''t take too long..."0


    "I''m really curious," Zhuang Zhixi said, raising a question. "During the certification, there are usually five people, right? Zhou Qun can''t possibly have gotten all of them, can he...?"0


    Zhang San''s expression became a bit subtle. Zhuang Zhixi: "You know something? Spill it."0


    Zhang San: "Hehe."0


    Bai Fendou: "I know, I know."0 Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As part of the security department, he knew even more.0


    He said, "There are five people: three senior electricians, one department head, and one factory leader. The problem is, among the three senior electricians, one is the head, Master Zou, who is Aunt Xinghua''s husband. The other two are Master Zou''s disciple and Zhou Qun''s senior apprentice. If someone makes a polite request (a polite way of asking for a favor), they would definitely turn a blind eye. The department head and factory leader don''t understand the technical stuff, so as long as those three insist, Zhou Qun is sure to pass..."0


    Bai Fendou cursed, "What a bunch of scoundrels! We work so hard, yet we''re not as good as these guys who take the crooked path."0


    Zhuang Zhixi just smiled, thinking that Bai Fendou wasn''t exactly clean either.0


    However, setting work aside, let''s talk about personal matters.0


    This time, Bai Fendou actually picked a fight with Wang Xiangxiu, and the two hadn''t made up, showing a strong inclination to break up.0


    Of course, it was mainly Bai Fendou''s doing.0


    Wang Xiangxiu was still trying to make up.0


    This was quite curious.0


    Zhuang Zhixi asked casually, "You seem to be in a good mood today, aren''t you angry anymore?"0


    Bai Fendou: "What do I have to be angry about?"0


    But then he realized what Zhuang Zhixi was referring to. He pursed his lips, snorted, and said, "Your grandpa, at such an old age, can immediately find someone to marry. I, a well-off young man, how can''t I find someone? Why should I get entangled with a widow?"0


    It turned out that he was so angry this time because someone else had successfully found a partner.0


    He was stimulated by this.0


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself, I wonder how long you can hold out.0


    Just as they were talking, they heard someone shout loudly, "The results are out, the results are out..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "!!!"0

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72"The skills assessment at the factory office, Zhou Qun''s level is currently just barely enough for a level seven," said Wang Er, who had come to spread the news. It seemed that everyone had turned into Sherlock Holmes that day, closely watching every move of the higher-ups.0


    Sure enough, as soon as there was a result, Wang Er rushed out to share the gossip with everyone.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised: "He''s only just enough for a level seven?"0


    "Exactly, you know, if you say there wasn''t any cheating in his previous exams, no one would believe it. I heard from Lao Tian from the second workshop, who was there as a representative. He said that with Zhou Qun''s current level, if they were strict, he definitely wouldn''t pass. But under normal circumstances, everyone would let him through. It''s more like he''s on the borderline, passable but not guaranteed. However, since retaking the exam might make him more nervous and lead to worse performance, everyone still thinks that Zhou Qun passing the level seven is no problem at all. Zhou Qun himself explained that his recent poor physical and mental condition affected his performance."0


    "What about the factory? How did the factory decide to handle it?"0


    "I heard the leaders discussed and decided to let him pass. On one hand, his current level is enough for a level seven, and on the other hand, it''s not easy for the factory to cultivate a master craftsman. As for all the rumors and gossip, since there''s no evidence, the factory doesn''t take them seriously."0


    In fact, everyone in the factory believed the rumors were true.0


    But the factory also had to save face, and since Zhou Qun just barely met the level, they decided to protect him.0


    Everyone looked at each other, and Bai Fendou directly complained: "He''s been stuck at this level for two years? His current level is barely passing, so two years ago, he definitely wasn''t at this level."0


    Wang Er: "He said that these past few years, because they haven''t had a child, he''s been preoccupied with the child issue, which has delayed his progress in his main job. So he hasn''t made any progress."0


    Zhou Qun was really good at finding excuses for himself.0


    He even managed to throw some dirt on Jiang Lu.0


    However, the excuse he came up with was somewhat reasonable, as it''s understandable that after ten years of marriage without a child, the urgency would be evident to everyone.0


    Bai Fendou: "Pfft, really, what else do they do besides forcing black dog blood on their daughter-in-law!"0


    Aunt Wang and her daughter-in-law thought they were doing things secretly, but how could they hide it from their close neighbors?0


    Wang Er and Zhang San immediately perked up: "Black dog blood? Tell us about it?"0


    This kind of gossip, they hadn''t heard before.0


    Bai Fendou: "Alright, I''ll tell you."0


    Old Huang: "Xiao Zhuang, pass me the red chalk."0


    "Sure!"0


    Bai Fendou: "Let''s go, we''ll talk while patrolling."0


    The three security guards left together, and Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and laughed, muttering, "It''s really..."0


    Old Huang glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Feeling that not dealing with Zhou Qun isn''t fair?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, saying, "I knew from the start that they wouldn''t deal with Zhou Qun. As long as Zhou Qun isn''t too far off, he can get through this. It''s just that his reputation will be ruined."0


    Old Huang was intrigued and asked, "Why do you think he can get through this? You seem quite confident in your neighbor."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m not confident in him, but in the factory leaders. They wouldn''t want this exam to turn into a scandal, so they''ll definitely let Zhou Qun pass. Plus, the reason Zhou Qun gave is passable, right?"0


    Old Huang pursed his lips.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Besides, Zhou Qun''s teacher has been very generous with him, not holding back any techniques. Zhou Qun started higher than others and learned more. Even if his level isn''t perfect, he''s still stronger than his peers. After all, most master craftsmen hold back some techniques. Zhou Qun''s foundation is solid. He''s also young and skilled, so the factory leaders, for the sake of work, won''t be too harsh on him. But I think Zhou Qun''s future upgrades will be very difficult."0


    Old Huang: "You make a good point."0


    While they were discussing Zhou Qun, others were also talking about him. Zhou Qun had become the hot topic of the factory, enjoying a moment of "unmatched popularity." Unfortunately, Zhou Qun himself didn''t want this kind of fame. He returned to the office with a dark face, finding it empty.0


    In the past, the electricians in their group would still flatter Zhou Qun a bit, seeing him as young and promising, with some family background. It was clear he would have a bright future, so naturally, they were happy to befriend him. But now, things were different. No one dared to get close to him, as who knew if he might try to seduce their wives.0


    Everyone kept their distance, as no one liked the idea of wearing a green hat.0


    Because of this incident, the apprentices and trainees in the factory benefited. In the past, masters would sometimes take advantage of their apprentices, whether a little or a lot. But now, that practice had completely disappeared.0


    The masters strictly forbade their apprentices from visiting their homes.0


    After all, who knew if they might end up like Zhou Qun, indiscriminate and not even sparing older women.0


    Moreover, due to the recent events, masters were now more cautious in teaching their apprentices, afraid of being made an example of. The leaders might seem lenient for the sake of the factory''s reputation, but that didn''t mean they weren''t angry. For various reasons, the new employees, who were apprentices, were now benefiting greatly.0


    It could be said that Zhou Qun''s reputation was sacrificed to benefit the majority.0


    While the men like Zhuang Zhixi were discussing this, the women were also talking about it. The mechanical factory had few women, but each workshop had some. Usually, Wang Xiangxiu didn''t interact much with the female workers, as everyone disapproved of her flirting.0


    But recently, she had been spending more time with them. After all, their courtyard had a lot of drama.0


    Especially Zhou Qun, who was a very famous character.0


    They got first-hand gossip from her.0


    Of course, there were other sources of gossip, but that didn''t stop everyone from chatting about it.0


    "Xiu''er, hey, do you think Zhou Qun and his wife not having a child all these years is because he''s really not interested in younger women?"0


    As soon as this question was asked, everyone immediately perked up their ears.0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Who knows? Anyway, all the women involved are older, and he doesn''t have a child." He likes older women, right? He tried to seduce me, clearly because he''s not capable.0


    However, Wang Xiangxiu didn''t show any of this on her face.0


    She had to say that Zhou Qun liked older women, or else she wouldn''t be able to clear her name.0


    She said, "But who knows, he even stares at my mother-in-law, making her very uneasy now."0


    "Older women do need to be careful."0


    "Exactly."0


    "Your mother-in-law has it tough."0


    "Maybe he couldn''t get your mother-in-law, so he framed you to get revenge."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..." You really dare to think.0


    She hesitated: "Who knows?"0


    They discussed passionately, and Zhou Qun was always the central figure in the conversation.0


    Even Li the Cook and his son-in-law, who had old grudges with Bai Fendou, temporarily set aside their feud to gossip about Zhou Qun.0


    This trend was suppressed twice by the factory, but it was ineffective. You can''t stop people from talking. Zhou Qun was like a rat crossing the street, with everyone shouting to beat him. Amidst Zhou Qun''s deep misery, the day quickly arrived for Labor Day.0


    Labor Day is a holiday for laborers, and also the most important holiday for the working class.0


    Labor is the most glorious!0


    On the morning of Labor Day, Zhuang Zhixi got up early and changed into a short-sleeved indeed cotton shirt, looking very spirited.0


    Zhuang Zhixi needed to go early to check the venue, saying, "I''ll go first, you all must come later to watch."0


    He specifically mentioned his wife: "Come early, don''t get stuck in the back and miss seeing your man''s handsome appearance."0


    Ming Mei smiled: "Stop bragging, go quickly."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and left quickly. He knew this was important and couldn''t be delayed.0


    Ming Mei also sped up her eating, and Zhao Guihua saw this and said, "You don''t need to rush."0


    Ming Mei was very straightforward, saying, "I want to get to the front early to watch."0


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and nodded, "There will definitely be a lot of people today, since it''s been years since the last event like this."0


    There wasn''t much entertainment available, so with a party happening, the crowd would surely be huge.0


    Hutou chimed in, "Granny, I want to go too! Hutou wants to go!"0


    Xiao Yanzi, soft and sweet, echoed, "Xiao Yanzi wants to go too."0


    "We''ll take you both, don''t worry," assured Zhao Guihua.0


    The two kids immediately brightened up.0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had just returned from a business trip, said, "There will be a lot of people, so be careful the kids don''t get stepped on. I''ll carry Hutou, and you, wife, carry Xiao Yanzi. We''ll all go together."0


    It was rare for his younger brother to be the host, so Zhuang Zhiyuan naturally wanted to support him.0


    Liang Chunyu had no objections to this. She said, "I wonder how many people will show up."0


    "Come on, our factory is a huge one with thousands of employees, plus all the family members. It''s bound to be packed," Zhuang Zhiyuan replied.0


    Zhao Guihua remembered how crowded it had been in the past, to the point of being overwhelming.0


    In her previous life, she had even lost a shoe when it got stepped on and kicked off.0


    "Guihua, Old Zhao!"0


    Zhao Guihua put down her chopsticks and went outside. "Aunt Wang? What''s up?"0


    Aunt Wang said, "I just counted, and everyone in our courtyard is going to the factory to watch the fun. So I plan to lock the main gate. I came over to let you know. If I''m slow coming back, wait at the gate for a bit, don''t rush to climb over the wall, it''s not safe, okay?"0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Sure, that''s a good idea. It''ll be safer too."0


    With everyone out of the house, it would be easy for burglars to take advantage.0


    Zhao Guihua asked, "When are you leaving? We can go together."0


    Aunt Wang said, "You go ahead. I''ll be the last one out since I need to lock the gate."0


    "Alright then."0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t mention trying to get there early to secure a good spot. That was unlikely, and it might be hard to even find each other in the crowd.0


    Aunt Wang said, "Okay, I''ll go notify the others now."0


    She went door to door, informing everyone. When she arrived at Lan Sihai''s house, the elderly couple was already preparing to leave. Aunt Wang couldn''t help but sigh. People really do need to dress up. The first time she saw Luo Xiaohe, her hair was gray, and although her clothes were clean, they were clearly old and worn. But after marrying into this household, Luo Xiaohe had dyed her hair black and got herself new clothes. She looked at least ten years younger.0


    Clothes make the man, as they say.0


    She repeated the lock-up plan to Lan Sihai, who nodded and said, "I understand. We won''t be back for lunch, so it won''t affect us."0


    Aunt Wang knew that Lan Sihai was planning to dine out. She admired how impressive Lan Sihai was. In their generation, whether it was their elders or their children, everyone focused on their kids.0


    Take her family, for example. With two grandsons, they had to save money for their future marriages. If her daughter had more children, they''d need to save even more. But Lan Sihai was the first old man she''d seen who lived only for himself. He was truly one of a kind in the entire region.0


    He only cared about his own happiness.0


    Everyone in their courtyard had seen Ming Mei''s mother, Lan Sihai''s daughter, come by to bring food and tidy up the house. That was before Lan Sihai started dating Luo Xiaohe.0


    Lan Sihai had even told his daughter to come less often, not to interfere with his carefree life. Can you believe that?0


    Everyone in the courtyard knew that this old man was selfish.0


    But while Aunt Wang complained, she also felt a bit envious. She believed others felt the same. Sure, they all said he was selfish, but who wouldn''t want to live like that?0


    She snapped back to reality and said, "Alright, you''re leaving now? That''s pretty early."0


    Lan Sihai smiled, "We want to get a good spot. You all have sharp eyes and can see from far away, but we can''t, you know!"0


    Aunt Wang: "..."0


    His words were as annoying as ever.0


    But she was used to it. Plus... she had arranged their marriage and received a big chunk of pork head as a reward. They had enjoyed it for three meals. So in her eyes, Lan Sihai was a good man.0


    She smiled and said, "Find a safe spot, okay? It''ll be crowded, so don''t get pushed around."0


    Lan Sihai raised his chin and said, "I''ll arrive early and hang around the leaders. Maybe I can score a seat. After all, I''m old, hehe, hehehe."0


    Aunt Wang waved her hand, "You''re amazing. We can''t compare."0


    Lan Sihai said, "I won''t waste time chatting with you."0


    Luo Xiaohe also said goodbye and followed Lan Sihai.0


    Aunt Wang sighed, "Luo Xiaohe is lucky."0


    Though Luo Xiaohe had suffered in her youth due to bad choices, she had now reaped the rewards of her hardships. While Lan Sihai was older, if a twenty-year-old married a forty-year-old, people would gossip. But a fifty-year-old marrying a seventy-year-old? It didn''t seem so odd.0


    After all, they looked like an old couple, so people didn''t pay much attention or judge harshly. So Luo Xiaohe and Lan Sihai together seemed quite fitting.0


    Aunt Wang, with a hint of envy, smiled and continued her rounds, informing the rest of the courtyard.0


    Lan Sihai and Luo Xiaohe walked together, with Lan Sihai asking, "Have you ever seen a performance like this before?"0


    Luo Xiaohe shook her head, "No. In the years after my father passed away, I was the only one working, and my mother had no job, only doing some paper box folding. My siblings were in school, and the family was very poor. Even if I had time, instead of resting, I would go to the outskirts to dig wild vegetables or help my mother with the paper boxes. Later, when my siblings grew up, my brother-in-law was very kind and helped us a lot. But my mother believed that a married daughter is like water thrown out (meaning she''s no longer part of the family). Our family was already burdened, and she didn''t want my brother-in-law to dislike my sister, so we didn''t receive much help. Then, something happened, and my sister came back with her two kids. Though she had a job, the family burden increased again. Luckily, my brother also started working by then. You see, my family has always been busy, so I''ve never had the chance to watch such performances."0


    She wasn''t complaining, just stating her circumstances.0


    Lan Sihai said, "You''ve been really strong. Your family relied on you early on."0


    Luo Xiaohe proudly raised her head, "Yes, even though I was just a temporary worker and didn''t earn much, Heaven won''t let people starve. My siblings also helped by folding paper boxes from a young age."0


    Because their family worked together from a young age, she couldn''t understand the neighbors, the Su family, who had only one worker but spoiled their children.0


    Spoiling children was never a good thing.0


    Her siblings were grateful and well-behaved, thanks to their upbringing. If they had been like the kids in the Jin family... she thought she might really go crazy.0


    Lan Sihai said, "Your family is quite strong-willed."0


    Luo Xiaohe said, "Yes, when my father died, my mother feared we''d be bullied, so she went to great lengths to protect us, even if it ruined her reputation."0


    People are hard to understand. Her mother pretended to be a crazy, violent person to protect them, but she didn''t like Luo Xiaohe and wanted to keep her tied to the family forever.0


    While her mother saw her siblings as having their own families and didn''t want to burden them, she saw her eldest daughter as someone who could be kept around. After all, she hadn''t married, and she wasn''t young or successful.0


    Lan Sihai asked, "What''s wrong?"0


    Luo Xiaohe shook her head forcefully, "I thought of some unpleasant things. I don''t want to think about them anymore."0


    Lan Sihai smiled and said, "In fact, even parents may not be able to treat their children equally. It''s normal to have favorites and to look down on the least accomplished child. It''s also normal to cling to the one who gives the most selflessly. I''ve seen this kind of thing many times, so you don''t need to take it to heart. Sometimes, distance makes the heart grow fonder, and maybe if you leave, your mother will behave normally. And even if she doesn''t, what can you do about it? People live their lives, and it''s always important to think about yourself."0


    Luo Xiaohe sincerely said, "You''re quite carefree."0


    Lan Sihai smiled, "Since my eldest son passed away, I''ve realized that one should cherish every day. Life should be lived happily. You can either spend your day gloomy and unhappy or joyful and content. Why choose the former?"0


    "That makes a lot of sense."0


    "Of course it does."0


    Both of them laughed. Surprisingly, they seemed to get along quite well.0


    Although Lan Sihai hadn''t received much formal education, he was well-traveled and had a wealth of life experience. His knowledge might not have been extensive, but he had a good grasp of common sense. Luo Xiaohe, who was past the age of being impressed by looks, was genuinely impressed by Lan Sihai''s experience and wisdom.0


    They entered the factory together. Sure enough, they had arrived more than an hour early, yet they weren''t even among the first to arrive. The place was already bustling with activity and filled with people.0


    "Master Lan, Master Lan, over here," Director Li from the office called out, spotting Lan Sihai immediately. "Master Lan, we''ve reserved a spot for you here."0


    These veteran technical experts were highly respected.0 sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Especially someone like Master Lan, who was skilled in handling gold¡ªa rare talent¡ªwas practically treated like a treasure by the factory.0


    As expected of a leader, Director Li, seeing Old Man Lan with a female companion, immediately said, "This must be Mrs. Lan, right? Come, come, join us. You two look like a perfect match. Here, have some melon seeds."0


    Although it was somewhat unusual for Old Man Lan to be on his fifth marriage, Director Li didn''t show any hint of surprise, handling the situation with natural ease.0


    Although it was a grand performance, the front rows were reserved for factory leaders, veteran technicians, and senior skilled workers. Ordinary workers mostly stood at the back.0


    Everyone was used to this arrangement and didn''t mind much.0


    After all, there weren''t enough chairs to accommodate everyone.0


    When Ming Mei and her family arrived, the venue was already packed. Ming Mei exclaimed, "Wow!"0


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi echoed her, also exclaiming, "Wow!"0


    Ming Mei asked, "Should we try to squeeze to the front?"0


    Looking ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????at the crowd, she swallowed hard, imagining that just squeezing through would probably help her lose at least three pounds. There were just too many people. She marveled, "Is the entire factory here?"0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Indeed. The factory hasn''t held a performance in three or four years, so it''s only natural for everyone to come and join the fun."0


    "But we can''t see anything from here," Ming Mei said.0


    Liang Meifen, being of average height, found herself completely blocked by a few tall men standing in front of her. Some people had even brought stools, clearly planning to climb up for a better view.0


    But this made her feel a bit uneasy, worried that someone might fall off a stool in the crowded space.0


    Liang Meifen looked pleadingly at Zhao Guihua.0


    Zhao Guihua, standing on her tiptoes to look around, also found it difficult to see clearly. Besides, standing on tiptoes was tiring.0


    Ming Mei was already swinging her arms and clenching her fists, ready for action. She declared, "Let''s push through! I''ll lead the way, and you all follow closely behind me."0


    Liang Meifen could almost see flames blazing on her sister-in-law''s head. She swallowed hard and nodded, "Alright, I''ll follow you."0


    Zhao Guihua interjected, "What are you squeezing for? Follow me."0


    "Huh?"0


    Everyone looked at her.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "I''ll take you to a better spot."0


    Old Man Zhuang was puzzled. "What spot could there be that I, as a factory employee, don''t know about, but you do?"0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was equally confused, as he wasn''t familiar with the area.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "We''ll find a high place to watch from."0


    Old Man Zhuang turned around and saw people crowded at the windows of the office building. He quickly said, "The office building? We''re not part of the factory administration, they won''t let us up."0


    Zhao Guihua replied calmly, "Who said I was going there?"0


    She was unruffled. "Just follow me."0


    Ming Mei and Liang Meifen immediately followed. In their family, the women were more decisive than the men.0


    Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhiyuan quickly caught up. As they pushed through the crowd, they saw Aunt Wang and Wang Fang with Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, looking flustered. Aunt Wang exclaimed, "Why are there so many people?"0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "I''m worried someone might get trampled. Did you see those people carrying stools to stand on? I''m afraid someone might fall."0


    "What should we do? Are you not going to watch?" Aunt Wang asked, seeing them trying to move away from the crowd.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "Just follow me."0


    Aunt Wang replied, "Alright, I''ll trust you."0


    "What about Li the Cook and your son-in-law?"0


    Aunt Wang sighed, "Oh, don''t mention it. They had a lunch reception today and have been busy in the kitchen since early morning. I guess they''ll manage to sneak a glance if they can."0


    Zhao Guihua remarked, "They''re missing out."0


    "That''s for sure. I heard Bai Fendou and the others are working as usual today."0


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I heard that too. The security department is in charge of maintaining order at the venue."0


    With so many people, the factory couldn''t just let everyone do as they pleased. They had to manage things a bit, or else something might go wrong.0


    "Mom, where are we going?" Liang Meifen asked curiously.0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Why so many questions? Just follow."0


    Zhao Guihua led the group around a corner and soon arrived at an empty warehouse. She said, "Let''s climb up. From the roof here, we can see the venue perfectly."0


    "Huh?"0


    Everyone was stunned.0


    Zhao Guihua glared, "What? Don''t believe me?"0


    Ming Mei said, "Of course we believe you."0


    The others did too. Zhao Guihua wasn''t the type to make things up, but the warehouse looked to be about five meters high, and climbing it seemed daunting, especially for the older and younger members of the group.0


    Aunt Wang said, "Guihua, I believe you, but look, I can''t climb that high."0


    Ming Mei stroked her chin. "I can climb up, but I can''t just leave you all behind."0


    After all, she was a good person.0


    Zhao Guihua sighed. "Honestly, I can''t get through to you people. When you do things, you don''t even use your brains."0


    She said, "We can''t climb up, so why don''t we borrow a ladder? The cafeteria has one, right?"0


    Aunt Wang slapped her forehead. "Right, right, right! They have a ladder in the cafeteria."0


    The cafeteria used a ladder to access the cellar where they stored winter vegetables.0


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I''ll go find Li the Cook."0


    Aunt Wang said, "I''ll go. You watch Weiwei for me."0


    Sure enough, Aunt Wang soon returned with a ladder. Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "I''ll hold the ladder at the bottom. You all go up first. Dad, you catch the kids at the top."0


    "Alright."0


    Climbing a ladder wasn''t a big deal for them. In those days, even the most comfortable households had to store winter vegetables and move coal, so climbing up and down was common. However, there were four children to consider.0


    The children weren''t very old, especially Xiao Yanzi, who hadn''t even started elementary school and was just a small bundle of energy.0


    Ming Mei suggested, "This way, I''ll stand in the middle of the ladder. You pass the kids to me, and I''ll hand them up."0


    "No, it''s too high¡ªfive meters."0


    Ming Mei said, "Then I''ll just act as a buffer in the middle, helping the kids climb up."0


    "Alright."0


    They quickly began climbing, starting with the two older women and Old Man Zhuang. Then came Liang Meifen, with Ming Mei acting as a buffer in the middle, helping the children climb up one by one. The kids were nervous and trembling, but they climbed steadily.0


    Once the children were safely on top, the adults breathed a sigh of relief. Ming Mei quickly climbed up, followed by the others. As soon as they reached the top, they all marveled at how good Zhao Guihua''s choice of spot was.0


    They found themselves in a spot that offered a perfect view of the stage, though not close enough to touch it, yet not too far either. This distance was just right for a clear view. If they had been down below, jostling with the crowd, they wouldn''t have been able to get such a good vantage point.0


    Ming Mei realized that this location was quite ingenious. It was not a place that most people would think of, yet it provided an excellent view of the stage.0


    Next to them was an office building, and many people were leaning out of the windows to watch the performance. Their spot, however, was not particularly noticeable.0


    No wonder others hadn''t realized this was a good spot. People assumed this area belonged to the office building and wouldn''t be accessible to spectators.0


    The location was quite elevated, and they didn''t even need to stand up. Sitting down, they had a slight bird''s-eye view. Zhao Guihua cautioned, "You little ones, stay seated in your parents'' laps. If you run around and fall, even a small misstep could be fatal. Be careful, understand?"0


    The children all replied in unison, their voices crisp and clear: "We understand."0


    Zhao Guihua gave them a sidelong glance. "Don''t think just because you say it nicely, you''ll actually behave. Not just today, but in the future as well. If I catch you climbing up and down, I''ll give you a good whipping with a cane."0


    Aunt Wang chimed in, "That''s right. Li Junjun, Li Weiwei, you two as well. If I find out you''re causing trouble, I''ll whip you with a belt."0


    The four children, threatened, all pouted, their little faces sullen. Only Xiao Yanzi obediently said, "I''m not like that. I''m the most well-behaved."0


    The little boys glared at her, but Xiao Yanzi just smiled softly, "I don''t like climbing up and down either."0


    The little boys: "......"0


    Ming Mei watched the lively scene with the children and couldn''t help but smile. "It''s about to start."0


    As soon as she finished speaking, music began to play. Zhuang Zhixi emerged alone, holding a microphone. At this time, they didn''t place much emphasis on gender pairing; it was more about getting the job done.0


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped onto the stage alone. The venue had already quieted down. He looked out at the sea of faces below, from the leaders in the front row to the crowd behind them. His heart raced a little, but he quickly composed himself, standing tall and speaking formally: "Celebrating May Day, welcoming Labor Day, the Qianjin Machinery Factory, in this season of blossoming spring, has welcomed..."0


    His opening speech was quite lengthy.0


    Ming Mei sat on the rooftop, watching Zhuang Zhixi, and cupped her cheeks. "My Zhixi brother is really amazing. He can remember such a long speech."0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "That''s why he, an outsider, was chosen to be the host. It''s because the speech is so long, and he also has to handle unexpected situations. That''s why the propaganda department pushed it onto him¡ªno one else wanted to do it."0


    It was obvious. If it were a really good, prestigious opportunity, others would have fought to take it internally.0


    Clearly, everyone thought it wasn''t worth it.0


    Maybe it was beneficial to the individual, but not significantly so.0


    So no one wanted to waste their time. By this point, the opening remarks had ended, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly stepped down. Immediately after, men and women in white shirts and black pants took the stage, and the music began... "We Are the Workers, Full of Strength..."0


    Although they heard this song every day, it was the most representative of them, so it had to be included.0


    "Hey, your third son is in the second row. Did you see him?" Aunt Wang pointed out Zhuang Zhixi''s position with sharp eyes. "Is he participating in the performance?"0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I heard that they can''t affect production, so the workshop staff can''t be used. That''s why they''re short on people. They''re using one person for the work of eight. Luckily, they don''t need to change clothes; otherwise, they definitely wouldn''t be able to manage."0


    "Your third son is really something. If it were my two sons, they definitely wouldn''t have the guts to perform on stage."0


    Li Fang nodded in agreement.0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan chimed in, "That''s not surprising, though. Don''t you remember? When he was a kid, he used to strut around the courtyard, performing for everyone. Other kids were shy, but he loved showing off."0


    "Yes, yes, he was always an outgoing kid."0


    Aunt Wang laughed. "Back in the day, during our New Year''s gatherings, we used to have the kids perform. Now, we don''t do that anymore. I think we should bring back that tradition."0


    Li Junjun, Li Weiwei, Hutou, and Xiao Yanzi looked at each other, shrinking their necks. They didn''t want to perform.0


    Aunt Wang scolded, "Look at you, such cowards."0


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. "Some kids just don''t like performing."0


    Ming Mei, however, didn''t join in their conversation. Instead, she focused on the big choir on stage, tapping her fingers along with the rhythm.0


    After the choir finished, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t leave the stage. Instead, he announced the next performance: "Little Erhei''s Blind Date."0


    Soon, two people pushed a large backdrop onto the stage. Everyone exclaimed, "Wow, this is great!"0


    The backdrop depicted a golden, bountiful rural scene, with heavy sheaves of wheat. In one corner, a tractor was painted.0


    The factory leaders nodded in approval. "This is well done."0


    "This must be Old Huang''s work. Really impressive."0


    If Lan Sihai''s style was sarcastic and ironic, then Old Huang''s was the opposite¡ªhe was taciturn, responding with just one word no matter what you said. It made people quite uncomfortable. Moreover, he was very particular about his work, so his relationships in the department were rather strained.0


    But despite his poor interpersonal skills, both Director Song of the Propaganda Department and the factory leaders treated him with respect. Why? Because he had talent.0


    Don''t think that talent wasn''t valued during this time. In fact, it was even more appreciated.0


    Many talented people had been sent away, but he, with his clean background and ability to work, was highly sought after.0


    After all, someone had to get the job done.0


    "This backdrop is really well done. It really captures a scene of a bountiful harvest."0


    "Workers are the working people, and so are farmers..."0


    While everyone was discussing, the actors took the stage.0


    This skit didn''t feature Zhuang Zhixi. Ming Mei excitedly said, "Did you see that backdrop? That was designed by Zhixi brother, with the help of the master painter. Zhixi brother said he learned a lot. I thought it would just be a simple backdrop, but it turned out so well."0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Even I, his mother, can''t boast about him as much as you do."0


    Ming Mei laughed. "It''s really good. If he hadn''t done a good job, I would have called him a loser."0


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. "You''re quite good at describing things."0


    Ming Mei softly laughed. Li Fang sighed, "You two really have a great relationship."0


    Ming Mei replied, "Of course! We''re newlyweds. If we can''t get along now, it''ll only get worse later."0


    At this point, Li Fang understood why Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi had hit it off. The two of them, at first glance, seemed like a perfect match.0


    "Wife!"0


    Li Fang was startled. She stood up and looked down. "Why are you here?"0


    Yang Lixin replied, "The leaders are still busy over there, and I can''t help with anything, so I came to watch the show."0


    He climbed up the ladder and exclaimed, "Who found this spot? It''s really great."0


    Zhao Guihua proudly said, "Me!"0


    She added with a grin, "Your Aunt Zhao, always your Aunt!"0


    Yang Lixin laughed. "You''re amazing. I''ve been at the factory for so long, and I never knew the roof here was such a good spot to watch the performances."0


    He thought about it and realized that during movie screenings, this spot wasn''t as popular. There weren''t as many people, and the slightly elevated view wasn''t ideal for movies. But for performances, it was perfect. He moved closer to Li Fang, took the child from her, and asked, "What''s the next act?"0


    Little Erhei just finished. This is the third act, a solo bel canto performance.0


    Yang Lixin nodded. "Not too late. Hmm?"0


    "What is it?"0


    Everyone looked at him. Yang Lixin said, "Do you see the leaders coming over there?"0


    Ming Mei: "Where? Where?"0


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself that this was just like the last time.0


    She looked out and saw a few leaders still outside, pointing at the backdrop and nodding. This was the backdrop from the previous act, "Little Erhei''s Blind Date," which hadn''t been taken down yet. The next song was "The Field of Hope," which fit perfectly with the backdrop.0


    Although the leaders did not push their way in, the security department immediately arrived. Soon, accompanied by Section Chief Liu and the security department comrades, several leaders made their way to the front. The common folk might not recognize these people, but as someone who had been reborn, Zhao Guihua had seen them on television a decade later, sitting in the news as prominent figures.0


    In an era of undeveloped information, most people were unaware, but the ordinary employees might not know, yet the leaders certainly did. Just look at how the factory director and deputy directors all came forward to shake hands. Quickly, Director Song hurried to the backstage.0


    The aria solo ended, and Zhuang Zhixi stepped onto the stage, smiling as he introduced, "Today, the Municipal Propaganda Department and several leaders have graced us with their presence. Let us welcome them to the stage."0


    Ming Mei: "Is this person a very big official?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "The one at the back is the powerful one." One whose name could even get censored.0


    Ming Mei: "???"0


    She exclaimed, "That''s a big deal."0


    Yang Lixin also marveled, "Everyone said the leaders would come to visit, but I didn''t expect them to give a speech too."0


    They had originally thought the leaders would just take a look and leave, considering how many units there were across the district. If the leaders visited every single one, it would take a considerable amount of time.0


    "Dear brothers and sisters, workers of the factory, hello. I am... I am very happy to meet you on this day. Our worker brothers and sisters are the most steadfast foundation of society, and..."0


    As the leader spoke, everyone listened especially attentively, essentially being encouraged to strive forward and continue creating more value for society.0


    Ming Mei sighed, "The leader is indeed the leader. What he says is truly inspiring."0


    Zhao Guihua did not respond; she kept her eyes firmly on the stage, watching to see if it would unfold as it had the last time. Sure enough, as the leader was about to step down, he suddenly stumbled and bumped into a table placed by the side of the stage, which was meant to be carried up. The water from the kettle on the table spilled onto his clothes.0


    From Zhao Guihua''s angle, she couldn''t see, but she noticed someone quickly rushing up.0


    The faces of those preparing to change the props turned pale with fright, but the leader himself didn''t seem displeased. Instead, he laughed and said, "You all are trying to make me watch one more program, aren''t you?"0


    Normally, after his speech, he would leave, but considering that leaving immediately might make the factory think too much, or even blame the props crew, he smiled and said, "Then let''s watch one more program."0


    Factory leaders: "!!!"0


    What a blessing in disguise?0


    Is this really a good thing?0


    The longer the leader stays in their factory, the more it indicates their importance.0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly stepped onto the stage, remaining calm under pressure. "Next up, ''The White-Haired Girl.''"0


    He stepped down again, and the stage props were quickly replaced with a snowy outdoor scene. The leader nodded and said, "You''ve done this very meticulously, very good."0


    Director Song stood proudly, his chest puffed out with pride.0


    But little did he know, another mishap had occurred backstage.0


    Old Man Bai was supposed to play Yang Bailao, but at this moment, his legs had turned to jelly, and he couldn''t step onto the stage. This was his first performance, and although he had rehearsed well, the sight of the densely packed audience had completely unnerved him.0


    The previous little incident had scared him even more, and he collapsed to the ground, unable to move.0


    "I can''t, I can''t do it. My legs are weak, I can''t get on stage."0


    Old Man Bai''s face was filled with despair.0


    "Damn it, the show is about to start. What are you doing? Hurry up..."0


    "I can''t, I really can''t..." Old Man Bai: "Even if you drag me up, I won''t be able to stand..."0


    He was so scared that he almost wet his pants.0


    With a despairing face, he sincerely said, "I can''t go up."0


    Everyone was stunned.0


    Damn, what now?0


    They all looked at each other, panicking. The audience below had already started to murmur. Director Song came over: "What''s going on?"0


    Old Man Bai cried, "I can''t do it. My legs are weak. Maybe you can drag me up, and I''ll apologize to everyone."0


    That... was impossible.0


    The leader was down there, and they had to perform.0


    Otherwise, the factory leaders might just devour him.0


    Director Song was furious, trembling with anger: "You, you, you... Why didn''t you say you couldn''t earlier? Now, where am I supposed to find someone? Do you know who''s down there! I..."0


    "Director, let''s see who can take over. The props are already on stage; we can''t change the program!"0


    "We have to replace someone; Old Man Bai like this definitely can''t perform!"0


    Everyone''s eyes were practically devouring Old Man Bai.0


    You''re really dragging us down!0


    You couldn''t do it; you should''ve said so earlier!0


    "Right, right, right. Who can act? Let''s replace someone. Is there anyone familiar with the script?"0


    No one dared to speak, afraid they might be chosen. At a time like this, performing well was just saving the situation, but if something went wrong, it would be a big deal. No one dared to step forward. Besides, who would dare to say they could remember Yang Bailao''s lines?0


    Director Song: "I''ve nurtured you all for a thousand days, and now is the time to use you. You all usually boast about how capable you are, and I believed you. Now, why is none of you speaking up? ''The White-Haired Girl'' is a play you''ve all seen more than once. Yang Bailao''s lines aren''t that many. Can''t someone step up and take over? Quickly! Who can do it? If you perform poorly, I''ll take responsibility! I won''t let you bear the consequences!" As a leader, he still had that much guts.0


    But no one dared.0


    They were already nervous, and this little incident made them even more so. If they went on stage, the result wouldn''t be any better than Old Man Bai''s.0


    At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi spoke up: "Or, let me try!"

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73"The north wind howls, the snowflakes flutter..."


    "The White-Haired Girl," an old play, is a favorite among everyone, and after each viewing, people always curse Huang Shirren for being a despicable character. However, this play is not exactly new; its plot is well-known. Ordinary folks, busy with their daily lives, don''t watch it often, but those in leadership positions tend to have broader horizons. Take this particular leader, for instance; his attention was not on the plot but rather on Yang Bailao. Yang Bailao was hunched over, wearing a tattered hat and smeared with soot on his face. Yet, the leader still recognized him: "Isn''t this the same person who was the announcer just now?"


    By this time, Director Song had already scurried backstage, cursing Old Man Bai in his heart and feeling utterly anxious. Who knows how Zhuang Zhixi would perform? After all, they hadn''t rehearsed even once; it was a complete rush job.


    Director Song was in a tough spot, but others were even less capable. The thought of these useless individuals made him furious.


    Director Song dared not relax for a moment. Noticing the factory leaders'' glances, he quickly smiled and said, "You have a sharp eye, Leader. He is indeed the same person who was the announcer earlier."


    The leader smiled and remarked, "Typically, Yang Bailao is played by older actors, which aligns with the character''s age. But you were bold enough to cast a younger actor..."


    Everyone''s hearts were in their throats as the leader continued, "This spirit of innovation is indeed worth emulating."


    Director Song breathed a silent sigh of relief. Compared to the factory leaders'' sycophantic flattery, his mind was still on the stage. It wasn''t that he was particularly passionate about his work; it was because he had made a last-minute substitution. If the performance flopped, he would undoubtedly face criticism.


    Director Song''s sweat dripped like beans.


    What is the spirit of innovation? If it weren''t for Old Man Bai collapsing backstage due to nervousness, they wouldn''t have been in this predicament. If it weren''t for the others being utterly incapable, each one acting like "sending me on stage is like sending me to my death," they wouldn''t have been forced into this situation.


    The performance continued, and the audience seemed engrossed. The leader spoke again: "How did you come up with the idea of casting a younger actor as Yang Bailao?"


    All eyes turned to Director Song, who awkwardly smiled and said, "Well..."


    He gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and said, "Leader, we originally planned for an older actor, but due to a minor accident, he couldn''t perform today. We had to make a last-minute substitution with Zhuang Zhixi. To be honest, this is his first performance, and he''s also performing with these actors for the first time. There was no rehearsal; it''s all impromptu. Neither he nor the others have ever performed together before."


    Normally, Director Song wouldn''t have revealed this, but in the brief moment of tension, he quickly decided that honesty was the best policy. Hiding the truth from the leader might not work, and lying was never a good idea. If he didn''t tell the truth and there were minor flaws, the leader might think he hadn''t done his job well. But if he explained that everyone was performing together for the first time, the audience would be amazed by the effort, and any awkwardness in the performance would be overlooked.


    In Director Song''s experience, there were indeed some coordination issues in the performance, though not obvious. This was his way of salvaging the situation.


    Upon hearing this, the leader was even more astonished, almost incredulous: "You mean they were performing together for the first time?"


    Director Song replied, "Yes, I wouldn''t dare lie about that. It''s not that they''ve never performed before, but it''s their first time performing together. Only Yang Bailao was a last-minute replacement with Zhuang Zhixi."


    The leader nodded in understanding: "No wonder. I thought his performance was a bit awkward. But this young man has talent. Not only did he step up to the occasion, but his performance was also commendable. There''s some awkwardness and unfamiliarity, but he handled the small details very well. If we weren''t sitting in the front, we wouldn''t have noticed he was a young man. His posture and walking style were very convincing for an older character. He must be someone who pays close attention to life''s details. Young people like him have great potential."


    Director Song continued to wipe his sweat, hoping this ordeal would soon be over.


    "Isn''t this Huang Shirren the same person who sang earlier?"


    "You have a keen eye, Leader. Yes, he is. Although we''re preparing for the Labor Day event, we haven''t mobilized the entire factory. We still need to focus on production, so we didn''t borrow anyone from the workshop. We''ve made do with limited time and limited personnel. Almost everyone is doing the work of eight people. Take Yang Bailao, for example; besides being the announcer for this performance, he''s also done a lot of backstage work, like the backgrounds you see. He worked with Old Huang from our department to create them. They also handle the factory''s bulletin boards and props. And this Huang Shirren, because he sings the best, he''s in almost every song-related performance. We didn''t even dare let him sing during rehearsals, fearing he''d strain his voice and be unable to perform today. That would have been a disaster. He''s a key player today..."


    After all, it''s not a bad thing to play the victim and earn some sympathy from the leaders.


    The leader nodded in agreement: "You''ve done well in this regard. I personally don''t approve of disrupting regular work for these events. These activities are meant to show appreciation for the workers. If they were to neglect their duties for the performances, it would defeat the purpose."


    "You''re absolutely right."


    During the performance of "The White-Haired Girl," the audience continued to curse Huang Shirren, unaware that Yang Bailao was actually Zhuang Zhixi. Who would have guessed that Zhuang Zhixi, after smearing his face with soot and messing up his hair, would look so disheveled?


    However, after all, it was their first time performing together, there were a few minor mistakes. Zhuang Zhixi managed to carry on, pulling off the performance without being noticed.


    The leader smirked, nodding in approval: "What''s this young man''s name?"


    "Zhuang Zhixi."


    Director Song thought to himself, could it be that Zhuang Zhixi has caught the leader''s eye?


    Indeed, the leader said, "This young man has something special. Not bad! He''s multi-talented, bold, and willing to take on responsibilities. We need more young people like him."


    Director Song and the factory leaders exchanged glances, realizing that Zhuang Zhixi had indeed caught the leader''s attention.


    As the leader and the factory leaders chatted, the performance of "The White-Haired Girl" finally concluded. Zhuang Zhixi left the stage a minute earlier than the others. He quickly washed his face, plunged his head into the water, and vigorously scrubbed and shook it.


    Since dismantling the stage took some time, he took off his tattered cotton-padded jacket and tidied up his clothes before returning to announce the next performance.


    Who would have thought that this young man with slightly wet hair was the same person who had played the hunched, soot-covered Yang Bailao earlier?


    The leader smiled and said, "He moves pretty fast. If all young people were this capable, our work would be much easier."


    "Exactly."


    The leader said a few more words but didn¡¯t stay long. If it weren¡¯t for the earlier incident, they wouldn¡¯t have watched an extra performance. After all, time was precious today. They had to visit several factories for comfort and encouragement, and this was only the third one. They were quite busy.


    The leader and his entourage left, and the performances continued as usual.


    Those on and off the stage had no idea what the leaders had discussed. Even Zhao Guihua and her group in the distance were unaware. However, seeing the situation unfold much as it had in her previous life, Zhao Guihua nodded slightly, feeling that things were likely to turn out as expected.


    People strive for advancement, just as water flows downward.


    The medical office wasn''t bad, but it wasn''t suitable for Zhuang Zhixi. He had no choice but to join the factory, but if given the opportunity, moving up wouldn''t be a bad thing.


    "Mom, wasn''t Uncle Bai supposed to play Yang Bailao? How come it''s Zhixi?" Zhuang Zhiyuan asked curiously. Others might not have recognized him, but he could tell; that was his brother. Ming Mei also recognized him.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Who knows? Maybe Old Man Bai had something come up and couldn''t perform?"


    "What could he have possibly had come up? Besides, with the performance right around the corner, nothing should have prevented him from performing." Zhuang Zhiyuan was puzzled.


    Yang Lixin: "Maybe he''s too scared to perform."


    Ming Mei nodded, agreeing with this statement. Otherwise, it was really hard to explain. She sighed, "Thank goodness Zhuang Zhixi managed to pull through."


    Zhao Guihua: "Third Brother performed quite well."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. The performance was so engaging that they were all thoroughly entertained. Normally, they wouldn''t have the chance to see such performances. Even Zhao Guihua, who had been reborn, felt the joy of watching the show. She had seen a lot in her previous life, but after being reborn, her life became monotonous, and opportunities to watch such programs were rare. Watching a performance was indeed a delight.


    "Hey, up there!"


    Zhao Guihua heard the commotion and looked down to see Zhang San approaching. Zhang San saw Zhao Guihua peeking out and smiled, "Auntie, it''s you. Why are you up on the roof?"


    They were in charge of security and patrolling. Zhang San was assigned to the patrol team to prevent any theft or mischief. He had wandered over to this area and spotted the ladder.


    It turned out someone had climbed up to the roof to watch the show.


    Zhao Guihua: "We arrived late and couldn''t squeeze in. That''s why we found a higher spot. Don''t worry, we won''t cause you any trouble. We''ll leave after we finish watching."


    Zhang San: "Today everyone''s out to watch the show, so it''s fine. Just be careful not to fall. If you do, that would be bad."


    He was easygoing, and Zhao Guihua smiled, "Got it, got it."


    Zhang San quickly asked, "Can you see clearly from that spot?"


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s quite clear."


    Zhang San nodded, "Then next time there''s a movie, I might come up here too."


    Zhao Guihua: "If it''s a movie, this spot might be a bit high, but it''ll do."


    Zhang San didn''t rush to leave and continued chatting, "Is the public toilet in your area still haunted?"


    He was quite concerned about this matter, considering how big of a deal it was.


    Zhao Guihua: "I haven''t heard anything about it. Anyway, none of us have encountered anything. But since we go in groups, we feel safer. It''s just that everyone''s a bit timid. Even though we don''t think anything will happen, there''s still some unease in our hearts."


    "You all have it tough."


    "Who says otherwise?"


    "If you need anything, come find me at the Security Office. I''m familiar with Xiao Zhuang, we''re not outsiders."


    This guy was also quite sociable. Despite the height difference, they managed to chat away.


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, that''s very kind of you, Zhang San. How old are you? Are you married?"


    The classic three-step question routine for elderly women: First, how old are you; second, are you married; and third, the conversation branches out depending on whether you''re married or not.


    If not married, what kind of partner are you looking for?


    If married, do you have kids?


    Zhang San: "Oh, I''m not married yet."


    "What kind of partner are you looking for?" Aunt Wang suddenly chimed in, "Do you remember me, young man? I''m from the same courtyard as Auntie Zhao. We met during the haunted toilet incident."


    Zhang San: "Of course, of course. You''re the courtyard manager."


    Aunt Wang laughed, "That''s right, it''s me. You have a good memory. What kind of partner are you looking for?" She said, "Let me see if I can find someone suitable for you."


    Zhang San was overjoyed, "That would be great!"


    He didn''t expect to have such a lucky encounter. He quickly replied, "I''m 24 this year. My parents are both alive, and I have two older brothers. They''re both married. My eldest brother got a house after marriage and moved out. My second brother''s family, my parents, and I live together. I live in this area, but not in the same direction as your courtyard. It''s also a siheyuan, and I have my own room."


    Aunt Wang: "Your conditions are quite good. What kind of partner are you looking for?"


    Zhang San: "I want someone who''s good-looking. I don''t have any other requirements."


    Aunt Wang: "That''s a very simple requirement, isn''t it? No other conditions? No family background requirements? No residency requirements? No job requirements?"


    Zhang San scratched his head and said, "I''d like to find someone who''s perfect in every way, but that''s not possible. I''m just an average-looking guy with average family conditions, so I can''t be picky. Someone with good conditions wouldn''t look at me anyway. I don''t ask for much. If I can get just one thing right, I''d like her to be good-looking."


    Aunt Wang: "Alright, I''ll take care of this for you. I guarantee I''ll get it done. Your requirements aren''t high at all."


    Zhang San: "Thank you so much, Auntie."


    Zhang San connected with Aunt Wang and was overjoyed. He hummed a little tune as he left.


    As soon as he was gone, Aunt Wang said, "Look, this is what a normal person is like. No one is perfect, so you have to be realistic. Like Bai Fendou, it''s no wonder he can''t find a wife. He doesn''t even look at his own situation before demanding this and that from the woman. Zhang San''s conditions are much better than Bai Fendou''s, but look at his requirements¡ªjust one condition. Sure, it''s a bit superficial to focus only on looks, but at least he knows what he wants and is smart enough to make compromises."


    Zhao Guihua nodded.


    Don''t judge him just because he only cares about looks. He''s clear-headed.


    He knows that perfection doesn''t exist, so he won''t aim for the impossible.


    "I wonder when Bai Fendou will ever get married," Zhuang Zhiyuan sighed.


    "Hard to say, I think it''s unlikely," Zhao Guihua replied.


    She felt that Bai Fendou still had no self-awareness, which made it even more difficult for him.


    After watching the show and chatting, it was soon noon. The performance had reached its final act, with all the performers coming on stage for a grand chorus.


    Hutou was still not satisfied, "It''s over."


    The other kids felt the same way, wishing they could watch more.


    Zhao Guihua: "There will definitely be more shows like this in the future. Next time, Grandma will take you all to watch again."


    "Great~" The children cheered up.


    "Shall we go?" Old Man Zhuang, who had been quiet the whole time, finally stood up and dusted off his pants. Zhao Guihua looked at the crowd pouring out like ants and hesitated, shaking her head, "Let''s wait a bit longer. With so many people, it''s easy for kids to get stepped on."


    At this moment, people didn''t seem to have the awareness of avoiding stampedes, but Zhao Guihua was truly worried. She had seen many news reports about such incidents.


    Even though there hadn''t been any stampedes in their area in her previous life, it didn''t mean anything. Caution was always necessary. Zhao Guihua disagreed, and Aunt Wang also decided to wait. It was true that from their high vantage point, the crowd looked incredibly dense. Even Aunt Wang felt it wasn''t very safe. There were just too many people.


    They waited until most of the crowd had left before slowly climbing down and heading out.


    As they approached the gate, they saw Bai Fendou and others maintaining order at the entrance. From a distance, Bai Fendou called out, "Aunt Wang, how''s the matchmaking going for me?"


    He had just heard from his colleagues that Aunt Wang was going to introduce someone to Zhang San and felt uneasy.


    After all, he had asked Aunt Wang for help many times, but she had never introduced anyone to him. Now she was actively helping someone else, which made Bai Fendou a bit anxious. Wasn''t there some kind of order to these things?


    Aunt Wang looked at Bai Fendou in disbelief. She couldn''t believe he had the nerve to bring this up, especially considering how outrageous his demands were.


    Moreover, there had been unpleasantness between their families regarding the selling of DVDs.


    It seemed Aunt Wang really didn''t understand Bai Fendou''s thought process. Bai Fendou hadn''t connected the two matters in his mind. He knew he had swindled 50 yuan from Chef Li''s family, but in his view, he had swindled them, but did they know? No, they were just guessing. So why should they blame him? Besides, he had helped their family get a bicycle ticket, taking risks for them. He felt justified in taking that 50 yuan, and they should be grateful, not blame him.


    Even if they did blame him, that had nothing to do with matchmaking.


    When the time comes to introduce someone, I''m not going to skimp on the matchmaker''s fee. I''m actually giving your family a chance to make some money. Ultimately, it''s your family who should be thanking me, Bai Fendou.


    So Bai Fendou didn''t think there was anything wrong with him at all.


    "Aunt Wang, I came to you first. Even if you''re introducing someone, you should do it for me first," Bai Fendou shouted, drawing the attention of everyone around.


    Aunt Wang was so angry she could barely breathe. How could there be such a little brat?


    She didn''t mince words: "Your requirements are too outrageous. I can''t help you. Go find someone else. I don''t want your matchmaker''s fee."


    "Hey, how are they outrageous? I..."


    Aunt Wang didn''t give him any face, raising her voice: "How aren''t they outrageous? Look at your own conditions. You want a family with excellent background, someone who''s a city resident, has a stable job, is good-looking, at least ten years younger than you, and must be able to bear at least three sons. Oh, and you want her to be gentle and virtuous. With those conditions, I can''t take on this job. Not only do I not have a girl like that, but even if I did, her family would probably come after me with knives!"


    "Pfft!"


    Everyone around laughed.


    Thinking about it, wasn''t that the truth?


    If a family had those conditions, they could easily find a small factory leader, let alone someone like Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou, however, didn''t seem to care. He said, "Why can''t I find someone like that? Aunt Wang, look at how harsh you''re being. Do you have to talk like that? I know you don''t like me, but my conditions are obvious to everyone. It''s perfectly normal for me, Bai Fendou, to find someone like that. Even Zhou Qun could find someone, so why can''t I find someone better than him?"


    Everyone stared at Bai Fendou in disbelief, unable to understand how he could be so clueless.


    Although Zhou Qun''s reputation had gone down the drain now, ten years ago, his conditions were quite good.


    No exaggeration, really quite good.


    Although he came from a single-parent family with a somewhat difficult mother, Zhou Qun was ambitious. Among the same batch of workers, he was the fastest to get promoted, with a decent salary. He often helped his master and other leaders with chores at their homes, earning a reputation for being hardworking. Although this was later proven to have hidden motives, at the time, no one knew.


    Moreover, having an old mother was more appealing to potential brides than having a widower father.


    A mother-in-law could help with housework and childcare, which saved a lot of trouble. A widower couldn''t do that.


    So ten years ago, Bai Fendou''s conditions were already worse than Zhou Qun''s. Now that Zhou Qun''s reputation is ruined, Bai Fendou isn''t much better off. The father and son are always fawning over the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Everyone knows that, and there''s no rumor of him saving any money. Are the women crazy?


    Even if the woman is crazy, her parents aren''t.


    Like now, doesn''t everyone know that Jiang Lu''s father is forcing her to divorce?


    There''s no such thing as a secret in this world.


    Bai Fendou didn''t get it and kept blabbering: "Introduce me to someone good, and I won''t skimp on the matchmaker''s fee. If it weren''t for the fact that we''re neighbors, I would have gone to someone else."


    As if he was doing Aunt Wang a favor by letting her earn this money.


    Aunt Wang sneered: "Then you should go find someone else right away."


    She didn''t want to deal with Bai Fendou anymore and pulled her old friend to leave.


    As for the others, as peers in the same courtyard, Yang Lixin and Zhuang Zhiyuan were well aware of Bai Fendou''s bizarre ideas. So they weren''t surprised, but the people from the factory didn''t know. They were really shocked to find out Bai Fendou''s requirements for a future wife.


    He''s already over thirty, and even with a stable job, his conditions aren''t exactly top-notch.


    With that, how dare he make such demands?


    Was he crazy?


    At this point, everyone could understand why Aunt Wang was so angry. This wasn''t just ruining her reputation; it was practically smashing her signboard. Matchmakers rely on their reputation. While there are those who deceive both sides, they would never introduce a girl with such good conditions to someone like Bai Fendou.


    Matchmakers usually try to pair people with similar conditions. If the difference is too big, they risk ruining their reputation. If they do that, the men might still come to them, but the women definitely won''t.


    A matchmaker needs a wide network of people to operate effectively.


    No one would do something like that for Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou didn''t get it. He thought highly of himself and believed his conditions were excellent.


    He was very unconvinced.


    But the others... the others were utterly amazed. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was predictable that he would be the center of conversation again.


    On the way back, Aunt Wang was still fuming. "If I knew a girl like that, introducing her to him would be like pushing her into a fire pit."


    Zhao Guihua comforted her old friend: "Why get so angry? Just ignore him."


    I know the reason, but I''m still mad.


    Zhao Guihua: "Most people get more steady as they age, but he''s getting more and more out of tune."


    Aunt Wang: "It''s all because of Zhuang Zhixi. He told me when he asked me to introduce someone that Zhuang Zhixi, who''s ten years younger than him, is already married, and he''s still single, so he has to hurry up."


    Ming Mei chimed in: "But he''s not at all like Zhixi. Isn''t it normal that he can''t find someone?"


    "The problem is, he doesn''t think so himself."


    Everyone rolled their eyes.


    When they arrived at the Plum Blossom Alley, everyone in their courtyard had already returned. Aunt Wang quickly opened the door and said, "Sorry to keep everyone waiting."


    "It''s fine, what''s the big deal?"


    "Yeah, I just got back too with the crowd."


    Usually, going to the movies, you could find a familiar face to sit with, but today, it was hard to even find someone you knew. The place was packed. Especially when leaving, it was so crowded.


    "Zhao Guihua, your third son, Zhuang Zhixi, was the one announcing, right? I saw him from the back."


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, that was him."


    "He''s really making a name for himself."


    "I never noticed how handsome he was before."


    "Nonsense, I saw it when he was a kid. He inherited the best from Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua, without any of the flaws."


    "All three of their kids are better-looking than their parents."


    Zhao Guihua: "..." You guys talking like this, I''m not happy.


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Liang Meifen didn''t dare to look at her mother-in-law''s face.


    Luckily, the topic quickly changed: "Hey, wasn''t Old Man Bai also in the performance? I didn''t see him. Did you?"


    "No, did you?"


    "No."


    After some back and forth, no one had seen him.


    Just then, Sui''s Boy, who had just returned, gossiped: "I know, I know. I stayed late and saw the commotion. Old Man Bai got scared and couldn''t stand up just before going on stage."


    "?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Ah?"


    "Wow."


    "That''s not good, is it? If he couldn''t do it, he should have said so earlier. This messed things up..."


    Everyone chattered away, and at that moment, Director Song was pointing at Old Man Bai''s nose, scolding him for a good half hour. Old Man Bai was so embarrassed, but no one sympathized with him.


    If you can''t do it, you should say so early, so we can arrange someone else or find a replacement.


    But you say you can''t do it just before going on stage? If it weren''t for Zhuang Zhixi, their performance would have fallen apart. Even changing the program on the spot wasn''t possible. The props were already on stage. The leaders were in the audience.


    This could have been a major performance accident.


    Luckily, there was a Zhuang Zhixi. However, even though he filled in, there were many small mistakes during the performance. It was all thanks to quick thinking and thick skin that they managed to pull it off.


    After coming down, the actors playing Xier and Yang Bailao sat on the ground, not moving for a long time.


    How could they not be angry?


    Usually, everyone can have fun however they want, but today was different. And it was so coincidental that it happened just when the leaders were there. It was almost enough to drive them crazy. Luckily, they managed to pull through with sheer willpower.


    Director Song patted Zhuang Zhixi on the shoulder and said, "Zhixi, you did a really great job this time. We all owe you a big thank you for stepping up."


    Was Zhuang Zhixi nervous? Absolutely, he was terrified. Even after a whole morning had passed, he still hadn''t fully calmed down. But he knew how to say the right things. He replied, "Director Song, there''s no need to thank me. The success of our ''White-Haired Girl'' performance wasn''t just my doing; it was the result of everyone''s efforts. Even if I had memorized the lines, without everyone''s cooperation, it would have been a disaster. Honestly, I''m still sweating buckets from the back..."


    That was a bit of an exaggeration; he was actually sweating from the heat.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "I never expected myself to have the guts to go on stage like that. All I thought at the time was that we absolutely couldn''t let the show fall apart, or it would have been a disgrace for the entire factory. Thankfully, everyone held it together."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Indeed, dealing with unexpected issues like that could really mess with your mindset.


    They had all managed to pull through somehow.


    Director Song patted Zhuang Zhixi''s shoulder again and said, "Alright, pack up and go home to rest."


    Zhuang Zhixi hesitated, "What about all this..."


    Director Song replied, "The tables and chairs can be taken care of by everyone else. Some of them don''t need to be moved; there''s a movie screening in the afternoon at the factory."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Alright, then I''ll head home to rest."


    "Go ahead. You''ve been working really hard these days, always coming early and leaving late to help out. You''re a hardworking and honest person." After a pause, Director Song suddenly smiled and asked, "By the way, you graduated from high school, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, I did."


    "How were your grades?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I won''t brag, but my grades were excellent."


    If it weren''t for the cancellation of the college entrance exams, he could have gotten into university. Zhuang Zhixi felt a slight regret, but it quickly passed. With universities being shut down, even if he had passed the exams, he wouldn''t have been able to attend. As for the worker-peasant-soldier universities that required recommendations... Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t particularly interested in those either.


    From his perspective as someone working in practical fields, he knew that while these worker-peasant-soldier universities were called universities, their actual value in various departments was rather low. Just look at Old Huang, who worked with him on the bulletin boards. When he talked about the worker-peasant-soldier universities, he would say, "It''s all just a place to goof off. What kind of education can you get there?"


    Of course, Zhuang Zhixi knew that even if he wanted to go, he wouldn''t have been able to. These universities required recommendations, and with his lack of connections, it would never have been his turn.


    Director Song smiled, "That''s great. I can see you''re a promising talent. Working in the clinic''s billing department is a waste of your potential. I think you''d be a perfect fit for our Publicity Department."


    The room suddenly fell silent, and everyone turned to look at Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi himself was stunned, completely caught off guard.


    Director Song chuckled and said, "Alright, go home now. Come to the Personnel Department when you start work the day after tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi stammered, "I... I''m going to the Personnel Department..."


    Director Song nodded, "You''re a talented young man, and the Publicity Department is where you belong. I don''t know what you were thinking when you applied for the clinic. That place isn''t right for you; it would have been a waste of your youth. Young people like you should be full of energy and drive. Come join us."


    At this point, Zhuang Zhixi finally broke into a wide, elated smile, stuttering, "Th-thank you, thank you, Director Song."


    Director Song waved it off, "You don''t need to thank me. It''s your own performance that got you here."


    He smiled, musing that sometimes, it really came down to luck.


    Zhuang Zhixi had been lucky. When others had faltered in front of the big bosses, he had seized the opportunity to shine. Even the big bosses had praised him as a talented individual, and who in the factory would disagree?


    His performance had not only impressed the big bosses but also the factory leadership, earning him a spot in a more suitable position.


    Director Song''s words made it clear to everyone that Zhuang Zhixi was being transferred to the Publicity Department.


    It was worth noting that the Publicity Department was a managerial position. In other words, Zhuang Zhixi was clearly being promoted.


    Compared to the relatively unimportant clinic, the Publicity Department was far more significant.


    At this moment, some were envious, some were happy, and others admired him. Everyone had their own thoughts, all focused on Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi himself hadn''t expected this. He had originally thought that helping out would just be a way to build goodwill, with the intention of slowly working his way up. But he hadn''t anticipated that his luck would come so suddenly. He was actually being transferred to the Publicity Department.


    As he left, his steps felt light, and a sense of indescribable joy filled him.


    This was the joy of achieving his dreams.


    The clinic was peaceful, with little work. But as a young man, he didn''t need less work¡ªhe had ambitions and aspirations.


    He walked home joyfully, feeling that the sky was exceptionally blue that day.


    He had finally achieved his goal.


    Zhuang Zhixi walked home happily, unaware that others who had also helped out in the Publicity Department were seething with envy. A man named Xiao Ding couldn''t hold back and blurted out, "Director, we all came to help out too. Why does he get this opportunity and not us? Isn''t that unfair?"


    Director Song was a bit surprised that someone would actually voice such a question.


    Most people he dealt with were adept at saying the right things depending on the situation.


    He quickly regained his composure and smiled, asking, "Well, when I asked who could step in and save the performance, why didn''t you volunteer?"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Ding hesitated, thinking that he was afraid of messing up and earning the boss''s displeasure.


    When Zhuang Zhixi had raised his hand to take over the performance, Xiao Ding had secretly mocked him as a fool for daring to step forward in such a situation. If Zhuang Zhixi had flopped, he wondered how he would have handled it. Even though Director Song had said that he would take responsibility for any consequences, Xiao Ding didn''t believe the boss would really stand by his word.


    Xiao Ding had come to help out with the intention of getting noticed by the bosses and possibly being transferred to the Publicity Department. So he had participated in every performance, doing minimal logistical work. He had even laughed at Zhuang Zhixi and the others for doing things like setting up props.


    He thought they were complete fools.


    He had also heard that Zhuang Zhixi had given up learning how to operate the film projector for this, which only reinforced his opinion that Zhuang Zhixi was a total idiot.


    But to his utter surprise, things had turned out completely differently from what he expected.


    He stammered for a moment, saying, "I... I don''t know the ''White-Haired Girl'' at all... I couldn''t have saved the performance. But we all came to help out. Why does he get to be transferred to the Publicity Department and not us? Isn''t that unfair?"


    Director Song narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Xiao Ding with undisguised disdain.


    As a leader, he was usually quite tactful, knowing how to get along with people. But Xiao Ding was clearly someone with no future.


    Mediocre in ability, lacking in tact, with no family background, and prone to rash actions¡ªsuch a person had no chance of advancing.


    He said coldly, "When the Publicity Department asked you to come help, we never said we would transfer any of you to the Publicity Department. I believe everyone understood that. This has nothing to do with fairness. We don''t have any open positions in the Publicity Department. Zhuang Zhixi is being transferred here solely because he saved the performance and earned the approval of the big bosses. The factory leadership decided to place the right person in the right position, which is why we were given this spot. If you want to talk about fairness, the opportunity was there for all of you. If you didn''t take it, don''t blame anyone else. Without Zhuang Zhixi, we wouldn''t have given this spot to anyone else; we would have just canceled it."


    Xiao Ding''s face turned pale, then red, then back to pale again.


    The others who had helped out remained silent. They had been hoping that Xiao Ding would stir things up, creating an opportunity for them to fight for the position. But Director Song''s clear words made it obvious to them that they hadn''t even caught his eye.


    Among the envious ones, Old Man Bai was particularly tormented. He couldn''t help but think that if he hadn''t frozen up out of fear, this opportunity might have been his.


    It should have been his!


    He was so frustrated that he felt like he was going mad.


    Director Song: "The factory is not a place for you to play petty tricks. Whether it''s Zhuang Zhixi''s level of hosting, his ability to save the situation, or even his assistance to Old Huang, all of this has been observed by the leadership. You may think you performed well, but what the leaders have seen are those who quietly contribute behind the scenes, not those who jump around seeking attention. My words may sound harsh, but think about it yourselves. I am very grateful to all of you for coming to help in the Publicity Department, but opportunities are always given to those who are truly responsible and prepared."


    Clap clap clap.


    Old Huang silently applauds.


    Everyone is surprised and looks at Old Huang, then they too start clapping, trying to flatter.


    Director Song''s words really hit the mark.


    The people in the Publicity Department are all regular employees, so they don''t care whether Zhuang Zhixi gets transferred or not, since it''s not like he''s competing with them. Plus, Zhuang Zhixi is hardworking, and having one more person means more strength for the Publicity Department.


    As original members of the Publicity Department, everyone thinks this is a good thing and is naturally happy about it.


    "Director Song is right."


    "Alright, everyone should disperse now. You''ve all been working hard for so many days, go home and rest well to face life with a more positive attitude. I also believe that opportunities are not limited to just one. This time you may not have seized it, but that doesn''t mean you won''t next time. Perhaps in the near future, we can work together again."


    Hearing this, the helpers'' eyes light up. It''s true, after all.


    Although they didn''t get this opportunity, Zhuang Zhixi being transferred just shows that as long as you make an impression on the leadership, you can still get a position. Maybe next time, they can seize the chance.


    Thinking this way, they don''t feel so bad anymore.


    Though a bit disappointed, they also feel hopeful, and one by one, they disperse.


    Director Song watches them leave and instructs the deputy director beside him: "Don''t call this Xiao Ding over anymore. He''s an idiot."


    Deputy Director: "I understand."


    You can be not very smart, but you can''t be stupid. If fighting for things were useful, then what''s the point of having leaders? Especially when the decision has already been made by the leadership, jumping out to question it just makes you look bad. And fairness? It''s precisely because of fairness that someone like you, who isn''t top-notch in skill, can''t be used. If you really had ability, you might be valued a bit more, but the problem is, you don''t. Someone so impulsive and without any self-awareness is not someone we''d appreciate.


    Fools are always just extras in the world.


    Zhuang Zhixi doesn''t know about these subsequent incidents, though even if he didn''t, he could guess a few things. However, he doesn''t really care. After all, once the news spreads, there will inevitably be people who are jealous.


    So he''s quite indifferent about it.


    He''s not rice or flour, nor is he meat, money, or tickets. It''s impossible for everyone to like him.


    That''s just normal.


    As long as he works hard and grasps this opportunity, that''s better than anything. Thinking about how all the effort he put in these past days hasn''t gone to waste, Zhuang Zhixi smiles, humming a little tune. His luck is really quite good!

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74Zhuang Zhixi''s job transfer was in the works.


    Although the formalities were not yet completed, he couldn''t wait to announce it to everyone at home.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, thinking that people back then were indeed more simple-hearted. If this had happened a few decades later, without something in writing, it would have been hard to say if it would have been sabotaged. But back then, such situations were almost non-existent.


    Every era has its good and bad people, but the overall environment wasn''t as complicated.


    Although the Zhuang family didn''t spread the news, the neighbors in the courtyard soon found out, mainly because of Old Man Bai, who had a big mouth and felt extremely sour about it.


    This opportunity should have been his.


    If he hadn''t been scared stiff and unable to go on stage at the last minute, this chance would have been his!


    Old Man Bai felt he had missed a great opportunity, but he didn''t consider that if it had been a normal performance, there might not have been a job transfer. It was because Zhuang Zhixi had bravely stepped in to save the day and hadn''t faltered that the matter was settled.


    "The White-Haired Girl" was an old play, and everyone knew the general plot and most of the lines. Yet, no one else had volunteered to step in, only Zhuang Zhixi. This kind of courage and willingness to take responsibility was indeed commendable.


    Old Man Bai was so upset he couldn''t eat, and after returning home, he lay on the bed, feeling utterly dejected.


    Aunt Su, seeing Old Man Bai come back and shut the door, glanced around, tidied up her clothes, and prepared to pay him a visit. She knew that Old Man Bai was supposed to play Yang Bailao, as he had mentioned it several times in the courtyard, and everyone had taken note. But clearly, he hadn''t performed today.


    Later, Sui''s Boy spread the word that Old Man Bai had been too nervous to go on stage.


    Aunt Su was accustomed to stepping in during such times. When was the best time to capture a man''s heart? When he was lonely, cold, and feeling down, especially when everyone else had abandoned him. The more low-spirited he was, the more she needed to show her care and consideration.


    Aunt Su stepped out and knocked on the Bai family''s door: "Old Man Bai, it''s me, Aunt Su."


    Hearing her voice, Old Man Bai quickly replied: "Come in, the door''s not locked."


    Aunt Su entered and saw him lying on the bed, asking: "What''s wrong with you? Why so listless?" She didn''t pretend not to know, instead showing concern: "I know you''re feeling bad about it, but getting nervous right before going on stage is perfectly normal. After all, we''re not professional actors. Don''t be too hard on yourself. If you get too sad and hurt your body, those of us who care about you will feel bad too."


    Old Man Bai immediately looked at Aunt Su.


    Aunt Su sat by the bed and said: "A man should get back up where he falls. There will always be another chance. Next time, just perform well."


    Old Man Bai sighed and said: "You only know part of it."


    Aunt Su was puzzled: "What do you mean?"


    Was there more to the story?


    Old Man Bai grumbled: "It''s all because of that Zhuang kid."


    Aunt Su''s eyes darted around, and she quickly asked: "Did he scheme against you?"


    If that were the case, she would have to spread the word. Zhao Guihua was always showing off, so it was necessary to expose her family''s dirty deeds. Thinking of this, she became even more eager and asked: "Tell me, what happened?"


    Old Man Bai wiped his face and said: "It wasn''t him scheming against me. It''s that leader''s fault. If he hadn''t tripped, I wouldn''t have been scared stiff and unable to go on stage. As a result, I missed a great opportunity."


    Aunt Su: "What opportunity?"


    Old Man Bai: "Zhuang Zhixi was praised by the leader for his performance and transferred to the Propaganda Department. This opportunity should have been mine! If I hadn''t been scared and unable to go on stage, it would have been mine! I missed a great opportunity."


    Aunt Su was shocked: "What, transferred to the Propaganda Department?!"


    Old Man Bai nodded, looking miserable: "I''m in logistics now, a service position. If I had been transferred to the Propaganda Department, it would have been an administrative position, with higher pay. Not to mention, the job is much more respectable than logistics. Such a great opportunity, such a great opportunity, gone!"


    He almost cried to the heavens, feeling that fate had played a cruel joke on him.


    Although he was not young, he could still handle the work in the Propaganda Department!


    Moreover, working in an office wasn''t that demanding.


    He had missed it, truly missed it.


    She quickly urged: "Can''t you talk to the leader about it? This was your opportunity, how could it be given to him? There''s no justice in this. You can''t let this go."


    She wanted Old Man Bai to do well because if he did, she would benefit too. But if Zhao Guihua''s family did well, she wouldn''t be happy. That family wouldn''t help her anyway.


    Besides, they were all women of similar age, and there was always some competition.


    She didn''t want the Zhuang family to thrive.


    "This matter can''t be ignored!"


    Old Man Bai: "Do you think no one brought it up? Someone did, and they got scolded."


    In fact, Director Song had scolded him too, as he had caused too much trouble. If it weren''t for Zhuang Zhixi, the show would have been a disaster. Director Song only scolded him, reasoning with others.


    But he couldn''t say that.


    He said: "The leader said that it was because Zhuang Zhixi performed well in saving the show that he was praised and transferred. If he hadn''t been transferred, no one else would have had the chance. It wasn''t a matter of competing for a position, but Zhuang Zhixi taking it, and no one else having the opportunity."


    Aunt Su frowned, feeling very displeased. She complained: "So, he stepped on you to get ahead?"


    Old Man Bai: "Exactly, if it weren''t for saving the show, he might not have had this chance."


    Aunt Su: "Then their family should show some gratitude."


    Aunt Su incited: "We should go to their house and make them give up some benefits. How can they step on you to get ahead? They must compensate you."


    She was very proactive in inciting Old Man Bai, but he himself was somewhat hesitant. After a moment of hesitation, he said: "Maybe we should just let it go?"


    Aunt Su: "How can we let it go? If you let it go, they''ll think you''re easy to bully and will surely be even more arrogant in the future. Besides, it''s their family''s fault in the first place. Is it wrong for us to ask for some compensation? Not at all."


    Old Man Bai: "This..."


    Aunt Su: "I support you."


    Old Man Bai, upon thinking, suddenly gained courage. He nodded: "You''re right. I''m a man from Beijing, what do I have to be afraid of? This matter should have been mine from the start. I can''t not go to them. At least half of his salary should be mine."


    Aunt Su: "Exactly."


    She quickly said: "Go to them now."


    Old Man Bai: "Alright."


    But despite saying that, he didn''t move.


    Aunt Su: "What''s wrong? Don''t think about giving them face. They didn''t show you any face in the first place."


    Old Man Bai, despite being muddle-headed with Aunt Su, was actually a bit more sensible than his son Bai Fendou. Although Aunt Su''s incitement was very persuasive, he didn''t move, knowing that this matter wouldn''t work out.


    He had been neighbors with the Zhuang family for decades and wasn''t as brainless as Aunt Zhou. He knew that Zhao Guihua was not someone to be trifled with. This old lady was quite fierce.


    Moreover, although he was very angry about the situation, he couldn''t find any fault with the Zhuang family. He had been scolded by Director Song for half an hour backstage, and the people from the Propaganda Department wouldn''t cover for him. They probably hated him too.


    The actors playing Xi''er and Huang Shiren had already stopped talking to him.


    He had almost caused a big problem for the performance, and those people were probably spreading rumors about him. If he went to the Zhuang family to argue, he probably wouldn''t get anything good out of it.


    Not only would he gain no benefit, but he might also lose face. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Sister Su, we''re neighbors, let''s just let it go. Making a big deal out of this wouldn''t be pretty."


    Aunt Su: "What''s so unseemly about it? Brother Bai, I feel wronged on your behalf. You''ve been practicing diligently in the publicity department, haven''t you? It''s not your fault if your legs go weak just before the performance. I don''t think anyone should blame you for that. If they do, they''re just heartless. Now that Zhuang Zhixi is stepping on you to get ahead, why aren''t they standing up for you?"


    Old Man Bai looked uncomfortable: "Everyone likes Zhuang Zhixi. That old Huang is especially protective of him. That brat knows how to flatter. Director Song, old Huang, and a few other old-timers always smile when they mention him. If I were to confront him, I''d definitely be at a disadvantage. Besides, Zhao Guihua wouldn''t let me demand money from her son. That shrew can cause trouble even when she''s not in the right. Look at how she fought with Aunt Zhou a while back, slapping her with such force. As a man, it''s not appropriate for me to get involved with such a woman. She''s a housewife who doesn''t care about her reputation, but I do."


    Aunt Su could see that Old Man Bai didn''t dare to confront the Zhuang family. She felt a bit contemptuous. No wonder she hadn''t been with Old Man Bai for decades. A man like him is useless in critical moments. How could she possibly look up to him?


    She didn''t expect to find a tiger of a man, but she certainly didn''t want a mouse.


    She pursed her lips and, seeing Old Man Bai''s uneasy expression, guessed that he probably hadn''t fared well in the publicity department. Knowing it was impossible to get anything out of it, that''s why he wasn''t going. This thought made her even more contemptuous. If you can''t do it, just say so!


    Clearly incapable, yet pretending to be all macho. Isn''t that just showing off?


    It was a waste of her breath.


    She felt disdain in her heart but was very good at maintaining a facade for the man, saying, "What you say makes sense too. Although it was unfair of their family, we''re neighbors, so it''s not good to make things too tense. Otherwise, it would be awkward to interact in the future. Actually, I don''t care about this matter; it has nothing to do with me. I just feel sorry for you, feeling wronged and not worth it."


    Old Man Bai was touched: "Sister Su, I understand you..."


    He grabbed Aunt Su''s hand in one go. Aunt Su: "..."


    She took a deep breath and said, "Let go quickly; it''s not good if someone sees us. By the way, where''s your son, Bai Fendou? Why hasn''t he come back yet? What''s the matter with him? Just because of a few words from Xiangxiu, he can''t forgive her? A man shouldn''t be so petty. Doesn''t he understand how sincere Xiangxiu is towards him?"


    Old Man Bai didn''t particularly like Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Sister Su, don''t be too naive. Wang Xiangxiu... I think she''s just like that. It''s a good thing she''s not close to our Fendou. With Fendou''s conditions, finding a twenty-something virgin shouldn''t be a problem. Although Wang Xiangxiu can indeed bear sons, she''s still a widow."


    "What''s wrong with being a widow? Do you look down on widows? Are you looking down on me?" Aunt Su''s eyes turned red.


    Old Man Bai: "No, of course not. It''s just that my son is still a virgin young man, so of course, he has to find a virgin girl."


    Aunt Su forced a smile, saying, "Then I''ll talk to Xiangxiu about it."


    She took a step back, cursing in her heart, "Pfft, virgin girl? Look at your stupid son, does he even deserve that?"


    Not even close!


    You don''t even deserve a widow!


    Aunt Su said, "Since that''s your family''s idea, I''ll tell Xiangxiu, and she won''t bother your son, Bai Fendou, anymore. I hope your son finds a better woman and a better future."


    Old Man Bai: "That''s what I''m thinking. If he finds someone like Jiang Lu with a good family background, wouldn''t that help our family? Don''t you think?"


    Aunt Su: "..."


    What a dumbass.


    She forced a smile, saying, "Yes, that''s for sure."


    Gurgle gurgle, her stomach growled.


    Aunt Su: "Well, Brother Bai, I''ll head back first. It''s almost dinnertime."


    Old Man Bai quickly said, "Stay for dinner. I''ll make some noodles with white flour; let''s eat together."


    Aunt Su: "But the kids at home..."


    Old Man Bai wasn''t capable of loving others'' children as his own, saying, "Wang Xiangxiu is at home with them; you eat here. Don''t be polite."


    He didn''t invite the children.


    Aunt Su saw that she couldn''t take advantage of the situation at home, so she sighed and said, "Alright then."


    Aunt Su stayed at Old Man Bai''s place for a long time without coming out. Aunt Zhou was lurking nearby, sneaking around, muttering curses: "Adulterers!"


    She grumbled, "What a shameless pair."


    Her eyes rolled around, and she said, "You two won''t have it easy!"


    In this courtyard, there were actually quite a few families, but among those who had lost their spouses, there were only a few of them. The newly moved-in Lan Sihai was also a bachelor, and she thought it would be more lively. But she never expected that this old man would find a new partner so quickly.


    This incident was quite a shock.


    Sometimes she would eavesdrop by the wall, only hearing laughter, which made her resentful. Why can''t she live a decent life while others can? She was alone, and before, with Aunt Su and Old Man Bai, everyone was alone, so she didn''t feel anything was wrong with her.


    But now, suddenly, Lan Sihai found a partner, and Old Man Bai stepped up his pursuit of Aunt Su, who also grew closer to Old Man Bai. This left her alone. Her reputation and character were bad, and even if she wanted to find someone, no one would be willing.


    Aunt Zhou was very resentful.


    No matter what, Aunt Su shouldn''t be allowed to find someone; she must stay alone like her.


    Absolutely.


    Aunt Zhou was furious in her heart, but she didn''t know that even though Aunt Su wasn''t a good person, she had no intention of getting involved with Old Man Bai. Why get married when she could spend his money without it? Why marry him and have to wash his clothes, cook for him, clean the house, endure his bad habits and stinky feet, and maybe even take care of his thirty-something son who can''t find a partner? She wasn''t going to suffer that.


    Aunt Zhou was eavesdropping by Old Man Bai''s window, and Zhao Guihua could see everything clearly. In the world of gossip, Zhao Guihua always had loyal partners, like her daughter-in-law, Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei leaned close to Zhao Guihua and said, "Mom, do you think Aunt Zhou really loves Old Man Bai? Look at her, she''s even eavesdropping."


    "Eavesdropping means love?"


    "Well, not exactly, but she''s paying too much attention."


    Liang Meifen also joined in: "That''s right. Earlier, Old Man Bai mentioned that Aunt Zhou even took off her clothes in front of him."


    Oh my, just thinking about it makes one''s eyes burn.


    Liang Meifen felt that seeing such a scene would probably make one throw up their leftover meal from the night before.


    These old folks are really playing around. In our courtyard, the young people haven''t even gotten into any love triangles, yet the older folks are already at it. It''s a good thing they''re old; otherwise, they''d be arrested for indecent behavior.


    Old age saved them.


    Zhao Guihua thought that neither of her daughters-in-law had seen through the essence of the matter. Based on her understanding of Aunt Zhou, there was no true love involved. When she was young, she sought Old Man Bai for money and a good life; now, she sought him purely out of fear that others would live better than her.


    She''s just a twisted soul!


    She said, "This person has issues."


    She didn''t say more; these young folks don''t understand anyway.


    She said, "We''re going for a picnic in the suburbs tomorrow. Is anyone not going?"


    Everyone looked at Zhao Guihua; of course, no one was going to miss it.


    Ming Mei: "I wish I had a seven-day vacation every week and could go hiking every day."


    She still remembered the extra income she made.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, we''re six people..."


    Hutou raised his hand and said pitifully, "Grandma, I''m also a person."


    Xiao Yanzi nodded and moved closer to her brother, saying, "Xiao Yanzi is also a person."


    She said seriously, "I want to be a person."


    Zhao Guihua was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Okay, okay, you can be a person. Don''t worry."


    Xiao Yanzi looked at Zhao Guihua seriously for a while and finally nodded. She said softly but cheerfully, "That''s great, I can be a person now."


    She was afraid that she wouldn''t be included, but Xiao Yanzi also wanted to go; she didn''t want to stay home alone.


    Xiao Yanzi hugged her brother''s arm tightly, not letting go for a moment, determined not to be left behind.


    Zhao Guihua said, "In that case, let''s have the old couple take the two kids on the bus, and you two couples can ride bikes."


    "Sounds good."


    Everyone agreed with this arrangement.


    This was a family outing, and Zhao Guihua added, "We should bring some lunch. Since we''re going out, there''s no rush to come back."


    "You''re right."


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t too keen on taking the kids along, but Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had been looking forward to a family outing for a long time. Although the kids didn''t know how tough hiking could be, they always saw the elders bringing back something from their trips, so they were eager to see what it was like.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s bring more stuff this time. Maybe we''ll have a good harvest."


    They usually came back with something every time they went, so Zhao Guihua was quite confident.


    "Alright."


    "Guihua, are you going to the movies this afternoon?" Aunt Wang walked in, pushing the door open and saying, "The whole family is here?"


    "Yes."


    "Aunt Wang, have you eaten?"


    Aunt Wang replied, "Yes, yes." She waved her hand and asked, "What are you all doing?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "We''re discussing our spring outing tomorrow."


    Aunt Wang chuckled and remarked, "You''re quite energetic."


    She asked, "I heard your third son''s job is being transferred?"


    In no time, Aunt Zhou had spread the news far and wide. She really was a fast talker.


    Zhao Guihua raised her eyebrows in surprise and said, "You have quite the ear for news. I haven''t even mentioned it, and you already know."


    Aunt Wang said, "Oh, Aunt Zhou told me. She heard it from Old Man Bai."


    She glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Zhixi, you''re usually a sharp kid, and I didn''t expect you to seize this opportunity. That''s great. In the future, your Aunt Wang might need your help."


    This was a joke; as a homemaker, she didn''t need Zhuang Zhixi for anything, but she was genuinely curious and came to inquire. How did this kid get so lucky? She couldn''t help but look at Zhuang Zhixi''s head, wondering if there was some kind of luck on it.


    Zhuang Zhixi joked, "Oh, Aunt Wang, you need my help? My Uncle Li and Brother Yang are the darlings of the leaders. Even if I go to the publicity department, I''ll just be a clerk. The leaders won''t even know who I am. But Uncle Li is different; he can talk to the leaders. Everyone in the factory knows that Uncle Li makes the best dishes. All the leaders love them."


    Aunt Wang was flattered and smiled proudly, saying, "You rascal..."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Aunt Wang, don''t say I''m exaggerating. I''m telling the truth."


    Aunt Wang was delighted and said, "Alright, I''ll have Uncle Li put in a good word for you."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sounds good."


    He leaned back in his chair with a smile, and Aunt Wang said, "Zhao Guihua, are you going to the movies? There''s a show this afternoon."


    She was enthusiastic, "They say they''re showing three movies in a row. That''s rare."


    Zhao Guihua said, "I''m going!"


    She was quite eager, but Zhuang Zhixi waved his hand and said, "I won''t go. I''ll stay home and rest. I''ve been pretty tired lately."


    It wasn''t that he was physically tired, but he wasn''t used to the pace. In the clinic, he was always relaxed, but suddenly being busy made him feel out of sync.


    "I plan to sleep well this afternoon."


    ¡°Rest all you want; we''ll go our way. You''re such a weakling, not as strong as us young folks. You''re like mud that can''t be propped up against the wall.¡± Only a mother could tease her own son like that.


    Zhuang Zhixi defended himself, "I''m just a bit weak."


    He said it quite confidently.


    "You never know how to give me a good meal."


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "Just shut up."


    A grown man had the nerve to say he was weak. Was he even a normal man?


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t care and said, "I still need meat to get stronger."


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look and said, "I''ll give you a fart. You''re just thinking of good things. I see you just want meat."


    Everyone laughed.


    Zhuang Zhixi pouted, "Look, I was just kidding."


    Zhao Guihua ignored him and said to Aunt Wang, "Call me when you leave."


    Hutou immediately said, "I''m going too."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Sure."


    These days, there wasn''t much entertainment. Even though they had just watched a performance in the morning, it didn''t stop everyone from going to the movies in the afternoon. The whole neighborhood set off again, bustling with activity. Zhuang Zhixi looked at his wife and asked, "Aren''t you going?"


    Ming Mei said, "I''ll stay with you."


    She teased, "Do you want to be alone at home? Besides, we can watch movies anytime."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "My wife is the best."


    The courtyard gradually emptied as people left for the movies. The couple lay in bed together, cuddling. Ming Mei said, "You must be exhausted these days. Come, let me give you a massage."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and said, "That''s so nice. I''ll enjoy it thoroughly."


    Ming Mei chuckled softly.


    "What are your plans for the future?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Just work hard. Even if I''m transferred, I''ll be new there and need to prove myself. This transfer will draw a lot of attention, and many people will be watching me. I can''t afford to make mistakes."


    He was different from most people. His transfer was exceptional, and if it had been through normal channels, the attention might not have been as intense. But now, being transferred for good performance, he would be under more scrutiny.


    He said, "But you don''t need to worry about me. I''m the best at brown-nosing."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing and said, "Is brown-nosing something to be proud of?"


    "Of course," Zhuang Zhixi said, holding Ming Mei''s hand. "Don''t worry about me."


    Ming Mei teased, "Why would I worry about you? Don''t I know what kind of person you are?"


    She sighed, "But you haven''t had it as smooth as me."


    Ming Mei''s work had always been smooth, which was the difference between a big unit and a small one. In a big factory with thousands of people, how many knew Old Man Zhuang? But Ming Mei''s unit was different; it was smaller, and as a successor, she had it easier.


    "You having a smooth ride is better than me having one," Zhuang Zhixi said.


    "Come, let''s rest a bit."


    The couple chatted casually, not going out. The same went for Wang Xiangxiu. Her family had also gone to the movies. In fact, most people in the courtyard had gone, leaving only a few behind. If truth be told, Wang Xiangxiu wanted to go too, but when she heard that Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t going, she was tempted.


    Since losing Zhou Qun as a source of income, her life had been much harder. Recently, it had been even worse, as Bai Fendou, who was heartbroken, had stopped talking to her.


    Her finances had taken a hit.


    For this reason, she had to look elsewhere for hope. She had always had her eye on Zhuang Zhixi, and now even more so.


    She stood at the window, looking out, and muttered to herself, "I wonder if Ming Mei went out."


    She hesitated for a moment, then suddenly thought that she hadn''t seen Ming Mei leave. She frowned and muttered, "What a nuisance. Always sticking with men and having no life of her own. Pfft."


    Wang Xiangxiu thought for a moment and went out to fetch water.


    As she walked through the courtyard, her eyes kept darting to the window of Ming Mei''s room. After a while, she saw that the other houses were locked. She quietly turned around and silently approached the window of Ming Mei''s house.


    She held her breath and listened intently.


    Wang Xiangxiu had just crouched down when she suddenly felt the window slide open. Startled, she didn''t even have time to react before a bucket of cold water was dumped directly on her. Fortunately, the weather was warm now. If it had been the slightest bit colder, that bucket of water would have been a real nuisance.


    Even so, Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t help but shiver.


    She pursed her lips, about to look up, when she saw the window close again.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "!!!"


    At that moment, she wasn''t sure if Ming Mei had noticed her and deliberately poured the water, or if it was just a coincidence that she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.


    It was quite normal for them to open the window and pour water directly into the yard.


    No one did this in the winter because the ice could cause falls, but in warmer weather, it didn''t matter.


    She cursed her bad luck, tiptoed back quickly, and wondered what kind of water it was. She glared hatefully at the window of Ming Mei''s house, thinking it seemed like an accident. She muttered curses as she changed her clothes. Meanwhile, Ming Mei was pressed against the window, quietly laughing.


    Zhuang Zhixi gave his wife a thumbs up and said, "Impressive."


    Ming Mei put on a smug expression and said, "Who told her to come and eavesdrop?"


    Wang Xiangxiu thought she was being stealthy, but little did she know, she was spotted the moment she arrived. At noon, with the sun at its peak, Wang Xiangxiu''s shadow appeared on the window, though she was unaware of it herself.


    "Is this woman sick? Crazy, coming over to eavesdrop for no reason," Ming Mei said, unable to understand Wang Xiangxiu.


    Zhuang Zhixi half-jokingly said, "Maybe she''s got a crush on me?"


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi and then raised an eyebrow.


    Ming Mei: "Are you serious?"


    She pinched Zhuang Zhixi''s cheek, and he said, "Mercy, my lady, I''m just kidding."


    Though he said that, Ming Mei didn''t believe him.


    Although Zhuang Zhixi loved to joke, she couldn''t take his words at face value. She climbed onto the bed and pinched his cheek, saying, "Comrade Zhuang Zhixi, let me tell you, don''t try to feed me nonsense. She must have tried to flirt with you. I don''t buy your ''just kidding'' act."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Everyone knows that?"


    Ming Mei: "Of course."


    Judging from Wang Xiangxiu''s usual behavior, it was clear as day.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "She didn''t explicitly express anything, but there was a hint of that. However, since she didn''t actually do anything, I can''t just accuse her."


    Though he said that, both of them knew what kind of person she was.


    Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi''s cheek and firmly said, "I don''t care. I''m telling you, you better listen up: stay away from her. If you dare to mess around outside, I''ll kill you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow, you''re quite fierce."


    Ming Mei: "Do you think I''m joking? Let me tell you, if you dare to be like Zhou Qun or Bai Fendou, I''ll show you what it means to have three eyes like the Horse King."


    She said seriously, "I''m not someone to be trifled with."


    Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi, who acted like he was pretending to be injured for sympathy, falling onto Ming Mei and saying, "If I misbehave, let my father-in-law deal with me."


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "Do I need my dad? I can handle you like it''s child''s play. Besides, I..." She paused and said, "I''m not to be messed with."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, thinking Ming Mei didn''t mean that sentence, but since she changed the subject, he didn''t ask further. He said, "Wife, just watch my performance."


    Ming Mei snorted.


    She said, "I''m not just talking big; I mean it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I know."


    This little incident left Ming Mei a bit unhappy, but she still trusted Zhuang Zhixi somewhat. After all, any significant event affecting her would appear in her dreams. Since she hadn''t dreamed about it, it meant Zhuang Zhixi was probably fine.


    From childhood to now, these premonitions had never been wrong.


    She said, "Alright, I''ll trust you for now."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly: "I''m not crazy, you know. Trust me, Comrade Ming Mei, you can see I wouldn''t look at her that way. I''m not blind."


    He wasn''t naturally enthusiastic about such matters. He and Ming Mei got together quickly because it was love at first sight. If he were really into women, he would have dated long ago. After all, during school, people were more innocent, and he had plenty of female classmates.


    He wasn''t bad-looking either.


    Although Zhuang Zhixi could talk the talk and was known as a "ladies'' man," he usually didn''t flirt with young girls. He knew the boundaries.


    There was no need for Zhuang Zhixi to boast about himself.


    Life was about how he lived it.


    She said, "Come, let''s lie down for a bit."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    She said, "I wonder what delicious food my mother-in-law will make tomorrow."


    Her topic shifted again, and Zhuang Zhixi said, "It should be good, right? If we can hunt something tomorrow, we can have a barbecue together."


    Ming Mei: "I think so too. Speaking of hunting, I think I''m pretty good at it."


    Although Ming Mei hadn''t hunted much, just a time or two, she was confident in her abilities. Last time, she proved her skills. In fact, she was quick to react and move, making her better at catching prey than most people. While she might not be as good as seasoned hunters, she wasn''t bad.


    And Ming Mei was sure that with more practice, she would only get better. After all, practice makes perfect.


    Zhuang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhixi smiled meaningfully: "If you get any better, my older sister-in-law will see you and run like she''s seen a tiger."


    Ming Mei: "If she''s scared of me, I think that''s great. It saves me trouble. I don''t want to deal with family drama all the time. If she behaves herself, that''s a good thing. That''s just how I am. If others don''t provoke me, I won''t provoke them. I''m a gentle girl."


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes and said, "You''re really good at blowing your own horn."


    Ming Mei''s little fist immediately flew over. It was true that she needed to be kept in check.


    Zhuang Zhixi was crying out, laughing and begging for mercy: "I''m wrong, I''m really wrong. You''re always right. But when you deal with my older sister-in-law, please don''t hit me, it hurts. I''m your man, after all."


    Ming Mei glared at him: "Stop talking nonsense. I didn''t plan to deal with her."


    She remembered what her mother-in-law had said in her dream. Her older sister-in-law was bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Being a bit fierce would do the trick.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Scare her, alright?"


    Ming Mei laughed.


    "Alright, stop talking nonsense. If someone hears that, they might take it seriously."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Tomorrow, my wife will show her prowess. I wonder what little animals will come to their doom. Little white rabbits, white and fluffy, tender and cute."


    She swallowed and said, "I think rabbits aren''t as good as chicken. I hope we get a wild chicken tomorrow. I want to eat roast chicken."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s a must." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei: "Pfft!"


    The couple was happy, while Wang Xiangxiu was cursing and changing her clothes: "That damn dog, they''ll divorce sooner or later!"


    She cursed viciously!


    No matter how Wang Xiangxiu cursed, the couple''s relationship remained strong. Who would care about her thoughts?


    ******


    The next morning.


    Early, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Zhao Guihua got up. She started making pancakes and then chopped some salty pork and pickled cucumbers into strips to stuff inside.


    Zhao Guihua looked heartbroken at the oil being used and sighed; these days, even with their relatively good living conditions, they still felt deprived.


    The aroma of pancakes and fried meat filled the air. Zhuang Zhixi, tempted by the smell, woke up and came out wearing just a shirt, saying, "Mom, what are you making?"


    Zhao Guihua: "What else? I told you I was going to make you meat sandwiches, but I never had the chance. Since I woke up early today, I made some for you. One each. Try the taste."


    "Oh, that''s great," Zhuang Zhixi said enthusiastically.


    "Of course it''s good! I made Rou Jia Mo (Chinese meat sandwich), and you didn''t see how much oil and meat I put in. With so many good ingredients, how could it not be delicious?" Zhao Guihua said, "Eating like this wastes so many good things. If it weren''t for worrying that you all might be too tired today, I wouldn''t have made such a lavish meal."


    "Mom, what are you talking about? I know how much you care for us. You''re the best mom we could ask for," replied Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, "Heh, you''re all talk."


    "Being able to talk well is a good thing, isn''t it?"


    It wasn''t just Zhuang Zhixi who smelled the aroma and came out. Soon, the two kids, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, also came running in their slippers, clattering loudly, eager and impatient.


    "Granny, is it something yummy? It smells like meat!"


    "Xiao Yanzi wants to eat."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Yes, it''s meat. Go wash up, and then we''ll eat."


    The kids responded in their sweet, childish voices, "Okay~"


    Liang Meifen also hurried out to help. Ever since they split from the family, her meals had been much better, and her mood had improved significantly.


    In fact, Rou Jia Mo wasn''t anything particularly special for them. This dish had been around for a long time, but since their family wasn''t well-off, they hadn''t had the chance to enjoy it much.


    "If every day could be like this, that would be perfect," she murmured.


    The family sat down together to enjoy their lavish breakfast. But in the courtyard, others began to grumble. In these times, having such a luxurious breakfast was unheard of.


    The aroma wafted through the courtyard, sparking a lot of discussion and complaints.


    "Whose family is this? Aren''t they holding back at all? Such a strong smell of oil."


    "What kind of household is this, eating like this?"


    "Someone''s eating meat for breakfast? Did someone really have meat?"


    "Whose family is this!"


    "I want to eat meat too! I want to eat the fatty bits..." The sound of a child crying emerged. This early morning, the courtyard was bustling with noise.


    Complaints, crying, and the sound of scolding children¡ªit was a mix of familiar and unfamiliar sounds, as if it happened every day, yet not quite so chaotic. But no matter what, another lively day had begun...

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75The Zhuang Family set off in a grand procession, their gate already locked while others were still busy with breakfast.


    Aunt Su watched them leave and quickly came out to ask, "Where are you going?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "It''s rare for the whole family to have a holiday together, so we''re going for a spring outing. With such beautiful spring weather, it''s best to get out and enjoy it."


    She added with a hint of sarcasm, "You''re not planning to stay indoors, are you? I think it''s important not to stay cooped up at home all the time; it can lead to all sorts of problems. The kids are always playing in the alley, so they should get out and stretch their legs too."


    Aunt ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Su weakly smiled and said, "We still have a lot of work to do at home; we can''t compare to your family."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Oh, come on, we''re all in the same boat. Besides, a day or two off won''t make much difference to your workload."


    With that, they left. Aunt Su watched them go, her lips pressed together in envy. She couldn''t understand why Zhao Guihua''s life seemed so much better than hers. Zhao Guihua had a husband who hadn''t passed away, and her son was thriving, while her own situation was... She clenched her fists tightly.


    She cursed under her breath, "I hope they trip and die on their way out!"


    "Aunt Su, what are you doing? Oh, isn''t that Zhao Guihua''s family? Where are they going?"


    Aunt Su replied, "They''re going for a spring outing."


    She sighed and said, "When you''re living well, everything seems easy. They can do whatever they want, while I can''t even decide what to do. They have holidays to go on outings, while we have to keep working at home."


    Old Man Bai heard this and quickly said, "It''s just an outing; it doesn''t cost much. Come on, gather your kids, and let''s go too. What''s so special about a spring outing? It doesn''t cost anything. You shouldn''t feel bad about it."


    Old Man Bai thought Aunt Su was just a simple and honest person who felt bad because of Zhao Guihua''s bragging. He didn''t think it was a big deal.


    He said with a smile, "Don''t think it''s such a big deal. Wait for me to get ready, and we''ll go to the pond. I''ll bring a fishing rod, and we can go fishing. What do you say?"


    Aunt Su hesitated, "Won''t that be too much trouble for you?"


    "What trouble? We don''t need to be so formal with each other."


    This touched Aunt Su''s heart, and she said, "Well... alright then."


    Just as they finished talking, they saw Aunt Wang leading her daughter and two children out the door. Aunt Su quickly stopped them and asked, "Are you going out too?"


    Aunt Wang replied, "Yes, Hutou is going for a spring outing, and my sons, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, got so excited they insisted on going too. Kids love to compare, and if everyone else is going, they''ll feel left out if we don''t take them. My husband and son-in-law don''t have the time; they have to work overtime at the factory during the holiday. The boss is hosting a banquet, so they can''t miss it. So, my daughter and I will take these two rascals to the zoo. It should be fun."


    Her gaze fell on the gate of Zhao Guihua''s house and she said, "Oh, Guihua''s already left? They left pretty early."


    She added, "Well, we''re off too."


    The four of them left, and soon Uncle Lan and his wife also came out.


    Aunt Su was shocked, "You two are going for a spring outing too?"


    She thought to herself, "Spring outings are for kids, aren''t they? What''s the deal with old folks going on outings?"


    Lan Sihai wasn''t too keen on greeting Aunt Su, but his wife, Luo Xiaolian, said, "We''re going to the park to paddle boats."


    It wasn''t exactly a spring outing, but it was close enough.


    Aunt Su was relieved she had agreed to go out with Old Man Bai; otherwise, everyone would be out, and only her family would be left at home, making them look out of touch. Although their circumstances were modest, Aunt Su still believed they were no worse off than anyone else.


    Just as she was about to boast that her family was also going out, Zhou Qun''s family of three came out. Her eyes widened in disbelief, "You''re not going for a spring outing too, are you?"


    Madam Zhou Li was dressed in her newest outfit, her hair neatly combed, and even had a faint scent of face cream.


    She snorted and said, "None of your business," before strutting out proudly.


    Zhou Qun whispered, "Why do you even bother talking to her?"


    He looked down on the people in the courtyard; they were useless except for gossiping. He thought such neighbors weren''t worth having.


    He snorted coldly and said, "Let''s go."


    They weren''t actually going for a spring outing. Zhou Qun''s recent troubles had become quite the talk of the town, and Jiang Lu''s parents were pushing for a divorce, which Zhou Qun knew. He was deeply unhappy about it but also knew he had to stop his in-laws from pursuing this.


    Not only did he need to stop them, but he also had to ensure they continued to support him. Without their help, his career would suffer greatly.


    This time, he even brought his mother along, knowing that an old woman could be quite effective in playing the victim. So, Zhou Qun didn''t hesitate.


    Zhou Qun''s family didn''t explain why they were going out, but Aunt Su firmly believed they were also taking advantage of the holiday to go out and enjoy themselves. This made her even more envious.


    Originally, she thought only Zhao Guihua''s family was going out, but it turned out almost everyone in the neighborhood had plans. She wondered how they had all decided without letting her in on it.


    Luckily, her family had also made a last-minute decision to go out; otherwise, they would have looked out of place.


    Aunt Su raised her voice, "Old Man Bai, are you ready? We need to go too."


    Old Man Bai rarely saw Aunt Su so openly expressing her closeness, and it made him quite happy.


    "Almost ready, almost ready. We can go soon."


    He asked, "Fendou, are you coming with us?"


    Bai Fendou rolled over and said, "I''m not going."


    He had been feeling quite down lately, and his mood wasn''t great. It wasn''t that he was being melodramatic; he genuinely felt bad. His search for a partner hadn''t yielded any results, and that was weighing on him.


    In fact, his recent coldness toward Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t because she had treated him poorly. He understood Wang Xiangxiu''s situation; she had to consider their reputations. He knew that, despite some unsavory rumors, Wang Xiangxiu was a good woman, a very good woman. She was virtuous and proper.


    Yet, he still distanced himself from her. Sometimes, it wasn''t that he didn''t love her.


    It was that he couldn''t.


    He wanted to make things work with Wang Xiangxiu, but it was extremely difficult.


    Just like Old Man Bai had issues with Wang Xiangxiu, Bai Fendou had issues with Aunt Su, feeling that she as a mother-in-law was holding Wang Xiangxiu back. It was hard for him to be with Wang Xiangxiu, and he didn''t want to fall behind Zhou Qun, who was also from the same courtyard. If he ended up with a divorced woman with kids, he would feel inadequate.


    So, even though he didn''t want to, he still kept his distance from Wang Xiangxiu, hoping that someone would introduce him to a nearly perfect woman.


    He didn''t need perfection, just near-perfection. Surely, that wouldn''t be too hard to find?


    Bai Fendou covered his face and lay on the bed, feeling gloomy about his lack of a partner. Old Man Bai called out to him a couple more times, but seeing he didn''t move, he said, "You''re really not coming? We could go fishing together, maybe even improve our lives a bit. Look at the courtyard¡ªeveryone''s out, and you''re the only one staying home. Don''t you feel embarrassed?"


    Old Man Bai had also overheard their earlier conversation.


    Bai Fendou replied, "Don''t bother me."


    Old Man Bai snorted, "Fine, I don''t want to bother you either."


    Since Bai Fendou wasn''t going, Old Man Bai didn''t bother with his son anymore. He just said, "Give me the bike."


    "Here, take it," Bai Fendou tossed the keys to his father and continued to daydream.


    Old Man Bai quickly left, humming a tune, heading towards his lovely lady... or rather, his old lady.


    Wang Xiangxiu was still feeling down the day after Ming Mei had splashed her with water. As she watched her three sons hopping and skipping, ready to head out, she said, "Go ahead, I won''t be joining you. It''s rare that I have a holiday, so I''ll tidy up the house and clean the windows."


    Aunt Su: "That''s fine."


    After a pause, she added in a whisper, "Bai Fendou isn''t going either. Go and comfort him, make sure he doesn''t slip out of our control."


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded and agreed.


    This was something she had to do. Without it, how could her sons live a good life, eat well and use the best? That required money, and she had no other options. Other men weren''t as selfless and generous as Bai Fendou, so she had to keep him in her grasp.


    At this moment, she also felt a bit of resentment towards the ghost rumors. If it weren''t for those, she would still be doing fine with Zhou Qun.


    Although Zhou Qun was a three-second man, she didn''t expect any pleasure from him. Money was enough.


    She sighed softly, wondering how likely it was to win Zhou Qun back. She didn''t like him, but she had to admit that Zhou Qun was the most generous man she had ever met. Others just weren''t as good.


    She did have some interest in Zhuang Zhixi, but he wasn''t easy to deal with either. And such a young man probably didn''t appreciate the charms of a fuller-figured woman like her. She was well aware of this, as she always paid attention to whether a man''s eyes were on her.


    Clearly, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t interested.


    She felt so frustrated.


    "Put in some effort. You could control Bai Fendou in a heartbeat if you wanted to," Aunt Su said, thinking her daughter-in-law was upset about Bai Fendou.


    Aunt Su also had some discomfort. She was most afraid that her daughter-in-law would really fall for Bai Fendou. But for the sake of this fat sheep, she had to encourage her daughter-in-law. Although Wang Xiangxiu had broken off with Zhou Qun just a few days ago, Aunt Su could already feel the strain on the household budget. Bai Fendou was generous.


    Zhou Qun was the same; losing him was a loss. Zhou Qun might not be great in other ways, but he was truly generous with his money.


    He earned a lot and kept his money tightly in hand, with over ninety yuan a month.


    Oh, how could they ever spend all that money? As long as they said the right things, the money would be theirs.


    For a moment, Aunt Su even thought about seducing Zhou Qun herself. Wang Xiangxiu had broken off with him, so maybe she could step in. After all, Zhou Qun liked older women; he might even like her.


    But this thought quickly passed. She couldn''t afford to lose face like that.


    Besides, Zhou Qun was a bit ruthless, and she didn''t want to provoke him.


    "Anyway, try to get more money. The weather is warming up; the kids will each need a new set of clothes," Aunt Su kept pressuring Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, "I know."


    Seeing that she had taken it to heart, Aunt Su smiled and went out.


    It was the second day of Labor Day, a rare holiday. Almost no one was left in their courtyard; everyone had gone out, even some young wives weren''t home tidying up. Wang Xiangxiu suddenly felt the quietness of the courtyard.


    Normally so lively, even this morning it had been bustling with life, now it was so quiet.


    She sat alone in the house, lost in thought...


    People in the courtyard gradually left, and at this time, Zhao Guihua and the others had already arrived at the outskirts. On holidays, there were more people coming into the city, but fewer going out. So the bus wasn''t too crowded.


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang led the children off the bus. Old Man Zhuang carried a bucket with a smaller bucket inside. Zhao Guihua held one child''s hand in each of hers, holding them tightly. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were both wearing short-sleeved shirts. The two kids had been listless on the bus, and even after getting off, they still didn''t have much energy.


    Zhao Guihua led the two kids to the shade of a tree and said, "Feeling unwell? Did you get car sick?"


    The kids softly hummed in agreement. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi leaned against Zhao Guihua. She said, "They haven''t arrived yet, let''s sit down and rest for a while, just in time to wait for them."


    There was still a ways to go up the mountain, so it was good to rest a bit.


    She sat down and poured water from her flask for the children. The two kids each drank some and sighed softly.


    Hutou was listless and said, "Grandma, it''s so far out here."


    The child had always thought going out was great, and it was unfair that the adults never took them. But now, they didn''t think that way anymore. The kids were so tired they almost wanted to lie on the ground. Hutou: "Riding the bus is so tiring."


    Zhao Guihua: "What did you think? Do you think we don''t take you out on purpose? We''re taking the bus, and you''re like this. If we were riding bikes, it would be even more tiring, probably hot and thirsty."


    Actually, if the two kids had come on bicycles, they might not have been in worse shape than now. They were mainly a bit car sick, not tired, but the kids couldn''t explain that.


    Zhao Guihua knew they were car sick, but she didn''t say anything. If they knew it was just car sickness, they''d definitely want to come next time. Kids needed a little trickery now and then.


    The two kids sat listlessly on the small stones. At this moment, Xiao Yanzi suddenly called out, "Mom and Dad!"


    From afar, they saw Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi riding bikes with their wives, already arriving. The weather was a bit hot today. Even though they had left early and not gone out in the sun, they were still sweating.


    Zhuang Zhixi waved from afar, "Hello, comrades!"


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched. This rascal, did he think he was three and a half?


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, however, were very responsive to their uncle and immediately jumped up and down, shouting, "Uncle! We''re here!"


    Zhuang Zhixi, with his long legs, quickly rode over. He put his foot down to steady the bike and said, "How are you feeling?"


    Hutou complained, "Little Uncle, we don''t feel good, I feel nauseous and want to throw up."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ah, then if we catch something delicious on the mountain, you''ll be too nauseous to eat it, right?"


    Hutou immediately said, "Then I''m fine, I can still eat a little."


    This kid, no consistency at all.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "You greedy little thing."


    Xiao Yanzi muttered, "We''re kids, kids are all greedy. If we weren''t greedy, we wouldn''t be kids."


    This child, she even had a logical explanation.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, you''re better at arguing than your brother."


    The little girl didn''t understand what arguing meant and scratched her head, saying, "Little Uncle, don''t scold me, I''m very well-behaved."


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but laugh, "Everyone''s here, shall we continue up the mountain?"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi looked at the lush forest and said, "Do we have to walk?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course, what did you think?"


    He looked at the mountain path and said, "It''ll take quite a while."


    This path up the mountain would take at least an hour. If they were riding bikes directly, it would be faster, but with the kids, they couldn''t do that.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s go."


    "Let''s go!"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi echoed, "Let''s go!"


    The whole family, a big group, started up the mountain.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi ran ahead, like little puppies let loose.


    But puppies were just puppies, and they didn''t last long. Luckily, there were bicycles, and the two kids sat on the back. Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen each pushed a bike with a child.


    Zhuang Zhixi held Ming Mei''s hand and walked at the back.


    Xiao Yanzi asked, "Little Uncle, why aren''t you pushing me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re your mom''s kid, what? Feeling sorry for your mom and want me to be the labor force? Not a chance!"


    Xiao Yanzi scratched her head in confusion, not understanding what her uncle meant, but she knew he didn''t want to push, so she quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Actually, she preferred her mom to push the bike because when Little Uncle and Auntie Ming Mei were around, they always asked questions that were hard for little kids to answer.


    Whenever the kids couldn''t answer, they would laugh.


    They were so mean.


    Under everyone''s concerted efforts, it took over an hour to reach the location of the mountain pond. Normally, they shouldn''t have brought the kids along. However, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were not too young, and these two children could still listen to the adults.


    Generally speaking, if they were told not to speak about it, they probably wouldn''t.


    Even if they did talk about it outside, it''s unlikely that anyone would believe them. After all, kids exaggerating is a common occurrence, right? Plus, it took a long time to get here, and even if the kids wanted to come, they probably couldn''t find the way.


    That''s why Zhao Guihua decided to bring them along for a visit, to prevent these two little ones from constantly fantasizing about how great it was here.


    Zhao Guihua led everyone to a familiar spot. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi jumped off the bicycle, their eyes wide with amazement: "Wow!"


    There was a small lake in the mountains.


    Both children were utterly astonished.


    Hutou quickly asked, "Grandma, can we fish here?"


    Over the past half year, their family had eaten fish more frequently, so Hutou had some idea about it.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Of course."


    Old Man Zhuang proudly placed his hands on his hips and said, "Let me do it. Grandpa is very good at fishing."


    Old Man Zhuang, who was usually unassuming, suddenly became more assertive.


    When it came to fishing, he was undoubtedly the best in the Zhuang Family.


    No contest.


    Zhao Guihua snorted but didn''t contradict Old Man Zhuang. She said, "Your grandpa is indeed good at fishing."


    Old Man Zhuang added, "Grandpa will fish, and then we''ll grill the fish. How about it?"


    Hutou''s eyes lit up: "Great!"


    Xiao Yanzi also spun in circles, flapping her hands excitedly. She was simply overjoyed.


    Zhao Guihua assigned tasks: "We''ll split into pairs. I''ll definitely be paired with your dad. We''ll stay here. Our job is to fish and gather firewood. If we catch anything, we''ll grill the fish here. Zhixi, you and your wife head east; Zhiyuan, you and your wife head west. There are plenty of ripe fruits now, so pick some if you see any. If you come across wild chickens or rabbits, try to catch them, but don''t worry if you don''t. Safety first."


    This was the usual routine, but it was still necessary to remind everyone.


    After all, she was the head of the family.


    "Alright."


    "Sounds good to me."


    Everyone agreed without objections.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "This is the mountains, not your cozy kang. There are unknown risks, so be careful of snakes, insects, and rodents. They''re everywhere. Also, remember the way; don''t get lost without finding anything and end up needing us to search for you."


    "Mom, don''t worry, we''re not that clueless," one of them replied.


    "Yeah, you''re underestimating us," another added.


    Zhao Guihua just chuckled in response.


    "Grandma, what about us?" the children asked, unsure of their role.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "You two shouldn''t venture into the woods. Stay here, okay?"


    "Okay."


    "I''d rather stay with Grandma."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, satisfied: "That''s more like it."


    The three pairs quickly split up. Old Man Zhuang didn''t visit often, but he was quite experienced. After all, the fish here were plentiful, and he always had good catches. As soon as they separated, Old Man Zhuang''s fishing rod moved.


    Old Man Zhuang exclaimed, "Oh, a fish is biting the hook!"


    "Where? Where?"


    The two children immediately crowded around, watching as Old Man Zhuang pulled up a fish, about twenty centimeters long¡ªa decent catch.


    "Wow!"


    "Grandpa is awesome!"


    "Grandpa is the best!"


    "We have a big fish!"


    The children''s praises were loud and enthusiastic, and they were thrilled.


    Zhao Guihua remarked, "These two little rascals!"


    She asked, "Do you want to come with me to gather firewood, or stay here and watch the fishing?"


    "Watch fishing!" they chorused.


    With a catch already, of course, they wanted to see more fishing.


    Zhao Guihua reminded her husband, "Keep an eye on them. Don''t let them go near the water."


    "Okay~"


    Things were going smoothly on their end, and the same was true for Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen. They hadn''t walked far when they spotted a wild cherry tree. The cherries, though small, were already red. Back in the days when black markets were more common, some farmers from the countryside would pick them and sell them in the city.


    Although these cherries weren''t particularly valuable, they still had a market. Kids would buy a bowl to snack on, while adults might use them to make wine. However, since the black markets were mostly shut down, they rarely saw such things anymore.


    Liang Meifen was excited: "Quick, let''s pick a lot to take back. They''re a bit sour, but they''re delicious. When I was a kid, having a bowl of wild cherries was a real treat."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan suggested, "Let''s have some now."


    Liang Meifen replied, "We should pick some for the kids."


    If she were with her sisters-in-law, she might have kept them for herself, but since her own children were with her, she wouldn''t do that.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan chuckled, "What are you saying? This whole tree of cherries, surely there''s enough for everyone. We can have some now. Let me try one."


    He plucked a few and popped them into his mouth, smacking his lips: "Hmm, pretty sour."


    "Of course they''re sour. If wild cherries weren''t sour, they wouldn''t be called wild cherries, would they?"


    "True enough."


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei hadn''t had much luck. The couple had walked quite a distance, and Ming Mei commented, "Today''s not been very productive. We haven''t seen anything."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "That''s normal. We can''t expect to have a catch every time."


    Ming Mei continued, "But I thought we''d at least see some rabbits. My grandpa told me that rabbits are very prolific. During the toughest years, they were the most common wild game people caught. Sure, they''re fast and not easy to catch, but there are so many of them. With fewer people coming up the mountain now, you''d think we''d see some rabbits."


    Zhuang Zhixi was also puzzled. Last time they had a great catch, but this time, they had nothing.


    Not having anything was different from having something but not catching it.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Who knows what''s going on. Let''s keep walking and see. Be careful, though. Last time we encountered a big snake."


    Ming Mei replied, "You think encountering one is easy? Sure, they''re scary, but they''re not exactly common."


    That was true. Despite being dangerous, they weren''t exactly everywhere.


    Ming Mei added, "There''s another possibility."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What?"


    Ming Mei said seriously, "I think there might be some kind of fierce animal around here, which is why rabbits and wild chickens aren''t coming this way."


    This wasn''t just her speculating; she had a real suspicion.


    Last time they had such a rich catch, but this time, they had nothing, which didn''t make sense.


    Ming Mei continued, "I think there might really be a more powerful animal around, scaring away the smaller ones."


    Suddenly, she said with a shiver, "What if there are tigers, lions, bears, or leopards?"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched, and he was momentarily speechless.


    He had married a naive wife.


    Was that even possible?


    This was a small mountain near the suburbs.


    Suburbs!


    Small mountain!


    Not Northeast China, not Southwest China.


    Tigers, lions, bears, leopards?


    Come on, what are you dreaming about?


    Such rare animals wouldn''t be found here.


    This small mountain near the suburbs wasn''t the kind of place where such creatures would roam.


    Sure, they had been here for a while, but this area was still within the boundaries of the city. Places like this might hide a snake, but a tiger?


    The nearby suburban villages would have reported it long ago if there were any.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s expression was so incredulous that Ming Mei pouted, "What, you don''t believe me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Do you believe it yourself?"


    Ming Mei''s eyes flickered, and she said, "Why shouldn''t I believe it?"


    She huffed, "I think..."


    "Wait."


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly interrupted.


    Ming Mei looked up, "What is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Did you hear that rustling sound?"


    Ming Mei tilted her head slightly, and Zhuang Zhixi said, "Listen carefully."


    Ming Mei remained silent for a moment before softly replying, "I think I hear something."


    This wasn''t a joke; she genuinely heard a sound. Immediately, Ming Mei thought of her earlier words and whispered, "Don''t scare yourself."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let''s find a place to hide first. Something might be wrong."


    He still remembered the time they encountered that giant snake. Although they managed to sell it for money, he really didn''t want to reminisce about it. The two exchanged glances and quickly found a more suitable hiding spot.


    Yes, a position that would make it easier to escape.


    "What do you think it is?" Zhuang Zhixi asked his wife in a hushed tone.


    Ming Mei suggested, "Maybe I should climb a tree and take a look. I might be able to see something."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately objected, "No, what if a snake is coiled around the tree?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She carefully examined the tree and firmly said, "There''s nothing."


    This man sure knows how to scare people.


    Without hesitation, she started climbing the tree. The trees here were much easier to climb than the ones in the city. Since no one usually came to such high mountains to cut trees, the forest was dense with plenty of branches. Ming Mei found a good foothold and quickly scaled the tree.


    Zhuang Zhixi warned, "Be careful."


    "I know," Ming Mei replied cheerfully, then placed her hand over her eyes to survey the area, focusing on the direction from which the sound had come.


    "Did you see anything?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Nothing."


    From her high vantage point, her field of vision had widened considerably.


    "If there''s nothing, we should leave this area. Uncertain situations..."


    "Holy crap!" Ming Mei suddenly exclaimed, her voice filled with shock.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What happened?"


    Ming Mei stammered, "I-I saw... I saw a wild boar!"


    No wonder there were no small animals around; they must have all fled to avoid this wild boar.


    But do wild boars eat rabbits and pheasants?


    She wasn''t sure.


    Still, it didn''t stop Ming Mei from speculating.


    She was utterly stunned, muttering, "Why would there be a wild boar in these mountains?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly asked, "Is it far from here? Get down quickly; we need to leave."


    If it was a wild boar, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t dare to confront it. Although the venomous snake they had encountered before was dangerous, as long as they didn''t get bitten, there was still a chance. But this wild boar was different.


    Wild boars were not like domestic pigs. After years of roaming the forest, their hides were incredibly thick.


    Even with a kitchen knife, they might not be able to cut through it. The blade could break, but the boar would remain unharmed. Moreover, wild boars had tusks. Zhuang Zhixi was firm: "Get down quickly; we need to leave."


    He had no intention of hunting such a formidable beast.


    Hunting required absolute dominance over the prey. Without that, he didn''t approve of taking such risks.


    Ming Mei didn''t argue. She said, "Alright, let''s hurry back and warn everyone. I think our mother, Zhao Guihua, needs to be more careful when she comes here. This place isn''t very safe. I originally thought there was nothing, but now it seems there''s quite a bit."


    They had already encountered two dangerous animals.


    It was strange, though. When Zhao Guihua came alone, she never encountered such beasts. But Ming Mei had only been up the mountain twice, and both times she had run into them. She muttered as she climbed down the tree, "Do I have some unresolved karma with them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Who knows?"


    He helped Ming Mei down and said, "Let''s hurry."


    Ming Mei reassured him, "Don''t worry too much; it''s still a bit far from here."


    It was fortunate that they had sharp ears; if they had gotten closer before realizing, that would have been dangerous. As it was, there was still a considerable distance, and the trees in between might prevent the boar from reaching them.


    Ming Mei sighed, "If only we had a hunting rifle. We could take it down in one shot. That boar looks pretty fat; that''s a lot of pork."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "We don''t. Don''t get any ideas; just follow me."


    Ming Mei smiled and followed. She hadn''t really intended to take down the boar; she was just venting. But it seemed Zhuang Zhixi took her seriously. Had she been too bold in the past?


    She hooked her arm through Zhuang Zhixi''s and said, "Let''s go back and spread the word, then find another spot to continue..."


    "Bang!"


    A loud noise echoed, followed by several more: "Bang bang bang."


    Not only did the sound come from a distance, but there were also noises from the wild boar.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei froze in their tracks.


    Someone was hunting the wild boar!


    Ming Mei quickly realized what was happening. "Someone''s using a gun," she said without waiting for Zhuang Zhixi to respond. She swiftly climbed the tree again, moving like a nimble monkey.


    She immediately looked toward the direction of the boar, as it was obvious the sounds were aimed at it. She quickly climbed up and surveyed the scene. In the distance, she saw a group of teenagers, around seventeen or eighteen years old, surrounding the boar. Two of them were holding guns that made popping sounds, while the others carried long knives, clearly prepared for this hunt.


    They were well-equipped.


    The wild boar had already collapsed, killed on the spot.


    Ming Mei exclaimed, "Wow, someone actually brought a gun up the mountain. I wonder whose mischievous kids these are."


    Zhuang Zhixi began climbing the tree as well, though not as agile as Ming Mei. He wasn''t entirely useless, but he wasn''t as skilled. Still, he was determined to see the situation for himself, rather than relying solely on Ming Mei''s reports.


    Ming Mei continued to narrate from above.


    She said, "They''re really excited; they''re jumping around. But they don''t look like local kids; more like sons of officials from the city."


    In this era, one could tell a lot about someone just by their clothes.


    Zhuang Zhixi, while climbing, commented, "That makes sense. There are no hunters around here; you''d have to go deep into the mountains for that."


    "They''re making a stretcher to carry the boar down the mountain. That boar looks huge; they''re in for a feast," Ming Mei said with envy, though not out of jealousy. Their family didn''t have such advanced weapons. If they had only a kitchen knife, Ming Mei didn''t believe they could succeed. It just wasn''t realistic. She might be quick, but she wasn''t invincible.


    Ming Mei sighed, "That''s nice."


    Zhuang Zhixi consoled her, "We can''t envy them. They have the tools to take down a wild boar. We''re unarmed; do you expect us to punch it? We can''t win. Honey, you''re already very capable. Let''s not dream about that big boar. Instead, we should focus on finding rabbits or pheasants. They still need our care."


    Ming Mei nodded, "That makes sense. Hmm?"


    She let out a questioning sound and said, "They''re cutting off the pig''s tail and trotters and throwing them away. What wasteful kids! That''s meat; how can they just throw it away?"


    She was heartbroken, as if it were her own pig.


    Zhuang Zhixi was also surprised and asked, "Cutting them off?"


    Ming Mei confirmed, "Yes, they''re still cutting them. I can see it. Oh, they''ve re-tied the pig and are moving it. But earlier, one of the boys wanted to cut off the pig''s head, but the others stopped him."


    Zhuang Zhixi was puzzled and muttered, "Why would they do that?"


    He finally managed to climb high enough to share Ming Mei''s view. Upon seeing the group of teenagers, he chuckled and understood their reasoning. He said, "They''re cutting those parts off to lighten the load as they carry the boar down the mountain."


    He paused and added, "I guess they considered cutting off the head too, but they probably wanted to keep it as proof of their success in hunting a wild boar."


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that his guess was probably right. These young boys didn''t look like grown men at all; at first glance, they seemed to be only fourteen or fifteen years old. It was a tough situation for them to be staring down a massive wild boar weighing over 200 pounds as it came down the mountain. Even with a group, they would have a hard time handling it.


    Admittedly, they were quite clever to cut some corners.


    Instead of struggling for a long time, stumbling and barely managing to get the boar down the mountain, it was undoubtedly better to do it this way. If they could let go of the less meaty pig''s head, it would be even better, but it was clear they weren''t willing to part with it. So, they had to settle for discarding the tail and trotters.


    Poor pig''s tail, so tiny, what weight could it possibly add? It''s like picking on the tail.


    But then again, these fourteen or fifteen-year-old boys, even twenty-something adults like them didn''t really understand either.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What a waste! Pig trotters are so delicious. Boiled and dipped in soy sauce, they''re amazing; roasted until slightly crispy and sprinkled with chili powder, they''re also fantastic. If you cut them into pieces and stew them with radish, the flavor is out of this world. Let me tell you, if we had pig trotters at home, we could make¡­"


    Ah, can''t keep talking, the more I talk, the hungrier I get. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Slurp!


    Seriously, the more I think about it, the more delicious it seems.


    He was already starting to drool.


    Ming Mei whispered: "When my sister-in-law was nursing her baby, she used pig trotters. Stewed with soybeans, simmered over high heat, then low¡­ Mmm, so delicious! Even the soybeans inside had a delicious meaty flavor, with a hint of the unique aroma of beans. It''s not at all inferior to the meat."


    The two gluttons exchanged a glance, and suddenly, Ming Mei said, "Let''s go pick up the scraps."


    Zhuang Zhixi spoke at the same time: "Let''s go pick up the scraps."


    The two of them, almost in unison, really were a couple with a mutual understanding.


    They both burst out laughing simultaneously. Ming Mei playfully scolded, "I didn''t expect you to think the same as me. So, shall we go now? They''ve thrown away the stuff, which means they don''t want it anymore. We can pick it up and it won''t go to waste."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Resources are quite tight right now. Since we''ve seen it, we can''t be the ones wasting pig trotters. We have to cherish every grain of food and every piece of meat."


    The two of them spoke so earnestly, but really, they were just hungry.


    They both swallowed hard. Ming Mei urged, "Quick, quick, let''s get down. Otherwise, if other animals take it, we''ll have run all this way for nothing."


    "Okay."


    Despite Zhuang Zhixi''s slow climb up the tree, the mention of food made him surprisingly agile. He slid down smoothly, plopped onto the ground, didn''t even feel the pain, and quickly got up, brushing off the grass from his clothes. "Let''s go, do you know the way?"


    He wasn''t as good at finding his way as Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei proudly nodded. Was this not knowing the way typical of Ming Mei, who came from a family of drivers?


    Of course not!


    She waved her hand confidently, exuding a sense of boldness. "Follow me!"


    The two of them didn''t care about anything else and hurried toward the good stuff. These were items that couldn''t even be bought at the grocery store. If they missed out, they''d be the biggest fools under the heavens.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei held hands, like a couple of mountain rangers, dashing forward without fear of fatigue or hardship.


    Pig trotters, here I come!


    Pig''s tail, I''m coming!


    Charge!

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76The potential of a person is limitless.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that even when he was a child and secretly followed his older brother and sister, he had never run this fast. But thinking that ahead lay pig trotters, he felt that he could still manage to push himself a bit more, or even twice more. After all, those were rare pig trotters, something they couldn''t usually buy.


    The two of them were panting heavily, though in reality, it was just Zhuang Zhixi who was panting. Ming Mei''s breathing was steady and strong.


    Working in the medical office, Zhuang Zhixi was more of a slacker compared to Ming Mei, who spent her days selling tickets on buses, constantly walking up and down. However, this didn''t dampen his enthusiasm. He quickly followed his wife, and the two of them finally reached their destination.


    It was undeniable that their speed had played a significant role.


    When they arrived, no animals had shown up yet. Of course, it might also be because there were no fierce animals like tigers or wolves on this mountain. Zhuang Zhixi quickly picked up the four pig trotters and the pig tail, placing them in the basket. He was so excited that he almost wanted to dance: "Oh, look at our luck! Did we just score a jackpot?"


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but laugh. "Of course."


    This time, they had truly encountered something good¡ªsomething that was hard to come by. It was rare to hear of anyone being so lucky as to score such a great find. The joy of scoring a jackpot was beyond imagination.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked around and remarked, "They must have been here specifically to hunt this wild boar."


    Ming Mei: "How do you know?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Look at the surroundings. It''s perfect for ambushing, and those kids brought such dangerous things up the mountain. They must have been well-prepared."


    Ming Mei observed and nodded in agreement with Zhuang Zhixi''s words. She sighed, "I think..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hmm?"


    Ming Mei: "They were probably here to kill the wild boar, and it has nothing to do with us. It''s best that the wild boar was taken down. Otherwise, such a fierce creature could easily injure people. Mother often goes up the mountain, and if she encountered it, it would be bad. Fortunately, it''s been taken care of."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Exactly."


    The two of them relaxed. At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes suddenly wandered. He said, "Wife, do you think they can carry it?"


    Ming Mei: "I doubt it."


    This wasn''t about looking down on them. Although today they encountered five young boys, they all looked quite young. Even if they took turns carrying the wild boar, it wasn''t some small pig. Even Ming Mei could tell that the wild boar must weigh over 200 pounds.


    Carrying it for a while might be fine, but getting it into the city would be quite challenging.


    Ming Mei hesitated and said, "What are you thinking?"


    Truly, a wife knows her husband best.


    She stared at Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re not thinking of continuing to score another jackpot, are you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why not?"


    He rubbed his hands together: "I think they''ll get tired and probably cut off the pig''s head. Even though it''s not cut now, I think they''ll give up on the head sooner or later."


    Ming Mei: "But what if we get seen by them?"


    Young people have a lot of energy, and if a conflict arises, it wouldn''t be good.


    She wasn''t afraid of fighting, but beating up bad people was one thing; picking on kids was another.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We''ll quietly follow behind. After they cut off the head, there''s nothing else to cut. We''ll pick up the head and leave."


    Ming Mei made the decision: "Let''s do it."


    The two quickly followed the footsteps. These boys were heading directly down the mountain, but they weren''t taking the same path up the mountain as Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi. Instead, they were taking another route. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei followed closely. Ming Mei: "Hey, look."


    She pointed and saw a clump of wood ear mushrooms.


    Ming Mei: "These are delicious. Let''s pick them on the way back."


    "Alright."


    The two continued to follow. Zhuang Zhixi: "If we go down this way, it''s a bit farther from the city."


    Ming Mei: "Maybe they''re not kids from the city?"


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t sure. He said, "Who knows? Looking at their clothes, they should be. But never mind, let''s not worry about them. We... hey, look, the pig''s head!"


    Their prediction was correct. By the halfway point on the mountain, the pig''s head had already been cut off. It seemed they had taken a long time to do it, as the marks were still fresh. The two decisively scored another jackpot.


    Ming Mei was thoroughly satisfied. Although they hadn''t hunted the wild boar themselves, being able to pick up so many good things without doing anything was quite a joy.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If we could meet kids like this every time we go up the mountain, I think we could live a good life without doing anything."


    Ming Mei teased: "You''re dreaming."


    Of ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????course, he was dreaming.


    Such good fortune only comes once in a blue moon.


    This was because the boys were young. If they had been hunters or villagers, they wouldn''t have had a chance to score such a find.


    "Let''s go. We''ll head back."


    Swish, swish, swish.


    A sound came from nearby. Ming Mei immediately said, "There''s movement."


    A wild chicken appeared. Ming Mei''s hand was faster than her mind. The kitchen knife in her hand flew out and hit the wild chicken, which fell to the ground, instantly dead.


    Ming Mei: "Wow, I''m so amazing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Clap, clap!"


    Ming Mei chuckled. The two quickly picked up the wild chicken. Ming Mei said, "See, I told you there were fierce animals around, which is why the smaller animals ran away. Now that the wild boar is dead, the wild chicken came out."


    Zhuang Zhixi was puzzled: "Wild boars don''t eat wild chickens, do they?"


    The two city-bred kids were deeply pondering the question of whether wild boars eat wild chickens.


    However, there''s nothing that can''t be solved by giving up.


    It wasn''t a big deal, so they quickly stopped thinking about it.


    "Let''s go back and pick the wood ear mushrooms."


    The two quickly headed back.


    "It really is true that you can live off the land. Do you think the villages at the foot of the mountain know there are so many good things here?" Ming Mei sighed. Zhuang Zhixi glanced at his wife and said, "Of course they know."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought more clearly than his mother on this matter. He said, "There are no villages directly next to this mountain. The closest ones are a bit of a distance away, but not too far. Even so, it doesn''t stop them from coming up the mountain. It''s a bit far for us city folks, but for them, it''s not too bad. They definitely know. Otherwise, where did all the mountain goods sold at the old pigeon market come from? But now, with stricter regulations, everyone is more careful."


    Ming Mei agreed with this view, but she also said, "But if they all come up the mountain, why are there still so many good things here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This mountain isn''t very high, but if only one or two villages come to pick, it shouldn''t be completely stripped bare, right?"


    Ming Mei: "That''s true."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "I even think that the pond our mother found might be known by others. But like us, they don''t dare to catch too much. They don''t have the conditions. After all, it''s not easy to find the right balance."


    Catching too much could be accused of overharvesting.


    If you try to hide it completely, it''s not easy. If you try to sell it on the black market, it''s risky. So if others have also found this pond but are taking it slow, that wouldn''t be surprising.


    Ming Mei: "Well done, Zhuang Zhixi. I think you have a good way of looking at things."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "That''s right. You should know who I am. I''m quite capable."


    This man was boasting again, not at all shy. He was quite calm, saying, "I think that although I may not be as strong as you physically, when it comes to using my brain, I''m not lacking at all."


    After saying this, he even clapped for himself, laughing, "Hey, aren''t we a perfect match¡ªone strong, one smart?"


    Ming Mei: "Pfft."


    She poked Zhuang Zhixi''s shoulder and said, "Stop it, don''t be so full of yourself."


    "How am I being cheeky? Everything I said is true."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei finished packing up the last of the wood ears and said, "Let''s head back. We''ve walked quite far, so let''s start making our way back."


    The distance they had covered was indeed considerable. While they hadn''t felt it much during their run and chase, now that they had stopped, the vast distance became apparent. Ming Mei exclaimed, "What a wonderful day!"


    She jokingly said, "Do you think if we encountered a venomous snake like last time, we''d strike it rich?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t scare me like that."


    He pretended to be frightened, saying, "I''m not as brave as you. Sure, making money would be great, but I prefer a bit more stability. If this kind of thing happened a few more times, I''d be scared to death."


    Ming Mei giggled, and Zhuang Zhixi pouted, "Are you laughing at me?"


    Ming Mei replied cheerfully, "Not at all."


    Whether she was telling the truth or not, only she knew. However, her eyes, brimming with laughter, gave her away. It was clear she was teasing him.


    Zhuang Zhixi said "menacingly," "Just you wait. I''ll deal with you tonight."


    Ming Mei: "Hmph, I''m not scared of you."


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Then don''t beg for mercy."


    Ming Mei''s cheeks flushed slightly as she said, "When have I ever begged for mercy? I won''t stoop to your level."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hehe."


    Ming Mei: "Hmph."


    She pouted, "What do you mean by that? You''re ''hehe''-ing at me."


    This laugh sounded quite annoying.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wife, aren''t you being a bit too bossy? I can''t even ''hehe'' without you getting upset."


    He pulled Ming Mei closer and said, "Given your bad behavior, I''ve decided to teach you a lesson twice tonight."


    Ming Mei slapped Zhuang Zhixi''s hand, and he pretended to cry out in pain, "You''re bullying me like this? Waaah, I knew you were a bad person. Tonight, I''m going to teach you a lesson three times..."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    This man was truly shameless.


    She decided not to engage with him and quickly took a few steps forward.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Why are you walking so fast? Wait for me, wife."


    The more he said, the faster Ming Mei walked.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My lovely wife, if you keep this up, I''ll have to do it four times..."


    Ming Mei was speechless. She stopped and challenged him, "Four times? Are you sure? Are you sure you have the stamina?"


    She mockingly looked him up and down and snorted, "You''re bragging."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "!!!"


    He stared at his wife in shock. Had he just been mocked?


    Well, he couldn''t let this stand. He declared firmly, "Tonight, I''ll show you!"


    With a fierce expression.


    Ming Mei: "Hehe."


    She let out a cold laugh.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hey, you can doubt my laziness or my stamina, but you can''t doubt my abilities."


    Ming Mei: "Heh."


    Her laugh was incredibly mocking.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ...He couldn''t stand this. As a man, you could say whatever you wanted about him, but you couldn''t say he wasn''t capable. He was definitely capable, as he had proven himself before. He felt very wronged and wanted to prove himself again.


    "When we get home..."


    He couldn''t prove himself right now, so he could only make empty threats.


    Ming Mei: "Comrade Zhuang Zhixi, as a... oh, forget it~"


    Suddenly, Ming Mei darted past Zhuang Zhixi and shot off like a rocket. Her movements were incredibly fast, like a rabbit on the run. Ming Mei dashed forward, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly followed. In a few quick steps, Ming Mei had captured their prey¡ªa wild goat.


    Ming Mei held the goat down and called, "Quick, come help!"


    The wild goat wasn''t as quick or agile as a wild chicken or rabbit. It hadn''t managed to escape much when Ming Mei pounced on it. She quickly grabbed some willow branches and tied it up.


    There were plenty of willow trees on the mountain, which was quite convenient. At least when encountering a prey, they had something to use.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly helped his wife tie up the goat. Both of them were a bit disheveled, but the joy of their catch was overwhelming. Ming Mei shook Zhuang Zhixi''s arm and exclaimed, "We''re rich, we''re rich!"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, fully agreeing. He muttered, "Our luck is really good, isn''t it?"


    Ming Mei pointed to her nose and said, "It''s my luck."


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed with this. His mother had been to the mountain many times, and even his sister-in-law had gone with her, but they had never had such a big catch. However, every time Ming Mei went to the mountain, she had great luck.


    Moreover, it seemed that this luck was exclusively Ming Mei''s. For example, if it were him, his mother, or his brother... they probably wouldn''t have been as quick or skilled as Ming Mei in capturing a venomous snake or a wild goat.


    They might not even have been able to spot a wild boar''s hoofprint, let alone catch one.


    Their estimation of the location and the actual spot could be vastly different.


    But with Ming Mei around, everything was different.


    Ming Mei had an impeccable sense of direction and could navigate the mountain paths easily. Her high combat skills also made her a reliable partner. Zhuang Zhixi, who was less skilled in this area, felt very safe and secure by his wife''s side.


    "Wife, you''re amazing."


    Ming Mei: "Of course I am."


    She was so proud she could hardly contain herself. "I didn''t expect my luck to be this good. Who knew this silly goat would just pop out like that?"


    Although the wild goat had only briefly shown itself, Ming Mei had spotted it instantly. Her eyes were like magnifying glasses, always sharp and accurate.


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "Let''s go. Today, we''re going to have a great feast and decide how to handle this goat. Should we kill it or keep it alive?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We have to kill it. There''s no place to keep it, and if you try to raise it in the yard, you can bet someone will report you."


    He was quite clear about this.


    It wasn''t that people were inherently malicious, but everyone was like this.


    Where did this goat come from? How did it end up here? People were very suspicious.


    Ming Mei frowned, "But if we kill it, with this hot weather, it won''t keep well."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s leave it to Comrade Zhao Guihua when we get back. I wonder if providing such a big wild goat will exempt us from paying our living expenses for a few months. Didn''t we agree that small game like wild chickens and rabbits would be shared, but bigger catches like this would belong to the individual?"


    Ming Mei laughed, teasing, "Oh, look at you. Once you got married, your loyalty shifted."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How is that shifting loyalty? Isn''t my sister-in-law looking out for herself too?"


    He spread his hands, "I''m married now, so of course, I have to think about my own family."


    Ming Mei chuckled softly, "You''re... something else."


    She scratched her head as they walked, "Do you think your mom will think I''ve corrupted you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi stood tall and confidently said, "That''s impossible. My mom knows what kind of person I am. If anything, it''s me who''s corrupting you, not the other way around. To be honest, in other families, they might blame the daughter-in-law, but you can rest assured with my family. My mom might have a bad temper, but in this regard, you can trust her completely. She knows me better than anyone."


    Ming Mei: "You''re quite proud of yourself."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why shouldn''t I be? I''m not doing anything wrong."


    Ming Mei: "That''s true."


    Everyone looked out for their own family.


    They were doing fine now, but once they had kids, everything would cost money.


    Ming Mei scratched her head, recalling her mother-in-law''s words¡ªchildren were money-sucking monsters.


    Ming Mei didn''t fully understand, but she was greatly impressed.


    This was the reality of raising children¡ªit was expensive.


    As Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi walked back along the path, Ming Mei spoke softly. Don''t let her strong combat skills fool you; she still had a bit of her mother''s gentle nature. She spoke in a soft, sweet voice that made her seem easy to take advantage of, but anyone who knew her even a little bit understood the truth.


    In these times, there were no truly weak people.


    Ming Mei: "Do you think they''ll have any luck?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was quite reasonable: "My dad will definitely catch something. He has a knack for fishing, and there are plenty of fish in this pond. He won''t come back empty-handed. As for the others... I''m not so sure. My older brother and sister-in-law have been to the mountains many times, but they''ve always followed my mom''s lead. If they''re on their own, I can''t predict how well they''ll do."


    He spoke frankly: "Wild rabbits and chickens are hard to catch. My mom managed to catch some before because she used a strategy. You caught yours because of your speed and precision. But my older brother and sister-in-law... to be honest, I don''t have much hope for them. They''ll probably just pick some wild fruit. Look, they''re taking advantage of me again. I may complain a lot, but I''m the one who always ends up losing out. Can''t a person who loses out complain?"


    Ming Mei chuckled softly.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I used to take advantage of him when I was a kid, and now I''ve paid him back in full."


    He sounded quite resentful.


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi in surprise and said, "What did you do when you were a kid? Come on, tell me so I can laugh."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Ming Mei: "Tell me, tell me."


    She really wanted to know about Zhuang Zhixi''s childhood.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "When I was a kid..."


    He drew out the words, and Ming Mei urged, "Go on."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and then said, "I was actually a good kid."


    No one believed that.


    "I really was a good kid. I didn''t cause much trouble, but I was pretty clingy with my older brother and sister. They were older, so they didn''t like having me as a tagalong, but I always managed to keep up. They couldn''t shake me off no matter what. Back then, our family was poor, and there wasn''t much to eat. My brother and sister would often find ways to get food outside. Come to think of it, Hutou is a bit like my older sister. She would eat anything, even wild vegetables, and once almost got food poisoning. Luckily, it was just a scare and she was fine. They would pick fruit, catch sparrows, or get a small fish from the river, and they never ate alone... not that they didn''t want to. Those two always tried to sneak a bite, but they could never escape my sharp eyes. I was always sticking to them, so I usually got most of the share. If they didn''t give it to me, I would cry. They ended up splitting a small portion between them, and I got the larger share. If I didn''t get my way, I would cry, and my older brother and sister would get scolded because of me."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    This kid really seemed a bit annoying.


    "When I was little, my mom would divide the food equally among us. Every time she did, I would quickly stuff my share into my mouth and then look pitifully at my older brother and sister, with tears in my eyes. I would act as miserable as possible. My older sister saw through my tricks after a few times and started stuffing her food quickly too. But my older brother... every time, he would give me half of his share. Later, when he got older and could find food on his own, I ended up taking even more advantage of him. Hehe."


    He sighed, "My older brother was really good to me before he got married."


    Ming Mei: "So you don''t like your sister-in-law because you''re jealous. You''re jealous that she took your brother away from you."


    Zhuang Zhixi pouted: "I''m not like that."


    Ming Mei: "You totally are."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled: "I''m really not. I may be a bit petty, but you can''t say that about me. It''s hurtful."


    Ming Mei grinned: "Are you sure?"


    Zhuang Zhixi spoke firmly: "Of course not. The main reason is that she has no boundaries when it comes to helping her family and even tried to scheme against me. Otherwise, I wouldn''t care. Honey, you can''t misunderstand me."


    Ming Mei: "I didn''t."


    As they walked and talked, the journey didn''t seem long at all.


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi had a fruitful day, and Zhuang Zhiyuan''s prediction turned out to be spot on. Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen didn''t catch any game, but they still had a decent harvest. Besides picking a lot of wild cherries, they also found a large patch of mushrooms, though they were just the common kind.


    Still, it was quite good. After all, as long as they weren''t poisonous, they could eat them.


    Mushrooms were a great find. In the winter, fresh vegetables were scarce and mostly limited to cabbage and radishes. They had learned how to make pickled cabbage from Auntie Wang, which added another dish to their menu.


    But mushrooms would be a nice addition. They could be stewed in the winter, offering a change of taste.


    The couple picked for a long time and then, under the sun, headed back. Zhuang Zhiyuan was in high spirits: "I bet our harvest is even better than Zhixi''s."


    He was unusually chatty: "Last time they caught a wild chicken and rabbit, he bragged about it to me at least ten times. I don''t believe they''ll always be so lucky. This time, it''s our turn to brag."


    His smile was radiant, but Liang Meifen wasn''t as optimistic. She whispered, "I think Sister-in-law Ming Mei is quite capable."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Yeah, I know that, but they have to come across the animals first. I don''t think there are that many wild rabbits on the mountain. We haven''t seen a single one all morning."


    Liang Meifen: "Uh..."


    She timidly said, "I saw one. It dashed by so fast, it was gone in a flash."


    "Hmm? Did you?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan hadn''t seen it, but Liang Meifen had. The rabbit had moved like a sprinter, vanishing in an instant. Before she could react to chase it, it was already out of sight.


    She was quite frustrated.


    "Yes, it was too fast. We didn''t even have time to react before it was gone."


    "See? It''s not easy to catch."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    But, but, for Ming Mei, wasn''t it easy to catch?


    Liang Meifen wanted to argue, but seeing her husband so cheerful, she swallowed her words.


    She was conflicted. On one hand, she hoped Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi had a big harvest so they could benefit from it. But on the other hand, she didn''t want them to have a big harvest because... she glanced at her husband. He would be disappointed, wouldn''t he?


    Seeing him so happy now, she really didn''t know what to hope for.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen walked back together. Compared to Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, who chatted all the way, they were much quieter. This was the difference between an old married couple and a newlywed one. As for Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang, who were even older, they were quite harmonious.


    They had their tasks divided, and after a morning''s work, both Zhuang Zhiyuan''s and Zhuang Zhixi''s families had good harvests, and their side was no exception.


    Old Man Zhuang caught quite a few fish, and Zhao Guihua roasted some, giving each child one. The fish had many bones, so Zhao Guihua carefully watched the two kids eat. After they finished, she didn''t give them more. However, for the kids, getting a fish as a snack for picking up some firewood and wild vegetables was quite a treat.


    Hutou asked cheerfully, "Granny, what should we do with the fish we caught at home?"


    Zhao Guihua: "We''ll roast one each for lunch today, and the rest we''ll take home to make dried salted fish."


    Hutou nodded happily: "Salted fish is good too."


    Zhao Guihua looked at Hutou and thought how easy it was to please kids these days. As long as there was food, everything was fine. Hutou got married quite late. When his child was born, she was already quite old and couldn''t take care of the baby. By the time the child could run, jump, and eat on their own, it was already the 1990s.


    She couldn''t take care of the child, but she lived with Hutou, and his wife hired a nanny because she couldn''t manage alone.


    Even with several people taking care of the child, mealtime was always a struggle.


    The child wouldn''t eat this, wouldn''t eat that.


    Just for eating, little Hutou got scolded a lot.


    It was a struggle to get kids to eat these days. Life had gotten better, and it seemed like kids had started to become picky eaters. Now that times were tough, kids would eat anything. Zhao Guihua barely noticed in the corner of her eye that Xiao Yanzi was up to something and shouted, "Xiao Yanzi!"


    Xiao Yanzi, who had been about to pop some wild greens into her mouth, dropped them instantly to the ground.


    Zhao Guihua sighed and tapped her forehead. "What are you doing eating that?"


    Xiao Yanzi''s eyes sparkled. "I just wanted to taste it."


    "Eating it raw like that will upset your stomach. You need to blanch it and dip it in sauce at home." Zhao Guihua was exasperated. She couldn''t take her eyes off these kids for a second before they started shoving things into their mouths. "Don''t you remember what happened to your brother when he ate those wild berries by the road? He ended up in the hospital. If you don''t listen, you''ll end up there too, taking the nastiest medicine and getting the most painful shots."


    Xiao Yanzi''s face turned serious immediately. "Xiao Yanzi will be good. Xiao Yanzi won''t eat random things."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "If you get sick, you''ll get shots."


    Xiao Yanzi instantly became well-behaved. No kid liked taking medicine or getting shots.


    "Besides, if you fill up on this now, what will you do when there''s meat for lunch?" Zhao Guihua had a bit of blind faith in Ming Mei. "Maybe they''ll come back with a wild chicken or rabbit. Do you like meat or grass better?"


    Xiao Yanzi was decisive. "Meat!"


    She wasn''t a little rabbit; why would she like grass?


    She loved meat, especially rabbit meat.


    The little girl''s mouth watered as she swallowed hard, and Hutou also started to daydream.


    They hadn''t been idle this morning. They had helped dig wild greens, gather firewood for lunch, and done many other things. If it weren''t for the grilled fish they had eaten halfway through, he would be starving by now.


    Hutou patted his stomach and said, "Grandma, when are we having lunch? I''m hungry."


    "Xiao Yanzi is hungry too."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Wait a bit. They haven''t come back yet. Those guys have been out for quite a while."


    "Mom, we''re back!" Zhuang Zhiyuan and the others arrived first. Seeing Zhao Guihua, they excitedly showed off their haul. "Mom, look at our good catch! We got a lot of mountain cherries and mushrooms. If we dry these mushrooms, they''ll be perfect for stewing with chicken."


    Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "Oh, that''s great!"


    Hutou asked, "Dad, where''s the chicken? Chicken, chicken?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    Who would have thought that his own son would be the one to call him out? What a disappointment.


    "The chicken... we''ll get it later."


    Hutou looked suspiciously at his dad. He wasn''t a four or five-year-old easily fooled child anymore.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan coughed awkwardly. "What are you looking at? Do you have a problem? There are no wild chickens in the mountains. Even if there were, do you know how hard it is to catch them? They''re not like domestic chickens; wild chickens are tough. They don''t just run; they can fly. It''s incredibly difficult to catch them. It''s not that we didn''t try; there just aren''t any."


    "What''s not there?" Zhuang Zhixi''s voice came from behind, and they returned almost at the same time as Zhuang Zhiyuan, though from a different direction.


    "Uncle, my dad said there are no wild chickens in the mountains. I... huh?"


    Hutou''s voice trailed off.


    Everyone''s gaze froze.


    It was Zhao Guihua who reacted first, exclaiming in surprise, "Where did you get a goat from?"


    She was utterly shocked.


    There were goats in these mountains?


    She remembered hearing in her previous life that there wasn''t much in these mountains.


    Where did this rumor come from?


    She stared in disbelief at her youngest son and daughter-in-law, her gaze finally settling on Ming Mei. "Where did you catch it?"


    Not "you," but "you."


    As a mother, she knew her son well.


    It couldn''t have been Zhuang Zhixi; it must have been Ming Mei''s doing.


    Ming Mei replied, "In the mountains, of course. We went quite far, hehe."


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but give her a thumbs up. "You''re really something."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi looked at each other, murmuring, "Are we going to have goat to eat?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Yes, we''ll have goat. Isn''t your auntie amazing?"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded quickly, gazing at their auntie with admiration, thinking she was the most amazing person in the world. No one else could compare¡ªnot their mom, dad, or even grandpa.


    Well... Grandma could be amazing too, but she didn''t catch the goat, so Auntie was still the best.


    Hutou asked, "Auntie, are you a fairy?"


    Ming Mei grinned proudly, lifting her chin. "If you want to say that, I won''t object."


    Her smug expression made everyone laugh. Zhao Guihua sighed, "This goat is really something."


    She was rummaging through the baskets when she suddenly saw a big pig''s head. This startled Zhao Guihua. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan peeked over. "What the...!"


    Even a gentleman couldn''t help but swear.


    "Where did this come from?"


    Zhuang Zhixi perked up, immediately launching into the story of how they found the wild boar, got scared, and were about to leave when they heard a loud noise. He was a great storyteller, turning a simple event into a thrilling tale that had everyone wide-eyed.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "So, did a few guys with guns take it down?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan added, "They couldn''t carry it, so they chopped off the limbs and head and left it?"


    Liang Meifen exclaimed, "What a waste! Such good stuff!"


    Old Man Zhuang, who had stopped fishing, genuinely marveled, "You guys sure have great luck."


    The two kids didn''t understand much, but they knew that someone had left this behind. Their big, confused heads wondered why anyone would leave such delicious meat behind. Could it be that there were people in the world who didn''t like meat?


    Inconceivable!


    Everyone was shocked, each with their own thoughts.


    But Zhao Guihua thought even more.


    Based on the description, it sounded a lot like the group of young men from the big compound who, in her previous life, had discovered a fishpond and caught a lot of fish, then proudly marched into the city.


    It wasn''t just a guess; there was solid evidence. First, the timing was about right¡ªit was around the same time in her previous life. Second, these kids were quite boastful, just like the ones from her past. Most people would keep such good fortune to themselves, but these guys loved to show off, proudly taking the bus and telling anyone who asked about their luck. This had led to the area being quickly depleted.


    If just one or two, or even ten or eight people came to catch fish, it wouldn''t have much impact. Like Zhao Guihua and her family, who came every day near the end of the year, catching fish for almost a month and selling them, it didn''t dry up the area.


    It was only when large numbers of people came¡ªcity folk, rural folk¡ªthat the fish were all caught, even the small fry, turning the pond into a dry basin.


    This time, if they returned so proudly and were seen, more people would likely come into the mountains.


    Even if they didn''t show off, if others saw the pond and knew there were fish... it might end up the same as her previous life.


    Regardless, Zhao Guihua was determined. "We have to catch as many fish as we can today. Old Man Zhuang, from tomorrow on, you and I will come here to fish. If necessary, we''ll set nets. We have to catch as many fish as possible."


    Liang Meifen didn''t quite understand but nodded obediently.


    As for her husband Zhuang Zhiyuan, he was the type who didn''t understand but still had to ask: "Mom, why are you in such a hurry? It''s not good to bring back too much. It''s better to take it slow."


    Zhao Guihua retorted: "Do you think I don''t want to take it slow? If more people start going up the mountain, what''s the point of taking it slow? Maybe it''ll all end up in someone else''s hands."


    "More people going up the mountain?"


    Zhao Guihua rubbed her forehead. This eldest son of hers, though he looked smart, was actually quite clueless. He always spouted big theories, but when it came to these little details, he just couldn''t figure them out. She was speechless, but still explained: "Do you think those few guys carrying a wild boar into the city won''t be seen? Once everyone knows there are wild boars on this mountain, there will always be those who are daring. Do you think this pond will stay hidden forever? Now that no one knows, but once more people find out, will this still be ours?"


    "Uh, you''re right."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore. I''ll prepare lunch. I brought some flatbreads, let''s roast them. Oh... wait, what''s this? A wild chicken?"


    Ming Mei: "I caught it."


    She looked innocent: "One slash, and it was dead."


    As soon as she said that, everyone turned to look at Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    Little Hutou''s expression was the most subtle. He said, "Dad, weren''t you saying wild chickens are hard to catch?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    Xiao Yanzi chimed in: "Dad lied!"


    Oh, child, why are you exposing your own father?


    That''s your dad!


    Zhuang Zhiyuan''s face turned bright red.


    Major embarrassment.


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s roast the wild chicken."


    The worst thing about this weather is that anything spoils quickly. But there are also good points. When the sun is strong, if you dry fish, by midday and into the afternoon, you can get them about three-quarters dry.


    After four or five days, they''ll be completely dry. That''s much better than in cold weather.


    "Eldest daughter-in-law, you pluck the chicken''s feathers; Old Man Zhuang, you help the eldest and third sons slaughter this goat. We''ll handle it here and then take it back to the city."


    She continued: "I''ll handle a few fish, third daughter-in-law, you help me."


    "Okay."


    Everyone immediately got to work.


    Ming Mei also felt a bit uneasy and asked, "Mom, slaughtering the goat here, won''t the smell of blood attract any animals?"


    Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment, then looked at the two children and said, "You two, don''t just stand there. See that? Some dried mugwort over there, go and pick some."


    The two children hurried off. Watching them leave, Zhao Guihua said, "I''ll light some mugwort to mask the smell. Plus, this is near a pond, so the smell should dissipate more easily."


    Ming Mei: "Mm-hmm."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Ming Mei and said directly, "This goat, by rights, should belong to you and your husband."


    She then looked at the eldest son and his wife: "Didn''t I tell you this before? If we come across something big, it''s yours. Small things like rabbits and chickens go to the family."


    Zhao Guihua had mentioned this before, so Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn''t surprised. He nodded: "I know. This wild goat was caught by my sister-in-law, we won''t take it."


    Liang Meifen felt a bit awkward and secretly pinched Zhuang Zhiyuan, but he seemed impervious to pain. Liang Meifen herself didn''t dare to object.


    Zhao Guihua continued: "But selling it would be a pity. I think we should keep it for ourselves. It might be a bit extravagant, but it''s good for our health. Before Zhixi got married, we saved on everything, but now that you''re all married, I don''t need to be so strict. This goat, your father and I will buy it."


    Ming Mei: "Ah?"


    Ming Mei quickly shook her head: "How can I take your money? That wouldn''t make sense."


    Zhao Guihua: "What''s the big deal? One thing is one thing. I''m not that kind of biased old lady."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan then spoke up: "Mom, we really can''t let you pay. If you buy it, it''s still for the whole family to eat. How can we shamelessly take advantage of our elders? I think this way: you tell us how much the goat is worth."


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you planning?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I''ll buy it. As the older brother, I can''t keep taking advantage of my younger brother. Normally, we pay the same living expenses, and with two more kids, we''re already at an advantage."


    Liang Meifen couldn''t believe Zhuang Zhiyuan''s suggestion and silently pinched him again, but Zhuang Zhiyuan ignored her.


    Zhao Guihua looked deeply at her eldest son and felt a mix of emotions. In her previous life, she had tried hard to keep the family harmonious, refusing to split the family, but the brothers ended up with their own grievances and grew further apart. Now that they were technically split, they were actually more peaceful with each other.


    It was clear they had no issues with each other. Completely different from her previous life.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t know what to say. In her previous life, she did a lot and was resented, but in this life, she did less and everyone thought she was fair...


    She was a bit speechless but still said, "Since you insist, I''ll be fair..."


    She looked at the eldest son and decisively said, "Ming Mei, cut a leg off the goat and take it to your family. After all, you caught it."


    Ming Mei nodded: "Okay."


    Liang Meifen felt bitter inside. She really didn''t hold back.


    Zhao Guihua: "The rest of the goat, let''s price it at fifty yuan. Goat meat is a bit more expensive than pork, usually around one or one-point-two yuan. Plus, you need coupons for it. This goat isn''t very big, minus the bones and a leg, the remaining meat should be about forty or fifty pounds. It probably won''t reach fifty, but with the bones for soup and the innards, we''ll just count it as fifty yuan. This way, it''s like we all bought it together. You don''t have to feel like you''re being filial to me, we have our own money too. But since you''re being filial, we''ll pay a smaller share, and you pay the bigger share."


    She was determined to calculate clearly: "If it''s fifty yuan, you each pay twenty, and I''ll pay ten. Any problems?"


    The two sons and their wives were all stunned, nodding blankly.


    "Then Zhixi deducts his twenty, and the eldest, you give twenty to your brother, and I''ll give him ten."


    Everyone continued to nod blankly.


    Zhao Guihua: "So this goat is considered bought together by the whole family. No one is taking advantage of anyone. Zhixi, your older brother isn''t taking advantage of you. You''re not taking advantage of your older brother."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    His mom was still the most cunning. How did she come up with this?


    He hadn''t even thought of this operation.


    Zhao Guihua: "As for the wild chicken, pig trotters, pig head, and pig tail, these small things we won''t count."


    She said: "You don''t have to feel like you''re at a disadvantage because you have more game than your older brother. Normally, when I go up the mountain, your sister-in-law helps, and she doesn''t complain. But we can''t calculate everything to the last detail, or else what''s the point of being a family? It would be too cold."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I understand."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Mom, we get it."


    Zhao Guihua glared: "What do you get? I know you, old woman that I am. Everyone says ''yes, yes, yes,'' but in your hearts, you all have your own little plans. I''m just saying this in advance, so you brothers don''t secretly curse each other behind each other''s backs, calling each other stupid or idiots!"


    Zhuang Zhixi and Zhuang Zhiyuan felt greatly wronged.


    They didn''t do that!


    The two looked at each other. Honestly, between them, there were no grudges at all.


    This mom of theirs, was she overthinking things?


    Too much imagination.


    Zhuang Zhixi defended himself: "Mom, I wouldn''t think that about my older brother. Besides, when have you ever heard me call someone an idiot?"


    That''s not even something he would say.


    He was truly wronged!


    Zhuang Zhiyuan also felt this wasn''t right. He wouldn''t hold grudges in his heart. His mom must have been watching too many dramas, she was just imagining things. What was she thinking, treating them like that? Poor brothers, they were clean and honest, yet their mom was making them out to be something else.


    It was really... so bitter!


    ¡°Mom, we really aren¡¯t like that, we¡¯re a family, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop stuttering with your ''I'' this and ''I'' that. Get to work already.¡± Zhao Guihua decisively settled the matter, then looked down at the fish. After a moment of hesitation, she said, ¡°We¡¯re not cooking this fish. Let¡¯s just dry it! Since we¡¯ve got this freshly slaughtered lamb, it¡¯s so fresh¡ªlet¡¯s have grilled lamb skewers for lunch.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Everyone was surprised.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Giving you all some meat, and you¡¯re not happy about it?¡±


    ¡°Happy!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Alright, start working, let¡¯s get this party started!!¡±


    Today is a wonderful day, hey~

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77After Zhao Guihua had finished tutoring her two sons and scolding them a bit, she turned to the two youngest ones. She stressed over and over again, they absolutely must not tell anybody about their hunting ventures, not to mention the roasted fish, chicken, or lamb skewers. All was to be kept a secret. 0


    If word spread, they would end up with nothing at all. 0


    Absolutely nothing. 0


    Not only would they starve, forced to feed on grass, but they''d get a sound beating too - smacked on their butts three times a day!0


    This scared the living daylights out of the two little ones, both clamping their hands over their bums and solemnly swearing that they would be the most obedient children on earth, not gossipers by any means. 0


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re all talk now, but if you forgot as soon as you get home, don''t blame me if I stop taking you out, and don''t even dream about tasting meat! Do you understand? Will you remember this?" 0


    Both children bobbed their heads very seriously, indicating that they had committed this to memory. They would dare not forget; otherwise, they''d have no more meat to eat, and to them, there was nothing more delicious in this world than meat. 0


    Nothing was tastier than meat!0


    Nothing!0


    After threatening and scaring the two little ones, Zhao Guihua then came over to help. They poured the sheep''s blood into a bucket, and Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but be thankful for her wisdom. Without a doubt, she was the smartest person. 0


    When she set out this morning, she thought to bring extra tools, since strength lies in numbers.0


    She believed that many hands make light work, so she didn''t skimp on the equipment, of course, learning from the previous mishap. They brought a good amount of things along, even two buckets, one large and one small.0


    She reasoned that if they could only catch turtles, those could be stashed away in the small bucket. 0


    See? A solid plan, indeed!0


    However, they didn''t catch a single turtle; however, the preparations weren''t for naught. The sheep''s blood fit perfectly in the bucket, and later, when she got home, she could make some blood tofu. It would taste rather good. Zhao Guihua was pleased as punch. Looking at Ming Mei, she couldn''t help but remark, "You, lass, certainly have some luck. I''ve come out here with my eldest daughter-in-law so many times, never once did we get a haul like yours. You''re quite something." 0


    Ming Mei chuckled proudly, then earnestly confessed, "To tell the truth, yeah, only I could have found out. Others wouldn''t have."0


    She counted off on her fingers, "I can climb trees. It was only because I heard a slight movement and climbed up that I saw the wild pig. If it were someone else, they might just skip off or go closer. If they went closer, it would''ve been dangerous, if they left, they would''ve missed out. It was only because I climbed the tree that I saw everything clearly."0


    She continued to tick off a second finger, "Secondly, I have an excellent sense of direction. If it were someone who''s easily lost, even if they went searching, they might not find it. I never get lost and remembered the surrounding environment accurately, which is why we hardly took any detours."0


    "Lastly, had we not walked that way, we wouldn¡¯t have seen the mountain goat. So, I think, besides me, it would be extremely unlikely for anyone else to make such discoveries." 0


    Zhao Guihua: "Makes sense."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh my, enough with the chit-chat, you two. Let''s get going, start cutting the meat and get it ready for grilling. I¡¯m drooling already." 0


    Zhuang Zhixi is anxious. If one isn''t keen on eating, something must be blatantly wrong with their mind. 0


    "Yes, yes, coming right up!" 0


    Zhao Guihua grabbed a chunk of stone to be used as a cutting board and set out to slice the meat. The mountain was generous with its supply of twigs, and soon, meat was threaded onto them, making skewers. 0


    Thankfully we bought a new kitchen knife last time, which has now come in handy for our mountain trips. Who would have thought, it has proven itself useful even before it gets to taste any food! What a ''sensible'' knife. Zhao Guihua to Zhuang Zhixi: "Third son." 0 Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, mother?" 0


    Quickly, he goes about setting the fire up and begins roasting the skewers. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi are already at his side like a pair of puppies, drooling and waiting. Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t just stand there watching. Join in!" 0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Let me do it! They can''t control the heat very well. Such nice meat, if they accidentally over grill it, I''ll lose it." 0


    This sheep, of average size and rather meaty, was roasted till fat dripped. It was only natural that the adults would find it hard to resist such lovely aroma. Zhuang Zhixi, swallowing his saliva, remarked: "This smells too delicious. Imagine, having a family where you can eat meat every day.¡± 0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smirked: "What luxury are you dreaming of? Not even the landlord¡¯s family before the revolution got to enjoy such luxury." 0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "And how would you know?¡± 0


    After grilling a skewer of meat, he handed it to his mother: "Here, elderly lady, have a taste of your son¡¯s cooking." 0


    Zhao Guihua: "You guys eat first. I''ll continue cutting." 0


    Old Man Zhuang: "I can continue cutting, eat yours." 0


    Ming Mei: "I can cut as well." 0


    "No need." 0


    Zhao Guihua: "I can do it myself. Do you guys even know how to cut it appropriately, balancing the fat and lean? You don¡¯t, I can tell by your faces. Off you go, start eating, I won''t shortchange myself." 0


    "Alright, we''ll eat first then." 0


    Although Zhao Guihua was talking, she speeded up her actions. In no time, she joined in the circle. Everyone grabbed a skewer and got engaged, even Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. Liang Meifen kept an eye on their grilling; if overcooked, the meat would turn tough and lose its tenderness. 0


    The family, to their heart''s content, taking their time at their picnic. 0


    With ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????a bite of the lamb, Ming Mei found it incredibly tasty. The lamb, only lightly salted, tasted extraordinary despite the absence of spices, juicy, tender and delicious. Lamb, unlike other meats, can have a peculiar smell but it didn''t affect the taste at all. 0


    Ming Mei: "Mmm, it''s delicious." 0


    It''s too delicious indeed. 0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Which do you find tastier? Lamb or pork?" 0


    Ming Mei: "Both are delicious. They''re just as good as each other. Why the need for comparison? As long as there''s meat, it''s all good." 0


    Hutou nodded vehemently, agreeing with his aunt¡¯s opinion. He found the adults to be peculiar. To him, food was about it being delicious, rather than what was more so.0


    Hutou, biting into his skewered mutton, his eyes gleaming with delight, while his little sister Xiao Yanzi, her face covered in oil, was eating even faster than the adults despite being the smallest. 0


    Zhao Guihua cautioned, "Eat slowly, don''t rush, or else you might upset your stomach. What''s destined for you will be yours, no one is snatching it from you." 0


    Xiao Yanzi replied, "Okay." 0


    Zhao Guihua continued, "And we have grilled chicken coming, if you end up filling yourself, you won''t be able to eat anything else." 0


    Xiao Yanzi realized, "Right." 0


    Although she found mutton skewers to be the tastiest food in the world, she felt the same way about grilled chicken. She couldn''t decide which one was better, so she wanted to eat both. She peeked over and asked, "Is the chicken ready yet?" 0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Almost, you and your brother can share a chicken leg later." 0


    Xiao Yanzi cheerfully replied, "Great!" 0


    Zhao Guihua added, "Leave the chicken feet for me, I love them." 0


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his mother, suspicious, he asked, "There''s hardly any meat on the chicken feet. Aren''t you purposely saving the good bits for us?" 0


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "...what an assumption you''re making..." 0


    She continued, "Do I look like a fool to you?" 0


    Zhuang Zhixi, playfully grining, replied, "Don''t all parents do that?" 0


    Zhao Guihua stated, "Stop dreaming, I genuinely love eating this. I also love eating the belly of the fish, why didn''t you say I was saving the best for you then? Stop overthinking, just eat your portion." 0


    "Alright then." 0


    "Our life these days seems as festive as the New Year," Zhuang Zhixi remarked. 0


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Even the New Year doesn''t promise this fare. Do you think mutton comes cheap? On an average New Year, we only buy two pounds of pork, which we stretch to last for a full lunar month. Today alone, we''ve eaten that same amount of mutton." 0


    Actually, compared to others, like Zhou Qun''s household where they only have a couple ounces of meat for a whole meal, their life could be considered quite well-off. And Jiang Lu who came from a well-off family and accepted that lifestyle, she seems resigned to it. But whether she can bear it or not, she is willingly laboring. It''s truly remarkable. 0


    Zhao Guihua gnawed on a chicken foot, neatly spitting out the bones. 0


    Hutou watched her intently, to which Zhao Guihua responded, "What are you looking at? I even chew it cleaner than a dog would, nothing wasted." 0


    Everyone fell silent. 0


    Ming Mei scratched her head and said, "Mom, that was..." 0


    There was something odd about the way she had put it. 0


    Zhao Guihua sensed the strange atmosphere and bluffed, "Stop talking and eat your food. Why do you all have to chatter even when you are eating?" 0


    Everyone complied with her and went back to their meals. 0


    Six adults and two kids made quite a crowd. Despite having prepared much food, everyone had only eaten until they were 80% full. However, the thought of eating more meat seemed like a bit of a waste. 0


    Zhuang Zhixi took the initiative to grill some fish. Since discovering the pond, their family isn''t short of fish and they have them weekly. But stewed fish and grilled fish are different. Zhuang Zhixi said, "In recent days, the food at our home is really superb, I have sure put on weight."0


    Actually, Zhuang Zhixi''s change wasn''t apparent. He is a tall man who used to be thin as a bamboo stick. Now he just gained a bit of weight but still appears skinny. However, the change in Hutou and Xiao Yanzi was noticeable. They''ve grown in half a year, which is clear as their last year''s clothes don''t fit anymore. 0


    Zhao Guihua stated, ¡°I don¡¯t actually care about you guys but your father is getting old, he should eat well.¡± 0


    Old Man Zhuang lit up with a brilliant smile. He always said his wife cared about him the most. 0


    His lips curled into a pleased smile. 0


    Hutou, green with envy, quipped, ¡°Granny, am I not your dearest treasure?" 0


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes! You and your sister are dearer than your father and your uncle." 0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi were disconcerted. Out of the blue, she was first guessing their character, then relegating them to such lower ranks. Surely, once you have grandchildren, you forget about your children. Life is hard indeed. Zhuang Zhixi ferociously ate the fish, feeling that he had to eat more so as to alleviate his melancholy. 0


    He wasn''t being gluttonous, per se. 0


    Zhao Guihua: "You all need to behave. Granny wouldn''t forget you when she has delicious food. However, if you become too talkative and naughty... hehe, all the good stuff won''t be for you anymore." 0


    Both the little ones nodded gravely, saying in unison, "Granny, we are obedient; we absolutely won''t say anything foolish." 0


    Don''t assume kids are naive. They can be quite clever, especially during material shortages, even the simplest children become tactful concerning food. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi sincerely took it to heart. 0


    The two glanced at each other with serious expressions. 0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, seeming quite satisfied. She was worried that kids wouldn''t understand something but her grandchildren, to some extent, were sensible. Her own offspring, in all ways, were the best. 0


    Ming Mei, munching on a grilled fish, asked, "Mom, what if we can''t finish the mutton? How do we preserve it?" 0


    This comment made Zhao Guihua slightly worried. They had a lot of meat, they made their pork into salted meat, should they do the same with the mutton? Frankly, they could, but the taste would be slightly off. However, in these times, having any meat was splendid, who wasn''t about to worry if it was salted or not? 0


    As long as it was meat, it was more than perfect. 0


    After pondering a moment, she promptly said, "We''ll turn it into salted meat and store it for later consumption." 0


    "Alright." 0


    Zhao Guihua continued, "This time the harvest was good, but not every time can be like this, we should eat sparingly." 0


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Truth be told, they were living very well this year. Previously, they never had these kinds of good times. Hutou had even flopped on the ground contentedly, rubbing his little belly. 0


    "Mom, do the people in the mountains eat meat every day? " Liang Meifen asked. 0


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her, and rebuked, "What a sweet dream you''re having! That''s impossible. There weren''t this many game animals in the mountains a few years ago. Even if there are now, do you think everyone can catch them?" She felt that most people couldn''t. 0


    That would take a class leader.0


    As Zhao Guihua chatted, she was far from idle. She processed the fish they had caught, gutted them and sprinkled salt on them, ready to dry under the sun. It is often the case that work goes smoothly when one has a plan. For this trip to the mountain, she even brought salt, anticipating that they might catch some fish.0


    And indeed, the salt was put to use.0


    Age does bring wisdom!0


    "Mum," Zhuang Zhixi suddenly spoke up, "I''ve heard that some people use fish guts as bait. I wonder if it works well. We could give it a try."0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I''m saving these fish livers and intestines to cook with tofu when we get home. You can take the remaining small parts to try."0


    "Alright," agreed Zhuang Zhixi.0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Give it to me, I''ll go try. I''ve never fished before."0


    Although the midday heat was intense, he was still interested in fishing. Liang Meifen, upon seeing this, offered, "I''ll join you."0


    The couple went to the pond while Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let''s rest a while. We walked quite a bit this morning, we¡¯ll wander a little more in the afternoon."0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t object, simply reminding, "Don''t stray too far, or we won''t be back to town before it gets dark."0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei nodded in understanding. Zhuang Zhixi leaned against a tree, gathering a bunch of wild cherries as he admired the tranquility, musing, "This is a truly idyllic life. Like that of an immortal."0


    "Third Brother!" Zhuang Zhiyuan called out.0


    "What is it?" Zhuang Zhixi responded.0


    ¡°I think I spotted some eels. You know how to make that trap, the one to catch eels. Can you make one?¡± Zhuang Zhiyuan asked.0


    When they were younger, despite not being particularly fond of bringing their ''tag-along'' brother, Zhuang Zhixi, they recognized his knack for good ideas. They would make little traps to put in the water and eels were the easiest to catch. Once caught, they could hardly escape.0


    And in return, they were rewarded with a delicious fish.0


    Seeing an eel now, he immediately called for his brother.0


    He could make the small fish trap too, but it had been such a long time, he hardly remembered how.0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Let me find some willow branches to get a feel for it. I don''t quite recall either. But, how come there are eels in this pond¡­"0


    He was quite puzzled, as were the others.0


    Regardless, the group decided to make an attempt at catching them. The sudden appearance of such creatures was a mystery they didn''t bother to unravel.0


    Seeing her son at work, Zhao Guihua teased, "Are you making a small basket because you don''t know how to make a large one? Or are you just trying to avoid work?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed in surprise, "No, Mum! You mustn''t say that. I''m hurt! How could that be? You''ll see, making these smaller ones is actually simple. They are not sturdy, and cannot bear weight. The kind you''re talking about, the large baskets that carry a lot of stuff, those require technique, which I don¡¯t have."0


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhao Guihua responded.0


    "I am truly wronged," sighed Zhuang Zhixi.0


    The children laughed at the exchange, to which Zhuang Zhixi responded, "And you''re all having fun at my expense?"0


    The children quickly shook their heads, innocence written on their faces.0


    Zhao Guihua said: "Third child''s wife, take a break. Soon, we''ll walk around together."0


    Ming Mei responded: "Sure."0


    She was indifferent, but Zhuang Zhixi snorted, clearly indicating his unwillingness to separate from his wife. He felt his mother was being unfair, trying to steal his wife from him in public.0


    Liang Meifen, who was at a distance, hurriedly said: "I''ll join you."0


    This girl Ming Mei knew how to flatter. Liang Meifen felt a pinch of envy as their mother-in-law already favored Ming Mei slightly; she couldn¡¯t afford to let Ming Mei get more benefits. She was still brooding over the twenty bucks. But she dared not let the mother-in-law walk off with Ming Mei alone; she has to stick with them.0


    Even if it meant love bombing, Ming Mei shouldn''t be the only one doing it.0


    Surprisingly, Ming Mei had no idea about Liang Meifen''s thoughts. She looked at Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s actions and abruptly said, ¡°You know, not only can this be useful in water, but it can also be used outside. Prepare some for me; I want to see if I can catch some wild fowl or rabbits.¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi responded thoughtfully, ¡°You have a point. Let me give it a try.¡±0


    He boasted, ¡°I came up with this by myself. Impressive, right?¡±0


    Ming Mei stared at Zhuang Zhixi in astonishment, ¡°Did you come up with this by yourself?¡±0


    He nodded, ¡°Yes, when I was a teenager, I was frequently famished, and I spent whole days pondering how to get some good food. After a lot of thinking, I found many ways to forage. Like figuring out which grassroots sparrows most prefer to eat, that was my discovery.¡±0


    Hutou immediately sat up and said: "Uncle, we need to collect some grass seeds. Continue catching sparrows."0


    He remembered that their stash was depleted.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, nodded: "Ok, I will tell you when I find them, then you can collect them."0


    "Good." responded the boy in a crisp voice.0


    After dealing with the children, Zhuang Zhixi saw his wife giving him a thumbs up, which made him chuckle. His mood, already lifted, was now soaring.0


    They did not take a long break, and soon everyone was busy again. They had come a long way up the hill; although it was a pleasure trip, it would be a waste not taking back something with value.0


    Zhuang Zhixi helped them set up two traps, and Ming Mei and Liang Meifen each placed theirs nearby.0


    In a baffled whisper, Liang Meifen asked, ¡°Is it really effective to use fish guts?¡±0


    She was confused; after all, aren¡¯t rabbits and such herbivores? They would not eat such things. Although she was skeptical, Liang Meifen still followed the instructions promptly. The group quickly divided the tasks. The three men were fishing by the pond. Old Man Zhuang was in charge of the fishing rod while the two Zhuang brothers used the net. The kid, Hutou, found some grass plants to gather seeds for his future sparrow-hunting endeavors.0


    As for the three women, they confidently left with their kitchen knives. This time, they took a different direction, intending to cover more ground for a better harvest. Their luck in the afternoon didn¡¯t fail them, it was just as good as it had been in the morning.0


    Though they didn''t come across any large prey like goats, they did manage to catch three rabbits and two wild pheasants. The abundance of game in the mountains was no false claim. On top of that, the trio also came upon a small grass snake.0


    Ideally, Ming Mei would want to maintain a distance from such creatures. She loathed these slithering animals, finding them utterly terrifying. However, this small grass snake proved to be quite bold, wrapping itself around Liang Meifen''s leg unexpectedly.0


    Immersed in the delight of their ample catch, Liang Meifen was greatly pleased. Though Ming Mei was doing the majority of the hunting, Liang Meifen did lend a helping hand.0


    They were all family after all, and it felt good to celebrate their collective success. Just as she was reveling in their triumph, she suddenly felt a cold, damp sensation encircling her ankle. Taking a look, she almost screamed in terror.0


    Crying out, she exclaimed: "Mother! Help!"0


    She too was terrified of snakes!0


    Even though she knew they were edible, she was utterly petrified.0


    Moreover, while it was just a small grass snake, it was over a meter long and as thick as a woman''s wrist - enough to strike fear in anyone. Even though it was a common grass snake and not an unusual species, it was still horrific enough to scare the life out of one.0


    Nearly crying out of fear, she hollered.0


    Ming Mei exclaimed: "Oh my heavens~"0


    However, Zhao Guihua proved to be braver. She confidently picked up the snake and flicked it against a tree. The small grass snake got ready to strike when Ming Mei, without hesitation, threw her cleaver.0


    Well, no matter how skilful, one has to fear a sharp knife.0


    Wouldn''t the same apply to this ferocious snake?0


    Thus, the small grass snake hastily met its end.0


    The terrified Liang Meifen quickly embraced Ming Mei, saying, "My god, little sister, I was scared to death. If it bit me once, I would have died, right?"0


    Ming Mei responded, "I have no idea."0


    She too felt uncomfortable around it, her skin prickling with unease.0


    Zhao Guihua added, "It''s just a small grass snake, non-venomous. But killing it was the right thing to do. If it attacked, not dealing with it could still result in some pain.¡±0


    "Agreed," came the reply.0


    Liang Meifen still felt quite uneasy.0


    Ming Mei tried to lighten the mood, telling her, "Let go. You''re making me suffocate."0


    Liang Meifen couldn''t let go; the fear was overwhelming. She felt a bit safer standing next to Ming Mei.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, stop trembling. Let''s collect it. Though it''s not big, it isn''t really small either and has quite a bit of meat on it. It tastes pretty good."0


    Both Liang Meifen and Ming Mei gave a speechless look, unable to handle the situation.0


    They would rather starve than eat it.0


    Not even if it was the last food left on earth.0


    They will just not eat it.0


    Zhao Guihua looked at the two, unable to comprehend their cowardice. Especially Ming Mei ¨C you killed it quickly and efficiently, like the slice of a blade. Not just it, but it seemed like you could swiftly deal with its entire lineage in a single stroke, merciless and quick!0


    To the snake community, you would be a female devil.0


    Now why are you shivering like a little petrified sheep?0


    She found the unbearably baffling.0


    She had never seen anyone so efficient to act, yet so afraid.0


    However, Zhao Guihua didn''t force anyone not to be afraid. Regardless of whether it was Ming Mei or Liang Meifen, even though the living conditions at home were not ideal, Liang Meifen was still a city-grown girl. For them, they had fewer encounters with such a thing.0


    That''s not to say they didn¡¯t exist in the city, but they were indeed less common.0


    Zhao Guihua quickly packed up the snake saying, ¡°I will carry it on my back, alright?¡± 0


    Her two useless daughters-in-law nodded approvingly.0


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Let''s take another walk and then head back.¡±0


    "Okay."0


    Their gains were quite good. In addition to an unpleasant sight, it was pretty good overall. But after their walk, they did not see any more small animals. Zhao Guihua commented, ¡°This is already quite good. Generally, spotting a rabbit on a mountain trip is considered lucky, let alone so many. It¡¯s more than what you would expect.¡±0


    "Mum, do you think our trap could catch any animals?" 0


    Ming Mei asked eagerly, full of anticipation.0


    ¡°Who knows? I guess it should be more or less okay? I ... Oh my goodness!¡± 0


    Before Zhao Guihua could finish her sentence, she was left speechless. She looked at the basket and exclaimed, ¡°There really are!¡±0


    There were not only one but two in the basket, two little rabbits hiding pitifully, and the latch had already dropped trapping them.0


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let''s check the other one.¡±0


    Liang Meifen ran over rapidly, soon overwhelmed with joy, ¡°There''s one here too!¡±0


    Zhao Guihua exclaimed, ¡°We¡¯ve struck it rich!¡±0


    She was beaming, feeling that the day¡¯s harvest was really bountiful. If every day were to bring such a harvest, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about not be able to eat well. For them, knowing the importance of good food came out of their difficult pasts.0


    The necessity had ingrained it into their bones.0


    The trio had a great haul of six rabbits, two wild chickens, and a small grass snake ¡ª a catch any old hunter would be proud of. They felt very fortunate. Zhao Guihua chuckled proudly, saying, ¡°Our mountain trip is like a festival!¡±0


    ¡°Isn''t it?¡± 0


    The three happily returned to find Hutou and Xiao Yanzi sitting on the ground, eating roasted meat. 0


    Upon seeing his grandmother return, Hutou panicked a bit, not knowing what to do. 0


    The authority at home was clearly established.0


    Quickly, Old Man Zhuang explained, ¡°Guihua, the kids were hungry, so I let them eat a bit. Anyway, the weather has warmed up, so it won¡¯t last long even if we marinate the meat.¡±0


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement, ¡°Alright.¡±0


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi breathed a sigh of relief.0


    Grandpa is formidable!0


    Zhao Guihua decided, ¡°We¡¯ve eaten our fill on the hill, and after busying ourselves all afternoon, we''re genuinely tired. The journey back home will still take a considerable amount of time, so it was good to eat a bit more to maintain energy. Besides, by eating here, we can carry fewer things down the hill, and that¡¯s less to carry."0


    Hutou peeked at the wild chicken and promptly cried, "Dad, Dad, look, there''s another wild chicken. We caught one again."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan pretended not to hear.0


    Despite Zhao Guihua and her team''s decent harvest, the three men did well too. They fished and netted simultaneously, obtaining more than thirty fish. Moreover, none of them were small, and combined with their morning collection, the haul was even more substantial. Some crawling fishes had slipped into the basket as well. Zhao Guihua was overjoyed, saying, "If every day could be this good, it¡¯d be splendid."0


    She took stock of the resources, around two baskets full of fish. There was another basket of meat, with meat from pig''s heads, trotters, and half-basket''s worth of rabbit and pheasant. These were all tangible treasures. Beyond this, they had a basket of dried mushrooms and wood-ear fungi, plus a basket of wild cherries.0


    "That¡¯s a lot," they commented. 0


    "Let¡¯s roast the two chickens," Zhao Guihua asserted determinedly.0


    Though she suggested this, the others were unwilling to give up their share. Everyone was a carnivore, but having enjoyed a midday feast, they felt another meat meal would be overly indulgent. 0


    Old Man Zhuang added, ¡°My dear, maybe we should make it last.¡±0


    Zhao Guihua exclaimed, ¡°You are all¡­¡±0


    "Yeah, Mum, let''s take it home to eat."0


    Seeing everyone''s persistence, Zhao Guihua agreed, ¡°Alright then, put the heads and the rest in this basket, that way we can leave one behind.¡±0


    Her decision was firm. ¡°Once we descend the mountain and the big group takes the bus home, all you men will carry the baskets onto the bus, and as for the two kids... Eldest Daughter-in-Law, you take the bus too. Take responsibility for the kids. The three men will handle these things. I and the third Daughter-in-Law will ride our bikes home.¡±0


    "That arrangement seems pretty suitable."0


    Zhao Guihua instructed, emphasizing, "No matter how important these things are, nothing is more important than the children. Liang Meifen, don''t worry about anything else. Just handle the children, understand?" 0


    Liang Meifen promptly nodded.0


    Not lingering on the mountain, they descended swiftly.0


    Zhao Guihua marveled, "The saying ''the more, the merrier'' certainly holds true. When I came alone or with only my eldest Daughter-in-Law, we never had such bountiful harvests. But now with more people, it feels like we''ve got a lot more."0


    "We can enjoy good food for a few days.¡±0


    "Of course."0


    The family panted and wheezed their way down the mountain. Even Little Tiger and Little Sparrow no longer had the opportunity to hitch a ride but had to walk. Although tired, the kids were tough and didn''t whine, instead showing resilience.0


    Ming Mei teased the kids, ¡°You must be exhausted today. Do you want to come again next time?¡±0


    The children decided firmly, ¡°Yes.¡±0


    Hutou added, ¡°We should come for spring outings in the future. We could eat a lot of meat.¡±0


    To them, going out during the spring was not what mattered; the meat did.0


    Ming Mei laughed and remarked, ¡°The mountain''s far away, and it''s a long walk. You''re not afraid of getting tired?¡±0


    "Not at all!" 0


    "I''m not scared either!" Xiao Yanzi thumped her chest.0


    Ming Mei let out a chuckle, and everyone split up at the station. The others all got on the bus, which was more crowded than last time, and the indifferent glances of numerous passengers were drawn towards them, especially their baskets.0


    An old lady asked, ¡°Where did you guys come from? Why are you carrying so much stuff?¡±0


    It was covered, but the fishy smell was faintly detectable.0


    Luckily, the fishy smell masked the underlying scent of blood, keeping it subtle.0


    Before Old Man Zhuang could reply, Zhuang Zhixi chimed in with a jovial tone, saying, ¡°Ma¡¯am, we¡¯ve been out to the country to trade for some fish.¡±0


    Coming off as the hearty type, he continued, ¡°See, I¡¯m about to get married. We always need to prepare well in the city, but there''s a scarcity of stuff here.¡± He gave an exaggerated sigh, saying, ¡°We had no choice but to find some rural relatives and exchange fish with them. Plus some bulk grains. Otherwise, with one more mouth to feed, our regular stock wouldn''t be enough.¡±0


    ¡°That¡¯s true! You''re getting married, young man. How wonderful! Congratulations on the great news,¡± commented the lady.0


    Zhuang Zhixi gave a "bashful" smile, saying, ¡°In fact, my family does fancy some meat, but meat''s hard to come by. We had to exchange for fish. Although fish isn''t as good as meat, it''s still a dish, right?¡±0


    ¡°Absolutely, absolutely.¡±0


    Engaged in their chat, Old Man Zhuang let out a sigh of relief.0


    But his son''s storytelling went off on quite a tangent.0


    Wonder where his wife and the others had bicycled to by now?0


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei were quite swift on their bikes, helped by having nothing to tote. Of course, they couldn''t match the speed of the bus. However, the evening breeze started to blow, creating a tranquil environment. Zhao Guihua was humming a tune, saying, ¡°Pick a rabbit for your grandfather once you get home, Mei.¡±0


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°Ah, sure.¡±0


    She¡¯s that kind of person, direct without the usual polite back-and-forth of social niceties. Zhao Guihua continued, ¡°Pick a larger one. You two are always dining at your grandfather''s expense. Over time, that¡¯s not very proper.¡±0


    Ming Mei responded, ¡°That''s no big deal.¡±0


    She laughed and said, ¡°That''s my grandfather. Even though he has a new partner now, it''s not like we can''t still interact right? Besides, my grandfather doesn''t care.¡±0


    Indeed, Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi frequently enjoyed meals with Lan Sihai playing the gracious host. Before his wedding, it was no different. And even after...0


    While he has only been married for a few days...0


    Ming Mei has still managed to mooch off him for a meal.0


    These days, young people tend to simplify their weddings, even more so for the fifth marriage. Thus, Lan Sihai didn¡¯t make a big fuss, he just took his daughter, granddaughter, and grandson-in-law out for a meal as a formal get-together.0


    Ming Mei¡¯s mother, Lan Ling, and Luo Xiaohe have no real connection to one another. Although, living in the same court, Ming Mei does happen to rub shoulders with them.0


    As for Luo Xiaohe, she doesn¡¯t talk much. With her job keeping her occupied, she generally keeps out of the courtyard''s gossip, residing somewhat in the outskirts. She¡¯s not like Ming Mei, who dashes faster than a rabbit at the mere hint of excitement.0


    Ming Mei: "Our family, from top to bottom, every one of us has a carefree attitude. You can rest assured about that. Although I don''t know if my grandfather''s new companion is like that, but I don''t live with her, so it doesn''t really matter."0


    Zhao Guihua: "......"0


    She looked at Ming Mei, feeling astounded by how easy-going this family was.0


    The two of them were riding their bicycles home. They didn''t know how long they had been riding before they finally reached the city. The sky was getting dark, thick clouds were gathering, and it felt oppressive, as if it was going to rain. Zhao Guihua: "We need to hurry, it looks like rain."0


    Ming Mei looked up and said, "It does seem so."0


    As Ming Mei was riding the bicycle, she suddenly said, "Mom, look over there, is that Aunt Zhou?"0


    Following Ming Mei''s line of sight, Zhao Guihua said, "Hey, it indeed is. What brought her here?"0


    Aunt Zhou, all by herself, was acting rather suspicious. One might even say that the more one plans to do wrong, the more one should act openly. Sneaking around makes one more noticeable. Aunt Zhou was doing precisely that, walking into an alleyway while continuously glancing left and right, as if she was scared that others might not identify her as a malicious person.0


    However, it was evident that Aunt Zhou''s vision was not the best. Even though she was being careful, she failed to notice Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei and quickly disappeared into an alley. Ming Mei and Zhao Guihua exchanged glances, asking, "Should we follow?"0


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said, "Let''s follow her. However, we need to be careful not to get caught."0


    She added, "Stay close behind me. I''m familiar with this area."0


    Why did she say that?0


    In the past, this area was not far from where she used to hide from criminal activities. Going further ahead, there was the factory she used to work. However, she hadn''t met Aunt Lian recently and didn''t know the current situation there.0


    Whether it was the criminal activities or matters concerning the factory, she was unaware of the developments.0


    However, she had become rather familiar with this area. Zhao Guihua began pedaling faster, and Ming Mei swiftly followed. Normally, Zhao Guihua was not that curious, her current interest was solely due to Ming Mei''s presence.0


    It has to be said, it did provide some sense of safety.0


    She said, "Cover your face a bit."0


    Ming Mei: "Alright."0


    The mother-daughter duo turned into the alley, only to find that there were quite a few houses further down.0


    They looked around a bit, and Ming Mei said, "Over there."0


    Aunt Zhou''s clothes were relatively fancy, distinguishing her in this neighborhood. They followed her and saw Aunt Zhou enter a courtyard. Ming Mei blinked and said, "She went in, do we still follow her?"0


    Zhao Guihua wondered, "What is Aunt Zhou doing here? She doesn''t have any relatives here."0


    Aunt Zhou was not a local. She had come to the city when she was young to get married. Her family demanded a high dowry, essentially selling her. From then on, she had minimal contact with her family. She had hardly any relatives in the city. It was Zhou''s family who were locals. However, when Zhou Qun''s father died, Zhou''s family came to claim his job. 0


    It severed the relations between the two families for good.0


    At that time, Zhou Qun was too young to take over the duties immediately, and the Zhou family wanted to hand the job over to Zhou Qun''s uncle. Although this cannot be considered an act of driving someone to ruin, it was more or less the same. Aunt Zhou, a woman on her own bearing children without any income, prospectively seemed to be leading a tough life. Women with the slightest hint of weakness were often manipulated by their husbands¡¯ families, and if Aunt Zhou had lost her job at that point, she and Zhou Qun would have nowhere to go. 0


    Back then, Aunt Zhou was desperate, trying to change the course of the incident. The Su family was facing the same situation. Hailing from the countryside, they also eagerly sought the job. Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou covertly united against their intimidating in-laws. 0


    One played the victim while the other protested, successfully repelling the greedy relatives who wanted to profit from the situation. 0


    Later, the widows turned against each other because they were often compared. However, at that time, they had formed an alliance. It was their contention that prevented the factory from appointing a male relative as a successor. If things were to go that way, the two widows and their children would be abandoned to their fate. 0


    That year, the fiasco created quite a stir. 0


    The steadfast allies of the widows, like Zhao Guihua, always had a clear distinction of right and wrong, despite occasional conflicts. This is why Zhao Guihua knew both the Su and Zhou families were virtually without any relatives. 0


    Zhao Guihua said, "We cannot enter the yard either, let''s drop it." 0


    Ming Mei asked, "Should I climb the wall?" 0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "... No need for that." 0


    She said, "Let''s just leave... huh?" 0


    Zhao Guihua stopped abruptly, saying, "Why is she here?" 0


    A familiar figure entered the courtyard. Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei were hiding in the shadowy corner of the wall and hadn''t been noticed. However, the expression on Zhao Guihua''s face darkened upon seeing the old woman. 0


    The reason being? 0


    She recognized this person. Not long ago, she was almost swindled by this person. 0


    While Zhao Guihua couldn''t spot the men who were with the woman then, she did recognize two elder women. Despite it being dark, she could still make out their faces distinctly, unlike herself who wore a mask throughout. Those women had distinctive features. 0


    The person who entered the yard was one of the old women. 0


    Upon seeing her, Zhao Guihua was alarmed. 0


    This small yard didn''t seem like it could accommodate many households. Did Aunt Zhou know this person? Even though she was unsure what was going on, Zhao Guihua took matters seriously, asked Ming Mei, "Can you climb the wall and get in?" 0


    Ming Mei nodded, "Yes." 0


    Zhao Guihua continued, "How''s your climbing skill? Please, don¡¯t get caught or try to prove bravado." 0


    Ming Mei responded, "Don''t worry." 0


    She might not be confident in other things, but she was confident in her abilities. 0


    Zhao Guihua concluded, "Fine, park your vehicle here and take a look at what''s going on. But if there are any complications, leave immediately."0


    Ming Mei saw that the old lady''s attitude had changed. Although she didn''t know what happened, she still nodded seriously and quietly moved over. She swiftly climbed the wall, just as the sky was getting dark, an ideal time for her to hide. Ming Mei did not impulsively jump into the courtyard, for there were a few men eating and drinking in the courtyard. The woman who just entered was sitting with them, she clung to the eaves silently and listened. 0


    With Aunt Zhou not around, Ming Mei raised an eyebrow, intending to ponder about what to do, when she saw Aunt Zhou''s silhouette. She seemed to be in another room. Ming Mei quietly approached, lifted a tile and peered inside like a gentleman on a beam. 0


    Indeed, Aunt Zhou was in the room, her face full of excitement. She said, "Old sister, I am troubled by my family¡¯s situation, hence I am seeking your help. You absolutely must help me find a solution." 0


    With her was the Long-faced Aunt, who slightly squinted her eyes, exuding a somewhat profound demeanor. She said, "Relax, the person you consulted earlier seems to lack skill. It is not a female ghost causing the disturbance, rather it is actually your daughter-in-law who cannot give birth." 0


    Aunt Zhou exclaimed, "Ah, I knew my daughter-in-law couldn''t do it. My in-laws even said it was my son''s fault. They are truly ungrateful. How I wish they would just drop dead. They are shameless dogs. They even dared to persuade their daughter to divorce, it''s outrageous. Please, is there any way to knock them down a peg or two?" 0


    Long-faced Aunt: "There is a way, but this¡­" 0


    "No matter how much it costs, I am willing to pay the price." 0


    The Long-faced Aunt smiled and said, "If you are willing to spend money, I can perform a ritual to deflate them a bit, but you should understand, such things can take a toll on one''s health, it requires at least thirty¡­". 0


    "Ah!" Aunt Zhou never thought that it would cost so much. She bit her lip and said, "This¡­this is too much." 0


    The Long-faced Aunt was emotionless: "Your in-law, has a strong fortune. If I am to perform the ritual, it will consume a lot of my energy, and it is indeed quite detrimental to my health. In fact, I am reluctant to do it. If you think it''s too much money, it''s actually fine without it. It doesn''t matter, I¡­" 0


    "I''ll pay for it!!!" Aunt Zhou gritted her teeth: "I am in!" 0


    She had been greatly humiliated today. She was so enraged thinking of her in-law''s arrogance, treating them like trash and kicking them out without any respect. If she could bring misfortune to them, she would be delighted. 0


    She said: "I am in!" 0


    The Long-faced Auntie nodded slightly and said, "If you don''t want to¡­." 0


    "No, no, no, I really want to." She was eager to take out the money. 0


    "Alright, since you insist, I will give you face, considering our longstanding acquaintance. Tell me everything about this family, without omission, then go home and wait for the result. I will start the ritual tonight, within seven days, this person will certainly stumble." 0


    Aunt Zhou: "Okay!" 0


    She coldly laughed: "I don''t believe they can continue to be arrogant." 0


    Long-faced Aunt: "So what about your daughter-in-law¡­"0


    "Good for nothing! I''ve been dreaming of having a grandson. My daughter-in-law, such a useless one," Aunt Zhou grumbles through her clenched teeth, "It is truly infuriating."0


    "Alright, listen to my method. If you desire to have a child, especially a son, you can''t neglect toddler''s urine. Additionally, there''s the blood of a large rooster and..." Several more suggestions were subtly given. "You must prepare all these and have your daughter-in-law drink a large sip every night. After forty-nine consecutive days, the child will arrive."0


    "Great!" Aunt Zhou becomes excited. "If I''m graced with a child, I will come to show my deep gratitude towards you."0


    "I''m not asking for your gratitude. My only wish is for everyone to achieve their heart''s desire. That''s the whole point of my efforts."0


    Ming Mei, witnessing Aunt Zhou take out another thirty, was left astounded that sixty was handed over within the blink of an eye. Aunt Zhou is spending quite lavishly! In an instant, she''s spent the equivalent of the average worker''s two-month salary. 0


    Speechless, Ming Mei shakes her head. Aunt Zhou is a notoriously stingy person, known to only buy minimum portions even for meat. Yet she''s willing to spend so extravagantly on this? It was perplexing for Ming Mei. 0


    Moreover, this is clearly a deception!0


    Could Jiang Lu really not get poisoned if she drinks that mixture?0


    However, looking at Aunt Zhou''s bright and confident eyes, it was apparent that she fully believes in this.0


    Ming Mei silently lights a candle for Jiang Lu in her heart, expressing solidarity.0


    What about Jiang Lu''s father? What a fate he has, to end up with such an atrocious in-law who''s willing to pay money to put a curse on him. That substance is superstitious nonsense and shouldn''t be taken seriously, but the intent is still extremely malicious. 0


    Ming Mei: "......"0


    This is outrageous!0


    Deeply shocked.0


    While she is observing the scene, she felt an overwhelming sense of bewilderment.0


    However, Aunt Zhou remains completely convinced, joyously handing over the money, and finally leaves satisfied. As Aunt Zhou steps out, Ming Mei readies herself to leave as well. But just as she was about to move, a man enters the room. Fearing he would hear her move, she freezes.0


    The tall man, extravagant in his movements, walks into the room and flops onto a chair. "What''s the job this time? That old woman seems to have money to burn."0


    The woman inside, her face as elongated as a melon, smiles smugly, "That fool is easy to trick. As always, we have everything from her regular routes to family background. Familiarize yourself with the hotspots, see when the person she mentioned is alone. As soon as that happens, your guys just go and give him a good beating. Ah, judging by the old fool''s tone, her son-in-law must be well-off too. Don''t settle just for the thrashing, rob him if the opportunity presents itself. Get anything that''s worth something. Let''s have it both ways."0


    "Well, that''s quite profitable," he agrees vaguely. "Are you sure the intel is accurate?"0


    The old woman with the long melon-shaped face beamed triumphantly and said, "It was provided by her in-law. How could it possibly be fake? I love this kind of blockhead. Once this deal is sealed, her side will definitely get the news. When her in-law suffers mishaps, she will undoubtedly trust me all the more."0


    "Do you think she might suspect that we orchestrated the robbery? This seems pretty obvious."0


    "There''s no way, that dimwit."0


    Both of them burst into hearty laughter.0


    Ming Mei: "......"0


    What on earth!!!0

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78Ming Mei was really caught off guard. This person had such a scheme in mind.0


    What a cunning and treacherous person, using the information from Aunt Zhou to rob Jiang Lu''s Father; then using the robbery incident to prove that their methods were effective, truly a two-bird-one-stone strategy.0


    But wouldn''t anyone notice something fishy about this?0


    Well, maybe Aunt Zhou isn''t exactly normal, and she just enjoys believing in what these con artists say.0


    She furrowed her brow, held her breath, and continued to listen. However, the people inside the house seemed to have run out of things to talk about and instead went out together. They sat in the courtyard to eat, ignoring the impending rain, and no longer discussed Aunt Zhou''s topic.0


    Seeing this, Ming Mei didn''t waste any time. She quickly jumped off the wall and returned to the spot where Zhao Guihua had been hiding. Zhao Guihua waved at her, and Ming Mei hurried over. Zhao Guihua said, "It''s going to rain soon, let''s head home."0


    Ming Mei looked up and saw dark, heavy clouds gathering. She said, "I ride really fast, Mom. Keep up with me."0


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Do you think I''m slow?"0


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly pedaled their bikes. Ming Mei rode swiftly, and Zhao Guihua was no less impressive, almost like a bike god in the city. Their fast movements caught the attention of passersby, but most just glanced and hurried home, as the rain was about to start.0


    No one wanted to experience the feeling of being drenched in a downpour.0


    Ming Mei said, "Mom, guess what they were doing in that courtyard? They were involved in superstitious practices. Aunt Zhou went there to ask for help with her daughter-in-law''s pregnancy and to deal with Jiang Lu''s Father. You know, because Jiang Lu''s Father insists on Jiang Lu getting a divorce."0


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Superstitious practices?"0


    Ming Mei nodded and detailed what she had just witnessed, still feeling a bit shaken. "They''re so wicked, aren''t they?"0


    Zhao Guihua asked, "How many people were there?"0


    Ming Mei replied, "There were two old ladies, one of them a charlatan, and the other didn''t say much. There were also four men, and the one with a mole on his face seemed to be their leader."0


    Zhao Guihua compared the details and quickly concluded that this group was the same gang that had tried to pull a heist at the fabric factory by buying leftover cloth.0


    Damn, this gang really had no morals, making money any way they could.0


    Ming Mei continued, "They mentioned doing some reconnaissance, but I don''t think they need to. Aunt Zhou gave them such a detailed description of the place. Do you think she''s brainless? How can she believe in such people?"0


    Zhao Guihua pedaled her bike in silence for a while before saying, "Maybe she never really believed them. Whether she believed or not, the outcome was what she wanted, so why would she care about the process? If things go south, she can just claim she was deceived by the charlatans, not that she had malicious intentions."0


    With Zhao Guihua being older and more experienced, her explanation made Ming Mei understand.0


    "So, you mean Aunt Zhou didn''t really believe these people could use rituals to deal with Jiang Lu''s Father. She probably knew they would take matters into their own hands. But she pretended to believe them, as she just wanted to teach Jiang Lu''s Father a lesson. Even if she''s exposed, she can just say she was naively deceived, not that she had ill intentions."0


    Zhao Guihua said, "That''s exactly what I mean."0


    Ming Mei exclaimed, "Oh my... that''s so wicked!"0


    She had always thought Aunt Zhou was a foolish and brainless person, which was why she had managed to offend everyone in the neighborhood and wasn''t well-liked. Thinking this, Ming Mei blurted it out.0


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "She may not think of it, but she has a good son."0


    She added seriously, "Zhou Qun is ruthless and vicious, a true villain at heart. You see how he''s been down lately after suffering some losses, but that doesn''t mean he''s a toothless tiger."0


    Ming Mei nodded, taking her mother-in-law''s words to heart.0


    She trusted every word her mother-in-law said. After all, Zhao Guihua had experienced a rebirth and had the wisdom that came with it.0


    Ming Mei asked, "Should we try to tell Jiang Lu about this?"0


    If they didn''t know, it would be one thing, but if they knew and didn''t say anything, it would feel too... Ming Mei felt a bit guilty. Who knew how those people would act? What if they ended up seriously hurting someone?0


    Although she didn''t know Jiang Lu personally, Ming Mei wasn''t heartless.0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Don''t tell Jiang Lu. If you do, she''ll immediately tell her husband."0


    This was something Zhao Guihua had learned from her past life.0


    Jiang Lu, after being "trained" by Zhou Qun for over a decade, had deeply believed in him and was completely under his control. Even if they wanted to help Jiang Lu escape from this mess, she would only think they were jealous of her happiness and trying to ruin it.0


    In her previous life, around this time, due to a theft incident, Zhuang Zhixi was framed by Zhou Qun. They already knew Zhou Qun wasn''t a good person. Zhou Qun''s relationship with Wang Xiangxiu was also exposed, but, just like in this life, Jiang Lu still believed in Zhou Qun.0


    There were even more disgusting things that followed, but Zhao Guihua didn''t even want to mention them.0


    Thinking about her innocent daughter-in-law, she knew Ming Mei would probably feel sick hearing about such things. Jiang Lu, unable to conceive, had brought a girl from the countryside to have a child for Zhou Qun. They claimed she was a distant cousin of Aunt Zhou, staying for a while. But come on, no one outside knew, but they, as old neighbors, knew Aunt Zhou hadn''t been in touch with her hometown for decades.0


    How could she suddenly have a cousin from her hometown stay with her? Aunt Zhou, being so stingy and petty, would never do such a thing.0


    Everyone knew what this girl was there for.0


    Even Jinlai and the other kids had seen the girl sleeping in the same bed as Zhou Qun, while Jiang Lu stayed with Aunt Zhou. Despite this, there was still no news of a pregnancy. At that point, they had already suspected it was Zhou Qun''s problem. Jiang Lu probably had her suspicions too, as Zhao Guihua had once seen Jiang Lu in the hospital, looking panicked and having a medical report knocked out of her hand. It was said the report stated infertility.0


    Later, Jiang Lu became pregnant.0


    She had schemed against the girl who was supposed to have the child and sent her away.0


    Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu eventually had a child, but Jiang Lu''s child was definitely not Zhou Qun''s. Zhao Guihua was certain of this. The infertility report Jiang Lu had wasn''t hers, so it must have been Zhou Qun''s. Since Jiang Lu had confirmed her pregnancy and given birth in the hospital, the report couldn''t have been hers. As for who Jiang Lu had the child with and passed it off as Zhou Qun''s to continue the Zhou family line, that was unknown.0


    But it was clear that Jiang Lu had "borrowed" a child from someone else.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t know if Zhou Qun ever found out.0


    Thinking about these past disgusting things, Zhao Guihua shook her head vigorously, almost as if she wanted to shake off the thoughts.0


    Why didn''t Zhao Guihua, after being reborn, ever try to warn Jiang Lu? Because in her previous life, around the same time, no matter how much they tried to wake Jiang Lu up, she always thought they were jealous and didn''t want her to be happy.0


    So what chance was there this time?0


    Besides, Zhao Guihua wasn''t close to Jiang Lu. She was the type of person who didn''t want to waste her time on irrelevant people, especially when her own family matters weren''t in order.0


    "Mom, Mom, oh my, watch out!"0


    Ming Mei saw her mother-in-law zoning out on her bike and almost falling into a ditch. She quickly stopped her bike and pulled Zhao Guihua''s bike back just in time. It was a close call.0


    Zhao Guihua snapped back to reality, startled, and patted her chest. "Oh my heavens!"0


    Ming Mei carefully examined Zhao Guihua. "Mom, are you okay?"0


    Zhao Guihua wiped her face and said, "I''m fine, I just got lost in thought. You must have been scared too. Let''s go home and talk."0


    Ming Mei nodded softly. "Are you really okay?"0


    It was unclear what had triggered Aunt Su''s sudden change in expression, but her face had turned ashen.0


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m really fine, let''s go. This rain... oh no!"0


    As she spoke, large raindrops began to fall, and Zhao Guihua grew anxious, urging, "Quick, quick, let''s go!"0


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dared not delay any further, pedaling their bikes home at breakneck speed, as if they were racing with sparks and lightning. Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "Oh my, this rain is really coming down hard!"0


    Ming Mei: "Faster, faster!"0


    They raced home, entering the alley just as they heard commotion coming from their courtyard. Zhao Guihua was exasperated¡ªit seemed these people couldn''t go a day without causing trouble, or they''d feel uneasy sleeping at night.0


    She quickly parked her bike and saw that the argument was between Liang Meifen and Wang Xiangxiu.0


    Talk about drama hitting close to home.0


    Liang Meifen, hands on her hips, was shouting at Wang Xiangxiu despite the pouring rain: "If you don''t discipline your kids, I''ll go to the security office, I''ll call the police! Someone will definitely know how to deal with these little thieves. You, as a mother, set a bad example, and your kids are just as crooked. Look at your brats¡ªwhat do they do all day except climb walls and windows? They''re nothing but a bunch of thieves!"0


    Zhao Guihua: "What''s going on?"0


    Ming Mei also stepped forward: "What''s happening, what''s happening?"0


    Seeing her mother-in-law return, Liang Meifen felt reinforcements had arrived and quickly began to complain loudly: "Mom, you have no idea how outrageous this family is. I''ve never seen such shameless people. We went on a spring outing, caught a wild chicken, and they actually had the nerve to try and steal from us. How can people be so shameless?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu retorted: "Liang Meifen, how dare you speak to me like that! My kids were just playing around, and you''re calling them thieves? How can you slander them like this? You''re an adult, aren''t you ashamed?"0


    "Why should I be ashamed?" Liang Meifen shot back.0


    She thought to herself: I dare not provoke my mother-in-law, nor my sister-in-law who''s a force to be reckoned with, but I sure as hell can handle you!0


    "Stop spouting nonsense and playing the victim! Everyone knows your kids are nothing but thieves. You say they were just playing? Come on! Our kids don''t even play together, do they? Go ask around¡ªwho on this street lets their kids play with yours? Every time they do, your kids end up stealing food from them. Who can afford to keep losing stuff to your family? People only tolerate you because you''re a widow with kids. Don''t get too full of yourself. Do you really want me to rip off your veil of shame?"0


    Liang Meifen was unleashing a torrent of words, determined not to let these kids steal their hard-earned goods. Who didn''t want a bit of meat to eat?0


    What a bunch of scoundrels.0


    Wang Xiangxiu was caught off guard by Liang Meifen''s fiery outburst. She had always seen her meekly obeying her mother-in-law, but now she realized she could be quite fierce. It seemed all the wives in this courtyard were like that¡ªsubmissive to their mothers-in-law but ready to throw punches outside.0


    "How dare you speak to me like that? Are you trying to bully me?" Wang Xiangxiu cried. Bai Fendou, who had been trying to stay out of it but couldn''t bear to see Wang Xiangxiu being scolded, finally stepped in: "Jinlai is a good kid, you have no right to talk about him like that!"0


    Liang Meifen snapped: "Get out of here, you shameless man who sneaks into widows'' beds! Stay far away from me, or I''ll beat you up!"0


    Normally, Liang Meifen wouldn''t dare to provoke a man, especially someone like Bai Fendou, who had no qualms about hitting women. But now, she felt emboldened. She had seen her mother-in-law stand up to Aunt Zhou, and her sister-in-law was a force to be reckoned with. She knew she wouldn''t be the one to suffer. So, even facing a man, she didn''t flinch: "This is between me and the Su family. What business is it of yours? If you''ve got the guts, marry Wang Xiangxiu! Then I''ll respect you. Otherwise, stay out of it!"0


    Bai Fendou was trembling with rage: "You... you shrew!"0


    Liang Meifen: "And I''m proud of it! My husband is fine with it, so what''s it to you? You''re sticking your nose into something you have no right to. Disgusting!"0


    Oh, the crowd thought, this woman really knows how to throw shade.0


    Ming Mei: Learned something new today!0


    Despite the rain, the onlookers were undeterred, each holding an umbrella as they watched the drama unfold.0


    "You... you!" Bai Fendou raised his hand to strike, but Ming Mei quickly stepped in, grabbing his wrist and throwing him back with a skillful twist. Bai Fendou stumbled several steps.0


    Ming Mei glared: "Try hitting someone, why don''t you? I have zero tolerance for men who beat women. Touch my sister-in-law, and I''ll make you regret it!"0


    She rolled up her sleeves, ready for action: "If this is our fault, I won''t say a word. But what''s your excuse? Trying to break in and steal, and you think you''re in the right? I don''t care if you''re involved with a widow or if you''re just confused. If you dare to act tough here, I''ll beat you until you''re searching for your teeth. Maybe then you''ll remember the Three-Eyed King of Horses!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly stepped forward with an umbrella, saying, "Wife, fight all you want, but don''t get wet."0


    Seeing Zhuang Zhixi''s sycophantic behavior, Bai Fendou pointed at him and cursed: "Zhuang Zhixi, you spineless coward, let your wife... ah!!!"0


    Ming Mei slapped him across the face without hesitation: "I''ll teach you to talk trash! You think you can bully people all you want?"0


    She followed up with a kick, sending Bai Fendou sprawling into a puddle.0


    "You... you shrew! All of Zhuang''s wives are shrews!"0


    Ming Mei sneered: "Shrew? We don''t need to be polite to scumbags like you."0


    "Yeah, look at yourself¡ªyou think you''re such a big shot, but you''re just a fool who sneaks into widows'' beds and gets cuckolded. You look like you''re aging prematurely, always strutting around like you''re something special. You don''t even know your own worth!"0


    Liang Meifen continued her verbal assault, her words cutting through the wind and rain.0


    Zhao Guihua watched her two daughters-in-law, one fierce and the other strong, and decided to stay on the sidelines, arms crossed, enjoying the show. Liang Meifen finished her tirade and turned back to Wang Xiangxiu: "If you can''t control your kids, and this happens again, I''ll go to their school, the neighborhood committee, the police, the factory security office. I''ll put up posters everywhere, letting everyone know your son is a thief!"0 S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Xiangxiu trembled: "You... you''re going too far."0


    Aunt Su also came out, tears streaming down her face, softly saying: "My children... they''re not like that... they were just curious, just hungry... it''s not their fault, it''s ours... we''re widows, we haven''t managed our lives well..."0


    "It''s a bit much, really. A widow with kids has it hard enough." This was the first of the "peacemakers."0


    "Exactly, kids will be kids¡ªthey get curious. And nothing was actually stolen, so why bully a widow?" This was the second "peacemaker."0


    "Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu have it tough."0


    Liang Meifen found herself momentarily at a disadvantage.0


    Ming Mei sneered, "What do you mean by ''going too far''? The premise of that statement is that her son is definitely going to steal. If her son doesn''t steal, none of this would happen, so how is that ''going too far''? Wang Xiangxiu, I don''t think even you can guarantee that your son won''t steal, can you? That''s why you''re saying it''s ''going too far''. You feel like you''re being bullied because, in your heart, you know your son is a thief! And you say all kids are greedy, so why don''t you let them come to your house every day? Since you''re so kind, you certainly wouldn''t refuse, right? My family has a lot of mouths to feed, and we can''t afford to be stolen from. Oh, and by the way, whoever spoke just now must be brave, so remember that."0


    Ming Mei might seem soft-spoken, but when it''s time to be tough, she can be very tough. After she spoke, everyone felt deflated, and some quickly changed their tune.0


    "Uh... well, you can''t say it like that."0


    "Right, if their kid doesn''t steal, none of this would exist."0


    "Exactly. If you ask me, their kid has done this so many times. Every time, it''s all noise but no action. Everyone just overlooks it because he''s a kid, but their family just keeps doing it over and over again. What are we supposed to do?"0


    "I think we should beat them once, so they know what the consequences of stealing are."0


    "That''s right, that''s right."0


    When it comes to their own interests, people''s attitudes change quickly.0


    Ming Mei gave a cold smile.0


    Liang Meifen immediately gained confidence again and declared, "This is the last time. If there''s another time, we won''t care about being neighbors. Don''t blame me for beating them up and sending them to the police!"0


    "I think that''s a good idea."0


    "Xiangxiu, you should really discipline your kids. If you don''t, they''ll end up in jail."0


    "Yes, we know your family is struggling, but you can''t let the kids run wild like this. Every time you explain, but do you ever apologize effectively? You just keep saying the same thing and never change."0


    "Exactly, it''s always the same routine. Get caught, apologize, and then do it again next time. Occasionally, you even bring out Bai Fendou... your family is really over the top."0


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "If you don''t discipline your kids, I don''t think the factory will let him take over your job in the future. A notorious thief? The factory still has to save face. Besides, bringing a thief into the factory is like putting a rat in a rice jar."0


    This comment hit Wang Xiangxiu hard.0


    She didn''t care about the other remarks, but this one struck a nerve.0


    After all, this was about her son''s future!0


    Hearing everyone''s words, Wang Xiangxiu felt utterly miserable. Suddenly, she exploded, grabbing a broom and slamming it onto Jinlai, shouting, "Stealing, stealing, all you do is steal! Will you die if you don''t steal?! We''re poor, but you can''t be so spineless just because we''re poor. Look at how people see us! Do you even want to save face? Does our family even have any dignity left? Do you know how hard your grandmother and I have worked to keep this family together? You''re ruining our reputation! I''ll beat you to death, you little brat! Let''s see if you dare do it again!"0


    Jinlai and his two brothers had been standing under the eaves of the doorway, confident that nothing would happen. After all, whenever there was a problem, their mother would always find a way to fix it. If their mother couldn''t, their grandmother or Bai Fendou would step in.0


    As long as they kept their heads down and didn''t say anything, the issue would quickly blow over.0


    But they didn''t expect their mother to suddenly explode, hitting Jinlai hard. He looked at his mother in disbelief and then burst into tears. Yinlai and Tonglai also got hit a few times and started crying.0


    The three kids were wailing, and Wang Xiangxiu was crying too. She rarely beat her children, and although she had managed to smooth things over a few times before, this time was different.0


    Although the incident itself wasn''t that big, their son had done this so many times that people were fed up. If it had been the first time, people might have let it slide, but with repeated offenses, their son had become isolated. Not just in their courtyard, but throughout the whole alley and street, no other kids wanted to play with them.0


    The reputation of being a thief had spread far and wide.0


    If this continued, their son''s reputation would be ruined, and even when he grew up, he wouldn''t be able to take over his mother''s job at the factory. With such a reputation, the factory wouldn''t want a thief working there.0


    The rain poured down heavily as everyone watched Wang Xiangxiu cry and beat her children. Aunt Su rushed over, crying and trying to shield the kids, "It''s my fault for not teaching them properly, but you can''t beat them like this... they''re still so young!"0


    Everyone watched the scene, some feeling moved.0


    Bai Fendou felt a pang of guilt and suddenly shouted, "Are you happy now? Seeing them suffer like this, are you satisfied?"0


    The rain was pouring heavily, and everyone fell silent.0


    Zhao Guihua stood up and said, word by word, "Who are you putting on this act for?"0


    She retorted, "And you, what right do you have to question us? It''s ridiculous."0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t want to watch this drama anymore. She knew it would just be more crying and complaining. She said, "You all come back inside. If they want to act, we don''t have to watch. From now on, someone from our family will always stay home to make sure nothing gets stolen. We don''t need to be accused of being unforgiving. If anyone wants to be kind, let them be the ones to sacrifice."0


    After saying that, she turned and went inside.0


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at the scene and smiled, "Carry on."0


    He held an umbrella in one hand and put his other arm around his wife''s shoulders, heading home together. "Let''s go, we haven''t eaten yet."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan called from the doorway, "Wife, come home."0


    Liang Meifen still wanted to keep yelling, but she suddenly felt that her mother-in-law''s words and attitude were very impressive. That casual remark, "Who are you putting on this act for?" made her feel like Zhao Guihua was a formidable force to be reckoned with.0


    She quickly went inside, not wanting to ruin her mother-in-law''s momentum.0


    Indeed, having a strong backing made a big difference. Her fighting ability in disputes was much higher than usual.0


    Once inside, she awkwardly approached Ming Mei and fidgeted with her clothes, saying, "Um... just now..."0


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"0


    Liang Meifen was embarrassed, "Um..."0


    She found it hard to say, but finally managed, "Thank you just now!"0


    Ming Mei chuckled, "No need to thank me. We''re all family. Since you stood up for the family, I naturally had to stand up for you too."0


    Liang Meifen smiled. Although she often compared herself to this sister-in-law, she still knew who was on her side.0


    "I have to thank you. You don''t know, but Jinlai has been eyeing us ever since we got back. I felt something was off, and sure enough, the little brat tried to sneak into our house while Dad was in the bathroom. Luckily, I caught him in time. Otherwise, not only would he have stolen something, he might have discovered our day''s haul."0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "You did well today."0


    Liang Meifen smiled proudly.0


    She couldn''t even get any benefits to send to her family, and some little thief wanted to take advantage? Dream on!0


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s eat first. How about some lamb stew?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow, Mom, you can make that?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "What can''t I do?"0


    She proudly lifted her head and said, "There''s a lot your old lady can do."0


    Everyone laughed. At that moment, Zhao Guihua suddenly realized and asked, "Where are Hutou and Xiaoyanzi?"0


    "They were so tired that they fell asleep as soon as they got home. We couldn''t even wake them up."0


    The adults were exhausted too, and even more so the kids. Fortunately, tomorrow was a day off, so they could rest. Those who had to work tomorrow wouldn''t be so lucky.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s eat first, then come help me with the meat. It all needs to be marinated."0


    "Got it."0


    Zhao Guihua and her family quickly retreated from the main battlefield, leaving Wang Xiangxiu in a bit of a bind.0


    She had thought that by causing such a scene, she would surely gain a lot of sympathy points. Even the Zhuang family would have to take a step back, lest they be labeled as bullies of widows and orphans. However, she hadn''t expected Zhao Guihua to call her performance "acting," pinning her to the wall and leaving her unable to extricate herself.0


    She wanted to explain, but with everyone else having left the scene, any further explanation would only be redundant and inappropriate.0


    Wang Xiangxiu was caught between a rock and a hard place. She looked at the others, who were also looking at her, and even Aunt Su was at a loss. Normally, her tearful pleas were very effective. How to play the victim was something she was very skilled at, as her family was adept at exploiting others'' kindness.0


    But Zhao Guihua''s dismissal of her as "acting" and her subsequent departure had left them all in an awkward position.0


    The others, too, were feeling the same way, and seeing them like this, they couldn''t help but feel it was all fake. Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, her tears mingling with the rain, as she cried out, "I didn''t, I really didn''t. I wasn''t acting. I... why is life so hard?"0


    She seemed to suddenly break down and turned to run out... only to crash into Zhou Qun.0


    Under normal circumstances, Zhou Qun wouldn''t have come out to watch such a spectacle. He was always discerning about propriety and would never involve himself in such matters. But with so many things happening lately, his mood was not good, so he decided to come out and watch the commotion. Seeing others in distress made him happy.0


    However, he hadn''t expected to be run into by Wang Xiangxiu, who looked up at him pitifully, tears streaming down her face, and for a moment, she didn''t leave his embrace.0


    Zhou Qun: "Tsk!"0


    Jiang Lu, seeing this posture, immediately felt her anger rise. She stepped forward and slapped Wang Xiangxiu across the face, scolding: "You slut, what are you looking at! This isn''t your man."0


    With a forceful push, Wang Xiangxiu fell into the rain, and Jinlai, who had been beaten, rushed up to protect his mother.0


    "Don''t bully my mom!"0


    He immediately charged at Jiang Lu, punching and kicking, despite being just a child of ten or so. Jiang Lu took a few hits but wasn''t about to take this lying down. After all, Jinlai wasn''t her son, so she slapped him back, saying, "You little brat, get out of here!"0


    "Ah, how dare you hit my son!"0


    Wang Xiangxiu, who had been feeling sorry for herself, now rushed forward again. Zhou Qun: "That''s enough, isn''t it? Wang Xiangxiu, have some self-respect."0


    When there were outsiders present, he would always protect his wife, Jiang Lu, and not let her suffer any grievances. If he couldn''t do that, Jiang Lu wouldn''t be so devoted to him. He roared, "Wang Xiangxiu, keep your son in check. What kind of undisciplined thief is he?"0


    "You!"0


    Wang Xiangxiu glared at Zhou Qun with hatred. In that moment, the Zhuang family, who had started the whole thing, was pushed to second place. The person she hated the most was Zhou Qun. Once, they had been husband and wife with a hundred days of kindness, but now he was treating her like this. What a heartless man.0


    Zhou Qun didn''t know what she was thinking, and even if he did, he wouldn''t care. They were just a transaction, with no emotions involved. If they wanted to talk about affection and righteousness, they shouldn''t have taken the money in the first place.0


    Wang Xiangxiu stood in the pouring rain, the rain sliding down her face, making it impossible to tell whether it was tears or rain. With the warm weather, she was only wearing a thin top, and the rain outlined her curves.0


    The men in the courtyard couldn''t help but stare, but Zhou Qun pretended to be quite the gentleman. He had seen more than anyone else, so he didn''t bother looking. He kept his eyes straight ahead: "If your son dares to lay a hand on my wife again, don''t blame me for being rude!"0


    Wang Xiangxiu clenched her teeth in hatred. Suddenly, she let out a bitter laugh and said, "Fine, you all look down on me, you all push me. You want to drive me to death, so I''ll die for you all to see."0


    With a howl, she turned and ran out, shouting, "I''ll die for you all to see."0


    Bai Fendou quickly wrapped his arms around Wang Xiangxiu''s waist, saying, "Sister Xiangxiu, don''t be sad. No one understands you, but I do. I know your suffering."0


    Wang Xiangxiu turned around and hugged Bai Fendou, crying loudly: "Fendou, it''s not easy for your sister. It''s not easy for me to raise three sons."0


    The two of them hugged each other openly, and everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to say. Jiang Lu spat and scolded: "Slut."0


    Jinlai looked gloomy at Bai Fendou, Yinlai''s expression wasn''t great either, and only Tonglai, who didn''t understand much, could still sniff and wonder who was cooking something delicious.0


    Bai Fendou held Wang Xiangxiu protectively in his arms and declared loudly: "Wang Xiangxiu is my sister, my own flesh and blood. From now on, anyone who bullies her is my enemy. I will not let it go!"0


    The crowd: "Oh ho!"0


    Bai Fendou: "Jinlai, if you boys want anything to eat in the future, come to my house. Uncle Fendou will buy it for you! We won''t take from these people, who have no sympathy at all! Small-minded people drink cold water!"0


    "Hey, how are you talking?"0


    "Yeah, you''re willing to be stolen from and taken advantage of because you have other intentions. We don''t."0


    Exactly, we''re all old foxes, what''s the point of playing ghost stories? Stop pretending to be good.0


    Hmph, he''s obviously unclear with Wang Xiangxiu...0


    Bai Fendou: "Enough. What are you talking about, all over the place? We''re as clear as green onion and tofu."0


    He waved his fists: "Want to fight?"0


    The crowd chuckled.0


    Most people were like fence-sitters, swaying with the wind. Just a moment ago, they felt that the Su family''s life was indeed a bit difficult, but now they were full of disgust. As for Aunt Wang, who hadn''t said much the whole time, she looked at one person and then another, saying, "Li Fang, take the kids home. Don''t watch this, or the kids might learn bad things."0


    She looked at Bai Fendou with disgust, as if seeing something in a cesspool.0


    The Li family also left.0


    Everyone looked at each other, and seeing that Bai Fendou still wouldn''t let go of Wang Xiangxiu, they all exchanged ambiguous smiles and then dispersed. It wasn''t that they didn''t want to watch the gossip, but they knew that there wouldn''t be much more to see. As for whether they were clear and innocent, who would believe that?0


    With everyone gone, Bai Fendou boasted, "See, I still have some prestige in the courtyard."0


    He didn''t let go of Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Come on, let''s go home. It''s raining so hard, you''re all soaked. Let''s go back and change into clean clothes, take a hot bath. By the way, do you have ginger at home? Drink some ginger soup."0


    Wang Xiangxiu gently shook her head: "No more..."0


    She didn''t mind being held by Bai Fendou like this, looking utterly despondent as she said, "Fendou, don''t bother with your sister. I''m in pain."0


    "That won''t do."0


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t say anything, and Aunt Su stepped forward: "Let''s go home first, let''s go home."0


    The whole family was soaked, each looking wretched. Jinlai and his brothers, especially Jinlai, had been beaten and rained on, looking utterly miserable. Wang Xiangxiu looked at her children and wept softly, saying, "It''s my fault, it''s Mom''s fault. I couldn''t give you a good life, so you had to sneak around, despised by others. It''s all my fault..."0


    Her face was pale, and she looked like she was about to faint.0


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly helped her onto the kang (a type of heated bed), saying, "Lie down for a bit?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu looked drained.0


    At that moment, Tonglai suddenly spoke up: "What''s that smell?"0


    He sniffed, saying, "It smells like something delicious, like meat."0


    ¡°What are you thinking about eating at a time like this?¡± Aunt Su complained, then blinked her eyes and gave Wang Xiangxiu a meaningful look. Wang Xiangxiu closed her eyes slightly, and Aunt Su exclaimed, ¡°Xiangxiu, Xiangxiu, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡±0


    Wang Xiangxiu curled up, saying, "I''m cold..."0


    "Mom..." The three kids were also scared.0


    Bai Fendou was even more anxious: "What''s wrong?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Cold, so cold..."0


    Aunt Su: "She''s caught a chill, she''s caught a chill..."0


    She cried out, "You can''t collapse, you absolutely can''t! If you do, this family will really fall apart. Yes, have some soup to warm up, to sweat it out. This cold needs nourishment. Chicken soup, I''ll go buy you a bowl of chicken soup..."0


    As Aunt Su spoke, she started to head out, her expression blank.0


    Bai Fendou saw this and quickly grabbed her, saying, "Aunt Su, where are you going to buy it from? It''s pouring outside, where could you possibly go?"0


    Aunt Su: "But Xiangxiu, my Xiangxiu... she''s the rarest, most precious daughter-in-law in the world. I can''t let her suffer..."0


    "Mom, Mom, don''t die..."0


    Bai Fendou: "You all stay here, I''ll figure something out."0


    In such circumstances, he suddenly felt a surge of determination.0


    "I''ll take care of it, I''ll go out and buy it. You don''t need to worry."0


    He immediately stepped out the door, despite the torrential rain. The rain was pouring even harder, but Bai Fendou still caught a whiff of the aroma of meat broth. Without a second thought, he dashed to the Zhuang household, where they were making lamb stew. Zhuang Zhixi opened the door, his expression cold: "What do you want?"0


    Bai Fendou: "The Su family is suffering because of your family. You need to take responsibility. Give me a bowl of meat broth."0


    His tone was so brazen that one might wonder if his brain was smoking.0


    Zhuang Zhixi gave a cold chuckle, then slammed the door shut with a loud bang.0


    "Ah, you..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What a piece of trash."0


    Zhao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Guihua was indifferent: "Why bother with such a fool?"0


    "Knock, knock, knock!" The knocking sounded again. Zhao Guihua didn''t open the door, instead, she opened the kitchen window and shouted out, "Bai Fendou, are you looking for a beating?"0


    Bai Fendou: "You''re the ones who..."0


    Zhao Guihua narrowed her eyes slightly, her voice cold: "Do you believe I''ll slap you to death?"0


    Bai Fendou gulped, feeling that the people in their courtyard were truly unkind.0


    Each and every one of them lacked any goodness.0


    He suppressed his complaints and said, "Well, I''ll buy one."0


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "Do you think I''ll sell just because you want to buy? We''re just fine as we are, we''re not selling!"0


    Bai Fendou: "Do you really want to watch them suffer like this?"0


    Thinking of Wang Xiangxiu''s frail, almost lifeless state, he pleaded, "Please, let me buy some. Sister Xiangxiu really needs some nourishing food, some soup."0


    Zhao Guihua felt that despite her two lifetimes of experience, she hadn''t learned much, but she had learned this: when someone insists on going down the wrong path, it''s best not to meddle. And such people should be kept at a distance, especially on a rainy day.0


    Lest they get struck by lightning while standing next to a fool.0


    She looked at Bai Fendou, no longer wanting to speak to him, but then... her eyes flickered and she said, "We went to the mountain today and set traps, catching a wild chicken. If you want it, we can let you have it."0


    "Ah!" Bai Fendou was stunned, then overjoyed.0


    Zhao Guihua silently held up three fingers.0


    Bai Fendou: "..."0


    His face fell: "You want money?"0


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "What else?"0


    Bai Fendou: "But a farm-raised chicken only costs two yuan, and it''s more meaty and fat. A wild chicken, at most, would be one and a half yuan, maybe even one yuan for a lean one."0


    That was the normal price.0


    Three yuan was unheard of, unless supplies were extremely tight... He felt Zhao Guihua was being overly greedy.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care: "If you think it''s not worth it, then forget it."0


    She smiled, "After all, it''s a rainy day, and scarcity drives up the price. Go find that one-yuan wild chicken elsewhere."0


    Bai Fendou: "Uh..."0


    On such a day, even the black market would be empty. And besides, with Sister Xiangxiu in such a state, he couldn''t afford to wait. Hesitating for a moment, he said, "Alright, wait a moment, I''ll go get the money."0


    He hurried home, then rushed back.0


    Their two wild chickens were about the same in size and condition. Zhuang Zhixi casually grabbed one and handed it to him, exchanging money with one hand while delivering it with the other.0


    Seeing the wild chicken, Bai Fendou finally showed a few smiles. He didn''t waste any time and quickly returned to the Su household, beaming: "Aunt Su, Sister Xiangxiu, look what I brought for you."0


    Aunt Su had been peeking out the window earlier, so she already knew.0


    Her eyes were filled with joy, but she quickly put on a sorrowful expression, saying, "Let me, let me make some chicken soup for Xiangxiu."0


    Bai Fendou: "I''ll do it, Aunt Su. You all change your clothes, it''s too cold like this."0


    "Alright, thank you."0


    Aunt Su looked at Bai Fendou and said, "Fendou, if any girl marries you in the future, she''ll truly be blessed. A man like you, so rare. Generous, straightforward, loyal, always ready to help, with a good job, no family burdens, and a house. You could find any kind of wife you want, even a fairy. Aunt Su thinks any woman who marries you will have had good fortune built up over several lifetimes."0


    Bai Fendou was flattered, feeling quite proud.0


    "Aunt Su, in this courtyard, you have the sharpest eyes."0


    "That''s right. Back then, I chose Xiangxiu at a glance, didn''t I? She''s such a good daughter-in-law."0


    "Exactly." Bai Fendou agreed.0


    The chicken at the Su household was quickly plucked and put into a pot to cook. The aroma of the chicken soup filled the air.0


    Many households in the courtyard caught the scent and started murmuring among themselves.0


    "Whose house is that? They''re making chicken soup?"0


    "Seems like it''s the front courtyard."0


    "Must be the Zhou family, they''re well-off."0


    "Not necessarily, maybe the Zhuang family. They went on a picnic to the outskirts today, maybe they caught some game."0


    "Could be Bai Fendou, the father and son duo, they''ve got no one to spend their money on, so they eat well..."0


    "No way, I think it''s Uncle Lan, he''s the one who really eats well."0


    "That can''t be, the Lan family usually eats lightly in the evening. He mostly eats well in the morning and at noon."0


    "Right."0


    No matter when, there are always curious ones. Soon, someone wandered to the front courtyard and came back with a mysterious expression, exclaiming in disbelief, "It''s the Su family, they''re making chicken soup."0


    "Oh my~ Didn''t they just act pitiful? Now they''re eating chicken soup?"0


    "What kind of situation is this?"0


    "We better not be too kind-hearted. Look at how they live, we haven''t even had chicken soup yet."0


    Normally, the smell of chicken soup isn''t as strong as lamb stew, but Zhao Guihua had closed all the doors and windows, and their family had already started eating, so the smell wasn''t that noticeable. Meanwhile, the Su family had just started cooking and had their kitchen window open, so the smell naturally spread. Plus, their kitchen was close to the passageway between the front and back courtyards, so one could tell it was their house just by walking past.0


    Bai Fendou was fanning the fire, grumbling with satisfaction, "Let you all look down on people. You look down on people, and all you get is coarse grains and porridge, while Sister Xiangxiu gets to drink chicken soup."0


    Little did he know, he had just stirred up another wave of jealousy.0


    Because of the rain, Aunt Zhou didn''t have an umbrella and had to wait for a while after getting off the bus. Seeing the rain getting heavier and not stopping, she had no choice but to return. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she caught the smell from the Su household and saw Bai Fendou busy in their kitchen. She spat on the ground and cursed, "Scandalous couple!"0


    Bai Fendou didn''t back down: "Oh? Who''s this? Isn''t this Aunt Zhou, the one who seduced my father?"0


    Aunt Zhou shouted angrily, "I''ll tear your mouth apart!"0


    Bai Fendou: "Hehe, what you do, you can''t say?"0


    Aunt Zhou charged forward to fight, but Zhou Qun timely stopped her at the door, saying, "Mom, come back. What''s the point of talking to such people? Every word is a disgrace."0


    Aunt Zhou: "Right."0


    She glared viciously at Bai Fendou.0


    Bai Fendou called out, "I''d rather be shameless than like you, desperate for anything."0


    Zhou Qun: "You!!!"0


    Zhou Qun took a deep breath to calm himself, saying, "Mom, come back. Such people spew filth, it''s not worth our time. The pure are pure, we don''t need to pay attention to these petty people." Though he said that, Zhou Qun was filled with resentment, giving Bai Fendou a venomous look.0


    He thought to himself that if he ever got the chance, he definitely wouldn''t let it go.0


    However, Bai Fendou didn''t dwell on it, feeling triumphant as if he had emerged victorious. Despite the others putting up a tough front, they were all retreating one by one.0


    He let out a hearty laugh, but soon, he scratched his head in confusion: Come to think of it, where was his father? Why hadn''t he come back yet?0


    Oh well, never mind.0


    *******0


    The savory aroma of chicken soup filled the entire courtyard. Zhao Guihua was in the process of butchering a rabbit. If you weren''t close to her house, you wouldn''t even notice the scent.0


    The heavy rain had dispersed the smells, and with the rich fragrance of the chicken soup wafting around, no one paid any attention to her side of the yard.0


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself, "I''m such a genius."0


    Selling that wild chicken was the right move!

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79The rain was pouring heavily today, and the night was filled with torrential downpours, yet the room was ablaze with passion.0


    Ming Mei emerged from the blankets and gently kicked Zhuang Zhixi with her foot, saying, "Get me a glass of water."0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t bother putting on any clothes; he simply lifted the blanket and got up to pour water. The room was dark, but it didn''t hinder his vision. After all, he knew where everything in his own home was, even with his eyes closed.0


    He handed the water to his wife and said, "Here."0


    Ming Mei felt parched and wiped the sweat from her forehead before gulping down the water. Then, she lazily lay back on the bed and said, "I''m going back to my parents'' place tomorrow. Will you come with me?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sure."0


    If it weren''t for the heavy rain today, they would have gone over this evening. Ming Mei had slaughtered a sheep herself, so she naturally wanted to bring some to her parents.0


    Zhuang Zhixi climbed back into bed beside Ming Mei and said, "It''s close to my workplace, so when I get off work tomorrow, I''ll come back first to get the stuff, and then we''ll go together. That way, you won''t have to make an extra trip."0


    Ming Mei smiled softly and whispered, "Okay."0


    She added playfully, "It''s your first day in the new department tomorrow. Will you have to work overtime?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and shook his head. "Why would I need to work overtime? The publicity department isn''t that busy. Unless there''s a big event like this one, there''s not much to do. It''s just about handling some publicity. Our unit doesn''t even have an arts department; otherwise, this work wouldn''t fall to the publicity department."0


    Ming Mei said, "Still, you should do your best. It''s not easy to get transferred there."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I know that."0


    The couple continued their late-night conversation. Zhuang Zhixi mentioned, "Mom and Brother gave me the money. It''s thirty yuan in total. I put it in the drawer. You should keep it."0


    Ming Mei nodded, "Okay."0


    Their private savings were the most among the entire family, even more than their in-laws. Ming Mei chuckled and said, "If we could always have such good luck, that would be wonderful. But Zhixi, we''re all one family. Is it really okay to take money from others like this?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "What''s the problem? This was arranged by Mom. We just follow her instructions. We don''t ask for it, but if Mom decides to give it, we take it. After all, older people have seen more of the world than we have. They see things more clearly. We just need to listen to them."0


    Ming Mei agreed, "That makes sense. Listening to my mother-in-law is probably the right thing to do. After all..." She suddenly felt a wave of nausea and gagged.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was startled and quickly asked, "What''s wrong?"0


    He immediately pulled the light cord, and the room lit up. Concerned, he asked, "Are you feeling unwell? Did you eat something wrong?"0


    Ming Mei nodded and then shook her head. "Maybe I ate too much meat today. My stomach feels a bit off. And then I drank a whole glass of water, which made it feel too full. I''ll be fine."0


    Zhuang Zhixi examined Ming Mei carefully, seeing that her complexion was fine and she didn''t seem unwell. He gently smoothed her messy hair and said, "If you feel worse tomorrow, we''ll go to the hospital."0


    Ming Mei nodded, "I''m fine. It''s just that I rarely get to eat so well."0


    Zhuang Zhixi started to say, "I thought you were..." but was interrupted by loud banging on the door outside. He frowned and said, "Who''s that? Who would be banging on the door so late at night? Is someone not back yet?"0


    Ming Mei looked at him, equally puzzled. "I thought everyone was here during the argument earlier."0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''ll put on some clothes and go check."0


    Ming Mei nodded. She was a bit tired today and didn''t feel like moving, so she just pulled the blanket over herself like a cocoon and peeked out through the curtain. The loud banging had woken up the neighbors in the front yard, and she saw Bai Fendou, wearing only his underwear, cursing as he went to open the door.0


    She said, "Zhixi, Bai Fendou is going out."0


    Zhuang Zhixi commented, "He''s quick."0


    Meanwhile, Bai Fendou had been deep in sleep when the banging woke him up. The noise was closest to his house, so he was the first to be disturbed. He grumbled as he got up, "Who''s this unlucky bastard? Do they have no morals? Do they not want anyone to sleep? Disgusting!"0


    He didn''t bother putting on clothes or grabbing any rain gear. He just walked along the covered walkway to the door and shouted, "Who''s there? What''s the matter so late at night?"0


    "It''s your dad!" came a deep, gruff voice.0


    Bai Fendou immediately got angry and cursed, "Damn it, you little bastard! You dare to come here in the middle of the night and claim to be my dad? You woke me up and even tried to take advantage of me. I don''t think you want to come in, do you? Stay out there!"0


    "It''s me! I really am your dad! I''m Old Man Bai!" the voice outside shouted angrily.0


    Bai Fendou was stunned. He suddenly remembered that his father hadn''t been home today. He panicked and quickly opened the door, saying, "Oh, no, Dad! Why are you out in this heavy rain? I didn''t know you weren''t home."0


    His words didn''t sit well with his father. Old Man Bai was furious. "I live under the same roof as you, and you don''t even know if I''m home? You ungrateful son! I can''t believe I raised you!"0


    He felt utterly defeated. His son was already this old and still hadn''t given him any grandchildren. Now he was even arguing with him.0


    Bai Fendou chuckled awkwardly. "You''re really angry, Dad. How could I keep an eye on you all the time? Besides... oh no! Where did you fall? You''re all dirty."0


    Old Man Bai waved him off. "Forget it, let''s go home and talk."0


    The father and son went back inside together. Zhuang Zhixi, who had been watching from the doorway, decided there was no need to put on clothes and returned to bed. He said, "It''s Old Man Bai. No wonder he wasn''t around during the argument with the Su family today. He wasn''t home."0


    Ming Mei commented, "Those two really are... I wonder if they''ll ever get what they want."0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I don''t think either of them will. Why would they get married when they can spend their money without it? If they got married, they''d have to take care of each other. Right now, the Su family even washing their clothes earns them gratitude. But if they were married, that would just be expected. The Su family is too clever to miss that calculation."0


    Ming Mei suddenly remembered, "Oh, we need to wash the sheets tomorrow..."0


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi with pleading eyes. He said, "I''ll help you wash them."0


    Ming Mei immediately smiled. That was exactly what she was waiting for.0


    She cozied up to Zhuang Zhixi and said playfully, "I knew you were the best man."0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and asked, "How good?"0


    Ming Mei teased, "Very, very good."0


    She nestled into Zhuang Zhixi''s arms like a little fox and kissed his chin. "So caring and kind."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled proudly. "Of course, I have to be good to my wife."0


    He turned off the light, and the room soon fell into darkness. Not long after, the bed started creaking again...0


    Ming Mei murmured, "I''m tired..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I''m not. I''m the one doing all the work."0


    "Well, I''m tired too..."0


    "Shh..."0


    The room was filled with creaking and warmth.0


    Outside, the storm raged on. Old Man Bai, who had returned in the midst of the storm, was a complete mess. His clothes were torn, and his pants were covered in mud, as if he had fallen into a mud pit.0


    Bai Fendou exclaimed, "Oh no, Dad! What happened to you? I thought you went on a spring outing with Aunt Su and the kids. Why are you only coming back now?"0


    Old Man Bai glared at him and said, "It''s all for you."0


    Bai Fendou was puzzled. "Huh? What do you mean, for me? What does going out with Aunt Su have to do with me? Don''t try to pin this on me."0


    He felt quite wronged.0


    Old Man Bai: "We went out for a spring outing together, but it was a bit stuffy and hot today at noon. Aunt Su wasn''t feeling well, so we decided to head back early. We got back in the mid-afternoon. As soon as we reached the entrance of the alley, we ran into Aunt Lu from the back street. You know, Aunt Lu is a well-known matchmaker, just as good as Aunt Wang, and they''ve been old rivals for years."0


    "You''re asking Aunt Lu to introduce me to someone?" Bai Fendou''s face lit up with excitement.0


    Old Man Bai: "Exactly! Aunt Wang wouldn''t help, so we had to switch to someone else. Why hang ourselves on one tree? Aunt Wang wasn''t doing a good job introducing you to anyone anyway, and after the plate-selling incident, she definitely wouldn''t help you. Chef Li looks at me with disdain now, haha, people only use you when they need you. I went to Aunt Lu, and she happened to mention that she has a relative who''s still single, a beautiful young lady, and she''s only twenty years old. I thought, if we don''t act fast, someone else might snatch her up. So, I suggested we arrange a meeting right away, but she said the girl had gone to her grandmother''s place in the countryside to take care of her since the grandmother was sick. The girl''s a filial one, you know. I decided to be cautious and asked where exactly she was staying, then I went to check it out secretly. After all, we can''t fully trust matchmakers¡ªthey can twist the truth with their words. I wanted to see if what the matchmaker said was true and if the girl was indeed as filial as claimed. Filial piety is very important when it comes to marriage. At the very least, she should be like Wang Xiangxiu or Jiang Lu."0


    Although he thought Wang Xiangxiu''s behavior was questionable, he still admired her filial piety. He believed that having a filial daughter-in-law was crucial.0


    Bai Fendou nodded repeatedly, "Sister Xiangxiu is indeed very good."0


    Old Man Bai continued, "I went to the countryside and found the girl, but I just wanted to observe her secretly. Little did I know, the villagers thought I was some old pervert and chased me, refusing to listen to my explanation. I had to run for my life and ended up falling into a ditch. By the time I got out, I missed the last bus back to the city. Then a heavy rain started, and I had to walk back in the rain..."0


    Old Man Bai felt that today was just one of those unlucky days.0


    He said, "I was exhausted by the time I got back, and you, you little rascal, are shouting at me. Don''t you know who I''m doing this for?"0


    Bai Fendou grinned, "For me, I know you''re doing this for me."0


    Old Man Bai: "You know that, huh?"0


    He felt like his old bones were about to fall apart. The journey seemed endless.0


    He slumped into a chair: "Go and boil some hot water for me."0


    Bai Fendou wasn''t happy: "Why boil hot water so late at night? Just go to sleep. I''m tired too."0


    Raising such a son was no different from raising a piece of useless meat.0


    His father was in such a state, yet Bai Fendou was too lazy to care, just wanting to rest. However, earlier in the evening, he had been a dutiful son at the Su household, boiling water and even making chicken soup for them, doing his best to be helpful.0


    Although he didn''t want to move, he was still curious and asked, "How was the girl?"0


    Old Man Bai, still upset that his son wouldn''t boil water, simply replied, "Get lost!"0


    Bai Fendou: "Look at you, such a petty old man."0


    Old Man Bai ignored him and decided not to bathe. He just wanted to drink some hot water and sleep, but when he shook the thermos, it was empty. He frowned, unhappy.0


    "Where''s the hot water?"0


    He spoke harshly: "I boiled water this morning, how is it gone?"0


    Bai Fendou: "Oh, I poured it for Xiangxiu''s kid to bathe. The child got caught in the rain, and they needed hot water."0


    Old Man Bai was nearly speechless.0


    "You..."0


    "Aunt Su also got caught in the rain, and I helped them boil water," Bai Fendou added casually. Old Man Bai immediately became anxious: "What happened to her? Why did she get caught in the rain? Did something happen?"0


    Bai Fendou sat up: "It''s the family across the street, they''re really something, picking on women and children. Anyway, they didn''t really steal anything, so why make such a big deal out of it? I''ll definitely teach them a lesson."0


    Speaking of this, Old Man Bai also felt frustrated.0


    Although he knew it was because he was too weak to step up, he still felt the opportunity should have been his. This feeling of being robbed was incredibly frustrating. He said, "Zhuang Zhixi stepped on me to get ahead."0


    Actually, when Aunt Su talked about it yesterday, he was very tempted to go and confront the Zhuang family, but his remaining sense told him it wasn''t a good idea.0


    He knew it wasn''t wise. The Zhuang family wasn''t the type to be polite.0


    But that didn''t mean he wasn''t angry. He was furious and very resentful. How could they treat him like this? Since they stepped on him to get ahead, they should at least buy him gifts to apologize and keep sending them during festivals.0


    But the Zhuang family seemed to have no such intentions, not even bothering to come and explain themselves. This made Old Man Bai very dissatisfied. People shouldn''t be so thoughtless. The Zhuang family was really too unreasonable.0


    He snorted coldly and said, "They should be taught a lesson, but how do you think we should do it?"0


    When it came to this, the father and son were no longer sleepy.0


    Bai Fendou: "If we confront them directly and start a fight, I don''t think it''s a good idea. Their daughter-in-law is quite good at fighting. If we go at it head-on, we might end up losing. We need to outsmart them. Dad, since Zhuang Zhixi stepped on you to get ahead, why don''t we target him? What do you think?"0


    He explained, "If we try to take on the entire Zhuang family at once, it''s not realistic. It''s better to pick one person to teach a lesson, let them know our strength, and humiliate them. What do you think?"0


    "That''s a good idea," Old Man Bai agreed. He also thought targeting Zhuang Zhixi would be the most satisfying. After all, Zhuang Zhixi had taken his place to play Yang Bailao in the propaganda department.0


    He hated Zhuang Zhixi the most. This little brat deserved a lesson.0


    Bai Fendou also thought teaching Zhuang Zhixi a lesson was the best. Somehow, he just couldn''t stand how pretentious and showy Zhuang Zhixi was, just because he got married.0


    He felt that if he didn''t teach this guy a lesson, he wouldn''t be able to get rid of the resentment in his heart.0


    "What if we accuse him of harassing Wang Xiangxiu?" Old Man Bai suggested. After all, Wang Xiangxiu was a woman with a questionable reputation, and doing such things would be easy for her. If they could use this to blackmail Zhuang Zhixi, they could not only damage his reputation but also possibly extort some money from him.0


    This would also help the Su family, and Aunt Su could live a bit more comfortably.0


    He thought his idea was great, but Bai Fendou''s face darkened immediately and said, "No way, Dad, what are you talking about? A woman''s reputation is very important, you don''t understand that? Sister Xiangxiu is a good woman, she can''t be dragged into this. Zhou Qun has already framed Sister Xiangxiu, and some people who don''t know the truth are already pointing fingers at her. If you do this too, you''ll push Sister Xiangxiu into an even worse situation. Absolutely not! You shouldn''t even think about it! Why don''t you accuse him of harassing Aunt Su?"0


    Old Man Bai wasn''t happy: "Who would believe that?"0


    "People believe that Zhou Qun had an affair with the old lady."0 sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Old Man Bai: "That''s because he had a purpose! If there was no purpose, it''s a different story. What''s wrong with you, shouting at me? Do you still want to deal with Zhuang Zhixi or not?"0


    Bai Fendou: "I want to, but I can''t use Sister Xiangxiu''s reputation as a price."0


    He thought for a moment and said, "What about Jiang Lu? What do you think of Jiang Lu? Let''s find a way to trick Zhuang Zhixi and Jiang Lu into the same room, then catch them in the act with a group of people, preferably at the factory, to humiliate them thoroughly. This way, not only will we hit the Zhuang family, but we''ll also hit Zhou Qun. They''ve been giving me attitude and acting all high and mighty lately. This time, we''ll make both families lose face together. What do you think?"0


    Old Man Bai pondered for a moment, then nodded in approval, "That''s a great idea. Perfect."0


    The father and son chuckled smugly.0


    Old Man Bai chuckled and said, "Hey, you think this might cause some big trouble? What if they come after us?"0


    Bai Fendou was nonchalant and unconcerned, "What''s the big deal? We''re not killing or setting fires. We''re just teaching people a lesson, doing good for the community. It''s not a big deal. Even if they accuse us, we just deny it. If it comes to it, we can just say it was a joke. What can they do? Zhou Qun is involved with an older woman, and there are shady dealings with his exams, yet he''s still fine. I don''t think there''s any problem."0


    "You''re right about that."0


    "Of course."0


    The father and son laughed sinisterly. Zhao Guihua had a bit of a stomachache and, wearing a raincoat, came out to use the restroom. As she approached the gate, she heard the Bai family''s eerie laughter, "Heh heh heh heh." The laughter was so... it takes at least twenty years of experience as a villain to laugh like that.0


    She frowned slightly, looked around, and confirmed that it was late and quiet. Unable to resist her curiosity, she quietly approached the window and heard the people inside say, "Let''s act tomorrow or the day after."0


    "Alright, we''ll each take one. Do you know of a suitable place in the factory?"0


    "The small storage room."0


    "Alright, you trick one, I''ll trick the other."0


    "Heh heh, we''ll just wait and watch the show."0


    Zhao Guihua was truly surprised. Out of the blue, in the middle of the night, she had overheard something about her son. Of course, she didn''t know who exactly they were talking about yet. But she thought it over and realized these two were probably plotting against someone. She just didn''t know who they were targeting.0


    She thought again and suspected they might be plotting against her family, especially since they had just had a conflict with Aunt Su''s family today.0


    And these two bachelors are the ultimate admirers of those two widows. Wouldn''t they want to take revenge?0


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, feeling that Bai Fendou was becoming more and more unlike himself. He used to be just a bit foolish, but now, with all the eligible young men in the courtyard getting married, jealousy had taken over. Not only was he foolish, but he was also becoming a bit wicked.0


    Like the time he swindled Yang Lixin''s money. Granted, Yang Lixin didn''t want to take any risks and just wanted to enjoy the benefits, which wasn''t entirely right. But Bai Fendou definitely swindled his money. And swindling money is wrong.0


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips. Her stomach started cramping again, so she quickly went out, the door making a faint creaking sound. The Bai father and son didn''t pay much attention, as they lived in the room by the gate and were used to people coming and going at night.0


    However, recently, due to the ghost rumors, fewer people were coming out at night. Everyone preferred to endure rather than go out. Zhao Guihua didn''t know who it was, but Bai Fendou peeked out and didn''t see anyone. He didn''t think much of it.0


    If only there hadn''t been that door opening and closing sound.0


    In their opinion, it would be better if the door was just left open like before. People coming and going would be quieter and more convenient. They didn''t understand why they had to lock the door, saying it was to prevent thieves, but the thief had been caught, hadn''t they? Since the thief was caught, there were no more thieves. It was just unnecessary.0


    Bai Fendou: "Aunt Wang, being a woman, just can''t handle things properly. No sense of order."0


    Old Man Bai agreed, "Yeah, the courtyard management should be handled by a man. A woman managing the courtyard just doesn''t work. Women have long hair and shortsightedness. If I were in charge, I''d do a much better job. Look at how she handles things. She can''t manage many situations well. There have been so many incidents in the courtyard, and she doesn''t show any consideration for widows and orphans. Women are just too jealous. I think she''s jealous of Aunt Su."0


    The father and son criticized Aunt Wang for a while before going back to their rooms and lying down.0


    Old Man Bai: "I really suffered today..."0


    Although he complained a bit, he was too tired and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Zhao Guihua went out alone to use the restroom. There was no one outside. Due to the ghost rumors, everyone tried to stay indoors, making Zhao Guihua one of the few brave ones.0


    She went to the restroom and thought carefully about what the Bai father and son had said. Although she hadn''t heard who they were talking about, she felt more and more that they were targeting her family. Zhao Guihua''s expression darkened, and she became even more disdainful of the father and son.0


    However, since she knew about this, she had to warn her family to avoid falling into a trap.0


    Two, they mentioned two people. Were they targeting two of her children?0


    If that was the case, Zhao Guihua would definitely grab a knife and confront them.0


    But then she thought again and felt they probably weren''t bold enough to go that far.0


    In any case, she had to take this seriously.0


    Zhao Guihua finally finished using the restroom. As she was about to leave, she heard footsteps and a man''s light cough. Zhao Guihua decided to stay put. It wasn''t that she wanted to hide, but with the ghost rumors being strongest about the women''s restroom, she didn''t want to scare anyone by suddenly coming out of the women''s restroom on a rainy night. So she decided to wait until the man went into the men''s restroom before leaving.0


    Being civilized means not scaring others, and she was very particular about that.0


    Zhao Guihua stood still, but soon felt something was off. Why? Because from where she was standing, she could see the person coming, and this person was carrying a bundle.0


    Who goes to the restroom on a rainy night carrying a bundle? This was clearly suspicious. Zhao Guihua quietly moved and leaned against the wall, not daring to move.0


    Even though she didn''t know what this person was up to, Zhao Guihua still had her caution and vigilance. What if she just came out to use the restroom and ended up being killed by some unknown person? That would be terrible. She didn''t know what this person wanted to do.0


    Zhao Guihua stayed still, holding her breath.0


    At this moment, she heard rustling sounds from the men''s restroom next door, as if the person was climbing. Zhao Guihua still didn''t move. Now wasn''t the time to leave; that would just get her noticed. She wasn''t that foolish.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t move, listening to the sounds next door. The person seemed to have climbed onto the roof, with heavy breathing.0


    Hmm, not very fit.0


    After a while, thud!0


    That was the sound of jumping down. The person cursed, "Damn, my foot! Shit, almost fell into the pit."0


    Zhao Guihua: "..."0


    You guys really... no wonder Old Bao had to put up signs at the restroom. You all really have a thing for public restrooms. I''m impressed. How does everyone manage to make the restroom their stage?0


    Zhao Guihua still didn''t move, even though her legs were getting numb. She wasn''t the impulsive type. She watched the person''s back as he limped away, probably having twisted his ankle when jumping down.0


    Ah, this... the person twisted their ankle after jumping down from a height.0


    That was Zhao Guihua''s conclusion.0


    After all, the person was fine when he first came over.0


    She stood there for a while, watching the person walk away, heading towards the innermost part of the alley. She quickly left the restroom, covering herself with the rain, and hurried home. As for checking the men''s restroom next door, Zhao Guihua didn''t consider it. She didn''t know what was going on, so she wasn''t going to do anything rash.0


    Moreover, who knows if anyone in their courtyard saw her leave? If something goes missing tonight, she''d be the first suspect. She didn''t want any trouble. Although she was a bit curious about what someone would be hiding on a rainy night, she wasn''t desperate to find out.0


    Zhao Guihua quickly returned to the courtyard and closed the door before heading home.0


    She hurried inside, and Old Man Zhuang turned over, asking, "Wife?"0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "It''s me."0


    He asked, "How do you feel?"0


    Zhao Guihua said, "I''m fine, just ate too much."0


    She was like a wild boar that couldn''t handle fine grain.0


    Originally, her diet was quite light and mild, but suddenly, for three meals a day, there was meat, and both lunch and dinner were especially hearty. Her stomach couldn''t take it, and she ended up with diarrhea at night. However, the others in the family who ate the same food were perfectly fine.0


    Only she had stomach issues, while everyone else was fine.0


    Zhao Guihua: Very annoyed.0


    She muttered to herself as she lay back down on the kang (kang, a heated brick bed), saying, "Old man, are you asleep?"0


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "No, what is it?"0


    Zhao Guihua said, "I overheard the Bai father and son plotting something. I think they''re planning to scheme against our family."0


    Old Man Zhuang sat up abruptly, saying, "What? Do they have no shame? We haven''t done anything to offend them."0


    Zhao Guihua laughed, "We didn''t offend them, but we did offend the Su family. You know them; they''re not very bright."0


    Old Man Zhuang frowned, saying, "They really are... Old Man Bai too. Over the years, he''s just gotten worse, more and more confused."0


    They had been old friends since they were sixteen or seventeen, knowing each other for decades. Now, Old Man Zhuang found it harder and harder to understand what was going on with him, as if he had some sort of problem. He wasn''t sure about anything else, but his brain certainly wasn''t functioning properly.0


    He''s really getting more and more confused as he ages.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "I don''t think he was ever quite right, even when he was young. But back then, during the chaotic times and poverty, it wasn''t so obvious. Now that life is getting better day by day, he has more time to cause trouble."0


    Old Man Zhuang sighed heavily, saying, "This is going to be tough."0


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, just keep it in mind, and remind the others. Whether or not it''s aimed at us, it''s better to be more cautious."0


    Old Man Zhuang agreed wholeheartedly.0


    He said, "That''s the way it should be."0


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Oh, and... I saw someone hiding something in the men''s toilet when I went to the bathroom earlier."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Huh?"0


    In these times, you really see all sorts of things.0


    "Can''t they keep it at home? Why hide it in the toilet?"0


    "Who knows."0


    Old Man Zhuang echoed Zhao Guihua''s thoughts: "Why do they have to be so obsessed with the toilet?"0


    "Right?"0


    Old Man Zhuang couldn''t help but feel impressed. How was it that every night he went to the toilet, he ended up hearing some gossip? People really shouldn''t be staying up so late and being so energetic. It''s just not right.0


    "Don''t get involved in this, and don''t tell the kids... Someone might get tempted to take the stuff and end up in trouble without even knowing what happened."0


    "I know, I only told you about the toilet thing..."0


    The two of them chatted softly, and soon their voices faded away. They weren''t young anymore, and after a day of work, they were quite tired.0


    As expected, the Zhuang family all woke up late the next morning.0


    The noisy sounds of the morning filled the air, and Zhuang Zhixi, feeling anxious, rubbed his eyes, saying, "I can''t be late today."0


    Today was his first day reporting to the Publicity Department, and being late wouldn''t look good.0


    Zhuang Zhixi stumbled out, only to find that it was still raining outside. Compared to the torrential rain of the previous day, it had now turned into a moderate rain. However, after a night of rain, there were puddles all over the courtyard.0


    A mischievous kid named Tonglai stood at the door, jumping into a puddle with a splat, then hopping out with a splash.0


    He noticed Zhuang Zhixi''s gaze and, with a smug look, jumped even more energetically, back and forth.0


    Zhuang Zhixi watched his dirty pants and subtly twitched his mouth.0


    Jump away, you little rascal!0


    The usually bustling water trough area was quiet, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly brushed his teeth and washed his face at home. He peeked into the main room and saw that his parents hadn''t woken up yet. Zhuang Zhixi knocked on the door, saying, "Mom."0


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????two elderly people didn''t respond, so Zhuang Zhixi knocked again. This time, Zhao Guihua finally stirred, saying, "Huh..."0


    She sat up and asked, "What time is it?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, I''m going to work without breakfast. Tell Dad not to oversleep."0


    Zhao Guihua said, "Wait a moment."0


    She got up, putting on her clothes, and deeply sighed, realizing that as one gets older, it''s harder to recover from fatigue.0


    She opened the door and said, "Come in, it''s not like it''s a matter of five or ten minutes. Skipping breakfast isn''t good for your stomach."0


    Zhao Guihua remembered that her youngest son had always had stomach issues in the coming years, almost as if he were the male lead in a romance novel, always getting stomach aches for no reason.0


    She said, "I''ll hurry, you can''t be late."0


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned, feeling that there was no one better than his mom in the world.0


    He teased, "Mom, I knew you loved me the most, oh my dear mom."0


    Zhao Guihua: "..."0


    She was speechless: "Why does your tone sound so... clingy? You don''t sound like a decent person. Go on, now."0


    She quickly rolled out the dough she had prepared the night before, saying, "It''s all set from last night, just slice it and cook it. Have some noodle soup for breakfast; it''ll keep you warm, and with the rain outside, it''ll feel comfortable."0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Okay."0


    His smile grew even wider, saying, "Mom, I know you love me the most, hehe."0


    Zhao Guihua said, "No need to flatter me. I have something to tell you: Be careful of the Bai father and son."0


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned against the stove, asking lazily, "What''s up?"0


    Zhao Guihua said, "I overheard them last night..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi sneered, saying, "What kind of idiots are they?"0


    He smiled and said, "Don''t worry, Mom, I definitely won''t fall for their tricks. Just remind the others."0


    Zhao Guihua thought about it and realized that it was true. Among their family, Zhuang Zhixi was the least likely to be deceived. Even if he didn''t know anything, he wasn''t the type to blindly trust others.0


    He was naturally quite shrewd in this regard.0


    She said, "I''ll remind everyone. Just remember to be cautious."0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Alright, I know. If they dare to scheme against me, I''ll make sure they regret it."0


    He wasn''t someone to be trifled with. Zhuang Zhixi said meaningfully, "If someone tries to scheme against me, not returning the favor would be a shame given my height."0


    Zhao Guihua: "..."0


    She twitched her mouth, quite speechless. What does that have to do with anything?0


    Zhuang Zhixi, on his first day at the Publicity Department, left earlier than everyone else. By the time he was ready to go, his wife, Ming Mei, was just coming over to have breakfast, her hair a mess. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Wife, I''m leaving first."0


    Ming Mei nodded, "Oh."0


    She was still a bit dazed, half-asleep.0


    If it weren''t for her stomach growling, she wouldn''t have gotten up.0


    What was even more frustrating was that she still had to go to work later. Ming Mei went to the main room and called out, "Mom..."0


    It was worth mentioning that Ming Mei marrying into the Zhuang family was actually a bit of a step down in terms of status. She could have found a family with better conditions. However, in terms of living a more comfortable life, it might not have been the case. Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi had hit it off, but after getting married, Ming Mei realized that the Zhuang family was really quite nice.0


    After all, even if a daughter-in-law had a job, in most families, the mother-in-law would still be the one making breakfast.0


    Even though it was a new era, the mother-in-law was still in charge. Many mother-in-laws would subtly establish rules and make life difficult for their daughters-in-law.0


    Her mother-in-law never cared about these things. For instance, Ming Mei and her husband almost always had ready-made meals for breakfast and dinner. They didn''t have to do much housework either. The couple mainly washed their own clothes and cleaned their own room, which was quite easy.0


    Don''t think this is simple. Just look at their courtyard. Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou don''t have jobs, but the work in both their households is done by Wang Xiangxiu and Jiang Lu. In their unit, most of the bus ticket sellers are women, and the majority are married. No matter whether they live with their in-laws or not, they have a lot to manage. Like her, who is married but still enjoys a relatively easy life, mainly just focusing on work, is truly rare.0


    Even the cleaning of pots, pans, and other household items, as well as the seasonal washing of curtains in each room, is all handled by Liang Meifen.0


    So Ming Mei has a good attitude towards Liang Meifen. After all, one can''t just look at what they give, but also what they receive.0


    She drank a bowl of noodle soup and sighed, "It''s really delicious."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course it''s delicious. I used the broth left over from last night''s lamb stew."0


    Ming Mei truly admired her mother-in-law''s cooking skills. Whether it was her own mother or the state-run restaurants outside, none could compare to Zhao Guihua''s craftsmanship. However, Ming Mei also knew that her mother-in-law''s culinary prowess came from her willingness to use ingredients. Her own family was already quite generous with food, but her mother, being a product of this era, could only be relatively generous.0


    But her mother-in-law was different. Even when she held back, the amount of seasoning she used was significantly more than that of ordinary households. Moreover, she was very particular about food. Every week, they could see fish and meat on the table. If it were just based on the ten yuan they contributed monthly, they would barely be able to afford coarse grains.0


    Clearly, the older couple was subsidizing them. She knew this, and so did her sister-in-law, Liang Meifen. That''s why Liang Meifen dared not utter a word. Everyone was well aware of the situation.0


    "Mom, it''s raining today. Don''t go up the mountain."0


    Yesterday, they had planned to go up the mountain, but rain made it unsafe.0


    Zhao Guihua: "I know. We won''t go today."0


    She looked at the few people eating and said, "I have something to tell you..."0


    Of course, it was about last night''s incident.0


    Everyone was gritting their teeth, although they weren''t sure if it was a scheme against their family, it was likely.0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Those scoundrels."0


    He used to think Bai Fendou was decent, but now he''s becoming more and more unbearable.0


    Strangely enough, Old Man Zhuang also had the same view of Old Man Bai. It seems that being a bachelor and a long-time admirer who can''t get what he wants makes one resentful of others'' happiness.0


    "Anyway, just keep it in mind. I don''t think it''s aimed at you. After all, you don''t work in the same factory, and you don''t interact much. Oh right~" Zhao Guihua recalled something and said, "Zhiyuan, aren''t you competing for the position of train conductor this year?"0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Yes, but there are several others competing, so my chances are slim."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Sometimes, you should give gifts when necessary. Don''t feel embarrassed; it''s just normal socializing."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan blushed slightly but nodded, "I understand."0


    "Mom, I''m off to work."0


    Ming Mei checked the time and realized she was running late. She quickly got up, and Old Man Zhuang did the same.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, we''ll talk more after work. Go to work now."0


    "Okay."0


    Zhao Guihua instructed, "Meifen, take care of the kids these days. I''m afraid those two troublemakers might try something with the children."0


    Liang Meifen widened her eyes, "They dare!"0


    The Bai family was truly infuriating.0


    She said, "They''re so annoying."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Those kinds of people can''t keep their schemes hidden. It''ll only be for a couple of days. If they target our family, I''ll give them a good slap. If it''s someone else... let them deal with it. Anyway, they''re either targeting the Zhou family or us. They won''t bother others."0


    It''s worth mentioning that Zhao Guihua''s random guess hit the nail on the head.0


    However, Zhao Guihua didn''t know that yet. She said, "Alright, go wake the kids up. If they don''t leave soon, they''ll be late for school. I''ve boiled an egg for each of them." Kids deserve special treatment, and Zhao Guihua was quite justified in her partiality.0


    After all, they''re just kids.0


    When they grow up, she won''t have to take care of them anymore.0


    Liang Meifen took the kids to school, while Zhao Guihua wasn''t idle. She processed some rabbit fur. Such things were unsuitable for children. Mainly because it was white, and whether it was made into a hat or gloves for kids, they''d get dirty quickly. Washing them in the cold winter wouldn''t dry easily, so Zhao Guihua didn''t consider giving them to the kids. Instead, she planned to process the fur and save it up. Once she had a few more pieces, she would make a fur vest for her husband to wear in winter.0


    Although her husband''s salary wasn''t low, he rarely used good things, always prioritizing the children. They always thought their good days were ahead. But who could have known that life is so unpredictable.0


    Her husband passed away at a relatively young age.0


    So, given another chance, Zhao Guihua still wanted to treat her husband better. After all, they had supported each other for most of their lives.0


    As she was organizing things, she heard someone calling outside, "Xiao Zhuang, Xiao Zhuang."0


    Zhao Guihua put down the rabbit fur and went out to ask, "What are you shouting for? Are you calling for a spirit?"0


    Outside was Bai Fendou.0


    Bai Fendou: "Where''s Xiao Zhuang? My dad got caught in the rain yesterday and has a cold. He should take a look."0


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and said, "You should go see a doctor for your brain. I''ve told you countless times, my son isn''t a doctor. Oh, I get it. You''re hoping your dad kicks the bucket soon so you can arrange a feast, right? Otherwise, why would you come to someone who isn''t a doctor to treat your father? You''re up to no good, Bai Fendou. That''s your own father."0


    "You..."0


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you ''you''-ing about?"0


    She looked Bai Fendou up and down and said, "I can see you''re up to no good. Let me tell you, if you keep this up, I''ll report you to the neighborhood committee. Who acts like you do as a son? You''re not even looking for a quack doctor; you''re asking someone who isn''t a doctor to treat your father. You clearly have ill intentions. You want to harm your dad, don''t you?"0


    "You''re talking nonsense. I just saw my dad has a fever, and my mind went blank. He''s my own father; how could I have ill intentions? Aunt Zhao, you''re really good at making things up."0


    Zhao Guihua gave a cold laugh, crossed her arms, and looked Bai Fendou up and down with suspicion.0


    Bai Fendou: "Alright, I won''t argue with you. I''ll take him to the hospital right away."0


    Bai Fendou hurried back. This wasn''t an act or part of their plan.0


    Old Man Bai had indeed caught a cold from the rain.0


    After all, he wasn''t young anymore. After falling and getting soaked in the rain, he walked several hours back to the city. That kind of ordeal was more than he could handle. Don''t think people of their age are used to hardship.0


    They were working-class people, and while factory work was tiring, it couldn''t compare to farming. They hadn''t done heavy labor.0


    After such a toss and turn, he couldn''t take it anymore.0


    Bai Fendou didn''t dare to argue with Zhao Guihua and quickly turned to the Su family, calling, "Aunt Su, come out for a moment."0


    Aunt Su hurried out and asked, "What''s wrong?"0


    Bai Fendou: "My dad''s sick. I can''t handle it alone. Can you help me out and take him to the hospital?"0


    Aunt Su quickly said, "Why go to the hospital? We should take him to the factory''s clinic. It''s closer and easier to take care of. If you take him to the hospital, you''ll have to go to work, and even if I can help take care of him, I''m just a woman. With the bad weather, it''s inconvenient to go back and forth."0


    Going to an external hospital would cost more than the factory clinic.0


    She didn''t want the old man to spend a lot of money. If he had that money, wouldn''t it be better to save it for her? She could use it to buy meat for her grandson.0


    She continued, "If we take him to the factory clinic, I can stay and help take care of him. If I go home to cook, you can come and take care of him yourself. Isn''t that convenient?"0


    Bai Fendou: "You''re very thoughtful."0


    The two quickly entered the house and soon emerged, supporting Old Man Bai, who was wearing a raincoat and had a pale face, clearly delirious from a high fever. Aunt Su held Old Man Bai''s hand and said, "Old Man Bai, hang in there. Once we get the fever-reducing shot, you''ll feel better. If you''re uncomfortable, lean on me."0


    Old Man Bai, whether genuinely unwell or not, immediately leaned on Aunt Su''s shoulder.0


    The three of them hurried out the door.0


    Aunt Wang, hearing the commotion, came to the front yard and saw Aunt Su and Old Man Bai leaning closely together, holding hands. She grimaced and muttered, "What''s going on here? They''re really acting like no one else is around."0


    Zhao Guihua wore a serious expression and said, "You know, you really should take this more seriously. They''re just helping each other out."0


    Aunt Wang couldn''t help but chuckle and said, "I''ll believe that when I see it."0


    The two elderly women watched their retreating figures. Zhao Guihua thought to herself: It seems this isn''t part of any plan; it must be an unexpected situation.0


    However, I wonder what they''re up to.0


    But given how close they''re acting, heading to the factory clinic...0


    Zhao Guihua: I dare not imagine.0


    By tomorrow, rumors will be flying everywhere!

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80Zhuang Zhixi arrived at the Propaganda Department early in the morning to report for duty.0


    Due to the recent rehearsals, he had become quite familiar with the Propaganda Department, and Director Song didn''t need to give much additional instruction. He directly led Zhuang Zhixi to the office, clapped his hands to get everyone''s attention, and announced: "Everyone''s here, right? Let me introduce you to Zhuang Zhixi. I believe you all already know him quite well. Starting today, he will be transferred to our Propaganda Department. Let''s welcome our new colleague."0


    The crowd immediately burst into applause. Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''m new here, so if I make any mistakes or don''t understand something, please do guide me."0


    "Zhuang Zhixi, you''re being too modest. You''re doing just fine."0


    "Exactly, we all know each other. You''re being too humble, which makes us feel like outsiders," someone chimed in.0


    "That''s right! Oh, it''s been two or three years since we had a young guy in our department. Zhixi, you''re the youngest one here now."0


    "From now on, we''ll have a great talent for our joint performances."0


    Everyone chimed in, joking around.0


    Overall, the atmosphere was quite positive.0


    It made sense, though. There was no competition among them, so no one would intentionally offend others from the start. After all, in the workplace, it''s all about human relationships. Unless someone was really out of their mind, no one would deliberately offend others.0


    It wasn''t worth it.0


    However, there was one exception: Little Xu.0


    Little Xu''s leg hadn''t fully healed, yet he didn''t contribute at all during the May Day Labor Festival performance. He felt like an outsider and was anxious. So, he rushed to work despite his injury, dragging one leg. It was said that his mother had even carried him to work in the morning, acting as if the machinery factory couldn''t function without her son.0


    At the moment, Little Xu sat at his desk, his face dark with displeasure.0


    Logically, he had no grudge against Zhuang Zhixi, but there were certainly some petty grievances.0


    Little Xu believed he was justified in his actions. If he was teaching someone a skill, wasn''t it natural for the learner to offer some benefits? After all, when he went to the countryside to show films, he would take bribes. Relying on his position to gain benefits was something he didn''t think was wrong at all.0


    Moreover, he hadn''t even asked for money, just some gifts. Yet, the person had refused and quit. If it weren''t for that, Old Cao wouldn''t have gotten the opportunity. Thinking about it made him furious.0


    Originally, he had planned to teach Zhuang Zhixi, but hold back on the crucial parts. Then, if Zhuang Zhixi made a mistake during the performance, he would urgently need Little Xu''s help. At that critical moment, Little Xu would step in despite his injury, save the day, and surely earn praise from everyone, maybe even gain recognition from the leadership.0


    Perhaps, he might even get a promotion. He had thought it through and planned it well.0


    First, take advantage of the situation, then step on Zhuang Zhixi to rise in position. It was an excellent plan, milking the situation for all it was worth. As for what happened to Zhuang Zhixi, he didn''t care. Whether he got reprimanded or not had nothing to do with him.0


    He just wanted to move up.0


    However, things took an unexpected turn. Zhuang Zhixi had unexpectedly backed out, giving up such a great opportunity to learn about film. This lack of ambition had ruined all of Little Xu''s plans.0


    Not only were his plans ruined, but the department had also assigned their family''s "enemy," Old Cao, to take over. These days, he had been in deep trouble. The tricks he had planned to use on Zhuang Zhixi didn''t work at all with Old Cao.0


    During the afternoon film screening on Labor Day, Old Cao performed flawlessly, leaving no room for Little Xu to step in and save the day. He had heard that the performance was well-received, which was why he had come to work despite not fully recovering from his injury, fearing that his role as a film operator might be taken over.0


    That couldn''t happen.0


    However, there was even worse news.0


    Old Cao learning to operate the films was already a huge stressor, but upon returning to work, he found out that Zhuang Zhixi had been transferred to their department. This was something he had never expected. He had thought that Zhuang Zhixi had no backing and wouldn''t be able to join their department. Now, he had misjudged the situation.0


    He had inadvertently offended someone.0


    He didn''t consider Zhuang Zhixi a friend. When he was in the hospital, he had asked Zhuang Zhixi to buy him a chicken to recover, but the next day, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t visit again. Clearly, Zhuang Zhixi was aware of the situation and likely had some issues with him. Little Xu frowned slightly, his expression dark as he looked at Zhuang Zhixi.0


    However, Director Song certainly wouldn''t care about Little Xu''s expression or speculate about his thoughts. He continued to introduce: "Zhuang Zhixi''s abilities are evident to everyone. Now that he''s joining our Propaganda Department, our work will improve even more, contributing to the factory''s success. Zhixi, since you''re new here, you''ll work with Master Huang. Any objections?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Of course not. I''m very happy to work with Master Huang. He''s already taught me a lot in the past, and I''m glad I can continue learning from him."0


    Master Huang glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "If you could talk less, that would be better."0


    Everyone paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.0


    Someone joked, "Zhuang Zhixi, Master Huang is saying you''re a chatterbox!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t get annoyed; he just smiled and said, "Master Huang is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. He actually likes me a lot. Besides, talking is good; it complements Master Huang''s quiet nature. Otherwise, it would be too quiet, right, Master Huang?"0


    Master Huang didn''t laugh, but the corner of his mouth lifted slightly: "You''re really good at flattering yourself."0


    Despite his words, everyone who had worked together for years could tell that Master Huang genuinely liked Zhuang Zhixi. People''s expressions couldn''t lie. Moreover, during the preparation of the joint performance, Master Huang had worked closely with Zhuang Zhixi. If he didn''t like him, they wouldn''t have spent so much time together.0


    The people in their department all recognized that Master Huang was a talented and decent person, but also acknowledged that he had a bad temper and was hard to get along with. So, even though he was a good person, no one wanted to work with him.0


    After all, no one wanted to spend a day without anyone speaking to them.0


    And no one wanted to be yelled at for doing something wrong.0


    It was just too much to handle.0


    But Zhuang Zhixi seemed quite at ease. His presence also eased the tension of working with Master Huang, so everyone was in a good mood.0


    Except for Little Xu, who was displeased and looked at Zhuang Zhixi with disdain. Everyone else seemed fine, and some were even happy. Without any competition, having an extra hardworking young man was certainly a good thing.0


    Director Song saw the lively atmosphere and felt relieved. He smiled and said, "Zhuang Zhixi, take the desk over there, the one facing Master Huang''s. Also, Master Huang, this new guy is under your wing. Introduce him to our department''s work and the tasks you''re responsible for. Don''t be too tight-lipped, alright?"0 Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After finishing his introduction, he was about to leave when he remembered something and turned back: "Zhuang Zhixi, our factory also has a submission task. If you''re interested, give it a try."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."0


    He immediately added, "Director, I still have some things at the clinic. Can I go there in the morning to sort them out?"0


    Director Song: "Sure, go ahead. Is everything else taken care of?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I handled the handover this morning."0


    Director Song nodded slightly, feeling that Zhuang Zhixi was quite organized.0


    "Alright, take care of it."0


    Zhuang Zhixi had arrived early for work, mainly to go to the clinic first.0


    The people at the clinic had already heard about his transfer, so they came earlier than usual to hand over his work. They were all happy for him, as moving up was always a good thing. Who wouldn''t be happy for him to have a better future?0


    There were no office politics in the medical room, and everyone was genuinely happy for him. They even reminded him to visit often since they were all in the same factory and would inevitably run into each other. It was true that people nowadays were not only well-informed but also quick to act.0


    Just as Zhuang Zhixi was about to transfer, Doctor Wang''s niece was arranged to join the medical room. She was eighteen years old, a recent high school graduate. Somehow, her family had managed to avoid sending her to the countryside and instead secured her a temporary job here.0


    By rule, unless a woman was married, a temporary job couldn''t be a reason to stay. However, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t pry into the details, as it didn''t concern him. He was glad he was the youngest in his family. When he graduated from high school, the mandatory rural reeducation policy had just started.0


    Previously, it had been voluntary, and some naive individuals had signed up. But most people wouldn''t think of it. Could urban kids really contribute to the vast countryside? It was clear they didn''t even know how to use a hoe, only adding to the burden.0


    Zhuang Zhixi had been clever. As soon as he graduated and saw the winds of change, he quickly found a formal job. Many of his classmates who hesitated ended up being sent to the countryside.0


    Speaking of which, their generation had been relatively lucky. The policy was tightening even more now. Zhuang Zhixi felt fortunate to be the youngest, as his family didn''t face the rural reeducation issue.0


    The current policy required that any family with eligible youth must send at least one person to the countryside.0


    If Zhuang Zhixi had a younger sibling, they would have to go, whether brother or sister. So he was glad he was the youngest. As for his nephews and nieces, Hu Tou and Xiao Yanzi, they were still too young. Hu Tou would only start first grade this fall.0


    Zhuang Zhixi stopped thinking about it and walked to the medical room under his umbrella. However, as soon as he pushed the door open, he heard a commotion inside. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What''s going on?"0


    Sister Cui, the nurse, smiled when she saw Zhuang Zhixi. "Little Zhuang, you''re here! Take a seat first; we have a patient."0


    The medical room wasn''t usually busy. People with serious illnesses wouldn''t come here; in the factory, it was generally believed that the medical room could only handle minor ailments like colds or small cuts. For anything more serious, people wouldn''t trust them unless they wanted to save money.0


    However, on rainy or snowy days, the medical room would get busier, as people often came in with minor issues like colds from getting wet or falls from slippery snow.0


    Doctor Wang also came out from the ward and said, "Oh, you''re here! I thought you''d come at noon."0


    Zhuang Zhixi had finished his handover in the morning and didn''t have time to pack up, so he had asked Doctor Wang for help, leaving his things with her. He smiled and said, "I had some time, so I came over. Thanks, Sister Wang."0


    Doctor Wang waved it off. "Don''t mention it; it''s nothing."0


    She added, "Oh, let me introduce you to my niece, Tao Yuyue."0


    Zhuang Zhixi was meeting her for the first time. Although he had handed over his duties in the morning, it was with their director, and he had mostly been helping in the publicity department, so there wasn''t much to hand over. He had heard there was a new recruit, but she had been busy with paperwork and wasn''t there at the time.0


    Upon seeing her, he immediately realized the factory would be lively from now on. Tao Yuyue was quite pretty, with a round, pleasing face that many would find attractive. With many unmarried men in the factory, things were bound to get interesting.0


    However, Zhuang Zhixi only glanced at her and politely nodded, "Hello, Comrade Tao."0


    He quickly looked away. As a married man, staring at a young lady wasn''t appropriate. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Sister Wang, I..."0


    "Woohoo, woohoohoo, woohoohoohoo..." A sobbing sound filled the room, intermittent and eerie, like a ghost at night. Zhuang Zhixi frowned, "This voice sounds familiar."0


    Doctor Wang chuckled. "Of course, it''s familiar. It''s Aunt Su, Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law."0


    She leaned closer to Zhuang Zhixi and whispered, "She brought Old Man Bai here. Oh my, you should have seen them. Old Man Bai was leaning on her shoulder, so close, their hands intertwined. It was so mushy, even newlyweds wouldn''t be that clingy. And this aunt has been crying since she came in, now loud, now soft, like she''s mourning at a grave."0


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh. "Is she being that dramatic? Where''s Bai Fendou? Isn''t that his dad?"0


    Doctor Wang rolled her eyes. "Bai Fendou brought his dad here, paid the fee, and left. What''s the point of raising such a son? It''s always Aunt Su taking care of him."0


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes in disbelief but still leaned in curiously. As he did, he saw several people peeking through the door, eavesdropping. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi, Sister Cui immediately gestured for silence, and everyone leaned in, listening intently. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hesitate to join them.0


    From inside the room came Old Man Bai''s voice. "Sister Su, don''t cry. Your tears are breaking my heart..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi pressed a hand to his chest, while Doctor Li next to him almost gagged, clamping his mouth shut with force.0


    "I know you care for me, worry about me. I''ve never met a kinder woman than you. To have you stay and take care of me, I''m truly grateful. It''s more than I could have dreamed of..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi also covered his mouth, trying not to gag.0


    "How lucky I am to have met you in this lifetime..."0


    Aunt Su, flattered, pretended to be shy, even though she was no longer young. She adopted a girlish coyness and softly said, "Old Bai, why are you saying that? You''ve helped me so much. Now that you''re not feeling well, taking care of you is nothing. Don''t mention it; even if it''s cleaning up after you, I''d do it."0


    Of course, she didn''t really mean it. To secure a long-term benefactor, it wasn''t about how much work she did for him. Doing too much would make it seem expected, so Aunt Su never overdid it.0


    She knew better than to waste effort. What mattered was to step up at critical moments, like when he was sick and vulnerable, and show her dedication, no matter how dirty or difficult the task. Patients were already fragile; this would surely leave a lasting impression. With a few such instances, she was confident she could keep him under her control.0


    Old Man Bai''s wife had been dead for over twenty years. With his steady job and house, could he really not find a partner? Of course, he could. But she wouldn''t let that happen.0


    If Old Man Bai remarried, he wouldn''t help her anymore.0


    So from the start, she had to secure him. Now, after twenty years, she was sure her strategy worked.0


    She said, "What would you like to eat for lunch? I''ll go home and make it for you."0


    Old Man Bai: "I have no appetite. Just seeing you makes my heart sweet, even if I don''t eat anything..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi finally couldn''t take it anymore and stepped back, feeling queasy. He rubbed his chest and said, "Sister Cui, I think I can skip lunch today."0


    He wasn''t hungry anymore; he was full, in a sickening way.0


    Doctor Wang laughed. "You can''t handle it, can you?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I really can''t."0


    He picked up his cardboard box and said, "I''ll head back to work now. Let''s gossip another day."0


    Doctor Wang chuckled. "Oh, stop it. I''m not one for gossip."0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "That''s me. Let''s go."0


    He held an umbrella with one hand and carried a cardboard box with the other, quickly stepping into the rain...0


    Tao Yuyue watched his back and asked, "Auntie, can he handle that? Should we help?"0


    Doctor Wang smiled and said, "No need."0


    After a pause, she looked at her niece and said, "Zhuang Zhixi is married."0


    Tao Yuyue''s expression changed slightly, then she said, "Auntie, you''re overthinking. I just wanted to help out, nothing more. Besides, you know I''m looking for a well-off family with a good background."0


    Doctor Wang: "That''s good that you know. But when choosing a partner, you can''t be too materialistic. You also need to consider compatibility..."0


    Tao Yuyue: "I understand."0


    She lowered her head, but her eyes revealed a hint of disbelief. Her aunt had married well and lived comfortably, yet she was lecturing them about not caring about material conditions. If she didn''t care, why did she marry so well herself? Tao Yuyue kept silent, putting on an obedient appearance.0


    She had to be obedient. After all, she was still relying on her aunt to secure her promotion and introduce her to potential partners.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was unaware of this little episode. He carried the box back, suddenly feeling someone following him. He turned around and saw Zhang San, smiling and saying, "Zhang San."0


    Zhang San: "Let me help you."0


    He helped Zhuang Zhixi hold the box and said, "You hold the umbrella."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Thanks, I was really struggling with both."0


    Trying to hold both the umbrella and the box was indeed inconvenient.0


    Zhang San: "Hey, just say if you need help. No need to be polite. By the way, you came from the medical office, right?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Yes."0


    Zhang San immediately fired off a series of questions.0


    "I heard you got noticed by the higher-ups and were transferred to the publicity department, is that true?"0


    "I heard Bai Fendou''s dad and Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law came together, huh? What''s going on, are they expecting?"0


    "I heard there''s a very pretty girl in the medical office, is that true? Did you see her?"0


    Each question was more important than the last.0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, amused: "Are you helping me or just here to gossip?"0


    Zhang San: "Of course, it''s to gossip, but I''m helping you too. Hey, is the girl pretty or not?"0


    Although all the gossip was interesting, the last question was the most crucial. It was a sincere inquiry from a bachelor.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I didn''t really pay attention to how she looks."0


    "What? How could you not notice? Did you not even see her?" Zhang San asked curiously.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I saw her, just a glance. I didn''t really care. If you want to know, go check her out yourself. Why ask me? I was more concerned about Old Man Bai and Aunt Su being there."0


    Zhang San rolled his eyes: "Pfft, concern my foot. I bet you were just watching the drama."0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed.0


    "So, is Aunt Su pregnant?"0


    "Why do you always assume she''s pregnant? She''s that old, it''s unlikely, right? Even if you''re curious, you should consider reality. Theoretically, her age makes it impossible, doesn''t it? Anyway, I''m here. If you''re curious, go to the medical office yourself. You''ll definitely catch some drama."0


    He winked at Zhang San with a meaningful look. Zhang San immediately understood and said, "Alright, I''ll go check it out."0


    It seemed like there was going to be some juicy gossip.0


    He quickly left, and Zhuang Zhixi shook his head with a smile, returning to the office.0


    As soon as he entered, he heard Little Xu being sarcastic: "It feels like you''ve been gone for two years just to get something."0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t bother responding. Some people were just petty, and there was no point in engaging with them. Even if he tried to appease them, these petty people would still scheme against him when the time came. So Zhuang Zhixi simply ignored him.0


    Besides, he wasn''t even a leader. Director Song hadn''t said anything, so who did Little Xu think he was?0


    Zhuang Zhixi started organizing his things. Sister Cui from the next desk curiously asked, "Zhuang Zhixi, do you live in the same courtyard as Bai Fendou?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, we do."0


    Sister Cui''s eyes lit up with excitement and she said, "Oh, you really do live in the same courtyard. Tell me, what''s going on between Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu? Are they together? And what about Old Man Bai and Wang Xiangxiu''s mother-in-law... This morning when I came to the factory, I saw them being all lovey-dovey. Oh my~ They''re treating the factory like their own bedroom, not even trying to hide it! Are they together or not?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, I don''t know."0


    Sister Cui: "How can you not know? You live in the same courtyard!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi pretended to sigh and said, "We do live in the same courtyard, but I really don''t understand. If you ask if they''re together, they deny it, and Wang Xiangxiu even claims to be Bai Fendou''s sister. But if you say they''re not together, they''re definitely closer than most neighbors, so I''m confused."0


    Even when gossiping, Zhuang Zhixi was measured.0


    "Maybe in a few years, when I''m older and have more experience, I''ll understand."0


    Everyone laughed, and Sister Cui teased, "It has nothing to do with age... Are they still in the medical office?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, they are."0


    "Oh, I need to go to the restroom."0


    Clearly, this person wanted to go check out the drama but found an excuse.0


    "Sister Cui, wait for me, I also need to go to the restroom."0


    "Me too."0


    "And me."0


    The female colleagues in the publicity department all went to the restroom together, each holding an umbrella and stepping out into the rain.0


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head with a smile, then packed up his water bottle and other things. Old Huang looked up at him and said, "Our work in the publicity department is quite varied, but it mainly revolves around the theme of publicity. Right now, we''re mainly promoting..."0


    He explained the general situation of the publicity department to Zhuang Zhixi, who listened attentively and nodded.0


    Old Cao got up to get some water and smiled, saying, "Zhuang Zhixi is really diligent. Old Huang is a master at teaching, straightforward and without any tricks. You can learn a lot from him."0


    The enemy of an enemy is a friend. Old Cao knew Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t like Little Xu, so he was happy to befriend him. Moreover, there was a hidden meaning in his words. Many in the department knew that back when Old Cao was still Little Cao, he had learned film projection from Little Xu, who had deliberately set him up to ruin a film reel, leading to his transfer to another position.0


    Thinking of this, everyone smiled meaningfully.0


    Little Xu gave Old Cao an unhappy look and sneered without saying anything.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, being a tactful person, noticed that Master Huang''s water cup was empty and said, "Master Cao, let me get some water for you."0


    The water room wasn''t in the office but at the end of the corridor outside. Old Cao didn''t mind the few steps, but he was pleased to meet someone who was so considerate. He said, "Sure, thank you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No need to thank me, we''re all colleagues."0


    He got up and left, quickly reaching the water room at the end of the corridor.0


    "Zhuang Zhixi."0


    At that moment, someone called out. Zhuang Zhixi looked up and saw Bai Fendou at the door.0


    In fact, he had been lurking nearby, waiting for Zhuang Zhixi to be alone so he could secretly approach him. He could have gone to the office to find him, but if he did, everyone would know he had talked to Zhuang Zhixi, and that could lead to trouble if someone tried to implicate him later. He was careful about covering his tracks.0


    So he planned to pass on a message to Zhuang Zhixi when he was alone.0


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, his eyes flickering with a hint of darkness. He hadn''t expected Bai Fendou to be plotting against him. If he hadn''t been warned by his mother earlier, he might not have been so cautious now.0


    He smiled, but the smile didn''t reach his eyes. Zhuang Zhixi turned and asked, "Is there something you need, Brother Fendou?"0


    Although there had been several conflicts between their families, he was still polite, addressing him as "brother."0


    Bai Fendou forced a smile, trying to appear friendly and said, "What, can''t I find you if there''s nothing going on?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course I can, but isn''t this during work hours? If everyone slacks off during work hours, how will the factory develop?"0


    He was always ready to throw on a big hat like that.0


    Bai Fendou felt a bit awkward, but he quickly replied, "You''re right."0


    If it had been in the past, he would have definitely argued, regardless of whether he was right or wrong. That was his style of doing things. But today, he didn''t argue at all. He wanted to scheme against Zhuang Zhixi, so he didn''t want Zhixi to be unhappy and become wary of him.0


    He forced a smile, even more unnatural than before. Zhuang Zhixi noticed and thought to himself that if his mother hadn''t warned him, he might have sensed something was off by now. How could Bai Fendou think his acting could fool him?0


    Did he look that stupid?0


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that Bai Fendou was overthinking things.0


    He dialed down his expression a bit and said, "Brother Fendou, what exactly did you come to see me for?"0


    Bai Fendou quickly replied, "There''s something good I want to ask you for help with."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh?"0


    Bai Fendou: "At two o''clock this afternoon, sneak out and come to the small warehouse. I have something good to give you."0


    He put on a very mysterious look, but Zhuang Zhixi remained expressionless, feeling even more that Bai Fendou was acting strange. He gave a meaningful smile and said, "Two o''clock, the small warehouse?"0


    Bai Fendou nodded and said, "Yes, come alone, don''t bring anyone else. If we weren''t from the same courtyard, this good thing wouldn''t fall to you. I''m doing this because we''re from the same courtyard. Just sneak in quietly. Don''t tell anyone, or else there won''t be any more good things for you in the future."0


    As long as Zhuang Zhixi arrived, he would knock him out, strip him, and then trick Jiang Lu into the warehouse and lock the door. Even if they didn''t do anything, they would still be in trouble. Thinking of this, Bai Fendou let out a cackle of laughter, feeling very pleased.0


    Let you Zhuang Zhixi marry a good wife, let you show off, let you flaunt. Let''s see what you do then.0


    "Brother Fendou, you''re being very mysterious, but you should at least tell me what it''s about," Zhuang Zhixi said, looking into Bai Fendou''s eyes.0


    Bai Fendou: "Look, don''t ask now, it''s a secret. You''ll know when you get there."0


    Right now, he really couldn''t think of a good secret to make up. So he just acted mysterious, saying seriously, "You can''t ask too much now. Just come, and you''ll understand everything."0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t play along, saying, "You don''t explain it clearly, I''m not going. Who knows what you''re planning!"0


    He looked Bai Fendou up and down suspiciously and said, "You''re not trying to steal something from the factory, are you?"0


    He said sternly, "I''m telling you, don''t even think about dragging me into this. If you dare to do it, I''ll report it to the factory."0


    "No, no, that''s not it. Hey, what are you talking about? Am I that kind of person? Anyway, you have to come."0


    Zhuang Zhixi sneered and said, "I''m not going!"0


    Who did he think he was, ordering people around like that?0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you don''t explain it clearly, I absolutely won''t go." After saying that, he turned and walked toward the office.0


    Bai Fendou: "Hey, you..."0


    He wanted to chase after him, but seeing everyone looking at him, he frowned angrily and decided to leave for now.0


    There were too many people here, not a good place to talk. He would try again at lunch, during the noon break, to persuade Zhuang Zhixi. He really didn''t understand why Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t falling for it when he had been so mysterious.0


    Why wasn''t he following the script? Shouldn''t he be eagerly agreeing by now?0


    Sure enough, Zhuang Zhixi was not a good person, too many tricks up his sleeve.0


    He snorted heavily and turned to leave.0


    "This won''t do, I''ll have to wait until noon," he frowned, feeling that things weren''t going to be easy. If there were too many people around at noon, what would he do? He rubbed his temples, thinking that the more difficult it was, the more he had to succeed.0


    Bai Fendou muttered to himself, planning how to talk to Zhuang Zhixi again, but he didn''t know that Zhuang Zhixi was also plotting against him.0


    He could be sure that Bai Fendou wasn''t up to any good, he just didn''t know what kind of scheme he was plotting. Could it be stealing something from the factory? Very possible. Their factory was a machinery plant, with a lot of copper, iron, and rare metals that could fetch a good price.0


    Could he be setting him up for that?0


    Thinking of this, Zhuang Zhixi''s gaze sharpened. If it really was that, he could even end up getting shot. If Bai Fendou really did that, then he was truly audacious, with the guts of a bear and the heart of a leopard.0


    Was he really that crazy?0


    And ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????if it was about the factory''s materials, the factory would investigate thoroughly. He really shouldn''t think he could stay out of it. Honestly, by normal standards, it wasn''t that crazy or reckless, but Bai Fendou''s mind was simple and unreliable, so it wasn''t entirely unexpected.0


    Zhuang Zhixi tapped his fingers on the table, then suddenly realized.0


    No, it''s not that.0


    According to what his mother said, they mentioned "two people." If it was two people, then it probably wasn''t about stealing... Two people, seduction.0


    Zhuang Zhixi thought of this and immediately felt it made sense, but his expression turned ugly. If it was that, then Bai Fendou was truly vicious, involving a crime of hooliganism. If that happened, his life would be over.0


    Forget about any future, if things got big, he would definitely end up in jail.0


    This couldn''t be compared to the last time with Zhou Qun, where there was no evidence.0


    But if they were caught in the act...0


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly let out a cold laugh. He was someone who generally didn''t seek trouble, but he also wasn''t afraid of it. Since someone had already plotted against him, he didn''t mind returning the favor.0


    He wondered who Bai Fendou would find to set him up with. The most likely person was Wang Xiangxiu.0


    But he probably wouldn''t want Wang Xiangxiu''s reputation to suffer, and Aunt Su came to the factory today... Could it be Aunt Su? He immediately felt a wave of disgust and shook his head to get rid of the nauseating thought, no, that couldn''t be it.0


    Old Man Bai wouldn''t agree.0


    Other people wouldn''t collude with them... If not considering collusion, but aiming for a double blow... Jiang Lu!0


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately thought of a suitable person. If Bai Fendou wanted to take revenge and hit two birds with one stone, setting him up with Jiang Lu would be the most fitting. This way, he could simultaneously hurt their family and the Zhou family.0


    If they really wanted to set them up, Bai Fendou alone wouldn''t be enough. He would need someone to help, one to lure him in, one to lure Jiang Lu in. This would have to be done simultaneously. His accomplice would undoubtedly be his father.0


    Zhuang Zhixi had to admit, he really understood Bai Fendou quite well, and his analysis was spot on.0


    At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi smiled...0


    If they really were planning this, how could he not inform Zhou Qun?0


    He didn''t believe Zhou Qun would let Bai Fendou off the hook once he knew!0


    ******0


    The lunch break bell rang, and Zhuang Zhixi, along with a few people from the propaganda department, headed towards the cafeteria. From afar, Bai Fendou followed again. There was no other way; he had to seize every opportunity to talk to Zhuang Zhixi alone, so he could only follow him like this.0


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced back and saw Bai Fendou immediately signaling to him. Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his anxious look, didn''t react.0


    Just let him worry!0


    Bai Fendou cursed in his heart, continuously gesturing with a "two."0


    This meant two o''clock.0


    Zhuang Zhixi actually couldn''t understand Bai Fendou''s mind. He had been so persistent in chasing after him, insisting on two o''clock. Wouldn''t anyone be suspicious? Why did he think he hadn''t been suspected at all?0


    Maybe he was just so stupid that he thought everyone else was equally stupid.0


    He suddenly smiled faintly, nodding slightly.0


    Bai Fendou was stunned. Zhuang Zhixi stopped and seemed about to speak. Bai Fendou quickly waved his hand, gesturing with a "two" again, then quickly left.0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. He knew that Bai Fendou wouldn''t dare to approach him in front of everyone.0


    "What''s wrong?" Old Huang, seeing him stop, asked curiously.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Bai Fendou in our courtyard is acting all mysterious and strange."0


    Sister Cui: "Bai Fendou? Isn''t he Old Man Bai''s son?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Exactly."0


    Sister Cui looked around and said, "That boy, he''s not young anymore, yet he still doesn''t settle down. He spends all his time hanging around widows."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who knows."0


    They all headed to the cafeteria together. While getting their food, Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''ll take a serving of cabbage, one steamed bun, and one steamed bread roll."0


    He carried his tray and spotted Zhou Qun''s table, but instead of sitting with him, he chose a table behind Zhou Qun. Because he sat there, a few others who came with him also joined him.0


    Normally, one might not notice, but after a day in the propaganda department, Zhuang Zhixi could already tell who was friendly with whom.0


    On the surface, everyone seemed to get along, but in reality, Old Huang, Old Cao, Sister Cui, and Sister Chen were close. They always walked together to eat. Zhuang Zhixi tagged along with Old Huang, blending in with their group.0


    Once seated, Old Huang glanced around, pushed his tray with meat dishes forward, and said, "Here, have some."0


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "No need, I would have just gotten some if I wanted it."0


    Times were tough, and he certainly wouldn''t take someone else''s meat dish.0


    As he was about to speak, he noticed Doctor Wang approaching. She was alone, carrying her tray, and sat down with them, smiling, "You all arrived early."0


    Sister Cui smiled, "Why are you alone?"0


    Doctor Wang: "They''ll come later. I came first, and then they''ll come after. It''s just to take turns so the clinic isn''t left unattended. Plus, after yesterday''s heavy rain, there are quite a few people today with sore throats and colds."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s right, even Uncle Bai from our courtyard is sick."0


    Doctor Wang: "Him?"0


    Doctor Wang made a disdainful face, hesitated, and whispered, "He''s such an old rascal, always getting cozy with people in the clinic."0


    Sister Cui and the others immediately widened their eyes. Although they had been to watch the commotion earlier, they didn''t stay long. Now, hearing firsthand gossip from someone on the scene, they were naturally very curious.0


    "So, he really has that kind of relationship with Aunt Su... Oh, wait, are they planning to give Bai Fendou a younger brother?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Can you guys be a bit more scientific about this?"0


    Why does it always have to involve kids?0


    Aunt Su doesn''t look like she could have more children anyway.0


    He glanced at Zhou Qun behind him, cleared his throat, and whispered, "Speaking of which, I feel like Bai Fendou is acting weird today."0


    Before he could continue, someone chimed in.0


    Doctor Wang: "I know."0


    "You know?" Zhuang Zhixi looked at Doctor Wang in surprise. Wait, do you know what I''m about to say? With her interjection, he had to adjust his words... Before Zhuang Zhixi could steer the conversation back, Doctor Wang leaned in and whispered mysteriously, "Let me tell you, but you can''t tell anyone else."0


    "Go ahead, go ahead."0


    "Yeah, we''re all tight-lipped."0


    "Yes, you can trust us."0


    Doctor Wang nodded, "I trust you all."0


    She whispered, "When I was in the clinic, I overheard Bai Fendou and Old Man Bai talking about something happening at two o''clock this afternoon, about luring someone to the small storage room... I think they''re up to no good. Maybe they''re planning to meet someone secretly."0


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised, "What? If they get caught doing something like that at the factory, won''t they be embarrassed?"0


    "Exactly."0


    "What are these father and son up to?"0


    "Who knows, should we go check it out this afternoon?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi suppressed a smile and said seriously, "Whether you go or not, I''m not going. Bai Fendou and I live in the same courtyard. If he''s really meeting someone secretly, it would be awkward for me to see it. We''d have to see each other every day."0


    "That''s true, you''re neighbors."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Exactly."0


    "Hey, should we report this to the security department?"0


    Sister Cui: "Bai Fendou is already in the security department. Besides, reporting it would just make us look bad."0


    "Yeah, let''s forget about it, it''s none of our business."0


    "True, probably just meeting Wang Xiangxiu."0


    As they discussed, Old Huang spoke up, "If they''re using the word ''lure,'' then it''s likely not voluntary. I think this isn''t good, we should inform the security department."0


    "Huh?"0


    "That makes sense."0


    Doctor Wang: "Well, I''m not sure if I heard it correctly. I just happened to pass by and overheard, so I can''t be certain."0


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "What is this even about?"0


    He really couldn''t stand Bai Fendou. If you''re going to do something bad, at least don''t let it get out so quickly. This plan of yours is just terrible.0


    However, he was sure that Zhou Qun behind him had heard everything. He had originally planned to find a reason to mention this to Zhou Qun, but now that Doctor Wang had brought it up, there was no need. Clearly, Zhou Qun had already heard.0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t need to guess to know that Zhou Qun would definitely go, and probably bring others along.0


    After all, Zhou Qun was currently in the midst of a public scrutiny.0


    Although no one openly talked about it, everyone was secretly wondering about him. Didn''t you see? Among the electricians, he was the only one sitting alone, with no one else nearby. If Bai Fendou caused some trouble at the factory, the news would shift, and people might not focus on Zhou Qun as much.0


    Even if they did, Bai Fendou would share the attention, and Zhou Qun would certainly be happy about that.0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s analysis of people was quite accurate. Maybe he wasn''t great at analyzing others, but since they were all old neighbors, he could always grasp their personalities. He smiled and continued eating.0


    Anyway, it had nothing to do with him.0


    A clean and innocent little Zhuang.0


    Zhuang Zhixi never once looked back at Zhou Qun. After finishing his meal, Zhou Qun quickly left, but he didn''t go far. Instead, he went to the kitchen and stopped Yang Lixin, and the two headed to the back courtyard together.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"0


    He glanced at them, then acted as if he hadn''t seen anything and continued with his business.0


    What''s going on with these two? You should know that because Yang Lixin was a son-in-law who moved into his wife''s family, Zhou Qun looked down on him, and they rarely interacted. Yang Lixin was closer to Zhuang Zhixi in the courtyard.0


    Why are they together?0


    This world is too complicated.0


    Zhuang Zhixi silently sighed, preparing himself for whatever was to come.0


    Although he didn''t know exactly what would happen, with Bai Fendou''s intelligence, whatever he plans will likely be in vain. After all, his surname is Bai (meaning "white" or "in vain")! No matter what they do, something is bound to happen this afternoon.0


    Zhuang Zhixi lowered his head and stuffed the last bite of steamed bun into his mouth.0


    Well, let''s wait and see the show this afternoon.0


    Meanwhile, in the middle of the day, Bai Fendou went to the clinic to find Old Man Bai, helping him to the bathroom. But in reality, the bathroom trip was just a cover to discuss their scheme.0


    The father and son walked towards the factory''s bathroom, and Bai Fendou whispered, "I''ve arranged with Zhuang Zhixi. At two o''clock this afternoon, he should come directly. You just need to lure Jiang Lu over, tell her that Zhou Qun is injured, and she won''t ask any questions and will follow you."0


    Old Man Bai: "Got it."0


    Bai Fendou: "I''ll hide in the corner of the room. As soon as Zhuang Zhixi arrives, I''ll pin him down. Then, I''ll hide by the door. When Jiang Lu enters, you push her hard, and while she''s off balance, we''ll come out and lock the door."0


    Old Man Bai: "Alright, but they''ll definitely make a scene."0


    Bai Fendou: "That''s fine. I''ll run fast and get the security department to catch them in the act. They''ll definitely get reprimanded, and their reputation will be ruined. This will also help the Xiu family get some revenge."0


    Old Man Bai thought about it and nodded in agreement, but then said, "What if someone comes in the middle..."0


    Bai Fendou: "If someone comes, so be it. Others finding out works too; they won''t be able to explain themselves! Then, I''ll throw Zhuang Zhixi''s clothes outside the door, leaving him without clothes. Let''s see what they do then."0


    "Alright, but won''t this cause a big commotion?"0


    Old Man Bai felt that this matter seemed to be quite significant.0


    However, Bai Fendou didn''t think much of it. He said, "Even Zhou Qun getting mixed up with those old women didn''t cause any major issues. I don''t think anything too serious will happen this time either. At most, it''s just a matter of losing face, and we''re not really harming anyone."0


    Old Man Bai: "Alright, let''s do it!"0


    He said, "Come on, let''s go over the plan one more time to see if there are any loopholes."0


    "Got it!"0


    "We''ll succeed in one go!"0


    "It''s a sure thing!"

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81In the sweltering heat of May in Beijing, the clock on the wall of the Propaganda Department ticked steadily. Zhuang Zhixi glanced at it and noticed that it was almost time for the legendary hour: two o''clock.0


    He remained calm, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. After all, he was the victim in this situation, so naturally, he knew nothing. Who could predict what would happen?0


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned back in his chair, organizing the documents for the year. As part of the Propaganda Department, it was essential to thoroughly understand the directives from above and grasp the various spirits of the times to work more effectively.0


    He was a man who could stay focused, and as he was reading intently, he heard a commotion outside. Sister Cui rushed to the window and exclaimed, "There''s a fight at the small warehouse!"0


    From their vantage point, they could only see a vague crowd, but not the details. Sister Cui darted out like a rabbit, and a few other curious onlookers quickly followed.0


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself, "I might as well go and see the commotion."0


    He quickly descended the stairs and caught up with Sister Cui and the others. The seven or eight people from the Propaganda Department arrived at the small warehouse, which was already surrounded by layers of onlookers. Aside from those from the workshop who couldn''t leave, people from the Security Section, the Medical Office, the Office, the Canteen, and others had all gathered. It was so crowded that it was difficult to squeeze in.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, being tall, jumped around to get a better view. He saw a chaotic scene: Bai Father and Son were both beaten, their faces bruised and swollen. Security personnel were holding them back, while Zhou Qun and his wife, Jiang Lu, were also injured. Zhou Qun had a black eye and was glaring furiously at Bai Father and Son.0


    The two sides were in a standoff.0


    The surrounding onlookers held their breath, not daring to make a sound, as if speaking could escalate the conflict. No one dared to utter a word.0


    At this moment, Deputy Factory Director Zhang arrived and shouted, "Make way, everyone! What''s going on here?"0


    Everyone quickly made way, and Deputy Factory Director Zhang squeezed in. Seeing the situation, he stood in the middle and cursed, "What do you think this place is? A boxing ring? If you don''t want to work here anymore, then go home! This is not a place for you to fight!"0


    As he was ranting, Section Chief Liu from the Security Section quickly pulled him aside and whispered something in his ear.0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang''s eyes nearly popped out of his head: "What the hell!"0


    He looked incredulously at Bai Father and Son and said, "Are you two out of your minds?"0


    As soon as he said this, Zhou Qun suddenly erupted and charged forward, furiously slapping Bai Father and Son: "You two are despicable! You''re shameless! You''re vile and beastly!" His slaps were so loud that even Zhuang Zhixi, standing at the edge, could hear the smacking sounds.0


    Zhuang Zhixi winced and thought to himself, "They deserve it!"0


    Bai Fendou, feeling wronged, shouted, "Zhou Qun, are you done yet? I was just joking!"0


    SMACK! A heavy slap landed on Bai Fendou''s face, causing his nose to bleed.0


    Zhou Qun roared, "Joking? You''re fooling no one! I knew you had ulterior motives. You''ve been eyeing my wife! That''s why you didn''t marry Wang Xiangxiu. That''s why you''ve been staring at our house. I thought you just didn''t like me, but it turns out you were after my wife! Now that I''ve caught you in the act, you call it a joke? If I hadn''t arrived, who knows what would have happened to my wife! Look at them, they even brought a lock! If they hadn''t had bad intentions, why would they lure her here? If I hadn''t shown up, who knows what kind of beastly things they would have done! They''re colluding, the two of them, and they deserve to be executed!"0


    Zhou Qun''s eyes were bloodshot, and he looked like he wanted to tear them apart.0


    Although he had affairs outside, that didn''t mean he wanted to be humiliated in this way.0


    Bai Fendou wasn''t having it.0


    He shouted, "Who''s after your wife? Am I blind? Would I want your wife? She''s an idiot! Don''t flatter yourself..."0


    THWACK! A big rock smashed into Bai Fendou''s head, and blood gushed out like a fountain.0


    Jiang Lu trembled and screamed, "I''ll kill you! You beast!"0


    She picked up another rock and was about to throw it again when the Security Section quickly restrained her. However, due to the gender difference, they didn''t dare to use too much force, only grabbing her wrist. Jiang Lu struggled fiercely, "Let go of me! I''ll kill him!"0


    Despite being held, her feet kept kicking, aiming repeatedly at Bai Fendou''s most vulnerable spot. The force was so intense that it seemed like she wouldn''t stop until she had crippled him.0


    All the male onlookers winced, even those who hadn''t experienced it felt the pain just by watching. Bai Fendou, in agony, crouched down and then rolled on the ground.0


    The wound on his head bleeding profusely seemed insignificant compared to the pain he was experiencing.0


    Even so, Jiang Lu continued to kick, aiming relentlessly at his vulnerable spot, causing Bai Fendou to howl in pain.0


    "My son hasn''t had any children yet! He doesn''t have an heir!" Old Man Bai wailed, trying to reason with Jiang Lu. But as soon as he spoke, Jiang Lu, like lightning, broke free from the Security Section. She threw the rock at Old Man Bai, who barely dodged it. Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Jiang Lu kicked him, four times in quick succession!0


    "AAAAHHHH!" The screams echoed through the sky.0


    All the male onlookers instinctively took a step back, and even the Security Section forgot to restrain her. Jiang Lu continued her assault, focusing on the most vulnerable parts of the men.0


    It seemed she had discovered a new way to fight men, targeting their weakest points.0


    Old Man Bai''s screams joined Bai Fendou''s, creating a duet of agony that reverberated through the sky.0


    The male onlookers took another step back, feeling the terror.0


    Sister Cui and the other female onlookers seized the opportunity to push forward, finding these men, indeed, not very impressive.0


    Jiang Lu was still in a frenzy when Deputy Factory Director Zhang finally snapped out of it and shouted, "What are you all doing just watching? Quickly, pull Jiang Lu away!"0


    The men, no longer caring about the gender difference, dragged her to the side. Jiang Lu struggled and screamed, "Let go of me! I''ll kill them!"0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang quickly tried to calm her down, "Jiang Lu, calm down! If you kill them, you''ll be committing a crime, too. We understand you''re angry, and we know you''re the victim here, but we need to teach these people a lesson without killing them. Is it worth it to throw your life away for these people? You still have a great future ahead of you. As long as they live, you''re the righteous one. But if you lose your life, it''s not worth it."0


    He had some acquaintance with Jiang Lu''s father, so he couldn''t let anything happen to her in their factory. Kicking was one thing, but using a rock to hit someone''s head could be fatal. He comforted her, "Don''t worry, the factory will give you a proper resolution. You won''t be wronged."0


    Jiang Lu''s eyes were bloodshot, her hair disheveled, "I want them to rot in prison! Forever!"0


    She shouted, "Forever!"0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang glanced at Sister Cui, who was in front, and gave her a meaningful look. Jiang Lu''s state needed to be calmed, and Sister Cui, though a bit scared, was still warm-hearted. She stepped forward, "Jiang Lu, come here. I see you''re really upset. Don''t worry, with the factory leadership and the Security Section here, this won''t be left unresolved. Just calm down a bit. Look, your hands are scratched. We can''t let ourselves get hurt in our anger."0


    She did her best to comfort Jiang Lu, who finally couldn''t hold back and burst into tears, saying, "Old Man Bai, Old Man Bai told me that Zhou Qun was injured and asked me to come over. I didn''t suspect him at all and came with him without a second thought. But when we got there, only Bai Fendou was in the room, and Zhou Qun even suspected that I was ambiguous with the Bai father and son. Do I look that desperate? Am I blind? Who would ever look at such trash? Even dogs wouldn''t touch them..."0


    Hearing Jiang Lu''s words, everyone''s expression changed when they looked at the Bai father and son. Many people who arrived late didn''t know what was going on, but Jiang Lu''s words were loud and clear. Looking at these two bachelors again, everyone''s eyes were filled with disgust.0


    Anyone who tried to trick women and take advantage of them was looked down upon, even by small-time hoodlums!0


    "If Zhou Qun hadn''t shown up, I wouldn''t have known what would have happened to me. I wouldn''t have known!" Jiang Lu cried out, but suddenly her anger flared up again. She quickly rushed forward and kicked the spot a few more times.0


    "Ah!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi watched from a distance, wincing in sympathy. As a man, he knew how vulnerable that area was. But I have to say, Jiang Lu...well done!0


    As Zhuang Zhixi was enjoying the spectacle, he saw Yang Lixin squeeze in beside him, looking quite shaken. Zhuang Zhixi quickly grabbed Yang Lixin and whispered, "Yang Ge, what''s going on?"0


    Yang Lixin was truly at a loss for words. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to say anything, but he simply didn''t know how to explain. In his eyes, the Bai father and son had gone completely mad.0


    "What happened?"0


    Yang Lixin: "Well, this story..."0


    It all started at noon. Zhou Qun had come straight to the kitchen and found Yang Lixin.0


    Zhou Qun was a bit cunning. He had noticed that Yang Lixin and Bai Fendou didn''t get along, even though neither family had openly shown it. So this time, wanting to team up against Bai Fendou, he directly approached Yang Lixin.0


    He pulled Yang Lixin to the backyard and asked, "Yang Ge, is there something you need from me?"0


    Zhou Qun got straight to the point: "I heard that Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu might be having an affair in the small warehouse at two o''clock this afternoon. How about we catch them in the act together?" He smiled and said, "I know you don''t like Bai Fendou either. Let''s give him a taste of his own medicine, what do you say?"0


    Yang Lixin clenched his fists and tried to stay calm, asking, "How do you know they''ll be in the small warehouse at two?"0


    Zhou Qun: "You don''t need to know how I found out. I just did. It''s a rare opportunity, and since we both dislike Bai Fendou, let''s take this chance. I know you''re on good terms with Wang Erlaizi from the security department. Call a few more people from the security department, and we''ll catch them red-handed. Bai Fendou will definitely be humiliated."0


    Yang Lixin, being more rational than Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, said, "If they''re caught, they''ll be finished. What if they''re labeled as hooligans and sent to jail? Even though I don''t like him, I don''t want to go that far."0


    Zhou Qun''s eyes flickered, and he calmly said, "Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu, one is unmarried and the other is not married. To protect themselves, they''ll probably get married. Then there''s no talk of being hooligans. Our factory, for the sake of its reputation, won''t pursue it too much. At most, they''ll be criticized and have a record."0


    Yang Lixin couldn''t help but laugh, saying, "So we go through all this trouble, and he ends up getting what he wants? Am I punishing him or helping him?"0


    Zhou Qun remained calm: "Of course, it''s punishing him. Do you think marrying Wang Xiangxiu is a good thing for him? Not to mention the pile of colorful hats Wang Xiangxiu has given him, just look at all the baggage she brings. Do you think his life will be good? Marrying Wang Xiangxiu isn''t getting what he wants; it''s the start of a nightmare."0


    Yang Lixin: "!!!"0


    Damn, Zhou Qun''s argument actually made sense.0


    "One word, are you in or not?"0


    "I''m in!" Yang Lixin took a deep breath and agreed.0


    He really couldn''t stand Bai Fendou. This was his chance to get back at him.0


    "So, what''s the plan?"0


    "You gather people. We''ll set up an ambush at the small warehouse at one-thirty and catch them in the act."0


    "Got it."0


    The two men acted without delay. Yang Lixin quickly contacted his acquaintances in the security department, and word spread, adding a few more people to the group. Despite being in the same security department, it was clear that Bai Fendou didn''t have many friends, as none of them warned him. Bai Fendou had no idea he was being targeted. He was supposed to patrol in the afternoon, but after a brief walk, he looked around, confirmed no one was watching, and hurried toward the small warehouse.0


    Bai Fendou had planned to get there early and hide, waiting for Zhuang Zhixi to arrive so he could take him by surprise. If he didn''t do this, there was a good chance he''d be discovered, as Zhuang Zhixi was tall and lanky, with long arms and legs, making him harder to subdue.0


    So Bai Fendou arrived early, sneaking into the small warehouse and hiding by the door. He had originally thought about hiding in the cabinet, but the cabinet was shaky and unreliable. Plus, getting out of the cabinet would waste time, so he decided to stand by the door.0


    Bai Fendou entered the room and hid by the door.0


    Yang Lixin and Zhou Qun, along with the others, were on edge. They knew what was going to happen, but seeing Bai Fendou arrive still shocked them. Yang Lixin couldn''t understand what was wrong with Bai Fendou. Did he not have enough space at home? Why did he have to sneak around with Wang Xiangxiu at the factory? Was it just for the thrill?0


    It was truly bizarre.0


    The colleagues from the security department who were watching were equally speechless. However, since this was happening, they naturally wanted to see the show. Their goal wasn''t necessarily to catch them in the act but more to enjoy the spectacle.0


    Bai Fendou was always picking on others in the security department, so his reputation was terrible. Many people were waiting to see him fall.0


    Everyone focused on the small warehouse. As their hearts raced and time seemed to drag on, they suddenly heard a woman''s voice. It was Jiang Lu, who asked worriedly, "Uncle Bai, why is my husband Zhou Qun here? How did he get injured?"0


    Everyone was hiding nearby and could hear clearly.0


    No one expected that the person who arrived would be Jiang Lu.0


    They had thought Bai Fendou was going to have an affair with Wang Xiangxiu. Even Zhou Qun was caught off guard.0


    Jiang Lu continued, "Since Zhou Qun is injured, why not take him to the clinic?"0


    Despite her worry, Jiang Lu hurried forward quickly.0


    Zhou Qun: Injured? He wasn''t injured...0


    But before he could think further, he saw Old Man Bai leading Jiang Lu over. As soon as the door opened, Old Man Bai pushed Jiang Lu inside with a forceful push.0


    Jiang Lu: "Ah!"0


    Bai Fendou: "Ah!"0


    What he was waiting for was Zhuang Zhixi, but unexpectedly, it was Jiang Lu who arrived first. His father had no idea about this and followed their plan, pushing Jiang Lu into the room.0


    Jiang Lu stumbled and almost fell. Looking around, she saw only Bai Fendou in the room, with no one else.0


    Her face turned pale instantly!0


    No matter what, the situation in front of her was terrifying.0


    She screamed, "Bai Fendou, what do you want to do! Help! Someone, help me!"0


    This unexpected turn of events left the Bai father and son, as well as Zhou Qun and the others, completely stunned. Zhou Qun had come to catch Bai Fendou, but he never expected that Bai Fendou would try to "take advantage" of his wife. This was something he couldn''t tolerate. His eyes widened in rage, and he let out a roar before charging out.0


    He rushed to the door, and when Old Man Bai saw it was Zhou Qun, he even smiled, thinking the situation was even better. But he had no idea that Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t shown up, and Bai Fendou''s plan had completely failed.0


    He was about to force a smile and say something when Zhou Qun suddenly threw a punch at him. This time, Zhou Qun wasn''t the usual weakling; he landed two solid punches. Old Man Bai, already weakened by a cold, tumbled to the ground.0


    Zhou Qun kicked the door open and stormed in.0


    "Bai Fendou, Jiang Lu, what are you doing? How could you do this to me?"0


    This sudden turn of events left Bai Fendou with no time to explain, but Jiang Lu quickly threw herself at Zhou Qun, crying, "Qun Ge, I''m innocent! I was tricked into coming here."0


    Being alone in a room with Bai Fendou, a man and a woman, would ruin her reputation if word got out. So, Jiang Lu immediately shouted, "They tricked me! They said you were injured."0


    Tears streamed down her face, tears of fear.0


    After all, Jiang Lu was just a woman. How could she not be terrified in such a situation?0


    Hearing this, Zhou Qun''s anger flared even more. He let out a roar and lunged at Bai Fendou.0


    Punch after punch landed on Bai Fendou. Finally, after taking a couple of hits, Bai Fendou snapped out of it. He was furious: "Zhou Qun, why are you hitting me?"0


    He retaliated with a punch of his own. Being from the security department, Bai Fendou was stronger than Zhou Qun, and with one hit, he sent Zhou Qun sprawling to the ground.0


    Jiang Lu''s eyes turned red as she screamed, "I''ll kill you!"0


    She too charged forward. By this time, others had also reacted. To be honest, everyone looked down on Bai Fendou. Although Zhou Qun''s reputation in the factory was already that of a rat running through the streets, Bai Fendou''s actions were even more despicable.0


    Zhou Qun''s actions, at least, could be seen as mutual and consensual, even if they hadn''t caught anything concrete.0


    But Bai Fendou¡ªeveryone had seen Bai Father and Son trick Jiang Lu into coming here. What they intended to do was clear to every man present. In short, the disdain for Bai Fendou was off the charts.0


    If you''re so capable, go catch spies, go catch criminals, go be a hero.0


    Trying to take advantage of a woman here is the lowest of the low.0


    Many in the security department were military veterans, and seeing this made them feel like vomiting up last night''s dinner. The fact that Bai Fendou dared to fight back only made him more despicable in their eyes. Wang Erlazi and a few others quickly moved in, pinning Bai Fendou down: "You think you can still fight after doing something like that? Do you think we don''t exist?"0


    "What a trash."0


    "Quick, go get Section Chief Liu!"0


    The security officers restrained Bai Fendou, while Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu, like madmen, rushed forward, punching and kicking wildly. Especially Zhou Qun, who felt the pain of having his wife stolen. He would have killed Bai Fendou if he could!0


    Earlier, he couldn''t win in a fight, but now that Bai Fendou was held down, Zhou Qun unleashed his fury.0


    "Let me go! Who are you siding with? Letting him beat me like this!" Bai Fendou shouted.0


    "We''re not on your side. We''re decent people, not like you, a sneaky scoundrel. Never thought you were such a piece of work. Beating you? They should beat you to death, it''s what you deserve."0


    "I didn''t do anything!" Bai Fendou finally started to realize what was happening and howled, "I was just joking!"0


    "I''ll let you joke!" Zhou Qun slapped him hard: "I''ll let you say it was a joke!"0


    Another slap followed.0


    With the help of the security department, Zhou Qun single-handedly beat up Bai Father and Son. In no time, the two old men were bruised and battered. As for Yang Lixin, he had been stunned from the beginning. Before he could react, the situation had escalated to this point.0


    He had come to catch them in the act, but instead, he witnessed a premeditated crime.0


    Yang Lixin, deeply shocked, didn''t hold back. He spilled everything to Zhuang Zhixi like pouring beans from a sack. Zhuang Zhixi finally pieced together the entire story. He hadn''t expected things to unfold this way, but it made sense.0


    Those who hadn''t fully understood the situation now got the full story from Yang Lixin. Looking at Bai Father and Son, they felt as if they were staring at two piles of excrement.0


    While Yang Lixin recounted the events, Jiang Lu, unable to contain her anger, charged forward to kick them again.0


    The heart-wrenching screams made everyone feel a pang of pain in their own bodies, but deep down, they all thought the father and son deserved it.0


    However... Deputy Factory Director Zhang, seeing Bai Fendou''s head still bleeding, worried about someone dying, said, "Alright, everyone, disperse. Zhou Qun, Jiang Lu, I know you two have been wronged. The factory will definitely give you an explanation. Li Si, you guys take them to the infirmary first. At least stop the bleeding."0


    Doctor Wang had also come to watch the spectacle, not really wanting to help. Women held even more contempt for such actions. She said, "It''d be better if they died. Dying would be a contribution to society. Treating them is a waste of medicine."0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang rubbed his temples, cursing the unreliable Bai Father and Son in his heart. But as a factory leader, he couldn''t just ignore it.0


    He thought, why is it always me handling these logistical issues?0


    I''d rather manage production!0


    He took a deep breath and said, "Let''s go, first stop the bleeding. Everyone, go back now. The factory will investigate this matter thoroughly."0


    Despite Deputy Factory Director Zhang''s words, no one moved. After all, such a spectacle was a once-in-a-lifetime event, especially since it involved people they knew.0 S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Lixin, supporting Zhuang Zhixi, could barely stand.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Are you okay?"0


    Yang Lixin: "Help me stand, my legs are weak."0


    He wasn''t someone who hadn''t seen the world. After all, he had even seen someone fall into a pit of excrement. They were all quite experienced in their neighborhood, but today''s events were too shocking.0


    Jiang Lu, in her frenzy, kept kicking at that particular spot. As a man, Yang Lixin felt completely unnerved, even though it had nothing to do with him. It didn''t stop his legs from going weak.0


    Zhuang Zhixi helped Yang Lixin and said, "Should I take you back to the kitchen?"0


    Yang Lixin: "No!"0


    He was quite determined: "Go to the infirmary."0


    He wanted to be the first to know what happened.0


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Yang Lixin in surprise, impressed by the man''s determination. Even with legs like jelly, he still wanted to stay in the loop.0


    He whispered, "Deputy Factory Director Zhang''s face is black with anger."0


    Yang Lixin: "The law doesn''t punish the masses."0


    Everyone was staying, so Deputy Factory Director Zhang couldn''t punish them all, could he?0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    You think pretty thoroughly.0


    He said, "Alright then, let''s go."0


    Ignoring Deputy Factory Director Zhang''s grim expression, the crowd marched toward the infirmary.0


    Normally, Deputy Factory Director Zhang would have chased them away, but today, he simply didn''t have the energy. Bai Father and Son were carried to the infirmary. Doctor Wang called out, "Director, come take a look."0


    The head of the infirmary was a bald, middle-aged man in his fifties, treating the job as a retirement gig.0


    It was because of this attitude that the infirmary had such low visibility. The bald director had been napping during lunch and hurried out, half-asleep: "Oh, wow."0


    He was surprised to see so many people.0


    Doctor Wang: "Director, you take a look at these two... uh, these two people. My skills aren''t enough, I can''t handle it." She didn''t want to deal with them at all.0


    Everyone''s lips twitched. Don''t think we didn''t catch that slip about "dog things."0


    You''re insulting dogs.0


    The director: "I''ll handle it, I''ll handle it."0


    Bai Father and Bai Fendou were still clutching their groins, howling in pain.0


    The director: "What happened?"0


    He said, "I''ll start by treating the head. Can''t let the bleeding continue."0


    Though both were bruised and swollen like pigs'' heads, Bai Fendou''s head was still bleeding, which needed attention. His nose was also bleeding... The bald director didn''t know what had happened, but seeing the others not only not helping but also glaring at Bai Father and Son with disgust, he could guess they hadn''t done anything good.0


    He quickly dealt with the situation and noticed that they were all still clutching their groins.0


    He said, "Everyone out, out! Stop crowding around. I need to check the critical area, and it''s not appropriate for all of you to stay here."0


    Old Man Bai: "Ouch, ouch, ouch."0


    Bai Fendou: "Ouch, ouch, ouch."0


    They were in so much pain that they couldn''t speak.0


    "Everyone out, out!"0


    He pulled the curtains shut. Deputy Factory Director Zhang said, "I''ll stay. As the deputy factory director in charge of logistics, I need to know the specifics. Otherwise, I won''t be able to communicate with the rest of the factory."0


    Section Chief Liu immediately chimed in, "Then I''ll stay too. These two made a mistake and not only didn''t repent but even fought back. We can''t rule out the possibility of them suddenly lashing out and hurting you. That would be disastrous."0


    The security team added, "We''ll stay as well. Our job is to protect the safety of anyone in the factory. If Bai Father and Son go crazy, we can stop them in time."0


    Bald Director: "...0


    You all just want to stay and watch the drama, don''t you?"0


    He nodded. "Fine, stay if you want, but all the women should leave, okay?"0


    The onlookers were finally kept outside, but even though they couldn''t see anything, they still craned their necks to catch a glimpse. Zhuang Zhixi was among the crowd. From inside the room, a series of sharp intakes of breath could be heard.0


    Yang Lixin: "What''s going on?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How would I know?"0


    He was curious too, but he didn''t have x-ray vision. He couldn''t see through the door.0


    But they didn''t have to wait long. The door soon opened.0


    The security team members maintained order, shouting, "Make way, everyone, make way! We need to send them to the hospital."0


    "Ah? The clinic can''t handle it?"0


    "How serious must it be? Are they... done for?"0


    "Probably not, our clinic is only good for minor ailments. The medical skills are average."0


    At this, Bald Director was not convinced. He said, "How can you say our clinic''s skills are average? Sure, we may not be good at treating serious illnesses, but that''s because we rarely encounter them, and our experience is limited. Many experts gain their skills through repeated exposure to cases. We don''t have that advantage. But when it comes to minor ailments, we see a lot of them, and we handle them well. It''s easy to diagnose and treat. And for injuries, like stopping bleeding, fixing fractures, and bandaging, we do a lot of that and do it well. You can''t underestimate our clinic''s skills. When it comes to small issues, even big hospitals don''t handle them as much as we do. We have more experience and can make quicker judgments."0


    This point had to be clarified. They couldn''t be looked down upon like that.0


    "Then why are they being sent to a big hospital?"0


    Bald Director: "It''s shattered. If it''s shattered, how can we handle it here? Our clinic isn''t equipped to deal with male issues! Plus, our stitching and repairing skills aren''t up to par. If we mess it up, it really could be... done for. And he''s not even married yet. Can we afford to take risks?"0


    Oh boy!0


    Everyone stared at the two men in disbelief, their eyes as wide as saucers.0


    Shattered. Done for!0


    The crowd was stunned by the topic, deeply shocked.0


    Bai Fendou winced in pain, barely managing to squeeze out a few words: "No... don''t... don''t say..."0


    Bald Director immediately replied, "Alright, alright, I won''t say anything. You''re in so much pain, just stay quiet."0


    Bai Fendou''s vision went black. Damn it, I told you not to say anything, yet you keep going on and on.0


    "Quick, quick, get them to the hospital. He''s turning pale, he might faint!"0


    Zhuang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhixi speculated from the sidelines: Are you sure he''s turning pale from pain, or is it from being annoyed by you?0


    "Hurry, hurry!"0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang: "Section Chief Liu, arrange for a few people to go to the hospital, and also arrange for some to escort Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu back to the security office. This matter needs a thorough investigation. We must handle it clearly to give the victim an explanation and to set an example for the rest of the factory."0


    He turned to the onlookers: "Alright, everyone, back to work. Do you all want to follow to the hospital too? Am I not making myself clear as the deputy factory director? Are you going to ignore me? Get back to work!"0


    Seeing that the situation was being taken care of and it was still work hours, the crowd reluctantly dispersed. Yang Lixin finally regained some composure and no longer needed Zhuang Zhixi''s support.0


    He sighed, "Shattered... Does that mean it''s... over?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How would I know? I''m going back to work. Today has been one wild ride."0


    Yang Lixin nodded deeply.0


    Today, he was definitely leaving work early to spread the news about what had happened.0


    This kind of gossip was unheard of, something no one else had ever seen.0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know what Yang Lixin was thinking. He followed the crowd back to the office. Sister Cui had somehow ended up beside Zhuang Zhixi. The whole way, she was full of one hundred and twenty thousand thoughts.0


    How could such a thing happen?0


    Everyone returned to the office. A few hadn''t gone out to watch the drama, like Old Huang. He asked, "What''s going on out there? You all look so shaken."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    He understood a bit of what Yang Lixin had felt earlier. It was hard to know where to start explaining.0


    Sister Cui, however, started talking a mile a minute, recounting the events. This story was sure to spread throughout the entire factory.0


    "What? Bai Fendou had a thing for Zhou Qun''s wife?"0


    "He got caught in the act!"0


    "My goodness, his... thing is shattered. Can that even be fixed?"0


    ...0


    The questions came one after another, so fast that it was hard to keep up.0


    It was undeniable that this was the most exciting day at the machinery factory, even more so than the May Day Labor Festival. Even when the big bosses attended the festival, the excitement didn''t compare to now. The news of the Bai Father and Son had spread to every corner of the factory.0


    This incredible father and son duo had become the talk of the town.0


    Wang Xiangxiu, working in the workshop, also heard about the incident. Although their workshop was a bit slower than other departments in getting news, such a big event couldn''t be kept under wraps.0


    Soon, it had spread like wildfire.0


    Wang Xiangxiu was in a daze, unsure of what to think. She couldn''t believe the story. In her eyes, Bai Fendou loved her, so how could he be plotting something with Jiang Lu? His relationship with Jiang Lu wasn''t good at all.0


    If anything, there was animosity.0


    After all, Jiang Lu had fought alongside Zhou Qun many times, making things difficult for Bai Fendou. So if Bai Fendou disliked Jiang Lu, she believed it. But to say he had a thing for her? She thought that would only happen if the sun rose in the west.0


    What kind of crazy rumor was this?0


    But everyone was talking about it with such conviction, leaving Wang Xiangxiu very confused.0


    "Wang Xiangxiu, why aren''t you saying anything? Don''t you find it hard to believe? It seems Bai Fendou didn''t have much sincerity for you after all." Some of the workshop workers, who didn''t like Wang Xiangxiu, teased her. "I have to apologize to you. I used to think there was something going on between you and Bai Fendou, but I was wrong. I didn''t believe you when you said you were just like siblings, but now I do. Bai Fendou''s heart was set on Jiang Lu. No wonder he always seemed to have it out for Zhou Qun. Now we know why."0


    "Exactly, exactly."0


    "But what a disgusting person! Jiang Lu has a husband, yet he still tried to make a move. He should be dragged out and... well, he''s already shattered, so I guess that''s punishment enough. The heavens always have their way of dealing with wrongdoers. This is just karma."0


    "Yes, it''s karma!"0


    Wang Xiangxiu stood awkwardly in place, feeling very uncomfortable.0


    After hesitating, she said, "Maybe... maybe there''s been a misunderstanding..."0


    Everyone turned to look at her in disbelief, then smirked and laughed, their eyes filled with disdain. They said, "They were caught red-handed, with many people from the security department witnessing it. Do you think they''re fools? If it weren''t for Zhou Qun leading the way, Jiang Lu would have been in trouble."0


    "Exactly."0


    "We know you''re close with Bai Fendou, and your mother-in-law is even entangled with Old Man Bai, but you can''t speak without a conscience."0


    "That''s right."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I... I didn''t."0


    She quickly lowered her head to work, but her heart grew more and more uneasy. She wasn''t concerned about Bai Fendou''s situation; she didn''t truly love him. What she worried about was what would happen to his family if Bai Fendou lost his job or got into trouble. Their current decent life relied heavily on the Bai Father and Son. If something went wrong, she didn''t even want to imagine the consequences.0


    "Ouch."0


    A metal ring slipped from her hand and hit her foot. Wang Xiangxiu cried out, "Ah, it hurts so much..."0


    "My goodness, how could you be so careless?"0


    "Quick, go to the clinic."0


    "Let''s go, I''ll take you there."0


    "Look at her, all out of sorts. Is she worried about Bai Fendou?"0


    "She''s just being overly sentimental, isn''t she?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes turned red as she felt the pain in her foot. Although the others looked down on her, a few female workers still helped her to the clinic...0


    This tumultuous day continued until the end of the work shift, with everyone still buzzing with gossip. Zhuang Zhixi packed up and left work, hurrying home. He had to visit his mother-in-law''s place today. As he walked into the alley, he noticed more people than usual gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves.0


    Upon seeing Zhuang Zhixi, someone immediately called out, "Xiao Zhuang, did Bai Fendou get arrested?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I... I don''t know."0


    "How could you not know? Didn''t you go to watch the commotion?"0


    "Yeah, tell us, what''s the big deal? Why keep it to yourself?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly explained, "I did go to watch, but the place was already locked down, with only the security department and the higher-ups inside. I''m just a small fry, I couldn''t even get close. I was standing on the outermost edge."0


    ¡°Ah, you really can''t even get close to the action when watching a commotion.¡±0


    The group stopped asking Zhuang Zhixi and continued their chatter.0


    Zhuang Zhixi hurried home, entering the courtyard to find those who weren''t working standing around, gossiping. All the windows of the Bai family''s house had been smashed. Aunt Zhou sat at the Bai family''s doorstep, cursing profusely, venting her anger on their ancestors for eighteen generations.0


    As an eyewitness to the incident, Yang Lixin stood in the center of the courtyard, surrounded by several people.0


    Zhao Guihua, seeing her son return, glanced at him and quickly said, "Why are you only coming back now?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and replied, "Mom, I left work as soon as the shift ended. Is that still too slow? Your standards are too high."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Are you going to your mother-in-law''s place today?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, my wife is waiting for me at her workplace. If I don''t go, she won''t know."0


    He entered the house, and while people didn''t pay much attention to Zhuang Zhixi, the primary source of information, Yang Lixin, was still there. Zhuang Zhixi put the lamb leg in a bag and said, "Is it obvious?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "No one''s paying attention to you today. Just go."0


    After a pause, she glanced at the people in the courtyard and whispered, "Is this matter related to you?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s smile remained unchanged as he said, "Bai Fendou actually wanted to frame me and Jiang Lu, but... you saw it, he reaped what he sowed."0


    Truthfully, Zhuang Zhixi felt no sympathy for Bai Fendou, no matter how miserable he was. After all, Bai Fendou hadn''t spared any effort in trying to harm him. If it weren''t for his mother hearing something vague in advance, or if he weren''t so sharp and alert, he might now be the one facing endless accusations.0


    At that point, both he and his family would be subjected to what kind of scrutiny?0


    Zhuang Zhixi coldly said, "He brought this upon himself."0


    Zhao Guihua clenched her teeth and said, "Exactly."0


    She hadn''t expected that Bai Fendou would indeed plot against her son. Even though he was now being punished, Zhao Guihua''s fists clenched tightly.0


    "Mom, I''m leaving first. We can talk more tonight."0


    "Alright."0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly picked up his bag and left. As expected, although some people in the courtyard noticed him, they didn''t pay much attention. At this moment, no one cared about that. Zhuang Zhixi had only been gone for a short while when Zhou Qun and his wife returned.0


    As victims, the factory naturally wouldn''t restrict their actions.0


    Zhou Qun, injured, had received simple treatment, his face smeared with purple medication, and a bandage over his lip. Jiang Lu''s condition was slightly better, but her eyes were swollen from crying. The couple returned, followed by a crowd of people.0


    "Xiao Qun!" Old Lady Zhou, who had been cursing fiercely, saw her son and daughter-in-law return and quickly got up, rushing over. "How are you? That scoundrel Bai Fendou, bullying us to this extent, even dared to lay hands on you?"0


    She then looked at her daughter-in-law, her dissatisfaction evident. She stepped forward and slapped Jiang Lu, scolding, "You slut, you''ve brought shame to our entire family. What''s the deal with you and Bai Fendou being unclear!"0


    Although she had already heard the details of the incident from Yang Lixin, she still didn''t hesitate to smear her daughter-in-law.0


    Jiang Lu was stunned for a moment, then burst into tears: "Mom, I didn''t~"0


    "How didn''t you! If not, why would they target others? You''re just a slut, unable to have children, and now causing trouble outside. Look at what you''ve done¡ªif it weren''t for you, how would Zhou Qun get hurt? How would our family lose face?" Madam Zhou Li was vicious, her words cutting like a knife.0


    Aunt Wang couldn''t stand it anymore and spoke up: "Madam Zhou, what are you talking about? How can you smear your own family like this? My son-in-law heard it too¡ªit was Old Man Bai who tricked Jiang Lu into going there. And they immediately rushed in to help. How can you make it sound so bad?"0


    "This is my family''s business; don''t meddle." Madam Zhou knew Aunt Wang was telling the truth¡ªso many people had seen it, it couldn''t be fake. But she wanted to say it anyway, to further control her daughter-in-law. A woman with a tainted reputation, how dare she think of divorce?0


    She felt triumphant, thinking her move to smear her daughter-in-law was perfect.0


    She gloated, "My daughter-in-law is just a shameless slut..."0


    "Mom! That''s enough! Can you show some humanity? What goes around comes around. You''re slandering Jiang Lu like this, aren''t you afraid of karma? She''s your daughter-in-law, not your enemy. How can you be so vicious? Mom, how did you become like this? Are you still my mother?"0


    Madam Zhou had thought her plan was flawless, but her son refused to cooperate. After all, no man likes the idea of a green hat!0


    Even if it wasn''t true, his mother was trying to weave one for him, and Zhou Qun couldn''t accept that.0


    He suppressed his anger and gave his mother a deep, resentful look, saying, "Jiang Lu, come home."0


    Jiang Lu looked at Zhou Qun with gratitude, biting her lip and saying, "Qun Ge, thank you for believing in me."0


    Zhou Qun: "Of course, I trust your character. We''re a team, a married couple. When I was in trouble, you believed in me unconditionally. Now, I naturally believe in you. We''re both innocent, and even if others misunderstand, we won''t doubt each other."0


    Jiang Lu nodded gratefully.0


    Zhao Guihua: "..."0


    It''s over, there''s no saving them.

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82Today''s events were truly monumental.0


    Everyone was too preoccupied to cook and had gathered in the courtyard. The Bai Father and Son were still at the hospital and hadn''t returned. It was clear that even if they had dealt with their wounds, they wouldn''t be released anytime soon.0


    This incident was no small matter. Caught red-handed, the factory couldn''t just ignore it.0


    With the Bai Father and Son absent, the focus shifted to Zhou Qun and his wife. However, it was apparent that Zhou Qun didn''t want to discuss the topic. His face was grim, and even when addressing his mother, Aunt Zhou, there was a palpable resentment.0


    Nonetheless, the neighbors understood Zhou Qun''s frustration. Aunt Zhou''s actions were indeed questionable. Before outsiders could slander her daughter-in-law, Jiang Lu, she had already jumped to conclusions, eager to tarnish Jiang Lu''s reputation.0


    Such behavior from a family member was unheard of.0


    "Zhou Qun, what''s the deal with Bai Fendou''s situation? How is the factory going to handle it?"0


    "Yeah, will he and Old Man Bai be able to keep their jobs?"0


    "More importantly, are they going to end up in jail?"0


    "Maybe even get the death penalty?"0


    The neighbors cautiously inquired, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation. Among them, the most anxious was Aunt Su. She was deeply concerned about the Bai Father and Son, though not out of genuine care. Like her daughter-in-law, she worried about the potential loss of their financial support.0


    If something drastic happened, her family would be the most affected. Hence, she was desperate to know the outcome, her eyes fixed on Zhou Qun and his wife.0


    Zhou Qun calmed down and replied, "I don''t know. The investigation is still ongoing."0


    His voice was stern but laced with resentment. "These people don''t deserve to live."0


    The crowd gasped, impressed by his harshness.0


    But putting themselves in his shoes, they understood the anger.0


    Zhao Guihua stood among the crowd, surprisingly sharing Zhou Qun''s view. She spoke up, "Anyone who does bad things should consider the consequences. If they hadn''t been caught, the ones suffering now wouldn''t be them. So whatever happens to them is justified."0


    Aunt Zhou looked at Zhao Guihua in surprise, unable to believe she was siding with them.0


    But thinking about it, Zhao Guihua was known for her fairness in major matters. Aunt Zhou nodded, "You''re right. The Bai Father and Son deserve to die a thousand deaths for their despicable acts."0


    "We''re all neighbors; why make such a big deal out of it? Maybe there''s a misunderstanding?"0


    "Oh, are you defending your lover now? Don''t be shameless. We still have our dignity. There''s no misunderstanding here." Aunt Zhou sneered, "Misunderstanding? Do you really believe that? With people like them living here, we all live in fear."0


    "Exactly, my daughter-in-law is quite attractive too." The woman from the Sui family in the back courtyard wasn''t pleased. The actions of the Bai Father and Son were unsettling. It seemed their courtyard had bad luck.0


    First, Zhou Qun was caught mistreating older women, and now Bai Fendou was targeting older women. The thought made everyone shiver.0


    "Aunt Wang, you''re the courtyard leader. You need to report this to the neighborhood committee. We can''t let them stay here. Otherwise, how can the young women move around freely? Their house is right by the gate. It''s terrifying just thinking about it."0


    The Sui family''s suggestion was met with nods of agreement. Zhao Guihua added, "Exactly. I have two young daughters-in-law at home. We can''t feel safe with such people around."0


    Aunt Wang replied, "Alright, I''ll report this to the neighborhood committee. But we also need to wait for the factory''s decision. Our housing is allocated by the factory, so they need to take action first before the committee can do anything."0


    "We understand. But we can''t let this slide. It''s too scary otherwise." Zhao Guihua wasn''t backing down.0


    After so many years as neighbors, if someone started plotting against others, then there was no need to be considerate. There was no room for sentiment.0


    "Guihua is right."0


    Empowered by the support, Aunt Zhou stood tall again. "Yes, we should drive them out. Get rid of the Bai Father and Son."0


    Aunt Wang tried to calm everyone down. "I''ll follow up on this. Don''t worry."0


    "Thank you, Aunt Wang. This is really troubling you."0


    "Yes, we''re in a tough spot."0


    Just as the crowd was riled up, Wang Xiangxiu returned, her foot wrapped in bandages, limping. Aunt Su hurried over. "Xiangxiu, what happened to you?"0


    She quickly asked, "Did you hurt your foot? Was it from a machine? Or something else? I know you work hard, but you also need to take care of yourself."0


    Wang Xiangxiu gave a weak smile. "Mom, help me home."0


    She was too distraught to think about anything else.0


    Aunt Su replied, "Alright, let''s go home."0


    Aunt Zhou sneered from the side. "Looks like your lover''s troubles have left you flustered."0


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t respond, and the mother-daughter duo quickly left.0


    Aunt Wang shook her head slightly, understanding why Wang Xiangxiu was so distressed. Others probably knew too. Finding out that the person you thought was your partner had eyes for someone else would leave anyone feeling lost.0


    However, Aunt Wang kindly reminded everyone, "Last night''s heavy rain made the roads slippery today. Be careful when walking on the small paths. Don''t twist your ankles. Yu, the kid from the alley, twisted his ankle this morning. It''s swollen like a pig''s trotter and he had to go to the hospital."0


    "He probably deserved it. He''s always causing trouble, smashing this and that. It''s about time he got some karma." Someone muttered quietly.0


    Aunt Wang coughed, pretending not to hear, and said, "Alright, everyone, it''s getting late. Go home and eat."0


    It was already dark, yet no one in the courtyard had started cooking. They were all gathered in the courtyard.0


    Zhao Guihua''s family also went home. Unlike winter, when vegetables were scarce, there were many varieties available now. Liang Meifen washed some leeks, and Zhao Guihua instructed, "Add an egg and stir-fry them."0


    Liang Meifen''s eyes lit up. "Okay."0


    Zhao Guihua was kneading dough, planning to make mixed-flour pancakes. As they worked, Zhao Guihua asked, "Who is this Yu kid they mentioned?"0


    Liang Meifen disdainfully replied, "Who else could it be? The Yu family at the end of our alley. What a despicable bunch." She spat in disgust. "He''s heartless, forcing his sister to give up her job and go to the countryside. Don''t you remember? It was last year. You even said that if he didn''t get hit by a car, it was because the heavens weren''t paying attention."0


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched. She hesitated for a moment...0


    When you say that, don''t you realize you''re doing the same thing by giving your job to your brother? Criticizing others is easy.0


    Liang Meifen noticed Zhao Guihua''s expression and quietly explained, "But he''s much worse. He forced his sister to go to the countryside and messed up her marriage. That''s way more excessive..."0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, not dwelling on the topic, and pondered over this Yu kid.0


    Although it happened last year...0


    But she had lived through a whole lifetime since then. However, thinking about it, she did have some impression of him. It seemed that good people don''t live long, while villains thrive.0


    This man was one of the earliest wealthy individuals from their street. To avoid being sent to the countryside, he took his sister''s job for himself. Since his family had already registered for the rural reeducation program, someone had to go. This guy forced his sister to take his place. His sister was about to get married, but because of this, she had to break off her engagement. A young woman, all alone, went to a remote mountain village for rural reeducation and eventually married a local farmer. Even when the urban return wave began, she couldn''t bear to leave her children and missed the chance to return to the city.0


    As for him, he didn''t take his sister''s job seriously. Instead, he jumped on the bandwagon of the times, following a group of people all day long, wearing red armbands and vandalizing, targeting anyone with even a slight problematic background. If there was no issue, they would create one just to harass people.0


    This cunning scoundrel has been quite active over the years.0


    A few years later, when everything settled down, he was merely fired from the factory without any serious punishment. However, this old guy took advantage of the new wave and started a business, gathering a group of his old buddies and becoming active in the streets and alleys again.0


    He started by selling clothing, then moved on to pirated cassette tapes.0


    Later, he used his connections to go to Shanxi and run an illegal coal mine, tricking many people into working there.0


    With ample capital, he started strong and made his fortune, becoming one of the earliest wealthy individuals on their street. However, despite his wealth, his relatives and friends didn''t benefit from it at all.0


    Not to mention others, even his sister who took his place in the countryside received no kindness from him. This man, who drove a small car by the late 1980s, was quite affluent. Yet, when his sister came to borrow 200 yuan to treat her son''s illness, he refused to lend even that small amount.0


    Back then, 200 yuan was equivalent to a month''s salary for an ordinary worker. He wouldn''t even lend that amount, yet he would take his friends out for a meal without hesitation. By the 1990s, he became even richer, but no matter how wealthy he was, his parents and siblings still lived in the same alley.0


    He didn''t even give them a single clove of garlic.0


    His brothers said that this guy didn''t even contribute to his parents'' old-age support, showing just how ruthless he was! According to his brothers, their family was quite ordinary. The reason this guy could rise so quickly and have the capital to start his business was entirely due to his "enthusiasm" during those years.0


    Many people only saw the destruction during those years, but few realized that for some, it was also a way to make money. Even the most ignorant could recognize that some things were valuable.0


    Perhaps some people were genuinely brainwashed and acted out of conviction.0


    But others, like this guy, saw it as an "opportunity" and not only acted aggressively but also took advantage of the situation. They might not recognize antiques and break them, but everyone knows that gold and silver are valuable.0


    Bold and greedy individuals wouldn''t hesitate to seize such opportunities.0


    And such people weren''t rare; there were quite a few of them.0


    Just like the person Ming Mei encountered on the bus. That person also used his progressive identity to make money. However, he was a bit foolish, taking all the gold bars, which was just asking for trouble.0


    Moreover, without any introduction letter, he wanted to travel thousands of miles to Hong Kong, showing a lack of common sense.0


    Unlike this fool, the guy didn''t greedily take a large sum at once. Instead, he took a steady, long-term approach, which kept him safe and undetected. Even their neighbors had no idea about his wealth until over a decade later when he suddenly started a big business with a large sum of money.0


    His family had been poor for generations, and they were still struggling. No one would believe that his wealth came from his ancestors.0


    This made Zhao Guihua suspect that the items he hid last night were quite suspicious.0


    Yes, Zhao Guihua focused her attention on this man because she believed he was the one who hid something last night. He twisted his ankle when jumping down from the beam, and when he walked back, he limped. Zhao Guihua noticed that he indeed headed towards the innermost part. So, it was likely him.0


    If it was him, Zhao Guihua understood why he hid the items outside. He had three rooms but lived with a large family. With many siblings and their families, there were over twenty people in total.0


    It was understandable that he didn''t dare to keep the items at home.0


    What did he hide?0


    "Mom, Mom, why are you zoning out?"0


    Zhao Guihua came back to her senses and said, "It''s nothing."0


    She started the fire, and Hutou kept peeking over, asking, "Grandma, isn''t the food ready yet?"0


    He was hungry.0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Almost."0


    Liang Meifen sighed, "The guy''s sister is really pitiful. Her fianc¨¦ was a worker. Now that she''s gone to Shaanxi for rural reeducation, the man''s family can''t accept her anymore. He''s remarried by now. I heard that the guy even went to the man''s family claiming to seek justice for his sister and demanded compensation. Guess who got that money? Not his sister, of course. He drove her away and still wanted to squeeze the last bit of value out of her."0


    Liang Meifen was also a typical woman who favored her brother over others, but she had some limits. She wouldn''t give everything up for her brother. If she had to choose between her husband, children, and brother, she would still prioritize the former.0


    She wouldn''t even think about giving up her job for her brother, let alone her marriage or family.0


    "How come such a person doesn''t get his comeuppance?"0


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, thinking: He really hasn''t.0


    Not just this guy, but even Zhou Qun, who was notoriously wicked in his previous life, didn''t get his punishment. Even Aunt Zhou, that wicked old lady, didn''t face any consequences.0


    And the two women from the Su family, though they did what they did for survival, weren''t exactly honorable either, yet they didn''t face any retribution. Sometimes, expecting divine punishment is just wishful thinking.0


    However, the wicked people in their courtyard pale in comparison to this guy.0


    She remembered that this man later went to Shanxi to run an illegal coal mine with others, making a lot of money but harming many people. When things went south, he fled. This man was truly the worst kind of person.0


    "Alright, stop talking about them. We should stay far away from such people. He can be so ruthless to his own family, let alone others."0


    Liang Meifen: "I understand."0


    Tonight''s dinner was a bit distracted. Old Man Zhuang and the others were thinking about Bai Fendou''s situation, but Zhao Guihua was thinking about the guy and his hidden bundle.0


    Zhao Guihua was torn between "taking" and "not taking" the bundle, struggling with the decision.0


    Deep down, she knew that if the bundle contained the valuable items the guy had collected during his raids, she couldn''t use them even if she took them. She would have to hide them, which carried some risk.0


    But if she didn''t take them, she felt quite reluctant.0


    After all, the guy''s wealth wasn''t acquired honestly. She would just be taking from a dishonest source. This man was so wicked; losing some of his wealth would weaken his power.0


    Zhao Guihua felt like a little devil in her head was constantly tapping her, urging her to make a decision.0


    Tick-tock, tick-tock, it kept pushing her.0


    Yes, she had to make a decision quickly. If she delayed, the guy might move the items.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t think the hiding place was his final destination. No one would dare to leave such valuable items in a public place. She believed it was just a temporary stop, and the guy would move them later.0


    The only chance she had was during the few days when the guy was nursing his twisted ankle.0


    Zhao Guihua rubbed her temples.0


    "Old man, what''s wrong with you?" Old Man Zhuang asked with concern.0


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m thinking about something important."0


    Old Man Zhuang thought she was referring to Bai Fendou''s matter. He whispered, "That scoundrel is just wicked, he won''t end up well."0


    In fact, Old Man Zhuang was quite hurt by this incident. He considered himself good friends with Old Man Bai. Among the elderly men in their courtyard, two had passed away early on, and the ones left were mostly of similar age¡ªhimself, Chef Li, and Old Man Bai.0


    But he never expected that Old Man Bai would use such a vicious method to frame his son. If it weren''t for his wife''s quick thinking, they would have suffered a great loss by now. So, he was deeply resentful. After all these years, how could it be like this?0


    There was no trace of friendship left.0


    He sighed along with her.0


    Liang Meifen noticed that her in-laws'' expressions were not good, so she kept her head down and dared not speak. Even the observant children, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, dared not make a sound and quietly continued eating.0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Mom and Dad, don''t be too angry. It''s not worth getting upset over a fool like Bai Fendou. You''ve known what kind of person he is from the very beginning. It''s not worth getting involved with the two mentally ill people in their family."0


    "We know, let''s eat."0


    "Knock knock."0


    There was a knock on the door. Zhao Guihua asked, "Who is it?"0


    To their surprise, it was Aunt Su who had come to knock. Aunt Su gave a weak smile and said, "Still eating?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Is there something you need?"0


    Aunt Su glanced at the food on the table¡ªa mixed flour pancake, spinach and vermicelli soup, and scrambled eggs with leeks.0


    She inwardly cursed their extravagance. What kind of life is this, using eggs to cook with leeks? Such a waste. Eggs are precious, how can they be used like this? Despite her jealousy, she said on the surface, "I have something I''d like to discuss with you."0


    Zhao Guihua: "With me? What is it?"0


    Aunt Su: "Let''s talk inside."0


    She walked in on her own initiative. Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow and said, "Speak."0


    Aunt Su, seeing that the family didn''t even bother to be polite, felt even more displeased. At this moment, they should have asked if she had eaten. Since the new daughter-in-law entered the family, Zhao Guihua had become increasingly stingy.0


    Suppressing her discontent, she said, "I came mainly to talk about the matter with the Bai family..."0


    Before she could get to the point, Zhao Guihua interrupted her, saying, "Don''t talk to me about the Bai family. Shouldn''t you be going to the Zhou family for such matters? Why come to our house to discuss it?"0


    Aunt Su was momentarily stumped, then said, "We''re all neighbors..."0


    "Don''t say that. We don''t want such neighbors. Just think about how people will talk about Courtyard No. 44 in the future. I feel embarrassed just thinking about it. Anyway, don''t talk to me about their family. I don''t want to hear it. If it''s about voting to expel them, I''ll definitely participate. If it''s anything else, just go back."0


    Zhao Guihua''s words were cold and sharp. Aunt Su''s eyes turned red as she said, "Isn''t it a bit too much?"0


    She blinked back tears: "The Bai father and son are such good people. They just like to joke a bit, but they''re not bad."0


    "They''re not bad to your family. I say, Aunt Su, don''t put on an act in our house. Everyone knows about the special relationship between your family and theirs. You can run around for them if you want, but don''t drag us into it. Who are you trying to use as a pawn?"0


    "I''m not."0


    "Go, go, go. We''re still eating. If you just want to sit and chat, I don''t mind; but if you want to talk about the Bai family, I don''t want to hear a word. Go outside and close the door behind you, okay?"0


    "You..." She bit her lip, seeing that Zhao Guihua ignored her and the rest of the Zhuang family ignored her as well, her mood plummeted. She said, "Can''t you consider the feelings of being neighbors? We''ve always gotten along so well."0


    There are people like this, whose faces are as thick as walls. Even if you expose their tricks, they can still continue their performance, acting pitiful and innocent. She no longer looked at Zhao Guihua but turned to Old Man Zhuang and said, "Old Man Zhuang, you and Old Man Bai were good brothers. How can you not care now?"0


    Zhao Guihua stood up directly, rolled up her sleeves, and said, "Do you need me to push you out?"0


    Aunt Su looked at Zhao Guihua in disbelief, unable to believe how rude this old woman was. Without a word, Zhao Guihua pushed her out and said, "Aunt Su, go home quickly and stop running around for your sweetheart. This matter has nothing to do with our family, we''re not interested."0


    She was quick and efficient, pushing her out and closing the door with a bang.0


    Aunt Su bit her lip, wiped away her tears, and lamented the coldness of humanity.0


    However, she couldn''t just abandon the Bai father and son. They were the most important source of sustenance for her family. She inwardly complained about everyone''s ruthlessness, but at the same time, she also blamed the Bai father and son for being unreliable. Why did they deliberately cause trouble for Jiang Lu?0


    Although there were some unfavorable rumors, Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law still believed that the Bai father and son didn''t really intend to do anything to Jiang Lu. After all, they were people with bad intentions but no courage. If it were anyone else who had spent so much money on their family, they would have made a move long ago. But Aunt Su and Old Man Bai were still innocent, and Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou were also innocent. So Zhao Guihua believed they didn''t have the guts.0


    If they were just trying to provoke Zhou Qun, that was possible.0


    But if they were really planning to harm a woman, she would never believe it.0


    Even if they were really up to no good, she and her daughter-in-law would still stand by the Bai family. After all, they were the real source of sustenance.0


    Aunt Su went to the back courtyard again. Liang Meifen was a bit puzzled and said, "Mom, this is clearly Zhou Qun''s matter. Why does she go around the Zhou family and approach other families?"0


    She just couldn''t understand.0


    Zhao Guihua: "She wants to unite all the families to put pressure on the Zhou family. If Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu insist it was a joke and a big misunderstanding, would the factory still pursue it? Don''t you think Aunt Su is smart? She saw through the key point of the matter at once."0


    "But, but wouldn''t it be the same if she directly asked the Zhou family?"0


    "What weight does she have? Would the Zhou family listen to her if she went alone? She''s trying to gather public support."0


    Liang Meifen pouted: "Who would care about them."0


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow: "Don''t underestimate her. She''s very good at playing the victim. Maybe someone will be moved by her words. Only someone like me who has long known what kind of person she is wouldn''t be tricked. But if it were someone else, you never know. Take you, for example. If she kept crying to you, talking about neighborly affection, after a while, you might be swayed."0


    Liang Meifen: "That won''t happen."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Heh."0


    Didn''t you get fooled countless times in your previous life?0


    This time, she had subtly expressed her dislike for their family from the beginning, so Liang Meifen didn''t dare to get too close. If it were like her previous life, where she didn''t work and interacted with them more, she would have been fooled many times.0 Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aunt Su is the most adept at using her pitiful and kind appearance to gain people''s sympathy and trust. Later, Zhao Guihua figured out that many family dramas in their household were instigated by Aunt Su.0


    She''s so annoying.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Liang Meifen."0


    Liang Meifen was startled and looked up at her mother-in-law.0


    Zhao Guihua was extremely serious: "Stay away from those two women. If I find out you''re getting close to them, see how I deal with you."0


    Liang Meifen quickly pledged loyalty: "Mom, I won''t."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Heh."0


    She then looked at her eldest son and said, "If Wang Xiangxiu tries to get close to you, stay alert."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled bitterly: "Mom, what are you talking about? I''m not that kind of person."0


    He''s a civilized man.0


    Liang Meifen immediately became vigilant and said, "Right. You have to stay away from them. They''re not good people."0


    This widow, who knows if she might have designs on her man. If she were a decent person, she wouldn''t worry, like Sister Xu from the machinery factory, who is also a widow and no one worries about her because she''s very decent.0


    But Wang Xiangxiu... she just can''t trust her!0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."0


    Who did he offend?0


    Today, everyone was busy gossiping, so they ate dinner late. Just after finishing dinner, Zhuang Zhixi and his wife, Ming Mei, returned. Ming Mei smiled brightly: "Mom, we''re back."0


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but sigh. Ming Mei always had a smile on her face, clearly a blessed girl.0


    She asked: "How are your parents?"0


    Ming Mei: "They''re in great health, eating and drinking with gusto."0


    How could her parents not be doing well?0


    Ming Mei: "Mom, this is some tea my mom asked me to bring for you."0


    Zhao Guihua quickly thanked her. Such tea was hard to come by nowadays, and ordinary people like them rarely got such tickets. They were lucky if they could get some coarse tea. Tea like this, which was properly packaged, was valuable and good. Only small leaders would usually drink it.0


    "You must help me thank your mom," Zhao Guihua said.0


    Ming Mei nodded with a smile, then said: "Mom, I''m going to my grandfather''s place. My mom also sent a box for him."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Go ahead."0


    Although Ming Mei''s grandfather, Lan Sihai, lived in the same courtyard, the two families didn''t interact every day. Lan Sihai valued his personal space, and Zhao Guihua felt that he was more like a reborn person than she was. He truly lived a carefree life.0


    Even though Zhao Guihua was reborn, she wasn''t as carefree. She still had many things she couldn''t let go of, and her knowledge was limited. The only advantage she had was a bit more perspective than others. But Lan Sihai lived a truly carefree life.0


    Sometimes, she couldn''t help but feel a bit envious.0


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi carried a cloth bag to Lan Sihai''s door. Ming Mei jokingly knocked on the door: "Grandpa, your most adorable granddaughter is here."0


    The door clicked open as soon as she finished speaking. Lan Sihai smiled: "Oh, what a modest girl. My granddaughter is so thin-skinned. To praise herself so calmly, not bad, not bad at all."0


    He stepped aside and said: "Come in quickly. After all, my adorable granddaughter is so cute; if she gets carried away by a crow, that would be bad."0


    Ming Mei pouted: "Where are the crows, Grandpa? You''re just talking nonsense."0


    Lan Sihai: "Then it wouldn''t be good if she got carried away by an eagle."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "And there''s me, Grandpa, your even more adorable grandson-in-law."0


    He followed them in, and Lan Sihai finally couldn''t hold back and turned to pretend to vomit. In his heart, his granddaughter would always be a child, but this grandson-in-law... he said: "Can you straighten your tongue before speaking? Truly, ugly people do the most."0


    Zhuang Zhixi felt wronged: "Grandpa, why do you have double standards? You can joke with Ming Mei and call it cute, but when I compliment myself, you call me ugly. I''m such a handsome and spirited young man. You''ve really broken my heart."0


    Lan Sihai disdainfully pursed his lips: "Get lost."0


    So blunt and cold.0


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed: "Ah, it''s hard to be a human, even harder to be a grandson-in-law."0


    At this moment, Luo Xiaohe poured them each a cup of hot water with a bit of sugar: "Drink some sugar water."0


    Serving guests with something sweet was the best way to show hospitality.0


    Ming Mei gulped it down quickly and said: "Thank you."0


    Although Luo Xiaohe was her grandfather''s new wife and lived in the same courtyard, they weren''t very familiar with each other. Luo Xiaohe was quiet and didn''t talk much, while Ming Mei had a lively personality, so they naturally didn''t get along well.0


    Fortunately, Ming Mei''s trait was that if she didn''t get along with someone, she wouldn''t force it. Keeping polite was enough; being good relatives was better than forcing a close relationship.0


    Ming Mei: "Grandpa, my mom asked me to bring you a box of tea, a pack of candied fruit, and this, a short-sleeve shirt she made for you."0


    Ming Mei placed the items down and said proudly: "My mom is great, right? You should try on this shirt."0


    Lan Sihai immediately stood up, picked up the shirt, and went into the room. He quickly changed and came out, nodding: "Your mom''s craftsmanship is passable."0


    He said: "The items are good, but tell your mom not to prepare anything for me in the future."0


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"0


    Lan Sihai: "If she prepares something for me, I have to return the favor, which is too troublesome. I''ll accept the food and drinks, but no more clothes."0


    Ming Mei: "Oh."0


    Her grandfather really did things differently.0


    Lan Sihai: "You got some candied fruit too, right?"0


    Ming Mei: "Hehe, yes."0


    Lan Sihai: "Alright, then I won''t share with you. Wait here."0


    He took out a key, opened the cabinet, and pulled out a bag of White Rabbit candies: "Here, take these home to eat."0


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened: "Grandpa, you''re treating me like a child."0


    Lan Sihai: "So, do you want them..."0


    Ming Mei decisively: "Yes!"0


    What girl doesn''t like sweet things?0


    She quickly took the White Rabbit candies and smiled brightly. Zhuang Zhixi leaned lazily on the chair: "I..."0


    "No for you!" The grandfather and granddaughter said in unison.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"0


    He scratched his head: "You''re too mean! I didn''t even want any. Waaah, I just wanted to ask if I could have another cup of water. Waaah, you misunderstood me."0


    Luo Xiaohe smiled: "I''ll pour you some water."0


    Lan Sihai: "No need. What''s the point? Go home and drink there. It''s getting late, and I won''t entertain you. Early to bed, early to rise is good for health. I''m old, I can''t handle staying up."0


    Ming Mei: "Okay."0


    She pulled Zhuang Zhixi up. Zhuang Zhixi muttered: "Not even a cup of water for me."0


    Lan Sihai: "I don''t care!"0


    He rolled his eyes, extremely arrogant: "I don''t even take care of my own daughter; do you think I''d take care of a grandson-in-law?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My heart is broken. You clearly love me the most."0


    Lan ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Sihai suppressed a laugh: "Go away, don''t be so self-absorbed. By the way, you''ve been transferred to a new position. Since it''s an administrative role, you get a tobacco ticket every quarter. No one in your family smokes, so bring it to me, and I''ll buy it from you."0


    "No need, I''ll just give it to you. After all, I..."0


    "Even brothers keep accounts clear. I don''t want to mess with that. We''ll do a straightforward exchange."0


    "Alright."0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei returned together. They saw Hutou and Xiao Yanzi holding hands, coming out to go back to their room to sleep. Ming Mei generously gave each of them a White Rabbit candy: "Here, little uncle and auntie give you White Rabbit milk candies. Am I nice?"0


    Hutou: "Yes, little auntie is the best, even better than my mom!"0


    Liang Meifen: "..."0


    She sighed: "I heard that."0


    Hutou covered his big head and quickly ran back to the room.0


    Xiao Yanzi giggled and shouted: "Little auntie is the best!"0


    She was always on the same side as her brother.0


    Ming Mei laughed heartily. Liang Meifen tried to calm down. Their family was benefiting, so it was fine to lose out a bit in words. She wouldn''t take it personally.0


    Not at all!0


    She took a deep breath, then her eyes widened in shock. Oh my, so many White Rabbit candies! This bag must be about a pound!0


    Ming Mei noticed her gaze and quickly darted away: "Back to the room!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and shook his head: "Sister-in-law won''t take them; she''ll just get the kids to ask for them."0


    Liang Meifen: "..."0


    You''re saying this right in front of me?0


    She awkwardly smiled: "No, don''t worry, I''m not that kind of person."0


    Although she had thought about it for a moment, being called out like that made her unable to do it. It would be too embarrassing. Liang Meifen was someone who wanted to take advantage but didn''t want to be the one to do it, and she also wanted to save face. Because of these conflicting traits, she often couldn''t get what she wanted.0


    It''s painful.0


    She sighed and went back to the room: "Sister-in-law has so many White Rabbit candies."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Her grandfather gave them to her. I didn''t see any candy when she came in with the tea."0


    As a man, he wasn''t too concerned about such things, so he just said casually: "You see, although Grandpa Lan seems indifferent and his words aren''t pleasant, he treats Ming Mei quite well. I''ve seen him give Ming Mei White Rabbit candies more than once."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan had only spoken casually, but Liang Meifen felt a pinch of discomfort. She thought that Zhuang Zhiyuan was subtly hinting at her.0


    The in-laws of others, even their grandfathers, could be supported, yet her own family had to rely on her husband''s family. She felt a sourness in her heart and her eyes began to redden.0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Go fetch some water, I want to soak my feet."0


    Liang Meifen: "Oh."0


    She wiped away her tears.0


    The couple fell silent again, but Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi were lively. Ming Mei had brought back candied fruit from her mother and a bag of crispy cakes, and from her grandfather, a bag of White Rabbit candies, all stashed in a cupboard, which she considered her treasure trove.0


    Zhuang Zhixi lay lazily on the bed, saying, "Wife, give me a shoulder massage."0


    Ming Mei: "Get lost, you wish."0


    Zhuang Zhixi reached out, pulling her down with him onto the bed. He held her hand and placed it over his chest, saying, "See, my heart is racing. I was quite nervous today."0


    His topic came out of nowhere, but Ming Mei, who had been informed on the way back from her parents'' house, understood. She wriggled up like a caterpillar, nestling into the crook of Zhuang Zhixi''s arm. She tilted her head to look at him, saying, "I know you can handle it."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I can handle it, but I still need my wife''s comfort."0


    He smiled, his lips curling, and looked down at her. Under the lamplight, he noticed the fine down on her face. Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed her. Ming Mei pouted at him, and Zhuang Zhixi obliged... Whatever he had been thinking or planning to say was forgotten.0


    The room was filled with warmth, while outside, the weather turned gloomy. It had been raining heavily recently.0


    Last night''s torrential rain had continued until noon today, and by evening, the sky darkened again, followed by gusts of wind. Soon, the sound of raindrops hitting the ground, accompanied by a pattering noise, could be heard.0


    It was hailing.0


    Zhao Guihua was tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Old Man Zhuang, disturbed by her movements, asked, "What''s wrong? Can''t let go of today''s events?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s not that. I''m thinking about that bundle in the toilet..."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Why are you thinking about that? We decided not to meddle with it yesterday."0


    Zhao Guihua: "I think it was that Yu kid who put it there. You know him, right? The one from the old Yu family in the alley. He''s not a good guy."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "He put it there? How do you know?"0


    "Yesterday, that guy twisted his ankle, and I roughly saw where he lives. If it were someone else, I wouldn''t be tempted. But this kid... well, he''s obviously profiting from the current crackdowns. I feel like pulling a fast one on him."0


    Old Man Zhuang, who had always been an honest man, felt a bit uneasy hearing this.0


    He said, "Is... is that okay? We know it''s him and still take action?"0


    "That''s exactly why I want to do it. If it were someone else, I''d pretend I didn''t see it. But this stuff definitely isn''t from a legitimate source."0


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m so torn..."0


    Old Man Zhuang, cautious and fearful, said, "If it were me, I definitely wouldn''t agree to do this. We have a good life, no need to get involved in such matters. But your hesitation is because you want to pull a fast one. I can see that you''re very tempted. No matter what you decide, I support you. So, I''ll leave it to you."0


    Zhao Guihua looked at her husband and smiled, saying, "That''s why I love you. You always support me no matter what."0


    Old Man Zhuang blushed slightly, saying, "Who else would I support? You''re my old lady."0


    Zhao Guihua: "I like hearing that."0


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled, then after a while, asked, "What do you plan to do?"0


    Zhao Guihua sat up abruptly, saying, "Let''s go get it!"0


    Old Man Zhuang: "I''ll go."0


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll keep watch for you."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Alright."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait, let''s hold off a bit. Today''s been busy, some people might still be awake. We''ll go later to avoid being noticed. I want to see what that Yu kid is hiding."0


    Old Man Zhuang, rarely cracking a joke, said, "Maybe we''ll find out it''s nothing when we get it."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Even if it''s nothing, I won''t regret it."0


    She said, "Now that I''ve made up my mind, I don''t want to back out. Oh, it''s good that the Bai father and son aren''t home; it makes our job safer."0


    "That''s true," Old Man Zhuang agreed.0


    The sound of opening and closing doors inside the courtyard might go unnoticed, but any noise near the entrance could wake light sleepers. So, having the house near the gate empty was crucial for them.0


    "Speaking of which, I wonder how the Bai father and son are doing. I heard... it''s broken?"0


    Old Man Zhuang shuddered at the thought, feeling a phantom pain. He couldn''t imagine anything worse than that. Jiang Lu had been furious, aiming for that exact spot, and the thought made him cringe.0


    "Everyone says it''s broken. I wonder if it can be stitched back at the hospital."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."0


    He had heard of mending clothes, but never of mending such a thing.0


    He winced, feeling a sympathetic pain, and sincerely remarked, "So, never offend a woman. They can really go crazy."0


    Zhao Guihua laughed, saying, "He deserved it!"0


    "I wonder if it will affect his ability to have kids. The Bai family hasn''t had an heir yet, and Bai Fendou isn''t married."0


    "Who knows..."0


    While the elderly couple chatted idly, the actual victim, Bai Fendou, was inconsolable, overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, unable to sleep in the dead of night.0


    If it weren''t for his... injury, he would probably be locked up in the security office by now.0


    Being able to lie in a hospital bed was already a blessing.0


    But it came at the cost of his... injury.0


    Although Jiang Lu had hit his head, a woman''s strength was limited, and while he had bled a lot, the head injury wasn''t severe. The most serious injury was... the one that was broken.0


    Not only was it excruciatingly painful, but it also deeply hurt his pride. He felt his life was at a crossroads because of this farce. Sobbing, he felt utterly pitiful. He had only wanted to get back at someone...0


    How did he end up in this situation?0


    In the stillness of the night, he cried over his "condition," the pain unbearable. He also thought, if only this hadn''t happened. If only Zhuang Zhixi had been the one...0


    Why hadn''t Zhuang Zhixi come?0


    During the day, the pain had been so intense that he couldn''t think straight, but now, unable to sleep, his thoughts turned to the future. He needed a clear explanation; without one, this matter wouldn''t end.0


    He had originally thought it was no big deal, but clearly, others saw it differently.0


    He rubbed his eyes, feeling utterly miserable.0


    "Fendou," Old Man Bai suddenly spoke up.0


    He too was in pain and couldn''t sleep.0


    "Dad," Bai Fendou replied in a muffled voice, still a bit upset. He felt that his father had handled the situation poorly, not even checking if anyone was inside before pushing Jiang Lu in.0


    Wasn''t this just harming his own son?0


    Bai Fendou: "Dad, I have to say, you handled today''s matter poorly. Why didn''t you ask more questions? If you had, we could have explained to Jiang Lu that it was a joke, and none of this would have happened. You just pushed her in, and she screamed, how could things not go wrong?"0


    He felt it was all his father''s fault.0


    Old Man Bai''s temper flared. The idea had been Bai Fendou''s, and he had just followed along. He hadn''t done his part well, failing to get Zhuang Zhixi involved, yet now his son was blaming him? He felt utterly wronged.0


    His heart was as cold as ice, wondering how he had ended up with such a useless son.0


    He was also annoyed, his eyes wide with anger as he retorted, "I haven''t even said anything about you, yet here you are blaming me! Didn''t you say you''d be prepared in advance? Why has everything turned out like this? If you had just knocked Zhuang Zhixi unconscious, stripped him, and thrown him inside as planned, would we be dealing with all this mess now? Every single thing that was supposed to be my responsibility, did I not handle it perfectly? It''s clearly your fault for dropping the ball, yet you dare to blame me? Bai Fendou, how did I end up with a son like you? The roots of our Bai family are about to wither away!"0


    Old Man Bai burst into tears.0


    His tears were genuine.0


    After all, this was a matter of the Bai family''s legacy!0


    "You useless fool!"

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83Zhao Guihua had lived through two lifetimes, and at her age, this was the first time she had ever attempted anything like being a "bandit hero."0


    Well, it couldn''t be entirely considered "theft," after all, the item in question was placed in a public restroom. Strictly speaking, it was ownerless. This was the reason Zhao Guihua dared to take action.0


    If it had been in someone''s home, she wouldn''t have dared to mess around, no matter how crazy she felt.0


    Even knowing that the Yu family''s son was no good, even if she knew the item was there, Zhao Guihua wouldn''t have done anything about it.0


    The nature of the situation was completely different.0


    So, with the item being in the public restroom at the alley entrance, Zhao Guihua felt she could take action. The weather had been bad for a few days, and today it even started hailing. Late at night, she put on her raincoat and said, "Do I look like a notorious pirate to you?"0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Not at all, you''re a good person."0


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but chuckle, "I don''t look like a good person at all. I''m about to do something bad."0


    She didn''t turn on the light but looked outside and said, "Let''s go."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Alright."0


    The couple gently opened the door, not trying to be too stealthy. If someone saw them acting too suspiciously, it would only raise suspicions. They walked out as if they were just going to the bathroom at night, acting with confidence.0


    Tonight, the sky was covered with thick clouds, and the darkness was complete. The sound of rain and hail covered the noise of them opening the door. Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang ran together to the restroom. Old Man Zhuang went in first and then said, "No one''s here."0


    It was true; ever since the rumors of ghosts started, the restroom was rarely used at night. Generally, people tried to avoid it. Going to the bathroom at night was something most people tried to avoid, especially on a rainy day like today.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Are you sure you can do this?"0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Although I''m not as young as my son, I can still move quickly."0


    Old Man Zhuang said, "You go to the door and keep watch. I''ll climb up."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait, let me find some stones to help you step on. It''ll be easier for you."0


    "Alright."0


    The two worked together, and the rain seemed to be getting heavier, but it didn''t affect their actions. Zhao Guihua was quite excited. She tiptoed and looked around, saying, "Be careful."0


    Old Man Zhuang nodded.0


    He stepped on the stones and climbed up the wall. Despite his age, he was strong. The work he did at the factory required a lot of arm strength, so he was more robust than the average person. Even his two sons might not be as strong as he was.0


    After all, their jobs didn''t require as much physical effort.0


    He climbed up and stood on a cement column of one of the restroom stalls. He turned on his flashlight and quickly spotted the target.0


    The bundle was not far from his current position. It was likely that someone had thrown it up from this spot. Old Man Zhuang reached out, grabbed it, and pulled hard. Oh, it was quite heavy.0


    He exerted more force and quickly pulled the bundle to him.0


    "Hmm?"0


    He let out a surprised sound. Zhao Guihua heard it and asked, "What''s wrong?"0


    Old Man Zhuang whispered, "There''s another bundle here."0


    Zhao Guihua was also surprised and confused: "Another one?"0


    She immediately thought that it must have been hidden by the Yu kid. If it wasn''t his, he wouldn''t have missed it when he came to hide his stuff last night. Finding someone else''s hidden items here would make the place unreliable. But he still chose to hide his stuff here, which meant this must be his as well.0


    "Let''s get it out together."0


    "Alright, but this one is stuck inside a bit, so it''s a bit tricky to pull out."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait, let me find something to help."0


    She went out in the rain and found a stick. She helped Old Man Zhuang get the first bundle down and then used the stick to hook out the second one. Both of them were quite excited. Zhao Guihua felt the bundle was quite heavy.0


    She didn''t rush to open it but said, "Let''s move the stones out and go back home first."0


    Both of them were worried that someone might show up, although the heavy rain made it unlikely. Still, Zhao Guihua was cautious. The couple quickly returned home in the rain. Zhao Guihua was afraid that the sound of closing the door might attract attention, so she quickly carried the bundle inside, while Old Man Zhuang stayed behind to secure the door.0


    Despite her boldness, Zhao Guihua was actually quite scared. Once home, she plopped down on the floor, feeling drained. Old Man Zhuang saw her like this and quickly asked, "Old lady, what''s wrong?"0


    Zhao Guihua looked up and said, "I''m fine, just a bit scared."0


    Old Man Zhuang understood her feelings and helped her up, saying, "Since we''ve already done it, don''t think too much about it. Besides, the item was in a public restroom, so it''s not like we stole something from someone''s home. Moreover, what kind of legitimate item would be hidden in a public restroom? This thing wasn''t from a good source, so what we did wasn''t wrong."0


    Before the action, Zhao Guihua had been the one to calm him down; but now that they were done, it was Old Man Zhuang who was comforting her.0


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "You''re right."0


    She wiped her face and said, "Look at me, I was the one who wanted to do this, and now I''m the one who''s scared. I guess I''m just a coward."0


    Old Man Zhuang disagreed: "You''ve done well. If it were someone else, they wouldn''t have been as brave as you."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s open it and see."0


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. The sky was overcast, and the room was quite dark, but they didn''t turn on the light. Zhao Guihua opened the first bundle, the heavier one that Old Man Zhuang had pulled out first.0


    He said, "I wonder what''s inside... uh!"0


    His rambling suddenly stopped.0


    Zhao Guihua also gasped sharply, feeling like she was suddenly short of oxygen, her breath quickening, her body trembling.0


    "Ah... this... this this."0


    For a moment, she didn''t know what to say. The contents of the bundle were completely unexpected. Zhao Guihua had thought there would be something valuable inside, something worth hiding, but she never imagined there would be ten large gold bars.0


    She almost trembled as she picked one up and said softly, "It''s heavy."0


    Old Man Zhuang was also shocked and asked urgently, "Are these real? I heard you can bite into them and leave a mark."0


    He was about to take a bite when Zhao Guihua stopped him, saying, "Don''t bite. Who knows how many hands this has passed through? You don''t know if it''s clean."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "What''s not clean about gold bars? Even if it''s not, it''s still a good thing. I''m not picky."0


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but laugh at his reaction.0


    Old Man Zhuang sighed softly, "My family has been poor for eight generations, and this is the first time I''ve ever seen such a treasure." He had always thought that having enough to eat and drink was good enough. He never expected to one day hold such a valuable item in his hands.0


    Zhao Guihua: "There are exactly ten bars. Old man, help me feel the weight; I''m not sure anymore."0


    She was so nervous that she couldn''t trust her own sense of weight.0


    Old Man Zhuang: "These should be ten taels each. One bar is probably around 300 to 400 grams. If we follow the standard used in Beijing, one bar should be about 370 grams."0


    Although their family had never owned anything so valuable, he had heard about these things. Generally, large and small gold bars were accumulated since the Republic of China era. The measurement units back then were different from now.0


    However, these large gold bars usually followed the standard, with one bar being ten taels.0


    Zhao Guihua vaguely remembered this and nodded, "You''re right."0


    She rubbed the gold bar, feeling the texture of real gold.0


    Real gold indeed.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Let me see the other one."0


    She quickly opened the second bundle, inside of which were all kinds of jewelry. There were gold ornaments, silver bracelets, jade bead necklaces, and white jade bangles... To be honest, seeing this, the old couple''s expressions changed slightly.0


    They were both shocked. On their street, if anyone had even one of these items, they would be considered extremely wealthy. But now, there were so many of them. Isn''t that terrifying?0


    Although gold bars can drive people crazy, seeing so many pieces of jewelry at once can also be frightening.0


    Old Man Zhuang suddenly grabbed his wife''s hand and said, "How could there be so many valuable things?"0


    He really hadn''t expected that the bundle would contain so much. Hesitating for a moment, he said, "Should we turn them in?"0


    But after saying that, he immediately shook his head, "No, we can''t turn them in. If we do, it will bring endless trouble."0


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him and said, "Turn them in? Forget it! We absolutely cannot turn these things in. If you turn them in, how do you explain where they came from? You say you found them in the bathroom, but why were you climbing into the bathroom in the first place? Then there might be all sorts of other issues, and they might pin everything on you. They could turn you into a thief even if you''re not one. Besides, with the current environment, do you really think these things would end up in the right hands if you turn them in? Who do you think hid these things? Based on my guess, it was Yu Xiaozi. In just one year, Yu Xiaozi managed to amass so much wealth. It just shows how... And if Yu Xiaozi or his family finds out about this, do you think they would retaliate against us?"0


    Zhao Guihua saw things more clearly than Old Man Zhuang.0


    The Yu family wasn''t easy to deal with. Even though they had cut ties with Yu Xiaozi and severed all ties, things were different now. Even if their relationship wasn''t good now, and even if Yu Xiaozi had hidden these valuables, if they found out about this, they would still side with Yu Xiaozi because they are family.0


    If the money is still there, even though Yu Xiaozi hid it, there''s a chance they could get a share of it. But if it''s turned in, it has nothing to do with them anymore. So if they followed Old Man Zhuang''s suggestion and turned it in, it would definitely bring a big enemy.0


    Besides, why should they turn it in?0


    To put it bluntly, with the current situation, turning it in might not end well.0


    There was a guy who tied gold bars and planned to walk from Beijing to Hong Kong, and now there''s another guy who hid gold and silver treasures in a public bathroom. Who knows how many people are hiding things.0


    Zhao Guihua said seriously, "Old Man Zhuang, I''m a selfish person. I only care about my own family. I don''t have the heart to care about so many others. Instead of letting these things benefit some cunning petty people, I''d rather have them in my hands. You see, even though privately hiding these things carries some risk, everyone still does it. Why? Isn''t it for having an extra safety net in case of emergencies? Besides, who knows what the future policies will be? Having something valuable on hand is always good."0


    Old Man Zhuang''s biggest trait is that he listens to his wife. He''s not a very decisive person, but he listens to Zhao Guihua a lot.0


    He said, "You''re right. I''ll listen to you on this. But where should we keep these things? It''s not very safe to keep them at home."0


    After a pause, he sighed, "And it''s even less safe to keep them outside."0


    Zhao Guihua started thinking and said, "Indeed, we can''t just put them anywhere. There are small thieves in our courtyard. If we work hard and end up benefiting some small thief, I''ll cry."0


    If someone ends up benefiting from our hard work, she would be devastated.0


    "So what do you suggest?"0


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said, "How about this? Let''s extend the kitchen counter a bit and build it with cement. We can put these things in a box and embed it in the cement. It''s far from the fire pit, so it won''t be affected. And with the extra space, we''ll have more room to store things and it''ll be more convenient for cutting vegetables. No one would ever think to look there."0


    Old Man Zhuang turned around and looked, feeling it made sense. He nodded, "That works."0


    He had to admit, his wife''s idea was quite clever. Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "My brain is sharp, isn''t it?"0


    She said, "I''ll do it tomorrow. The sooner we get it done, the sooner we''ll feel at ease."0


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Your craftsmanship isn''t as good as mine. I''ll do it. You go buy the cement tomorrow, and I''ll work on it after I get off work."0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t refuse and nodded, "Alright."0


    She packed up the items and looked at the bundle cloth, saying, "I''ll burn this tomorrow."0


    Old Man Zhuang felt a bit sorry for the good fabric, but then thought it was the right thing to do. If someone saw it, it would be troublesome. It wasn''t worth it for a small piece of cloth. The old couple temporarily hid the items in the kang hole and then went back to bed.0


    It''s worth mentioning that they weren''t sleepy at all.0


    How could they be sleepy?0


    They had suddenly become wealthy. Although these things couldn''t be eaten or drunk and couldn''t be used to buy anything, they were gold and silver treasures. If they were bold enough, they could exchange them for money in the black market.0


    Even if the black market couldn''t handle it, there was the ghost market.0


    However, neither of them had the intention to do so. They didn''t need the money right now. Their life was still manageable.0


    Old Man Zhuang asked, "Wife, how much money do we have left? I feel like we''ve been eating well lately. Do we have much savings left?"0


    It''s true that men shouldn''t be in charge. Men always have no sense of the situation. Zhao Guihua gave him a look and said, "What do you mean? I still have several hundred yuan. Our savings haven''t decreased much; in fact, they''ve increased compared to when we separated from the family."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Oh?"0


    He was a bit surprised.0


    Zhao Guihua said, "The reason we''ve been eating well isn''t because of our savings. It''s because of the harvest from the mountain. The meat we had earlier was exchanged for fish during the New Year. We haven''t finished it yet. This time, the harvest from the mountain was also good. We haven''t bought meat for several months. I exchanged our meat coupons for grain coupons. Haven''t you noticed that we have more fine grain than before? It''s all bought with those coupons."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Guihua, you''re really good at managing the household."0


    Zhao Guihua was proud and said, "Of course, can I be an ordinary person? I''m very capable."0


    She said, "We have to plan for food and clothing. I''ve put a lot of thought into this family. You think I don''t do anything just because I don''t go to work? There''s a lot to consider at home."0


    "That''s true."0


    The old couple chatted on and on, and they really weren''t sleepy. It''s not just them; many people in the neighborhood couldn''t sleep that night. Fortunately, the old couple didn''t act hastily. They talked until midnight before going out. If they had gone out earlier, the Su family and the Zhou family wouldn''t have been asleep yet.0


    These two families had their own thoughts and worries.0


    The Su family was really worried that this incident would affect them. After yesterday''s efforts, although some people were a bit more open, most still maintained a cold attitude and weren''t willing to get involved.0


    It''s also because the Bai father and son had offended people before, mainly Bai Fendou. Old Man Bai didn''t offend people much, but Bai Fendou''s sharp tongue often offended people without realizing it. This inevitably led to some big and small consequences.0


    Since everyone wasn''t willing to help, the Su family was exhausted.0


    As for the Zhou family, Zhou Qun''s thoughts were a bit complicated.0


    He had indeed beaten Bai Fendou and his father, but he still felt a bit uncomfortable. The source of this discomfort was Jiang Lu. He knew Jiang Lu hadn''t suffered, but it wasn''t because of whether she had suffered or not that he felt uncomfortable.0


    He felt uncomfortable because of Jiang Lu''s ruthlessness.0


    A woman had actually... kicked two men''s... to pieces.0


    He shuddered at the thought. How ruthless must a person be to do such a thing? This woman, though usually gentle, was all an act. Ever since that incident in the restroom, he felt instinctively uncomfortable whenever he thought of women, and he had no interest in them at all.0


    He had never been interested in Jiang Lu to begin with, and now even less so. Even lying in the same bed with her made him feel nauseous.0


    His dislike for women intensified even more after she kicked someone today. He couldn''t sleep at night and only dozed off late into the night. Maybe because he slept late, several households in their courtyard woke up late as well.0


    The hail had stopped by morning, but a light rain still drizzled in the courtyard. Aunt Sui from the back courtyard was cursing¡ªnot people, but the hail. The hail had flattened the scallions she had planted by the door, and she was heartbroken, stomping her feet in frustration. If not for her loud cursing, the front courtyard wouldn''t have woken up either.0


    Soon, everyone got up and rushed off to work, starting a new day of busyness.0


    Zhuang Zhixi left for work early, and Ming Mei went with him. Zhuang Zhixi reminded her, "Drive slowly in the rain. Don''t always act like you''re flying."0


    Ming Mei pouted and said, "Alright, okay."0


    As soon as she got on her bike, she pedaled off, her speed not slowing down at all.0


    Zhuang Zhixi shouted, "Slow down!!!"0


    Ming Mei: "Okay."0


    She was already going slow, this Zhuang Zhixi...0


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head at her, thinking that Ming Mei was always so energetic.0


    He arrived early, as he usually did. When starting a new job or department, it was customary to arrive early to make a good impression. If you started off poorly, it would be embarrassing.0


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t shy about his thick skin, but since he was new, he wanted to leave a decent impression.0


    As he was wiping the desk, he saw Zhou from their department enter. It seemed every department had a gossipmonger, and their department''s was Zhou. Zhou arrived early and immediately announced, "Big news, big news! Did you hear? Bai Fendou is done for."0


    "Done for?"0


    "Really? Yesterday, they said it could be stitched up. What happened? Did the stitching not work?"0


    "I''ve only heard of sewing clothes, not that... It definitely won''t work."0


    "Bai Fendou doesn''t even have an heir. Bai''s family line will end with him. He''s letting down his ancestors."0


    "Are they still in security?"0


    Everyone chimed in with questions, and Zhou enjoyed the attention. "They''re not in security; they''re still in the hospital. His injury is in a sensitive area, and security wouldn''t let him leave so easily. After all, it''s a matter of future generations."0


    "That makes sense."0


    Zhuang Zhixi listened with great interest. The security department in their factory was quite lenient. If it were a stricter security team, Bai Fendou and his father would be in jail by now, regardless of their condition.0


    But this time, they considered that Bai Fendou wasn''t married and had no children, so they sent him to the hospital for treatment.0


    "So the stitching didn''t work?" Zhuang Zhixi was curious. As a man, he was naturally intrigued by such topics. He had never seen anything like it.0


    Zhou: "It''s hard to say if the stitching worked. I asked a doctor. Apparently, it was shattered beyond recognition, like an egg dropped on the ground."0


    "My god."0


    "Oh my."0


    "That''s terrifying."0


    "You can''t mess with women, really can''t."0


    Zhou: "Quiet, quiet, let me finish. The doctor stitched them up on the spot, but whether it will work in the future is uncertain. It depends on how they recover. Plus, they''ll need more checks."0


    Zhou paused and continued, "This situation was already critical, but who could have guessed that despite the security department''s leniency and the doctor''s efforts, the patient kept making things worse."0


    "Huh?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What happened?" Did they cause more trouble?0


    "Apparently, last night, the father and son got into an argument in the hospital. No one knows how it started, but they ended up blaming each other. The father called the son a ingrate, and the son blamed his father for being reckless. By the time people heard them, they were already injured again."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow~"0


    "It seems both of them pulled on their wounds, causing them to bleed again. They had to be re-bandaged. The doctor said their chances of recovery have decreased..."0


    "Oh, this..."0


    "These two are really something."0


    "It''s no one else''s fault."0


    "Exactly, it''s all their own fault."0


    Soon, the news spread throughout the factory. After all, there were many gossipmongers in the factory. Such a sensational story was unheard of.0


    When Zhou Qun, Bai Fendou, and others fell into the cesspool, it almost became a tourist attraction. People even came from far away to see it. If not for the ghost rumors, it would have remained a hotspot.0


    But now, Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou had brought new excitement to the factory.0


    Everyone listened with glee, despite it not being a happy event. But there was little entertainment, so listening to gossip made the day more exciting. The factory couldn''t show movies every day, but it could have daily drama from people causing trouble.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ah, these people, these people..."0


    As he was sighing, he heard someone call him at the door. It was Zhang San from security. Zhang San said, "Xiao Zhuang."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Something the matter?"0


    It was work time, so it couldn''t be a casual chat.0


    Zhang San: "I''m here to verify some information with you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and nodded, "Alright, go ahead."0


    Zhang San: "Zhou Qun claims he heard from you that Bai Fendou was going to the small warehouse in the afternoon. I need to confirm this."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded and said sincerely, "There was such a thing, but no one from us told Zhou Qun. We weren''t sure about the small warehouse either. At lunch, Doctor Wang from the clinic gossiped with me, saying she heard the Bai father and son were going to meet someone in the small warehouse in the afternoon. She didn''t hear the details clearly, and we weren''t sure either. To be honest, I thought he was meeting Wang Xiangxiu, so I didn''t plan to watch the commotion. We''re neighbors after all, and it''s not good to watch such commotion. Later, I heard they got into a fight. I had no idea he was tricking Zhou Qun''s wife."0


    "Did you talk to Bai Fendou?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "No. I did see him at lunch. He was behind us at the cafeteria. I stopped to say hello, but he ignored me and hurried off."0


    "I know, we went to the cafeteria together at noon." Sister Cui said, "Why is this blaming Xiao Zhuang? We did talk about this at the cafeteria, but it wasn''t Xiao Zhuang who brought it up first. Besides, Xiao Zhuang didn''t talk to Bai Fendou or Zhou Qun. We were together the whole time¡ªgoing to the cafeteria together, back to the office together, not even going to the restroom."0


    "Yes, I was there too."0


    "Me too."0


    Many people in the propaganda department were together, and they could all vouch for each other. Zhang San: "Alright, I''ll note that."0


    He said, "It''s not about accusing you, but the factory needs to figure out how Zhou Qun ended up there. By the way, Sister Cui, we also need to talk to you."0


    Sister Cui: "Oh, come on, sit down. You''re going to ask everyone, right?"0


    "Yes."0


    "Then let''s start."0


    The matter wasn''t complicated. Basically, Zhou Qun had accidentally overheard them talking about Bai Fendou''s affair. He must have had a grudge against Bai Fendou, otherwise, he wouldn''t have gathered people to catch him in the act.0


    However, they didn''t expect that the person being caught in the act would be his own wife.0


    The most crucial part was Old Man Bai''s "push," and since only Bai Fendou was in the room, the situation became quite serious.0


    The specifics didn''t really concern them, but Zhang San still said, "In the future, if you hear about such things, you should report them to the security department. I know none of you want to get involved, but you never know when something small could turn into a big deal."0


    "Got it."0


    Everyone nodded sincerely.0


    Zhang San: "Alright, I''ve confirmed everything with you. I need to get back now; I don''t know how Bai Fendou is doing."0


    "Oh, didn''t it break again?"0


    "They say so... but let''s not talk about it. We''re all colleagues, after all."0


    Everyone exchanged knowing smiles. You''re acting like you don''t know, but your eyes are sparkling like a lighthouse.0


    After a few more polite exchanges, Zhang San left.0


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and returned to his seat.0


    In this new department, he hadn''t even started working yet, but the environment was already lively. Director Song walked in and saw the bustling scene. He coughed lightly, understanding the situation but reminding them, "Old Huang, take your apprentice and create a bulletin board. Given what happened with Bai Fendou, let''s make one that calls for respect for women."0


    Old Huang: "Sure."0


    Their department was indeed keeping up with current events.0


    He said, "Let''s go."0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly followed.0


    He asked, "Master Huang, what kind of bulletin board should we create? We have the theme, but I''m not sure what to draw."0


    Old Huang: "This is where your personal skills come into play. Let me tell you, when the higher-ups give you a theme, you need to figure out the common elements associated with it..."0


    He counted off on his fingers, explaining to Zhuang Zhixi. Unlike his usual quiet self, he was quite eloquent now. Zhuang Zhixi listened intently, nodding constantly. He knew that to establish himself quickly in the publicity department, it wasn''t just about luck. He needed to get up to speed with the work to secure his place.0


    "Master Huang, so according to you, experience is crucial."0


    Old Huang nodded, "Experience is indeed important. And at this point, you can''t just draw whatever comes to mind. You need to be aware of what themes might touch on sensitive areas. Always be cautious. Work is work, but don''t get yourself into trouble."0


    "I understand."0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly got into work mode.0


    Compared to his focused morning, others seemed a bit distracted. The most troubled was Wang Xiangxiu, who used the excuse of going to the restroom to look for Zhou Qun.0


    Today, Zhou Qun was the center of attention. Wang Xiangxiu knew it wasn''t the best time to approach him, but what could she do? She had to talk to Zhou Qun; otherwise, Bai Fendou would be in serious trouble.0


    Today, she and her mother-in-law had split up.0


    She came to find Zhou Qun, while her mother-in-law went to the hospital to try and gather information from the Bai family to figure out how to smooth things over. She had been waiting most of the morning, making several trips to the restroom. Finally, she found an opportunity and blocked Zhou Qun at the restroom entrance.0


    Ever since his ghostly encounter, Zhou Qun had developed a habit of frequent urination. He visited the restroom often, which only fueled rumors that he and his wife couldn''t have children because he had been with too many older women, leading to kidney issues.0


    Otherwise, why no kids?0


    Otherwise, why so many bathroom trips?0


    Because of this, every time he went to the restroom, his face was dark, and he looked like he wanted to avoid everyone.0


    It was during one of these moments, when no one was around, that Wang Xiangxiu blocked him.0


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly stepped forward and said, "Qun Ge."0


    Zhou Qun immediately took a step back, disdainfully asking, "What do you want?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu put on a wronged but charming smile and said coquettishly, "Why are you so cold? We used to have such deep feelings. Now that time has passed, you don''t even care about me anymore?"0


    She added a touch of softness, knowing that Zhou Qun liked women who were submissive and admiring.0


    She said, "You don''t know how much I''ve missed you these days. I really miss your heroic presence."0


    She blinked at him flirtatiously.0


    Zhou Qun: "Just say what you want. Don''t blink at me. It''s disgusting."0


    He took another step back, pulled out a handkerchief, flicked it, and wiped his hands.0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."0


    Damn it, I didn''t even disdain you for being dirty, and you''re disdainful of me?0


    She bit her lip and said, "Do you have to be so cold?"0


    Zhou Qun sneered, "We were a business transaction¡ªme paying, you selling. What feelings do we have? I don''t disdain you? That''s funny. Just say what you want. Are you here to beg for your old lover? Let me tell you, no way!"0


    He coldly added, "I absolutely won''t let him off."0


    He said menacingly, "Since he dared to have designs on my wife, I''ll make sure he pays."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Why be so ruthless? I believe he didn''t mean it; there must be a misunderstanding. If you''re willing to let him go, I''ll do anything you ask. I''m willing to help you."0


    She blinked, her eyes full of innuendo.0


    But Zhou Qun remained unmoved: "Get out of my way."0


    He said, "You''re disgusting, with your cheap, flirtatious demeanor."0


    He snorted, "I don''t want anything to do with you."0


    After that, he wiped his face with the handkerchief again and turned to leave.0


    Wang Xiangxiu was shaking with anger.0


    What did he just call her?0


    Flirtatious?0


    Back then, he wasn''t disdainful of her¡ªhe even said he liked her like that the most. Now he''s changed? Men really are unreliable. Today they say this is the best, most charming, and tomorrow they''ll call it disgusting.0


    She glared at Zhou Qun, wishing she could put a sack over his head and beat the crap out of him.0


    She was paid, sure, but with his attitude, who would do it for free?0


    He couldn''t even satisfy a widow, pfft!0


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face darkened, but she quickly remembered her purpose. She wasn''t here to rekindle their past relationship but to beg for Zhou Qun''s mercy. She gritted her teeth and stomped her foot, then chased after him. By now, Zhou Qun had walked a distance.0


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly caught up and said, "Zhou Qun, tell me, what will it take for you to let Bai Fendou go? Just say it, and I''ll do it. As long as you go to the security department and say it was a misunderstanding between you and your wife, I''ll do anything you ask."0


    ¡°Do anything? What else do you want to do? Let me tell you, Wang Xiangxiu, I¡¯m not interested in women. Get lost!¡± Zhou Qun pulled out his handkerchief again, flicking it and looking even more disdainful.0


    Wang Xiangxiu finally couldn''t take it anymore: "Can you stop pulling out that handkerchief? You''re so effeminate!"0


    Zhou Qun: "!!!"0


    He widened his eyes in anger: "How dare you, Wang Xiangxiu! You''re not even trying to help your old lover now, are you? What I do is my business, and I enjoy it! Who do you think you are? Get lost!"0


    He had already spoken to Wang Xiangxiu in this harsh tone multiple times today. Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t believe it¡ªthis man who had once been so affectionate with her was now so cold and heartless. She was red-eyed with anger, but she knew she was in a position of weakness and had to resolve this quickly. Otherwise, if the Bai family was dealt with, they would lose their meal ticket.0


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip and said, "Then tell me, what will it take for you to let Bai Fendou go?"0


    She got straight to the point, revealing her true intentions.0


    She spoke seriously: "As long as you set the conditions, I will find a way to meet them."0


    Zhou Qun sneered: "You''re quite sincere with your lover, even though you''re just milking money from me."0


    Wang Xiangxiu ignored his mocking remarks. No matter how much he said, it was his actions that mattered. She spoke earnestly: "If you like any woman, I can help you find a way..."0


    Zhou Qun''s eyebrows furrowed, and he said coldly: "Wang Xiangxiu, I''m not as disgusting as you think. I don''t need anyone''s help to find a woman."0


    He had always been able to charm women effortlessly.0


    Moreover, he hadn''t been particularly interested in women lately.0


    The thought of women only brought to mind ghosts, and the idea of ghosts left him with no interest at all.0


    "You''re wasting your time here. I am determined to make Bai Fendou pay."0


    Wang Xiangxiu tried to calm Zhou Qun''s anger, saying: "Why go to such lengths? If Bai Fendou really ends up in trouble, you won''t gain anything from it, will you? At most, you just don''t like him, but is there any mortal feud between you? No. If he ends up in trouble, people might initially think you''re a man of justice. But over time? Your reputation, Zhou Qun, is already not great. This will only make it worse. Besides being entangled with old women, you''ll also gain a reputation for being ruthless. Some might even speculate that maybe your wife, Jiang Lu, has something going on with Bai Fendou, which is why you''re so determined to send him to his doom. I know you look down on Bai Fendou, but he''s already suffered a significant loss. Why push him to the brink? I understand your thoughts¡ªyou probably wish someone else would embarrass themselves first. But isn''t it better to leave Bai Fendou alone now? He''s already suffered a humiliating injury. People will gossip about him, not about your affairs with old women. Why not take this opportunity to gain some benefits? If he and his father end up in trouble, their house will be reallocated, and who knows who will move in. Think carefully¡ªyou''re not gaining anything from this."0


    Zhou Qun remained silent for a long time before he said: "You''re quite something, Wang Xiangxiu."0


    Wang Xiangxiu took a deep breath and said: "I just hope you understand that sometimes, taking revenge for a petty grudge is not worth it. Why not gain more instead? Life is all about interests."0


    Zhou Qun chuckled coldly: "What can I gain from Bai Fendou? Everyone might not know him, but I do. He''s already been drained dry by you and your mother-in-law, those two vipers. His family has nothing left. Besides, I make over ninety yuan a month. How much does he have to give me?"0


    Although Zhou Qun said this, Wang Xiangxiu could sense a crack in his resolve. She quickly said: "That''s not entirely true. Think about it¡ªyou can still gain a lot. If you agree, we can write a promissory note..."0


    "Wang Xiangxiu, I find you utterly shameless. A promissory note? Are you trying to fool a simpleton? Don''t think you can trick me with this. I don''t want any promissory note from Bai Fendou. He has nothing to repay me with, so what good is a note to me?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, realizing that Zhou Qun was indeed difficult to deal with. However, she was relieved that she and her mother-in-law had prepared multiple contingency plans the night before. Even today''s attempt to persuade Zhou Qun was part of their planned strategy.0


    Otherwise, relying solely on Wang Xiangxiu''s own wits, she would never have been able to pull this off. Such matters required Aunt Su''s expertise.0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "What about a child, then?"0


    She looked earnestly at Zhou Qun and said: "I will give you a child in exchange for Bai Fendou''s safety."0


    Her eyes flickered as she added: "You know I''m very fertile. If I want to, I can definitely have a son. Then your family will have an heir. I know this is what you want most right now. I''m willing to use this to help Bai Fendou in exchange."0


    Zhou Qun''s breathing quickened as he stared intently at Wang Xiangxiu. But soon, he calmed down and said coldly: "You''re pregnant? What happens then? Will you stop working? Wang Xiangxiu, it seems you really think I''m a fool. I''m telling you, these little tricks of yours won''t work on me."0


    He glared at her menacingly and said: "In fact, your actions only make me more determined to destroy Bai Fendou! Then, let''s see who will help your family. You''ll end up starving and freezing, and it will serve you right, Wang Xiangxiu, you despicable woman. How dare you mock me!"0


    His tone was almost gritted.0


    Wang Xiangxiu panicked and said: "I didn''t, I..."0


    "No need to explain. Do you think I don''t know what you''re trying to do? You didn''t even think this through before coming to me with such a story. You really think I''m a fool, don''t you? Well, think again! Besides, even if you were willing, I wouldn''t be. The mother of my child must be pure and virtuous. Someone like you, who flirts around the factory, who knows whose child you''d end up having? Moreover, even if you did get pregnant, you''d probably use that child to cling to me. I don''t want to be stuck with your leech-like family. All you do is suck blood, and nothing else! With your family''s reputation¡ªwomen earning money through questionable means, and the younger ones stealing in the neighborhood¡ªeven if you were the most fertile woman alive, I wouldn''t want your child!"0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You!"0


    "Save your breath. I don''t want to see you..."0 sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Thud!"0


    The sound of something falling startled both of them, and they quickly turned toward the source of the noise.0


    There, they saw Zhuang Zhixi and Old Huang, both staring at them in shock, clearly never having witnessed such a scene before.0


    Old Huang: "...................................."0


    Zhuang Zhixi forced a smile, which looked extremely unnatural, clearly not a skilled actor.0


    He stammered: "You... you two, continue."0


    He hadn''t expected to stumble upon such a situation. To be fair, this wasn''t something they had intended to eavesdrop on. They were just working when they saw the two of them approaching.0


    And then... the content of their conversation had left him appalled.0


    He was a pure young man, and this was just... too much.0


    His ears felt tainted.0


    "Zhuang Zhixi!!" Zhou Qun''s face turned pale with anger. Similarly, Wang Xiangxiu''s face was even more horrified. She had always maintained a delicate yet strong image at the factory. But now, her sinister side had been exposed.0


    She was utterly embarrassed, but quickly moved to grab Zhuang Zhixi''s hand. Zhuang Zhixi quickly stepped back: "Stay away from me."0


    He retreated, and Old Huang, despite his age, also hurriedly moved back, clearly unaccustomed to dealing with such women.0


    Zhuang Zhixi firmly said: "Stay where you are and keep your distance. I find you repulsive. Don''t worry, I have no interest in your dirty affairs and won''t spread them. But stay away from me."0


    He pointed at Wang Xiangxiu and said: "Especially you. Keep your distance."0


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes welled up with tears: "Zhuang Zhixi, you''ve misunderstood me. It''s not what you think. I had no choice. I can''t abandon Fendou. You..."0


    "Stop acting, Wang Xiangxiu. I know exactly what kind of person you are." Zhuang Zhixi had calmed down a bit and said: "There''s no need to pretend. I''ve already said, your affairs are none of my business. I have no interest in exposing your true nature. In fact, there''s no need to expose it¡ªeveryone already knows who you are. So stop acting. Enough already."0


    He coughed in disgust and said: "I don''t provoke others, and I don''t want others to provoke me. Stay away from my family, and I won''t bother you. Otherwise, I''ll make you regret it."0


    He rubbed his ears and said: "I really don''t want to hear any more of this. It''s utterly disgusting."0


    Zhou Qun stared intently at Zhuang Zhixi for a long time before saying: "You really won''t spread this?"0


    While they could deny it, his reputation was already bad, and he didn''t want it to get even worse.0


    ¡°You promise.¡± He demanded.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was too lazy to bother with him, saying, ¡°Believe it if you want!¡±0


    Zhuang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhixi: ¡°Take care of your crazy dog at home.¡±0


    Zhou Qun''s face turned uglier, but he still nodded: ¡°Alright.¡±0


    It¡¯s just about keeping his old mother in check.0


    He could do that.0


    Recently, the old hag had been making too much noise, it was time to rein her in.0


    Zhou Qun glanced at Old Huang, who had a wooden expression, saying, ¡°I¡¯m even lazier than you when it comes to your petty schemes.¡±0


    Compared to Zhuang Zhixi, he trusted Old Huang more, as the man was known for not gossiping about others at the factory. He was the type who was stubborn, unyielding, and didn¡¯t like to socialize, so he felt more at ease with him.0


    He sneered, ¡°If you don¡¯t want people to know, don¡¯t do it.¡±0


    Zhou Qun replied stiffly, ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern.¡±0


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°You¡¯re really misunderstanding me¡­¡±0


    She was still trying to act, but everyone present found her utterly disgusting. Who would want to watch her performance?0


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes and turned around, Old Huang¡¯s face became even more wooden, and Zhou Qun was fuming: ¡°Get lost! If it weren¡¯t for you dragging me into this nonsense, I wouldn¡¯t be so humiliated. You¡¯re such a vile woman, don¡¯t ever show up in front of me again.¡±0


    He vented his anger on Wang Xiangxiu, who was furious but still tightly grabbed Zhou Qun¡¯s sleeve, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s talk in the small warehouse.¡±0


    Zhou Qun: ¡°What for!¡±0


    He really was throwing caution to the wind, not even refusing outright in front of everyone.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°??????¡±0


    At this time, do you really dare to go to the small warehouse?0


    The small warehouse has recently become a popular spot for everyone.0


    They really weren¡¯t afraid of anything!0


    Zhuang Zhixi sneered, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t just demand things from us. Both of you, I advise you to be more careful in your words and actions. Don¡¯t discuss such sordid matters in public without caring if anyone is around. And don¡¯t go to the small warehouse in broad daylight. Otherwise, if something happens, don¡¯t blame us. Today we might not say anything, but tomorrow someone else might see and talk.¡±0


    He really couldn¡¯t believe it!0


    How could he be so kind as to warn these two? What a good neighbor he was!0


    If it weren¡¯t for not wanting the reputation of their neighborhood to be ruined by people caught in scandals, he really wouldn¡¯t bother to remind these two fools.0


    What a mess.0


    He rubbed his temples and said sincerely, ¡°I mean, even if you¡¯re up to no good, can¡¯t you at least be a bit more discreet?¡±0


    He offered his sincere advice: ¡°Talk after work at home, find a secluded spot in the woods, or just find a place to talk openly. Isn¡¯t that better than sneaking around? What¡¯s with all this¡­ In any case, please spare our factory¡¯s small warehouse. Okay? It¡¯s such a nice place. It¡¯s being ruined by you. It¡¯s really a pity for the small warehouse. You¡¯re lucky to have a good neighbor like me. If it were someone else, not only would they spread it around, but they¡¯d also bring people to watch the spectacle, just like what Zhou Qun did¡­¡±0


    Zhou Qun¡¯s face turned a mixture of colors, really, he didn¡¯t know what to say at this point.0


    He felt that every time he got involved with Wang Xiangxiu, his brain just stopped working.0


    He glared angrily at Wang Xiangxiu, then looked at her hand still gripping his sleeve, and with a forceful shake, he left.0


    This unlucky woman, there was never any good when he got involved with her!0


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, unwilling to give up: ¡°Wait for me!¡±0


    She simply couldn¡¯t wait until work ended.0


    She knew it was risky to talk about these things at the factory, but what could she do? She was just a woman, all she wanted was to save Bai Fendou and his father.0


    ¡°Zhou Qun, wait for me, let¡¯s find a place to talk. As long as you¡¯re willing to let Bai Fendou off¡­¡±0


    ******0


    Old Huang was dumbfounded, his previously serious face finally collapsing; he was speechless: "Unbelievable!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded in agreement, feeling the same: ¡°Exactly!¡±

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84Zhuang Zhixi felt that he had been quite unlucky lately.0


    It seemed that he kept encountering idiots and getting dragged into their messes. Early in the morning, he had been pulled into something, and in the afternoon, he was summoned to the security office again. This time, it was regarding Bai Fendou''s "confession." Bai Fendou was not a cunning man; when things escalated, he couldn''t lie and straightforwardly revealed his intentions.0


    As a result, the security office called Zhuang Zhixi in for further verification. Zhuang Zhixi''s face was as dark as coal.0


    Zhang San and Li Si exchanged glances, then both looked at Section Chief Liu. Section Chief Liu was also observing Zhuang Zhixi, trying to gauge if he had known about this beforehand and had deliberately led Zhou Qun into it.0


    While this possibility was slim, it couldn''t be entirely ruled out. However, seeing how furious Zhuang Zhixi looked, the likelihood decreased. He genuinely seemed to have just found out about it. His face was so dark that one could almost see the anger in his clenched fists on the table, as if he could punch Bai Fendou if he were nearby.0


    Zhuang Zhixi seemed to take a long time to calm down before he finally lifted his head and said, "First, I didn''t know his plan. Yes, he did block me in the water room once and said he needed to talk to me, but he never mentioned what it was about, so I didn''t pay much attention and left quickly. Second, he said we had agreed at noon..." He sneered, "That''s a blatant lie. You can ask anyone in my department; I always have lunch with my colleagues at noon. I never had any contact with him, not even a single word. Bai Fendou wanted to use me as a scapegoat to cover up his disgusting deeds, but I won''t cooperate. Just because we''re neighbors doesn''t mean I have to help him unconditionally. Who does he think he is?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi continued with a dark expression, "If he genuinely intended to frame me, then I think he deserves what he got. If this has nothing to do with me and he''s just trying to drag me into it to clear his name, sorry, I won''t cooperate. Let him rot."0


    Seeing how furious Zhuang Zhixi was, Zhang San quickly consoled him, "Don''t be so angry. We know Bai Fendou''s actions were unjust..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi sneered, "Unjust? Is that what you call it? He''s despicable and shameless. I never knew he had so many tricks up his sleeve. Let''s not even consider the latter possibility. Just the former¡ªI want to ask, what did I do to offend him? I never had any issues with him!"0


    Upon hearing this, the security officers all let out an "uh," unsure of how to respond.0


    Zhang San said, "Bai Fendou mentioned that your family bullied Wang Xiangxiu''s son... so he wanted to get back at you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi was incredulous. "What the hell? Wang Xiangxiu''s son stole something from our house and was caught red-handed by my sister-in-law. Can''t we even curse at their doorstep? People with shorter tempers would have beaten their kid or smashed their windows by now. We''ve been quite restrained. It''s our bad luck to have such neighbors. If you put it that way, then maybe his plan to frame me could be true. After all, I don''t think he''d have the guts to make a move on Jiang Lu in broad daylight. Even if he had the nerve, he wouldn''t dare do something like that."0


    The security officers all nodded. After all, they had worked with Bai Fendou for over a decade and had some understanding of him. Bai Fendou was a mischievous but cowardly man who was always looking for a wife. However, he had an overly inflated sense of self-worth, believing he could match even a celestial beauty. Ordinary women were far from his consideration.0


    Jiang Lu was indeed good-looking, but she was married and childless. In Bai Fendou''s eyes, she probably wasn''t even worthy of him.0


    The security officers didn''t think he would actually try anything with a woman. Based on Bai Fendou''s confession, it seemed he was seeking revenge on the Zhuang family, which made more sense.0


    Zhuang Zhixi cursed, "Damn it, I curse his ancestors for being so immoral. He''s protecting a thief and thinks he''s in the right? What kind of person is he? And why did he drag Jiang Lu into this?"0


    He frowned in confusion and asked aloud.0


    Zhang San: "..."0


    He slowly said, "He mentioned he didn''t like Zhou Qun and that Aunt Zhou always bullied the Su family. He wanted to teach them a lesson and embarrass them."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    He let out a cold laugh, "What a scandal that shook the earth."0


    Zhang San: "Here, have some water. Don''t be so angry."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How can I not be angry? If I had fallen for his trap, what would my situation be now? He''s utterly despicable. He deserves it!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi stood up and said, "Is there anything else? If not, I''m leaving. I really don''t want to hear any more of Bai Fendou''s disgusting stories. The guy''s brain must have been eaten by wild dogs. He''s a complete idiot."0


    "Pfft!" A few security officers couldn''t help but laugh.0


    At this moment, Section Chief Liu cleared his throat and said, "Alright, I have one last question. You didn''t agree to his plan, did you?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi, still furious, retorted, "Agree to what? I never talked to him! If you have the guts, call him here, and we''ll confront each other. Let''s see if I ever agreed to anything!"0


    "Calm down and speak properly," someone said.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How can I calm down? Section Chief Liu, if what he confessed is true, then shouldn''t there be consequences? He''s framing and slandering me. You can''t just dismiss it because I didn''t fall for his trap. If I had, would I even be sitting here talking now? I might be in jail by now, not enjoying Bai Fendou''s luxurious treatment."0


    He added meaningfully, "Bai Fendou is part of the security office and should be setting an example. He should understand the seriousness of his actions more than anyone else. Yet, he acted without hesitation. If he''s not severely punished, how can ordinary people feel safe? Today, he''s taking it out on my family; tomorrow, he could do the same to others. If he can pull off such a big stunt just because he doesn''t like someone, what''s to stop him from setting fire to the factory director''s house tomorrow or locking the director with a widow in a storeroom? Then, won''t he frame anyone he doesn''t like?"0


    He didn''t mention that Bai Fendou was part of the security office, knowing that Section Chief Liu might be biased. But he wouldn''t shy away from speaking the truth. A man who shrinks back would only be looked down upon.0


    "He wouldn''t dare do something that bold," Section Chief Liu said, frowning and feeling exhausted.0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Then how do you explain him framing me? Did you think he''d dare do that? Some people may not seem cunning, but it''s the stupid ones who act more recklessly. You never know what they''ll do when their brains short-circuit."0


    Section Chief Liu seemed deep in thought.0


    The others nodded vigorously. This description fit Bai Fendou perfectly. It seemed that being old neighbors, they truly understood each other.0


    Section Chief Liu: "Don''t worry; the factory will give you an explanation."0


    Zhuang Zhixi gave a bitter smile and said, "I never expected this to involve me, but since he''s done it, whether it''s true or just an excuse to clear his name, I can''t forgive him."0


    After a pause, he said, "I''m leaving now."0


    Zhuang Zhixi stood up, and this time, Section Chief Liu didn''t say anything. As Zhuang Zhixi left, Section Chief Liu cursed, "What the hell has Bai Fendou been doing? He''s tarnishing the reputation of our security office."0


    Zhang San: "I think Zhuang Zhixi really didn''t know about this..."0


    Li Si nodded and said, "Section Chief, do you think Bai Fendou really planned to frame Zhuang Zhixi, or was he just targeting Jiang Lu and wanted to take advantage of her? When he got caught, he claimed he wanted to frame Zhuang Zhixi, as framing a colleague or neighbor could be passed off as a joke. But if he''d tried anything with a woman, he''d be in serious trouble, possibly even ending up in jail."0


    Although they somewhat believed that Bai Fendou wouldn''t go that far, they also knew that Bai Fendou had a tendency to act impulsively, and when impulsiveness crossed a certain line, people could easily do something foolish.0


    People are most afraid of acting on impulse. A moment of impulse can lead to unpredictable consequences.0


    "You can''t see what''s in someone''s heart through their belly. Who knows what''s really going on? Although all of us, including Zhuang Zhixi, believe that Bai Fendou might really have been targeting Zhuang Zhixi, we still can''t fully trust that. First of all, Bai Fendou never even called Zhuang Zhixi over. Zhuang Zhixi has witnesses and is willing to confront Bai Fendou. I believe he''s not lying. Besides, even if Bai Fendou had called him, why would Zhuang Zhixi have gone? And why would Bai Fendou still be hiding inside, waiting for Jiang Lu? That''s the most crucial point."0


    "Exactly. Whether or not he called Zhuang Zhixi, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t go. Yet Bai Fendou was still hiding there and managed to get Jiang Lu inside. It''s really hard to believe him. Furthermore, his excuse that he was retaliating against the Zhuang family for targeting the Su family doesn''t hold water. Wang Xiangxiu''s son is a thief, which is already wrong. The Zhuang family didn''t even lay a finger on him, so why would they need to retaliate? If that''s the case, then Bai Fendou should be targeting the actual person involved, which would be Zhuang Zhixi''s sister-in-law."0


    "Exactly!"0


    "I think he still has feelings for Jiang Lu and is trying to downplay the situation."0


    Section Chief Liu nodded. "I think so too. He must have grasped Zhuang Zhixi''s mindset. Look, even Zhuang Zhixi himself believes that Bai Fendou might retaliate because of his impulsiveness. Maybe Bai Fendou exploited everyone''s perception of him to make a move on Jiang Lu. We all thought he had high standards and wouldn''t be interested in Jiang Lu, but that doesn''t mean he couldn''t take advantage of her. If something happened, Jiang Lu might not dare to report it for the sake of her reputation."0


    "Exactly, exactly."0


    Section Chief Liu felt he had uncovered the truth. Indeed, smart people tend to overcomplicate things, and Section Chief Liu was no exception. The rest of the security department also believed this explanation made the most sense.0


    Otherwise, how could they explain that Zhuang Zhixi didn''t go, yet they still managed to get Jiang Lu inside?0


    This was a scheme, definitely a scheme.0


    Maybe he first went to find Zhuang Zhixi as a contingency plan in case his plan was exposed. It''s very possible.0


    Who would have thought this old guy was quite cunning.0


    After Section Chief Liu''s analysis, Zhang San chimed in, "Chief, don''t underestimate Bai Fendou''s intelligence. He may seem reckless and not very cunning, but he''s never been one to get the short end of the stick. Even in our security department, you can see he doesn''t do much work."0


    He gets paid well but does little work. When it comes to night shifts, he avoids them whenever possible. Thinking about it, who can say this guy lacks cunning?0


    "You''re right about that."0


    Section Chief Liu: "This scoundrel dares to play mind games with me. I guess he doesn''t know who he''s dealing with."0


    Wang Erlaizi whispered mysteriously, "Chief, maybe this matter can be downplayed."0


    "What do you mean? Do you think I''m the kind of person who would..."0


    No, no, of course not you. I''m talking about Wang Xiangxiu. She''s been pestering Zhou Qun all day today. We all saw it. She must be pleading for Bai Fendou. If Zhou Qun and his wife change their story and say Bai Fendou was just joking, wouldn''t this whole thing be downplayed?0


    Section Chief Liu: "What the hell?"0


    He scratched his hair, feeling completely baffled by these people and their actions.0


    He said, "This is just..."0


    "Let''s wait and see."0


    "Yeah."0


    Section Chief Liu: "Pfft!"0


    The security department was buzzing with activity. Zhuang Zhixi left the office, his face dark and expression grim. He returned to his office, and it was almost time to leave. Sister Cui curiously approached and asked, "Xiao Zhuang, what happened?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hide anything, giving a general account of what had happened.0


    There was no point in hiding it, as even if he didn''t say anything, the security department would spread the news. So Zhuang Zhixi simply explained the general situation. Everyone was stunned upon hearing it. "What the hell? How could someone be like that?"0


    "Well, he really seems to be sincere about Wang Xiangxiu."0


    "Their devotion is like the sea; even most married couples don''t go to such lengths."0


    "Hey, why do you all believe what he said is true? It could also be a lie! If he''s convicted of a crime, that would be very serious. But if he diverts the situation elsewhere, it might not be as severe. Although framing a colleague is also serious, it didn''t succeed, so it''s not a big deal. I think his story is just an excuse, a way to find a way out."0


    "Could be."0


    "What could be? That''s exactly what''s going on."0


    "Xiao Zhuang, you''re really unlucky to have such a troublesome neighbor."0


    Zhuang Zhixi forced a bitter smile and said, "Who says it isn''t? Whether he really wanted to frame me or just use me as a scapegoat, I think it''s all pretty disgusting. You know how unlucky I am."0


    "You really are... stuck with such a neighbor."0


    "Where there''s a crack, a fly will find it. Why didn''t he pick someone else but you? Maybe you should reflect on yourself a bit." Little Xu, the projectionist, casually said this. There are always some people in the world who jump out at the worst times to make things worse.0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "I think Brother Xu understands Bai Fendou''s mindset quite well."0


    "What do you mean!" Little Xu immediately exploded. Everyone knew how disreputable Bai Fendou''s reputation was. If such words got out, how would he maintain his reputation? He wasn''t even married yet.0


    "Zhuang Zhixi, explain yourself. Are you looking for trouble?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi looked extra innocent and said, "Look at you, why are you so angry? If you don''t understand Bai Fendou, how could you think from his perspective? I''m the one who was wronged, yet you directly blame me. Isn''t that understanding Bai Fendou? I''m just speaking the truth, and you''re getting mad at me. Brother Xu, I have to say, your temper isn''t very good. The weather is getting hotter, and being easily angered can lead to getting worked up. Don''t let your anger get the better of you and end up doing something as despicable as Bai Fendou. He''s already getting his comeuppance; you don''t want to follow in his footsteps."0


    "You, you, you! You''re too arrogant!"0


    Old Cao chuckled, finding amusement in the situation. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.0


    My dear friend Zhuang Zhixi!0


    Of course, he had to back him up.0


    He said, "I think Xiao Zhuang is right. Don''t accuse him of being arrogant. I think you''re the one being arrogant. Don''t bully the new guy just because he''s new. We''re all watching. Xiao Zhuang has already had a pretty disgusting experience, and you still jump out with victim-blaming. Does that mean we should always understand those who do bad things and criticize those who are unlucky? Your thinking is off."0


    "Old Cao, stop exaggerating."0


    Old Cao: "Only you can exaggerate and bully others, but we''re not allowed to speak the truth? You''re too bossy."0


    Sister Cui also chimed in, "That''s right, Little Xu, that''s not a good way to behave."0


    "Yeah, Little Xu, don''t stand there and talk without knowing the pain."0


    Little Xu: "You, you..."0


    He glanced around, seeing that everyone disapproved of him, and was furious.0


    He had been in the propaganda department for years and thought he got along well with everyone. To his surprise, now everyone was siding with the new guy. He was so angry that he said, "Fine, fine, stick together then. Hmph."0


    He stood up angrily, "I won''t bother with you."0


    He hopped out the door with his cane.0


    "A summer insect cannot talk about ice!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his ear, a bit puzzled, "Is that phrase used correctly here?"0


    Old Huang: "No, he''s not very educated."0


    "Pfft!"0


    Everyone burst out laughing.0


    It was undeniable that Old Huang had a bit of dry humor in him.0


    "Alright, alright, time to go home."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I still need to pick up my wife. I''ll head out first."0


    "Sure."0


    "You two really have a great relationship."0


    "That''s only because they''re newlyweds. My wife used to pick me up all the time when we first got married, but then it just stopped."0


    Zhuang Zhixi left the factory amidst the laughter and chatter of his colleagues, walking towards Ming Mei''s workplace. He didn''t pick her up every day, but he did so once or twice a week. As he exited the factory grounds, he noticed Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu talking by the roadside.0


    It was sometimes like this¡ªdespite the slight rumors surrounding Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu, their open conversation by the roadside didn''t surprise anyone. Although they did exchange a few knowing glances, it wasn''t because people suspected anything romantic between them. Instead, it was a reflection of how deeply Wang Xiangxiu cared for Bai Fendou.0


    She was willing to risk her reputation to help this man, something most women wouldn''t dare to do.0


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at them and quickly looked away, continuing on his way.0


    It was clear that without Aunt Su''s assistance, Wang Xiangxiu''s influence was significantly diminished. She only seemed capable when her mother-in-law was around. Zhuang Zhixi wondered if Wang Xiangxiu could persuade Zhou Qun.0


    If there was a bet to be made, Zhuang Zhixi would wager that Wang Xiangxiu could convince Zhou Qun. Although she hadn''t shown much skill, he believed she could do it. After all, Wang Xiangxiu was willing to go to great lengths, and Zhou Qun had his own vulnerabilities.0


    Zhuang Zhixi arrived at the bus station, where the guard greeted him with a smile, "Little Zhuang, here to pick up your wife again?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, I finished work and thought I''d walk over, a bit of exercise."0


    The guard nodded with a knowing smile, "That''s nice."0


    Just as he finished speaking, Ming Mei emerged, waving at Zhuang Zhixi with a bright smile, "Zhixi Ge."0


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Tired today?"0


    He naturally took the bicycle from her and started pushing it, while Ming Mei hopped onto the back seat.0


    Zhuang Zhixi called out, "See you later, uncle!"0


    "Goodbye!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi rode the bicycle with Ming Mei on the back, who wrapped her arms around his waist, "Tired, of course I am. My throat feels off."0


    She leaned against his back, "How was your day at work? Everything go smoothly?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Smoothly, except the security section called me in twice."0


    Ming Mei asked in surprise, "About Bai Fendou?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Don''t worry, I can handle it."0


    He had considered that Bai Fendou, being not very bright, would likely tell the truth if questioned. He didn''t see it as a big deal. However, if it involved Jiang Lu, the consequences could be severe.0


    Therefore, Zhuang Zhixi had prepared his response, showing appropriate anger when necessary.0


    Zhuang Zhixi commented, "Our mom is really sharp."0


    Ming Mei asked, "Hmm?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Mom told me this morning that the smarter someone is, the more they tend to overthink. When dealing with the security section, just tell the truth. Section Chief Liu is the type who overthinks."0


    He added, "I realized she''s right. The more I act like I believe Bai Fendou is targeting me, the less Section Chief Liu will believe it."0


    Ming Mei remained silent.0


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "Our mom is amazing. She only met Section Chief Liu once, yet she analyzed him so accurately. Truly, an old ginger is sharper than fresh ones."0


    Ming Mei thought, "If only you knew your mother is reborn. She definitely knows more than she lets on."0


    She felt a mix of excitement and frustration, knowing secrets she couldn''t share.0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "This time, Bai Fendou is going to suffer."0


    He continued, "But I hope Wang Xiangxiu can pull through and get Zhou Qun to forgive Bai Fendou."0


    Ming Mei looked at him in surprise, "Why?"0


    She had assumed Zhuang Zhixi wanted the Bai family gone, especially since they had plotted against him.0


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Because I''m selfish. A selfish person only cares about themselves. Bai Fendou staying is more beneficial. The Su family, with just Wang Xiangxiu''s salary, can''t live well. Unlike others who can tighten their belts and manage, they demand a good life¡ªfine grains, fish, meat. They can''t afford it, so they''ll keep relying on the Bai family. If the Bai family leaves, the Su family will lose their support and will likely come after us. They have no shame, so they''ll pester us regardless. It''s better if the Bai family stays, at least they''re stuck with each other."0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hide his selfishness. In this era, with everyone struggling to make ends meet, why would he care about others?0


    Ming Mei nodded, "I understand."0


    She kicked her legs lightly, "I think you''re right."0


    She looked up with curiosity, "Do you think Wang Xiangxiu can convince Zhou Qun?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Wang Xiangxiu alone might not, but with Aunt Su, probably. Aunt Su may not seem strong, but she''s quite cunning in crucial moments. She''ll find a way."0


    Ming Mei asked, "Is Aunt Su that powerful?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Absolutely. She''s done some bold things. Even in minor disputes, she doesn''t back down. But in major issues, she never retreats, even if it means losing face. Just look at their house¡ªshe managed to secure it through sheer determination. While Aunt Zhou tried to fight for her family''s rights and got nothing, Aunt Su managed to get what she wanted."0


    Ming Mei nodded, impressed.0


    The Su family''s house, with its several well-arranged rooms, was enough to accommodate even when their grandchildren got married. It was a testament to the old lady''s capabilities.0


    Ming Mei started to speak, "I think they... ugh."0


    She suddenly covered her mouth, frowning, "Slow down, you''re making me feel queasy."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Okay."0


    He looked back worriedly at his wife, "Are you feeling unwell? You''ve been nauseous since the other night. Maybe we should go to the hospital."0


    Since their trip to the mountain, Ming Mei had been having digestive issues, likely due to the oily food. Zhuang Zhixi was concerned and suggested, "I have connections at the hospital. Let''s go now."0


    Ming Mei shook her head, "I''ll be fine. Maybe it''s just the heat affecting my stomach. Let''s go home; mom must be waiting for us to eat."0


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted, "You''re being stubborn about seeing a doctor."0


    Ming Mei pouted, "I am not."0


    She added softly, "I''ll take leave tomorrow afternoon to go, okay?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "I''ll accompany you."0


    Ming Mei murmured softly, "Alright."0


    She leaned against Zhuang Zhixi''s back, slightly displeased. She didn''t like hospitals, a lingering fear from her childhood when frequent nightmares led to many visits.0


    Ming Mei looked up, "Hmm?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi reassured her, "Don''t worry, I''m here."0


    Ming Mei scoffed, "Hmph."0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "What, you''re not convinced?"0


    Ming Mei replied, "Nope."0


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Then I''ll have to drag you to the hospital right now."0


    Ming Mei retorted, "You''re really not a good person."0


    Her little face showed a few more traces of displeasure, but Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh heartily. The couple walked home together, turning into the alley and soon arriving at their doorstep. As they pushed their bikes through the gate, they happened to run into Li the Cook, who remarked with a sigh, "You two sure have a good relationship. You''re out picking up your wife again, huh?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "That''s right."0


    He glanced at Li the Cook and said, "You''re doing pretty well yourself, Uncle Li."0


    Uncle Li held a mesh bag containing a lunchbox, with a package of oil cakes wrapped in greaseproof paper on top.0


    Li the Cook grinned proudly. Working in the kitchen, these were all essential perks. However, he was well aware that some things shouldn''t be flaunted. "Well," he said, "today my master brother came to visit me and brought some food. I couldn''t bear to eat it myself, so I brought it back for the kids to try."0


    In truth, only the oil cakes were from his master brother; the food in the lunchbox was something else entirely. But Li the Cook wasn''t about to reveal that.0


    Although he often took leftovers from the cafeteria, he was always very careful, never being too obvious about it. He knew that because of someone being too brazen, the head chef of the Second Cafeteria had been reported. Fortunately, on that day, all he had taken was some soup, so he escaped criticism. A few scolding words wouldn''t have mattered, but the real fear was being demoted, having his salary cut, or being transferred out of the kitchen.0


    So, in this regard, Li the Cook was very cautious.0


    Everyone knew that the kitchen staff had this kind of perk, but if it was just some cabbage soup, no one cared. If it was something substantial, like meat dishes or freshly cooked food, that could provoke envy. So, Li the Cook never flaunted his actions.0


    This situation wasn''t without its jealous onlookers, but if you couldn''t catch him taking actual meat dishes or freshly cooked meals, there was no point in reporting him. If all you caught him with was some soup, the report wouldn''t amount to much.0


    Everyone tacitly accepted that the cooks would do this, and while soup was nice, it wasn''t particularly valuable. If someone reported him once or twice without catching anything substantial, they might even end up being criticized themselves. So, Li the Cook''s cautious approach had kept him out of trouble so far.0


    As the two men talked at the gate, Jinlai from the Su family stood nearby, his eyes glued to the oil cakes. The boy was truly beyond hope.0


    Li the Cook said, "Hey, is someone in this courtyard cooking meat? It smells pretty good."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yeah, it does."0


    He followed the scent and said, "Oh, it''s from my place."0


    Aunt Zhou sat at the door, her face filled with envy. "You''re stewing a snake," she said sourly.0


    The aroma had been wafting out for a while, and she was salivating, but she didn''t go over to ask for any. Unlike the shameless Su family, she prided herself on being a person of means and despised such undignified behavior. So, while she was tempted, she only sniffed the air and didn''t approach.0


    She had already decided to sit at the door later and eat her flatbread, using the fragrance from their house as her side dish. That way, she felt she was getting a little something extra.0


    "A snake?" Li the Cook looked perplexedly at Zhuang Zhixi.0


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "We caught a grass snake during our spring outing a few days ago. I thought my mom wouldn''t want to eat it, but..."0


    "Ugh!"0


    Ming Mei couldn''t hold back and turned away, gagging.0


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What''s wrong?"0


    Worried, he looked at his wife and stepped forward to pat her back. "Are you okay?"0


    Ming Mei looked miserable as she lifted her head. "I can''t eat that stuff. Just hearing about it makes me feel sick."0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly replied, "Alright, alright, then we won''t eat it."0


    Aunt Zhou rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Pretentious."0


    After all, snake meat was a delicacy, even more delicious than chicken. To turn it down like that was just pretentious! If she didn''t want it, she could give it to her! It would be even better if the whole family refused to eat it.0


    Aunt Zhou muttered to herself, but no one paid her any attention. Even if they didn''t eat it, it certainly wouldn''t be going to her. She was just being delusional.0


    Zhuang Zhixi led Ming Mei into the house. Zhao Guihua asked, "What''s going on?"0


    She noticed Ming Mei''s pale face. The grass snake stew had just started cooking, and as Zhao Guihua opened the pot, Ming Mei: "Ugh..."0


    She turned her head and this time actually vomited, not just gagging.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was startled. "Honey, don''t scare me like this! Are you okay? No, you can''t delay this. Let''s go to the hospital now. You might have gastroenteritis. Otherwise, how could you react like this?"0


    Although he knew his wife was afraid of snakes and didn''t want to eat them, her reaction was too intense. Zhuang Zhixi felt there was more to it than just fear. He said, "Mom, Ming Mei might have a stomach issue. I''m taking her to the hospital."0


    At this point, he also blamed himself for not insisting on taking Ming Mei to the hospital earlier.0


    Zhao Guihua quickly stepped in. "Are you alright?"0


    Ming Mei shook her head lightly. "I''m fine, just feeling nauseous... ugh."0


    Zhao Guihua looked suspiciously at her daughter-in-law for a long time, then suddenly said, "Could it be that you''re pregnant?"0


    After thinking it over, she realized it was about the right time for her daughter-in-law to be expecting.0


    Ming Mei: "Ah?"0


    She looked up in shock.0


    So did Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi: "What?"0


    The two of them, husband and wife, were in perfect sync, looking like a pair of stunned gourds.0


    Zhao Guihua decisively said, "Come on, I''ll take you to the hospital to check it out. Liang Meifen, you watch the pot. Once it''s done, you can eat first."0


    Liang Meifen: "Ah? Oh, okay!"0


    She watched as her mother-in-law rushed out with the couple, her expression a bit complicated.0


    Her sister-in-law... could it be that she''s pregnant?0


    That would mean another mouth to feed in the family. She sighed deeply, feeling that the good treatment her own two children had been enjoying would now be reduced. Her mood was quite downcast.0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, both experiencing this for the first time, felt like puppets being pulled along by Zhao Guihua as they left the house. Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s go, no need to ride the bikes. Zhixi, you push Ming Mei."0


    Ming Mei scratched her head and said, "It''s okay, I can walk."0


    Zhao Guihua gave her a look. "Why are you making so much trouble? Do you have more experience, or do I?"0


    Ming Mei firmly replied, "You."0


    Zhao Guihua said, "Then what are you arguing about? Just listen to me."0


    Aunt Zhou watched them rush out, still in a daze. It wasn''t until they were far away that she realized what they had been talking about. Zhao Guihua''s youngest daughter-in-law might be pregnant.0


    This realization made Aunt Zhou''s face turn pale, as if someone had just owed her a huge debt.0


    For the past decade or so, the last thing Aunt Zhou wanted to hear was news of someone else''s "good fortune." While others were having one child after another, her family had none. She desperately wanted a grandson, but it was so difficult!0


    Even if it was a granddaughter, that would be fine. They could name her something like "Zhaodi," meaning "invite a younger brother," and maybe that would bring a brother. The older sister could even contribute to the family, bringing in a dowry when she married, which could be used for the brother. That would be great.0


    So, Aunt Zhou wasn''t against having a granddaughter.0


    But, but, but!0


    Right now, there was nothing, not a single child.0


    Neither a grandson nor a granddaughter.0


    And other families were having one after another.0


    Zhao Guihua was even younger than her, yet she already had both grandsons and granddaughters.0


    Now, her family was having another child?0


    Aunt Zhou couldn''t hold back anymore. She let out a howl of anguish: "Jiang Lu, you heartless wretch! You scoundrel! You''ve cut off the roots of our Zhou family! Jiang Lu, you deserve to die! You''re guilty!"0


    Aunt Zhou wailed, her tears and snot streaming down her face. Jiang Lu was inside cooking, and when she heard the commotion, she was completely baffled.0


    What was going on? Why was she suddenly ranting like this?0


    She changed her expression, biting her lip as she stepped out. "Mom, I..."0


    "Smack!" A slap landed on Jiang Lu''s face. Aunt Zhou jumped up and down, shouting, "Look at them! The newlywed wife''s belly is already showing signs, and what about you? Where are the children you''re supposed to be giving our Zhou family?"0


    She sobbed, tears and snot flowing. "At my age, what am I even hoping for? Isn''t it just to hold a grandson? But look at you, Jiang Lu! You''re ruining our Zhou family!"0


    Jiang Lu stood there, stunned.0


    Jiang Lu had just been about to defend herself when, like a punctured balloon, she deflated, her head drooping and her spirits sagging.0


    Aunt Zhou was still wailing and cursing, feeling herself the most pitiful person in the world. Her husband had passed away early, and her son had yet to provide an heir for the Zhou family. The root of all these problems, in her eyes, was Jiang Lu.0


    This woman, she thought, was untrustworthy.0


    Zhou Qun, hearing the commotion outside, frowned in irritation. Women, he thought, were so annoying. All they could do was wail and cry. The more he thought about it, the more irritable he became. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he said, "Enough, you two."0 sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aunt Zhou''s wailing was abruptly silenced by his voice, as if it had never existed.0


    He stepped outside and said, "Mom, these things happen in their own time. Why are you blaming Jiang Lu for everything?"0


    The neighbors nodded in agreement. Although Zhou Qun had been seen with other women, he was undeniably good to Jiang Lu. No matter the situation, he always stood by her side to protect her. Such a man was truly rare.0


    The other men in the neighborhood wouldn''t have bothered with such matters.0


    Only Zhou Qun, always standing by his wife''s side, truly made people envious.0


    Jiang Lu thought the same. She looked up at Zhou Qun, her eyes glistening with tears.0


    "Son, don''t take this lightly," Aunt Zhou wailed. "You''re always defending your wife, forgetting your mother. Don''t you remember who you''ve been with all these years? Now, just because of this woman who can''t have children, you''re raising your voice at me? Xiao Qun, your father died early, and you''re hurting me like this? You must listen to me on this. If your wife can''t have children, even if it means being shamed, she must be sent away!"0


    Jiang Lu swayed, looking desperately at Zhou Qun. She bit her lip, feeling immense pain.0


    Zhou Qun''s expression was equally pained. At that moment, the two of them seemed like lovers in a tragic drama, filled with unbearable sorrow. Zhou Qun took a deep breath and said, "Mom, don''t make a scene outside. It''s not good. Let''s talk at home."0


    "Home? What home do I have without a grandson?"0


    Zhou Qun immediately stepped forward and hugged Aunt Zhou, saying, "Mom, I''m your son. Of course, we''re a family. Come on, let''s go home and talk."0


    He pulled Aunt Zhou forcefully, while Jiang Lu, seeing Zhou Qun''s signal, quickly stepped forward to hold Aunt Zhou''s other arm. Together, they dragged Aunt Zhou into the house. Zhou Qun locked the door, cutting off all outside views.0


    Old Man Lan and his wife, Luo Xiaohe, were relatively new to the neighborhood and didn''t have all the details.0


    Luo Xiaohe was a bit aloof by nature, curious but not overly concerned about others'' affairs. Even if she was curious, she wouldn''t ask. But Lan Sihai stopped Aunt Wang to ask, "How long have they been married?"0


    Aunt Wang replied, "About ten years."0


    She paused and added, "Not having children is tough. But Aunt Zhou is heartless. When Jiang Lu married into the family, it was during those three tough years when everyone was starving. Jiang Lu''s family was well-off, and she brought a lot of food from her maternal family. Back then, we were all starving and emaciated, but Zhou Qun was still strong. Even Aunt Zhou had some meat on her face, looking healthy and spirited. They could eat bread every meal. Now, she doesn''t even mention that."0


    If it were another family, they might not have noticed, but Aunt Wang''s family were cooks, so they paid special attention to food. That memory was particularly vivid to them.0


    "It''s strange, though. Why don''t they have children?"0


    Lan Sihai said, "They should go to the hospital for a check-up. How can they know whose problem it is without checking?"0


    Luo Xiaohe nodded beside him. Although they were in a second marriage, she and Lan Sihai got along well. She thought Lan Sihai was a decent man, fair and reasonable, unlike some who became more confused over time.0


    That was true. Not being able to have children didn''t necessarily mean it was the woman''s problem.0


    Aunt Wang, however, said, "But they won''t go. I''ve talked to Jiang Lu about it. This issue could be anyone''s fault. Maybe it''s Zhou Qun''s problem from fooling around with older women when he was young. They should go check, maybe it''s not her fault. But Jiang Lu scolded me for meddling. She said I was jealous and trying to ruin her husband''s reputation. What kind of person is she... Let them be. If they want to check or not, it''s none of our business."0


    Lan Sihai raised an eyebrow and said, "What a simple-minded family. Too simple-minded."0


    Aunt Wang: "..."0


    Could you stop being so sarcastic for a day?0


    But he was right. This family was infuriating.0


    Luo Xiaohe smiled and pulled Lan Sihai home, saying, "Let''s go home and eat."0


    Once inside, Lan Sihai said, "This family doesn''t know what''s good for them. We should stay away from them in the future."0


    Luo Xiaohe replied, "I know that. I don''t like getting too involved with others anyway." This was a result of her life experiences. After a pause, she said, "By the way, I heard Ming Mei might be pregnant?"0


    Lan Sihai: "It''s not confirmed yet. Who knows, maybe it''s just indigestion from eating too much."0


    "Is that how you treat your grandchild?"0


    Lan Sihai laughed and said, "I think Ming Mei likes me as a grandfather. It''s better not to meddle too much. We''ll talk about it when it''s confirmed. Let''s eat."0


    While Lan Sihai remained calm, others weren''t so composed. The Su family was extremely jealous, cursing, "That brat should be infertile too. How dare she get pregnant? Even if she does, she''ll definitely give birth to a daughter."0


    "Exactly."0


    The two women, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, were both full of jealousy. Even if it didn''t concern them, they wished others would suffer.0


    Suddenly, Aunt Su revealed a cunning smile and said, "I''ve figured out how to help the Bai father and son."0


    "Oh?"0


    Aunt Su continued with meaning, "What the Zhou family wants most is a son..."0


    Wang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Xiangxiu: "I''ve already tried to persuade Zhou Qun, but he''s not interested."0


    She felt embarrassed. Although she was just trying to manipulate him, his complete lack of interest made her feel humiliated. How could these men not see her worth? They were all so blind.0


    Aunt Su: "He doesn''t trust you because he thinks you can''t really give him a child, plus you''re not exactly clear with Bai Fendou. But what if we find someone clean?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "!!!"0


    She was shocked. "Where would we find someone? This isn''t the old society anymore; people won''t do that..."0


    Aunt Su: "Look around the outskirts of Beijing. Those from the countryside, especially the poorer ones, would love to marry into the city. I can find a girl from my hometown to give Zhou Qun a child. Wouldn''t that be perfect?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu was even more shocked, stuttering, "But... but what if it''s exposed? Would she even agree? And Jiang Lu won''t divorce Zhou Qun..."0


    She hesitated, "Plus, if we bring a girl over, the neighbors will notice."0


    Aunt Su: "I''ll figure that out. With the Zhou family''s good conditions, I''m sure they''d be willing to pay to settle things. I believe even if someone did it, they wouldn''t mind. Having a son in the city to enjoy life, and she can still go back home pretending to be a virgin. What''s not to like? And when she''s older, she can come back to claim her son, and Jiang Lu would just be a stepmother. What''s she worth?"0


    "Ah, this..."0


    Wang Xiangxiu was momentarily stunned. Even for someone as shrewd as her, this plan seemed bizarre.0


    But Aunt Su was pleased. She said, "If we can use this to save the Bai father and son, we shouldn''t miss out on the benefits. We''ve put in a lot of effort."0


    After all, what were they working so hard for? It was for the wages of those two men.0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Well, I guess that could work, but how could Jiang Lu possibly agree? She''s not stupid..."0


    "She has to agree, it''s already come to this point. What other options does she have?" Aunt Su sneered, saying, "This plan will work."0


    Wang Xiangxiu took a deep breath: "Then please teach me what to say, I''ll go talk to them."0


    "You''re no good at this, I''ll go talk to them," Aunt Su stood up, saying, "Only I can make them listen and take it to heart."0


    This young wife of the Zhuang family, though quite annoying, had given them a good idea.0


    She glanced at the sounds of argument coming from the inner room of the Zhou household, and with small, deliberate steps, quietly went over to knock on the door...0


    This long-term meal ticket absolutely cannot be lost!0


    ******0


    Zhao Guihua and Zhuang Zhixi were taking Ming Mei to the hospital together. Ming Mei kept muttering along the way: "I''m not feeling nauseous anymore, maybe it''s just an upset stomach after all."0


    In truth, neither she nor Zhuang Zhixi had planned to have a child so soon. They had just gotten married and wanted to enjoy their time together. Having a child would mean taking care of a baby, and both of them were a bit resistant to the idea. Although it was common for newlyweds to have children soon after marriage, and those who delayed were often nagged at, Ming Mei was different. Her mother had told her that having a child was no easy matter. Once the baby was born, there would be no avoiding the responsibility of taking care of it. Especially in a dual-income family, no matter how casual they tried to be, it would still require a lot of effort.0


    Especially for the mother.0


    The father could still get away with being a bit lazy, but the mother couldn''t. She would be tied down by the child every moment, and while the child could be let out to play with older kids once it grew a bit, those early years were tough.0


    Ming Mei felt overwhelmed just thinking about it.0


    She and Zhixi, they were both a bit evasive about the idea, Ming Mei''s cheeks puffed up like a little bun.0


    Zhuang Zhixi patted her hand and said, "Don''t worry, whatever the outcome, we''ll know once we go and see the doctor."0


    He could tell that Ming Mei was a bit resistant to going to the hospital. He chuckled and said, "You must have been really scared of needles and medicine when you were a kid."0


    Ming Mei didn''t feel embarrassed at all, saying, "What kid likes that? Ask Hutao and Xiaoyan, do they like it?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I can''t argue with that."0


    Zhuang Zhixi pinched her cheek and said, "We''ll let the doctor take a look, if there''s nothing wrong, that''s even better. If there is, it''s still a good thing, we''ll just pay more attention."0


    Zhao Guihua thought her younger son''s words made sense. She nodded and said, "That''s the right way to think. If you have such feelings, it''s better to be prepared early. Many young wives who just got married don''t understand these things, so after they get pregnant, they still act the same as before, and end up losing their first child due to carelessness. Actually, losing a child is not good for a woman''s body. It''s better for us to be more careful."0


    Ming Mei: "That''s true."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Moreover, your working environment should be paid more attention to early on."0


    She spoke earnestly: "Pregnancy is a big hurdle for women, from the beginning to giving birth, there are so many things to take care of. You have to be more careful."0


    Ming Mei curiously asked: "Mom, what was it like when you had Zhixi?"0


    Zhao Guihua waved her hand: "Hey, things were different back then. We were all rough, nobody took childbirth seriously. Poor families struggled to put food on the table, who cared about all that? I gave birth to all three of my kids at home, the first two with the help of a midwife. The third one was premature, the midwife hadn''t arrived yet, and I went into labor. That''s this kid, never considerate of me in the womb. Good thing I had experience, otherwise I would have gone to see the King of Hell. Back then, giving birth felt like I hadn''t pooped in days, my stomach was cramping, but I couldn''t get it out."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­"0


    He said gloomily: "Mom, if you don''t know how to describe it, you don''t have to."0


    Zhao Guihua: "I like it!"0


    Ming Mei: "Sniff sniff!"

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85Ming Mei visited the hospital quite often.0


    However, this was her first time at the gynecology department, and she felt a bit awkward and shy. Although she was already married, she still felt like she wasn''t quite grown up yet. She pursed her lips tightly, and Zhao Guihua noticed her nervousness, holding her hand and saying, "It''s okay, I''ll be with you."0


    Ming Mei glanced at Zhao Guihua, nodded nervously, and felt a lot more at ease with an elder by her side. Zhao Guihua''s presence was much more reassuring than that of Zhuang Zhixi, who was still a novice. Zhao Guihua took the lead, and after registering, she led her daughter-in-law straight to the gynecology department.0


    The doctor in the gynecology department was a fifty-something auntie. She took Ming Mei''s pulse and confidently said, "Although the pulse is still very faint, the pregnancy should be very early, probably just over a month."0


    Ming Mei: "!!!"0


    She widened her eyes in surprise, even though she had suspected it, the confirmation still shocked her. She pursed her lips again, stammering, "Wh-what should I do now?"0


    The elderly doctor smiled kindly at her reaction, saying, "Don''t worry, is this your first pregnancy?"0


    Ming Mei nodded immediately.0


    Zhao Guihua glanced at the stunned young couple and took the initiative to say, "She''s still young and this is her first pregnancy, so she''s bound to be a bit careless. Could you tell me what she needs to pay attention to? Also, her job is quite demanding, I wonder if that could affect her?"0


    In fact, Zhao Guihua had taken care of her daughter-in-law during her postpartum period and even looked after her grandson and great-grandson.0


    However, it had been too long, and she had forgotten some details, so she wanted to ask more clearly. She put on a humble demeanor, and the doctor also took her seriously, "She''s still in the early stages of pregnancy, the pulse is not very obvious, probably just over a month. The first three months of pregnancy are the most critical. She should avoid heavy work and any pulling or collisions. If possible, she should eat better, as she''s now eating for two..."0


    Doctors had seen all kinds of families, and from their attitudes, they could judge the situation. When they encountered families who cared about the pregnant woman, they were willing to give more advice. The elderly doctor, being a woman herself, knew the hardships of women best.0


    She asked, "What does this young lady do for work?"0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "She''s a bus ticket collector."0


    The elderly doctor nodded, understanding why the work had been mentioned specifically earlier.0


    She said, "Your job is not a problem, but during the early stages of pregnancy, you should avoid moving around in the bus, and sudden stops are not good for you either. Generally, you sit in the front and it''s not an issue, but you still need to be careful. When the bus starts or stops, hold onto the handrails to avoid being thrown around. Your situation mainly requires extra caution during the first few months and the period just before delivery. If you fall, don''t take it lightly, don''t think it''s nothing and ignore it. You must come to the hospital immediately."0


    Ming Mei listened carefully and nodded, saying, "I understand."0


    "Also, it''s best not to wear small leather shoes."0


    Ming Mei chuckled lightly, "I know that."0


    They had to sit for long hours at work, so no one would wear small leather shoes just for the sake of looking good; that would be asking for trouble.0


    "If possible, eat more fish, it''s good for the baby," the doctor added, glancing at their attire. Zhao Guihua''s clothes were modest, looking like those of an ordinary elderly woman, and it was hard to tell her family''s financial situation. However, as a doctor, she could tell from the woman''s complexion and spirit that the family was doing well.0


    Usually, families with poor conditions and poor nutrition had a sallow complexion.0


    But this woman didn''t, her face was rosy and healthy, indicating a good life.0


    Of course, even without looking at the complexion, just from the young couple''s clothes, one could guess they were well-off. The doctor continued, "Besides eating more fish, meat, eggs, and milk should also be taken if possible. It''s always better for the baby. But avoid eating too many cold or harsh things."0


    Zhao Guihua nodded and then asked again, "She''s not even that far along, but she''s already feeling nauseous and vomiting. How can we alleviate that? Otherwise, she''s suffering too much. How can we make her feel better?"0


    The doctor asked, "Is it severe?"0


    This was directed at Ming Mei.0


    Ming Mei shook her head, "It''s not severe, not very frequent, just a sudden feeling of wanting to throw up. Like today, I felt nauseous when I smelled meat soup, and a few days ago, I felt sick after eating meat."0


    The elderly doctor said, "Morning sickness is hard to avoid. If you really feel uncomfortable, you can prepare some sour plums, and when you feel nauseous, take one to ease it. Also, if you don''t have too much of a reaction when eating, eat a little less, as it''s nutritious. You''re not at the stage where you throw up everything you eat, so it''s not a big problem. But if you really feel too uncomfortable and nauseous, don''t force yourself to eat."0


    Ming Mei nodded lightly.0


    "You''re in the early stages of pregnancy and this is your first child, so there are many things to be careful about. In short, caution is always better. If you feel unwell, don''t hold it in, come here and let me check you. Being careful is good for both you and the baby."0


    Ming Mei nodded seriously.0


    "Avoid intercourse during the early stages of pregnancy."0


    Ming Mei''s face turned bright red. This... how did they suddenly start talking about this?0


    Zhuang Zhixi, who had been standing beside her, also started to look embarrassed. Even someone as thick-skinned as him began to feel awkward. He coughed once, then again. Zhao Guihua turned around, "If you''re going to cough, go outside and do it."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, you''re too harsh."0


    "Get out of here!"0


    At this moment, the doctor suddenly realized, "You''re not her mother, but her mother-in-law?"0


    Zhao Guihua was also momentarily confused, then nodded, "Yes."0


    The elderly doctor smiled. Usually, those who cared so much about the pregnant woman were the mother, not the mother-in-law... who typically only cared about the baby in the womb, mentioning the child every three sentences. Only a mother would concern herself so deeply with her daughter. She had thought this woman was the pregnant woman''s real mother, but it turned out to be the mother-in-law.0


    It was quite unexpected.0


    So, you can''t judge a book by its cover. This seemingly strict old lady was actually very kind to her family.0


    "According to regulations, a pregnant woman can get a pound of dates and a pound of peanuts. Do you want them?" she asked as a matter of routine.0


    In the city, where most people were workers, usually, everyone would choose to take them, as getting such good things without tickets was hard to come by. Not being a pregnant woman, one couldn''t get them at all, and some families would buy them in the name of a pregnant woman but not give them to the pregnant woman, instead selling them for profit.0


    Only families in extremely difficult conditions would choose not to take them.0


    Sure enough, Zhao Guihua said, "Of course we want them."0


    She added, "Can we get more?"0


    The doctor smiled and shook her head, "No, it''s a fixed amount."0


    She then looked up and said, "You look a bit familiar to me."0


    She was looking at Zhuang Zhixi when she said this.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, who was no longer as embarrassed as he had been at first, laughed heartily and said, "I used to work in the medical room of the machinery factory, handling the coordination of medical supplies with the hospital. That was me."0


    The elderly doctor suddenly understood. No wonder she felt familiar with this young man; he was a colleague.0


    However, he had mentioned "used to."0


    She nodded, "No wonder I thought you looked familiar. I should have seen you a few times at the hospital. What happened? Aren''t you in the medical room anymore?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Right, I''ve been transferred to the propaganda department."0


    The elderly doctor smiled and said, "That''s good."0


    Perhaps because they were a bit familiar, she lowered her voice and whispered, "If you feel the peanuts and dates are not enough, you can walk around outside the hospital. Some pregnant women get them but don''t dare to eat them and will take them out to exchange."0


    In other words, sell them, but she couldn''t say that directly.0


    If it were strangers, she wouldn''t bother giving them a heads-up. She noticed that this family treated their daughter-in-law quite well, and since Zhuang Zhixi had some dealings with their hospital, she decided to quietly inform them. Zhao Guihua understood and quickly nodded, "Thank you."0


    "No need, I can see that you, as a mother-in-law, are quite nice."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Although I may look a bit fierce, I do have some good qualities¡ªI''m straightforward, kind, sincere, reasonable, and I treat my own family well."0


    Both Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei couldn''t help but laugh. Their mom really knows how to boast wherever she goes!0


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you laughing at?"0


    She retorted, "Am I wrong?"0


    Who would dare say she was wrong?0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re absolutely right, Mom. You''re that amazing and good."0


    Zhao Guihua nodded contentedly, while Zhuang Zhixi silently looked up at the sky.0


    The elderly doctor watching the family thought they were quite interesting. His own children were always so proper and well-mannered, so it was rare to see such a lively interaction. He glanced at them a few more times and said with a smile, "Your family sure is lively."0


    Zhao Guihua: "They''re all a bit unreliable."0


    Zhuang Zhixi made a pitiful face, which made the old doctor laugh again. She said, "Seeing families like yours, I don''t even feel tired at work anymore."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Are you about to get off work?"0


    They had arrived quite late, and they were the last patients of the day.0


    The old doctor: "Yes, after seeing you, I can go home."0


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately said, "Then we won''t keep you any longer. Auntie, I sometimes help the clinic with handovers, so if there''s any work that needs doing, just let me know. I''m young, and I can handle anything."0


    The old doctor: "No need, no need. Don''t think I''m old¡ªI''m still in good shape."0


    Even though she said that, Zhuang Zhixi''s words were comforting, and she couldn''t help but smile. No one dislikes hearing kind words, and no one dislikes such a warm and enthusiastic young man.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I know, but there are some tasks that are better suited for young people. You should let us youngsters show off a bit. It''s also a good way for us to gain some experience."0


    The old doctor: "Alright, next time you come to the hospital, come sit with me."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course."0


    The old doctor smiled, "Alright, hurry downstairs to pay and pick up the red dates and peanuts. They''ll be off work soon."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got it."0


    The three of them went downstairs together. Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but wonder why her youngest son had been so successful in his previous life. This guy knows how to seize opportunities, his words are pleasant to hear, and he''s good at navigating social situations. No wonder he''s popular.0


    Sure enough, as soon as they reached the bottom, Zhuang Zhixi went straight to the window. It turned out he was familiar with the staff there too.0


    The two young nurses at the window both congratulated him with smiles. One of them said, "Wait a moment, I''ll pick out some big red dates for you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Thank you, sister."0


    If it were someone unfamiliar, they would just scoop up a pound of dates without much care. But for someone they knew, they would take a bit more time to select the best ones. The difference between big and small dates was significant. Ming Mei leaned against the side, her long eyelashes fluttering.0


    The other nurse curiously peeked at Ming Mei. She saw that Ming Mei had braided hair and a delicate face. She pulled back and whispered to her colleague, "She''s so pretty. No wonder Zhuang Zhixi didn''t take a liking to Chen Jing from our hospital."0


    The older nurse nudged her and said, "Don''t gossip. You''ll affect their marital harmony."0


    Zhuang Zhixi was good-looking and had a stable job, so he was quite popular with girls. In the matchmaking scene, he was highly sought after. Several nurses at the hospital had a bit of a crush on him.0


    However, people were more reserved back then, and even if they had feelings, they wouldn''t make the first move.0


    Usually, if someone had an interest, they would find a matchmaker to mediate. Even if they knew each other, the process was the same. But before anything could happen, Zhuang Zhixi had already found a partner and quickly got married.0


    It was no secret that several nurses were quite disappointed when he got married.0


    Everyone was a bit curious about what Zhuang Zhixi''s wife looked like, but since they weren''t in the same system, and Zhuang Zhixi only came once a week, they didn''t have much chance to find out or see her.0


    Today, however, they finally got to see her.0


    And when they did, most people understood why Zhuang Zhixi had chosen her.0


    Ming Mei was beautiful, and she had a round, plump figure that made her look very charming. She had that kind of look that older generations would consider very lucky. Moreover, she seemed to have a good personality, always with a smile on her lips.0


    "Zhuang Zhixi, congratulations."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Thank you, thank you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi carried the items and gently supported Ming Mei''s arm. Ming Mei patted his hand and said, "You don''t need to help me, you''re being too exaggerated."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I always need to be careful."0


    Ming Mei: "..."0


    She felt a bit like a panda.0


    As they walked out of the hospital, the three of them headed toward the exit. Ming Mei asked curiously, "Why did they peek at me when you went to get the peanuts and red dates?"0


    She was a clever girl: "Could it be that you have some kind of romantic luck here?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi felt utterly wronged. He quickly said, "That''s not the case at all. Don''t slander me. It''s just because we know each other, so naturally, they''re a bit curious. Besides, what romantic luck? I have you¡ªwhat more do I need? And I''m not so great that someone would try to steal me away. It''s really just curiosity. Think about it, if Bai Fendou found a partner, wouldn''t you be curious to see what they look like? Oh no, I can''t use him as an example¡ªthat''s bad luck!"0


    Ming Mei couldn''t help but laugh.0


    Zhao Guihua, who was beside them, said, "Bai Fendou and his father are also staying in this hospital, right?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, they are. I don''t know which floor their ward is on..."0


    He turned back to look, and in that instant, he exclaimed, "Oh my!"0


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei turned around and couldn''t help but exclaim, "Good heavens!"0


    It seemed that people really couldn''t be mentioned lightly.0


    Just a moment ago, they had been talking about Bai Fendou, and in the blink of an eye, they saw him sitting by the window. By now, they had already reached the hospital entrance, but from this distance, they could still see him. For some reason, Bai Fendou was sitting by the window, seemingly wiping his tears.0


    Ming Mei: "He... isn''t he going to jump off the building, is he?"0


    Zhao Guihua was more composed and said, "Jump off the building? Don''t be ridiculous¡ªhe''s on the second floor. He won''t die from that!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Exactly, what''s he doing?"0


    He decisively said, "I''m going to check it out."0


    Ming Mei immediately grabbed Zhuang Zhixi and said, "I''m coming too."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Go ahead, both of you. Zhixi, take care of your wife."0


    By this time, not only were they concerned, but others had also noticed Bai Fendou''s behavior. People started pointing and whispering, and soon a crowd gathered downstairs. Even though it was almost off work time and there weren''t many people around, there were still some patients in the hospital, and everyone was curious.0


    This was the infamous "Egg Smash Maniac" (Bai Fendou).0


    Zhuang Zhixi, along with the other two, rushed from the entrance to the window, but even then, they couldn''t get into the front rows. It was clear how quickly everyone had gathered¡ªit was almost like lightning speed.0


    Everyone looked up at the second-floor window, where Bai Fendou sat, silent.0


    "Bai Fendou, what are you doing? Get down from the window. Sitting there won''t solve your problems." Wang Er from the security department felt like the unluckiest person in the world. Why did it have to be him on duty today?0


    Because the Bai father and son had caused such an embarrassing incident, they weren''t exactly "free." So, the security department arranged for two people to keep an eye on them every day. Today, it was Wang Er and Wang Wu. Wang Wu had stepped out for a moment, and in that short time, Wang Er saw Bai Fendou sitting by the window.0


    Wang Er: "What terrible luck."0


    He silently cursed his fate. How could he be so unlucky to encounter such a situation? Could it get any worse?0


    Yes, it could.0


    He was living it.0


    In his mind, he cursed Bai Fendou to high heaven, but he still had to speak to him gently, saying, "Bai Fendou, get down from the window. You''re a grown man¡ªsitting there over a little problem. What will people think of you? How will they see you in the future?"0


    Bai Fendou shouted, "I don''t care what others think of me! What future do I have left? My... my... is shattered! I won''t have children in the future. Why should I care about the future? I have no future!"0


    The crowd below gasped, "Wow!"0


    Wang Er stood there, speechless.0


    He took a deep breath and said, "The doctor said it''s uncertain, it could be possible or not. How can you be so sure? How can you diagnose yourself? Why are you so lacking in confidence?"0


    He spoke gently, "Come down first. No matter what, this won''t solve anything. Look at your father, he faced the same situation as you, yet he could stay calm. Why can''t you?"0


    Bai Fendou retorted, "He has a son! I don''t!"0


    Old Man Bai also shouted, "Having a son is no different from not having one! My son has no skills, always pushing responsibilities onto me. Now we''re facing extinction, what use is a son to me? What use is he?"0


    The father and son were both shouting at the top of their lungs, afraid that others couldn¡¯t hear about their family matters.0


    Not only the crowd below, but even the doorway of the ward was now crowded with onlookers. The duty doctor and security guards were all anxious. If something happened to the man in the hospital, their reputation would be tarnished. They felt even more innocent in this situation.0


    In these times, everyone felt innocent, except for the man on the verge of jumping.0


    But since he was about to jump, what could they do? They could only persuade him!0


    "Stay calm, please stay calm. Old Man Bai, don''t add fuel to the fire. If you don''t try to persuade him to come down, and instead speak coldly, what if it provokes him?"0


    "What if? I don''t care! He doesn''t respect me, so I''ll just treat him as if he doesn''t exist." Old Man Bai was unyielding. He was truly heartbroken. This whole mess was Bai Fendou''s idea, and now that things had gone wrong, Bai Fendou was blaming him entirely. Old Man Bai couldn''t forgive this.0


    He said, "I must have done something terrible in my previous life to have such a son!"0


    He was practically jumping in anger.0


    Wang Er, unable to bear it any longer, said to the security guards, "Help me drag him to the next ward. Lessen the disturbance he''s causing."0


    Bai Fendou was already a bit out of his mind, and this old man kept pouring oil on the fire. Was he even a real father?0


    Wang Er and the security guards tried to pull Old Man Bai away. Old Man Bai shouted, "Ah... what are you doing? You disrespectful brutes! Don''t drag me! Why won''t you let me speak? I need to teach this little rascal a lesson. His mother died when he was young, and I raised him all by myself. He doesn''t carry on the family line, and when things go wrong, he blames me. Having such a son is a misfortune for our family!"0


    Old Man Bai howled.0


    The crowd watched with a mix of shock and awe. Bai Fendou sat by the window and shouted, "Stop talking nonsense! If you hadn''t acted without thinking, things wouldn''t have come to this! I admit I made mistakes, but how can you blame me entirely? You''re my father, shouldn''t you stand by me now?"0


    Both men were in a frenzy, but it seemed Old Man Bai had more reason on his side.0


    However, Bai Fendou seemed equally devastated, crying and wailing with tears streaming down his face.0


    Seeing a grown man break down like this, everyone was stunned.0


    Ming Mei leaned on Zhuang Zhixi, who had just found out she was pregnant. She didn''t dare to get too close, fearing she might get hurt or fall.0


    Although they hadn''t planned to have a child initially, now that it had happened, they were overjoyed. The joy was indescribable, bubbling up from their hearts.0


    Thinking about the little life growing inside her, Ming Mei instinctively wanted to protect her unborn baby.0


    Though it wasn''t part of the plan, plans often change. This "little surprise" was a source of great happiness.0


    She held her belly and moved closer to Zhuang Zhixi, who held her hand.0


    "Let''s stay back. Even if he really jumps, we don''t want to get hit."0


    Ming Mei nodded seriously.0


    Bai Fendou continued to rant, "I know, I know I went too far this time, but did I really do anything wrong? I just wanted to play a joke. Why are you all overreacting? I''ve already suffered so much. Don''t you know how important... this is to a man? Why are you so heartless?"0


    He sobbed, "I just wanted to stand up for Sister Xiangxiu. She''s a woman raising three kids and a mother-in-law. How hard her life is. Why can''t you all be more understanding? Sister Xiangxiu is such a good woman!"0


    The crowd murmured, "Oh, wow."0


    Some who didn''t know asked, "Who''s Sister Xiangxiu?"0


    They had only heard about the "egg-shattering" incident and didn''t know about Sister Xiangxiu.0


    As an insider, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but explain, "She''s a close friend of his."0


    The crowd understood, "Oh, I see."0


    "Got it, got it."0


    What a close friend, just say she''s his lover.0


    Bai Fendou continued to cry hysterically. Zhao Guihua watched this grown man and silently thought, if he were her son, she''d break his legs. Could he not be so foolish?0


    With ten people knowing something, he had to make it so that at least ten thousand people knew.0


    By tomorrow, the whole city would know: Bai Fendou from the machinery factory, had his... shattered.0


    Such self-exposure was simply incredible.0


    Zhao Guihua knew Bai Fendou wanted to get married and have his own children, but he was also competitive and lacked self-awareness. Combined with his father, who was easily swayed by an old widow, his actions became increasingly reckless, leading to this disaster.0


    She didn''t sympathize with him but was more vigilant. In the future, she would stay far away from the Su family. They were truly heartless.0


    Bai Fendou''s current predicament was not only due to his own personality flaws but also largely influenced by the Su family''s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.0


    As Zhao Guihua pondered, she saw several members of the machinery factory''s security department arrive, led by Section Chief Liu. He was furious, almost wanting to kick Bai Fendou to death. The reputation of their factory had been tarnished by this troublemaker.0


    Section Chief Liu hadn''t even made it upstairs before shouting from below, "Bai Fendou, come down! A grown man acting like this is something we''ll look down upon."0


    Then, quietly to Zhang San beside him, "Go to their courtyard and find Wang Xiangxiu."0


    His fists clenched tightly, wanting to punch this shameless man. What kind of scare tactic was this? If you really want to jump, go to the top floor. Sitting by the second-floor window, what kind of jump is that?0


    Section Chief Liu was seething with anger but couldn''t outright curse. After all, Bai Fendou was now "disabled," and men in his condition were often more sensitive and fragile. If he was provoked into jumping, it wouldn''t be good.0


    He said, "Come down and talk. You know, some things I can handle. Sitting by the window won''t solve anything. It''s better to come down and have a proper discussion."0


    Bai Fendou retorted, "You''re just a section chief, what can you decide?"0


    Section Chief Liu: "???"0


    Other security department members: "..."0


    They didn''t dare to look at their section chief''s face.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: I''m not here, I didn''t hear, I don''t know. I''m just passing by.0


    Section Chief Liu took a deep breath, "Come down. How do you know I can''t decide anything if we don''t talk?"0


    Damn it, damn it, damn it!0


    He felt his anger rising, wanting to rush up and slap the man.0


    He had to hold back, he was a civilized person, he had class.0


    Ming Mei, not knowing the security department, openly looked over and saw the man clenching his fists. She whispered, "Would getting angry to death be considered a work injury?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Probably not?"0


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow.0


    She felt this man was really angry.0


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Section Chief Liu again, noticing that the latter was giving instructions to someone nearby, who quickly hurried upstairs. Zhuang Zhixi muttered, "Looks like everything''s fine."0


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened in amazement. "I''ve never seen anything like this before, never!"0


    An elderly man in a hospital gown, watching the scene unfold, chimed in, "Young lady, don''t say you haven''t seen it¡ªI''ve lived this long, and I''ve never seen anything like it either."0


    Ming Mei: "..."0


    For some reason, she felt like she had heard this phrase quite often lately.0


    Indeed, she had been encountering so many unusual events recently that when she visited her parents, her mother would always ask, "What''s been happening in your courtyard lately?" Ming Mei suspected that her grandfather had chosen this neighborhood precisely because of its lively atmosphere.0


    It was quite possible.0


    After all, such a lively courtyard was a rarity.0


    As Ming Mei was momentarily lost in thought, she saw someone stealthily approach Bai Fendou from behind. She quickly covered her mouth in shock. The onlookers were equally stunned, not daring to make a sound.0


    Section Chief Liu, however, remained calm and continued conversing with Bai Fendou.0


    Bai Fendou, oblivious to the person behind him, was suddenly yanked backward, causing him to stumble. Ming Mei and a few others pushed forward through the crowd, eager to see what was happening. Zhuang Zhixi, ever the cautious one, quickly pulled his wife back, saying, "Don''t get too close¡ªyou''re too curious for your own good."0


    Ming Mei pouted. "You underestimate me. I can handle myself."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    Zhao Guihua interjected, "Don''t hold back too much, but be careful."0


    Ming Mei: "Okay."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    Could she be any more biased?0


    Ming Mei hummed a little tune, tiptoeing trying to get a better view. "Let''s go upstairs and take a look," she suggested.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, though not one to stay out of trouble himself, hesitated for just a moment before agreeing, "Alright, let''s go."0


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, muttering, "You two are never quiet. I really admire your energy."0


    Despite her words, she was the first to head upstairs.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    As Zhao Guihua reached the stair landing, she heard thunderous shouting coming from a hospital room. Section Chief Liu was in full rage mode, his voice shaking the entire corridor. The crowd had gathered at the stair landing, and Zhao Guihua sighed, "You won''t be able to get through."0


    Ming Mei: "Oh no."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t worry, I''ll go and find out what''s happening!"0


    She was always eager to be the first to catch the latest gossip.0


    "Excuse me, everyone, make way."0


    Just as Zhao Guihua and the others were about to push forward, they heard someone calling from behind. Turning around, they saw Wang Xiangxiu following Zhang San as they made their way upstairs. The trio exchanged knowing glances.0


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face was flushed, her eyes fixed straight ahead, filled with concern as she hurried forward.0


    "Who''s that?"0


    "Is she the wife of the guy who... you know?"0


    "Isn''t he single?"0


    "Then why is she here?"0


    "Who knows."0


    The crowd buzzed with speculation, but they still made way for Wang Xiangxiu, creating a path. Zhao Guihua thought to herself, "This is quite the red-carpet treatment."0


    Everyone watched Wang Xiangxiu with curiosity and suspicion.0


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face grew even warmer under the scrutiny, but she knew there was no point in trying to hide her intentions. She cleared her throat lightly and followed Zhang San into the room, her heart genuinely concerned for Bai Fendou.0


    She and her mother-in-law had gone to great lengths for the Bai family, using every trick in the book. If Bai Fendou messed up now, she would go mad. Men just couldn''t be so useless. She bit her lip, feeling like a woman born under an unlucky star.0


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly entered the room, while Section Chief Liu arranged for hospital staff to clear the area, making it clear he didn''t want an audience. Zhao Guihua, disappointed, turned back, saying, "Alright, let''s go."0


    With the scene off-limits, there was no reason for them to stay.0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei nodded in agreement.0


    As they walked downstairs together, Zhuang Zhixi pondered aloud, "I think Wang Xiangxiu has a plan to help Bai Fendou."0


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. "Oh, you know everything, don''t you?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "Look at how confident she is."0


    Thinking about it, Zhao Guihua had to admit he might be right. She pursed her lips, saying, "She''s definitely up to no good. Let''s head home."0


    The three of them had originally come to see a doctor, but instead, they stumbled upon a spectacle. Ming Mei sighed, "This is the first time I''ve seen someone jump from a building."0


    She added, "I suspect this won''t be the last time."0


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No matter how many times it happens, you need to take care of yourself."0


    Ming Mei nodded lightly.0


    It was late when they returned home. As they entered the courtyard, they saw several people sitting around chatting. Upon seeing the trio return, Aunt Zhou quickly asked, "Well? Is your daughter-in-law pregnant?"0


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "The pregnancy is still early, so it''s hard to tell, but it''s likely."0


    In those days, there was no superstition about not announcing a pregnancy until the first trimester was over. Zhao Guihua didn''t hide the news, saying, "Our third son is going to be a father."0


    "That''s wonderful news."0


    "Congratulations."0


    Aunt Zhou, however, looked at them with a bitter smile. "With that round belly, it''s definitely a girl. Congratulations on getting a granddaughter."0


    She said this with a smug look, waiting for Zhao Guihua''s reaction. Zhao Guihua, unfazed, smiled back. "If it''s a girl, that''s great. Girls are affectionate and thoughtful. Take our Xiao Yanzi, for example. No matter how naughty the boys are, she never causes trouble."0


    Xiao Yanzi, who was playing with the other kids in the courtyard, puffed out her chest proudly at the mention of her name. Hutou, feeling indignant, pouted and said, "Grandma, don''t you love me anymore?"0


    Zhao Guihua laughed. "You''re a good boy too. It''s just that those with outdated ideas tend to favor boys over girls."0


    She smoothly changed the subject, ruffling Hutou''s hair. "Go play."0


    Hutou, feeling affirmed by his grandmother, proudly strutted around like a little rooster.0


    Aunt Zhou glared at them, remaining silent. Normally, she would have been more vocal, but on this topic, she always felt at a disadvantage.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t push further, saying, "We haven''t had dinner yet."0


    Liang Meifen immediately stood up. "Mom, I''ll heat something up for you."0


    Zhao Guihua waved her hand. "I''ll do it myself."0


    As Ming Mei entered the house, her eyebrows furrowed. Zhao Guihua noticed and said, "You don''t like the smell of the meat broth? I''ll make you something else."0


    Ming Mei: "Okay."0


    At this point, she wasn''t being modest¡ªshe genuinely felt unwell.0


    This discomfort was real and couldn''t be faked, especially since she had to consider the well-being of her unborn child.0


    Even though she had just conceived, Ming Mei was already being very careful.0


    Zhao Guihua quickly scooped out the remaining meat broth, saying, "I''ll make you an egg dish."0


    Ming Mei''s face lit up immediately.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t say much. In those days, even having an egg during pregnancy was considered a luxury. Even Ming Mei, from a relatively well-off family, couldn''t help but smile at the thought. If one were to think about a decade later, an egg would be nothing special.0


    Zhao Guihua was quick and efficient. She soon scrambled the eggs and sliced two cucumbers into thin strips. She mixed some flour and quickly cooked it into a pancake. The aroma of frying filled the air as the pancake took shape. Zhao Guihua then rolled the eggs and cucumber strips into the pancake, creating an egg roll. "Here, take it," she said.0


    Ming Mei breathed in the delicious scent, feeling no nausea at all. She was in high spirits. "Thank you, Mom."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t thank me¡ªjust go to your room to eat. Your husband and I will have some meat broth."0


    She was worried that the smell might upset Ming Mei.0


    Ming Mei: "Okay."0


    At this moment, Ming Mei deeply appreciated having an experienced and knowledgeable mother-in-law. If it were an ordinary mother-in-law, she might have thought the daughter-in-law was being difficult, refusing to drink meat broth and asking for something else.0


    This is what pretentiousness looks like.0


    But Zhao Guihua could understand. As a reincarnated person, she had access to more information than others. She also knew that not everyone likes good things, and there are people who don¡¯t eat pork. So, she could understand why her daughter-in-law felt disgusted when she smelled snake soup during pregnancy.0


    Ming Mei went back to her room to eat her own meal, while Zhao Guihua and Zhuang Zhixi were also enjoying a good meal.0


    As they were eating, Zhao Guihua''s eyes wandered and she noticed that the new stove she wanted to build had already been completed. Although the cement hadn''t dried yet, it was clear that the work was done very well. Zhao Guihua smiled, thinking that her husband was indeed efficient.0


    Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t paid much attention at first. Although there was suddenly one more person at home, he had gotten used to it and didn''t notice anything unusual. It wasn''t until he followed Zhao Guihua''s gaze that he realized the new stove.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised: "Hey, Mom, why is there an extra one here?"0


    Zhao Guihua calmly replied: "Our stove area was a bit small, so I discussed it with your dad, and he built this one."0


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and glanced at his mother.0


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you looking at?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I can''t even look at you?"0


    He lowered his head and continued eating, not asking any further questions about the stove.0


    Zhao Guihua tried to appear calm. After all, this matter was only known to her and her husband for now. She had no intention of telling her two sons. These boys, after getting married, all had their own thoughts.0


    She didn''t want to cause any more chaos in the family because of such things.0


    She said: "Earlier..."0


    Before she could finish, Liang Meifen rushed in, pulling a stool to sit beside Zhao Guihua. She spoke in a hushed and hurried tone: "Mom, did you know? The Zhou family has decided not to sue Bai Fendou and his father."0


    Liang Meifen thought this was a huge piece of gossip and quickly came to tell her mother-in-law.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Is that so?"0


    She looked at her youngest son, thinking that he had indeed guessed correctly. She clicked her tongue and said: "We saw Bai Fendou trying to jump off the hospital roof earlier today."0


    "What!" Liang Meifen exclaimed, then quickly asked: "Jump off the roof? Was it just now? Oh, that''s right, no wonder the security department came to look for Wang Xiangxiu earlier. It must have been about this."0


    She suddenly understood.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Did the security department say why they came?"0


    "No!" Liang Meifen urged: "Mom, tell me quickly."0 S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly finished his meal, stood up, and left his mother and sister-in-law behind. He went to the water trough in the courtyard to rinse his mouth, then returned to his room. By then, Ming Mei had also finished eating and was sitting at the table, munching on some sunflower seeds from her stash.0


    Ming Mei was like a little squirrel, always keeping her own snacks in a basket.0


    Zhuang Zhixi entered the room and saw her relaxed demeanor, asking: "Why didn''t you come out to sit?"0


    Ming Mei pretended to be timid, saying: "If I went out now, I''d definitely become the center of attention. I''d rather not."0


    She loved listening to gossip but didn''t want to be the subject of it.0


    Zhuang Zhixi walked over to her, placing his hand on her stomach, and said: "Let me feel the baby."0


    Ming Mei chuckled, teasing: "The baby is still just a little bean sprout. You probably can''t feel anything yet."0


    Zhuang Zhixi was unyielding: "My child, even in the womb, is the smartest one."0


    When the couple got married, they wanted more time for just the two of them and weren''t in a hurry about having kids. But now that Ming Mei was pregnant, Zhuang Zhixi immediately felt differently. He wanted to announce to the world that his baby was the smartest and most adorable.0


    He proudly said: "When the baby is born, you can teach it martial arts, and it will be invincible."0


    Ming Mei was speechless: "Why would we need to fight?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Just in case, it''s better to be prepared."0


    He crouched in front of Ming Mei and said: "Starting tomorrow, I''ll pick you up and drop you off for work."0


    Ming Mei: "???"0


    She laughed, asking: "Is it really necessary to be so over-the-top?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course it is. I''ll feel more at ease. Otherwise, with how fast you ride your bike, I can''t help but worry."0


    Ming Mei: "..."0


    She thought Zhuang Zhixi was being a bit exaggerated, but since he was willing to pick her up, she didn''t mind.0


    Zhuang Zhixi continued: "Tomorrow, I''ll go to the supply store and buy some sesame cookies and malted milk. That way, you can have them whenever you want, and you won''t feel deprived."0


    Ming Mei nodded: "Okay."0


    He added: "Oh, and I''ll take the afternoon off tomorrow to visit your parents. Such big news, I have to let them know."0


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi and realized he had everything well-planned. She softly laughed and said: "I''ll follow your lead."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You don''t have to follow me entirely. Think about what else we need to pay attention to. Oh, right, I''ll write to my older sister and tell her this good news..."0


    Ming Mei: "You''re going a bit overboard. Let''s wait until the baby is born to announce it to everyone."0


    Just pregnant and he already wanted to tell the whole world.0


    Ming Mei rubbed her stomach and said: "I wonder if I''m carrying a boy or a girl."0


    As soon as she said that, she suddenly paused. Zhuang Zhixi asked: "What are you thinking about?"0


    Ming Mei softly replied: "Zhixi, if I have a daughter, would you like her?"0


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi seriously. Zhuang Zhixi was casual: "That would be great. Didn''t my mom say? Daughters are more considerate."0


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Whether it''s a boy or a girl, it''s still my child. With me being so smart and you being so capable, our child will be the best, no matter the gender. Why worry about it?"0


    He glanced at his wife and said: "I have to say, Ming Mei, you''re not one of those who prefer boys over girls, are you?"0


    Ming Mei raised her chin and said: "I''m a woman myself. If I preferred boys over girls, I''d be crazy."0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "That''s settled then. Whether it''s a boy or a girl, I''ll be happy. With me being so outstanding, our child won''t be bad either."0


    Ming Mei: "You''re really good at boasting."0


    Zhuang Zhixi put on a serious face and asked: "What? Do you think I''m wrong?"0


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and said seriously: "I think you''re..." She drew out the words and then laughed: "Absolutely right."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s what I''m saying. With us being so good-looking and smart, whether we have a boy or a girl, it''ll be great. If it''s a boy, he''ll be like me, and if it''s a girl, she''ll be like you. Either way, we''re both good-looking, so it''ll be fine."0


    She laughed, feeling more relaxed.0


    Zhuang Zhixi looked up at Ming Mei, gently pinched her cheek, and said: "Stop overthinking. You need to rest well and have a healthy, chubby baby."0


    Ming Mei: "I heard that giving birth is very painful."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t think about that. Didn''t my mom say? It''s like having a bad stomachache. Just think of it as having a bad stomachache and not being able to find a bathroom. Don''t put too much pressure on yourself."0


    Ming Mei nodded, saying "Mmm."0


    In fact, she found it strange how people''s emotions worked. She hadn''t felt anything before, but now that she was confirmed to be pregnant, all kinds of emotions suddenly surfaced. She worried that Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t like a girl, that giving birth would be too painful, and that she might not take good care of the baby. All these thoughts came flooding in at once.0


    Seeing her a bit anxious, Zhuang Zhixi held her hand and said: "Let''s just have one. If it''s too hard the first time, we won''t have a second."0


    Ming Mei smiled and asked: "Even if it''s a daughter, we''ll have just one?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why not?"0


    He said: "I don''t mind. Whether we have one or several, whether it''s a boy or a girl, the important thing is to raise the child well. If we have eight or ten sons who are always misbehaving and causing trouble, like Jinlai who steals chickens and dogs, it''s better to have just one good child. So it''s not about the number or gender, but about the quality of the child. We have to educate our child well."0


    Ming Mei nodded lightly: "You''re right."0


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing that Ming Mei had taken his words to heart, smiled and said: "That''s settled then. Stop overthinking. This isn''t like you at all."0


    He said, "Come, let me peel the melon seeds for you."0


    Ming Mei shook her head, "No need, I can do it myself. There''s not much hot water left, could you boil a pot for me?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sure."0


    He quickly picked up the kettle and went out to the main house. Ming Mei watched Zhuang Zhixi''s back disappear, revealing a sweet smile.0


    In truth, whether it was a boy or a girl, it was the same to her. Her parents weren''t the type to favor boys over girls, so Ming Mei didn''t have the typical woman''s desire to give birth to a son. The child she had carried for ten months, whether a boy or a girl, she loved them equally.0


    However, Ming Mei still wanted to know Zhuang Zhixi''s thoughts, after all, they were a family.0


    Most men wanted a son.0


    Families like theirs, who didn''t care, were the exception.0


    Ming Mei scratched her head. She hadn''t had any dreams herself, so she didn''t know whether she would give birth to a boy or a girl. It was strange. Even when she had once dreamed of her mother-in-law, the content was vague, and she couldn''t tell if she would have a boy or a girl.0


    But she knew that her mother-in-law, Zhao Guihua, must know.0


    However, Ming Mei didn''t really want to ask her. Keeping a little suspense was quite nice.0


    "Knock knock knock."0


    The sound of knocking came from the door. Ming Mei said, "Come in."0


    It definitely wasn''t Zhuang Zhixi who was knocking.0


    It wasn''t someone else either, but Lan Sihai. Ming Mei quickly offered a seat, "Grandpa, come sit."0


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????old man didn''t stand on ceremony, saying, "Do I need you to offer me a seat?"0


    He sat down directly, looking up and down at Ming Mei, and said, "I heard you''re pregnant?"0


    Ming Mei nodded.0


    Lan Sihai pursed his lips and nodded, saying, "You''re so young, why are you in such a hurry?"0


    Ming Mei was full of question marks, not knowing what her grandpa was getting at.0


    The old man glanced out the door, seeing no one, coughed once, and quickly slipped a small golden Buddha into Ming Mei''s hand.0


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened in shock!0


    She stammered, "My my my my, my heavens!"0


    Lan Sihai looked very disdainful: "Can you not look so uncultured? It''s so embarrassing."0


    Ming Mei: "¡­ Oh, but but, I really haven''t seen such things before!"0


    She swallowed hard, saying, "Is is is this really gold¡­?"0


    Lan Sihai rolled his eyes, saying, "Do I look like someone who would give fake goods?"0


    Ming Mei shook her head, "No, you''re the richest."0


    Lan Sihai nodded, that was a good point.0


    Lan Sihai spoke with a serious tone: "Pregnant people are usually more tense, and also weaker. You''re still so young, it''s even more so. At this time, you need a little weight to press down. Let me tell you, gold is the best, it can both press down and bless you. You secretly wear it, don''t let anyone see, okay?"0


    Ming Mei swallowed again, saying, "Is is is this¡­ for me?"0


    Lan Sihai nodded, "It''s for you, don''t tell anyone else, just for you."0


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened even more.0


    She whispered like a thief, "Does no one else have one? Not my cousin? Not my sister? Not my brother?"0


    Lan Sihai''s eyes flickered, he said sternly, "Why are you asking so much? I said it''s just for you, keep it well."0


    Ming Mei: "Oh oh oh! Okay!"0


    She was very excited, with a little excitement, "I knew Grandpa loves me the most."0


    Lan Sihai nodded, "You don''t need to flatter me, who let you be my granddaughter?"0


    Ming Mei scratched her head.0


    The old man looked at her silly appearance and reminded her again, "Don''t let it fall out, or else you might get into trouble. I want to bless you, not harm you. Hide it well."0


    Ming Mei said seriously, "I know!"0


    The old man nodded, "Alright, I''m leaving."0


    Ming Mei: "Grandpa¡­"0


    The old man: "Go to bed early, look at your foolishness."0


    Ming Mei made a funny face, the old man waved his hand helplessly and left quickly.0


    Ming Mei watched her grandpa''s thin back, her palm tightly clutching the small golden Buddha. She blinked, lowered her head, and arranged some melon seeds into a smiley face, then smiled at it herself.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86Ming Mei never expected to get pregnant so quickly, but now that she was, she was determined to receive the treatment a pregnant woman deserved. Whether others valued her or not, she certainly valued herself. Her mother had once said, "A woman, when pregnant, needs to be well-nurtured. Normally, whatever nutrients you consume are for yourself, but now there''s a child competing for them."0


    Ming Mei found this reasoning quite sensible, so late at night, she decided to treat herself to a late-night snack, munching on two biscuits.0


    As Zhuang Zhixi returned with water, he noticed her eating again but didn''t say anything. Instead, he poured her a cup of water and dropped a White Rabbit candy into it. Ming Mei looked at the cup and commented, "They say White Rabbit candies are like milk, but even if you put one in a cup, it doesn''t really dissolve."0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Just leave it there."0


    He continued, "If it doesn''t dissolve tonight, drink it in the morning. I''ll try to find some connections to get a milk powder coupon so you can buy some milk powder and supplement your nutrition."0


    Even though they lived in Beijing, buying milk powder wasn''t easy. Things like malted milk were more accessible, but milk powder, especially adult milk powder, was quite rare. Their jobs didn''t come with such coupons.0


    Zhuang Zhixi started thinking about who he could ask for a coupon. If he couldn''t get one, he might have to go to the black market. Despite the rarity of such coupons, ticket sellers usually had them, as that was their business.0


    Ming Mei nodded and agreed. She was very conscious of her pregnancy.0


    She thought for a moment and said, "You should go to my house tomorrow and ask my mom. She might have some connections."0


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. Ming Mei pouted, "My older sister-in-law has had two kids, and my nephew has had milk powder. Even if my mom doesn''t have connections, she knows where to get them."0


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Alright."0


    He said, "I''ve heated some water. Even though it''s getting warmer, you should still soak your feet to relax."0


    He fetched a footbath and poured hot water into it for his wife. Ming Mei watched him with a smile, giggling and teasing, "I''m only a month pregnant. You''re already taking such good care of me. How long are you planning to do this? And aren''t you afraid of people laughing at you?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "What''s there to be afraid of? You''re my wife, not a stranger."0


    He continued, "I''m just getting used to it. That way, when the baby comes, I won''t be too overwhelmed. I''ll be able to help take care of the baby."0


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "When Tiger Head and Little Swallow were young, my mom took care of them during the day, and my brother and sister-in-law took over at night. I guess we''ll do the same."0


    Though the baby wasn''t born yet, the father was already feeling the stress. He said, "I can already imagine how tiring it will be."0


    Ming Mei replied, "It''s still a long way off. By the way, I have something to show you."0


    She proudly extended her hand, opening her clenched palm and lifting her chin. "What do you think?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Wow!"0


    He was stunned and looked up at Ming Mei, stammering, "This... this..."0


    Ming Mei whispered, "My grandpa gave this to me, just me."0


    She added with a hint of pride, "My grandpa loves me the most."0


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "That''s really nice."0


    Ming Mei said, "Isn''t it?"0


    She hummed a little tune, clearly pleased, and said, "Grandpa told me to wear it, but with summer coming and fewer clothes, it might be a bit noticeable."0


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, "Don''t wear it around your neck. If the car jostles and it shows, someone might get bad ideas. Put it in a hidden pocket and pin it in place. That way, no one will see it, and it won''t fall out."0


    Ming Mei thought it made sense and nodded seriously. "That''s a good idea."0


    She shook the little golden Buddha in her hand and smiled, "I didn''t expect to start making money as soon as I got pregnant."0


    Zhuang Zhixi joked, "Then when we have a baby, whether it''s a boy or a girl, let''s name them Zhaocai."0


    Ming Mei immediately frowned, snapping, "Get lost."0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, and Ming Mei rolled her eyes at him. "Stop talking nonsense."0


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "You''re so fierce. A fierce mom like you will have a baby with a big temper."0


    Ming Mei clenched her fists, saying, "Are you looking for a fight? Don''t think just because I''m pregnant I won''t hit you. My baby will be the sweetest and cutest."0


    Zhuang Zhixi''s smile widened.0


    Ming Mei demanded, "Stop laughing and apologize."0


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Alright, alright, I''m sorry. It was just a slip of the tongue."0


    Ming Mei nodded, "That''s more like it."0


    She then asked, "By the way, why did it take you so long to boil the water?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned in with a gossipy tone, "Well, I happened to overhear my sister-in-law talking about some gossip, so I listened for a bit. Guess what? The Zhou family has decided not to pursue the matter with Bai Fendou and his father."0


    This was both surprising and somewhat expected.0


    Ming Mei exclaimed, "What?!"0


    She widened her eyes in disbelief and asked, "But why? They were so angry. How could they just let it go? Did Bai Fendou threaten to jump off a building or something? I can''t believe they''d just drop it like that."0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled enigmatically.0


    Ming Mei poked him, "Don''t just smile like that. Tell me!"0


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "The Zhou family certainly doesn''t want to see others happy, so they wouldn''t let Bai Fendou off easily. But I think Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law must have done something to appease them. It''s hard to say exactly what, but it probably has something to do with the Zhou family''s desire for a child. They''re the only ones who know the details, so we can only guess."0


    He added, "But as time passes, we''ll probably find out. Such things are hard to keep secret."0


    Ming Mei rolled her eyes, "What a mess. Do you think Aunt Su might be offering one of her children to the Zhou family? After all, she has so many sons."0


    Ming Mei''s imagination was running wild, but Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh, shaking his head. "I wouldn''t dream of something so absurd. Aunt Zhou wouldn''t want someone else''s child. If she were satisfied with just any child, she wouldn''t have waited until Zhou Qun was over thirty. They want their own biological child."0


    Ming Mei nodded, "True."0


    Despite her curiosity, she found the situation a bit confusing.0


    Ming Mei commented, "They''re really something. To let such a thing go, the Su family must be quite resourceful."0


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "That''s what I think. They''re quite daring."0


    After washing up, the couple went to bed together. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Get some rest. You''re carrying two now."0


    Ming Mei replied, "I know, I know. But tell me more."0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "At this point, it''s all speculation. Wait a few days. Since we live in the same courtyard, we''ll find out sooner or later. Big news can''t be hidden."0


    Ming Mei said, "That Bai Fendou is so despicable, trying to scheme against you. If there''s no punishment this time, I''ll beat him up myself."0


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Even if the Zhou family lets it go, the factory will still have to punish him. But if Zhou Qun, Jiang Lu, and Bai Fendou and his father all insist it was just a joke and nothing really happened, it might not be treated too seriously."0


    He paused and added, "I don''t think the punishment will be too harsh, but there will be some. Section Chief Liu isn''t the type to let things slide. Not only did Bai Fendou embarrass the security department, but today''s stunt of threatening to jump off a building was ridiculous. Section Chief Liu has his position for a reason. You''ll see, Bai Fendou will definitely be kicked out of the security department."0


    Ming Mei still felt unsatisfied and said, "This is already letting them off easy. If it weren''t for Aunt Zhou already smashing the Bai family''s things, I would have gone to break their windows! I''ve never seen such shameless, despicable scoundrels."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, my dear wife, you''re so wonderful. Don''t be angry, it''s not worth getting upset over such fools. Just wait, as the saying goes, ''When the mountain doesn''t come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain.'' This matter isn''t over yet. I, Zhuang Zhixi, am not someone to be trifled with."0


    Do you think that''s the end of it?0


    Not a chance!0


    Ming Mei immediately perked up and said, "If you want to deal with him, you must tell me, and I''ll join you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi gently patted his wife''s back and said, "We are gentlemen, and gentlemen use words, not fists."0


    Ming Mei: "Tch~"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, let''s sleep. I promise, I''ll report everything to our Ming Mei, okay?"0


    Ming Mei: "Alright, I guess."0


    She pulled the blanket and said, "Move closer, I want to rest my head on your arm."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."0


    He chuckled softly and moved closer to Ming Mei.0


    The couple cuddled together, and Ming Mei said, "Goodnight."0


    Zhuang Zhixi lowered his head and kissed her forehead, saying, "Goodnight, sleep well."0


    After their night conversation, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei fell asleep, but many others couldn''t sleep that night. It seemed like everyone''s sleep quality had been poor lately. Zhao Guihua was talking to Old Man Zhuang: "I want to raise two chickens in the yard."0


    In fact, although there were restrictions on many things, raising chickens was still allowed. However, there was a limit¡ªeach household could raise a maximum of two chickens. In many rural families, two chickens were often raised, as eggs were a valuable commodity that could be exchanged for money.0


    There were no other sources of income in the village, so they had to rely on this to make money.0


    However, city dwellers rarely raised chickens, not because they didn''t know how, but because the conditions didn''t allow it. For those living in apartments, it was out of the question, as there was simply no space. Even in their compound, while it was possible to raise chickens, you couldn''t let them roam freely. Otherwise, the chicken droppings would be everywhere, not only ruining the environment but also annoying the neighbors. Moreover, if the compound''s collective reputation was damaged due to the mess, it would lead to gossip and criticism.0


    Of course, one could build a small fence in front of their own door to raise chickens, but the yard belonged to everyone. Even if you could raise chickens, the space would be very limited, and the chickens wouldn''t have enough room to move around. If they were cooped up and didn''t lay eggs, it would be a loss. Additionally, once you started raising chickens, you would inevitably attract the attention of your neighbors, leading to endless requests for egg exchanges, which would be quite troublesome.0


    So, although their courtyard had better conditions than apartment buildings, people weren''t very keen on raising chickens.0


    There was another reason for this in their compound: there was a petty thief.0


    If you weren''t careful and he stole your eggs, all your efforts would be in vain.0


    Old Man Zhuang thought of this and said, "Jin Lai is a pickpocket. If we raise chickens and he steals our eggs, what can we do? Can we go to their house and start a fight? They would just cry and make a scene, and we''d end up getting angry for nothing."0


    Zhao Guihua: "I know, but both my eldest daughter-in-law and I are at home. Can''t we two watch over the chickens and prevent the thief and his brothers from stealing? That would make us too useless, wouldn''t it? Besides, I''m raising chickens for our youngest daughter-in-law to recuperate. If anyone wants to exchange eggs with me, I have a reason to refuse. Once she gives birth and finishes her ''month of confinement'', I won''t raise them anymore."0


    Zhao Guihua whispered: "I know raising chickens is troublesome, but meat, eggs, and milk are the most nutritious. We have a limited amount of meat to buy, and there''s no way to get milk. We can only rely on eggs to boost the nutrition for pregnant women."0


    If this were ten years later, they could have arranged for milk or goat''s milk to supplement Ming Mei''s diet, but now, such channels were almost non-existent. These resources were mostly reserved for veteran cadres, and even ordinary cadre families might struggle to get them.0


    Old Man Zhuang: "You''re right about that."0


    Zhao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Guihua: "Exactly. When our eldest daughter-in-law was pregnant with Hutou, we could still go to the market and the pigeon market to buy things. We could supplement her diet with eggs every few days. Later, when she gave birth to Xiaoyan, it was a bit tighter, but we could still manage. But now, with the rationing system, it''s different. Now, both our daughter-in-laws are our family. If the eldest daughter-in-law could get such treatment, shouldn''t the youngest one also be taken care of? The youngest daughter-in-law is new to the family and doesn''t know much, but Zhixi knows. I don''t want the children to feel too much of a gap. After all, they are all our grandchildren, right?"0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Then, listen to you."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, I''ll look around. You know how hard it is to find an old hen that can lay eggs right away. It''s not easy to find one."0


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, fully agreeing.0


    Nowadays, no matter what you buy, everything is in short supply. Take sewing machine tickets, for example. They had been looking for one for a long time, but they just couldn''t find one. Of course, they could go to the black market and find a ticket seller, but that wasn''t a place you could frequent.0


    "These matters, you decide."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course, it''s up to me. Who else would it be?"0


    She turned over and said, "Move over a bit. As you get older, sleeping on a warm kang is really comfortable."0


    Then sleep at the kangtou.0


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched, "The days are getting warmer, and you want me to sleep at the kang? Why didn''t you let me sleep at the kang during the cold winter? You really want to heat me to death."0


    Old Man Zhuang was innocent: "Didn''t you just say you wanted to sleep at the kang head..."0


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s cold today."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Alright, alright, whenever you want to sleep there, just do it. I''ll listen to you, okay?"0


    Zhao Guihua laughed: "You''re a good man."0


    She said, "Didn''t I say I''d make you a cotton shirt? I''ve finished it, and as soon as I buy the buttons tomorrow, I can sew them on."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Ah, so fast? What does it look like..."0


    He had rarely had the chance to wear new clothes in his life.0


    In the old society, they were poor, and when the new society came, life stabilized, but the children grew up one after another. As parents, they couldn''t bear to spend everything on themselves, so he and his wife only made new clothes every few years.0


    Since their youngest son''s wedding was in the winter, the last time he had made new clothes was for a thick coat. He hadn''t made a new summer short-sleeved shirt in four or five years.0


    He said, "Old lady, you''re so good to me."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Who else would I be good to if not you? The children have their own families, and they can''t always focus on us. We are the ones who support each other."0


    Speaking of the past life, although her two sons had some disagreements, they were still on good terms. They were also quite filial. But Zhao Guihua knew that expecting children to be by your side all the time was unrealistic.0


    They all had their own work and lives, and she mostly spent her time alone.0


    "Let''s take good care of each other."0


    Zhao Guihua spoke seriously, and Old Man Zhuang understood the gravity of her words. He nodded and said, "Alright."0


    He grinned, showing his eight teeth.0


    Clearly, his old lady favored him the most!0


    The old couple chatted late into the night, and the Su family next door was also still awake.0


    Aunt Su instructed Wang Xiangxiu: "You go to Zhaodi''s place tomorrow after work and have Zhaodi come back to see me. Forget it, I''ll go myself. I''ll go in the morning and make the necessary gestures. We can''t delay. I''ve thought about finding someone for the Zhou family to have a child, but my family hasn''t been in touch for decades, so that''s out of the question. Your family, though poor, is in the city, so that''s not an option either. But Zhaodi''s in-laws might have someone suitable. Anyway, I must get to the bottom of this today. We need to show the Zhou family our actions, or that old witch Zhou might not let this go."0


    "I understand, Mom. But Mom, dealing with her is easy for you, right? We can just bluff them, and when Bai Fendou and the others come out, what can she do to us?"0


    Upon hearing this, Aunt Su quickly shook her head, saying, "No, you can''t mess around with the Zhou family on this matter. I know Sister Zhou well, and this child issue is her bottom line. If we dare to use this to deceive her, they might even resort to violence."0


    Aunt Su saw clearly: "Sister Zhou Li has been longing for a child for over ten years. This matter is no laughing matter."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I understand now."0


    "Tomorrow, you should urge the Zhou Qun couple to speak up for Bai Fendou and his father at the security department."0


    "Okay."0


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had a good plan. Aunt Su looked at Wang Xiangxiu with heartfelt words: "This time, although it''s a crisis, it might also be an opportunity. Perhaps we can find someone easy to manipulate. Then we can use this person to get some benefits from the Zhou family."0


    Aunt Su''s eyes gleamed with calculation as she said proudly, "I don''t believe they can stay calm when it comes to their child."0


    She then comforted Wang Xiangxiu: "Xiu''er, in this courtyard, there''s no daughter-in-law as good as you. You''ve given our old Su family three sons, making you a hero of our family. No one can compare."0


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled softly, a touch of pride in her expression.0


    "Our current life may be tough and full of calculations, but better days are ahead. They can''t compare to us."0


    "Mm-hmm."0


    Although every family has its own set of difficult scriptures to chant, it''s undeniable that everyone is quite satisfied with their current lives.0


    ******0


    Early in the morning, the sounds of the day began to rise and fall, marking the start of another busy day.0


    Zhuang Zhixi left home earlier than usual, specifically to see his wife off.0


    In the morning, Zhao Guihua boiled two eggs. Ming Mei had one, and Huttou and Xiaoyan shared the other. This was thanks to her foresight. After buying eggs once at the hospital gate, she went back a few more times and managed to buy some again.0


    Otherwise, relying solely on the quota, how could they have so many eggs?0


    She wanted to raise chickens partly because of this. If anyone questioned why their family ate so many eggs, she would have an explanation.0


    Today, Zhao Guihua was very busy. She left home early in the morning and headed straight to Back Street to find Auntie Lian.0


    Yes, that Auntie Lian who took on various tasks. Zhao Guihua knew that such a job would definitely be within her scope. Zhao Guihua actually knew some people, but finding a chick was easy. However, finding an old hen that was laying eggs was not easy. She needed it urgently, so naturally, she had to turn to a "professional."0


    When Zhao Guihua arrived at Auntie Lian''s courtyard, she was stopped by a neighbor: "Auntie, who are you looking for?"0


    These days, if you were a stranger, even entering an alley would attract the attention of neighborhood watchmen. Don''t even think about doing anything bad.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Is Auntie Lian here?"0


    "You''re looking for Auntie Lian?" The neighbor seemed a bit surprised, then shouted loudly: "Auntie Lian!"0


    As soon as the voice fell, Auntie Lian came out, dragging her shoes. She was quite surprised to see Zhao Guihua: "Huh? Why are you here?"0


    Although her business was extensive, most people didn''t like to associate with her. On one hand, they were afraid of being implicated, and on the other, they felt it was shameful. Nowadays, only formal factory workers were considered respectable. Anything else was beneath consideration.0


    If this were a few decades later, an old lady supporting herself by doing various activities would be praised: "Earning money, no shame in that."0


    But not now. Without a formal job and engaging in all sorts of miscellaneous activities was indeed quite shameful. Auntie Lian didn''t interact much with her neighbors.0


    Auntie Lian: "Come in, come in. Why are you here, sister?"0


    Zhao Guihua entered and saw some cardboard boxes piled up in the house, indicating she also did work for the neighborhood cardboard box assembly.0


    Zhao Guihua: "Auntie Lian, since you know a lot of people and have wide connections, I want to ask you to find two old hens, the kind that lay eggs immediately."0


    Auntie Lian: "Old hens?"0


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Yes, I need them urgently. I don''t know how long it will take to find them, so I thought of you, the all-knowing one."0


    Upon hearing this, Auntie Lian smiled slightly, saying, "You''ve come to the right person. If you ask someone else, it might not work, but if you ask me, I''ll arrange it perfectly. Just wait and see, I''ll have it sorted out in two or three days."0


    Zhao Guihua: "About the money..."0


    Auntie Lian gestured with a finger, and Zhao Guihua immediately agreed: "Okay!"0


    Although Auntie Lian engaged in various money-making activities, this was also within her scope. Whether it was a big job or a small one, as long as there was money to be made.0


    Zhao Guihua settled the matter and felt relieved. She whispered: "Auntie Lian, what about the clothing factory...?"0


    Auntie Lian quickly waved her hand: "No way, no way!"0


    She cursed: "These people must be crazy. They had a good income, yet they went mad? They dared to collude internally and externally. Sister, I have to thank you for warning me last time. If not for your reminder, I would have ended up in jail. I was lucky. I didn''t go back, so I escaped that disaster. During that period, several people who often went there were caught red-handed. Even that gatekeeper, Old Brother, you''ve met him, an old man, ended up in labor reform."0


    If it were someone else, she definitely wouldn''t have said this, but Zhao Guihua had warned her, saving her from being caught. So, she felt comfortable sharing this with her.0


    "The factory leadership changed, and the warehouse keepers needed to be replaced. Previously, we just bought some scraps, and even the leaders turned a blind eye; after all, if we didn''t buy them, these scraps would be sold cheaply to various factories, sewn into small rags to clean machines, not worth much. But you see, aren''t they crazy? Just because there was a change in leadership, they wanted to make a big profit. They cut good fabrics into pieces and stuffed them into the waste, then colluded to smuggle them out. And it was several batches a day, a huge operation. How could it not leak out? After you told me, I didn''t dare go back. Not long after, about half a month, they were busted. I almost ended up inside, luckily, I only went once, and they didn''t catch me on the spot. Plus, they confessed that they colluded with each other, so these matters had nothing to do with me. No one bothered me."0


    If she had gone more often and been caught on the spot, it would have been over.0


    She sighed: "What a great situation I had, such a lucrative business, and it''s all gone."0


    She had lost a major source of income, but Auntie Lian also said: "But don''t worry, I understand these things. I''ll communicate well in the future and still buy fabric scraps. I''ll definitely tell you and invite you along."0


    Zhao Guihua: "That would be great."0


    ¡°Oh, by the way. There was a ghost scare at the public toilet near your courtyard, right? Do you need a ghost exorcism?¡± Auntie Lian''s eyes lit up, trying to drum up some business.0


    Zhao Guihua: "No, I don''t believe in that."0


    Even though she had been reborn and, as an old lady, she was a bit superstitious, she completely didn''t believe in the ghost scare at the toilet. If she believed it, she would be a fool. She knew exactly who was behind it.0


    She said: "You should promote this service to others."0


    Auntie Lian was disappointed: "Look at you, a person can''t believe in nothing."0


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "I also can''t believe in everything. Alright, I won''t chat with you anymore. I have to go back and work; there''s a lot to do at home."0


    "Okay."0


    Auntie Lian didn''t delay, saying: "I''ll go ask around for those old hens right away."0


    The two went out together. A neighbor peeked out: "Are you leaving?"0


    Auntie Lian grabbed the neighbor and said: "Do you have relatives in the countryside? This sister wants to trade for two laying hens. Do you have any connections?"0


    "I''ll take you to ask, but I''m not sure about the details."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Then I''ll trouble you."0


    Auntie Lian: "What''s there to trouble about? Go back, I''ll take care of this."0


    Zhao Guihua nodded and was about to leave when Auntie Lian suddenly said, "Oh wait, isn''t there someone in your courtyard who had an egg break?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­You mean Bai Fendou and his father."0


    Auntie Lian perked up immediately: "Oh, wait, don''t go yet! Tell us about it!"0


    As soon as she said that, the entire courtyard came alive, and everyone gathered around Zhao Guihua.0


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­"0


    "What happened?"0


    "Sister, tell us, please?"0


    Zhao Guihua felt that Bai Fendou was really going to become famous.0


    Although, he already had some reputation. After all, falling into a public toilet was quite rare, and the person involved was him, and only him.0


    Zhao Guihua swallowed hard: "Although we''re neighbors, I don''t work at the machinery factory, so I didn''t see the scene. He hasn''t returned since the incident."0


    "Ah, do you think he''ll be released?"0


    "I don''t think so. This kind of person, a hooligan, definitely can''t just let it go."0


    "I wonder how desperate he was. The one who always gets entangled with older women is also from your courtyard, right? It''s truly a hidden dragon in a crouching tiger, a hidden dragon in a crouching tiger!"0


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­"0


    How utterly disgraceful!0


    She felt embarrassed just being a neighbor.0


    Luckily, she had thick skin. If it were anyone else, they might have cried.0


    Zhao Guihua silently complained a bit, then said, "I really don''t know the specifics, but he was the one who fell into the toilet last time too."0


    "Ah? That''s really¡­"0


    Zhao Guihua threw out a topic and quickly said, "I have things at home, so I''ll be leaving first. If you''re really curious, go to the hospital. He''s still hospitalized."0


    "He definitely won''t be coming out¡­"0


    "I think so too."0


    "Not necessarily, right?"0


    Seeing everyone discussing enthusiastically, Zhao Guihua quickly squeezed out and ran away from the alley, muttering curses as she walked home. Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun were really ruining the reputation of their courtyard. Poor the others living in Courtyard No. 44.0


    As she walked back, feeling melancholy, she ran into Aunt Su at the alley entrance. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Old Su, what are you¡­?"0


    You know, Aunt Su rarely left the alley. Her usual activity range was just their courtyard, and occasionally the public toilet. She rarely went anywhere else.0


    Zhao Guihua was quite puzzled: "Are you going out?"0


    Aunt Su smiled weakly and said, "I''m going to my eldest daughter''s house."0


    She also looked at Zhao Guihua: "You''re out so early in the morning. Where did you come from?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "I went to Back Street. I asked someone from the countryside to find me two old hens that can lay eggs. I plan to raise chickens. My daughter-in-law is pregnant, so she should be nourished."0


    Aunt Su smiled softly, saying, "You''re such a good mother-in-law. Starting to nourish her as soon as she''s pregnant. Any girl who marries into your family is fortunate. But Old Zhao, you also need to change your temper. Your temper might scare your daughter-in-law."0


    Although she said that, her smile was faint. They were all old neighbors; who didn''t know who?0


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "Of course. I may have a bad temper, but I do things practically. I don''t play those fake games."0


    Aunt Su could tell this was sarcasm, but she didn''t change her expression. After all, she also talked about Zhao Guihua.0


    However, she didn''t have much time to chat with Zhao Guihua, so she just said a few words: "I have to go to my daughter''s place. Let''s talk later."0


    Aunt Su hurried off, and Zhao Guihua watched her back thoughtfully.0


    But did Aunt Su matter? Not at all. Zhao Guihua quickly went home, planning to build a small chicken coop. Although people always say that children will have their own blessings, who is she as a mother?0


    Really, she just couldn''t help but worry about the whole family.0


    The news of Zhao Guihua building a chicken coop to raise chickens quickly spread throughout the courtyard. When Aunt Zhou saw it, she immediately said, "Since you can raise chickens, we''re going to raise chickens too."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Go ahead? No need to ask me."0


    Zhou Dama was choked, huffed, but she was in a good mood today and didn''t argue with Zhao Guihua. Instead, she said, "When you go to pick up wood to build the coop, get some for me too. I''ll need it."0


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "Am I your mother? Should I take care of you? Go get it yourself."0


    Zhou Aunt was furious: "How can you talk like that? Neighbors should help each other. How can you be so selfish?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Pfft. Who are you calling selfish? Who''s more selfish than you in this courtyard? Am I obligated to prepare everything for you? Can you have some self-respect? Get lost, always trying to take advantage."0


    Zhou Aunt: "Who are you saying takes advantage? Do you think my family needs to take advantage? Everyone knows we''re the richest in the courtyard. Why would I need to?"0


    She wasn''t well-liked in the courtyard, and seeing everyone looking at her mockingly, Aunt Zhou felt even more unhappy. She huffed, turned around, and went back inside. After a while, she came out again, loudly saying, "With our family''s conditions, we can afford to buy every day. We''re not raising chickens anymore. Tomorrow, we''ll buy a big rooster and kill it to nourish my son. Hopefully, it will help him have a son!"0


    Most of the working people had already gone to work, and the housewives smiled meaningfully, not responding.0


    Zhou Aunty was quite boastful, but who didn¡¯t know who she was?0


    If her family could so easily have a child, Aunt Su wouldn''t have had an advantage over Aunt Zhou for over a decade. Even if Zhou Qun was great, and Aunt Zhou always emphasized that their family was the richest in the courtyard, the topic of children was still a sore spot.0


    Previously, everyone thought it must be because Jiang Lu couldn''t have children, and it couldn''t be the man''s fault. But recently, with some of Zhou Qun''s affairs coming to light, people started to have some doubts.0


    Being so young and messing around with older women, it was likely that he had ruined himself when he was young and reckless.0


    Although the former mistress who had an affair with Zhou Qun had passed away, and others with names and identities firmly denied it, making Zhou Qun''s affair end with a whimper after a lot of noise, everyone knew it must be true.0


    So, why didn''t the Zhou family have children became quite questionable.0


    Seeing no one supporting her, Aunt Zhou continued, "If anyone has extra meat coupons, trade them with me. I need to nourish my son Zhou Qun."0


    She added, "If anyone comes across pig kidneys when buying meat, let me know."0


    Everyone: "¡­"0


    Is there really a need for that?0


    Zhao Guihua, while working, glanced at Aunt Zhou a couple of times. She suddenly said, "It''s not a holiday. Why is Aunt Su going to her daughter''s house?"0


    Everyone knew that Aunt Su had a terrible relationship with her in-laws, and they never visited each other.0


    Although Aunt Su was good at acting, her daughter exploited her husband''s family, extracting every benefit from them to support her own family, and no amount of acting could change that, as it involved real interests. So, she had a bad relationship with both her in-laws and didn''t visit them.0


    Even during holidays, neither of the two sons-in-law nor the grandchildren visited.0


    Even Aunt Su''s two daughters rush back and forth every time they come, dropping off things and leaving quickly, sneaking back.0


    Like Ming Mei, she had been married for several months, half a year, but hadn''t seen Su Zhaodi and Su Pandi from this family.0


    So, Aunt Su going to her daughter''s house was quite surprising.0


    When Zhao Guihua said this, she looked up and saw Zhou Da Ma''s fleeting joy. Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow slightly. She became even more certain that the Su family must have agreed to some condition with the Zhou family to "save" Bai Fendou and his father.0


    The Su family had no money, and no one either. Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu had long had an unusual relationship, so there was no reason for them to easily mediate.0


    But she had heard yesterday that the Zhou family was willing to let go of Bai Fendou and his father... The child!0


    Zhao Guihua analyzed it all and suddenly figured out the reason.0


    She glanced back at Aunt Su and frowned, thinking to herself: Could it be that Aunt Su is arranging for someone to have a child for Zhou Qun?0


    After all, in her previous life, a "distant relative" from Aunt Su''s family had appeared.0


    Could it be that this person was found by Aunt Su?0


    Although this didn''t happen in her previous life, there might be other triggers or perhaps Aunt Su took the initiative to help? Zhao Guihua thought of this and felt her stomach churning with nausea.0


    These people are really something else.0


    She quickly lowered her head and continued working on her fence.0


    Aunt Su smiled and said, "I''ll be going back to my hometown for a visit in a while."0


    She started laying the groundwork for the topic.0


    Aunt Wang was surprised and asked, "Are you feeling alright? You haven''t had any contact with your family for decades!"0


    Aunt Su replied, "As people get older, they tend to reminisce about the past."0


    Aunt Wang: "..."0


    She didn''t believe it one bit.0


    Zhao Guihua: "..." Confirmed, the Zhou family is looking for someone to have a child for Zhou Qun.0


    However... Zhou Qun seems to be infertile!0


    This is really...0


    Zhao Guihua felt that these people were acting too recklessly.0


    She often felt that her family didn''t fit in with the others in the front yard because they weren''t as outrageous.0


    Truly, they were completely out of place.0 S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These three families each had their own quirks!0


    Jiang Lu too, how could she agree to this?0


    Zhao Guihua found herself utterly confused.0


    She really didn''t understand Jiang Lu, but Jiang Lu was also lost in thought, pondering the same matter. It all started last night when Aunt Su came to their house. They were completely unprepared for what Aunt Su was about to propose.0


    She offered to find someone to help Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu have a child, in exchange for Bai Fendou and his father.0


    This deal, whether from Aunt Su or Zhou Qun, and even from her perspective, seemed very worthwhile.0


    That Bai Fendou, a man whose manhood had been crushed, whether he was in jail or not wouldn''t affect her, but a child... that was an irresistible temptation. She desperately wanted to have a child for Zhou Qun.0


    She had been married for over a decade and had been ridiculed countless times because of her inability to conceive.0


    Now, this was an irresistible temptation. She couldn''t let the Zhou family die out. If there was such an opportunity, she felt she really wanted to seize it. By then, she would send the woman away and raise the child herself. Wouldn''t that be the same as having a child of her own?0


    She couldn''t let the Zhou family die out, nor could she let Zhou Qun die out.0


    Zhou Qun was such a good man, never despised her, and didn''t deserve this fate.0


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t understand why Jiang Lu agreed, in fact, Jiang Lu hadn''t objected from the start. She had recently tried all sorts of absurd remedies, from drinking dog''s blood to swallowing children''s urine, and even more disgusting folk remedies, but still, her stomach showed no signs of life.0


    What else could she do?0


    So now, if someone else could have a child for Zhou Qun, she would be willing, as long as the child called her "mom," it would be her child. She was determined to continue the Zhou family line. Anyway, as long as they kept it hidden, no one would know, right?0


    By the time the woman got pregnant, they would send her to the countryside to give birth, and Jiang Lu would pretend to be pregnant. When the time came, she would claim to have given birth, and no one would be able to gossip about her. She thought this plan was actually quite good.0


    "Jiang Lu."0


    Zhou Qun came over and said, "Let''s go to the security office together."0


    Jiang Lu: "Okay."0


    He stood up.0


    The couple left the office together. As soon as they were gone, the people in the office looked at each other and whispered, "What are they up to?"0


    "Who knows?"0


    "Jiang Lu has been spacing out all morning."0


    "I can''t figure it out."0


    The two didn''t pay attention to the gossip around them. As they walked down the corridor, which was empty, Jiang Lu wanted to hold Zhou Qun''s arm, but Zhou Qun quickly moved away, a flash of disgust in his eyes. Jiang Lu didn''t notice and thought he had just accidentally moved his arm. She took a step forward, grabbed Zhou Qun''s arm, and said, "Qun Ge, no matter what, we''ll be fine."0


    Zhou Qun gave a soft "Hmm" and tried to pull his hand away but ultimately restrained himself.0


    Although Aunt Su and Jiang Lu were quite willing to go along with this arrangement, Zhou Qun didn''t express any opposition either. In reality, if you were to ask if he was particularly happy about it, Zhou Qun wasn''t. He just wanted a son, and as for a new woman... ever since the ghost incident in the restroom, his interest in women had waned considerably.0


    Not only had his interest diminished, but he now found women quite repulsive.0


    He said, "Wife, do we really have to do this? I do want a son, but I find other women disgusting. I have no interest in them at all."0


    Jiang Lu looked at him with emotion and said, "Qun Ge, I know you love me the most. Just bear with it for a while. Once we have a child, everything will be fine... we can''t not have a child."0


    Zhou Qun was silent for a moment before nodding, "You''re right, I''m being selfish."0


    "No, Qun Ge, I know you''re like this because you love me."0


    Zhou Qun gave a faint smile and then said seriously, "I swear to you, I have no interest in other women."0


    Jiang Lu was even more moved, excitedly saying, "Qun Ge, we will definitely be happy in the future."0


    Zhou Qun nodded. The couple went downstairs and just as they reached the second floor, they saw Zhuang Zhixi coming out of his director''s office. Zhuang Zhixi was wearing a white shirt and dark blue trousers. Generally, this was the standard attire for male colleagues in the office.0


    But with Zhuang Zhixi''s tall stature, standing at over six feet, his straight back and long legs made him look like he belonged in a parade, exuding a very spirited aura.0


    Zhou Qun: "Zhixi..."0


    He hadn''t noticed before, but Zhuang Zhixi was really tall.0


    Zhuang Zhixi politely greeted them and then returned to his office. Zhou Qun glanced in that direction and said, "Zhuang Zhixi married a woman who''s not worthy of him."0


    Jiang Lu nodded, "Zhuang Zhixi is indeed not worthy of his wife. His wife''s conditions are quite good."0


    Zhou Qun was speechless, "I was saying that Zhuang Zhixi''s wife is not worthy of him, you got it backwards."0


    Jiang Lu: "..."0


    She disagreed but didn''t say anything, instead quickly adding, "You''re right, Zhuang Zhixi''s wife is indeed not worthy of him."0


    Zhou Qun: "Exactly. Ming Mei, she''s not very handsome, her temper isn''t good, she looks delicate but is quick to fight. A woman should be gentle and loving, not throwing punches at the slightest disagreement. It''s crude!"0


    He glanced at Zhuang Zhixi''s office again and said, "Zhuang Zhixi, although he''s a bit talkative, can be considered a sunny young man, and is also smart. He just didn''t get the chance to go to university, but if he had, he would definitely have passed. Both brothers in their family were good students. Look at Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua, they only finished elementary school, but their sons were both good at studying. I wonder who they take after. Although Zhuang Zhiyuan is not as good as Zhuang Zhixi, he did quite well when he took the college entrance exam. It''s rare to get into university, and he did well enough to directly get a job in the railway department."0


    Jiang Lu nodded, "You''re right. Oh, but you don''t like their family, why are you saying nice things about them?"0


    Zhou Qun said with conviction, "I''m just being objective, one thing at a time."0


    Jiang Lu looked at Zhou Qun with admiration, saying, "Qun Ge, you''re such a wonderful person."0


    Zhou Qun gave a forced smile.0


    The couple continued on their way to the security office. Zhuang Zhixi stood by the window, watching them pass by, then returned to his seat. Although he was a newcomer in the propaganda department, his director hadn''t treated him like one, already assigning him tasks.0


    Old Huang: "The director asked you to write an article promoting our factory?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "I have no idea where to start."0


    Sister Cui: "Who does, really?"0


    In previous years, everyone had been anxious about this, as the praise for the factory was repetitive, and it was easy to read on the radio. But when it came to submitting articles to various journals, getting them published was difficult.0


    In previous years, everyone had been scratching their heads over this, but this year, everyone was pretending to be dead and begging for mercy.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, the new guy, was assigned to handle this task.0


    Sister Cui is a nice person, and after getting to know Zhuang Zhixi over the past couple of days, she leaned in and whispered to him, "Just write it down. If it passes, great; if not, just return it. We''ve returned plenty in previous years. Don''t push yourself too hard."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, taking her advice to heart.0


    Sister Cui then continued, "Hey, have you guys heard? Bai Fendou tried to jump off a building at the hospital yesterday?"0


    Everyone nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we''ve heard."0


    Old Cao chimed in, "The security department was talking about it this morning, telling everyone they met at the gate. Now the whole factory knows. It''s such a disgrace to men. I''ve never seen such a cowardly man. He has the guts to do bad things but not to face the consequences."0


    Zhuang Zhixi interjected, "Do you guys want to know the latest developments?"0


    Everyone turned to him in unison, asking, "What? Is there more to this story?"0


    "Zhuang Zhixi, don''t hold out on us. Spit it out."0


    "Yeah, you live in the same courtyard, you must have insider info. Tell us what''s going on. But what more could there be? Isn''t it just about how they''re going to handle Bai Fendou and his father?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled calmly and said, "The latest news is that Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu have forgiven Bai Fendou. They should be at the security department right now, pleading for leniency for Bai Fendou and his father. I think they''re probably already there by now."0


    "What?!"0


    "Holy crap!"0


    Even Little Xu, who usually had a bit of a distaste for Zhuang Zhixi, came over to join the gossip, looking utterly confused. This situation was just beyond comprehension.0


    Everyone let out shocked exclamations and then looked at each other, momentarily at a loss for words. Old Huang even scratched his hair, making it messy, and deeply lamented the complexity of society.0


    As a tech-savvy introvert, he really wasn''t cut out for such a complicated world, with its intricate human relationships.0


    Such a big deal, and it''s just going to be swept under the rug?0


    Everyone was silent, utterly bewildered.0


    But the most bewildered, the absolutely flabbergasted ones, were the security department. Section Chief Liu looked at Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu standing in front of him and couldn''t help but dig his ear, saying, "What did you just say? Can you repeat that for me? Did I hear wrong? I must have heard wrong, right?"0


    Zhou Qun was a bit embarrassed but repeated himself.0


    This time, not just Section Chief Liu, but the entire security department was left in a state of shock.0


    Zhang San asked the burning question, "He harassed your wife, and you''re saying it was just a joke, and you''re letting it go??"0


    Zhou Qun, with sincerity shining through the awkwardness, said: "We''re all neighbors, he didn''t mean it. We have to allow people to make mistakes and give them a chance to correct themselves. Besides, he didn''t really make a mistake. He had no bad intentions; it was just a joke. Actually, he''s just too fond of joking around. We often joke like this."0


    He nudged Jiang Lu, and she immediately nodded, "Yes, I overreacted a bit. It''s really not a big deal."0


    Section Chief Liu was at a loss for words, "He was joking? He joked and you kicked him?"0


    Jiang Lu also felt awkward but held her ground, "Actually, at the time, I was too excited and misunderstood him, but when I thought about it later, I realized he''s not that kind of person. The security department can''t wrong an innocent man!"0


    Section Chief Liu finally couldn''t hold back, "Nonsense! Innocent? What kind of innocent person does something like that? All the things he''s done, not a single one can be called innocent. I don''t know what kind of benefits you''ve received to be willing to let them off the hook. But let me tell you, you''re aiding and abetting evil! You''re making a mistake. Think carefully before you speak! Is what you''re doing right?"0


    Jiang Lu panicked for a moment.0


    Zhou Qun looked at Section Chief Liu and thought, he really has a manly aura!0


    But he quickly snapped back to reality, holding his wife''s hand, which immediately gave Jiang Lu courage. She said seriously, "I didn''t take any benefits, and I''m not lying. I just can''t stand to see an innocent person being wronged!"0


    Section Chief Liu was speechless.0


    He looked at the couple and pointed at them, shouting, "Get out of here!"

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87Strange things happen every year, but this year seems particularly abundant.0


    The actions of Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu truly shocked a lot of people, including even Section Chief Liu.0


    This really proves the old saying: when the forest is big, all kinds of birds can be found. Section Chief Liu had always looked down on Zhou Qun and his wife, and now he looked down on them even more. It wasn''t that he necessarily wanted to do something to Bai Fendou and his father, but this situation was certainly not a trivial matter.0


    They were desperately trying to absolve Bai Fendou and his father of any wrongdoing, and since Bai Fendou and his father were not punished this time, what if they didn''t change their ways?0


    Section Chief Liu was utterly disgusted. He banged the table and cursed, and the security department all cowered, but under the insistence of Zhou Qun and his wife, the security department ultimately did not seriously pursue the responsibility of Bai Fendou and his father.0


    By rights, they should have been sent to prison to sew clothes.0


    However, this time, these things were avoided. Even so, Section Chief Liu was unyielding at the factory internal meeting, firmly stating: "Our security department absolutely cannot tolerate the presence of someone like Bai Fendou. The security department is here to ensure the safety of the factory and its workers. If we have a black sheep among us, how can we command respect? How will others view our security department, and how will they view the authority of the factory? Moreover, we all know what happened. Does a joke from Zhou Qun and his wife make this matter completely resolved? What are we supposed to do? Pretend everyone is blind? Does Zhou Qun''s family not care about this, but will others not care? What if they offend again? Who can guarantee they won''t offend again? Who can guarantee that!"0


    These words left the entire room in silence.0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang, who had seen many interesting situations, also disliked this family quite a bit. People, after all, have both good and bad qualities, but what kind of people are they? He coughed and said, "I also support Section Chief Liu. Bai Fendou absolutely cannot continue to stay in the security department."0


    "Our logistics department also cannot keep Old Bai working in the boiler room. We cannot afford to have such a morally corrupt person.¡± He said, "Everyone should not think that working in the boiler room is a trivial matter. This is not a small matter. If Old Bai takes revenge on society and makes a big move, this will not be a small matter. In short, this job is not suitable for Old Bai."0


    Actually, this matter could have been handled quite easily. Although it was a loss of face for the factory, sending them to prison would have been enough. But since the victims, Zhou Qun and his wife, insisted it was a joke, some things couldn''t be handled that way.0


    But certainly, they couldn''t leave it without any explanation, or else with over ten thousand people in the factory, what credibility would they have?0


    The factory director pondered for a moment and said, "How about we remove both of them from their positions?"0


    He hesitated for a while and said, "Other departments..."0


    "We don''t want them."0


    "We don''t want them either."0


    Why should they bear the burden for Bai Fendou and his father? If it were Jiang Lu, maybe there would be some possibility because of her father, but Bai Fendou... Who even knows who he is? With such poor character, what if something happens in the workshop?0


    "Isn''t Old Fan, who cleans the toilets and carries manure, getting old and planning to let his son take over?" As the deputy director in charge of logistics, Deputy Factory Director Zhang knew some small details about the factory that other leaders didn''t.0


    The logistics director immediately nodded: "Yes, Old Fan''s son is going to take over."0


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang: "Then how about this, let''s directly assign both Bai Fendou and his father to clean the toilets and carry manure. Old Fan''s son is definitely a young man, and young men are strong. It''s better to let him directly enter the workshop."0


    The logistics director''s eyes lit up and he nodded: "That works."0


    He thought this was quite good. Although it''s a formal job, who would want to clean toilets and carry manure at a young age? Everyone in Beijing wants face. If they can enter the workshop, no one would be willing to carry manure.0


    Like Old Fan, he had privately approached him, wanting to switch his son''s job, but how could that be easy? After all, this kind of work is not something everyone is willing to do. He didn''t take it seriously, but he didn''t expect this to turn out unexpectedly well.0


    Thinking about it, he was quite happy. If he could arrange for Bai Fendou and his father to take over, then Old Fan''s son could go to the workshop. He wouldn''t have taken the things from Old Fan for nothing. Moreover, there''s Old Tian, who has always been diligent and hardworking. Previously, there was no opportunity to switch jobs, but this time it just so happens to give him a chance to switch out.0


    After thinking about it, the logistics director''s eyes were full of joy and he said, "I think this is a good idea, really not bad."0


    "Then it''s settled."0


    Usually, meetings are for discussing important matters, but this was the first time they were discussing something like this. Even the big men present had a bit of gossip in them. The factory director curiously asked, "Is it really... broken?"0


    "Broken for sure."0


    Everyone clicked their tongues, sighing that it was deserved.0


    But they also more so felt the fragility of men. This really breaks easily, really not durable at all.0


    "When can they come back to work? It''s not good for them to stay in the hospital forever. The factory can''t let them come and go as they please, wanting to rest whenever they want."0


    Section Chief Liu: "Besides being broken, they don''t have other major issues. Being broken, it''ll take about a week to recover. Carrying manure won''t affect that."0


    "Alright, since that''s the case, you can convey this."0


    "Okay."0


    Bai Fendou and his father, who were in the hospital, didn''t know anything yet. The factory office had already issued a notice, and a big notice was posted on the wall, detailing the results of this punishment. As soon as work was over, many people gathered around it, pointing and talking about the announcement.0


    However, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know about this. He had taken the afternoon off and rushed straight to his mother-in-law''s house. Since Ming Mei was pregnant, of course, the first thing was to inform the family elders. Ming Mei''s mother, Lan Ling, was at home taking care of the children.0


    Ming Mei''s older brother had two children, also a brother and sister combination. The older brother had already gone to kindergarten, and the younger sister was still a baby, just learning to crawl, not yet knowing the difference between four, five, and six. Ming Mei''s older brother and sister-in-law were both at work, and Lan Ling was at home preparing milk powder for the baby when she heard a knock on the door. She was puzzled and opened the door to see her son-in-law.0


    Looking around, she didn''t see her own daughter. Lan Ling: "Xiao Zhuang, come in. Why are you here at this time?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded happily. He entered the house and couldn''t wait to say, "Mom, I''m here to share some good news. Ming Mei is pregnant."0


    He blurted out the whole story, and Lan Ling''s eyes lit up with joy. As a mother, she was so happy she didn''t know what to say, but soon she snapped back to reality and started giving advice. Her daughter-in-law had given birth not long ago, so she still remembered the details of pregnancy very clearly.0


    Zhuang Zhixi listened carefully, really wishing he could find a notebook and write it all down, not missing a single word.0


    Lan Ling was very satisfied with her son-in-law''s attitude. As the saying goes, a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law and likes him more and more. Lan Ling was no exception. She knew her own daughter well, and after interacting with Zhuang Zhixi for a while, she felt that the two of them were quite compatible. Naturally, as a mother, she was happy.0


    She said, "I can''t go over right now because I''m taking care of the kids. We''ll go over after they get off work in the evening. Ming Mei is now a pregnant woman, and her mood might be a bit unpredictable. You, as her husband, have to be more tolerant. This is the most fragile time for her."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "I understand."0


    Lan Ling: "Ming Mei''s personality is a bit lively and she can''t stand any injustice. If something happens, don''t let her rush into things. I don''t care how she was before, but now that she has a child, it''s not okay."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded again: "Mom, don''t worry, I''ll definitely watch out for her."0


    Lan Ling: "That''s right. The matters between you two as a couple, we elders don''t interfere much, but this period is special, so you have to be more accommodating."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, I know these principles. Ming Mei is the most difficult at this time, and I won''t be insensible."0


    Lan Ling showed a happy expression.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "By the way, Mom, I want to ask you, do you know how to buy adult milk powder? I want to buy some for Ming Mei. Pregnancy still requires some supplements."0


    Lan Ling: "This... don''t worry about it. I''ll prepare it for you."0


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly waved his hands, "No need, no need, Mom. We''re fine on our own. I''ve been transferred to the propaganda department, now in an administrative position, and my salary has increased by five yuan per month. Ming Mei earns even more than I do. Between the two of us, we make quite a bit each month. My parents only need ten yuan for their living expenses, so we''re quite comfortable."0


    Lan Ling understood that her son-in-law didn''t want to take advantage too much, so she directly said, "What you have is yours, but what we elders choose to give is our business. Don''t think you''re rich just because you have a little money. There will be plenty of expenses when raising a child. Besides, what the elders give you is yours. I don''t like it when you''re too formal."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then, thank you, Mom."0


    Lan Ling: "Oh right. Wait a moment."0


    She quickly got up and went into the room, returning shortly with a serious expression. Zhuang Zhixi looked at her curiously. Lan Ling handed him a small velvet bag and said, "You''re a man, so you don''t know. When a woman is pregnant, it''s extremely difficult. If the baby in the womb behaves, it''s fine, but if it''s a bit mischievous, the pregnant woman suffers terribly. Don''t think giving birth is easy; it''s actually very taxing on the body. We won''t even talk about the postpartum confinement period; just the morning sickness in the early stages is unbearable. So..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Do you have a solution?"0


    His eyes lit up.0


    Even the doctors only suggested eating something sour to alleviate it.0


    Maybe his mother-in-law had a better method?0


    Lan Ling: "This is the time to trust old sayings. Here, take this and keep it. Give it to Ming Mei when you get home and tell her to put it under her pillow. Actually, wearing it would be better. But with all the chaos outside, it''s better not to attract attention. Have her hide it in her pillow. This jade is very good at calming emotions, helping her stay peaceful. And this is a lucky bean. Lucky bean, lucky bean, meaning lots of luck. It''s the best. Ming Mei sleeping with the lucky bean every night, how can she not be well?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi took the small velvet bag, inside which was a green jade lucky bean with a fresh red string attached.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    He scratched his head.0


    Lan Ling: "Don''t underestimate this. It''s not some feudal superstition; it''s very logical. Think about it, if it weren''t good, why would so-and-so and so-and-so wear it back then? It''s very beneficial for women."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded seriously, "Alright, I''ll keep it. I''ll give it to Ming Mei as soon as I get home."0


    Lan Ling also reminded him, "Don''t show it around, okay?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded solemnly. He looked down at the emerald green jade, which seemed very rich in color. He held it up to the sunlight and saw that it appeared flawless. He said, "It looks very good."0


    Lan Ling raised an eyebrow, "You know about this?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "How would I know? I just think it looks pretty nice."0


    Lan Ling: "That''s how these things are. People who like them think they''re priceless, while those who don''t think they''re just ordinary. It''s all about personal preference. For families like ours, we can''t afford the absolute best, but this is pretty good without being extraordinary. Of course, it''s not worthless either. You should keep it well."0


    She added, "Save it for your child later."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."0


    His smile brightened a bit.0


    Lan Ling asked a few more questions about Ming Mei, then said, "Alright, you can go now. Your father and I will come over tonight."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."0


    After delivering the message, he looked at the time and found it was still early, so he went straight to the supply and marketing cooperative, buying a pound of sesame cakes. There were still some sweets at home, and he didn''t dare buy too much of other things since the weather was getting hotter and things wouldn''t keep well.0


    He''d buy more as needed.0


    Due to the leave, Zhuang Zhixi had more time and returned earlier than others in the afternoon. Since the weather had warmed up, women who didn''t work had taken to sitting in the courtyard chatting while doing small tasks like picking vegetables or mending clothes, not wasting any time.0


    Zhuang Zhixi entered the house and saw only his sister-in-law, not his mother, so he asked, "Sister-in-law, where''s Mom?"0


    Liang Meifen: "She went fishing."0


    Liang Meifen felt a bit sour inside. She thought her mother-in-law favored Ming Mei more, but she couldn''t say this in front of others. If she did, it might reach her mother-in-law''s ears and cause trouble. Liang Meifen wasn''t very decisive, but her mouth was tight.0


    And there was a fundamental difference between educated and uneducated people.0


    Liang Meifen wasn''t the sharpest, but her mother-in-law treated her children well and never skimped on food, which was rare. Although there were also mild mother-in-laws like Aunt Su in their courtyard, Wang Xiangxiu''s life wasn''t easy.0


    Zhao Guihua''s temper was a bit bad, but they didn''t have to support the family like Wang Xiangxiu.0


    So while Liang Meifen felt a bit jealous of her sister-in-law, she didn''t complain to the neighbors. Besides, her mother-in-law wasn''t easy to deal with, and her sister-in-law wasn''t either.0


    She didn''t want to get beaten up.0


    After all, they were all family, and getting beaten was just part of the deal.0


    She volunteered, "Mom said pregnant women need to eat more fish, so after lunch, she took the fishing rod and basket and left."0


    She then pointed to the small fenced-off area in the courtyard, "Mom said we''re going to raise chickens."0


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "That''s great. It''ll be convenient to have eggs later."0


    He brought the sesame cakes inside and stored them, then quickly went to the main house to boil water. In winter, they had a stove in their room and boiled water there, but after winter, they boiled water in the main house. Not giving individual rooms their own stoves. As he boiled water, his gaze fell on the newly added stove in front of their house, and he raised an eyebrow.0


    He couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off about it.0


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at it a few more times but couldn''t figure out what was wrong.0


    Could his mother be hiding good stuff here?0


    He shook his head with a chuckle; his family, born into a poor farming background, had managed to become factory workers, a significant improvement. Where could they have any good stuff? But Zhuang Zhixi knew that his parents were hardworking, otherwise, his siblings and he wouldn''t have had it so easy.0


    If they were still farming in the village, life would be truly hard.0


    He lowered his head to boil water and called out through the window, "Sister-in-law."0


    Liang Meifen: "What is it?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Come here for a moment."0


    Liang Meifen got up and walked to the kitchen window in confusion, asking, "What¡¯s the matter?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom doesn''t know when she''ll be back. If she comes back late, sister-in-law, could you make something good for dinner?" He explained, "I went to my mother-in-law''s house this afternoon. They are planning to come over to see Mingmei in the evening. Although they didn''t say whether they would come over for dinner, I thought it would be good to prepare in advance. Even if they don''t come to eat, if we don''t prepare at all, it would be a mess."0


    This matter was not handled smoothly by him; he should have asked about it. However, he was just too excited about his wife being pregnant, which made him a bit oblivious.0


    Liang Meifen furrowed her brows and said, "It can be done, but all our food, clothing, and daily necessities are controlled by my mother-in-law..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If Mom asks, I will tell her."0


    Liang Meifen: "Okay."0


    She felt a surge of resentment again. Both were doing the same thing, but her brother-in-law could take on that role, while her own man was cold and indifferent towards her family. She was uncomfortable with it, but there was nothing she could say.0


    Are you blaming your man?0


    Then she is also reluctant.0


    However, speaking of which, his parents and younger brother seem to have not contacted her for a while recently. Initially, they wanted to borrow money from her to buy a three-wheeled vehicle, which costs thirty-six legs. She didn¡¯t have a penny to spare, but she couldn''t miss her younger brother''s wedding either.0


    She should do more for her brother; there aren¡¯t many women like her sister-in-law. When she went back to her family to "fight for her brother''s rights," it unexpectedly caused unhappiness for the whole family. Not only was her future sister-in-law unhappy, but her brother was also displeased, subtly complaining about her in his words.0


    And her parents... how could her parents say she is a troublemaker?0


    Thinking about all this, Liang Meifen felt a wave of sadness. Ever since their last argument, they hadn''t come looking for her. She hadn''t returned to her parents'' home either, as she only went back when there was something to do. There was no need to go otherwise.0


    As the saying goes, "Once a daughter is married, she''s like water spilled on the ground." She had her own life to live, but deep down, she still felt a bit unsettled.0


    "What''s wrong?" someone noticed Liang Meifen''s troubled expression and quickly asked.0


    Aunt Zhou''s eyes darted around, eager to catch a glimpse of someone else''s misfortune.0


    Liang Meifen replied, "I suddenly thought about my family. My younger brother''s wife¡­"0


    She started talking nonstop. Naturally, she wouldn''t say anything bad about her parents or brother, but her sister-in-law? That was a different story. She had to talk about her shortcomings, and she did so in great detail.0


    "Oh, that''s a lot! Is she made of gold or something?"0


    "Hai, maybe she thinks she''s quite something¡­"0


    Although they didn''t know the person at all, the women quickly got into the gossip. Zhuang Zhixi finished boiling water and filled the thermos before heading out on his bike. Aunt Wang asked, "Zhuang Zhixi, are you heading out again?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I''m going to pick up my wife after work."0


    Zhuang Zhixi went to pick up Ming Mei after her shift, just in time to miss the usual crowd of people getting off work. He had taken the afternoon off and wasn''t at the factory, so he hadn''t seen the notice. However, almost every household in their courtyard had someone working at the factory. For example, both Li the Cook and his son-in-law got off work earlier. Being in the logistics department was less demanding than other workshops, so they finished earlier. As soon as Yang Lixin returned, he announced loudly, "I have news about the Bai family''s punishment!"0


    This statement caught everyone''s attention. "What happened?"0


    "How were they dealt with?"0


    Everyone was eager to know the outcome, especially after hearing about Aunt Zhou''s fake "forgiveness" the day before. Some believed it, others didn''t. They were all waiting to see the result.0


    Yang Lixin''s voice was loud and clear. "Bai Fendou and his father are off the hook. They just got transferred to a different position."0 S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone was shocked and looked at Aunt Zhou, wondering what kind of benefits the Zhou family had received to let the Bai family off so easily. If it was just neighborly kindness, no one believed it. Aunt Zhou wasn''t the type to be so forgiving.0


    "Aunt Zhou, you really forgave the Bai family? You''re quite something."0


    "Oh my, I never expected that."0


    "Aunt Zhou, are you still holding a torch for Old Bai?"0


    Aunt Zhou was extremely unhappy with these comments and snapped, "You bunch of gossipy busybodies, stop talking nonsense! Can''t I just let it go for the sake of being neighbors? Bai Fendou and his father have already been humiliated enough. We live in the same courtyard; can''t we just let bygones be bygones? We''re not that heartless."0


    She had her own calculations. Although there was some backroom dealing, she also wanted to paint a good picture of herself.0


    Everyone rolled their eyes, not believing Aunt Zhou''s kindness for a second.0


    "So, they got transferred? To where?"0


    Yang Lixin nodded, struggling to hide his smile. "Yes, transferred. Now Bai Fendou and his father are in the same position."0


    "Oh, did Old Bai get transferred to the security department too?"0


    "Don''t be silly. Security isn''t something just anyone can get into. And with what they did, do you really think they''d get a better position? Plus, Old Bai''s too old to be in security! He''d be useless even if he ran into a thief."0


    "Probably Bai Fendou and his dad are both cleaning boilers now. Guess it''s a family business."0


    Yang Lixin casually said, "Nope, you''re all wrong. Bai Fendou and his dad were both transferred. They''re now in the logistics department, cleaning toilets and emptying latrines."0


    "Pfft!"0


    "What?!"0


    "Ahahahahahaha!"0


    The sharp laughter came from Aunt Zhou. Although she had let the Bai family off, seeing them suffer still brought her great joy.0


    "Emptying latrines? How could they be assigned to that?" Aunt Su, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke up in a panic. "What''s going on? They didn''t do anything wrong. How could they be transferred to such a job?"0


    Yang Lixin, who harbored a deep grudge against the Bai family over the "antiques" incident, didn''t hold back. Nor did he have a good attitude toward the Su family, who always sided with the Bai family. He smirked and said, "Who said they were transferred because of a mistake? If they had really done something wrong, they''d be fired. Since nothing happened, this is just a normal work transfer. There''s no such thing as a high or low job. Every job is for serving the people. What''s wrong with cleaning toilets? It''s all the same. Serving the people. Aunt Su, your attitude is problematic. I think they''re doing just fine. At least father and son can help each other out."0


    Aunt Su''s face turned pale. She hadn''t expected that even though the Zhou family had let it go, the factory hadn''t. Although she was known for being able to make a scene, this time it wouldn''t work. She had no legitimate reason to go to the factory and cause a fuss.0


    She wasn''t Old Bai''s wife or anything.0


    Taking a deep breath, she struggled to control her anxiety.0


    It was clear that working in security and cleaning latrines were two very different things. Not only was the latter undignified, but the pay was likely to be lower too. Her face darkened with resentment.0


    Aunt Zhou looked at Aunt Su, her eyes filled with glee. Regardless of how others felt, she was truly in a good mood. She hummed a tune and said, "Today is such a good day."0


    Yang Lixin added, "The factory should be notifying them. They can''t keep taking sick leave forever. The factory gave them a week off, and after that, they have to start their new jobs. I guess that''s a promotion, right? From being security guards to becoming ''toilet managers.''"0


    "Pfft!"0


    Everyone burst out laughing, and the courtyard was filled with a lively atmosphere.0


    Aunt Su was unhappy, but no one cared about her feelings.0


    Everyone found it amusing.0


    The Bai father and son really seemed destined to have a close relationship with toilets.0


    Aunt Su awkwardly stood up and said, "I''m going to the toilet."0


    "I''ll come with you," Aunt Zhou quickly followed, and the two left the courtyard together. Once outside, seeing no one around, Aunt Zhou immediately said, "We''ve done our part as promised. We don''t care if Bai Fendou and his father are cleaning toilets. If it weren''t for my son Zhou Qun, they''d be in jail by now. You promised us, and you have to keep your word, not a single bit less."0


    Aunt Su sighed softly and said, "Aunt Zhou, since I promised, I will definitely follow through. Don''t doubt me. After so many years as neighbors, don''t you know me?"0


    Aunt Zhou pressed further, "So, have you found someone?"0


    Aunt Su nodded. "If I hadn''t found a suitable candidate, why would I have approached you? Aunt Zhou, you misunderstand me too much. I''ve already found the right person. You prepare a bit on your side, and I''ll discuss it on mine. We''ll take you to meet her in the next couple of days. She''s the cousin of my eldest daughter''s husband, the third daughter of her aunt''s family. They''re from a rural area, a family that had nine daughters and is still trying for a son. Such a family would be very willing to get rid of one more mouth to feed. You don''t need to give them any money; just provide a place to stay and food. It''s like having an extra maid. If she gets pregnant and gives you a grandson, you can decide whether to keep her or send her back to her family. Either way, it''s fine."0


    Aunt Zhou''s eyes lit up with joy. "That sounds perfect."0


    She hadn''t expected that in her old age, she''d get to experience the life of a landlord, having an extra maid.0


    "Make it quick. But won''t this be a troublemaker?"0


    Aunt Su: "You make it sound like she''s some kind of troublemaker, just a country girl. What could she possibly stir up? She can''t even stir her own family! You yourself came from the countryside, you know how naive country girls are. You tell her to go east, and she won''t dare go west. This is my own relative, and if it weren''t for the sake of helping Old Bai, I wouldn''t be doing this."0


    She sighed, "I''m not that heartless, but our family has been indebted to the Bai family for so many years, and we''ve never been able to repay them. Now that something''s happened to the Bai family, how could we just turn a blind eye? People only realize the depth of their bonds during times of trouble. I don''t have any romantic feelings for Old Bai, but we''re like siblings."0


    Aunt Zhou let out a cold laugh, not believing a single word, not even a punctuation mark. She knew exactly what kind of people this family was.0


    Aunt Zhou: "Enough with the act, we all know each other. Just hurry up and bring that girl over."0


    "Alright."0


    The two women whispered in the restroom, which was empty at the moment, so they didn''t bother to lower their voices. After all, they were just two uneducated housewives who didn''t think much about the consequences. Little did they know, what they said could be heard next door!0


    They thought the women''s restroom was empty and they could talk freely, but they didn''t realize that the men''s restroom next door was occupied.0


    And the person in the men''s restroom wasn''t just anyone; it was Yu Baoshan from the house at the end of the alley.0


    Yes, the one who got swindled by Zhao Guihua.0


    Yu Baoshan wasn''t in the restroom by coincidence; he had hidden some things there, and he was feeling uneasy about it. So, he had been visiting the restroom frequently. This time, he came while most people were still at work, and the area was quiet.0


    For some reason, he felt like his things were missing.0


    In fact, from the ground, you couldn''t see anything, but you had to climb onto the restroom partition to check. However, Yu Baoshan just had this feeling that his things were gone. He had sprained his ankle a few days ago and hadn''t fully recovered, but today, he felt well enough to climb up and take a look.0


    Before he could even start climbing, he overheard Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su''s conversation.0


    In this neighborhood, people had been living here for decades, some for over ten years. Although some residents weren''t very distinctive and their voices might not be easily recognizable, it just so happened that the Zhou and Su families were well-known in the neighborhood.0


    Despite the Zhuang family living quite well, they weren''t the center of gossip in the alley.0


    The real talk of the town were families like the Su''s, with their distinctive characteristics, or the Zhou''s, who were always stirring up trouble. So, Yu Baoshan immediately recognized their voices and knew who they were.0


    The content of their conversation was quite explosive, and he listened intently, a malicious smile spreading across his face.0


    Such a situation was a "goldmine," and if he could catch them in the act, he would have another "windfall." He didn''t like working and preferred doing this kind of thing, not only for the sense of superiority it gave him but also for the potential profits.0


    Of ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????course, he couldn''t make much money directly, as most of the spoils were confiscated, and there were always higher-ups who took their share. He, as just a small fry, could only get a few measly benefits, but even that was enough to make it worthwhile.0


    He used to be too scared to take any risks, as getting caught would have serious consequences. But over the past year, he had become bolder, and he wasn''t the only one doing this secretly. He even knew someone who tried to steal gold bars and flee to Hong Kong.0


    But he wasn''t as foolish as that guy; he had his own plans. Even if he wanted to run away, it wouldn''t be in a hurry; he would do it slowly. Otherwise, he might not even make it out of Beijing.0


    How utterly stupid.0


    The arrest of that guy had caused quite a stir, and now they were much more cautious when confiscating property, usually working in groups to prevent anyone from pocketing anything.0


    Fortunately, he had managed to pull off a big heist before all this.0


    Otherwise, he would have been at a loss.0


    The steady accumulation of small gains wasn''t bad, as it was certainly better than working.0


    But who would want less when they could have more?0


    Working was hard and had its limits, but now that he had a position, they couldn''t stop paying him. If they didn''t, it would be hindering his progress. He hadn''t learned much, but he had mastered the art of throwing around big words.0


    Hearing this conversation, he knew there was money to be made.0


    He grinned sinisterly, deciding not to jump out just yet. If he did, they might deny everything, and he would gain nothing. He would wait, wait for the girl to move in, and maybe even catch them in the act. That way, he would have leverage over the Zhou family, and he didn''t believe he couldn''t squeeze some money out of them.0


    Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu both had decent salaries; surely they could spare some for him.0


    But now wasn''t the right time to make his move. He was... "Damn it!!!"0


    Just as he was reveling in his newfound opportunity to make money, he suddenly froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. He looked around the empty beams, completely panicked. "Where are my things? Who took my things?"0


    At this moment, he couldn''t control his volume, and he was practically frothing at the mouth, his eyes bloodshot.0


    "Where are my gold bars? Who took my gold bars?!"0


    Yu Baoshan''s desperate screams scared the two elderly ladies in the restroom so much that they nearly fell into the toilet. Fortunately, the recent rumors of ghosts in the restroom had made everyone extra cautious, and the two ladies quickly grabbed the wall, narrowly avoiding a fall.0


    Aunt Su reacted quickly, pulling up her pants and running out, while Aunt Zhou wasn''t far behind. They both scrambled out, tripping over each other and falling to the ground, but they kept crawling away.0


    They couldn''t help but be terrified, both looking towards the men''s restroom.0


    Luckily, it was broad daylight, and people were starting to return from work, so the eerie screams from the restroom, though frightening, were clearly not the work of a ghost.0


    The ghost rumors had indeed affected everyone.0


    People gathered outside the restroom, not daring to go in. Meanwhile, Yu Baoshan had climbed onto the beams, his eyes bloodshot, unable to believe what he saw. "Where are my things?!"0


    The restroom wasn''t very complicated, and even though the beams were a bit dark, it was still clear enough in the daylight. Yu Baoshan was in a frenzy. "Who took my things?"0


    At this point, Yu Baoshan was completely losing it. He was usually a very composed person, but no one could stay calm when faced with losing a fortune. After all, what he had lost was a treasure that many people could never earn in a lifetime.0


    How could he not go mad? He knew it would be nearly impossible to find another chance like this. In the past, there were capitalists, but in recent years, they had become scarce. Even if they found someone with issues, most were just ordinary people with bad backgrounds, making it hard to get any money.0


    "Who took it? Who took my things?"0


    Yu Baoshan was going crazy in the restroom, and by now, people were returning from work. Even Zhuang Zhixi had picked up Ming Mei, and the couple was curious about the crowd gathered at the restroom entrance. Zhuang Zhixi pulled his wife back, saying, "Let''s step back a bit; you don''t want to get pushed."0


    He then added in a "quiet" voice, "If someone falls in, we don''t want to get splashed."0


    "You''re so right."0


    Others also quietly stepped back.0


    But there were always those with bigger guts, like their neighbor from the next courtyard. When the ghost rumors started, he was the first to open his door, though he did get a scare. But such boldness was hard to change.0


    Strong-Willed stepped forward and peered into the restroom, only to hear someone in a frenzy: "Who took my gold and silver jewelry!"0


    Oh boy, he heard it loud and clear.0


    So did everyone else.0


    Yu Baoshan was completely unable to calm down. He pounded heavily on the beam and cursed, "You bastard, damn it! If I catch you, I''ll kill you!"0


    He pounded with all his might, thudding loudly. Suddenly, there was a click... thud!0


    Everyone watched as the restroom made a noise, and a long-neglected wooden beam couldn''t take it anymore. With a loud crash, it broke, right where Yu Baoshan was sitting. There was a loud clatter... "Ahhhhh!!!"0


    Screams echoed as he reached out and grabbed something, feeling the restroom about to collapse.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy crap!"0


    He quickly pulled his wife and quickly moved a few steps toward their home, staying as far away as possible. This public restroom had been around for quite some time. With that pull, a large section of the roof instantly collapsed.0


    "Someone''s trapped under there."0


    "Holy crap, good thing we got away."0


    "My goodness, thank heavens..."0


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Many old restrooms in other streets have been renovated, but we''re still using the old one from twenty years ago. The beams are wooden, and it''s clear that long neglect just doesn''t work..."0


    "Exactly, this time the street office will have to renovate ours. Others have concrete ones, which are much more durable."0


    "Exactly."0


    "Hey, wasn''t there someone in there? Let''s hurry and save them."0


    It''s true that people are still warm-hearted. Everyone quickly moved over. Zhuang Zhixi kindly reminded, "Be careful, there are scattered wooden pieces, watch your step, and don''t fall into the pit."0


    "My goodness, can''t you say something nice?"0


    "But he''s right, let''s hurry and save the person."0


    A few men at the front moved closer and finally managed to pull the person out. Yu Baoshan was now covered in blood. He had fallen from the roof and struggled, accidentally hitting his head. Blood covered his face, looking quite frightening.0


    However, Yu Baoshan hadn''t fainted. Instead, his teeth were clenched, but at this moment, his reason had returned somewhat, realizing that some things couldn''t be said. But he had already blurted out too much.0


    He tried hard to calm down, but his face was still ghastly pale.0


    He looked gloomy like a demon from hell.0


    "Uh... you... you..."0


    "Oh, it''s you, Xiao Yu. Are you alright? You''re hurt pretty badly..."0


    "Don''t chit-chat, hurry and call his family, send him to the hospital."0


    "Right, right."0


    Yu Baoshan took deep breaths, trying to calm down.0


    But losing so many things, he really couldn''t calm down, only managing to say stiffly, "Thank you."0


    Fortunately, there was only him in the restroom. If there had been others, he wouldn''t have climbed onto the beam so recklessly. Now, not only had he lost his things, but he had also lost face. The Yu family soon arrived, wailing, "Son, what happened to you? How could you have ended up like this? This restroom should have been renovated long ago. The street office doesn''t care, forcing us to make do. Look, look at what they''ve done to you. The street office has to take responsibility!"0


    Truly, there''s always someone worse off. Before anything was resolved, they were already planning to pin it on the street office.0


    "Auntie Yu, don''t talk anymore. Hurry and send him to the hospital. Look at all that blood."0


    "Yes, no matter what, let''s deal with it later. Hurry..."0


    The Yu family had many brothers, and several came over. They didn''t need help from outsiders, borrowing a small cart and quickly pushing him away, shouting. Yu Baoshan sat in the cart, emanating a gloomy aura.0


    Perhaps it was due to excessive anger, but suddenly, he slumped in the cart and fainted.0


    "My heavens!"0


    "Oh my, hurry, let''s go to the hospital!"0


    Some also sighed.0


    "How did it collapse so suddenly..."0


    "Was it because he was pounding? I glanced at the door when I passed by, but it collapsed too quickly to be sure."0


    Strong-Willed was the closest to the truth. He felt he had to speak up and not let the street office be blamed unjustly.0


    "I''m just telling the truth. I walked to the door and saw him sitting on the beam, pounding away, and then the wood broke... luckily, I dodged in time."0


    "I believe that. I also heard him mention gold and silver jewelry... what was he saying?"0


    "He said someone took his gold and silver jewelry. How could he have such things? And how could he keep them in the restroom?"0


    "Exactly."0


    Everyone discussed, somewhat confused, but Aunt Wang, who was more responsible, actively said, "Everyone, don''t use this restroom today. Go a bit further to the next alley. If it collapses again and hurts someone, it''ll be bad."0


    She didn''t stay long, saying, "I''ll go to the street office. I hope they haven''t left yet."0


    Her words didn''t affect some people, like Aunt Zhou, who immediately rushed over and started rummaging through the fallen wood in the restroom, occasionally looking up. Aunt Su also quickly understood and rushed over.0


    The two women started digging, and others with quick minds also moved in. Regardless of what was going on, they had heard about gold and silver jewelry.0


    Zhuang Zhixi, holding Ming Mei, watched the commotion from the side. Seeing everyone rushing over and competing, he deeply felt that these people didn''t bring their brains with them when they went out? If there were really valuables, would Yu Baoshan have gone crazy like that?0


    Besides, if there really were valuables, he wouldn''t have let his family take him away.0


    These people were truly blinded by the thought of gold and silver.0


    "Hey, what are you doing? Move aside."0


    "Why should I move aside? Is this your place?"0


    "What do you mean? Is it yours if it''s not mine?"0


    Seeing the situation about to escalate, Zhuang Zhixi decisively said, "Wife, let''s go home."0


    He put his arm around Ming Mei''s shoulder and prepared to leave.0


    "Ming Mei."0


    Ming Mei heard someone calling her. Turning back, she saw her parents and older brother.0


    Ming Mei immediately exclaimed with joy, "Mom, Dad!"0


    Ming Xiangdong looked at the dense crowd and the obviously collapsed restroom in surprise, saying, "What''s going on here again?" They saw everyone rummaging through the restroom, quite a few people.0


    Ming Mei''s father sighed, "Do you guys have a problem with restrooms?"0


    "Who knows, let''s go home and avoid Ming Mei getting squeezed."0


    The Ming family quickly moved forward. Ming Mei''s older brother was still looking back at the commotion, saying, "Hey, you guys really know how to make things lively."0


    They returned to the courtyard, and from the right side, someone said, "What are you all doing? Stop messing around. What could be in the restroom?"0


    There were also those who were upright and selfless.0


    Zhuang Zhixi peeked out again and saw the courtyard manager from the next door scolding people.0


    He sighed, "What a mess."0


    He led everyone back. His father and older brother were already at home. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Hey, when did you guys get back?"0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Before the restroom collapsed, I didn''t watch the excitement."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I met Dad at the alley entrance. He said not to watch the commotion and go home, so we came back. I guess we were ahead of you. I heard some noise at the restroom and thought it wasn''t interesting and might ruin my appetite, so I left. I didn''t expect the follow-up to be even more exciting, with it collapsing..."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "What are you talking about? Hurry and welcome the in-laws."0


    He wasn''t good at entertaining guests, saying, "Zhixi, make some tea for your in-laws."0


    Ming Mei smiled, "Don''t treat my parents like outsiders." She then noticed her mother-in-law wasn''t home; it was her older sister-in-law making dinner.0


    Liang Meifen had a painful expression. She also wanted to go out and enjoy the excitement, but instead, she had to cook. She didn''t expect Ming Mei''s parents to actually come over for dinner. It was truly unexpected; what kind of mindset would dare to casually eat at someone else''s house?0


    However, Liang Meifen didn''t pick a fight in front of her mother-in-law. She wasn''t that kind of person.0


    She said, "My mother-in-law went fishing. She left after lunch and hasn''t come back yet."0


    "There''s no need to prepare too many dishes," Lan Ling said with a smile, her voice gentle. "I bought a roasted duck and a pork hock, and..." She continued, "Since your mother-in-law isn''t here, I''ll help out."0


    Liang Meifen was quick to refuse, "No, no, please sit down. You''re a guest."0


    Lan Ling chuckled, "Then I''ll leave it to you."0


    Liang Meifen replied, "It''s no trouble at all."0


    He was practically salivating.0


    Tonight''s meal looked really good.0


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were already peeking at the door, their big eyes full of curiosity as they watched the guest. Lan Ling patted the children''s heads and said, "I bought ice cream and put it in the thermos. Would you like to share it?"0


    The children were shocked.0


    Could they really have ice cream so early?0


    Usually, they only got to eat it during the hottest days of summer!0


    The last time they had it was last summer, and since it wasn''t quite hot yet, their family hadn''t bought any. But now... Hutou swallowed hard, "Me, me, me. Can I have some?"0


    Lan Ling smiled, "Of course you can."0


    "I also brought some for Grandpa Lan and the others. Would you like to take it to them?"0


    Hutou nodded, then shook his head.0


    Lan Ling: "???"0


    Hutou: "No one''s home there. They haven''t come back yet."0


    Old Man Zhuang: "Maybe they''re watching the commotion outside."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No, they weren''t there when we were watching the commotion."0


    Ming Mei, being her father''s daughter, knew him well. Lan Ling remained calm and said, "They must have gone out to eat. Since they''re not here, that makes two extra sticks. You two can have one extra each."0


    Hutou: "!!!"0


    Xiao Yanzi: "!!!"0


    Xiao Yanzi blinked her big eyes and said, "Thank you, pretty auntie."0


    Lan Ling giggled, pinched her cheek, and said, "Oh, what a sweet little girl."0


    Ming Mei: "Come on, give me one..."0


    Lan Ling smiled, "There''s no more left for you."0


    Ming Mei: "Ah???"0


    She stared at her mother in disbelief. No ice cream for her?0


    Lan Ling: "What would a pregnant woman like you want with ice cream? Come, let''s go to your room. I need to give you some advice."0


    Ming Mei: "But I just found out I''m pregnant. What''s wrong with having a little ice cream... There''s no rule against it."0


    The usually gentle Lan Ling turned stern with her daughter, "My word is the rule."0


    Liang Meifen: "..."0


    All mothers are the same.0


    Lan Ling led Ming Mei to their room, carrying a bag. Ming Mei pouted, "Mom, you''re being too strict. I''m married now, why are you still controlling me?"0


    Lan Ling smiled, "Does getting married mean you''re not my child anymore?"0


    Ming Mei: "Of course not."0


    Lan Ling: "Then what are you complaining about?"0


    She said, "I brought you some food. Put it away."0


    Ming Mei immediately leaned in, "What goodies did you bring?"0


    Lan Ling: "I made you some black sesame oil tea this afternoon, with chopped walnuts in it. Have a bowl if you have no appetite, or as a snack at night. I also brought you a can of malted milk and a can of milk powder. Let me know when you finish them, and I''ll prepare more."0


    Ming Mei watched as her mother pulled out beef jerky and said, "This is what your dad bought for you at the black market this afternoon. It''s not much, so keep it for yourself and don''t share it."0


    Ming Mei nodded seriously, then hugged her mother''s arm and said, "Mom, I''m so happy."0


    Lan Ling tapped her forehead and said, "Just take care of yourself, and that''s all I ask. Now that you''re married and not living with us, if the Zhuang family treats you badly, go to your grandfather. He won''t let you suffer."0


    Ming Mei''s lips curled up with pride as she mentioned her grandfather, "Mom, Grandpa really loves me the most. You know that, right? He gave me something special."0


    She closed the door, not worried about being seen, and quickly showed Lan Ling the small golden Buddha her grandfather had given her, "Look!"0


    She was beaming, "No one else has one."0


    Lan Ling''s lips twitched, then she smiled faintly, "Yes, he loves you the most."0


    What a joke. Everyone has one.0


    That old man, so sly!0

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88When Zhao Guihua returned, the meal was almost ready. She carried a bucket, her face beaming with joy.0


    Seeing her in-laws, she greeted them with a hearty laugh, "So, the in-laws are here! You''re in for a treat today, I had a great catch!"0


    She instructed her daughter-in-law, Liang Meifen, to stew two more fish. Liang Meifen quickly got to work, while Zhuang Zhixi peeked in, exclaiming, "Wow, Mom! You''re on fire today! This is a first!"0


    Zhao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Guihua was notoriously the worst fisherman in the family, usually coming back empty-handed. This sudden success was indeed rare. Zhuang Zhixi joked, "If I didn''t know better, I''d think you bought the fish and pretended to have caught them yourself..."0


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look, "If you keep quiet, no one will mistake you for a mute."0


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head, chuckling sheepishly.0


    Zhao Guihua waved him off, "Go on, get out of here. In-laws, you really didn''t have to bring so much stuff." She was well aware of what was in the house and knew what the in-laws had brought.0


    She glanced around and asked, "Isn''t Meimei''s sister-in-law coming?"0


    Lan Ling replied, "She''s at home taking care of the two kids. Our youngest, you know, can''t take a step without being carried."0


    Babies required so much care, and the slightest thing could set them off crying. Lan Ling wouldn''t dare take the little one out unless absolutely necessary.0


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Kids grow up fast. One day they''re crawling, the next they''re climbing roofs. Don''t you think so?"0


    She ruffled the hair of her grandson, Hutou, who was happily munching on an ice pop. He looked up, his voice clear and bright, "Grandma, I''m a good boy!"0


    He wasn''t just a good boy; he was the best one.0


    He offered, "Grandma, have an ice pop. There''s more."0


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "Alright, I''ll have one to cool off too."0


    The Ming family of three had come to visit their daughter, Ming Mei. Ming Xiangdong, Ming Mei''s brother, and Zhuang Zhiyuan were old classmates and good friends. They had plenty to talk about, but Old Man Zhuang and Ming Mei''s father didn''t have much in common. Old Man Zhuang had spent his whole life working in the factory, not much of a talker. As for Ming Mei''s father, he was a rugged man who spent his days driving big trucks, traveling far and wide. The two of them sitting together didn''t have much to say.0


    Luckily, Zhao Guihua and Lan Ling hit it off. They exchanged polite compliments and then delved into the nitty-gritty of pregnancy. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, the newlywed couple, listened intently.0


    They were both new to this and eager to learn from others'' experiences.0


    The dinner was a grand affair, with eight dishes on the table. Despite the extra guests, everyone ate heartily, their mouths greasy with satisfaction. Surprisingly, Ming Mei, who had been nauseous from the smell of snake soup the day before, seemed fine today.0


    Lan Ling advised, "Don''t eat rabbit meat during pregnancy. They say if you do, the baby will be born with a cleft lip."0


    Ming Mei: "..."0


    Zhao Guihua bit her lip, wanting to argue that there was no logic to such superstitions. But she held her tongue, knowing that such beliefs were common. As a mother-in-law, she didn''t want to undermine the mother''s concerns, lest she be seen as malicious.0


    The meal was rich, with a rabbit, a fish dish, and lamb as the main courses. The Ming family had brought four more hearty dishes, making the table almost entirely meat except for a lone green vegetable.0


    People back then were always short on meat, so such a feast was a rare treat. The dishes were quickly devoured, with several hearty men around the table.0


    After dinner, no one rushed to clear the table. Zhuang Zhixi got up to brew some tea. He glanced outside and said, "Grandpa hasn''t come back yet."0


    Lan Ling was unfazed, "Probably went to watch a movie after dinner."0


    There was a late-night show that evening.0


    Ming Xiangdong remarked, "Grandpa sure knows how to enjoy life."0


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "At his age, happiness is what matters most." Her words earned a thumbs-up from Lan Ling, who agreed, "Exactly. At this age, living life on your own terms is what makes it all worth it."0


    Zhao Guihua smiled. Ming Mei added, "Maybe Grandpa''s just watching the commotion outside. Mom, didn''t you see? The outdoor toilet collapsed."0


    Zhao Guihua had indeed seen it. She had been carrying her fish basket and didn''t bother to investigate, but she had noticed the street officials gathering, making a ruckus. She pretended to be curious, "What happened outside?"0


    Ming Mei explained, "Some guy went crazy in the toilet and fell from the beam. Who knows why he was climbing up there."0


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "It''s Yu Baoshan from the end of the alley. He claims to have hidden some valuables in the toilet, but now they''re gone. He went nuts and ended up falling, bleeding all over. He''s been sent to the hospital."0


    Zhao Guihua''s lips twitched. She knew it was her fault¡ªshe had taken Yu Baoshan''s valuables. But at her age, she had seen it all and wasn''t about to show any cracks.0


    She calmly remarked, "Who in their right mind would stash valuable things in a public toilet instead of their own home? Doesn''t that defy common sense?"0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan speculated, "Maybe the stuff wasn''t legit. Maybe he stole it during some raid and was afraid to keep it at home with all his brothers and sisters-in-law around."0


    "Even so, hiding it outside is just as strange. Afraid of his own family but not others? Doesn''t make sense."0


    "Who knows."0


    The group chatted away, with Lan Ling remarking, "I''ve always heard about the excitement here. Now I see it for myself. It''s quite the spectacle."0


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "Sometimes it''s just embarrassing to talk about."0


    Her words brought laughter to everyone.0


    Zhao Guihua left a good impression on Lan Ling. Before the wedding, Lan Ling had found Zhao Guihua a bit too assertive, worrying about her daughter. But she had been drawn to Zhuang Zhixi as a son-in-law, believing his personality matched Ming Mei''s well. After hearing about the family dynamics from her daughter, Lan Ling realized Zhao Guihua, though strong-willed, was a reasonable woman.0


    Still, a mother''s worries never fully fade. This visit reassured Lan Ling, and she found the family quite agreeable. Even the usually calculating sister-in-law wasn''t so bad.0


    People have their quirks, and as long as they''re not completely unreasonable, they can coexist.0


    Lan Ling advised, "Mei, it''s lively here, but don''t get too involved in the chaos. You''re not the same as before."0


    Ming Mei chuckled softly, "Mom, you sound just like Zhixi. You''re both so nagging. Don''t worry." She wasn''t as impulsive as she seemed; everyone''s concerns were unnecessary.0


    She smiled, "Even if they tear the place apart, I won''t get involved. Alright?"0


    She gestured, "I''ll stay five meters away."0


    Lan Ling nodded, "That''s more like it."0


    Ming Xiangdong added, "Stay in a good mood during pregnancy. If anyone dares to bully you, tell your dad. I''ll make them regret it."0


    With his towering frame, he was quite intimidating.0


    Ming Mei laughed, waving her hand, "No one would dare, Dad. You know me, I''m not one to be bullied."0


    It was true; Ming Mei had always been tough.0


    Lan Ling smiled, "I see Zhixi takes good care of Mei. We were just worrying for nothing. You two take care of each other."0


    ¡°Got it.¡± The young couple responded.0


    The two families sat together, still quite harmonious. The two older brothers discussed their recent work situations, both facing promotions, which naturally led to a lot of experience sharing. As they chatted, they heard a commotion in the courtyard.0


    Ming Mei immediately moved her chair to take a look outside, only to see Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su being scolded.0


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± It¡¯s quite something to be able to scold both Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su like that. Impressive!0


    You see, one of them is a shrew, and the other is a master of playing the victim¡ªneither is easy to deal with.0


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°The neighborhood director.¡±0


    Ming Mei suddenly understood. No wonder.0


    This drama unfolded, and the whole family came out to watch. It turned out that they were being scolded for leading the destruction of the public restroom.0


    Ming Mei: ¡°???¡±0


    She whispered to Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Didn¡¯t they only go there after it collapsed?¡±0


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Maybe they caused secondary damage to the restroom?¡±0


    Indeed, the neighborhood director was hopping mad: ¡°You¡¯re not young anymore, so how can you have such poor manners? Just because you heard some nonsense, you went and trampled the restroom! Now, do you know how much it costs to rebuild a restroom? How could you do something like this!¡±0


    She was truly furious: ¡°Even if there was something there, you can¡¯t just go and grab it! This kind of behavior is a disgrace to our neighborhood. I¡¯m telling you, what¡¯s wrong with your courtyard? This keeps happening over and over again. I¡¯m really disappointed in you. Look at what you¡¯ve done¡ªoriginally, your courtyard had a sure shot at being awarded the title of Outstanding Courtyard for catching thieves, but now, it¡¯s not looking good. You lot are troublemakers. If I were to give the Outstanding Courtyard award to you, no one would be convinced. You can¡¯t do anything good, and now you¡¯re tarnishing other people¡¯s honors.¡±0


    Speaking of this, even Aunt Wang was extremely indignant.0


    She had led the crowd to catch a thief, which was such a good deed, but now, because of these people, their chances of winning the Outstanding Courtyard award were ruined. She looked at the neighborhood director, almost on the verge of tears. The good deeds were theirs, and the bad deeds were done by others, but since they were all in the same courtyard, they had to suffer the consequences together.0


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Director, are we out of the running for the Outstanding Courtyard award?¡±0


    The director sighed: ¡°It¡¯s unlikely. I was almost certain we¡¯d give it to you, but then Zhou Qun did that¡­¡± Before she could finish, Aunt Zhou tried to argue, but the director cut her off: ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t think that just because the factory didn¡¯t catch him in the act, your son is innocent. And Bai Fendou and his father¡ªhow can they be so shameless? I¡¯m already stressed out, and they¡¯re both old enough to know better¡­ I must have done something terrible in my past life to end up dealing with all of you.¡±0


    Aunt Wang almost burst into tears: ¡°I must have done something terrible in my past life to have such neighbors.¡±0


    Aunt Wang was even more furious.0


    Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su were sullen. They wanted to argue, but with everyone in the courtyard glaring at them, it was clear how angry they were.0


    After all, they had tarnished the collective honor.0


    The director looked at the broken window of the Bai family¡¯s house and asked: ¡°When will those two shameless ones be discharged from the hospital?¡±0


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Probably soon. The factory gave them only a week¡¯s leave, and it¡¯s been three days already.¡±0


    ¡°What a bunch of unlucky people, truly unlucky.¡±0


    Some curious onlookers asked: ¡°Director, what about Yu Baoshan¡¯s story about the gold and silver treasures?¡±0


    Everyone was curious about that.0


    ¡°There are no gold and silver treasures. Where would such things come from?¡± the neighborhood director said: ¡°He said he fell asleep while squatting and was dreaming.¡±0


    ¡°Ah, this¡­¡±0


    Such a ridiculous excuse. Would anyone believe that?0


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged a glance, finding it too absurd.0


    Could it really be that simple?0


    They didn¡¯t believe it, and neither did the others. Everyone chuckled with mocking laughter: ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±0


    ¡°We heard it clearly. Besides, I¡¯ve never heard of anyone falling asleep and talking in their dreams while squatting.¡±0


    ¡°Well, now we¡¯ve seen it. Not only did he talk in his dreams while squatting, but he also climbed onto the beam. How do you explain that? Was he sleepwalking?¡±0


    The neighborhood director remained unfazed: ¡°Exactly.¡±0


    Everyone: ¡°¡­¡­¡±0


    Indeed, the world is full of all kinds of people.0


    The neighborhood director: ¡°Alright, you¡¯re all old enough to know better. Don¡¯t just grow old without growing wiser. Think before you speak and act. Don¡¯t always bring shame to your families, your courtyard, and the neighborhood. Reflect on yourselves. Also, starting tomorrow, each of you must send someone to help repair the restroom.¡±0


    She pointed out a few people who had been messing around earlier.0


    Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su¡¯s faces were grim, but they helplessly nodded, this time not objecting.0


    In addition to them, a few others who had been watching the commotion and also messed with the restroom were assigned the task. Everyone looked miserable. This was just adding more work to their plates for no reason. If it weren¡¯t for Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su rummaging around, they wouldn¡¯t have done the same.0


    The neighborhood director finally left.0


    The Ming family of three didn¡¯t stay much longer. It was already dark, and with only one woman and two children at home, they weren¡¯t at ease. Zhao Guihua said: ¡°Here, take two fish back with you. We don¡¯t have much here, but luckily, we caught a lot of fish this time. Don¡¯t be polite, in-laws.¡±0


    What they brought wasn¡¯t just a few fish.0


    Lan Ling declined: ¡°No, no, you have a big family. Keep them for yourselves. My family doesn¡¯t eat much, so we don¡¯t need¡­¡±0


    ¡°No, when you¡¯re a guest, you follow the host¡¯s lead. You have to listen to me. We¡¯ll go fishing again next time.¡±0


    She said two, but actually packed four fish, and then added a dried rabbit: ¡°Your family has kids, and kids need to eat meat.¡±0


    Lan Ling and Zhao Guihua went back and forth, but ultimately, Lan Ling couldn¡¯t outdo Zhao Guihua and accepted the items. She felt a bit embarrassed: ¡°Look at us, coming to your house to eat and then taking things away. I really feel a bit embarrassed.¡±0


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°We¡¯re in-laws, it¡¯s all about give and take.¡±0


    She smiled and said: "We also ate the roast duck you brought. Little swallow with a tiger head, was the roast duck delicious?"0


    The two kids, though already full, couldn¡¯t help but swallow and nodded: ¡°Delicious.¡±0


    So fragrant!0


    The pork knuckle was also delicious.0


    The popsicle was also delicious.0


    And everything else was delicious too.0


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°See, even the kids know. Don¡¯t be polite. My in-laws, you can rest assured. Ming Mei is married into our family, and I¡¯ll make sure to treat her well. She¡¯s pregnant now, so I¡¯ll definitely ensure she gets the nutrients she needs. Look at the little fence in the yard¡ªI plan to raise two laying hens so we can have fresh eggs.¡±0


    Lan Ling nodded, and everything she saw reassured her.0


    ¡°Anyone who has a family member-in-law like you must have done something good in their past life to deserve such luck.¡±0


    The two exchanged more compliments, and it was finally time to leave. As Lan Ling walked out, she glanced back¡ªher dad still hadn¡¯t returned. So, it wasn¡¯t that he was watching the excitement outside; he had just gone to the movies.0


    Lan Ling muttered softly: ¡°This old man, so carefree.¡±0


    Ming Xiangdong laughed: ¡°You should be used to it by now. Isn¡¯t Dad always like this?¡±0


    Lan Ling nodded: ¡°True.¡±0


    Ming Cheng: ¡°Grandpa is more fashionable than us young people.¡±0


    Lan Ling: ¡°¡­¡­¡±0


    Although she didn¡¯t see her father today, Lan Ling¡¯s mood was still good. Seeing is believing, and her daughter¡¯s in-laws seemed reliable, which gave her a lot of reassurance. She said: ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect¡­¡±0


    The family chatted as they walked, and soon they left.0


    However, even though they had left, the people in the courtyard didn¡¯t disperse. They were still discussing the matter.0


    Someone said: ¡°Yu Baoshan must have hidden something in the restroom and then lost it, which made him go crazy¡­¡±0


    There were also those who didn''t believe it, saying, "The Yu family is so poor, what good stuff could they possibly have? I think it''s still the ghost in the toilet. He was bewitched."0


    Neither of these speculations sounded good, so Aunt Wang said, "Didn''t they say he was sleepwalking while asleep?"0


    "Heh, who would believe that? Falling asleep in the toilet, that''s something I''ve never even heard of. I think it''s still a ghost..."0


    "What are you talking about? It must be something good he got from raiding someone''s home. His brothers are fighting over it, that''s why he didn''t dare to keep it at home."0


    This inevitably led to more gossip about family matters. Ming Mei and the others weren''t sleeping yet, so they gathered in the courtyard listening to the gossip. Stories like "The old couple clearly favors the youngest, giving him a room to himself while the older siblings have to share with partitions," and "The third daughter-in-law is scheming to take over the youngest son''s room," and "Yu forced his sister to go to the countryside and even took her savings for marriage"...0


    All sorts of gossip filled their heads.0


    Then someone suddenly realized and asked, "Aunt Zhou, your son and daughter-in-law aren''t home tonight?"0


    It was quite late, and they still hadn''t returned. That wasn''t normal.0


    Aunt Zhou replied, "They went to their in-laws'' place."0


    Her tone wasn''t great. Her in-laws were the ones pushing for a divorce, which was quite unpleasant.0


    However, thinking about the grandchild she would soon have, her mood improved slightly. She pursed her lips and said, "Bai Fendou''s incident made my son worry that his father-in-law wouldn''t feel reassured, so he went over specially to explain. You know, his in-laws are from an official family, they eat better, so they stayed for dinner."0


    Mentioning this, she glanced at Aunt Su. Aunt Su gave a weak smile and said, "You have good in-laws."0


    She wasn''t in a good mood today. Although they were busy digging through the toilet, they later heard that Ming Mei''s parents and brother had come over, bringing a thermos of ice cream and roast duck.0


    Her grandson Jinlai and the other two kids smelled it and were drooling, practically rolling on the ground wanting some.0


    Then hearing that Zhou Qun and his wife had also gone to their in-laws'', her mood soured even more. Other people''s in-laws could benefit them, but not her daughter-in-law Wang Xiangxiu. This made her quite unhappy.0


    Wang Xiangxiu''s family was from the city, but they were also very poor and couldn''t help at all. Both sides were hoping to benefit from each other, but so far, they hadn''t gained anything. And today, when she went to her eldest daughter Zhaodi''s place, they didn''t even offer her a meal, which also made her unhappy.0


    It seemed like all the bad things had come together. Tomorrow they had to repair the toilet, and thinking about all this, she couldn''t help but feel bad. All the older women in the courtyard seemed to be living better than her. Why?0


    Aunt Su thought about these things and her face darkened.0


    But when they mentioned Jiang Lu''s family, Zhao Guihua thought of something. Earlier, she had heard that Aunt Zhou was planning to deal with that family. She frowned, feeling someone watching her, and looked up to see Ming Mei.0


    Yes, Ming Mei also knew about this and seemed worried.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t say anything but gave Ming Mei a reassuring look. Ming Mei breathed a sigh of relief. Although she didn''t know those people, she couldn''t just pretend she didn''t know if someone was planning something bad.0


    Zhao Guihua also felt the same. Although she didn''t want to meddle, she still thought she should try to do something.0


    She couldn''t just stand by and watch something happen.0


    As she pondered this, the conversation shifted to the Yu family''s affairs. This wasn''t surprising, as the Yu family''s incident was the biggest news today, and everyone was naturally discussing it a lot.0


    After listening for a while and not hearing anything special, Zhao Guihua got up and went back to her room.0


    Old Man Zhuang hadn''t gone out. They had guests today, so he had a little drink and wasn''t very energetic. He was already lying down. Hearing Zhao Guihua return, he couldn''t help but whisper, "Do you think this matter is serious?"0


    It had caused quite a stir, and he hadn''t expected it, so he was a bit uneasy.0


    Zhao Guihua reassured him, "It''s nothing. It has nothing to do with you. He didn''t even dare to keep it at home, so what good could it be? Don''t think too much about it."0


    She continued, "I didn''t plan to use it either, so there''s no need to worry. Just pretend you don''t know anything. Let''s keep it for ten more years, and then you can completely forget about it."0


    She smiled and said, "You should praise me today. I actually managed to catch a fish."0


    Mentioning this, Old Man Zhuang perked up a bit and said, "You did? That''s great. Seems like practice really does make perfect."0


    Zhao Guihua looked at her old man and chuckled, saying, "You really believe I caught it with a fishing rod?"0


    Old Man Zhuang: "???"0


    Zhao Guihua: "I caught it with a net."0


    This was quite exaggerated. She caught it with a net but couldn''t with a fishing rod. Wasn''t that ridiculous? She sighed, "I guess I''m just not meant to fish with a rod. Next time I go out, I won''t bring one."0


    Old Man Zhuang couldn''t help but laugh.0


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you laughing at?"0


    She took a towel and went out to wash up, saying, "If you keep laughing at me, I won''t be polite..."0


    As Zhao Guihua went out, she heard Ming Mei say, "Let''s go to the toilet. I don''t dare to go at night..."0


    Not because of ghosts, but because of the fear of it collapsing.0


    Fortunately, the women''s toilet was still usable, while the men''s was completely out of commission.0


    But there was also good news: due to this collapse, the twenty-year-old toilet would be rebuilt. It probably wouldn''t be in the original style but would be made into a regular house.0


    There would be no more place to hide or play tricks.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let''s go."0


    The alley was particularly lively due to the toilet collapse. Meanwhile, others were not so fortunate. Yu Baoshan was like a man whose mother had just died. He had woken up by now, but his face was dark, his eyes lifeless, and he exuded an eerie aura.0


    He lay in bed, silent.0


    The Yu couple tended to their son, front and back. Bai Fendou saw this and glanced at his own father, saying, "Even though both are parents, the difference is so big."0


    It just so happened that Yu Baoshan and Bai Fendou were in the same ward.0


    Bai Fendou was still hurt by his father''s indifference and spoke without holding back.0


    "Parents are only good if their children are good; if the children are no good, then no matter how much the parents do, the children will still find fault," Old Bai retorted without hesitation.0


    If this had been yesterday, they wouldn''t have had the energy to argue, but since last night, they had learned that Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu had convinced the Zhou family. This really moved the two old bachelors to tears.0


    What is true love? Only in times of trouble can you see the truth.0


    Bai Fendou felt that Wang Xiangxiu was the best woman in the world, so virtuous, so selfless. Thinking about it made him sleepless. While Old Bai thought that Aunt Su must have come up with the plan.0


    Wang Xiangxiu was a bit brainless, but Aunt Su was truly wise.0


    However, after this incident, Old Bai''s view of Wang Xiangxiu changed. Previously, he had looked down on her, being quite clear-headed about women other than Aunt Su. But this time, he truly saw her true colors.0


    He felt that although Wang Xiangxiu had some flaws, she was still a good woman. If not for their efforts, he and his son would have been in big trouble. Thinking about it, although Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t a pure woman, she was raising children and taking care of her mother-in-law.0


    Fundamentally, she was still very good, something others couldn''t compare to.0


    He said, "You treat me worse than other people''s daughters-in-law. I don''t think I can rely on you in the future."0


    Bai Fendou sneered, "Who else can you rely on if not me?"0


    "Can I count on you? You''re the kind of person who pushes your father out in critical moments and then blames me. Are you even human?"0


    The two started arguing again. Aunt Zhou, who was unhappy, angrily said, "That''s enough, aren''t you? Is this ward your home? Don''t you see my son needs to rest? If you keep shouting, get out of here."0


    ¡°How dare you talk to me like that? This isn''t your home or my home. We paid for the hospital fees. We can talk, and if you don''t like it, plug your ears. Who knows what you did to end up in the hospital.¡± Bai Fendou was as foul-mouthed as ever.0


    These words infuriated Aunt Zhou. Her other children were already a bit resentful about the hospital expenses. Now, they had to endure Bai Fendou''s ridicule. She completely lost her temper and screamed, "You eunuch, I''ll make you pay for your mouth!"0


    Bai Fendou: "What did you just call me?"0


    Bai Fendou also completely lost his temper.0


    He was a perfectly fine seven-foot man, even if he was injured, wasn''t he already stitched up? Why call him a eunuch? Even his aunt couldn''t tolerate this. He roared and charged forward, and the two quickly entered into a brawl.0


    You yank my hair, I scratch your face.0


    Uncle Yu: "How dare you bully my wife!"0


    He quickly charged forward, and the elderly couple immediately pinned Bai Fendou down, slapping his face. Aunt Zhou, the vicious woman, was about to go for the lower half, and Old Man Bai knew it was bad. He quickly grabbed the thermos by the bed, not caring if it was filled with hot water, and smashed it towards Aunt Zhou.0


    "Old hag, I''ll make you pay for bullying my son!"0


    Although he scolded his son, he could scold him, but others... others could scold him too.0


    However, absolutely no one could go for the lower half!0


    His son was already stitched up, and he absolutely couldn''t let him suffer more injuries. It wasn''t that he was particularly sincere to Bai Fendou, but he absolutely couldn''t lose his grandson. If he suffered another severe injury, his son might become a eunuch, and there would be no grandson.0


    This was the continuation of the Bai family''s lineage.0


    He pounced and joined the fight!0 S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ward immediately erupted into chaos. This ward only housed the Bai father and son, as well as Yu Baoshan, who lay motionless like a dead man. The other four were fighting fiercely. The young nurse hurried over and shouted, "What are you doing? Stop, stop right now, do you hear me?"0


    No one paid attention, and they continued to fight. The nurse didn''t dare to step in.0


    She helplessly shouted, "Quick, call the security guards."0


    Honestly, she was really distressed, never having seen such a thing. This Bai father and son had been in their hospital for three nights. The first night, the father and son argued, and the entire corridor heard it. Everyone gathered at the door to watch the commotion.0


    The second night, Bai Fendou wanted to jump down, forcing them to go to the machinery factory to find their leader. Is there a problem finding the leader?0


    This was the third day, and the father and son had started a fight with the new patient''s family.0


    This father and son were truly the most extraordinary among the extraordinary, the most magical among the magical.0


    If this continued, their hospital would be torn apart. They were really too much: "You all stop right now! What are you doing? Damaging public property will require compensation."0


    Her shouts went unnoticed. At that moment, Yu Baoshan suddenly sat up from the bed. He was extremely depressed. He had used many methods to obtain these jewels, but now his treasures had been stolen. He was filled with an indescribable rage.0


    He found everything annoying.0


    If it were just a gold bar, he thought he could control himself, but it wasn''t. He had lost a lot. Those things were enough for him to live a luxurious life, but now they were gone.0


    He couldn''t calm down, not even thinking about the aftermath of the incident.0


    He had only wanted to quietly think about who could have done this. He would definitely kill that person. Anyone who dared to take his things deserved to die. He gloomily contemplated this, but there were some annoying flies buzzing incessantly.0


    He looked up and coldly watched the fight, feeling these people were so noisy, they deserved to die!0


    He pulled out the IV and stood up. While no one was paying attention, he grabbed a stool and smashed it directly onto Bai Fendou''s head¡ªbang! The stool hit Bai Fendou''s head hard, and Bai Fendou: "Ah!"0


    He collapsed to the ground...0


    "Oh my god, murder!"0


    "You, you, put that down."0


    "I''ll fight you..."0


    Bai Fendou, having fought many times, was quite resilient. He took a hard hit from the stool but didn''t faint. Of course, it might also be because Yu Baoshan was too stimulated today and didn''t have much strength.0


    Bai Fendou suddenly sprang up, charging forward with his head, pushing Yu Baoshan: "Damn it, watch this!"0


    Yu Baoshan was pushed back, hitting the wall with a cry. He desperately pounded Bai Fendou''s head, and Bai Fendou was bleeding profusely. Looking up at Yu Baoshan''s murderous eyes, he also felt an inexplicable rage. He felt extremely unlucky recently, even encountering such a thing while hospitalized. He directly reached out and grabbed Yu Baoshan''s vulnerable spot... "Ah!!!"0


    A heart-wrenching scream echoed through the heavens.0


    ...0


    In the dead of night, every household was deep in sleep.0


    Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. The knock wasn''t heavy, but in the quiet night, it was particularly noticeable. Ming Mei turned over, murmuring softly, "What''s going on?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi also woke up, patted her, and said, "You sleep, I''ll go see."0


    At this moment, the advantage of having the Bai family around was evident. When the Bai family was there, Bai Fendou was always the first to go out, as he lived by the door and was the first to hear any commotion.0


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his temples, got up, pulled the blanket up, and said, "You sleep."0


    Ming Mei nodded and softly responded with a sound of agreement. She wanted to get up but really had no energy. Pregnancy was really strange. Before the check-up, she ate and drank as usual, feeling no different. But after the check-up, she suddenly felt fragile.0


    She felt completely lacking in energy. Ming Mei pulled the blanket over her ears and said, "Come back soon."0


    Zhuang Zhixi softly hummed and put on his coat. When he went out of the courtyard, he saw the Zhou family also coming out, as well as his father and older brother. Zhuang Zhixi: "What''s going on?"0


    "We don''t know!"0


    In the middle of the night, no one went to open the door alone. The men just happened to gather together and walked to the door together: "Who is it?"0


    "I''m from the factory security department."0


    Everyone looked at each other, puzzled. Why would the factory security department come at this late hour?0


    Zhuang Zhixi was quick-witted and quickly opened the door. He saw it was Wang Erlaizi, whom he knew. This made him even more puzzled. He said, "Brother Wang, why are you here at this time?"0


    Wang Erlaizi looked really unlucky and said, "It''s all because of Bai Fendou from your courtyard. I really have bad luck for eight lifetimes to meet such a guy. Can''t he just be quiet? Every night he causes trouble, and we have to suffer because of it."0


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his ears in surprise and said, "Bai Fendou is in trouble again?"0


    What''s wrong with him this year? It''s endless. It''s only the first half of the year, and he''s caused so many troubles.0


    Zhuang Zhixi found this really hard to understand.0


    Indeed, some people being single is normal, but some people are gradually going crazy.0


    He said, "What did he do this time?"0


    Wang Erlaizi: "He got into a fight with his fellow patient in the ward. His fellow patient is also from your neighborhood, sent there this evening, the one who got hit on the head."0


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately: "It''s Yu Baoshan."0


    "Yes, yes, yes," Wang Er Lazizi said with a look of mixed emotions, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "He got into a fight with the Yu Baoshan family. Bai Fendou crushed Yu Baoshan''s... well, you know. The Yu family is going crazy at the hospital right now..."0


    Damn, Bai Fendou is really vicious. After becoming a eunuch himself, he still wants to harm others like this.0


    Too ruthless.0


    While he was speaking, everyone had already come out, their eyes wide with disbelief. Strange things happen every year, but this year seems to be particularly bizarre.0


    Another one... shattered?0


    Is it trendy to have your... uh, shattered this year?0


    Shocked!0


    Wang Er Lazizi looked like he was about to cry, saying, "They made a huge mess at the scene, and the hospital wants to report it to the police. But the older folks aren''t having it and are rolling around in the hospital corridor. Our factory sent someone over too. Section Chief Liu was called out in the middle of the night and is going crazy, yelling at everyone in the hospital. Even us small fries had to go..."0


    Everyone showed expressions of sympathy, both for the hospital and for the innocent factory security department.0


    Zhuang Zhixi patted Wang Er Lazizi on the shoulder and said, "Brother Wang, you really are working hard. But Brother Wang, why did you come here?"0


    Surely he didn''t come all the way in the middle of the night just to spread gossip to them, right? Even if the security department had the intention, they wouldn''t have the energy. After all, their section chief wouldn''t let them do something like that.0


    Wang Er Lazizi slapped his head. "Look at me, look at me¡ªI forgot the important thing. Wang Xiangxiu, is Wang Xiangxiu here?"0


    Of course, Wang Xiangxiu was there.0


    When there was commotion outside, she had already put on her clothes and come out. She hadn''t expected it to be another issue involving Bai Fendou. Thinking about how her family had just helped Bai Fendou resolve one problem, and now he''s causing a new one.0


    Wang Xiangxiu felt really tired and really resentful.0


    She didn''t want to respond, but she still put on her usual demeanor and said, "I''m here."0


    Everyone turned to look at her in unison, and the male colleagues couldn''t help but gasp. It wasn''t their fault, though. Wang Xiangxiu was wearing a tank top, with her outer clothes draped over her but not properly put on, leaving her skin exposed. She had a curvaceous figure, and this sight was truly... well, let''s just say it was quite a sight.0


    Aunt Wang, the neighborhood leader, naturally came out at this moment and immediately said, "Xiangxiu, pull your clothes together!"0


    She frowned, thinking this was no way to behave.0


    Wang Xiangxiu, seeing the male colleagues'' gazes, felt extremely satisfied. Although her man was gone, these other men, even with their own partners, still had to look at her. Wang Xiangxiu felt a sense of pride and her voice softened as she said, "I''m Wang Xiangxiu. Is there something going on?"0


    Wang Er Lazizi looked at her with a gulp, saying, "Yes, Bai Fendou injured Yu Baoshan, and Yu Baoshan needs to pay the hospital fees. Bai Fendou said for you to bring some money over to help him sort things out."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "What?!"0


    Her face turned black instantly. There were many things she could do, but being asked for money was not one of them. This damn Bai Fendou, what was he thinking? What did she have to do with him? She wasn''t his wife, so why should she bring money to help him? What right did he have?0


    If she had money, wouldn''t it be better to buy meat for her three sons?0


    She showed her anger, but quickly adjusted her expression, looking pitiful as she said, "I''m just a woman working to earn a salary. This month''s expenses barely cover next month''s. Where would I get money to help him? This fool, what good would it do to look for me?"0


    Aunt Su, fearing her daughter-in-law wouldn''t handle it well, quickly came out and said, "When there are difficulties, one should turn to the factory. How much can ordinary neighbors help? Don''t you agree? But Xiangxiu, you should hurry up and change your clothes. No matter what, you need to go and take a look. Although our two families don''t have much of a relationship, we''ve always gotten along well as neighbors. The Bai family has often helped us, so we should help them too. If we can''t contribute money, we can at least contribute our efforts."0


    She glanced around, wanting to say that since everyone was neighbors, they should help each other and chip in to cover Bai Fendou''s expenses. But no one stepped up, and as the neighborhood leader, Aunt Wang didn''t say a word either.0


    At this moment, Aunt Su felt that the neighborhood committee really didn''t know how to do things. Why choose a woman as the neighborhood leader? If it were a man, they could have easily manipulated him. But Aunt Wang was a woman, and Li the Cook was stingy, so they couldn''t get any benefits from them.0


    Aunt Su, seeing that Aunt Wang wasn''t taking the lead, could only awkwardly pull her daughter-in-law back into the house. She wanted everyone to help together, but she couldn''t say that outright, as it would offend people.0


    After all, no one was willing to spend money on others.0


    She wanted to benefit, but she absolutely didn''t want to offend anyone.0


    This year, things really haven''t been going well. It feels like everything is working against them. In the past, Zhao Guihua was impulsive and didn''t have much of a brain, always being a pushover. Although she wasn''t as involved as Aunt Wang, she was still willing to step in when there was a problem. Whether by playing the victim or using reverse psychology, she was usually effective. But now, even that wasn''t working.0


    Aunt Wang didn''t take the lead, and Zhao Guihua didn''t speak up either.0


    She was extremely unhappy.0


    But this wasn''t the time to dwell on that. She said, "You go to the hospital and try to convince Bai Fendou to rely on the factory. Who knows how much it will cost? We don''t have the money to help him. It''s best if Bai Fendou doesn''t have to pay either. His money is our money, and it''s meant to buy meat for Jinlai and the other two. Bai Fendou is a factory worker, so the factory should take care of it. You talk to Bai Fendou and make sure he clings to the factory. Losing face is nothing if the factory can cover the costs. You need to explain this to Bai Fendou."0


    She spoke earnestly, "Money doesn''t grow on trees. Don''t waste it."0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I understand."0


    She quickly got dressed and then hurried out: "Comrade Wang, I''m ready. We can go now."0


    Wang Er Lazizi: "Oh, oh, let''s go. Sister Xiu, I hear everyone calling you Sister Xiu, so can I call you that too?"0


    "Sure!"0


    Wang Xiangxiu laughed heartily, thinking to herself that she truly was irresistible. Look, another potential spender had come her way.0


    She said softly, "You guys in the security department really work so hard..."0


    "Ah, Sister Xiu, you understand us. That''s right, everyone thinks we''re impressive, but who knows how tough our job is? Look at this, being called out in the middle of the night..."0


    The two chatted as they walked, disappearing into the alley.0


    The people in the courtyard looked at each other. Zhuang Zhixi decisively said, "Close the door, let''s go back to sleep."0


    "Right, we still have to go to work tomorrow..."0


    Someone muttered softly, "Why is she hooking up with Wang Er Lazizi again? Is Bai Fendou''s hat secure now?"0


    The scene fell silent for a second, then everyone pretended nothing had happened: "Go home, go home."0


    "Sleep, sleep."0


    But... how could they sleep!0


    Why, in the middle of the night, did they have to hear such shocking news!0


    Bai Fendou, he''s really too bold!0


    Now when he fights, he''s targeting... that area? That''s really not manly at all.0


    Zhou Qun stood at the door, eavesdropping, and subconsciously tightened his legs. He''d better stay far away from Bai Fendou, that crazy guy. Who knows if he''s gotten a taste for it and will do it again. It''s hard to say, really hard to say.0


    He shook his head in disgust.0


    Aunt Zhou''s voice was loud: "I think Bai Fendou is just twisted after what happened to him. He probably hates that others haven''t suffered the same fate. The men in this courtyard better be careful. You never know when Bai Fendou might ambush you."0


    Although Aunt Zhou usually spoke bluntly, this time, everyone kind of agreed with her.0


    After all, Bai Fendou''s actions were just too outrageous.0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "So what do we do? Stay far away from him when we see him?"0


    "That''s the only thing we can do."0


    "Damn, what kind of mess is this."0


    "No matter what, we can''t repeat the same mistake. Look at Yu Baoshan, isn''t he suffering now?"0


    "That''s true."0


    Everyone expressed their deep fear of Bai Fendou. Damn, this guy is really out of his mind!0


    They were all men, and they weren''t afraid of fighting, but fighting was one thing. You can''t go around... crushing things. What kind of man does that?0


    Hmm... Bai Fendou might not be considered a "man" anymore if he doesn''t stop his nonsense.0


    Everyone was buzzing with gossip, and Zhuang Zhixi returned to their room. Ming Mei asked, "Zhixi, is that you?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, it''s me."0


    He closed the door, and Ming Mei opened her eyes, asking, "What''s going on?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "It''s Bai Fendou again, causing trouble at the hospital. Wang Xiangxiu just took him away."0


    He climbed back into bed, and Ming Mei, like a little caterpillar, wriggled over to snuggle against Zhuang Zhixi''s chest. Gently stroking her back, he found her to be soft and plump, unlike the skinny girls. However, she was different from Wang Xiangxiu. Ming Mei had a small frame, and even with her slightly rounded figure, she still appeared slender. To outsiders, it might not be noticeable, but as her husband, Zhuang Zhixi found her incredibly cuddly.0


    He gently patted her back, saying, "Let''s sleep now. We''ll talk about it tomorrow morning."0


    If he were to explain the situation, they might get too excited to sleep. After all, this was quite an unusual affair.0


    There are countless strange things in the world, and Bai Fendou seems to account for half of them.0


    He really knows how to stir up trouble.0


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t want his wife to stay up late, so he didn''t elaborate and simply turned off the light. The couple quickly fell back to sleep, but the rest of the courtyard was far from quiet. Who wouldn''t get excited over gossip? And if Bai Fendou were to return... would their courtyard gain a "testicle-pinching madman"?0


    Just thinking about it was infuriating.0


    Each household was discussing the matter. Aunt Wang was instructing her husband and son-in-law, "I know you all look down on Bai Fendou, and we''ve had our share of conflicts. But despite our differences, you must stay calm. Keep your distance from Bai Fendou. If you happen to run into him outside, head toward crowded places. Don''t engage with him or try to prove your strength. We don''t need to argue with him. We''re doing just fine, but if a simple disagreement escalates into a fight, who knows what he might do? This man is already broken, and he wants everyone else to be the same. We can handle other things, but this is something we must be careful about."0


    Li the Cook glared, "Does he dare?"0


    Aunt Wang retorted, "Why wouldn''t he? Didn''t he just do it to Yu Baoshan? That guy isn''t exactly a saint, and look how viciously Bai Fendou attacked him! When Bai Fendou goes rogue, he''s absolutely ruthless."0


    Hearing this, Li the Cook fell silent.0


    Aunt Wang continued, "Yang Lixin, keep an eye on your father."0


    Yang Lixin nodded silently, saying, "We should indeed be cautious."0


    "Exactly," Aunt Wang agreed.0


    Li Fang sighed in exasperation, "If he''s so desperate to find a wife, why doesn''t he just settle down with one? If he had found a good woman and lived a normal life, he wouldn''t be in this mess. Every day, he just gets more and more out of control."0


    "This is just the beginning," Aunt Wang lamented. "I think he''s going to keep causing trouble."0


    She felt utterly helpless. No matter how hard she tried, there were always troublemakers like Bai Fendou dragging down the reputation of their courtyard. Today, during her conversation with the neighborhood director, she finally accepted the reality that any hope of rewards was gone.0


    All she could hope for now was to avoid any more trouble.0


    She sighed, "Back when the neighborhood was selecting a courtyard manager, many believed that men would be better suited for the job. But the previous director thought otherwise. She believed that older, stay-at-home women were more appropriate. First, their age would help them handle situations better; second, being at home all day would allow them to address issues more quickly and conveniently; and third, women are more detail-oriented and better at mediating, making it easier to resolve conflicts. That''s how I, with everyone''s recommendation, took on this role. Over the years, I''ve always felt that I was doing a good job. But perhaps because of my age, this year I''ve been feeling incredibly overwhelmed."0


    She rubbed her temples, "I''m so tired of being tormented by them."0


    Li Fang said, "Mom, maybe we should just quit. The extra reward we get each year isn''t worth it."0


    Aunt Wang replied, "It''s not about the reward. I do it for the sake of serving the people."0


    She lay down, feeling melancholy, "If the people are all like Bai Fendou, I really don''t want to serve them anymore."0


    What a worry!0


    What a disgrace!0


    Their family wasn''t the only one dealing with this. Liang Meifen was also advising her husband, "Zhiyuan, no matter what, we must avoid direct conflicts with Bai Fendou. Even if we can handle him physically, we can''t risk dealing with a testicle-pinching madman. He''s already broken, and he wants everyone else to be the same. We can''t let that happen..."0


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, for once, took his wife''s words seriously and nodded, "I understand. I''ll stay far away from him."0


    Liang Meifen sighed, "This is just too terrifying..."0


    Similarly, other households weren''t at peace. Aunt Zhou frowned, saying, "I underestimated Bai Fendou''s viciousness. Son, he''s already broken, but we''re still fine. Stay far away from Bai Fendou. Our families don''t get along, and he might go for the kill..."0


    Zhou Qun''s eyes flickered with unease...

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89The morning sunlight was exceptionally brilliant.0


    However, many people were already up early, with dark circles under their eyes, brushing their teeth and washing their faces. It was obvious they hadn''t slept well last night. How could they sleep well? Such a big event happened in the dead of night; who could sleep through that?0


    Every household had been discussing the incident until dawn.0


    In comparison, Ming Mei was relatively more energetic. After all, she hadn''t been woken up last night. After brushing her teeth, she went back to her room to have breakfast and only then learned what had happened. Well, she was quite late to the gossip.0


    She was experiencing delayed gossip consumption.0


    Ming Mei was shocked: "Did such a big thing really happen last night?"0


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "No matter how big the event is, it can''t disturb your rest. Besides, this isn''t a big deal for Bai Fendou. There might even be a next time."0


    Everyone looked at him in horror, saying: "Don''t be an oracle of misfortune."0


    Zhuang Zhixi gave an innocent look: "I''m not talking about us; I''m talking about the situation."0


    Zhao Guihua was more objective: "Still, don''t say such things. It''s just bad luck to hear."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, alright, I won''t say it."0


    He sipped his cornmeal porridge and looked outside, asking: "Did Wang Xiangxiu come back last night?"0


    He had gone to bed not long after returning home and wasn''t aware of the situation outside. Zhuang Zhiyuan, however, had heard some noises. He shook his head: "She didn''t come back. If she had, she would have called the door. No one called last night."0


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."0


    He sighed: "You know, Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu are so close; they might as well just get married. What''s the point of pretending to be just good neighbors... pfft."0


    The thought of it felt like they were covering their ears to steal a bell.0


    However, Zhao Guihua said: "I can understand why she doesn''t want to get married. It''s not that complicated. Why bother finding a man to serve when you can get money without marriage? Whether married or not, Bai Fendou will have to give her money."0


    Everyone fell silent.0


    Liang Meifen pouted: "She really takes it for granted."0


    "What''s there to feel awkward about?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Wang Xiangxiu and her mother-in-law are not ordinary people. Besides, the first time might feel awkward, but over time, it becomes a habit. Alright, you all should hurry up and get ready for work."0


    The morning was quite hectic. Zhuang Zhixi quickly finished his breakfast and said: "Wife, let''s go."0


    Ming Mei: "Okay."0


    She put some biscuits and candy in her bag, saying: "I''ll keep these for when I want to eat something."0


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and nodded. He and his wife pushed their bikes out. Just as they were about to leave the alley, they saw a familiar figure approaching from a distance. Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his eyes and said: "Wife, am I going senile and seeing things? Look ahead, is that Bai Fendou and his father? Did I get it wrong?"0


    Ming Mei tilted her head to look: "Oh my! It''s them!"0


    Neither Zhuang Zhixi nor Ming Mei had mistaken it. The ones returning were indeed Wang Xiangxiu and the Bai father and son. Bai Fendou''s head was bandaged, his face covered in bandages, and there were several bloody scratches where the bandages didn''t cover. His eyes were puffy, indicating he hadn''t slept well for days. His face was pale, and if you looked closely, his lips were chapped.0


    Although his face was a mess, his body wasn''t much better. His arms were wrapped in bandages, and he walked with a limp, his legs awkwardly positioned.0


    In short, he looked extremely miserable. Old Man Bai by his side wasn''t much better, with just as many wounds and even less energy. Wang Xiangxiu, however, seemed relatively fine.0


    As the young couple stood there in shock, the three of them approached. Zhuang Zhixi swallowed hard, looking at his wife. Ming Mei immediately stood tall and gave Zhuang Zhixi a "I''ve got your back" look.0


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh.0


    He wasn''t looking for protection, though.0


    His little wife had misunderstood, but it was fine.0


    Zhuang Zhixi cleared his throat and said: "Let''s go."0


    He had no intention of exchanging pleasantries with the Bai father and son. After all, they were plotting against him, so there was no need to be polite. Politeness was for normal people; for abnormal ones, it was useless.0


    Zhuang Zhixi got on his bike and rode away.0


    As he rode past the Bai father and son, Bai Fendou had expected Zhuang Zhixi to at least ask about his injuries. After all, they were neighbors, and how could he be so indifferent? He had completely forgotten that he had been trying to scheme against Zhuang Zhixi.0


    Even if he remembered, he didn''t think it was a big deal.0


    In his mind, he was just playing a joke and teaching Zhuang Zhixi a lesson. How could that be considered a grudge?0


    After all, their family had been rude to Wang Xiangxiu first. That''s how Bai Fendou saw it, so he never thought he was in the wrong. He even believed that the factory leaders and the security chief, Liu, were deliberately targeting him, making the situation so severe.0


    Otherwise, he should have been released by now.0


    He was extremely unhappy, but even though he was reckless, he knew he was nothing in front of the factory leaders and Liu. So he had to swallow his pride and accept it for now. He planned to look for opportunities to change jobs later.0


    After all, someone as capable as him couldn''t possibly stay in logistics cleaning toilets and picking up dung forever.0


    Throughout the journey, his mood had been sour. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi ignore him made it even worse. He spat and cursed: "Don''t get too cocky now; you''ll pay for it sooner or later."0


    Wang Xiangxiu was utterly exasperated with this man, but it was precisely because of his stupidity that she could always manipulate him. So even though she despised him, she still acted tenderly: "Why bother getting upset over him? He''s just in a better position and looks down on us."0


    Bai Fendou glared: "We''re all working-class people; who does he think he is? We''re not inferior to him."0


    Wang Xiangxiu was exhausted, both physically and mentally. Yesterday at the hospital, she had also done some "business," which was far more profitable than dealing with Zhou Qun. She was still feeling lethargic. Indeed, men were all different.0


    She spoke softly: "Alright, let''s go back first. I need to get to work quickly. With my family''s situation, how can I afford to be late?"0


    Hearing this, Bai Fendou became more understanding: "Right, let''s hurry up."0


    This was the time for people to go to work. As they left their homes, they saw this scene in the alley and quickly stepped back. Although the incident happened in the middle of the night, the speed at which news spread was always beyond everyone''s expectations.0


    By this morning, not only their courtyard but the entire neighborhood knew about it. Everyone looked at Bai Fendou with fear. After all, this was the infamous "egg-squeezer."0


    He didn''t just kick; he squeezed!0


    Look at that word¡ªsqueeze.0


    Isn''t that just insane and terrifying?0


    People quickly stepped back, and Bai Fendou: "???"0


    Old Man Bai and Wang Xiangxiu were also puzzled. One didn''t know the news had spread, and the other, being a woman without a man in the house, didn''t quite understand everyone''s fear.0


    Bai Fendou: "What''s going on?"0


    A boy from the same courtyard, Sui, forced a very awkward smile and said: "Uh... I have to go to school..."0


    Before finishing, he darted off like a shot.0


    "Oh, I have to go to work; otherwise, I''ll be late."0


    "Right, right!"0


    "Oh no, I have a stomachache; I need to hurry to the bathroom."0


    "Wait for me; me too."0


    "Oh, what a coincidence; I also have diarrhea. Let''s go quickly."0


    The men saw Bai Fendou and fled like they were facing a pervert, their faces pale, finding excuses to run off quickly. Everyone left in a hurry. Bai Fendou looked at the only relatively calm Zhou Qun and asked curiously: "What''s going on?"0


    Zhou Qun looked Bai Fendou up and down, pausing for three seconds on the critical area.0


    Hmm, about the same as his own experience.0


    He looked back at Bai Fendou''s face and said slowly: "They''re afraid you''ll squeeze their eggs."0


    Bai Fendou: "What the hell?"0


    He hadn''t even had a chance to explain when he saw Zhou Qun already riding away on his bicycle, disappearing into the alley.0


    Bai Fendou was fuming. "Hey, what do they mean by that? What makes them think I''m that kind of person? Am I crazy? Why would I do something like that? If you don''t find it disgusting, I do!"0


    Old Man Bai turned to his son and said, "Then why did you grab Yu Baoshan?"0


    Bai Fendou: "..."0


    His father was really good at nothing but throwing him under the bus.0


    He said, "It was just because we were fighting and things got heated."0


    He felt a bit embarrassed. Hurting someone in that area during a fight wasn''t exactly manly, but it had just happened by chance. Besides, he could sew and repair things, so they should trust that doctors are professionals too.0


    Bai Fendou: "I didn''t do it on purpose. Plus, he started it. If he hadn''t attacked first, I would have been arrested by now!"0


    Bai Fendou argued forcefully, but Old Man Bai just chuckled and didn''t say anything.0


    Wang Xiangxiu felt exhausted again. "Alright, hurry up and go rest. I need to go to work too."0


    She couldn''t rely on the Bai father and son these days, so she couldn''t afford to miss a single day of work. Fortunately, she had made some money yesterday by seizing an opportunity. Otherwise, life would be even harder. These men were truly unreliable.0


    She sighed deeply.0


    Bai Fendou: "Right, right, Sister Xiangxiu needs to go to work."0


    His words trailed off as he suddenly froze, staring at the collapsed public toilet in the alley. "Ah... what..."0


    He scratched his head. "What happened to the toilet? Who did this to the toilet?"0


    Wang Xiangxiu: "It was Yu Baoshan."0


    She didn''t want to explain anymore. "You guys take a look. I need to go home, eat, and get to work."0


    She had finally reached her limit and couldn''t waste any more time.0


    Bai Fendou: "Wait, Sister Xiangxiu, let''s go together."0


    The three of them walked into the courtyard one after the other. At that moment, Liang Meifen was washing clothes in the courtyard. When she saw Bai Fendou return, she couldn''t help but scream, "Ah!!!"0


    Hearing this, everyone came out of their houses, all staring at Bai Fendou and his father.0


    Bai Fendou: "What are you screaming about?"0


    He frowned. He really couldn''t stand Zhuang Zhiyuan''s wife. She was always helping her family and was easily startled, lacking any manners. Anyone who married such a woman was really unlucky.0


    He looked at Liang Meifen with disdain, but she didn''t care about his expression. She shouted loudly, "Bai Fendou is back!"0


    More people came out, and even people from the neighboring courtyards hurried over. It seemed that Bai Fendou was even more of a spectacle than the tigers at the zoo. After all, while tigers eating people is natural, Bai Fendou grabbing someone''s... well, that''s truly rare.0


    Everyone looked at Bai Fendou with a mix of disdain, curiosity, and caution, afraid that he might go wild and do something unexpected.0


    This wasn''t impossible, considering this was Bai Fendou, the man who had fallen into a cesspool and... well, you know.0


    It was Zhao Guihua who stood out in the crowd of caution and fear. She asked, "Bai Fendou, why are you back? Are you better now?"0


    She glanced at a certain part of his body. "Healing that fast?"0


    No wonder this hospital was a big one. No wonder people from all over the country came here for treatment in the future. It really was impressive.0


    She said, "Didn''t you get into another fight? Why were you let out?"0


    Bai Fendou was not convinced. "Aunt Zhao, how can you say that? What do you mean by ''another fight''? That wasn''t my fault. It was Aunt Yu who started it. I was just defending myself. Besides, I didn''t touch Yu Baoshan. He just grabbed a stool and hit me. Look at my head; he even cracked it open. Isn''t it normal to fight back when someone hits you? Only a fool wouldn''t."0


    This made sense.0


    H?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????owever...0


    Zhao Guihua looked suspiciously at his head. "Your wound is from yesterday. How can you be discharged so soon today?"0


    Even the best doctors couldn''t heal that fast.0


    Bai Fendou immediately looked unnatural.0


    Zhao Guihua: "What? Is there something going on?"0


    Bai Fendou awkwardly said, "What''s going on? You''re overthinking. Even though I''m injured, it doesn''t mean I can''t be discharged. Besides, I''m a young man, strong and healthy. Do I really need to stay in the hospital? I can recover at home."0


    "You''re a young man, but your father isn''t. Old Man Bai, you''re not young anymore. Can you really not stay in the hospital and get treated properly?" Zhao Guihua was curious. Although the Bai family was annoying, it didn''t stop her from gossiping.0


    People, after all, need something to do when they''re idle.0


    While Zhao Guihua was asking, the Bai father and son hadn''t replied yet when Aunt Zhou suddenly appeared. She said, "Probably because they ran out of money and got kicked out."0


    This father and son duo were just two broke men who always gave their money to widows and their families. They must have run out of money for medical fees.0


    Aunt Zhou felt she had seen through the truth.0


    Bai Fendou immediately got angry. "Hey, Aunt Zhou, how can you talk like that? How can you just make things up? I wasn''t kicked out because of lack of medical fees. The factory already paid for it. Don''t spread rumors when you don''t know the facts. Your mouth is like a cesspool, always spouting nonsense."0


    Aunt Zhou was trembling with anger. "You little brat, who are you cursing? Do you believe I''ll scratch you to death? Let me tell you, others might be afraid of you, but I''m not. I don''t have... well, you know, so I''m not afraid of you. If you dare mess with me, I''ll teach you a lesson."0


    She wasn''t some young lad. She had seen it all.0


    Bai Fendou: "You... you''re crude!"0


    He thought this old lady''s words were really too harsh.0


    He gave Aunt Zhou a deep look and thought of the warning from Section Chief Liu. He took several deep breaths to calm his frustrated heart. After a long while, he pointed at Aunt Zhou and said, "I''ll overlook you because of your age."0


    Aunt Zhou smiled proudly. "You''re just scared of me, aren''t you?"0


    She stood there like a victorious rooster, her chin raised, extremely arrogant.0


    Bai Fendou: "Pfft!"0


    He didn''t want to say anything more and turned to go home. But as soon as he reached the door, he screamed, "My god, who did this? Who did this!"0


    The glass in his house had been smashed.0


    The Bai father and son were furious. "Who did this? Who would do such a despicable thing? May lightning strike them dead!"0


    They were really angry, and Aunt Zhou wasn''t any less so. She stepped forward and shouted, "I did it, what are you going to do about it? Think about what you''ve done. I won''t let you off just because you think the Zhou family is easy to bully, or that our daughter-in-law is easy to bully."0


    She pointed at their noses and said, "If it weren''t for Aunt Su pleading for you, we wouldn''t have let it go so easily. You wouldn''t be here shouting at me. I tell you, be polite to me in the future."0


    Bai Fendou was furious and wanted to curse, but at this moment, Old Man Bai was sober. He knew their actions had been discovered, and this time, the Zhou family letting it go was already thanks to Aunt Su''s efforts. They couldn''t waste Aunt Su''s goodwill.0


    He held back Bai Fendou and said, "Let it go. We''re in the wrong this time."0


    Bai Fendou: "But..."0


    Old Man Bai firmly shook his head and pulled Bai Fendou into the house, whispering, "Revenge can wait. We don''t need to tangle with them now. We''re already on the Security Department''s radar. If anything happens, Section Chief Liu will definitely target us. As the saying goes, ''If one cannot endure the small annoyances, they will ruin the great plans.'' We don''t need to act in haste."0


    Bai Fendou looked at Old Man Bai, who said quietly, "We''ll wait. There will be a time to deal with them."0


    Bai Fendou finally listened and said, "You''re right. I''ll let it go for now."0


    However...0


    He looked at the window and said, "What about the glass? What do we do about that?"0


    Old Man Bai: "Go buy some and put it in."0


    Bai Fendou, though he listened, still spoke with a confrontational tone, "It''s easy for you to say, but glass isn''t cheap, and I don''t have much money left."0


    Old Man Bai glanced at him and said, "Do you think I have any?"0


    He replied, "I don''t either."0


    The wages of the two father and son were spent separately. Whether it was food, drink, or household items, each paid half. However, glass was expensive, and several panes in their home were broken, which would cost a pretty penny.0


    Thus, both father and son were reluctant to spend the money.0


    "Well, the weather is getting warmer day by day. If we cover ourselves with extra blankets at night, we won''t need to worry as much when it gets even warmer in a few days. Let''s wait until we save up some money to replace the glass," Bai Fendou suggested.0


    Old Man Bai thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright."0


    In fact, he still had some money on hand, but he didn''t want to spend it on this. For the next few months, they would only receive a five-yuan living allowance, so it wasn''t wise to spend it easily. Moreover, that was his savings for old age; he couldn''t just squander it.0


    Bai Fendou: "Then let''s wait."0


    In truth, he also had some money, but he didn''t want to spend it all. This wasn''t just his problem; if he spent it all, he would be heartbroken. Saving money wasn''t easy, and the coming months would be tough.0


    Yes, the reason Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou were being so stingy this time was that they owed the factory wages.0


    Although Bai Fendou had been bold in fighting, he wasn''t happy when he saw the bill. The first night, he and his father had a quarrel that led to them knocking over a table, which broke and needed to be replaced. The second day, he caused a scene by threatening to jump off a building, smashing hospital windows, which also required compensation.0


    On the third day, the damages were even more extensive. In addition to hospital furniture, there was Yu Baoshan''s medical fees. Fortunately, it was Yu Baoshan''s family who had started the fight. Otherwise, Bai Fendou wouldn''t have been able to go home; he would have been arrested.0


    The medical fees and various compensations added up to a whopping one hundred and thirty yuan, which was a significant sum. Bai Fendou felt the world''s malice, believing everyone was trying to swindle them.0


    However, the hospital wasn''t at fault. The damaged public property was compensated at its actual value, not a penny more. But the medical expenses were high. After all, they had broken three eggs.0


    Old Man Bai, Bai Fendou, and now Yu Baoshan.0


    The medical fees were steep, as this was a highly skilled procedure. The doctors hadn''t even charged them for emotional damages, which was already a mercy.0


    The Yu family, however, was also somewhat cunning. Aunt Zhou directly blamed Yu Baoshan''s head injury on Bai Fendou. After all, it was easier to pin it on Bai Fendou than on the neighborhood committee.0


    All these expenses added up, amounting to a significant sum.0


    One hundred and thirty yuan was paid by the factory.0


    However, Wang Xiangxiu''s hope that the factory would cover everything was a pipe dream. Trying to pin the blame on the factory was even harder than the Yu family blaming the neighborhood committee. It was a complete fantasy.0


    But the factory didn''t want the situation to escalate, as it was simply embarrassing.0


    Section Chief Liu felt his entire life''s reputation had been tarnished in just a few days. Bai Fendou being part of the security department was a huge embarrassment. Fortunately, he was leaving the job soon.0


    The one hundred and thirty yuan would be deducted directly from their wages.0


    Bai Fendou''s salary in the security department was decent, but since he was transferred to logistics, his pay would be adjusted accordingly. Starting next month, he would receive twenty-five yuan a month for his job cleaning toilets.0


    His father, Old Man Bai, was in the same situation. Both of them would receive a five-yuan living allowance each month, with the remaining twenty yuan deducted to repay the factory. That made a total of forty yuan deducted. They would have to endure this for three months. In July and August, they would receive a two-and-a-half-yuan summer cooling fee each month, totaling five yuan for the two months.0


    This would be deducted as well.0


    Exactly three months of deductions, including the summer cooling fee, would total one hundred and thirty yuan. They could resume normal wages in September.0


    For this month, since they hadn''t worked much, it was uncertain how much they would receive, so the deductions would start next month.0


    Three full months of tough times lay ahead.0


    Bai Fendou lay in bed, feeling uncomfortable all over. He said, "Dad, can you make some food?"0


    Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou lived in opposite rooms. They could converse easily without needing to move. Old Man Bai didn''t budge, refusing to respond to Bai Fendou''s request. He wasn''t about to do any work.0


    After all, he was injured.0


    Old Man Bai didn''t move, so Bai Fendou, feeling frustrated, got up and walked to the outer room. He opened the cupboard and muttered, "I remember there were some peanuts in the cupboard..."0


    Upon opening it, he found it empty.0


    Not even a mouse dropping was left.0


    Bai Fendou cursed, "Damn, the peanuts were stolen!"0


    He clearly remembered that there were peanuts at home. He had bought two pounds, planning to fry them for a snack with some liquor. Peanuts with liquor, the more you drink, the more you have.0


    He had heard that before.0


    They didn''t have much else, but peanuts were a regular purchase.0


    "Dad, did you eat the peanuts?"0


    Old Man Bai couldn''t stay silent this time. He retorted angrily, "Why would it be me? We worked together, went to the hospital together, and left together. When would I have had the time to come back early and take them? Are you picking a fight?"0


    Bai Fendou, feeling dejected, said, "Why are you so angry? I just asked. But how did the peanuts disappear? It must be Aunt Zhou. She broke the glass and took our peanuts. I''m going to find her."0


    Old Man Bai quickly said, "Wait."0


    Bai Fendou: "What? Are you defending her?"0


    Old Man Bai spat and cursed, "Are you stupid? Why would I defend her? Think carefully. How could it be Aunt Zhou? She may be shameless and mean, but she''s never been one to steal."0


    Bai Fendou frowned, "Then who took them?"0


    Old Man Bai sighed deeply, "Who? Think, who else could it be? Why don''t you use your brain?"0


    Bai Fendou didn''t respond, impatient, "Just tell me."0


    He really had no idea. In this courtyard, there shouldn''t be any thieves. Even if there were, they wouldn''t take peanuts over pots and pans, which were more valuable.0


    He thought for a moment and said, "Could it have been eaten by rats?"0


    Old Man Bai felt like he was about to have a heart attack. He deeply regretted not having a second child.0


    He sighed with sorrow and said, "It wasn''t rats. It was the kids. Isn''t that obvious? It must have been Jinlai and the others."0


    They both knew what kind of kids they were.0


    When they were at home, the kids would sneak in from time to time to steal some food. Because of Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu''s leniency, they didn''t scold the children too harshly. Now that they weren''t home, the kids would surely have come in more often.0


    Old Man Bai: "Think carefully. Who else would steal just a little bit of food?"0


    Bai Fendou thought about it and nodded, "You''re right."0


    "Exactly."0


    Bai Fendou, who had been furious earlier, now calmed down. He said, "Those little brats took everything. But kids need to eat. I''m a big guy; I don''t mind missing a meal. But kids can''t go hungry."0


    He found an excuse for the child and trotted back to the room. This absurd situation could be taken seriously or lightly, and he was quite laid-back about it. However, after lying down again, his stomach began to grumble.0


    He said, "I should have bought breakfast at the cafeteria this morning before leaving."0


    Old Man Bai grunted in a muffled voice.0


    They didn''t leave the hospital of their own volition, nor did they want to leave. They were essentially kicked out by the hospital.0


    This was unprecedented¡ªpatients being kicked out of the hospital! The hospital had its reasons, though. He had caused trouble for three nights straight after staying for three nights, and before that, months ago, there was the time when Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun were hospitalized together. That time, a massive brawl had broken out right in the ward.0


    Although they eventually settled with compensation, the hospital was truly exasperated.0


    In front of Bai Fendou, the hospital was like a helpless victim bullied by a tyrant.0


    Given his history of causing trouble, the hospital was resolute in not keeping such a troublemaker. Although he did have many injuries, the main treatment was just intravenous antibiotics, which their factory clinic could handle.0


    If he really needed to change dressings, he could come back to the hospital.0


    But for hospitalization? Sorry, not welcome.0


    If the term "medical troublemaker" existed at the time, Bai Fendou would have been one of the earliest. However, his type of medical troublemaker was different from the later ones. His brand of medical troublemaking was more like: causing a ruckus in the hospital.0


    This kind of "medical troublemaker" was distinct from the usual ones.0


    In short, for the sake of public facilities and the safety of doctors, nurses, and other patients, the hospital was determined not to keep such a troublemaker.0


    Thus, the Bai father and son were unceremoniously kicked out.0


    They were unceremoniously forced to leave the hospital.0


    It was easy to imagine that in the future, if they wanted to be hospitalized, they would have to switch to another hospital. This one was definitely off-limits. But what they didn''t know was that every hospital in the city of Beijing was aware of this pair!0


    After all, the case of a shattered testicle was a first for them.0


    Many people in the city''s hospitals had come to take a peek at this rare event.0


    Bai Fendou, with his distinctive appearance, had already become famous.0


    Originally, he was already a peculiar character, and with his knack for causing trouble, he had become notorious, causing all hospitals to shudder at the mere mention of his name.0


    If Zhao Guihua had known, she would have said, "People nowadays are too naive. They haven''t seen the real deal. If this were a few decades later, medical troublemakers would be terrifying." But that was all in the future, not worth discussing now.0


    For now, the Bai father and son were forced out of the hospital. Since they weren''t in any life-threatening condition and weren''t even seriously injured, the hospital had finished treating them with just some dressing changes and intravenous antibiotics, which the factory clinic could handle.0


    So, discharge, must discharge.0


    The Bai father and son refused to say why they were discharged, but in this world, are there really any secrets? Especially such a big deal as being forcibly discharged, there were none. By mid-morning, everyone knew why this father and son had been kicked out.0


    Turns out, even the hospital didn''t want them.0


    Aunt Zhou exclaimed, "I used to think I was quite a difficult old lady, someone who was disliked wherever I went. But I never expected someone even worse than me. Even I haven''t been kicked out of the hospital! How much do people hate this father and son for the hospital to refuse money and kick them out?"0


    It seemed this woman had some self-awareness.0


    She actually knew she was unpopular.0


    But Aunt Zhou didn''t feel embarrassed at all; instead, she was quite proud. After all, she hadn''t been kicked out.0


    "The heavens have eyes, haha."0


    Zhao Guihua watched Aunt Zhou''s gleeful expression as she continued washing clothes. Being a homemaker, it might seem like there''s nothing to do, just staying at home without working. But in reality, the workload is enormous.0


    Even with a daughter-in-law helping out, can you let the daughter-in-law wash your personal clothes? Or your husband''s clothes?0


    She certainly couldn''t do that.0


    Zhao Guihua was washing clothes in the courtyard when she heard a voice at the door, "Is Zhao Guihua here?"0


    Zhao Guihua quickly replied, "That''s me."0


    She looked up and saw Auntie Lian.0


    Aunt Zhou''s expression changed, her eyes fixed on Auntie Lian, then shifting to Zhao Guihua, her gaze suspiciously flitting between the two.0


    Auntie Lian also noticed Aunt Zhou and greeted her with a smile, "Sister, you live in this courtyard too? What a coincidence."0


    She was quite natural, saying, "Sister Zhao, look, the things you asked me to swap for, I''ve found them for you."0


    Zhao Guihua had asked Auntie Lian yesterday to find her some egg-laying hens, and today she had already delivered. She was really efficient. Auntie Lian cheerfully said, "These two are from my relatives in the countryside. They used to lay eggs every day. If it weren''t for my pleading, they wouldn''t have parted with them. Look at this one, the feathers, the tail, the rear end, they''re definitely good egg-laying hens. You can raise them, but since they''ve had a long journey, they might be a bit scared and might not lay eggs right away. Give them a couple of days to settle in. If they don''t lay eggs within a week, come find me."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."0


    This wasn''t their first business deal, and Auntie Lian wouldn''t be in this line of work if she didn''t have integrity. She said, "It''s been years since I last raised chickens."0


    Auntie Lian: "They''re new here, so their appetite might be off." She glanced around the cramped chicken coop and said, "In the countryside, they''re free-range. Coming to such a small space after living in a big place, they might feel a bit uneasy. Feed them well. If you have kids, catch some worms for them to eat, and they''ll definitely lay eggs for you."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."0


    She politely said, "Thank you."0


    Auntie Lian: "Oh, don''t mention it. That''s just how I am. When someone asks for my help, I do my best. Right, Aunt Zhou?"0


    Aunt Zhou was suddenly addressed and gave a slightly awkward smile, saying, "I didn''t expect you two to know each other."0


    Auntie Lian remained calm: "We met during a bit of a commotion a while back. When I heard I had connections in the countryside, Sister Zhao asked me to find her some egg-laying hens."0


    She even winked at Aunt Zhou, implying that her other side jobs shouldn''t be mentioned.0


    Aunt Zhou, seeing Auntie Lian''s wink, seemed to understand. She coughed and said, "So, how much are these egg-laying hens?"0


    Asked so openly, Auntie Lian didn''t get angry. Instead, she smiled and said, "How much, you ask? We don''t talk about money, just swapping things. It''s about mutual help between the city and the countryside, exchanging goods. We don''t casually discuss money."0


    Hearing this, Aunt Zhou realized that while they might negotiate prices privately, publicly, they wouldn''t mention it.0


    Aunt Zhou, watching Zhao Guihua tend to the hens with envy, pouted and said, "Come on in. It''s been a while since we last talked. Come in and chat."0


    "Sure!"0


    Aunt Zhou didn''t feel the least bit out of place for leading away Zhao Guihua''s guest. She glanced arrogantly at Zhao Guihua, feeling a bit triumphant for breaking the mood. But did Zhao Guihua care? Not at all.0


    Nothing was more important than the hens.0


    Absolutely nothing.0


    After all, she and Auntie Lian had settled their business yesterday, so today wasn''t about that. Auntie Lian lived alone, and you had to allow her to find ways to make money. So Zhao Guihua wasn''t going to be petty about cutting into someone''s income.0


    Zhao Guihua called out, "Liang Meifen, Liang Meifen."0


    Liang Meifen quickly popped out, flustered, and asked, "Mother-in-law, I''m here."0


    Zhao Guihua: "Didn''t it rain the other day? Go to that shady spot by the river and see if you can find some worms or earthworms, dig some up."0


    Liang Meifen: "Alright."0


    She agreed but looked forlornly at the hens. These hens were for her sister-in-law to eat the eggs, yet she had to go dig for worms. What kind of life was this? Zhao Guihua saw her dawdling and raised her voice: "What are you looking at! Hurry up. You''re like a donkey, need a whip to move!"0


    Liang Meifen quickly picked up her basket and pushed her bicycle, darting out like a thunderbolt, leaving no time for anyone to react.0


    This series of actions left "guest" Auntie Lian wide-eyed and speechless. She exclaimed in astonishment, "Zhao Guihua is really strict with her daughter-in-law."0


    Aunt Zhou sneered, "Isn''t that the truth? Do you think she''s some kind of gentle person? She''s a mean one, and she''s partial too. Did you see that old hen? It lays eggs for her younger daughter-in-law, but look, the work is all done by her elder daughter-in-law."0


    Auntie Lian: "Oh my, that''s really..."0


    She never spoke ill of others, as everyone was her patron, her "god of wealth." Did gods of wealth have ranks? No, they didn''t!0


    Even if they could only bring her a penny, they were still her gods of wealth.0


    Besides, Aunt Zhou''s reputation preceded her. She said Zhao Guihua was harsh, but Zhao Guihua didn''t have as big a reputation for being mean as Aunt Zhou. However, Auntie Lian didn''t mention this. Who cared about the truth anyway? She said, "You asked me to come over for..."0


    Aunt Zhou: "I want two old hens too. What''s your price?"0


    Auntie Lian: "If you''re raising chickens, I''ll definitely charge you less than what I charged Zhao Guihua, since we''re old acquaintances, and I just met her. But I advise you not to raise them."0


    Seeing Aunt Zhou getting anxious, Auntie Lian quickly added, "Your family is different from hers. They have a big family, and you see, they all go out to dig for worms. Your family is well-off, with your son and daughter-in-law both having stable jobs, and it''s just you at home. If you raise chickens, it''ll be quite tiring. If you just feed them simply, they definitely won''t be as good as those raised on worms. Then you might blame me, thinking I''ve tricked you. But if you go out digging for worms every day, that''ll be too tiring. After all, we''re not young anymore, can''t compare to the youngsters."0


    Aunt Zhou nodded, "Hmm, you speak honestly."0


    Auntie Lian: "I do business, it''s just small-time stuff. I have to be honest, or who would come to me? But no matter what business it is, have you ever heard that I''m a scammer? I told you there''s a ghost in your neighbor''s toilet, did I lie?"0


    Aunt Zhou''s face changed, but she still felt Auntie Lian was honest. She nodded, "You do have a point."0


    Auntie Lian: "Exactly, if you don''t feed them worms, they won''t be as good as those fed with worms. I have to be honest with you."0


    Aunt Zhou: "Well, I''ll raise them anyway!"0


    She was most competitive and said, "I have to, everyone else has them, I can''t be without. It''s just worms, I can do it too."0


    Auntie Lian: "Alright, if you''re sure, give me the money, I''ll bring them to you tomorrow or the day after."0


    Aunt Zhou: "How much?"0


    Auntie Lian showed a number, and Aunt Zhou was shocked, her eyes wide, "So much?"0


    Auntie Lian: "Don''t think it''s much, these are egg-laying hens. Think about it, who would sell a laying hen? I have to tell you, for Zhao Guihua, I charged an extra fifty cents for each hen."0


    She spoke sincerely, "We''re old acquaintances, that''s why I gave you a discount. But if you buy them, don''t mention it in front of her, or she''ll definitely come knocking on my door. I don''t think she''s easy to deal with, might even break my door, and I''ll be the one losing out."0


    Auntie Lian''s words hit the mark with Aunt Zhou, who was pleased, "Alright then, I''ll take them."0


    Zhao Guihua spent more money than her, hehe.0


    Aunt Zhou felt very satisfied thinking about it!0


    She chuckled, "It''s just catching worms to feed them, my family can do that too."0


    Why was Aunt Zhou so confident her family could do it? Because she thought of someone, that was the girl Aunt Su was going to arrange to live with them. When that girl came to live with them, their family would provide food and drink, and it would be only right for her to do some work.0


    A country girl, doing these chores should be no problem, she thought. It seemed quite doable to her.0


    "This is really good," Aunt Zhou revealed a satisfied smile, and so did Auntie Lian. Auntie Lian also felt quite satisfied, seeing that there was another job to be done.0


    As for who was higher or lower... hehe, let''s all get scammed together, where''s the friendship in that?0


    There isn''t!0


    She smiled slightly, thinking she could probably find a third customer in this courtyard.0


    Hmm, maybe even a third one, it would be best if everyone raised chickens.0


    Auntie Lian wasn''t good at much, but as a middleman earning some brokerage money, she was quite adept. She had a new job, and she was happy, "I''ll go to the countryside tomorrow morning, you just wait and see, I''ll pick the best ones for you."0


    "Alright."0


    "Oh, by the way, I heard there''s a family with a broken... are they in your courtyard too?"0


    Everyone has curiosity, right?0


    Aunt Zhou: "Yeah, they live next to me. They came back, even the hospital didn''t want to treat them. Have you ever seen someone so failed at life? I haven''t, they''ve really embarrassed themselves..."0


    The two old ladies started chattering away.0


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care what others were talking about. She put the chickens in the coop, added some water, and then continued washing clothes. Zhao Guihua calmly went about her work, while Aunt Su, sitting at the door mending her grandson''s clothes, was feeling quite restless.0


    Her heart was anxious, she couldn''t help it.0


    This unfamiliar old lady, she didn''t know her, but Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou did. She felt she was lagging behind.0


    But if she sat in the courtyard, she could at least strike up a conversation. Now that the old lady had gone inside, there was no way to talk to her. She didn''t know what this old lady was doing, how she could trade for old hens from the countryside. Speaking of which, she wanted to trade too, not sure if two yuan would be enough.0


    The black market sold them for two yuan off-season, only two yuan and fifty cents during the New Year. She couldn''t go higher than that.0


    Aunt Su pondered.0


    She coughed once and said, "Guihua, how much did you pay for your old hens?"0


    Zhao Guihua: "Didn''t cost anything."0


    She smiled, "You didn''t see me pay, did you? I just traded."0


    She started hanging up the clothes.0


    Aunt Su bit her lip, unhappy.0


    They were neighbors, how could she keep secrets? This Zhao Guihua was really mean, not at all kind.0


    "Excuse me, is Bai Fendou at home?"0


    A clear, crisp female voice rang out. Zhao Guihua and Aunt Su looked over simultaneously to see a young woman in her twenties, maybe even younger, dressed in a floral blouse, carrying a military green satchel with the slogan "Serve the People," her two black and shiny braids looking quite presentable.0


    Perhaps hearing the commotion outside, Aunt Zhou also quickly came out, after all, there were rarely any young women coming to look for Bai Fendou.0


    Not just young women, even young wives and old ladies didn''t visit their house, not even female mosquitoes in the summer. But this girl was fresh and lively, clearly a well-off young lady, and she was pushing a bicycle.0


    "Auntie, does Bai Fendou live in this courtyard?"0


    She asked again.0


    But in her heart, she was muttering, these country bumpkins, have they never seen a pretty girl?0


    Zhao Guihua pointed and said, "That house."0


    She called out loudly, "Bai Fendou, someone''s looking for you."0


    Aunt Zhou also quickly seized the opportunity to ask, "Miss, what do you do?"0


    Her triangular eyes scanned the young woman up and down, and she asked, "Are you here to meet Bai Fendou for a blind date?"0


    At this, the young woman''s face darkened. She said sternly, "Auntie, don''t talk nonsense, what blind date? I''m from the factory clinic, and I''m here to give Bai Fendou and his father an IV drip."0


    She shook her bulging satchel and said, "I''m here for work."0


    The hospital didn''t want to deal with them, and Section Chief Liu didn''t want the people from their machinery factory to embarrass themselves in the hospital, so he took over the matter. The clinic would come every day to give Bai Fendou and his father an IV drip, a very good service.0


    Of course, it also cost money.0


    But it was still a very good deal.0


    If it weren''t for the fact that they were all men, Section Chief Liu wouldn''t have bothered.0


    Of course, it wasn''t that being all men meant they were treated better, but this Bai Fendou was truly broken, and Section Chief Liu had a bit of sympathy.0


    It would be quite inconvenient if they had to shuffle back and forth to the hospital in small steps. Therefore, the clinic sends someone to their home every day. Fortunately, the clinic isn''t very busy.0


    This time, the one who came to visit was Tao Yuyue, the new cashier at the clinic.0


    If the person needing a home visit was a factory leader, naturally, everyone would be eager to come. But as it happens, it''s Bai Fendou. Although some people might be curious and want to see the entertainment, most are too lazy to make the trip. Do Bai Fendou and his father deserve such effort?0


    Since no one is particularly keen on coming, the task falls to Tao Yuyue.0


    After all, she''s the new arrival.0


    Although Tao Yuyue is also a new cashier, she''s a bit different from Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi was specifically recruited through an exam. Since the position was for a cashier, it didn''t require prior medical training; good math skills were the priority.0


    Although, there aren''t really many accounts to calculate in the hospital. But for a large factory, maintaining formal procedures is normal.0


    Zhuang Zhixi was transferred away, and immediately, Doctor Wang started maneuvering to get his niece transferred in. Despite Zhuang Zhixi leaving, the factory didn''t create any new positions. So even though Tao Yuyue came in, she''s temporarily a temp worker.0


    And even for this, she had to be either a medical school graduate or a nursing school graduate.0


    Things were very different three years ago compared to now.0


    Three years ago, when Zhuang Zhixi was looking for a job, going to the countryside wasn''t mandatory. But now, it''s different. Without some solid connections, you can''t stay. Not even a temp job is easy to come by.0


    Tao Yuyue is currently a temp worker at the clinic. If she performs well, she might have a better chance during the next round of hiring. If not, she''ll just have to continue as a temp.0


    Of course, in the current situation, being able to stay as a temp is already a good thing.0


    Getting into such a large collective is no easy feat.0


    Although she has relatives in the clinic, Tao Yuyue is still at the bottom of the hierarchy. Since no one else wanted to come, Doctor Wang assigned her to the task. Doctor Wang had her own considerations. If her niece works hard, everyone will take notice, which is always a good thing.0


    Don''t think the leaders won''t see it. Didn''t they notice Zhuang Zhixi?0


    Her niece might not be as clever or good at socializing as Zhuang Zhixi, but Doctor Wang believes that with her backing, things won''t go too badly. She proactively sent her niece over, unaware that Tao Yuyue wasn''t happy about it.0


    Tao Yuyue graduated from a nursing school, but her skills are quite average. She wasn''t a good student in school, and she''s not particularly happy now.0


    However, Tao Yuyue has a bit of a girl''s shrewdness in this regard and doesn''t show her displeasure. She knows that the people living in this area are all from their factory. If a bad reputation spreads, it will be difficult to find a good match in the future. She wants to find someone with good conditions.0


    Reputation is very important.0


    "Auntie, is this the room?"0


    The... the glass is broken, why not replace it?0


    She was puzzled and a bit disgusted, but she still stood at the door and called out, "Uncle Bai, Bai Fendou."0 S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Who''s looking for me?"0


    Bai Fendou''s tone wasn''t very pleasant. He was taking an afternoon nap. Looking out the window, his eyes widened, and his face turned red as he stammered, "You you you... who are you? Are you looking for me? I... I am Bai Fendou."0


    This girl is so beautiful.0


    Tao Yuyue: "Hello, I''m Tao Yuyue, from the factory clinic."0


    "Ah. Clinic?"0


    Is there such a beautiful girl in the clinic?0


    He was puzzled but still said, "Come in quickly."0


    Seeing the pretty girl, he was like a joyful big dog.0


    "You you you... are you new here?"0


    Tao Yuyue: Hmm, this Bai Fendou, not a great guy, and he''s a stutterer!

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90It wasn''t clear whether it was the female outfit that made Qin Xian seem more vulnerable and approachable, but Ji Fei suddenly lunged toward the bed, landing on the beautiful Qin Xian.


    Qin Xian let out a muffled groan as she suddenly fell into his arms. Coming to his senses, he simply indulged her with a tender and permissive embrace.


    "What did you call me?" Qin Xian raised an eyebrow, a hint of helplessness in his tone.


    Ji Fei lay on Qin Xian''s abs, feeling the smooth texture of the nightgown, which only added to the contrast and made her laugh.


    Ji Fei propped herself up, looking down at the beauty with a mischievous smile. "With such beauty, you must be my wife."


    ¡¾Who else could have the luck to have both the handsomest husband and the most beautiful wife? It''s me!!¡¿


    Ji Fei was so overwhelmed by the beauty that she was almost intoxicated.


    Qin Xian''s eyes darkened as he received this "claim." Ji Fei''s lively demeanor struck a chord in Qin Xian''s heart, resonating deeply within his soul, as if he had once witnessed such a beautiful scene.


    Qin Xian''s heart raced, the thumping vibrations transmitted through the thin nightgown to Ji Fei.


    Ji Fei was slightly startled, finally meeting his gaze. The eyes, softened by makeup, had lost their usual aloofness, transforming into a pair of tender, loving eyes that left Ji Fei completely blank.


    The scene in front of her seemed to align with the photos Qin''s Mom had shown her.


    Whether it was an illusion or not, a strong impulse suddenly surged within her.


    Such a beautiful being deserved to be hugged and kissed, and... it seemed like this wasn''t the first time she had done so.


    Before Qin Xian could react, everything seemed to spin.


    Ji Fei''s face suddenly loomed large, her lips coated with slightly cool lip gloss pressing against a different warmth. Their breaths intertwined, and it felt as if their souls were soaring.


    Qin Xian felt as if he had suddenly fallen into a furnace, his blood boiling, his energy surging through his body like a poised leopard. Yet he still restrained himself, carefully enduring, fearing that this beautiful moment might be an illusion, and that any sudden movement might wake her.


    Even though Qin Xian remained still, the pressure on his lips suddenly disappeared.


    Instinctively, Qin Xian lifted his head, wanting to chase that kiss and continue the entanglement.


    ¡¾Ahhh, how did I just kiss him?!¡¿


    Qin Xian didn''t catch up; Ji Fei had already covered her face and rolled to the side.


    ¡¾Ahhh, maybe the female-clad CEO looks really kissable, less intimidating, so I just went ahead and teased him?!¡¿


    ¡¾But his lips are so soft and sweet, I really like them, hehe... But what if he thinks I''m irresponsible for suddenly kissing him!¡¿


    ¡¾Ahhh, what if he asks me... What should I say?!¡¿


    ¡¾But... I really want to kiss him again.¡¿ S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing Ji Fei''s chaotic thoughts, Qin Xian could only let out a helpless sigh.


    Turning around, he reached out and pulled Ji Fei into his arms. Sure enough, the person in his arms stiffened slightly. Qin Xian could see Ji Fei''s normally pale neck turning red with embarrassment.


    Ji Fei was a bit nervous, but then she heard Qin Xian say, "Are you satisfied?"


    "Uh... Yes, very satisfied." Ji Fei almost stammered.


    "Can I go and remove the makeup now?" Qin Xian said calmly.


    Ji Fei quickly scrambled up, lowering her head. "You go change first, and I''ll help you later."


    ¡¾Weird, why doesn''t he say anything?¡¿


    Qin Xian didn''t want Ji Fei to feel any pressure. In their relationship, Ji Fei always held the initiative, but... he also had a little grievance that needed to be soothed.


    Accompanying Qin Xian to the bathroom, he leaned down, allowing Ji Fei to help him remove the makeup. As the handsome CEO gradually returned to his usual self, Ji Fei''s hands moved slower and slower.


    Because it was time to clean the lip makeup, and thinking about her mischief earlier, Ji Fei felt guilty.


    Just as she was about to suggest that Qin Xian do it himself to avoid awkwardness, she steeled her resolve and decided to finish the task quickly.


    Perhaps in her haste, she wasn''t as meticulous, leaving Qin Xian''s lips slightly swollen after the cleanup.


    Ji Fei was about to awkwardly move her hand away when her wrist was suddenly caught.


    At that moment, Qin Xian opened his eyes. Because of the close proximity during the makeup removal, the distance between their eyes was so short that it seemed to raise the temperature around them.


    Ji Fei hadn''t recovered yet, stuttering slightly. "W-what are you doing?"


    "Do you like men or women?"


    The abrupt question left Ji Fei''s little brain frozen.


    "Ah? Of course, men."


    Qin Xian''s eyes flickered, and he swallowed hard. "Is that so? I was a bit worried..."


    The last word disappeared again between their pressed lips.


    Ji Fei''s eyes widened, her pupils shaking even more than before. After all, the first kiss had been in a blur, facing what felt like a half-imaginary figure.


    But now, facing the real Qin Xian, in her fully awake state, she was pulled closer by Qin Xian...


    It was still the most innocent kiss, yet it felt like a city of fireworks exploding in their hearts.


    When Ji Fei came to her senses, she heard a low, magnetic voice, suppressing delight yet still overflowing with joy, but with a tone pretending to be calm. "Now, I''m not worried anymore."


    Ji Fei didn''t know how she fell asleep, only feeling that when she was half-awake the next morning, the usual good morning kiss that landed on her forehead this time lightly brushed her lips, tickling her so much that she couldn''t help licking her lips, as if she heard a swallowing sound.


    In her dream, Ji Fei sensed some kind of danger and curled up under the blanket, continuing her sweet dream.


    Someone, however, had to go to the bathroom before they could leave the room.


    The slow-moving couple.


    But the wedding day for the Yu family was finally approaching.


    Although Yu''s Father was no longer able to have children, the wedding still had to go on.


    That evening, everyone was in the living room discussing tomorrow''s wedding attendance when Ji Fei got distracted because Guo Yalan was contacting her, with messages popping up constantly.


    Ji Fei thought it might be something urgent, but when she opened it, the first message was Guo Yalan asking if she knew what had happened recently between Yu Yue and Bai Xiaoxi.


    Ji Fei was full of question marks. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that Guo Yalan and Cen Ting had been contacting Bai Xiaoxi to send wedding gifts, but although they could reach her, the usually enthusiastic and cheerful Bai Xiaoxi would hang up after a few words, her tone sounding listless, and she hardly responded on the chat software, which was very strange.


    Ji Fei wanted to say, with your decades-long relationship, if you don''t know, how would I know?


    But Guo Yalan didn''t need her to say anything, directly asking, "Gossip Queen, tell me, is there any gossip?"


    Ji Fei: ...


    Ji Fei handed the phone to Qin Xian, who thought for a moment and said, "Recently, Yu Yue has also been very inactive, seems to be busy."


    This caught the attention of the whole family, who asked what was going on.


    Meanwhile, Ji Fei took the opportunity to open the system to check.


    ¡¾What could be going on? Let me see... Ah?!?!?!¡¿


    The whole family immediately straightened up, what''s the situation, really gossip? Could it be something other than Yu''s Father''s inability to have children?


    ¡¾Holy crap, how did this happen?! The new aunt had a miscarriage, caused by an accident involving Bai Xiaoxi! Now Yu''s Father doesn''t know his last hope is gone, and because of his inability to have children, he''s even more concerned about the last child, Yu Yue and Bai Xiaoxi both know. If Yu''s Father finds out the truth, it will really be bad.¡¿

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91Bai Fendou felt that he might be falling in love.


    The first time he saw Nurse Tao Yuyue, it felt like spring flowers had bloomed. This girl was exactly the type he liked, and his face turned red as he gazed at Tao Yuyue and stammered, "Nurse... Nurse Tao..."


    Tao Yuyue''s hand trembled, and she missed the injection.


    Bai Fendou: "Ah!"


    Tao Yuyue quickly apologized, "I''m so sorry, Comrade Bai Fendou. I got nervous when you called me..." Her face turned red as she bit her lip in apology.


    Bai Fendou: "It''s okay! It doesn''t hurt! Go ahead and try again."


    Tao Yuyue: "Oh!"


    She said, "Then... please don''t talk to me..."


    Tao Yuyue was a bit nervous. After all, this was her first real patient since graduating. Although she had bragged about her top-notch performance in school at the clinic, deep down, she knew the truth.


    She took a deep breath and jabbed the needle in, only to see blood spurt out immediately. She quickly pressed her hand on it, but Bai Fendou''s face turned red again.


    He stammered, "Wh-why are you holding my hand?"


    Tao Yuyue forced a smile and said, "Close your eyes."


    Bai Fendou obediently closed his eyes. Tao Yuyue took another deep breath and jabbed the needle in. Bai Fendou groaned, "Mmm."


    Tao Yuyue: "It''s okay!"


    After several more attempts, she finally managed to get the needle in place. Bai Fendou winced with each try, but she finally sighed in relief and said, "You can open your eyes now, Comrade Bai Fendou. You''re such a nice person. You could tell I was nervous, but you didn''t blame me at all."


    Bai Fendou immediately patted his chest and said, "A real man doesn''t get petty over such things. How could I hold it against a girl like you?"


    Tao Yuyue smiled and said, "Then I''ll go give the injection to Old Man Bai."


    Old Man Bai was trembling in fear. He had heard about the IV and came over, sitting on a stool in the room, watching Tao Yuyue''s repeated attempts. The girl had a lovely face, but her skills were... questionable.


    Moreover, her judgment seemed off. How did she think his son was a nice person? Even he, as the father, hadn''t seen that.


    He hesitated, "Ah... well, I... actually, I think I''m almost better. I don''t really need the IV."


    Tao Yuyue didn''t believe him. It wasn''t a matter of having a brain; it was a matter of having eyes. Old Man Bai was clearly not "almost better." If that was the case, there would be no sick people left.


    She said seriously, "Old Man Bai, this won''t do. Your condition has been diagnosed by the hospital. We''ve already prescribed a week''s worth of IVs at the clinic, and the salary has been deducted. If you don''t take the IV, the money won''t be refunded."


    "Ah..." Old Man Bai thought of this and frowned in distress.


    He was instinctively afraid, but he didn''t want to waste the money. A week''s worth of IVs wasn''t cheap.


    Tao Yuyue: "You should take the IV. If you don''t, it''ll be a waste. The money isn''t going into my pocket, so I think it''s better for you to take it. Plus, your injury is serious. If you don''t take the IV, it''ll be harder to recover. Summer is prone to inflammation, so it''s better not to take any risks."


    Besides, it was a good opportunity for her to practice.


    Although Tao Yuyue wanted to improve her social status through marriage, she was also a practical girl. She knew that she couldn''t completely neglect her work; otherwise, she wouldn''t have any security.


    The clinic didn''t have many patients, and she wanted to improve her skills to stand out when giving injections to leaders. She needed more practice to seize opportunities, just like Zhuang Zhixi, who had seized the chance to transfer to the security department. She could also use such opportunities to secure a permanent position.


    So she said sincerely, "Old Man Bai, if it gets inflamed, it could be dangerous. I''m sure you understand. Are you afraid of injections? Don''t be. My skills are actually very good. I was top of my class in school, but since this is my first job and my first time visiting a single man''s home, I''m a bit nervous..."


    She was blatantly lying.


    Her performance in school had been mediocre. Back then, she had been more focused on using her school''s resources to find a partner rather than studying. Now, men were also shrewd and wouldn''t just look at her face; they would also consider her background. The ones she liked didn''t like her, and the ones who liked her, she didn''t like. It was frustrating.


    So she wanted to improve her skills in case of future needs.


    Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared.


    Hearing her words, Old Man Bai believed her. He hesitated for a moment and nodded, "Alright."


    Although it looked terrifying, his injury was in a critical area. Although he hadn''t used it in decades, he couldn''t risk it getting inflamed, especially since Aunt Su might agree to be with him. If it got infected and became useless, that would be the end.


    So he gritted his teeth and agreed. Tao Yuyue: "Should we do it here or..."


    "In my room."


    Tao Yuyue quickly followed him into Old Man Bai''s room. She frowned slightly but pretended not to notice the messy surroundings. A smart woman''s first move is to ignore the unpleasant environment. She quickly took out the IV and got to work... "Ah!"


    Old Man Bai let out a painful scream.


    The women in the courtyard were all looking at each other in confusion. Even Aunt Wang from the back courtyard came over. The four aunties of the courtyard gathered at the Bai family''s door, peeking inside. This was quite a rare sight.


    If you didn''t know it was an injection, you''d think they were slaughtering a pig.


    ¡°What''s going on? Slaughtering a pig?¡± Auntie Lian curiously joined in, knowing that watching a lively scene was a must.


    "How can you say that? Didn''t you hear Old Man Bai''s painful screams?" This was undoubtedly Aunt Su.


    Auntie Lian didn''t respond. Fortunately, the Bai family''s windows were all broken, so they could see clearly from outside. Everyone was curious. They watched as Tao Yuyue tried again and again.


    Old Man Bai''s suffering wasn''t any less than Bai Fendou''s.


    Finally, the IV was in place, and Old Man Bai looked utterly defeated.


    Tao Yuyue instructed, "Once this IV is finished, don''t remove the needle. Just remove the bottle and replace it with the next one. You have two IVs a day, and it usually takes four hours to finish both. I''ll be back in three and a half hours. During this time, don''t move around, or something might go wrong, and I won''t be here to help."


    Old Man Bai nodded painfully.


    Meanwhile, in the opposite room, Bai Fendou called out, "Nurse Tao, are you leaving already? Why not stay here? What if something happens to us? You''re supposed to be serving us, so shouldn''t you stay until the end?"


    He had taken a liking to the pretty nurse at first sight.


    Outside the window, Aunt Su''s face darkened. She thought, "Men can''t be trusted. It''s right to take their money. Even if they don''t spend it on others, they''ll waste it. Men are never honest until they''re hanging on the wall."


    Bai Fendou looked expectantly at Tao Yuyue: "Nurse Tao..."


    Tao Yuyue: "That''s not possible. The clinic isn''t just for your family. We''ve already been specially approved by the factory to come here because of your serious injuries. For minor injuries, we wouldn''t even consider coming. Anyway, I''m leaving now."


    Having finished the injections, she no longer spoke softly and quickly packed up her things to leave. Seeing a group of old women watching the commotion, she despised these gossiping, uneducated old ladies.


    She nodded slightly and then rode her bike away.


    Aunt Zhou leaned her head toward the window and said to Bai Fendou, "Oh, Bai Fendou, this nurse is quite pretty. Do you like her?"


    Bai Fendou''s face turned slightly red, and he said, "What are you talking about? Don''t ruin Nurse Tao''s reputation."


    Aunt Zhou saw through his intentions immediately. She chuckled coldly, exclaiming, "What a toad lusting after a swan''s flesh! Just look at yourself¡ªwhat do you think you are?" She continued, "If you''ve set your eyes on someone, why don''t you ask Aunt Su to arrange a match for you? Oh, but I wonder if Aunt Su would be willing to part with her."


    Aunt Su responded, "What nonsense are you talking about? If Bai Fendou had a good family, I would be absolutely delighted. But I''m not familiar with Nurse Tao, and besides, her conditions are obviously very good. She''s young, and I doubt she would be interested in Bai Fendou."


    Bai Fendou, hearing this, became anxious: "Why wouldn''t she be interested? I''m in top-notch condition too!"


    This man''s lack of self-awareness was truly astounding, leaving the aunts speechless.


    Back when you were in the security department, you could barely say your conditions were decent. But now that you''re cleaning toilets, do you think young girls don''t care about appearances? Although all jobs are equal, cleaning toilets in a factory is different from being a street cleaner. Yet, it''s still cleaning toilets. In the factory, the salary for cleaning toilets isn''t the lowest¡ªapprentices in the workshop only make about ten yuan. Even first-level workers in the workshop don''t earn more than twenty-five yuan.


    So, earning twenty-five yuan a month cleaning toilets isn''t bad. But while it''s not bad, it''s still embarrassing to talk about.


    When someone asks, it''s just mortifying.


    And the salary for cleaning toilets doesn''t increase¡ªno matter how many years you work, it''s always twenty-five yuan. Unlike in the workshop, where you can get a raise after advancing in rank.


    If you had no job, cleaning toilets would be the best option. But being transferred from the security department to cleaning toilets is quite shameful.


    Bai Fendou and Old Man Bai even had their salaries reduced because of this, yet Bai Fendou still felt his conditions were quite good. He had never thought he would stay cleaning toilets forever. Instead, he deeply believed this was just a temporary setback. With his excellent performance, he estimated he would be back in no time¡ªmaybe in two or three months. So, he remained optimistic.


    "My job is actually pretty good. I wonder when Nurse Tao arrived? Oh, I also wonder if she''s a formal employee." Bai Fendou was even being picky about himself. If she wasn''t a formal employee, he wouldn''t consider her.


    Zhao Guihua looked at him as if he were a big fool, deeply believing he must be out of his mind.


    Did he even have the right to dislike Tao Yuyue?


    Although Tao Yuyue''s family conditions were ordinary, she had a good relative. Aunt Wang, her older sister, would help her plan her future. Aunt Wang''s husband was the director of the factory''s office, so her prospects were undoubtedly better than Bai Fendou''s.


    Moreover, she was under twenty, while Bai Fendou was over thirty.


    Where did his confidence come from?


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t very familiar with Tao Yuyue, but she vaguely remembered that Tao Yuyue would marry well. Of course, anyone with sense wouldn''t consider Bai Fendou. Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and turned to leave.


    Aunt Wang called out to Zhao Guihua, saying, "Old Zhao, wait a moment. I need to ask you something."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Alright, let''s talk inside."


    The old ladies'' alliance dispersed. Aunt Zhou''s eyes darted around and she said, "Auntie Lian, come, let''s go to my place."


    Looking around, only Aunt Su remained in the courtyard. She glanced left and right, fell silent for a moment, then quickly entered the Bai household. Aunt Zhou whispered to Auntie Lian, "Look at this old widow. Isn''t she shameless? She''s always hanging around with Old Man Bai..."


    Auntie Lian replied, "Your courtyard is indeed lively."


    "That''s for sure."


    Aunt Zhou continued, "Auntie Lian, I invited you over because I wanted to ask about my daughter-in-law''s pregnancy. Some say she can''t have children. I don''t know who to believe..."


    She scrutinized Auntie Lian, hoping to discern something from her expression. Auntie Lian remained calm: "It''s impossible. I don''t think that''s the case. If you don''t believe me, you can ask someone else. I don''t mind. But you should trust that time will reveal everything. Let''s leave it to time."


    Having done many superstitious acts, Auntie Lian was very composed. Her calmness made Aunt Zhou immediately believe her. She nodded, "You''re right. Look..."


    The two began to chatter, engaging in more superstitious activities.


    Even Aunt Wang, who went to Zhuang''s house to chat, was discussing this.


    She whispered to Zhao Guihua, "Old Zhao, do you think our alley''s toilet is really haunted? Otherwise, why so many strange things happen? Should we do something to ward off the evil spirit?"


    This was a sign of deep friendship. Anyone with a less close relationship wouldn''t dare to discuss such a sensitive topic.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I don''t think so. Not that I don''t believe in it, but our toilet is about to be rebuilt. Even if there were issues, they''ll be gone. Why bother? It''s not about the money. If word got out, it wouldn''t be good."


    Aunt Wang agreed, "That''s true. I don''t want to engage in superstition, but this matter is quite eerie. A perfectly fine man suddenly went crazy in the toilet. This isn''t the first time."


    Regarding the incident with Zhou Qun, Aunt Wang also leaned towards the idea of a haunting.


    Most people thought the same. Zhao Guihua didn''t argue, saying, "Let''s not act yet. Let''s see how things go after the reconstruction. I''ve heard that houses said to be haunted, after being torn down and rebuilt, no longer have those issues."


    Aunt Wang said, "I hope so."


    She looked at the old hen in the courtyard and became interested, asking, "This hen is nice. How much is it?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Four yuan each."


    Aunt Wang gasped¡ªoutside, a hen costs only two yuan. This was double the price! She looked at the hen as if it were a golden nugget.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "It''s expensive, but it starts laying eggs right away. And look at this hen¡ªit''s not big, so it can be kept for a long time."


    She continued calculating, "Egg prices fluctuate, but let''s take an average of four cents. If it lays a hundred eggs, the price difference is covered. On average, a hen costs fifty yuan and can be kept for two months, so the extra money is made up. If we keep it for one or two more years, we can eat it later without any loss. Besides, eggs are so hard to buy nowadays."


    "Did Auntie Lian persuade you?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "She may be a bit pricey, but she''s fast. If you want a hen that lays eggs immediately, you''d have to look for a long time. But with her, it''s done in a day or two. Time is money, you know."


    Aunt Wang chuckled, "You''re right about that."


    She whispered, "I bet Aunt Zhou will want to raise some too. Since that''s the case, I''ll get two."


    When no one was raising chickens, no one did. But once someone started, everyone followed. People always have a herd mentality. Zhao Guihua unintentionally started a new trend. She smiled and said, "I''ve already planned it. I''ll go to the scrap collection station to get an old basin or a large dish, then plant some scallions or garlic in it. Since we''re raising chickens, the chicken manure will fertilize the soil, and the plants will grow well. It won''t delay anything, and we''ll have extra vegetables. It saves money on buying vegetables."


    Aunt Wang''s eyes lit up, nodding, "That''s a great idea."


    If they were to open a plot in the courtyard to grow vegetables, it wouldn''t work. This is different from raising chickens. Raising chickens only takes up a small space, but growing vegetables requires a larger area. If everyone did it, there would be disputes over territory, and some might even try to freeload by stealing vegetables, which would be frustrating.


    But if they used a large basin to grow plants, placing it on the windowsill, it wouldn''t take up much space or public area. Although the yield would be small, it could be brought inside if needed, protecting it from extreme weather and thieves.


    "When are you going?" Aunt Wang said, "I''ll go with you. I can''t miss out on this. Lao Zhao, I''ve noticed you''ve got a lot of great ideas. You''re more suited to managing the courtyard than I am."


    Zhao Guihua''s face changed instantly, and she waved her hands so fast they blurred, quickly saying, "No, no, I can''t do it. You''re doing a great job, don''t say someone else is more suitable. I''m not at all suitable. I''m selfish, I only care about myself. I''m not the right fit."


    Managing the courtyard was just too much trouble¡ªa thankless task. Zhao Guihua was terrified that Aunt Wang might recommend her, so she quickly and firmly stated her position.


    Why was she so adamant?


    In her previous life, Aunt Wang had recommended her for the role. Fortunately, Aunt Su, the Bai family, and others like Aunt Zhou didn''t support her, so she didn''t end up with the burden. They had unintentionally done her a favor by being malicious.


    Zhao Guihua had no desire to serve the people.


    Why should she go out of her way for them? She wouldn''t get a single word of gratitude, and she''d end up with gray hair sprouting everywhere.


    So no matter if Aunt Wang was just casually mentioning it or had some other idea, Zhao Guihua was frightened and extremely resolute.


    Aunt Wang was stunned, then sighed in exasperation, "You really are... why are you putting yourself down like that?"


    Zhao Guihua stood her ground, "I''m just afraid you''re feeling overwhelmed by those ''talented'' families in our courtyard and thinking of passing the buck to me. I can''t handle that. Those people are all oddballs. An ordinary person like me can''t deal with them. Besides, wouldn''t it be better to spend that time taking care of my own family? Why get involved with them?"


    Aunt Wang sighed and nodded, "You''re right, I suppose."


    Even someone like her, who loved meddling in others'' affairs, was feeling exhausted by the role.


    She said, "It''s just too tiring."


    Zhao Guihua sympathetically patted her shoulder.


    Aunt Wang: "I''m so frustrated."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Alright, come on, let''s go find Auntie Lian..."


    ...


    Those who weren''t working at home were busy with their own chores, while those who were working didn''t seem to be too busy. Zhuang Zhixi spent the entire morning writing an article. It was something their factory planned to submit to the local newspaper. However, after writing several beginnings, he wasn''t satisfied. They were too conventional, and he doubted they''d be accepted.


    Although Sister Cui had mentioned that their submissions often got rejected, Zhuang Zhixi, being new to the job, was eager to showcase his abilities and establish himself. He scratched his head, got up to get some water, and on his way back from the water room, saw a few people crowding by the window. Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow in surprise and asked, "What''s going on out there?"


    "It''s Section Chief Liu. He''s scolding the security team."


    Zhuang Zhixi joined the onlookers and saw Section Chief Liu berating the guards with great intensity. Listening closely, everyone could piece together what had happened. Yesterday, after dealing with Bai Fendou''s case, Section Chief Liu returned to the factory and found some security personnel napping on the job.


    You see, many steel thieves operate at night, so the security team is responsible not only for the safety of the factory''s personnel but also for protecting the factory''s valuable materials. This is of utmost importance.


    So Section Chief Liu was furious and today, when assigning patrols, he was especially strict, scolding anyone who moved even a bit slowly.


    "I think Section Chief Liu is taking out his anger over Bai Fendou on everyone else," someone commented.


    However, Sister Cui and the others disagreed. Sister Cui shook her head, "No, that''s not how Section Chief Liu is. He''s the kind of person who keeps things separate. Besides, you all know how serious he is about his work. When he was transferred from the military, the factory lost some steel materials. It was him who tracked and followed the thieves, eventually recovering the stolen goods and bringing the gang to justice."


    "Oh, yeah, I remember that. I heard the leader of the gang even had a gun. He tried to shoot Section Chief Liu, but somehow, he survived."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "When did that happen?"


    "You wouldn''t know. You''re too young. That was about fourteen or fifteen years ago. You were probably not even in elementary school then. That was back in the ''50s."


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head, "How old is Section Chief Liu? He doesn''t look that old."


    "Section Chief Liu is forty-two this year. But he joined the military early. Both his parents were martyrs, and he grew up in the military. He was injured and transferred at the age of twenty-seven. Sometimes, you just can''t help but believe in fate... I''m not promoting superstition, but it''s hard to explain. When he was transferred, it was in the ''50s, and there were still enemy agents causing trouble. Big and small thieves were still active. Our machinery factory often lost steel materials. He led the chase, and the leader of the gang shot at him. The bullet hit his chest. Everyone thought he was a goner, but guess what? He survived."


    Zhuang Zhixi listened intently, amazed, "Why?"


    "The bullet happened to hit his military medal. Can you believe it? He always wore three military medals on his chest, one for each of his parents and one for himself. The bullet hit the medal, and he didn''t get injured."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes widened, "Wow."


    "You could say it was divine intervention... or maybe he just has a strong life force."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "That''s impressive."


    "Yeah, not long after he took office, the atmosphere at the factory improved significantly. I heard he had a chance to be promoted, but he''s attached to the factory and chose to stay."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I didn''t know Section Chief Liu had such a history."


    "Yeah, so if the security team slacks off, Section Chief Liu really loses his temper. He''s always said that no matter what other departments do, the security team must never slack off or have integrity issues. Look at Bai Fendou¡ªonce he was transferred out, he''ll never be able to return to the security team."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Speaking of Bai Fendou, I saw him being discharged from the hospital this morning... He''s not fully recovered, so why did he leave?"


    He mused aloud, and Sister Cui immediately chimed in, "Oh, you didn''t know? The hospital kicked them out."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What?!"


    Sister Cui: "It''s really strange. The hospital just couldn''t handle them anymore. Now, many of the male colleagues at the factory are worried. Bai Fendou is so bitter that he seems to hate everyone else. There''s a rumor that he''s grabbing men..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He twitched his mouth, finding the rumor too absurd. Bai Fendou might not be the best person, but to specifically target men''s... well, that was just too much.


    Probably not.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s obvious disbelief made someone else say, "Don''t dismiss it so quickly. Some things might seem impossible for a normal person, but think about it¡ªis Bai Fendou really normal?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''ve convinced me with that."


    "Since you live in the same courtyard, you''d better be careful."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He nodded seriously, "I''ll definitely keep my distance from him."


    "Don''t take it as a joke. The guy''s really gone crazy."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I understand."


    He chuckled, looking out the window. Suddenly, Zhuang Zhixi slapped his head and said, "Hey, what if we write about outstanding individuals for our submission? Focus on some of the excellent older colleagues in the factory."


    Everyone looked at him. Zhuang Zhixi pointed to Section Chief Liu, who was still energetically scolding people outside, and said, "Like him, for example."


    Everyone: "..."


    Their looks said, "You''re treating him like a circus act."


    Sister Cui swallowed hard and said, "It might work. But... Section Chief Liu has a bad temper and is suspicious. He tends to overthink things. If you approach him, he might not be willing."


    Zhuang Zhixi remained calm, "It''s okay. If Section Chief Liu agrees, that''s great. If he doesn''t, I''ll just ask someone else. It''s worth a try."


    Old Huang, who was listening nearby, thought Zhuang Zhixi''s idea was quite good. He suggested, "Sometimes, you don''t need to write about important positions. Even ordinary jobs have people who work diligently. Ordinary people are more relatable."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "In that case, I''ll start by asking Section Chief Liu. If he''s not willing, I''ll try to find someone else. I only recently learned about Section Chief Liu''s story, and I''m even less familiar with others. I''ll try to find someone with a clear and specific story so we don''t have to make things up."


    "Exactly!"


    Little Xu, who was nearby, sneered at Zhuang Zhixi, thinking that this guy was just trying to flatter Section Chief Liu. As if no one could see through that.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, didn''t pay attention to Little Xu. Why would he waste time noticing another guy when he had better things to do? After making his decision, Zhuang Zhixi went to see Section Chief Liu in the afternoon. When Section Chief Liu heard what he had to say, he burst out laughing and firmly refused, "No way, I don''t like getting involved in such things. You''d better find someone else."


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his strong refusal, said, "You know, I only know about you. I don''t know anything about others. Besides, you are someone we should all learn from." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These words made Section Chief Liu feel quite pleased, but he still insisted, "I really don''t like being in the spotlight. If I wanted that, I wouldn''t have waited until now. If you really want to write..." He glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, seeing that he seemed sincere, and said, "Then go find Old Niu at the gate. Uncle Niu is the one worth writing about. Don''t underestimate him just because he''s a gatekeeper. His story is quite moving. His son died protecting important materials for our factory, and he himself is quite remarkable..."


    Zhuang Zhixi always carried a small notebook with him and immediately started taking notes.


    Seeing how seriously Zhuang Zhixi was writing, Section Chief Liu smiled and said, "Let me tell you more."


    Section Chief Liu wasn''t busy at the moment, so he sipped from his tea mug and started telling Zhuang Zhixi about Old Niu. He curiously asked, "Will this be published?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "To be honest, I don''t know if it will be published, but I want to try. Everyone writes about the same things traditionally, but I want to try promoting our factory through individual stories. It''s worth a shot."


    Section Chief Liu nodded, "You''re a straightforward guy. If you had told me it was guaranteed to be published, I would have thought you were being dishonest. Since you''re being honest, I understand." He had been with the factory for over a decade and was quite familiar with many aspects of it.


    Although he wasn''t an expert, he had a good grasp of the general situation. So, Zhuang Zhixi''s honesty impressed him, and he was quite happy to talk more with this young man.


    The two of them seemed to be having a great conversation, at least that''s what Zhou Qun thought when he walked in carrying an electrician''s toolbox. Zhou Qun had come to fix the circuit, though the problem wasn''t in this office. The weather was already getting hot, so the doors and windows were open for ventilation, making it easy to see inside.


    Zhou Qun was surprised to see Zhuang Zhixi sitting there, his eyebrows furrowing in displeasure. What was this guy doing here? He was always trying to flatter people.


    Zhou Qun believed that Zhuang Zhixi had only been transferred to the Publicity Department by sucking up to people. Now he was even trying to get into the good graces of the Security Department. It was really... "Watch out!"


    Zhou Qun was distracted and didn''t notice his footstep. Section Chief Liu, casually glancing around, saw Zhou Qun trip over a bag of cement in the hallway. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed Zhou Qun.


    "Be careful."


    Then he said, "Zhang San, why is this bag of cement still in the hallway?"


    Their Security Department building was old and full of problems. It had leaked during the recent heavy rain.


    So, the leftover cement from the repairs was left in the hallway.


    Zhang San hurried over, "I''ll move it right away."


    He asked, "Zhou Qun, are you okay?"


    Zhou Qun shook his head, "I''m fine."


    Looking at Section Chief Liu again, Zhou Qun felt even more admiration for this manly man.


    He said, "Section Chief Liu, you saved me just now. If it weren''t for you, I would have fallen flat on my face. Let me treat you to dinner tonight to show my gratitude."


    Section Chief Liu waved his hand dismissively, "No need. If you fell here in our Security Department, it would be embarrassing for us."


    "That''s not how it works. For others, it might be a small thing, but for me, it''s very important. I had a lot of tools with me, and if they had gotten damaged, it would have been a hassle. You really helped me out, so please don''t be polite, let me treat you..."


    Section Chief Liu looked at Zhou Qun''s persistent grip on his hand, pulled it away forcefully, and said, "Really, no need."


    Seeing that Zhou Qun was about to continue his insistence, Zhang San quickly intervened, "Zhou Qun, could you give me a hand and help me carry this to the back storage room?"


    Zhou Qun''s face darkened. Damn it, I almost got tripped, and you still have the nerve to ask me to work?


    He was very unhappy, but his reputation in the factory was already delicate, so he didn''t want to offend anyone. He reluctantly glanced at Section Chief Liu one more time before helping Zhang San carry the cement away.


    Zhang San, however, was completely oblivious to Zhou Qun''s displeasure and continued to chatter cheerfully, "Zhou Qun, did you hear? Bai Fendou was discharged from the hospital. You better keep an eye on your wife from now on. Even though Bai Fendou is crippled, he might still try something..."


    Zhou Qun almost dropped the cement bag on Zhang San''s face, his voice hard, "What are you talking about? Bai Fendou has nothing to do with my wife. The last time was an accident. If there was anything going on, I wouldn''t let him off. Besides, my father-in-law wouldn''t agree either."


    He glanced back at Section Chief Liu''s office, unhappy, and asked, "What is Zhuang Zhixi doing here?"


    Zhang San replied, "Oh, just work. The Publicity Department has a lot of miscellaneous tasks."


    Zhou Qun didn''t like hearing that. He said, "What work does the Publicity Department have? I think they''re pretty idle, just lazing around all day, doing nothing."


    Zhang San stammered, "You... you shouldn''t say that."


    He added, "I think every position has its challenges."


    Being a gossip, Zhang San quickly steered the conversation back to gossip, saying, "Do you know the new nurse at the medical room, Tao Yuyue? The prettiest one, the one who replaced Zhuang Zhixi. She went to Bai Fendou''s house today to give him and his father an IV. I heard their windows were smashed. Hey, was it your mom who did it?"


    Zhou Qun: "..."


    How could this guy be so clueless? He glanced back at Section Chief Liu''s office again. It was clear that Section Chief Liu, being such a brave man, had no decent people under him. Apart from Bai Fendou, the waste, there was Zhang San, the chatterbox, and Li Si, the one who loved to watch the commotion. Being the head of the Security Department was no easy job.


    "Your section chief has a tough job," Zhou Qun said.


    Zhang San agreed, "That''s true. Take Bai Fendou, for example. All the things he''s done have brought shame to our Security Department. Even though he''s been demoted to cleaning toilets and carrying manure, he''s still technically part of our department when things go wrong. Our section chief must be really stressed. He''s been speaking more loudly today. Sigh, the heat makes people irritable, and there are all these troublesome things."


    Zhou Qun pursed his lips, deep in thought.


    Zhuang Zhixi, sitting in his chair, happened to have a good view of the window. He saw Zhou Qun looking back repeatedly, which caught Zhuang Zhixi''s attention. Zhuang Zhixi thought, "Hmm, what is Zhou Qun looking at?"


    He chuckled and said, "Zhou Qun keeps looking over here. Maybe he thinks I''m gossiping with you about something?"


    Section Chief Liu replied, "It''s possible. He tends to overthink things."


    Section Chief Liu had a very poor impression of Zhou Qun. Given the things Zhou Qun had done, anyone with a normal mind wouldn''t have a good impression of him. Although... Zhou Qun had once given the deputy section chief a carton of expensive cigarettes, which the deputy later shared with him.


    Even though he had smoked those cigarettes, Section Chief Liu couldn''t bring himself to say that Zhou Qun was a good person.


    He said, "You should be careful around him, and also around Bai Fendou. Neither of them is any good."


    He truly felt emotional: "What kind of feng shui do you have in your courtyard? Why are there so many strange people?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "Section Chief, we shouldn''t be saying that."


    Section Chief Liu chuckled: "I was just making a casual remark. Anyway, be careful around them."


    This was said with genuine sincerity, even though the two weren''t particularly close. The fact that someone would take the time to give him such advice was appreciated. Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I understand that, but they probably won''t have time to bother with me. As you mentioned, those two don''t get along at all and are always at each other''s throats. I doubt I''ll even get involved in their quarrels."


    When it came to fights, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t even on the radar in their courtyard.


    Section Chief Liu understood and was momentarily at a loss for words.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m used to it."


    Section Chief Liu laughed and said, "You certainly have an interesting life."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s true. By the way, Section Chief, let''s talk about the gatekeeper, Uncle Niu, shall we?"


    "Sure," he replied. "Uncle Niu''s story is really worth writing about. It would be great if it could be published in the newspaper."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll try my best, but I can''t guarantee anything."


    Section Chief Liu: "Of course, I understand."


    As they chatted, they soon saw Zhou Qun returning. This time, his eyes were glued to the window. Section Chief Liu, with his heroic and powerful demeanor, looked like a tough guy, while Zhuang Zhixi, with his gentle and refined appearance, always had a warm smile and a clear, refreshing face. He seemed to have some talent as well.


    Zhou Qun stopped at the door, coughed lightly, and said, "How about I treat both of you to dinner tonight?"


    Section Chief Liu: "Oh, come on, are you never going to stop? Don''t pull this fake politeness on me. I''m not going!"


    Was he trying to bribe him?


    Was he?


    What kind of person did he think he was?


    Zhuang Zhixi also laughed: "Zhou Ge, there''s no need for that. My wife is pregnant, and I need to pick her up from work."


    Who knew if Zhou Qun had some scheme in mind?


    Better to be cautious, very cautious!


    Seeing that both men had refused, Zhou Qun was quite dissatisfied and let out a soft sigh from his throat.


    He said, "Then next time, when there''s an opportunity, we must definitely go together."


    Section Chief Liu: "..."


    What kind of bootlicker was this? He had already given him a cold shoulder, yet he still didn''t get the hint? No wonder Zhou Qun had risen so quickly; he just stuck to people like glue, making it impossible to shake him off. But why was he sticking to him?


    Thinking about it, he asked, "Zhou Qun, if you have any difficulties, just say so directly. There''s no need for these fake gestures. Tell me, are you afraid that Bai Fendou will come back and take revenge on you?"


    He sighed and said, "Although I don''t know why you didn''t pursue the matter, regardless of anything else, in this situation, you are the victim. Since you''ve already forgiven Bai Fendou, if he doesn''t let it go, you can come straight to our security section, and we will definitely stand up for you."


    Zhou Qun''s eyes lit up and he said, "Thank you so much, Section Chief Liu."


    This man wasn''t just a man''s man; he also had a strong sense of responsibility!


    He looked at Section Chief Liu with glowing eyes, and Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but rub his arms, feeling goosebumps rise. It was a perfectly fine, warm day, but suddenly he felt a chill run down his spine and his scalp tingle.


    Zhou Qun''s gaze was just too creepy.


    Even though it wasn''t directed at him, it was so uncomfortable that he felt like vomiting up his lunch.


    Section Chief Liu also felt uneasy under his gaze and said, "You should hurry up and fix the wires."


    Zhou Qun: "Alright."


    He happily left.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Section Chief Liu: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll be heading out too."


    As he reached the door, he felt something was off. Unable to hold back, he pursed his lips and finally turned back to say, "Section Chief, I feel like he''s acting a bit strange... You should be careful too."


    Section Chief Liu nodded gravely.


    He was even more perceptive than Zhuang Zhixi.


    This guy was just so... strange.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t head straight back to the office but instead went to the gatehouse to see Uncle Niu. It was undeniable that although Uncle Niu was just an ordinary man, like any other ordinary person in the factory, there was something extraordinary about him.


    He had dedicated his entire life to the factory, working tirelessly without ever uttering a single complaint. His son had even sacrificed his life for the factory, and Uncle Niu had never expressed any resentment. To him, his son''s death while trying to save the factory''s assets was a tragedy, but it wasn''t the factory''s fault.


    Zhuang Zhixi left with a sense of respect.


    Back in the office, Sister Cui asked, "How did it go?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Section Chief Liu turned down the offer, but he recommended the gatekeeper, Uncle Niu."


    He added, "I went over and talked with Uncle Niu."


    "Uncle Niu? Yes, he''s also a good choice..."


    As they discussed, Zhuang Zhixi, who had been at the factory for a short time and didn''t know many people, quickly took notes. Old Huang, seeing his serious attitude, nodded with approval.


    This young man had a vibrant, upward spirit. If he got caught up in all sorts of unnecessary nonsense, it would be quite disappointing.


    The day passed quickly. Zhuang Zhixi felt like he hadn''t done much, just gathered some information, and yet it was already time to leave work. Although he had just joined the publicity section, when it came to leaving work, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hesitate at all. As soon as the clock signaled the end of the workday, he was out the door.


    Sister Cui: "Are you going to pick up your wife?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, she''s pregnant, and I can''t feel at ease."


    Sister Cui fully supported a man taking good care of his wife. If a man didn''t treat his wife well, what kind of man was he? She said, "Then hurry up and go."


    Recently, Zhuang Zhixi had been picking up Ming Mei, so he rode a bike to work. He rode a lady''s red Phoenix bicycle without any hesitation, looking perfectly calm. It just so happened that when Zhuang Zhixi left work, he ran into Zhou Qun again.


    Uh, why was it him again?


    Seeing Zhuang Zhixi on his bike, Zhou Qun quickened his pace and caught up, frowning as he said, "Are you going to pick up your wife? You don''t need to be so good to women; spoiling them won''t do any good. You should learn from me on how to deal with women; being too nice to them is useless."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Zhou Qun continued, "How about we have dinner together tonight..."


    Zhuang Zhixi firmly replied, "No need!"


    He said, "I have an urgent matter; I''m leaving now!"


    He quickly got on his bike and sped off.


    This Zhou Qun was acting so weird and creepy. Although Zhou Qun was usually cunning, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t afraid of him. After all, he could handle whatever came his way. But today, Zhuang Zhixi felt a bit intimidated.


    It seemed like Zhou Qun genuinely wanted to have dinner with him. That was way scarier than any fake politeness.


    Plus, Zhou Qun''s gaze was just too unsettling.


    A grown man, and his eyes were practically oozing with something.


    He just couldn''t handle it. Zhuang Zhixi felt like a weakling for being unable to withstand such a look. He definitely needed to work on his composure. This just wouldn''t do. Zhuang Zhixi quickly rode his bike to Ming Mei''s workplace. As soon as he arrived, he saw Ming Mei talking with a man at the entrance. Zhuang Zhixi waved, "Wife?"


    Ming Mei turned around and ran over with a smile, to which Zhuang Zhixi said, "Hey, don''t run!"


    He added, "If you''re in a hurry, just call me to run over."


    Ming Mei rolled her eyes: "I''m just pregnant, not carrying a panda. Can you stop being so overprotective?"


    She happily introduced the man to Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "This is my cousin; you haven''t met him before, right?"


    Ming Mei''s uncle lived in Jinling, and with everyone having to work, it was quite inconvenient to visit. After all, this was the 1970s, and it was rare for people to take several days off for a relative''s wedding, especially for such a long distance. Even for local city and rural visits, some people might not go.


    So Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t met him before.


    Ming Mei: "This is my cousin, Lan Xiang, from my uncle''s family. He''s here on a business trip to the capital, hehe."


    Ming Mei was always happy to meet her relatives. She said, "Cousin, this is my husband, Zhuang Zhixi, who works in the publicity section of the machinery factory."


    The two men quickly exchanged greetings. Lan Xiang said, "I''m staying at the guesthouse and have already checked in. Tonight, I''m going to my grandfather''s place for dinner."


    This was his first time here and he didn''t know how to get to his grandfather''s new place.


    As for Aunt''s house, he hadn''t been there for three or four years, so he was a bit worried about not being able to find it. However, he remembered where his aunt worked. Although Ming Mei had taken over the job, as long as he could find someone, it would be fine. Lan Xiang was quite the natural talker: "Brother-in-law, hello. I''ve heard a lot about you. You''re the younger brother of Ming Cheng''s classmate, right? I remember you, but I''m not sure if you remember me. Actually, we''ve met before. Do you remember, about ten years ago, when we were still in elementary school? My dad and I came to Beijing to visit my aunt, and we went out to play together?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­?"


    May I ask, how old was he back then?


    He chuckled and said, "I was pretty young back then, right?"


    "Yeah, about three or four years old, very annoying, always clinging to your older brother. We were planning to catch birds, but you clung to his leg, insisting on coming along..." Lan Xiang brought up Zhuang Zhixi''s childhood embarrassments.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Hey, wait, something so long ago, do you really remember that?


    It seemed this guy did indeed remember, and he kept going: "Back then, you were about three or four years old, still wearing open-crotch pants. I guess we''ve known each other since we were kids. Never thought you''d become my cousin-in-law. My cousin is really great, so you better treat her well. Otherwise, we brothers won''t stand for it..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course, I will."


    Lan Xiang: "I came here this time..."


    Ming Mei playfully scolded, "You came here just to cause trouble, didn''t you?"


    Lan Xiang pulled Ming Mei aside and whispered, "I just wanted to remind him of his embarrassing past, to warn him a bit. If he ever dares to treat you badly, I''ll write down all these childhood stories and plaster them all over the streets. Everyone knows them anyway."


    This "whisper" wasn''t exactly quiet.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "I heard that."


    "So what if you heard? Heard it is what it is."


    He said, "Don''t think that just because our family isn''t around here, my sister is unprotected."


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked and said, "Look at my skinny arms and legs. Do you think I could stand up to your uncle, my father-in-law?"


    Lan Xiang looked him up and down and sincerely said, "Well, I guess not."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There you go."


    He laughed, and it was undeniable that his wife''s family was quite quirky.


    Could this be what they call genetic traits?


    Hmm, that does seem possible.


    At this point, Lan Xiang stopped talking to his brother-in-law and instead started whispering to Ming Mei: "Cousin, I heard you''re pregnant. Isn''t that convenient? I brought you something special."


    Ming Mei''s eyes lit up.


    Lan Xiang chuckled: "This is just for you, no one else has it."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She couldn''t help but scratch her head. Why did this sound so familiar?

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92In the past, the palace selection process for concubines would take three days to choose three hundred candidates, and that was considered remarkably fast.


    After all, these women were to serve the Emperor, and the late Empress would carefully inquire about their personalities and preferences, selecting only those who were well-rounded in all aspects to receive the "retained plaque."


    Out of three hundred candidates, at least thirty to fifty would typically be chosen.


    However, the speed at which the Imperial Noble Consort conducted the selection was unprecedented. She managed to complete the selection of three hundred candidates in a single day, with each group entering and exiting the hall in the blink of an eye.


    Occasionally, a group might linger a bit longer, but even then, it was only for the duration of two blinks.


    What surprised everyone even more was that the few candidates who were selected were all plain-looking commoners, while the daughters of high-ranking officials were all rejected.


    Those with prestigious family backgrounds were all arranged to be married off instead.


    Well then!


    At this rate, after one more day of selection tomorrow, this grand concubine selection event would likely conclude, with no more than ten women becoming imperial consorts.


    This move stirred discontent among the court officials.


    As the selection process was in full swing, the families of the candidates were also busy. Palace servants were tasked with delivering the lists of those who were selected and those who were rejected.


    Servants waiting at the palace gates quickly scanned the lists for their young mistresses'' names, and regardless of whether they were selected or rejected, they would rush back to their mansions to deliver the news.


    And this news was enough to throw these officials'' households into chaos.


    "What? My daughter was rejected? How is that possible? My daughter is one of the most beautiful and talented in the capital. Why was she rejected?"


    "This can''t be true, it absolutely can''t be true. My Xue''er is both beautiful and talented. We even spent a fortune to obtain information from the palace about the Emperor''s favorite color for her attire. We prepared so thoroughly. How could she be rejected?"


    "Was your daughter also rejected?"


    "What about yours?"


    "All of them were rejected!"


    As these officials inquired among themselves, they discovered that the selected candidates were all unexpected choices, with none of the popular candidates making the cut. This had stirred up a hornet''s nest among the ministers.


    The sun had already set in the west, its afterglow casting a golden hue over the entire palace.


    Jiang Xinyue had removed her hairpins and was preparing to dine with the Emperor. The first batch of candidates had already been selected, and after the Sixth Prince''s first birthday celebration tomorrow, the selection would continue the day after.


    Compared to this concubine selection, the Emperor was more concerned with the Sixth Prince''s birthday banquet.


    Taihe Hall had already been fully prepared. Wang Dequan hadn''t gone to Yaotai Palace today, instead spending the entire day overseeing the arrangements at Taihe Hall to ensure that nothing would go wrong during the Sixth Prince''s birthday banquet tomorrow.


    "Wait!"


    Wang Dequan called out to a eunuch. "What is this?"


    A familiar scent wafted from the jar the eunuch was carrying.


    The eunuch quickly bowed and replied, "Reporting to Chief Eunuch Wang, this is peanut sauce sent from the imperial kitchen." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Dequan''s frown deepened, his brows almost meeting. "The Sixth Prince is allergic to peanuts. Didn''t I already make it clear that nothing related to peanuts is to appear at the banquet? Are you all ignoring my orders?"


    The eunuch fell to his knees in fear. "This lowly servant deserves death! I only arrived two days ago, and a chef from the imperial kitchen told me to bring this in, saying it would be needed for the banquet tomorrow."


    It seemed that those who couldn''t act in the shadows were now openly trying to harm the Sixth Prince.


    Wang Dequan gave a meaningful glance to a eunuch behind him, who quickly picked up the small jar of peanut sauce and threw it away. He then helped the trembling eunuch to his feet. "In the future, be careful with things given to you by people you don''t know. If you violate the taboos of the masters, it''s your own life that will be at risk."


    "Yes, yes, I understand. I''ll never dare to do such a thing again. I was so scared!"


    Chief Eunuch Wang had been so fierce earlier that the eunuch thought he was done for.


    Life in the palace was indeed not easy. He would have to be smarter in the future and not let himself be used so foolishly.


    After the weather cleared, the sky remained bright even as dusk approached.


    The Emperor had just taken a few bites of his meal when Tang Shiliang entered. "Your Majesty, dozens of ministers are at the palace gates requesting an audience."


    It was past the time for morning court, and unless summoned by the Emperor, the ministers were not allowed to enter the palace.


    Jiang Xinyue, resting her hand on her belly, looked up at Tang Shiliang. Their eyes met for just a moment, and she knew that these ministers had come because of the day''s selection.


    She then turned her gaze to the Emperor, whose displeasure briefly flashed in his eyes before he quickly composed himself. He said to Jiang Xinyue, "You go ahead and eat. I''ll be back shortly."


    "Alright. I''ll have the kitchen prepare some fresh dishes for Your Majesty. State affairs are never-ending, but Your Majesty must not overwork yourself. Please take care of your health."


    Her eyes were filled with heartfelt concern.


    The Emperor cupped her face and playfully ruffled it, turning her concern into mock anger. Only then did he release her, his mood lifted. "You, little pregnant woman, should worry less. As long as you take care of yourself, I''ll be fine. Don''t worry about me. I''ll handle all the discordant voices and ensure the best for you and our two children."


    Jiang Xinyue smiled, like a woman basking in happiness, her face filled with shy joy.


    Once the Emperor left, she took a deep breath and had Nanny Xiang and Wet Nurse Lu bring out the Sixth Prince so they could spend some time bonding.


    Early education was still essential.


    The Sixth Prince''s bedchamber was filled with various educational toys and colorful books for learning characters and objects, all personally directed by Jiang Xinyue.


    Moreover, the Emperor had now left Master Jing in the palace to teach the Sixth Prince, with the Fourth Prince also attending. Every day, they would spend two hours "playing" in Wenhua Palace.


    Though it was called play, it was actually a way to teach them the principles of how to behave and act, instilling good values and habits from a young age.


    The Sixth Prince was being groomed in the ways of an emperor, while the Fourth Prince was learning the duties of a subject.


    However, the Sixth Prince was still too young, so the lessons had to be subtly integrated into play, allowing him to unconsciously mimic the behaviors of adults. When he grew older, learning would become easier.


    The Fourth Prince, on the other hand, had made significant progress. Previously, having been neglected in the Palace of Exile, he had to relearn all the proper etiquette and manners. Now, he studied more diligently every day. It was said that Master Jing had tailored different teaching methods for the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince.


    The Emperor''s stance was that the Sixth Prince was the priority, and the Fourth Prince was merely an afterthought, not requiring as much attention.


    When Master Jing heard this, he scolded the Emperor harshly.


    Throughout history, many struggles for the throne had arisen from jealousy and resentment among princes. The Emperor''s blatant favoritism would inevitably bring danger to the Sixth Prince.


    The Fourth Prince overheard some of this and later told Jiang Xinyue, "Mother, although I am disappointed in Father, I will not envy the Sixth Prince. If it weren''t for you, Grandfather and I would have died long ago. No matter what happens in the future, I am willing to protect the Sixth Prince and you with my life."


    When the Sixth Prince becomes the Crown Prince, he would be his most powerful ally.

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93The morning sun rose as usual, and the courtyard was much like any other morning, yet also different. After all, there was now one more person in their courtyard.


    Ming Mei yawned and stepped out early in the morning, only to freeze in surprise. After a brief moment of hesitation, she recognized the girl as the "relative" from the Zhou family. Everyone knew what kind of relative she was, even if they didn''t say it out loud.


    What surprised Ming Mei even more was that the girl was sweeping the courtyard. In their courtyard, the cleaning was rotated among the households, one family per day. Previously, it was nine families, now it was ten, rotating three times a month, which wasn''t too troublesome.


    However, today was supposed to be her family''s turn to clean.


    Ming Mei smiled and greeted, "Good morning."


    She then explained the cleaning schedule to Wang Zhaodi, who smiled humbly and said, "I didn''t know about this. It''s okay, I''m used to working in the countryside. This little bit of work is nothing."


    Just as Ming Mei was about to say something, Aunt Zhou stormed out, scolding, "You stupid girl, what are you doing? Who told you to sweep the courtyard this early in the morning? Is this your job? You do what you''re not supposed to and don''t do what you should. You have no sense at all. What am I supposed to say to you?"


    Her tone was harsh and critical as she scolded Wang Zhaodi, then turned to Ming Mei and said, "Xiao Zhuang''s wife, we''ll clean today. Let''s swap days, shall we?"


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow and said, "Sure."


    There was no need to take advantage of such a situation, it would only be unpleasant.


    She went to the water basin to wash up, watching as Wang Zhaodi, without any complaints, continued diligently sweeping the courtyard. She quickly finished and then moved on to preparing breakfast, her movements swift and efficient.


    Ming Mei''s big, watery eyes glanced at Wang Zhaodi, and when the girl turned around, Ming Mei smiled at her, to which Wang Zhaodi responded with a smile.


    Aunt Zhou saw this and wanted to say something sarcastic, but thinking of the girl''s reputation for being quick-tempered, she swallowed her words and muttered under her breath, "I tell you, you''re here to live a good life, to eat and drink, and to give us a grandson. Don''t you dare learn from those lazy wives. They''re not good examples. I''ve never seen a wife so lazy, not doing any housework at all."


    Aunt Zhou''s words were harsh. Ming Mei just didn''t cook; she handled her own household chores without passing them to her mother-in-law or sister-in-law. Only during seasonal deep cleaning did Liang Meifen help wash the curtains.


    Other small chores were done by Ming Mei herself.


    However, the communal cooking was indeed done by Zhao Guihua and her daughter-in-law, as they couldn''t wait for Ming Mei, who worked late and returned home tired. Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen didn''t work outside the home.


    As for other communal tasks like buying coal or winter vegetables, that hadn''t come up yet.


    So Aunt Zhou''s words were indeed a bit sharp. But people tend to see what they want to see, and Aunt Zhou believed Ming Mei did nothing, that a woman who didn''t even cook couldn''t be a good wife.


    She said, "Some people, you must never learn from. You won''t pick up any good habits."


    Wang Zhaodi hummed in acknowledgment, and Aunt Zhou continued, "Don''t make too much breakfast. Just put this much."


    Wang Zhaodi: "Okay."


    Living under someone else''s roof, she did as she was told. She knew her place and had no status or position. If she went back home, her father might break her legs. Her family had nine daughters, which was their greatest pain.


    She was the third daughter, unloved by her parents. But even if she were the eldest, it would be the same. Her family only wanted sons, and they were still trying.


    This time, Wang Zhaodi was sent out for this very purpose. The family agreed that if she could get pregnant, they would give her fifty yuan, and if she gave birth to a boy, another fifty would be added. That would be a hundred yuan.


    Her family was always in debt, and this money would be a big deal. They were counting on this.


    Even if she couldn''t get pregnant, she could return after a year, as both sides had agreed. But without earning the money, her parents wouldn''t be happy. Still, her parents thought the deal wasn''t bad. She was the biggest eater in the family, and not having her around for a year would save a lot on food.


    As for work, there were plenty of girls at home to do the chores, so her absence wouldn''t matter. Despite all the speculation in the courtyard, for Wang Zhaodi, this was just how things were. Her family was like this, and as a girl, what could she do?


    Moreover, what work was there in the city?


    Back home, she had to get up before dawn to work in the fields, chop wood, dig vegetables¡ªendless tasks, yet she only got a small bowl of coarse porridge or sweet potato gruel. She never got to eat anything substantial.


    With so many people in the family¡ªgrandparents, sisters¡ªher father always got the best food because he was trying for a son.


    So this time, when she was allowed to leave, her sisters were actually envious. They didn''t know what she was really doing here, as her parents hoped to "marry" her off properly later.


    Her sisters thought she was going to the city to work as a maid, though that didn''t exist in the new society. Still, they envied her. Wang Zhaodi knew it was wrong, but she had no choice.


    She pursed her lips and worked diligently. Fortunately, the eldest son in this family seemed decent. Last night, Aunt Zhou had tried to push them together, but Zhou Qun refused firmly.


    Wang Zhaodi breathed a quiet sigh of relief.


    Thank goodness.


    She bent down to tend the fire, swallowing hard. The breakfast here was much better than at her home. At her house, a handful of wild greens and a bowl of coarse porridge were shared by several people. Here, at least everyone had a bowl of breakfast.


    And there were even bread rolls.


    Wang Zhaodi worked with gusto, though the morning atmosphere at the Zhou household was somewhat strained. Jiang Lu, however, was elated. She felt even more fortunate to have found such a man. Her husband was truly the best in the world. She hadn''t expected Zhou Qun to refuse Wang Zhaodi so resolutely yesterday.


    When Aunt Zhou pushed too hard, Zhou Qun even said, "If you keep this up, I''ll just sleep at Bai Fendou''s place. I will never get involved with a girl I just met. I''m not that kind of person."


    Hearing this, Jiang Lu was moved to tears. With such a husband, how lucky she was.


    Because of this, Aunt Zhou''s face had been tense since last night, and it hadn''t improved by morning. The breakfast atmosphere was awkward, with everyone lost in thought.


    Only Wang Zhaodi continued eating, seemingly oblivious, quickly finishing a second bread roll.


    The feeling of being six-tenths full was wonderful.


    She ate quickly and quietly, then asked, "Auntie, what should I do at home today?"


    Living under someone else''s roof, she was very aware of her place.


    Aunt Zhou said, "You go out this morning and gather some wood. We need to build a chicken coop. In the afternoon, help me fix the toilet."


    "Okay!"


    Wang Zhaodi didn''t talk much, but she worked right away, which earned a few points of satisfaction from Aunt Zhou. However, there were still things she wasn''t happy about. She wanted someone like Wang Xiangxiu, plump and fertile-looking, not this thin girl. But at least this one didn''t cost anything.


    As long as she ate, it wasn''t a burden for the family.


    In the morning, the Zhou household went to work, and Aunt Zhou took Wang Zhaodi out. They ran into Zhao Guihua, who glanced at her equipment and asked, "Are you going fishing again?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes. The doctor said pregnant women need to eat more fish."


    Aunt Zhou snorted coldly, clearly jealous. Did she have to show off that her daughter-in-law was pregnant? Zhao Guihua hadn''t meant anything by it; it was just casual conversation. But Aunt Zhou always overthought things.


    She snorted coldly and led Wang Zhaodi away, saying, "In the future, stay away from that old hag. She''s a mean one. You might think she''s nice to her daughter-in-law, but she''s biased."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded.


    Aunt Zhou led Wang Zhaodi away, while Zhao Guihua rode her bike to the outskirts police station.


    After the last incident, she had thought long and hard and decided she should report it. Although she didn''t know Jiang Lu''s family, she couldn''t just stand by and watch someone get into trouble. Zhao Guihua found a handkerchief to cover her face and headed to the police station.


    It wasn''t the station for their neighborhood, but the one from the area where that gang was discovered.


    Zhao Guihua entered the station, drawing everyone''s attention. Mainly because she was covering her face. Who covers their face unless they have something to hide?


    Zhao Guihua: "I want to report a crime."


    "You..."


    Seeing the officer''s gaze fall on the handkerchief covering her face, Zhao Guihua spoke boldly, "I don''t dare show my face. I''m afraid of retaliation later."


    Everyone: "..."


    Zhao Guihua continued nonchalantly, "A few days ago, on my way back from fishing near Zhima Hutong seventy-seven, I overheard a group of young men planning a robbery."


    "What!"


    Everyone turned to look at her in unison.


    Zhao Guihua took a step back, pursing her lips and said, "I was initially afraid of getting involved and being targeted, so I didn''t report it. But after thinking it over, I felt it was wrong to stay silent. If they actually go through with something terrible, I''d be complicit in not helping. So, after much thought, I decided to come here..."


    She continued, covering her face, "I heard they plan to rob the Supply and Marketing Cooperative director. They have an insider and have been staking out for days. I don''t know the specifics. At the time, it was a few men talking, and I didn''t see their faces, but I saw them enter Zhimahu Tong seventy-seven."


    After finishing her statement, she took a few steps back and said, "You can investigate the details yourselves."


    With that, she turned to leave... "Hey, Auntie, wait."


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t involve me. I don''t want to get mixed up in this..."


    She bolted away quickly.


    In truth, she wasn''t afraid of being found. After all, she wasn''t worried about being investigated.


    She just didn''t want to get more involved, in case it led back to Aunt Zhou, and then linked her to the report. She wasn''t afraid of the Zhou family, but she simply didn''t want to stir up trouble. Besides, who knew if those men had accomplices.


    Zhao Guihua felt that coming here to report was already quite commendable. She could have written a note, but... she wasn''t very good at writing!


    Lack of education is truly frightening.


    She recognized some characters, having attended a literacy class and having some life experience. But when it came to writing, she knew very few characters.


    She didn''t want to involve other family members, so she didn''t plan to ask for help, even from Ming Mei, who also knew about it. Ming Mei was currently pregnant and didn''t need to provoke any trouble.


    As for why she dared to come and report directly, then leave immediately, it was because this was a common practice during this era. Each era has its own characteristics. Not to mention this, even neighbors reporting someone for hiding a foreign novel wasn''t uncommon.


    The environment changes with the times, and doing this was quite normal.


    Saying she was afraid of retaliation and covering her face was also quite normal.


    Zhao Guihua rode away as soon as she left the station. The police officers who chased out to ask more questions saw this old lady running faster than a monkey. However, they didn''t take the matter lightly. The old lady''s information was so detailed; they couldn''t ignore it.


    This was a merit, and if true, it was a clear opportunity for promotion. Who would pass that up?


    Moreover, they had caught a key detail: "Supply and Marketing Cooperative director."


    If it was true that they were planning to rob someone of such status, and they caught them in the act, it would be a significant achievement. And, the victim would owe them a favor. The Supply and Marketing Cooperative director was a crucial connection. This was a win-win situation of merit and favors. They wouldn''t take it lightly.


    The station chief immediately arranged, "Alright, everyone, gather for a meeting right away."


    There was no delay.


    The information was clear, and they quickly deployed their plan. As for Zhao Guihua, she rode her bike to the outskirts and climbed the mountain. Recently, the mountain had indeed become more crowded. Just like the last time, when a few young men carried a wild boar down the mountain, it couldn''t help but attract attention.


    Indeed, there were more people on the mountain recently. Zhao Guihua herself was getting anxious.


    Logically, she should have brought Liang Meifen along, but recently, they had added two old hens to the household. She was really worried that the kid next door, Xiao Mao Thief, might make a move. This child, when faced with trouble, could be quiet for a few days, but after a while, when the incident faded and the fear disappeared, he would continue his antics.


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t surprised. After all, in the last life, Jin Lai had been in and out of the detention center like it was a revolving door. It was clear that this guy wasn''t easy to reform. Although he was still a child now, that didn''t mean he was inherently good.


    If his family didn''t educate him properly, a few words from the neighbors wouldn''t make a difference.


    She didn''t want to come back after a day''s work to find her home robbed. If that happened, it would be a real pain. So Zhao Guihua was quite resistant.


    Zhao Guihua snapped back to reality and quickly climbed the mountain. She didn''t encounter anyone on the way, but there were definitely others on the mountain. Fortunately, most were on the other side, and this side wasn''t too crowded.


    Probably because the wild boar was caught on that side.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care about that. She charged up the mountain with determination. Recently, she had figured out a good way to net fish. Although she wasn''t good at fishing, netting fish was doable. And here, the overall environment was quite suitable for this. If it were at Houhai or other places, it wouldn''t work.


    Zhao Guihua parked her bike and quickly got to work.


    She had been climbing the mountain quite a bit these last few days, all for the fish. As for wild chickens or rabbits, to be honest, they rarely caught any unless Ming Mei went up the mountain. She had been lucky to find a wild rabbit''s nest before.


    But after catching one there, the rabbits wouldn''t return, so Zhao Guihua had no more leads.


    She had set up a couple of small traps for catching wild animals on the mountain, but they weren''t always successful. These creatures, having lived in the wild for so long, were quite cunning.


    Zhao Guihua focused on netting fish. To be honest, one needs to have some experience. Look at her¡ªshe wasn''t good at fishing, but through thinking and experimenting, she had finally figured out a good method, inspired by something she had seen online.


    She had tried many times before finding the right approach.


    Zhao Guihua worked diligently, and as the weather gradually darkened, she calculated that it was past noon. She had already caught a basketful. Coming to this place from the city wasn''t easy, so she sat by the pond to catch her breath. At that moment, she heard footsteps.


    In addition to the footsteps, there were the voices of a few young boys, their loud chatter filling the air.


    Oh no!


    Zhao Guihua immediately knew who it was!


    Although the timing was different, it seemed like it was still that group of teenagers.


    Zhao Guihua sighed quietly, feeling that some things, even if they seemed to pass at the time, would still happen again. As for hiding, Zhao Guihua didn''t consider it. She wasn''t crazy¡ªwhere could she hide in this area?


    Even if she could hide herself, what about her bike?


    Even if she could hide the bike, this was clearly a pond. Wouldn''t they come to catch fish? She couldn''t just hide all day, and even if she did, there was no guarantee she could avoid them. Zhao Guihua sighed and stopped doing anything.


    She sat there, gazing in the direction of the approaching footsteps.


    The group of teenagers were around fourteen or fifteen years old. After their last successful hunt on the mountain, they had been quite proud. However... pride aside, their tools had been taken away by their grandfathers, who were afraid they might hurt someone without thinking. So, these few times up the mountain, they had to bring sickles.


    It was really tough.


    Everyone was complaining along the way, feeling deeply that their lack of success in recent times was due to their inadequate tools. A sickle, what good is that? Although they had managed to catch a wild boar on the other side of the mountain, since they hadn''t had any luck, they had moved to this side, hadn''t they?


    As they grumbled about their lack of tools and the scarcity of game on the mountain, Zhao Guihua could hear them clearly from a distance. She couldn''t help but admit, when it came to luck, she really admired Ming Mei.


    For most people, finding a single prey on the mountain was already quite an accomplishment. Take herself, for example, she had been coming up here so frequently over the past few months, yet she had only managed to catch two rabbits. The first time was by chance, and the second time was by raiding a rabbit''s home.


    Just two solid catches, but when Ming Mei went up the mountain, it felt like she simply couldn''t carry everything. If only she had the time, she could probably wipe out all the game on the entire mountain. Those animals seemed to flock to her.


    Her luck was simply off the charts.


    Of course, she also had the ability. If it were an ordinary person, they wouldn''t be as quick and nimble as she was. This girl, despite learning Wing Chun, didn''t quite fit the stereotype. She was more like a tiger, full of energy and strength.


    But it really worked.


    And when you got to know Ming Mei, you''d feel that some people are just born lucky. Their luck is so good, it''s something you simply can''t compete with. It''s truly enviable. Zhao Guihua sighed, feeling that this was something innate.


    A few young lads approached the area, though due to the dense trees, they didn''t notice the pond nearby. However, their direction was towards it. The group muttered, "There aren''t many pheasants around here either. We¡­ whoa!"


    Just as they were about to walk over and see Zhao Guihua, a wild rabbit suddenly darted out.


    "Ah! Chase it!"


    The rabbit ran fast, incredibly fast, but the young lads weren''t far behind. Full of energy, they chased after it without slowing down. Zhao Guihua was waiting for them to come over, but the sudden commotion made her turn around. Oh boy¡­ they had already sprinted far away.


    She could barely see them anymore.


    Zhao Guihua: "Ah, this¡­"


    She scratched her head in confusion, feeling that this was¡­ too much of a coincidence. They were so close to the pond, yet they missed it?


    By the time she regained her focus, they were already out of sight.


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­I really am."


    She suddenly thought of something and quickly walked over to a basket trap they had set up nearby. It wasn''t too far from the pond. Zhao Guihua quickly reached it and saw that the basket had been overturned, with a few rabbit hairs stuck on it.


    Zhao Guihua fell silent, not knowing what to say.


    There must have been a rabbit that fell into the trap, but it had managed to escape quickly.


    She guessed that the boys were chasing this very rabbit.


    Zhao Guihua felt a bit absurd. She scratched her head again and returned to the pond, still puzzled. Sometimes, coincidences were just that strange. She wasn''t good at catching rabbits, despite boasting about being a rabbit killer. These wild rabbits were incredibly fast, and without some luck, it was nearly impossible.


    She sighed quietly and decided to focus on catching fish. Nothing was more important than catching fish.


    If those boys came back, she could catch more. Although this season wasn''t ideal for keeping fish fresh, making salted fish and drying them would be quick. Zhao Guihua thought this was a top-notch idea.


    Even if the smell was noticeable, Zhao Guihua decided to go for it.


    If she didn''t act now, there might be no chance later.


    However, as the clouds gathered and the sky darkened, Zhao Guihua hesitated whether to head down the mountain or continue. But soon, she decided to keep catching fish. With the dark clouds, if it rained, she''d still get wet on her way down, so it was better to keep working.


    Generally, rainy days were actually better for fishing.


    Zhao Guihua quickly waded into the water. However, even after catching two baskets of fish, she didn''t see the boys return, nor did it rain. Zhao Guihua marveled at her good luck and pushed her cart down the mountain. With so many fish, she didn''t dare to ride her bike on the way down. If she fell, it would be a disaster.


    As Zhao Guihua made her way down the mountain, she wiped the sweat from her face. To be honest, she was quite disheveled, but she didn''t care. She quickly rode home. Little did she know, the courtyard had seen quite a commotion today in her absence.


    Due to the destruction of the public restroom, those involved had to do community service. However, to make things easier, it was divided into morning and afternoon shifts. This way, there wasn''t too much chaos, and it also left some time for families.


    Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su were scheduled for the afternoon. Aunt Zhou wasn''t happy about it, but she wasn''t worried. Her family had someone who could work for her. She didn''t have to do the labor; Wang Zhaodi could. But Aunt Su didn''t have anyone.


    Usually, she would hope that the Bai family could take her place, but the Bai father and son were unreliable. They moved with tiny steps, like ancient noblewomen, so naturally, they couldn''t go. Besides, their IVs were scheduled for the afternoon, so they were definitely unable to help.


    Aunt Su turned her attention to Wang Zhaodi, thinking that since she was under her care, she should help with the work. But who would have thought that Wang Zhaodi had a mind of her own? After Aunt Su asked her, she immediately told Aunt Zhou.


    It wasn''t that Wang Zhaodi was cunning; she just needed to inform Aunt Zhou since she was staying at her place and eating her food.


    Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhou was furious. She wasn''t afraid of Aunt Su anymore. With the Bai men being weak, what was there to fear from a frail widow like Aunt Su? Her family didn''t have any men, and she had all the tricks up her sleeve¡ªbreaking windows, kicking doors, pulling hair¡ªshe had it all!


    Would Old Man Bai be willing? He had always been protective of Aunt Su. This time, when the Bai family was in trouble, it was Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu who had worked hard to help. He remembered that¡­ even though his health wasn''t great, he still dragged his tiny steps out to demand justice for Aunt Su. But¡­


    When Zhao Guihua returned, the courtyard was eerily quiet. Zhao Guihua was puzzled. She had already prepared an excuse to deal with everyone, but as soon as she entered the courtyard, it was so quiet that no one was sitting at the gate watching the lively scene.


    Not only that, but the people repairing the public restroom had also dispersed.


    This was very strange.


    Zhao Guihua called out, "Liang Meifen."


    Liang Meifen hurried out of the house, saying, "Mother-in-law, I''m here."


    With no one in the courtyard, she had been sleeping comfortably at home.


    She quickly came over to help, saying, "Mom, let me do it, you rest."


    She tried to lift the basket but couldn''t, then happily said, "There''s so much!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Take them all home, process them, and salt them to make dried fish."


    Liang Meifen: "Where should we dry them?"


    Drying them in the courtyard would be too obvious.


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ve talked to Lao San, and he''s getting a plastic sheet. We''ll dry them on the roof."


    The roof had plenty of sunlight and would dry quickly.


    And no one usually went up there, so although the smell might be noticeable or there might be flies, it would only be for a couple of days. They could just say they were drying a few fish, no big deal. Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s get to work."


    She rubbed her back, saying, "I''ve really given so much for this family."


    Liang Meifen nodded, fully agreeing.


    She said, "Mom, next time I''ll go with you."


    She wasn''t lazy when it came to work.


    Zhao Guihua: "We''ll have to make sure someone''s at home, or else all our hard work could be stolen by some petty thief."


    She really despised that family. She pursed her lips, saying, "I haven''t asked you yet, why was it so quiet today?"


    Upon hearing this, Liang Meifen perked up and quickly recounted the drama of the afternoon, shrugging, "They all went to the hospital. Aunt Zhou claimed she was injured, Old Man Bai said he was injured, and Aunt Su was even more injured¡­"


    She said with a hint of amusement, "Aunt Wang led a group of people to send someone to the hospital, but when the hospital saw it was Old Man Bai, they advised him to transfer to another hospital. Then, when they saw Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su, who had caused trouble at the hospital before, the hospital strongly urged them to transfer as well, saying they couldn''t keep getting scammed by the same people. Every time they get admitted, they destroy a bunch of stuff. The hospital just can''t handle it. So, they were sent to a farther hospital, and they still haven''t come back yet."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­¡­"


    Truly, it was just speechless.


    She asked, "How do you know all this? You didn''t go, did you?"


    Liang Meifen: "Jiang Lu told me. She went to the hospital but wasn''t admitted, so she didn''t go to the next one."


    Liang Meifen sighed, "An attending physician at the hospital even got teary-eyed, almost crying, saying their injuries weren''t serious and there was nothing major to worry about. He begged them to go to another hospital. I''ve never heard of such a thing before."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­¡­"


    Today, she was full of ellipses.


    Liang Meifen worked quickly, her mouth never idle. She said, "This whole situation, Yu Baoshan is also to blame."


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes flickered as she asked, "How is he involved?"


    "How isn''t he? He caused trouble at the hospital again! He smashed the toilet, the hospital''s toilet. It happened last night, and they''re still repairing it. The hospital is really at its wit''s end with these violent patients. They really can''t take in any more of them. None of these people are easy to deal with."


    Liang Meifen sighed, "I''ve lived this long and never encountered such a thing."


    Zhao Guihua: "You''ll get used to it."


    But how could you get used to such things!


    You get used to one incident today, and tomorrow they''ll come up with a new one, something even more bizarre.


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, what about Bai Fendou? Did he go too?"


    She said, "I didn''t hear any commotion when I came back."


    Liang Meifen''s mouth twitched as she said, "Bai Fendou didn''t go. He went to see off Miss Tao. She said she didn''t need him to, but he insisted on escorting her. He left and still hasn''t come back."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­¡­" Quick steps, but still not fast enough.


    She said, "Alright then."


    Liang Meifen: "But Zhou Qun has someone at home, Wang Zhaodi is there."


    Zhao Guihua asked in surprise, "She didn''t go?"


    "No. Aunt Zhou didn''t let her go. Aunt Zhou said that Su Jinlai''s kids are thieves. If there''s no one at home, those three kids will definitely come to steal from them. They''ve had such an experience before, and this time it can''t happen. She told Wang Zhaodi to stay and guard the house."


    Zhao Guihua: "What kind of situation is this¡­"


    The dramas in their courtyard are just too much.


    "I also heard that in the inner courtyard, the Yu family is causing trouble too. It seems that the Yu family''s daughters-in-law are fighting with the old lady, saying she''s biased. Now that Yu Baoshan is hospitalized, his room is empty, and the sisters-in-law want to move in. But the old lady won''t allow it, so it''s a complete mess."


    Zhao Guihua breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Luckily, it''s not just our courtyard with embarrassing situations. If it were only us, we''d be too ashamed to go out."


    Liang Meifen: "Exactly."


    She cut open the fish belly, removed the innards, salted them one by one, and placed them in a basin. She worked quickly and efficiently. She said happily, "Mom, we have a lot of fish this time."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s been raining for the past few days, and there''s been a lot of commotion in the courtyard, so we haven''t gone out."


    She said, "But today, it seems easier to catch them."


    Liang Meifen: "The weather is so muggy, I wonder if it''s going to rain."


    Zhao Guihua thought it might be true. The muggy weather, with low atmospheric pressure, might make the fish easier to catch. But she wasn''t sure. Zhao Guihua looked at the sky and said, "It really looks like it''s going to rain."


    "Uh¡­ rain?"


    Liang Meifen looked at the fish with worry and said, "If it rains, we can''t dry them right away. I hope it doesn''t."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "There''s someone who hopes even more that it doesn''t."


    She pointed at Bai Fendou''s house and said, "He doesn''t even have glass in his windows."


    Liang Meifen: "¡­That''s true. His family is really¡­ after working for so many years, can''t they even afford to replace the glass? What a weirdo."


    Liang Meifen didn''t understand. Like her, she didn''t have much savings, but that was because she gave it to her parents, not outsiders. Supporting one''s own parents can''t be considered wrong. But this family¡­ what did they spend their money on? They don''t seem to eat or dress particularly well.


    The Bai family eats and dresses normally, the only big item being a bicycle whose origin is unknown.


    Despite saving like this, they still don''t have money.


    Zhao Guihua: "They''re content with it."


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law chatted a bit more. Hearing noises in the courtyard, Zhao Guihua went out to see who it was. It wasn''t someone else, but Ming Mei''s cousin, Lan Xiang, sitting by Lan Sihai''s door. Zhao Guihua: "Lan Xiang, come over? Your grandfather isn''t home yet. Come sit at our place."


    Lan Xiang shook his head and said, "No need, it''s quite cool here. Auntie, your courtyard is pretty quiet today." He had come yesterday and witnessed quite a show.


    Zhao Guihua: "Yeah, you came late. They got into a fight in the afternoon, and everyone went to the hospital. They haven''t come back yet."


    Lan Xiang slapped his thigh in regret: "I missed it!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Exactly! If you want to see more excitement, you won''t see it for a few days. They''re probably going to be hospitalized."


    Lan Xiang: "Ah¡­"


    He made a face like he had a toothache and said, "I''m leaving in two days. Am I really never going to see it again?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Really."


    Lan Xiang made another toothache face and sighed, "I thought I could see another show."


    Zhao Guihua: "Why don''t you ask which hospital they''re at? After all, they have a history of fighting in hospitals. This time, even the doctors advised them to leave. They switched to another hospital. Maybe you can go to the hospital and catch some excitement."


    Lan Xiang: "Ah, really?!"


    Zhao Guihua with a serious face: "Absolutely."


    Lan Xiang: "Ah, ah, ah¡­ I even thought about transferring to Beijing."


    Zhao Guihua said objectively, "Even if you transfer to Beijing, you can''t move in. The only vacant room in our courtyard is occupied by your grandfather. No one else has plans to move out."


    Lan Xiang: "What a pity!"


    Zhao Guihua: "You''d better stay in Jinling City. Beijing is deep waters, not easy to navigate. If you really had such neighbors, you wouldn''t be able to handle it."


    Lan Xiang: "¡­"


    There''s no way to argue with that. It might really be the case.


    He sighed, "Auntie, well¡­ oh, by the way, what''s with this window?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Art, they just pursue coolness."


    Lan Xiang: "¡­"


    Do you think I''ll believe that!


    The old and young chatted aimlessly when they saw Wang Zhaodi peeking her head out.


    Zhao Guihua waved her hand, "Wang Zhaodi, why stay cooped up at home? Come out and sit."


    Although it was late May, the weather in Beijing was already quite hot. Plus, it looked like it was going to rain, making the house stuffy. Wang Zhaodi hesitated. She was a quiet person, having grown up working in the countryside, with not many big ideas. Coming to the city and living with the Zhou family, she naturally still trusted Aunt Zhou a bit.


    So, looking at Zhao Guihua, she was a bit afraid. She whispered, "No need."


    She closed the door and obediently stayed at home.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t force the girl, as she wasn''t her family. And the girl knew what she was here for.


    Zhao Guihua: "Lan Xiang, what''s your name? I haven''t asked you yet."


    Lan Xiang: "I''m Lan Xiang, the ''flying'' xiang."


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched. She wanted to ask why someone living in Jinling City would have such a name, which should be more fitting for someone in Jinan.


    But she quickly thought of it. No wonder she always called him "Little Lan" in her previous life. His name was a bit odd. In her previous life, their interactions weren''t frequent, as one was in Beijing and the other in Jinling City. Later, when life got better and traveling thousands of miles became quick and convenient, many people had heard of Jinan''s Lan Xiang.


    Having a name like Lan Xiang was a bit awkward, so they just didn''t use his name.


    Zhao Guihua: "Flying, pretty good."


    "That''s right."


    Zhao Guihua: "You this..."


    "Aunt Luo, you''re back."


    Luo Xiaohe, who could get off work a bit earlier, arrived first and quickly stepped forward: "Let me open the door."


    She said: "Did you get impatient waiting?"


    Lan Xiang honestly replied: "I came early just to see the excitement, but I didn''t see anything; they said the excitement was over."


    Luo Xiaohe: "What happened?"


    She looked at Zhao Guihua and asked: "Did something happen again today?"


    Although she usually doesn''t engage in idle gossip and is quite quiet, she still makes sure to listen to the rumors. She may not talk much, but her ears are always sharp and attentive.


    Zhao Guihua: "Hey, I wasn''t here in the afternoon, but I heard..."


    Although she wasn''t present, Zhao Guihua, who heard the details from Liang Meifen, described the events quite vividly. However, towards the end, she scratched her head in confusion and said: "I wonder why the outside toilet repair ended early today."


    Just as she was about to turn around and ask Liang Meifen, she saw the Zhou family''s door open, and Wang Zhaodi whispered to them: "The neighborhood committee said they should rest early today."


    She added in a whisper: "Everyone was watching the fight and accidentally knocked over a few people, who got injured and went to the hospital. The neighborhood committee decided to rest today."


    She asked very softly: "Are city folks like this, so wild?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Luo Xiaohe: "..."


    They felt misunderstood.


    They were all very well-behaved people, but the truly wild ones had already gone to the hospital. It was really frustrating to live in the same courtyard as such people, as their reputation became strange and peculiar.


    Zhao Guihua: "Actually..." She forced a smile and said: "We city folks aren''t like this. Most of us are diligent and hardworking comrades."


    Wang Zhaodi looked at Zhao Guihua''s distorted smile and found it hard to believe.


    She "oh"ed and hesitated for a moment before finally taking a stool and sitting by the door.


    Seeing that many of the troublemakers were absent, even Luo Xiaohe sincerely asked: "Guihua, before I got married, I heard that someone here fell into a pit latrine. Is that true?"


    She addressed Zhao Guihua as "Guihua" following Aunt Wang''s way of calling her. Although their family had kinship with the Zhuangs, due to age differences, it was sometimes awkward to address each other, so they simply called each other by their names.


    Luo Xiaohe: "I was too embarrassed to ask my husband, Lao Lan, about this."


    Zhao Guihua: "Hey, even if you asked him, he wouldn''t know. That happened before he moved here. It was Aunt Su''s son, Su Jinlai, along with Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, who all fell into the pit latrine together. Then, that day, the entire street was... blah blah blah..."


    Zhao Guihua was quite adept at storytelling, painting a vivid picture.


    Since the people involved weren''t present, she could freely recount the events. Zhao Guihua was in full swing, spitting and gesturing, and finally concluded sincerely: "Luckily, it was still cold weather then. If it had been now, I really don''t even want to imagine..."


    The three audience members were left speechless, their eyes wide.


    Luo Xiaohe: "I guess I really am naive and inexperienced."


    Lan Xiang swallowed hard and said: "This is really... I''ve never seen anything like it, truly never seen it."


    Wang Zhaodi, however, had her own perspective. She said: "After such a big incident, they must not have been able to eat for days. That would save a lot of food."


    Her focus was a bit peculiar, but it made some sense.


    Zhao Guihua: "But people can''t withstand not eating for days."


    Wang Zhaodi fully agreed with this statement, nodding vigorously. She had always been most afraid of going hungry, as she had never been fully satisfied. Sitting on the stool, she pondered what to eat tonight. With Aunt Zhou not around, she wondered how Jiang Lu and Brother Zhou would decide.


    Regardless of the decision, she would have to follow it.


    Wang Zhaodi propped her chin up...


    Zhao Guihua had returned home late, and it had been a while since she got back. People were gradually returning from work, but those who went to the hospital hadn''t come back yet. Zhao Guihua: "How far did they go? Why aren''t they back yet? Besides, why did everyone go along? I didn''t see everyone being so caring before."


    As an eyewitness on the scene, Wang Zhaodi spoke up again: "Everyone wanted to see if the hospital would admit Uncle Bai."


    Wow, just wow.


    As people returned from work, the courtyard became lively. However, many who entered noticed a fishy smell and asked: "Aunt Zhao, what are you cooking? It smells so fishy."


    Zhao Guihua remained unfazed: "I went fishing and had good luck, catching a couple of fish."


    Everyone laughed: "Congratulations to you then."


    They all knew Zhao Guihua wasn''t very lucky when it came to fishing, so they didn''t ask further.


    At this time, Liang Meifen had already cleaned the fish. She arranged the fish innards neatly and called out: "Mom, should we buy a block of tofu tonight?"


    She knew her mother-in-law''s preferences. Her mother-in-law loved tofu stewed with fish, and tofu stewed with fish innards was also a favorite.


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure. Go ahead."


    Liang Meifen washed her hands and felt that her whole body smelled, but she still clenched the money and went out.


    By the way, she had gained some weight these days.


    Eating well was really nice.


    Liang Meifen happily stepped out, but just as she reached the alley entrance, she met a few people with red armbands. One of them stopped Liang Meifen and asked: "Comrade, do you know where Yu Baoshan lives?"


    Liang Meifen was taken aback and said: "Yu Baoshan? Who''s that? I don''t know this person."


    "Yu Baoshan, he should have many brothers, five of them..."


    Liang Meifen: "Oh oh oh, you mean the Yu boys. They live on this street, the very last house. But if you want to find him, you can''t go there. You have to go to the hospital. He fell from the rafters while sleepwalking in the bathroom during the day two days ago and even smashed the toilet."


    "What?"


    The few people with red armbands were stunned.


    How could such a thing happen?


    Liang Meifen: "It''s true. If you don''t believe me, ask others. I have to hurry to the grocery store to buy tofu, so I won''t explain further."


    Worried that the store might close, Liang Meifen quickly left. The people with red armbands didn''t stop her and instead stopped another female worker who had just returned from work, asking: "We heard about Yu Baoshan..."


    The person stopped was none other than Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu looked down on Yu Baoshan. After all, if it weren''t for Yu Baoshan smashing the toilet and talking about gold and silver treasures, her mother-in-law wouldn''t have gone to search, resulting in extra work to rebuild the toilet.


    She was also hospitalized because of this today.


    Her heart was filled with annoyance.


    She knew she couldn''t be rude to the people with red armbands, but she still said: "That''s right. He sleepwalked into the bathroom, not sure how he could sleep there, and was talking about gold and silver treasures..."


    The people with red armbands changed their expressions.


    "Gold and silver treasures?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "He said that, and also mentioned gold bars. Who knows what kind of madness he was in."


    One of the people with red armbands changed his expression and pressed: "He said gold and silver treasures and gold bars? Are you sure? If you''re lying, that''s no small matter!"


    His eyes fixed on Wang Xiangxiu with a hint of coercion.


    Wang Xiangxiu was unconvinced: "You''re glaring at me, but I''m telling the truth. If you don''t believe me, ask others."


    The people with red armbands looked at each other and quickly said: "You can go then."


    They didn''t idle around and asked a few more people nearby. Indeed, everyone confirmed the story. Many had witnessed it, so there was no need to lie, as it could lead to trouble with the people with red armbands.


    Although Yu Baoshan''s excuse was a bit absurd, no one contradicted him, as it could be seen as spreading feudal superstitions or illegally hoarding.


    There was no evidence, and Yu Baoshan was known to be vengeful. No one wanted to provoke him. So everyone acknowledged the incident, confirming that Yu Baoshan had mentioned gold and silver treasures, but it was just a dream, after all.


    The details, they truly didn''t know.


    Having clarified the situation, the expressions of the people with red armbands were not very good.


    One of them directly cursed: "Damn!"


    They all understood what this implied.


    The man at the front, with a face so grim it seemed almost sinister, sneered and said, "Let''s go to the hospital and see what Yu Baoshan has to say." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "He definitely won''t admit it," someone replied.


    "No, we can''t go to the hospital to confront him. Monkey''s right; he won''t admit anything. We need to keep a close eye on him. I don''t believe he won''t make a move. As soon as he does, we''ll take him down. And we also need to watch where he hides his stuff. Damn it, he''s trying to hog everything for himself. We agreed that we''d all get rich together. He''s going too far."


    The group began to murmur among themselves, their expressions darkening.


    In these times, people naturally tended to be wary of individuals like them, and their reputation wasn''t exactly stellar. When a group of them gathered together, whispering conspiratorially, it only reinforced the impression that they were plotting something underhanded. When Liang Meifen returned and saw these men still lingering, she quickly picked up her pace and hurried home without engaging with them.


    The men didn''t notice Liang Meifen; instead, they huddled together by the wall, plotting their next move.


    Liang Meifen rushed home and let out a quiet sigh of relief. Zhao Guihua asked, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Liang Meifen quickly recounted what had happened outside that day in a hushed tone. Zhao Guihua fell silent for a moment before saying, "In the future, stay far away from people like that. You never know what kind of characters they are."


    "I understand," Liang Meifen replied.


    Zhao Guihua went back to preparing dinner. The reason she had taken such a risky step to take the goods wasn''t just out of personal greed; it was also because she truly despised what Yu Baoshan and his gang were doing.


    Their rapid rise to wealth had been fueled by the valuable items they had embezzled over the years. It was because they had such a large capital base¡ªacquired at incredibly low prices¡ªthat they had been able to successfully set up stalls; and it was precisely because of their success in selling goods that they had been able to afford to lease illegal coal mines. They lured people into working for them, causing countless harm.


    That was truly a malicious business.


    Zhao Guihua could only hope that by taking away this man''s capital, she would prevent him from developing further. If such a person were to succeed, it would only lead to more harm.


    Yu Baoshan actually had a few accomplices, though Zhao Guihua wasn''t sure if today''s group was among them. Nevertheless, she hoped that people like him would never rise to power in this lifetime. What a scoundrel!


    Zhao Guihua took a deep breath and said, "Why haven''t they come home from work yet today?"


    It was normal for Lao San (Old Third) not to be back; he had to pick up Ming Mei from her workplace after his shift. But why wasn''t her husband back yet...


    Liang Meifen said, "I''ll go ask."


    She wiped her hands and went to the back courtyard... As for why she didn''t ask Wang Xiangxiu, Wang Xiangxiu had only come back briefly to pack some things before heading to the hospital, so naturally, she wasn''t available to ask. Liang Meifen went to the back courtyard and quickly returned, reporting, "Dad''s working overtime at the factory. He said there''s a batch of urgent orders, and the work is quite demanding. Only the fifth-grade and above craftsmen are staying late."


    Zhao Guihua felt relieved and said, "Whenever there''s an urgent job, people get worn out."


    She added, "Let''s make more steamed buns tonight."


    Liang Meifen responded, "Got it."

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94The officials, who had been seething with anger earlier, all quieted down in the presence of the emperor, not daring to cause any trouble.


    Jiang Yankun followed the others in paying his respects, then stood up and snorted, "Spineless cowards."


    The official who had been arguing with him earlier turned red with anger, his neck bulging. "Who are you calling a coward?"


    Jiang Yankun muttered under his breath, "You¡¯re the one who jumped out to admit it. Why ask when you already know?"


    His tone, innocent yet taunting, was truly, truly, truly infuriating.


    The official was boiling with rage, but Jiang Yankun remained calm, not showing a hint of anger or frustration. If he tried to argue further, it would only make him seem like the unreasonable one.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Please judge this matter for me. Minister Jiang... Minister Jiang is being utterly unreasonable."


    Unable to win the argument, he sought external help.


    The Xuanwu Emperor slowly turned his head in another direction, pretending not to hear, and scratched his forehead.


    After a brief silence, he cleared his throat. "What urgent matter brings you all here at this hour?"


    If it¡¯s just some trivial matter unrelated to the court or the people, you¡¯ll regret it.


    The emperor¡¯s implied message was clear to those who were sharp, but there were always those who were less perceptive, stubbornly opposing the emperor.


    "Your Majesty, the daughter of the Yanzhou governor, Shi Ruojun, is a violent, unmarriageable shrew! How could you have chosen her for the imperial harem?"


    "Lady Shi, I find her straightforward, adorable, strong, and brave. I quite like her."


    After just one meeting, the emperor could already tell she was strong and brave?


    "And what about the daughter of the Hanlin Academy reader, Meng Wanqing? She¡¯s had seven fianc¨¦s, all of whom met untimely deaths! Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you afraid..."


    "Nonsense!"


    The emperor slammed his hand on the table. "Lady Meng is gentle, well-read, and eloquent. She¡¯s a rare talent, and I find her quite charming. Besides, precisely because she¡¯s cursed, I should take her into the harem. As the Son of Heaven, protected by the dragon¡¯s aura, no evil can harm me. It¡¯s better to keep her from harming others."


    "Your Majesty is wise, truly wise!"


    Reader Meng, overwhelmed with gratitude, knelt on the ground, kowtowing. Your Majesty has saved the Meng family from disaster.


    "And there¡¯s also..."


    "Enough!"


    The Xuanwu Emperor glared at the speaking officials, his eyes blazing with anger and his tone filled with disdain. "You are officials paid by the state treasury, tasked with caring for the hardships of the people. I thought you were here to discuss matters of great importance to the fate of Great Yan, but instead, you¡¯re fixated on my harem."


    He repeatedly slapped the table. "Selecting consorts is my personal affair. What are you trying to do? Do I need your approval to like a woman? If I don¡¯t comply with your wishes, are you going to rebel? Isn¡¯t that tantamount to threatening me?"


    The last official who dared to threaten the emperor probably met the founding emperor in the afterlife.


    "We dare not!"


    The officials who had been criticizing Jiang Xinyue, seeing the emperor¡¯s rage, all knelt on the ground, their foreheads beading with cold sweat.


    They hadn¡¯t expected the emperor¡¯s tastes to be so... unique.


    "If you put even half the effort you spend on meddling in the harem into caring for the people, I can¡¯t imagine how happy my subjects would be. But what are you arguing about? Why your daughters weren¡¯t chosen for the harem? I¡¯ve already selected the ones I like. Do you expect me to take every single candidate into the harem?"


    With too many women in the harem, trouble is bound to arise, and Yue¡¯er will be schemed against again.


    The emperor¡¯s gaze swept over the officials, and he sighed. "I¡¯m getting older, and many things are beyond my control. For those candidates who were not selected and do not wish to remain in the palace, I permit them to return home and marry as they please."


    Those pampered young ladies from noble families, if they stayed in the palace as maids, would only add to the burden of the existing palace staff.


    They don¡¯t know how to serve others; they¡¯d only cause more trouble.


    After the emperor¡¯s words, the officials¡¯ indignation lessened, though some still felt resentful.


    How could they accept that their well-bred daughters lost out to candidates with questionable reputations?


    But at least their precious daughters wouldn¡¯t have to stay in the palace as maids, waiting until they were twenty-five to leave. They could return home and save face.


    In the gloomy Chuxiu Palace, a maid rushed into the hall, out of breath. "Miss... Miss... we can go home, we can go home!"


    Su Hongliu jumped up from her chair. "What? What do you mean we can go home?"


    The maid, tears of joy streaming down her face, said, "The families of dozens of the rejected candidates have come to the imperial study to protest! The emperor was so annoyed that he declared if the rejected candidates don¡¯t wish to serve in the palace, they can all return home and marry as they please."


    Tears immediately fell from Su Hongliu¡¯s eyes. "Thank heavens... thank heavens... I thought I¡¯d have to wait until I was twenty-five to leave the palace..."


    By then, she¡¯d be an old maid, unwanted by anyone.


    Being able to leave the palace was a stroke of luck. If they made any mistakes during their time in the palace, being scolded or punished, they might not even survive to see the day they could leave.


    "Ah... wuwuwu..."


    Only one person cried even more bitterly.


    Huang Yanyu was utterly distraught. If rolling on the ground could get her out of the palace, she wouldn¡¯t even care about losing face.


    A few candidates who had disliked her for her bullying ways gloated. "Oh dear! We¡¯re all leaving the palace. Will you be lonely here, Yanyu?"


    "Your cousin is the emperor¡¯s favorite consort... no, wait, starting tomorrow, we¡¯ll have to call her the empress. Your cousin is the empress, and you¡¯re a maid. How peculiar."


    "With hundreds of sisters in the palace serving the imperial consorts, how could she possibly be lonely?"


    "Hahaha..."


    Several candidates burst into laughter.


    Mu Qianqian didn¡¯t dare say a word. When she left home, she had stolen the most valuable jade pendant from her family, one her father had intended to give to her brother for his wedding.


    It was said to be a precious jade pendant worth ten gold pieces, gifted to her grandfather by a nobleman in his time.


    Now, that pendant had been given to a eunuch in Chengqian Palace, securing her a position as a tea-serving maid there.


    The early bird catches the worm. She intended to be the one to pluck the moon from the sky.


    Auntie Duan was right. If she didn¡¯t want to leave the palace or be bullied as a servant, she had to compete for favor. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As a consort, with the emperor¡¯s exclusive favor toward the imperial noble consort, she would never get a chance to see him.


    But as a maid in Chengqian Palace, she could see the emperor every day. How could she not develop feelings over time?


    Even if there were no feelings, what man in the world could resist temptation?

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95"Sister Zhang, what are you cooking tonight?"


    "Oh, just making do with whatever we have. What else can we eat? We have to be frugal with our spending these days. You know, I wish I were as well-off as Grandpa Lan. His life is truly comfortable."


    Ever since Old Man Lan moved into the courtyard, everyone has been amazed at how well he lives, never worrying about food and drink. No one knows how much money Grandpa Lan earns, but he certainly knows how to enjoy his meals. Even at his age, he loves to eat meat, and there''s always some kind of meat dish at his house every day. That''s way better than how the rest of us live.


    There are other well-off families in the courtyard, some even better off than him, but none of them are as generous with their food as Grandpa Lan.


    "I heard that when Grandpa Lan was transferred here, he even asked the factory to lower his salary as long as they could guarantee his meals. He said, ''At my age, I eat one meal less with each passing day. I don''t want to mistreat myself.''"


    Some people who are in the know shared this, and there aren''t many secrets in the factory anyway.


    "That makes sense. He''s really old, but why doesn''t he save some money for his children?"


    People of their generation are like that¡ªonce they have kids, they work tirelessly like oxen, always trying to help their children as much as possible. That''s why some people look down on Grandpa Lan''s way of living. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "His children are doing fine too, so they don''t need him to save money for them."


    Everyone was sitting in the courtyard assembling matchboxes, chatting while they worked. The task was handed out in the afternoon, and everyone couldn''t wait to start right away. This was a good way to make some extra money, and no one wanted to miss out.


    You see, one jin of flour costs nineteen cents. If you assemble two hundred matchboxes, that''s equivalent to earning one jin of flour. This job is really great.


    However, assembling two hundred matchboxes takes at least a few days. Although they are small, they are much harder to assemble than large cardboard boxes. Large cardboard boxes are easier because they have more surface area, but these small matchboxes are different. They have patterns on them that need to be cut precisely, and if there are too many mistakes, the next batch of work won''t be given to you.


    Of course, there are also regular matchboxes that are easier to assemble, but the pay is lower. Everything is relative.


    So, earning ten cents for assembling a hundred matchboxes isn''t easy. That''s why this work is outsourced.


    Everyone was sitting in the courtyard working, and of course, they chatted as they worked. Auntie Sui asked, "Guihua, Grandpa Lan is your in-law. What kind of person is he? The other day, Old Li from the next courtyard beat his daughter, and Grandpa Lan saw it. Guess what Grandpa Lan said? He said, ''You must be a very kind father, not liking your daughter so much that you probably don''t want her to take care of you in old age.'' Then he added, ''Why do you only like your son? Is it because he can carry your banner when you die?''"


    At this, Auntie Sui couldn''t help but burst out laughing. "Oh my, you should have seen Old Li''s face. He was so angry, breathing like a donkey. He said he was going to beat up Grandpa Lan. And do you know what Grandpa Lan did? He was delighted!"


    "Ah? Why?"


    "He was going to get beaten, and he was happy about it?"


    "You must be mistaken."


    Auntie Sui: "Of course not! Grandpa Lan said, ''I''ve been worried about who will take care of me in my old age. If someone touches me, that would be perfect. I could just fall down and gain a son to take care of me for free.''"


    "Pfft!"


    "This old man is really something."


    Zhao Guihua looked up and said, "It''s not just about whether he''s capable or not."


    She said half-jokingly, half-seriously, "It''s whether Grandpa Lan would actually do it."


    She said this because she wanted to help Grandpa Lan a bit. Otherwise, with his sharp tongue, someone might really hit him. At his age, even if he gets compensation, it''s not worth it. At least by saying this, everyone would think twice before doing anything, considering their own wallets.


    After all, they are in-laws.


    "Ah, this..."


    "He''s... he''s not joking, is he?"


    "Then anyone could just pull this kind of stunt."


    Zhao Guihua argued, "How is that pulling a stunt? How old is Grandpa Lan? Can he be compared to us? Compared to Grandpa Lan, we''re young. If we fall, we might be fine, but if Grandpa Lan falls, it could be serious. This has nothing to do with pulling a stunt. The older you get, the weaker your bones become. A fall could mean a fracture. You all know this. We''ve all seen elderly people. Even without intentionally trying to pull a stunt, the medical bills would start pouring out."


    "That''s true."


    "It does make sense."


    "After hearing that, I guess we really can''t mess with Grandpa Lan."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "I think what Grandpa Lan said is right. Why is there such a strong preference for boys over girls? That''s not in line with the country''s call. The big leader has said that boys and girls are the same. Who are we to say that men are stronger than women?"


    Even those who truly believed in the importance of boys didn''t dare to say this out loud.


    That would be crazy.


    Everyone nodded in agreement, "That''s the truth."


    Zhao Guihua added, "Besides, whether someone is filial or not, whether they take care of their parents in old age, depends on the person. If you meet someone with a heart of stone, even having a son won''t guarantee care. But if you meet a filial person, a daughter can be just as warm and caring as a son."


    "That''s a great point," Aunt Wang praised. She only had a daughter and was happy to hear this. "Exactly, if you have a son who is... uh, a troublemaker. Forget about carrying on the family line; even getting him married would be a struggle."


    "That''s for sure." Don''t think we don''t know you were about to say "having a Bai Fendou kind of son is a disaster."


    Everyone laughed.


    As it was almost time to get off work, no one was in a hurry to go home and cook. Everyone was focused on their work.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I think educating your children well is the most important thing. Whether they are boys or girls, that''s really not that important."


    If Aunt Zhou were here, she would definitely say, "Of course you''d say that¡ªyou have both a son and a daughter!" But since Aunt Zhou wasn''t around, there was no one to argue with Zhao Guihua. Everyone agreed with her, as there was no need to go against her.


    Like Aunt Zhou, who was always like a fighting rooster, there were very few people like that.


    Most people didn''t like to cause trouble. Even if they sometimes argued, it was usually for their own benefit. But Aunt Zhou was the type to cause trouble even when it didn''t benefit her. That''s what everyone found most puzzling¡ªit seemed like she had some kind of mental issue, or else she wouldn''t do such things.


    At this moment, someone brought up Aunt Zhou: "I wonder how Aunt Zhou is doing. Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu haven''t come back yet."


    "Who knows."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Didn''t you go with Bai Fendou to the police station? Don''t you know?"


    "This case isn''t handled by our local police station. We had to go to the one that handles that area. Oh, I was so tired. Bai Fendou walked slowly and didn''t want to spend money on the bus. I was so fed up."


    At that moment, Bai Fendou stuck his head out of the window and shouted, "Did I ask you to go? Stop talking behind my back and mind your own business!"


    He had been so tired from the walk that his thighs felt like they were about to blister. Hearing someone gossip about him, he was very unhappy. He said, "Don''t think you can watch the fun and not get involved. I''m telling you, Aunt Zhou cursed me today, and tomorrow she could curse you. Just wait and see."


    "Hey, what are you saying? Why would she curse us? The police said there''s no such thing. Why are you still blaming Aunt Zhou? She''s not a good person, and she hasn''t done anything good, but the police said she cursed her in-laws, not anyone else. You''re just trying to make yourself look good by blaming her. You''re just stupid, and you''re blaming Aunt Zhou for it."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Maybe he has paranoia?"


    "What?"


    Zhao Guihua explained, "I heard there''s a condition where someone thinks others are out to get them. It''s called paranoia. You know, delusions."


    Bai Fendou was furious: "Hey, wait, how did I become paranoid? Aunt Zhao, how are you talking? It seems like it''s none of your business, so you''re just staying out of it, right? Then tell me, if it wasn''t her cursing me, why have I been so unlucky lately?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t you know what you''ve done yourself?"


    "Exactly, exactly."


    "Bai Fendou, the eyes of the masses are sharp."


    Bai Fendou: "You bunch of old shrews."


    As a man, he couldn''t out-argue a group of older women, but that didn''t stop him from cursing: "You''re all so mean, you''ll get your just deserts sooner or later."


    "You haven''t gotten yours yet, so how could anyone else?"


    "That''s right!"


    "You even blame your own father and push the blame onto him, and you''re talking about karma? It''s no wonder you haven''t gotten yours yet."


    "Oh, but it''s obvious now."


    "Exactly."


    The group of older women were all fierce and argumentative. Bai Fendou had overestimated himself. He took a deep breath, snorted heavily, and retreated.


    "Tch, what are you backing down for?"


    "Yeah, why not keep yelling?"


    The ferocity of these older women left Wang Zhaodi, who was new to the scene, completely stunned. Although the older women in her village could also curse and argue fiercely, they didn''t care much about propriety. However, coming from a small, poor place, Wang Zhaodi had always thought city folks were very dignified and refined. Seeing that city people were just like them¡ªcursing, arguing, and working for money¡ªher initial unease eased a bit.


    However, thinking about the topic of having boys or girls that these people had mentioned, she was again confused.


    In her village, no one would say that having boys or girls was the same. They all said that having a daughter meant the end of the family line, and they had to try for a son. Her family had already had nine children and was still trying. Her mother, constantly giving birth, was in poor health, taking one pill after another, making their family poor.


    Her father also needed to be heavily nourished, and she didn''t understand why.


    But they were determined to have a son.


    She didn''t understand at all.


    She looked up at Zhao Guihua, met her gaze, gave a timid smile, and then quickly lowered her head to continue working. She worked to earn money. She had never thought that coming here would allow her to earn money along with everyone else.


    "It''s getting late, you all keep working, I''m going home to make dinner," Zhao Guihua stood up first and said, "My family has a pregnant woman, I can''t delay the meal."


    Liang Meifen quickly stood up: "Mom, let me do it."


    Zhao Guihua: "Today we''ll have some meat, I don''t trust your cooking, I''ll do it. Tomorrow when we have vegetables, you can cook."


    Liang Meifen hesitated for a moment, happy inside but trying to look sincere: "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua: "If you''re happy, just be happy. What''s with the fake calm? Everyone knows you want to earn more money, just get to it."


    Liang Meifen chuckled and smiled along.


    She turned and went home. At this time, Aunt Wang also quickly stood up: "In that case, I''d better hurry too, my daughter is also pregnant."


    Everyone had already heard about this. Li Fang had gone to the hospital today and found out she was pregnant, already two months along. It was just that she had been careless and only discovered it now. With two pregnant women in the courtyard, everyone sighed: "Although things have been a bit chaotic in our courtyard recently, there are also many happy events."


    "That''s for sure."


    Zhao Guihua went home to cook the meat. She sliced the lamb into pieces and also chopped an onion, preparing to make onion stir-fried lamb tonight. This was a dish that was very nourishing. If only they had a refrigerator, their meal planning could be better. But they didn''t. Although the meat was marinated, it still couldn''t be stored for too long. So recently, Zhao Guihua hadn''t bought meat. Instead, they had been eating lamb. The meat ration tickets had a longer expiration date, so she was holding onto them, planning to buy meat after they finished the lamb.


    Since their family started eating better, in just half a year, everyone could see the changes. And they were good changes. Zhao Guihua felt that it was worth her second chance.


    Zhao Guihua finished cooking the meat and started stewing fish.


    Actually, freshwater fish was quite fishy, but everyone still loved it. This was entirely because supplies were scarce, and sometimes even money couldn''t buy them.


    Zhao Guihua was stewing the fish when she heard commotion outside. She looked out and saw Zhou Qun and his wife returning. Zhao Guihua quickly went out as well. How could she, the gossip queen, Zhao Guihua, miss such an event?


    After all, such a thing hadn''t happened in her previous life. Everything now was new. It was also quite a coincidence. If she had been a day late, the situation might have been different. Those people would have finished their deeds, and Jiang Lu''s father would have suffered.


    But now, everything was just right. The people were safe, and the bad guys were caught.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t comment on Aunt Zhou, but she thought that the capture of that gang was well-deserved. They deserved it, damn it. Back then, those people had even targeted her, wanting to pull a fast one. Pfft!


    She, Zhao Guihua, might not be very capable, but how could she miss the chance to get revenge?


    Hmph!


    Zhao Guihua had forgotten that she had only reported them casually and not really for revenge. Anyway, she was going to take the credit for this, even if no one knew. After all, she knew it herself, and knowing she had done a good deed was enough.


    Oh right, Ming Mei also knew.


    Zhao Guihua walked out proudly and joined the crowd. At this time, everyone had surrounded Zhou Qun and his wife. It could be said that Zhou Qun and his wife were the core of the courtyard, the most important figures.


    Zhao Guihua also eagerly looked at Zhou Qun.


    Everyone asked questions in a flurry. Zhou Qun was clearly unhappy, but no matter how unhappy he was, for the sake of face, he didn''t show it. Instead, he tried to speak calmly: "This matter is still under investigation, and I can''t say much about the specifics, but my mother definitely wasn''t the one who instigated the robbery. My mother wouldn''t do such a thing. Everyone, please let us through. I need to go home, change clothes, and then visit my in-laws."


    Only then did everyone notice that his clothes were wrinkled, and he looked quite haggard. Of course, being investigated at the police station wasn''t easy.


    "So you coming back like this means this matter has nothing to do with you?"


    Someone asked.


    Before Zhou Qun could answer, Jiang Lu got angry: "Of course this matter has nothing to do with us. This was all my mother-in-law''s own doing. How could Qun and I be like that? Besides, what benefit would it be for us if my father got into trouble? He''s my own father. Am I crazy? How could you think that of me?"


    She said unhappily: "Let us through, we need to go home."


    The couple quickly went home, their faces grim. They didn''t even pay attention to Wang Zhaodi, changed clothes, and quickly left again. Wang Zhaodi stayed quiet, not daring to say a word. She had that much sense.


    "Why would they go to their in-laws'' place at this time?"


    "What else could it be? They must be going to ask Jiang Lu''s father to drop the charges. After all, Jiang Lu''s father is the victim. If he doesn''t pursue it, the matter won''t be that big."


    "You''re stupid. Zhou Qun''s mother didn''t hire thugs to hurt people; she was involved in superstitious activities. Jiang Lu''s father isn''t even really the victim in this case."


    "You''re the stupid one. Think about it, how this whole thing plays out is really hard to say."


    Everyone started discussing, and Zhao Guihua listened for a while. Suddenly, she let out a scream: "Ah! My fish!"


    She darted back quickly, moving like a gust of wind.


    Everyone was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.


    Zhao Guihua rushed home, almost letting the fish burn, but luckily, it was fine.


    As it got late, everyone gradually went home to cook. Wang Zhaodi pursed her lips, looked at the house, and silently continued working. She was hungry. In fact, she hadn''t eaten lunch. With Aunt Zhou not at home, she didn''t dare to take food.


    She would dare to eat on the table, even if it meant enduring someone''s nasty looks. She was scared of hunger, but with no one at home, she didn''t dare to take the grain out to cook. Taking something without the owner''s permission was like being a thief, wasn''t it?


    She didn''t dare to do that.


    Wang Zhaodi''s stomach growled, and she lowered her head to continue assembling matchboxes.


    Mrs. Wang came over to collect everything. Seeing her with her head lowered, she said, "Let''s just leave it like this today. You should go home and cook."


    Wang Zhaodi gently hummed and got up to prepare to go out.


    She wants to see if there are any wild vegetables outside; even just a little bit that she can gather would be edible.


    Wang Aunt: "Girl, where are you going?"


    Wang Zhaodi: "I, I want to go out for a walk..."


    Goo goo.


    Her stomach growled, and Aunt Wang suddenly reacted, saying, "Did you not eat anything?"


    Wang Zhao Di hesitated for a moment and then nodded gently.


    Grandma Wang sighed and said, "I guess his family can''t take care of you now."


    She thought for a moment and said, "How about this, you come over to my house tonight to get by for a meal, and in the evening I''ll talk to Zhou Qun and his wife about this matter."


    Wang Zhaodi hurriedly shook her head and said, "No, no, I won''t eat. It''s fine."


    She knows the value of food and would never dare to eat for free at someone else''s place. She dares to eat at the Zhou family because she wants to nourish her body to bear a son for them. If she went to someone else''s house, what would she be? Food is an incredibly precious thing.


    Wang Aunt: "It''s okay, you come over. I''ll talk to Zhou Qun when the time comes."


    She saw that Wang ZhaoDi was very determined and said, "I will ask Zhou Qun and his wife for the meal expenses then."


    That said, Wang Zhao Di nodded lightly.


    Wang Aunt looked at Wang Zhaodi, who was as skinny as a stick, and said, "Let''s go."


    Wang Zhaodi: "Thank you."


    She said softly, but with exceptional determination, "Thank you, Aunt Wang."


    Wang Auntie: "Hey, I''m in charge of the management department. If you come to the courtyard, how could I not take care of you? A person is like iron and rice is like steel; if you miss a meal, you''ll feel uneasy. How can a person go without eating?"


    Wang Zhaodi followed Aunt Wang and took the initiative to help start the fire, her face feeling hot and also a bit flushed.


    Bai was gazing out of the window with a thoughtful expression. He knew why Wang Zhaodi had come, after all, the Su family was there to help him. How could they possibly not inform them? It would be necessary to describe his situation as extremely difficult in order to secure their assistance.


    This will naturally increase the difficulty.


    So Bai Fendou knows about this, and he also knows that Wang Zhaodi is not a relative of the Zhou family. In fact, she is the daughter of Su Dama''s side, a relative of Su Zhaodi''s in-laws. Bai Fendou has also considered whether to interfere and ruin this matter, or whether to take the initiative himself.


    Anyway, everyone else is out, so what can the Zhou family do to him?


    However, he quickly dismissed this idea. After all, Aunt Zhou was a bit crazy, and there were certain things that were absolutely off-limits. Having children was one of those matters. If Aunt Zhou were to find any difficulties regarding this issue, it was quite possible that she could truly resort to violence.


    So he thought about it for a long time, but in the end, he didn''t dare to do it.


    Moreover, another reason is that Wang Zhaodi is generally thin; she is not short, but she is too slender. He doesn''t like girls who look too thin and unhealthy. Besides, she lacks many qualities, and he still prefers girls who are a bit more plump, as they are better for childbearing.


    This girl is really not his type, so he has given up the thought of intervening.


    Moreover, he felt a vague sense of pride in his heart. No matter how good Jiang Lu''s family conditions were, she couldn''t give birth. Even if Zhou Qun found another woman to bear him children, she would still be an uneducated, low-status, and average-looking rural girl.


    But Bai''s struggle is different; he can still marry a good wife. At the very least, she should be like Mingmei.


    She is good-looking, comes from an above-average family background, has supportive parents who won''t hold her back, and can conceive quickly. He believes he should at least find a girl like that, after all, he is deserving of it.


    He was contemplating when he saw Zhuang Zhixi and his wife pushing a cart back together. At the moment he caught a glimpse of Ming''s beautiful face, he blushed instantly and quickly retreated.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    He pressed his lips together and said, "Let''s go home." What a bastard, looking at his ass!


    Bai Fendou watched their retreating figures, his gaze lingering for a moment on Ming Mei''s back, then he shook his head. He was getting married for the first time and couldn''t settle for someone who had been married before. If anyone was most suitable, it would be the new girl Tao from the infirmary.


    Although it has only been two or three days, he has already indirectly inquired and found out that this girl, little Tao, is single.


    He feels that Miss Xiao Tao might have a crush on him; otherwise, why would she immediately respond when he asked about it? He believes that she definitely has that intention towards him. She''s probably just too shy to say it, waiting for him to take the initiative.


    Bai felt motivated and happy again.


    He must have married the best one.


    However, if Miss Xiao Tao is not a formal employee, he cannot do it.


    If he doesn''t have a formal job, he doesn''t deserve that.


    Bai was pondering these things, growing more and more cheerful, feeling that his marriage was within reach. He even began to think about how many children he would have in the future. Anyway, he wanted to have many sons, at least more than three. Xiu''s family had three, and he wanted to do even better than Xiu.


    Bai was getting happier the more she thought about her struggles, laughing heartily. A few children from Jinlai rushed into the yard and, hearing her laughter, exclaimed, "Stop laughing, you sound like a ghost!"


    Three children were rushing home. Their grandmother was hospitalized again. After Wang Xiangxiu came back from work and cooked, she still had to go to the hospital to deliver meals. In short, it involved a lot of back and forth, which also wasted quite a bit of time. These kids were like wild children, running around everywhere.


    Three children ran back home, and Wang Xiangxiu followed behind them, calling out, "Slow down, don''t fall!"


    Bai was not happy and said, "Sister Xiu, take a look at your child; they were just talking about me a moment ago."


    Wang Xiangxiu said softly, "Struggle, don''t blame them; they are still children! How could they understand so much? Look, those kids don''t even call each other names. They just don''t understand."


    Bai nodded and said, "I know they are not bad kids. It''s just the three of them. If it were another adult, I would have hit them."


    Wang Xiangxiu thought to herself, "You bastard, your egg is already broken, and you walk like a more delicate person than me. Who do you think you can teach a lesson to?"


    You old fart!


    Her inner thoughts are quite complex, but on the surface, she appears gentle: "I know you are a good person."


    Bai said: "That''s true. When I get married, I''ll let them help me with the bed pressing, so I can have a chubby little boy too."


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled with her eyes but not with her mouth, yet her voice hadn''t changed: "Sure, as long as you get married, I will definitely give you a wedding night gift."


    She knows that this person is interested in the nurse Xiaotao, but he should take a look in the mirror and reflect on himself; he really doesn''t know what he''s talking about. That nurse Xiaotao has only been at the factory for a few days, and already several young men are pursuing her, but she is neither proactive nor rejecting nor taking responsibility.


    It''s strange that someone would actually regard Bai''s struggles as noteworthy.


    Wang Xiangxiu turned around and went home. Even if she were to remarry, she wouldn''t find someone like that¡ªfoolish and clumsy.


    If she really had to find someone, she would definitely prefer someone like Zhou Qun over Bai Fendou. However, Zhou Qun hasn¡¯t come back yet? That¡¯s really malicious; his whole family is toxic. Although Wang Xiangxiu is reckless, she does it to support the entire family.


    And she doesn''t kill or set fires; this Aunt Zhou is really quite vicious.


    Wang Xiangxiu returned home and quickly got busy. There was a subtle aroma in the yard, as if someone was stir-frying meat. She looked in the direction of the source of the smell, and without needing to say much, it was definitely the Zhuang family''s cooking.


    It could be the Lan family; those greedy ones, why haven''t they choked to death yet?


    Every family has its own affairs. At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi''s family has already started their meal. Because of the stewed fish, Zhao Guihua has placed pancakes around it. Although the pancakes don''t taste very good, they''re different when paired with the fish stew.


    This is to say that his family has recently come into some good fortune; it seems that after they became more prosperous, their appetite actually diminished somewhat. Apart from Old Man Zhuang, who engages in physically demanding work at the factory, everyone else''s food consumption has actually decreased a bit.


    Everyone had dinner, and Old Man Zhuang finished off the remaining fish soup. He dipped his bread into the fish soup and ate every bit of it.


    ¡°What do you think the situation will be for Aunt Zhou this time?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi''s gossip opening.


    This is a situation that is difficult to predict, and no one really knows how it will turn out. They have never encountered such a situation before, so naturally, they are unsure. Zhao Guihua has never encountered this either. However, with the current movement against the "Four Olds," engaging in feudal superstition is not a minor matter.


    Of course, it is not comparable to robbery.


    But it is impossible to simply let it go unaddressed.


    If it were for something else, like Aunt Zhou buying strange things like black dog blood for Jiang Lu to drink, hoping to help her daughter-in-law get pregnant, the issue might not be too serious. And Jiang Lu''s father, for the sake of face, might even help out.


    But now, it seems unlikely.


    If someone is already cursing him, and he still helps, then that person is far too easygoing.


    In Zhao Guihua''s impression, Jiang Lu''s father is not an easygoing man. In these times, being a leader at the supply and marketing cooperative means he is not a simple person. The Zhou family benefiting from their relationship with their daughter is due to the family''s affection for their daughter.


    But having affection for their daughter does not mean they have affection for outsiders, especially when the outsider does not have good intentions. It is unlikely they will let it go easily. If they only had Jiang Lu as their child, they might let it slide, but they don''t.


    Jiang Lu has a brother.


    After a while of gossiping, Ming Mei started yawning. Zhao Guihua asked, "Are you tired? If you are, go to bed early."


    Ming Mei nodded, "A little."


    She never really noticed before, but now that she''s pregnant, it''s quite obvious.


    She yawned again and said, "I''m really a bit sleepy."


    Although she watched a bit of drama in the morning, she wasn''t very energetic today. She didn''t know why, but she just felt a bit tired. Zhuang Zhixi was worried about his wife and said, "Come, I''ll take you back to bed."


    Ming Mei smiled, "Okay."


    Hutou chimed in, "Teacher says, early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy."


    Xiao Yanzi added, "That''s right, Auntie, go rest."


    Ming Mei replied, "Okay."


    She really likes Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. Under Zhao Guihua''s guidance, they are well-behaved and not at all troublesome. Well-behaved children are little darlings, but troublesome ones are little rascals.


    Zhuang Zhixi helped Ming Mei back to their room. Ming Mei was feeling lazy and just flopped down, saying, "I don''t want to wash up, I just want to sleep."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Alright, then sleep."


    He took the initiative to help her take off her shoes and adjusted her pillow, saying, "Let me help you take off your jacket."


    He was very attentive.


    Ming Mei, as if boneless, followed Zhuang Zhixi''s movements and quickly took off her clothes.


    She had a vague feeling...


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing her like this, was a bit worried and furrowed his brows, but Ming Mei didn''t notice. She curled up in the blanket and reached out, "I want to sleep with you."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled gently and whispered, "Okay."


    ******


    In the quiet night, Ming Mei walked along an empty street. She recognized it as the Apricot Blossom Alley where they lived. She heard a commotion and continued walking.


    "Make way, make way..." Ming Mei quickly moved aside. Being pregnant, she couldn''t afford to be bumped into. She moved quickly, but the person still bumped into her. However, it seemed the person didn''t see her at all and just passed through her, running towards their courtyard.


    Ming Mei looked down at herself, puzzled. She was clearly standing there, so how did someone pass through her?


    She tilted her head and thought for a moment, then realized she was dreaming.


    She was clearly dreaming, yet she seemed to know she was dreaming...


    Ming Mei walked home along the alley and saw the person who passed through her running into the courtyard to deliver news: "Which house is Zhuang Zhixi''s?"


    Ming Mei raised her hand high, "Mine!"


    But the person didn''t even glance at her. He shouted again, "Zhuang Zhixi!"


    Ming Mei saw her mother-in-law, Zhao Guihua, come out hurriedly and ask, "What''s going on? What happened? Zhuang Zhixi is my son."


    "Is he home?"


    "No, he''s not. What''s the matter? Tell me."


    The person quickly grabbed Zhao Guihua and said, "Auntie, come with me. Is Ming Mei your daughter-in-law? She fell on the bus, had a massive hemorrhage, and was sent to the hospital..."


    "What!"


    Zhao Guihua''s face turned pale instantly. "Let''s go!"


    Zhao Guihua followed the person, stumbling as they ran. Ming Mei, at this moment, also changed her expression and quickly followed, hearing the person say, "The road was slippery due to the heavy rain, and she fell out of the bus. She''s already been sent to the hospital..."


    "She''s lost a lot of blood, let''s hurry..."


    Ming Mei desperately tried to catch up with the two, but couldn''t. She panted and crouched down, holding her belly. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain, as if something was about to leave her body...


    The scene quickly shifted, and she vaguely heard the doctor''s voice: "The child has been barely saved, but the mother needs long-term rest. It''s hard to say what will happen next. You, the family, must be very careful. Also, take good care of the mother; otherwise, it''s hard to say if the child can be saved. She''s carrying twins, which is already very taxing..."


    Ming Mei wanted to say something, but it felt like she was drowning. She clutched her belly, feeling miserable...


    Gradually, she seemed to detach herself, floating and watching herself. She looked very tired, as if she might miscarry at any moment. She was pale and haggard. People in the courtyard gossiped behind her back, saying her child might not be born smoothly, and even if born, might not be healthy...


    Ming Mei took deep breaths, and at this moment, she seemed to be in the delivery room...


    "Ah!!!" Ming Mei suddenly screamed and sat up.


    Zhuang Zhixi, who had been half-asleep, was startled awake. He quickly sat up and asked urgently, "Wife, what''s wrong? How are you? Did you have a nightmare? Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    Looking down, he saw that the girl was actually crying.


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately panicked and quickly said, "What''s wrong?"


    He hurriedly wiped her tears, "Are you feeling unwell? Should I take you to the hospital?"


    He was about to get up, but Ming Mei grabbed his undershirt and shook her head forcefully. She leaned forward and rested on his neck, biting her lip and said, "I''m fine, it''s okay, I just had a nightmare. Let me calm down..."


    She hadn''t had a nightmare.


    This was a premonition dream.


    Ming Mei suddenly understood; this was a premonition dream.


    When she was younger, she might have been weaker, and as a child, her spirit was indeed weak, so she often had all sorts of strange dreams. At that time, she would wake up crying every day. As she grew older and started practicing martial arts, she gradually became stronger and stopped having those strange dreams. Premonition dreams became rare, though she still had them occasionally, especially about important events related to herself.


    Although very rare, they did happen.


    For example, she had dreamed that Zhao Guihua was reborn.


    On the eve of her blind date, she had dreamed of a middle-aged version of herself and Zhuang Zhixi holding hands, strolling in the park, and even kissing. She had dreamed all of that.


    This time, she had another dream. She had no doubt; this was a warning for her.


    Ming Mei leaned on Zhuang Zhixi''s chest, thinking about the scenes in her dream. It was summer, with short sleeves, and she seemed to hear the loud chirping of cicadas. She bit her lip and suddenly became determined, saying, "Zhixi, I want to change jobs."


    Zhuang Zhixi was taken aback and then said, "Change jobs?"


    He didn''t ask anything else and just said, "Okay."


    Ming Mei continued, "As a conductor, I get a three-yuan bus allowance every month. If I change jobs, I won''t get that. That means I''ll lose three yuan every month. I really don''t want to..." She leaned on Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Actually, when I first got pregnant, I thought about this, but I gave up at the time. Although the baby isn''t born yet, raising a child is very expensive, and I want to save more money. But I just had a nightmare, and I''m so afraid it might come true. Being a conductor on the bus is good, but the bus is moving, which isn''t safe for a pregnant woman like me. I can''t take the risk with my own safety."


    Although being a ticket collector on a bus is more tiring than working in the station''s logistics, many female colleagues at the station still prefer to work on the bus because they earn an extra three yuan a month. Add a bit more to that, and it''s enough to buy four jin of meat.


    So if Ming Mei wants to transfer, it wouldn''t be difficult. Internal transfers within the station are possible.


    Ming Mei softly leaned against Zhuang Zhixi, whispering, "Do you think our parents will disagree?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "Of course not. They understand what''s more important. Besides, this isn''t something they get to decide. As long as we''re willing, that''s what matters."


    Ming Mei pouted cutely, "You won''t think I''m being spoiled, will you? Just because of a little thing like this, I want to change jobs. I''ll be missing out on three yuan a month."


    Zhuang Zhixi tapped her cheek, "What are you talking about? Three yuan is a lot, but you''re more important. We need to be careful at a time like this." He patted Ming Mei, "Even if you earn three yuan less, your salary is still higher than mine. Strictly speaking, I''m the one living off you. How could I criticize you? I just want my wife to be safe and sound."


    Ming Mei chuckled softly.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at the outside, "Go back to sleep for a while. It''s not dawn yet."


    Ming Mei murmured softly, "Okay~"


    The dream had been too terrifying. She clung tightly to Zhuang Zhixi, unwilling to let go. Seeing her anxious and worried, Zhuang Zhixi gently patted her, though he himself couldn''t fall asleep...


    She was worried about the baby, and he was worried too. Not just about the baby, but also about her.


    Yes, it wasn''t very safe for a pregnant woman to be a ticket collector...


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei weren''t the type to drag their feet. Once they made up their minds, they brought it up the next morning after breakfast, giving their family a heads-up.


    "Mom and Dad, we have something to tell you."


    Seeing everyone had finished eating, Ming Mei started the conversation, "I''m pregnant, so I want to ask my mom to find some connections and transfer me to another department at the station."


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes lit up, "That''s great news."


    She was overjoyed, "This is really good. Have you thought about which department you want to transfer to?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "Not yet. It''s easy to transfer, but getting a good position is harder. So I plan to ask my mom to help. Although I''ve been working here for a few years, my mom is still familiar with our old leaders. Since I''m pregnant now, transferring for this reason would be justified."


    She thought for a moment, "It would be best to get a position in the office or logistics."


    Zhao Guihua nodded.


    Although she didn''t know exactly what those departments did, it was certainly better than being a ticket collector on a bus. Being a ticket collector was quite tiring. Though there was a seat up front, it was still hard work. Even with the loudspeaker announcing stops, the ticket collector still had to shout to guide passengers. Plus, their holidays were different from regular jobs. Even on holidays like New Year''s, they had to work. Sitting up front all year round, exposed to the cold wind from frequent door openings in winter, even young people complained of leg pain.


    Zhao Guihua knew all this. Although people back then were all hardworking, if her family member could transfer to a better position, that would be great.


    Zhao Guihua was both surprised and delighted. After all, this hadn''t happened in her previous life.


    Ming Mei added, "There''s one downside though."


    Zhao Guihua, "Hmm?"


    Ming Mei, "I''ll be missing out on the three yuan monthly bus allowance." She could have kept this to herself, but she decided to mention it because everyone''s salaries were transparent. Three yuan a month, over time, added up. She didn''t want her mother-in-law to think she was hiding extra money.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly interjected, "This was my idea. Money is important, but health is more so. She''s pregnant now, and I really don''t feel safe with her working on the bus. With the bus stopping and starting at every station, it''s a bit risky. This is our first child; I just want things to be stable. We can earn money anytime, but Ming Mei and the baby are more important."


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look, "Am I the kind of person who only cares about money? Besides, your money isn''t mine. I don''t care."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Then it''s settled. Tonight we won''t be home for dinner. Ming Mei and I will go to her parents'' place to discuss this with her mom."


    Zhao Guihua, "Alright, make sure you talk to your mom properly. Try to get the transfer done as soon as possible. Even if the position isn''t the best, it''s better to transfer early. Don''t delay; things might not go as planned if you do."


    In her previous life, this hadn''t happened, but Zhao Guihua didn''t know why Ming Mei suddenly had this idea this time. However, she didn''t think it was a big deal. After all, not everything could be the same. In the few months since her rebirth, many things had changed. Even if Ming Mei''s decision was influenced by these changes, it was normal.


    Moreover, if the transfer could be arranged, it would be a good thing.


    She remembered that in her previous life, due to being pregnant with twins, Ming Mei had been very hardworking. Initially, it was manageable, but as her pregnancy progressed, she suffered greatly. Her feet swelled like pig trotters, and her overall condition wasn''t great. There were even several close calls, with frequent trips to the hospital.


    Despite all this, she managed to give birth to the children smoothly. Perhaps because this pregnancy had been so tough, it scared both Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, and they never had another child after that.


    Even though Ming Mei had been so hardworking, she hadn''t transferred jobs. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to; her mom had tried to arrange a transfer for her due to concern for her daughter. But it hadn''t worked out. Zhao Guihua couldn''t remember the exact details, but it seemed there was a new leader issue. It seemed that Ming Mei''s old leader had retired, and a new, forty-something woman had taken over. Her husband was in the Revolutionary Committee, and she herself was quite radical.


    This woman, regardless of her own qualities, was extremely harsh towards her female colleagues.


    Even though many people were willing to work as ticket collectors, she refused to transfer Ming Mei, accusing her of seeking special privileges just because she was pregnant. She forced Ming Mei to work until she gave birth. It was truly disgusting.


    Zhao Guihua, having lived over a hundred years, had forgotten many details. If not for Ming Mei bringing this up, she wouldn''t have remembered it.


    But now that Ming Mei mentioned it, Zhao Guihua recalled the incident. She earnestly advised, "If you can transfer, do it quickly. Your current leader is getting old, and the new one might be someone difficult. If you encounter a mean and vicious one, transferring won''t be easy."


    Ming Mei looked surprised at her mother-in-law and quickly nodded, "Okay, I understand."


    Her mother-in-law had even used the word "thing," indicating the new leader was definitely not a good person.


    Moreover, she had never mentioned that her leader was old and about to retire. This must be based on her mother-in-law''s previous life experience.


    Ming Mei immediately took this seriously. Ah, the new leader must be bad.


    She pouted, feeling quite challenged.


    No wonder, no wonder she had that ominous dream.


    Zhuang Zhixi noticed Ming Mei spacing out and waved a hand in front of her, "What''s wrong?"


    Ming Mei, "Nothing."


    She said, "It''s just another day at work."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Exactly."


    He said, "Alright, let''s go. I''ll walk you to work."


    Ming Mei softly replied, "Okay," and followed Zhuang Zhixi out the door.


    Liang Meifen watched their retreating figures and muttered quietly, "Three yuan... just like that?"


    Zhao Guihua glared at Liang Meifen, "What''s it to you?"


    Liang Meifen was momentarily speechless and didn''t know what to say, so she lowered her head. Zhao Guihua spoke seriously: "Don''t meddle in what''s not your business. Mind your own affairs and don''t get carried away just because someone gives you a little attention. Stop babbling endlessly, it''s annoying, and this doesn''t concern you."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    She nodded awkwardly. Zhao Guihua continued: "Apart from the meal money you hand in, any other income is your own, and I don''t interfere with that. As a sister-in-law, you should keep your mouth shut and not make people dislike you."


    "I understand."


    After being lectured by Zhao Guihua, Liang Meifen immediately felt deflated.


    Zhao Guihua: "After you send the kids to school, come back and clean up the dishes."


    She was about to head out when Zhuang Zhiyuan was surprised: "Mom, are you going out again?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Isn''t it for everyone to have some fish to eat?"


    Did she enjoy going up the mountain? It was all for the family to eat better. At her age, close to fifty, she worked so hard not for herself, but for everyone. The Zhuang family knew the effort it took, and Zhuang Zhiyuan said: "Maybe don''t go today, wait until tomorrow. I''ll be off tomorrow, and we can go together."


    He volunteered: "Or, let my wife go today."


    Liang Meifen: "Yes, I can go."


    Zhao Guihua shook her head: "No, Meifen can''t go alone. There are a lot of people in the mountains lately, and I don''t feel safe with a young woman like you going alone."


    It was a matter of not having malicious intentions but staying vigilant. While nothing should happen, in the wild mountains, one could never be too careful. She, as an old lady, didn''t matter, but Liang Meifen was still a young woman. It was better to be cautious.


    She said: "You stay home and stick matchboxes. I''ll go alone."


    Liang Meifen: "Will you be back for lunch?"


    Logically, there wouldn''t be enough time. Zhao Guihua: "Of course not. Do you think I''m a fool to ride for two or three hours, fish for a bit, and then rush back?"


    "Mom, that''s not what I meant."


    Liang Meifen quickly added: "Then I''ll make you some pancakes to take along."


    Zhao Guihua: "No need, there are still some leftover pancakes from yesterday. Just one lunch, I can manage."


    Old Man Zhuang watched his wife bustling around and said: "You''re working hard."


    Zhao Guihua: "Stop with the unnecessary words."


    She said: "We''re all doing this for the family. I do, you do, and everyone else does. No one should be pretentious."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded emphatically, fully agreeing.


    They were all striving for a better life.


    "Guihua, Guihua."


    Zhao Guihua heard the call and poked her head out: "Aunt Wang? What is it?"


    Aunt Wang: "I need to deliver the matchboxes to the neighborhood office. Can you give me a hand?"


    Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment, then said: "Sure, I''ll help you."


    Although she also needed to go fishing, she immediately decided to deal with that later. This trip to the neighborhood office was also an opportunity to inquire about something. Zhao Guihua quickly headed out, and Aunt Wang said: "Help me carry this bag."


    "Got it!"


    As the two elderly women were about to leave, suddenly, a loud bang came from outside¡ªboom!

 Chapter 96

    Zhou Qun''s gaze at Bai Fendou was so intense it seemed to stretch into threads.He might have been "stretching threads," but it made Zhuang Zhixi''s hair stand on end.


    Zhou Qun, however, didn''t care what others thought. He said, "Brother, I bought some pig''s head meat. How about we have a drink together?"


    Bai Fendou: "???"


    He suspected Zhou Qun wanted to poison him. If not, why would he invite him to drink? How could they possibly share a table? Besides, when had Zhou Qun ever deigned to associate with the people in their courtyard? His usual company at the table were high-ranking officials.


    Jiang Lu also looked at Zhou Qun in disbelief. Zhou Qun, however, was enthusiastic. "Let''s have a drink together. I know you understand me the best, brother."


    Bai Fendou: "???"


    Honestly, what was this about? Bai Fendou was completely lost.


    Zhou Qun ordered, "Wang Zhaodi, prepare a few dishes and cook some rice."


    Wang Zhaodi: "Oh."


    She quickly got up to work, but as she rushed to the door, she felt Jiang Lu''s gaze and abruptly stopped. She cautiously looked at Jiang Lu and asked, "Sister Jiang Lu, how much should I make?"


    Zhou Qun: "What do you mean, how much? Make more; otherwise, how will it be enough? We men have big appetites. Jiang Lu, get that bottle of wine from your parents'' house. I''m going to toast with my brother."


    Jiang Lu was also puzzled. Looking at Zhou Qun, she suddenly felt flustered. She gently advised, "Qun Ge, I know you despise Bai Fendou, and so do I. That guy is annoying and mouthy, but we can''t really do anything to him."


    She believed Zhou Qun must be seeking revenge for her. After all, Bai Fendou had once tried to take advantage of her. Recently, her husband had been enduring humiliation to get close to Bai Fendou, undoubtedly to exact revenge. She absolutely couldn''t let that happen.


    Her mother-in-law was already in trouble, and the situation was uncertain. If Zhou Qun got into trouble, what would she do? She didn''t care about that despicable, wicked mother-in-law, but she couldn''t let Zhou Qun suffer. Absolutely not.


    Jiang Lu was resolute. "Qun Ge, let''s go home."


    Her shout infuriated Bai Fendou. He yelled, "Zhou Qun, are you a man? If you''ve got guts, let''s fight. What are you trying to pull? I tell you, Bai Fendou isn''t afraid of you. If you''ve got the nerve, let''s settle this!"


    Fighting?


    Even if he lost, Bai Fendou wouldn''t back down!


    That''s what it means to be a man from Beijing.


    "What are you talking about, Jiang Lu? Don''t spout nonsense. I didn''t mean anything by it. I genuinely get along with Bai Fendou and wanted to have a drink with him. But you''ve turned it into something else. Can you stop causing trouble?"


    Jiang Lu didn''t believe a word of it. She firmly held onto Zhou Qun. "Come home with me. Don''t go near Bai Fendou. We really can''t fight."


    Zhou Qun must be planning to poison him, absolutely!


    She didn''t dare say it directly, so she could only try to restrain Zhou Qun.


    "Qun Ge, I know you love me and care for me, but I beg you, don''t pick a fight with Bai Fendou. Come home with me."


    Zhou Qun: "I...!"


    Bai Fendou: "So Zhou Qun, you''ve been exposed by Jiang Lu, haven''t you? I knew you had ulterior motives. You scoundrel, how could you do such a thing..."


    The scene descended into chaos. Everyone looked bewildered, unsure of what was going on.


    Zhou Qun: "Bai Fendou and I are true brothers."


    Bai Fendou: "If you''ve got the guts, let''s settle this openly. Scheming isn''t a real man''s way!"


    Jiang Lu: "Don''t break the law for me."


    Wang Zhaodi: "...Should I cook or not?"


    The situation was in complete disarray. Zhuang Zhixi quietly asked his mother, "Mom, what''s going on here?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, equally baffled. She thought Zhou Qun genuinely wanted to drink with Bai Fendou; it didn''t seem like he was plotting something. But why would Zhou Qun want to drink with Bai Fendou? Their relationship was average at best.


    Zhou Qun despised everyone in their courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua truly couldn''t figure it out. It wasn''t her fault¡ªshe just couldn''t imagine it. Even in her previous life, she had heard of such things, but she had never encountered them personally. So, Zhao Guihua was caught off guard.


    Besides, everyone knew Zhou Qun liked women. His promiscuous reputation was well-established.


    How could she have guessed he had developed feelings for Bai Fendou?


    Oh no, not just feelings¡ªintense feelings.


    It was unimaginable.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t understand and could only say, "I don''t get it either. Let''s watch and see."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Zhou Qun''s gaze is just too disgusting."


    Seeing his mother was clueless, he turned to his grandfather, Lan Sihai, and whispered, "Grandpa, what''s going on? I just find that gaze so... uncomfortable."


    Lan Sihai glanced at him and chuckled.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You understand!"


    Lan Sihai calmly said, "At my age, what don''t I understand? I''ve lived long enough to have seen it all. I''ve eaten more salt than you''ve walked paths."


    Under Zhuang Zhixi''s expectant gaze, he lowered his voice and said softly, "You know, when I was young, I saw many people in Shanghai idolizing actors."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    What does that have to do with anything?


    Lan Sihai: "Those actors didn''t care if they were male or female. Gender wasn''t a strict boundary. Some admirers ended up crossing lines they shouldn''t have."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What do you mean?"


    Too young and inexperienced, he just didn''t get it.


    "Some people, even if they like women, also like men. Their preferences can shift."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Hearing this, it clicked for him. He looked at Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou in disbelief. Zhou Qun''s gaze was indeed glued to Bai Fendou... definitely not a normal look.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..." I can''t believe I had to witness this.


    Lan Sihai: "Go away."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought of how Zhou Qun had once invited him to leave work together and felt even more creeped out. He realized he had narrowly escaped a situation. He quietly watched Bai Fendou, wondering if he could sense Zhou Qun''s intentions.


    Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine Bai Fendou, of all people, would have to worry about his "purity."


    How did Bai Fendou end up being targeted by Zhou Qun? At the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief for himself. It was a good thing Zhou Qun hadn''t set his sights on him. Zhuang Zhixi slipped back to Ming Mei''s side, held his wife''s hand, and settled in to watch the drama.


    However, the trio of Zhou Qun, Jiang Lu, and Bai Fendou didn''t give the audience much time to enjoy the show. Eventually, Zhou Qun gave up and went home with Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu dragged Zhou Qun away, her eyes brimming with tears. "Qun Ge, no one in this world could love me more than you. No matter the circumstances, I won''t abandon you. I want to share hardships and joys with you. We are a united couple."


    Zhou Qun''s thoughts were far from what Jiang Lu imagined. If not for Jiang Lu''s good background, he would have dumped her long ago. She was a barren hen, incapable of bearing children and now ruining his plans.


    The more Zhou Qun looked at Bai Fendou, the more he liked him. There were plenty of men out there¡ªhandsome ones like Zhuang Zhixi or heroic ones like Section Chief Liu¡ªwho were all excellent choices. But the one he found most appealing was, surprisingly, Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou was brave and never backed down, which earned respect. He was also devoted, sticking by Wang Xiangxiu, a woman of questionable virtue, showing his deep affection. Moreover, he was loyal and helpful, always willing to step up when needed in the courtyard.


    Most importantly, he understood Zhou Qun''s struggles. The Jiang family, especially her brother, deserved nothing but death. Zhou Qun pursed his lips, feeling his mother hadn''t done a good job carrying out his instructions.


    He didn''t want his father-in-law to suffer; he wanted his brother-in-law to face consequences.


    If something happens to Jiang Lu''s brother and her nephew, the elderly couple would have no choice but to rely on them, right? Once they manage to win over the old couple, eliminating her father, Jiang Jianshe, would be a piece of cake.


    If all the men in the family were to meet with misfortune, wouldn''t the women then be entirely in his hands? With his control over Jiang Lu, he could easily take everything from her family. But his mother turned out to be a hindrance rather than a help, completely missing the subtext of his intentions. She even schemed against his father-in-law, making the situation even more complicated.


    What an idiot who doesn''t know how to cover her tracks.


    What he wanted was to deal with Jiang Lu''s shrewd brother.


    But as for Jiang Lu... she was also a fool, which was fortunate. Otherwise, their marriage would have been unsustainable. He knew that his in-laws were adamant about their daughter getting a divorce.


    They showed no sentimentality, not even considering that their daughter, unable to bear children, would be hard-pressed to find another man willing to marry her. Zhou Qun''s thoughts were racing, his expression alternating between anger and anxiety. Jiang Lu, however, thought Zhou Qun was upset because he couldn''t deal with Bai Fendou. She spoke softly, "I know you don''t like Bai Fendou, and I know you want to avenge me, but we can''t take the wrong path. That kind of person, someone will deal with him sooner or later."


    Zhou Qun didn''t want to hear this. "Enough, don''t say anymore."


    He turned and went back to the inner room, lying down on the bed. Jiang Lu followed and whispered softly, "I know you''re anxious because my parents want us to divorce. But I''ve thought about it; they can make a fuss, but I won''t divorce. The decision is in my hands. If I have a child, we can go back together, and I don''t believe they''ll still be so heartless."


    She hesitated, feeling pain but also helpless, and said, "Or, tonight, why don''t you sleep with Zhaodi?"


    Zhou Qun glanced disdainfully at the door and said, "Don''t ever say such foolish things to me again. I have no interest in her."


    He added, "I now regret bringing her here. Why should I feed her for nothing?"


    Jiang Lu''s expression brightened, and she felt even more moved. She knew, she just knew that her Zhou Qun was the best man, unlike any other. Her parents always said Zhou Qun was acting, but look, look at him now! Her mother-in-law wasn''t around, so Zhou Qun didn''t have to put on an act for her. He was showing his true feelings.


    His heart belonged only to her.


    He didn''t get involved with other women.


    She bit her lip, moved, and said, "I know your sincerity towards me, but we still need to have a child..."


    Zhou Qun: "Then you need to work harder!"


    The two whispered in the room, while Wang Zhaodi, unaware of their conversation, quietly prepared dinner. For her, the happiest time of the day was when she could eat. After Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu finished their argument, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t wait to share a secret with his wife, pulling her home.


    Ming Mei: "Slow down."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Big news."


    He closed the door and quickly whispered the details.


    Ming Mei: "!!!"


    She was shocked: "What? Is that even possible? Isn''t he also attracted to women?"


    "Who knows? I think my grandfather is right; in the old days, people didn''t discriminate between genders when it came to admiring performers. So it''s possible that Zhou Qun is bisexual. Not only do you need to be careful, but I need to be careful too."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    This was too shocking.


    "Maybe he was traumatized by a female ghost and no longer likes women. Who knows?"


    Ming Mei: "If it were Bai Fendou, I could understand immediately, but Zhou Qun? I can''t quite wrap my head around it."


    After all, Bai Fendou... well, he''s broken.


    He now walks with tiny steps, so if he had some strange ideas, she could understand. But Zhou Qun, he seems fine. It''s unbelievable, but Ming Mei trusts her grandfather''s judgment.


    After all, he''s seen a lot in his life.


    She whispered, "Did anyone hear you when you were talking?"


    "No, we spoke very softly." He said, "When gossiping about someone, how could I speak loudly?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    This is just... wow.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This courtyard is going to get even more chaotic."


    He rubbed his hands together.


    Ming Mei looked at him and said, "Don''t get so excited. I''m telling you, stay away from Zhou Qun."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately raised his hand: "I promise."


    Ming Mei: "That''s more like it."


    Each family has its own secrets. Meanwhile, Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t help but step out of her house. Bai Fendou saw her through the window and quickly asked, "Xiangxiu, where are you going?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I want to go see my mother-in-law. You know, she''s still in the hospital, and I can''t stop worrying. I need to go see her."


    Bai Fendou: "I''ll accompany you. It''s late, and it''s not safe for a woman to be out alone."


    Wang Xiangxiu shook her head: "It''s fine, I''ll take the main road; nothing will happen. I just suddenly felt uneasy and wanted to see her."


    Bai Fendou: "No, I''ll accompany you. Besides, I also want to visit my old man. That guy, he''s really not making things easy for me."


    Wang Xiangxiu spoke with a mix of coquetry and mild reproach: "You''re accompanying me tonight, and you''ll be back late. Won''t that affect your date tomorrow? You''re supposed to meet Nurse Tao tomorrow, right? As your elder sister, I can''t interfere with your plans. I''m just an outsider, after all."


    "Don''t say that. In my heart, you''re not an outsider; you''re my real sister..."


    In fact, Nurse Tao hadn''t actually invited Bai Fendou. She wouldn''t be so direct; it was more of a "hook" strategy. But Bai Fendou, wanting to boost his own ego, wouldn''t admit that she hadn''t invited him. Instead, he confirmed the arrangement, leading those who hadn''t been present, like Wang Xiangxiu, to misunderstand.


    Bai Fendou: "Even if I get married, you''ll still be my sister. You, Xiangxiu, are the most important to me. Even my wife will have to take a backseat to you."


    Wang Zhaodi came out to fetch water and overheard this: "???"


    Even though she was from a rural area, she knew something was off about this statement.


    She looked at Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou, then thought about the rumors she''d heard. She pursed her lips and quickly moved away.


    These two weren''t in a proper relationship.


    She understood.


    In their village, they called it "make that broken shoe."


    Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu didn''t feel embarrassed at being caught by Wang Zhaodi. Instead, they left together, arm in arm. Wang Zhaodi shook her head. What was going on here?


    But then she thought about her own situation, realizing she wasn''t exactly in a respectable position either. She gave herself a mental scolding.


    Then she got back to work.


    Aunt Zhou had been arrested, and now Wang Zhaodi had her own room, something she had never dreamed of. She couldn''t believe she could have a room to herself one day. Wang Zhaodi didn''t know how long this good fortune would last, but she was grateful. She filled the water bucket and carried it home, pouring it into the water tank. After several trips, the tank was full.


    Just as she was about to rest, she heard Jiang Lu call: "Zhaodi, wash our clothes."


    The order was casual, and Wang Zhaodi replied, "Okay."


    Even though it was dark, she quickly went to the courtyard and started washing in the dim light. Jiang Lu glanced out the window and saw her working diligently. "She''s good at working, but she eats too much. She also lacks awareness. That thing from the donkey, she actually ate it on her own initiative. Doesn''t she know her place? She''s really lacking in awareness. It''s just that my mother-in-law said she needs to be nurtured to be fertile, or else she should just eat some corn bread."


    Zhou Qun didn''t care about these trivial matters. He was still immersed in the pain of not being able to drink with Bai Fendou today. He found Jiang Lu, who had tried to stop him and was overly sentimental, extremely annoying.


    He turned over and said, "I''m tired, I want to sleep early."


    Jiang Lu looked at Zhou Qun with resentment, wanting to do something intimate between husband and wife. She gently touched him, but Zhou Qun brushed her hand away. "I don''t have the mood. My mother is still inside, and we don''t know how it will turn out. How could I have such a mood?"


    Jiang Lu softly replied, "I understand. I didn''t mean..."


    Zhou Qun sneered, not bothering to hide his disdain. The two fell silent.


    Wang Zhaodi was washing clothes alone in the courtyard when she saw Ming Mei and her husband emerge from their house to brush their teeth. The weather was warm, so there was no need for hot water. Ming Mei preferred to wash up in the courtyard for convenience.


    Wang Zhaodi looked at her in surprise and asked, "It''s so late. Are you still washing clothes?"


    "Yeah, I don''t have much to do," Wang Zhaodi replied.


    Ming Mei began brushing her teeth and asked, "Will you be going with them tomorrow?"


    Wang Zhaodi hesitated for a moment before nodding gently. "I want to take a look."


    She wanted to see more of the city before she was likely sent back to her hometown. She was naive and inexperienced, but not stupid. She could tell that Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun didn''t like her at all. Jiang Lu even looked at her with hostility, which she was well aware of.


    With Aunt Zhou, who had been pushing for the pregnancy, now gone, they would probably send her away soon. After all, she ate so much.


    "I want to see more before I go back," Wang Zhaodi said.


    Ming Mei was surprised. "Are you going back?"


    She hadn''t heard that the Zhou family was planning to send her away. Wasn''t she here to have a baby?


    The Zhou family hadn''t said a word, but everyone knew.


    "Not yet, but it''s hard to say," Wang Zhaodi replied, scratching her head. "At least I''ve been to Beijing. My sister and my younger sister haven''t even left the village."


    Ming Mei looked at Wang Zhaodi and asked, "What will you do if you go back?"


    "Work, I guess. And my parents will probably arrange a marriage for me. I''m not young anymore."


    Ming Mei didn''t know what to say. She finally said, "A man fears choosing the wrong career, a woman fears marrying the wrong man. If it''s about marriage, you really need to be careful."


    Then she felt a bit hypocritical for saying that. She had choices, but Wang Zhaodi didn''t. Her parents might just be looking for the highest bride price. It wasn''t that Ming Mei was assuming the worst, but sending a daughter to do this kind of work didn''t suggest kind-hearted parents.


    She said seriously, "Sometimes you have to fight for yourself. If someone forces you to do something, there''s the Women''s Federation."


    "What''s that?" Wang Zhaodi asked, confused.


    Ming Mei perked up and explained what the Women''s Federation was. She was about to say more when...


    "Wang Zhaodi!" Jiang Lu''s voice suddenly called out.


    Wang Zhaodi quickly replied, "Coming!"


    She gave Ming Mei an apologetic smile. "I have to go."


    She quickly wiped her hands and went inside. Jiang Lu looked at her disapprovingly. "What were you blabbering about out there? Talking about the Women''s Federation? Do you really think anyone cares about your family''s business? Who do you think you are? Have some self-respect."


    Wang Zhaodi bit her lip.


    Jiang Lu, wrapped in a coat, stood in the outer room and said, "Stay away from Ming Mei from now on. Do you really think she''s being kind by telling you all that? She just doesn''t want to see our family go smoothly. She''s pregnant and thinks she''s above everyone else. What a joke. She''ll probably give birth to a girl."


    Wang Zhaodi: "..."


    Jiang Lu continued, "She lives a good life, so of course she thinks the world is full of good people and that you should go to the Women''s Federation if you''re treated unfairly. But think about it¡ªyour parents raised you, shouldn''t you repay them? It''s your duty to contribute to the family."


    Wang Zhaodi: "..."


    She whispered, "I understand."


    Everyone had their own opinions, but she vaguely felt that Jiang Lu was wrong. However, being a guest in someone else''s home, she wouldn''t dare to argue.


    "Stay away from Ming Mei," Jiang Lu repeated.


    Wang Zhaodi: "Okay."


    Jiang Lu: "Truly ridiculous."


    She snorted loudly and went back inside. Seeing that Zhou Qun was already asleep, she felt exhausted. Their family had so many problems lately, and even their marital life was strained. It was frustrating.


    Ming Mei was pregnant, and so was Li Fang.


    How come everyone was getting pregnant? Luckily, Wang Xiangxiu was a widow; otherwise, she''d be pregnant too. That would leave only Jiang Lu unable to conceive. She felt extremely uncomfortable and secretly wished that these women couldn''t have children, but they all seemed to be able to.


    Yang Lixin was quite capable though. Li Fang had already had two children, and now she was pregnant with a third.


    Jiang Lu thought for a moment and came out again, asking, "Wang Zhaodi, I heard your mother was very fertile. Is that true?"


    She was hoping that being able to have many children ran in the family.


    Wang Zhaodi was about to hang up her clothes and rest when she heard this and quickly nodded. "Yes, my mother had nine children. We are nine sisters."


    "Sisters?" Jiang Lu''s tone changed, and she stared at Wang Zhaodi in shock. Suddenly, she felt cheated. She wasn''t happy. She wanted to have children, but she wanted sons, not daughters. What if she had a daughter?


    Jiang Lu didn''t want a daughter; they were just a burden.


    "Your mother had all daughters?"


    Wang Zhaodi nodded.


    Jiang Lu frowned in dissatisfaction. She waved her hand dismissively. "Go do whatever you were doing."


    She went back inside, feeling irritated. Zhou Qun was already asleep. Hearing her movements, he said, "What are you doing again?"


    Jiang Lu: "I was just talking to Wang Zhaodi."


    Zhou Qun coldly said, "I''m not sleeping with her."


    The thought alone was repulsive.


    He turned over and went back to sleep.


    Jiang Lu felt touched by his loyalty but also a bit sad.


    Meanwhile, Ming Mei had finished washing up and returned to her room, already lying down. She nestled in Zhuang Zhixi''s arms and said, "I was talking to Wang Zhaodi earlier when Jiang Lu called her away."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "They''re a family. We''re outsiders. We don''t need to get involved."


    He said, "By the way, I have good news."


    Ming Mei: "What?"


    She looked up at Zhuang Zhixi. He said, "My article was accepted by the newspaper. It''ll be published soon."


    Ming Mei''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course. I may have gotten into the propaganda department partly by luck, but I still want to prove myself. This is a good start. I feel much more at ease."


    Ming Mei gently stroked Zhuang Zhixi''s face. He asked, "What are you thinking?"


    "Nothing. Don''t talk nonsense," she said.


    She added, "I just think you work hard."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Everyone''s job is tough. It''s the same for everyone."


    He touched Ming Mei''s belly and asked, "Has the baby been bothering you today?"


    Ming Mei chuckled softly. "Not too much. But pregnancy isn''t easy."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you feel uncomfortable, you must tell me right away. Don''t hold it in."


    "I know," Ming Mei said with a soft laugh...


    It was a quiet Saturday night, and everyone had nothing else to do but sleep.


    If there was one person in the courtyard who couldn''t sleep, it was Jiang Lu. She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. She had just found out that Li Fang was pregnant. With Ming Mei already pregnant, the news about Li Fang added even more pressure.


    For a moment, she felt an urge to harm them, to make sure they lost their babies. But she knew that was impossible. She wasn''t capable of such actions, and if she did, she''d end up in jail. She had a good life and wouldn''t risk it.


    But the thought of pushing Wang Zhaodi and Zhou Qun together was also unappealing. After all, Zhou Qun was her husband. Why should she let Wang Zhaodi benefit? Especially after learning that Wang Zhaodi''s mother had nine daughters, she was even less willing.


    Even if Wang Zhaodi could have many children, there was no guarantee she''d have sons.


    Jiang Lu couldn''t sleep. Her eyes wide open, she thought about her parents. They had already been pressuring her to divorce Zhou Qun because of his affair with another woman. Now that her mother-in-law had done something so shameless, it was even worse.


    They were all pressuring her to divorce, but Jiang Lu was unwilling. Not only did she not want to leave Zhou Qun, who treated her so well, but even if he treated her poorly, she wouldn''t agree to it. A good woman like her shouldn''t remarry; if she did, would she even be able to find a decent man?


    A woman who remarries never ends up well, and she certainly wasn''t willing to take that risk.


    However, her in-laws were relentless. If she didn''t divorce, they probably wouldn''t let her step into their house again. Moreover, her parents were convinced that the infertility issue lay with Zhou Qun. Previously, they had never thought this way; everyone assumed that it was the woman who couldn''t conceive. How could a man be infertile?


    But her in-laws insisted that Zhou Qun had messed around with other women when he was young and must have damaged his health. Jiang Lu was deeply conflicted. She really wanted a child. If a woman didn''t have a child, she wasn''t a complete woman, her life was over, and she wouldn''t have anyone to take care of her in old age.


    But if she left Zhou Qun, it would be like asking her to die. She didn''t believe any of the accusations against him. Outsiders didn''t know how good Zhou Qun had been to her all these years, and she remembered it all. She knew him better than anyone.


    They had been married for over ten years.


    He was definitely not the kind of person they were accusing him of being. Those women had manipulated him into doing their bidding, and now they were trying to smear his name. They were all despicable.


    Jiang Lu tossed and turned, and suddenly, she had a terrifying idea. Her face flushed hot, even though no one was watching. She quickly turned red but felt that her idea was perfectly normal.


    She pursed her lips and glanced at Zhou Qun, who was already asleep...


    She had to give Zhou Qun a child. If it was really Zhou Qun''s problem, then even if Wang Zhaodi came along, or ten of her, it wouldn''t matter.


    Before, she had firmly believed that Zhou Qun could have children, but her mother kept nagging her, telling her over and over, and eventually, it made her doubt.


    What if she found someone else to have a child with?


    As long as the child was hers, it would be Zhou''s child.


    And it would silence all the gossip about her being unable to have children for so many years.


    But if she were to find someone, who would it be?


    Jiang Lu immediately looked around the courtyard, where there were many young men. The Zhuang brothers, Bai Fendou, Yang Lixin, and others...


    There were quite a few options.


    But soon, she shook her head. If she were to choose, she couldn''t pick someone so close, or it would be disastrous if people found out. If the child looked like the neighbor, Mr. Wang, the consequences would be dire. But what to do?


    She couldn''t choose someone from their courtyard or the factory; it would be too difficult.


    The person she chose should be someone she didn''t interact with often, so they wouldn''t suspect anything.


    Ah, Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei''s cousin!


    Jiang Lu suddenly thought of this person. He seemed to be from out of town, good-looking, and well-educated. He would be an excellent choice. Jiang Lu immediately perked up, giggling with a slightly eerie tone.


    Yes, this person would be perfect.


    Having made up her mind, Jiang Lu decided to ask Ming Mei about him the next day. Although he was the grandson of Lan Sihai, Jiang Lu didn''t plan to approach Lan Sihai. She was a bit afraid of him, feeling that the old man was too sharp and might see through her intentions. She absolutely couldn''t let anyone figure out her plan.


    She still had her pride.


    The next morning, Ming Mei came out to go to work. Their jobs were different; they didn''t have regular days off and could only take turns. Even though it was Sunday, and everyone else was off, she still had to work.


    "Ming Mei."


    Jiang Lu had barely slept the previous night, waiting for Ming Mei. As soon as she saw her, she hurried over. Ming Mei greeted her with a smile.


    Jiang Lu: "You''re going to work?"


    Ming Mei: "Yes, we ticket sellers don''t get weekends off."


    Jiang Lu: "Why don''t you take a few days off? I remember you had guests at home, didn''t you? Don''t you need to entertain them?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She looked puzzled at Jiang Lu and said, "Guests? There aren''t any guests at my place."


    Jiang Lu pursed her lips and said, "I mean your cousin. I remember seeing him."


    Ming Mei was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said, "Oh, him. He''s already left."


    "What!" Jiang Lu was shocked.


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She looked curiously at Jiang Lu and said, "He was just here on business for four days. He''s already gone back. Why are you suddenly asking about him? He has his own job, so he can''t stay here for long."


    Jiang Lu forced a smile, half-laughing, half-not, and said, "No, I was just asking casually."


    Ming Mei wasn''t entirely convinced and just gave a light "Oh," then quickly asked, "How''s Aunt Zhou doing? What''s the situation with her? Will she be coming back?"


    Jiang Lu''s mouth twitched. She really didn''t want to talk about that old hag. That wretched old woman always acted high and mighty at home, and Jiang Lu hated her to the core. She had no idea that the woman had been cursing her father behind her back, which made Jiang Lu even more furious.


    If it weren''t for her, her marriage wouldn''t be in such danger.


    She was just an old, worthless woman.


    But she couldn''t outright curse her, since she was her mother-in-law. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She said, "She didn''t mean any harm; she''s just old and muddled. She certainly didn''t instigate robbery or assault. But she might be held accountable for spreading feudal superstitions." Although they didn''t know the specifics yet, as both a victim''s relative and an offender''s relative, Jiang Lu knew a bit more.


    "She provided a lot of information about my father to that gang, so she might be held responsible for that too."


    Ming Mei: "Oh my."


    Jiang Lu took a deep breath and steered the conversation back: "So your cousin left. When will he be back?"


    Ming Mei looked at Jiang Lu strangely, sensing that she was overly interested in her cousin. She said, "It might be a long time. The distance is so far; unless it''s for business, he wouldn''t be coming back and forth. My cousin didn''t even come when I got married."


    Jiang Lu instantly felt that this person was no good.


    Such a good option had slipped away, and Jiang Lu regretted not making up her mind a few days earlier.


    She bit her lip, feeling very frustrated.


    She wasn''t interested in this person; her heart belonged only to Zhou Qun, no one else. She was just upset about missing such a perfect candidate. After all, with such a distance between them, there was no way to connect with him. It was a real pity.


    Ming Mei: "Are you... looking for him for something? Do you know him?"


    Jiang Lu: "No, no, I was just asking casually. I''ve never been to Jinling, so I was just curious. Don''t take it to heart."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She really didn''t believe that excuse.


    But Ming Mei didn''t ask any more questions because Jiang Lu had already turned and left.


    At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi came out: "I''ll take you to work."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    The couple left together, with Zhuang Zhixi driving Ming Mei. He asked, "What did Jiang Lu want with you? She usually doesn''t talk to you much."


    Ming Mei frowned prettily and said, "I''m puzzled too. She was asking about my cousin. It''s strange; they don''t even know each other."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow.


    He joked, "Maybe she''s got her eye on your cousin."


    Ming Mei: "Don''t talk nonsense."


    She rolled her eyes and said, "Everyone knows how deeply Jiang Lu loves Zhou Qun. You''re just making things up."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and said, "Well, who knows? I was just joking, but think about it¡ªit''s not impossible. Ever since your grandfather mentioned that Zhou Qun likes men, I''ve realized that anything can happen. A lot of things are possible."


    Ming Mei: "If Zhou Qun is into both men and women, that''s just... too much."


    She couldn''t even describe it.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Not at all surprising."


    Ming Mei pouted and said, "Really? Be honest."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, maybe a little."


    "Hahaha."


    The couple laughed together. Passersby heard the flute music and looked at the young couple, thinking they made a very handsome pair. Both of them were used to people''s gazes and didn''t pay it much attention.


    Zhuang Zhixi dropped Ming Mei off at her workplace and said, "I''ll come to pick you up after work."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    She walked into the courtyard with her shoulder bag and was about to head upstairs when she heard someone call her name: "Ming Mei."


    Ming Mei: "Section Chief Liu?"


    "Come to my office for a moment; I have something to discuss with you."


    Ming Mei: "Oh."


    She quickly followed her supervisor to the office. Section Chief Liu said, "Your mother came to see me yesterday about a job transfer for you."


    Ming Mei immediately sat up straight.


    The old section chief laughed and waved his hand, saying, "Relax, no need to be nervous. I''ve considered it, and your current situation isn''t suitable for your existing job. I''ve communicated with the office, and you and Little Cui will swap positions. We''ll handle the transfer tomorrow. Starting next month, you''ll take over Little Cui''s role as an office statistician, and she''ll replace you on the bus."


    Ming Mei was puzzled: "Next month? Isn''t next month starting tomorrow?"


    Tomorrow was Children''s Day.


    Section Chief Liu laughed: "Yes, it''s tomorrow, but we have to be precise; that''s why we say next month."


    Ming Mei smiled, her lips curling up.


    She knew her transfer was happening so quickly because her mother had pulled some strings. It wasn''t surprising, though; her mother knew her situation, and once she mentioned wanting to change jobs, her mother must have been anxious, fearing something might happen to her daughter.


    Section Chief Liu said, "Your mother is a bit too hasty. If we waited a little longer, there might have been better positions available. The statistician role is relatively easy, but it doesn''t offer much room for advancement. You can only advance by seniority, and it''s hard to stand out."


    Ming Mei''s big eyes sparkled as she earnestly said, "My mom just worries about me. I''m pregnant, and being on the bus all day makes her uneasy."


    Was the statistician job good? Yes, it was. You sat in the office and didn''t have much to do. The salary remained the same, so it was a good fit for those who didn''t seek advancement. But if you wanted to earn more, it wasn''t ideal.


    Why?


    Because bus ticket sellers at their station received a three-yuan monthly allowance. Although the office statistician''s salary wasn''t affected, that three-yuan allowance was gone. Three yuan wasn''t a small amount; it amounted to thirty-six yuan a year.


    Additionally, bus ticket sellers could be promoted for acts like returning lost items, resolving disputes, or performing well during inspections. Such promotions meant a raise. But statisticians, working in the office, rarely had such opportunities and could only advance through seniority.


    So, if you wanted to advance or earn more, the bus ticket seller role was better. No wonder Little Cui wanted to leave the statistician position; she couldn''t find someone to swap with her until Ming Mei wanted to change jobs.


    It was a perfect match, satisfying both parties.


    This arrangement wasn''t a loss for Ming Mei either. Besides the three-yuan allowance, other promotions and bonuses depended on chance, which one might never encounter.


    Moreover, bus ticket sellers had to work regardless of weather or holidays, unlike office staff who had regular weekends and holidays off.


    It all depended on what you valued; there were pros and cons either way.


    Ming Mei said, "So today is my last day on the bus?"


    Section Chief Liu nodded with a smile: "Yes, it is. Report to the office tomorrow and do your best."


    Ming Mei nodded: "I understand."


    She pretended to sigh, saying, "Once I''m there, no one will look out for me."


    Old Section Chief chuckled: "What are you talking about? You''re familiar with everyone here; you don''t need me to look out for you. Besides, I''ll retire in three months, so even if I wanted to, I couldn''t."


    Ming Mei was curious: "Who will take over your position when you retire?"


    Old Section Chief said, "My youngest son. Oh, don''t mention it; it''s been a mess."


    With many children, disputes were inevitable.


    Although his older sons had jobs, their wives didn''t, and they all wanted the position. Even his married daughters wanted it. But he couldn''t give it to anyone else. It wasn''t that he was biased; it was because if he didn''t give it to his youngest son, he would have to go to the countryside.


    His family already had one child sent to the countryside. This time, having a job meant avoiding the countryside, so he couldn''t let his youngest son go. They were city kids, born in Beijing, with better conditions than others. Going to the countryside would be unbearable. His third son had gone to the countryside early and was placed near the city, close enough to come home on weekends. But that wasn''t possible now. The current situation made it hard for him to use his connections effectively. His youngest son couldn''t go to the countryside.


    But his older children had their own ideas and wanted the job for their families.


    He sighed, saying, "I''m not as capable as your parents."


    Ming Mei: "What are you talking about, Section Chief?"


    Old Section Chief said, "Your family knows how to raise children and pick daughters-in-law. Back then, when your mother gave the job to you instead of your sister-in-law, we old neighbors were worried your family would argue, but nothing happened. Yet, look at us; every family is fighting over jobs."


    Ming Mei didn''t know what to say. She thought for a moment and earnestly said, "It will all get better."


    She remembered her dream about her mother-in-law; the countryside movement would end.


    "I hope so."


    Ming Mei left and went to the bus group to check in for her work. Early in the morning, the bus group already knew she was transferring. Usually, transferring without a reason would raise questions, but now, it made sense. After all, Ming Mei was pregnant.


    Generally, people wouldn''t rush to transfer just because of pregnancy, but since it was Ming Mei, everyone found it reasonable. Her mother had worked at the station for years, and many had watched Ming Mei grow up, knowing how pampered she was.


    The driver joked, "I''ve worked with you for years, and now that you''re leaving, I''ll miss you, girl."


    Ming Mei smiled and chatted casually: "I only talked to my mom yesterday. I thought it would take some time, but she acted so quickly. Today is my last day."


    "You don''t know your mom as well as we outsiders do. She''s always decisive and doesn''t drag things out. But it''s good you''re leaving; I noticed you weren''t looking well yesterday."


    Ming Mei: "I''ve been feeling a bit off. I don''t dare to be careless, especially since it''s my first pregnancy..."


    "That''s right; better safe than sorry."


    Ming Mei muttered, "After I leave, drive carefully, especially in bad weather..."


    In her dream, it was a rainy day when the road was slippery, and the bus almost skidded off the road while avoiding a pedestrian. Fortunately, the bus stopped in time. But due to the inertia, everyone fell forward, and she, sitting in the ticket seller''s seat with no one in front, got hurt.


    "Work well with Little Cui after I leave; don''t argue."


    The driver laughed: "You''re quite the chatterbox, like an old lady."


    Ming Mei: "If you say that, I''ll be mad."


    The driver laughed: "I''m kidding; you''re a young girl."


    Ming Mei nodded in satisfaction. She hadn''t expected her transfer to happen so quickly, so she was determined to stand her last shift with utmost dedication, treating every passenger with utmost care and politeness. It was Sunday today, and the bus was quite crowded, but Ming Mei handled it with ease.


    However, due to her politeness, the passengers were left a bit bewildered.


    After all, everyone was used to ticket sellers being rude and yelling loudly.


    This wasn''t necessarily because anyone intentionally wanted to be bad-tempered, but rather the work environment had shaped them that way. Everyone had gotten used to speaking loudly; if they spoke too softly, those at the back couldn''t hear them. Over time, they had all developed a louder voice.


    Perhaps because it was her last day, Ming Mei not only had a good attitude but also seemed quite spirited.


    Initially, this wasn''t noticeable, but now that she was about to leave, Ming Mei felt quite sentimental about her position. After all, she had been working with the driver for three years, and she was very familiar with this route.


    Ming Mei thought, if it weren''t for that nightmare, she would have definitely requested to stay in her position.


    Even if she were pregnant.


    But now that she was really being transferred, she felt a bit lost but also somewhat relieved.


    The only thing that pained her was the three yuan she would lose, oh dear.


    She patted her belly and said, "Baby, look, you haven''t even been born yet, and your mom is already earning less for you. When you''re born, you better be good, or else I''ll spank your bottoms every time I think about the three yuan I''m losing each month."


    She muttered softly to herself, but with such a short pregnancy, there was no reaction at all.


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She poked her belly again, took a deep breath, and continued with her work.


    Last day, standing her last shift.


    ******


    In a small house on the outskirts of the city, a skinny young man ran quickly, his movements swift. He stumbled several times but forced himself to get up each time. He burst through the door, shouting, "Boss!"


    "What''s the matter? Why are you so hasty?"


    The skinny young man, like a Skinny Monkey, was gasping for breath, completely exhausted. He slumped to the ground and said, "I-I-I heard something big."


    "Big news? What could be so big? Tell me."


    "This morning, I went to the hospital to visit my aunt. On the bus, I overheard the driver and the tigress talking. The tigress is being transferred!"


    "What!" The so-called Boss jumped up, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He grabbed the messenger, trembling, and asked, "The tigress, the tigress is being transferred? Are you sure you didn''t hear wrong?"


    "No! Really!"


    The Boss quickly rushed to the altar in the house, started burning incense, and cried, "Ancestors, bless us! Great, great, great! She''s finally being transferred... The world has suffered under the tigress for too long!"


    If all ticket sellers were like the tigress, they would starve to death. Life has been too hard, but they dared not offend this little lady. The tigress herself was fierce enough, but she also had an even fiercer father.


    They once wanted to teach the tigress a lesson, really just a simple lesson, nothing bad, just wanted to scare her a bit. But in the end, they almost got beaten into a pulp by the tigress''s father.


    This man was as strong as a bear, capable of taking on ten men at once. What''s more, he carried a knife with him at all times, completely disregarding any sense of fair play.


    It was said that he was a long-haul truck driver.


    Such people, they dared not provoke.


    In these times, anyone who dared to drive long-haul trucks likely had a gun in their vehicle. They were too dangerous to mess with.


    Fortunately, fortunately, the tigress is being transferred.


    "Quick, go and find out for me, ask carefully, see if it''s true that she''s being transferred. If it''s true... hehe, hehehe! Our good days are coming."


    He shouted, "Today at noon, we''re having meat, let''s celebrate with meat!"

 Chapter 97

    Ming Mei''s transfer was met with the most joy not by her own family, but by the petty criminals of the city.Yes, who said there were no thieves at this time? These days, things were relatively more stable, and thieves were not as common. After all, everyone was poor, and even rats would feel sorry for them¡ªthere was really nothing worth stealing. Moreover, if a stranger appeared in an alley, a group of aunties would immediately take notice, and someone might even approach to interrogate them before anything could happen.


    However, even in such circumstances, there were still thieves around.


    For those who were used to the quick money of thievery, it was difficult for them to "change careers." Earning money easily made them unwilling to work hard, so there were always people like this in the city. These individuals usually avoided wandering through neighborhoods.


    They couldn''t afford to deal with those sharp-eyed aunties. Never underestimate an auntie; one could be as good as a detective. So, they targeted public places like department store entrances, buses, and trains.


    That was their usual hunting ground.


    Ming Mei herself might not have realized it, but her reputation was well-known throughout the city. She was famously known as the "She-Tiger of Route 140," and no one dared to mess with her. The bus route itself seemed to warn people, "Mess with her, and you''re dead."


    If it weren''t for the lack of advanced photography at the time, these thieves would have had photos of Ming Mei to avoid her.


    She had caught thieves twice on the bus and even nabbed a robber once. These stories had spread far and wide. When they heard that Ming Mei was being transferred, they were overjoyed, almost wanting to celebrate with drums and gongs. There was no better news in the world.


    Blessings from the patron saint of thieves!


    Because of Ming Mei''s transfer, many people were celebrating with feasts.


    Several gangs even discussed: "Should we set off firecrackers at the bus station?"


    "Or pool our money to buy a pig and send it to thank them for transferring that woman away?"


    "No, no, you''re just asking to get caught, aren''t you? Be low-key!"


    "For now, let''s avoid Route 140 to make sure they don''t transfer her back. Let''s just wait a while to let this all blow over. She''s pregnant, right? Once her belly starts showing, there won''t be any chance of her coming back."


    "Exactly, boss, you''re so wise."


    "Damn, I never want to see that woman again. She''s too fierce."


    "I feel sorry for her husband. Do you think she beats him?"


    "I think so, definitely."


    "Same here. If he ever complains, she''d probably call her dad, and it''d be a father-daughter double beatdown. Poor guy."


    "Poor him indeed."


    "Let''s not meddle in their affairs. We''ll just quietly set off some firecrackers to celebrate at our place."


    "Sounds good!"


    Ming Mei had no idea her transfer would cause such a stir, but she was quite happy herself. After all, who wants to suffer, even in their dreams? Feeling relieved, she bought a pound of pastries on her way home after her last day of work.


    She had originally planned to buy meat, but since they still had some lamb left at home, and it was summer, she decided not to buy more meat.


    As Ming Mei walked back with the pastries, she saw Zhuang Zhixi about to ride his bike to pick her up. When he noticed Ming Mei already there, he asked in surprise, "Did you leave early?"


    Ming Mei shook her head. "No, I just finished work on time. But today, I was lucky¡ªthe bus that goes through our street happened to leave just as I was leaving, so I got off at the alley entrance."


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward to take her hand. Ming Mei said, "I''m not a panda; you don''t need to treat me like this."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "You should still be careful."


    Ming Mei smiled. "My transfer is finalized. Today was my last day at work."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at her in surprise. "So soon?"


    Ming Mei chuckled. "Yeah, my mom has good connections at the station. Plus, I''m leaving a position that pays less, and there are plenty of people who''d love to take it."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and nodded, agreeing with the logic. After all, the job came with an extra three yuan, which was a significant amount for most people, especially those with families and heavy financial burdens.


    He said, "That''s great. Now we can finally have weekends together."


    Previously, they had to take time off to spend together, but now they could enjoy their weekends as a newlywed couple.


    As they walked together, they passed by a public toilet where people were still cleaning it. The process was incredibly slow.


    It wasn''t that they were slow, but they were being thorough. They suspected something was hidden in the toilet, so they had to check every inch, even the cesspit. With the warm weather, the whole street was filled with an unbearable stench.


    Ming Mei covered her nose and looked up at the sky, sighing, "I wonder how long this will take."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You should hurry up and leave. You''re pregnant¡ªbeing around this smell might not be good for you."


    Ming Mei replied, "I''ve never heard that before," though she did find the smell unbearable.


    The young couple quickened their pace. Even children passing by would cover their noses and run away. Even the fearless Jinlai brothers from the Su family dared not come close.


    This situation was truly challenging.


    If it weren''t for the fact that they couldn''t afford to cause trouble, they would have thrown stones at the workers, shouting, "Can''t you work faster? The smell is unbearable!" But they were just kids, not fools.


    So, they stayed far away.


    The victims were full of complaints, but the workers were even more miserable. They didn''t get paid, but they were the first to clean the toilets. It was a tough life. They suffered, but they didn''t get to enjoy any rewards.


    They had to endure everyone''s strange looks, which added to their stress.


    After enduring this, they went back and cursed the unlucky Yu Baoshan. He had done so many bad things, and now they had to suffer for it. If he had hidden the stuff in a better place, they wouldn''t be in this mess. Choosing such a place was just asking to be suffocated.


    Cleaning the toilets was already exhausting and disgusting, but now they had to build a new one in the hot summer. Just thinking about it made them feel dizzy. They weren''t used to such physical labor.


    But their boss refused to be straightforward, always covering things up with excuses, which only added to their workload.


    It was truly exhausting.


    Life was tough, and everyone had to endure hardships to survive.


    The workers dragged their feet, hoping to find the hidden items soon and maybe even get a share of the reward. Zhao Guihua clutched some paper and hurried out, glancing at them from a distance before quickly running to the next street.


    Her look was one of disdain.


    One of the younger workers couldn''t hold back and said, "Even people going to the toilet look down on us."


    "Stop complaining. If the boss hears you, he''ll be mad. Just keep working."


    "But we can''t tell who''s suspicious."


    "A fox will always reveal its tail. If someone has hidden so many valuables, they''ll either be nervous or elated. We just have to watch carefully."


    "Yeah."


    They had been working here for two days, but they hadn''t noticed anything unusual among the locals. Instead, the locals found them strange. After all, who in their right mind would do such a thing? It was absurd.


    "Let''s just consider ourselves unlucky."


    The hardships of being a laborer were evident.


    Zhao Guihua ran to the toilet, feeling quite satisfied. These people weren''t good either, always causing trouble and picking fights. Seeing them suffer made everyone secretly happy.


    Of course, if they didn''t mess with the toilets, people would be even happier.


    During the day, it''s manageable, but at night, if you have to deal with diarrhea or something, going to the toilet is really far.


    Zhao Guihua grumbled to herself for a while before coming out of the toilet. Now, even going to the toilet was a long trek. Back when the foreman said it would take three or four days to finish, it now seemed like pure nonsense. They''ve been cleaning the cesspit for two days and still haven''t finished. It looks like it''ll take at least a week.


    Who knows why they''re working so slowly.


    "Zhao Guihua," Zhao Guihua turned around to see Auntie Lian.


    Auntie Lian was carrying a small bag and walked over to ask, "I heard that Aunt Zhou from your courtyard got taken in. Is that true?"


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s true."


    She nodded and said, "What are you...?"


    Auntie Lian: "She wanted two old hens, right? I managed to get them, but I don''t know if her family still wants them under these circumstances. Are her children at home?"


    Zhao Guihua: "No, they all left early in the morning. Probably out trying to smooth over relationships. Aunt Zhou got involved in superstitious activities..." She paused and bluntly said, "Aunt Zhou won''t implicate you, will she?"


    Zhou Auntie is the kind of person who wouldn''t keep anything confidential. That''s just not possible.


    If she really gets taken in, she''ll definitely try to drag in a whole group.


    Auntie Lian, in Zhao Guihua''s opinion, wouldn''t be spared by Aunt Zhou. This old lady is like that¡ªshe schemes against anyone without holding back. She''s the type who can betray everyone but expects everyone else to treat her well.


    After Zhao Guihua asked that, Auntie Lian remained calm. She said, "What she says is what she says. That''s not how it works. I''m familiar with the police station''s work. They need solid evidence. Otherwise, I won''t admit to anything. Auntie Zhou says I''m involved in superstitious activities, so I am? Just talking doesn''t mean anything. Unless they catch me in the act, I won''t admit to anything. I''m just an old widow. Who am I supposed to be afraid of? Besides, at my age, making a little money isn''t a big deal. They won''t arrest me unless it''s a direct bust. Don''t worry about me. I''ll be fine. I''ve seen a lot in my life. Last time with the fabric scraps from the garment factory, didn''t I come out unscathed?"


    Auntie Lian then asked, "Speaking of which, Aunt Wang in the courtyard also wanted some hens, right? Can you ask her if she wants this pair? If she does, she can come over. I''ll wait for her here. If she doesn''t show up... well, I''ll know. Ugh, it''s so annoying. There are a bunch of people with red armbands working in your alley, so I can''t just carry them over. It''s such a hassle."


    This whole situation is affecting her ability to make money. Those idiots.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, I''ll pass the message along."


    Auntie Lian: "Oh, right. Do you want some dried mushrooms? Look, they''re top-notch. I got them from the countryside. Proper, clean, and high-quality dried mushrooms. All of this, for just twenty cents."


    She shook the bag, saying, "Look, there''s quite a bit."


    Zhao Guihua immediately reached out to take it, saying, "Let me see."


    She rummaged through the bag and saw that the dried mushrooms were indeed plentiful, all strung together and stuffed in a cloth bag. They looked heavy, and twenty cents seemed reasonable. If she were to sell them at the black market, she could probably get a bit more, considering the commission.


    Still, twenty cents wasn''t exactly cheap. She said, "Can you lower the price a bit?"


    Auntie Lian: "Oh, you know, I have to make some profit too. I had to go to the countryside to get these. Plus, look at them, they''re really good. You won''t find mushrooms this good even at the grocery store."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, acknowledging the quality of the mushrooms. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Alright, I''ll take them."


    She handed over the money, saying, "Here."


    Even though she went out just to use the toilet, Zhao Guihua still carried some money. Most people nowadays didn''t carry money when they went out, but Zhao Guihua, being someone who had experienced a rebirth, still habitually kept a few cents on her just in case. And sure enough, it came in handy. Auntie Lian had been prepared to wait for her to come back with the money, but seeing the cash, she smiled brightly, saying, "Alright, if I get any good stuff in the future, I''ll come to you."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "I think that''s a good idea."


    She added, "My family is big, so we always need food and whatnot. It''s quite expensive."


    "With a big family, you earn more too," Auntie Lian winked. "You have so many workers in your family. Life must be good."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t say much, just smiled and said, "There are more people in my family who don''t work than those who do. Plus, the kids are in school. But, we can''t live too frugally. We still need to eat well. Alright, I''m leaving now."


    Auntie Lian: "Sure."


    As for Auntie Zhou being taken in, Auntie Lian didn''t seem worried at all. She wasn''t afraid of Auntie Zhou implicating her and just went about her business.


    Besides, everyone has their own connections. She hadn''t done anything major, just trying to make a living. The police station wouldn''t arrest her.


    Zhao Guihua, after going out to use the toilet, came back with a bag of dried mushrooms worth twenty cents. She handed the bag back to Auntie Lian and carried the string of mushrooms back home. As she walked to the alley entrance, she ran into Bai Fendou and Wang Zhaodi.


    Bai Fendou: "Oh, Aunt Zhao, where have you been? These dried mushrooms look pretty good."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s what you get when you''re lucky. I went out to use the toilet and ran into an acquaintance who just came back from the countryside. She gave me these dried mushrooms. Perfect for when my daughter-in-law gives birth. We can make a chicken stew with them."


    Bai Fendou rolled his eyes: "Your daughter-in-law isn''t due for a while. Isn''t this a bit too early?"


    "What''s wrong with preparing early?"


    She glanced at Bai Fendou and then at Wang Zhaodi, saying, "What about you two...?"


    Bai Fendou''s expression darkened slightly but he still said, "I''m going to the park. She''s on the way, so we''re going together and coming back together."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded lightly.


    Bai Fendou: "Aunt Zhao, since we''re all from the same courtyard, you''ve practically watched me grow up, haven''t you? Now that your two sons are married, why don''t you help me find a match too? That''s a bit too unfair. I''m not getting any younger, and it''s time for me to settle down. Plus, look at my conditions¡ªI could find anyone I want!"


    Zhao Guihua listened as he boasted about himself, thinking this guy really had no self-awareness.


    She chuckled coldly and said, "I wouldn''t dare introduce anyone to you. You have high standards, and we can''t meet them. I don''t want to end up being blamed."


    She quickened her pace, leaving Bai Fendou behind.


    Bai Fendou: "Hey?"


    He wanted to say more, but Aunt Zhao was already walking away.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t want to linger, after all, who wants to smell that stench? Besides, Bai Fendou was the type who, fearing injury, would only take small steps. Speaking of which, Bai Fendou had been injured for over a week now. He should be recovering, right?


    Why was he still walking like that?


    Come to think of it, Bai Fendou could walk normally now, but since his injury, he was too afraid to take big strides. Every time he went out, he took small steps. Over time, he got used to it. Plus, the doctor had said he needed to recover fully.


    Bai Fendou didn''t care about other things, but this was different. This was crucial for his future happiness. He couldn''t take any risks, so he was very careful. However, thinking about how he was mocked at the park today, his mood wasn''t great.


    He looked at Wang Zhaodi beside him and said, "You''re not allowed to tell anyone about my situation."


    Wang Zhaodi softly replied, "Oh."


    She had also gone to the park today. Initially, she was torn¡ªwanting to go but thinking about how she was living with others, she decided against it. But after talking to Jiang Lu in the morning, for some reason, Jiang Lu strongly encouraged her to go. Not only that, but she even gave her twenty cents.


    Moreover, she went to Bai Fendou''s house to specifically remind him to take care of Wang Zhaodi. Wang Zhaodi, feeling confused, followed Bai Fendou out. This was her first time going out in the city, and everything seemed fresh to her.


    They didn''t take the bus, and since Bai Fendou''s injury hadn''t fully healed, they didn''t ride bicycles either. They walked all the way to the park, their legs feeling numb by the time they arrived. Tao Yuyue was also quite warm towards Wang Zhaodi.


    She also brought along a child, who, surprisingly, seemed to dislike her. Wang Zhaodi, who was already quite self-conscious, became even quieter.


    However, despite this, she had gained a lot of new experiences that day. They "coincidentally" ran into several male colleagues in the park. Among these five or six men, along with Bai Fendou, several of them were vying to impress Tao Yuyue.


    She even benefited from it herself.


    It was her first time drinking "North Ice Ocean" soda.


    Her first time dining out.


    And her first time boating in the park.


    All of these were free of charge!


    Even now, she still felt a sense of shock, as if everyone wanted to please Tao Yuyue, and these men were busy slandering each other.


    Someone called Bai Fendou a shameless scoundrel.


    Another called him a fake man with a broken egg.


    And...


    These men, competing for attention, almost came to blows, but fortunately, Tao Yuyue managed to stop them. During lunch, she ate meat buns with Tao Yuyue. She initially hesitated to eat, but Tao Yuyue insisted.


    It was her first time eating meat buns and her first time trying fried liver, which was really delicious.


    She didn''t know how much money was spent and wanted to offer the two mao given to her by Jiang Lu, but Tao Yuyue refused. Tao Yuyue told her, "When a man is courting a woman, he should be willing to spend money. If he''s not even willing to buy a meat bun, what kind of husband would he make?"


    However, Tao Yuyue didn''t seem interested in any of these men.


    Wang Zhaodi was deeply affected and returned home in a daze.


    She followed Bai Fendou into the courtyard, and he reminded her again, "Don''t talk about what happened outside today."


    Having already mentioned it once, he repeated it, showing just how worried he was.


    Wang Zhaodi softly replied with an "Mm."


    Bai Fendou had gone out excited but returned disappointed, having been scolded by several men and almost getting into a fight. This was all quite embarrassing for him. Wang Zhaodi didn''t understand, nor did she want to. Seeing that Jiang Lu and the others hadn''t returned, she quietly sat down to help assemble matchboxes.


    Today''s events had indeed left a strong impression on Wang Zhaodi. She lowered her head, lost in thought. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, the Zhuang family had a joyful day. Ming Mei''s job transfer had been finalized, and Zhuang Zhixi was happy. Ming Mei herself felt a mix of emotions, saying, "I never thought I''d change jobs, leaving behind being a bus conductor."


    With the loss of three yuan, her income fell just short of forty yuan.


    Ming Mei sighed, and Zhuang Zhixi said, "You''re earning a lot."


    He added, "There are gains and losses. Now you don''t have to work so hard all the time."


    Ming Mei gently wrapped her arms around Zhuang Zhixi''s neck. He smelled a fresh fragrance, which he thought was from the soap Ming Mei used. He leaned in closer, thinking it might be the scent of her shampoo. His hands encircled her, and he whispered, "I miss you."


    The meaning behind "I miss you" was clear to both of them.


    Ming Mei looked up, her eyes glistening, and teased, "That''s not allowed."


    She playfully added, "Just bear with it a little longer. You know it''s not okay."


    The doctor had already advised them that it wasn''t advisable in the early stages, but later, once things were stable, it would be fine. Zhuang Zhixi knew this, but he still whispered, "But I really miss you."


    Ming Mei softly chuckled, her cheeks turning pink. She kindly suggested, "Then take a cold shower."


    "You''re heartless," Zhuang Zhixi muttered.


    Ming Mei didn''t take it to heart and instead laughed lightly. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, asking playfully, "Am I still heartless now?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "If you did a little more, you''d be considerate."


    Ming Mei innocently asked, "But wouldn''t doing more make you even more uncomfortable?"


    She leaned her full weight against Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "I don''t want you to feel bad."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself, if you don''t want me to feel bad, why are you leaning so close? What a mischievous girl. His hands slid across her back, and he said, "How about you think of a way?"


    Men being men, they often talked about such matters. Zhuang Zhixi had heard plenty, and while he didn''t engage in such conversations himself, he figured it wouldn''t hurt to learn a thing or two.


    So he suggested, "Or, should I teach you?"


    Ming Mei immediately pinched Zhuang Zhixi''s cheek, saying, "Where did you learn that?"


    Her tone turned stern.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Why the sudden change?


    He defended himself, "Where else could I have learned it? I just heard it from others."


    Ming Mei scoffed, "Don''t pick up these random things."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re making it hard for me. Ouch, ouch, be gentle! I promise, okay? I won''t learn anything like that again. If they talk about such things, I''ll just stay far away."


    Ming Mei huffed softly, and Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, saying, "Wife, I was wrong, alright?"


    There wasn''t really any wrongdoing, but he knew that a pregnant woman''s emotions could be unpredictable. Making her happy was his duty as a husband. He added, "You say the word, and I''ll admit my mistake."


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow, looking at him skeptically, "You admit your mistake quickly, but it doesn''t seem very sincere."


    As Ming Mei leaned close to Zhuang Zhixi, she could naturally sense his reactions. Despite his words, his body was telling a different story.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt even more innocent. After all, he was a normal, young man. What could he do? He was full of vitality.


    He poked Ming Mei''s cheek and said, "Stay away from me, let me cool down."


    Ming Mei looked at him hesitantly, asking, "Are you really that uncomfortable?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "What do you think? I''m not a machine in the workshop, immune to all feelings."


    Ming Mei stopped teasing him and stood up, saying, "Then maybe you should take a cold shower to cool down."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Later tonight, there are too many people in the courtyard now."


    Ming Mei: "Then suit yourself."


    As for taking a cold shower, Zhuang Zhixi never did it in the courtyard, not even at night. The courtyard was shared with others, and there were female residents too. It wasn''t like their own private yard where he could do as he pleased.


    Even Bai Fendou, who was known for his lack of manners, wouldn''t take a shower in the courtyard.


    Speaking of Bai Fendou, he had a terrible day. He had expected a romantic outing with Tao Yuyue, only to find that she had also invited Wang Zhaodi, which displeased him. What kind of date was that with three people?


    But Bai Fendou reasoned that perhaps Tao Yuyue had invited Wang Zhaodi for a reason. After all, Tao Yuyue had brought her younger cousin along, and a child needed looking after. Having a child around would also interfere with their romantic interactions. So maybe Tao Yuyue had invited Wang Zhaodi to act as a sort of babysitter.


    This thought made Bai Fendou feel better, convincing himself that Tao Yuyue must be quite interested in him to go to such lengths. He felt a sense of pride, believing that his charm was undeniable. If he were an ordinary man, how could Tao Yuyue, such a girl, pay him any attention?


    But to his surprise, shortly after arriving, they "coincidentally" ran into a colleague from the factory, Xiao Fang, who joined them without clear reason. Then they met Xiao Li, who also tagged along. And...


    In total, they encountered five other men, making it six including himself.


    These men all flocked around Tao Yuyue, while she held onto Wang Zhaodi.


    Later, they competed to buy lunch for Tao Yuyue, to invite her boating, and so on. Because his money was limited¡ªhe had lent five yuan to Wang Xiangxiu the previous night for a hospital visit¡ªBai Fendou didn''t compete much.


    This led to him being ridiculed, causing him great embarrassment.


    Wang Zhaodi thought that Bai Fendou had asked her not to talk about the arguing and insulting words because of the arguments, but in fact, Bai Fendou didn''t want her to mention the fact that he hadn''t spent much money.


    He lay down on the kang, sighing deeply.


    This beautiful woman is sought after by many families, and it truly is the case.


    These people have such poor taste, only thinking about spending money to win someone''s heart. How vulgar, so very vulgar.


    Bai Fendou pursed his lips, yet felt a bit bored.


    Although he was very confident, he could sense Tao Yuyue''s distance from him. Everything had been fine, but today, because he was stingy and refused to spend money, it seemed very obvious. He didn''t know if it was just his imagination, but he didn''t blame Tao Yuyue. Instead, he blamed those vulgar people who only knew how to spend money to win someone''s heart.


    Comparing with such things is truly lacking in sincerity and genuine feelings.


    If even Tao Yuyue doesn''t work out, when will he ever find a partner?


    He lay on the kang, feeling utterly hopeless. Why is it so hard to find a partner?


    "Fendou, are you home?"


    Bai Fendou immediately sat up: "Sister Xiangxiu."


    Wang Xiangxiu came in and saw Bai Fendou''s expression, knowing he had a terrible day. She felt pleased inside but didn''t show it on her face. She said, "I''m going to wash clothes. I want to see if you have anything to wash. Sister Xiangxiu will wash them for you."


    She had just received five yuan from Bai Fendou yesterday.


    When she takes money from others, even if it''s three or two yuan, she has to give something in return. But with Bai Fendou, she doesn''t need to. However, she still needs to maintain this fool, or else there won''t be any more money in the future.


    Bai Fendou: "Alright, Sister Xiangxiu, I knew you''re the best to me. How is it that there''s a woman as good as you in this world?"


    Wang Xiangxiu gave a bitter smile and said, "What kind of good woman am I? Even if I were a good woman, I don''t have good luck. Look at my family''s situation, my mother-in-law is still in the hospital. Oh right, my mother-in-law is getting discharged tomorrow, just like your father."


    She asked, "Are you going to pick them up? If you are, I won''t go. It''ll cost me a morning''s work, and I''ll be deducted pay. You know my family''s situation..."


    Bai Fendou: "Leave this to me."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Alright."


    She chuckled softly and said gently, "Come, take off your clothes. I''ll wash them for you."


    Bai Fendou: "Got it."


    In this courtyard, there''s no woman more virtuous than Sister Xiangxiu.


    Jiang Lu returned from her parents'' house, exhausted, and walked past the window, seeing their actions. Her eyes widened instantly, and she screamed, "Ah!!!"


    Everyone was making matchboxes, and they all looked over: "What''s wrong?"


    "Jiang Lu, are you okay?"


    "Why the sudden shock? So dramatic."


    Jiang Lu looked at Bai Fendou''s window and cursed, "Disgusting, shameless!"


    She shouted, "Bai Fendou is taking off his clothes!"


    Bai Fendou shouted back, "So what if I''m taking off my clothes? What''s it to you? I''m taking off my clothes at my own home. I haven''t accused you of being shameless for looking over!"


    Jiang Lu didn''t back down: "Taking off clothes is nothing, but Wang Xiangxiu is still in the room. Can''t you two be less blatant about your shamelessness? I know you''re both unmarried, eager to be together, but can''t you at least put up some glass? We don''t want to see such disgusting scenes. Besides, let me tell you, without a marriage certificate, doing these things, I can report you for illicit behavior!"


    "You, you, you, you''re just spouting nonsense. How am I being indecent? Sister Xiangxiu and I are as pure as snow. She''s here to wash my clothes."


    "You can really spin a tale. Even if she''s washing your clothes, what''s the point of taking off your clothes in front of her? What kind of logic is that? Who are you trying to fool? Bai Fendou, you''re truly disgusting."


    Bai Fendou: "You!"


    Jiang Lu: "What about me? You''re disgusting."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes reddened: "Please don''t argue. We''re all neighbors, it''s not worth it. Sister Zhou Qun''s wife, you''ve misunderstood us. You can say whatever you want about me, but you can''t say that about Fendou. He''s a good man, he''s genuinely helping us. I just wanted to thank him by washing his clothes. Where did you get the idea that it''s so bad? He''s a man, used to changing clothes like this, but he has no bad intentions. He treats me like a sister..."


    Jiang Lu wasn''t buying it. She had always been jealous of Wang Xiangxiu for having three sons. She gave Wang Xiangxiu a hostile look and snorted heavily, saying, "Shameless."


    She added, "Adulterers."


    However, Jiang Lu didn''t want to engage further, as Zhou Qun wasn''t back yet, and Bai Fendou was a low-class individual. If a fight broke out, she''d be at a disadvantage one against two.


    ¡°Jiang Lu, don''t get upset. Some people are just like that. You''ve been neighbors for so many years, you know that. Why bother with him? It''s not worth it, it just lowers your dignity,¡± Yang Lixin came out from the back courtyard hearing the argument, comforting Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu looked at Yang Lixin in surprise.


    However, Auntie Lian and Li Fang understood why Yang Lixin would say that. After all, Bai Fendou had clearly cheated them out of money. Although the matter was over, they weren''t happy about it and had kept it in mind.


    But Jiang Lu didn''t know that, so she was surprised and slightly impressed. She nodded, "You''re right."


    Bai Fendou stuck his head out the window and shouted, "Yang Lixin, what does this have to do with you? Why are you meddling in other people''s business?"


    Yang Lixin: "I''m just telling the truth. If you can do it, don''t be afraid of people talking. Besides, what kind of man picks on a woman with words? It''s a disgrace to men."


    Jiang Lu glanced at Yang Lixin again and whispered, "Xiao Yang, don''t take it personally. He''s just low-class."


    Yang Lixin nodded, "You''re right."


    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®you¡¯re right¡¯? You¡¯re ganging up on me, aren¡¯t you? Look at me, you don¡¯t like me, huh? If you¡¯ve got the guts, fight me one on one. You¡¯re all so self-important. Let me tell you, you can say I¡¯m no good, but you can¡¯t say the same about Sister Xiangxiu. She¡¯s such a good woman...¡±


    "Oh, please," Jiang Lu sneered.


    They continued to argue back and forth through the window full of glass shards.


    On one side: Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu.


    On the other side: Jiang Lu and Yang Lixin.


    The rest: onlookers.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei heard the commotion outside. The couple exchanged a look and immediately climbed onto the bed, both leaning out the window to watch, their big eyes sparkling.


    Ming Mei leaned on the windowsill, her chin resting on the back of her hand, her posture like a little seal, lying on the bed. She said, "They''re really going at it."


    Zhuang Zhixi had the same posture as Ming Mei. He nodded and said, "Old grudges and new hatreds."


    If it''s a quarrel, the reason might be forgotten by tomorrow.


    But if you''ve been cheated out of money, that''s something you won''t let go of.


    So Yang Lixin is now siding with Jiang Lu against Bai Fendou.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Honey, I think we''re too honest. Look at them, causing all this trouble, but we haven''t been involved. Don''t you think we''re a bit lacking in presence?"


    Ming Mei: "It seems so."


    But she quickly shot Zhuang Zhixi a look and said, "What kind of presence do you want? Stay out of their affairs. These people fight at the drop of a hat. I might have to save you, and I don''t want to do that."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m not that weak, am I?"


    Ming Mei: "You''re not weak, but they go crazy. You don''t know how reckless they are when they fight in the courtyard. They could even fall into the toilet."


    To be honest, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t think it was like that.


    He said, "They were clearly chasing a thief..."


    Ming Mei: "But they''ve fought over other things too. Besides, don''t you remember? Bai Fendou has his special move. If you get hurt, I''ll leave you."


    Zhuang Zhixi pouted, looking pitiful, and said, "You''re so cold."


    Ming Mei: "Hmph."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "But you know, no one will dare to mess with Bai Fendou from now on. He already has his Dragon Claw technique. Starting tomorrow, he''ll be cleaning the toilets and handling manure. Who would dare to provoke him? That guy thinks in straight lines. If he gets angry, he could grab a handful of poop and smear it all over someone''s face. He''s capable of that."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "And, you know..."


    Ming Mei immediately crossed her arms and said, "Stop talking, you''re being too gross. I still need to eat dinner tonight, and you should consider the mental strength of a pregnant woman, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay!"


    Ming Mei: "Tsk tsk!"


    The argument ended when Zhou Qun returned. Naturally, Zhou Qun sided with his wife... well, not really. He sided with Bai Fendou!


    He sternly reprimanded Jiang Lu for causing unnecessary trouble and then dragged her into the house.


    However, after entering the room, Zhou Qun comforted Jiang Lu, saying, "I don''t want you to get hurt. You know, we''ve been feeling really tired lately. How could we possibly be a match for Bai Fendou? He''s got Wang Xiangxiu by his side too. Wang Xiangxiu works as a fitter in the factory, and her strength is way more than yours, working in an office. If we fight them, we''ll definitely lose. It''s better to not pay attention to them for now. When it comes to life, we need to use our brains. We''re not like Bai Fendou, that crude man. We''re civilized people. We need to think smart, outwit them. Isn''t that better than fighting?"


    All of this was nonsense. He had no intention of doing anything to Bai Fendou.


    He just couldn''t bear to.


    These were just soothing words to placate Jiang Lu, but she took them seriously. With teary eyes, she nodded, thinking her husband was really clever. She whispered, "I''ll listen to you."


    "That''s good."


    Jiang Lu looked out the window and saw Yang Lixin looking over. She nodded at him, and he responded in kind.


    This cooperation went pretty well.


    Jiang Lu glanced at Yang Lixin and then lowered her eyes, hesitating. She wanted to say something to Zhou Qun but suddenly had a flash of inspiration. She bit her lip and pretended nothing was wrong.


    Today, Yang Lixin had stood up for her and spoken up for her. She found it odd. Their families had never had any interaction before. But... thinking carefully, Yang Lixin had never caused any trouble for their family.


    She had wanted to suggest to Zhou Qun that they team up with Yang Lixin to deal with Bai Fendou.


    But then, it hit her. Could it be that Yang Lixin liked her?


    Hmm, it was very possible.


    The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.


    Today, he had taken the initiative to stand up for her, and there had been another time before.


    In fact, there had been several times.


    Once, when it was raining heavily after work, he had given her his umbrella.


    Another time, when she fell off her bike, he had helped her up and even offered to ride the bike together with her...


    And there were...


    When she didn''t think about it, she didn''t notice, but now that she did, she realized there were many such instances.


    She glanced at Zhou Qun again and decided not to mention it. No man could tolerate this. Since Yang Lixin hadn''t directly said anything or approached her, only silently supported her, she shouldn''t say anything either.


    A woman''s reputation is very important.


    Looking out the window, she saw Yang Lixin had already left. So, was he just standing up for her?


    She felt a bit touched.


    Then she looked at Li Fang... Li Fang was average-looking, not particularly attractive, and her personality was very reserved. Maybe because Yang Lixin was a son-in-law who lived with his wife''s family, their household was run by Li Fang.


    Jiang Lu felt even more sympathetic.


    A man shouldn''t be controlled by a woman. What kind of situation is that?


    At that moment, Li Fang felt nauseous and retched a few times. Auntie Sui immediately said, "Are you okay? You''re pregnant, you should rest."


    Li Fang smiled and said, "It''s fine."


    Jiang Lu pursed her lips. Li Fang already had two kids, and now this was her third pregnancy. She was really fertile. Yang Lixin was quite capable... She felt a bit tempted. If, if she agreed to Yang Lixin once, and got pregnant...


    Actually, it wasn''t impossible!


    The only fear was that her child might look like Yang Lixin, and that would be disastrous.


    Jiang Lu''s overthinking was completely unknown to anyone. If Yang Lixin knew, he would probably be speechless and frustrated. He really just wanted to come out and curse Bai Fendou for being inconsiderate.


    If he knew what Jiang Lu was thinking, he would be even more bewildered.


    He lent his umbrella out of kindness, and offering to ride the bike was just to try out the feeling of riding a bicycle. His family didn''t have one, and what man doesn''t love cars?


    Yang Lixin himself was unaware, but in Jiang Lu''s mind, he had become her secret admirer.


    A silent admirer who never made his feelings known.


    Yang Lixin: "..."


    Completely unaware, it was just ridiculous.


    Of course, Yang Lixin didn''t know anything now. After a brief moment of temptation, Jiang Lu quickly dismissed the idea. Even if Yang Lixin admired her and was fertile, it wouldn''t be appropriate. If she had a child who looked like a neighbor, that would be a big problem.


    Especially since Yang Lixin already had several sons. If her child resembled Li Junjun or Li Weiwei, it would be even worse.


    Zhou Qun, being so clever, wouldn''t fail to notice.


    She sighed deeply, feeling how difficult her situation was.


    "What are you spacing out about?"


    Jiang Lu immediately snapped back to reality and said, "I was thinking about my mother-in-law and my family."


    Her mother insisted on taking her to the hospital to check for infertility, and no matter how she tried to avoid it, it wasn''t working. She felt so overwhelmed. She knew that if the check-up showed she was fine, her mother would force her to divorce.


    She sighed and said, "I don''t know how to deal with this."


    Zhou Qun looked up and said, "I''ve already inquired. The robbery won''t affect my mother. But the superstitious activities will probably land her three months in jail."


    He didn''t want to face this situation, but there was no other way. Who could blame his own mother for being such a fool? The plan had gone awry, and she had ruined a good hand. He had originally intended to use superstition to deal with his brother-in-law.


    But his mother had messed it all up. It seemed that with her, you could only be direct; any hint would be misinterpreted and botched. Zhou Qun hadn''t been straightforward to protect himself, so he could claim ignorance later.


    But he hadn''t expected his mother to be this stupid.


    He said, "The official result hasn''t come out yet, but I''ve asked around, and it''s pretty much going to be like this."


    Jiang Lu felt a surge of joy but put on a sad face. "It''s hard on Mother."


    She hoped she would be locked up forever. This old hag not only treated her badly but even schemed against her father. She wished the old woman would stay inside forever, or better yet, die in there.


    She said, "Mother was just too impulsive."


    Zhou Qun: "It''s already happened."


    This had disrupted his plans, and he didn''t know when he''d have another chance. It was really frustrating.


    Zhou Qun: "I''m going to find Bai Fendou for a drink."


    Jiang Lu: "???"


    She was puzzled. Why did Zhou Qun keep seeking out Bai Fendou lately?


    She understood that Zhou Qun wanted to get closer to Bai Fendou to take revenge, but because she knew that, she felt worried. She sighed and called, "Zhaodi, make dinner!"


    Before, she used to do all these chores, but now it was easier.


    Wang Zhaodi quickly entered the room. Jiang Lu asked her about today''s outing. Wang Zhaodi hesitated and only mentioned a few things, but Jiang Lu still picked up on something and smiled meaningfully, asking more questions.


    Seeing Wang Zhaodi''s evasive behavior, Jiang Lu suddenly said, "Zhaodi, come into the inner room."


    Some things needed to be said in private.


    "How about I introduce you to someone? What about Bai Fendou?"


    Wang Zhaodi: "!!!"


    She was shocked.


    Jiang Lu: "Think about it. Your Zhou Qun brother doesn''t fancy you. You''re not a match for him, but you''re more than enough for Bai Fendou. If you go back to the countryside, you''ll never have a life like this again. You know how much better city life is compared to the countryside, right?"


    Wang Zhaodi: "Ah? I know, but but but..."


    Jiang Lu thought it was a perfect plan and whispered, "Just think about it, this is a great opportunity. You could marry into the city, and Bai Fendou is a formal worker, even if he''s just a sewer cleaner, he still makes twenty-five yuan a month. His father also makes twenty-five, so two men together make fifty yuan. Plus, they have two houses. You wouldn''t get any of this in the countryside."


    Wang Zhaodi: "But..."


    She didn''t know what to say, but she just felt it wasn''t right.


    "Don''t worry about him not being willing. We can make it a done deal, and if he''s not willing, we can sue him. He won''t want to end up in jail, so he''ll have to marry you. As long as you can get married, reputation doesn''t matter, right?"


    Wang Zhaodi was completely shocked.


    Today, she had been stirred up by Tao Yuyue, and now Jiang Lu was saying this, she was utterly astonished, her hands moving so fast they almost blurred.


    "I, I can''t..."


    Jiang Lu stared at her for a long time, then finally smiled and said, "Well, just think about it. We can take it slow."


    If Wang Zhaodi married Bai Fendou, then what could Wang Xiangxiu possibly boast about? Would she still get so much help? Would she still flaunt her son? Moreover, Jiang Lu believed her suggestion wasn''t bad for Wang Zhaodi.


    What kind of man could Wang Zhaodi marry if she went back to the countryside?


    Her family, just to get a dowry, would likely marry her off to someone even worse. After all, they were willing to send their daughter to the city to have a baby for someone else, so it''s clear they have no moral bottom line. As long as someone could pay the dowry, they''d probably marry her off to a gambler, an old man, or a widower.


    So why not marry someone a bit better?


    Jiang Lu felt she wasn''t doing anyone harm; in fact, she was doing a good deed.


    Bai Fendou had many flaws, he was a bit of a jinx, and he was entangled with a widow, but he was still the best option Wang Zhaodi could hope for.


    "Just think it over."


    Wang Zhaodi bit her lip: "Mmm."


    The two were talking in the inner room, their voices low, thinking no one knew, but they didn''t notice Ming Mei''s conflicted expression. It wasn''t that Ming Mei had extraordinary hearing, able to hear them from her own home. It was just...


    Ming Mei''s grandfather, Lan Sihai, was preparing to make a spinning wind chime for her unborn child. Naturally, Ming Mei was curious and came over.


    Lan Sihai''s room was only separated by a wall from the inner room where Jiang Lu and Wang Zhaodi were talking. Ming Mei happened to be sitting near the door, right under Jiang Lu''s window. Coincidentally, she... overheard them.


    Ming Mei heard, and so did Lan Sihai.


    The old man and the young girl exchanged a glance. Ming Mei scratched her head, unsure of what to do. She hadn''t expected to hear such a topic.


    This topic was a bit explosive.


    She hadn''t expected things to develop this way.


    This Wang Zhaodi was found by the Su family for the Zhou family. Now Jiang Lu was trying to push her towards Bai Fendou. If this really happened, the Su family would go crazy.


    Ming Mei continued to scratch her head. Lan Sihai said, "Stop scratching, you''ll go bald."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She whispered, "I just don''t understand..."


    Lan Sihai: "It''s not hard to understand."


    Though he said that, the old man didn''t want to discuss this at the door. He said, "Just mind your own business and watch the show."


    Ming Mei nodded. That made sense.


    But even so, she was still quite surprised.


    After sitting for a while, Ming Mei went home in a daze. Zhao Guihua noticed and asked, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Ming Mei hesitated for a moment but couldn''t hold back and immediately gestured with her hand. Zhao Guihua: "???"


    This daughter-in-law of hers, how so childish.


    But even though she thought that, she still leaned in: "What is it?"


    Ming Mei whispered in Zhao Guihua''s ear, and Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "Holy crap!"


    Her exclamation caught the attention of everyone in the house. Zhuang Zhixi pouted in grievance: "You''re whispering secrets to Mom but not telling me."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    At this moment, don''t be jealous.


    This is your own mother!

 Chapter 98

    Ming Mei was transferred to the office to work as a statistician. This internal transfer was not particularly troublesome and was quickly processed. She handed over her work to her predecessor, Little Cui, who seemed quite pleased with the arrangement. Little Cui remarked, "This transfer is such a blessing. I''ve always wanted to work on the buses."Little Cui had a mother who was unwell and required medication, as well as children to support, so she naturally wanted to earn more money.


    Ming Mei was also happy. She suggested, "You should prepare a larger water bottle and buy some stuff like balloon flower from the pharmacy. Our unit reimburses for these expenses."


    Although the buses had speakers, there were still many occasions where one had to shout at the top of their lungs, especially during holidays when the buses were crowded. By the end of the day, one''s throat would feel parched. Little Cui appreciated Ming Mei''s advice and nodded, "Alright, I know this. I''ve already prepared everything."


    They both worked for the same unit, though in different departments. They could see each other and often interacted.


    Ming Mei recalled a dream she had about an accident and warned, "Also, during bad weather like rain or snow, the bus might skid. If you encounter such conditions, be sure to remind the passengers and hold onto the handrails. Our positions are particularly prone to being thrown forward, so be very careful and hold on tight. Your safety is important too."


    "Alright, I''ll keep that in mind. I won''t be careless. Thank you for the reminder," Little Cui replied, taking the advice seriously.


    Little Cui continued, "The work here in the statistics department isn''t too heavy, but it''s best to do a small review every week, checking the dispatch records. This way, by the end of the month, you''ll be more relaxed and won''t be caught off guard if something goes wrong. You''ll be able to quickly identify where the errors are."


    "Okay," Ming Mei agreed.


    "Also, we need to schedule the shifts. You should post the schedule for the next week every Saturday afternoon."


    Little Cui went on to give more instructions, which Ming Mei diligently noted down in her notebook. Little Cui was surprised and said, "Oh? You''re left-handed."


    Ming Mei replied, "I can use both hands. I used to be left-handed as a child, but my parents made me switch, so now I can use both."


    Little Cui asked, "Can you write different things with both hands at the same time?"


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "No way! Don''t think I''m some kind of genius. I''m just an ordinary person."


    Little Cui sighed and said, "You''re not ordinary at all. You''re quite famous here at the bus station for being a remarkable person."


    Ming Mei innocently blinked her eyes. Little Cui added, "You''re the fastest to get promoted and get a raise."


    Ming Mei replied, "Isn''t it because I caught a thief?"


    She continued, "Oh right, you should also be careful about pickpockets on the bus. Besides reminding passengers, keep an eye out yourself. Don''t be reckless. You can always ask the section chief or others for advice."


    Little Cui assured her, "Don''t worry, I know."


    The two women exchanged more advice about their respective jobs. Ming Mei had already taken Little Cui to meet the bus driver she would be working with. Little Cui, in turn, introduced Ming Mei to the office staff, saying, "Let me introduce you to everyone here. This is Sister Chen, this is..."


    At this point, she laughed and said, "Actually, I don''t need to introduce anyone. You already know them."


    Little Cui wasn''t familiar with the bus drivers because they were mostly middle-aged men, and she was a young woman. The drivers were rarely at the bus station, so she didn''t know them well. However, Ming Mei couldn''t be unfamiliar with the office staff; she was a local girl from the bus station.


    Ming Mei also laughed and said, "Yeah, no need for introductions. You can go ahead and get busy."


    Little Cui replied, "Alright, I''ll be on my way then."


    Ming Mei returned to her desk and took a deep breath.


    "Feeling nervous?" Sister Chen asked.


    Ming Mei nodded and said, "It''s a new job. I''ve always worked on the buses, so coming to the office is a bit of an adjustment."


    Sister Chen comforted her, "You''ll get used to it soon. The work here isn''t too heavy, just requires a bit more attention to detail."


    Ming Mei replied, "I''ll do my best."


    As she turned her head, she saw Sister Zhong had already started knitting a sweater.


    Ming Mei thought to herself, "Alright, so the office work is indeed more relaxed."


    Her first day in the office began like this. Ming Mei didn''t slack off. She poured herself a cup of water and started carefully reviewing past materials, aiming to get familiar with her new duties as soon as possible. Although everyone said the work was simple, she still needed some time to adapt.


    "Ming Mei," someone called.


    Ming Mei looked up and said, "Yes?"


    "What are you drinking?" Sister Chen asked, curious about Ming Mei''s cup.


    Ming Mei looked down and said, "Oh, you mean this? It''s lemon."


    "Lemon?"


    Everyone seemed a bit curious, as this was something they hadn''t heard of before.


    Ming Mei explained, "It''s a kind of fruit. Unlike apples, you can''t eat it directly; it''s meant to be soaked in water. These are dried lemon slices. My uncle sent them to me from out of town after hearing that I''m pregnant. He said it''s good for something, but I can''t remember exactly what. I don''t really understand it, but I just drink it."


    Sister Chen exclaimed, "That''s quite unusual. I''ve never seen it before."


    Sister Zhong also leaned over to take a look.


    Ming Mei offered, "Would you like to try some?"


    Sister Chen quickly shook her head. "No, no, we can''t compete with a pregnant woman for food."


    Sister Zhong glanced at Sister Chen and remained silent.


    Sister Chen continued, "We''re not pregnant, so we don''t need it. You enjoy it. How many months along are you?"


    Ming Mei replied, "A little over one month."


    "Oh, you found out so early?" Everyone was quite surprised. Usually, many people only discovered their pregnancy around two or three months. Ming Mei nodded and said, "Yes, I had morning sickness and the doctor was able to tell from my pulse."


    "That''s quite early," Sister Chen remarked.


    Ming Mei added, "Yes, a woman in our courtyard is about two months pregnant, and she found out later than I did."


    The women in the office quickly started chatting about pregnancy and childbirth. Apart from one unmarried woman, the rest were all married and had children, so the topic was a natural fit. Ming Mei was naturally sociable and quickly adapted to the conversation.


    Sister Chen, who was quite straightforward, said, "My house is just two buildings away from yours. If you need to pass on a message, just tell me. I know your mom."


    Ming Mei smiled and nodded, "Okay."


    Sister Chen sighed and said, "You know, when your mom was working, we called her Sister Lan. Now that her daughter is working, we''re called Sister Chen, Sister Zhong, Sister Wang... It''s a bit confusing."


    Ming Mei suppressed a laugh and said, "We''ll just call each other by our names."


    "That makes sense," Sister Chen agreed.


    Technically, Ming Mei should have called them "Aunt," but with so many people taking over their parents'' jobs, the titles had become quite mixed up. Everyone just called each other by their first names, which was more convenient.


    "Ming Mei, I''ve noticed your husband always comes to pick you up. He''s quite handsome. You two make a good-looking couple. What does he do?" someone asked.


    Ming Mei replied, "He works at the Machinery City. He''s in the propaganda department of the machinery factory."


    "That''s a good job," the woman remarked.


    ...


    The conversation continued lively until it was time to go home. Ming Mei sat on the back of Zhuang Zhixi''s bicycle and remarked, "I feel like I talked just as much today as I usually do when selling tickets. The only difference is that I didn''t have to shout."


    She leaned against Zhuang Zhixi''s back. Zhuang Zhixi said, "It''s your first day. Everyone was probably just being extra friendly. It might calm down in a couple of days."


    Ming Mei nodded, "Probably."


    She swung her legs lightly and said, "I wonder if they''ve finished cleaning the restroom by now."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched, but he remained firm, "They must have finished by now. It''s the third day. If they haven''t finished cleaning a septic tank in three days, that would be too inconsiderate. We''re suffering here, and they don''t even live nearby. That would be really inconsiderate."


    If it were cold weather, it wouldn''t be so bad, but with the hot weather, the smell was quite strong. Everyone in the neighborhood was complaining.


    Zhuang Zhixi had already heard that some people couldn''t stand it and had gone to the street office to protest.


    "I think the leaders who made this decision must have a few screws loose. Seriously, who in their right mind would hide gold and silver treasures in a cesspool? They even searched meticulously. I''m truly amazed. Besides, who would take something and not hide it away but leave it in place? Are they brain dead? I think they''re just plain crazy."


    Ming Mei: "Maybe... they wanted to observe people''s reactions?"


    She thought this was quite possible.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then why not build a toilet to observe? Digging through feces to observe is just plain sick."


    The couple couldn''t understand it at all, and they weren''t the only ones. Everyone around them couldn''t make sense of it either.


    Fortunately, the couple didn''t encounter such a situation when they returned home today. It seemed they had finally regained some sanity and didn''t continue this madness into the third day. However, as soon as they entered the courtyard, they felt that today''s atmosphere was unusually lively.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why is everyone here?"


    "Oh, you young couple don''t know. The verdict on Aunt Zhou has come down."


    "Ah, what is it?"


    Zhao Guihua: "She''s being charged with promoting feudal superstitions, using superstitions to curse others, and being exploited by bad elements, nearly causing a major incident. She''s sentenced to four months in jail."


    Four months?


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi exchanged glances, both somewhat shocked. That was quite a long time.


    He whispered, "How did you find out?"


    Zhao Guihua pointed at Aunt Wang and said, "Aunt Wang went to the neighborhood office to deliver matchboxes today and happened to hear the notice."


    The speed now is quite fast.


    Aunt Wang also sighed, "I thought she might be released."


    They thought this way because of the previous incident with Bai Fendou, which ended with him being released. Unexpectedly, Aunt Zhou, who seemed less severe than Bai Fendou''s case, was being dealt with.


    Zhao Guihua pondered and said, "Our factory''s security department also handles these matters. However, since everyone is from the same factory and there are acquaintances who can help, some cases, if not too serious, are handled lightly. After all, we''re all from the same factory. But if it falls into the hands of the police or higher authorities, they will handle it by the book. Especially in Aunt Zhou''s case, since it''s from another district''s police station, they naturally investigate and handle it normally."


    Aunt Wang whispered, "Actually..."


    She looked around the courtyard and hesitated before saying, "I heard, just heard, that the victim, Aunt Zhou''s in-laws, demanded strict punishment. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have been... so severe."


    "My goodness."


    "Oh, why go to such extremes..."


    "This in-law is making it hard to meet again in the future."


    People nowadays are used to minimizing major issues. Although they didn''t like Aunt Zhou, hearing that she was going to jail made them unconsciously speak up for her. After all, they weren''t the victims. It''s easy to talk when you''re not the one affected.


    "This is a bit ruthless."


    "Exactly, once Aunt Zhou returns, Jiang Lu''s life will definitely be even harder. Why don''t the parents think more about their child? This is too hasty."


    "That''s true."


    Zhao Guihua, hearing this, felt a bit annoyed. She was a straightforward person, speaking her mind and often fighting for everyone''s rights. But many times, after she played the bad cop, someone else would play the good cop, making her seem like she was in the wrong.


    Those who benefited were seen as innocent, while she was labeled as hot-tempered. In the case of the Su family, Zhao Guihua had suffered in her previous life. The suffering wasn''t about losing anything but not gaining a good reputation.


    She was speaking up for everyone, yet she didn''t get any credit. So this time, Zhao Guihua wouldn''t get involved. She listened to everyone''s comments without saying a word, thinking it had nothing to do with her. Aunt Wang said, "I think maybe Jiang Lu''s family doesn''t want to be in-laws anymore. This might be forcing Jiang Lu to divorce."


    "Ah, breaking up a temple is better than breaking up a marriage. If they do this, it''s Jiang Lu''s parents'' fault."


    "Exactly."


    "This won''t do."


    Ming Mei pursed her lips, thinking what''s the big deal? Zhou Qun isn''t a good person anyway. The things she heard when she played the ghost are clear evidence. So no matter how well Zhou Qun acts, Ming Mei firmly believes he''s not a good person.


    Such a despicable person, suspected of infertility, Jiang Lu should divorce early to escape her suffering.


    Jiang Lu so desperately wants a child; she should leave Zhou Qun.


    In the question of who can''t have children between Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu, Ming Mei firmly believes it must be Zhou Qun.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing everyone seemed to sympathize with Aunt Zhou being jailed, couldn''t stand it anymore and turned to go home. Ming Mei immediately followed, holding Zhao Guihua''s arm, "Mom, let''s go together."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her, and Ming Mei smiled sweetly, "Let''s go together!"


    Once inside, Ming Mei suddenly thought of something and turned to Zhuang Zhixi, "When it''s less crowded, collect the salted fish. I think it''s almost dry. Plus, it''s cloudy today. It might rain."


    "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "I''m actually looking forward to rain."


    Being his mother, Zhao Guihua knew what he was thinking just by his expression.


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi and chuckled, "You just love watching the chaos, don''t you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was quite calm and justified, "I like rain, isn''t that allowed? Rain is also cool."


    Zhao Guihua: "You clearly want to see the fun with Bai Fendou and his father."


    As for the Bai father and son, they are truly unique. They are unwilling to spend money and live with broken window glass. Even if they didn''t replace the glass, they could at least block it with something cheap.


    But no, they insist on enduring it, claiming it''s cooler this way.


    The problem is, today is only June 1st. It''s not even hot yet. Sure, it''s hot at noon, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant. These two are just stubborn.


    If it rains... The Zhuang family silently looked across at the Bai''s, knowing they would suffer.


    Ming Mei: "Did they go to work today?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, the factory can''t give them too long off. Besides, cleaning the toilet isn''t heavy work; it doesn''t affect their job."


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Speaking of Bai Fendou, he sure has a connection with toilets. The toilet in our alley is finally cleaned, and the smell is fading. But he''s gone to clean the factory toilet now."


    He joked, "He didn''t get a promotion at the factory, but he''s become the director of the toilet."


    "You''re just mocking them," Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes again, peeking out the window to check the weather. It was indeed cloudy. Recently, there seemed to be rain, but it hadn''t come yet. A few days ago, it was cloudy all day but didn''t rain. She didn''t know if it would today.


    She said, "Anyway, don''t forget to collect the fish."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll do it, I''ll do it right now."


    Zhao Guihua: "I wonder when these red armbands will finish and leave. They''re really holding me back. If it weren''t for them, I''d have dried the second batch of fish by now."


    Ming Mei: "Mom, I think they''ll be done soon. They''ve been at it for days and found nothing. Even if they wanted to observe reactions, they''ve probably seen enough. They''re not the type to stick around."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, finding Ming Mei''s analysis quite reasonable.


    She said, "They better leave soon so I can go catch fish on the mountain. With more people going up, it''s hard to guard the good spots. If word gets out, there won''t be such good fishing opportunities."


    Ming Mei excitedly said, "I''m off on weekends now. I''ll go with you on weekends."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Where are you going? You''re pregnant now. Don''t go up the mountain and mess around. What if you get too tired and strain yourself?"


    Ming Mei pouted and said coquettishly, "Mom, other people work until just before giving birth. Look at me, I''ve only just found out I''m pregnant. What''s there to worry about?"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t think the same way. She said, "It''s precisely because you''ve just become pregnant that you need to be more careful. Besides, being pregnant is already very hard. Other people work until just before giving birth because they have no other choice due to their circumstances. If they had a choice, why would they risk their health? This is the time when you should take the best care of yourself. Giving birth is like passing through the gates of hell. How can you be careless? Furthermore, if you don''t take good care of yourself during pregnancy and don''t rest properly during the postpartum period, it can lead to many health issues. You can''t just ruin your body for the sake of having a child, can you?"


    Although she was an older lady who had lived through the old society, she had also experienced the changes of the times. She was a fashionable old lady, even if she didn''t understand many modern ideas, she still tried to keep up with the younger generation and had absorbed a lot of knowledge.


    Some things, even without new knowledge, she understood intuitively. Sometimes, when she didn''t understand, it was just an act.


    For example, when it comes to pregnancy, who doesn''t know that you should take good care of yourself?


    But many people just can''t take good care of themselves or don''t know how to rest properly after giving birth. Wang Zhaodi once mentioned that her mother had to get up the day after giving birth to cook and do laundry, or else her grandmother would scold her. So it''s clear that sometimes people are forced to do things they don''t want to.


    But their family had the means, and she had no intention of making her daughter-in-law suffer. Naturally, she hoped her daughter-in-law would take good care of herself.


    She said, "Take it easy."


    Ming Mei blinked and smiled, saying, "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Oh, right. Since the last time we went to the hospital, you haven''t gone again, have you?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "No."


    Zhao Guihua was speechless. "You fool, how come you don''t know how to take care of yourself? Tomorrow, take some time off and I''ll take you to the hospital for a check-up."


    Ming Mei blinked her big eyes and said, "But I''m fine."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Of course, I know you''re fine. But you''re pregnant, and you need to go to the hospital for check-ups every now and then. First, to confirm the timing, and second, to check your health condition. You really..."


    She looked Ming Mei up and down and sincerely said, "You''re such a blockhead."


    Ming Mei just chuckled.


    Ming Mei wasn''t annoyed at all after being scolded. If she couldn''t tell good from bad, then she really would have lived up to Zhao Guihua''s words¡ªbeing a blockhead.


    However, the rain still didn''t fall.


    Zhuang Zhixi was extremely disappointed. The guy was just that mischievous, always looking for some entertainment. There was one thing Ming Mei had guessed right. She thought those people with red armbands weren''t good at working. It turned out she was right. Unexpectedly, they finally withdrew.


    Of course, the toilet wasn''t finished properly either. They hired a group of people to do the work, only sending two people to supervise.


    The people who actually worked hard got the job done quickly.


    Zhao Guihua heard about it from the neighbors early in the morning but didn''t pay much attention. She rode her bicycle to the bus station to pick up Ming Mei. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law went to the hospital together. The doctor who received them was the same one as last time.


    She had a kind face and even remembered Ming Mei and Zhao Guihua. She smiled and said, "It''s you again."


    This time, when she took Ming Mei''s pulse, she was quite certain. She said, "Ming Mei is about one and a half months pregnant, but definitely not two months yet." Compared to the last time when she was not so sure, this time she was quite confident. She said, "Your pregnancy is still early, but your physical condition is good. Don''t do any strenuous exercise. In the early stages of pregnancy, you need to be even more careful. If possible, make sure your nutrition is adequate."


    Ming Mei replied, "Okay."


    Ming Mei knew she was carrying twins, but she couldn''t say it, because she couldn''t explain how she knew. However, Zhao Guihua spoke up. She remembered that in her previous life, Ming Mei had been very tired when she was pregnant with twins, so she wanted to bring it up early to make her take better care of herself.


    She said, "Doctor, do you think she might be carrying two? My daughter was pregnant with twins, and I noticed that Ming Mei has had reactions early on. Could she be carrying two as well?"


    The senior doctor replied, "It''s hard to say. Her pregnancy is still too early to tell. You can come back in about three months, and I''ll take her pulse again. By then, it should be possible to determine it. Before that, it''s just a guess and not entirely certain."


    Zhao Guihua said, "I thought it would be easy to find out."


    The senior doctor smiled. "It''s not that simple. You have to wait until about three months. Even though I''m somewhat well-known in Beijing for this, I still can''t be sure when the pregnancy is too early. Others would have even more trouble. So don''t be in a hurry. If you go to a Western doctor for an examination, they can accurately determine it, but again, it''s not possible at this time. When the pregnancy is early, no one can be sure. It''s all speculation. However, if there''s a family history of twins, then it''s not impossible. If she''s carrying two, it will be more tiring, so she needs to take extra care."


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei both nodded seriously. Both of them knew the truth but had to act as if they didn''t. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law left the hospital together. Zhao Guihua took a deep breath and said, "Come, I''ll take you back to your unit. The doctor is right. We just need to be careful and meticulous. We don''t need to think too much about it early on. We... Hmm? Eh? Isn''t that Jiang Lu?"


    Ming Mei followed Zhao Guihua''s gaze and saw Jiang Lu walking alone, looking lost, clutching a piece of paper, and turning into the restroom.


    She wasn''t alone; there was also an energetic-looking old lady with her. The old lady was dressed neatly, without a single patch, clearly a well-off and pampered woman.


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exchanged a glance and followed them without hesitation. Both of them loved to watch interesting situations.


    They followed and stood silently at the door, listening to the conversation inside. "Let me see."


    Jiang Lu bit her lip and shook her head, but her reaction made the old lady understand immediately. Even without seeing the examination report, the old lady guessed what it said. She said, "You''re fine, aren''t you!"


    Jiang Lu bit her lip and started to cry.


    The old lady slapped her back and scolded, "Why are you being so foolish? Why are you crying at a time like this? Tell me, you''re fine, aren''t you? You can have children, can''t you?"


    Jiang Lu still cried and didn''t speak. The old lady didn''t care and directly pried the paper out of her hand. She put on her reading glasses and carefully examined it, her lips trembling slightly. When she finished reading, she said with a sob, "You can have children. You really can. You two haven''t had children not because of you. I knew it, I knew it wasn''t my daughter''s fault. That Zhou family blamed you, Aunt Zhou, she deserves to die. She really deserves to die. Divorce, we''re fine, let''s divorce. We''ll find someone who can have children. We''ll live a good life and not get entangled in the Zhou family''s mess, sinking with them."


    The old lady was too excited. Over the past ten years, her daughter had suffered so much because she couldn''t have children. Now it was time for the truth to come out.


    "Divorce!" she said firmly.


    Jiang Lu kept crying, but at this moment, she firmly shook her head and said, "I won''t."


    "What!" The old lady''s eyes widened.


    Jiang Lu was extremely determined. "I won''t. I won''t divorce."


    She begged bitterly, "Mom, I''m begging you, don''t make us divorce. I have feelings for Zhou Qun, and he treats me very well. I don''t want to divorce, and I can''t divorce. If I divorce, what kind of person can I find? Besides, I don''t want to find someone else. Zhou Qun has been so good to me all these years. Even when they said I couldn''t have children, he never complained or blamed me. Now that it''s proven he can''t have children, should I immediately abandon him? Mom, even if you beat me to death, even if you disown me, I won''t leave Zhou Qun."


    You, you, you. You''re going to drive me to death. You''ve always wanted a child, haven''t you? How can you have a child with Zhou Qun?


    Jiang Lu: "I have my own way, Mom. I can have a child. Although, it''s a bit unfair to Zhou Qun, but I want to have a child for the Zhou family. He won''t blame me. I''m doing this for my own family."


    Even the well-experienced old lady was shocked. She said, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Jiang Lu was serious: "I will have a child. In the future, you all need to be nicer to Zhou Qun. I plan to find someone to have a child with, and Zhou Qun won''t know about it. Our daughter has wronged Zhou Qun, it''s our Jiang family''s fault, not the Zhou family''s. You all need to help Zhou Qun more."


    If she has a child with someone else, then it''s the Jiang family''s fault towards the Zhou family.


    Although, although she''s doing it for the family, she still hurts Zhou Qun''s love for her. She hopes that by doing this, her parents will feel more guilty towards Zhou Qun and help him more. It''s not fair that her father is always scheming for her brother and not for her husband, right?


    She said seriously: "Mom, Zhou Qun and I will take good care of you in the future."


    The old lady: "..."


    She looked at her daughter with a mix of emotions and said, "What are you talking about? We owe the Zhou family? What nonsense! Zhou''s old lady has harmed your father so much, and Zhou Qun can''t have children. Do you really want to stay in this family until you die? It''s the Zhou family that owes us, not the other way around. How can you be so confused now?"


    Jiang Lu: "But if I have a child with someone else, isn''t that wronging the Zhou family?"


    The old lady, however, didn''t get swayed by Jiang Lu: "He can''t have children, that''s his fault. You can choose to divorce him."


    Jiang Lu: "No!"


    The Jiang family''s old lady looked at her daughter, who was so confused that it was beyond repair. She took a deep breath and asked, "Do you really not want a divorce?"


    Jiang Lu raised her head, firm: "I would rather die than divorce him. Don''t even dream about it."


    The old lady: "You... you..."


    She was so angry she could barely breathe.


    Jiang Lu: "Mom, are you confused too? You should know, a good woman doesn''t marry twice. I know you think Zhou Qun isn''t good enough for me, but I think Qun Ge is the best man in the world. I''ve never thought about remarrying. As for the child... I''ve thought about it before. If I couldn''t get pregnant, I would find someone to have a child for him. Now, it''s actually good, I''m fine, so I''ll just find a way. There''s always a way to overcome difficulties."


    Jiang''s mother: "..."


    She leaned against the wall, feeling like she was about to faint from anger.


    Jiang Lu: "Mom, can you help me find a man? Someone who is in good health, good-looking, and has some education. A man like that would give birth to a child with better genetics."


    Jiang Lu, you could say she''s traditional, and she really is.


    You could say she understands some reasoning, and she does, she even knows about genetics.


    "Since we''re going to have a child, I want to have a boy in one go. It''s best to find a man who has had several sons in a row. I don''t know many people, can you help me find such a man?"


    Jiang Lu spoke so logically that her mother was about to faint from anger. She looked at her daughter with frustration, finally unable to hold back her anger, and said coldly, "If you don''t divorce, don''t consider us your parents anymore."


    She continued, "As for the family''s belongings, everything has nothing to do with you. If you don''t divorce, you won''t get a penny from us."


    She looked at her daughter and said, "I don''t know how the Zhou family turned you into this, but I''m putting this out here. You have to listen, whether you want to or not. If you don''t divorce, we will sever ties."


    She took a few deep breaths and turned to leave.


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei, who had been eavesdropping at the door, quickly turned and rushed into a ward.


    The patients in the ward all looked over.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care what others thought and peeked outside secretly. She saw Jiang Lu''s mother leave directly. Soon after, Jiang Lu came out, her eyes red, walking very fast.


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei exchanged a glance. Ming Mei: "Uh..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s go too."


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law left together, but they walked quite slowly, as they didn''t want to run into Jiang Lu. Fortunately, Jiang Lu was eager to leave the hospital and walked very fast. By the time they came out, they couldn''t see Jiang Lu anymore.


    Zhao Guihua drove Ming Mei to her workplace.


    Throughout the journey, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were unusually quiet. They really didn''t know what to say, both a bit stunned.


    Especially Ming Mei, in her mind, Jiang Lu was a bit confused, but even so, she never expected Jiang Lu to do something like this. She actually wanted to have a child with someone else. What''s more, she didn''t plan to divorce and wanted to pass this child off as Zhou Qun''s.


    Not only that, but she also wanted to drag her family into it. She wanted her family to feel guilty towards the Zhou family so they would help Zhou Qun.


    This logic, Ming Mei went over it several times but still couldn''t understand it.


    Is this something a person can do?


    Until they reached the workplace, she finally spoke: "Mom... do you think Jiang Lu is sick?"


    Looking at Jiang Lu''s mother, she didn''t seem to be a confused person.


    Her mom isn''t confused, so how did she become like this?


    Zhao Guihua was also quite speechless. She said, "Who knows."


    She reminded Ming Mei: "Don''t talk about this with others, after all, it''s someone else''s privacy. We shouldn''t discuss it."


    Ming Mei blinked: "Not even Zhuang Zhixi?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..." Forget it, you can tell him. If Jiang Lu gets pregnant, that little rascal Zhuang Zhixi will probably figure it out anyway. That guy doesn''t know who he takes after; being so smart isn''t normal. But you two shouldn''t talk about it outside, and I won''t either. They can do whatever they want; we shouldn''t get involved. If something goes wrong, it''s over. Who knows if Zhou Qun will go crazy.


    Ming Mei: "I understand."


    Not just Ming Mei was greatly shocked, even Zhao Guihua, an experienced old lady, felt the same way. She really didn''t understand how Jiang Lu could be so infatuated. Does Zhou Qun really have that much charm?


    But what''s so good about Zhou Qun?


    If it''s looks, he''s not particularly outstanding;


    If it''s education, he only went to elementary school, oh, and didn''t even graduate properly;


    If it''s family conditions, he''s from a single-parent family, with a mother who is so mean that she can be described as vicious.


    Even in their marital relationship, he''s only a three-second man. On top of that, he doesn''t follow the rules and fools around outside. Such a man, she really doesn''t understand what Jiang Lu sees in him. She just doesn''t get it.


    If it were Wang Zhaodi, Zhao Guihua could understand.


    Because Wang Zhaodi''s original family is too poor, no matter what kind of person she finds, it will be better than her original life. Zhou Qun, in this era, has a very high salary. Naturally, many people would be willing. After all, compared to just surviving and having enough to eat, even if the Zhou family is not ideal, it can be tolerated.


    But it shouldn''t be Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu''s family conditions are quite good; her parents are well-off and also have some influence. Her family situation is favorable, and even her parents are not confused people. You can tell from what they do and what Jiang Lu''s mother said.


    Her family is much better than all the families in their courtyard.


    But even so, Jiang Lu is stuck in this quagmire and refuses to come out.


    Zhao Guihua started shaking her head again, shaking it continuously. She just doesn''t understand!


    But compared to Ming Mei, she knows Jiang Lu better. In her previous life, Jiang Lu was also unwilling to come out, probably brainwashed by the Zhou family (mother and son) to the core. In her heart, no one can compare to Zhou Qun.


    Of course, it''s just someone else''s business; they can watch the drama, but it''s not good to get involved. Just recently, the Red Armbands have withdrawn, and she plans to go up the mountain. As for whether those people are just pretending.


    Zhao Guihua isn''t too worried about that.


    As long as you can fish, it''s not wrong, right?


    She doesn''t steal, doesn''t rob, and doesn''t engage in speculation.


    She didn''t go before because she didn''t want to be watched, but now that the Red Armbands are fewer, the problem isn''t too big.


    Zhao Guihua went home and called Liang Meifen, then they left together. But before leaving, she reminded Aunt Wang to keep an eye on the house. Normally, they wouldn''t leave the house unattended, but luckily, the three little thieves are all at school.


    They can come back early.


    Zhao Guihua had made up her mind to return before the children got out of school, which was why she had called upon Liang Meifen. If she had wanted to stay on the mountain longer, she wouldn''t have dared. There was a thief in the courtyard, and that made things inconvenient.


    Liang Meifen asked, "How''s Sister-in-law doing?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "She''s fine."


    She added, "Ming Mei might be carrying twins."


    She wanted to prepare everyone in advance, so she said, "It''s not certain yet. We''ll have to wait a while longer and get the doctor to check again. For now, it''s just a suspicion."


    By subtly shifting the focus, it seemed as though the doctor had suggested it, rather than her. Liang Meifen raised her eyebrows in surprise and said, "If she''s carrying two, that would be quite a challenge."


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement.


    Liang Meifen didn''t say anything more. She rubbed her belly, thinking about how she hadn''t been able to conceive again. Two children were just too few. She had worked hard to give birth to two, while her sister-in-law seemed to have it all figured out in one go.


    This thought left her feeling a bit sour.


    She wanted to have a third child, but she and her husband hadn''t been using any contraception, and yet, after so many years, she still hadn''t conceived... Liang Meifen sighed.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Liang Meifen replied, "Mom, why haven''t I been able to conceive again after so many years?"


    Zhao Guihua shrugged, "How would I know? If you''re worried, go to the hospital and get checked."


    Liang Meifen immediately shook her head, "What''s the point of going to the hospital? I''ve already had two kids, so I know I can have more. No need to go to the hospital. Maybe it''s just not the right time yet."


    People back then were very superstitious about going to the hospital.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t say anything further. Regardless of what she was thinking, the conversation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law came to a halt. The two of them set off for the mountain together, and their pace was not slow. The weather had been a bit overcast recently, but even though it was overcast, it wasn''t particularly cool. Instead, the low pressure made it feel stuffy.


    Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen didn''t encounter anyone on their way up the mountain. Generally, people avoided going up the mountain on such days, fearing a sudden downpour. Getting trapped on the mountain wasn''t a concern, but getting soaked in a heavy rain wasn''t worth it. If one fell ill, the few things they had picked on the mountain might not even cover the cost of medical treatment. So, the mountain was eerily quiet.


    When the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law reached their destination, Zhao Guihua checked the small traps she had set earlier. To her surprise, there was actually a rabbit inside. It was unclear when it had fallen in, but the rabbit had already eaten all the grass around the basket and was weak and wobbly from hunger.


    Without hesitation, Zhao Guihua tied up the rabbit and placed it in her basket.


    If they could have such a catch every day, that would be wonderful. However, such good fortune was rare.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Come, help me set the nets. I''ll tell you, on days like this, when we feel suffocated, the fish feel the same. I had a great catch last time during such weather."


    Liang Meifen replied, "Alright!"


    Zhao Guihua added, "Don''t be greedy. We need to head back before the kids get out of school. Come on~"


    The two of them quickly got to work. As Zhao Guihua had predicted, their harvest was quite good. This kind of weather was better for catching fish than a sunny day. With two people working together, their pace was faster, and soon they had filled a basket.


    Although the fish were of varying sizes, even the smaller ones looked decent.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s catch one more basket, and then we''ll head back."


    Liang Meifen agreed, "I think that''s a good idea."


    The two of them worked busily, moving quickly and reaping a good harvest. On days like this, most people didn''t want to go up the mountain, and Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen felt the same. However, since they were already there, they wanted to make the most of it before heading back.


    Gurgle gurgle!


    Zhao Guihua''s stomach growled, and Liang Meifen''s followed suit.


    Zhao Guihua said, "We left in a hurry, and I forgot to bring any dry rations. You should roast a couple of fish."


    After a pause, she added, "Roast six of them. Let''s eat until we''re full before we continue working."


    Liang Meifen happily agreed, "Sure!"


    Eating fish until full¡ªwhat kind of family was this?


    But the roasted fish smelled so delicious. They had left in a hurry and hadn''t brought any salt, but even without it, the fish tasted great. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law ate their fill. Liang Meifen rubbed her belly and said, "I think eating like this is going to spoil my palate."


    Zhao Guihua laughed, "Then don''t eat."


    Liang Meifen chuckled, "Hehe."


    This was something she had picked up from Ming Mei. Whenever she couldn''t argue with her mother-in-law, she would just "hehe" or "hehehe," just laughing it off. Her mother-in-law usually wouldn''t press the issue further. Sure enough, Zhao Guihua didn''t say anything more.


    After eating, the two of them felt full of energy to continue working.


    "Come on, let''s keep going!"


    As they resumed their work, they didn''t notice that someone had spotted the smoke from their fish roasting.


    A group of boys had gone up the mountain to explore, but after a morning of nothing, they were all a bit grumpy. As they sat down to rest, one of them suddenly exclaimed, "Hey, look! Is that smoke? Someone''s building a fire."


    "Let me see... Oh, yeah, it is!"


    "But why would someone build a fire in the mountains! What if it catches fire? Are they crazy?"


    "Come on, let''s go check it out."


    They immediately got up, with one of them saying, "On a day like this, it''s not like they need the fire for warmth. They''d be roasting themselves alive. I bet they''re roasting something."


    "Right."


    This clever boy continued to analyze, "If they had caught just a little, they could have taken it home directly. Why build a fire here? So, I''m guessing it''s not just a little something."


    "Oh, could it be that someone caught a wild boar?"


    Ever since they had caught a wild boar in these mountains, they had been coming up whenever they had free time. "Treasure hunting" in the mountains was much more interesting than fighting at the back of the sea. Thinking about it this way, they quickly headed towards the source of the smoke.


    "Let''s go see!"


    The path in the mountains wasn''t easy to navigate, and they weren''t taking the usual route up and down, so their progress was slow.


    As they made their way, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were having good luck. They pulled up another net, and this one was quite substantial. After packing it up, they found they were almost full. Zhao Guihua looked at the sky and said, "Let''s do one more net, and then we''ll head back."


    Liang Meifen agreed, "Sounds good."


    The two of them had been doing this for some time and were quite skilled. They quickly pulled up another net and filled their baskets. Zhao Guihua looked at the sky and said, "Alright, let''s head down the mountain."


    Liang Meifen went over to make sure their fire wouldn''t cause any problems, and then the two of them pushed the cart down the mountain. Other families treated their bicycles like treasures, riding them carefully and meticulously cleaning them every day, fearing that their bicycles would suffer even a small "injustice," but their family didn''t care about that.


    The bicycle hadn''t been bought for long, but it already looked quite worn. Although they would carefully clean it every time they got home, their bicycle was used a lot for work. The two baskets were tied to the left and right of the bicycle, and Liang Meifen pushed the cart carefully. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t idle either; she had a basket on her back with a rabbit inside. Along the way, they encountered wild vegetables and fruits, so they would take out the rabbit, tie it to the back seat, and throw their harvest into the baskets. They moved slowly down the mountain. Just as they started, they heard the lively chatter and footsteps of a group of people. Zhao Guihua patted her head, thinking that these young men sure had a lot of energy.


    Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment and said, "Oldest daughter-in-law, stop. Let''s hide in the bushes."


    She didn''t want to run into these young men. If they saw their abundant harvest, they would definitely ask where it came from. If they didn''t tell them, they would be pestered. Even if they did tell them, these young men hadn''t brought any fishing tools, and they would probably ask to borrow the nets. If they had to wait for them to finish using the nets, they might not get home until late. And without any containers for the fish, they might even have to go down the mountain to find help. In the end, it might be nightfall before they could get home. If they went down the mountain together, then their two baskets of fish would be exposed. Being pestered like that would be very troublesome.


    If they lent the nets to them first and waited for them to return them later...


    Zhao Guihua also felt that wasn''t a good idea. Their coming to visit wouldn''t be a good thing. She hadn''t thought about building any relationships, as they were from different social classes. Moreover, they were all young men, brash and inexperienced. Whether they would return the nets or not was uncertain.


    This was something they had paid for themselves.


    If these people coming weren''t the villagers who had discovered the pond in their previous life, then Zhao Guihua thought it would be even more troublesome. Just from the sound of their voices, it was clear there were more than a couple of them. With people struggling as they were, this was no small matter. If they were forced to leave the fish behind...


    So, the best strategy was to hide.


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly hid themselves. Zhao Guihua stared intently in the direction of the sound, while Liang Meifen was so nervous that she didn''t even dare to breathe heavily. She didn''t understand why they had to hide, but since her shrewd mother-in-law had made the decision, it must be the right thing to do.


    Neither of them spoke. Sure enough, as soon as they hid, they saw six or seven young lads coming from the other direction. They were following the general direction of the smoke to head this way. In fact, the smoke had long since dissipated, but that didn''t stop them from coming over to check it out.


    "Hey, we''ve been here before, haven''t we?"


    "Yeah, the last time we were chasing rabbits. I remember Little Five saying there was a fishy smell here..."


    "Hahaha, what fishy smell? I said he was talking nonsense. I didn''t smell anything..."


    "Well, maybe there really is one. Let''s head up the mountain."


    "Alright, I feel like it''s in this direction."


    "Wait, look, there are traces of someone having walked this way."


    "Ah, yes! Let''s follow this path that''s been stepped on, come on!"


    The group followed the path and ran up the mountain.


    Liang Meifen looked at Zhao Guihua, who sighed, "We won''t be able to keep this fish pond."


    Although they had indeed reaped the benefits of it for almost half a year, the thought of losing the fish pond was still quite disheartening.


    Zhao Guihua: "What a good fish pond it was."


    Liang Meifen: "They... they probably won''t say anything, right? We know, but we haven''t spoken about it."


    In fact, they had all guessed that it wasn''t just their family who had discovered the fish pond. Some families living at the foot of the mountain, who often went up the mountain, were bound to have found it too. It wasn''t exactly a secret that couldn''t be seen. It was just that everyone kept quiet about it, because if they spoke up, what would happen to them?


    And the pond was quite full of fish, so those who knew about it would come and catch some secretly to enrich their own tables. There might even be families like theirs who caught fish to make salted fish, preparing for the winter. So Liang Meifen thought that maybe these people, even if they knew, wouldn''t say anything.


    They could still come in the future.


    But Zhao Guihua firmly shook her head and said, "Don''t think about it. There''s no such good luck anymore."


    Just as the two were about to leave, they suddenly heard a cheer from up the mountain.


    "Ahhh! Holy cow!"


    "Oh my God, there''s a pond here."


    "Look, someone must have been fishing here. The edges are all wet, someone''s been catching fish here..."


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    "Let''s catch some fish, guys..."


    Although the distance wasn''t very close, the excitement of these young lads was so loud that, despite the intermittent nature of their shouts, Zhao Guihua could still make out what they were saying. She said, "Let''s hurry down the mountain."


    Liang Meifen: "???"


    Zhao Guihua: "They''re young and full of energy. If they really catch a lot of fish, they''ll definitely boast about it. It''ll probably spread like wildfire. We don''t want to be involved."


    Liang Meifen: "If it gets out..."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s why I''m sighing. I reckon there won''t be such good luck anymore. Let''s hurry and leave."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t know what to say. These people had actually followed the path they had taken to find the pond. While she felt regretful, she also thought it was perhaps fate! After all, in their previous life, it was these very lads who had publicized the fish pond.


    This time, it seemed to be them again.


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickened their pace. They descended the mountain and, riding their bikes, headed towards the city.


    Woohoo, what a great fish pond!


    The two quickly descended the mountain and rode their bikes back, hurrying as much as they could, finally arriving home in the evening. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they were immediately spotted by Aunt Su...

 Chapter 99

    Aunt Su had been hospitalized for several days, losing out on the small earnings she made from folding matchboxes, and she was furious.She felt that Aunt Wang was deliberately targeting her. If it wasn''t intentional, why did Aunt Wang suddenly secure earning opportunities for everyone as soon as she was hospitalized? Why hadn''t she done that before? This was clearly a personal attack.


    However, Aunt Su didn''t dare to confront Aunt Wang directly. She still relied on this old woman to secure more poverty subsidies for her. So, even though she was in a bad mood, she forced herself to endure it and continued working with everyone, laughing and chatting as if nothing was wrong. She glanced around and asked, "Has the entire family of Guihua gone out?"


    Aunt Wang nodded, "Guihua said they were going fishing."


    Everyone in the courtyard knew that Zhao Guihua had become obsessed with fishing this year. Not only had she bought fishing rods, but also fishing nets. She went fishing every few days. Although Zhao Guihua''s luck with fishing was average, her family members were quite skilled, so they often had some catches. As a result, the smell of fish being cooked frequently wafted from their house.


    It was undeniable that fishing was one of the cheapest ways to improve their living conditions. Even Aunt Wang''s husband, Chef Li, often went fishing to supplement their meals. So, she fully supported it.


    "Fishing is good. After all, it''s a source of protein."


    "That''s true. Seeing Guihua go fishing so often, I feel like joining in too. Aunt Wang, want to come along?"


    Aunt Wang shook her head, "I can''t. I don''t know how to fish. I''d rather spend that time folding matchboxes to earn some household money. My old man catches more fish than I would, so I don''t compete with him."


    "That makes sense. Sometimes you go fishing and come back empty-handed."


    "Guihua must have had a good catch today; otherwise, she wouldn''t have gone." Aunt Su was shrewd and quickly figured it out.


    "Of course! You can see and smell it; they often eat fish at home." People were very attentive to food and drink, even if they didn''t openly discuss it. Everyone had their own calculations.


    Aunt Su smiled faintly and said, "I bet they have a good fishing spot. Otherwise, how could they always have a catch?" She slyly stirred the pot, adding, "If such a place exists, they shouldn''t keep it to themselves. We''ve been neighbors for so many years; we should help each other. Wouldn''t it be great if we all went? Fish aren''t going to run out, are they?"


    "That makes sense."


    "Exactly. I feel like I can smell fish every day."


    Aunt Wang chuckled, "If you can smell it every day, your nose must be playing tricks on you. You can see that Old Zhao doesn''t go fishing every day."


    "I was just saying that. Maybe they''re drying fish?"


    "Could be."


    Everyone chimed in with their opinions. Zhao Guihua, of course, had no idea everyone was talking about her fishing. When she returned in the evening, she was immediately spotted by Aunt Su. Aunt Su''s eyes were like searchlights, fixed on the baskets Zhao Guihua carried. Her gaze was so intense that she forced a smile and asked, "Guihua, did you go fishing? Looks like you had a good catch."


    At this, Zhao Guihua immediately sensed Aunt Su''s ill intentions.


    After all, they were both seasoned veterans; there was no need for games.


    Didn''t she know what Aunt Su was like? Despite her seemingly meek appearance, Aunt Su could be quite vicious. The courtyard was much more peaceful when she wasn''t around. Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t very shrewd, and Zhao Guihua herself didn''t stir up trouble at home.


    But as soon as Aunt Su returned, things changed. Just look, she was already making moves.


    Zhao Guihua remained calm and glanced at her, saying, "We did have a good catch today, but it wasn''t from fishing. You know my skills; I''m too embarrassed to brag about them anymore."


    She laughed and continued, "Today, we met an old man who was really good at fishing. Seeing his plentiful catch, we exchanged some with him. I thought it was a rare opportunity, so I traded some fish to dry them for winter. That way, we''ll have an extra dish, right?"


    "Yes, you''re very thoughtful, Guihua."


    Aunt Su still stared at the baskets and said, "If you exchanged a lot, that could be considered speculation and profiteering."


    These words instantly silenced everyone.


    No one spoke. Zhao Guihua sneered and said, "What speculation and profiteering? Spending money to buy things is speculation and profiteering. I exchanged goods with someone by the river, and many people saw it. I traded some food stamps and two rabbits. I did it openly; what do I have to be afraid of? Besides, Aunt Su, you can eat whatever you want, but you can''t just say anything. If you''re looking for trouble, don''t blame me for being rude!"


    Zhao Guihua immediately rolled up her sleeves.


    Perhaps Zhao Guihua''s confidence was too convincing, and everyone instantly believed her.


    "Aunt Zhao, it''s not that serious."


    "Right, don''t get angry. Aunt Su was just speaking carelessly. We know you wouldn''t do that..."


    "Exactly, don''t get mad. Aunt Su, what are you saying? Is that how you talk?"


    Mentioning "speculation and profiteering" had angered everyone.


    It wasn''t that they were particularly defending Zhao Guihua, but everyone secretly bought food from the black market. With the limited rations, how could they survive? If you called this behavior wrong and deserving of punishment, you''d be standing against everyone. No one wanted to hear that.


    Aunt Su quickly explained, "That''s not what I meant... I was just reminding..."


    But everyone''s expressions remained displeased.


    Zhao Guihua raised her voice, "I set traps in the countryside and caught three rabbits, exchanging two of them."


    She was blatantly lying, but no one could prove she was.


    She sneered and said, "Keep your mouth shut and stop scheming to plot against others. If you keep slandering me, I''ll beat you up!"


    Zhao Guihua was unyielding.


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Oh my, her mother-in-law was definitely not someone to be trifled with. Even when lying, she could be so confident and threaten to beat someone up. She, as a gentle and meek person, was no match for her mother-in-law. The best course of action was to stay low-key and avoid offending her.


    Aunt Su forced a smile and said, "Guihua, you misunderstood me..."


    Zhao Guihua cut her off, "Stop with your roundabout talk. I know what you''re up to. Pfft!"


    Aunt Su had thick skin and quick reflexes. In an instant, she thought of an excuse and was about to speak when suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her butt. She turned around and was instantly terrified. All thoughts of explanation vanished, replaced by a scream: "Ah!!!"


    "What''s wrong? What happened? Why are you screaming?"


    Everyone followed Aunt Su''s gaze and saw a large black rat scurrying away.


    "Oh my god!"


    "Ugh, I hate rats..."


    "Quick, kill it!"


    "These pests are so annoying..."


    Seeing the rat, everyone sprang into action, grabbing slippers to smack it. The rat fled for its life. Although people said that in such poor conditions, even rats wouldn''t want to enter, the reality was that rats still liked to come in. And there were quite a few of them. That''s why they paid for rat tails; it was a small amount, but it was still money.


    Rats were hard to catch, but seeing one in broad daylight, they couldn''t let it go. Not only for the money, but also because rats stole food. The most annoying thing was that they ate the food.


    The courtyard became lively.


    Zhao Guihua quickly nudged Liang Meifen, who immediately reacted and carried the two baskets into the house.


    After a while, the rat managed to escape the courtyard without being caught. Aunt Wang sighed, "This is so annoying."


    Aunt Su clutched her butt, cursing, "This damn rat bit my butt! If I catch you, I''ll fry you in oil, you pest..."


    At this point, who cared about being polite?


    She was furious: "I''ll have to go to the hospital again. How much money is enough to waste like this?"


    Everyone looked at her with sympathy, feeling that Aunt Su''s recent luck was really bad. It seemed like she was treating the hospital like her home, going there endlessly. If it were something minor, she could skip it, but getting bitten by a rat? That definitely needed a check-up.


    After all, no one really knew what kind of bacteria might be lurking.


    If someone were actually pricked by a rusty nail or hit by a brick, the injured person might not even go to the hospital, opting to save money instead. People back then didn''t know about tetanus shots. But when it came to being bitten by a rat, people would actually go and get checked. They were afraid of catching some terrible disease from the filthy creatures.


    After all, rats were the most disgusting and dirtiest of all pests.


    Having lived through the old society, they had heard all sorts of rumors about rats and were deeply superstitious about them. Despite Aunt Su''s reluctance to spend money, she still tucked a dollar into her pocket and grumbled her way out the door.


    "Karma! She deserved it for being so mean-mouthed!"


    The neighbors chuckled softly, clearly showing how unpopular it was to bring up the topic of "speculation and profiteering." Even someone with a good reputation couldn''t escape the backlash.


    Aunt Wang chimed in, "Alright, alright, let''s not talk about that anymore. She''s already had her bad luck."


    Zhao Guihua shrugged and said, "That''s really bad luck."


    "Who says it isn''t? But lately, the rats have been getting more active. I heard some noises in the kitchen last night and even saw a rat trying to mess with my food. I chased it around for a long time."


    "Me too, I saw one a few days ago, slipping through the cracks by the door."


    "These damn things actually bite people! Aunt Wang, you''re the neighborhood head, you need to do something about this. What if a child gets bitten?"


    "Yeah, this isn''t a small matter."


    Aunt Wang was a capable woman. She said, "Let''s arrange a rat-catching day in the next couple of days. We usually do this in the spring and fall, but we missed it this year." She thought for a moment and added, "I''ll go to the street office and ask for some rat poison."


    "Sounds good."


    "I think that''s a good idea. Let''s do it this weekend, when everyone''s off work."


    Aunt Wang agreed, "I think that works. I''ll take care of the notifications."


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "Once the rat poison arrives, everyone needs to be careful. The kids are young and don''t understand. Keep an eye on them."


    "Of course."


    The neighbors started chattering away, and Zhao Guihua sighed, realizing how rampant these pests were. Living in modern society for so long, she had almost forgotten how bad the rat problem was back then. She shook her head, thoroughly disgusted.


    Who wouldn''t be disgusted by such filthy creatures? Everyone would find them utterly repulsive.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I need to go home and check for any rat holes. I''ll block them up."


    She turned and left, and Aunt Wang commented, "You''re too quick to act."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I can''t stand those things."


    If there was one pest everyone hated the most, it was definitely rats.


    They were just so disgusting. Zhao Guihua later heard that cockroaches were also widely detested, but at that time, cockroaches weren''t as prevalent. Even decades later, Zhao Guihua wasn''t afraid of them.


    Ever seen a centenarian kill a cockroach with a slipper?


    She had no fear of those creatures at all.


    But rats were a whole different story. She had also heard that the cockroaches in the north were different from those in the south.


    Well¡­ those were just useless bits of trivia.


    Zhao Guihua coughed and went home to look for rat holes. Liang Meifen was already busy cleaning fish.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Why don''t you take a break before starting?"


    Liang Meifen wasn''t afraid of hard work. She said, "The sooner I finish, the sooner I can relax."


    She added, "Mom, we must have at least fifty or sixty pounds of fish, right?"


    Two baskets full, so definitely more than that.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "More than that. Set aside two for tonight''s dinner. We''ll have two dishes: stewed fish and fish innards stewed with tofu."


    Liang Meifen nodded, "Okay."


    Her mother-in-law always insisted on stewed tofu.


    But Liang Meifen was still full of energy. After all, their recent catches had been quite bountiful. If they made them all into salted fish, they could eat it three or four times a week and easily last a quarter, maybe even three months.


    So, of course, she was happy.


    If they were more frugal, they could probably stretch it to half a year.


    Liang Meifen worked diligently, while Zhao Guihua checked around the house and actually found two rat holes. She immediately got to work: "Filthy things, trying to mess with my house? Not on my watch." Seeing Zhao Guihua take action, some neighbors also went home to look for rat holes.


    "Guihua."


    Zhao Guihua was busy when Aunt Wang called her. She quickly went outside and asked, "What''s up?"


    Aunt Wang pulled her aside and whispered, "I saw you got another rabbit today. Can you spare one for me? I won''t let you do it for nothing."


    She gestured and whispered, "One dollar and fifty cents."


    That was the normal price for a rabbit. A hen only cost two dollars.


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "Sure."


    She turned back, picked up the rabbit, and handed it to Aunt Wang. Meat was hard to come by these days, and Zhao Guihua was willing to trade because she thought Aunt Wang was generally a decent person. Plus, good neighborly relations required give and take.


    Aunt Wang was overjoyed, saying, "My little rascal has been craving meat lately. But since my daughter-in-law Li Fang is pregnant, I was planning to use the meat tickets to buy some for her to replenish her nutrients. If I give them the meat, they won''t know how to appreciate it. I thought about swapping for a rabbit, since pregnant women aren''t supposed to eat them, and it would satisfy their cravings¡­"


    There was a belief at the time that pregnant women shouldn''t eat rabbit meat, or their baby would be born with a hare lip. No one knew how this superstition spread, but it had been passed down for generations.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t believe it, but she didn''t say anything else.


    In fact, she hadn''t given the rabbit to Ming Mei to eat, as people widely believed in this superstition. As a mother-in-law, she didn''t mind doing this, but she didn''t want her family to misunderstand. Zhao Guihua wasn''t afraid of outsiders'' opinions, but she cared about her family''s feelings.


    So, she hadn''t given the rabbit to Ming Mei, and since Aunt Wang wanted to swap, she agreed.


    If she didn''t swap, they would be eating while Ming Mei watched, which would be quite frustrating, wouldn''t it?


    Aunt Wang happily carried the rabbit away, and Zhao Guihua looked up at the increasingly overcast sky, saying, "It''s been cloudy for days now. I wonder if it will actually rain."


    Without rain, the air pressure was low, and it felt stuffy, making people uncomfortable.


    She muttered, "I think this weather¡­"


    BOOM!


    A sudden thunderclap startled Zhao Guihua. She quickly looked outside and saw the wind picking up. Aunt Wang was gathering people to put away the matchboxes they were assembling. Today''s work was cut short. Actually, this kind of work could be done at home, but since these matchboxes had patterns, if they were damaged, they wouldn''t get this job again. So Zhao Guihua didn''t let them take it home. She gathered everything up, and some housewives had already started taking in their clothes.


    The weather grew even darker as more clouds gathered. Zhao Guihua hurried around, taking care of everything.


    Her "good son," Zhuang Zhixi, stood by the window, looking outside.


    Sister Cui asked curiously, "What are you looking at?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "I''m watching the weather. Hopefully, it doesn''t rain too soon. I still need to go pick up my wife."


    "You''re a good man, Zhixi. All the men should learn from you." As women, they appreciated a man who was family-oriented and caring toward his wife. Those who were abusive were looked down upon.


    "I don''t deserve that praise. It''s just because my wife is pregnant¡­"


    Not far away, Xiao Xu rolled his eyes, clearly disdainful. Due to the film learning incident, he had a falling out with Zhuang Zhixi, though it wasn''t public. Everyone knew why Zhuang Zhixi had firmly refused the position, and their interactions in the office had been minimal. Since Xiao Xu often had to go to the countryside to show films, their relationship had grown even more distant.


    Zhuang Zhixi ignored Xiao Xu''s mocking expressions and turned around, "I''m going to the restroom."


    "Has the restroom in your alley still not been fixed?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Not yet."


    Everyone knew that the restroom in Zhuang Zhixi''s alley had collapsed. Of course, there were also some superstitious rumors and gossip, as is common in employee residential areas. Everyone knew the deal.


    Because of this, Zhuang Zhixi always went to the restroom at the unit before heading home after work.


    Not only him, but basically everyone in their alley who worked at the factory operated this way. It was much more convenient. Otherwise, they would have to detour to the back alley to use the restroom. Zhuang Zhixi went downstairs and headed straight for the restroom. Just as he reached the entrance, he saw Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou had a black face, looking like someone owed him ten yuan, and he was visibly displeased.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, put on a smile, and said, "Yo, Fendou, you''re standing at the restroom entrance like a guardian deity. What''s up? Finished with your work?"


    Bai Fendou''s face grew even darker as he replied, "You''ve got quite the sharp tongue. Go do your business in the restroom. What I do doesn''t concern you."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, entered the restroom, and oh, there were quite a few people there at this time.


    "Brother, here you are?"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched as he smiled and said, "Here I am."


    He sighed, "This restroom is quite crowded. No wonder Bai Fendou''s face was so dark."


    One of the guys said, "So what? Can''t people use the restroom?"


    "Exactly, who does he think he is, trying to control everything, even when people poop or fart? He should just mind his own business."


    "With his tiny steps, does he even have the right to meddle in others'' affairs?"


    ...


    Everyone chimed in, one after another.


    Bai Fendou was not happy about it and raised his voice, "I heard everything you said, you little brats. Let me tell you, don''t look down on the young just because they''re poor. You''re judging people from behind a crack, underestimating them. One day, your grandpa will rise up and show you. When I get back to the security department, I''ll deal with you all."


    "What ''don''t look down on the young just because they''re poor''? You''re not that young anymore."


    "You''d better hope you can get back to the security department first."


    "Right, the security department wouldn''t want someone like you with such bad character. Chief Liu is a man of integrity and wouldn''t tolerate your kind."


    "Who says otherwise? Just look at the things you''ve done. The rumors have spread as far as Tong County. It''s embarrassing enough for our machinery factory."


    "What Tong County? It''s even reached Tianjin. My aunt in Tianjin heard about it. Isn''t that embarrassing? As someone from the same factory, I feel my face burning just talking about it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hahaha."


    Bai Fendou was shaking with anger, "You bunch of scoundrels, you''re just mean. Zhuang Zhixi, you''re just joining in the fun. We live in the same courtyard, yet you have no sense of neighborly affection. Just wait for your karma."


    Hearing this, Zhuang Zhixi felt he had to defend himself. He said, "Why would I deserve karma? Am I not allowed to laugh? How can you curse someone so viciously? With such malicious curses, of course, I have to laugh at you. I''ve never seen someone like you. Besides, everyone''s telling the truth. Your dirty deeds are already stinking up the place."


    "Pfft, hahaha!"


    "Zhuang Zhixi, you''re good."


    Bai Fendou was even angrier, "You, you, you..."


    Zhuang Zhixi was a bit worried that this guy might get so worked up that he''d do something crazy, especially since they were in the restroom. What if he went berserk and started throwing feces around? Bai Fendou was sometimes so impulsive that he didn''t think things through. Zhuang Zhixi shuddered at the thought. Bai Fendou himself didn''t seem to mind, as he had once fallen into a cesspool and probably got used to it.


    But Zhuang Zhixi certainly couldn''t handle that.


    He quickly said, "Don''t get angry, this is the restroom, don''t do anything rash. If I were you, I wouldn''t think about these pointless things. Instead, I''d think about how to fix the windows at home."


    Ah, the way to calm down a problem is to bring up another one.


    He said, "It''s going to rain, don''t you want to fix your windows, and your door..."


    As he said this, Bai Fendou''s face indeed darkened. Zhuang Zhixi was right; his home''s windows and doors were all full of holes, though he liked to boast that it was quite cool this way. But in reality, he just didn''t want to spend money on repairs.


    His dad didn''t spend money, so why should he?


    He didn''t have much savings to begin with, and a few days ago, he had lent Wang Xiangxiu five yuan out of pity. Now he was even more strapped for cash. If he were to replace all the glass in his house and fix the door, he''d be left with nothing, and it might not even be enough.


    So he absolutely couldn''t touch his money. He snorted and said, "It''s been like this almost every day recently, and it hasn''t rained. I don''t believe it will rain today. It''s probably just a false alarm. What do I have to be afraid of? As a man, I can''t be scared of rain. I''ll just take it as a cold shower."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re really something."


    A kind-hearted coworker said, "Bai Fendou, you should still find a way to fix them. Even if it doesn''t rain today, look at this weather. It''s bound to rain in the next few days. Fixing the windows and doors early will ensure safety."


    They had all heard about how bad Bai Fendou''s windows and doors were.


    This wasn''t something Zhuang Zhixi had spread, but gossip always travels fast.


    "Right, if it rains, your house will be flooded. You must be short on money, right?"


    "Short on money?" Bai Fendou was agitated, "How dare you say I''m short on money? What a joke. You underestimate me. My salary is all mine to spend. How could I be short on money? I''m much better off than you guys with your families to support."


    He bragged, "What flooding? As far as I''m concerned, this rain won''t come!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Keep dreaming."


    Bai Fendou: "Why is it dreaming? I, Bai Fendou, say it won''t rain, and it won''t! That''s how awesome I am!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He scratched his head and walked out, saying, "You must be drunk. How else could you talk like this?"


    "Pfft."


    Everyone burst out laughing. Since Bai Fendou insisted on not fixing the glass, it wasn''t their business, so they didn''t want to get involved in the mess. Zhuang Zhixi also gave Bai Fendou a deep look and said, "You''re really floating high."


    Bai Fendou turned his head, not bothering to respond.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and walked towards the office building. But before he got far, he saw Zhou Qun approaching.


    Recently, Zhou Qun had been "stuck" to Bai Fendou, always looking for him. Even during lunch, Zhou Qun would seek out Bai Fendou. It''s worth noting that Bai Fendou worked as a janitor and carried manure, which wasn''t a mark of discrimination, but he did carry a strong stench. Therefore, their lunchtime was delayed compared to others.


    Yet, even so, Zhou Qun always went to find Bai Fendou, eating with the Bai father and son.


    Well, mainly with Bai Fendou, as Old Man Bai was more of an afterthought.


    At the end of the workday, Zhou Qun didn''t leave with his wife Jiang Lu but instead looked for Bai Fendou to head home together. The people in the factory were quite puzzled by this.


    Some said, "Zhou Qun is keeping an eye on Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou has his sights set on Zhou Qun''s wife and even tried to make a move. Zhou Qun must keep a close watch on him."


    Others said, "He must be plotting something, planning to take down Bai Fendou in one go."


    Of course, there were also more moderate voices, "I think Zhou Qun is sincere. Maybe he really wants to be friends with Bai Fendou, turning hostility into friendship."


    Still, others said, "There are also rumors about Zhou Qun being involved with older women. So now, instead of mingling with women, he''s hanging out with Bai Fendou. Probably to avoid suspicion. After all, being seen with women might lead to gossip, but with men, it''s different."


    In short, there were various speculations. Zhuang Zhixi stopped and smiled, "Zhou Qun, you''re here again to find Fendou,"


    He said with a hint of sarcasm, "I didn''t expect your friendship to be so strong."


    Zhou Qun: "Yes, Fendou and I share common goals. You young folks wouldn''t understand."


    The more he interacted with Bai Fendou recently, the more Zhou Qun felt that Bai Fendou was indeed a great guy. Sure, he was a bit rough, but he had a lot of guts.


    In a way, Zhou Qun admired men with guts and determination. He grew up with his mother, Madam Zhou Li, who was a real shrew but doted on her son unconditionally, taking care of him meticulously. As a result, Zhou Qun''s self-care skills were poor, and he wasn''t very masculine.


    Deep down, he admired men with a wild, take-charge attitude.


    He quickly passed Zhuang Zhixi and arrived beside Bai Fendou: "Fendou, it''s almost time to get off work. Shall we go together?"


    Bai Fendou still suspected that Zhou Qun had ulterior motives towards him. He believed that Zhou Qun definitely wanted to harm him. Therefore, he never gave Zhou Qun a good look, but the more he didn''t give Zhou Qun a good look, the more Zhou Qun clung to him, which made Bai Fendou even more convinced of his suspicions.


    Zhou Qun must have a big conspiracy; otherwise, how could he endure this kind of attitude?


    He snarled, "Get lost."


    Zhou Qun: "Look at you, why are you so fierce? I see it''s going to rain, and your windows..." He paused, suddenly thinking that it might be better not to fix the windows. If it rained and Bai Fendou couldn''t sleep indoors, he could invite him to stay at his house.


    With this thought, he stopped urging Bai Fendou to fix the windows and instead said, "I don''t think it''s going to rain..."


    Bai Fendou: "Do I need you to tell me that? It hasn''t rained for so many days; I don''t think it will today either."


    "You''re right," Zhou Qun''s voice softened a few degrees.


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his arms and quickly left.


    If he didn''t leave now, he felt like his hair would stand on end again. This Zhou Qun was truly a peculiar person. Although Grandpa Lan Sihai had made a judgment earlier, Zhuang Zhixi still had some doubts in his heart.


    After all, Zhou Qun had liked women before.


    He had also played around quite a bit, so it was hard to believe that he suddenly started liking men.


    But facts speak louder than words.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced back and found the scene quite cringe-worthy. He quickly went upstairs. As the end-of-work bell rang, Zhuang Zhixi hopped on his bicycle and rode out in a flash. He was in a hurry, as the sky was getting darker with heavy clouds, and he didn''t want to get caught in the rain.


    Zhuang Zhixi pedaled furiously all the way to the bus station, where he saw Ming Mei running out quickly.


    She hugged Zhuang Zhixi tightly and said, "I didn''t bring an umbrella; let''s hurry."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    Although he had ridden like the wind on the way there, he didn''t dare to go too fast on the way back, especially with his wife on the bike. The couple hurried as much as they could, and by the time they reached the alley, the rain had started.


    Big raindrops fell down all at once.


    Ming Mei: "Hurry, hurry!"


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, "I suspect Bai Fendou provoked the heavens, which is why the rain is so heavy."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Fortunately, the couple''s luck wasn''t bad. They had reached the alley entrance just in time and quickly dashed home. Even so, their clothes were soaked halfway through.


    Zhao Guihua: "Quick, go change your clothes. I''ve boiled some hot water; you can take a quick wash and then drink some ginger soup."


    "Okay."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, the two kids, were leaning on the windowsill looking outside, saying, "The rain is so heavy."


    In no time, the rain was pouring so hard it seemed like it was smoking.


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t go out, okay?"


    "Okay," the two kids replied in their crisp voices.


    Hutou leaned out and looked down, saying, "Grandma, the old hen is clucking non-stop."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s fine; she''s not getting wet."


    Their old courtyard house had a covered porch. These traditional courtyard houses were like this, with a section of cement ground at the entrance and a covered porch above it. As long as it wasn''t a heavy rain, placing things under the porch was fine.


    But if it rained heavily, that wouldn''t work.


    As soon as the rain started, Zhao Guihua had moved the two old hens under the porch.


    Hutou: "But, but the rain is splashing in..."


    He knew these were egg-laying hens, and he would even dig worms for them to eat when he went out to play. Eating worms helped them lay eggs. So Hutou and his sister were particularly concerned about the hens.


    Zhao Guihua, hearing this, quickly opened the door, feeling a cold gust of wind hit her face.


    "Damn."


    She muttered, "Why is there suddenly a wind?"


    Rain was the worst when there was wind; heavy rain with strong wind was a real hassle.


    Zhao Guihua quickly pushed the two bicycles inside the house and carried the hens inside, placing them at the door. The house suddenly felt cramped, filled to the brim. Zhao Guihua put on her raincoat and said, "I''m going to give Grandpa a raincoat."


    Although Zhuang Zhixi had gone to pick up Ming Mei and returned a bit late, Old Man Zhuang had been even later recently. Their workshop had been working on some urgent precision parts for the past half month, and they had been working overtime for three to four hours every day after work.


    This had been the case for some time, but of course, there would be some extra pay for overtime.


    She started looking around, saying, "Where''s the raincoat?"


    Liang Meifen suddenly remembered and said, "Mom, Dad took the raincoat this morning. He''s been bringing it with him for the past two days because of the bad weather."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She sighed, "This old man is quite good at preparing for rain."


    This was good; it saved them some trouble.


    Since Old Man Zhuang had taken the raincoat, they didn''t need to worry about it.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan had left on a business trip early that morning and wouldn''t be back for at least half a month, so there was no need to worry about him either. Zhao Guihua took off her raincoat and said, "Alright, when the third couple comes over, we''ll have dinner as usual."


    "Okay." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liang Meifen peeked out curiously.


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you looking at?"


    Liang Meifen: "The opposite house... Bai Fendou''s place."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Silence, then she said, "Let me take a look too."


    The heavy rain poured down, and the Bai father and son hadn''t returned home yet. In fact, their job of cleaning the toilets wasn''t that demanding, but Bai Fendou didn''t want to get up early to work, so he did more work after getting off duty.


    Generally, the toilets needed to be cleaned before morning.


    But this required getting up early, and Bai Fendou was used to sleeping in, so he wasn''t willing to get up early. Therefore, he did more work after getting off work and just tidied up a bit in the morning. This decision was also supported by Old Man Bai.


    The father and son were working hard at the factory when the rain suddenly started.


    The rain had been brewing for days and fell heavily and quickly.


    Bai Fendou: "Damn it."


    He hadn''t expected it to really rain, and his face changed instantly. Thinking about the windows and doors at home, he was anxious.


    "We''re done, Dad, let''s hurry back."


    Old Man Bai also panicked: "Why did it start raining all of a sudden? I told you to install a window, but you refused to spend the money. Now look, look at this rain, what are we going to do?"


    "What''s the use of blaming me now? Was it my fault? I don''t have any money; I''ve already had my salary deducted to pay off the debt. And it''s not like Aunt Wang, that unlucky old woman, smashed our windows and doors. She deserved to be locked up..."


    He cursed non-stop.


    Old Man Bai: "What are you dawdling for? Hurry home."


    Bai Fendou: "We didn''t bring raincoats."


    Old Man Bai glared at him: "At this point, don''t worry about raincoats; the bed is full of bedding..."


    They hadn''t made the bed when they left in the morning.


    The father and son looked at each other and ran home as fast as they could.


    "Oh no! We can''t tear..."


    "Damn it, why does it always rain when the roof leaks..." Bai Fendou shouted angrily.


    Old Man Bai: "You''re such a jinx; don''t say that. If it really rains all night, what are we going to do?"


    Their roof was really leaking.


    Old Man Bai shouted again: "I told you Zhou Qun isn''t a good guy. He always asks to go home together after work, but today he left first. You see..."


    "Don''t mention Zhou Qun; hurry up."


    The two big men ran in the rain, their legs intertwined, taking small, quick steps. Passersby, even in a hurry, couldn''t help but look a few extra times.


    Such effeminate men were rare.


    Heavy rain was common, but such strange men were truly uncommon.


    "Hey, why are these two running like that?"


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Haven¡¯t you heard? These are the father and son from the machinery factory who got their eggs crushed.¡±


    "Oh~"


    Even in the rain, there were still kind-hearted people eager to explain.


    "That was really bad; they might be... you know..."


    "Uh..."


    Due to the rain, Old Man Zhuang''s workshop also got off work early. He had brought a raincoat, proving that being cautious pays off. Although he left later than Bai Fendou and his father, he quickly overtook them by running in his raincoat.


    As Old Man Zhuang caught up from behind, he noticed the father and son moving like crabs. He sped up, passing them, and shouted, "Run faster! Why are you strolling around on purpose?"


    In a flash, he was gone.


    Old Man Bai was furious: "If I could run, would I be like this?"


    Besides, are you stupid? Which eye saw us strolling on purpose?


    Aren''t we afraid of pulling¡ªsomething?


    Old Man Zhuang ran all the way home, just in time for dinner. Zhao Guihua said, "Oh, you got off work early? Did you get wet? Come sit down, I''ll get you some ginger soup to warm up."


    Old Man Zhuang drank it in one gulp and said, "You know the Bai father and son, they''re really reckless. On a day like this, they''re not in a hurry, still dawdling outside, running like that... What are they thinking? They just want to make a name for themselves at the factory! I see through them!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He chuckled and said, "You know, is there a possibility that they simply can''t run?"


    Old Man Zhuang was stunned, then slapped his head: "Look, I forgot about that."


    The sky was covered with dark clouds. Although it wasn''t late, it was already dark.


    Zhao Guihua lit a lamp and said, "Let''s eat."


    "Mom, you know, what''s the deal with this? These cornmeal pancakes, when made alone, don''t taste great, but when put in a fish pot, it''s completely different. I think it tastes pretty good."


    It''s like the pancakes in the fish pot are a whole different thing from regular pancakes.


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s the fish that makes it taste better."


    Despite their recent good meals, they really have to thank the fish pond. They''ve been eating a lot of fish, and fish pot pancakes are a staple, so even with coarse grains, it still tastes good. It makes their half-year''s meals seem luxurious.


    "The fish pond we often go to has been discovered by others. I don''t think it''s going to work out."


    "What!" Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were a bit surprised.


    Zhao Guihua: "A few teenagers are bound to be loud. I''ll see how it goes. If the rain stops tomorrow, I''ll go check it out."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "They won''t empty it, will they?"


    "They won''t, but with more people, it''s hard to say. Anyway, let''s not talk about this." Zhao Guihua was about to nag a bit more, but seeing Hutou and Xiao Yanzi looking over, she stopped the topic.


    The family finished eating, and Old Man Zhuang cleaned up.


    "Bang!"


    "What''s that sound?"


    Zhuang Zhixi got up and saw it was Bai Fendou, who had kicked the door.


    He was already soaked to the bone, looking very miserable. As he approached the door, he probably got angrier and kicked it hard. Several households came out to take a look. Aunt Wang from the back courtyard came out in a raincoat and saw it was him, scolding, "You little rascal, what are you doing? Looking for trouble, huh? If you break it, do you have to pay? You''re always causing trouble."


    Bai Fendou was in a bad mood and retorted, "I''ll pay if I have to! What''s the big deal!"


    He bragged: "Do I look like I don''t have money?"


    Aunt Wang rolled her eyes and retorted: "If you have money, you should fix your windows and doors first."


    "Damn, right!"


    Bai Fendou didn''t say anything else and hurried home. Once he got there, he was overwhelmed. The rain was heavy, and there was a strong wind. Even though there was a canopy, the rain had already flooded in, soaking the bedsheets, quilts, and pillows.


    And it wasn''t just that.


    The rain showed no signs of stopping, looking like it was getting heavier.


    Bai Fendou: "Dad, think of something!"


    Old Man Bai: "What can I think of?"


    These two were like that, usually fine, but in critical moments, they would just push the responsibility back and forth. However, they still started looking for something to block the windows and doors.


    "First, move the bedding away."


    "Maybe use the wet bedding to block the window?"


    "It won''t work!"


    The two were in a frenzy. Aunt Wang said, "You can''t do that. Find a wooden board."


    The father and son were too miserable, and many people in the courtyard came out, wearing raincoats and standing under the canopy. People from the back courtyard also came over. In those days, no one would carry wooden boards at home.


    As for glass, that was even more out of the question.


    Although everyone wanted to help, they were also powerless.


    Zhuang Zhixi, though enjoying the excitement, kindly reminded them: "Why don''t you go back to the factory? Check with the logistics department to see if they have anything to borrow for shelter. If you rely on us, no one has anything."


    Bai Fendou almost choked: "I just came back from the factory!"


    "We''ve already made a round trip. It''s too late. Why don''t you help us go?" Old Man Bai immediately tried to draft someone.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled but didn''t move. He said, "Uncle Bai, I can''t help you with that."


    Aunt Su immediately chimed in: "Zhixi, look, we all live in the same courtyard, and the relationships are good. When it''s needed, it''s time for you young people to step up. You can''t just watch."


    "Yeah, just help Uncle Bai, it''s quick with a bike."


    "Right!"


    "Look at how bad their situation is."


    "Neighbors should help each other with a warm heart."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at the people speaking, feeling disgusted. He said, "It''s not that I don''t want to help. I just can''t. My older brother isn''t home, and my dad is not young anymore. With this heavy rain, how can I go out? I can''t feel at ease; what if there''s a leak? I have to deal with it."


    He looked at the people speaking and said, "Xiao Sui, since you''re so enthusiastic, why don''t you go?"


    He then looked at Aunt Su, smiling even brighter: "Aunt Su, your family has the best relationship with the Bai family. We''re just ordinary neighbors, but you two are genuine close friends. They''ve helped your family so much, so you should take the initiative. When do people show their worth? It''s in moments like these. Aunt Su, you wouldn''t just watch, right? Uncle Bai has done so much for you; you can''t be so heartless."


    Zhuang Zhixi threw the topic back at her and then added: "Although this should be a man''s job, your relationship with the Bai family is different from others."


    "Yeah, Aunt Su, why don''t you go?"


    Everyone started shouting again.


    The person named Xiao Sui didn''t say anything this time.


    Although he hoped someone would help, he didn''t want to do it himself.


    Zhuang Zhixi kept pushing, and no one dared to pressure him anymore.


    For a moment, the focus shifted to Aunt Su, but she didn''t refute. She immediately teared up. As expected, even before she spoke, Old Man Bai quickly said: "What are you doing? How can I let Aunt Su, a woman, run around for me?"


    He wanted to point someone else to help, but everyone was avoiding eye contact.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t avoid it; he looked at Old Man Bai with a playful expression, as if daring him to name someone so he could counter.


    Old Man Bai was a bit more cunning than his son and knew not everyone fell for their tricks.


    Zhuang Zhixi, though young, wasn''t easy to take advantage of.


    Plus, his family had Zhao Guihua, that shrew, so they couldn''t afford to offend them.


    He hesitated and said, "Well, forget it."


    He took a deep breath and said, "Since it''s already like this, no matter what we do, it''s still wet. I think we might as well put the bedding by the window to absorb the water. Just tough it out for one night, and we''ll figure something out tomorrow."


    "Ah?"


    Just give up?


    Everyone was stunned. With such heavy rain, if they didn''t do anything, what would happen tomorrow?


    Everyone looked at each other.


    At this moment, when everyone was silent, Zhou Qun stepped forward. Yes, Zhou Qun.


    The highest-paid and most "upright" person in the courtyard, Zhou Qun, took the initiative to say, "Bai Fendou, come stay at my place tonight."


    The surrounding people instantly widened their eyes: "Ah?"


    Everyone was shocked beyond belief. This man had once tried to flirt with your wife!


    No one knew that it was an unsuccessful trap set by Bai Fendou. In everyone''s perception, Bai Fendou was the one who had attempted to make inappropriate advances towards Jiang Lu. And yet, this person is now inviting him to his home?


    And to stay overnight?


    Everyone looked at Zhou Qun with deep confusion, completely baffled by his actions. What was he up to?


    Was he planning to lure Bai Fendou over and then eliminate him?


    Bai Fendou also stared suspiciously at Zhou Qun. Zhou Qun cleared his throat and said very calmly, "We are neighbors, and although there have been some unpleasantries and misunderstandings in the past, I still believe in Bai Fendou''s character. Now that the Bai family has encountered such a big problem, as a neighbor, I feel it''s my duty to step up. Bai Fendou, come stay at my place. I''ll have my wife go to my mother''s room to sleep with Wang Zhaodi. You can sleep with me."


    The onlookers: "..."


    Something about this feels off.


    Inviting him to stay is one thing, and letting him sleep in his mother''s room is acceptable. But... inviting Bai Fendou to sleep in the bedroom with his wife''s bed?


    This... doesn''t sound right, does it?


    Everyone looked at Zhou Qun, and Jiang Lu also watched Zhou Qun. This time, she didn''t speak because she knew that Zhou Qun, being so intelligent, must have a purpose for whatever he was doing. He loved her deeply and must be trying to avenge her by deliberately confusing Bai Fendou.


    She bit her lip and stood still.


    Bai Fendou said stiffly, "No need."


    Zhou Qun: "Look at your place, how can you stay here? If you get wet and catch a cold, what then? Your wounds aren''t fully healed yet, right? What if they get infected?"


    When Zhou Qun mentioned the wounds, Bai Fendou glared at Jiang Lu. If it weren''t for her, he wouldn''t be in this situation.


    Jiang Lu returned his glare with cold indifference.


    Zhou Qun: "Money is just material, you can clean up the house tomorrow. But if you get sick, what then?"


    Bai Fendou: "Well... is there anyone else who wants to take me in?"


    He wanted to choose.


    If it wasn''t absolutely necessary, he didn''t want to go to the Zhou''s.


    Although he wasn''t afraid of Zhou Qun, he still wanted to ask around. With his good reputation, surely there would be a competition to take him in.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched.


    Ming Mei shook her head in utter disbelief. He really had no sense of his own standing.


    No one spoke up. Housing was already tight for everyone, who would take you in? Besides, what kind of tone was that, as if everyone owed him something. Who did he think he was? Didn''t he know how unpopular he was?


    Everyone remained silent, and Bai Fendou frowned.


    At that moment, Wang Xiangxiu immediately spoke up, "Fendou, I actually wanted to have you stay at my place, but we''re a widow''s household, and there''s too much gossip. I can''t ruin your reputation. If you stay, rumors will spread like wildfire tomorrow, and it''ll be even harder for you to find a partner. I can''t do that to you."


    Bai Fendou gave her an assuring look and said, "Sister Xiangxiu, I understand. You don''t need to explain, brother gets it."


    Zhou Qun immediately gave Wang Xiangxiu an unkind look, mentally cursing, "Bitch!"


    Zhuang Zhixi watched for a while, and the more he saw, the more disgusted he felt. He turned his head and made a face. Ming Mei quickly grabbed Zhuang Zhixi''s hand, and Zhuang Zhixi smiled at his wife. Ming Mei tiptoed and whispered softly into Zhuang Zhixi''s ear, "Zhou Qun really has his eye on Bai Fendou."


    Without someone pointing it out, you wouldn''t notice, but once someone does, it becomes so obvious.


    The more you look, the more obvious it is.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, Grandpa Lan is sharp."


    Apparently, no one in their courtyard had figured out Zhou Qun''s true intentions.


    But Lan Sihai saw it clearly.


    Old ginger is indeed sharper!

 Chapter 100

    Rain poured down in torrents.People in the courtyard stood under the eaves, watching the spectacle. You can''t really blame them for watching the show, though. After all, more than one person in the courtyard had reminded Bai Fendou and his father to install glass in their windows. But these two were stubborn as rocks. They were strapped for cash lately and no one wanted to fork out the money.


    In the past, if something small was missing from the house, either father or son would buy it without much thought. But when it came to bigger items, they''d split the cost. Now, however, with both of them having their wages docked, neither wanted to spend the money. They were also wary of contributing their private stash, fearing the other wouldn''t chip in.


    This back-and-forth went on, and no matter what others said, the two of them remained steadfast in their refusal.


    Of course, the weather had been getting worse lately, and people had been urging them to take action. But the father and son just dug in their heels. And then, as expected, disaster struck¡ªthe windowpane shattered with a loud crash!


    Fortunately, there was still the kind-hearted neighbor Zhou Qun. Zhou Qun was genuinely sincere: "Bai Fendou, come stay at my place. I''m different from others. Neighbors should help each other. Everyone else is indifferent, but not me! I''m not that kind of person!"


    Bai Fendou had initially wanted to play hard to get, but seeing that no one else was stepping up, he pursed his lips, feeling a bit dissatisfied, and snorted coldly, "Fine, I''ll give you face."


    Jiang Lu, who had been about to speak, caught Zhou Qun''s gaze and swallowed her words.


    What a horse that doesn''t know its own face is long.


    Zhou Qun''s sincere invitation to Bai Fendou was unexpected by everyone, but it didn''t stop them from speculating. Some thought Zhou Qun was quite the righteous man, despite some rumors about him recently. He was still a good guy.


    Others, however, were more cynical, wondering if Zhou Qun''s sudden change was hiding some ulterior motive.


    But no one really knew the truth. In this torrential rain, Zhou Qun still showed his friendly side, stepping up to help, which was quite commendable.


    Seeing Zhou Qun''s righteousness, Old Man Bai nodded slightly. Indeed, true friendship is revealed in times of trouble.


    Aunt Wang: "Alright, everyone, let''s disperse. We''ll leave it at that for now."


    In truth, she thought this arrangement wasn''t ideal. The rain was just too heavy, and she felt the window not being blocked was a big problem. Using bedding to block it was also madness¡ªwhat would happen to the bedding?


    But since the Bai family had made their decision, there was nothing she could do to help. Just talking wouldn''t get her anywhere.


    Aunt Wang took a deep breath and decided to look the other way.


    After all, Bai Fendou and his father weren''t exactly saints. They deserved this.


    When the Bai family had schemed against her own, they hadn''t held back.


    Aunt Wang felt justified: "Alright, everyone, disperse. Don''t all crowd outside on such a rainy day."


    It seemed their courtyard was full of seasoned veterans. While other courtyards stayed indoors during rainy days, they had plenty of drama to watch. This was a real money-saver, skipping the radio fees.


    Everyone stood still, watching the Bai father and son.


    The two prepared to head to Zhou''s place, but just as they reached the door, Old Man Bai was stopped.


    Zhou Qun said firmly: "Old Man Bai, I can''t take you in."


    "What?!" Old Man Bai''s eyes widened in disbelief as he shouted, "Why? Why can''t you take me in?"


    Normally, Zhou Qun would have given him a piece of his mind, insisting it was his home and he could decide who to take in. But now, looking at Bai Fendou''s expression, he said, "Uncle Bai, my bed is only big enough for two men. Adding one more just won''t work. Besides, everyone knows about the somewhat unclear relationship between you and my mom. If you come to stay, it wouldn''t be good for my mom''s reputation. When she returns, there''ll be trouble."


    Ming Mei leaned against Zhuang Zhixi and whispered softly, "Bai Fendou''s reputation for trying to take advantage of Jiang Lu is even worse. Doesn''t he fear that Jiang Lu''s reputation will suffer?"


    Her voice was so low that only Zhuang Zhixi could hear. Zhuang Zhixi squeezed his wife''s hand and said, "Shh, some things are better left unsaid."


    Ming Mei clicked her tongue, as if she had a toothache.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly.


    Though the couple was whispering, their eyes were fixed on the Bai family, not wanting to miss any detail. Clearly, Zhou Qun''s words had stunned everyone, but upon reflection, his reasoning wasn''t without merit. After all, Zhou''s mom was a "pure and innocent" woman.


    If Old Man Bai''s presence tarnished her reputation, it would indeed be problematic.


    This argument left everyone momentarily speechless.


    But soon, Old Man Bai retorted, "Your mom isn''t home anyway. Heaven and earth know, we know, but she doesn''t. What''s the big deal?"


    Zhou Qun: "That won''t do. I won''t lie to my mom. I trust Bai Fendou''s character, which is why I''m willing to let him stay. But Old Man Bai, I don''t know you that well..."


    "You little brat, what do you mean you don''t know me? I''m Old Man Bai! We''ve lived next door for over thirty years. I watched you being born! How can you say you don''t know me?"


    He was furious, never expecting such coldness. Even more infuriating was the blatant favoritism. What was so great about Bai Fendou''s character? How had he suddenly become the good guy? Old Man Bai was seething with indignation.


    "This isn''t about you taking me in or not. Why do you think there''s something wrong with me? Explain yourself!"


    Old Man Bai was beside himself with rage.


    The neighbors were thoroughly enjoying the show.


    Their courtyard was truly a treasure trove of drama. Even on a rainy day, it didn''t stop the entertainment. Zhuang Zhixi, always one to enjoy a good spectacle, sighed softly, "What we really need right now is Zhou''s mom."


    If Zhou''s mom hadn''t been locked up and was still present, Old Man Bai would have been beaten up by now. There was no way he''d be allowed to rant so loudly.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s words resonated with the neighbors, who all nodded in agreement, lamenting that Zhou''s mom had been locked up at the wrong time. After all, she had caused plenty of trouble in the courtyard, always emerging unscathed. But this one time, just as she expanded her antics outside, she ended up locked away.


    They hadn''t even witnessed the dramatic scene of the police taking her away.


    But regardless, everyone agreed that if Zhou''s mom were here, Old Man Bai wouldn''t dare be so brazen. He simply wasn''t a match for her.


    Boom!


    A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a loud thunderclap. The rain intensified, driven by the wind, and swept toward one side of the houses. Despite being in the same courtyard, the rain was heavier on Bai Fendou''s side.


    The rain poured through the broken window into the house. Even though everyone was still outside, Bai Fendou''s bedding was already soaked, unable to hold up.


    If the rain continued all night, the house would turn into a small river.


    Bai Fendou was now worried: "What are we going to do?"


    Yang Lixin, still angry about the plate-selling incident, snapped, "Usually, when it rains this hard, it stops quickly. The harder the rain, the quicker it ends." He was bluffing, hoping the Bai family''s house would flood. Let them suffer for cheating him!


    "That''s right, that''s how it usually is."


    "Exactly, it always works that way."


    Everyone chimed in, and Bai Fendou breathed a sigh of relief.


    He looked at Old Man Bai and said, "Dad, I''m going to rest at Zhou''s place. You stay home and keep an eye on things. Someone needs to watch the house, even on a rainy day. Right?"


    Old Man Bai was nearly choking with anger, deeply feeling that he had raised a useless son. While others raised children for old-age security, his son was unreliable to the extreme.


    "Why aren''t you at home watching over things?" Old Man Bai roared.


    Bai Fendou raised an eyebrow, looking rather innocent: "Isn''t it because they don''t want you? Why are you blaming me now? I think I''m quite innocent in this."


    Though he said that, he certainly didn''t look innocent at all.


    Old Man Bai stood under the eaves, shouting loudly: "Unfilial son, unfilial son! Heavens above, why don''t you strike this scoundrel with a bolt of lightning? My son, he''s so disobedient..."


    Boom!


    The thunder roared again.


    Old Man Bai''s shouting abruptly stopped.


    Despite his loud cries, in reality, it was just for show.


    The thunder sounded again, and he was a bit scared this time. Aunt Su looked at the situation and stepped forward to console Old Man Bai: "Old Man Bai, I know you''re feeling upset. But what Zhou Qun said isn''t entirely without reason."


    She didn''t genuinely want to help Zhou Qun; she just wanted Old Man Bai to see her kindness and goodness. Moreover, she didn''t want Old Man Bai to move into the Zhou''s house. If Zhou''s mother returned and found out, she might use this to latch onto Old Man Bai, which would be a loss for her.


    Although he hadn''t made any income these past few months, she wasn''t shortsighted. She knew that looking at things from a long-term perspective, Old Man Bai was someone who could be milked for a long time.


    She said: "Think about it. Considering Zhou''s mother''s personality and character, even though you''re saving yourself some trouble now, there will be plenty of problems later. When she comes back, she''ll definitely try to entangle you."


    Zhou Qun frowned: "My mom isn''t like that."


    Aunt Su: "Your mom pursued Old Man Bai when she was young, so it''s not surprising she hasn''t given up now."


    She spoke with complete confidence, then added: "Old Man Bai, I think for your own sake, you shouldn''t go to the Zhou''s. I know it''s a bit unfair for you to stay in such a house, but just bear with it for one night. It''s not that hard, right? I''ll make you some ginger soup."


    Old Man Bai couldn''t listen to others, but he could listen to Aunt Su. After thinking about it, he realized she made some sense. As a clean old man, if he got entangled with Zhou''s mother, it would be troublesome.


    He really didn''t like that woman.


    When she was young, this widow had tried to marry him by entangling him, and now... it wasn''t unexpected.


    He understood and nodded: "You''re right."


    Everyone: "Oh, oh."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s the right thing to say?"


    Now, he didn''t know if his son''s innocence would be preserved.


    This father, really isn''t attentive at all.


    Can''t he see Zhou Qun''s ambitions?


    Zhuang Zhixi pursed his lips, staring at this family. He saw them quickly make a decision. Zhou Qun: "Since Old Man Bai has decided, let''s go."


    As for Bai Fendou, this son is really unreliable.


    If it were another family, this situation wouldn''t be handled like this, but he just completely ignored his father and followed Zhou Qun to the Zhou''s house. Old Man Bai stayed alone in the house, watching the rain pouring in through the windows and doors, feeling quite annoyed.


    Looking at this situation, he muttered: "How am I supposed to live like this?"


    Everyone didn''t want to leave, all crowding around to watch the excitement.


    Old Man Bai: "What are you all looking at? Come and help, this is really disrespectful and unfriendly. Look at my place, it''s in such a state, yet you don''t know how to help?"


    "Old Man Bai, we want to help, but look, how can we? We can''t get involved," Zhuang Zhixi called out.


    "Right, Old Man Bai, you can''t blame us. Your son Bai Fendou is slacking off." As soon as Zhuang Zhixi spoke, others chimed in. This time, it''s not that everyone doesn''t want to help, but they can''t.


    "You really can''t do anything without covering it up. But we don''t have anything to help with, no one keeps glass at home."


    "That''s exactly right! We want to help but can''t."


    Hearing this, Old Man Bai felt very annoyed and waved his hand: "Go, go, all of you get lost. Not helping and just watching the excitement, how can there be such little scoundrels like you?"


    He started pushing people, and those close by were pushed out the door. He said: "Get out, get out."


    "Hey, you really... don''t take it out on us just because your son isn''t helping."


    "Exactly."


    Finally, it was Aunt Su, his old flame: "Bring Bai Fendou''s bedding over, cover the windows with it, and put pots and pans here too. Anyway, you have to protect your house. Clean up the water on the bed. I''ll go home and make you some ginger soup."


    Old Man Bai: "Good, good, good."


    He looked tenderly: "I know you''re the best to me, unlike others, not human."


    "Hey, Old Man Bai, is that how you talk?"


    "Right, what does this have to do with us? You can''t blame us. We''ve reminded you so many times, you didn''t install glass, now you''re in trouble, you can''t blame others..."


    "Exactly, I heard Zhuang Zhixi remind Bai Fendou in the bathroom today, but he didn''t want to."


    "We''ve reminded you, so how can we help?"


    "That''s right."


    Old Man Bai pursed his lips, thinking: Can''t you all raise some money to replace the glass for our house? Haven''t you seen we''ve been spending a lot of money in the hospital recently? We''re neighbors, can''t you help a bit? What kind of good neighbors are you?


    But he knew he couldn''t say this directly; he couldn''t lose face like that.


    He could only say with a dark face: "Go, go, all go home, don''t add to the chaos here."


    Zhuang Zhixi watched the lively scene for a long time. Seeing that Bai Fendou had followed Zhou Qun away and Old Man Bai had made up his mind, he finally stopped watching. He said: "Shall we go home too?"


    Ming Mei: "Let''s go."


    It was clear there wouldn''t be any more excitement to watch.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei went home. Zhuang Zhixi looked up at the sky; it was dark and gloomy. Although it was already night, the feeling of dark clouds pressing down was still palpable.


    If the clouds were really that dense, then there was no point in hoping the rain would stop soon.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei entered the house together. Ming Mei hung her raincoat on the rack by the door and said: "I feel like this matter isn''t over yet."


    "Of course not, Bai Fendou has walked right into the tiger''s mouth. This matter isn''t going to end. Their messy affairs are really endless."


    Although the couple went home, the outside was still lively. There was no shortage of onlookers everywhere. Even though it was night, no one seemed eager to go home. If there was excitement to watch, sleeping would be boring.


    Ming Mei quickly finished washing up and got into bed, but her desire to gossip was still strong. She leaned against the window, looking outside, but there didn''t seem to be any new developments.


    Zhuang Zhixi brushed his teeth and washed his feet before joining her in bed. They had taken a quick hot shower when they came home wet from work, so they didn''t need much more washing now.


    Zhuang Zhixi lay on the red peony pillow and said: "Aren''t you going to sleep?"


    Ming Mei shook her head: "Not sleepy, how can I fall asleep?"


    She looked out the window and said: "The Wangs and Lis from the back courtyard have also gone home."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There''s nothing to watch, so why not go home? Actually, everyone doesn''t need to be busy; Bai Fendou has his old flame helping. Does he need others?"


    Ming Mei chuckled: "Maybe no one wants to help, they just want to watch the excitement."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed.


    Ming Mei finally stopped leaning on the window. She nestled into Zhuang Zhixi''s arms and said: "I wonder if this night will be peaceful."


    Zhuang Zhixi gently patted his wife''s back and said: "Whether it will be peaceful is hard to say, but..."


    He lowered his head, gently kissed Ming Mei''s forehead, and said: "You definitely have to sleep."


    Ming Mei pouted: "Why do I have to sleep? I''m just pregnant, can''t I do what I want? You''re all too concerned about the baby. It hasn''t even been born yet, and you''re already controlling me like this."


    Ming Mei pouted slightly, and Zhuang Zhixi kissed her lips again, saying: "No."


    He chuckled softly, "It''s not that I care about the baby, it''s that I care about you. You''re pregnant and not resting properly; I''m worried about your health. The baby hasn''t even been born yet. Of course, I care more about you."


    Ming Mei laughed, her smile particularly radiant. She pinched Zhuang Zhixi and found a more comfortable position to lean against him, smiling sweetly, "I knew you treat me the best."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re my wife, who else would I treat well if not you?"


    He gently patted Ming Mei, as if trying to coax her to sleep. Ming Mei leaned against Zhuang Zhixi and suddenly said, "I''m hungry."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He said, "I''ll get you a sesame cookie."


    Ming Mei said softly, "And make me a cup of milk."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    He chuckled, "You didn''t need to brush your teeth just now."


    Ming Mei: "Don''t you think I''m being a bit of a nuisance?"


    It wasn''t intentional, but she really just suddenly felt hungry.


    "Pregnant women get hungry easily, it''s normal," Zhuang Zhixi said calmly. He prepared some food for Ming Mei. After eating and drinking to her satisfaction, she finally lay down again. Ming Mei''s sleep was quite good, and soon, she drifted off into dreamland.


    They turned off the lights and went to sleep. At this moment, Zhao Guihua was on her way home. She had spent a bit too long watching the commotion and started shaking her head.


    Zhao Guihua: "What is this all about?"


    Old Man Zhuang genuinely lamented: "This Bai Fendou, he''s not filial."


    Old people at this age are most concerned about whether their children are filial or not. But clearly, in their eyes, Bai Fendou is not a filial son. In such a heavy rain, leaving his old father at home alone while he goes to find a cozy place to sleep¡ªis that something a son should do?


    This is clearly extremely unfilial.


    Yet Bai Fendou did just that.


    "Now that Old Man Bai is still able to move around and earn money, Bai Fendou behaves like this. Who knows what will happen in the future?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Who can say?"


    In her previous life, this father and son managed to get by, and there was never any talk of Bai Fendou being unfilial. That''s because both Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou were workers with retirement salaries, so they were better off than some but not as well off as others. But that was the past life, not this one. She has come to realize over these days that some things change, while others do not.


    It mainly depends on whether they have been influenced or not.


    It must be said that this life has been somewhat influenced. For instance, in her previous life, Aunt Zhou never ended up in jail, but in this life, she did. In her previous life, Zhou Qun never got exposed, so Jiang Lu''s family never forced her to divorce, and Aunt Zhou never sought the help of a shaman to deal with Jiang Jianshe.


    But in this life, all of that happened.


    So Aunt Zhou ended up in jail.


    In her previous life, the Bai father and son didn''t have their eggs smashed, didn''t fight, didn''t owe money to the factory, and didn''t have their windows broken. So there was no sudden financial strain for several months, and the father and son didn''t turn on each other, so their relationship was still okay.


    This can''t be applied to this life.


    Zhao Guihua: "We don''t know how their family is doing, but I think, since they are both workers with salaries, they won''t be too badly off."


    "That''s true."


    Zhao Guihua heard footsteps and turned back to see Aunt Su carrying a bowl of ginger soup hurrying towards Old Man Bai. She pursed her lips, thinking: This woman is really calculating. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aunt Su returned, and by now, there were only a few people left. A handful of insomniacs, mostly men, had come to watch the excitement, but most of the older folks and women had gone back to sleep.


    Aunt Su watched as Old Man Bai drank the ginger soup, his eyes turning red with emotion.


    At a time when his own son couldn''t be relied on, Aunt Su still treated him so kindly. How could he not be moved? Among the thousands of women in the world, why did he have a special fondness for Aunt Su? It was because he saw her as a rare good woman.


    He finished the ginger soup and said softly, "Sister, you should go back and rest early. Your body is weak, and running around in such heavy rain might make you catch a cold. If you get sick because of me, I''d be heartbroken."


    Aunt Su said softly, "I know."


    The two of them were a bit too affectionate, their words sticky and sweet. The few men who were still watching the excitement shivered and quietly retreated. If it were a bachelor and a widow, they might have enjoyed the show, but the two of them together were over a hundred years old. They really didn''t want to watch.


    Who wants to see the love story of elderly people in the courtyard?


    They wanted to see young people. Watching old folks was not only not exciting, but it was also kind of disgusting.


    If it were Bai Fendou and the widow Wang Xiangxiu, they might have enjoyed it.


    But it wasn''t.


    Everyone left, and Old Man Bai gazed at Aunt Su affectionately. Aunt Su said softly, "Old Man Bai, I''m going back now. Take good care of yourself. If you get sick, I''ll be heartbroken. You know... you know my feelings... even though we can''t be together due to various reasons, my heart for you, you understand..."


    "I understand, I understand."


    Old Man Bai: "You go back and rest."


    Aunt Su: "Alright."


    Aunt Su finally left the Bai family and, halfway home, looked back at the Zhou family, frowning before returning to her own home. Wang Xiangxiu was sitting on the kang, sewing clothes for her children.


    Having sons is great, but it''s also really expensive. These mischievous kids need constant mending. She looked up, "Mom, you''re back?"


    Aunt Su: "Mm."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Mom, what''s wrong?"


    Aunt Su''s brow didn''t relax; the wrinkles between her eyebrows were obvious. She said, "I feel like Zhou Qun has been a bit strange lately. Why would he suddenly invite Bai Fendou to his house?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Maybe he wants to mend their relationship? After all, they didn''t have a bad relationship before. It''s always been Bai Fendou who envied Zhou Qun. Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou didn''t have any major conflicts. If there were any conflicts, it was because of Jinlai stealing things. That''s when they officially became enemies."


    That time, Bai Fendou injured Zhou Qun''s waist and got into a fight with Jiang Lu, which marked the beginning of their hostility. But maybe Zhou Qun has come to his senses?


    Wang Xiangxiu: "They had a decent relationship at the factory too. Recently, I''ve seen Zhou Qun talking to Bai Fendou more than once. I think since Zhou Qun''s scandal broke, everyone avoids him, and he doesn''t have any friends left. Maybe he''s trying to win over Bai Fendou to make more friends. And you know, Bai Fendou isn''t very cunning. He''s easy to win over. Maybe Zhou Qun is thinking he could even get an extra bodyguard. After all, Bai Fendou used to be in the security department, and his skills are way beyond Zhou Qun''s."


    Aunt Su: "Is that so? I always feel like it''s not that simple."


    She felt that this matter wasn''t as straightforward as Wang Xiangxiu made it out to be. Based on her understanding of Zhou Qun, the guy isn''t that superficial. She said, "We''ll see how it goes, but the Bai father and son, we must keep them in our grasp. The three kids need extra nutrition, and with your salary, it''s not enough."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed, "I know."


    She said, "Mom, recently, both the Bai father and son have had their wages docked, and I haven''t been getting any income from Zhou Qun either. What should we do?"


    She still had some side hustles outside, but the income wasn''t stable. Moreover, no one was as generous as Zhou Qun or as easy to manipulate as Bai Fendou. She glanced towards the Zhuang family''s direction and said, "Ming Mei is pregnant; I wonder if Zhuang Zhixi will be tempted to cheat."


    "Which man doesn''t cheat?" Aunt Su sneered, "Men, you can''t think too highly of them. Their not being tempted doesn''t necessarily mean they''re virtuous; it might just mean the temptation isn''t big enough. Or, you''re not worth the risk."


    Wang Xiangxiu pursed her lips, feeling a bit uneasy. She had always been very confident in herself.


    Although her family was poor, she was considered the prettiest girl in their neighborhood. Many men secretly admired her; just touching her hand would earn them a meat bun. So she had confidence in her beauty.


    She was naturally beautiful and could bear sons. Who could have three sons in a row? If her husband hadn''t died, she could have had a whole army of kids.


    She was different from ordinary women.


    She said awkwardly, "At the factory, if I just crook my finger, I can always hook one or two suckers."


    Aunt Su looked at her behavior and felt a strong disgust in her heart, but still smiled and said, "Mom knows you''re capable, but Zhuang Zhixi is different. Even rabbits don''t eat the grass near their burrow. He''s not like Zhou Qun; this guy is shrewd."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed and said, "I know, he''s always been quite unyielding towards me."


    She could keep approaching him, but she also knew she couldn''t do that. The reason she had long had her eye on Zhuang Zhixi but didn''t make a move was precisely because they were neighbors. She couldn''t afford to ruin her reputation.


    "But where exactly can I find such a sucker?"


    The men at the factory just want to take advantage, but they offer too little.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s appetite was too big. She was willing to make this money, but too little just wouldn''t do. If they thought they could get away with giving a little and taking advantage, they were even more delusional. A measly two taels of meat would only warrant a little hand-holding.


    "Look around the factory some more, and tomorrow after work, go to Zhaodi and Pandi''s place. Just say I was bitten by a rat, and they can''t refuse to come over."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Okay."


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law schemed together and finally lay down.


    At the same time, in the same courtyard, Aunt Wang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Li the Cook finally couldn''t take it anymore and said, "What are you doing?"


    Aunt Wang: "Don''t you think Zhou Qun is a bit strange?"


    Li the Cook: "How so?"


    He said, "Do you think he''s being nice to Bai Fendou? Could it be that he''s deliberately trying to get close, intending to seek revenge?"


    Aunt Wang hesitated and said, "It''s not that feeling either, it''s just... hard to describe..."


    She couldn''t quite put it into words, but the feeling was definitely off.


    Li the Cook: "Why do you care about their business? Zhou Qun isn''t a good guy, and Bai Fendou isn''t any better. One less of them is better for everyone."


    Although there was no evidence to prove Zhou Qun''s misdeeds, everyone at the factory knew he was always after older women. To put it harshly, he was no different from those ancient male prostitutes. No one believed he was innocent.


    Everyone has a brain, after all.


    As for Bai Fendou, even less said, he had swindled money from their family, though they weren''t sure how much. But they were certain he had swindled them. How could they look upon Bai Fendou favorably?


    "Let''s sleep, don''t worry about them."


    "Alright!"


    Late at night, every household in the courtyard inevitably discussed the Bai family''s affairs, most of them with mockery. With two workers in the family and no financial burden, they could have lived well, but instead, their life was in such a mess that even their windows had no glass. Who else could they laugh at but the Bai family?


    Of course, the topic inevitably turned to Zhou Qun.


    Zhou Qun''s strangeness was well-known to everyone.


    At this moment, Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou lay on the same bed. They had actually arrived earlier, but Bai Fendou had been soaked to the bone, and Zhou Qun was afraid he would catch a cold, so he instructed Wang Zhaodi to boil some hot water for Bai Fendou to bathe.


    Bai Fendou took a bath and drank ginger soup. Finally, he lay down and said, "I used to... misunderstand you. You''re actually a good guy."


    After lying down for a while, Bai Fendou spoke up.


    Zhou Qun: "We''re neighbors, helping each other is normal. Besides, we grew up together. Our bond isn''t like others''. Speaking of which, Zhuang Zhiyuan from the Zhuang family is three years younger than us, and Zhuang Zhixi is even younger. The ones who truly grew up together are you and me, and Su. Now that Su is gone, it''s just us. Why should we let others'' affairs cause such a rift between us? We don''t actually have any conflicts."


    Bai Fendou nodded and agreed.


    But he also said, "It''s also because your family was too harsh on the Su family. The child is innocent, and taking a little something when he''s hungry, what''s the big deal? He''s still a child."


    Zhou Qun pursed his lips, thinking that such a child would end up in a juvenile detention center sooner or later.


    But he didn''t argue with Bai Fendou, saying, "Mm."


    He turned over and placed his hand on Bai Fendou''s waist, saying, "Bai Fendou, what kind of woman do you want to marry?"


    Bai Fendou thought he had just casually put his hand there and didn''t pay it any mind, saying, "I want to find someone with good conditions, preferably beautiful, educated, and talented. If her family can help me out, that would be even better."


    He pursed his lips and said, "I''m not like Yang Lixin, who wants to be a live-in son-in-law. Marriage is the union of two families, and helping each other is normal."


    He was also trying to cover up his own embarrassment.


    Zhou Qun nodded, "You''re right. I agree with your point of view. If a family doesn''t help each other, who else can they rely on? Outsiders certainly can''t be trusted. Look at you today, we''ve been neighbors for so many years, and apart from me, has anyone else offered to help? It''s clear they''re heartless and unfeeling."


    He placed one leg over.


    Bai Fendou didn''t pay it any mind again.


    He said, "Sister Xiangxiu is still good, but I can''t stay at the house of two widows."


    Wang Xiangxiu again!


    Zhou Qun''s eyes flashed with a hint of darkness. Wang Xiangxiu, what kind of person is she?


    He took a deep breath and suppressed his anger, saying, "Don''t mention her. Let''s just talk about the people in the courtyard. It''s our bond that''s strong."


    Bai Fendou was somewhat moved by his words and nodded, "I know, you''re a good guy."


    The Zhou family isn''t all bad.


    It''s just that Aunt Zhou, the troublemaker, isn''t a good person.


    Look, when she was around, things in the courtyard were constantly going wrong, with people arguing and fighting. But now that she''s gone, everything is different. Zhou Qun even stepped forward to help proactively, showing that the previous troubles were all due to Aunt Zhou.


    He patted Zhou Qun and said, "I know you''re still a good person..."


    Zhou Qun smiled and moved closer to Bai Fendou, whispering, "Have you ever been with a woman?"


    Bai Fendou''s eyes widened like copper bells, "Why would I be with a woman? I''m a decent person. I''m not the kind of guy who just goes around casually."


    Zhou Qun: "Ha ha ha!"


    This guy, his age is a bit old for that.


    But he felt even happier.


    "Well... let me teach you?"


    Bai Fendou: "???"


    Zhou Qun seriously said, "If you don''t know anything, you''ll embarrass yourself on your wedding night. There are techniques to it..."


    "Ah! Never heard of that!"


    "You''re a bachelor, who would tell you...?"


    "Then tell me, Zhou Qun, you''re really a good guy."


    ...


    The heavy rain still hadn''t stopped. In the dead of night, Zhao Guihua grumbled as she put on her clothes and went out. The most frustrating thing in life is having a stomachache in the middle of the night during a heavy rain. Zhao Guihua went out alone. The heavy rain made the gate open.


    Earlier, they had been closing the gate every day because of the thieves, but it hadn''t been long, and everyone had relaxed again.


    Not just their courtyard, some courtyards didn''t even lock their doors. But their courtyard was different; they had to lock their doors, especially with Jinlai being a pickpocket and Yinlai and Tonglai acting as lookouts. They had to be careful.


    Zhao Guihua, lost in thought, walked out of the alley, grumbling even more as she ran to the back street. It was a long way to the toilet. Poor them, they didn''t know when their toilet would be fixed. Zhao Guihua quickly went to the toilet.


    At this time, Zhou Qun had already taught Bai Fendou a lot of "knowledge," using both hands and feet, very seriously explaining.


    Bai Fendou: "Alright, alright, stop getting closer. Teaching me won''t help; there''s no woman here anyway. I''m tired, I want to sleep."


    Although he had learned a lot, felt excited, and even a bit breathless, Bai Fendou still decided not to learn anymore. After all, Zhou Qun''s teaching method was unclear, and he had to use his hands to explain, which made Bai Fendou think his teaching skills were a bit lacking.


    But the guy was really well-intentioned. He turned over and said, "I have to get up early for work tomorrow, I''m going to sleep."


    Zhou Qun frowned, feeling very unhappy, but he knew that even if Bai Fendou was still a bit injured, he might not be a match for him. He could only let Bai Fendou sleep in his bed. However, Bai Fendou''s sleep quality was really good.


    In no time, he started snoring rhythmically... Zhou Qun listened to the sound and felt the breath of the person next to him, making it even harder for him to fall asleep.


    He turned his head in the darkness and stared at Bai Fendou. Outside, the rain was pouring down, and his heart began to race. After a moment of thought, he quietly got out of bed and tiptoed to the next room. His ear pressed against the door, but he couldn''t hear anything. Carefully, he opened the door just a crack and peeked inside. He saw Jiang Lu and Wang Zhaodi both asleep.


    Not everyone was as restless as he was.


    Sneaky and suspicious.


    Convinced that the two women were asleep, he closed the door gently and tiptoed back to his room.


    Heh heh!


    Heh heh heh!


    In the dead of night, Zhou Qun was the most energetic person in the entire courtyard.


    This rainy night, with heavy rain pouring down, Aunt Wang from the back courtyard rubbed her stomach and went out wearing a raincoat. Maybe it was because they stood in the rain watching the commotion for too long, but she felt a bit chilly. She shuffled her feet as she walked outside... Crack, rumble.


    A lightning bolt streaked across the night sky, and the thunder followed immediately.


    Aunt Wang was startled and leaned against the wall. As she turned her head... the lightning illuminated the room brightly.


    In the brightly lit room, Aunt Wang witnessed a scene she would never forget. Zhou Qun... was kissing Bai Fendou, fumbling around, hands everywhere... that kind of kissing!


    Those who are married understand!


    Even those who are not married understand, it''s just that kind of thing!


    Aunt Wang almost screamed out loud, but at the crucial moment, she covered her mouth with her hand. She trembled against the wall, her legs shaking like limp noodles.


    She took deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. To be honest, she couldn''t think of going to the bathroom anymore.


    She couldn''t believe what she had just seen. She leaned against the wall, struggling to gather her courage and slowly approached the window. The faint creak of the door opening sounded, and Aunt Wang quickly covered her mouth again, afraid she might scream.


    The person who came out of the room was also startled and was about to speak when he saw Aunt Wang frantically waving her hand. This person was none other than Lan Sihai.


    Lan Sihai was holding a wooden stick. He had woken up to get a drink of water and thought he saw a shadowy figure moving outside. Worried that it might be a thief taking advantage of the rainy night, he immediately grabbed the stick and went out.


    But... Aunt Wang?


    What was going on?


    Aunt Wang''s face was red, and she signaled him to be quiet, pointing at Zhou Qun''s bedroom. Lan Sihai''s eyes flickered. Being an older man, he could guess what Aunt Wang might have seen.


    As for the thief?


    This time, Lan Sihai didn''t think it was a thief in the room.


    What kind of thief would be so stupid as to target a room with two grown men sleeping in it?


    He had been watching the commotion earlier and knew that Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou lived here. He put down the stick and walked directly to the window... Ah, what a sight!


    Truly... indecent!


    Extremely indecent!


    One glance and you''d want to wash your eyes. This scene was just too shocking!


    It was way too shocking!


    After a quick look, he turned back to his room and gently tapped his wife''s shoulder. Luo Xiaohe rubbed her eyes: "What''s wrong?"


    Lan Sihai pointed outside and then made a shushing gesture, leading her out. Luo Xiaohe: "???"


    As soon as she stepped out, she saw Aunt Wang clinging to the window of Zhou Qun''s house like a gecko.


    Luo Xiaohe was even more confused: "???"


    What was going on?


    But she didn''t ask, and followed Lan Sihai to the window. The moment she looked inside, Luo Xiaohe almost screamed, but Lan Sihai, prepared, quickly covered her mouth. Luo Xiaohe trembled, her fingers raised, her eyes wide, and the three of them looked at each other.


    Then they all turned their attention to the room, only to quickly turn away, covering their mouths to suppress the urge to vomit.


    Zhao Guihua returned from outside, finally feeling relieved. She hadn''t eaten much tonight, so why did she have diarrhea? It must be the cold. The temperature had dropped significantly after the rain.


    As she entered the courtyard, she immediately came face to face with three people.


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    What... are you all doing?


    Grouping up to peek into Aunt Zhou''s window?


    Before anyone could say anything, Zhao Guihua quickly moved closer. She peeked inside and saw... Zhou Qun''s hands were way too... The two inside were almost rolling around. Zhao Guihua covered her eyes and turned to look at them. The four elderly people looked at each other.


    They were both curious to see more but also found it too disgusting.


    Mainly, the two of them were just too shocking.


    Zhao Guihua took a deep breath and quickly ran back home.


    Luo Xiaohe: "Didn''t Aunt Zhao want to see more?"


    Although she spoke, she didn''t make a sound, just moving her mouth. Aunt Wang could understand, but she wasn''t sure why Zhao Guihua left.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t disappoint them. She quickly returned, dragging out the drowsy Old Man Zhuang.


    Aunt Wang & Lan Sihai & Luo Xiaohe: "..."


    What...


    Are you forming a group to watch the show?


    But then again, Lan Sihai had already called out Luo Xiaohe.


    Aunt Wang quickly went home and soon, Li the Cook also rubbed his eyes and came out. He saw Old Man Zhuang leaning against the wall, his mouth wide open, like a fish out of water, pressing his chest.


    At his age, he had never seen anything like this before and couldn''t handle it.


    Li the Cook had already heard from Aunt Wang about what was happening between Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, so he was somewhat prepared. But the sight still made him want to vomit.


    The six elderly people all leaned against the wall, like geckos.


    However, none of them went to call their children. After all, these kids were too young. If they saw this, they wouldn''t be able to handle it! Besides, if they started imitating Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, that would be a problem!


    So, they all silently agreed not to involve their younger family members.


    Lan Sihai gestured toward his house, and the group went inside together. The six of them stood there in silence for a long time before Lan Sihai, being the oldest and most experienced, finally spoke up.


    He summarized: "Ugly people, wild games."


    They were all speechless.


    Zhao Guihua clutched her hair, almost pulling it all out. She said, "I never expected... I never expected this..."


    So, she realized that you can''t rely entirely on past experiences. Look, this is a major deviation from what you''d expect. Who could have imagined that these two would end up in such a relationship?


    "Old man, stop pulling your hair."


    Old Man Zhuang stopped Zhao Guihua''s hand.


    Zhao Guihua: "This is way too shocking."


    Even decades later, such things aren''t uncommon, and Zhao Guihua had heard about them. But this was the first time she had seen something like this with her own eyes, and it was happening to people she knew. It was incredibly shocking.


    Zhao Guihua''s words were met with agreement from everyone. They all nodded. Indeed, this was way too shocking.


    "Do you think... when did Zhou Qun start having feelings for Bai Fendou?"


    "Who knows? He used to chase women, didn''t he? Maybe those stories about chasing women were fake. Maybe he''s always liked men. Those past stories might not be true." Aunt Wang said.


    Lan Sihai glanced at her and said, "Maybe he likes both men and women? Even if he doesn''t, maybe he just changed his taste."


    "Ah, can it be like that?"


    "Why not? Besides, some people just don''t like women, but they can still... Anyway, why are we discussing this? What we should be discussing is, should we catch them in the act?"


    Honestly, if this had happened under normal circumstances, they would have intervened.


    But now, it''s just too awkward to deal with!


    Zhao Guihua: "I don''t know."


    Luo Xiaohe, having been married into the family for a short time, thought she had seen a lot, but this situation left her completely baffled. She could only echo Zhao Guihua like a parrot: "I don''t know."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Aunt Wang, you''re the head of the courtyard. What do you think?"


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    Her expression was conflicted. This head of the courtyard job was really becoming too much.


    This is just too frustrating. What kind of mess is this?


    She covered her face, and after a long while, she said, "Let''s just pretend we didn''t see anything."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s true. If we bring it up, whether they admit it or not, it''s just going to be embarrassing. Besides, our neighborhood''s reputation is already bad enough. If we stir things up more, it''ll only get worse."


    "Who says otherwise?"


    "I wonder why Zhou Qun is like this."


    "I don''t care about Zhou Qun. From the moment he approached Bai Fendou, he didn''t have good intentions. What I''m thinking is, Bai Fendou has always been jealous of Zhou Qun, right? How could he end up rolling around with him? It really is true that you can''t judge a book by its cover."


    Zhao Guihua sighed.


    Li the Cook chimed in, "I saw something off about their relationship a long time ago. I mean, how could Bai Fendou try to bully Jiang Lu, and Zhou Qun still forgives him? It turns out they were involved. I bet this is a love triangle. Zhou Qun married Jiang Lu, and Bai Fendou got jealous and started targeting their family. He deliberately pushed Jiang Lu into the small warehouse at the factory, and it definitely wasn''t because he had any intentions. He just wanted to make Zhou Qun angry, so he went all out. Look, Zhou Qun even forgave him. That''s because Zhou Qun definitely feels guilty toward him. They can''t be together, so they can only silently endure their longing for each other..."


    Li the Cook seemed to have watched too many melodramatic shows, as his imagination ran wild.


    A love triangle had already emerged in his mind.


    Jiang Lu wasn''t even the main character.


    Bai Fendou was the leading role, and Jiang Lu was just a supporting character.


    Aunt Wang couldn''t take it anymore: "Please stop, you''re going to make me sick!"


    Aunt Wang was truly overwhelmed and said, "Oh my god, stop talking, I can''t handle it. Just thinking about it makes me nauseous."


    "This is just..."


    The group exchanged glances and silently left the room, pressing their faces against the window to see two naked bodies.


    Zhao Guihua covered her mouth, feeling waves of nausea, and couldn''t hold back any longer, running home... Old Man Zhuang quickly followed. Lan Sihai and his wife exchanged glances and finally couldn''t bear it anymore, hurrying back to their home.


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    Li the Cook dragged her back home.


    Aunt Wang: "I just came out to go to the bathroom."


    Well, now she had no urge to go anymore.


    The three elderly couples returned to their homes, finally able to speak freely.


    However, once back home, none of the old couples could find the words to discuss it. The incident was too shocking; how could they talk about it?


    "You see..."


    Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the courtyard: "Ah!!!"


    Zhao Guihua flinched, instantly recognizing whose voice it was. She quickly said, "It''s Jiang Lu!"


    She darted to the door and yanked it open. In the pouring rain, the Zhou family''s house was brightly lit! Zhao Guihua was the fastest, rushing over to see Jiang Lu standing at the door in thin clothes, completely stunned.


    Zhao Guihua: "!!!"


    She had found out!


    Zhao Guihua hurried forward, seeing Jiang Lu suddenly freeze, then seem to snap out of it. She suddenly charged into the house, where a heartbreaking scream rang out. Jiang Lu roared in fury: "Bai Fendou, I''ll kill you! You seduced my husband!!!"


    Soon, the lights in the other houses in the courtyard turned on, and people rushed out, half-dressed, not even bothering to put on their clothes.


    "What''s going on?"


    "What happened? Why did I hear Jiang Lu''s scream?"


    "I heard her yelling at Bai Fendou!"


    "Ah, did Bai Fendou try to take advantage of her again? This is inviting trouble!"


    No, I heard her scold Bai Fendou for seducing her husband...


    "Could that have been a misunderstanding?"


    Everyone was speculating, but soon they all crowded around the Zhou family''s door, only to see¡ªoh, no!

 Chapter 101

    "Ahhh!!!"Jiang Lu''s scream was so ear-piercing, it nearly reached the heavens.


    The commotion attracted everyone who heard it, and soon the entire neighborhood had gathered at the Zhou family''s doorstep. People huddled at the entrance, whispering and peeking inside. What they saw left them in shock.


    Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou were both stark naked, like freshly cooked chicken. Zhou Qun was rolling on the ground, covering a certain part of his body, while Bai Fendou sat in the corner, looking like a traumatized bride.


    Oh boy!


    This was something no one had ever seen before.


    Everyone looked at each other, at a loss for words... gulp. Someone swallowed hard. Zhuang Zhixi, standing at the front, quickly reacted, "Ladies, don''t come forward!"


    Aunt Sui: "What''s going on? I''m old, I can handle it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Other men: "..."


    Such a shocking scene made the men naturally step forward to shield the women from the sight. Not to protect Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou''s modesty, but to prevent the women from getting nightmares. Who in their right mind would want to see this?


    Ming Mei, who was jumping around at the back, stopped and quietly peered forward. It seemed the scene inside was not something ordinary women should witness. Beside her was her equally curious sister-in-law, Liang Meifen: "This is something else, something else."


    When her son, rubbing his eyes, came out, Liang Meifen scolded, "Go back to bed, now! This is no place for kids."


    Little Hutou mumbled softly and shuffled back into the house.


    He was sent away, but other kids like Jinlai were peeking out from the doorway.


    Men and elderly women stood in the front row; young wives and unmarried girls in the middle; and at the back, the kids who would come out even in the pouring rain to watch the drama.


    The entire neighborhood had been woken up.


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t expected this. They had just decided to let the matter slide, pretending they knew nothing, but then it all blew up on its own. How it happened, no one knew, but seeing Jiang Lu trembling with anger, they felt they had to say something: "Jiang Lu... you..."


    No one knew what to say.


    Everyone looked at Aunt Wang, the neighborhood committee leader. Aunt Wang: "..." This was truly her worst nightmare!


    "Jiang Lu, why don''t you stay at your parents'' place for a few days?"


    She didn''t dare ask what had happened. With Jiang Lu in this state, asking would only provoke her.


    Aunt Wang meant well, but it backfired. Jiang Lu suddenly turned viciously and snapped, "Why should I go to my parents'' place? Am I making room for Bai Fendou, the male seducer? This is my home! Does he want to usurp it?"


    Aunt Wang: "I didn''t mean that."


    She was snapped at.


    Jiang Lu: "Then why are you telling me to go to my parents''? Are you on Bai Fendou''s side? Are you colluding to drive me out?"


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    She was utterly speechless.


    Aunt Wang was so furious she was shaking. Zhao Guihua stepped in, helping Aunt Wang to the side and said coldly, "Jiang Lu, speak properly. Who are you snapping at? If it weren''t for living in the same neighborhood, who would care about your mess? You''re acting like a mad dog biting everyone. Why don''t you direct your anger at Zhou Qun?"


    Jiang Lu''s eyes were bloodshot. She glared at Zhao Guihua and spat, "This is my business! You neighbors can mind your own damn business! Who do you think you are?"


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "Do you think we want to meddle? If it weren''t for you snapping at Aunt Wang, I wouldn''t have said a word. If Aunt Wang weren''t the neighborhood committee leader, do you think she''d want to deal with your mess? Do you think this is something to be proud of?"


    She turned to Aunt Wang, "Old Wang, you''re just the neighborhood committee leader. Do what you can, but if you can''t, it''s not your fault. You see? Some people just don''t know good from bad."


    Aunt Wang had calmed down by now. She patted her friend''s hand and said, "You''re right."


    She looked directly at Jiang Lu and said, "I''m not getting involved in your family''s affairs anymore. Do whatever you want."


    With that, she turned and walked away!


    She was truly furious. Over the years, she had worked tirelessly for their neighborhood. While every neighborhood had its share of petty disputes, theirs seemed to have more than its fair share. She had put in a lot of effort.


    She had helped every household, but never expected Jiang Lu to bite the hand that fed her.


    Aunt Wang shouted, "Old Li, Li Fang, Yang Lixin, go home!"


    Even though Chef Li was usually the boss at home, he dared not defy Aunt Wang when she was angry. He quickly turned and obediently followed. Yang Lixin also dragged his wife and hurried away.


    Jiang Lu watched their backs and shouted through gritted teeth, "I don''t need your help!"


    Suddenly, she erupted and charged at Bai Fendou, kicking him: "You male seducer! You seduced my husband!"


    At the last moment, Bai Fendou barely dodged, thanks to his experience from previous beatings. He knew Jiang Lu''s tactics¡ªshe went for the lower body, no matter how unsightly. The goal was to win!


    He barely dodged and looked at Jiang Lu with a fierce glare. No one expected him to suddenly strike back, slapping Jiang Lu hard across the face.


    "Ah!" Jiang Lu''s face instantly swelled up.


    "Holy crap, Bai Fendou actually hit her!"


    "Yeah, those two men messing around, and now he''s hitting her?"


    "That''s too much."


    "He should be arrested by the security department!"


    "Exactly!"


    "Bai Fendou, are you even a man? Hitting a woman, tarnishing the reputation of us men in Beijing."


    Beijing men might brag about beating their wives at home, but actually doing it was looked down upon. Hitting someone else''s wife was downright despicable.


    Whether it was the blow or the crowd''s support that fueled her, Jiang Lu let out a howl and charged again. Her fists mercilessly pummeled Bai Fendou, who pushed her hard, not caring that he was still naked, and slapped her again.


    Now both of Jiang Lu''s cheeks were swollen.


    "Holy crap!"


    "Bai Fendou, what are you doing!"


    "That''s too much!"


    "How can you hit Jiang Lu? Is there no law?"


    The crowd couldn''t take it anymore and rolled up their sleeves, ready to teach this unprincipled man a lesson. But before they could step forward, Bai Fendou suddenly roared at them, "I''ll hit her! I''ll hit her! They set me up! They must have set me up! They plotted against me, waaah! My innocence! I''m still a virgin! I''ve never been with a woman! Zhou Qun molested me, waaah!"


    He cried, tears and snot streaming down his face, "I don''t believe Jiang Lu didn''t know! They must have been holding a grudge from the small warehouse incident! The couple lured me to their home, then Zhou Qun molested me, waaah, and Jiang Lu exposed me to ruin my reputation! That''s what they wanted! Waaah... you''re bullying me, you''re all bullying me!"


    Thinking of this, his eyes turned vicious, and he kicked Zhou Qun: "You bastard! You bastard took advantage of me while I was asleep. Waaah, you''re despicable, may lightning strike you down! Why don''t you just die..."


    Bai Fendou cried as if the world was ending. He never imagined he''d encounter such a thing. He''d only heard of young girls or women being harassed, never a thirty-something man!


    He was unlucky, so unlucky.


    He cried and kicked Zhou Qun: "You bastard! You''re not human! You even said you''d teach me some tricks... you were plotting against me! Waaah! You took advantage of me while I was asleep..."


    The crowd: "What the...!"


    "Oh, this..."


    Everyone was stunned, not knowing what to say.


    It was just... so bewildering.


    Bai Fendou was even more bewildered. He hadn''t expected Zhou Qun to say such a thing. Seeing Zhou Qun crying so hard that he was about to faint, yet still trying to attack Bai Fendou, Jiang Lu quickly stepped forward: "Don''t hit him! What are you doing? Who told you to act wild in my house!"


    She tried to block Bai Fendou''s attack, not allowing him to hit Zhou Qun.


    Bai Fendou roared in anger: "You''re going too far!"


    He pointed at Jiang Lu and demanded: "Tell me, did you and your husband plan this together? You bullied me and even tried to ruin my reputation. Tell me!"


    Everyone followed Bai Fendou''s gaze and turned to look at Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu widened her eyes: "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Bai Fendou ignored her and kicked Zhou Qun again: "She won''t say it, so you tell me. Did you deliberately try to sleep with me? Tell me!"


    Zhou Qun, who was kicked and clutching a sensitive area, rolled around on the ground, barely able to speak: "I... this... this is a misunderstanding..."


    Bai Fendou refused to believe it and shouted: "Go to hell with your misunderstanding! There''s no way it''s a misunderstanding! You stripped me naked. How could it be a misunderstanding? Waaah, my dream girl in my dreams..."


    He cried so pitifully that everyone, who were used to seeing Bai Fendou''s tough exterior, felt sympathy for him for the first time. Although no one knew exactly what had happened, given Bai Fendou''s state, it was hard to believe he had any intention of getting involved with Zhou Qun.


    It was more likely that Zhou Qun had done something to him!


    Oh, how terrible!


    Bai Fendou: "Jiang Lu, you tell me!"


    Jiang Lu, though furious and heartbroken for Zhou Qun, saw Bai Fendou''s madness and calmed down a bit. She shouted: "I don''t know what you''re talking about! I have no idea what you''re saying! I just took you in out of kindness, and then I got up to use the bathroom and heard noises in the room... Do you think I wanted to see that? That''s my husband! That''s my husband! I''d have to be crazy to come up with such a scheme. How could I possibly do something like that to trick you?"


    By the end, Jiang Lu was shouting.


    Bai Fendou also shouted: "If that''s not the case, then why did Zhou Qun do this to me?"


    He was just one step away from losing his innocence.


    He cried so hard that his tears outnumbered the raindrops outside.


    "Just one step away, I almost got violated by a man. Waaah!"


    At this point, no one dared to say a word. The atmosphere was clearly explosive on both sides, and no one knew what had really happened. Was it Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun''s plot, or did Bai Fendou somehow seduce Zhou Qun? It was impossible to tell.


    Both sides felt wronged.


    So everyone was holding their breath, afraid that even a slight movement might miss something crucial.


    But... did Bai Fendou really not get violated?


    Was that true? Jiang Lu didn''t seem that angry.


    Bai Fendou turned and saw everyone''s suspicious looks. Even though no one said anything, Bai Fendou felt like they had said it all. He roared: "Nothing happened! It was just one step away! Waaah, my dream girl was supposed to be a beauty..."


    It was all Zhou Qun''s fault. That bastard Zhou Qun was a scoundrel. Before going to sleep, he had talked nonsense to Bai Fendou and even tried to "teach him." Although Bai Fendou felt weird and refused, he couldn''t help but dream of such things.


    In his dreams, it was Wang Xiangxiu.


    He had lied when he said "big sister."


    After all, he couldn''t say that the woman in his dreams was Wang Xiangxiu. Sister Xiangxiu''s reputation was important too. In his dreams, they had kissed, hugged, and done many happy things together. But... everything was fake.


    Jiang Lu''s scream woke him up!


    Waaah, there was no Wang Xiangxiu.


    Only Zhou Qun, who had intended to take advantage of him!


    He felt so wronged that he curled up like a 150-pound ball, on the verge of losing everything. In the nick of time, he used his ultimate move¡ªthe Dragon Claw.


    With a powerful grip, Zhou Qun collapsed!


    Bai Fendou stumbled and curled up against the wall, feeling helpless and pitiful.


    Who would have thought that even men weren''t safe these days? And to think that Jiang Lu was still trying to frame him. He felt even more wronged than Dou E! He cried even harder: "How can you treat me like this? I''m a virgin! I''m not clean anymore... How am I supposed to get married in the future?"


    Jiang Lu: "Don''t try to shift the blame. I could say you''re the one who bullied my husband..."


    Bai Fendou''s eyes turned red instantly: "You bastard! I''ll kill you!"


    He rushed outside to grab a kitchen knife.


    Wang Zhaodi, who was already in the room, reacted quickly and snatched the knife just as Bai Fendou approached, throwing it out... "Holy crap!"


    "This is crazy! He''s going to kill someone!"


    "It''s a kitchen knife! How could you throw it out?"


    "Are you an idiot?"


    Wang Zhaodi was scared out of her wits, trembling: "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I... I just..." She was too nervous to speak. She hadn''t meant to do it; she was just afraid Bai Fendou would hurt someone.


    Everyone was crowded at the door. Luckily, they all dodged in time, and the knife fell to the ground. Otherwise, they would have been injured just watching the drama. Everyone gave Wang Zhaodi a disapproving look.


    Wang Zhaodi awkwardly stood by the door, not knowing what to do. Zhuang Zhixi quickly shouted: "Move aside! I''ll kick it out."


    Even the most skilled fighter would fear a kitchen knife.


    Everyone quickly moved aside as Zhuang Zhixi kicked the knife out.


    Yang Lixin quickly pulled Wang Zhaodi out of the way. Although they had left, Yang Lixin couldn''t resist coming back to watch. After all, Bai Fendou losing his innocence was too good of a show to miss. He couldn''t help but peek, especially since his mother-in-law and father-in-law were also standing on tiptoes, trying to see what was happening.


    Although he had been angry at first, this situation was too intriguing not to watch.


    Yang Lixin pulled Wang Zhaodi out, leaving the stage to Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun''s family. Wang Zhaodi shivered and leaned against the wall, finding city people quite frightening.


    "What are you all looking at? There''s nothing to see here! Are you here to watch my humiliation? When have I, Bai Fendou, ever been so embarrassed? You''re not giving me the knife back, so..." He grabbed a cutting board and prepared to charge in.


    If this continued, someone could get seriously hurt.


    Aunt Wang was really at a loss, but she quickly spoke up: "Both of you have your reasons, but maybe neither of you is at fault. Maybe it''s Zhou Qun''s issue. Maybe Zhou Qun just took a liking to Bai Fendou. It''s not about revenge or ruining Bai Fendou''s reputation. Maybe Zhou Qun just likes Bai Fendou. Otherwise, why hasn''t Jiang Lu had a child all these years? Zhou Qun just doesn''t like women."


    Her voice wasn''t loud, but it was enough for Bai Fendou to hear.


    Bai Fendou froze, then his eyes darkened, though his tears flowed even more.


    Damn it, this was even more unbearable than being tricked.


    At that moment, Jiang Lu hugged her husband and looked up, saying seriously: "I swear, I didn''t plot against you."


    Seeing Bai Fendou go mad like this, Jiang Lu managed to clear her mind a bit. She knew she hadn''t done anything, so she had to make it clear. Otherwise, their family would never be able to face people again.


    No matter what Zhou Qun had done, she had to distance herself from it first.


    Only then could she consider that Zhou Qun might have had a dream.


    If she didn''t clear this up, their family would never be able to face people again.


    She started by distancing herself, raising her hand: "I swear, if my husband and I plotted together to trick you, let me be struck by lightning and die a horrible death! Let the lightning outside strike me down now!"


    Bai Fendou: "Waaah!"


    Seeing Jiang Lu so determined, everyone began to persuade Bai Fendou: "Fendou, since Jiang Lu is willing to make such a vicious oath, she probably didn''t trick you."


    "That''s right. If Jiang Lu had really tricked you, she wouldn''t have been so angry earlier."


    "Yeah, no one would do such a thing. You must have misunderstood her."


    "I think you misunderstood Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu is actually quite nice."


    Jiang Lu had been living in this courtyard for over ten years, and people had some understanding of her. While her mother-in-law, Aunt Zhou, might have done something like this, Jiang Lu probably wouldn''t.


    What good would it do her to spread this story around?


    Bai Fendou''s reputation is already in tatters, and how could their marriage possibly remain intact?


    Obviously, it couldn''t.


    Bai Fendou was bawling his eyes out, completely devoid of any manly dignity. Jiang Lu''s oath would have been fine if she hadn''t made it, but now it seemed to confirm that he had indeed set his sights on her.


    At thirty-something, finding a wife was so difficult, yet finding a man was so easy?


    Could it really be that his grandmother''s legs could attract the attention of a man?


    Such an absurd situation was more than Bai Fendou could handle. With a loud "Ga!" he suddenly passed out and collapsed to the ground.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Mommy!"


    "Uncle Bai! Uncle Bai!"


    "Quick, Bai Fendou has fainted!"


    At a time like this, of course, they had to call for Old Man Bai. Finally, he managed to squeeze through the crowd of mischievous youngsters blocking the doorway. He hadn''t expected things to turn out like this and felt nothing but bad luck.


    He said, "Everyone, lend a hand and help me get him home."


    Who could have imagined that his son, just out for a night''s lodging, would encounter a pervert?


    Old Man Bai was heartbroken. The bitter taste seemed to rise from his throat.


    "Bai Fendou''s underwear..."


    Old Man Bai: "Wait a moment."


    First, he had to get his son home. "Fendou, pull yourself together."


    The man was unconscious; what kind of pulling himself together was he talking about?


    Since Bai Fendou was as naked as a plucked chicken, everyone shouted, "Ladies, close your eyes, don''t look!"


    As Bai Fendou was carried out, the women turned away, though some older ones, like Aunt Su, stood on tiptoe to peek. She then shook her head slightly, clearly disapproving of something, though only she knew what.


    "Son, it''s Dad''s fault. I didn''t take good care of you. I actually believed Zhou Qun''s words. That treacherous scoundrel took advantage of you..." Old Man Bai began to sob as well.


    He had only this one son. His testicles were shattered, he hadn''t married, and now he was rumored to have been bullied by a man.


    His heart was in such pain.


    He only regretted not having another child when he was young.


    Now, he was physically unable to do so.


    Sob, sob, sob.


    Old Man Bai thought of how miserable it all was and started crying too.


    He had planned to fix the leaks in his house tonight, sleeping later than everyone else. By the time the commotion started, he couldn''t squeeze through the crowd. Although he was anxious and felt ashamed, he could still hold it together. But seeing it with his own eyes, his last thread of reason snapped.


    He cried bitterly.


    However, he didn''t mention taking his son to the hospital. Bai Fendou hadn''t been injured; he had just fainted from anger. There was no need to go. Old Man Bai wailed. Bai Fendou gradually regained consciousness, saw his father crying, and couldn''t help but cry again...


    He was truly too miserable.


    The Bai father and son cried loudly, like Lady Meng Jiang trying to bring down the Great Wall. In the next room, Jiang Lu also cried, even more miserably than the Bai duo. Her husband had done such a thing, and she felt too ashamed to make any excuses.


    For the first time in their ten years of marriage, Jiang Lu resented Zhou Qun.


    Didn''t he care about his reputation at all?


    At this moment, Jiang Lu even thought that if Zhou Qun had found a woman outside, it might have been better than the current situation. How could he have set his sights on a man? What was wrong with her? Why did he choose Bai Fendou?


    Was he blind?


    Jiang Lu was exhausted. She really felt terrible, but she knew she had to protect Zhou Qun. She looked up and said, "I think it must have been a dream. Zhou Qun must have mistaken Bai Fendou for me..."


    She was determined to clear his name.


    She tried to sound sincere: "Think about it. If it wasn''t a mistake, why would Zhou Qun do such a thing? We''ve been married for so many years, and I know he''s a real man."


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t agree with this.


    She thought Zhou Qun wasn''t much of a man. After all, it only lasted a few seconds. How could that be considered manly?


    Originally, it was just a few seconds, but now he had changed his taste. As the saying goes, "Ugly people play dirty."


    That''s really true. This unlucky guy wasn''t a good person. No wonder he hadn''t been looking for her lately. She thought he was avoiding her, but it turned out he had changed his taste. Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t surprised by Zhou Qun''s change in preference.


    After all, this man had hooked up with a forty or fifty-year-old woman during his teenage years and now, in middle age, had set his sights on a man. Nothing about him was surprising.


    You couldn''t expect him to be normal.


    It was impossible.


    Wang Xiangxiu shook her head slightly, not believing the "dream" excuse. If it were a dream, wouldn''t he have realized it once he touched him? Men and women are different. Bai Fendou was completely naked.


    Thinking of Bai Fendou, Wang Xiangxiu felt even more tired. He had been one of her loyal followers, her wallet.


    But she never expected him to get into such a situation.


    Thinking of Bai Fendou''s appearance, Wang Xiangxiu deeply lamented Zhou Qun''s poor taste and desperation.


    He''d take anything!


    "Zhou Qun isn''t that kind of person. Many in the courtyard have watched him grow up and know his character. Although there have been some bad rumors before, my Zhou Qun is a man of integrity. He''s really a good man..."


    Jiang Lu continued to defend Zhou Qun, though no one responded to her.


    Everyone remained silent, not knowing what to say, making Jiang Lu seem like she was performing a solo act.


    Jiang Lu''s face was already unnaturally red. She tugged at Zhou Qun and said, "Zhou Qun, say something! Explain yourself! Don''t let them slander you like this!"


    Zhou Qun: "Waaah!"


    At this moment, he finally showed some reaction, but it was also tears streaming down his face. He whimpered, "It hurts... ow... it hurts..."


    After being squeezed by Bai Fendou, he felt a searing pain.


    Before he could recover, he was kicked multiple times. He felt... he felt like he might have... been shattered.


    Zhou Qun sobbed, almost squeezing the words out: "Go... go... to... the... hospital..."


    It was only then that Jiang Lu realized Zhou Qun wasn''t refusing to speak or defend himself; he was simply unable to. After all, the injury was in a very important part of a man''s body. For a man, everything else was secondary; this was the most crucial part.


    He grabbed Jiang Lu''s shoulder, trembling: "Hospital..."


    Jiang Lu looked down and saw blood.


    She screamed, "Ah! Zhou Qun, hold on! Hold on! I''ll take you to the hospital."


    She quickly called out, "Someone, help me!"


    Upon hearing this, the men all took a step back. No one wanted to help, as Zhou Qun had a history of such behavior. If they were mistaken for being interested in him, it would be truly disgusting.


    Moreover, who would want to be misunderstood? They couldn''t help.


    The women certainly wouldn''t step forward either. Zhou Qun was naked, and they still had their reputations to protect.


    Jiang Lu: "We''re all neighbors; do you have to be so cold-hearted?"


    She shouted, but no one came forward.


    Even Aunt Wang, the neighborhood committee leader, didn''t intervene. Others certainly wouldn''t. Aunt Wang had her own thoughts; after dealing with the situation, would Jiang Lu blame her? She wasn''t that idle. Earlier, when Bai Fendou wanted to attack with a knife, it was a big deal, and she couldn''t let him make a mistake. But now, she wouldn''t intervene.


    No one was willing to help, so Jiang Lu called, "Wang Zhaodi!"


    Others could avoid it, but Wang Zhaodi couldn''t. She closed her eyes and stepped forward reluctantly, like a blind person. She was still an unmarried girl and didn''t want to see such a scene. However, Jiang Lu could see that the two women couldn''t carry a man by themselves. She looked at the crowd, and they all took another step back.


    Jiang Lu took a deep breath, deeply hurt by their cold-heartedness.


    The people in this courtyard truly had no warmth.


    She looked up and shouted, "Who will help? I need four men to help me get Zhou Qun to the hospital. I''ll pay each of them fifty cents."


    "Ah!"


    "Fifty cents?"


    "That''s not bad."


    "That''s right, meat costs eighty-five cents a jin, so that''s more than half a jin..."


    "I''ll do it!"


    "Me too!"


    "Me, me, me."


    Under the lure of a hefty reward, brave men will emerge.


    Soon, four men stepped forward. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Old Cao from the neighboring courtyard.


    Why is he here?


    "Old Cao, why are you in our courtyard?"


    Old Cao: "I came out to use the latrine and heard the commotion. With all the noise you''re making, who wouldn''t want to take a look?"


    Looking around, it was clear that many people from the surrounding courtyards had come to watch the spectacle, drawn by the commotion.


    Jiang Lu felt a wave of dizziness. She found the situation increasingly unbearable, but she stubbornly persisted, saying, "Quick, quickly help Zhou Qun..."


    She meant to have him placed on a bicycle, but it was obvious that Zhou Qun couldn''t even sit up, let alone ride.


    "Maybe we should borrow a cart from the next courtyard."


    "In this heavy rain, they probably won''t be willing."


    "True."


    Jiang Lu bit her lip so hard that it bled, but she had no choice. She said, "I''ll compensate them with 50 cents!"


    "Ah, that should work."


    "Five mao is quite a bit."


    Soon, the cart was borrowed. The four men lifted Zhou Qun onto the cart and covered him with a cloth, saying, "Let''s go."


    "Move, move!"


    Boom!


    The rain suddenly intensified, and the heavy drops stung as they hit the skin.


    "Hey, why does the rain feel painful when it hits?"


    "Look closely, those aren''t just rain drops¡ªthey''re small hailstones!"


    "Oh my, it''s hailing!"


    "It''s been overcast for days, and now that the rain has started, it won''t stop."


    "This weather is really miserable."


    "Stop talking. Oh, right, the nearest hospital doesn''t take patients like Zhou Qun, right? We''ll have to go farther. With this hail..."


    Five mao was a decent sum, but trudging through hail for a long distance was another matter.


    Everyone remembered the last time¡ªduring the "Battle of the Gods" when Aunt Zhou, Uncle Bai, and Aunt Su were involved. They had to visit several hospitals because the injuries weren''t severe, but even then, people advised them to try elsewhere.


    This time... If they were turned away again, where would they go?


    Seeing the reluctance in everyone''s eyes, Jiang Lu immediately shouted, "One dollar! I''ll raise it to one dollar! I know it''s difficult, but please help me for the sake of the money. I''m just a woman, and I really have no other options."


    Fortunately, she still had the means to earn money.


    Otherwise, what would she do?


    "Ah, fine."


    "I''m the most helpful. I love helping neighbors. Money isn''t important; what matters is not letting Zhou Qun suffer like this."


    "Exactly. Even if it''s hailing, or even if it were raining knives, we''d still help. We''re men of Beijing, and we stand by our word."


    "Absolutely!"


    The group suddenly became enthusiastic, disregarding the rain and hail. They were more than willing to "help."


    It had nothing to do with the one yuan, of course.


    It was purely out of kindness.


    They were just being righteous!


    "Let''s go!"


    "Stop right there!"


    At that moment, Bai Fendou burst out from the house, arms spread wide to block the exit. His eyes blazing with fury, he glared at Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu, shouting, "You two can''t run away! Everyone knows Zhou Qun''s malicious intentions, and now you want to brush it off as a dream? No way, no way at all!"


    "Ah!"


    "My goodness!"


    "Mother!"


    "Bai Fendou, are you crazy? You''re not wearing any clothes!"


    "Exactly!"


    Thankfully, the men were in the front, while the women had gathered at the back, whispering among themselves. Otherwise, seeing Bai Fendou jump out like that would have been enough to make anyone sick.


    "You''re indecent! Are you trying to be a pervert?"


    A few hot-tempered men were ready to grab Bai Fendou by the collar and give him a punch.


    But the problem was, he wasn''t wearing a collar.


    "Ladies, turn around, turn around. Ladies, please turn around..."


    "Thank goodness it''s a dark night..."


    With the heavy clouds, there was no light at all, or else it would have been unbearable to look.


    Bai Fendou raged, "They want to run!"


    "This is our home; where would we run to? Bai Fendou, Zhou Qun is injured. If we don''t take him to the hospital, what if something happens? Wait for me to return, and I''ll give you an explanation."


    Jiang Lu pleaded urgently, then added, "He really just dreamed he was you. He didn''t actually do anything to you. Really!"


    Seeing that Bai Fendou remained unmoved, Jiang Lu suddenly stepped forward. Bai Fendou shrieked, "What are you doing?"


    At that moment, Jiang Lu didn''t care if Bai Fendou was naked. She dragged him several steps to the corner and whispered, "If this gets out, both of you will have ruined reputations. Do you even know what you''re saying? No matter what happened, saying it was a dream is the best way to resolve this. Both of your reputations can be saved."


    Seeing Bai Fendou still glaring, she continued, "I don''t care about the specifics, but maybe Zhou Qun did something wrong. But I won''t let you suffer. I''ll compensate you for the sake of both your reputations. Just pretend it was a dream, okay?"


    Jiang Lu knew that if both Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun stuck to the story of a dream, they could at least save face.


    She said, "I''ll give you money."


    She added seriously, "You''ve suffered, and I''ll compensate you."


    Bai Fendou: "I don''t care about money. It''s just..."


    ¡°Money isn''t important, but what about your reputation? Think about it¡ªeven if you''re the victim, with a reputation like this, how will you find a partner? It''s better to keep things small. I''ll introduce you to someone, and I''ll give you fifty kuai. Does that work?¡±


    "Are you serious?"


    Jiang Lu nodded firmly, "I''m not lying."


    "Fifty is too little." Bai Fendou held up a finger, "One hundred yuan, and introduce me to someone. Then I''ll forget about this whole thing."


    He rubbed his red eyes and said, "If it weren''t for my own reputation being at stake, I would never agree to this deal. But if you don''t agree, I''ll drag Zhou Qun down with me, even if it kills me!"


    Jiang Lu clenched her teeth, "Fine!"


    She quickly pushed Bai Fendou aside and said, "Let''s go."


    No one had heard what Jiang Lu and Bai Fendou had discussed, so they asked, "What did you two talk about?"


    Jiang Lu remained expressionless, "I appealed to his sense of justice."


    She said, "Fortunately, Bai Fendou is reasonable. Let''s go, take Zhou Qun to the hospital."


    The group looked at each other, then Jiang Lu asked, "Are we going or not?"


    "Let''s go!


    After all, this was a deal worth one yuan.


    The group marched out, but Zhuang Zhixi stayed behind, telling Bai Fendou, "Go home and put some clothes on."


    Bai Fendou stood in the corner, wiping the rain and tears from his face. Finally, he trudged home... only to find his room flooded. He huddled in Old Man Bai''s room, hugging his knees and leaning against the wall, looking utterly defeated.


    Though he could still talk about money, his heart was shattered.


    In pieces.


    A few people followed him into the room and cautiously asked, "Bai Fendou, are you okay?"


    Bai Fendou shook his head, "No."


    "If you encounter something like this, you have to learn to let go. Life is about being happy. Everything else..."


    Bai Fendou: "Get lost. I''m not happy."


    The group''s faces stiffened, but they continued to advise, "Life has its ups and downs. You''ll encounter unpleasant things, but as long as you endure, better days will come. Try to see the bright side."


    Bai Fendou: "I can''t."


    "What about going to the security office? He took advantage of you, a young man, and they should..."


    At this, Bai Fendou finally reacted, immediately saying, "He didn''t take advantage of me."


    Everyone: "Huh?"


    Bai Fendou, finally regaining a sliver of sanity, wasn''t born with a screw loose. The cold rain and Jiang Lu''s words had cooled his rage, and he was beginning to think more clearly.


    Jiang Lu was right; he also had to consider his own reputation.


    He took a deep breath and said, "The truth of the matter is, Zhou Qun had a dream and mistook me for Jiang Lu... Fortunately, I realized it in time and prevented a bigger mistake. In fact, nothing really happened between us."


    Everyone: "Ahhhh~~~~"


    They weren''t exactly convinced.


    Did you forget how devastated you were just moments ago?


    It''s hard to believe you changed your story so quickly without Jiang Lu''s involvement.


    Did the two of you make some kind of deal?


    Of course, Bai Fendou probably had to say this to protect his reputation.


    After all, tonight''s incident had caused quite a stir.


    "Bai Fendou, you''re swallowing your pride and teeth together."


    Bai Fendou glanced at everyone and said, "There''s no such thing."


    Old Man Bai couldn''t stand it anymore and said, "Go, go, go! All of you, go home! Why are you all crowding into my house to watch the commotion? Is my house a place for you to gawk? Do you even have any manners?"


    He pushed and shoved: "Move, move, move!"


    Whoosh...!


    The pots, pans, and bedding stacked by the window to block the rain suddenly fell over, and rainwater poured in.


    Old Man Bai: "Damn it!"


    It truly was a case of bad luck compounding. He quickly rushed over to block the leak again, saying, "All of you, leave! Are you here to laugh at us? My family doesn''t have time to entertain you; we''re busy. Go, go, go!"


    He drove everyone out, one by one.


    Standing at the door, people still couldn''t stop whispering, "I wonder what Jiang Lu agreed to."


    "Probably money. Jiang Lu''s family is well-off. Look, I didn''t even get a chance to grab that dollar!" It was painful just thinking about it; those people were too fast.


    "Me too, a dollar! That''s enough to buy a pound of meat and still have change."


    "I don''t think it''s necessarily about money. Jiang Lu must have offered something, or Bai Fendou wouldn''t be saying all this to save face, right?"


    "You can''t judge him by his face; just be careful of Zhou Qun in the future."


    "Ah, right. That scoundrel is so despicable, so shameless."


    "It''s not just Zhou Qun. If anyone invites you to stay at their house, be cautious. You never know if they have ulterior motives. Men aren''t always safe, and you might just run into someone like Zhou Qun, who pretends to be kind but is actually insane."


    "Exactly. Oh, but what''s really going on with Zhou Qun? I never noticed he was like this before."


    "Didn''t you notice? I did. Think about it, with Madam Zhou Li as his mother, what kind of decent person could he be? Zhou Qun was always cold. I guess his kindness was all an act. Now he can''t keep up the facade anymore. Look at the things he''s done; none of them are decent. He''s clearly not a good person."


    "Living in the same courtyard as him is embarrassing."


    "Exactly."


    The discussions went on and on. No one slept that night.


    Some people even braved the rain to go watch the commotion, even though they didn''t get a dollar, but watching the drama was entertaining. Others stayed with Bai Fendou to watch the show. Some... stood under the eaves in the pouring rain, gossiping in hushed tones.


    In short, no one was tired that night.


    Such a situation was unprecedented.


    Really, no one had seen anything like it.


    But their courtyard always had its fair share of drama.


    Today it was one thing, tomorrow it was another.


    Even the types of drama never repeated.


    It not only enriched everyone''s daily life but also made them feel embarrassed whenever they went out, even though it had nothing to do with them. Still, it was hard not to feel embarrassed. Zhuang Zhixi stood in the crowd with his wife, Ming Mei, along with other members of the Zhuang family, the Lan couple, and Aunt Wang.


    Aunt Wang didn''t go to the hospital this time. Normally, in such situations, as the courtyard manager, Aunt Wang would go to the hospital to help out as much as possible. But she was really disheartened by Jiang Lu.


    The Zhou family had a lot of issues, despite only having three members. Whenever there was any chaos, their family was always involved. As a result, Aunt Wang had helped out a lot. But no matter how much she helped, Jiang Lu would turn around and take out her frustrations on others.


    This made Aunt Wang feel very disheartened. The Zhou family''s affairs? She wasn''t getting involved anymore.


    "I hope they all learn a lesson this time."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, disagreeing with Aunt Wang''s statement. "I don''t think they''ll learn anything. Their personalities are what they are. Even if they fall into a cesspool, they''ll just find new ways to embarrass themselves. People might not trip over the same stone twice, but..."


    He grinned, genuinely saying, "With personalities like Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, they can definitely trip over two stones twice."


    "You..." Everyone wanted to say he was exaggerating, but then they thought about it and realized Zhuang Zhixi had a point.


    In the past half year, there had been no shortage of drama.


    It was really baffling how they could stir up so much trouble.


    Aunt Sui came out of Bai Fendou''s house. Zhao Guihua waved her over, and Aunt Sui immediately came over. Zhao Guihua asked, "How is he? Is Bai Fendou okay?"


    Aunt Sui shook her head. "What okay? The man looks like he''s lost his soul, his eyes are glazed, and he''s just staring blankly. I don''t know what he''s thinking, but he just keeps crying. People say men are strong, but it''s not always the case. Usually, they''re fine, but when something really happens, you see them cry just as much as women."


    "Didn''t he say it was an accident? That Zhou Qun had a dream?"


    "Do you believe that?"


    "Whether I believe it or not, that''s what he''s saying."


    "I really..."


    The chatter continued. Ming Mei stood by Zhuang Zhixi''s side, her big eyes darting around. She looked at Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu, who seemed to be whispering something with not-so-great expressions. Meanwhile, their three children were running around the eaves in the rain like wild horses.


    When kids get mischievous, they''re truly little devils.


    Ming Mei didn''t want to get bumped into and moved closer to Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked down. "What''s wrong?"


    Ming Mei: "Nothing, I''m afraid of getting bumped."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Move closer to me."


    He put his arm around his wife and asked, "Do you want to rest for a while? If not, I can ask for leave for you tomorrow at your workplace, and you can catch up on sleep at home."


    Ming Mei shook her head. "No need. I''m actually fine. Besides, with such a big event, I''m too excited to sleep right now."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then ask for leave tomorrow..."


    Ming Mei still shook her head. "No, I''ve just joined this department. It''s not good to take leave."


    She teased, "Don''t worry, I know my limits. I won''t jeopardize my safety."


    Zhuang Zhixi saw that her complexion was good and nodded.


    He said, "Alright."


    Ming Mei: "Don''t you think the rain is getting heavier?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s been getting heavier. Going to the hospital in this weather is really tough, but that''s a dollar. Even if it were raining knives, I bet someone would go."


    Jiang Lu was really generous with money.


    In fact, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t wrong. Although the rain was getting heavier, no one regretted it. The quick money was better than anything. Although the hospital had recently said they weren''t keen on treating them, in such weather, they still rushed over immediately.


    The night shift doctor saw the familiar face and fell into deep thought... At this moment, he almost wanted to step out of the realm of science and suggest that this family find a place to pray, because how could they have so many issues?


    Their family was truly relentless in bringing business to the hospital. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, they didn''t really want it.


    But in such heavy rain, with the person injured in such a sensitive area, he sighed and quickly said, "Quick, push him to the emergency room, and family members go handle the paperwork..."


    Upon hearing the doctor''s words, the group of men pushing the cart immediately turned their heads in unison to look at the attending physician. Their eyes brimmed with deep gratitude. The hospital agreeing to admit the patient had saved them a lot of trouble.


    They had been prepared to search the entire city in the pouring rain for a hospital, but the surprise came so unexpectedly.


    "Doctor, you''re a good man, a really good man."


    "We''ve truly encountered a kind soul."


    The attending physician didn''t pay much attention to their words; the patient was quickly wheeled into the emergency room.


    Everyone sat on the long benches in the corridor. Besides the four men who were there for the money, many others had come to watch the commotion. Despite the heavy rain, it did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm. They followed along and sat on the benches, discussing among themselves.


    "I wonder how he''s doing?"


    "We brought him in pretty promptly, right? He should be fine."


    "Jiang Lu has it tough, being married to a man like that. Dealing with both his mother and him, yet she doesn''t even have a child. She has to run around and spend money for him."


    "What, do you feel sorry for her? Jiang Lu is willing, and her relationship with Zhou Qun isn''t bad. For over ten years, even without a child, Zhou Qun never once criticized her. And whenever Aunt Zhou was harsh with Jiang Lu, Zhou Qun always stood up for her. There aren''t many men like that."


    "Stop talking about that. He must have done something wrong, that''s why he treats Jiang Lu so well. Otherwise, what do you think?"


    As they chatted, Jiang Lu returned after paying the fees and overheard their conversation. Her face darkened, but she managed to suppress her anger. This wasn''t their courtyard; it was a hospital. No one here would indulge them. If she were to lose her temper and shout in the hospital, she would only be looked down upon.


    The fact that they had been able to get admitted had already made her very happy.


    "Sister Jiang Lu, you sit here," Wang Zhaodi waved, offering her seat to Jiang Lu and standing beside her like a servant.


    Jiang Lu, exhausted both physically and mentally, leaned back in the chair, her eyes fixed on the ward.


    People can''t stay still; once they do, she starts thinking about all sorts of things... She got up to go to the bathroom, ready to take out the chamber pot, when she heard a rustling sound¡ªZhou Qun''s passionate voice. Her mind went blank, and she walked over and pushed the door open.


    Zhou Qun... Zhou Qun was in the act...


    Others didn''t know, they only saw what happened afterward, but she saw it, the most disgusting scene. Zhou Qun was like an animal, that hideous sight... "Ah!"


    Jiang Lu suddenly hugged her head, covering her ears, and started sobbing.


    Bai Fendou cried out of grievance and disgust, Zhou Qun cried out of pain, but she, Jiang Lu, was also a victim. She was equally wronged and pitiful. She kept screaming: "Ahhh!!!"


    "Oh my!"


    "Damn!"


    "What''s wrong with Jiang Lu?"


    "Sister Jiang Lu, are you okay? Don''t cry..."


    "Jiang Lu, you..."


    ...


    No one knew what to say, but seeing Jiang Lu in this state, they realized she had completely broken down.


    A nurse hurried over, scolding, "What are you doing? Making a ruckus? Do you want others to rest or not? This is a hospital, with many patients. If you scare others and cause harm, can you take responsibility?"


    She had known it, this family always caused trouble.


    Indeed, it was just as she expected.


    "I''m sorry, really sorry..." Wang Zhaodi stood up and kept bowing in apology.


    The nurse: "Watch her, don''t let her scream anymore..."


    She was also quite helpless.


    Jiang Lu''s screams woke up many people, but this was, after all, a hospital. Some turned over in bed, muttering, "Late at night again, who''s passed away..."


    "Who knows, the family is crying so loudly..."

 Chapter 102

    Jiang Lu let out a scream and burst into tears.Wang Zhaodi was flustered, trying to calm her down, which attracted many people from the ward to peek out. Some were purely curious, while others, with short tempers, came out to scold. Jiang Lu ignored all the scolding and continued to wail.


    In that moment, she truly broke down.


    She could choose not to believe that Zhou Qun was fooling around with other women, and she could forgive his infertility, but she simply couldn''t understand how Zhou Qun, having her, could still engage with men, especially Bai Fendou, who had once tried to take advantage of her.


    How could he do such a thing?


    Moreover, many things couldn''t be thought about too deeply. As she pondered, she recalled how close Zhou Qun had been to Bai Fendou recently. Now, she felt that everything Zhou Qun had done was with ulterior motives. If he claimed it was a dream, even Jiang Lu herself wouldn''t believe it, because Zhou Qun''s interest in Bai Fendou had been evident.


    It was precisely because of these signs that it was heartbreaking.


    Seeing Jiang Lu''s cries growing louder and her screams becoming more hysterical, a few neighbors who had followed them could only help Wang Zhaodi drag Jiang Lu out of the ward. The cold wind at the entrance kept blowing, and Jiang Lu''s cries grew even more intense. She crouched on the ground, feeling like a laughingstock.


    "Sister Jiang Lu..."


    Jiang Lu: "Get away, all of you, just get away! I know you''re all laughing at me, I know you all have bad intentions. You''ve always been jealous of me. Now, seeing me in this situation, you must be so pleased, aren''t you? I know you must be delighted, finding amusement in my misfortune..."


    "Jiang Lu, what are you saying? Isn''t our kindness misinterpreted as something wrong?"


    "Exactly, Jiang Lu, saying such things is really heart-wrenching. We never had that intention. Besides, it''s Zhou Qun who brought you shame, not us..."


    "Jiang Lu, we understand you''re in pain, so we won''t take it personally. You should calm down before going back upstairs. If you really can''t get over this, then get a divorce. Blaming everyone and everything and acting hysterical won''t help."


    Wang Zhaodi: "Please, stop talking. Sister Jiang Lu isn''t a bad person; she''s just too hurt..."


    She patted Jiang Lu''s back and said, "Sister Jiang Lu, if you''re feeling sad, just shout it out. That''s what I do when I''m upset. Shouting might help you feel better."


    She didn''t know how to comfort someone, but she knew what to do when she was upset, so she tried to console Jiang Lu gently: "Sister Jiang Lu, if you keep hurting yourself like this, it''s only hurting you. Wait until Brother Zhou Qun recovers, and then ask him. Ask him what happened. Maybe things aren''t as you think..."


    Jiang Lu covered her face and cried. Hearing this, she finally looked up at Wang Zhaodi, as if grasping at a lifeline.


    "Yes, you''re right. I need to ask Zhou Qun. Maybe it''s not as I imagine. Maybe... Zhou Qun isn''t that kind of person. How could I doubt him!"


    Wang Zhaodi: "Ah?"


    She was dumbfounded. She had only said that to comfort Jiang Lu, never expecting her to take it seriously. This... This Zhou Qun clearly has issues. This left Wang Zhaodi at a loss.


    Everyone else was also confused.


    Just a simple comforting remark, and she believes Zhou Qun is innocent?


    Jiang Lu: "I need to go upstairs. I need to check on Zhou Qun''s condition. He can''t be in danger."


    Jiang Lu wiped away her tears and rushed upstairs.


    "Uh, this..."


    "Let''s follow her."


    As Jiang Lu hurried upstairs, the operating room door opened. She rushed over and asked, "Doctor, how is he? How is my husband?"


    The doctor looked at Jiang Lu with sympathy, took a deep breath, and said, "The patient''s... erm, private part was kicked and fractured. Although he was brought in timely and we performed surgery, the organ is still there, but the function..."


    He paused and said, "He won''t be able to have intercourse in the future."


    "Holy crap!"


    "Oh my God! He''s done for?"


    "Fractured?"


    "Goodness, Bai Fendou is ruthless."


    "Jiang Lu is so pitiful, so young and now a widow."


    "Who could blame her? She married into their family without even having a child. What will her future be like?"


    "What else can she do? With this kind of scandal, Jiang Lu will definitely get a divorce!"


    "That''s true."


    Jiang Lu was struck by the news, her whole body frozen. After a long while, she leaned against the wall and sat down, her eyes vacant, as if devoid of any emotion.


    "Family member, are you alright? We noticed the injury seems to be caused by external force. Do you need us to call the police? The injury is quite severe, and he won''t be able to function in the future."


    He had also heard that the couple didn''t have any children.


    Looking at Jiang Lu''s expression, the doctor felt even more sympathetic.


    "Do you need us to..."


    "No need!" Jiang Lu suddenly spoke, her voice wooden. "No need to call the police."


    She looked up and said, "He brought this on himself."


    The doctor: "..."


    He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent, only saying, "The patient will be sent to the ward. Given the circumstances, his emotions might be fragile..."


    Jiang Lu: "He won''t die."


    The doctor: "..."


    Jiang Lu''s emotions were like a rollercoaster; you couldn''t predict when she would calm down or break down again. One moment she seemed to forgive Zhou Qun, the next she appeared to go mad.


    Everyone took a step back, not daring to provoke the clearly distraught woman.


    While others could avoid her, Wang Zhaodi couldn''t. She sat quietly, ready to help with whatever was needed.


    At that moment, Zhou Qun was wheeled out by the doctor. He hadn''t woken up yet due to the anesthesia. Jiang Lu watched Zhou Qun and silently stood up, following the gurney. Late-night hospital admissions were rare, mostly emergencies.


    Patients admitted at night were usually placed in new wards to avoid disturbing others'' rest. Zhou Qun was the first patient in this ward.


    Jiang Lu sat by the bed and said, "You can all go back now."


    Seeing that no one left, she seemed to realize something, stood up, paid everyone, and said woodenly, "Thank you for your help."


    Although they weren''t very close and Jiang Lu, due to her better circumstances, often looked down on others, at this moment, everyone felt sympathy for her. After all, who could have expected her to encounter such a situation?


    "Jiang Lu, don''t think too much. Whatever happens, wait until he recovers and then talk it out."


    "Yes, there''s no point in discussing this now. Should we inform your family?"


    Jiang Lu looked at everyone, still expressionless, and shook her head, "No need."


    She sat by the bed, not moving.


    "Maybe we should go back."


    "Yes, let''s leave so Jiang Lu can have some peace."


    Wang Zhaodi pursed her lips, and Jiang Lu said, "You go back too, and lock the door. Su Jinlai is a thief; don''t let him steal from your home."


    Wang Zhaodi: "Ah? Oh!"


    When everyone left the ward, Jiang Lu remained seated. Through the door, everyone sighed and shook their heads.


    "Poor Jiang Lu."


    "She''s really in a tough spot. How did she end up with such a family? Neither the mother nor the son is decent."


    "Let''s go."


    As they walked back in the rain, Wang Zhaodi whispered, "Do you think Sister Jiang Lu... will be okay?"


    Everyone was startled and quickly said, "Ah, surely not? Could Jiang Lu do something drastic?"


    "She wouldn''t try to kill herself, would she?"


    "Oh, crap!"


    "Probably not. It''s just a divorce; she wouldn''t go that far..."


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    Everyone left, and Jiang Lu slowly stood up, walking to the window. They were on the second floor. Outside, the rain poured heavily. Even though it was already dawn, the sky showed no signs of lightening. Normally, the sun would have risen by now.


    She sat on the windowsill, tilting her head slightly.


    "My goodness, you, you, you... get down quickly! Don''t even think about doing anything foolish!"


    The young nurse came in to deliver the medicine and was startled. She quickly stepped forward to persuade her.


    Jiang Lu turned her head and said, "I''m not trying to commit suicide."


    She spoke softly, "I just wanted to see how long the heavy rain would last."


    The nurse couldn''t fully believe her, considering the woman''s husband had just been rendered infertile, and they didn''t have any children... She spoke gently, "I know, I know you''re not trying to commit suicide. Come down, it''s slippery because of the rain, and if you fall, it would be terrible. Plus, there''s thunder, so sitting by the window is especially unsafe. Come down, and we can talk things through."


    Jiang Lu gave a faint smile and finally came down from the window. The nurse quickly helped her up, saying, "What were you doing! No matter what, we can''t give up. There are still good days ahead."


    Jiang Lu hummed in acknowledgment.


    "What''s going on here?" the nurse couldn''t help but ask. She mainly wanted to chat with this sister and help her feel better, so she wouldn''t think of anything drastic.


    Jiang Lu: "It''s nothing."


    She asked, "Do you have any cigarettes?"


    The nurse: "No..."


    She didn''t smoke.


    Jiang Lu: "Oh."


    She stood up, and the nurse quickly moved to her side.


    Jiang Lu said, "You don''t need to follow me. I''m not planning to kill myself. I''m just in a bad mood, and I don''t want to die."


    The nurse glanced at her and then at the man on the hospital bed.


    Jiang Lu: "Do you know anyone who smokes? I want one."


    Seeing her emotional state, the nurse thought for a moment and said, "The hospital doesn''t allow smoking, so no one would smoke here."


    Jiang Lu sighed, "I see. Then I''ll go to the bathroom."


    She walked out, and the nurse, seeing that her mood seemed relatively stable, sighed softly and didn''t follow her. Jiang Lu walked alone toward the bathroom... Oops.


    She bumped into someone.


    "Sorry..."


    "It''s okay. Hey, you look a bit familiar..."


    "I think you do too. Oh right, are you from the machinery factory?"


    "Yes, I''m the projectionist in the propaganda department. I usually handle the movie screenings at the factory... Ah, I remember now. You''re from the factory office, right? You''re Jiang... Jiang..."


    "Jiang Lu. You''re Xu the Projectionist."


    "Yes, yes, that''s right."


    "What brings you to the hospital...?"


    "What about you...?"


    ...


    The heavy rain lasted all night. That night, their courtyard was busier than ever, as if no one had slept well, yet everyone seemed quite energetic.


    After all, such excitement was rare.


    Although their courtyard was always lively, each event seemed more thrilling than the last. This time, it completely shattered everyone''s expectations. And now, people had heard from those who returned from the hospital that Zhou Qun was completely infertile.


    This time, it wasn''t just a matter of shattered eggs, but something far worse¡ªa complete loss of fertility. In other words, Zhou Qun would now be childless.


    Everyone was talking about this.


    No one knew if Zhou''s mother would go crazy when she returned four months later.


    Maybe she would kill Bai Fendou, the one responsible for this?


    But then again, Bai Fendou was also a victim.


    People were now confused about how to view this situation. But if you had to say, Bai Fendou wasn''t at fault. However, Bai Fendou himself claimed that he had been sleepwalking and had mistaken someone...


    Whether it was a case of mistaken identity or not, that was up to individual interpretation.


    "Let''s not talk about it¡ªBai Fendou is truly a man-killer."


    That''s true. You see, he can''t find a girlfriend, but when it comes to harming male colleagues, he''s deadly accurate. That kid from the Yu family¡ªhe still hasn''t come back. I estimate he will be in the hospital forever, and the several bigger ones from his family, they were also dealt with by Bai Fendou, right? They walked with their legs squeezed together for several days before recovering. Well, this time it''s even more impressive; he directly made it impossible for Zhou Qun to have any descendants, so from now on, there¡¯s no way for him to do that anymore¡­


    "Do you think Zhou Qun will seek revenge? Knowing this, he''d go crazy, right?"


    "Crazy? Bai Fendou would go crazy first. Didn''t you hear? He claims he was the one who was attacked. And Bai Fendou is still a virgin, so who knows if anything actually happened last night."


    "Bai Fendou says nothing happened."


    "Pfft, of course he''d say that. Otherwise, how embarrassing would that be?"


    "Hahaha, yeah, that''s hard to say..."


    Early in the morning, everyone was brushing their teeth in the courtyard, chatting away. The only one who didn''t say much was Wang Xiangxiu.


    In fact, Wang Xiangxiu was extremely happy. She was truly delighted. The worse Bai Fendou''s reputation became, the harder it would be for him to find a wife. And the harder it was for him to find a wife, the happier she was, as she was counting on Bai Fendou to support her family. If Bai Fendou got married, she''d be out of luck.


    But now, with this incident, no normal woman would want to be near him. Wang Xiangxiu''s joy was hard to suppress, especially compared to others who were merely watching the spectacle and speculating about whether "anything happened" last night.


    She was genuinely happy from the bottom of her heart.


    However, when Bai Fendou appeared like a ghost, she quickly stepped forward and said with concern, "Fendou, how are you? If you''re feeling down, talk to me. I''m the most concerned about you. No matter what, I believe in you."


    Bai Fendou felt wronged and uncomfortable seeing Wang Xiangxiu''s concern for him, and couldn''t help but think of last night''s dream. If it weren''t for that dream, he wouldn''t have ended up in Zhou Qun''s clutches. At least, at least, he could have woken up and fought back.


    Looking at Wang Xiangxiu, he felt even more miserable and started silently crying.


    The rain hadn''t stopped in the morning, though it had turned from heavy rain to a drizzle.


    Bai Fendou didn''t wear a raincoat or carry an umbrella. He just looked up at the sky, letting the rain fall on his face as he cried unjustly.


    This hurdle, he couldn''t get over it!


    "Brother, what''s wrong with you? Can you be okay? Don''t cry! I feel heartbroken seeing you like this."


    Bai Fendou suddenly lowered his head and looked at Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Xiujie, let''s get married."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "What?"


    She froze, while Ming Mei, who was about to go to work, stumbled and leaned against the door, immediately focusing on the two of them.


    Zhuang Zhixi supported his wife''s shoulder and asked, "What''s going on?"


    He followed Ming Mei''s gaze and saw Bai Fendou asking very seriously, "Will you marry me? Let''s get married today."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "!!!"


    She swallowed hard, forcing a smile, "Fendou, have you had too much to drink? What are you talking about?" How could she marry Bai Fendou? Why would she want to take care of such a man?


    Wouldn''t it be better to take care of her own three sons?


    She said, "I''m a widow with a heavy family burden, and I''m older than you. How could I possibly be a match for you? You, a young man, shouldn''t have any trouble finding a great wife with excellent conditions."


    Bai Fendou: "But..."


    He forced a bitter smile, saying, "Xiujie, I only like you!"


    If it were before, Bai Fendou would never have confessed. He still wanted to find an unmarried young woman. A widow with three sons¡ªhe just... taking care of stepchildren would be exhausting.


    So he never intended to be with Wang Xiangxiu.


    If there was anything... he was willing, but anything further, he was always hesitant.


    But now, after a silent night, he realized things were different. With what happened between him and Zhou Qun, no matter how he explained it, it wouldn''t be clear. Finding a partner in the future would only be harder.


    Seeing Wang Xiangxiu suddenly, he almost instantly made up his mind.


    He was willing to sacrifice himself and marry Wang Xiangxiu.


    He didn''t mind that she was a widow.


    Wang Xiangxiu, seeing Bai Fendou''s silence, quickly continued, "You''re a great young man with a bright future. I can''t hold you back."


    Bai Fendou: "No, it''s not holding me back. I don''t mind."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..." Damn, this guy just doesn''t get it.


    Bai Fendou: "Even if you''re not a match for me, I don''t care. I''m willing to be with you!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..." Damn it, who''s not good enough for whom?


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t about to give up an entire forest for one tree.


    And it was a crooked tree at that.


    She bit her lip, pinched herself hard, and her eyes reddened as she said, "No, I can''t! I have my son... I know, I know you''re good to me, but I have no choice. Even though, even though I have some feelings for you, I have my son, I can''t just abandon him for marriage! If I marry you, what will people think of him?"


    Bai Fendou: "Let them call me Dad!"


    He thumped his chest and said, "Their father is gone, and I''ll be their dad!"


    "You bastard!"


    Suddenly, Jinlai charged out like a little firecracker, ramming straight into Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou stumbled from the impact.


    Once upon a time, he, Bai Fendou, was invincible.


    Now, he was so weak that a child could knock him off balance.


    Jinlai unleashed a torrent of curses: "You stupid piece of crap, do you still want to be my father? Don''t think I don''t know what you are, shameless and delusional. I only have one father. You won''t be able to take my mom away. I don''t want a father like you! Disgusting, shameless, a scoundrel who messes around with men!"


    Yinlai and Tonglai also rushed out, joining Jinlai in shouting, "Shameless! Trash! Don''t even think about being my dad!"


    Bai Fendou was knocked to the ground by the three kids, utterly weak and helpless.


    Wang Xiangxiu hurried over: "What are you doing! Stop this nonsense, Uncle Bai means well, he''s a good man, how can you treat him like this..."


    ¡°He''s not a good man, he has ulterior motives, he''s the most disgusting. In this family, if I¡¯m here, he¡¯s not!¡±


    "With me, there is no him!"


    "Exactly!"


    The three kids were of one mind, glaring at the man who wanted to move in.


    They all stared at Wang Xiangxiu, asking, "Mom. Are you really going to be with him?"


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly replied, "No, no, really not. Me and him, completely innocent."


    She crouched down and said, "Mom wouldn''t bear to leave you three."


    After all, these three were all her sons.


    Bai Fendou: "Xiangxiu, you..."


    He felt a pang of heartache. Bai Fendou pressed on, "Xiangxiu, you really don''t want to..."


    He never expected Wang Xiangxiu to reject him, even if it was for the sake of the children, it still hit him hard. He thought, he thought Wang Xiangxiu was eager to marry him.


    He started crying again. Ever since the events of last night, he had turned into a crybaby, sobbing nonstop.


    Ming Mei peeked through the door, saying, "Here he goes again, crying again, again, again."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The blow must be too much for him."


    The most aggrieved thing in the world, perhaps, is being harassed by a man.


    The morning started with such a drama, not just Ming Mei''s family peeking through the windows, but also the neighbors, the people in the alleys, everyone was watching.


    Of course, everyone heard the commotion.


    Bai Fendou lay flat on the ground, letting the rain pour over him, utterly despondent.


    It was his father who eventually came out to help Bai Fendou into the house. Bai Fendou didn''t resist, still despondent. Old Man Bai sighed deeply, feeling much older.


    This family, it''s just too hard.


    A night of heavy rain, no matter what happened outside, their house was flooded. The floor was covered in water, the few pieces of furniture were soaked, not to mention the bedding.


    They suffered heavy losses.


    But at this moment, they couldn''t care less...


    With Bai Fendou in this state, if they didn''t comfort him properly, he might just kill himself.


    The father and son went into the house, staring at each other in silence, both lost in thought.


    This morning, the rain didn''t stop.


    The Bai household was desolate, while other homes were bustling. But whether desolate or bustling, everyone had to go to work. No matter how sad, work must go on. Zhuang Zhixi rode with Ming Mei to work. The night seemed unusually long, with too many things happening.


    Ming Mei hugged Zhuang Zhixi''s waist and sighed, "Zhou Qun is really shameless. I wonder if Jiang Lu will divorce him."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s hard to say."


    Normally, people would divorce. But Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t honestly say Jiang Lu was normal. Maybe she really wouldn''t divorce, who knows.


    He said, "Whether Jiang Lu divorces or not, it doesn''t change the fact that Zhou Qun is a eunuch."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She curiously asked, "So, do you think your factory will punish him?"


    On this point, Zhuang Zhixi had a clear view. He said, "Probably not. They''re not a man and a woman, but two men. Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou can just claim they accidentally hugged while sleeping, what can anyone say? Is there evidence of their affair? No. Bai Fendou isn''t a woman, you can''t even call it harassment. Of course, everyone knows it must be. But they can deny it."


    Ming Mei: "That''s really..."


    Bai Fendou: "Hey? Isn''t that Little Xu from our department?"


    Ming Mei: "Who? Little Xu?"


    She tilted her head, thinking, and said, "The one who wanted to teach you how to operate the projector and kept making moves?"


    Bai Fendou: "Yeah, him."


    He looked at the direction Little Xu was coming from, puzzled: "His house isn''t that way, is it?"


    At this moment, Little Xu looked pretty rough, with dark circles under his eyes, appearing completely dispirited, with unsteady steps as he pushed his bicycle. He tried to get on the bike twice but couldn''t manage to pedal, so he got off and continued walking. His legs were so weak that they seemed about to give out.


    Zhuang Zhixi was a bit curious and took a glance, but getting his wife to work was more important. He said, "I wonder what''s wrong with him, looks like he''s been drained."


    Ming Mei: "Your workplace is so lively, I want to transfer to your unit. Ah, I really want to transfer, today your unit must be very lively."


    Like their unit, it''s just ordinary.


    Sometimes being too ordinary feels so dull.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh, saying, "Unfortunately, we''re not in the same system, normally you can''t transfer."


    Ming Mei pouted, rubbing her face against Zhuang Zhixi''s back, "So annoying, so annoying, I want to transfer."


    Even though they were already married, and even though she was pregnant, she was still very childish. Sometimes that''s just how it is. Some people grow up very understanding because of family influences and have to mature.


    Others grow up in a simple and loving environment, naturally not so shrewd. Instead, they are passionate and joyful.


    Ming Mei was the latter, though not entirely innocent.


    Lan Ling, being shrewd, had taught her daughter quite a bit. Ming Mei wasn''t an innocent little dodder flower.


    After the act of being spoiled, Ming Mei herself was smiling, saying, "Forget it, it''s better if I don''t transfer."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"


    Ming Mei: "Anyway, you''ll tell me everything, right! If I transfer to your factory, my salary won''t be as high. Money is more important."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Pfft!"


    Ming Mei lightly punched his back, saying, "You''ve been like a spray bottle since this morning."


    Zhuang Zhixi innocently raised an eyebrow, saying, "Isn''t it because there''s been too much stimulation?"


    Ming Mei giggled, the two chatting and laughing all the way. Zhuang Zhixi dropped Ming Mei off at her unit. Ming Mei carried her little bag upstairs. Since being pregnant, she always carried a little bag with some snacks.


    Zhuang Zhixi called out, "Wife."


    Ming Mei turned back: "Huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly caught up, whispering, "If you get a chance, take a little nap. You didn''t sleep well last night, seize the opportunity to sneak in some rest."


    Ming Mei whispered back, "Okay."


    Last night, hardly anyone slept well.


    Ming Mei quickly went upstairs. Zhuang Zhixi then headed back, almost on time for work. Just as he entered the factory, he ran into Zhang San, who excitedly asked, "Xiao Zhuang, Xiao Zhuang, I''ve heard that something big happened in your yard yesterday?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his expression and chuckled, "You already know, don''t you?"


    Judging from his expression, he must have heard about it.


    The commotion in their courtyard last night was so big that not only them, but many neighbors came to watch the excitement, even in the heavy rain. It''s no surprise that the news spread so quickly today. Such a big piece of news is bound to spread like wildfire early in the morning.


    Other news might take a whole morning to ferment, but this kind of news? It spreads in a second.


    Zhang San was excited and said, "I don''t know what''s true and what''s false."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Then what do you know?"


    Zhang San: "I heard that Zhou Qun was broken and then reattached, and now he''s completely useless?"


    As expected, men are most concerned about such things.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "I didn''t go to the hospital, but apparently, that''s the case."


    Zhang San: "Oh my god, this is really... Bai Fendou is really ruthless. Ever since his own... incident, he''s been targeting that area. He wants everyone to be like him. He has no good intentions, absolutely none."


    He sighed deeply and then asked again, "So... that... Zhou Qun doing this and that to Bai Fendou, is that true too? I heard Jiang Lu caught them? Did you all see it?"


    He asked with a trembling voice, looking at Zhuang Zhixi, clearly very excited.


    After all, ordinary people rarely get to witness such a big scandal.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I didn''t see the process. I only saw them without clothes, caught by Jiang Lu. But they said it was a nightmare."


    With just those few words, no one would believe it.


    Zhang San: "Tsk tsk... oh my."


    He felt this was so thrilling. He said, "I never expected Zhou Qun to like men."


    What nightmare? No one believes it, not at all.


    Not long ago, everyone knew that Zhou Qun was benefiting from messing around with older women, and now he''s heard to be messing around with men. Zhou Qun is truly a unique character in their factory. Before, no one noticed, and they even thought he was quite upright.


    If it weren''t for this recent scandal, no one would have known what kind of person he really was.


    Zhang San was excited: "Then, then, tell me more, tell me about the storm in your courtyard last night."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "If I don''t go to work now, I''ll be late. Go ask someone else."


    After a pause, he said, "Why don''t you ask the people involved?"


    Zhang San: "Bai Fendou and Old Man Bai didn''t come to work today."


    "Then ask someone else."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t want to say more and returned to the office. He took off his raincoat, shook it, and hung it up. Surprisingly, he wasn''t the last to arrive. He had seen Little Xu, who seemed unsteady on his feet, hadn''t arrived yet.


    Sister Cui joked, "Is everyone in your courtyard late today?"


    The news had spread early in the morning.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Sister Cui, I wasn''t late. I was already inside before the bell, but I was stopped by the security department." He spread his hands, "Everyone''s curiosity is just too strong."


    "Xiao Zhuang, what exactly happened in your courtyard? I heard that Bai Fendou was... you know, by Zhou Qun. Aren''t they both men?" This was from someone who didn''t quite understand.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s probably... well, actually, I don''t know the specifics. I''m still confused. Anyway, something like that happened, but they said it was a nightmare..."


    "Tell us in detail."


    "Yes, tell us."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It seems everyone is curious."


    "Who wouldn''t be curious? You see, I''m twenty years older than you, but I''ve never seen anything like this." Sister Cui was very straightforward: "I''ve truly never seen anything like it. Oh, right, I heard Zhou Qun was kicked into a eunuch by Bai Fendou?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It was broken, then reattached, and now it''s useless. Strictly speaking, it''s different from a eunuch; a eunuch is completely gone, but he still has it."


    "Oh my god."


    "And he doesn''t have a child. What''s he going to do in the future?"


    "Well, that''s up to Jiang Lu."


    "What kind of life is Jiang Lu living? How did she end up with such a man..."


    ...


    It just so happened that someone else was thinking the same thing.


    In the hospital bathroom.


    An old and a young man were "negotiating."


    An old lady was staring fiercely at Jiang Lu, saying, "Look at the man you''ve chosen. Aren''t you ashamed? All these years, how much trouble have you gone through to have a child? I know you don''t want to remarry, but look at your current situation. Zhou Qun is like this, and you still won''t divorce him? Are you stupid? He messes around with older women, he schemes against our family, and now he''s shameless enough to mess around with men. If you don''t divorce, how can your father and brother show their faces at work? They still need their reputations!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Lu was scolded into a daze by her mother, but she still hung her head and didn''t speak.


    Jiang Lu''s Mother was furious and asked sharply, "Are you going to divorce or not?"


    She then softened her tone and said, "If you don''t divorce, this will be the last time we interact. If you don''t divorce, your father and brother will publish a statement to cut ties with you. They can''t let you ruin their reputations."


    Jiang Lu still stood there without moving. After a long while, she looked around, then went to the door to check, confirming no one was there, and returned.


    She looked at her mother and said seriously, "I won''t divorce."


    The old lady was so angry she almost fainted.


    Jiang Lu quickly stepped forward to support her mother. She said, "Mom, I won''t divorce."


    ¡°You''re foolish! How can you be so confused? What has Zhou Qun given you to make you so loyal? Can''t you just let go of him? Can''t you live without him?¡± She hit her daughter''s back repeatedly, scolding, ¡°Can''t you just let me rest a bit? Can''t you just leave him?¡±


    Jiang Lu looked up, crying, and said, "I can, but Mom, what then if I divorce?"


    "Find someone else."


    Jiang Lu gave a bitter smile and said, "Find someone else? Mom, I''m over thirty. If I find someone else, who can I find? I can''t find someone younger than me. I can only find someone older. If I find someone older, would they be a first marriage? It would just be two second marriages trying to make it work. You know, I want to have a child. Being over thirty and unmarried, generally speaking, if someone like me who''s divorced or widowed before doesn''t have children, they might not want to find me, because I already have a reputation for being infertile. Even if later someone says it''s Zhou Qun''s problem, many still think infertility is a woman''s issue. Such a person definitely wouldn''t want me. Even if they reluctantly took me, if there''s still no child, they''d definitely blame me. I have medical reports saying I can have children, Mom, but gossip is powerful. Can I even have a third marriage?"


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "Then find someone who''s divorced with children."


    Jiang Lu: "Why should I be a stepmother to someone else''s child? Why should I take care of someone else''s child? No matter how well I take care of them, people will say I''m bad. A biological mother scolding is nothing, but a stepmother scolding is a wicked stepmother. Sister Chen in our department is a stepmother, and I know too well the hardships of being a stepmother. The smallest thing can get you criticized. If I have my own child, it''s even harder. There''s only so much in the house, can there not be a fight? Mom, I don''t want a second marriage, whether they have children or not. But at my age, with my experience, don''t tell me I can find someone who''s never been married. That''s impossible, even I don''t have such a dream."


    Some people are confused and remain so their whole life.


    Some people are confused but suddenly become completely clear-headed at a certain moment.


    Jiang Lu was like this.


    Zhou Qun had done many things, and she could continue to be confused.


    But Zhou Qun messing around with men completely woke Jiang Lu up. She had money, looks, a good family background, a good job, and was a high school graduate. She wasn''t infertile, and yet Zhou Qun went to find men?


    He actually went to find men!


    This was the breaking point for Jiang Lu.


    And his complete "castration" made Jiang Lu even more clear-headed in the cold rain.


    A "eunuch," his mother''s, he''s completely useless, how could she not wake up?


    This guy isn''t even considered a man anymore.


    After much deliberation, Jiang Lu still didn''t plan to get a divorce.


    She said, "If I divorce but don''t remarry, will you agree? Will you allow me to stay at my parents'' home forever?"


    Jiang Lu''s Mother frowned, "How can you not remarry? Do you want to grow old alone? A woman always needs someone to rely on. We''ll find you a good one."


    Jiang Lu: "I just want to ask, can I live at my parents'' home for the rest of my life?"


    Jiang Lu''s Mother hesitated. She loved her daughter dearly, but compared to her son''s interests, she couldn''t agree to this. After all, she had two grandsons, and her daughter-in-law was pregnant again. If Jiang Lu stayed for a while, of course, her mother would be happy. But if she lived there forever, there simply wasn''t enough space.


    With housing so tight, the machinery factory wouldn''t arrange housing for Jiang Lu again.


    "Mom, tell me!"


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "A woman can''t stay unmarried."


    Jiang Lu looked at her mother and gave a bitter smile, saying, "You see, you can''t let me live at my parents'' home without remarrying. So why should I get a divorce?"


    She reached into her pocket, pulled out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes, and lit one up.


    Jiang Lu''s Mother''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Why are you smoking?"


    Jiang Lu: "I bought them this morning!"


    Jiang Lu: "If I get a divorce, you''ll force me to remarry, and if I don''t, I won''t even have a place to stay. Then I might as well not get a divorce. At least the Zhou family has two rooms. And men are always unfaithful. Instead of fooling around with women, they fool around with men. So I might as well stay with Zhou Qun. At least he''s a eunuch, completely impotent, so he definitely won''t go out and mess around. Men, as long as they''re not hanging on the wall, aren''t trustworthy. Zhou Qun is perfect for that."


    She took another puff and continued, "And Zhou Qun is a level-7 electrician. Even if he doesn''t get promoted, his salary of over ninety is more than most people can achieve. If I find someone else, their conditions might not be as good, and their salary might not be as high."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother sighed, "He has money, but he doesn''t give it to you. Your salary goes to your mother-in-law."


    Jiang Lu sneered, coldly, "I used to love him. I felt guilty for not having children, so I was willing to do that. But now... they''ve wronged me! If Zhou Qun doesn''t hand over his salary, we''ll get a divorce!"


    She laughed even more coldly, "Does he dare to get a divorce? He''s a eunuch!"


    "But you want children..."


    Jiang Lu: "Yes, I want children. Who says I have to have them with him? Can''t I have them with someone else?"


    "That wouldn''t be his child. He wouldn''t treat the child well, and you couldn''t pin it on him. And your reputation would be ruined..."


    Jiang Lu said meaningfully, "What if I''m already pregnant?"


    "What?!" Jiang Lu''s Mother was stunned, "You... you''re pregnant?"


    Jiang Lu: "No, not yet. But I can say I am. In this situation, wouldn''t they treat me like a queen?"


    "But you''re not..."


    "So I''m finding someone to get me pregnant now." Jiang Lu said casually, "As long as I can get pregnant, what''s a month or so? I can say I''m just one month along. After all, it''s early enough that it can be detected. Didn''t Ming Mei find out just over a month? I can say the same. If I''m already pregnant, Zhou Qun wouldn''t suspect. We haven''t been intimate recently, but a month ago, we did a few times. I''ll find someone now, and by then, it''ll only be a month off. I can definitely pass it off..."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother was completely stunned, utterly shocked. She couldn''t believe this was her daughter, who had always been so devoted to love and to Zhou Qun. What kind of blow had she suffered to change so drastically? She stammered, "What... what if you don''t get pregnant during this time..."


    Jiang Lu: "I''ll take the risk. If I don''t get pregnant, I''ll say I had a miscarriage."


    She said, "But this time, I have to take the gamble."


    She lowered her eyes, "If I win, it''s even better. If I lose, I''ll keep looking outside until I get pregnant. Once I have a bit of a bump, I''ll find an excuse to go out of town and have the baby. Then, after a few months, I''ll come back. It''s a bit complicated, and it might raise suspicions, but it doesn''t matter. As long as there''s no evidence, who can say the child is mine? I''ll be leaving a legacy for the Zhou family."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "This... this..."


    Jiang Lu: "Mom, if this makes Dad and Brother too embarrassed and they want to cut ties, I don''t mind."


    She said seriously, "Let them publish it in the newspaper. I don''t want to affect their reputation, especially my brother, who needs to move up in the world. Having a brother-in-law like Zhou Qun is embarrassing. But in my heart, they''ll always be my father and brother. I just hope that in the future, my child can get some help from them. That''s based on all these years of feelings."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother''s eyes reddened, "Alright, I understand. You poor child..."


    Jiang Lu: "Mom, this morning, sitting by the window, the rain fell on my face. I thought about all these years, and it felt like a dream..."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother held her daughter''s hand, "You''ve been through so much."


    She knew how hard her daughter had tried to get pregnant, trying everything from black dog blood to boy''s urine, living a miserable life. But what could she do if she couldn''t conceive? She never expected the situation to be so different.


    She took a deep breath and said, "About this fake pregnancy, I''ll help you find someone. This afternoon, you go to the hospital and tell Zhou Qun you''re pregnant, and at the same time, bring up the divorce."


    Jiang Lu: "I don''t want a divorce..."


    "You have to bring it up!"


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "You bring it up, then for the sake of the child, forgive him. You don''t need him to thank you. This heartless man won''t be grateful. You need to use this situation to take control of his salary."


    Jiang Lu nodded.


    "And all these years, he''s been keeping his salary for himself. It has to be handed over to you. What does a man need money for if not to fool around? If he doesn''t give it to you, you threaten to abort the child and divorce him..."


    Jiang Lu: "I''ll do as you say."


    ¡°And your mother-in-law, though a wicked one, isn''t useless. Keep her around. If you really get pregnant, you''ll need someone to take care of you, especially during the confinement period. Let her look after the child when it''s young and doesn''t understand, but once the child is a bit older and understands, absolutely don''t let her near it. She can''t raise a good child. Then we''ll find a way to get rid of her. Of course, all this is based on you getting pregnant. If you don''t, once she''s released, use the incident where she harmed your father to send her to live in the countryside. She won''t leave, but you can threaten to divorce. At Zhou Qun''s current reputation, even a country girl won''t marry him. She won''t leave, but she has to. Otherwise, if you want to get pregnant and give birth elsewhere in the future, he''ll definitely find out. Zhou Qun, being a man, might be careless, but being a woman who''s also given birth, you have to be careful.


    Jiang Lu had already made up her mind, but with her mother''s help in refining the plan, it became even more solid.


    She nodded, "I understand."


    "And that Wang Zhaodi in your house, get rid of her before your mother-in-law is released. Otherwise, if your mother-in-law uses her to cause trouble, it''ll mess up your plans."


    Jiang Lu: "I plan to introduce her to Bai Fendou."


    She said, "Although I don''t particularly like Wang Zhaodi, she hasn''t been in my house long, but she''s not bad. Last night, when Bai Fendou wanted to grab a kitchen knife, only she stepped in. I remember that. His family is too poor. If I send her back to her parents'' home, it''ll ruin her. With her family''s conditions and her parents only caring about having sons, they''ll definitely marry her off for money to an even worse situation. So I thought, introduce her to Bai Fendou. He''s not great, but he has a house and a job, which is okay for a country girl. And I promised to introduce Bai Fendou to someone. Wang Zhaodi fits the bill."


    "Would she agree?"


    ¡°Mom, when you''re so poor that you can''t even eat or dress properly, you don''t have the luxury to think about so many things. Do you think I''m harming Wang Zhaodi? In fact, I''m helping her. She won''t find anyone better than Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou has a slew of flaws and is obsessed with that widow. But¡­ heh heh!¡± Jiang Lu sneered, ¡°As long as I keep the money in my grip, what¡¯s a widow worth?¡±


    Jiang Lu had already moved from one extreme to another.


    She thought for a moment and said, ¡°I plan to have a talk with Ming Mei to see how I can persuade Bai Fendou. I¡¯m not worried about Wang Zhaodi; I¡¯m worried that Bai Fendou won¡¯t cooperate.¡±


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: ¡°Ming Mei? Your neighbor? The newlywed young wife? Why would you go to her? What can a young girl like her possibly understand?¡±


    ¡°She may not understand, but Zhuang Zhixi does. It wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for me, a woman, to directly approach Zhuang Zhixi. Besides, he doesn¡¯t like me and wouldn¡¯t bother to help. If I talk to Ming Mei, Zhuang Zhixi will definitely offer advice. Zhou Qun once said that the shrewdest person in the courtyard is Zhuang Zhixi. Since both Zhuang Zhixi and Bai Fendou are men, they¡¯ll surely come up with a way to handle Bai Fendou.¡±


    She added, ¡°I need Wang Zhaodi to stay in the courtyard.¡±


    She lowered her eyes and said, ¡°Though it¡¯s unlikely, if Zhou Qun really loses his mind and turns against me, I¡¯ll need allies. If I introduce Wang Zhaodi to someone and help her move to the city, regardless of what happens with Bai Fendou, her life will change for the better. I can tell she¡¯s not an ungrateful person. If I make an effort to befriend her, she¡¯ll stand by me. It¡¯s too difficult to manipulate the others in the courtyard, but it¡¯ll be easy to win over Wang Zhaodi.¡±


    Jiang Lu''s Mother looked at her daughter for a long time before saying, ¡°You¡¯ve suffered, but since you¡¯ve thought this through so clearly, I won¡¯t say anything more. I support you.¡±


    She knew that their family situation couldn¡¯t allow Jiang Lu to stay for long. Her daughter-in-law wouldn¡¯t be happy about it either. The in-laws weren¡¯t from an ordinary family, and if they came to cause trouble, it would disrupt the household harmony.


    Seeing her daughter analyze the situation so thoroughly, Jiang Lu''s Mother was convinced.


    She said, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s settled then. I hope you can really get pregnant.¡±


    Jiang Lu smiled faintly, ¡°I hope so. I found a younger man¡­ younger, healthier, and more capable than Zhou Qun. I refuse to believe that I¡¯m destined to have no child.¡±


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: ¡°¡­¡±


    She hesitated for a moment and whispered, ¡°Who did you find?¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°You don¡¯t need to know that.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t planned to tell anyone yet.


    She said, ¡°But don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not someone from our courtyard. I wouldn¡¯t make such a mistake and give anyone a reason to gossip.¡±


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: ¡°Then¡­ be careful.¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°I know.¡±


    She added, ¡°After being with another man, I realized that Zhou Qun is just a useless waste.¡±


    Originally, she had felt utterly despairing, not fully clear on what she should do. It was this despair that pushed her to seek temporary relief, not intentionally looking for another man to have a child with. The momentary indulgence was a result of the immense pressure, a desire to escape.


    But this escape unexpectedly opened a new world for her.


    She wasn¡¯t particularly passionate about the matter, but she suddenly understood that Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t even a real man.


    Those few seconds were all he had, which explained why she had never been able to conceive before. A real man wasn¡¯t like that!


    A man who couldn¡¯t even perform in bed wasn¡¯t worth expecting anything from¡­ In that instant, Jiang Lu completely lost respect for Zhou Qun and gave up on him. The more she had loved him before, the more disgusted she felt now.


    When a woman stops loving a man, her reason returns¡­


    She had also started to plot and scheme completely.


    She sneered, ¡°Zhou Qun is not a man!¡±


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: ¡°¡­¡±

 Chapter 103

    After a sleepless night, those who had to go to work had no choice. But even those who didn''t have to work found it impossible to sleep.In the morning, the heavy rain turned into a drizzle. Bai Father and Son were lying around at home, while many housewives who didn''t have to work gathered at Aunt Wang''s backyard. Aunt Wang''s house was bustling with activity. Everyone was busy assembling matchboxes, and they also discussed the shocking event from the previous night.


    This event was truly unprecedented, something they had never seen before.


    However, the phrase "never seen before" had been used several times in their courtyard. After each incident, someone always managed to create the next "never seen before" event, keeping everyone on their toes.


    "Aunt Wang, why don''t you go check on Bai Fendou''s house? Both he and his father are at home, not going to work, lying in bed with water all over it, and they don''t seem to care. Could something happen?"


    Aunt Wang asked seriously, "Do you think they''ll listen to me? What if I go and get scolded?"


    Everyone was momentarily speechless. It was true; this wasn''t a situation where Aunt Wang could intervene. Everyone in the courtyard knew how difficult it was to be the caretaker of the neighborhood. It wasn''t easy at all.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I don''t know how this will turn out."


    "Who does?"


    "Do you think the factory will get involved in this?"


    "I don''t think so. Both Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou have suffered injuries. They probably won''t go to the factory. Since no one is reporting it, why would the factory want to get involved? It''s not like it would make them look good. They''ll just pretend they don''t know. Someone else might report it, but the factory probably won''t want to meddle. After all, if both Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun insist it was a misunderstanding, no one can prove otherwise."


    Aunt Wang, didn''t you go to the neighborhood office this morning in the rain? What did they say?


    Such a big event couldn''t be kept from the street office. They were already numb from all the events in their courtyard. When they saw Aunt Wang, their first reaction was to rub their temples.


    However, their experience was still limited.


    They never expected the reason for this incident. The street office director was so furious that he wanted to smash Zhou Qun''s head. However, after some gossiping, they decided not to intervene.


    The incident was that Bai Fendou was "that" by Zhou Qun, well, according to Bai Fendou, it hadn''t happened yet. But whether it had or not, only the parties involved knew. If there was one more person who knew, it would probably be Jiang Lu.


    But Jiang Lu wouldn''t say anything either.


    Additionally, Zhou Qun was kicked by Bai Fendou, and although it was reattached, he was rendered impotent.


    So, both sides suffered injuries, but the origin of the incident was Zhou Qun. Therefore, both parties would want to keep this quiet.


    Zhao Guihua felt she had the clearest view: "The street office won''t get involved, and neither will the factory."


    Hearing her analysis, everyone agreed.


    "I never thought Zhou Qun had this kind of taste, and I certainly didn''t expect him to target Bai Fendou."


    "Who would?"


    "But Bai Fendou was really ruthless..."


    Seeing everyone start to discuss again, Zhao Guihua said, "Actually, we should all be grateful to Bai Fendou. Who doesn''t have a man at home? If Bai Fendou hadn''t kicked Zhou Qun so hard that he became a eunuch, who knows if our men would have been targeted by Zhou Qun? After all, he was desperate enough to even look at Bai Fendou. Now that his tools are gone, at least he can''t act on his intentions anymore."


    Everyone was stunned.


    But soon, Aunt Wang slapped her thigh and said, "Guihua, you''re absolutely right. We should all be thankful to Bai Fendou."


    The other women and young wives suddenly understood and nodded in agreement, feeling quite moved: "Bai Fendou really did us a favor."


    "Exactly, if Zhou Qun hadn''t been rendered impotent, other men would have been in deep trouble. Thank goodness."


    Zhou Qun was truly a troublemaker. He had targeted older women, making everyone in the neighborhood avoid him. Now, after targeting older women, he had moved on to men.


    If his... ahem... hadn''t been stopped in time, who knows, he might have even started targeting old men.


    "So, we really should be thankful to Bai Fendou."


    "Absolutely!"


    "Did you see? Bai Fendou proposed to Wang Xiangxiu this morning!"


    "Yes, but how could Wang Xiangxiu agree? They never had a good relationship before, and now Bai Fendou has such a reputation. Plus, Wang Xiangxiu has three sons. If she married Bai Fendou, he would definitely want to have more sons, which would add to the family''s burden. Wang Xiangxiu wouldn''t agree. And look at her three sons this morning, they were so upset."


    "Exactly."


    Heavy footsteps approached, and the sound of splashing water and mud followed. The heavy rain from the night hadn''t stopped, and there were puddles in the courtyard. "Aunt Wang, are you home?"


    Aunt Wang replied, "Who is it?"


    It turned out to be neighborhood officer Xiao Sun, who was out of breath. "Aunt Wang, it''s me."


    Aunt Wang quickly went up to him. "Xiao Sun? Why are you here? Is something wrong?"


    Despite the heavy rain, his shoes were soaked. Zhao Guihua and the others also stretched their necks to look. Xiao Sun said, "You, you, you have to come with me to the hospital. Something happened to Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu from your courtyard."


    "What!" Aunt Wang was stunned. "They''re in the hospital, so if something happened, isn''t that where they should be treated?"


    No, no, you misunderstood..." Xiao Sun was panting and explained, "After you reported this morning, the street office wasn''t at ease, so they sent me to the hospital to check on the situation."


    After all, having firsthand information would make handling the situation more effective.


    "When I got there, I saw that Zhou Qun, upon learning he was impotent, was trying to commit suicide. He wanted to jump off the building and kept banging his head against the wall..."


    "Oh my!" Everyone''s eyes widened.


    Zhao Guihua: How unfortunate for the hospital, having to deal with such troublemakers.


    "His wife, Jiang Lu, was trying to calm him down when suddenly she fainted... After a check-up, they found out she was pregnant!"


    "What?!" Everyone''s eyes widened even more.


    Zhao Guihua: ???


    As someone in the know, she found it hard to believe.


    Aunt Wang was completely stunned: "Jiang Lu... pregnant?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Sun also found it incredible and nodded vigorously.


    Aunt Wang was in a daze.


    Xiao Sun said, "Who could have imagined? This situation is so dramatic. Zhou Qun had been married for over ten years, desperate to have a child, but they never could. Now that he''s impotent, his wife is suddenly pregnant. Isn''t that a huge coincidence..."


    She wanted to say it was divine providence, but she didn''t dare.


    Such talk would be considered superstitious.


    Aunt Zhou had already been taken in for that.


    "Then, what happened next?" Zhao Guihua pressed, knowing the story wasn''t over or Xiao Sun wouldn''t be here.


    Xiao Sun: "Zhou Qun was overjoyed, but Jiang Lu insisted on getting an abortion and divorcing him. Now Zhou Qun is kneeling, begging Jiang Lu not to leave him. Her family is there, all urging her to divorce... Zhou Qun wants people from our courtyard to go and persuade them to reconcile!"


    Xiao Sun also felt Jiang Lu should divorce, but now that Zhou Qun threatened to kill himself at the mention of divorce, things were complicated.


    Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to say.


    Aunt Su suddenly jumped up and said, "What are we waiting for? We should go to the hospital right away!"


    At this moment, she wasn''t the usual frail old lady.


    Others immediately agreed: "Yes, yes, we have to go see. Whether we persuade them to split or reconcile, we need to check the situation. After all, they are from our courtyard..."


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s go home and put on a raincoat¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s actions were equally swift. She was incredibly fast, and at a time like this, of course, she had to go see what was going on.


    Although she didn¡¯t know what was happening, Zhao Guihua was aware that Zhou Qun was previously unable to have children. If Jiang Lu was pregnant, it definitely had nothing to do with Zhou Qun. However, she remembered that Jiang Lu didn¡¯t get pregnant this early in her previous life.


    But then again, maybe recent events had been too chaotic, causing things to diverge from the previous timeline.


    Everyone was in a hurry, locking the door and heading out in a large group. Even Aunt Ning, the oldest person in the courtyard, tagged along. This was something they couldn¡¯t afford to miss! Such a large crowd heading out together caught the attention of the neighbors in the next courtyard. They asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Zhao Guihua was stopped and had to explain, ¡°We¡¯re going to the hospital to check on things. Zhou Qun tried to commit suicide, and Jiang Lu is pregnant and wants a divorce.¡±


    In just two sentences, she had summarized the situation.


    ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    ¡°This is too wild, isn¡¯t it? Zhou Qun¡¯s out of the picture, and Jiang Lu¡¯s pregnant? That baby must be a boy.¡±


    These words left Zhao Guihua baffled. She asked, ¡°Why do you say that?¡±


    ¡°In the Zhou family, there can only be one man!¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and let¡¯s hurry up.¡±


    ¡°Wait for me, I¡¯m coming too¡­¡±


    When they arrived at the hospital, the crowd caught the attention of many patients. They didn¡¯t look like visitors; they looked more like a mob ready to cause trouble. So many people!


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here? If you¡¯re here to see a doctor, you should be downstairs¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here to visit a neighbor who¡¯s in the hospital. He tried to commit suicide, and we were asked to come and talk some sense into him¡­¡± Aunt Wang quickly explained. The young nurse immediately gave a knowing look and said, ¡°Oh~¡±


    She added with a meaningful tone, ¡°So you¡¯re Zhou Qun¡¯s neighbors.¡±


    Zhou Qun¡¯s name was now well-known throughout the hospital, from doctors to patients. Although Zhou Qun didn¡¯t want to talk about it, the many visitors who came to see him yesterday had spread all sorts of rumors.


    And with today¡¯s events, everyone seemed to have figured it out.


    Not just the hospital, but by tomorrow, the whole of Beijing might be talking about it.


    The nurse said, ¡°You can go to the second floor. He¡¯s no longer trying to jump off the building. But as neighbors, do advise him that jumping from the second floor won¡¯t kill him.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the first time they¡¯d dealt with such a situation. Last time, a strong man had tried to jump from the second floor.


    It was really frustrating. If they kept encountering such patients, the hospital might have to close down.


    She said, ¡°Go on up.¡±


    Everyone quickly asked, ¡°Is Zhou Qun¡¯s condition okay?¡±


    The nurse proudly replied, ¡°Our hospital¡¯s medical standards are the best. Everything¡¯s been taken care of.¡±


    Someone muttered quietly, ¡°Even if it¡¯s fixed, it¡¯s still useless.¡±


    The nurse widened her eyes and said, ¡°Well, something is better than nothing.¡±


    Hmm¡­


    That did make sense, didn¡¯t it?


    No one asked further questions and hurried to head upstairs. The nurse stopped one of the aunts and asked, ¡°So, he really got¡­ you know¡­ kicked there?¡±


    It just so happened that Zhao Guihua was the one stopped. She nodded silently.


    The nurse exclaimed, ¡°Oh wow!¡±


    Her eyes widened even more, clearly amazed.


    The hospital had seen quite a lot of unusual things, but this was even more shocking. She shook her head in disbelief. Zhao Guihua quickly followed the group, and with dozens of people heading to visit a patient, the scene was quite grand.


    Other patients in nearby rooms peeked out curiously. In the ward, Zhou Qun was sitting on the bed peeling an apple, smiling obsequiously at Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu sat across from him. Hearing the commotion, she looked up and forced a smile, saying, ¡°You¡¯re here to visit, please sit.¡±


    Xiao Sun said, ¡°I called them over. Zhou Qun was shouting earlier, and you were talking about aborting the baby, so I went back to get reinforcements.¡±


    Jiang Lu took a deep breath, as if she had made a difficult decision. She looked up and said, ¡°I¡¯ve decided not to divorce. I¡¯ll keep this child.¡±


    Everyone¡¯s eyes immediately turned to her belly. It was completely unexpected that she was pregnant at this time.


    Zhou Qun said, ¡°What happened yesterday was a misunderstanding¡­¡±


    As expected, he said that. Everyone exchanged glances.


    He continued, ¡°I dreamed about my wife, and I forgot that Bai Fendou was the one staying over. I acted on impulse, but I¡¯m not that kind of person.¡±


    Everyone responded with a flat, ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to explain it to us.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Zhou Qun said, ¡°No, I need to explain to clear up any misunderstandings. Misunderstandings about me don¡¯t matter, but I don¡¯t want Jiang Lu to misunderstand me, nor do I want to affect Bai Fendou.¡±


    He was quite good at talking.


    ¡°Bai Fendou and I grew up together. I can¡¯t let this ruin his chances of finding a wife.¡± He gently put his arm around Jiang Lu, but she frowned and brushed it off. Zhou Qun didn¡¯t seem to mind and said, ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll live a good life with my wife.¡±


    He smiled and said, ¡°We finally have a child.¡±


    Everyone responded with another flat, ¡°Oh.¡±


    Originally, everyone had expected a dramatic scene at the hospital, but it turned out to be a dud. The atmosphere was unexpectedly calm, as if nothing had happened.


    Even Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu seemed normal.


    Well, Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t exactly normal.


    Usually, she was very attentive to Zhou Qun, but now she seemed a bit cold.


    However, thinking about it, the women present could understand. Jiang Lu had always wanted a child, and now that she was pregnant, she probably couldn¡¯t bear to abort it. After all, at her age, if she aborted this one, there might not be another chance.


    So everyone could understand Jiang Lu¡¯s choice.


    Jiang Lu then spoke up, ¡°Thank you all for your concern. Our family has been causing trouble for everyone.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem.¡±


    ¡°Right. Now that you have a child, living well as a couple is the most important thing.¡±


    ¡°If you need anything, Jiang Lu, just say so. You¡¯re pregnant for the first time, so be careful¡­¡±


    Jiang Lu gave a faint smile and said, ¡°I know.¡±


    She gently stroked her belly.


    Zhao Guihua watched her actions but didn¡¯t say anything.


    However, Jiang Lu looked at Zhao Guihua and said with a smile, ¡°Aunt Zhao, I¡¯ll have to come to your place to chat with Ming Mei and get some advice.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Sure, come over. But she¡¯s also a first-time mom, just a bit further along than you. I think it¡¯s better to listen to the doctor.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s really not a big deal. I¡¯ve had three kids, and my daughter-in-law has had three as well. Giving birth is easy.¡± Aunt Su said.


    Zhao Guihua countered, ¡°Well, you can¡¯t say that entirely. Jiang Lu is over thirty and having her first child. It¡¯s not the same as being in your twenties. Being more careful is always better. Besides, no matter your age, giving birth is always a risky affair. If you don¡¯t take care of yourself, who else will?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Jiang Lu nodded as well. ¡°You¡¯re right. But since it¡¯s still early in the pregnancy, there¡¯s no need to bother the doctor all the time. By the way, please sit down.¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes flickered. She suddenly realized that Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t really pregnant. Jiang Lu¡¯s demeanor when she was truly pregnant was quite different. So, why was Jiang Lu pretending to be pregnant? Zhao Guihua kept this thought to herself and didn¡¯t say anything more.


    ¡°Goodness, why are there so many people? Excuse me, please make way.¡±


    Everyone moved aside, and a few people helped a teenager into the room. The nurse, her face flushed, introduced, ¡°You¡¯re in bed number two.¡±


    She then looked at Zhao Guihua and the others and said, ¡°Please keep your voices down. All the noise isn¡¯t good for the patients¡¯ rest.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°We understand.¡±


    She looked at the people who had just entered, especially the patient, and felt a sense of familiarity.


    Where had she seen this person before?


    Before Zhao Guihua could figure it out, the teenager revealed it himself.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to help me. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m tough. A little rain? A small cold? Nothing to worry about. You all made such a big fuss about me being hospitalized.¡± The teenager was quite bold.


    ¡°And you still talk like that? You were burning up last night, and now you¡¯re still acting tough. All for a little fish. Do you think it was worth it?¡±


    The young man was quite indignant, saying, "How can you call it just a little fish? If you''re going to say that, you''re wrong. This isn''t just a little; it''s a lot, okay! When we took the bus back yesterday, so many people praised us for being awesome."


    He was quite proud, adding, "Almost the entire bus came over to take a look, hehe."


    "Oh, come on, people just wanted to ask where you caught the fish. Do you really think they were being nice?" The older person had more life experience and immediately saw through the situation. However, the young man didn''t seem to mind, smiling and saying, "What''s the big deal? The pond isn''t ours anyway. Anyone can go. Everyone''s improving their lives, so I think I''m doing a good deed."


    Just look, the levels of understanding between people are so different.


    Zhao Guihua watched and couldn''t help but reflect on her own mediocre morals. But next time, she still wouldn''t say anything. After all, she was just an old lady and didn''t expect herself to have high moral standards. Her own family hadn''t even achieved fish freedom yet. How could she care about others?


    However, listening to the young man''s words, she knew exactly who he was. Although she hadn''t seen the faces of these young men before, just by their backs, voices, and the way they spoke, it was clear they were familiar.


    Weren''t these the same group of lads they had encountered before?


    In their previous life, it should have been them who discovered the pond and spread the word. This time, they had come close to finding it twice, and finally, on the second attempt, they succeeded. And of course, it was them who spread the news.


    "That pond, though it looks big, is actually quite hidden. We''ve been there a few times before we found it. And let me tell you, there are a lot of fish."


    The young man was enthusiastic, continuing, "Didn''t you all drink the fish soup last night? It was pretty good, right?"


    "Alright, stop talking about it and get some rest."


    The young man lay down, but his eyes kept wandering back to the others, saying, "You''ve got a lot of people coming to visit you. Buddy, you''ve got good connections."


    A middle-aged woman next to him pinched his arm, to which the young man responded, "Why did you pinch me?"


    Hmm, he clearly lacked awareness.


    The middle-aged woman, perhaps a former soldier, stood tall and exuded a heroic aura. She nodded to everyone, saying, "My son is young and just a chatterbox. Please don''t mind him."


    She suspiciously scanned the group of "visitors" and felt something was off. Zhao Guihua also pulled Aunt Wang, who quickly said, "We don''t mind. It''s just that we''ve disturbed the patient''s rest with so many of us here. We should be leaving now."


    She turned to Jiang Lu: "Since the patient is fine, we''ll be going now."


    Jiang Lu nodded and said, "Got it."


    She stood up, "I''ll see you out. I also need to go home and prepare some things for Zhou Qun."


    "Alright."


    The group left in a grand procession. The young man scratched his chin, puzzled, wondering why so many people had come to visit. He gestured subtly and whispered, "Nurse sister, what''s going on?"


    The nurse glanced at Zhou Qun across the room and muttered a few words. The young man''s eyes widened in surprise: "What the hell!"


    The happenings in the ward were unknown to them. The group went downstairs, each with something on their mind. Of course, they weren''t thinking about Zhou Qun''s condition; they were just watching the commotion. But some matters were indeed serious.


    "I wonder where that pond the kid mentioned is?"


    "Yeah, it sounds like there are a lot of fish."


    Yesterday, Zhao Guihua had traded for some fish, and everyone had seen it, feeling quite envious. However, Zhao Guihua had traded for hers, which meant a cost. If they didn''t trade and fished themselves, wouldn''t that be better?


    Free.


    "Should we ask him where it is?"


    "Would he tell us? If you knew about such a place, would you go around telling everyone?"


    "Why not? Didn''t he say it himself? If others know, it''s a good thing for improving their lives."


    "Then should we go back upstairs and ask?"


    "Let''s go back upstairs and ask." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Several people couldn''t resist the temptation and went upstairs together. Zhao Guihua stayed at the door, waiting. After a long time, they all came down, excited. Clearly, they had found out.


    Aunt Su hurried forward: "Where did you catch the fish?"


    "Aunt Su, we found out on our own. If you want to know, you should ask yourself."


    They naturally didn''t want more people to know.


    "Oh, you''re too much. We''re all neighbors, and you''re being too selfish."


    "That''s right."


    They started arguing again. Zhao Guihua was tired of listening and said, "I''m leaving first."


    She tucked her hands into her sleeves and walked into the rain, which had lightened a bit since they came out. Aunt Wang quickly followed, asking, "You don''t want to know?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Let them argue. You believe me, by evening, the news will be flying around. Why waste time here?"


    Aunt Wang thought about it and realized she was right. Since the person involved didn''t mind, they would definitely tell many people. The two old ladies walked home together. Aunt Wang said, "If we find out where it is, my husband, Li Chef, will definitely go."


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll go too. Do you want to come with me?"


    Aunt Wang thought for a moment and said, "I''ll go with you."


    She hadn''t been sure before, but since Zhao Guihua invited her, it would be good to take a look.


    She said, "With the men at work, if the rain stops, we can find out the location and scout the place first."


    Zhao Guihua: "Sounds good."


    The two went home. They had been out for a while, and by the time they returned, many people had already gotten off work. They were stopped by several people asking questions. The Bai Father and Son inside the house listened to the conversations outside.


    Bai Fendou suddenly burst out, his eyes wide with rage: "What did you say? Zhou Qun has a child?"


    Zhao Guihua, seeing his frantic state, took a step back and said, "Jiang Lu is pregnant."


    "Isn''t that the same thing?" Bai Fendou''s eyes were bloodshot as he shouted, "This bastard, this bastard ruined my reputation, and now he has a child of his own. This heartless dog, I should kill him!"


    This man had seemed to be getting better this morning, but now he was suddenly acting up again.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, who had come home early to get the first-hand news, immediately grabbed Zhao Guihua, one on each side.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The Jinlai brothers came back from school and stood outside Bai Fendou''s house, cursing him, saying he''s a toad wanting to eat swan meat. Not only his mother, Wang Xiangxiu, but even a beggar wouldn''t marry him. He''ll never get a wife in his life."


    Ming Mei: "Wang Xiangxiu came back and scolded the kids."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The Jinlai brothers then cursed Bai Fendou for being childless his entire life."


    Ming Mei: "Wang Xiangxiu hit the kids."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The Jinlai brothers said if their mom remarried, they''d die, all three of them jumping into Houhai Lake."


    Ming Mei: "Wang Xiangxiu swore to heaven she wouldn''t remarry."


    The two of them, like a double act, went back and forth, but Zhao Guihua understood. It seemed Bai Fendou had been triggered by this. He couldn''t even marry a widow, yet Zhou Qun had managed to have a child of his own.


    How could he take that?


    He definitely couldn''t.


    Zhao Guihua looked at Bai Fendou''s lost and broken state and said, "Bai Fendou, don''t think about others. The rain hasn''t stopped yet. Go buy some glass and fix your windows. Otherwise, with the rain coming in all night, not only will you get a cold, but your house will be ruined. People still need to live here. Go buy some glass now."


    Bai Fendou: "Buy what glass? I don''t care anymore, I don''t care!"


    He laughed wildly, as if truly overwhelmed by a huge shock, shouting, "It''s just this one life, I don''t care, I don''t care anymore..."


    The Jinlai brothers appeared at some unknown time, standing in a row at the door, clapping their hands and saying, "Dead is best, dead is best!"


    Zhao Guihua turned back to look at the three boys, frowning deeply and shaking her head.


    How can this be explained? If it were his family who had an issue with Bai Fendou, that would be understandable, as Bai Fendou once tried to scheme against Zhuang Zhixi on behalf of the Su family. If the scheme had succeeded, Zhuang Zhixi would have been in big trouble, possibly earning a reputation as a hooligan and ending up in jail.


    Even if Bai Fendou tried to explain himself later, Zhuang Zhixi''s reputation would still be ruined.


    So, it''s normal for his family to look down on Bai Fendou, and even to kick him while he''s down during tough times. After all, this is a deep-seated grudge. However, the behavior of Su Jinlai and his two brothers is downright ungrateful. The Su family''s son has been dead for several years, and all these years, it''s been the Bai Father and Son who have been supporting them.


    Back then, Bai Fendou was in the security department, earning over thirty yuan a month, and Bai the Elder was in logistics, earning a bit less but still over twenty yuan. They didn''t have much savings, nor did they buy new clothes. Most of their money went to the Su family.


    Didn''t you see how sturdy the Su brothers looked?


    Were they eating air? Or were they surviving on their mother''s twenty-five-yuan salary?


    It was entirely thanks to the Bai Father and Son, yet now these three are so ungrateful, not only taking the help but also cursing at them. It''s truly a lack of upbringing. Anyone can criticize Bai Fendou, but the Su family shouldn''t.


    If they do, they''re truly shameless ingrates.


    Zhao Guihua kept shaking her head, unable to look up to the Su family''s upbringing. Others in the courtyard felt the same way. At this moment, everyone had gathered in the front yard due to Bai Fendou''s sudden outburst, all disdainfully looking at the three boys.


    People say the three boys are young and don''t understand much.


    This might be true for Tonglai, who is only six years old. At that age, it''s normal not to be fully mature. But Jinlai is already ten years old. A ten-year-old behaving like this?


    If they were determined, a fourteen or fifteen-year-old could already take over a job at the factory.


    If he still claims to be a child and not sensible, everyone would mock him. Poor kids grow up fast, and even if they''re not poor, a ten-year-old should already be sensible.


    Seeing everyone looking at them like that, Su Jinlai and his brothers shouted, "What are you looking at? Bai Fendou wants to take our mom away. He deserves to die!"


    Aunt Wang: "You shouldn''t say that. How much have you eaten from him?"


    Jinlai shouted, "What''s a little bit of food to us? We ate from him because we gave him face! Besides, he was willing, we didn''t force him."


    Jinlai was very stubborn, saying, "He doesn''t have a son, so he wanted to curry favor with us. He''s a childless man, trying to charm our mom so we''d take care of him in his old age. We''re boys, after all!"


    Yinlai: "Exactly, he''s destined to have no descendants, yet he wants to marry our mom and get three big sons for free. Dream on."


    Tonglai, being younger, didn''t know what to say and just echoed his brothers: "That''s right, that''s right."


    Jinlai blinked his small eyes and said viciously, "He''s the kind of person who messes around with men. He''s disgusting and deserves to die."


    He''s already a big kid and understands some things. After staying up late last night to watch the drama, he knows a thing or two. He sneered, "He deserves to be a bachelor for life."


    "Ah!!!" Bai Fendou suddenly screamed again, looking up at the sky.


    "What are you howling about!"


    Jinlai continued to shout.


    Bai Fendou looked at the boy and thought of all the years he had helped them. Suddenly, a surge of anger filled his heart. He charged out, grabbed Jinlai, and slapped him hard across the face, "Smack, smack, smack!"


    The slaps were loud and clear.


    He kept slapping without stopping, leaving everyone stunned. No one expected Bai Fendou to explode like this. Even Wang Xiangxiu inside the house didn''t expect it. She deliberately stayed inside, as her sons were cursing at Bai Fendou. If she came out, she would have to deal with the situation.


    If she didn''t discipline her sons, Bai Fendou would be upset, and the neighbors might look down on her.


    But if she did discipline her sons, she wouldn''t bear to.


    After all, she had already punished them once today, and she couldn''t bear to do it again. Besides, these were her sons, the ones who would take care of her in the future. She couldn''t bear to hurt them. So, she decided to hide inside like a turtle, hoping that no one could force her to come out.


    But she never expected Bai Fendou to go crazy.


    Bai Fendou kept slapping Jinlai, and the first to react was Yinlai: "Let go of my brother..."


    He rushed up and tried to bite Bai Fendou''s arm. Bai Fendou shook him off but didn''t hesitate to push Jinlai to the ground and kick him twice. Then he grabbed Yinlai and started slapping him across the face.


    "You little brat, let me see you bite me!"


    Tonglai was so scared that he sat down on the ground. He didn''t need to be hit; just watching was terrifying. He started trembling. However, Bai Fendou still kicked him a few times. Jinlai was dazed from the beating, and Yinlai wasn''t faring any better.


    Despite the severity of the beating, it all happened in a very short time. Even Wang Xiangxiu inside the house hadn''t reacted yet.


    She didn''t expect Bai Fendou to actually hit the kids. When she heard their screams, she was momentarily confused and didn''t realize it was Bai Fendou who was beating them. But when she finally figured out what was happening and rushed out, the three boys had already been beaten.


    Jinlai and Yinlai were both beaten into pigheads, while Tonglai, who had fallen down out of fear, got only a few kicks and was in better shape. The three boys were all wailing loudly.


    "Ah, Bai Fendou, how dare you hit my children! I''ll kill you!"


    Wang Xiangxiu charged at Bai Fendou, her nails scratching his face. Bai Fendou, already weak from rain and emotional turmoil, could handle beating the kids but wasn''t a match for Wang Xiangxiu, a strong woman used to physical labor.


    He was caught by Wang Xiangxiu and took many hits, his face bleeding.


    "You bastard, how could you be so heartless? They''re just kids, and they even call you Uncle Fendou. How could you bring yourself to hit them..." Wang Xiangxiu was furious, feeling that Bai Fendou was truly evil. She wanted to kill the man in front of her.


    Bai Fendou, caught by Wang Xiangxiu, looked at her with eyes full of murderous intent.


    In the past, when he faced Wang Xiangxiu, he was always full of tenderness. She was a delicate and charming woman, pouting about this and that. Suddenly seeing her look at him with such cold, venomous eyes, he felt a chill.


    As Wang Xiangxiu kept hitting him, the three brothers shouted, "Mom, kill him, kill this dog!"


    "Yes, hit him!


    "Hit him, hit him!"


    It wasn''t that no one was trying to stop the fight, but everyone was stunned. From the moment Bai Fendou suddenly erupted and started hitting, everyone felt like their throats were choked. No one understood how the fight had started, and even less expected Bai Fendou to actually hit the kids.


    Wang Xiangxiu had Bai Fendou pinned to the ground, beating him single-handedly.


    Bai Fendou was beaten to a pulp, "Ahhhhh!"


    Bai Fendou let out a roar and suddenly grabbed Wang Xiangxiu''s neck. Wang Xiangxiu: "Ugh..."


    "Let go of my mom!"


    Bai Fendou''s eyes were filled with madness as he shouted, "Wang Xiangxiu, you''re a bitch, you''re not a good person... You and your whole family are ingrates!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Ugh... Ugh."


    It was Zhao Guihua who reacted first, quickly shouting, "Bai Fendou, let go! If you kill her, you''ll be breaking the law. Hurry up and let go!"


    "Yes, Bai Fendou, you can''t kill..."


    Everyone was now scared, no one expected things to escalate to this point.


    Bai Fendou was choking Wang Xiangxiu, glaring at her with hatred. Whether it was because he heard everyone''s words or he calmed down, he finally let go, but not before slapping her across the face and shouting, "Wang Xiangxiu, from today on, I, Bai Fendou, am cutting all ties with you!"


    He shouted loudly, "No matter how much I''ve helped you in the past, consider it all thrown to the dogs, to the wolves! But from now on, I will not spend a single penny on your family, on you, or your ungrateful sons!"


    He slapped her again and pushed her hard, struggling to his feet. By now, he was covered in mud, stumbling into his house, and slammed the door shut with a bang.


    Wang Xiangxiu sat on the ground, wailing loudly.


    Her three sons were also crying, the four of them looking very miserable.


    Aunt Wang felt a bit sorry for them and said, "You should go to the hospital and get checked out."


    Wang Xiangxiu was still crying: "Where is the money? Where is the money? Why is my life so bitter? My husband is gone, and everyone bullies us, a widow and her children. Even Bai Fendou is like this. Where are the good people? Where are the good people!"


    Wang Xiangxiu was bawling in the rain, and Zhao Guihua watched her without saying a word, then turned and went home.


    Was Wang Xiangxiu pitiful? She truly was. Her whole family had a tough life. But being pitiful doesn''t mean you can''t survive. You wear what fits your head. If you don''t have the means, don''t expect to eat well every day. Who doesn''t eat mixed flour pancakes? Even with several workers in their family, they still have to eat.


    But Wang Xiangxiu wanted her son to eat big steamed buns every meal.


    Was that possible with their conditions?


    If being a widow is hard, then consider Luo Xiaohe, whom Lan Sihai married. Luo Xiaohe''s mother was a widow even in tougher times, before the liberation. Life was incredibly difficult for her. She raised a beautiful but ill-reputed eldest daughter and two younger children on her own. Yet, she didn''t resort to what the Su family is doing now.


    Even when pretending to be crazy, she protected her children and endured the hardships.


    Whether or not she treated Luo Xiaohe well, from this perspective, she didn''t take crooked paths.


    So Zhao Guihua didn''t sympathize with the Su family. People in the old society endured much harder times than they did. The Su family has workers, so why resort to such things? Moreover, Jinlai and his two siblings are ungrateful and have sticky fingers.


    Zhao Guihua started cooking, and Liang Meifen quickly came to help. Still, she peeked at Wang Xiangxiu and said, "She has it tough."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Who doesn''t have a tough life? No matter how tough, their three kids shouldn''t be cursing Bai Fendou like that. Others can curse, but not them."


    Liang Meifen shook her head upon hearing this: "Those three kids... they''re no good."


    Looking at her own two children, she sighed in relief. Thankfully, her kids weren''t like that.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were raised by Zhao Guihua since childhood. Despite her sternness, she was good at teaching kids. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were well-behaved and had good temperaments, unlike Jinlai and his siblings who were so extreme.


    Both Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had already returned from school. The two kids stood at the door, watching the scene, their hands clasped tightly, their teeth gritted, and their shoulders hunched as they ran home, scared.


    Xiao Yanzi: "They''re fighting."


    Hutou nodded: "So scary. So fierce."


    They had seen kids fight before, but never like this. It was frightening.


    Zhao Guihua took the opportunity to educate them: "So, kids, don''t curse others, especially outside. Kids can''t beat adults, and you''ll definitely get hurt. If someone bullies you, run and tell your grandma or your parents. We adults will always get justice for you. As long as you''re not in the wrong, anyone who dares to bully you will get what''s coming to them. But you can''t be stubborn; if you should run, then run."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded heavily, very seriously.


    How could they not be serious?


    In their minds, even the toughest kids in the neighborhood, Jinlai and his brothers, had been beaten into a pulp. Clearly, kids couldn''t beat adults.


    Hutou: "Fighting is wrong."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s right."


    She raised an eyebrow: "But you can''t control whether others will fight or not."


    Hutou nodded silently.


    Zhuang Zhixi entered and remarked, "Mom, you even use this to teach the kids?"


    Zhao Guihua gave him a look: "What''s it to you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hands in surrender.


    Ming Mei curiously asked with wide eyes: "Mom, did I hear that Jiang Lu is pregnant?"


    Zhao Guihua paused, then hummed in agreement. Although she thought it might not be true, she didn''t want to expose it. She didn''t plan to discuss it at home, as once word got out, things could escalate.


    Their courtyard already had enough drama; they didn''t need to add more.


    She said, "With Jiang Lu having a child, the Zhou family might settle down a bit."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled: "If they settle down, it''s not because of the child, but because Zhou Qun is completely incapacitated and can''t strut around or cause trouble anymore."


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re so smart."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s the truth. But Jiang Lu getting pregnant at this time is quite convenient. If it were a few days later, it would be hard to explain."


    Zhao Guihua glared at him: "Shut up. Stop spouting nonsense. Mind your own business."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I know, I know. I was just saying it casually."


    He had indeed said it casually, but his mother''s reaction seemed a bit much.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment, then raised an eyebrow, his expression a bit more meaningful.


    Zhao Guihua shot him another glare. This kid, who knows who he takes after, so cunning.


    Ming Mei, meanwhile, didn''t care about what was being said inside. She leaned against the doorframe, watching the drama. She said, "Oh, Aunt Su is back..."


    "Who did this to you, my dear grandsons? What happened to you..." The courtyard soon erupted with Aunt Su''s cries.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly leaned over: "I wonder if she''ll go to the Bai house to make a fuss..."


    Zhao Guihua calmly said, "She won''t."


    "Huh? She won''t? Isn''t she the most doting on her kids?" The family was puzzled.


    Zhao Guihua: "Do you think Aunt Su is at Wang Xiangxiu''s level? If she were like Wang Xiangxiu, Bai Fendou wouldn''t have been hooked for over twenty years and still not gotten off the hook. She''s on a higher level. Even if she hates the Bai family, she won''t make a scene. She can''t afford to leave a bad impression on Bai Fendou''s father. After all, she still needs to milk them for resources in the future."


    She paused and continued: "And does she not know what her kids are like? Bai Fendou used to get along well with the kids. He wouldn''t just go crazy and beat them up. So she must have some idea. Demanding compensation now would be less effective than playing the victim and not pursuing the matter. This way, she can maintain a steady flow of benefits from Bai Fendou''s father and even try to win Bai Fendou back."


    As soon as Zhao Guihua finished speaking, Aunt Su appeared at the door of the Bai house and said to those inside: "Old Bai, Bai Fendou, I just found out what happened. I know it was our family''s fault. You beat them to teach them a lesson, and you were right to do so. If they misbehave again, feel free to discipline them. As a woman, I don''t understand much, and I don''t know how to educate kids. Xiangxiu too, just wants her kids to eat enough, working hard every day. We don''t have much knowledge, so we might do things improperly. But we know you, father and son, are good people. This incident was our kids'' fault, and I, on behalf of the Su family, bow to you to apologize."


    ...


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others turned to look at Zhao Guihua in shock. Zhao Guihua simply said, "What did I tell you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi gave his mother a thumbs up and exclaimed, "Old ginger is spicier. You really know Aunt Su better."


    Zhao Guihua: "If I didn''t understand her after all these years, I''d be an idiot."


    Ming Mei: "Old Bai is out, but Bai Fendou isn''t..."


    "Bai Fendou suffered such a big blow. I guess he won''t be in any shape to deal with others for a while."


    Ming Mei: "Oh, Jiang Lu is back too."


    She shook her head, a bit puzzled why Jiang Lu hadn''t divorced. If she were in that situation, she would have divorced. However... Ming Mei understood that not everyone had the kind of open-minded environment she did.


    "She probably rushed to the hospital yesterday and came back to get some things," Zhuang Zhixi said.


    Ming Mei: "But she went into the Bai house..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"


    He looked around: "Why?"


    Ming Mei: "How would I know? We''re all watching the same drama. I didn''t get any extra minutes."


    Zhuang Zhixi pinched her nose and said, "You."


    Ming Mei: "Hey!"


    She pouted, "You''re getting bold, pinching my nose?"


    As the two were bantering, Wang Xiangxiu suddenly turned and looked over, her eyes filled with jealousy.


    Ming Mei: "???"


    "Hey, what''s with that look?" Ming Mei shot Wang Xiangxiu an unfriendly glare. "What''s it to you if I''m flirting with my husband? That look of yours makes it seem like I stole your man."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes flickered, and she quickly carried her child into the house.


    Ming Mei immediately pinched Zhuang Zhixi, warning him, "You''re not to talk to her more than necessary, do you understand?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand in assurance. "I promise, I''ll avoid her as much as possible."


    Ming Mei nodded in satisfaction. "That''s more like it."


    Women, to some extent, have a sixth sense, even if the term wasn''t widely used yet. Ming Mei had this feeling that Wang Xiangxiu had a thing for Zhuang Zhixi. She had noticed more than once that Wang Xiangxiu''s gaze seemed to drift toward Zhuang Zhixi unintentionally.


    Wang Xiangxiu had been a widow for several years, and although she had some affairs outside, those were likely devoid of true emotions. It wasn''t surprising that she might have feelings for a man, and Zhuang Zhixi, despite his talkative nature, was undeniably good-looking.


    If Wang Xiangxiu had her sights set on any man in the courtyard, it was most likely Zhuang Zhixi.


    Thinking about someone trying to dig into her relationship, Ming Mei pursed her lips and said, "You should talk to her as little as possible in the courtyard, and at work too. Don''t think that just because I''m not in the same unit as you, you can get away with anything. If I find out you''re being unclear with someone, I won''t be like Jiang Lu."


    Before Zhuang Zhixi could respond, Liang Meifen curiously asked, "What would you do?"


    Ming Mei smiled. "I''d get a divorce, but before that, I''d make sure he''s no longer a man!"


    She clenched her fist and blew on it.


    "Pfft!" Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh, leaning his head on Ming Mei''s shoulder. "I''m a good man, I only love my wife. Besides, no other woman gives me the kind of security you do. I''m a talkative guy, and I''m counting on you to protect me. I love you the most."


    He was being overly affectionate, and although they were leaning against the door, the people inside could still hear what he said.


    The room was filled with people of all ages, and everyone found it a bit too much. Little Hutou rubbed his arms and said, "Look, my goosebumps are rising..."


    "Hahaha!"


    This comment made the adults laugh...


    Their family atmosphere was quite good, but the Su family''s atmosphere was far from pleasant. Aunt Su glared coldly at Wang Xiangxiu and said, "I was away for just a moment, and you''ve caused so much trouble. Do you even know how important Bai Fendou is to our family?"


    Wang Xiangxiu defended, "He hit Jinlai and the others..."


    Aunt Su retorted, "Why didn''t you stop the kids? I''ve told you, don''t make enemies, don''t make enemies!"


    She was filled with frustration. If she had Wang Xiangxiu''s looks when she was young, she would have been successful long ago. Even with her average looks, she had managed to control Bai Fendou''s father through her personality. Looking at Wang Xiangxiu now, she couldn''t even manage her own children or keep Bai Fendou in check.


    She glared at Wang Xiangxiu, then turned to the three children. "What did I tell you... Your mother isn''t really going to remarry. We''re just tricking that family of fools to help us. If we want them to work for us, we have to sweet-talk them. Saying nice things doesn''t cost us anything. Yet, you go and say mean things. Do you even want to eat meat, or have steamed buns and rice?"


    She spoke earnestly. "You''ve really caused a big problem for the family."


    The three children remained silent.


    When Grandma was serious and lecturing, they didn''t dare to make a sound.


    Aunt Su sighed again. "You''ll all come with me to apologize to the Bai family later."


    Jinlai pouted unwillingly, but Aunt Su was firm. "You have to do it!"


    She said, "Our family must keep them in check. I know you feel wronged and uncomfortable, but what can we do when your father is gone? Two widows raising three boys, your mother has it hard, and you can see that. Growing boys can eat a family out of house and home. If we don''t act humble, pretend to be submissive, and sweet-talk people, how can we keep you fed? If we want good food and to be full, we have to trick people into helping us!"


    She spoke earnestly. "Keep your grievances inside. When you grow up, Bai Fendou will be old. You can do whatever you want to him then. For now, you''re still kids, you have to act weak."


    Jinlai cried out, "Grandma, when I grow up, I''ll steal money for you, big money."


    Aunt Su: "..."


    Earning big money to support me in my old age would be great.


    But why start with stealing?


    Yinlai quickly added, "If brother steals, then I''ll rob! Grandma, I''ll rob money to support you and mom."


    After the talk of stealing and robbing, Tonglai was at a loss, then his eyes lit up and he quickly said, "I''ll cheat, I''ll cheat money to support you..."


    She rubbed her temples in frustration...

 Chapter 104

    Every family has its own plans, and the Su Family is fully intent on scheming against Bai Fendou and his father. However, they are unaware that their old rivals, the Zhou Family, are thinking along the same lines. Well, not exactly the Zhou Family, but Jiang Lu.Compared to Zhou Qun, Jiang Lu is a woman of her word. She had promised one hundred yuan, and she didn''t hesitate to carry the money and deliver it to Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou, in his despair, lay on a damp bed, feeling utterly defeated. Jiang Lu''s arrival at this moment was indeed opportune.


    "Did your father go out?" she asked, noticing Old Man Bai had left, possibly to buy glass or visit the latrine.


    Bai Fendou remained silent.


    She pulled a chair over and sat beside him, saying, "I know you''re suffering, and so am I."


    Bai Fendou still didn''t respond.


    Jiang Lu continued, "In the end, we are both victims. What''s the point of being hostile to each other? Are we going to compete to see who is more miserable? We''re both equally miserable."


    Bai Fendou turned his head to look at Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu took out one hundred yuan and said, "This is the hundred yuan I promised you. Take it as compensation."


    Bai Fendou remained silent for a long time before gritting his teeth and saying, "My dignity, my honor¡ªdo they only amount to one hundred yuan?"


    Jiang Lu replied, "Of course not, but it''s something. Take it as a form of compensation. Don''t feel too bad about it. You should know by now that Zhou Qun is completely finished."


    Bai Fendou roared, "He has a child!"


    Jiang Lu spoke softly, "Even with a child, he''s no longer a man. You, on the other hand, have suffered a major setback, but the doctor never said you can''t have children again. In the future, you can still have your own family and children, but he can''t. He''s no different from those eunuchs from the palace."


    "That''s true..." Bai Fendou was somehow convinced.


    Jiang Lu added, "I promised to compensate you with one hundred yuan and to introduce you to someone. The money is yours, but the introduction will take a little time..."


    Seeing Bai Fendou about to protest, Jiang Lu quickly said, "Don''t get upset. I will introduce someone, but you know my age; all my friends are married. I need time to find someone suitable. If I were to introduce someone immediately, it would be random, and that wouldn''t be fair to you. I, Jiang Lu, may not be on good terms with your family, but I wouldn''t do something like that."


    Bai Fendou found Jiang Lu''s words the most reasonable he had heard. He thought, at least she was being sincere. He said, "Zhou Qun is a scoundrel. How could he have ended up with you?"


    Jiang Lu fell silent for a moment, as if lost in memory. She couldn''t even recall why she had ever fallen for Zhou Qun. After all, their families were far from being a match. Not to mention, she had brought a substantial dowry.


    She pursed her lips and said, "Actually, I wasn''t entirely convinced by Zhou Qun at first, but one time we went to the movies and ran into a robbery. The robber tried to harass me, and Zhou Qun fought them off, risking his life to protect me..."


    She lowered her eyes and continued, "From that day on, I was completely devoted to him."


    Bai Fendou sneered, "Maybe it was all staged. With his capabilities, who could he have beaten? Did he get injured? I never heard about him getting hurt over that incident. Fighting off robbers without a scratch? That doesn''t add up."


    Jiang Lu was stunned.


    Bai Fendou slapped his thigh, "Well, that might just be the case!"


    He became intrigued. "Tell me about what happened that day. You must remember, right?"


    Jiang Lu pursed her lips, remaining silent for a long time before finally looking up with a bitter smile, "Who knows? It''s been over a decade. I can''t remember..."


    Although she said that, Bai Fendou was convinced that it must have been a setup.


    Apart from anything else, the fact that Zhou Qun could fight off robbers without getting hurt was simply unbelievable.


    Bai Fendou looked at Jiang Lu with pity, saying, "You''ve been tricked. It was such a simple trap..."


    Jiang Lu remained silent, while Bai Fendou sat up straight, feeling a bit more spirited. How could it be? Although he had recently suffered a major setback, seeing someone else in an even worse situation made him feel a bit better about his own life.


    He said, "He must have done it on purpose. You should divorce that scoundrel!"


    Jiang Lu looked up, speaking earnestly, "This is just between you and me. Don''t spread it around. You might think I have it good, but what would I do if I divorced? My family wouldn''t take me back. They would help, but my brother has a family, and where would I live? My sister-in-law isn''t easy to deal with. I have no choice."


    Bai Fendou exclaimed, "Ah?"


    He looked at Jiang Lu, never having expected this. He sighed, "You''re quite unfortunate too."


    Jiang Lu replied, "Yes."


    She took a deep breath and said, "Take the money. Don''t give it to your father; otherwise, he might end up spending it... Forget I said that."


    She stood up, "I shouldn''t stay too long in your house. It''s not appropriate for a man and woman to be alone together. About the introduction, I will be serious about it. After all... we are both in the same boat."


    Bai Fendou held the ten ten-yuan notes and sighed along with Jiang Lu. He didn''t hold any resentment toward her, saying, "Alright, I understand. We''re both in tough situations."


    Jiang Lu added, "I''ll have Wang Zhaodi make some ginger soup and bring you a bowl. Don''t lie on this damp bed; it''s not good for your joints as you get older."


    "Okay, I''ll listen to you."


    Jiang Lu nodded and left. Outside, the cold wind blew, and she took a deep breath, feeling a bit more clear-headed. She then turned and went home. As soon as she left, Wang Xiangxiu finally stopped peeking through the window. She said, "Jiang Lu is gone."


    She wondered, "What was Jiang Lu doing over there?"


    Aunt Su, feeling exasperated, thought Wang Xiangxiu was truly brainless not to understand. She said, "This morning, when Bai Fendou blocked the way, it was Jiang Lu who pulled him aside. They must have reached an agreement. I suspect Jiang Lu went to deliver the money..."


    She pondered, "I wonder how much they agreed on."


    "How do you know it was about money?"


    Aunt Su was even more speechless, saying, "Think about it. What else does Jiang Lu have besides money? At that critical moment, she would have used the simplest solution. Bai Fendou now has money in his hands..."


    Wang Xiangxiu immediately perked up, biting her lip and saying, "I''ll go apologize to Bai Fendou and try to feel out if I can borrow the money. What does a man need money for? He doesn''t even know how to spend it!"


    Aunt Su scolded, "Fool! How can you be so foolish? You just had a fight with him, and now you want to borrow money? Not only will he not lend it to you, but he''ll also hate you even more. Men are like that¡ªsometimes they seem easy to manipulate, but other times they can be incredibly stubborn. What you did today was completely wrong. You can apologize, but absolutely don''t mention money. Otherwise, it will look like you''re only after his money. At this moment, he''s the most sensitive and vulnerable. Mentioning even a little bit of money could trigger his nerves, and he might end up hating you forever."


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, "If I don''t borrow the money, he''ll just use it to buy glass, and we won''t get any of it."


    "Don''t focus on small gains. By focusing on such minor benefits, you might lose out on something bigger. Use your womanly charms. Xiangxiu, I know you''re anxious for the family, and I know how hard it is for you. I feel for you. But we can''t completely lose the support of this family. Finding another supporter isn''t easy. Who else can we rely on? Everyone is selfish, only caring about their own little family. They won''t care about their neighbors. They have no heart."


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, fully agreeing, "Everyone is selfish."


    She sighed, "I''ll listen to you. I''ll go apologize and not mention money."


    She quickly went out, knowing she couldn''t afford to lose this connection. Relying on those unreliable men? It just wouldn''t work!


    Her two thickest thighs were Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun. Although Zhou Qun''s interactions were less frequent, he was generous when he did act. Bai Fendou, on the other hand, was simply a fool. Zhou Qun was already completely incapable, and in the future, even if he had the desire, he wouldn''t have the ability.


    She couldn''t afford to lose Bai Fendou.


    Seeing Wang Xiangxiu rush out the door in a hurry.


    Aunt Su sighed, saying, "My two daughters and daughter-in-law, none of them have learned even half the essence."


    Tonglai quickly stepped forward and said, "Grandma, tell me, I can learn it. I''ll use it to trick little girls for money."


    Aunt Su: "Don''t mess around. Come here, let me see your injuries... This Bai Fendou, he''s really a damnable one, to have used such harsh methods. It serves him right that he''s been ruined by Zhou Qun."


    With a blink of her eye, Aunt Su thought of a plan and said, "You three come here."


    Jinlai came over and asked, "Grandma, what''s up?"


    Aunt Su asked, "Did Bai Fendou beat you? Are you angry?"


    The three children nodded in unison. Of course, they were angry. Who did he think he was to dare to hit them?


    Aunt Su, with a calculating smile, said, "That''s good."


    She whispered, "About Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou''s affairs, you kids have all seen them, haven''t you? Go out and spread the word about Bai Fendou, say that he sleeps with men. Once his reputation is ruined, you''ll have your revenge."


    If his reputation is ruined, it will be even harder for him to find a wife.


    She looked at the three children with a "benevolent" gaze, saying, "I know you''ve suffered and feel wronged after being beaten, but what can we do since our family doesn''t have a strong man to stand up for us? When we don''t have a strong man, we have to think of small tricks. You kids should remember this too: whenever possible, avoid fighting. Fighting is only effective when you have the numbers; if you''re weak, you''ll suffer. It''s better to use your words to charm people and plot slowly from behind the scenes."


    The three children seemed to understand, yet not quite. Aunt Su smiled, ruffled their hair, and said, "You are the children of the Su Family, and in the future, you''ll have great prospects. Grandma believes in you the most."


    "Yeah!"


    Jinlai, with a bruised and swollen face, proudly smiled and said, "I''ll definitely ruin his reputation!"


    Aunt Su nodded slightly, satisfied with the smile. She hadn''t thought about what kind of adults her children would grow up to be with such teachings. But in her mind, if her children could be this cunning, it was a sign of intelligence.


    Such intelligence would ensure they wouldn''t suffer in the future.


    She became even more pleased, feeling that everything was going according to plan.


    At the same time, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were singing a children''s song they had learned today for Zhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua clapped along, humming and nodding, saying, "You learn pretty fast."


    The kids chuckled.


    Hutou: "Grandma, when I start elementary school in a few days, I''ll be a big kid."


    The little one said happily, but with a bit of worry, "I''m a little worried about my sister. After I start school, she''ll be going to kindergarten alone. I''m afraid she might get bullied."


    He was really worried about his sister. Although they weren''t in the same class, they went to school and back together every day.


    Xiao Yanzi quickly said, "I''ll be fine. I''m strong."


    Although she went to school with her brother, they weren''t in the same class, and Xiao Yanzi had her own friends. She said, "I can do it." Her speech was a bit unclear due to her baby teeth.


    Hutou: "Ah."


    Zhao Guihua looked at the kids, impressed by their young age but already caring for each other. She said, "Hutou, focus on your studies and don''t worry about Xiao Yanzi. She''s also very capable."


    Xiao Yanzi immediately nodded.


    Zhao Guihua: "When summer vacation comes, Grandma will take you to the zoo to see the big tigers."


    "Wow."


    The two kids'' eyes lit up, and they nodded excitedly, "We want to see them!"


    The two kids danced around Zhao Guihua, and Liang Meifen felt comforted. The best part was that her two kids were liked by the old lady. They were practically a separate household internally, and raising kids was expensive. Schooling, clothing, and other expenses added up.


    Fortunately, the kids were likable, and their grandmother made clothes for them, saving a lot of money.


    Liang Meifen was slightly satisfied. These little perks were worth taking advantage of; otherwise, they might be gone.


    "The rain is lighter now; it should stop soon. If it doesn''t rain tomorrow, we''ll go up the mountain together," Zhao Guihua mentioned to Liang Meifen. "Auntie Wang and the others are going too."


    Indeed, Zhao Guihua guessed right; the location of the pond had spread.


    Mentioning this, Liang Meifen also felt a bit gloomy. She said, "Such a good place..."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t comment. Although their family had enjoyed the place exclusively for a while, she couldn''t help but feel a bit regretful. People always think of themselves first.


    Liang Meifen asked, "Shouldn''t we leave someone at home?"


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment, hesitated for a while, and finally said, "No, we shouldn''t. We''ll be fine tomorrow."


    She said, "Just come back early."


    Like Jinlai and his brothers, who thought they were getting a big advantage, in reality, because of their constant petty thefts, every family was on high alert. Take Zhao Guihua, for example; who were they guarding against? It was Jinlai and his brothers.


    Zhao Guihua: "During this period, they''re in school, and we''ll be back before they get out."


    It was really troublesome, especially during summer vacation when they couldn''t be short-handed at home.


    Liang Meifen: "Mmm."


    Ming Mei said, "Mom, are you all going up the mountain tomorrow?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I heard they all want to go."


    This was an opportunity to improve their lives, and everyone wanted to check it out. Ming Mei was quite reasonable: "I think someone should stay at home. If everyone leaves, there won''t be anyone in the courtyard, and if there''s a thief..."


    Zhao Guihua: "That shouldn''t happen."


    The thieves in their neighborhood were none other than Su Jinlai, the little scoundrel.


    But since her daughter-in-law mentioned it, she thought about it and agreed. After all, there had been a lot of incidents recently, and having someone at home... would be a good idea.


    "Meifen, you stay home then."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    The three women were chatting at home when Zhuang Zhixi went out to use the bathroom. Although it was just a light rain, he still put on a raincoat without hesitation. As Zhuang Zhixi walked out, he happened to run into Wang Xiangxiu. Wang Xiangxiu was apologizing to Bai Fendou but got snubbed, her heart full of curses but still forced to smile. She hadn''t expected that after she hit him, Bai Fendou would react so strongly.


    Really, was he still a man? So petty.


    Wang Xiangxiu was a bit worried, but thinking of her mother-in-law''s advice, she knew she had to take things step by step.


    She didn''t push her luck and instead went out the door. However, seeing Zhuang Zhixi go out, her eyes lit up and she quickly followed. In fact, she had never given up on the idea of seducing Zhuang Zhixi. She had even fantasized that once her children were a bit older, she would be a bit more proactive and marry Zhuang Zhixi.


    Although she was a bit older than Zhuang Zhixi, she was more than enough for him. With her voluptuous figure, she was sure to bear sons, and no man could resist her. She had already given birth to three sons in a row, making all those old ladies envious.


    She believed that no one could resist her.


    Although, although Zhuang Zhixi was a decade younger than her, she didn''t look old, and it was women like her, mature and full of charm, that men couldn''t resist. She hadn''t expected that her plans were good, but Zhuang Zhixi got married.


    How could Zhuang Zhixi get married?


    He was truly blind.


    He was the best-looking man in the courtyard, and Wang Xiangxiu had always had her eye on him.


    As for love, that was not the point. She was after his youth and good physique. Plus, the Zhuang family''s conditions were also quite good. If they were together, it would be natural for him to help support her family and raise her sons.


    Wang Xiangxiu followed Zhuang Zhixi almost unconsciously. The rain had been falling for a day and a night without stopping, but now it wasn''t as heavy as last night, just a drizzle. Wang Xiangxiu hadn''t worn a raincoat when she came out, and the rain soaked her thin clothes, clinging to her body. She followed Zhuang Zhixi''s footsteps, hoping he would turn around and look at her, confident that he wouldn''t be able to resist the temptation.


    She had originally wanted to call out to Zhuang Zhixi, but as soon as she came out, she ran into Qiang Dandan from the next courtyard, so she had to hold back.


    Qiang Dandan: "Xiaozhuang, wait for me, let''s go together."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Big Brother Qiang, why aren''t you wearing a raincoat?"


    Qiang Dandan: "No need, this little rain is nothing. How''s Bai Fendou doing in your courtyard? He didn''t go to work today, and many people were asking about him."


    Currently, both Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun are the hottest topics on this street.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "He got into a fight with the Su Family in the evening."


    With a glance at Wang Xiangxiu who was following behind, he added, "I reckon he''ll be back to work tomorrow."


    Qiang Dandan: "This Zhou Qun is truly a rare gem, a unique phenomenon indeed."


    He actually wanted to talk about the Su Family, but since he saw Wang Xiangxiu, he naturally refrained from doing so. He sighed, "Ah, you know... Holy crap!"


    He suddenly shouted, startling Zhuang Zhixi: "What''s wrong?"


    Qiang Dandan: "Look over there."


    Zhuang Zhixi followed his gaze and saw a person crouching in the corner of a wall, curled up into a ball. Zhuang Zhixi: "Who is it? Who''s over there?"


    It was already dark, and the sight was quite frightening at first glance.


    The person heard the commotion and slowly raised their head. Zhuang Zhixi: "Hmm? I feel like I''ve seen them before."


    Qiang Dandan: "You know them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Just familiar."


    He raised his voice: "Why are you crouching in the corner of the wall?"


    A drifter?


    The person shivered and said, "I wanted to find someone, but I got lost."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who are you looking for?"


    "Wang Xiangxiu."


    "Ah!" This scream came from Wang Xiangxiu, who had been following Zhuang Zhixi and Qiang Dandan, hoping for a chance to have a private conversation with Zhuang Zhixi. Qiang Dandan was really too much of a hindrance.


    She didn''t expect that the person crouching in the corner was looking for her.


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly stepped forward, and upon closer look, she recognized the person. It was her cousin from her maternal aunt''s family. She was astonished and asked, "Huihui? Why are you here?"


    "Ah, Cousin!"


    The girl named Huihui quickly stood up and said, "My parents want to marry me off to a widower, so I ran away... Cousin, I''ve come to seek refuge with you." She cried and hugged Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Cousin, you have to help me! Sobbing."


    Wang Xiangxiu froze for a moment and asked, "Why did you think of coming to me for refuge? You know my situation."


    Huihui cried and said, "Cousin, I had no other choice. If there was any other way, I wouldn''t have come to disturb you. I know you''re struggling, but I really have no other options..."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Qiang Dandan were both curious about them. Wang Xiangxiu seemed unwilling to let others know more and pulled Huihui, saying, "Come, let''s go home."


    At this point, Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t care about anything else and quickly took her cousin away. Qiang Dandan watched their retreating figures and said, "What''s going on?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "How would I know?"


    They turned the corner to go to the toilet, and when they came back, they saw Jiang Lu riding a bicycle, apparently heading to the hospital. Qiang Dandan sighed again: "Jiang Lu really has it tough, dealing with such a man and still bearing all the burdens. She''s truly a good woman."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at him and said, "You sure have a lot of feelings."


    Qiang Dandan: "Hehe."


    As they walked back, Jiang Lu indeed went to the hospital. The distance wasn''t far. Jiang Lu shook off her raincoat and parked her bicycle under the awning. She then went upstairs with a thud. However, she didn''t enter the ward where Zhou Qun was, but instead coughed at the doorway of another ward. Soon, a young man came out.


    If Zhuang Zhixi were here, he would recognize him. It was Little Xu from their department, the one who didn''t get along with Zhuang Zhixi.


    Little Xu looked at Jiang Lu, and the two didn''t speak. Instead, they went downstairs one after the other and quickly disappeared into the rain...


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    The morning sun was exceptionally bright. After a day and two nights of heavy rain, the weather suddenly became hot, truly a case of "a spring rain brings warmth." It was unusually hot early in the morning. The courtyard was as lively as ever.


    This year, however, there was something different. Zhao Guihua saw that there was an extra person at Wang Xiangxiu''s house early in the morning.


    After thinking for a long time, she recognized her as Wang Xiangxiu''s cousin Huihui, who had been here before, so she had some impression. But she didn''t know why the girl had come. Huihui was washing up and, noticing the gaze, turned back timidly and greeted, "Good morning, Auntie."


    Zhao Guihua: "Good morning, you are..."


    "I''m Huihui, Wang Xiangxiu''s cousin. I''m here to stay for a few days."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, oh. I remember you, you''ve been here before, right?"


    Huihui nodded and smiled shyly. Huihui looked a bit like Wang Xiangxiu but had more youthfulness.


    Zhao Guihua looked at her, not knowing what kind of turmoil this girl''s stay would bring. It wasn''t that she thought too much, but that''s just how things were. Bai Fendou, after all, was an eager bachelor looking for a partner.


    However... Zhao Guihua vaguely remembered that, in her previous life, Wang Xiangxiu had scolded this cousin, saying she married well but refused to help her own family, a real selfish person. Once, if one were to follow the timeline, it was about seven or eight years later, when they met this cousin together, she was indeed acting all haughty and arrogant.


    Compared to now, it was like night and day.


    Zhao Guihua looked a bit more, smiled, and didn''t ask anything further.


    However, someone else did.


    Their front courtyard had fewer people than the back, but some would come over to wash up, as the water bill was calculated per person, not divided by front or back courtyards. So, people weren''t too particular about it.


    "How old are you, girl?"


    "You''re cousins with Wang Xiangxiu?"


    "How long will you be staying? If it''s for a long time, you need to report to the neighborhood office."


    People started to discuss. Zhao Guihua finished washing up and turned to go home.


    As she entered, she saw Ming Mei propping her chin on the table, lost in thought. Zhao Guihua asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Ming Mei whispered, "I feel like I''ve seen that person before."


    She scratched her head: "It''s normal for you to have seen her, she''s been here before, but where did I see her?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Don''t think about unimportant people."


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "That''s true, too. But you know, Wang Xiangxiu''s cousin suddenly coming over. Do you think it''s aimed at Bai Fendou?"


    She started brainstorming.


    "Wang Xiangxiu offended Bai Fendou yesterday, and now she brings her cousin over, maybe to introduce her as Bai Fendou''s partner, so they can reconcile?" Ming Mei muttered with a pout.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How could that be? Wang Xiangxiu fought with Bai Fendou last night, and her cousin arrived last night."


    "That''s true."


    "Besides, Wang Xiangxiu wouldn''t introduce a partner to Bai Fendou, even if it''s her own relative. If she introduced someone to Bai Fendou, what would she do herself? She definitely doesn''t want to marry Bai Fendou, but she certainly wants to keep him hooked. Have you seen the leech in the river? The bloodsucker? That''s her." Zhuang Zhixi really didn''t like Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu thought highly of herself, believing that with her charms, it would be easy to win over Zhuang Zhixi. But she had no idea that everyone was annoyed by her. Zhuang Zhixi had a very poor impression of Wang Xiangxiu.


    Only Wang Xiangxiu herself didn''t realize it, thinking she was charming, but in reality, she was quite clueless.


    A twenty-something young man would never look at a thirty-something woman with three kids and a mother-in-law, to put it bluntly, she wasn''t even a match for someone like Bai Fendou.


    However, the Zhuang family had no idea what Wang Xiangxiu was thinking.


    Ming Mei propped her chin and sighed, "If Wang Xiangxiu doesn''t want to marry Bai Fendou, then introducing her cousin to him would be perfect, wouldn''t it?"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Ming Mei and said, "Her cousin might not be simple either..."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Early in the morning, they didn''t discuss for long and quickly went to work separately. Ming Mei was sitting in the office when she suddenly remembered where she had seen Huihui before. She had indeed seen Huihui, about a year ago, when she took her little nephew ice skating and happened to witness a raid. A group of people with red armbands were walking together, and among them was Huihui.


    Although she wasn''t directly involved, she was walking with those people, looking very flamboyant.


    Ming Mei: "Oh my!"


    This person was obviously flamboyant, but why did she pretend to be a timid little girl when she came to their courtyard?


    Ming Mei instantly felt she had uncovered a big secret.


    She bit the tip of her pen, eager to share this news with her family. She always felt that someone who went to such lengths to disguise themselves must be up to no good. Even if they weren''t, they certainly didn''t have good intentions.


    For the first time, Ming Mei was glad her memory was good enough to recognize this girl.


    She clicked her tongue several times, eagerly waiting for work to end.


    While Ming Mei remembered who this person was, others didn''t bother to think much about a poor relative of Wang Xiangxiu who had come to visit. Because they heard there was a great place for fishing in the suburbs, many people in their courtyard went out.


    Watching the commotion was fun, but life still had to go on.


    Zhao Guihua went with Aunt Su and Liang Meifen. Zhao Guihua hadn''t initially wanted Liang Meifen to join, but since Li Fang was at home and agreed to watch over the courtyard, Liang Meifen went along too.


    The three of them, plus Auntie Sui from the Sui family, made four in total.


    Zhao Guihua had been pondering how to pretend it was their first time there, but... as soon as they arrived at the foot of the mountain, they saw many people on the mountain. Well, there was no need to pretend anymore. Indeed, once the news spread, many people would come.


    They didn''t need to put on an act; they could just follow the crowd up the mountain.


    Zhao Guihua was puzzled: "They just said there''s a pond with fish on the mountain, and so many people came?"


    "Who knows, a few days ago, a group of teenagers caught several big buckets of fish. Yesterday, someone went up the mountain in the rain and had a great catch. The pond is full of fish. With such a big harvest, everyone rushed to come."


    An old woman climbing the mountain replied.


    Zhao Guihua: "Then we''d better hurry up."


    So, sometimes you have to keep quiet to make a fortune. Just a little bit of boasting, and the situation escalates quickly.


    "I think..."


    "Don''t think too much; let''s hurry up."


    Zhao Guihua and the others usually had good harvests when they went up the mountain, but this time, Zhao Guihua shook her head inwardly, feeling this trip wouldn''t be as successful. Still, any catch would be good.


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly joined the fishing crowd...


    In the hustle and bustle of life, everyone went about their business, while Bai Fendou... Bai Fendou remained utterly dejected.


    He finally went to work today, even though he had been absent without leave yesterday. However, the director of their logistics department didn''t call him in for a talk, nor did he criticize him. This wasn''t because Bai Fendou was particularly good, but mainly because... the director didn''t dare to provoke Bai Fendou.


    After all, rumors had been flying yesterday, and everyone knew what had happened to Bai Fendou the night before last.


    A grown man, yet he was bullied by another man.


    With such an experience, Bai Fendou would either go crazy or furious. At this point, no one dared to provoke him.


    Bai Fendou hadn''t gone to work yesterday, and it happened to be a rainy day. The toilet was in a mess, and he had to endure the pain to clean it up in the morning, wearing a face of utter despair. Although many people usually joked with Bai Fendou about this and that, today no one dared.


    After all, this guy not only had the "Dragon Claw" but also the "Whirlwind Kick," all aimed at the lower body.


    Didn''t you see? Zhou Qun was already crippled.


    However, no one sympathized with Zhou Qun. He totally deserved it. If it were just those messy rumors, people could still laugh it off, but the main reason Zhou Qun had bad relationships was that he had cheated in his level exams. This was the most intolerable thing for everyone.


    After all, this was a serious matter. Although he passed the seventh-level electrician exam during the retest, the fact that he barely made it only made it more obvious that there must have been a problem during his first attempt. This was something everyone in the factory couldn''t tolerate.


    Therefore, no one spoke well of Zhou Qun.


    As a neighbor of both Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, Zhuang Zhixi was inevitably pulled aside by everyone to ask questions.


    Zhuang Zhixi was helpless to the point of desperation. He forced a bitter smile and said, "I really don¡¯t know much. Right now, no one dares to interact with Bai Fendou, and Zhou Qun is still in the hospital."


    He said what needed to be said and refrained from speculating about things he shouldn''t. Anyway, he didn''t know what would happen next.


    "I heard that Wang Erlaizi from the security department went to the toilet to find Bai Fendou, intending to mock him. But seeing Bai Fendou with a black face cleaning the cesspool, he didn''t dare to say a word. He was afraid Bai Fendou would splash it all over him."


    "You never know, Bai Fendou might really do that."


    "That''s true."


    "Hey, how can you talk like that about him..."


    Huh...


    A snore interrupted everyone''s conversation. Everyone turned their gaze and saw Little Xu sleeping on the desk, snoring continuously. They looked at each other, speechless.


    "Why is he sleeping?"


    Old Huang: "I heard his dad broke his leg and is hospitalized. He probably had to stay overnight at the hospital."


    "Ah! No wonder."


    "Staying overnight at the hospital must be really exhausting."


    "Right, look at Little Xu, don''t you think his complexion is really bad?" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, yes, yes, I was going to say that. His complexion has been terrible these past few days. There are dark circles under his eyes."


    "Not just dark circles, he''s also staggering when he walks, looks like his legs are weak."


    "Taking care of a patient is really tiring."


    "Indeed."


    Everyone discussed animatedly. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Where is his dad hospitalized?"


    "At the hospital not far from our factory. Oh, right, the same one where Zhou Qun is staying." When mentioning this hospital, everyone felt sympathy: "I heard Zhou Qun tried to commit suicide in the hospital. It''s really not easy for the hospital to deal with such people. Bai Fendou also tried to commit suicide there before."


    "Why don''t you mention the time Bai Fendou and the others fought in the hospital, almost smashing the ward?"


    "Oh my, that hospital is really in a tough spot."


    "By the way, has Jiang Lu come to work?"


    "Yes, I saw her. She looks quite good."


    Sister Cui said, "Jiang Lu has always wanted a child but hasn''t been able to for many years. Now that Zhou Qun is in this situation, she''s pregnant, and she can''t divorce him. But I think the pregnancy is very important to her. Since finding out she''s pregnant, her complexion has been great."


    "Isn''t pregnancy usually associated with a worse complexion?"


    Sister Cui shook her head, "You can''t generalize. Jiang Lu''s long-held wish has finally come true, so of course, her complexion is good."


    "That makes sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi listened to everyone''s gossip but didn''t say much, lest the topic turn back to him and drag on endlessly.


    "Hey, look, isn''t that Wang Xiangxiu?"


    Xiao Lizi, sitting by the window, suddenly spoke up. Everyone looked in the direction he pointed and saw Wang Xiangxiu heading toward the toilet.


    "It''s not lunch break; why is she out?"


    "Probably sneaking to see Bai Fendou."


    "They''re old flames; it''s normal for her to go."


    A few men chuckled lewdly. Sister Cui rolled her eyes and said, "Don''t talk nonsense."


    Despite her words, everyone stood by the window and saw that Wang Xiangxiu didn''t go to the toilet but instead grabbed Bai Fendou.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t understand why no one seemed to realize that the office building overlooked the toilet. Why were they so unconcerned? Maybe it was true that the bold ones had the guts. Wang Xiangxiu was truly a remarkable person.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t care what others thought, but she knew she had to quickly get Bai Fendou under control.


    Although she had tried to show her goodwill last night and didn''t get a good response from Bai Fendou, luck was on her side. Her cousin Huihui had arrived. This was a big help. Huihui was really quite good-looking.


    She planned to use Huihui to hook Bai Fendou, and she wasn''t worried about Bai Fendou not taking the bait.


    She went to the bathroom and grabbed Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou, with a cold face, asked, "What are you doing? It''s a man and a woman alone here. Why are you pulling me? You don''t care about your reputation, but I do!"


    Yesterday, this woman had been so ruthless to him, and Bai Fendou remembered it clearly. Men in the capital city of Beijing were the most concerned about their reputation. After losing such a big face, he was determined not to give her any good looks.


    He had said he wouldn''t talk to Wang Xiangxiu, and he meant it.


    A man''s word is his bond. Otherwise, others might think he''s just talking nonsense.


    He said, "If you have something to say, say it. Let go of my hand."


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at him with grievance, secretly pinching herself in the sleeve, her eyes immediately turning red. She said, "Are you really going to be so heartless to me?"


    Bai Fendou sneered, pointing to his face, "Look, just look at this. It''s all because of you. Do you have the nerve to come and talk to me about this nonsense? Do you think I''m a fool? Wang Xiangxiu, you''re really something. Get out of here."


    "I was desperate, wasn''t I? You were beating the kids so hard; how could I stand by? You should know how important my sons are to me. They call you Uncle Fendou, and you''re going so hard on them. How can you blame me?"


    Bai Fendou spoke sarcastically, "No, no, don''t call me Uncle Fendou. I can''t take it. Since you think you''re not wrong, don''t come looking for me. Do you think I want to see you?"


    He directly waved the broom he used to clean the bathroom and said, "Get out, get out!"


    Wang Xiangxiu was furious, "What''s wrong with you!"


    She had always been able to manipulate this man, but now he had suddenly changed.


    She bit her lip and stamped her foot, "Fine, you''re treating me like this. If you do, I won''t talk to you in the future."


    Bai Fendou remained unmoved, "Get lost!"


    Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t accept his coldness towards her. Thinking that if she were to lose this support, she would really be out of money. She quickly adjusted her attitude and said, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, Fendou. I know you''re mad at me... but I was in a tough spot, I had no choice. However, I can make it up to you!"


    She stared at Bai Fendou and said, "Have you seen my cousin? She''s pretty, right? Her family conditions are even better than mine. She''s young and beautiful, only twenty-three this year. If you''re willing, I can introduce her to you."


    She continued, "Actually, she came this time because I asked her to. I know we two can''t be together, and I''m not good enough for you, so I called her over. What do you think of her?"


    Bai Fendou immediately became interested. He had naturally seen the girl this morning, and she was no less attractive than Wang Xiangxiu.


    She was full of youthful energy, looking really good.


    Fresh and delicate, unlike the women in their courtyard who were all straightforward, she had a shy and timid demeanor. Such a girl was the easiest to evoke a man''s protective instincts.


    Bai Fendou: "She..."


    Suddenly, Bai Fendou thought of Jiang Lu''s words.


    He instantly woke up, sneering, "With my current reputation, introducing her to me is just fooling me, it won''t work, right? I''ll still owe you a favor for introducing me to someone, Wang Xiangxiu. You''re quite calculating. Are you trying to scheme against me again?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned, not expecting Bai Fendou to say such a thing.


    She bit her lip, "Is that how you see me?"


    Bai Fendou didn''t speak.


    After a while, he snorted coldly, "Yes, that''s how I see you."


    Wang Xiangxiu was not Aunt Su, who had more tricks up her sleeve. If Aunt Su were Wang Xiangxiu, she would have already won over Bai Fendou. She had more ideas and more thoughts. But Wang Xiangxiu was far from that level, and after being confronted by Bai Fendou, seeing his cold face, and thinking of his previous infatuated demeanor, she couldn''t help but feel the disparity, and she got angry. She angrily said, "You heartless wretch, you deserve to be a bachelor for the rest of your life."


    She turned around angrily, waiting for Bai Fendou to call her back, apologize, and beg for forgiveness.


    At that time, she would definitely borrow ten yuan from him. Without ten yuan, she wouldn''t forgive him.


    Wang Xiangxiu held her breath, but after a few steps, she didn''t hear Bai Fendou calling her. She angrily stomped her feet and turned back to see Bai Fendou already turning around to continue cleaning the bathroom, as if he didn''t care about her at all. She was immediately furious.


    "Bai Fendou, you''re really something!"


    She shouted loudly, and this time she truly left in a rage!


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t notice that many heads were watching her performance from the windows.


    "It''s really a miracle, Bai Fendou didn''t even bother with Wang Xiangxiu."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Did you see Bai Fendou''s face? Wang Xiangxiu beat him up."


    Everyone was shocked, "What? Wang Xiangxiu beat him up? I thought he got into a fight with Zhou Qun."


    "Me too."


    "This woman is really ruthless, spending his money and hitting him. Truly the most poisonous heart of a woman."


    "Exactly."


    "I wonder if Bai Fendou can wake up this time. If he can, it''s good, but if not... once a widow sucks you in, it''s hard to get out."


    Generally speaking, one might wake up, but Bai Fendou, it''s hard to say.


    Everyone was discussing, and Wang Xiangxiu didn''t know. She angrily returned to the workshop, feeling particularly out of sorts. What was even more frustrating was that her cousin, who rarely interacted with her and usually looked down on her, had suddenly changed her attitude and came to rely on her.


    Really, not even giving a penny of living expenses and wanting to live in her house? Dream on, she wouldn''t raise this cousin of hers. Originally, she had thought of using her cousin to hook Bai Fendou, but now it seemed that Bai Fendou still only loved her, hurt by her and sulking, unwilling to accept her cousin.


    She was confident she could slowly coax Bai Fendou back.


    Then, there was no need for this cousin to stay...


    She would kick her out when she got home today!


    This little brat, does she think she can take advantage of me so easily?


    Wang Xiangxiu was pondering how to get rid of her cousin when, at that moment, Wang Xiangxiu''s cousin, Huihui, went out. Seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she turned left and right and walked into an alley, directly pushing open a door.


    "Huihui, you''re here?"


    Huihui, no longer shy, nodded proudly and entered the room.


    "Why are you here? Aren''t you afraid of being seen?"


    This man was Deputy Director Zheng, who had recently led the red armband team to clean the sewers. He looked at Huihui, beckoned with his finger, and the two immediately snuggled up together.


    Huihui pouted and said, "Most of the people in their courtyard have gone out. No one knows I came out."


    "Gone out?"


    Huihui: "I heard they went to the outskirts to fish. They met a guy at the hospital who said he caught a lot of fish in the outskirts. So, these poor folks all left early in the morning, eager to get some free fish. There aren''t many people in the courtyard..."


    The boy who had greeted Huihui when she entered immediately brightened up: "Ah, you said that guy was at which hospital? This is taking advantage of socialism''s resources. We should criticize him!"


    Huihui shook her head, "No, it''s not possible. I heard that guy is a son of a big courtyard. Such a small amount of fish, if you cause trouble for him, you''re just stupid. Some people can''t be offended."


    Deputy Director Zheng also nodded, glaring at the boy who spoke, "You better shut up and stop giving bad advice. Don''t just think about being tough and fighting all the time. Making money is the real deal. Huihui, how is it? Did you get anything there?"


    Huihui shook her head, "Not yet. I''ll stay there for a while and see. If someone really hid gold and silver treasures, they wouldn''t show off right away."


    Deputy Director Zheng nodded, "That makes sense."


    This matter had to start with Yu Baoshan. The gold and silver treasures that Yu Baoshan had hidden were missing, and they hadn''t given up on finding them. Previously, they didn''t know about such a batch of items, but now that they knew, according to Yu Baoshan''s confession, there were quite a few.


    Who wouldn''t be tempted?


    Since these items were missing, if they could find them and secretly keep them without reporting, they would be theirs.


    It''s important to understand that this item is extremely valuable. Humans risk their lives for wealth, and birds die for food. Yu Baoshan was even willing to kill to cover up his tracks for this, so naturally, others are not far behind. Deputy Director Zheng has thought carefully about this. Since the item was lost in the toilets around here, the most likely scenario is that someone nearby took it.


    He also considered searching house by house, but quickly dismissed the idea. Whoever took such valuable items would surely hide them well. Searching for them would be too difficult, and there''s a chance, like with Yu Baoshan, that the items weren''t even hidden at home.


    So, they didn''t dare to stir up any suspicion.


    Coincidentally, Yu Baoshan recognized Wang Xiangxiu while wandering around the area.


    Wang Xiangxiu is the cousin of Huihui, his little mistress. The two families don''t have a good relationship, and Huihui looks down on her cousin, so they rarely interact. However, this gave Deputy Director Zheng an idea.


    He could have Huihui find a reason to stay in this area, infiltrate the community, and investigate. These older women know all the ins and outs of each household. If someone suddenly becomes wealthy, it would be noticeable. He was prepared for a long-term investigation.


    Moreover, it''s rumored that Wang Xiangxiu''s son is a thief. They also suspect that Su Jinlai might have stolen the item. After all, the family''s income and lifestyle don''t match up.


    That''s a point of suspicion.


    However, on second thought, Wang Xiangxiu is known for taking advantage of men. It''s hard to say if that''s the reason.


    Regardless of the reason, having someone move in and investigate from the inside would be the best option. It''s not that they think the jewelry was taken by someone in this courtyard, but rather that it could be anyone in the area.


    Huihui has relatives here, so she''ll move in first and explore each household in this neighborhood. As soon as there''s a lead, they''ll be ready to investigate.


    He said seriously, "Yu Baoshan confessed that there were many gold bars inside. Once we find these treasures, we''ll never have to worry about living in luxury."


    They''re already living well, but who wouldn''t want to live even better?


    Huihui: "I understand, but my cousin is such a despicable person. I doubt she''ll let me stay for long."


    Deputy Director Zheng: "Give her five yuan, tell her it''s your private savings. Staying for a month should be possible, right?"


    Huihui: "Alright. I hope she doesn''t get greedy, or I''ll make her pay."


    "Just act weak for now. Weakness is easier to gain trust."


    Huihui pouted and said, "Fine."


    Deputy Director Zheng: "Don''t underestimate this courtyard. There''s a lot of drama. Don''t get involved. If you get beaten, I won''t step in."


    Huihui snorted and said, "You''re so cold-hearted."


    Deputy Director Zheng: "The mission is the priority. Nothing is more important than finding those gold bars and jewelry."


    Huihui: "I know that."


    She sighed and said, "What if it''s not these families here? Who else could have taken the items?"


    Deputy Director Zheng: "Let''s just investigate first. Yu Baoshan killed the people involved to hide how much treasure he had. At the time, we didn''t pay attention, but someone might have noticed. It''s hard to say if one of us discovered something and followed Yu Baoshan to steal the items."


    Huihui: "Then am I just wasting my time?"


    "Anything is possible. Let''s start the investigation."


    "Okay."


    "Besides, even if someone got their hands on such treasures and didn''t dare to use them right away, I don''t believe they''d keep them hidden forever. Maybe in a year or two, they''ll try to sell them on the black market. We''ll keep an eye on it, and we''ll find the items. They belong to us."


    "Right." Huihui teased, "If I help you find them, you have to marry me."


    Deputy Director Zheng laughed loudly, pinched her chin, and didn''t agree or refuse.


    After discussing their plan, Huihui stood up and said, "I''ll head back now. Even though they''re not around, I can''t stay out too long. It''s not good if someone notices."


    "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua had no idea that her taking the items hidden by Yu Baoshan had set off this chain of events. In her previous life, this didn''t happen because no one knew Yu Baoshan had hidden a batch of treasures. But this time, because the items suddenly went missing, Yu Baoshan''s panic exposed the truth.


    Fortunately, Zhao Guihua didn''t plan to take out the items immediately. She had more experience than others and could stay calm.


    Although Zhao Guihua didn''t know anything, not even Huihui''s intentions, she never planned to take out the items during these years. At least, she wanted to wait until after the reform and opening up. At the moment, she was walking back with a few older women.


    She silently marveled at how these young lads had managed to spread the word so effectively.


    Zhao Guihua and her group had encountered at least eighty people on their way.


    It was truly unexpected that there were so many people.


    But, everyone wanted to get something out of it, which was normal.


    Free fish? Who wouldn''t love that!

 Chapter 105

    Zhao Guihua and her group went up the mountain to catch fish. This was quite different from their usual outings, but they didn''t come back empty-handed, as they did manage to catch some. They worked together and divided the catch equally among themselves, with each person getting four fish.Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen were a family, so that made eight fish for them.


    Their "team" had caught quite a few fish, as the pond was abundant with them. However, the problem was that there were too many people trying to catch fish. Everyone wanted a piece of the action, and it was no small crowd. Taking the bus to catch fish wasn''t really practical either, considering the cost of the round trip.


    Going up the mountain didn''t guarantee a big catch.


    If you only managed to catch one fish, it felt like a wasted day, and it wasn''t much fun.


    However, if you rode a bicycle, you avoided the cost of transportation, which made it more worthwhile. Like Zhao Guihua and her group, they felt they had made a good profit. Not only did they catch fish, but on their way down the mountain, they also came across a plum tree. The women didn''t care if the plums were ripe or not; they just picked them all.


    If they hadn''t picked them all, they probably would have been gone by the next day.


    They were lucky to have found the tree while looking for a place to relieve themselves. If it had been in a more common area, it would have already been picked clean. So, all in all, their outing had been quite fruitful. The four women rode their bikes back to the courtyard, exhausted but happy with their haul.


    "Grandma, you''re back!"


    Hutou had come home early from school, bringing his sister with him. The two kids couldn''t get into their house, so they were playing hopscotch in the courtyard. Li Junjun and a few others were playing with them, but the Su family kids hadn''t returned yet.


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "We''re back."


    Li Junjun and the others also went to Aunt Wang, their grandmother.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Shall we divide up the fish and plums?"


    "Yes, let''s divide them up."


    Compared to others, they had returned relatively early.


    They divided the fish and plums right there in the courtyard.


    Aunt Su hadn''t gone out; she claimed to be physically weak and didn''t have the tools to catch fish anyway. No one could lend her anything. So, when she saw everyone dividing the fish in the courtyard, she quickly came out, hoping to get a share. She smiled and said, "Oh, you all have done so well. These fish look great. With the rain lately, the weather has been bad. A fish soup with some ginger would be perfect for warming up."


    The women all smiled and nodded in agreement. "Exactly."


    Aunt Su continued, "Oh, by the way, I haven''t introduced you yet. My daughter Xiangxiu''s cousin, Huihui, is here. Huihui, come out and say hello to everyone. Normally, when we have guests, we should prepare something nice, but you know, it''s been a while since we got paid, and we don''t have much money left. It''s hard to entertain guests..."


    Seeing that no one was taking the initiative, she coughed and said, "Well, how about you give me two fish? Tomorrow, when my daughter Xiangxiu gets paid, she can give you the money. We''re all neighbors, so I''m sure you won''t mind, right?"


    Since no one was volunteering, she had to take the initiative herself.


    However, Zhao Guihua directly refused, saying, "We can''t. My daughter-in-law Ming Mei is pregnant, and the doctor said she needs to eat more fish. We can''t spare any; we don''t have enough for ourselves." She wasn''t going to indulge Aunt Su.


    Money?


    Aunt Su would cry poor for a century after borrowing something, and when it came to paying back, it would be like waiting for the end of the world.


    She wasn''t going to do it.


    Perhaps Zhao Guihua set a good example, as Aunt Wang quickly said, "Me neither. My daughter Li Fang is also pregnant and needs to supplement her nutrition."


    Liang Meifen didn''t have any say in the distribution of the catch, so she immediately said, "I''ll follow whatever my mother-in-law decides."


    Aunt Sui from the back courtyard directly said, "My family has a lot of men, and they''ve been working overtime lately. They''re lacking in oil and water, so we can''t spare any either."


    It was a joke to even consider giving away the hard-earned goods. Another reason no one wanted to share was that they thought Aunt Su wasn''t pulling her weight. Even people from surrounding courtyards knew there was a pond with plenty of fish on the mountain.


    Although they weren''t sure of the exact location, they all headed in that direction, following the crowd. Everyone could go catch fish, so why couldn''t she? She wanted to slack off while catching fish, and now that others had caught some, she wanted to share in the spoils?


    Borrowing? No one believed that.


    Didn''t they all work hard? They were tired from the trip, and with the recent rain, the mountain path was difficult to navigate. Everyone was dirty and exhausted. There was no way they were going to let Aunt Su take advantage of them.


    Who wasn''t tired!


    Would they let her benefit from their hard work?


    Dream on!


    Aunt Wang, being in charge of the courtyard, took the initiative and said, "We''re going again tomorrow. If you want to join, find a companion. There are many people going to the outskirts. Besides, we also plan to pick mushrooms on the mountain tomorrow."


    "With this rain, there should be plenty of mushrooms on the mountain," Zhao Guihua added happily.


    Aunt Su didn''t manage to get any fish and her smile faded, but she remained polite. "Oh, when are you leaving tomorrow? I''ll join you."


    Zhao Guihua silently smiled.


    Aunt Wang said, "You should take the bus with someone else. We''re riding bicycles, and with your health, you won''t be able to keep up. Besides, we four fit perfectly on two bikes. If you borrow a bike and ride alone, it will be too much for you. It''s quite a distance."


    Aunt Sui added, "Yes, it took us over two hours to ride back in the evening. You said it took two hours, right?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Definitely. When we were getting ready to leave, I asked a young man what time it was. Now... from the time we started down the mountain until we got back, including picking plums, it took us over three hours. I estimate we spent at least two and a half hours."


    "Yes, definitely."


    Aunt Wang said, "Aunt Su, you definitely can''t do it. Take the bus."


    Zhao Guihua said, "It''s getting late, and pregnant women get hungry easily. I need to hurry home and cook."


    Liang Meifen said, "Mom, take off your clothes, and I''ll wash them."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No need. We''re going back up the mountain tomorrow anyway."


    "That''s true."


    Zhao Guihua quickly went home and opened the door. Aunt Wang said, "I need to hurry home and cook too."


    Aunt Sui said, "Me too."


    Everyone quickly dispersed. After everyone left, Aunt Su''s face darkened.


    She frowned and pursed her lips in dissatisfaction as she entered. Upon seeing Hu Huihui standing in the hall, she immediately put on a concerned expression and gently said, "Huihui has made you laugh."


    She sighed and said, "I originally wanted to borrow some fish to make something nice for you, but... sigh, as you can see, I have no way to do that."


    She concernedly said, "How many days are you going to stay here after leaving home this time?"


    She said apologetically, "It''s not that Auntie doesn''t let you stay; I''m actually very happy that you can come and live here. It''s nice to have another person around to make things lively. But as you know, in our family, it''s really just your cousin working this early in the morning, and her salary isn''t very high. We really wish we could help, but we are simply unable to do so..."


    As soon as Hu Huihui heard this, she knew what the old lady was thinking. She suppressed her dissatisfaction and said in a somewhat weak tone, "I know..."


    She pursed her lips and said, "But, Ma''am, I really have nowhere to go. If you don''t take me in, I will have to sleep on the streets."


    She looked at Aunt Su with a pitiful expression and said, "Aunt, could you please let me stay for a while? I¡¯ll go home as soon as my dad calms down. I-I-I still have a bit of pocket money, so I can pay five yuan. Can you let me stay for a month?"


    Sister Su''s eyes brightened, and then she continued, "I''m not after your money, nor do I want your money. This matter, let''s wait until your cousin comes back to decide. All the family matters are up to her."


    Sister Su must get this money. Although five yuan is little, it is better than nothing. It would be best if... she could get a bit more.


    Moreover, she had another thought: there were indeed bachelors in this courtyard, and there were more than one bachelor on this street. With such a beautiful young girl living at home, she couldn¡¯t believe that others wouldn¡¯t be moved. As long as they were moved, that would be enough.


    Since you want to find a partner, you can''t avoid giving gifts, right?


    She pursed her lips and chuckled softly. This Hu Huihui had come at just the right time, just when their family was in a tight spot with no one to rely on.


    However, she wouldn''t stoop to doing something so underhanded. This was where Wang Xiangxiu came in handy. Although she knew how stupid her daughter-in-law was, if she didn''t give her a heads-up, the woman might actually drive Hu Huihui away.


    She said, "I''m going out to use the latrine."


    With the machinery factory about to let out, she planned to go and intercept someone. Hu Huihui offered, "Then I''ll make dinner."


    Aunt Su immediately responded, "No need, let your sister do it when she gets back. You''re a guest, how could we let you lift a finger?"


    As she walked out, she added, "I''ll also check where the three kids have run off to. Those kids, after school they don''t even know to come straight home..."


    She muttered as she left, while Hu Huihui smirked to herself. This old hag was truly useless¡ªa mother-in-law letting her daughter-in-law take charge? What a waste. Still, she carefully surveyed the house, wondering if there was a place to hide things.


    If those gold and silver treasures were indeed taken by them, where could they be hiding them?


    The surrounding area, not just this street but the ones before and after it, were all suspicious. But if there was one well-known thief in this neighborhood, it was her nephew Su Jinlai. So she couldn''t help but suspect the Su family. But if the Su family really had so many valuable items hidden, wouldn''t they be guarding their home like hawks? Would they really let an outsider like her wander around the house alone?


    She pursed her lips, thinking this possibility was unlikely.


    In truth, she had already prepared to stay here for a while. After all, she was determined to find those gold and silver treasures. She remembered what Old Zheng had said: as long as she found them, they would keep the items for themselves.


    She smiled smugly.


    Then they would have money.


    Ideally, she would find them first. That way, she could use the items to force Old Zheng to marry her. Old Zheng always made excuses; that wouldn''t do. With the valuables in her hands, she wasn''t worried he wouldn''t agree.


    She also dreamed of becoming an official''s wife.


    She looked around and thought to herself that she definitely wouldn''t end up like her cousin.


    She sat at home, pondering these thoughts, while Aunt Su was already strolling around the alley. Seeing Wang Xiangxiu return, she quickly grabbed her and pulled her into a side alley, sharing her plan.


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned, then happily said: "You''re right!"


    Aunt Su said, "Spread the word that your cousin is looking for a husband. Then we won''t lack people trying to curry favor with us." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, "You''re right, but letting her stay here for free..."


    "She said she could give five yuan. I told her you''d decide. Since she offered five yuan, I bet she has more. Try to get as much as you can. Does she not eat dumplings or noodles? Since she''s staying with us, the five yuan is for rent and food. The cost of meals is extra."


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "I''ll ask for ten yuan."


    Aunt Su nodded, "Good. If she can''t afford it, force her to find a way. She''s not bad-looking and still a young lady. It shouldn''t be hard for her to get money."


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "I know. She''s not a good person, pretending to be gentle and shy. In reality, she''s dated quite a few men. At sixteen, she was already eating at other men''s houses. Her reputation in my hometown is not great. Now she''s pretending to be a chaste and virtuous woman, not wanting to marry. She should take a good look at herself."


    Aunt Su was surprised, "This little vixen, she''s good at pretending."


    "Let''s go home, I''ll handle her."


    Aunt Su smiled, "Then I''ll leave it all to you. That''s why our family needs you in charge. I''m too weak and useless, I can only offer advice, not take action."


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled proudly, "You can count on me."


    Compared to other families, she knew she was very lucky. Her mother-in-law wasn''t just talk¡ªshe was genuinely good. For example, Wang Xiangxiu managed the household finances, deciding what to buy. Her mother-in-law never interfered.


    Whenever there was a bit of cloth ration, her mother-in-law would never use it. She always said, "I''m an old woman at home, why would I need nice clothes? I can make do. The kids grow fast, they need new clothes often. You need to look presentable for work. I don''t care about myself. If it weren''t for the kids and you, I''d rather die and join my husband and son."


    Wang Xiangxiu remembered these words clearly and was deeply touched.


    There was no better mother-in-law in the world.


    However, Wang Xiangxiu never thought that with a monthly salary of just over twenty yuan, it was impossible to make ends meet. She didn''t realize that she had to find ways to make up for the shortfall. All she knew was that she was in charge of the household.


    She walked back with Aunt Su, saying, "This Huihui, she had a temporary job before, I wonder if she''s still working. I need to ask her. If she''s not earning, I definitely can''t keep her for long... It depends on how much she eats."


    As the two walked back, they didn''t notice Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei standing just around the corner, exchanging glances.


    After they left, Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi. He sighed, "This old lady is quite cunning."


    Wang Xiangxiu, after all, was just a tool in Aunt Su''s hands.


    Ming Mei clicked her tongue. Zhuang Zhixi pinched her cheek and said, "Enough clicking, let''s go home."


    Ming Mei followed Zhuang Zhixi, whispering softly, "I have a feeling the courtyard is about to get interesting again."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Hey wife, not bad, you can even use fancy words now."


    Ming Mei said, "Of course."


    She pouted, "Didn''t you hear Wang Xiangxiu? That Hu Huihui, she''s not simple. But she looks so weak and shy, so good at pretending. Isn''t that going to stir up trouble?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "Maybe Wang Xiangxiu is just jealous and making things up about her cousin?"


    He said, "Wang Xiangxiu would do that, right?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "She would, but I also know that Hu Huihui isn''t really that weak. I just didn''t think of it this morning, but later I remembered. She seems to be part of the Red Sleeve Armband group. I''ve seen her before. She''s quite bold, not like how she looked this morning."


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised, then narrowed his eyes slightly, "Really?"


    If that was the case, then things could get interesting.


    If someone''s personality changed due to a major event, that would be normal. But recently, the Red Sleeve Armband group had been searching for something in this area, which made people think twice. He raised an eyebrow and said, "We should tell Mom when we get home."


    Ming Mei nodded, "I know."


    The couple returned home and entered the courtyard, greeted by the smell of fish. Many people had gone to the mountains today and had caught fish, so almost every household was cooking it to improve their meals.


    "Mom, we''re back," Zhuang Zhixi called out.


    Xiao Yanzi said, "Auntie, there are plums at home, come and eat."


    Ming Mei replied, "Oh, really? That''s great."


    She entered the house and saw Zhao Guihua cooking two fish.


    Ming Mei leaned close to Zhao Guihua and whispered, "Mom, on our way back, we saw Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu whispering in the alley..."


    She quickly recounted the situation. Zhao Guihua''s eyelids twitched.


    That Hu Huihui... Could she have come to their courtyard with a purpose?


    Even if others didn''t know, Zhao Guihua was crystal clear about what those people were really after. At this moment, she felt a slight tinge of regret, as she truly didn''t want to get involved with them.


    Although those people didn''t know it was her family who did it, having a suspicious neighbor made daily life uneasy. It seemed that her actions were a bit reckless, but soon enough, Zhao Guihua shook her head, deciding that what was done was done, and there was no point in regretting it.


    If those treasures had fallen into Yu Baoshan''s hands, it would have been disastrous.


    Others might not know what he had done, but Zhao Guihua knew it all too well. This man was ruthless, not just in his clothing business where he crushed his competitors, but also in his ventures into illegal coal mines, which had caused countless harm. Zhao Guihua felt that what she did was justified.


    At the very least, without a large sum of money, his clothing business wouldn''t have grown, and he wouldn''t have been able to operate the illegal coal mines.


    The illegal coal mines had caused so much harm, Zhao Guihua had seen it on TV. They had lured many people into working in remote, desolate mountain areas, refusing to pay them. People were trapped in those remote places, and many had died. It was truly surprising that a man from Beijing could find such a place.


    Now, well...


    Zhao Guihua calmed herself down and said, "I understand. You don''t need to pay her any attention."


    As she finished speaking, she noticed her youngest son staring at her. She glared, "What are you looking at?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head and chuckled, "You''re so fierce, Mother."


    Zhao Guihua glared at him again, and Zhuang Zhixi innocently shrugged.


    Zhao Guihua: "We''ll live our lives..."


    Just as she was about to continue, there was a knock on the door. Ming Mei opened the door and said, "Oh? Sister Jiang Lu? Is something the matter?"


    Jiang Lu smiled and said, "I heard you caught quite a bit today. I was wondering if you could trade me a couple of fish."


    She directly took out some money and said, "I''m pregnant, and I''ve been craving some fish."


    Ming Mei looked at Zhao Guihua, as her family was under her rule, and these were her mother-in-law''s catches.


    Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment, and Jiang Lu quickly added, "If I were in good health, I wouldn''t have come. But since I''m pregnant, I suddenly got this craving. I promise it''s just this once."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright then."


    Although she had refused Aunt Su earlier, Aunt Su didn''t have a "pregnant" excuse, did she?


    Whether it was a real or fake pregnancy, no one knew.


    Jiang Lu smiled and said, "Thank you."


    She called out loudly, "Wang Zhaodi."


    Wang Zhaodi immediately ran out, "Sister Jiang Lu, what''s up?"


    Jiang Lu: "Take this home, prepare one for soup."


    Wang Zhaodi widened her eyes, "Are you going to eat both?"


    Jiang Lu nodded, "Yes, both."


    Her voice was not low at all, "I''m pregnant and craving fish."


    Well, she wanted everyone to know.


    Zhao Guihua thought, if she''s faking her pregnancy, how will she manage this?


    It was beyond comprehension.


    Even with her experience, Zhao Guihua found Jiang Lu''s actions a bit puzzling.


    Could it be that Jiang Lu was so upset by Zhou Qun that she thought she was pregnant when she wasn''t? But looking at Jiang Lu''s eyes, she didn''t seem crazy. Zhao Guihua coughed, genuinely puzzled. However, Jiang Lu didn''t leave. She leaned against the doorframe and started chatting with Ming Mei: "You''re about two months along, right?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "Yes."


    She didn''t know Jiang Lu was faking her pregnancy, as it was something most people wouldn''t consider. Only Zhao Guihua, with her past and present experiences, could make such a comparison.


    Jiang Lu looked Ming Mei up and down and said, "I see you''re not having much of a reaction. I heard many pregnant women have quite a bit of discomfort."


    Ming Mei: "Actually, I do have some reactions. Just after finding out, I was a bit unsettled and nauseous. That''s why I changed jobs. Now, with a regular schedule and not traveling on buses, I don''t have much discomfort. As for others who feel like vomiting... I don''t really have that, except when I smell snake meat, which makes me feel sick. Otherwise, it''s pretty okay. I guess it''s more psychological."


    Jiang Lu nodded thoughtfully.


    Of course, she didn''t just come to chat with Ming Mei about this. The truth was, she wasn''t actually pregnant, and since she was faking it, she needed to act the part. Although she also wanted to communicate with Ming Mei to see if she could scheme with Zhuang Zhixi to deal with Bai Fendou, that was secondary. The most important thing now was to pretend to be pregnant.


    This was the key issue.


    Over the years, she hadn''t paid much attention to how other pregnant women behaved. She herself had never had a child, and whenever she encountered a pregnant woman, she would avoid them, never asking anything. So now she was a bit lost. She could ask her mother, but Jiang Lu felt it wasn''t appropriate.


    Her mother was of that age, and probably wouldn''t remember much, so it wouldn''t be accurate.


    That''s why she decided to fake her pregnancy and mimic Ming Mei.


    There was another pregnant woman in the courtyard, Li Fang, but she had been married for over ten years and had no contact with Li Fang. It would be difficult to get close to Li Fang quickly. But Ming Mei was different; she had been married for a short time, and their interactions were minimal, so any misunderstandings were minor.


    If she had to choose someone to get along with better, Jiang Lu would choose Ming Mei.


    "I always hear that pregnant women crave either sour or spicy food. How about you?"


    Ming Mei looked a bit puzzled at Jiang Lu''s question but thought since they were both pregnant, she said, "I like everything. Maybe it''s because I''m in the early stages, but I don''t have any particular cravings. I''m not picky, I like everything, sour or spicy."


    Jiang Lu nodded thoughtfully, "That makes sense. Early on, there''s not much effect."


    "Exactly."


    Ming Mei asked curiously, "I heard you''re expecting too. How''s it going?"


    Jiang Lu remained calm, "Not much feeling. I used to think pregnant women change a lot, but now I don''t feel much, and it''s a bit unsettling. That''s why I wanted to ask you."


    Ming Mei felt the logic was a bit off.


    But she didn''t say much, instead saying, "Maybe it''s because I''m happy. Before I found out I was pregnant, I didn''t feel much, but once I knew, I started to worry, and even work became unfocused. But soon I calmed down, and it got better."


    Jiang Lu softly said, "Oh, I see."


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "People react differently. Some have good health and don''t feel much during pregnancy. Some are weaker and have more reactions. Others feel fine at first but get uncomfortable in the fourth or fifth month. These things are hard to predict."


    Jiang Lu nodded, "Right, right."


    Hearing this, she felt more at ease.


    Seeing that the family was preparing to eat, Jiang Lu said, "I''ll head back then. Let''s exchange experiences another day."


    Ming Mei: "Ah? Oh."


    She watched Jiang Lu leave and muttered softly, "Strange."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Ming Mei, who gave her a bright smile and sat down to eat.


    Liang Meifen: "Jiang Lu finally got what she wanted, she''s different now."


    Zhao Guihua: "Mm."


    Ming Mei ate quietly, and Zhao Guihua said, "We''ll go mushroom picking tomorrow. If we''re late, you two can cook."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua: "Cut some mutton, stir-fry it with green onions, and make a vegetable dish."


    Ming Mei: "Alright."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi both started salivating.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "Our meals are pretty good, yet you''re still so greedy."


    This made the two kids feel a bit shy. Hutou chuckled sheepishly, "Yeah, we''re really greedy."


    He tilted his head and asked, "Granny, are we eating so well that we''re running out of money?"


    Despite being a child, he understood these things. Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "If you don''t eat well and grow strong, how will you make money in the future?"


    Hutou scratched his head, "Oh, right."


    Zhao Guihua: "Eating well keeps you strong and healthy, and you won''t get sick. So, is it better to spend money on food or on medicine?"


    Hutou was absolutely determined: "Eat meat."


    Xiao Yanzi nodded in agreement beside him: "Eat meat, eat meat! We hate taking medicine the most!"


    It was so bitter, it made them feel like vomiting.


    Zhao Guihua said: "That''s why, I have my own plans, you kids don''t need to think so much. Just eat well and grow up obediently."


    The two children nodded vigorously: "Mm-hmm."


    Ming Mei also smiled cheerfully: "Mom, you''re really good at educating kids. When I have my own children in the future, I''ll let you teach them."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her and said: "You just want to be lazy, don''t you?"


    Ming Mei widened her eyes, looking very determined: "How could that be? I certainly wouldn''t!"


    She pouted and said coquettishly: "Mom, you misunderstand me like this, and it hurts me so much. Oh, my heart aches~"


    She clutched her chest, putting on quite a show.


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and pointed at her: "You, you''re always causing trouble."


    Ming Mei defended herself boldly: "What trouble? Besides, look, you''re smiling, you''re clearly happy..."


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said: "You..."


    Before she could finish, a sudden cry and shouting came from outside.


    Ming Mei almost dropped her bowl of rice and said: "Goodness, what''s going on outside?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly got up and peeked outside, saying: "It''s Aunt Su, she''s wailing again, like a donkey."


    He went out and saw that other neighbors had already come out, including Bai Fendou and his father, as well as Jiang Lu, all of them standing at the door with their arms crossed, curiously watching. The people from the back courtyard also gradually moved forward. However, Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law looked like they were at their wit''s end.


    Aunt Wang came to the front courtyard and quickly asked: "What''s going on again?"


    She was the most unfortunate caretaker in all of Beijing, without a doubt. Her helplessness was written all over her face. It was truly a sad situation.


    Aunt Su wailed loudly, almost unable to speak. Wang Xiangxiu was on the verge of collapse, saying: "My Jinlai is missing, all three of my children are missing. They haven''t come back, wuwuwu..."


    The children were their lifeblood. If it were any other matter, they might still have some reason left, but when it came to their three sons, Wang Xiangxiu completely broke down. She cried out: "They haven''t come back at this time, what should we do?"


    Aunt Su added tearfully beside her: "Usually, after school, they sometimes play outside and only come back for dinner, so we didn''t pay much attention when they didn''t come back today. But as we waited and waited, it''s already this late, and the usual dinner time has passed, yet the children still haven''t come back. When Xiangxiu went outside to check, there were no kids around, everyone had gone home to eat. When she asked the kids from the neighboring courtyard, they said they hadn''t seen Jinlai and the others come back..."


    She was really panicking. Seeing her like this, Aunt Wang''s heart skipped a beat and she was scared.


    After all, losing children at any time was no small matter.


    The neighbors also started to discuss: "Ah, the kids are missing? All three of them are missing? Could they have run into a child trafficker?"


    "There aren''t many child traffickers these days, are there?"


    "Then where could they have gone?"


    "Maybe they just got carried away playing and didn''t come back?"


    "Or maybe we should just go look for them?"


    Losing children was no small matter. Even families who were usually indifferent to each other would actively help in such situations. Aunt Wang composed herself and said: "Everyone, let''s move and help look for them together."


    "Alright."


    "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua also actively helped organize, asking: "When did they finish school today? Has anyone seen the kids?"


    She said: "Let''s split up and look around. We neighbors can search the surrounding areas, and Wang Xiangxiu, you go to the school to ask around, then check with their teachers to see if they went to play at a friend''s house. Or maybe they mentioned to a friend where they were going."


    "Right, right, I''ll go to the school right away..."


    Wang Xiangxiu immediately prepared to leave. Zhao Guihua said: "Aunt Wang, since you''re familiar with the neighborhood as the caretaker, mobilize the neighbors to help look around."


    Aunt Wang: "Got it."


    She said: "Yang Lixin, you go with Wang Xiangxiu to the school..."


    Li Fang spoke up: "Mom, let my dad go instead. Young people aren''t as steady as you. I don''t feel safe letting my man go with Wang Xiangxiu alone, even if it''s an emergency. My dad is older, it''s fine."


    She wasn''t willing to let her man be alone with Wang Xiangxiu, even though the situation was urgent. She didn''t want to risk her family. Everyone knew each other well, and she was well aware of Wang Xiangxiu''s ways.


    Li the Cook: "I''ll go then, Wang Xiangxiu, let''s go together."


    Wang Xiangxiu immediately nodded, and the two hurried out. Aunt Wang also gathered everyone.


    Zhao Guihua: "The pregnant women should stay home, wait for news."


    She continued: "You kids come over, does anyone know where Jinlai and the others went?"


    The children all shook their heads. Hutou said: "I haven''t seen them since school today."


    Li Junjun and Li Weiwei also nodded, agreeing with Hutou.


    Li Junjun: "We''ve been playing hopscotch in the courtyard since we got back, and we haven''t seen them."


    "The three kids must be together. Jinlai is in elementary school, Tonglai is in kindergarten, so they couldn''t have gotten lost separately. They must have gone out together. Let''s go look for them. Hopefully, Wang Xiangxiu and the others will find something."


    Everyone agreed. The children didn''t need to go out, nor did the pregnant women. The rest all went out to search, regardless of whether they were on good terms or not. Such a matter was a big deal, and no one would refuse to help.


    Although people in those days might fight over a stalk of scallion or a clove of garlic, they would genuinely help in such situations.


    However, most people didn''t believe it was a case of child trafficking. In those days, there weren''t many child traffickers. Even Zhao Guihua knew this. Child trafficking became more common in the 1980s and 1990s.


    But in the 1970s, life was hard, and it was difficult just to get enough to eat. There weren''t many traffickers, mainly because of poverty. And with no birth control, every family had many children. Even if someone didn''t have children and wanted to adopt, they didn''t need to go far. Every family had poor relatives, and it was easy to find children to adopt.


    Moreover, everywhere required an introduction letter, so it wasn''t like you could just take a child and not be checked.


    So, were there traffickers? Yes.


    But they were extremely rare.


    Under this understanding, everyone still leaned towards the idea that the children had run off to play on their own. After all, these three kids were always like that, extremely mischievous. Zhao Guihua and the others all went out to search.


    Ming Mei, being pregnant, didn''t go out. She carried a small stool and sat at the door. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi sat beside her. Hutou frowned and asked: "Auntie, is Jinlai lost?"


    Ming Mei: "I don''t know, everyone is out looking for them. They should be able to find them."


    It was already dark, and no one knew where the kids could have gone.


    Hutou propped his cheek with his hand and said: "If they can''t be found, they won''t have parents anymore."


    Ming Mei: "Yes, that''s right. So, if kids want to go somewhere, they must tell their parents. Not saying anything is not okay."


    Hutou nodded quickly, and Xiao Yanzi beside him did the same.


    The two children were quite afraid of getting lost.


    Jiang Lu didn''t go out either and came over to sit with them. Although she also wanted to go out and help, thinking of herself as a "pregnant woman," she decided not to go. She talked to Ming Mei: "These three kids are too spoiled, aren''t they? Where could they have gone?"


    Ming Mei didn''t know either and shook her head, saying: "I don''t know."


    She said: "If no one saw them, it''s troublesome. It''s hard to find them if they''re not nearby."


    Jiang Lu nodded. In fact, she had always disapproved of how the Su family raised their children. If she had children, she would definitely educate them properly. Not just Jiang Lu, but others probably thought the same way. However, since Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law spoiled their kids so much, they certainly wouldn''t say anything. It wasn''t their business anyway.


    Jiang Lu: "I hope the kids are found soon."


    "That''s right."


    They didn''t talk much more than that. Although Jinlai and his two younger brothers were often mischievous and disliked by everyone, no one wanted to see the children go missing. The atmosphere was somewhat heavy. Li Fang also brought a stool to the front, and a few people sat together.


    At this moment, everyone was searching outside but found no trace of the children.


    However, Li the Cook and Wang Xiangxiu returned, and everyone gathered at the alley entrance.


    Li the Cook: "They weren''t at school. I asked around, and it turns out Jinlai didn''t attend class this afternoon. He said he had a stomachache at noon and took leave to run out. After leaving, he went to the kindergarten to pick up his two younger brothers, and the three of them left together."


    They first went to the school and then to the kindergarten, getting a rough idea of what had happened.


    "Where could they have gone?"


    "My Jinlai..."


    "It''s already dark; what will they do? Wuuuu..."


    Aunt Su cried and threw herself onto Old Man Bai, wailing, "Old Bai, my life is so hard!"


    Everyone''s mouth twitched. She was crying, but she still had to flirt with Old Man Bai at this moment?


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t they have any close friends? Does anyone know where they were planning to go?"


    Before the words were even finished, a middle-aged woman hurried over and said, "I''m Jinlai''s homeroom teacher..."


    "You give me back my son! You scoundrel, you damned thing! I sent my child to school for you to take care of him, and now he''s gone... You despicable woman! Give me back my son!"


    She lunged forward to hit the teacher, but Aunt Wang quickly stopped her, saying, "What are you doing? Are you trying to find your son or not?"


    The elementary school teacher: "Su Jinlai doesn''t have any particularly close friends at school, but he did tell his desk mate that he was going to do something big today. He said that many people in your courtyard were going fishing, and he wanted to go too!"


    "Ah!"


    "Fishing?"


    "Yes, everyone said they were going to the mountain today. Maybe she heard that."


    Aunt Su also swayed, saying, "Yes, yes, we talked about it last night."


    In fact, she wanted to go, which was why she had inquired about the specific details. But when she heard it was in the suburbs, she gave up. It was too far, and she didn''t want to suffer. She had thought about it and decided to ask someone for a fish instead. Wouldn''t that be easier? If someone caught a lot, she might even ask for two. After all, her life was so difficult; it was only right for others to help her.


    Who could say she lacked compassion?


    That was her thinking.


    So she didn''t go, and Wang Xiangxiu was at work, so she certainly didn''t go either. But unexpectedly, Jinlai had overheard this and remembered it. She was very upset, shouting, "How could they go to the suburbs? What if something happens?"


    Aunt Su grabbed Aunt Wang, saying, "Didn''t you go to the suburbs too? Did you see them?"


    Aunt Wang shook her head, "No."


    She asked, "Did any of you see them?"


    Many people from their courtyard had gone today.


    Everyone shook their heads, none of them having seen the children.


    Zhao Guihua: "We left early in the morning and started heading back in the afternoon. Even the latest to return would have been back before dinner. If they left late and had to walk the whole way, they would have missed everyone. It''s normal not to have met them."


    "They left after lunch, so they should have arrived by the afternoon."


    "But that''s not necessarily true. Do they have bicycles? And do they have money for a bus? If they had to walk the whole way, even a few kids wouldn''t make it by evening."


    "That''s true."


    "Aunt Su, do the kids have money for a bus?"


    Aunt Su vigorously shook her head, but then said, "Even if they don''t have money, my Jinlai is very smart. Maybe he found a way to take the bus."


    "It''s hard to say. Since no one met them, it''s unlikely they took the bus."


    "What should we do?"


    "My poor Jinlai, where are you? You''re killing me! If you''re lost, I won''t live either..."


    "Stop wailing and start looking along the road to the city outskirts."


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s split into three groups. One group should ride bikes quickly to the mountain in the suburbs; another group should search along this road leading out of the city; and Aunt Wang, you take Aunt Su and her daughter to the police station. With the help of the police, it''ll be better."


    "Yes, yes."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll go to the bus station and ask. There''s only one bus going to the suburbs. I''ll ask the driver or conductor. If three kids got on the bus for the suburbs, they must have noticed."


    "Isn''t it almost time to get off work?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s fine; my wife definitely knows someone."


    "Ah, right, where does Xiao Zhuang''s wife work?"


    Everyone is eager to help, and no one is ambiguous about it.


    However, at this moment, it can be seen that the reason why the old Zhao family has been able to live well is quite clear. From Zhao Guihua to her son Zhuang Zhixi, they approach their tasks with great organization. Moreover, during critical times, they are very capable of handling matters effectively.


    The Su family, apart from being noisy, can do nothing else.


    Wang Dama led people to the police station, and soon there were more helpers. At this time, Zhuang Zhixi also brought back news: "I¡¯ve found out that they indeed took a bus to the suburbs, and they got off right at the station at the foot of the mountain. There were three children, and they were also carrying a water bucket. Since there were quite a few people going to the suburbs today, the ticket collector didn¡¯t ask them in detail why the kids were out together. However, since many people were also going to catch fish, they assumed they were with adults. Besides, they had money on them; they used gold to buy tickets¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, this...¡±


    ¡°Aunt Su, didn''t you say the child has no money?¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and look for it, don''t say there''s none left.¡±


    Since the child has confirmed the drop-off point, it must be in the suburbs. Everyone hurried to the suburbs, and the police station even arranged for a bus to take us there. The reason for hoping that everyone can come is mainly because we are uncertain about the exact location. With more people, if we can''t find it later, we can split into groups to search the mountains.


    At a time when everyone was anxiously gathering together to help, regardless of their relationships, even Hu Huihui and Wang Zhao Di were busy looking for people, what were the three brothers Su Jinlai doing?


    The three children lit a fire and sat together to grill fish.


    To talk about how these three children went up the mountain, we need to start with yesterday. As everyone knows, there is a place that many people want to visit, although it''s unclear if there are really as many fish there as people say.


    After all, improving life in this way is something that should be firmly grasped.


    This fish supplied by the food store is indeed limited in quantity. It can be found on the black market, but since everyone has a formal job, they would prefer to avoid the black market if possible. Therefore, everyone seizes this opportunity that comes for free.


    However, among these people, there is also Su''s mother.


    Sister Su is poor, but she doesn''t want to work hard.


    You said that if she were to mend clothes for her grandson, she could do it.


    Even having her do laundry for the kids, or making a little money by gluing matchboxes, would be fine.


    However, if you want her to exert herself, she won''t agree to it; this old lady is quite protective of herself. As for going to the countryside or climbing a mountain, just the thought of it sounds like suffering, and she will definitely refuse to go. Although she doesn''t want to go, she has already heard about it from Jin.


    As a boy, he is not afraid of distance or fatigue.


    He immediately pulled over his two younger brothers, and the three little ones started mumbling together. They quickly came to an agreement. They wanted to go fishing in the countryside together. If other families could catch fish, why couldn¡¯t theirs?


    Recently, there has been a faint fishy smell in the yard that even the children can detect with their sensitive noses.


    They are craving it, and with the perfect opportunity to eat and have fun, they are more than happy to indulge.


    However, they also knew that the adults would definitely disagree with them going out, so in the morning, the three children still went to elementary school and kindergarten as usual. After lunch, one by one, they pretended to be sick and sneaked out.


    It must be said that Jin Lai is also quite a "talent"; he is truly a very professional "technician."


    Since they were going to the mountain to catch fish, they couldn''t just go empty-handed, so Su Jinlai came up with a plan. The place he had his eye on was the school''s kitchen; he wasn''t familiar with other places, and the two places he knew best were their courtyard and the school.


    The people in their courtyard often went to the mountain, so naturally, they wouldn''t leave fishing nets at home.


    So Jinlai set his sights on the school''s kitchen. Chef Zhang from the kitchen also liked to go fishing, so Jinlai sneaked in and took the fishing rod and bucket. Poor Chef Zhang, he didn''t even realize his things were gone.


    Jinlai grabbed the fishing rod and bucket and quietly slipped out. After the three kids met up, they discussed their plan again. They knew that if they walked to the outskirts, it would take them all afternoon, so they decided to take a bus.


    Luckily, Jinlai had been eavesdropping the previous night and "subtly" inquired about which bus to take.


    But a new problem arose: they had no money.


    Although kids like Tonglai didn''t need to buy tickets, Jinlai would definitely be questioned, and he might even be asked to buy a half-price ticket. If they were with a parent, they might be able to pass it off, but without one, they would certainly be asked.


    Jinlai thought it over and felt this wouldn''t work. He considered stealing money, but that was not easy and would take time. Since Zhou Qun always doted on them, Jinlai decided to approach Zhou Qun. Even though they had stolen from Zhou Qun''s house before and he had gotten angry and hit them, most of the time, Zhou Qun was quite nice to the three kids. Whatever they did, Zhou Qun would praise them, saying "You''re really great!"


    This made the kids deeply believe that Zhou Qun, being childless, liked them because he had no sons of his own.


    Jinlai went to the hospital and finally found Zhou Qun.


    When Zhou Qun heard they wanted to "borrow" money, his face darkened, and Jinlai and the others thought everything was ruined. To their surprise, Zhou Qun suddenly smiled and agreed to lend them the money.


    With the five mao that Zhou Qun gave them, the three kids bought tickets and headed to the outskirts.


    They didn''t know that Zhou Qun was no kind-hearted person. He had a strategy with these three kids, which was called "spoiling them to death." Since he had no sons, he was happy to see other people''s sons go astray.


    Jinlai spent one jiao on his own ticket, while Yinlai and Tonglai, being younger, didn''t need to buy tickets. This way, he even made four jiao.


    Oh, if they counted the return trip, they would still have three cents left.


    In short, the three brothers felt they had hit the jackpot. They took the bus to the mountain, and since there were many people on the mountain, they managed to find a pond. However, being kids, they had left late after preparing various things, and climbing the mountain was tiring. By the time they arrived, it wasn''t early anymore.


    As for why they didn''t run into Zhao Guihua and the others, it was because Zhao Guihua and the group were already heading down the mountain while they were still climbing up.


    Moreover, adults took the normal routes up and down the mountain to save time, while kids tended to get distracted and wander around, so they missed each other. When they got to the mountain, there were still quite a few people. However, being kids with limited skills, they didn''t catch anything even after most people had left.


    The boys became indignant, thinking that if others could catch fish, so could they.


    This back-and-forth delayed them even further...


    But finally, the three kids had some success. They proudly exclaimed, "Damn, those adults always think they''re so great. But really, what''s the big deal? Look, we can fish too!"


    "Big Brother is awesome!"

 Chapter 106

    Three children, Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai, sat by the pond, humming little tunes and enjoying roasted fish. Life was as carefree as a breeze.Although they didn''t have any salt, it didn''t stop the three kids from enjoying their meal.


    The roasted fish tasted really good.


    Jinlai boasted, "I told you fishing isn''t hard. Adults can do it, and so can we kids."


    Yinlai chimed in, "Big brother is the best. Other kids can''t do it. Can Hutou do it? No way! What about Lijun and Liwei? Nope! They may act cool, but they''re just little kids. We''re different; we''re real men, just like adults."


    Tonglai, being the youngest, wasn''t good at much but was already skilled at flattery. "Yes, big brother is the best."


    "Brother, it''s so delicious," Tonglai added.


    Jinlai waved his hand confidently. "If we run out, we''ll just catch more. Plenty to eat."


    As night fell, Yinlai, despite his bravado, looked around nervously. "Brother, it''s getting dark. Should we head back? We might miss the bus."


    "You''re right," Jinlai agreed, glancing around. There were still a few people nearby, likely locals from the foot of the mountain hoping for a good catch. Seeing them, Jinlai felt a bit more at ease. "What''s the big deal? Look, there are still people here. Don''t overthink it. If we miss the bus, we''ll just follow the adults."


    He felt quite clever about his plan.


    Yinlai nodded, "That makes sense."


    Tonglai mumbled, "If we get back late, Mom will beat us."


    Nonsense! Grandma and Mom wouldn''t be willing to hit us. Plus, it''s not like we were just playing; we were doing important stuff. Everyone knows people come here to fish. We''re fine.


    "True. Other kids aren''t as capable as us."


    "Big brother is right."


    Jinlai grinned proudly. "And even if we didn''t catch any fish, we still borrowed 50 cents. We have 30 cents left. We earned it fair and square, no need to return it. We can buy candy or firecrackers. We''re winning."


    "Exactly!"


    The three kids basked in their self-satisfaction.


    Meanwhile, the main group was heading up the mountain. Leading the way was Wang Xiangxiu, with Aunt Su stumbling behind her, her face filled with sorrow. Supporting her was Old Man Bai.


    Old Man Bai was heartbroken. "Sister, take it slow. Your body is so frail; you can''t handle this. Let me carry you."


    Aunt Su shook her head. "No, you were injured too and haven''t fully recovered. I can''t let you carry me and risk hurting yourself."


    In truth, she was afraid Old Man Bai might drop her. He looked weak and unreliable. She glanced at the strong men around her and coughed lightly, hoping someone would offer to carry her.


    She wasn''t heavy, after all.


    If anyone had a shred of respect for the elderly, they should step up.


    She glanced around, coughing again to draw attention. But no one cared about an old lady; everyone was focused on finding the kids. With the police present, the group remained orderly, spreading out with flashlights and calling out, "Jinlai, Yinlai..."


    "Jinlai..."


    The collective shouting echoed loudly.


    The search party was determined, their voices carrying through the mountain. Meanwhile, Jinlai and his brothers were still fishing, oblivious to the commotion. Perhaps because it was night and fewer people were around, their fishing was surprisingly successful.


    During the day, Zhao Guihua and others had managed to catch four fish each with a net. But tonight, Jinlai and his brothers had each caught a fish, with another one roasting over the fire. They were quite pleased with themselves.


    "Jinlai..."


    Distant calls came from the foot of the mountain. The few adults still fishing at night heard them and looked around. But Jinlai and his brothers remained indifferent, either ignoring the calls or not hearing them.


    One old man called out, "Kids, it''s dark. Shouldn''t you head down the mountain?"


    Jinlai snapped back, "Mind your own business!"


    The old man was taken aback. "What kind of manners are those? Are they looking for you?"


    Jinlai retorted even more harshly, "Old fool, get lost!"


    The old man was furious. "What''s wrong with you, kid? How rude!"


    Jinlai sneered. "What? You gonna hit me? If you do, you''ll have to pay up!"


    He was quite proud of himself. "They''re here to find me!"


    The old man realized the kid had heard the calls.


    Fuming, the old man cursed, "What a little brat. No wonder he gets beaten. He deserves it!"


    He turned and walked away, refusing to deal with the troublemaker.


    Jinlai and Yinlai had been beaten by Bai Fendou the previous day and still had bruises on their faces.


    The old man had felt a bit sorry for them earlier, thinking someone must be tough on these kids to make them fish at night with such injuries. Now he realized they deserved every bit of it.


    He ignored them and walked off. Another fisherman nearby said, "You didn''t need to bother with him. Look at his attitude; he''s not a good kid."


    The old man sighed. "I wonder how their family raises them."


    "Forget it," the fisherman said.


    Yinlai picked up a stone and threw it, missing but splashing water.


    "You little brat!"


    "So what!"


    Yinlai, knowing his mom was coming to find them, became even more brazen. He picked up another stone and threw it, accidentally breaking a fishing rod.


    It was a rare chance, but it happened.


    Yinlai was surprised but quickly cheered himself on. "Yeah! I''m awesome!"


    Jinlai grinned. "Second brother is the best!"


    He picked up a stone and threw it, hitting the old man''s foot.


    The old man cursed, "Damn it!"


    Both the old man and the fisherman were furious. Such brats deserved a beating.


    Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai laughed loudly, clapping their hands.


    Yinlai suddenly shouted, "Help! Adults are bullying kids!" He taunted the two men, clearly daring them to do something.


    "Damn it!"


    "Little brat!"


    The fisherman, unlike the old man, acted quickly. Ignoring the kid''s cries, he grabbed the little troublemaker and slapped him twice.


    Yinlai screamed, "Ah!"


    Jinlai threw down his fishing rod and charged over. "How dare you hit my brother!"


    The fisherman pushed him down and kicked him. "Little brat, you deserve it for being so mouthy and reckless. You''re a troublemaker. You''ll end up in jail someday!"


    Jinlai and Yinlai got another beating.


    The old man and the fisherman didn''t care that they were kids. They weren''t their own children, so why should they tolerate their bad behavior? Slaps were the answer.


    Tonglai, seeing this, scrambled away, not wanting to get involved.


    It''s no wonder that Tonglai will one day become the groom of a cow. He knows how to charm all the aunties and sisters, making them happy. This definitely shows that he''s a sensible one. So, the saying "one can tell what a child will be like by looking at them at three" does hold some truth. This little rascal in their family is exactly like that.


    Don''t let his usual arrogance fool you, always following his older brothers around, acting tough. The moment those two got into a fight, he quickly scurried away.


    He stumbled and ran, not caring at all whether his two older brothers were getting beaten up.


    He didn''t run far before seeing a crowd gathering. He shouted, "Mom!"


    Wang Xiangxiu, from a distance, spotted Tonglai and called out, "Tonglai!!!"


    She quickly started running, and others followed suit, picking up their pace.


    Tonglai cried out, "Hurry and save my brothers! Someone''s beating us up!"


    Upon hearing this, Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes widened in fury. Her sons were her most cherished treasures, her precious gems. If anyone dared to lay a finger on them, she would fight to the death. She ran forward at full speed, tripped, and fell to the ground, but she quickly got up, not even caring about the pain.


    Wang Xiangxiu rushed towards Tonglai, hugging her son tightly and asking, "Are you okay? Did you get hurt? Where are your brothers?"


    Tonglai pointed towards the pond and said, "They''re over there."


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly ran over, only to find both her sons beaten up. As a mother, she was like a furious lioness protecting her cubs, lunging forward with a roar, "I''ll kill you!"


    She charged straight at the middle-aged man, ready to scratch him. However, the man wasn''t some weakling like Bai Fendou. He slapped her away with a single blow, shouting, "I can see now, it''s no wonder these little brats are like this with a parent like you. How dare you come here to pick a fight? Why don''t you ask your little brats what they''ve done?"


    "Exactly!"


    "What''s going on here!" At this moment, the police officers also rushed over, and the crowd grew larger.


    Seeing the growing crowd, the middle-aged man felt a bit uneasy, but he still shouted loudly, "Officers, don''t just accuse me of beating up kids. Ask everyone here, what did these three little brats do!"


    "You can''t hit children, they''re just kids!"


    Before the police officers could speak, Aunt Su rushed forward, cried out loudly, and then hugged Jinlai, wailing, "My Jinlai, these heartless bastards, how could they treat us like this? We''re already struggling as a widow and her children, and now we encounter such bad people..."


    "Old lady, stop spouting nonsense! Why don''t you ask your kids what they''ve done! Look at my fishing rod, I didn''t even bother with them, but they came to provoke me. Have you ever seen such brats? This old man kindly asked if they were calling out to him, and what did they do? They directly cursed him as an old fool. And!" The old man was so angry he couldn''t help but say, "These two naughty kids threw stones at us. Ask, ask others!"


    "Yes, what this gentleman said is right."


    "Exactly, that stone directly hit my foot, look!"


    "What kind of people are they?"


    "Officers, we can testify for them. It''s these two kids who are rude and mischievous, not acting like decent people..."


    It seems that people nowadays are still quite simple-minded.


    If this were a few decades later, everyone would probably just mind their own business. But now, seeing this situation, everyone gathered around, speaking up one after another to provide evidence.


    "These two kids are real troublemakers, the youngest one didn''t say much though..."


    "They deserved to be beaten!"


    "We''ve never seen such unruly children..."


    "They were deliberately provoking, hearing your shouts, they thought they couldn''t lose out, so they started acting up..."


    "Yes, yes, those two kids deliberately threw stones at people."


    The police officers were left speechless, rubbing their temples. These three kids were really... quite the troublemakers.


    "Alright, stop crying. It''s good that the kids were found safe."


    "No, they bullied my son like this, we''re going to sue them, make them go to jail, they won''t get away with it!"


    "On what grounds!"


    "Do you have any shame!"


    The crowd started bickering and attacking each other. The Su family, especially the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, were heartbroken over their children, but others were equally annoyed.


    "I don''t care, you must compensate us, take my son to the hospital, or this matter won''t be over." Wang Xiangxiu was relentless. The police officers, though feeling helpless, could understand the parents'' distress seeing their children beaten up.


    But feeling sorry is one thing, your kids are really troublemakers. Anyone in this situation would be furious, and a beating is the least of what they deserve.


    He said, "You indeed shouldn''t have laid hands on the children."


    The leading police officer reprimanded the middle-aged man, then turned to Wang Xiangxiu, "But the cause of this incident was your children. It was your children who started the fight. Even if there''s blame, your family holds most of it. Beating the children is wrong, but your kids also threw stones, breaking someone''s fishing rod..."


    The first old man who spoke said, "And they hit my foot."


    The police officer said, "If both sides feel this matter can''t be resolved, come with me to the police station. You want to pursue them for hitting your children, but they also want to pursue you for breaking the fishing rod and injuring someone."


    "A fishing rod is nothing, my son is the important one." Wang Xiangxiu felt a bit uneasy but still yelled.


    The police officer: "It''s not that children''s mistakes can be ignored. You should compensate each other."


    The middle-aged man immediately responded, "Compensate each other then. My fishing rod is very expensive. Look, it''s not a local brand, I brought it back from a business trip to Shanghai City, it''s quite pricey. And look at this kid, he was already bruised and battered when he came."


    He sneered, "Looking at their sneaky behavior, it''s clear these kids aren''t good seeds. They probably already got a beating somewhere else."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You!"


    She was furious. At this moment, she truly felt heartbroken. She thought about how many of the neighbors in their courtyard had been intimate with her, some even having had physical relationships.


    Although, although she was always asking for money and food, she also gave her body in return.


    There''s a saying, "One day as husband and wife is a hundred days of grace."


    These people didn''t show any grace at all. Seeing her being bullied by strangers, they refused to stand up for her. Wang Xiangxiu felt miserable. She knew, she always knew that men were unreliable. The only ones she could rely on were her sons.


    She bit her lip, feeling a bit stuck.


    She wanted to keep yelling, but if they had to compensate each other, the police officer would definitely be happy with that. However... she looked at her son, who didn''t seem too seriously injured. If they went to the hospital, it probably wouldn''t cost much. But she had no idea how much the fishing rod cost.


    She bit her lip, and at this moment, Aunt Su immediately noticed Wang Xiangxiu''s dilemma. She cried out, "We''ve been a widow and her children for so many years. I know we''ve been a bit neglectful with the kids, but it''s not easy being a widow..."


    She started by playing the victim, then continued, "Our family''s situation is so bad, even eating enough is a struggle. Where would we get the money to compensate for the fishing rod? If we weren''t so hungry, the three kids wouldn''t have sneaked up the mountain to go fishing. It''s all because their grandma and mom are useless..."


    This kind of act was common in their courtyard, but less so for outsiders. Seeing her like this, the expressions of those around her softened a bit. Even the police officers felt the same. Aunt Su continued, "The kids made a mistake, we''ll definitely discipline them at home and make sure they don''t cause trouble again. Please, don''t hold it against them... My kids made a mistake, but you adults beating children is also a bit inappropriate."


    Zhao Guihua and others had come to the outskirts to look for the kids. Seeing Aunt Su''s performance, they knew what she was up to.


    Sure enough, Aunt Su said, "I think this incident will be a good lesson for the kids. I hope they can learn from it. As for this time, we don''t plan to go to the hospital. Our family is already struggling, why go to the hospital? Just let them recover at home. Please don''t take my daughter-in-law''s words seriously, I won''t pursue this matter."


    Seeing that Aunt Su was quite reasonable, the police officer immediately said, "Since both sides made mistakes, how about we just let it go?"


    Everyone has sympathy, the police officers have it, the two people from earlier have it, and the onlookers are no different. Everyone started chiming in, trying to persuade the middle-aged man. He pursed his lips and said, "Fine, let''s just call it even. This whole thing, we''ll just consider it bad luck for all of us."


    The Su family didn''t profit, but he definitely lost out.


    His fishing rod!


    But looking at this family of widows and orphans, he couldn''t bring himself to say anything more.


    Besides, he had indeed hit someone.


    "Since everyone agrees to let it go, you don''t hold it against me, and I won''t hold it against you, then this matter is settled. Let''s all apologize to each other and hurry down the mountain. It''s really getting late."


    If they didn''t hurry home now, how would they have the energy to go to work tomorrow?


    "Yes, let''s go."


    "Right, let''s head back."


    The police officer said, "Comrade Wang Xiangxiu, your children are not young anymore. The older one is already ten or so, and the younger ones are at an age where they should know better. You can''t let them continue like this. You need to educate them properly when you get home. This time we found the kids, but what if next time we don''t?"


    He looked at the three children with a serious tone: "Kids, even if life is tough, we can''t resort to mischief. Look at you, why didn''t you tell your mom and grandma before running off? Do you know how worried they were?"


    Jinlai felt a bit scared of the police officer, but deep down, he was also a little resentful. He lowered his head and didn''t say anything, but in his heart, he was cursing, wishing this man would fall into the water. He had been beaten, and these two people didn''t stand up for him, so what kind of good people were they?


    Anyone who wasn''t willing to help their family was trash.


    "Where did you get the fishing rod and bucket?"


    Jinlai: "I took them from school."


    The police officer: "..."


    He pursed his lips: "Did the school know?"


    Jinlai shook his head.


    Since the school didn''t know, that means it was stolen!


    The police officer looked at the child, though it was dark and the boy was looking down, making it hard to see his face. But the officer suddenly understood. It seemed likely that he would have to deal with this child more in the future. He became even more serious: "Kid, you should know that if you steal a needle as a child, you''ll..."


    "Police officer, stop lecturing the child. He''s already in a lot of pain after being beaten like that. I know he did something wrong, but we, as parents, can forgive him. What''s your problem as an outsider?"


    Wang Xiangxiu spoke with a firm tone. She loved her son the most and no one could say anything bad about her child.


    She felt that this police officer wasn''t standing up for their family, so he wasn''t a good person, and her tone reflected that.


    The police officer: "..."


    Aunt Su quickly interjected with a knowing look: "Xiangxiu, what are you saying! If you talk like that, I''ll have to correct you. Don''t you think about it? If it weren''t for the police officer, could we have found our child so smoothly? I know you''re happy to have found the child, but you can''t get carried away. Apologize to him right now."


    Under Aunt Su''s prompting, Wang Xiangxiu immediately apologized, not hesitating.


    The police officer: "..."


    How to put it... it was completely insincere.


    As police officers, they knew all too well that many children went down the wrong path because of their parents'' bad examples and excessive pampering. He said, "When you get home, you really need to educate your children properly."


    "We know, we know."


    Aunt Su was handling it, but her expression seemed quite sincere.


    The police officer felt that this mother-in-law was much better than the daughter-in-law.


    ...


    From the moment the children were discovered missing until they were found and returned home, it was already early morning.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were already asleep. The rest of the family hadn''t returned yet, and Ming Mei didn''t dare to sleep either. She was yawning non-stop as she sat with a few others in the courtyard. Everyone had gathered in the front yard, except for the three pregnant women, two very elderly grandmothers, and Lan Sihai.


    As everyone grew more and more tired and sleepy, they finally heard the bustling sounds of people returning.


    Sure enough, Zhao Guihua was the first to enter, followed by others who gradually came in. Zhao Guihua said, "You''re still waiting? Go and rest now."


    She added, "The children have been found."


    Others followed in, saying, "They went to the mountain to go fishing."


    Ming Mei frowned slightly and said, "They went fishing without telling anyone at home?"


    "Exactly, they sneaked off. It''s really..."


    "Let''s not talk about it, or Wang Xiangxiu will start yelling again."


    "Do I fear her? It''s ridiculous. We''ve been looking for the kids all night, and now we find out they were just being mischievous on the mountain..."


    Zhao Guihua saw that the neighbors were quite unhappy and didn''t continue the topic. Instead, she urged, "Ming Mei, go back to your room now."


    At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi also returned. He led his wife into the house. Ming Mei had already washed up. She took off her outer clothes, put on a tank top, and jumped into bed, mumbling, "I''m so tired, but I didn''t feel safe until you all came back... It seems like Jinlai and Yinlai''s injuries are even worse."


    "They got beaten up. They were asking for it."


    Ming Mei: "Mmm..."


    She really wanted to gossip, but she was too tired and couldn''t keep her eyes open...


    Zhuang Zhixi: "They..."


    Just as he was about to continue talking, he saw that Ming Mei had already fallen asleep, almost instantly. He chuckled softly and also tiptoed to carry the basin outside. After rushing to find the kids, he was covered in sweat and decided to take a quick shower.


    Many others had the same idea, and Bai Fendou and his father were already standing in the courtyard, taking a shower.


    The female members had already gone inside, not to avoid them, but because the women left first, and the men came out to shower later. It was already very late, and no one was in the mood to chat. This wasn''t like the Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou incident where everyone could watch the excitement.


    Tonight, everyone was just too tired. There was nothing to gossip about, and all they wanted was to go home, lie down, and sleep.


    Zhuang Zhixi took a quick shower and felt a prying gaze. He immediately turned his head and saw the Su family''s curtain move slightly. He didn''t know who was peeking from the window, but luckily, he hadn''t fully undressed, or he would have been awkwardly seen. He hurried through his shower and went back inside. Bai Fendou said, "What''s the rush? You''re like a rabbit being chased."


    He was taking his time, but Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''m too tired. I want to sleep soon."


    Bai Fendou let out a sigh, saying, "And you call yourself a young man? Your stamina isn''t great."


    He added, "Why don''t you try some supplements?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled but didn''t respond. He waved his hand and went back inside.


    By now, Ming Mei was already deeply asleep. Zhuang Zhixi locked the door and went straight to bed. Instead of wasting time talking, it was better to get some sleep.


    Their family was one of the first to sleep. After a quick wash-up, they immediately turned off the lights and went to bed. As for the gossip, they could talk about it tomorrow. Tonight, they were just too tired. After the Zhuang family turned off the lights, Wang Xiangxiu also pulled down the curtain.


    She muttered softly, "Everyone is so heartless. My son is injured like this, and none of them come to help. Not even a bit of ointment or some money..."


    Aunt Su sighed, "People are selfish. You can''t count on others. They''re all hoping we have a hard time so they can enjoy the excitement. These people aren''t good, and you should have figured that out by now. How can you still not see their cold and indifferent nature?"


    "I know, but it still hurts every time I think about it..."


    She looked at Bai Fendou and his father, who were still showering, and disdainfully pursed her lips.


    Then she said, "Bai Fendou too, he didn''t even come over to comfort us. I was so nice to him, and he''s just heartless."


    Hu Huihui watched her cousin and felt that this cousin was really peculiar. What right did she have to scold everyone? And why should anyone help her? Hu Huihui had never liked this cousin, and now she liked her even less.


    What a piece of work.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "No, I have to find Bai Fendou tomorrow. How can he ignore our family like that?"


    She turned to look at Hu Huihui and suddenly said, "Huihui, how has your cousin treated you?"


    Hu Huihui: "My cousin has been very good to me, taking me in when I was in trouble."


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded: "That''s right. Since your cousin has been so good to you, shouldn''t you help her out too?"


    "Cousin, I don''t have any money. You know that, right? I have to give you eight yuan every month. After giving you that, I don''t have much left for myself." Hu Huihui had never been taken advantage of before, but now, in order to stay and investigate the whereabouts of that batch of gold and silver treasures, she had to play the part of a timid sparrow.


    Damn it, one day she would teach Wang Xiangxiu a lesson.


    She had offered five yuan, but Wang Xiangxiu flatly refused, demanding ten yuan instead, or else she would kick her out.


    Hu Huihui had come up with an excuse, pretending to be troubled by her family''s pressure to marry, which was why she ended up here. She knew it was a lie, but Wang Xiangxiu didn''t. In Wang Xiangxiu''s mind, her cousin was desperate and had no other options. And for someone who was supposedly at her wit''s end, Wang Xiangxiu was being particularly ruthless. Hu Huihui wasn''t planning to let this slide.


    For now, she would play along, but she absolutely wouldn''t let this go.


    "Cousin, I don''t have any money..."


    Wang Xiangxiu rolled her eyes: "Of course, I know you don''t have money. If you did, would you be here relying on me? Look, only I''m willing to take you in, which shows how good I am to you. So, shouldn''t you help me out too? I''m not asking for much money from you, but I was thinking of introducing you to someone."


    "What?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hu Huihui was shocked. She had no idea what her cousin was thinking.


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed: "Of course, it would be best if you didn''t agree..."


    Hu Huihui immediately understood. She had used this kind of tactic many times herself.


    However, plotting for herself and plotting for others were two very different things. She immediately became unwilling.


    Wang Xiangxiu noticed her reluctance and quickly said: "You''re eating and living here, so think about it. Even if you''re paying eight yuan, is that enough? We''re not cheating anyone, and we''re not stealing their money. We''re just getting them to buy some stuff. That''s not a big deal, right?"


    Hu Huihui remained silent.


    "If you''re not willing, then get out."


    Hu Huihui suppressed her anger and said, "Alright, then."


    "First, I''ll introduce you to Bai Fendou, but don''t think you can actually marry him. I won''t allow that. You just need to trick him into continuing to support our family. Also, help me get closer to Zhuang Zhixi. If you can make Zhuang Zhixi spend money on us, that would be great. They''re a dual-income couple, paying very little for living expenses, so they must have money. Since he''s the man of the house, he''s definitely in charge of the finances. If you can slowly win him over, he''ll end up spending money on us, won''t he? Oh, and there''s also Yang Lixin from the back courtyard. He''s a cook in the kitchen. If you can trick him into bringing us leftovers from the cafeteria, that would be perfect."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s thoughts grew more and more optimistic, and she became excited.


    "I''ll spread the word that I''m trying to find you a match, and good days will surely come."


    Hu Huihui: "I''ll do as you say."


    She took the opportunity to inquire: "Cousin, who in this neighborhood has a good financial situation?"


    "Who? There are plenty of well-off families. The best one should be the Zhou family. Zhou Qun earns over ninety yuan, and Jiang Lu is also in a managerial position with a long tenure, so she probably earns over forty yuan now. They only have three people in their family, but with a combined income of over one hundred and thirty yuan, they''re quite well-off. It''s a pity Zhou Qun isn''t a real man anymore; otherwise, he would have been a good target for us."


    Hu Huihui already knew about this. They had been digging through this neighborhood for days, so she had a general idea.


    However, she didn''t want to know about these common details. She asked: "Are there any other families with good financial situations?"


    She smiled and said: "Well, the well-off families are all well-known, and there''s no way you''d introduce me to them. So... are there any families that have suddenly become wealthy? Those are the ones worth targeting."


    Wang Xiangxiu glanced at Hu Huihui and said: "I knew you weren''t some innocent little bunny. Don''t pretend to be pure and naive; I know you''re not a good person."


    Hu Huihui clenched her fists but remained silent.


    "Sudden wealth? There aren''t any in this neighborhood. Everyone here works in the factory. They''re neither poor nor rich."


    "What about Zhuang Zhixi you mentioned earlier..."


    "His family is doing well, with dual incomes. Zhao Guihua only charges them ten yuan a month for living expenses."


    Hu Huihui: "I see. But I noticed they seem to have a decent standard of living."


    "Zhuang Laonian earns well. He''s a fifth-grade worker, making over fifty yuan. He''s about to take the exam for sixth grade. If he passes, his salary will increase again. With the two of them, they''ll have more money than they can spend, and they''ll definitely use it to subsidize their living expenses."


    Hu Huihui nodded: "What about Uncle Blue in the courtyard?"


    "You''re really desperate, even targeting Old Man Lan." Wang Xiangxiu looked at Hu Huihui with disdain, thinking this cousin was utterly disgraceful.


    Hu Huihui: "..." Damn it, damn it!


    "That old man has money. He has two salaries: one is his retirement pension, and the other is his rehired salary." She grumbled: "We young people work so hard to support our families, and he''s so old, what does he need so much money for? Disgusting."


    Hu Huihui: "..."


    Her cousin was truly a weirdo.


    Aunt Su: "I heard that the factory rehired Lan Sihai mainly to have him train apprentices. I guess once he trains them, the factory will let him go."


    Hu Huihui: "Oh."


    Her eyes flickered. The families in this courtyard with better living conditions all seemed to be due to their jobs. There didn''t seem to be anyone whose good life was due to other reasons. It seemed the investigation would be challenging.


    But then again, if it weren''t challenging, why would they need someone like her?


    Such a large sum of money was worth a long-term battle.


    She pursed her lips and said: "Let''s go to bed early."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Since you''re staying in my house, you have to listen to me."


    Hu Huihui: "Okay."


    Damn it.


    What a disgusting person.


    Compared to other families who went to bed early, their household was quite lively, chatting until the early hours of the morning.


    Oh, except for one person: Jiang Lu. At dawn, seeing everyone return, Jiang Lu tidied up and went to the hospital. Everyone couldn''t help but sigh, wondering how Zhou Qun had such good luck to have such a devoted wife.


    Jiang Lu''s dedication to Zhou Qun was truly unwavering.


    Aunt Su advised: "Jiang Lu, why don''t you stay home today? It''s already late."


    Jiang Lu shook her head: "I''ll still go to the hospital. Zhou Qun is very fragile right now, and if I don''t go, he might start overthinking again. I can''t let him cause trouble by talking about jumping off a building. That would just add to everyone else''s burden, wouldn''t it?"


    Aunt Su sighed: "You have it tough."


    Jiang Lu: "Yes, but what can I do? He''s my man. Back then, I was the one who was dead set on choosing him, so now, even if I have to grit my teeth, I have to make this work. I''m leaving now."


    Aunt Su: "Be careful, it''s late at night."


    Jiang Lu: "I know."


    She didn''t linger in the courtyard and quickly walked toward the hospital. When she reached a secluded spot, she even started running. By the time she arrived at the hospital, she was out of breath. It was already late into the night, and the hospital was very quiet. Jiang Lu quietly went upstairs. She coughed softly, but there was no response.


    Looking around to make sure no one was watching, she gently pushed open the door to the ward and slipped inside, tiptoeing. She lightly nudged the man who was sitting by the bed, and he was about to shout when Jiang Lu quickly covered his mouth.


    He woke up, saw it was Jiang Lu, and pursed his lips.


    Jiang Lu pointed to the door, and the man hesitated for a moment before following her.


    The two of them went to the hospital''s laundry room, where bedsheets and blankets were washed. This place was usually empty at night, and most people avoided it because it was considered unlucky. So, Jiang Lu and Little Xu often met here.


    There was even a bed here.


    Yes, the man Jiang Lu was meeting was Little Xu from the propaganda department of the machinery factory.


    He followed Jiang Lu inside and whispered: "Jiang Lu, it''s so late today, let''s just skip it, okay?"


    Jiang Lu started unbuttoning her shirt, saying, "Forget it? Why should we forget it? Don''t you want to?"


    She stepped forward, gently wrapping her arms around Little Xu''s neck. Little Xu: "..."


    He swallowed hard, whispering, "It''s been too much lately..."


    Jiang Lu laughed and leaned in closer, "How can you ever have too much of this? You''re just making excuses. I can see how much you enjoy it..." She pulled him closer...


    Little Xu: "Woohoo."


    ...


    The morning sunlight streamed into the room. It was still not fully light outside, yet the two of them had already gone several rounds. Jiang Lu was getting dressed and said, "I''ll find you tonight."


    After a pause, she added, "Wait for me at the back gate of the factory at noon. I''ll get you some bull-whip to replenish your energy."


    Little Xu held onto the headboard and slowly stood up.


    He walked unsteadily, leaning against the wall to reach the door, and nodded, "Okay."


    Although Jiang Lu demanded a lot, they were, after all, in a "newlywed" phase, so being a bit intense was normal. Moreover, Jiang Lu was really quite generous. Just look, she was willing to spend money on a man.


    This kind of thing, even with money, was hard to come by.


    But Jiang Lu could get it.


    He said, "I''ll wait for you at noon."


    Jiang Lu: "Okay."


    He walked weakly toward the ward, while Jiang Lu put on her clothes and left the room.


    As for how the two of them got together, it all started on the day Zhou Qun was hospitalized. That day, they happened to run into Little Xu, whose father had broken his leg and was hospitalized, and Little Xu was there to keep him company.


    Although Little Xu wasn''t well-liked in the factory and wasn''t a great person, he was quite filial.


    He came to keep his father company and just so happened to meet Jiang Lu, and they recognized each other.


    Jiang Lu was at her lowest point at the time. She was utterly heartbroken and thought to herself, since Zhou Qun was like this, why should she stick to him? Maybe it was time to try a different feeling. As for Little Xu, he had no willpower. As soon as she wrapped her arms around his neck, he was easily reeled in.


    Back then, she just wanted to relieve stress, to relax.


    But the next morning, she immediately realized that this might be a golden opportunity. Maybe she could have a child. Little Xu was around the same age as Zhuang Zhixi, in the prime of his life, which was far better than someone like Zhou Qun.


    After all, she had decided to have a child, and this was a perfect candidate.


    It wasn''t easy to find a suitable person, but since fate had brought them together, she naturally wouldn''t let this chance slip by. Once she had a child, she could ditch Little Xu. This wasn''t because she was cold-hearted.


    Rather, she was well aware that a young man like Little Xu wouldn''t settle down with her.


    He had decent enough conditions, so he would definitely look for someone better. So, having some fun together was fine, but if she ever brought up marriage, Little Xu would probably run for the hills.


    Jiang Lu composed herself and adjusted her clothes before returning to the ward.


    Early in the morning, Zhou Qun saw Jiang Lu and was unusually obedient. He greeted her, "Why are you here so early?"


    Normally, Jiang Lu would visit in the evening to take care of him.


    This was unusual.


    Jiang Lu replied, "Jinlai and his brothers went missing yesterday. Everyone searched half the night, and they weren''t found until the early hours of the morning. I''m pregnant, so I didn''t join the search, but since the courtyard was empty, we couldn''t sleep. Those of us who couldn''t join the search just sat in the courtyard waiting for news."


    "Ah?" Zhou Qun was surprised, "Jinlai went missing?"


    His eyes flickered with glee, "Oh, that kid is so mischievous."


    He wasn''t happy that the child was lost, but hearing that the child had caused trouble again made him happy. After all, he didn''t have any children, so seeing other people''s kids causing trouble always pleased him. Who asked you to have kids when I don''t?


    Of course, Jiang Lu was also pregnant.


    But Zhou Qun couldn''t help but harbor some doubts. Why would Jiang Lu get pregnant now, at this exact moment? And after all these years, he had always worried that maybe he was the one who was infertile.


    Zhou Qun wasn''t sure, which was why he had never dared to get checked.


    He thought that maybe, because of his attempt to jump off a building, the hospital and Jiang Lu had lied to him to calm him down. That was what he believed, and he had never suspected Jiang Lu of cheating to have a child.


    He didn''t doubt Jiang Lu''s fidelity, not because he trusted her so much, but because he trusted himself. He knew that Jiang Lu, despite her good family background, was a bit of a fool, utterly stupid. She was blindly devoted to him.


    Didn''t you see?


    Even though he was clearly having affairs with other women, Jiang Lu would believe him.


    Even when his mother deliberately practiced superstitious rituals to harm her father, she still believed in him.


    And on the night of the incident, she stood up for him wholeheartedly. This woman was head over heels in love with him!


    Her feelings for him were as clear as the sky.


    He knew how deeply Jiang Lu was devoted to him and was well aware of his own charm, so he wasn''t worried about this matter. Sure, Jiang Lu had talked about divorce, but he thought it was just a momentary upset.


    Once she calmed down, wouldn''t she still treat him well?


    Look, he had only temporarily handed over his salary and savings, and it had immediately appeased Jiang Lu.


    Now, Jiang Lu worked during the day and came to take care of him at night. She could have arranged for Wang Zhaodi to come, but she didn''t, clearly showing that she still loved him so much, afraid that he might end up with Wang Zhaodi.


    He smiled smugly, proud of his extraordinary charm.


    As for the salary and savings... he would get them back eventually. Once this matter faded, he could.


    He was willing to hand over his financial power to stabilize Jiang Lu.


    First, to prevent her from divorcing him, and second, because... he still had some hope. Maybe Jiang Lu wasn''t lying, maybe she really was pregnant? After all, they had been trying for a child for so long.


    If Jiang Lu wasn''t lying, based on his understanding of her, her expression didn''t seem like she was lying. If she wasn''t lying, then he was about to have a child.


    Jinlai came to see me yesterday and asked for fifty cents.


    Jiang Lu was stunned and said, "Did you give it to him? Zhou Qun, what''s your relationship with Wang Xiangxiu? Why would you give money to her child?"


    She was unhappy, "That family has no good people. Even if you give them money, you won''t get any gratitude. We could have bought four liang of meat with that fifty cents. Why would you waste it on them? You really are... men shouldn''t have money."


    Zhou Qun: "Look at you, why are you being so stingy all of a sudden? You weren''t like this before."


    Jiang Lu: "I wasn''t like this before because I didn''t have a child. Now that I have my own child, I have to save money for them. From now on, don''t collect your salary. I''ll go collect it for you, and I''ll give you one yuan to spend each month."


    Zhou Qun: "What the hell."


    He couldn''t believe his eyes and said, "One yuan? What can I even do with that? No way, no way."


    Jiang Lu: "Others manage with it, why can''t you?"


    ¡°Others manage with what? I heard Zhuang Zhixi gets five yuan, and I can''t be worse than him? This won''t work, we...¡±


    The two started haggling.


    Zhuang Zhixi sneezed in the office. It was a bright, sunny morning. He took the initiative to clean up the office, and as he turned around, he saw Little Xu walking in, looking weak, as if he had been beaten up.


    Ever since Little Xu''s father was hospitalized, Little Xu had been looking like this every day, not knowing how staying up at night could be so exhausting.


    It really looked like...


    To be honest, Zhuang Zhixi, as a man, thought Little Xu didn''t look like he was tired from staying up; it looked more like he had been drained.


    But then again, Little Xu wasn''t married, and his father was still in the hospital, so he wouldn''t be so reckless as to indulge in other activities. Probably, Zhuang Zhixi was overthinking it.


    However, it wasn''t just Zhuang Zhixi who thought so. In fact, others in the office had also talked about it, speculating that Little Xu wasn''t staying up to keep watch but was instead indulging in other things.


    Otherwise, how could he be so weak? Just a few days, and he already had dark circles under his eyes.


    Zhuang Zhixi was about to greet Little Xu when he saw him drift back to his seat like a ghost, collapsing onto the desk and falling asleep.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    What on earth have you been up to?


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that there were really not many normal people around him. Everyone was acting strangely. However, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t care much. Recently, he had been thriving. He had cracked the code for reporting and had written about several outstanding workers, which had helped him solidify his position in the Publicity Department.


    The opportunity came unexpectedly, but one had to seize it.


    Zhuang Zhixi had managed to do just that.


    He sat down to plan his next steps at work. By this time, everyone was gradually arriving at the office. Sister Cui exclaimed, "Oh my! Why is Little Xu asleep again?"


    "He must be exhausted from working at the hospital," Zhuang Zhixi casually replied.


    Sister Cui wasn''t convinced.


    She wasn''t as naive as Zhuang Zhixi, a young man. She had seen a lot in her life and suspected that Little Xu might not have been up to any good. If he had been doing something positive, why would he look like this?


    "Young people, be careful not to get into trouble," she warned.


    Zhuang Zhixi just smiled.


    "Knock knock knock."


    The sound of knocking on the door drew everyone''s attention. It was Tao Yuyue from the medical office. Ever since Tao Yuyue arrived, the male youth in the factory had been a bit restless. They all flocked to the medical office, making it a lively place every day.


    It wasn''t as quiet as when Zhuang Zhixi was around.


    Tao Yuyue stood at the door and asked, "Is Zhuang Zhixi here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, is there something I can help you with?"


    Tao Yuyue smiled brightly and said, "Doctor Wang asked me to tell you to come to the medical office at noon."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Alright, thank you."


    Tao Yuyue replied, "You''re welcome."


    She added, "I was just going to the third floor to deliver something, so it was on my way."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Still, thank you."


    Tao Yuyue quickly left, and Sister Cui sighed, "Tao Yuyue is now the factory''s most sought-after flower. Even Director Che wants her to be his daughter-in-law."


    "Isn''t Director Che''s son a bit... simple-minded?"


    "So what if he is? With a capable father like Director Che, even a simple-minded son can find a good wife."


    Someone whispered, "Isn''t Little Xu also pursuing Tao Yuyue?"


    "Yes, he is. There are many people pursuing Tao Yuyue now. All the unmarried men in our factory are like bears seeing honey."


    "Hahaha."


    Everyone laughed.


    "So, what does Tao Yuyue say? What kind of man is she looking for?"


    "Who knows? She hasn''t agreed to anyone yet."


    "Her standards are quite high, but maybe she''s just overwhelmed by the choices. If a man had Director Che''s status and Zhuang Zhixi''s looks, she would definitely be interested."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly waved his hands and said, "You guys can talk all you want, but don''t drag me into it. I''m a clean and decent man. This has nothing to do with me. I haven''t had any interactions with Tao Yuyue. If my wife finds out, I''ll have to kneel on the washboard at home."


    "Pfft! You''re really something..."


    "Don''t say that, or people will think you''re afraid of your wife."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Being afraid of my wife isn''t a bad thing. I love my wife, that''s why I''m afraid of her. Otherwise, why would a man be afraid of his wife? It''s not like I can''t handle a woman. This kind of ''fear'' is the same as love."


    Everyone felt their teeth ache from the sweetness.


    Sister Cui suddenly said, "Wait, your wife is indeed quite formidable. If you two really got into a fight, you wouldn''t be able to beat her."


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Is that the point here?"


    Everyone burst out laughing.


    Meanwhile, Ming Mei kept sneezing. She rubbed her nose and said, "I wonder who''s talking about me."


    She thought for a moment and realized it must be Zhuang Zhixi.


    She smiled and said, "I wonder if that guy is busy."

 Chapter 107

    The scorching summer was in full swing, with cicadas chirping incessantly.It seemed like only yesterday when the sweltering months of July and August had arrived. The weather in early August was unbearably hot.


    Ming Mei was now nearly four months pregnant, though not quite there yet. Recently, their courtyard had unexpectedly become unusually peaceful. Perhaps it was the intense heat that had sapped everyone''s energy, leaving them with little enthusiasm for anything other than work.


    Even a brief stroll outdoors would leave one drenched in sweat. This summer was exceptionally hot.


    However, to say that nothing was happening in their courtyard would not be entirely accurate. The tranquility in their courtyard was unique compared to others.


    Firstly, there were now three pregnant women in their courtyard. Li Fang and Ming Mei were both showing, with Li Fang being further along than Ming Mei, though she appeared less noticeably pregnant.


    This was because Ming Mei had recently been confirmed to be carrying twins.


    She looked more visibly pregnant than Li Fang. Zhuang Zhixi, like a eunuch attending to the empress dowager, was constantly at his wife''s side, taking care of her every need. Zhao Guihua joked that he stood like a lowly servant. However, among the three, Ming Mei had the least severe pregnancy reactions. Li Fang and Jiang Lu were both suffering from intense morning sickness, vomiting constantly.


    Speaking of which, Li Fang and Jiang Lu were similar in that they had initially been fine after discovering their pregnancies, but the recent heatwave had completely overwhelmed them. Especially Jiang Lu, who had been feeling nauseous and vomiting for the past half month. Her once vibrant complexion had turned sallow in just a few days.


    Despite her poor complexion, Jiang Lu''s spirits were high. After all, this was the child she had longed for over a decade. How could she not be overjoyed? Even Zhou Qun was exceptionally happy. He had been discharged from the hospital and had initially harbored some doubts, suspecting that Jiang Lu might have colluded with the hospital to fake her pregnancy to soothe him.


    But to his surprise, Jiang Lu was genuinely pregnant. He had taken her to the hospital several times for prenatal care, confirming that she was not lying. Zhou Qun now truly believed that everything was predestined.


    He had longed for a child for over ten years, even beginning to doubt his own fertility. Yet, after his accident, Jiang Lu had unexpectedly become pregnant. Zhou Qun couldn''t help but feel that this was heaven''s way of ensuring his lineage would not end.


    Jiang Lu, too, was elated. She felt that heaven had been kind to her. She had always worried about her inability to conceive, especially since she was already in her thirties. Although medical checks had confirmed she was fine, it was still harder to conceive at her age compared to someone in their twenties.


    She had even planned to fake a miscarriage if she hadn''t become pregnant within a month and a half. Otherwise, the truth would be impossible to hide. But to her surprise, she became pregnant much sooner than expected.


    When Jiang Lu confirmed her pregnancy, she was overwhelmed with joy, almost to the point of tears.


    She calculated the dates and realized she must have conceived around the time she had been with Little Xu. This was an even better outcome for her, as she had initially claimed to be a month pregnant. With such a short discrepancy, it would be easy to cover up.


    She could simply explain that the due date had been pushed back, which was not uncommon.


    Jiang Lu had done her research and knew that there were cases of pregnancies extending beyond the expected due date by nearly a month. In this era, with less precise medical technology, it was easier to avoid suspicion.


    Zhao Guihua was completely unaware of this. If she had known, she might have marveled at Jiang Lu''s good fortune. In this age, with less accurate medical knowledge, it was easier to avoid detection. Had this been a decade later, the situation would have been much more precarious.


    Of course, Zhao Guihua was genuinely unaware, but she did know one thing: Jiang Lu''s child was not Zhou Qun''s.


    Zhou Qun was infertile, a fact Zhao Guihua was certain of.


    She would never gossip about such matters, not even to her husband, Old Man Zhuang. Although Zhao Guihua didn''t particularly like Jiang Lu, she wasn''t the type to deliberately expose others'' secrets. Moreover, she had noticed that Jiang Lu seemed to be in high spirits lately. Zhao Guihua thought this was a good thing.


    With three pregnant women in the courtyard, everyone was being exceptionally cautious, afraid of inadvertently causing harm. This was also why there had been fewer incidents in their courtyard lately. After all, no one wanted to bear the responsibility of causing harm to a pregnant woman.


    Additionally, everyone was in high spirits lately, not wanting any trouble.


    Indeed, there were reasons to be happy.


    This was the second major event recently. The annual skill level assessments, usually held in late June or early July, had been delayed this year, starting in mid-July. Several people had advanced to higher levels in this round of assessments.


    Their courtyard was home to many factory workers, and several had been promoted, which meant a raise in salary. This was a cause for celebration. Even though it had been over half a month since the announcements, the excitement had not waned.


    Whenever the topic came up, everyone was filled with joy.


    Li the Cook and his son-in-law Yang Lixin had both been promoted, as had the Sui family and another Zhang family in the back courtyard. The front courtyard was a bit behind, with only Old Man Zhuang being promoted. He had previously been a level 5 riveter, earning 55.50 yuan.


    Now promoted to level 6, his salary increased by 11 yuan, bringing it to 66.50 yuan. Additionally, his seniority pay, which increased every two years, was also adjusted, adding another yuan, bringing his total salary to 67.50 yuan. With the summer cooling allowance, he could earn over 70 yuan these two months.


    He was the only one in the front courtyard to receive a raise.


    Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, was in a managerial position. Having just been transferred, his salary had been adjusted once, and it was too soon for another adjustment. Jiang Lu, working in the women''s federation, which coordinated with the factory office, was also in a managerial role. Their salary structure differed from traditional ratings, so she only received a seniority raise of one yuan, which was not considered a real raise in everyone''s eyes.


    Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou, who had been demoted to cleaning the toilets in the logistics department due to their mistakes, did not receive a raise. Their position was a fixed-salary one, meaning their pay would remain at 25 yuan regardless of how many years passed, unless they were transferred elsewhere.


    But was 25 yuan a low salary?


    For most families, it wasn''t.


    In rural areas, some families struggled to save 25 yuan in a year. This was why everyone was eager to move to the city and marry someone from the city. However, the Bai father and son did not see it this way. They had previously earned much more and were deeply dissatisfied with their current situation.


    Nevertheless, they did not cause trouble in the courtyard.


    They understood the gravity of the situation, with so many pregnant women around. Any mishap could lead to serious consequences, and they wanted to avoid any trouble.


    Similarly, Wang Xiangxiu did not receive a promotion. She had been working for some time, but aside from her seniority raise, her salary remained unchanged. Her focus was on how to swindle money rather than on her job. She was lazy and uninterested in improving her skills, which made it difficult for her to pass the skill assessments and earn a raise.


    In her workshop, which focused solely on craftsmanship, her lack of effort kept her from advancing. Her previous salary was 25.50 yuan, and with the seniority raise, it increased to 26.50 yuan.


    These salary adjustments were not pleasant for Wang Xiangxiu. Earning just one yuan more every two years was hardly cause for celebration. Moreover, four years ago, her salary was 24.50 yuan, which was below the urban minimum living standard. As a result, her family qualified for poverty subsidies from the neighborhood committee. They were also given small tasks, like assembling cardboard boxes, to help make ends meet.


    But two years ago, her salary increased by a yuan to 25.50 yuan, just five cents above the threshold. This small difference changed their status, making them ineligible for poverty subsidies. Over the past two years, they had to rely on acting pitiful to get by, putting in a lot of effort for minimal gains.


    Now, she has gone up by one more yuan, so little, but their family has completely escaped poverty. This is what makes Wang Xiangxiu unhappy. So, naturally, she is in a bad mood. Of course, there is another reason for her unhappiness: in June, she had a falling out with Bai Fendou.


    Now it''s early August, and it has been over a month and a half, but Bai Fendou still shows no intention of making up. She has tried to make amends several times, but Bai Fendou has completely ignored her, showing a firm resolve.


    There are those who rejoice and those who grieve.


    There are more happy people, and those who are unhappy can pout all they want, but it won''t change anything.


    So, recently, the atmosphere in the courtyard has been a bit strange, but also unusually peaceful. Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu haven''t gotten a raise, but they are happy because of the child. The only ones truly unhappy are the Bai family and the Su family.


    As for the Lan Sihai family, they are a bit detached from the rest, as they moved in later and Lan Sihai''s work situation is different from everyone else''s. So, unless there is a general meeting, people rarely think of them.


    Perhaps because the courtyard has been so tranquil recently, even Ming Mei has remarked that she hasn''t seen anyone fighting in the courtyard for a long time.


    Zhao Guihua: "With Aunt Zhou, the troublemaker, not around, there are fewer problems."


    Others may also cause some trouble, but not like when Aunt Zhou was here, stirring up every little thing.


    Ming Mei: "How much longer will Aunt Zhou be released?"


    Zhao Guihua casually replied, "Four months, so that''s a little over a month and a half. She''ll definitely be back by National Day."


    Ming Mei: "When she comes back and finds out about Zhou Qun, I wonder if she''ll cause a scene."


    Zhao Guihua: "No, she won''t."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She looked puzzled at her mother-in-law. Zhao Guihua explained, "Jiang Lu is pregnant, and she will have to consider the feelings of a pregnant woman."


    Ming Mei sighed, thinking how pregnancy seemed to be a golden ticket, allowing everything to be considered from that perspective. She leaned back in the rocking chair her father had made for her, gently swaying. She loved sitting under the eaves, rocking in the chair and fanning herself, feeling very comfortable.


    It was a rare weekend, and after chatting with Zhao Guihua for a while, Ming Mei went outside to rest, feeling that the house was even hotter. Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua made a few chives dumplings and put them in a lunch box. She said, "Don''t wait until it''s dark to come back."


    "I understand," Old Man Zhuang replied.


    Old Man Zhuang planned to go fishing on the weekend, and Zhuang Zhiyuan would join him, but Zhuang Zhixi did not go with them. Since Ming Mei got pregnant, Zhuang Zhixi has been more focused on his wife, even on weekends, he didn''t plan to go out, staying home to clean and tidy up.


    Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhiyuan left with the lunch box, and Hutou and Xiao Yanzi watched eagerly. The two kids were on summer vacation and were always running around. Seeing their grandfather and father leave, they were tempted and said, "We want to go too."


    Zhao Guihua: "No, you stay here and play in the alley. Your grandpa and dad are going to Houhai, what would you do there? Play nearby, and I''ll make minced meat and eggs for you at noon."


    Hearing this, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi couldn''t move.


    They immediately swallowed their saliva and agreed.


    Although their family wasn''t poor, they were still very greedy. This shows the overall living standards of the time.


    "Go play."


    "Okay."


    The two kids ran to the gate and squatted by the chicken coop, muttering, "Big Flower, Little Flower, you must lay eggs well."


    Zhao Guihua had replaced the old hens a few months ago. The hens were very diligent, starting to lay eggs on the fourth day after arrival, two a day, which was impressive. Zhao Guihua treasured these hens, and so did the kids.


    Because Zhao Guihua''s hens were so "sensible," more people in the courtyard started raising chickens. Two chickens were allowed, but not more. Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua did it around the same time.


    Their hens were also good, not just because Auntie Lian''s chickens were good, but also because the kids often caught bugs to feed them. Effort always pays off, and the chickens in both households were quite impressive. Auntie Lian''s chickens, though not cheap, were of good quality, so two more families in the courtyard also got hens from her.


    Jiang Lu also raised two chickens. She should have done it earlier, but with Aunt Zhou going to labor reform, they had to give the chickens to others first. Later, when Zhou Qun was discharged from the hospital, Jiang Lu started raising chickens.


    However, household chores and chicken raising were all done by Wang Zhaodi.


    Wang Zhaodi had come to the city to have a baby, no matter how unwilling she was, she didn''t dare disobey her parents and had to comply. But after arriving, Zhou Qun had no interest in women and was completely incapacitated.


    To be precise, he was incapacitated, but not entirely.


    There was something, but it was non-functional.


    Even the virgin Wang Zhaodi knew about this.


    Although she lost the beautiful picture painted by her family, Wang Zhaodi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Sometimes, ignorance is due to never having seen the truth. But now that she was in the city and influenced by others, she saw more and her mindset changed somewhat.


    She worked hard every day at Jiang Lu''s house, and Jiang Lu didn''t seem to want to send her back immediately. Wang Zhaodi worked here, treating herself like a maid. She worked hard and ensured her meals.


    Wang Zhaodi had been hungry since she was a child and was really afraid of hunger, so a place where she could eat enough was very important to her.


    Wang Zhaodi could always position herself correctly. As long as she could eat enough, she would do any work at home. As a result, the Zhou family was now clean and tidy, completely different from before. Aunt Zhou, although not working, was lazy and didn''t do housework.


    Jiang Lu had to work, come home to do laundry, cook, and clean, always busy. It was fortunate she didn''t have a child; if she did, Jiang Lu wouldn''t know how tired she would be.


    Jiang Lu was overwhelmed, so the Zhou family was in a mess, but now it was much cleaner.


    Jiang Lu didn''t do anything; everything was done by Wang Zhaodi, who was quite happy because Jiang Lu didn''t limit her eating and drinking. At home, she would be scolded for eating a bit more, but now, that didn''t happen.


    Wang Zhaodi wasn''t a stupid child. She had lived in the countryside and didn''t know much, but now she learned a lot from others. She liked following Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua the most.


    These two older women were both strong, and Wang Zhaodi felt very secure with them and could learn a lot.


    So, early in the morning, she helped Jiang Lu out and cheerfully greeted Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua: "Did you eat?"


    "Yes, I did."


    Jiang Lu also came to sit with Ming Mei and sighed, "Your rocking chair is really nice."


    Ming Mei: "Didn''t you get one too? Isn''t it ready yet?"


    Jiang Lu: "Zhou Qun went to pick it up; it should be back today."


    Since that day when Jinlai and others got lost, the three pregnant women in the courtyard often sat together to cool off and sometimes shared experiences. Li Fang, who had already given birth to two children, had more experience and often told Ming Mei and Jiang Lu about pregnancy.


    Sometimes, people get along like this, just needing an opportunity. Before, Li Fang didn''t interact much with them. Although she looked a lot like Aunt Wang, tall and strong, her personality wasn''t as lively as Aunt Wang''s. She often stayed at home alone.


    Jiang Lu also didn''t interact much, so they didn''t often gather together. But since the pregnancy, the situation changed, and they could sit together, having common topics.


    Subtly, the Zhuang family''s gate had become the gathering place for young wives.


    Jiang Lu and Li Fang, both pregnant, would come over, along with Ming Mei and her sister-in-law Liang Meifen, making it about four people. Wang Zhaodi, on the other hand, was always busy with housework and would follow Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang around, also spending a lot of time here.


    People tend to like gathering in groups, so now everyone preferred to come to this spot.


    Jiang Lu: "I just saw Grandpa Zhuang heading out. Is he going fishing?"


    Ming Mei nodded and said, "Dad and Brother went to the Back Sea together."


    Nowadays, when they go fishing, that''s basically where they head. The catches aren''t many, but they always manage to get something. As for fishing in the mountains, that feels like a distant memory. The spot was exposed by a few teenagers, and soon, people swarmed the area like ants. Within about a week, the pond was emptied of fish.


    With so many people trying to get a catch, the pond was quickly depleted.


    If only they had let the area rest and recover, it wouldn''t have come to this.


    But with so many people and no one wanting to leave empty-handed, the outcome was inevitable.


    If it''s to recover, it might take a long time.


    Their family hasn''t gone up the mountain for about a month. To be honest, if it weren''t for knowing there was a pond up there, they wouldn''t bother going so far just to pick some fruits or dig for wild vegetables.


    Luckily, they have a good supply of salted fish, enough to last through the winter with some left over.


    With the recent good weather, almost all the fish Zhao Guihua had caught were turned into salted fish, dried, and stored. Now, when they eat fish, it''s usually from the Back Sea, caught by Old Man Zhuang or Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi.


    Surprisingly, Old Man Zhuang is quite a skilled fisherman.


    He never comes back empty-handed; there''s always some catch, big or small.


    "I just don''t have the patience for this."


    "Me neither."


    The group sat down, and soon Li Fang arrived.


    As soon as she sat down, she noticed the Bai family''s window and couldn''t help but comment, "What''s going on with their window? Why haven''t they fixed it yet?"


    The Bai father and son are really stubborn. After the heavy rain flooded their house, they still haven''t fixed the window. They''re really persistent. Recently, there have been a couple more rains, though not as heavy as the first time, but still, they have to clean up.


    Yet, the Bai father and son are determined to hold out, making everyone almost want to bet on how long it will take them to fix the window.


    They''d rather suffer than spend the money.


    Ming Mei: "I bet they''ll wait until after National Day. That''s when they get their regular pay. They''ll probably fix it then."


    "But who can guarantee there won''t be another heavy rain? Light rain is manageable, but what about heavy rain?"


    "Who knows."


    Jiang Lu sat there chatting, while Wang Zhaodi went back to bring a basin of clothes and started washing them at the sink.


    Ming Mei: "Wang Zhaodi is really hardworking."


    Jiang Lu: "She''s a good person. I even thought about introducing her to someone in the city."


    Since discovering how capable Wang Zhaodi is, Jiang Lu wanted to keep her even more. If she lived in the same courtyard, she could be of great help. Jiang Lu was confident that Wang Zhaodi was far more useful than her mother-in-law.


    "What do you think... about Bai Fendou? Would he be a good match?"


    Jiang Lu asked, looking at Ming Mei and Li Fang.


    "Pfft!" Li Fang burst out laughing.


    Ming Mei also looked shocked, her mouth wide open in disbelief.


    Jiang Lu wasn''t surprised by their reactions. Anyone would be shocked hearing this. She said, "Actually, it could work."


    Ming Mei scratched her head: "Wh-where does it work?"


    Wang Zhaodi is hardworking and diligent, while Bai Fendou is lazy.


    Wang Zhaodi is under twenty, while Bai Fendou is over thirty.


    Wang Zhaodi is simple and innocent, while Bai Fendou has a bad reputation with widows.


    This just doesn''t seem to match at all.


    Ming Mei wanted to say all this, but when she opened her mouth, she suddenly found she couldn''t. Because, although Wang Zhaodi might be far superior to Bai Fendou, in everyone''s eyes, Wang Zhaodi is not good enough for him.


    Bai Fendou has a stable job and a house, which means he can find a wife.


    Wang Zhaodi, on the other hand, has a rural household registration and no grain account, with a heavy family burden and unreliable relatives. If she were to get married, finding someone like Bai Fendou would be a blessing. Without this opportunity to meet, Bai Fendou wouldn''t even consider someone like Wang Zhaodi, even if it were five hundred years from now.


    Of course, if Wang Zhaodi were prettier, it might be a different story.


    But Wang Zhaodi is just an ordinary person.


    When she first came to the city, she looked like she had escaped a famine, thin and sallow. Now that she''s eating well at the Zhou family''s, she''s improved, but she''s still just an ordinary person.


    Ming Mei realized this and fell silent.


    After Li Fang recovered from her shock, she thought about it and said, "You know, it might actually work. But..."


    Bai Fendou might not be willing.


    And if she were to get involved with a man like Bai Fendou, she''d be in for a lot of trouble. Even though Bai Fendou has distanced himself from Wang Xiangxiu, it''s not that easy to break off completely, or he wouldn''t have gotten entangled with her for so long.


    And, there''s a feeling that Bai Fendou has softened recently, enjoying Wang Xiangxiu''s flattery.


    "This..."


    Everyone didn''t know what to say. Zhao Guihua, however, heard everything clearly. She said, "If you want to play matchmaker, you should first talk to Wang Zhaodi. Lay out all the advantages and disadvantages of Bai Fendou and her, clearly and honestly, so she understands everything. If she agrees, then you can talk to Bai Fendou. You can''t just assume Wang Zhaodi will be willing. If you explain everything clearly, at least you''ll feel no regrets. As for Bai Fendou, you should also be clear with him. People need to know their own worth. It''s not about whether he wants to marry a rural girl. He might want to marry someone from the city, but is there anyone? City girls have better conditions; would they agree to be with him? And if he wants someone young, but young people who don''t have to go to the countryside, do you think they''re from ordinary families? They have connections to stay in the city; they wouldn''t choose him.


    Jiang Lu nodded: "You''re right."


    Zhao Guihua: "And, to be blunt, Zhou Qun isn''t young anymore."


    "That''s true."


    The women chatted about these random topics, and Jiang Lu suddenly thought that maybe she didn''t need to ask Zhuang Zhixi about everything. Some things, asking Aunt Zhao might be enough. Aunt Zhao, despite being a bit bossy, seemed to have some wisdom.


    She looked at Wang Zhaodi, then at the Bai family''s house, and sighed softly.


    Li Fang then spoke up: "Wang Xiangxiu seems to be trying to introduce Hu Huihui to Bai Fendou."


    Hu Huihui was still living in their courtyard, and everyone knew that she paid eight yuan a month to stay there. That was quite a good deal, as an extra eight yuan a month could improve life significantly.


    However, the Su family mother-in-law wasn''t easy to deal with, and Hu Huihui had to pay them.


    The Su family provided Hu Huihui with very plain food, mostly vegetables with little oil, and the staple food was just steamed buns. If everyone ate the same, it wouldn''t be an issue, but the problem was that while everyone ate together, Jinlai and the other two children could have mixed flour steamed buns, and sometimes even white flour steamed buns.


    But Hu Huihui? Not a chance.


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "Do you really want to compete with the kids? They''re growing, how can they lack nutrition? Adults can''t compete with kids for food."


    This left Hu Huihui speechless.


    After all, she didn''t want to tear things up and move out. She was actually quite stubborn, but she couldn''t say anything.


    She had been living here for some time, though not quite two months, and had gotten to know the situations of the various families. But knowing didn''t help. The clues she wanted about gold and silver jewelry were nowhere to be found.


    If there was anything, it was Bai Fendou''s bicycle, which seemed a bit strange. Similarly, Li the Cook''s bicycle ticket was also odd. She had probed around, and it was clear that her cousin Wang Xiangxiu knew something but wasn''t willing to say, which made her very unhappy.


    She was now focusing her attention on Bai Fendou, so when Wang Xiangxiu offered to introduce a potential partner, she was willing. However, Bai Fendou was being quite pretentious. This made Hu Huihui grind her teeth in anger, thinking, "Who does he think he is?"


    Although she wasn''t genuinely interested in dating, if Bai Fendou hesitated, then he deserved to be condemned.


    It was Sunday, and everyone was off work. Wang Xiangxiu peered through the window, watching Jiang Lu and Ming Mei sitting there chatting. She muttered, "Look at them, acting all smug just because they have kids. As if anyone can''t have children. I''ve even had three sons. Have I ever bragged about it? She''s pregnant, hasn''t even given birth yet, and who knows, maybe she''ll give birth to a useless girl. Yet, she sits at the door all day, as if afraid no one knows she''s pregnant."


    Hu Huihui looked at her cousin and found it hard to understand her. What did it matter to her what others did?


    Hu Huihui was also quite calculating and ruthless when it came to tricking people, having been able to manipulate men into spending money on her since she was a teenager. However, she only acted when there was something to gain. But this cousin of hers, for no reason at all, just because she didn''t like someone, would start cursing them?


    Wasn''t that just sick?


    Hu Huihui despised this woman, considering her a complete idiot.


    However, since she was staying here, she couldn''t say much. After all, she didn''t want to leave.


    In the end, all her thoughts boiled down to one thing: "I don''t want to leave."


    "Mom, mom, I have something to tell you..." Tonglai came running in, panting, and leaned close to Wang Xiangxiu. Wang Xiangxiu asked, "Weren''t you out playing?"


    Tonglai whispered mysteriously, "Mom, I found out a big secret."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "???"


    She chuckled and asked, "What is it?"


    She didn''t think a child could know anything significant, but Hu Huihui immediately perked up, eager to hear. She needed to know every secret, in case it had anything to do with money or valuables.


    Tonglai said, "Mom, I overheard that Aunt Jiang Lu is going to introduce Wang Zhaodi to Bai Fendou as his wife."


    "What!" Wang Xiangxiu exclaimed loudly, her voice echoing through the room.


    Not only did everyone inside hear, but even those outside, like Ming Mei, were startled. Ming Mei rubbed her ears and said, "What''s going on now?"


    Jiang Lu: "Who knows."


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips and said, "Earlier, wasn''t Tonglai crouching in that corner?"


    This child was easily overlooked.


    Probably, he overheard their conversation?


    Zhao Guihua added, "Tonglai just ran back home."


    Jiang Lu: "!!!"


    She frowned and said, "This is going to be tricky."


    Zhao Guihua: "Actually, it''s not a big deal. If you really want to do this, Wang Xiangxiu will find out sooner or later. You don''t need to overthink it. Whether it works out or not depends on Bai Fendou, not Wang Xiangxiu." Jiang Lu frowned: "I hope Bai Fendou uses his brain."


    Zhao Guihua looked at Jiang Lu in surprise, never expecting to hear such words from her.


    But thinking about Jiang Lu''s current position in the family, Zhao Guihua had to admit that once a woman isn''t blinded by love, her mind becomes much clearer. However, she still wanted to know who Jiang Lu was pregnant with.


    Zhao Guihua, the gossipy but tight-lipped Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua and the others looked toward the Su family''s direction. Meanwhile, Wang Xiangxiu was no longer calm. She said, "Introduce to Bai Fendou? That Jiang Lu, how dare she meddle in this? What does she have to do with it? Bai Fendou has nothing to do with her, so why is she being so kind? What a busybody!"


    "Jiang Lu and Wang Zhaodi are close, right?" Hu Huihui casually added.


    She actually didn''t care about Bai Fendou at all, but if he didn''t choose her and instead chose Wang Zhaodi, that wouldn''t do.


    She couldn''t be outdone by a country bumpkin.


    She didn''t like Bai Fendou, who was sloppy and useless, but Bai Fendou had to like her.


    Hu Huihui: "Maybe I should go talk to Bai Fendou myself, I..."


    "No!"


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at Hu Huihui with suspicion and said, "You can''t go see him."


    Although she had mentioned introducing Hu Huihui to Bai Fendou, she knew it was just a temporary plan. She had no intention of actually doing it. Bai Fendou was her meal ticket, and she wasn''t about to let go of him.


    If Bai Fendou were to get together with Hu Huihui?


    Wang Xiangxiu would never agree.


    Bai Fendou couldn''t be with any woman, not even Hu Huihui.


    "I''ll go talk to Bai Fendou."


    Wang Xiangxiu, now a bit flustered, was about to head out.


    Aunt Su stopped her, saying, "Don''t go over like that. Are you going to confront him? What if you end up arguing with Bai Fendou? Men need to be handled with care. Don''t you understand that?"


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip.


    Aunt Su: "Don''t bring this up. Jiang Lu hasn''t mentioned it, so why should you? If you do, Bai Fendou might start thinking, ''Hey, this Wang Zhaodi isn''t bad,'' and end up liking her."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "But..."


    "No buts. It''s summer now, and it''s hot. Go help Bai Fendou take out his bedding to air and dry. Plus, it rained recently, and his bedding got wet. Take it out and beat it."


    She winked at Wang Xiangxiu, feeling it was inconvenient with Hu Huihui around. They had to be discreet.


    Fortunately, Wang Xiangxiu and Aunt Su had some understanding and had discussed this privately, so Wang Xiangxiu knew what to do. She took a deep breath and went out. Hu Huihui peeked around, and Aunt Su gently said, "Huihui, aren''t you supposed to be working today? Why haven''t you left yet?"


    This was a clear hint for Hu Huihui to leave.


    Hu Huihui pursed her lips and said, "Then I''ll go now."


    Hu Huihui was staying here temporarily, and although she could pay, she needed a reason for her presence. So, she fabricated a temporary job, claiming to work at a theater, moving chairs and tables, earning ten yuan a month.


    In reality, she hadn''t planned to work, wanting to stay around to gather information. However, she couldn''t take it anymore.


    So, she invented a temporary job and went out every day.


    She could have stayed, but Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu were not kind people. She had paid eight yuan, yet they still piled household chores on her, even making her assemble matchboxes, taking the money for themselves. She was exhausted and overworked.


    They treated her like a maid, constantly comparing her to Wang Zhaodi.


    Wang Zhaodi didn''t pay anything to stay, yet Hu Huihui paid eight yuan and ate worse. Compared to the Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu couple, who were often criticized, Hu Huihui found the Su family even more despicable.


    She couldn''t endure it anymore, so she pretended to work and left during the day to avoid the chores.


    The vile Wang Xiangxiu.


    Hu Huihui detested her cousin, unable to believe there could be such a disgusting woman in the world. She had always known she was a cunning girl, willing to do anything for a better life.


    But compared to her cousin, she was nothing.


    Her cousin was a true oddball.


    Hu Huihui left, smiling and greeting the people in the courtyard before heading out with her bag.


    Ming Mei asked curiously, "Where does she work as a temp?"


    Li Fang: "I heard it''s at some theater, moving chairs and tables, earning ten yuan a month."


    Jiang Lu: "Ten yuan? So the Su family is taking eight yuan from her?"


    Although the Su family received eight yuan, Hu Huihui wasn''t silent about it. She made sure to let people know, so despite the Su family''s attempts to paint a good image, saying they were helping a relative, everyone in the courtyard and even the street knew they were taking eight yuan from a girl earning only ten.


    Eight yuan was a significant amount, especially for someone earning just ten. Additionally, Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu often took bribes under the guise of introducing partners. As a result, their reputation had taken a hit recently.


    Of course, this was also due to Hu Huihui''s intentional efforts. She wasn''t about to suffer in silence.


    Hu Huihui concocted a story for herself about escaping an arranged marriage and leaving home. She didn''t want to marry someone she didn''t like for money, nor did she want to sell herself for money. Even the promise of a formal job couldn''t sway her.


    Instead, she preferred to work temporary jobs for ten yuan a day.


    Self-reliant and self-respecting.


    Because of this persona, Hu Huihui had quite a few admirers on this street.


    Many people were interested in Wang Xiangxiu, but their interest was merely for personal gain. No one would seriously consider marrying her and bringing her home. After all, no one wants to add more "hats" to their family.


    Moreover, Wang Xiangxiu had too many burdens, but Hu Huihui was different.


    Young, beautiful, upright, and kind-hearted, she didn''t bend to money, a rare quality. Marrying a virtuous wife is what everyone wants, so Hu Huihui was very popular among young men and also well-regarded by the elderly.


    While people thought it was a bit foolish of Hu Huihui not to care about money, they also found her charming in her simplicity. Such a girl is truly wonderful. A girl with such character wouldn''t need to worry about bringing home a pile of "hats."


    She was nothing like her cousin.


    Hu Huihui had cultivated a good reputation for herself and kept a low profile, coming and going early.


    She lived far away, so the people in the courtyard didn''t know much about her background. The only one who knew a little was Ming Mei, but even Ming Mei wasn''t sure if Hu Huihui was really like that, as she didn''t know her well.


    Based on Hu Huihui''s behavior in the courtyard, Ming Mei didn''t think she was a bad person.


    Ming Mei said, "She earns ten yuan and has to hand over eight, leaving only two yuan. She only eats two meals a day at home, having lunch at work. It would be better to rent a place to live."


    Jiang Lu replied, "Where would it be so easy to rent? Besides, what if she gets targeted as a single girl? I guess she has no choice. Although the Su family demands money, at least she''s staying with relatives, which won''t harm her reputation and ensures safety. How can a woman live alone outside?"


    When considering whether to divorce, Jiang Lu had thought about these issues.


    Her family couldn''t accommodate her forever, and her unit couldn''t allocate housing for a long time. If she had no choice but to rent, finding a place would be difficult. Moreover, living alone as a single woman would invite gossip and be unsafe.


    That''s why Jiang Lu realized she had to weigh her options.


    She didn''t dare say her choice was right, but it was the best option at the moment. Gently touching her belly, she felt she had finally achieved her wish. At least, things were progressing in the direction she wanted. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua noticed Jiang Lu''s gesture and could understand her thoughts.


    For a moment, she understood Jiang Lu''s choices and actions. In this era, such choices were the most beneficial for herself. It was good, and regarding some matters... well, you reap what you sow.


    Zhou Qun deserved it.


    Everyone chatted idly, and then Li Fang suddenly said, "Wang Xiangxiu has been inside for a long time."


    Everyone turned to look at the Bai family''s house. Without glass, they could see clearly. Bai Fendou provided a great view for everyone. They all looked over, and neither Bai Fendou nor Wang Xiangxiu knew.


    Bai Fendou was used to not having windows and didn''t mind being watched. He lay on the bed, legs crossed, not moving, and said, "Xiujie, you don''t need to talk about introducing me to someone. I don''t want any more dealings with your family. No matter how much I do, I''ll still be accused of having ulterior motives and get slapped in the face by your son. A man has his pride. Even if I can''t find a wife, I don''t need you."


    He used to follow Wang Xiangxiu around, helping her with this and that, but it never earned him a kind word or smile. Now that he wasn''t serving her, she was coming after him. Everyone could see that he hadn''t forgiven Wang Xiangxiu yet because he enjoyed this feeling.


    Also, he had heard about Wang Xiangxiu''s reputation for taking bribes and not following through. So when Wang Xiangxiu offered to introduce Hu Huihui, he refused. He admitted he had a soft spot for the young, simple, and hardworking Hu Huihui, but since they lived in the same courtyard and had talked before, there was no need to go through Wang Xiangxiu.


    He could get to know her himself; why would he need Wang Xiangxiu?


    Besides, while Hu Huihui was good-looking and had a great personality, her family''s poor conditions and her father''s demand for a high bride price made people hesitant to seriously pursue her.


    After all, most families were ordinary and couldn''t afford to go bankrupt for a wedding.


    So, there was still hesitation.


    Bai Fendou glanced at Wang Xiangxiu and said, "Xiujie, get out now, or when your son comes back, he''ll think we''re up to something. I can''t take that. I don''t want to carry that burden."


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "So in your heart, I''m such a person, someone who would trick you..."


    Bai Fendou saw Wang Xiangxiu''s red eyes and tears and felt a bit soft, but thinking about how she had treated him coldly for her son, he lost all interest. He felt he had done enough for this woman, but she hadn''t done the same for him.


    He coldly said, "Wouldn''t you trick me? Your son spread rumors outside about me messing around with men. Do you dare say you didn''t know? This little brat, why doesn''t he just die!"


    Wang Xiangxiu''s heart sank, and she glared venomously at Bai Fendou.


    How dare he talk about her son like that!


    "Stay out of my house and don''t look at me like that. I''m telling you, Wang Xiangxiu, no one is a fool. Get out."


    Wang Xiangxiu panicked. Recently, she hadn''t received any response from Bai Fendou, and while she was angry, she wasn''t too worried. But now that she heard someone might be introducing him to someone else, she was truly afraid.


    That Jiang Lu bitch!


    She even forgot her resentment towards Bai Fendou and quickly said, "I didn''t, I didn''t. I didn''t know about Jinlai''s actions. If I had known, how could I bear to let them treat you like that? Don''t you think I feel bad too?"


    She had already experienced the pain of losing this meal ticket. She hadn''t acted urgently because she knew Bai Fendou had no money these past few months, so making up wouldn''t yield much. But now...


    She had to pull out all the stops.


    Otherwise, this man would fly away.


    Suddenly, she lunged forward and threw herself into Bai Fendou''s arms.


    Bai Fendou: "What the hell!"


    He was stunned.


    And the people watching from outside: "..."


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened, and she quickly waved her hands, whispering urgently, "Zhixi ge, Zhixi ge..."


    Watching gossip needed to involve her man, so Zhuang Zhixi hurried out: "What the..."


    He was also caught off guard.


    Li Fang and Zhao Guihua, who had already figured things out, had expressions of "just as expected."


    Jiang Lu just gave a cold laugh. How could she not see why Wang Xiangxiu was doing this? Wasn''t it to counter her introducing someone? She had been careless earlier. Wang Zhaodi, who was washing clothes, saw everyone''s reaction and quickly peeked, then quickly covered her mouth.


    Were city people this bold?


    They were... hugging?


    Wang Xiangxiu clung to Bai Fendou, and Bai Fendou''s face turned red. He was still a virgin.


    A pure young man, very shy, he blushed and said softly, "Let go, what are you doing?"


    Wang Xiangxiu refused to let go, wishing she could be seen by Jiang Lu and Wang Zhaodi. If they saw, her scheme would be halfway successful. She bit her lip, tightly hugging Bai Fendou, and whispered, "Don''t you know my feelings? Do you really not know my feelings? I thought you understood me the most. Fendou, all these years, I know you''ve suffered, but my feelings for you have never changed. I admit, my son is very important to me, but he''s flesh of my flesh, born from me. What else can I do? They may be immature, but can I just abandon them? As a mother, how could I do such a thing? I can only compromise with you. I know I''ve disappointed you... but Fendou, truly, I... I really..."


    Tears hung in her eyes as she spoke, full of grievance. "Why can''t you understand me? Why can''t you, as a man?"


    Bai Fendou was at a loss, this being the first time they had spoken so openly. He hadn''t expected Wang Xiangxiu''s feelings for him to be so profound. He murmured, "Why torture yourself like this? I... I can''t not find a wife..."


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "I know, but I don''t want to. I don''t want you to find someone else because I love you. I truly love you."


    Bai Fendou felt something explode in his mind, leaving him dizzy, yet he knew this woman loved him deeply.


    He stammered, "I... I..."


    "Do you think I''m just saying this for the kids? I know my own mind. It''s not just for them, but for you. I don''t want you to be laughed at, for a fine young man like you to marry a widow. Every word others say about you hurts me..."


    Bai Fendou''s lips curled into a smile as he whispered, "You... you mean..."


    "Actually, when you gained some bad reputation outside, I was a bit happy, because that way, you''d be mine alone. I know, I know I''m being bad, scolding myself for being so shameless, how could I like you... but how can one control who they like?"


    Bai Fendou''s hand landed on Wang Xiangxiu''s back. "I understand your heart..."


    He murmured, "Don''t say such things about yourself. There''s nothing wrong with you. Liking someone isn''t wrong."


    Wang Xiangxiu looked up, her eyes blurred with tears. "You don''t blame me?"


    Bai Fendou sighed. "No, I understand you."


    His previous anger dissipated in that moment. He thought, how could such a good woman like Xiangxiu let her kids spread those rumors about him? It was because she didn''t want him taken by other women. Thinking this way, wasn''t she madly in love with him?


    How could he bear to blame her?


    "I don''t blame you."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Really?"


    "Really."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face lit up with joy, her lips curling into a smile as she cried and laughed, her eyes full of affection. Bai Fendou''s hand moved slightly as he said, "Xiangxiu, how long have you liked me?"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "A long time, very long. Actually... I fell for you at first sight, but what could I do? I was already engaged to the Su Family. I couldn''t go back on it, couldn''t disregard both families'' honor, so I had to suppress my feelings. I tried hard to be a good daughter-in-law because I felt so guilty towards the Su Family. Because my heart had changed..."


    Bai Fendou was stunned, looking at Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "Laugh at me, I was unfaithful..."


    "No! I know your heart is true to me."


    He grabbed Wang Xiangxiu''s hand, and she playfully looked at him, saying, "Look at you."


    "You like me too."


    "If I didn''t like you, who else would I like? All these years, I didn''t dare to speak, but now, I''ve finally said it..."


    Bai Fendou''s eyes softened with affection.


    Wang Xiangxiu glanced out the window, seeing Wang Zhaodi''s shocked expression, and smiled triumphantly.


    Those far away like Ming Mei couldn''t hear anything, but Wang Zhaodi, being closer, could. Wang Xiangxiu didn''t mind Wang Zhaodi hearing, she wanted her to hear, to know she couldn''t compete. Who did she think she was, eyeing Bai Fendou, wanting to marry into the city?


    Pfft!


    Dream on!


    Wang Zhaodi: "......?????"


    What kind of look was that?


    But, uh...


    What was that big sister saying?


    What the...


    Wang Zhaodi was dumbfounded, staring at them, and drifted into the crowd, needing to be with everyone else to keep from fainting in shock. As she arrived, she heard Aunt Wang say, "** and a dog, forever together."


    She scratched her head, sincerely saying, "The city is too complicated! Too, too, complicated!"

 Chapter 108

    The city is full of schemes.Wang Zhaodi had truly never seen such a man and woman before. She leaned closer to Zhao Guihua and whispered, "Auntie, is it really so open-minded in the city?"


    The sun was high in the sky, and there wasn''t even a window, yet here they were, a man and a woman, hugging each other? Wang Zhaodi felt like her hair was about to fall out. She really hadn''t seen anything like this before. In their village, nothing this explosive ever happened.


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips, feeling quite at a loss for words. The reputation of city folks, all ruined by these two.


    She coughed lightly and said, "Well, they... he''s not married, and she''s not married either. Maybe they have some thoughts about each other?"


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "If they have thoughts, why not just get married? Oh, right, Jinlai and the others wouldn''t be happy about it."


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself: Wang Xiangxiu herself isn''t happy about it either. She only wants money, not a man. Now that she''s suddenly getting close to Bai Fendou, it must be because Tonglai overheard their conversation, and she''s panicking.


    But today''s incident also reminded her: from now on, she shouldn''t speak carelessly. You never know when a little kid might overhear.


    "This Bai Fendou is really hopeless," Jiang Lu muttered unhappily. She had wanted to introduce Wang Zhaodi to Bai Fendou, admittedly with her own motives in mind. But if you set those aside, it wouldn''t have been a bad thing.


    Wang Zhaodi would have a hard time finding someone better than Bai Fendou, and Bai Fendou would have a hard time finding a wife. If they really got together and worked hard at life, how could it be bad? At the very least, it would be better than their lives before marriage. With both husband and wife working together, their days could only get better.


    But some things just don''t follow the logical path.


    Jiang Lu felt like her plan had failed before it even began. She had thought things through, but life moves faster than plans. Wang Xiangxiu''s reaction to this matter was beyond everyone''s expectations. No one could have imagined that just hearing about Jiang Lu wanting to introduce a partner to Bai Fendou would make her act so quickly.


    Bai Fendou, who had been so tough just a few days ago, now couldn''t hold that toughness anymore.


    Jiang Lu sighed and said, "I was originally going to introduce you to Bai Fendou."


    Wang Zhaodi looked at Jiang Lu in horror, disbelief written all over her face. She knelt down abruptly, stammering, "Jiang... Jiang Lu sister... I... I will never marry, I''m willing to stay by your side, I don''t want... I don''t want that man."


    It was too terrifying.


    She... she didn''t dare, she didn''t want, she couldn''t!


    Wang Zhaodi continued, "I... I can work, I can wash clothes, I can cook, I can take care of children, I can..."


    Jiang Lu quickly pulled her up and said, "What are you talking about? In this new society, why are you kneeling?"


    Zhao Guihua, seeing Aunt Su coming out to see what was going on, quickly pulled Wang Zhaodi up and said, "Stop talking nonsense."


    Jiang Lu''s face looked a bit unnatural, but she still said, "I had good intentions. I also wanted you to stay in the city legally. But given your conditions, finding a good match is hard, but finding Bai... forget it, never mind."


    She whispered softly, "I know the pain of marrying the wrong person."


    Only Ming Mei, closest to her, heard this. Ming Mei looked at Jiang Lu in surprise, then smiled and said, "Wang Zhaodi, why are you so nervous? It''s nothing."


    Wang Zhaodi cautiously looked at Jiang Lu. At that moment, Aunt Su spoke up: "What are you all talking about?"


    Jiang Lu took a deep breath and smiled, saying, "I was saying that I wanted to introduce a partner to Wang Zhaodi, but this girl is so worried about me now that I''m pregnant."


    Aunt Su gave a fake smile: "You two really have a good relationship. People might even think you''re sisters."


    Aunt Su was implying something, and Jiang Lu knew it. This was originally Aunt Su''s idea for the Zhou family, but Jiang Lu remained calm. After all, who would believe now that she brought Wang Zhaodi here to have a baby?


    Since the scandal with Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou broke out, no one mentioned such topics anymore. Even if they did, no one would believe it.


    Moreover, Zhou Qun... let''s not talk about the past.


    Men have to be careful, but women, not necessarily.


    Zhou Qun''s taste has always been a bit... special. But it never included normal-aged girls.


    Jiang Lu wasn''t intimidated at all. She smiled and said, "We do have a good relationship, like sisters. Otherwise, why would Wang Zhaodi come help me? She was about to go home, but then she saw I was pregnant, and she just couldn''t bear to leave me. She insisted on staying with me for a while. She''s such a hardworking girl. Look at my house, it''s so clean now. I''ve saved so much effort. I feel a bit embarrassed; why is she so diligent?"


    Wang Zhaodi blushed from the praise, softly saying, "I''m not that good."


    "You are," Jiang Lu replied.


    It was true that since Jiang Lu found out she was pregnant, she had changed a lot. Everyone used to think she was quite cold, not very close to people, and a bit disdainful. Plus, she was like a mad dog under Aunt Zhou''s control, doing whatever she was told without any judgment. She had devoted herself to the Zhou family without complaint.


    But since her pregnancy, she had become a different person, handling things much more gracefully.


    Even Li Fang, who used to dislike Jiang Lu, could now talk to her. Ming Mei and the others felt the same. In comparison, Aunt Su wasn''t as likable. So Ming Mei quickly said, "Aunt Su, are you looking for Wang Xiangxiu? She went to Bai Fendou''s place."


    She tilted her head, smiling.


    Aunt Su wouldn''t feel embarrassed. She said, "Oh, what would I want with her? Xiangxiu and Fendou are like brother and sister..."


    Before she could finish, Ming Mei interrupted, nodding lightly, "Yes, I''ve never seen siblings hug like that."


    Aunt Su was stunned. She turned to look at Bai Fendou''s room, where he was still hugging Wang Xiangxiu. Aunt Su''s face changed, showing some displeasure. She could accept Wang Xiangxiu''s affairs, but seeing her do this under her nose made her feel embarrassed.


    After all, that wasn''t her daughter, but her daughter-in-law. Even though her son was gone, she didn''t want to see such a big, colored hat right in front of her. Her face looked a bit sour. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Auntie, are you planning to merge the two families?"


    Aunt Su chuckled faintly, not saying anything, and turned to go home.


    At that moment, Wang Xiangxiu let go of Bai Fendou, speaking softly, "You can''t give me a hard time anymore."


    She spoke with a mix of complaint and affection, "Do you know how I''ve been living these days? How painful it''s been for me? You can''t hurt me anymore."


    Bai Fendou scratched his head with a silly smile.


    She said, "Let''s live well."


    Bai Fendou nodded, "Mm-hmm."


    Wang Xiangxiu continued, "Although I can''t promise you anything now, my heart is always with you."


    Bai Fendou''s smile grew wider. He said, "I didn''t know before, but now I do."


    Before, he only thought it was an unspoken understanding between them, and he didn''t dare to admit that Wang Xiangxiu truly loved him. But now, he felt that Wang Xiangxiu really did love him.


    This love was earth-shattering.


    He said seriously, "I know, I know everything."


    Wang Xiangxiu said with grievance, "I know I''m not good enough for you... I''ll introduce you to someone."


    Bai Fendou replied, "What are you talking about?"


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "What do you mean, what am I talking about? Can you really stay unmarried forever? Do you think I''ll believe that? I''m willing to stay with you without a name or title; otherwise, how can I live with myself? But you can''t just find anyone. Wait for me to introduce you to someone, at least someone who won''t resent me. What about... my cousin Hu Huihui?"


    Bai Fendou''s heart raced with excitement. He immediately started dreaming of enjoying the blessings of two women. Actually, he hadn''t thought of this before. Although he had some feelings for Wang Xiangxiu, he didn''t have the guts to act on them.


    But now Wang Xiangxiu herself has said it out loud.


    She''s willing, so how could Bai Fendou not be excited?


    He said, "Hu Huihui..."


    He had long had his eye on Hu Huihui.


    Just in terms of appearance, she was quite good.


    However... he said, "Hu Huihui doesn''t have a formal job, and her family is quite troublesome, isn''t it?"


    When he couldn''t find a partner, he would have been willing even if she had no job or a rural household registration. But as soon as someone introduced someone to him, he immediately felt that such a person was not worthy of him. Hu Huihui was good, but her family was a drag.


    When Wang Xiangxiu heard this, she thought, so you''ve really thought about this matter. Her displeasure grew, but this time she didn''t dare to confront Bai Fendou. For the sake of money, she had to humble herself: "Her family is indeed troublesome."


    Whether it was true or not, Wang Xiangxiu would say this, just to drag the matter out. She said, "But I think it''s up to us to make things happen. I''ll keep an eye on it and slowly work on her family. What do you think?"


    "Good."


    Bai Fendou was elated. A woman loved him so humbly, and he finally began to understand the joy Zhou Qun felt.


    Jiang Lu loved Zhou Qun humbly, and Wang Xiangxiu loved him no less.


    He smiled smugly and said, "I know you''re good to me."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes flickered and she said, "You know that''s all that matters. You''ve been misunderstanding me. I''ve noticed you haven''t been eating well these days, and I wanted to cook for you, but I was afraid you''d refuse. When you were injured, I was so worried and upset."


    She reached out and touched Bai Fendou, saying, "You''ve gotten so thin."


    Bai Fendou: "Wait for me, I''ll go buy some meat, and you can cook me a meat dish for lunch."


    Wang Xiangxiu was satisfied and said, "Okay."


    She added, "Money should be spent where it counts; don''t waste it. By the way, do you have money on you?"


    She probed, and Bai Fendou replied, "Don''t worry, I do. That jerk Zhou Qun attacked me before, and Jiang Lu compensated me with a hundred yuan."


    He grinned proudly, "I''ve got cash, buddy."


    Wang Xiangxiu was shocked, her heartbeat quickening, but she didn''t dare to ask for the money immediately. She could only suppress her desire...


    "Then go buy the meat, and I''ll clean up your place."


    "Okay!"


    Bai Fendou quickly got busy. This scene left several female colleagues puzzled. They just didn''t understand how Bai Fendou could so easily get entangled with Wang Xiangxiu again. He could have distanced himself from her, but instead, he jumped right back in.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "He''s stuck in this pit and can''t get out."


    As a man, he understood Bai Fendou''s thoughts better than others, but with Bai Fendou''s lack of cunning, he was no match for Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law. They were like venomous widows. But since Bai Fendou was willing to jump into the pit, outsiders couldn''t say much.


    "Jiang Lu. I''m back."


    Just as everyone was watching the drama, Zhou Qun returned.


    Zhou Qun: "The rocking chair is done."


    He shook his hands and said, "Ah, I''m exhausted."


    Ever since Jiang Lu found out she was pregnant and he handed over the financial control, he had been behaving quite well. When Jiang Lu saw the rocking chair Ming Mei had, he immediately found a carpenter to make one. Jiang Lu tried it out and was pleased: "Not bad."


    Zhou Qun smiled, "Of course."


    Ming Mei and her husband both rubbed their arms. If there had been any changes recently, it would be this guy.


    Zhou Qun, when he first "wasn''t able," it wasn''t very obvious, but as time went on, it became a bit more apparent. He... was a bit too feminine.


    A normal man wouldn''t talk like that, with a little drawl and holding his fingers in a flamboyant manner.


    Now, every male colleague at the factory avoided Zhou Qun like the plague, fearing they''d get entangled with him. After all, everyone knew he had a preference for men. This made the electricians'' group feel uneasy. What''s more, this guy had strange tastes.


    Among so many men, some were good-looking, some were masculine and strong, but he had his eye on Bai Fendou, which was quite baffling.


    So, everyone was confused about his tastes, and no one dared to get close to him.


    However, female colleagues interacted with Zhou Qun more often.


    After all, they didn''t have to worry about anything.


    Li Fang approached and said, "This one looks just like Ming Mei''s."


    Zhou Qun hummed and smiled, "Yes, I specially got the same person to make it."


    Ming Mei also came over to take a look and said, "Yes, it''s the same."


    She sniffed and said, "Why is there a scent?"


    She looked up and saw the smell was coming from Zhou Qun, and she was at a loss for words. Zhou Qun was calm and said, "Jiang Lu is pregnant and doesn''t have much energy. She hasn''t been using the snowflake cream, and I was afraid it would go to waste since it was bought with money, so I started using it. No waste, right?"


    Ming Mei: "..."


    You just wanted to use it; no need to make excuses.


    Besides, how much did you use to make the smell so strong?


    She chuckled, and Jiang Lu didn''t seem surprised at all. She said, "No waste, it''s good."


    She didn''t care what Zhou Qun did now, as long as he handed over his salary. He could use the snow flower cream or be feminine; she didn''t care. Her biggest concern now was having a child. Nothing else mattered.


    After all, Zhou Qun wasn''t able anymore.


    Men aren''t honest unless they''re pinned to the wall, but look at her Zhou Qun; he didn''t have that problem. Even without being pinned to the wall, he could be obedient. Who told him he wasn''t able?


    Jiang Lu was satisfied.


    As for herself, Jiang Lu didn''t think she had done anything wrong. She just wanted a child; what was wrong with that? She wasn''t really looking to be with another man forever. Besides, Zhou Qun wasn''t a good person either, so why should she care so much?


    And with a child, she would focus on raising the child well.


    She had already broken off with Xiao Xu.


    Thinking of Xiao Xu, Jiang Lu''s eyes darkened.


    But she quickly returned to normal. She had already broken off with Xiao Xu, but she thought Xiao Xu was a good person. After all, he had given her a child; how could he be bad? But when it came to men, they just couldn''t be trusted. Just a little over half a month, and he was already avoiding her. Was it really necessary?


    Jiang Lu and Xiao Xu had broken off not because Jiang Lu was pregnant and dumped Xiao Xu, but because Xiao Xu couldn''t handle Jiang Lu anymore. When they first got together, Xiao Xu was naturally happy. As a single man, young and full of energy, such a good opportunity to be embraced was a dream come true. But Jiang Lu was too intense, demanding his attention every day, leaving him no rest. In just half a month, he had become emaciated, with dark circles under his eyes, his cheeks hollow, and his legs weak, often tripping over flat ground.


    He felt completely drained.


    Even so, Jiang Lu still wanted... Xiao Xu couldn''t take it anymore and felt his head buzzing whenever he saw Jiang Lu. His parents had also noticed something was wrong. They didn''t know who Xiao Xu was involved with, but seeing their son like this, they knew he must have been taken advantage of.


    Under the persuasion of his parents and his own physical exhaustion, Xiao Xu decisively ended the relationship.


    Since then, he has been in a hurry to avoid Jiang Lu, fearing she would come back to him.


    Thinking of this person, Jiang Lu immediately thought of the child and put Xiao Xu out of her mind. He was just a tool for having a child; he wasn''t important.


    However, he was a good man.


    "Hey, what are you all looking at?" Bai Fendou returned from outside, carrying a few pieces of glass.


    Everyone was shocked.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow, you''re finally willing to replace the glass?"


    Bai Fendou: "What''s there to be unwilling about? I''m willing, buddy. I''m not short of money. I just didn''t want to replace it before because I liked the coolness, but now I think it''s not just about the coolness; these holes look bad."


    Wang Xiangxiu hurried out of Bai Fendou''s house, saw the glass, and her face changed: "Why did you buy glass?"


    Damn, why spend money on this?


    Whether the glass was installed or not, who cared!


    Wang Xiangxiu, who had just learned that Bai Fendou had a hundred yuan, was thinking about how to get it out. She didn''t expect Bai Fendou to buy glass. She was furious and asked, "Why didn''t you discuss it with me?"


    This made it sound like they were a family.


    Bai Fendou understood the underlying meaning of the words and smugly smiled, saying, "Look at you, always trying to control me."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..." Damn it, that''s not what I meant.


    Bai Fendou: "Didn''t you say we should live a good life? I''ve thought about it, and we really can''t go on like this."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "!!!"


    She regrets ever opening her mouth!


    Bai Fendou didn''t notice the situation, but everyone could see that Wang Xiangxiu''s face was extremely uncomfortable. Could it be any worse? She was only in it for the money. But because of her false words, Bai Fendou actually spent money, and Wang Xiangxiu was heartbroken to the point of almost dying.


    "So, where''s the meat you bought?"


    "I bought it, right here. Don''t rush to cook, you clean up first, and I''ll change the glass."


    Bai Fendou immediately got busy. Everyone looked at each other, not saying a word.


    Zhou Qun stared at Bai Fendou for a long time, then let out a sinister smile.


    The more he had liked Bai Fendou before, the more he hated him now. Because of this bastard, Bai Fendou, he couldn''t even enjoy the most basic pleasures of life. How could he forgive this person? And on top of that, their family had to pay compensation.


    He hated this man to the core, wishing he would die, but he knew that now was not the time to act rashly.


    Bai Fendou was childless, unlike him. Although he was no longer capable now, Jiang Lu was pregnant. The child in Jiang Lu''s belly was the hope of the Zhou family, and they absolutely couldn''t afford to mess around. Just as Jiang Lu had said, no matter what, they had to keep Bai Fendou in check. Otherwise, if Bai Fendou really went berserk and pushed her or caused some accident, their family would truly be left with no heir.


    That was why Zhou Qun kept this in mind and didn''t dare to act recklessly.


    A gentleman avenges himself ten years later.


    For now, let Bai Fendou gloat for a while. One day, he would definitely teach this man a good lesson.


    Bai Fendou didn''t know that Zhou Qun had his eyes on him. He also disliked Zhou Qun and kept his distance from him, whether at the factory or in the courtyard, never saying a word to him. Bai Fendou worked enthusiastically, vaguely feeling a gaze on him. When he looked up, he saw Zhou Qun staring at him, and his heart skipped a beat. He glared fiercely at Zhou Qun.


    He was just so charming, loved by women and admired by men.


    But he had absolutely no interest in men. This Zhou Qun, if it were a few decades ago, would have been called a "rabbit."


    He glared at Zhou Qun again and turned back to his work.


    The silent exchanges between the two were noticed by everyone, who all rolled their eyes and turned away.


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s almost noon, let''s go home and have lunch."


    Ming Mei and the others also went home for lunch at this time. Liang Meifen thought about Jiang Lu''s plan from earlier and sighed, "I never expected Jiang Lu to have such an idea. I wonder how she thought of it."


    Introducing Wang Zhaodi to Bai Fendou?


    It just doesn''t match at all...


    "Bai Fendou and Wang Zhaodi won''t end up together," Zhao Guihua said. "Wang Zhaodi may be poor, but she also looks down on Bai Fendou. Without knowing his background, she might think he''s well-off, but with him entangled with a widow, who could possibly like him?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s exactly right."


    He said, "I think Bai Fendou wants to have his cake and eat it too, but I wonder if he has the ability to do so."


    Ming Mei whispered, "What a joke."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed.


    "I think Bai Fendou can''t get rid of Wang Xiangxiu. Didn''t you see? Wang Xiangxiu is still at the Bai house at noon."


    Everyone pursed their lips, clearly disapproving.


    Ming Mei yawned. Although the drama wasn''t over yet, Ming Mei was already feeling sleepy. She was a pregnant woman, and even more so with twins, so while she wanted to watch the show, she just couldn''t keep her eyes open. So, she decided to rest when she needed to.


    After all, there was always drama in their courtyard. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At noon, Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi finished lunch and went back to their room to rest. Zhuang Zhixi gently wrapped his arms around his wife and lay down on the bed. It was a bit hot, so Zhuang Zhixi gently waved a fan for Ming Mei. Ming Mei''s legs hooked around Zhuang Zhixi, and she said, "Zhixi, you should fan yourself too. Look, you''re sweating."


    Zhuang Zhixi lowered his head and lightly kissed her forehead, saying, "I''m fine. You''re the one who''s pregnant and working hard."


    When he saw others before, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t pay much attention, nor did he care about how they were doing. But now that Ming Mei was pregnant, he truly felt how hard it was for a woman to be pregnant. Ming Mei had relatively few reactions, but she still wasn''t very energetic, sleeping a lot, feeling tired, and sometimes getting leg cramps. Her appetite wasn''t too affected, but eating poorly still made her feel nauseous. He gently waved the fan, saying, "You should sleep for a while."


    Ming Mei softly said, "I can''t fall asleep."


    She smiled softly and said, "Zhixi, I miss you a little."


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised and looked down at her big, watery eyes, then chuckled softly. He knew what she meant. They hadn''t been intimate for a long time, especially during the first few months of her pregnancy, when he didn''t dare to do anything.


    He stroked Ming Mei''s hair, and she said, "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed even more, whispering in her ear, "Tonight."


    During the day, it definitely wouldn''t do.


    Ming Mei''s cheeks turned slightly red, a bit shy. As a woman, talking about such things always made her a little embarrassed. Zhuang Zhixi kissed her cheek lightly and said, "Do you feel okay?"


    Ming Mei let out a soft murmur, and Zhuang Zhixi kissed her cheek again lightly.


    Ming Mei pouted, "You''re like a woodpecker."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No matter what I am, you still like me a lot, don''t you?"


    Ming Mei: "You''re so confident."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course, if a man isn''t confident, what can he do?"


    Ming Mei pouted, and Zhuang Zhixi''s hands started to get a little restless. Ming Mei''s eyes widened, and she said, "Zhuang Zhixi, don''t get carried away. You yourself said to wait until tonight..."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed innocently, "I didn''t mean that."


    Ming Mei glared, "If you didn''t mean it, then don''t start touching me."


    "I can''t help it."


    Ming Mei: "Oh, come on..."


    She wanted to criticize him a bit, but soon felt that there wasn''t much to criticize. After all, they were husband and wife. She huffed at him. Zhuang Zhixi patted his wife and said, "I won''t get carried away, you sleep for a while."


    Ming Mei: "With you holding me, how can I fall asleep?"


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t believe this. She was like a little pig, sleeping very quickly when she clung to him.


    He said, "You''re just saying that. When you cling to me, you fall asleep just as fast..."


    "Who''s clinging to you..."


    "You are..."


    The newlywed couple was still very affectionate, even in the hot summer, even with a baby on the way. Although they didn''t go too far, they were still very lovey-dovey... The two were playing around, not noticing that Zhao Guihua had passed by the window.


    Zhao Guihua went out to use the bathroom. Since the reconstruction of their bathroom, it could be said that the bathroom was newer than most of the courtyard houses in this area. Isn''t that something? The bathroom is newer than the living quarters.


    Zhao Guihua went out to use the bathroom and, after coming out, heard the cicadas chirping and muttered, "Keep chirping, and I''ll catch you to eat."


    Come to think of it, roasted cicadas are quite tasty. If there''s no meat, they don''t hesitate to eat these. Kids in this area often catch cicadas for a snack.


    Although there''s little meat, it''s still meat.


    These things are easier to catch than sparrows. However, in the past two months, this area has been like a sparrow killer. Because they''ve been going up the mountain to look for grass seeds, they''ve caught quite a few sparrows.


    The two kids from the Li family and their own, four kids often get together to improve their lives, and the kids have all put on some weight.


    Zhao Guihua walked back and saw Madam Yu from a distance. Her eyes flickered, and she greeted Madam Yu, who responded briefly. The two didn''t exchange pleasantries and went about their business. It was a hot day, and not everyone was in the mood to chat.


    Zhao Guihua went home for an afternoon nap, and inevitably thought of Yu Baoshan. It seemed that since Yu Baoshan was hospitalized, he had never returned. She knew that Yu Baoshan had already been discharged from the hospital, but no one knew where he had gone.


    Zhao Guihua wanted to inquire about the situation, but she also knew that she absolutely could not do so. If people found out she had taken the gold and silver jewelry, it would certainly cause a big uproar. However, she speculated that Yu Baoshan''s disappearance must be related to the gold and silver jewelry he had mentioned.


    There were also some rumors outside, saying that Yu Baoshan hadn''t returned because he had been caught, and that he had committed robbery and murder.


    However, this claim had not been verified, as the neighborhood committee had not come to notify them. Usually, if something happened in their neighborhood, the committee would inform each household one by one. This was to serve as a warning to everyone, reminding them not to do bad things.


    Since the neighborhood committee hadn''t come, Zhao Guihua was skeptical about the matter. Of course, while she was skeptical, she believed that Yu Baoshan could indeed have committed robbery and murder. Lying on the Kang (a traditional Chinese Kang bed), Zhao Guihua wasn''t very sleepy. She was lost in thought when she suddenly heard the faint sound of a door opening outside, followed by the sound of someone tiptoeing.


    Zhao Guihua was startled. Who would dare to come in and steal during broad daylight? She grabbed the broom by her bed, jumped down from the kang, and rushed out: "Who''s the damn thief!"


    "Ah~" The three young thieves were caught before they could even start. Jinlai was hit twice and quickly ran away. Zhao Guihua hadn''t expected that these three kids would dare to sneak into the house in the middle of the day.


    The courtyard had been peaceful for quite some time, but now it was disrupted by these three little rascals.


    Zhao Guihua was furious and went straight outside: "Aunt Su, come out here! Do you even want any face left? Three kids sneaking in to steal during broad daylight! Do you believe I''ll call the police and send them to a juvenile reformatory? We''ve been lenient with you because the kids are young and you''re a widow, but don''t push your luck!"


    Although it was midday and a Sunday, everyone was at home. Soon, people started coming out, pointing and whispering.


    Aunt Su came out crying, saying, "You''ve misunderstood my kids. They weren''t..."


    Zhao Guihua cut her off: "Spare me your nonsense. I didn''t come to argue or debate right and wrong. I know it''s useless to say more. Your family apologizes, but you never change! I''m tired of hearing your apologies and excuses. I came to tell you that if I catch them again, I won''t come to talk to you. I''ll beat them up first and then send them to the police station. After all, thieves deserve whatever happens to them."


    With that, she didn''t waste any more time and ignored Aunt Su''s crying, turning around and leaving.


    "Why did her kids start stealing again?"


    "What do you mean ''start stealing again''? Her kids have always been thieves! It''s just that they haven''t been targeting our courtyard lately, so everyone forgot. But think about it, how can her kids control themselves?"


    "That''s true. Anyway, we should stay home more and lock the doors promptly."


    "Exactly."


    "I really don''t know how to educate kids. I can see that Aunt Su is a nice person, but she really doesn''t know how to raise kids."


    "She''s a widow with no education, so of course..."


    Aunt Su''s face turned red as people talked about her. She wanted to explain, but no one was paying attention. Everyone was tired of this kind of small matter. Although the courtyard had been quiet recently, this level of incident wasn''t worth their attention.


    After all, thieves are thieves.


    Not surprising.


    Seeing this situation, Aunt Su hesitated for a moment and decided not to say anything.


    It was evening when Hu Huihui returned and comforted her a bit, asking curiously, "Jinlai, why did you want to steal from their house?"


    Jinlai actually didn''t like this aunt who lived with them and took advantage of them. He glared at Hu Huihui but still said, "They have good food."


    Hu Huihui: "Are they well-off?"


    "They weren''t better off than us before, but now they are, so my brother said we should steal from them," Tonglai said.


    Jinlai: "Hmph."


    Hu Huihui quickly asked, "Wasn''t their family like this before?"


    What changed? Was it after they got the money?


    She immediately thought of this possibility.


    However, Aunt Su said, "Their family got better after their third son got married. It wasn''t like that before."


    "When was that?" Hu Huihui''s heart was pounding.


    Aunt Su looked at Hu Huihui curiously, not understanding why she was asking this, but she answered, "January. Their third son got married in January, and the next day they split up. To be honest, I don''t think Ming Mei is a good person. She seems nice, but she''s not. I think this girl has a lot of tricks and likes to stir up trouble, always wanting to show off."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I don''t like her either."


    As a woman, Ming Mei''s easy life made her incredibly jealous.


    However, when Hu Huihui heard it was in January, she visibly deflated. She didn''t want it to be January. A change in January was too early; she wanted it to be after Labor Day. And splitting up the family changing things was normal.


    She had thought she found a clue, but it turned out to be nothing.


    Because there was no progress, Deputy Director Zheng was very unhappy and hadn''t been treating her well lately. Hu Huihui sighed softly. Men, once they get what they want, don''t cherish you anymore.


    "Huihui, why did you suddenly ask about this?"


    Aunt Su asked suspiciously, testing the waters.


    Hu Huihui: "I just asked casually."


    She thought for a moment and mixed truth with lies: "I heard that the toilet collapsed because of lost gold and silver jewelry, so I just thought about it."


    Aunt Su laughed out loud, saying, "Even though I don''t like Zhao Guihua, this probably isn''t the case. Their family got better after splitting up in January. Don''t look at them saying they didn''t split up, just paid for meals together, but they actually split up. But I know Zhao Guihua. They don''t go to the black market much, mostly just trade with neighbors. With so many workers in the family, they''re afraid of affecting their jobs. Besides, the gold and silver jewelry were lost after Labor Day. You really think too much."


    "Oh, I was just thinking randomly. I thought if I knew, I could get a share. Who doesn''t want money? If I had money, I wouldn''t have to work so hard," Hu Huihui said, planning to change her strategy due to the lack of progress. She decided to reveal a bit and see how others reacted.


    Investigating on her own wasn''t as effective as involving Aunt Su, who knew more about the neighbors.


    Aunt Su: "You think too much. Where are there so many good things? Besides, even if we found them, we''d probably have to turn them in. Why bother with that?"


    Instead of chasing after something invisible, she''d rather scheme more with Old Man Bai.


    What you can actually get your hands on is the best.


    Hu Huihui: "Hasn''t anyone heard of anyone getting rich?"


    Aunt Su looked at her more suspiciously, saying, "Getting rich? Who would talk about that?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Exactly. Even if you''re rich, you have to hide it. What if someone finds out?"


    She said, "I guess we don''t even know if this is true. Don''t take every rumor too seriously."


    She was too lazy to deal with her fanciful cousin.


    "By the way, I''ll officially introduce you to Bai Fendou tomorrow. You two can get to know each other."


    Hu Huihui: "What!"


    She widened her eyes. Although she wasn''t home during the day, as soon as she returned, she heard people in the courtyard talking about her cousin and Bai Fendou hugging.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I''m not saying you have to marry him. Just act a bit interested. Let him know I''m serious about setting you two up. I can''t marry him, but I need to give him some hope."


    Of course, she could choose not to do this since she had already won over Bai Fendou. But she was also afraid that if Bai Fendou came to his senses, he might ignore her like before. The last time she hit Bai Fendou was a mistake, and now she needed to show him more kindness, always demonstrating her care for him.


    She felt she wasn''t worthy of him and was even willing to introduce her cousin to him, which was what she wanted Bai Fendou to know recently.


    Bai Fendou would definitely feel sorry for her and treat her even better.


    It would be best... to give her some money to improve her life.


    ¡°Act meaner, so you can highlight me,¡± Wang Xiangxiu instructed.


    Hu Huihui: "You... you''re going too far, aren''t you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu sneered, "So you''re just eating for free at my house?"


    Hu Huihui was furious and retorted, "I paid!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Only eight yuan. What can that do?"


    Hu Huihui stared in disbelief at her cousin, Wang Xiangxiu, and her greediness became even more apparent to her. She narrowed her eyes and said, "I won''t do it."


    She did want to get closer to Bai Fendou to uncover the secret behind his bicycle, but Wang Xiangxiu''s words made her very unhappy, so she immediately opposed her. Besides, she had always been the one to be highlighted by others, never the other way around.


    Wang Xiangxiu coldly said, "If you don''t want to do it, then get lost. Don''t think you''re so great just because you paid!"


    "You!" Hu Huihui was so angry that she slammed her chopsticks down and stormed out.


    Aunt Su: "Look at you..."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "If I don''t act tough, she''ll think she''s untouchable. She has nowhere else to go, otherwise she wouldn''t have come to my place. Don''t worry, she''ll be back on her own."


    If she didn''t assert her dominance over Hu Huihui, the girl wouldn''t listen to her.


    Aunt Su nodded and didn''t say anything more.


    Hu Huihui did return after leaving, as she had her own agenda. She sat fuming by the gate. Zhuang Zhixi came out to use the toilet and saw her sitting there like a guardian deity. He said, "Move aside."


    Hu Huihui looked up and saw it was Zhuang Zhixi, her expression softened a bit.


    People always have a bit more goodwill towards those who are good-looking. She said, "Zhuang Ge, what are you doing...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Using the toilet."


    He paused and added, "You can just call me by my name."


    Hu Huihui glanced at him and then smiled coquettishly, "Why? Can''t I call you Zhuang Ge? Hmm? Zhuang Ge. Are you afraid your wife will hear?"


    Zhuang Zhixi seriously said, "We''re not that close."


    He had always been a bit wary of Hu Huihui, as she wasn''t as harmless as she seemed.


    Hu Huihui didn''t expect Zhuang Zhixi to be so cold and was a bit displeased, "We''re neighbors, you don''t have to be so aloof."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked Hu Huihui up and down and said even more seriously, "I have a wife."


    He added, "If you have feelings for me, it''s better not to."


    Hu Huihui''s eyes widened in disbelief at what Zhuang Zhixi had just said. Although she did think Zhuang Zhixi was good-looking, she hadn''t considered him at all. What she wanted was a man with power and status. Zhuang Zhixi was just a small fry in her eyes. She could take advantage of him for some benefits, but marriage? Never. Besides, this guy was too full of himself.


    She rolled her eyes, "You''re really overthinking."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, a bit proudly, "I know my family conditions are good, I''m good-looking, and I have a decent job. Many people like me, and you might have feelings for me too, but I''m very sincere. I only love my wife. Liking me won''t do you any good."


    Hu Huihui: "..."


    What a moron.


    She immediately stood up, rolled her eyes, and said, "Only a ghost would fall for you. You''re delusional!"


    With that, she turned and left.


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, secretly laughing as he went to the toilet. Sometimes, you have to use different approaches for different people. For someone like Hu Huihui, his performance was just right. He guessed that Hu Huihui wouldn''t be approaching him anytime soon.


    After all, Hu Huihui had quite the high opinion of herself.


    Zhuang Zhixi really didn''t want to interact with Hu Huihui.


    This was perfect.


    As he walked to the toilet, he thought about the stove in his house.


    He chuckled to himself. His mother always said he had many tricks up his sleeve, and Zhuang Zhixi didn''t deny it. He thought, with so many people in his family, no one suspected anything, right? But Zhuang Zhixi did. Ever since his parents got that extra stove, he felt something was off.


    Sure, having an extra stove was more convenient, but the thing was, the job was done by his dad.


    Ever since he and his brother grew up, their family usually had them handle chores, but his parents didn''t even mention it, just went ahead and got the stove. His dad did the work himself. At the time, Zhuang Zhixi had a small doubt, but he didn''t think much of it.


    However... after several incidents, it was a bit more apparent.


    They say a mother knows her child best, but the reverse is also true.


    Zhuang Zhixi knew his mother well, and it was precisely because he knew her that he felt something was off every time the topic came up at home. Not obvious, but noticeable.


    Zhuang Zhixi suspected that the gold and silver treasures that drove Yu Baoshan crazy were taken by his mother. Although he didn''t know the specifics or how it happened, Zhuang Zhixi calculated the timing and thought it was very possible.


    Outsiders didn''t know, but those in the family were quite clear.


    He thought so, but there was no need to bring it up.


    He acted as if he didn''t know, and he didn''t mention it to Ming Mei either. Of course, he hadn''t confirmed it, but that didn''t matter. What mattered was that he had it figured out in his mind. As for Hu Huihui, Zhuang Zhixi analyzed that she was after those treasures.


    Because he sensed that his mother was also wary of Hu Huihui.


    But given his mother''s cautious nature, Hu Huihui wouldn''t guess anything, let alone find anything.


    After all, he was his mother''s most cunning son.


    Zhuang Zhixi exhaled, relieved. As he came out of the toilet, he caught a glimpse and saw a scruffy man hiding in the shadows. Zhuang Zhixi''s heart skipped a beat. Although he didn''t clearly see who it was, it seemed like Yu Baoshan.


    He walked back nonchalantly, his mind already racing. Why was Yu Baoshan back? There had been some rumors about Yu Baoshan recently, but none of them mentioned him returning.


    Did he make a mistake?


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly shook his head, confident he hadn''t. His eyesight was always sharp.


    As Zhuang Zhixi entered the courtyard, he passed by Old Man Bai. He didn''t pay much attention. Seeing the kids playing in the yard, he immediately said, "Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, stay in the yard and play, don''t go outside."


    "Okay~"


    Zhuang Zhixi went inside and whispered, "Guess who I saw? I think I saw Yu Baoshan."


    Zhao Guihua was surprised and asked, "He''s back?"


    "I don''t know, who knows what''s going on with him. But I saw him hiding and looking scruffy, like he''s not in good shape. I wonder what''s going on."


    Zhao Guihua decisively said, "We..."


    "Ah!!!"


    A scream came from outside, startling both Zhao Guihua and Zhuang Zhixi. They hurried out and asked, "What happened?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "I don''t know, let''s go check it out!"


    "It sounds like Old Man Bai''s voice."


    Qiang Dandan from next door ran over and exclaimed, "You guys better go check outside! Old Man Bai went out to use the toilet, and as soon as he got to the door, Yu Baoshan jumped out and smashed him on the head with a brick!"


    "What the hell!"


    "What is Yu Baoshan doing!"


    "Is he crazy? He comes back and starts attacking people?"


    Bai Fendou also exclaimed, "What the..." and quickly ran out, as that was his father.


    Qiang Dandan was still shaken and said, "Yu Baoshan came out with a brick and shouted, ''You father and son harmed me, watch how I deal with you!'' Then he was about to hit a second time, but I yelled, and he ran off..."


    Qiang Dandan felt that if this kept up, even he, Qiang Dandan, would become timid. These people were too chaotic.


    "I told you Bai Fendou always kicking people in the groin would cause trouble. Look, it happened."


    "Is Yu Baoshan... done for? Otherwise, why would he come to seek revenge?"


    "Probably."


    "Ah, Zhou Qun is done for, and now Yu Baoshan too... How many men is Bai Fendou going to ruin..."


    "It might not be that."


    "Enough talking, let''s go help."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll go help, Mom, you stay here. We don''t know what''s going on yet."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."


    Zhuang Zhixi ran out and helped everyone carry Old Man Bai onto a small cart. Bai Fendou was howling in anger, cursing, "Yu Baoshan, I''ll kill you!"


    "You bastard, come at me if you have the guts!"


    There was no response.


    Yu Baoshan had fled after attacking.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t talk too much, let''s hurry to the hospital."


    "Yes, what Xiao Zhuang said is right."


    Everyone chimed in, but they were genuinely helping. Aunt Wang had already stepped forward to take charge of the situation, leading a few people to push the cart to the hospital. Zhuang Zhixi, however, didn''t go; he had a pregnant woman at home, so he couldn''t leave.


    Who knew what was going on with Yu Baoshan?


    At this moment, those who hadn''t gone to the hospital were all standing in the courtyard, each with lingering fear in their hearts.


    "What kind of mess is this?"


    "Who isn''t saying the same thing?"


    Zhuang Zhixi frowned: "He was specifically targeting Old Man Bai. I also went to the bathroom and saw Brother Sui from the back courtyard there. None of us got beaten up; only Old Man Bai did."


    "Of course, that''s obvious, isn''t it? He even shouted that he was being harmed."


    "I wonder what''s going on here."


    Everyone was speculating, none of them understanding, but Hu Huihui''s eyes flickered, knowing exactly what the situation was. Yu Baoshan, having lost his gold and silver treasures, had completely broken down, revealing the truth. After this incident, he was taken back for investigation.


    At that time, he was actually injured¡ªone injury from falling in the bathroom, and another from fighting with Bai Fendou and his father, where Bai Fendou had used a "black tiger heart extraction" move on him. His wounds hadn''t healed, but no one cared about that.


    The investigation and interrogation dragged on, and it was discovered that he had killed to cover up the exposure of the treasures. At this point, two factions emerged: one advocated sending him to the police station since they weren''t in charge of such matters; the other disagreed, as Yu Baoshan was technically their colleague, and having a case of embezzlement and murder would tarnish their unit''s reputation.


    In this stalemate, meetings were held repeatedly, but the matter was never resolved. Yu Baoshan was kept in custody, and no one cared about his injuries. After such a long time, a decision was finally made.


    A leader took notice of Yu Baoshan''s ruthlessness and wanted him to redeem himself by finding the gold and silver treasures, thus vouching for his release. After some maneuvering, Yu Baoshan was let out. As soon as he was released, he went to the hospital. Originally, Yu Baoshan''s release was supposed to mark the beginning of a major operation.


    He was definitely planning to take down several capitalists to prove his capability.


    But who knew he would go to the hospital? Due to the delayed treatment of his wound, and the fact that it hadn''t been changed or cared for, he... well, he was ruined.


    Yes, ruined.


    He couldn''t function anymore.


    In other words, he could still experience pleasure, but due to the loss of that part, he would never be able to have children. This revelation completely broke Yu Baoshan. In an instant, he became utterly consumed with hatred for the Bai father and son.


    This morning he had been released, and by noon he had received the news. In the afternoon, he went straight to attack Old Man Bai.


    It was likely that Old Man Bai was just the appetizer, with Bai Fendou to come...


    Hu Huihui shrank her neck, feeling a bit scared.


    The Bai father and son were the cause of this situation, but they, along with others, had failed to provide treatment, leading to an even more severe outcome. Could they also be targeted for revenge? After all, Yu Baoshan was known for his ruthlessness.


    He had taken lives before, not for the first time.


    Hu Huihui felt a shiver run down her spine.


    "Huihui, are you okay? What are you afraid of? You don''t even know him; he''s probably just here to seek revenge on Bai Fendou."


    Hu Huihui: "..."


    Damn it, he he he, of course he knows me!


    How could he not know me? We were colleagues.


    And... Yu Baoshan was so cunning; seeing her here, he would definitely be able to guess something.


    Hu Huihui: "It''s over, it''s over..."


    "Hey, what''s wrong with you?"


    Everyone noticed that she seemed particularly frightened and immediately tried to comfort her: "Don''t be afraid, this has nothing to do with you."


    "Right, you arrived late and don''t know; they have old grudges..."


    Hu Huihui couldn''t hold back and broke down: "Sob, we also have a grudge..."


    What?!


    Everyone was stunned.

 Chapter 109

    Hu Huihui was scared.Because everyone worked in the Revolutionary Committee, she knew how ruthless Yu Baoshan could be. The fact that he didn''t even bother to hide his actions now just showed how furious he was. Who wouldn''t be afraid of that? In these times, the bold were afraid of those who were reckless, and that was an eternal truth. She shivered and said, "This... maybe we should go to the police station right away?"


    "You don''t need to be afraid. This has nothing to do with you, and you don''t even know him," Wang Xiangxiu casually remarked. Hu Huihui became even quieter. She tried her best to appear calm and hurried into the house.


    Zhuang Zhixi turned his head and saw her frightened state. He raised an eyebrow, guessing the reason for Hu Huihui''s fear, but soon, he didn''t think much more about it. He said, "Let''s lock the front door tonight."


    During the time when thieves were roaming the streets, they had locked their doors, but over time, they had become less cautious. However, now they were a bit worried, and everyone nodded in agreement. Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Also, stay alert while sleeping at home. Even though... this probably doesn''t concern us directly, if something happens and everyone looks for him, he might dare to come home. Who knows if he might break into someone else''s house just to find something to eat? Caution is always wise."


    Several aunties nodded repeatedly, agreeing that this was the right thing to do.


    "This is so scary."


    "That Yu kid from the Yu family is just no good. I''ve always said he has terrible character. Look at how he treated his sister... tsk tsk, now he''s even worse."


    "Well... you can''t completely blame the Yu kid. He''s childless, after all."


    Men, after all, always empathize deeply with such matters.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let''s not worry about why he''s doing this. This matter definitely needs to be reported to the police station. We should just be careful ourselves."


    "That''s true."


    Even Aunt Su didn''t dare to speak much at this moment. She looked deeply worried. If anything happened to Old Man Bai, she would be in trouble, as he was the one who usually helped her out. But if she had to go to the hospital to check on him, she absolutely wouldn''t do it. What if something happened to her there? Everyone was chatting when they felt a gust of wind. The children were shouting, "So cool!"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked up and said, "Why is the dark cloud coming up?"


    It looked like it was going to rain. Zhuang Zhixi glanced at the Bai family''s window. Their luck this time wasn''t as bad as last time. Last time, everything had been a complete mess. But this time, it was better. The glass had been installed during the day, and now it was cloudy at night. If it really rained, it would be a lucky coincidence.


    "Hey, you know what? Bai Fendou has some luck."


    "Yeah, if they hadn''t installed the glass, they would have been caught in the rain again."


    "I wonder if it will really rain."


    "The sky is already dark and the wind is picking up, so it probably will... Oh my!"


    A gust of wind suddenly blew up a piece of clothing, and the person talking quickly grabbed it, saying, "Whew, almost got blown away. Whose is this?"


    Wang Xiangxiu immediately said, "Mine, mine. It''s Jinlai''s pants..."


    "It''s going to rain, let''s hurry up and take in the clothes and stuff."


    "Right."


    Everyone quickly dispersed. Although Old Man Bai was miserably hospitalized, it wasn''t as important as taking in the clothes, which concerned everyone. Zhuang Zhixi also brought in everything from outside his house.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Finally, it''s raining and cooler. It''s been unbearably hot recently, it''s really uncomfortable."


    Since that heavy rain in June, there hadn''t been any significant rainfall, just a few small showers that didn''t feel cool at all. But this evening, the wind suddenly picked up, and a sense of coolness could be felt.


    She said, "Don''t open the windows when you sleep tonight. Don''t sleep too deeply and let the rainwater in."


    "Got it."


    Both the first and second houses responded and went back to their rooms. Ming Mei looked at the weather and said, "I wonder if this rain will be heavy."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who knows?"


    He felt that his wife was a bit uneasy. Zhuang Zhixi squatted down and held Ming Mei''s hand, saying, "How do you feel?"


    Ming Mei: "Pretty good."


    She blinked and smiled at Zhuang Zhixi, then leaned her head on his shoulder, saying, "Anyway, tonight we can sleep well."


    Although it was windy and rainy, the weather was cooler. It had been really hot recently, and she hadn''t been feeling well, with a poor appetite. She hadn''t been sleeping well at night, waking up several times from the heat, but tonight was much better.


    The young couple quickly lay down. After closing the windows, the room was a bit stuffy, but it was still better than the scorching days. The couple cuddled together. Ming Mei didn''t speak, but she still seemed a bit restless.


    "You don''t need to be afraid. Yu Baoshan won''t come looking for us. We have no connection with him."


    Ming Mei hummed in agreement. In fact, she wasn''t worried about Yu Baoshan. What she was worried about was tomorrow. She remembered that in her dream, something happened to her on a very hot summer day when it was raining heavily. That day, the bus had to brake suddenly to avoid a pedestrian, causing her to be thrown forward.


    Ming Mei didn''t know which day it was, but if it rained heavily tomorrow, it could very well be that day.


    Ming Mei felt a bit uneasy, but fortunately, she wasn''t driving anymore.


    Suddenly, a thunderclap rang out, and the window outside made a clattering sound. It seemed the rain had started. This was truly a sudden downpour.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Ming Mei: "About the rainy day. Rainy days can be quite unsafe on the road."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded and agreed, "That''s for sure. Don''t rush home after work. I''ll pick you up, and we''ll go together."


    Ming Mei gave him a playful glare and said, "You already pick me up every day."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s true."


    He laughed.


    Zhuang Zhixi gently stroked Ming Mei''s back, and she gradually calmed down. The couple quickly became entangled... Although Ming Mei was pregnant, there were always ways to find some joy.


    The temperature in the room quickly rose, and sweat began to drip... The room was filled with creaking sounds, thanks to the new bed''s good quality. Outside, the wind and rain raged, while inside, the storm continued.


    After an unknown amount of time, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei lay on the bed like two salted fish, gasping for breath.


    Ming Mei mumbled, "It''s hot..."


    Indeed, sometimes intense activity was the best way to calm the mind. She had been feeling uneasy before, but after the "exercise," she couldn''t think of her anxieties anymore. Instead, she felt completely at ease, with a sense of satisfaction. She lifted her foot and kicked Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "Open the window a bit."


    She was so hot.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    He said, "Just for a little while."


    He pulled the blanket over Ming Mei, but she said, "It''s hot."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll open the window."


    He got up and opened the window without even putting on clothes. It was late at night, and with the dark clouds, no lights were on, so nothing could be seen. Zhuang Zhixi went to the window and opened it directly. The window, once opened, was immediately blown wide open by the strong wind.


    Ming Mei: "Mmm."


    She comfortably raised her eyebrows, and Zhuang Zhixi stood by the window, sighing, "It''s already smoking up."


    Mingmei: "Generally, a sudden heavy rain doesn''t last long."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "That may not be the case; with the dark clouds and such low pressure, it''s definitely going to rain for a while."


    He stepped forward and hugged Mingmei, saying, "Isn''t this much more comfortable?"


    Mingmei said softly and sweetly, "Wait a moment and close the window, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhiyi smiled: "I know this."


    If they don''t close the window, his family will be the second Bai Fendou family.


    The couple opened the window, unaware that someone else had also opened a window¡ªZhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua got up to open her window and looked outside at the strong wind accompanied by heavy rain. She also thought of something.


    To explain, beautiful dreams only involve matters related to her. She might dream about people who are very important to her or situations that are significant or dangerous. However, all of this is predicated on the fact that it relates to Ming Mei herself.


    If it doesn''t involve her, no matter how big the event, she won''t dream about it.


    Moreover, as she grows older, her character becomes more resolute, and she dreams less. Even for ordinary major events, she doesn''t dream about them anymore, only for extremely significant ones.


    When she was young, she used to dream every other day, with all sorts of chaotic dreams.


    But now, she dreams at most two or three times a year, sometimes only once or twice, so even though Ming Mei does dream, she''s not omniscient. Most things, she doesn''t know. But Zhao Guihua is different.


    Zhao Guihua is a reincarnated person. Some events from her previous life might happen again in this life, or they might not due to the butterfly effect. However, she knows that some things remain unchanged, like the weather.


    Zhao Guihua watched the sudden heavy rain, initially not thinking much about it, but after lying down, she unexpectedly thought of this rain. A person''s life is filled with countless rain and snowstorms, and those that Zhao Guihua can remember must have a reason.


    She remembered that in her previous life, Ming Mei had an accident.


    In her previous life, Ming Mei had an accident while traveling in the rain, almost getting into serious trouble, but fortunately, she was unharmed.


    When she was reborn, she didn''t think of these things at first, but it was only when Ming Mei mentioned transferring jobs that she remembered. However, since Ming Mei has transferred, there''s no need to worry about that. In her previous life, she was a bus conductor, but this life is clearly different.


    There''s no need to worry about that, but it made her think of other things.


    This rain lasted for a week, starting with heavy rain, then turning into intermittent light rain. In total, it rained heavily or lightly without stopping for a week. For those living in the city, it wasn''t a big deal, just a bit inconvenient, but this rain was nationwide.


    The whole country was experiencing heavy rain, which affected the harvest of crops.


    The most direct consequence of this rain was a poor harvest in the autumn. The entire country was short of food. Although they were urban residents and workers, they didn''t go hungry, but the supply decreased.


    And the price slightly increased with restricted purchases.


    Many families could only eat six or seven full meals, and their savings were spent quite a bit. After all, if you don''t want to go hungry, you have to find a way. Normally, everyone avoids the black market, but when you''re hungry, you have to go there.


    Only the black market can buy food.


    The black market isn''t cheap.


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips, standing by the window looking outside.


    Old Man Zhuang turned over, not seeing his wife, and sat up: "What''s wrong with you?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I can''t sleep."


    Old Man Zhuang didn''t know why, so he said: "Nothing''s happened recently."


    He thought for a moment, lowering his voice: "Are you worried about Yu Baoshan..."


    Before he could finish, Zhao Guihua interrupted: "I''m not worried about that. He doesn''t know."


    In fact, it''s easy to hide things these days. As long as she stays still, there won''t be any problems. And she didn''t plan to take anything out before the reform and opening up.


    "Then what''s wrong with you?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m thinking, this heavy rain also affects the crops."


    Old Man Zhuang hadn''t done much farming, and Zhao Guihua hadn''t either. So Old Man Zhuang didn''t take it to heart, just laughing and saying: "If you''re not at ease, just buy more food and store it at home. It won''t go bad in the short term."


    His casual remark made Zhao Guihua suddenly turn around and look at Old Man Zhuang, saying: "You''re right."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Huh?"


    Zhao Guihua clapped her hands: "Your idea is right. Worrying won''t help; I can''t farm and don''t have land. But we can buy some food and store it at home. Having more insurance is good."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    He was just saying that casually.


    "Old man, you''re really shrewd," Zhao Guihua laughed, saying: "You know, I sometimes think too narrowly. It''s simple, but you''re quicker in thinking."


    Old Man Zhuang: "................"


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m sometimes blinded by one leaf. I''m glad you reminded me."


    Old Man Zhuang: "...................."


    He was just blabbering.


    But soon, he was happy. Who doesn''t like being praised for being smart? Old Man Zhuang is no exception. He scratched his head, saying: "I don''t know much either. We don''t know much, so it''s not bad to be careful."


    "Right."


    The couple agreed, and Zhao Guihua felt relieved.


    Yes, if there''s a shortage of food, just buy some in advance.


    Why make herself unhappy? There''s no need for that.


    "Alright, my mind is at ease now. Let''s sleep."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua thought about it. This matter won''t erupt until autumn, so they don''t need to go out and buy in the rain in a few days. But after the rain stops, she still needs to go to the black market. To buy more food, she has to go there.


    Zhao Guihua had sold fish at the black market before, so she wasn''t unfamiliar with it, but it had been a long time since she last went, so mentioning it made her a bit nervous. However, most likely, nothing would happen.


    Of course, she still needs to be cautious. If you''re not careful, you''ll eventually fail.


    Although she''s heard many stories about the era when the female lead goes to the black market, Zhao Guihua doesn''t dare to be careless. The young and beautiful ones are the female leads, but she, an old lady reborn, isn''t even a villain, just a passerby.


    Passerby A can''t be reckless.


    Being reckless will definitely lead to failure.


    Zhao Guihua muttered to herself in her heart, feeling a bit down. Even if she were reborn to a younger age, she wouldn''t be the protagonist. What''s the first requirement for a protagonist? It''s good looks!


    She, Zhao Guihua, was a skinny, yellow-haired girl when she was young, unremarkable, completely nondescript.


    Not good-looking and still want to be the female lead?


    Dreaming is faster.


    So, she has to be careful.


    That''s the black market. Although the transmigration party can get rich through this, she dare not be careless. Zhao Guihua was muddle-headed, thinking about these random things, and eventually fell asleep quickly.


    The Zhuang family also closed the windows and went to sleep, and the courtyard fell into silence.


    But there are those who can''t sleep, like Hu Huihui, who tossed and turned, only worried about Yu Baoshan taking revenge on her. His injury was indeed caused by Bai Fendou and his father, but if they hadn''t forcibly taken him back and neglected him, not finding a doctor or changing the dressing, he might not have faced this outcome.


    She knows that this person is vengeful. As long as he has the opportunity, he will definitely retaliate.


    This kind of mood is really quite depressing.


    "Why aren''t you sleeping?" Wang Xiangxiu asked, as Hu Huihui''s tossing and turning affected her sleep.


    Hu Huihui: "I''m just scared. How can I have seen such a thing?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You''re overreacting. Besides, you''ve seen it before."


    "Uh..."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You''d better sleep quickly. Don''t affect my rest. I still have to go to work tomorrow. It''s different from your temporary job."


    Gurgle.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s stomach suddenly felt uncomfortable.


    She pursed her lips, very worried. She really didn''t want to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, especially since the toilet was outside the courtyard. She said helplessly: "I want to go to the toilet. Come with me."


    Hu Huihui shook her head like a rattle drum, saying: "I definitely won''t go out with you."


    At night, she absolutely won''t go out.


    "What''s wrong with you? Is this how you treat your cousin? If it weren''t for me, you wouldn''t even have a place to stay. Accompanying me to the toilet is nothing."


    "Anyway, I won''t go."


    "You."


    Hu Huihui was firm: "Even if you kill me, I won''t go. Whoever doesn''t go, doesn''t go. There''s no room for negotiation."


    "You heartless scoundrel," she said, pulling at Hu Huihui with force, but Hu Huihui stood firm, unmoving. Wang Xiangxiu was furious, her anger almost enough to curse her to death, but she was afraid of waking the children, so she said, "You can leave tomorrow. I won''t take you in anymore. What kind of person are you?"


    Hu Huihui remained resolute; nothing was more important than her life.


    That Uncle Bai had been attacked while going to the bathroom, and she was determined never to go there herself.


    Wang Xiangxiu felt distressed, but there was nothing she could do.


    If it were a minor issue, she would have dealt with it at home, but this was... definitely due to yesterday''s leftover food, which had made her feel unwell today. Wang Xiangxiu got up, holding her stomach, and put on her raincoat. Aunt Su pretended to be asleep, but the moment these two cousins started chatting, she was already awake.


    She just wanted to see what these two were talking about.


    Of course, she couldn''t make a sound now. Going to the bathroom on a rainy night was already a miserable ordeal, let alone the fact that Yu Baoshan was still at large, and who knew if they might run into him. Aunt Su pretended to be asleep, staying perfectly still.


    Wang Xiangxiu had to go out alone, feeling melancholy. The rain was heavy tonight, and the wind was strong. She held onto her raincoat and ran toward the bathroom. Since the bathroom had been rebuilt, the old rumors had disappeared.


    However, new rumors had started to circulate, with many people claiming that the bathroom was haunted by ghosts, which was why it had been demolished and rebuilt. The original wooden structure had been burned to ashes, supposedly to destroy the ghost.


    It was... as if people had turned this bathroom into the setting for a hundred-episode drama.


    Wang Xiangxiu arrived at the bathroom alone. Just as she reached the entrance, someone grabbed her. Wang Xiangxiu: "Mmm!"


    She tried to scream, but her mouth was covered.


    A man''s breath approached, and Wang Xiangxiu''s hairs stood on end.


    The man''s voice was dark and cold: "You''re not allowed to scream. If you do, I''ll kill you. You know, as a woman, you can''t outrun me..."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Mmm."


    The man gripped her chin and said, "Don''t scream, do you understand?"


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded: "Mmm."


    The man quickly pinned her against the wall and began to pull at her clothes... Sometimes, certain activities can relieve stress, and this was no empty claim. At least, that''s what the man was thinking now.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Ah..."


    "Slap! Don''t scream."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You... who are you? Are you Yu Baoshan? Are you Yu Baoshan?"


    She hadn''t expected that Yu Baoshan hadn''t escaped and was hiding in the bathroom. This was too terrifying.


    "I... I don''t have money, I really don''t..."


    She didn''t dare raise her voice, fearing he might hit her again, so she pleaded desperately.


    The man said, "Don''t make a sound."


    He groped around and said, "No wonder you can seduce so many men. You''re quite well-endowed."


    These days, people didn''t like skinny women or those who looked like sticks. Wang Xiangxiu''s voluptuous figure was the mainstream preference. A little extra flesh showed that one was living well.


    "I... I don''t..."


    "Stop pretending. I know what kind of person you are."


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t actually worried about this. She said, "Don''t kill me. I don''t have money. If you like me..."


    "Hmph, who would like you? Are you dreaming? I just want to have some fun. Who cares about liking or not liking? I just want to relieve some stress."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "As long as you let me go..."


    As long as it wasn''t about money, things could be negotiated.


    Soon, some rustling sounds came from the bathroom. Fortunately, on such a rainy night, no one would notice.


    The two quickly finished. Yu Baoshan was definitely more capable than Zhou Qun. Wang Xiangxiu no longer felt the need to use the bathroom. She gathered her clothes and leaned against the wall, not caring about the dirt. Yu Baoshan: "Has Bai Fendou returned from the hospital?"


    Wang Xiangxiu''s heart skipped a beat.


    Yu Baoshan: "I''m asking you a question."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "No."


    Uncle Bai had been injured on the head, so Bai Fendou would definitely be staying with him. She said, "He hasn''t come back. Can you let him go? Can you..."


    "Slap!" Another slap landed, and Yu Baoshan said coldly, "Who do you think you are, trying to tell me what to do? Do you believe I''ll kill you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu fell silent.


    Yu Baoshan sneered and looked down at her, saying, "If you spread what happened tonight, I''ll deal with your son."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face changed, and she quickly said, "No, please don''t. I''ll listen to you. Just don''t hurt my son. You want to know about the Bai family, right? I''ll tell you. I''ll tell you where Bai Fendou is in the hospital. You can go find him directly..."


    At this moment, Wang Xiangxiu did not hesitate to betray Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou was a good source of support, but no support was worth her life, let alone her son''s life. If it came to that, she would not hesitate to betray Bai Fendou.


    After all, she didn''t love Bai Fendou.


    "You help me lure Bai Fendou out," Yu Baoshan said, his voice filled with hatred.


    Truthfully, he had been waiting here specifically for Wang Xiangxiu today. If he didn''t catch her today, he would try tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, then the day after. He was determined to catch Wang Xiangxiu. Fortunately, his luck was good, and he caught her on the first night. Bai Fendou had caused him so much suffering, and he had snatched the woman Bai Fendou coveted. Wasn''t that the normal course of action?


    If it were anyone else, he might not have been interested.


    After all, who could be in the mood for such things after finding out they might never have children? He wasn''t that heartless. He just wanted revenge, to avenge the harm Bai Fendou had caused him. He would first deal with the Bai father and son, then those who had locked him up, and finally, he would stay nearby to find his hidden treasures.


    Damn it, he had killed for those treasures, and now someone had stolen them from him. Did they think Yu Baoshan was easy to bully? He had even calculated against his own parents and siblings, so what were others to him? Anyone who stood in his way would be dealt with mercilessly.


    No one would stop him from living well and getting rich.


    In fact, Yu Baoshan''s parents had always favored him the most, treating him exceptionally well. But Yu Baoshan was never satisfied. He resented his parents for not being capable enough. If only they had been braver and fought the enemy, maybe they could have been leaders. Then he could have been a well-off child of a compound.


    He dreamed of being born into wealth, but his parents, these old fools, didn''t know how to strive for anything. His brothers and sisters-in-law were the same, always calculating with him, never trying to make a better life.


    He hated the Yu family deeply. Since the Yu family couldn''t be relied on, he had to rely on himself.


    So these treasures had to be his.


    He leaned against the wall, his face dark, and asked, "Has anyone in your neighborhood suddenly gotten rich recently?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned. She suddenly felt this question was familiar, as if someone else had asked it. But she quickly dismissed these thoughts and said, "I don''t think so. I haven''t seen anyone''s life suddenly improve."


    Yu Baoshan stared coldly at Wang Xiangxiu. Wang Xiangxiu trembled and quickly said, "Really, really... I''m not lying. I go to work and don''t stay at home much, so I don''t know much, but among those I know, no one has suddenly gotten rich."


    Yu Baoshan chuckled and said, "No one, huh..."


    "Really."


    Wang Xiangxiu actually thought for a moment about making up a name, choosing someone she didn''t like, but she quickly realized that Yu Baoshan was a madman who was capable of killing.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t care if others lived or died, but she was afraid that if Yu Baoshan found out she was lying, he would come back for her.


    She could deal with anything, but she had three sons.


    This was something she couldn''t be careless about.


    She quickly said, "I''m not lying. If I made something up, wouldn''t that mislead you more?"


    Yu Baoshan looked at Wang Xiangxiu, and her heart beat even faster. Finally, Yu Baoshan nodded and said, "You do have a point."


    He then said, "Now, come with me to the hospital and lure Bai Fendou out."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Ah?"


    She looked at Yu Baoshan in surprise and stammered, "I... I can''t..."


    "Slap!"


    Yu Baoshan slapped her again and said, "You can''t do it? I say you can, and you must! How dare you tell me you can''t? Let me make this clear: I''m not asking for your opinion, I''m telling you. If you don''t get Bai Fendou out for me, I''ll kill your son. Let''s see what you can do about that."


    As he said this, he couldn''t help but let out a cold laugh, adding, "Right, I won''t have a son to take care of me in my old age, so why should you? Let''s all be childless together!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    She was trembling with fear, her entire body collapsing to the ground. "I... I can''t, I really can''t. Please, I beg you, spare my son... I''ll do anything you want, anything at all, just spare my son. I''ll even sleep with you if that''s what you want!"


    Yu Baoshan sneered with disgust. "Don''t even think about trying to take advantage of me. Sleep with you? I''d be the one losing out, a young man like me getting involved with an old woman like you! If it weren''t for the fact that Bai Fendou has a thing for me, do you think I''d even consider it? But, heh, Bai Fendou''s taste is just as bad as I thought."


    Wang Xiangxiu looked up in shock, disbelief written all over her face.


    She hadn''t expected that her current predicament was all because of Bai Fendou. This whole mess was his doing.


    If it weren''t for Bai Fendou provoking Yu Baoshan and breaking his heart, Yu Baoshan wouldn''t be here seeking revenge now.


    Suddenly, a wave of resentment surged through her. Yes, it was Bai Fendou. It was this man who had brought trouble into her life. If anything happened to her son, she wouldn''t be able to go on living. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I''ll help you lure Bai Fendou out, but if things go wrong, you absolutely cannot tell anyone it was me..."


    Yu Baoshan stared at Wang Xiangxiu, then suddenly burst out laughing. "The most venomous creature is a woman''s heart. I always said, women are untrustworthy. And look, here we are. Even a married couple are like birds in the same forest¡ªwhen disaster strikes, they fly off in different directions. You''re really something, aren''t you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu put on a pitiful expression, but still said, "I''m not his wife. My husband is dead, and my son is my life. Nothing else matters. My son cannot be harmed."


    Yu Baoshan: "Bai Fendou is such a pitiful wretch."


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, not saying a word. If she could, she wouldn''t want to harm Bai Fendou, but what choice did she have? She was just a weak woman, what could she do?


    As the two were talking, the unluckiest man in the world also happened to be coming out in the rain to use the restroom. Yes, this unlucky man was Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi felt he must have caught a chill from standing by the window, otherwise, how could he be feeling this way?


    Rubbing his stomach, he headed towards the restroom.


    The wind and rain were fierce that night, and Zhuang Zhixi ran over, not caring about the noise he was making. Even though his footsteps were heavy, they weren''t heard over the storm. As he ran, he was just a few steps away from the restroom when he saw a man and a woman emerge from the women''s restroom, walking side by side.


    Their six eyes met in an instant, and just then, a flash of lightning¡ªBOOM!


    The thunder roared, and Zhuang Zhixi recognized the two people in front of him: Yu Baoshan and Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face changed, and she knew instantly that everything was ruined.


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing this, also realized the situation was dire. If these two were together, Yu Baoshan would surely try to kill him to cover it up.


    Without a second thought, he turned and ran, screaming at the top of his lungs, "Help! Yu Baoshan is out! Help!"


    Yu Baoshan, startled by the shouting, reflexively chased after him...


    Zhuang Zhixi fled in panic, screaming, "Help! Somebody help!"


    The rain made things difficult; the wind and rain were so loud that his cries weren''t very noticeable. On a normal night, such screams in the dead of night would be very obvious, but not tonight.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Help!"


    Yu Baoshan pulled out a knife. Although he had used a big rock to attack Bai Fendou''s father, he now had a knife. He raised it and chased after Zhuang Zhixi, who was screaming and running as fast as he could.


    Just as he was about to enter the courtyard, THWACK!


    The knife struck the door, barely missing Zhuang Zhixi, who stumbled and fell in the opposite direction. Yu Baoshan raised the knife to strike again, but Zhuang Zhixi kicked out with his foot, causing Yu Baoshan to fall.


    Zhuang Zhixi scrambled to his feet and continued running, shouting, "Help! Yu Baoshan is killing people! Somebody help!"


    He couldn''t enter the courtyard; Yu Baoshan''s fall had blocked the entrance. Zhuang Zhixi ran towards Wang Xiangxiu, hoping to lead Yu Baoshan away. It was an instinctive decision in that moment of crisis.


    Yu Baoshan, now completely out of control, brandished his knife and slashed at Zhuang Zhixi. His family lived in the front courtyard, and his parents or older brother would likely come out to investigate first, or maybe even Ming Mei.


    He couldn''t let things escalate to that point. He couldn''t let his wife get hurt. Although Ming Mei was strong, she was four months pregnant, and he couldn''t take the risk. Zhuang Zhixi ran towards the end of the alley, while Wang Xiangxiu sat on the ground, trembling with fear. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi run back towards her, she also screamed, "Help! He''s killing people!"


    She didn''t want to die either!


    She practically crawled to her feet and followed Zhuang Zhixi, the two of them running for their lives as Yu Baoshan chased them with his knife. Their desperate cries finally woke up the neighbors.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s prediction was correct; the first to come out was Zhao Guihua. Being older, she slept lightly and was the first to wake up and respond. She heard her son''s voice.


    Hu Huihui, however, hadn''t slept either. Wang Xiangxiu hadn''t returned, so she hadn''t dared to sleep. She had heard the commotion early on but didn''t dare to move. If it meant risking her life to help others, she was absolutely unwilling to do so.


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang came out with sticks in hand, not even bothering to put on raincoats.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan also came out, and Zhao Guihua shouted, "Stay and guard the house."


    They couldn''t leave the women and children unprotected.


    They rushed out and saw someone being chased and attacked with a knife. Zhao Guihua shouted, "Yu Baoshan, you madman!"


    Seeing more people coming out, Yu Baoshan''s anger grew even more. He was always a ruthless person who left no room for retreat; otherwise, he wouldn''t have killed for money and jewels. But now, he was impulsive, his anger boiling over, wanting to kill anyone who dared to ruin his plans.


    Anyone who stood in his way would be eliminated, their lives taken, so they wouldn''t dare oppose him again.


    If it were the old Yu Baoshan, he would have carefully planned and schemed, but since losing his... dignity, he had become extremely irritable and emotionally unstable, unable to think rationally.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi ran like a rabbit, and Wang Xiangxiu also showed incredible stamina, both of them fleeing. Soon, more people came out, but seeing Yu Baoshan''s frenzy, they quickly shut their doors, not daring to intervene.


    Zhuang Zhixi cursed, "You cowards!"


    Abandoning them to their fate!


    Zhao Guihua and the others rushed over, but Zhuang Zhixi realized this wasn''t going to work. He glanced at the restroom, which had been rebuilt. Even if he wanted to lead Yu Baoshan into a pit of filth, it wasn''t possible. The rebuilt restroom was much sturdier.


    Seeing that there was still some distance between them, Zhuang Zhixi quickly climbed up the wall.


    Yu Baoshan slashed upward, but missed!


    He could have continued chasing Wang Xiangxiu, but he remembered that she had betrayed Bai Fendou, so he chose Zhuang Zhixi instead. Wang Xiangxiu might still be useful in the future. He could use her to take care of Bai Fendou if he escaped.


    Zhuang Zhixi picked up a tile and threw it at Yu Baoshan''s head!


    At that moment, Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua were also approaching, and Zhuang Zhixi shouted, "Mom and Dad, get out of here!"


    BOOM!


    Another flash of lightning lit up the sky, followed by thunder.


    Zhuang Zhixi saw his wife, Ming Mei, running out, and his heart nearly stopped. "Ming Mei, go back!"


    But Ming Mei didn''t listen to Zhuang Zhixi. The most capable fighter in their family was her. If she didn''t step in, no one else would help, and Zhuang Zhixi would be in trouble. Moreover, if they didn''t catch this man, he would come back for revenge. They had to stop him.


    Ming Mei had heard plenty of gossip in the courtyard and knew exactly what kind of ruthless person Yu Baoshan was.


    She couldn''t stand by and do nothing.


    Ming Mei grabbed a broom from the yard and ran over.


    "You damned woman!"


    Ming Mei was farther away than Zhao Guihua and the others, but seeing that they were already close, and Yu Baoshan was about to swing his knife to attack, Ming Mei suddenly threw the broom in her hand. She put all her strength into it, and the broom slammed heavily onto Yu Baoshan. He dodged, but just as he was about to raise his knife again, a tile hit him.


    "Zhuang Zhixi, you damned fool, come down!"


    With a powerful slash, he swung his knife upwards.


    Clang!


    In the blink of an eye, a sudden flash of lightning struck~


    A bolt of light gathered on the knife¡ªBoom!


    Bang!


    Yu Baoshan''s head started smoking, and he collapsed to the ground, convulsing...


    "Holy cow, what happened to him?"


    "Don''t move!" Zhao Guihua quickly stopped Old Man Zhuang: "Don''t touch him!"


    Zhuang Zhixi shouted, "Yu Baoshan got struck by lightning!"


    "What? No way!"


    "Seriously? That thunder was really loud. Is this karma?"


    "Should we go out and take a look?"


    "Probably not. Look, Zhuang Zhixi isn''t moving. He''s frozen."


    "Yeah."


    Zhuang Zhixi stood on the courtyard wall. From there, he could see everything. The commotion they caused had alerted many people, but no one dared to come out and help. If it were something minor, maybe someone would have stepped in, but Yu Baoshan was different.


    Yu Baoshan was armed with a knife, and his identity was... well, not someone to mess with.


    People were reluctant to get involved with some "association" or other, fearing that any intervention would only bring trouble. So, no one dared to step outside. But now that things had quieted down, people began to open their doors and peek outside.


    Seeing there was no danger, they gathered outside, completely ignoring the rain.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly jumped down from the wall and rushed to Ming Mei''s side. She wasn''t wearing a raincoat, so Zhuang Zhixi quickly took off his own and draped it over her, wrapping his arms around her. "Honey, are you okay? Why didn''t you listen to me? I told you not to come out."


    Ming Mei said seriously, "You''re my man. Others might not save you, but I have to."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes reddened.


    Indeed, in this world, how many people would risk their lives for you? Out of all these people, only his parents and his wife had come out for him. He forced a smile and asked, "How do you feel? Is the baby okay? Any discomfort?"


    Ming Mei shook her head. "They''re fine. They know their mom is saving their dad."


    Zhuang Zhixi gently stroked Ming Mei''s cold cheeks.


    Since Yu Baoshan had been struck by lightning and possibly electrocuted, no one dared to approach him.


    After all, you can''t just touch someone who''s been electrocuted. His condition was even more uncertain.


    "I''ll go call the police station."


    "Okay, go ahead."


    "Everyone, don''t move."


    "Don''t touch anything on the ground either..."


    Before they could finish, another flash of lightning struck¡ªBoom!


    Crack!


    Everyone watched in horror as another bolt of lightning struck Yu Baoshan directly. This time, he wasn''t just smoking¡ªhe was completely charred.


    Everyone stood frozen, too scared to move.


    "Oh my god... Run home!"


    "This is too scary! Hurry, go back inside!"


    "What kind of sins did he commit to get struck by lightning like that?"


    "Is he dead?"


    "I don''t know. Let''s get out of here!"


    Zhuang Zhixi ushered Ming Mei and his parents back inside. "Let''s go in first. I''ll stand by the door and keep an eye out until the police arrive."


    "Alright!"


    "Hurry!"


    No one dared to stay outside in such a thunderstorm.


    The crowd dispersed quickly, everyone rushing back to their homes without hesitation.


    Safety first.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, take care of Ming Mei. I''ll wait here for the police and explain what happened."


    "Okay."


    Everyone went back to their homes. Ming Mei''s face was pale. Zhao Guihua quickly said, "I''ll make some ginger tea. Ming Mei, sit down. If you feel unwell, let me know. Otherwise, we might need to go to the hospital."


    Ming Mei replied, "I''ll be fine after a rest. I just ran too fast."


    She hadn''t done anything, just ran out in a hurry.


    Seeing that Ming Mei was soaked from the rain, Zhao Guihua said, "Meifen, bring the hot water kettle from your room. Ming Mei, go back to your room and take a hot shower to warm up."


    Liang Meifen immediately got to work. She had woken up upon hearing the commotion. Her husband, Zhuang Zhiyuan, had wanted to go out but was stopped by Zhao Guihua. Zhuang Zhiyuan was anxious, pacing back and forth, but he couldn''t leave. There were two kids, his wife, and his pregnant sister-in-law at home. Who knew what was happening outside? If someone barged in, Liang Meifen alone wouldn''t be able to protect everyone.


    So, despite his worry, Zhuang Zhiyuan didn''t go out.


    Liang Meifen was also scared out of her wits.


    But Ming Mei had rushed out without hesitation.


    She didn''t know what was happening and didn''t dare to ask too many questions. She helped Ming Mei back to her room. "Sister-in-law, you go out. I''ll just take a quick shower."


    Ming Mei was also worried about catching a cold, which wouldn''t be good for the babies. She didn''t refuse her mother-in-law''s kindness and took a hot shower, washing her hair and body. Afterward, she felt the chill leave her body.


    Even though it was a hot day, Ming Mei didn''t dare take any risks.


    After putting on a long-sleeve shirt, she returned to the main house. Zhao Guihua had already prepared some ginger tea. "Drink some."


    Ming Mei softly replied, "Mm-hmm."


    Zhao Guihua added, "You don''t have to go to work tomorrow. And the day after too. Take a few days off to rest at home."


    Ming Mei agreed, "Okay."


    By this time, a few neighbors had come over. Aunt Wang had gone out to help Zhuang Zhixi deal with the situation. Li Fang and Jiang Lu also arrived. Over the past few months, the pregnant women had often gathered to share experiences. Things were different from before.


    "Ming Mei, how do you feel? Any discomfort? If you''re not feeling well, we should go to the hospital. Don''t take any chances."


    "Yeah, you were so brave to rush out like that."


    Ming Mei smiled softly. "If I didn''t go out, who would? He''s my man."


    "I heard someone got struck by lightning and died?"


    Many people had seen it, and even those who hadn''t gone out had quickly heard about it.


    Ming Mei replied, "I don''t know if he''s dead. He got struck twice."


    Li Fang and Jiang Lu both sighed. "He must have done so many bad things to get struck by lightning like that."


    Ming Mei nodded. "Exactly."


    She looked up and said, "Mom, Dad, you should take a shower too."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We''ll take care of that. Don''t worry. I''ll just heat up some water and feel much better."


    She said, "You rest here. I''ll go out and see what''s going on."


    As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Aunt Su helping Wang Xiangxiu, who looked half-dead.


    "What happened to her?"


    Zhao Guihua suddenly remembered that Wang Xiangxiu had also been outside.


    "Should we take her to the hospital?"


    Aunt Su replied, "She''s just weak from running. She''ll be fine after a rest."


    Hospital?


    That would cost money.


    Did Wang Xiangxiu deserve to spend money on medical care?


    Aunt Su decided to just take her to the factory clinic the next day for some cheap medicine.


    But she didn''t say that out loud. Instead, she said with concern, "I was just telling her to go to the hospital, but she refused. She wants to wait until the investigation is over. She''s such a kind-hearted person."


    At that moment, the police arrived. Due to the thunderstorm, they didn''t approach the unfortunate man immediately. After checking, they confirmed that he was dead beyond doubt.


    It seemed everyone was right¡ªhe had indeed been struck by lightning and killed.


    Since the man was already dead, they didn''t move him, fearing another lightning strike.


    The lead officer, Lao Wang, recognized Zhuang Zhixi and asked, "Hey, where''s your wife?"


    Lao Wang had been trying for years to persuade Ming Mei to work for the police department. Before Zhuang Zhixi could answer, someone else with Lao Wang asked curiously, "His wife?"


    "Yeah, the ''Bus Tigress.'' Heard of her?"


    "Oh, oh, oh. Yeah, I''ve heard of her."


    Looking at Zhuang Zhixi, they thought, "You can''t judge a book by its cover. He sure married a tough one."


    "My wife is pregnant, and I was in such a hurry earlier that I was afraid she might have hurt the baby, so I told her to go back," he said with a wry smile. "You know, I think I''m just cursed. Why did I have to come out in the rain to use the bathroom..."


    Lao Wang patted his shoulder and said, "Tell me the specifics."


    Zhuang Zhixi was very detailed, as he was innocent in this matter and saw no reason to hold back.


    "I knew something was wrong when I saw him with Wang Xiangxiu. I thought he might kill me to cover it up. After all, this guy had already smashed a brick into Uncle Bai''s head earlier today, so I ran for my life. The more I ran, the harder he chased..."


    Zhuang Zhixi led everyone to recreate the scene. A few more people arrived, including some from the neighborhood committee and the revolutionary committee.


    No one said much; they just followed Zhuang Zhixi as he recounted his escape route. "See, I climbed over this wall here. He tried to cut me a few times. Then a lightning bolt struck the knife, and he collapsed..."


    He continued, "The second lightning strike happened when everyone was around, and they all saw it. Damn, there must have been at least a dozen or even twenty people standing here, and yet the lightning seemed to know exactly who to hit¡ªit just zapped him right there."


    Everyone glanced at the blackened Yu Baoshan, their faces contorted in disbelief.


    "Did you see him come out of the bathroom with Wang Xiangxiu?" someone from the revolutionary committee asked.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded.


    The group quickly found Wang Xiangxiu, who was sitting under the eaves, still trembling. She had been sitting there for a while, her mind racing to figure out what to say. She couldn''t tell the whole truth; she still had her pride, and she couldn''t admit what had happened to her.


    She coughed and said, "I... I went to the bathroom, and he suddenly rushed out and kidnapped me. Then, then..." She began to cry, looking utterly desperate. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone exchanged knowing glances.


    Men and women, they understood.


    She must have been about to do something, right?


    But Wang Xiangxiu didn''t mention that. Instead, she said, "He forced me, forced me to lure Bai Fendou out. I refused, and he hit me." She showed her swollen face. "He hates Bai Fendou so much, he said Bai Fendou left him childless and destitute. He knew I had a good relationship with Bai Fendou, that Bai Fendou treated me like an older sister, and I treated him like a younger brother. So he kept pressuring me. I didn''t want to agree, but I had no choice. He threatened my son, said if I didn''t go to the hospital to lure Bai Fendou out, he''d kill my son. I had no choice but to pretend to agree, thinking I''d find a way to escape once I was outside. But then I ran into Zhuang Zhixi... and everything just turned into chaos. Zhuang Zhixi saw him with the knife and ran, and he chased after him. I was scared and ran too, and we were all running around while he just kept swinging that knife. Then, I don''t know how, but a lightning bolt struck him, and he just... collapsed."


    "Was he here to kill Bai Fendou?" someone asked.


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded.


    "But why would he...?"


    One of the committee members quickly pulled the leader aside and whispered, "Boss, don''t you remember? Yu Baoshan is childless because of a fight with Bai Fendou. He came to seek revenge earlier today and smashed a brick into Bai Fendou''s father''s head."


    "Oh~~~"


    "I remember now. That''s what happened."


    They had assumed that Yu Baoshan, once released, would go looking for gold and jewels. Instead, his first move was to seek revenge?


    This was... well, it fit Yu Baoshan''s character.


    Maybe he had completely lost his precious treasures and had no choice but to focus on revenge first.


    Still, to be struck by lightning?


    This was something you''d only see in old tales or plays. No one had ever seen such a thing in real life.


    Although they couldn''t promote superstition, everyone silently thought the same thing: this was karma. He must have been getting what he deserved, being struck by lightning twice!


    It was... oh man!


    Terrifying!

 Chapter 110

    The rain poured down heavily, showing no signs of stopping even during the day.However, the police officers, together with the neighborhood committee and other officials, were all clad in raincoats, inspecting the scene.


    This incident was just too bizarre, so it had to be thoroughly investigated. Otherwise, the matter of someone being struck by lightning would inevitably spark some unfavorable rumors among the public. Officer Wang, the most experienced among them, was leading the investigation.


    He was accompanied by a few forensic experts as they examined the scene, while a dense crowd of onlookers gathered around, watching the spectacle. Zhuang Zhixi had taken the day off work, and so had Ming Mei.


    Both of them were among the crowd. Officer Wang scanned the area and then waved to Zhuang Zhixi, who quickly scurried over and asked, ¡°Officer Wang, you called for me?¡±


    Officer Wang nodded and asked, ¡°How many times did he slash at the wall while chasing you?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°How could I remember? There were quite a few. I just kept hitting him with a tile. Oh, by the way, Officer Wang, you see, I¡¯m a victim here. I¡¯m so unlucky¡ªI just went to the restroom and ran into a criminal. Do you think it¡¯s fair? And this tile¡ªyou can¡¯t make me pay for it, right?¡±


    Officer Wang: ¡°...¡±


    So, all you care about is the tile?


    But it¡¯s true that getting caught up in such a mess and having to pay for damages is quite unfortunate.


    He said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this matter. We¡¯ll handle the communication with his workplace and family.¡±


    The neighborhood committee representative added, ¡°We¡¯ll take care of it first.¡±


    Officer Wang agreed, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Everyone knew that the victim shouldn¡¯t be held responsible. It was better to settle this cleanly and avoid any awkwardness.


    He then asked, ¡°Did he do anything else besides slashing at you?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head and said, ¡°I was too panicked at the time. I didn¡¯t notice if he did anything else, but I don¡¯t think so. That scoundrel¡ªboth Wang Xiangxiu and I were running away. I even climbed onto the roof, and he still chased after me with his knife. Seriously, even in such a situation, he still favored men over women.¡±


    Officer Wang: ¡°...You really shouldn¡¯t misuse words like that.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, ¡°I¡¯m so damn unlucky.¡±


    He lamented, ¡°There¡¯s always something happening with the restroom here. I¡¯m scared to even go at night now. What kind of mess is this?¡±


    Officer Wang said, ¡°Alright, stop complaining. I ask you one question, and you go off on ten tangents. Can¡¯t you act like a man?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted confidently, ¡°When it¡¯s a matter of life and death, who cares about acting like a man or a woman? If I were a woman, he wouldn¡¯t have chased me, and I wouldn¡¯t have minded. But you don¡¯t understand¡ªI was really scared out of my wits. His family should compensate me.¡±


    He added seriously, ¡°At least some nutrition fees would be nice.¡±


    Officer Wang was speechless. He pushed Zhuang Zhixi aside and asked, ¡°Old Qin, what¡¯s the situation?¡±


    Old Qin was calm and composed. ¡°In short, he brought this upon himself.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    Officer Wang knew that Old Qin always spoke objectively, without any bias.


    Old Qin pointed to a section of a fallen wire on the ground and explained, ¡°See this wire? He must have cut it while chasing Zhuang Zhixi up the wall. Look here¡ªthese wires are all exposed, running along the walls under the eaves. When he cut it, it naturally fell to the ground. Last night¡¯s weather was terrible¡ªthe ground was soaked with water, creating the perfect conditions for electrocution. There was thunder and lightning, and the area was flooded. Plus, the handle of his knife was made of a material that conducts electricity easily in the rain. So, who else would the lightning strike? Even if it hadn¡¯t struck him, he was already at high risk of electrocution. He basically created the perfect environment for a lightning strike. If he had just run away, he wouldn¡¯t have died. Even if he had chased Wang Xiangxiu, he might not have been struck. But he had to go and cut the wire.¡±


    At this point, there was no distinction between forensic and investigative work¡ªeveryone pitched in.


    Old Qin gave a detailed explanation and concluded with a shrug, ¡°Simply put, he cut the wire, stepped on it, and was holding a knife with a conductive handle. That¡¯s what attracted the lightning.¡±


    The scene fell silent. Old Qin had laid out the facts clearly, but everyone was fixated on the final conclusion¡ªhe had essentially killed himself.


    What incredibly bad luck.


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned. He had never imagined that so many coincidences could lead to Yu Baoshan¡¯s death. He exclaimed, ¡°I thought the lightning strike was an act of¡ª¡±


    He stopped himself mid-sentence.


    Of course, even if he had said it, no one would have held it against him, as everyone was thinking the same thing.


    Before the forensic team had analyzed the scene, everyone had assumed it was divine retribution. After all, even in a storm, it¡¯s rare for lightning to strike the same person twice in one night¡ªit was as if the heavens were determined to kill him.


    But now... a perfectly scientific explanation had been found.


    However, even though it seemed scientific, it only made the whole thing feel even more unscientific. Think about it¡ªhow many coincidences had to align, and all of them were his own doing. It was as if he was deliberately tempting fate.


    With Yu Baoshan¡¯s knack for self-sabotage, it¡¯s a wonder he hadn¡¯t died sooner.


    Wasn¡¯t this just fate?


    What had Yu Baoshan done to deserve such a punishment?


    ¡°Alright, Little Qin, let¡¯s pack him up and take him away.¡±


    A young man in a police uniform with a white lab coat over it approached.


    Yes, both Old Qin and Little Qin shared the same surname¡ªall the forensic experts were Qins.


    Director Wang from the neighborhood committee stepped forward and said, ¡°Officer Wang, I was wondering if we could ask Old Qin to host a safety workshop for our community. It¡¯s the rainy season now, with frequent thunderstorms. We¡¯d like to learn how to stay safe.¡±


    While no one in their right mind would go around cutting wires, they had heard about how certain knife materials could conduct electricity, which was something they didn¡¯t fully understand. As a responsible director, she felt it was her duty to organize such a workshop to educate everyone.


    Officer Wang nodded, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. How about this¡ªI¡¯ll file a report later and have Old Qin come over to give a few lectures. We can cover some everyday safety tips too.¡±


    ¡°That would be great.¡±


    If done well, this initiative could also count as a political achievement.


    Director Wang was pleased. The neighborhood committee, seeing this gaining momentum, chimed in, ¡°We¡¯d like to join as well.¡±


    Officer Wang replied, ¡°Sure, that¡¯s fine.¡±


    Usually, they were quite full of themselves, but now they were being polite. Who wouldn¡¯t be? They were scared too. Yu Baoshan¡¯s death was just too eerie. They spent their days criticizing others for superstition, but that didn¡¯t mean they didn¡¯t harbor some beliefs themselves. This incident was just too strange.


    If you said it wasn¡¯t divine retribution, no one would believe you.


    Officer Wang had finished the investigation, and everyone was starting to leave. He waved to the crowd in the pouring rain and said, ¡°Everyone, head back now. It¡¯s not safe to stay outside for too long during a thunderstorm.¡±


    He then turned and quietly instructed, ¡°We need to get these wires fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further accidents.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Officer Wang then asked, ¡°What about Yu Baoshan¡¯s family?¡±


    ¡°Ever since he hit Bai Fendou¡¯s father with a brick yesterday, his family has been keeping their distance, afraid of getting involved.¡±


    Officer Wang shook his head slightly, lamenting the lack of familial affection.


    But in these times, it wasn¡¯t uncommon for family members to turn against each other. In his line of work, he had seen it all. After a while, it didn¡¯t faze him anymore. Different people react differently¡ªit¡¯s just the way of the world.


    He ordered, ¡°Let¡¯s wrap it up.¡±


    Director Wang, however, didn¡¯t leave immediately. Instead, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s go too. We should remind everyone in this area to be careful.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Even in the heavy rain, they had to carry out their duties. Safety was paramount. People stood around in small groups, reluctant to go home. While they were afraid of death, there was always that lingering thought¡ªsuch bizarre things wouldn¡¯t happen to them.


    No one seemed particularly eager to leave.


    The crowd began to chatter: "What do you think Yu Baoshan did that was so bad he got struck by lightning?"


    "It wasn¡¯t because of the environment or the power lines or something like that¡­" Many had heard the explanation but didn¡¯t quite understand it. Still, they knew they had to be careful in such situations in the future, or they¡¯d be in trouble.


    "Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Even if it was because of those things, he still got struck by lightning. And didn¡¯t you hear what the old man said? He cut the power line himself. He brought it on himself. Isn¡¯t that just asking for it?"


    "That¡¯s true. He really¡­ But what about his family?"


    "They¡¯re probably too ashamed to show their faces. Yesterday they didn¡¯t come out because they were afraid Bai Fendou would hold them accountable and demand compensation. Now they¡¯re not coming out because they¡¯re too embarrassed. I mean, he was struck by lightning! Who knows what kind of evil deeds he must have done."


    "He broke up his sister¡¯s relationship, sent her to the countryside, and stole her job. Isn¡¯t that enough? Her boyfriend broke up with her because she was sent down to the countryside with no hope of returning. And then Yu Baoshan went to him demanding money, causing a scene if he didn¡¯t get it. I heard he extorted 150 yuan from him. Can you believe how shameless he was? Then, when the guy got engaged to someone else, Yu Baoshan showed up again. The guy¡¯s parents were so scared of him they had no choice but to give him another 50 yuan. And he didn¡¯t even work at the job he stole from his sister. He just wore a red armband and wandered around all day, but the factory still had to pay him. If they didn¡¯t, he¡¯d accuse them of something. The textile factory has suffered because of him for a long time." This person clearly knew a lot about the situation.


    "Oh, by the way, what¡¯s going to happen to his job now that he¡¯s dead?"


    "I know, I know. I live in the same courtyard as his family. None of them went to work today. They¡¯ve been arguing behind closed doors all day, fighting over who gets Yu Baoshan¡¯s house and his job. It¡¯s a mess. Yu Baoshan had a room to himself, and now they¡¯re all fighting over it. And the job¡ªit was originally his sister¡¯s¡­"


    "Do you think the girl can come back?" This was Ming Mei, who had been listening to the gossip in the crowd. She chimed in, "It was her job in the first place. Yu Baoshan took it from her. Shouldn¡¯t it be returned to her now?"


    "Ah, young Mrs. Zhuang, you don¡¯t understand. Your family didn¡¯t have anyone sent down to the countryside, did you?"


    Ming Mei nodded. "No, I¡¯m the youngest in my family. I missed the big wave of people being sent down. And I don¡¯t have any younger siblings, so there was no need."


    "Ah, your parents really timed it well. You don¡¯t understand what it¡¯s like. Once you¡¯re sent down, it¡¯s very hard to come back. It¡¯s not just a matter of whether the factory wants you back. There are layers of bureaucracy to navigate, and it¡¯s not easy. Plus, the policies are stricter now. Before, it was just a suggestion to go down to the countryside, but now it¡¯s mandatory. And every family has to send at least one person. There¡¯s no way his family can bring their daughter back."


    Ming Mei sighed.


    Zhuang Zhixi joined the conversation. "I also think it¡¯s impossible for their daughter to come back. But as for the job, I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be able to keep it. It¡¯s pointless to fight over it."


    "Why¡¯s that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Think about it. Yu Baoshan was never liked by the leadership. He never showed up for work and used threats to keep his job. Do you think the leaders would want to keep him around? And now he¡¯s died in such a disgraceful way¡ªstruck by lightning after causing trouble. The factory has every reason to get rid of him."


    It¡¯s true that people weren¡¯t usually fired unless they made a big mistake, but Yu Baoshan had injured someone and then gone after them with a knife.


    No one would consider him a good person.


    And, to be a bit cynical, if they fired him, it would free up a position that they could "reassign" to someone else. Of course, that part didn¡¯t need to be said out loud¡ªit didn¡¯t sound very good.


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "We¡¯ll just have to wait for the official announcement. This matter will probably be decided soon."


    "That¡¯s true."


    "Hey, what about Wang Xiangxiu? She came out of the bathroom with Yu Baoshan. Do you think she was really just threatened into going to find Bai Fendou?" Some people were more interested in this kind of gossip. The crowd chuckled suggestively.


    "Who knows? Only she knows the truth."


    "Can¡¯t you think of something positive? Don¡¯t be so cynical. Maybe nothing happened at all. Yu Baoshan wasn¡¯t exactly in a state to do anything, was he?"


    "Hey, that¡¯s not fair. That¡¯s not how it works. The one who¡¯s completely incapable is Zhou Qun. Yu Baoshan wasn¡¯t like that. He couldn¡¯t have children anymore, but he was still capable of other things. He probably could¡¯ve done something."


    Zhuang Zhixi silently pitied his "good neighbor" Zhou Qun, who had been dragged into this for no reason.


    "I don¡¯t think Wang Xiangxiu is innocent. With her face, her figure, and her¡­ assets, Yu Baoshan couldn¡¯t have resisted her¡­"


    "Not necessarily¡­"


    Director Wang interrupted, "Alright, alright, stop talking about this. If nothing happened, then don¡¯t spread rumors. Don¡¯t ruin her reputation. She¡¯s a single mother, and it¡¯s not easy for her. Plus, she¡¯s a victim in all this. Everyone, go home. Go home now."


    "Go home, everyone! Don¡¯t gather outside during a thunderstorm. Go home!" The neighborhood committee members began dispersing the crowd.


    "Don¡¯t crowd together. If you want to chat, wait until the weather¡¯s better. Go home, everyone. Go home now."


    Zhuang Zhixi took Ming Mei¡¯s hand. "Let¡¯s go home."


    Ming Mei nodded softly. She had taken three days off work.


    It wasn¡¯t that she was trying to slack off. Zhao Guihua had insisted, saying that last night¡¯s events had been too frightening and that Ming Mei needed to rest at home to avoid any risk to her pregnancy.


    Of course, that wasn¡¯t the only reason.


    Zhao Guihua was also worried about Ming Mei going back to work as a bus conductor. Even though Ming Mei had been transferred to a different position, Zhao Guihua still wasn¡¯t comfortable with it. So she took advantage of the situation to have Ming Mei take a few days off.


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t know what Zhao Guihua was thinking, but she trusted her premonitory dreams, so she listened to her mother-in-law. Both of them had their own thoughts, but they were on the same page. Zhao Guihua said, "When the rain lets up this afternoon, I¡¯ll take you to the hospital for another check-up. We need to be careful."


    Ming Mei replied, "Alright."


    The Zhuang family headed home together. Even though such a big incident had happened the night before, not many people had taken the day off. People back then weren¡¯t the type to slack off. They were diligent and rarely missed a day of work.


    In their courtyard, only four people had taken the day off.


    One was Bai Fendou. His father was in the hospital, and his condition was serious, so he had no choice but to take care of him.


    The second was Jiang Lu. She had finally gotten pregnant, and she was extremely cautious. She¡¯d take time off at the slightest hint of trouble. She was taking half the month off and didn¡¯t care about her salary. While some people had issues with this, there wasn¡¯t much they could say.


    Again, as long as you didn¡¯t make a big mistake, state-owned enterprises wouldn¡¯t fire you.


    And Jiang Lu worked in the Women¡¯s Federation, which was a relatively easy department. Her absence didn¡¯t affect the work. As for the salary deductions, Jiang Lu didn¡¯t care. Of course she didn¡¯t care. Even though she¡¯d been handing over her salary all these years, after the recent incident, she had taken control of Zhou Qun¡¯s salary. Zhou Qun had saved up 5,000 yuan, which was a huge sum back then. Jiang Lu suspected he had even more, and she planned to slowly take it all. The 5,000 yuan was just a lump sum he¡¯d deposited in the bank.


    Don¡¯t think it¡¯s strange that Zhou Qun had 5,000 yuan. It¡¯s not strange at all. Jiang Lu had been covering all the household expenses, and Zhou Qun had been working for over a decade. He started working early, at fourteen or fifteen. Even though he had to support his family in the early years, after Jiang Lu married into the family, he stopped contributing to the household. Because he had a "good relationship" with his mentor¡¯s wife, he had connections and rose through the ranks quickly. His salary was high from the start, and he¡¯d been getting raises over the years.


    So 5,000 yuan was actually on the low side for him.


    Although he handed over the bankbook, Jiang Lu believed that he still had some money that wasn¡¯t deposited in the bank. This wasn¡¯t surprising, as people nowadays still preferred to keep cash on hand. So, it was likely that only a portion of his money was in the bank. Jiang Lu had no evidence of exactly how much he still had, but she was determined to get her hands on it eventually.


    Besides this money, she also retrieved the thousand yuan from her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law had been taken from the hospital in a hurry, leaving no time to hide the money again. The last time there was a theft, Jiang Lu had seen where the old woman hid her money. Now that her mother-in-law wasn¡¯t around, Jiang Lu simply took it all. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for getting it back? Forget about it.


    That money was rightfully hers.


    It was her salary, and she had already been more than generous with the old woman. But from now on, there would be no more of that. Jiang Lu now had six thousand yuan in cash, and she still received her monthly salary. Her childbirth expenses were also covered by her workplace, so she wasn¡¯t worried about anything. She could rest and recover without a care in the world.


    Because of this, and because she had been a little scared the night before, coupled with the heavy rain and thunderstorm today, Jiang Lu decided not to go to work.


    The last ones not going to work were Ming Mei and her husband.


    As ¡°witnesses¡± from last night, it was understandable that they didn¡¯t go to work. They were too shaken, weren¡¯t they? On the other hand, Wang Xiangxiu, who had also experienced a lot last night, still managed to go to work today. She was truly resilient. She couldn¡¯t bear to miss a day¡¯s work.


    Despite the heavy rain, it didn¡¯t stop people from visiting each other. Soon, someone came to the Zhuang household.


    A group of women sat together, chatting about this and that. Zhuang Zhixi, the only man who hadn¡¯t gone to work, didn¡¯t feel the slightest bit embarrassed.


    Old Wang: ¡°Zhuang Zhixi, isn¡¯t it a pity to miss a day¡¯s work? You don¡¯t seem to have anything wrong with you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Nothing wrong with me? Look at my face, isn¡¯t it pale? I was scared last night.¡±


    Old Wang: ¡°¡­¡±


    He added, ¡°Besides, I¡¯m taking my wife to the hospital this afternoon. We need to make sure everything¡¯s alright.¡±


    The topic shifted to Ming Mei, who gently shook her head and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t actually done anything last night; she had just run over in a hurry and was a bit shaken.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a brave child. How could you, a pregnant woman with two kids, dare to run out like that? What if something had happened?¡±


    Ming Mei scratched her head, feeling a little embarrassed. She said softly, ¡°I just got carried away at the moment. I thought, if no one went to help Zhuang Zhixi, what would happen? Even though running over might have risked a miscarriage, it wasn¡¯t certain. And I was confident I could handle Yu Baoshan. I had to prioritize the person in immediate danger.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chimed in, ¡°My wife was just worried about me.¡±


    He chuckled and said, ¡°So you see, having a good wife gives you so much peace of mind. But I¡¯m lucky¡ªnot just my wife, but my mother is also amazing. The women in our family are all strong, so the men can afford to be little guys.¡±


    Uh¡­ Aren¡¯t you embarrassed to say that out loud?


    The women rolled their eyes in unison, a sea of eye-rolls.


    Zhuang Zhixi remained unfazed and continued, ¡°If people knew, they¡¯d be so jealous that I found such a good wife.¡±


    ¡°Zhuang Zhixi¡­¡± Old Wang wanted to say something, but seeing that her friend Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t say anything, she decided to let it go. She just said, ¡°You¡¯d better be careful.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed.


    ¡°By the way, did Ming Mei take leave from work?¡±


    ¡°She did. Luo Xiaohe helped her apply for it,¡± Zhao Guihua said. She usually called Luo Xiaohe by her name because, although Luo Xiaohe was technically a generation older in terms of family relations, she was only two or three years older than Zhao Guihua and looked even younger. Standing side by side, people would assume Zhao Guihua was the older one. So, calling Luo Xiaohe ¡°Auntie¡± was something Zhao Guihua just couldn¡¯t bring herself to do.


    Luo Xiaohe worked as a temporary employee at a bookstore near the bus station where Ming Mei worked, so she had offered to help Ming Mei apply for leave early in the morning. In such circumstances, they couldn¡¯t deny her the time off, could they?


    Ming Mei: ¡°I took three days off. I¡¯ll submit the medical certificate when I go back to work.¡±


    So, she really did need to go to the hospital; otherwise, taking three days off without a medical certificate would be hard to justify. Her leave was different from Jiang Lu¡¯s. Ming Mei¡¯s was a medical leave with a certificate, so the company would cover it, and her salary wouldn¡¯t be deducted.


    Jiang Lu, on the other hand, simply said she wasn¡¯t feeling well and didn¡¯t go to work. Although it was also ¡°illness,¡± without a medical certificate or proof, it was considered personal leave, which meant her salary would be deducted. But Jiang Lu didn¡¯t seem to care about that.


    Ming Mei: ¡°Luckily, things are slow in our department.¡±


    However, what Ming Mei didn¡¯t know was that not going to work today actually saved her some trouble.


    Sometimes, things just happen for a reason.


    Today, the bus team came to borrow someone, and they specifically asked for Ming Mei.


    If Ming Mei had been at work¡­ well, she wouldn¡¯t have agreed, but it would have caused some awkwardness.


    At the bus station, Jiang Baohong, the new female leader of the bus team, came to the office to borrow someone.


    Half a month ago, the previous leader of the bus team had retired, and Jiang Baohong, a woman in her forties, had taken over. She had immediately started making big changes. A new broom sweeps clean, and she was no exception. First, she required drivers and attendants to clean the bus windows every morning. Second, she strictly prohibited internal shift swaps.


    In the bus team, because shifts were irregular, employees would arrange their days off in advance. But sometimes, unexpected things came up, so the attendants would often swap shifts among themselves.


    For example, even though today was supposed to be Xiao Hong¡¯s shift, Xiao Green would actually work instead. Xiao Hong would take the day off, and when it was Xiao Green¡¯s turn to work, Xiao Hong would return the favor.


    This was their own arrangement, and in the bus station¡¯s official records, it would still show the originally scheduled person. This wasn¡¯t like decades later; back then, this was a common practice, and as long as the work got done, no one minded.


    But Jiang Baohong outright banned it.


    She was all about rules. Was she right? Yes.


    But for everyone else, it was just annoying. Who didn¡¯t have emergencies sometimes? Swapping shifts was better than taking a day off, which would mean losing a day¡¯s pay.


    But Jiang Baohong didn¡¯t care about that.


    In addition, she also demanded that attendants strictly crack down on theft on the buses. No one was to be let off.


    Everything Jiang Baohong did was technically correct, but it made everyone uncomfortable.


    She expected the attendants to catch thieves, but not everyone was like Ming Mei. Most attendants were delicate women, while the thieves were often burly men. It was a dangerous task.


    Since Jiang Baohong took over, the bus team had been filled with complaints.


    Jiang Baohong had heard about Ming Mei¡¯s prowess. After all, Ming Mei had been rewarded several times for catching thieves, and it was all on record. Jiang Baohong had wanted to use Ming Mei as a poster child.


    She had even planned to transfer Ming Mei to a long-distance route with more thieves. That way, if Ming Mei caught thieves, it would reflect well on Jiang Baohong as her direct supervisor. If she could take credit for it, even better.


    It would show how effective her leadership was!


    She had it all planned out, but to her dismay, she found out that Ming Mei had been transferred to the office as a statistician.


    This infuriated her.


    She thought her predecessor was a complete idiot, a real fool who had only made things harder for her. She had everything planned, but it had all fallen apart.


    She wanted to have someone transferred back immediately, but that was just wishful thinking. She was in charge of the vehicle team, which was a different department from the office. The office director and the vehicle team director were of the same rank, so she had no authority to transfer someone from the office.


    Moreover, even if a transfer were possible, it would require the person¡¯s consent. Forcing it was out of the question.


    However, Jiang Baohong didn¡¯t even consider Ming Mei¡¯s feelings. She believed she could persuade Ming Mei. What was the problem? Women should strive harder. How could they waste their days in an office? They should be pushing themselves to achieve more!


    She had it all figured out, but she couldn¡¯t force the office¡¯s hand. The office didn¡¯t think much of her either, and who could blame them? Most of the staff at the bus station were old acquaintances, and many of the younger employees had taken over their parents¡¯ jobs to avoid being sent to the countryside.


    In other words, most of them were long-time colleagues. Jiang Baohong, as a newcomer parachuted into the position, was already stirring up trouble. Who would give her any respect?


    If she really wanted to do well, she could work hard on her own, but she kept making demands on others, stepping on people to climb higher, which only made her more unpopular. On top of that, Ming Mei was pregnant with twins. Who would dare mess with that?


    So the office simply ignored Jiang Baohong¡¯s request.


    Jiang Baohong had heard that Ming Mei was pregnant, but she didn¡¯t think it was a big deal. People used to work through minor injuries, didn¡¯t they? Pregnancy was just a temporary condition. Back in the day, women even gave birth in the fields. Why couldn¡¯t Ming Mei hold her post until the end?


    If something happened to the baby, it was just fate. Such a child wouldn¡¯t be healthy anyway, so it was better not to have it. Jiang Baohong didn¡¯t see any issue with wanting to transfer Ming Mei back to the vehicle team as a ticket seller. She thought she was helping Ming Mei improve herself.


    However, her work wasn¡¯t going smoothly. She knew the relationships here were complicated, and it was hard for a newcomer to make a mark. But she didn¡¯t think she was in the wrong. Instead, she believed that overcoming these challenges would prove her competence.


    Her first move was to try to use Ming Mei. She wanted Ming Mei to help catch thieves on the bus. Transferring someone wasn¡¯t an option, but since no one was paying attention to her, she decided to borrow someone instead. Coincidentally, it was raining heavily that day, so she rushed over to borrow someone.


    As everyone knew, bus thefts were more common on rainy days.


    Although she was an outsider transferred from another place, she was aware of this. Raincoats and wet conditions made it easier for thieves to operate unnoticed. Statistics showed that thefts were more frequent during bad weather like rain or snow.


    So early in the morning, she hurried over to borrow someone.


    She didn¡¯t realize that her actions were widely criticized. Almost everyone at the bus station disliked her because of this. It wasn¡¯t that everyone liked Ming Mei, or even knew her, but Jiang Baohong¡¯s insistence on sending a pregnant woman to work as a bus attendant to catch thieves¡ªthough she didn¡¯t explicitly say it¡ªwas obvious to everyone.


    This made people think she had no morals.


    If this wasn¡¯t endangering someone, what was?


    She was willing to sacrifice others for her own benefit, even if it meant risking the lives of a pregnant woman and her unborn twins. Her lack of concern spoke volumes about her character.


    On top of that, she pressured drivers and attendants to catch thieves and denied them internal leave. All these incidents had already sparked widespread resentment before she could even make a name for herself.


    People thought, if she could treat others like this now, what would happen if she got promoted and had more authority? Wouldn¡¯t she harm them too?


    The vehicle team was already overworked, which was why they received an extra three yuan in subsidies. Yet, she still wanted to stir up trouble. If she were to manage other departments like logistics or the office¡ªplaces where people could slack off¡ªit would be even worse.


    For these reasons, almost everyone wished she would just leave.


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s poor relationships didn¡¯t bother her. She understood that people resented her as a woman who had been parachuted into the position, but she wasn¡¯t afraid. She believed she was more capable than most and was determined to reform the station¡¯s deep-rooted problems and achieve results.


    So early in the morning, she went to the office to borrow someone. She had already decided that if they refused, she wouldn¡¯t leave until she got her way.


    A transfer required approval from various departments, but borrowing someone only needed the leader¡¯s consent.


    As for the person¡¯s own wishes?


    Why wouldn¡¯t they agree!


    She had no idea about Ming Mei¡¯s personality. If she did, she would have known that Ming Mei would refuse.


    But she didn¡¯t know that and was determined. ¡°Old Chen, you have to lend her to me. We¡¯re all part of the same unit. If I achieve results, it reflects well on everyone. Besides, she¡¯s so skilled. What can she do in the office? She¡¯d be able to shine in the vehicle team. If she helps me catch thieves, I¡¯ll nominate her for an award. It¡¯s a win-win!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant.¡±


    ¡°So what? Pregnant women can¡¯t work? It¡¯s the modern era¡ªmen and women are equal. If men can work, so can women. She shouldn¡¯t stop working just because she¡¯s pregnant. Besides, giving birth isn¡¯t that hard. If she can keep working and even give birth on the bus, I could get the newspapers to publicize her story. She¡¯d be a model worker, dedicated to her job until the very end. That would be great for our unit¡¯s reputation! If she catches a thief while giving birth, even better. She wouldn¡¯t just get an award¡ªshe¡¯d be a labor hero!¡±


    Jiang Baohong was full of herself, getting more excited as she spoke.


    She thought having someone like that in her team would bring her glory as a leader.


    Director Chen looked at this harsh woman in disbelief. How could another woman be so heartless? The more she looked at her, the more disgusted she felt. She believed in women¡¯s equality, but she couldn¡¯t accept Jiang Baohong¡¯s reckless disregard for human life. It was practically the same as harming someone.


    She said coldly, ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be disappointed. First, I can¡¯t lend Ming Mei to you. She¡¯s pregnant, and if something happens, I can¡¯t take the responsibility. As for what you said, I¡¯ll treat it as nonsense and advise you to think carefully before speaking like that again. Second, even if I could lend her to you, she¡¯s not here. Ming Mei had a complication with her pregnancy and took three days off.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Jiang Baohong was furious. ¡°She took three days off just for a pregnancy complication? How spoiled can she be?¡±


    Director Chen thought to herself, ¡°What an idiot. If it weren¡¯t for her connections, someone like her would never have risen to this position. She¡¯s incompetent and unethical, even willing to risk lives for her own achievements. I¡¯ve seen shameless people, but never this shameless.¡±


    She said, ¡°I¡¯m short-staffed here. I can¡¯t lend anyone to you¡ªnot Ming Mei, not anyone else.¡±


    She stood up. ¡°I won¡¯t keep you. I have things to attend to.¡±


    Jiang Baohong said, ¡°You¡­¡±


    Her face darkened as Director Chen opened the office door and said, ¡°I need to go to the logistics department. Will you stay here for a while longer?¡±


    Jiang Baohong said, ¡°You¡¯re too lenient with approving leave.¡±


    Director Chen replied, ¡°We¡¯re in a new society now. It¡¯s been over twenty years since liberation. This isn¡¯t the old society where people were exploited. She has the right to take leave.¡±


    Jiang Baohong left, frustrated.


    But she still wondered if Director Chen had lied to her on purpose. She went to the office and asked, ¡°Which desk is Ming Mei¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°That one over there.¡±


    She looked and saw it was empty.


    ¡°Ming Mei took leave.¡±


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Such a petty, selfish mentality!¡±


    A woman knitting quickly put her knitting away and pretended to work. Although Jiang Baohong wasn¡¯t their direct supervisor, everyone knew how unpleasant she was. It wasn¡¯t fear¡ªthey just didn¡¯t want to deal with her.


    After all, they¡¯d heard she had some connections.


    The office staff exchanged glances, silently mocking her. After Jiang Baohong left, someone whispered, ¡°We can¡¯t let this woman get promoted. If she ends up managing us, we¡¯ll never get a day off.¡±


    The older sister who had been secretly knitting earlier nodded in deep agreement.


    ¡°Look at her now, making all these demands on the team, it¡¯s pitiful to see.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s just being difficult.¡±


    Jiang Baohong didn¡¯t get her way and was furious.


    Meanwhile, Ming Mei had already gone to the hospital with Zhuang Zhixi. She kept sneezing, and Zhuang Zhixi gently patted her back, asking, ¡°How are you feeling? Did you catch a cold last night?¡±


    Ming Mei shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    She rubbed her nose, feeling that it wasn¡¯t too bad.


    Ming Mei joked, ¡°Maybe someone¡¯s talking about me behind my back.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. ¡°Who would be talking about you?¡±


    Ming Mei shrugged. ¡°Who knows? Maybe my colleagues? They¡¯re quite fond of me, so maybe they¡¯re just concerned?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi clicked his tongue, and Ming Mei playfully punched him. The two of them teased each other until Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Alright, alright, it¡¯s our turn now.¡±


    Although Ming Mei seemed fine after rushing out last night, they couldn¡¯t be entirely sure.


    Zhuang Zhixi handed over the registration slip along with a rolled-up one-yuan bill. The elderly doctor sighed, ¡°What¡¯s this for?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled naturally. ¡°Please take a look at my wife. She¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t mention the money.


    The doctor pointed at him from a distance. ¡°There¡¯s no need for this. I¡¯ll treat her properly. What¡¯s the point of doing this?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°It¡¯s only right. My wife is carrying twins, so we need to be extra careful. We, as family members, don¡¯t know much, so we¡¯ll have to trouble you often. Even the slightest issue might require your attention.¡±


    He continued earnestly, ¡°We¡¯re already imposing on you so much, how could we not show our gratitude? Besides, I used to work in the clinic and had connections here. Now that I¡¯ve moved to a different department, I don¡¯t want to lose touch. It¡¯s only natural for a younger generation to show respect to their elders.¡±


    The doctor was both amused and exasperated by his excuses.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. ¡°Please take a look at my wife. Last night, she was running around¡­¡±


    The doctor glanced at him again but didn¡¯t say anything more.


    As it turned out, being cautious was indeed wise. Although Ming Mei felt fine, her pulse was slightly irregular, indicating that last night¡¯s events had affected her, whether it was the shock or the physical exertion. The doctor advised seriously, ¡°I recommend your wife rest at home for a week.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Is she¡­¡±


    ¡°Your wife has indeed experienced some instability in her pregnancy. She might feel fine because she¡¯s usually healthy, but her pulse is a bit irregular. Normally, this wouldn¡¯t be a big issue, but since she¡¯s carrying twins, extra caution is necessary. Resting now is a precautionary measure. It¡¯s better to prevent problems than to deal with them later, which would be hard on both the mother and the babies.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded.


    Ming Mei asked cautiously, ¡°Is there anything I should be extra careful about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll write down some precautions for you. Also, you should focus on nutrition. Eat well¡­¡± The doctor looked up at Ming Mei. ¡°Well, you probably don¡¯t lack for food, but you¡¯re eating for three now. If you have the means, eat even better.¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°Alright.¡±


    She smiled softly, feeling a bit more at ease.


    It had to be said that while pregnancy was a shared experience with her husband, seeing the doctor at times like this was more reassuring than seeing her man.


    This was no exaggeration.


    As the doctor wrote down the precautions, Ming Mei carefully tucked them into her pocket.


    ¡°Your condition isn¡¯t too severe, so I won¡¯t prescribe any medication. Focus on dietary supplements at home.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    The young couple left the hospital with the medical records. Zhuang Zhixi had one arm around Ming Mei, which would have been considered inappropriate in public, but since Ming Mei was visibly pregnant, it was fine.


    He held his wife with one arm and carried a bag with the other, being extremely careful.


    Ming Mei laughed. ¡°I¡¯m really fine.¡±


    ¡°Still, we need to be cautious.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to need so much rest. I don¡¯t feel anything wrong. I thought they¡¯d prescribe a bunch of pregnancy medications, but they didn¡¯t¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself that while the seven-day leave was due to Ming Mei¡¯s unstable pregnancy, it might also have something to do with that one-yuan bill¡­


    He didn¡¯t say anything, just smiled. ¡°The doctor said to focus on dietary supplements. I¡¯ll ask Mom to make you steamed egg with minced meat tonight.¡±


    Ming Mei swallowed. ¡°That sounds great.¡±


    She mumbled, ¡°Ever since I got pregnant, I¡¯ve been craving food more than ever.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said seriously, ¡°It¡¯s not you craving food. It¡¯s the babies. They¡¯re the ones who are hungry.¡±


    Ming Mei burst out laughing.


    The couple returned home, where everyone was still chatting. Zhao Guihua immediately asked, ¡°How is she?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°The doctor said she¡¯s a bit unstable and needs to rest for a week. He¡¯s prescribed a week of leave.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not good.¡±


    ¡°Pregnant women need to be careful¡­¡±


    To everyone, a week of rest prescribed by the doctor was a big deal.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy being pregnant.¡±


    ¡°Definitely not.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°You all stay here. I¡¯m going to Ming Mei¡¯s workplace.¡±


    They needed to submit the medical records. If it were just three days, Zhuang Zhixi would have waited for Ming Mei to bring them when she returned to work, but since it was a week, he decided to deliver them personally. Three days and seven days were quite different, and he didn¡¯t want to disrupt their work.


    ¡°Alright, go ahead.¡±


    He held Ming Mei¡¯s hand. ¡°If you¡¯re not feeling well, lie down for a bit.¡±


    Ming Mei shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I want to chat with everyone.¡±


    Who doesn¡¯t love a good gossip session?


    Everyone understood, and Zhuang Zhixi smiled as he left.


    Truth be told, he visited Ming Mei¡¯s workplace often, but this was the first time he went upstairs. He registered at the security desk downstairs before heading to Director Chen¡¯s office with the medical records. ¡°Hello, Director Chen. I¡¯m Ming Mei¡¯s husband, Zhuang Zhixi. I¡¯m here to deliver her medical records. The hospital recommended a week of rest, and my wife didn¡¯t want to disrupt work, so she asked me to bring them over immediately.¡±


    Director Chen nodded. ¡°I recognize you. You always pick her up.¡±


    She looked down at the records and was surprised. ¡°A week of rest?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, putting on a concerned expression. ¡°Yes, the doctor said she¡¯s unstable and needs to rest. It¡¯s mainly because of last night¡¯s scare¡­¡±


    Director Chen quickly asked, ¡°I only heard that Ming Mei needed leave due to instability, but I don¡¯t know the details. What happened? Did you not take good care of your wife?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi hesitated. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a long story¡­¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi began, ¡°A while ago, a young man from our compound got into a fight with a neighbor from the next compound. He ended up injuring the neighbor¡­ down there.¡±


    Director Chen nodded. ¡°I see.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, ¡°Yesterday morning, it was confirmed that the injured man can no longer have children. So, he went crazy and attacked our compound in the afternoon¡­¡±


    He recounted the story vividly, concluding, ¡°I was unlucky enough to run into him when I went to the bathroom at night. He tried to kill me to cover his tracks, but just as he was about to strike, a bolt of lightning hit him. My wife was terrified when she ran out, and that¡¯s why she¡¯s unstable now.¡±


    Director Chen was silent for a long time. Finally, she said, ¡°So, the story about someone being struck by lightning was from your compound.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. ¡°Yes. Has it already spread that far?¡±


    Director Chen nodded, "Indeed, it seems the whole city knows about it by now."


    After all, such a bizarre and superstitious incident spreads like wildfire.


    Director Chen continued, "Well, that''s that. Come with me. Let Ming Mei rest at home. I''ll take you to the personnel department to hand this over."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Alright, thank you."


    "No problem, it''s the least I can do. Ming Mei''s mother and I go way back."


    The two of them headed to the personnel department. Director Chen immediately started chatting, "Hey, did you hear? About the one who got struck by lightning..."


    Zhuang Zhixi... couldn''t leave now.


    "Ah, I heard it happened twice?"


    "What does it look like when someone gets struck by lightning? Did you see it?"


    "Just thinking about it gives me the chills."


    "Xiao Zhuang, right? Tell Ming Mei to rest at home. Coming to work now would only invite trouble..."


    It wasn¡¯t just their courtyard neighbors who were gossiping; everyone was. Hearing this, Zhuang Zhixi immediately asked, "Trouble? What kind of trouble could a pregnant woman possibly invite?"


    "Ugh, there are always those shameless ones. About half a month ago, a woman was transferred here. She¡¯s really... Even though we¡¯re all women, she doesn¡¯t seem to understand the struggles women face. All she cares about is how much she can benefit. You have no idea, this person..."


    Zhuang Zhixi listened with a smile, paying close attention.


    In no time, Zhuang Zhixi had a rough idea of what was going on. His expression remained unchanged, and he said with a smile, "She probably doesn¡¯t know about Ming Mei¡¯s condition. If she did, she wouldn¡¯t be saying such things. Ming Mei¡¯s current state requires her to rest more, as per the doctor¡¯s orders. She can¡¯t even work as a bus conductor catching thieves right now. Even if she were to work normally, she¡¯d likely need frequent leave. Of course, one should strive in their work, but her health and circumstances don¡¯t allow it. There¡¯s just no way around it. Ming Mei¡¯s been feeling down about not being able to work, so I¡¯ve been telling her not to overthink it and to focus on taking care of her health."


    "Exactly."


    "You¡¯re quite naive, always seeing the good in people. Some just want to step on others to get ahead."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, looking innocent and pure, "That can¡¯t be true, can it?"


    "Are you stupid?"


    Zhuang Zhixi remained pure, his smile radiant.


    However, no one pressed the issue further. Everyone was more curious about the lightning strike victim.


    After finishing his leave application, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t linger, leaving the gossip to the others. But no one knew that as soon as he left Ming Mei¡¯s workplace, his expression darkened. Instead of going home, he headed straight to his mother-in-law¡¯s house...


    Someone was scheming against his wife, and he needed to find out who this woman was and where this mad dog had come from.


    Zhuang Zhixi rode his bike towards his mother-in-law¡¯s house and unexpectedly saw a familiar face from their courtyard¡ªHu Huihui.


    Hu Huihui claimed to have fled her home to escape an arranged marriage and now worked as a temporary worker at the cultural center, earning ten yuan a month. But at this moment, she was coming out of another place¡ªthe local committee.


    She walked out with a sling bag, accompanied by someone else.


    Well, Zhuang Zhixi recognized this person too.


    It was Deputy Director Zheng, the one who had been leading the team cleaning the toilets at their alley entrance for days. Not just Zhuang Zhixi, even little Yanzi from the kindergarten could recognize him at a glance.


    The two of them walked east together, with Hu Huihui seemingly having some trouble with her legs, swaying and leaning into Deputy Director Zheng.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    So, her coming to the courtyard was indeed for ulterior motives.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, not bothering to figure out what this woman was up to. It was probably what he suspected anyway.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t want to say much more; he just needed to keep it in mind. He sped towards his mother-in-law¡¯s house, pedaling like the wind, turning the corner in a flash...


    Meanwhile, Hu Huihui was saying to Deputy Director Zheng, "My cousin definitely lied. She slept with Yu Baoshan, I¡¯m sure of it."


    She was very excited, but Deputy Director Zheng didn¡¯t care about that.


    He was more interested in whether there was any news about hidden treasures.


    He wasn¡¯t interested in these affairs.


    Unless it was his own.


    "So, she¡¯s hiding it because she¡¯s close to Yu Baoshan?"


    Hu Huihui: "I¡¯m not sure, I can¡¯t say for certain, but she can¡¯t hide it, no way, hehe..."


    Wang Xiangxiu had always been rude to her, but now, she wasn¡¯t going to let it slide!


    She was going to make sure everyone knew about this.


    You, Wang Xiangxiu, took money and still treated me poorly?


    Well, I¡¯m not to be messed with either!


    Hu Huihui cackled, feeling immensely satisfied...


    Now, she had caught your little secret!

 Chapter 111

    The rain poured heavily, and pedestrians hurried along the streets.Zhuang Zhixi rode his bicycle back home, a cloth bag hanging from the handlebars, already soaked by the rain. He didn¡¯t care much about it, pedaling so fast that he accidentally splashed through a puddle, sending water flying everywhere.


    Luckily, it wasn¡¯t rush hour, or he would¡¯ve earned himself a scolding for splashing someone.


    Zhuang Zhixi swiftly turned into the alley. The charred corpse that had been lying there that morning had already been taken away. Truth be told, Zhuang Zhixi hadn¡¯t dared to look at it. He wasn¡¯t a coward, but there was no need to give himself nightmares, was there?


    The area, which had been crowded with onlookers earlier, was now clean, as if nothing had happened.


    Zhuang Zhixi rode into the courtyard and almost collided with Jinlai and his two siblings, who were rushing out in their raincoats. Jinlai shouted, ¡°Move out of the way, pretty boy!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted, ¡°You little brat! If you call me that again, I¡¯ll smack you. Who do you think you are?¡±


    Jinlai stuck out his tongue and dashed off, followed by his brothers, who started throwing stones into the roadside ditch.


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes. He couldn¡¯t care less about what those little rascals were up to. He hurried home, calling out before he even entered the house.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m back!¡±


    He added, ¡°Ming Mei, your mom sent you some treats.¡±


    Ming Mei was surprised. ¡°Oh, you went to my mom¡¯s place?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. ¡°You took a week off, and I knew the news would reach your mom soon. I didn¡¯t want her to worry and come over in this heavy rain, so I went to reassure her. Look, she sent you a pig¡¯s trotter and some peanuts. Let¡¯s make a peanut stew with the trotter tonight. It¡¯ll be delicious.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s mouth watered at the thought. ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    Zhao Guihua took the cloth bag from Zhuang Zhixi and found a sizable pig¡¯s trotter inside, along with a pack of wood ear mushrooms and peanuts. She handed a handful of peanuts to Ming Mei and placed the rest on the kitchen counter.


    She sighed. ¡°Next time you visit your mother-in-law, don¡¯t act like a bandit looting a village.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi protested, ¡°Come on, Mom, I¡¯m not like that! It¡¯s just that my mother-in-law dotes on her daughter, that¡¯s all.¡±


    He felt his mother was being unfair. Besides, he had gone there for a good reason.


    Speaking of which, he added with a shudder, ¡°By the way, on my way back, I saw the bus you used to work on as a conductor got into an accident.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s hand trembled, and the peanuts she was holding fell to the floor.


    ¡°An accident? What happened? Is everyone okay?¡±


    Zhao Guihua also looked at her son with concern. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Though both women had an idea of what might have happened, they were still anxious for details. Zhuang Zhixi quickly reassured them. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. I checked, and no one was seriously hurt. A pedestrian crossed the road without looking, and the driver had to brake and swerve to avoid them. The bus ended up hitting a shop¡¯s wall. The driver hit his forehead, and the conductor nearly got thrown out, but she held on tight and only sprained her ankle. Most of the passengers just fell or got minor injuries. Nothing too serious.¡±


    He paused, then added, ¡°The front of the bus was dented, and the windshield shattered.¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, ¡°It gave me a scare. I kept thinking how lucky you were to have transferred out of that job. If you were still the conductor, you might¡¯ve been the one injured. With you being pregnant, it could¡¯ve been much worse. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. Thank goodness you¡¯re safe!¡±


    He poured himself a glass of water and sighed. ¡°It was really terrifying.¡±


    Ming Mei felt a bit relieved hearing that no one was seriously hurt. She pursed her lips, thinking that if it had been her, the outcome might¡¯ve been worse. But since it wasn¡¯t, she didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    ¡°Why are you spacing out?¡±


    Ming Mei shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, ¡°Oh, I went to your workplace to ask for your leave, and guess what? I heard about this shameless woman¡­¡± He thought the woman was out of her mind. She was new and wanted to make a name for herself, but she expected a pregnant woman to work as a conductor just so she could catch thieves and boost her own reputation.


    If something happened?


    Well, according to her logic, it wouldn¡¯t matter. If something happened, it just meant the baby wasn¡¯t meant to be.


    The thought of that woman made Zhuang Zhixi feel sick.


    Ming Mei¡¯s face darkened when she heard this. ¡°That Jiang Baohong is the worst. Who does she think she is? I¡¯d never listen to her. It¡¯s not like she can fire me anyway.¡±


    Since it was a state-owned enterprise, as long as she didn¡¯t make any major mistakes, she couldn¡¯t be fired. Ming Mei wasn¡¯t worried at all. She added, ¡°She¡¯s got her head screwed on wrong.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°I asked your mom about her. Turns out Jiang Baohong only finished fourth grade. She got her position because of her husband, who¡¯s a deputy director. That¡¯s why she acts so high and mighty, but she¡¯s really nothing special.¡±


    Ming Mei squinted, realizing that was probably another reason he went to her mom¡¯s place¡ªto gather information.


    But then she sighed. ¡°Oh no.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at her, puzzled. ¡°Even if she has connections, she can¡¯t force you to do anything. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Ming Mei shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡±


    She lowered her voice. ¡°I¡¯m worried¡­ my dad will go after Jiang Baohong.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi was confused. ¡°What?¡±


    Ming Mei muttered, ¡°My dad adores me. If he finds out she tried to mess with me, he¡¯ll definitely do something about it. Oh no, what if he causes trouble?¡±


    She started pacing around the room, growing more anxious. Zhuang Zhixi quickly grabbed her arm. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. Your mom¡¯s sensible. She¡¯ll stop your dad from doing anything rash. Really, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts. Your dad¡¯s not a child. He knows what¡¯s appropriate. Just focus on taking care of yourself, especially with the baby on the way.¡±


    Ming Mei scratched her head, and Zhuang Zhixi smiled. ¡°Be good, okay?¡±


    Ming Mei let out a soft huff. Zhuang Zhixi was about to say something else when they heard Bai Fendou¡¯s voice outside. He wasn¡¯t coming to their house but was calling out to Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s place.


    ¡°Sister Xiu, are you home?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi had come home earlier than most since he wasn¡¯t working that day. Wang Xiangxiu hadn¡¯t returned yet. Aunt Su came out and asked, ¡°Fendou, how¡¯s your dad? I¡¯ve been so worried. Is he okay?¡±


    Bai Fendou replied, ¡°Thankfully, he¡¯s fine. That Yu Baoshan is a real piece of work. If he¡¯s got a problem, he should come at me, not my dad.¡±


    He was clearly furious.


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi exchanged glances and immediately went to the window to watch.


    Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen weren¡¯t far behind. Honestly, having a strong figure in the family wasn¡¯t a bad thing. In the Zhuang household, Zhao Guihua kept things in order. Liang Meifen wasn¡¯t exactly easy to deal with, but Zhao Guihua¡¯s authority kept her in check. Over time, she had calmed down.


    Of course, the rest of the courtyard residents were so eccentric that the Zhuang family seemed almost normal in comparison.


    The four of them stood by the window, watching the drama unfold. Aunt Su was quite the actress¡ªher eyes could well up with tears at a moment¡¯s notice. She wasn¡¯t particularly attractive, or she might¡¯ve caught more than just Old Man Bai in her younger days.


    If she had the looks of Wang Xiangxiu, she could have already opened a fish pond for the elderly by now.


    Aunt Su, with reddened eyes, said, "How long will your father need to rest? If you''re too busy with work, leave this matter to me. I¡¯ll take care of your dad. Your family has helped us so much, and I¡¯ve never been able to repay you. Don¡¯t be polite with me now."


    Aunt Su was always so shrewd. She constantly coaxed Old Man Bai into giving her money, but she never actually treated him well. It was all just sweet talk; she rarely even helped with washing clothes or cooking meals. It was essentially free labor.


    But her cleverness lay in the fact that although she never lifted a finger in daily life, she would immediately step up to help during major events in the Bai family. This genuine assistance made the Bai father and son deeply grateful to her.


    They never felt that Aunt Su was taking advantage of them or that her small favors were expected. Instead, they believed that Aunt Su was a true friend in times of need.


    Bai Fendou was thinking exactly this way at the moment. He was instantly moved and gave a thumbs-up, saying, "Aunt Su, in our courtyard, you¡¯re the best."


    Aunt Su smiled gently, and Bai Fendou added, "I knew it. Others can¡¯t be relied on, but you¡¯re the most dependable."


    Aunt Su replied, "What¡¯s this talk of being dependable? Do we need to be so formal with each other?"


    She continued softly, "I¡¯m well aware of all the help you and your father have given us over the years."


    Bai Fendou said, "Well, neighbors should help each other out."


    He felt completely at ease, enjoying the feeling of being relied upon, as if he were a savior. He chuckled and said, "It¡¯s all small stuff. Your family has been good to me too."


    It hadn¡¯t occurred to him before, but Aunt Su was right. If she took care of his father, he could go back to work as usual.


    He asked, "Aunt Su, are you really sure you can take care of my dad?"


    Aunt Su smiled, "Of course, why wouldn¡¯t I be able to?"


    She lowered her eyes and added, "But you know, it¡¯s just my daughter, Xiu¡¯er, who¡¯s working to support our family of five. If I have to buy meals for Old Man Bai, I¡¯m afraid¡­"


    She hesitated, pinching her fingers. Bai Fendou said, "Oh, is that all? Don¡¯t worry about it. That¡¯s my responsibility. I can¡¯t let you spend your money. I know your family¡¯s situation well. How about this? I¡¯ll give you one yuan a day to handle my dad¡¯s three meals. Does that work?"


    Aunt Su smiled, "Of course, that works."


    One yuan a day for three meals was a good deal for her. If she fed Old Man Bai something nutritious, like an egg, she could still save money. But she had no intention of feeding him that well.


    A meal costing ten cents was already quite decent, and she could easily save seventy cents. She smiled contentedly and said, "Shall we start tomorrow?"


    Bai Fendou replied, "Yes, tomorrow."


    He added, "The factory can¡¯t do without me."


    From a distance, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s eyes flickered, thinking, "Of course, the factory can¡¯t do without you. The toilets are almost overflowing. If you don¡¯t go to work, who¡¯s going to clean them? This heavy rain has made everything so messy. If you¡¯re not there, who¡¯s going to take care of the toilets?"


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered under his breath, and Ming Mei covered her mouth, laughing.


    After finalizing the arrangement with Aunt Su, Bai Fendou said, "Oh, I almost forgot why I came here. Aunt Su, I heard something happened in our neighborhood? Did Yu Baoshan die?"


    He asked excitedly.


    Honestly, he had been terrified when Yu Baoshan suddenly appeared and attacked. No matter how skilled you are, you¡¯re still afraid of a knife. He was genuinely scared that Yu Baoshan would come after him. The blow Yu Baoshan dealt to his father had been merciless.


    Just thinking about it sent chills down Bai Fendou¡¯s spine. He didn¡¯t know when Yu Baoshan would come for revenge. So, when he heard the rumor that Yu Baoshan might have been struck by lightning, he rushed back without hesitation.


    He was actually one of the last to know.


    Aunt Su confirmed, "Yes, Yu Baoshan died. He was struck by lightning last night. Such a person, who committed so many evil deeds, finally got his retribution. Let me tell you, you should be very grateful to your sister Xiu¡¯er."


    Bai Fendou asked, "Why?"


    Aunt Su explained, "Last night, Yu Baoshan kidnapped your sister Xiu¡¯er and tried to force her to lure you out of the hospital so he could kill you. She refused, even when he beat her¡­"


    "What!" Bai Fendou was shocked!


    He was furious, "That bastard! How is sister Xiu¡¯er? Is she okay¡­"


    Bai Fendou was heartbroken. He couldn¡¯t believe that his sister Xiu¡¯er had gone through such an ordeal. Aunt Su, with a pained expression, said, "She¡¯s at work now, hasn¡¯t finished her shift yet. You know our family¡¯s situation. We rely solely on your sister Xiu¡¯er¡¯s income. She can¡¯t afford to miss work. And yet, there are people spreading rumors that something inappropriate happened between her and Yu Baoshan. It breaks my heart. These people are bullying us, a widow and her child, and they can¡¯t stand to see us doing well. Everyone knows Yu Baoshan was already declared unfit by the hospital, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have come after you for revenge! But these people love to stir up trouble, always dragging things into the gutter. Xiu¡¯er cried half the night last night. She¡¯s not afraid of being beaten, but she can¡¯t understand why neighbors would spread such rumors about her."


    Aunt Su cleverly twisted the facts.


    The doctor had said Yu Baoshan couldn¡¯t have children, not that he was impotent. But Aunt Su immediately conflated the two issues and brought up the rumors herself. It was better for Bai Fendou to hear it from her, rather than suspecting Wang Xiangxiu after hearing it from someone else. As expected, Bai Fendou was even more furious, "Who are these bastards, Aunt Su? Tell me who¡¯s spreading these lies about sister Xiu¡¯er. I¡¯ll teach them a lesson! How dare they bully a widow and her child!"


    Bai Fendou was hopping mad in the courtyard.


    Someone came out of their house and asked, "Oh, you¡¯re back? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at the hospital taking care of your dad?"


    "Bai Fendou, your enemy was struck by lightning. You must be happy, right?"


    "Wang Xiangxiu almost lost her innocence because of you, you¡­"


    "Shut up! Sister Xiu¡¯er is a pure and good woman. Don¡¯t spread rumors! Who do you think you are?"


    "Hey, are you crazy? Why are you biting everyone¡¯s head off? I didn¡¯t say she wasn¡¯t pure. Why are you barking at me?"


    Bai Fendou clenched his fists, "Say it again. Say it again, and I¡¯ll punch you!"


    "All you know how to do is hit people, as if you¡¯re so tough. You¡­"


    "Grandma, wuwuwu¡­"


    Just then, Tonglai came running in, "Brother got beaten up again, brother got beaten up again."


    Aunt Su asked, "What happened?"


    Bai Fendou said, "I¡¯ll go take a look."


    He took Tonglai¡¯s hand and dashed out as if the boy were his own son.


    Zhuang Zhixi decisively said, "I¡¯ll go too."


    Ming Mei added, "I¡¯m coming as well."


    Not just them, but others too. Jiang Lu led Wang Zhaodi out the door, clearly having been eavesdropping for a while. Well, who wouldn¡¯t want to watch Bai Fendou¡¯s drama?


    A group of people went out and saw Da Qiang from the neighboring courtyard holding Jinlai, spanking him and scolding, "You little brat, I¡¯ll teach you to act up, I¡¯ll teach you to be so handsy. Do you dare to do it again?"


    Yinlai sat in a puddle, crying, "Let go of my brother, let go, let go!"


    Bai Fendou roared, "Da Qiang! What are you doing!"


    Da Qiang was also furious, "What does it look like? Are you blind? Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m teaching this little brat a lesson?"


    Bai Fendou let out a yell and charged forward, throwing a punch without hesitation, ready to defend his "son"¡ªwell, not his son, but Jinlai and Yinlai. However, Bai Fendou had clearly underestimated Da Qiang¡¯s strength.


    In their courtyard, everyone was rather gentle, making Bai Fendou seem like a tough guy. But the neighboring courtyard was different¡­ Da Qiang was a loader at the factory, known for his brute strength.


    Bai Fendou threw a punch, but Da Qiang countered with one of his own, sending Bai Fendou stumbling back several steps, grimacing in pain.


    Da Qiang: "What''s this? Is this your son? Why are you stepping in? Do you even know what they did? These little brats need to be taught a lesson, or they¡¯ll never learn who¡¯s boss. They¡¯re way too spoiled."


    Aunt Su sobbed: "But you can¡¯t hit children! They¡¯re just kids!"


    "Get out of here! They¡¯re not my kids! Why should I spoil them? Everyone, let me tell you the truth. You don¡¯t know how wicked these kids are. When I got off work, these three brats were squatting by the wall, up to no good. As I passed by the ditch, they threw rocks into it, splashing water all over me! I told them to stop messing around, but they just ignored me."


    "Yeah, that¡¯s true. They did the same to me when I came back. They deliberately splashed water on me," someone chimed in, supporting Da Qiang¡¯s story.


    "I ran into them too¡­"


    "These kids are really out of control. They need to be disciplined."


    "Absolutely."


    Da Qiang: "Listen, I wasn¡¯t even done. I didn¡¯t make a big deal out of it at first. Like Aunt Su said, they¡¯re just kids. But these kids are too wicked. After I got home, I went out to use the toilet, and they threw big rocks into the pit! They were definitely retaliating because I scolded them earlier. Look at these stains on me! Tell me, was I wrong to hit them? I could¡¯ve beaten them to death and still not felt satisfied. What kind of brats are these?"


    "Ugh!"


    "Gross!"


    "That¡¯s disgusting. How could they do that?"


    "Exactly!"


    "They deserved to be beaten!"


    If it were just some mischief, that would be one thing, but who could put up with this?


    No wonder Da Qiang lost his temper. Anyone would have.


    Da Qiang shouted angrily: "Tell me, was I wrong to hit them? Now you¡¯re saying they¡¯re just kids. Why didn¡¯t you discipline them properly? With their behavior, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll end up in jail someday!"


    Da Qiang had a booming voice that shook the heavens.


    He kept talking nonstop, and Aunt Su couldn¡¯t get a word in to smooth things over. Bai Fendou, however, wasn¡¯t having it: "So what? It¡¯s just some stains. Are you not man enough to handle it?"


    He sneered: "You¡¯re not a real man."


    Da Qiang shot back: "You¡¯re the real man? The one whose balls got crushed? The one who got treated like that by another man?"


    That was a soul-crushing blow.


    Bai Fendou: "Aaah!"


    He was trembling with rage: "I¡¯ll kill you!"


    He lunged at Da Qiang, and the two of them started wrestling.


    Ming Mei watched and shook her head, sighing: "What a pointless brawl."


    Wang Zhaodi whispered: "Isn¡¯t this¡­ pretty intense?"


    Coming from the countryside, she¡¯d never seen anything like this. She used to think their village had its fair share of drama, but after moving to the city, she realized the city was even more chaotic.


    Back in the village, men didn¡¯t sleep with men, no one got struck by lightning, and men certainly didn¡¯t fight like this. In the village, it was usually the women who pulled each other¡¯s hair.


    "Da Qiang, be careful! Bai Fendou is known for his ¡®Dragon Claw¡¯ move. He¡¯s already ruined two men. Watch out!"


    "Yeah, be careful!"


    Compared to Bai Fendou, Da Qiang was more popular, and people were quick to warn him.


    Da Qiang broke out in a cold sweat. That¡¯s right! Bai Fendou was notorious for targeting that area, making sure his victims could never be men again.


    Bai Fendou hadn¡¯t thought of that at first, but after the reminder, he decided to go for it. He reached out for a ¡°heart grab,¡± but Da Qiang was ready and caught his hand.


    Seeing that Bai Fendou was serious, Da Qiang started punching him in the face and body.


    "I¡¯ll beat you to death, you bastard! I¡¯m not even married yet, and you¡¯re trying to ruin me? I¡¯ll kill you!"


    The scene descended into chaos. Meanwhile, the three brats, Jinlai and his brothers, stumbled to their feet and ran to Aunt Su, who was crying softly as she touched their faces.


    She hated Da Qiang with a passion. How could he be so brutal? How could he hit children?


    Jinlai was also furious about being beaten and shouted: "Hit him! Hit him in the face! Bai Fendou, you¡¯re useless!" Seeing that Bai Fendou was losing, he wasn¡¯t satisfied, but then he clapped and laughed: "Dogs fighting each other!"


    This brat didn¡¯t notice the looks of disgust everyone was giving him.


    What a piece of work.


    Jiang Lu, holding her belly, reminded herself that whether she had a boy or a girl, she would never raise them to be like Jinlai. She was utterly repulsed.


    Wang Zhaodi also thought to herself: Her parents always wanted a boy, but if boys were this annoying, she¡¯d rather they didn¡¯t have one.


    Everyone had their own thoughts, but they all shared the same disgust for Jinlai.


    Da Qiang and Bai Fendou were locked in a fierce battle, and under Da Qiang¡¯s relentless attacks, Bai Fendou was soon reduced to a lifeless dog. Seeing that Da Qiang had clearly won, someone finally stepped in to break up the fight. Da Qiang, giving them face, pointed at Bai Fendou and said: "I¡¯ll let it go this time, but if there¡¯s a next time, I¡¯ll beat you again. What a joke."


    He turned around and saw Jinlai and his brothers still shouting: "Dogs fighting each other!" He cursed: "You little brats, if there¡¯s a next time, I¡¯ll beat the crap out of you! Pah!"


    After delivering his threats, he pushed through the crowd and headed home.


    Everyone quickly made way, not daring to touch him. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Who knew if they¡¯d get stained?


    Bai Fendou, seeing that Da Qiang had left, also threw out a threat: "Da Qiang, don¡¯t think you¡¯re so tough. I¡¯m just tired from not sleeping last night. Just wait, I¡¯ll teach you a lesson next time."


    With everyone gone, there was no response.


    Aunt Su, still crying, went to help Bai Fendou up: "How could he be so cruel? Look at your injuries¡­"


    Jinlai: "Grandma, why are you helping him?"


    What an ungrateful brat. He didn¡¯t care that Bai Fendou had gotten hurt because of him.


    "Don¡¯t say that. Come and help. Your Uncle Bai did this for you."


    "I won¡¯t."


    The three brats didn¡¯t care. Aunt Su cried: "Can someone please help me?"


    Da Qiang had been splattered with filth by the brats and had just fought with Bai Fendou. Who knew if he¡¯d gotten any of it on Bai Fendou? No one stepped forward. Absolutely no one. Zhuang Zhixi decisively said: "Wife, let me take you home."


    Jiang Lu quickly squeezed Wang Zhaodi¡¯s hand, and Wang Zhaodi said: "Sister Jiang Lu, I¡¯ll take you back too."


    "Oh, it¡¯s about time for the family to come home. I should hurry back to make dinner¡­"


    The crowd, which had been packed tight, suddenly dispersed, everyone finding an excuse to leave. Who wanted to help now? Zhuang Zhixi sighed as he got home: "Whenever Bai Fendou is around, the courtyard is always lively."


    "Wait until Aunt Zhou comes back. If she finds out Bai Fendou ruined her son, what do you think she¡¯ll do?" Zhao Guihua casually remarked.


    Liang Meifen: "Oh my, just thinking about it is scary."


    She felt like something big was about to happen.


    Definitely, chaos was brewing.


    Well, maybe that¡¯s not the right word.


    But it was accurate.


    Since no one helped, Aunt Su took a while to get Bai Fendou back. Coincidentally, they ran into Wang Xiangxiu, who was coming back from work. She helped them into the courtyard. Jinlai shouted spitefully: "Mom, why are you helping this loser? Why!"


    Wang Xiangxiu was exhausted: "What are you talking about? Your Uncle Bai is a good man. Don¡¯t say that."


    Her life was already hard enough, and her son was making it worse.


    "How are your injuries?"


    "It¡¯s nothing. Just a fight. It¡¯s no big deal."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed: "The kids don¡¯t understand. I¡¯m sorry you had to go through this."


    Bai Fendou immediately responded, "It¡¯s nothing to feel wronged about. What¡¯s the big deal? A real man shouldn¡¯t care about such things. They¡¯ll understand eventually."


    Wang Xiangxiu chuckled softly and said, "I know."


    Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu helped Bai Fendou, and many onlookers exchanged meaningful glances. It was after work, and everyone was hurrying home in the heavy rain. Most people had left early.


    Zhou Qun watched their retreating figures and sneered, "He¡¯s just picking up my leftovers."


    Though Zhou Qun was known for his playfulness and charm, when he first pursued Wang Xiangxiu, it wasn¡¯t because he was particularly fond of her. Well, he was, but over time, the novelty wore off. The reason he kept the relationship going was the psychological satisfaction of feeling superior.


    The men in the factory admired Wang Xiangxiu, and Bai Fendou had been infatuated with her for years, but none of them had won her over. Only he, Zhou Qun, had succeeded. That sense of being better than others was what thrilled him the most.


    Even though he wasn¡¯t what he used to be, that feeling of superiority still lingered.


    However, as he stared at Bai Fendou, he couldn¡¯t help but feel that Bai Fendou was ungrateful. It was an honor for him to even be noticed by Zhou Qun, yet Bai Fendou had acted out, depriving him of his simplest pleasures. Zhou Qun¡¯s gaze toward Bai Fendou grew increasingly dark.


    One day, he¡¯d make Bai Fendou pay!


    But then he thought again¡ªBai Fendou¡¯s beloved woman had already shared countless nights with him. Zhou Qun couldn¡¯t help but feel smug. No matter how impressive Bai Fendou thought he was, he was still just picking up scraps. And he hadn¡¯t even managed to do that yet.


    He let out a cackling laugh. Soon, another thought crossed his mind: since he had been with Wang Xiangxiu, and if Wang Xiangxiu ended up with Bai Fendou, didn¡¯t that mean, in a roundabout way, he had also "had" Bai Fendou?


    Despite his deep resentment toward Bai Fendou, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a twisted sense of interest as he stared at him.


    For now, he couldn¡¯t act recklessly for the sake of his reputation, but in the future, he¡¯d find an opportunity. He might be down, but Bai Fendou wouldn¡¯t escape unscathed.


    If Bai Fendou had wronged him, he¡¯d better be prepared for the consequences.


    Zhou Qun kept staring at Bai Fendou, and Bai Fendou eventually felt the gaze. He turned around, ready to explode, but when he saw it was Zhou Qun, his expression changed instantly. "What the hell are you looking at?!"


    With that, he hurried inside, not daring to linger.


    He could definitely take Zhou Qun in a fight, but the thought of being coveted by another man made him instinctively want to flee.


    This little episode didn¡¯t go unnoticed, and it left many feeling uneasy.


    Bai Fendou might be foolish, but Zhou Qun, could you not act like this?


    You¡¯re making us worry about our own husbands.


    Liang Meifen said, "Thank goodness my Zhiyuan is often on business trips. Otherwise, I¡¯d have to keep an eye on him all the time."


    After all, who knew when Zhou Qun might shift his affections to someone else? What if he set his sights on their husbands?


    The worry was real.


    Ming Mei chimed in seriously, "Brother Zhixi, from now on, stay away from Zhou Qun when you see him. Oh, and stay away from Bai Fendou too. That guy¡¯s not exactly normal either."


    "Right, Ming Mei¡¯s absolutely right," Liang Meifen agreed, standing firmly on the same side as Ming Mei.


    "Hey, look at this. It¡¯s like a chain of love. Jiang Lu loves Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun loves Bai Fendou, Bai Fendou loves Wang Xiangxiu¡­"


    The love and hate between the four of them were all laid bare.


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and said, "I don¡¯t think Jiang Lu loves Zhou Qun anymore."


    Liang Meifen pondered and replied, "True, she only cares about her child now. But then again, Zhou Qun broke her heart. How could he do something like that? If he had even a shred of decency, Jiang Lu wouldn¡¯t have been so humiliated."


    Zhao Guihua interjected, "Actually, it¡¯s for the best. At least it made her completely let go."


    In their previous lives, there had been whispers about Zhou Qun and other women, but nothing was ever confirmed, so Jiang Lu had remained loyal. This time, though, Zhou Qun¡¯s misdeeds had been exposed early on, but he still managed to fool Jiang Lu.


    If Bai Fendou hadn¡¯t been a man, Jiang Lu might not have fully woken up to the truth.


    The fact that Bai Fendou was a man was likely what finally made Jiang Lu see things clearly.


    When you think about it, though the situation was disgusting, it was ultimately good for Jiang Lu. She was finally free.


    "If I were Jiang Lu, I¡¯d be grateful to Bai Fendou. Whether he meant well or not, whether it was intentional or not, I¡¯d truly thank him for helping me see someone for who they really are. I¡¯d no longer be stuck in that muddy pit."


    Ming Mei blinked and said, "I think that¡¯s exactly how Jiang Lu feels. It¡¯s just a shame she didn¡¯t divorce him."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "If I were Jiang Lu, I wouldn¡¯t divorce him either. Zhou Qun earns over ninety yuan a month¡ªthat¡¯s a solid high income. Plus, he¡¯s got his weaknesses¡ªhis reputation is ruined, and he¡¯s no longer capable of anything. He¡¯ll never find another wife. With his flaws in Jiang Lu¡¯s hands, he and his mother wouldn¡¯t dare cross her. They¡¯d be afraid she¡¯d file for divorce. Jiang Lu wouldn¡¯t even have to do the housework. He¡¯d bring in the money, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to mess around. Even if he wanted to, he couldn¡¯t actually do anything. And because of his weaknesses, Zhou Qun and his mother wouldn¡¯t dare bring up divorce. Jiang Lu could live however she wanted in that household. She wouldn¡¯t even have to take care of them. That¡¯s a pretty good life."


    "That¡¯s true," someone agreed.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. "Exactly."


    As they discussed Jiang Lu¡¯s situation, Zhou Qun was currently massaging Jiang Lu¡¯s legs, acting like a devoted eunuch serving the Empress Dowager Cixi.


    "How¡¯s the pressure?" he asked.


    Jiang Lu replied, "It¡¯s good. I¡¯m older than most first-time mothers, so it¡¯s a bit more tiring¡­"


    Zhou Qun said, "You should rest whenever you need to. Don¡¯t push yourself too hard."


    Though Zhou Qun was effeminate and had his own ulterior motives, his attitude toward Jiang Lu had genuinely changed. As Zhuang Zhixi had pointed out, he was truly afraid of divorce. His reputation couldn¡¯t take any more hits.


    Plus, Jiang Lu was finally pregnant.


    This was something he¡¯d been hoping for for over a decade. If Jiang Lu lost this child, he¡¯d be left raising someone else¡¯s child. After all, he was no longer capable of fathering one. Now that heaven had blessed them with a child, he didn¡¯t dare make any mistakes.


    Everything else would have to wait until Jiang Lu safely gave birth.


    If Jiang Lu hadn¡¯t been pregnant, from a darker perspective, Zhou Qun might have even been willing to let her have a child with someone else, as long as she had one. His family couldn¡¯t be left without an heir, at least not on the surface.


    Now, by some twist of fate, Jiang Lu was actually pregnant, sparing him the humiliation of raising another man¡¯s child.


    He truly felt lucky.


    He continued massaging Jiang Lu¡¯s legs and asked, "Anything happen in the courtyard today?"


    Jiang Lu replied, "The lightning strike case was resolved¡­"


    The couple chatted idly, but suddenly, a scream echoed from outside.


    "What the hell? What¡¯s going on?"


    "Go check it out?"


    "That sounds like Jinlai¡­"


    Yes, it was him, it was definitely him.


    Not the little Nezha, but little Jinlai.


    Jinlai was wailing outside again, and Bai Fendou rushed out like a gust of wind, followed closely by Wang Xiangxiu.


    This scene left everyone in the neighborhood speechless.


    "What¡¯s wrong with Jinlai this time?"


    "Who knows?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I¡¯ll go take a look."


    Ming Mei added, "I¡¯ll go too."


    Zhao Guihua stopped her. "You stay here. The steamed egg I made for you is ready. Eat it while it¡¯s hot."


    Ming Mei smiled. "Alright~"


    Though she loved a good bit of gossip, she figured this was just the second act of the earlier drama. Maybe Jinlai had thrown another rock and caused trouble again? Watching the same spectacle twice wasn¡¯t as entertaining as enjoying a bowl of steamed egg custard.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. "Alright, I¡¯ll go check it out. I¡¯ll fill you in later."


    He put on his raincoat and stepped outside, where he saw a middle-aged woman arguing with Bai Fendou.


    A crowd had gathered once again.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, "This rain is relentless. What¡¯s going on now?"


    He nudged the person next to him and saw it was Da Qiang.


    Da Qiang sneered. "That guy¡¯s pulling the same old tricks, and he¡¯s met someone who won¡¯t let him get away with it."


    He thought Bai Fendou deserved whatever was coming to him.


    As everyone chattered, Zhuang Zhixi pieced together what had happened.


    It is said that Wang Xiangxiu and Aunt Su helped Bai Fendou get home, which made Jinlai extremely furious. He felt that Bai Fendou was trying to steal his mother, so he harbored a deep hatred for Bai Fendou. However, deep down, he also knew that his mother was doing it for the sake of the family.


    Because of this, although he was seething with anger, he didn¡¯t follow them home. Instead, he took his two younger brothers out to play again.


    The reason why these brats are called brats is that they are incredibly mischievous.


    Even though they had been beaten for their earlier antics, they still dared to cause trouble again!


    The three little rascals squatted by the wall near a puddle, and as soon as someone passed by, they would throw stones into it¡ªjust like before. Since everyone in the alley knew them, although they were annoyed, they let it slide.


    Da Qiang, however, was particularly angry because of the sewage water. If it had just been an ordinary puddle, he wouldn¡¯t have reacted so strongly. Jinlai and his brothers were also a bit cunning¡ªthey repeated their trick, thinking that since they were already beaten black and blue, no one would dare to hit them again.


    So, they acted out again, causing more trouble.


    But as luck would have it, after a few stones and some curses, they encountered a middle-aged woman.


    They didn¡¯t recognize her¡ªshe didn¡¯t seem to be from their alley¡ªand the kids became even more mischievous, throwing stones at her. The woman immediately lost her temper, stopped her bicycle, grabbed Jinlai, and started hitting him.


    Jinlai hadn¡¯t expected this and burst into tears.


    Then, Bai Fendou, the self-proclaimed hero, appeared out of nowhere. He couldn¡¯t stand to see the child of his goddess being beaten, so he confronted the woman: ¡°How can you be so heartless? They¡¯re just kids! Do you not have children of your own? How cruel!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any brats like these who deserve a beating!¡±


    Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t really planning to hit her; he just wanted to teach her a lesson. But he didn¡¯t expect her to be so aggressive. She scratched his face, and Bai Fendou instantly lost his temper.


    If he couldn¡¯t beat Da Qiang, could he really not handle a woman?


    The two of them got into a scuffle, throwing punches and scratching at each other. If Bai Fendou had been in top form, the woman might have been at a disadvantage. But since he had just been defeated in a previous fight and was still injured, this time the fight was more evenly matched.


    Jinlai shouted, ¡°Fight! Fight! Fight!¡±


    The middle-aged woman, furious, swung her arm and sent Jinlai flying into the ditch.


    ¡°How dare you hit him!¡± Bai Fendou became even more aggressive.


    Jinlai also charged out, yelling, ¡°Beat this nasty woman!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, ¡°Well, they really can¡¯t stop causing trouble, can they?¡±


    ¡°When it comes to mischief, there¡¯s no end to it.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    ¡°Is that woman not from around here?¡±


    ¡°No matter where she¡¯s from, she shouldn¡¯t be hitting people like that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°We should probably stop them before things get worse.¡±


    ¡°How¡­¡±


    Aunt Wang sighed, ¡°Why is it always me who gets hurt?¡±


    As the manager of the compound, she had a tough job. If everyone were like Bai Fendou, she¡¯d be in real trouble.


    ¡°Alright, alright, stop fighting.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s all this about?¡±


    Suddenly, thunder rumbled.


    Everyone quieted down a bit and quickly said, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s getting late. Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Why is it thundering again?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry home.¡±


    Everyone was now wary of thunder. Rain was one thing, but thunder was another matter entirely. Zhuang Zhixi, seeing that Bai Fendou and the woman were still going at it, reminded Aunt Wang, ¡°We can¡¯t stop them. You¡¯d better go to the neighborhood committee or call the police.¡±


    Aunt Wang nodded, ¡°Right, right.¡±


    She was really having a hard time.


    But she didn¡¯t waste any time and hurried off.


    Meanwhile, the fight was still raging, but Zhuang Zhixi decided not to watch. Having witnessed a lightning strike before, he didn¡¯t want to stay outside during a thunderstorm. Who knew who might get struck next?


    Most people seemed to share his thoughts. After what had happened the previous night, everyone was a bit scared. However, the two fighters weren¡¯t afraid¡ªafter all, they hadn¡¯t seen it happen themselves.


    Seeing something, even if it wasn¡¯t clear, was different from just hearing about it.


    Everyone quickly dispersed. When Zhuang Zhixi got home, he saw that his older brother and father had already returned. Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Dinner¡¯s almost ready.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°Did you watch the commotion?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang replied, ¡°I saw a bit, but I came back. Who dares to stay outside during a thunderstorm?¡±


    The others nodded in agreement.


    There was no denying that last night¡¯s events had been terrifying.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°It was Jinlai causing trouble again. Wang Xiangxiu and Aunt Su really don¡¯t seem to care about disciplining that kid.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not exactly role models themselves. How could they raise a good child?¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    The family quickly gathered for dinner. Ming Mei, chewing on a pig¡¯s trotter, said, ¡°This is delicious.¡±


    The peanuts in the pig¡¯s trotter soup had become soft and were especially tasty. The peanuts were already fragrant, and now they had absorbed the meaty flavor. The whole family enjoyed the meal. Despite the rain, they kept their doors and windows open¡ªit was too hot to close them in the summer.


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, ¡°They don¡¯t seem to be back yet.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said matter-of-factly, ¡°If he had fought with someone from our alley, it might have ended with some shouting and scolding. But you said that woman was a stranger, right? She¡¯s not going to let it go. It wasn¡¯t her fault to begin with.¡±


    ¡°Bai Fendou is something else. A grown man, and he¡¯s really acting like a hero.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s trying to make up for losing to Da Qiang earlier?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that just ridiculous?¡±


    As they ate and chatted, Aunt Wang hurried back. Zhao Guihua called out, ¡°Aunt Wang!¡±


    Aunt Wang responded, ¡°What?¡±


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t they come back? It¡¯s just you.¡±


    Aunt Wang explained, ¡°They¡¯ve been taken to the police station¡ªBai Fendou, that woman, and Jinlai.¡±


    She approached and said, ¡°Wow, your dinner looks good.¡±


    Zhao Guihua offered, ¡°Have some soup. It¡¯s pig¡¯s trotter and peanuts from my in-laws.¡±


    Aunt Wang declined, ¡°No, I can¡¯t eat. Bai Fendou just can¡¯t stay out of trouble, can he? I don¡¯t know how this is going to end.¡±


    She shook her head helplessly and added, ¡°He¡¯s really stepped in it this time. That woman has some connections.¡±


    ¡°Oh? What do you mean? Is she not from around here?¡±


    ¡°No, I heard she was here looking for someone. She hadn¡¯t even found the person yet when she got caught up in this mess. Bai Fendou really isn¡¯t much of a man¡ªhe didn¡¯t hold back against a woman.¡±


    The Zhuang family nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I think Bai Fendou has really bitten off more than he can chew this time. The police station recognized that woman. They said her husband is the second-in-command of a certain committee. Do you think she¡¯s going to let this slide?¡±


    Ming Mei choked on her food. Zhuang Zhixi quickly patted her back and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Ming Mei asked urgently, ¡°What did that woman look like?¡±


    Aunt Wang described her, ¡°She¡¯s in her forties, shorter than me, about Aunt Su¡¯s height. Average-looking, a bit stern. She has short hair, combed back, and was wearing a hairband, though Bai Fendou pulled it off¡­ She was dressed well, in a blue work uniform. She looked like a cadre, not an ordinary person.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s mouth twitched as she asked, ¡°Was she riding a Forever bicycle?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t notice¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chimed in, ¡°I saw it. The bike was on the ground, and it was a Forever.¡±


    Ming Mei pressed further, ¡°And¡­ on her raincoat, around the chest area, was there a blue badge?¡±


    Aunt Wang replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t notice¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded.


    Ming Mei took a deep breath and asked, ¡°Was her raincoat like mine?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes! I saw it but didn¡¯t make the connection at the time. It¡¯s exactly like yours.¡±


    Ming Mei: "Of course it''s the same. These are the protective gear our unit handed out. I think I know who you''re talking about. The person you mentioned is probably a small leader who was transferred to our unit half a month ago."


    Aunt Wang: "Huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Her?"


    Everyone was surprised. Aunt Wang: "So, so, so, she came looking for you?"


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and said uncertainly, "Probably not. She hasn¡¯t been here long, and we haven¡¯t interacted much or talked at all. Although we¡¯re both at the bus station, there are over a hundred people there. She¡¯s not in my department, nor is she my supervisor. We don¡¯t have any connection. She was probably looking for someone else, and it¡¯s just a coincidence."


    Aunt Wang: "Is she easy to talk to?"


    Ming Mei thought again and said, "Do you want the truth?"


    Aunt Wang nodded.


    Ming Mei: "Not easy to talk to."


    Aunt Wang: "Then Bai Fendou is doomed."


    Ming Mei: "That¡¯s hard to say. I don¡¯t know her well, but from what I¡¯ve heard, she¡¯s quite difficult to deal with."


    Aunt Wang: "Really¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Regardless of whether she¡¯s easy to talk to or what kind of person she is, the issue today is that she¡¯s clearly not at fault. The problem lies with Jinlai and Bai Fendou."


    Aunt Wang thought about it and realized that was indeed the case. She had been thinking of Bai Fendou and the others as part of their courtyard, but even so, it¡¯s important to see who¡¯s in the wrong.


    "Don¡¯t get involved. You won¡¯t gain anything from meddling, and people will just think you¡¯re nosy," Zhao Guihua advised Aunt Wang.


    Aunt Wang sighed and said, "By the end of this year, I¡¯m definitely resigning. Whoever wants to manage this courtyard can take over. I can¡¯t do it anymore."


    In other courtyards, people fight for the position, but in their courtyard¡­ it¡¯s likely that everyone will avoid it.


    It¡¯s just so frustrating.


    She hoped someone would take over.


    Zhao Guihua sympathized: "Good luck with that."


    Aunt Wang: "¡­I¡¯m going home to eat."


    She didn¡¯t dare say she could get rid of this burden.


    Wuwuwu.


    It¡¯s tough.


    Aunt Wang left, and Zhuang Zhixi leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow but saying nothing. However, when the couple returned to their room, Zhuang Zhixi said, "That woman was definitely here for you."


    Ming Mei: "Why would she come looking for me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi sneered, "Maybe she didn¡¯t believe you were really having pregnancy complications and wanted to check for herself; or maybe she wanted to persuade you to transfer to her department. Both are possible. That woman is no good. She¡¯s new here and definitely wants to make a quick impression. Someone like you, who¡¯s won several awards, would naturally be on her radar."


    Zhuang Zhixi saw it clearly and felt increasingly disgusted by this woman.


    A selfish, immoral wretch.


    He said, "But this time, we should actually thank Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou is someone worth befriending. Look, if you had to deal with that woman, you might have gotten upset. Now that Bai Fendou beat her up, I feel quite satisfied."


    Ming Mei couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "You just said she wasn¡¯t at fault in this situation."


    Zhuang Zhixi said matter-of-factly, "Of course, I¡¯d say that to outsiders, but deep down, I¡¯m thrilled that woman got beaten up."


    He said, "I never thought the day would come when Bai Fendou¡¯s impulsiveness would make me feel so good. Hahaha."


    Ming Mei: "Your expression and laughter don¡¯t make you seem like a good person."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "That woman, ha, she¡¯s never lived in our neighborhood. If she had, she¡¯d know how tough it can be. Let¡¯s see if she dares to act so arrogantly in the future. How dare she scheme to boost her performance? She¡¯s dreaming."


    Ming Mei giggled.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you didn¡¯t grow up around here, most people wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it."


    Ming Mei laughed even more, sighing, "I used to really dislike her, but when I think about it, she¡¯s so unlucky, haha~"


    Most people wouldn¡¯t dare to casually wander into their alley!

 Chapter 112

    Ming Mei guessed that the middle-aged woman coming her way was Jiang Baohong.And guess what? She was absolutely right. The reason Jiang Baohong came to see Ming Mei was because of an accident that had occurred on a bus route Ming Mei used to work on. The conductor not only sprained her foot but also injured her arm, which naturally required rest. As the direct supervisor, Jiang Baohong was the first to know about the incident. After leaving the hospital, she headed straight to Ming Mei¡¯s house.


    Normally, when someone gets injured, they would handle it internally by rearranging shifts. But Jiang Baohong wasn¡¯t exactly considerate. She planned to coax Ming Mei into helping out at their workplace. The reason she had her eyes on Ming Mei was because Ming Mei had a track record of catching thieves three times¡ªtwice on the bus and once outside, for which she had even received commendations. Jiang Baohong noticed this and hoped Ming Mei could help her make a strong start, adding some shine to her own credentials.


    In reality, even if Ming Mei did catch a thief, Jiang Baohong wouldn¡¯t give her much credit. She¡¯d take the honor for herself to make her resume look better, proving her competence and making it easier for her to get promoted. That¡¯s how she had always operated.


    Stepping on others to climb up? That¡¯s her way of showing ¡°respect.¡±


    As for whether Ming Mei, a pregnant woman, might face retaliation or an accident, Jiang Baohong couldn¡¯t care less. All she wanted was to boost her own career.


    Her plan seemed perfect, but she didn¡¯t expect to run into trouble before even finding Ming Mei. She encountered a mischievous child and, of course, the child¡¯s equally troublesome parent. Jiang Baohong¡¯s husband was a leader, and she always looked down on people, treating them with disdain.


    Most of the people she interacted with were sycophants.


    But she never imagined she¡¯d meet someone who wouldn¡¯t give her face. The two of them ended up fighting, and the matter was taken to the police station.


    The police station¡­ the police station was truly exhausted.


    Him again!


    Why is it always him!


    Bai Fendou¡¯s name was at the top of their ¡°Most Notorious¡± list, and that¡¯s no exaggeration.


    It¡¯s not like he¡¯s done anything majorly criminal, but he¡¯s been involved in countless petty, ridiculous incidents. While many of these cases were eventually dropped without involving the police, as a ¡°celebrity¡± in the neighborhood, everyone knew about him.


    Everyone knew their compound had a pair of ¡°legendary¡± troublemakers¡ªZhou Qun and Bai Fendou.


    No need to explain, it was clear Bai Fendou had caused trouble again.


    And guess what?


    Although the woman didn¡¯t live in the area, she was still recognized.


    In this city, it¡¯s not too big, not too small¡ªjust the right size for coincidences.


    At the police station, the two didn¡¯t calm down. They kept arguing, neither backing down.


    By then, Aunt Wang had returned, bringing along a few people from the compound. They weren¡¯t there to watch the drama; they were there as witnesses. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Truth be told, they didn¡¯t want to come. After all, Bai Fendou was their neighbor. When the police arrived earlier, they had scattered. But this matter couldn¡¯t just be left as a case of ¡°he said, she said.¡± So, as the compound manager, Aunt Wang was tasked with finding people to testify.


    However, Aunt Wang first chatted for a while before actually gathering people. Even though Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t well-liked, and Jinlai was a brat everyone wanted to slap, they were still neighbors. Testifying against them would mean making enemies.


    In a society built on relationships, no one was eager to do that.


    Aunt Wang went around in circles, finally managing to bring a few people over.


    Among them was Zhuang Zhixi.


    Of course, he came voluntarily. He wanted to see what this new leader, who was always trying to scheme against Ming Mei, was like. Although she hadn¡¯t directly approached Ming Mei, her intentions were as clear as day.


    Zhuang Zhixi was sharp¡ªwhether by nature or nurture, it¡¯s hard to say. But with accomplished older siblings like Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixin, who had both graduated from high school in the 1940s, it¡¯s clear they were quick-witted from a young age.


    As the youngest, Zhuang Zhixi had to keep up with his siblings¡¯ cunning. By the age of three or four, he already knew how to play mind games.


    Unfortunately, his older brother and sister grew up to become upstanding citizens, losing their childhood cleverness.


    Only he remained true to his crafty nature.


    So, even though he hadn¡¯t heard a single word from Jiang Baohong, Zhuang Zhixi could smell her intentions from a mile away. He wasn¡¯t stupid.


    The machinery factory was a massive workplace, and while the lower-level employees weren¡¯t involved in the higher-ups¡¯ schemes, they had seen enough to understand how things worked.


    Zhuang Zhixi could tell Jiang Baohong was up to no good, so he was more than happy to come and watch her get humiliated. Even if she was in the right, Zhuang Zhixi trusted the combative skills of Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law, as well as Bai Fendou¡¯s knack for causing chaos.


    This was entertainment he couldn¡¯t miss. If it weren¡¯t for his wife not being able to show up, he would¡¯ve brought the whole family. After all, neither side was particularly virtuous, and watching the drama unfold was a way to spice up life.


    As long as it didn¡¯t involve his family, Zhuang Zhixi was all for it.


    He and a few others followed Aunt Wang to the police station.


    Jiang Baohong wasn¡¯t pleased. ¡°Why did it take so long to find witnesses? If you keep dragging your feet, it¡¯ll be morning soon. Your grassroots work is really subpar.¡±


    Just listen to her¡ªshe had a knack for offending people with her words.


    Aunt Wang¡¯s face immediately darkened, but the police officer understood why. It was because no one wanted to come. Who would want to get involved in such a thankless task? Seeing her complain, several people were ready to turn around and leave.


    ¡°Actually, we don¡¯t know how it started. We just saw them fighting. We don¡¯t know the specifics, so we can¡¯t really testify.¡±


    ¡°Same here. By the time I got there, they were already fighting. I don¡¯t know what happened or why. To testify, we¡¯d need to have seen the whole thing. Otherwise, it might not be accurate.¡±


    ¡°If we didn¡¯t see the whole thing, we don¡¯t have the right to speak.¡±


    Well, everyone was backing out.


    Truth be told, everyone knew it was Jinlai¡¯s fault. Some had even witnessed it, but with Jiang Baohong¡¯s attitude, they didn¡¯t want to testify. Besides, they weren¡¯t lying¡ªthey hadn¡¯t seen the whole incident. By the time they arrived, the fight was already underway.


    The police officer understood the situation. These people were only here because they had to be, and with Jiang Baohong¡¯s tone, who would want to help? Bai Fendou and Jinlai might be troublemakers, but they were still neighbors. Jiang Baohong was a stranger, and her attitude didn¡¯t help.


    The officer turned to Zhuang Zhixi, who hadn¡¯t spoken yet. ¡°What about you? When did you arrive?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied seriously, ¡°I¡¯m worse than them. I only showed up towards the end of the fight, took a look, and went home. I have no idea what happened.¡±


    The officer: ¡°¡­Then why are you here?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Aunt Wang is my aunt. It¡¯s late, and I don¡¯t know how long this will take. My mom asked me to come and help, to make sure Aunt Wang gets home safely. It¡¯s not safe for her to walk alone at night.¡±


    The officer: ¡°¡­¡±


    Doesn¡¯t she have her own kids? Why would she need you? And there are so many witnesses here¡ªcan¡¯t they walk together? You¡¯re just here to watch the drama!


    The officer rolled his eyes at Zhuang Zhixi and ignored him, turning to the others. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you didn¡¯t see the whole thing. Just say what you did see.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s allowed?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ okay then.¡±


    Everyone was eager to leave.


    Seeing their reluctance, Jiang Baohong snapped, ¡°Are you blind? Didn¡¯t you see that little brat splashing water all over me? That little punk needs to be taught a lesson! What, are you trying to protect him?¡±


    "This lady, what are you saying? We¡¯re only speaking about what we saw. If we didn¡¯t see it, how could we dare to make things up? If we were to lie, wouldn¡¯t the police hold us accountable?"


    "Exactly! Whether there was someone there earlier, shouldn¡¯t you know yourself? Shouldn¡¯t you know if we¡¯re telling the truth?"


    "We came here with good intentions. What¡¯s going on? Why are you blaming us? I¡¯m done with this, I¡¯m going back."


    "I¡¯m leaving too!"


    Everyone was quite upset. One of the sly old-timers, clearly trying to curry favor, slammed the table and said, "What are you all doing? Do you think this is a marketplace? Be serious! Didn¡¯t you see anything? If you didn¡¯t see anything, why are you here? Besides, could this woman have just started hitting someone for no reason? There must be a reason. Share your thoughts. I heard that several of you have seen this guy throwing stones into puddles after work. Shouldn¡¯t that be mentioned? What, are you trying to cover for them? Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll charge you with false testimony?"


    "Hey, why are you blaming us now?"


    "Aunt Wang, I told you I didn¡¯t want to come, but you insisted. Now look, we¡¯re being accused. This is too much."


    "Exactly! How can this happen? We¡¯re here to do a good deed, and now we¡¯re being treated like criminals?"


    "Oh, stop talking. Someone¡¯s trying to suck up. Be careful or you¡¯ll really get arrested."


    "Is there no law anymore?"


    The crowd was indeed worked up.


    If it were someone else, they might have been scared by such a shout, but these people were seasoned veterans. They¡¯d dealt with the police, factory security, and neighborhood committees so often that they weren¡¯t easily intimidated.


    Did they think slamming the table would scare them?


    What were they thinking?


    They¡¯d seen it all, even lightning striking people. This was child¡¯s play to them.


    Moreover, they could tell from Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou¡¯s situations that as long as things weren¡¯t set in stone, even if a leader didn¡¯t like you, they wouldn¡¯t fire you. That¡¯s just how things were now.


    So there was no need to be overly submissive. They were the proud working class, after all.


    "Look at this, someone¡¯s trying to flatter their way up, treating us like fools."


    Another officer, seeing things were getting out of hand, quickly stepped in to mediate: "Everyone, please sit down. I understand you¡¯re all in a hurry, being here so late. Just say what you saw. After all, you¡¯re here to do a good deed, right?"


    He shot a glare at the sly old-timer who had spoken earlier and said, "Just stick to what you saw and heard."


    "Hey, don¡¯t play favorites. I can see this woman has connections. You better be fair and just." Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t a fool. Despite his earlier bravado, he was actually quite nervous.


    After all, he wasn¡¯t a naive young man fresh out of society. He knew how complicated things could get.


    If someone had connections, that was enough to cause him trouble. He had been a bit anxious, but suddenly he wasn¡¯t afraid anymore. He was a bit clever, because he realized that no one had actually seen what happened at the very beginning.


    And it was clear that no one wanted to testify.


    Bai Fendou must have had good connections.


    Just look at this!


    Suddenly, he was emboldened.


    Since Jinlai had a history, everyone assumed he was up to his old tricks again.


    And others had been treated the same way, but in reality, no one had actually seen Jinlai throwing stones at this woman and splashing her with water. It wasn¡¯t that the alley was empty; it was after work, so there were people around. But no one was paying attention to others. No one had actually seen it happen.


    As for him, he had only seen the woman hitting Jinlai, which led to the conflict.


    Thinking this, Bai Fendou felt secure and raised his voice: "Don¡¯t think that just because you know each other, you can fool everyone into saying they didn¡¯t see anything to back this woman up. Think carefully. Who knows if what she¡¯s saying is true? Look at her behavior. Does she look honest? Look at her face¡ªfull of meanness and cruelty. She¡¯s definitely no good. They say the face reflects the heart, and this woman¡¯s face shows she¡¯s no good."


    Jiang Baohong was already in a bad mood, and hearing this made her even angrier. She rushed forward and hit him, saying, "I¡¯ll teach you to talk, you scoundrel!"


    She slapped Bai Fendou across the face. Bai Fendou shouted, "Officers, you saw that, right? This shrew is no good. She hits people at the drop of a hat. How can you believe she¡¯s innocent?"


    "I¡¯ll kill you!" Jiang Baohong, even angrier, tried to slap him again, but this time Bai Fendou caught her wrist. Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t some refined gentleman; he was quite rough and immediately slapped her back.


    "Don¡¯t push your luck, woman. Who do you think you¡¯re dealing with? Are you done yet? Officers, you saw that, right? She hit me!"


    "But you can¡¯t hit a woman."


    "She can hit me, but I can¡¯t hit her? What are you saying, old man? Don¡¯t think I haven¡¯t noticed¡ªyou¡¯ve been taking her side from the start. What, trying to curry favor? Trying to be biased? Is this what the police force has come to? You¡¯re a disgrace."


    "You¡ªyou¡¯re insulting me."


    "Can¡¯t handle the truth?"


    "You scoundrel, I won¡¯t let you off!" Jiang Baohong, after being hit, finally reacted and lunged at him, scratching his face. Bai Fendou, like a woman, grabbed her hair. Though it was short, he managed to pull it.


    He punched her twice in the face.


    "You think I¡¯m easy to bully? Just because you¡¯re a woman doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll let you off. I stand by my principles. You deserve to be hit, you wicked thing."


    "Hit her! Hit her! Beat this nasty woman!" Jinlai shouted from the side, "Go, Uncle Fendou, beat her!" Jinlai was egging him on.


    Bai Fendou had lost his goodwill toward Jinlai and his brothers after the earlier incident, but hearing the boy call him "Uncle Fendou" again made him feel like they were back on good terms. He was excited and felt he couldn¡¯t lose face in front of the child.


    He pinned Jiang Baohong down and punched her twice more.


    When a man and a woman fight, it¡¯s usually the woman who suffers. Although the onlookers didn¡¯t like Jiang Baohong¡¯s arrogance, they also didn¡¯t approve of Bai Fendou hitting a woman. What kind of man does that? He¡¯s really no good.


    It was a real dog-eat-dog situation.


    The officers quickly stepped in to pull them apart: "Bai Fendou, what¡¯s wrong with you? Are you ignoring us now? This is the police station. Are you trying to cause trouble here? Are you rebelling?"


    Bai Fendou: "When this woman hit me, you didn¡¯t say anything. Should I just take it? Look at my face. I¡¯m not even married yet."


    He was quite the fighter, able to take on both Jiang Baohong and the officers. He wasn¡¯t afraid of anyone, no matter the consequences. He was just reckless.


    "But you can¡¯t hit someone like that, right in front of us. What are you trying to do?"


    The officers were furious. This was supposed to be a simple dispute that could be resolved with mediation. Normally, both sides would shake hands and make up. It wasn¡¯t a big deal. After all, there were plenty of mischievous kids and quarreling adults, but it rarely escalated.


    Because it really wasn¡¯t necessary.


    However, it was hard to believe that Bai Fendou actually dared to hit someone here. As for Jiang Baohong... although she was the victim, she carried herself in a domineering and bullying manner, which only made the situation worse.


    "Everyone, sit down. This is not the time for nonsense... Oh my, what are you doing!"


    The police officer was just about to mediate when he saw Jiang Baohong suddenly grab Jinlai and start slapping his face repeatedly.


    Jiang Baohong couldn¡¯t win against Bai Fendou. For so many years, when had she ever suffered such a loss? Now that she had been dealt such a blow, she was completely beside herself. Seeing that little brat looking at her smugly, full of provocation, she couldn¡¯t hold back and lashed out.


    Wang Xiangxiu was sitting on a chair holding her child, with her mother-in-law, Aunt Su, sitting beside her. Aunt Su was holding Yinlai and Tonglai.


    Jiang Baohong moved quickly, venting her anger on the little brat. Wang Xiangxiu, as the mother, couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. She let out a cry and rushed forward, knocking Jiang Baohong down. She straddled her and started slapping her fiercely: "You dare hit my son? I¡¯ll make you pay, you wretch! You bully us, a widow and her child!"


    "Holy crap."


    "Stop it right now! What are you doing? Are you out of your minds?"


    The group was pulled apart again, but Jiang Baohong¡¯s face was already swollen like a pig¡¯s head, with scratches all over her neck and her clothes disheveled.


    "Do you not know where you are? Are you treating us like we¡¯re invisible? All of you, go stand in the corner!"


    "Why should we?"


    Several voices rang out at the same time.


    The police officer was so angry he was trembling. They had seen troublemakers before, but most of them at least had some respect for authority. But these people clearly didn¡¯t care, treating the place like a battleground.


    This is... utterly outrageous.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched as two rounds of fighting left Jiang Baohong looking like a swollen pig. He couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    Although Bai Fendou and the Su family women were usually annoying, there was a saying that came to mind... well, he couldn¡¯t remember it exactly, but seeing them take on someone he disliked was truly satisfying.


    At that moment, he was glad Bai Fendou was the way he was.


    Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to witness such a spectacle, right?


    Hitting a woman¡ªBai Fendou was truly one of a kind.


    He tugged at Aunt Wang, and both of them took a few steps back. Zhuang Zhixi could tell that the initial reason for the fight was long forgotten. Now, it was purely about the hatred between the two sides.


    If that was the case, there was no guarantee they wouldn¡¯t start fighting again. So, as bystanders, they needed to keep their distance to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s experience with watching drama was indeed rich, and his guess wasn¡¯t wrong. While the police officer was trying to mediate, Jiang Baohong lashed out at the child again. She simply couldn¡¯t swallow her pride.


    This time, she targeted Yinlai, who was closer to her. She remembered this little brat had also thrown stones. She reached out and grabbed him, but Aunt Su was knocked to the ground in the process. She let out a cry and started convulsing, shouting, "Murder! They¡¯re kidnapping the child!"


    Bai Fendou had been keeping an eye on this woman. Seeing her attack again, he kicked her hard. The force of a man¡¯s strength sent Jiang Baohong crashing into a table and falling to the ground. "I won¡¯t let your family off the hook!"


    Well, she had no idea that Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s family weren¡¯t actually related.


    In her mind, only a father would defend a child like that. As for Jinlai calling him "Uncle Fendou," she hadn¡¯t paid any attention to it, assuming from the start that they were a family.


    "It hurts! My leg hurts so much. I think it¡¯s broken. Help me..." Seeing the woman start to threaten them, Aunt Su cried out even louder. After shouting, she began to moan, her face pale and trembling as if she was in a bad way...


    Elderly people¡¯s health is always unpredictable, and Aunt Su looked like she was on the verge of collapse, immediately drawing everyone¡¯s attention.


    "Auntie, are you okay?"


    "Take her to the hospital, quick!"


    "Don¡¯t delay. Take all of them to the hospital."


    Everyone was bruised and battered.


    Jiang Baohong was in a terrible state, and although Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu had won the fight, they weren¡¯t unscathed. Jinlai and Yinlai were also injured... With such a large group, they were now heading to the hospital. The officer in charge of the station felt his head buzzing.


    Who could have imagined that this whole mess started with a stone thrown into a ditch?


    But that was exactly what had happened.


    The police officer said helplessly, "Thank you all for coming to help, but the situation is quite chaotic now. It¡¯s best if you all go home. We¡¯re sorry for the trouble."


    "It¡¯s no problem. It¡¯s what we should do."


    "So, this has nothing to do with us now, right?"


    "It never did."


    "It¡¯s getting late. Let¡¯s go."


    The group left the police station together. Outside, the heavy rain hadn¡¯t stopped. Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Why is this rain not letting up?"


    "Exactly."


    "Let¡¯s hurry back. Who knows if there¡¯ll be thunder later."


    "Agreed."


    Although the trip had been chaotic and no one was quite sure what they had accomplished, no one complained! Yes, no one!


    After all, if they hadn¡¯t come, they wouldn¡¯t have witnessed such a spectacle. It was because they came that they got to see such drama.


    The fight was intense, but the audience was equally enthusiastic.


    "Bai Fendou is really something, huh? Knowing she has connections, he still dared to hit her. That¡¯s bold."


    "He¡¯s going to pay for this, isn¡¯t he?"


    "Wang Xiangxiu isn¡¯t bad either. She usually seems so gentle, but look at her in a fight¡ªshe doesn¡¯t hold back at all. That middle-aged woman was no match for her. But if she really has someone backing her, they¡¯re in trouble."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "Not necessarily."


    "What do you mean?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged. "Just a guess."


    Aunt Wang felt that Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t just guessing, but she couldn¡¯t figure out why they¡¯d be fine.


    "Oh, by the way, Aunt Wang, Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s cousin, Hu Huihui, why didn¡¯t she come?"


    "Yeah, doesn¡¯t she live nearby?"


    Aunt Wang: "Hu Huihui came back late. By the time she returned, everyone had already been taken away. I asked her if she wanted to come along, but she said it was better to have someone stay and watch the house."


    "That makes sense. It¡¯s safer to have someone stay behind. She wouldn¡¯t have been able to do much anyway."


    "Exactly."


    "Aunt Wang, you¡¯re quite the matchmaker. You should introduce us to someone..."


    "Come on, just say you¡¯re interested in Hu Huihui."


    "You should talk to Aunt Su about that! She has relatives to introduce. Why should I get involved, right?"


    "That¡¯s not how it works. The Su family takes gifts but doesn¡¯t deliver."


    Aunt Wang: "I can¡¯t do anything about that."


    The group chatted all the way back to the alley. It was late at night, and the atmosphere was quite eerie.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You guys go ahead. I¡¯ll use the restroom before heading home. I won¡¯t come out again tonight."


    "Me too."


    "Yeah, I need to go as well."


    Everyone now had a fear of going out to the restroom at night. Although most households had chamber pots, major business couldn¡¯t be taken care of at home, so nighttime trips to the restroom were still necessary. However, the restroom in their area had been quite strange lately, so everyone thought it was best to avoid it at night.


    With so many people around, it was a good time to go together.


    After watching the drama at the police station, they returned to the courtyard around eleven o¡¯clock. A few people from other courtyards were there, and about three or four from their own courtyard entered together. They noticed that the lights in the Su household were off. Hu Huihui must have already gone to sleep.


    Aunt Wang: "That girl is quite carefree. Such a big thing happened, and she¡¯s acting like nothing¡¯s wrong."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled but didn¡¯t respond. Everyone went their separate ways home.


    When Zhuang Zhixi returned, Ming Mei was already asleep. He knocked gently on the door, and Ming Mei woke up groggily, slipping on her slippers to open the door. She mumbled, "What time is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "It''s eleven."


    He closed the door behind him, quickly washed up, and got back into bed. Ming Mei immediately snuggled up to him, wrapping herself around him like an octopus. Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly and patted her back, saying, "Sorry for waking you up."


    Ming Mei pinched his waist, and Zhuang Zhixi yelped, "Ouch!"


    Still half-asleep, Ming Mei cooed softly, "Why are you apologizing? Are you silly?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed quietly, "I just thought it¡¯d be polite to apologize sincerely."


    Ming Mei, her eyes still closed, mumbled, "How are things at the police station?"


    Zhuang Zhixi answered, "They¡¯ve all been sent to the hospital. Those people are really reckless, completely disregarding the police and even starting a fight right in the station."


    Ming Mei, who had been half-asleep, suddenly opened her eyes at the mention of a fight, her expression lighting up with curiosity. Zhuang Zhixi paused, amused.


    Ming Mei urged, "What happened? Tell me."


    She was no longer sleepy, her excitement making her resemble a curious hedgehog scurrying through a melon patch.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "Weren¡¯t you sleeping?"


    Ming Mei replied, "I can sleep later. Come on, tell me, I want to know."


    Zhuang Zhixi began, "That Jiang Baohong, she had a valid case, but she completely messed it up. Though Bai Fendou is shameless too. Listen, my dear~"


    Ming Mei giggled, "Pfft."


    Her husband¡¯s dramatic storytelling amused her greatly.


    "Go on, go on!"


    "We hurried to the police station, and as soon as we walked in..."


    He went on and on, even though he was just a bystander in the story, he managed to insert himself into the narrative, adding plenty of his own thoughts and making the tale vivid and engaging.


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, "Wow, I can¡¯t believe Jiang Baohong got beaten up."


    But she quickly asked, "Why do you think Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu will be fine?"


    "Because of Aunt Su," Zhuang Zhixi explained, feeling that everyone was too naive. "Aunt Su is very cunning. I think she faked her collapse. Given her age, if she insists she¡¯s in pain here and there, Jiang Baohong will be held responsible. Older people always have some health issues, and Aunt Su is trying to pin it on Jiang Baohong. After all, Jiang Baohong pulled Yinlai and pushed Aunt Su after everyone had stopped. If Aunt Su decides to make a fuss, Jiang Baohong will have to forgive Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu to avoid trouble. It¡¯s a clever trade, don¡¯t you think?"


    "Aunt Su is really good at scheming," Ming Mei remarked.


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "I¡¯ve always said she¡¯s not simple. Look at Aunt Zhou, she¡¯s always making a fuss, but she never gets as much benefit as Aunt Su. You can tell just by looking at their houses."


    Ming Mei sighed, "Oh, speaking of Aunt Zhou, I kind of miss her. Without her around, only Bai Fendou is causing a stir, and it¡¯s gotten a bit boring. I kind of miss Aunt Zhou¡¯s sharp, mean antics."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at her, "You just like the drama."


    Ming Mei pouted, "That¡¯s not true, you¡¯re accusing me."


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "I¡¯ve already seen through you."


    Ming Mei giggled for a while, then said, "Jiang Baohong deserves to learn how harsh the world can be. Always trying to scheme against others, serves her right!"


    Zhuang Zhixi ruffled Ming Mei¡¯s hair and smiled, "Today was definitely a lesson for her."


    Ming Mei grinned, feeling quite pleased. The happiest thing in the world is seeing someone you dislike suffer.


    Hehe!


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei didn¡¯t chat for long, as it was late and they were both tired.


    "Alright, let¡¯s sleep. We have work tomorrow."


    Ming Mei smiled, "I took the day off tomorrow¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "But your husband still has to work."


    He hugged Ming Mei and sighed, "Why does time fly so fast when we¡¯re resting?"


    "Who knows?"


    The two murmured softly and soon fell asleep.


    Early the next morning, the couple woke up to the sound of heavy rain. Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his eyes, unable to believe it, "It¡¯s still raining?"


    He got up and opened the window to see the downpour outside. It had been raining heavily since the night before last, and Zhuang Zhixi frowned, "This isn¡¯t good."


    Ming Mei, not in a hurry to go to work, stayed in bed, snuggling deeper under the covers.


    Zhuang Zhixi got dressed and went out to the porch to wash up. Across the way, Hu Huihui came out and greeted him with a smile, "Good morning, Brother Zhuang."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Morning."


    After all, there¡¯s no reason to be rude to someone who¡¯s being friendly.


    But seeing how cheerful Hu Huihui was, it was hard to tell that her cousin was in trouble.


    Curious, Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Your cousin hasn¡¯t returned yet, has she?"


    Hu Huihui replied, "Not yet. I¡¯m planning to go check on them today."


    She put on a pitiful expression, "Brother Zhuang, could I borrow your bicycle?"


    Zhuang Zhixi declined, "No, I need it for work."


    Hu Huihui pressed, "But your family has two bikes, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "My brother also needs his for work."


    Why should he lend it to her? They weren¡¯t that close.


    Besides, bikes were valuable, and with the Su family, you had to stay on guard. If you let your guard down even a little, they¡¯d latch onto you.


    Zhuang Zhixi firmly rejected Hu Huihui twice and then went back inside to eat breakfast.


    Hu Huihui watched his retreating figure and bit her lip. But then she thought, it was probably because people didn¡¯t want to get involved with her cousin¡¯s family. Hu Huihui had been living in the courtyard for a while now and had some understanding of the dynamics.


    The Zhuang family didn¡¯t seem to like her cousin¡¯s family, and that was clear to her.


    She thought to herself that her cousin was her cousin, and she was herself.


    But obviously, others didn¡¯t see it that way.


    Hu Huihui was a bit upset, but she could understand. After all, most people disliked her cousin, and she didn¡¯t like her either. Since she was living with her cousin, others naturally associated her with her cousin¡¯s behavior.


    Thinking this, Hu Huihui couldn¡¯t help but blame Wang Xiangxiu. She really wasn¡¯t likable.


    When she went to make breakfast, she found that all the food was locked in the cupboard, with nothing left out. Hu Huihui wanted to eat a cornbread bun but couldn¡¯t find one. She muttered under her breath, "Stingy."


    She paid eight yuan a month for rent.


    To put it in perspective, renting a room outside would only cost two or three yuan, and a small single room could be rented for as little as one and a half yuan.


    As for food, a bowl of meat noodles outside would cost two and a half mao, plus food stamps.


    But ever since she moved in, she had only been eating cornmeal, with no meat in sight. When she thought about it, paying eight yuan felt like a total rip-off. Hu Huihui grumbled as she left the house, though she put on a gentle face once outside.


    "Good morning, Wang Zhaodi."


    She happened to run into Wang Zhaodi, who was emptying the chamber pot.


    Wang Zhaodi was hardworking and diligent in the Zhou household, and Hu Huihui had a decent impression of her.


    She even had a good impression of Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun, despite her cousin constantly badmouthing them, saying they were heartless and would only have daughters. But Hu Huihui had eyes of her own. She paid eight yuan a month but couldn¡¯t eat well or even get full.


    Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu, on the other hand, made sure Wang Zhaodi had enough to eat.


    Moreover, when they had fine grains, they didn¡¯t make Wang Zhaodi eat cornmeal separately. They all ate the same food, sharing whatever was available. Hu Huihui had secretly observed that although Wang Zhaodi was hardworking and efficient, she wasn¡¯t very mindful during meals and ate a lot.


    Even so, Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun never complained. Hu Huihui felt that this couple wasn¡¯t as bad as her cousin made them out to be.


    Her cousin was just jealous.


    Jealous of Jiang Lu¡¯s good life.


    To be honest, it was actually a misunderstanding on Hu Huihui''s part. In the past, the Zhou family did indeed have a hierarchy. The good stuff was only bought in small quantities and reserved for Zhou Qun. Jiang Lu and Aunt Zhou had to make do with cornbread. Aunt Zhou was like that¡ªshe was harsh on her daughter-in-law and equally harsh on herself.


    In her heart, she held a deep-seated preference for sons over daughters, believing that women didn¡¯t deserve to eat well.


    But now, Aunt Zhou was no longer in the picture, and Zhou Qun had a major weakness in Jiang Lu¡¯s hands. Although this weakness was known to everyone, Jiang Lu held the threat of "divorce" over him, which kept him in check.


    Not to mention, Jiang Lu was pregnant, so she was now the one in charge.


    Jiang Lu had been mistreated for many years and had endured a lot, but now she had completely let go of those burdens. She had come to realize that even the Zhuang family, who were worse off than them, still tried to eat well. Why should she deprive herself? If she ruined her health, who would benefit in the end?


    The scoundrel husband or the wicked mother-in-law?


    So she decided to eat and drink as she pleased. As for Wang Zhaodi, who ate a lot and lacked tact at the dinner table, Jiang Lu didn¡¯t say much. As long as Wang Zhaodi did her work well, that was enough. Wang Zhaodi¡¯s behavior was understandable. She came from a family of nine daughters, and life was extremely tough. Meals were a matter of survival, and you had to fight for your share.


    Everyone was used to eating quickly as soon as they sat down at the table.


    Jiang Lu understood this and didn¡¯t make a fuss.


    After all, she wasn¡¯t planning to spend her life with Wang Zhaodi.


    However, because of all this, Hu Huihui had misunderstood. She didn¡¯t know what things were like when Aunt Zhou was around, so she thought her cousin was simply jealous and that¡¯s why she kept badmouthing Jiang Lu. She greeted Wang Zhaodi: "You¡¯re not working today, are you? Why the rush? Is there a line at the bathroom?"


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "Sister Jiang Lu is pregnant and can¡¯t stand the smell. I¡¯m going to empty it early and open the windows to air out the house so it doesn¡¯t stink."


    Hu Huihui said, "You¡¯re really hardworking."


    She would never do such a task herself, not even if her life depended on it.


    "This rain just won¡¯t stop. I feel like I¡¯m going to grow mold."


    Wang Zhaodi, however, said, "Once the rain stops, we can go mushroom picking."


    As a country girl, she knew all about these things. She said, "I¡¯ve already made plans with Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhao to go up the mountain in the outskirts once the rain stops. There are always plenty of mushrooms after the rain, and they taste great no matter how you cook them. If we have too many, we can dry them and save them for winter. It¡¯s a good way to have an extra dish."


    Hu Huihui gave her a subtle look. "You¡¯re really diligent."


    Wang Zhaodi smiled sheepishly and said, "I¡¯m not smart, and I didn¡¯t get much education. I don¡¯t have any impressive skills, so all I have left is diligence."


    Hu Huihui: "..."


    She said, "Diligence is a good quality. Many mothers-in-law like that."


    Wang Zhaodi scratched her head and said, "I¡¯m not in a hurry to get married."


    Though she might seem simple-minded, she had her own thoughts. Her parents would never marry her off to a good family. They¡¯d just marry her to whoever offered the most money. But with her background, why would anyone pay a lot to marry her? It would have to be someone with issues.


    Then she¡¯d end up serving an entire family, just like her mother, who kept having children until she finally had a son.


    In the past, she thought this was normal, but now she wasn¡¯t so sure.


    She thought it would be better not to marry at all.


    She¡¯d rather stay at Sister Jiang Lu¡¯s house as a nanny, where she had food and shelter, and Sister Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t harsh toward her.


    Even when Sister Jiang Lu didn¡¯t like her at first, she never mistreated her. Now that Sister Jiang Lu was pregnant, she was even more easygoing. There was plenty to eat and drink, and there was always something interesting happening. She didn¡¯t want to leave!


    Wang Zhaodi took a deep breath and said, "I need to hurry. I still have to make breakfast. Sister Jiang Lu hasn¡¯t had much of an appetite lately, so I¡¯m going to borrow a fishing rod and check the moat later."


    Hu Huihui was stunned. "What? You¡¯re going fishing in this heavy rain?"


    Wang Zhaodi replied matter-of-factly, "Yes. On clear days, people go fishing themselves and won¡¯t lend me their rods. I have to wait until they¡¯re not using them to borrow one."


    She added earnestly, "I need to make a good impression!"


    Suddenly, Wang Zhaodi seemed to be filled with energy. "I¡¯m off to work!"


    She was as quick as the wind.


    Hu Huihui: "..."


    Are all country girls this hardworking?


    She looked at Wang Zhaodi with a subtle expression.


    "Hu Huihui!"


    Hu Huihui turned around at the sound. "Who are you...?"


    There were too many men on this street who admired her.


    "You don¡¯t remember me? I¡¯m Fourth Brother Yu, Yu Baoshan¡¯s brother."


    Hu Huihui suddenly realized. "Oh, it¡¯s you."


    Then she immediately frowned and said coldly, "What do you want? Hasn¡¯t your family done enough to hurt my cousin? Yu Baoshan did so many terrible things, and your family hasn¡¯t even apologized. It¡¯s outrageous."


    Fourth Brother Yu said, "Hey, he¡¯s him, and I¡¯m me. We¡¯re not the same. I don¡¯t like Yu Baoshan either. He¡¯s always causing trouble and hogging the big room and the job. I guess he got what was coming to him."


    The brothers didn¡¯t feel the slightest bit of sadness. They all disliked Yu Baoshan.


    In a family with many brothers, resources were always scarce, and Yu Baoshan took the lion¡¯s share. Who could be happy about that?


    Their resentment had built up over time, and now that he was gone, they didn¡¯t feel any grief.


    However, he said, "Wait, your cousin wasn¡¯t really harmed, was she? I heard she got away. How is she suffering?"


    Hu Huihui became agitated. "What do you mean she wasn¡¯t harmed? That scoundrel Yu Baoshan... uh!"


    She suddenly stopped herself and said, "Uh, my cousin was scared, okay? Doesn¡¯t that deserve an apology?"


    Fourth Brother Yu looked at her suspiciously, pondering what she hadn¡¯t said. He pressed, "What happened to your cousin? What did Yu Baoshan do to her? Tell me."


    Hu Huihui¡¯s eyes darted around. "Nothing, you heard wrong."


    Fourth Brother Yu became more intrigued. "No, there¡¯s definitely something. Tell me. I won¡¯t tell anyone."


    Hu Huihui waved her hands vigorously. "No, no. Nothing happened. Don¡¯t get the wrong idea, okay? Don¡¯t overthink it."


    Then, as if she had let something slip and was feeling guilty, she repeatedly emphasized, "My cousin is pure and innocent."


    Fourth Brother Yu finally understood. He grinned slyly and said, "So, your cousin... did Yu Baoshan do *that* to her...?"


    "No, don¡¯t talk nonsense."


    Hu Huihui pushed Fourth Brother Yu aside and quickly ran off, as if a wolf were chasing a rabbit.


    Hu Huihui ran fast, and when she reached a secluded corner, a triumphant smile spread across her face.


    Wang Xiangxiu had been so harsh to her. Now she would make sure Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s reputation was ruined.


    After all, she hadn¡¯t lied.


    Some things might fool outsiders, but it was hard to hide from someone who lived in the same house. Especially since Yu Baoshan had been so rough, and Wang Xiangxiu had been too shocked to cover her tracks. Hu Huihui knew everything clearly.


    She wouldn¡¯t say it outright¡ªthat would be too crude.


    This level of subtlety was just right.


    She could even swear she hadn¡¯t said anything, yet others would understand immediately.


    She smiled smugly, thinking Fourth Brother Yu had appeared at just the right time. But it didn¡¯t really matter if it was him or not. If he hadn¡¯t shown up, she would have subtly leaked the information to someone else in the neighborhood.


    Now that Fourth Brother Yu was here, she¡¯d use him.


    It didn¡¯t matter who it was¡ªshe¡¯d take whoever was available.


    Hu Huihui was pleased with herself and hummed a tune as she walked away. Let¡¯s see you feed me cornmeal! Let¡¯s see you feed me cornbread! Let¡¯s see you feed me boiled vegetables! Let¡¯s see you make me do all the housework! I¡¯ll pay you back in full!


    My eight dollars aren¡¯t so easy to take!


    I¡¯ll expose your secrets!


    Hu Huihui left triumphantly, while Fourth Brother Yu mulled over her words and suddenly understood. "So, Yu Baoshan slept with Wang Xiangxiu, the widow."


    The brothers were so estranged that they always referred to each other by name.


    He narrowed his eyes. So that¡¯s what happened.


    Come to think of it, wasn¡¯t it obvious?


    They had come out of the bathroom together... Yikes!


    He gasped. They didn¡¯t even care about the location? The bathroom, of all places?


    Were they that desperate?


    Even if she couldn¡¯t have children anymore, was it really necessary to rush into something like that?


    Although there have been some rumors about whether Wang Xiangxiu and Yu Baoshan had any involvement, these were overshadowed by the shocking incident of Yu Baoshan being struck by lightning. After all, that was a once-in-a-decade event.


    But now, with confirmation from the cousin of one of the parties involved, it¡¯s clear that the rumors are true.


    Fourth Brother Yu: ¡°Tsk tsk, who would¡¯ve thought? Yu Baoshan, that scoundrel, didn¡¯t die in vain. At least he had some fun before he went. And Wang Xiangxiu isn¡¯t bad either¡­¡±


    ¡°Fourth Brother Yu, what are you doing? Standing in the rain all by yourself, aren¡¯t you afraid of getting struck by lightning?¡±


    ¡°Shut your filthy mouth! Lightning won¡¯t strike me¡ªI¡¯m a good person. I¡¯m not like someone else. Oh, by the way, I know something¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°About Yu Baoshan.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What about him?¡±


    ¡°That night he cornered Wang Xiangxiu, he actually¡­ you know¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, how do you know? Is it true?¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true! Who do you think I am? I¡¯m Yu Baoshan¡¯s fourth brother. I know everything. That jerk was always up to no good. Just think about Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s state that day¡ªclearly, she was¡­ heh heh heh.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right, right.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what do you think Bai Fendou will do when he finds out? He¡¯s still in the police station because of Wang Xiangxiu, and now she¡¯s been with someone else¡­ Won¡¯t he go crazy?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the first time. He¡¯ll probably still believe her.¡±


    ¡°Ugh. True, he¡¯s an idiot. If a man is like that, he might as well sell hats¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Such salacious gossip spreads quickly. By mid-morning, the story was already the talk of the town.


    When someone asked Zhuang Zhixi about it, he was still confused. ¡°What? I don¡¯t know anything about this. Quick, tell me!¡±


    Sister Cui: ¡°¡­¡±


    She sighed, ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d tell me.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about her.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi had taken a day off yesterday and hadn¡¯t gone to work. This morning, he¡¯d been recounting the lightning strike incident like a stand-up comedian. Just when he thought he could finally take a break at noon, there was new gossip.


    The rumor mill moves too fast.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°When I got there, I only saw them coming out of the bathroom together. I didn¡¯t see anything else. After that, I was chased with a knife¡­¡±


    Sister Cui said, ¡°Could it be¡­ could it be that he chased you because you discovered his affair with Wang Xiangxiu? Otherwise, why wouldn¡¯t he chase her and instead go after you?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Honestly, with Yu Baoshan dead, it¡¯s unclear why he chased Zhuang Zhixi with a knife that day.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought that Yu Baoshan must have panicked. His test results had come out that day, and he was already emotionally unstable. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi, he probably feared he¡¯d go to the police, so chasing him with a knife wasn¡¯t entirely out of the question¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s no point speculating now. He¡¯s gone.¡±


    Curiously, he asked, ¡°But how did this rumor about Wang Xiangxiu start? I didn¡¯t hear anything about it yesterday when I was at home.¡±


    ¡°I heard it started this morning, from someone in the Yu family¡ªYu Baoshan¡¯s brother.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    What¡¯s going on now?


    ¡°Oh, by the way, did Wang Xiangxiu go to work?¡±


    ¡°Work? No, she didn¡¯t.¡± Sister Cui, who seemed to know everything, said, ¡°I heard she¡¯s at the hospital. Her mother-in-law, Aunt Su, is on her last legs.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t believe that for a second.


    What do you mean, ¡°on her last legs¡±?


    She was perfectly fine last night.


    When she fell, it definitely wasn¡¯t life-threatening.


    As he suspected, they were using Aunt Su¡¯s health to pressure Jiang Baohong into dropping the matter¡­ Truly, the wicked get their comeuppance from the wicked!

 Chapter 113

    The saying "Evil people will be dealt with by even worse people" couldn''t be more accurate.Jiang Baohong was no saint, but when it came to scheming, she was no match for Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu. After all, their life experiences were vastly different. Talk to Aunt Su or Wang Xiangxiu about office promotions, and they wouldn¡¯t have a clue. But when it came to everyday scheming, Jiang Baohong was far from being their equal. For years, they had survived by outwitting others. How else could they live a decent life on their meager wages of just over twenty yuan?


    Scheming in the courtyard wasn¡¯t easy, as they were surrounded by long-time neighbors who could read their every move. Only the Bai father and son, who were ever so eager to please, fell for their tricks. Everyone else saw right through them.


    But now, scheming against Jiang Baohong seemed like a piece of cake.


    Aunt Su put on a frail, weak act, but Jiang Baohong wasn¡¯t buying it. Still, she was at a loss on how to deal with this seemingly ill old woman. Jiang Baohong had connections, but in the capital city, half the people you¡¯d hit with a brick would have some sort of background.


    As the saying goes, "You don¡¯t know how small your position is until you come to the capital."


    That¡¯s exactly what it meant.


    Even though Jiang Baohong had connections, it didn¡¯t mean she could act with impunity. Even in these times, that wasn¡¯t the case. Her husband was a deputy director of a certain committee, but he wasn¡¯t the only one. There were three deputy directors in total, and the director was nearing retirement. If he stepped down, someone would have to take his place. If Jiang Baohong made a scene or if Aunt Su kept harassing her, things would get complicated.


    Jiang Baohong could ignore Aunt Su, but the old woman had made it clear that if Jiang Baohong tried to force a resolution, she would jump off a building to seek justice. For a moment, Jiang Baohong was truly cornered by the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo.


    The fight had already become public knowledge, and her husband was furious, feeling humiliated. He demanded she resolve the matter immediately. Jiang Baohong was fuming. She wished she could arrest them all, but she knew she couldn¡¯t. She felt utterly frustrated.


    ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it!¡± she cursed in a corner, venting her anger.


    ¡°Jiang Baohong.¡±


    She turned around in surprise. ¡°Old Cai?¡±


    Her face lit up. ¡°You came? I knew you¡¯d worry about me.¡±


    It was her husband.


    She hadn¡¯t expected him to visit, and she immediately perked up. ¡°You have no idea how much I¡¯ve suffered. That family is so despicable. It¡¯s clearly their fault, but they¡¯re twisting the story and even dared to lay hands on me. They have no respect for you as a leader.¡±


    Old Cai was displeased but said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you yesterday to resolve this quickly? What have you been doing? Do you think this is a good look? A leader¡¯s wife getting into a brawl with a bunch of street women, ending up at the police station¡ªare you trying to embarrass me? If Deputy Director Zheng and Deputy Director Tian find out, they¡¯ll have a field day. You¡¯re really a great help, causing trouble everywhere!¡±


    Jiang Baohong protested, ¡°So I¡¯m just supposed to take the loss?¡±


    Old Cai waved her off. ¡°Take the loss for now. You can settle the score later. Is it really that hard? Let it go today, and deal with them when things have calmed down.¡±


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    Old Cai looked at Jiang Baohong¡¯s bruised face with disgust and turned away. ¡°Go handle it with the police now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go right away.¡±


    Though she acted high and mighty at work, at home, she was just a dutiful housewife.


    As she left, Old Cai¡¯s disdain grew.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    A soft woman¡¯s voice called out. Old Cai turned to see a woman stepping out from a nearby corner. She had a voluptuous figure, with a couple of minor cuts on her face that somehow added to her delicate appearance.


    It was none other than Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu had been keeping an eye on Jiang Baohong, as instructed by her mother-in-law. She had overheard Old Cai¡¯s threat to settle the score later and was terrified. She knew she was no match for them, so she had to find another way.


    As soon as Jiang Baohong left, she mustered her courage and approached.


    She pinched herself, tears welling up as she looked at the middle-aged man.


    Jiang Baohong was in her forties, but this man looked at least fifty, with a receding hairline. She bit her lip and spoke up. ¡°I¡¯m the mother of the child who had the conflict with your wife. My name is Wang Xiangxiu.¡±


    Old Cai raised an eyebrow. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    He hadn¡¯t expected someone to overhear his conversation with Jiang Baohong and cursed her inwardly for not checking her surroundings.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip and said softly, ¡°I know we were wrong, but my mother-in-law is already in the hospital. I have three children at home. I beg you, please let this go.¡±


    Tears streamed down her face. ¡°If you can forgive this and promise not to retaliate, I¡¯ll do anything you ask.¡±


    Old Cai was taken aback but quickly understood. He looked her up and down, his expression changing. Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t unattractive; in fact, she fit the popular beauty standards of the time¡ªcurvy, with a full face, big eyes, and fair skin.


    He smiled. ¡°What can you do?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu blushed, clenching her fists. ¡°I¡­¡±


    She looked up, determined. ¡°I¡¯m a mother. As long as my children are safe and can grow up well, I¡¯ll do anything. Whatever you want, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Old Cai¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Shall we find a place to discuss this further?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded. ¡°I know a spot¡­¡±


    She led the way. Her family had been to the hospital so often that she knew the place inside out. She remembered a storage area in the back courtyard where discarded items were kept. It was usually deserted.


    Coincidentally, it was the same spot where Jiang Lu had once seduced Xiao Xu.


    It seemed the hospital was full of secrets.


    Wang Xiangxiu walked ahead, with Old Cai following close behind. Technically, this matter should have been handled at the police station, but it wasn¡¯t serious enough to warrant that. Everyone involved had injuries, and Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu both claimed to be unwell. Jiang Baohong, who had taken the brunt of the beating, was also hospitalized. Even Bai Fendou insisted on staying in the hospital.


    They¡¯d rather play the sick card than be locked up.


    For serious offenders, this wouldn¡¯t fly, but for their petty squabble, it wasn¡¯t worth the trouble.


    So, the authorities turned a blind eye, letting them stay in the hospital to sort things out. Otherwise, they¡¯d just keep causing a scene.


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t actually hospitalized, and neither was Bai Fendou. He couldn¡¯t sit still and kept pacing the ward, driving everyone else crazy. Coincidentally, they were all placed in the same room.


    Aunt Su sighed. ¡°Bai Fendou, stop pacing.¡±


    Bai Fendou replied, ¡°I¡¯ll go check on my dad upstairs.¡±


    His father, who had been hit with a brick, was on the second floor, while they were on the third.


    Aunt Su sighed again. ¡°Go on. I was supposed to take care of him, but now I¡¯ve ended up in the hospital too.¡±


    Her voice was filled with melancholy.


    Bai Fendou immediately said, "Auntie, please don¡¯t say such things. This was an unexpected situation, and I can understand it. My father can too."


    "You tell your father to take good care of himself. I¡¯ll visit him as soon as I¡¯m better."


    He replied, "Alright, I¡¯ll head over right now and pass on your message."


    He cheerfully walked out the door and headed downstairs. From a distance, he spotted Wang Xiangxiu. He knew she had been keeping an eye on Jiang Baohong. Seeing her heading downstairs, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit uneasy.


    Jiang Baohong was acting all high and mighty, and Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t confident that Wang Xiangxiu could handle her alone. With that thought, he quickly followed her.


    But then, why did it seem like that short, balding man up ahead was also following Wang Xiangxiu?


    A sense of suspicion crept into his mind, but he continued to follow quietly without drawing attention to himself¡­


    At the same time, Zhao Guihua, along with Ming Mei, Jiang Lu, and Wang Zhaodi, entered the hospital gates. Wang Zhaodi had planned to go fishing for Jiang Lu early in the morning, but the heavy rain showed no signs of stopping, so Jiang Lu stopped her.


    It was too dangerous to go to the riverside in such a downpour, and she didn¡¯t think it was a good idea.


    Since the rain hadn¡¯t let up, Jiang Lu took another day off. She had already taken so many sick leaves that this one would count as personal leave, which meant a deduction from her salary. But Jiang Lu didn¡¯t seem to mind. Meanwhile, Ming Mei suddenly felt a stomach ache around noon.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t dare delay and immediately took Ming Mei to the hospital. Whenever Ming Mei showed the slightest discomfort, Zhao Guihua, as her mother-in-law, couldn¡¯t help but worry. After all, she had suffered a lot during her own pregnancy in her past life. So, the moment she noticed Ming Mei wasn¡¯t feeling well, she didn¡¯t hesitate to take her out.


    In such situations, it was better to trust doctors than rely on personal experience.


    Zhao Guihua took Ming Mei to the hospital, and Jiang Lu decided to tag along.


    It wasn¡¯t just for the sake of company. Jiang Lu also wanted to get herself checked, and since Ming Mei was going, it made sense to go together. It wasn¡¯t that Jiang Lu had suddenly warmed up to the Zhuang family; their relationship had improved gradually. Being pregnant, they naturally had common topics to discuss. Now that Jiang Lu was entirely focused on her child, she found it easy to get along with them.


    She brought along her companion, Wang Zhaodi, and the four of them headed to the hospital together.


    As soon as they entered the hospital gates, they saw Wang Xiangxiu walking out and turning toward the back. Not far behind her was an unfamiliar man, also turning in the same direction. Then came Bai Fendou. The three of them looked like a skewer of candied haws, one after the other.


    "What¡¯s going on here?" Ming Mei¡¯s stomach ache suddenly vanished, and she perked up with curiosity.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Don¡¯t worry about them. Let¡¯s go upstairs to see the doctor."


    Ming Mei replied, "I-I¡¯m fine now."


    She craned her neck to get a better look, clearly wanting to see what was happening. It was obvious she wanted to join the commotion, but Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t let her. Ming Mei was already four months pregnant, and her belly was getting heavy. It wasn¡¯t worth the risk of someone bumping into her or pushing her in the chaos.


    After all, who knew what kind of nonsense those people were up to?


    Yes, it was hard to say.


    Zhao Guihua said firmly, "Put that thought of watching the commotion out of your mind."


    Ming Mei¡¯s head drooped for a moment, but then she looked up and said, "Then can we find a spot to watch from a distance? My stomach doesn¡¯t hurt anymore. We can check things out before seeing the doctor, okay?"


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s stern expression didn¡¯t waver in the slightest.


    Jiang Lu chimed in, "I know a place where we can see the backyard."


    She smiled and said, "There¡¯s a hot water room on the second floor. The window there overlooks the backyard."


    She had discovered this while secretly meeting Xiao Xu in the backyard shed. It had startled her at the time, but since it was late at night, there was no one around, and she felt safe. If it had been during the day, someone would have surely seen her.


    She didn¡¯t know where Wang Xiangxiu was headed, but the hot water room offered a view of the entire backyard, which was good enough.


    "Shall we go?"


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Jiang Lu said, "Then let¡¯s move."


    Zhao Guihua asked worriedly, "Are you really sure you¡¯re not in pain anymore?"


    Ming Mei nodded obediently and said, "Really, I¡¯m fine."


    In truth, the pain hadn¡¯t been severe to begin with. It was just a slight, nagging discomfort, like the feeling of needing to use the restroom, but it had subsided. She knew her own body best, and since she wasn¡¯t feeling unwell anymore, her curiosity took over.


    The four of them headed upstairs together. By this time, Wang Xiangxiu had already reached her destination. She looked around, and Bai Fendou, unsure of his own motives, ducked out of sight. Wang Xiangxiu, satisfied that everything was clear, nodded at the balding man, Old Cai, and then entered the small storage room.


    The storage room even had a resting area¡ªsmall, but it had a bed.


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled softly as Old Cai quickly followed her into the room¡­


    Bai Fendou hid around the corner, calming himself for a moment. When he peeked out and saw no one around, he immediately headed for the storage room. He walked up to the door, still puzzled, when he suddenly heard faint moans coming from inside.


    Along with the moans were other sounds that made his face flush with embarrassment. Bai Fendou stared at the door in disbelief, momentarily frozen, unable to muster the courage to push it open. He stood there, listening to the noises inside.


    The sounds grew louder, and just as he was debating whether to enter, they abruptly stopped.


    "Ah¡­"


    Old Cai, satisfied, pinched Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s cheek and said, "You¡¯re not bad."


    Wang Xiangxiu giggled softly, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind and cooing, "Between me and your wife, who¡¯s better?"


    "Of course, it¡¯s you. She¡¯s nothing."


    Old Cai didn¡¯t claim to like Wang Xiangxiu. Their relationship was purely transactional, so there was no need to talk about feelings. She was good, but even so, Old Cai wouldn¡¯t continue seeing her. He was at a critical point in his career, aiming for a promotion to department head, and he couldn¡¯t afford to leave any evidence for his rivals to use against him.


    He stood up and pulled up his pants, asking, "So, between me and your man, who¡¯s better?"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "My man¡¯s been dead for a long time." If he were still alive, she wouldn¡¯t have to endure all this.


    Old Cai was taken aback. "Wait, isn¡¯t there someone who fought for your kids? Isn¡¯t that their father?"


    Hearing this, Wang Xiangxiu was displeased. She might engage in affairs out of necessity, but deep down, she was a virtuous woman. The only man she truly loved was her late husband.


    She didn¡¯t like hearing people associate her with Bai Fendou. She looked down on him.


    She sneered, "He¡¯s nothing."


    Well, both of them had used the same phrase.


    Wang Xiangxiu mocked, "With that pig brain of his, he thinks he can be my son¡¯s father? He¡¯s delusional. I¡¯ve never had any respect for him. Sure, he¡¯s deeply infatuated with me, but that doesn¡¯t mean I have to accept him."


    Old Cai teased, "Oh, so a widow like you looks down on him?"


    "Even as a widow, I¡¯m better than him. I never liked him back when he was in the security department, let alone now that he¡¯s cleaning toilets and hauling manure. He¡¯s nothing compared to my late husband. We just live in the same courtyard, so I can¡¯t outright reject him. But in truth, I have no respect for such a brainless man. Who in their right mind would marry their daughter to someone like him? Isn¡¯t that embarrassing? If he hadn¡¯t impulsively started that fight, things wouldn¡¯t have gotten so out of hand. What a disgraceful idiot."


    Wang Xiangxiu laughed softly, saying, "A real man should be like you."


    Though Old Cai was short, fat, and balding, with an unattractive appearance, his attire spoke of his status. And from what she had overheard, if she could latch onto this man, her future would be secure.


    She clung to Old Cai, unwilling to let go, and said, "Will you still come looking for me in the future? I know I¡¯m a widow, and I don¡¯t have much charm, but you¡¯re really something special..."


    Old Cai felt a surge of pride. Men always enjoy being praised in this way.


    He patted Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s face and said, "This is just an exchange between us. There won¡¯t be a next time. What? Are you already attached to me?"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "I¡¯ve never met a man as strong as you. I can¡¯t bear to leave you."


    "Who are you talking about? Aren¡¯t you afraid your loyal dog will hear? He even got into a fight for your son and ended up in the police station, yet you don¡¯t seem to care at all. How heartless can you be?"


    Wang Xiangxiu defended herself confidently, "He chose to fight on his own. Did I ask him to? Isn¡¯t it ridiculous? I¡¯ve never even been interested in him. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that we live in the same courtyard and I didn¡¯t want to cause a scene, I would¡¯ve told him to get lost long ago. Besides, you¡¯ve heard about it, right? I have a mother-in-law and three children to take care of. As a woman, what else can I do? I have to keep him around for the money. But I swear, we¡¯ve never crossed any boundaries."


    Logically, Wang Xiangxiu shouldn¡¯t have said all this, but she wanted to secure Old Cai¡¯s favor. A little self-pity and proving her innocence were essential.


    "Life has been really tough for me. Just look at this hospital stay¡ªI don¡¯t even know where the money will come from."


    She bit her lip, looking at him with pitiful eyes. Old Cai, of course, understood her implication. Neither of them was naive. He reached into his pocket and pulled out twenty yuan along with a few coupons.


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s eyes lit up, and her hand immediately reached for them.


    She cooed, "I¡¯ll take these," in a flirtatious tone. A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed Old Cai¡¯s face, but Wang Xiangxiu quickly added, "You can come find me anytime..."


    Seeing Old Cai¡¯s expression darken, she assured him, "I promise, there¡¯s nothing going on with anyone else... You¡¯re truly impressive..."


    Old Cai¡¯s mood shifted again, and he didn¡¯t take the money and coupons back from Wang Xiangxiu. He simply said, "Alright, let¡¯s go."


    Wang Xiangxiu pleaded, "I don¡¯t want to leave you..."


    Old Cai chuckled, "Do you always manipulate your loyal dog like this to get what you want?"


    Wang Xiangxiu protested, "Of course not! Don¡¯t you believe me? I¡¯ve already said there¡¯s nothing between us. I haven¡¯t even let him kiss me. That man is a fool, brainless. A few sweet words and he¡¯s head over heels for me..."


    She thought to herself, men love hearing others being put down while they¡¯re praised. Didn¡¯t you see how Old Cai puffed up with pride when she spoke ill of Bai Fendou?


    "Aside from my husband, you¡¯re the only one I¡¯ve been with," she whispered softly. "Women are like this. Even though we¡¯ve only just met, in my heart, you¡¯re already my man."


    Old Cai said, "Alright, hurry up and go back."


    Though he enjoyed being praised by a woman, his status was already high, and he¡¯d heard plenty of flattery before. It didn¡¯t move him deeply.


    He liked hearing it, but it didn¡¯t touch his heart.


    Wang Xiangxiu, seeing that her efforts hadn¡¯t yielded much, bit her lip in frustration. "Are you in such a hurry to get rid of me?"


    Old Cai replied, "This was just an exchange. Did you actually take it seriously?"


    Though he enjoyed the compliments, he wasn¡¯t swayed in the slightest.


    "You¡¯ve already taken the money, so stop acting like we¡¯re deeply in love. I know you like me, but I don¡¯t have any further interest in you."


    "You!" Wang Xiangxiu hadn¡¯t expected him to be so cold. After all her efforts, it had amounted to nothing.


    "What? Are you going to turn on me?"


    "How could I dare? You¡¯re making it sound like I¡¯m the one at fault," Wang Xiangxiu quickly adjusted her demeanor, putting on a pitiful expression. But in her heart, she cursed this old fox for being shameless. How could he just walk away after taking advantage of her? A woman like her, one in a million¡ªhow could he just treat her as a fleeting fling?


    He had no taste. She might be in her thirties, but she was far better than those twenty-something girls. A woman should have her own charm.


    "Aren¡¯t you leaving? Do you want to get caught?"


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "I¡¯ll go, but... but..." She pinched herself, tears welling up in her eyes. "You¡¯ll come find me again, won¡¯t you?"


    Old Cai laughed heartily and said, "We¡¯ll see."


    He didn¡¯t give her a direct answer.


    What he wanted was a fleeting affair, not to be tied down by this widow.


    He¡¯d had some initial interest, but this was a crucial year for his career advancement. He couldn¡¯t afford to make a big mistake. Moreover, as Wang Xiangxiu kept badmouthing her loyal dog, Old Cai began to see her as untrustworthy.


    He wasn¡¯t some naive young man. He¡¯d seen it all and wouldn¡¯t be fooled by a woman like her.


    Sleeping with her was enjoyable, but the idea of maintaining a long-term relationship was out of the question.


    A woman like her was like a leech, and he had no intention of being her permanent host.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    "Wait a moment, let me adjust my new clothes."


    Wang Xiangxiu straightened herself and said, "Let¡¯s go."


    This time, she hadn¡¯t fully succeeded, but she hadn¡¯t lost out either. After all, she¡¯d resolved the immediate issue, avoided future troubles, and even walked away with at least twenty yuan. It was a pretty lucrative deal.


    If only all the men she encountered were this generous.


    Unfortunately, when she "borrowed" money at the factory, she rarely got more than five yuan. She could¡¯ve lowered her price, but her mother-in-law firmly opposed it. Lowering the price might seem like a way to earn more, but it would make her seem cheap. Some of the better-off men might stop coming to her. Plus, if word got out, it could ruin her reputation. For now, there were some rumors, but nothing concrete.


    Most people only heard whispers, and since she sometimes firmly rejected inappropriate advances, many still believed in her innocence. If she took on too many men, it would inevitably backfire.


    She could handle herself, but she couldn¡¯t let her son have a mother with a bad reputation.


    So, while Wang Xiangxiu made money, she didn¡¯t flaunt it or get caught.


    Overall, while she didn¡¯t fully achieve her goal this time, it wasn¡¯t a complete failure. After all, she¡¯d gained quite a bit.


    "I¡¯ll miss you," Wang Xiangxiu said softly.


    Old Cai smirked and said, "We¡¯ll see. Maybe I¡¯ll come find you."


    He didn¡¯t commit, and finally, they opened the door¡ª"What the hell!"


    As the door opened, they saw a man standing outside, drenched from the rain without a raincoat. His eyes were bloodshot, fixed on the pair in front of him, unable to believe what he¡¯d just overheard.


    In his heart, Wang Xiangxiu was like a celestial goddess, pure and untouchable.


    Though she lived a hard life, she was strong and capable, never yielding to fate. She worked tirelessly every day but never fawned over anyone. She was a strong woman who deserved sympathy.


    But now, what had he just witnessed?


    His mind was in chaos, unable to process the despair he felt standing outside that door.


    He¡¯d listened to the sounds inside, wanting to burst in and kill the man who dared to take advantage of his beloved Xiangxiu. But a sliver of rationality held him back. There were no sounds of resistance, only compliance.


    Bai Fendou was utterly devastated, even more so when it ended so quickly.


    He hadn¡¯t even entered the room before it was over.


    And then, the words he heard sent him straight to hell. He never could¡¯ve imagined that Xiangxiu saw him this way. He thought she was perfect, but she saw him as a fool, a wallet. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bai Fendou listened to their flirtatious banter, the way they mocked him, and stood at the door like a statue, unmoving.


    His heart was shattered.


    "Who are you? Move aside!" Old Cai frowned slightly.


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s face instantly paled, as if she might faint at any moment. She immediately cried out, "Fendou, let me explain!"


    Bai Fendou let out a bitter laugh. "Explain? Let you deceive me again?"


    Suddenly, he erupted in anger, "You bitch!"


    Bai Fendou was a man who was always quick to resort to violence. Without hesitation, he threw a punch at Wang Xiangxiu, sending her to the ground. She looked up at him in disbelief, "You dare hit me?"


    This was the second time. The second time Bai Fendou had struck her.


    The first time was because of Jinlai, and he had retaliated then too. She hadn¡¯t expected him to do it again.


    Wang Xiangxiu shouted, "You¡¯re a jerk. A complete jerk! I¡¯ll never forgive you!"


    She screamed at the top of her lungs, "What does it matter to you what I do? Who are you to me? And who am I to you? I can do whatever I want! What right do you have to hit me? What right!"


    Her hysterical screams filled the air. Old Cai, who was nearby, sensed trouble and tried to slip away. But Bai Fendou, now seeing red, grabbed him and started slapping him repeatedly. "You think you can sleep with her? You think you can mess around like this? You think you¡¯re so great, huh? You think you¡¯re so impressive?"


    Wang Xiangxiu cried out, "What are you doing? Let him go!"


    She had just managed to calm things down, and now this man was about to ruin everything.


    "Get away from him!" Wang Xiangxiu pounded on Bai Fendou, "Let go of my man!"


    Her words only fueled Bai Fendou¡¯s rage, and he hit Old Cai even harder. Old Cai howled, "Let me go! You¡¯d better let me go, or you¡¯ll regret it! Do you know who I am? Do you know what kind of mistake you¡¯re making? I¡¯ll make sure you end up behind bars! You¡¯ll never see the light of day again!"


    Bai Fendou sneered, "Behind bars? You¡¯ll be the one behind bars first! You two are carrying on an illicit affair, and I¡¯m the one upholding justice. I¡¯ll report you, and you¡¯ll both be paraded through the streets. You¡¯ll get what¡¯s coming to you! Go ahead, bring it on! I won¡¯t even blink!"


    By this point, Bai Fendou was beyond reason, dragging Old Cai around like a dead dog.


    Old Cai pleaded, "Brother, let me go. I¡¯ll do whatever you want, just tell me!"


    "Do whatever I want? You two deserve nothing but punishment!"


    Wang Xiangxiu was terrified now, shouting, "Bai Fendou, you¡¯re not my man! What right do you have to interfere?"


    Bai Fendou retorted, "You¡¯re carrying on an illicit affair!"


    By now, a crowd had gathered, drawn by the commotion.


    Old Cai offered, "I¡¯ll give you money!"


    "Pah! I don¡¯t want your dirty money!"


    Bai Fendou was furious. Looking at this balding man, thinking about how Wang Xiangxiu had whispered sweet nothings to him, allowed him to do whatever he wanted, Bai Fendou¡¯s anger boiled over. He suddenly let go of Old Cai, who fell to the ground with a splash.


    Splash, another splash¡­


    It all started with that. Old Cai groaned, "Ouch!"


    He looked up to see Bai Fendou¡¯s menacing face and knew he was in trouble. Before he could dodge, Bai Fendou kicked him, aiming for a particular spot. Again and again, the kicks landed.


    "I¡¯ll teach you to use your power to force women! I¡¯ll teach you to mess around! I¡¯ll teach you to sleep with Wang Xiangxiu!"


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    "Ah! What are you doing!"


    Wang Xiangxiu collapsed into the water, feeling like everything was over.


    It was over. Truly over.


    Old Cai would never let them off the hook now.


    Wang Xiangxiu sat in the rain, while Old Cai writhed on the ground, clutching himself, unable to speak.


    "What are you doing? What did you do to my man?" Jiang Baohong suddenly appeared. She had just finished handling some business and was about to return to the ward to tidy up before heading home. Seeing the commotion, she decided to intervene, as a minor leader, she felt it was her duty to handle the situation. After all, she had some authority.


    But as she approached, she saw her husband being kicked repeatedly, gasping for breath, rolling in the rain.


    "It¡¯s you again, you scoundrel! How dare you bully my man!"


    Bai Fendou roared, "Get out of here!"


    Jiang Baohong shot back, "You dare yell at me?"


    She lunged at him, "You¡¯re both dead! You¡¯ve bullied my man, and we won¡¯t let you off!"


    Bai Fendou shouted, "I bullied your man? I¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Wang Xiangxiu suddenly spoke up, tears streaming down her face, "He bullied me! He forced me to sleep with him, said he wouldn¡¯t let me go if I didn¡¯t¡­ I had no choice, so I went with him to the storage room¡­"


    She had suddenly turned on Old Cai.


    Wang Xiangxiu had been defending him earlier, but seeing Bai Fendou kick him repeatedly, she knew he was likely as good as ruined, just like Zhou Qun. If he was truly ruined, he¡¯d have no use for her anymore.


    She had been trying to curry favor with him, but Bai Fendou had gone too far. Old Cai would surely seek revenge later. Rather than suffer then, it was better to take him down now. If he was stripped of his position, he¡¯d have no power to retaliate.


    Besides, with the crowd growing, if she didn¡¯t clear her name, she¡¯d be humiliated. She didn¡¯t want that.


    Though it was a quick decision, it was the right one in the heat of the moment.


    Wang Xiangxiu immediately shifted the blame onto Old Cai, crying, "I¡¯m just a woman, an ordinary woman. What could I do? We¡¯re just common folk, and we¡¯ve offended him. He threatened to retaliate, and I was forced to go with him¡­ Thank goodness for Bai Fendou, thank goodness he was here¡­"


    Her sudden change left Bai Fendou speechless.


    If he hadn¡¯t heard her earlier words, he might have believed her. But while Bai Fendou didn¡¯t buy it, the crowd did, murmuring among themselves.


    "My goodness."


    "This guy is shameless."


    "That poor woman, no wonder her man is so angry."


    "Just because he has power, he thinks he can bully women."


    The crowd buzzed with indignation, while Jiang Baohong screamed, "You¡¯re lying! You¡¯re a vixen! You seduced my man, and now you¡¯re slandering him! I¡¯ll kill you!"


    She lunged at Wang Xiangxiu, who cried pitifully, dodging while still managing to fight back¡­


    The scene descended into chaos again. Ming Mei and a few others watched from a second-floor window, having seen everything from the beginning¡ªWang Xiangxiu entering the room, Bai Fendou hesitating at the door, and now the brawl.


    Ming Mei watched for a long moment before saying, "The heat¡¯s making people irritable."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "¡­That¡¯s quite the observation."


    After watching all that, that¡¯s what you conclude?


    Ming Mei continued, "It¡¯s true! In winter and spring, there aren¡¯t as many fights. But lately, with the heat, people are quick to throw punches. It¡¯s because everyone¡¯s so worked up in this weather."


    Zhao Guihua countered, "But our courtyard had been quiet for a while. I remember you saying that the heat made people too lazy to argue."


    Ming Mei paused.


    Oh, right.


    Those two points did seem contradictory.


    But she quickly added, "Both are true! Earlier, the heat made people too lazy to fight¡ªwho wants to break a sweat over an argument? But now it¡¯s been raining. It¡¯s still hot, but not unbearable. People aren¡¯t drenched in sweat just from moving around. Summer¡¯s always full of pent-up energy, and the rain¡¯s cooled things down just enough to let it out in a fight."


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "You¡¯re just making excuses now."


    Jiang Lu chimed in, "Forget about the weather. Look at them fighting! Are they going to kill someone?"


    Ming Mei shrugged, "They won¡¯t, right? This is a hospital¡ªthey can get treated immediately."


    As she spoke, the hospital¡¯s security team came running.


    Ming Mei said, "See? The security¡¯s here. It¡¯ll be fine."


    Suddenly, Jiang Lu exclaimed, "Oh my god!"


    "What? What¡¯s wrong?"


    Ming Mei quickly moved closer, feeling she couldn¡¯t miss such an event. Jiang Lu said, "That baldy is definitely done for. Bai Fendou kicked him, and he passed out. Look at the ground, there¡¯s already blood¡­"


    Sizz!


    So ruthless!


    Bai Fendou truly is a man¡¯s nightmare!


    He¡¯s relentless in taking men down!


    Though they were on the second floor, they had a clear view of the scene below. It was obvious that Jiang Baohong was losing it. She suddenly lunged forward and threw herself over the baldy. She hadn¡¯t expected things to escalate like this.


    Seeing her man suffer such a blow, she was overcome with rage. Without warning, she charged at Bai Fendou, who was already exhausted from the fight. Caught off guard, he stumbled and fell. Jiang Baohong immediately grabbed a rock and aimed it at Bai Fendou¡¯s vulnerable spot. "I¡¯ll finish you!"


    "Ah!!!"


    The scene froze for a moment. Those who had been watching the commotion instinctively took a few steps back. Jiang Baohong turned her attention to Wang Xiangxiu, grabbing her hair and dragging her forward, slamming her head against the wall.


    "What are you doing? Ahhh!"


    With both men down and Jiang Baohong in a frenzy, no one knew what to do. However, Wang Xiangxiu quickly fought back. Working in the factory, she was stronger than Jiang Baohong. She grabbed Jiang Baohong¡¯s hair in return, and the two of them stumbled around, each trying to slam the other into the wall.


    "Damn it, someone pull these two crazy women apart!"


    "Hurry, hurry! Get these two men to emergency care!"


    Finally, someone snapped into action.


    The onlookers were too afraid to intervene, but the hospital security team quickly stepped in. The two men were covered in blood, and the two women were equally battered.


    "Quick, quick, save them first!"


    Being a doctor is never easy.


    In such a chaotic situation, no one dared to step forward, but the medical staff had to act fast.


    Jiang Baohong had never been humiliated like this before. She had always been praised and admired in her youth, but now she had suffered a crushing defeat. She glared at Wang Xiangxiu with dark eyes. Wang Xiangxiu covered her face and cried, "You and your husband are bullies! You¡¯re so cruel¡­"


    She was still putting on an act.


    "My dear Xiuxiu, my dear Xiuxiu¡­"


    Aunt Su, seeing that the fight was over and the security team had things under control, finally rushed out. She stumbled over to Wang Xiangxiu, hugging her and wailing, "How could you be so heartless? My dear Xiuxiu!"


    Jiang Baohong looked at this old woman, the same one who had earlier claimed to be on the verge of death but now seemed full of energy as she screamed. Her anger only grew. Spotting the nearby restroom, she clenched her teeth and, while no one was paying attention, suddenly lunged at the old woman, grabbing her and dragging her away.


    "Ah?"


    "Oh my god!"


    Even the security team was caught off guard by Jiang Baohong¡¯s sudden burst of strength. They reacted quickly, but they couldn¡¯t stop her. In a few steps, she had dragged Aunt Su to the restroom. As people closed in, she slammed Aunt Su¡¯s head against the wall a few times before shoving her into the restroom.


    Splash!!!


    This restroom wasn¡¯t like the ones in the alleyways, which had been reinforced with thick stone slabs. Here, they still used the old, thin wooden planks, which were easier for the waste collectors to move.


    Jiang Baohong didn¡¯t know about the incidents in their neighborhood, but that didn¡¯t stop her from acting. Her main goal was to teach this old woman a lesson. Slamming her head against the wall would have been quickly stopped by security, but pushing her into the restroom would at least make her suffer a bit. Wang Xiangxiu had thought of how to shift blame in a crisis, and Jiang Baohong had thought of how to make someone miserable.


    Aunt Su, after being slammed against the wall, was already seeing stars. Now, she was shoved into the cesspool.


    "Ugh!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Goodness, this is¡­"


    "Stop talking and save her!"


    Ming Mei and the others watched from the window, shaken by what they had just witnessed. This time, Jiang Baohong was truly restrained and couldn¡¯t move.


    Wang Xiangxiu screamed hysterically, "Mom! Mom, are you okay? Mom, you can¡¯t die¡­"


    Downstairs, chaos erupted once again.


    Fortunately, they were far enough away, or the aftermath would have been unbearable. The heavy rain made things worse, and Aunt Su, dazed and weak, couldn¡¯t hold onto the rope. It took a long time to pull her out¡­


    Jiang Lu: "Ugh~"


    She had a strong reaction. "I can¡¯t take this. I¡¯m already prone to nausea."


    Now, she could somewhat understand how others felt when Zhou Qun fell into the restroom that one time.


    Wang Zhaodi murmured, "The city is too scary¡­ too scary."


    "Ugh~" Jiang Lu gagged again, and Wang Zhaodi immediately asked, "Sister Jiang Lu, are you okay? Let¡¯s go get checked out."


    Jiang Lu: "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua: "How are you feeling?"


    Ming Mei blinked. "My stomach doesn¡¯t hurt at all. I feel fine."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­"


    She said quietly, "The little one in your belly sure loves watching the drama."


    Ming Mei laughed. "Just like me and the baby¡¯s dad."


    Zhao Guihua: "Since we¡¯re here, let¡¯s get you checked at the OB-GYN."


    "Okay."


    Though the two pregnant women were eager to continue watching the commotion, the downstairs scene had ended. The injured had been taken in for treatment, and the next round¡­ they didn¡¯t dare get involved. Pregnant women couldn¡¯t afford to be caught up in such chaos.


    Given how wild things had gotten, they didn¡¯t dare go near.


    Zhao Guihua took charge and led them to the OB-GYN for a check-up. Fortunately, both were fine.


    The elderly doctor at the OB-GYN looked at Ming Mei and smiled. "I think your baby is fine. You probably just ate something that didn¡¯t agree with you and needed to use the restroom."


    She put it bluntly.


    Ming Mei¡¯s stomachache was from overeating and needing to use the restroom, not because of any issue with the baby.


    Ming Mei: "¡­"


    She blushed.


    But the doctor added, "However, your reaction was correct. It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry. If you feel unwell, coming to the hospital is always the right choice. It¡¯s better to be thorough and avoid misjudging the situation."


    Ming Mei nodded quickly. "I understand."


    The doctor: "Alright, both of you are pregnant. Don¡¯t stay at the hospital watching the drama. You don¡¯t want to get accidentally hurt. Especially you, since this is your first pregnancy at your age. You need to be extra careful."


    Jiang Lu nodded quickly. "I know."


    Zhao Guihua: "Let¡¯s go, then."


    They had spent most of the afternoon watching the spectacle. They had left at noon, and now it was almost time to clock out. The battle had been intense.


    The four of them walked out together. Zhao Guihua glanced back at the hospital and said, "What were they all thinking, causing such a scene? It¡¯s not over yet."


    While others might have just seen it as entertainment, Zhao Guihua reflected, "This is why, if you have children, you must raise them well. When they¡¯re young, they don¡¯t understand right from wrong. They¡¯re like blank slates. Parents play the most important role at this stage. If you don¡¯t teach them properly, someone else will have to do it later. Look, if Jinlai and his brothers hadn¡¯t been so mischievous, none of this would have happened."


    The two pregnant women nodded silently.


    On the way back, everyone was quiet. Though they were eager to gossip, the situation was just too complicated to even know where to start.


    Jiang Lu suddenly said, "Wang Xiangxiu has been like this for years. This isn¡¯t the first time¡­"


    Though they couldn¡¯t hear much from the second floor, they could see enough. A man and a woman had gone into a dark room, and Bai Fendou¡¯s state spoke volumes.


    Ming Mei voiced it outright.


    Jiang Lu scratched her head and said, "That''s not what I meant to say." After a pause, she continued, "What I wanted to ask is, why hasn¡¯t Wang Xiangxiu gotten pregnant?"


    She was puzzled: "She¡¯s very fertile. She had a son in the first year of her marriage, and then kept having children every two years. She¡¯s quite capable of bearing children. Since this isn¡¯t her first time, why hasn¡¯t she gotten pregnant again?"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Jiang Lu and asked, "What do you think the reason is?"


    Jiang Lu: "???"


    As they were about to enter the courtyard, Jiang Lu suddenly slapped her forehead and exclaimed, "She, she, she¡ªyou mean she¡¯s had an IUD inserted?"


    Zhao Guihua said meaningfully, "I didn¡¯t say that. You¡¯re the one who said it. I was just speculating."


    "Uh¡­"


    Jiang Lu was utterly shocked, and so was Ming Mei, who sighed in admiration, "She¡¯s a tough one."


    "Who¡¯s tough? Is Ming Mei okay? Why are you guys back so late?"


    Auntie Wang came out to use the restroom and happened to run into them.


    Ming Mei immediately said, "Auntie Wang, we¡¯ve got big news!"


    Auntie Wang: "???"


    She immediately perked up: "What happened?"


    Ming Mei: "There was a huge fight¡ªBai Fendou and his gang got into another brawl at the hospital¡­"


    Wang Zhaodi added, "Aunt Su was pushed into a manure pit."


    Jiang Lu: "Bai Fendou might be done for."


    "Oh my god," Auntie Wang said, holding her forehead.


    She was completely exasperated. These people really knew how to stir up trouble.


    She had thought that with Aunt Zhou gone, their courtyard would finally have some peace. But no¡ªless than two months after things had quieted down, the drama was back in full swing. And on a stormy night like this, they weren¡¯t even afraid of getting struck by lightning.


    Though she was utterly baffled and couldn¡¯t understand these people, it didn¡¯t stop her from wanting to hear the gossip.


    Well, no¡ªas the courtyard manager, it was her duty to stay informed.


    She had to know what was going on.


    Auntie Wang decisively said, "You guys go home first. I¡¯ll go to the restroom and then come find you!"


    "Alright."


    Auntie Wang: "They really are¡­"


    She shook her head like a rattle drum.


    ¡­


    People hurried home after work. On a rainy day, no one lingered, but the workers from the machinery factory walked in a daze. Something big had happened¡ªsomething huge.


    Enormous.


    It wasn¡¯t Zhao Guihua and the others who spread the news, but the hospital had informed the machinery factory.


    Both Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu worked at the factory, and with such a major incident, the organization had to be notified.


    Of course, there were no secrets in the factory, and the news spread like wildfire.


    Everyone was left in a daze.


    The updates were coming in too fast. If you blinked, you¡¯d miss the latest development.


    Just this morning, the hot topic was the lightning strike incident from the night before last. By mid-morning, the gossip had shifted to Wang Xiangxiu and Yu Baoshan¡¯s scandal. And before anyone could even make sense of that, a new incident had already occurred.


    Keeping up with the gossip in their factory was exhausting¡ªyou couldn¡¯t even take a nap.


    The news was outdated in a flash.


    You could say it moved at lightning speed!


    But everyone was still in a state of shock.


    How could Wang Xiangxiu, the young widow, and Bai Fendou, the old bachelor, have so much drama between them?


    They didn¡¯t yet know the full details, but it was safe to assume that Bai Fendou was once again involved because of the widow.


    Though the specifics were unclear, they knew one thing: Bai Fendou had incapacitated another man¡ªyes, yet another man¡­


    And then, Bai Fendou himself had been incapacitated.


    This was just¡­


    "From now on, we really shouldn¡¯t mess with Bai Fendou."


    "Absolutely. I¡¯ve never seen such a ruthless person."


    "Did you hear? The guy he took down was the deputy director of the neighborhood committee¡­"


    "Holy crap, what a hero!"


    "Uh¡­does this count as eliminating a public menace?" someone muttered softly, and suddenly, everything went quiet except for the sound of the rain. No one spoke, and soon, a few coughs broke the silence¡­


    "Let¡¯s all just go home!"

 Chapter 114

    The rain poured down relentlessly.Three consecutive days of heavy rain had brought many inconveniences to daily life.


    By evening, the sky was already dim and overcast, with no sign of clearing up. Zhuang Zhixi was in the courtyard fetching water, as the tap water at home had run out. As he worked, he heard the chattering of children and turned to see Hu Huihui.


    Although the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law of the Su family were in the hospital, the three children couldn¡¯t just be left unattended. After running around all night, they were handed over to Hu Huihui that morning. Truth be told, Hu Huihui wasn¡¯t fond of these children at all.


    None of them were well-behaved, but she didn¡¯t refuse to take them. She brought them to a friend¡¯s place and asked them to look after the kids. It was the only option since it was summer break, and they couldn¡¯t be sent to school.


    Now, in the evening, she had finally brought the three troublemakers back. The children were grumbling: ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re so irresponsible! You didn¡¯t take care of us all day. When Mom gets back, I¡¯m definitely telling her!¡±


    ¡°I want meat!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, if you give us meat, we won¡¯t tattle.¡±


    Hu Huihui replied coldly, ¡°Go ahead and tattle then. There¡¯s no food tonight. You¡¯ll just have to starve.¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    Her voice was flat and emotionless: ¡°Your grandma and mom locked all the cabinets. What am I supposed to cook for you? Figure it out yourselves.¡±


    Jinlai stomped his foot in frustration: ¡°You have a salary! Buy us something!¡±


    Hu Huihui sneered, utterly unimpressed. Were these even children? They were more like little brats.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shameless. Your mom and grandma aren¡¯t home, so no one¡¯s going to spoil you. If you want to eat, figure it out yourselves. If you can¡¯t, then starve. I already fed you lunch. Don¡¯t push your luck.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, lunch was just cornbread. How can you even call that food?¡±


    Hu Huihui shot back, ¡°Then don¡¯t eat it.¡±


    She was being blunt when she suddenly looked up and saw Zhuang Zhixi watching her. She felt a pang of embarrassment¡ªafter all, in the neighborhood, she was known as the delicate yet resilient young woman who had fled an arranged marriage. Despite her discomfort, she managed to smile shyly.


    ¡°Brother Zhuang, fetching water this late?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    He looked at her thoughtfully and asked, ¡°Did you go to the hospital today?¡±


    Hu Huihui was puzzled. ¡°I went this morning to pick up the kids.¡± She paused, sensing that Zhuang Zhixi wouldn¡¯t bring this up without a reason. She tentatively asked, ¡°Did¡­ something happen? Did the results come back about my cousin¡¯s situation?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. ¡°Not that.¡±


    He said sympathetically, ¡°Your cousin got into another fight at the hospital!¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Hu Huihui was shocked. How could they keep causing trouble?


    Zhuang Zhixi added, even more sympathetically, ¡°I heard Aunt Su was pushed into a manure pit¡­¡±


    Hu Huihui gasped, ¡°What?!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, ¡°It was a group fight. Two men were¡­ well, let¡¯s just say they won¡¯t be having children anymore. One of them was some deputy director.¡±


    Hu Huihui¡¯s eyes widened like saucers. ¡°A deputy director? What deputy director? Explain clearly! What happened? Why did they fight? Are they still alive?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi gave her a pitying smile. ¡°I don¡¯t know the details. You¡¯ll have to go to the hospital and ask.¡±


    Hu Huihui immediately turned and ran, with Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai quickly following behind.


    Zhuang Zhixi finished fetching the water and was about to head home when he saw his mother, Zhao Guihua, standing under the eaves, watching him. He was startled. ¡°Oh, Mom! When did you come out? You didn¡¯t make a sound¡ªscared me!¡±


    Zhao Guihua remarked, ¡°You¡¯re just stirring the pot.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi feigned innocence. ¡°Mom, how can you say that? Shouldn¡¯t Hu Huihui know about this? We¡¯re neighbors¡ªI was just being kind. She¡¯d find out eventually. Better sooner than later.¡±


    Zhao Guihua scoffed.


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this too much. Not very kind of you.¡±


    He added, ¡°If Hu Huihui goes, she might be able to give her dear cousin some advice. After all, a woman going through so much¡ªhow could she handle it alone?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi carried the water home, poured it into the water vat, and then went back to work.


    He muttered, ¡°Look at me, working so hard, and you¡¯re still nagging me. Can¡¯t even do a good deed without being criticized. It¡¯s so unfair.¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot back, ¡°Cut the act. You just love watching the drama.¡±


    She said, ¡°Who knows how this will turn out?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°We¡¯ll see if Wang Xiangxiu is ruthless enough.¡±


    Zhao Guihua pulled out a small stool and sat under the eaves, chatting with her son.


    Zhuang Zhixi speculated, ¡°If Wang Xiangxiu is ruthless, she¡¯ll insist that the man who slept with her did it by force. That would definitely land him in prison. I don¡¯t know much about the law, but I¡¯d guess he¡¯d get at least eight to ten years. Then Wang Xiangxiu would be free of him.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was startled by the suggestion.


    She thought about it and realized it wasn¡¯t impossible. Wang Xiangxiu had already accused that balding man of forcing himself on her. If she stuck to her story, it might just work. As for whether it was true¡­ Zhao Guihua knew it wasn¡¯t.


    They hadn¡¯t heard what was said in the room, but they had seen the two enter willingly, one after the other. And from the arguments afterward, it was clear they weren¡¯t blind or deaf.


    Zhao Guihua pondered this and understood the implications.


    ¡°That would make it a blood feud.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°It¡¯s already a blood feud. Bai Fendou, that big guy, completely ruined him. No man could tolerate that. If it¡¯s already a feud and retaliation is inevitable, I think Wang Xiangxiu would do anything to protect herself. If she¡¯s seen as the victim, then Bai Fendou¡¯s actions would be justified. Neither of them would be punished. Otherwise, they¡¯d not only be fired but might also face criminal charges. But that¡¯s just my guess. Maybe Wang Xiangxiu doesn¡¯t have it in her to be that ruthless.¡±


    Zhao Guihua gave him a sidelong glance. ¡°You really don¡¯t understand women.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi was confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Zhao Guihua stood up, carrying her stool inside. Zhuang Zhixi called after her, ¡°Wait, Mom, what are you saying?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°If Wang Xiangxiu can¡¯t get out of this, who¡¯s going to take care of Jinlai and the other two? Those kids are her life. She¡¯d never let them become motherless orphans. So, she¡¯ll definitely stick to her story.¡±


    She went inside, and Zhuang Zhixi called after her, ¡°Hey, hey, let¡¯s chat a bit more!¡±


    Zhao Guihua retorted, ¡°Do I look like I have nothing better to do? Just here to chat with you?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, ¡°You¡¯re something else¡­¡±


    After finishing his chores, Zhuang Zhixi went inside and saw his wife, Ming Mei, counting money. He chuckled, ¡°Well, well, look at you, sneaking around counting money.¡±


    Ming Mei quickly gestured for him to close the door. She grinned and said, ¡°We¡¯ve got over a thousand saved up now.¡±


    She smiled contentedly. Having savings really put her mind at ease.


    ¡°How much over a thousand?¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°Eleven hundred, not quite twelve.¡±


    She pulled out five ten-yuan bills and handed them to him. ¡°Here¡¯s fifty yuan.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, ¡°What¡¯s this? Are you trying to buy out my entire year¡¯s allowance? This isn¡¯t enough!¡±


    Ming Mei rolled her eyes. ¡°Just shut up.¡±


    She said, ¡°Once the rain stops, buy some peanuts or something. Spend all fifty on it.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised. He changed into a blue-and-white tank top and lounged on the bed like a shrimp, leaning against the headboard. ¡°Why buy so much at once? It¡¯s not easy to get that much.¡±


    Ming Mei insisted, ¡°Buy it slowly, but buy it.¡±


    She said, "Today I heard from Mom that with all this continuous rain, the autumn harvest is definitely going to be poor, so we should stock up on some grain at home. Since we always eat at home, we don¡¯t need to worry about that. When the time comes, we¡¯ll just work hard. But I was thinking of buying some peanuts or something for snacks. They¡¯re great¡ªyou can roast them, eat them raw, make them into candy, or even stew them with pig¡¯s feet. They¡¯re really versatile."


    Peanuts are an oil crop, and the quota isn¡¯t high. They¡¯re not easy to buy on the black market either, and they¡¯re not cheap. But peanuts are a good thing. They¡¯re nutritious and delicious, and Ming Mei still felt that their household should buy some.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Alright, I¡¯ll take care of it."


    Ming Mei chuckled softly and said, "Take some time to visit my parents¡¯ house. My dad has connections and can get some."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave a thumbs-up. "That¡¯s why we rely on your dad."


    Ming Mei replied, "Of course."


    These days, what¡¯s the saying?


    Turn the steering wheel, and you¡¯re set.


    In short, being a driver has its perks.


    Not just drivers, but even train attendants have similar advantages. Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s family didn¡¯t feel the loss of one income too much, partly because he often traveled out of town. Helping people carry things, exchange goods, and moving around¡ªthere were always opportunities for extra income.


    Ming Mei¡¯s older brother, Ming Cheng, was also a train attendant, just like Zhuang Zhiyuan. Being able to travel frequently had its conveniences. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for Ming Mei¡¯s father, Ming Xiangdong, it went without saying.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll go after work tomorrow," he said, rolling up the money and stuffing it into his pocket. Ming Mei didn¡¯t agree, though. "Not tomorrow. Check the weather first. Go when the weather¡¯s good. If it¡¯s still raining tomorrow, don¡¯t go."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Will it still rain? It¡¯s already been three days."


    Ming Mei replied, "Who knows? The sky hasn¡¯t cleared up yet."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "True."


    He sighed, "This heavy rain is really scary. So much has happened since it started the night before last."


    The rain had started the evening before last. That very night, they encountered the crazed Yu Baoshan, and two consecutive bolts of lightning ended him.


    Yesterday, because of three mischievous kids, there were two fights, and an overtime match at the police station.


    Today, well, the fighting didn¡¯t let up¡ªit only got bigger and better.


    These past three days have been anything but peaceful. He was even starting to worry¡ªif it kept raining tomorrow, what else would happen?


    Oh dear, better not think about it.


    "Why are you shaking your head?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I¡¯m just lamenting the chaos of rainy days. They say the darkest nights are for murder, but I think rainy days are just as bad."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing. "Stop talking nonsense."


    She crawled over to Zhuang Zhixi and leaned against his chest. The two of them lay there cuddled together when a noise came from outside. Ming Mei turned over and opened the window to look. She saw Zhou Qun fetching water, humming a tune as he worked, seemingly in high spirits.


    Ming Mei closed the window and returned to her previous position. "It¡¯s Zhou Qun. He actually didn¡¯t make Wang Zhaodi do the work."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "He¡¯s probably happy. Zhou Qun should be happy. From now on, he won¡¯t be the only one in our courtyard who¡¯s ¡®incompetent.¡¯ Now there¡¯s Bai Fendou too. They¡¯re like two peas in a pod."


    Ming Mei replied, "...That doesn¡¯t sound like a compliment."


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "People sometimes wish for others to be worse off than themselves. Look, both Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou have lost the joy of being men. But Zhou Qun has a child, while Bai Fendou is completely without heirs. And Zhou Qun lost his because Bai Fendou kicked him. Don¡¯t you think Zhou Qun is happy? It¡¯s like he¡¯s finally gotten his revenge."


    Ming Mei pursed her lips. "What revenge? If he hadn¡¯t harassed Bai Fendou, Bai Fendou wouldn¡¯t have kicked him in the first place. By the way, I wonder if Bai Fendou can be ¡®repaired¡¯ again. Didn¡¯t he get fixed last time?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. "Last time it was just a kick. This time, it was a rock. It¡¯s not the same. But..."


    He stroked his chin and said, "Does Bai Fendou have some kind of bad luck with people surnamed Jiang?"


    Ming Mei was puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Last time, Jiang Lu shattered him. This time, Jiang Baohong finished him off."


    Ming Mei was speechless.


    She said, "Let¡¯s not bring that up. In Bai Fendou¡¯s current state, who knows if he¡¯ll go after Jiang Lu for revenge? Even though it¡¯s in the past, you never know if he¡¯ll go crazy. Jiang Lu is pregnant¡ªwe can¡¯t afford any trouble."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "I know. I won¡¯t say anything..."


    While the young couple discussed this, others were doing the same. Almost every household was awake, talking about this and that. The happiest was undoubtedly Zhou Qun. When he heard that Bai Fendou was done for, he laughed heartily, celebrating with three loud "ha ha ha¡¯s."


    From now on, he wouldn¡¯t be the only one who was ¡°incompetent.¡± Bai Fendou, the one who caused his misery, would now share the same fate and bear the same judgmental looks. Just thinking about it made him ecstatic. Wasn¡¯t this the greatest joy in life?


    He paced back and forth excitedly.


    Jiang Lu, seeing him so worked up, said, "Why don¡¯t you go fill the water tank at home?"


    Zhou Qun happily obliged. "Sure."


    As he stood in the courtyard fetching water, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud whenever he thought of Bai Fendou¡¯s misfortune.


    He truly believed he was heaven¡¯s favorite child. Sure, there had been a minor hiccup when he was wronged by a villain, but heaven had quickly made it up to him by dealing with his enemy.


    Though his own loss was painful, he still had a son.


    But Bai Fendou? He had nothing.


    Zhou Qun¡¯s laughter grew even more joyful as he fetched water, practically dancing as he worked.


    Lan Sihai and his wife stood at their door, watching him with confusion. "Has he gone mad with joy?"


    Lan Sihai replied, "Probably. What else could it be?"


    He really didn¡¯t look like a normal person.


    Luo Xiaohe sighed, "Things just keep getting more and more lively."


    She never imagined things could turn out this way. In just a few months, she¡¯d witnessed more drama than in decades of her life. Still, she added, "I wonder if Wang Xiangxiu and the others will ever come back."


    Lan Sihai said, "Who knows? But that young woman has an old fox backing her. I doubt anything will happen to her."


    Luo Xiaohe exclaimed, "Oh my!"


    If they managed to get off scot-free, she¡¯d definitely keep her distance from Aunt Su. That old lady¡¯s cunning was beyond compare.


    She was truly... shocking, to say the least.


    While the courtyard buzzed with activity, they were merely spectators, not key players. But at the hospital, it was a different story. Everyone there was a key figure¡ªthe main characters.


    Hu Huihui rushed to the hospital, only to find that the security guards hadn¡¯t even gone off duty. Without sparing a moment of sympathy for them, she hurried upstairs. The third-floor corridor was packed with police officers. As soon as Hu Huihui reached the floor, she was stopped.


    "Sorry, no one is allowed to visit the patients in this room right now."


    Hu Huihui was frantic. "My cousin is in there. Why can¡¯t I see her? I was here just yesterday morning. Officer, please let me see her. I heard something happened to her¡ªI need to know how she is!"


    "I want my mom! Let me see my mom!"


    The three mischievous kids arrived, and the corridor immediately erupted into chaos. Several patients peeked out of their rooms to see what was going on. The police officer rubbed his forehead. If everyone acted like this, they were in for a rough time.


    What kind of people were these?


    "Shut up!" Before the officer could speak, Hu Huihui turned around and scolded them. "Do you even want to see your grandma and mom? This isn¡¯t the place to cause trouble. If you hadn¡¯t been so reckless, things wouldn¡¯t have come to this!"


    Hu Huihui¡¯s words earned nods of agreement from the officers who knew the situation. They fully supported her.


    However, Jinlai was not the least bit afraid and shouted, "What does it have to do with me? We''re just kids. My grandma said it''s normal for kids to be mischievous. The naughtier the boy, the smarter he is, and he¡¯ll grow up to achieve great things. They¡¯re all adults, yet they¡¯re still picking on us kids. They really don¡¯t know how to care for children at all."


    "Exactly, exactly," Yinlai and Tonglai chimed in.


    "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Hu Huihui once again felt that these children had truly been led astray. She didn¡¯t consider herself a particularly good person, but looking at these three kids, she deeply felt that she was, in fact, a person of high moral character.


    "I don¡¯t care, I don¡¯t care! I want to see my mom!"


    The three children flopped onto the ground and began rolling around.


    Hu Huihui sighed, "I¡¯m sorry for this. These kids... sigh."


    "We understand it¡¯s not your fault," someone said.


    Hu Huihui continued, "Officers, my cousin asked me to take care of the kids temporarily, but she didn¡¯t give me any details, nor did she give me a single penny. Even the food and supplies at home are locked up. I work as a temporary laborer, earning ten yuan a month. I have to pay eight yuan to my cousin for rent and food, leaving me with only two yuan. How am I supposed to take care of her three kids with just two yuan? She only told me to look after them, but I need to clarify these things. Also, I need to know what she¡¯s done, when she¡¯ll be out, or even... if she¡¯ll be able to get out at all. There¡¯s so much gossip outside. If I don¡¯t talk to her, what else can I do?"


    After Hu Huihui said this, the officers exchanged glances and hesitated for a moment before saying, "We can arrange for you to see her."


    At the same time, they sighed, feeling that Wang Xiangxiu was truly inhumane, treating her cousin so harshly and still making demands of her.


    "But we¡¯ll need to be present during the meeting."


    They were also afraid of further complications. Previously, they had been too careless, which allowed these people to take advantage and create even bigger problems. This time, they couldn¡¯t let that happen again. Fortunately, Hu Huihui didn¡¯t object and quickly agreed, "Fine."


    Finally, she got the chance to enter the room. As soon as the door opened, the three children rushed in, squeezing into the room ahead of everyone else. "Mom! Grandma!"


    Hearing her sons¡¯ voices, Wang Xiangxiu immediately burst into tears. "You¡¯re here, you¡¯re here!"


    "Mom, why are you hurt again? Who did this to you? I¡¯ll avenge you," Jinlai said fiercely, his eyes filled with malice as he glared at the others in the room. His gaze landed on Jiang Baohong, and he spat, "Was it you, you wretched woman?"


    Jiang Baohong trembled with anger, "I¡¯ll kill you, you little brat!"


    Jinlai retorted, "Go ahead, try it!"


    "Enough! You¡¯re here to talk, not to fight. Keep it down," an officer warned.


    This was a six-bed ward at the end of the corridor. Originally, there were other patients in the room, but they had all been moved out. Now, only a few remained: the silent and burly Bai Fendou; the despairing Deputy Director Old Cai, who was convinced he had fallen victim to a honey trap; the tearful and weak Aunt Su, who had suffered a concussion after being pushed into a cesspit; and the pitiful young widow Wang Xiangxiu, who insisted she had been assaulted.


    The remaining two beds were occupied by four officers who were keeping an eye on them, while outside the room, there were at least ten more officers.


    Just look at this lineup.


    As soon as she entered, Hu Huihui caught a faint whiff of a foul odor. She sniffed the air and realized the smell was coming from Aunt Su. Although Aunt Su had only been pushed into the cesspit twice, she was, after all, elderly and had been diagnosed with a concussion.


    Well, during the day, she had been faking it, but now she was genuinely unwell.


    Not only had she been diagnosed with a concussion, but because she had been pushed into the toilet, she also reeked of a strong, pungent odor. Every time she opened her mouth, it was like an old stinkbug speaking.


    Now, Aunt Su leaned against the wall, her eyes closed, resting.


    Hu Huihui glanced at Old Cai and Jiang Baohong but quickly averted her gaze.


    To be honest, Hu Huihui recognized Old Cai, but Old Cai didn¡¯t recognize her. Hu Huihui had previously worked as a temporary laborer at the cultural center, where she had met Deputy Director Zheng of the committee. Even in her teens, Hu Huihui had known how to use her looks to get food and money.


    However, she wasn¡¯t as foolish as Wang Xiangxiu, who slept with men for a pittance.


    Hu Huihui¡¯s approach was somewhat similar to Tao Yuye from the mechanical factory¡¯s medical office. She had relationships with men but never got too close to any one of them. She was skilled at pitting her suitors against each other to achieve her goals.


    As for anything deeper, she had no intention of giving that away.


    She wanted to use her looks to marry into a good family.


    She had no influential relatives, and while she wasn¡¯t exceptionally beautiful, she was pleasant-looking enough. So, she had learned to dress well, skillfully hiding her flaws and accentuating her strengths.


    Thanks to her careful grooming, many people now called her "beautiful."


    However, she also knew that beauty alone wouldn¡¯t be enough to make Deputy Director Zheng marry her. Initially, he had only wanted to have some fun, which was why she had stayed close to him. Although she was only helping out, she worked hard at it.


    It could be said that Deputy Director Zheng¡¯s faction still recognized her.


    Deputy Director Zheng¡¯s cousin even treated her like a sister. When she argued with Deputy Director Zheng, the cousin would take her side.


    This showed just how much effort Hu Huihui had put in.


    Her original job certainly didn¡¯t pay just ten yuan. Because she spent so much time around Deputy Director Zheng, she rarely went to work. She was always hanging around them. That¡¯s why she immediately recognized Old Cai.


    But Old Cai didn¡¯t recognize Hu Huihui.


    This wasn¡¯t surprising. Old Cai didn¡¯t recognize Hu Huihui not because he was old and couldn¡¯t see well, but because Hu Huihui had always avoided him. Of course, it wasn¡¯t as if she could have predicted today¡¯s events¡ªthat would have been pure fantasy.


    The reason she avoided Old Cai was that Deputy Director Zheng had warned her that Old Cai wasn¡¯t very strict when it came to relationships with women. If he saw Hu Huihui and developed any ideas about her, it wouldn¡¯t be good.


    In truth, Hu Huihui also knew that it wasn¡¯t just because of that. There might have been a small reason, but it was minor. She felt that Deputy Director Zheng had told her to avoid Old Cai and a few other minor leaders because she wasn¡¯t presentable.


    Men cared about their reputations. Their positions weren¡¯t low, and in this place, the benefits they could secretly reap were probably countless. Without connections or skills, it was impossible to become a leader.


    So, what did Hu Huihui have?


    Nothing but her beauty.


    And even that beauty was carefully crafted.


    Deep down, Deputy Director Zheng looked down on Hu Huihui. If she wanted to marry into a wealthy family, she would have to work hard for it.


    Well, enough of that digression. Back to the matter at hand, Hu Huihui didn¡¯t recognize Jiang Baohong, but she immediately recognized Old Cai. Her heart raced. She had a keen sense that this might be an opportunity.


    She quickly stepped forward, sat on the hospital bed, and took Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s hand. "Cousin, how are you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu snapped, "Why didn¡¯t you make them something to eat before coming here?"


    While Hu Huihui had been distracted, Jinlai had already finished tattling.


    Wang Xiangxiu continued, "The kids have been beaten and wronged. They need to be nourished. Make them a big bowl of meat noodles with a poached egg."


    Jinlai looked at Hu Huihui smugly, "Did you hear that, you freeloader!"


    Hu Huihui sighed, "Cousin, don¡¯t you know what kind of person I am? Where would I get the money?"


    She looked at Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s bandaged forehead and asked, "What happened to you? What¡¯s going on?"


    Wang Xiangxiu glanced in the direction of Old Cai and Jiang Baohong. Jiang Baohong couldn¡¯t hold back her anger and cursed, "You vixen, what are you looking at? You seduced my husband and framed him. Just wait, once we¡¯re out of here, I¡¯ll make you pay, you bitch."


    "Enough!" Old Cai, though he had lost his dignity as a man, was still experienced and knew better. He was furious with his wife, who was nothing but a liability.


    The more she threatened Wang Xiangxiu, the more Wang Xiangxiu would bite back to protect herself.


    But because the police officers were present, he couldn¡¯t yet negotiate with Wang Xiangxiu. Over there, there were at least two, and usually four people staying in the ward, keeping a close eye on them. This made Old Cai extremely furious, thinking that once he got out of this mess, he would definitely teach these clueless fools a lesson.


    However, for now, he was putting on a good act.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t speak, no one will think you¡¯re mute.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu took a deep breath and said firmly, ¡°Your husband assaulted me. I¡¯m not some seductress!¡±


    It was precisely because they were in the hospital that some evidence had already been collected.


    Wang Xiangxiu thought of her mother-in-law¡¯s words and clenched her teeth even more firmly.


    Normally, these people wouldn¡¯t be allowed to be alone together to collude. But Aunt Su had been pushed into the cesspit, and aside from Wang Xiangxiu, no one else would be willing to help her. Who would want to deal with that? They certainly couldn¡¯t ask the nurses to help either.


    It was just too degrading.


    So it had to be Wang Xiangxiu, as the daughter-in-law, who took care of it.


    Wang Xiangxiu truly didn¡¯t mind, helping the old lady wash up thoroughly. It was fortunate that their hospital had toilets on every floor, so there weren¡¯t many people going outside to use them, otherwise it would have been even worse. However, because of the rain, a lot of water had seeped in, otherwise Aunt Su would have been fine just standing up straight.


    But the problem was, it had rained, and the pit had overflowed.


    As Wang Xiangxiu rinsed Aunt Su, she quickly explained the situation at the time, cursing Bai Fendou for being more of a hindrance than a help. The matter had already been settled, and if Bai Fendou hadn¡¯t interfered, it would have been over by now.


    But now, the situation had taken a turn for the worse, and a deep enmity had formed.


    Although it wasn¡¯t her doing, in Old Cai¡¯s eyes, they were inextricably linked.


    Wang Xiangxiu had casually blurted out something to defend herself earlier, but she hadn¡¯t really intended to pin everything on Old Cai. In that moment, she was only thinking about what was most advantageous, and she hadn¡¯t considered much else. It was rare to have such an opportunity to secretly communicate with Aunt Su.


    Although Aunt Su¡¯s head was still ringing from hitting the wall, she remained resolute, uttering just three words: ¡°Pin it on him.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu was a bit uneasy.


    Aunt Su: ¡°If you don¡¯t take him down, he¡¯ll definitely take you down. For the sake of the family, for the children, pin it on him.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded: ¡°But, but Bai Fendou¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou was also in the know.


    In the past, she thought she could handle Bai Fendou, but now he seemed utterly despondent. Moreover, he had been injured and would never experience the simplest joys of being a man again. She was worried that Bai Fendou might not listen to her.


    ¡°He¡¯s the one who directly caused the harm. Do you think he¡¯ll come out of this unscathed? If he doesn¡¯t help us, he¡¯s finished too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but Bai Fendou is stubborn.¡±


    Aunt Su hesitated for a moment, then pursed her lips: ¡°Promise to marry him.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu was shocked: ¡°What?¡±


    Aunt Su glanced around, making sure no one was nearby or paying attention, and quickly said, ¡°Find an opportunity to tell Bai Fendou that you¡¯ll marry him in exchange for his testimony.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu was about to say something, but Aunt Su continued, ¡°Your reputation is definitely ruined this time, and you¡¯ll have trouble in the future. People won¡¯t see you as a decent woman anymore. No matter what, you can¡¯t openly engage in shady business. You can do it secretly, but on the surface, you must appear respectable. Otherwise, how will Jinlai and the other two children ever hold their heads up? We¡¯re doing this for the children, Xiu¡¯er.¡±


    Aunt Su: ¡°I know you¡¯ve had a hard life, and it pains me, but I have no choice. We have to think about the children. And honestly, having someone to support you would be good. Marrying Bai Fendou will help cover up this bad reputation. If Bai Fendou¡¯s actions are seen as heroic rather than malicious, his job won¡¯t be affected. He has a job and two rooms, and that house will eventually belong to our three children. Think about it, how good would that life be? Bai Fendou¡¯s been injured and can¡¯t have children anymore, so he¡¯ll dote on our three kids. They¡¯ll be his stepchildren. If he wants them to take care of him in his old age, he¡¯ll have to treat them well. We¡¯ll have an extra pair of hands to help. It¡¯s not as good as before, but given the circumstances, we have to find the best way to survive.¡±


    After quickly laying out her plan, Aunt Su felt nauseous and vomited. She was already suffering from a concussion, and having swallowed a mouthful of filth, it was no wonder she felt sick. She was barely holding on as she gave her advice.


    ¡°But, but Bai Fendou saw me with another man. What if he¡¯s too stubborn¡­¡±


    ¡°Child, he can¡¯t have children anymore. Having three sons to take care of him in his old age is a temptation¡­ Use that to your advantage.¡± She retched twice again, and seeing the police officers approaching, she hurriedly added, ¡°Play the victim! Play the victim with Bai Fendou.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu was flustered: ¡°Mom, I¡­¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±


    Seeing that she was almost done cleaning, the officer said, ¡°Help her back to the ward.¡±


    Recently, because of the rain, there had been many accidents, and the hospital was quite busy. The wards were also tight, and it was impossible to give each person their own room. So they simply put everyone together, figuring that with more people watching, they wouldn¡¯t be able to collude.


    But they didn¡¯t expect that in the short time it took to wash off the filth, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had already communicated.


    They were incredibly resourceful, not wasting a single moment.


    So even though Aunt Su was now at her limit, feeling terrible and speaking little, Wang Xiangxiu was in better spirits. After all, having heard her mother-in-law¡¯s words, she felt more secure. She came back to her senses and looked at Hu Huihui, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve had bad luck, running into a scoundrel.¡±


    She continued, ¡°But I¡¯m the victim. I think I¡¯ll be able to leave in a few days. For now, please take care of the three children. Make sure they eat well, and if you don¡¯t have money, go borrow some.¡±


    Hu Huihui: ¡°¡­¡±


    This was truly shameless.


    Was your face made of the Great Wall¡¯s bricks?


    She pursed her lips and said, ¡°Cousin, I haven¡¯t been living here for long. Who would I borrow money from? And even if I did, how would I pay it back? You know my situation. Cousin, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m heartless, but you really need to consider my circumstances.¡±


    ¡°Marry me, and I¡¯ll give you money.¡± After being hit with a brick, Bai Fendou had remained silent until now, when he suddenly spoke up. Hu Huihui turned to him in disbelief, stammering, ¡°W-what did you say?¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°I have two rooms. I¡¯ll give you a hundred yuan as a betrothal gift.¡±


    He said earnestly, ¡°I can¡­¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t!!!¡±


    Hu Huihui couldn¡¯t help but scream. Even before he was injured, she hadn¡¯t been interested in him, let alone now that he was useless. Was she crazy to consider someone like him? She said firmly, ¡°Bai Fendou, stop talking nonsense.¡±


    She took a deep breath and said, ¡°Cousin, I don¡¯t think I can take care of your children anymore. I¡¯m leaving your house too. I¡¯m going now.¡±


    She really couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    Her cousin was trying to cling to her, making her take care of the children and provide for them.


    Providing for them was one thing, but they had to eat well.


    And now Bai Fendou was delusional enough to think he could have her, completely oblivious to what he was like.


    Even if she didn¡¯t find someone else, she would never choose Bai Fendou.


    Hu Huihui ran out, and Wang Xiangxiu, momentarily stunned, quickly called out, ¡°Go find your aunt!¡±


    At this point, she realized that since she was stuck here, Hu Huihui was the only one who could help. If Hu Huihui didn¡¯t take care of the children, what would happen to her three kids? Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s call fell on deaf ears as Jinlai and the others didn¡¯t move.


    Jinlai: ¡°She doesn¡¯t have any money. We¡¯d just be eating cornbread with her.¡±


    Yinlai: ¡°I want to eat noodles with meat.¡±


    Tonglai: ¡°I want eggs.¡±


    Not only was Hu Huihui at her wit¡¯s end, but even the police officers in the room were slowly filled with disdain and disgust as they looked at this family¡¯s children. It was often said that children didn¡¯t know any better, but they had never seen such shameless ones. It was truly unbearable.


    They even had a premonition that as these kids grew up, they would have plenty of dealings with them in the future¡­


    Wang Xiangxiu was frantic: ¡°If you don¡¯t go find your aunt, who¡¯s going to take care of you?¡±


    Jiang Baohong sneered, "Still taking care of them? Such unruly children, it¡¯d be better if they were all dead."


    "Shut your mouth!" Wang Xiangxiu snapped, "Shut up, or I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart, you wretch!"


    "You¡¯re the wretch, your whole family is..."


    The two of them launched into another round of insults, and the hospital room was once again filled with chaos.


    Hu Huihui was stunned by the shamelessness of these people. She thought she was already quite calculating, but how could there be people even more scheming than her? Just based on her cousin¡¯s behavior, it was like a sewage truck passing by¡ªshe¡¯d have to taste the filth.


    Ridiculous!


    Unbelievable!


    Shameless!


    She spat several times, quickly piecing together the situation from the earlier conversation, and then hurried off to find Deputy Director Zheng...


    *******


    "What did you say!" Deputy Director Zheng slammed his cup on the table, ignoring that it shattered, and exclaimed in shock, "Are you sure you¡¯re not mistaken?"


    Hu Huihui shook her head, "I¡¯m certain."


    Her eyes flickered as she added, "They¡¯re still at a standoff, at the hospital." She paused, then suddenly said, "Old Zheng, we¡¯ve been together for so long. You know I¡¯ve always wanted to marry you."


    Deputy Director Zheng waved his hand irritably, "I¡¯ve told you, we¡¯ll talk about it after we find those gold and silver treasures."


    Hu Huihui replied, "But maybe those things weren¡¯t taken by anyone near Xinghua Alley. It could¡¯ve been someone else. We have no leads at all. Instead of chasing after something so vague, why don¡¯t we focus on something more practical?"


    She whispered, "Like the director¡¯s position."


    Deputy Director Zheng was taken aback.


    Hu Huihui continued, "I¡¯ll convince my cousin to stick to her story and pin it on Old Cai. That¡¯ll eliminate one of your competitors. What do you think?"


    Deputy Director Zheng said meaningfully, "Whatever he did to your cousin, he¡¯ll get his punishment anyway, right?"


    Hu Huihui chuckled softly, "Really? Outsiders might not know her, but I do. Do you think she¡¯s some kind of saint? Forced? Do you think I believe that? I¡¯m telling you, Old Cai was definitely set up. If you don¡¯t believe me, investigate my cousin thoroughly."


    She added in a soft voice, "My cousin¡ªif Old Cai offers her enough benefits, she might change her story. But with me pushing her, we can make sure it sticks."


    Deputy Director Zheng said, "Even if Old Cai is out of the picture, there are still others competing for the position."


    Hu Huihui replied, "One less is still one less. You can¡¯t expect me to take care of both for you. You¡¯ll have to put in some effort too. Besides, you¡¯re not being sincere with me. I¡¯m here, genuinely thinking about you, and you¡¯re still talking like this."


    She sat down, pretending to be hurt, and said, "What¡¯s wrong with us getting married? I could even help take care of your children."


    Yes, Deputy Director Zheng wasn¡¯t unmarried¡ªhe was a widower in his forties with two children from his previous marriage.


    Even though he was older and a widower, for Hu Huihui, he was still the best option. She wanted a good life, to be the wife of a leader, so she had to cling to him.


    "Think about it. We¡¯ve been together for two years. When have I ever lied to you? When have I not thought about you? You can¡¯t stay single forever. What¡¯s wrong with me?" Hu Huihui began to wipe away tears.


    Deputy Director Zheng looked at her, thought for a moment, and then nodded, "I¡¯ll agree to it."


    Hu Huihui looked up in surprise and threw herself into his arms, "I knew you still loved me!"


    Deputy Director Zheng said, "Make sure you handle this properly."


    Hu Huihui replied, "I understand."


    She added, "I¡¯ll definitely convince my cousin. I have a plan..."


    Deputy Director Zheng patted her head and said, "I still think the gold and silver treasures are somewhere in that area. It¡¯s unlikely that an outsider took them. As for our marriage..."


    Hu Huihui looked up, "I have a plan."


    Deputy Director Zheng asked, "Oh?"


    Hu Huihui explained, "My cousin is no good. I¡¯ve been staying at her place, and it¡¯s been a disadvantage for me. Once we¡¯ve nailed Old Cai, I¡¯ll move out."


    Deputy Director Zheng frowned.


    Hu Huihui giggled coquettishly, "If you marry me, you¡¯ll have to give me a dowry, right? I¡¯ve thought about it¡ªI¡¯ll use the dowry to buy a house in that courtyard. I¡¯ll pretend to have a fight with you and stay there from time to time. My cousin¡¯s courtyard is the most eventful in the area, and the gossip there is always flowing. That way, I can keep an eye on the other courtyards and gather information from the chatter of the women there."


    Deputy Director Zheng looked at her in surprise and said, "You¡¯re really clever."


    Hu Huihui smiled smugly, "I¡¯m willing to do it for you. And I already have someone in mind to buy the house from."


    Deputy Director Zheng said, "Housing sales aren¡¯t allowed right now."


    Hu Huihui replied, "We can do it privately. It¡¯s not that hard, and you¡¯re a leader¡ªwho would dare investigate us?"


    Deputy Director Zheng nodded, "That¡¯s true."


    Once they had settled the matter, Hu Huihui said, "I¡¯ll head back now."


    Deputy Director Zheng said happily, "I¡¯ll leave it to you to take care of things."


    Hu Huihui replied, "Alright."


    She quickly left.


    Deputy Director Zheng frowned slightly, feeling somewhat displeased with Hu Huihui¡¯s pressure.


    "Cousin? What¡¯s wrong? What are you thinking about?" A man peeked in¡ªit was Deputy Director Zheng¡¯s cousin, who worked under him and was his trusted confidant. The last time Hu Huihui secretly met with Deputy Director Zheng, it was this man who had opened the door for her.


    "That woman actually threatened me," Deputy Director Zheng admitted. He hadn¡¯t planned to marry Hu Huihui.


    But his cousin said, "I think marrying Huihui would be a good idea. Don¡¯t glare at me¡ªI¡¯m your cousin, so of course I¡¯m on your side. I¡¯m not speaking up for her. I¡¯m just thinking about you. Sure, you could remarry someone better, but someone young and well-off might not be willing. Someone older and well-off might not be as good as Hu Huihui. Besides, someone with too good of a background might be too strong-willed and difficult to handle. They might not treat your kids well. Once they have their own children, they¡¯ll definitely favor them. But Hu Huihui has no real background¡ªshe¡¯ll rely on you and listen to you. She won¡¯t dare cause trouble. Even if you say you don¡¯t want children, she probably wouldn¡¯t object. Plus, she¡¯s smart and could be a great help to you. Some people might have better family backgrounds, but they might not be willing to put in as much effort for you."


    After finishing his earnest speech, the cousin added, "Think about it¡ªisn¡¯t that the case? Someone with too good of a background might be hard to control."


    Deputy Director Zheng thought about it and realized his cousin had a point.


    "You¡¯re right," he said.


    "So, marrying her isn¡¯t a bad idea. Before, you just said you loved her, and even if she found the gold and silver treasures, she might still betray you. But if you marry her, she¡¯ll be more committed. She¡¯ll focus on your family and put in more effort."


    "True. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so insightful," Deputy Director Zheng said.


    "Hehe," the cousin chuckled. Hu Huihui had actually said all this¡ªhe was just repeating it. But it made sense!


    That night, everyone had their own plans.


    Each person had their own little schemes. Hu Huihui returned after being gone for several hours, and the place was still lively. The police were trying to figure out what to do with the three troublemakers¡ªthere was nowhere to put them¡ªwhen Hu Huihui showed up.


    "You..."


    Hu Huihui sighed and said, "Leave the children to me. If I don¡¯t take care of them, no one will."


    Everyone marveled at how, despite Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s flaws, her cousin was truly a good person.


    Hu Huihui added, "I¡¯d also like to see my cousin. I¡¯ll take care of the children, but I really don¡¯t have any money or food. If she keeps causing trouble, I¡¯ll have to let them go..."


    "Come on, I¡¯ll take you in," someone said.


    Hu Huihui nodded.


    When Hu Huihui returned, Wang Xiangxiu was overjoyed. This time, she didn¡¯t dare argue with Hu Huihui and said, "I¡¯ll give you twenty yuan and some food tickets. Buy them food, but keep track of everything. There¡¯s also grain in the cupboard at home¡ªhere¡¯s the key. Make sure to record how much you use. Don¡¯t let anything go missing."


    Hu Huihui felt exhausted, but thinking of her goal, she nodded.


    Bai Fendou stared at Hu Huihui, who was utterly disgusted. She said, "I already have someone. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d marry you. I know you were just desperate earlier, but don¡¯t bring it up again."


    "Then could you pass on a message for me?"


    Hu Huihui replied, "Go ahead."


    Bai Fendou said, "Tell Jiang Lu to introduce someone to me. She promised to find me a partner."


    Hu Huihui nodded, "Alright."


    Bai Fendou hesitated for a moment, then added, "As long as it¡¯s a woman."


    Hu Huihui: "..."


    The others: "..."


    Who on earth would be crazy enough to marry him? It¡¯s not even about whether the conditions are good or not¡ªit¡¯s just that he¡¯s not in any position to be picky anymore. Bai Fendou had always been full of himself, but now he finally realized that he couldn¡¯t afford to be choosy.


    Wang Xiangxiu, worried that Hu Huihui might actually go to Jiang Lu and disrupt her plans, quickly interjected, "Who could Jiang Lu possibly introduce to you? At best, it¡¯d be Wang Zhaodi. But would you even dare to take her? You¡¯re not in any condition to ensure she wouldn¡¯t cheat on you. She¡¯d just be after your house and your salary, using you to become a city dweller. And once she¡¯s done, she¡¯d kick you to the curb. Do you really think a childless woman would genuinely want to be with you?"


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes turned red with rage. He suddenly lunged at Wang Xiangxiu and started slapping her repeatedly.


    "What the hell!"


    Several people rushed forward to pull him away, hitting him a few times to subdue him. "Are you out of your mind? Why are you hitting people again?"


    He was then tied to the hospital bed.


    Wang Xiangxiu, clutching her bruised face, sobbed.


    Jiang Baohong, however, seemed somewhat pleased, looking at Wang Xiangxiu with a smug expression. "It¡¯d be better if he killed her," she said sarcastically.


    Just when everyone thought Wang Xiangxiu had been stunned into silence, she suddenly knelt down with a thud beside Bai Fendou¡¯s hospital bed. "Fendou, Sister Xiangxiu is sorry. If it weren¡¯t for me, you wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this. I¡¯m truly sorry. You can hit me, I don¡¯t mind, but I didn¡¯t say those things to provoke you. I was just looking out for you."


    Seeing that Bai Fendou remained unmoved, she continued, "Let¡¯s get married. You can¡¯t have children anymore, but I have three sons! They¡¯ll be your sons, and they¡¯ll take care of you in your old age."


    "What the hell!"


    Everyone was stunned once again. It seemed like every time they turned their backs, someone was stirring up trouble.


    Wang Xiangxiu pressed on, "From now on, they¡¯ll be your sons! You¡¯ll not only have sons, but three of them! No one can compare!"


    Finally, Bai Fendou turned to look at Wang Xiangxiu, and a glimmer of hope began to shine in his eyes...


    ******


    Hu Huihui took the three mischievous kids home, and the little rascals finally settled down.


    The next day, however, Hu Huihui didn¡¯t go to work. It was raining, raining, and still raining¡ªutterly dreary.


    Early in the morning, she sat at her doorstep, drenched and forlorn.


    Zhao Guihua, who had gotten up early to empty the chamber pot, was startled to see her. "What on earth are you doing sitting here? It¡¯s so early!"


    Hu Huihui looked up with a bitter smile. "I didn¡¯t sleep all night."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Were you visiting your cousin..."


    Hu Huihui nodded. "My cousin knelt down and proposed to Bai Fendou."


    "What?!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "What? What did you just say?"


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s reaction was strong, but Zhou Qun¡¯s was even more intense. He had been excited and restless since last night and hadn¡¯t slept much either. Hearing this, he rushed out of the house. "You¡¯re not lying, are you?"


    Hu Huihui wiped her face. "I was so shocked I couldn¡¯t sleep all night."


    "Well, I..."


    Zhou Qun suddenly screamed, "Everyone, wake up! Come quick! Wang Xiangxiu knelt down and proposed to Bai Fendou! They¡¯re getting married! Everyone, come out!"


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s mouth twitched. "..."


    This Zhou Qun, he really acted like a nosy, gossipy middle-aged woman.


    Hu Huihui was also stunned by Zhou Qun¡¯s outburst.


    She stared at him, wiping her face again, feeling like this courtyard was full of strange characters and utter chaos.

 Chapter 115

    The new day began with the gossip of Wang Xiangxiu kneeling down to propose marriage.Zhou Qun was like a groundhog in a melon field, hopping around energetically, more lively than anyone else.


    He chattered away with Aunt Wang, then cooed with Auntie Sui, and even came over to Zhao Guihua to prattle on, leaving the aunties quite speechless. If he were a woman, chatting with us would be fine, but he''s a grown man.


    Today wasn¡¯t Sunday, and most of the working folks in the courtyard had already left for work, but Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t in a hurry, still buzzing around like a bee.


    His wife, Jiang Lu, had already left for work, and here he was, still fooling around.


    Zhao Guihua held back for a while but finally couldn¡¯t resist saying, ¡°Zhou Qun, if you don¡¯t leave now, you¡¯ll be late.¡±


    Zhou Qun replied, ¡°No rush, I ride fast. Jiang Lu left the bike for me.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s getting late.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Actually, it¡¯s still early, I¡­ Oh crap! I gotta go!¡±


    Just a moment ago, he wasn¡¯t in a hurry, but now, looking at the time, he panicked.


    He quickly pushed his bike out the door, tripping over the threshold on his way. Zhao Guihua called out, ¡°Oh my, be careful!¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°I¡¯m fine! See you later! Keep me updated if there¡¯s any news!¡±


    He hopped on his bike and sped off.


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips, feeling a bit of a toothache: ¡°...¡±


    Never in her wildest dreams did she think she¡¯d one day be sitting around gossiping with Zhou Qun.


    Not just Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang also felt a similar discomfort.


    She said, ¡°He didn¡¯t used to be like this!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°He used to be a man, is he still one now?¡±


    Fortunately, because of the rain, everyone had gone back inside, leaving just the two of them, otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have said such a thing.


    Aunt Wang chuckled and said, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Zhao Guihua, however, thought it was a good thing. She said, ¡°Don¡¯t you think Zhou Qun seems more human now than before?¡±


    In the past, Zhou Qun was all about appearances, putting on airs, but behind the scenes, he was a mess, sleeping with women to climb the ranks, not to mention all the scheming. But now, even though he¡¯s a bit effeminate, he¡¯s taking care of his pregnant wife and even gossiping with the neighbors¡­ well, communicating.


    All in all, it¡¯s a step in the right direction.


    After Zhao Guihua¡¯s analysis, Aunt Wang thought about it and nodded, ¡°That makes sense. I just wonder what it¡¯ll be like when Aunt Zhou comes back next month.¡±


    ¡°Who knows? Being in jail isn¡¯t like strolling in the park, there¡¯s bound to be some change, right?¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Oh my, it¡¯s hard to say. I just hope she doesn¡¯t lead Zhou Qun astray again. I¡¯ve had enough of managing this courtyard.¡±


    In their neighborhood, every courtyard has someone in charge. In other courtyards, people are practically fighting over the position. But in their courtyard, as soon as the topic of selecting a manager comes up, everyone takes a step back, looking like they¡¯ve been through a nightmare.


    Even the troublemakers don¡¯t want to be the manager. Aside from the title and being a bit closer to the neighborhood committee, what¡¯s the point?


    You have to deal with everything.


    And their courtyard has no shortage of issues.


    It¡¯s a thankless job.


    While others are eager for the position, everyone in their courtyard avoids it like the plague.


    Aunt Wang is fed up, but there¡¯s no one to take over. She envies the enthusiasm in other courtyards.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Old Zhao, you¡¯re more capable than me. Haven¡¯t you thought about stepping up? I think¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it. I¡¯m definitely not doing it. Don¡¯t try to push me into this mess.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? That¡¯s so cold-hearted. How is it a mess?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Hmph.¡±


    She said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to fool me.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°People are so smart these days, it¡¯s hard to trick anyone.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Exactly. You know who I am. Want to come over for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    The two old ladies went to the Zhuang Family. Zhao Guihua glanced at the Su Family, where the three mischievous kids were at home. They were on summer break and couldn¡¯t be sent to school, but today Hu Huihui had gone out without them.


    ¡°I wonder what¡¯s going on with Wang Xiangxiu. If something happens, those three kids will have nowhere to go. We can¡¯t just dump them on Hu Huihui,¡± Aunt Wang said. ¡°The Su Family hasn¡¯t been particularly kind to Hu Huihui, so she probably wouldn¡¯t want to take care of them.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Exactly.¡±


    The rain kept pouring down, though it had lightened up a bit today. Still, it was quite annoying. She said, ¡°Look at the house, everything¡¯s damp.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°This rain¡­ your daughter-in-law just woke up.¡±


    Ming Mei came over, rubbing her eyes, and greeted them. Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I left a boiled egg for you in the pot, go get it.¡±


    Ming Mei had been resting these past few days and felt really good.


    They usually have to get up early for work, and while they¡¯re full of energy, it¡¯s clearly not as comfortable as now. If only money would fall from the sky without having to work. Ming Mei didn¡¯t stand on ceremony and sat down to eat breakfast.


    She asked, ¡°What was all the noise about this morning?¡±


    She had heard the commotion but had stubbornly stayed in bed.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Hu Huihui said Wang Xiangxiu proposed to Bai Fendou.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes widened like headlights, round and shocked. She stammered, ¡°P-p-proposed? Is she c-c-crazy?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°She¡¯s not crazy, that¡¯s why she did it.¡±


    She had a bit of an idea about what Wang Xiangxiu was thinking.


    Wang Xiangxiu had been scheming all this time, but she hadn¡¯t planned for life. Now, marrying Bai Fendou might actually be a good thing.


    Ming Mei sighed, ¡°I really want to go to the hospital to see the drama.¡±


    ¡°You better stay put.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°...¡±


    She said, ¡°I¡¯ve been staying put.¡±


    After a pause, she said, ¡°Huh? The three kids are leaving.¡±


    Zhao Guihua looked over and saw the three kids, who had just woken up, each holding a steamed bun and wearing raincoats as they headed out.


    Aunt Wang frowned, ¡°What are they up to now?¡±


    As the manager, she couldn¡¯t just ignore it. Aunt Wang got up and followed them, asking, ¡°Jinlai, where are you going?¡±


    Jinlai: ¡°Out to play.¡±


    You could see how carefree these kids were. Their mother¡¯s situation was still unclear, and yet this kid could just go out and play without a care in the world. He¡¯s already ten years old, not some clueless little kid.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°The weather¡¯s been bad lately, don¡¯t go out wandering around. Don¡¯t cause any more trouble for your family. Just look at all the trouble you¡¯ve already caused.¡±


    Jinlai pouted in defiance, ¡°It¡¯s just you adults making a big deal out of nothing.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°...???¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the ones picking on kids, that¡¯s just low.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°...¡±


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and said, ¡°Aunt Wang, come back.¡±


    Aunt Wang was shaking with anger, ¡°What kind of brats are these?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Just let them be.¡±


    They weren¡¯t responsible for looking after the Su Family¡¯s kids.


    Aunt Wang watched as the three kids sauntered out and said, ¡°These kids are hopeless.¡±


    Honestly, with these three kids around, the other children in the neighborhood get into less trouble. Every family compares their kids to these troublemakers and thinks their own kids are angels.


    Even if they make a small mistake, it¡¯s just a matter of a little scolding.


    Wang Zhaodi also shook her head silently as she watched the three kids leave. At their age, her sisters could already help out at home a lot, but these three brothers were still out causing trouble every day. She shook her head in disapproval.


    She came over to Zhao Guihua and said, ¡°Aunt Zhao, Aunt Wang.¡±


    She stood at the door, not coming in, ¡°Aunt Zhao, are you using your fishing rod? If not, could I borrow it for the day?¡±


    Zhao Guihua was surprised, ¡°You¡¯re going fishing by the river in this rain? It¡¯s not safe.¡±


    Aunt Wang nodded and said, "Yes, you¡¯re not in a rush for just a day or two. Wait until the weather clears."


    Wang Zhaodi hesitated, asking, "Won¡¯t you need it when the weather clears?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We can¡¯t go every day. You can borrow it when we¡¯re not using it, just don¡¯t damage it."


    Hearing this, Wang Zhaodi¡¯s expression softened, and she said, "Thank you, Aunt Zhao."


    "Come in and sit down."


    "Alright."


    Ming Mei, who had just finished breakfast, joined the group.


    Aunt Wang asked, "Ming Mei, how many days of leave did you take?"


    Ming Mei replied, "A week."


    She leaned lazily on the chair, as if boneless, and said, "The doctor told me to rest more."


    If possible, she wished she could rest until the baby was born.


    Zhao Guihua understood her meaning and chuckled.


    These days, most people were quite driven, willing to burn themselves out for work. Someone like Ming Mei was a rare exception. Although she was a bit of a slacker, she was still very diligent when it came to work.


    She preferred to rest, but when she was on the job, she didn¡¯t slack off and worked earnestly.


    "You all¡­"


    "Grandma!" Just as they were chatting, Hutou led his sister over and asked, "Can we go play with Li Junjun and Li Weiwei?"


    Aunt Wang said, "Go ahead, they¡¯re at home."


    It was summer vacation, and the kids were all at home. With the rain these past few days, they were all restless and itching to go out.


    She said, "Go on."


    Hutou looked at Zhao Guihua, who also said, "Go ahead."


    "Alright~"


    The children quickly ran off.


    "You see, kids are all different. Hu Huihui leaves them at home, but she seems to trust them."


    "What else can she do? She has to work."


    "That¡¯s true. With relatives like that, Hu Huihui has it tough."


    The conversation shifted to Hu Huihui. Aunt Wang said, "That girl really shouldn¡¯t stay with the Su Family for so long. Over time, she might pick up bad habits. That family¡­ tsk tsk."


    Zhao Guihua said, "It¡¯s not that bad. She¡¯s not a three-year-old child; she won¡¯t be influenced so easily. I wonder¡­ how the Su Family is doing."


    "Who knows?"


    Indeed, they didn¡¯t know. Even if they were curious, they wouldn¡¯t brave the rain to go to the hospital for some gossip.


    But was there no drama just because they didn¡¯t go to the hospital?


    There was still some.


    Wang Xiangxiu knelt down and begged Bai Fendou to marry her, which was quite the spectacle. But what was truly unexpected was that Bai Fendou didn¡¯t agree. He remained silent and lay back down on the hospital bed, lifeless as a corpse.


    Wang Xiangxiu had thought that Bai Fendou would be overjoyed that she was willing to marry him.


    After all, he had been chasing after her for so many years.


    He had even proposed to her before, and she had turned him down. Now that she was the one bringing it up, he should have been ecstatic. Given his condition, she was still willing to be with him¡ªhe should have been thanking his ancestors for their good fortune.


    She never expected things to turn out so differently.


    Bai Fendou was completely indifferent.


    This infuriated Wang Xiangxiu. How dare a man like him, who couldn¡¯t even have children, reject her? He was really pushing his luck. Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t get what she wanted, and her expression immediately darkened. She wasn¡¯t a particularly cunning person; her emotions were always written on her face.


    Aunt Su quickly coughed at the sight of this.


    Wang Xiangxiu snapped back to reality and put on a pitiful expression again.


    She wasn¡¯t very capable, but fortunately, she had her mother-in-law backing her up.


    "Wang Xiangxiu, come out for a moment."


    Since the key individuals involved were all seriously injured, the police didn¡¯t force them to leave the hospital for questioning at the station. Instead, they used an empty office in the hospital for the interrogation, which was a more humane decision.


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s injuries were mainly from her altercation with Jiang Baohou. The most severe was when she had been dragged by the hair and slammed into a wall, leaving her head heavily bandaged. Wang Xiangxiu heard her name being called and silently stood up. This wasn¡¯t the first time.


    She knew what they were going to ask, but no matter how many times they asked, she firmly maintained that she had been assaulted.


    If she didn¡¯t, her reputation would be ruined.


    "Wang Xiangxiu, please take a seat."


    Wang Xiangxiu tugged at her clothes and sat down. The officer in charge glanced at her and said, "We need to verify some details with you again¡­"


    In truth, the officers all believed that Wang Xiangxiu was lying to some extent.


    But it was also possible that Vice Director Cai had used the situation and her child to coerce Wang Xiangxiu into compliance.


    This incident had caused quite a stir, and everyone was paying attention, so they had to be extremely careful. Not a single mistake could be made. Currently, both sides were sticking to their stories. Vice Director Cai admitted to having relations with Wang Xiangxiu¡ªthere was no way to deny that.


    Since the incident happened in the hospital, they had conducted an immediate examination.


    The evidence was undeniable.


    So he admitted it, but he insisted that he had fallen victim to a honey trap set by Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu.


    However, Wang Xiangxiu herself denied this, and Bai Fendou¡­ aside from talking about his wife, remained silent the entire time. No matter what they asked, he was like a corpse. But it was clear to everyone that Vice Director Cai was in trouble.


    The evidence was heavily stacked against him.


    First, Wang Xiangxiu had indeed been assaulted. Second, Bai Fendou had been extremely violent during the fight. If it had been a honey trap, they would have demanded money, but Bai Fendou had clearly been out of control.


    Honestly, judging from Bai Fendou¡¯s reaction,


    He and Wang Xiangxiu weren¡¯t in on it together.


    As for who got injured, who ended up in the toilet, and who got a concussion, that was all part of the subsequent chaos.


    Vice Director Cai might not have assaulted her, but in this situation, he couldn¡¯t explain himself clearly. After all, he couldn¡¯t keep his pants on! And Wang Xiangxiu held her ground firmly. No matter how many times they questioned her, she remained steadfast and unwavering.


    Even if Vice Director Cai felt wronged, he had to take the loss.


    The main reason was that the incident had caused too much of a stir and had too much impact. Otherwise, given Vice Director Cai¡¯s status and position, he could have smoothed things over. But because it had blown up so publicly, and both parties had been severely injured, it became a hot topic that spread quickly.


    This meant that no one dared to get involved in this mess.


    But given Vice Director Cai¡¯s position, he knew a lot, and many people still wanted to protect him. Even Deputy Director Zheng approached Hu Huihui again. Hu Huihui was incredulous: "Haven¡¯t you always wanted to take him down?"


    Deputy Director Zheng looked slightly uncomfortable but said, "That¡¯s true, but he knows too much. If he really ends up in jail, he¡¯s sure to go down fighting. No one can afford that kind of fallout."


    Their own hands weren¡¯t exactly clean.


    Hu Huihui said, "If he gets out, he¡¯ll definitely seek revenge."


    Although she didn¡¯t like Wang Xiangxiu, she didn¡¯t want to see such an outcome either.


    Deputy Director Zheng said, "Our director has promised that as long as he doesn¡¯t go to jail, he can be transferred to the northwest. And I¡¯ll take his position when he retires. This way, I¡¯ll take out two birds with one stone."


    In truth, he also wanted to see Vice Director Cai fall. But they were all in the same boat, and they were afraid he¡¯d drag everyone down with him.


    Hu Huihui said, "If my cousin changes her story, it¡¯ll be considered false accusation. She¡¯s not stupid."


    Deputy Director Zheng said, "Even if your cousin takes down Vice Director Cai, his wife won¡¯t let it go. It¡¯s better to find a way to resolve this amicably. Your cousin just needs to say that Vice Director Cai was drunk and made inappropriate advances. It doesn¡¯t have to go as far as actual assault. We¡¯ll protect him this way. As for Bai Fendou, he can still be seen as a hero, and your cousin remains the victim, but Vice Director Cai¡¯s situation won¡¯t be as severe. We¡¯ll arrange for him to be transferred out of the capital. That way, he won¡¯t have the chance to seek revenge against your cousin. Your cousin¡¯s reputation will remain intact, and it won¡¯t affect her job."


    He paused and added, "We¡¯ll have Vice Director Cai compensate your cousin with a hundred yuan."


    Hu Huihui: "¡­"


    Deputy Director Zheng: "Vice Director Cai has been in this position for so many years. He really can¡¯t go to jail."


    Hu Huihui hesitated for a long time and finally said, "I¡¯ll try to talk to my cousin."


    She looked up and asked, "Can you really make all this happen?"


    Deputy Director Zheng chuckled and sighed, "With so many people watching, what do you think? Besides, it¡¯s not just me who wants Vice Director Cai gone¡ªit¡¯s everyone."


    He could be demoted and transferred, but he couldn¡¯t end up in jail.


    As for revenge, that was out of the question.


    With so many eyes on this matter, Vice Director Cai knew better than to cause trouble for himself. And, to put it bluntly, even if he wanted revenge, he wouldn¡¯t do it within the next year or so. It would draw too much attention.


    Deputy Director Zheng didn¡¯t say this out loud, but Hu Huihui seemed to understand.


    "I¡¯ll find a chance to quietly talk to my cousin, and you should help too."


    "Sure."


    These underhanded matters were quickly settled.


    At this time, many things were a mess. As for Vice Director Cai, while he wasn¡¯t entirely innocent, it would be a grave injustice for him to be sentenced to ten or eight years for this charge.


    He really hadn¡¯t forced Wang Xiangxiu¡ªshe had been willing.


    So, almost everyone hoped the matter would be resolved quickly and properly.


    With Deputy Director Zheng¡¯s help, Hu Huihui managed to find an opportunity to communicate with Wang Xiangxiu. She didn¡¯t reveal her relationship with Deputy Director Zheng but instead claimed that someone who knew about their situation had come to mediate.


    After some back-and-forth, they settled on two hundred yuan.


    Of course, none of this concerned the people in the compound.


    The machinery factory had its security department involved. If it had been a young, idealistic newcomer, they might have been more zealous. But since the factory had assigned experienced hands, they knew Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t as innocent as she claimed.


    Vice Director Cai wasn¡¯t an ordinary person, and many wanted to protect him.


    The matter was resolved quickly¡ªeven before the rainy season ended, the outcome was announced.


    The security department informed the propaganda department, saying, "Draft a notice, and have the broadcast room announce it as well."


    After the security team left, Zhuang Zhixi and the others in the propaganda department exchanged puzzled looks.


    Sister Cui sighed, "This is really¡­"


    That day, as the workers at the Qianjin Machinery Factory were diligently working, they heard the broadcast: "An urgent announcement, an urgent announcement. Our factory employee Wang Xiangxiu was hospitalized due to a fight involving her child. During the negotiation process, there was some physical contact, which led to another employee, Bai Fendou, mistakenly believing that a case of forced assault on a woman had occurred. He then acted heroically to help the woman. The matter has now been clarified. The other party was under the influence of alcohol and unclear-headed, leading to the misunderstanding. While Bai Fendou¡¯s actions do not constitute heroism, his intentions were good and his courage commendable. The factory commends him. The matter has been resolved, and we ask everyone not to spread rumors. The announcement will now be repeated¡­" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The workers paused their tasks, looking at each other in confusion.


    "What did the broadcast just say?"


    "What does ¡®physical contact¡¯ mean?"


    "Bai Fendou helped a woman?"


    "Well, isn¡¯t that what he¡¯s supposed to do? Wang Xiangxiu even knelt down to propose to him. Isn¡¯t it natural for him to help his own wife?"


    "Wait, what? I thought Bai Fendou was the one chasing Wang Xiangxiu. How did she end up proposing to him?"


    "It¡¯s true. I heard it from Zhou Qun in the electrical team."


    "¡­Zhou Qun¡­"


    The atmosphere turned awkward.


    "Zhou Qun was gossiping with the older women for a long time."


    "¡­"


    This really left everyone at a loss.


    "Let me tell you, I have a relative who works at the hospital. I heard Bai Fendou kicked that man so hard he¡¯s ruined. But that man¡¯s wife also kicked Bai Fendou, and now he¡¯s¡­ well, he¡¯s lost his ability to have children."


    "I heard about that too."


    "Wow, you¡¯re really well-informed."


    "I overheard Zhou Qun talking about it in the restroom¡­"


    Zhou Qun again¡­


    "Did you know this whole thing started because Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s child was being naughty?"


    "I heard about it."


    "Really? Is that true?"


    "Of course it¡¯s true. Zhou Qun said so¡­"


    Everyone was buzzing with gossip. After all, there wasn¡¯t much entertainment around, so this kind of news could keep them talking for at least half a month¡ªmaybe even longer.


    "Do you think Wang Xiangxiu really¡­?"


    They all exchanged knowing smiles.


    The matter began abruptly and ended just as abruptly.


    But upon closer thought, this ending wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected. No one wanted a vice director of a certain committee to go on a rampage and start pointing fingers. However, he had suffered a great loss this time. He never expected that a simple incident involving his wife being hit by a child¡¯s stone would escalate to this level.


    In the end, aside from Vice Director Cai being unlucky enough to be transferred elsewhere, no one else was significantly affected.


    The outcome sparked heated discussions in the factory and caused a small stir in the compound. No one had expected it to end this way. Zhuang Zhixi openly teased his mother, saying, "You said Wang Xiangxiu would definitely stick to her guns for her child¡¯s sake, but she didn¡¯t."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I¡¯m just an old lady, and I only went to literacy classes. Did you expect me to predict everything?"


    She had thought Wang Xiangxiu would bite down hard to eliminate future trouble, but she hadn¡¯t expected her to let it go.


    She really couldn¡¯t understand this woman.


    But Vice Director Cai hadn¡¯t actually forced her, so it wouldn¡¯t be right for him to go to jail over this.


    While the committee members weren¡¯t exactly good people, this was a separate matter.


    After several days of heavy rain, the weather finally cleared. The matter was settled, and the skies were bright again. After a week of rain, everything in the houses felt damp. With the sun out, everyone rushed to air out their bedding.


    The front courtyard was relatively lucky because the Su Family and the Bai Family hadn¡¯t returned from the hospital yet, so the other families had more space.


    The sun after the rain was scorching, even hotter than before.


    Ming Mei had taken a week off, sleeping in until mid-morning and living a leisurely, lazy life. In just a week, her face had filled out a bit, her complexion had improved, and her skin had a healthy glow. When she finally returned to work, the middle-aged women in the office remarked, "You¡¯ve really rested well."


    Ming Mei replied straightforwardly, "Well, if you¡¯re resting, you should rest well. If you end up worse after resting, what¡¯s the point?"


    "That¡¯s true. By the way, a lot happened at the bus station while you were away."


    Ming Mei asked, "What happened?"


    She already knew, but she blinked her innocent eyes, pretending to be clueless.


    "The bus route you used to run had an accident, but it wasn¡¯t serious."


    "Oh, that¡¯s minor. The big news is Section Chief Jiang. She got into a fight and ended up in the hospital. I heard she kicked a man so hard he¡¯s lost his ability to have children."


    "No, no. Her husband was fooling around with another woman, and that woman¡¯s husband kicked him so hard he¡¯s ruined. So Section Chief Jiang retaliated by kicking that woman¡¯s husband and ruining him too¡­"


    "I heard that woman was a widow."


    What a mess!


    It was hard for anyone to make sense of it all.


    Ming Mei thought the gossip at the bus station was clearly less accurate than the rumors in their compound. The stories were a jumble of truth and fiction. But she didn¡¯t correct anyone, finding it all quite entertaining.


    Ming Mei interjected, "So, is she back at work?"


    "Back at work? She didn¡¯t even take leave. I heard she¡¯s still in the hospital."


    "No, I heard she¡¯s already been discharged. Her husband was transferred to the northwest. Wouldn¡¯t she need to go home and take care of things?"


    "Really? Is that true?"


    "That¡¯s what I heard, but who knows for sure."


    "Do you think we should visit her in the hospital?"


    "Why should we? We¡¯re not close. She¡¯s only been here for a few days. The unit leaders haven¡¯t even gone to visit her on behalf of the company. Why should we stick our necks out? Do we have too much money?"


    "That¡¯s true."


    Ming Mei propped her chin on her hand, listening with great interest.


    She suddenly asked, "If her husband was transferred, why didn¡¯t she go with him? Being separated by such a long distance isn¡¯t good, is it?"


    "Oh, right. I haven¡¯t heard anything about that."


    "True, let¡¯s ask around."


    Everyone was chattering away, and Ming Mei felt that no matter where people were from, they all had a heart that loved to watch a spectacle.


    To talk about this matter, it wasn¡¯t just the parties involved, like the machinery factory, the bus station, or the Revolutionary Committee. Even other unrelated units were buzzing with excitement.


    After all, such an event only happens once in many years.


    They had truly never seen anything like this before.


    Especially the hospital, which was the first scene of the incident. They were right at the forefront of the gossip and the first to spread the news.


    But were they surprised?


    No, they weren¡¯t!


    They weren¡¯t inexperienced. They were all too familiar with Bai Fendou.


    This guy had set countless records at their hospital.


    Every time he was admitted, there was never a moment of peace. And who knows if it was because of some bad luck in his life, but the number of times he had been hospitalized was just too many. Oh, and it wasn¡¯t just him. There was also his father, who treated the hospital like his own backyard.


    And let¡¯s not forget his neighbor, Aunt Su, and her daughter-in-law, who treated the hospital like a rest stop.


    In any case, these people were all regulars at their hospital.


    Of course, they didn¡¯t really want to see them either.


    While watching the drama was interesting, they still had to deal with the aftermath.


    Poor medical workers.


    And now, there was another wailing sound coming from the ward.


    The doctor on duty immediately shouted, ¡°Quick, notify the security department!¡±


    Without hesitation, they called the security department first¡ªthat was always the right move.


    In the ward, Old Man Bai was crying his heart out. He was in pain, he was suffering. He never imagined that the Bai family line would end with his son.


    It wasn¡¯t that the family line ended with him, but his son was now unable to carry on the family name.


    He felt deeply ashamed before the ancestors of the Bai family.


    Yes, Old Man Bai had only just learned about the incident today. It wasn¡¯t that anyone had intentionally kept it from him; it was just that no one had told him. He only knew that there had been a fight and someone got hurt, but he didn¡¯t know it involved his beloved Aunt Su, nor did he know that his son was part of it.


    As for Bai Fendou not showing up for the past week, he just thought the kid was slacking off again.


    He knew what kind of person his son was. He thought Bai Fendou was just being lazy again, and he had been cursing this unfilial son all week. It was only today that he accidentally overheard a nurse talking about the unfortunate guy upstairs¡ªit turned out to be his own son, Bai Fendou.


    And then, realizing that his son could no longer have children, Old Man Bai completely broke down.


    He wailed, snot and tears streaming down his face, ¡°Ancestors, I¡¯ve failed you! How could I have raised such a useless thing? Our Bai family line is cut off now! Wuwu~ I don¡¯t dare face you even in death.¡±


    The other patients in the ward looked at him with pity.


    They had thought he was just an unfilial son, but now¡­ well, this was worse than being unfilial.


    Honestly, in this situation, they didn¡¯t even know how to comfort him.


    A few nurses tried to console him, saying, ¡°He may not be able to have children, but this is a new society. We don¡¯t focus so much on carrying on the family name anymore. Even if he can¡¯t have kids, you can still adopt. As long as you raise the child well, they¡¯ll be just as close to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the same if it¡¯s not our own bloodline. Why should we raise someone else¡¯s child? Wuwu,¡± Old Man Bai cried in agony. ¡°I can¡¯t go on, I can¡¯t live like this¡­¡±


    He struggled to get up, trying to jump out of the window, but the security team, who had been prepared for this, quickly restrained him!


    They knew it, they knew this family had a tradition of trying to jump out of windows!


    Old Man Bai yelled, ¡°Let me go, let me go¡­ I want to die¡­¡±


    ¡°He can¡¯t have kids, but you still can! Why are you trying to kill yourself?¡± the doctor shouted, stunning everyone in the room. The patients all stared at the doctor in shock: ¡°He¡¯s in his fifties, he can still have kids?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Although he¡¯s had some injuries, it doesn¡¯t affect his ability to have children. At his age, the chances aren¡¯t high, but it¡¯s not impossible.¡±


    The doctor¡¯s words were fair and honest.


    Old Man Bai was stunned.


    After a long while, he finally reacted and asked, ¡°Are you serious? You¡¯re not lying to me?¡±


    The doctor replied, ¡°No, I¡¯m certain. You can, but it¡¯s not a guarantee. It depends on many factors¡­¡±


    ¡°I understand, I understand.¡±


    Old Man Bai lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought¡­


    The Bai family line absolutely could not end. His son was a lost cause, but he could still do something about it. If he had another child, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible. Even if he was old and something happened to him, his son could still take care of the child, right?


    After all, his eldest son didn¡¯t have any children, so it would be fitting for him to raise his younger brother as his own.


    Old Man Bai thought more and more about it and felt it made perfect sense. He immediately thought of Aunt Su.


    But in that instant, he shook his head. Aunt Su wouldn¡¯t work. At his age, he could still have children, but Aunt Su, at her age, couldn¡¯t. If he really wanted a child, she wasn¡¯t the right choice.


    He needed someone who was fertile¡­


    Suddenly, Old Man Bai thought of someone¡ªWang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu was very fertile. She had been married for six years and had three children, one every two years. If the Su family¡¯s son hadn¡¯t died, she might have kept having more. And, importantly, she had sons.


    That was crucial.


    He wanted to have a child, but it had to be a son. A daughter wouldn¡¯t do.


    That would be the same as having no heir.


    If he found another woman, there was no guarantee she¡¯d have a son, but if he went with Wang Xiangxiu, he could be sure. She¡¯d already had three sons. It was a safe bet. But Wang Xiangxiu wouldn¡¯t agree.


    And his son, Bai Fendou, definitely wouldn¡¯t agree.


    Plus, Wang Xiangxiu was a widow. How could she have a child¡­


    Old Man Bai quieted down. Everyone watched as his expression shifted unpredictably, exchanging looks, unsure what the old man was plotting. But one thing was clear¡ªit didn¡¯t look like he was up to anything good.


    His expression was just too¡­ sleazy.


    Yes, sleazy.


    But after some thought, Old Man Bai came up with a brilliant plan: have Bai Fendou marry Wang Xiangxiu. That way, as the father, it would be natural for him to ¡°help out.¡± And when Wang Xiangxiu got pregnant, the child would still be a Bai. The child would truly carry the Bai family name.


    Of course¡­ there might be some rumors.


    After all, his son couldn¡¯t perform, right?


    But as long as they stuck to their story, what could anyone else do?


    Plus, he could still live with Aunt Su, even if they didn¡¯t get married¡­


    The two families could merge into one, with the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law¡­ hehehe.


    The old man¡¯s thoughts were filled with delight, feeling like there couldn¡¯t be a better plan.


    The doctor on duty couldn¡¯t help but ask cautiously, ¡°Uncle, are you okay?¡±


    Old Man Bai replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine, why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡±


    In an instant, his demeanor changed. Just moments ago, he was ready to die, but now he was smiling.


    The doctor on duty: ¡°¡­¡±


    This guy was definitely up to no good!


    Old Man Bai asked, ¡°Is my son still downstairs?¡±


    The doctor nodded, ¡°Yes, he¡¯s there.¡±


    At this point, Vice Director Cai and his wife were no longer in the same ward as Bai Fendou. They had been moved earlier for convenience in monitoring. Now that their issues had been resolved, Vice Director Cai had been transferred to another hospital.


    This was to avoid any further conflicts.


    In this whole incident, Vice Director Cai was the most unfortunate and the most unlucky, but he had no choice but to endure it. After all, he didn¡¯t want to go down in flames. Even though being transferred to the northwest was harsh, he would still be a small leader there, which was better than being locked up here.


    With the charges against him, he wouldn¡¯t get out for at least eight to ten years.


    And he wasn¡¯t a young man anymore. By the time he got out, he¡¯d be half in the grave.


    So he listened to the advice and decided to leave.


    As for the rest¡­ well, he wouldn¡¯t let it go!!!


    Whether Vice Director Cai would seek revenge in the future was anyone¡¯s guess, but everyone knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to cause trouble for the next couple of years. For now, he was calmly transferring to another hospital, preparing for his next move.


    Old Man Bai and his wife were transferred to another hospital, and the police officers left, leaving only Bai Fendou and the Su Family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in the ward. The three of them shared the room.


    Old Man Bai pleaded with the doctor to be transferred to the same ward, and the doctor, being kind-hearted, agreed. Mainly, they didn¡¯t want to deal with the old man either. This family had a knack for dramatic performances, especially when it came to threatening to jump off buildings.


    When Old Man Bai entered the ward, his first glance fell on Wang Xiangxiu. He used to look down on her, but now he couldn¡¯t help but notice her charm. In terms of looks and figure, even Aunt Su in her younger days couldn¡¯t compare.


    Wang Xiangxiu greeted him, ¡°Uncle Bai, you¡¯ve been transferred here too?¡±


    Old Man Bai smiled, ¡°Indeed.¡±


    He then turned to his son, scolding, ¡°You little brat, do you realize you¡¯ve cut off the Bai family line? How could I have raised such a useless son? If you had even a shred of competence, things wouldn¡¯t have turned out this way. How will you face our ancestors when you die?¡±


    Bai Fendou lay in bed, silent.


    Aunt Su spoke softly, ¡°Old Bai, blaming the child won¡¯t help. It¡¯s our family¡¯s fault for dragging you into this. It¡¯s our mistake¡­¡±


    Her tears nearly broke Old Man Bai¡¯s heart. He quickly comforted her, ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not your fault. You¡¯re victims too.¡±


    His gaze lingered on Wang Xiangxiu again. Aunt Su noticed, furrowed her brows slightly, and then lowered her head, continuing her fake sobs.


    ¡°Really, it¡¯s nothing, Sister Su. Our families are close. We won¡¯t hold it against you,¡± he sighed. ¡°It¡¯s just that my Fendou has had bad luck.¡±


    Bai Fendou let out a bitter laugh.


    Old Man Bai snapped, ¡°How dare you laugh!¡±


    Bai Fendou ignored his father and got up to use the restroom. Old Man Bai said, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    He wanted to discuss something with his son beforehand. He was confident Bai Fendou would agree. After all, since Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t have children anymore, he was willing to help him have one. Who wouldn¡¯t agree to that? A blood-related younger brother was better than an outsider.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together,¡± he said.


    Bai Fendou paid no attention and walked ahead. Old Man Bai hurried to catch up.


    Aunt Su watched their retreating figures, deep in thought. Soon, she sneered and spat, ¡°Old lecher, still eyeing the young grass.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu asked, ¡°Mom?¡±


    Aunt Su replied, ¡°Disgusting.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu was confused, ¡°???¡±


    Aunt Su looked at Wang Xiangxiu, holding back her anger, and said, ¡°You¡­ never mind, forget I said anything.¡±


    If it were up to her, they should have taken Vice Director Cai down. But Wang Xiangxiu had been blinded by money. Now they were left with such a formidable enemy. It was also because they had been too closely watched, and she hadn¡¯t been able to speak privately with Wang Xiangxiu.


    Hu Huihui was such a meddlesome little wretch, probably benefiting from all this.


    She wanted to scold Wang Xiangxiu but couldn¡¯t afford to offend her directly. No matter how much she despised her daughter-in-law, she still needed her to make money.


    The more money Wang Xiangxiu made, the better life her three grandsons would have.


    Aunt Su was shrewd. Although Old Man Bai had just arrived and hadn¡¯t said much, she immediately guessed his motive. He must want Wang Xiangxiu to have a child. After knowing him for decades, how could she not see through him?


    Indeed, men were unreliable. The only thing you could truly rely on was money.


    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Wang Xiangxiu asked, puzzled.


    Aunt Su replied, ¡°Nothing. You just focus on recovering. You¡¯re more injured than I am. It¡¯s my fault for not being able to earn more. If I had any capability, you wouldn¡¯t have suffered so much. Thinking about what you¡¯ve been through, I feel so sorry for you, and for my son.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not suffering. I¡¯m willing to do it. My biggest wish is to keep this family together.¡±


    Aunt Su¡¯s eyes welled up with tears, ¡°I know, I know you¡¯re a good person¡­¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu whispered, ¡°We¡¯re one family, united. Once I get Bai Fendou to support us, he¡¯ll be our helper.¡±


    Aunt Su nodded, ¡°Mm.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t in a hurry to bring up Old Man Bai¡¯s intentions. It wasn¡¯t the right time yet.


    He wanted a child?


    Well, he could forget about it.


    But she did have her eye on the Bai family¡¯s two houses.


    No one ever complained about having too much property.


    She began to ponder how to maximize the benefits.


    Letting Wang Xiangxiu be with Old Man Bai wasn¡¯t entirely out of the question, but it depended on what he could offer.


    As for a child? Ha!


    Aunt Su¡¯s mind was racing.


    Meanwhile, Bai Fendou stared at his father in disbelief, ¡°What did you say?¡±


    He practically hissed the words through clenched teeth.


    Old Man Bai explained, ¡°You can¡¯t have children anymore, so I, as your father, will help you. I think Wang Xiangxiu is a good match. Once we have a child, we¡¯ll be one family. I promise I won¡¯t¡­ Although it might sound bad, at least our family line won¡¯t be cut off. Right?¡±


    Bai Fendou asked, ¡°Is¡­ that what you¡¯re thinking?¡±


    Bai Fendou felt like he was going insane. He couldn¡¯t believe what his father was saying. He was already under immense stress and hadn¡¯t recovered yet. Now, he was hit with an even deeper shock.


    He could remain indifferent to other things, but not this.


    This wasn¡¯t about whether he wanted to marry Wang Xiangxiu. It was about his father¡¯s outrageous idea. He had never heard of anything so shameless, from the south to the north. Was this still a modern society? He stared at his father, realizing he wasn¡¯t joking.


    He was dead serious.


    ¡°You want to have a child with Wang Xiangxiu and pass it off as mine?¡± he asked bitterly.


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    Old Man Bai smiled, ¡°You see, it¡¯s the only way. If we don¡¯t have a child, you¡¯ll be left without an heir. Our Bai family may not be wealthy, but we can¡¯t let the family line end with us. If that happens, how can we¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou suddenly grabbed his father by the neck and shoved him toward the window. Old Man Bai gasped, ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. He looked at his father, feeling utterly disgusted. With a forceful push, he shouted, ¡°Get out!¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you ungrateful brat! Who do you think I¡¯m doing this for? I have a son, but you don¡¯t. If we don¡¯t find a solution, who will take care of you when you¡¯re old? Who will honor you after you¡¯re gone?¡± Old Man Bai ranted, ¡°You¡¯re blaming me now? You¡¯re not willing? You¡¯re so ungrateful! Do you believe I¡¯ll jump? Do you? You¡¯ve cut off the Bai family line. You¡¯re unfilial!¡±


    Just then, someone else entered the restroom and saw the father and son in this state. They asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Old Man Bai shouted, ¡°My son has no heir, and I¡¯m trying to help him, but he¡¯s blaming me. I can¡¯t go on. I can¡¯t live like this!¡±


    He climbed onto the windowsill.


    ¡°Hey, be careful!¡±


    ¡°Uncle, get down!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too old for this, stop it!¡±


    ¡°Young man, talk your father down¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou coldly said, ¡°If you want to die, don¡¯t scare others.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re unfilial! You¡¯ve cut off the family line¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up, you old fool! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to. Get down now, stop making a scene. This is only the second floor¡­ no, the third. You won¡¯t die if you jump. Stop pretending! Get down!¡±


    ¡°Uncle, come down.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t risk it¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t yell, don¡¯t provoke him.¡±


    Security rushed over, exasperated. Why was it always them? Couldn¡¯t this family bother another hospital?


    It was getting too much to handle.


    Soon, a crowd gathered, all trying to persuade Old Man Bai. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t reveal the real reason, only shouting that Bai Fendou was unfilial and had no heir.


    Bai Fendou took a deep breath and said, ¡°Do as you please.¡±


    He turned away, ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore. I¡¯m already without an heir. What¡¯s the point of worrying about anything else?¡±


    He was about to leave directly.


    ¡°Wait a moment¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Be careful¡­¡±


    Old Man Bai waved his arms, cursing, ¡°You little brat, all these years I¡­ ah!¡±


    He moved too vigorously, lost his grip, and tumbled backward¡­


    ¡°Oh my god!¡±


    ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    ¡°Quick, someone help!¡±


    Bai Fendou instantly turned around, reaching out to grab Old Man Bai, but it was too late. Old Man Bai fell straight out of the third-floor bathroom window¡­ ¡°Ah!!!¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°Father!!!¡±


    Without a second thought, he dashed downstairs, while others rushed to the window, peering down. There was a pool of blood on the ground, and the man was motionless. Everyone turned pale with fear¡­ A living person had just fallen like that?


    This was too terrifying.


    ¡°Doctor, doctor¡­ quick, save him!¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°Is anyone in the courtyard?¡± A panting voice called out.


    Zhao Guihua and a few other women were busy washing clothes by the water tank and quickly responded, ¡°Yes, come in!¡±


    It had been raining for a week, and everyone had accumulated a lot of laundry. Besides airing out quilts, many were washing clothes. Everyone was bustling about. After the rainy days, the bright sun felt so good.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, from the compound at the end of the alley.¡±


    ¡°Old Liu, right? We know you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, come in! What brings you to our compound?¡±


    Old Liu: ¡°Oh my, you haven¡¯t heard yet? Old Man Bai from your compound jumped from the hospital building.¡±


    ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Is he crazy? Why? Is he okay?¡±


    Zhao Guihua and the others rushed out, unable to believe such a thing could happen. She had always thought that jumping from a building was just a scare tactic. If someone really wanted to die, they wouldn¡¯t do it like this. But she never expected Old Man Bai to be so ruthless.


    He actually jumped?


    ¡°How is he?¡±


    Old Liu: ¡°He passed out immediately and was rushed into surgery.¡±


    ¡°Oh my god.¡±


    Old Liu gestured anxiously, ¡°I was on my way to get medicine and happened to see it. I watched him just fall from the building. My god, it was terrifying. They say his son is childless, and he¡¯s been in despair, attempting suicide twice before. This time, he just jumped. I saw Bai Fendou; he was standing there in a daze, like a fool.¡±


    ¡°This is really¡­¡±


    For a moment, no one knew what to say. Although they didn¡¯t care much for the Bai father and son, hearing about this still left them with a bitter taste in their mouths. After all, they had been neighbors for decades and were old acquaintances.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the hospital and see.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I think that¡¯s a good idea. Let¡¯s go to the hospital and see. Old Man Bai, why would he be so desperate?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? I¡¯d say it¡¯s his own fault. Back in the day, when people tried to set Bai Fendou up with someone, he, as the father, meddled. If Bai Fendou had married early and hadn¡¯t gotten involved with Wang Xiangxiu, he wouldn¡¯t be childless now. Even if he did get involved, if he had married early, the family would have had descendants by now.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of saying all this? We can¡¯t turn back time.¡±


    ¡°What will happen to the old man in his later years?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he still have his son?¡±


    ¡°But Bai Fendou has been so traumatized; who knows what state he¡¯s in now.¡±


    Zhao Guihua wiped her hands: ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. Let¡¯s go to the hospital and see what¡¯s going on. At the very least, we can offer some comfort. With all these things happening one after another, Bai Fendou must be overwhelmed.¡±


    ¡°Old Zhao is right.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    A large group of them headed straight to the hospital¡­

 Chapter 116

    Relationships between people can be so complicated.Even though the neighbors might have their disagreements, when they heard that Old Man Bai had jumped off a building, they all rushed to the hospital. This wasn¡¯t just to gawk¡ªit was different from the usual rubbernecking. Everyone was genuinely concerned.


    After all, jumping off a building is no small matter. When the group arrived at the hospital, they didn¡¯t even need to ask for directions; they just followed the crowd.


    Though they had come as soon as they heard the news, they were still later than the police officers, who had been keeping an eye on Bai Fendou. The officers confronted him directly: ¡°Your father has strangulation marks on his neck. What¡¯s going on? The hospital has already reported this.¡±


    The hospital was truly fed up with this family.


    They had been in and out of the hospital so many times, and every visit was a drama. It wasn¡¯t just anyone who could handle them¡ªthankfully, the staff had seen their fair share of situations. But no matter how experienced they were, when something suspicious happened, they had to speak up.


    Otherwise, the family might turn around and blame them.


    You¡¯d think people like that didn¡¯t exist anymore, but they do.


    So the hospital didn¡¯t hesitate. When the doctor saw the marks on the old man¡¯s neck, they immediately notified the nurses to call the police. Before the old man even left the operating room, the police were already there.


    The officers stopped Bai Fendou. Of course, it was him again¡ªwho else would it be?


    ¡°Your father hasn¡¯t come out yet, so we¡¯re giving you a chance to explain here. If you can¡¯t explain clearly, we¡¯ll have to take you in.¡±


    Bai Fendou stared at the officers in shock. ¡°What? You think I killed my own father? Am I crazy? He¡¯s my dad! Even if he¡¯s not the best person, he¡¯s still my father! How could you think I¡¯d do that on purpose?¡±


    He yelled in frustration, ¡°When he was about to jump, so many people were watching. Everyone saw he lost his grip and fell. I was already at the door. How could I have pushed him? Am I some kind of god who can make people fall with a breath?¡±


    ¡°Stop shouting. Just tell us what happened,¡± the officer said calmly. ¡°Now, explain the marks on his neck.¡±


    Bai Fendou admitted, ¡°Yeah, I did that. I just wanted him to shut up, so I grabbed him and let go right after. Is that not allowed?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s your father. How could you lay hands on him?¡±


    The officer frowned and scolded him, while the onlookers also started pointing fingers. ¡°What kind of son does that to his own father? Even if you didn¡¯t want him to talk, you didn¡¯t have to choke him.¡±


    ¡°Exactly! What kind of world is this where a father can¡¯t even scold his son?¡±


    ¡°So unfilial.¡±


    ¡°What a curse to have a son like this.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡±


    Bai Fendou was bombarded with accusations, and he finally broke down. He turned around and shouted, ¡°What do you know? What do any of you know? You¡¯re all just judging me without knowing anything! You¡­ sob¡­ You don¡¯t know what my father said to me! You don¡¯t know¡­ sob¡­¡±


    He started crying uncontrollably, curling up into a ball as he crouched on the ground, clutching his head. ¡°He knows I can¡¯t have kids with a woman, and he told me to get married so he could take my wife into the bedroom and have a son for me! Sob¡­ How could I listen to that? I¡¯m Bai Fendou! Why do I have to deal with this? He went too far! I just wanted him to shut up! He only jumped to scare me because I wouldn¡¯t listen. Sob¡­ I¡¯m so wronged!¡±


    Bai Fendou was a straight shooter, a man who didn¡¯t hold back.


    Most people would never say something like this out loud¡ªit¡¯s embarrassing for the family. But Bai Fendou? When pushed, he¡¯d say anything, no matter how shameful.


    He crouched in the corner, wailing.


    The room fell silent.


    The people who had been accusing him moments ago were now stunned, their mouths hanging open.


    Even Zhao Guihua and the others, who had come to see if they could help, were at a loss for words.


    This was¡­ quite the bombshell.


    Old Man Bai was truly something else. How could he even think of that?


    And Bai Fendou? He was even more ruthless, directly exposing his father like that.


    The officers were speechless.


    This¡­ this was¡­


    They didn¡¯t even know how to handle this situation.


    Looking at the crying man on the floor, the officer couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sympathy. He bent down and helped Bai Fendou up, saying, ¡°Come on, sit on the chair. You¡¯re injured; don¡¯t sit on the ground.¡±


    Bai Fendou, rarely shown such kindness, clung to the officer and cried even harder. ¡°My father¡¯s a monster! I¡¯ve never even been married, and he¡¯s already trying to steal my wife! He wants to have his cake and eat it too. Sob¡­ He likes Aunt Su and wants Wang Xiangxiu to have another son for him. He said we could combine our families, and he¡¯d sleep with both the old widow and the young widow. I¡¯m just a cuckold! He doesn¡¯t even treat me like a human!¡±


    The officer knew who Wang Xiangxiu was¡ªhow could he not?


    They¡¯d been called to this neighborhood plenty of times recently.


    He glanced over at Wang Xiangxiu and her mother-in-law, who were standing on the sidelines, looking completely bewildered.


    How did they get dragged into this?


    Not just him, but all the officers turned to look at the two women, and soon everyone else followed their gaze.


    ¡°Why are they looking at them?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? The old widow and the young widow¡­¡±


    ¡°Wow, the young one¡¯s pretty. No wonder the old man¡¯s got his eyes on her¡­¡±


    ¡°What a mess.¡±


    ¡°This guy¡¯s really unlucky.¡±


    ¡°Look at him¡ªhe¡¯s got that green aura around him.¡±


    ¡°The old widow¡¯s not much to look at. How can she compete with the young one?¡±


    The murmurs started up again.


    Amid the gossip, Bai Fendou felt even more wronged and started crying loudly once more.


    Life had really dealt him a bad hand.


    Zhao Guihua and her group had come to see if they could help, but instead, they ended up hearing all this. Zhao Guihua felt so awkward she wanted to dig a hole and disappear.


    If it were young people involved, she might have thought it was just typical drama.


    But for a man in his fifties to have such ideas¡­ was he even physically capable?


    Honestly, hearing this was even more disgusting than that time she saw Zhou Qun harassing Bai Fendou.


    The man was old, but his thoughts were anything but.


    Zhao Guihua silently glanced at Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law. Everyone else was doing the same, their eyes filled with meaning. It had to be said, these two women had already been somewhat notorious in the neighborhood.


    Now, they were infamous.


    Aunt Su hadn¡¯t expected Bai Fendou to spill everything like this. She took a deep breath and shouted, ¡°Bai Fendou, stop talking nonsense! Whatever your father thinks has nothing to do with us. We have no connection to him!¡±


    Bai Fendou glared at her. ¡°You¡¯ve been with my father for years, and now that our family¡¯s in trouble, you say there¡¯s no connection? You¡¯re heartless!¡±


    Aunt Su stammered, ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re young. You don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Bai Fendou shot back, ¡°My father told me long ago that if it weren¡¯t for you prioritizing your family and your three kids, you two would¡¯ve gotten married when you were young.¡±


    Aunt Su, fuming, leaned on Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s shoulder, her eyes filled with rage, as if she could devour someone. She dug her nails into her palm, trying to calm herself and put on a pitiful demeanor. "Does your father always get the final say? He¡¯s a widower, and I¡¯m a widow. If we truly had feelings for each other, we could have been together long ago. Why would I still be like this now? Besides, if there had been something between us when we were younger, wouldn¡¯t it have been better to get married? I could have had someone to help support the family. There¡¯s really nothing between us. I¡¯ve always seen him as an older brother."


    Bai Fendou retorted, "He¡¯s surnamed Bai, and you¡¯re surnamed Su. You¡¯re not even from the same family. What older brother? If there¡¯s nothing between you, why have you been spending his money?"


    He stood firm, "For the past two or three decades, you¡¯ve been spending his money. Every month, at least half of it goes to you. My dad even said, ¡®It¡¯s worth it to spend it on my partner!¡¯"


    The onlookers chimed in, "Oh ho!"


    "Goodness, decades of this!"


    Aunt Wang tugged at Zhao Guihua¡¯s arm, shaking it vigorously.


    This was truly the first time anyone had seen Bai Fendou so fired up!


    She, she, she¡ªwas stunned!


    Zhao Guihua was equally shocked, "Oh my goodness!"


    She sighed, truly, no one could have predicted that Bai Fendou¡¯s bluntness would leave even Aunt Su at a loss.


    Bai Fendou continued muttering, "Back when you were spending his money, you were all sweet and affectionate. Now that he¡¯s fallen and hurt himself, you claim he¡¯s just a brother. Fine, if he¡¯s still your brother, why don¡¯t you buy him some nutritional supplements? No matter how my dad treated me, he was always sincere with you, wasn¡¯t he?"


    Aunt Su sighed sorrowfully, "Fendou, you know what my family¡¯s situation is like. Even if I wanted to help, I¡¯m powerless. There are five mouths to feed in my household, and life is hard. Only your sister Xiangxiu is working, and her salary is barely over twenty-five yuan. It¡¯s not an easy life¡­"


    She pinched Wang Xiangxiu, who immediately spoke up, "Yes, Fendou, you¡¯ve always known our situation. No matter how Uncle Bai is, we truly want to help, but we need to have the means to do so."


    Bai Fendou let out a cold laugh, "You¡¯re still trying to act innocent? Didn¡¯t you just receive two hundred yuan in compensation? Did you spend it all already? Besides, you¡¯ve been borrowing money from me every month. Your mother-in-law borrowed from my dad, and you borrowed from me. You¡¯ve never paid it back. Your salary might be low, but if you count the money you borrow every month, even a fifth-grade worker doesn¡¯t earn as much as you."


    "You, you, you¡¯re lying!"


    "I¡¯m not lying! How did you get the money? Dare to take it but not admit it? You were all teary-eyed when you borrowed, but now you¡¯re acting all innocent!"


    "Fendou, how can you talk to Xiangxiu like that, you¡­"


    "Shut up! I used to think you were the kindest, most caring person. I always saw you as a mother figure. But you? You treated me like a fool, pretending to have a concussion when things went wrong. Ugh! Disgusting! Hypocritical!"


    "You, you, you¡­"


    Bai Fendou went on a tirade, "What ¡®you¡¯? Am I wrong? You¡¯re no good!"


    He didn¡¯t hold back, "I was blind before!"


    To be honest, even though Bai Fendou was ranting like crazy, no one thought he was wrong. Everyone looked at him with sympathy, whether they knew him or not. Hearing his words, they all felt that this man had suffered quite a bit.


    His father was no good, flirting with an old widow while eyeing a young one. What was even more nauseating was that when his son got married, he stepped in as the groom and entered the bridal chamber.


    And the old widow and the young widow teamed up to swindle money from the father and son, each taking half¡­


    Yikes!


    Do the math, do it again!


    Even a fifth-grade worker wouldn¡¯t make as much as the thirty yuan they were squeezing out of the two men every month.


    This was just too tragic. One person couldn¡¯t earn that much even with a full-time job.


    Aunt Wang counted on her fingers, "Almost, almost there."


    Aunt Sui chimed in, "Wait, isn¡¯t Bai Fendou and his father a dung collector earning twenty-five yuan a month? Half of that is twelve and a half yuan, so together, that¡¯s twenty-five. Plus his own salary of twenty-six or twenty-seven yuan, that¡¯s just over fifty. It¡¯s not as much as a fifth-grade worker."


    Zhao Guihua shot her a look, "Are you stupid? Bai Fendou¡¯s only been a dung collector for two months. Before that, he was in the security department, earning over thirty yuan."


    "He used to earn thirty-four yuan, so half of that is seventeen. Old Man Bai worked in the boiler room, earning twenty-eight yuan, so half of that is fourteen. Add his own¡­ Oh my, that¡¯s fifty-six or fifty-seven yuan. Whether it¡¯s Aunt Su or Wang Xiangxiu, they wouldn¡¯t borrow exactly half. Sometimes it¡¯s more, so if you calculate it, they¡¯re getting at least sixty yuan a month."


    Aunt Wang was shocked by her own calculations.


    Zhao Guihua thought this estimate wasn¡¯t entirely accurate because Wang Xiangxiu also swindled money from other sources. When you added it all up, their monthly income was quite substantial. In fact, they were one of the wealthiest families in the compound.


    Even without other sources of income, sixty yuan was a lot. Even if the kids ate like horses, sixty yuan was enough to support five or six people. Tonglai was still young, and Yinlai had just started first grade.


    No matter how much they ate, it couldn¡¯t be that much.


    Once you did the math, it was clear that the Su family wasn¡¯t as poor as they claimed.


    "Tsk!"


    Everyone looked at the Su family¡¯s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, thinking their greed was truly shameless.


    Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t understand how the conversation had turned to them. What did this have to do with them? Aunt Su didn¡¯t want to get entangled further. Winning wouldn¡¯t bring them money, and losing would only bring shame.


    She let out a soft groan, rubbing her temples, "My head¡­ my head is hurting again."


    Wang Xiangxiu, in perfect sync with her mother-in-law, immediately said, "Mom, are you okay? You must be upset. Let me take you to the ward. Let¡¯s go!"


    Bai Fendou shouted, "Don¡¯t you dare leave!"


    Wang Xiangxiu stomped her foot in anger, turning back to say, "Bai Fendou, you¡¯re a jerk!"


    Bai Fendou shot back, "You¡¯re the jerk! Your whole family is full of jerks! I used to think you were a good woman, but now, even if I¡¯m not good enough, I wouldn¡¯t marry you. Pah! Go sleep with whoever you want. I¡¯m not marrying you."


    Wang Xiangxiu burst into tears, cursing, "You shameless man! Fine, fine! Stay single for the rest of your life!"


    Bai Fendou retorted, "I¡¯m fine with that! I¡¯d rather be single than have a head full of green hats!"


    Wang Xiangxiu cried, "You¡¯re slandering me! You¡­"


    Aunt Su grabbed Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s hand, saying, "Xiangxiu, help me back to the ward. You know what they say¡ªyour innocence can¡¯t be tarnished by others. Oh, that¡¯s right. ¡®The pure remain pure.¡¯ We don¡¯t need Bai Fendou to prove our innocence. Let¡¯s go! Stay away from such a petty man!"


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, "Mm."


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly left.


    Bai Fendou shouted after them, "Who are you calling petty? Stop right there! You¡¯re the petty ones, your whole family is petty! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know¡ªyou¡¯re saying I can¡¯t have kids and trying to trick me into being your errand boy. Don¡¯t think I¡¯m a fool! Even if I am, even fools have dignity! I heard you whispering in the bathroom! Two big rats!"


    "Alright, alright, calm down."


    The police officer looked at the green-faced man in front of him, feeling that he was truly a pitiful fellow.


    He said, "Sit down for a bit. This is a hospital. Don¡¯t shout and disturb others¡¯ rest. Take a moment to calm down."


    Bai Fendou covered his face and started sobbing again.


    At that moment, the light in the operating room went out, and the patient was finally wheeled out.


    The police officer quickly stepped forward, asking, "How is he?"


    The doctor replied seriously, "We¡¯ve managed to save him, but he¡¯s not out of danger yet. The next few days are critical. As his family, it¡¯s best if you stay by his side. He¡¯s had bad luck¡ªhe was already injured in the head, and this fall worsened the injury. Additionally, he fell from a height, suffering several fractures, including damage to his spine. Even if he wakes up and survives, he¡¯ll likely be bedridden and unable to work."


    "What?"


    Bai Fendou was stunned.


    The onlookers felt even more sympathy for Bai Fendou. This was a heavy burden to bear.


    Aunt Wang stepped forward and tried to console Bai Fendou: "You can''t collapse now. If you do, what will happen to your dad..."


    Bai Fendou suddenly looked up and said, "Is this karma?"


    He rubbed his eyes and continued, "Our family is really being punished. I shouldn¡¯t have trusted those two women."


    Aunt Wang sighed and patted Bai Fendou¡¯s shoulder. "Right now, you need to think about the medical expenses and how to get by in the future..."


    Her words were brutally honest.


    The medical bills were indeed a pressing concern. As a formal employee at the factory, Old Man Bai could get some of the expenses reimbursed. But even with half covered, the other half would still fall on them. They hadn¡¯t even paid back the money they borrowed from the factory for the previous hospital stay.


    Now, with Old Man Bai in this condition, he definitely couldn¡¯t return to work.


    Bai Fendou¡¯s mind was spinning.


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "Let¡¯s get Old Man Bai back to his room first. We can worry about the rest later."


    Soon, Old Man Bai was taken back to his room. Since there was no doubt about his jumping off the building, the police didn¡¯t linger.


    It was actually fortunate for Bai Fendou that many people had witnessed the incident and could confirm he hadn¡¯t pushed his father. If it had just been the two of them, it would have been hard to explain, especially with the strangulation marks on his neck. But with so many witnesses and the context of the marks, the situation was clear. The police officers looked at Bai Fendou, the poor guy, shook their heads, and left.


    After sending his father back to the room, the doctor reminded Bai Fendou, "You¡¯ll need to pay the hospital fees in the next couple of days."


    Bai Fendou nodded, "I¡¯ll figure something out."


    The doctor wasn¡¯t too worried about someone like Bai Fendou. As a local with a formal job, he wasn¡¯t likely to abandon his father and leave.


    Bai Fendou sat on a bench, burying his face in his hands.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing his distress, knew he had no savings. He couldn¡¯t even cover his own hospital fees, let alone the massive expenses for Old Man Bai. Though Bai Fendou had always been unreliable and done many inexplicable things, Zhao Guihua had watched him grow up.


    She sighed and asked, "Bai Fendou, do you have any money?"


    Bai Fendou looked up, "I¡¯ve got seventy yuan left from my savings and the money Jiang Lu compensated me."


    Despite his earlier bravado, he was now at a loss, speaking honestly.


    "That¡¯s nowhere near enough. Don¡¯t blame me for being blunt, but you need to figure something out quickly," Zhao Guihua said. "Did you settle your dad¡¯s previous hospital bills?"


    After all, Old Man Bai had been hit with a brick earlier.


    "Not yet."


    "Could the Yu family compensate for what Yu Baoshan did?"


    Bai Fendou shook his head, "Yu Baoshan is dead, and his family won¡¯t take responsibility..."


    Even Yu Baoshan¡¯s body hadn¡¯t been claimed.


    That¡¯s just how that family was.


    Zhao Guihua sighed again. Even if Yu Baoshan had left something, they probably wouldn¡¯t get it. Now that he was gone, so were the debts.


    She thought for a moment and said, "Let me give you some advice."


    "Please," Bai Fendou replied.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Given your dad¡¯s condition, he¡¯s a formal employee at the factory but can¡¯t work anymore. You should sell his job. A formal position like that could fetch at least two to three hundred yuan."


    At the time, a formal job was worth as much as a house.


    She continued, "After this incident and everything you¡¯ve said, your dad¡¯s reputation isn¡¯t great. Go to the factory leaders, explain the situation honestly, and they might turn a blind eye to you selling the job. With the money from that and your savings, see if it¡¯s enough for the medical bills. If it is, great. If not, borrow from the factory and have it deducted from your salary monthly. You can¡¯t owe the hospital."


    "Zhao Guihua¡¯s right. Get through this immediate crisis first. Once your dad¡¯s condition stabilizes, he can recover at home, which will cost less," Aunt Wang added.


    Bai Fendou said, "Thank you all."


    Zhao Guihua waved it off, "We¡¯re just offering some advice. We haven¡¯t really helped."


    Bai Fendou covered his face and cried.


    The women exchanged glances, and Aunt Wang said, "You¡¯ve got to pull yourself together. If you fall apart, things will only get worse. Even though your dad¡¯s in bad shape now, as long as he¡¯s not in mortal danger, he¡¯ll recover. As long as he¡¯s alive, things will slowly get better."


    Bai Fendou mumbled an acknowledgment.


    "Let us know if you want something to eat tonight. We can bring you some food," one of the women offered.


    "Yeah, we can take turns bringing you meals. It won¡¯t be anything fancy, but at least you won¡¯t go hungry," another added.


    Bai Fendou looked at them in surprise, his eyes welling up with tears again. He had always thought the people in the neighborhood were no good, that only the Su family was decent. But now, in this crisis, he realized that wasn¡¯t the case at all.


    "Thank you," he said.


    "No need for that. We¡¯re neighbors," they replied.


    Bai Fendou wiped his tears, "No, no, you don¡¯t need to bring me food. I can¡¯t eat anything right now. It would just go to waste."


    He couldn¡¯t stop crying, wiping his face repeatedly. "Please, go home. I need to be alone and think about what to do."


    "Alright," they said.


    After a few more comforting words, they left together.


    "They had such good conditions. How did things end up like this?" one of them wondered.


    "Widows bring trouble," another muttered.


    Everyone fell silent. In truth, Bai Fendou¡¯s current situation was largely the result of the actions of the two women from the Su family.


    Were they breaking the law?


    Not exactly. But what they did was worse than petty theft or even robbery. While others might harm someone temporarily, they ruined lives.


    There was something unspoken, something too cruel to say out loud.


    But in reality, everyone thought it: If Old Man Bai had died, Bai Fendou¡¯s life might have been easier. With Old Man Bai alive, he was a burden.


    But then again, it¡¯s hard to say.


    Bai Fendou was already known throughout the city as someone who couldn¡¯t perform, so his chances of marrying were slim. With his father alive, at least he had someone to talk to. If his father died, he¡¯d be completely alone.


    So, it was hard to say what would truly be better for Bai Fendou.


    Everyone left.


    Zhao Guihua went home and talked about what had happened. For a while, everyone was silent. Though they usually enjoyed gossip, this was different. This wasn¡¯t just a simple fight.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "I¡¯m off tomorrow. I¡¯ll go see him."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "I¡¯ll go with you, brother."


    Ming Mei said, "I used to find him annoying, especially when he schemed against Zhixi. But seeing him so miserable now, I don¡¯t know what to say. Life is so unpredictable."


    "You¡¯re still young. Don¡¯t get involved in these neighborhood dramas. Bai Fendou¡¯s been bottling up his anger toward the Su family. Who knows when it¡¯ll explode? You¡¯re pregnant. If someone pushes or bumps into you, it¡¯ll be a disaster," Zhao Guihua warned.


    Ming Mei nodded, "I understand."


    Zhuang Zhixi stroked his chin and said, "I wonder what Wang Xiangxiu said to him in the storage room that made him so determined to expose her now."


    "Maybe it wasn¡¯t what she said. Just seeing her with someone else could¡¯ve been enough to break him," Zhuang Zhiyuan speculated.


    "Ahem!" Zhao Guihua cut them off, "Enough of that. The kids are here."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi looked at their father and uncle with wide, curious eyes.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Go play."


    Hutou replied, "It¡¯s almost dark. We¡¯re not going out."


    Hutou blinked his big eyes and asked, "Grandma, did Old Man Bai jump off a building?"


    This wasn¡¯t because their family didn¡¯t shield the children from such matters, but rather because the children already knew. Raising children nowadays wasn¡¯t like it would be decades later, where they¡¯d be treated as precious treasures. Back then, families with only one child were rare. Having two, three, or even four children was completely normal.


    Take Wang Zhaodi, for example, whose family had nine daughters and still kept trying for more. Cases like that weren¡¯t uncommon.


    With so many children, raising them was more casual.


    And kids were mostly left to their own devices, running around outside. It was summer vacation, so all the children were playing in the streets, and naturally, they heard things. Adults talking, and the little ones overhearing snippets here and there.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Old Man Bai didn¡¯t mean to jump. He was trying to scare people by pretending to jump, but he accidentally fell. So, when you kids are playing outside, you have to be careful. And never, ever use threats of life and death to scare people. If something really happens, it¡¯s over.¡±


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded vigorously.


    Hutou said, ¡°I¡¯ll never do something like that.¡±


    Xiao Yanzi quickly added, ¡°I won¡¯t go to high places.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled and ruffled their heads. ¡°It¡¯s not that you can¡¯t go to high places, but you have to avoid dangerous spots. Like Old Man Bai¡ªhe was sitting on the third-floor windowsill, waving his arms without holding onto the window frame. Of course, that¡¯s very dangerous.¡±


    She knew the kids would hear about it anyway, so she might as well explain it directly and use it as a lesson.


    ¡°Is anyone home?¡±


    Ming Mei was the first to turn around, smiling. ¡°Grandpa.¡±


    Lan Sihai walked in with his hands behind his back. Zhao Guihua stood up. ¡°Uncle Lan, please have a seat.¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°I¡¯m here to see Hutou and Xiao Yanzi.¡±


    Hutou scratched his head in confusion but still asked, ¡°Grandpa Lan, what do you need us for?¡±


    Lan Sihai glanced at him. ¡°Kid, your memory is too good. At such a young age, if you¡¯re already this sharp, how are you going to handle studying later?¡±


    Everyone: ¡°¡­¡±


    This kind of conversation was way over the kids¡¯ heads.


    Xiao Yanzi patted her brother and said, ¡°It¡¯s the sheep knuckles, right? Grandpa Lan, it¡¯s the sheep knuckles, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    The way their family addressed each other was a mess!


    Ming Mei¡¯s grandfather, Lan Sihai, should technically be called ¡°Great-Grandpa¡± by Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. But the two kids often forgot and ended up calling him ¡°Grandpa Lan,¡± just like some others in the courtyard. Lan Sihai never corrected them. To him, it was just a title, and he didn¡¯t mind. Even if they called him ¡°Old Lan,¡± it wouldn¡¯t bother him.


    Lan Sihai nodded. ¡°Xiao Yanzi has a good memory. Here you go.¡±


    ¡°Wow! This is great!¡±


    ¡°So cool!¡±


    Back then, kids didn¡¯t have many toys. If a father could carve a small wooden pistol for his child, or if a mother could sew a beanbag, those were considered top-notch treasures. They were the kind of things that would make other kids envious.


    Sheep knuckles were the same. Putting together a full set wasn¡¯t easy.


    Times were tough for every household. Even for worker families like theirs, which were relatively better off, getting hold of sheep knuckles was no simple task.


    Lan Sihai placed a set of sheep knuckles on the table. ¡°I promised these to you. Here, take them and play.¡±


    The two kids exchanged glances and jumped up and down. ¡°Awesome, awesome!¡±


    Ming Mei laughed, pretending to pout. ¡°Grandpa, when did you make this deal with Hutou and Xiao Yanzi? I didn¡¯t get anything. Boo hoo, I¡¯m so sad.¡±


    Lan Sihai¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Cut it out. Your acting is terrible.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Hmph.¡±


    Hutou chattered away, ¡°Auntie Ming, that kid Da Fei on the next street has a set, and he¡¯s always showing off. He wouldn¡¯t let us play with them and kept teasing us for not having any. Grandpa Lan saw that and said he¡¯d get us a set. Hehe.¡±


    Xiao Yanzi added, ¡°Grandpa Lan is the best.¡±


    Lan Sihai¡¯s lips curled up, clearly pleased.


    Ming Mei teased, ¡°Oh, look at you.¡±


    Zhao Guihua also smiled. ¡°Take them back to your room and play.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Though it was just a small side room, the siblings had their own space. They held hands and ran back to their room.


    ¡°We have sheep knuckles now!¡±


    ¡°So cool!¡±


    The two kids were over the moon. ¡°Let¡¯s play together.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Once the kids were back in their room, Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Uncle Lan, thank you.¡±


    Lan Sihai waved it off. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. I just happened to find them. I know where to look for these kinds of things.¡±


    Ming Mei chimed in, ¡°Grandpa, if I want to play with something later, I¡¯ll come to you.¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°Sure. When it comes to food, drink, and fun, if I¡¯m second, no one dares to claim first.¡±


    He didn¡¯t see anything wrong with that. After all, some people were hardworking, and others, like him, were more laid-back.


    Oh, right¡­


    He asked, ¡°I heard something happened to Old Man Bai. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°We were just talking about it. It¡¯s¡­¡±


    She recounted the day¡¯s events. Lan Sihai shook his head slightly. ¡°What a mess.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±


    ¡°So, he¡¯s still in critical condition?¡±


    ¡°Yes. When we left, he hadn¡¯t stabilized yet. The doctor said the next few days are crucial.¡±


    Lan Sihai didn¡¯t have much of a relationship with Bai Fendou and his father. For Zhao Guihua and the others, even though there had been plenty of friction over the years, they had still watched Bai Fendou grow up. They¡¯d been neighbors for thirty or forty years.


    They¡¯d even seen Bai Fendou being born.


    In situations like this, even if their relationship wasn¡¯t great, they still wanted to lend a hand. It was a natural human response. But Lan Sihai was different. He¡¯d only moved in six months ago, less than half a year.


    He¡¯d arrived just as Bai Fendou was at his worst, frantically trying to find a wife.


    Bai Fendou had always been a bit reckless, but it hadn¡¯t been too bad before. Over the past six months, though, he¡¯d really gone off the rails. Everyone around him was getting married, even Zhuang Zhixi, who was ten years younger than him, was already married with kids. Bai Fendou had truly lost his mind.


    He¡¯d been acting completely irresponsibly.


    Because of this, Lan Sihai didn¡¯t think much of him. They hadn¡¯t known each other long, and Bai Fendou¡¯s behavior was just too much. So, Lan Sihai¡¯s concern was superficial at best.


    But after hearing Zhao Guihua¡¯s story, he suddenly asked, ¡°He¡¯s selling his job?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°That¡¯s what I suggested. It¡¯s up to him to decide. Uncle Lan, you¡¯re not thinking of buying it, are you?¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°Why would I? I already have a job, and so does my wife.¡±


    Luo Xiaohe wasn¡¯t a permanent employee, but she¡¯d been a temporary worker for many years. At her age, even if she wanted to buy a permanent position, the factory wouldn¡¯t allow it. Succession was usually for younger people, not old ladies.


    He added, ¡°No one in my family needs it. I was just curious and asked.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t just asking out of curiosity, but there was no need to explain further. He stood up. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head back now.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Grandpa, let me walk you out.¡±


    Lan Sihai waved her off. ¡°It¡¯s just a few steps within the courtyard. No need to walk me out. You¡¯re just trying to be sweet.¡±


    Ming Mei giggled.


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°Go on, get out of here.¡±


    Lan Sihai didn¡¯t need an escort. Once he left, Ming Mei turned to Zhuang Zhixi. ¡°Zhixi, should we go rest?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    The family soon went their separate ways. Old Man Zhuang asked, puzzled, ¡°Wife, what did Uncle Lan mean earlier? Was he deliberately bringing up the job thing?¡±


    He¡¯d caught on but didn¡¯t fully understand.


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°He was saying it for the sake of your eldest daughter-in-law.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang was shocked. ¡°Why would he say it for her? It¡¯s not like their family particularly likes her, right? After all, before the third son got married, the eldest daughter-in-law caused quite a stir.¡±


    Zhao Guihua thought her husband really wasn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed.


    She said, ¡°You only see the surface, not the deeper layers. That¡¯s why they live so well. They see things in a way you can¡¯t, with your narrow perspective.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°¡­¡±


    Why the personal attack?


    Zhao Guihua spoke meaningfully: "The third son and his wife are both working, while the eldest son and his wife only have one income, and they also have two children. When you think about it, isn¡¯t the gap in their daily lives quite large? As parents, even if we try to treat everyone equally, we inevitably end up favoring the one who¡¯s struggling more. And that¡¯s just how it is now. Although the eldest son¡¯s wife can help out with work at home, they have two more children to care for. In reality, they¡¯re paying the same living expenses as the third son¡¯s family. So, naturally, the eldest son¡¯s family is getting the better deal."


    "And then?"


    "Moreover, we¡¯re getting older. When it comes to taking care of us in our old age, if the eldest son¡¯s family is in a worse position, they¡¯ll likely rely more on the third son¡¯s family. Won¡¯t that put a heavier burden on the third son¡¯s family? Of course, I don¡¯t think that way, but others will naturally draw conclusions based on the actual situation. Don¡¯t you agree? After all, outsiders don¡¯t know what we¡¯re thinking; they only see what¡¯s most likely to happen. The reality is that there¡¯s a gap between the eldest and third son¡¯s families."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded: "True."


    But what does this have to do with work?


    He still didn¡¯t quite get it.


    "By bringing this up, he¡¯s suggesting that the eldest son¡¯s wife should buy this job. Once they both have jobs, their family situation will be similar to the third son¡¯s family, and we can treat them equally. Besides, if the eldest son¡¯s family also has two incomes, their financial situation will improve significantly. Then, would we still need to secretly subsidize Hutou and Xiao Yanzi?"


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    He pondered for a while and said, "Is that really what Old Man Lan meant? He always seems so carefree. I doubt he¡¯s even thought that far ahead."


    Zhao Guihua: "You¡¯re really underestimating the Lan family."


    She said earnestly, "Old Man Lan hasn¡¯t even started yet. If he really wanted to, he could draw a circle, and you¡¯d be running around it for half a year."


    Old Man Zhuang: "...Isn¡¯t that insulting?"


    Wuwu, was he really that bad?


    Zhao Guihua understood his expression and said, "You¡¯re not that bad, but Old Man Lan is truly a formidable person."


    What¡¯s most impressive is that he excels at whatever he does.


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    He coughed and said, "So, what do you think? The eldest son and his wife don¡¯t have enough money to buy a job, do they?"


    Zhao Guihua gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Do you really think he was only speaking to the eldest son¡¯s wife? He was reminding her, but he was also speaking to us. If the eldest son¡¯s wife wants to buy the job, she¡¯ll definitely come to us for money."


    Old Man Zhuang muttered softly, "But if we give her the money, won¡¯t that be unfair to the third son¡¯s family?"


    Zhao Guihua rubbed her temples, feeling that her husband was truly naive.


    She said, "How could I not make her pay it back? She¡¯ll have to return every penny. Old Man Lan knows I¡¯m not the type to endlessly subsidize my children. That¡¯s why he dared to bring it up."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded in understanding.


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯ll think about this matter. I wonder how much Bai Fendou will ask for."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I wonder if the eldest son¡¯s wife could handle cleaning toilets."


    Zhao Guihua scoffed, "Believe me, if she hears about this job, she¡¯ll run faster than a rabbit. When it comes to work, the eldest son¡¯s wife doesn¡¯t slack off."


    Old Man Zhuang thought about it and nodded, "That¡¯s true."


    Zhao Guihua: "She¡¯s just confused when it comes to her family matters, but it¡¯s fine. If she dares to mess up again this time, I¡¯ll teach her a lesson!"


    She wasn¡¯t the same Zhao Guihua from before. The old Zhao Guihua cared about saving face, but now?


    Hah!


    To hell with that!


    If the eldest son¡¯s wife acts foolishly, she¡¯ll deal with her directly.


    Some people are just unclear in their thinking because they¡¯ve been spoiled.


    Meanwhile, Liang Meifen was pacing around the room like a donkey on a millstone, going in circles several times. Zhuang Zhiyuan finally couldn¡¯t take it anymore and said, "What¡¯s wrong with you? Are we going to sleep or not?"


    Liang Meifen excitedly grabbed Zhuang Zhiyuan and said, "Bai Fendou is selling his job."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Yeah, and it was Mom¡¯s idea. So what?"


    Liang Meifen: "I-I-I... What do you think of me?"


    She was so excited she stuttered.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Not much. Can you handle shoveling and carrying manure?"


    Liang Meifen: "Why not? Are you looking down on laborers? What¡¯s there that I can¡¯t do? It¡¯s a monthly salary of twenty-five yuan."


    Finding a temporary job was incredibly difficult, and this one was a permanent position.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, though feeling a bit awkward and embarrassed, said, "This job won¡¯t come cheap. It¡¯ll probably cost two or three hundred yuan. We don¡¯t have enough savings."


    "Your parents have it!" Liang Meifen exclaimed excitedly.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s smile gradually faded. He looked at Liang Meifen and said, "Just because my parents have it, does that mean they should give it to me? If they give it to me, will you still be subsidizing your family and your brother? Don¡¯t you know how happy I¡¯ve been these past few months, seeing how your brother stopped bothering you after you lost your job? I¡¯d rather you earn less than see your family of leeches."


    Liang Meifen was indignant, "How can you say that? They¡¯re my parents and brother."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said lightly, "Then go ask your parents and brother for the money."


    He pulled up the blanket and went straight to sleep.


    Liang Meifen began to sob.


    Why did her husband hate her family so much?


    It was like choosing between the palm and the back of her hand. She felt so torn.


    "Husband, think about it. If I had a job, wouldn¡¯t it help ease the burden on our family? The children are growing up..."


    "Your job would ease the burden on your family, not mine. Wasn¡¯t that how it was before?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, recalling the past troubles, suddenly lost the desire to fight for his wife. He said, "Let¡¯s sleep. I¡¯d rather be poor than see you slaving away for others."


    Liang Meifen: "How can you say that..."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan sneered, "If you get a job, your parents and that damned brother of yours will come knocking again. Only someone as brainless as you would think they¡¯re good people. If they were really decent, they wouldn¡¯t have turned cold after you lost your job."


    Some things are only clear when compared. As a son-in-law, the third son¡¯s situation with his in-laws was completely different from his own. He didn¡¯t even want to talk about it.


    If he had thought it was tolerable before, it was because they had been somewhat ingratiating themselves with his family, making him feel he could endure it. But after Liang Meifen gave up her job, everything changed. Their attitude was completely different.


    The stark contrast before and after made Zhuang Zhiyuan furious.


    Liang Meifen felt miserable. She bit her lip, feeling utterly uncomfortable.


    "They have their difficulties..."


    "If you say that, I¡¯ll never let Mom and Dad give you money to buy a job. And if you keep involving yourself with your family, you can get out."


    "You! How can you be so heartless?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said woodenly, "Because I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m tired of you always thinking about your brainless family."


    He turned over and went to sleep, ignoring Liang Meifen¡¯s continued sobbing.


    Liang Meifen wanted to defend her family, but thinking about all they had done, she couldn¡¯t find anything good to say. She felt even more miserable. She buried her head in the blanket and cried... wuwuwu.


    After who knows how long, Zhuang Zhiyuan finally sat up and said, "What I said earlier was out of anger. Let¡¯s talk properly."


    Liang Meifen nodded nervously.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Have you thought about it? We still have two children..."


    Liang Meifen: "Huh?"


    Her eyes were still teary.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "They might have to go to the countryside. Would you let them suffer like that?"


    At this, Liang Meifen became agitated, "No, they can¡¯t go to the countryside and suffer."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "So, listen to me..."


    Regarding the job, Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t bring it up proactively. Even if they were to lend money, she wouldn¡¯t push it.


    But she didn¡¯t expect that Liang Meifen, though her eyes were swollen like light bulbs as if she¡¯d cried all night, also didn¡¯t bring it up. It seemed like she and Zhuang Zhiyuan had come to an understanding.


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhiyuan went about his day as if nothing had happened, eating and drinking as usual.


    Zhao Guihua knew that in their previous life, they hadn¡¯t divided the family, and the eldest son¡¯s family had taken advantage of the third son¡¯s family. There had been some tension between them. Now that things were clearer, the relationship was less strained. Sometimes, she thought, when parents try to smooth things over, it only makes the relationship between their children worse. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When parents are clear-headed, everything becomes much simpler.


    It¡¯s interesting how siblings can sometimes get along better than expected.


    After finishing breakfast, Zhuang Zhiyuan said, ¡°I¡¯m going to the hospital today to visit Bai Fendou and ask how much his job is being sold for.¡±


    Everyone paused their meal and turned their attention to Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan continued, ¡°If I decide to buy this job for my wife, can I borrow money from you all?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied bluntly, ¡°We can lend you the money, but how will you pay it back? If your wife gets the job and starts sending money back to her family again, it¡¯ll just be frustrating.¡±


    Liang Meifen looked up at the sky with a pitiful expression and whispered, ¡°I won¡¯t do that anymore.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan explained, ¡°I¡¯ve thought it through. If we can¡¯t buy the job, then we¡¯ll let it go. But if we can, I¡¯ll collect her salary every month. No matter how much she earns, I¡¯ll give her four yuan for food. Four yuan should be enough for steamed buns and vegetables every day, though she won¡¯t be able to afford meat. I¡¯ll save the rest and repay you as soon as possible.¡±


    The room fell silent.


    Liang Meifen didn¡¯t react¡ªshe had already heard this plan the night before, and they had agreed on it. Though she was often indecisive, she felt her husband¡¯s reasoning made sense.


    Ming Mei, sitting nearby, twitched her lips but said nothing.


    Zhuang Zhixi stood up quietly and said, ¡°Wife, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you to work.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to get involved in his brother¡¯s affairs.


    The couple quickly left the house, and Ming Mei whispered, ¡°Your brother is really¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi, steady on his bicycle, replied, ¡°He¡¯s doing this for the good of his family. If he takes over his wife¡¯s salary, it won¡¯t look good, but he¡¯s willing to bear the criticism to keep their household together. Otherwise, with my sister-in-law¡¯s tendency to send money to her family at the slightest opportunity, they¡¯d never save anything. They have two children to think about¡ªwhat will happen if they don¡¯t save?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi understood his brother¡¯s reasoning.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was a proud man, and for someone like him to make such a decision, it wasn¡¯t for his own sake but for the sake of his children. Divorce was extremely rare in those days. Arranged marriages, even tumultuous ones, often endured.


    This was especially true for Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had married for love.


    He had feelings for Liang Meifen, and as long as she didn¡¯t have money in her hands, she was a reasonable person.


    So Zhuang Zhiyuan was willing to tarnish his own reputation a bit to make this work. He genuinely wanted his wife to have a job¡ªafter all, two incomes were better than one. And with two children to raise, he couldn¡¯t afford to be biased.


    This wasn¡¯t just about whether they could build a family or not.


    It was about the future. If both parents had jobs, they could give their children more options when it came to the mandatory youth relocation to rural areas. He had seen how harsh life was for the young people sent to the countryside¡ªhis workplace had families whose children had gone through it.


    They lived in Beijing, the capital city. Life here was vastly different from the hardships of rural labor, and their children had never worked in the fields. He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of sending them away, but if both he and his wife were employed, things would be different.


    They could arrange for their children to take over their jobs. Although the policy required at least one child from each family to go to the countryside, rules were rules, but people could find ways around them. If Hutou, the older child, could take over a job first, they could save money and use connections to ensure Xiao Yanzi could do the same when it was her turn.


    With both parents employed, they could secure jobs for both children.


    And saving money was also crucial for their own retirement. After all, if they handed over their jobs to their children, they couldn¡¯t be left without financial security.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan had thought this through carefully. He hadn¡¯t discussed it with Zhuang Zhixi, but as brothers, Zhuang Zhixi understood the moment his brother brought it up.


    It was all for the children.


    That¡¯s what parents do.


    Zhuang Zhixi chatted with Ming Mei all the way, and she finally understood. However, she hesitated and said, ¡°Maybe in the future, they won¡¯t need to go to the countryside.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Who knows? Should we just hope for a policy change without preparing for the worst?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded.


    As she climbed the stairs to her workplace, her small bag slung over her shoulder, she vaguely remembered something her mother-in-law had mentioned¡ªthat by the late 1970s, people started returning to the cities. Oh, wait, that wasn¡¯t something she had been told directly; it was from a dream. Based on Hutou and Xiao Yanzi¡¯s ages, they might not have to face relocation.


    But she couldn¡¯t say that out loud¡ªhow could she explain that she knew such things?


    Besides, saving money wasn¡¯t a bad idea.


    She hurried up the stairs, hoping they could successfully buy that job.

 Chapter 117

    Early in the morning, the cicadas were chirping incessantly.Zhuang Zhixi had just dropped off his wife and then gone to his workplace to ask for leave. He hurried back to the courtyard house, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. As he entered the courtyard, he called out, ¡°Brother, let¡¯s go.¡±


    The two brothers had agreed to go to the hospital together. Zhuang Zhiyuan had the day off, so he didn¡¯t need to ask for leave.


    Liang Meifen, her eyes swollen like walnuts, followed them to the door, looking at them with hope.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said firmly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to come.¡±


    Liang Meifen¡¯s expression darkened. Zhao Guihua, who was outside pouring water, chimed in, ¡°With your mind, you¡¯d only be in the way.¡±


    Liang Meifen silently went back to her chores, feeling bitter. Ever since the kids were on summer break, the workload seemed to have doubled. Since she couldn¡¯t go with them, she quietly started washing clothes. The two brothers left together, and just as Zhao Guihua was about to go back inside, she noticed someone watching her. It was Jinlai, peeking sneakily toward her house.


    Being watched by a little thief wasn¡¯t a good sign. She glared fiercely at the mischievous child.


    Jinlai pouted defiantly. His aunt had already gone to work, and the three of them had eaten cornbread again for breakfast. Ever since his mom and grandma were hospitalized, they¡¯d been eating cornbread every single day.


    At first, the kids had cried about it, but if they cried, they wouldn¡¯t even get the cornbread. Over the past few days, they¡¯d toughened up, but they were still craving something better. Before, they¡¯d had at least one meal of white steamed buns a day, and they¡¯d occasionally eaten meat.


    But now, it had been over a week, and they¡¯d had nothing but cornbread and boiled cabbage. Not even a single green vegetable. Their mouths felt as bland as could be. Jinlai glanced toward the Zhuang family¡¯s house and spat, ¡°They¡¯re so selfish, always eating alone and never helping us out. How can people be so stingy?¡±


    ¡°Brother¡­¡± Yinlai said, ¡°I want to eat meat.¡±


    Jinlai wanted meat too, but Hu Huihui wasn¡¯t buying any. He said, ¡°We¡¯ll have to wait until Mom comes back.¡±


    Tonglai whispered, ¡°Hutou and the others can catch sparrows.¡±


    Sparrow meat was still meat. Roasted, it was delicious.


    Did Jinlai not know that? Of course he did, but they couldn¡¯t catch any. He said irritably, ¡°They can catch them because they have grass seeds to attract the sparrows. We don¡¯t have any, so we can¡¯t catch them.¡±


    How easy was it to catch something flying in the sky?


    Yinlai said, ¡°We could ask Hutou for some.¡±


    Jinlai sneered, ¡°His family even eats fish. Do you think they¡¯d give us any?¡±


    Because of the continuous rain over the past few days, most people hadn¡¯t gone out to buy groceries, so Zhao Guihua had steamed some salted fish a few times. The sharp-nosed little glutton had caught a whiff of it. Jinlai cursed, ¡°Those selfish dogs, eating alone. They¡¯ll get their comeuppance sooner or later.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, definitely.¡±


    ¡°For sure.¡±


    The three kids were united in their resentment.


    Hutou and the others had grass seeds, as did Li Junjun, Li Weiwei, and Sui Hong from the Sui family. Sui Hong, who was fourteen and lived in the back courtyard, was part of Hutou¡¯s group. They always worked together to catch sparrows, but they never included Jinlai and his brothers.


    Jinlai had seen them divide the catch several times. What made him angriest was that even Xiao Yanzi, a girl, got a share. Why didn¡¯t they give any to the boys?


    Girls were just a waste of resources. Eating cornbread was already too good for her, and she wanted meat? Those idiots, not giving any to the boys but sharing with a girl. They were such fools.


    Yinlai was even more indignant. ¡°Worthless, cheap girl,¡± he muttered.


    Jinlai said, ¡°I hope they choke on it.¡±


    After venting their anger, they felt a bit better.


    Jinlai said, ¡°When I grow up, I¡¯m going to steal all their good stuff.¡±


    He was still young and afraid of getting beaten up, but when he grew up, he¡¯d make them pay.


    Yinlai said, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you, brother.¡±


    Tonglai blinked and said, ¡°I¡¯ll keep watch.¡±


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re in this together. Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll figure something out. We¡¯ll get something good to eat.¡±


    ¡°Where are we going to get it?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that they doubted their brother, but the whole courtyard was on guard against them. It wasn¡¯t easy for them to get anything.


    Jinlai said, ¡°We¡¯ll go outside. There¡¯s more than just our courtyard in this alley. We¡¯ll go to another courtyard and steal there.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The three kids quickly ran off, not even bothering to close the door behind them.


    Zhao Guihua watched them run out and wondered, ¡°What are they up to now?¡±


    Liang Meifen said sympathetically, ¡°Who knows whose house is going to suffer this time? I thought I heard them talking about stealing something¡­¡±


    ¡°Stealing what?¡±


    Aunt Wang came to the front yard and joined the conversation.


    Liang Meifen said, ¡°We were talking about Jinlai and his brothers. I thought I heard them saying they were going to steal something.¡±


    Aunt Wang rubbed her temples.


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, ¡°You¡¯re really worried about this, huh?¡±


    Aunt Wang said, ¡°Of course I¡¯m worried. What kind of kids are they? They¡¯ll grow up to be street punks.¡±


    ¡°Street punks would be the least of it. They might end up in jail eating free meals. But it¡¯s not our business. Their family doesn¡¯t care, so why should we?¡±


    She asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Aunt Wang said, ¡°I¡¯m going to the neighborhood committee to get some materials for making paper boxes. It¡¯s been raining for the past few days, and I didn¡¯t want to risk ruining the materials, so I didn¡¯t go. Now that it¡¯s sunny, it¡¯s a good time to work and earn some money.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be great.¡±


    Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua walked to the neighborhood committee together, chatting along the way. Zhao Guihua lowered her voice and said, ¡°I¡¯m thinking of buying some grain to store at home.¡±


    Aunt Wang was surprised and quickly asked, ¡°Why? Is something going on?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°It¡¯s been raining heavily for a week. My eldest read in the newspaper that it¡¯s raining all over the country. Beijing isn¡¯t even the worst. The worst-hit areas have had heavy rain for seven or eight days straight. So I¡¯m thinking, I¡¯m not sure how this will affect the grain supply. It¡¯s better to stock up now. You know how it is, my family is big¡ªkids and a pregnant woman. I¡¯m really worried about going hungry.¡±


    They¡¯d lived through the three years of famine, so they knew what it was like to go hungry. That¡¯s why they were especially concerned about food.


    Aunt Wang slapped her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re right, you¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Exactly. You know Beijing doesn¡¯t produce much grain. Most of it is shipped in from other places. If those places have even heavier rain and the harvest is reduced¡­ Pfft, listen to me, I¡¯m such a pessimist. But I just can¡¯t help worrying. I¡¯ve been through hunger, so I can¡¯t help but overthink.¡±


    Aunt Wang said, ¡°That¡¯s understandable. I think you¡¯re making sense. I¡¯ll think about buying some too. Like you said, adults can tough it out, but kids and pregnant women can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve only told you about this. Don¡¯t spread it around. I don¡¯t want to get in trouble for spreading rumors.¡±


    Aunt Wang laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know better than to get you in trouble.¡±


    They were old friends.


    ¡°Are you planning to go to the black market?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking, but I don¡¯t know what the prices are like there. Honestly, I¡¯m a bit nervous about going.¡±


    ¡°Same here.¡±


    For working-class families like theirs, sometimes they had money but couldn¡¯t get what they needed, so they¡¯d trade with others. But ever since the pigeon market became the black market, fewer people went. It just felt different.


    Some families preferred to trade with relatives in the countryside rather than go to the black market, especially since they were workers.


    The poorer families weren¡¯t as afraid of these things, but those with stable jobs were more cautious. They didn¡¯t want to risk their livelihoods. Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I¡¯m not planning to buy much, just enough to have on hand in case of emergencies.¡±


    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll talk to my husband about it when I get home. Maybe he and my son-in-law can go.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded and didn¡¯t say more. They arrived at the neighborhood committee.


    As they walked in, they saw a skinny young man, looking disheveled and gaunt, standing there being scolded by a middle-aged woman in her forties. She had a stern, almost harsh expression on her face.


    She looked at him with frustration and said, ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s your excuse this time?¡±


    The man mumbled, speaking softly, "She''s a bit too strong. I don¡¯t think I can handle her."


    The middle-aged woman glared at him, "Can¡¯t handle her? You¡¯re a man! Where¡¯s your backbone? Besides, being strong isn¡¯t a bad thing. A strong woman can give birth more easily. And if she¡¯s this strong, it¡¯s probably because her family¡¯s well-off. You¡¯re just too clueless to see it."


    "I don¡¯t want her anyway."


    "Are you trying to make me angry? Her family¡¯s so well-off, and you¡¯re complaining about her being strong? Look at yourself! You¡¯ve gotten so thin these past few months, you look like you¡¯re on the verge of collapsing. She hasn¡¯t even complained about you being as skinny as a chicken. How dare you say she¡¯s too strong? Fine, this one¡¯s too strong for you. What about the last one? If you don¡¯t give me a good reason, I¡¯m disowning you as my nephew!"


    "The last one¡­ she was too pretty," the young man said, lowering his eyes. "She was so beautiful, I was afraid I couldn¡¯t handle her."


    The middle-aged woman was almost speechless. "Good, good, good. Again with the ¡®can¡¯t handle her.¡¯ Everyone else wants a pretty wife, but not you. Are you an idiot? What about the one before that?"


    The young man hesitated, "She kept staring at me¡­ I was afraid I couldn¡¯t handle her¡­"


    "I swear, are you a complete moron? How did I end up with a nephew like you? You seem smart, but when it comes to women, you¡¯re utterly clueless. This one¡¯s too much, that one¡¯s too much¡ªwhat kind of woman do you even want? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re looking for someone from the countryside, thinking you¡¯ll be able to handle her?"


    "Someone from the countryside¡­ no, they work hard and have good stamina. I couldn¡¯t handle that either," the young man muttered, rubbing his hands nervously.


    The middle-aged woman exploded into a string of curses.


    She fully demonstrated the verbal prowess of a middle-aged woman, berating the young man until he was thoroughly humiliated. If it weren¡¯t for the fear of making a scene, she might have even resorted to physical violence. She was so furious that she didn¡¯t care who was around or what they might hear.


    Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang watched from a distance, quietly stepping back. Aunt Wang whispered to Sister Chen, the neighborhood staff member, "Sister Chen, what¡¯s going on here?"


    Sister Chen replied, "It¡¯s Sister Xu¡¯s family matter. Her nephew, a perfectly good young man, refuses to settle down. She¡¯s introduced him to several women, but he always finds an excuse. This time, it¡¯s because he ¡®can¡¯t handle her.¡¯ Look how angry she is. And his reasons are just ridiculous."


    Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang nodded, silently standing by as they observed the drama.


    The young man, thoroughly scolded, finally stumbled away.


    Once outside, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, still shaken, but quickly got on his bicycle and rode off. This young man was none other than Little Xu, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s "good" colleague and the movie projectionist.


    The middle-aged woman from the neighborhood was Little Xu¡¯s aunt.


    As Little Xu rode back, he felt a bit of relief.


    When it came to marriage¡­ honestly, he was terrified. It wasn¡¯t that he had someone else in mind, but¡­ he was genuinely scared.


    He used to think that women were soft, sweet, and that getting married would be a wonderful thing. But after his recent experiences, he wasn¡¯t so sure anymore.


    Sure, having a wife meant someone to take care of the housework and manage the household, but he was worried.


    There were plenty of benefits, but the downsides were even greater.


    Women¡­ they could easily drain a man dry.


    Just the thought of it made him shudder.


    He wasn¡¯t exaggerating.


    As he locked his bicycle and headed into the office building, he ran into Jiang Lu, who was on her way to the restroom. The two of them came face to face, and Little Xu¡¯s face instantly turned pale. Without hesitation, he turned around and hurried in the opposite direction.


    Jiang Lu: "¡­"


    Seriously?


    Am I a tiger or something?


    Little Xu quickly ducked around a corner, panting as he waited for Jiang Lu to leave. Only then did he sneak into the office, looking as guilty as a thief.


    "What¡¯s wrong with you?" Sister Cui asked curiously.


    Little Xu slumped onto his desk, "I¡¯m not feeling well."


    He really wasn¡¯t feeling well. Just the sight of Jiang Lu made him uncomfortable. The truth was, his current state was entirely because of Jiang Lu.


    Two months ago, his father had broken his leg, and Little Xu had been spending nights at the hospital to keep him company. He didn¡¯t have to do much¡ªjust help his father to the bathroom when needed. It was there that he ran into Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu had grabbed him and pulled him into the restroom. He¡­ didn¡¯t resist.


    Well, he didn¡¯t really want to resist.


    He was thrilled.


    It was like a gift from the heavens. As a man, he wasn¡¯t losing anything, and he was eager to experience what it was like to be with a woman.


    He was quite happy about it, so when Jiang Lu came looking for him the next day, they found another place to¡­ enjoy themselves, going at it like there was no tomorrow.


    The third day, the fourth day, the fifth day¡­


    Even a plow ox couldn¡¯t keep up with that kind of pace.


    Every night, he was called out, and every day, he was left exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and weak legs.


    His grandmother even joked that if it weren¡¯t for the new society where criminals had been driven out, she would have thought he was addicted to opium. He had lost weight so quickly and had no energy left.


    Little Xu knew why. Every night, he was kept busy for three or four hours.


    He¡­ he couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    But Jiang Lu kept coming for him. What had started as a stroke of luck now felt like a story straight out of a ghost tale.


    In those tales, the fox spirits, the female ghosts¡ªthey all preyed on men.


    Little Xu felt like one of those scholars who were drained dry by supernatural beings. After more than ten days, he couldn¡¯t escape Jiang Lu¡¯s clutches. At first, he thought he was getting the better end of the deal, but now he felt like he was the one being taken advantage of.


    He wanted to refuse, but every time he tried to say something, Jiang Lu would kiss him¡­


    He was in a tough spot, feeling both wronged and unhappy.


    Sure, he had enjoyed himself and felt like he was getting something out of it, but¡­ only he knew the toll it was taking on him.


    He had tried eating all sorts of tonics¡ªlamb testicles, ox penis¡ªbut nothing worked. He was truly being drained. After less than twenty days, he couldn¡¯t take it anymore and finally confronted Jiang Lu, telling her he wanted to end their relationship. Jiang Lu had stared at him so intensely that he was terrified.


    He didn¡¯t even give her a chance to respond. Even though he was disheveled, he stumbled away as fast as he could.


    From then on, he avoided Jiang Lu like the plague.


    A woman in her thirties was too much for a young man in his twenties to handle.


    She could drain him dry in no time.


    Some men might enjoy that kind of thing, wishing it could happen every night¡­ but after nearly twenty days, Little Xu was completely worn out. On this matter, he was as calm as a monk ready to renounce the world.


    Now, when it came to finding a partner, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to. He did, but he wanted someone who was nothing like Jiang Lu.


    Not even a little bit similar¡ªnot even the same hairstyle.


    The moment he saw any resemblance, he would think of Jiang Lu¡¯s¡­ enthusiasm, and it would make him shudder.


    His excuse of "can¡¯t handle her" was just that¡ªan excuse. The real reason was that the woman reminded him of Jiang Lu in some way.


    Like the most recent one, who came from a good family¡ªjust like Jiang Lu.


    And the one before that, who had eyes like Jiang Lu. And the one before that, who was as tall as Jiang Lu¡­


    And the one before that¡­ she even wore the same kind of shoes as Jiang Lu.


    No way!!!


    Little Xu now had a full-blown Jiang Lu complex. Only a man who had been drained dry could understand!


    He took a deep breath, only to realize that Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t there. He quickly asked, "Where¡¯s Zhuang Zhixi? Did he skip work?"


    Sister Cui replied, "He took the morning off to visit someone in the hospital."


    She added meaningfully, "His neighbor¡­"


    Little Xu¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Jiang Lu was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s neighbor, and she was supposedly on good terms with Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife. He was instantly terrified, "N-n-neighbor?"


    "Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou¡¯s father fell from a building."


    "Damn!" Little Xu patted his chest in relief. As long as it wasn¡¯t Jiang Lu.


    "What happened?"


    Sister Cui, known as the factory''s number one gossip, was quite well-informed. She said, "What else could it be? I heard it''s because of Wang Xiangxiu. That old man Bai, he may be old, but his thoughts are quite wild. He¡¯s got his eye on the pot while still eating from the bowl. You wouldn¡¯t believe it, he¡­"


    The news from the hospital yesterday couldn¡¯t be kept under wraps. There were too many onlookers at the scene. It wasn¡¯t just Sister Cui who heard about it; many people in the machinery factory had caught wind of it. By mid-morning, the rumor was already buzzing.


    To understand why the clinic in their massive machinery factory, which employs tens of thousands, is so poorly equipped, it¡¯s because they¡¯re located too close to a hospital. And not just any hospital¡ªit¡¯s one of the more renowned hospitals in the city, staffed by some of the best doctors.


    Because of this, everyone has gotten used to going to the hospital for treatment. For minor issues like a cold, fever, or a small cut, they might visit the factory clinic for convenience. But for anything more serious, they head straight to the hospital. After all, it¡¯s more reassuring.


    This is also why many people in the factory are somewhat familiar with the hospital, and news spreads quickly.


    By mid-morning, the gossip had already fermented.


    Almost everyone was discussing the topic. To be honest, people used to look down on Bai Fendou. With his decent conditions, how could he mess things up so badly? He was doing fine in the security department, but now he¡¯s been demoted to cleaning toilets.


    But now, when people think of him, they can¡¯t help but feel a bit sorry for him.


    Who did he get into a fight for? For Wang Xiangxiu.


    Who did he lose his manhood for? Again, for Wang Xiangxiu.


    It was already tough enough for him to get involved with a widow, but who could have guessed that his father would turn out to be so unreliable?


    Old man Bai had always been quiet and low-key, not someone who stood out. But it turns out that even the quiet ones can have their share of devious thoughts. Who could have imagined he¡¯d come up with such a disgusting idea? How could anyone understand this? It¡¯s shocking.


    Given Bai Fendou¡¯s current situation, if old man Bai wanted to have another child, no one would have objected if he had found someone else to marry. Everyone would have understood. After all, continuing the family line is a big deal.


    But the idea of having his son marry a woman so that he could be the groom instead? That¡¯s just¡­


    Utterly immoral.


    By mid-morning, everyone was working with extra vigor.


    Work paired with gossip¡ªnow that¡¯s a powerful combination.


    "Remember back in early spring? There were rumors that Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s mother-in-law was pregnant, supposedly by Bai Fendou¡¯s father. Who knows if it was true or not, but if it was, then¡­ If they had decided to keep the child, maybe this wouldn¡¯t have happened."


    "I think it was just a rumor."


    "Not necessarily. It could have been true. Back then, Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s mother-in-law was hospitalized. Wang Xiangxiu was so busy, having to take care of her kids at home while also looking after her mother-in-law at the hospital. How do you know she wasn¡¯t there to get an abortion?"


    "Ah, if that¡¯s the case, then old man Bai really missed out. If he didn¡¯t want the child back then, now he¡¯s out of luck."


    "That old pervert deserves it."


    "Hey, why do you think he¡¯s got so many devious ideas? Now when I look at Bai Fendou, I think he¡¯s just a big fool. Even his own father is scheming against him."


    Some people, who could somewhat understand old man Bai¡¯s desire to continue the family line, said, "He probably just didn¡¯t want the Bai family to die out, so he lost his head." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "He¡¯s an old bachelor, but it¡¯s not like he couldn¡¯t get married. Why would he scheme to take his son¡¯s wife? I heard Bai Fendou was crying so hard at the hospital yesterday."


    "What¡¯s worse is that the old man is going to drag his son down. His illness is going to cost a fortune. Sure, the factory will cover most of it, but he¡¯ll still have to pay some. And besides¡­ the whole thing is just so disgraceful."


    "Bai Fendou is really pitiful."


    "Pitiful indeed!"


    The factory was abuzz with discussions, and naturally, the Women¡¯s Federation also heard about it. They heard about Wang Xiangxiu kneeling to propose to Bai Fendou.


    Yes, Zhou Qun told them.


    They also heard that old man Bai wanted to have his cake and eat it too, planning to make his son a cuckold.


    Again, Zhou Qun told them.


    They heard that old man Bai tried to scare his son into agreeing by pretending to jump off a building but accidentally slipped and fell.


    You guessed it¡ªZhou Qun.


    And then there was the rumor that the two women in the Su family, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, had a combined monthly income of about sixty yuan, but they had spent a lot of the Bai family¡¯s money.


    Well, no need to say who spread that one.


    Zhou Qun.


    It¡¯s always him.


    Jiang Lu isn¡¯t even as good at spreading gossip as her husband, Zhou Qun.


    Isn¡¯t that something?


    But these things might as well be known. Since they are, and since Wang Xiangxiu is part of the Women¡¯s Federation, the Federation felt it was necessary to check in on her and get a better understanding of the situation. The director of the Women¡¯s Federation said, "Jiang Lu, why don¡¯t you take Fang with you? Try to give Wang Xiangxiu some advice. She¡¯s been really out of line lately."


    It seems like she¡¯s been involved in every scandal.


    Jiang Lu replied, "I can go, but¡­"


    She was being honest: "Wang Xiangxiu probably doesn¡¯t need our intervention. I¡¯ve been her neighbor for over ten years, so I know her pretty well."


    "She¡¯s been involved in so many romantic entanglements lately. Whatever the case, she needs to calm down. She¡¯s really embarrassing the women here."


    Jiang Lu said, "Alright."


    "But when you go, don¡¯t get too close. You¡¯re pregnant now, so you need to be careful. Who knows if they might go crazy and hurt you."


    The women in the Women¡¯s Federation weren¡¯t particularly close to Jiang Lu, but everyone knew that she had been married for over ten years and had finally gotten pregnant. Her husband was now incapacitated. If she lost this baby, it would be hard to say if she¡¯d ever have another chance.


    So they were especially protective of her.


    The reason they sent her to the hospital this time was also because of this.


    "After you talk to Wang Xiangxiu at the hospital, you can just go home."


    This was a gesture of consideration.


    When it comes to pregnancy, don¡¯t expect men to understand much.


    But women understand the hardships of pregnancy better than anyone.


    Jiang Lu quickly packed her things and left with Fang.


    After she left, one of the older sisters sighed, "You know, Jiang Lu¡¯s luck is really something. It¡¯s both good and bad."


    "I think it¡¯s because Zhou Qun has done too many bad things, which is why they couldn¡¯t have children for so long. Now that Zhou Qun is incapacitated, Jiang Lu immediately got pregnant. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s fate¡­ ahem¡­"


    Some things, like superstitions, shouldn¡¯t be said out loud.


    But even though she stopped herself, everyone understood.


    "Maybe heaven saw that Jiang Lu was innocent, so it punished Zhou Qun but also gave them a glimmer of hope."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    "Jiang Lu has changed so much since she got pregnant."


    "Zhou Qun too. He used to be so pretentious. Now he¡¯s much more easygoing. He¡¯s quick to help out with tasks and can even chat with people¡­"


    Ahem.


    At this point, everyone exchanged glances and said in unison, "He¡¯s just a bit too motherly."


    "Well, at least it¡¯s better than before."


    "It¡¯s all thanks to Jiang Lu¡¯s patience. He¡¯s not even a real man anymore¡­"


    "Ahem."


    Everyone started whispering among themselves¡­


    Jiang Lu didn¡¯t know what others were saying about her. She went out with Fang, and as they were going downstairs, they coincidentally ran into Little Xu, who had just come out of the bathroom. When he saw them, he turned right back in. Jiang Lu pretended not to notice.


    Actually, she probably knew why Little Xu acted that way.


    It was like a scholar encountering a female ghost.


    But she didn¡¯t care what he thought. She just wanted a child. She had chosen the younger Little Xu to increase her chances. And now, it seemed like it had worked out well.


    As for the pregnancy, since she had already told him she was pregnant, Little Xu never suspected that she had deliberately sought him out to conceive a child. All he could think was, "This woman is already pregnant, and she¡¯s still so wild. What was she like before?"


    Because Jiang Lu had demanded so much, Little Xu developed a fear of her.


    He never even questioned her motives.


    Jiang Lu had been involved with him for a while, and when she saw that Little Xu was finally about to crack and run away, she didn¡¯t push him.


    What are men, anyway? All she wanted was a child.


    For some families, having many children is no big deal. But for Jiang Lu, it was an obsession! From the time she got married until now, over ten years, she had suffered so much for the sake of having a child¡ªdrinking black dog¡¯s blood, even¡­ She was determined to have a child.


    Now that she finally had one, she felt at peace.


    She glanced toward the restroom and said with a smile, "Let''s go."


    "Alright."


    Jiang Lu headed toward the hospital, while Little Xu let out a heavy sigh. He wanted to transfer to another job, but it was difficult to do so now, especially since he was in a technical role. Not every unit needed someone like him.


    But if he didn¡¯t transfer, seeing Jiang Lu made him anxious.


    Sigh!


    Jiang Lu, of course, had no idea about Little Xu¡¯s distress. In fact, she was more than happy that he was avoiding her.


    She had originally been thinking about how to end things with him, but she never expected that he would be the one to initiate the breakup. Well, that wasn¡¯t so bad. Since getting pregnant, Jiang Lu had stopped riding her bike. The hospital was close by, so they walked there together.


    When Jiang Lu arrived at the hospital, she happened to see Zhuang Zhixi coming out of another ward. She raised her eyebrows in surprise and asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "I came to check on Bai Fendou."


    He added, "We¡¯re neighbors after all. When something big happens in their family, it¡¯s only right to come and see how they¡¯re doing."


    Jiang Lu chuckled, "You¡¯re quite thoughtful. So, what are you up to?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I¡¯m going upstairs to ask the doctor about Uncle Bai¡¯s condition. I used to work in the clinic, so I¡¯m somewhat familiar with the staff here."


    Jiang Lu nodded and said, "Alright, go ahead. I¡¯m here on behalf of the Women¡¯s Federation to check on Wang Xiangxiu."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "You¡¯d better hurry. If you¡¯re too late, they might already be discharged. I heard they¡¯re processing the discharge today."


    "What?"


    Jiang Lu was shocked, "Wasn¡¯t she hit on the head? How can she be discharged so soon?"


    "It¡¯s been a week. She¡¯s probably mostly recovered by now?" Zhuang Zhixi said casually, not elaborating further. He gestured, "I¡¯ll head upstairs."


    Jiang Lu replied, "Oh, alright."


    Truth be told, it wasn¡¯t that the Su family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were completely fine.


    To be honest, Aunt Su was pretty much okay. Despite being knocked into a concussion and falling into a manure pit earlier, after a week of rest, she had mostly recovered.


    As for Wang Xiangxiu, Jiang Baohong had really done a number on her. Although Wang Xiangxiu was physically stronger than Jiang Baohong and had fought back, Jiang Baohong had gone berserk, and Wang Xiangxiu had still taken a beating.


    She had been scratched and had her head slammed against the wall multiple times.


    Her wounds hadn¡¯t fully healed yet.


    But Wang Xiangxiu was eager to be discharged. If she didn¡¯t leave soon, she felt she would lose all dignity. Her reputation was already in tatters due to the scandal involving men, and now this incident with Uncle Bai had only made things worse.


    She could understand Uncle Bai¡¯s infatuation with her¡ªshe was confident in that regard.


    But what she couldn¡¯t understand was why Bai Fendou, that idiot, had to blab about everything, making her lose face.


    Wang Xiangxiu was furious. She just wanted to be discharged immediately and lay low for a while.


    Besides, she felt she was doing well enough, so why waste money staying in the hospital?


    She could just recover at home. When Jiang Lu entered the room, she saw them packing up. Wang Xiangxiu asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Jiang Lu replied, "I¡¯m here on behalf of the factory¡¯s Women¡¯s Federation¡­"


    Jiang Lu¡¯s visit to Wang Xiangxiu was purely a formality, but when the Zhuang brothers came to see Bai Fendou, it was anything but. They had quickly reached an agreement. Although it was Zhao Guihua who had brought up the idea, she hadn¡¯t intended for her family to buy or do anything. It was just a spur-of-the-moment suggestion, and she had Bai Fendou¡¯s best interests at heart.


    Bai Fendou, though not the sharpest tool in the shed, understood that this was the right thing to do.


    His father¡¯s condition meant he could no longer work. Bai Fendou needed to go to the factory while his father was still in the hospital, play the sympathy card, and transfer the job under the guise of medical treatment. That was the smart move.


    If he waited too long, complications could arise.


    If something changed and the factory started questioning his father¡¯s character, the job could be in jeopardy. There had been precedents for this. Bai Fendou had seen the Yu family earlier that morning.


    The Yu family had been fighting tooth and nail over the job left by Yu Baoshan.


    They had caused quite a scene, but the factory had refused to let any of the Yu family members take over. While factories couldn¡¯t easily fire employees, Yu Baoshan had committed a serious offense. The factory had previously been afraid to cross him, as he was a troublemaker.


    But now they didn¡¯t care and had fired him outright.


    What were they going to do? Bring him back from the dead?


    The Yu family, refusing to accept this, had gone to the factory to cause trouble and ended up clashing with the factory¡¯s security team. Some of them had even been injured and ended up in the hospital.


    Because of this, Bai Fendou was willing to negotiate with the Zhuang brothers. He wanted to resolve things quickly and avoid the factory following the textile factory¡¯s example. If they decided to withhold the job and treat it as a dismissal, he would be in big trouble.


    After some back-and-forth, they settled on 350 yuan.


    This wasn¡¯t a small amount, but it was within the expected range.


    After all, it was a formal job.


    Zhuang Zhixi came back downstairs and returned to the ward. Bai Fendou asked, "How is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "The doctor said your father isn¡¯t out of danger yet. If he recovers, the best-case scenario is that he¡¯ll be able to move his upper body but not his lower body. If luck isn¡¯t on his side¡­" He might not make it through the next few days.


    That went without saying.


    Bai Fendou sighed, wiped his face, and said slowly, "If luck isn¡¯t on his side, he might not survive the next few days?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. The doctor had already explained this to Bai Fendou, but Bai Fendou felt they had offended the hospital and feared they were exaggerating. Since Zhuang Zhixi was familiar with the hospital, he had asked for confirmation.


    Seeing that the conversation was winding down, Bai Fendou suddenly slapped the table and said, "I¡¯ll go to the factory this afternoon. If everything goes smoothly, I can handle the transfer procedures tomorrow!"


    Luckily, this ward only had one occupied bed.


    Mainly¡­ the hospital didn¡¯t dare assign anyone else to the room, leaving him alone to avoid further incidents.


    The hot topic of accidents.


    "So soon?" Zhuang Zhiyuan was surprised.


    Bai Fendou replied, "If I don¡¯t hurry, what if my father really passes away? I won¡¯t even be able to pay the medical bills."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "¡­That¡¯s true."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at his brother, and their eyes met. They exchanged a look, and Zhuang Zhixi spoke up, "Brother, why don¡¯t you go downstairs and buy some lunch? I¡¯ll have a chat with Fendou."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan agreed, "Alright."


    As Zhuang Zhiyuan left the room, Bai Fendou asked, "What do you want to say?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Fendou, actually, my brother is willing to offer an extra 30 yuan."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued earnestly, "We¡¯ve been neighbors for so many years. You know what my sister-in-law is like."


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t quite understand.


    Zhuang Zhixi calmly explained, "My sister-in-law is the type who¡¯s willing to do any kind of work. If there¡¯s something to be done at home, she¡¯ll jump right in. Whether it¡¯s cleaning the factory¡¯s toilets or every toilet in the city, as long as she¡¯s paid, she¡¯ll do it. Labor is honorable, no matter what the job is. But my brother doesn¡¯t want her cleaning toilets."


    Bai Fendou nodded in understanding, "Your brother¡¯s worried about losing face?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head with a smile, "Not at all. My brother doesn¡¯t want her cleaning toilets because the job is too flexible. The work schedule is self-managed, and my brother doesn¡¯t like that. You know what her family is like. They¡¯re good for nothing, always eating but never contributing. They¡¯re capable of everything except doing the right thing. And my sister-in-law? She¡¯s a classic ¡®brother supporter.¡¯ You know what that means, right?"


    Bai Fendou thought for a moment and said, "Who came up with that term? It¡¯s spot on."


    "My mom."


    Zhuang Zhixi said bluntly, "Who else could it be but her?"


    Bai Fendou replied, "¡­That does sound like something Aunt Zhao would say. But what does this have to do with the job?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We all think her family wouldn¡¯t dare come to the compound to take advantage of my sister-in-law. But they could go to the factory. My brother wants my sister-in-law to work in the workshop so that even if her family goes to the factory to look for her, she wouldn¡¯t have much time to deal with them. The workshop supervisor wouldn¡¯t easily let people chat at the gate either. But if my sister-in-law is assigned to clean the toilets, she¡¯d have more flexible time, and over time, she might get tangled up with her family again. Also, this time when my sister-in-law returns to work, my brother will collect her salary on her behalf. Honestly, my brother is afraid that if she¡¯s swayed, she might take the salary and give it to her family. But if she¡¯s in the workshop, her time is restricted, and she wouldn¡¯t have the freedom to do that."


    Bai Fendou suddenly understood why Zhuang Zhiyuan had avoided this conversation.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, being such a prideful person, would probably be mortified to bring this up himself.


    However, Bai Fendou added, "Having the husband collect the wife¡¯s salary is a bit embarrassing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There¡¯s no other way. What else can we do? Our family has already lost one formal job; we can¡¯t afford to lose another. If we don¡¯t guard against it strictly, Liang Meifen¡¯s family will take advantage of us again."


    Bai Fendou sympathized, "Your family really has it tough, dealing with someone so foolish."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There¡¯s nothing we can do. If it were someone else, we wouldn¡¯t be saying this. But since we¡¯ve known each other for so long, and you¡¯re aware of our situation, I¡¯m being honest with you."


    Bai Fendou felt a bit pleased. He used to envy the Zhuang family because both men in the household had wives.


    But now, seeing this, he realized that having a wife wasn¡¯t all that great.


    She¡¯s disloyal.


    "I¡¯m willing to help, but this matter¡ªthe factory won¡¯t listen to me, will they?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly and said, "It depends on how you frame it. This time, although you were the one who hit someone, you were also an innocent victim. If it weren¡¯t for Wang Xiangxiu, none of this would have happened. Why should she get the money and walk away unscathed while you bear such severe consequences? If you hadn¡¯t fought for her, would Jiang Baohong have hit you there, leaving you unable to have children? If that hadn¡¯t happened, would your father have come up with such a ridiculous idea? It¡¯s wrong, but think about it¡ªwithout the cause, would there be such an outcome? Even if your father is unreliable, he wouldn¡¯t have suggested something so outrageous, right?"


    Bai Fendou gritted his teeth and nodded.


    "Besides, the factory knows that while this wasn¡¯t exactly an act of heroism, it was still a good deed. Since you did a good deed and are in urgent need of medical expenses, the factory should understand if your father switches jobs so you can sell your position to pay for the medical bills. You and your father faced such a huge crisis without asking the factory for help, and instead, you¡¯re trying to solve it yourselves. The factory should appreciate that. You¡¯ve seen people kneeling at the factory gate, causing a scene to beg for help, haven¡¯t you? What you¡¯re doing is actually trying not to burden the factory. And think about it¡ªthis is also good for the factory. Cleaning the toilets pays 25 yuan a month, while a workshop apprentice earns only a little over ten yuan. This would actually reduce the factory¡¯s expenses. As for the shortage of toilet cleaners, some people with poor character and low skills in the workshop should be reassigned to clean the toilets. If they¡¯ve been in the workshop for years without advancing and their character is questionable, they¡¯re better off cleaning toilets. My sister-in-law, after all, is a high school graduate."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t mention Wang Xiangxiu directly, but his words were clearly aimed at her.


    Bai Fendou: "Right! Exactly! Why should I suffer so much while Wang Xiangxiu gets all the benefits? She should be the one cleaning the toilets!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Although these incidents¡­ let¡¯s not talk about the incidents. Just focus on the fact that she¡¯s taken so much time off and her skills are poor, right?"


    Regarding the rumors of her promiscuity, everyone was convinced Wang Xiangxiu was guilty.


    First, there was the Yu Baoshan toilet incident.


    Then there was the Vice Director Cai storage room incident.


    Although these seemed to have died down¡ªsome due to lack of evidence, others suppressed¡ªit seemed like nothing could be done about Wang Xiangxiu. It was a moral issue. In these times, such matters were taken seriously, but evidence was needed.


    Rumors weren¡¯t enough.


    But they could avoid mentioning that and just focus on Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s poor work performance, right?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Fendou, what do you think about this¡­"


    Bai Fendou: "I¡¯ll make a scene!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. Sometimes, chaos could defeat even the most experienced opponent.


    If it were someone else, Zhuang Zhixi wouldn¡¯t have suggested this, but Bai Fendou was the right person.


    In their factory, Bai Fendou was known for his recklessness. He was the type of guy who¡¯d even air his father¡¯s dirty laundry. People like him were the last ones others wanted to get involved with.


    As long as he didn¡¯t go too far, Zhuang Zhixi believed they could achieve the desired outcome.


    Sure enough, Bai Fendou agreed: "Don¡¯t worry about this. But if I succeed, I want 400 yuan!"


    He added urgently, "I know 400 is a lot, but jobs are hard to come by¡ªit¡¯s one position per person. And in the workshop, if you pass the skill tests, your salary increases. Unlike cleaning toilets, where you¡¯re stuck at 25 yuan for ten or twenty years. The pay never goes up."


    Zhuang Zhixi hesitated and said, "Let me discuss this with my brother first?"


    Bai Fendou: "You¡¯d better hurry."


    "Hurry with what?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Brother, 400 yuan."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s eyes widened, and his breathing quickened. That was a lot of money.


    If Liang Meifen went back to work, it would take her two years to earn that much. The first year would be as an apprentice with a low salary. But in the long run¡­ He clenched his fists and said, "Okay, I agree."


    It took all his strength to say it.


    Bai Fendou: "Then wait for my news, brothers. I¡¯ll do my best. If it doesn¡¯t work out, it¡¯s just my bad luck¡ªno fortune for me."


    "Thank you."


    Bai Fendou waved his hand: "No problem. You guys go back. I¡¯ll eat quickly and head to the factory this afternoon."


    He was eager to get the money as soon as possible.


    "Alright."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t disturb Bai Fendou any longer and left the hospital together.


    These matters had been discussed and agreed upon by both sides. Zhuang Zhiyuan felt a bit embarrassed and said, "I didn¡¯t expect you to be the one to bring this up."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We¡¯re brothers, after all."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I really didn¡¯t think he¡¯d actually agree."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Because he can make more money, and also because he gets to see you embarrassed."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "???"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Think about it¡ªgoing to the factory to collect your wife¡¯s salary will definitely get people talking. He¡¯ll enjoy seeing you humiliated. Bai Fendou has always been jealous of the guys in the compound around his age, and you¡¯re at the top of that list. It used to be Zhou Qun, but Zhou Qun¡¯s reputation is ruined now, so it¡¯s just you left. You have a troublesome wife, and now you have to go to the factory every month to collect her salary. Just thinking about it is embarrassing. He¡¯ll love it."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Why is he jealous of me? What about you, Yang Lixin, and the Sui family¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yang Lixin is a live-in son-in-law; his children take his wife¡¯s surname. Bai Fendou is a Beijing man; he looks down on that kind of thing. He wouldn¡¯t be jealous of Yang Lixin. As for me¡­ I¡¯m much younger than you guys. You¡¯re only three years younger than him, so you¡¯re roughly the same age."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "If he¡¯s jealous of me, why would he help? He wouldn¡¯t even sell the job to me."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at him: "Bai Fendou is in a hurry to sell his job. How many people do you think can come up with three or four hundred at any time? Besides, he¡¯s just jealous, not completely rotten. He does lack boundaries, but you¡¯re often away on business, so you¡¯ve had the least conflict with him and haven¡¯t provoked him. His jealousy won¡¯t be directed at you. Let¡¯s just say he¡¯s jealous, wants to see you in a bit of a mess, but he¡¯s not out to harm you. That¡¯s the state he¡¯s in. If your sister-in-law goes to clean the toilets, she¡¯ll have more flexible hours since she just needs to get the job done, whether it¡¯s in the morning or evening. With more free time, she¡¯ll likely get involved with her family again and end up supporting them. Then you won¡¯t be able to collect her salary from the factory. How¡¯s he going to enjoy your mess then? He¡¯s not malicious, but he does want to see some drama."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "¡­"


    He sighed: "You¡¯ve got a good grasp of the situation."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I understand Bai Fendou better than I understand you."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "¡­"


    He was speechless: "Are you even my brother anymore?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If I weren¡¯t your brother, would I be saying all this to Bai Fendou? Do I have nothing better to do?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Big brother thanks you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You should thank me. Who knows, it might even get around that I¡¯ve been badmouthing your wife."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan laughed: "Isn¡¯t this what we agreed on? A tactical move to appear weak? I¡¯ll explain it all to your sister-in-law when I get back. She¡¯ll know it was all part of our plan."


    "You¡¯d better tell her. I¡¯ve turned into a gossipy man for the sake of your marriage. Bai Fendou seems fine now, but once he gets his life back on track, he¡¯s definitely going to tell others that I¡¯ve been badmouthing your wife behind her back."


    But coming from his mouth, it had a better effect on Bai Fendou than if his brother had said it.


    So he had no choice but to do it this way.


    "You really owe me big time."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled: "I¡¯ll treat you to a bath tomorrow."


    "Ha, as if I can¡¯t afford it myself."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I¡¯ll scrub your back, how about that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯ll go with Dad. He¡¯s always eager to scrub my back too."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "¡­Then I¡¯ll buy an old hen. It¡¯ll be good for your wife since she¡¯s pregnant."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That¡¯s more like it."


    He sighed: "I¡¯ve sacrificed my reputation for you."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Alright, alright."


    He chuckled: "You¡¯re quick-witted. If you hadn¡¯t brought it up, I wouldn¡¯t have thought of adjusting the job situation. If this works out, I¡¯ll really owe you one."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It wouldn¡¯t work for just anyone, but with Bai Fendou in this state, the factory won¡¯t give him a hard time. If they push him too far and he snaps, who knows what he¡¯ll do? Bai Fendou¡¯s in a pretty miserable state right now. If he loses it and decides to take someone down with him, there could be chaos in the factory. Besides, Wang Xiangxiu has done too much, and it¡¯s getting out of hand. A lot of people in the factory aren¡¯t happy with her. If they adjust her job, she¡¯s the easiest target. Even if Bai Fendou doesn¡¯t make a fuss, I think the factory will find a way to move her out of the workshop eventually. There are too many male workers there, and the factory¡¯s probably worried about something happening. Given her behavior¡­"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan sighed: "Who would¡¯ve thought the only victims in all this would be Bai Fendou¡¯s family, while the Su family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law came out ahead. It¡¯s good they got a bit of a lesson."


    Zhuang Zhixi said thoughtfully: "Their family¡­ it¡¯s hard to say what¡¯ll happen in the future. I don¡¯t believe Vice Director Cai will just let it go."


    Wang Xiangxiu had tried to scheme but ended up losing more than she gained.


    While it seemed like she got some money, Zhuang Zhixi believed Vice Director Cai would definitely seek revenge.


    Neither Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s family nor Bai Fendou would be able to escape it.


    Right now, nothing¡¯s happening because everyone¡¯s watching, but revenge is a dish best served cold.


    Zhuang Zhixi was sure Vice Director Cai would make a move.


    After all, he¡¯s not exactly a decent person.


    If he were a good man, he might let it slide, but since he¡¯s not and he¡¯s suffered a big loss in this, he definitely won¡¯t let it go. But there¡¯s no need to say all that now.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯m starving. Let¡¯s go."


    "Alright!"


    Although they¡¯ve only taken the first step and don¡¯t know what Bai Fendou will do next, the brothers still felt they¡¯d gained something. Both were in good spirits as they hurried home for lunch.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯ll head to work this afternoon and keep an eye on things."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "You¡­ I¡¯d have to buy three old hens to match your efforts."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Three? That¡¯s not enough."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "¡­"

 Chapter 118

    Sometimes, being a troublemaker has its perks.Take Bai Fendou, for example. His reputation is far from stellar. Besides chasing widows, his most infamous claim to fame is being a "man-killer," having already incapacitated three men.


    But as the saying goes, "the wicked are tormented by the wicked." He too ended up being incapacitated.


    Now, his father has gotten into trouble, and it feels like the family is cursed with bad luck.


    Despite his bad reputation, he¡¯s had such a streak of misfortune that when he went to the factory to make a scene, they actually resolved his issue. Why? Because if a decent person had made the same complaints, it might not have worked. But with a troublemaker like Bai Fendou, the effect is quite different. The factory leaders didn¡¯t want to cross him, given how reckless he is¡ªwho knows what he might do? Moreover, although there are rumors about Old Man Bai, without concrete evidence, they couldn¡¯t just fire him.


    With no one to take over his position, they had to figure something out.


    In theory, jobs aren¡¯t supposed to be bought or sold¡ªthey¡¯re supposed to be passed down. But in reality, some people do sell their jobs. It¡¯s not something openly discussed, but it happens. Who¡¯s going to stop it? If you crack down on one, do you crack down on all? It¡¯s a widespread practice, and no one wants to make enemies over it.


    The factory was actually happy to let Bai Fendou sell his job privately so someone else could take over. Otherwise, without money for medical expenses, he¡¯d just cause more trouble at the factory. It¡¯s not just about the money¡ªit¡¯s about saving face.


    A family with two workers in a factory of ten thousand employees, with no financial burdens, shouldn¡¯t need to borrow money to live. If word got out, other factories would laugh at them.


    Bai Fendou has already brought enough notoriety to their factory. The less trouble, the better.


    So when he came to make his demands this time, the factory leaders considered it and agreed. As for his request to switch jobs, they hesitated for a moment. But Bai Fendou didn¡¯t hold back: ¡°I want my cousin-in-law to take over. She¡¯s a high school graduate and used to work in a textile factory. She¡¯s got a good head on her shoulders and would pick up the work faster than most. Let¡¯s be honest, some people have been working here for seven or eight years and still haven¡¯t improved. They¡¯re just dead weight in the workshop, like parasites.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Take Wang Xiangxiu, for example. She¡¯s been here for years without a promotion, and she¡¯s always causing trouble outside of work. She shouldn¡¯t even be in the workshop¡ªshe¡¯s a bad influence on others! She¡¯s no better than me, and I¡¯m stuck cleaning toilets. Why does she get to stay in the workshop?¡±


    The factory leaders exchanged glances, wondering if this was a case of love turning to hate.


    If Bai Fendou had brought up someone else, they might have hesitated. But when it came to Wang Xiangxiu, they weren¡¯t keen on keeping her in the workshop either. Her questionable behavior had caused friction among the workers, leading to family disputes and affecting team cohesion.


    Of course, if Wang Xiangxiu had been a skilled worker, the factory might not have considered moving her. But she¡¯s only a Level 1 worker, and even that was a stretch. It was only because of her family¡¯s financial struggles that they had shown her any leniency.


    The workshop supervisor had complained about her multiple times. In a team of hard workers, someone who drags the team down isn¡¯t exactly popular.


    Her poor performance meant others had to pick up the slack, which had led to growing dissatisfaction. So when Bai Fendou brought this up, the leaders didn¡¯t give him a hard time.


    After a brief discussion, they nodded and said, ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll consider it. You can go now.¡±


    ¡°Wait, no! Don¡¯t just consider it¡ªyou have to agree! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯m not leaving!¡±


    Bai Fendou was relentless: ¡°You can¡¯t protect Wang Xiangxiu. Did she sleep with you or something?¡±


    That comment hit hard.


    ¡°Bai Fendou, what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Am I wrong? How did she get promoted to Level 1 with such poor skills? Did you make some under-the-table deal?¡±


    At this point, Bai Fendou thought about the 20 yuan Vice Director Cai had given Wang Xiangxiu after sleeping with her. Not a small sum.


    He pressed on: ¡°Did you¡­ did you¡­¡±


    ¡°Bai Fendou, we¡¯re not like that. You¡¯re insulting our integrity. We would never do such a thing. As for the job transfer, we¡¯re inclined to agree. But we¡¯ll need to discuss it with the workshop supervisor first.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°The supervisor will agree. Wang Xiangxiu always told me how much he disliked her, how he bullied her just because she wasn¡¯t as skilled. She even asked me to stand up for her.¡±


    ¡°What the¡ª! I mean¡­ that¡¯s quite the accusation. Tell us more about this ¡®standing up for her¡¯ business.¡±


    The factory leaders suspected that Bai Fendou¡¯s feelings for Wang Xiangxiu had turned to hate, and they weren¡¯t wrong. But it wasn¡¯t just that. After years of obsession, he¡¯d realized she was nothing like the woman he¡¯d imagined. Instead, she was the type who used men for money.


    His image of her had completely shattered.


    This time, it was different from the incident where Jinlai had beaten him up.


    Back then, he could chalk it up to a mother protecting her child. But this time, he¡¯d seen with his own eyes what Wang Xiangxiu was like behind closed doors, and the things she¡¯d said felt like a slap in the face.


    He¡¯d ruined his life for her, only to realize that in her eyes, he was just a loser. He hated himself, but he hated her even more.


    People tend to blame others for their own mistakes rather than their own foolishness.


    During his hospital stay, he¡¯d overheard a conversation between Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu, and from that moment on, he¡¯d harbored nothing but hatred for the pair. So when it came to exposing Wang Xiangxiu, he didn¡¯t hold back.


    ¡°Every quarter during the skills competition, their supervisor would give Wang Xiangxiu a hard time, never treating her fairly. She cried to me about it so many times. Aunt Su, Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s mother-in-law, even told me that Wang Xiangxiu often cried herself to sleep because of the supervisor¡¯s bullying. She said he was taking advantage of them being a widow and an orphan. She even wished he¡¯d get sick or injured so he¡¯d have to take time off, giving Wang Xiangxiu a break.¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t Wang Xiangxiu saying that, was it? It was her mother-in-law, right?¡±


    Bai Fendou nodded: ¡°It was her mother-in-law, but they¡¯re family. Wang Xiangxiu and her mother-in-law are as close as mother and daughter. They¡¯re always on the same page. And later, Wang Xiangxiu herself complained about how the supervisor never seemed to have any bad luck. I knew they wanted me to teach him a lesson, but I pretended not to understand.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite the righteous man.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°Not really. I just knew I couldn¡¯t beat him.¡±


    The factory leaders: ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    An awkward silence followed.


    He really was a fool.


    But then again, their workshop supervisor was tall, strong, and had the grip of a vice from his years as a fitter. Even the security team didn¡¯t dare mess with him.


    ¡°At least you¡¯re honest.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°I¡¯m not stupid.¡±


    The factory leaders: ¡°¡­¡±


    His words didn¡¯t exactly inspire confidence.


    Not stupid? Really?


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ve got it. You can go now.¡±


    Bai Fendou was stubborn: ¡°What about the job transfer?¡±


    The deputy factory manager had never dealt with someone like him before but finally waved him off: ¡°Go.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°Wait, you need to give me a definite answer. Otherwise, I can¡¯t arrange the job transfer. So, is it a yes or no?¡±


    The deputy factory manager: ¡°Yes. Now go.¡±


    This kind of situation is usually something people tacitly understand without saying it out loud, but this guy just had to go and spell it out. However, no one really wanted to argue with him anymore, so they just agreed and sent him on his way.


    Their factory had far more important matters to deal with; who had time to bother with such trivial issues?


    But when Bai Fendou got the news, he was thrilled. Instead of heading back to the compound, he went straight to the propaganda department. "Zhuang Zhixi, Little Zhuang!"


    Zhuang Zhixi came out. "Brother Fendou?"


    Bai Fendou said, "It''s done."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately replied, "Then tomorrow morning, my older brother and sister-in-law will come with you to handle the paperwork and hand over the money. Does that work for you?"


    Bai Fendou nodded. "That works."


    The two didn¡¯t say much more, and Bai Fendou quickly left. Sister Cui, who loved to meddle in others'' affairs, asked, "Little Zhuang, what did Bai Fendou want with you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "He asked me to pass on a message."


    Since nothing was confirmed yet, he wasn¡¯t going to spread it around.


    He sat back down and started organizing the documents. The workload in the propaganda department wasn¡¯t heavy, but there were still a lot of little tasks to take care of.


    "Hey."


    Sister Cui shifted her position and moved closer to Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi looked at her, puzzled.


    Sister Cui lowered her voice and said, "The announcer from the broadcasting room, Little Lin, has found a way to transfer to the cultural troupe. His position will be vacant soon. If you¡¯re interested, you should ask the leaders about it."


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised. "Really?"


    Sister Cui gave him a meaningful look. "I found out early. Just keep it in mind."


    Zhuang Zhixi thanked her. "Thank you."


    Sister Cui waved it off. "No need to thank me. They won¡¯t bring someone in from outside; it¡¯ll be an internal competition. You young people are stronger than us older folks. If you¡¯re interested, you should prepare early."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Got it."


    He quickly considered whether the transfer would be a good move or not. After a brief moment of thought, he decided it would be beneficial. Although there wouldn¡¯t be much difference in salary, being a broadcaster was more likely to get him noticed than being an office clerk.


    His eyes flickered, and he went back to writing.


    "It¡¯s over. It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over." Little Tang came in, looking completely dejected.


    In the propaganda department, there were only two single guys: Little Xu, the projectionist, and Little Tang, the clerk. Little Xu was like a ghost, still not fully recovered, looking thin and weak. Little Tang, on the other hand, was usually full of energy, but now he was on the verge of tears. "Wah, the flower of the clinic is going on a blind date!"


    "Flower of the clinic? Who¡¯s that?"


    Little Tang widened his eyes. "There¡¯s only one person in the clinic who can be called the flower of the clinic. Don¡¯t you know? It¡¯s Tao Yuyue, of course. I heard she¡¯s going on a blind date this weekend. Wah~ How could she go on a blind date?"


    "Isn¡¯t that normal? Tao Yuyue has been looking for someone for a while now. If you¡¯re interested, why don¡¯t you confess your feelings?" someone teased.


    Little Tang replied, "You think I haven¡¯t? She told me we¡¯re just comrades. Wah~"


    He slumped over the desk, looking even more lifeless than Little Xu.


    It had to be said, the two unmarried young men in the propaganda department were not in great shape.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but laugh. He remembered that Bai Fendou had once been interested in Tao Yuyue too. But when he thought about it, even though it wasn¡¯t that long ago, it felt like a lifetime had passed. So much had happened recently.


    But thankfully, it had nothing to do with him. Zhuang Zhixi never delayed when it was time to leave work. He had to pick up his wife every day, so when it was almost time, he started packing up. Everyone was used to it.


    "Little Zhuang, when¡¯s your wife¡¯s due date?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "January."


    He added, "If the little ones are in a hurry, they might be born as little dogs; if they¡¯re not in a hurry, they¡¯ll be little pigs."


    "Wow, what timing. Right around the New Year, when things are already so busy."


    "Exactly."


    He didn¡¯t delay and quickly headed downstairs. As he was riding his bike out the gate, he ran into Tao Yuyue. She smiled at him and said, "Brother Zhuang, are you heading east? Can you give me a ride?"


    Although the two weren¡¯t very close¡ªZhuang Zhixi had transferred out before she joined¡ªthey were acquainted because Zhuang Zhixi was on good terms with Tao Yuyue¡¯s aunt, Doctor Wang. They would greet each other when they met.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "I can¡¯t. If someone sees me giving you a ride, they¡¯ll talk. I don¡¯t mind the gossip, but my wife wouldn¡¯t be happy if she heard about it. I¡¯ve got to go pick someone up."


    He quickly rode off, not giving Tao Yuyue a chance to say more. She pursed her lips in annoyance. "I just wanted a quick ride. I asked you because you¡¯re married! If I asked a single guy, people would misunderstand. Who would misunderstand a married man? Really!"


    She didn¡¯t want to damage her reputation, so she quickly added, "I¡¯m just in a hurry."


    Today, the gatekeeper was still the gossip-loving Zhang San. He smiled and said, "Nurse Tao, why don¡¯t you wait for me? Where are you going? I¡¯ll take you. Little Zhuang wouldn¡¯t dare give you a ride. His wife is fierce. He¡¯s scared of her."


    Tao Yuyue frowned. "That¡¯s nonsense. I¡¯ve met Brother Zhuang¡¯s wife. She¡¯s gentle and delicate. How can you say such things? That¡¯s really too much."


    Zhang San was baffled. "Gentle? Delicate? Are you serious?"


    He scratched his ear and looked at Tao Yuyue, realizing she wasn¡¯t joking. She was completely serious.


    He grimaced. "His wife can take on several men at once, and she does it easily. She once caught a thief on the bus and kicked a burly guy so hard he broke a bone. Gentle? Delicate?"


    This wasn¡¯t exactly common knowledge in the factory, but the security department knew all about it. Most of the security staff were veterans, and many of them had connections to the police force. Their work overlapped, so they interacted frequently.


    Everyone in the security department knew about Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife. The reason it wasn¡¯t widely spread was that no one wanted to stir up trouble. If the tigress¡ªcough, I mean, if his wife came looking for them, they¡¯d get beaten up for nothing.


    And if they got beaten by a woman, it would be humiliating.


    To avoid all that, they kept it to themselves and only talked about it among themselves.


    Zhang San was interested in Tao Yuyue, which was why he was willing to share this with her.


    He said, "Let me tell you, appearances can be deceiving. How did you come to the conclusion that she¡¯s gentle?"


    Tao Yuyue replied, "I¡¯ve seen her."


    She had once seen Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife when she went to their compound to give Bai Fendou an IV. She remembered her as delicate and lovely. Even as a woman, she had to admit that Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife was beautiful.


    She said, "You¡¯re not just jealous, are you?"


    Zhang San shook his head. "Not at all."


    Tao Yuyue said, "I don¡¯t believe it. Anyway, I¡¯m in a hurry. I¡¯ve got to go."


    She hurried off, and Zhang San watched her figure, muttering, "Nurse Tao is not only beautiful, she¡¯s also so innocent. Where else could you find such a good woman?"


    He gazed at her dreamily, then sighed sadly. "Why doesn¡¯t Nurse Tao like me? I¡¯m a good young man too."


    He was truly feeling melancholy.


    Zhuang Zhixi had no idea about all these little dramas, and even if he did, he wouldn¡¯t care. Their compound was full of gossip, and these little rumors were nothing compared to that. Tao Yuyue was just a regular girl who wanted to marry well. That wasn¡¯t strange at all.


    Who wouldn¡¯t want to marry well? Who would purposely choose a hard life?


    No one.


    Compared to the people in their compound, this was nothing.


    Zhuang Zhixi and his wife headed home after work and saw that Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law had already been discharged from the hospital. They didn¡¯t want to stay any longer, not just to save money but also because staying in the hospital was a bit embarrassing.


    As soon as Aunt Su returned, she lay down on the kang and didn¡¯t move.


    Wang Xiangxiu was also suffering from a headache, having been dragged by her hair and slammed against the wall multiple times. Even after a week of rest, she hadn¡¯t fully recovered. Both she and her mother-in-law were lying down, and as evening approached, the children were nowhere to be seen.


    Who knows where they¡¯ve run off to.


    As evening fell, households began preparing dinner, with smoke rising from chimneys and the aroma of food wafting through the air. Wang Xiangxiu struggled to sit up and muttered in frustration, ¡°That brat Hu Huihui still isn¡¯t back.¡±


    She glanced out the window and added, ¡°If she doesn¡¯t come back, who¡¯s going to cook?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu had no intention of getting up to cook. As a patient, she naturally wanted to rest more.


    But by this time, Hu Huihui still hadn¡¯t returned. Neither had the three Jinlai brothers.


    Wang Xiangxiu wondered, ¡°Could Hu Huihui have taken them out to eat? Why haven¡¯t they come back yet?¡±


    Aunt Su scoffed and said, ¡°They don¡¯t have much money on them. How could they afford to eat out? Besides, Hu Huihui wouldn¡¯t be so generous. She¡¯s just an ordinary person.¡±


    She thought Wang Xiangxiu was being delusional, dreaming up scenarios that were far from reality.


    However, she spoke softly to Wang Xiangxiu, ¡°I think the kids are just playing outside. Hu Huihui probably hasn¡¯t gotten off work yet.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu complained, ¡°That girl is really something. She eats our food, drinks our water, and lives under our roof, yet she doesn¡¯t help out more. Look at the state of this house. I¡¯m really at my wit¡¯s end. Why did we have to end up with such poor relatives?¡±


    She conveniently forgot that Hu Huihui had been contributing money.


    She wished they had relatives like Uncle Lan, who was wealthy. She sniffed the air and noticed the smell of meat coming from Uncle Lan¡¯s direction.


    They were cooking meat again.


    Life at Uncle Lan¡¯s house was really good. Wang Xiangxiu couldn¡¯t help but think that Luo Xiaohe had hit the jackpot.


    A woman who had been promiscuous before marriage and couldn¡¯t bear children was now living a life where meat was served regularly. What right did she have? Besides, they were both old now. What good was eating meat? It would be better if they gave it to her family, so her sons could get some proper nutrition.


    Wang Xiangxiu drooled over the stir-fried meat they were cooking, and she also coveted Uncle Lan¡¯s wealth. She wondered how much money the old man had.


    She said, ¡°Mom, if only you had ended up with Uncle Lan back then. Now Luo Xiaohe is the one benefiting. What does she have that you don¡¯t? She¡¯s so ordinary, not even half as good as you. It¡¯s such a pity. If you had made a move back then, Lan Sihai would have been yours for sure. You¡¯re so much better than Luo Xiaohe. Our family shouldn¡¯t have chosen Old Man Bai. We thought he had been helping us all these years, so we couldn¡¯t just abandon him. But now it seems like he deserves to be a widower for the rest of his life. He¡¯s useless and full of tricks. It¡¯s such a waste of your sincerity. It¡¯s a shame you gave up Uncle Lan for him.¡±


    She spoke as if it were the truth, not realizing that Lan Sihai had never been interested in Aunt Su in the first place.


    But Wang Xiangxiu had great confidence in her mother-in-law and herself.


    Wang Xiangxiu was well aware of her charm and the ¡°popularity¡± she had among men.


    However, believing in her charm was one thing.


    Thinking about it carefully, this whole situation was infuriating. Old Man Bai had somehow managed to take advantage of her, which was really annoying.


    Now, with Bai Fendou having a falling out and Old Man Bai in this state, there was no hope of relying on them in the future.


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. ¡°This is so frustrating. Why is everything going wrong?¡±


    Aunt Su said, ¡°Why are you in such a hurry?¡± Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She gently took Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Xiangxiu, the more chaotic things are, the more you need to stay calm. If you panic, you¡¯ll lose control. You¡¯re the pillar of this family. Without you, the three kids and I would be out begging. You¡¯re our support. If you lose your composure, it¡¯ll be a disaster.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m just upset. Even though we¡¯ve gotten some money, we can¡¯t rely on Old Man Bai anymore, and Bai Fendou is now on bad terms with us. With two sources of income gone, how can I not be worried?¡±


    ¡°I believe in you. You¡¯re the most capable person I know. You¡¯ve held this family together for so many years. I have faith in you, and you should have faith in yourself too. I know you¡¯ve hit a rough patch, but I know you¡¯ll succeed. Look at Bai Fendou¡ªwhat does he have? Nothing. He¡¯ll definitely need someone to take care of him in his old age, and we have three kids. He¡¯s perfect for that. He¡¯s probably just angry right now. Don¡¯t provoke him. In a few days, you can win him back. I believe in your ability. Besides him, there are others. Uncle Lan is in a good position. What does Luo Xiaohe have? Can she really compete with us? Oh, and there¡¯s Zhuang Zhixi¡­ No, he¡¯s no good. His salary goes to his wife. He has no money.¡±


    Although Zhuang Zhixi was handsome and young, it wasn¡¯t worth it if he had no money.


    ¡°Yang Lixin¡­ Yang Lixin¡¯s wife controls the finances, so he¡¯s no good either. Zhuang Zhiyuan is a possibility, but he¡¯s always away on business trips¡­ Zhou Qun is useless¡­ The men in our courtyard are all low-quality.¡±


    The two women began scheming.


    Meanwhile, they were unaware that Hu Huihui had already appeared in the hospital room. She sat on a stool, looking at Bai Fendou, and said, ¡°I know it¡¯s not ideal for you to sell your ancestral property, but think about it¡ªyou¡¯re short on money¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not short on money anymore,¡± Bai Fendou said firmly. ¡°I absolutely will not sell the house, and private sales of houses aren¡¯t allowed anyway.¡±


    Hu Huihui said, ¡°You could transfer it to me as a gift.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll still pay you. And think about it¡ªwith your father in this state, you can¡¯t live separately. You¡¯ll have to live together and take care of him. Selling me one room would be a good solution, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    Although she smiled, she was also wondering why Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t short on money anymore.


    Theoretically, he should be in need of money.


    Bai Fendou said seriously, ¡°I really can¡¯t sell the house. You should ask someone else. I need to keep both rooms in case I get married in the future. Having two rooms would increase my chances of finding a wife.¡±


    He added, ¡°I know you¡¯re not happy about this, but I still want to find a wife.¡±


    Hu Huihui was speechless.


    Everyone in the city knew Bai Fendou was no longer capable. Was he serious about finding a wife?


    Was that even possible?


    Hu Huihui hesitated and said, ¡°Do you really think that¡¯s possible?¡±


    Bai Fendou said, ¡°I want to try.¡±


    Hu Huihui said, ¡°Alright, think it over. If you decide to sell one room, let me know.¡±


    Bai Fendou looked up at Hu Huihui and said, ¡°You¡¯re different from how you were in the courtyard.¡±


    He was impulsive and often acted without thinking, but he wasn¡¯t completely stupid. Hu Huihui¡¯s demeanor felt very different.


    He said, ¡°Have you always looked down on us?¡±


    Hu Huihui said, ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. Actually, I have a boyfriend. But he looks down on my background and doesn¡¯t want to marry me. He¡¯s been stringing me along. My family is pressuring me, so I had to move out.¡±


    She mixed truth with lies, lowering her eyes as she quickly thought things over. ¡°I had no choice. I needed a place to stay, but my cousin insisted I go on blind dates, or else they wouldn¡¯t take me in. You know how hard it is to find a place to live these days. I had no other option¡­ But I didn¡¯t lie to anyone. Whenever someone asked, I told them I wasn¡¯t interested in dating because of this.¡±


    Bai Fendou said, ¡°I knew it! They just wanted to take advantage of us!¡±


    He thought about how Wang Xiangxiu had tried to set him up with Hu Huihui and felt that the woman was cunning from head to toe.


    He said firmly, ¡°I really won¡¯t sell the house. You can leave now.¡±


    Hu Huihui said, ¡°Alright, think it over.¡±


    She stood up. This matter wasn¡¯t urgent; she could take her time.


    But she also wondered where Bai Fendou had gotten the money. Could it be related to the items Yu Baoshan had mentioned? If Bai Fendou had taken them, had he secretly sold them? They needed to hurry to the black market and see if anyone had been selling gold and silver jewelry recently.


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhiyuan counted his savings. Over the years, he had managed to save up 190 yuan.


    Liang Meifen sat beside him and said, "We''re still short by half."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded. In the earlier years, their salaries were handed over to the family, and he could only save a little from side jobs. It was only this year, after they separated from the main household, that he managed to save some money. He stood up and said, "I¡¯ll go borrow some from my parents."


    Liang Meifen nodded in agreement.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan found a piece of paper and began writing carefully.


    Liang Meifen peeked over and saw it was an IOU. She pursed her lips but ultimately said nothing, only letting out a soft sigh.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan took the IOU to the main house. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t mince words; since her son wanted to write an IOU, she didn¡¯t refuse it. She simply took the IOU and said, "Alright, here you go."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan borrowed 220 yuan.


    In addition to the 400 yuan needed to buy a job the next day, he borrowed a little extra, leaving ten yuan as a backup for the family.


    With the money in hand, he returned to his room and looked at his wife¡¯s expectant face. He said, "If your parents or your brother hear the news and come looking for you, just tell them the truth. You don¡¯t handle the money or manage the salary in this household."


    Liang Meifen replied, "I know."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan continued, "Also, I can be honest with you. My parents have had enough of your parents. If they show up, my mom won¡¯t hold back. If they don¡¯t want to be confronted, they¡¯d better stay quiet."


    Liang Meifen shrank her shoulders at this.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan added, "You know how strong-willed my mom is. She wouldn¡¯t lose even in a fight with a shrew like Aunt Zhou."


    Liang Meifen firmly said, "I understand!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "If we have jobs, our child might not have to go to the countryside in the future."


    At this, Liang Meifen agreed wholeheartedly, "That¡¯s true. Going to the countryside is really tough. You know that young boy from our alley? He even had connections and went to a relatively better place, but when he came back to visit recently, he looked at least ten years older. He¡¯s the same age as Zhuang Zhixi, but he looks older than you now."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Working in the countryside is hard labor."


    Liang Meifen replied, "I didn¡¯t think about it before, but I won¡¯t make that mistake again. We both need to have jobs so we can provide for our child."


    Thinking back, if she hadn¡¯t given her previous job to her brother, she wouldn¡¯t have had to spend 400 yuan to buy a new one.


    Four hundred yuan!


    Just thinking about it made her heart feel numb.


    It was too much.


    When she first heard about it, it didn¡¯t seem so bad, but seeing the stack of money on the table, she felt regret for the first time.


    If she hadn¡¯t given her textile factory job to her brother, could she have saved those 400 yuan?


    Even if she didn¡¯t eat or drink, it would take her two years to earn that much.


    Liang Meifen sighed, "Ah."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan comforted her, "Don¡¯t sigh. We¡¯re a couple, and we should support each other. You¡¯ve done a great job taking care of the household and keeping everything in order. You focus on that. But managing the money should be my responsibility. You¡¯re too soft-hearted to handle money. Look, I¡¯ve managed to save quite a bit recently. I don¡¯t spend recklessly, and I¡¯ll keep saving."


    Liang Meifen nodded, "Alright."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan suddenly asked, "By the way, is your brother married yet?"


    Liang Meifen¡¯s expression turned awkward, and her lips twitched as she said, "Yes, he is."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was surprised, "Why didn¡¯t I hear about you going?"


    Liang Meifen fell silent for a long time before saying, "They didn¡¯t invite me."


    She had been very firm when discussing the betrothal gifts for her brother¡¯s marriage, which had completely offended her sister-in-law. Her parents didn¡¯t see her actions as being for the family¡¯s benefit but instead scolded her for meddling.


    Either provide the "three rounds and one sound" (traditional wedding gifts) or keep quiet.


    Her brother had pointed at her and called her a troublemaker.


    Her parents told her not to come back unless necessary.


    At the time, Liang Meifen had been deeply hurt, but what hurt even more was that her brother hadn¡¯t even told her about his wedding. Because she had offended her sister-in-law, she wasn¡¯t invited. Of course, if she had money, she might still have been invited despite the offense, but she didn¡¯t have any.


    Her parents had noticed this and simply didn¡¯t invite her.


    If they had invited her, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to give a proper gift¡ªmaybe just a dime or two¡ªand that would have made the new bride unhappy. So, they didn¡¯t even bother to tell her about the wedding.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan perked up at this, "They didn¡¯t tell you?"


    He stirred the pot, "That¡¯s really ungrateful of them. After all you¡¯ve done for them over the years, they¡¯re really kicking the ladder away. Your brother¡¯s job was yours! That¡¯s worth 400 yuan!"


    A job was worth 400 yuan.


    Liang Meifen felt even more heartache. She clutched her chest and leaned on the table, saying, "My sister-in-law is no good."


    "I think your brother is the worst. Your sister-in-law might not know how much you¡¯ve done for the family or that your brother took your job, but your parents know, and your brother knows. And yet, he still blames you? He¡¯s not even human!"


    He cursed, "He¡¯s worse than an animal."


    He had only meant to stir things up, but the more he thought about it, the angrier he got. He said, "No, I have to tell Mom about this. They didn¡¯t even invite you, their own sister, to the wedding. They clearly don¡¯t see you as family. I¡¯ll have Mom go and give them a piece of her mind."


    Liang Meifen¡¯s face turned pale, and she quickly said, "Let it go¡­ they¡¯re still my parents, and they did put me through school."


    "You¡¯ve already repaid them. How much have you given them over the years? Besides, your parents are one thing, but your brother? He¡¯s nothing!"


    He declared, "I¡¯ll get my younger brother to come with me. He¡¯s on good terms with Zhang San from the mechanical factory¡¯s security team. We¡¯ll go together and settle this."


    Liang Meifen was terrified and pleaded, "No, let it go."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan insisted, "How can we let it go? They¡¯ve gone too far."


    Liang Meifen said, "I¡¯ll ignore them from now on, really. If they come looking for trouble, I won¡¯t indulge them, but let¡¯s not¡­ make a scene."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "They¡¯re not afraid of making a scene, so why should we be?"


    "Please, no¡­"


    Their whispers weren¡¯t exactly quiet. Ming Mei, lying in bed reading a book, looked up and said, "What are your brother and sister-in-law talking about? It sounds like they¡¯re bickering."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I don¡¯t know, but it¡¯s fine."


    He added, "My brother knows what he¡¯s doing."


    He then asked, "Did the kids bother you today?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "No, they were quite well-behaved."


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned down to listen to the baby¡¯s movements, and Ming Mei put her book down. She said, "Hey, you know Jiang Baohong from my workplace, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "How could I not know her?"


    Ming Mei said, "She filed for divorce."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked up in surprise, "What? She didn¡¯t go to the northwest with her husband?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "No, she filed for divorce and came to the factory to get a reference letter. I really didn¡¯t expect that."


    "Married couples are like birds in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly their separate ways," Zhuang Zhixi remarked.


    Ming Mei pursed her lips, "It¡¯s not fair to say that. Her husband was fooling around with other women. Why should she stick with him through thick and thin? If he were a good man, then flying separately in times of trouble would be cruel. But in this case, her husband was no good."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "For other families, that might be true, but don¡¯t forget, I specifically looked into this woman. She got where she is entirely because of her husband¡¯s influence. She only has an elementary school education, no real skills or abilities. She climbed the ladder using her husband¡¯s connections and stepping on others¡¯ achievements. So, it¡¯s not fair to act like she¡¯s completely innocent now."


    He had immediately gone to his mother-in-law¡¯s house to ask about it when he heard the news. His mother-in-law knew a lot.


    He had originally been thinking about how to avoid this woman, but the situation had taken an unexpected turn.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let¡¯s not worry about her. But I think even if she gets a divorce, she won¡¯t have an easy time in the future."


    Ming Mei agreed, "That¡¯s true."


    Although this person had not been at their workplace for long, she had already caused quite a stir in other units due to her high-profile and arrogant demeanor, which likely earned her many enemies. Previously, her husband had been a vice director, so no one dared to cross her. After all, in that position, it was all too easy to make life difficult for others.


    But now things were different. Her husband had been transferred to another city, effectively sidelined. She was also in the process of getting a divorce, seemingly trying to distance herself from the mess. However, in the eyes of many, she not only lacked character but was also seen as kicking someone when they were down.


    Most men tend to side with their own kind, and when it came to Jiang Baohong, they certainly didn¡¯t have a favorable opinion of her. Zhuang Zhixi deduced that Jiang Baohong¡¯s days wouldn¡¯t be easy, but he felt no sympathy for her. Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t a particularly sentimental person. He would sooner sympathize with Bai Fendou than with Jiang Baohong.


    At least Bai Fendou had grown up with him. Whether their relationship was good or bad, they had known each other for over twenty years, since they were kids in split pants. Jiang Baohong? She was nothing to him.


    What¡¯s more, she had tried to climb up by stepping on his wife, Ming Mei, and Zhuang Zhixi truly despised her for that.


    As the couple chatted, the neighborhood buzzed with activity. Zhuang Zhixi was about to say something when a loud wail interrupted him.


    ¡°Grandma! Waaah¡­¡±


    The sound of a child¡¯s crying erupted, and Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei rushed to the window to see what was going on. Outside, they saw the three Su children, bruised and battered once again.


    It had only been a week since they last got beaten up, and their injuries had just healed. How had they managed to get into trouble again so soon?


    Aunt Su and Wang Xiangxiu rushed out, hugging the children and crying, ¡°What happened? Who hit you? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Jinlai sobbed, ¡°We haven¡¯t had meat in so long¡­ waaah¡­¡±


    Tonglai, the younger one, chimed in, ¡°Big brother took us to steal meat from the front street, but we got caught and beaten up¡­¡±


    He rubbed his eyes, ¡°Luckily we ran fast, or they would¡¯ve dragged us to our parents¡­¡±


    Aunt Su cried as she held the children, ¡°Those heartless people! How can they be so selfish? What¡¯s wrong with the kids taking a little something?¡±


    The neighbors who had come out to see the commotion exchanged glances, clearly displeased.


    ¡°Aunt Su, whether your kids are stealing or just taking things, it¡¯s none of our business. But if they dare to come into our homes and steal, I won¡¯t hesitate to break their legs.¡±


    ¡°Same here.¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s living comfortably here. Why should we give anything to your family?¡±


    People used to think Aunt Su was a decent person, but lately, her true colors were showing, and it wasn¡¯t a good look.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong, really¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough with the excuses. We won¡¯t tolerate thieves in our homes!¡±


    ¡°Neither will we.¡±


    Aunt Su wept bitterly, but the neighbors had seen enough. Everyone knew about her family¡¯s antics. After issuing their warnings, they all turned and went back inside.


    Wang Xiangxiu muttered curses under her breath, ¡°These heartless, ungrateful people.¡±


    She then added, ¡°That Hu Huihui still hasn¡¯t come back.¡±


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    Unable to wait for Hu Huihui to return and help, Wang Xiangxiu said, ¡°I¡¯ll steam some buns for you.¡±


    ¡°Yay!¡±


    ¡°Buns! Buns! Those cornbread buns are so bad.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they are.¡±


    ¡­


    Zhuang Zhixi pulled his head back from the window and said, ¡°See? There¡¯s no way those kids are being raised right.¡±


    Ming Mei, patting her belly, replied, ¡°We¡¯ll make sure our child isn¡¯t raised like that.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Ironically, the Su family¡¯s neglectful parenting style ended up benefiting the other families in the neighborhood. Because they didn¡¯t discipline their children, the Su kids had become the neighborhood troublemakers, like rats, cockroaches, and bedbugs.


    Whenever their names came up, people would shake their heads and sigh, saying those kids were destined for a life behind bars.


    It was truly pitiful.


    But because of the Su kids¡¯ bad behavior, the other children in the neighborhood were getting into less trouble. Parents, seeing the Su family¡¯s chaos, were more motivated to teach their own kids properly, fearing they might end up like the Su brothers. They knew that if they didn¡¯t discipline their children early, it would be too late later on.


    This was absolutely unacceptable.


    As a result, years later, when people looked back, they realized that the children from their courtyard, the street, and even the surrounding areas had a remarkably high success rate. The closer the kids lived to the Su brothers, the more successful they tended to be.


    Would you believe it?


    In their entire alley, there were over twenty children. Aside from those who joined the military, every single one of them got into a proper school, with the least successful attending a technical college. At that time, graduating from such schools guaranteed a job, which was essentially a lifelong career.


    When you thought about it, it was quite astonishing.


    Except for the Su family. Except for the Su family.


    All the other kids turned out to be somewhat successful.


    Many years later, when people reflected on it, they felt that it was largely because the Su children were so unruly that it scared the neighbors into being more diligent in raising their own kids. They had seen firsthand what happened when children weren¡¯t properly disciplined, and it motivated them to put in the effort.


    Compared to the laissez-faire parenting style common at the time, they were much more attentive.


    Most children lack self-discipline, but when parents put in the effort, the results can be quite remarkable.


    Of course, all of this was in the future.


    For now, the parents in the neighborhood were all busy lecturing their children.


    Even Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife stopped discussing family matters and went to their children¡¯s room to deliver a heartfelt pep talk.


    Little Hutou and Xiao Yanzi exchanged confused looks, not quite understanding what was going on.


    The same scene played out in other households.


    Parents also made a point of warning their kids to stay away from Jinlai and his brothers and never bring them home. Those three troublemakers were known to steal, and the other children took the warning to heart.


    Truthfully, the other kids didn¡¯t play much with the Su brothers anyway. The three boys, being older and stronger, often ganged up to bully others. No one liked that kind of behavior, so they avoided them.


    The children¡¯s antics were just a small subplot. Everyone was already numb to the Su kids¡¯ stealing¡ªit wasn¡¯t the first time, and it certainly wouldn¡¯t be the last.


    What mattered now was the real business at hand.


    Early the next morning, Bai Fendou took Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife to the workplace. Zhuang Zhiyuan was mainly there for support, while Liang Meifen went with Bai Fendou to the personnel department to complete the necessary paperwork. Once the formalities were done, Zhuang Zhiyuan handed over the hefty sum of four hundred yuan to Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou breathed a sigh of relief.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan also felt a weight lift off his shoulders.


    His wife had been assigned to the third workshop as an apprentice fitter. In her first year, she would earn fifteen yuan and fifty cents. After a year, she would be promoted to a full-time position with a salary of twenty yuan and fifty cents. Once she became a full-time worker, she could apply for skill level exams, which were held every two years. If she passed the first level, her salary would increase to twenty-five yuan and fifty cents.


    Wang Xiangxiu, for example, was at the first level. Over the years, her salary increases had only been due to seniority, as she hadn¡¯t advanced in skill level.


    If she reached the second level, her salary would jump to thirty yuan and fifty cents.


    So, the only way to significantly increase one¡¯s salary was through skill level exams, where technical expertise was the key. Otherwise, relying solely on seniority would only result in a meager raise of fifty cents every two years.


    At the moment, Liang Meifen¡¯s salary was fifteen yuan and fifty cents. While this was nearly ten yuan less than the twenty-five yuan she could have earned as a cleaner, both Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen felt that the lower pay was worth it.


    Cleaning toilets had no future, but as a fitter, if she worked hard and honed her skills, her salary could steadily increase over time.


    Take Old Man Zhuang, for example. As a sixth-level riveter, he earned over sixty yuan, nearly seventy.


    Clearly, the higher the skill level, the more substantial the salary increase.


    Liang Meifen had confidence in herself. When it came to hard work, she wasn¡¯t one to back down.


    When Liang Meifen joined the factory, it caused quite a stir. It wasn¡¯t that she was particularly important, but everyone was surprised that Bai Fendou had so quickly ¡°given up¡± his father¡¯s job.


    Some families who were in need of work were kicking themselves, wishing they had seized the opportunity sooner.


    After all, no one expected that taking over Old Man Bai''s position would mean working in the factory workshop. Of course, even if it were in the restroom, many people would still want it. The workshop is even better¡ªit¡¯s a place with potential.


    In short, everyone regretted not thinking of this sooner, as they were too busy watching the commotion.


    However, despite everyone¡¯s frustration, if they were really asked to pay four hundred yuan, most of them probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to come up with the money. Ming Mei said that her family¡¯s income could cover at least 95% of the population, and she wasn¡¯t exaggerating.


    Nowadays, many families rely on a single worker to support the entire household. Families like Ming Mei¡¯s, with high wages and multiple workers, are truly rare.


    Saving money isn¡¯t easy.


    Bai Fendou, with the money in hand, pondered the next steps. He had already thought about it¡ªif his father¡¯s condition didn¡¯t improve, he would have to discharge him from the hospital to save some money. Just as he reached the door, he was grabbed by Li Si from the security department. Li Si said, ¡°Bai Fendou, why didn¡¯t you tell me you were selling your job? My family could have bought it. We used to be in the same department¡ªdo you think I would have shortchanged you?¡±


    He had a relative who was also looking for a formal job to avoid being sent to the countryside.


    Bai Fendou replied, ¡°I gave it to my cousin¡¯s wife.¡±


    What cousin¡¯s wife? Everyone knew it was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s sister-in-law from the propaganda department.


    No one had heard of any family ties between Zhuang Zhixi and Bai Fendou¡ªthey were just from the same compound.


    Li Si continued, ¡°Look at you, how much did they give you? Do you know your job could have sold for at least two hundred?¡±


    Bai Fendou scratched his ear, ¡°How much?¡±


    Li Si said, ¡°Two hundred!¡±


    He gritted his teeth and added, ¡°Two hundred and fifty would work too. Considering our good relationship, I could have given you two hundred and fifty.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°...¡±


    He felt like he was being treated like a fool.


    Two hundred or two hundred and fifty¡ªthat was the price from two years ago. Now, with so many people desperate to avoid being sent to the countryside, a formal job wasn¡¯t worth that little. Bai Fendou touched the four hundred yuan in his pocket, thinking that at least Zhuang Zhixi and his brother were honest.


    They didn¡¯t take him for a fool!


    What he hated most now was being treated like a fool.


    He gave Li Si a cold glare and said, ¡°Do you believe I could kick you to death?¡±


    Li Si¡¯s face turned pale, and he quickly covered a certain area, stepping back a few paces.


    Bai Fendou spat, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Then he walked away, leaving Li Si behind.


    These people were really too much¡ªwho did they think they could easily trick?


    Li Si watched Bai Fendou¡¯s retreating figure and scoffed, ¡°The swan you can¡¯t have is just a shoe I¡¯ve already worn!¡±


    But considering Bai Fendou¡¯s reputation as a ¡°man-killer,¡± he didn¡¯t dare chase after him.


    In truth, the Zhuang family had given Bai Fendou three hundred and fifty yuan, which was slightly higher than the usual price but not by much. However, including the fifty yuan they discussed for transferring the job, the total of four hundred yuan wasn¡¯t low for a job.


    Most people couldn¡¯t afford to pay that much.


    But Zhuang Zhixi had analyzed it for the family¡ªthis amount was the most appropriate. They couldn¡¯t have moved Liang Meifen from cleaning restrooms to the workshop for just fifty yuan on their own. But given Bai Fendou¡¯s current situation, the factory didn¡¯t want him causing trouble, so it was possible.


    Therefore, the fifty yuan given to Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t a loss.


    Adding it up to four hundred yuan, most people couldn¡¯t offer that much, so Bai Fendou wouldn¡¯t feel cheated or regret it later. Living in the same compound, it would be troublesome if Bai Fendou regretted the deal and caused problems.


    This amount was just right to solve the problem.


    As Zhuang Zhixi had predicted, Li Si also wanted the job, but his offer of two hundred, or at most two hundred and fifty, immediately angered Bai Fendou. He felt disrespected.


    After Bai Fendou sold his job, several coworkers visited him in the hospital.


    Of course, since the job was already sold, they couldn¡¯t take it.


    They came to inquire about the price, to use it as a reference for themselves.


    If they ever had to give up their jobs, they¡¯d know how much to ask for.


    But Bai Fendou was shrewd this time and didn¡¯t reveal the actual amount. Why should he tell the truth? These people hadn¡¯t been particularly kind to him. He counted the four hundred yuan and smiled smugly¡ªeven after paying the medical bills, he¡¯d still have a good amount left.


    Hehe.


    *******


    At the Su household.


    Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu, were among the first to hear that Bai Fendou had sold his job to Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife. Shocked but delighted, Aunt Su excitedly grabbed Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Xiangxiu, you can¡¯t afford to be prideful now. Bai Fendou likes you so much! Give him a chance.¡±


    She added, ¡°He¡¯s a bachelor¡ªdoes he even know how to spend money? Let¡¯s help him.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded eagerly, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Biting her lip, she said excitedly, ¡°I wonder how much he sold it for.¡±


    Aunt Su replied, ¡°No matter the amount, it¡¯s definitely more than the compensation they gave you. After all, it¡¯s a formal job.¡±


    Her eyes sparkled with joy, ¡°We¡¯ll have money to spend too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡±


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had grand plans, but they forgot one thing¡ªtoday¡¯s Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t the same as yesterday¡¯s Bai Fendou.


    Would they get their wish?


    Hmph!

 Chapter 119

    "What?!!!"Wang Xiangxiu never expected that she would be transferred to the sanitation department to clean toilets!


    She stared in disbelief at the personnel officer who came to inform her, completely stunned. "Why are you transferring me to sanitation? I¡¯ve been doing well in the workshop. This is just bullying! You¡¯re taking advantage of me because I¡¯m a widow with a child."


    "That¡¯s not fair for you to say. If you put it that way, it¡¯s completely unreasonable. You¡¯ve been absent for ten consecutive days without even asking for leave. The factory has already been very lenient with you. Go out and ask around¡ªwould any other workplace tolerate an employee being absent for ten days without notice? Transferring you to sanitation is already a consideration for your situation. Now you¡¯re trying to turn the tables. There¡¯s no logic in that. I¡¯m a woman too, and I¡¯m not trying to make things difficult for you. But our work is about serving the people, and no matter the position, we can all contribute and shine."


    Wang Xiangxiu was taken aback, suddenly realizing that she indeed hadn¡¯t asked for leave.


    That day, she had gone straight from the police station to the hospital. The next day, she got caught up in the fight between Bai Fendou and Vice Director Cai, and afterward, she had been hospitalized, completely forgetting about requesting leave. As for after being discharged, she hadn¡¯t rushed back to work either.


    In her mind, she was the "victim," so what was wrong with taking a few extra days off? The factory should have granted her sick leave.


    "But... but... this isn¡¯t my fault! And the factory sent someone to the hospital to check on me, didn¡¯t they?" Wang Xiangxiu felt deeply wronged and tried to defend herself.


    The personnel officer replied, "Yes, someone from the factory did go to the hospital to investigate because it involved multiple parties. But that doesn¡¯t mean you can just skip asking for leave. Besides, we know you¡¯ve been home for two days since being discharged. You could have easily come in to submit a leave request. Wang Xiangxiu, this is a factory, not a place where you can do as you please."


    The officer grew impatient and said, "Go report to the sanitation department now. If you make a fuss or refuse to go, you can go home, and it¡¯ll count as another day of absence. If you¡¯re still unhappy, go talk to the higher-ups. But don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you¡ªthe leadership has already reviewed your work records in the workshop, and that¡¯s why you¡¯ve been transferred. They don¡¯t want you holding back the other workers. Over the years, your performance evaluations have been mediocre at best."


    In this era, most people worked diligently, so someone like Wang Xiangxiu, who slacked off, stood out like a sore thumb. The workshop supervisor had long wanted to get rid of her but hadn¡¯t found the right opportunity. Now that the leadership had taken the initiative, the supervisor had quickly filled in the gaps.


    Every year during the internal evaluations, Wang Xiangxiu had barely scraped by.


    Looking at the personnel officer¡¯s expression, Wang Xiangxiu felt a pang of sadness but still said, "I¡¯ll go ask around. This isn¡¯t right!"


    Deep down, she knew her chances of success were slim.


    After all, the supervisor had always disliked her for her lack of effort. She had even considered trying to seduce him, but he was a stern and upright man. If she spoke softly, he would scold her.


    He also never allowed himself to be alone with her, always keeping his guard up.


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, knowing it was unlikely, but she still clung to a sliver of hope as she headed to the workshop.


    As soon as she arrived, she spotted Liang Meifen working alongside Sister Zhu in the workshop. It seemed Sister Zhu was responsible for training Liang Meifen. When Wang Xiangxiu first started, she had also been under Sister Zhu¡¯s guidance, but because she often shirked her duties and relied on male coworkers to do her work, Sister Zhu had eventually given up on her.


    Later, she had been assigned to several other trainers, but none of them stuck with her either.


    Still, she had a decent rapport with the male coworkers in the workshop.


    After all, in a machinery factory like this, female workers were rare, and attractive ones even more so.


    She glared at Liang Meifen with envy. This wretched woman had already lost one job, yet she managed to get a second one. Why was she so fortunate? Why did Zhuang Zhiyuan let her off so easily?


    Even Zhao Guihua, who was usually so harsh, hadn¡¯t scolded or beaten her!


    The more Wang Xiangxiu thought about it, the more her jealousy burned.


    She believed she was far more attractive than Liang Meifen. In her opinion, even Ming Mei only had youth on her side. If Ming Mei were her age, she might not have the same charm. As for Liang Meifen, she was just an average-looking woman.


    She stared venomously at Liang Meifen, unable to understand how someone so disloyal could keep improving her life. The Zhuang family had even been willing to spend money on her. Meanwhile, a woman as good as herself had nothing.


    Life was always so unfair.


    "Wang Xiangxiu, what are you doing here? Weren¡¯t you transferred out?"


    The workshop supervisor came out to inspect the work and saw Wang Xiangxiu standing to the side, glaring resentfully at the workers. He immediately grew wary, worried she might be there to cause trouble. He said sternly, "You¡¯re no longer a worker in this workshop. Leave now, or I¡¯ll have to suspect you¡¯re here with malicious intentions."


    Hearing this, Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. "Supervisor, can I be transferred back? Everything was fine¡ªwhy was I transferred? I¡¯ve always done well in the workshop. Please, let me come back. I¡¯m a widow with a child, and life is hard for us..."


    The supervisor replied bluntly, "You don¡¯t need to worry about that. Cleaning toilets pays about the same as working in the workshop. After all, you haven¡¯t made any progress in the workshop over the years, so your rank hasn¡¯t increased, and your salary hasn¡¯t gone up either. Cleaning toilets pays 25 yuan, while in the workshop, you only made 26.5 yuan. Your rank hasn¡¯t changed, so your salary won¡¯t increase. The only difference is the 0.5 yuan raise every two years for seniority. The factory leadership has considered your family situation and decided not to change your salary. Even though you¡¯re cleaning toilets now, your pay will remain the same. It¡¯s just a different job. Frankly, your performance as a mechanic has been subpar. You wouldn¡¯t have advanced in the workshop anyway, so it¡¯s better not to hold back the others. Maybe sanitation is more suitable for you. Oh, and the leadership also said your seniority will continue to accrue. In two years, you¡¯ll still get the seniority raise, just like in the workshop. This is a special consideration for your family¡¯s circumstances. Even Bai Fendou, who also cleans toilets, doesn¡¯t get this treatment. You should be grateful to the factory and the leadership. There¡¯s no hierarchy in work. Now go report for duty."


    He spoke quickly and decisively, then waved her off. "If you don¡¯t report today, it¡¯ll count as another day of absence. This is a factory, not your backyard. You can¡¯t just do as you please."


    Wang Xiangxiu stammered, "But..."


    Her words were cut off.


    She had wanted to use her family¡¯s poverty as an excuse, but even that had been taken into account.


    For a moment, she was at a loss for words.


    "Go on, this isn¡¯t the place for you. If anything happens here, I¡¯ll have to suspect you¡¯re trying to disrupt unity," the stern-faced supervisor said, clearly fed up with her lack of ambition.


    Wang Xiangxiu grabbed his arm. "Supervisor, let¡¯s go to your office. I need to talk to you..."


    "Enough, Wang Xiangxiu! Don¡¯t try your tricks on me. Get out!!!" The moment he saw her batting her eyelashes, he knew what she was up to. Over the years, she had tried to seduce him too many times.


    He was a good man who never fell for it.


    Although his wife wasn¡¯t as young or attractive as Wang Xiangxiu, she had far better character. He glared at her in disgust. "Out!"


    "Supervisor..."


    "This workshop isn¡¯t where you belong. Out!"


    Seeing no hope of persuasion, Wang Xiangxiu left in tears. She took a deep breath and headed to the leadership office. She refused to believe that none of them would be tempted by her beauty.


    If even one was, she could get what she wanted.


    And indeed, there were some who were tempted. No matter the era, there were always those who had such inclinations. But even so, none of them gave in to Wang Xiangxiu.


    Vice Director Cai was a man with a clear reputation, and no one dared to mess with a poisonous widow like Wang Xiangxiu. What if she turned around and bit them? Wang Xiangxiu might have thought she had the upper hand, that she had fooled everyone, but in reality, she hadn¡¯t fooled anyone. Anyone who gave it a moment¡¯s thought could see there was something off about her.


    Vice Director Cai, no matter how desperate he was, still had his status and position. He wouldn¡¯t stoop to forcing himself on Wang Xiangxiu. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although the story later changed, Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s aggressive demeanor made it clear to everyone that they should avoid any deeper interactions with her. Besides, wasn¡¯t she somewhat of a jinx when it came to men?


    Her own husband was gone; Yu Baoshan, who was rumored to have slept with her, had died; Vice Director Cai, who had dealings with her, had been sent to the northwest; and Bai Fendou¡­ well, that goes without saying. Everyone had seen how much money he had spent on her, only to end up childless.


    There was definitely something unsettling about her, and people couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit afraid.


    After failing to find success elsewhere, Wang Xiangxiu had no choice but to head to the logistics department. She couldn¡¯t afford to miss another day of work. If she were marked as absent again, what would she do?


    The logistics department was well aware of her situation and didn¡¯t treat her with much kindness. The section chief immediately said, ¡°Go get to work. Bai Fendou is back on duty today.¡±


    Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t fully recovered, but he couldn¡¯t afford to stay home. He had just sold his job position and paid a fee of 130 yuan. Fortunately, the factory covered most of the expenses, or the cost would have been even higher. After all, his father had been hospitalized after being hit with a brick, and the bill was still unpaid. Bai Fendou himself had also been hit and rendered infertile, and his father¡¯s emergency treatment was still outstanding. With so many unpaid bills, 130 yuan was already a bargain.


    He originally had 70 yuan saved up, including some private savings and 100 yuan from Jiang Lu as compensation. After spending some on replacing a window, he had 70 yuan left. Now, after selling his job position for 400 yuan, he had 340 yuan in hand. But he didn¡¯t dare spend a single cent. He had to start planning for his old age.


    Since he was destined to have no children, he couldn¡¯t afford to be careless anymore.


    When Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu ran into each other in the restroom, Bai Fendou felt like enemies meeting face-to-face, his eyes blazing with anger. Wang Xiangxiu, however, immediately cooed, ¡°Fendou, what are you doing here? Do you know how much I¡¯ve missed you?¡±


    She spoke softly, ¡°You¡¯re back at work already? Why didn¡¯t you take a few more days off?¡±


    Now that Bai Fendou had money, Wang Xiangxiu was more than willing to cozy up to him.


    But Bai Fendou was cold. ¡°Get the hell away from me.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu pouted, ¡°Why are you talking to me like that? If you keep this up, I won¡¯t pay attention to you anymore.¡±


    Bai Fendou retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t need your attention.¡±


    The section chief glanced between the two of them and said, ¡°Alright, get to work. Just so you know, cleaning the restrooms isn¡¯t divided by gender. Wang Xiangxiu, you¡¯re responsible for the east side, and Bai Fendou, you¡¯re on the west side.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s face changed. ¡°Not divided by gender?¡±


    The section chief replied, ¡°Of course not! Women make up less than one-tenth of the workforce here, and there aren¡¯t many restrooms. Dividing them by gender would be unfair. Don¡¯t even think about it. Now, get to work. The restrooms have been a mess lately.¡±


    The regular restroom cleaners hadn¡¯t been coming in, so the logistics department had to send others to help out every three days. It wasn¡¯t as clean as when they were cleaned daily. The restrooms were in a terrible state.


    ¡°Get to work!¡±


    The section chief reminded them once more before leaving.


    Bai Fendou sneered, picked up his broom, and walked away.


    Wang Xiangxiu called out, ¡°Fendou?¡±


    Bai Fendou snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call me!¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu hadn¡¯t expected such a harsh reception on her first day back. But she couldn¡¯t afford to quit. She swallowed her disgust, tears silently streaming down her face. How had Wang Xiangxiu fallen so low?


    She was furious but powerless. This was her reality now, and there was no way to change it. She had no choice but to endure. Cleaning the restrooms left her reeking of filth. How could she ever¡­


    She was so worried, all she could do was hope for the day to end quickly. She needed her mother-in-law to give her some advice.


    At this moment, she deeply resented Liang Meifen. If Liang Meifen hadn¡¯t moved to the workshop, would Wang Xiangxiu have ended up cleaning restrooms? She had taken over the job of cleaning restrooms, so why had Liang Meifen gone to the workshop? Wang Xiangxiu was furious.


    She also hated Bai Fendou. That fool didn¡¯t know who to side with. He had money but didn¡¯t hand it over to her to manage, and he had even helped Liang Meifen.


    Damn him!


    She worked with venom in her heart, her eyes dark and brooding.


    Cleaning the restrooms felt like an eternity to Wang Xiangxiu. When she was in the workshop, she could easily slack off and get male coworkers to help her. But this job offered no such help. She was exhausted, panting heavily.


    That day, male workers deliberately came to her side of the restroom, pointing and laughing at her.


    Their laughter was lewd.


    There were plenty of comments, both good and bad.


    Of course, some went to Bai Fendou¡¯s side too. After all, Bai Fendou was a well-known figure in the factory. Among men, the banter was more direct. Even though Bai Fendou was no longer a man, several brave souls couldn¡¯t resist teasing him that morning.


    Several fights broke out as a result.


    This was only because Bai Fendou had a reputation as a man-killer. Without that reputation, things would have been even more chaotic. Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but lean out the window to watch the commotion several times. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that his sister-in-law was the one who had bought Old Bai¡¯s job, Zhuang Zhixi would have gone down to join the spectacle.


    Old Huang watched Zhuang Zhixi pacing back and forth and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°There¡¯s a fight downstairs.¡±


    He sighed, ¡°There are really some brave souls out there, daring to mess with Bai Fendou.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they dare? Bai Fendou can¡¯t just go around neutering everyone, can he?¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned on the windowsill and mused, ¡°I thought he¡¯d take a few more days off. I didn¡¯t expect him to be back at work so soon.¡±


    ¡°When there¡¯s illness in the family, you have to earn more. What else can you do?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°That¡¯s true. Illness is the worst.¡±


    As they spoke, Sister Cui came over and watched for a while before turning around. ¡°Hey, Little Xu, what¡¯s going on with you lately? You look worse than Bai Fendou, and he¡¯s injured.¡±


    Little Xu, aside from going to the countryside to show movies, seemed to be on the verge of collapse. He spent all day slumped over his desk, as if he could never get enough sleep.


    He was practically a sleep god.


    Little Xu had changed quite a bit recently. In the past, he was always trying to climb the ladder, constantly scheming and flattering the bosses with gusto.


    But in the last two months, he seemed like a completely different person.


    He was like a scholar drained of his vitality by a seductive fox spirit, exuding an air of weakness. Despite sleeping so much, his energy levels were far worse than Bai Fendou¡¯s.


    Bai Fendou, who wasn¡¯t even a man anymore, could still swing a broom around with vigor, looking like he could take on the world. But Little Xu? He looked pitiful just sitting there.


    ¡°You can¡¯t keep going like this. You should go to the clinic.¡±


    Little Xu shook his head, ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t look fine.¡±


    Little Xu insisted, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Old Huang chimed in, ¡°I think you should settle down. A man needs a wife to take care of him. That would make a big difference.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t particularly close to Little Xu, but given Little Xu¡¯s recent decline, everyone in the department felt compelled to offer some advice.


    ¡°Yeah, having a wife would help.¡±


    At this, Little Xu¡¯s eyes widened. He stood up abruptly and declared, ¡°I¡¯m dedicating my life to my career! Marriage is just a stumbling block on the path to success. I don¡¯t need it for now!¡±


    Everyone: ¡°¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked, ¡°But you¡¯re sleeping all day. How¡¯s that going to help your career?¡±


    It¡¯d be faster to succeed in his dreams.


    Little Xu shot Zhuang Zhixi a glare, ¡°What you see as me sleeping is actually me meditating. I¡¯m thinking about how to improve my movie projection skills.¡±


    Everyone: ¡°¡­¡±


    Yeah, right.


    Little Xu: "Zhuang Zhixi, you''re still young and don''t understand how family responsibilities can sap a person''s fighting spirit. I''m determined to dedicate my life to my career."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...Oh."


    If it weren''t for the fact that so many men had been acting strangely lately, making it theoretically unlikely, he would have thought Little Xu might have gone off the rails too. Otherwise, how could he say something so bizarre? The words themselves were normal, but coming from Little Xu¡ªa guy who sleeps on the job and takes things from the villagers when sent to the countryside¡ªit was laughable to hear him talk about lofty ideals.


    Still, it was clear that Little Xu seemed genuinely afraid of marriage.


    "Hey, are you okay? Have you gone off the deep end too? Why are you so scared of getting married?"


    It wasn¡¯t just Zhuang Zhixi who thought this; others did too.


    Little Xu immediately raised his voice: "What nonsense! I''m a real man. If you don¡¯t believe me, check in the bathroom. I can still¡ª"


    He abruptly stopped himself, cutting off what he was about to say.


    He wasn¡¯t weak, after all. He could go four or five times in one night, lasting three or four hours.


    Otherwise, how could Jiang Lu have taken an interest in him?


    But at the thought of Jiang Lu, he deflated. He quickly said, "Stop talking nonsense. I''m going to take a nap."


    Everyone exchanged glances: "..."


    Those who liked to stir up trouble wondered if he was possessed.


    Little Xu: I¡¯m not possessed. I¡¯m just drained.


    Little Xu: Back to sleep.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He really envied Little Xu¡¯s ability to fall asleep the moment he lay down.


    "Xiao Zhuang, come downstairs with me to update the bulletin board. With all the recent rain, there have been some accidents. We need to remind everyone how to handle rainy days."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."


    Their propaganda department handled these small, mundane tasks.


    Zhuang Zhixi followed Old Huang downstairs and quickly got to work. Though their department didn¡¯t seem particularly busy, they were efficient at getting things done. Over the past few months, Zhuang Zhixi had been working closely with Old Huang, and no matter what they did, the results had improved dramatically.


    As he helped Old Huang with the bulletin board, he caught a glimpse of Yang Lixin leaving the factory.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow.


    It wasn¡¯t even time to clock out yet.


    Yang Lixin didn¡¯t know Zhuang Zhixi had seen him. After leaving the factory, he didn¡¯t head back to the compound. Instead, he wandered around the streets for a while, then turned into a small alley. Up ahead was the black market.


    The reason he¡¯d left work early today was because he had an important mission.


    His mother-in-law had tasked him with buying some grain. Yang Lixin thought it was completely unnecessary and overly cautious, but in his household, he didn¡¯t have the final say. So, he had no choice but to follow orders.


    However, going to the black market was risky, and he was extremely careful, afraid of getting caught. If he were caught, it could ruin his career.


    He grumbled inwardly about his mother-in-law stirring up trouble for no reason, but as a live-in son-in-law, he didn¡¯t even receive his own salary. So, Yang Lixin had no choice but to obey. He slipped into the black market. If you were carrying a basket or bundles of goods to sell, you had to pay an entrance fee.


    There were lookouts at the alley entrance, and they didn¡¯t work for free.


    But if you were a buyer, no one charged you.


    This was mainly due to the difference in roles.


    Yang Lixin was extremely cautious, but that wasn¡¯t unusual. Anyone who wasn¡¯t careful in the black market would be suspicious. Just as Yang Lixin entered, Zhao Guihua was leaving with her purchases. She spotted Yang Lixin but didn¡¯t call out to him. Instead, she ducked into a corner, waited for him to pass, and then carried her sack of flour out.


    She had bought a full sack of white flour¡ªtwenty pounds.


    The black market didn¡¯t require ration tickets, but the prices were much higher than at the grain store. Even so, Zhao Guihua bought it. Others might just buy a little as a backup, but Zhao Guihua knew that this year, there would definitely be a grain shortage.


    This was only the first day. She planned to buy more tomorrow.


    After all, people still needed to eat.


    Zhao Guihua carried the sack of flour, glancing around as she left the black market. She quickly made her way home and stored the flour in her bedroom, covering it with something. This amount wasn¡¯t nearly enough, but she wasn¡¯t just going to buy white flour. She¡¯d also get some mixed grain and cornmeal. Though cornmeal wasn¡¯t very tasty, it could serve as an emergency ration. It was cheap, after all.


    Zhao Guihua did some calculations and felt that the money she had on hand would suffice.


    She didn¡¯t say much to her children about it.


    Normally, rationed white flour cost 0.18 yuan per catty. Today, she bought it for 0.21 yuan at the black market. But when grain became scarce, the price wouldn¡¯t stay this low. Even though it seemed like she was spending more now, it wasn¡¯t a loss.


    "Aunt Zhao, are you back?" Wang Zhaodi called from the doorway.


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, what is it?"


    Wang Zhaodi: "I made you a pair of shoes. Try them on and see if they fit."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, you shouldn¡¯t have."


    She came out and saw Wang Zhaodi holding a pair of cloth shoes. "They look nice, but you really didn¡¯t have to make these for me."


    Wang Zhaodi smiled shyly. "It¡¯s the least I could do. I¡¯ve borrowed your fishing rod several times, and you never asked for anything in return. Making you a pair of shoes is the right thing to do. I just provided the labor; Jiang Lu paid for the materials."


    Zhao Guihua protested politely but quickly tried on the shoes. "These are really good. You¡¯re quite skilled."


    Wang Zhaodi beamed. "I¡¯m glad you like them."


    Zhao Guihua examined the shoes closely. "Your stitching is excellent. Alright, I¡¯ll take them. Feel free to borrow the fishing rod anytime. Don¡¯t be shy."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded vigorously.


    Even before she gave Aunt Zhao the shoes, Aunt Zhao had never hesitated to lend her the fishing rod. Wang Zhaodi knew how rare such kindness was. In her village, no one would lend out something as valuable as a fishing rod or net, no matter what you offered in return. They were too afraid it would get damaged with too much use.


    Her uncle had a fishing rod, and even her father couldn¡¯t borrow it.


    So, Wang Zhaodi was deeply grateful that Aunt Zhao treated her like family. Zhao Guihua: "Come sit."


    Wang Zhaodi: "I¡¯ll grab my sewing basket. I¡¯m still working on clothes for the baby."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, you¡¯re starting so early?"


    Wang Zhaodi nodded. "I¡¯m afraid... well, I¡¯d better prepare for Jiang Lu early."


    She pursed her lips. "If I go back home, it won¡¯t be a problem."


    Zhao Guihua understood. Wang Zhaodi had come to help Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu with their child, but now that Zhou Qun was incapacitated, there was no need for a child. She hadn¡¯t left yet because Jiang Lu still needed her, but if Aunt Zhou returned, Jiang Lu might not need her anymore.


    Wang Zhaodi didn¡¯t ask for much money, but she ate a lot.


    This skinny little girl ate more than a grown man.


    It was likely that Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun together couldn¡¯t match Wang Zhaodi¡¯s appetite. With grain being so precious, it was understandable if they didn¡¯t want to keep supporting her.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t want to interfere too much in other people¡¯s affairs, but she said, "Don¡¯t overthink it. Just stay here for now. When Aunt Zhou comes back, they¡¯ll discuss it."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded. "I know."


    She was already mentally prepared.


    Her own parents had complained about how much she ate, so of course others would too.


    She was used to it, but she couldn¡¯t help feeling attached to the people in this compound. She took a deep breath. "If I leave, I¡¯ll miss you a lot."


    Zhao Guihua smiled. "Don¡¯t worry too much, little one. Where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way. I¡¯ll keep an eye out for a suitable young man in the city. If you can marry into the city, that would be ideal."


    Originally, Bai Fendou from their compound would have been a good match.


    Don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªBai Fendou had his flaws, but in the countryside, especially in Wang Zhaodi¡¯s remote mountain village, life was tough. Families were large, and poverty was rampant. If Wang Zhaodi married Bai Fendou, it would be a step up.


    A man with a city home and a stable job was considered top-tier.


    Jiang Lu¡¯s earlier idea wasn¡¯t meant to harm Wang Zhaodi but to genuinely consider her future.


    However, things are different now, so in reality, Wang Zhaodi still isn''t a good match for Bai Fendou. But no one could introduce Wang Zhaodi to Bai Fendou either, as he¡¯s no longer capable, and there¡¯s no chance of him having a child in the future.


    If a woman were to marry him, it would truly be a life of misery. Wouldn¡¯t that just be a living widowhood?


    In this era, people place an incredibly high value on continuing the family line. Not having children is a huge deal. Take Li the Cook and his wife, for example. Their family conditions aren¡¯t bad, but because they don¡¯t have a son, they¡¯ve been looked down upon for years.


    This is something people decades later can¡¯t even imagine, but that¡¯s just how it is now.


    If it weren¡¯t for the early decision that Li Fang would find a man to marry into their family, Li the Cook probably wouldn¡¯t even have any spirit left in him.


    This is also why Jiang Lu was bullied so much by the Zhou family without fighting back¡ªit was because she didn¡¯t have children. It seems like this issue is the biggest deal of all. Wang Zhaodi, after all, is still a young girl. If she were to marry Bai Fendou, her life might be better than in the countryside, but the pressure would undoubtedly be immense.


    A man who can¡¯t perform and no children¡ªhow would people outside view her? What would they speculate about her? You don¡¯t even need to think about it.


    She¡¯s still young and might not be able to withstand such gossip.


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s mind raced with thoughts, but she still said, ¡°I¡¯ll look into it for you, but you know, anyone who¡¯s looking for a girl from the countryside probably doesn¡¯t have great conditions... Even then, it¡¯s not guaranteed, but we¡¯ll give it a try.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi was stunned for a moment, then her eyes turned red. She whispered, ¡°Thank you. I know you¡¯re doing this for my sake.¡±


    Zhao Guihua waved it off. ¡°No need to thank me. We don¡¯t even know if there¡¯s a suitable match yet. Let me talk to Jiang Lu and see what she thinks. We¡¯ll rally the community to help.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi knew that even with this, the chances were slim. Such good fortune was rare.


    But she was still deeply moved, feeling warmth in her heart.


    She said, ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re so good to me. You treat me even better than my own mother.¡±


    After a pause, she added, ¡°Sister Jiang Lu is also very kind to me, and so is Aunt Zhou¡­¡±


    Even though everyone says Aunt Zhou isn¡¯t a good person, being harsh and cruel, Wang Zhaodi had only interacted with her for a little over a day. In that short time, Aunt Zhou had treated her well.


    She didn¡¯t care what others said; she only cared about how she was treated.


    Back at home, because she ate a lot, her mother once said she regretted not drowning her at birth! The relationship between her and her sisters wasn¡¯t great either, as everyone fought over every bite of food.


    Because she ate so much, she did the most work every day, but still, no one liked her.


    But here, she felt that this place was good.


    Aunt Zhao was kind, Aunt Wang was kind, and Sister Jiang Lu was even kinder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just work hard!¡± she encouraged herself. ¡°Work harder! Even if I have to go back, I¡¯ll make sure to finish all the little tasks Sister Jiang Lu asked me to do.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded.


    Curious, she asked, ¡°Zhaodi, what¡¯s your hometown like?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi replied, ¡°My home is in a mountain valley.¡±


    At that moment, Aunt Wang and a few other women from the backyard came over, joining them with their needlework and adding to the conversation.


    Wang Zhaodi continued, ¡°To get here from my home, you have to transfer buses several times.¡±


    Even though they¡¯re both rural areas, the villages around the capital are much wealthier than others. Wang Zhaodi¡¯s hometown, on the other hand, is quite poor. Geographically, it¡¯s not even within the capital¡¯s boundaries anymore; it¡¯s part of Hebei Province.


    She explained, ¡°It takes three hours just to walk to the commune from our village. We only have one ox cart in the village, and it¡¯s used for plowing the fields. If we want to go to the commune, we have to leave early in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Your life must be quite tough,¡± someone remarked.


    Wang Zhaodi nodded. ¡°Yes, it is. Even the wealthiest families in our village don¡¯t eat as well as many families here. My family is even worse off. We have a lot of children, my father needs supplements, and my mother needs medicine, so life is even harder for us.¡±


    Zhao Guihua sighed, ¡°Even though your village isn¡¯t too far from the capital, it¡¯s not exactly remote. How come it¡¯s so poor?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi hesitated for a moment, then said softly, ¡°Actually, our village wasn¡¯t the poorest in the area before, but something happened, and things got worse. People from outside stopped coming to our village.¡±


    Everyone¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi pursed her lips, hesitant, but eventually spoke up. ¡°A long time ago, our village used to sell eggs. Back then, it wasn¡¯t as strict as it is now. People didn¡¯t strictly raise just two chickens; they secretly raised five or six more. The eggs could be exchanged for goods or used to supplement nutrition. They were like a form of currency. But we rarely took them to the commune¡¯s distribution center to sell. It¡¯s a three-hour walk from our village, and the road is rough. Sometimes the eggs would break, which was a big loss. Plus, people were lazy and didn¡¯t want to waste hours walking to the city, so they preferred to trade among themselves. Later, a peddler came to our village to buy eggs for three cents each. The villagers all saved up their eggs to sell to him. Everyone was happy to earn a little extra money.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that speculation and profiteering?¡± someone interjected.


    Aunt Wang pinched the woman who spoke, and she quickly clarified, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi explained, ¡°That was a few years ago. It wasn¡¯t as strict as it is now. It wasn¡¯t allowed, but it wasn¡¯t heavily enforced either.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably like the pigeon market, where people sell small amounts of their home produce. It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Zhao Guihua chimed in, and Aunt Wang nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s probably the case.¡±


    It¡¯s only in recent years that such activities have been strictly prohibited. In the past, selling a few eggs from home-raised chickens at the pigeon market wasn¡¯t considered speculation and profiteering, as long as it wasn¡¯t in large quantities.


    Selling eggs wasn¡¯t a big deal, but the person buying them definitely was engaging in speculation.


    ¡°Everything was going fine for almost a year, but then Uncle Qinglai, the village head¡¯s son, said we were being cheated. He worked as a temporary laborer at the commune and came back after hearing about it. He said we were being shortchanged. It turned out he happened to know the peddler who came to our village to buy eggs. The peddler divided the eggs into three grades: four cents, four and a half cents, and five cents. But he only paid three cents when buying them. When the villagers found out, they were furious. They felt that raising chickens and collecting eggs was hard work, while the peddler made a tidy profit just by reselling them. They demanded not only to raise the price but also to be compensated for the difference from the past year.¡±


    ¡°How much did you want to raise the price?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°They said the peddler should only make a fraction of a cent per egg. They wanted to divide the eggs into three grades again: four-cent eggs would be sold for three and nine-tenths cents, four-and-a-half-cent eggs would be¡­ They argued that the peddler was just a middleman and didn¡¯t deserve to make so much. A fraction of a cent per egg was already plenty. On top of that, they demanded compensation of at least a hundred yuan for the past year¡¯s sales.¡±


    Zhao Guihua listened, feeling a mix of emotions. She thought the villagers were¡­ well, not the sharpest tools in the shed.


    ¡°Later, when the vendor came back to collect eggs, the villagers blocked him, insisting that he had to buy them at their price. Otherwise, they would report him for speculation. The man was cornered and agreed, but he said he didn¡¯t bring enough money and needed to go back to fetch more, promising to return the next day. The villagers were thrilled with their victory. However, Uncle Qinglai remarked that the man looked shifty and might bring reinforcements the next day, possibly reneging on the deal. He suggested calling the speculation office to arrest them, teaching them a lesson so they¡¯d behave in the future. Everyone thought it was a good idea, but the next day, no one showed up. The village was scolded, and Uncle Qinglai led a group to the commune to demand an explanation. Instead, they returned with broken legs. It turned out the village¡¯s informants had been tailed, and the vendors knew about the speculation office. They refused to deal with the village, calling them greedy. From then on, no vendors came to the village. Later, when poultry farming was strictly controlled, anyone caught raising an extra chicken was reported. Villagers trying to sell anything at the collection station were constantly harassed. The vendors despised the village and continued to cause trouble¡­ so the village grew poorer and poorer.¡±


    Everyone listening to Wang Zhaodi¡¯s story about why her village was so poor didn¡¯t know what to say.


    How could they even respond?


    It was essentially a self-inflicted disaster.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°If they¡¯re arguing over a fraction of a cent per egg, they¡¯re probably losing money. They have labor costs, and as you said, the journey takes over three hours on rough roads. There¡¯s bound to be breakage and losses, which they have to account for¡­ Not that I¡¯m defending the vendors. They¡¯re no saints for targeting your village, but the whole mess started because of your own actions.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded: ¡°I know. Some in the village are aware too, but everyone just wanted to make more money, thinking only of their own gain and expecting others to help for free. That¡¯s how it ended up. Uncle Qinglai, the one I mentioned, still walks with a limp. The village is now divided into two factions. One side follows the village head, and the other blames Uncle Qinglai for causing trouble. That¡¯s why our village is so poor. Nearby villages don¡¯t want to marry their daughters or sons to anyone from our village. They say we¡¯re foolish, vicious, and brainless. They think girls shouldn¡¯t marry into suffering here, and boys shouldn¡¯t bring our village girls home to cause trouble.¡±


    In the past, Wang Zhaodi wouldn¡¯t have shared this, but since Zhao Guihua offered to help her find a match, she decided to be upfront. Their village had a bad reputation. No one from nearby villages wanted to marry into their village, let alone someone from the city.


    Although she wanted to marry into the city, she didn¡¯t want to deceive anyone.


    ¡°My younger sister is already engaged, waiting to marry in a couple of years, but I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Why? If your sister is engaged, why aren¡¯t you, as the older sister?¡±


    Everyone was curious.


    Wang Zhaodi was a bit embarrassed but explained: ¡°Because I eat a lot. My appetite is huge, enough for several people, but I can¡¯t work as hard as several people. So no one wants to marry me.¡±


    That¡¯s why she was sent out.


    Still, Wang Zhaodi added: ¡°Even though I eat a lot, my family¡¯s food is divided equally. I don¡¯t get more than anyone else. I find my own food outside, like picking fruit or catching fish, but because I sneak food, my parents don¡¯t like me much. I¡¯m not very favored at home.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°That¡¯s not fair. I¡¯ve experienced hunger myself. If your appetite is naturally big and your family¡¯s rations are limited, what else can you do? You can¡¯t just starve.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just how you¡¯re born. What can you do?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Besides, I think you¡¯re quite capable.¡±


    Everyone was hardworking, but no one was as diligent as Wang Zhaodi. The Zhou family¡¯s home was now well-organized thanks to her. She even caught fish to improve their meals, which was no small feat.


    Everyone thought Wang Zhaodi was quite impressive, but when it came to considering her as a match for themselves or their relatives, they hesitated. After all, rural households didn¡¯t have grain quotas, and her appetite was too much for most families to handle.


    While they couldn¡¯t consider her for their own families, they were willing to help her find someone else.


    The conversation continued, and the atmosphere grew lively.


    Aunt Su was resting at home. She had initially thought about joining the gathering, but after spending so much time lying in the hospital, she¡¯d grown used to napping at this hour and decided to stay in. When she woke up, she heard the chatter outside.


    Peeking out the window, she saw everyone talking to Wang Zhaodi and sneered.


    A country girl, mingling with everyone like she belonged. How dare she?


    Aunt Su had thought that since she was the one who introduced Wang Zhaodi, the girl should be grateful and treat her like royalty, taking on all the household chores. But instead, Wang Zhaodi had immediately sided with the Zhou family, completely ignoring Aunt Su¡¯s household.


    This ingrate.


    A thankless wretch.


    Her family seemed cursed. Wang Zhaodi was an ingrate, and Hu Huihui was no better. After handing over her earnings, she barely showed her face except to sleep. If asked to do anything, she¡¯d just ignore it.


    Aunt Su: ¡°These girls are all worthless. In the old days, they¡¯d have been sent to the brothels.¡±


    She spat a few times, growing more displeased.


    Zhao Guihua noticed a gaze and turned to see Aunt Su¡¯s venomous look before she could hide it.


    Yikes!


    That was terrifying.


    She rolled her eyes and called out loudly: ¡°Aunt Su, if you want to listen, come out and join us. What are you doing, sneaking around like that?¡±


    Aunt Su: ¡°Who are you calling sneaky? How dare you speak to me like that!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Who else? That look of yours just scared me.¡±


    She didn¡¯t hold back, saying what needed to be said.


    Aunt Su¡¯s eyes darted around. ¡°Nonsense. I¡¯m the gentlest person. You¡¯re just¡­ Ahhh!¡±


    She suddenly screamed as if she¡¯d seen a ghost.


    ¡°What the heck? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why are you yelling like that? You¡¯re scaring everyone.¡±


    Aunt Su pointed at the gate, stammering: ¡°Y-you¡­ how are you back?¡±


    Everyone turned to see a gray-haired, weathered old woman stepping into the courtyard. It was none other than the first person from their neighborhood to be jailed¡ªAunt Zhou.


    Aunt Zhou had lost a lot of weight. She was already a thin woman, but now she looked like a gust of wind could knock her over. Though it hadn¡¯t been long, she seemed to have aged several years.


    ¡°Good heavens, Aunt Zhou, you¡¯re back?¡±


    ¡°Wait, weren¡¯t you sentenced to four months? Shouldn¡¯t you be back at the end of next month?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, did you escape?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. Even if she wanted to, she wouldn¡¯t have the guts or the means.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s face was ashen. Wang Zhaodi quickly put down what she was holding and went to support her. ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re back. Come sit down. Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu are still at work and haven¡¯t returned yet. Should I go call them¡­¡±


    Aunt Zhou suddenly burst into loud sobs, wailing: ¡°Oh heavens, I¡¯m finally home! It¡¯s been so hard! Oh, heavens, it¡¯s been so hard¡­¡±


    She cried uncontrollably.


    Everyone exchanged awkward glances.


    Zhao Guihua, ever the practical one, said: ¡°If you¡¯re going to cry, at least sit down first.¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°It¡¯s been so hard! After I was taken in, I suffered so much! My son and daughter-in-law didn¡¯t even visit me! My life is so bitter¡­¡±


    Aunt Zhou was completely devastated. She had just returned home, but neither her son nor her daughter-in-law had shown up to see her, not even once. Although she hadn¡¯t been gone for too long, it wasn¡¯t as if they couldn¡¯t have visited her! How unfilial of them!


    She cried and wailed as she vented her frustration.


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, ¡°You¡¯ve cried enough. It¡¯s partly your own fault for stirring up trouble. Now that you¡¯re back, go take a bath and have a good meal. Tonight, when they get off work, the family can reunite.¡± She paused, then looked Aunt Zhou up and down and asked, ¡°Did you get out early?¡±


    Aunt Zhou nodded through her tears, ¡°Yes, I was released over a month early. I was supposed to serve four months, but I reported someone¡¯s crimes and was credited for it, so they let me out early¡­ sob sob.¡±


    ¡°Reported someone¡¯s crimes? What did you do?¡±


    Everyone¡¯s curiosity was piqued.


    Aunt Zhou sobbed as she explained, ¡°There was a woman in my cell who was in for theft. She seemed very meek, always crying and saying she had no choice because life was hard. Everyone sympathized with her and took care of her. But who am I? I¡¯m no ordinary person. I thought there was something off about her. Everyone in there is serving time, so why was she acting like some pitiful saint? Besides, her act wasn¡¯t even as convincing as Aunt Su¡¯s.¡±


    Aunt Su¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Why are you dragging me into this? I¡¯m not acting!¡±


    Ignoring Aunt Su¡¯s displeased glare, Aunt Zhou continued, ¡°So I kept an eye on her, and sure enough, I found something suspicious. I discovered that her two deceased daughters were actually killed by her. She favored boys over girls and didn¡¯t want to raise daughters, so she deliberately caused their deaths. After testing her a few times, I felt something was wrong and reported her. Turns out, I was right! It really was her doing! Because of my tip, I was released early.¡±


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯ve got some skills!¡±


    ¡°I never would¡¯ve guessed you had such sharp eyes.¡±


    Honestly, everyone was quite shocked. Who would¡¯ve thought Aunt Zhou had such a knack for spotting deception?


    Aunt Zhou basked in the praise, feeling a bit smug, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really. Did you think I¡¯d let her fool me? Her act wasn¡¯t even as genuine as Aunt Su¡¯s.¡±


    Aunt Su retorted, ¡°Stop bringing me up. I¡¯m not like that.¡±


    She would never do something as criminal as murder or arson.


    She knew what kind of actions could land her in jail.


    She wouldn¡¯t ruin her life like that.


    Besides, favoring boys over girls didn¡¯t mean you had to kill your daughters. If you raised them right, they could support the family for life.


    Aunt Zhou insisted, ¡°Anyway, I saw through her act.¡±


    It just goes to show how much experience they¡¯ve gained in their neighborhood.


    If it weren¡¯t for Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law constantly putting on a show, Aunt Zhou wouldn¡¯t have developed such sharp instincts.


    Wiping her tears, Aunt Zhou lamented, ¡°I¡¯m back, I¡¯m finally back. But my son and daughter-in-law are so unfilial. They didn¡¯t even come to see me, sob sob¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°You¡¯ve been gone for a while, but a lot has happened in our neighborhood. They probably didn¡¯t visit you because they were too busy. Oh, and congratulations, by the way.¡±


    Aunt Zhou replied, ¡°Don¡¯t expect me to treat you to a meal just because you congratulated me. I got out on my own merits.¡±


    Zhao Guihua clarified, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. I wasn¡¯t talking about that.¡±


    Aunt Zhou asked, ¡°Then what?¡±


    Although Aunt Zhou had returned, she was much calmer than before. After all, that place had a way of humbling people. Even someone as fierce as Aunt Zhou had been reduced to nothing there. She had suffered quite a bit, and now that she was back in familiar territory, she didn¡¯t dare act as domineering as she used to.


    Now, she could even hold a normal conversation.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Jiang Lu is pregnant.¡±


    ¡°What!!!¡±


    Aunt Zhou stared at Zhao Guihua in disbelief, grabbing her arm tightly, ¡°What did you say? She¡¯s pregnant? Really? How far along is she? This is amazing, sob sob¡­¡±


    She was so excited that her face turned red.


    She had been waiting for this for years.


    Aunt Zhou began dancing around, her entire being radiating joy.


    At that moment, Aunt Su walked over. She couldn¡¯t stand seeing others doing better than her family, so she blurted out, ¡°You should be happy. Your son is useless now, he¡¯s not a man anymore. It¡¯s a good thing Jiang Lu is pregnant, or else your family line would¡¯ve ended.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Aunt Zhou let out another wail.


    Her emotions swung from extreme joy to extreme sorrow.


    She grabbed Aunt Su and shook her violently, ¡°What are you saying? Is it true? Tell me!¡±


    ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    ¡°Aunt Zhou, let go! Aunt Su just got out of the hospital¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let go¡­¡±


    With everyone¡¯s help, Aunt Zhou finally released Aunt Su, who was gasping for air and her face flushed. Aunt Su scolded, ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    Aunt Zhou demanded, ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s wrong with my son?¡±


    Everyone fell silent, and Aunt Zhou suddenly turned to Wang Zhaodi, ¡°You tell me.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi said nervously, ¡°Auntie, let¡¯s go inside, and I¡¯ll explain everything that¡¯s happened recently.¡±


    It would be too embarrassing to discuss this in public.


    Aunt Zhou snapped, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    She stormed off toward her house, with Wang Zhaodi hurrying after her.


    Aunt Su grumbled angrily, ¡°It¡¯s not my fault her son¡¯s useless. Why did she grab me?¡±


    ¡°Enough, let¡¯s not talk about this. It¡¯s not our place to comment.¡±


    Thinking about it, Aunt Zhou had only been gone for about three months, but so much had already happened in their neighborhood.


    Just as they were reflecting on this, they heard Aunt Zhou let out another scream, ¡°Where¡¯s my secret stash of money? Ahhh!¡±

 Chapter 120

    Aunt Zhou could eat coarse cornbread, endure hard labor, and live a tough life, but she could never live without her secret stash of money. That was her lifeline! In her entire life, aside from her son, the most important thing to her was money.She grabbed Wang Zhaodi and scolded, "Was it you, you little wench, who took my money? Speak up! You''re the only outsider in this house!"


    Wang Zhaodi turned pale with fear and hurriedly shook her head, saying, "I didn¡¯t, I really didn¡¯t! I don¡¯t even know where you keep your money. I know nothing about it. Auntie, why don¡¯t we call Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu back? They¡¯ll definitely know what¡¯s going on!"


    She desperately defended herself while thinking they needed to bring them back. She had no idea about anything, but Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu surely would.


    Aunt Zhou was in a daze, muttering, "Yes, yes, that¡¯s right..."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Wang Zhaodi, go to the factory and find them. Hurry!"


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "Okay, okay."


    She dashed off toward the machinery factory. Aunt Zhou tried to grab her, saying, "What if she¡¯s the one who stole the money and runs away?"


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "Stop talking nonsense. Where could she run to? Calm down first..."


    "I-I-I can¡¯t calm down! I¡¯m the wealthiest in this compound! I have a thousand yuan in my secret stash..."


    Aunt Su, her long-time rival, watched Aunt Zhou with envy, her eyes flickering with a mix of jealousy and helplessness. If only the money belonged to Bai Fendou or Old Man Bai, things would be different.


    Aunt Zhou continued wailing, as if this was the greatest pain she had ever endured.


    "Which devil took it? It¡¯s either her or Jiang Lu... What a disgrace to our family! My money, my hard-earned money, saved bit by bit, never spent on myself..."


    "That money is my life savings, my burial fund..."


    "It¡¯s the symbol of my status as the wealthiest in this compound..."


    Aunt Zhou kept repeating the same phrases, wailing for nearly an hour until her voice turned hoarse. As time passed and no one returned, she cried out again, "Wang Zhaodi must have run off with the money..."


    Her cries were so intense she nearly fainted.


    "This house can¡¯t have outsiders! My money, my money..."


    Just as Aunt Zhou was still shouting, a calm female voice cut through the noise: "The money is with me."


    Jiang Lu walked in from outside, exuding the demeanor of a queen, with Zhou Qun and Wang Zhaodi standing on either side like her attendants. Her composed tone instantly silenced Aunt Zhou, who looked like a rooster with its neck wrung, pointing at Jiang Lu and stammering, "Y-you... you ungrateful wench, you took my money..."


    Jiang Lu said, "Everyone, step aside."


    She entered the room and declared, "Let¡¯s talk."


    Her calmness left Aunt Zhou completely flustered. In the Zhou family, Jiang Lu had always been treated like a servant, living a life worse than Wang Zhaodi¡¯s current situation.


    Aunt Zhou lunged at her, screaming, "You little bitch..."


    It was Jiang Lu¡¯s own father who had sent Aunt Zhou to prison, insisting on strict punishment without any mercy. The more Aunt Zhou thought about it, the angrier she became, ready to attack. The onlookers immediately shouted, "She¡¯s pregnant!"


    "Jiang Lu, be careful!"


    Jiang Lu didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, she stepped forward and said, "Go ahead. Hit my belly! If you dare lay a finger on me, I¡¯ll abort the child and divorce your son!"


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s hand froze mid-air, as if she had been struck by a martial arts move. She couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing. Jiang Lu¡¯s expression was ice-cold, filled with disdain.


    Aunt Zhou nearly choked on her anger and turned to Zhou Qun, shouting, "Zhou Qun, how can you let your wife treat me like this?"


    Zhou Qun replied, "Mom, stop making a scene. Jiang Lu is pregnant."


    Aunt Zhou took a deep breath and said, "Right, right, she¡¯s pregnant. The Zhou family will have an heir. For the sake of the child, I¡¯ll let this go..."


    Before she could finish, Jiang Lu sneered, "Go ahead, make a scene."


    Aunt Zhou stammered, "What?"


    She stared at Jiang Lu, feeling as if she were looking at a completely different person. This Jiang Lu bore no resemblance to the one she knew. If it weren¡¯t for her time in prison teaching her not to believe in superstitions, she¡¯d have thought Jiang Lu was possessed by a fox spirit.


    Otherwise, how could someone change so drastically?


    Jiang Lu ordered, "Wang Zhaodi, close the door."


    The crowd at the door was peeking in, eager to witness the drama. Jiang Lu didn¡¯t want to be the center of gossip, so Wang Zhaodi quickly shut the door, apologizing, "Stop looking, stop looking."


    "Wang Zhaodi, take care of Jiang Lu. She¡¯s pregnant. Don¡¯t let anything happen to her," someone reminded her.


    Despite the door being closed, the crowd lingered outside.


    Wang Zhaodi stood behind Jiang Lu, like a loyal servant.


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s anger flared. Did Wang Zhaodi even know who was in charge of this household? It seemed that in just a short time, the power dynamics had shifted entirely, and she was no longer the one in control.


    No matter how much Aunt Zhou glared, Wang Zhaodi remained unmoved. Jiang Lu was pregnant, and she had to take care of her.


    Jiang Lu said, "Mother-in-law, I know you¡¯re not happy, but there are some things I need to make clear. From now on, whether it¡¯s Zhou Qun or you, everyone in this house needs to behave. There¡¯s only one person in charge here, and that¡¯s me, Jiang Lu."


    "On what grounds?" Aunt Zhou demanded.


    Jiang Lu replied, "On the grounds that your son got involved with a man and got himself castrated. Is that reason enough?"


    "What?!" Aunt Zhou couldn¡¯t believe her ears, but then she remembered Aunt Su¡¯s earlier words and realized they might not be lies. She slumped into a chair, muttering, "You¡¯re lying, you must be lying..."


    Jiang Lu sneered, "Zhou Qun is right here. You can ask him if I¡¯m lying."


    Aunt Zhou turned to Zhou Qun, pleading, "Zhou Qun, tell me, tell me they¡¯re lying..."


    Zhou Qun awkwardly smiled, unable to speak.


    Jiang Lu added, "If you don¡¯t want to ask Zhou Qun, you can go outside and ask. The whole compound came out to watch the drama. Even a three-year-old at the alley entrance knows what happened."


    Aunt Zhou collapsed onto the bed, her face pale. Jiang Lu continued without hesitation, "The only reason I¡¯m staying in the Zhou family is because of my feelings for Zhou Qun and the child we¡¯re expecting. If it weren¡¯t for that, given Zhou Qun¡¯s attempt to assault a male colleague and his... current condition, I would¡¯ve filed for divorce."


    Aunt Zhou looked up sharply at Zhou Qun and cried, "Zhou Qun, how could you be so foolish? You... you..." She couldn¡¯t bring herself to say it. How could her son be so indiscriminate?


    She stared at Zhou Qun, who hung his head in shame. As a mother, she knew Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t lying. After all, Jiang Lu loved Zhou Qun so much¡ªwhy would she fabricate such a story?


    Biting her lip until it bled, Aunt Zhou asked, "How did it come to this? Tell me, who was the male vixen?"


    Zhou Qun remained silent, but Jiang Lu spoke bluntly, "Your son is quite the character. You don¡¯t even know what he did. He invited Bai Fendou to stay at our place, tricked me into sleeping in another room, and then tried to take advantage of Bai Fendou in the middle of the night. The whole compound found out. Bai Fendou was so distraught he kicked your son and... well, you know the rest."


    "What?! Who?!" Aunt Zhou thought she misheard, but Jiang Lu¡¯s expression confirmed it. She was in shock¡ªhow could her son¡¯s taste be so... questionable?


    She glared at her son, her anger boiling over. "I¡¯ll go find Bai Fendou and make him pay..."


    "Sit down!" Jiang Lu barked.


    Aunt Zhou plopped back into her seat, defeated.


    Jiang Lu: "You went to find Bai Fendou? Bai Fendou is the victim here. He was going to report it to the police, but I gave him 100 yuan to settle the matter. I also promised to introduce him to a potential partner. Otherwise, do you think this would have ended so quickly? Zhou Qun would have been lucky to escape with just a slap on the wrist. He almost ended up in jail alongside you."


    Aunt Zhou: "What!"


    She shouted again, but after a moment of thought, she began to cry silently.


    The law shows no mercy!


    She had learned that much during her time inside.


    Jiang Lu: "I didn¡¯t have any money on hand, so I had to use your private savings. But since we¡¯re the ones taking care of you in your old age, you don¡¯t need to keep any secret funds. Zhou Qun and I have already discussed it. From now on, I¡¯ll be managing the household finances. I¡¯ll be collecting Zhou Qun¡¯s salary, and I¡¯ll give him five yuan a month for lunch. I know you¡¯re not happy about this, but Mom, I don¡¯t want to say too much. You need to face reality. It¡¯s no longer about what you or Zhou Qun decide. It¡¯s about what I decide. Besides the child I¡¯m carrying, if you want another child in this family, you¡¯ll have to adopt one. Are you okay with that?"


    Aunt Zhou and Zhou Qun both shook their heads immediately.


    Jiang Lu nodded: "That¡¯s settled then. I still have feelings for Zhou Qun, and I don¡¯t want our child to have a stepfather. So let¡¯s all live together peacefully. Both of you need to behave and follow my lead. In this household, I¡¯m the one in charge."


    Aunt Zhou pursed her lips, wanting to argue, but after glancing at her son, her daughter-in-law, and Jiang Lu¡¯s belly, she silently looked up at the ceiling, tears streaming down her face. After a long pause, she nodded.


    Jiang Lu: "Whether I give birth to a son or a daughter, this will be our only child. Regardless of gender, we must treat them well."


    "We¡¯ll definitely have a son."


    Jiang Lu: "It doesn¡¯t matter."


    Aunt Zhou nodded again and said, "Chef Li and Aunt Wang managed to find a son-in-law to marry into their family. If we have a daughter, we can do the same."


    She had always favored sons over daughters, but given the current situation, she knew her son was no longer reliable. Whether it was a grandson or a granddaughter, it didn¡¯t matter. They could figure out the rest later. Even finding a son-in-law to marry into the family wasn¡¯t out of the question.


    Jiang Lu also nodded and said, "Alright, then. From now on, I¡¯m the head of this household."


    Aunt Zhou had a hundred grievances in her heart, but she didn¡¯t dare voice them. She never imagined that in the less than three months she was away, her son could have caused such a mess.


    How could a mother possibly turn things around when they¡¯ve gotten this bad?


    Aunt Zhou cautiously glanced at Jiang Lu, fearing she might bring up divorce.


    Despite being an uneducated old woman, she understood that if Jiang Lu divorced Zhou Qun now, not only would they struggle to find someone with a job, but even finding a rural girl like Wang Zhaodi, who knew the family well, would be impossible. No one would want to live as a widow.


    As for someone with Jiang Lu¡¯s qualifications? Forget about it.


    In the past, she and her son had understood this and had worked together to belittle and control Jiang Lu. But now¡­ she didn¡¯t dare.


    After all, Jiang Lu was pregnant, which meant she was capable of bearing children.


    If she were truly unhappy, she could just terminate the pregnancy and divorce Zhou Qun. She could always remarry and have another child.


    But this child was their family¡¯s only hope.


    Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t doubt for a second that the child wasn¡¯t Zhou Qun¡¯s. In fact, it was because Jiang Lu had been so devoted to Zhou Qun in the past that neither Aunt Zhou nor Zhou Qun had ever questioned it. Besides, Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu worked in the same unit, and he had never seen Jiang Lu get too close to anyone else, so he was completely at ease on that front.


    Aunt Zhou felt the same way. She knew how much Jiang Lu cared for Zhou Qun and didn¡¯t suspect anything.


    She muttered softly, "Aunt Lian does have some skills. She said you two could have children, it was just a matter of time¡­ I thought she was just trying to trick me back then, but it turns out she was right."


    Jiang Lu¡¯s eyes flickered as she said, "She¡¯s a decent person. Look at the hens we got from her¡ªthey lay eggs quite well." Unlike most charlatans who would say anything to swindle people, Aunt Lian had been considerate.


    Aunt Zhou finally smiled: "That¡¯s good. Now we¡¯ll have eggs to eat at home. It¡¯s perfect for you to get some extra nutrition during your pregnancy."


    Jiang Lu: "I have one egg every day. Oh, right, Mother-in-law, I¡¯ve been thinking. Even though you¡¯re back now, you¡¯re not as young as you used to be. It¡¯s too much for you to handle all the household chores alone. Once I¡¯m further along in my pregnancy, and especially after I give birth and during my confinement, it¡¯ll be even harder. So I¡¯d like Wang Zhaodi to stay a bit longer and help out around the house."


    Wang Zhaodi had been staying with them for about three months now, and her character was quite clear.


    Aunt Zhou: "Huh?"


    She wasn¡¯t too pleased with the idea. Wang Zhaodi had come here to have a child, but since that wasn¡¯t happening anymore, keeping her around would just mean an extra mouth to feed. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Lu: "Do you want to do all the housework yourself? I¡¯ve gotten used to living in a clean house. I can¡¯t stand even a speck of dirt anywhere."


    In the past, their home had always been a bit messy, mainly because Aunt Zhou was lazy.


    Aunt Zhou looked around. The bedding was neatly arranged, the windows were spotless, the floor was swept clean and even sprinkled with water. Even the kitchen was tidy, with all the pots and pans neatly organized and clean.


    "At your age, even if you can manage the chores, can your body handle it? You¡¯ve been away for so long. Don¡¯t you want to rest and recover after coming back?"


    Aunt Zhou glanced at Wang Zhaodi, who was looking at her nervously.


    After some thought, Aunt Zhou nodded: "Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you." She really didn¡¯t want to do the housework.


    Jiang Lu: "Good. Later, buy some candy and give it to the neighbors. Let them know you¡¯ve officially taken Wang Zhaodi in as your goddaughter."


    "Huh?"


    "Huh?"


    Both Aunt Zhou and Wang Zhaodi were shocked.


    Jiang Lu: "This way, there¡¯s a proper reason for Wang Zhaodi to stay with us. It¡¯s fine for now, but as time goes on, people might start gossiping. It¡¯s better to handle things properly."


    Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t like the average housewife. She had a job and had seen more of the world.


    Now that the rose-tinted glasses of love were off, her shrewdness had returned.


    "From now on, I¡¯ll give you 20 yuan a month for household expenses. You¡¯ll need to keep track of the accounts. If you can¡¯t remember, come up with your own symbols, but I¡¯ll need to see the account book every month and hear your report. If I notice any decline in our quality of life, I¡¯ll have Wang Zhaodi take over the finances next month. Don¡¯t think you can manipulate Wang Zhaodi either. If you try anything sneaky, we¡¯ll send you back to the countryside to retire. Don¡¯t look at Zhou Qun¡ªthis is my decision. If Zhou Qun sides with you, I¡¯ll divorce him."


    Aunt Zhou choked, feeling an overwhelming sense of bitterness.


    Jiang Lu: "You¡¯re my mother-in-law, Zhou Qun¡¯s mother. As long as you behave, we¡¯ll take care of you in your old age. But if you cause trouble, I won¡¯t be so polite. Mom, things are different now than they used to be!"


    In the "negotiation" between Jiang Lu and Aunt Zhou, Jiang Lu held all the cards.


    Aunt Zhou was unhappy, but she didn¡¯t dare argue, not even a little. She knew that their family had changed.


    Though she was domineering and harsh, she also understood that Jiang Lu was right. Zhou Qun was useless now. What else could she hope for? Aunt Zhou began to cry again and said, "I understand. But¡­ I need to have a word with Bai Fendou. How could he just take 100 yuan from us like that? Men harassing men¡­ that¡¯s not right. There¡¯s no such rule."


    Jiang Lu said quietly, "If you go to him and get beaten to death, Zhou Qun and I won¡¯t be able to help you."


    Aunt Zhou: "Uh¡­"


    Jiang Lu: "Bai Fendou even beat up Wang Xiangxiu recently¡­"


    Aunt Zhou: "What!"


    She shouted in disbelief.


    She, she, she¡­ she had only been gone for less than three months. How could so much have happened?


    The world was changing too fast!


    She was struggling to keep up and quickly asked, "Why?!"


    Jiang Lu, exhausted from the earlier negotiation, said, "Wang Zhaodi, explain it to your godmother."


    Wang Zhaodi, still overjoyed at the prospect of staying longer, was caught off guard by the question and asked, "Where should I start?"


    There were just too many things happening in their courtyard, far too many.


    Jiang Lu turned her head to look at Zhou Qun with a half-smile and said, ¡°Let¡¯s start from the day it rained heavily, the incident when the Bai family¡¯s house got flooded¡­¡±


    Wang Zhaodi replied, ¡°Ah, alright!¡±


    This was going to be a long, long story.


    She began, ¡°That night¡­¡±


    After Jiang Lu had dealt with her mother-in-law and stepped outside, everyone was still gathered at the door, though they couldn¡¯t hear clearly. Jiang Lu smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine now. My mother-in-law just got back and didn¡¯t understand the situation. Once she knew what happened, everything was okay. Oh, by the way, she¡¯s planning to adopt Wang Zhaodi as her goddaughter, so we¡¯ll be handing out candies to everyone later.¡±


    ¡°Ah? Okay, okay.¡±


    ¡°This is quite unexpected. Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t even make a fuss.¡±


    ¡°How could she dare to make a fuss? Have you seen what Zhou Qun¡¯s like now?¡±


    ¡°They only have one child left, so they can¡¯t afford to offend Jiang Lu¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Before Jiang Lu even left, people started gossiping. Jiang Lu thought to herself, ¡°Couldn¡¯t you at least gossip behind my back?¡±


    She cleared her throat and said, ¡°Zhou Qun, since we¡¯ve already taken time off and came back early, let¡¯s go buy some groceries. We can prepare a nice dinner to welcome Mom back.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The couple left, but the Zhou household was filled with exclamations:


    ¡°Oh my god!¡±


    ¡°What the heck!¡±


    ¡°Oh heavens!¡±


    ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    ¡°What on earth¡­¡±


    All kinds of astonished voices echoed through the house. Aunt Zhou had been away for a while, and a lot had happened. She had a lot of catching up to do, and it was going to take her quite some time. Indeed, it did. Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t emerge from her room until evening, looking utterly dazed.


    She had absorbed too much information all at once.


    Who could have imagined so much had happened in such a short time?


    When she finally stepped out, she glanced at the Su family with a complicated expression. She had never liked the Su family¡¯s three kids. Though her son was good, he wasn¡¯t part of their family, so Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t care much for them. Now, hearing how troublesome those kids had been, she was even more shocked.


    Then there was the Bai family¡­ well, two bachelors, one paralyzed and the other injured.


    The injured one hadn¡¯t even gotten married yet.


    Compared to that, her family¡¯s issues didn¡¯t seem so bad.


    Sometimes, people like to compare because it makes their own problems seem trivial. She sat on a small stool by the door, feeling a mix of emotions. At that moment, she regretted her past actions. Why had she caused such a scene and ended up in trouble?


    If she hadn¡¯t gotten into trouble, maybe she wouldn¡¯t have missed out on all this drama.


    How much had she missed?


    It was truly frustrating.


    She sat by the door as people gradually dispersed, going about their own business.


    However, Aunt Su came out twice and looked at Aunt Zhou, saying, ¡°Oh, Aunt Zhou, I heard your savings were taken by your daughter-in-law? You really have a good daughter-in-law, don¡¯t you?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t resist mocking Aunt Zhou.


    Because of the money issue, Aunt Zhou had mocked her countless times before. She used to brag about how her daughter-in-law¡¯s money was hers, but now what was there to brag about? All those years of saving, and it was gone.


    Thinking about this, Aunt Su felt particularly pleased.


    ¡°What are you going to do now? Will you have to live under your daughter-in-law¡¯s thumb? Not all daughters-in-law are like my Xiu¡¯er, you know¡­¡±


    She gloated shamelessly. Aunt Zhou couldn¡¯t stand her smug face.


    With a roar, Aunt Zhou lunged forward.


    She couldn¡¯t scratch her pregnant daughter-in-law, but she sure could scratch her loudmouthed rival.


    Aunt Zhou slapped Aunt Su twice in quick succession.


    Aunt Su screamed, ¡°Are you crazy?!¡±


    She dodged frantically, but Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t backing down. She grabbed Aunt Su and started hitting her, ¡°You gossipy troublemaker! Stirring up trouble, huh? Disgusting me, huh? What right do you have to talk about me? Everyone knows what your daughter-in-law does outside! How dare you brag! Take this!¡±


    ¡°Ah! You shrew!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re no saint either.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are they fighting again?¡±


    Zhao Guihua came out of her house and saw the two women going at it. She said, ¡°They just got back and they¡¯re already fighting? Can¡¯t they even last a night?¡±


    She didn¡¯t step in to break it up, though. She was a frail old lady, and if she got accidentally hit, whose fault would that be? She just stood by and shouted, ¡°Stop fighting! What if someone gets killed?¡±


    ¡°Zhao Guihua, come over here and pull this old hag away!¡± Aunt Su yelled.


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°I don¡¯t have the strength.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Aunt Zhou continued slapping Aunt Su, channeling all her frustration with her daughter-in-law into her blows. ¡°If you keep trying to drive a wedge between me and my daughter-in-law, I won¡¯t let you off easy!¡±


    From the tone, it sounded like she might stop, but the fierce slaps suggested otherwise.


    Aunt Wang intervened, ¡°Enough! You two need to stop. You just got back and you¡¯re already at it again.¡±


    No wonder Aunt Wang was the neighborhood manager. She was strong and burly. She stepped in, grabbed both women, and pulled them apart, scolding them, ¡°You¡¯re both old enough to know better. Stop this nonsense.¡±


    At that moment, Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun returned from grocery shopping. Jiang Lu had even bought some meat. Seeing her mother-in-law and Aunt Su, she didn¡¯t need to guess who had started the trouble.


    It wasn¡¯t that she particularly liked her mother-in-law¡ªshe found the old woman¡¯s sharp tongue unbearable¡ªbut she knew that Aunt Zhou had just returned and was still processing all the gossip. She wouldn¡¯t have had time to start anything. So, it had to be Aunt Su who provoked her.


    Jiang Lu said, ¡°Mom, you just got back and don¡¯t know everything yet. Wang Xiangxiu has been transferred to cleaning toilets. Aunt Su is upset about it, so just let her be for now, okay?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Both old women shouted in unison.


    Aunt Su didn¡¯t know about this, and Aunt Zhou was equally surprised.


    Then, Aunt Zhou burst out laughing, ¡°This is hilarious! Wang Xiangxiu is cleaning toilets now? Hahaha!¡±


    Aunt Su retorted, ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡±


    She glared at Jiang Lu, who calmly said, ¡°You didn¡¯t know? Well, you¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±


    Jiang Lu then instructed, ¡°Zhaodi, you handle the cooking.¡±


    She added, ¡°I¡¯m pregnant and can¡¯t afford to go hungry.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi quickly agreed, ¡°Alright.¡±


    She was full of energy. Jiang Lu and Wang Zhaodi went inside, and Jiang Lu whispered, ¡°If you help me out here, I¡¯ll provide food and lodging, and I¡¯ll give you an extra three yuan a month. It¡¯s not much, but you can save it. No matter what, it¡¯s good to have some money set aside.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi was about to refuse when Jiang Lu gave her a meaningful look and said, ¡°Don¡¯t tell Zhou Qun or my mother-in-law. They¡¯re not the brightest. Don¡¯t turn it down. You¡¯re a grown woman now; you should have some money of your own. Keep it hidden and don¡¯t spend it unless you have to.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi looked at Jiang Lu, her eyes gradually filling with tears. She rubbed her eyes and nodded firmly, saying, ¡°Thank you, Sister Jiang Lu.¡±


    Jiang Lu replied awkwardly, ¡°No need to thank me.¡±


    Their little exchange went unnoticed by others. Meanwhile, Aunt Zhou and Aunt Su were still going at it in the courtyard.


    It was also around the time people were getting off work, so many stopped to watch the spectacle. Aunt Zhou was quite the character, immediately going into a rage after returning. However, her anger wasn¡¯t directed at her daughter-in-law but at Aunt Su.


    Ming Mei returned home just in time to see this. She looked at Aunt Zhou in surprise and asked, ¡°How did she get back early?¡±


    Someone nearby overheard her and chimed in, ¡°She earned some credit while she was away¡­ blah blah¡­¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes widened, and she exclaimed, ¡°Wow, she¡¯s something else!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi, who had returned with Ming Mei, remarked, ¡°Aunt Zhou is an indispensable figure in this neighborhood. She really makes her presence known as soon as she¡¯s back.¡±


    Ming Mei asked eagerly, ¡°So, why are they fighting? Tsk tsk, Aunt Su¡¯s face is all swollen.¡±


    There were even scratches and blood.


    ¡°It¡¯s Aunt Su¡¯s fault. She couldn¡¯t keep her mouth shut and tried to stir up trouble between Aunt Zhou and Jiang Lu. When they first got back, Aunt Zhou¡¯s savings¡­¡±


    And so, the gossip continued.


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Zhou doesn¡¯t even care anymore, so why is Aunt Su meddling?¡±


    "That''s right," Ming Mei chimed in eagerly, "They¡¯re meddling too much. They can¡¯t even manage their own family, yet they¡¯re trying to interfere with others."


    "Exactly, look at their three kids... tsk tsk."


    In these times, who doesn¡¯t despise petty thieves?


    Ming Mei nodded vigorously, fully agreeing with their words.


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his wife enjoying the drama without a care for danger, parked his bicycle under the eaves and pulled Ming Mei further away. "If you¡¯re going to watch the commotion, at least find a safe spot. You never know when they might suddenly act."


    Ming Mei: "...You¡¯re right."


    Zhao Guihua was also standing nearby, thoroughly enjoying the scene. She said, "You¡¯ve already gone to pick up your wife and come back, but your dad and sister-in-law still aren¡¯t home yet?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "They have to tidy up their tools after work. I finished organizing everything five minutes early and was ready to bolt out the door as soon as the bell rang."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    As if on cue, they arrived just as she finished speaking. They ended up walking back together.


    Liang Meifen had just started her first day at work. She used to work in a textile factory, which was completely different from her current job as a fitter. Being a fitter required more physical strength, and after being at home for over half a year, she found herself a bit out of shape and tired from the sudden workload.


    "How was your first day? Did you adjust well?" Zhao Guihua asked.


    Liang Meifen quickly nodded, "I¡¯m adjusting fine."


    She added, "On my first day, I was assigned to work with Sister Zhu from the workshop. She¡¯s a fifth-level fitter and really skilled."


    Zhao Guihua: "That¡¯s good to hear."


    Liang Meifen said with envy, "She earns over fifty yuan a month, and with the summer heat allowance, it¡¯s almost sixty. I¡¯ll have to learn from her and earn more too."


    The thought of this filled her with hope.


    In her previous life, if Old Man Bai hadn¡¯t gotten into trouble, Liang Meifen wouldn¡¯t have had to find a new job, so Zhao Guihua had no idea if she had any talent for this kind of work. But regardless of talent, even being a first-level worker would be a big help to the family.


    Liang Meifen was also happy herself. She said, "The machinery factory is truly a massive enterprise with over ten thousand employees. It¡¯s completely different from my old factory. The atmosphere here feels so much more vibrant."


    How to put it?


    Even though there were still many "activities" going on these days, they weren¡¯t as intense as they used to be. There were still some minor conflicts here and there, but the machinery factory rarely got involved in such things.


    Nowadays, it¡¯s almost unheard of. It¡¯s said that even during the most chaotic times, the machinery factory managed to keep production going.


    This was mainly because they were a crucial part of heavy industry, and production couldn¡¯t be delayed. They had to meet output quotas, so work couldn¡¯t stop. When people were too exhausted from work, they didn¡¯t have the energy to stir up trouble. As a result, the factory¡¯s overall atmosphere was much better than that of the textile factory.


    Liang Meifen was delighted and couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how different a large state-owned enterprise felt.


    She cheerfully said, "Mom, I¡¯ll cook dinner."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I¡¯ve already made it. We¡¯ll eat as soon as your husband gets home."


    Liang Meifen: "Alright."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s workplace was different from theirs and a bit farther away, but he didn¡¯t come home too late either. Liang Meifen immediately called the children in for dinner. The two kids washed their hands and came home, just as other families were also returning for their meals.


    Aunt Zhou: "Hmph. I won¡¯t stoop to your level, pah!"


    Her quarrel was coming to an end.


    Total victory!


    In the past, whenever Aunt Zhou got into an argument, there would always be someone meddling and buzzing around. But now, Bai Fendou just glanced over after work and went straight home. This made Aunt Zhou even happier.


    Hehe, no backup for you now, huh?


    Aunt Zhou strutted home triumphantly, while Aunt Su frowned as she stared at the door. Why wasn¡¯t Wang Xiangxiu back yet? That little vixen must have run off with some man again. What a shameless woman.


    Who knows how many men she¡¯s been with behind her son¡¯s back.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that she needed her to support the family and take care of her in old age, she would¡¯ve kicked that woman out long ago.


    Fortunately, this woman still had some value left. She was going to squeeze every last bit of usefulness out of her, leaving nothing behind.


    Just as she was pondering this, Bai Fendou came out. She quickly approached him, "Fendou, are you heading out again?"


    She asked gently, "Are you going to see your dad? How is he doing?"


    Bai Fendou: "Get lost!"


    He snapped and walked away without another word.


    In the past, he had been kind to her out of love for her daughter. But now that he no longer cared for the daughter, he had no reason to be polite to Aunt Su. Bai Fendou rode off on his bike. He hadn¡¯t been to the hospital all day, but there was nothing he could do about it.


    He couldn¡¯t just skip work, could he?


    If he didn¡¯t earn money, how would he pay for his father¡¯s treatment?


    When he arrived at the hospital, the people around the other beds gave him disdainful looks, but he didn¡¯t feel the least bit ashamed.


    Every family has its own struggles.


    Others might pity Old Man Bai, but none of them were going to take him in and care for him. That responsibility still fell on his son.


    He sighed and headed to the doctor¡¯s office. If possible, he wanted to discharge his father and have him recover at home. It would be better than staying in the hospital.


    As soon as Bai Fendou left, someone spat, "His father hasn¡¯t even left the critical stage, and this guy didn¡¯t show up for a whole day."


    "He went to work."


    "How could he not wait a few more days until his father was out of danger?"


    "Maybe he¡¯s out of money? That¡¯s why he¡¯s rushing to work?"


    "Well, who told him to spend all his money on that widow? Everyone knows about that!"


    Bai Fendou¡¯s self-exposure had spread throughout the hospital.


    People pitied him but also looked down on him.


    In these times, even if you had decent conditions, if you behaved like this, people would still scorn you.


    Bai Fendou had no idea people were talking about him. He was careless by nature. Although the hospital had said it would take several days for his father to be out of danger, after seeing him stable for two or three days, he stopped worrying.


    Now, even though his father was still on an IV drip, he decided it was time to discharge him.


    The doctor looked at Bai Fendou in disbelief, "Your father hasn¡¯t left the critical stage. If you take him out now, what if something happens?"


    Bai Fendou: "He looks fine to me."


    The doctor: "..."


    Where exactly do you see that your father is fine?


    "He¡¯s not out of danger yet. If you insist on taking him away, he could die. If you do that, we can¡¯t stop you, but you¡¯ll have to sign a waiver."


    Bai Fendou hesitated. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to treat his father.


    But seeing his father lying there, unconscious and unresponsive, he thought, what difference did it make whether he was lying in the hospital or at home? Wasn¡¯t it just a waste of money? The daily expenses weren¡¯t cheap.


    He wavered.


    The doctor had seen plenty of cases where people couldn¡¯t afford to treat serious injuries or illnesses. Life was hard, and sometimes there was no other choice.


    So the doctor didn¡¯t force Bai Fendou to keep his father in the hospital, but he did explain the situation clearly. After thinking it over, Bai Fendou sighed and said, "Fine, he¡¯ll stay in the hospital."


    He couldn¡¯t just abandon his father completely.


    He left the doctor¡¯s office with a heavy heart and returned to the ward, muttering under his breath, "Old man, you¡¯re lucky to have a son like me. If it were someone less filial, they wouldn¡¯t even bother taking care of you. Do you know how much money you¡¯re costing me every day? You¡¯re lying here, unconscious, and still draining my wallet. What a burden..."


    The people around the other beds sneered, their disdain for him growing even stronger.


    Unaware of their judgment, Bai Fendou found an empty bed and lay down. At least it was summer, so he didn¡¯t need a blanket.


    Bai Fendou had gone to the hospital, leaving no one at home. Aunt Su stood at the door, still waiting, but there was no sign of Wang Xiangxiu. The surroundings were empty, and her face was as dark as ink. That little vixen.


    So where had Wang Xiangxiu gone today?


    Aunt Su would never have guessed. Instead of rushing home after work, Wang Xiangxiu had taken a strange, winding route to Liang Meifen¡¯s parents¡¯ house.


    Yes, you read that right¡ªshe went to Liang Meifen¡¯s parents¡¯ house.


    Wang Xiangxiu had worked all day, surrounded by foul smells, feeling like she was about to vomit. Not only that, but she was also being gawked at like a circus animal. She felt utterly miserable. And the person responsible for her current predicament was none other than Liang Meifen.


    If it weren''t for Liang Meifen coming to work at the factory, how could they have assigned her to clean the toilets?


    The person who was supposed to take over the job of cleaning the toilets didn¡¯t do it, and instead, they transferred her, a first-class fitter from the workshop, to do it. Is there any logic in that?


    At this moment, Wang Xiangxiu conveniently forgot that her status as a first-class fitter was only granted due to her long years of service and the factory¡¯s consideration of her family¡¯s financial difficulties. In reality, she didn¡¯t actually meet the qualifications.


    Fortunately, the work of a first-class fitter was relatively simple, so she managed without much trouble.


    But as for being promoted to a second-class fitter? She might as well stop dreaming about that.


    Yet, she firmly believed that she was already a first-class worker and would soon be promoted to second-class. Being treated so unfairly was simply unacceptable!


    However, when Wang Xiangxiu went to complain to the management, no one paid her any attention. They either avoided her or bluntly told her they didn¡¯t want to see her. This left her feeling deeply frustrated. She had always been well-liked and got along easily with men.


    The fact that even the management didn¡¯t value her made her feel particularly miserable. Why was this happening?


    The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. But she also knew there was nothing she could do to change the management¡¯s decisions. Because of this, she decided to teach Liang Meifen a lesson. After all, how did Liang Meifen manage to give up her formal job and still get a new one?


    Did she even deserve it?


    There was no way to reverse Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s assignment to clean the toilets, but she was determined to cause some trouble for Liang Meifen.


    Both Wang Xiangxiu and Liang Meifen had been married into the same compound for many years, so they knew each other well. Wang Xiangxiu was aware that Liang Meifen¡¯s family was greedy and never satisfied. Over the years, they had frequently visited Liang Meifen, and although it sometimes seemed like they didn¡¯t take much, everyone knew that Liang Meifen¡¯s salary was mostly used to support her parents and younger brother.


    So this time, Wang Xiangxiu decided to exploit this situation. She didn¡¯t know Liang Meifen¡¯s family personally, but she had a rough idea of where they lived. After asking around for a long time, as night fell, she finally found the compound.


    ¡°Is the Liang family home?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu stood at the entrance and called out.


    ¡°Is there a family surnamed Liang here? The young man isn¡¯t very tall, quite stocky, with single eyelids,¡± she added. ¡°Oh yes, he works at the textile factory and took over the job at the end of last year.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you mean the Liang family! They live over there. Mrs. Liang, there¡¯s a woman outside looking for your son¡­¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly corrected, ¡°No, no, I¡¯m not looking for their son. I¡¯m looking for the elderly couple¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, Old Lady Hu, come out for a moment.¡±


    It was dinner time, and Old Lady Hu, holding a steamed bun, came out and asked, ¡°Who are you¡­?¡±


    She found the woman in front of her somewhat familiar but couldn¡¯t place her. ¡°Are you looking for our family?¡±


    The woman did look familiar, but she didn¡¯t recognize her.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Before Wang Xiangxiu could answer, Liang Meifen¡¯s younger brother, Liang Jiabao, appeared. Liang Jiabao was the only son in the Liang family and had been pampered since childhood. While everyone else was thin from hardship, he was rather stocky.


    Wang Xiangxiu recognized him immediately.


    After all, this young man had previously visited their compound to ask Liang Meifen for money.


    She immediately put on a sweet smile and said, ¡°Little brother, do you remember Sister Xiu?¡±


    Liang Jiabao replied, ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re Widow Wang.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°¡­¡±


    She hated hearing those two words. Even though she was indeed a widow, she despised being reminded of it. It wasn¡¯t that she had loved her husband deeply, but his death had forced her to shoulder the burden of supporting the Su family. She didn¡¯t like being reminded of that.


    She cooed, ¡°Oh, come on, don¡¯t call me Widow Wang. Just call me Sister Xiu.¡±


    Liang Jiabao: ¡°Sister Xiu, you¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, a cold, sharp voice interrupted, ¡°What Sister Xiu!¡±


    The woman¡¯s voice was icy, and she stepped out of the house. She was decent-looking but had narrow, upturned eyes that made her seem difficult to deal with. She glared at Liang Jiabao and said, ¡°Liang Jiabao, you better explain yourself. Who is this ¡®Sister Xiu¡¯? What are you doing outside? A widow comes knocking at your door, and you¡¯re calling her ¡®Sister Xiu¡¯? Disgusting!¡±


    A nosy neighbor chimed in, ¡°She said she was looking for your parents-in-law too.¡±


    This made Liang Jiabao¡¯s wife even angrier. ¡°So, you¡¯re not just fooling around outside, but you¡¯re bringing this woman into our home? Is that it?¡±


    She became furious. ¡°Liang Jiabao, are you out of your mind? You have a young wife like me, and you¡¯re still chasing after this kind of woman? Is she younger or prettier than me? Is the grass always greener on the other side?¡±


    She was a fiery woman and grabbed Liang Jiabao by the collar. ¡°You better explain yourself clearly, or this isn¡¯t over.¡±


    The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned.


    Wang Xiangxiu protested, ¡°No, no¡­ How can you accuse me like this?¡±


    ¡°Stop with your whiny voice. I¡¯m a woman too, and I¡¯m not falling for your tricks!¡± She tightened her grip on Liang Jiabao. ¡°Explain yourself! Who is this woman?¡±


    Liang Jiabao was equally confused. He had no idea why he was being accused of this. He had always been faithful to his wife.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know! I don¡¯t even know why she¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know why she came looking for you? Do you think I¡¯m stupid?¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know! Sister Xiu, say something! Explain! We have no relationship whatsoever. Wait, why did you come looking for me¡­?¡±


    This only made Liang Jiabao¡¯s wife more suspicious.


    ¡°Oh, so she can¡¯t come looking for you? Are you afraid your affair will be exposed? You heartless man!¡±


    *Slap!*


    She struck him across the face.


    Liang Jiabao, cowering, said, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The elderly couple rushed forward. ¡°Daughter-in-law, what are you doing? How can you hit him? If there¡¯s any blame, it¡¯s that woman¡¯s fault¡­ You can¡¯t hit him!¡±


    ¡°Look at the kind of woman he¡¯s bringing home! Shameless!¡±


    Although Old Lady Hu was harsh on her daughter, she was much weaker when it came to her daughter-in-law. Seeing Wang Xiangxiu, she felt the woman was nothing but trouble and lunged at her. ¡°You dare come here and ruin my son¡¯s family? I¡¯ll beat you to death, you vixen!¡±


    ¡°Old man, slap her! Hit her!¡± Old Man Liang wasn¡¯t exactly a kind old man either.


    Wang Xiangxiu shouted, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your family? What are you doing? Don¡¯t blame me if I fight back¡­¡±


    A chaotic brawl broke out!


    Liang Jiabao¡¯s wife was seething with anger. When they were introduced, she was told how wonderful the Liang family was, but after marrying into it, she realized it wasn¡¯t all that great. They had promised her ¡°three rounds and one sound¡± (a traditional dowry), but they couldn¡¯t deliver on any of it.


    If it weren¡¯t for Liang Jiabao¡¯s stable job and the fact that she could have some control after marrying in, she wouldn¡¯t have agreed to the marriage.


    Even before the wedding, she had clashed with her sister-in-law.


    She couldn¡¯t find a better family, but she still felt the Liangs weren¡¯t good enough for her. After marrying in, she became even more dissatisfied with their actual situation. But since she was already married and couldn¡¯t divorce and remarry, she had to make do.


    However, she soon found new reasons to be unhappy. Liang Jiabao worked at a textile factory with many female workers.


    Sometimes he would come home and talk about his coworkers, who were all women, which made her even angrier. She had been bottling up her feelings, and today, seeing a woman come to their home, she couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. She shouted, ¡°Have you no shame? Liang Jiabao, what did you promise me when we got married? And now you¡¯re bringing this kind of woman home?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She thought this family was insane. She had never had any relationship with Liang Jiabao; she had only come to warn them about Liang Meifen!


    How could they jump to such conclusions?


    They were delusional.


    As she dodged their attacks, she fought back.


    She raised her voice a little and said, "What nonsense are you talking about! There''s nothing going on between me and Liang Jiabao. I''m Liang Meifen''s neighbor, and I came here today because of Liang Meifen''s matters..."


    Bringing up Liang Meifen only made Liang Jiabao''s wife even angrier. That sister-in-law of hers was so stingy. She couldn''t even spare a bicycle, even though her husband was the only male heir in the Liang family. She should have been willing to empty the family coffers to support him.


    But no, she refused to help.


    She was truly no good.


    Not only did she refuse to help, but she also said that Liang Meifen was just an ordinary girl, nothing special, and didn''t deserve so much. This led to a heated argument, and they parted on bad terms. She drew a clear line: it was either her or Liang Meifen. If they wanted to get married, Liang Meifen absolutely could not be invited. How dare a sister-in-law try to meddle in the dowry matters?


    Shameless!


    And she won. The Liang family actually went along with her and didn''t invite Liang Meifen.


    This was her proudest moment.


    The family''s conditions weren''t as good as she had imagined, but she had them firmly under her control.


    However, whenever Liang Meifen was mentioned, she became extremely displeased.


    She said, "Ugh! Stop talking about Liang Meifen. Liang Meifen is nothing. What kind of sister behaves like that? Her brother is getting married, and she won''t even contribute the ''three rounds and one sound''? She''s trash. What now? Did she send you here to seduce my husband and make me look bad? Let me tell you, it won''t work! My Jiabao only has eyes for me! Liang Meifen can dream on if she thinks she can ruin my marriage!"


    The neighbors who overheard this shook their heads. Liang Meifen had given so much to the Liang family, and it was all for nothing. This family was truly ungrateful.


    Wang Xiangxiu retorted, "...Are you out of your mind? Who wants to ruin your marriage? Can''t you see that your short, ugly husband is someone I wouldn''t even look at? You''re so full of yourself. With your nasty attitude, you''re only fit for a man who relies on his sister to get a job..."


    "What? How dare you insult my son!" Old Lady Hu was even more furious now, and she lunged at Wang Xiangxiu with her "Nine Yin White Bone Claw" technique.


    "You people are really insane. When did I ever show interest in your son? I came here out of goodwill to tell you that Liang Meifen has found a new job."


    Liang Jiabao didn''t believe it at all and shouted, "You''re my third sister''s neighbor. Logically, you should be on good terms with her. Why would you come all the way here to tell us this? Are you plotting something with her to trick us? Are you trying to scam me out of my job?"


    "That''s right, that must be it."


    "Exactly! Jobs aren''t that easy to come by. She just gave her job to me, and now she has another one? Do you think we''re stupid?"


    "Ah, they must be up to no good. She probably regrets giving up her job and is now scheming with her neighbor. How despicable! What a wicked woman!"


    "No doubt about it, that''s exactly what''s happening."


    The Liang family members, one after another, firmly believed that Wang Xiangxiu had come with malicious intentions.


    Wang Xiangxiu was so angry she almost fainted. She had met stupid people before, but never such stupid and self-righteous idiots. She tried to calm herself and said, "Liang Meifen has started working at the machinery factory..."


    "Liar! That''s definitely a lie! The machinery factory is a state-owned enterprise. She''s been married for so many years and never got in. How could she get a job there now, when positions are so scarce? You''re a big liar!"


    "Exactly! Couldn''t you come up with a better excuse?"


    "Why are you saying this? What are you trying to achieve with this lie?"


    "Ah, I get it now." Liang Jiabao slapped his head and exclaimed excitedly, "I see through it now! My third sister must have gotten a temporary job at the machinery factory. She wants to use this as a better opportunity to swap jobs with me. The machinery factory is better than the textile factory. She¡¯ll trick me into thinking it¡¯s a permanent position, and once we swap, I¡¯ll end up with a temporary job at the machinery factory, while she¡¯ll take my permanent job at the textile factory. Oh, how devious! That¡¯s definitely their plan."


    He thought he had uncovered the truth.


    He was so clever, he saw right through it.


    The Liang family members all nodded in agreement.


    "Jiabao, you''re so smart. That must be it, absolutely."


    "I knew it! Why else would she come here with good intentions? It''s all a scheme. How despicable!"


    "What a disgrace to the family. Such a daughter is truly no good..."


    Wang Xiangxiu was on the verge of passing out. Was this family out of their minds?


    What kind of nonsense were they thinking?


    She cursed, "Go to hell, you bunch of idiots!"


    "How dare you curse at us? I''ll beat you up, you wicked woman!"


    "Count me in!"


    Wang Xiangxiu spat, "Ugh! Just die already, you trash!"


    Outnumbered, she didn''t stick around. She cursed as she ran away.


    Damn it, no wonder Liang Meifen was so stupid. It ran in the family!


    Ahhh, so infuriating!

 Chapter 121

    Wang Xiangxiu cursed under her breath as she walked back home, the echoes of Liang Jiabao''s foolish taunts still ringing in her ears: "I''m the smartest one here, don''t even try to fool me!"Thinking about that idiot''s behavior, Wang Xiangxiu spat and muttered, "I don''t know how a family of donkeys like them managed to raise a daughter who graduated from high school. If my family had been better off, I could have gone to university too."


    She firmly believed she was far superior to Liang Meifen.


    It was just that her family had been too poor, so she had only managed to attend school up to the elementary level, and even that she hadn''t completed.


    Wang Xiangxiu snorted heavily, pursed her lips, and hissed in pain. Her face had taken quite a beating, and it hurt terribly.


    That bastard had really gone too far!


    Even though Wang Xiangxiu had been the one to provoke the situation this time, she was still furious about being beaten up for no reason. Her luck had been terrible lately, always running into such idiots, turning perfectly good situations into complete messes.


    She thought of Bai Fendou again, feeling even more dissatisfied. If only he had lent her his bicycle, she wouldn''t have had to walk so far.


    Wang Xiangxiu trudged all the way home, and by the time she reached her doorstep, it was already pitch dark. Summer days were long, and it must have been around nine o''clock. Even the people who usually sat outside chatting had gone home. It was clearly late.


    She walked in with a dejected expression, only to find Aunt Su looking displeased. "Where have you been, Xiangxiu? Why are you back so late?"


    Then, noticing the bruises on Wang Xiangxiu''s face, she quickly asked, "Oh my, what happened? Who hit you? Did you run into some troublemaker? Let me see if it''s serious. Oh dear, look at you, my poor Xiangxiu."


    Wang Xiangxiu felt a warmth in her heart and said softly, "Mom, I''m fine."


    She whispered, "I just had some bad luck and ran into an idiot."


    Gurgle, gurgle.


    Before she could explain further, her stomach growled loudly.


    Aunt Su quickly said, "I''ll get you a cornbread bun. Let''s eat together."


    She explained, "There wasn''t much food tonight. The kids ate most of it, and I waited for you, so I haven''t eaten either."


    Aunt Su had always known how to manipulate Wang Xiangxiu, and Wang Xiangxiu was immediately moved. "Mom, you really shouldn''t have waited for me. You should eat early, especially since your health isn''t great. Oh, by the way, where''s my cousin, Hu Huihui?"


    Hu Huihui had been coming home late recently, but now she wasn''t even back yet?


    Aunt Su pursed her lips and said, "She''s not back yet."


    She added, "That cousin of yours isn''t exactly a decent person. When she first arrived, she could at least pretend, but now she doesn''t even bother. You, on the other hand, have always seen right through her."


    Wang Xiangxiu smirked proudly. "Of course, after all, she''s my cousin. Our families aren''t that far apart. Hu Huihui, well, she''s just average."


    Their mothers were sisters, but their relationship was only so-so, filled with constant competition. This rivalry had trickled down to their generation as well. They weren''t particularly close, just barely considered relatives.


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "But it''s good she''s not coming back. It saves us some food."


    Hu Huihui insisted on giving her eight yuan a month for room and board, which included breakfast and dinner. Now that she wasn''t coming back for meals, it was a real bargain. Wang Xiangxiu mused, "If only we had more relatives like that."


    Aunt Su chuckled. "Where would we find such good fortune?"


    After a pause, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, I heard you were transferred to cleaning the toilets. Is that true?"


    Deep down, she knew it was true¡ªJiang Lu wouldn''t lie about something so serious¡ªbut she still hoped it wasn''t.


    Wang Xiangxiu replied awkwardly, "It''s true."


    She complained, "It''s all because of that bitch Liang Meifen. Out of nowhere, she got a job at the factory and started working in the workshop. Meanwhile, they transferred me out. I don''t know what the leaders were thinking. It''s so shameless."


    "Well, you should talk to the leaders about this. How can they treat you like this?"


    Wang Xiangxiu pursed her lips. "I tried, but no one listened to me."


    She sighed.


    Aunt Su looked at Wang Xiangxiu with disdain. A pretty young woman like her shouldn''t have trouble handling such matters. Back in her day, this wouldn''t have been an issue at all. Seeing Wang Xiangxiu fail to resolve it left Aunt Su feeling helpless.


    She thought Wang Xiangxiu was utterly useless.


    She asked, "So after work, did you go to see the leaders?"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "No, how could I? They''re all avoiding me now, afraid I''ll tarnish their reputations. I doubt it would do any good even if I tried. I think even if they wanted to help, they wouldn''t dare. Everyone''s keeping an eye on me lately. That jinx is still spreading rumors that I slept with Yu Baoshan. Even if someone wanted to help me transfer, they''d be worried about ruining their own reputation."


    "But isn''t that just bullying women? Cleaning toilets isn''t a job for women. You should go to the Women''s Federation. Isn''t that what they''re there for¡ªto fight for women''s rights?" Aunt Su suggested.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s eyes lit up. "You''re right. I''ll go to the Women''s Federation tomorrow."


    Jiang Lu was part of the Women''s Federation, but Wang Xiangxiu didn''t even mention her. In her eyes, Jiang Lu was useless. Besides, she didn''t want to lose face in front of her neighbors. Even though she was now cleaning toilets, she was still one of the upper-class residents in their courtyard.


    Wang Xiangxiu gnawed on a cornbread bun, feeling it stick in her throat. She took a sip of water.


    Aunt Su said, "I''m done eating too."


    She added, "At my age, my appetite isn''t what it used to be. I waited for you, but by the time I ate, I wasn''t hungry anymore."


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "Mom, next time don''t wait for me. But didn''t we just get two hundred yuan in compensation? Plus, I managed to get some ration tickets. Why don''t you buy some wheat flour and make steamed buns?"


    Aunt Su quickly waved her hand. "No, no, at my age, I don''t deserve to eat wheat buns. Save those for the kids."


    Wang Xiangxiu insisted, "Mom, don''t say that. Your appetite isn''t great either. You should eat some fine grains."


    Aunt Su continued to refuse, adamant. "Absolutely not. Save it for the kids, or you eat it. I don''t do much work around the house, so I shouldn''t eat the good stuff. Listen to me, and don''t argue anymore. By the way, Xiangxiu, if you didn''t go see the leaders after work, what did you do?"


    Wang Xiangxiu felt a wave of frustration as she recalled the events. She spat and said, "It was all because of Liang Meifen. I wanted to teach her a lesson, so I went to her family''s place. But the Liang family is a bunch of idiots. You wouldn''t believe it, they made me so angry. Look at what they did to me..."


    She rambled on, and Aunt Su could only sigh, thinking that it was no wonder Liang Meifen seemed so dim-witted. Her family was just as clueless.


    Stupid and yet so full of themselves, thinking they were clever.


    Aunt Su said, "You worked all day, you must be tired. You should have come home earlier. If there''s something like this, you should tell me, and I''ll handle it. Instead, you went all the way there for nothing. Now that you''ve made such a mess of things, even if I go talk to them, they won''t listen. You''re too impulsive, child."


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "I didn''t expect them to be so stupid. Bai Fendou wouldn''t lend me his bicycle, so it took longer than I thought."


    Mentioning Bai Fendou, Aunt Su also grew displeased. "What kind of person is he? He won''t even lend you a bicycle? Even if you''re not lovers anymore, aren''t you still neighbors? He''s so cold-hearted. I think he was only nice to you before because he wanted something from you. That man has no good intentions. Now that he can''t perform as a man anymore, he''s turned cold. He deserves to be childless. A man like him, already without heirs, should be grateful to have a beauty like you as his wife. How dare he refuse you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip and said, "Ever since that day... he''s ignored me. He must have seen me with Deputy Director Cai."


    Aunt Su said, "So what? Love is about forgiveness. You only made a small mistake, and besides, you''re not even married yet. You did what you had to do for the sake of your family, your children, and your livelihood. What''s wrong with that? If he were a real man, he should be magnanimous and not hold it against you. Being so petty, he''s not a real man. Oh, wait, he''s not a man at all."


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded in agreement.


    Aunt Su continued, "Besides, even if he wants to cut ties with our family, he can¡¯t just refuse to lend us the bicycle. These are two completely different matters. And the few hundred bucks he got from selling his job¡ªwhat does a single man need to spend money on? There¡¯s no place for him to spend it. It would be much better if he gave it to us, people who actually need it. Isn¡¯t it good to help those in need? He doesn¡¯t even have a child. Who knows, he might need our Jinlai¡¯s help in the future."


    Wang Xiangxiu felt that her mother-in-law made a lot of sense and agreed, "You¡¯re right. He shouldn¡¯t be so petty. A few hundred bucks could¡¯ve solved a lot of problems for our family before¡­"


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law began to fantasize about how they could get their hands on that money.


    What they didn¡¯t notice was the person standing at the door, hesitating for a long time before deciding not to enter. Hu Huihui had been standing there, listening for a while, and eventually turned around and left. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to step over that threshold, mainly because she had never seen such shameless people before.


    If she stayed here any longer, she might start believing she was some kind of saint.


    Hu Huihui shook her head vigorously and quietly walked away.


    After Hu Huihui left, Aunt Zhou, like a gecko, pressed herself against the door and peered outside, whispering, "That girl left. Who is she?"


    Even though she had just returned, she had quickly immersed herself in the latest gossip, unable to break free. She was so obsessed that she barely slept at night, eager to catch up on all the gossip she had missed.


    "That¡¯s Hu Huihui, the one I told you about. She ran away from home to escape an arranged marriage. She¡¯s Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s cousin and lives here, paying eight bucks a month."


    Wang Zhaodi couldn¡¯t help but click her tongue at the thought of such an amount. Even Aunt Zhou was shocked. She clicked her tongue too and sighed, "That woman is really something. She¡¯s charging so much! Hu Huihui is too easy to take advantage of."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded and said, "Yeah, Hu Huihui spends money every month, but she hardly ever comes back to eat. We¡¯ve all noticed."


    Aunt Zhou sighed deeply, feeling that she had been outdone. She thought she was already quite harsh, but she had never treated Wang Zhaodi like this. Looking at the Su family, they could be so cruel even to their relatives. They were truly despicable.


    Suddenly, Aunt Zhou thought of something and quickly called out, "Jiang Lu, Jiang Lu, come here."


    Jiang Lu had already gone to bed. As a pregnant woman, she was prone to drowsiness. Hearing the commotion, she frowned, rubbing her temples, clearly annoyed. Zhou Qun, who was lying beside her, was also woken up and said, "Mom, what are you doing? Can¡¯t this wait until tomorrow?"


    Aunt Zhou was displeased, thinking to herself that her son always took his wife¡¯s side.


    But she quickly put on her robe and came over, saying, "I need to tell you this now, or I won¡¯t be able to sleep."


    "What is it?"


    Zhou Qun turned on the light, and Jiang Lu shielded her eyes with her hand.


    If their house weren¡¯t so small, she wouldn¡¯t be sharing a room with Zhou Qun. She would¡¯ve insisted on sleeping separately. It was so annoying.


    She asked, "What¡¯s going on?"


    Aunt Zhou spoke seriously, "If I don¡¯t say this now, I won¡¯t be able to sleep. I¡¯m afraid I might forget it later, so I need to tell you in advance. Move over."


    She pushed her son aside and sat on the edge of the bed, facing Jiang Lu. "The weather¡¯s nice now, and it¡¯s summer, so there¡¯s nothing to worry about. But when it gets cold and the ground freezes, you need to be extra careful, even in our courtyard. You have to watch out for the Su family."


    Jiang Lu, who had been half-asleep, immediately asked, "Why?"


    Aunt Zhou sneered, "Why else? They¡¯re sneaky. Let me tell you, don¡¯t be fooled by how kind Aunt Su looks. She¡¯s actually a terrible person. She¡¯s really good at doing bad things while pretending to be innocent. You young people might think she¡¯s a good mother-in-law, but I know better. She¡¯s no good. Back when Liang Meifen was pregnant with Little Swallow, Aunt Su¡¯s son had already passed away. Do you know how evil she is? She couldn¡¯t stand seeing other families happy. In the middle of winter, she deliberately poured water outside. You know how cold it gets here in Beijing in winter, right? It doesn¡¯t take long for a thin layer of ice to form. She did this every day, and Liang Meifen slipped on the ice and almost miscarried. Luckily, she was fine in the end, but Little Swallow was born a month premature."


    "Oh my God," Jiang Lu was wide awake now. "She¡¯s that bad?"


    "Of course! She even knelt down and claimed it wasn¡¯t on purpose, saying she was still grieving her son¡¯s death and wasn¡¯t thinking straight. But that was a load of nonsense. Her son had been dead for over half a year by then. Who would believe her? Besides, when she went to the factory to play the victim and cause a scene, she didn¡¯t seem out of it at all. But suddenly, she was ¡®distracted¡¯ when it came to this? I saw her several times, watching the Zhuang family before she poured the water. I called her out back then. But she¡¯s such a good actress. She knelt there, crying and slapping herself, making it look so real. Everyone in the courtyard believed her, even Zhao Guihua. Can you believe how stupid they were? Only I, her old rival, saw through her act. I knew she wasn¡¯t doing it unconsciously. She has three grandsons, right? She¡¯s terrified of anyone else doing better than her family. She¡¯s jealous of the Zhuang family¡¯s success, and she¡¯s jealous of ours too. So, Jiang Lu, you need to be careful. Stay away from their family. I¡¯ll keep an eye on things at home, but when you¡¯re at work, you need to watch out for Wang Xiangxiu."


    Jiang Lu¡¯s face turned pale.


    "But what does she gain from hurting others?" Wang Zhaodi, who had been following Aunt Zhou, whispered.


    Aunt Zhou turned around and sneered, "She doesn¡¯t gain anything, but she¡¯s happy as long as we¡¯re miserable. When someone is that evil, you can¡¯t expect them to do anything good."


    Wang Zhaodi didn¡¯t dare say anything more, but in her heart, she elevated Aunt Su from a two-faced old woman to a downright malicious one.


    Jiang Lu, however, immediately believed Aunt Zhou. She said, "I understand. Thank you, Mother-in-law."


    Aunt Zhou waved her hand, "No need to thank me! You¡¯re carrying the only hope for our Zhou family. If something happens to you, our family line will be cut off. That Aunt Su might very well do something. She¡¯s so good at pretending, she wouldn¡¯t do anything directly, but she might pull the same trick again."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll be careful."


    At this point, Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t annoyed at being woken up anymore. She was fully alert.


    Actually, she had heard about Liang Meifen¡¯s fall before. She had already married into the family by then, but she didn¡¯t pay much attention to such things. Back then, she didn¡¯t have a child, and the pressure on women who couldn¡¯t conceive was immense. She put a lot of pressure on herself and avoided pregnant women and anything related to pregnancy. So, while she had some impression of the incident, it wasn¡¯t very clear.


    Jiang Lu said, "Mom, thank you. I¡¯ll definitely keep an eye on her from now on."


    Aunt Zhou nodded, "I know. Alright, you two can go back to sleep now."


    Jiang Lu lay down, but she couldn¡¯t fall asleep right away. She said, "Zhou Qun."


    Zhou Qun replied, "Hmm?"


    Jiang Lu asked, "Don¡¯t you think your mom has changed a bit?"


    Zhou Qun was silent for a while before finally saying, "Yeah."


    Aunt Zhou used to be mean, domineering, and sharp-tongued. Everyone wanted to slap her.


    But since she came back, she was still domineering and had a sharp tongue, but she could actually reason with people now.


    It was strange.


    But then again, it wasn¡¯t that strange. She had spent nearly three months in jail, and it seemed like she had learned something.


    Jiang Lu said, "If everyone who went to jail could reform like this, it would be great."


    Zhou Qun replied, "Not necessarily. My mom is just inherently good."


    Jiang Lu made a gagging sound, turned over, and didn¡¯t say another word.


    She planned to talk to Ming Mei and Li Fang about this matter the next day. She didn¡¯t think Ming Mei and Li Fang knew about it but chose not to tell her. Although they hadn¡¯t known each other for long, she could tell that Ming Mei grew up in a well-off family, was a cheerful and warm-hearted person, and had a strong sense of justice.


    As for Li Fang, she didn¡¯t talk much, but she was straightforward and didn¡¯t play mind games.


    What happened a few years ago, Ming Mei might not know, and Li Fang probably didn¡¯t think much of it anymore. Still, she wanted to bring it up.


    Sometimes, in a big community like theirs, it¡¯s good to have someone like her mother-in-law, who isn¡¯t afraid to think the worst of people. It helps avoid a lot of trouble. For example, Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua believed that Aunt Su didn¡¯t mean any harm, which might have emboldened her.


    Many people are like that.


    They might start with small misdeeds, and when they get away with it, no one holds them accountable. Over time, they become bolder and more reckless. She let out a snort, turned over, and lay flat on her back, gently stroking her belly.


    This child was something she had longed for, and no one would be allowed to harm him.


    Jiang Lu tossed and turned for a long time before finally falling asleep. The next morning, she got up early and went straight to the Zhuang family. Ming Mei was preparing milk powder, something she had been drinking every morning lately. Her mother had managed to get it for her through some connections¡ªsomething not easily available to most people.


    Hearing the knock on the door, Ming Mei put away the milk powder and asked, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Come in.¡±


    She didn¡¯t hide the milk powder from Jiang Lu since Jiang Lu¡¯s family was well-off and wouldn¡¯t care about such things.


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°Why are you here so early?¡±


    Jiang Lu replied, ¡°I need to talk to you about something¡­¡±


    She quickly explained everything and added, ¡°Ask your mother-in-law and sister-in-law about it.¡±


    Then she said, ¡°I¡¯m going to Li Fang¡¯s place.¡±


    Now, the three pregnant women in the courtyard had formed a sort of alliance.


    Seeing Jiang Lu in such a hurry, Ming Mei looked down at her cup of milk, drank it all in one go, wiped her mouth, and went to the main room. Zhao Guihua was cooking porridge and asked, ¡°Why did Jiang Lu rush over to your place?¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°She reminded me to be careful of Aunt Su. She said the weather is fine now, but in a few months when it gets icy, and we¡¯re all further along in our pregnancies, it¡¯ll be dangerous if we slip and fall.¡±


    She glanced at Liang Meifen and said, ¡°Aunt Zhou mentioned that when Sister-in-law Liang Meifen slipped back then, it might have been Aunt Su¡¯s doing.¡±


    Liang Meifen, who was steaming mixed-grain buns, was startled. She slapped her forehead and said, ¡°Right, right, right! When I was pregnant with Little Swallow, I slipped, and she was born prematurely. But at the time, I didn¡¯t think it was intentional¡­¡±


    She paused and looked at her mother-in-law.


    In a hushed voice, she asked, ¡°Mom, do you think she really didn¡¯t mean it?¡±


    Zhao Guihua was silent for a long time before finally saying seriously, ¡°Back then, I believed she didn¡¯t mean it, but now, looking at her actions, I¡¯m not so sure¡­¡±


    When Su¡¯s son passed away, Wang Xiangxiu hadn¡¯t even finished her postpartum confinement, and Aunt Su had to manage the entire household. As soon as Wang Xiangxiu finished her confinement, she took over the household duties, while Aunt Su took care of the children, the youngest of whom was still a baby.


    After a few months, she was exhausted.


    If she had been mentally drained, disheveled, and careless, everyone would have believed it.


    Zhao Guihua had believed it, and even Liang Meifen, the victim, had believed it. After all, Aunt Su had always been seen as a good person, so no one thought she could be malicious. Since Liang Meifen and Little Swallow were both fine, the Zhuang family had let it go. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because no one had suspected it was intentional at the time, they hadn¡¯t given it much thought.


    But now that Jiang Lu had brought it up, it was hard not to feel uneasy.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Aunt Su is a crafty one. Who knows¡­¡±


    Liang Meifen slammed the bun she was holding onto the table and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to confront her!¡±


    Zhao Guihua quickly stopped her, saying, ¡°What¡¯s the point? It¡¯s been so many years. If you go and accuse her now, do you think she¡¯ll admit to it?¡±


    She added, ¡°If you bring up old grievances without any evidence, she¡¯ll just say you¡¯re being unreasonable and bullying a widow and her children. Is it worth it?¡±


    Liang Meifen said, ¡°I can¡¯t swallow this.¡±


    She glared in the direction of the Su household. Back then, she had thought Aunt Su was the best mother-in-law, someone to envy. But now, she wished she could kick that evil old woman to death.


    Even though there was no concrete evidence, Aunt Su¡¯s recent behavior had shattered her image. Even if she hadn¡¯t done anything blatantly wrong, the Su family¡¯s troubles had piled up, and no one was fooled anymore.


    Now, if Aunt Su tried to play the innocent victim, people would think twice.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°There¡¯s no point in digging up the past, but from now on, we¡¯ll be more careful. If she dares to do anything, I¡¯ll slap her. Don¡¯t worry, if she tries anything in front of me, I¡¯ll teach her a lesson.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll join in too!¡±


    Liang Meifen said eagerly.


    Ming Mei chimed in, ¡°Me too¡­ uh, after I have the baby, I¡¯ll join in.¡±


    Everyone laughed.


    The women were all fired up, while the men didn¡¯t dare to interrupt. But as the mood lightened, everyone relaxed a bit.


    They had gotten up early that day because Zhao Guihua had called them over. She had something to discuss with her two sons. After finishing the previous conversation, she moved on to the main topic: ¡°You all know that this summer has been unusually rainy, and we¡¯ve had seven straight days of heavy rain recently.¡±


    Everyone nodded.


    Zhao Guihua continued, ¡°All this rain has affected the crops. I think grain prices are going to rise, or it¡¯ll be hard to buy. So I want to stock up on some grain now. Even though it¡¯s not as good as the fresh grain harvested in the fall, it¡¯s better to have some stored in case there¡¯s a shortage. That way, we won¡¯t go hungry.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°You¡¯re all part of this family, so you can¡¯t just sit back and do nothing. I charge each household only ten yuan a month for living expenses, and you know how much we spend on food. With six adults and two children, plus your dad and me contributing another ten yuan, thirty yuan isn¡¯t enough to cover everything. Not to mention all the other expenses I take care of, like the clothes for Little Swallow and Tiger Head, and the blankets for the baby on the way.¡±


    Little Swallow and Tiger Head had gotten new clothes and backpacks this summer, all prepared by Zhao Guihua without asking for money.


    Similarly, Zhao Guihua had also prepared soft little jackets and blankets for Ming Mei¡¯s unborn child.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi nodded silently.


    They knew that their comfortable lives were largely due to their parents¡¯ support. Their father, a sixth-grade riveter, earned over sixty yuan a month, and their mother managed the household meticulously. Many of the luxuries they enjoyed came without extra cost.


    Such a life was rare these days.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, as the eldest son, spoke up, ¡°Mom, just tell us what you need. We¡¯ll listen.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I won¡¯t ask you to contribute to buying the grain, but starting next month, each household will pay fifteen yuan instead of ten for living expenses.¡±


    She added, ¡°Zhuang Zhiyuan and your wife, you should start preparing things for the baby. Don¡¯t always rely on us old folks. As for Zhuang Zhixi and your wife¡­ you two don¡¯t take advantage, but don¡¯t be too lazy either. Your sister-in-law used to help with the housework, but now it¡¯s just me since I¡¯m not working. There¡¯s a lot to do, so you need to pitch in more.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife nodded sheepishly.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, grinned and said, ¡°Laziness is human nature, haha.¡±


    Zhao Guihua scolded, ¡°Get out of here with that nonsense.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be so harsh. How about we chip in for the grain storage?¡±


    Zhao Guihua gave him a look and said, ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. This is just me planning ahead. I¡¯ve got it figured out.¡±


    Although it might seem like she''s at a disadvantage now, with the elderly couple subsidizing their son by buying grain, in reality, the money isn''t just gone. The grain is still there. The monthly living expenses for both households still need to be paid.


    When grain becomes scarce, the leftover living expenses will gradually balance out the earlier grain purchases.


    This is similar to how young people decades later would use credit cards.


    They aren''t paying upfront now, but it''s like they''re making monthly "repayments" on time.


    The logic is simple, so Zhao Guihua didn''t demand money from her son right away. However, she did propose an increase in the living expenses, which she had carefully considered. Five yuan is the minimum standard for living expenses, but their household''s lifestyle isn''t at the minimum.


    It''s actually quite high.


    Moreover, they can''t treat the children as if they don''t matter.


    Tiger Head and Little Swallow, the two little ones, eat just as much as anyone else.


    Zhao Guihua: "Eldest son, don''t think that I''m favoring your younger siblings by giving them eggs and other good food. Your sister-in-law is pregnant and needs the extra nutrition. Even if she weren''t, it''s only fair that their household eats a bit better. Your family already has the advantage since both households contribute the same amount, but you have two extra mouths to feed."


    Zhao Guihua has learned from her past life''s mistakes. Back then, she never explained her actions, believing she was fair, but everyone else thought she was unfair. It was only later that she realized she might have been wrong about many things.


    So in this life, she makes sure to explain everything openly. By doing so, everyone now thinks she''s straightforward and fair, and they trust her completely. It''s quite ironic.


    Even Liang Meifen, who used to mutter complaints all the time in her past life, now nods in agreement.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s eat."


    "Sure!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, are you going to the black market to buy grain? Do you want me to come with you?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, you and your brother should both go after work today. Go separately, so no one notices. Each of you buy a bag of flour. If possible, try to get some rice too, but never mind, I''ll handle the rice. I also want to buy some mixed flour."


    "Buy that much?" Zhuang Zhiyuan exclaimed in surprise.


    Zhao Guihua glared: "Then don''t eat. You have no idea what it''s like to manage a household. Do you think we''re the only ones buying grain?"


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly realized: "So that''s why Yang Lixin sneaked out¡ªhe was buying grain." He recalled what he had seen earlier.


    Zhao Guihua: "Are you working or spying? How do you know everything?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hehe."


    Zhao Guihua warned: "Eldest son, you''re not as quick-witted as your brother. When you go to the black market, be careful not to get cheated. Be extra cautious. If you run into the Red Armbands, it''s better to lose some money than get caught. Understand?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "...Why do I seem so slow-witted?"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him: "I gave birth to you, don''t I know? You''re stubborn as a mule."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing.


    Old Man Zhuang also smiled and said: "Both of you have jobs, so be careful. Wife, what about me..."


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look: "Don''t get involved. You''re not cut out for it. There''s a reason for your nickname¡ªOld Man Zhuang. If you go to the black market, you''ll just dawdle and get caught."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Now even Zhuang Zhiyuan laughed.


    At least he wasn''t the one being scolded.


    Early in the morning, the Zhuang household was already lively. Aunt Su came out to fetch water and tiptoed to peek at the Zhuang family, muttering: "What''s all this commotion so early in the morning?"


    In this courtyard, the Zhuang family was the one they envied the most. Although they weren''t the wealthiest in the compound, didn''t have the most sons, and weren''t even the compound managers, Aunt Su still envied them the most.


    The Zhuang family was thriving, and that was something to envy.


    Everyone in the Zhuang family was healthy, and that was something to envy.


    Out of the six adults in the Zhuang family, five had jobs, which was even more enviable.


    Only Zhao Guihua and the two children didn''t work, but with so many breadwinners in the family, it was truly something that drove others mad with jealousy.


    Everyone lived in the same compound, so why was it only the Zhuang family doing so well?


    Aunt Su glared at them with resentment but quickly looked away. She carried her basin of water back home.


    When she entered, she saw Wang Xiangxiu preparing breakfast and felt a flash of displeasure. It was taking too long. However, she still said gently: "Let me do that. You need to get to work."


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled: "Mom, it''s no trouble."


    Aunt Su: "Ah, I''m so lucky to have a daughter-in-law like you. If there''s a next life, we must be mother and daughter. No, we already are¡ªnot by blood, but closer than blood."


    Wang Xiangxiu laughed and nodded emphatically.


    Aunt Su: "Oh, right. Since you''re working in the sanitation department now, cleaning toilets and such, make sure to wash up and tidy yourself before coming home after work. I''m not saying this because I look down on you. No matter what, you''re the best in my eyes. But it''s summer, and I don''t want you coming home smelling bad. The neighbors might gossip or look down on you. No matter what job you do, it''s honorable, but there are always petty people who talk behind your back. So let''s always stay clean and presentable."


    "Alright," Wang Xiangxiu agreed, feeling that her mother-in-law truly cared for her.


    In this entire compound, no other mother-in-law was as considerate as hers. She smiled and said: "Mom, don''t worry. But if I do this, I might get home a bit later than usual."


    Aunt Su''s eyes flickered: "That''s fine. It''s no big deal."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Alright then. Oh, I''m running late. I''ll grab a steamed bun and eat it on the way."


    Aunt Su: "Go ahead."


    Wang Xiangxiu hurried out and ran into many people from the compound heading to the factory, including Liang Meifen, who was walking with Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu had a bicycle, but since she got pregnant, she stopped riding it and now walked every day.


    Zhou Qun also didn''t ride his bike and walked with them.


    It was clear that the Zhou family was being extremely cautious with this pregnancy. Even Ming Mei from the Zhuang family was being careful, with someone accompanying her to and from work. But at least she still rode a bicycle, whereas Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu didn''t even ride theirs, fearing even the slightest bump.


    Wang Xiangxiu smirked, thinking they were overreacting. When she was pregnant, she was still doing heavy housework and washing clothes for the whole family right up until she gave birth, and she still had a healthy baby boy. They were just being overly cautious.


    How ridiculous.


    Wang Xiangxiu thought of her three sons and couldn''t help but smile.


    She quickened her pace to catch up and overheard Liang Meifen saying: "Master Zhu is amazing. I think she''s even better than many men. My father-in-law said I was lucky to be assigned to her. She''s very thorough in teaching, and as long as I study hard, I can take the level exam right after my probation period ends next year. My husband even got me a notebook to jot down everything I learn. The more I study, the more I''ll improve."


    Liang Meifen was in high spirits that morning.


    How could she not be?


    She was now a worker.


    Before, when she wasn''t working, she didn''t feel it as much, but after staying home for half a year, she realized how uncomfortable it was. Although she could sometimes take naps at home, there were always endless chores that didn''t feel like they amounted to much. Plus, she felt like she couldn''t hold her head high, and money was always tight.


    Now, things were better. Even though her husband brought home the salary, she had five yuan of her own every month. Their family ate well, and she could save a bit by eating steamed buns for lunch. Liang Meifen felt that life was getting better and better.


    She continued: "There''s a young guy in our workshop who started a month before me. He''s probably not even twenty and took over his father''s job. I can''t let myself be worse than a young kid like that! I have to study hard and at least pass the level exam before him. I want to be the first to advance."


    Jiang Lu, who used to look down on Liang Meifen, now felt that there was a reason Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen had fallen in love freely.


    Liang Meifen might not be the most clear-headed when it came to her family matters, but she was diligent and eager to learn. No wonder she managed to graduate from high school. She hadn¡¯t seen many interns at the factory taking notes like she did.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing really well. If you keep this up for two more years, you¡¯ll get promoted and your salary will increase. Life will be even better then.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Zhou Qun chimed in with some gossip: ¡°But promotions aren¡¯t that easy, are they? Women aren¡¯t as strong as men. Just look at Wang Xiangxiu¡ªshe¡¯s been stuck at the same level for years.¡±


    Liang Meifen retorted, ¡°She¡¯s her, and I¡¯m me. You can¡¯t underestimate women. Sure, this job requires some strength, but it¡¯s more about finesse. It¡¯s not a big deal. I¡¯m used to hard work.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu had initially planned to walk with them, but after a few steps, she overheard their conversation. Zhou Qun, that scoundrel, was using her as a negative example, which made her feel annoyed. Besides, she was tired of talking about the work in the workshop. Naturally, she slowed her pace.


    ¡°Sister-in-law!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi rode past on his bike, waving his hand. Liang Meifen remarked, ¡°You¡¯re pretty quick.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Can¡¯t be late for work, after all.¡±


    Everyone was rushing to work on time. Zhuang Zhixi hurried upstairs, and as soon as he entered, Sister Cui said, ¡°The director¡¯s looking for you. Go see him.¡± She winked at him.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and quickly headed to the office. Not long after, he returned, beaming with joy.


    Sister Cui smiled and asked, ¡°Good news, right?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°The director asked me to temporarily take over the announcer¡¯s duties for a while.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s great news!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    This kind of task wasn¡¯t usually taken on by older employees. It was mostly the younger ones competing for it. Little Xu was pretending to be dead at his desk, completely uninterested. Another young colleague, Little Tang, had a noticeable accent, so Zhuang Zhixi was the most suitable choice.


    Old Huang gave Zhuang Zhixi some advice: ¡°You¡¯re in charge of this now, so be careful when reading the scripts.¡±


    Although their factory wasn¡¯t involved in anything controversial, it was still important to be cautious.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°There are two of us taking shifts. I¡¯m not the main announcer¡ªmy primary job is still here. I¡¯ll just handle announcements or any other urgent matters that come up in the factory.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t the main player. After all, he wasn¡¯t a professional. The broadcasting station had a dedicated announcer, and he was just a backup. Some colleagues were directly assigned to the propaganda department, and he was the most suitable person to deliver notifications. This wasn¡¯t exactly a step up, but it was a chance to gain experience and make himself more visible in the factory. Zhuang Zhixi thought it was a decent opportunity.


    He said, ¡°I should buy some meat to celebrate tonight.¡±


    ¡°You definitely should.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Zhuang Zhixi, isn¡¯t your wife working at the bus station?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°Yeah, why?¡±


    Sister Cui smiled meaningfully and said, ¡°There are probably a lot of young women there, right? Do you think you could arrange a matchmaking event between the bus station and our factory? Our factory has a lot of young men, and their station has a lot of young women. It¡¯s a perfect match.¡±


    Don¡¯t think Sister Cui was meddling¡ªthis was just part of the propaganda department¡¯s responsibilities.


    Sister Cui added, ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that many bus conductors are young women.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and said, ¡°I could ask my wife, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    Sister Cui asked.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°Their station doesn¡¯t have that many people. Our factory is huge¡ªthere are way more people here. How many people are at the bus station? Including leaders, drivers, and support staff, I doubt they even have two or three hundred people. I haven¡¯t asked, but I¡¯m guessing they don¡¯t. Subtract the male employees and those who are already married. How many unmarried young women could there be? Probably not even a few dozen. But in our factory, the number of young, unmarried men is ten, twenty, or even thirty times that. The numbers are completely unbalanced. How would you even arrange something like that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I hadn¡¯t thought of that.¡±


    Sister Cui realized it wouldn¡¯t work. The numbers were just too mismatched.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t organized a big matchmaking event this year because we can¡¯t find enough suitable people. This is really hard to pull off.¡± It wasn¡¯t that Sister Cui was bored¡ªthis was an annual task.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t this something the labor union should handle? Why is it falling on the propaganda department?¡±


    Sister Cui replied, ¡°Every year, the factory office takes the lead, involving the labor union, the propaganda department, and the women¡¯s federation. The union could do it on their own, but there are always some complications. They don¡¯t want to shoulder all the responsibility, so for the past few years, they¡¯ve been dragging us into it. You¡¯re good-looking and have no trouble finding a partner, so you don¡¯t know how hard it is for some of these guys. They get really worked up over these opportunities.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi joked, ¡°I guess I should thank my parents for giving me good looks.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely. Take Bai Fendou from your neighborhood, for example. He¡¯s always had a hard time finding a partner. Every time there¡¯s an event like this, he¡¯s the first to sign up, but the women aren¡¯t interested. It¡¯s an old story.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°He probably won¡¯t participate this year, right?¡±


    After all, he was infamous throughout the city for his¡­ shortcomings. He couldn¡¯t possibly show up.


    Sister Cui gave Zhuang Zhixi a strange look and said, ¡°I ran into him in the restroom this morning, and he asked me if we¡¯re doing it this year. He said if we are, he absolutely can¡¯t be left out.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Zhuang Zhixi nearly choked.


    He was at a loss for words. Staring at Sister Cui in disbelief, he said, ¡°He still wants to participate? He¡¯s got some nerve.¡±


    Sister Cui sighed, ¡°Tell me about it. If someone who didn¡¯t know about his¡­ situation ended up with him, they¡¯d blame us for setting them up. That¡¯s why the labor union insists on involving everyone in this task. Every year, there¡¯s someone who exaggerates or lies, and it causes problems. There are even people who fake their age. It¡¯s embarrassing and unworthy of a worker¡¯s dignity. Oh, and one year, there was a guy who made a fake sofa. He used some boards and balloons to pretend he had a sofa at home¡ªa big-ticket item. He even borrowed a sofa cover to make it look real. It was just for show, but the girl he was matched with actually sat on it. The balloons popped, the frame collapsed, and she fell. She blamed the factory for it. We¡¯re only responsible for introductions¡ªshouldn¡¯t they do their own research? Ugh, these kinds of things happen all the time. We¡¯re stuck cleaning up their messes.¡±


    They were clearly suffering.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but laugh at Sister Cui¡¯s pained expression.


    Sister Cui glared at him, ¡°You¡¯re laughing at me now?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly said, ¡°No, no.¡±


    He thought for a moment and came up with an idea. ¡°Sister Cui, why don¡¯t you create a simple profile for everyone?¡±


    Sister Cui asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°You know how people always exaggerate or hide things during these matchmaking events? You could create a basic profile for each participant. For example, give everyone a small badge with their number and name. Then, post a list¡ªone side for men, one side for women. People can look up the basic information based on the number and name. It doesn¡¯t have to be complicated. For example, for Little Xu, you could write: Number 1, Xu Jianye, 23 years old, projectionist in the propaganda department. Parents and one sister. Father is a worker, mother is a homemaker. Sister is married. Just a simple introduction like that. It¡¯s not too much work, but it would prevent people from taking advantage of the situation.¡±


    Sister Cui thought about it and nodded, ¡°You know, that¡¯s not a bad idea.¡±


    They were participating in a large group blind date event. In the past, they would organize a big matchmaking gathering, and then individuals would take it from there, getting to know each other further. Logically speaking, some people getting scammed really couldn''t be blamed on the factory. This wasn¡¯t like hiring a matchmaker to arrange a blind date; it was more of a preliminary introduction as part of their work.


    With so many people involved, it was like setting up a stage for everyone to get to know each other better.


    However, many still ended up being tricked, and afterward, they would cause a fuss.


    They were also quite troubled by this.


    "Little Zhuang, I think what you suggested is quite good. Although it increases the workload a bit, at least it eliminates the issues of people lying about their age or job position. Temporary workers can''t pretend to be permanent staff, and a thirty-year-old can''t pass themselves off as twenty. It also ensures that details like whether someone has been divorced or widowed are clearly stated. This way, people can avoid such situations from the get-go."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Exactly. Although the initial workload is heavier than before, think about it¡ªthis information can be reused. Most people aren¡¯t likely to find someone within the same year anyway. Next year, we won¡¯t need to ask all these detailed questions again; just a simple update will suffice. And honestly, doing a thorough job upfront is much better than dealing with disputes later on."


    "Right, right, right."


    Sister Cui: "Little Zhuang, could you write up a draft of what you just said? Actually, no¡ªcome with me to see the leader¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh my, why am I getting dragged into this now¡­"


    Everyone laughed good-naturedly.


    Zhuang Zhixi was pulled away, and Little Xu rolled over, turning his head to the other side, continuing to nap. He muttered, "What¡¯s the point of finding a partner? Women are tigers; they¡¯ll drain you dry in no time."


    The group fell silent.


    Your words are quite¡­ intriguing.


    "Little Xu¡­"


    Little Xu: "Don¡¯t count me in. I¡¯m not participating."


    "Uh¡­"


    Alright, as long as you¡¯re happy.


    Little Xu: "Finding a partner is the most pointless thing."


    Isn¡¯t it just about sleeping together? And sleeping together just means getting drained dry.


    He wasn¡¯t having it.


    Seeing Little Xu¡¯s attitude, everyone around him felt deeply concerned for his parents, Old Xu and his wife. Would they ever get to hold a grandchild? Even Little Xu¡¯s rival, the newly promoted projectionist in their department, looked at him with rare sympathy, thinking: Did this guy encounter a female ghost while working in the countryside?


    This really doesn¡¯t look good!


    While the working folks were busy, those not working were also occupied. Zhao Guihua had gone out early in the morning to the black market and came back with two bags of mixed flour. She had originally wanted to buy some cornmeal¡ªit was really cheap¡ªbut after thinking it over, she decided against it.


    Her family wasn¡¯t so poor that they couldn¡¯t afford better. Why force themselves to live frugally?


    Her husband hadn¡¯t lived a good life in his previous years and had passed away. She didn¡¯t want this life to be the same. Besides, eating better and getting proper nutrition would help keep them healthier. Maybe this time around, her husband would stay well. With that in mind, Zhao Guihua decided not to buy the cornmeal.


    The family had manual laborers who needed good food, a pregnant woman who needed proper nutrition, and children who were growing. Why make things harder for themselves? The mixed flour was her final compromise.


    During her recent trips to the black market, Zhao Guihua had noticed that things weren¡¯t as calm as they seemed.


    No matter the time, you should never assume people are fools. When she bought grain, someone immediately asked why she was buying so much. Zhao Guihua had only bought twenty pounds, but even that was enough to raise eyebrows and prompt questions.


    Zhao Guihua paid no attention and simply walked away.


    But she could tell that more people were buying grain.


    It definitely wasn¡¯t just because of her¡ªwho was she, after all? Sure, some might have followed her lead after seeing her buy in bulk, but she suspected others were like her, worried about the heavy rains during the summer and stocking up just in case.


    The more she thought about it, the more she felt she should buy a bit more.


    In a few days, she wouldn¡¯t come to the black market anymore.


    Once everyone started sneaking in to buy, it really wouldn¡¯t be a good idea to come.


    Zhao Guihua returned home, stored the grain safely, and let out a sigh of relief.


    People of their generation just loved hoarding grain.


    Looking at the grain, she felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

 Chapter 122

    If we¡¯re talking about it, these little days just fly by.In the blink of an eye, it¡¯s already the end of August.


    And right on cue, the annual disaster blockbuster has arrived¡ªback to school!


    The streets and alleys are filled with kids, big and small, running around like little black coal balls, oblivious to the heat. All of them are being tossed into school by their parents. Not a single child in this neighborhood is skipping school.


    After all, most of the families living around here are workers from the machinery factory. Even if times are tough, they¡¯re still better off than those in the countryside. If a child doesn¡¯t go to school, it¡¯s something to be laughed at. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s a boy or a girl. Besides, this is Beijing, after all. People here have a bit more sense and know that education is the key to a better future.


    A high school diploma will always make it easier to find a job than just finishing elementary school.


    So, as soon as school starts, all the little rascals are thrown into the classrooms. Even though the kids are usually left to roam free, they can still be a handful when they¡¯re running wild around the neighborhood. Even relatively well-behaved kids like Hutou and Xiao Yanzi have their mischievous moments, not to mention the troublemakers who are always up to no good.


    Their own families might not mind, but the neighbors certainly do.


    Honestly, most of the time, people don¡¯t even dare to leave their homes unattended.


    Especially the families living in the front courtyard¡ªthey¡¯re all on edge, afraid of being targeted by the little troublemakers.


    Zhao Guihua has stored some grain at home, so she¡¯s even more cautious about leaving the house. While it¡¯s unlikely that the kids would steal an entire bag of flour, the last thing she needs is for word to get out and cause trouble.


    Thankfully, now that the kids are back in school, the chaos has subsided a bit. The troublemakers¡¯ grandmother is still around, but Aunt Su, despite her somewhat shaky reputation, still maintains a certain image. She¡¯s not exactly a saint, but she¡¯s not the type to steal either.


    That¡¯s a bit of a relief.


    Lately, Zhao Guihua has been sneaking off to the black market almost every day. No wonder those time-traveling heroines in novels love the black market¡ªit¡¯s truly a treasure trove.


    With the kids back in school, Zhao Guihua can finally leave the house without worrying too much. She doesn¡¯t have to ask Wang Zhaodi to keep an eye on her place anymore. By the end of August, all the kids had registered for school, and on September 1st, classes officially began.


    One by one, they strapped on their little backpacks and hurried off to school.


    Zhao Guihua also wasted no time heading out. She was joined by her old friend Aunt Wang, her new companion Wang Zhaodi, and Aunt Sui from the back courtyard. Four women¡ªwell, three women and a young girl¡ªhopped onto two bicycles and set off together.


    They might not be fond of Aunt Zhou, but they have no issues with Wang Zhaodi. She¡¯s always hanging out with them, and everyone¡¯s gotten used to it.


    This time, they were heading to the outskirts of town.


    Yes, that same barren hill where Zhao Guihua had struck gold before.


    Earlier in the year, she had sold a lot of fish and used the money to buy a bicycle, with some left over. Since then, she¡¯s made several more trips, and now there¡¯s even a string of salted fish hanging at home. It¡¯s a real treat.


    Even though the fish pond had dried up after the neighborhood kids blabbed about it, it¡¯s been about three months now, and Zhao Guihua wanted to check it out again.


    Of course, they weren¡¯t making the trip for no reason.


    It had rained the day before yesterday and yesterday, so they could also gather some mushrooms.


    The four of them arrived at the outskirts. Compared to the crowds from before, there were only a handful of people around now. Ever since the pond stopped yielding fish, most people had stopped coming. The ones who still showed up were mostly locals looking to pick mushrooms. After locking up their bikes, they got to work.


    ¡°Zhao Guihua, look at all these mushrooms!¡± Aunt Wang exclaimed, delighted.


    And why wouldn¡¯t she be?


    With supplies being tight these days, anything you can get your hands on is valuable.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Let¡¯s get to work!¡±


    She added, ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to come here for a while, but I was too afraid to leave the house. I was worried someone would break in. Sometimes, even when I went out for a short walk in the morning, I¡¯d have to ask Wang Zhaodi to keep an eye on the place. It¡¯s been a real pain.¡±


    The others could relate.


    Wang Zhaodi, being the newcomer, hadn¡¯t experienced it firsthand, but she¡¯d heard about the exploits of the three troublemakers.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°You haven¡¯t seen it for yourself. While we were out catching thieves, Jinlai took the opportunity to break into our house. He even fell into the toilet while running away¡­¡±


    Aunt Wang chimed in, ¡°Aunt Zhou got caught by the security guards for trying to take over Uncle Lan¡¯s house, and Jinlai snuck into her place in the middle of the night¡­¡±


    Aunt Sui wasn¡¯t about to be left out. ¡°The Bai family¡¯s doors and windows were smashed, and they crawled through the hole to break in¡­¡±


    There were plenty of other examples like these.


    Wang Zhaodi hadn¡¯t witnessed any of it because she arrived too late. But after getting beaten up a few times, she at least learned not to mess with her neighbors.


    Wang Zhaodi was stunned.


    She said, ¡°If they keep stealing like this, they¡¯re bound to get caught someday, right?¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot her a look. ¡°Take out the ¡®right.¡¯ They *will* get caught. But what does that have to do with us? Their family actually brags about their kids¡¯ antics. Anyway, it¡¯s great to come up here after the rain. These mushrooms are a real find.¡±


    Aunt Wang agreed. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    She had also gathered quite a bit. ¡°If this hill were closer to our place, I¡¯d come up here every day. It¡¯s really something.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Wang, the other day I saw Yang Lixin carrying a big bag of cornmeal home. You bought a lot, didn¡¯t you?¡± Aunt Sui asked. She lived in the back courtyard, just like Aunt Wang.


    Aunt Wang glanced at Zhao Guihua before replying, ¡°Well, it¡¯s been a rainy summer. I¡¯m worried the harvest might not be good. If that happens, it¡¯s not just about prices going up¡ªit¡¯ll be hard to buy anything at all. So, I thought I¡¯d stock up a bit. Whether it¡¯s useful or not, it¡¯s peace of mind. Besides, cornmeal doesn¡¯t go bad. We¡¯ll just eat it if we have to. That bag might look big, but with so many men in the family, you know how much they can eat. It¡¯ll go fast.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Of course it does.¡±


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°I bought some too.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi whispered, ¡°I did too.¡±


    Aunt Sui chuckled. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t fall behind.¡±


    When it comes to hoarding food, they don¡¯t need much convincing. At the slightest hint of trouble, whether it¡¯s justified or not, they¡¯re quick to act. It¡¯s the kind of determination that comes from having experienced real hunger.


    And as it happens, all of them have been through it.


    These days, it¡¯s rare to find someone who hasn¡¯t.


    Very rare.


    Wang Zhaodi had noticed Zhao Guihua going out to buy food, so she quietly mentioned it to Jiang Lu. Without hesitation, Jiang Lu allocated some money, and the task of going to the black market fell to Aunt Zhou. Someone like Wang Zhaodi had no business going to the black market.


    Aunt Zhou, on the other hand, moved with the stealth of a shadow, never missing a beat.


    It¡¯s no wonder that, even though the neighborhood has settled down recently, there haven¡¯t been any major incidents.


    This is why.


    Aunt Zhou spends her days figuring out how to buy food without being noticed. The thing is, it¡¯s not that she can¡¯t be seen buying food¡ªit¡¯s that she can¡¯t let anyone know *how much* she¡¯s buying.


    If people knew how much she had, they might come asking for loans.


    So, Aunt Zhou is very good at keeping things under wraps. It¡¯s understandable¡ªa widow raising her only son has to be cautious. Wang Zhaodi helps out, running errands and navigating the black market.


    Zhao Guihua laughed. ¡°We¡¯re just speculating here. Don¡¯t go spreading this around. If someone catches wind of it, they might accuse us of causing unrest.¡±


    ¡°Right, right. We won¡¯t say a word.¡±


    ¡°After all, we¡¯re not farmers. We don¡¯t really know how this works. We¡¯re just guessing.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi said, ¡°I think the speculation makes sense. I¡¯ve worked in the fields before. When there¡¯s this much rain in the summer, especially heavy rain, it¡¯s bad for the crops. Based on past years, this kind of weather definitely leads to a smaller harvest. The question is just how much smaller.¡±


    She paused, scratching her head. ¡°But other places might not have had as much rain.¡±


    On this point, Zhao Guihua had some insight. ¡°It¡¯s been raining elsewhere too. My eldest saw it in the newspaper at work.¡±


    ¡°Ah, then we should definitely stock up.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement.


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t the type of person who, after achieving a good life for herself, wished misfortune upon others. Those who took pleasure in others'' misfortunes were people like Aunt Su and Aunt Zhou. She wasn¡¯t like that. The reason she didn¡¯t spread the word widely was to avoid causing trouble for herself.


    Gossiping among a few elderly women and then buying some grain wasn¡¯t a big deal. But if she were to make a big fuss and tell everyone, it could escalate into something serious, even being labeled as undermining social stability and unity. Zhao Guihua had no intention of stirring up such trouble.


    However, she had informed a few close acquaintances whom she knew wouldn¡¯t cause trouble. She had already mentioned it to Uncle Lan from the same courtyard and reminded her daughter-in-law¡¯s mother. That was enough.


    As for Liang Meifen¡¯s family, it had nothing to do with her. Whether they lived or died, she couldn¡¯t care less!


    Liang Meifen herself seemed unaware of this. It made sense since, after getting married, daughters rarely returned to their parents'' home. Liang Meifen hadn¡¯t visited much before either, as her younger brother usually came to ask for favors.


    Now that her brother had taken her job, he naturally stopped coming.


    The communication between them had dwindled.


    Zhao Guihua had no interest in reminding this family. Yes, that was just how she was.


    ¡°Hey, Guihua, why didn¡¯t you pick these mushrooms? They¡¯re delicious.¡±


    Zhao Guihua glanced back and said, ¡°I was afraid they might be poisonous.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I¡¯ve picked these before.¡±


    Zhao Guihua showed her: ¡°Look, I only pick the ones I¡¯m familiar with. If they look even slightly unfamiliar, I leave them alone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really cautious, huh? Well, more for me then!¡±


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, ¡°As long as they¡¯re tasty.¡±


    Although she had been reborn and quickly adapted to the rhythm of life in the 1970s, some things were still a bit unclear after such a long time. For example, she might have recognized these mushrooms in her previous life, but after fifty years, her memory had faded. Their lives had improved so much that they hadn¡¯t picked mushrooms in ages. So, for anything that looked even slightly unfamiliar, Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t take any chances.


    Eating the wrong thing could land you in a coffin, so she played it safe, aiming for stability over quantity.


    ¡°Guihua, did you get your hen from Aunt Lian nearby?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Yes, Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang from our courtyard also got theirs from her.¡±


    Aunt Sui: ¡°Then show me the way sometime. I¡¯ll go get a couple too.¡±


    ¡°Wait, didn¡¯t you already have two?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but they¡¯re not laying eggs well. I see your hen laying eggs every day, but mine only lay every few days. It¡¯s so frustrating. I want to slaughter them and get new ones.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s bold of you.¡±


    ¡°I have a relative who¡¯s just given birth and wants some hen soup to recover. This works out perfectly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Hey, look over there. Is that an apple tree?¡±


    ¡°Holy cow! It really is. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Wow, this is amazing!¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wild apples, though small, were still apples. And finding them this early in the season was a real treat. The group was overjoyed. This trip was definitely worth it.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°I wish I could come here every day.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t?¡±


    Everyone was in high spirits. Zhao Guihua urged, ¡°What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Right, right!¡±


    They all got to work. Wang Zhaodi was the star of the group, not holding back at all. Aunt Sui remarked, ¡°You¡¯re really good at this.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi smiled shyly, ¡°I used to do a lot of work at home.¡±


    She added, ¡°And the mountains near our place don¡¯t have such good stuff.¡±


    In her hometown, whether it was spring, summer, autumn, or winter, anything remotely useful on the mountains would be picked clean. It wasn¡¯t like here, where you could still find good things. City folks really had it good.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t explain that this mountain¡¯s location made it unappealing to most people¡ªtoo much effort for too little gain. Only retired folks like them, who had the time and transportation, could make it worthwhile.


    She didn¡¯t mention this, figuring Wang Zhaodi might not understand anyway. Instead, she said, ¡°We¡¯ve had a good harvest today. Tomorrow should be good too.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    Everyone nodded in unison.


    With two bicycles and four people, taking turns riding wasn¡¯t too tiring.


    They worked diligently, picking the apples and then heading up the mountain. It wasn¡¯t that they were foolish enough to carry heavy apples uphill. Divided among the four of them, the load was manageable, and they handled it with ease.


    When they reached the pond, they found it mostly deserted.


    They sat by the pond to rest and observe. After a while, they didn¡¯t spot a single fish. Zhao Guihua had a hunch this would happen, as it had been the same in her past life. Still, she held onto a sliver of hope.


    Sure enough, nothing had changed.


    It wasn¡¯t that they had completely wiped out the fish population. There were always a few that escaped, but they were so few and far between that catching them was nearly impossible. The pond needed time to recover, and who knew how long that would take.


    As they rested, Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes sharpened, and she suddenly asked, ¡°Do you all eat snake?¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t?¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled, ¡°There¡¯s a small grass snake over there. If anyone wants it, go ahead. I¡¯ll pass.¡±


    She didn¡¯t mind it herself, but Ming Mei, who was pregnant, found the smell nauseating. To avoid making her uncomfortable, Zhao Guihua decided to skip it. She prided herself on being a considerate mother-in-law.


    ¡°A grass snake? Where?¡±


    Zhao Guihua pointed, ¡°Over there.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go check it out.¡±


    Everyone rushed over, but Zhao Guihua stayed put. She had already said she didn¡¯t want it, so she didn¡¯t bother joining them.


    ¡°Guihua, Guihua, come here! Does this look like a rabbit hole? The snake¡¯s gone, but this seems like a rabbit hole.¡±


    At Aunt Wang¡¯s call, Zhao Guihua sprang up, ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Here, here! Look.¡±


    None of them had much experience, but Zhao Guihua was practically a rabbit-catching expert. From spring until now, she had caught at least eight rabbits. When it came to rabbits, she was the go-to person.


    ¡°How do we catch it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re so fast.¡±


    Zhao Guihua reassured them, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Listen to me. With so many of us, we can use fire. That¡¯s the most effective method.¡±


    ¡°But we don¡¯t have matches.¡±


    ¡°I brought some.¡± Zhao Guihua always carried small tools like this. Opportunities favored the prepared.


    She grinned, ¡°Let¡¯s keep looking¡­¡±


    They quickly got to work¡­


    ******


    At the bus station.


    Ming Mei tidied up the registration forms and got up to pour herself some water.


    Her current job was much easier than her previous one, making it ideal for her pregnancy. As she stepped out, she saw Jiang Baohong. Recently divorced, Jiang Baohong had become even more gloomy and stricter with her subordinates.


    So strict that she bordered on being harsh.


    In the past, people had tolerated her out of respect, but now everyone knew the truth about her husband.


    Some things you think are secret, but in reality, everyone knows.


    Now, when she made unreasonable demands, no one complied. After all, no one wanted to do extra work for no reward, just to boost their boss¡¯s reputation. Dream on!


    Jiang Baohong, oblivious to the change, tried to assert her authority as before. But someone reported her to higher-ups for ¡°oppressing¡± workers, and she was promptly demoted.


    While some things were harsh, that was just how it was. If Vice Director Cai were still in power, her actions might have been brushed off with a simple ¡°let it go.¡± But that wasn¡¯t the case anymore.


    Moreover, Jiang Baohong¡¯s divorce had given off the impression of abandoning ship in troubled times.


    How to put it?


    Many men had their own flaws, but even so, they didn¡¯t want their wives to act like Jiang Baohong. Similarly, if faced with a crisis, they might make the same choice as her. But since it hadn¡¯t happened to them, they could comfortably condemn her from a moral high ground.


    Men, after all, wanted wives who could share both joy and hardship.


    So Jiang Baohong¡¯s divorce rubbed many the wrong way¡ªboth men and women.


    For this reason, she is no longer the person in charge of the train crew but has been demoted to a train attendant.


    However, if you think Jiang Baohong is pitiable, she really isn''t. In fact, she brought it upon herself. Although others did target her, she also caused her own downfall. After her divorce, she was desperate to prove herself, but instead of working hard and excelling at her job, she resorted to her old ways of stepping on others to climb up. Who would tolerate that?


    She had previously relied on the influence of Vice Director Cai, but now that she''s been stripped of that power, it''s no surprise she''s been reduced to this.


    When she first returned to work¡ªbefore being completely demoted¡ªshe eagerly approached Ming Mei, trying to persuade her to join the train crew. She even tried to pressure her with moral arguments, but given that Ming Mei was pregnant, her reasoning fell flat.


    Ming Mei wasn''t having any of it. She immediately reported Jiang Baohong to their supervisor. Ming Mei had no patience for such selfish people and wanted nothing to do with her.


    Because of Ming Mei''s complaint, Jiang Baohong was reprimanded.


    This incident made everyone realize that they didn¡¯t have to put up with Jiang Baohong¡¯s antics. So, when she tried to stir up trouble again, the entire team banded together to shut her down.


    Having lived a life of comfort for years, Jiang Baohong struggled as a ticket seller. She made numerous mistakes, and every time she returned to reconcile the accounts, she was scolded. After just four or five days, she couldn¡¯t take it anymore and went to complain to the supervisor.


    She thought that since she had once been a leader, she should at least be given some respect.


    But she had no idea how much everyone disliked her. She was completely delusional about her own importance.


    Jiang Baohong was full of confidence as she went upstairs, only to run into Ming Mei. She sneered, "Oh, what are you doing here? Slacking off during work hours? I guess being pregnant really gives you a free pass, huh?"


    She resented Ming Mei for refusing to join the train crew. If Ming Mei had just cooperated, Jiang Baohong could have solidified her position.


    But Ming Mei wasn¡¯t some helpless pushover. She smiled and retorted, "If fetching a glass of water counts as slacking off, then you must be harsher than a feudal landlord. Is Zhou Bapi your relative? He had his rooster crow in the middle of the night, and now you¡¯re banning water breaks during work hours. Thank goodness I don¡¯t work under you. Otherwise, as a pregnant woman, I¡¯d be scolded for drinking water and accused of abusing my ''free pass.'' Oh wait, I forgot¡ªyou¡¯re not a leader anymore. And I¡¯ve never worked under you. So, I guess I¡¯m just lucky to avoid strange people like you."


    Throwing shade? Ming Mei could do that too.


    Ming Mei continued cheerfully, "I should thank my baby. If it weren¡¯t for this little one, I might have had to deal with some truly ridiculous people at work."


    After saying this, she ignored Jiang Baohong, who was trembling with anger, and headed to the water room. When she returned, Jiang Baohong was gone. Back in the office, several of her colleagues gave her thumbs up, saying, "You¡¯ve got quite the sharp tongue, girl."


    Ming Mei chuckled softly. "That¡¯s just how I am. If people don¡¯t provoke me, we can get along just fine. But if they mess with me, I won¡¯t back down. This is a new era¡ªwe¡¯re not living in the old society anymore. Who do they think they can boss around? I was raised under the red flag, and I¡¯m not afraid of petty people."


    "Oh, by the way, Ming Mei, were you born after liberation?" one colleague asked.


    Ming Mei nodded. "Yes, right on the cusp of it."


    "You got married pretty early then."


    Ming Mei had married as soon as she reached the legal age, which was considered early for someone from an ordinary working-class family.


    Ming Mei replied, "We hit it off during our blind date. Everyone thought since we were both aiming for marriage, why not just go for it?"


    "That¡¯s because you¡¯re both good-looking and compatible. Not everyone¡¯s like that. Oh, did you hear? Our station is organizing a matchmaking event."


    Ming Mei nodded. "Yes, I¡¯m the one who connected the machinery factory with our union."


    Ming Mei puffed up with pride, feeling like she had done another good deed.


    She said, "My husband works in the propaganda department at the machinery factory. They have a lot of single men, and we have a lot of single women here. It¡¯s a perfect match. But they have more people, so I heard they¡¯re also inviting female teachers from schools. It¡¯s going to be a big event."


    "Oh, that¡¯s great! Do you know if family members are allowed to attend?"


    Ming Mei shrugged. "I¡¯m not sure. If you¡¯re curious, you should ask the union. I just helped make the initial connection. They¡¯re handling the rest."


    "Then I¡¯ll definitely ask."


    As the colleague hurried out, Ming Mei shook her head with a smile.


    She checked the time¡ªit was almost time to clock out.


    She started wrapping up her work, wondering what to have for dinner.


    Dinner¡­


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua and the others were happily heading home. It seemed like fate was on their side¡ªthey had gone out together and managed to catch four rabbits, one for each of them.


    Compared to the last time Zhao Guihua had gone alone and struggled, this time, with four people, they had no trouble at all.


    There¡¯s strength in numbers.


    In those days, meat was a rare luxury, so who wouldn¡¯t be thrilled with free rabbits?


    The group returned in high spirits, immediately catching the attention of everyone in the courtyard.


    "Wow, you¡¯ve been out all day. Did you go up the mountain?"


    "Look at those rabbits¡ªthey¡¯re so plump!"


    "Where did you catch them? Out in the countryside? And you¡¯ve got apples too? That¡¯s amazing!"


    Everyone gathered around, their eyes filled with envy. Aunt Su was among them, as was Aunt Zhou. Aunt Zhou was thrilled to see Wang Zhaodi holding a rabbit and exclaimed, "Oh my, my dear goddaughter, you¡¯re so capable!"


    Aunt Zhou had recently taken Wang Zhaodi as her goddaughter and had even handed out candies to the neighbors to celebrate.


    The reason Aunt Zhou had taken Wang Zhaodi as her goddaughter instead of Jiang Lu taking her as a younger sister was obvious¡ªliving with a godmother sounded much better than living with a brother-in-law.


    Aunt Zhou inspected Wang Zhaodi¡¯s haul and was delighted to see that she had gathered just as many mushrooms as the others. "You¡¯re such a hard worker," she praised.


    Wang Zhaodi smiled shyly, her lips curling upward.


    Aunt Zhou declared, "Tonight, we¡¯re having rabbit for dinner!"


    She had no intention of saving the rabbit. Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang felt the same way. Why?


    Because they already had two chickens at home, and keeping a rabbit on top of that would be too much. Even if they didn¡¯t eat it, the rabbit had to go.


    Aunt Wang said, "I¡¯m not going to eat mine. I¡¯ll slaughter it and dry it for the winter. It¡¯ll make a good addition to our meals then."


    "Yes, that¡¯s a good idea."


    "Ugh, why didn¡¯t I go up the mountain with you today? I missed out!"


    "Same here!"


    The neighbors were filled with envy. Aunt Su, in particular, couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the rabbits. If only she could get one for her family¡ªshe could make a pot of rabbit stew for her three sons. And if she could get all four rabbits, they¡¯d have enough for several meals!


    Aunt Su¡¯s mind raced as she tried to think of a way to get her hands on those rabbits.


    She glanced around. The others weren¡¯t easy to deal with, but even the most soft-hearted among them wouldn¡¯t give away a rabbit out of pity. Her eyes darted back and forth.


    "Grandma, I want to eat rabbit meat! I want some!" Tonglai started crying.


    The kids had just gotten home from school and were about to go play when they saw the rabbits.


    "Me too! Grandma!" Yinlai joined in.


    Aunt Su immediately put on a pitiful expression. "What are you kids saying? These aren¡¯t ours. We can¡¯t eat them."


    "No, no! I want it! I want it!"


    The children started throwing tantrums, rolling on the ground.


    Aunt Su glanced at the others, who seemed unmoved. She quickly hugged Tonglai and started crying herself. "Our family is so poor. We don¡¯t even have mushrooms, let alone rabbits. Don¡¯t cry, my dear. Grandma wants to give you the best, but we¡¯re just too poor. At the end of the month, when your mom gets paid, we¡¯ll buy some meat for you."


    Zhao Guihua sneered and said, "Aunt Su, I¡¯m not trying to criticize you, but your family really doesn¡¯t know how to manage your finances, do you? It¡¯s only the beginning of the month, and it¡¯s been just a few days since payday¡ªthree or four days at most. You¡¯ve already used up all your meat ration coupons? You¡¯re really squandering things, aren¡¯t you?"


    Aunt Su was stunned for a moment before realizing they had just received their wages not long ago.


    But she didn¡¯t hesitate to reply, "We spent a lot of money last month because of a hospital stay. Life has been tight, and even though we just got paid, it¡¯s already gone to cover debts. It¡¯s tough."


    Zhao Guihua shrugged, carrying the rabbit back to her house to slaughter it.


    The others who had rabbits certainly weren¡¯t going to give theirs to her.


    Aunt Zhou, who also had a rabbit, was naturally unapologetic: "Oh, come on, Aunt Su, how can you be in debt? Isn¡¯t the money you borrowed supposed to be free?"


    "Don¡¯t listen to nonsense from others. We didn¡¯t borrow money from anyone. Our family gets by because my daughter, Xiuer, works hard. Otherwise, how could we survive like this?"


    "I want meat! I want meat! I want rabbit meat!"


    Tonglai continued to roll on the ground, throwing a tantrum.


    Aunt Su hugged the child and cried, saying, "It¡¯s my fault as a grandmother for not being capable."


    She gritted her teeth, seemingly making a tough decision, and looked up, saying, "Aunt Wang, could you spare some of your rabbit for me? I¡¯ll pay for it. I can¡¯t bear to see the child suffer like this. He¡¯s so deprived!"


    Aunt Wang didn¡¯t believe she would actually pay, and besides, meat was hard to come by. She had two grandsons of her own to feed.


    She said, "That¡¯s not possible. I have children to feed too. No, no."


    Aunt Su pleaded, "Please, help me out. I¡¯m begging you¡­"


    Aunt Zhou chimed in sarcastically, "You just said you had no money, and now you want to buy a rabbit? Who knows what¡¯s true and what¡¯s not, huh?"


    Aunt Su explained, "I do want to buy it, but¡­ but I don¡¯t have the money right now. I¡¯ll pay you back at the end of the month when I get my wages."


    Oh!


    Now everyone could see what she was trying to do¡ªshe was trying to get something for nothing.


    If she kept insisting she had no money, who could force her to pay?


    The way people looked at Aunt Su changed.


    As the saying goes, people used to believe her because she hadn¡¯t crossed their interests. Her family and Bai Fendou¡¯s family were like two sides of the same coin¡ªone willing to take advantage, the other willing to be taken advantage of. But now, Bai Fendou¡¯s elderly parents were bedridden, and the younger generation had cut ties with them.


    The Su family¡¯s "cash cow" was no longer reliable.


    They had no choice but to look elsewhere.


    Taking advantage of the neighbors too often, even if it was just for a green onion or a garlic bulb, quickly made people resentful. After all, no one was living comfortably these days.


    Tonglai was still rolling on the ground, crying, but the others immediately changed their expressions and scattered.


    Let him cry¡ªhe wasn¡¯t their child, after all.


    Zhao Guihua was the first to leave, already starting to skin the rabbit.


    She wasn¡¯t going to save it; they¡¯d eat it tonight.


    It had been a while since they¡¯d had rabbit, so it would be a nice change.


    "Granny Zhao, give me some rabbit meat to eat!"


    Tonglai cried pitifully, calling out to Zhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua looked at him disdainfully and said, "We don¡¯t even have enough for ourselves. If you want meat, tell your grandmother to go buy some."


    "Waaah¡­"


    Tonglai continued to wail.


    Aunt Su said, "Alright, stop crying."


    She also started to cry and said, "Go out and play. I¡¯ll go find your mother later and see if I can borrow some money to buy meat. We¡¯ll have meat tonight."


    She was truly at her wit¡¯s end.


    These people were so cold-hearted.


    "Okay."


    Tonglai immediately got up.


    Jinlai said, "Grandma, I¡¯ll go find Mom."


    "Fine, all three of you go."


    Aunt Su gave her instructions and then noticed that the Zhou family had also started slaughtering their rabbit. She glared at Wang Zhaodi, her eyes filled with resentment. That little wretch didn¡¯t even remember who had brought her to the city in the first place, and now she didn¡¯t care about their family at all.


    That damned girl.


    She had even thought about stirring up trouble to send Wang Zhaodi back to her village, just to see who would do the Zhou family¡¯s work then. But she quickly dismissed the idea¡ªnot because she was kind-hearted.


    She knew that Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family was so poor that even if she went back and worked, her family wouldn¡¯t appreciate it because she ate too much.


    After all, they had plenty of daughters who could work.


    So Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family would never agree to let her return. Besides, Wang Zhaodi had gained a little weight since coming to the city and didn¡¯t look as malnourished as before. If she stayed in the city and got healthier, she could fetch a better bride price when she went back to the village.


    A skinny, malnourished girl wouldn¡¯t command much of a dowry, but a plump, healthy one would.


    That was exactly what Wang Zhaodi¡¯s parents were counting on.


    Aunt Su wasn¡¯t just speculating¡ªthis was what Wang Zhaodi¡¯s parents had said when her eldest daughter, Su Zhaodi, had brought Wang Zhaodi to the city. They didn¡¯t know if their daughter could bear sons, but even if she couldn¡¯t, life in the city was better. If she was well-fed and healthy, she¡¯d be more marriageable when she returned.


    So Aunt Su knew that trying to stir up trouble with Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family would be pointless.


    If it weren¡¯t for that, she would have already found a way to get rid of her.


    If Wang Zhaodi wasn¡¯t going to help their family, she certainly shouldn¡¯t be helping the Zhou family.


    Those shameless Zhous¡ªwhy should they get all the benefits?


    She glared resentfully at the Zhou family and then at the Zhuang family, muttering, "I hope you all choke on that rabbit meat. I hope your pregnant woman eats it and gives birth to a child with a cleft lip. Heh heh heh."


    She laughed darkly, but it wasn¡¯t a happy laugh.


    Life had been hard for her family lately, and she couldn¡¯t find much joy in anything. The Bai family was no longer reliable. For the past few months, they¡¯d been getting eight yuan a month from Hu Huihui, but this month, Hu Huihui had suddenly left without a word.


    That made things even harder for them.


    Before, they could skim off Hu Huihui, but now there was no one to take advantage of.


    That Hu Huihui¡ªshe left without a second thought, showing no gratitude. What an ingrate.


    Aunt Su muttered to herself, feeling deeply unhappy. Everything in their lives lately had been going wrong.


    It was all so frustrating.


    She couldn¡¯t be bothered to cook and just lay down, knowing that Wang Xiangxiu would take care of it when she got back.


    Why should she do the work?


    No way.


    Aunt Su lay at home, cursing her neighbors for not letting her take advantage of them. Meanwhile, Jinlai and his two brothers had already left the house. Yinlai asked, "Big brother, aren¡¯t we going to the factory to find Mom?"


    Jinlai shook his head and said, "Mom doesn¡¯t have any money. What¡¯s the point of finding her? Borrowing money isn¡¯t easy."


    He was a bit older than his brothers and understood things better.


    He said, "Don¡¯t worry, I have another plan."


    "Another plan?"


    Jinlai grinned confidently and said, "We¡¯ll catch a stray dog and have dog meat tonight."


    Yinlai hesitated, "Is that a good idea?"


    Tonglai shook his head firmly and said, "No! Stray dogs eat poop. If we eat stray dogs, doesn¡¯t that mean we¡¯re eating poop? Big brother, I don¡¯t want to eat poop¡­"


    Jinlai facepalmed and said, "You idiot."


    Tonglai cried, "I don¡¯t want to eat poop!"


    If Tonglai hadn¡¯t said anything, the idea might have seemed fine, but now that he¡¯d brought it up, it was impossible to ignore how gross it sounded.


    Yinlai said, "Big brother, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea either."


    Jinlai shrugged, "Then what do you suggest? You know how hard it is to steal things. And even if we manage to get into someone¡¯s house, like yesterday, their place was so empty it wasn¡¯t even worth the effort."


    They didn¡¯t know which households in the neighborhood had money and which didn¡¯t. Even if they managed to sneak in, they might not find anything to eat.


    Plus, these days, everyone in the neighborhood was on guard. As soon as they got close, people became suspicious. It just wasn¡¯t working out.


    Jinlai said, "Actually, our own courtyard would be the easiest to steal from. We know exactly what everyone has. But unfortunately, they¡¯re all on guard against us."


    "Exactly, they¡¯re so selfish."


    "Yeah, so selfish."


    The three of them were feeling frustrated, but suddenly, Jinlai¡¯s eyes lit up, and he said, "I¡¯ve got a great idea."


    "What is it?"


    Yinlai and Tonglai immediately looked at him.


    Jinlai grinned and said, "We¡¯ll go to the slaughterhouse and steal some meat."


    "Wow!"


    "Think about it, they''re public property. Grandma said, what belongs to the public isn''t personal. Only a fool would work hard for it. When we go steal, it''s not like it''s their own stuff. Maybe they won''t chase us because we''re just kids."


    "Right, right! Grandma also said adults are lenient with kids. Even if we get caught, we can just cry and act pitiful." Despite being the youngest, Tonglai had more tricks up his sleeve than his two older brothers.


    No wonder Jinlai and Yinlai always ended up in trouble, while he managed to live comfortably thanks to a wealthy aunt.


    "Little brother is right."


    "The slaughterhouse isn''t far from here. If we go now, it''s perfect timing."


    "Right, right!"


    The three kids hurried toward the slaughterhouse, but when they got there, they were a bit confused. After all, slaughterhouses usually kill pigs early in the morning before dawn. Who slaughters pigs at closing time?


    The kids had no idea. They climbed onto the wall to peek inside, but there was nothing to see.


    Well, not exactly nothing.


    There were a few live pigs.


    These were scheduled to be slaughtered the next day. Since it was inconvenient to transport them early in the morning, they were brought in a day in advance.


    The kids knew nothing about this, but that didn''t stop them from staring excitedly at the fat pigs.


    "Brother, look! Look!"


    "What do you think we should do?"


    "Brother, I want meat! Pork tastes better than rabbit." Tonglai couldn''t stop thinking about it.


    Jinlai: "But it doesn''t look like they''re slaughtering any pigs..."


    "There''s no one in the yard. If only these pigs were ours."


    "There''s no one in the yard, but we can''t slaughter pigs either." Jinlai admitted honestly. Even though he liked acting tough in front of his brothers, this was beyond him.


    Yinlai and Tonglai exchanged glances. After a long pause, Jinlai came up with an idea: "What if we cut off the pigs'' tails?"


    "Ah!" The two younger brothers'' eyes lit up as they looked at their older brother.


    The more Jinlai thought about it, the better the idea seemed. He quickly explained, "Think about it. We definitely can''t slaughter the pigs, and we''re just kids¡ªwe can''t carry them away! But we can cut off their tails and take those."


    He gazed at the pigs inside the slaughterhouse, daydreaming: "We can cut off all the pigs'' tails. Then we''ll have plenty of meat."


    "Brother, you''re amazing!"


    Jinlai was pleased. "You two keep watch here. I''ll go home and get a kitchen knife."


    "Okay!"


    Jinlai declared confidently, "Tonight, we''re having braised pig tails with noodles."


    "Awesome!"


    The three kids got to work. Meanwhile, Wang Xiangxiu was showering at her workplace. The faucet at her factory was more convenient than the one in the courtyard¡ªit was indoors, essentially a small washroom.


    She unbuttoned her shirt, let her hair down, and wore only a small undershirt as she began wiping herself with a towel.


    She had been working here for a while now. Since none of the leaders were particularly helpful, she had to stick with it. Although her work was mediocre, she managed to get by. After all, she could always find someone to lend a hand.


    Bai Fendou definitely wouldn''t help, but Wang Xiangxiu had used her charm to get others in the logistics department to help her with the dirty work. However, cleaning the toilets was something she had to do herself. Admittedly, the smell was quite strong, and even she found it unpleasant. So, every day before leaving work, she would come here to clean up and go home fresh.


    She didn''t want to go around smelling bad. If she did, she wouldn''t be able to "earn" any money in the future.


    When she was out and about, she absolutely couldn''t be dirty or smelly.


    Wang Xiangxiu moved gracefully, putting on a bit of a show. Of course, if this were her own home, she would have just wiped herself down quickly. The reason she acted this way was because the windows of the washroom were visible from the office building across the way, especially from the higher floors.


    The washroom windows were high, so people outside couldn''t see in. But from the right angle on the upper floors, the view was crystal clear.


    Wang Xiangxiu hadn''t known this at first. She just noticed that some people looked at her strangely, with unspoken thoughts in their eyes. After observing for a while, she discovered this "secret." But even though she knew, she had no intention of stopping.


    After all, being looked at didn''t cost her anything. As long as she pretended not to know, there was no problem.


    This was also a good opportunity to win over a few generous spenders.


    Even if more people found out or if this matter came to light, she could always claim she had no idea. Over the years, Wang Xiangxiu had learned that as long as no one caught her in the act, there wouldn''t be any major issues.


    This was why Wang Xiangxiu had never been exposed.


    She had never been caught in the act. The only close call was with Vice Director Cai, but since there were no other witnesses and she had evidence of her previous encounter with Yu Baoshan, she could pin the blame on Vice Director Cai, claiming she was a victim of coercion. Vice Director Cai would have no choice but to take the fall.


    The only witness, Bai Fendou, wouldn''t testify against her¡ªafter all, he had injured Vice Director Cai.


    So Wang Xiangxiu felt invincible.


    In this era, such matters were taken very seriously. But Wang Xiangxiu was careful, and since she hadn''t been caught, she remained "innocent."


    As she wiped herself, Wang Xiangxiu deliberately lifted her leg, putting on a show.


    Meanwhile, in the office building, a few men with ulterior motives stood by the window, murmuring appreciatively.


    "Wang Xiangxiu is so fair-skinned."


    "Old Chen, who used to clean the toilets, always stank. Bai Fendou did too. But look at Wang Xiangxiu now¡ªshe smells so good."


    "Right, right! I ran into her the other day after work. She smelled amazing¡ªshe must use scented soap."


    "Move over, let me see too..."


    "Let''s not talk about this in front of the female colleagues. If Wang Xiangxiu finds out, she might stop washing up here."


    "Got it, got it..."


    The men watched eagerly, though most of them were all talk and no action. However, a man named Old Hei had a different idea. He quietly slipped downstairs...


    The bell signaling the end of the workday rang. Wang Xiangxiu tied up her hair and walked out briskly, feeling refreshed. Before she reached the gate, she saw a dark-skinned man approaching. "Sister Xiu, I heard you have three boys at home. I happened to get a pound of meat coupons. Why don''t I give them to you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu understood immediately but still said, "A pound? My kids have big appetites. That might not be enough. Do you have more? If you do, I''ll go with you to get them."


    "Yes, I have more. Let''s go..."


    The two of them walked out one after the other.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Why did he always run into things like this? He really wanted to gouge his eyes out.


    He got on his bike and rode off in a hurry.


    If he saw any more, he wouldn''t be able to eat dinner tonight.


    This kind of business had even reached the workplace.


    He quickly rode to pick up Ming Mei. As he turned a corner, he saw the two of them heading into a small alley... Seriously, couldn''t they at least find a small hotel?


    He didn''t want to see any more. He had to get out of there fast!


    Zhuang Zhixi sped away, afraid that another glance would blind him.


    But he didn''t know that Wang Xiangxiu, clutching a pound of meat coupons and five yuan, was smiling triumphantly.


    It had to be said, Old Hei was much more useful than Zhou Qun.


    After finishing up, she hurried home, thinking about buying a pound of meat tomorrow to make dumplings. It had been a long time since her family had eaten them...


    Meanwhile, the three brothers, also thinking about pork, finally found a dog hole by the wall. Jinlai said proudly, "I remembered there was a dog hole here. I was right!"


    He instructed, "Tonglai, you keep watch outside. Yinlai, come with me."


    Yinlai: "Got it. I''ll follow your lead, big brother."


    Although they hadn''t started yet, the three of them were already flushed with excitement. Jinlai went in first, carrying the kitchen knife, and headed toward the pigpen. Yinlai followed closely behind. The pigs in the slaughterhouse were indeed fat.


    Jinlai looked around and decided to start with the one that seemed the most docile.


    He took a step, then another, gritting his teeth: "I, I, I..."


    Yinlai: "Big brother, are you scared?"


    Jinlai: "Who says I''m scared?"


    He raised the knife with all his might and brought it down!


    "Oink, oink, oink..."


    The pig, struck by the knife, let out a loud squeal and started running around.


    Jinlai was quite lucky and didn¡¯t get hit.


    Yinlai: ¡°Big bro, hurry, keep going!¡±


    Jinlai: ¡°Oh, oh, okay!¡±


    He quickly tried to chase after it, but the pigs were already in chaos. Without thinking too much, he swung his knife at the nearest one. It must be said that a well-fed kid has some serious strength. His family always ate well, and this kid actually managed to cut off half of the pig¡¯s tail with one swing. Following his instincts, he quickly added two more slashes.


    The pig¡¯s tail fell to the ground with a thud, and the pig let out a blood-curdling scream.


    Jinlai hadn¡¯t expected to succeed, but this victory gave him hope. He knew he was capable. He picked up the pig tail and tossed it outward, saying, ¡°Here!¡±


    Yinlai quickly stuffed it into the bag they had brought from home.


    Having tasted success once, Jinlai grew bolder and chased after the second pig with even more determination.


    The big fat pig wasn¡¯t one to be trifled with, though. With a powerful shove, Jinlai was sent sprawling to the ground, and the kitchen knife flew out of his hand. ¡°Ah¡­!¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but cry out, not caring if anyone heard him.


    The fat pig stomped on Jinlai¡¯s stomach, and he screamed, ¡°Ahhh! Help!¡±


    Yinlai: ¡°Big bro, don¡¯t be scared, I¡¯ll save you!¡±


    He quickly picked up the kitchen knife and, seeing the pig about to attack his brother again, swung the knife at the pig¡¯s tail with a few loud thwacks.


    It has to be said, their family really stayed true to their roots. Even in this situation, they were still fixated on pig tails.


    Yinlai didn¡¯t even bother with his brother anymore and charged straight at another pig. Despite being just a kid, he was surprisingly ferocious. In just a few strikes, he managed to chop off another pig¡¯s tail. Jinlai stumbled and crawled away, clutching the pig tails, and all three tails were now secured.


    Yinlai: ¡°Watch the skills of Axe King Yinlai!¡±


    He thought to himself that he was better than his brother. After all, his brother had only managed to get one tail, while he had taken down two. That clearly meant he was the stronger one.


    Yinlai arrogantly chased after another pig¡­


    Thankfully, these were just domestic pigs raised for meat, so they weren¡¯t very aggressive. If they had been even slightly more spirited, the brothers would have been done for.


    However, at that moment, the big fat pig kicked out with its hoof, sending Yinlai crashing to the ground. In an instant, he was trampled several times.


    Jinlai: ¡°I¡¯ll save you¡­ ah!¡±


    He, too, was knocked down by the big fat pig.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    The commotion they were making wasn¡¯t small, and it was impossible to hide.


    Over in the office, a few men had been playing cards. They usually didn¡¯t have much to do in the afternoon and were in the middle of a game when they suddenly heard the pigs squealing from the backyard. Since this was a slaughterhouse, it wasn¡¯t unusual for the pigs to make some noise. But this time, the screams were particularly horrifying.


    And it seemed like there were human voices mixed in.


    The men exchanged glances and immediately knew something was wrong. Grabbing their iron rods, they rushed outside¡­


    From north to south, no one had ever dared to steal pigs from a slaughterhouse, so they hadn¡¯t thought of that possibility at first. But as the noise grew louder, it became clear that something was up.


    The burly men sprinted out of the building and headed straight for the backyard.


    When they arrived, well¡­


    It was just two little thieves.


    The two kids were now surrounded by several pigs, each one about to trample them to death. The scene was absolutely terrifying. And then they noticed a cloth bag nearby, with pig tails sticking out¡­


    ¡°Damn it, these little brats came here to cut off pig tails¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget that for now, save them first!¡±


    ¡°Ugh. If the pigs don¡¯t kill them, I might just beat them to death myself.¡±


    ¡°Enough talk, let¡¯s pull them out.¡±


    The men used their iron rods to whack the pigs a few times, and the herd quickly scattered. The two kids, now barely breathing, were dragged out.


    The leader said, ¡°Call the police. These little punks dared to steal from us¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough, call the cops.¡±


    After a pause, he added, ¡°And check if there¡¯s anyone outside keeping watch.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    Tonglai, who had been pressed against the wall, heard this and immediately bolted. Forget his brothers¡ªhis own life was more important.


    Wuwuwuwu!

 Chapter 123

    The weather was nice today, sunny and pleasant.As the evening sun set, the old and young men in the courtyard gathered together to chat about daily life. The men discussed national affairs and global events, while the women talked about which mother-in-law mistreated her daughter-in-law or which young wife was selfish and harsh toward her mother-in-law. The children, on the other hand, didn¡¯t care about any of that and were running wild inside and outside the courtyard.


    Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, Li Junjun, and Li Weiwei were a group of kids who often played together.


    In the past, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were inseparable, but the boys didn¡¯t like playing with them because Hutou always dragged Xiao Yanzi along. However, over the past few months, the kids had started hanging out together.


    They caught sparrows together. Zhao Guihua, who wasn¡¯t one to keep secrets, had once gone up the mountain with Aunt Wang and taught her which seeds attracted sparrows. They had gathered quite a lot, so the kids could now catch sparrows themselves.


    The four children roasted and ate the sparrows, forming a deep friendship.


    These days, it seems only food can bring people together sincerely.


    In any case, the kids were having a great time together.


    They had eaten much more meat this year than in previous years.


    Sparrows were delicious.


    Li Weiwei asked, ¡°Did your family eat rabbit meat tonight?¡±


    Hutou nodded, swallowing his saliva. ¡°Yeah, I ate a lot.¡±


    ¡°My family ate some too. I had a piece. We made potato stew with rabbit meat.¡±


    ¡°Same here, but I had several pieces, hehe.¡±


    Li Weiwei looked at Hutou with envy. Hutou¡¯s family had eaten an entire rabbit, while his family had only eaten half. His grandmother had said they would save the other half for later, to satisfy their cravings.


    ¡°If only we could eat rabbit every day¡­¡±


    This was all the kids talked about.


    While the men, women, old, and young were chatting among themselves, Aunt Su rushed out anxiously, saying, ¡°Why aren¡¯t they back yet?¡±


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°Aunt Su, haven¡¯t your family members returned?¡±


    Aunt Su nodded. Wang Xiangxiu had already finished cooking dinner, but the children still hadn¡¯t come back. Her children often played outside, but they usually came home when they were hungry. They should have been back by now, but today Wang Xiangxiu had returned later than usual.


    The younger kids hadn¡¯t gone to look for her either. Aunt Su wondered where they had wandered off to this time. Still, she wasn¡¯t too worried. After all, they were just kids. What could happen? It wasn¡¯t like they¡¯d be sent to the police station.


    They were just children.


    With this mindset, Aunt Su wasn¡¯t overly concerned, but the long delay was starting to make her anxious.


    She went to the gate. Many children were running around outside, but her three grandchildren were nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Could they have gone up the mountain again?¡±


    She remembered how, once, they had gone up the mountain to catch fish. Seeing them eat rabbit today, she wondered if they had gone to catch rabbits. The thought made her panic, and she hurried out.


    ¡°Please help me find my children. I beg you all. I¡­ sob¡­¡± She burst into tears.


    The neighbors exchanged glances but quickly stood up. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll¡­¡±


    ¡°Grandma¡­ Grandma!¡±


    Tonglai¡¯s desperate cry came through. Aunt Su rushed out and asked, ¡°Tonglai, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Seeing the child return alone, she knew something must have happened to the older ones.


    Tonglai said, ¡°My brothers got caught.¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    Everyone turned to look at Aunt Su.


    Aunt Su asked, ¡°What happened? Where are your brothers? Xiangxiu, Xiangxiu, come out. We need to go quickly.¡±


    Although they had been caught, she wasn¡¯t too worried. They could always play the victim card and say, ¡°They¡¯re just kids.¡± If that didn¡¯t work, Wang Xiangxiu could use her charm. She said, ¡°Xiangxiu.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu hurried out. ¡°Alright, Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    Aunt Su sobbed, ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re here. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without you.¡±


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were about to leave when several officers from the local police station arrived. Two officers came to verify the situation. As officers from the local station, they were all too familiar with Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s family and had a strange respect for this courtyard.


    Really, the word ¡°respect¡± wasn¡¯t misplaced.


    How could the families in this courtyard cause so much trouble? The fact that everyone else could endure it was truly admirable.


    They had been here so many times, it was endless.


    It was truly impressive.


    The old and young were always stirring up trouble.


    Now it was even worse. Such young children dared to steal public property. This was different from stealing a bun from a neighbor. Cutting off a pig¡¯s tail from a state-owned slaughterhouse was a much more serious offense.


    ¡°Are you the family members of Su Jinlai and Su Yinlai?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re my grandsons.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re my sons.¡±


    ¡°Alright, come with us. Su Jinlai and Su Yinlai went to the slaughterhouse to cut off pig tails and were severely injured by the pigs. They¡¯ve been taken to the hospital.¡± The officers were clearly displeased with the two women.


    The way these children were raised was partly their fault.


    As far as they knew, this wasn¡¯t the first or second time these kids had caused trouble. The parents had done nothing to stop it.


    ¡°Oh no! My poor Jinlai and Yinlai! If anything happens to my grandsons, I¡¯ll make them pay with their lives!¡± Aunt Su wailed.


    The officer said sternly, ¡°Pay with their lives? If you break the law, you¡¯ll end up in jail too. As parents, you¡¯ve failed to educate your children properly. They steal and you¡¯re proud of it? Let me tell you, this is serious. Your children have repeatedly cut off pig tails, which is a severe act of undermining public resources. Once they recover, they¡¯ll be sent to juvenile detention.¡±


    ¡°What! How can that be? If that happens, how will they ever face society?¡± Wang Xiangxiu screamed hysterically.


    The officer retorted, ¡°If you¡¯re so worried about their reputation, why didn¡¯t you discipline them when they started stealing? Now that they¡¯ve caused a major problem, you¡¯re worried about their reputation? Do they even have one left? Enough, I don¡¯t want to argue with you. The children are in the hospital. Take some money and go see them. What were they thinking, messing with pigs like that?¡±


    Thankfully, the pigs had been castrated at a young age, so their aggression was reduced. Otherwise, those two brats could have been trampled to death.


    ¡°What? We have to pay?¡±


    The officer looked at them incredulously. ¡°You¡¯re not paying? Who else will? Do you expect the slaughterhouse to pay? Let me tell you, the slaughterhouse is going to sue you for damages.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t go on! I really can¡¯t! How can they treat us like this? We¡¯re just a widow and her children. How can they do this to us? My life is over¡­¡±


    Aunt Su cried uncontrollably. Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and said, ¡°You should go to the hospital first. No matter what, you need to see your children.¡±


    These two women had no sense of priority and no idea what they were doing.


    ¡°Yes, yes, to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any money. Can you¡­¡± Aunt Su looked around, her eyes landing on Zhao Guihua. Her family had many workers and earned more. She sobbed, ¡°Guihua, you know our situation. We just came back from the hospital, and now the children are back in the hospital. Life is so hard. Your family has many workers and earns more. Can you lend us some money?¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s expression hardened. This old fox couldn¡¯t be given an inch, or she¡¯d take a mile.


    Zhao Guihua replied immediately, ¡°My family has many workers, but we also have many mouths to feed¡ªpregnant women, children. We don¡¯t have much savings. Besides, everyone knows our family is practically divided internally. I don¡¯t have any money to lend you.¡±


    Although Zhao Guihua didn''t know that Director Cai had compensated two hundred yuan, she could guess as much, otherwise the matter wouldn''t have been resolved so quickly. She bluntly said, "Didn''t you compensate the person you had a conflict with before? You can''t be like this! Your family has money, so why are you still borrowing from others? Are you treating people like fools? I think you''re the one who spoiled the child. You''re not a good person either."


    At this mention, the police officers glanced at Aunt Su. They knew that compensation had indeed been made.


    And it wasn''t a small amount either.


    Yet, at such a critical moment, this person''s first thought wasn''t about the child but about borrowing money?


    Thinking this, the police officer''s tone turned harsh, "At a time like this, what''s more important¡ªpeople or money? Didn''t you receive compensation? Surely two hundred yuan hasn''t been spent in less than a month, has it?"


    The neighbors, fearing they might be asked for money, chimed in:


    "My goodness, two hundred yuan is a lot!"


    "Exactly, if your family has money, why are you borrowing from others? That''s not how things should be done."


    "You should go check on Jinlai. You keep talking about your grandson, but at this critical moment, you''re only concerned about money. Don''t you realize that being trampled by a pig is no small matter?"


    "That''s right, prioritizing money over life."


    "I think the child has been spoiled by you, which is why all these things have happened. The child is still young and doesn''t understand anything."


    "Absolutely."


    "Let''s all go and see."


    "I think that''s a good idea."


    Everyone had a curious heart, and of course, they also wanted to see what had happened to Jinlai. Ming Mei was about to follow the crowd when Zhuang Zhixi quickly grabbed her, saying, "My dear, you''re pregnant. Don''t join them in their nosiness."


    Ming Mei smiled innocently, "Can''t I just take a look?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No, let''s stay back. We don''t want to get involved if they start causing trouble."


    Ming Mei sighed as she watched everyone leave, "I''m missing out."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom and sister-in-law have gone. Let''s wait for them to come back and tell us what happened."


    Ming Mei: "Alright then."


    The men were also curious and eager to know what was going on, but they felt it was inappropriate to join in, as it might seem too gossipy for men. However, there was an exception¡ªZhou Qun followed along, calling out, "Wang Zhaodi, take care of Jiang Lu. I''ll go with my mom to see the... situation."


    He had almost said "spectacle" but caught himself.


    Zhou Qun and Aunt Zhou quickly followed, making him the only man in the group.


    Bai Fendou sneered, "How effeminate."


    His father had already been discharged from the hospital. After being out of danger a few days ago, he was brought home to recover. Old Man Bai had woken up but was now paralyzed. Having suffered such a huge blow, he no longer went out.


    Well, he couldn''t even if he wanted to.


    But Old Man Bai truly had no desire to go out. Even when Bai Fendou returned in the evening, he wouldn''t respond.


    When he first woke up, Old Man Bai cursed Bai Fendou, firmly believing that if it weren''t for him, he wouldn''t have fallen from the building. He held a grudge against Bai Fendou and deliberately made things difficult for him, such as knocking over the food Bai Fendou prepared.


    This was his way of provoking him.


    However... Bai Fendou responded by simply not cooking anymore. He would leave a single steamed bun; if Old Man Bai was hungry, he could eat it, and if not, he could throw it away. Bai Fendou didn''t prepare anything extra. As for Old Man Bai''s attempts to provoke him by soiling himself, Bai Fendou just let him be.


    He didn''t care.


    If Old Man Bai wanted to make a mess, he could live in it. If he thought he could torment his son for his own amusement, he was mistaken.


    Sometimes, people like Old Man Bai need someone like Bai Fendou to deal with them. After a few days of trying to torment Bai Fendou, Old Man Bai realized that he was only hurting himself. Bai Fendou didn''t give him the chance and refused to indulge him.


    It didn''t take long for Old Man Bai to calm down.


    At first, he was furious, believing that his current state and suffering were all because of Bai Fendou. If Bai Fendou had just listened to him, he wouldn''t have fallen. As for the matter of having children, wasn''t it all for Bai Fendou''s sake?


    He wanted to ensure that Bai Fendou would have someone to rely on in old age and to carry on the Bai family line.


    But who would have thought that Bai Fendou would refuse?


    He hated this son who had caused his injury, but after a few days, he quickly realized that in his current state, he could only rely on Bai Fendou. There was no one else he could count on. If he continued to torment Bai Fendou, he would only receive the same treatment in return.


    And so, he became obedient.


    Of course, he had once thought of marrying Aunt Su and having her take care of him. But from the time of his injury until now, Aunt Su hadn''t visited him once. Sometimes, when he heard her voice and called out to her, she would ignore him completely.


    This was deeply hurtful.


    Although it had only been a short time, Old Man Bai quickly learned that if he couldn''t earn money, he was worthless.


    So now, the Bai household was unusually quiet. Old Man Bai stayed silent, and Bai Fendou, aside from working, spent his time thinking about how to find a wife.


    He approached Jiang Lu and said, "Jiang Lu, you promised to help me find a match."


    Jiang Lu: "I did promise you, but there really hasn''t been anyone suitable before. Now, it''s even harder..."


    Bai Fendou grew anxious, "How can there be no one? My conditions are decent."


    Jiang Lu: "I know."


    She didn''t argue but said, "But don''t take this the wrong way. I know your conditions are decent, but you can''t have children. I can''t just introduce anyone to you. That limits the options even more. Besides, I have to consider the woman''s situation too, to make sure she doesn''t take advantage of you. Don''t you agree?"


    Bai Fendou sighed, "Why is it so hard for me to find a wife?"


    His gaze fell on Wang Zhaodi, who immediately stumbled and fell to the ground, waving her hands frantically, "No, no, not me. Don''t look at me..."


    Bai Fendou frowned, "What are you thinking? I wouldn''t even consider a little girl like you."


    Wang Zhaodi didn''t feel offended and nodded vigorously, "I know, I know."


    Bai Fendou: "You''re from the countryside and don''t have a grain quota. If I were to support three people on my salary alone, the burden would be too heavy. I''m not planning to marry someone from the countryside."


    Ming Mei couldn''t hold back and burst out laughing. She looked at Bai Fendou, completely baffled by how someone like him could exist. With his conditions, he wanted to marry someone from the city? Even rural girls wouldn''t be interested in him.


    Bai Fendou: "What are you surprised about? Isn''t what I''m saying true? I''ve thought about it. I want to marry someone from the city, preferably a widow with a young son¡ªaround one or two years old, so he won''t remember his biological father. The widow should also have a job."


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened as she exchanged a look with Jiang Lu.


    Zhuang Zhixi, who was standing nearby, understood immediately. Men always seem to understand each other''s thoughts easily.


    He said, "You don''t want to increase your burden by having another mouth to feed, but at the same time, you want a son who''s young enough to see you as his real father and take care of you in your old age."


    Bai Fendou: "Exactly. Preferably, the child could take my surname."


    Jiang Lu opened her mouth several times but couldn''t find the words. She wanted to say, "Who do you think you are?"


    But she held back. She was pregnant and didn''t want to provoke someone like Bai Fendou. Jiang Lu had been keeping a low profile lately, not wanting to offend anyone. She knew she couldn''t afford to. Besides, she had noticed that as long as she acted meekly, Bai Fendou wouldn''t give her a hard time.


    She sighed and said, "It''s hard to find someone like that. I''ll keep an eye out for you, but don''t rely solely on me. You know how difficult it is to find such a situation. You should also keep looking yourself."


    Bai Fendou: "But you said you''d help me find someone..."


    Jiang Lu: "If I wanted to deceive you, I could easily introduce someone to you. But I genuinely don''t want to set you up for failure. You need to be realistic."


    Bai Fendou: "That''s true."


    He felt that Jiang Lu had a point. If she wanted to brush him off, she could have easily introduced someone to him.


    Now, she was sincerely trying to help him find a match.


    He said, "Alright, I owe you one."


    Jiang Lu: "It''s nothing. I''m just doing what I should."


    She was indeed keeping an eye out for such people, but where could she find one? With those conditions, it was unlikely anyone would choose Bai Fendou.


    Ming Mei thought that Jiang Lu had really taken on a big task.


    She coughed lightly and changed the subject, saying, "I wonder how Jinlai and the others are doing."


    "It''s hard to say. Getting trampled by pigs can be a big or small matter."


    "What were they thinking, going to the slaughterhouse to cut off pig tails? How could they come up with such an idea?"


    "It''s just how they were raised."


    Even though the topic had shifted, Bai Fendou wasn''t willing to let it go and forcefully steered it back, saying, "Hey, Xiao Zhuang, how do you think I¡¯ve treated you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Not particularly well. Our relationship is just average."


    Bai Fendou choked for a moment but quickly responded, "Actually, it¡¯s not bad, right? We grew up together in this courtyard. That counts for something, doesn¡¯t it?"


    "Not really. You¡¯ve schemed against me plenty of times. Just say what you want directly." Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s tone was as cold as a winter breeze.


    Bai Fendou: "...What kind of person are you? You¡¯re not friendly at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "So, what¡¯s the matter?"


    Bai Fendou quickly said, "I heard your department is organizing a matchmaking event."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It¡¯s not just our department. It¡¯s a joint effort by the labor union, the factory office, our publicity department, and the women¡¯s federation. You know Jiang Lu, right?"


    Jiang Lu nodded, "I know."


    "It¡¯s a collaboration between four departments."


    Bai Fendou: "But all the single men in the factory have heard about it. They say this year¡¯s event is your idea."


    He added, "Can you give me some inside information?"


    This wasn¡¯t a secret anymore, as the details were about to be announced anyway.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Our machinery factory, along with the bus station and eight elementary schools in the city, is organizing a large-scale joint matchmaking event. Both men and women can sign up. We¡¯ve secured the city cultural center as the venue. Participants need to submit their personal information, and they can¡¯t falsify it. If the information doesn¡¯t match reality, it¡¯s considered a breach of integrity, and we¡¯ll report it to their workshop for criticism."


    Bai Fendou exclaimed, "Ah, what kind of information do we need to provide?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Basic details. For example, for you, it would include your job as a toilet cleaner at the machinery factory and the fact that your father is bedridden. That needs to be noted."


    Bai Fendou was shocked, "Do we really need to be that detailed? If I write all that, who would even consider me?"


    It seemed he was finally aware that his conditions weren¡¯t as great as he made them out to be.


    "If you write it, the women will write theirs too. It¡¯s mutual."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "This is to prevent people from lying or fabricating their family situations."


    "You guys really know how to complicate things. Isn¡¯t it just about meeting someone, hitting it off, and getting married? Why all this extra stuff?"


    "That¡¯s not the way to look at it. If people aren¡¯t upfront, what if someone gets scammed into a marriage? Then the factory would have to deal with the fallout. It¡¯s better to address potential issues upfront rather than deal with them later."


    "I think you¡¯re right," Jiang Lu, representing the women¡¯s federation, chimed in. She knew that every year during the matchmaking events, there were complaints.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "You see, you should think of it this way. Don¡¯t try to trick someone into liking you. Instead, find someone who knows your situation and still wants to be with you. That way, you save yourself time. Otherwise, you might hit it off, spend money on meals and gifts, only to have it fall apart when they find out the truth. Isn¡¯t that a waste of money?"


    The way you talk to someone depends on the person, and this approach clearly worked. Bai Fendou nodded in agreement, "That makes sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "So, this is the right way to do it."


    Seeing that it was getting late, he said, "Let¡¯s head home."


    "Alright, I should get some sleep too."


    "I wonder how things are at the hospital."


    They chatted idly as they walked.


    As for the hospital...


    At the hospital, after extensive treatment, the two children were finally being wheeled to their ward. Normally, patients would need to pay upfront, but the hospital had gone ahead with the emergency treatment for Su Jinlai and Su Yinlai.


    This was mainly because Wang Xiangxiu had a job, so there was no worry about her defaulting on the medical fees.


    It¡¯s no wonder everyone wanted to be a worker back then¡ªworkers held the highest social status, and their word carried weight. The hospital was very familiar with Wang Xiangxiu and her family.


    In fact, the two places that knew their neighborhood best were the local police station and this hospital, which was the closest to their courtyard.


    At these two places, they were practically celebrities.


    The hospital recognized them and dared to provide treatment. For worker families like theirs, even if they couldn¡¯t pay upfront, the hospital could contact their factory to deduct the fees from their wages. So, the hospital quickly moved them to a ward.


    "Both patients suffered injuries from being trampled by pigs. They have varying degrees of fractures. Su Jinlai has multiple broken bones, including a fractured leg. He needs to rest properly, or he could end up with a limp. As for Su Yinlai, his condition is more severe. He¡¯s younger, so his body couldn¡¯t handle the trauma as well. Not only does he have fractures, but his lungs are also injured. He¡¯s not out of danger yet, and a family member needs to stay with him 24/7. Even if he recovers, he might have long-term health issues. His lungs are weak, and he¡¯ll need to avoid strenuous work and rest a lot."


    "What?!"


    Both women from the Su family were in disbelief. They never imagined things could turn out this badly. Their children had gotten into plenty of trouble before, but it had never been this serious.


    "He¡¯s... not out of danger?"


    "No."


    "Oh my god!" Wang Xiangxiu broke down in tears, "Doctor, please save them. They¡¯re good kids. They don¡¯t deserve this. How could this happen... They were fine this morning. Jinlai, Yinlai..."


    "Comrade, this is a hospital. You can¡¯t make too much noise. You¡¯ll disturb the other patients. Your children are still very weak. Focus on taking care of them instead of worrying about other things."


    "Jinlai, Yinlai..."


    Wang Xiangxiu cried, while Aunt Su silently wept beside her, looking like she might faint at any moment.


    Although the doctor didn¡¯t have a high opinion of the family, he couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for them. They always managed to end up in the hospital. But who could they blame? Their kids were just too mischievous. If only they had been properly disciplined, this wouldn¡¯t have happened.


    "Spend more time with your children."


    Even though the family was like a curse, the doctor still added, with great seriousness, "This time, while you¡¯re here, don¡¯t cause any more trouble. If you do, we really won¡¯t welcome you back."


    Every time they came to the hospital, they never left peacefully.


    Their antics had made the hospital infamous.


    It was embarrassing.


    Wang Xiangxiu tearfully looked at her son, unable to take her eyes off him, and nodded, "I understand."


    Her response was perfunctory, and it was clear she wasn¡¯t really paying attention. But given the state of her child, the doctor didn¡¯t press further. As he left the ward, he saw a crowd outside¡ªpolice officers, slaughterhouse staff, and onlookers.


    "Doctor, how are they...?"


    The doctor adjusted his glasses and said, "As you heard, they¡¯re in bad shape. They can¡¯t be moved now, and I estimate... it¡¯ll take at least six months for them to recover." He lowered his voice, "The younger one might not make it."


    "What?!" Everyone stared at the doctor in shock.


    Even though they disliked the Su family¡¯s troublemaking kids, no one wanted to see a child lose their life.


    After all, no one was heartless.


    "What a tragedy."


    "Such a young child suffering so much..."


    "This is all Aunt Su¡¯s fault. Wang Xiangxiu is busy with work, so Aunt Su should¡¯ve been looking after the kids. Instead, she let them run wild. Now this has happened, and all she can do is cry."


    "Alright, let¡¯s not make too much noise in the hospital."


    Zhao Guihua stopped everyone, saying, "Let¡¯s head back for now."


    They had originally gone out to see what the commotion was about, but they hadn¡¯t expected the injuries to be so severe. The spectacle was too much to bear.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t know what to say, but she still managed to utter, ¡°I hope the children will be alright.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    One by one, everyone started heading back. Zhao Guihua suddenly spoke up, ¡°From now on, every household should keep a closer eye on their children. If we don¡¯t, they¡¯ll become more and more unruly, and if something happens outside, no one will tolerate it. Besides, even if people tolerate it, animals won¡¯t. Look at this¡ªwho could have imagined they¡¯d get trampled so badly by a pig?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Zhao is absolutely correct.¡±


    Even Aunt Zhou, who usually loved to argue, didn¡¯t contradict her this time. She sighed and said, ¡°You¡¯re right¡­¡± before trailing off.


    When it comes to life-and-death matters, people tend to show more compassion than usual.


    Although they had left and didn¡¯t stay behind, the police officers still communicated in detail with both parties involved. The slaughterhouse was a state-owned enterprise. Even though the injuries were severe, it didn¡¯t change the fact that they had been caught cutting off pig tails.


    Pig tails weren¡¯t particularly valuable, but the incident was significant.


    It was clear that once Su Jinlai and Su Yinlai were discharged from the hospital, they would definitely be sent to a juvenile detention center.


    This was the difference between stealing from private individuals and stealing from the state.


    If it were a private household, they might have just gotten a beating and that would have been the end of it. In those days, people weren¡¯t too harsh on children.


    But when it came to the state, there had to be consequences.


    It wasn¡¯t that the slaughterhouse was deliberately causing trouble, but the incident had already blown up. The slaughterhouse couldn¡¯t afford not to pursue the matter, or someone might accuse them of negligence.


    Many things in life are beyond our control.


    It¡¯s not as simple as feeling sorry for someone and letting it slide.


    Although the children were indeed pitiful, the police still explained the situation to the mother and daughter-in-law. While they were still receiving treatment, they wouldn¡¯t be sent to the juvenile detention center. But once their treatment was over, they would have to go.


    Aunt Su cried even more bitterly, while Wang Xiangxiu clutched her son¡¯s hand and said, ¡°I understand.¡±


    She murmured to herself, ¡°I¡¯ll find a way. I¡¯ll definitely find a way.¡±


    Aunt Su grabbed her daughter-in-law¡¯s hand and said, ¡°I¡¯m counting on you, really, I¡¯m counting on you. I¡¯m just an old woman, I don¡¯t know what to do. Our children are still so young. They can¡¯t go to detention.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, ¡°I know, I know.¡±


    She truly had no other options. What did she have? Nothing but herself. She racked her brains, wondering what she could do, how she could scheme to keep her son out of trouble.


    Although she sounded determined, deep down, she was filled with panic.


    This matter was just too difficult to handle.


    ¡°And then there¡¯s the medical expenses¡­¡±


    Earlier, when Wang Xiangxiu was hospitalized, the factory had covered most of the costs. Although they still had to pay some, it was mainly Aunt Su who footed the bill. But now, it was the two children who were injured, and they weren¡¯t workers.


    So, they would have to pay a significant amount for medical expenses.


    Although their family had some savings, it clearly wasn¡¯t enough.


    They knew how much Old Man Bai from Bai Fendou¡¯s family had spent. Back then, Old Man Bai hadn¡¯t arranged for anyone to take over his position, so the factory had covered some of the costs. Even so, they still ended up spending two hundred yuan.


    Actually, they were mistaken because that amount included previous expenses as well.


    But that wasn¡¯t the main point. The important thing was that they were really short on money now.


    Wang Xiangxiu muttered, ¡°What should we do? What should we do?¡±


    Aunt Su looked at her daughter-in-law with a pained expression and said, ¡°We have no other options. I¡¯m just an old woman, I can¡¯t do anything. I¡¯m just a burden to you. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t say that. I¡¯ll find a way.¡±


    Aunt Su nodded, ¡°I believe in you.¡±


    The news of Su Jinlai and Su Yinlai¡¯s mishap spread quickly. No matter who heard about it, they couldn¡¯t help but gasp.


    To be honest, even though this hadn¡¯t happened to their own family, almost every household took a moment to reflect and sternly warned their own children not to end up like the Su family. Even the usually harsh Aunt Zhou mentioned over breakfast to Jiang Lu, ¡°From now on, we can¡¯t spoil our children too much.¡±


    When she was younger, she had also been guilty of spoiling her child, which was why Zhou Qun had turned out the way he did.


    But this incident had truly shaken her.


    Zhou Qun also nodded and said, ¡°We need to educate them properly. If a child ends up in juvenile detention, their future is ruined. Those two from the Su family won¡¯t be able to take over their parents¡¯ jobs either.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. If they have a criminal record from juvenile detention, they won¡¯t be able to take over their parents¡¯ positions. The machinery factory conducts background checks. Anyone with a criminal record can¡¯t be hired, not even for job succession.¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­ Then their family is really finished.¡±


    Meanwhile, Aunt Wang was also warning her own children, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, ¡°You two need to focus on your studies. You can play around the neighborhood after school, but you must never cause trouble. There are some things we just can¡¯t do¡­¡±


    Similarly, Zhao Guihua was also at home educating her two grandchildren, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi.


    Both Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded.


    Xiao Yanzi asked curiously, ¡°Grandma, will Jinlai and Yinlai have to go to jail?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s juvenile detention, which is a bit different. So, I don¡¯t scold you when you¡¯re mischievous, but you must never cause serious trouble. There are some things you just can¡¯t do¡­¡±


    The ripple effect of this news was enormous. Every household in the area was busy educating their children.


    No wonder this neighborhood later had such a high success rate.


    With such a stark example, the elders were all worried that their own children might go astray. With proper education, the children naturally grew up to be successful.


    Zhuang Zhixi was taking Ming Mei to work as usual and asked, ¡°Did your parents buy any grain?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°They did.¡±


    Recently, grain prices had started to rise, especially in the black market, where the increase was quite noticeable.


    Zhuang Zhixi had gone to buy peanuts but couldn¡¯t purchase a large amount all at once, so he had to make multiple trips. This made the price fluctuations in the black market even more apparent to him. He sighed, ¡°No matter the era, there are always those who are shrewd and plan ahead.¡±


    If Zhao Guihua bought some grain, or if a few households in their compound did, it wouldn¡¯t have much of an impact. No one would believe it if you told them.


    The main issue was that others had the same idea, and more and more people were buying grain. With the arrival of autumn, it became somewhat clear how the harvest would turn out this year. News of a poor harvest had started to spread.


    Anyone with a bit of money who believed the rumors would stock up on some grain.


    As a result, grain prices in the black market had risen.


    ¡°Mom is really smart. None of us thought of it, only she did.¡±


    Even her own son had to admit that his mother was a capable woman.


    Ming Mei chuckled softly and said, ¡°Yes, with her around, our lives are so much easier.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Mom said we¡¯re all going up the mountain tomorrow.¡±


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°Huh?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi clarified, ¡°Not you. You¡¯ll stay home and help look after Hutou and Xiao Yanzi.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She pinched Zhuang Zhixi hard and said, ¡°Why not me?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°My dear wife, you¡¯re pregnant. You need to face the fact that you¡¯re carrying a child.¡±


    Ming Mei sighed wistfully, ¡°Once I¡¯ve given birth to these two little ones, I¡¯m going to go out and have some fun. Right now, because of them, I can¡¯t do this, I can¡¯t do that.¡±


    Ah, the sacrifices of motherhood.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Just hang in there a little longer.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Ming Mei leaned against Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s back and said, ¡°After this, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll want a second child for a long time.¡±


    ¡°Then we won¡¯t have one.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ming Mei smiled brightly.


    She had always been lively and energetic, and she loved a good bit of gossip. But ever since she got pregnant, she felt like she had been tied down. She really felt like she had lost her spark. She just hoped to give birth soon.


    ¡°Luckily, I¡¯m having twins this time, so I won¡¯t need to have another child right away.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°What are you all going up the mountain for tomorrow? I thought there weren¡¯t any fish left in the pond?¡±


    What a shame¡ªsuch a good fish pond had been completely emptied.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°There¡¯s a chestnut tree up there. Tomorrow¡¯s Sunday, so we¡¯re all going to pick chestnuts.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°But won¡¯t other people see it too? There have been so many people going up the mountain lately.¡±


    This thing isn¡¯t something only his family can see; it¡¯s something everyone can see. It¡¯s not necessarily reserved for them, right?


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, chuckled and said, "The chestnuts weren¡¯t ripe a while ago. Mom and the others went up the mountain recently and took a peek¡ªthey¡¯re still there. If we go now, no matter what, we can just collect them. Even if they¡¯re a bit unripe, it¡¯s fine. We can let them ripen at home. But if we wait any longer, they might not be ours anymore. Although not everyone might recognize them or notice them, there are definitely others who¡¯ve seen them. Everyone¡¯s waiting for them to ripen. If we act first, it¡¯s better than ending up with nothing later."


    "You¡¯re right," Ming Mei agreed after some thought. "Even if they¡¯ve been picked, it¡¯s not a big deal. There¡¯s plenty of stuff in the mountains in autumn. We might find something else."


    "Everyone knows there¡¯s a lot up in the mountains, so there¡¯ll definitely be a lot of people going up."


    "Well, there¡¯s nothing we can do about that. At least it¡¯s still early."


    That¡¯s true. It¡¯s only early September. Although autumn has officially started, the weather is still quite hot, and it¡¯s not quite the peak harvest season yet. Late September is usually the best time. But they don¡¯t dare wait that long. By then, there might be nothing left.


    The two of them chatted all the way. Zhuang Zhixi had just dropped Ming Mei off and was almost late getting back to work, barely making it on time.


    Zhang San remarked, "If you¡¯d been a few minutes later, I would¡¯ve closed the gate."


    He knew that Zhuang Zhixi had to drop his wife off in the mornings and couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously, "You¡¯re married, and so are others, but is your wife really that precious? You¡¯re dropping her off every day. I¡¯ve seen women at the factory working even when they¡¯re heavily pregnant."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "My wife is also working while pregnant. What¡¯s the difference?"


    He patted Zhang San on the shoulder and said, "You single folks wouldn¡¯t understand."


    Zhang San: "..."


    How wouldn¡¯t I understand? Oh, right!


    He then asked gossipily, "I heard Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s son got into trouble while cutting a pig¡¯s tail?"


    Zhuang Zhixi, who already knew the details, nodded. "Yeah."


    Zhang San sighed, "That¡¯s dangerous stuff."


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Absolutely. He¡¯s in serious condition. We don¡¯t know when he¡¯ll be discharged. Last night, everyone went to the hospital, and they haven¡¯t come back yet. We don¡¯t even know if he¡¯ll make it through the critical period. Even if he does, the medical bills are going to be hefty..."


    Zhang San asked, "Does his family lack money?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "Who doesn¡¯t lack money? Only one person in their family is working."


    Zhang San chuckled and leaned in to whisper something to Zhuang Zhixi, who raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Five bucks? Really?"


    "Of course, it¡¯s true. Li Si even... hehe."


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "That¡¯s really something..."


    Zhang San said, "I¡¯d like to spend that five bucks too. It¡¯s not a small amount, but it¡¯s manageable once in a while."


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Cut it out. Don¡¯t think about that nonsense."


    He laughed and added, "I need to head upstairs now, or I¡¯ll get scolded."


    "Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry."


    Zhuang Zhixi went upstairs and entered the office. As soon as he walked in, Old Huang teased him, "You got stopped and questioned on your way here, didn¡¯t you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Of course."


    Sister Cui chimed in, "I just went to deliver some materials to the Women¡¯s Federation. Jiang Lu couldn¡¯t even move¡ªshe was surrounded by women asking questions."


    As people from the same compound, they had access to firsthand information. They were practically the center of attention.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Every time something happens in our compound, I can¡¯t even take a step without being stopped."


    "It¡¯s because you¡¯re close with the security department."


    "Come on, tell us what¡¯s going on."


    "I heard Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s second son might not make it?"


    "Why did they even think of cutting a pig¡¯s tail?"


    Everyone bombarded him with questions. Some of the men, who usually seemed so serious, were just as gossipy as anyone else.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Folks, I don¡¯t know much. I wasn¡¯t there yesterday. I was with my wife."


    Little Xu chimed in, "Why are you asking him? You should go ask Zhou Qun."


    Zhou Qun had come to the factory early that morning, bouncing around like a monkey. The reason the news spread so quickly was largely due to his "efforts."


    "That¡¯s true. Zhou Qun was at the hospital yesterday," Zhuang Zhixi said, not wanting to discuss it further. While he usually enjoyed a bit of gossip, thinking about someone still in critical condition made him feel it wasn¡¯t appropriate to say much.


    "Right, go ask Zhou Qun."


    "He¡¯s really... even more well-informed than the factory gossips."


    "He even waves his hand like this."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    The news caused a stir for the entire day. After all, for most people, the Su family was just a group of strangers, so it was more about the spectacle. Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t come to work that day, and the police station even came to ask for leave on her behalf.


    You could say they were really good people.


    But in the end, the Su family¡¯s affairs had nothing to do with them. Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s mind was still on the upcoming trip to the mountains.


    Since they were planning to go up the mountain, Zhao Guihua prepared several baskets. Everyone except Ming Mei was going, and they even borrowed Uncle Lan¡¯s bicycle. The whole family set out at the crack of dawn.


    Ming Mei, Hutou, and Xiao Yanzi were left behind, staring at each other.


    None of them could go.


    Hutou comforted Ming Mei, "Auntie, even though you can¡¯t go this time, you¡¯ll be able to next time."


    Ming Mei sighed, resting her chin on her hand. "It¡¯s going to be a long time."


    "It¡¯ll take a long time for us to grow up too. When I¡¯m a bit older, I can go as well."


    "Me too."


    Ming Mei said, "Alright, they¡¯ve all left. Should we go back to sleep or go out and play?"


    Hutou replied, "Let¡¯s lie down for a bit. Xiao Yanzi and I can play with the sheep knuckles."


    Ming Mei nodded. "Alright, let¡¯s go back inside." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Okay."


    Since she couldn¡¯t go out, Ming Mei decided to catch up on some sleep.


    She slept soundly, and since she¡¯d avoided getting hurt on the bus, her condition was much better than in her dreams. She looked quite healthy, and after closing the door, she rolled back into bed.


    Hmph, if they weren¡¯t taking her, she¡¯d just sleep in.


    Ming Mei had been quite sleepy since becoming pregnant. As she slept soundly, Zhao Guihua and the others quickly rode their bikes to the outskirts. It was Sunday, and since it was still early, the streets weren¡¯t crowded. They rode to the foot of the mountain, and Zhao Guihua¡¯s face lit up with a smile. "I told you it¡¯d still be here."


    The chestnut tree hadn¡¯t been picked yet. Zhao Guihua waved her hand and said, "Quick, let¡¯s get to work."


    Usually, if people wanted to go up the mountain, they¡¯d choose Sunday. It wasn¡¯t that the day was particularly special, but for working people, Sunday was the only day they had free. Zhao Guihua had prepared thick gloves for everyone.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, you¡¯ve really thought of everything."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, you¡¯ve really thought of everything."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "These things are prickly. Did you think I was as careless as you?"


    They didn¡¯t plan to peel the chestnuts on the mountain and bring them home clean. That would be impossible¡ªif anyone saw them, they¡¯d definitely join in. Their plan was to collect the chestnuts with their spiky shells intact and deal with them at home.


    The shells could even be used as kindling, so it was a win-win.


    The five of them worked quickly.


    With many hands, the work went fast. In just over an hour, the chestnut tree was completely bare.


    They¡¯d gathered six large baskets of chestnuts. Of course, once shelled, the amount would shrink by at least a third, but that didn¡¯t dampen their enthusiasm. After all, chestnuts, like sweet potatoes, could be used as a staple food.


    That was a big deal.


    Vegetables were tasty, but they didn¡¯t fill you up.


    "Let¡¯s keep looking," Zhao Guihua said.


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, "How about this? Let¡¯s head down the mountain a bit, find a spot to gather all our stuff, and leave two people to watch over it. The rest of us can spread out and search. We shouldn¡¯t all stay in one place. If someone else has their eye on this tree and sees we¡¯ve taken all the chestnuts, they might cause trouble. These things don¡¯t belong to anyone, so there¡¯s no reason to argue, but you never know with some people. It¡¯s too hot to get into a fight. Let¡¯s not ruin our mood, what do you think?"


    "That makes sense," everyone agreed.


    Old Man Zhuang was the type who preferred to avoid trouble whenever possible. He said, "Why don''t we head back now? We¡¯ve already got some things to take home."


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, disagreed. "Come on, we¡¯re already here."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan shared the same sentiment. He added, "We should make the most of these trips now. Once winter comes and it gets cold, there won¡¯t be any reason to come up here."


    The fish pond was empty, and the mountains were bare. There was no need to come during the winter. But autumn was the perfect season for heading up the mountains.


    Old Man Zhuang relented. "Alright, I¡¯ll leave it up to you all."


    Liang Meifen suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, look over there! There¡¯s some dried wood ear mushrooms!"


    "Wow, you¡¯re right! Quick, let¡¯s get them!"


    "You see? The mountains are full of good stuff this time of year. Since we¡¯re already here, we might as well gather as much as we can. That way, we can stay cozy at home during the winter. Oh, look, there¡¯s more wood ear over there! Let¡¯s go pick them."


    It was no wonder autumn was called the season of harvest. Good things were everywhere. The group quickly got to work.


    After collecting all the wood ear mushrooms, they pushed their cart and started heading back down.


    They found a secluded spot to rest for a while. Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen stayed behind while the men went off to explore. Zhao Guihua reminded them, "Whether you find anything or not, make sure you¡¯re back by noon."


    "Got it."


    Of course, Zhao Guihua and Liang Meifen weren¡¯t idle either. The area was cool and shaded, and there were plenty of wild vegetables to pick. The two of them got to work without hesitation. Liang Meifen said, "Mom, the ground here is really damp, and there are earthworms. Be careful not to step in the mud."


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes lit up. "Earthworms? That¡¯s great!"


    Liang Meifen was puzzled. "Huh?"


    Zhao Guihua explained, "We can catch them to feed the chickens at home."


    Liang Meifen smacked her forehead. "Oh, right! How could I forget that?"


    As they worked, Liang Meifen brought up another topic. "Mom, we¡¯ve got so much stuff this year. Do you think we can buy less cabbage and save some money?"


    Zhao Guihua scolded her lightly. "Don¡¯t talk nonsense. If we buy less, we won¡¯t have enough to eat. Are you going to tie your mouth shut? We can¡¯t skimp on food. If we run out, it¡¯ll be hard to buy more later."


    Liang Meifen didn¡¯t dare argue further.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "We still need to buy plenty of cabbage, and we can¡¯t forget the turnips either¡­ Oh, it feels like September has barely started, and we¡¯re already so busy."


    "Tell me about it."


    These two months were indeed the busiest time of the year. They had to stock up on cabbage and turnips, pickle vegetables, make dried pickles, and not forget to buy coal briquettes. If everyone in the family was working, it was even more chaotic.


    Zhao Guihua said, "When we get back, I¡¯m going to talk to Aunt Wang about dividing up the cellar."


    Liang Meifen was surprised. "Really?"


    Zhao Guihua explained, "With Uncle Lan¡¯s family moving into the front courtyard this year, we¡¯ll need to reallocate the cellar space anyway. It¡¯s better to divide it into separate sections, each with its own lock. That way, everyone can keep their things safe. Relying on everyone¡¯s honesty isn¡¯t enough."


    "Do you think the others will agree?"


    Zhao Guihua replied confidently, "The majority will agree. Even if someone doesn¡¯t, it¡¯ll probably just be Aunt Su¡¯s family. Everyone else will be on board. In the past, the Bai family let them take things freely, but not anymore. Su Jinlai and his family have a reputation for stealing, so everyone¡¯s on guard now."


    "That¡¯s true."


    "Though with the new division, each family¡¯s space will be smaller."


    After all, there was one more family to accommodate.


    Zhao Guihua sighed. "There¡¯s no helping it."


    Still, the idea of having separate, locked sections was reassuring. At least they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about their things going missing.


    "I¡¯ll bring it up as soon as we get back!"

 Chapter 124

    If we¡¯re to talk about it, the Zhuang family sure worked fast. They started heading back before noon. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to pick more, but they simply couldn¡¯t carry any more. Ah, the bountiful harvest season. All three carts were packed to the brim, mostly with chestnuts, but there were other things too. The men who had been scouting around the area had also managed to gather some things. Zhuang Zhixi was even lucky enough to catch a wild pheasant.On this point, Zhuang Zhiyuan had to admit he was impressed by his younger brother and his wife. It seemed like every time they went up the mountain, they managed to catch some wild game¡ªpheasants, rabbits, you name it. Even his mother often had similar luck. As for him? Not so much.


    But he wasn¡¯t completely empty-handed. He had found a shady spot with a good number of large mushrooms. Not bad at all. With all the rain this year, the mushrooms had grown well. The whole family came down the mountain loaded with their harvest, drawing envious glances from others.


    As time passed, more and more people had gathered on the mountain. Not wanting to linger, they quickly made their way back. The journey from the outskirts wasn¡¯t short, and by the time they got home, it was already past noon. Most families had already finished their meals. Seeing everyone return, Ming Mei quickly reheated the lunch she had prepared. Zhuang Zhixi and the others carried their haul into the house, sweating profusely as they stood in the yard, rinsing themselves off.


    Ming Mei went back inside to fetch some towels and stood at the door. Zhuang Zhixi turned around and smiled, ¡°You¡¯re the best, wife.¡±


    Ming Mei chuckled and scolded him lightly, ¡°Hurry up and dry yourself off, then come eat.¡±


    She handed out the towels to everyone and then went back inside to check on the pot, which hadn¡¯t yet come to a boil.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were busy inspecting the baskets, scratching their heads in confusion. ¡°Auntie, what¡¯s this?¡± they asked.


    They didn¡¯t recognize the chestnuts and had no idea what their family had gone out early in the morning to gather. They didn¡¯t look like something edible. The two children were thoroughly puzzled. Ming Mei didn¡¯t recognize them either. Even in the 1970s, Ming Mei had grown up in the city and wasn¡¯t familiar with chestnuts in their natural state.


    If you peeled off the spiky outer shell, she might have recognized them. But in their raw, unprocessed form, Ming Mei had never seen them before.


    Still, even though she didn¡¯t recognize them, Ming Mei knew they had to be chestnuts. After all, the main purpose of their trip that day had been to gather chestnuts.


    ¡°These are chestnuts,¡± Ming Mei explained. ¡°They¡¯re really delicious. Have you ever had chestnut stewed with chicken?¡±


    The two children shook their heads.


    Ming Mei thought for a moment, trying to suppress her own drooling. ¡°It¡¯s absolutely delicious. The chestnuts soak up the flavor of the chicken broth, and when you take a bite¡­¡±


    Xiao Yanzi¡¯s mouth started watering¡­


    Just then, Zhao Guihua walked in. ¡°¡­¡±


    She sighed, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone drool just from talking about food.¡±


    ¡°Hehe.¡±


    Xiao Yanzi wiped her mouth, embarrassed but still smiling.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I¡¯ll cook it for you tonight.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Ming Mei and the two children immediately turned their bright eyes toward Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow. ¡°What? Don¡¯t want it?¡±


    ¡°We do!¡±


    They all shouted in unison.


    Ming Mei patted her belly, thinking it must be the baby inside her that was craving the food. Otherwise, she, Ming Mei, would never be so easily tempted. She was a woman of the world, after all.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Hurry up and eat. We¡¯ve got work to do this afternoon.¡±


    Ming Mei was puzzled. ¡°What else is there to do?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°We¡¯ve got to shell these chestnuts, don¡¯t we?¡±


    Then she thought of something else. ¡°Oh, and I need to move that big bag of rice and flour from my room to yours. With all the people coming and going in my place, it¡¯s not good for them to see so much stuff lying around. But you two are both working, so you don¡¯t get many visitors. It¡¯s perfect.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Zhao Guihua suddenly slapped her forehead. ¡°Oh, right. Don¡¯t move anything this afternoon. Eldest and third son, you two go check every room for any rat holes. If you find any, put down some poison and then seal them up with cement. Also, check the window frames and door gaps. Fix anything that needs fixing.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    They did this kind of check once or twice every year.


    With so many rats around, you had to be careful. If you didn¡¯t take precautions, your home would be overrun.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s eat first, then get to work.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, having eaten their fill, had also each managed to snag a bowl of malted milk from their aunt. The two of them ran off to the yard to find their friends. While the adults were busy, the kids couldn¡¯t help much, so they went to call for Li Junjun and Li Weiwei. Soon, a group of children ran off together.


    Bai Fendou watched as Zhuang Zhixi went around opening doors and windows, and called out, ¡°Hey, Zhuang, what are you up to?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Looking for rat holes. If we don¡¯t deal with those nasty things, they¡¯ll ruin our food. Plus, it¡¯s a good time to check the house for any repairs. You can¡¯t exactly do this kind of work in the winter, can you?¡±


    ¡°True enough.¡±


    Hearing this, Bai Fendou immediately got to work as well.


    His family¡¯s situation was even worse than the Zhuangs¡¯.


    While the Zhuang family was bustling with activity, the same was true for other households.


    Most men worked during the week, so any heavy chores had to be saved for the weekends. Sometimes, weekends were even more exhausting than workdays.


    Life back then was much harder and busier compared to decades later. But people still had a lot of energy and drive. After all, the concept of ¡°slacking off¡± didn¡¯t exist back then.


    The Zhuang family was busy at work.


    When they heard that Zhao Guihua was sealing up rat holes, the neighbors all agreed it was a good idea and went back to their own homes to do the same.


    Compared to the lively atmosphere at the Zhuangs¡¯, the Su family¡¯s house was quiet and empty. Tonglai had gone to the hospital with his mother and grandmother. The front door was locked. After finishing their work, Zhao Guihua and the others sat by the door, shelling chestnuts.


    Zhao Guihua warned the family, ¡°Be careful, everyone. Do it like this, so you don¡¯t prick your fingers.¡±


    ¡°We know.¡±


    ¡°Take your time. It¡¯s better to go slow than to get hurt.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re such a nag.¡±


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. ¡°You little brat, are you trying to pick a fight with me?¡±


    Her son immediately raised the white flag. He knew better than to provoke his mother.


    Zhao Guihua smirked in satisfaction. ¡°You, after all¡­ huh?¡±


    She paused as she saw a thin woman hurrying into the yard. It was none other than Su Pandi, the second daughter of the Su family.


    Su Pandi was carrying a small bundle. Seeing the lock on the door, she froze for a moment, then quickly turned to Zhao Guihua, who was in the yard. ¡°Aunt Zhao, did my mom and the others go to the hospital?¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded. ¡°They¡¯ve been at the hospital since the night before last. I haven¡¯t seen them since. Did you hear the news?¡±


    Su Pandi nodded. ¡°My mom sent me a message.¡± sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She hesitated for a moment, then said, ¡°Can you take me to the hospital?¡±


    Zhao Guihua was taken aback. ¡°???¡±


    The nerve of her, speaking so casually.


    ¡°It¡¯s the one closest to us. You can go by yourself. They¡¯re on the second floor.¡±


    Su Pandi frowned slightly. Zhao Guihua added, ¡°You¡¯ve lived here for twenty years. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know where it is?¡±


    At this, Su Pandi pursed her lips and said, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Without another word, she turned and left.


    She came and went in a hurry. Ming Mei, curious, asked, ¡°Was that the Su family¡¯s second daughter?¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded.


    Ming Mei said, ¡°She looks a lot like her sister.¡±


    Actually, Su Zhaodi and Su Pandi had returned more than once, but they always came and went so quickly that Ming Mei hadn¡¯t had much chance to see them. She had only seen Su Zhaodi once, when she brought Wang Zhaodi to their door. As for Su Pandi, this was the first time.


    Su Pandi looked quite similar to Su Zhaodi, both resembling their mother, Aunt Su. Neither had particularly striking looks¡ªthey were rather plain.


    Truly plain.


    Just ordinary women, with average features, thin builds, and dry, yellowish hair. She had the common bob haircut of the time and wore clothes with noticeable patches.


    It was clear that life hadn¡¯t been kind to her.


    You could tell a lot about a person¡¯s life from their energy and the way they dressed.


    Liang Meifen said, ¡°Mom, I think the Su family¡¯s second daughter is around thirty-four or thirty-five, right?¡±


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment. ¡°Thirty-five.¡±


    Liang Meifen remarked, ¡°She looks much older. I¡¯d say she looks like she¡¯s in her forties.¡±


    That was being generous. Some might even say she looked forty-five.


    Zhao Guihua sighed. ¡°That¡¯s what a life of hardship does to you.¡±


    She smiled and said, "You should all be thanking me. If it weren''t for me, your lives wouldn''t be this comfortable. Your father''s salary supports the family, and I help take care of the kids. Otherwise, with work, childcare, and housework, you might end up looking older than Su Pandi."


    Ming Mei immediately leaned against Zhao Guihua''s arm, cooing, "Mom, I know you''re the best to us. Having a mother-in-law like you is a blessing I must have earned over eight lifetimes. How am I so lucky? My mom dotes on me, and my mother-in-law treats me just like my mom. I¡¯m so happy."


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but shiver at her overly sweet tone.


    She shook her arm, giving Ming Mei a look of mixed emotions, and said, "If you''re going to flatter me, at least don¡¯t use that voice. Look, the hairs on my arm are standing up."


    Ming Mei giggled, "But I¡¯m telling the truth. Even if it sounds like flattery, it¡¯s sincere."


    She added, "Really, it is."


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "You..."


    Ming Mei pouted, "Don¡¯t you believe me?"


    She playfully nuzzled Zhao Guihua¡¯s arm with her head.


    Zhao Guihua groaned, "Oh, for heaven¡¯s sake, act normal."


    As a native of Beijing and a typical northerner, she couldn¡¯t handle such sugary behavior.


    Not just Zhao Guihua, even Liang Meifen, who was standing nearby, rubbed her arms uncomfortably. This level of flattery was something she could never master. If she tried, she¡¯d probably lose her appetite from the sheer cringe.


    Flattery was important, but so was eating.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, chuckled and said, "My wife is the cutest."


    He wrapped his arm around Ming Mei and said, "Sweetheart, take a break. This work is tough on your hands. Let me handle more of it. I¡¯m a man; I can manage."


    Ming Mei smiled, "Okay~"


    Liang Meifen sighed, glancing at her own husband, who clearly lacked her brother-in-law¡¯s charm.


    Zhao Guihua looked at them all and thought to herself that while their family had its minor conflicts, they were nothing compared to the chaos in other households. They were doing just fine.


    She reminded herself to be content.


    Their family was much better off than the others who were constantly embroiled in drama.


    Her gaze drifted to the Su family¡¯s locked door, wondering if Tonglai had pulled through.


    Jinlai and Yinlai¡¯s hospitalization had cost a fortune, but there was no other choice¡ªit was a matter of life and death. The two hundred they had recently scammed was gone in an instant, and it still wasn¡¯t enough.


    Wang Xiangxiu had to chip in another sixty.


    Over the years, she had managed to save up a little over five hundred yuan, nearly six hundred. After giving away sixty, she was left with exactly five hundred.


    This money had come from Bai Fendou¡¯s occasional contributions and some side hustles. Her mother-in-law, a kind and simple woman, never interfered with her finances or took control of the household money, so it all stayed in Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s hands.


    Her mother-in-law, who had swindled some money from Old Bai, would occasionally buy meat to supplement the family meals.


    Wang Xiangxiu was deeply grateful for having such a good mother-in-law.


    She believed that many women suffered due to strained relationships with their in-laws, but she had no such worries. However, her children¡¯s misfortune weighed heavily on her.


    Yes, misfortune.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t think her children had done anything wrong. She just believed they were unlucky to have been trampled by the pig. If they hadn¡¯t been, they might have even come home with some pig tails. Bringing things home was a sign of cleverness, after all.


    But now, it was all over.


    Although she still had five hundred yuan, she was deeply worried. The children¡¯s treatment was only just beginning, especially for Yinlai, who was still in critical condition. The medical expenses would be substantial.


    She sighed, "Mom, what should we do?"


    Aunt Su looked at Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s troubled face and thought to herself how useless she was. Instead of scrambling to borrow money, she was just sitting there.


    Aunt Su immediately put on a pitiful expression and said, "Xiangxiu, what can an old woman like me do? At my age, even if I wanted to find a man to exchange for some money, no one would want me."


    She glanced at Wang Xiangxiu and continued, "If Old Bai were still around, I¡¯d have willingly married that shameless old man for the money. But now, with him in that state, I¡¯d be lucky not to lose money. It¡¯s just not possible. Why is life so unfair? The bad people live so well, while good people like us suffer. It¡¯s truly the wicked who prosper, and the good who weep."


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, "Yes, look at our neighbors. They¡¯re all so stingy and heartless, yet they live comfortably. Meanwhile, our family struggles to make ends meet."


    Although she still had five hundred yuan, she was reluctant to dip into her savings.


    After all, without Bai Fendou¡¯s support, life would be even harder.


    She hesitated, "Bai Fendou probably has a few hundred yuan. I¡¯m not sure exactly how much, but selling his job would bring in a decent sum. I just don¡¯t know how to get that money now. He¡¯s lost his manhood, so even if I tried to seduce him, it wouldn¡¯t work. He has no need for that anymore."


    She pursed her lips, "Even if I set him up for harassment, it probably wouldn¡¯t work either."


    In the past, she had thought Bai Fendou was easy to manipulate, but now, without his infatuation, he was completely unyielding. She couldn¡¯t control him anymore.


    She was truly at a loss.


    Aunt Su thought for a moment and said, "Let¡¯s take this step by step."


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at her expectantly. Aunt Su continued, "First, you need to go to the factory tomorrow. This is a must. Find the factory director and make a scene. Cry and make a fuss about how pitiful our family is. The factory has to help us. Demand that they organize a donation drive. If the leaders refuse, kneel in the factory courtyard and kowtow. It might be humiliating, but if it works, the payoff will be huge. The factory has thousands of workers. Even if everyone donated just a penny, it would add up to at least a hundred yuan. And the leaders would surely donate more, as would the kind-hearted. We might even get a thousand yuan. That would cover the children¡¯s treatment and leave some for our daily expenses. The kids need proper nourishment after such injuries."


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s eyes lit up, "That¡¯s a great idea! Yes, we¡¯re in such a difficult situation; they should organize a donation for us. The factory once raised over a thousand yuan for an elderly, childless veteran. We can definitely do the same."


    She was thrilled. This plan would not only solve their financial troubles but also bring in extra money.


    "Mom, what¡¯s the second step?"


    Aunt Su smiled faintly, "Second, go find the men who used to have a good relationship with you. Men have a natural tendency to pity the weak. If you appear desperate enough, they¡¯ll help. Even if they can¡¯t give much, they¡¯ll give something. And once we get the money, we won¡¯t pay it back."


    Aunt Su didn¡¯t spell it out, but her meaning was clear. Wang Xiangxiu could approach the men she had been involved with before. Even if each only gave five or ten yuan, it would add up. After all, sleeping with them had cost that much before. Now, asking for help, they wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give a little.


    As for repaying the money?


    Forget about it.


    If necessary, she could always sleep with them again.


    Aunt Su knew Wang Xiangxiu would understand without her having to explain further.


    There were at least a dozen men Wang Xiangxiu had been involved with. Even if each gave just four or eight yuan, it would still be a significant amount.


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded vigorously, "Yes, that¡¯s a good plan."


    She thought her mother-in-law¡¯s idea was brilliant.


    Aunt Su: "Although this is the second point, you need to do it first. Otherwise, once the whole factory starts donating, they won''t give you extra money. You won''t have a reason to ask for it either. Go now and ask them for some money first. Then go to the factory tomorrow. If someone dares to question you, you can pretend that all the money went to medical expenses and it still wasn''t enough. This way, you can also maintain your image in everyone''s eyes."


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded vigorously, feeling that her mother-in-law was truly a capable woman. She hadn''t thought of this herself.


    She eagerly asked, "Mom, what''s the third method?"


    Aunt Su: "The third method is to find Bai Fendou. Don''t be fooled by his tough exterior; it''s just that you haven''t given him enough. Just stand in front of him stark naked. I''ll teach you, there are some things..."


    She leaned close to Wang Xiangxiu''s ear and whispered a few words.


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face turned red, and she asked, "Will this really work?"


    Aunt Su: "Whether it works or not, you have to try. Otherwise, this person will completely slip out of our control. Besides, it''s not like you''re losing anything in this situation."


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip and said, "Alright."


    She took a deep breath and asked, "Will this really work?"


    Aunt Su: "No matter what, it''s a hope. As long as there''s hope, our lives will be better."


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded, agreeing with this statement. They were currently in desperate need of money. Although their family had some savings, they couldn''t touch their own money. This was a rare opportunity; not only would they not have to spend their own money, but they could also make some.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "The money issue is settled, but what about the slaughterhouse..."


    The slaughterhouse would also demand answers. If the child recovered, he would have to go to juvenile detention, which was unacceptable to them.


    Aunt Su: "I''ll handle this. I''ve been thinking about it for the past couple of days, and I finally came up with a solution."


    "What is it?"


    Aunt Su: "The second-in-command at the slaughterhouse had a thing for our Pandi back in the day. I stopped it at the time, but now, we can have Pandi go and ask him for help."


    "Wow, he''s that powerful? Why didn''t you agree back then?" Wang Xiangxiu was shocked.


    After all, Su Pandi''s current husband was a timid and unremarkable man with very average circumstances.


    Aunt Su: "What ability does he have? Just like Yang Lixin, he rose to power by becoming a live-in son-in-law. Otherwise, he''d just be a poor country boy. Back then, Pandi was a temporary worker at the match factory, and he wasn''t even a temporary worker¡ªhe was a substitute. A relative of his got injured, so he was called in to substitute, earning only three yuan a month. Even then, he thought he was getting a good deal. What kind of future could someone like that have? His family couldn''t even afford a proper bride price. He actually thought he could marry someone with just five yuan. Shameless! Do you know how much our Pandi''s bride price was? Fifty yuan!"


    It''s worth noting that, at the time, fifty yuan was an exceptionally high bride price.


    The standard price was around twenty yuan, with some variation depending on the family''s financial situation.


    But Su Pandi had received fifty yuan over a decade ago. That was truly a lot.


    Aunt Su smiled smugly and said, "My daughter was raised well."


    Although she had been stingy with her daughters when they were young, always saving the best for her son, she had always spoken sweetly to them and secretly given her son extra treats. As a result, both daughters firmly believed that their mother treated them equally and was the best.


    When they were older and nearing the age of marriage, Aunt Su made sure to give them extra care, teaching them how to dress up. Despite their average looks, their fair skin and a bit of grooming made them stand out compared to most girls who didn''t know how to dress up.


    It could be said that back then, their family had many suitors for their daughters. Thanks to their marriages, the family had profited quite a bit.


    She pursed her lips and said, "After Pandi got married, that guy started working hard too. I don''t know which ancestor''s grave was blessed, but he managed to marry a city girl. Although she was nearly two hundred pounds and looked like an old sow, her family was well-off. They were from the slaughterhouse, and that''s how he climbed up the ranks."


    She didn''t regret breaking up her daughter''s relationship because if Pandi had married him, she would have just lived a rural life. The guy''s current success was all thanks to his father-in-law.


    She said, "If Pandi goes to him for help, I think it could work."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "But... she''s not the same as she was ten years ago. Will it really work?"


    Aunt Su: "Pandi may not be as fresh as she used to be, but men always desire what they can''t have. At worst, she can sleep with him and fulfill his wish. With some grooming, it should be fine. If all else fails, you can help out too. Two people are always better than one."


    Wang Xiangxiu blushed again.


    Aunt Su sighed and said, "Xiangxiu, I''m doing all this for our family, for the child. Do you want our child to end up in juvenile detention?"


    Wang Xiangxiu shook her head decisively.


    Aunt Su: "That''s right. We''re all doing this for the family. I''ll talk to Pandi. I think Zhaodi and Pandi should be arriving soon. I wonder how much money they''ll bring."


    She was planning to squeeze money out of them and get their help as well.


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo had their plans all figured out.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Then I''ll go find those men now..."


    "Go ahead."


    After a pause, Aunt Su added, "Go home and change into something white. Wear that white dress you bought a few years ago. Also, redo your hair, letting a few strands fall by your cheeks. Go home and put on some face cream."


    "Alright."


    Wang Xiangxiu understood her mother-in-law''s intentions.


    She agreed and was about to leave when Aunt Su softly said, "To look charming, wear mourning white."


    "Mm, I understand."


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly left and ran into Su Pandi, who had just arrived downstairs. Su Pandi stopped her and asked, "Where are you going?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I''m going to borrow money."


    Su Pandi nodded: "Go ahead." As the elder sister-in-law, she still looked down on Wang Xiangxiu. "Borrow as much as you can. Honestly, I don''t know how you take care of your child. If anything happens to my nephew, I won''t let you off as his elder aunt."


    Wang Xiangxiu dug her nails into her palm but replied, "I understand, Second Sister."


    She hurried away, glancing at Su Pandi''s back and spitting, "Trash. You''re just a workhorse for our family. In your mother''s eyes, I''m the real daughter¡ªthe wife of her son and the mother of three grandsons. You''re nothing. Just a worthless girl."


    She walked away smugly and quickly went home.


    The Zhuang family was sitting at the door shelling chestnuts when they saw Wang Xiangxiu rush in like a gust of wind. When she came out again, she was dressed in white.


    The Zhuang family was stunned.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t have time for small talk. Since they couldn''t lend her money, they were nothing to her. She couldn''t be bothered with them. After all, when the factory-wide donation happened, no one would escape. Wang Xiangxiu quickly left.


    Jiang Lu happened to be going out and saw her. She asked in surprise, "Who was that?"


    All she saw was a flash of white. If it had been at night, it would have been terrifying.


    Ming Mei: "That was Wang Xiangxiu."


    Jiang Lu: "Wang Xiangxiu? Did her son pass away?"


    Ming Mei: "...No, if he had, she would have said so directly. Besides, she wouldn''t be this calm."


    "Then why did she come back specifically to change into white?"


    Liang Meifen: "Who knows? When she ran out earlier, I caught a whiff of perfume. What''s she doing dressing up while her son is still in the hospital? She must have nothing better to do."


    Hmm...


    This comment made everyone present think of something.


    Maybe they didn''t realize it at first, but after a moment of reflection, they started to connect the dots.


    With a little thought, they could guess what was going on.


    Zhao Guihua: "This is disgusting."


    Having someone like this in the courtyard was ruining everyone''s reputation.


    She glared at the three men in her family and said, "If any of you dares to say even one word to her, I''ll kill you."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded quickly. Being older, he couldn''t stand such behavior.


    The two Zhuang brothers also nodded in agreement.


    It must be said, at this moment, Ming Mei and Liang Meifen had formed an alliance. With just a glance, they communicated their intentions. They would keep an eye on each other, ensuring no funny business happened outside.


    As for Jiang Lu, she didn¡¯t have to worry about such things. After all, Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t exactly¡­ capable.


    Well, if one wasn¡¯t too keen on matters of romance, finding someone like Zhou Qun could be quite convenient. At least there wouldn¡¯t be any wild thoughts wandering outside. Although he was becoming more effeminate and chatty these days, what did it matter?


    She could just consider him another sister.


    Jiang Lu sighed, ¡°I guess I¡¯m quite lucky.¡±


    Others around her: ¡°???¡±


    They were puzzled.


    Jiang Lu didn¡¯t explain further, just smiled.


    Zhao Guihua stood up and said, ¡°I need to go talk to Aunt Wang.¡±


    If there really was someone in the courtyard engaging in shady activities, it would tarnish the reputation of the entire compound, affecting both men and women. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t want to see that happen.


    In her past life, the Su family had managed to keep things under wraps because they were good at hiding their actions, and Aunt Zhou was adept at deflecting attention. Plus, with the financial support from the Bai father and son, their lives weren¡¯t too bad, so they didn¡¯t need to be too obvious.


    But now, with Bai Fendou no longer reliable, the Su family¡¯s behavior had become quite blatant.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t want their neighborhood to gain such a reputation, so she hurried off to discuss the matter with Aunt Wang. If Wang Xiangxiu became any more obvious, they would have to report it to the local authorities and the factory management.


    What a mess.


    Meanwhile, Aunt Su, unaware that the neighbors had already caught wind of her family¡¯s behavior, was at the hospital brainwashing her two daughters.


    Not only had Su Pandi arrived, but Su Zhaodi was there too.


    Su Zhaodi, her face bruised and swollen, said, ¡°Mom, my husband wouldn¡¯t let me take the money. He took it all back and hit me. But I managed to hide a little. Here, take it.¡±


    Aunt Su looked at the ten yuan and was far from satisfied.


    What could that amount even do?


    Su Pandi, on the other hand, was mocking. ¡°Big sister, you¡¯re so useless. Bringing such a small amount is like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water. Our little brother is gone, and Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai are the roots of our Su family. No matter what, we have to raise them well. Ten yuan? Hah.¡±


    She pulled out a wad of cash, a mix of bills and coins, and said, ¡°Mom, here¡¯s 125 yuan. This is all our family¡¯s savings. I¡¯ve brought it all.¡±


    As she spoke, she set down her bundle. ¡°I¡¯ve also brought the rice and flour from home. The kids need to eat well.¡±


    Aunt Su nodded eagerly. ¡°Yes, yes, this is good.¡±


    Su Zhaodi hung her head in shame. She wasn¡¯t as capable as her sister. Seeing what Su Pandi had brought, she felt resentment toward her husband. Why couldn¡¯t he understand her? This was her family, her support! Why couldn¡¯t he give her some face?


    Su Pandi continued to berate her sister. ¡°Big sister, you¡¯re just not capable. How can you let your husband walk all over you like that?¡±


    ¡°He hits me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s still your fault. You don¡¯t know how to control your man.¡± Su Pandi scolded her sister a few more times.


    Aunt Su quickly intervened, playing the peacemaker. ¡°Your sister has it hard. Don¡¯t be so harsh on her. She¡¯s not as strong as you. Besides, her family¡¯s situation isn¡¯t as good as yours. Your husband is capable. Pandi, I¡¯m counting on you the most. You¡¯re the most promising in our family. Your sister is weak, and your sister-in-law is an outsider. Who else can I rely on? I just hope that your brother¡¯s three sons grow up well and achieve something. When they¡¯re grown, tall and strong, they¡¯ll stand up for their aunts. The Su family will always be your support.¡±


    Both Su Zhaodi and Su Pandi nodded vigorously, fully agreeing with their mother¡¯s words.


    Aunt Su said, ¡°Zhaodi, you stay here and take care of the kids. Pandi and I will go home to cook some porridge and steam some buns.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°When this IV is done, call the nurse to change it.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    At that moment, the children were all asleep. Jinlai and Yinlai, in pain, had dozed off, while Tonglai lay on an empty bed, sleeping soundly. But once everyone had left, Tonglai opened his eyes. He blinked, deep in thought¡­


    He had learned something.


    Aunt Su led her second daughter home, working on her mindset along the way. Su Pandi was willing to do anything for her family without complaint. Although betraying her husband made her feel guilty, she believed it was worth it to help her mother and her brother¡¯s children.


    Without her, those kids would have ended up in juvenile detention.


    As their aunt, she couldn¡¯t be so heartless.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in a residential building in the northern part of the city, a middle-aged man returned home from work to find the place in disarray. His two children sat on the floor, tear-stained faces looking up at him. He immediately asked, ¡°What happened? Where¡¯s your mom? Why is the house like this?¡±


    The older child, already somewhat numb, said, ¡°Mom went to Grandma¡¯s again. She took all the money and even took all the fine grains from the house.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    The man looked around and saw it was true. Not only had she taken the fine grains, but she had even taken the last bit of cooking oil.


    His eyes turned red with anger. This wasn¡¯t the first time. It happened every so often, over and over again.


    He asked, ¡°Then why is the house such a mess?¡±


    The older girl finally broke down crying. ¡°I tried to stop her, but she hit me and smashed things. She said I was being unreasonable and threatened to sell me to get money for my cousin¡¯s treatment. Please don¡¯t sell me, don¡¯t sell me¡­¡±


    The younger boy also cried out, ¡°Don¡¯t sell my sister!¡±


    The man shouted, ¡°No one¡¯s selling anyone! This is a new society. Who dares to sell people? No one¡¯s selling my precious daughter. My daughter is the most sensible. I could never part with her.¡±


    He hugged his children, comforting them softly, then said, ¡°Be good. Daddy will make you something to eat. After we eat, I¡¯ll go to your grandma¡¯s place and see what¡¯s going on.¡±


    A look of disgust and anger flashed in his eyes. He hadn¡¯t been to his in-laws¡¯ place in years, not since his brother-in-law had died. But he had had enough. Su Pandi was acting like a madwoman.


    Their own family could barely afford to eat coarse cornbread, yet she kept giving money to her family.


    If her family was truly destitute, helping out would be understandable. But Jinlai, Yinlai, and Tonglai were eating fine flour buns every day, while his own children were stuck with cornbread. He couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    This family had gone too far.


    ¡°You two go stay at Grandma¡¯s for the day. I¡¯m going to your grandma¡¯s place.¡±


    No matter what, he was going to settle this once and for all. He had had enough.


    People shouldn¡¯t live like this.


    The middle-aged man hurried out the door, heading straight for the Su family¡¯s place¡­


    The Su family wasn¡¯t having dinner in the courtyard. Aunt Su had dressed up her daughter, sighing inwardly. Her daughter wasn¡¯t as pretty as she had been before marriage. Back then, she had been a flower, but now¡­ well, men would still remember her, right?


    At the very least, she could fulfill a wish.


    If all else failed, they could push Wang Xiangxiu forward. With two women, surely they could secure the safety of their grandsons.


    She said, ¡°Go. If it doesn¡¯t work out, bring up your sister-in-law.¡±


    Su Pandi nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    She felt a bit shy and nervous, having changed into one of Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s red dresses. She looked much better than she had in the afternoon. The two of them left, one heading to the hospital, the other to the slaughterhouse.


    Ming Mei craned her neck to watch them go. ¡°What are they up to? Why is she all dressed up now?¡±


    As for Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s actions, there were some guesses, but what about Su Pandi?


    Was she going to do the same thing?


    Was their family really that shameless?


    Were they forming a team for this kind of work?


    Ming Mei pursed her lips, looking around anxiously. Not just her, even Bai Fendou was leaning against the window to peek outside. Over at the Zhou household, Wang Zhaodi appeared to be cooking, but her eyes kept darting furtively toward the outside. Aunt Zhou was pressed against the window, her lips flattened as she muttered, "Something¡¯s going to happen in their house, it¡¯s bound to. They¡¯re all dressed up so fancy, it¡¯s not right, absolutely not right."


    Aunt Zhou suddenly jumped off the bed, slipped on her shoes, and rushed into the yard, asking, "Where¡¯s Zhao Guihua?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Mother-in-law went to the backyard."


    Aunt Zhou hurried off to the backyard as well.


    Ming Mei wondered aloud, "What¡¯s going on with everyone?"


    By then, they had finally finished shelling the chestnuts. They packed them up and stored them in the house. The prickly husks were swept under the window, and someone said, "We¡¯ll use these for kindling later."


    After everything was done, Zhuang Zhixi took his wife to wash their hands. He whispered, "They¡¯re all worried that Aunt Su might go off the rails and do something improper outside, which could tarnish the reputation of everyone in the compound."


    Ming Mei nodded but added, "But would they really dare? It¡¯s such a serious matter, and the authorities are so strict. Would they risk it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Without catching them in the act, it¡¯s hard to say. The more serious the matter, the more cautious people are. You can¡¯t just rely on rumors without proof."


    Ming Mei frowned, "It¡¯s disgusting."


    She understood. If someone with a bad reputation lived in the compound, it wouldn¡¯t just affect the atmosphere within, but the gossip outside would also spread to others. For men, people would speculate if they¡¯d ever visited such a person. For women, they¡¯d be judged as being of the same kind.


    In short, it was a terrible situation.


    "Let¡¯s go home," Zhuang Zhixi said.


    "Dinner tonight is chestnut stewed chicken," he added.


    Ming Mei gave a soft "Mm" and said, "I¡¯ll go check if the pot¡¯s boiling."


    The stew was already simmering, and it looked like it would be ready soon.


    "Xiao Zhuang," someone called out.


    Zhuang Zhixi turned around, hesitated for a moment, and said, "You¡¯re Old Yuan, right?"


    It had been many years since he¡¯d last seen this man, so recognizing him was no small feat.


    Old Yuan had also called out tentatively, unsure if he could recognize Zhuang Zhixi. The last time they¡¯d met, Zhuang Zhixi was just a teenager, and that was six or seven years ago. Now, he was a grown man. Old Yuan noticed Zhuang Zhixi holding onto a woman and asked, "You¡¯re married?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, I got married at the end of last year."


    He added, "Old Yuan, the Su family isn¡¯t home. They¡¯ve all gone out."


    At that moment, Bai Fendou hurried out and said, "Old Yuan, it¡¯s me, Bai Fendou. Remember me?"


    Old Yuan nodded. Of course, he remembered. Even though he hadn¡¯t been around much in recent years, he¡¯d heard from his wife about Bai Fendou¡ªhow he was like a loyal dog to the Su family, always giving but never receiving anything in return. People looked down on him.


    He¡¯d even heard that Bai Fendou had suffered a terrible injury for the Su family.


    What a tragic figure.


    Old Yuan said, "Bai Fendou, I remember you." A well-known figure in the capital.


    Bai Fendou chattered on, "You should hurry to the hospital. I have a bad feeling about this. That old woman Su is up to no good. You don¡¯t know, but your wife came back all dressed up, wearing a red dress. Who knows where she¡¯s going? And the perfume she was wearing¡ªsurely it¡¯s not just to take care of some kids, right? You don¡¯t need to dress up for that."


    He added, "You¡¯d better go check, or you might end up wearing a green hat."


    Old Yuan¡¯s face darkened. He glared at Bai Fendou and asked coldly, "Which hospital are they at?"


    Bai Fendou quickly gave him directions.


    Old Yuan nodded, forcing a smile that was more unsettling than reassuring. He said, "I¡¯ll go take a look," and quickly left.


    Bai Fendou called after him, "You¡¯d better hurry, or you won¡¯t catch up. They left a while ago."


    As Old Yuan disappeared, Bai Fendou sighed, "I guess I did a good deed."


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "I don¡¯t know if you did a good deed, but you¡¯re definitely stirring up trouble. If the Su family finds out what you said, they might come after you."


    Bai Fendou puffed out his chest, "What do I have to fear? Am I scared of those scoundrels? If one comes, I¡¯ll handle one; if two come, I¡¯ll handle two! I¡¯m not afraid! Did I say anything wrong? If they can do it, why can¡¯t I talk about it? I used to be foolish, believing in them, but not anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi stayed silent.


    Bai Fendou continued, "Hey, maybe I should go take a look too. I don¡¯t have anything else to do anyway."


    Zhuang Zhixi still didn¡¯t respond.


    Bai Fendou said, "I¡¯ll go check. If something really happens, I can help Old Yuan out, so he doesn¡¯t get screwed over. He¡¯s a decent guy."


    With that, he dashed off after Old Yuan.


    Zhou Qun saw this and quickly ran out, saying, "Wait for me, I¡¯m coming too."


    Bai Fendou was annoyed. He disliked Zhou Qun the most. After all, Zhou Qun had once shown interest in him, and that was something Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t handle. He waved his hand irritably, "Get away from me. I don¡¯t want to see you."


    Zhou Qun retorted, "What are you thinking? I just want to see what¡¯s going on. Whether you go or not, I¡¯m going. We might as well go together. If something happens, we can handle it as a team."


    He added, "We¡¯re just going to watch the show. Don¡¯t overthink it."


    Bai Fendou spat, "Pah."


    Zhou Qun urged, "Stop wasting time. Let¡¯s go, or we¡¯ll miss it."


    "You swear you¡¯re not interested in me!" Bai Fendou was still on guard.


    Zhou Qun sighed, "Come on, have some self-respect. Why would I go after you? Even if I did, I¡¯d have to be capable. Well¡­ not that I¡¯m not capable, but why am I even talking about this? Are you coming or not? We¡¯ll miss them if we don¡¯t hurry."


    "Fine," Bai Fendou relented.


    The two of them left together, in a hurry.


    Zhuang Zhixi turned to Jiang Lu and asked, "Are you okay with this?"


    Those two had a history.


    Jiang Lu, however, remained calm. "They¡¯re both harmless now. Why should I worry? Neither of them is capable anymore. Besides, Zhou Qun really just wants to see the show."


    Well¡­ that was true.


    Back when Zhou Qun was still functional, his gaze would wander among men. Now, he spent his time gossiping with the women. So, Jiang Lu really had nothing to worry about.


    Jiang Lu smiled, "Sometimes, men don¡¯t need to be hung on the wall to behave. Being rendered useless works just as well."


    Zhuang Zhixi was speechless.


    He nudged his wife¡¯s shoulder and said, "Let¡¯s go home for dinner."


    He couldn¡¯t let his wife spend too much time with Jiang Lu. This woman had gone from one extreme to another.


    Truly, women were not to be trifled with.


    Ming Mei understood what Zhuang Zhixi meant and giggled.


    Old Man Zhuang called for Zhao Guihua, and the family gathered for dinner. Zhao Guihua said, "Aunt Wang will talk to Aunt Su tomorrow. If she doesn¡¯t rein herself in, we¡¯ll have to report her to the neighborhood committee."


    In these times, reputation was everything.


    They couldn¡¯t afford to be dragged down.


    Everyone nodded in agreement, seeing nothing wrong with the plan.


    "This is delicious," Hutou said, holding his bowl. "Chestnuts are really good."


    They¡¯d had rabbit meat just two days ago, and today¡¯s stew only used half a chicken but plenty of chestnuts. The chestnuts had become soft and tender in the chicken broth, with a rich, nutty flavor complemented by the savory broth.


    It was absolutely fantastic.


    Zhao Guihua said, "We still have half a chicken left for the day after tomorrow."


    "Great!"


    "Our family eats so well."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "You all benefit from your father. I¡¯m thinking of him, working so hard every day. He deserves to eat well and stay healthy. Otherwise, with just you all, our meals would be the same as before."


    Old Man Zhuang¡¯s chest swelled with pride at these words.


    He smiled warmly, feeling content as he looked at his family.


    His sons and daughters-in-law also smiled. Zhuang Zhixi, ever the sweet talker, said, "Here, Dad, have some chicken. We¡¯re all grateful for you. Thank you, Dad."


    "You little flatterer."


    "It¡¯s not flattery. I¡¯m just telling the truth."


    The whole family burst into laughter.


    Chestnuts were filling, so they hadn¡¯t prepared much rice, but everyone still cleaned their plates.


    Ming Mei patted her stomach and said, "That was so satisfying."


    ¡°Picking these chestnuts was really worth it.¡±


    ¡°Of course it was.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°The weather is gradually getting colder. We¡¯ll be able to store more things soon, so we should start stocking up. If we save up some good stuff, we¡¯ll have something to eat during the winter. Otherwise, we won¡¯t be able to enjoy little luxuries like we do now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Zhao Guihua continued, ¡°Luckily, we¡¯ve saved quite a bit of salted fish. I spent a lot on salt, but it was worth it.¡±


    Having salted fish in the winter was already a pretty good dish.


    After all, they didn¡¯t have much to work with when the weather turned cold.


    It couldn¡¯t compare to later times.


    Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll go fishing. I¡¯ve already made plans with Chef Li to go to the back lake this weekend. There¡¯s usually a lot of people there.¡±


    ¡°Look at you, showing off.¡± Zhao Guihua was still a bit resentful that she couldn¡¯t fish.


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re already so capable. You can¡¯t be perfect at everything. Let me have my moment too.¡±


    Zhao Guihua teased, ¡°Oh, oh, oh.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said sincerely, ¡°So that¡¯s where Zhuang Zhixi gets his smooth talk from¡ªit¡¯s inherited from you.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°...¡±


    How was that smooth talk?


    He said, ¡°You¡¯re all talking nonsense. You don¡¯t understand my sincerity at all.¡±


    Everyone smirked, even Hutou made a funny face, and the whole family burst into laughter.


    Zhao Guihua then asked, ¡°Daughter-in-law, are you settling in well at work?¡±


    Liang Meifen nodded, ¡°Yes, very well. Working is really great.¡±


    Being a worker was so different from being a housewife.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Study hard and aim for a promotion. Don¡¯t follow Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s example, always looking for shortcuts.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    She whispered mischievously, ¡°Many of the older sisters in our workshop don¡¯t like her. They look down on her because she always gets the men to help her with her work.¡±


    That wasn¡¯t surprising.


    If she really put her heart into her work, it wouldn¡¯t be like this.


    ¡°Guihua, are you done eating? Come out and chat!¡± Aunt Wang called out.


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Coming!¡±


    Although there wasn¡¯t much entertainment at night¡ªnot everyone even had a radio¡ªsitting together after dinner to gossip about this and that was still quite enjoyable.


    Zhao Guihua carried a stool outside and said, ¡°It really feels like autumn now. The evenings are much cooler than before.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the truth?¡±


    ¡°The breeze is so refreshing. By the way, Guihua, did you go chestnut picking today?¡±


    Zhao Guihua answered, ¡°Yes, at the mountain outside the city. There were quite a few people there today. Now that it¡¯s autumn, there¡¯s a lot of ripe produce.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯ll have to go tomorrow too.¡±


    ¡°Guihua, are you going tomorrow?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I can¡¯t. I need to rest tomorrow. I¡¯m a bit worn out from today.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable. It¡¯s not good to go two days in a row. The journey is a bit far, and we¡¯re not young anymore. We can¡¯t handle it like we used to.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, but it¡¯s still good to have some harvest. It saves us from having to buy things.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve gathered a lot of mushrooms this year, haven¡¯t you? You¡¯ve been out quite a few times.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, that¡¯s right. But you¡¯re no different, are you?¡±


    Everyone chattered away, all preparing for the winter in their own ways.


    As they talked, time flew by, and the sky began to darken. The evening tea party was coming to an end. Just then, Aunt Zhou stood at the door, looking out anxiously, and said, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Zhou Qun come back yet? Could something have happened?¡±


    ¡°Probably not. Didn¡¯t he leave with Bai Fendou?¡±


    ¡°Oh dear, that¡¯s even more worrying.¡± Someone immediately nudged the speaker.


    Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou had a bit of a history, so it wasn¡¯t wise to bring it up in front of Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu remained calm, ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Aunt Zhou cautiously glanced at Jiang Lu. The calmer Jiang Lu seemed, the more others feared she might explode.


    After all, they had all seen Jiang Lu lose her temper before. It was quite something.


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Jiang Lu, don¡¯t worry. Although Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou left together, they¡¯re definitely not the kind of people you¡¯re thinking of. You should trust their character. They... Oh, oh, they¡¯re back!¡±


    She exclaimed, finally relieved.


    However, the one leading the group was actually Su Pandi¡¯s husband.


    He was dragging his wife, Su Pandi, tightly by the arm, pulling her along.


    The others¡ªZhou Qun, Bai Fendou, and Aunt Su¡ªwere chasing after them.


    Aunt Zhou immediately knew something was wrong.


    She quickly called out, ¡°Everyone, come quick! Something¡¯s happened!¡±


    Everyone stood up in unison and rushed to the door. As soon as they reached the entrance, they were met with the furious gaze of Su Pandi¡¯s husband. They all took a step back in unison...


    Old Yuan roared, ¡°Get out of my way!¡±


    His shout made everyone step aside even more quickly.


    He dragged his wife into the courtyard and flung her forward with force...


    It was... terrifying!

 Chapter 125

    To put it bluntly, their courtyard had seen its fair share of battles.After all, there were plenty of capable people around, and they had witnessed more than the average person. But the moment they saw this man¡¯s terrifying appearance, they didn¡¯t dare to get too close.


    His face was dark with rage, so much so that you could practically see the red of his fury. His eyes seemed to be blazing with fire. They had always heard that people¡¯s eyes could burn with anger when they were pushed to the limit, but it was just something they¡¯d heard¡ªuntil now, when they saw it with their own eyes.


    Yuan Jun grabbed Su Pandi by the collar, choking her so hard that her eyes rolled back. She struggled fiercely, cursing, ¡°Yuan Jun, you bastard! Let me go! How dare you¡ª¡±


    At this moment, she was still berating her husband. In her eyes, he had always been weak and submissive, always listening to her. How could he dare to act like this now?


    Even if¡ªeven if she had made a mistake, wasn¡¯t it for the sake of saving someone?


    Why couldn¡¯t he forgive her?


    If he were a real man, he should be magnanimous!


    Su Pandi: ¡°You think you¡¯re something, huh? Let me go! You¡¯re choking me, you bastard¡­ Ah!¡±


    Yuan Jun slapped Su Pandi across the face so hard that one of her teeth flew out.


    ¡°Ah! My tooth!¡±


    Su Pandi¡¯s face swelled up instantly.


    At this moment, Aunt Su, Su Zhaodi, and Wang Xiangxiu returned. Wang Xiangxiu looked even more disheveled than Aunt Su, limping as she walked.


    Behind them were Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun, trailing along to watch the spectacle. The two of them were holding hands, looking utterly shocked, as if they had just witnessed something earth-shattering. Jiang Lu¡¯s gaze fell on their intertwined hands, and she frowned slightly.


    Zhou Qun didn¡¯t even notice Jiang Lu¡¯s look, clinging tightly to Bai Fendou. Aunt Zhou caught a glimpse of this and nearly fainted from shock.


    She glanced cautiously at Jiang Lu, forcing a flattering smile, and quickly yanked Zhou Qun over, saying, ¡°Come here, you!¡±


    She glared at Bai Fendou, thinking to herself that she couldn¡¯t let these two stand together anymore¡ªit was too dangerous.


    If these two really got involved, and Jiang Lu took the child and left, it would be the end of the Zhou family.


    Aunt Zhou was old-fashioned, and her greatest fear was that the Zhou family line would end with her son.


    Her son was already useless, and now the family¡¯s hopes rested entirely on Jiang Lu. She absolutely couldn¡¯t afford to upset Jiang Lu. Besides, even if Jiang Lu didn¡¯t care, she, as a mother, couldn¡¯t stand the thought of her son being tangled up with another man.


    Was this any way to honor their ancestors?


    She held onto Zhou Qun tightly, not letting him get near Bai Fendou.


    Zhou Qun didn¡¯t notice his mother¡¯s subtle actions. As Aunt Zhou pulled him over, he instinctively supported her, trembling as he said, ¡°I¡¯ve really seen it all now, I¡¯ve really seen it all¡­¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°???¡±


    Without Zhou Qun to lean on, Bai Fendou steadied himself against the wall.


    Honestly, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun couldn¡¯t stand each other, but at this moment, they were leaning on each other purely because they were so shocked. They had never seen anything like this before. Even with all their worldly experience, they were as stunned as if they¡¯d seen a ghost.


    They were so shaken that they could barely stand, relying on each other for support.


    Of course, no one cared about Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou right now.


    Everyone¡¯s attention was fixed on Yuan Jun, whose hair was standing on end like an explosion.


    Su Pandi had always been the dominant one in their marriage, so she still refused to back down: ¡°You hit me? How dare you hit me¡­ Ah!¡±


    The moment she spoke, Yuan Jun lunged at her like a madman, grabbing her hair and slapping her repeatedly. The women in the crowd silently stepped back. It was wrong to hit one¡¯s wife, but none of them dared to intervene.


    The man before them looked like he was capable of murder.


    Just as Zhao Guihua was about to signal her son to go fetch the police, Aunt Su suddenly knelt down. She cried, ¡°Yuan Jun, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s my fault, it¡¯s the Su family¡¯s fault. But please, forgive Pandi. We had no choice. If there had been any other way, we wouldn¡¯t have done this. We did it for the sake of the children. Please, stop hitting her. If you keep going, you¡¯ll kill her. Do you want your child to grow up without a mother? We were wrong, but please, for the sake of all the years you¡¯ve been married, forgive Pandi.¡±


    She sobbed, ¡°Blame me. It¡¯s all my fault. I¡¯ll take the blame for this mistake, but you can¡¯t keep hitting her like this¡­¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Su Pandi, her face bruised and swollen, no longer dared to provoke Yuan Jun. She crawled toward her mother, crying. In her moment of desperation, only her mother could be relied on.


    Yuan Jun turned to the disgusting old woman and kicked her, followed by several hard slaps. He hit Aunt Su even harder than he had hit Su Pandi, his eyes burning with hatred as if he were looking at the murderer of his father.


    ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s going to kill someone.¡±


    Though they said this, no one dared to step in. They all stood frozen in place.


    Everyone was terrified. Yuan Jun was truly out of control, showing no mercy in his attacks. Aunt Su was bleeding, and even her teeth had been knocked out.


    ¡°Stop hitting my mom!¡±


    ¡°Stop hitting my mother-in-law¡­¡±


    Su Zhaodi and Wang Xiangxiu rushed forward. Wang Xiangxiu, already limping, stumbled and fell as she lunged.


    Yuan Jun didn¡¯t care. He kicked her a few more times.


    ¡°Stop! Wang Xiangxiu is already injured.¡±


    Someone shouted this, and upon hearing it, Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou exchanged awkward glances. Yuan Jun, however, burst into laughter, a harsh, bitter sound. ¡°Injured? Bullshit! She¡¯s just weak from selling herself too much!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The crowd was stunned.


    ¡°You¡ªyou¡¯re lying!¡±


    ¡°Lying? Am I lying? Bai Fendou, Zhou Qun, you saw it, didn¡¯t you? You saw what they did, right? Tell me, am I lying?¡±


    Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou shook their heads quickly, muttering, ¡°No¡­¡±


    They didn¡¯t dare say more.


    ¡°Huh???¡± Everyone was baffled.


    But Yuan Jun wasn¡¯t targeting Wang Xiangxiu. He pointed at Aunt Su and shouted, ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a filthy old pimp! Anyone who gets involved with you is cursed for eight lifetimes. Look at what you¡¯ve done to your daughter-in-law. Look at what you¡¯ve done to your daughter. You¡¯re a disgrace to humanity! You deserve to die! If there¡¯s any justice in this world, you should have been struck down long ago. You¡¯re nothing but a plague on this earth!¡±


    Unable to contain his rage, he kicked her several more times.


    ¡°Stop, please stop¡­¡±


    Su Pandi cried hysterically, ¡°If you want to hit someone, hit me! Don¡¯t hit my mom!¡±


    ¡°Your mom? Is she even your mom? She¡¯s a demon! She¡¯s ruined so many lives, yet she¡¯s still alive. This old hag deserves to die a thousand deaths. Do you know how your brother died? She killed him! She¡¯s the one who killed him!¡± Yuan Jun roared.


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned, and everyone else stared at Yuan Jun in disbelief. Wasn¡¯t the Su family¡¯s son supposed to have died in a workplace accident? How could this be tied to Aunt Su?


    Aunt Su: ¡°You¡¯re lying! What are you talking about? That was my own son. I¡¯d die before I¡¯d harm him. Don¡¯t you dare¡­¡±


    Yuan Jun¡¯s voice grew even louder: ¡°Lying? You didn¡¯t kill him directly, but if you hadn¡¯t pressured your son into convincing his wife to sell herself because you said the family couldn¡¯t survive on one income, would he have been so distraught that he lost focus and had that accident at work? Did you think no one knew? Well, I know. I know everything. That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t set foot in your house since my brother-in-law died. I couldn¡¯t stand to look at your fake, kind face. I couldn¡¯t bear to think about the filth hidden behind your caring smile.¡±


    The scene fell into complete silence.


    The people who had just been breathing heavily from the fight and feeling terrified now felt as if the cold wind carried shards of ice. Though it was only early autumn, the perfect time for short sleeves, everyone felt as though they were in an ice cellar, as if it were the depths of winter. No one dared to touch their arms, feeling as if the hairs on their arms were standing on end.


    At this moment, Aunt Su¡¯s face had turned deathly pale.


    Yuan Jun was still roaring, ¡°You didn¡¯t expect this, did you? Your brother-in-law didn¡¯t want this. He was so upset that he came to me for a meal. At first, he didn¡¯t say anything, but after getting drunk, he finally told me everything. He didn¡¯t want this. He¡¯d rather work hard than let his wife do that kind of work. But you raised him since he was a child. You loved him the most, treated him the best. He didn¡¯t dare to defy you. Do you know how much he suffered? Do you know he died the day after he told me all this?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not true¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop lying! You picked Wang Xiangxiu, who had no good prospects, because she was pretty and easy to manipulate. You didn¡¯t start this earlier because you were afraid the children wouldn¡¯t be your family¡¯s. After she gave birth to three sons, you thought it was time to start your plan! Right after she had her third child, you tricked her into getting an IUD, saying you couldn¡¯t afford more children. But that wasn¡¯t the reason. You were already planning to make Wang Xiangxiu earn money through that line of work! You killed your son. You¡¯re the one who killed him. But killing your son wasn¡¯t enough. You pretended to be weak to deceive your daughter-in-law, to deceive your daughter. You deceived them one after another. You¡¯re evil, you old hag. I¡¯ll kill you¡­¡±


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Spotting the wooden stick by the window, he grabbed it and was about to charge at Aunt Su.


    At this moment, Zhao Guihua was the bravest, shouting, ¡°Stop! Don¡¯t hit her. If you kill someone, you¡¯ll end up in jail. What will happen to your children? Is it worth it for someone like her?¡±


    Seeing Yuan Jun hesitate, she quickly added, ¡°You can¡¯t ruin yourself and your children for someone like this!¡±


    Being old friends who had worked together for years, Aunt Wang chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s not worth it, really not worth it.¡±


    The two exchanged a glance, and Zhao Guihua continued to persuade him, ¡°People like her, once their true colors are revealed, will get what they deserve. You don¡¯t need to throw your life away for her. If something happens to you, your children will end up in Su Pandi¡¯s hands. Think about what that would mean. Do you think she¡¯d treat them well?¡±


    Aunt Wang added, ¡°She definitely wouldn¡¯t. She learned from Aunt Su. She wouldn¡¯t truly care for her own children. She might even treat her nephews better than her own kids.¡±


    Yuan Jun¡¯s face twisted in unbearable anger. Suddenly, he let out a long, anguished cry, ¡°Ah¡­!!!¡±


    Then, he swung the wooden stick, smashing the windows of the Su family¡¯s house, one after another, without hesitation.


    The sound of glass shattering echoed with his roar, leaving everyone terrified. Yet, they could somewhat understand his rage. No one wanted to imagine themselves in such a situation¡ªit was too horrifying to even think about.


    Everyone looked at Yuan Jun with sympathy, or perhaps more sympathy for the late Su family¡¯s son.


    After smashing all the windows, Yuan Jun seemed to finally calm down. He looked at Su Pandi, who was bruised and battered, and said coldly, ¡°We¡¯ll get a divorce tomorrow. You¡¯ll leave with nothing.¡±


    Su Pandi stammered, ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t agree to the divorce, I¡¯ll make you a widow!¡± He grinned menacingly at her, suddenly moving closer. Su Pandi screamed, ¡°Ah!¡±


    Yuan Jun grabbed her, pulling her close and whispering in her ear, ¡°Murder is illegal. I won¡¯t kill you in public, but accidents happen, don¡¯t they? Your nephew might have an accident. Your mother might have an accident. You might have an accident. I¡¯ll make sure your whole family dies!¡±


    Su Pandi stared at her husband in terror. She had always thought he was a gentle, honest man.


    Suddenly, she realized that even honest men could be terrifying. She trembled, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll agree¡­¡±


    Yuan Jun didn¡¯t care anymore. He simply sat down at the entrance of the Su family¡¯s house and said, ¡°We¡¯ll wait until dawn!¡±


    Su Pandi stammered, ¡°You¡­¡±


    She had never seen him like this before and was trembling with fear.


    Aunt Su didn¡¯t dare to speak either. She covered her face, sobbing, ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ I really didn¡¯t¡­¡±


    Whether she did or didn¡¯t, only she knew for sure. As for the others, they had their own judgments.


    Yuan Jun¡¯s furious state certainly didn¡¯t seem like a lie.


    Everyone watched quietly.


    At this moment, Wang Xiangxiu suddenly spoke, her voice faint and ghostly, ¡°Mom¡­ is what he said true?¡±


    Aunt Su¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she cried even louder, looking up and accusing, ¡°You don¡¯t believe me either? How could you not believe me? Others might not know me, but we¡¯ve lived together for so long. How could you doubt me because of some outsider¡¯s angry words¡­¡±


    ¡°Answer me!¡± Wang Xiangxiu suddenly exploded, shouting, ¡°Answer me! Is what he said true?¡±


    ¡°No, no¡­ How could I? He misunderstood. He really misunderstood. Think about it, ever since you married my son, we¡¯ve been like mother and daughter. How could I ever scheme against you like that?¡±


    Aunt Su put on a heartbroken expression, saying, ¡°Others might not understand me, but you should¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you at all!¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu burst into tears, staring at Aunt Su, ¡°I don¡¯t understand you. I really don¡¯t!¡±


    Though she was a simple woman, she wasn¡¯t completely foolish. She recalled the days before her husband¡¯s death. He had been troubled, sighing all the time, and seemed to have something he wanted to say but couldn¡¯t.


    She had pressed him to tell her what was wrong, but at the time, he had only said, ¡°I won¡¯t let you do that kind of work.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t understood what he meant at all.


    She had just given birth and thought he was worried about the added burden of another son.


    But now¡­


    What if it wasn¡¯t that?


    Now, she realized she believed Yuan Jun.


    Even after all these years of relying on Aunt Su, she believed Yuan Jun at this moment.


    She clearly understood that Yuan Jun had no reason to lie about this.


    And the circumstances at the time¡­ everything pointed to Yuan Jun telling the truth. Her husband had been distressed and unwilling.


    Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. It had been so many years, and she could barely remember her husband¡¯s face. But when they got married, he had treated her so well. That was why she had stayed in the Su family, why she had raised their children.


    She kept crying, saying coldly, ¡°So his hesitation back then was because of you. It was all because of you!¡±


    Suddenly, she lashed out, slapping Aunt Su across the face.


    The Su sisters shouted, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu screamed, ¡°What am I doing? I¡¯m going to kill her. I¡¯m going to kill this old woman!¡±


    She grabbed Aunt Su by the neck, crying, ¡°Give me back my husband. Give him back to me¡­ Sob, sob¡­ Why did you do this? Why?¡±


    ¡°Let go! Let go!¡±


    Aunt Su¡¯s eyes rolled back as she was choked. The Su sisters immediately rushed to pull Wang Xiangxiu away.


    ¡°Are you insane?¡±


    The two of them tried to drag Wang Xiangxiu away, but she refused to let go, ¡°Give him back to me¡­ Sob, sob¡­¡±


    No one in her life had ever treated her as well as he had.


    But he had been killed, all because he wanted to protect her.


    Wang Xiangxiu was overwhelmed with grief, and her grip tightened.


    Zhao Guihua shouted, ¡°Quick, help!¡±


    ¡°Hurry!¡±


    The old ladies in the yard, who hadn¡¯t dared to confront Yuan Jun with his wooden stick, weren¡¯t afraid to deal with the Su sisters. They pulled the two women away from Wang Xiangxiu. Zhao Guihua also pulled Wang Xiangxiu back, saying, ¡°Your son is still in the hospital. You can¡¯t go to jail.¡±


    Children were always a parent¡¯s weak spot¡ªYuan Jun¡¯s, and Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s too.


    Wang Xiangxiu finally let go, breaking down into loud sobs.


    Whether Yuan Jun¡¯s words were true or not, others might only speculate, but Wang Xiangxiu knew the truth better than anyone.


    She cried hysterically, on the verge of fainting, screaming, ¡°Get out! Get out! I never want to see you again in my life! You¡¯re a monster!¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? How can you kick my mom out¡­¡±


    "Get out, all of you, get out!" Wang Xiangxiu had completely lost her mind. She screamed, "All of you, get out! Get out!!!"


    "This house belongs to my mother. If anyone should leave, it''s you!" Su Pandi, who was slightly more combative than her sister Su Zhaodi, still had the strength to stand up for her mother, even after being beaten to a pulp.


    Wang Xiangxiu retorted, "Your mother? This is my husband''s house! She killed my husband. What right does she have to live here? What face does she have to show us?"


    Aunt Su spoke softly but with a chilling tone, "Do you want me to expose your secrets?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though she appeared frail, her eyes locked onto Wang Xiangxiu, and she sneered inwardly. Did she really think she couldn''t find Wang Xiangxiu''s weak spot?


    However, she underestimated Wang Xiangxiu''s state of madness. Wang Xiangxiu spat, "Go ahead! Say it! Say whatever you want! Even if I die, I won''t let you stay here! If it comes to it, we¡¯ll all perish together!"


    The Su family was truly fortunate.


    First, the son-in-law went mad, and now the daughter-in-law was losing her mind.


    Wang Xiangxiu muttered venomously, "Let¡¯s all die together, then!"


    Aunt Su hadn¡¯t expected her to react like this and was momentarily flustered. Just as she was about to try to placate Wang Xiangxiu with sweet words, Aunt Wang spoke up. "We¡¯ve all seen what happened today. I¡¯ll report this to the neighborhood committee. Our courtyard won¡¯t tolerate someone like you."


    "Get out!"


    "Leave!"


    "You evil old hag, get out!"


    "You¡¯re rotten to the core!"


    The crowd erupted in anger, their voices rising in unison.


    Though Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t well-liked either, at this moment, everyone found the hypocritical old woman even more intolerable. She had been putting on an act for years, pretending to be a decent person, but look how vile her heart was!


    Su Pandi shouted, "You slut, you should be arrested for your promiscuity!"


    Wang Xiangxiu coldly stared at Su Pandi and demanded, "Do you have proof? Do you have any evidence that I¡¯ve been promiscuous? Widows are always the target of gossip. I could say you¡¯re slandering me. Do you have proof? Did you catch me doing anything? Ask around¡ªdo people admit to having affairs with me? Unlike you, who was just caught in bed with someone!"


    Oh!


    The crowd gasped, but thinking back to Yuan Jun¡¯s earlier outburst, it wasn¡¯t surprising. If there hadn¡¯t been something going on, why would he have gone so mad?


    Wang Xiangxiu continued, "Dare you deny it? You¡¯re no saint either. Don¡¯t talk to me. Get out!"


    Su Pandi stammered, "You¡ª!"


    Wang Xiangxiu took a deep breath, pushed aside those who had been trying to hold her back, and went back into the house. In the silence, she packed her things and came out again, announcing, "I¡¯m going to the hospital."


    She paused, pointing at Aunt Su, "Don¡¯t follow me!"


    Bruised and battered, she stumbled out of the house.


    Aunt Wang said, "Yang Lixin, you and Bai Fendou follow her. It¡¯s late, and it¡¯s dark outside. Make sure nothing happens to her. Take her to the hospital and then come back."


    Even Bai Fendou didn¡¯t utter a word this time. He silently followed Wang Xiangxiu out the door.


    Yang Lixin also set aside his petty grievances with Bai Fendou.


    The two men quietly trailed behind Wang Xiangxiu.


    Seeing them leave, Aunt Su¡¯s eyes flickered, and she moaned, "Oh, oh, I¡¯m not feeling well..."


    Su Pandi said, "I¡¯ll help you inside."


    Yuan Jun barked, "Everyone stays outside! No one moves!"


    His voice was icy and menacing. "You think you can go inside and rest? Not a chance! Everyone stays right here. I don¡¯t care about your family¡¯s dirty little secrets, but whatever¡¯s going on, we¡¯ll settle it after the divorce!"


    "You..." Su Pandi, still shaken from the earlier beating, didn¡¯t dare raise her voice but glared at Yuan Jun with hatred.


    Aunt Su whimpered, "At my age, spending the whole night outside will ruin my health. How can you treat an elderly person like this?"


    "Elderly people are still people, not animals."


    The standoff continued. Truthfully, the Su family¡ªmother and daughters¡ªdidn¡¯t dare force their way inside. They remembered how Yuan Jun had gone berserk earlier, beating both Su Pandi and Aunt Su without mercy.


    Su Zhaodi whispered, "Mom, it¡¯s getting late. I need to go home."


    She fiddled with the hem of her clothes and said softly, "If I don¡¯t go back soon, my husband will get angry."


    Her husband was the head of the household.


    He had a hot temper and strongly disapproved of her helping her family. Whenever he found out, she would get a beating. Spending the night away from home was out of the question.


    She stammered, "I¡¯ll come back tomorrow."


    Su Pandi fumed, "You¡¯re so useless. Can¡¯t even control your own husband."


    Tonight, it seemed everyone was shouting as if volume alone could justify their arguments.


    Su Zhaodi, however, didn¡¯t dare raise her voice. She was timid by nature and muttered, "You¡¯re the one who can¡¯t control yours, and now you¡¯re getting divorced."


    She hunched her shoulders and said firmly, "I won¡¯t get divorced!"


    Her life might be hard, but she was determined not to divorce.


    If she did...


    She bit her lip, not daring to think about whether her mother would force her into prostitution.


    The cold wind seemed to clear some of Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s rage, and Su Zhaodi¡¯s mind also felt a bit clearer. She wanted to protect her mother, but deep down, she knew her mother couldn¡¯t be relied on. Just one night had shown her that. She was closest to her younger brother.


    She bit her lip and said, "I have to go home."


    As long as her family wasn¡¯t involved, her husband wouldn¡¯t hit her.


    Life was tough and poor, but it was still a life. She didn¡¯t want her family to fall apart.


    She didn¡¯t dare look at her mother or sister but still said, "I have to go. If I don¡¯t, I¡¯ll get beaten when I get home."


    "You... you... fine, you¡¯re so great, you have a home. Just wait and see. When you get beaten, no one will care!" Su Pandi hadn¡¯t expected her sister to undermine her. She glanced at Yuan Jun, who was glaring at her with hatred.


    She shrank back, genuinely afraid.


    For all her bluster, she was just putting on a brave face.


    Deep down, she was starting to feel uneasy.


    Su Zhaodi whispered, "I¡¯m leaving now."


    She hesitated, wanting to say more, but finally just said, "I¡¯ll come back tomorrow."


    Then she hurried out the door.


    Aunt Wang called after her, "Su Zhaodi."


    Su Zhaodi turned, "Huh?"


    Aunt Wang said, "Old man, you take Zhou Qun and Zhuang Zhiyuan to escort her. It¡¯s a long way. You can keep each other company on the way back."


    Li the Cook nodded, "Alright."


    It was no wonder being the courtyard manager was so difficult. There was always something happening.


    Fortunately, the courtyard residents followed orders. Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhou Qun silently followed Li the Cook as they escorted Su Zhaodi.


    Su Zhaodi was taken aback but then softly said, "Thank you."


    Unlike her sister Su Pandi, who was loud and aggressive, Su Zhaodi was meek and timid.


    But having someone accompany her at night made her feel much safer. She walked ahead quietly, with the men following behind.


    With several people gone, the remaining crowd wasn¡¯t in a hurry to sleep. They stood in the courtyard, silently observing, as if waiting for some impending showdown. The atmosphere was eerily calm, like the quiet before a storm. On one side stood Yuan Jun, holding a wooden stick and glaring furiously at Aunt Su and Su Pandi.


    On the other side were the pitiful mother and daughter.


    Neither side moved. Yuan Jun wasn¡¯t defending Wang Xiangxiu¡ªhe didn¡¯t like her either. He simply didn¡¯t want to freeze outside while the two women got to rest indoors. That wasn¡¯t going to happen.


    Usually, the courtyard had its lively figures, like Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang, and Aunt Zhou.


    But even Zhao Guihua, who had been reborn, didn¡¯t dare get involved in such a major incident.


    This hadn¡¯t happened in her previous life!


    She didn¡¯t have the privilege of witnessing such a scene.


    Aunt Wang, as the courtyard manager, tried to maintain order but didn¡¯t dare move either. After all, Yuan Jun was holding a wooden stick, and who knew if he¡¯d start swinging it again? The shattered glass in the Su household was proof enough.


    Better not provoke him.


    Aunt Zhou was quite timid, despite her previous boldness. After being "re-educated," she had become much more subdued. After all, she couldn''t afford to go through that again. The experience had left its mark. While it might not have worked on some people, it had definitely had an effect on someone like Aunt Zhou, who wasn''t particularly educated.


    Moreover, since her return, she had started to notice something strange about her son, Zhou Qun¡ªhe didn''t seem very manly. This realization had dampened her spirits considerably. Though she still occasionally acted out, she no longer dared to make a scene.


    Didn''t you notice?


    Now, she didn''t even dare to provoke Jiang Lu.


    Many people had expected Aunt Zhou to engage in a fierce battle of wills with Jiang Lu, but given Zhou Qun''s effeminate nature, Aunt Zhou had no chance of winning. At this point, she was as docile as a kitten, not daring to raise her voice or glare at anyone.


    Even the three capable elderly women in the neighborhood didn''t dare to act impulsively, and neither did anyone else. Everyone was quiet, some simply waiting to see if anything new would happen, others reflecting on the brief but intense confrontation that had just taken place, and still others pondering the bombshell that Yuan Jun had dropped.


    Indeed, insiders know insiders best.


    If Yuan Jun hadn''t spoken up, they would never have known how capable Aunt Su was.


    Yes, her son''s death wasn''t directly her fault, but Yuan Jun''s claim that she was involved wasn''t entirely baseless.


    Without her sinister schemes, her son might not have died.


    It was chilling how someone could know the truth yet act as if nothing had happened.


    A gentle breeze swept through the scene. The key players remained still, and the onlookers didn''t dare to move either.


    "Ah-choo!" A clear sneeze broke the silence. Ming Mei rubbed her nose and said, "Zhixi, I''m sleepy. Let''s go home."


    Zhuang Louloo immediately supported his wife, saying, "Let''s go. Be careful."


    Ming Mei chuckled, "We''re just in our own courtyard. What do I need to be careful about?"


    Who would dare to lay a hand on her?


    Even if someone did, even as a pregnant woman, she could easily take them down.


    At this point, the onlookers remembered that Ming Mei wasn''t one to be trifled with. She had once kicked a door off its hinges. Just because she was pregnant didn''t mean that record no longer existed. She still had her strength.


    Seeing how calm Ming Mei was, everyone quickly took the opportunity to leave, saying, "It''s getting late. We have work tomorrow."


    "Exactly, we can''t be late. We''ll get docked pay." No matter what, they couldn''t afford to lose wages. Even if they had to crawl, they''d make it to work.


    "It''s getting a bit chilly. The wind''s picking up."


    "Where''s the wind? Oh, you mean the weather. I thought you meant... never mind."


    "Let''s hurry home and get some sleep."


    "Right, let''s go home and sleep."


    As they exchanged these meaningless pleasantries, everyone hurried home.


    But deep down, they all knew there was no way they could sleep.


    The drama of the day had been too much.


    Who knew what ripple effects it would have?


    As firsthand witnesses, none of them could claim to fully understand or grasp the situation.


    Everyone felt the same way, including the Zhuang family. They weren''t any wiser than the others in this matter. They were all just spectators, too afraid to speak up.


    Ming Mei calmly headed home, prompting everyone else to disperse. However, many of them, though they had gone home, were still peeking out their windows. Old Man Lan, who had arrived later, was no exception. He was just as eager to catch the latest gossip.


    As soon as he got home, he pressed his ear to the door, with his wife beside him.


    For elderly couples like them, who had come together later in life, there was often a sense of distance or hidden agendas. But the two of them were different. They had gotten along harmoniously from the very beginning.


    The real credit for this went to the lively atmosphere of their courtyard. There was always something new happening, so much so that the old couple didn''t even need a radio. They were constantly busy watching the drama unfold and then discussing it afterward. Such close companionship in old age was rare.


    "What do you think will happen? Will Wang Xiangxiu get in trouble for her affairs?" Such behavior was frowned upon these days. If she got caught, it would be a big deal.


    Lan Sihai: "I don''t think Wang Xiangxiu will face any consequences."


    He continued, "In cases like this, you need concrete evidence. Without catching her in the act, it''s hard to make a case. It could easily lead to accusations of slander. So, people are cautious. Even though Wang Xiangxiu has a reputation, no one has caught her red-handed. If you ask any man involved, they''d deny it. Who would admit to something like that? They''d be risking their own freedom. Unless Wang Xiangxiu gets caught in the future, Aunt Su can''t do much to her."


    Without solid proof, nothing could be done.


    To convict someone, you needed to catch them in the act.


    Luo Xiaohe: "I wonder what will happen to her. If she''s smart, she''ll know Aunt Su will be watching her closely."


    Lan Sihai: "She may not be the brightest, but she''s not a complete fool. She loves her children too much. I think she''ll tread carefully. If she gets in trouble, her children will suffer even more. She understands that."


    Luo Xiaohe: "What about Aunt Su?"


    Lan Sihai: "She won''t face any consequences either. As I said, the things she''s accused of may sound bad, but she didn''t directly cause her son''s death. As for her daughter, Su Pandi, who knows what''s going on with her?"


    Luo Xiaohe: "I used to resent my mother for playing favorites. Even at my age, I still feel a bit bitter about it. But compared to Aunt Su, I realize my mother was at least normal. What kind of person could do something like this? I''ve never seen anything like it."


    Lan Sihai: "You''re in your fifties and haven''t seen it. I''m in my seventies, and I haven''t either."


    The two of them clicked their tongues and continued to observe.


    While the old couple discussed the situation, so did everyone else in the neighborhood. Those in the back courtyard didn''t have the convenience of looking out their windows, but they were just as busy talking at home. No one could sleep. The whole courtyard was in shock.


    They had never seen anything like this before.


    Though their courtyard was always full of drama, this was on a whole new level.


    Not only was the drama escalating, but it was also getting more intense!


    Everyone was stunned. As soon as Zhuang Zhixi entered the house, he comforted Ming Mei, saying, "Honey, today''s events were intense, but don''t let it affect you too much. Don''t get too worked up and harm your health."


    This wasn''t just Zhuang Zhixi being overly concerned about the baby. During their hospital visits, the doctor had mentioned that carrying twins was more taxing than a single pregnancy. So, he wasn''t just worried about the baby; he was also concerned about Ming Mei''s well-being.


    Too much excitement wasn''t good for her.


    Staying emotionally stable was better for her health.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Honey, I..."


    Ming Mei looked at him curiously, "Why would I be worked up? The Su family has nothing to do with me. I don''t know the person who passed away, nor do I know the one involved in today''s scandal. I''m just an outsider, here for the show."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He was at a loss for words.


    Ming Mei rested her chin on her hand, "You''re shocked because you know everyone here. I don''t."


    That was true. Everyone in the courtyard was shocked because they knew the Su family''s son and felt his death was a tragedy. They also sympathized with Wang Xiangxiu''s plight.


    During the day, people had been gossiping about her, looking down on her actions.


    But everyone has a sense of compassion. Seeing her lose her husband and then being manipulated so cruelly, they couldn''t help but feel sorry for her.


    If it weren''t for someone like Aunt Su, her life might have turned out very differently.


    At that moment, Ming Mei also felt a pang of sympathy for Wang Xiangxiu''s misfortune, but her emotions weren''t as deeply stirred.


    Because the Wang Xiangxiu she knew had always been like this¡ªmediocre in character, always stirring up trouble. She had never seen the Wang Xiangxiu from before her husband''s death. So, while she felt some sympathy, she wasn''t as deeply moved as others.


    Others, precisely because they had seen the contrast, understood even more how despicable Aunt Su was.


    Of course, everyone agreed on one thing: Aunt Su was a ruthless old hag who wouldn''t hesitate to devour someone without leaving a trace.


    Zhuang Zhixi fetched water for Ming Mei to wash her feet, saying, "Wife, come on, let''s soak your feet and relax a bit."


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly, "Zhixi, you''re so good to me."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Who else would I be good to if not you?"


    He continued, "We should strive to be even better in the future. It''s actually quite rare for people to live together happily."


    Ming Mei teased, "Oh, you''re getting philosophical now."


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Yes, when you think about it, Brother Su and Wang Xiangxiu used to have a good relationship. But now... times have changed, and so have people."


    Ming Mei playfully pinched Zhuang Zhixi''s face and said, "Now that everything has come to light, maybe it''s a good thing for Wang Xiangxiu. At least she won''t be living in a daze anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s face was squished by her hands, but he still managed to smile and say, "Back then, I was probably too young to understand relationships. I just remember their marriage seemed fine. But Wang Xiangxiu isn''t the sharpest tool in the shed. She''s easily influenced by whoever she''s around. Back when her husband was alive, their relationship was good, but after he passed, she became more and more unreliable. Her mind seems to wander all the time, and she''s oddly self-absorbed. But maybe this incident will serve as a wake-up call for her. Sometimes, even if things weren''t that great in the past, and even if you''ve forgotten over the years, when someone dredges up old memories, all you can recall are the good times. People tend to romanticize their memories. What might have been just okay back then becomes perfect in hindsight."


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi, puzzled, "What are you rambling about?"


    She frowned, "I don''t quite get it."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "What I mean is, even if she didn''t love Brother Su that much back then, after this incident, she might look back and remember only the good and the love. Maybe it''ll change her."


    Ming Mei shrugged, "Who knows?"


    She nudged Zhuang Zhixi''s shoulder and said, "Could you massage my calves for me? I''ve been standing too long today, and they''re sore."


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Sure."


    He couldn''t help but think, pregnancy is really tough.


    He noticed that Ming Mei''s calves were slightly swollen, and it was only a few months in. It just showed how much she was going through.


    He said, "From now on, no matter what you''re doing, if you''ve been standing for too long, find a place to sit down. Don''t just stand there."


    Ming Mei mumbled softly, "I know, I just forgot today."


    Zhuang Zhixi helped his wife with her nightly routine, and once they were both tucked into bed, Ming Mei let out a soft sigh. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Ming Mei draped her arm over him and said, "I''m tired."


    Zhuang Zhixi gently smoothed her hair and said, "Then let''s get some sleep."


    He softly patted Ming Mei. As the youngest in his family, Zhuang Zhixi was used to being taken care of, so he wasn''t naturally skilled at caring for others. But when it came to Ming Mei, he was meticulous. He used to think that childbirth was just a normal part of life, but ever since Ming Mei got pregnant, he realized it wasn''t that simple. Although Ming Mei rarely complained¡ªshe was an optimistic and cheerful person¡ªZhuang Zhixi, as her husband, knew just how hard it was for her.


    Even now, just a few months in, her legs and feet were already swelling from standing too long.


    And yet, his mother and sister-in-law still said Ming Mei was one of the luckier pregnant women, with minimal symptoms. Compared to Jiang Lu, who was constantly vomiting, Zhuang Zhixi truly understood how difficult pregnancy could be.


    He never paid much attention to other pregnant women before, so he never gave it much thought. But now, he was constantly on edge, worrying about every little thing.


    Ming Mei, however, was oblivious to her husband''s concerns. She was genuinely exhausted. While others in the neighborhood might be lying awake, Ming Mei had no trouble falling asleep. She was so tired that she couldn''t stay awake any longer.


    She found a comfortable position in Zhuang Zhixi''s arms and, within moments, her soft breathing indicated she was fast asleep. Zhuang Zhixi looked down at her and chuckled. In the entire compound, apart from the children, his wife was probably the only one who could sleep so soundly.


    Ming Mei slept deeply, worn out from the day. Zhuang Zhixi gently patted her back and listened carefully to the sounds outside. Soon, he heard Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin returning.


    A little later, Li the Cook, his older brother, and Zhou Qun also came back.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan entered his room and was surprised to find Liang Meifen still awake. He asked, "You''re not asleep?"


    Liang Meifen replied, "How could I sleep? Who could sleep at a time like this?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was taken aback, "Then why didn''t you turn on the light?"


    Liang Meifen had a perfectly good explanation, "I''m the only one at home, and there''s nothing to do. Why waste electricity by turning on the light? Do you think anyone in this compound is asleep? Everyone''s lying in the dark."


    After all, electricity wasn''t free. Each household paid for their own usage, so no one wanted to waste it.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan asked, "Why did you all disperse?"


    "We didn''t know what else to do. What''s happening outside?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan explained, "When I came back, the two Su women were sitting under the eaves, and Yuan Jun was keeping an eye on them. They wanted to leave, but Yuan Jun wouldn''t let them."


    Liang Meifen clicked her tongue in disbelief.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan seized the opportunity to say, "Look at Su Pandi. She ruined her marriage for the sake of a family that didn''t truly care about her. Was it worth it? I''m not saying you should cut ties with your family, but you need to think carefully about what''s right and what''s wrong. If you go down a path of no return, it''s all over. I think Yuan Jun is definitely going to divorce her."


    This time, Liang Meifen didn''t argue. She was genuinely shaken.


    She had always thought Aunt Su was a wonderful mother-in-law. After all, in her experience¡ªwhether in the textile factory, the machinery factory, or among the neighbors¡ªshe had never met a more kind-hearted mother-in-law than Aunt Su.


    The way she treated Wang Xiangxiu seemed utterly selfless.


    It was something everyone envied. Who wouldn''t envy such a relationship?


    Wang Xiangxiu ran the household, and her mother-in-law took care of the children and was always considerate. It seemed like a dream.


    But who could have imagined that the reality was so different?


    The thought sent chills down Liang Meifen''s spine.


    This woman had been scheming against her daughter-in-law even before her son had died. She had even planned to send her daughter-in-law down a dangerous path. In this new society, getting caught would mean serious jail time.


    Yet, Aunt Su saw nothing wrong with it.


    She didn''t even spare her own daughter. Su Pandi had been caught in bed with another man by Yuan Jun, and everyone had heard about it.


    There was no doubt that this was Aunt Su''s idea. Su Pandi would never have come up with such a plan on her own.


    This realization truly frightened Liang Meifen.


    Whether from Wang Xiangxiu''s perspective or Su Pandi''s, Liang Meifen was thoroughly shaken.


    She wasn''t the most decisive person to begin with, and now, after Zhuang Zhiyuan''s words, she was completely subdued, like a sickly chicken.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan noticed that she seemed to be taking his words to heart and said, "People should have the courage to say no to things that are wrong, even if it''s their own parents. You need to be able to make your own judgments."


    Liang Meifen nodded, "I understand."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan glanced at her, "Don''t just say you understand and then do nothing about it."


    Liang Meifen protested, "I''m not like that."


    She took a deep breath and changed the subject, "How did it go with Su Zhaodi?"


    Thinking about it still gave her chills, so she decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "It went smoothly. We ran into the neighborhood patrol, and they stopped us to ask a few questions. But when they found out we were just concerned neighbors escorting her, they even praised us."


    Liang Meifen quickly asked, "Is there a reward?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan sighed, "What are you dreaming about? It''s just verbal praise."


    He continued, "We took Su Zhaodi home. It was my first time going there. Her family seems even poorer than the Su family. I really don''t know how she manages to support her parents so much. Her husband, kids, in-laws, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law all live together in one big household. It doesn¡¯t seem like an easy environment, but it¡¯s probably not as bad as it looks. Even though Su Zhaodi came back late, her mother-in-law and husband complained, but they still saved her some food."


    Liang Meifen replied, "That¡¯s good enough. I¡¯ve come to realize that sometimes being a little harsh isn¡¯t necessarily bad. It¡¯s not about what people say, but what they actually do. Some people talk nicely but do terrible things."


    On the other hand, some people might sound harsh, like her mother-in-law, who seems like a strict and mean old woman.


    But in reality, she treats everyone equally and doesn¡¯t mistreat anyone.


    You don¡¯t even need to ask around to know this. Ten yuan a month? Oh, by the end of the month, it¡¯s fifteen for the next month.


    But even with fifteen yuan, you really can¡¯t eat this well.


    Her in-laws must be contributing to the living expenses too.


    So, it really comes down to what people do, not what they say.


    Most families don¡¯t eat as well as theirs.


    Liang Meifen said, "Your mom is a good person."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan gave her a strange look, then smiled with relief. "Of course, she is. If my mom weren¡¯t good, you¡¯d see what it¡¯s like with other mothers-in-law. Whether it¡¯s Aunt Zhou, Aunt Su, or even Aunt Wang, none of them would make life easy for you."


    Liang Meifen nodded, "I know."


    She leaned against the window, looking outside. The two sides had stopped talking and were now sitting quietly in their respective corners.


    Curious, she asked, "Why is Yuan Jun blocking the door?"


    "Probably to make sure Aunt Su and the others don¡¯t get too comfortable," Zhuang Zhiyuan replied.


    He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I just came back with Zhou Qun, and I heard that Su Pandi was caught sleeping with the deputy head of the slaughterhouse. Yuan Jun caught them red-handed. It was two women against one man¡ªSu Pandi and Wang Xiangxiu with that guy."


    Liang Meifen exclaimed, "What?!!"


    She was shocked!


    Zhuang Zhiyuan pursed his lips and said, "They were in a small room at the slaughterhouse. Yuan Jun beat that guy up so badly he was unrecognizable."


    Liang Meifen stammered, "Th-that¡¯s... isn¡¯t that... indecent? Didn¡¯t he report it to the police?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan shook his head, "Who would report it? They¡¯d be too ashamed. Someone at the slaughterhouse heard the commotion and knew what had happened. They called the boss, who happens to be the father-in-law of the guy Su Pandi was messing around with."


    Liang Meifen gasped, "Oh my God."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan continued, "Apparently, the boss didn¡¯t want the scandal to get out either. He¡¯s a leader, so he cares about his reputation. He convinced Yuan Jun not to involve the police. But you can bet that guy won¡¯t get off easy. Zhou Qun didn¡¯t go into details, but he and Bai Fendou were following Yuan Jun and probably saw everything. He was shaking when he talked about it, so there must be more to the story."


    Liang Meifen¡¯s mouth twitched, unsure of what to say. After a long pause, she finally muttered, "They¡¯re really something."


    But she also added, "Wang Xiangxiu is lucky too. It¡¯s not the first time she¡¯s been caught, but she always manages to smooth things over."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, "That¡¯s because the people she¡¯s involved with aren¡¯t ordinary. Anyone with a bit of status wants to keep things quiet."


    "That¡¯s true," Liang Meifen agreed.


    The couple continued talking, and Zhuang Zhiyuan noticed his wife¡¯s eyes were wide like lightbulbs. He said, "Aren¡¯t you going to sleep? You have work tomorrow."


    But how could she sleep after all this?


    Almost no one in the neighborhood could sleep. It was nearly dawn before some people managed to doze off, but only for a short while before they had to get up and prepare for work. No matter how entertaining the drama was, work couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    After all, how else would they earn money?


    As the sky began to lighten and everyone was still half-asleep, a piercing scream suddenly echoed through the courtyard: "...Ah!!!"


    Almost everyone rushed out of their homes: "What happened now?"

 Chapter 126

    "Ah!"A deafening scream rang out again, and everyone immediately knew it was Su Pandi''s voice.


    The residents of the compound quickly threw on their coats and came out, only to see Yuan Jun grabbing Su Pandi and saying, "Come with me, let''s get a divorce."


    Su Pandi screamed even louder, shouting, "I won''t divorce you, I won''t divorce you... I was wrong, I really won''t divorce you..."


    Despite her bluster, the cold wind had chilled her to the bone all night, and she knew deep down that if she really got divorced, she would never find another man like him. They had been married for years, and though he was a bit timid and never took the lead, he always listened to her. She managed the household, made all the decisions, big and small.


    If she divorced him, she would never find such a man again. Besides, as a divorcee, she wouldn''t be able to find anyone better. She wasn''t as young and fresh as she was during her first marriage. She thought back to her secret meeting with her old flame yesterday, where he had bluntly told her she had aged and lost the youthful beauty she once had.


    She couldn''t get divorced¡ªabsolutely not.


    "I was wrong, I only made a tiny mistake, just a tiny one. Can''t you forgive me, Yuan Jun? Please, for the sake of the children, forgive me. Please, don''t let them grow up without a mother. People will laugh at them, call them motherless bastards, bully them, hit them... Ah!"


    Yuan Jun couldn''t take it anymore and slapped Su Pandi across the face.


    He could tolerate her saying anything else, but she shouldn''t have brought the children into this.


    What she said was no different from a curse.


    For so many years, Yuan Jun had always doted on his wife. He was a simple, honest man who believed that once you got married, you should live a good life together. He never thought about anything else. But clearly, Su Pandi didn''t feel the same way. Over the years, she had constantly been sending money and resources to her family.


    Yuan Jun had put up with it. Although he despised his mother-in-law, he thought about how her family was full of elderly and young dependents, relying solely on one woman''s income. Though he was unhappy, he never outright stopped Su Pandi from helping her family.


    But there had to be limits.


    You couldn''t drain your own household to the point of neglecting your own children just to help others.


    Now, he saw through this woman completely. In fifteen years of marriage, he had never laid a finger on her, but now he wished he could beat her to death. Looking at Su Pandi''s face, he felt nothing but disgust.


    He punched her again, shouting, "I''ll make you talk! I''ll make you use the children as an excuse! Having a mother like you is what will make them a laughingstock. I''ll kill you, I swear I''ll kill you!"


    When the neighbors came out, they saw the fight escalating.


    Aunt Su didn''t dare to intervene; she had already been beaten badly last night.


    Yuan Jun continued to hit her while yelling, "If it weren''t for the fact that I don''t want the children to have a mother in jail, and I don''t want this to affect their future lives, jobs, or political backgrounds, I would''ve sent you to the police station last night! And now you dare to bring them into this? It''s because of a mother like you that their childhood is miserable. You shouldn''t have gotten married at all. You should''ve stayed at your parents'' house, slaving away for your vicious mother, and never married anyone. Getting married was just you ruining someone else''s life!"


    "How can you say that..." Su Pandi burst into tears.


    But as her husband, Yuan Jun remained unmoved. He dragged her and said, "Come with me now, let''s get the divorce papers. Whether you agree to it or not, if you don''t divorce me, I''ll make sure you''re a widow!"


    "You... you... you don''t care about the children..."


    "If the children have a mother like you, that''s when I truly don''t care about them. If my children suffer, I''ll make sure your whole family suffers. I''ll make sure the Su family line ends with you!"


    This was no longer the warning from last night. Back then, he had whispered it in her ear, but now he was shouting it openly.


    He hated Su Pandi to the core.


    "You won''t get away with this, don''t even think about it."


    Su Pandi cried, "You''re threatening me, you''re threatening me... Did you all hear that? He''s threatening me, he..."


    She shouted a few times, but no one backed her up. Instead, everyone looked at her with contempt. She stared at them in disbelief and said, "Why aren''t any of you saying anything? Why are you siding with him? I''m your old neighbor!"


    Zhou Qun was the first to step forward and say, "Stop yelling. I saw everything clearly yesterday. Everything you''re going through now, you deserve it!"


    "Shut up! What does this have to do with you? I know you slept with Wang Xiangxiu!"


    Su Pandi knew this because her mother had told her.


    Zhou Qun''s face turned red, but he shouted even louder, "Stop slandering me! Everyone here knows I can''t perform!"


    Uh...


    Everyone looked at Zhou Qun with mixed feelings, thinking, if you can''t perform, why are you shouting so loudly? Is this something to be proud of?


    Zhou Qun continued loudly, "Even if I could perform, I''d rather be with a man than with Wang Xiangxiu!"


    Everyone: "..."


    Uh, this was even more awkward.


    Everyone silently turned their gaze to Bai Fendou, who immediately flared up and shouted, "Why are you all looking at me? What does this have to do with me? Whoever Zhou Qun likes has nothing to do with me! Damn it, if you keep looking, I''ll gouge your eyes out!"


    The crowd responded with blank faces: "...Oh."


    Aunt Zhou looked at her son with a pained expression and tugged at him, "Please, stop talking."


    It was over, truly over. Of all people, her son had to take a liking to Bai Fendou.


    She cautiously glanced at Jiang Lu, who remained expressionless. Aunt Zhou quickly said, "Su Pandi, you little wretch, don''t you dare slander my son. My son''s reputation is not something you can tarnish!"


    Zhou Qun also composed himself. Although he had indeed had an affair with Wang Xiangxiu in the past, they had broken it off long ago. Besides, he had no interest in her now. As long as there was no evidence, it was all just baseless accusations.


    Moreover, the fact that this woman had dragged him and Wang Xiangxiu into this made him even angrier and more ruthless.


    "Bai Fendou and I are completely innocent. We both saw what you did yesterday!" he shouted. "Comrades, neighbors, yesterday when Brother Yuan Jun came looking for his wife, we noticed something was off and followed him, fearing something might happen. Bai Fendou and I followed him together. We saw Brother Yuan Jun go to the hospital, and Aunt Su still refused to admit what Su Pandi had been up to. It was me! It was me, the good comrade, who bravely stepped forward and bribed Tonglai with fifty cents. Tonglai then told us everything his grandmother had said!"


    Everyone: "...???"


    Tonglai?


    What a fine grandson he was.


    Fifty cents was all it took to buy him off.


    "So, Aunt Su had sent Su Pandi to offer herself to her old flame to plead for leniency."


    "Shut up, you sissy, you freak! Stop talking nonsense. This has nothing to do with you. Who asked you to blabber on?" Su Pandi was furious, and so was Aunt Su.


    She had always been so adept at handling these situations.


    But now, her secrets were being exposed. She had spent all last night thinking about how to salvage her reputation and get out of this mess. But it was too cold, and she was in too much pain, leaving her mind in chaos.


    And now, Zhou Qun was here, blabbering nonstop.


    She pretended to cough weakly and said, "Zhou Qun, are you trying to kill me? I know my relationship with your mother isn''t good, but you can''t just slander me like this. Are you trying to drive me to my grave?"


    Aunt Zhou wasn''t having any of it and screamed, "Stop with your nonsense! Don''t you dare try to pin this on my son. I won''t let you, you old hag! The filthy things you''ve done, why can''t they be exposed? My son found out and exposed you for the sake of justice. Are you saying my son is lying? Bai Fendou, tell them, did Zhou Qun lie?"


    Bai Fendou: "No."


    Aunt Zhou immediately perked up, feeling even more confident, and said, "Old Su''s son-in-law, tell me, did my son Zhou Qun lie?"


    Yuan Jun: "No."


    Aunt Zhou: "Did you all hear that? Everyone, did you hear that? Our Zhou Qun didn¡¯t lie at all. You think you can silence him by smearing his reputation? Let me tell you, no way! Absolutely no way! We¡¯re telling the truth, and we have every right to speak! We have every right to expose your true colors!"


    Everyone fell silent at this moment, not doubting Zhou Qun¡¯s words in the slightest.


    Of course not. After what happened last night, it was clear to everyone that Zhou Qun couldn¡¯t possibly be lying now.


    As for Aunt Su, she was still trying to play the victim.


    Everyone looked at Aunt Su with disdain.


    Zhou Qun: "We were on our way to the slaughterhouse when Aunt Su suddenly caught up with us..."


    "Enough! This is our family''s business. What does it have to do with you? How dare you spout nonsense here? What does any of this have to do with you?" Aunt Su, seeing that her daughter was no help and with no one else to back her up, could only snarl in response.


    She shouted, "This has nothing to do with you. If you keep running your mouth, be careful of the hell where tongues are ripped out!"


    "Stop spreading your superstitious nonsense. What hell where tongues are ripped out?"


    "Exactly!"


    "If you dare to do it, why are you afraid of people talking? Yuan Jun hasn¡¯t even said anything yet. Why are you jumping in? What¡¯s it got to do with you?"


    "Zhou Qun, tell us, what did you see?"


    Everyone looked at Zhou Qun curiously, eager to know the details of what had happened.


    Zhou Qun glanced at Yuan Jun and didn¡¯t dare to say more.


    Though he was a gossipy busybody, he didn¡¯t dare to talk about someone else¡¯s wife in front of her husband, especially since they weren¡¯t even divorced yet. Besides, Yuan Jun looked downright terrifying. He glanced at Yuan Jun, who remained expressionless, and felt slightly reassured, but he didn¡¯t dare say anything more.


    He shut his mouth and stayed quiet.


    Yuan Jun then looked around at everyone. Without saying a word, he grabbed Su Pandi and started dragging her outside. Su Pandi cried out, "Ah, what are you doing?"


    Yuan Jun: "Divorce!"


    "No, no, I don¡¯t want to..."


    Yuan Jun sneered, "If you don¡¯t want a divorce, fine. Let¡¯s go home."


    His sudden change in demeanor sent a chill down Su Pandi¡¯s spine. She remembered how he had threatened to kill her more than once, and fear immediately gripped her. She trembled, "No, I don¡¯t want to go home..."


    Yuan Jun ignored her protests and continued dragging her away.


    Aunt Su, who had clearly seen her daughter being dragged off, remained silent. In fact, she even let out a small sigh of relief.


    The crowd: "???"


    Aunt Wang didn¡¯t hold back: "Aren¡¯t you going to do anything?"


    Aunt Su replied softly, "They¡¯re a young couple. They¡¯ll fight and make up. There¡¯s no need for me to interfere. I¡¯m just a mother, and I can¡¯t control everything. I¡¯m tired and need to go home to rest."


    She hadn¡¯t rested at all last night, and now that the trouble had finally left, she headed straight home.


    Her behavior left everyone speechless. They had never seen anything like it.


    Aunt Su entered her house, closed the door behind her, and stumbled to the kang (a heated bed). She lay down, cursing bitterly, "You heartless people."


    The neighbors exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. Someone finally spoke up, "Should we follow them or not?"


    "Follow what? We have work to do."


    "Oh, right."


    It was Monday, after all. They couldn¡¯t just skip work to watch the drama unfold.


    Aunt Wang: "I¡¯ll go to the neighborhood committee. This matter needs to be reported."


    Zhao Guihua: "You all go to work. I¡¯ll follow Yuan Jun and Su Pandi to see what happens. We can¡¯t let this escalate into something serious."


    Wang Zhaodi: "Aunt Zhao, I¡¯ll go with you. We can keep each other company and watch out for each other."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright."


    Aunt Zhou opened her mouth to say something but ultimately stayed quiet.


    The crowd quickly dispersed. Zhao Guihua and Wang Zhaodi followed Yuan Jun and Su Pandi at a distance. Su Pandi was crying uncontrollably, "I don¡¯t want a divorce..."


    Yuan Jun, however, was beyond caring about appearances.


    He said bluntly, "You should¡¯ve thought about this the day you slept with someone else. I¡¯m not staying married to you."


    "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I was wrong..."


    "You¡¯re not wrong. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s wrong. For over a decade, I¡¯ve been too lenient with you."


    Yuan Jun sneered, "If you don¡¯t want a divorce, fine. I¡¯ll just beat you three times a day. Hah."


    He dragged her along without a care, saying, "You owe me, and you owe our children. I¡¯ll make you pay for everything!"


    Su Pandi: "Please, don¡¯t do this. I¡¯m scared..."


    "Scared now? Too late. Hahaha." He continued dragging her, and passersby stared at them. It was morning rush hour, and someone who couldn¡¯t stand it stepped forward and said, "Comrade, you can¡¯t treat a woman like this. If you don¡¯t stop, we¡¯ll call the police."


    Yuan Jun: "My wife cheated on me. Can¡¯t I deal with her?"


    "Uh..."


    Yuan Jun: "My wife stole all the money from our home. Can¡¯t I drag her to get a divorce?"


    "Uh..."


    Yuan Jun¡¯s retorts silenced the onlookers, and he continued dragging Su Pandi away.


    This was not something ordinary people could interfere with.


    Wang Zhaodi whispered, "Is this really okay? I¡¯ve never seen anything like this before."


    Zhao Guihua: "Neither have I."


    They followed the couple all the way to the lumber factory. Zhao Guihua vaguely remembered that Yuan Jun worked there. If he wanted a divorce, he would need to get a reference letter from the factory.


    The two women didn¡¯t enter the factory but stood at the gate.


    The gatekeeper, seeing them tailing Yuan Jun and Su Pandi, approached them warily.


    Zhao Guihua explained straightforwardly, "That woman¡¯s family lives in our compound. They¡¯ve had some trouble, so we¡¯re following them to make sure nothing bad happens."


    Gatekeeper: "What kind of trouble?"


    Zhao Guihua: "It¡¯s complicated. You¡¯d better ask Yuan Jun directly."


    She added, "Once we¡¯re sure he¡¯s not going to do anything rash, we¡¯ll leave."


    Just then, Yuan Jun dragged Su Pandi out of the factory, followed by several workers. Without hesitation, Yuan Jun headed straight for the neighborhood committee. Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment and said, "Let¡¯s follow them a bit longer."


    They weren¡¯t sure if following would help, but at the very least, they could try to calm Yuan Jun down if he lost control. If Yuan Jun ended up committing murder, his children would be the ones to truly suffer.


    The gatekeeper, seeing the commotion, asked, "What¡¯s going on?"


    "Yuan Jun wants a divorce."


    "What?"


    Zhao Guihua and Wang Zhaodi continued trailing them as they went to the neighborhood committee and then to the marriage registration office.


    Divorces were handled there.


    Su Pandi, who didn¡¯t have a job, had to get her proof from the neighborhood committee. By this point, they were followed by several people from the committee. Everyone¡¯s expressions were a mix of shock and discomfort. Such a large group arriving at the marriage registration office was quite a sight.


    "Ah, what happened to this woman? Why is she so beaten up? It¡¯s the modern era. Men and women are equal. How can you still hit a woman?"


    Yuan Jun: "We¡¯re here to get a divorce."


    "Wait, comrade..."


    Before the clerk could finish, someone from the neighborhood committee pulled them aside and whispered a few words.


    "Oh, I see..."


    "Just process it for them."


    "Alright, but even so, you can¡¯t hit people like this. What if you seriously injure her?" After a few more words, they quickly started the paperwork. Su Pandi was in a daze. How had it come to this?


    Just yesterday, everything had been fine. Her husband had gone to work as usual, and there had been no signs of trouble.


    In just one day, everything had turned upside down. She hadn¡¯t even had time to process what had happened. She stammered, "No, I don¡¯t want this. I don¡¯t want a divorce..."


    Everyone looked at her. Yuan Jun let out a cold laugh and said ominously, "If you don¡¯t want a divorce, then..."


    "No, I want a divorce!"


    Su Pandi was like a chameleon. One moment she was adamant about not divorcing, and the next she was insisting on it.


    Her mood swings were baffling.


    And she herself was just as conflicted.


    She didn¡¯t want to get a divorce, but she was also afraid that Yuan Jun might really harm her. In the past, she had been confident about him, believing she could control him. But now, he seemed like a madman, completely unpredictable.


    His erratic behavior terrified Su Pandi.


    She didn¡¯t want to lose her life.


    Amid this back-and-forth struggle, the divorce was finalized.


    Only then did Yuan Jun let go of Su Pandi. She collapsed to the ground, weak and defeated. Yuan Jun spoke coldly, ¡°Everything in this house has nothing to do with you now. Don¡¯t ever come back.¡±


    ¡°But my clothes¡­¡±


    Yuan Jun sneered, ¡°Your clothes? You took all the savings from the house yesterday. You took all the fine grains, and even the last bit of oil. What else do you want to take? Su Pandi, what you¡¯ve already taken is enough to buy yourself clothes! Don¡¯t ever come back. This is my first and last warning. I don¡¯t want to see you again, and I don¡¯t want the children to see you either. From now on, we¡¯ll act like you don¡¯t exist. Whatever dirty, rotten things you do, we don¡¯t want to know. Get out!¡±


    Yuan Jun didn¡¯t bother to hide what Su Pandi had done. He knew it was impossible to keep it a secret anyway. Not only had several people at the slaughterhouse seen it, but many at her parents¡¯ home had also witnessed it.


    Given that, he saw no point in hiding anything.


    In truth, Yuan Jun was filled with hatred. Last night, he had even considered calling the police, but her family had stopped him. Although her family held a high position at the slaughterhouse, they weren¡¯t foolish or biased.


    They were equally furious.


    But at the critical moment, they stopped Yuan Jun because, no matter how despicable the two were, they couldn¡¯t go to jail.


    If they did, it would affect their children¡¯s future political background checks. Both families had children, and they were all thinking about their kids.


    Su Pandi remained slumped on the ground, unmoving. Yuan Jun had already walked out the door. He saw Zhao Guihua and Wang Zhaodi standing nearby and, after a moment of thought, approached Zhao Guihua and bowed to her.


    He looked up and said, ¡°Auntie, thank you for staying with me. I know you were worried I might do something I¡¯d regret.¡± He understood that she had no personal ties to him and had acted out of kindness.


    Zhao Guihua quickly waved her hand, saying, ¡°You haven¡¯t been home all night. Go back and check on the kids. Some things need to be explained to them properly. Life must go on.¡±


    Yuan Jun replied, ¡°I know.¡±


    Though he had been terrifyingly violent when he hit her, now he looked utterly desolate, his figure lonely and bleak. In the end, he was just another victim. If he hadn¡¯t been pushed to the brink, he would never have done such a thing.


    Zhao Guihua watched his retreating figure and sighed.


    She said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back. We¡¯ll see what happens next.¡±


    This incident wasn¡¯t going to be easily brushed aside. What would happen next was anyone¡¯s guess. Zhao Guihua led Wang Zhaodi away. Su Pandi called out, ¡°Auntie Zhao, wait for me. Help me up.¡±


    She had been dragged around and had no strength left. Zhao Guihua glanced back at her, seeing her disheveled state.


    The once well-put-together woman now had a bruised face, her red dress in tatters, looking like a ghost. In her hand, she clutched the divorce certificate.


    Zhao Guihua took a deep breath and said, ¡°What were you thinking?¡±


    She didn¡¯t go to help her, just shook her head and walked away with Wang Zhaodi.


    Wang Zhaodi whispered, ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to help her?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°It¡¯s broad daylight. Nothing will happen to her. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Truth be told, it was only someone like Zhao Guihua, a kind-hearted older woman, who would bother with such matters. Even after being reborn, she still had the same caring personality. A younger person wouldn¡¯t have gotten involved. It was thankless work.


    Getting involved wouldn¡¯t gain her anything, and she might even end up in trouble.


    Only women of her age tended to have such a warm heart.


    But Zhao Guihua felt at ease now that she had seen Yuan Jun hadn¡¯t done anything irreversible.


    She said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ve been walking for a while. Let¡¯s take the bus back.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi whispered, ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any money.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll cover it.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi bit her lip, feeling a bit embarrassed. Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The two of them left Su Pandi behind and boarded the bus. It was mid-morning, and there were still empty seats. Wang Zhaodi rested her chin on her hand and said, ¡°I really don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi said softly, ¡°Life was already so good. Why wasn¡¯t it enough? Life in the city is so much better than what we have in the countryside.¡±


    Zhao Guihua knew how hard life was for farmers at this time. This wasn¡¯t like decades later when some rural areas were wealthier than cities. Right now, rural life was tough, far less comfortable than city living. Especially for someone like Wang Zhaodi, who came from a poor family with many children.


    Looking at Wang Zhaodi¡¯s confused eyes, she said, ¡°They¡¯re never satisfied. They¡¯re never content.¡±


    Zhao Guihua spoke earnestly, ¡°Everyone wants a good life. I do, you do, we all do. But as people, we must have our limits. It¡¯s fine to strive for a better life, but we can¡¯t cross the line. We must have our own principles and not blindly believe everything others say. You need to learn to discern what¡¯s right and what¡¯s wrong. Some wrong ideas aren¡¯t even worth listening to.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded solemnly.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi exclaimed, ¡°Oh!¡±


    The two of them walked home together. As they neared their destination, they unexpectedly ran into Hu Huihui. Zhao Guihua was surprised, ¡°Why are you back?¡±


    Hu Huihui had moved out after staying for a month in August. Her sudden return was unexpected.


    Hu Huihui wasn¡¯t alone. She was accompanied by several others, all wearing red armbands, including herself.


    Hearing Zhao Guihua¡¯s voice, she turned and said, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Auntie Zhao. I¡¯ve changed jobs. I¡¯m here on official business.¡±


    She tilted her arm slightly to show her armband, observing Zhao Guihua¡¯s reaction.


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips, ¡°That¡¯s good. You¡¯ve got some skills.¡±


    Hu Huihui chuckled softly. She had initially thought she could quickly uncover the whereabouts of some jewelry, which was why she had kept her identity hidden. But since it wasn¡¯t something that could be resolved quickly, and everyone would find out eventually, she decided to reveal her identity early to gauge people¡¯s reactions.


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t unusual.


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s focus wasn¡¯t on her identity.


    She asked, ¡°Are you¡­ Are you heading to our courtyard?¡±


    Hearing this, Hu Huihui gave a bitter smile, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m going to your courtyard. We¡¯ve received reports of inappropriate relationships and improper conduct there.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take much to guess this was about the Su family.


    Zhao Guihua knew these things couldn¡¯t be hidden. She didn¡¯t know what to say, only adding, ¡°You can go ahead, but our courtyard has probably already informed the neighborhood committee.¡±


    Hu Huihui said, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡±


    As they walked, she asked Zhao Guihua, ¡°Auntie Zhao, you¡¯ve lived in the courtyard for a long time, right?¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded, ¡°A very long time. My three children were all born in this courtyard.¡±


    Hu Huihui said, ¡°That¡¯s quite a while.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ve lived here since before liberation. Back then, my husband worked at the machinery factory, and they provided housing. We paid rent monthly. After liberation, the factory was nationalized, and this area was allocated to the workers. We stayed put, and the house was assigned to us. We didn¡¯t have to pay rent anymore.¡±


    ¡°What about Auntie Su? Did she move here around the same time?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°She¡¯s been here longer than me. She¡¯s older and married earlier. Her eldest daughter, Su Zhaodi, is already 38. My eldest son, Zhiyuan, is only 28. Her youngest son is several years older than my eldest. When I married into this courtyard, she was already a wife here.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where she¡¯s from? Is she a local of the capital?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: "Actually, no. I heard she came here as a refugee and then married Old Su."


    "Refugee?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "That''s what they say, but we don''t know where she came from. She never mentioned it herself."


    Zhao Guihua wondered why Hu Huihui suddenly brought this up, but then it hit her¡ªwas Hu Huihui questioning Aunt Su''s background? The thought made her glance at Hu Huihui again, thinking to herself, this girl really has something going on.


    No one had ever thought about it before, but now that Hu Huihui mentioned it, even Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but wonder¡ªwhat exactly is Aunt Su''s story? How could she stoop so low? It''s been so many years since liberation.


    Under normal circumstances, no one would resort to such things just because life got a little tough.


    There''s definitely something off about her.


    Thinking this, Zhao Guihua couldn''t quite figure her out.


    Zhao Guihua slowed her pace, and Hu Huihui, noticing her deep in thought, didn''t wait for her. She walked ahead into the courtyard, where, coincidentally, Director Wang and Director Zhang from the neighborhood committee were already there, looking utterly distressed.


    "How could something like this happen?"


    "Hello, I''m here from the committee to investigate the recent complaint."


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    She stared at Hu Huihui in shock, unable to believe that Hu Huihui, who had only left a few days ago, had already climbed so high in the ranks. She must be doing well if she''s leading the investigation now. But... the trouble this time involved her cousin''s family.


    Aunt Wang pursed her lips: "This family..."


    She pointed, and Hu Huihui said, "I know, it''s my cousin''s family. But even though they''re my relatives, I treat everyone equally. We handle things impartially. You all, go and bring them out."


    Aunt Wang: "Only Aunt Su is home. When the committee came to investigate, she refused to open the door."


    She explained: "Wang Xiangxiu is at the hospital taking care of the kids. Su Jinlai and Su Yinlai are still in the hospital. Su Tonglai wasn''t hurt, but he''s staying there too."


    Hu Huihui: "Spoiling her, just kick the door open!"


    Several men stepped forward and, after a few heavy kicks, the door creaked open.


    "Take her away for questioning!"


    The neighborhood committee members breathed a sigh of relief. They were more than happy to have someone else take over.


    Otherwise, this would have been a mess to deal with.


    It wasn''t that they wanted to shirk responsibility.


    It''s just that this situation was too complicated.


    And no matter how you looked at it, without concrete evidence, they really didn''t want to get involved. Dealing with the adults was one thing, but what about the kids? Where could they send them? Normally, they could be sent to an orphanage, but Su Jinlai was seriously injured, and Su Yinlai was still in critical condition.


    They couldn''t just abandon them, could they?


    So, no matter how you looked at it, they were in a tough spot.


    Whether it was the police or the committee handling the complaint, they had more authority to deal with this than the neighborhood committee.


    That''s why the committee members felt relieved.


    Aunt Su was quickly dragged out. She was shocked to see Hu Huihui leading the charge and cried out, "Hu Huihui, let me go! We''re family! How can you treat me like this?"


    Hu Huihui: "Don''t try to play the family card."


    She said, "Work is work, personal is personal. We''re distant relatives at best¡ªyou''re just my cousin''s mother-in-law. Don''t act like we''re close. Even if we were, I''d still handle this impartially. I''m not the type to show favoritism."


    "How can you talk like that? Have you forgotten how our family took you in, fed you, and gave you a place to stay? You can''t just turn your back on us like this!"


    That comment only made Hu Huihui sneer: "I paid for it."


    Unlike others who might have shouted and screamed during an argument, she calmly instructed her team: "Take her away first. And send a few people to find Wang Xiangxiu and the others."


    Normally, they wouldn''t get involved in such matters.


    There was no profit in it, and it was really the police''s job.


    But someone had filed a complaint, and now they were stuck dealing with it.


    The higher-ups saw an opportunity¡ªapparently, the second-in-command at the slaughterhouse was involved? Perfect, they couldn''t pass up a chance like this. So, they got involved. As a relative of the Su family, Hu Huihui was assigned to the case by her fianc¨¦.


    Deputy Director Zheng, who was about to become Director Zheng, was quite impressed with Hu Huihui''s cousin''s family. They had a knack for causing trouble¡ªfirst taking down Vice Director Cai, and now the second-in-command at the slaughterhouse.


    They were like a curse for men in power.


    A few more incidents like this, and the small-time leaders in the city would think twice before stepping out of line.


    People might not admit it out loud, but deep down, they couldn''t help but wonder if there was some truth to the superstition.


    Maybe Wang Xiangxiu really did have a knack for bringing bad luck to her husbands.


    That''s why Deputy Director Zheng kept his distance, afraid of being tainted by her misfortune. He left the whole matter to his fianc¨¦e. Hu Huihui was capable, and more importantly, she was someone he could trust.


    Hu Huihui showed no mercy to Aunt Su. Hearing the old woman wailing, she ordered, "Gag her. Her crying is unbearable."


    "She''s the only one here. Her daughter and daughter-in-law aren''t around."


    "Where''s her daughter?"


    "Probably went back to her own place? We''ll send someone to look for her..."


    Zhao Guihua hesitated, then said, "She''ll probably be back soon. She''s divorced."


    "What!"


    Everyone was shocked. No one expected Su Pandi to actually get a divorce. Though yesterday''s situation had made it seem inevitable, divorces were rare in those days. You hardly ever heard of one happening.


    So, no one really believed it would happen.


    But who would have thought it would happen so quickly?


    "Take Aunt Su away first. I''ll stay with a couple of people to wait for her daughter."


    Even though Aunt Su had been taken away, Hu Huihui stayed behind. She chatted casually with Aunt Wang, saying, "Aunt Wang, even though I''ve changed jobs now, you can still treat me the same as before. No need to be too formal."


    Aunt Wang forced a smile.


    Was it really the same?


    She said, "Let''s talk about Aunt Su. You need to tell me what exactly happened here."


    She spoke softly, with a smile: "If you don''t tell me, someone else will. It''s not like everyone will stay silent, right?"


    Aunt Wang: "It''s not that we don''t want to tell you, it''s just that we don''t really understand it ourselves. Yesterday was just chaos."


    Hu Huihui raised an eyebrow: "Then tell me what you do know?"


    She already had some idea but pressed on: "I heard Aunt Su came here as a refugee. Where did she come from?"


    Hu Huihui kept asking because she wasn''t like the ordinary folks in the neighborhood. Having spent time around higher-ups, she had a sharper intuition. She felt that Aunt Su''s ability to come up with such shady money-making schemes suggested she wasn''t from a respectable background.


    If her cousin''s family and the slaughterhouse could come to an understanding, this matter might be dropped. Normally, they weren''t the type to stir up trouble without reason.


    They had better things to do, like going after capitalists, where there was real profit to be made.


    They wouldn''t get involved in something like this without a good reason. If they were really targeting Wang Xiangxiu, it wouldn''t be for no reason. They''d have to consider the practicalities¡ªlike the fact that her children were still in the hospital.


    They had to think about the real-world consequences.


    That much was true.


    But Hu Huihui still wanted to dig deeper into Aunt Su''s background. If she could uncover something, it would be a feather in her cap.


    She felt there was something off about her cousin''s mother-in-law. She didn''t seem like a decent person. But since she''d been living here for decades, digging up her past wouldn''t be easy. She turned to Aunt Wang and also called over Aunt Zhou and some of the older women.


    She asked, "When you married into this neighborhood, was she already here?"


    "We all came a few years after her."


    Hu Huihui was surprised: "So she''s quite old, then."


    "She is."


    Aunt Zhou, a straightforward woman, chattered away, "If anyone in our courtyard knows her best, it''s Old Man Bai. He''s been pursuing Aunt Su for years, so he''s particularly clear about her affairs."


    Hu Huihui replied, "Really? Then I must have a chat with him. Thank you, Auntie."


    Aunt Zhou beamed with pride, "Of course, I''m a good comrade. Over the years, I''ve worked alongside Aunt Wang on so many tasks in the courtyard. I..."


    Aunt Wang quickly interjected, "I''ll recommend you for the courtyard management position at the end of the year."


    Aunt Zhou''s expression stiffened, and she decisively said, "I think my moral character still needs some improvement. I''m not suitable for such a position, really, I''m not. Besides, my daughter-in-law is pregnant with her first child, and I can''t afford to be careless. Such an important position should be left to someone more capable."


    Her gaze shifted to Zhao Guihua, and she immediately added, "Zhao Guihua is suitable. Although she''s sharp-tongued and a bit harsh, she''s responsible and commands respect in our courtyard. She can handle things well."


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "Oh, so I''m sharp-tongued and harsh, huh? How dare you say that about me? Compared to you, I''m the most warm-hearted and kind old lady around. I''m upright, kind, and always eager to help."


    "How can you say that..."


    "How can you say that..."


    Seeing that the two old ladies were about to start bickering, Aunt Wang quickly intervened, "Enough, enough! We have guests here. Hu Huihui, come, I''ll take you to Old Man Bai''s place. Both of them are too selfless and always want to leave the best for each other."


    Hu Huihui thought to herself, "Do you think I haven''t lived in this courtyard before? Don''t I know that none of them want to be in charge of the courtyard? What are they acting for? Do they think I don''t understand?"


    She smiled and said, "Let''s get back to the main topic."


    She followed Aunt Wang into the Bai household. Bai Fendou had already gone to work, and Old Man Bai was left alone, uncared for. The room smelled strange and pungent, so strong that it made one stagger upon entering. It was summer, and the windows were open. If it were winter with the windows shut, who knows what it would be like.


    The room might become uninhabitable.


    Hu Huihui had originally planned to buy a room in their house to settle down, but now she hesitated.


    Nevertheless, she forced herself to enter.


    Aunt Wang decisively said, "Old Bai, do you recognize her? Little Hu has a new job now and is here to investigate yesterday''s incident. You saw it too, didn''t you, when you climbed up to the window?"


    How could he not have seen such a spectacle? His window faced the courtyard, and he had propped himself up to watch the entire scene unfold. His heart turned cold as he watched. Of course, he had already felt a chill when Aunt Su ignored him after he became paralyzed.


    This time, his heart turned cold again.


    Ice-cold!


    He said, "Of course, I saw it. It was truly shocking. I had no idea she was that kind of person. Just thinking about it makes me shudder. All these years, she''s been deceiving me."


    The more he thought about it, the more he realized how much he had been taken advantage of.


    Decades of being taken advantage of! It was enough to make him hate her to the core.


    He continued, "How could she be so cunning? All these years, I loved her deeply, and she seemed to care for me too. But who would have thought it was all fake? As soon as something happened to me, her true nature was revealed."


    Old Man Bai was in agony. He said, "When she walked past the window, I called out to her, but she didn''t even respond. How could she be so heartless? Ever since Old Su passed away, and my wife died two years ago, I suggested we live together. She agreed. She said she had fallen in love with me at first sight back then, but fate had intervened. She had already agreed to marry into the Su family, and she couldn''t be ungrateful. Old Su had helped her, and she couldn''t forget his kindness. Such a good woman, where else could you find one like her? In fact, I had fallen for her at first sight too. We had agreed to live together, but she said that since Aunt Zhou, also a widow, hadn''t remarried, if she did, people would accuse her of being unfaithful. They might even speculate that we had been involved before. She couldn''t do that. She even swore at the factory that she would live and die as a member of the Su family. So, we could only see each other in secret and not live together openly until her children were grown and married. I agreed. When her eldest daughter got married, I gave 20 yuan as a dowry. When her second daughter married, I gave another 20..."


    "You''re lying!"


    At that moment, Su Pandi returned, panting heavily. She had overheard Old Man Bai slandering her mother and immediately retorted, "Don''t you dare lie! My sister and I never received 20 yuan as a dowry. When we got married, we had no dowry at all, just a few pieces of clothing."


    Old Man Bai shouted, "Who says so? I gave it! I did give it! Go ask your mother. Ask her if I gave it or not. I didn''t want to give the money at first, but your mother said that even though we hadn''t officially become a couple, emotionally, we were already like husband and wife. So, it was only right to contribute something for my stepdaughters'' weddings. Otherwise, you''d have a hard time settling into your new homes. I secretly gave 20 yuan, hiding it even from Bai Fendou."


    "You''re lying, lying!"


    Hu Huihui thought to herself, "It''s clear that he did give the money, but Aunt Su didn''t pass it on to her daughters."


    She looked at Su Pandi and said, "Someone has reported you. You''ll need to come with us later."


    Su Pandi exclaimed, "What?"


    Her face instantly turned pale.


    "They... they said they wouldn''t pursue it anymore," she whispered.


    Hu Huihui replied, "It was someone from the slaughterhouse who reported you."


    This matter wasn''t stirred up by someone from their courtyard. Ordinary folks usually avoid getting involved with such units. Despite their imposing presence, their reputation isn''t great. People fear them, but they also genuinely dislike them.


    Usually, in such cases, people might complain to the neighborhood committee, but they wouldn''t go as far as involving the police station.


    This was the norm for most people.


    However, the slaughterhouse operated differently.


    This, of course, was related to some power shifts.


    Hu Huihui understood this well. Having worked alongside Old Zheng for two years, she had seen plenty of such situations.


    She said, "You''ll need to come with us later to clarify things. For now, let''s get back to Aunt Su."


    She really didn''t want to hear any more about this elderly love story. Old Man Bai, despite his age, was still so dramatic. She steered the conversation back, asking, "You were already living here when she married into the courtyard, right? So, you must know where she came from?"


    Old Man Bai replied, "I''ve been working at the machinery factory since I was a teenager, renting a place here. I''m an old resident. When she married into the courtyard, I was still single. Of course, I knew her. She was a refugee from another province, claiming that her family had all perished, and she was the only one left. She encountered some bad people who tried to sell her into a terrible situation, but she was alert and escaped through a window before they could capture her. Several people chased her. During her escape, she ran into Old Su, who hid her under a coal cart and saved her. Then she married him out of gratitude. Didn''t I mention earlier that Old Su had done her a favor? That''s what it was. After being rescued, she barely left the house for a year or two, hardly even coming out to chat in the courtyard. She said she was traumatized by what had happened. Only after a long time did she gradually start coming out again."


    "Where did she flee from? Could you tell by her accent?"


    Old Man Bai said, "She didn''t have much of an accent. It was similar to ours, the local dialect."


    "No accent at all?"


    "It''s been too long, and I can''t say for sure. But now that I think about it, she might not have been entirely truthful." Old Man Bai''s love had turned to bitterness. He said, "When she married into the courtyard, she claimed to be a refugee, but her clothes were clean and made of good fabric. She even had jewelry. Who would believe that a refugee could have so much?"


    "Did she ever explain that?"


    Old Man Bai: "She did mention it. She said her family wasn¡¯t poor, and her father was a scholar. But since she was a girl, she didn¡¯t get much education, though she came from a scholarly family. Unfortunately, the family fell into decline, her parents passed away, and her brother and sister-in-law couldn¡¯t tolerate her. So, she had no choice but to pack up her belongings and come to the capital to seek refuge with relatives. But after arriving, she couldn¡¯t find her relatives and instead ran into some bad people."


    "So, you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t actually know where she¡¯s from? She never mentioned it?"


    "She never did."


    Old Man Bai cursed: "Look at her behavior. She¡¯s no good person. I think she¡¯s probably some shady character from who knows where, now pretending to be decent..."


    "Ugh, Old Man Bai, you shameless old fool! You¡¯re just bitter because you couldn¡¯t have my mother, so now you¡¯re slandering her. She¡¯s a good person, and you¡¯re spouting nonsense! Everyone knows you¡¯ve been following her around like a dog, but she never liked you. You¡¯ve been trying to win her over, and now that she¡¯s not with you, you¡¯re throwing mud at her. You¡¯re the worst kind of man¡ªif you can¡¯t have something, you want to destroy it! No wonder you¡¯re in this state, you old scoundrel! Do you know why your family line is dying out? Because you¡¯re such a jerk! Do you know why your son is useless? Because you¡¯re such a jerk! Do you know why your family keeps getting worse off? It¡¯s all because you¡¯re such a jerk! This is karma, big karma!"


    "Pfft!" Old Man Bai spat out a mouthful of blood.


    He was so hot-tempered that he actually coughed up blood from sheer anger.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Holy crap, he¡¯s spitting blood!"


    "Su Pandi, are you cursing him or destroying his soul?"


    "What do we do now?"


    No sooner had they spoken than Old Man Bai fainted.


    "Oh no, oh no!"


    "Quick, take him to the hospital!"


    "Go call Bai Fendou!"


    Hu Huihui was also panicking. What a mess this was! She said, "Aunt Zhao, please go and call Bai Fendou. I¡¯ll arrange for someone to take him to the hospital. You all take Su Pandi back. Su Pandi, Su Pandi, have you lost your mind? The old man¡¯s health was already bad. Why did you provoke him? Look, he¡¯s spitting blood now!"


    Su Pandi was also scared. Her mother was frail, her older sister was hopeless, and she had always been the strong one in the family, the tough and fiery one who had to hold things together.


    But in all her years of being tough, this was the first time she had seen someone spit blood and faint just from being scolded by her.


    How could Su Pandi not be terrified?


    She stared blankly at the scene before her.


    "What are you staring at? Take her away!"


    Hu Huihui: "Everyone, lend a hand. Help me carry him out and borrow a tricycle to take him to the hospital."


    "Alright!"


    Everyone hurried about. Just then, a big, burly man who had been following Hu Huihui came running over and shouted, "Sister Hui, something¡¯s happened!"


    He rushed in and was stunned: "Ah, you¡¯ve got this too..."


    Hu Huihui: "Su Pandi made this man spit blood. Hurry up and help."


    "Oh, okay."


    Being a strong man, he easily carried Old Man Bai out and placed him on the borrowed cart. Then he remembered: "Oh no, Sister Hui, something¡¯s happened. Aunt Su fainted halfway. What do we do now?"


    Hu Huihui nearly lost her breath. Another one fainted? She said, "Take her to the hospital too."


    They couldn¡¯t just drag the unconscious people back. If something happened to them, they¡¯d face some public criticism, especially since the matter hadn¡¯t even been investigated yet. So Hu Huihui decisively said, "Take them to the hospital."


    Wake them up first, then take them back.


    "Got it."


    "This works out perfectly."


    Hu Huihui: "Let¡¯s go."


    The neighbors didn¡¯t know how things had escalated like this. They exchanged glances, quickly scurried home to lock their doors, and then just as quickly ran out to follow. They had never seen such a big commotion before.


    Fainted, everyone¡¯s fainted!


    Follow them! S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 127

    Aunt Su fainted.The spot where she collapsed wasn¡¯t too far from their courtyard.


    It wasn¡¯t that they had been walking slowly, but rather, as soon as they reached this point, Aunt Su had passed out. They were no strangers to such situations, so they immediately tried to revive her by pressing her philtrum. However, no matter how long they tried, she wouldn¡¯t wake up.


    So, they quickly sent someone to fetch Hu Huihui.


    But what they didn¡¯t expect was that no matter what they did¡ªwhether it was pressing her philtrum or even kicking her a few times¡ªshe wouldn¡¯t wake up. After all, you can¡¯t wake someone who¡¯s pretending to be asleep. And Aunt Su was doing just that. She was deliberately feigning unconsciousness.


    She had no desire to go to a place like the committee.


    Moreover, she had no idea how they might target her there, which made her extremely anxious. She had thought this matter was over, just like every other time before. Sure, things had gotten heated, but in the end, they always settled down peacefully.


    She knew how to manipulate people¡¯s hearts, understanding that some valued their reputation and status so much that they¡¯d rather swallow their losses than risk tarnishing their image. That¡¯s why she preferred having Wang Xiangxiu find a well-off man.


    A man with nothing to lose was more likely to go all out and act recklessly. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But a man with some status or better conditions? He¡¯d be more inclined to protect his reputation.


    She was absolutely certain about this.


    However, she hadn¡¯t expected this situation to escalate so much. Shouldn¡¯t it have been resolved by now? Back then, even someone of Vice Director Cai¡¯s stature had been involved in a huge scandal that spread like wildfire, yet they had managed to walk away unscathed. Why couldn¡¯t the same happen now? But the more she panicked, the harder it was for her to come up with a good plan.


    Aunt Su knew she needed time to scheme, which was why she had dramatically collapsed to the ground, ¡°fainting¡± on the spot.


    If she was unconscious, they¡¯d have to send her to the hospital, right? That would buy her plenty of time to figure things out. Aunt Su tightly shut her eyes, pretending to be completely out of it. At her age, it wasn¡¯t unusual for an elderly woman to have health issues¡ªnothing too serious, but enough to justify a hospital stay. She was determined to claim she was unwell and needed to be admitted. The hospital surely wouldn¡¯t turn her away. She lay there, eyes closed, feigning complete unawareness.


    These young men were useless. They were all grown men, yet they let a young girl like Hu Huihui lead them. What a disgrace to manhood.


    And that wretched Hu Huihui! She had turned on her own family, forgetting who had helped her in her toughest times. She had no sense of gratitude, that ungrateful wretch. Now that she had climbed the social ladder, she was stepping on them to rise even higher.


    That damn little brat.


    Aunt Su cursed internally, seething with anger, but on the surface, she maintained her act of being unconscious.


    Hu Huihui directed the group to bring over a small cart and ordered, ¡°Let¡¯s lift her onto it.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Despite having been entangled with each other since their youth, now in their old age, they had never lain side by side like this. Perhaps sensing something, Old Man Bai slowly regained consciousness.


    Old Man Bai groggily woke up. He felt something hard beneath him and, as he opened his eyes and shifted slightly, he bumped into someone. ¡°Huh¡­¡±


    Feeling the contact, he turned his head and saw Aunt Su¡¯s face, seemingly unconscious.


    Old Man Bai was startled, realizing he wasn¡¯t at home. He quickly asked, ¡°What¡­ what happened to me?¡±


    Aunt Wang, who was walking beside the cart, replied, ¡°Old Man Bai, you vomited blood and then passed out. We¡¯re taking you to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°And this¡­¡±


    He looked at Aunt Su¡¯s face, so close to his, and suddenly felt his breathing quicken. How many years had it been? Ever since his wife passed away, he had longed for this woman. Back then, she was still married, but he couldn¡¯t help stealing glances at her.


    He had often thought, why should such a wonderful woman live such a hard life? He wished he could take her husband¡¯s place.


    Perhaps the heavens had heard his wish, because Old Su had gotten into trouble. While he felt sorry for his old friend, he couldn¡¯t deny a hint of secret joy. From then on, the two of them had been entangled, their lives intertwined for decades.


    He had never been this close to her before.


    Sure, he had occasionally managed to hold her hand or pat her backside.


    But lying side by side like this? That was new. Old Man Bai stared at Aunt Su, completely mesmerized.


    ¡°Ahem, ahem.¡± Aunt Wang coughed, trying to snap Old Man Bai out of it. The way he was leering, with that sleazy look in his eyes, was utterly disgusting. At his age, behaving like this? Was that really appropriate?


    But Aunt Wang¡¯s coughing didn¡¯t bring Old Man Bai back to his senses. Instead, he reached out and grabbed Aunt Su¡¯s hand, clasping it tightly in his own.


    Aunt Su hadn¡¯t expected this old fool to dare grab her hand. She knew she had been lifted onto the cart and that Old Man Bai, also unconscious, was lying beside her.


    But she hadn¡¯t anticipated that he would be so bold as to reach out and take her hand.


    That old pervert!


    Aunt Su was utterly repulsed, but as someone pretending to be unconscious, she couldn¡¯t just wake up and pull her hand away.


    She fumed inwardly, thinking this old man was truly despicable. Now his true colors were showing.


    Old Man Bai thought he had stealthily taken Aunt Su¡¯s hand, but he failed to realize they were on a cart in broad daylight. No matter how discreet he tried to be, everyone could see what he was doing.


    He was deluding himself.


    Or maybe he just didn¡¯t care. After all, he was already a cripple. What could they do to him? They¡¯d still have to carry him in and out. He felt invincible, untouchable.


    Old Man Bai held Aunt Su¡¯s hand, a smug smile spreading across his face. Not only did the neighbors find it revolting, but even the committee members started feeling nauseated.


    If this were a young couple, it might have been somewhat endearing. But these two? The thought of them being intimate was enough to make anyone¡¯s stomach churn.


    Really, it wasn¡¯t an exaggeration.


    Any sympathy they might have had for Old Man Bai vanished in an instant.


    What kind of person was he?


    While others looked on in disgust, Su Pandi couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She was supposed to be taken away, but upon hearing that her mother had fainted, she couldn¡¯t bear to leave and insisted on accompanying her.


    Hu Huihui didn¡¯t refuse this time. She was worried Aunt Su might have a serious condition, and it was better to have a family member take care of her rather than relying on others.


    Su Pandi followed along, but as a daughter, she couldn¡¯t stand seeing Old Man Bai so brazenly holding her mother¡¯s hand. She couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and shouted, ¡°Old Bai, take your filthy hands off her! Who do you think you are, daring to lay a finger on my mother? Look at yourself¡ªyou¡¯re disgusting! Taking advantage of her like this! You deserve to be locked up and shot!¡±


    Old Man Bai, having nothing left to lose, fired back, ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever I want! It¡¯s none of your business, you ungrateful brat! Do you have any idea how much money I¡¯ve spent on you all over the years? Do you think your mother could have raised you all by herself? When your father was still alive, I was the one supporting your family. My own son went without, and I still helped you. And now you¡¯re talking to me like this? I even gave you twenty yuan for your wedding! This is how you repay me? You¡¯re truly a heartless wretch!¡±


    Neither of them was backing down, and neither cared about saving face.


    Keep in mind, this was happening in the middle of the street. Although it was morning and many people were at work, there were still plenty of passersby. The large group had already attracted a crowd, and now this heated exchange? It was juicy gossip!


    Just these few sentences revealed the complexity of the situation.


    At that moment, Zhao Guihua returned with Bai Fendou in tow. She had run to the factory to fetch him, and trailing behind them were Zhuang Zhixi and Zhou Qun.


    Zhuang Zhixi saw his mother and thought she was looking for him, but it turned out she was looking for Bai Fendou.


    Meanwhile, Zhou Qun, noticing Zhao Guihua¡¯s hurried demeanor, assumed something big must be happening and quickly followed her.


    Upon hearing that Old Man Bai was in trouble, as ¡°good neighbors¡± who ¡°help each other out,¡± they naturally felt obliged to check on him. After all, if they could help, they should! So, a few of them took leave and followed Zhao Guihua, intending to go straight to the hospital. However, they unexpectedly ran into him at the street corner.


    And as soon as they did, they stumbled upon quite the drama!


    Bai Fendou immediately stopped in his tracks.


    While everyone said his family was well-off with two working adults, in reality, when he was still young, there was only one breadwinner¡ªOld Man Bai. Bai Fendou¡¯s mother had passed away when he was very young, leaving Old Man Bai to raise him alone.


    Life back then was far from easy. Eating cornbread for every meal was considered lucky, and even that wasn¡¯t always guaranteed. Sure, times were tough for everyone, but with one worker in the family, they should have been able to at least eat their fill. Yet, Bai Fendou¡¯s childhood was marked by hardship.


    As he grew older, he rarely thought about those difficult days, assuming that¡¯s just how life was back then.


    But suddenly, what did he just hear?


    He looked at Old Man Bai and asked, ¡°Dad, what twenty yuan are you talking about?¡±


    That was twenty yuan from fifteen years ago¡ªa significant amount back then.


    Old Man Bai hadn¡¯t expected Bai Fendou to show up and panicked. After all, he now relied entirely on his son for support and couldn¡¯t afford to upset him.


    He immediately pretended to feel unwell, coughing exaggeratedly. ¡°Cough, cough, cough.¡±


    But his fake coughing was obvious to everyone, and they looked at him with disdain. What a piece of work.


    Bai Fendou pressed, ¡°I¡¯m asking you, what twenty yuan?¡±


    Aunt Zhou ¡°whispered¡± to Bai Fendou, ¡°He gave twenty yuan as a dowry when Su Zhaodi and Su Pandi got married.¡±


    Bai Fendou raised his voice, ¡°Back then, our family didn¡¯t even have money! Why would you give them twenty yuan as a dowry? They¡¯re not even your daughters! Why did you give them money? You could barely spare me a cent, but you just handed it over to them? Look at how they treat you¡ªdo they even care about you? And you¡¯re still nice to them? Dad, answer me!¡±


    Bai Fendou was shaking with anger. When Su Zhaodi got married, he wasn¡¯t even working yet. By the time Su Pandi got married, he had just started a part-time job, earning barely enough to feed himself.


    Thinking about it now, he was furious. He grabbed the cart and said, ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere until you explain this! Dad, you¡¯re really something. You don¡¯t care about your own son but help those ungrateful people instead?¡±


    Su Pandi couldn¡¯t take it anymore and shouted, ¡°Who the hell are you calling ungrateful? Our family¡¯s innocent in this! Your dad had ulterior motives¡ªhe was after my mom¡¯s looks. Otherwise, why would he do this? Don¡¯t think we¡¯re fools. Your dad had his eyes on my mom, and you¡¯ve got your eyes on my sister-in-law. Neither of you has good intentions. You¡¯re both scum. We took your money because you deserved it¡ªwhat, were we supposed to let you ogle us for free? You got what was coming to you¡­ Ah!¡±


    Bai Fendou slapped her across the face. ¡°Shut your mouth! You have no right to speak here! My dad was right¡ªyou¡¯re a heartless ingrate. A real ingrate. Your family took my dad¡¯s money and still talk trash? No wonder your husband left you. No one would want someone as disgusting and cruel as you. Just like your mom!¡±


    ¡°You dare hit me! How dare you hit me!¡±


    Su Pandi was in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re not even a real man! Oh, wait, you¡¯re not a man at all¡ªthat¡¯s why you hit women. You deserve to die alone, you worthless piece of trash!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, you wretched woman!¡±


    The two of them started brawling, and Zhao Guihua exclaimed, ¡°Oh my goodness!¡±


    She quickly stepped back to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.


    Zhao Guihua was utterly exasperated by these people. They were always stirring up trouble.


    She wasn¡¯t about to step in and play the hero, and neither was anyone else. Everyone quietly backed away, trying to distance themselves from the ¡°battlefield.¡±


    The small area was soon surrounded by layers of onlookers.


    While fights like this were common in their compound, they were quite the spectacle for outsiders.


    Most people were hardworking and decent, so when these two started hurling insults and then throwing punches, it was truly astonishing. Even the neighborhood committee, used to all sorts of drama, was stunned. They were genuinely dumbfounded.


    How did things escalate so quickly?


    Usually, fights involved at least a few rounds of shouting before coming to blows.


    What on earth was going on?


    Old Man Bai hadn¡¯t expected things to get this far. He struggled to shout, ¡°Stop fighting! Stop!¡±


    But then he thought better of it. Su Pandi was a heartless ingrate. He had helped her family so much, and she didn¡¯t even show an ounce of gratitude. She had driven him to the brink, and still, she remained ungrateful.


    With that in mind, he yelled, ¡°Hit her! Hit her in the stomach¡­ Grab her hair, slap her! Yes, like that! Pin her down and punch her!¡±


    Old Man Bai was practically coaching from the sidelines, shouting instructions.


    Hu Huihui couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°Shut up! How disgraceful¡ªa man hitting a woman. Stop this madness!¡±


    Old Man Bai barked, ¡°Beat her! Beat her up!¡±


    He kept waving his hands and accidentally pressed down on Aunt Su, who had been pretending to be unconscious. She had been holding her breath, afraid of giving herself away. Finally, when everyone¡¯s attention shifted away from her, she relaxed a little. But then, with a sudden forceful press, she cried out.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± she screamed.


    Bai Fendou and Su Pandi stopped fighting and turned to look.


    Aunt Su¡¯s scream startled Old Man Bai, but he quickly laughed. ¡°You sly old woman! You were faking it, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    Aunt Su was furious but took deep breaths, pretending to be frail. ¡°Old Bai, how could you accuse me like that? I just¡­ I just¡­¡±


    She was shameless and a good actress. Though she hated Old Man Bai for ruining her act, she still played the victim, swaying slightly before suddenly collapsing and closing her eyes again.


    Su Pandi cried, ¡°Mom¡¯s unconscious again¡­¡±


    To be fair, her acting was convincing.


    It might fool outsiders, but the people in the compound had seen it all before.


    They weren¡¯t buying it.


    Everyone stood still, silent, until Su Pandi suddenly pointed at Old Man Bai. ¡°It¡¯s you! You made my mom faint again! It¡¯s all your fault!¡±


    But Old Man Bai wasn¡¯t one to back down. He sneered, ¡°You know better than anyone whether your mom¡¯s really unconscious or not. Stop playing the victim. You think everyone¡¯s as dumb as you? Watch¡ªI¡¯ll wake her up right now.¡±


    He struggled to sit up on the cart, grabbed Aunt Su, and slapped her hard across the face.


    ¡°Holy¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, he¡¯s really gone too far. This is pure hatred born from love.¡±


    ¡°Men are all the same¡ªwhen they care for you, they¡¯re all sweet, but once they turn on you, it¡¯s brutal.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Mom, come over here.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi had a habit of staying on the sidelines during commotions to avoid getting caught up in the mess. He felt the situation was too chaotic and thought it best to be cautious.


    Zhao Guihua nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    She took a few steps back, and Zhou Qun immediately squeezed forward, moving closer to his mother.


    Although Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t a good person, he had always pretended to be a gentleman in the past, and he never hit women. The only exception was that one time when Jin Lai went to their house to steal, and he got into a fight with Wang Xiangxiu. But that was only because they were drunk and scared out of their wits, not in their right minds.


    If they had been sober, he would have kept up his act.


    Besides, he believed that hitting people didn¡¯t solve anything. Only reckless men resorted to violence, and he wasn¡¯t one of them.


    Zhou Qun muttered, ¡°What good does hitting someone do?¡±


    Old Man Bai quickly turned around and scolded, ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re just a nagging woman!¡±


    Zhou Qun retorted, ¡°How can you talk like that? You have no manners.¡±


    Old Man Bai spat, ¡°Pah!¡±


    He grabbed Aunt Su and slapped her again. ¡°You¡¯re still pretending? I know exactly what you¡¯re like!¡±


    Aunt Su was taken aback. Even the neighborhood committee hadn¡¯t dared to act so recklessly, yet Old Man Bai had slapped her several times, leaving her dizzy and disoriented. The thought of this disgusting old man made her finally snap. She pushed him hard and struck back, shouting, ¡°Old Bai, enough! Who do you think you are? How dare you hit me? What kind of person are you? Everyone knows you¡¯re no good! You¡¯re so disgusting! You even tried to hold my hand earlier¡ªit made me want to vomit! Even if I were to remarry, I¡¯d never choose a filthy, stinking mess like you. You¡¯re disgusting, and I¡¯d never look twice at you! Go to hell!¡±


    With a forceful shove, Old Man Bai stumbled backward.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Oh my god!¡±


    Old Man Bai fell backward, tumbling off the cart and hitting the ground with a loud thud.


    The cart overturned from the force of the push, and Aunt Su and the cart landed on top of Old Man Bai. A loud crack was heard¡ªit was the sound of a bone breaking.


    Old Man Bai groaned, ¡°Ugh!¡±


    He spat out a mouthful of blood and immediately passed out.


    Within moments, everyone saw blood pooling beneath his head¡­


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°He was pushed onto the curb.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s so much blood¡­¡±


    ¡°What do we do? Is he dead?¡±


    The scene descended into chaos again as people backed away in fear, too scared to get closer.


    It wasn¡¯t that they were afraid of being blamed¡ªafter all, everyone had seen Aunt Su push him. They were just too horrified to approach.


    Even Hu Huihui was stunned.


    It was Zhuang Zhixi who finally took charge, saying, ¡°Quick, take him to the hospital¡­ Bai Fendou, hurry up! This is your father!¡±


    Bai Fendou snapped out of his daze and let out a cry, ¡°Dad!¡±


    He rushed over, hoisted his father onto his back, and ran toward the hospital, ignoring the overturned cart. ¡°Dad, hang in there! We¡¯re almost there. Once we get to the hospital, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    He stumbled as he ran, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly stepped in to help support him as they rushed to the hospital.


    Zhao Guihua suggested, ¡°Call the police.¡±


    This situation had already escalated.


    Hu Huihui pursed her lips and said, ¡°Xiao Hei, go get the police. Explain what happened.¡±


    At that moment, Hu Huihui was grateful that they hadn¡¯t laid a finger on anyone. Otherwise, they might have been blamed. Their reputation was already bad enough. Fortunately, there were many witnesses who had seen everything unfold.


    They wouldn¡¯t have to take the fall for this.


    But Hu Huihui also thought about what her husband, Deputy Director Zheng, had said. Maybe he was right. The women of the Su family were cursed. Her cousin, Su Pandi, and now Aunt Su¡ªthey had caused trouble for one man after another.


    She said, ¡°Keep an eye on the Su mother and daughter. I¡¯ll go to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    Aunt Su had fallen off the cart but was unharmed¡ªshe had landed on Old Man Bai.


    Now, her heart was racing. Among the onlookers, aside from Bai Fendou, she was the most worried about Old Man Bai¡¯s condition. If something happened to him, she, as the instigator, would undoubtedly be held responsible.


    She felt incredibly unlucky. Why had she pushed him?


    But she blamed the others even more. Old Man Bai had hit her, and none of them had stepped in to stop him. If they had, she wouldn¡¯t have had to defend herself. It was their fault¡ªall these bystanders. They were the ones who had ruined everything.


    They probably wanted to see her get beaten up. How cruel they were, these damned people!


    Aunt Su hung her head but glared at the ground, convinced that everyone else had caused her misfortune.


    How hard would it have been for them to stop a paralyzed old man like Old Man Bai?


    But they had let things spiral out of control. It was all their fault.


    In truth, Aunt Su was being unfair. It wasn¡¯t that people had deliberately stood by¡ªit was just that everything had happened so suddenly. Who could have expected a paralyzed old man to lash out like that? Everyone had been too stunned to react.


    In that split second, the situation had escalated beyond control.


    Many things that seem to take a long time actually happen in an instant.


    Like now, with Old Man Bai already carried away, the others remained rooted to the spot, too shocked to even speak. Looking back, the path Bai Fendou had taken to the hospital was marked by a trail of blood.


    Bai Fendou carried his father to the hospital, shouting as he ran, ¡°Make way! Please, make way! Save my dad!¡±


    Despite their frequent disagreements, the two had relied on each other for many years. Bai Fendou was crying uncontrollably, pleading, ¡°Save him¡­¡±


    Someone immediately came forward to help. In such emergencies, there was no time to waste.


    Well, they recognized Bai Fendou¡¯s face¡ªhe was a familiar face here. And the old man? That was Bai Fendou¡¯s father, also a familiar figure.


    ¡°Quick, to the operating room!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi, much calmer than Bai Fendou, followed closely and quickly explained the situation. ¡°He fell off a cart and hit his head. The cart overturned and landed on him, and someone else fell on top of him. We also heard a cracking sound, so there might be a broken bone. He¡¯s a paralyzed elderly man.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡±


    The operating room lights came on.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched as Bai Fendou wept bitterly. He helped Bai Fendou sit down on a bench in the hallway and said, ¡°He¡¯s in the hospital now. There¡¯s nothing more we can do. We just have to wait for the doctors¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou wiped his tears and said, ¡°Do you think this is retribution? Is our family being punished?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. That¡¯s just superstitious nonsense. Life has its ups and downs. Maybe after this, things will turn around for you.¡±


    ¡°Will my dad be okay? Will he recover? Zhuang Zhixi, tell me, will he recover?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Bai Fendou¡¯s hopeful face and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not a doctor. But we have to trust the doctors.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. We have to trust the doctors.¡±


    The two sat in the hallway, Bai Fendou covered in blood. Passersby glanced at them curiously, but the doctors and nurses recognized Bai Fendou¡ªand Zhuang Zhixi, too, though for different reasons.


    Bai Fendou was a regular here, with plenty of stories that were still circulating.


    As for Zhuang Zhixi, he had worked at the mechanical factory¡¯s clinic and had collaborated with the hospital, so he was well-known here as well.


    ¡°Zhuang Zhixi, what happened here? Should we call the police?¡±


    In such cases, hospitals often notified the police to avoid complications.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°No need. Someone¡¯s already informed them. This is my neighbor¡ªthere was an accident.¡±


    The doctor nodded, already aware. After all, Bai Fendou was something of a celebrity at the hospital.


    At this moment, Hu Huihui also came over and asked, "How is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Still don''t know. He''s in the operating room."


    In truth, he felt it wasn¡¯t looking good. Although he wasn¡¯t a medical professional, he had worked as a cashier in the clinic for two or three years and had picked up a thing or two. The amount of blood loss was just too much...


    Hu Huihui said, "I hope he¡¯s alright."


    "Yeah," Zhuang Zhixi agreed.


    As the two were talking, the light in the operating room went out.


    Bai Fendou sprang up in a flash and rushed to the door, shouting, "Dad, how¡¯s my dad?..."


    The door to the operating room opened, and the doctor stepped out first, shaking his head. "I¡¯m sorry, we did everything we could..."


    "Ahhh!!" Bai Fendou let out a heart-wrenching scream. "You¡¯re lying! You¡¯re lying! My dad¡¯s fine! He was fine this morning! He was even hitting people this morning! He was perfectly fine..."


    "The patient hit his head and lost too much blood. He also had fractures and other injuries, but those weren¡¯t the fatal factors. The fatal injury was the large gash on his head, which caused excessive blood loss."


    "His head... his head had a large gash... Aunt Su, Aunt Su! It¡¯s all her fault! That evil woman!" Suddenly, Bai Fendou¡¯s face twisted with rage, and without another word, he turned and ran. "I¡¯ll kill her! I¡¯ll kill her to avenge my dad!"


    Bai Fendou dashed off, and Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t stop him.


    Zhuang Zhixi cursed under his breath, "Damn it!"


    He said, "I¡¯ll go after him!"


    The doctor, fearing something terrible might happen, nodded. "Go!"


    They all knew each other, so there was no worry about Bai Fendou disappearing.


    Hu Huihui also didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately gave chase.


    Zhuang Zhixi chased after Bai Fendou and happened to see Zhou Qun approaching. Bai Fendou grabbed Zhou Qun and demanded, "Where¡¯s Aunt Su??"


    Zhou Qun had come to check on the situation. Hearing the question, he replied, "She¡¯s been taken to the police station."


    Bai Fendou shoved Zhou Qun aside and took off running again. Zhou Qun, annoyed, shouted, "Why are you so rough? What¡¯s going on? Hey, wait! Where are you running off to? You..."


    Zhuang Zhixi caught up and explained, "Old Man Bai didn¡¯t make it. He passed away."


    Zhou Qun exclaimed, "Damn it!"


    He was at a loss for words.


    "Let¡¯s follow Bai Fendou. He¡¯s gone mad. He¡¯s going to kill Aunt Su."


    "Damn it, damn it!" Zhou Qun didn¡¯t have time to process the shock and immediately followed Zhuang Zhixi. Together with Hu Huihui, the three of them trailed behind Bai Fendou like three tails.


    "Murder is a crime!"


    "He¡¯s lost his mind!"


    "We can¡¯t let him make a huge mistake." At this point, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t care about their petty grievances anymore. This was a matter of life and death.


    Zhou Qun urged, "Hurry up!"


    He felt the same way. He couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch Bai Fendou commit murder. Killing someone would ruin his life too.


    The three of them chased Bai Fendou all the way to the police station. A crowd had already gathered outside. In those days, as soon as something happened, people would swarm to the scene.


    To be honest, Zhuang Zhixi was running pretty fast, but he still couldn¡¯t catch up to Bai Fendou.


    It just goes to show how much a person can push their limits when they¡¯re driven by madness.


    Bai Fendou rushed into the police station. The onlookers, unsure of what was happening, silently made way. Zhuang Zhixi shouted, "Officers, stop him! He¡¯s looking for Aunt Su... Hurry! Old Man Bai didn¡¯t make it!"


    With that, everyone understood.


    Chaos erupted on the scene.


    The ordinary folks couldn¡¯t handle the situation, but thankfully, the police officers were up to the task. Several of them managed to restrain Bai Fendou, who was screaming, "Let me go! Let me go! I need to find that evil old hag! She ruined my dad¡¯s life, and now she¡¯s killed him! I¡¯ll kill her! I won¡¯t let her get away with this..."


    Bai Fendou was subdued, but he was hysterical.


    The neighbors from their compound were all stunned, their eyes wide with shock. For a moment, no one knew what to say to comfort him.


    Who could have imagined that Old Man Bai would die like this?


    After all, the man had survived falling from a building and becoming paralyzed.


    He didn¡¯t die from falling off a building, but he died from falling off a cart?


    "I¡¯ll kill her to avenge my dad! I¡¯ll get revenge!"


    Aunt Su herself hadn¡¯t expected things to turn out this way. She was also frightened and, in a reflexive attempt to calm him down, said, "Your dad¡¯s gone, but you can think of me as your mother. I¡¯ll treat you well, make you feel loved. Don¡¯t act rashly. Please, don¡¯t act rashly..."


    Everyone stared at her in disbelief, unable to believe she could say something so shameless.


    It took a truly thick skin to utter such words.


    After a brief moment of stunned silence, Bai Fendou exploded, "I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll kill you, you disgusting old woman!"


    He struggled violently, but several people held him down, trying to reason with him. "Don¡¯t..."


    "I won¡¯t let her get away with this! I¡¯ll get revenge..."


    "What revenge? If you kill someone, you¡¯ll be executed too! Do you think that¡¯s what your dad would want to see?" Aunt Zhou scolded.


    No one expected Aunt Zhou, of all people, to say something like that. Everyone was stunned.


    Aunt Zhou continued, "Your dad¡¯s gone. He¡¯d want you to be okay. If you¡¯re okay, he can rest in peace! Don¡¯t you understand that? As for the person who hurt your dad, justice will be served. These officers are here, and they¡¯ll make sure of it!"


    She had been through the system before, had been "educated," so she knew how things worked.


    Zhao Guihua looked at Aunt Zhou in surprise, then chimed in, "Aunt Zhou is right. If you ruin your life over this, your dad wouldn¡¯t be happy, even if he¡¯s watching from the afterlife. And think about it¡ªif something happens to you, who¡¯s going to handle your dad¡¯s funeral? Others can help, but no one can replace you, his own son."


    Bai Fendou covered his face and collapsed to the ground, sobbing, "My dad¡¯s gone... How could he just leave like this... Why didn¡¯t I stop it earlier? If I had stopped it, he wouldn¡¯t have been pushed down. He wouldn¡¯t have... Why? Why..."


    Bai Fendou wailed uncontrollably, and the crowd couldn¡¯t bear to watch. They averted their eyes, letting him cry it out.


    The police officers quickly gestured to a couple of their colleagues, who immediately took Aunt Su and Su Pandi away and locked them up. There was no way they could let them stay and provoke Bai Fendou further. What kind of nonsense was she spouting?


    Bai Fendou cried for what felt like an eternity before an officer tried to console him, "We¡¯ll investigate this thoroughly and handle it fairly. Staying here won¡¯t help. Your dad¡¯s still at the hospital..."


    Zhao Guihua quickly added, "Zhuang Zhixi, Zhou Qun, help him up."


    Of the familiar faces present, these two men were the only ones who could be relied on.


    The two silently stepped forward. Bai Fendou was still crying, "I always said he was no good, but now that he¡¯s gone, what am I supposed to do..."


    "Ah!"


    "This is just terrible. Aunt Su really brought this on herself."


    "Who could¡¯ve guessed? Who would¡¯ve thought falling off a cart could be so serious..."


    "He hit the curb..."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let¡¯s take you back to the hospital. No matter what, your dad¡¯s situation is more important. I think you understand that."


    Bai Fendou covered his face and cried, while Zhou Qun sighed and tried to comfort him, "Come on, let¡¯s see what we can do to help."


    The crowd couldn¡¯t stay there forever. Soon, under everyone¡¯s persuasion, they dispersed. Zhao Guihua and the others didn¡¯t go home but instead headed to the hospital. With Bai Fendou in such a state, they were worried he might lose control again. It was only right to lend a hand and see if they could help.


    After all, they were neighbors.


    Sometimes, it really is fate.


    Whether a person was good or bad in life, once they¡¯re gone, people tend to forget the bad and focus on the good. Everyone was filled with emotions. Aunt Wang, as the head of the neighborhood committee, said, "Given Old Man Bai¡¯s situation and Bai Fendou¡¯s current state, we neighbors should do what we can to help. We can¡¯t hold a big funeral, but let¡¯s at least make sure he leaves with dignity."


    "Agreed."


    At this point, no one could think of anything else. They could only do their best to help. The group arrived at the hospital to find Bai Fendou kneeling in front of the morgue, wailing once more. In moments like this, no one could bring themselves to stop him.


    The person working in the morgue at their hospital was an acquaintance of Zhuang Zhixi¡ªhis high school teacher, Teacher Xiang, who was also the brother-in-law of Lan Sihai''s new wife.


    Yes, the one who faked a divorce.


    Teacher Xiang was used to such situations. When he saw Zhuang Zhixi, they exchanged a glance but didn¡¯t say anything, acting as if they didn¡¯t know each other. Each went about their own business. Bai Fendou whispered to Zhou Qun, ¡°You stay here and keep an eye on things. I¡¯ll go handle the paperwork, like getting the death certificate.¡±


    Zhou Qun was a bit uneasy, but seeing others from their compound also present, he nodded and said, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly left and went upstairs to help with the formalities. Someone from the hospital asked curiously, ¡°Did he fall off a cart?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s really¡­¡±


    Everyone thought it was quite astonishing. After all, the man had survived falling from a building, only to die from falling off a cart.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Bai Fendou doesn¡¯t seem to be in a good state either. I¡¯ll help him with the paperwork.¡±


    ¡°Alright, come with me. You¡¯re really being a good neighbor.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°I¡¯ll help where I can. He¡¯s not in a good place right now¡­ sigh.¡±


    ¡°True, something this big would shake anyone.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others busied themselves, and by the time people from the compound got off work and started returning home, the mourning hall had already been set up.


    Zhuang Zhixi seized the opportunity to pick up Ming Mei from the bus station, arriving much later than usual. Ming Mei didn¡¯t complain but asked curiously, ¡°Did something happen?¡±


    She thoughtfully took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s face, saying, ¡°Look at you, all sweaty. You must have rushed here. You didn¡¯t need to hurry; I wouldn¡¯t have blamed you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi took the lead and said, ¡°I couldn¡¯t let you wait too long. Something happened in our compound, so I got delayed. Old Man Bai passed away.¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    Ming Mei was utterly shocked. Her eyes widened as she exclaimed, ¡°How could that be? He was fine this morning! I even saw him sitting by the window watching the commotion!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi also sighed, ¡°Aunt Su pushed him onto the curb. The edge was made of stone, and he hit his head hard, losing too much blood. They couldn¡¯t save him.¡±


    Ming Mei gasped, ¡°Aunt Su? That¡¯s just¡­¡±


    She bit her lip, unsure of what to say.


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, ¡°For the next few days, why don¡¯t you stay at your mother¡¯s place?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°Huh?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°There¡¯s an old saying that pregnant women shouldn¡¯t attend funerals. Since we all live in the same compound, it¡¯s hard to avoid, so I thought it¡¯d be better if you stayed at your mother¡¯s for a few days. Let me know if you need anything, and I¡¯ll pack it up and bring it over. It¡¯ll just be for three days. I¡¯ll come pick you up then.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad about leaving. Sister Jiang Lu also went back to her parents¡¯ place, and Li Fang is staying at a small inn. Everyone¡¯s keeping their distance.¡±


    Ming Mei wasn¡¯t very familiar with these customs, but hearing this, she agreed, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    If everyone else was doing it, it was probably for the best.


    She added, somewhat surprised, ¡°How did things turn out like this?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Who can say? It¡¯s just one thing after another, a series of unfortunate events. Actually, Old Man Bai hit Aunt Su first. I don¡¯t think even Aunt Su expected that a fall could kill someone. Sometimes it¡¯s just fate¡ªyou can¡¯t help but believe it.¡±


    Ming Mei whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t say that when you go back. Superstitious talk like that should stay between us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know how to be careful. Hu Huihui was there today, so I¡¯ll keep my guard up.¡± Zhuang Zhixi rode his bike toward his mother-in-law¡¯s house, saying, ¡°I might not be able to pick you up or drop you off these next few days¡­¡±


    Ming Mei reassured him, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my mom. She¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to trouble your mother.¡±


    Ming Mei playfully hit his back, saying, ¡°What kind of silly talk is that? My mom loves me; it¡¯s not a trouble for her.¡±


    She added, ¡°With Old Man Bai gone so suddenly, Bai Fendou must be devastated. Even though he and his dad were always bickering, they were still father and son. Who knows how he¡¯ll react? If he starts causing trouble, you better stay away. I know you care about being a good neighbor, but if he acts out, don¡¯t get involved. I don¡¯t care about others; I only care about my own husband. Stay out of harm¡¯s way.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and held her hand, saying, ¡°I know. I always knew my wife cares for me the most.¡±


    Ming Mei cooed, ¡°Of course I care for you. Who else would I care for? We¡¯re husband and wife.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned, ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    He took Ming Mei back to her mother¡¯s place. As soon as they arrived downstairs, Lan Ling spotted them from the window and called out, ¡°Why are you two back? Come on up!¡±


    Since Ming Mei got pregnant, she hadn¡¯t visited much.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m just bringing Ming Mei to stay for a few days.¡±


    Lan Ling asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Something happened?¡±


    She quickly helped her daughter sit on the sofa. Ming Mei pouted, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m only four or five months along¡ªnot even five months yet. You don¡¯t need to be so nervous. Everyone¡¯s overreacting.¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop it. When else should I be nervous if not now? Carrying and giving birth to a child is no easy task for a woman. So, why are you back now?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°There¡¯s a funeral in our compound, and I didn¡¯t want Ming Mei to be exposed to it, so I brought her here for a few days.¡±


    Lan Ling nodded, ¡°That¡¯s the right thing to do.¡±


    She was puzzled, ¡°I hadn¡¯t heard anyone in your compound was seriously ill?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, ¡°It was an accident. Honestly, I don¡¯t even know where to start¡­¡±


    He briefly recounted the events from last night to today, saying, ¡°There¡¯s probably more to it that we don¡¯t know, but this has blown up. I think it¡¯s going to be a mess for a while.¡±


    Lan Ling was stunned.


    Their neighborhood was a bus station staff compound, and they weren¡¯t used to such dramatic events.


    She sighed, ¡°What a mess. Don¡¯t worry about Ming Mei; she can stay here. Just take care of yourself over there.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, ¡°I will.¡±


    He didn¡¯t stay long at his mother-in-law¡¯s place and soon headed back.


    By then, most people had returned from work, and with some of the older men around, there wasn¡¯t much left for them to do. Still, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t want to delay. Everyone was worried Bai Fendou might lose control again. With more men around, they could at least hold him back.


    So Zhuang Zhixi hurried back.


    When he returned to their alley, he saw a crowd gathered, watching the commotion.


    Qiang Dadan pulled Zhuang Zhixi aside and asked, ¡°What happened? How did someone die? Did Aunt Su kill someone?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, tell us. I heard it happened on the street, with blood spraying everywhere!¡±


    ¡°Wait, no, that¡¯s not right. I heard Aunt Su smashed a cart on Old Man Bai, and he just collapsed, bleeding everywhere, and then he died.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Weren¡¯t you with Bai Fendou when it happened? You know, right?¡±


    Everyone bombarded him with questions, not giving him a chance to speak.


    ¡°I heard the Su family got caught in some scandal and were all arrested, is that true¡­?¡±


    ¡°I heard Aunt Su harmed her own son, is that true¡­?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s head was spinning from all the chatter. He said, ¡°Stop, stop. Give me a break.¡±


    He added, ¡°My head¡¯s about to explode.¡±


    ¡°Then tell us what happened.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t mention last night¡¯s events, only today¡¯s: ¡°Aunt Su pushed Old Man Bai off the cart, and he hit his head. That¡¯s how he died.¡±


    ¡°Damn, falling off a cart can kill you?¡±


    ¡°Is that for real?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, go ask around. I need to get back now, make way, everyone.¡±


    When he returned to the compound, everyone was gathered in the courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua asked quietly, ¡°Did you take your wife back to her mother¡¯s place?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°I told her to stay there for a few days.¡±


    He looked around and asked, ¡°Where are our kids, Little Tiger and Little Swallow?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, "I didn''t let them come out for such a funeral matter. They went back home. Li Junjun and Li Weiwei are also at our place."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned around and saw several small heads peeking through the window.


    Pairs of big eyes were filled with curiosity.


    Bai Fendou knelt in front of the mourning hall, still wailing loudly.


    He had been crying since the incident happened and still hadn''t stopped. He had fainted twice in between.


    The sound of his wailing had weakened considerably, his voice already hoarse, but he continued to cry.


    Liang Meifen came back from work and was hit with this bombshell. She was still in shock, completely stunned. Watching her mother-in-law and brother-in-law talking, she quickly approached and asked in a hushed tone, "With such a big incident, not a single person from the Su family came?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at her daughter-in-law as if she were a fool, somewhat speechless.


    She lowered her voice and said, "How could they be here? After the big scene yesterday and the reports, they were all taken away because of what happened. Aunt Su, Su Pandi, and Wang Xiangxiu¡ªnone of them were spared."


    "Ah, what about their children..."


    Zhao Guihua whispered, "I heard Su Zhaodi is helping to look after them at the hospital."


    "Oh my, if they don''t come back, won''t those kids be left with no one to take care of them?"


    Although she knew Su Zhaodi supported her family, she didn''t believe she could keep looking after her three nephews indefinitely. Even if she was willing, her husband surely wouldn''t be.


    "They''ll probably take the circumstances into consideration."


    ...


    While they were already making funeral arrangements, over at the other end, Hu Huihui had returned to her workplace.


    She had explained the entire situation in detail to Deputy Director Zheng. Deputy Director Zheng remained silent for a long time before lighting a cigarette. His hands trembled slightly as he took a deep drag and said, "Is there something wrong with that family? It seems like anyone who gets involved with them ends up unlucky. How many has it been now?"


    Hu Huihui didn''t respond.


    What could she say?


    Deny it?


    If not, then how did Vice Director Cai fall from grace? How did the second-in-command at the slaughterhouse meet his end? How did Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou end up like this?


    She didn''t even dare to say that this family wasn''t cursed.


    Rubbing her temples, she sat down and said, "I didn''t expect things to turn out like this."


    After a pause, she added, "But before Old Man Bai passed, he told me that when Aunt Su married into the Su family in their compound, she brought gold and silver jewelry with her."


    Deputy Director Zheng''s eyes lit up for a moment, but he quickly clenched his teeth and said, "That fortune¡ªI¡¯m not touching it! I¡¯d rather not take advantage of it than have anything to do with that family. Don¡¯t you think they¡¯re just too unlucky?"


    Hu Huihui replied, "Huh?"


    Deputy Director Zheng continued, "This family¡ªwhoever gets involved with them ends up cursed! I¡¯ve made up my mind! I¡¯m not stepping into that mess!"


    Hu Huihui remained silent for a while before nodding slowly. "I think you¡¯re right..."


    Deputy Director Zheng said, "You were thinking of buying a house to observe that area, right? Don¡¯t do it. At the very least, don¡¯t buy one in your cousin¡¯s compound. That compound¡ªI think the feng shui is really bad. Stay far away from it. Don¡¯t drag down our luck. We¡¯re on a roll right now, so let¡¯s not get involved with them. That woman and her family are just too toxic."


    Hu Huihui replied, "Oh? Okay."


    She wasn¡¯t highly educated and actually believed in such things. She felt that Deputy Director Zheng was right¡ªthis family really did seem to bring bad luck to others.


    She asked, "What about the police station over there..."


    "We¡¯ll hand the matter over to them and stay out of it."


    Hu Huihui said, "Alright."


    Better not provoke them!

 Chapter 128

    Nowadays, whether it''s a joyous occasion or a funeral, everything is kept simple. Old Man Bai''s funeral was no exception. However, due to the bizarre circumstances of his death and the countless times Bai Fendou had fainted from crying, their situation attracted quite a bit of attention. People from near and far came to offer incense and pay their respects.Wang Xiangxiu returned on the morning of the third day, just before the burial, bringing Tonglai with her. The two of them kowtowed to Old Man Bai.


    Bai Fendou, his eyes bloodshot, roared, "Get out! Get out of here! How dare you show your faces here? Haven''t you done enough harm to our family? If it weren''t for knowing your family, if it weren''t for getting involved with you, how could our family have ended up like this? How could we have come to such a tragic end? Now that my father is lying here, you still won''t let him rest in peace? Why are you here? Get out!"


    Bai Fendou had been kneeling and crying for three days straight, completely drained of energy. If he had even a shred of strength left, Wang Xiangxiu would have surely been beaten.


    Wang Xiangxiu looked utterly haggard. Holding her child''s hand, her eyes swollen like walnuts, she seemed on the verge of collapse. Wiping her tears, she said, "I''m sorry, I''m truly sorry... I know I''ve wronged you all these years... But many things, I was deceived too... I''m sorry..."


    "No matter how many times you say sorry, my father won''t come back... He''s gone..." Bai Fendou sobbed, collapsing to the ground.


    Aunt Wang tried to console him, "Fendou, let''s focus on what''s important now."


    Bai Fendou took a deep breath and said, "Alright."


    Indeed, laying his father to rest was more important than anything else. Bai Fendou staggered to his feet, supported by a few young men from the courtyard. The people in the yard quickly followed as they headed out. Without hesitation, Wang Xiangxiu also followed...


    As for Zhao Guihua and a few other women, they didn''t join the procession up the mountain. Typically, aside from immediate family members, women didn''t accompany the men to the burial site.


    A group of middle-aged and elderly women sat in the courtyard, chatting idly. Everything had happened so suddenly, and now Old Man Bai was gone. Reflecting on it, it seemed as though fate had played its hand.


    Outsiders didn''t know the full story, but those who had been present at the time recalled that it was Old Man Bai who had started the trouble. He had grabbed Aunt Su''s hand and slapped her, which led to him being pushed off the cart later.


    But who could have imagined that such a small incident could lead to such a tragic outcome?


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "From now on, no matter how much we argue, we should never resort to physical violence. People are so fragile. A single misstep, and a life can be lost."


    Her words rang true, and the women nodded in agreement, visibly shaken.


    Aunt Zhou whispered, "Why do you think Wang Xiangxiu came back?"


    "She must have been released. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be here. But Aunt Su hasn''t returned. It seems she won''t be coming back."


    "That''s likely the case."


    Zhao Guihua suddenly noticed someone approaching. "Oh? Director Wang? You''re here?"


    It was Director Wang from the neighborhood committee. She hurried over, seeing everyone gathered. "Have they already gone up the mountain? I rushed over to check on the situation, but I guess I''m too late."


    "Yes, they''ve already left."


    Director Wang asked, "What about Wang Xiangxiu?"


    "She went with them."


    While it was unusual for women to accompany the procession, Wang Xiangxiu''s situation was somewhat special. It wasn''t entirely wrong for her to follow. Aunt Wang made room for Director Wang, who sat down and said, "I hope nothing happens..."


    She hadn''t come because Old Man Bai was particularly important, but rather out of concern that Wang Xiangxiu''s return might cause trouble.


    She had hoped to be there to prevent any incidents, but she had arrived too late.


    Zhao Guihua reassured her, "Don''t worry. The men from the courtyard are all there. Nothing will happen. Besides, Bai Fendou hasn''t rested for three days. He''s fainted from crying so many times. He doesn''t have the strength to cause any trouble."


    Director Wang sighed softly, "I hope so."


    Zhao Guihua took the opportunity to ask, "So, Wang Xiangxiu is in the clear now?"


    Nowadays, improper conduct was a serious issue. If Wang Xiangxiu had been released, it likely meant she had held her ground and didn''t confess to anything. Otherwise, given the nature of the accusations, she wouldn''t have been let go.


    Director Wang said, "Since you''re all here, I''ll explain Wang Xiangxiu''s situation. When your husbands return, please pass this information along." She pulled out a piece of paper and read, "Following reports from the public, Wang Xiangxiu and Su Pandi were accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Tian Jianye, the deputy director of the slaughterhouse. After an investigation by the police station, it was found that the situation wasn''t entirely as reported. On the evening of September 4th, Su Pandi met with Tian Jianye under the pretext of discussing business, during which they engaged in an inappropriate relationship. However, Tian Jianye wanted more, so Su Pandi called her sister-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu, to the scene. Upon arriving, Wang Xiangxiu did not engage in any inappropriate behavior with Tian Jianye. Before anything could happen, Su Pandi''s ex-husband, Yuan Jun, burst in with a group of people and beat Tian Jianye. The incident caused a scene at the slaughterhouse, but no one reported it to the police at the time. The next day, after receiving a tip, we detained all parties involved. The neighborhood committee, in cooperation with the police station, conducted an investigation. During this time, Gou Lanxiang, also known as ''Aunt Su,'' accused Wang Xiangxiu of having affairs with multiple men and claimed she had no knowledge of the Tian Jianye incident. However, Wang Xiangxiu insisted that Gou Lanxiang was framing her, as Gou Lanxiang had previously had a heated argument with her daughter-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu, over Gou Lanxiang''s attempts to profit from her and the subsequent accident that left her son in a daze. We interviewed relevant parties, and their testimonies supported Wang Xiangxiu''s claims. Additionally, we investigated the men Gou Lanxiang accused, and they all denied any involvement with Wang Xiangxiu. No evidence of any inappropriate relationships was found. Wang Xiangxiu also firmly denied any involvement with these men. As for her presence at the slaughterhouse incident, it was not for any improper reasons but to plead for the slaughterhouse to spare her son. Since there was no evidence of any inappropriate behavior between Wang Xiangxiu and Tian Jianye, we could not confirm any relationship between them. Considering that Wang Xiangxiu has three children to care for and there is no evidence of her engaging in inappropriate relationships, she was released. We urge everyone not to spread rumors. As neighbors, you should also monitor Wang Xiangxiu''s behavior to help maintain the moral standards of our community."


    When this investigation result was announced, everyone looked at each other in surprise.


    After a long pause, Aunt Wang asked, "What about Aunt Su?"


    Director Wang replied, "Gou Lanxiang is not only involved in instructing Su Pandi to engage in inappropriate relationships but is also implicated in the accidental death of Old Man Bai. She will remain in custody for further investigation. Tian Jianye and Su Pandi will also be held accountable."


    "Oh!"


    The group fell silent again. At this point, even Zhao Guihua had to marvel at Wang Xiangxiu''s luck. Despite such a major scandal, even Aunt Su had been caught, yet Wang Xiangxiu had managed to be released. What else could it be but sheer luck?


    However, Zhao Guihua also knew that the police station and the neighborhood committee were aware that Wang Xiangxiu was likely not entirely innocent. But even so, they hadn''t pursued her relentlessly to ensure her downfall.


    The consideration, of course, wasn''t for Wang Xiangxiu herself. As an adult, her lack of judgment and indecisiveness didn''t warrant sympathy. What they were considering were her three children. Though her children weren''t exactly model citizens, one was seriously injured, another was critically ill, and the youngest was just a toddler.


    They had to take into account the reality of the children''s situation.


    To put it bluntly, if Wang Xiangxiu had been imprisoned, Su Jinlai aside, Su Yinlai would likely not have survived. That''s why, even though they knew Wang Xiangxiu was being stubborn and there was no direct evidence against her, she was still released.


    As for Aunt Su and the others, they weren''t so fortunate.


    But Director Wang''s subtle reminder about "monitoring" was clear enough. What exactly they were supposed to monitor went without saying.


    Director Wang sighed and said, "Su Pandi has been done in by her mother this time. Even now, she insists that it was her own idea to go find Tian Jianye, that it was her own decision, and that her mother had nothing to do with it. Little does she know, her mother has already shifted all the blame onto her and Wang Xiangxiu. Wang Xiangxiu has managed to extricate herself, leaving Su Pandi to bear the full responsibility. Really, how could it come to this..."


    "That girl has always been the one to stand up for her family. She''s the toughest one in the household, but alas..."


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "It''s all because Aunt Su never treated her children like human beings. From the time they were young, she brainwashed them. Su Zhaodi was weak and useless, so she manipulated Su Pandi instead. That child grew up thinking she was the savior of the family, always willing to sacrifice herself. All these years, Aunt Su has been such a good actress. Even those of us with experience and knowledge have been fooled by her, let alone a young girl like Su Pandi. She''s been manipulated since childhood, and now, even though she''s older, those ingrained beliefs are deeply rooted. She''s completely under her mother''s control."


    Everyone nodded in agreement with Zhao Guihua''s words.


    Director Wang added, "So, while it''s important to be filial to one''s parents, one must also have a strong sense of self and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise, one''s whole life is ruined."


    "Absolutely," someone agreed.


    After a few more casual remarks, Liang Meifen, who had been listening quietly, seemed lost in thought.


    In truth, she was much like Su Pandi¡ªsomeone who would sacrifice endlessly for her own family. And it wasn''t just them; many young women of that era were the same. They worked tirelessly for their families when they were young, and even after marriage, they continued to help their birth families, all for the sake of a little affection.


    But in reality, what they often ended up with was nothing but endless scheming.


    In the end, they gained nothing.


    Liang Meifen scratched her head, and Zhao Guihua glanced over at her, asking, "Why are you still here?"


    Liang Meifen replied, "Where else would I be?"


    The question caught her off guard.


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth twitched, thinking to herself that her daughter-in-law really wasn''t the sharpest tool in the shed. She said slowly, "Shouldn''t you be at work?"


    Liang Meifen froze for a moment, then exclaimed, "Oh! You''re right! I need to go to work!"


    She sprang up and dashed off.


    Similarly, two other young women who also needed to go to work suddenly remembered and hurriedly got up. They had been so engrossed in the gossip that they almost forgot about their jobs.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "Isn''t this just frustrating?"


    Aunt Zhou didn''t mince words, "Zhao Guihua, if you ask me, your daughter-in-law isn''t much smarter either. She''s also one of those who blindly supports her birth family. You''d better keep a close eye on her, or else you might end up crying like Su Pandi''s family."


    At this, Aunt Zhou felt quite pleased with herself. Even though her own son wasn''t much to boast about, her daughter-in-law was at least family-oriented. Heh.


    Thinking about it, Aunt Zhou felt a bit more cheerful. Her family''s ability to pick a good daughter-in-law was clearly superior to others.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing Aunt Zhou''s smug expression, snorted.


    She said, "I know what I''m doing. Liang Meifen may be a bit slow, but she wouldn''t go that far."


    It was true that Liang Meifen was devoted to her birth family, but she wasn''t particularly bold. And recently, perhaps because her younger brother got married without even inviting her, she had been feeling a bit hurt. It had to be said, the Liang family was a bunch of oddballs. It was rare to see such blatant ingratitude.


    Director Wang said, "Alright, since I''ve delivered the necessary notices, I''ll head back to the office. Aunt Wang, please take care of things in the courtyard."


    Aunt Wang grimaced but nodded, "Fine."


    What else could she do? As the courtyard manager, she couldn''t just ignore her responsibilities.


    But her heart was truly heavy.


    Director Wang, fearing that Aunt Wang might say she didn''t want to continue in her role, quickly made her exit.


    Aunt Wang muttered, "When it''s time for re-election at the end of the year, I really don''t want to do this anymore."


    "Don''t say that!"


    "Exactly, you''re doing such a great job. If you quit, no one else has the same authority as you."


    "That''s right, I think you''re the most suitable person for this."


    Aunt Wang rolled her eyes. She wasn''t about to believe their nonsense. These people were clearly afraid of being elected themselves and were just trying to butter her up. Their hearts were truly wicked.


    She said, "You all are just being mean."


    She continued, "Look at me, look at all these white hairs sprouting out. It''s all from the stress of managing this courtyard."


    Everyone chuckled and said, "Nonsense, you still look so young."


    "Exactly, and look at your strong build. You''re perfect for this job. Ordinary people wouldn''t be able to handle it."


    "That''s right, no doubt about it."


    "Our courtyard manager needs both authority and strength. You can''t do without either."


    Aunt Wang replied dryly, "Heh."


    Zhao Guihua then brought up another matter, "Speaking of managing the courtyard, I have something to discuss with you. You know how we all share the cellar, with each family having their own section. But now that Uncle Lan''s family has moved in, we need to make some space for them. I was thinking, since we have to reallocate the space anyway, why not completely divide it up? We could build walls and install doors for each family, with locks. That way, it would be safer. No one could come in and steal things, and there wouldn''t be any mix-ups between families."


    Everyone understood what she was getting at.


    Aunt Zhou immediately agreed, "I support that. Every year, my cabbages get stolen..."


    Aunt Wang said, "That sounds good. Let''s have a courtyard meeting this evening to discuss a few recent matters."


    Compared to other courtyards that held frequent meetings, theirs didn''t have them often. Everyone was too busy trying to make ends meet. Their courtyard already had enough problems without meetings; if they started holding them, it might just create more issues.


    So, they generally avoided formal gatherings.


    But when there were important matters to discuss, they had to call one.


    "Alright, it''s about time we had one."


    "Oh, by the way..." one of the women said, looking around furtively, "Have you heard? The price of grain on the black market has gone up. White flour has almost tripled in price."


    "What? That much?"


    "Didn''t it just double before?"


    "That''s old news. It''s gone up even more now."


    These housewives, who were in charge of their families'' kitchens, were particularly sensitive to such matters. They exchanged worried glances. While not everyone bought grain from the black market¡ªafter all, each family had their rations¡ªthey all kept an eye on the black market prices. After all, the price of grain there was a kind of barometer for the times.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Well, my family always buys our entire monthly ration at the beginning of the month. We don''t buy again until the next month."


    This wasn''t about whether they had enough grain or not; it was just how Zhao Guihua''s family lived. Even without the whole reincarnation thing, this was how they operated. They didn''t split their purchases into three parts like some families did, buying at the beginning, middle, and end of the month.


    Her family always went at the start of the month with their ration book and bought the entire month''s supply in one go. They planned their meals accordingly.


    Aunt Wang asked, "I still have some left from last month, but I think I''ll go ahead and buy this month''s ration. I''ll go this afternoon. Anyone else want to come?"


    Aunt Zhou said, "I''ll go."


    "Me too."


    It seemed no one was in a hurry to buy grain.


    But that wasn''t entirely true. It was like budgeting money. If you received three thousand yuan at the beginning of the month and had to make it last the whole month, it was easier to divide it into three parts¡ªa thousand every ten days¡ªto plan and manage.


    Especially with something like grain, if you miscalculated, you could end up hungry by the end of the month.


    But if they were running low, everyone wanted to secure their supplies as soon as possible.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I''m planning to go up the mountain tomorrow. If you don''t go in the fall, when will you go?"


    "I''ll come too."


    "Count me in."


    "Do you have a bicycle? It''s not convenient without one."


    If they had to spend money on bus fare, it might not be worth it, especially if they weren''t sure how much they''d gather.


    Zhao Guihua was truly grateful she had bought a bicycle. In times like these, it really came in handy. Over the past six months, this bicycle had been a lifesaver for her family.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Wang Zhaodi, come with me tomorrow."


    Wang Zhaodi replied cheerfully, "Alright!"


    Aunt Zhou, feeling jealous, pursed her lips. This Zhao Guihua was really something. She knew full well that Wang Zhaodi was her goddaughter, yet she kept trying to win her over. How despicable! Aunt Zhou asked, "I want to go too. Who else is riding a bike?"


    She glanced at Aunt Wang. "Old Wang, what about you?"


    Aunt Wang cut her off decisively. "I¡¯m taking Aunt Sui."


    Almost every time they went up the mountain, the four of them went together, forming a little group.


    Even though Wang Zhaodi was just a young girl, she had managed to become part of the aunties'' inner circle.


    Aunt Zhou: "..."


    She turned her gaze to Zhao Guihua and said, "Let Wang Zhaodi stay home. I¡¯ll go with you instead. What¡¯s the point of a young girl tagging along? I¡¯m much more fun. We can chat and catch up."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, "Haha, I¡¯m not really in the mood to chat with you."


    She added, "Give it a rest. You¡¯d just slow us down."


    "Hey, what¡¯s that supposed to mean?"


    Zhao Guihua shrugged. "Just stating the obvious."


    The old ladies bickered back and forth, but they kept it lighthearted. After all, there had been too much going on lately, and everyone was being cautious.


    Zhao Guihua suddenly said, "My daughter-in-law is finally coming home today..."


    "Same here," someone else chimed in.


    As they exchanged small talk, the funeral procession returning from the mountain arrived. Zhuang Zhixi had been busy for several days and felt grimy all over. He nudged his father and older brother, saying, "How about the three of us go for a bath?"


    Old Man Zhuang frowned. "Why waste money? Just rinse off at home tonight."


    Zhuang Zhixi insisted, "It¡¯s not the same! I¡¯m treating you. Are you in or not? This is a one-time offer."


    Old Man Zhuang immediately agreed. "I¡¯m in."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan added, "Count me in too."


    When Zhou Qun heard they were going for a bath, he quickly spoke up. "I¡¯ll join you. Any other guys want to come? I feel sticky all over after these past few days."


    Li the Cook waved his hand. "No, no, that¡¯s a waste of money."


    He was very frugal and would never spend money so carelessly. Even though his family had two workers, and he could occasionally bring home leftovers from the canteen or earn extra by catering, he still managed to save 20 to 30 yuan every month. But Li the Cook was careful with his spending. He had plans¡ªafter all, he had two grandsons, and his daughter Li Fang was pregnant again. With three children, there would be plenty of expenses in the future.


    He said, "You all go ahead. We¡¯ll take Bai Fendou home."


    Yang Lixin nodded. "Sure."


    He felt a little envious but quickly dismissed the thought. His father-in-law would never agree to such an expense anyway. That was the downside of being a live-in son-in-law¡ªyou had to defer to the patriarch in everything. Truth be told, unless it was nearing the New Year, most people wouldn¡¯t spend money on something like this.


    The others laughed and declined, so the three Zhuang men and Zhou Qun set off together.


    Zhuang Zhixi half-joked, "Brother Zhou, I know I¡¯m handsome, and my brother isn¡¯t bad either, but don¡¯t get any ideas about us, okay? I might have to throw hands if you do."


    He couldn¡¯t help but be cautious. After all, Zhou Qun had a history.


    Although he seemed more normal lately, it was better to be safe than sorry.


    Zhou Qun was indignant. "Hey, Little Zhuang, what¡¯s that supposed to mean? How could you say something like that? That¡¯s not fair!"


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes. "Drop the ''little'' and I might believe you a bit. A grown man shouldn¡¯t talk like that."


    Zhou Qun: "What kind of person are you? You think I¡¯d be interested in you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shot back, "You were even into Bai Fendou at one point. Can you blame me for being cautious?"


    Zhou Qun was furious. "You¡¯re really something. They say you shouldn¡¯t bring up the past, but you keep dredging up old stories. Besides, that was all a misunderstanding. Really, just a misunderstanding."


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked. "Oh~"


    Zhou Qun glared at him and huffed. "You¡¯re really insufferable."


    He strode ahead, not wanting to deal with Zhuang Zhixi anymore. What a waste of a good face¡ªhe was so petty and narrow-minded. Zhou Qun couldn¡¯t understand how his wife could have fallen for him. She must have only cared about his looks.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan asked, "Why do you provoke him?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. "I¡¯m doing it for you. Aren¡¯t you grateful? What if he sets his sights on you?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan grimaced. "Don¡¯t even joke about that. It¡¯s disgusting."


    He gave Zhuang Zhixi a look and said, "Stop talking nonsense. If you keep it up, I won¡¯t feel like going for a bath anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted, "Ungrateful, aren¡¯t you? Fine, don¡¯t come. I¡¯ll save some money."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan quickly said, "No, I¡¯m still going."


    Who says men don¡¯t gossip? They¡¯re just the same. By the time they reached the bathhouse, the conversation had shifted. The bathhouse was quite convenient these days. After paying the fee and handing over a bath ticket, they received a token and a towel.


    The towel wasn¡¯t disposable¡ªthey had to return it after their bath.


    Once inside, they entered the changing room, where the tokens corresponded to lockers. One token, one locker. At this time of day, there weren¡¯t many people bathing. But during the pre-New Year rush, when all the lockers were taken, people had to put their clothes in baskets and hang them up.


    If even the baskets were full, newcomers couldn¡¯t get in.


    But on a day like today, when it wasn¡¯t too cold to bathe at home, the bathhouse was relatively empty. After all, it wasn¡¯t exactly cheap.


    Most workplaces issued bath tickets every month, but since the actual cost of bathing wasn¡¯t low, the tickets weren¡¯t in high demand, and few people came. Zhuang Zhixi stripped off his clothes, draped the towel over his shoulder, and headed into the bath area.


    The bathhouse had two large pools and several showerheads. Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s routine was to rinse off first, then soak in the pool. A few years ago, there had been professional scrubbers in the bathhouse¡ªgetting a scrub and a back rub was a great way to relax. Though it wasn¡¯t cheap, many people enjoyed it.


    The scrubbers might not have had the most respectable job, but they made good money.


    But in recent years, that service had disappeared. Everyone knew why.


    It wasn¡¯t allowed anymore.


    So, that little pleasure was gone, but people still enjoyed soaking in the pools. Some brought their own teapots and a bit of cheap tea leaves, paying two cents for hot water from the bathhouse.


    They¡¯d set up their tea things by the pool, soak in the water, sip tea, and chat for hours. It was a favorite pastime for the men of Beijing. If they brought a couple of sesame cakes along, they wouldn¡¯t even feel hungry.


    When Zhuang Zhixi and the others entered, they saw two men sitting by the pool, towels around their waists, sipping tea and chatting.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t join them, opting to soak on his own. Zhou Qun, however, quickly joined the conversation.


    The hot topic, of course, was Bai Fendou and the Su family. Gossip with a hint of scandal was always the most entertaining, especially when it involved people from the neighborhood.


    Even if you weren¡¯t from the area, you¡¯d still know about it. Everyone in Beijing had heard of Bai Fendou.


    Especially since it involved a young widow¡ªWang Xiangxiu. Such topics always carried a certain allure.


    But people back then were simpler. When they heard that Wang Xiangxiu had been released, they started speculating.


    "That young widow, she¡¯s actually quite decent. I¡¯ve heard some rumors about her before, but it seems they were all baseless."


    Zhou Qun: "Uh..."


    Someone else chimed in, "Are you sure? Then why was there so much gossip about her?"


    "It¡¯s just that widows attract trouble, you know? If she really had improper relationships, she wouldn¡¯t have been released. She must be innocent."


    "That makes sense. Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law are still in custody. She must be clean."


    Zhou Qun: "Uh..."


    Of course, he couldn¡¯t say that she wasn¡¯t innocent¡ªthey had slept together, after all.


    But just like everyone who had ever slept with Wang Xiangxiu, none of them could admit it.


    If they admitted it, wouldn¡¯t they be arrested?


    So as long as they weren¡¯t caught in the act, everyone would stubbornly claim their innocence.


    Even Zhou Qun was no exception.


    So Zhou Qun didn¡¯t dare to bring up this topic, afraid that someone might notice something. However, at this moment, he felt that his current state of being "useless" wasn¡¯t entirely without its benefits. You see, now no one would suspect him of the things he had done in the past.


    His reputation had actually improved quite a bit.


    After all, even if he had the desire, he no longer had the ability.


    So Zhou Qun¡¯s reputation had indeed gotten better. Of course, another reason his reputation had improved was that he had become quite the chatterbox. Even the old ladies couldn¡¯t match his gossipy nature, and in a short time, he had become the factory¡¯s most notorious loudmouth.


    This reputation wasn¡¯t exactly flattering, but in the eyes of many, it still carried some influence.


    Plus, since he really couldn¡¯t do much else, he ended up mingling with the middle-aged and elderly women, and over time, he managed to earn some goodwill.


    Men, after all, tend to think highly of their own experiences and look down on someone like Zhou Qun. But since he posed no "threat," they could still get along with him.


    "Hey, Zhou Qun, didn¡¯t you used to have some rumors with Wang Xiangxiu too?" someone suddenly asked.


    Zhou Qun: "That¡¯s just nonsense. Everyone knows the truth."


    The crowd: "...That¡¯s true."


    Even though the equipment was still there, everyone knew Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t a real man anymore.


    This was a medical diagnosis, and people tended to believe it.


    "So, those rumors about Wang Xiangxiu might not be true after all."


    "She¡¯s had it rough. Her mother-in-law is just too cruel. I¡¯ve never seen anyone like her."


    "Who could argue with that?"


    "I¡¯ve seen Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s husband, Xiao Su. He was a decent young man. It¡¯s such a shame he passed away unexpectedly. Who would¡¯ve thought it would come to this because of his mother..."


    "Well, you can¡¯t put all the blame on her. Didn¡¯t he have a mind of his own? If he just blindly followed his mother, what was his brain for? Decoration?"


    "That¡¯s a fair point, but after all, she¡¯s his mother. Filial piety is important..."


    "I don¡¯t agree. Filial piety is one thing, but not to the point of blind obedience. Some old folks just don¡¯t know any better, and it¡¯s up to us, the younger generation, to guide them. Not to blindly follow. To arrange for his wife to do that kind of work? What kind of person thinks like that? If he didn¡¯t agree, he should¡¯ve stood up to her. But look what happened when he didn¡¯t..."


    "You¡¯ve got a point there."


    The group of men continued to discuss the family affairs of others, each with their own opinions.


    The three Zhuang men listened intently, nodding in agreement. Zhuang Zhixi felt that what was being said made sense. Aunt Su was indeed a terrible person, but why didn¡¯t her son stand up to her?


    In the end, he didn¡¯t have the courage to resist.


    Old Man Zhuang knew everything. They were at the forefront of it all, but he still enjoyed listening to the gossip. Unlike Zhou Qun, who was always so lively, Old Man Zhuang was more reserved. He didn¡¯t join in, but he stayed close enough to hear everything.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Zhuang Zhiyuan were scrubbing each other¡¯s backs.


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned against the edge of the pool while his older brother scrubbed his back. Zhuang Zhixi chattered away, "Hey, are you hungry? I wonder what we¡¯re having for lunch."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan paused, his hands applying a bit more pressure, scrubbing vigorously.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ouch, ouch! I wasn¡¯t saying you¡¯re weak because you haven¡¯t eaten. Take it easy, will you? I¡¯m a person, not a washboard."


    His older brother always overthought things.


    He hadn¡¯t meant anything by it, but his brother immediately assumed he was mocking his strength. Men, honestly...


    While the two brothers were busy scrubbing, the others were more relaxed. One bald guy said, "Hey, you two, go scrub over there. Don¡¯t let the dirt fall into my tea."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure thing."


    He didn¡¯t mind and moved aside. They were really there to bathe, but many people would spend the whole day soaking in the pool, not so much for the bathing but for the pleasure of chatting while sipping tea.


    Some people would come in the morning and only leave in the evening.


    In the past, there used to be professional scrubbers who offered more elaborate services, but that kind of thing wasn¡¯t allowed anymore.


    Zhuang Zhixi finished washing and soaped himself up. The soap was provided by the bathhouse, so they didn¡¯t need to bring their own. Taking it home was out of the question, but using it there was perfectly fine. Zhuang Zhixi quickly washed his hair and body, shook his head, and felt like the most handsome guy in the bathhouse.


    Hmm, smelling fresh.


    His wife would definitely like it.


    After finishing his bath, Zhuang Zhixi saw that his father had already gotten himself some tea. He said, "Big brother, you can scrub Dad¡¯s back later. I¡¯m heading home first. I¡¯m getting hungry. It¡¯s already past noon."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "All you ever think about is food."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t happy about that. "Look at you. Didn¡¯t I just treat you to a bath? You¡¯re so ungrateful."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    Back when they were kids, wasn¡¯t it always him who took this little brat to the baths? And the kid was never calm, always running around like a wild dog. It was always him taking care of everything, always him!


    Now, this kid just treats him to a bath, and he¡¯s got so much to say about it.


    He snorted heavily and said, "You¡¯ve forgotten how it used to be..."


    Just as he was about to launch into a long story, Zhuang Zhixi stood up and dashed off.


    "That guy, honestly!"


    Zhuang Zhixi changed into fresh clothes and felt refreshed. Their factory had really done them a favor. A few of the men had helped Bai Fendou with the funeral arrangements, and they hadn¡¯t been penalized for it. Although it was still counted as leave, they hadn¡¯t had their wages deducted.


    On his third day of paid leave, Zhuang Zhixi felt completely relaxed.


    However, he understood the factory¡¯s reasoning. By having them help out in the courtyard, they could at least manage the funeral and keep an eye on Bai Fendou. Otherwise, if Bai Fendou went off the rails and did something crazy, it would be the factory¡¯s responsibility to clean up the mess.


    It was just the way things were.


    Zhuang Zhixi was the first to head back. He knew his father would stay until at least the afternoon. Otherwise, he¡¯d feel like he hadn¡¯t gotten his money¡¯s worth from the bathhouse ticket. Zhuang Zhixi walked back feeling fresh, but as he approached the entrance, he saw several police officers standing at the gate. Zhuang Zhixi was startled and hurried over to ask, "What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s going on?"


    Could something have happened again?


    The troublemakers in their courtyard had been lying low lately!


    He went up to ask, and Zhao Guihua and the others were all in the courtyard. She waved him over, and Zhuang Zhixi squeezed through the gate to see the police digging up the cement floor under the Su family¡¯s window. He asked in confusion, "What are they looking for?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Gold."


    Her tone was a mix of disbelief and exasperation. Who would¡¯ve thought she wasn¡¯t the only one in the courtyard who had hidden something valuable?


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s eyes widened. "Gold? They had gold? And they still pushed their daughter-in-law into that line of work?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, her expression even more incredulous. "Exactly."


    They really hadn¡¯t expected that Aunt Su had been hiding such a secret. If she hadn¡¯t been caught and dealt with by the iron fist of justice, this might never have come to light.


    The story began after lunch. The three men of the household hadn¡¯t returned, so Zhao Guihua had eaten early. After lunch, she thought she¡¯d take a nap, as she¡¯d been feeling a bit tired from helping with the funeral arrangements. Just as she was dozing off, she heard a commotion outside. When she went out to see what was happening, she found that the police had arrived.


    Zhao Guihua had rushed out, and so had the other men and women in the courtyard. Everyone was curious.


    When they asked, they found out it was a big deal.


    The police had come with a mission. Gou Lanxiang had confessed after being held for three days. She had finally admitted at noon that day that she had buried four large gold bars under her window. She had been afraid that if her own misdeeds were discovered and her home searched, she wouldn¡¯t dare to hide the gold inside. Instead, she had buried it outside the window, where it was within her sight but not inside the house. Even if her home were searched and turned upside down, no one would find it.


    Who would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d hidden it outside?


    Outside the window was a cement floor, and it was beneath this that he had dug a hole to bury something, later smoothing it over with cement. His method was meticulous, and it had remained undetected all these years, hidden securely.


    This time, the police officers had come specifically to retrieve it.


    Zhuang Zhixi was dumbfounded. It wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t seen the world before, but this family was truly something else when it came to hiding things. Moreover, how could Aunt Su possibly have something like gold bars? Those were hard currency, especially in the old society, and ordinary people couldn¡¯t get their hands on them.


    And when Aunt Su had moved in, it was still the old society.


    ¡°What kind of family was she from? How did she have this?¡±


    They were poor peasants, and even now, they had never seen what a gold bar looked like.


    What was that? That was gold!


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°These were her belongings before she married into this courtyard. Rumor has it there were more, but she spent most of them in her younger days. These few gold bars were her retirement fund, which she kept hidden and refused to touch.¡±


    Unlike decades later, when police investigations were kept strictly confidential, things weren¡¯t so discreet back then. It wasn¡¯t something that needed to be hidden, so when the police came to dig up the gold bars, everyone in the courtyard knew about it.


    ¡°Aunt Su is quite something, isn¡¯t she? Would you believe it? She grew up in the Eight Great Hutongs.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed in shock, though upon reflection, it made sense. Given her actions, no decent woman would have behaved like that. He said, ¡°I guess it¡¯s not that surprising¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°She wasn¡¯t one of *those* women. Even if some prostitutes were forced into it, unwilling and oppressed, she wasn¡¯t one of them. She was the daughter of a brothel madam.¡±


    ¡°Holy crap!¡± Zhuang Zhixi was truly taken aback.


    Given Aunt Su¡¯s background, everyone could guess what kind of person she was. Her actions had never been particularly respectable.


    But no one could have imagined she was even more despicable. She was the one controlling those women.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, ¡°Damn¡­¡±


    Even though he was usually quick with words, Zhuang Zhixi found himself at a loss. The whole thing sounded outrageous, yet somehow not surprising at all.


    ¡°Captain, we¡¯ve dug it up. It¡¯s really here.¡±


    ¡°Ah, there really are gold bars.¡±


    ¡°My God, I¡¯ve never seen one before. What do they look like?¡±


    ¡°Wow¡­ Who would have thought there¡¯d be something like this in our courtyard¡­¡±


    ¡°This old lady is something else, isn¡¯t she? She¡¯s been hiding this right under our noses for decades. She¡¯s terrifying.¡±


    ¡°Goodness, I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve been living in a courtyard with buried gold.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even mention it. I¡¯ve sat right by her window, right above where the gold was buried, chatting with her. Who would¡¯ve thought there was gold right beneath me? She¡¯s so sneaky.¡±


    ¡°What do they look like? I¡¯ve never seen one. I need to take a look so I can brag about having seen a gold bar¡­¡±


    Although Aunt Su had never actually harmed anyone in the courtyard over the years, the neighbors couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill down their spines when they thought about her background and how she had deceived them for decades.


    The loudest cries came from Wang Xiangxiu. She had never imagined that this old woman had been hiding four gold bars. If she had just taken out one to improve their lives, her husband might not have died, and she might not have had to do the things she did. At this thought, she collapsed to the ground, crying hysterically.


    If only¡­ if only she had taken it out earlier, she could have lived a clean and honest life.


    Wang Xiangxiu had sacrificed so much for her family over the years, and now, this old woman had hoarded her treasures for her own retirement, refusing to use them. And now, they were all confiscated.


    Her son was still in the hospital, his fate uncertain.


    ¡°That heartless old hag! How could she do this? How could she! My son Yinlai is fighting for his life, and we don¡¯t even have enough money to save him. Yet she was hiding gold bars all along. What kind of grandmother is she? How can such people exist in this world?¡± Wang Xiangxiu wailed uncontrollably, while Tonglai stood beside her, unsure of what to do.


    Though still a child, he was old enough to understand. He knew his grandmother had hidden so much wealth but refused to save his brother. Despite being the first to run when trouble arose, he now clenched his fists, tears streaming down his face as he wiped them away.


    ¡°Please, I beg you, leave me just a little,¡± Wang Xiangxiu suddenly pleaded, clutching the leg of the lead police officer. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much, just enough to save my son¡¯s life. That¡¯s all I need.¡±


    She cried bitterly, ¡°My sons Jinlai and Yinlai are still in the hospital. We don¡¯t know how much more it will cost¡­¡±


    ¡°Comrade Wang Xiangxiu, this is not something we can decide. What we¡¯ve recovered is considered stolen property. Given Gou Lanxiang¡¯s identity, all her possessions will be confiscated. These are ill-gotten gains from exploiting women.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ but my son¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about that. However, considering your son¡¯s severe injuries and his young age, we¡¯ve decided not to pursue the matter of them cutting pig tails. Focus on his recovery. That said, your mother-in-law¡¯s background will affect your family¡¯s status. Your household¡­¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu looked up, confused.


    The lead officer sighed silently, thinking that Wang Xiangxiu really wasn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed. But then again, if she were smarter, she wouldn¡¯t have been manipulated by her mother-in-law to this extent. He cleared his throat and said, ¡°You¡¯re her direct relative.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu still didn¡¯t understand.


    But everyone else did. Zhao Guihua quickly explained, ¡°Your family¡¯s status will be affected by your mother-in-law¡¯s background. There will likely be other consequences too.¡±


    At this, Wang Xiangxiu was stunned. She finally realized the gravity of the situation and stammered, ¡°What¡­ what should I do?¡±


    She was at a complete loss.


    Zhao Guihua sighed softly, while Aunt Wang, always quick to speak, said, ¡°Your mother-in-law was always going to ruin you. She¡¯s a bad element. You should cut ties with her.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu finally caught on and nodded vigorously. ¡°Yes, yes, I need to cut ties with her. I said yesterday that I wanted to sever relations with her.¡±


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°I can confirm that. She did say she wanted to cut ties with Aunt Su yesterday.¡±


    Aunt Wang chimed in, ¡°I heard it too.¡±


    The other neighbors also vouched for her.


    The officer said, ¡°Then you should publish a statement in the newspaper as soon as possible.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯ll do it right away!¡±


    She stammered, ¡°What¡­ what else do I need to do?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it for now. Just focus on getting through this immediate crisis.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded tearfully.


    The officer shook his head slightly at her helpless state. Sometimes, when dealing with people like her, they felt both pity and frustration. But whenever possible, they were willing to help them turn over a new leaf.


    In Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s case, they had already given her a break.


    They could only hope she would truly understand this.


    The officer said earnestly, ¡°Wang Xiangxiu, you need to live a better life from now on. Don¡¯t follow in your mother-in-law¡¯s footsteps. She will face severe punishment.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu asked cautiously, ¡°Will she¡­ will she ever come back?¡±


    No one could say for sure, but it was unlikely.


    ¡°Given her background as a brothel madam from the old society, and her role in causing someone¡¯s death, it¡¯s a miracle she¡¯s not facing execution.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°That serious!¡±


    The neighbors were shocked. They hadn¡¯t expected that someone they saw every day could end up like this. But at the same time, it didn¡¯t seem entirely unexpected for someone like her.


    ¡°You need to live a better life too,¡± the officer reminded Wang Xiangxiu again, hoping she understood that she wouldn¡¯t always be so lucky. This time, they had gone easy on her because of her children¡¯s dire situation.


    Otherwise, with her history of inappropriate relationships, it wouldn¡¯t have been hard to make a case against her.


    After being reminded twice, Wang Xiangxiu finally seemed to catch on to the implications in the words. Thinking of what had happened to Aunt Su, she shuddered and then said with seriousness and determination, "I understand."


    The police officer nodded and quickly led his team away.


    Once the officials had left, everyone began chattering and gossiping. Some, like Zhuang Zhixi, had returned a bit later and asked curiously, "What''s going on? Wasn''t Aunt Su only sixteen or seventeen when she married into the family? How could someone so young be involved in such things?"


    Aunt Zhou immediately jumped into the conversation, finally having a topic she could sink her teeth into.


    She said, "The police officer just mentioned that Aunt Su, originally named Gou Lanxiang, grew up in the Eight Great Alleys. Her mother was a well-known madam there, managing many young women. She was involved in forcing innocent girls into prostitution. Gou Lanxiang learned all those despicable tricks from her mother. Later, her mother got into a feud over business and was attacked. Her mother was nearly killed, and Gou Lanxiang stole her mother''s savings and fled. When she met Old Man Su, she claimed to be a refugee who had encountered bad people. But that wasn''t true¡ªshe was actually hiding from her mother''s henchmen and rivals. She wasn''t from out of town at all; she was local. I always wondered how a refugee could have such fair skin. Refugees are usually skinny and pitiful-looking, but she wasn''t. Didn''t you hear that she didn''t leave the house for a year or two after she married? That''s because she was afraid of being recognized. After a year or two, she found out that her mother had died and her enemies had been dealt with, so she finally dared to go out. After liberation, she somehow managed to get classified as a poor peasant and started living a normal life."


    "Holy cow! You really can''t judge a book by its cover."


    "Exactly! If it weren''t for the incident with Old Man Bai, she would never have been exposed."


    "No wonder she wanted her daughter-in-law to earn money that way. Turns out it''s a family business..."


    "She''s worse than those women who were forced into it by circumstances. Her family specialized in this kind of evil. It''s downright inhumane." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Xiangxiu held Tonglai in her arms, silently shedding tears. Her hatred for Aunt Su burned fiercely. If Aunt Su were standing in front of her now, she would have wanted to kill her on the spot.


    The trust she once had in her mother-in-law had turned into pure hatred.


    Biting her lip, she said, "She deserves to be executed."


    Her voice suddenly rose as she shouted, "Someone like her deserves to be shot! She doesn''t deserve to live, she doesn''t!"


    She wiped away her tears and said, "Come on, let''s go to the hospital to see your brother."


    Finally, she stood up with Tonglai in her arms. Tonglai whispered, "Mom, I can walk by myself."


    Wang Xiangxiu shook her head. "No, I''ll carry you. I don''t feel at ease."


    She only had one son left in good health, and she couldn''t afford to be careless.


    Wang Xiangxiu said firmly, "Your brother will get better. Both your brothers will get better."


    Tonglai softly murmured in agreement.


    The two of them stumbled away, and the people around them sighed. "Wang Xiangxiu has really been done wrong."


    "I used to envy Wang Xiangxiu for having a mother-in-law like Aunt Su. She let her take charge of the household at such a young age, and she was always so gentle, eloquent, and considerate. Now, thinking about it makes my hair stand on end. She was a wolf in sheep''s clothing¡ªterrifying."


    "Absolutely."


    "Wang Xiangxiu has suffered enough. It''s time for her to live a good life. If she keeps following Aunt Su''s ways, it''ll only lead to ruin."


    "Look at what she''s done to the kids."


    "Her kids are really not doing well."


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "No matter what, we have to raise our children right."


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Their own children needed to be properly raised.


    In different corners of the courtyard, the little rascals all shivered simultaneously...

 Chapter 129

    The true face of Aunt Su left a group of people utterly stunned.Not just those in Xinghuali Lane, nor even the machine factory, but the entire city knew about her. After all, it had been over twenty years since liberation, and to see a pre-liberation madam still active was truly shocking.


    The police officers didn¡¯t hide the matter. For one, there was nothing worth concealing, and secondly, spreading the news might encourage others to come forward with more information. Because of this, the story spread like wildfire.


    Ming Mei, returning home after three days, found herself struggling to keep up with the gossip. The first thing she did upon arriving was to join the group of elderly women chattering away, darting around like a curious groundhog in a melon patch. She was utterly dumbfounded by Aunt Su¡¯s background.


    Truly, appearances can be deceiving.


    Who would have guessed that her delicate exterior hid such a scandalous past?


    Not just Ming Mei, but even her grandfather, Uncle Lan, came out slurping noodles, not wanting to miss a single detail. Uncle Lan felt that his life was a constant challenge to his understanding of the world, always something new to shock him.


    In the gossip circle, the most regretful was Zhou Qun, who cursed himself for not being home at the time, instead spending too long at the bathhouse. He missed the moment when the gold bars were unearthed. But that didn¡¯t stop him from boasting. Standing in the center of the courtyard, he pontificated like a true armchair critic.


    ¡°I always thought Aunt Su was shady, always acting suspicious. I knew there was something off about her. Turns out I was right¡ªshe¡¯s no ordinary person.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just bragging now. If you really knew, why didn¡¯t you say something earlier?¡± Yang Lixin called him out.


    Zhou Qun retorted confidently, ¡°I did notice something was off, but I didn¡¯t realize how serious it was. If I¡¯d known she was like this, I would¡¯ve reported her. People like her are a cancer among the masses. We can¡¯t have that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. I also thought she was always a bit too frivolous in her actions. Who would¡¯ve guessed?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s loaded, you know. Yet she always acted like she was struggling. What kind of person does that?¡±


    ¡°Whether she¡¯s rich or poor, it¡¯s none of our business. The one who¡¯s really bitter is Wang Xiangxiu. She got nothing¡ªit all went to the state¡­¡±


    ¡°How is it none of our business? It¡¯s very much my business. She borrowed cornmeal from me. I wonder if Wang Xiangxiu will pay it back¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, she borrowed cornmeal from you? She borrowed oil, salt, and vinegar from me countless times¡­¡±


    The chatter grew louder, and it seemed almost every household had lent her something. Zhao Guihua chimed in, ¡°I didn¡¯t lend her anything this year, but last year I lent her cornmeal twice, and she never paid me back. I thought she was struggling, so I didn¡¯t press her. If I¡¯d known she was like this, I wouldn¡¯t have lent her a thing. At least I didn¡¯t lend her anything this year, so I didn¡¯t lose more. But I¡¯m still out from before!¡±


    ¡°Exactly! Do you think if we report this, we might get our stuff back?¡±


    Zhao Guihua shrugged, ¡°Who knows? It¡¯s not much, and it¡¯s not worth much money. Besides, she¡¯s in jail now. Wang Xiangxiu hates her and won¡¯t take responsibility.¡±


    ¡°But she did eat it.¡±


    Zhao Guihua laughed, ¡°She did eat it, but we can¡¯t push her too hard. Look at her family¡¯s situation. Even the police aren¡¯t pressing her too much.¡±


    ¡°What a mess. How did things turn out like this? I feel worst for Su Pandi. She¡¯s been holding up the family since she was a kid, the real backbone of the household. She was more capable than her brother. But look at her now¡ªher life¡¯s ruined, separated from her husband and child. Is that the right term? She¡¯s got nothing left, and now she¡¯s got a criminal record. Who knows how many years she¡¯ll get? She¡¯s really been wronged.¡±


    ¡°Su Pandi¡¯s fate is unclear, but Aunt Su definitely won¡¯t be getting out.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call her Aunt Su anymore. Her real name is Gou Lanxiang. I bet she always called herself Aunt Su to hide her real name. She made a big show of being loyal to the Su family, asking for housing and jobs from the factory leaders, but it was probably just to keep her real name hidden. Think about it¡ªher surname is so unusual. If someone recognized her, she¡¯d be in trouble. Back then, she was working at the factory.¡± Zhao Guihua¡¯s analysis was spot on.


    Aunt Wang nodded, ¡°Right. When Old Su died, and the kids were young, they had to take over his job at the factory. If she used her real name, someone might¡¯ve recognized her. But by calling herself Aunt Su, fewer people would make the connection. That¡¯s why she stayed under the radar for decades.¡±


    ¡°She really killed two birds with one stone.¡±


    Aunt Zhou cursed, ¡°Damn it, I even tried to emulate her. Turns out I was fooled.¡±


    Madam Zhou Li, who should¡¯ve been called Aunt Li, had been influenced by Aunt Su¡¯s antics. Both were widows, and Madam Zhou Li had tried to prove herself just like Aunt Su. Now she realized she¡¯d been duped.


    Madam Zhou Li sighed, ¡°I really¡­¡±


    Aunt Wang said, ¡°Don¡¯t change how we address you. We¡¯ve called you Aunt Zhou for years. It¡¯d be too weird to change now.¡±


    Aunt Zhou muttered, ¡°What a mess. That old woman is truly despicable.¡±


    ¡°She won¡¯t come to a good end.¡±


    As the group continued their heated discussion, Bai Fendou stumbled out weakly. Since his father¡¯s sudden death, he hadn¡¯t slept for three days. He¡¯d cried himself unconscious multiple times, barely holding on. After the funeral, he collapsed.


    Fortunately, it was just exhaustion, not illness. Bai Fendou slept deeply, completely unaware of the commotion caused by the police. Only now did he hear about Aunt Su.


    He was utterly shocked, ¡°She was in that line of work?¡±


    ¡°To be precise, she was the boss.¡±


    Bai Fendou growled, ¡°That damn woman deserves to be executed. She owes my father that much.¡±


    The group fell silent. Aunt Wang tried to comfort him, ¡°I know this might be hard to hear, but Fendou, your father¡¯s gone, and you¡¯re not young anymore. I¡¯m sure your parents, in the afterlife, just want you to live well. The law will punish the bad people. You need to focus on living a good life, so they don¡¯t worry about you. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    Bai Fendou was silent for a long time before nodding slowly.


    Then, out of nowhere, he turned to Zhuang Zhixi and asked, ¡°When¡¯s the factory¡¯s matchmaking event?¡±


    The sudden change of topic nearly gave everyone whiplash.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied smoothly, ¡°At the end of the month, before National Day.¡±


    Bai Fendou nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll sign up. My father always wanted me to settle down. I won¡¯t let him down.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°The factory will probably open registration soon. I¡¯ll let you know when it does.¡±


    Bai Fendou replied, ¡°Alright.¡±


    The others exchanged uneasy glances. In their eyes, Bai Fendou¡¯s situation was complicated. Whether he married a young woman or a widow, it would essentially doom her to a life of loneliness. His condition made things difficult.


    After all, in those days, carrying on the family line was everything.


    Without children, you¡¯d be labeled as ¡°childless¡± and scorned.


    And Bai Fendou¡¯s condition meant any wife would be left in a terrible position.


    But no one said anything harsh to him. He wasn¡¯t in a state to handle criticism. On the bright side, aside from his condition, Bai Fendou had other decent qualities. Though it was a harsh truth, his father¡¯s passing had lifted a burden from him.


    But no one would say that aloud. No one wishes for a loved one¡¯s death, and Bai Fendou was no exception.


    "Bai Fendou, actually, everyone in the capital knows about your situation. It¡¯s not easy for you to find a way out here. Why don¡¯t you apply for the support program? Our factory has a one-to-one assistance partnership with the machinery factory in Lizhou. They¡¯re expanding production and need skilled workers to go there for support. Although you¡¯re not from the workshop, given your current situation, if you talk to the leaders, I think they¡¯ll arrange something for you," said the man from the Sui family.


    He continued, "Little Zhang, didn¡¯t you sign up for the support program?"


    Little Zhang was a resident of the backyard, living in the first house you¡¯d see upon entering, right next to Uncle Lan¡¯s place. His family, like Bai Fendou¡¯s, had two rooms. There were six people in total: his parents, his wife, and two children.


    This time, he had signed up to go to Lizhou.


    When called out, Little Zhang replied, "Yes, I¡¯ve already signed up, and the procedures are almost done. My whole family is going."


    "Ah, so you¡¯re leaving soon? Why didn¡¯t you say anything earlier?"


    "Right, is Lizhou really a good place? After all, the capital is still the capital. Lizhou¡­ I¡¯ve never even heard of it. Are you sure it¡¯s going to work out there?"


    Little Zhang explained, "Why wouldn¡¯t it? I¡¯m currently a fourth-grade worker, and after the transfer, I¡¯ll be promoted to fifth-grade. Plus, the support program will provide a spot for one of my children to avoid being sent to the countryside. My eldest daughter is about to reach the age where she¡¯d have to go in a couple of years. If we all move to Lizhou, she won¡¯t have to."


    "That¡¯s a good deal."


    Though everyone talked about responding to the call and supporting rural areas, no one truly believed in it anymore. No one wanted to send their children to the countryside, especially not their daughters. Girls raised in the city, even if not spoiled, had no experience with farm work. And sending a young girl alone to the countryside? No father would feel at ease. There were good people, of course, but bad ones too. Every group had its share of troublemakers. If there was a chance to avoid it, why wouldn¡¯t you take it?


    "The factory will also arrange a job for one of my children. My daughter is still a bit young to work directly in the factory, but with this opportunity, my wife can take the job, and in three years, my daughter can take over. Lizhou might not compare to the capital, but it¡¯s still a small city, not the countryside. Plus, with a larger family, we¡¯ll get more living space than we have now. So, all things considered, it¡¯s a good deal."


    Everyone had their own calculations, and Little Zhang was no exception.


    He added, "My family isn¡¯t originally from the capital anyway. My parents came here fleeing famine. Leaving now isn¡¯t a big deal."


    "You know, Little Zhang makes a good point. There are actually quite a few benefits to this support program."


    "So, are you going?"


    "Not me. There are benefits, sure, but my roots are here. I can¡¯t just uproot myself and leave. Besides, my kids are still young, so I don¡¯t need to worry about this yet. But in a few years, when they¡¯re older and might face being sent to the countryside, I¡¯ll probably have to consider it. I have a son, but I don¡¯t want him to go either. What could he possibly do there? He¡¯d just be a burden to the farmers."


    "Exactly."


    No one wanted to send their children to the countryside, but they had no choice. They had to seize every opportunity to avoid it.


    Little Zhang said, "It really depends on your family¡¯s situation. You¡¯ve seen mine¡ªtwo rooms for six people. It¡¯s impossible to live like this. After we move, we¡¯ve been promised at least three rooms. That way, my daughter and son won¡¯t have to share a room with us anymore. Even with a curtain, it¡¯s not ideal. With an extra room, my wife and I can have one, my parents can have another, and the third can be split for the kids. It might be small, but at least they¡¯ll each have their own space."


    "You¡¯re really thinking about your kids."


    "Of course."


    Parents in those days were like candles, willing to burn themselves out for their children. While there were some who were selfish and only cared about themselves, especially when it came to daughters, most were devoted to their sons. It was frustrating, but that was the way society was.


    As they discussed this, Aunt Zhou suddenly spoke up, "What will happen to your house here once you move?"


    Everyone remembered that Aunt Zhou had once tried to take over Uncle Lan¡¯s house and ended up in the security office. Clearly, she was very concerned about housing.


    Little Zhang replied, "This house isn¡¯t mine. It was allocated by the factory, and since I¡¯m being transferred, it¡¯ll be returned to the factory. They¡¯ll assign it to someone else."


    Aunt Zhou had been hoping to claim it, but that was out of the question.


    She muttered, "When I have kids, I¡¯ll need more space too."


    In their courtyard, the Su family had the most spacious house, and now that Aunt Su was gone, it was even more so. Aunt Zhou¡¯s family had enough space for now, but she was already thinking ahead¡ªwhen she had children, they¡¯d need their own rooms, and when they got married and had kids, one room wouldn¡¯t be enough.


    This woman was planning far into the future.


    Little Zhang said, "I don¡¯t know about that, but there are plenty of people waiting for housing in the factory. I¡¯m sure someone will move in soon."


    Aunt Zhou sighed but didn¡¯t dare say more.


    She had learned her lesson after facing the consequences of her actions. Plus, with recent events in the courtyard¡ªsome people being arrested, others passing away¡ªshe had been somewhat shaken. Aunt Zhou said, "We¡¯ll manage for now, but when we have kids, we¡¯ll have to figure something out."


    "Aunt Zhou, aren¡¯t you worried about having a daughter? If Jiang Lu has a daughter, you won¡¯t have to worry."


    Aunt Zhou retorted, "If it¡¯s a daughter, we¡¯ll find her a husband to move in with us!"


    The conversation had veered off track, but someone brought it back: "Bai Fendou, honestly, if you go to Lizhou, it might be better. At least no one there would know about¡­"


    Unlike here, where if you shouted "Bai Fendou" at the entrance of the alley, three hundred out of a hundred people would recognize the name. People would even come over just hearing it.


    But Bai Fendou shook his head and said, "I¡¯m not going. My family has been in the capital for generations. I grew up here, and I¡¯d never get used to living elsewhere. Besides, even if I go, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m going alone. People will still talk about my situation. It¡¯s not like no one would know."


    He was firm. "I¡¯m not leaving. I have two rooms here, and there¡¯s no one else in my family. If I go, I might not even get more space. I¡¯m staying. Besides, I believe there are still people who don¡¯t care about that kind of thing."


    He was thick-skinned and didn¡¯t care anymore, speaking bluntly.


    The others were at a loss for words.


    "What about Wang Xiangxiu¡­"


    Bai Fendou reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "What about Wang Xiangxiu? She has nothing to do with me. If I see her, not slapping her across the face is the most mercy I can show. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that she was also tricked, I wouldn¡¯t let her family off so easily."


    Bai Fendou was furious.


    "I have no connection with her. I¡¯ve never laid a finger on her before, and there won¡¯t be anything between us in the future."


    It wasn¡¯t entirely because he saw Wang Xiangxiu as a victim of Aunt Su. Part of it was that he had seen enough of the police recently and was a bit afraid of them. So, he decided to let it go and not hold a grudge against Wang Xiangxiu.


    After all, she had also been deceived.


    He said, "Don¡¯t associate me with her. She doesn¡¯t care about her reputation, but I do. Besides, Jinlai and the others are Aunt Su¡¯s grandchildren. Because of that, I can¡¯t stand them."


    If he were to get together with Wang Xiangxiu, he¡¯d have to help raise her children. While he was open to marrying a widow with kids, he absolutely refused to raise the children of someone he considered an enemy.


    He was serious. "If anyone brings this up again, don¡¯t blame me for breaking windows."


    "Look at you, we were just making conversation."


    "Exactly."


    As they spoke, they turned and saw Wang Xiangxiu returning.


    She stood at the door with her son, unsure how long she had been listening. However, no one spoke to her. Wang Xiangxiu walked in with a stiff expression, only to find the cement ground outside their window dug up. Their glass had also been smashed by Yuan Jun.


    To say the least, their home was in complete disarray. Wang Xiangxiu sighed deeply. Without saying a word to anyone, she went straight home and started cleaning meticulously. Seeing that it was getting late and the sky had turned completely dark, everyone else gradually went home too.


    Ming Mei hadn¡¯t been home for several days. As soon as she entered the room, she flopped onto the bed and said, "No matter how grand other places are, there¡¯s nothing like your own humble home."


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned in with a smile and said, "Isn¡¯t our home the best?"


    Ming Mei replied, "My parents¡¯ home is nice too, but no matter how nice it is, I still prefer the freedom of my own place."


    Her mother was stricter with her than her mother-in-law, which only proved how much of a "real mother" she was.


    Ming Mei muttered this and then sat up, asking, "So, what¡¯s been happening lately? Tell me more."


    Seeing her bright eyes filled with curiosity, Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but laugh. He leaned closer and joked, "Our courtyard is the most harmonious place. What could possibly happen here? Nothing, of course."


    Ming Mei burst into laughter and said, "Who would believe that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi pretended to be serious, "Why don¡¯t you trust me?"


    Ming Mei pouted playfully, "I don¡¯t, I just don¡¯t!"


    After a bit of playful banter, she said, "Oh, right, you need to go to my parents¡¯ place tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"


    He looked at his wife with confusion, waiting for her to continue.


    Ming Mei: "My dad came back from a business trip out of town and brought us a box of apples. You need to go and get them tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised and then chuckled, "Your dad really is something, isn¡¯t he?"


    Ming Mei replied calmly, "Of course, he¡¯s my dad. He¡¯s amazing and loves me dearly."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "That¡¯s because Ming Mei is wonderful."


    Ming Mei countered, "It¡¯s not because I¡¯m so great. Even if I weren¡¯t, my dad would still love me. He¡¯s my real father, just like Little Zhang¡¯s brother. He moved to a completely unfamiliar city for his daughter¡¯s sake."


    Though it¡¯s unclear whether it was the right decision, it was undoubtedly the best choice for their family after careful consideration.


    Ming Mei sprawled out on the bed and said, "I wonder who will move in after they leave. I hope they¡¯re easy to get along with. If they¡¯re not..."


    Zhuang Zhixi interrupted, "Once someone moves into our courtyard, there¡¯s no such thing as easy or hard to get along with. With the people and the atmosphere here, do I even need to say more? The least easy to get along with are the people in our courtyard. Who are we to judge outsiders?"


    Ming Mei burst out laughing, "You¡¯re right. Most people really wouldn¡¯t be able to adapt to this place."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed too.


    "It¡¯s always others who have to adapt to the courtyard, not the courtyard adapting to one person."


    Ming Mei shrugged.


    There¡¯s no denying that one major event can significantly affect the atmosphere of the courtyard.


    Recently, with so many things happening, everyone had become much more subdued.


    In the following days, nothing particularly noteworthy happened in their courtyard, but that didn¡¯t stop the gossip. Even at the factory, people were buzzing with rumors.


    Although Old Man Bai had passed away, the focus of the discussions wasn¡¯t on him. Instead, the main topic of conversation was Aunt Su, Gou Lanxiang. As time went by, more and more rumors spread.


    Some of these rumors were about Aunt Su¡¯s past. Though everyone knew her real name wasn¡¯t Gou Lanxiang, they had grown accustomed to calling her that.


    It¡¯s unclear how accurate these rumors were, but they certainly provided plenty of material for gossip.


    For example, some said that Aunt Su had been mentioned back in the early days after liberation. At that time, the government was encouraging women in the red-light district to reform and start a new life. It was said that some of these women had been sold into that line of work.


    The daughter of the brothel owner was called "Ah Xiang."


    Despite her young age, she was known to be extremely cruel. One day she would whip someone, and the next she would sweet-talk them to calm them down. She was a cunning and calculating girl. Later, it was said that she also took clients, but unlike the others who were forced into it, she had a choice.


    When their "madam" got into trouble, Ah Xiang fled with the money.


    As for whether her mother was alive or dead, she didn¡¯t care.


    Some also mentioned the infamous "Madam Gou" from back then. Though she had died long before liberation, she had a notorious reputation. She was known for forcing innocent girls into prostitution. Many girls fell into her hands and suffered terribly. Even her own daughter, who wasn¡¯t very old at the time, was said to be cunning and cruel, skilled at "training" others. That daughter was none other than Aunt Su, Gou Lanxiang.


    These rumors spread like wildfire, but there was no way to verify them. After all, it had been a long time since those events. Still, that didn¡¯t stop people from gossiping about them.


    Many people even went to ask Wang Xiangxiu about it, but they were all scolded away.


    Wang Xiangxiu had been living a three-point life recently: going to work at the factory, visiting the hospital to care for her child, and then returning home. However, there was some good news in her family¡ªher second son, Tonglai, was out of danger.


    This was probably one of the few positive developments in her life recently.


    Wang Xiangxiu was always in a hurry these days, too busy to even go to the water room to bathe or flirt with anyone. She had lost a noticeable amount of weight, and those who didn¡¯t work at the machinery factory rarely saw her.


    She left early and returned late every day.


    As for Tonglai, who used to run around with his brothers, now that kindergarten was over, he would come home alone and sit on a small stool by the door.


    As for the rest of the people in the courtyard, life went on as usual. Recently, no one had been causing any trouble, and everyone was living quietly. The only one still somewhat active was Zhou Qun, who loved to gossip everywhere.


    Because of this, Aunt Wang had a special talk with Zhou Qun. Of course, it wasn¡¯t to stop him from gossiping¡ªthat was beyond her control¡ªbut to discuss having him take over as the courtyard¡¯s manager during the year-end elections. After all, he loved going from house to house, so wouldn¡¯t that be perfect?


    Zhou Qun agreed to consider it.


    Aunt Wang was overjoyed.


    Zhou Qun was considering it, but his main focus was still on the factory.


    Recently, the factory had organized a matchmaking event, and Zhou Qun had plenty to say about it. The main topic of discussion was their old acquaintance, Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou had actually signed up for the event. At first glance, Bai Fendou¡¯s conditions seemed quite good.


    If you didn¡¯t know his background, you might easily be fooled.


    But thanks to the abundance of gossip, everyone in the city knew about Bai Fendou. His name was practically a household one, and while this wasn¡¯t good for Bai Fendou, it did eliminate the possibility of him "tricking" someone into marriage.


    Everyone knew his real situation, so there was no chance of him deceiving a wife.


    Even without the rumors, Bai Fendou insisted that he would never deceive anyone. He was a man of integrity, and tricking a woman was beneath him. To prepare for the matchmaking event, Bai Fendou even borrowed a shirt from Old Man Zhuang.


    Yes, you read that right¡ªOld Man Zhuang.


    That¡¯s because Old Man Zhuang had made a short-sleeved polyester shirt this summer, something even Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t have. Bai Fendou had reserved it early, planning to borrow it.


    This wasn¡¯t an unusual situation. In fact, several people had asked to borrow Old Man Zhuang¡¯s shirt, but Bai Fendou had been the quickest.


    Borrowing nice clothes for a matchmaking event was pretty standard, especially in rural areas where resources were scarce and everyone was poor.


    The matchmaking event was held at the cultural center.


    Zhuang Zhixi, as part of the propaganda department, had gone early to help with the preparations. Others from the union, factory office, and women¡¯s federation were also there. Besides these official departments, there were also volunteers helping out.


    For example¡ªZhou Qun.


    Zhou Qun had volunteered to come and help out, and of course, he had his reasons. His explanation was that his wife was a pregnant woman, an older one at that, and it was her first pregnancy, so they were being extra cautious. With so many people around, there was a risk of her getting bumped or hurt, which wouldn¡¯t be good.


    So, he preferred that his wife stay back at the factory, and he would come here to help in her place. He had even made arrangements with his colleagues and handed out cigarettes to smooth things over.


    As for this whole situation, it left people a bit speechless.


    Even if Zhou Qun hadn¡¯t said anything, the Women¡¯s Federation wouldn¡¯t have let Jiang Lu come anyway. There was still a sense of humanity in that.


    But Zhou Qun had rushed over quickly, and people suspected that his concern for Jiang Lu was just an excuse. What he really wanted was to see the spectacle.


    As the saying goes, it¡¯s a good thing this guy is useless now.


    So, there really wasn¡¯t much to worry about.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t hold back and started giving Zhou Qun tasks. If he volunteered to help, why not put him to work?


    He called out, ¡°Brother Qun, come over and help put up these lists. They have everyone¡¯s personal information.¡±


    Zhou Qun replied, ¡°Coming, coming!¡±


    He hurried over to help. The work here was quite meticulous.


    He helped put up several large red posters with lists on them. Upon closer inspection, there were three profiles for male candidates and three for female candidates.


    The male candidates were mainly from the machinery factory, while the female candidates were mostly elementary school teachers and bus station staff, with ticket sellers being the majority.


    Of course, that¡¯s not to say there were no women at the machinery factory. There were some, like the top female candidate, Tao Yuyue, who worked as a temporary staff member in the factory¡¯s medical office. Zhou Qun read aloud, ¡°Number one, Tao Yuyue, temporary worker at the machinery factory¡¯s medical office, 20 years old, graduated from a medical school. She has an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. Both her brother and sister are married, and her younger brother has been sent to the countryside. Both parents are alive; her father works at a food factory, and her mother is a temporary worker there.¡±


    Zhou Qun stroked his chin and said, ¡°Tao Yuyue seems quite aloof, but her background isn¡¯t particularly outstanding.¡±


    Actually, her situation wasn¡¯t bad, but Zhou Qun could afford to say that. After all, Jiang Lu¡¯s circumstances were beyond what most people could compare to. It wasn¡¯t surprising that he thought others¡¯ situations were ordinary. But upon further reflection, Zhou Qun had a point.


    Without considering her personality, Tao Yuyue¡¯s background wasn¡¯t particularly impressive.


    After all, she was just a temporary worker.


    In those days, there was a world of difference between being a permanent employee and a temporary one.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t join Zhou Qun in his commentary. He had a good relationship with Doctor Wang from the medical office. Tao Yuyue was Doctor Wang¡¯s niece, so Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t feel the need to gossip. He turned around and went to arrange some snacks. In the center of the table, he placed a few pieces of fruit.


    But don¡¯t think these were for everyone to eat. With so many people around, such a small amount of food clearly wasn¡¯t meant to be eaten. It was just for show. If anyone dared to take any, they¡¯d be laughed at.


    This wasn¡¯t the place to be greedy.


    ¡°What time does this start?¡±


    ¡°In an hour.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯d better hurry up.¡±


    Apart from that, they had also prepared balloons, flowers, and some ribbons. Zhuang Zhixi and the other men were the main workforce, taking charge of setting up the venue. After all, there would be reporters coming to take photos.


    If the venue wasn¡¯t decorated nicely, it wouldn¡¯t look good in the newspapers.


    With many hands making light work, the venue was quickly transformed into a warm and welcoming space.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of decorating like this when I got married?¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, could you have gotten all this stuff?¡± Sister Cui teased.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°No way.¡±


    Thinking about it, he didn¡¯t have any regrets. They simply couldn¡¯t have done it.


    Many of these things required official applications from proper organizations. Ordinary people couldn¡¯t get their hands on them.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked around and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Little Xu? He¡¯s disappeared.¡±


    Sister Cui said, ¡°He vanished as soon as he got here. Probably went off to sleep somewhere and avoid work. This guy used to be so competitive, but now he looks so worn out. It¡¯s like he¡¯s never had enough sleep. I don¡¯t know how a young guy like him ended up looking so drained. He¡¯s single, but he looks more like a married man than you do.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, ¡°What are you talking about? How do I not look like a married man? I¡¯m always talking about my wife.¡± S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sister Cui rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Alright, we know you two are lovey-dovey. No need to show off.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, ¡°How is telling the truth showing off?¡±


    Old Huang chimed in, ¡°Little Xu started sweating as soon as he entered the venue, like he¡¯d seen a ghost. He looked a bit pale, so I told him to step outside and take a breather.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi looked around and said, ¡°This place seems fine. What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±


    Sister Cui speculated, ¡°Is he trying to avoid work?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? Probably not, right?¡±


    As they were discussing this, Little Xu was sitting outside by the wall of the cultural center, leaning against it and staring up at the sky in despair. He didn¡¯t want to see Zhou Qun! Every time he saw Zhou Qun, he thought of Jiang Lu, and thinking of Jiang Lu made his legs go weak.


    That woman was like a wolf or a tiger.


    She had left a psychological scar on him.


    Wuwu, he didn¡¯t want to see Zhou Qun.


    Besides that, seeing Zhou Qun was a bit awkward for him. After all, he had slept with the man¡¯s wife. There was a mix of guilt, awkwardness, and confusion. But he could understand why Zhou Qun had turned his attention to men, even trying to make moves on Bai Fendou. He probably couldn¡¯t handle Jiang Lu¡¯s insatiable demands.


    He was tired of women.


    Wuwuwu.


    It was just a miserable situation.


    He didn¡¯t want to see Zhou Qun, and he didn¡¯t want to see Jiang Lu.


    As he wallowed in self-pity, he noticed a large group of people approaching. He checked the time and realized it was almost time.


    He quickly got up and hurried inside, saying, ¡°They¡¯re here.¡±


    Luckily, they had arrived early, and the venue was already set up.


    Among those who had come early to help, some were single and participating in the matchmaking event. However, the single ones were easily identifiable by the badges they wore. At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi, as a married man, quickly found a corner to stand in. This wasn¡¯t the time for him to steal the spotlight.


    All the staff stood on either side of the venue as the leaders entered first. Zhuang Zhixi felt a bit of discomfort in his stomach and quietly slipped out. The weather had been fluctuating a lot lately, with big temperature differences between morning and evening. Leaving the window open for too long at night had upset his stomach.


    He headed to the restroom and, upon entering, saw Bai Fendou there, nervously inhaling and exhaling, loudly encouraging himself, ¡°Bai Fendou, you can find a wife!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi stumbled in surprise and said, ¡°Hey, Bai Fendou, what are you doing causing a scene in the restroom? Hurry up, it¡¯s already started.¡±


    Bai Fendou replied, ¡°I know, I can do this! I¡¯m capable!¡±


    He pumped himself up again and strode out confidently.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    This was just ridiculous.


    Bai Fendou was even wearing his father¡¯s jacket, though it was unclear whose pants he had borrowed. As Zhuang Zhixi left the restroom and headed back to the venue, he noticed a group of sneaky teenagers carrying baskets, hiding and darting around.


    Well, there¡¯s always someone trying to make a quick buck, no matter the situation.


    This matchmaking event was quite large, and many people knew about it. With so many young men and women gathered together, there were bound to be some who hit it off. If they decided to go out to watch a movie or something, they¡¯d inevitably run into these basket-carrying kids.


    When you¡¯re dating, you¡¯ve got to buy some snacks, right?


    The idea was well thought out and logical. They could definitely make some money. But it was also a bit risky. These kids were bold and fearless when it came to making money. Perhaps because Zhuang Zhixi had been staring at them for a while, one of the kids quickly approached him and said, ¡°Big bro, want some roasted peanuts? They¡¯re super fragrant.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi peeked into the basket and saw that the peanuts looked perfectly roasted.


    He said, ¡°¡­Sure, give me some.¡±


    He bought a pound, wrapped them in paper, and stuffed them into his bag.


    ¡°Be careful, don¡¯t get caught,¡± Zhuang Zhixi warned.


    The kid, thrilled with his first sale, said, ¡°Big bro, I can run fast. Besides, who¡¯d be so inconsiderate as to cause trouble here today? The anti-speculation office wouldn¡¯t dare come and ruin the mood. Hehe.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi gave him a thumbs-up.


    Despite being older than others, he wasn''t as adept at handling situations as they were.


    Zhuang Zhixi carried his bag back. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t bring a bag to work, but today, since he needed to set up the venue, having a bag was convenient. And as it turned out, it came in handy. Zhuang Zhixi peeled a roasted peanut and ate it, nodding in approval: "Tasty."


    The vendor, delighted, boasted, "Our craftsmanship is one of a kind. You can enjoy it without worry."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and returned to the venue. To his surprise, the leader was still giving a speech. Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself, "..."


    Leaders really do love to talk, don¡¯t they?


    He checked the time. The speech had been going on for half an hour already. Didn¡¯t they realize the main event today was a matchmaking session? Fortunately, it was finally coming to an end. As the leader finished, thunderous applause broke out.


    One couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the applause was more about celebrating the end of the speech than anything else.


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned against the wall, observing the crowd of men and women in the venue. There were easily two to three hundred people, maybe even more. Cheerful music played in the background. Some of the more outgoing young men and women started dancing in the middle of the room, while the shyer ones stood in the corners.


    The liveliest spots were around the more attractive girls, who naturally drew more attention.


    At the center of the venue was Tao Yuyue.


    During the registration, Tao Yuyue had already figured out that the bulletin board would provide detailed introductions of everyone¡¯s backgrounds. As a temporary worker, this was her biggest disadvantage. Other than that, her conditions were fairly average.


    But this one major drawback was enough to make people overlook her. Knowing this, Tao Yuyue had planned her strategy early on. Men are often swayed by looks, especially those with good conditions. Sometimes, they might not fixate too much on a woman¡¯s background.


    She had been through many matchmaking sessions before. She noticed that men who were average in terms of conditions and overly calculating tended to demand more from the women they pursued. On the other hand, those with better conditions were less stringent. So, she didn¡¯t even bother with those who looked down on her background.


    Her goal was to shine during this matchmaking event.


    She had prepared for a long time, practicing at home. As the music started, she took the initiative to step forward first, smiling as she said, "With such wonderful music and such a beautiful day, it¡¯s rare for us to gather like this. Why don¡¯t I perform a dance for everyone?"


    She had learned a Xinjiang dance, which was perfect for the occasion.


    "Bravo!"


    "Beautiful!"


    Thanks to Tao Yuyue¡¯s lead, the atmosphere quickly warmed up. Many bold young men and women joined in. Of course, while some admired Tao Yuyue, others didn¡¯t care for her.


    Especially among the women, it was almost instinctive to recognize that she wasn¡¯t their kind of person.


    Men might not understand, but women could sense it immediately. They didn¡¯t like her much.


    The venue was bustling with activity, but Bai Fendou was the loneliest one there. He had approached several people, only to be swiftly brushed off. This left him feeling disheartened. What he didn¡¯t know was that before he even entered, a group of people had already gathered around the bulletin board, asking, "Which number is Bai Fendou? Bai Fendou from the machinery factory? Number twenty-five? Who¡¯s number twenty-five¡­"


    So, when Bai Fendou appeared, the number "25" on his badge immediately caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    So, this was Bai Fendou.


    This was the infamous Bai Fendou, the man who was no longer a man, the subject of countless rumors.


    At first glance, he was indeed unattractive.


    Both ugly and foolish!


    To be honest, most people didn¡¯t have a good impression of Bai Fendou. Aside from the rumors about him, there was also the fact that his father had passed away less than a month ago, and the mourning period wasn¡¯t even over. Yet here he was, already out looking for a partner.


    This gave off a strong impression of being unfilial.


    If he couldn¡¯t even respect his own father, how could anyone expect him to respect his in-laws? It was impossible. So, the women didn¡¯t think much of him. Yet, Bai Fendou remained oblivious. He kept approaching the more attractive women.


    This only made people look down on him even more. He clearly lacked self-awareness.


    What kind of conditions did he have to be chasing after pretty girls? Wasn¡¯t he just setting them up for a life of loneliness?


    The men at the event looked at Bai Fendou with disdain, while the women avoided him like the plague, not even willing to exchange a word with him.


    Bai Fendou¡¯s surroundings were practically a vacuum.


    He didn¡¯t notice, but Zhuang Zhixi, squatting nearby and munching on peanuts, saw it all clearly.


    "Where¡¯d you get those peanuts? Give me some."


    Zhou Qun squatted down beside Zhuang Zhixi, who replied without hesitation, "If you want some, go buy your own. There¡¯s a vendor at the entrance."


    Zhou Qun: "Cheapskate."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I don¡¯t care."


    Zhou Qun watched as Zhuang Zhixi kept eating. After a moment of hesitation, he quickly went outside, jogged to the vendor, and returned with his own bag of peanuts. He squatted down and started peeling them. Watching Bai Fendou get rejected yet again, he couldn¡¯t help but comment, "Why is he so clueless? He should be talking to the women with worse conditions. He doesn¡¯t even realize his own situation, yet he¡¯s chasing after the good ones. No wonder they¡¯re giving him the cold shoulder."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Maybe he¡¯s just blinded by beauty?"


    Back in the courtyard, Bai Fendou had mentioned wanting to find a widow with children, but now that he was here, he seemed to have changed his mind. He was clearly captivated by the attractive women. But he didn¡¯t stop to think: why would someone with good conditions choose him?


    "Tsk, tsk. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s going to find anyone this time either."


    "I think so too."


    The two of them squatted in the corner, eating peanuts and gossiping, which caught Sister Cui¡¯s attention. She came over and squatted down, saying, "Give me some."


    Zhuang Zhixi shared some peanuts with her, while Zhou Qun snorted in annoyance.


    Damn, this guy was playing favorites.


    Sister Cui looked at the crowd of men and women and said, "I wonder how many couples will hit it off today."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There¡¯ll definitely be some. Even in previous events that weren¡¯t as well-organized as this one, quite a few couples got together. This time, things are even clearer and more straightforward."


    "That¡¯s true."


    While they were busy watching the drama, Bai Fendou had made his rounds twice without anyone paying him any attention. He sighed in frustration. He was a decent young man, so why was finding a partner so difficult? Sighing, he turned and saw Tao Yuyue¡¯s smiling face. He immediately approached her: "Nurse Tao, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here. Your dance was wonderful."


    Tao Yuyue replied gracefully, "Thank you."


    She added, "Mr. Bai, how about you? Have you found anyone you like? Tell me, I won¡¯t tell anyone else."


    She playfully winked, causing the men around her to gasp. They found her utterly charming.


    One of the men, who clearly looked down on Bai Fendou, said, "Nurse Tao, you¡¯re just too kind-hearted. You¡¯re willing to be friends with anyone. But some people, you really should keep your distance from. Be careful, or you might get taken advantage of. Some people look human, but they don¡¯t act like it."


    "That¡¯s right."


    "Why are you even talking to Bai Fendou? He¡¯s not even a real man."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s face instantly darkened. "What the hell did you just say?"


    He grabbed the man by the collar and snapped, "Who asked for your opinion? I don¡¯t need you to meddle. You think you¡¯re a real man? You¡¯re still here looking for a partner just like me! Nurse Tao wouldn¡¯t give you the time of day either!"


    "Whether she likes me or not, at least I¡¯m a real man," the man retorted stubbornly.


    "I¡¯ll beat the crap out of you!"


    "Go ahead, try it. What are you even capable of?"


    The two of them started arguing, drawing the attention of everyone around them.


    Some were curious, some were amused, and others frowned in disapproval.


    From a distance, Zhuang Zhixi and the others watched in shock. "Damn, what¡¯s Bai Fendou doing now?"


    They were really fed up with Bai Fendou¡¯s antics. How could he cause trouble in any situation? Zhuang Zhixi quickly got up to intervene, saying, "Let go, both of you! You¡¯re here to find partners, not to fight. This is embarrassing. Look, the women are watching. We¡¯re men of the capital; we need to save face."


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s words worked, and the two men separated.


    He breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Look, we¡¯re all from the same factory. There¡¯s no need for this, really."


    He straightened Bai Fendou''s clothes, which belonged to his father, making sure not to damage them.


    Just as he finished, he suddenly felt that this wasn¡¯t appropriate, as it might lead to gossip. After all, Bai Fendou had too many rumors swirling around him. He then naturally turned to tidy up the other guy who was ready to fight and said, "You all need to look presentable, neat and tidy. That¡¯s what makes a good impression. Do you know why I¡¯m married and you¡¯re still single? It¡¯s because I¡¯m clean, organized, and have a good personality. You all should learn a thing or two."


    Bai Fendou and the other guy who was about to fight: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Be polite and kind to others, that¡¯s how we represent the spirit of our machinery factory, comrades."


    Bai Fendou twitched his lips, thinking to himself: *You make it sound so convincing, but it¡¯s really just because you¡¯re good-looking.*


    "Do your best and try to get married soon," Zhuang Zhixi added.


    Bai Fendou retorted, "Just get out of here already. You¡¯ve got a wife and now you¡¯re showing off in front of me."


    The other guy chimed in, "Exactly."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged innocently and said, "Have you ever thought that what you consider showing off is just me stating the plain truth?"


    "Uh..."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Alright, break it up. What¡¯s the point of fighting? Hurry up and see if there are any suitable girls around. Start making your moves! Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know how to find a partner!"


    The people around them laughed along. Although he said it in a teasing manner, his words weren¡¯t aggressive at all. The tense atmosphere from earlier instantly lightened, and everyone started laughing.


    A few female comrades whispered among themselves, "Why isn¡¯t he wearing a name tag? What¡¯s his number?"


    "Didn¡¯t you hear what he just said? He¡¯s married."


    "Was he joking?"


    "Of course not. Look, he¡¯s not wearing a name tag. He¡¯s probably just a staff member, maybe from the machinery factory¡¯s union or the publicity department."


    "Still, we should ask around..."


    Their hushed chatter was overheard by Zhou Qun, who said loudly, "Ladies, don¡¯t get your hopes up about the guys without name tags. They¡¯re all married. Even if you like them, it¡¯s no use."


    The female comrades, who had been whispering, rolled their eyes at his booming voice.


    But now their attention was no longer on Zhuang Zhixi. Since it had been made clear, he must indeed be married. What a shame¡ªa good-looking, funny, and respectable guy like him, already taken.


    The scene returned to its lively atmosphere.


    Having successfully mediated the situation, Zhuang Zhixi quietly retreated to a corner, unnoticed.


    However, he didn¡¯t notice that a few people were watching him. Some leaders from the unit who had come to observe the situation nodded and smiled, murmuring, "That young man handles things well. He¡¯s got a good approach."


    In such situations, it¡¯s easy to stop a fight, but to keep the atmosphere lively and ensure no one feels offended is quite difficult.


    "I know him," said the leader from the bus station with a smile. "He comes to our unit every day to pick up his wife. His wife, Ming Mei, is quite something. She¡¯s caught thieves several times. The police station has tried to recruit her multiple times, but I¡¯ve refused to let her go."


    "Wow, impressive!"


    "Absolutely."


    After chatting about Zhuang Zhixi and his wife, the leaders turned their attention back to the event. "Hey, wasn¡¯t that your nephew arguing with Bai Fendou earlier?"


    "Yes, that disgrace to the family."


    "Gentlemen pursue fair ladies. He must have been fighting over a girl."


    "That girl is quite graceful. She dances Xinjiang folk dances very well."


    "Indeed."


    Don¡¯t think that men don¡¯t gossip, or that leaders don¡¯t gossip. They were all thoroughly enjoying the drama.


    Zhuang Zhixi, still crouched in the corner, continued shelling peanuts when he noticed a woman walking up to Bai Fendou with a smile. She said, "Hello, Comrade Bai Fendou."


    Zhuang Zhixi stopped eating peanuts and stared in surprise.


    *Bai Fendou¡­ getting attention from a woman?*

 Chapter 130

    "Bai Fendou, hello."Bai Fendou was feeling downcast, thinking that people really had no taste, when someone suddenly greeted him.


    He turned around in surprise and instantly felt his heart bloom. The woman in front of him was exactly his type. He wasn¡¯t into the youthful, girlish look; instead, he preferred someone a bit more glamorous and curvaceous.


    Like Wang Xiangxiu.


    And the woman before him was just that type.


    "What? Don¡¯t you recognize me? I¡¯m your elementary school classmate, Guan Guiling. What, now that you¡¯re doing well, you¡¯re ignoring old friends?"


    Bai Fendou: "Guan Guiling?"


    He didn¡¯t remember her, but that didn¡¯t stop him from nodding. "Oh, it¡¯s you."


    After all, what man would admit he didn¡¯t recognize a pretty woman?


    He glanced down at her name tag, only to find it blank. Surprised, he looked at Guan Guiling and asked, "You¡¯re not here for the matchmaking event?"


    Guan Guiling¡¯s tone carried a hint of melancholy. "I¡¯m not qualified to be here for matchmaking. Look at all the fresh-faced young girls here. Someone like me would just be a background character. I work at the bus station¡¯s union and came here to help out."


    Bai Fendou: "What do you mean, background character? I think many here can¡¯t hold a candle to you."


    As soon as he said this, he was met with a flurry of angry glares. Flattering a woman was one thing, but why insult everyone else? And why say it so loudly, as if he wanted everyone to hear?


    What kind of person was this?


    So rude.


    The women nearby rolled their eyes, while the men seemed pleased. With someone like Bai Fendou around, they looked much better by comparison. The more unpopular he was, the better their chances.


    Hmph.


    Everyone had their own thoughts, but Guan Guiling smiled and said, "Thank you for standing up for me. Old classmates are the best."


    Bai Fendou blushed at her words. Guan Guiling asked, "So, have you found anyone you like? The girls at the bus station are quite something, you know."


    Of course, Bai Fendou knew they were. Whether it was the bus station, the elementary school teachers, or the girls at the machinery factory, there were plenty of attractive women. But none of them were interested in him. Whenever he tried to strike up a conversation, they ignored him, acting so aloof.


    Still, he had his pride. "I haven¡¯t found anyone suitable yet. I¡¯m quite picky."


    Guan Guiling raised an eyebrow and said softly, "You¡¯ve always been like that, even as a kid. High standards."


    Bai Fendou laughed, feeling that this old classmate was really nice, much better than those young girls who didn¡¯t appreciate him. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Are you single or married? Someone as wonderful as you must have married early, right?"


    Guan Guiling nodded. "I was married."


    She paused, then added, "But I¡¯m divorced now."


    Bai Fendou sighed softly. Guan Guiling¡¯s eyes flickered as she said, "I¡¯ve had a hard life. My ex-husband, well..."


    She paused again, seeing that she had piqued Bai Fendou¡¯s interest, then added, "Never mind, why am I talking about this? I don¡¯t want to ruin your matchmaking mood."


    Bai Fendou grew anxious. "No, no, go on. Why stop now? This matchmaking thing isn¡¯t really working out for me anyway. Why don¡¯t we go out and sit somewhere? It¡¯s too crowded here to talk properly." He thought for a moment and said, "Let me treat you to a meal. We¡¯ll go to the state-run restaurant and have some meat buns."


    Guan Guiling hesitated. "Is that appropriate? Everyone here is matchmaking, and I¡¯m sure there are plenty of young girls interested in talking to you. If I take you away, they¡¯ll hate me for ruining your chances."


    "Nonsense. Just because someone¡¯s interested in me doesn¡¯t mean I have to be interested in them. I¡¯m not that easy, you know. I have standards when it comes to finding a partner. Come on, let¡¯s go. It¡¯s not every day we old classmates run into each other. Let¡¯s have a meal together."


    Guan Guiling smiled. "Alright then."


    The two of them walked out together, leaving Zhuang Zhixi dumbfounded. From his corner, he couldn¡¯t hear what they were saying, but it was clear they were getting along well. He stared at their retreating figures in shock when he heard an incredulous voice: "Bai Fendou actually left with a woman? How is that possible?"


    Zhuang Zhixi turned his head and saw Zhou Qun, who had apparently been watching for some time. Zhou Qun looked utterly stunned, his expression slightly dazed. "I never thought he¡¯d actually leave with someone! Wait, who is that woman? What unit does she work for? She must be blind. Or maybe she¡¯s up to something?"


    Zhou Qun¡¯s questions came from the depths of his soul.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his disheveled appearance and said, "Maybe Bai Fendou¡¯s luck is finally turning. Can¡¯t you wish your buddy some happiness?"


    Zhou Qun¡¯s face remained one of shock. "This isn¡¯t about wishing him well or not. What if Bai Fendou¡¯s being scammed?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who knows? I noticed that woman wasn¡¯t wearing a name tag, but people without tags aren¡¯t supposed to be allowed in."


    Truth be told, Zhuang Zhixi also felt something was off. After all, what normal woman would go for someone like Bai Fendou?


    "We¡¯ll ask him about it when we get back to the courtyard."


    As neighbors in the same compound, they were genuinely concerned that Bai Fendou might be getting duped. Not that they were nosy or anything¡ªabsolutely not.


    If they hadn¡¯t been on duty, Zhuang Zhixi would have followed to see what Bai Fendou was up to.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that today¡¯s matchmaking event, while lively, was ultimately rather dull. Hundreds of young men and women, yet it wasn¡¯t as interesting as the gatherings in their courtyard with just a dozen families.


    Young people these days were too reserved.


    After watching for a while, he sighed, thinking that things had been more entertaining when Bai Fendou was around. But now the man had left¡ªwhat a pity.


    He wondered where Bai Fendou had taken that woman.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t stupid. Even though he couldn¡¯t hear their conversation, he could tell at a glance that the woman wasn¡¯t unmarried. Her age gave her away. Besides, no unmarried woman would approach Bai Fendou willingly.


    Even Wang Zhaodi, a poor country girl, wouldn¡¯t do it.


    Actually, Zhuang Zhixi was mistaken about Wang Zhaodi. It wasn¡¯t that she wouldn¡¯t do it. If it were a normal matchmaking situation, even knowing Bai Fendou¡¯s shortcomings, Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family would likely have agreed. Wang Zhaodi, being a naive girl, wouldn¡¯t have known any better and would have followed her family¡¯s wishes to marry him.


    But this wasn¡¯t a normal situation. Wang Zhaodi had ended up living in their courtyard due to unusual circumstances and had come into contact with many people, which had changed her perspective. She now knew exactly what kind of person Bai Fendou was and understood that marrying him would be a disaster for any unmarried girl.


    So Wang Zhaodi wanted no part of it.


    She was hardworking and self-reliant, able to make a living with her own hands. She didn¡¯t want to settle for a miserable life.


    See, even Wang Zhaodi, a country girl, wasn¡¯t interested. So how could a working woman from the city possibly be interested in Bai Fendou?


    Yes, there was a noticeable difference between those who had jobs and those who didn¡¯t, both in demeanor and appearance. Housewives tended to be a bit more unkempt, while working women were usually more put-together.


    Of course, this wasn¡¯t a hard-and-fast rule, but it was generally true.


    So Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but think that Bai Fendou might be walking into another trap.


    "Hey, do you know that woman?" Zhou Qun asked, interrupting Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s thoughts.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "No, I don¡¯t."


    Zhou Qun: "You don¡¯t know her, and she¡¯s not wearing a name tag. I¡¯ll go ask around. We can¡¯t have some shady woman sneaking in here."


    He darted off, and Zhuang Zhixi stroked his chin, deep in thought.


    When he looked up again, he saw Zhou Qun darting around, talking to one person after another, busier than ever.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Who could have imagined that at the beginning of the year, this person was still putting on a facade of seriousness, spouting moral lessons left and right? The change came so fast it was almost jarring! But honestly, Zhou Qun being like this isn¡¯t so bad. At least he seems more human now.


    Not long after, Zhou Qun returned and sidled up to Zhuang Zhixi, whispering as if they were sharing a secret: ¡°I¡¯ve got the scoop.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Oh?¡±


    He was curious too and quickly asked, ¡°What¡¯s the deal? What does that woman do? How did she get in touch with Bai Fendou?¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°I asked around at the entrance. She¡¯s from the union at the bus station, here to help out.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, ¡°Help out? This event is mainly organized by our factory. Most of the people setting up the venue are from our machinery plant. You¡¯ve been here all morning, haven¡¯t you noticed? It¡¯s mostly our people. The school didn¡¯t want to make a big deal, so they didn¡¯t send anyone. As for the bus station, only a few union members are here. We¡¯ve already seen them this morning. She wasn¡¯t among them.¡±


    The school was keeping a low profile, not daring to draw attention, being extremely cautious and quiet.


    As for the bus station, they don¡¯t have weekends off. They operate on a rotating schedule since the buses run every day. So, many people from the bus station signed up for the matchmaking event, and someone had to cover their shifts. In recent years, there¡¯s been a wave of new hires at the bus station, with fewer single people in the administrative offices and more single ticket sellers.


    So, with so many people attending the matchmaking event, a lot of shifts needed to be covered.


    That¡¯s why only five people from the bus station came to help. Zhuang Zhixi knew this well.


    After all, his wife works at the bus station.


    It was because of this connection that the two sides got in touch and organized this matchmaking event. Everyone at the bus station had seen Zhuang Zhixi picking up his wife, so even if they didn¡¯t know him personally, they recognized his face. That¡¯s why they all greeted him when they arrived.


    So, Zhuang Zhixi was familiar with everyone from the bus station, but he hadn¡¯t seen that woman earlier.


    Hearing this, Zhou Qun slapped his forehead, ¡°You¡¯re right! I¡¯ve been here all morning and didn¡¯t see her either. But she wouldn¡¯t lie about this, would she? It¡¯d be too easy to expose. Anyway, I asked a few female colleagues who were standing near Bai Fendou earlier. They said the woman is Bai Fendou¡¯s elementary school classmate, Guan Guiling. The two old classmates ran into each other and went out together, saying they were going to eat meat buns. Tsk, look at Bai Fendou, always so sneaky. But they also said the woman is divorced. Geez, it feels like she¡¯s fishing. My heart¡¯s itching with curiosity.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Zhou Qun in surprise, ¡°Aren¡¯t you and Bai Fendou classmates too?¡±


    He asked, ¡°If Bai Fendou knows her, how come you don¡¯t?¡±


    Zhou Qun was stunned for a moment, then said, ¡°You¡¯re right, Bai Fendou and I are classmates.¡±


    Zhou Qun, Bai Fendou, and that kid from the Su family were all elementary school classmates. Although they weren¡¯t the same age, they were born within a year of each other. The Su kid was a year older, but only by about ten months.


    However, none of them studied much, and they all dropped out after elementary school.


    Zhou Qun: ¡°We were in the same class. How come I don¡¯t remember having a female classmate like her?¡±


    ¡°Probably because she¡¯s changed a lot since then. You wouldn¡¯t recognize her.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Ugh, my memory is terrible. How could I forget a woman?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Why are you insulting yourself?


    Zhou Qun: ¡°No, I need to go ask around some more.¡±


    He was about to leave when he suddenly stopped and said, ¡°Wait, I don¡¯t need to go out and ask. I can just ask your wife when we get home. She works at the bus station, so she must know, right?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°My wife hasn¡¯t been working there long. She might not know. You should go out and ask. Get the details, and we¡¯ll share what we find out.¡±


    The subtext was clear: Come on, let¡¯s gossip together.


    We¡¯re both gossipy men.


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Just wait and see. I¡¯m off!¡±


    Zhou Qun dove back into the gossip pool.


    It wasn¡¯t just the two of them being nosy. After Bai Fendou left, more than half the people at the event were talking about him. After all, a legendary figure like him was always worth discussing. Especially since this legendary figure, despite being, well, let¡¯s just say ¡°incapacitated,¡± was still looking for a wife.


    Not just any wife, but a pretty one at that.


    Tsk!


    It¡¯s ridiculous!


    Do pretty, well-off girls owe you something?


    It¡¯s natural for gentlemen to admire beautiful ladies, but you have to be realistic. Otherwise, it¡¯s just delusional.


    Everyone was baffled as to why someone would leave with Bai Fendou. But then again, the rumors about him being a bit out of touch were spot on. The man was truly something else.


    There¡¯s no denying that Bai Fendou added a lot of spice to the matchmaking event.


    Originally, the young men and women were quite reserved. Even though it was a big event, people back then were generally more introverted, so they were naturally a bit nervous. Those with social confidence were few and far between.


    Someone like Tao Yuye, who dared to dance at the start, was already considered exceptionally bold.


    Most people were relatively reserved, but then Bai Fendou showed up.


    Bai Fendou brought his drama with him.


    Thanks to Bai Fendou, many of the more introverted young men and women found a topic to break the ice and started chatting.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched in amazement. It was truly a case of sacrificing Bai Fendou for the happiness of countless single men and women.


    Take Zhang San, for example.


    Zhang San¡ªin this era, if a brick fell from the sky and hit ten people, five of them would be named Zhang San¡ªworked in the security department at the machinery plant and was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s gossip buddy. Despite his job, his family situation wasn¡¯t great.


    This time, he didn¡¯t meet anyone suitable at the matchmaking event. Even though he was a full-time employee, his parents were unemployed, he only had one room to his name, and he had a bunch of siblings and in-laws living together. The burden was heavy.


    So, Zhang San had made a few attempts to approach potential matches, but it hadn¡¯t gone well. Still, he remained optimistic, unlike Bai Fendou.


    When Bai Fendou failed at matchmaking, he blamed others for not recognizing his worth, thinking they were blind to his ¡°golden¡± qualities. He believed he was a catch, a fine young man with great prospects.


    But Zhang San had self-awareness. He knew his family situation was a burden, and he wasn¡¯t exactly handsome, with his sharp features. It was natural for others to not be interested. So, he took it in stride. When Bai Fendou stirred up the crowd again, Zhang San, as a security staff member, knew all about Bai Fendou¡¯s antics and started sharing stories.


    This ended up enlightening those who weren¡¯t familiar with Bai Fendou¡¯s exploits. While the machinery plant folks were used to it, people from other units hadn¡¯t heard these tales before. The atmosphere became lively, and by the time Zhang San finished talking, a slightly plump girl was still chatting with him.


    The two of them were hitting it off.


    They exchanged knowing looks¡ªboth were gossip enthusiasts.


    And who knows? Maybe there was a spark of something more.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched the lively scene and thought their factory should give Bai Fendou a commendation. Truly, society is better with you in it. While Zhuang Zhixi was busy watching the spectacle, Bai Fendou had already left with his old classmate.


    As they stepped outside, a young boy approached and whispered, ¡°Want to buy some roasted peanuts?¡±


    Guan Guiling: ¡°No, thanks. They¡¯re too expensive. Who would spend money on that?¡±


    Bai Fendou immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll take a pound.¡±


    Guan Guiling quickly stopped him, ¡°Don¡¯t! They¡¯re too pricey. Why waste money? It¡¯s not good for you to spend on me just because we ran into each other.¡±


    Her reluctance to let him spend money made Bai Fendou think of Wang Xiangxiu. What a contrast! Wang Xiangxiu always wanted him to spend more, while his old classmate seemed genuinely concerned for him.


    He waved it off, ¡°It¡¯s fine. A man from the capital can afford a pound of peanuts.¡±


    The boy quickly handed over the peanuts and took the money, then slipped away. Bai Fendou handed the peanuts to Guan Guiling.


    Guan Guiling held the bag, her expression softening. ¡°Bai Fendou, thank you. You¡¯re such a good person.¡±


    She smiled faintly, "I remember you were different from others back in elementary school, more manly than most. That''s why I had such a deep impression of you. So when I saw you this time, I recognized you immediately. It''s just that you didn''t recognize me, but that''s understandable. I''m just an ordinary woman, not someone worth remembering."


    "Don''t say that, you''re great," he replied.


    They weren¡¯t in a hurry to eat. Instead, they walked to a small park. The reason the matchmaking event was held at the cultural center was because of this nearby park. If two people hit it off, it was convenient for them to take a stroll together.


    Some parks in the city charge an entrance fee, but this one didn¡¯t, so there were still some children playing around.


    The two found a step to sit on.


    Guan Guiling said, "Out of all our classmates, you left the deepest impression on me. I won¡¯t hide it from you¡ªmy biggest wish as a child was to marry you. Thinking back now, it¡¯s funny how naive I was, but it¡¯s really nice to meet you again."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s face turned slightly red.


    This was the first time someone had ever said something like this to him, and it made him feel incredibly warm.


    "You¡¯re great too," he said. "What about your ex-husband? What did he do?"


    Such a good woman, why did she get married so early?


    Fortunately, she was divorced now, so he felt it was okay to ask.


    Guan Guiling sighed, "My ex-husband¡­ he didn¡¯t do much. He used to be a driver at the bus station, but then he got sick and couldn¡¯t work anymore, so I took over his job. But I don¡¯t know how to drive, and since my husband was sick and needed care, they didn¡¯t assign me as a ticket seller. The leaders were kind and, after some consideration, assigned me to the union. The work isn¡¯t too heavy, and I can still take care of my family. Actually, I wanted to be a ticket seller¡ªit pays three yuan more a month, and there¡¯s extra allowance for being on the bus. But the shifts are irregular, so I had no choice but to give it up. I have five children at home, and the oldest is only ten."


    Bai Fendou exclaimed, "Wow, that¡¯s a heavy burden."


    Guan Guiling nodded, "You¡¯re right. But what can I do? I guess I¡¯m just unlucky."


    "What illness does your ex-husband have?"


    "Lung disease. He coughs all day and has no strength. He can¡¯t do any work."


    "Lung disease?"


    She quickly explained, "Not tuberculosis! It¡¯s not contagious. He injured his lungs a long time ago and never fully recovered. It kept getting worse over time. The doctors say he can only rest and that it can¡¯t be cured. He¡¯s so thin now, with no strength at all. He can¡¯t do anything."


    She forced a bitter smile, "Even carrying a bucket of water makes him feel like he¡¯s about to faint. My family urged me to divorce him, saying why should I drag this on? Raising children is one thing, but raising a man too? What¡¯s the point? There¡¯s no love between us. We¡¯re more like siblings living under the same roof. My ex-husband even said he hoped I¡¯d divorce him and find someone else. He didn¡¯t want to burden me. We didn¡¯t marry out of love in the first place. I didn¡¯t want to divorce him¡ªI took over his job, so how could I divorce him and still call myself a decent person? My family wanted me to divorce so I could remarry and get another dowry. I didn¡¯t want to, but they kept pressuring me, and my ex-husband did too. In the end, I couldn¡¯t hold out and divorced him. My family isn¡¯t good to me, so I can¡¯t go back¡ªI¡¯d just be exploited. Even though we¡¯re divorced, I still live with my ex-husband. We¡¯re divorced, but we still share the same home. Otherwise, I¡¯d have nowhere to go. I¡¯ve thought about it¡ªeven if we¡¯re not husband and wife anymore, I¡¯ll treat him like a brother. He¡¯s been good to me. Even though there¡¯s no love between us, if I left him at a time like this, what kind of person would I be?"


    Bai Fendou listened silently.


    Guan Guiling continued, "I¡¯ve been feeling so stifled lately, with no one to talk to. When I saw you, I felt like I could trust you and just wanted to share. Are you tired of listening?"


    Bai Fendou quickly replied, "Not at all."


    He said, "You¡¯re a good woman."


    Guan Guiling smiled, "I knew you were a good person. You¡¯re just as I remembered from when I liked you as a child."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s face turned red.


    Guan Guiling quickly added, "Don¡¯t misunderstand me. I don¡¯t mean anything by it. I just liked you back then, but we were just kids. We didn¡¯t understand much. Now, with how things are, I¡¯m not fit for anyone. Besides, there¡¯s still a man at home, so¡­"


    "Don¡¯t say that. Let¡¯s go eat some buns," Bai Fendou said, thinking how misfortune always seemed to target those already suffering. A good woman like Guan Guiling really had a tough life.


    Guan Guiling said, "Don¡¯t eat buns. They¡¯re too expensive."


    "What¡¯s the big deal? I¡¯m single¡ªI eat when I¡¯m hungry, and that¡¯s it. Let¡¯s go."


    Guan Guiling hesitated, "Well¡­ okay, but don¡¯t buy too many. Just one is enough."


    "Don¡¯t talk like that."


    ¡­


    Though they had just met, they were as familiar as if they had known each other for decades.


    Little did Bai Fendou know, their interaction had sparked countless conversations among the onlookers. Zhuang Zhixi saw it all clearly. As soon as the matchmaking event ended, he rushed home on his bike. It was the weekend, and his wife, Ming Mei, was at home.


    Although there were many substitute ticket sellers on the buses that day, Ming Mei wasn¡¯t one of them.


    Who would dare let a woman five months pregnant sell tickets on a bus? What if something happened?


    Well, Jiang Baohong would.


    But Jiang Baohong had been demoted to a ticket seller after causing trouble, so she couldn¡¯t manage anyone else. She was lucky to manage herself. Her terrible attitude had already gotten her beaten by passengers several times.


    To be fair, most service workers at the time didn¡¯t have the best attitudes, and ordinary people usually didn¡¯t dare provoke them. But Jiang Baohong had pushed people to their limits. Only when pushed too far would someone actually hit her.


    After being beaten a few times, she finally learned to behave. If she didn¡¯t, she might not survive.


    Ming Mei couldn¡¯t care less about Jiang Baohong. Since the woman was no longer in a leadership position, she couldn¡¯t bother Ming Mei anyway.


    Today was Sunday, and Ming Mei was resting as usual, while Zhuang Zhixi was "working overtime."


    Ming Mei was helping the aunts and sisters in the neighborhood with making paper boxes.


    This was a side job Aunt Wang had recently secured for them. Everyone was working enthusiastically because this opportunity wouldn¡¯t be available next year. Such jobs were usually reserved for impoverished families. They got the chance because of their collective effort in catching thieves earlier in the year.


    Originally, they were supposed to be awarded the title of "Model Courtyard," but now¡­ that was out of the question.


    Their recent antics had disqualified them, but catching thieves was still a real achievement. So Aunt Wang had been pushing the neighborhood committee for work opportunities. The committee understood that while their courtyard had some issues, they couldn¡¯t let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch.


    Since they couldn¡¯t get the "Model Courtyard" title, they at least deserved some work opportunities.


    Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua, along with the other women, were satisfied with this arrangement. If they got nothing, they¡¯d still have to endure their situation. This was already a good outcome. By doing these small tasks, they could earn a little extra money to help with household expenses.


    Ming Mei was helping her mother-in-law, Zhao Guihua, with the work. She didn¡¯t do much, just a little here and there, and handed it over to her mother-in-law. Liang Meifen, on the other hand, was quick and efficient, doing the most work among them.


    Ming Mei took her time, not rushing.


    "Is your husband still working today?" Aunt Sui asked.


    Ming Mei nodded, "Today¡¯s the matchmaking event. He had to go early to set up the venue. I think it should be over by now."


    "Wait, isn¡¯t that the job of the union and the propaganda department? Why did I see Zhou Qun there too?"


    Jiang Lu was also there.


    She said, "The Women¡¯s Federation was involved too. My husband, Zhou Qun, wasn¡¯t comfortable with me going, so he went in my place. Honestly, I think he just wanted to go himself. They originally said I could rest since I¡¯m pregnant, but it¡¯s good he went. At least it shows I¡¯m not using my pregnancy to get special treatment. I didn¡¯t go, but my husband did, so it¡¯s the same."


    "Haha, if Zhou Qun wanted to go, let him. I even saw Bai Fendou there."


    ¡°Bai Fendou went to find a partner. I wonder if he found anyone suitable. I heard most of the applicants this time were young girls, and there were hardly any widows or such. He probably won¡¯t find a match, right?¡± someone muttered.


    ¡°Can¡¯t Bai Fendou want to find a young girl?¡±


    ¡°He might want to, but the girls might not want him. You can¡¯t just force someone, right?¡±


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, ¡°In my opinion, he¡¯s just clueless. People with poor conditions usually feel too embarrassed to attend matchmaking events. In previous years, no one cared, but this year is different. Zhuang Zhixi, that troublemaker, even posted a detailed list of everyone¡¯s family backgrounds. Those with particularly bad conditions didn¡¯t even dare to sign up¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua snapped, ¡°Who are you calling a troublemaker?¡± She threw her slipper at Aunt Zhou, who dodged just in time.


    Aunt Zhou yelled, ¡°Why are you hitting me?¡±


    Zhao Guihua retorted, ¡°Who told you to badmouth my son? My son did this for everyone¡¯s benefit! By making everything clear, we prevent people from taking advantage. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t it be a scam? If you¡¯re not honest when introducing someone, it¡¯s just cheating. We¡¯re avoiding that kind of situation. In my opinion, everyone should thank my son for his idea. At least now people know they can¡¯t just boast without substance.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Some people really don¡¯t tell the truth during matchmaking.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    Aunt Zhou grumbled, ¡°I was just saying it casually. Besides, I wasn¡¯t talking about Zhuang Zhixi. I was talking about Bai Fendou. He shouldn¡¯t have gone. In our neighboring courtyard, there¡¯s Da Qiang¡­¡±


    ¡°Da Qiang?¡±


    Aunt Zhou rolled her eyes, ¡°Qiang Dandan.¡±


    ¡°Oh, him! Isn¡¯t he single too? Did he go?¡±


    Aunt Zhou replied, ¡°I ran into him this morning when I went to the restroom. He wasn¡¯t dressed up at all, so I stopped him and asked. Guess what? He didn¡¯t even sign up. He said he¡¯s a widower and a laborer. With his conditions, he wouldn¡¯t find anyone suitable, so why waste time? His situation is much better than Bai Fendou¡¯s, but even he didn¡¯t bother. Bai Fendou is still pushing his luck. Isn¡¯t that just nonsense?¡±


    Zhao Guihua disagreed, ¡°I don¡¯t agree with that. Whether your conditions are good or bad, if you want to find a partner, you should sign up. Not everyone judges by conditions. Besides, there are people with both good and bad conditions signing up. If we city folks say our conditions are bad, how much harder is it for those in the countryside? And finding a partner isn¡¯t just about family background.¡±


    ¡°Zhao Guihua makes a good point.¡±


    Zhao Guihua continued, ¡°So, I think if Bai Fendou wants to find a partner, going to the matchmaking event is the right thing to do.¡±


    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re right.¡± Just as they were talking, Zhuang Zhixi came speeding back on his bike.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re absolutely right. After all, you never know when fate will strike. Today at the event, Bai Fendou left with a woman.¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    Everyone was stunned.


    Even Wang Xiangxiu, who was quietly earning some extra money, paused for a moment before quickly resuming her work, as if it had nothing to do with her. Everyone glanced at her and then turned to Zhuang Zhixi, asking, ¡°What happened? Tell us!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what happened?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°I don¡¯t know the details. It¡¯s a matchmaking event, so if two people hit it off, they just leave together.¡±


    ¡°I know! I know!¡± Zhou Qun, who had returned shortly after Zhuang Zhixi, was excited. After all, this was big gossip.


    He said, ¡°I know! The woman who left with Bai Fendou today is Guan Guiling. She¡¯s actually an elementary school classmate of mine and Bai Fendou¡¯s. She wasn¡¯t there specifically to find a partner. She works at the bus station¡¯s union and came to help at the event. But she was four hours late. Tsk, clearly not serious about helping. She has a husband and four kids, but her husband is seriously ill and in poor health. After she took over his job, they divorced, but they still live together. That¡¯s what I found out.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so it wasn¡¯t that they hit it off. I thought they had.¡±


    ¡°Well, that makes sense. Someone like Bai Fendou would be hard-pressed to find a match.¡±


    ¡°Probably just old classmates catching up.¡±


    At this point, Lan Sihai, who had been quietly observing, chimed in with a cryptic remark, ¡°Who says having a husband means you can¡¯t succeed in matchmaking?¡±


    Everyone exclaimed, ¡°What!¡±


    Their eyes widened in disbelief.


    For a moment, no one understood what Lan Sihai was saying.


    Lan Sihai casually added, ¡°It¡¯s still possible to bring the old husband along and marry a new one.¡±


    After saying that, he turned to his wife, ¡°Let¡¯s go out to eat?¡±


    Luo Xiaohe, still in shock, looked at Lan Sihai for a long moment before finally responding, ¡°Oh, okay, let¡¯s go.¡±


    The old couple lived a very comfortable life.


    Many in the courtyard envied them. After all, among the elderly, they were living the good life. Of course, there were whispers behind their backs, criticizing Lan Sihai for being too selfish and not thinking about his children. Shouldn¡¯t he save more for his kids? If he had the means to help, shouldn¡¯t he do more?


    But that was just everyone else¡¯s opinion, not Lan Sihai¡¯s. The old man lived life on his own terms. Even when his daughter¡ªMing Mei¡¯s mother¡ªcame to deliver Mid-Autumn Festival gifts, he told her not to bother with formalities and to leave him alone.


    Can you believe that?


    In short, many people thought Lan Sihai was selfish.


    But regardless, he was living his best life.


    Look at him now, heading out to eat again.


    No one knew how Luo Xiaohe got so lucky. After a lifetime of hardship, she finally found happiness in her later years.


    Fate is truly unpredictable.


    Some people exhaust all their bad luck in the first half of their lives, only to live well in the second half. The two of them walked away, and as they reached the door, Lan Sihai turned to Ming Mei and said, ¡°Xiao Ming, I¡¯ve got a pound of yarn coupons. What color do you want?¡±


    Ming Mei replied without hesitation, ¡°Red!¡±


    She didn¡¯t even ask why; she just took the offer immediately, saying, ¡°If possible, I¡¯d like red. If not, any other color is fine. Thank you, Grandpa.¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°It¡¯s not free. Have your husband come over and do some work for me. These next few days, he can buy the cabbage and coal briquettes for me. Also, have him check the roof. I heard that heavy snow in the north can even bend the roof?¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of that.¡±


    It was true that heavy snow sometimes caused minor issues, but bending the roof seemed like an exaggeration.


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°Just get it all done for me.¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°Consider it done.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head and complained, ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯m standing right here. Why don¡¯t you just tell me directly instead of going through my wife?¡±


    Lan Sihai replied, ¡°Because I feel like it.¡±


    This old man!


    He¡¯s really something.


    Lan Sihai arrogantly left with his wife. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, the younger wives and sisters-in-law in the courtyard looked at Ming Mei with envy. Doing a little work and getting a pound of yarn was a lot!


    And yarn coupons weren¡¯t something just anyone could get. Usually, only mid-level or higher employees in the factory had access to them. Whether it was Zhuang Zhixi from the propaganda department, Jiang Lu from the women¡¯s federation, or even Zhuang Laonian, a sixth-grade worker in the workshop, none of them had such perks.


    Only someone like Lan Sihai, a skilled technical expert, could get them.


    ¡°I wonder if it¡¯s thick or thin yarn. If it¡¯s thin, it¡¯s enough to knit a sweater.¡± Thick yarn wouldn¡¯t be enough, but if you saved up, another pound would do the trick.


    Having well-connected relatives was such an advantage. Just doing a little work here and there, and you wouldn¡¯t leave empty-handed. Everyone in the courtyard helped the elderly with buying coal briquettes and cabbage or cleaning the roof.


    But they didn¡¯t get any yarn.


    While everyone was envious of the yarn, Zhou Qun was still stuck on Lan Sihai¡¯s earlier comment. Suddenly, he spoke up, ¡°What did Uncle Lan mean by that?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? He was just talking about doing some work, right?¡±


    ¡°Not this, I mean, he said marrying a new man while still being with the old one... Hiss!~¡± The more he thought about it, the more he felt he had stumbled upon something, even though he had never interacted with Guan Guiling. But he thought it wasn¡¯t entirely impossible.


    Otherwise, why would anyone be willing to get involved with Bai Fendou?


    That just didn¡¯t make sense.


    Zhuang Zhixi stroked his chin, thinking that what his grandfather said actually made some sense.


    No one understood, but everyone was deeply shocked.


    Indeed, with age comes experience, and a broader perspective on things. Look, ordinary people like them hadn¡¯t even considered such a possibility. But someone like Uncle Lan, who had seen much of the world, could guess such things right away.


    At that moment, an elderly woman from the backyard spoke up: ¡°Back in the day, things like this weren¡¯t uncommon. If the man of the house couldn¡¯t provide, and the woman couldn¡¯t support the family alone, she would find another man to help out. The husband would tacitly allow it. This was called ¡®pulling a helper.¡¯¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°...¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°...¡±


    Others: ¡°...¡±


    In short, it was an eye-opener.


    Everyone turned to look at Wang Xiangxiu. She had done something similar in the past, but things had spiraled out of control, and now the two families were completely estranged. Wang Xiangxiu was quietly working and didn¡¯t offer any opinion.


    It was Aunt Zhou who couldn¡¯t hold back and asked, ¡°Wang Xiangxiu, what do you think about Bai Fendou¡¯s situation?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu replied calmly, ¡°It has nothing to do with me. I don¡¯t care.¡±


    She looked up and said, ¡°I just want to work and earn money.¡±


    Ever since she learned the truth about her husband¡¯s death and Aunt Su¡¯s schemes, she had grown disgusted with making money through those means. She thought, even if it meant working harder, she couldn¡¯t afford to get into trouble again. If something happened to her, her three children would truly become orphans, with no one to care for them.


    She could endure anything, but her children were her life.


    Moreover, Wang Xiangxiu knew she wasn¡¯t entirely innocent and that many eyes were on her, waiting to catch her in a mistake.


    After all, her mother-in-law had once been of that kind of background...


    In their current situation, she could only rely on herself.


    She looked up and said, ¡°Right now, I just want to raise my children well. I can¡¯t afford to get involved in anything else.¡±


    No one spoke at that moment.


    Wang Xiangxiu added, ¡°I wronged him in the past, but we won¡¯t have any contact in the future.¡±


    She took a deep breath and got up to go home and cook. As she turned around, she saw Tonglai standing at the door. She immediately went over and said, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go cook. I¡¯ll bring food to your brothers later.¡±


    Tonglai: ¡°Okay.¡±


    Tonglai followed Wang Xiangxiu and asked, ¡°Mom, when are they coming home?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°I don¡¯t know. We¡¯ll have to ask the doctor at the hospital.¡±


    She chopped some cabbage and, after hesitating, added a thumb-sized piece of meat to the pot. Tonglai saw it and swallowed hard, saying, ¡°It¡¯s meat.¡±


    Their family used to eat meat fairly often, but it had been a long time since they last had any.


    Unlike his two older brothers, who were unaware of what had happened at home, Tonglai had been with Wang Xiangxiu the whole time and knew everything. At six or seven years old, he was at an age where he wasn¡¯t entirely clueless but still young. However, young as he was, he could still understand what was being said.


    At the very least, Tonglai knew that his father¡¯s death was related to his grandmother and that she wasn¡¯t a good person. She had hidden a lot of gold, planning to keep it for her old age, and refused to use it to treat his brothers. He knew all of this.


    He also knew that the gold had been confiscated, his grandmother and second aunt had been arrested, and their family was now very poor.


    ¡°Mom, meat is expensive.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°I know, but you¡¯re still young and can¡¯t lack nutrition. Besides, your brothers are in a bad state right now, and they need to recover...¡±


    After finishing cooking, she suddenly began to ponder.


    Her mother-in-law¡¯s hidden gold bars had been discovered and confiscated. But over the years, her mother-in-law must have swindled money from Old Man Bai. And surely, she must have saved some money when she was younger. So where was that money?


    She suddenly grew curious and began inspecting the room.


    Because of her mother-in-law¡¯s background, their home had been thoroughly searched that day. Nothing unusual had been found, and the gold bars had been dug up outside, as Gou Lanxiang had confessed. But what about the money her mother-in-law had saved over the years?


    ¡°Mom?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly scooped out some food and said, ¡°You eat first. I¡¯m going to search the house.¡±


    She began carefully searching the house. Tonglai, holding his bowl, asked, ¡°Mom, what are you looking for?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°Your grandmother¡¯s private savings.¡±


    In fact, Aunt Su had confessed about the gold bars, so she must have also admitted to having some private savings. However, the private savings she had accumulated over the years were different from the gold bars she had obtained through exploitation in the old society.


    Therefore, the authorities had only confiscated the gold bars, not her private savings.


    Since this wasn¡¯t thoroughly investigated, Aunt Su hadn¡¯t mentioned it.


    Compared to the major crimes she had confessed to, this was just a trivial matter of daily life and hadn¡¯t been pursued in detail. Wang Xiangxiu had only just thought of it. After all, the gold bars had been so shocking.


    Everyone had been focused on the confiscated gold bars and had forgotten that Aunt Su also had some private savings.


    ¡°Where would your grandmother usually hide her money?¡±


    Tonglai shook his head. He didn¡¯t know.


    Wang Xiangxiu was also puzzled. During the search, nothing had been found, so it must have been well hidden. After all, her mother-in-law had gone so far as to bury the gold bars outside. This showed that she didn¡¯t do things in a conventional way.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Wang Xiangxiu was eager to find the money. She had some savings, but in less than a month, her children¡¯s hospital bills had drained her down to just two hundred yuan. Both of her children were in critical condition, and saving their lives had cost a fortune.


    Wang Xiangxiu was desperate.


    ¡°Mom, when Grandma gave us money, she always breathed really hard.¡± Tonglai didn¡¯t understand much, but he still wanted to help.


    He didn¡¯t want his brothers to die because they couldn¡¯t afford treatment.


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°Breathing hard?¡±


    She suddenly thought that perhaps the money was hidden somewhere high up, which would require climbing and thus cause heavy breathing.


    With this in mind, she immediately stood up, found a stool, and climbed up to the beam. Sure enough, there was a small box there. Wang Xiangxiu was so excited she nearly fell. She quickly grabbed the box. Tonglai¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw they had found something.


    Wang Xiangxiu happily kissed her son on the cheek and said, ¡°My son is so good. I knew I could count on you. Go eat now.¡±


    Tonglai: ¡°Okay.¡±


    He sat down to eat, glancing at his mother. Wang Xiangxiu hurriedly opened the box.


    When she opened it, she bit her lip. Inside were various bills of different denominations.


    Not only that, but there was also a gold ring.


    The gold ring was smooth and well-worn, showing that Aunt Su must have secretly worn it from time to time. Seeing this made Wang Xiangxiu even more disgusted with the old hag. She had once thought her mother-in-law was a good woman, but now she saw her as a wicked old crone.


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly counted the money and was shocked by the amount.


    Her mother-in-law, who had no job, had over eight hundred yuan in private savings.


    To put it in perspective, a regular worker would earn that much in two or three years. Thinking about this, Wang Xiangxiu realized just how much the old woman had swindled. Who knows how many old men she had scammed.


    Wang Xiangxiu felt disgusted but also wondered why her mother-in-law hadn¡¯t confessed about this private savings.


    Perhaps she thought she could still get out?


    Wang Xiangxiu had completely misjudged her mother-in-law, but based on her past experiences with her, she could somewhat understand Aunt Su¡¯s thinking. She hadn¡¯t mentioned the savings because she wanted to keep it as a backup for her old age.


    As for why she confessed about the gold bars, it was probably because she knew that if she didn¡¯t admit to something major, the authorities wouldn¡¯t believe her. By sacrificing the big prize and keeping the smaller one, she ensured that the police believed her confession.


    This smaller amount was left untouched.


    If she had confessed about the smaller savings but not the gold bars, the investigation might have continued, and the gold bars could have been discovered. Then she would have been left with nothing. This way, at least she had something.


    She must have thought she could still get out.


    Wang Xiangxiu curled her lip in disgust.


    Her mother-in-law truly had eight hundred tricks up her sleeve. But now that the money had fallen into her hands, she had no intention of giving it back. It would be perfect for treating her child''s illness. Besides, her son Yinlai had been badly injured this time and might need long-term care, so the money would come in handy.


    She clenched the money tightly and said, "See, your grandma is such a good person, a truly great person. She has so much money, but she won''t spare a single cent."


    Not only did she refuse to give any, but she also forced her to go out and "borrow" money by selling herself.


    That day, she had indeed slept with several men to "borrow" money. What Yuan Jun had said to her that day was absolutely true¡ªher legs were sore because she had borrowed too much money. She pursed her lips and reminded herself once again to live uprightly from now on.


    Otherwise, her children would never be able to hold their heads high.


    She rubbed her eyes and said, "From now on, let''s live a steady life."


    Tonglai softly replied, "Okay."


    Wang Xiangxiu added, "Don''t learn from your grandma. If you act like her, you''ll end up in jail for the rest of your life."


    Tonglai nodded solemnly.


    He really didn¡¯t want to go to jail. Not at all.


    "Let''s go. After eating, we''ll take food to the hospital."


    "Okay."


    The mother and son walked out together. The paper box-making activity in the yard had just ended, and everyone was heading home for lunch. Suddenly, Tonglai said, "Mom, I¡¯ll help you make paper boxes this afternoon."


    Wang Xiangxiu was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Okay, you can be my assistant."


    On their way, they ran into Ming Mei, who had just returned from the restroom. Ming Mei greeted them, "Going to the hospital?"


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded and then added, "Ming Mei, my family is thinking of raising chickens. Could you ask your mother-in-law where she got her hens? Would that be okay?"


    She was actually quite intimidated by Zhao Guihua.


    That old lady was really fierce.


    Ming Mei replied, "Sure."


    Then she whispered, "But it¡¯s probably not cheap."


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "If the quality is good, we¡¯ll make the money back quickly." She knew how to calculate.


    Some hens were cheaper, but they didn¡¯t lay many eggs, so it took longer to recoup the investment.


    Several old ladies in their courtyard raised chickens, two per household, and it was quite profitable¡ªthey almost always had eggs to collect. Previously, her child had tried to steal some, but the owners kept a close eye, so they hadn¡¯t succeeded. Now, her own family could raise chickens too.


    "Thank you," Wang Xiangxiu said.


    Ming Mei replied, "No need to thank me."


    As Ming Mei walked home, she heard the hens clucking in the yard and said, "Lay lots of eggs, lay lots of eggs!"


    Zhuang Zhixi stood at the door, smiling teasingly at her, and asked, "Feeling greedy?"


    Ming Mei retorted, "Not at all! It¡¯s just that Wang Xiangxiu..."


    She explained the situation and then sighed, "Actually, her family should have started raising chickens earlier. Aunt Su never bothered because she was too lazy."


    After all, it required some effort.


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Exactly."


    The two of them entered the house together. Zhuang Zhixi leaned closer to his wife and asked, "Do you know Guan Guiling? She works at your unit."


    He hadn¡¯t asked directly in the yard, afraid it might be awkward for her to answer.


    Ming Mei nodded, "I know her."


    After thinking for a moment, she added more precisely, "Actually, I don¡¯t really know her, but I¡¯m aware of her existence. I see her around, but we¡¯re not familiar."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "She approached Bai Fendou..."


    Ming Mei hesitated before saying, "I think my grandfather was right, and Zhou Qun was right too. It¡¯s almost certainly what everyone is thinking. At work, I¡¯ve heard that Guan Guiling is looking for a partner, but she wants to bring her ex-husband along."


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "What the f*** (a type of plant)! Is that even something a person could come up with?"


    Ming Mei blinked and said, "Don¡¯t swear! What if the baby picks it up?"


    She rubbed her belly and added, "We need to speak politely."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied earnestly, "Don¡¯t worry. Our babies have seen and heard it all while still in the womb. This kind of thing is nothing new to them."


    Ming Mei sighed, "I don¡¯t want to admit it, but you¡¯re probably right."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and hugged his wife, saying, "Let¡¯s go."


    Ming Mei poked his waist and asked, "Since we know this, should we tell Bai Fendou?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "No need. A lot of people have figured it out, so someone will tell him. Besides, if Guan Guiling really plans to bring her ex-husband along, she¡¯ll have to tell Bai Fendou herself."


    He paused and added, "Also, all of this is just speculation. Nothing¡¯s set in stone yet. Maybe she won¡¯t bring him, and we¡¯re wrong to assume."


    Ming Mei nodded, "You¡¯re right."


    She said softly, "But I think Bai Fendou is quite something. He always attracts such strange women."


    Zhuang Zhixi was speechless.

 Chapter 131

    When Bai Fendou returned in the afternoon, he was humming a tune, clearly in a good mood. Running into a female classmate always brought a sense of joy, especially when she seemed gentle and affectionate, and perhaps even a little interested in him. Bai Fendou was feeling quite pleased with himself. He had bought a small bottle of liquor, tucked it into his pocket, and was humming as he swaggered into the courtyard.As soon as he entered, he was met with a barrage of eyes staring at him. Everyone was sitting in the courtyard, busy making paper boxes. The moment they saw Bai Fendou, they immediately asked, "Bai Fendou, how did your blind date go?"


    Bai Fendou chuckled and said, "It didn''t work out. Those young girls are only interested in guys with good conditions. They don''t recognize a gem when they see one. Actually, my conditions aren''t bad either, but I''m more of an introverted type, so they don''t see it."


    The crowd let out a long "Ohhh."


    Zhou Qun cut in, "If it didn''t work out, why are you so happy? I saw you walking off with someone. What''s the deal? Did you find a new target?"


    Bai Fendou coughed and said, "Don''t talk nonsense. There''s nothing between me and Guan Guiling. We just ran into each other as old classmates and caught up."


    Zhou Qun said sarcastically, "Old classmates? You only went to elementary school together. Your old classmates are my old classmates too. Why didn''t you call me to join?"


    Bai Fendou glanced at Zhou Qun and said, "Why should I call you? Guan Guiling remembered me, but she didn''t remember you. If she doesn''t remember you, what''s there to catch up about?" It hadn''t occurred to him before, but now that Zhou Qun mentioned it, he realized that both he and Zhou Qun were present, but Guan Guiling had recognized him and not Zhou Qun. This made Bai Fendou quite proud. After all, over the years, he had always been secretly comparing himself to Zhou Qun, who had been doing better in life.


    Now, he felt like he had finally outdone Zhou Qun, since Guan Guiling had remembered him so vividly.


    He smiled, his chin lifting with pride, and said, "You? You''re just not up to par."


    With that, he hummed his tune and headed home.


    Zhou Qun called after him, "Hey, where are you going? You better be careful with that Guan Guiling. Don''t let her take advantage of you!"


    Bai Fendou wasn''t upset by this comment. Instead, he took it as a sign of Zhou Qun''s jealousy.


    He thought to himself, "Haha, I never thought I''d feel Zhou Qun''s jealousy. This feels great!"


    Bai Fendou happily went home, ignoring whatever Zhou Qun was saying. Zhou Qun, on the other hand, decided to stop helping his mother with the paper boxes. Truth be told, he didn''t really enjoy doing it in the first place. He had only been doing it to get closer to the women in the neighborhood. Sitting around chatting wasn''t very interesting, so he needed something to do.


    He got up and followed Bai Fendou, saying, "Hey, where are you going? Do you even know Guan Guiling that well? Zhuang Zhixi''s wife works at the bus station. I can help you find out more about her if you want."


    Bai Fendou didn''t like this suggestion and said, "Why wouldn''t I know her? And what do I have that anyone would want to take advantage of? Stop causing trouble and go away."


    Zhou Qun said, "You... Hey, Zhuang Zhixi, where are you going?"


    He was standing by Bai Fendou''s window when he saw Zhuang Zhixi leaving with a bag. He quickly stopped him, wanting to ask a few questions.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''m going to buy some vegetables."


    Zhou Qun said, "Buying vegetables at this time? The afternoon vegetables aren''t fresh."


    He glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Your family isn''t short on money, right? A pound of vegetables isn''t even a penny cheaper. Why would you buy the less fresh ones?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I''m buying green beans. It doesn''t matter if they''re fresh or not. I''m going to blanch them and dry them for winter."


    In the north, during winter, there really aren''t many fresh vegetables available. It''s mostly cabbage and radishes, and maybe some dried vegetables from the summer. Green beans, for example, are blanched and dried, and they taste quite good in winter.


    There are also dried mushrooms and wood ear fungus, but beyond that, there isn''t much else. They''ve heard about greenhouse vegetables, but those are rarely seen in the black market and are prohibitively expensive. Even if their family is relatively well-off, they can''t afford to eat those regularly.


    Besides, if they had that kind of money, wouldn''t it be better to buy meat?


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Zhou Qun and said, "Isn''t your family drying vegetables this year?"


    At this, Zhou Qun couldn''t help but feel a little proud. "We''ve already dried some," he said with a smirk.


    With Wang Zhaodi around, his family was doing much better than in previous years.


    Sure, their expenses had gone up because Wang Zhaodi ate a lot, but it was worth it!


    Recently, Zhou Qun''s salary only left him with five yuan for food, and the rest had to be handed over to Jiang Lu. Since the money didn''t pass through his hands, he didn''t feel the pinch too much. But the benefits were clear. Before Wang Zhaodi came, his mother was quite lazy, and Jiang Lu had to work, so all the household chores had to be done after work. It was a daily struggle to keep up.


    But now, with Wang Zhaodi around, everything was prepared and tidied up early. He had to admit, he was starting to see the benefits of having a maid, just like in the old days.


    He smiled with a hint of pride and said, "You still have to go buy vegetables? I don''t have to do any of that work at home."


    He then gave Zhuang Zhixi a sympathetic look and said, "A grown man going to buy vegetables? You''re really something."


    Zhuang Zhixi, unfazed, smiled and said, "That''s because I''m a good man. A good man always thinks about his family. Should I let my parents do all the work? That wouldn''t be filial. Should I let my wife do it? She''s pregnant, and I can''t bear to make her work. As a man, I have to take responsibility. I''m happy to do this work."


    The women making paper boxes all made "tsk tsk" sounds. Buying vegetables was hardly a big deal, but Zhuang Zhixi made it sound like he was doing something extraordinary. Was it really that big of a deal?


    Ming Mei, however, smiled sweetly and said softly, "My Zhixi is the best. He''s responsible, capable, and funny. No one can compare to him."


    The others rolled their eyes. How shameless of them to brag like that!


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Of course, if I weren''t good, I wouldn''t be worthy of you. My wife is beautiful, capable, generous, and even earns more than I do. I have to do my best so that we can be a perfect match."


    Zhao Guihua continued making paper boxes, her expression blank. She had seen this kind of behavior from them in her past life.


    She was used to it, so it didn''t surprise her.


    The others, however, felt like their lunch hadn''t settled well. Their stomachs were churning from all the saccharine talk.


    Zhou Qun''s face scrunched up in disgust, and he said, "Just go already."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "You''re the one who stopped me. You''re the one wasting my time."


    Just as he was about to leave, Zhou Qun spoke again.


    "Hey, why aren''t you riding your bike?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Are you going to let me leave or not?"


    He then said directly, "If you have something to ask, can''t you ask someone else? Why are you always bothering me? If you have nothing to do, go play with Bai Fendou. You two get along well. You''re just wasting my time."


    Zhou Qun frowned as if he had a toothache and said, "The way you say it..."


    Before he could say more, Zhuang Zhixi finally left.


    Zhou Qun called out, "Hey~"


    "Stop calling. The bike was taken by the old man and the eldest son."


    Zhao Guihua, watching Zhou Qun''s antics, said, "They went fishing."


    Zhou Qun said, "Old Zhuang has been fishing a lot lately."


    Zhao Guihua said, "If they catch something, it''s a good meal, isn''t it?"


    Everyone nodded in agreement. A pound of meat cost 85 cents, and while fish wasn''t as good as meat, it was still better than vegetables. Speaking of buying vegetables, Aunt Wang said, "I''m going to buy cabbage tomorrow morning. Are any of you coming?"


    "Yes!"


    "How much are you buying this year?"


    Aunt Wang said, "I''m thinking of buying 200 pounds, and some radishes too."


    "You''re buying less than us. We''re planning to buy more this year, and fewer radishes. My family doesn''t like radishes much; they say it gives them heartburn. Zhao Guihua, what about you?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "I need to buy more. I want to buy 400 pounds. My family is big, and there are more adults. If I don''t buy enough, what will we eat? I''ll buy 400 pounds of cabbage and some radishes too. I''ll pickle some cabbage and make some radish pickles. I might even make some kimchi. I''ll see how it goes; if it''s not enough, I might buy more."


    "We''re pickling cabbage this year too. Aunt Wang, come over and give me some tips."


    "Sure."


    "This year, each family''s storage space has been separated, and I feel like my area has gotten a bit bigger."


    The front yard had been reallocated, with the basement divided into small storage units, and the backyard followed suit. Previously, everyone had their own sections, but with shared storage, there were always complaints about someone swapping good cabbages for inferior ones. Now, each family had their own space, and things were much better.


    "Are you buying first-grade or second-grade cabbage?"


    Even cabbages were categorized by quality.


    "I want to buy the better ones. There¡¯s less waste, and they¡¯re more tender."


    "My family is getting second-grade. It¡¯s the most cost-effective."


    As everyone discussed buying vegetables, Ming Mei sat for a while but felt uncomfortable staying seated for too long, so she got up to take a walk.


    Her gaze inadvertently fell on Bai Fendou''s room, where she saw him admiring himself in the mirror, turning left and right as if appreciating his own face. Ming Mei shuddered and quickly looked away, muttering, "That¡¯s hard to watch." She strolled back to her room and looked at her slightly swollen calves, sighing, "Being pregnant is really tough."


    She rarely complained in front of others, but she deeply felt the strain.


    Just as she finished speaking, her mother-in-law, Zhao Guihua, came over and asked, "Are you feeling alright?"


    Ming Mei shook her head gently and said, "I¡¯m fine, just a bit tired."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Then don¡¯t bother with the paper boxes. Lie down for a while. If you feel too cooped up in the room, bring the rocking chair outside."


    Ming Mei agreed, "Sure."


    She enjoyed being around everyone, so when Zhao Guihua saw her moving the rocking chair, she quickly intervened, "Oh, let me do that. You shouldn¡¯t be lifting things in your condition¡­"


    Ming Mei returned without doing any work, sitting on the rocking chair and joining the gossip.


    Jiang Lu noticed and nudged Zhou Qun, as their family also had a rocking chair.


    Zhou¡¯s mother glanced over, pursed her lips in dissatisfaction but didn¡¯t dare say anything.


    Among the pregnant women in the courtyard, Ming Mei and Jiang Lu were treated with extra care, while Li Fang, who had already given birth twice, remained calm and experienced fewer discomforts.


    "How are the preparations for the baby coming along¡­?"


    Even though the due dates were months away, the topic of preparation came up again¡­


    Although city folks didn¡¯t work in the fields, autumn was still a busy season, especially in the north, where heavy snowfall in winter required extensive preparation. This summer had seen a lot of rain, and many families had gone to the mountains to gather mushrooms, which had added variety to their meals. But there was still much to be done.


    After the matchmaking event, National Day arrived, bringing a few days of holiday.


    But the holiday wasn¡¯t relaxing¡ªeveryone was busy.


    Early in the morning, they had to get up to buy cabbages. If you wanted the best ones, you had to go early.


    Once the cabbages were brought home, they had to be pickled or turned into kimchi.


    Radishes were also bought, blanched, and cut into strips to dry.


    Beans couldn¡¯t be forgotten either¡­


    And, of course, the winter essentials like coal briquettes.


    Every household was bustling with activity. Zhao Guihua¡¯s family had many members, so while there were more hands to help, the amount of work was also greater. But no one complained. After all, having more people meant prosperity.


    In the countryside, having many siblings was seen as a sign of strong labor force, which was considered a great advantage.


    Though everyone loved to gossip, when it came to matters of survival, the atmosphere changed completely. Recently, no one had time for drama¡ªthey were all busy storing vegetables. Even Bai Fendou, who usually had his father to help, was now doing everything alone, which left him feeling a bit lonely.


    Perhaps because of this, he didn¡¯t seem as cheerful as before.


    The storage cellar was allocated by family size, so Zhao Guihua¡¯s family of eight and Bai Fendou¡¯s household of one got the same amount of space. As a result, Zhao Guihua¡¯s cellar was packed full, while Bai Fendou¡¯s was only half-filled.


    When Liang Meifen suggested borrowing some space from Bai Fendou, at least for a pickling jar, Zhao Guihua firmly refused. She knew Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t malicious, but his poor judgment often led to trouble, so she preferred not to get involved with him in any material matters.


    People¡¯s liveliness often depends on having some leisure time, but autumn was a critical period for storing food, and no one slacked off. Zhao Guihua had prepared a lot this year, which gave her peace of mind.


    However, the food shortage this year was now widely known. The heavy summer rains had affected crop growth, and even in the capital, rations were limited.


    Even the factory canteen had restrictions¡ªwhite steamed buns were limited to two per person.


    Fortunately, Zhao Guihua had prepared well in advance, so her family had plenty of food.


    The old lady had more than just her two sons¡ªshe also had a daughter, Zhuang Zhixin, living on an island. Zhao Guihua was less worried about her. Although Zhuang Zhixin lived on a military base, their life was relatively stable compared to many cities.


    The island had few civilians, mostly military personnel, so issues like political background checks were less common. Moreover, being surrounded by the sea, they never lacked fish.


    Every year, Zhuang Zhixin would send dried fish, shrimp, and seaweed.


    This year, since Zhao Guihua¡¯s family had dried their own, they didn¡¯t receive as much, but Zhao Guihua still made sure to send her daughter some supplies.


    She had sent two large pieces of fabric, enough for Zhuang Zhixin to make a dress and two tops for her grandchildren.


    However, Zhao Guihua kept this low-key, as the fabric had been obtained through unofficial channels.


    Life on the island was good in terms of seafood, but other supplies were scarce.


    This year, due to the widespread food shortages caused by the heavy rains, Zhao Guihua was still concerned. She prepared ten pounds of fried flour, along with dried mushrooms, fungus, and other items, and sent them to her daughter.


    These were things the island lacked.


    As for salted fish, Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t bother sending any¡ªthe island had plenty of that.


    Far away on the island, Zhuang Zhixin was teaching at the local elementary school. She had a high school diploma, which was rare among the island¡¯s residents and military wives.


    Most soldiers came from rural areas, and their wives often had little to no education.


    Zhuang Zhixin, having come from the capital with a high school education, was exceptional.


    She could have taught at the middle school, but she preferred working with younger children and was now the vice principal of the elementary school. However, even as a vice principal, she still had to teach.


    After class, Zhuang Zhixin returned to her office with her lesson plans when the gatekeeper came to inform her, "Vice Principal Zhuang, the postman is here with a package for you."


    Zhuang Zhixin smiled, "That must be from my mom."


    Her in-laws, on the other hand, were as good as dead to her¡ªthey never sent anything. Her husband¡¯s mother had passed away, and his father had remarried and had three more children. Her husband, the eldest son, had been sent off to the military as soon as he came of age.


    The relationship between them was icy¡ªliterally.


    The attitude of the stepmother was straightforward: if you''re not biologically related, there''s no need to pretend to have deep feelings. Avoid seeing each other as much as possible. She didn''t expect to gain any advantages from Zhuang Zhixin, but neither did she cause any trouble for her.


    This was the stepmother''s stance.


    With a stepmother comes a stepfather.


    The two families were distant. When they returned to the capital to visit relatives, they weren''t even invited to stay for lunch, let alone spend the night. Of course, there was a silver lining: neither side took advantage of the other. It was as if they had mutually agreed to act as if the other didn''t exist.


    This might sound harsh, but it was essentially how things were handled.


    So, when Zhuang Zhixin decided to marry this man, her parents were firmly against it. After the marriage, her husband''s side offered no support whatsoever. Nowadays, people prefer to marry into families that are well-rounded, where the elderly can help manage the household.


    But Zhuang Zhixin was determined. She married him despite her parents'' objections, which infuriated them. When she later quit her job to follow him to his military post, they scolded her mercilessly. Zhao Guihua always felt that her daughter had lost her mind.


    Zhuang Zhixin could have married someone better, but she was young and steadfast in her love.


    Now, eight years into her marriage, her life was decent.


    Her judgment hadn''t been wrong. Her husband was a good man, treating her well and upright in character. However, she had to admit that her mother was right. While her life was manageable, it was also incredibly tough. As a northerner living on a southern island, the first couple of years were filled with inconveniences and adjustments. To make matters worse, she was pregnant and gave birth during that time, while her husband was away on missions. She had no one to help her, and it was truly agonizing.


    Eventually, she had no choice but to ask her mother to come and help during her postpartum period. At that time, her eldest nephew was just over a year old, and her sister-in-law was extremely displeased with her.


    With no one to rely on, her husband often away on missions, and having to juggle taking care of the household, her job, and her child, life was exhausting. Sometimes she wondered if things would have been different if she had listened to her mother and stayed in the capital or married someone else.


    But she quickly reaffirmed her decision.


    Though that alternative might have been good, she still had deep feelings for her husband.


    Especially over the years, hearing stories from other military wives about their difficult lives and the mistreatment from their mothers-in-law, she felt that her situation¡ªwhere both sides kept their distance¡ªwasn''t so bad after all.


    Not having a mother-in-law wasn''t a bad thing.


    Zhuang Zhixin went to pick up a package after work.


    This year, the island was also facing food shortages, and they had tightened their belts considerably. Zhuang Zhixin carried the package home on her bicycle.


    She had bought this bicycle as soon as she arrived on the island, and it had served her well ever since.


    Though her parents were furious about her marriage and decision to follow her husband to the military post, they still cared for her deeply. The bicycle was part of her dowry. Her parents had pulled some strings to get a nationwide bicycle ticket and even gave her 180 yuan to buy it.


    This wasn''t publicized in the neighborhood; her parents had given it to her secretly.


    In the past, she always felt that her parents favored her brothers. If the family cooked a chicken, the two drumsticks would always go to her older and younger brothers, leaving her with none.


    But even so, her parents were still exceptionally good parents. They had supported her education through high school and, despite their objections to her marriage, saved up to give her a bicycle as part of her dowry.


    Outsiders didn''t know, but those close to her did.


    Her sister-in-law had been extremely jealous at the time.


    Her mother was a bit biased, but not overly so. She had a sharp tongue but a soft heart, and she cared deeply for all her children.


    Thinking of this, Zhuang Zhixin smiled. She pushed the package back to the residential compound. Several women who weren''t working sat downstairs, enjoying the cool breeze and doing small chores. When they saw her package, they exclaimed enviously, "Your family sent you something again!"


    Zhuang Zhixin was well-liked in the compound, especially since she was a teacher, and everyone had children who needed schooling.


    Having lived there for so many years, everyone knew each other''s circumstances. Zhuang Zhixin''s family situation was no secret. The story of her parents giving her a bicycle as part of her dowry was still widely talked about.


    Such generosity was rare, even in the city.


    If Zhuang Zhixin had married someone in the capital, her parents, Zhuang Laonian and Zhao Guihua, wouldn''t have given her such a gift. But because she had married far away, to a family that seemed unreliable, and moved to a distant island, her parents couldn''t help but want to provide more support to make her life easier.


    They also wanted to show her husband that, despite their grievances about her moving far away, they would still stand by their daughter. After all, they were willing to give her a bicycle.


    Though she had been headstrong, Zhuang Zhixin understood her parents'' intentions.


    Fortunately, her husband was truly a good man.


    One of the women looked at Zhuang Zhixin''s large package and sighed, "You city folks live well. Whether it''s my in-laws or my own family, we''re the ones who have to support them."


    Zhuang Zhixin smiled and said, "My parents dote on me."


    "That''s good. You''re lucky."


    "Families like yours are rare."


    Zhuang Zhixin smiled again.


    "Mom, Mom, what did you bring back?"


    Zhuang Zhixin had twin boys. She had been injured during childbirth, and the doctor said it would be difficult for her to conceive again, so she only had these two children. The seven-year-old twins, Dabao and Erbao, were full of energy.


    "Your grandma sent it."


    Though they rarely visited their grandparents, the children loved their grandma because she often sent them gifts.


    The world of children is simple.


    "Let''s go home."


    "Okay!" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s see what Grandma sent."


    The three of them went upstairs to their second-floor apartment in the building. As they left, the women downstairs began to chat.


    "I always say, life in the city is better. When will my family ever send me anything?"


    "Don''t you think Zhuang Zhixin''s family has been sending more stuff this year?"


    "Now that you mention it, yes."


    "Not long ago, she made a red dress from fabric her mom sent. That bright red was so eye-catching."


    "At my hometown''s supply and marketing cooperative, you''d need connections to get something like that."


    "This just goes to show how important the woman''s family is when choosing a spouse. Look at Zhuang Zhixin¡ªher whole family are workers. They can support their daughter. If her brothers didn''t have jobs, would they still be able to do that?"


    "Exactly."


    Zhuang Zhixin didn''t hear what they were saying. She was at home, opening the package.


    When she unwrapped it, her eyes widened in surprise.


    "Wow!"


    There was a lot inside.


    She opened a cloth bag that emitted a faint fragrance and gasped. Inside was fried flour. To make this, you needed to crush peanuts, add a bit of sesame, mix it with wheat flour, and stir-fry it with sugar before packing it. It could be eaten dry or mixed with water.


    She weighed the bag in her hands. As someone who managed a household, she could tell it was about 12 to 13 pounds. She estimated her mother had used about 10 pounds of wheat flour, plus the weight of the peanuts and sesame.


    "Wow, Mom, this is wheat flour!"


    "It smells so good."


    "Mom, I''ve never had this before."


    Even city folks wouldn''t spend money so freely. Zhuang Zhixin had eaten this as a child, but only occasionally as a treat. But this much... her mother must have gone all out to send her so much.


    Looking at her two boys, who were practically drooling, she said, "I''ll make a bowl for each of you later. First, try a bit of it dry."


    The kids each took a bite, their eyes lighting up. They jumped around excitedly, saying, "It''s so good, Mom! So delicious! Nothing tastes better than this!"


    Their family was actually quite well-off. Her husband earned 50 yuan a month in the military, and she earned 30. This was a high income anywhere, but the problem was that money didn''t always guarantee access to goods, especially on the island.


    Even in the port city nearby, shopping wasn''t much easier.


    It''s like fried noodles¡ªsure, you can make them, but peanuts and sesame seeds are hard to come by. The same goes for malted milk powder; it''s not something you can get every time. But if you''re back home, you can definitely find them at the department store. That''s the difference. After all, it''s the capital!


    Zhuang Zhixin pulled out two more bottles of malted milk powder, and the two boys clapped and jumped around in excitement.


    Zhuang Zhixin took a deep breath and said, "How much stuff did Grandma send?"


    But she quickly realized that her mother must have sent so much because of this year''s food shortage. These items probably wouldn''t make much of a difference, but at least they could provide some nutrition and keep them from falling too ill.


    She also found two packs of brown sugar, dried mushrooms, dried wood ear mushrooms, and even a smoked rabbit.


    These were all things that were hard to come by on the island. And to her surprise, there was even a jar of "Great Friendship" snowflake cream. She chuckled and said, "Since when did Mom care about this kind of thing?"


    As she looked at all these goodies, her eyes turned slightly red.


    The two boys, Dabao and Erbao, were happily jumping around when they suddenly noticed their mother was about to cry. They exchanged a glance and quickly chimed in unison, "Mom, don''t cry."


    "Yeah, Mom, don''t cry. When Dad gets time off, we''ll go visit Grandpa and Grandma."


    "Mom~"


    Zhuang Zhixin, her eyes red, said, "Your dad won''t get any leave this year."


    The distance between their two places wasn''t short¡ªit would take several days just to travel. Unless it was a long holiday, they couldn''t make the trip. And with the food shortage this year, even if there was a holiday, she couldn''t just leave. Going back would mean consuming more food.


    She sighed and sat down in her chair, unmoving.


    When her husband, Wang Haomin, came home and saw all the items on the table, he was startled and said, "Where did you go to rob all this?"


    Zhuang Zhixin shot him a glare.


    Dabao and Erbao immediately explained, "Grandma sent these. Mom is missing her mom."


    Wang Haomin, seeing his wife''s eyes as red as a rabbit''s, said, "How about I take some leave this year, and we go back?"


    Zhuang Zhixin shook her head. "Not this year. There''s a food shortage."


    This was true, and he also felt it wasn''t the right time.


    Wang Haomin comforted his wife, saying, "Alright, don''t cry. We won''t go this year. When things are better next year, we''ll go. Your mom sent so much stuff. How are we supposed to return the favor?"


    "She''s my mom. We don''t need to return anything." Despite saying this, Zhuang Zhixin immediately got up to rummage through their belongings and send some dried seafood back to her family.


    "There''s a letter here. Have you read it?"


    Zhuang Zhixin: "Oh, no, I haven''t."


    She had been too caught up thinking about her parents to notice.


    She quickly opened the letter and read it carefully.


    "How''s everything at home?"


    Zhuang Zhixin: "There''s a food shortage in the capital this year too. The price of rice and flour on the black market has gone up five times. The grain stations are limiting purchases. But my mom is quite sharp. When there was heavy rain all summer, she sensed something was off and stockpiled some food. We have enough to eat."


    This put her mind at ease.


    "My sister-in-law is back at work. A neighbor had an accident, and she bought his job. Now she''s working in the mechanical factory''s workshop. My sister-in-law is pregnant, and it''s twins."


    "That''s a lot of good news."


    Seeing that everything at home was fine, Zhuang Zhixin felt much more at ease. She said, "Alright, come on, I''ll make you some fried noodle soup. When I was a kid, getting a sip of fried noodle soup was a treat reserved for New Year''s morning."


    Wang Haomin laughed. "Your family could afford it. Mine couldn''t."


    "Well, I''ll make you a bowl too so you can try it."


    "Why should I compete with the kids? I..."


    "Everyone gets a bowl. We''ll all try it. Before I got married, my mom was very frugal, counting every penny. Now that my younger brother is married too, my parents must feel like a weight has been lifted."


    Wang Haomin nodded in agreement.


    In previous years, her mother had also sent things, but never as much as this year. It seemed that with all the children now settled, the old couple could finally relax.


    What they couldn''t possibly guess was that Zhao Guihua''s newfound generosity was because she had been reborn.


    In her past life, she had also sent things to her daughter, but never this much.


    Back then, she had truly been frugal. But now, having been given a second chance, she realized that you couldn''t skimp on food and drink. Depriving yourself of nutrition only led to suffering. This wasn''t like the dieting of decades later, where people cut back to lose weight. This was a real lack of nutrients.


    So, she couldn''t afford to be stingy.


    After sending the items to her daughter, Zhao Guihua also prepared for the winter. The weather was gradually getting colder, and by early November, there were already patches of ice on the ground. Ming Mei was further along in her pregnancy, and Zhuang Zhixi was being extra cautious.


    The matchmaking event before National Day had gone very well, and more couples had gotten together this year than in previous years. Even Tao Yuyue, the "flower" of the mechanical factory, had gotten married. After her wedding, she became a full-time employee.


    Her husband was the son of the factory''s logistics director.


    There were actually others who pursued her with better conditions, like the nephew of the factory director or others. But Tao Yuyue was shrewd. She knew that no matter how high-ranking an official was, a nephew was still just a nephew¡ªnot the same as a son.


    So, she chose the logistics director''s son, and he helped her secure a permanent position.


    The couple was also assigned a house right after their wedding, in the same courtyard as Zhao Guihua. The Zhang family in the backyard had been transferred to another city, leaving two rooms vacant. The couple managed to secure one of them.


    However, even though they had connections, they couldn''t take both rooms. Housing in the city was tight. After all, even Lan Sihai, who had been brought in as a "talented individual," had only been allocated one room.


    A newlywed couple wanting two rooms? Impossible.


    Getting one room was already quite an achievement.


    The couple got one room, while the other was assigned to Zhuang Zhixi''s old acquaintance¡ªZhang San from the security department.


    Zhang San had also found success at the matchmaking event. He had matched with a slightly plump young woman named Pan Pan, who was a primary school teacher. Her family was well-off, and coincidentally, she had an uncle who was a workshop director at the mechanical factory.


    It was said that Pan Pan was the only girl in a family full of men, so she was doted on. Her uncle had gone to the factory and managed to secure a room for Zhang San.


    Otherwise, Zhang San might not have gotten a room so quickly.


    Both couples moved in on the same Sunday, as they were all working and had to coordinate their schedules. Zhang San and his wife arrived early in the morning, and he was in high spirits, slapping Zhuang Zhixi on the shoulder. "Buddy, I never thought I''d end up living in this courtyard. Heh."


    He then introduced his wife to everyone. "This is Zhang San from the security department. I''m sure you all know me. This is my wife, Pan Pan."


    "Of course, we know. Pan Pan, the niece of Director Pan."


    "That''s right."


    No one had expected Pan Pan, with her good family background, to marry Zhang San. But as Zhao Guihua had said, not everyone prioritizes material conditions. Some people value character, and Pan Pan was one of them.


    Zhang San''s family wasn''t well-off, and he wasn''t particularly handsome, but Pan Pan saw something in him.


    Pan Pan greeted everyone warmly. "Hi, everyone. If there''s anything good or bad about living together, just let me know. I''m easy to get along with."


    "Sure, you look like a lucky girl."


    "Exactly, everyone in this courtyard gets along well. Don''t worry."


    Pan Pan smiled. "Great."


    Zhang San introduced everyone, and Pan Pan''s eyes sparkled. This was the famous courtyard she had heard so much about! She even recognized Ming Mei. "Hello, heroine!"


    Ming Mei burst out laughing. "Where did you hear that? Heroine?"


    Pan Pan: "Zhang San told me. He said you''ve caught thieves several times."


    Zhang San, the spreader of gossip.


    He was clearly on the same wavelength as Zhou Qun, both being frontline figures in the world of rumors.


    Ming Mei: "It''s nothing special. That was before. I wouldn''t dare now."


    Pan Pan looked at Ming Mei''s large belly and nodded, saying, "You''re almost due, right?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "Not until late January. It''s twins, so my belly looks bigger."


    "Ah, two babies," Pan Pan exclaimed, "That''s amazing."


    Ming Mei proudly lifted her chin and said, "Of course, it''s been quite a struggle carrying them."


    While twins might seem like a blessing, being pregnant with two was undoubtedly more exhausting. Ming Mei felt utterly worn out. As they were chatting, Tao Yuyue and her husband, Chen Yuan, happened to arrive.


    Chen Yuan had also been one of the men surrounding Tao Yuyue on their blind date day.


    The couple had just moved in, and Chen Yuan''s expression was full of disdain. After all, his family used to live in an apartment building, and now they were moving to a place like this¡ªhow could he feel comfortable? But his father had insisted that they seize the opportunity to secure the house first, as waiting for a better option might take too long. They could always adjust later if a better apartment became available.


    Because of this, they quickly moved in.


    However, Chen Yuan''s contemptuous gaze didn''t go unnoticed by everyone.


    Tao Yuyue smiled and said, "We¡¯ll be neighbors from now on. Please take care of us."


    She spotted Wang Zhaodi and asked with a smile, "Zhaodi, haven¡¯t you gone back to the countryside yet?"


    Wang Zhaodi shook her head, "I¡¯m staying with my godmother for a while, helping take care of Sister Jiang Lu."


    Tao Yuyue raised an eyebrow and smiled, "That¡¯s nice. Come visit us sometime."


    She glanced at Wang Zhaodi, who was carefully supporting Jiang Lu, and thought to herself that when she got pregnant, she could also ask Wang Zhaodi for help. After all, Wang Zhaodi was staying with the Zhou family, so she could easily lend a hand. Would she dare refuse?


    Neighbors wouldn¡¯t charge for help, right?


    Wang Zhaodi probably didn¡¯t even know how to ask for payment. A country girl¡ªwhat did she know?


    Tao Yuyue didn¡¯t think much of Wang Zhaodi. She had only befriended her before because Wang Zhaodi made her look better by comparison. Now that she didn¡¯t need that, she could still use Wang Zhaodi for chores.


    Her eyes sparkled as she smiled and said, "It¡¯s been so long since we last met. Come over to my place sometime."


    If she came, wouldn¡¯t she naturally help with cleaning and chores?


    Tao Yuyue¡¯s mother-in-law had conveniently avoided the moving day, leaving all the work to her. Tao Yuyue was furious but kept a smile on her face. She assumed Wang Zhaodi wouldn¡¯t refuse.


    After all, who in this courtyard would respect a country girl like her?


    Wang Zhaodi shook her head, "I can¡¯t. I still have to do the laundry, buy coal briquettes, and clean the windows before it freezes." Wang Zhaodi felt she was quite busy.


    Living with her godmother¡¯s family was a thousand times more comfortable than her own home, and Sister Jiang Lu even gave her three yuan. She was more than willing to take on extra chores.


    Lately, besides making paper boxes and matchboxes, she had earned over twenty yuan from Sister Jiang Lu¡ªmore money than her mother had ever held. Wang Zhaodi was motivated and hoped to stay longer.


    Tao Yuyue was taken aback by Wang Zhaodi¡¯s refusal. Her smile stiffened, but she quickly recovered, saying, "You¡¯re so diligent. But why rush through all the work? Take your time. It¡¯s been so long since we last talked. It¡¯d be nice to catch up."


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "There¡¯s still work to do tomorrow."


    She planned to go up the mountain with Auntie Zhao and the others tomorrow. Heh.


    Tao Yuyue: "..."


    Wang Zhaodi was straightforward and didn¡¯t understand Tao Yuyue¡¯s intentions, but the experienced women in the courtyard saw right through her. Who invites someone over on moving day without having cleaned up first?


    It was obvious she wanted Wang Zhaodi to help with chores but didn¡¯t want to say it outright.


    Auntie Zhou sneered, "People these days are so sneaky. If you want help, just say it. Don¡¯t beat around the bush. Tsk tsk, how shameless."


    Tao Yuyue had once given Bai Fendou an injection, so she knew what kind of people lived in this courtyard. Initially, she had felt uneasy about moving here. She thought the neighborhood was bad and the people hard to get along with.


    But the courtyard itself was well-built and newer than many surrounding areas, so she couldn¡¯t pass up the opportunity.


    Another reason was that if Wang Xiangxiu could boss Bai Fendou around, why couldn¡¯t she? She was far better than Wang Xiangxiu, who even spent Bai Fendou¡¯s money. At least she wasn¡¯t a gold digger.


    She just needed someone to do the chores.


    After all, her husband, Chen Yuan, was spoiled and clearly not the type to do manual labor.


    Now, it seemed the neighbors were as annoying as she had feared.


    She pursed her lips and smiled, not responding further.


    Chen Yuan: "Yuyue, stop chatting and start cleaning. Look at all this dust."


    He frowned, "The walls are yellowed from smoke. How can anyone live here? And where¡¯s the stove?"


    Tao Yuyue: "We¡¯ll have to build one ourselves."


    This was their own problem.


    The Zhang family had previously lived together, so they only had one stove. But when the house was divided, they chose the cleaner, larger room, forgetting it didn¡¯t have a stove.


    The other room had a stove but was in worse condition overall.


    The contrast was stark, and now Tao Yuyue regretted her choice.


    "Look at this peeling wallpaper. How can we live like this?" Chen Yuan continued to complain, "The windows are old too. Look at this chipped paint."


    He was thoroughly dissatisfied.


    Especially since Lan Sihai¡¯s house, located between the front and back courtyards, had been recently renovated and looked brand new. In comparison, the neighboring houses, including theirs, looked shabby.


    The contrast was glaring.


    "I can¡¯t live here. What kind of place is this? How did you even choose this house? Everything¡¯s wrong. Can¡¯t you do anything right?" Chen Yuan ranted nonstop.


    Tao Yuyue held her temper and tried to soothe him, "It¡¯s not that bad. We can fix it up."


    "How? Are you going to do it? Are you telling me what to do?"


    Chen Yuan kept complaining, "Look, they even took the bed and wardrobe. How stingy. And there¡¯s no bathroom? We have to go outside? In winter? I told you this kind of courtyard is no good. You insisted. Is this what you wanted? I can¡¯t stand this."


    Tao Yuyue: "I¡¯ll clean it up, okay?"


    Chen Yuan continued to stand at the door, grumbling about everything. The others exchanged glances.


    Zhang San: "Come on, wife, let¡¯s clean up our place too."


    Their house was in worse shape than the neighbors¡¯, but it wasn¡¯t beyond repair.


    He chuckled, "You didn¡¯t expect this, did you? I brought a bucket of paint and some old newspapers. I¡¯ll re-paper the ceiling."


    Although they had just moved in, they weren¡¯t planning to settle in immediately. After all, the house needed some work. Unlike older couples who might let it slide, as newlyweds, they couldn¡¯t just leave it as it was.


    Zhang San: "Go chat with the neighbors. The aunties here are well-informed. You can also visit Sister Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife. Oh wait, they got married earlier, so she might be younger than you."


    Pan Pan shook her head, "No, let''s clean up together. Two people can work faster, and we''ll have plenty of time to chat later."


    "Alright then, let''s do it together."


    Couples are different. While things seemed worse on this side, the young couple had already started working together. On the other side, it was a different story. As soon as Chen Yuan saw them repainting the wall, he immediately questioned Tao Yuyue, "Why didn''t you think of this? Look, others can come up with ideas, but you can''t. How can you be so useless?"


    Tao Yuyue couldn''t take it anymore and retorted, "It was the man who thought of it over there. How would I, as a woman, know so much?"


    Chen Yuan snapped, "How can you not know? My family arranged a proper job for you, and now you think you''re above me, huh? How dare you talk back to me!"


    Tao Yuyue noticed everyone in the courtyard eavesdropping on their argument, and she felt utterly humiliated, as if she had become the center of gossip.


    At that moment, she thought of Bai Fendou.


    At that moment, she also thought of Zhou Qun.


    And at that moment, she even thought of the Su family''s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, who were often the topic of discussion.


    She felt like the world was spinning, and she didn''t want to be humiliated like this.


    Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and said, "Don''t be angry. I''ll go buy the supplies now. We''ll clean up quickly. Why don''t you go home first? I''ll handle it here. When I''m done, you''ll come back and see everything looking brand new."


    Chen Yuan glared at her and said, "If I''m not here to supervise, can you even do it right? If I don''t like what you''ve done, won''t we have to redo it?"


    The onlookers were stunned.


    This man was really something¡ªmaking his wife do all the work and still wanting to supervise her?


    Bai Fendou couldn''t stand it anymore and stepped forward, shouting, "What do you think you''re doing? Are you even a man? Don''t you know how to cherish your wife? Look at other families¡ªthe men are the ones doing the work. Even Zhuang Zhixi, who''s known for being lazy, does the laundry now that his wife is pregnant. And here you are, a grown man, bullying a woman? Let me tell you, just because your dad''s the head of logistics doesn''t mean you can oppress women and throw your weight around here! Others might be afraid to offend you, but I, Bai Fendou, am not! If you keep bullying Nurse Tao, I''ll take you down!"


    Chen Yuan widened his eyes, "What are you talking about? Hey, what does this have to do with you? How I live with my wife is none of your business! You, a eunuch, meddling in other people''s affairs? What, you want to take over? Pfft! Take a look in the mirror and see what kind of trash you are..."


    "You jerk! Who are you calling a eunuch? I''ll beat you to death!!!"


    True to his reputation as a reckless man, Bai Fendou, despite having suffered countless losses and even after his father''s death, remained unchanged. He lunged forward without hesitation and punched Chen Yuan square in the face.


    Chen Yuan let out a shrill scream, "How dare you hit me! I''ll fight you!!!"


    The two instantly tumbled into a brawl, with Bai Fendou clearly dominating.


    He grabbed Chen Yuan and wouldn''t let go, while Chen Yuan kept shouting, "You eunuch! You damn eunuch!"


    Though he couldn''t win the fight, he sure knew how to throw insults!


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "What the hell! How did this even turn into a fight...?"


    Their courtyard had been relatively peaceful lately, but with the arrival of new neighbors, chaos had erupted once again.


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately pulled his wife aside and said, "Stay back."


    Ming Mei stood at a safe distance, clicking her tongue in amazement.


    Here we go again!


    Several men rushed in to break up the fight. One advantage of having a security officer in the courtyard was that Zhang San was strong and quickly managed to pull the two apart. Tao Yuyue looked over and saw her husband''s face had taken two punches¡ªhis eye was blackened, and there was blood at the corner of his mouth.


    Heartbroken, she turned to Bai Fendou and yelled, "You jerk!"

 Chapter 132

    Tao Yuyue hadn''t expected that Bai Fendou would get involved in this mess. Although he was standing up for her, she was still quite upset. She had just gotten married, and now her husband had been beaten up. What kind of situation was this? Chen Yuan was even more displeased. He had been pampered since childhood and couldn''t handle this kind of humiliation.He couldn''t beat Bai Fendou, but he flailed his arms and shouted loudly, "Bai Fendou, you useless eunuch, you bastard! You think you can bully me? I swear I''ll make you shovel manure for the rest of your life!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bai Fendou wasn''t about to back down either. "Oh, look at you, acting all tough! Come on then! What can you even do? You''re nothing without your dad. Without him, you''re worthless, you hear me? Worthless!"


    "You!"


    Bai Fendou was a skilled debater and raised his voice even higher. "Who do you think you are? Everyone in our compound got their jobs through real skills. Only you, only someone like you, got in through connections. Pfft! You think you''re worthy of talking to me? You''re not!"


    "Say that again, you useless piece of trash! No wonder no one wants you. Look at yourself! You think you''re so great, huh? You''re the kind of guy who deserves to be single forever. Even if you do get married, your wife will cheat on you. No one will take care of you when you''re old!" Chen Yuan was equally vicious with his insults.


    Bai Fendou''s eyes blazed with anger. "You bastard! I''ll beat you to a pulp!"


    Zhang San quickly stepped in to intervene. "Enough, enough! If you two really start fighting, I''ll have to call security. What are you doing? This was supposed to be a happy housewarming. It''s so unlucky to have this kind of drama. Both of you, take a step back and save face, alright?"


    Chen Yuan sneered. "What kind of face does he have to save with me?"


    Bai Fendou shot back, "And what kind of face do you have with me? A man who can''t even support his family, and you call yourself a man?"


    "Oh, so you''re the manly one? Go ask around in the city, everyone knows Bai Fendou isn''t a real man. Stop pretending to be something you''re not!"


    "You!"


    "You!"


    The two of them glared at each other, their tempers flaring.


    The onlookers shook their heads, baffled at how these two could suddenly get into such a heated argument. As for Tao Yuyue, they thought, "Beauty brings trouble."


    Tao Yuyue was also unhappy, but she remembered that this was her first day moving in. Bai Fendou might be a meddler, but the others were long-time neighbors, and she was the newcomer. She had to be careful not to alienate them.


    She took a deep breath and said, "Alright, that''s enough. Look at what you''re doing! Bai Fendou, I know you mean well, but please don''t interfere in my family matters. Chen Yuan, stop hurling insults. If Dad hears about this, he''ll scold you. You shouldn''t say such things."


    Chen Yuan retorted, "You''re just a woman. What right do you have to tell me what to do?"


    Tao Yuyue took another deep breath and said, "I''m not trying to control you. I just don''t want you to embarrass yourself."


    "You... woman!"


    Tao Yuyue grabbed Chen Yuan and pushed him toward the door. "Go take a walk in Beihai Park or somewhere else. When you come back, I''ll have everything cleaned up, and you''ll feel much better."


    Chen Yuan glared at her, but Tao Yuyue leaned in and whispered in his ear, "If you keep this up, I''ll tell Dad."


    "You tattletale! Are you a child? All you know how to do is tattle. Pfft!" Chen Yuan cursed a bit more but ultimately relented, fearing Tao Yuyue''s threat. He turned to Bai Fendou and said, "I''m only backing off because of my wife. You''re still a piece of trash."


    He spat on the ground and stormed off.


    Bai Fendou was about to chase after him, but Tao Yuyue quickly grabbed his arm. "Bai Fendou, I apologize for what just happened. I shouldn''t have said those things, but please don''t interfere in our marital issues. It''s not appropriate."


    Bai Fendou was so angry he could barely breathe. He couldn''t understand why good men like him were single and lonely, while scoundrels like Chen Yuan could marry such loyal wives. These women must be blind!


    Life was so unfair!


    Bai Fendou snorted heavily and said, "I don''t care about you personally. I just can''t stand seeing men bully women. If it were someone else, I''d do the same. Don''t flatter yourself!"


    With that, he turned and stomped away.


    Tao Yuyue''s expression darkened at Bai Fendou''s words, but she still breathed a sigh of relief. She didn''t pay any more attention to her husband or Bai Fendou and quietly went inside to start cleaning. The others exchanged glances, sensing the tension. This was the first time they''d seen something like this.


    Although the men in the compound typically didn''t do housework, leaving chores like laundry and cooking to the women, moving and cleaning were big tasks that shouldn''t fall entirely on the women. It made the men seem uncivilized.


    Zhang San peeked inside and clicked his tongue, amused by the drama. This compound was always lively, and he was excited to see what would happen next.


    Pan Pan felt the same way. On their first day moving in, they''d already witnessed a fight!


    They''d seen it!


    The legendary Bai Fendou lived up to his reputation.


    The couple was so excited, they looked like they''d never seen anything like this before. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"


    "No need, we can handle it. You go ahead with your own work," Tao Yuyue replied.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Alright, let me know if you need anything."


    "Sure."


    Zhang San usually got his gossip from Zhuang Zhixi, his go-to source for juicy stories. He chuckled and went back to his own work.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Tao Yuyue, who was silently cleaning with a cold expression, and then at Zhang San and Pan Pan, who were happily working together. The contrast was striking.


    With the new neighbors, the compound was buzzing with activity.


    Aunt Wang, a tough northeastern woman, couldn''t stand men like Chen Yuan. "Tao Yuyue is in for a rough time," she muttered.


    They didn''t bother discussing Bai Fendou''s fight. Bai Fendou fighting was nothing new; it was practically routine. He was known for being reckless.


    What they were curious about was the new neighbor.


    Aunt Sui said, "Tao Yuyue isn''t losing out. She used to be a temporary worker but got promoted to a permanent position. Besides, without her father-in-law being the logistics director, how else could they have gotten a house so quickly?"


    Factory housing allocations were common, but not everyone got one right away. There simply weren''t enough houses to go around. Their factory had a dormitory for single workers, but the rooms were barely big enough for a bed, let alone a couple. The walls were thin, and privacy was nonexistent. New workers without housing could apply for a dormitory, and the factory would usually arrange something quickly.


    But that was different from being assigned a proper house.


    To get a welfare house, you had to be married and wait in line for one to become available. However, since their factory wasn''t in the suburbs, there wasn''t much land available for building new housing. If they built too far away, it would be inconvenient for workers to commute. So, houses were allocated based on proximity, but there were always more people than houses.


    Usually, someone had to give up their house before a new one could be assigned.


    And this "giving up" had its own rules. Once a welfare house was assigned, it was essentially the occupant''s property. They could even sell it privately if they wanted. Only if someone qualified for a second allocation would they have to give up their current house.


    For example, the Zhang family had to give up their house because they were being relocated and would receive a larger one. If they had simply moved out without being reassigned, they could have kept or sold the house.


    Since they were being transferred to another unit and receiving a new house, they had to give up their old one.


    Of course, policies vary from one workplace to another, and the nature of housing allocations differs as well. It all depends on the housing distribution policies and nature of each factory, but their unit¡¯s situation is generally like this. It¡¯s still relatively clear.


    Situations like the Zhang family¡¯s do exist, and they gave up their housing.


    At this point, those who didn¡¯t get allocated housing had to rely on their own resourcefulness.


    So, if Tao Yuyue hadn¡¯t married Chen Yuan, and if Chen Yuan didn¡¯t have a father who was the head of logistics, they definitely wouldn¡¯t have been allocated this apartment. After all, logistics also oversees these matters, and while there are higher-ups, they still have some influence.


    No matter the era, there are always those who benefit from connections, and his family is like that.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°Look, I¡¯ve been registered for half a year, and I still haven¡¯t been allocated anything. Tough luck.¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, I think you¡¯ll have to wait a long time. You¡¯re a single-income worker at the factory, and you already have housing. It¡¯s tough!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi never benefited from the factory¡¯s welfare housing allocation. His family¡¯s current situation is entirely thanks to his father. Their three-and-a-half rooms have been rented since before liberation. Because they paid rent consistently before liberation and had many children, after liberation, when the machinery factory was nationalized, their family still got allocated three-and-a-half rooms.


    But in reality, three-and-a-half rooms are quite a lot. Because of this, Zhuang Zhixi wanted to apply again. Although he qualified, it¡¯s hard to say when it would actually happen, unless the factory builds a new residential compound, which might offer some hope.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Well, it seems I¡¯ll just have to wait for my wife.¡±


    Ming Mei raised her hand and replied, ¡°I¡¯ve also applied, but it¡¯s hard to say when I¡¯ll get allocated. Our unit¡¯s situation is similar to the machinery factory¡¯s.¡±


    Both spouses applied at their respective workplaces, but for families where both work in different units, if one gets allocated housing, the other¡¯s application is usually canceled. After all, one family can¡¯t take all the benefits.


    Zhao Guihua suddenly spoke up, ¡°Generally, if you already have housing, it¡¯s quite difficult to get allocated more.¡±


    She glanced at her son and daughter-in-law, pondering the housing allocation issue. If you think about it, their family hasn¡¯t had much luck in this regard. Her eldest son did get allocated a 50-square-meter apartment in a tube-shaped building three years later, which wasn¡¯t bad in size, but it was an old building from the 1940s.


    By the time they were allocated the apartment, it had already been 35 or 36 years since it was built. If you say it¡¯s good, it sounds decent, but who could have guessed? Over 50 years later, just before Zhao Guihua¡¯s rebirth, the apartment was still standing.


    The place was in such disrepair, it was unbearable to look at.


    Although it had the prestige of being within the Second Ring Road, and it sounded impressive, the building was so old that it exuded a sense of decay. Since the early 1990s, there had been talk of demolishing and redeveloping it, but by 2022, nothing had happened.


    At first, it was because of some stubborn holdouts.


    Later, it became about preserving some old architecture.


    Later, while scrolling through short videos, Zhao Guihua even came across the dilapidated building where her eldest son lived. If you say it¡¯s valuable, it is, given its location within the Second Ring Road. But if you¡¯re talking about living there, it¡¯s practically uninhabitable. Only some young people looking for cheap rent would dare to live there.


    The kitchen and bathroom were outside, and you couldn¡¯t make any small indoor modifications. Who knows if it would damage the structure? What if it collapsed?


    If you talk about relocating, no one¡¯s moving; if you talk about living there, it¡¯s unlivable.


    It seems like a Second Ring Road property, an old building, but for the actual owners, it¡¯s quite a dilemma. After all, for old Beijingers like them, there are plenty of better options. Plus, the ownership and usage rights are separated¡ªownership belongs to the railway, while usage rights belong to the individual employee.


    The eldest son¡¯s family was really burdened by this apartment, and because of it, they couldn¡¯t be allocated any other housing. In the end, they had to buy their own place.


    The third son¡¯s family didn¡¯t fare much better in terms of housing allocation. They did get allocated an apartment, thanks to Ming Mei. It was also a tube-shaped building, an old one, but it was better than the eldest son¡¯s. Though old, it was only four or five years old, making it relatively new.


    But who could have guessed that right after Ming Mei got her allocation, the machinery factory announced they were building a new residential complex? Zhuang Zhixi lost his eligibility for housing allocation at the machinery factory. The two allocations couldn¡¯t compare in terms of location or size.


    This left the couple fuming.


    Thinking about all this, Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but shake her head slightly. Their luck with housing allocation was truly mediocre.


    ¡°Guihua, why aren¡¯t you saying anything? What¡¯s with the head-shaking?¡± Aunt Wang, seeing her old friend Zhao Guihua staying silent, looked at her curiously and asked. Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°I¡¯m just thinking, housing allocation is such a big deal.¡±


    ¡°Of course it is.¡±


    At this point, everyone thought of Aunt Su. Though Aunt Su wasn¡¯t much of a person, her mind worked quickly. By leveraging the deaths of her husband and son, she managed to secure four main rooms for the Su family.


    Even with three sons getting married, there was enough space.


    You have to admit, that¡¯s quite shrewd. Most people wouldn¡¯t be able to figure that out.


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Wang Xiangxiu, what¡¯s the situation with your mother-in-law? Has she been sentenced yet?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t been there.¡±


    Actually, the police had contacted her two or three times, saying Aunt Su wanted to see her, but Wang Xiangxiu refused each time. She didn¡¯t want to see her mother-in-law at all. She hadn¡¯t had much education and wasn¡¯t particularly sharp.


    She didn¡¯t want to see Aunt Su again, fearing she might be deceived once more.


    She didn¡¯t want to go, partly because she truly hated Aunt Su, and partly because she was afraid of falling for her sweet talk again. After all, she wasn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed. What if she got tricked again?


    And precisely because she wasn¡¯t clever, she didn¡¯t blame herself. Instead, she felt that all her years of decline and misery were because of Aunt Su, so she harbored deep resentment toward her. See her? Absolutely not.


    She¡¯d rather raise her children alone, even if it meant a harder life, as long as she could live honestly.


    Someone like that shouldn¡¯t be allowed to influence her anymore.


    She said, ¡°She did try to contact me, but I don¡¯t want to see her.¡±


    She glanced toward the house and added, ¡°I don¡¯t have time for her. I have a family to support.¡±


    Jinlai and Yinlai had already been discharged from the hospital, but neither child was attending school. Both were at home recovering. Jinlai was actually better, but because his leg had been broken, they didn¡¯t dare let him engage in strenuous activities. He needed to rest at home for three to five months to ensure he didn¡¯t end up with a limp.


    As for Yinlai¡­ Yinlai had internal injuries. It wasn¡¯t just three to five months; it might take three to five years to recover fully. She had already withdrawn Yinlai from school, as his physical condition made it impossible for him to attend classes in the short term.


    Jinlai, on the other hand, would return to school once he recovered.


    Aunt Wang, seeing that Wang Xiangxiu really didn¡¯t know much, said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard a little about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    Everyone turned to look at her. Aunt Wang said, ¡°I heard from someone in the neighborhood that Aunt Su reported a few people who had been involved in gambling, swindling, and renting out properties before liberation.¡±


    Gambling, prostitution, and drugs often go hand in hand, with some connections between them. If Aunt Su knew something, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising.


    But it¡¯s been so many years. Aunt Su left the Eight Great Alleys almost 40 years ago. How could she still remember those people and even know so many details? You can tell just how cunning she is.


    Aunt Wang added, ¡°I¡¯ve only heard this, but apparently, she recognized some people while shopping about ten years ago. She had gone from a young girl of 14 or 15 to an old woman, so no one recognized her, but she recognized them. She even followed them for a while to figure out what they were up to. Apparently, these people were still up to no good, but she didn¡¯t say anything at the time. Now that she¡¯s been caught, she¡¯s spilled a lot to gain merit. You have to admit, this woman is something else. She¡¯s been hiding a lot of secrets.¡±


    ¡°Good heavens.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Su, who would¡¯ve thought?¡±


    She truly demonstrated the saying, ¡°You can¡¯t judge a book by its cover.¡±


    ¡°Who knows when she¡¯ll be sentenced.¡±


    ¡°It might take a while. She was supposed to be sentenced already, but she¡¯s revealed so much more, so they¡¯re still investigating.¡±


    Aunt Wang, as the neighborhood manager, indeed knew a lot.


    As soon as she spoke, everyone gasped in surprise.


    Even Wang Xiangxiu was no exception. She now felt a deep sense of regret, wondering how she could have lived with such a person for over a decade. She had been swindled, and it was a stroke of luck that she hadn¡¯t been completely ruined. She had initially felt a bit resentful, but now she just felt a chill running down her spine.


    Relief, when she thought about it, was indeed a relief.


    Perhaps because Aunt Su was mentioned, Bai Fendou also appeared. He stood to the side and listened for a while before saying, ¡°Good people don¡¯t live long, but troublemakers last a thousand years.¡±


    This statement was quite accurate.


    At this moment, Aunt Zhou, with her sharp eyes, noticed that Bai Fendou was carrying a bucket and seemed ready to head out. She asked curiously, ¡°Bai Fendou, what are you¡­?¡±


    Bai Fendou replied, ¡°A friend of mine has a leaky roof. I¡¯m going to help her fix it. Otherwise, with the cold weather and winter rains, it¡¯ll be miserable. She has five children. If the house is drafty and leaky, those kids will suffer.¡±


    Everyone silently turned their gaze toward Wang Xiangxiu, who quietly lowered her head and continued pasting paper boxes as if she hadn¡¯t heard anything.


    Bai Fendou said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯m off.¡±


    Zhou Qun immediately spoke up, ¡°You must be going to Guan Guiling¡¯s place, right? Wait¡­ no, she has four children! Do you have another widow you¡¯re helping out?¡±


    This guy is really something, isn¡¯t he?


    Bai Fendou raised an eyebrow and said, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? I¡¯m going to Guan Guiling¡¯s place. We¡¯re old classmates and friends. Isn¡¯t it right to help her out? She¡¯s having a hard time, and I don¡¯t mind lending a hand. At least she knows how to be grateful. When I help her, she acknowledges it, unlike some people who take my help and then stab me in the back.¡±


    He glanced at Wang Xiangxiu.


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°¡­¡±


    He added, ¡°And it¡¯s not like some people who, even when I help them, still curse me out. Hmph.¡±


    This time, he looked in the direction of Tao Yuyue¡¯s house. Tao Yuyue was just about to go out to buy some paint.


    Tao Yuyue: ¡°¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou sneered, ¡°At least she knows how to be grateful.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I heard Guan Guiling has four kids,¡± Zhou Qun scratched his head.


    Bai Fendou said, ¡°What four? She told me herself she has five kids, the oldest being ten. Where did you get your information? You must be mistaken.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°I¡­¡±


    His eyes fell on Ming Mei, and he quickly asked, ¡°Ming Mei, you two work in the same unit, right? Tell me, how many kids does Guan Guiling have?¡±


    Ming Mei pursed her lips and said, ¡°I heard it¡¯s four. Bai Fendou, you must be mistaken. As for their ages, I don¡¯t know, but her kids seem to be quite young.¡±


    Zhou Qun, having Ming Mei¡¯s support, immediately perked up and said, ¡°See? Ming Mei works with her, and she says it¡¯s four. So, she must have four kids, not five.¡±


    Bai Fendou frowned, annoyed, and said, ¡°Maybe you¡¯re mistaken, or maybe she misspoke. Isn¡¯t that normal? Why are you making such a big deal out of it?¡±


    He waved his hand, ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    With that, Bai Fendou walked away.


    After he left, the group fell into a brief silence.


    After a while, Aunt Zhou said, ¡°A mother wouldn¡¯t mistake how many children she has, right? What kind of mother would do that?¡±


    ¡°Maybe Bai Fendou remembered wrong?¡±


    ¡°Possibly.¡±


    Zhou Qun said, ¡°I don¡¯t think Bai Fendou would remember wrong. He¡¯s Guan Guiling¡¯s lapdog, hanging on her every word. How could he get it wrong? I think there¡¯s something fishy going on here.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s fishy?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chimed in, ¡°Either Guan Guiling is counting her ex-husband as one of the kids and tricking Bai Fendou into supporting him, or she¡¯s pregnant with another one.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    For a moment, no one knew what to say.


    Even Tao Yuyue, who was passing by, stopped in her tracks, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Zhang San and his wife also popped up to listen to the gossip, both of them clicking their tongues in amazement.


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s words shocked everyone, but Zhou Qun clapped his hands in agreement, ¡°Zhuang Zhixi is right. It¡¯s probably one of those two scenarios, nothing else.¡±


    He added, ¡°I think Bai Fendou is about to be fooled again.¡±


    Aunt Wang sighed, ¡°Even if you warn him, he won¡¯t listen.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°True, he won¡¯t be tripped up by the same woman twice, but he¡¯ll be tripped up by two different women twice.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    That seemed to make a lot of sense.


    Everyone shook their heads in unison, tutting.


    Although Tao Yuyue wanted to stay and listen a bit longer, she knew she couldn¡¯t. She still had to tidy up the house and hurriedly left. Zhao Guihua watched her retreating figure and sighed, thinking that marrying into a wealthy family wasn¡¯t all it was cracked up to be.


    In her past life, Tao Yuyue had married Chen Yuan.


    This Chen Yuan had some connections. His father was the logistics director at the machinery factory¡ªnot an extremely high position, but one with real authority. His mother was the deputy director of the Third Pastry Factory, also a decent workplace. Both parents were capable people. Chen Yuan also had an older sister who was already married and worked as an accountant at a food factory.


    Chen Yuan was the youngest son.


    In her past life, Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue hadn¡¯t moved into their courtyard, so they didn¡¯t know much about the family. However, Tao Yuyue had carried herself with the air of someone who had ¡°married into wealth,¡± always well-dressed and well-fed. Many young women at the factory looked up to her as a role model.


    After all, who wouldn¡¯t want a better life?


    Everyone does.


    But based on today¡¯s little incident, even though she had ¡°married into a cadre family,¡± it didn¡¯t necessarily mean everything was smooth sailing.


    At the very least, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t seem like the most reliable person.


    ¡°Why is Chen Yuan living in our courtyard instead of staying in his apartment?¡± Aunt Sui muttered. ¡°Isn¡¯t he an only child?¡±


    Zhou Qun said, ¡°Who knows? But I think it might be because his family¡¯s place is too crowded. I heard that Chen Yuan¡¯s grandparents live with them, so the house must be packed. Plus, why not take advantage of the benefits? And I imagine a newlywed bride wouldn¡¯t want to live with her in-laws and grandparents. Having so many elders around must be exhausting. So, they probably applied for housing benefits and moved into our courtyard.¡±


    ¡°Probably.¡±


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t think so, but she didn¡¯t say anything.


    As everyone discussed the newlywed couple, Zhang San and Pan Pan didn¡¯t stay either. They went back home to continue painting. There was still a lot to do around the house, but they could finish it in a day.


    Pan Pan nudged Zhang San and whispered, ¡°That rather plump woman is Wang Xiangxiu, right?¡±


    She had heard all about Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s gossip from Zhang San.


    Zhang San nodded, ¡°That¡¯s her. She¡¯s quite the character.¡±


    Although many people outside believed in Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s innocence, Zhang San, as someone in the know, didn¡¯t buy it. He knew that several men, including Li Si from the security department and Wang Erlai, had been her ¡°guests.¡±


    He even knew the prices.


    However, he didn¡¯t elaborate further, not wanting his wife to think he was being inappropriate.


    Heaven knows, although he liked to gossip, he had never been involved with her.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t met her mother-in-law. She¡¯s even more of a character. But she¡¯s been arrested now. This courtyard is full of drama. That Aunt Zhou¡­¡±


    The young couple chatted in low voices as they worked, feeling that tidying up the house wasn¡¯t tiring at all. While they worked at home, the others in the courtyard were still pasting paper boxes. They did this whenever they had free time.


    However, this work was running out. Once they handed in this batch, there wouldn¡¯t be any more for the year. What a pity.


    But at least they had earned some money.


    ¡°Aunt Wang, will we have such good opportunities next year?¡±


    Aunt Wang replied, ¡°Next year, you¡¯ll have to catch another thief.¡±


    ¡°Ah, good things don¡¯t come around often, do they?¡±


    Everyone laughed and said, ¡°Of course not. You can¡¯t have a feast every day.¡±


    ¡°This is the last batch. We¡¯ll hand it in tomorrow or the day after.¡±


    ¡°After that, shall we go up the mountain?¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡±


    For the past few months, they had been going up the mountain together, and their harvest had been quite good. While they hadn¡¯t found any particularly valuable items, they had gathered plenty of mountain produce. Just take Zhao Guihua¡¯s family cellar, for example¡ªit was completely full. Even though there was a food shortage outside, Zhao Guihua¡¯s family was far from lacking.


    ¡°Zhao Guihua, come collect your package slip. There¡¯s a package for you.¡±


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua immediately stood up: ¡°Coming!¡±


    She signed for the package slip and was overjoyed.


    Aunt Wang immediately guessed: ¡°It¡¯s from your second child, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Of course! It¡¯s probably salted fish.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin lived by the sea, so she had no shortage of such things. Every autumn, she would send a lot of salted fish to her family.


    Don¡¯t underestimate salted fish¡ªit¡¯s a delicacy these days, a proper meat dish. When steamed with pickled mustard greens, the flavor is simply divine!


    ¡°Your daughter is so filial.¡±


    ¡°Well, your Li Fang is wonderful too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Li Fang wasn¡¯t here chatting with the others. Instead, she had gathered two pregnant women, Ming Mei and Jiang Lu, to give them some advice. Both were expecting their first child and couldn¡¯t compare to Li Fang¡¯s experience.


    They were sitting on the porch of the Zhuang family¡¯s house.


    Li Fang noticed both women had long hair and said, ¡°Before giving birth, you should both cut your hair short. Otherwise, you¡¯ll definitely regret it later.¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    It seemed like everyone did this, but they had both grown up with long hair and were used to it. They were reluctant to cut it short.


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement.


    Li Fang: ¡°After giving birth, you¡¯ll have to stay in confinement for a month¡ªno going out, no washing your hair, no bathing. If you don¡¯t cut your hair short, it¡¯ll get so greasy you¡¯ll want to vomit.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right, right! That¡¯s true.¡± Ming Mei thought of her sister-in-law, who had gone through the same thing during her confinement. She made up her mind: ¡°Then I¡¯ll definitely cut it short.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want her hair to get so oily it could fry food. The thought of not being able to clean herself for a whole month made her groan: ¡°I¡¯d feel so dirty!¡±


    Li Fang laughed and said, ¡°We¡¯re lucky to be having our confinement in winter. Just imagine how much worse it would be in the summer.¡±


    Hearing this, everyone felt a bit better. It¡¯s true¡ªpeople always feel better when they compare their situation to something worse.


    Thinking about the misery of summer confinement, winter confinement, though cold, was much more bearable since you didn¡¯t have to go outside.


    In summer, you¡¯d practically start to rot.


    ¡°We should also stock up on brown sugar and eggs in advance.¡±


    The two women nodded again in agreement.


    Although the food shortage this year was quite noticeable, it wasn¡¯t as severe as the three-year famine. Things were tough, but it wasn¡¯t life-threatening. Eggs and such could still be bought in limited quantities.


    Jiang Lu whispered: ¡°I¡¯m planning to buy some from the black market.¡±


    At times like these, the black market was the go-to option.


    If they tried to buy normally, they wouldn¡¯t be able to get much due to the limits.


    After all, in some mountain villages, eggs could even be used as currency to trade for other goods¡ªthat¡¯s how valuable they were.


    ¡°You¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have Zhou Qun go.¡±


    Li Fang rubbed her temples and said, ¡°Yang Lixin wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    Yang Lixin wasn¡¯t very brave. If he were, he wouldn¡¯t have been tricked by Bai Fendou before.


    Of course, his family had tried to take advantage of others too, but Bai Fendou had really taken them for a ride. Even without saying it outright, it was clear from the situation.


    She sighed and said, ¡°Our family will just have to make do. We won¡¯t go to the black market. I¡¯ll see if Yang Lixin can go to the countryside instead. Maybe someone in his village will be willing to trade.¡±


    Yang Lixin was a live-in son-in-law, and his home village was close to the city.


    Of course, if he were from a remote mountain village like Wang Zhaodi¡¯s, no one would have recommended him to come to the city as an apprentice. If he hadn¡¯t apprenticed under Li the Cook, he wouldn¡¯t have become a live-in son-in-law either.


    It was only natural for him to go back to his village and ask around.


    Ming Mei: ¡°I¡¯ll ask Zhuang Zhixi. He¡¯ll probably have a way.¡±


    Even though their families had started raising chickens, it still wasn¡¯t enough. Even with their work unit¡¯s rations, it wouldn¡¯t suffice for the confinement period. After all, eggs were the most important source of nutrition during that time.


    ¡°We really made a good decision buying those hens.¡±


    The hens they bought were laying eggs quite well.


    The Zhuang family and Li Fang¡¯s family had children who dug up worms for the chickens, while Jiang Lu¡¯s family had Wang Zhaodi. The hens were well-fed and laid eggs frequently. It was truly a great investment. Even Wang Xiangxiu had started raising chickens.


    However, her family¡¯s chickens weren¡¯t doing as well. After all, feeding them worms made a big difference.


    But Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s family was also very busy. Jinlai and Yinlai were bedridden, and Tonglai was too young. He had to go to school during the day, and after school, he couldn¡¯t go far by himself to dig for worms or earthworms.


    He used to go with his two older brothers, so he didn¡¯t have many friends.


    If he went too far alone, even Wang Xiangxiu wouldn¡¯t feel at ease. After all, he was her only healthy child now.


    So her hens weren¡¯t doing as well, but even so, two hens could lay at least one egg a day, which was still worth it.


    ¡°Our courtyard might be noisy, but at least everyone¡¯s sharp. Look how quickly everyone started raising chickens once they realized the benefits. There¡¯s a three-section courtyard on the back street. They wanted to raise chickens, but the whole courtyard had to hold a meeting about it. In the end, they rejected the idea, saying it would ruin the courtyard¡¯s environment. Isn¡¯t that ridiculous? The policy allows each household to raise two chickens, but their courtyard forbids it. They¡¯re really making a big deal out of nothing, acting all high and mighty. And the people in their courtyard actually listened to them. I don¡¯t know if their brains have been eaten by dogs.¡±


    ¡°The courtyard manager doesn¡¯t have that much authority.¡±


    ¡°Exactly! And what¡¯s with holding a meeting about it?¡±


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and smiled: ¡°If someone in our courtyard dared to say no to raising chickens, do you think they¡¯d get beaten up?¡±


    ¡°Haha!¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    The people in their courtyard might cause trouble, but they weren¡¯t pushovers!


    Everyone was quite fierce. Aside from the few families that stirred up the most trouble, the others weren¡¯t exactly meek either. Take the Zhuang family, for example. They didn¡¯t get involved in too much, but if anyone dared to provoke them, Zhao Guihua would storm over and give them a piece of her mind.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid of a fight.


    ¡°Exactly! And it¡¯s not like it¡¯s dirty either. Chicken manure is actually really useful.¡±


    This was also true. It was Zhao Guihua¡¯s idea. She had Old Man Zhuang build her a wooden box¡ªnot a traditional one, but more like a storage bin, about a meter long, half a meter wide, and half a meter tall, with no lid.


    Zhao Guihua dug up some black soil from the mountain and planted chili peppers in it. The chicken manure came in handy, and even then, it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Seeing this, the other families who raised chickens quickly followed suit, placing similar bins under their windows to grow vegetables. They didn¡¯t take up space in the courtyard or dig up the land¡ªthey just used the area under their own windows. If they wanted, they could even bring the bins inside.


    Zhao Guihua preferred spicy food, so she chose to grow chili peppers. Others who didn¡¯t like spicy food planted scallions or other herbs, which was also great. So don¡¯t talk about ruining the courtyard¡¯s environment¡ªtheir courtyard was actually quite nice.


    Chicken manure wasn¡¯t a bad thing at all.


    It even saved them money on buying chili peppers.


    Although it seemed like they hadn¡¯t accomplished much in the past year since Zhao Guihua¡¯s rebirth, she had subtly influenced the courtyard. At the very least, compared to their previous lives, things were much easier now.


    This time around, every household had some reserves.


    Because Zhao Guihua and the others frequently went to the mountains, the others had also become more active.


    As Ming Mei and the others chatted about this and that, Zhao Guihua and the rest were discussing their next trip to the mountains. Zhang San, who had come out to throw away the trash, overheard and quickly said, ¡°Aunt Zhao, can we come with you?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°The mountain isn¡¯t mine. Sure, come along. Do you have a bicycle?¡±


    If not, they¡¯d have to take the bus, which would increase the cost.


    Zhang San chuckled: ¡°My wife has one.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, seven tomorrow morning¡ªoh wait, aren¡¯t you working tomorrow?"


    Tomorrow was Monday, and usually, only housewives like them had so much free time.


    Besides, their house had just been painted today, so they definitely couldn¡¯t move back in tonight.


    Zhang San: "I¡¯m off tomorrow. Our security department has night shifts, so our days off are different from others."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, come over tomorrow then."


    Zhang San chuckled and said, "Sure."


    He sighed, "It¡¯s great to finally move in. I¡¯ve always dreamed of living in the same courtyard with all the aunties."


    Zhou Qun: "Heh."


    Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know¡ªyou¡¯re just as nosy.


    Aunt Zhou also felt a bit awkward. After all, she had suffered in the security department before. Though it wasn¡¯t Zhang San who had deliberately pinned her against the water pipe back then. This guy mostly just ran around watching the drama. So, while it was embarrassing, she couldn¡¯t exactly hold it against him.


    "Is your wife working?"


    "Yeah, she¡¯s working. I¡¯ll go alone."


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "I really didn¡¯t expect the Zhang family to move away."


    This hadn¡¯t happened in her past life. Back then, the Zhang family hadn¡¯t gone to assist with construction in another province, so they hadn¡¯t moved. She wondered if it was some ripple effect of her rebirth that had caused them to leave this time.


    "Exactly, I didn¡¯t expect it either."


    "Right?"


    Zhou Qun: "Ah, you guys didn¡¯t know?"


    "Know what? Do you know why they moved?" Zhao Guihua asked.


    Zhou Qun immediately puffed up with pride¡ªno piece of gossip could escape him.


    He said, "The Zhang family decided to move because they didn¡¯t want their daughter to be sent to the countryside. That¡¯s why they made this decision. You know, Old Yu¡¯s daughter from Workshop Five had something terrible happen when she was sent to the countryside. It was really tragic. It scared a lot of people. The Zhang family loves their daughter, so they made a tough decision to find her a way out. Plus, going to assist with construction isn¡¯t a bad deal. There are benefits too. So they decided to leave."


    "How do you know all this?"


    Zhou Qun: "I asked Old Zhang..."


    Everyone: "..."


    You¡¯re such a busybody.


    Zhao Guihua suddenly understood. Though she hadn¡¯t heard about Old Yu¡¯s daughter in her past life, it wasn¡¯t surprising since she was just a housewife. But it was interesting how the Zhang family had made different choices in two lifetimes.


    She raised an eyebrow and said, "Alright, I¡¯m not going to chat with you anymore. I need to go to the post office to pick something up."


    "Go ahead."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯ll go with you."


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure."


    Having someone to help carry things was always good.


    Zhao Guihua and her son headed out, not just for the package but also for the letter from her daughter.


    Even though she knew her daughter was doing fine on the island, a mother¡¯s heart could never fully stop worrying about her child. As she pushed her bicycle toward the post office, before they even got there, she spotted Tao Yuyue carrying a large bag across the street.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "It¡¯s not easy marrying into a cadre¡¯s family, is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, can you believe it? At the matchmaking event, Chen Yuan was just one of Tao Yuyue¡¯s admirers, practically fawning over her. But now that they¡¯re married, it¡¯s a completely different story. He¡¯s really showing his true colors."


    Zhao Guihua counted the days, "It hasn¡¯t been that long, has it?"


    The matchmaking event was at the end of September, and now it was November. How was that long?


    "Exactly. At the matchmaking event, several men were vying for Tao Yuyue¡¯s attention, including the factory director¡¯s nephew. Chen Yuan was there too, acting all sweet and attentive. But now... just look at his attitude today. It¡¯s like night and day. But I guess things are different now. Back then, he was just one of her many suitors, trying to win her over. Now that she¡¯s his wife, she¡¯s not as precious anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi knew some people were like that, but seeing it firsthand was still shocking.


    It was really something to see someone act like that.


    Zhao Guihua looked at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "He¡¯s not a decent person, but we can¡¯t be like that. I don¡¯t expect you to be a saint¡ªpeople without some wits might get taken advantage of. But when it comes to your own family, especially your wife, don¡¯t be like that. What kind of person acts like that? Stay away from people like him, and don¡¯t learn from them. Trash like that won¡¯t have a good ending."


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned, "Mom, I know. Besides, he¡¯s a cadre¡¯s son. Why would he hang out with me? Not that I¡¯d want to hang out with guys like that anyway. My wife is soft and sweet¡ªwhat more could I want?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Be serious."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, alright."


    As mother and son walked back with the package, Zhuang Zhixi pushed the bicycle and said, "What did my sister send? This is pretty heavy."


    Zhao Guihua teased, "You don¡¯t complain when you¡¯re eating it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "By the way, why did my older brother go on another trip? Otherwise, he could¡¯ve helped. I¡¯ve been really tired lately."


    Zhao Guihua: "You¡¯re just looking for an excuse to slack off."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..." He felt wronged.


    His eyes caught something, and he said, "Hey, isn¡¯t that Chen Yuan?"


    Speak of the devil¡ªthey had just been talking about him, and there he was. He was with a group of men, all riding bicycles, laughing loudly as they turned into the park.


    They were all showing off, ringing their bells loudly.


    Zhao Guihua, despite being reborn, was still old-fashioned. She shook her head, clicking her tongue, "They don¡¯t look like the type to settle down."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who cares about them?"


    "Exactly."


    The mother and son didn¡¯t think much of Chen Yuan, and of course, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t think much of them either.


    Chen Yuan came from a wealthy family, with well-off parents who doted on him as their only son. He considered himself above the rest, especially those from the courtyard who lacked education. He had his own circle of friends, all from well-to-do families.


    A few of the less well-off ones were just his lackeys.


    As they rode their bikes to the park, one of them, a pockmarked guy, asked curiously, "Brother Chen, how¡¯s it feel? You beat out so many rivals to marry the factory beauty. What¡¯s it like?"


    Chen Yuan chuckled, feeling proud. He had indeed defeated many competitors to win her.


    But then he raised an eyebrow and said, "After sleeping with her, it¡¯s just whatever. Women are only exciting when they¡¯re new. Honestly, I kind of regret it now."


    "Why?"


    Everyone crowded around, eager to hear more.


    Some of them smirked, thinking he was just showing off.


    Chen Yuan: "I used to pursue her because she was good-looking and had a lot of admirers. But she rejected me several times. I couldn¡¯t just let that slide, could I? I have my pride. Back then, I was all about saving face. But dating and marriage are completely different. Now I understand why my parents weren¡¯t too keen on us being together. After getting married, I realize it¡¯s not that great. Her family¡¯s background is pretty average, and she¡¯s not very worldly. If it weren¡¯t for my family, she wouldn¡¯t even have a proper job. It¡¯s laughable¡ªshe can¡¯t even give a proper injection. If it weren¡¯t for her aunt and uncle, she wouldn¡¯t even qualify to be a temp at the factory."


    "Wow, Brother Chen, you¡¯re ruthless. The factory beauty everyone admires is nothing in your eyes now."


    Chen Yuan waved his hand dismissively, "I¡¯m telling you, people from average families are just not impressive. They lack sophistication. She didn¡¯t even know how to use a flush toilet. Can you believe it? Oh, and you should¡¯ve seen it¡ªwe made a dish with century eggs, and she had never even tried it before. How embarrassing. I don¡¯t even dare take her out anymore. It¡¯s just humiliating."


    "Brother Chen, look how heartless you are. People laugh at her for never having eaten a ''money egg.'' So what if her conditions are a bit lacking? You can teach her slowly. As long as she¡¯s pretty, that¡¯s all that matters. You¡¯ve beaten so many people to win her. You don¡¯t even know¡ªif you go to the factory now and say anything bad about Tao Yuyue, so many people would hate you to death. Just thinking about it gets me excited. You¡¯ve married the factory belle! The factory belle!"


    Chen Yuan: "That¡¯s true. What I don¡¯t care for, others would kill to have. Take Bai Fendou, the guy who cleans the toilets. Oh man, when he sees my wife, he acts like a dog. If I scold her, he¡¯s practically ready to hit me. The hatred in his eyes! As if I¡¯ve stolen his beloved girl. Little does he know, his beloved girl is nothing to me."


    As he spoke, Chen Yuan grew even more smug.


    Tao Yuyue wasn¡¯t anything special, but she sure satisfied his vanity.


    A girl whom others worshipped like a goddess was nothing in front of him. That feeling was deeply satisfying.


    He laughed and said, "Do you believe me? Even if I dumped Tao Yuyue, there¡¯d be a line of guys waiting to take her. That¡¯s just how high my standards are."


    "Brother Chen, you¡¯re the man!"


    "Chen Yuan, be a decent person. Tao Yuyue is actually quite nice."


    Chen Yuan sneered arrogantly, "Look at you, already defending her. Oh, by the way, guess what Tao Yuyue¡¯s doing right now? She¡¯s at home doing chores for me. She told me to go out and have fun. Hah!"


    The others looked at Chen Yuan with envy. Although Tao Yuyue¡¯s family wasn¡¯t particularly well-off, it wasn¡¯t bad either. Plus, she was beautiful and capable. Chen Yuan really hit the jackpot! Though it was clear he didn¡¯t appreciate his good fortune.


    But that wasn¡¯t their concern.


    They were just hanging out together, not real friends.


    "Hey, Brother Chen, why did you move to that alley? It¡¯s so inconvenient. You even have to go out to the lane to use the bathroom."


    "Tell me about it. I can¡¯t stand it either."


    "I wouldn¡¯t want to live in a dump like that."


    Chen Yuan wasn¡¯t happy about it either. Who would want to live in a bad place? His family had a 100-square-meter apartment.


    But he didn¡¯t tell the truth. Instead, he said, "It¡¯s my parents¡¯ idea. They said I¡¯ve been too spoiled at home, never lifting a finger. They wanted me to toughen up a bit. I thought it made sense, so I agreed. But the moment I saw the place, I regretted it."


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    Chen Yuan laughed too, but there was a calculating glint in his eyes.


    This whole "moving out after marriage to toughen up" thing was a lie.


    In reality, it was his mother¡¯s idea. She had secretly discussed it with him. Their plan was to secure the house first. Though it was just one room, it would do. The goal wasn¡¯t for Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue to live there, but for his grandparents.


    One room was just enough for the elderly couple.


    That was their plan, but since his grandparents weren¡¯t factory employees, they weren¡¯t eligible for housing.


    So they had to take a roundabout approach. Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue would apply for the house, live there for a year or two, or even less¡ªjust until Tao Yuyue got pregnant. Then they could move back home, claiming the house was too small for the growing family, and let his grandparents move into the compound.


    Once they moved in, they¡¯d never leave.


    Chen Yuan and his parents had no intention of living with the elderly.


    This way, they could maintain the appearance of filial piety while getting the nosy, meddlesome old folks out of their hair. His father wouldn¡¯t be upset either. And once the grandparents passed away, they could rent out or even sell the house.


    It was a win-win situation.


    But of course, Chen Yuan couldn¡¯t tell anyone this.


    Though Chen Yuan wasn¡¯t a good person, he had grown up in a family that valued such calculations. As for the people in the compound, they were beneath his notice. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to deal with them.


    He couldn¡¯t care less.

 Chapter 133

    The communal courtyard recently welcomed two new couples, who only moved in a week prior.After all, they couldn''t settle into their freshly painted home until much later, due to the slower drying times that the colder temperature triggered. By the time they moved into their new home, it was already next week, during an exceptionally cold period in mid-November. People had stopped bothering to venture into the mountains, where almost everything was barren.


    While it might be cold, housewives like Zhao Guihua could never idle about. She started making pickles, which received high praises from everyone. During the winter, when vegetable varieties reduce drastically, the only option left was to get creative with the limited available vegetables.


    The vegetables Zhao Guihua used for her pickles were radishes and cabbages - veggies virtually every household had, which made them easy to learn.


    In no time, all the madams from the courtyard followed suit, including Li the Cook. Despite being a cook by profession, he lacked the special knowledge for pickle-making, unlike the future generations who can effortlessly look up recipes online.


    But at the very least, with a recipe at hand, they¡¯d know what ingredients to use.


    That, however, wasn''t the case currently. A cook''s skills were strongly based on lineage and without a proper mentor, one wouldn''t even be able to infer the ingredients used in a dish, not to mention anything else. Li the Cook also tasted Zhao Guihua¡¯s pickles, along with some of her other preserved vegetables.


    In his opinion, they tasted quite nice.


    During winter, when vegetables were scarce, diversity mattered a lot on the dining table.


    Fortunately, Zhao Guihua wasn''t selfish; she was willing to share her knowledge with everyone, including Li the Cook. As is often the case, there is a distinct difference between a professional and a non-professional. Zhao Guihua would think that her own pickles turned out pretty good, to say the least.


    But, after Li the Cook learned, he tweaked the recipes a bit and the results were seemingly more appetizing than Zhao Guihua¡¯s, according to him.


    Still, he didn''t tell his fellow neighbors. Being a professional chef, he was wary of teaching others. Typically, an apprentice would work under him for a couple of years before they had a fair understanding of his methods. Had it not been for Yang Lixin being his son-in-law, he wouldn''t have learned this much.


    While the pickles originated from Zhao Guihua''s teachings, everyone often made slight alterations according to their preference and available supplies, leading Li the Cook to believe there was no necessity to make a disclose of his alterations.


    Though for all his self-assurance about not needing to notify the others, he sneakily let Zhao Guihua in on it, letting her know that her recipe after getting his tweaks tasted even better. It was about chef¡¯s dignity.


    By keeping these changes a secret from his neighbors, he was simply maintaining a chef¡¯s colleagues'' competitive spirit.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t mind such details; these were mere trivialities to her. After all, she only wanted to bring a little variety to the winter meals.


    In the end, food is the cornerstone of humanity, and dining is a priority over everything.


    The senior courtyard ladies learned to pickle from Zhao Guihua and pickled sour cabbage with Aunt Wang. Usually, at this time of year, they would have already finished pickling the sour cabbages. This year was delayed by over a month due to their recent mountain expeditions.


    You often hear people from resource-rich regions talk about "beating a hare, scooping fish from rivers, or having a pheasant fly straight into your pot". Just by visiting the nearby mountains, they were already overwhelmed. The mountains were indeed filled with all sorts of excellent produce. The mountains that Zhao Guihua and others frequent could hardly be classified as deep forests, but they already provided an abundance of good stuff.


    The ladies who aren''t working have more time than the average person. Every other day in the autumn, they would head up the mountain and always bring back something. Such a joy.


    In Zhao Guihua''s home, there were both mountain produce and sun-dried vegetables. All in all, there was an abundance of everything.


    At her age, Zhao Guihua most loved to hoard food. She was overjoyed by the thought of having an ample food supply. However, due to the frequent mountain trips in autumn, there was a delay in pickling sour vegetables. Usually, she would have been able to enjoy it by now, but she had only started this year.


    Lucky for her, this was just a day''s work.


    Most people chose to work at around the same time, so every weekend, the courtyard was bustling with activity. Everyone was busy with "big tasks". These tasks were so plentiful, there was hardly any time to cause trouble.


    This didn''t just happen in their compound, it was the same across the neighborhood. Who wouldn''t stockpile food?


    Moreover, with the noticeable limit on the amount this year, everybody worked harder. Nobody wanted to starve.


    There indeed was a fervent, bustling atmosphere.


    Even the newly moved-in couple, Zhang San and Pan Pan, was busy with the big tasks. Pan Pan''s mother even helped out for two days, learning how to pickle cabbage from Zhao Guihua. She left happily, only sighing at the harmony in this compound. Gossips can indeed hurt people.


    That day''s misunderstanding remained unresolved, with no one providing her with clarification.


    Compared to them, the other couple, Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue, barely did anything.


    Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue did not join in the tasks like everyone else. They had virtually no preparations at home.


    The couple was clueless that many within the compound were discussing them. Those who don''t work towards a better life will always be the talk of the town. Chen Yuan was particularly displeased by these talks. He was comfortable living in a building and had a hard time adjusting to the current lifestyle, always losing his temper.


    The food and drink were bearable, thanks to his wife. However, if there was one thing he found the hardest to adjust to, it was the toilet.


    While modern times praised the courtyard living style, things weren''t that great at this time. Even in the early 90s, nothing was comfortable without a remodel. After all, it was a must to have heating in the north.


    Right now, everyone had to burn coal balls for warmth. But in the future, all buildings would have centralized heating. The courtyard certainly didn''t come with this, along with electricity, and the toilet situation, all of which made one uncomfortable. Thus, without remodels, even the early nineties wouldn''t be comfortable, let alone now.


    The thing Chen Yuan hated the most was using the toilet. If he needed to go late at night, he had to venture out into the alley. With cold weather now, it wasn''t satisfying. He guessed it would be even more bothersome when it got colder. All in all, he was extremely uncomfortable.


    He wore a scowl every day, and even his weekends were disturbed. Just as he wished to sleep in, early morning work began in the courtyard, creating an uproar.


    Chen Yuan, annoyed, slapped his bed and cursed, "Damn it! No wonder these people can''t live well, they busy themselves to poverty. The busier they are, the poorer they get. They are all a bunch of paupers."


    Tao Yuyue sat up and asked, "Do we really not stock up on food?"


    Their house was rather empty, for her husband had said, if anything missing, they could always borrow from home. Tao Yuyue agreed, her in-laws were capable and affluent folk. There was nothing lacking per se, but life in a household that didn¡¯t stock up on essentials was inconvenient with constant back and forths.


    Not to mention, not buying fuel balls during winter, they risk freezing cold.


    ¡°We need to buy fuel balls too.¡± Tao Yuyue suggested.


    Chen Yuan rolled over in annoyance, grumbling, ¡°What are you mumbling about so early in the morning, like a nagging granny? If anything¡¯s missing, just go to your parents and borrow. Would they even deny you? Don''t bother me with trivialities in future, why do you think I keep you around?"


    Tao Yuyue bit her lip, ¡°How am I, a woman alone, suppose to handle fuel ball duties?¡±


    Chen Yuan remarked, "If this and that you can''t do, then what good are you? Clear this up, I of my stature marrying you of your stature, it''s you who married up. Do you think I should also look after you? If you can''t take good care of me, just go back to your family. The Chens don''t need a useless daughter-in-law."


    Tao Yuyue''s eyes welled up.


    Regardless, Chen Yuan didn''t cater to her teary appeal, he yanked up his blanket and said, "I''m going back to sleep, you figure it out."


    Seeing his pampered young master demeanour, Tao Yuyue realized this was simply Chen family¡¯s upbringing, who could blame him when they lived in such abundant conditions?


    She bit her lip and swallowed her protests.


    Did she have a choice?


    Had she been wedded to an ordinary family, her life wouldn''t be half as good as now. Getting a house right after marriage, freedom to run to her in-laws whenever there''s a lack and being able to save her own income, all of this without having to worry about household expenses.


    Granted, her husband didn''t contribute his salary, but her in-laws gave her a monthly living allowance of twenty bucks, which seemed a better deal compared to the ones who had to pay expenses. Tao Yuyue thought she made no mistake in her choice, she actually felt quite fortunate.


    Just to put it in perspective, even the Zhuangs had to manage with a meagre fifteen-buck living allowance each month.


    These thoughts put her mind at ease, and she got up to start cleaning. Since her man wouldn''t help with the fuel balls, she''d have to ask someone else to lend a hand. Her first choice was Bai Fendou, the local bachelor.


    She found it awkward asking others for help.


    When Tao Yuyue arrived at the courtyard, prepared to make a request, just as she was stepping toward the entrance, she noticed a large lock hanging on Bai Fendou''s door.


    Gone first thing in the morning?


    Her smile quickly faded, and she stood there gazing uncertainly. As she turned around, she was startled by Aunt Zhou standing at the door, sneakily peeping at her.


    Chest heaving, Tao Yuyue exclaimed, "Aunt Zhou, what are you doing? You could give someone a heart attack. What are you standing around for?"


    Aunt Zhou didn''t bother to lie, "I was watching you, what did you want with Bai Fendou? Did your husband let you come? Didn''t you guys have a fight earlier?"


    Aunt Zhou fired rapid questions at her.


    Tao Yuyue pursed her lips and forced a smile, replying, "I¡­¡­¡±


    Her eyes flickered, and she said, "Aunt Zhou, is Zhou Qun at home? I need his help with something."


    Aunt Zhou immediately became alert, asking, "What help do you need?"


    Tao Yuyue was quite crafty, she replied, "My dear Zhou Qun, along with Uncle Zhuang and Uncle Li, have gone fishing. If you have anything to discuss, you can tell me, and I''ll pass it on to them."


    Upon hearing this, Tao Yuyue realized she wouldn''t get any assistance. With Old Man Zhuang and Li the Cook also gone fishing, none of these men could aid her.


    Tao Yuyue had no option but to make up a story. She said, "I just came to inquire about the coal balls."


    Aunt Zhou responded, "It''s Wang Zhaodi who always handles the coal balls in our household."


    Zhaodi was too capable; such a hard worker. Even a tough person like Aunt Zhou found her very likable. Always ready to shoulder hard tasks, her only fault was her appetite. But then again, since when was having a good appetite a fault?


    Having a good appetite is a blessing.


    They certainly weren''t short on food at home. Anyway, Zhou Qun''s and Jiang Lu''s wages never reached her hands. Sadly, she wished Zhaodi would stay, as there was never a shortage of tasks to be done. Despite a food shortage this year, they still managed to store twice as much for the winter as they did the previous year.


    And they still claimed to be in a "shortage". Without a shortage, things would be even better.


    Zhaodi would start early in the morning feeding the chickens, sweeping the courtyard, emptying spittoons, washing clothes and preparing meals. And occasionally, she would join Zhao Guihua and the others in the mountains or by the river. Their family has had fish several times this year because of Zhaodi!


    At no extra cost!


    The fish were all caught by Zhaodi!


    And not to mention, their home was spotless.


    Aunt Zhou especially appreciated Zhaodi''s diligence. She herself being a village girl, she loved girls who were hardworking.


    She proudly said, "My darling daughter, Zhaodi, can''t do wrong in any task."


    Tao Yuyue quickly asked, "Is Zhaodi at home?"


    "Yes, she''s here," Zhou responded, "But I''m not familiar with this side of town. Would it be possible for her to guide me?"


    She obviously wouldn''t outright ask Zhaodi to help her haul the coal balls.


    Even without saying, Aunt Zhou could tell that was what she wanted.


    Aunt Zhou was a master at taking advantage, always taking advantage of others but never letting others take advantage of her. Old tricks like this, she had learned when she was much younger. Even if she hadn''t known, she would''ve learned from Aunt Su.


    Tao Yuyue seemed smart, but compared to Aunt Su, she was clearly lacking.


    With a restrained smile, Aunt Zhou replied, "It is just a supply point. If you ask around, who wouldn''t be able to give you directions? Our Zhaodi has to accompany Jiang Lu for a pregnancy checkup later. She doesn''t have time to indulge your whims."


    Jiang Lu was past her due date. She didn''t stand out as much as Ming Mei, but she was clearly visible as a pregnant woman.


    Tao Yuyue could hardly ask, "Skip the checkup and help me haul coal balls," knowing they wouldn''t entertain her request. She couldn''t help but feel slightly disgruntled at her unpleasant start to the morning.


    Aunt Zhou looked at Tao Yuyue, whose face did not look particularly good, and said, "What''s the matter with you? Could it be that you can''t find anyone to help you with work, and it''s upsetting you? Let me tell you, one can''t always rely on others in life. You just arrived and you''re already seeking help with work, isn''t that pretty unkind? Don''t think of yourself as someone so important that everyone has to cater to you. Why should they? And why don''t you get your own man to do the work? What''s the meaning of always relying on others?"


    Aunt Zhou disliked anyone who seemed better off than her, and while the newly-arrived couple argued less than her son and daughter-in-law, their home was well-off, making it clear that they were wealthy and out of place with the rest of the courtyard.


    In Aunt Zhou''s mind, this directly threatened their status as the wealthiest in the courtyard, something she couldn''t swallow. She would love to pick a fight even if there were no reason, much less now when the opportunity had presented itself.


    She laughed insincerely, "My niece is a diligent worker, but as her aunt, I won''t let others take advantage of her. Being diligent doesn''t mean she should do errands for others. Some people should really learn to be more respectful."


    Tao Yuyue was furious, but she didn''t wish to stoop to the level of such an unreasonable woman.


    Such people were just like sticking plaster, just as revolting once stuck to you.


    She drew a deep breath, and said, "Aunt Zhou, I think you misunderstood me, but I won''t argue with you over this."


    At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi came out of the house, seeing the back-and-forth between the two. He moved over to the sink to fetch water, Aunt Zhou asked, "Zhuang, isn''t it your wife''s prenatal check-up today?"


    Tao Yuyue turned her head and saw Zhuang Zhixi.


    She knew that Zhuang Zhixi was transferred from the medical center, and she could live here because Zhuang Zhixi had moved. Moreover, he had a good relationship with her aunt. She immediately said, "Good morning, Brother Zhuang. I haven''t specifically greeted you these past few days. It''s such a coincidence that we live in the same courtyard. Oh yes, my aunt mentioned you a few days ago. She said that if there''s anything, I can look for you since I have moved into your courtyard."


    She couldn''t find anyone to help her with work, so she would seize any chance she got.


    The unspoken expectation in her words was quite clear. She wanted Zhuang Zhixi''s help.


    Zhuang Zhixi was astute and quickly understood Tao Yuyue''s intentions. Regardless of who Tao Yuyue was, it had nothing to do with him. But if anyone wanted to take advantage of her, sorry, but he wouldn''t allow it!


    He grinned and said, "Ahh, you must have misunderstood. Doctor Wang would certainly never tell you to look for me when you needed help. When I ran into Doctor Wang at the canteen yesterday, she reminded me that my wife is due soon, and I need to take good care of her instead of concerning myself with other people''s troubles."


    He playfully raised his eyebrows and continued with a smile, "Plus, wouldn''t your husband be jealous if you were always coming to look for a handsome and charming fellow like me? I wouldn''t participate in anything that might disrupt someone else''s home life."


    He completed his task of fetching the water, smiled at both of them, and returned inside.


    Who are you to him, anyway?


    Sure, he got along well with Doctor Wang, but that didn''t mean he got along well with Tao Yuyue.


    And trying to use Doctor Wang to pressure him? What a joke.


    Tao Yuyue was not at all pleased, an expression of discontent clear on her face. She was accustomed to being flattered. Before her marriage, men from the factory would fawn over her, orbiting her like stars around the moon. But since her marriage, they had vanished.


    Still, she found it easy to get assistance in the factory. After all, she was the daughter-in-law of the manager of the logistics department and she herself was attractive. Her popularity was undeniable. But to her surprise, back in her residential courtyard, she felt completely undervalued.


    This was not just limited to her. Even Chen Yuan didn''t seem to command any respect.


    Tao Yuyue was displeased. She enjoyed the feeling of being celebrated. Why wouldn''t these people flatter her, engage in impressive talks, volunteer to assist her here and there? Her brows furrowed with the discomfort.


    In truth, Tao Yuyue was failing to recognize the reality.


    Those from her courtyard could not be relied on for aid.


    Take Zhuang Zhixi for example, belonging to the Propaganda Department, the manager of logistics had no authority over him, and neither would Zhuang be transferred there. Why should he ingratiate himself with the manager¡¯s daughter-in-law?


    As for Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu, both were previously penalized, already relegated to cleaning toilets. What further torment could a manager of logistics inflict? Suggest more bathroom use to burden their cleaning schedules? That''s laughable.


    Any suggestion that their relationship with the manager could lead to their transfer to better work would be ludicrous. Both were rather notorious in the city. Were it not for restrictions around casually dismissing employees, the factory leaders would probably already have fired them, aiming to transfer those who could do better work.


    The logistics manager might not object to these transfers, but the factory leaders certainly would.


    Hence, they had no intention of flattering anyone.


    Then, there was Zhou Qun, a notorious electrician, quite unrelated to the logistics department. Given that he had faced issues during his promotion examination, advancing further was a remote possibility. So, he didn''t need to bother.


    There was no need.


    There were others, like Old Man Zhuang and other craftspeople from various workshops, metal workers, welders and so forth, whose work was even farther from the logistics department. Technical workers would not be transferred there. Wang Xiangxiu had been demoted due to her inadequacy in technical skills. Anyone competent could never be.


    The ones who might flatter someone like Tao Yuyue might just be the two cooks of the courtyard, both under the management of the logistics department.


    However, Li the Cook was skilled and served the leaders directly, regularly interacting with them, and thus, had no fear of the logistics manager. Yang Lixin might have feared, but he was under his father-in-law''s protection, so he didn''t need to worry.


    All things considered, no one was looking to curry favor with management, which caused Tao Yuyue to experience a considerable status gap.


    She returned home, dispirited. She saw Chen Yuan still asleep, which annoyed her.


    She didn''t particularly cherish Chen Yuan, but he happened to be from a respectable family.


    Tao Yuyue gently caressed her belly, hoping she would soon be expecting.


    With a child coming, she would secure her foothold in Chen¡¯s family. She could then move back to her parents for her pregnancy.


    She had been married for a month already, yet there seemed to be no hints of pregnancy.


    There are a few pregnant women in their courtyard, ready to give birth soon. She planned to pay a visit to whoever has a son and scoop up the male treasure!


    Tao Yuyue''s million thoughts were not acknowledged by anyone.


    Since Zhuang Zhixi came back, he had not said a word. His wife, Ming Mei, was heavily pregnant, over seven months now. Her legs were swollen and she looked somewhat haggard, lacking her usual vitality. Despite being an optimistic person, Ming Mei appeared listless.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Awake?"


    A pregnant woman sleeping in was a common thing.


    Ming Mei lightly hummed in affirmation. She pulled over a cushion, leaned against the head of the bed, and sat up. She whined playfully, "The baby was kicking me last night, I couldn''t sleep well."


    She added, "My calf is a bit uncomfortable."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ll give you a massage."


    Ming Mei nodded gently. Zhuang Zhixi sat by the bed, placing her leg on his. He began to gently massage her leg, asking, "Does this feel better?"


    As he gently looked at his wife, he said, "Pregnancy is really tough, this much hardship, perhaps we shouldn''t have another one later on."


    A barely perceptible melancholy crept into Ming Mei¡¯s heart: ¡°Mmm.¡±


    She actually liked children, but she knew better how unbearable this pregnancy had been. When watching others get pregnant and have babies, it seemed as if the child was born in no time, effortlessly, seemingly simple. But when it was her turn, she realized it was anything but.


    This was indeed a torment.


    At this time, she was grateful that her life wasn¡¯t as in her dreams. If she had an accident on the bus like she did in her dreams, it¡®d probably bea thousand times more agonizing. Even now, being careful and meticulous, she was extremely uncomfortable.


    In fact, Ming Mei''s condition was comparatively fine. Her pregnancy symptoms were not severe, unlike Jiang Lu who''d been going through hell with the vomiting. But still, the discomfort that she got to experience was no less than anyone else''s.


    She had no idea that pregnancy could make her legs swell so much, and it was so uncomfortable to sleep with a big belly.


    She gently leaned on Zhuang Zhixi''s shoulder, saying: "My mother is a big liar."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How?"


    Carefully holding his wife, he asked.


    Ming Mei: "My mother said that giving birth is very easy. This is clearly not easy at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi let out a silent laugh, tightening his hold on Ming Mei''s shoulder, and said: "Maybe it''s because... you and your brother were good kids. When your mother was pregnant with you two, you were both well-behaved. So, your mom felt that giving birth was easy. But our children are a bit naughty, so it doesn¡¯t seem easy for you right? Does that sound right?¡±


    Ming Mei giggled teasingly, "You sure know how to woo me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I only know how to woo you, I''m too lazy to woo anyone else."


    Ming Mei''s smile got even brighter, saying: "Smooth talker."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Only for you."


    Ming Mei''s mood improved significantly, she said: "I guess you''re not so bad."


    "What''s with the calculations? I like you. The moment I saw you, I thought you were very pretty. My heart was instantly captivated. I will, of course, treat you well, my beloved wife."


    Everyone has their aesthetic preferences. The moment Zhuang Zhixi saw Ming Mei, his heart almost leaped out of his chest. She was exactly his type. Perhaps this was love at first sight.


    He held Ming Mei''s plump feet in his hands and said, "Hang in there, Mei. Just two or three more months, and once the baby comes, everything will be alright."


    Ming Mei wrapped her arms around Zhuang Zhixi, murmuring a few sounds.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Wait here, I''ll get you an egg."


    Ming Mei, "That sounds good."


    She said, "By the way, Zhixi, can you go out with me today? I want to get my hair cut."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked stricken, "You want to cut it short?"


    He loved long hair, especially when she laid down, her long hair spread out on her back.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi understood. Ming Mei would suffer if she didn''t get a haircut during her pregnancy and the following confinement period, he said, "Alright, I will drive you out in a bit."


    "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi, "How about we eat at Donglai Shun for lunch?"


    He said, "In such cold weather, let''s warm up with a hot pot."


    Ming Mei, "Alright."


    The allure of hot pot was strong. Ming Mei, who was lazing around until just now, got up to wash up.


    Zhuang Zhixi, "There''s hot water in the kettle."


    Ming Mei, "Alright."


    The couple informed Zhao Guihua they would be heading out and not coming back for lunch. Zhao Guihua glanced at them and said, "Go ahead."


    Even though going out to eat was costly, Zhao Guihua wasn''t concerned about that.


    She knew the young couple had money, and if they were willing to spend it, it wasn''t a waste as they would be eating it.


    The couple went out to get their hair cut together. Zhuang Zhixi saw his beloved wife''s hair go from long, flowing locks to a short bob with bangs. He couldn''t help but think that she looked even younger. She was like a young girl. If not for her noticeable belly, one would think she was a teenager.


    Ming Mei wasn''t skinny ¨C her oval face made her look attractive and fortunate.


    Zhuang Zhixi, "Wifey, what have I done to deserve someone like you?"


    Ming Mei, very sincerely, "You''re handsome and smooth."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought about it and realized it was true. Who said men can''t live off their looks?


    Clearly, they could.


    He laughed, wrapping his arm around his wife, "Let''s go for lunch."


    As he pulled down her woolen hat, Ming Mei said, "You''re very considerate. Ever since I cut my hair short, I''ve been feeling really cold."


    Her scalp was freezing.


    Zhuang Zhixi, "That''s how it should be."


    He laughed as he led his wife out the door.


    Even though it was cold, there were still many people on the streets on a Saturday.


    Zhuang Zhixi, "Let me tell you...hey, hey, is that Bai Fendou?"


    Ming Mei looked in the direction he was pointing at, and yes, it was Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou was pushing a hand cart loaded with coal bricks, accompanied by a woman. Zhuang Zhixi recognized Guan Guiling at first sight with his sharp eye - it was Bai Fendou''s college friend.


    Ming Mei glanced at him, stating, "I know, she works at our place."


    Correct, at the bus station.


    At this moment, Bai Fendou walked side by side with Guan Guiling.


    Guan Guiling''s face was filled with smiles as she said, "Fendou, I really have to thank you. I would be lost without you. As you know, my ex-husband cannot do heavy work. Ever since he fell ill, I''ve been doing it all by myself. This year has been much better with you around."


    She spoke not of love, but friendship.


    "People often say that friendships forged during our student days are the purest. I didn''t understand that back then, but since our reunion, I have understood. Thank you."


    Bai Fendou blushed, happily said, "Why do you have to bring this up? If you''re courteous towards me, it means you''re treating me as an outsider. We''re not strangers."


    He looked at Guan Guiling, in her worn-out cotton-padded jacket, and could still see the charm in her. Working harder with a smile, he said, "The coal you bought at home won''t be enough. So don''t worry, I''ll go collect some firewood for you. Don''t use the coal bricks when you cook, using firewood will conserve a lot of resources."


    Guan Guiling replied, "I understand, you''re really kind."


    Bai Fendou laughed bashfully.


    He stated, "You should also take care, don''t exert yourself too much. You''re newly pregnant, so you have to be careful."


    Guan Guiling nodded her approval and said, "I know."


    She let out a soft sigh, "Honestly, I didn''t want this child."


    Bai Fendou was agitated, "Don¡¯t do anything rash. The fact that you can have a child is a blessing from Heaven. You can''t be foolish!"


    Guan Guiling sobbed softly, "We¡¯re already divorced. How am I going to raise this child? I already have four children at home. Raising five is going to be so hard for me. If it wasn''t for that night after the divorce when we had a drink together, we wouldn¡¯t have slept together and... sniff."


    Bai Fendou pleaded, "Please, don''t cry. It breaks my heart."


    Through her sobs, Guan Guiling said, "He''s ill and we haven¡¯t been intimate for a long time. He is a good man and didn¡¯t want me to burden with his sickness, so he insisted on the divorce. Who would have thought that after all this time, one slip-up and I''m pregnant. I only realised it after the divorce. I¡¯ve contemplated ending this pregnancy many times, but it felt unjust, it''s life after all."


    Bai Fendou agreed, "Exactly, you can''t do that."


    "But how can I afford to raise another?" Guan Guiling covered her face with her hands.


    Moved by her tear-streaked face, Bai Fendou blurted out, "Let''s get married! I''ll provide for you, and accept your unborn child as my own!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Guan Guiling was taken aback, immediately shaking her head vigorously and refusing, "No, I can''t... I don''t deserve you. I have five children at home. We agreed upon our divorce that all the kids would stay with me. After all, I took over his role. And these children are mine... But how can I bear to drag you down? You are the dream of my girlhood."


    Bai Fendou was more excited, promptly grabbing Guan Guiling''s hand, pleading, "I''m willing, I''m totally willing. Even if it means raising your children, I''m happy to! You know I can''t have children of my own. Maybe this is a mercy from Heaven, an opportunity for me. Will you give me this chance, please?"


    Guan Guiling, "You...you aren''t disgusted by me?"


    "No! I cherish you!"


    Guan Guiling, "Sobs... I knew it, I always knew you were a good man..."


    The two stood there in the middle of the street, completely oblivious to the world around them.


    Across the road, Zhuang Zhixi overhears parts of their conversation but could not make out what they were saying. But from their physical interaction, he could sense the intensity of the conversation.


    Zhuang Zhixi, "Are they getting involved?"


    Ming Mei, "Looks like it. I heard at work that Guan Guiling is pregnant."


    Zhuang Zhixi, "...."


    For a while, he said, "Ah, so she''s found someone to help raise her kids. No wonder people said she has five kids. Turns out, she''s got another one in her belly. I thought she was referring to her husband as one of the kids."


    Ming Mei thumped him, "What are you even saying?"


    He sighed, "I mean, Guan Guiling knows how to play her cards. This dude Bai Fendou may not be the smartest, but he could provide for the kids. If she ever gets lonely, she can always turn to her ex-husband. Her ex¡¯s only shortcoming is his poor health, not that he isn''t functional. It is quite cunning of her, having two men at her disposal."


    Ming Mei, "So you''re saying..."


    She only thought about Guan Guiling dumping her kids on Bai Fendou, but never considered that she might still be involved with her ex-husband.


    But after hearing Zhuang Zhixi, it seemed plausible.


    Ming Mei, "Isn''t that a bit too shameless? Playing two husbands off each other?"


    Zhuang Zhixi, "Precisely, why else would Guan Guiling be pregnant?"


    They watched Bai Fendou and Guan Guiling, with an aura of joy around them, pushing their cart and walking away. Bai Fendou¡¯s stride was much livelier than before, as if they''d agreed on something exciting.


    Zhuang Zhixi, "Even if Bai Fendou ends up raising Guan Guiling''s kids, he doesn''t get any merit. The kids all have their real dad. And the real dad and Guan Guiling are still in love. There will be interactions later on, so what''s the role of a stepdad? I may not have met these kids, but I know for sure, it''s not that simple."


    Ming Mei was speechless. She couldn''t understand how Bai Fendou consistently managed to fall into such ¡°fortunate¡± situations.


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, "Perhaps he can''t recognize himself anymore. He hasn''t figured out that he''s no longer considered a man, yet he keeps pushing his criteria. Even when he''s a little clear headed, he''s still confused. Look at his requirements when he wants to find a widow - he hopes she has a job in the city, that she has a son, but the boy can''t be too old or have the awareness to remember his father. He can play the role of the child''s real father¡­ For such qualities, why would anyone need him? Ah, wait a minute, let me think this through. Guan Guiling getting pregnant, that''s intended to cater to Bai Fendou''s standards, right?"


    In that moment, Zhuang Zhixi engaged in conspiracy theorizing.


    While Guan Guiling indeed had a job, she also had an ex-husband and four children. Bringing up these children was not as easy as one would believe. The children knew who their real father was, they weren¡¯t very small. If it is according to Bai Fendou''s thoughts.


    It¡¯s not necessarily a pleasing idea.


    Because now, he has to bear the burden of the entire family.


    So Guan Guiling got pregnant, she was pregnant, carrying a child in her belly. Generally, to some people this might be a red mark but to Bai Fendou, it was a plus, as Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t have children and he wanted a child, one who was too young to remember.


    So, having a job and having a child qualified Guan Guiling.


    Moreover, her use of slight feminine charm, surely makes it conceivable that Bai Fendou might indeed take on the responsibility of Guan Guiling''s family for the sake of Guan Guiling and an unborn child. Who knows, she might even fancy Bai Fendou''s house.


    He had two rooms all to himself, not bad at all.


    Hmm~


    Even though Zhuang Zhixi disliked to speculate maliciously about others, when something seemed utterly abnormal and not conforming to usual scenarios, it¡¯s impossible to consider it from a normal perspective.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I think Guan Guiling only got pregnant so that Bai Fendou could step into the trap."


    Ming Mei wanted to say that it couldn''t be too harsh, but she had also seen the world. Take Wang Xiangxiu, for example, if it weren''t for the fact that she had many children, all boys, would she be living such a life?


    She thought to herself and said, "If the conditions aren''t good, you really shouldn''t have many children."


    Especially in a single-income household, any hiccup could be a disaster.


    "Let''s go, we don''t have to meddle in their affairs."


    Ming Mei: "Oh dear, you are not the least bit righteous."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hehe, it''s because I know Bai Fendou, when he gets stubborn, he doesn''t even listen to his father. We are just neighbors. Let¡¯s not perceive ourselves as a big deal, because they certainly don''t see us as anything important. Believe it or not, if I say something negative about Guan Guiling now, Bai Fendou will definitely turn against me. He might even seek revenge. He''s got a mind like that. Either this woman will bamboozle him or another will."


    Ming Mei: "That''s true."


    Both the husband and wife analyzed a lot but didn''t want to stick their noses into others'' business.


    Let''s just say, if it was Zhang San, yes, their new neighbor Zhang San, Zhuang Zhixi would definitely have something to say. Not because they know him for a long time or any such thing, but because he is the kind of person who listens to others'' advice.


    Even Zhou Qun¡­ oh, lets just forget Zhou Qun.


    He would never, to his dying day, get involved with any woman.


    Although both Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou lost some abilities, Bai Fendou seems to hold a clearer understanding of reality.


    If it were with someone else, Zhuang Zhixi might have spoken up. But Bai Fendou, he would not.


    Bai Fendou''s personality is just that -- he doesn''t have a clear distinction between right and wrong.


    So, no one was willing to speak the truth anymore. Why would they invite trouble for no reason? It absolutely made no sense.


    But their guess was not incorrect. Towards the evening, a piece of news was circulating in their neighborhood -- Bai Fendou was getting married.


    Yes, you heard it right; Bai Fendou was getting married.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Just as we thought.¡±


    So, today''s bustle was because of the wedding, huh.


    Everyone was astonished, they never saw it coming.


    Who could have guessed, Bai Fendou is actually getting married!


    Though he hadn''t returned to the organization for the application yet, Bai Fendou was over the moon. He went around the houses to announce: "Tomorrow, I plan to file a report to get a marriage certificate. Then, we''ll hold the wedding in our neighborhood. You must come."


    His excitement shocked everyone.


    Bai Fendou arrived at Zhuang''s house and said, smiling, ¡°I''m gonna get married.¡±


    He glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, and said, "I thought about it. I''m alone and I have no burden on me. I''ll definitely make the wedding lavish, it won''t be any less fancy than when you got married. Come and lend a hand."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...Okay."


    Bai Fendou continued in a boastful manner, "Actually, I''m not in a hurry. However, the woman I''m in love with is anxious; she''s afraid I''d change my mind. Hence, she wants to hasten the wedding."


    Everyone at Zhuang¡¯s house was left speechless. His words seemed utter nonsense.


    Then Bai Fendou said, ¡°We have a baby on the way. When the time comes, Mrs. Zhuang, you must teach my wife what to be careful of during pregnancy.¡±


    Upon hearing his words, everyone was left even more baffled.


    Then he complemented, "Our child will carry my last name, Bai. Next year, the Bai family will see an addition to our clan. I believe my father, if he was here today, would be proud."


    Everyone was lost and could no longer follow the train of his thought.


    Bai Fendou continued, "A man should always have a woman who admires him by his side. That''s the definition of happiness."


    In lieu of the gibberish he was speaking, everyone was simply lost. Not because such talks were meaningless, but because they couldn''t follow Bai Fendou''s erratic thinking.


    Bai Fendou paraded around, cheerfully left his residence, bypassing the Su family, who were not qualified to attend his wedding. He was about to leave when Wang Xiangxiu opened the door. Their gazes met, Wang Xiangxiu hesitated for a moment, saying, "Bai Fendou."


    Bai Fendou: "What do you want?"


    He sneered, "What? Trying to trick me again?"


    Wang Xiangxiu tightened her lips, saying, "I''m not, I just wanted to warn you to be careful. Marriage is a big thing, don''t let yourself be deceived."


    Most people didn''t want to provoke Bai Fendou, nor were they willing to say more.


    However, Wang Xiangxiu thought about it and decided she should say something.


    In the past, she was the one who did wrong by Bai Fendou.


    But, after hearing her words, Bai Fendou coldly smiled, saying, "Deceive? If you don''t deceive people, how could others? Wang Xiangxiu, I know you''re jealous, but you shouldn''t meddle in my marriage. You shouldn''t claim my fiance is deceiving me. I know her better than you do. What? Now you''re regretting stringing me along and letting me go? Let me tell you, even if I was single, I wouldn''t spare you a glance. Your provocations are useless, no one will believe."


    Wang Xiangxiu explained, "I''m not..."


    "Stop with your ''you''re nots''. I know who you really are. Get lost! I''m off to start my new life. As for the Su family, screw you!"


    Bai Fendou swaggered away, his laughter cold.


    That Wang Xiangxiu, don''t think he didn''t know, she definitely wished to get back together with him. But with a better woman in his life, how could he settle for someone like Wang Xiangxiu, who always lies? She was nothing.


    His charm was real.


    Bai Fendou confidently strutted toward the backyard.


    Wang Xiangxiu exhaled deeply, clenched her fists, turned around and entered her house.


    She saw Tonglai standing in the outer room staring at her. Wang Xiangxiu led her son into the room, only to see Jinlai and Yinlai peeking from the window, must have seen everything.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I don''t want anything to do with Bai Fendou, I don''t want to remarry, especially not to him. There''s a feud between our families, I haven''t gone mad. I just wanted to warn him not to be deceived, but he holds too much prejudice against us, so he misunderstood."


    Jinlai: "Mom, why do you care about him? Let him go to hell, it has nothing to do with us!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Your grandmother caused Bai Fendou''s father''s death."


    She continued seriously, "Didn''t I tell you the whole story? Your grandmother ruined Bai Fendou''s father, although she''s not a nice person, she also ruined your father, your aunt, and me. In my heart, I never regarded her as a family anymore, I hate her to death. However, in the eyes of outsiders, she is still your grandmother, we owe it to the Bai family. I always wanted to do something about it. Neither you nor I have the capability to help Bai family, so I thought warning him is good enough. Even if he doesn''t listen, at least I''ve tried. I can clear my conscience."


    The three children silently nodded.


    However, Jinlai quickly declared, "I don''t consider such a woman as my grandmother. She has driven my father away. She doesn¡¯t contribute her money when we are ill. She proclaims that we are her most beloved grandsons, but in reality, she only loves herself! Such a person is not my grandmother, the damned old prude!¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t stop her son from cursing the bad old woman, but she also reminded, "Don''t say such things out in the public; people might think that you''re unfilial."


    Jinlai rebutted, "To hell with it! Why should anyone show filial piety to such a person!"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "Alright, enough about this."


    She then inquired, "How are you feeling?"


    Jinlai''s leg was almost healed, which left his mother insisting on recovery.


    Jinlai smirked and said, "Still uncomfortable."


    Now, his mom would get him some delicious food. Ha-ha.


    Upon hearing this, Wang Xiangxiu quickly said, ¡±Rest a bit longer then, and you Yinlai, lie down properly.¡±


    Yinlai responded, ¡°Alright.¡±


    He looked much weaker, perhaps due to the serious injuries, and was not as talkative as before.


    "You both get a good rest; tomorrow morning, I''ll make you some chicken egg soup."


    The children''s eyes lit up, sounding delightfully, "That''s great!"


    Their diet had seen better days.


    Lately, they''d tasted nothing savory.


    ¡°Mom, I, cough cough¡­¡± Yinlai began to cough, saying "I can go without taking the medicine......"


    Wang Xiangxiu''s face instantly changed, ¡°No way, you must take it! Mom is waiting for you to get better, there''s no way I''d give up on you.¡±


    ¡°Wang Xiangxiu, Wang Xiangxiu, are you home?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu heard the voice and promptly stepped outside. She was surprised to see Chen Yuan. Chen Yuan, acting arrogantly with a raised eyebrow inquired, "Are you interested in making money?"


    Wang Xiangxiu changed tone immediately, pulled a face and retorted, ¡°What do you mean! I am not that kind of person!¡±


    Chen Yuan replied ambiguously, "What do you think I meant? I was merely asking if you''d take on some laundry chores."


    He gave a dubious grin, hands tucked in his pockets, "So? Misunderstanding? You sure do speculate a lot. Unsurprising as you are Gou Lanxiang''s daughter-in-law. You think even the simplest things have hidden implications, huh!"


    Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t miss the lurid hint in Chen Yuan''s eyes, suspecting that the laundry job was just a facade.


    Though not the sharpest tool in the shed, she has dealt with men for quite a few years, realizing their many camouflages. Some issues, regardless of being spoken or not, had evident clues. She saw right through it. Though Chen Yuan mentioned laundry, his demeanor was obvious to interpret.


    She coldly said, "Laundry is fine. If there aren¡¯t too many clothes, an egg for the service would do."


    She stood firm at not accepting money or any sophisticated barter.


    If she demanded more, who knows what she might end up trading off in the end.


    Chen Yuan responded, "Oh, you''re not asking for much, that''s good."


    He took a step forward and said, ¡°Heard there are other ¡®jobs¡¯ up for grabs?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu swiftly stepped back, her voice as cold as ice, ¡°Scram!¡±


    Chen Yuan shrugged, ¡°You''re no fun, putting on an act¡­¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu yelled, ¡°Out!¡±


    She knew this man had ill intentions. With one forceful push, she sent him out the door, coldly saying: "Get as far away from me as possible, who do you think you are?"


    Slam!


    The door was shut.


    Her fists were tightly clenched, and she murmured indignantly: "I will never do that sort of thing again, never again!"


    She was making an effort to inhale and exhale deeply. However, she did not notice that Jinlai, who was also in the house, was clenching his fists. He was older and more mature than his two younger brothers. The words that had been said unclearly, Yinlai was feeling unwell and was drowsy, Tonglai was too young to understand much, but as the eldest, he understood.


    This trash, he dared to harass their mother at home!


    Jinlai knew, their mother was innocent.


    All those idle talks were nothing but slander.


    His mother was innocent. The police had released her, that meant she was innocent indeed. Who could''ve thought that someone would harass their family? Jinlai''s teeth were gritted with hatred, but very quickly, he managed a smile.


    Aha, isn''t this man rich?


    This would benefit their home.


    In time, they could afford to buy eggs and meat.


    He subtly smiled and felt an itch in his hands...


    Speaking of Chen Yuan, he was completely unaware that he was being watched by the little thief Jinlai. Although Jinlai had been taught a heavy lesson this time, his situation was slightly different from Yinlai. Yinlai had been seriously injured and had been on the brink of death, he was still hurt and very weak now.


    Considering his young age, he really became scared.


    Jinlai''s injuries were not as severe as Yinlai''s, he was almost completely recovered.


    In addition to his slightly older age and more assertive personality, his character had not changed much.


    Now that he has recovered, he set his sights on Chen Yuan.


    This man actually had the audacity to harass his mother at home, and as the man of the house, he couldn''t let it slide. Plus, Jinlai thought, this family doesn''t have an old shrew, this young couple cared about face, even if he was caught, it''s unlikely that they would beat him.


    So, he didn''t need to worry too much.


    Jinlai began to think about how to make his move...


    He would have to wait a few days, preferably when they received their monthly wages, they would have more money then.


    It was very hard for his mother to support the family on her own, he needed to think of a solution.


    Although he had never stolen money in the past, only items, he thought it would be better to try his hand at money this time around. All money looks the same, who could say it was theirs?


    Jinlai was amusingly strategizing, while Chen Yuan, completely unaware that he was being watched, disdainfully returned to his backyard. To tell the truth, he wasn''t interested in the likes of Wang Xiangxiu yet. He had a preference for purer girls, and he certainly wasn''t attracted to her type.


    Who even knew if she was clean or not.


    One of his buddies heard about Wang Xiangxiu''s situation and asked him to gauge it a bit.


    To his surprise, Wang Xiangxiu was quite good at pretending.


    He did not believe for a second that Wang Xiangxiu was an upright person. There was more than one person in the factory who had been involved with her.


    She was really good at putting on a show!


    Women, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????they all loved playing hard-to-get.

 Chapter 134

    Today was the day Bai Fendou was going to register his marriage. Early in the morning, he woke up and looked out the window to see a vast expanse of white snow.Unknowingly, the snow had started in the middle of the night. It was indeed the depths of winter, and the temperature had dropped significantly. No wonder he had felt exceptionally cold in the middle of the night. He tightened his clothes, unfazed by the chill, and went out with his tea mug to wash up. He was the first one up in the courtyard, and there was no one else around. Humming a tune while brushing his teeth, he felt in high spirits.


    After finishing his morning routine, he meticulously combed his hair in front of the mirror.


    After all, marriage was a big deal.


    After spreading the news of his marriage yesterday, Bai Fendou¡¯s mood had improved even more. How could it not? He had been looking forward to this for a long time. Although he hadn¡¯t received many blessings, several people had given him looks that were hard to decipher, as if they wanted to say something but held back.


    But Bai Fendou knew what they were thinking. They probably thought he had been fooled.


    Some might even think that Guan Guiling wasn¡¯t good enough for him. Thinking this, Bai Fendou felt even more smug. He believed his own conditions were actually quite good. But Bai Fendou didn¡¯t consider himself foolish. Even though everyone thought Guan Guiling had tricked him, he felt he wasn¡¯t at a loss.


    Although Guan Guiling was a divorced woman, she had a job. Moreover, he was eager to have a child of his own. Compared to having a wife, having a child was the real priority.


    After all, having a wife didn¡¯t mean much, but having a child meant he would have someone to take care of him in his old age. So Bai Fendou¡¯s anticipation for a child outweighed his anticipation for a wife.


    Now, with Guan Guiling, it was just perfect.


    Once they registered their marriage and Guan Guiling gave birth to a child, they would be a family of three, with two working adults. How could life not be good?


    As for Guan Guiling¡¯s previous children, Bai Fendou didn¡¯t care at all. He had no intention of raising those kids. They weren¡¯t his responsibility, and they had their own father. He planned to leave those four brats with their biological father.


    He only wanted the child in Guan Guiling¡¯s belly. He would watch this child grow up, and since it would be born within the marriage, it would be his son.


    Even if Guan Guiling wanted to leave one day, the child would still be his!


    That child would be the one to take care of him in his old age.


    As for now, he had agreed to raise Guan Guiling¡¯s other children, but once they registered and got their marriage certificate, he didn¡¯t believe Guan Guiling could defy him. He would be the head of the household.


    Outsiders thought he had been deceived by Guan Guiling, but Bai Fendou believed he was the shrewd one. He was the one doing the calculating.


    The advantage was his.


    Besides, he hadn¡¯t spent much money on this relationship. In the past, he had spent too much on Wang Xiangxiu and ended up being fooled. This time, he wasn¡¯t at a loss. He was willing to do some free labor, but when it came to spending money, forget it.


    ¡°Hahahaha~¡± He truly was the smartest person in the courtyard. No one understood what he really wanted.


    He stood in the room, laughing arrogantly. Zhuang Zhixi came out to wash up and, seeing him like this, silently looked up at the sky and then silently fetched water. Fortunately, it was already dawn. If it had been any earlier, when it was still dark, someone might have thought there was a ghost.


    After finishing his morning routine, Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Bai Fendou¡¯s house but didn¡¯t say anything. He turned and went back home, carrying two coal briquettes. The room was freezing, so he added one coal briquette to the stove and washed his hands.


    He made two trips, and Ming Mei was still asleep. Zhuang Zhixi looked down at Ming Mei, who was curled up in a ball, and chuckled softly. He then took the chamber pot and went out again.


    Coincidentally, he ran into Bai Fendou again in the restroom. The sudden drop in temperature and the snow had kept most people indoors today. Usually, there would be a line to empty the chamber pots, but today there were only a few people. Zhuang Zhixi was behind Bai Fendou in line.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at him. He looked very different from usual, with his hair slicked down as if a cow had licked it.


    With a faint smile, Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°Are you really going to marry Guan Guiling?¡±


    Bai Fendou proudly raised his head. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°She has quite a few children. That¡¯s a heavy burden,¡± Zhuang Zhixi pointed out.


    Bai Fendou was unfazed. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? I never said I¡¯d raise all of them.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi narrowed his eyes slightly and then smiled. He didn¡¯t say anything more. It seemed Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t as naive as before, after what had happened.


    Bai Fendou asked, ¡°Why are you up so early today?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°It¡¯s too cold to sleep. Besides, it¡¯s my grandfather¡¯s turn to sweep the courtyard today, so I¡¯m doing it for him.¡±


    In their courtyard, the responsibility for sweeping was assigned on a rotating basis. Zhuang Zhixi had taken on the task of helping his grandfather sweep the courtyard. After all, it was Ming Mei¡¯s grandfather, and he was getting on in years. Even if he was in good health, the younger generation living in the same courtyard should pitch in.


    Bai Fendou said, ¡°If I can live like Old Man Lan when I¡¯m old, I¡¯ll be satisfied.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He gave Bai Fendou a look, feeling that Bai Fendou was being overly optimistic.


    For him, it would be difficult.


    After all, Lan Sihai had a high salary, and no one knew exactly how much he earned from his re-employment. But it must be substantial, given how well he lived. Since Lan Sihai had moved in, Ming Mei hadn¡¯t had to buy candy often. Every time Lan Sihai saw Ming Mei, he would give her a White Rabbit candy as if she were a child.


    Ming Mei was a bit tired of it and didn¡¯t eat it every time, so she had accumulated a whole jar of candy.


    Not to mention the other things he provided.


    So, for Bai Fendou to live like Lan Sihai, it would be no easy feat.


    But Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t burst his bubble. He didn¡¯t have the time for that. He turned and went back to the courtyard to continue his work. By the time most people were up, Zhuang Zhixi had already finished sweeping the front yard and was starting on the back.


    The sounds of early morning cooking began to echo through the courtyard as each household started their day.


    Chen Yuan, annoyed, slapped his pillow and said, ¡°So annoying, so annoying! Why do they have to get up so early every morning? Are they sick? I must have been cursed to live in such a place. This dump! Argh!¡±


    He rubbed his temples and sat up, seeing that Tao Yuyue was still half-asleep. He said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to make breakfast? Do you want to starve me?¡±


    Tao Yuyue replied, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll make pancakes.¡±


    ¡°I want rice porridge,¡± Chen Yuan demanded.


    Tao Yuyue was taken aback. ¡°We don¡¯t have any rice at home.¡±


    The two of them were newlyweds, and this was their first time managing a household. Although Tao Yuyue was now a full-time worker, she spent most of her money on herself, either on clothes or saving it as private funds. She wasn¡¯t willing to spend it on household expenses.


    Chen Yuan, on the other hand, never contributed a single penny to the household.


    Although they had a monthly allowance of twenty yuan, Tao Yuyue tried to save as much as possible, hoping to keep some of it for herself. So, whether it was daily necessities or food, she would get them from her in-laws¡¯ house. If she didn¡¯t take them, they wouldn¡¯t have anything.


    But she couldn¡¯t take too much at once, so now they were out of rice.


    She said, ¡°I¡¯ll go get some after work today¡­¡±


    *Wham!*


    Chen Yuan threw the pillow at Tao Yuyue and shouted, ¡°How do you manage this household? Your husband wants to eat some rice, and you don¡¯t have any? Where does your salary go every month? My parents give you twenty yuan a month. With that much money, you don¡¯t buy anything for the house? Tao Yuyue, you¡¯re so stingy! Is this how you run a household? You don¡¯t buy anything for the house, and you still go to my parents¡¯ house to take things? You¡¯re something else! Tell me, are you saving money to send back to your family? Tell me! You¡¯re so disloyal!¡±


    His loud voice caught the attention of everyone in the courtyard.


    Even Zhuang Zhixi, who was sweeping the yard, slowed down and pricked up his ears. Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue weren¡¯t close to anyone in the courtyard, so no one knew what was going on in their household. But with Chen Yuan¡¯s outburst, everyone was naturally curious.


    Tao Yuyue, being scolded by Chen Yuan, knew she had gone a bit too far, but she felt she wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. After all, she was trying to save for their small family.


    She said, "I didn''t give the money to my parents'' family. I saved it all myself. I just wanted to save some money. If we have a child in the future, there will be many expenses."


    "Are you still arguing?" Chen Yuan was furious and slapped Tao Yuyue across the face. "Have I spoiled you too much? How dare you talk back? You''re from a small place, so you have no sense at all. What kind of nonsense is this? Do you think I''m a fool? I can see it clearly now. Even if you get pregnant, you¡¯ll have to live at my parents'' place, so there won¡¯t be any expenses. Why are you acting innocent now? Besides, we¡¯ve been married for over a month, and there¡¯s still no sign of a baby. Are you some kind of infertile hen?"


    "I..." Tao Yuyue looked up at Chen Yuan and said, "I¡¯m not... Please don¡¯t say that."


    Chen Yuan retorted, "What else should I say? I don¡¯t care about your excuses. I want lean meat porridge for breakfast this morning. Go make it, and buy me a bowl of soy milk and two fried dough sticks."


    Tao Yuyue replied, "But we don¡¯t have any rice or meat at home. Can we skip breakfast this morning? I¡¯ll make sure to... Ah!"


    Chen Yuan slapped her again.


    Although most of the people in their compound worked at the machinery factory and did manual labor, none of them beat their wives. Even Zhou Qun, who was known for his cunning ways, only sweet-talked Jiang Lu and never resorted to physical abuse.


    Aunt Zhou was mean, but she never laid a hand on her daughter-in-law. She only used verbal insults and strange remedies, making Jiang Lu drink all kinds of weird concoctions, but she never resorted to violence. The same went for everyone else.


    Even though people in the compound often fought among themselves, beating one¡¯s wife was considered disgraceful and looked down upon.


    However, this newcomer, despite coming from an intellectual family and appearing refined, didn¡¯t hesitate to resort to violence. He slapped Tao Yuyue across the face and cursed, "If you don¡¯t have it, then figure it out! Don¡¯t just tell me there¡¯s nothing and expect me to put up with it. I didn¡¯t live like this back home. Is this the kind of life I¡¯m supposed to have with you?"


    Feeling a chill, he suddenly asked, "Did you buy coal briquettes?"


    Tao Yuyue replied, "Not yet..."


    This made Chen Yuan even angrier. He shouted, "What kind of weather is this? Do you even know what time of year it is? You haven¡¯t even bought coal briquettes? Well, you¡¯re really something. Do you even want to keep living like this?"


    His fists rained down on Tao Yuyue, who cried out in pain. She hadn¡¯t expected Chen Yuan to resort to violence so quickly.


    She dodged and pleaded, "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m really sorry. Please stop hitting me."


    The people in the courtyard exchanged glances, and Zhuang Zhixi frowned. "What¡¯s going on here?"


    He started to step forward to intervene. Although he didn¡¯t have a particularly good impression of Tao Yuyue, he couldn¡¯t stand to see such behavior. Bullying a woman? What kind of man does that? It¡¯s a disgrace to the men of Beijing.


    He had only taken a few steps when someone grabbed his arm. Aunt Wang said, "Let me handle this."


    After all, they were all young people, and she didn¡¯t want them to get involved in such a mess. Bai Fendou had already gotten himself into enough trouble.


    As an old woman, she didn¡¯t mind stepping in.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Alright."


    Although he agreed, he still followed behind Aunt Wang, and others also gathered around. Several people joined them.


    When something like this happened, everyone would come out like rabbits, quickly gathering around. Tao Yuyue¡¯s voice was low, as she was afraid of losing face, but Chen Yuan didn¡¯t care. He shouted loudly, which attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    Aunt Wang led the group of aunties inside and was immediately displeased to see Tao Yuyue crouching in a corner.


    She hurried over and said, "Chen Yuan, what are you doing? Men and women are equal now. How can you hit your wife? This kind of behavior is despicable."


    Chen Yuan frowned. "This is my home. What are you doing here? I¡¯m hitting my wife. What does it have to do with you? You¡¯re all acting like you¡¯re important. What? This is my house. Are you trying to cause trouble?"


    Aunt Wang retorted, "Even if it¡¯s your house, it doesn¡¯t mean hitting your wife is right."


    Chen Yuan dismissed her. "So what if I hit her? She deserves it for not doing her job properly. Besides, who doesn¡¯t hit their wife?"


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward and said earnestly, "My family doesn¡¯t. I don¡¯t hit my wife, neither does my older brother, and my father doesn¡¯t either."


    Yang Lixin quickly added, "Same with my family."


    Others chimed in:


    "My family doesn¡¯t either."


    "Mine neither."


    Zhou Qun said, "My family certainly doesn¡¯t. My wife is the one in charge."


    None of them hit their wives, so what kind of man are you?


    Chen Yuan, feeling cornered, quickly defended himself. "What does it matter to you whether you hit your wives or not? If my wife doesn¡¯t do her job properly, she deserves to be disciplined. A tree won¡¯t grow straight if it¡¯s not pruned. If I don¡¯t teach her a lesson, how will she know what¡¯s right? Who doesn¡¯t buy coal at this time of year? Who gives their in-laws twenty yuan every month for living expenses? Who takes everything from their in-laws without contributing? I¡¯m already being lenient. If it were you, you might not do any better. Who are you to lecture me? Even my parents don¡¯t interfere. Who do you think you are? Get out of here! You¡¯re all a bunch of nobodies."


    He was utterly unapologetic. "I¡¯ve given you too much face. How dare you come to my house and lecture me? Do you even know your place?"


    "What kind of nonsense are you talking?"


    "Wow, his family is really well-off. They even give twenty yuan to their in-laws."


    "That¡¯s true."


    "But even so, you can¡¯t hit people."


    "What if she gets seriously hurt? It¡¯ll bring shame to our compound."


    Aunt Wang said, "If you keep this up, I¡¯ll report you to the factory, the Women¡¯s Federation, and the neighborhood committee. Our compound won¡¯t tolerate someone like you."


    Chen Yuan sneered. "Your compound? Don¡¯t act like your compound is so great. Everyone knows it¡¯s full of lowlifes. Just look at you..."


    His gaze swept over the crowd, and the first person he noticed was Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou stood out today, dressed unusually well. Besides, he had gotten into a fight with Chen Yuan on the day he moved in, so Chen Yuan had a strong dislike for him. He immediately targeted Bai Fendou.


    "What¡¯s this? A eunuch dressed up like a gentleman? What, do you think getting married means you have a wife? Who knows whose wife she really is? You¡¯re just a cuckold, a joke."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes blazed with anger the moment Chen Yuan directed those words at him. There were two things he absolutely couldn¡¯t stand: being called a "eunuch" or a "cuckold."


    He couldn¡¯t let it slide. As soon as he heard Chen Yuan¡¯s insults, he roared and charged forward like a raging bull, delivering a flying kick that sent Chen Yuan crashing onto the bed.


    "How dare you hit me!"


    "Why wouldn¡¯t I dare? Just because your father¡¯s a factory leader, you think I¡¯m scared of you? You dare insult me? I¡¯ll beat you to death!"


    Bai Fendou had plenty of experience in fights, far more than Chen Yuan. With one kick, he knocked Chen Yuan down, then grabbed his hair and started slapping his face repeatedly.


    Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t stand pretty boys like Chen Yuan. He loved slapping their faces to wipe the smugness off them.


    "Damn it, someone pull this mad dog off me! What the hell..."


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t care what Chen Yuan said. He just kept scratching and hitting.


    Chen Yuan shouted, "Damn it, if you¡¯re going to fight, fight like a man! Don¡¯t pull hair and scratch like a woman! You¡¯re such a eunuch, even your fighting style is disgusting."


    Chen Yuan was indeed a tough guy. Even though he was completely overpowered and being beaten, he still refused to back down. His mouth was the only thing that remained hard.


    "Your fighting style is so unmanly, you damn eunuch!"


    "You¡¯re just a coward who hits women."


    Tao Yuyue finally snapped out of her daze and cried, "Stop fighting! Both of you, stop! Don¡¯t fight over me!"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Tao Yuyue with a strange expression, thinking that she was quite narcissistic. Where did she get the idea that the fight was over him? Bai Fendou clearly wanted to throw down because he had been insulted. Everyone knew Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t stand hearing the word "eunuch."


    This kind of thing, if it weren¡¯t true, would just be a joke and wouldn¡¯t really make someone that angry.


    But the problem was, Bai Fendou really *was* one, so the words stabbed him right in the heart.


    Didn¡¯t you see Zhou Qun glaring too?


    The truer the words, the less they should be joked about.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Chen Yuan was shredded like potato strips by Bai Fendou. He howled, spewing curses, and tried to fight back. But he couldn¡¯t match Bai Fendou¡¯s fighting style. He only knew how to throw punches.


    Bai Fendou, with his rich fighting experience, dodged quickly and extended his claws again.


    Tao Yuyue, seeing her man in such a miserable state, cried out, ¡°Bai Fendou, let go! You can¡¯t fight like this!¡±


    She shouted again, ¡°Someone stop them!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi seemed to snap out of it and hurried forward to pull them apart, but he couldn¡¯t budge Bai Fendou. He didn¡¯t dare get too close, afraid of getting hit himself, and just tugged weakly, saying, ¡°Brother Fendou, calm down!¡±


    He looked anxious but didn¡¯t have much strength.


    Bai Fendou shook him off, sending Zhuang Zhixi stumbling back several steps.


    ¡°Oh my, Zhuang Zhixi, be careful! You¡¯re a scholar, you¡¯re no match for Bai Fendou¡¯s strength.¡±


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua, standing at the back, raised an eyebrow. She didn¡¯t believe for a second that her son couldn¡¯t pull Bai Fendou away. Sure, he didn¡¯t do heavy labor, but he wasn¡¯t *that* weak. Zhou Qun also rushed forward to help, but as soon as he grabbed Bai Fendou, he realized Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t putting in any effort. Of course, he wasn¡¯t going to either.


    Damn it, this guy kept throwing around the word "eunuch." Who did he think he was insulting?


    Even though he was targeting Bai Fendou, Zhou Qun was one too. He was collateral damage. Unlike Bai Fendou, who had no wife or kids and was considered ¡°useless,¡± Zhou Qun usually tried to stay optimistic.


    But this guy¡¯s insults hit him too.


    What man could handle that? Zhou Qun certainly couldn¡¯t. So while he pretended to be trying hard, he wasn¡¯t putting in any real effort. With two men failing to restrain Bai Fendou, the crowd started murmuring.


    ¡°Bai Fendou goes crazy when he fights. Look at that strength!¡±


    ¡°No kidding.¡±


    ¡°And he¡¯s not even going all out. He hasn¡¯t even used his signature move yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh right, he¡¯s still got that Dragon Claw technique. How many men has that ruined?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Qun, Yu Baoshan, and Vice Director Cai. Three, that¡¯s three already¡­¡±


    ¡°I wonder if Chen Yuan will be the fourth¡­¡±


    The crowd¡¯s chatter was loud and unabashed. When Chen Yuan heard it, his face turned pale.


    How could he have forgotten? Bai Fendou really *was* one.


    He stopped protecting his face and immediately covered his crotch. A man could die, but he couldn¡¯t be humiliated. No matter how the fight went, he had to protect that area. He was the only son in his family. Tao Yuyue was also terrified. If Bai Fendou really ruined her husband, she¡¯d be finished too.


    Seeing Bai Fendou like this, Tao Yuyue screamed, ¡°Bai Fendou, let go! Let go!¡±


    Bai Fendou roared, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Seeing that pulling him away wasn¡¯t working and her husband was already covered in bloody scratches, Chen Yuan firmly covered his crotch. Tao Yuyue panicked, looking around frantically until her eyes landed on a large vase, a decorative piece in their home.


    Without hesitation, she picked it up and hurled it at Bai Fendou.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi tried to stop her, but it was too late. The vase smashed into Bai Fendou¡¯s head. He turned around, glaring at Tao Yuyue¡¯s terrified face, and cursed, ¡°You ungrateful woman¡­ uh¡­¡±


    *Thud.* He collapsed, falling right on top of Chen Yuan, and passed out.


    Chen Yuan screamed, ¡°Ah!¡±


    He had been about to get up, but Bai Fendou¡¯s fall twisted his back.


    ¡°Help! Help!¡±


    Finally, Chen Yuan caved.


    ¡°Oh my god, what¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡°We need to get them to the hospital, quick!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s bleeding again. Remember how Old Bai died from a head injury and too much blood loss¡­¡±


    ¡°Tao Yuyue, hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Go borrow a cart. Both of them need to go to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Why do we always need to borrow carts¡­¡±


    ¡°Hurry! If we wait too long and he bleeds out, it¡¯ll be a disaster. Do we really want to hold a funeral in our courtyard?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Everyone chattered, but they moved quickly. Soon, the two men were loaded onto a cart, and the group set off for the hospital in a grand procession. Chen Yuan, who had only twisted his back and hadn¡¯t passed out, yelled, ¡°I don¡¯t want to share a cart with Bai Fendou!¡±


    If he ended up sharing a cart with Bai Fendou and the guy died, it would haunt him for life.


    Even if Bai Fendou didn¡¯t die, what about his dignity?


    But did anyone care about his complaints?


    Nope.


    Everyone was afraid of someone dying. Saving lives came first. Who cared what he had to say? If he hadn¡¯t been beating his wife that morning, none of this would¡¯ve happened.


    Besides, Bai Fendou was just watching the drama. You called him a eunuch¡ªwho else was he supposed to hit?


    Even though Bai Fendou often caused trouble, in this case, he was completely innocent.


    The crowd marched toward the hospital, hoping nothing else would go wrong.


    Such a large group attracted plenty of attention as they passed through the streets.


    Hmm, he looked familiar. It was him again!


    Bai Fendou!


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t join them. He had important work at his unit and couldn¡¯t take time off. But with or without him, it didn¡¯t make much difference.


    Zhao Guihua went along, and Liang Meifen really wanted to go too, but things were different now. She had a job and couldn¡¯t just skip work¡ªthat was money on the line. If someone else¡¯s drama affected her work, she couldn¡¯t afford it.


    Their family still owed her mother-in-law money.


    Ming Mei, heavily pregnant, was more exhausted than ever. She hadn¡¯t come out to watch the commotion that morning. Zhuang Zhixi was walking her to work when they saw Jinlai sneaking around, already at the junction between the front and back courtyards.


    With his shifty eyes, it was clear he was up to no good.


    Zhuang Zhixi was about to call out when the kid suddenly sprinted forward, hopping on one foot, and slipped into Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue¡¯s house.


    Even with his injury, he was determined to steal.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He pursed his lips and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you first.¡±


    Ming Mei had seen it too. Once they were outside, she said, ¡°Why is that kid stealing again? I thought he¡¯d changed.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged. ¡°At his age, without any real consequences, I doubt he¡¯ll change.¡±


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you stop him?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Both shrugged. There was nothing they could do.


    Jinlai wasn¡¯t fully healed yet. He could only hop around or lean on walls for support. Even if they caught him, what could they do? You can¡¯t send an injured kid to juvenile detention. And if he got hurt, they¡¯d be blamed.


    So Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei decided to ignore it.


    They weren¡¯t getting involved.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t that kid stop stealing? It¡¯s like a dog that can¡¯t stop eating crap.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????be helped.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t consider himself a saint. Even though they lived in the same courtyard, he wasn¡¯t going to meddle in other people¡¯s business. He¡¯d take care of his own family. As for others? Whatever.


    Chen Yuan and his wife didn¡¯t seem like reliable people anyway.


    Zhuang Zhixi had no intention of getting involved, and while Ming Mei had a strong sense of justice, pregnancy had drained her energy. She couldn¡¯t deal with this either. Besides, she agreed with Zhuang Zhixi.


    Su Jinlai¡¯s situation was just too messy to handle.


    Zhuang Zhixi dropped Ming Mei off at work when she suddenly realized something. ¡°Wait, wasn¡¯t Bai Fendou supposed to register his marriage today? He¡¯s unconscious now. That¡¯s not going to work, is it?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Oh right! Damn, this is going to mess up the wedding!¡±


    Bai Fendou¡¯s wedding plans really were full of twists and turns.


    Ming Mei blinked and said, "Alright, Guan Guiling is definitely coming to work today. She needs to get a reference letter for her marriage. I''ll talk to her and have her go straight to the hospital."


    "Alright, dear, but take it easy. You''re pregnant, after all. Just let her know, but don''t get too involved or run off to the hospital yourself. Got it?"


    Ming Mei smiled, "I know, I know."


    She pouted, "Do you think I''m stupid? I won''t meddle in that."


    She couldn''t understand why Zhuang Zhixi treated her like a helpless baby who couldn''t manage her own life or understand social norms. He always reminded her of everything, like an overbearing mother.


    Especially recently, it had become even more noticeable.


    But Ming Mei still smiled. After all, it was because he truly cared for her.


    Being cared for always felt good.


    Ming Mei went upstairs, and an older colleague in the office saw her and said with a smile, "Your husband is really something. He never misses a day, always picking you up and dropping you off. So thoughtful."


    They had seen them through the window, chatting for a while.


    Ming Mei grinned, "We''re husband and wife. I''m going through a tough pregnancy, so if he doesn''t treat me well, he''d be a terrible person. Besides, if he doesn''t take good care of me, I''ll give him trouble after the baby is born. I can be quite fierce."


    She playfully shook her little fist.


    Everyone laughed. Though they knew Ming Mei was joking, they couldn''t help but chuckle because she really was a force to be reckoned with.


    Someone teased, "You wouldn''t dare! Your husband is so handsome. If it were me, I wouldn''t have the heart to scold him."


    "Your husband is really good. Mine made me do housework even when I was pregnant. By the way, how''s your mother-in-law? I heard she''s quite fierce."


    Thanks to the gossip in their neighborhood, everyone knew about the tough old ladies in their compound, even if they couldn''t name them all.


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and said, "My mother-in-law is quite fiery, but she''s really good to me."


    She spoke in a sweet, soft voice, "I''m so lovable, who wouldn''t like me?"


    "Oh, you''re really laying it on thick!"


    "Even if a mother-in-law loves her son, she won''t necessarily love her daughter-in-law."


    Ming Mei replied, "You don''t believe me? Well, the hawthorn cake I ate the other day was made by my mother-in-law. And the chestnut cake too."


    In the fall, Zhao Guihua had picked some hawthorns from the mountain. They were too sour and astringent to eat raw, so she cooked them into hawthorn cake. Though the hawthorns were free, the cake wasn''t cheap to make because it required sugar.


    Zhao Guihua had bought a bag of sugar from the black market and used it all.


    She made a lot of hawthorn cake, which was sweet and tangy, and everyone in the family loved it. But apart from Ming Mei, only the children, Hutu and Xiao Yanzi, were allowed to eat it. The adults? Forget it!


    Adults shouldn''t be snacking, especially when food was scarce. So, the treats were reserved for the kids and the pregnant woman.


    "Your mother-in-law is quite skilled, Ming Mei. She can make all these things."


    "Of course, it''s because you''re pregnant."


    Ming Mei wasn''t bothered by the teasing and said with a smile, "It''s because I know how to flatter my mother-in-law."


    "Pfft!" Everyone burst out laughing.


    Though there was always some drama wherever people gathered, Ming Mei was well-liked at the bus station.


    She wasn''t the type to compete or take advantage of others. Her family was well-off, so she didn''t need to. Plus, she had some martial arts skills, though they were "sealed" for now, so no one dared to provoke her.


    Of course, it also helped that many people had watched her grow up.


    They teased her, "You really know how to talk. Can flattery really win someone over?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "Of course. My mother-in-law might act like she''s annoyed, but she always thinks of me first. But it''s not surprising. You know how it is¡ªI''m beautiful and sweet-talking, so elders always like me."


    Ugh~


    The more she boasted, the harder it was to listen.


    Ming Mei said, "Anyway, I can''t chat anymore. I need to go to the HR department."


    "Why?"


    Ming Mei replied, "I need to pass a message to Guan Guiling..."


    As luck would have it, Ming Mei ran into Guan Guiling at HR just as she was leaving with her reference letter. Ming Mei called out, "Guan Guiling!"


    They worked in different departments, and Guan Guiling had joined later, so they weren''t close. They usually just nodded when they saw each other. Ming Mei stopping her was a surprise.


    "Is something wrong?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "I live in Xinghua Lane, in the same compound as Bai Fendou."


    Guan Guiling nodded. She knew that. After all, who at the bus station didn''t know Ming Mei?


    "This morning, Bai Fendou got into a fight and was hit on the head. He passed out and was taken to the hospital. I thought I should let you know."


    She didn''t want Guan Guiling to be left waiting at the civil affairs office.


    Guan Guiling exclaimed, "What?!"


    She was stunned.


    How could he get into another fight out of nowhere?


    Wait, why did she think "another" fight?


    It just showed how unreliable he was.


    But she still said, "Thank you. I''ll go to the hospital right away."


    Ming Mei replied, "No need to thank me."


    She returned to her office, while Guan Guiling quickly left for the hospital. On the way, she touched the reference letter in her pocket and hesitated. She had approached Bai Fendou because she needed a long-term meal ticket.


    If anyone thought she actually liked Bai Fendou, they were mistaken.


    The idea that she had liked him since school was clearly a lie. She wasn''t blind¡ªwhy would she like someone like Bai Fendou? But her family situation was dire.


    Her husband was chronically ill, and they already had four children. Now she was pregnant again, which would make five.


    Even with her salary of thirty-something yuan, supporting a family of seven would put them below the poverty line. Even with government assistance and her husband doing odd jobs like making paper boxes at home, it wasn''t enough.


    Life was tough.


    That''s when she heard about Bai Fendou.


    He was a legendary figure, known by everyone. After hearing about him, she came up with a plan. She and her husband discussed it all night and decided it was worth a try.


    They would divorce, and she would pursue Bai Fendou.


    Her husband wasn''t worried¡ªafter all, everyone knew Bai Fendou had been "rendered useless" by a brick to the head.


    And who had thrown that brick? None other than Jiang Baohong, another employee at the bus station, who was now universally disliked.


    Guan Guiling thought she could take the initiative with Bai Fendou. Since he was "useless," he could help support her family. Even if they got married, she could still turn to her ex-husband for comfort.


    She didn''t think Bai Fendou could escape her grasp.


    He had been helping his neighbor Wang Xiangxiu for years, taking care of her kids. Surely, he could do the same for her children. If not, she could slowly manipulate him. Once they were married, everything would be under her control.


    Both she and Bai Fendou thought they would be the one in charge. It remained to be seen who would come out on top.


    But now, she felt uneasy and annoyed.


    This Bai Fendou, always causing trouble.


    If he kept getting into fights, she doubted he could handle the responsibility of supporting her family. If he kept getting injured, the medical bills would pile up. She just wanted someone to take care of her family¡ªincluding her husband.


    She wasn''t looking to remarry for real.


    If Bai Fendou turned out to be unreliable, she would have to reconsider.


    She wanted to trap someone, not get trapped herself.


    Guan Guiling walked quickly, her mind racing. Bai Fendou was too impulsive and hot-headed. He wasn''t up to the task.


    No one expected that Guan Guiling divorced to rope Bai Fendou into supporting her. In the speculations of Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, they also thought that Guan Guiling had deliberately gotten pregnant to use the child as leverage to trap Bai Fendou. However, they were mistaken in this assumption.


    Guan Guiling was indeed pregnant from the start, but the divorce was a calculated move that came later.


    Of course, as outsiders, Zhuang Zhixi and the others¡¯ speculations weren¡¯t particularly important.


    What Guan Guiling was thinking was: Would Bai Fendou die suddenly? If he really did die, she would be at a loss. At the very least, she needed to get a marriage certificate so she could smoothly take over Bai Fendou¡¯s house.


    She wanted Bai Fendou to support her and also wanted his house.


    By then, when her children grew up and got married, they would have a place to live.


    As for Bai Fendou?


    By that time, he would be old and wouldn¡¯t be able to do much. She could just kick him out.


    Guan Guiling had thought everything out perfectly. She rushed to the hospital, hoping that even if he were to die, it wouldn¡¯t be right away.


    However, as soon as she arrived at the hospital, she heard shouting.


    Guan Guiling: ¡°¡­¡±


    She called out loudly, ¡°Make way, make way, please! Let me see Bai Fendou.¡±


    She was very reluctant to part with Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou shouted back, ¡°Guiling, I¡¯m here!¡±


    His voice was full of vigor.


    Guan Guiling: ¡°¡­¡±


    When she arrived, she saw Bai Fendou lying on a hospital bed with thick bandages wrapped around his head. On the opposite bed was a young man who looked utterly disheveled. His face was swollen, and there were visible scratches all over his body. He was lying on the bed across from Bai Fendou, engaged in a heated argument with him.


    They were hurling insults at each other, cursing each other¡¯s ancestors for eighteen generations.


    Guan Guiling: ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    The nurse was already used to it. How could she not be? Bai Fendou was a regular here.


    If there had been such a thing as a hospital membership back then, the nurse would have definitely made Bai Fendou sign up. He was a regular among regulars.


    ¡°How did this happen?¡± Guan Guiling stepped forward and said, ¡°Do you know how worried I was about you?¡±


    The neighbors who had come to the hospital with Bai Fendou all wore expressions of curiosity.


    None of them had seen Guan Guiling before, so naturally, they wanted to get a good look at her.


    Well, how to put it?


    She resembled Wang Xiangxiu.


    Not in terms of facial features, but in her overall demeanor.


    It was unclear whether Bai Fendou still had feelings for Wang Xiangxiu or if he simply liked this type of woman.


    Probably¡­ the latter?


    After all, even if Wang Xiangxiu tried to show favor to Bai Fendou now, he wouldn¡¯t pay her any attention.


    Guan Guiling: ¡°What happened?¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°This jerk has a foul mouth.¡±


    ¡°You eunuch, you¡­¡±


    Blah blah blah, the two of them started cursing again.


    ¡°Grandson, let¡¯s not stoop to this scoundrel¡¯s level. Look at his sorry state, he deserves to be impotent,¡± an old woman shouted. This was Chen Yuan¡¯s grandmother. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although the old woman was defending Chen Yuan, he didn¡¯t even glance at her.


    ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re no good at fighting, and you¡¯re no good at cursing. Just stay out of it.¡±


    This old hag! If it weren¡¯t for her living in their house, he wouldn¡¯t have had to move into the courtyard to scheme for the factory¡¯s housing allocation. What a nuisance.


    Zhao Guihua, witnessing Chen Yuan¡¯s terrible attitude, deeply lamented the poor upbringing of this family.


    But many families were like this. If there was an only son, they would spoil him rotten, not realizing what kind of person they were raising. They brought the injured parties to the hospital, and both sides were quickly treated and admitted.


    Fortunately, Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t like his father this time. He had a concussion but woke up after lying down for a while.


    As for Chen Yuan, he had been scratched to shreds and had also sprained his back, so he had to stay in the hospital too.


    Since Tao Yuyue was also injured, the doctor initially thought it was a domestic dispute. Later, upon learning that Chen Yuan had been scratched by Bai Fendou, the doctor fell silent for a long time.


    Men fighting like this was quite rare.


    But it was also a good thing.


    After all, they knew that Bai Fendou was most skilled at emasculating men. The fact that Chen Yuan hadn¡¯t been emasculated was a mercy from heaven. He should be grateful he could still walk away intact.


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t have many relatives, but Chen Yuan¡¯s family had quite a few people show up.


    However, Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t the least bit intimidated. Chen Yuan had insulted him first, so what was wrong with fighting back? Not to mention, Tao Yuyue had also injured him. In any case, Bai Fendou stood his ground and shouted loudly, echoing through the hospital: ¡°Director Chen, your son called me a eunuch. If I didn¡¯t hit him, would I still be a man? Your daughter-in-law smashed a huge vase at me and nearly killed me. Whose fault is that? Let me tell you, don¡¯t think that just because you¡¯re the logistics director and I¡¯m a toilet cleaner, you can mess with me! If you dare retaliate, I¡¯ll report you! Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±


    His voice was loud, and because of it, Chen Yuan¡¯s parents didn¡¯t dare to retaliate directly.


    After all, they were all from the same factory. Director Chen, in charge of logistics, knew what kind of person Bai Fendou was¡ªa true hothead. If they provoked him, there would likely be a lot of trouble afterward. Bai Fendou had nothing to lose and wasn¡¯t afraid of consequences.


    He had no family and no sense of tact.


    Such a person was not to be trifled with.


    Because of this, Director Chen paid for both parties¡¯ medical expenses and then left first.


    Chen Yuan¡¯s mother felt the same way, so only the old couple¡ªChen Yuan¡¯s grandparents¡ªstayed behind. The two sides continued to trade insults, leaving the neighbors stunned. As they said, their courtyard couldn¡¯t stay peaceful for too long.


    If it stayed peaceful for too long, it wouldn¡¯t feel like their courtyard anymore.


    Zhao Guihua watched for a while and was about to leave when Guan Guiling arrived. After hearing the whole story, though both sides had their own versions of the truth, she was still annoyed.


    This tendency to resort to violence at the slightest provocation¡ªcould Bai Fendou hit women?


    If he could, then she would have to reconsider their relationship.


    Even though they had gotten a letter of introduction, they weren¡¯t married yet. Moreover, Bai Fendou had offended a leader. Wouldn¡¯t that lead to trouble?


    For a moment, she felt conflicted. Seeing Bai Fendou still gloating, she finally understood why he had been transferred from the security department to cleaning toilets in logistics. He was an idiot! She had truly never seen such a fool.


    A big fool.


    She smiled weakly and said, ¡°Fendou, stop arguing. We¡¯re all neighbors and colleagues. We see each other every day. Arguing like this is just unbecoming.¡±


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t care: ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? He¡¯s no good either. Cursing him is doing society a favor. I even wanted to hit him. What kind of person is he? You don¡¯t know, but he beats his wife at home.¡±


    Chen Yuan glared coldly at Tao Yuyue, who immediately said, ¡°Bai Fendou, stop lying. Chen Yuan has never hit me.¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk, you¡¯re really good at pretending. Why bother covering it up? Look at your face¡­ honestly, it¡¯s laughable.¡±


    Tao Yuyue: ¡°I fell out of bed while sleeping and landed on my face. Stop saying such things. I know you have feelings for me, but Chen Yuan treats me well. Don¡¯t tarnish his reputation¡­¡±


    Chen Yuan smirked smugly.


    Guan Guiling looked at Bai Fendou, her voice cold: ¡°You have feelings for her?¡±


    Bai Fendou immediately shouted, ¡°Of course not!¡±


    He used to, but not anymore!


    He continued loudly, ¡°She¡¯s delusional, thinking everyone likes her. I fought because Chen Yuan insulted me. If it were just because he hit her, I wouldn¡¯t care. This woman has issues. When others try to help her, she doesn¡¯t appreciate it.¡±


    He still held a grudge over the incident when they moved.


    His kindness had been thrown back in his face.


    Tao Yuyue hadn¡¯t expected Bai Fendou to be so blunt. She thought he would at least back her up. After all, he had pursued her before. How could he stand by and watch her suffer like this?


    She bit her lip and said, ¡°Bai Fendou, you jerk! Didn¡¯t you pursue me?¡±


    Bai Fendou replied calmly, ¡°So what if I did? You weren¡¯t married back then. Now that you¡¯re married, why would I still have feelings for you? Look at the state you¡¯re in. You¡¯re not even one ten-thousandth as good as Guan Guiling. I have my own partner now. Why should I defend you? Who do you think you are?¡±


    Guan Guiling curled her lips into a faint smile.


    "How can you talk like that?" Tao Yuyue was furious. "You eunuch!"


    Bai Fendou shouted back, "You shameless woman, you deserve to be beaten by men. Just wait and see if anyone will ever care about you again! What kind of person are you? Don¡¯t think you can fool me. Even before we got married, you were flirting around. You even tricked us into spending money on you. Now you think you¡¯re some kind of saint..."


    "I¡¯ll kill you!"


    "Come on then! I haven¡¯t even started holding you accountable for throwing things at me..."


    The two erupted into another heated argument. Zhao Guihua watched the scene and couldn¡¯t help but feel that, even after a hundred incidents, Bai Fendou would still be the same impulsive Bai Fendou. People, after all, are not so easily changed.


    While the commotion was unfolding, no one noticed that Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue¡¯s home had been burglarized.


    This had happened earlier in the morning. Jinlai, taking advantage of everyone being out, had hobbled on one leg and sneaked into Chen Yuan¡¯s house. However, he was disappointed. Although there was flour, there wasn¡¯t much ready-to-eat food.


    He quickly moved to the inner room, intending to steal money, but all the cabinets were locked.


    Being just a kid, he couldn¡¯t break the locks, so he rummaged through the unlocked cabinets instead. There, he found a pack of peach cookies and a can of preserved peaches. Without a second thought, he took them.


    But as he left, he felt dissatisfied.


    Truly dissatisfied. He had expected more from this household.


    Who would¡¯ve thought? The place looked decent on the surface, but there wasn¡¯t much good food to be found.


    He sneaked back home with his loot, convinced he had pulled off the perfect crime. By then, Tonglai had already left for school, and Yinlai was lying in bed. He watched his brother sneak out and then sneak back in, whispering, "Brother, you shouldn¡¯t steal anymore."


    After nearly dying last time, Yinlai was genuinely scared.


    The pain in his body served as a constant reminder¡ªno more wrongdoing, and definitely no more stealing.


    Besides, they had almost been sent to juvenile detention. If things hadn¡¯t gotten chaotic later, they would¡¯ve surely been held accountable. They had narrowly escaped punishment once; they couldn¡¯t risk it again.


    But Jinlai looked down on Yinlai¡¯s words. "What¡¯s wrong with stealing? That Chen guy has bad intentions toward our mom. Can¡¯t I teach him a lesson? Taking his stuff is just compensation. Even if we get caught, so what? With such a small amount, do you think he¡¯d call the cops and send me to juvie?"


    He added, "Here, second brother, have some peach cookies."


    Yinlai didn¡¯t move. "Let¡¯s wait until Mom gets back and return it to them."


    This response infuriated Jinlai. "What¡¯s wrong with you?"


    The two younger brothers had always followed his lead, doing whatever he said. But now, things were different?


    Yinlai¡¯s voice softened. "Big brother, it¡¯s because of stealing that I ended up like this. I don¡¯t want to..."


    He swallowed hard. He was tempted, truly tempted, but he was too afraid to make another mistake.


    Jinlai looked at his timid brother and said, "What¡¯s happened to you? If I tell you to eat, then eat. We¡¯re not saving any of this. We¡¯ll finish it all. Even if they notice something¡¯s missing, they won¡¯t be able to prove it."


    He patted his stomach. "Once it¡¯s in our bellies, where are they going to find it? Even Mom won¡¯t know. What do you think?"


    Yinlai swallowed his saliva again, torn, but finally said, "I think... it¡¯s not a good idea."


    He was too scared of the consequences.


    "Brother, we can¡¯t..."


    Jinlai was speechless with frustration. "Why are you so useless? You¡¯ve become so weak. I¡¯m not even asking you to do anything, just to eat, and you won¡¯t. I really... forget it. You and third brother are both hopeless now. How did you two end up like this?"


    A sense of loneliness washed over him. From now on, the title of "Peach Blossom Thief" would belong to him alone.


    His two brothers?


    Useless!


    He grabbed a peach cookie and took a bite. "Fine, don¡¯t eat then!"

 Chapter 135

    "Thief! Thief!"A sharp scream echoed through the yard, startling Ming Mei as she had just arrived.


    Zhuang Zhixi grabbed his wife''s hand, reassuring her, "It''s nothing, don''t worry."


    Ming Mei peeked outside and saw Tao Yuyue standing at the door, screaming. In no time, a crowd had gathered. Her eyes instinctively darted toward the Su family''s house, and sure enough, she spotted Su Jinlai''s face.


    She shook her head, then adjusted her coat and said, "Let''s go take a look."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Alright."


    He parked his bicycle, but before they could approach, Tao Yuyue was already storming off. She declared loudly, "I''m going to report this to the police. Whether it''s an adult or a child, this is unacceptable! Taking advantage of our family being at the hospital to steal¡ªhow despicable! If I don''t teach them a lesson today, they''ll think they can walk all over us. Our home isn''t a place for anyone to just waltz into!"


    Tao Yuyue continued her tirade as she walked away.


    Aunt Wang didn''t stop her. If she did, people might accuse her of shielding the thief. Meanwhile, Wang Xiangxiu, who had returned home early from work, looked worried. She glanced toward her house and said decisively, "Maybe we should ask around and see if anyone knows who did it. If someone did, they should come forward and confess."


    Tao Yuyue smirked at Wang Xiangxiu and said, "Oh? Could it be your son?"


    "No, it couldn''t be him. They''ve learned their lesson," Wang Xiangxiu protested, her voice rising.


    "Learned their lesson? I doubt it. Sometimes, knowing right from wrong depends on what they do. Your son? Ha!" Tao Yuyue had no sympathy for thieving children, especially when they weren''t her own. She coldly snapped, "Move aside!"


    Wang Xiangxiu took a deep breath and immediately turned back home. Tao Yuyue stormed out of the courtyard.


    Once inside, Wang Xiangxiu confronted Jinlai, "Was it you?"


    Her younger son, Yinlai, was still weak and couldn''t possibly have done it. If anyone, it had to be Jinlai.


    Jinlai avoided her gaze and insisted, "It wasn''t me. I didn''t do it."


    Wang Xiangxiu scolded him, "Do you realize she''s gone to the police? Do you understand what that means? How many times have I told you to behave? Why won''t you listen? You..."


    Su Jinlai shrugged it off. "So what? It''s no big deal. At most, I''ll get a scolding."


    He had stolen before and never faced serious consequences. Jinlai wasn''t afraid. After all, he was just a kid, and people tended to go easy on kids.


    "You just don''t get it..." Wang Xiangxiu''s voice trailed off as Zhuang Zhixi helped Ming Mei back home.


    Ming Mei tilted her head and said, "I''m not that fragile, am I?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "The ground is slippery."


    It had snowed the night before, and although he had cleared it early in the morning, a thin layer of ice had formed again by evening. Winters in Beijing were bitterly cold. Zhuang Zhixi ignored the commotion between Wang Xiangxiu and her son, as well as Tao Yuyue''s departure to report the theft. Instead, he focused on bringing his wife home.


    They headed straight to the main house, where dinner preparations were already underway. The room was much warmer than their own. Zhao Guihua was slicing thin pieces of pork belly, preparing a stew with pickled cabbage and glass noodles.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Mom, we still have meat?"


    Their monthly ration wasn''t much, and it wasn''t a matter of money¡ªit was about the lack of meat coupons. So, he was genuinely surprised.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "Your sister-in-law has started working, so we have a bit more meat coupons now. If we run out, I''ll figure something out."


    She could always visit the black market if necessary.


    Zhao Guihua added, "It''s so cold now. If we don''t eat well, we won''t be able to withstand the chill. I can manage at home, but you two are out working all day, and Ming Mei is pregnant. How can I not take care of you?"


    Ming Mei clung to Zhao Guihua''s arm and cooed, "Mom, I knew you loved me the most."


    She giggled, and it was true¡ªher mother-in-law was incredibly generous when it came to food. Even families of cadres didn''t eat as well as theirs. Her own father, who worked long-distance deliveries and had access to good food, didn''t provide as well as Zhao Guihua. Her mother-in-law truly spared no expense.


    Zhao Guihua''s generosity in this regard had always amazed the entire family.


    "Mom, I..."


    Ming Mei was about to shower her mother-in-law with more praise when a heart-wrenching cry erupted from outside. The two women quickly looked out and realized the sound was coming from the Su family. Wang Xiangxiu was beating her child.


    Zhao Guihua remarked, "She actually dares to hit her child now."


    It was surprising, but considering the circumstances, she approved of teaching Jinlai a lesson. She didn''t need to see it to know it was Jinlai. There were no other thieves in their courtyard.


    Ming Mei whispered to her mother-in-law, "I saw him sneaking around the backyard this morning."


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Then it must be him."


    Ming Mei asked, "How was the hospital today?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Both of them are fine."


    She added, "Bai Fendou didn''t even use his full strength. If he had, Chen Yuan wouldn''t be a man anymore. So, scratching him up like shredded potatoes was already going easy on him. Though, Bai Fendou''s fighting style isn''t exactly manly."


    However, Zhao Guihua mused, "I think Bai Fendou''s marriage might hit another snag."


    Ming Mei exclaimed, "What?!"


    She looked at Zhao Guihua in surprise. Zhao Guihua nodded. "It''s true."


    Ming Mei pressed, "Tell me more!"


    Zhao Guihua explained, "I saw Guan Guiling from your workplace today. She doesn''t seem like an easy person to deal with. She''s a bit like Wang Xiangxiu but smarter. I noticed her staring at Chen Yuan. I wouldn''t be surprised if she has other intentions."


    She shrugged. "But who knows?"


    Ming Mei fell silent.


    The two women continued chatting while the children sat in the room doing their homework¡ªor rather, the older brother was doing his homework, and the younger sister was watching.


    By now, the children had finished and were peeking out the window at the Su family. The little girl gasped, "He''s getting beaten."


    The older boy nodded. "If you don''t listen, you get beaten."


    "Getting hit hurts."


    "Yeah."


    Both children patted their chests, relieved they hadn''t been punished. In those days, spanking children was common. Every child got beaten at some point. The two of them had been spanked before, so they watched the scene outside with fear.


    During winter, the children mostly stayed in the main house. Their family had three and a half rooms¡ªthe half-room was the children''s bedroom. In warmer weather, they slept there, but when it got cold, they moved into Zhao Guihua''s room to sleep with the adults.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan often traveled for work, so when he was away, the children slept with their mother, Liang Meifen. Occasionally, they slept in their own room, but not often.


    Zhao Guihua preferred not to let them sleep alone in winter. For one, it wasted coal, and secondly, she worried they were too young to handle the stove. At the moment, the children had moved into Zhao Guihua''s room, where they slept on a heated kang. While it wasn''t noticeable in summer, it was incredibly cozy in winter.


    After chatting for a while, Ming Mei entered the room and sat cross-legged on the kang. The children greeted her sweetly, "Hello, Auntie Ming Mei."


    The little girl leaned close to Ming Mei and looked at her belly, asking, "Baby, when are you coming out?"


    Ming Mei smiled and replied, "When do you want the baby to come out?"


    The little girl tilted her head and said, "I hope it''s soon, so I can have a little brother or sister. Auntie Ming Mei, is it a boy or a girl?"


    Ming Mei chuckled. "I don''t know yet. There are two babies, so maybe there''s one of each."


    The little girl''s eyes lit up. "Really? Then I''ll have both a brother and a sister!"


    Ming Mei laughed softly and reached into her pocket, handing each child a piece of candy.


    The children, delighted, accepted the candy and said, "Thank you, Auntie Ming Mei."


    "Pork fat candy!"


    Ming Mei nodded. "That''s right."


    The children didn''t care what kind of candy it was¡ªthey were just happy to have some.


    ¡°Auntie Ming Mei, when I grow up and make money, I¡¯ll also buy candy for my younger siblings,¡± the child said.


    Ming Mei chuckled and replied, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    Suddenly, she remembered something and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your mom?¡±


    Hu Tou raised his hand excitedly, ¡°I know, I know!¡±


    Ming Mei smiled, ¡°Then you tell me.¡±


    Hu Tou explained, ¡°My mom went out to buy groceries. Auntie Jiang Lu just came by and told us.¡±


    Ming Mei was puzzled, but Zhao Guihua, who was in the outer room, overheard and said, ¡°She didn¡¯t go to buy groceries. Jiang Lu mentioned that the supply station just got a new batch of cornmeal, so I asked your sister-in-law to rush over with the grain ration book.¡±


    This year had indeed been tough in terms of food supply. Even grains weren¡¯t delivered all at once, and every time they arrived, people had to queue up to get their share. So, as soon as news came, no one dared to delay. Ming Mei sighed, ¡°Mom, it¡¯s a good thing you¡¯re so foresighted. Our family has some preparations. Otherwise, with so many mouths to feed, life would be really hard. I have a colleague whose family hasn¡¯t split up yet, and there are almost twenty people in the household. They say they barely get enough to eat, with each person only getting one steamed bun per meal.¡±


    Living like that would be unbearable for Ming Mei. She remembered the three years of hardship when everyone was starving and looked emaciated. Back then, she was only about ten years old, and her parents could still give her one steamed bun per meal, mixed with a bit of fine grain. Life now was much better than it was back then.


    One steamed bun per meal? That would never be enough.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Our family has more workers, so our rations are larger than others.¡±


    It was no wonder everyone wanted to be a worker these days. Being a worker was much better than toiling in the fields. Workers also had a higher social status, so it was rare to see them frequenting black markets. Only those who were truly struggling would take such risks. Their family was doing relatively well, so they wouldn¡¯t do anything reckless. Losing their jobs over something like that would be a huge loss.


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°When everyone¡¯s back, we¡¯ll start dinner.¡±


    Ming ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Mei nodded, ¡°Got it.¡±


    Then she asked, ¡°Mom, do you think it¡¯s possible to install a heated brick bed (kang) in our room?¡±


    Zhao Guihua was surprised, ¡°Why? I thought young people prefer beds.¡±


    Ming Mei explained directly, ¡°Sleeping on a kang is much warmer in the winter, and it¡¯s cozier. Besides, a bed only takes up so much space. If we install a kang, we can expand the area by at least half. I¡¯m carrying twins, and when they¡¯re born, my husband and I will have to sleep with two children. A bed feels too small, but a kang would give us more room. It won¡¯t feel so cramped, and when the kids start crawling, they¡¯ll have more space to move around.¡±


    That made sense. When children were young, they had to sleep with their parents. For families with only one child, it might be manageable, but theirs would have two. Even a little movement would make the space feel inadequate. Zhao Guihua remembered that in her previous life, they hadn¡¯t installed a kang at this time, but they did so the following year. People often underestimated how much space children could take up, even when they were small.


    After thinking for a moment, Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll contact someone. We¡¯ll install the kang tomorrow.¡±


    This was something that should be done sooner rather than later. If they were going to do it eventually, they might as well do it now so they could enjoy the warmth during the winter.


    Ming Mei immediately beamed with joy, ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡±


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°I¡¯ll have your father and third brother move to the smaller room. You can stay with me for a couple of days while the work is being done.¡±


    Ming Mei agreed, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Although they hadn¡¯t planned for this earlier, it wasn¡¯t entirely impractical now that the weather was getting colder. Ming Mei smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve never slept on a kang before.¡±


    Zhao Guihua teased her, ¡°What if you don¡¯t like it after switching?¡±


    Ming Mei laughed and playfully scolded, ¡°I won¡¯t! Besides, it¡¯s my own idea.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Ming Mei added, ¡°I¡¯ll get the money for you.¡±


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t refuse. She managed the family¡¯s daily expenses and small matters, but she didn¡¯t cover everything. Since Ming Mei offered to pay, Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t decline.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this for you¡­¡±


    Suddenly, a loud cry interrupted them. ¡°Please, please spare him! He knows he was wrong. I¡¯ve already punished him. He really knows he was wrong¡­¡± The Zhuang family all rushed to the window to see what was happening. They saw Wang Xiangxiu crying hysterically as the police were about to take Su Jinlai away.


    Su Jinlai hung his head, his expression unreadable.


    The police officers were in a difficult position. The items Su Jinlai had stolen weren¡¯t of great value, and he was still recovering from injuries. However, the problem was that he was a repeat offender. He had previously been involved in cutting off pig tails, an act that undermined socialist principles and was deeply despised by the community.


    ¡°This time, we have to take him away. This isn¡¯t his first offense. If it were, we might give him a chance. But he¡¯s a habitual offender. Last time, we let him off because he was injured, but it¡¯s clear he hasn¡¯t learned his lesson. Therefore, we need to send him to a more suitable place for re-education.¡±


    ¡°No, please! Please, spare my child. He¡¯s just a kid!¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu knelt on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.


    Hu Tou swallowed hard and asked, ¡°Is Su Jinlai going to be taken away?¡±


    The children in their neighborhood had seen more than most kids their age. While other children might be terrified of the police, the kids in their alley were used to such scenes. They were still a little scared, but they weren¡¯t completely unfamiliar with such situations.


    Ming Mei, who was also watching from the window, said, ¡°It looks like he¡¯s being taken away.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s cries grew louder. Seeing no hope from the police, she crawled over to Tao Yuyue and begged, ¡°Nurse Tao, please spare him. I swear I¡¯ll keep a closer eye on him. He¡¯ll never make a mistake again, and he¡¯ll never steal from your family. Please, I beg you. Whatever you lost, tell me how much it¡¯s worth, and I¡¯ll pay you back. I¡¯ll definitely pay you back.¡±


    Tao Yuyue remained unmoved. Under different circumstances, she might have let it go, but not today.


    Earlier that morning, she had been humiliated and beaten, and her anger had been simmering all day. When she returned home in the evening and found her belongings missing, her rage exploded.


    If the thief wasn¡¯t caught, she wouldn¡¯t let it go.


    She had asked around when she returned, demanding to know who had taken her things, but no one admitted to it. Under these circumstances, she couldn¡¯t be blamed for her actions.


    She pushed Wang Xiangxiu away and said coldly, ¡°I can¡¯t trust you. Everyone knows your son is a repeat offender. If I let him go today, he might do it again tomorrow. Am I supposed to watch over my things every day? Don¡¯t try to sweet-talk me. I don¡¯t believe you can control him. If you could, he wouldn¡¯t keep doing this. He¡¯s over ten years old¡ªhe¡¯s not a little kid anymore. Don¡¯t try to use his age as an excuse.¡±


    Tao Yuyue was merciless.


    Wang Xiangxiu continued to sob, ¡°I¡¯ll do anything you want. Please, spare my son¡­¡±


    Hearing this, Tao Yuyue became even more displeased. ¡°What are you saying? ¡®I¡¯ll do anything¡¯? Wang Xiangxiu, I¡¯m not a man. Watch your words. If you really felt remorseful, why didn¡¯t you admit it when I asked earlier? It was only after the police found your son¡¯s footprints that you came forward. Do you think I¡¯d believe you now? Get out of here! Officers, I won¡¯t forgive them. Moreover, I demand strict punishment. If this child isn¡¯t disciplined harshly, he¡¯ll never stop.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so heartless? How can you be so cruel!¡±


    No matter how much Wang Xiangxiu cried, it didn¡¯t change the fact that Su Jinlai was being taken away.


    Su Jinlai hadn¡¯t expected this to happen. He had done similar things before and gotten away with it, but this time, he was being held accountable. He wailed, ¡°Mom, save me! Save me! I¡¯ll never do it again¡­¡±


    ¡°Jinlai¡­¡±


    Amid Wang Xiangxiu and Su Jinlai¡¯s hysterical cries, the boy was finally taken away. Wang Xiangxiu collapsed on the ground, tears streaming down her face.


    Tao Yuyue snorted coldly and walked away without looking back.


    That little brat actually ate everything in his house, what a cursed child.


    She didn¡¯t care at all about Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s crying. She was a woman, but she wasn¡¯t the type to show pity or tenderness. Tao Yuyue went straight back to the backyard, and no one went to comfort Wang Xiangxiu. Not even a hint of sympathy was offered.


    It wasn¡¯t that everyone was heartless, but Su Jinlai was truly a lost cause.


    His injuries hadn¡¯t even healed, and yet he was already stealing again. If he wasn¡¯t arrested, wouldn¡¯t he just turn around and target them next? Thinking this, no one felt sorry for him. Instead, it felt like they were ridding the community of a pest.


    The first time, people might have felt sympathy, but after the second, third, and countless times¡­ everyone just wanted him gone.


    Wang Xiangxiu was crying bitterly. Yinlai lay on the kang at home, his little face pale. Tonglai leaned over and whispered, ¡°Second brother¡­¡±


    Yinlai: ¡°Tonglai.¡±


    He hugged his younger brother, never imagining that they would actually arrest someone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to jail.¡±


    ¡°Me neither.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be good.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The two brothers held each other for warmth, while outside, Wang Xiangxiu continued to weep. Lan Sihai watched the commotion for a while, unusually refraining from sarcasm. Instead, he said, ¡°You still have two children, one sick and one young. You can¡¯t neglect the ones who need care more just because of one unruly child.¡±


    With that, he turned and went home.


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly stumbled back into the house: ¡°Yinlai, Tonglai¡­¡±


    ¡°What a mess this is.¡±


    ¡°Our courtyard has too much drama.¡±


    ¡°No kidding!¡±


    ¡°Forget about our courtyard ever winning any ¡®Model Courtyard¡¯ awards.¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, don¡¯t even dream about it. If anyone could win, it wouldn¡¯t be us¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait, wasn¡¯t Bai Fendou supposed to get married today? Did it happen?¡±


    ¡°Marry? He¡¯s in the hospital¡­¡±


    As everyone chatted, they headed home.


    Ming Mei watched the commotion for a while, listened to some gossip, and sighed, ¡°Kids can be mischievous, but they shouldn¡¯t do things like this.¡±


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded fearfully. So, even children could be arrested by the police.


    Su Jinlai had been taken away. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°From now on, we¡¯ll be the best-behaved kids.¡±


    The Zhuang family burst into laughter.


    Ming Mei wanted to build a kang, something not uncommon at this time of year. Even though the weather was cold and drying it out would be difficult, this was actually the perfect time to build one. After all, no one thinks about it when it¡¯s warm.


    But now that it was cold, everyone was thinking about it. Ming Mei¡¯s family built their kang, with Zhao Guihua enlisting the help of the versatile Aunt Lian. Though Aunt Lian¡¯s fees weren¡¯t cheap, she had a knack for finding skilled craftsmen, and the job was done exceptionally well.


    Actually, Zhao Guihua knew someone who could do the job, but their skills weren¡¯t as good as Aunt Lian¡¯s old acquaintance.


    The kang was finished in a day, but it needed to be fired for a few more days to dry completely and test the flue. This was crucial. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and the kang turned out great. Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi moved back into their room, instantly feeling like they had more space to sleep.


    Previously, they had a 1.5-meter-wide double bed.


    In those days, double beds were usually 1.5 meters wide, with 1.8-meter beds being rare. After all, most homes weren¡¯t spacious, and practicality was key. A 1.5-meter bed was fine for a couple, but adding two little ones made it cramped.


    Now, though, things were different. With the kang built, even five people could sleep comfortably.


    Their room wasn¡¯t as big as Zhao Guihua¡¯s, which was divided into two sections, but they had a 1.5-meter partition. Now, connected to the kang, the partition wasn¡¯t as cold as before. Once the kang was fired, the partition would stay warm to the touch, radiating heat.


    Ming Mei cleverly suggested, ¡°We can warm our gloves and hats on it, so they¡¯re toasty when we put them on in the morning.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°My wife is so smart.¡±


    Just as Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei settled into their new kang, Bai Fendou and Chen Yuan from their courtyard were finally discharged from the hospital. However, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t return to the courtyard but went to stay with his parents instead.


    Tao Yuyue also went to take care of her husband, and their door was locked tight.


    Around the same time, they heard that Su Jinlai had been sent to a juvenile detention center for three months.


    Well, he wouldn¡¯t be spending the New Year at home.


    Three months wasn¡¯t that long, but for a mother like Wang Xiangxiu, it was unbearable. She had been in a foul mood for days, her face dark whenever she saw anyone. Meanwhile, Bai Fendou was in high spirits. Seeing the Su family suffer made him happy.


    Although the incident had delayed his wedding, it had also indirectly sent that little troublemaker off for reform. How could he not be pleased?


    Bai Fendou was so delighted that he even went to the police station to inquire about Su¡¯s grandmother.


    Her grandson had already gotten his comeuppance¡ªwhen would the old lady be sentenced?


    As luck would have it, Su¡¯s grandmother had recently been sentenced. The case had dragged on for months, but by the end of the year, there was finally a verdict. Originally, the old woman was to face execution. She had been involved in coercing and organizing women in the old society¡­ and was also implicated in the accidental death of Old Bai.


    Don¡¯t think that just because she was only 14 or 15 when she worked in the brothels, she was innocent. She was far from it. Her mother had been a madam, and she had learned to scheme and target disobedient girls from as young as six or seven.


    It¡¯s no wonder they had let Wang Xiangxiu off the hook back then. If they had really wanted to investigate and dig deep, someone like Su¡¯s grandmother, who had hidden her crimes well, would have been exposed. According to her confessions, she was supposed to face execution.


    But she was cunning. She had kept many secrets, and when she finally revealed them, the case became much bigger. She helped uncover many old society parasites who were still causing trouble in the present day.


    Thanks to Su¡¯s grandmother¡¯s revelations, others were arrested.


    Because of her cooperation, her sentence was reduced from execution to life imprisonment.


    Though it was life imprisonment, Su¡¯s grandmother was relieved. At least her life was spared.


    She had asked several times to see Wang Xiangxiu, but Wang Xiangxiu ignored her. So, she stopped asking. No one knew what she was really thinking, but after her sentencing, she couldn¡¯t stay in the area.


    Reportedly, she was being sent to plant trees in the Gobi Desert.


    Those with life sentences like hers were sent to harsh places to serve their time. As for her daughter, Su Pandi, she was sentenced to seven years for promiscuity.


    This was because it was this year. If it had been during a crackdown, she might have faced execution too. With the Su family meeting such fates, Bai Fendou was overjoyed. He bought some wine and happily headed home, eager to announce the news to everyone.


    He got drunk, sat in the courtyard, and sang loudly in the middle of the night, howling like a wolf.


    No one in the courtyard bothered to confront him. After all, Old Bai had truly passed away. His father had been murdered, and now the culprit had met a bad end. It was only natural for him to be happy.


    Actually, Bai Fendou had hoped Su¡¯s grandmother would die too. He was a bit disappointed that she hadn¡¯t been executed. But then again, sometimes death was too easy.


    Now, instead of dying, she was going to the Gobi Desert to plant trees, which meant she would suffer greatly. Thinking about it, this outcome wasn¡¯t so bad.


    This was living punishment.


    After all, Su¡¯s grandmother wasn¡¯t young. Imagining her spending the rest of her life in misery made Bai Fendou feel quite satisfied.


    Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t keep things to himself. Once he knew, everyone knew. It had to be said, thinking about how Su¡¯s grandmother and daughter had ended up like this, everyone felt a sense of pity, especially for Su Pandi.


    She was truly unlucky. She was the one who had been dragged into this.


    But because she had tried to take all the blame, hoping to make things easier for her mother, she ended up in this situation.


    With Bai Fendou bringing news of Su¡¯s grandmother, recent conversations in the courtyard revolved around her.


    During the day, the housewives who didn¡¯t have to work would gather together to chat and do chores, and of course, they couldn¡¯t help but gossip a little.


    Aunt Sui said, ¡°I have a distant relative who lives near Su Pandi¡¯s place. I heard that Su Pandi¡¯s ex-husband, Yuan Jun, took their kids and left.¡±


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°Left?¡±


    Aunt Sui replied, ¡°I heard he applied for a transfer to another city and left with the kids half a month ago. I guess it¡¯s because Su Pandi¡¯s reputation has spread too much. As a man, he might not care, but the kids were bound to be affected and discriminated against. As a father, he had no choice but to do something about it.¡±


    Zhao Guihua sighed, ¡°It¡¯s not easy to get a transfer these days.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t like later times when moving around was much easier. Nowadays, leaving one¡¯s hometown, even if one was willing, didn¡¯t necessarily mean there was an opportunity to do so.


    ¡°I heard he went to support a partner unit. But it¡¯s probably for the best. At least the kids will have a better environment.¡± Although the capital, known as the Four-Nine City, was more developed, given their family¡¯s current situation, staying wouldn¡¯t have been good for the children.


    Sometimes adults could handle things, but children¡¯s cruelty could be completely unfounded.


    ¡°I heard their kids were being bullied at school because of Su Pandi¡¯s reputation, which is why Yuan Jun applied for the transfer.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s doing it for the kids. It¡¯s not easy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why Su Pandi¡¯s actions are so sinful. She¡¯s ruined her own children. The outside world might be fine, but it¡¯s nowhere near as good as here.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s Su Pandi¡¯s mother who¡¯s the real problem. She¡¯s the one who caused all this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way, wasn¡¯t Bai Fendou supposed to get married? Why hasn¡¯t there been any news about it?¡± Zhao Guihua suddenly remembered and brought it up.


    ¡°No idea!¡±


    The group of elderly women exchanged puzzled looks. Although they were all part of the neighborhood¡¯s ¡°intelligence network,¡± none of them knew what had happened with Bai Fendou. He had been ready to get his marriage certificate, but after coming back a few days ago, there had been no further action.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask him,¡± Aunt Wang volunteered.


    Zhao Guihua wondered, ¡°Could it be that the wedding¡¯s off?¡±


    ¡°Oh, surely not?¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡±


    When it came to Bai Fendou, nothing seemed surprising.


    It was a good thing Jiang Lu had only briefly considered introducing Wang Zhaodi to Bai Fendou before giving up on the idea. If she had gone through with it, it would have been a disaster for Wang Zhaodi.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, where¡¯s Wang Zhaodi?¡± Aunt Wang suddenly realized Wang Zhaodi wasn¡¯t around.


    Zhao Guihua answered, ¡°She borrowed our fishing rod early this morning and went to the moat to fish.¡±


    Aunt Zhou said proudly, ¡°Our Zhaodi is such a hard worker and a good person. Last night, Jiang Lu mentioned she was craving fish, so Zhaodi went out today.¡±


    Aunt Wang was speechless. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just buy some?¡±


    This wasn¡¯t something to blame anyone for. Aunt Zhou explained, ¡°I would if I could, but there¡¯s nothing in the stores right now. The grain shops and other stores are completely empty. I wanted to buy some, but there¡¯s no stock.¡±


    She added, ¡°I sent Zhaodi to check this morning, and they said they didn¡¯t have any.¡±


    ¡°In this cold weather, even if she goes, she might not catch anything.¡±


    Aunt Zhou shrugged, ¡°It¡¯s worth a try. Besides, she¡¯s pretty good at it. Oh, I can¡¯t stay and chat. I need to go buy her a fishing rod. It¡¯s not right to keep borrowing one.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi had been borrowing Zhao Guihua¡¯s fishing rod every time she went fishing.


    But she didn¡¯t borrow it for free. Whenever she had a good catch, she would share some with Zhao Guihua. Even though her own catches weren¡¯t always plentiful, she never borrowed without giving something in return. Aunt Zhou, though stingy, understood this was necessary. Otherwise, Zhao Guihua, with her fiery temper, would surely make a fuss.


    But recently, Aunt Zhou had done the math and decided it would be more practical to buy their own fishing rod.


    Borrowing all the time wasn¡¯t very convenient.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her and said, ¡°Oh, finally decided to buy one, huh?¡±


    Aunt Zhou replied, ¡°I¡¯m not the one managing the household finances. Jiang Lu didn¡¯t think of it, so I couldn¡¯t just use my own money to cover it. It was me who reminded her. Anyway, I¡¯m off.¡±


    She quickly left, and Aunt Wang sighed sincerely, ¡°It¡¯s amazing how the government¡¯s education has changed people. Look at Aunt Zhou¡ªshe¡¯s really improved.¡±


    Everyone laughed.


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself, *Well, it depends on the person. I remember in my past life, Su Jinlai got into trouble several times, and it didn¡¯t seem to teach him much.*


    ¡°I wonder if Wang Zhaodi will have any luck today.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi had ridden a bicycle to the moat. Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t using her bike anymore since she was heavily pregnant, and Zhou Qun now walked to and from work with her every day. The bike was sitting idle at home, so Wang Zhaodi had taken it to go fishing.


    Braving the northern wind, she huffed and puffed her way to the moat.


    She never would have imagined that one day she¡¯d be able to ride a bicycle!


    This was a bicycle! In her village, only the village head had one, and it was treated like a treasure¡ªno one else was allowed to touch it. But now, here she was, riding one! Jiang Lu had even let her use her bike to practice.


    Wang Zhaodi felt a warm glow in her heart. She had been clumsy when learning to ride and had even fallen off, but Jiang Lu hadn¡¯t scolded her!


    Jiang Lu was such a kind person.


    She parked the bike not far from where she was fishing and found a spot where people often fished in winter. The ice here was thinner, so she started breaking it with a rock. *Thud! Thud! Thud!*


    *Bang!*


    She turned around and saw a familiar-looking man helping her break the ice.


    Wang Zhaodi scratched her head and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The man smiled and said, ¡°No need to thank me. The bigger the hole, the better. I¡¯m fishing here too.¡±


    He glanced at Wang Zhaodi and said, ¡°Hey, you look familiar.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi also thought the man looked familiar. She said, ¡°I think so too. You¡¯re¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Jiang Lu¡¯s little follower.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re from the neighboring compound.¡±


    They both recognized each other.


    Wang Zhaodi said, ¡°I¡¯m Wang Zhaodi, Aunt Zhou¡¯s goddaughter. I¡¯m staying with Jiang Lu now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Da Qiang, from the next compound. You¡¯ve probably heard of me¡ªpeople call me Qiang Dadan (Bold Qiang).¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded, ¡°I¡¯ve heard of you.¡±


    Since she often hung around with the elderly women in the neighborhood, Wang Zhaodi knew most of the people in the area. She might not always match names to faces, but she was familiar with some of the local gossip.


    For example, she knew about Qiang Dadan.


    He was in his late twenties and had been married once, but his wife had passed away from illness four years ago. The medical bills had left him penniless. He had an elderly mother who lived with his older brother, not in their neighborhood.


    Qiang Dadan worked as a laborer in the mechanical factory¡¯s loading and unloading department. He had a room in the neighboring compound and lived alone.


    Compared to how much Wang Zhaodi knew about Qiang Dadan, he didn¡¯t have much of an impression of her. The only thing he remembered was that she was Jiang Lu¡¯s shadow.


    He asked bluntly, ¡°Why are you living with someone else? Why don¡¯t you go back to your own home?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi hesitated for a moment before replying, ¡°My family¡¯s poor. Here, I can at least have enough to eat.¡±


    Da Qiang nodded and didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he asked, ¡°So, do you know how to fish?¡±


    At this, Wang Zhaodi lifted her chin with a hint of pride. ¡°I do! I¡¯m really good at it.¡±


    In the past, she would have been too timid to speak so confidently.


    But her newfound confidence came from observing the women in the neighborhood, especially Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei was only a little older than her, so Wang Zhaodi felt more comfortable learning from her. She noticed that Ming Mei was very self-assured. Even before others praised her, Ming Mei would praise herself¡ªand she also praised others.


    Everyone seemed to enjoy her company.


    Moreover, Ming Mei never shied away from looking people in the eye when she spoke. Even though she wasn¡¯t tall, she carried herself with such confidence. Wang Zhaodi admired that and found herself unconsciously imitating her.


    She wasn¡¯t bragging, but she really did know how to fish.


    Wang Zhaodi explained, ¡°Back in my village, there was a small river. I used to sneak out to catch fish. I was really good at it. When the water was deep, I even made my own fish traps.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty impressive,¡± Da Qiang complimented her.


    They didn¡¯t sit too close to each other, leaving at least two meters between them, but it didn¡¯t stop them from chatting.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at work today?¡± Wang Zhaodi asked curiously. It was a workday, after all.


    Da Qiang said, "We didn¡¯t get a break last week, so they gave us a day off today. With tomorrow being Sunday, we¡¯ll have two days off in a row."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded and replied, "Oh, I see. It¡¯s good to have a job that lets you make up for lost time."


    Da Qiang chuckled, "My job isn¡¯t anything special, just manual labor, selling my strength."


    "That¡¯s still good," Wang Zhaodi said earnestly. "In our village, a family might not save as much in a year as a city worker earns in a month. Even if it¡¯s just manual labor, if there¡¯s an opportunity, I¡¯m sure people would fight for it."


    Da Qiang agreed, "That¡¯s true. It¡¯s hard to get a stable job these days."


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "Exactly."


    "Hey, hey, I¡¯ve got a fish biting the hook!"


    "Ah, hurry up!"


    ...


    The winter in the capital was harsh, and when it was time for the coldest days, the snow fell heavily.


    That afternoon, snowflakes began to drift down again. Qiang Dadan looked at the three small fish in his bucket and asked, "It¡¯s snowing. Are you going back?"


    Wang Zhaodi had even fewer, only two. She hesitated for a moment and said, "I¡¯ll stay a bit longer."


    "The snow¡¯s getting heavier. You¡¯ll catch a cold like this. It¡¯s not worth staying an extra day or half a day. You should head back. If you get soaked and sick, it¡¯ll cost you money to recover, and you don¡¯t look like you¡¯re rolling in cash."


    Wang Zhaodi smiled and nodded, "You¡¯re right."


    "Let¡¯s go together."


    "Okay!"


    The two of them rode their bikes back home.


    As they arrived at their alley, they coincidentally ran into Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi glanced at them and asked, "What¡¯s going on here?"


    Qiang Dadan replied, "We ran into each other while fishing. Why are you back so early? Slacking off?"


    His lack of tact was almost impressive.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "What are you talking about? I went out to handle some business and came straight home afterward."


    On a snowy day like this, there was a document that needed to be delivered to the city. No one wanted to make the trip, so as the youngest, Zhuang Zhixi naturally volunteered. Getting off work early wasn¡¯t a bad deal, after all.


    He peered into Da Qiang¡¯s bucket and said, "You¡¯re not very good at this, huh?"


    Da Qiang retorted, "I didn¡¯t have much time! If it weren¡¯t for the snow, I wouldn¡¯t have caught so little. But three fish are enough for me. I¡¯ll make some fish soup tonight to warm up."


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked, "I¡¯m not like you."


    He added, "I have my mom cooking for me at home."


    Da Qiang muttered, "What kind of person brags about that?"


    "Hmph."


    They each went into their own courtyards. Wang Zhaodi handed her fishing rod to Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Brother Zhuang, here¡¯s the fishing rod. I also have two fish. Take one for your family."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Sure. Your fish look bigger than Da Qiang¡¯s."


    Wang Zhaodi beamed, "I got lucky."


    She truly felt fortunate. If it weren¡¯t for her good luck, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to come to the city from the countryside. She had arrived with a million worries, but after getting here, she had seen so much and met such kind people.


    "Please thank Aunt Zhao for me."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Will do."


    He carried the fishing rod and the small fish home.


    Since he had returned early, his wife Ming Mei hadn¡¯t gotten off work yet. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry to go fetch her. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw a group of elderly women gathered at his house, chatting. He set the things down and said, "Wang Zhaodi gave these to me."


    Zhao Guihua said sincerely, "That girl is really nice."


    "Absolutely. She¡¯s hardworking and capable. Whoever marries her will be very lucky."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, thinking of Qiang Dadan¡­


    But maybe it was just a coincidence.


    He lazily leaned over and said, "Make some room for me¡­"


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Why are you back so early¡­"


    ...


    Zhuang Zhixi had returned early and didn¡¯t need to rush to pick up Ming Mei. Ming Mei, however, hadn¡¯t gotten off work yet. She was pacing around the room, one hand on her waist. She was already far along in her pregnancy and was walking more to make the delivery easier.


    "Ming Mei, Ming Mei! Come here, quick!" A colleague sitting by the window suddenly called out. Ming Mei slowly walked over and asked, "What¡¯s going on?"


    "Guan Guiling from our unit is arguing with a man downstairs, pulling and tugging at each other."


    "Ah!"


    At this, not just Ming Mei, but everyone else quickly got up. In no time, seven or eight people were crowded by the window, not missing a thing.


    They all looked outside. Ming Mei exclaimed, "Oh, that¡¯s Bai Fendou!"


    "Bai Fendou? That legendary guy from your compound?"


    "The one who got Jiang Baohong into trouble?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "That¡¯s him. Why is he here?"


    Then she slapped her forehead.


    Pregnancy brain was real. Of course Bai Fendou would be here with Guan Guiling. They were getting married, after all.


    "I heard Guan Guiling got a marriage certificate, but I haven¡¯t seen her hand out candies. Did they get married or not?" someone asked.


    Ming Mei shook her head, "I¡¯m not sure."


    She couldn¡¯t say for certain whether they had officially registered. She thought they hadn¡¯t, but she couldn¡¯t be sure. If they had, Bai Fendou would have announced it to the world. He was desperate to get married.


    "Is it really appropriate for them to be pulling and tugging like that in public?"


    "Who knows?"


    Everyone was gossiping, while downstairs, Guan Guiling felt utterly humiliated. She had always maintained a good reputation at work and cared deeply about her image. She never expected Bai Fendou to show up like this, making a scene.


    Although she had once considered marrying him, deep down, Guan Guiling looked down on Bai Fendou.


    Guan Guiling said seriously, "Bai Fendou, stop pulling at me. This is my workplace, and my colleagues and friends are all around. How am I supposed to face people after this?"


    Bai Fendou was also upset. He said, "I haven¡¯t seen you in so long. You haven¡¯t been looking for me. I had to come here to find you. We agreed to get married, didn¡¯t we? You didn¡¯t visit me in the hospital, and I didn¡¯t blame you. But I¡¯ve been out for a while now, and you¡¯re still avoiding me. What¡¯s going on?"


    Guan Guiling took a deep breath and said, "I need to think about our relationship again."


    "What!" Bai Fendou was shocked. "We agreed to get married. Why are you reconsidering now?"


    Guan Guiling looked up and saw a row of heads peeking out of the window. She felt even more resentful, but there was nowhere to hide. She clenched her jaw and said, "This is exactly why I need to rethink things. You don¡¯t care about my reputation at all, coming here to my workplace and making a scene. How do you expect people to see me? And look at you¡ªyou¡¯re always getting into fights over the smallest things, ending up in the hospital. If we get married, how can I be sure you won¡¯t hit me? Bai Fendou, I like you, and I want to build a life with you. But I¡¯m scared. I¡¯m scared that if we¡¯re together, you¡¯ll be violent toward me. I¡¯m not alone; I have a child. I can¡¯t afford to fall. That¡¯s why I need to think carefully."


    Bai Fendou protested, "Hey, I don¡¯t hit my wife. That¡¯s Chen Yuan."


    Guan Guiling retorted, "He looks polite and still hits his wife. You get into fights at the drop of a hat. How can I trust you won¡¯t hit me?"


    She added, "I¡¯ve heard about your fights. You¡¯ve been in too many. How can I feel safe? That¡¯s why I need to think this through."


    Bai Fendou felt utterly wronged. Everything had been going so well, so why was Guan Guiling hesitating now? But he also understood her concerns. She didn¡¯t want to marry someone who might be violent, and that¡¯s exactly how he came across.


    But how could she doubt him?


    He said miserably, "You¡¯re really being unfair to me."


    Guan Guiling replied, "Whether I¡¯m being unfair or not, I need to think carefully. Don¡¯t come looking for me during this time."


    "What!"


    Bai Fendou grabbed Guan Guiling''s arm in agitation, "How could you do this? How could you act on mere speculation? We had it all planned out, everything was settled... What am I supposed to do now..."


    He had been looking forward to spending a harmonious New Year together.


    How could things change so quickly when everything had been agreed upon?


    "Let go, let go of me, you''re hurting me," Guan Guiling frowned. "See? You say you''re not the type to hit your wife, but I know you are."


    She continued, her voice trembling, "You claim to be a good man, but look at what you''re doing! I''m not alone¡ªI have a child in my womb. If something happens to me, it would be two lives lost. I can''t take that risk! Go, just go! I don''t want to see you!"


    "Guan Guiling, you..."


    "Go! Get out of here!"


    "No, you have to explain this to me..."


    The two of them began to struggle, pulling at each other.


    Upstairs, the onlookers watched nervously. Someone muttered, "Guan Guiling is pregnant. Nothing bad can happen to her, right?"


    "Who knows?"


    "That Bai Fendou is really scary. He definitely seems like the type to hit his wife."


    "I think so too. If he were really a decent man, he wouldn''t act like this..."


    Ming Mei watched Bai Fendou from above, realizing that new rumors about him were about to spread.


    Soon, the security team arrived, and chaos erupted downstairs. Guan Guiling covered her face and crouched down, crying, while Bai Fendou was shoved out of the gate by the security team.


    "That Bai Fendou, how could he act like this?"


    "Exactly. Marriage is about freedom. Can''t she reconsider her decision?"


    "He''s so quick to fight¡ªwho can say he wouldn''t hit his wife?"


    "That''s right."


    Ming Mei didn''t join in the discussion, but she didn''t miss a moment of the spectacle.


    Bai Fendou stood outside the gate, snowflakes falling on him, making him look utterly desolate. He couldn''t understand how Guan Guiling could conclude that he would hit his wife just because he had fought with Chen Yuan.


    Where did that conclusion even come from?


    It made no sense at all!


    But Guan Guiling was stubborn, and he couldn''t figure out what she was thinking.


    Overwhelmed with despair, he crouched down, wiping his face, hoping to talk to Guan Guiling again. Just then, the security team came out. The leader spoke bluntly, "Comrade Bai Fendou, we know who you are. If you keep harassing Comrade Guan Guiling, we''ll have to arrest you. This is a new society, and marriage is about freedom. Don''t even think about forcing her or harming her."


    "I''m not..."


    "Comrade Guan Guiling has said she doesn''t want to have anything to do with you. Stop bothering her."


    "I''m not that kind of person! Why does everyone misunderstand me..."


    Bai Fendou was completely stunned. After a long pause, seeing the hostility in everyone''s eyes, he finally couldn''t take it anymore. He raised his arms to the sky and shouted, "Heaven, you''re being so unfair! Why? What''s wrong with me, Bai Fendou? I''m a good man! Why does nothing ever go right for me? I just want to get married, just want to get married! Why, oh Heaven, why?!"


    The security team was speechless.


    Ming Mei and the others didn''t know what was happening outside, but seeing Bai Fendou raise his arms and shout at the sky left them dumbfounded.


    What on earth was he doing?


    ................


    Meanwhile, Guan Guiling stood alone in the bathroom, taking deep breaths to calm herself. "Guan Guiling, don''t be afraid. Dump Bai Fendou, and your husband can get a temporary job. Ruin Bai Fendou''s reputation, and you''ll get fifty yuan. Bai Fendou, don''t blame me. Your life isn''t bad, so don''t blame me for looking out for myself!"

 Chapter 136

    Bai Fendou had been dumped.His already tarnished reputation was now hanging by a thread.


    Rumors swirled that he was an impulsive, abusive man who beat his wife.


    He couldn¡¯t accept it and went to see Guan Guiling multiple times, but each time she rejected him more vehemently. The security department at the bus station even warned him that if he continued harassing Guan Guiling, they¡¯d have him locked up. With no other choice, Bai Fendou could only silently watch Guan Guiling from afar, his heart heavy with sorrow.


    Bai Fendou seemed utterly dejected. After all, this had been his closest brush with marriage in over thirty years.


    And yet, just like that, it was over!


    In the biting cold of winter, Bai Fendou sat at his doorstep every evening, puffing on a pipe, his worries practically dripping from him. He quietly observed Guan Guiling, noticing that she seemed completely unaffected by the breakup. Bai Fendou felt nothing but sadness.


    Everything had been going so well.


    He couldn¡¯t understand how people could change so quickly.


    He had never been a smoker before, but now, consumed by worry and frustration, he had taken up the habit. Every evening, he sat there, unfazed by the cold. Everyone around him noticed, though they didn¡¯t pay much attention.


    Bai Fendou¡¯s failed marriage seemed strange to many. Some even thought it might be for the best that it didn¡¯t work out.


    Of course, Bai Fendou didn¡¯t see it that way.


    But his opinion didn¡¯t seem to matter much. Time flew by, and soon it would be the end of the year. Everyone was busy preparing for the New Year, and no one had the time to spare for him.


    This year, food was scarce, and goods were hard to come by. Prices on the black market had skyrocketed, especially for fine grains, which were said to be shockingly expensive.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s family had managed to save some money. They had stocked up on grain during the summer, before the prices rose. As the year-end approached, the black market was bustling. Zhao Guihua had secretly gone a few times, mostly to buy meat and eggs. With the New Year approaching, the prices of these items had also gone up, though not as drastically as grain.


    The most outrageous prices were for grain, after all¡ªit was what filled people¡¯s stomachs.


    Zhao Guihua frequented the black market, and whenever she came across meat or eggs, she didn¡¯t hesitate to buy them. Her family had enough grain and vegetables, but meat and eggs were in short supply. With the cold weather, their hens weren¡¯t laying eggs every day.


    She also needed to save eggs for her daughter-in-law, who would soon be giving birth.


    Last year, they had managed to trade some fish for meat, so they hadn¡¯t lacked for it. But this year, that wasn¡¯t an option.


    The small pond had been completely emptied, and it would likely take four or five years for it to recover. Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t rely on it for extra income anymore. Though they didn¡¯t have the same windfall as last year, Zhao Guihua was still willing to spend. If there was meat to be had, she would buy it.


    If they didn¡¯t stock up on meat from the black market, the ration coupons alone wouldn¡¯t get them far!


    In her past life, Zhao Guihua had despised fatty meat, finding it greasy and unappetizing. But now, she loved it. People truly adapt to their circumstances.


    With plenty of fatty meat, she could render it down for oil. Otherwise, the meager ration of cooking oil wouldn¡¯t go far!


    As their household supplies grew, Zhao Guihua¡¯s savings dwindled, but she felt it was worth it.


    ¡°Zhao Guihua, are you home?¡± Aunt Wang came by early in the morning.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°I¡¯m here. Come in.¡±


    She was busy sewing a shoe sole, intending to make a pair of cotton shoes for her husband.


    Aunt Wang stepped inside and saw the two children playing on the kang. She said, ¡°You two, go play at my house.¡±


    It was winter break, and the kids were home all day. They didn¡¯t mind the cold and were eager to run around outside, but Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t let them out too early. Playing outside was fine, but not first thing in the morning when the air was still chilly. They could go out mid-morning, and she wouldn¡¯t stop them.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, who hadn¡¯t gone out yet, quickly put on their shoes and ran to the backyard as soon as they heard they could play with their friends.


    With everyone else at work, Zhao Guihua was left alone. She looked up and asked, ¡°What¡¯s up? Do you have something to say?¡±


    Aunt Wang patted her chest and said, ¡°You bet. I nearly died of fright last night.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was puzzled. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Aunt Wang whispered, ¡°After work yesterday, I sent my son-in-law to the black market to buy some eggs. Who would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d almost get caught? Last evening, they cracked down on illegal trading. I heard a whole group of people surrounded the black market. Yang Lixin was lucky¡ªhe got there just as a truck pulled up, so he didn¡¯t dare go in. He turned around and ran back as fast as he could. I¡¯ve been thinking about it all night, and it still scares me. What if he¡¯d been caught?¡±


    Why were they so afraid? Because it could affect their jobs.


    Aunt Wang was trembling with fear. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t go there anymore.¡±


    As the year-end approached, everyone went to the black market to stock up for the New Year. The ration coupons alone weren¡¯t enough. But this crackdown had everyone terrified.


    Zhao Guihua was also shocked. ¡°Why are they cracking down now? In previous years, they never bothered the black market around this time.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t exaggerating¡ªthis was indeed the case. Everyone wanted to celebrate the New Year, even those in the anti-speculation office. So, this time of year was usually the most relaxed for the black market. But this year was different.


    Zhao Guihua was a bit scared too, as she had been going there frequently. Thankfully, she hadn¡¯t been caught.


    ¡°Exactly! I didn¡¯t expect it either. My daughter Li Fang said she wouldn¡¯t let her husband go again. This morning, when I went out to dump the chamber pot, I overheard people talking about it. They said there was a joint operation yesterday, with several units working together. They caught a whole truckload of buyers and sellers and hauled them away.¡±


    Zhao Guihua clicked her tongue and sighed. ¡°We really can¡¯t go anymore.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Exactly. I was worried you might go again, so I came to warn you.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re a true friend. But why are they doing this right before the New Year?¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Who knows?¡±


    The two old women chatted for a while, both dissatisfied but powerless. They were just ordinary old ladies, after all. After discussing the serious matter, they moved on to gossip. Aunt Wang whispered, ¡°By the way, that Chen Yuan beat his wife again last night.¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What?!¡±


    Aunt Wang sneered, ¡°It¡¯s that Chen Yuan. Say what you will about Tao Yuyue¡¯s personality, but she¡¯s a good-looking girl. How can Chen Yuan treat her like that? Last night, he was yelling and cursing in their room. As soon as I heard it, I went over. Nurse Tao opened the door and told me everything was fine, but one side of her face was swollen. She still insisted it was nothing.¡±


    Zhao Guihua frowned. She couldn¡¯t stand men like that¡ªbullies who picked on women.


    As the saying goes, this kind of behavior never stops at just once. It¡¯s either zero times or countless times. Chen Yuan had only been back for a few days, and he was already hitting his wife again.


    Not long ago, Chen Yuan and Bai Fendou had gotten into a fight. After being discharged from the hospital, Chen Yuan had gone home to recuperate. Their door had been locked tight, and now, just days after returning, he was beating his wife again. It was outrageous.


    ¡°Next time, call me. I won¡¯t stand for this. He¡¯s getting away with too much.¡±


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t tolerate such behavior.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Forget it. When I went over yesterday, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t even come out. Nurse Tao straight-up told me I was imagining things and that she¡¯d fallen. Can you believe it? A fall that leaves a handprint on her face? They say you shouldn¡¯t hit someone¡¯s face, but he deliberately aimed there. Chen Yuan comes from a good family, but he¡¯s a real piece of work¡ªa rotten apple.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°What a scoundrel. Should we report it to the neighborhood women¡¯s federation?¡±


    Aunt Wang sighed. ¡°I already did after the last fight. The federation talked to Tao Yuyue, but she denied it. If the victim won¡¯t admit it, what can outsiders do?¡±


    As a neighborhood manager, Aunt Wang was familiar with the federation¡¯s work. Handling such cases was incredibly difficult, especially when the victim refused to cooperate.


    Tao Yuyue was adamant in her denial, which made it nearly impossible for the federation to intervene.


    She had heard that in other neighborhoods, the Women''s Federation had intervened forcefully, which led to verbal abuse from those who were reprimanded, calling them "dogs meddling in other people''s business." In short, it was a difficult situation.


    Aunt Wang said, "I''ve thought about it. Since we''re all in the same courtyard, and I''m not her mother, if Tao Yuyue doesn''t appreciate my advice after a few attempts, I''ll just stop caring. I can''t keep doing thankless tasks."


    Zhao Guihua thought this made sense.


    "It''s true that women fear marrying the wrong man."


    "Who wouldn''t agree?"


    "By the way, isn''t your daughter''s due date coming up?"


    Aunt Wang replied, "Yes, it''s just a few days away. That''s why I sent my son-in-law to the black market¡ªto buy some good stuff for her postpartum recovery..."


    There were three pregnant women in their courtyard, and their due dates weren''t too far apart.


    The Li family, who were chefs, wanted a daughter. Li Fang had already given birth to two sons. They weren''t as eager for another boy and instead hoped for a soft, delicate little girl. Although Aunt Wang and the Li chef had once wished for sons in their youth, now that they had grandsons, their perspective had changed.


    They wanted a little girl.


    As for Jiang Lu, her entire family hoped for a son. Jiang Lu knew the chances of having another child were slim unless she risked being labeled as unfaithful, which she didn''t want. So, compared to a daughter, she preferred a son.


    In fact, most people preferred sons unless they already had many and didn''t care anymore. If there was only one child, the majority hoped for a boy.


    However, Ming Mei didn''t have a preference.


    This wasn''t because she was particularly open-minded, but because she already knew she would have both a boy and a girl. She didn''t need to wonder or wish for anything specific¡ªshe simply knew.


    Aunt Wang asked Zhao Guihua whether she preferred a boy or a girl. Zhao Guihua was straightforward: "I want twins¡ªone boy and one girl. That would be perfect."


    Aunt Wang laughed, agreeing with Zhao Guihua''s logic.


    She said, "Your family has a history of twins, right? Didn''t your daughter have two boys?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Exactly."


    During the winter, gossip spread quickly. As Zhao Guihua and the others chatted, more people joined in. It seemed everyone was well-informed, especially about the black market.


    It was said that the recent crackdown at the end of the year was due to the skyrocketing prices of grain on the black market. While a slight increase in the price of meat, fish, and eggs during the New Year season was expected, the grain prices had risen excessively due to this year''s food shortages. This was unacceptable.


    Grain was the foundation of people''s livelihoods.


    As a result, three departments had joined forces to raid the black market, arresting many people.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Why did they choose the evening?"


    "Don''t you get it? The evening is when it''s busiest and the best goods are available. Most working families can''t shop during the day, so they go after work. That''s when the sellers bring out their best stock. That''s why they got caught in one sweep."


    "What a mess. With the New Year around the corner, people are getting arrested. Who can have a proper celebration now?"


    "The sellers, we don''t know about, but the buyers had their goods confiscated and were fined."


    "Oh no..."


    They truly lost on both ends.


    This incident had scared people, and even if the black market reopened, it would likely remain quiet for a while.


    However, it was their own fault. If the grain prices hadn''t gone crazy, this wouldn''t have happened.


    With the black market closed, everyone had to line up early in the morning to prepare for the New Year, hoping to get good items as soon as the stores opened. Zhao Guihua had even enlisted her two sons to help.


    In her previous life, she would have sent her husband for such tasks.


    But now, she made her sons do the work. Older folks deserved more rest, while the young ones shouldn''t be spoiled.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, seeing how big his sister-in-law Ming Mei''s belly was, felt a bit uneasy and took on more responsibilities so that Zhuang Zhixi could stay home and take care of her.


    Zhuang Zhixi gladly accepted his brother''s kindness.


    On the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month, Li Fang went into labor and gave birth to a baby girl at the hospital. Li Fang finally got her wish. Everyone in the neighborhood knew that the Li family and Aunt Wang had wanted a granddaughter, so they rushed to congratulate them.


    Zhao Guihua, who also had a pregnant daughter-in-law, didn''t send red sugar or eggs but gave a pound of millet.


    It might not seem like much, but in those times, it was considered a generous gift. Only close friends would give something like that. Li Fang returned home three days after giving birth.


    Everyone in the courtyard visited, each bringing a small gift.


    Aunt Zhou, after seeing the Li family''s baby girl, went home and said, "The Li family, being chefs, really know how to take care of themselves. Look at their chubby granddaughter¡ªa girl weighing six pounds and eight ounces!"


    Wang Zhaodi nodded vigorously. Her younger sisters had all been born weighing around four or five pounds.


    Five pounds was considered good, but this was the first time she''d seen such a plump baby girl.


    She said, "Even the golden grandson of our village head didn''t weigh six pounds and eight ounces."


    Aunt Zhou replied, "That''s why they''re chefs."


    She turned to Jiang Lu and said, "May the heavens bless you with a son, Jiang Lu."


    Jiang Lu touched her belly and said, "I hope so."


    She added, "But if it''s a girl, we''ll still take good care of her, because..."


    Aunt Zhou understood Jiang Lu''s unspoken words.


    She said, "That''s right. The Li family takes in sons-in-law. If it''s a girl, we''ll do the same."


    Jiang Lu nodded silently.


    In reality, Jiang Lu''s pregnancy was a month off from what people thought, but the difference was so slight that no one noticed. Neither Aunt Zhou nor Zhou Qun suspected anything, especially since Jiang Lu had been devoted to Zhou Qun for over a decade.


    Jiang Lu was actually quite grateful to Li Fang, as Li Fang had given birth a few days later than expected. Jiang Lu thought that if she also gave birth late, it wouldn''t stand out as much.


    She sipped her egg water and said, "I''ll visit my parents tomorrow. They have some good things prepared for the baby."


    Aunt Zhou looked a bit awkward but nodded.


    Though Jiang Lu had changed somewhat, she still cared for her family.


    Jiang Lu wondered aloud, "I wonder when Ming Mei will give birth."


    Aunt Zhou said, "Twins usually come a bit early. Let''s see if it''s before or after the New Year."


    As they speculated about Ming Mei''s due date, Ming Mei herself was also thinking about it. Since they had installed a heated brick bed (kang), life had become much more comfortable. Although it wasn''t as soft as a regular bed, with a quilt on top, it was cozy, especially during the cold winter.


    The kang also provided more space. Ming Mei sometimes ate on it, which wasn''t the best habit as crumbs got everywhere, but Zhuang Zhixi cleaned up after her.


    As the family prepared for the New Year, Zhao Guihua decided to fry some fish.


    Fish wasn''t hard to come by, but oil was precious.


    Fortunately, after frying, the oil could be reused, even if it had a slight fishy smell. In those times of scarcity, no one would complain about such things.


    Besides fish, Zhao Guihua also fried radish balls, potato balls, and sweet potato balls.


    They prepared a lot of New Year''s food, storing it in pots to reheat during the festivities.


    Although Ming Mei had to work and couldn''t enjoy the food as soon as it was ready like the children, she always made a beeline for the kitchen as soon as she got home.


    Zhao Guihua cut off some of the fat from the meat she had bought and rendered it into cracklings. She made them in the evening, so the aroma wafted through the entire courtyard, just to take care of Ming Mei. Ming Mei received a small bowl of cracklings and ate them with great delight.


    These days, every household was preparing for the New Year, so although the smell of meat was tempting, no one came out to investigate. After all, who doesn¡¯t prepare something nice for the New Year?


    Hutou and Little Swallow, the two kids, also got a small bowl of cracklings. The children ate until their mouths were shiny with oil.


    "If only every day were New Year," the child said blissfully.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him, "You¡¯re not big, but you sure know how to dream."


    The little one chuckled, smacking his lips, "It¡¯s so delicious."


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement, "Exactly."


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "You lot¡­"


    Ming Mei and the kids wore identical smiles.


    Ming Mei suddenly remembered something, "Oh, right!"


    She leaned closer to Zhao Guihua and whispered, "Mom, do you remember Bai Fendou¡¯s ex, the one he almost married, Guan Guiling?"


    Zhao Guihua, "How could I forget her? I might forget others, but not her. Haven¡¯t you noticed how Bai Fendou¡¯s been acting like he¡¯s nursing a broken heart? It¡¯s all because of her."


    Ming Mei nodded, "That¡¯s the one. I heard from someone at work that her ex-husband just got a job, and today was his first day. Guess what he¡¯s doing?"


    Zhao Guihua, "How would I know? Just spit it out, don¡¯t keep me in suspense."


    Ming Mei pouted, "You could at least try to guess! Fine, I¡¯ll tell you. Guan Guiling¡¯s ex-husband got a job as a security guard at the food factory. Didn¡¯t see that coming, did you?"


    Zhao Guihua, "The food factory?"


    Ming Mei, "Yeah, even though it¡¯s a temporary position, he¡¯s making twelve yuan a month. The job¡¯s not hard either¡ªjust sitting in the guard booth. Not bad at all."


    She added with a mysterious and meaningful tone, "But don¡¯t you think it¡¯s strange that it¡¯s the food factory? I heard Chen Yuan¡¯s mom is the deputy director there. Do you think Chen Yuan had something to do with Bai Fendou¡¯s failed marriage?"


    Zhao Guihua thought about it, and it really did seem possible.


    Back at the hospital, Guan Guiling had visited Bai Fendou, and everything seemed fine at the time. But then she suddenly changed her mind. It was likely that Chen Yuan had pulled some strings. Thinking about it, Zhao Guihua felt exasperated, "That idiot doesn¡¯t even know how to ruin someone¡¯s life properly."


    Ming Mei, "???"


    Zhao Guihua, "If he really wanted Bai Fendou to suffer, he should¡¯ve let him get married and be stuck with someone else¡¯s burdens. That would¡¯ve been a real trap. What he did now? It¡¯s more like he¡¯s helping Bai Fendou. That¡¯s how dumb he is."


    Ming Mei, "¡­"


    She whispered, "Guan Guiling always talks about Bai Fendou at work like she¡¯s scared of him. She says he¡¯s impulsive and has a temper, always ready to hit someone¡­"


    Zhao Guihua, "She¡¯s just trying to make herself look good. Of course, she¡¯s going to throw dirt on Bai Fendou. But honestly, Guan Guiling isn¡¯t that smart either. If she¡¯d stuck with Bai Fendou, he would¡¯ve been a lifelong meal ticket. Now she¡¯s giving him up for a temporary job. Not the brightest move."


    Ming Mei, "Maybe it¡¯s because Chen Yuan¡¯s dad is the logistics director at the machinery factory? Bai Fendou still answers to him, and if he gets targeted, he might end up with nothing. But I don¡¯t know for sure. Who knows what Guan Guiling is thinking? But it¡¯s clear she¡¯s choosing what¡¯s best for her."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, but she couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "Chen Yuan is such a petty man."


    She didn¡¯t judge Guan Guiling¡ªGuan Guiling was just looking out for herself, no doubt about that. What disgusted her more was Chen Yuan. Over a fight, and it was Chen Yuan who started it with his big mouth, yet he¡¯s scheming behind the scenes? And dragging his parents into it? That¡¯s just pathetic.


    She said, "That sneaky little man, we¡¯d better stay away from him. Who knows, if you offend him, he might plot against you."


    Ming Mei chuckled, "True, but he¡¯s not exactly close to us. He looks down on us anyway!"


    It was obvious. He never greeted anyone in the courtyard, always walking around with a sour face, chin up, looking down his nose at everyone. Tsk tsk!


    Zhao Guihua, "Who respects him? Always doing shady things behind people¡¯s backs."


    There was no need to think too hard about it¡ªit was definitely Chen Yuan¡¯s doing.


    After all, Guan Guiling wouldn¡¯t just give up a meal ticket like that. Someone must¡¯ve been pulling strings, and now it¡¯s clear who it was.


    Zhao Guihua, "Oh my, I¡¯ll have to tell my friends to watch out for him."


    Ming Mei pointed at herself.


    Zhao Guihua, "I won¡¯t rat you out."


    Ming Mei, "Hehe."


    Zhuang Zhixi noticed the two of them whispering and walked over, "What are you two talking about behind my back again?"


    Ming Mei, "It¡¯s not a secret. We were just talking about Guan Guiling."


    She had already told Zhuang Zhixi about it on their way home from work.


    Zhuang Zhixi, "It¡¯s obvious. Chen Yuan must¡¯ve been behind it."


    Otherwise, why would Guan Guiling¡¯s ex-husband suddenly get a job at the food factory? But Chen Yuan¡¯s a bit of an idiot too. To go through all that trouble just to mess with Bai Fendou, even getting someone a job? That¡¯s just crazy.


    He said, "What kind of family raises someone like that?"


    As they were talking, Zhao Guihua looked up and saw Bai Fendou walking toward the backyard with a shovel. Her expression changed, "Oh no!"


    "What¡¯s wrong?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why is Bai Fendou carrying a shovel to the backyard?"


    As soon as she finished speaking, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the air.


    Zhao Guihua, "They¡¯re fighting again."


    She quickly instructed, "Third Son, watch the stove. I¡¯ll go check it out."


    Zhuang Zhixi promptly handed the spatula to Old Man Zhuang, "Dad, take over for me. I¡¯ll go see what¡¯s happening."


    The ever-invisible Old Man Zhuang, "¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi, "Wife, you stay here. Don¡¯t get involved. I¡¯ll go."


    Ming Mei, "Alright."


    She looked down at her large belly and quietly stood by the door, unable to go. She tiptoed, trying to peek toward the backyard.


    By now, Zhao Guihua had already reached the backyard. In fact, almost everyone in the courtyard had gathered there. Bai Fendou had smashed all the windows in Chen Yuan¡¯s house.


    Zhao Guihua, "Why does our courtyard always have issues with windows?"


    Several families had already had to replace their windows.


    Chen Yuan and his wife came out, shouting, "Bai Fendou, you mad dog! What¡¯s wrong with you now?"


    Bai Fendou, furious, yelled back, "Chen Yuan, you¡¯re a petty, scheming man. Tell me, did you have something to do with Guan Guiling and me breaking up?"


    Everyone, "Huh?"


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyebrow twitched. Were they overheard? That couldn¡¯t be¡ªthey were inside, and they¡¯d kept their voices low so Hutou and Little Swallow wouldn¡¯t hear.


    Zhao Guihua kept a straight face, while Chen Yuan remained calm, "You mad dog, you got dumped by a woman, and now you¡¯re blaming me? This has nothing to do with me. What, are you trying to pin this on me?"


    Bai Fendou, "Bull! If it¡¯s not you, then why did Guan Guiling¡¯s ex-husband suddenly get a job?"


    He shouted, "I went to her place today and found out her ex-husband got a job¡ªat the food factory!"


    This wasn¡¯t because Bai Fendou had overheard Zhao Guihua and the others. It was because Bai Fendou still hadn¡¯t given up on Guan Guiling and kept visiting her. With the New Year approaching, he thought about how Guan Guiling was pregnant and needed proper nutrition. If they got married, the child would be his too. He still hadn¡¯t given up on her and even considered the baby his own.


    It was an unusual way of thinking, but Bai Fendou believed he wasn¡¯t wrong.


    That¡¯s why he bought an old hen to give to Guan Guiling, so she could make soup and get some nourishment during the New Year. But when he arrived, he found out her ex-husband had gotten a job.


    The man wasn¡¯t in good health and couldn¡¯t do much, but being a security guard was manageable.


    At first, Bai Fendou didn¡¯t think much of it, but when he heard it was at the food factory, his heart sank.


    Everyone knew that Chen Yuan came from a good family. His mother was the deputy director of a food factory, and his father was the logistics director of a machinery plant. Bai Fendou had heard about this long ago, so he quickly put two and two together. When he returned, he didn¡¯t even go home but headed straight to the backyard. Bai Fendou shouted angrily, ¡°Chen Yuan, you¡¯re a vicious piece of work! You can¡¯t beat me, so you got your parents to do your dirty work behind my back. Your family is disgusting! You ruined my chance at marriage¡ªmay you be struck by lightning!¡±


    ¡°Bai Fendou, watch your mouth! How dare you talk like that? What proof do you have that I did anything? I don¡¯t even know who this Guan Guiling is! What, you got dumped by a woman, and now you¡¯re trying to pin it on me? I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯m not falling for your nonsense!¡±


    Bai Fendou roared, ¡°Damn it, stop playing dumb! I¡¯m not falling for your act either. I¡¯ll beat the crap out of you!¡±


    He swung a shovel at Chen Yuan, who barely dodged it and yelled, ¡°Are you trying to kill me?¡±


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, and he didn¡¯t care about anything else at that moment. ¡°I¡¯m going to teach you a lesson, you shameless scoundrel!¡±


    Bai Fendou let out a roar and charged again. Chen Yuan yelped and quickly slipped inside his house, locking the door behind him. He didn¡¯t even care about his wife, Tao Yuyue, who was left outside. From inside, he sneered loudly, ¡°Go ahead, hit me! Oh wait, you can¡¯t! Ha, I¡¯m driving you crazy, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    Bai Fendou screamed, ¡°You jerk!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the jerk!¡±


    The two of them hurled insults at each other through the door, while Bai Fendou angrily slammed the shovel against it, making loud banging noises.


    Tao Yuyue tried to intervene, saying, ¡°Bai Fendou, this is all just a misunderstanding. You¡¯ve got the wrong idea about Chen Yuan. He¡¯s not that kind of person. Besides, if you keep hitting people, you¡¯ll get into serious trouble. You don¡¯t want to end up in jail, do you? Please stop!¡±


    Bai Fendou shoved Tao Yuyue aside and said, ¡°Get out of my way! You think you¡¯re so important, but does he even care about you? He locked the door without a second thought about you. It¡¯s laughable. Out of all the people, you picked this piece of trash. You must be blind. Get lost!¡±


    Tao Yuyue bit her lip. She knew Bai Fendou was right, but what could she do? She was already married. Could she just get a divorce? And if she did, what kind of man could she find? Someone like Bai Fendou?


    No, she absolutely couldn¡¯t get divorced!


    Even if she had made a mistake, she had still married into a well-off family where she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about food or clothing.


    She pushed Bai Fendou with all her might. ¡°Get away from me!¡±


    Bai Fendou shot back, ¡°You get away from me!¡±


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    He continued smashing the shovel against the door. Tao Yuyue pleaded, ¡°Someone stop him!¡±


    Zhou Qun whispered, ¡°Who would dare? He¡¯s holding a shovel. If he swings it at someone, it could be fatal.¡±


    No one dared to step in. It wasn¡¯t because they didn¡¯t know Chen Yuan and his wife well¡ªit was because Bai Fendou seemed completely unhinged.


    Who would want to confront a madman?


    As neighbors in the same courtyard, everyone knew Bai Fendou¡¯s biggest dream was to get married. The closest he had come to it had been ruined by Chen Yuan. Even though Chen Yuan denied it, everyone believed Bai Fendou.


    After all, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t seem like a saint. If he wanted revenge, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising.


    So, no one dared to get involved. It wasn¡¯t worth risking their safety for someone else¡¯s problem.


    ¡°You guys¡­¡±


    ¡°Who would dare to stop him? Look how furious he is.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, exactly.¡±


    Bai Fendou kept smashing the door, which was now on the verge of breaking.


    The onlookers chattered nervously, but no one dared to step in.


    ¡°Bai Fendou, if you hurt someone, you¡¯ll be in big trouble.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! I don¡¯t care! He¡¯s done this to me, and I have to get justice! Give me back my wife! Give her back!¡±


    Bai Fendou¡¯s wild shouts drew a crowd from the surrounding courtyards. Hearing his words, they misunderstood the situation.


    ¡°Is Bai Fendou in love with Tao Yuyue?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she already married?¡±


    ¡°Feelings are the hardest thing to explain.¡±


    ¡°This is going to be such a scandal. A love triangle¡­¡±


    Tao Yuyue felt utterly humiliated when she heard the gossip linking her and Bai Fendou.


    ¡°Shut up! There¡¯s nothing between us!¡± she shouted.


    She turned to Bai Fendou. ¡°Stop it! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll call the police. You can¡¯t just do whatever you want!¡±


    At that moment, Bai Fendou finally broke the door open. Chen Yuan was terrified. Despite his tough talk, he was genuinely scared of Bai Fendou, who was clearly out of his mind.


    ¡°You have no proof! You can¡¯t treat me like this without proof! Get out! Leave now, and I¡¯ll let it go. Otherwise, I¡¯ll make you regret it! You¡­ ah!¡±


    Bai Fendou threw the shovel aside and lunged at Chen Yuan, knocking him to the ground and punching him twice. Chen Yuan cried out in pain.


    But then Chen Yuan¡¯s own violent instincts kicked in. He grabbed Bai Fendou by the neck, and the two of them started choking each other, both gasping for air but determined to gain the upper hand. They rolled around on the ground, locked in a fierce struggle.


    One moment, Bai Fendou was on top; the next, Chen Yuan took control.


    Finally, Bai Fendou broke free with a burst of strength, but Chen Yuan yanked him back, and in the heat of the moment, Bai Fendou bit Chen Yuan¡¯s neck!


    The crowd gasped. Zhou Qun shouted in shock, ¡°Bai Fendou just kissed Chen Yuan!¡±


    Those who couldn¡¯t see clearly from the back drew in a sharp breath. Considering Bai Fendou¡¯s reputation as a ¡°man-killer¡± and the fact that he wasn¡¯t exactly a man anymore, this incident was definitely something to ponder.


    Chen Yuan cried out in anger and kicked Bai Fendou away. Furious that a man had bitten him, he retaliated by biting Bai Fendou back.


    Zhou Qun screamed, ¡°Ahhh! Chen Yuan just kissed Bai Fendou!¡±


    Another gasp rippled through the crowd.


    The cold wind of the city seemed to have been sucked in by the onlookers.


    ¡°Enough! Enough!¡± Tao Yuyue felt utterly humiliated. She had never been so embarrassed in her life. Her husband and another man, rolling around and biting each other? It was beyond disgraceful.


    No wonder Tao Yuyue felt this way. She wasn¡¯t at the front of the crowd and could only see the two men biting each other¡¯s necks. It made her sick to her stomach. ¡°Stop it! Both of you, stop it!¡±


    But the two men, now completely consumed by rage, ignored her.


    They continued to wrestle, biting each other.


    Compared to choking, this was less deadly, but both of their necks were now covered in bite marks.


    Zhou Qun exclaimed, ¡°This is too intense! They¡¯re really going at it!¡±


    ¡°Shut up already!¡±


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    Finally, Tao Yuyue pushed her way through the crowd. Seeing the two men tangled up like a twisted rope, her anger reached its peak.


    She grabbed a frying pan and started whacking both of them indiscriminately. ¡°Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Are you all ignoring me? Do you think I¡¯m dead? How dare you act like this right in front of me! Are you insane? You have no shame, but I do! Stop it right now, do you hear me?¡±


    The two men scrambled away, covering their heads.


    ¡°You shrew!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Tao Yuyue screamed, ¡°Stop it!!!¡±


    Bai Fendou¡¯s nose was bleeding. ¡°You¡¯re the one who won¡¯t stop!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you stop first!¡± Chen Yuan thought the woman had lost her mind.


    Tao Yuyue, beyond furious, threw the frying pan aside and shouted, ¡°Ahhh! Both of you, get out!¡±


    She stormed into the inner room and slammed the door shut.


    Chen Yuan and Bai Fendou finally stopped fighting. There was a moment of awkward silence, and the onlookers didn¡¯t dare say a word. No one even dared to breathe too loudly. Who knew what was really going on?


    Then they looked at each other¡¯s necks.


    Well¡­ it was hard to look at.


    Anyone would misunderstand.


    The crowd exchanged uneasy glances.


    Chen Yuan suddenly let out a cry and ran out like a madman...


    He covered his face, looking like a violated young bride.


    Bai Fendou fell silent for a moment, then, amidst the crowd''s awkward expressions, he raised his head defiantly and declared, "I never lose a fight!"


    The onlookers: "..."


    Is this really about winning or losing?


    The real question is, why are the two of you even fighting like this?


    Everyone was baffled.


    People like Zhuang Zhixi stood far back, reminding themselves once again not to provoke Bai Fendou. This guy was truly a man-killer. Not only could he cripple a man, but he could also ruin a man''s reputation.


    Without a doubt, Chen Yuan was now infamous.


    Yep, another notorious figure from their compound.


    Glancing at the frying pan that had been tossed aside, its bottom bent out of shape, it was clear that Tao Yuyue had been absolutely furious.


    Better not mess with her.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought that someone else in their compound was about to lose their mind.


    After a long silence, Bai Fendou suddenly scoffed and said, "This time, I''ll let it slide. But if I ever find out someone''s scheming behind my back again, I won''t be so forgiving! Don''t think Bai Fendou is an easy target!"


    With that, he grabbed his shovel and dragged it home!


    The crowd quickly parted to make way for him. Wang Xiangxiu stood among them, her face expressionless, though inwardly she felt a sense of relief.


    Thankfully, she hadn''t continued to entangle herself with Bai Fendou, or else how could she ever face people again?


    The things Bai Fendou had done... well, it''s hard to say.


    But it was definitely embarrassing.


    Even though he wasn''t the main culprit, he was always the one who ended up looking bad.


    Wang Xiangxiu felt a chill run down her spine and hurried home, though she couldn''t help but feel a bit of joy. Seeing Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue in such a state made her happy. After all, it was these two who had insisted on sending Jinlai to the juvenile detention center.


    Couldn''t they have given the kid a chance?


    She harbored deep resentment toward the couple but had no means to retaliate. Now, seeing them in such a mess, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Her steps felt light, and her heart was at ease.


    One by one, the crowd dispersed. Zhao Guihua, who had been at the front, couldn''t help but reflect on the scene. She hadn''t expected anything like this when she stepped out earlier. Not just her, but everyone seemed to be at a loss for words.


    This kind of fight was better left unseen.


    It was just too disgusting.


    Ming Mei, who hadn''t witnessed the scene firsthand, asked excitedly, "What happened? What happened? Did they kiss? Why would they kiss?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Probably..."


    She glanced at the rising moon and said, "Probably the moon''s fault."


    The Zhuang family: "..."


    How could this be the moon''s fault?


    But at this moment, Zhao Guihua spoke sincerely, "Oldest and second son, I''m not worried about your father. He''s old and won''t get into trouble. But you two, stay away from Bai Fendou from now on. Don''t get involved with him."


    The Zhuang brothers: "..."


    Both of them grimaced.


    Liang Meifen quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, we can''t get close to him anymore. It''s too embarrassing."


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "I''m not saying Bai Fendou is actually interested in men¡ªhe definitely likes women¡ªbut this guy is too reckless and shameless. If you get involved with him, it''s just too humiliating. And when he gets into a fight, it''s always something outrageous, like biting or kicking... you know where. Normal people can''t handle that. We need to keep our distance."


    "Got it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Bai Fendou didn''t fight like this before. But ever since he stopped being a man, his fights have become incomprehensible. Last time he was scratching people, this time he was biting, and the way he bit was almost like kissing..."


    He shuddered. He couldn''t bear to think about it. The thought alone made him feel nauseous.


    That queasy feeling was really ruining his appetite.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I''m skipping dinner. I can''t eat. It''s too disgusting."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Me neither."


    Liang Meifen nodded silently. She felt the same way.


    Just thinking about that scene made her lose her appetite.


    Zhao Guihua: "...Well, that saves food."


    Hutou: "I still want to eat."


    Xiao Yanzi: "Xiao Yanzi wants to eat too."


    Zhao Guihua: "If they''re not eating, we will. Ming Mei, come sit down."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    She thought to herself, it must have been really intense to make everyone so disgusted.


    She gave a sympathetic glance to those who had witnessed the scene firsthand and patted her belly with a smile. Thankfully, she hadn''t been there to see it.


    Their family wasn''t the only one affected. Wang Xiangxiu, for instance, made dinner for her two sons but couldn''t bring herself to eat. The thought of the tussle and biting made her feel like she had swallowed something vile. She earnestly warned her children, "Stay away from Bai Fendou and that Chen Yuan from the backyard."


    The kids didn''t fully understand, but they had been disciplined by their mother and obediently nodded.


    Tonglai hadn''t experienced the full brunt of Bai Fendou''s actions, but he had seen enough to know better. He had witnessed the ups and downs of his family and had learned some "secrets," so he was more mature now.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Oh my, I can''t even imagine!"


    While their family was feeling disgusted, the Zhou family was on high alert. Aunt Zhou stared at her son Zhou Qun like a hawk, saying, "From now on, you''re not allowed to have any contact with those two."


    Zhou Qun: "I''ll listen to you."


    He answered too quickly, making Aunt Zhou suspicious. She stared at him and said, "From now on, I''ll escort you to and from work."


    Zhou Qun scratched his ear, incredulous. "Mom, what are you talking about? I''m not that kind of person anymore! I just want to live a peaceful life now. You escorting me around? That''s just embarrassing!"


    He nudged Jiang Lu and said, "Wife, back me up here. This is ridiculous. Besides, I would never get involved with those two. I swear, I''m a decent person."


    Jiang Lu stared at Zhou Qun for a long time before saying, "I''ll believe you for now."


    She then turned to Aunt Zhou and said, "Mom, let''s not overdo it. If you start escorting Zhou Qun around, people will start to suspect something even if there''s nothing going on. We can''t do that."


    Aunt Zhou thought for a while and finally nodded. "Alright, I''ll listen to you." She didn''t dare go against Jiang Lu now, especially since her son wasn''t exactly reliable.


    Zhou Qun breathed a sigh of relief.


    He muttered, "How could you think of me like that? I don''t have those kinds of thoughts anymore."


    But he couldn''t help but remark, "Bai Fendou is one tough guy."


    Aunt Zhou was full of disdain. She felt she had every right to look down on Bai Fendou. They had all been through a lot, and even she, an old woman, had managed to turn her life around. How could a grown man still be so clueless?


    It seemed that Old Man Bai''s death hadn''t affected his son at all.


    He was still as impulsive and troublesome as ever.


    Even Wang Xiangxiu had learned to live a proper life, but Bai Fendou remained the same reckless troublemaker.


    "Jiang Lu, once the baby is born, we need to raise them well and make sure they have no contact with Bai Fendou. That guy is just not right in the head. Even though we''re neighbors, we need to keep our distance. And we need to teach our child properly. If we raise a child like Bai Fendou, even our ancestors would rise from their graves in horror."


    Jiang Lu was surprised to hear such words from her mother-in-law. It didn''t sound like her at all.


    But she couldn''t agree more.


    "It''s really something."


    "You can say that again."


    Wang Zhaodi sat quietly, not daring to speak. She scratched her head, her once neat pigtails now a mess. She had never seen anything like this before. Life in their remote village was nothing compared to the complexity of the outside world.


    "Stop scratching," Jiang Lu said. "Haven''t you figured it out by now? This kind of thing is normal here."


    Wang Zhaodi: "I get that, but... it''s still shocking."


    Although the commotion in their courtyard happened frequently, each incident was unique, leaving her shocked every single time.


    She said, "This is really..."


    She hadn¡¯t been educated and couldn¡¯t find the right words to describe it, but... but... but... it was shocking! It was outrageous! It was unbelievable!


    A country girl, utterly stunned.


    Jiang Lu chimed in, "Don¡¯t say you, even city folks have never seen anything like this..."


    Every household was warning their own family members to stay far away from these two troublemakers.


    However, Bai Fendou didn¡¯t see it that way. He was quite pleased, feeling like he had achieved a major victory this time. Although the situation was infuriating, Chen Yuan was his defeated opponent¡ªhadn¡¯t he run off crying?


    A grown man crying like that? It was truly shameful.


    That¡¯s not how a real man behaves.


    Proudly, he pulled out a bottle of liquor he had been saving. It was meant for his wedding day, but since that hadn¡¯t happened, he had been holding onto it, hoping for a second chance. Now, that was unnecessary.


    Even though Chen Yuan hadn¡¯t admitted anything after the big scene, Bai Fendou could tell from his bluster that the guy was definitely hiding something. Deep down, he felt a pang of sorrow for his lost love.


    He had thought Guan Guiling was different, a good woman, but it turned out she was just a fickle reed swaying in the wind.


    Such a woman wasn¡¯t worthy of him!


    Wang Xiangxiu, a woman with no sense of propriety, wasn¡¯t worthy of him.


    Guan Guiling, a fickle woman who changed with the wind, wasn¡¯t worthy of him either.


    Bai Fendou would continue on his path of finding a wife through matchmaking. There might be many twists and turns, many obstacles, but he believed he could still find a partner. After all, he wasn¡¯t a bad catch.


    He really wasn¡¯t!


    Bai Fendou took a couple of swigs from the bottle. The more he drank, the more invigorated he felt.


    Hehe.


    He touched his neck, feeling like it bore the marks of victory.


    After drinking, Bai Fendou got up to use the outhouse. With his hands tucked into his sleeves, he strode confidently, even though it was the middle of winter. Surprisingly, there were people chatting in the alley. As soon as they saw Bai Fendou, they scattered like rabbits.


    Bai Fendou, slightly tipsy, vaguely recognized one of them. "Big Strong, why are you running?"


    Big Strong scurried into their courtyard. His name might suggest bravery, but his courage was anything but.


    Better not mess with him!


    Better not!


    Bai Fendou was like the king of Xinghuali Lane. The moment he appeared, everyone fled. Bai Fendou didn¡¯t care and headed to the outhouse, unaware that tomorrow he would once again be the talk of the entire factory.


    Alongside him in the gossip would be his new rumored love interest¡ªChen Yuan.


    Meanwhile, Chen Yuan had already run home, crying his eyes out. Since childhood, he had been the golden grandson of the family, doted on by everyone. Seeing him in such a state, his mother was shocked. "Who¡¯s the wicked woman who¡¯s done this to you?"


    How dare someone harass her son?


    Hearing this, Chen Yuan cried even louder.


    This wasn¡¯t a woman¡¯s doing!


    It was Bai Fendou!


    How tragic...


    The morning sun was exceptionally bright. Today was payday at the machinery factory and the bus station, so everyone was in high spirits. Starting the day with good news¡ªhow could they not be happy? With their salaries paid early, they were about to start their New Year holiday.


    Money and time off?


    This was a double blessing.


    Every household was filled with joy, but amidst the happiness, there was also a buzz of excitement. After all, they had some juicy gossip to share today!


    Such big news couldn¡¯t be kept until after the New Year¡ªit was too much to hold in!


    Liang Meifen couldn¡¯t wait to tell her workshop colleagues.


    Even Old Man Zhuang was planning to catch up with his old buddies.


    As for others... Zhang San had witnessed the whole scene firsthand. This time, he didn¡¯t need Zhuang Zhixi to recount it¡ªhe had seen it all from the front row... Ew!


    Disgusting yet thrilling!


    What a spectacle!


    Their ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????security team was in for a treat.


    He had seen it! He could spread the word!

 Chapter 137

    Little kids, little kids, don''t be greedy, after Laba Festival, the New Year is near.As the year-end approaches, children are excited, and adults are bustling too. Kids are the happiest during the New Year¡ªthere''s plenty of delicious food, and they can set off firecrackers, instantly adding color to their otherwise monotonous lives.


    Adults, on the other hand, have a lot more to worry about. At the end of the year, they have to buy this and that, and for families already struggling financially, it feels like adding frost to snow. It¡¯s truly what you¡¯d call the "year-end hurdle." But this year is different¡ªthis year is especially lively.


    On the last day of work at the machinery factory, everyone was eagerly discussing something.


    The focus of their discussion, naturally, was none other than the factory¡¯s number one figure¡ªBai Fendou. But this time, there was another notable character: Chen Yuan, the son of the logistics department¡¯s Director Chen, who made a grand appearance.


    Chen Yuan also worked at the machinery factory, in the factory office. Though he was just a lowly clerk, he had powerful backing, which made him act arrogantly, always looking down on others. Because of this, he had made quite a few enemies, and everyone was now enjoying the drama.


    In just one day, the gossip had spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the factory.


    Even the factory director had heard about it.


    Though the logistics director wasn¡¯t as high-ranking as the factory director, the position was still significant and came with considerable power and perks. Only the director¡¯s most trusted confidants could hold such a position. So, when the director heard about the humiliation of Director Chen¡¯s son, his reaction was rather ambiguous.


    Like, does your son have some special preferences?


    What everyone was discussing wasn¡¯t just a fight, but something much more scandalous. Two grown men fighting¡ªpunching each other¡ªwould have been one thing, but why did they have to go and do *that*? One kissing the other, and vice versa?


    Well, they called it "biting," but everyone thought it was pretty much the same as kissing.


    In any case, it was quite the spectacle.


    Chen Yuan, knowing how embarrassing it was, kept himself covered up, but Bai Fendou? Not a chance. Despite the freezing cold, he unbuttoned the top of his padded jacket, deliberately exposing his neck.


    Yes, that was his badge of honor.


    He had fought, but he hadn¡¯t lost.


    Only a man covered in scars could be called a real man.


    Bai Fendou strutted around the factory like this, leaving everyone dumbfounded.


    The restrooms were packed with people, one group after another.


    Bai Fendou had a knack for single-handedly turning the quiet machinery factory into a lively place. Just as the New Year was approaching, he had pulled off another stunt. His lack of discretion infuriated some people.


    And the one who was most furious was none other than Chen Yuan.


    Today was the last day of work, payday. Chen Yuan arrived at the factory right on time, and as soon as he reached the gate, he saw Zhang San grinning at him in a particularly odd way, the kind of enthusiasm that didn¡¯t bode well.


    Though they were neighbors, Chen Yuan had no interest in associating with him. What kind of person was Zhang San, anyway?


    He gave Zhang San a cold glance and strode away.


    Zhang San: "Oh, oh, oh."


    He leaned over to Wang Er, who was also guarding the gate, and whispered, "Did you see that? He still looks down on people."


    Wang Er spat: "Pah!"


    He rubbed his face and said, "As if anyone doesn¡¯t know what happened."


    Zhang San disagreed, "Don¡¯t spit like that. If our boss sees you, he won¡¯t be happy."


    Wang Er retorted, "Who hasn¡¯t seen Bai Fendou¡¯s neck? It¡¯s not like he¡¯s the one who bit it. Even women don¡¯t fight like that."


    Even women don¡¯t fight like that.


    Just then, a few others who had just arrived at the factory asked curiously, "What¡¯s going on? Did someone get into a fight?"


    The moment they heard about a fight, they got excited.


    Zhang San: "Not today, last night. If you want to know, go to the restroom and check out Bai Fendou¡¯s neck. He and Chen Yuan¡­ blah blah blah."


    Gasps erupted around them.


    Zhang San: "And also, yesterday Tao Yuyue¡­ blah blah blah."


    He was as gleeful as a melon-field thief, eagerly sharing the gossip, making the most of his day covering for Li Si at the gate. Spreading joy to everyone.


    At this point, Chen Yuan still didn¡¯t know that his story had already spread far and wide. Of course, it wasn¡¯t just Zhang San spreading the news¡ªthere had been plenty of witnesses last night, including people from the surrounding neighborhoods. With so many people involved, who wouldn¡¯t talk about it?


    The gossip spread like wildfire!


    Chen Yuan went upstairs and ran into Zhuang Zhixi, who paused subtly. Chen Yuan just chuckled, acting as haughty as ever.


    Zhuang Zhixi silently shook his head, almost shaking it off. He could understand Bai Fendou¡¯s unconventional way of fighting. After all, Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t exactly the manliest man, and he had a penchant for doing strange things. But Chen Yuan¡­


    Zhuang Zhixi really didn¡¯t get it.


    He ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????quietly headed to the finance department¡ªtoday was payday, after all.


    Officially, payday wasn¡¯t supposed to be today, but they had moved it up so everyone could have money to shop for the New Year. Ming Mei¡¯s workplace had done the same, and so had Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s.


    Though usually paydays weren¡¯t synchronized, because of the New Year, almost the entire city had their payday today.


    You could already imagine the chaos in the stores once everyone got their hands on their money.


    Zhuang Zhixi joined the line at the finance department. Even though the office was indoors, the line had already spilled out the door and into the yard. As Zhuang Zhixi stood in line, the main topic of conversation wasn¡¯t about what to buy with their salaries, but rather: "Did Bai Fendou and Chen Yuan really kiss each other?"


    Just look at what everyone was concerned about.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied earnestly, "Why ask me? Go check Bai Fendou¡¯s neck in the restroom."


    Though he answered seriously, everyone burst into laughter, their expressions full of meaning. They had all seen Bai Fendou¡¯s neck, and Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t the least bit embarrassed about it.


    "Did you hear? Chen Yuan messed with Bai Fendou¡¯s wife?"


    "No, that¡¯s not accurate. I heard Chen Yuan likes Bai Fendou and couldn¡¯t stand the thought of him getting married, so he sabotaged Bai Fendou¡¯s relationship with his fianc¨¦e. When Bai Fendou found out, he was furious. Bai Fendou, the eternal bachelor, had been looking forward to getting married, so of course he was angry. That¡¯s why he bit Chen Yuan, saying he¡¯d make Chen Yuan his wife."


    "Wait, really?"


    "Think about it. If that wasn¡¯t the case, why would Chen Yuan do something like that? It¡¯s classic love turning into hate."


    "No, I heard it was Bai Fendou who fell in love with Tao Yuyue from the medical office¡ªChen Yuan¡¯s wife. But Tao Yuyue insisted on marrying Chen Yuan. Bai Fendou was heartbroken, so he found another woman to marry. But then Chen Yuan, jealous that Bai Fendou had eyes for his wife, sabotaged Bai Fendou¡¯s wedding plans. Bai Fendou, already disliking Chen Yuan, got even angrier and attacked him."


    "That can¡¯t be right. He didn¡¯t just attack Chen Yuan¡ªhe straight-up kissed him in public. That¡¯s harassment!"


    "No, no, I heard Chen Yuan was two-timing. He had his wife, Tao Yuyue, and was also flirting with Bai Fendou¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Bai Fendou, seeing both the woman he once loved and the woman he now loved being taken by Chen Yuan, decided to teach Chen Yuan a lesson. So he took Chen Yuan down!"


    "Wait, does that make sense?"


    "Of course it does. Chen Yuan likes stealing people, so Bai Fendou showed him how cruel the world can be."


    "No way. Everyone knows Bai Fendou isn¡¯t a real man anymore."


    "He may not be able to perform, but he can still fight. He doesn¡¯t really love Chen Yuan¡ªhe just wanted to humiliate him."


    "Ah¡­"


    "I believe Chen Yuan definitely had something going on with Bai Fendou¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Otherwise, why would Chen Yuan help her husband find a job? I heard Chen Yuan¡¯s mom arranged it¡­"


    "Wow, what a nice guy."


    "Exactly."


    Although everyone started talking as soon as they saw Zhuang Zhixi, the conversation quickly spiraled out of control like a runaway horse. Before Zhuang Zhixi could even say a word, people had already come up with countless versions of the story, each one more sensational than the last. The boldness of the speculation was downright overwhelming.


    Standing there for just a short while, Zhuang Zhixi had already heard so many versions. It was easy to imagine that the entire factory would be buzzing with even more versions, too many to count. Bai Fendou, who already had a bad reputation, was now in even deeper trouble. But, as expected, Bai Fendou probably wouldn¡¯t care. After all, his reputation couldn¡¯t get much worse, so what difference did it make?


    As for Chen Yuan, although he had a father who was the head of the logistics department, his own abilities were limited, and he always carried himself with an air of superiority. As a result, he didn¡¯t have much presence in the factory. Whether it was good news or bad news, he was never really involved.


    But overnight, he became famous.


    For someone ordinary to become famous, all it took was a single incident involving Bai Fendou.


    It was truly a case of ¡°no loss, no regret.¡± As long as Bai Fendou was involved, anything was possible.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched in amazement. Seeing his sister-in-law, Liang Meifen, come to collect her salary, and noticing the long line of people behind her, he decisively said, ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯ll collect your salary for you.¡±


    Liang Meifen hesitated for a moment, but then Zhuang Zhixi added, ¡°If you enjoy waiting in line, you can take my spot. That way, you can collect mine and Dad¡¯s salaries too, and I¡¯ll go back to work.¡±


    Liang Meifen immediately nodded and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t cutting in line; she was simply swapping places with Zhuang Zhixi, who then left the queue and headed back. Liang Meifen was a little excited. She couldn¡¯t believe she was being trusted to collect her father-in-law¡¯s and brother-in-law¡¯s salaries. This was a big deal for her!


    Although she wasn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed, she could tell that her brother-in-law, Zhuang Zhixi, was usually quite wary of her. In most families, it¡¯s the sisters-in-law who don¡¯t get along, but in her case, she felt that her brother-in-law was even harder to deal with than his wife, Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei was always sweet-talking her mother-in-law and knew how to flatter her, but she wasn¡¯t the type to hold grudges. Liang Meifen had noticed several times that Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had gotten snacks from Ming Mei. For a mother, seeing her children happy was the most important thing.


    Moreover, in most families, sisters-in-law tend to compete with each other, but Ming Mei wasn¡¯t like that.


    On the other hand, her brother-in-law, Zhuang Zhixi, often gave her subtle looks that made her feel on edge. She always felt like he was up to something. So, in their household, Liang Meifen had always felt that her brother-in-law was the harder one to get along with.


    But who would have thought? She never imagined he would trust her with something like this.


    Being entrusted to collect their salaries made Liang Meifen feel like she had been given a great responsibility.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, wasn¡¯t overthinking it like Liang Meifen. He was simply too lazy to stand in line. Seeing Liang Meifen, he decided to use her as a stand-in. As for whether Liang Meifen would embezzle the money, he was confident she wouldn¡¯t dare.


    When Liang Meifen started working, she had agreed with her husband, Zhuang Zhiyuan, that he would be the one to collect her salary. She wasn¡¯t allowed to handle the money herself. But sometimes, when Zhuang Zhiyuan was away on business or otherwise occupied, this rule wasn¡¯t strictly enforced.


    Still, every month when Liang Meifen¡¯s salary came in, no matter who collected it, it was immediately handed over to Zhao Guihua because they had to pay a monthly living expense of 15 yuan.


    Liang Meifen¡¯s salary barely covered this expense, leaving her with almost nothing for herself. Zhuang Zhiyuan would then supplement her allowance from his own salary.


    As for the family¡¯s finances, those were firmly in Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s hands. He had no choice; his wife was a bit scatterbrained. Even though she had been working for years, she hadn¡¯t saved a single penny.


    Whenever she had money, she would get a little confused and end up giving it to her family.


    So Zhuang Zhiyuan made sure she didn¡¯t handle any money. With him and his mother keeping an eye on her, she had become more sensible and stopped giving money to her family. Of course, Liang Meifen¡¯s newfound clarity was also due to a couple of wake-up calls. The first was when her younger brother got married without even informing her, which had been a huge blow. The second was when Su Pandi divorced and ended up in jail. It was the first time Liang Meifen had seen someone suffer so badly because they had blindly trusted their family.


    Seeing these things had definitely shaken her up.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan noticed that his wife had become more clear-headed and trusted her a bit more as a result.


    Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, didn¡¯t have much of a relationship with his sister-in-law. His attitude toward her was entirely based on his brother¡¯s stance. Whatever his brother thought, he thought.


    So recently, Zhuang Zhixi had been treating Liang Meifen better. After all, they were family. Although there had been some unpleasantness in the past, they had never openly fought, and there was no need to do so now.


    When Zhuang Zhixi returned to the office, he noticed that everyone was unusually distracted.


    After all, it was the last day before the holiday.


    ¡°Xiao Zhuang, your wife is due around the New Year, right?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    The mention of this topic perked him up. ¡°We¡¯re not sure if it¡¯ll be before or after the New Year. It¡¯ll probably be after, since there are only a couple of days left before the holiday.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯ll be either a little dog or a little pig,¡± someone joked, referring to the Chinese zodiac signs.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s my child. I¡¯ll love them no matter what zodiac sign they¡¯re born under.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way, I heard your courtyard had another commotion last night¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Do you even need to ask? By now, the whole factory knows about it.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I heard it from Zhang San at the security department when I came in¡­ They were all talking about it excitedly.¡±


    ¡°I heard it from Old Li in the workshop. He said he went over after hearing the noise and saw Chen Yuan running away like a wronged wife, covering his face and crying.¡±


    ¡°I heard it from the strong guy in the loading group. He said he went to see what was happening too, but even though he¡¯s usually so strong, he didn¡¯t dare to step in and break it up¡­¡±


    Everyone was chattering away.


    You see, Bai Fendou had given their machinery factory plenty of gossip and entertainment.


    With the New Year approaching and people visiting relatives, this news would surely spread far and wide.


    Tong County wouldn¡¯t be able to stop it; Tianjin might hear about it too. Who knows, it might even go further.


    Tsk, tsk!


    Zhuang Zhixi commented, ¡°Bai Fendou used to be impulsive, but he could still rein himself in a bit. Now, he¡¯s really let himself go.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s because everyone in our courtyard is married except him. He just can¡¯t handle being the only single guy left,¡± a voice chimed in. Everyone turned to see Zhou Qun, who added, ¡°Has the circuit here been reported for repair? I¡¯m here to fix it.¡±


    ¡°Come on over!¡± Sister Cui eagerly greeted him. Although she used to dislike Zhou Qun for putting on airs, ever since he became ¡°one of the girls¡± with them, they had gotten along quite well.


    She had even gotten a lot of gossip from him.


    She said, ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. Before, he wasn¡¯t like this because he wasn¡¯t the only single guy around. But now it¡¯s different, and he¡¯s getting desperate¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi watched as Zhou Qun took over the conversation and chuckled to himself, not joining in. He focused on finishing up the last bit of work.


    He said, ¡°Master Huang, will you be home during the New Year? I¡¯ll come visit you.¡±


    Master Huang replied, ¡°No need to come. I¡¯ll be spending the holiday with my son.¡±


    After a pause, he added, ¡°Your wife is due any day now. You should take it easy and stay home to look after her. You¡¯re not a kid anymore; you¡¯re about to be a father. You need to be more responsible.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    On his last shift before the holiday, Zhuang Zhixi made sure to wrap up all the year-end work and organize the documents. As the bell rang to signal the end of the workday, everyone exchanged early New Year greetings and headed home with their holiday bonuses.


    Yes, holiday bonuses.


    Their factory still gave out holiday bonuses.


    That was the advantage of working for a large factory. As a key machinery factory, their production wasn¡¯t affected by external activities, so they were doing well financially.


    Zhuang Zhixi worked in the propaganda department, which was a managerial position. They received one pound of meat, one fish, one pound of rice, and one pound of high-quality flour.


    These were real, tangible goods.


    It was also a tangible benefit from their factory. Some factories with better resources would manage to acquire extra supplies through other channels to distribute to their employees, which was a unique perk of certain factories. No wonder workers were in high demand these days.


    There was one factory that was truly exceptional.


    Their workshop didn¡¯t distribute as generously¡ªthere was no rice or flour, but each person still got a fish and half a pound of meat.


    Being a large factory with many employees, getting this much was already quite good. Of course, some people got even more, but even so, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s family was already very happy. He carried the New Year goods home. Old Man Zhuang and Liang Meifen got a bit less, but they still received something.


    Liang Meifen was the happiest. She said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to get anything this year. I thought as an apprentice, I wouldn¡¯t qualify, but it turns out I got the same as the regular employees. Only the temporary workers didn¡¯t get anything; everyone else did.¡±


    Even though she had been a regular employee before, the benefits at her previous factory were nowhere near as good as now. This really highlighted the difference between a large factory and a small one.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t pay much attention to her chatter. He quickly rode his bike to pick up his wife. Last year, Ming Mei was still working as a ticket seller and had to work even during the New Year. This year, after changing positions, she could enjoy the regular holiday schedule.


    Not only did Ming Mei get the New Year holiday, but she also combined it with her maternity leave. According to the standards in the capital, female employees were entitled to 56 days of maternity leave. Adding the New Year holiday, Ming Mei could take over 60 days off, equivalent to two months, perfect for staying cozy at home during the winter.


    As a male employee, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t have as much leave, but he still got three days. He took them together with the New Year holiday.


    It wasn¡¯t that they could predict the exact day of delivery, but it was clear that it wouldn¡¯t be long now. There was no point in going back to work for just a day or two after the New Year holiday and then taking maternity leave. It made more sense to just stay home and rest.


    The New Year goods from Ming Mei¡¯s workplace were slightly better than those from the machinery factory. Different units had different distributions. Although Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s state-owned factory was indeed good, Ming Mei¡¯s workplace and Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s older brother Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s unit were also quite decent.


    After all, anything related to vehicles was doing well these days.


    Among the ¡°Eight Great Professions,¡± drivers were at the top. Units related to vehicles were all thriving.


    Zhuang Zhixi brought Ming Mei and the New Year goods home. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they caught the aroma of frying meat. Ming Mei sniffed the air and decisively said, ¡°That must be my grandpa.¡±


    In this courtyard, the only one who would fry the meat as soon as they got it was Lan Sihai. Everyone else would save their New Year goods for making dumplings on New Year¡¯s Eve. But Lan Sihai was an exception.


    Lan Sihai always ate whatever he had without saving it.


    He also didn¡¯t care what others thought. While others were willing to sacrifice for their children, Lan Sihai had no such intentions. Whether it was his son who lived far away or his daughter in the capital, Lan Sihai¡¯s attitude was, ¡°Don¡¯t bother me.¡±


    The only person he was relatively close to was Ming Mei.


    That was because his granddaughter lived in the same courtyard.


    Ming Mei said, ¡°I wonder if it¡¯s fried meat or rendered fat. It smells so good.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you come and taste it to find out?¡± A flat voice suddenly spoke up, startling Ming Mei. She turned around, clutching her chest, and said, ¡°Grandpa, why did you suddenly speak up behind me? You scared me to death!¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°I¡¯m not a ghost. I make noise when I walk. You were so focused on the meat that you didn¡¯t hear me.¡±


    Ming Mei pouted.


    Lan Sihai glanced at the two of them and said, ¡°Put your things away at home, then come over to my place.¡±


    Ming Mei immediately beamed, ¡°Grandpa, you¡¯re the best!¡±


    Lan Sihai scoffed, ¡°Oh, what a filial granddaughter. I¡¯m only the best grandpa when there¡¯s meat involved.¡±


    Ming Mei cooed, ¡°I always say you¡¯re great, even when there¡¯s no meat. You can¡¯t accuse me of being ungrateful.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chimed in, ¡°That¡¯s right. My wife is wonderful. And I, as your grandson-in-law, am also great. I¡­¡±


    Lan Sihai, knowing exactly where this was going, cut him off, ¡°Just shut up already.¡±


    With that, he turned and went back inside.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, ¡°So cold, just like this freezing weather.¡±


    Ming Mei couldn¡¯t help but laugh, and Zhuang Zhixi joined in.


    When Lan Sihai entered the house, he saw his wife, Luo Xiaohe, frying pork cracklings. He had asked her to do it. He walked over, inspected the work, and said, ¡°Not bad.¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s not bad. This is five pounds of meat, with at least three pounds of fat. I¡¯ve already rendered almost two pounds of fat. Who else in this courtyard would be so extravagant?¡±


    They hadn¡¯t even used all the fat yet, saving some for dumplings. A bit of fat made the dumplings tastier.


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°At our age, if we don¡¯t eat now, when will we? Do you want to wait until we¡¯re in the ground to enjoy it?¡±


    He continued, ¡°You can¡¯t shortchange yourself in life. Otherwise, when you suddenly die, you¡¯ll regret not having enjoyed life. I don¡¯t want to be one of those fools who never indulged in anything.¡±


    Luo Xiaohe nodded with a smile. Although Lan Sihai was much older than her, she never regretted marrying him. She had learned a lot from him. While some might see his behavior as selfish, Luo Xiaohe felt more liberated.


    Her earlier life had been quite stifling, but after getting together with Lan Sihai, she gradually became more open-minded.


    Of course, it might also be because there was so much drama in this courtyard that she felt relatively normal in comparison. Watching the chaos unfold was always entertaining. She said, ¡°On New Year¡¯s Eve, we¡¯ll make dumplings with cabbage and pork. Zhao Guihua gave me a salted fish a while ago. We can steam that too¡­¡±


    ¡°Grandpa, Grandma Luo.¡±


    Ming Mei poked her head in, her belly visibly large. Lan Sihai frowned, ¡°Come in already. Where¡¯s your husband? He should be supporting you.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°He went to the restroom.¡±


    Lan Sihai ordered, ¡°Serve Ming Mei some cracklings.¡±


    Luo Xiaohe smiled, ¡°Sure thing.¡±


    Ming Mei happily ate without feeling the least bit embarrassed. This was a family trait¡ªnone of them were easily swayed by others¡¯ opinions. Ming Mei had no qualms about mooching off her grandpa.


    She said cheerfully, ¡°I love eating this.¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°Eat up. There¡¯s plenty more.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, sitting on a chair and gently swinging her legs. She spotted the meat on the cutting board and exclaimed, ¡°Grandpa, how did you get so much? Zhuang Zhixi only got one pound, and my sister-in-law and father-in-law got half a pound each.¡±


    Lan Sihai tilted his head slightly and said with a smile, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m on the same level as them? I¡¯m a hired expert. Do you know what that means?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°You¡¯re amazing.¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°Of course I¡¯m amazing. Otherwise, why would they hire a seventy-year-old man like me?¡±


    He continued, ¡°Let me tell you, even though I didn¡¯t have much formal education and taught myself to read, I¡¯m an expert in certain fields. If you excel at something, people will always respect you, no matter the era.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°I get it.¡±


    Lan Sihai said, ¡°Do you really? I think you¡¯re just muddling through, always eager to watch the drama.¡±


    Ming Mei was about to argue, ¡°You¡¯re the same!¡±


    ¡°People who are capable watch drama for relaxation. People who aren¡¯t capable watch drama because they¡¯re idle,¡± Lan Sihai said with a tone of authority. But then he added, ¡°But being happy is what matters most. Even if the Lan family isn¡¯t particularly skilled, it¡¯s fine. We¡¯ve got me, after all.¡±


    Ming Mei thought, ¡°???¡±


    You just finished lecturing me and then immediately contradicted yourself. That¡¯s¡­


    ¡°I have some canned peaches here. Take a couple home with you later.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The conversation abruptly shifted.


    ¡°Knock knock.¡± Zhuang Zhixi rapped on the door. Lan Sihai called out, ¡°Come in.¡±


    He glanced at his grandson-in-law and said, ¡°You¡¯re quite polite, huh.¡±


    Coincidentally, Zhuang Zhixi was also thick-skinned. He grinned and said, ¡°Of course. I have many good qualities, and politeness is just one of the lesser ones.¡±


    Lan Sihai: "Hmm, you remind me a bit of my younger self." Shameless!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then we must have a special bond, old man."


    Lan Sihai: "Get lost, who''s your old man? You¡¯ve got no respect for your elders. Come over on New Year¡¯s Eve and help me put up the couplets."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure thing."


    He pointed to a large package in the corner and said, "Later, unwrap that and see if there¡¯s anything you need. Take what you want."


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his hands together: "I¡¯m about to strike it rich."


    His shamelessness earned him a swift kick from Lan Sihai, while Ming Mei burst into laughter, doubling over.


    The three people in the room were startled. Did this silly girl not realize she was pregnant? She really had no sense of caution. Zhuang Zhixi steadied his wife and said, "Take it easy, will you?"


    Ming Mei pouted, "Alright, alright."


    The young couple didn¡¯t go home, choosing instead to stay and mooch a meal. The food at her grandfather¡¯s place was just too good.


    "Coocoo, coocoo, it¡¯s six o¡¯clock, six o¡¯clock¡­"


    Ming Mei followed the sound and asked, puzzled, "Grandpa, when did you get this clock?"


    She leaned in closer, supporting her back, and frowned, "It¡¯s an old one."


    The clock wasn¡¯t very big, with a cuckoo bird on top that had just made the sound.


    Lan Sihai looked at his granddaughter and said, "You¡¯ve got no eye for value. It¡¯s the old ones that are worth something. Don¡¯t underestimate this clock of mine. It¡¯s got history."


    Ming Mei: "But didn¡¯t ancient times not have clocks?"


    "Well, not that old. It¡¯s from the Qing dynasty, over a hundred years old. When I bought it, it wasn¡¯t working. I fixed it myself." Lan Sihai was quite proud of himself. Not everyone could do that.


    Ming Mei: "I know, I know."


    She said, "Grandpa, you¡¯re really amazing. You can even fix this kind of thing."


    Lan Sihai: "It¡¯s not that hard."


    He added, "I¡¯ve told you before, I¡¯m good at enjoying life. Even though I¡¯m a poor farmer, I don¡¯t save money. Spending money to gain experience isn¡¯t just spending¡ªit¡¯s accumulating knowledge."


    Ming Mei giggled. Zhuang Zhixi stood up to support her and also looked curiously at the clock. "How can you tell it¡¯s over a hundred years old?"


    Lan Sihai: "Even though this was an imported item back then, things made in different years have their own characteristics. Take this mechanism, for example. Come here and look¡­"


    Lan Sihai, rarely finding someone interested, immediately pulled Zhuang Zhixi over. "Look, I¡¯ll tell you, these foreign things are just like ours. Each year¡¯s products have their own unique features. See here¡­"


    Lan Sihai kept rambling on, holding onto Zhuang Zhixi.


    Ming Mei also tilted her head, watching curiously. The young couple was quite intrigued.


    Lan Sihai was very pleased. The others in his family never listened to him talk about these things. They were no fun at all. But Ming Mei and her husband were different. They could "play" along with him. Like that time they pretended to be ghosts to scare people¡­ No one else would have done that.


    This was why Old Man Lan liked his granddaughter and son-in-law so much. They were shameless and loved to have fun. That¡¯s what made life interesting.


    Luo Xiaohe watched the three of them chattering around the clock and shook her head with a smile.


    They were so engrossed they didn¡¯t even eat. She ate by herself.


    As the young and old chattered away, Zhao Guihua¡¯s family had also finished their meal. Old Man Zhuang muttered at home, embarrassed, "It¡¯s somewhat understandable for our daughter-in-law to go over and mooch a meal¡ªshe¡¯s his granddaughter after all. But how can our son be so shameless as to go too? Where did he get that from?"


    He wasn¡¯t like that, and neither was his wife.


    Who did this kid take after?


    He glanced silently at his eldest son. Hmm¡­ the youngest couldn¡¯t have taken after the eldest. He couldn¡¯t blame him.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "???"


    What was that strange look for?


    But he also said, "Dad, it¡¯s one thing for Third Brother to eat at his in-laws¡¯ place, but going to his wife¡¯s grandfather¡¯s house? Isn¡¯t that a bit¡­"


    They couldn¡¯t figure out whether Third Brother took after his dad or his mom.


    What a coincidence¡ªZhao Guihua was thinking the same thing.


    Liang Meifen was also wondering. They just couldn¡¯t understand how Zhuang Zhixi could be so shameless as to tag along.


    These were times of extreme scarcity, especially with the food shortage this year. No one had ever seen someone mooch a meal just because someone else ate well. Never.


    Meanwhile, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, the two kids, huddled together and said, "Uncle and Auntie are so lucky. They get to eat delicious food."


    After saying that, the older brother patted his sister¡¯s shoulder and said, "We¡¯ll have good food too during New Year¡¯s. There¡¯s lots of meat at home. I¡¯ve seen it."


    Xiao Yanzi swallowed her saliva and said, "We¡¯ll eat dumplings." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, dumplings."


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you two whispering about?"


    "Grandma, are we having dumplings for New Year¡¯s?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes."


    The two kids immediately smiled.


    Their family had plenty of meat. With five workers in the family, each from a good workplace, every unit distributed meat. Zhao Guihua said, "We¡¯ll make dumplings tomorrow."


    "Yay!"


    ¡°Grandma, grandma, I want to buy firecrackers. Everyone¡¯s setting them off. I want some too¡­¡± Hutou tugged at Zhao Guihua, acting cute. Zhao Guihua: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll buy you some.¡±


    Hutou was immediately overjoyed, and the two siblings clapped their hands together.


    "Tomorrow morning, your uncle will take you to buy them. We¡¯ll get some for the house too."


    "Okay!"


    "Can we buy a lot?"


    "Yes!"


    "This is great!"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were beaming with joy. The sound of firecrackers in the alley hadn¡¯t stopped for days. Families who could afford it let their kids have fun. After all, it was New Year¡¯s!


    During New Year¡¯s, it seemed like you could do anything.


    As New Year¡¯s approached, every household in the courtyard was busy. Zhao Guihua¡¯s family had many people, so naturally, they had more to prepare. But the other families weren¡¯t far behind. In the front courtyard, the Zhou family had Wang Zhaodi, who was a capable worker.


    The others didn¡¯t need to do much. Madam Zhou Li thought about how she had to hustle last year and felt that this year was much more pleasant.


    As for the Su family, Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s household had fewer people, but surprisingly, this New Year¡¯s was much easier for her. Wang Xiangxiu couldn¡¯t figure out why. In previous years, as the year-end approached, she had to hustle to prepare everything and even flirt with Bai Fendou to squeeze some money out of him.


    What¡¯s more, she had to go out and earn money. But this year, she didn¡¯t have to do any of that.


    Instead, she felt like there was more food at home. As a formal employee, she was allocated half a pound of meat and a fish. The half pound of meat was more than enough to make dumplings, and with the cabbage, they wouldn¡¯t even finish it in one meal. Wang Xiangxiu was a bit puzzled but felt even more relieved that her nasty mother-in-law was gone.


    Actually, this wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected. Aunt Su was an adult who claimed to be "unwell," but she ate well at home, always choosing fine grains over coarse ones. The coarse grains were mostly eaten by Wang Xiangxiu alone. Even when she pretended to eat poorly in front of Wang Xiangxiu, it was just an act. She secretly ate plenty of good food.


    That alone consumed a lot of food.


    As for Jinlai, he was already eleven, older than Yinlai and Tonglai, and as the eldest grandson, he could really eat a lot. With those two gone, Yinlai, who was sickly and spent most of his time lying at home, didn¡¯t move much and thus didn¡¯t eat much. Tonglai was even younger.


    With those two big eaters gone, their household naturally had an easier time.


    Wang Xiangxiu did the math and figured it out, but she wasn¡¯t thinking about her sons. She was thinking about her mother-in-law.


    She was happy to let Jinlai eat as much as he wanted, but her mother-in-law? Ha!


    Good riddance.


    If she had known it would be like this, she would have stopped taking care of that old woman long ago. With a bit more breathing room, Wang Xiangxiu felt more relaxed. Even though her eldest son was in juvenile detention, making the family incomplete, life wasn¡¯t as hard, and her stress wasn¡¯t as overwhelming.


    If Wang Xiangxiu felt less pressure, then Bai Fendou, who only had to worry about feeding himself, and the elderly couple Lan Sihai, who already had a good income, were even better off. Every household in the front courtyard was preparing delicious food and drinks, making the atmosphere lively.


    The backyard was just as lively, though Chen Yuan and his wife were not at home. Their doors and windows had been replaced¡ªyes, by Tao Yuyue. Chen Yuan hadn''t returned since he ran away. This New Year, Tao Yuyue went to her in-laws'' place, and Zhang San and his wife also went to their in-laws''. The newlywed couple wasn''t around either, so it was the same old faces in the courtyard celebrating the New Year.


    On the morning of New Year''s Eve, the courtyard was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of food. Whether it was stewed fish or minced meat, the air was thick with delicious scents. Outside, the sound of children setting off firecrackers added to the festive atmosphere.


    Ming Mei was in high spirits too. Unknowingly, she had been married for a year. She had gotten married in January, and now it was the end of January¡ªjust over a year, to be exact. She leaned on her waist, wandering around the kitchen, until Zhao Guihua shooed her back to her room. Ming Mei had no choice but to return to her room, where she leaned against the window, watching the people in the courtyard chatting.


    Although the weather was cold, the men gathered in the courtyard, laughing and talking. The only difference this year was the absence of Old Man Zhuang and Li the Cook. In previous years, Uncle Bai had been there, but now he was gone.


    However, no one felt his absence more than Bai Fendou. In previous years, he had celebrated the New Year with his family, but this year, he was alone. Early in the morning, he was already drunk, singing loudly in the courtyard.


    Some people sing for money, but Bai Fendou''s singing was more like a cry for mercy. The children quickly ran off to set off firecrackers, hoping to drown out his terrible singing.


    Zhao Guihua, cooking with the window open, shouted, "Bai Fendou, aren''t you afraid of attracting wolves with that noise?"


    Bai Fendou replied, "Me? Afraid of wolves? If they come, they''ll just be extra meat for my meal. I''m the best, who dares to mess with me?"


    Everyone else: "..."


    What a braggart.


    How much had he drunk so early in the morning?


    In the backyard, Li Fang was still in her postpartum confinement period, and it was too cold to bring the baby outside. However, that didn''t stop Yang Lixin from boasting to everyone about how he now had both a son and a daughter. Another reason for his good mood was that his wife had discussed with him that if they had more children in the future, regardless of gender, they would take Yang Lixin''s surname.


    As a live-in son-in-law, Yang Lixin couldn''t be happier. For a man, this was the most important thing, and he was overjoyed.


    However, he hadn''t shared this news yet. After all, they hadn''t even started trying for another child. There was no need to announce it too early. This was a private matter between him and his wife, and they hadn''t told the elders yet. But he believed that if his wife wanted to bring it up, she could definitely convince her parents.


    Still, there was no need to spread the news prematurely. They could wait until she was pregnant again and close to giving birth. For now, it was enough that he was visibly happy.


    To everyone else, it just seemed like Yang Lixin was thrilled to have a daughter.


    In these times, it was rare to see someone so happy about having a girl.


    Wang Zhaodi was busy with chores inside and out. Seeing Yang Lixin so happy, she thought of her own parents. Her parents were nothing like that. Her father was timid outside, but at home, he was harsh with his daughters. He would yell at them, calling them "worthless girls," and though he didn''t hit them, he would make them stand outside in the dark all night, which was scarier than being beaten.


    Her mother was no better. She would curse them, calling them "little sluts," and would pinch them hard. Her mother''s health had deteriorated from having so many children, but she was determined to have a son. She said that if she didn''t have a son in this lifetime, she would rather die. She also instilled this mindset in her daughters.


    Wang Zhaodi''s sisters shared similar thoughts.


    As for why Wang Zhaodi hadn''t been brainwashed by this... it was because she had always had a big appetite. She ate so much that her family didn''t care for her. Her mother didn''t even want to talk to her much, often calling her a "rice bucket."


    Of course, if she hadn''t been such a "rice bucket," she wouldn''t have been sent away.


    Compared to her sisters, who ate less, worked hard, and were obedient, Wang Zhaodi, who was always hungry and rebellious, was less favored.


    Wang Zhaodi had spent a long time in her village. Unlike some more progressive villages, her village was deep in the mountains and extremely isolated. She had never seen anything like the treatment of girls in the city. But she had noticed how Zhao Guihua treated Hutou and Xiao Yanzi equally. In their courtyard, there weren''t many girls.


    Xiao Yanzi was the only little girl, and there was another girl in the backyard, but she was older, around thirteen or fourteen.


    Wang Zhaodi also knew that the family had moved out of the capital to a smaller city just so their daughter wouldn''t have to go to the countryside. She didn''t fully understand it, but she was deeply envious. In her village, not only would no one do something like that for a child, but they wouldn''t even send them to school.


    Xiao Yanzi had even attended kindergarten, something the boys in her village hadn''t done.


    As for the girls, only one or two might have attended elementary school.


    Most didn''t get the chance.


    "The pot''s about to burn," Jiang Lu reminded her.


    Wang Zhaodi snapped out of her thoughts and said, "Oh, I''m sorry, I was daydreaming."


    Jiang Lu smiled, "It''s fine."


    Her temper had hardened, but she had become gentler. She wanted to set a good example for the baby in her belly.


    She asked curiously, "What were you thinking about?"


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "Sister Li Fang had a daughter, and Brother Yang is so happy."


    Jiang Lu nodded, "They always wanted a daughter, so of course they''re happy."


    Wang Zhaodi hesitated, then said, "In my village... everyone only wants sons. No one wants daughters, and they don''t send girls to school."


    Jiang Lu said, "Actually, it''s the same in the city. Whether in the city or the countryside, there are many people who prefer boys over girls. But in the city, life is a bit better, so girls get more opportunities. Sometimes, it depends on the family''s circumstances."


    Like herself, for example. Did her parents love her? Yes, they did.


    But compared to her brother, it was nothing.


    Yet, to many people, her parents had treated her well, giving her a lot of support and help. People saw that she had attended high school, that she had gotten a bicycle and a watch when she got married, and that she could bring back nice things from her parents'' home.


    But they didn''t realize how easy it was for her parents to give her those things.


    Compared to what they gave her brother, she had received less than a tenth.


    If her family had been as poor as Wang Zhaodi''s, she wouldn''t have gotten anything. The reason she received so much was that her family was well-off and had plenty to spare. Giving her a little didn''t matter to them.


    But she couldn''t say these things out loud, because this was just how things were. If she complained about receiving so much, people would say she was ungrateful. After all, how could a daughter compare to a son?


    But what was so different about daughters?


    Jiang Lu shook her head.


    Wang Zhaodi said, "I don''t understand."


    Jiang Lu explained, "When a family is better off financially, they''re more willing to treat their children well. Also, your village might be too isolated. People there don''t get exposed to the outside world or new ideas and policies, so they tend to be more conservative."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded, "Yes, my parents are like that."


    She said, "They''ve never left the village. They don''t even dare to go to the commune to buy things. They either buy from the village store or ask others to bring things for them. Actually, many people in our village do that. They don''t want to go out to buy things themselves, so every month, the village arranges for someone to do the shopping for everyone."


    She used to think this was normal, but now she didn''t.


    Jiang Lu smiled, "So since you''ve left, don''t go back."


    Wang Zhaodi pursed her lips and nodded firmly.


    "Zhaodi, Zhaodi..."


    Wang Zhaodi immediately responded, "What is it?"


    Zhao Guihua called, "Come and take a look at this mushroom. I found a dried mushroom and I''m not sure if it''s safe to cook..."


    Wang Zhaodi quickly said, "I''m coming!"


    Despite her young age, she had more experience with mountain produce than the others.


    Zhao Guihua and the others, though experienced, were city folks and sometimes weren''t sure about certain things. They had already picked out the inedible ones, but occasionally, something slipped through. Wang Zhaodi hurried over, took a look, and nodded, "This one is edible."


    Zhao Guihua sighed in relief, "It looked a bit unusual, so I wasn''t sure."


    Wang Zhaodi smiled, "If you''re ever unsure, just ask me. I know these things best."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Alright."


    On the thirtieth day of the lunar year, the lunch was fantastic. Zhao Guihua had prepared stewed chicken with mushrooms and fish. Coincidentally, their factory had distributed frozen fish, so they didn¡¯t have to use salted fish. Zhao Guihua led Liang Meifen, and the two of them bustled about busily.


    Ming Mei, who was about to give birth, wasn¡¯t present. She leaned against the window of her house, feeling a slight tingling sensation in her belly.


    It wasn¡¯t exactly painful, but it wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable either.


    She furrowed her brows, and Zhuang Zhixi noticed immediately when he turned around. He hurried to the window and asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Ming Mei replied, "I feel a little uncomfortable."


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s face changed, and he quickly said, "I¡¯ll tell Mom¡­"


    Ming Mei grabbed his arm and said, "It¡¯s not that painful, just a little discomfort."


    She thought for a moment and added, "Let¡¯s wait a bit. If it gets really bad, I¡¯ll let you know."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t dare leave his wife¡¯s side after that. He nodded and said, "Alright."


    He gently rubbed her head and said, "If it hurts, don¡¯t hold it in."


    Ming Mei glanced at him. "Do I look like an idiot to you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. "I¡¯m just worried about you."


    Ming Mei said, "If it gets unbearable, I¡¯ll definitely tell you. Don¡¯t worry."


    Perhaps it was psychological, but after telling Zhuang Zhixi, Ming Mei felt like the tingling pain had eased a bit. Zhuang Zhixi carefully observed his wife and noticed that she seemed more relaxed, her brows no longer furrowed. He felt a little more at ease.


    However, even though he felt somewhat relieved, he didn¡¯t let his guard down. After all, Ming Mei¡¯s due date was just around the corner.


    It might not be entirely accurate, but they still had to be extremely cautious.


    Sure enough, even though Ming Mei seemed fine at the moment, after lunch, she started feeling uncomfortable again. She leaned against Zhuang Zhixi, groaning softly, and said, "My stomach hurts¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi, being a man, didn¡¯t understand this kind of thing. He immediately called out, "Mom, Mom¡­ Ming Mei¡¯s stomach hurts."


    Zhao Guihua had just wanted to rest in the afternoon when she heard this. She jumped up and asked, "How does it hurt?"


    But then she quickly decided, "Never mind how it hurts. Third Son, get the hospital bag ready. We¡¯re taking your wife to the hospital."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Huh? Oh!"


    The whole family sprang into action. Some households hadn¡¯t even finished lunch yet when they saw the family hurrying out the door.


    "What¡¯s going on? Is she going into labor?"


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t have time for small talk. She nodded and said, "Yes."


    Zhuang Zhixi pushed the bicycle while Ming Mei leaned against his back. Zhao Guihua supported her and said, "We¡¯ll get there soon. It¡¯s not far."


    Fortunately, Ming Mei wasn¡¯t in too much pain, or else they would have had to borrow a cart to push her. But honestly, no one wanted to borrow such an unlucky cart. Ming Mei didn¡¯t want to ride it either. It had carried too many people, and she didn¡¯t feel comfortable with it.


    Luckily, although she was in pain, it wasn¡¯t too severe.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly made it to the hospital and carried his wife in his arms, saying, "Make way, everyone, make way¡­"


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself, "Why is it happening earlier than expected? Last time, my daughter-in-law didn¡¯t feel anything until the evening and was sent to the hospital at midnight, giving birth at noon on the first day of the lunar new year. I was planning to rest a bit and take Ming Mei to the hospital in the evening, but it seems things have started a little earlier."


    Fortunately, she had prepared thoroughly.


    Ming Mei was quickly admitted to the hospital, but once she settled in, the pain subsided again.


    Ming Mei said, "¡­"


    Her eyes sparkled as she said, "I wasn¡¯t trying to cause trouble, you know."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Of course, I know that."


    He patted Ming Mei and said, "Lie down for a bit."


    Zhao Guihua said, "This is just the early stages of labor. It¡¯ll probably happen by tomorrow."


    She comforted Ming Mei, "Don¡¯t be afraid. We¡¯re all here with you."


    Ming Mei felt more reassured and nodded firmly.

 Chapter 138

    Ming Mei went into labor on the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year.


    The whole family accompanied her at the hospital, and even the extended Ming family had come over.


    A large group of people from both families crowded the hallway, drawing curious glances from some patients who hadn¡¯t been discharged yet. The commotion was simply too much.


    Of course, the main reason was that Ming Xiangdong didn¡¯t look like a particularly friendly person. He was tall, burly, and intimidating, with a scar on his face that made him seem anything but gentle. To make matters worse, he was yelling at his son-in-law, Zhuang Zhixi, at the top of his lungs, berating him relentlessly.


    ¡°Look at you, you good-for-nothing! If it weren¡¯t for you, my daughter wouldn¡¯t be suffering like this! Do you think giving birth is easy? You little brat, couldn¡¯t you have waited a couple more years? My daughter is still so young! Look at what she¡¯s going through! You¡­¡±


    He had been ranting nonstop for an hour without catching his breath. Zhao Guihua, on the other hand, remained unfazed. In her past life, she might have been upset by this, but now she didn¡¯t care. Having experienced it before, she no longer found it bothersome.


    The rest of the Zhuang family, however, huddled in a corner like frightened chicks.


    Zhuang Zhixi stood alone, weathering the storm with a forced smile, taking all the verbal abuse.


    ¡°You useless¡­¡±


    The door creaked open slightly, and a nurse peeked out, saying softly, ¡°Please keep it down.¡±


    Though her voice was quiet, Ming Xiangdong finally fell silent.


    Zhuang Zhixi anxiously glanced toward the delivery room. After what felt like an eternity, the news finally came: Ming Mei had given birth.


    ¡°Congratulations! It¡¯s a boy and a girl.¡±


    Zhao Guihua quickly took one of the babies, while Lan Ling held the other. Lan Ling asked urgently, ¡°How¡¯s my daughter doing?¡±


    ¡°The mother is doing well. She¡¯s already asleep.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good.¡±


    At that moment, Ming Mei was wheeled out. Her hair clung to her forehead, her face pale, and her lips dry and cracked. Zhuang Zhixi hurried to her side, gently stroking her head. Ming Mei was in a deep sleep, completely unresponsive.


    Zhuang Zhixi held her hand, but she remained unconscious, clearly exhausted.


    ¡°Please make way. We need to take the mother back to her room.¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course.¡± Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t let go of her hand. He looked down at his wife, seeing her so vulnerable for the first time. Though their relationship had been brief¡ªthey had married quickly after meeting¡ªMing Mei had always been full of energy. He had never seen her so weak before. His heart ached as he tenderly brushed her hair, murmuring, ¡°You¡¯ve worked so hard, my love,¡± even though she couldn¡¯t hear him.


    The room wasn¡¯t far, and once Ming Mei was settled in her bed, Zhuang Zhixi fretted over her. The weather was cold, and he worried she might feel chilly. He pulled the blanket up high, frowning. ¡°Do you think she¡¯s cold?¡±


    Lan Ling reassured him, ¡°The temperature should be fine.¡±


    Hospitals always took care of patients¡¯ needs, but Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t convinced. He turned to his brother and said, ¡°Brother, could you go to the nurse¡¯s station and rent a thermos? Then fill it with hot water for me.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    As Ming Mei slept, her brows furrowed, as if she were having a bad dream. Zhuang Zhixi reached out and gently smoothed her forehead, whispering, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here.¡±


    Just then, the babies let out soft whimpers, on the verge of crying. Zhao Guihua quickly rocked the baby in her arms, cooing, ¡°Hush now, little one.¡±


    She gently swayed the child, and Zhuang Zhixi finally took a closer look at the baby. He leaned in and asked, ¡°Is this the boy or the girl?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    She had only taken one of the twins, and the newborns looked identical. She checked and said, ¡°This one¡¯s the older brother.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi gazed down at his son. He was a father now. The baby¡¯s skin was red and wrinkled, his eyes closed, and his tiny mouth puckered. He was so small. Zhuang Zhixi remembered that Hutou had been bigger at birth.


    He pursed his lips and then turned to look at his daughter. The little girl looked just like her brother, making it hard to tell them apart. Lan Ling cradled her granddaughter lovingly and said, ¡°This is the little sister.¡±


    Zhuang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhixi nodded, gently poking the baby girl¡¯s cheek. She let out a tiny coo, her head nuzzling slightly.


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, ¡°They¡¯re so small.¡±


    A nurse nearby chimed in, ¡°Your babies aren¡¯t small. One weighs five pounds and eight ounces, and the other is five pounds and nine ounces. The little sister is slightly bigger. Twins are usually smaller than single babies, but yours are actually on the larger side for twins.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, and the nurse gave him some additional instructions before wheeling her cart away.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his son on one side and his daughter on the other. The two babies were practically identical. He said, ¡°Let me hold them for a bit.¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot him a glare. ¡°You don¡¯t know how to hold a baby. Don¡¯t drop them. Step aside.¡±


    Lan Ling agreed, ¡°Your mother¡¯s right.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    But these are my children. Can¡¯t I even hold them?


    Wah, so unfair.


    No one else saw his frustration, though. The room was filled only with family. After all, it was the first day of the Lunar New Year. Only those in urgent need would come to the hospital on such a day.


    He said, ¡°We don¡¯t need so many people staying here. I¡¯ll take care of things. Mom, you can stay with me. Dad, everyone else, you should go home and rest. Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, you¡¯ve been here since last night. You must be exhausted.¡±


    Lan Ling smiled. ¡°This is my daughter. How could I be tired?¡±


    After a moment¡¯s thought, she added, ¡°Mother-in-law, since both my daughter and son-in-law are first-time parents, there might be things they overlook. Why don¡¯t the two of us stay? We can take turns looking after the babies and Ming Mei. The others can go home and rest. What do you think?¡±


    Zhao Guihua agreed. ¡°That works.¡±


    She added, ¡°One person alone wouldn¡¯t be enough, especially with twins. I¡¯ve heard that child traffickers sometimes target hospitals, and with two babies, it¡¯s easy to get overwhelmed. Having more people around is better. We can keep a closer eye on things.¡±


    Lan Ling nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    While child trafficking wasn¡¯t common these days, it still happened, and traffickers often targeted baby boys, especially newborns who couldn¡¯t understand anything. So, it was important to be vigilant.


    ¡°You all go home. We¡¯ll handle things here.¡±


    Lan Ling thought of something else and instructed, ¡°Daughter-in-law, go home and cook the chicken we have. Bring it over tonight.¡±


    Ming Cheng¡¯s wife nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t shy either. ¡°That¡¯s fine. You can bring dinner tonight, but don¡¯t worry about tomorrow. We¡¯ll handle it. Eldest daughter-in-law, tomorrow morning, take some flour and make a soup with two eggs. Also, stew the pig¡¯s trotters and soybeans I prepared. Make sure it¡¯s tender for lunch.¡±


    Liang Meifen nodded.


    She had received the same treatment when she was pregnant.


    She wasn¡¯t jealous¡ªand even if she were, she wouldn¡¯t dare show it. Her mother-in-law was intimidating enough, and her brother-in-law¡¯s father was like a bandit. It was terrifying. Liang Meifen kept quiet, staying out of the way.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Alright, everyone, go home and rest.¡±


    The Zhuang family nodded.


    Ming Xiangdong, however, didn¡¯t want to leave. ¡°I¡¯ll stay a bit longer.¡±


    Lan Ling said, ¡°Fine, you can stay. Ming Cheng, take your wife home. The kids are alone, and I¡¯m worried.¡± She paused and turned to Zhuang Zhixi, a hint of apology in her voice. ¡°Son-in-law, your father didn¡¯t mean to yell at you earlier. He actually likes you a lot and has no issues with you. He may look tough and intimidating, but he¡¯s just nervous and scared. He was so worried about Ming Mei that he lost his temper. When he¡¯s stressed, he tends to shout¡ªit¡¯s just his way of coping. He doesn¡¯t really blame you. Please don¡¯t take his harsh words to heart. Once Ming Mei is discharged, your father-in-law and I will personally come and apologize to you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly responded, "Mom, aren¡¯t you being too harsh on me? As a son-in-law, getting scolded a couple of times is nothing. I¡¯m actually grateful to Dad for scolding me. His outburst helped me take my mind off the delivery room, which I was terrified of. His yelling actually eased my tension, so I really should thank my father-in-law. Besides, we¡¯re family. Family doesn¡¯t stand on ceremony. If I were to apologize over such a small matter, I¡¯d truly be embarrassed. A father scolding his son is just natural, especially when he¡¯s anxious and worried. I completely understand that feeling¡ªI was the same way."


    Zhao Guihua glanced around, genuinely impressed by how well Lan Ling handled the situation. And her son, well, he wasn¡¯t far behind. Even though her eldest son was seven or eight years older than her third, she knew he wouldn¡¯t have been as smooth with his words as Zhuang Zhixi was now.


    As for the others¡­ they were all stunned.


    Just how good was this guy at talking?


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Dad, big brother, brother-in-law, you should all head back. You¡¯ve been here with us for so long, and you must be exhausted. Go home and rest. There might be people visiting for New Year¡¯s greetings this afternoon, so there¡¯s no need for everyone to stay here. With both moms here, who are more than capable, there¡¯s nothing to worry about."


    "Alright then," Ming Cheng agreed. They had arrived that morning.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and the others had been there since the previous night, so they had been around for a while. Honestly, staying up all night had left them drained.


    As they prepared to leave, Ming Xiangdong stayed behind. "I¡¯m not tired. I¡¯ll stay with you all. If there¡¯s any errand to run, I¡¯ll handle it."


    Lan Ling nodded, "Fine, you can stay."


    Ming Mei was still deep in sleep, and the two little ones were also asleep, snugly wrapped in their blankets and placed beside their mother. The blue blanket was for the little brother, and the patterned one was for the little sister. Ming Mei had slept right through the chicken soup. She didn¡¯t wake up until the next morning.


    At the crack of dawn, a heart-wrenching scream echoed through the hallway, startling Ming Mei awake. She groaned softly and reached up to rub her eyes, accidentally brushing against the baby beside her. At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s voice came through, "Darling, you¡¯re awake?"


    Ming Mei rubbed her eyes and opened them to see Zhuang Zhixi with his hair all disheveled. She gave a small smile and said, "You¡­"


    Before she could finish, she suddenly remembered something and immediately reached for her belly, murmuring softly, "Did I give birth?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, you did."


    He said, "Come, take a look. This is the little brother, and this is the little sister. Ming Mei, you gave birth to twins!"


    Ming Mei looked down at the two babies, her smile weak but radiant. She whispered, "I know. I remember giving birth before I fell asleep. I just forgot for a moment. Am I silly?"


    "Not at all. You¡¯re the best. You¡¯ve been through so much!" Zhuang Zhixi gently kissed her forehead.


    Her eyes glistened as she looked at him, pouting, "Giving birth was so hard."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I know, I know. I heard your screams from outside."


    He had been terrified, but both his mom and mother-in-law, as well as the nurses, had assured him that Ming Mei¡¯s delivery had been relatively smooth and quick. It was hard to imagine how much pain she had endured.


    He held her hand and asked, "Does it still hurt?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "Not anymore."


    After a pause, she added, "But it feels a little strange."


    Carrying two little ones had given her a heavy feeling, and now that she was lighter, it felt a bit unfamiliar.


    "Now that you¡¯ve given birth, you can relax."


    Gurgle.


    Ming Mei¡¯s stomach growled, and Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Hungry?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "Is there anything to eat?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I¡¯ll go to the cafeteria. Wait for me."


    As they spoke, the two mothers and Ming Xiangdong, who had stayed behind, woke up. Seeing the young couple so absorbed in each other, they didn¡¯t interrupt. But when they heard Ming Mei was hungry, Lan Ling said, "The chicken soup from last night¡ªcan the kitchen heat it up?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sure, I¡¯ll take care of it."


    He was familiar with the hospital, so this was no big deal.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I¡¯ll go with you. Mother-in-law, you stay here and look after Ming Mei and the babies."


    "Alright, go ahead."


    Plans had changed quickly. Ming Mei hadn¡¯t woken up the previous night, so they hadn¡¯t had the chicken soup and had just eaten cafeteria food instead. That morning, they had planned to wait for the porridge, but Ming Mei had woken up early, and Liang Meifen hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    Fortunately, Zhuang Zhixi could ask the hospital kitchen to heat up the soup.


    As the mother and son left with the pot, Lan Ling approached the bed. She gently touched her daughter¡¯s face and asked, "Was it really painful?"


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes immediately welled up with tears. In front of her parents, she was always a child, no matter how old she got. She pouted and said, "Giving birth was so painful. I kept telling myself that once they were born, I¡¯d spank them. That¡¯s how I kept myself going."


    Lan Ling chuckled softly, "Well, if they misbehave, you can spank their bottoms."


    Ming Mei nodded vigorously, "I never want to have kids again."


    Lan Ling said, "Alright, no more kids. My poor baby, you¡¯ve been through so much."


    Ming Mei whined, "It was so hard. Being pregnant was hard, and giving birth was even harder. When I was carrying them, my legs would cramp, and my stomach would feel uncomfortable at night, so I¡¯d wake up. It was so tough¡­"


    Lan Ling gently chided, "Don¡¯t cry. You need to take care of yourself during this postpartum period. If you cry and ruin your health, I¡¯ll be heartbroken. Look, it¡¯s all over now. Let¡¯s focus on recovering, okay?"


    Ming Mei nodded.


    Lan Ling said, "Have you seen the babies? They look just like you did when you were little."


    Ming Mei frowned, "Huh? Let me see¡­ Ew, they¡¯re kind of ugly. I couldn¡¯t have been this ugly as a baby."


    Ming Xiangdong: "¡­"


    Lan Ling: "¡­"


    She said, "Don¡¯t be silly. Babies aren¡¯t ugly. All newborns look like this. As they grow a little, they¡¯ll get cuter and cuter. Look at their little pink mouths¡ªthey¡¯re just like yours."


    Ming Mei asked, "Really?"


    She tilted her head, trying to see the resemblance.


    "They look just like you, especially around the eyes."


    Ming Mei looked at the two little ones. The little brother squirmed, his tiny mouth moving toward Ming Mei. Lan Ling said, "They¡¯re probably hungry. You didn¡¯t wake up yesterday, so they couldn¡¯t feed. I had to give them a little formula."


    Lan Ling continued, "I wanted to find another new mom to help feed them, but it was New Year¡¯s Day. Everyone who could leave the hospital had already left, and there was no one to help. Luckily, the hospital had some formula on hand, so the little ones got their fill."


    Ming Mei looked down at the two babies and teased, "Oh, so these two almost went hungry yesterday."


    She grinned, and Lan Ling shook her head at her daughter¡¯s carefree attitude. She said, "Old Ming, step out for a bit. I¡¯ll help Ming Mei feed the babies."


    Ming Xiangdong quickly agreed, "Alright."


    He left the room promptly.


    Perhaps because Ming Mei had been well-nourished during her pregnancy, the babies latched on easily. Unlike many new mothers who struggle with breastfeeding at first, Ming Mei had no trouble at all.


    She fed them one by one. Even though she hadn¡¯t eaten yet, the newborns didn¡¯t need much, so she quickly satisfied them. The little ones, their bellies full, opened their dark, grape-like eyes and cooed for a moment before drifting back to sleep.


    Babies sure do sleep a lot.


    After venting her frustrations and feeding the babies, Ming Mei heard Zhao Guihua returning with the pot, the aroma of chicken soup drawing attention as they walked through the hallway.


    Ming Mei, still in bed, sniffed the air and said, "They¡¯re back."


    Sure enough, Zhuang Zhixi and Zhao Guihua entered the room. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Here, darling, let me feed you!"


    No matter what, everything can wait until after eating.


    Ming Mei nodded gently. Lan Ling pulled out a pillow to use as a backrest, then helped her daughter sit up. Zhuang Zhixi was very attentive, adjusting the positions of the two children before sitting by the bed to feed his wife.


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t have a big appetite, and after eating a little, she felt much better. She said, ¡°I can do it myself now.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, ¡°You don¡¯t have the strength. Let me do it.¡±


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°What should we name the baby?¡±


    They had already discussed this at home. Whether it was a boy or a girl, the nickname would be ¡°Tuantuan¡± or ¡°Yuanyuan,¡± as Ming Mei¡¯s due date had been around the Spring Festival, symbolizing reunion and togetherness.


    In any case, these nicknames worked for both boys and girls.


    What Ming Mei was asking about was the formal name.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°We haven¡¯t decided on that yet. There¡¯s no rush. We can think about it together when we get home. For now, we¡¯ll just use the nicknames.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After eating a little more, she said, ¡°I can¡¯t eat anymore.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°That¡¯s fine. If you can¡¯t eat, don¡¯t force it. Later, when my sister-in-law brings more food, you can have a bit of the dough drop soup.¡±


    Ming Mei lay back down, with two little piglets sleeping soundly beside her. She asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you all go home to rest? You don¡¯t all need to stay here.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. We managed to nap a bit last night.¡±


    She and her son had taken turns resting during the first half of the night, and then swapped with the in-laws for the second half. They didn¡¯t need to be so cautious and meticulous, but since Ming Mei hadn¡¯t woken up, they couldn¡¯t help but worry. Even though the doctor kept saying everything was fine, as family, they couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy.


    Besides, the babies were so small, so they took turns keeping watch.


    Ming Mei smiled softly and said, ¡°You¡¯re all so good to me.¡±


    She felt incredibly lucky. Everyone treated her so well, making the ordeal much easier to bear. She had been well taken care of, and even though giving birth was exhausting, she couldn¡¯t imagine how much harder it would have been if her family hadn¡¯t been so supportive.


    She asked, ¡°When can I leave the hospital?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°You need to stay for at least three days after giving birth. So, the day after tomorrow.¡±


    He added, ¡°Actually, tomorrow would be possible, but I think it¡¯s better to stay an extra day for observation. After all, this is your first time giving birth, so we need to be careful.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    She snuggled under the blanket and said, ¡°I want to sleep a little more.¡±


    ¡°Okay, go ahead.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi gently patted his wife. Ming Mei was truly exhausted and soon fell back asleep. When she woke up again, it was already evening. Her sleep schedule was completely messed up. As soon as she opened her eyes, she felt the baby squirming.


    When the mother is hungry, the baby is hungry too.


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°Where are my parents?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°You were asleep during the day, so I told them to go home and rest for a bit. They¡¯ll be back soon. Here, the pig trotter and soybean soup is still warm. Have some. I was going to make it for you at noon, but I figured you wouldn¡¯t wake up, so I made it in the afternoon. It¡¯s just the right time now.¡±


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°What about your mom?¡± She asked about everyone one by one.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°She went to the bathroom.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded. After feeding the baby, she let Zhuang Zhixi feed her. It was only then that she noticed there was another woman in the room. It wasn¡¯t just their family anymore. She remembered the heart-wrenching screams she had heard in the hallway earlier that morning and guessed it must have been this woman.


    This floor was mostly for pregnant women, so it couldn¡¯t have been anything else.


    She glanced at the woman, who looked to be in her twenties. She had a delicate face but looked extremely haggard, her complexion sallow. There was no one around to help her. Perhaps noticing Ming Mei¡¯s gaze, Zhuang Zhixi whispered, ¡°She also gave birth at noon, but you gave birth yesterday, and she gave birth today. Her in-laws saw that she had a girl and immediately started yelling at her. My dad was here at the time and told them to take their nonsense outside, or he wouldn¡¯t be polite.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s lips twitched, but she felt a deep warmth in her heart. Her father always doted on her unconditionally.


    ¡°And then?¡±


    ¡°Then that sharp-tongued old woman, who only bullies the weak, shut her mouth. But because she had a girl, they wanted to leave the hospital right away. But the woman had complications during childbirth and couldn¡¯t be discharged. Plus, they said she might not be able to have more children. When the old woman heard that, she took the whole family and left.¡±


    Ming Mei frowned, ¡°What kind of people are they?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, also disdainful of such behavior, but he didn¡¯t say anything more. He whispered, ¡°Here, have a little more. I tasted it earlier. It¡¯s a bit bland, but it¡¯s quite good.¡±


    Ming Mei teased, ¡°You stole a taste?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Is that not allowed?¡±


    ¡°Of course it is.¡±


    The young couple spoke in hushed tones. Whether it was because she had slept well or eaten enough, Ming Mei seemed much more energetic. She looked down at the two little ones lying beside her and said, ¡°They sleep so much.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how babies are.¡±


    Just then, Zhao Guihua walked in. She said, ¡°You two really are in sync. Third Son said you¡¯d wake up in the evening.¡±


    Ming Mei reached out and held Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s hand.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Of course. If we didn¡¯t have this kind of tacit understanding, how could we be a couple?¡±


    ¡°Look at you, bragging.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, ¡°Mom, Ming Mei didn¡¯t finish the pig trotter and soybean soup. You should have some.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°What would an old lady like me eat that for? Let¡¯s take it home and reheat it so everyone can have some. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll make you some chicken soup, and the day after, I¡¯ll stew some more pig trotters¡­¡±


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°Do we have that many pig trotters at home?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°We didn¡¯t, but after you gave birth yesterday, your grandfather brought over ten pig trotters.¡±


    Ming Mei was speechless.


    It seemed her grandfather could always get his hands on anything. It was almost magical.


    ¡°Your grandfather also bought you a bucket of powdered milk. It¡¯s not for the babies; it¡¯s for you. Your sister-in-law brought it over. Later, Third Son can make you a cup.¡± Zhao Guihua sighed deeply, marveling at how resourceful the old man was.


    To give some background, Zhao Guihua was originally from the outskirts of Beijing. Back in the day, it was chaotic, and her family had passed away early. She married Zhuang Laonian when she was sixteen or seventeen and had been living in a courtyard house in the city ever since. She had been in Beijing for so long that she could be considered a true local.


    Yet, compared to Old Man Lan, who had only moved here less than a year ago, she felt almost ordinary. It was hard to explain.


    Was it that they were too average, or was Old Man Lan just that impressive?


    She said, ¡°For the next few days, the food will be a bit bland. Try to bear with it. We¡¯ll gradually adjust it back to normal.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    She actually didn¡¯t mind the taste.


    ¡°Auntie,¡± a weak voice called out.


    Zhao Guihua turned around and saw the woman in the opposite bed. She asked bluntly, ¡°What is it?¡±


    The woman weakly smiled and said, ¡°Could you help me send a telegram?¡±


    She added, ¡°I have money. I can pay¡­¡±


    She seemed to have tugged at her wound and winced in pain.


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°What do you need to send a telegram for?¡±


    ¡°My name is He Lan. I want to send a telegram to my husband. He¡¯s in the military.¡±


    Zhao Guihua hesitated. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to help, but having lived through their era, she had heard all sorts of stories about spies and how they sometimes used ordinary people. So, she was cautious.


    Sending a telegram to the military, even if it was from a woman who had just given birth, made Zhao Guihua wary.


    After a moment, she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t help you. I don¡¯t know you, and I don¡¯t know what kind of person you are. We have to be careful about these things.¡±


    He Lan pleaded, ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m not a bad person. Please, I¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua interrupted her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s a police station nearby. I¡¯ll go and let them know. Is that okay?¡±


    He Lan was stunned for a moment but then quickly nodded, ¡°That would work. But¡­ they¡¯re so busy. Would they really come for something like this?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°They will. If you have trouble, you go to the police. That¡¯s the right thing to do.¡±


    He Lan quickly nodded, ¡°Yes, thank you, Auntie.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged a glance but didn¡¯t say anything.


    It must be said that it was fortunate that Zhao Guihua didn''t directly intervene, as it could have turned out poorly. It''s not that the woman in question was bad, but after the police arrived, they discovered that her background was problematic. In such cases, caution is never a mistake.


    He Lan''s parents were small capitalists who ran a shop. Now, no one knows where they''ve been sent for re-education. The woman had cut ties with her parents and married into a village in Tong County. It was said that her husband''s family was extremely poor, but their background was good. Her husband was a soldier who was often away from home.


    Her in-laws looked down on her because of her problematic background, and she was left to do all the heavy chores. Her sisters-in-law also bullied her.


    As the saying goes, she rose earlier than a rooster, slept later than a dog, and ate worse than a pig.


    This time, too, if she hadn''t been pushed by her sister-in-law and suffered a hemorrhage, she wouldn''t have been sent to the hospital. Fearing a potential fatality, the village head insisted on sending her to the hospital. The money for her hospitalization came from the small savings she had hidden away before her marriage.


    The police verified that, despite her problematic background, she herself was not a problem. They sent a telegram to her husband''s military unit. Although Zhao Guihua didn''t directly help, she had indirectly assisted, and He Lan managed to exchange a few words with them.


    This time, she sent the telegram hoping her husband would return to help her.


    If he didn''t, she feared she would be ground down to death in that household.


    He Lan showed Zhao Guihua her arm, covered in bruises where they couldn''t be seen. With a lifeless expression, she said, "My mother-in-law never hits me where it shows; she pinches where no one can see. I can endure anything, but my daughter is still so young. If we go back, I''m afraid my daughter won''t survive..."


    Zhao Guihua sighed and said, "Why talk like that? If you want to protect your daughter, you must stand up for yourself."


    "With my background, how can I stand up?" He Lan lowered her head, tears falling.


    From a young lady to a beaten village wife, she had suffered so much that she had lost all spirit.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Even with a bad background, you haven''t done anything evil. The weaker you are, the more they''ll bully you. No matter how bad your background is, you''re still part of their family. What are you afraid of? Besides, are you sure your husband will help you if he comes back?"


    In these times, blind filial piety was common.


    He Lan remained silent.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t press further, only saying, "You need to think more about yourself and your child."


    She had twins, who were supposed to be smaller than average. Yet, He Lan''s daughter weighed just over four taels (about 150 grams). As someone who had been reborn and was used to seeing plump babies, Zhao Guihua was horrified by the weight. It was clear that He Lan had been malnourished during her pregnancy.


    Ming Mei was discharged from the hospital on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. Although He Lan was in a difficult situation, it was clear she still had some money. However, if she didn''t stand up for herself, no amount of advice would help. Their interaction was brief, a chance encounter, and saying too much would have been inappropriate.


    Little did they know, they would meet again soon, and in a completely unexpected way.


    But that''s a story for later.


    Zhuang Zhixi borrowed a handcart¡ªnot the one from their courtyard, as he couldn''t bring himself to use that one. He borrowed another cart and pushed his wife home. Liang Meifen had already heated the kang (heated bed) in Ming Mei''s room, and Zhuang Zhixi carried his wife inside.


    Ming Mei was a bit embarrassed, her cheeks flushed, but Zhuang Zhixi didn''t mind. He made sure she was comfortable before relaxing.


    Ming Mei whispered, "I could have walked."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied bluntly, "I just wanted to make sure you''re okay. This is the most important time for a woman. You need to rest well."


    He added, "Anyway, your maternity leave is more than a month. We can make it two months if you want."


    Liang Meifen''s eyelid twitched at this, but no one paid her any attention. Lan Ling and the others had also come over, bringing the babies. The twins, now four days old, looked a bit better than they had on the first day. Or maybe it was just the family''s bias.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi bounced around, saying, "We want to see the babies!"


    They leaned over the edge of the kang, looking at the sleeping infants. Hutou tilted his head and said, "The little brother and sister look the same."


    Ming Mei smiled and said, "That''s because they''re twins."


    "That''s so nice. My sister and I don''t look the same."


    Liang Meifen explained, "That''s because you''re not twins."


    Xiao Yanzi asked, "Then why didn''t you have twins, Mom? Are you not smart enough?"


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    What a brat.


    She said, "Do you want a spanking?"


    Xiao Yanzi immediately shut up, then muttered softly, "Who wants that?"


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Such a brat.


    She warned, "You''re on vacation, but don''t bother your aunt and the babies all the time, okay? They''re small and need to sleep a lot."


    "Can''t we play with them?"


    "They''re too young to play outside. Be good."


    "Fine."


    Ming Mei had just returned, and Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, everyone, let''s not crowd the room. Let Ming Mei rest for a bit."


    Once everyone had left, Ming Mei said sincerely to Zhuang Zhixi, "It really is best to be home."


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Of course. Just the quiet alone is something the hospital can''t compare to."


    The hospital wasn''t bad, but they had been in the maternity ward, where the cries of women in labor were unavoidable. That''s why they had returned home so quickly. Although "quickly" was relative¡ªit was about the same as most people.


    Ming Mei said, "Go get a towel and wipe my face for me."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Alright."


    Back at home, Ming Mei relaxed. In winter, she was used to sleeping on a warm kang, and the hospital had been uncomfortable. The warmth of home was the best. Since Ming Mei had returned, the neighbors in the courtyard came by to visit. The men didn''t enter, as Ming Mei was in confinement, but the women came to see the babies, marveling at how beautiful they were. Ming Mei was puzzled¡ªwere they really that beautiful?


    She thought the babies still looked like little monkeys! S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But she didn''t dare say that, as both her mother-in-law and her own mother would have glared at her for it.


    It seemed that with the new arrivals, the old ones were forgotten.


    "I..."


    "Wuwuwu, wuwuwu..."


    Ming Mei was about to speak when she heard crying outside. The sound wasn''t loud, but it was muffled, making it eerie. Thankfully, it was daytime; if it had been nighttime, it would have been terrifying.


    Ming Mei asked, "What''s going on outside?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''ll go check."


    He went out and was surprised to find that the one crying in the courtyard was Su Zhaodi.


    Su Zhaodi, the eldest daughter of the Su family, was the older sister of Gou Lanxiang''s three children.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, "Why is she crying here?"


    By then, Zhao Guihua and the others had also come out, and even Ming Mei was peeking through the window.


    Indeed, when it came to gossip, their courtyard was the liveliest.


    As soon as they returned, there was already some drama.


    Zhao Guihua and the others had been at the hospital recently, so they didn''t know what was going on, but Liang Meifen did. She quickly explained, "Su Pandi came on the afternoon of New Year''s Day. She was here to ask Wang Xiangxiu for money."


    "Money? What money?"


    Liang Meifen pouted, "It''s all because of Aunt Su. Didn''t she get sentenced? She was supposed to be sent to the Gobi Desert to plant trees. Originally, she was supposed to be sent away before the New Year, but it seems the weather delayed it until the end of the year. If she were sent now, it would definitely interfere with the New Year celebrations. The higher-ups decided to let the police officers enjoy their New Year, so they scheduled the transfer for after the holiday. That''s why Su Zhaodi applied to visit her mother during the New Year. Who knows what Aunt Su told her daughter. Anyway, she said that if there was any money, she should bring some. With money, she could eat better in prison. Even in jail, you can save money in the canteen. So, Su Zhaodi went to Wang Xiangxiu. Where would she get money? She was counting on Wang Xiangxiu to give her the money Aunt Su had saved. But would Wang Xiangxiu admit to having it? She said their house had been searched, and there was no money. Su Zhaodi isn''t the type to confront Wang Xiangxiu, so she just kept crying and begging from morning till night."


    Zhao Guihua said, "This Su Zhaodi, really..."


    Su Pandi is already in prison, and yet Su Zhaodi still listens to her mother. And as for her mother, what kind of person is she? Su Zhaodi really has no sense of shame.


    "This woman, if she were as fierce as Su Pandi, it might be something. But she''s not. She doesn''t dare to argue or fight with Wang Xiangxiu. All she does is cry and whine. It''s really annoying. A few days ago, every time she started crying, someone would chase her away. But she''s like a piece of sticky plaster. You chase her out, and she cries outside the door. If you chase her further, she cries at the end of the alley. Everyone thinks she''s a bad omen."


    "That''s right! Who wants to see her crying during the New Year? It''s so irritating."


    As soon as these words were spoken, Aunt Wang came over from the backyard and said, "Su Zhaodi, get out of here! Are you done yet? Do you think we can''t do anything to you? If you keep crying here, we''ll call the police. At first, we felt a little sorry for you, but now we see you have no sense of decency. Are you deliberately trying to annoy everyone? You want money for your mother? Well, I¡¯d like to ask, what does a prisoner need money for? Who are you giving it to? What are you planning to do with it? Could it be related to some other case?"


    Aunt Wang shouted this out!


    Zhao Guihua, on the other hand, laughed. She and Aunt Wang had teamed up countless times before. She raised her voice and said, "Who knows? Maybe Aunt Su never asked for any money. Did Su Zhaodi even see her mother? That''s questionable. Maybe she just assumed her mother had money and decided to come here to try and get some for herself."


    "Ah!"


    Everyone gasped, realizing this was a new angle.


    "Aunt Zhao, you make a good point."


    "But that can''t be, right? Su Zhaodi has always been obedient to her mother and cared about her family. Surely she¡¯s doing this for her mother?"


    Zhao Guihua watched as Su Zhaodi shrank back, and she said meaningfully, "Who knows? She used to listen to her mother, but her mother is in prison now and won¡¯t be coming out. Will she still listen to her? Besides, think about it. Can you just visit someone with a life sentence whenever you want? And during the New Year, she went to visit her mother in prison? Does a normal person do that? Let¡¯s not even talk about that. Her husband has always kept a tight leash on her, not letting her have much contact with her family. So how is it that she¡¯s been here crying all day, every day, and her in-laws know nothing about it?"


    With Zhao Guihua¡¯s analysis, everyone suddenly realized how sharp she was. This old lady really knew what she was talking about.


    At this point, Su Zhaodi panicked. She stammered, "No, no, that¡¯s not it! I just wanted to ask Wang Xiangxiu for money for my mother! She¡¯s already caused my mother so much suffering. Shouldn¡¯t she give back the money my mother saved?"


    Oh ho, she actually sounded quite logical.


    Then Wang Xiangxiu came out. She had been avoiding Su Zhaodi for days. Even though she wouldn¡¯t lose in a fight, Su Zhaodi crying outside was ruining her reputation. And with all the crying during the New Year, the neighbors found it inauspicious and blamed her for causing trouble.


    This was forcing her to deal with it.


    Wang Xiangxiu, for once, had a moment of clarity. She had been hiding from Su Zhaodi, but after hearing Zhao Guihua¡¯s analysis, it all clicked.


    She rushed out and said, "Su Zhaodi, I never thought you were so cunning. How could you even see Gou Lanxiang, that old hag? Around New Year, I tried to visit Jinlai at the juvenile detention center, and they wouldn¡¯t let me in. How did you see your mother during the New Year? Are you just here to scam money? Your mother didn¡¯t leave any money behind. All those gold bars were confiscated. What money are you asking for? If my family had money, would we be living so poorly? Your mother confessed about the gold bars. If there was money, wouldn¡¯t she have mentioned it? Tell me, are you just here to extort money from us?"


    "You know, Wang Xiangxiu has a point. Aunt Su even confessed about the gold bars. Wouldn¡¯t she have confessed about any other money? There¡¯s definitely nothing left. So why is Su Zhaodi here asking for money?"


    "Maybe she¡¯s just trying to bluff Wang Xiangxiu. If she can¡¯t get anything, she¡¯ll just extort money for her own family."


    "That makes sense. I think that¡¯s exactly what¡¯s going on."


    Su Zhaodi grew even more flustered and stammered, "I-I-I didn¡¯t! It¡¯s not like that! I¡¯m just doing this for my mother!"


    Her stammering only convinced everyone that she was lying.


    She wasn¡¯t here for Aunt Su¡¯s money.


    Liang Meifen looked at her mother-in-law in shock. Since the first day of the New Year, Su Zhaodi had been coming every day. This was the fourth day in a row, and everyone was fed up, but no one had thought she might be lying.


    But her mother-in-law, as soon as she returned, saw right through it!


    And immediately exposed Su Zhaodi¡¯s little act.


    Wasn¡¯t that terrifying?


    It was absolutely terrifying.


    Her mother-in-law was no ordinary person.


    No wonder she always lost to her mother-in-law and was so afraid of her. It was completely normal. Her mother-in-law was so sharp that ordinary people were no match for her. Liang Meifen thought about this and shrank back even more.


    This was what it meant to be a master.


    Someone like her could never outwit this old lady, even if there were a hundred of her.


    Liang Meifen stayed as quiet as a mouse.


    At this point, Su Zhaodi still wanted to resist. She said, "How can you all be so heartless? My mother lived in this courtyard, and I grew up here too. How can you suspect me¡­"


    "Why shouldn¡¯t we suspect you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu also cried out, "Su Zhaodi, hasn¡¯t your family done enough to hurt me? Now you want to come here and ask for money? You¡¯re going too far. How can you be so heartless? Have you forgotten that Jinlai and the others are your nephews too? How could you be so cruel as to try and scam money from us, a widow and her orphaned children?"


    Aunt Wang glanced at Wang Xiangxiu and then turned to Su Zhaodi, saying, "Su Zhaodi, you¡¯ve been causing trouble here for days. We¡¯re trying to enjoy the New Year, and you¡¯re deliberately bringing bad luck, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯re just trying to annoy everyone, aren¡¯t you? If you can do all this, why shouldn¡¯t we suspect you? I think there¡¯s no issue with Aunt Su. You¡¯re just here to extort money. Come on, let¡¯s go to the police station and sort this out!"


    "No, I won¡¯t go!"


    Su Zhaodi let out a shriek.


    "Let¡¯s go!" Aunt Wang grabbed her, but Su Zhaodi struggled free and ran off as fast as she could, shouting, "I won¡¯t go to the police station! I won¡¯t!!!"


    She was genuinely scared. After all, her mother and sister were already in prison. If she ended up there too¡­ She shivered, terrified, and ran off as if a ghost were chasing her.


    "She ran pretty fast!"


    "She didn¡¯t cry outside this time."


    "Or in the alley!"


    "Obviously, she was scared off. If she really had nothing to hide, why would she be afraid? She must have been lying."


    "Of course¡­"


    At this point, everyone understood. Zhao Guihua had guessed correctly. Su Zhaodi hadn¡¯t gone to see Aunt Su and then come to ask for money. She had come to ask for money on her own.


    And it was probably her husband¡¯s idea.


    No, it definitely was.


    After all, this Su Zhaodi didn¡¯t seem like a sharp person. She acted without any clear plan, and Su¡¯s mother had raised her to be a rather brainless fool. She had no sense of self and no cunning, so it was certain that someone had put her up to this.


    The only people who could persuade her now were her in-laws.


    Thinking this, everyone clicked their tongues in surprise. It really was true that you couldn¡¯t judge people by their old ways. They had originally thought that the two Su sisters were completely devoted to their mother. But who would have thought that once their mother was out of the picture, Su Zhaodi could be so easily swayed by others?


    ¡°I always said the public security system is very strict. How could she just show up like that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such a Monday-morning quarterback.¡±


    ¡°How am I being a Monday-morning quarterback? I said it back then¡ªsomething was off about her frequent visits. Isn¡¯t that what I meant? You tell me¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve. So that¡¯s what you meant? Well, I could say I saw it too¡­¡±


    Everyone chattered for a while, laughing heartily, but Wang Xiangxiu pursed her lips, unable to laugh.


    She thought about the past few days and felt nothing but frustration. What kind of family had she married into? From her mother-in-law to her sister-in-law, not a single one of them was decent. Even in a situation like this, they were still trying to squeeze money out of her.


    It was true that Su¡¯s mother did have some money, but why should she give it to them?


    Who did Su Zhaodi think she was?


    She fumed silently, wishing the entire Su family would just drop dead.


    She bit her lip, feeling a headache coming on.


    Aunt Wang said, ¡°Alright, you should go home now. Be careful from now on.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded. ¡°Thank you, everyone.¡±


    She bowed to the crowd and said, ¡°I¡¯ve caused you all trouble these past few days. Thank you. If it weren¡¯t for you exposing her, she might have come back again. Thank you.¡±


    Although people had some grievances with Wang Xiangxiu, ever since Su¡¯s mother passed away, she had become much more reasonable. She still had her little schemes, but she was different from before. She worked hard with her own hands.


    Maybe she wasn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed, but as long as she didn¡¯t cause trouble, that was good enough.


    Among neighbors, as long as everyone got along, that was all that mattered.


    This incident made everyone even more annoyed with Su Zhaodi.


    She was a jinx.


    ¡°Widow Wang, don¡¯t take it to heart. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not your fault. Who could have guessed she¡¯d pull something like this?¡±


    ¡°What good could Su¡¯s mother have taught her? All of them are unreliable¡­¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡­¡±


    ¡°Su Pandi¡¯s in jail, and now Su Zhaodi¡¯s causing trouble. Thankfully, she¡¯s not some mastermind¡ªjust a coward¡­¡±


    Seeing the conversation drift off, Wang Xiangxiu finally relaxed a little. She quietly went home, feeling a bit more at ease. Her two children looked at her worriedly and asked, ¡°Mom, is Auntie gone?¡± The past few days had been hard on the kids too.


    Tonglai hadn¡¯t even dared to go out to play.


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded. ¡°She¡¯s gone. Your dear auntie was lying. Everything she said was fake¡ªshe was just here to scam money. Luckily, Grandma Zhao saw through her lies. She got scared off by Aunt Wang. She¡¯s not a good person. If you see her in the future, stay away. People like her aren¡¯t worth dealing with.¡±


    The kids didn¡¯t understand much, but hearing that she was a liar made them furious. ¡°What a bad person! She¡¯s a big bad guy!¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu hugged her children and said, ¡°From now on, we can¡¯t trust anyone. It¡¯s just the three of us. We only have each other, so let¡¯s live our lives well.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The three of them talked inside the house, while everyone else stayed in the yard. After all, this was a topic worth discussing. Bai Fendou was the loudest, cursing the most vehemently.


    Zhao Guihua just glanced at the scene and went inside, muttering, ¡°You think your crying and wailing is going to disturb my daughter-in-law and grandchildren¡¯s rest? You¡¯d better think again. You can¡¯t fool me¡ªI¡¯ll expose your tricks!¡±


    Liang Meifen sincerely gave her a thumbs-up. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re amazing.¡±


    No one else could see through it, but this old lady had grasped the key point in an instant. She was truly impressive.


    Zhao Guihua snorted. ¡°Hmph!¡±


    She pointed to her eyes and said, ¡°No ghost or demon can escape these wise eyes of mine!¡±

 Chapter 139

    Ming Mei was at home during her postpartum confinement, and the busiest person was Zhao Guihua.


    The New Year holiday was only a few days long, and although Zhuang Zhixi had a few extra days of paternity leave, it passed by in the blink of an eye. Once the holiday was over, he had to return to work. In those days, there was no such thing as taking leave because your wife was in confinement. That would have invited gossip and criticism.


    Moreover, the factory wouldn¡¯t grant such leave anyway.


    Zhuang Zhixi had already been home longer than most, and once he went back to work, Zhao Guihua was left to manage everything at home. Don¡¯t think being a housewife is easy¡ªwith Ming Mei in confinement, Zhao Guihua felt like the household chores had doubled overnight.


    What she missed most was the idea of a postpartum doula.


    Unfortunately, such services didn¡¯t exist back then.


    After some thought, Zhao Guihua realized that while the rest of the family was at work, she could manage on her own, but now she also had to take care of Ming Mei¡¯s meals, which had to be prepared separately. She eventually decided to seek help from Wang Zhaodi.


    The two of them had a whispered discussion, and then they consulted Jiang Lu.


    No one knew exactly what they talked about, but from that day on, Wang Zhaodi started coming over daily to help. After finishing her chores at the Zhou household in the morning, she would come to Zhao Guihua¡¯s place to clean, do the laundry, and prepare lunch and dinner.


    However, Wang Zhaodi¡¯s frequent visits to Zhao Guihua¡¯s place didn¡¯t attract much attention.


    This was mainly because no one in the front courtyard paid much attention to such things. Wang Xiangxiu was too busy taking care of her children, Bai Fendou was too mopey over his recent heartbreak to notice, and as for Uncle Lan¡ªhe had to go to work.


    With Wang Zhaodi¡¯s help, Zhao Guihua¡¯s workload became much lighter. She was a good mother-in-law, going out of her way to prepare delicious meals for Ming Mei.


    For instance, early one morning, she went out and came back with a carp. She made a carp and tofu soup for Ming Mei, simmering it for so long that the broth turned a milky white. When Zhao Guihua brought the soup to Ming Mei, Ming Mei said, ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡±


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. ¡°What kind of nonsense are you saying? It¡¯s only right to take care of you during your confinement.¡±


    Ming Mei smiled softly and took small sips of the soup. Despite eating so well¡ªtoday it was carp and tofu soup, tomorrow pig trotters with soybeans, and the day after that, chicken stewed with chestnuts¡ªMing Mei didn¡¯t gain any weight.


    On the other hand, the two babies, who had started out as skinny, reddish little monkeys, had quickly transformed into plump, fair-skinned little darlings.


    Both babies had chubby cheeks and arms that looked like little lotus roots.


    The two little ones had big appetites, and it was a good thing Ming Mei was eating so well, or else she might not have been able to keep up with their demands. Fortunately, aside from their hearty appetites, the babies were easy to care for. They rarely cried and mostly just ate and slept.


    Besides the babies, the ones who had gained weight were Hutou and Xiao Yanzi.


    These two kids were lucky¡ªMing Mei¡¯s confinement period happened to coincide with their winter break, so they were home every day. Since Ming Mei was eating so well, the two kids also got to enjoy a bowl of something delicious every day.


    They were thrilled.


    Hutou said with a silly grin, ¡°If Auntie Ming Mei keeps having babies, that would be great.¡±


    Zhao Guihua scolded, ¡°Stop dreaming and go play.¡±


    Hutou chuckled and, after finishing his meal, ran off with his sister to play with their friends.


    While Ming Mei was still in confinement, Li Fang finished hers. She came to visit Ming Mei, carrying her baby girl, whom she had named Zhenzhen. Her full name was Li Zhenzhen.


    Li Weiwei, Li Junjun, and Li Zhenzhen¡ªthose were her three children.


    Little Zhenzhen was about ten days older than Ming Mei¡¯s twins, and she was also a chubby little thing.


    As a chef, Li Fang¡¯s husband made sure his family never went hungry, and Li Fang herself had gained quite a bit of weight. She had originally been slim and tall, but now she looked a bit stocky. This wasn¡¯t surprising, though, since her mother, Aunt Wang, was also a sturdy woman.


    That was probably why Aunt Wang had been chosen as the courtyard manager¡ªshe was someone who could handle things.


    And yes, this year, she was still in charge.


    Aunt Wang felt like she was being tied to this position forever, and it was exhausting.


    She had already identified Zhou Qun as her successor, but since Zhou Qun had a job and wasn¡¯t around the courtyard much, it wasn¡¯t a good fit. So, Aunt Wang tearfully accepted another term.


    Li Fang now resembled her mother more than ever. She brought Li Zhenzhen over, but the little chubby girl was still too young to play with anyone and was mostly sleepy. The three babies were laid side by side, and they all looked adorable.


    Li Fang sighed, ¡°How did you manage to raise them so fair-skinned?¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes sparkled as she teased, ¡°Well, I¡¯m fair-skinned, and Zhuang Zhixi is too. They take after us.¡±


    Li Fang: ¡°¡­¡±


    Can we even have a proper conversation?


    Is this how you¡¯re going to talk?


    She muttered, ¡°Well, you *are* fair-skinned.¡±


    Ming Mei laughed, and after she was done, she said, ¡°I¡¯ve also been drinking milk powder¡ªthe kind meant for adults¡ªand they¡¯ve been drinking my milk, so that might have something to do with it. But honestly, I don¡¯t really know. This is my first time raising babies.¡±


    Li Fang was surprised. ¡°You¡¯ve been drinking milk powder?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°The kind specifically for adults.¡±


    Although Li Fang had eaten well during her own pregnancies, she couldn¡¯t help but marvel, ¡°You¡¯re living the good life.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°I¡¯m in confinement, after all. My mom and mother-in-law both say that the postpartum period is very important. If you do it right, your body will recover well. But if you don¡¯t, it can really take a toll on your health.¡±


    Li Fang nodded in agreement.


    She had given birth to three children and was still in great health, all because she had taken good care of herself during her confinements. After all, it was her own mother who had looked after her, so of course she had been well cared for. Li Fang had also seen neighbors who hadn¡¯t been so fortunate¡ªsome women had to do chores and even wash clothes with cold water during their confinements, leaving their health in shambles.


    Some of them, still young, already looked pale and fragile, as if they could break at any moment.


    Li Fang said, ¡°Aunt Zhao is really good. She might seem strict, but look how carefully she¡¯s taking care of you during your confinement. It¡¯s like having your own mother here.¡±


    Ming Mei smiled softly. ¡°I know.¡±


    Zhao Guihua walked in at that moment. ¡°That¡¯s a nice thing to say, but since when am I strict?¡±


    Li Fang immediately apologized. ¡°I was wrong.¡±


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. ¡°You sure know how to apologize quickly. I made some glutinous rice balls. Have some.¡±


    Li Fang shook her head. ¡°No, thanks. My parents have already prepared some.¡±


    Her family never lacked for good food. During the New Year season, her father and husband took every opportunity to work as freelance chefs, so their household was always well-stocked with delicious meals. It wasn¡¯t just Li Fang who had gained weight during her confinement¡ªthe whole family had.


    She asked, ¡°When will Ming Mei finish her confinement?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Around mid-March. I¡¯m doing a 45-day confinement.¡±


    Li Fang looked at Ming Mei in surprise. Ming Mei smiled and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t want it to be so long¡­ I feel like I¡¯m going to start smelling. But my husband thinks I went through a lot, so he wants me to take extra time to recover properly. I couldn¡¯t argue with him.¡±


    Li Fang opened her mouth to say something but stopped herself. Instead, she said, ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. He¡¯s not wrong.¡±


    What Li Fang really wanted to say was that Ming Mei¡¯s labor had been quick.


    She had given birth three times herself and had seen many other women go through childbirth. None of them had had it as easy as Ming Mei. Ming Mei had started feeling uncomfortable after lunch on New Year¡¯s Eve and went to the hospital. She had some contractions, but they subsided quickly.


    The real labor pains started on the morning of New Year¡¯s Day. She was admitted to the delivery room in the morning and had given birth by noon.


    By any measure, that was a fast delivery.


    Li Fang thought Ming Mei had had it easy¡ªit really didn¡¯t seem like she had suffered much.


    But then again, she decided not to say anything. If the couple felt like Ming Mei had gone through a lot, it wasn¡¯t her place to comment. Besides, Ming Mei had people taking care of her, and Li Fang once again marveled at how good a mother-in-law Zhao Guihua was.


    Since giving birth, Li Fang¡¯s own mother-in-law hadn¡¯t even visited.


    Li Fang said, ¡°I really envy you.¡±


    Ming Mei burst out laughing. ¡°What¡¯s there to envy? You¡¯re doing just fine yourself.¡±


    Li Fang smiled. ¡°I envy you for having such a good mother-in-law.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°You¡¯re just finding ways to compliment me now.¡±


    Li Fang: ¡°Exactly!¡±


    She held the child and chatted for a while, and it was almost noon before she started heading back. As she passed by the Zhou family¡¯s house, Aunt Zhou called out to Li Fang, saying, ¡°Fangfang, why did you bring your chubby little girl out?¡±


    Li Fang pursed her lips and replied, ¡°Aunt Zhou, my baby¡¯s name is Zhenzhen.¡±


    What kind of name is ¡°chubby little girl¡±? She¡¯s a proper young lady!


    That name doesn¡¯t sound nice at all.


    Aunt Zhou chuckled, ¡°Alright, alright, Zhenzhen it is. But your Zhenzhen is indeed a chubby little girl, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    Li Fang asked, ¡°Aunt Zhou, do you need something? If not, I should head home.¡±


    Aunt Zhou quickly said, ¡°Wait, wait a moment. I need to ask you something.¡±


    She continued, ¡°You¡¯ve finished your postpartum confinement, right? Are you planning to host a full-month celebration?¡±


    Li Fang shook her head, ¡°No, we¡¯ll just have a family meal. It¡¯s not appropriate to hold such events now. Supplies are tight, and it¡¯s not encouraged anyway.¡±


    Aunt Zhou nodded and said, ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Then she asked, ¡°What about their family? Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife, Ming Mei, still has about ten days left in her confinement, right? Are they not hosting one either?¡±


    Li Fang replied, ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that. I suppose they won¡¯t either. Besides, her confinement period is longer, so they¡¯re probably too busy to host anything.¡±


    ¡°Longer?¡±


    ¡°Yes, her confinement is forty-five days.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Aunt Zhou was shocked. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ Back in our day, we had to take care of the baby right after giving birth. There was no such thing as a confinement period. If someone managed to rest for ten days, they were considered lucky. Now it¡¯s forty-five days?!¡±


    Li Fang smiled and said, ¡°Times were different back then. Life is better now, so things have changed. Besides, Aunt Zhao is very good to her daughter-in-law. She wants Ming Mei to recover properly during her confinement, which is the right thing to do.¡±


    Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t say anything else, just muttered an ¡°Oh¡± and turned to go home.


    Although she went home, a competitive feeling started brewing in her heart. There were three pregnant women in the compound, and everyone had been paying attention. Li Fang had her mother taking care of her, ensuring she ate well, and her little girl had grown into a chubby baby. Ming Mei was having a long confinement period.


    That left her family, didn¡¯t it?


    No, this absolutely wouldn¡¯t do. Her family couldn¡¯t fall behind. As the wealthiest family in the compound, they couldn¡¯t be lacking in anything. Since that was the case, they absolutely couldn¡¯t lose face. That Zhao Guihua was really cunning, probably using this to boost her own reputation.


    Others might not know, but she did.


    Even though Zhao Guihua claimed to be taking care of her daughter-in-law during confinement, she had also hired Wang Zhaodi to help.


    She didn¡¯t know the exact details, but Aunt Zhou was aware that Wang Zhaodi was being paid. No wonder Zhao Guihua was willing to let her daughter-in-law have such a long confinement¡ªshe didn¡¯t have to do much of the work herself!


    And she got a good reputation out of it!


    How cunning!


    Hmph, as if she couldn¡¯t do the same?


    Aunt Zhou thought she could easily follow suit.


    Learning from others wouldn¡¯t lead her astray.


    She pursed her lips, firm in her resolve. If Zhao Guihua could do it, so could she.


    In the past, she had been too straightforward, always complaining and grumbling, which made people think poorly of her. But now she realized that one needed to know how to build a good reputation. Look at Zhao Guihua¡ªwasn¡¯t that exactly what she was doing?


    That very evening, Aunt Zhou announced, ¡°Jiang Lu, once you give birth, we¡¯ll have a fifty-day confinement period.¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°???¡±


    Her chopsticks trembled slightly.


    Aunt Zhou smirked coldly and said arrogantly, ¡°Our Zhou family is the wealthiest in the compound. We can¡¯t lose face.¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Qun chimed in, ¡°That works.¡±


    As a man, he didn¡¯t really care about such things.


    Aunt Zhou sneered, ¡°Heh.¡±


    Zhao Guihua, you¡¯re only doing forty-five days? We¡¯ll do more!


    Hah, can¡¯t beat that, can you?


    No one knew about Aunt Zhou¡¯s competitive streak. Everyone was too busy to care about such things. Ming Mei wasn¡¯t allowed out until mid-March, and by then, she felt like she was going moldy. However, the benefits of a long confinement period were evident.


    Despite having just given birth, her complexion was even better than before¡ªrosy and glowing.


    Ming Mei carried her little basket and called out to Li Fang. The two of them went to the bathhouse together. After their bath, they felt refreshed and invigorated. Unlike the men who could spend the whole day chatting inside, the women didn¡¯t linger for long.


    The weather was cold, and since they had just given birth, they couldn¡¯t afford to be careless.


    Ming Mei wrapped a towel tightly around her head, double-layered, not caring about how it looked as long as it kept her warm. As soon as she got home, Wang Zhaodi came over and asked, ¡°Sister Ming Mei, where are the clothes you just changed out of?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She felt a bit embarrassed but was starting to get used to it.


    She said, ¡°Don¡¯t touch my undergarments. I¡¯ll wash those myself.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded, ¡°I know.¡±


    She took Ming Mei¡¯s outer clothes and the damp towel to wash. Aunt Zhao brought over two pots of hot water for her to use. Wang Zhaodi smiled brightly, not feeling tired at all.


    Even though she was now working for both the Zhou and Zhuang families, the workload was nothing compared to what she used to do at home. Back then, she had to do much more, even going out to gather firewood in the winter, leaving her hands covered in chilblains.


    As for washing clothes¡­ she had to chip a hole in the frozen river and wash them in icy water. No one cared if the water was freezing. It wasn¡¯t just her family¡ªmany in her village did the same. Every winter, their hands would be riddled with chilblains.


    But now, even though she was being paid for her work, both Aunt Zhao and Aunt Zhou made sure she had hot water to use.


    It felt so warm, something even her own mother had never done for her.


    After washing and hanging the clothes, Wang Zhaodi patted her hands in satisfaction.


    Mid-March wasn¡¯t that cold anymore, and she felt that the work wasn¡¯t too taxing.


    She secretly touched her savings, feeling even more motivated.


    Aunt Zhao wasn¡¯t hiring Wang Zhaodi for free. She paid her ten yuan a month.


    The ten yuan covered two tasks: cooking lunch and dinner, and washing clothes and diapers¡ªmainly the baby¡¯s diapers. In winter, people didn¡¯t change their clothes often.


    Underwear wasn¡¯t her responsibility, and outerwear wasn¡¯t changed frequently.


    So Wang Zhaodi felt a bit guilty about the money, but Aunt Zhao insisted she deserved it. She had worked hard, and the payment was fair. Besides, it helped their family in a time of need.


    Ten yuan was indeed a significant amount, but it was because the baby was still young and needed care. Once the child grew a bit older, they wouldn¡¯t need to spend this money anymore. Of course, this wasn¡¯t something they could openly discuss.


    Aside from Jiang Lu, no one knew Wang Zhaodi was being paid.


    After all, Wang Zhaodi still lived and ate with the Zhou family, so they had to inform Jiang Lu.


    Since they needed to consider Jiang Lu¡¯s upcoming childbirth, they agreed to end the employment relationship around the time Jiang Lu gave birth. Wang Zhaodi and Aunt Zhao had settled on three months, and she had already received her second month¡¯s payment.


    Since arriving last year, Wang Zhaodi had saved up a decent amount of money and felt incredibly happy. After finishing her work, she didn¡¯t rest. Instead, she picked up her newly bought fishing rod and headed out. She hadn¡¯t gone far when she ran into Qiang Dandan.


    He glanced at the fishing rod in her hand and asked, ¡°Going fishing? Why aren¡¯t you riding your bike?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi replied, ¡°Zhou Qun took the bike today. I¡¯ll just walk.¡± S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without hesitation, Qiang Dandan said cheerfully, ¡°Hop on. I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi looked at him in surprise. He said, ¡°I¡¯m heading there too. Might as well go together.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi knew that Qiang Dandan often went fishing. She had run into him a few times, and their skills were about the same.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Get on!¡± Qiang Dandan urged. ¡°It¡¯s more fun with company.¡±


    After a moment of hesitation, Wang Zhaodi said, ¡°Alright then.¡±


    She hopped onto the back of his bike, and Qiang Dandan pedaled off swiftly.


    Wang Zhaodi quickly steadied him, her face slightly flushed. Da Qiang, however, remained oblivious and said, "Let me tell you, I know the best spot, but there''s always this old man who tries to take it from me. It''s so annoying! If he gets there before me, fine, but sometimes he shows up late and still expects me to give it up. Isn''t that just too much? Sometimes I refuse, and he starts acting all high and mighty because of his age. This time, let''s go together. If he starts nagging again, you¡¯ve got to back me up. We¡¯ll stand our ground."


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "That¡¯s really too much! He¡¯s just taking advantage of his age!"


    "Exactly!"


    "Let¡¯s deal with him together."


    "Sounds good to me."


    The two of them quickly rode their bikes to the moat and soon found a decent spot. Wang Zhaodi didn¡¯t know much about good or bad fishing spots, but since Da Qiang said people fought over this one, it must be good.


    "This is the place. Last time I was here, I caught a huge fish. Do you know what I mean by huge? It weighed almost eight or nine pounds! I couldn¡¯t even finish it by myself¡­"


    "That¡¯s really impressive!"


    "Right?"


    They sat down and baited their hooks. Wang Zhaodi had prepared the bait herself earlier.


    Da Qiang, curious, asked, "How long are you planning to stay with the Zhou family?"


    He was just being nosy.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be curious?


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯ll stay for now. Maybe my parents will call me back soon, or maybe Sister Jiang Lu won¡¯t need me anymore."


    She wiped her face and added, "I really don¡¯t know."


    Da Qiang nodded and said, "I heard Aunt Zhou is your godmother? You¡¯ve got a big heart. That old lady isn¡¯t exactly known for being kind. She¡¯s fierce and has a sharp tongue."


    Wang Zhaodi frowned at this. "Da Qiang, you shouldn¡¯t say that. My godmother is actually very kind. Sure, her words can be harsh, but she¡¯s not a bad person."


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Wang Zhaodi had a different perspective.


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s worst days were before Wang Zhaodi arrived. By the time Wang Zhaodi came into the picture, Aunt Zhou had already gone through some changes. After her time away, she returned as a more refined version of herself. So, in Wang Zhaodi¡¯s eyes, Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t a bad person.


    Da Qiang scratched his nose and said, "Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to badmouth her."


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "You don¡¯t need to apologize. Just don¡¯t say things like that in the future. I don¡¯t know what she was like before, but I think she¡¯s a good person. She treats me better than my own mother does. I mean, to her, I¡¯m practically a stranger. Sure, I help out with some chores, but that¡¯s nothing compared to what she does for me. She always makes sure I have enough to eat. Back home, I often went hungry."


    Da Qiang asked curiously, "Where¡¯s your hometown?"


    Wang Zhaodi named a place.


    Da Qiang blinked. "Never heard of it."


    Wang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhaodi explained, "It¡¯s a poor mountain village. Most people there never leave. We¡¯re used to living in the mountains and don¡¯t know much about the outside world. My parents have several daughters, and they¡¯re still trying for a son."


    Da Qiang was stunned.


    In their time, not having a son was a source of shame. Da Qiang, like most men, understood the desire for a son. But¡­ if they already had so many daughters they couldn¡¯t support, maybe it was just fate.


    He didn¡¯t know what to say and finally muttered, "Your parents are something else."


    Wang Zhaodi pursed her lips and said, "My parents said they¡¯d rather die than not have a son."


    Da Qiang was speechless.


    That was¡­ extreme.


    He asked, "Do you want to go back?"


    Wang Zhaodi answered honestly, "No, but¡­"


    She scratched her head and added, "I¡¯ll probably have to go back eventually. I can¡¯t keep living in someone else¡¯s house forever."


    So, she needed to save up some money. Having a little nest egg would give her some confidence.


    Wang Zhaodi took a deep breath and declared, "I¡¯m going to catch a big fish!"


    She wanted to catch a big fish to prove herself. If everyone liked her, maybe they wouldn¡¯t send her away.


    She didn¡¯t know how to stay, but she was determined to do her best.


    That was all she could do.


    Da Qiang looked at Wang Zhaodi¡¯s determined expression and suddenly thought the scrawny girl looked kind of pretty. He remembered seeing her when she first arrived, thin and frail like a little mouse, with hair as dry as straw.


    It wasn¡¯t that he had paid much attention to her back then, but she stood out so much compared to everyone else in the neighborhood.


    Even the poorest families didn¡¯t look as rough as she did.


    But now, she seemed different.


    Her once dry, yellow hair had turned into thick, dark braids. She wasn¡¯t pale, but she had filled out a bit and looked much healthier. Most importantly, she wasn¡¯t as timid as before. She carried herself with confidence.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Is there something on my face?" Wang Zhaodi asked curiously.


    Da Qiang quickly looked away. "No."


    He felt his heart beat a little faster.


    Wang Zhaodi gave him a puzzled look but soon turned back to fishing. She was focused¡ªshe needed to catch a big fish.


    "Hey, you¡¯re here again?" A gruff voice interrupted their quiet fishing.


    An old man approached, making demands without any courtesy. "You two, go fish somewhere else. This is my spot."


    Wang Zhaodi was shocked.


    So this was the man Da Qiang had mentioned.


    She mustered her courage and said, "This isn¡¯t your spot. It¡¯s for everyone. We got here first, so you can¡¯t just take it from us."


    "Exactly," Da Qiang chimed in. "You can¡¯t do that."


    The old man glared at them. "You little punk, you¡¯re no good. And you brought your wife to argue with me? Think I¡¯m scared just because there are two of you?"


    At this, both Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi blushed.


    They were instantly embarrassed.


    Da Qiang stammered, "W-we¡¯re not¡­ we¡¯re not like that¡­"


    Wang Zhaodi, though red-faced, firmly said, "We¡¯re just neighbors. But that¡¯s not the point. The point is, we¡¯re not giving up our spot."


    "Ha! You little brat, you think you¡¯re something, huh? You think you¡¯re better than me¡­"


    "There¡¯s such a thing as first come, first served."


    "Pah! I¡¯m old, so you should give way to me! What, is this some secret meeting spot for you two? You don¡¯t look like decent people¡­" The old man wasn¡¯t kind either. He shoved Wang Zhaodi, causing her to stumble toward the water.


    Da Qiang quickly grabbed her and pulled her back, but they both fell to the ground. Da Qiang was furious. He stood up, grabbed the old man, and growled, "You old geezer, I¡¯ve been too nice to you, haven¡¯t I? Get lost!"


    He shoved the old man with a threatening tone, "You think I won¡¯t hit you?"


    "Y-you wouldn¡¯t dare!"


    Da Qiang raised his voice, "Watch me! You¡¯ve gone too far, bullying a young girl like this. You¡¯re just an old bully! It¡¯s fine if you mess with me, but don¡¯t you dare lay a hand on her! What kind of life have you lived, huh?"


    Seeing Da Qiang¡¯s anger, the old man panicked.


    Men like him were all the same¡ªthey¡¯d take advantage of politeness and push their luck if you were too nice. But when faced with real resistance, they backed down quickly.


    But if you act a bit tougher, they tend to behave and not dare to cause trouble.


    Da Qiang, who worked in the loading and unloading team, was naturally tall and strong.


    However, he wasn¡¯t a bad-tempered person. On the contrary, he was quite easygoing. Because of this, the old man took advantage of his kindness and became increasingly brazen. But when Da Qiang truly got angry, the old man didn¡¯t dare to provoke him anymore.


    Grabbing his fishing rod and bucket, the old man scurried away, hurling threats as he ran: ¡°You adulterous couple, just wait! I¡¯ll find someone to arrest you! Pah!¡±


    Watching the man leave, Da Qiang cursed, ¡°That old bastard.¡±


    He stepped forward to help me up and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    She looked worried and asked, ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll really go and find someone?¡±


    Da Qiang scoffed, ¡°He¡¯s just bluffing. He wouldn¡¯t dare. Besides, he knows his accusations don¡¯t hold water. Does fishing together automatically mean we¡¯re having an affair? Who does he think he is? Does he really think anyone would believe him? What does it have to do with him if we¡¯re fishing? I think I¡¯ve been too nice to him before, which only fueled his arrogance. That old turtle.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi pursed her lips and looked at Da Qiang, who suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and said, ¡°It¡¯s not good to curse at an old man, huh¡­¡±


    Wang Zhaodi immediately shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I don¡¯t think you¡¯re wrong. Good and bad people aren¡¯t determined by age. That old man is being disrespectful at his age, so it¡¯s his fault. You¡¯re not wrong to curse at him.¡±


    Da Qiang scratched his head and chuckled.


    Wang Zhaodi also laughed, ¡°Let¡¯s go fishing!¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re sure to catch something!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    Zhuang Zhixi rode his bike home from work at a brisk pace. Nowadays, he felt like he was on fire, eager to get home and see his wife and child.


    His little one, though tiny, would smile at him!


    A sweet, adorable smile!


    As a proud father, Zhuang Zhixi felt his heart warm at the thought.


    His child was simply the best.


    Zhuang Zhixi turned into the alley, almost home, when suddenly someone darted out and grabbed him. Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, ¡°What the heck!¡±


    He asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Looking at the person who grabbed him, he realized it was Qiang Dandan.


    He said, ¡°Hey, what are you doing?¡±


    Qiang Dandan scratched his head.


    He seemed a bit embarrassed but determined as he said, ¡°Xiao Zhuang, come with me. I need to talk to you about something.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at him, puzzled. They didn¡¯t really interact much. Although they were acquaintances, they weren¡¯t close. Being suddenly pulled aside left Zhuang Zhixi confused. He asked, ¡°What do you need from me?¡±


    Qiang Dandan dragged Zhuang Zhixi behind the restroom, looked around to make sure no one was nearby, and then hesitated, rubbing his hands nervously.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He sighed and said, ¡°If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I need to get going. I¡¯m busy.¡±


    Qiang Dandan quickly replied, ¡°I do have something to ask you.¡±


    He took a deep breath and blurted out, ¡°Well¡­ I want your mom to introduce me to someone.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°???¡±


    He raised an eyebrow, ¡°My mom?¡±


    Qiang Dandan nodded, ¡°Yeah, I was hoping you could talk to her first¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Why don¡¯t you talk to her yourself?¡±


    Qiang Dandan looked at Zhuang Zhixi in shock and said, ¡°I¡¯m too scared!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi twitched his lips, thinking, *You¡¯re really owning up to being a coward, huh?*


    He asked, ¡°Who do you have your eye on?¡±


    After a pause, he added, ¡°Someone connected to my mom?¡±


    Then, after another pause, he guessed, ¡°Is it Wang Zhaodi?¡±


    Qiang Dandan stared at Zhuang Zhixi, dumbfounded, ¡°Are you even human? I haven¡¯t said anything, and you¡¯ve already figured it all out? This¡­ this¡­¡±


    Why else would he need Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s mom?


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, ¡°So you really like Wang Zhaodi, huh?¡±


    Qiang Dandan nodded, sounding a bit shy, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve taken a liking to her, but I don¡¯t know if she feels the same way. I¡¯m quite a bit older than her. Can you¡­ can you ask your mom for me?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll talk to her when I get home tonight.¡±


    With that, he pushed his bike and left.


    Qiang Dandan was stunned again.


    Wait, aren¡¯t you supposed to tease me a bit first? Even among men, this kind of topic usually leads to some banter, but Zhuang Zhixi was completely unfazed. And he seemed to know everything already¡­ Qiang Dandan scratched his head, muttering, ¡°He¡¯s really in a hurry to get home, huh?¡±


    But he trusted Zhuang Zhixi to keep his word.


    After all, they¡¯d known each other for a long time in this neighborhood.


    He crouched down, rubbing his hands together, feeling both nervous and excited.


    He wondered if Wang Zhaodi would be interested.


    Zhuang Zhixi hurried home. As soon as he entered, he called out, ¡°Honey, I¡¯m back!¡±


    Ming Mei had just finished her postpartum confinement the day before and was now freshly showered and fragrant. He leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek, asking, ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    Ming Mei poked him, ¡°Not really.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Liar.¡±


    He chuckled and kissed the corner of her mouth, ¡°You definitely missed me.¡±


    He then leaned down to kiss the cheeks of their two little ones. The sleeping babies frowned slightly, their tiny faces turning away, but they didn¡¯t wake up.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Why are they still sleeping?¡±


    Ming Mei teased, ¡°Babies sleep a lot, you know. They need to eat and sleep well to grow properly.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°Makes sense.¡±


    He leaned closer to Ming Mei, saying, ¡°Honey, you smell so good.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Do I?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi sniffed and nodded, ¡°Yeah, really fragrant.¡±


    Ming Mei smiled softly, ¡°I used a new shampoo today.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t easy to get.


    Her father had bought it for her when he was delivering goods in Shanghai.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°My wife smells amazing.¡±


    He leaned in closer, getting a bit handsy.


    Ming Mei, however, wasn¡¯t about to let things get out of hand during the day. With so many people coming and going, someone might see them. She pinched Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s waist, and he yelped, ¡°Ow!¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Behave.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi pouted, looking at her innocently, ¡°It¡¯s been so long¡­ Don¡¯t you feel bad for me?¡±


    This act of his¡­


    Ming Mei couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Still, she whispered, ¡°Stop it.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I¡¯m hurt. My wife doesn¡¯t care about me anymore. Ever since the babies came, all your attention is on them. I¡¯m jealous¡­¡±


    Ming Mei, seeing him play the part, pushed him lightly, ¡°Oh, come on.¡±


    She teased, ¡°You¡¯re just as obsessed with the babies. You rush over to see them as soon as you get home. Who knows if you¡¯re here for me or them?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Both, but mostly for you¡­¡±


    He leaned on Ming Mei¡¯s shoulder and whispered, ¡°We won¡¯t do anything now. But tonight¡­¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s cheeks turned slightly pink as Zhuang Zhixi leaned closer, murmuring something in her ear.


    Ming Mei bit her lip and said, ¡°Alright¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately smiled, ¡°My wife is the best.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s face was now flushed, and her heart raced. It had been a long time since they¡¯d been intimate. During her pregnancy, it was out of the question, and after giving birth, she needed time to recover.


    Counting the days, it had been almost half a year.


    Though they¡¯d been affectionate, they¡¯d been extra careful. Now, they could finally relax.


    Ming Mei: ¡°But I don¡¯t want to get pregnant again too soon.¡±


    Though she was willing, she wanted to make things clear.


    Zhuang Zhixi understood his wife¡¯s concerns. For some reason, it seemed easy to get pregnant again soon after giving birth. Many people ended up with children close in age because of this. They didn¡¯t know the specifics, but they were aware of the possibility.


    Zhuang Zhixi gave her a reassuring look, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got it covered.¡±


    Ming Mei looked at him skeptically, but Zhuang Zhixi leaned in and kissed her soft lips, saying, ¡°Really, trust me.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded gently.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, then said, ¡°Alright, enough cuddling. I need to talk to Mom about something.¡±


    Ming Mei looked at him curiously, and Zhuang Zhixi grinned, ¡°It¡¯s about matchmaking.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Huh?¡±


    She leaned over and asked, "Matchmaking? For whom?"


    Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Wang Zhaodi, I''m heading over."


    Ming Mei chimed in, "I want to go too."


    Zhuang Zhixi pointed at the still-sleeping baby, and Ming Mei sighed, "It''s such a shame I can''t join in on the fun."


    She pouted and added, "But you have to tell me all about it later."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Sure."


    Although everyone got off work at the same time, Zhuang Zhixi always seemed to sprint home, arriving much earlier than the others. At this moment, the rest of the family hadn¡¯t returned yet. Zhao Guihua was busy cooking dinner. Actually, dinner was usually prepared by Wang Zhaodi.


    It was almost ready to serve, but Wang Zhaodi had already gone back to the Zhou household to help with their chores.


    All Zhao Guihua had to do was dish out the food.


    While ten yuan a month wasn¡¯t a small sum, it wasn¡¯t a long-term expense¡ªjust a few months¡¯ worth, so it was manageable.


    Under normal circumstances, Zhao Guihua could handle the cooking herself. But as a reincarnated soul, she suddenly found herself with a lot more on her plate, and it was a bit overwhelming. When she had first reincarnated the previous year, she had faced similar challenges, but fortunately, Liang Meifen had been around to help.


    So, Zhao Guihua had quickly adapted.


    Now, she was just relying on Wang Zhaodi to help her through this second transition.


    She noticed her son approaching and asked, "What¡¯s up?"


    As a mother, she could instantly tell he had something to say.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "On my way back, I ran into Qiang Dandan. He asked for your help in finding him a match."


    Zhao Guihua was taken aback, "Me?"


    She wasn¡¯t exactly in the matchmaking business. The neighborhood¡¯s go-to matchmaker was Aunt Wang.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "He¡¯s interested in Wang Zhaodi, so that¡¯s why he came to you."


    Zhao Guihua suddenly understood.


    Indeed, in this courtyard, she had the most contact with Wang Zhaodi. If someone wanted to make an introduction, she was the obvious choice. Of course, Aunt Zhou was even closer to Wang Zhaodi, but since Aunt Zhou was her godmother, that wouldn¡¯t work.


    If Wang Zhaodi lived with her biological parents, asking Aunt Zhou would have been fine. But since her parents weren¡¯t around and Aunt Zhou was her only elder, it wasn¡¯t appropriate.


    In these times, it wasn¡¯t customary to approach someone¡¯s elder directly for matchmaking¡ªit was a matter of etiquette.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Qiang Dandan is interested in Wang Zhaodi?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Who knows when they started interacting, but I could tell he¡¯s smitten. Oh, Mom, you should¡¯ve seen his grin. It was unbearable."


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look, "You weren¡¯t any better when you were dating. Don¡¯t throw stones when you live in a glass house."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "So, are you going to ask Wang Zhaodi about it?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Of course."


    Having spent so much time together, Zhao Guihua had grown quite fond of Wang Zhaodi. The girl was simple-hearted, kind, and hardworking. Someone like her deserved a good match. Unfortunately, given the times and her circumstances, her options were limited.


    Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family background was poor, and the gap between urban and rural areas was vast. Most people wouldn¡¯t consider someone like her.


    In fact, the neighbors had been trying to find a suitable match for Wang Zhaodi for a while, but nothing had worked out because of this.


    Zhao Guihua, being the impatient type, said, "I¡¯ll go talk to Wang Zhaodi right now."


    As she reached the door, she turned back, "Keep an eye on the pot. Don¡¯t let it burn."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Got it."


    Zhao Guihua hurried over to the Zhou household and found Wang Zhaodi cooking. She asked, "Where¡¯s Aunt Zhou?"


    "She went to the restroom."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Perfect timing. I need to talk to you about something. Think it over."


    Wang Zhaodi looked up, "Hmm?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "You know Qiang Dandan from the next courtyard, right?"


    Wang Zhaodi nodded, "Yes, I know him."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Well, Qiang Dandan¡ªhis full name is Ye Qiang¡ªhas taken a liking to you. He asked me to help introduce the two of you."


    "What!"


    Wang Zhaodi¡¯s fire poker clattered to the ground as she stared at Zhao Guihua in shock.


    Zhao Guihua went on, "Let me tell you a bit about him, and then you can discuss it with the Zhou family. I think, as someone who knows him well, Ye Qiang is a decent choice. He¡¯s 28, so about eight years older than you. He lives with his mother, who stays with his older brother. He has an older brother and sister, both living in the city, but they have their own families to take care of, so they don¡¯t interact much. He lives alone in a room in the next courtyard. He works in the loading and unloading team at the machinery factory. It¡¯s manual labor, but it¡¯s a stable job. His salary is around 32 or 33 yuan, depending on his rank. The loading and unloading team gets double the usual grain and meat rations since they do heavy work and need the energy. They also get an extra bun at the canteen every day, free of charge. That¡¯s why he looks so strong. But he does have a drawback¡ªhe¡¯s been married before. A few years ago, he got married, but it turned out his wife had been sick before the wedding. Her family had tricked him into marrying her to offload her care. They even took his betrothal gifts. On their wedding night, the truth came out, and my eldest and third sons, along with some other guys from the alley, went to confront her family. But in the end, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to kick her out. She passed away less than a year into their marriage. It¡¯s been almost four years now. Since the whole thing was a scam, he¡¯s had no contact with her family. He doesn¡¯t have any children."


    Zhao Guihua finished in one breath and said, "That¡¯s the gist of his situation. Think it over."


    "Think what over?" Aunt Zhou had returned.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "I¡¯m introducing a potential match. I told her to think about it."


    Aunt Zhou immediately got excited, "Who? What¡¯s he like? Do you know him? Do I know him? Did he take a liking to Wang Zhaodi, or are you just trying to play matchmaker? Tell me¡­"


    "Hold on, hold on," Zhao Guihua interrupted, rubbing her temples, "It¡¯s Ye Qiang. He¡¯s interested in Wang Zhaodi."


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s eyes lit up, and she slapped her thigh, "That¡¯s a good match! Sure, he¡¯s not much to look at, and his family can¡¯t offer much support, but he¡¯s not a bad choice."


    Aunt Zhou genuinely cared for Wang Zhaodi.


    She said, "Ye Qiang¡¯s mother doesn¡¯t live with him. He¡¯s strong but not the type to hit anyone. He¡¯s got a stable job. Wang Zhaodi, I think he¡¯s a good fit¡­"


    Wang Zhaodi¡¯s face turned redder and redder as she listened, starting from the moment she heard it was Ye Qiang from the next courtyard.


    How¡­ how could he be interested in her?


    She wasn¡¯t anything special.


    Wang Zhaodi nervously fiddled with her fingers.


    Zhao Guihua could tell what was going on and asked, "You¡¯ve had some interactions, haven¡¯t you?"


    If not, she wouldn¡¯t be reacting like this.


    And Ye Qiang wouldn¡¯t have been so forward about it.


    Zhao Guihua stared at Wang Zhaodi, who admitted, "We¡¯ve run into each other a few times while fishing, but we haven¡¯t really interacted."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "So, what do you think?"


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, "Yes, what do you think? Wang Zhaodi, you need to think carefully. Ye Qiang¡¯s conditions are pretty good. Even though you can stay with us, the neighborhood and your hometown won¡¯t let you stay here forever. But if you get married, it¡¯s a different story."


    Wang Zhaodi knew her family was from a remote mountain village. Even if Ye Qiang wasn¡¯t the best option, her parents would marry her off to anyone¡ªbe it a village ruffian or an old widower¡ªas long as they could pay the betrothal gifts.


    They didn¡¯t care about her happiness; they only cared about the money.


    She bit her lip and said, "I¡¯m willing!"


    She looked up, her voice firmer, "I¡¯m willing. But¡­ my family¡¯s situation¡­ Aunt Zhao, you need to make that clear to him. I don¡¯t want to deceive him."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "I understand. Don¡¯t worry too much about your family. Ye Qiang¡¯s appearance alone is quite intimidating. We¡¯ll discuss that later. For now, it¡¯s about whether you¡¯re willing."


    Wang Zhaodi whispered, "I¡¯m willing."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "Alright, I¡¯ll take care of it."


    Aunt Zhou added, "I¡¯ll be involved in this too."


    She patted Wang Zhaodi¡¯s shoulder, "Since you¡¯ve accepted me as your godmother, I¡¯ll look out for you."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded gratefully, "Thank you."


    Her eyes reddened, and she rubbed them, saying, "It''s so good to have met you all."


    Aunt Zhou replied, "What nonsense are you talking?"


    She continued, "When it comes to things like this, your parents can''t be relied on. I have to help you. Why should they decide everything? They won''t care about how you live your life!"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Zhou again, feeling that she truly seemed noble when she acted like a decent person.


    However, Aunt Zhou had been genuinely kind to Wang Zhaodi.


    She said, "Alright then, I''ll talk to Daqiang about it."


    Aunt Zhou grabbed Zhao Guihua and said, "You have to tell Daqiang that even though Wang Zhaodi''s family isn''t great, they''re far away, and we''ll help them too."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, "Of course, I understand that."


    She added, "You just wait and see. But as for you, you''ve never been a decent person in your life, yet you''re so good to Wang Zhaodi."


    Aunt Zhou retorted, "Hey, what do you mean by that? Don''t talk bad about me. I''m a good person!"


    Zhao Guihua chuckled coldly, "Hmph."


    Despite the sarcasm, she still said, "Don''t worry."


    Aunt Zhou nodded.


    She watched Zhao Guihua''s retreating figure and then turned to Wang Zhaodi, saying, "I''m not telling you to stop being filial, but from what you''ve described, I already know what kind of people your parents are. If you can get together with Daqiang, go back and get the marriage certificate, but don''t involve your parents. And sometimes, you have to be ruthless. Otherwise, you''ll suffer later."


    Wang Zhaodi, who understood her family better than Aunt Zhou, nodded, "I know."


    Aunt Zhou looked at Wang Zhaodi and then at the flames in the stove, lost in thought. Slowly, she said, "Do you know why I''m so good to you?"


    Wang Zhaodi replied, "You''re just a good person by nature."


    Aunt Zhou laughed bitterly and shook her head, "No, I''m not. Everyone knows how harsh I, Zhou Li Shi, can be. I''m good to you because your situation reminds me of my own."


    Wang Zhaodi widened her eyes in surprise.


    Aunt Zhou stared into the flames, not looking at Wang Zhaodi, and said, "When I was young, my family also had six or seven children, all girls. My parents were desperate for a son. Life was much harder back then than it is now. But they never gave up. Finally, they had a son, and he was treated like a treasure. I was the youngest daughter. All my older sisters were sold off to terrible places. They''re all gone... Can you imagine? Not a single one survived to see liberation."


    Aunt Zhou continued, staring into the fire, "I wanted to live, so I worked hard to prove myself. Eventually, I married into a small landlord''s family as a concubine. But less than a month after I married, the landlord died, and I was driven out. I thought I could rely on my family, my parents, and my brother. So, I went back. But who would have thought they would sell me off again? This time, I ran away. I married Old Zhou on my own. My family came to cause trouble, but we drove them away. After that, we cut ties completely. My maiden name is Li, Zhou Li Shi. I started calling myself Aunt Zhou after learning from Aunt Su, but I''m not like her. She did it for reputation and to avoid trouble. For me, it doesn''t matter. Whether I''m Zhou Li Shi or Aunt Zhou, it''s all the same. The Li family was never good to me. The Zhou family gave me a second chance at life. So, when people call me Aunt Zhou, I don''t care. It''s not that I''m old-fashioned; I just don''t want to be associated with the Li family. So, when you know someone isn''t good, don''t let family ties soften your heart. They won''t show you any mercy!"


    Wang Zhaodi grasped Aunt Zhou''s hand.


    Aunt Zhou said, "From what you''ve told me about your family, I''ve been through it all myself. Having a brother made things even worse for me. If your parents want to keep trying for a son, let them. If your sisters want to sacrifice themselves, that''s their choice. But you have to be the ''ungrateful'' one, understand? If you''re not tough, no one else can help you."


    Wang Zhaodi nodded firmly, "I understand."

 Chapter 140

    Three cobblers with their wits combined surpass Zhuge Liang.


    Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang, and Aunt Zhou¡ªthese three women were far more than just three cobblers.


    Oh, and there¡¯s also Ming Mei, who¡¯s not officially part of the group.


    Li Fang usually didn¡¯t get involved in such matters; she had always kept a low profile in the neighborhood. The others were either busy with work or school. Ming Mei, who was on maternity leave at home, had the time to watch the excitement unfold.


    Both parties were interested, so Wang Zhaodi and Ye Qiang decided to arrange a formal blind date. Although they already knew each other, they still wanted to follow the proper procedures. Zhao Guihua acted as the matchmaker, and the meeting was set to take place at the Zhuang family¡¯s home.


    Zhao Guihua prepared a plate of roasted peanuts, a plate of sunflower seeds, a plate of candies, and a box of pastries¡ªfour dishes in total. That would do.


    Early in the morning, Wang Zhaodi put on a relatively new outfit. She only had two sets of clothes, both patched up and shabby. The two sets she usually wore were hand-me-downs from Jiang Lu. Even Jiang Lu¡¯s old clothes were better than Wang Zhaodi¡¯s newest ones.


    This particular outfit was something Jiang Lu had dug out specifically for Wang Zhaodi¡¯s blind date¡ªa dark red plaid blouse and a pair of grayish-blue pants. Wang Zhaodi also dabbed on some ¡°Da Youyi¡± perfume, making her face smell sweet. After tidying up, she looked quite pretty.


    It was her first blind date, and she was a little nervous. She asked, ¡°Does this look okay?¡±


    Aunt Zhou replied, ¡°It¡¯s fine. You¡¯re more than good enough for anyone.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi smiled shyly and followed Aunt Zhou to the Zhuang family¡¯s home. By then, Da Qiang had already arrived. He was dressed neatly and had even gotten a haircut before coming, looking sharp and tidy.


    Because of his physically demanding job, he looked a bit older than his actual age. But even so, he appeared to be in his early thirties, not far off from his real age of twenty-eight. This was quite different from Bai Fendou, who was in his early thirties but looked like he was in his forties. Da Qiang wasn¡¯t that exaggerated.


    When Wang Zhaodi walked in, Da Qiang¡¯s eyes lit up. He had always thought she was pretty, but now she looked even more beautiful.


    Zhao Guihua stood up immediately and said, ¡°Let me introduce you two¡­¡±


    She paused and laughed, ¡°Look at me, you¡¯re not nervous, but I am!¡±


    Her little joke helped everyone relax a bit. Zhao Guihua continued, ¡°I don¡¯t even need to introduce you. You¡¯re neighbors and already know each other. This is Ye Qiang, and this is Wang Zhaodi. Please, have a seat.¡±


    The two of them sat down, and Zhao Guihua said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯ve already told you both about each other¡¯s family and personal situations, so you should have a good idea, right?¡±


    They both nodded.


    In truth, they both knew this was just a formality. They were already acquainted and aware of each other¡¯s circumstances. There wasn¡¯t much left to say. Besides, Da Qiang had sought out the matchmaker knowing Wang Zhaodi¡¯s situation, so there wasn¡¯t much suspense about the outcome.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Da Qiang, Wang Zhaodi is a good girl. She¡¯s stronger than most girls and has a bigger appetite. But having a good appetite is a blessing, and her strength makes her very efficient at work. You know how we were always going up the mountain last autumn, right? She worked harder than us old ladies and even helped us out. She¡¯s a practical girl who knows how to live well.¡±


    It was important to mention her appetite upfront; otherwise, it might cause issues later.


    Blind dates nowadays weren¡¯t like they would be decades later, where things were left vague and only clarified after getting to know each other. Back then, most proper blind dates required full transparency. Those who tried to hide things or deceive others would be harshly criticized.


    Da Qiang nodded. He knew about this. They had missed out on the fishing at the mountain pond, but he had heard that they had gathered a lot of wild produce in the autumn.


    He said earnestly, ¡°I know she¡¯s very capable.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled, ¡°You¡¯re capable too. The loading and unloading work is tougher than most jobs, but you handle it with ease. That definitely puts you ahead of most people.¡±


    Da Qiang replied, ¡°I¡¯m alright. I¡¯m strong, so this kind of work doesn¡¯t bother me much.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi chimed in brightly, ¡°I¡¯m strong too.¡±


    The two of them exchanged a smile.


    This was looking promising!


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s eat something.¡±


    Knock, knock.


    Someone was at the door. Ming Mei peeked in and said, ¡°Mom, could you help me change the baby¡¯s diaper?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°You really can¡¯t handle such a simple task? I¡¯ll be right there. Aunt Zhou, come and help me.¡±


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Sure.¡±


    In reality, the diaper change was just an excuse to give the young couple some time alone.


    Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou left the room and followed Ming Mei into the neighboring house. The two little ones were sleeping soundly on the kang, so there was nothing to worry about. Aunt Zhou kept glancing toward the door, and Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. They¡¯ll probably hit it off.¡±


    Aunt Zhou snorted, ¡°I can¡¯t help it. She¡¯s my goddaughter, after all.¡±


    Zhao Guihua teased, ¡°Oh, come on.¡±


    Aunt Zhou retorted, ¡°What are you ¡®oh-ing¡¯ about? I¡¯m always fair and square.¡±


    Ming Mei watched their banter with amusement, resting her chin on her hand.


    This made Aunt Zhou feel a bit awkward. She hadn¡¯t been to Ming Mei¡¯s room much, as Ming Mei wasn¡¯t the easiest person to get along with. Compared to those who looked fierce, Aunt Zhou thought Ming Mei, with her youthful appearance, seemed easy to bully. But in reality, Ming Mei¡¯s no-nonsense attitude made her even more intimidating.


    Since she hadn¡¯t been here often, Aunt Zhou took the opportunity to look around and said, ¡°Your kang is really nice.¡±


    The kang provided more space, and once the child grew a bit older, they could crawl around. It was also warm in the winter.


    Looking around, the room was tidy, with a biscuit box and a can of powdered milk on the cabinet. Aunt Zhou pursed her lips and said, ¡°You¡¯re living quite well. Zhao Guihua, your daughter-in-law is living better than you, huh?¡±


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, ¡°Are you suggesting I should compete with a nursing mother for food? Have some decency.¡±


    ¡°What kind of talk is that?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like what I say, don¡¯t stir the pot.¡±


    Aunt Zhou snorted.


    Ming Mei, having had her fill of their bickering, asked, ¡°What do you think Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family will do if they find out she¡¯s found a partner, especially a city worker?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Nothing good. They¡¯ll definitely try to leech off her.¡±


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it. Da Qiang doesn¡¯t seem like a pushover. Let him deal with Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family and play the bad guy.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. If he acts tough and takes charge at home, even if Wang Zhaodi marries well, her family won¡¯t dare to cause trouble. Plus, the two families live far apart, so they probably won¡¯t know the details.¡±


    Just then, Aunt Wang knocked and came in. The three big shots gathered, and Aunt Wang asked eagerly, ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°It¡¯s going well. We were just discussing Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family.¡±


    Aunt Wang said, ¡°Let¡¯s just keep them in the dark. They live far away and won¡¯t be in contact much, so it won¡¯t affect the young couple¡¯s life.¡±


    Ming Mei looked at them and said, ¡°Have you forgotten how Wang Zhaodi came here in the first place?¡±


    Everyone turned to look at her. Ming Mei, being sharper, said, ¡°Wang Zhaodi was introduced by Su Zhaodi, who said she was the daughter of Su Zhaodi¡¯s mother-in-law¡¯s sister. That makes her Su Zhaodi¡¯s husband¡¯s cousin. Regardless of whether Su Zhaodi¡¯s in-laws are good people, the two families are still related. If they find out about Wang Zhaodi¡¯s situation, they might gossip to her family. If Wang Zhaodi¡¯s parents come knocking, can we really ignore them? Filial piety is highly valued nowadays.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s point was quite valid.


    ¡°You¡¯re right about that.¡±


    ¡°Ming Mei, we really did forget about that.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said firmly, ¡°Even so, what does it matter? Da Qiang is a grown man and a laborer. His loading and unloading team is full of tough guys. Can¡¯t they handle a little confrontation? In this day and age, the soft fear the tough, the tough fear the ruthless, and the ruthless fear the reckless. As long as Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi stand their ground, no one will dare to bully them.¡±


    Zhao Guihua paused for a moment and said, "No matter how much we plan, we can''t map out every detail of the young couple''s life. Many things are for them to face on their own. If they are weak, they¡¯ll only be bullied. But if they stand their ground, Wang Zhaodi''s family won¡¯t be able to cause any trouble. As for Su Zhaodi''s in-laws, they¡¯re just distant relatives, nothing more than a fart in the wind. They didn¡¯t lift a finger when times were tough. If things get better, don¡¯t let them come around looking for handouts!"


    Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou thought about it and agreed with Zhao Guihua''s reasoning.


    Ming Mei, standing nearby, was eager to chime in. "If I weren¡¯t so busy with the baby, I¡¯d take time off to accompany Wang Zhaodi back to her family. If anyone dared to talk nonsense, I wouldn¡¯t hold back. It¡¯d be a good chance to practice my skills." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three elderly women exchanged glances.


    "You just want to pick a fight, don¡¯t you?"


    "Come on, give it a rest," Zhao Guihua said. "Stay home and take care of the baby."


    Ming Mei shrugged. "I know, I know."


    "Mm-mm¡­" A soft, cooing sound came from the bed. Ming Mei turned around and saw that her little boy had woken up. The moment he opened his eyes, he started looking for his mom, wriggling and puckering his lips.


    Ming Mei immediately climbed onto the bed, turning her back to the others, and began nursing the baby.


    As soon as she put Little Tuan Tuan down, Little Yuan Yuan started waving her tiny hands impatiently.


    The two chubby babies, now full and content, gently swayed their little hands. Tuan Tuan, for some reason, suddenly grabbed his sister¡¯s hand. He tilted his head, looking puzzled, as if wondering why there was another little creature just like him. Or maybe he simply thought his sister was a big stuffed doll, holding onto her hand tightly.


    Even though Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan were less than two months old, their personalities were already distinct.


    Tuan Tuan, the older brother, was lively and active. Despite being so young, he already loved kicking his little feet. Yuan Yuan, on the other hand, was a bit of a lazy baby. She was all about eating and didn¡¯t mind her brother tugging at her. When he kicked off the blanket, she¡¯d just curl up into a tiny ball.


    But neither of the babies was prone to crying.


    On the contrary, they were cheerful and happy babies.


    After feeding the two little ones, Ming Mei played with them, eliciting giggles and coos.


    Aunt Wang watched and said, "Your babies are so easy to soothe. My little one is a night crier. He can¡¯t stand any discomfort and cries the moment he¡¯s not held."


    Zhao Guihua smiled. "Our family has agreed not to carry the babies around too much. Right now, Ming Mei and I are at home, but once she goes back to work, it¡¯ll just be me. I can¡¯t carry two babies at once, so we¡¯re trying not to let them get used to being held all the time. Otherwise, it¡¯ll be hard to manage."


    Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou nodded in agreement. While having twins was a blessing, it could be challenging if there weren¡¯t enough hands to help.


    "What about in the summer?"


    At this, Zhao Guihua smiled. "My husband plans to make a little stroller for each of them. That way, we can take them out for walks."


    "That¡¯s a great idea."


    Zhao Guihua beamed with pride. "My husband is quite handy with his hands."


    Ming Mei, still playing with the babies, said, "Once the weather warms up, the babies can go outside."


    Tuan Tuan wriggled excitedly, babbling away.


    Yuan Yuan, holding her brother¡¯s hand, suddenly stuck his little fingers into her mouth. She quickly spat them out, making a face that Ming Mei immediately understood: "Yuck, not tasty."


    Tuan Tuan, annoyed that his sister had tried to chew on his hand, waved his little fist at her, scolding her in baby talk.


    Yuan Yuan just grinned innocently at him, drool dripping down her chin.


    Ming Mei couldn¡¯t help but laugh. "Pfft."


    Her own children were endlessly amusing.


    While they were passing the time in the room, Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi were having a productive conversation.


    Da Qiang said, "You know about my family situation, right? I only have my mom, and she lives with my older brother. She¡¯s not as strong-willed as Zhao Guihua or the others, but regardless, we only see each other during holidays. We don¡¯t interact much otherwise."


    His mother was old-fashioned, believing that the eldest son should take care of her. She also helped out with the household. She had always favored his older brother, and after Da Qiang¡¯s previous marriage ended in a scam, she became even more distant.


    Though she wasn¡¯t particularly fond of him, she didn¡¯t mistreat him either. They maintained a polite relationship¡ªshe didn¡¯t help him much, but she didn¡¯t take advantage of him either.


    After all, he was still her son.


    This was Da Qiang¡¯s weakness. If he got married, his wife wouldn¡¯t have a mother-in-law to rely on. But what Da Qiang saw as a disadvantage was actually a plus for Wang Zhaodi. Without a meddling mother-in-law, she could run the household as she pleased.


    Both of them were straightforward people. After sharing their personal situations, they understood each other well.


    When Zhao Guihua, Aunt Zhou, and the others returned, the two of them were already getting along famously.


    The women exchanged glances and smiled. "How¡¯s it going between you two?"


    Da Qiang, being honest, said, "I already liked Zhaodi."


    Zhaodi blushed but said firmly, "I like him too."


    Since both were willing, there was nothing more to say!


    The initial concern wasn¡¯t whether they¡¯d like each other but what would happen when they returned to Zhaodi¡¯s hometown. Zhao Guihua said, "You¡¯ll need to go back and get the necessary documents."


    Wang Zhaodi took a deep breath and said, "I can do it."


    Da Qiang added, "We¡¯ll go back together and discuss things properly¡­"


    "Discuss nothing! You can¡¯t be too nice about it," Zhao Guihua interjected, thinking Da Qiang was too naive. "You can¡¯t be soft-spoken. Some people only understand strength. If you¡¯re too polite, they¡¯ll walk all over you. When you go to Zhaodi¡¯s family, you need to be bold and assertive, even a little stingy."


    Da Qiang: "???"


    Zhao Guihua continued, "You¡¯re too nice for your own good. At home, you can be gentle, but outside, you need to be tough."


    He thought about it and realized she had a point. "Alright!"


    After a moment, Da Qiang said, "Would you be willing to come with me to Zhaodi¡¯s hometown? I won¡¯t let you go for nothing."


    He explained, "I can act tough, and I¡¯m not a pushover. But I¡¯m worried I might not strike the right balance. After all, I¡¯m marrying their daughter."


    "So what?"


    Aunt Zhou spat out, "A family that sells their daughter deserves to be cut off."


    She had no patience for such behavior.


    "Ah, if Jiang Lu weren¡¯t pregnant, I¡¯d go with you. I¡¯m better at dealing with people like that than Zhao Guihua."


    Zhao Guihua frowned. "I just had the babies. Ming Mei can¡¯t handle both of them alone. I can¡¯t leave right now."


    "Maybe wait two months until Jiang Lu gives birth?"


    "That won¡¯t work either. I¡¯ll be busy taking care of Jiang Lu during her postpartum period. I won¡¯t have the time," Wang Zhaodi said.


    "Mom, you should go."


    As they were discussing, Jiang Lu walked in, calm and composed. "You should accompany Wang Zhaodi back. You¡¯re more suited for this than Zhao Guihua. Besides, we had an agreement to compensate Zhaodi with some money. But now that you¡¯ve taken her as your goddaughter, things are different. I think you¡¯ll handle it better than Zhao Guihua. Just make it a quick trip."


    She added, "Even if you¡¯re not here, Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang can help me if I need anything."


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "That¡¯s true. Aunt Zhou, I can help look after Jiang Lu."


    Aunt Wang chimed in, "I can too."


    Zhao Guihua really wanted to go to the countryside with them, but she simply couldn¡¯t leave at the moment.


    Aunt Zhou looked at Jiang Lu''s bulging belly, and Jiang Lu smiled, "I''m doing quite well now, and besides, Zhou Qun is at home."


    Aunt Zhou hesitated, "But..."


    By all accounts, Jiang Lu was about to give birth.


    Jiang Lu said, "I think the baby might know his grandma is off doing a good deed and will hold on until you return."


    Aunt Zhou pondered, "Let me think about it."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Jiang Lu, then at Aunt Zhou.


    For some reason, Zhao Guihua felt that Jiang Lu actually wanted Aunt Zhou to leave. She lowered her gaze. If she hadn''t been reborn, she wouldn''t have thought much of it, but because she had been reborn, she knew that Zhou Qun was actually infertile.


    Therefore, the timing of Jiang Lu''s pregnancy might be a bit off.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Zhou but said nothing.


    After a long pause, Aunt Zhou said, "Alright, I''ll go back with Wang Zhaodi for a while."


    Both Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi were extremely grateful.


    Aunt Zhou''s willingness to accompany them gave them a sense of security. At this moment, Jiang Lu also breathed a quiet sigh of relief. If she had gotten pregnant first and then claimed to be pregnant, she could still attribute it to premature birth.


    But if she had claimed to be pregnant first and then announced the pregnancy, things would have been different.


    That would have been much harder to manage.


    Jiang Lu hoped that Aunt Zhou wouldn''t be around when she gave birth. That way, she could handle things more smoothly. Although the explanation might be the same, her mental state would be different depending on whether Aunt Zhou was present or not.


    Lying while nervous and lying while calm were two entirely different things.


    Over the past two months, Jiang Lu had appeared calm on the surface, but internally, she had grown increasingly tense.


    Now, her heart felt much lighter.


    Aunt Zhou calculated that there were still a few days left. A round trip, if done quickly, wouldn''t cause any delays. She made up her mind and said, "Alright, we''ll set off tomorrow."


    Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi nodded in agreement.


    Although everything seemed to be happening at once, it was always better to deal with things sooner rather than later. Zhao Guihua was happy for Wang Zhaodi and also for Da Qiang. Both of them were hardworking, and their future would undoubtedly be bright.


    The news of Da Qiang from the neighboring courtyard and Wang Zhaodi from their own courtyard successfully matching up quickly spread throughout the compound. The person most surprised and heartbroken by this news was Bai Fendou. It wasn''t that Bai Fendou had feelings for Wang Zhaodi.


    He was jealous of Da Qiang.


    He had always considered himself an outstanding young man, far superior to most.


    But now, Da Qiang, a laborer, had already been married twice, while he hadn''t even been married once. How could he not feel heartbroken?


    This was truly unjust!


    Why did someone as good as him always have to suffer like this?


    Life was full of hardships. Why did a good man like him always have to face such cruel twists of fate? He couldn''t understand why Aunt Zhou, such a spiteful old woman, would go out of her way to help Wang Zhaodi so much.


    When Bai Fendou heard that Zhao Guihua had been the one to introduce them, he took the initiative to visit the Zhuang family. The Zhuang family had just finished dinner, and Zhao Guihua and her husband were discussing plans to build a children''s cart. Despite not having much formal education, Old Zhuang was quite skilled with his hands, far more so than his two sons.


    He handled the practical work, while Zhao Guihua took charge of the design, given her extensive knowledge.


    As they were discussing, Bai Fendou arrived.


    Zhao Guihua was quite surprised, "Fendou, what brings you here? Have you eaten?"


    Bai Fendou replied, "I''ve eaten."


    He looked at Zhao Guihua with a pitiful expression and said, "Aunt Zhao, we''re all from the same compound. You introduced someone to Da Qiang from the neighboring courtyard, so why can''t you introduce someone to me? I''m single too!"


    He felt wronged and got straight to the point.


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow and said, "Introductions depend on compatibility. They were a good match, so I introduced them. You and Wang Zhaodi weren''t a good match, so I didn''t. If I were to introduce someone else to you, who would it be? I don''t know many people."


    She added bluntly, "I''m not a professional matchmaker. Even the professional matchmakers haven''t found anyone suitable for you. Who else could I introduce?"


    Zhao Guihua was even more direct, "In your current state, it''s already hard to find a good match. By the way, how are things with Guan Guiling?"


    They all knew that Bai Fendou had never given up on Guan Guiling.


    At the mention of Guan Guiling, Bai Fendou''s expression turned awkward.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care about his feelings and said bluntly, "If you''re still hung up on Guan Guiling, how can you expect others to introduce someone to you? Even if they did, it wouldn''t work out. Fendou, you''re not a bad person at heart. But the way you handle things isn''t very appropriate. Do you understand what I mean?"


    Bai Fendou stammered, "I..."


    He wanted to explain that he no longer wanted to be with Guan Guiling, but before he could speak, he felt his heart bleeding.


    He hung his head dejectedly and said, "How did things between me and Guiling come to this?"


    The more he thought about it, the more he resented Chen Yuan. If it weren''t for Chen Yuan''s underhanded schemes to retaliate against him, he and Guan Guiling would have been married by now, living happily as a family. Unable to continue the conversation with Zhao Guihua, he turned and left the house.


    Silently, he made his way to Chen Yuan''s doorstep. Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue had moved back in.


    They had spent the New Year at Chen Yuan''s parents'' place and only returned after the Lantern Festival. However, due to Bai Fendou''s antics, Chen Yuan felt he had lost face and had been avoiding Bai Fendou ever since.


    In truth, Chen Yuan wasn''t really trying to avoid Bai Fendou. From a young age, Chen Yuan had been the apple of his family''s eye, used to getting his way and never letting any slight go unpunished. In his mind, he wanted to retaliate against Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou had caused him to lose face and spread all sorts of unpleasant rumors. How could he let that slide?


    But his parents had advised him to hold off for now. If he retaliated immediately, it would only draw more attention, and the two of them would be dragged into the spotlight again, which would be even more humiliating. Chen Yuan''s reputation couldn''t afford to get any worse.


    With this in mind, Chen Yuan''s parents held him back.


    Though proud, Chen Yuan agreed with his parents'' reasoning and had been keeping a low profile lately. Even though they had moved back, they kept to themselves, rarely making a fuss. Tao Yuyue was the same.


    In her previous life, Tao Yuyue had been the envy of her friends. No matter how things were behind closed doors, whether her husband was abusive or not, her in-laws never shorted her financially. She had been quite popular among her circle of friends.


    But this life was different. They had moved into the courtyard, where even the smallest matters became public knowledge, let alone the several conflicts between Chen Yuan and Bai Fendou. Tao Yuyue had no face left. She went to work every day with a stiff expression.


    Of course, that wasn''t the main issue. The main issue was that their family was now very quiet, almost invisible.


    Among the newlyweds in the courtyard, Zhang San and his wife had integrated much better with everyone, while Chen Yuan and his wife kept to themselves.


    But even so, Bai Fendou, thinking of his own misery, silently made his way to the backyard and squatted in the corridor, staring at Chen Yuan''s house. He did nothing, just kept his eyes fixed on their home.


    Tao Yuyue came out to dump water after washing rice and, upon opening the door, saw Bai Fendou squatting in the corner, staring at their house.


    She was instantly startled and frowned, "What are you looking at?"


    Bai Fendou didn''t respond, just continued to glare at their house with resentment.


    Tao Yuyue felt a chill down her spine and quickly went back inside, pulling Chen Yuan aside. Chen Yuan was lying on his side, listening to the radio and tapping along to the music. Seeing Tao Yuyue rush in, he immediately slapped her and said, "What are you doing? Can''t you see I''m listening to the opera?"


    Tao Yuyue bit her lip, her heart aching. She was her parents'' child too. Did she deserve to be treated like this?


    She took a deep breath and said, "Bai Fendou is at the door."


    "What!"


    Chen Yuan sat up abruptly, "He''s at the door? What''s he doing there? Is he here to cause trouble again?"


    Tao Yuyue replied, "I don''t know. He''s not saying anything, just staring at our house. Chen Yuan, I''m scared."


    Chen Yuan scoffed and said, "What''s there to be afraid of? When did you become so timid? Who do you think I am? Would he dare to offend me so casually? He must be tired of living, huh?"


    He stood up, "I''ll go take a look."


    As he walked to the door, he felt a bit uneasy inside, but his face still wore an arrogant expression. That was just how he was¡ªnot particularly impressive, but always putting on a show. When he looked outside, he saw Bai Fendou staring right at him.


    Chen ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Yuan''s heart skipped a beat. "What are you looking at?" he snapped.


    Truly a married couple, their words were exactly the same.


    Bai Fendou remained silent, still staring at their house, which made Chen Yuan feel even more uneasy.


    "Bai Fendou, are you up to no good? Why are you standing at my doorstep?" Chen Yuan shouted.


    Bai Fendou still didn''t say a word, just kept staring at Chen Yuan with those piercing eyes.


    Chen Yuan sneered, "You¡¯re nothing but trash!"


    Suddenly, Bai Fendou stood up, and Chen Yuan let out a scream, quickly slamming the door shut.


    Bai Fendou chuckled mockingly, "What a coward."


    He walked over to the window of Chen Yuan''s house and sat down right beneath it. He wasn¡¯t sure what he was doing there, but he was in a bad mood, and when he was in a bad mood, he wanted to cause trouble for Chen Yuan. After all, who else could he bother?


    Chen Yuan was the one who had ruined his true love.


    Chen Yuan peeked through the window and saw Bai Fendou sitting right under his window. Panicking, he started pacing around the room, unsure of what to do. He had lived his whole life being pampered. Even when something happened, someone else would always handle it for him.


    His grandparents, his parents, and even his eldest sister¡ªthey all took care of things for him.


    But now?


    He was living in this shabby courtyard, facing off against a lunatic like Bai Fendou. For a moment, he felt utterly desolate. How had his life come to this? He glanced out the window again and barked at Tao Yuyue, "Go chase him away."


    Tao Yuyue was currently looking at herself in the mirror. One side of her face was swollen from being hit by him.


    Without turning around, she looked at Chen Yuan through the mirror and said nothing.


    She hadn¡¯t understood before why Chen Yuan, who always seemed so gentle, would hit people. But after spending the New Year at the Chen family home, she had figured it out. The whole family was like that. Chen Yuan¡¯s grandfather, despite his age, would still hit his wife. A single disagreement would earn her a slap.


    Then there was Chen Yuan¡¯s father, Director Chen. At the machinery factory, he was known as a kind and polite man, but at home, he was domineering. Even though Chen Yuan¡¯s mother was the deputy director of the food factory, a position no less impressive than her husband¡¯s, if not higher, she still had to obey Director Chen at home. And Director Chen was quick to resort to violence too. The entire family, from top to bottom, was like this.


    So it was no surprise that Chen Yuan hit people.


    "The apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree," she thought bitterly.


    "I¡¯m talking to you! Did you hear me?" Chen Yuan was getting annoyed.


    Tao Yuyue replied, "I heard you, but how am I supposed to chase him away?"


    She looked at Chen Yuan helplessly. "Do you think Bai Fendou would listen to me? If he did, he wouldn¡¯t have beaten you up so badly last time."


    Chen Yuan pursed his lips. "You were pretty fierce last time. If you fight him, he wouldn¡¯t hit a woman, right?"


    The man had no shame. He didn¡¯t dare to confront Bai Fendou himself, so he was pushing his wife to do it instead.


    As for whether Tao Yuyue would get hurt, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t care at all.


    Tao Yuyue took a deep breath, watching Chen Yuan¡¯s indifferent expression. "I¡¯m not going," she said firmly.


    Chen Yuan stared at her in disbelief. "You¡¯re not going?"


    He raised his hand to hit her. "You dare talk back to me? Who do you think you are?"


    Tao Yuyue quickly dodged, which only made Chen Yuan angrier. "What¡¯s wrong with you? Who¡¯s in charge of this family? Do you not understand your place?"


    He grabbed a broom and swung it at Tao Yuyue.


    "Ah!" she cried out, dodging the broom. "If you hit me again, I¡¯ll go to the Women¡¯s Federation!"


    "You wouldn¡¯t dare!"


    "Why wouldn¡¯t I? I don¡¯t want to end up like your grandmother and mother, getting beaten for the rest of my life." Tao Yuyue didn¡¯t want a divorce, but she also didn¡¯t want to be beaten for the rest of her life. The thought of Chen Yuan¡¯s grandmother, at her age, still being hit was chilling.


    "What kind of family values do you have? A grown man who only knows how to hit his wife¡ªyou¡¯re even worse than Bai Fendou."


    "What did you say?!"


    Chen Yuan was furious and lunged at her again. Tao Yuyue dodged desperately, grabbing a frying pan and swinging it at Chen Yuan.


    "Ah!!!" Chen Yuan screamed.


    Seeing that it worked, Tao Yuyue hit him a few more times. "You... you... you shrew!" Chen Yuan crouched down, clutching his head.


    Tao Yuyue took a deep breath. "Don¡¯t even think about hitting me. Don¡¯t you dare!"


    The frying pan was part of her dowry. The family already had a large pot, so they didn¡¯t need a small one, but her mother had insisted on giving her one, saying it would be convenient for making porridge on the stove in winter.


    Whether it was convenient for porridge was debatable, but it was certainly convenient for hitting people.


    "Don¡¯t even think about laying a hand on me!" Tao Yuyue waved the frying pan. "If you hit me, I¡¯ll beat you to death."


    "You... you shrew!" Chen Yuan stammered.


    "You¡¯re no better yourself. We¡¯re even. If you dare hit me, I¡¯ll hit you back."


    Chen Yuan was seething. "You¡¯re despicable!"


    "Hmph!"


    Despite his anger, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t dare to hit her again. After all, Tao Yuyue wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with. She hadn¡¯t fought back before, so he had become more aggressive, but now that she was standing up to him, he was hesitant.


    After all, getting hit hurt, and Tao Yuyue was willing to hit back.


    He let out a huff and reluctantly lay down on the bed. "One of these days, I¡¯m going to divorce you."


    Tao Yuyue didn¡¯t respond and went back to cooking.


    The two of them acted as if the fight had never happened.


    Bai Fendou, who had been listening under the window, clicked his tongue. "That woman knows how to fight!"


    He had always thought that Chen Yuan was the one hitting Tao Yuyue, but now he saw that Tao Yuyue fought back too.


    In that moment, Bai Fendou felt like he didn¡¯t understand women at all.


    He had thought Wang Xiangxiu was a good person, but she had betrayed him.


    He had thought Guan Guiling was a good person, but she had dumped him for her own gain.


    He had thought Tao Yuyue was a gentle, bullied fool, but she fought back. She hit Chen Yuan too.


    All of this left Bai Fendou feeling disoriented. He stood up and silently returned to the front courtyard, where he saw Zhuang Zhixi coming out. He immediately approached him.


    "Zhuang Zhixi," he called out.


    "What¡¯s up?" Zhuang Zhixi asked.


    "Do you understand women?" Bai Fendou asked.


    "I don¡¯t. I only understand my wife," Zhuang Zhixi replied.


    Bai Fendou forced a smile. Zhuang Zhixi asked curiously, "What¡¯s wrong? What were you doing in the backyard just now?"


    "I went to Chen Yuan¡¯s house. I wanted to see how evil someone could be to ruin my relationship with Guan Guiling, but instead, I saw him and his wife fighting. How is it that Tao Yuyue, who seems so gentle, is so hard to understand?"


    "That¡¯s his wife. You don¡¯t need to understand her," Zhuang Zhixi said.


    "But..."


    "No buts!"


    Bai Fendou sighed. "Good thing I didn¡¯t go after her. Can you believe someone like that..."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought Bai Fendou was delusional. Even if Tao Yuyue knew how to fight, she would never be interested in someone like Bai Fendou. Where did he get this inflated sense of self-worth?


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Bai Fendou seriously. "She wouldn¡¯t be interested in you either. If you really want to find someone, you need to take a hard look at yourself. If you keep going like this, you¡¯ll still be single at fifty."


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    "Wait..."


    Zhuang Zhixi ignored Bai Fendou. He had better things to do than waste time chatting with him.


    He went inside, and Ming Mei asked, "What was Bai Fendou whispering to you about?"


    "Nothing important," Zhuang Zhixi replied.


    He said, "I can''t be bothered with him. Back then, he schemed against me for the sake of the Su family, and I haven''t forgotten. Sure, it didn''t work out, but that doesn''t mean it didn''t happen. I''ve been kind enough. When his father passed away, I even helped out. But that doesn''t mean I have to be friends with him. I don''t want to hear any of his messy emotional nonsense."


    Zhuang Zhixi sat down and poked the baby''s cheek with his finger. The cold touch made the little one frown and turn away in dissatisfaction.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "My baby is so smart, already knows when it''s cold."


    Ming Mei said, "Of course, babies can sense things. If they couldn''t tell hot from cold, wouldn''t they be little fools?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Is this the older brother or the younger sister?"


    The two babies were lying side by side on the heated brick bed, dressed in identical clothes, making it hard to tell them apart.


    Ming Mei replied, "This is the older brother."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "No wonder Little Tuan is more active."


    Ming Mei added, "It''s normal for kids to have different personalities."


    This was their first time raising a child, but they were doing a great job taking care of the baby. Zhuang Zhixi cooed, "Sweetie, smile for Daddy¡­"


    Ming Mei teased, "What a silly dad."


    ...


    Early the next morning, Aunt Zhou led Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi out. Wang Zhaodi wasn¡¯t wearing her nice clothes but had changed back into the outfit she had arrived in. Since she had gained some weight, the clothes were a bit tight, but with a thick coat layered over them to ward off the cold, it worked well enough.


    The thick padded jacket she wore was one Aunt Zhou had passed down to her.


    Da Qiang was similarly dressed in plain, patched-up clothes.


    Zhao Guihua accompanied them to the bus station, offering advice along the way, "When you''re out there, be careful. Don''t say anything you shouldn''t. Also, act poor if you need to. Zhaodi, your complexion looks a bit too good. Rub a little dirt on your face to make yourself look darker and more disheveled. It¡¯ll be safer that way."


    Aunt Zhou assured her, "Don''t worry, Zhao Guihua, I''ve got everything under control."


    She was ready for battle, treating Wang Zhaodi''s family as if they were her own. Back in her youth, she hadn¡¯t known how to fight back. All she could do was try to look better, hoping for a better future.


    Later, she realized that looking better wasn¡¯t enough. If you couldn¡¯t stand up for yourself, people would sell you out once, and they¡¯d do it again.


    The old society was full of devils who preyed on others.


    So she toughened up. She¡¯d rather be a mean, selfish, and spiteful person everyone hated than be a puppet with a tragic ending. She channeled the spirit of Wu Song fighting the tiger and declared, "I¡¯ll handle it!"


    What was Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family to her?


    Just watch her!


    Her ability to make a scene was no less than that of any rural old lady.


    Da Qiang looked at the two elderly women and felt a warm sense of gratitude. Truly, you couldn¡¯t judge people by appearances. All the rumors were nonsense.


    Everyone said the old ladies in this courtyard were difficult to deal with, but he had experienced their tough exteriors and kind hearts firsthand. His own mother hadn¡¯t been able to help in this matter, but they had stepped up.


    He said earnestly, "I won¡¯t hold you back. I¡¯ve seen plenty of bad people, and this time, I¡¯m determined to get Zhaodi out of this mess."


    "That¡¯s the right attitude," Zhao Guihua said.


    She saw them onto the bus and then headed back home.


    Truthfully, she wanted to go with them, but the household was too busy. Ming Mei, a first-time mother, couldn¡¯t manage everything on her own. So, she had to leave the task entirely to Aunt Zhou.


    But honestly, Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t too worried.


    Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t your average elderly woman. She had been a troublemaker since her youth and was not someone to be trifled with. The people in their courtyard were used to her and could handle her, but outsiders might not fare so well.


    Her ability to make a scene was quite effective when dealing with outsiders.


    Zhao Guihua rode her bicycle back home, but suddenly she came to a halt. In the distance, she saw none other than Su Jinlai.


    At the end of last year, Su Jinlai had been sent to a juvenile detention center. Three months wasn¡¯t a long time, and he had returned after the New Year. Since it wasn¡¯t something to be proud of, Wang Xiangxiu hadn¡¯t made a big fuss about it. She brought him home, and after a few days, he went back to school.


    But now¡­


    It wasn¡¯t the weekend, so why was the kid wandering around on the streets instead of being in school?


    Skipping class?


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Children were harder to manage than adults, often lacking a sense of right and wrong.


    Similarly, after Aunt Zhou had been in trouble and came out, she had changed. At the very least, she knew what was wrong and had become more restrained. She had learned from her mistakes and understood that some errors couldn¡¯t be repeated.


    But Su Jinlai, after his stint in juvenile detention, was exactly the same as before. It was as if nothing had changed.


    Zhao Guihua watched as Su Jinlai slipped into an alley. She quietly followed, not out of curiosity but to see what the boy was up to. She was worried he might bring people back to steal things. After all, this kid was no good.


    Zhao Guihua trailed behind Su Jinlai and saw him loitering near a large courtyard. He made a subtle mark on the wall.


    Zhao Guihua thought, "What¡¯s this about?"


    Before she could react, a few other boys appeared. None of them looked like adults; some were older than Su Jinlai, and some were younger. They gathered together, pointed at the courtyard, and then quickly left, arms slung over each other¡¯s shoulders.


    It didn¡¯t take a genius to figure out that these were likely the bad kids Su Jinlai had met during his time in detention.


    In the past, Su Jinlai had always roamed around with his brothers, Su Yinlai and Su Tonglai. But Su Yinlai had been "taught a lesson" by a pig and had completely settled down. Su Tonglai, having witnessed a major family upheaval, had also calmed down. With his two sidekicks gone, Su Jinlai had found new companions, which wasn¡¯t surprising.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head and glanced at the courtyard. She figured these troublemakers had their eyes on one of the households.


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t about to let these kids get away with it. Life was hard enough for everyone, and a theft could be devastating. Although she wasn¡¯t sure if Su Jinlai and his gang would actually go through with it, she decided to report it to the police station.


    Well¡­


    The people from their courtyard were so familiar with the police station that it was like walking through a city gate.


    As soon as Zhao Guihua arrived, she was recognized. She found the officer who had investigated the case of Yu Baoshan being struck by lightning and quietly explained what she had observed.


    Was she an early version of the "Chaoyang Aunties," the vigilant citizens?


    Whether or not, Zhao Guihua felt it was her duty to speak up. Officer Wang nodded and said, "We¡¯ll keep an eye on it."


    After a pause, he added, "Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone it was you who reported it."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That¡¯s good."


    She said, "I¡¯m not afraid of Wang Xiangxiu or anything, but I really don¡¯t want to get tangled up with her family¡¯s drama."


    Officer Wang understood. Many people who reported crimes didn¡¯t want to deal with the fallout, and that was why they remained anonymous. After a few more words, Zhao Guihua rode her bike home.


    As she entered the courtyard, she ran into Aunt Sui, who asked, "Did you go to the bus station?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Yes, I went to see off Zhaodi and the others."


    Aunt Sui said, "That¡¯s good. Zhaodi is a lucky girl."


    If she hadn¡¯t come to this courtyard, she wouldn¡¯t have had such an opportunity.


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "It¡¯s all fate, isn¡¯t it?"


    "That¡¯s true," Aunt Sui agreed, then quickly added, "Oh, did you hear? Pan Pan is pregnant."


    Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "Really? Pan Pan is pregnant? That¡¯s wonderful news!"


    "Indeed, she and her husband didn¡¯t waste any time. They got married not long ago, and now she¡¯s expecting. What a blessing."


    Zhao Guihua said, "You¡¯re always so well-informed."


    Aunt Sui laughed, "Not really. Zhang San and Pan Pan told me themselves. They live next door, you know. Pan Pan is only about two months along, and both families are worried. Her parents are wonderful, so they¡¯ve asked her to go home and rest, where they can take care of her. Since Zhang San¡¯s wife is pregnant, he doesn¡¯t want to live apart, so the young couple is staying with Pan Pan¡¯s parents for now. They asked me to keep an eye on their place while they¡¯re away."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That¡¯s a good arrangement. Sometimes having elders around to help makes things easier for the young ones."


    "Who says it isn¡¯t? Besides, I think they went to Pan Pan¡¯s parents¡¯ house because Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue, that couple, are just too much to handle."


    "How so?" Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t quite understand.


    Aunt Sui explained, "Chen Yuan and his wife are always fighting, and it gets physical. The neighbors are afraid it might affect the baby, especially since the young couple next door just found out they¡¯re expecting. You live in the front courtyard, so you wouldn¡¯t know, but those two really know how to make a scene. It used to be just Chen Yuan hitting his wife, but now Tao Yuyue fights back too. Oh my, just yesterday evening, there was a huge commotion. That frying pan of hers sure comes in handy for more than just cooking¡ªshe uses it to fight back! With all that noise, how could the young couple next door not move out? They just want some peace and quiet."


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "I think Tao Yuyue fighting back is the right thing to do. Otherwise, it would never end. Where did he learn such bad behavior? Hitting his wife¡ªwhat a ¡®real man¡¯ he is, huh?"


    "That¡¯s true," Aunt Sui agreed.


    Neither of them had any respect for Chen Yuan¡¯s behavior. So, Tao Yuyue standing up for herself was perfectly justified.


    "Maybe if Tao Yuyue keeps fighting back, Chen Yuan won¡¯t dare to hit her anymore. Our courtyard has never had a history of men hitting their wives. He¡¯s setting a terrible example. It¡¯s good that he gets taught a lesson and put in his place. Let him learn that women aren¡¯t to be messed with."


    Hearing this, Aunt Sui chuckled, "That makes sense¡­"


    Tao Yuyue didn¡¯t want outsiders meddling in her affairs, so naturally, they couldn¡¯t interfere too much. But even though she didn¡¯t want others involved, she wasn¡¯t the type to just take it lying down. When push came to shove, she knew how to fight back, and that was a good thing.


    As for Chen Yuan¡¯s character¡­


    Hmph, he might not even be a match for Tao Yuyue.


    Serves him right!

 Chapter 141

    Aunt Zhou was away from home, leaving her daughter-in-law, Jiang Lu, in the care of Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang.


    The two older women would visit every day, but Jiang Lu seemed perfectly fine. She knew that her due date wasn''t actually close, as the time they thought she was due was nearly a month off from what she had calculated.


    This was also why she was happy to let Aunt Zhou leave.


    In truth, Aunt Zhou felt a bit uneasy about leaving, especially since Jiang Lu was carrying the Zhou family''s only heir. But Jiang Lu had been very careful, and she planned to give birth in the hospital, so Aunt Zhou wasn''t too worried. Even if she were there, there wasn¡¯t much she could do.


    Another reason was that Wang Zhaodi''s situation reminded Aunt Zhou of her own past. She wasn¡¯t sure if she was helping Wang Zhaodi because of Wang Zhaodi herself or because she saw her younger self in her¡ªa girl who had lived in constant fear that her parents might sell her off to some shady place.


    Of course, this was a new era, and such things didn¡¯t happen anymore.


    But marrying someone off for the sake of a dowry, even if it was to someone unworthy, wasn¡¯t entirely impossible. Although Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi had already taken a liking to each other, there were bound to be some complications in the village. The more remote and less educated a place was, the more ignorant and backward its customs could be. So, Aunt Zhou went with them to help Wang Zhaodi break free from her family once and for all.


    As for Wang Zhaodi and Da Qiang, Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t entirely confident in them. Sometimes, being too concerned about face could lead to trouble. You had to be shameless, like her, to really have a chance at success.


    Even though this was Wang Zhaodi and Da Qiang¡¯s business, Aunt Zhou was determined to see it through to the end.


    The three of them took a bus to Wang Zhaodi¡¯s hometown. With Aunt Zhou and Wang Zhaodi both away, both the Zhou and Zhuang households were thrown into chaos. Wang Zhaodi had been handling most of the chores for both families, and now everyone had to fend for themselves.


    Although it was inconvenient, no one complained. Compared to their temporary inconvenience, someone else¡¯s lifelong happiness was far more important. At home, Jiang Lu was training Zhou Qun to do chores, and Zhou Qun didn¡¯t complain.


    It wasn¡¯t that he enjoyed kitchen work¡ªno one really does.


    But he did it anyway, especially since Jiang Lu was close to giving birth. Zhou Qun was very cautious about this.


    After all, this would likely be his only child.


    There was another reason Zhou Qun didn¡¯t mind the work: his reputation in the neighborhood had improved significantly. Compared to Bai Fendou, who was unreliable, and Chen Yuan, who beat his wife, Zhou Qun was now seen as a decent man.


    His previously tarnished reputation had been somewhat restored, so Zhou Qun was happy to do the chores.


    Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t much of a cook, so the older women in the neighborhood would come by to give him tips. Naturally, they¡¯d end up chatting about gossip, and Zhou Qun found it enjoyable. It was a win-win situation.


    With Wang Zhaodi gone, the Zhou household was much busier, and the same was true for the Zhuang family.


    Zhao Guihua had relied on Wang Zhaodi¡¯s help before, but now she had to manage on her own. However, she wasn¡¯t the type to shoulder all the work without complaint. She made sure her sons pitched in as well.


    After all, this wasn¡¯t just her home.


    Ming Mei had already finished her postpartum confinement, but Zhuang Zhixi still took on some of the household chores.


    With two babies to care for, things were naturally more hectic. Even if the babies were well-behaved, managing two was still twice the work. If one woke up, the other would too; if one cried, the other would join in; and when it came to feeding, both would demand attention at the same time.


    Ming Mei found taking care of the babies to be quite the challenge.


    It was mid-March, nearing the end of the month.


    Spring had officially started in early February, but the weather was still far from warm. The family kept the stove burning every day, and in the mornings, no one wanted to leave the warmth of their blankets. They¡¯d stay in bed as long as possible. The two little ones, wrapped in blankets, lay beside their mother, wiggling like little caterpillars on the heated bed.


    The babies were less than two months old and couldn¡¯t roll over yet.


    The older one, Tuantuan, was more active. In a moment of distraction, he started nibbling on his sister Yuanyuan¡¯s tiny foot. Yuanyuan seemed puzzled by this and, with a pout, burst into tears. Ming Mei, who had hoped to sleep in a little longer, had no choice but to wake up. She rubbed her eyes and gently patted the two little ones, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, okay?¡±


    She pulled Tuantuan¡¯s little hand away, rescuing Yuanyuan¡¯s foot. Then she poked Tuantuan lightly and said, ¡°You¡¯re the older brother. You can¡¯t eat your sister¡¯s foot. Look, Yuanyuan¡¯s crying because she¡¯s upset. We can¡¯t do that.¡±


    She then turned to Yuanyuan and said, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, sweetie. Don¡¯t you remember? You¡¯ve nibbled on your brother¡¯s hand before, and he didn¡¯t cry. Tuantuan wouldn¡¯t really bite you, so don¡¯t be scared.¡±


    Perhaps because Ming Mei had often talked to them during her pregnancy, the babies seemed to recognize her voice. Even though they couldn¡¯t understand her words, Yuanyuan stopped crying, and Tuantuan started blowing bubbles.


    Yuanyuan was a little glutton. Hearing her mother¡¯s voice, she pursed her lips and nuzzled against Ming Mei. Ming Mei sighed, ¡°I haven¡¯t even eaten yet, and you¡¯re already demanding food.¡±


    She fed Yuanyuan first, while Tuantuan fussed impatiently. Fortunately, Ming Mei quickly finished feeding Yuanyuan and then gave Tuantuan his fill. Once both babies were fed, they started grabbing at each other, treating each other like big dolls.


    After settling the little ones, Ming Mei wrapped herself in a padded jacket and sat up. Her hair had grown a bit, and she tied it into a small bun. She sat on the bed, feeling too lazy to move. When Zhuang Zhixi came in, he found Ming Mei sitting there in a daze. He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss, asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Ming Mei looked up and said, ¡°They woke me up.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s just terrible! How dare they disturb our lovely Ming Mei?¡± he said in an exaggerated tone. Ming Mei pushed him lightly, saying, ¡°You¡¯re making fun of me.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. ¡°I¡¯d never make fun of you. Why don¡¯t you lie down a bit longer? I¡¯ll take care of them today.¡±


    It was Sunday, and Zhuang Zhixi wanted Ming Mei to have a break.


    Ming Mei shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m already awake. I can¡¯t go back to sleep now.¡±


    She pouted and said, ¡°I¡¯m hungry~¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi patted her seriously and said, ¡°Not now, sweetie. Tonight¡­¡±


    Ming Mei playfully hit him a few times, saying, ¡°I mean I¡¯m hungry for food! What are you thinking? You¡¯re being so naughty.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi pretended to be hurt and collapsed onto the bed, saying, ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m not feeling well, I¡­¡±


    Ming Mei leaned over, but before she could react, Zhuang Zhixi pulled her down. Ming Mei wrapped her arms around his waist, and Zhuang Zhixi flipped her over, looking down at her face before planting a soft kiss on her cheek.


    Ming Mei let go for a moment but quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, saying, ¡°You¡¯re being so mean.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. ¡°Am I?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded seriously. ¡°Yes, you are.¡±


    Their eyes met, both filled with affection.


    No matter what they said or did, their eyes couldn¡¯t lie.


    Ming Mei couldn¡¯t help but bite her lip lightly, and Zhuang Zhixi leaned down to kiss her¡­


    ¡°Zhuang Zhixi! Xiao Zhuang!¡±


    A man¡¯s voice called out, and Zhuang Zhixi clenched his fist, hitting the bed in frustration. ¡°That idiot Bai Fendou!¡±


    Ming Mei laughed even harder, pulling the blanket over her face.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, thinking their mother was playing with them, kicked their little legs and giggled, drooling all over the place. Zhuang Zhixi sighed, ¡°Oh, for heaven¡¯s sake¡­¡±


    ¡°Xiao Zhuang!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi reluctantly got up and said, ¡°Coming! What is it?¡±


    He went to the door, closing it behind him. ¡°What¡¯s so urgent this early in the morning?¡±


    Bai Fendou, wearing a tattered padded jacket, stood at the door and said, ¡°I¡¯m planning to go to the countryside with Yang Lixin. You coming?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "Going to the countryside?"


    Bai Fendou nodded, visibly excited, and said, "Yang Lixin is going back to his hometown to exchange eggs with relatives. I¡¯m tagging along to get some too. Are you coming?"


    Zhuang Zhixi gave him a meaningful look, "You''re going too?"


    He glanced at Bai Fendou and asked again, "You''re going with Yang Lixin?"


    He couldn''t help but wonder¡ªweren''t these two on bad terms?


    It was no secret that Yang Lixin and Bai Fendou didn¡¯t get along. While they hadn¡¯t had any loud, public arguments that the whole courtyard knew about, their mutual dislike was obvious. They barely spoke to each other, and everyone could see it.


    Zhuang Zhixi was well aware of this situation, and he even knew the details behind it. His mother had filled him in, so he was in the loop.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "You''re exchanging eggs?"


    Bai Fendou replied, "Not for me. I¡¯m helping Jiang Lu get some."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­"


    Silence. An endless silence.


    So, Bai Fendou and Jiang Lu were on... good terms?


    Perhaps sensing Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s prolonged silence, Bai Fendou leaned in closer and whispered, "Jiang Lu gave me a dollar for running this errand."


    Since he had nothing else to do this Sunday, and a dollar wasn¡¯t a small amount, he figured why not? It was a pretty generous offer, after all. Not many people would be that open-handed.


    That¡¯s why, even though he wasn¡¯t exactly close with Yang Lixin, he swallowed his pride and tagged along. Money was money!


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Alright, I¡¯ll go. When are we leaving? Let me grab some breakfast first."


    "We¡¯re heading out soon, so hurry up," Bai Fendou urged.


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Got it."


    Since the weather had turned cold, the two hens at his home hadn¡¯t been laying eggs as frequently, and eggs were hard to come by. Zhuang Zhixi was more than willing to make the trip. When he mentioned it to Zhao Guihua, she approved and reminded him, "Exchange for as many as you can. We need a good stock."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I know."


    "Take some candy with you. It¡¯s your first time visiting, so it¡¯s polite to bring something. You¡¯re going to the Yang family, after all."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Alright."


    He had never been to Yang Lixin¡¯s hometown before. While it wasn¡¯t as far from the city as Wang Zhaodi¡¯s place, Yang Lixin rarely went back. Perhaps because he was a live-in son-in-law, his parents seldom visited their courtyard either.


    In the decade or so since Yang Lixin and Li Fang had been married, Zhuang Zhixi, as a neighbor, had only seen Yang Lixin¡¯s parents a handful of times. He could barely remember what they looked like. As he wheeled his bike out, he saw Yang Lixin and Bai Fendou already waiting for him.


    To be honest, if it were anyone else, they probably wouldn¡¯t have invited Zhuang Zhixi along.


    But since Bai Fendou was going with Yang Lixin, and their relationship was strained, they needed someone to ease the tension. That¡¯s why Zhuang Zhixi was invited. The three men set off on their bikes, with Yang Lixin carrying a slab of meat tied to his handlebars.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Bai Fendou, you¡¯re well-informed. How did you know Yang Lixin was going to exchange eggs?"


    Bai Fendou glanced at Yang Lixin, who pursed his lips and explained, "My mom told Jiang Lu. Zhou Qun is busy taking care of Jiang Lu and couldn¡¯t go, so she asked Bai Fendou to help instead."


    If they had known Jiang Lu would ask Bai Fendou, they wouldn¡¯t have said anything in the first place.


    But since Bai Fendou was coming along, Yang Lixin felt it was better to bring someone else too. Truth be told, Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t exactly close with Bai Fendou either, but there wasn¡¯t anyone else available.


    It was a tough situation.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Brother Yang, is it far?"


    Yang Lixin replied, "We¡¯ll bike to the bus station, leave our bikes there, and take a bus to my hometown."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Got it."


    Bai Fendou chimed in, "This is my first time going to Yang Lixin¡¯s hometown. What¡¯s it like?"


    Yang Lixin felt a bit awkward but answered anyway, "It¡¯s a village."


    He rarely talked about his family. Being a live-in son-in-law, he always felt a step behind. After a moment of hesitation, he added, "I have two older brothers, one older sister, and a younger brother and sister."


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised, "That¡¯s quite a big family. You¡¯ve got a full house."


    Yang Lixin nodded, "Yeah, except for my youngest sister, who¡¯s still unmarried, everyone else is married."


    With so many children in the family, and several sons, Yang Lixin, being in the middle, didn¡¯t get much attention. However, his uncle was doing well, and since Yang Lixin had once saved his cousin¡¯s life, his uncle had been kind to him. He even helped Yang Lixin land an apprenticeship with Chef Li, learning the culinary trade.


    Later, to secure a better life, Yang Lixin became a live-in son-in-law.


    Perhaps because his children didn¡¯t carry the family name, his parents were rather distant with him. Whenever he returned home, they treated him more like a guest. In fact, he felt more at ease with his uncle than with his own parents.


    Yang Lixin looked out the window and said, "We¡¯re almost there."


    Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "We could¡¯ve biked the whole way, but it would¡¯ve taken longer."


    Yang Lixin nodded, "True, but we¡¯re planning to return the same day, so biking wouldn¡¯t have worked."


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "That makes sense."


    Returning the same day by bike just wasn¡¯t feasible.


    The bus came to a stop, and the three of them got off.


    Yang Lixin said, "Follow me."


    The bus had stopped near the village entrance, and they didn¡¯t have to walk far before they ran into some villagers. One of them called out, "Xiao Sanzi, you¡¯re back?"


    Yang Lixin acknowledged the greeting and explained to Zhuang Zhixi, "I¡¯m the third son in my family."


    As they entered the village, despite Ming Mei feeling that the weather was still quite cold, the villagers were already out working in the fields. Yang Lixin walked over to the edge of a field and called out, "Mom!"


    An older woman turned around, her face lighting up with joy, "You¡¯re back! I knew you¡¯d be coming around this time."


    She quickly informed the team leader, "My son¡¯s back. I¡¯m heading home for a bit."


    "Go ahead," the leader replied.


    The villagers curiously eyed the three newcomers, particularly Zhuang Zhixi and Bai Fendou. Yang Lixin, having grown up in the village, didn¡¯t draw much attention.


    Yang¡¯s mother led the group home, and Yang Lixin introduced them, "They¡¯re here to exchange some eggs. This is Xiao Zhuang. His wife just had a baby this year. And this is Bai Fendou. He¡¯s helping a relative who¡¯s also expecting."


    Yang¡¯s mother smiled, "I know. You mentioned it in your letter, and I¡¯ve been saving eggs for you."


    In their village, where income was scarce, eggs were a valuable commodity.


    Almost every household kept a couple of chickens, collecting eggs to sell at the purchasing station. The money earned was used to buy daily necessities like needles, thread, oil, and salt. Life was all about careful planning. So, when Yang Lixin returned to exchange eggs, the villagers were more than happy to oblige.


    While Yang Lixin paid the same price as the purchasing station, it saved the villagers the trouble of going to town. Plus, he wasn¡¯t picky about the size of the eggs. Going to town meant losing a day¡¯s work, and there was always the risk of eggs breaking during the journey.


    So, when Yang Lixin brought people to exchange eggs, the villagers were more than willing to trade with him.


    Even though buying and selling wasn¡¯t technically allowed, this was considered a form of mutual aid among relatives. As long as no one reported it and the quantities weren¡¯t excessive, it was generally overlooked. In fact, it wasn¡¯t just them¡ªother city folks also relied on rural relatives to get eggs.


    It wasn¡¯t something they did often, but when there was a special occasion at home, it became essential.


    Yang Lixin asked, "Where¡¯s Dad?"


    Yang¡¯s mother replied, "He¡¯s with your brothers in the east. They¡¯re working on a big project that¡¯s worth ten work points."


    Yang Lixin nodded, "Oh, right. I brought some meat. My mother-in-law prepared it. You should have it¡ªspring plowing is hard work, and you need to keep your strength up."


    Yang¡¯s mother¡¯s eyes lit up when she saw the slab of meat, which weighed about a pound, with most of it being fatty. She smiled broadly and said, "Oh, you shouldn¡¯t have brought anything."


    "You guys rarely get to eat meat, only during the New Year. This is a treat."


    "Thank you so much."


    "You¡¯re welcome."


    Though mother and son seemed to get along well, there was an undeniable formality between them, making their relationship feel more like that of acquaintances than family.


    Zhuang Zhixi, standing nearby, took the initiative to say, "Aunt Yang, since this is our first visit, we didn¡¯t bring much, but here¡¯s a bag of candies as a small token of our appreciation." He handed over the bag of candies his mother had prepared.


    Aunt Yang¡¯s smile widened even more.


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    He nudged Zhuang Zhixi and said, "It¡¯s from both of us."


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes and smiled, "Yes, from both of us."


    Aunt Yang, now in an even better mood, urged them, "Oh, you shouldn¡¯t have brought anything! Come, sit down. You must stay for lunch..."


    Yang Lixin shook his head, "No, Mom, we need to exchange the eggs first. We¡¯re in a hurry to catch the bus back, so we won¡¯t stay for lunch. I have to help my father-in-law with a banquet tonight, so we can¡¯t afford to delay."


    Aunt Yang: "Oh, I see... Alright then, I won¡¯t keep you."


    She added, "You sit here, I¡¯ll go find someone..."


    Aunt Yang hurried out, and Bai Fendou whispered, "Why didn¡¯t you tell me you secretly prepared a gift?"


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at him, "You didn¡¯t think of bringing something for your first visit?"


    Bai Fendou was momentarily speechless, "How was I supposed to think of that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Since you said it¡¯s from both of us, you owe me half the cost when we get back."


    Bai Fendou was stunned, "Why are you so calculative?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you didn¡¯t want to chip in, you shouldn¡¯t have spoken up earlier. What, you want the credit but don¡¯t want to pay?"


    Bai Fendou: "Really..."


    He wanted to say more, but seeing someone enter the courtyard, he swallowed his words and said, "Fine, fine, I¡¯ll pay, alright?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled.


    This time, it was Yang Lixin¡¯s younger sister who came in. She had long braids, and as soon as she entered, her eyes locked onto Zhuang Zhixi, her cheeks turning slightly red. Ever since her third brother got married, he had always been in a rush whenever he came back, never bringing friends along. But this time, he had brought two people.


    As soon as she heard that one of them was a handsome young man, she hurried back.


    Maybe this was her chance to move to the city?


    She quickly returned, her demeanor a bit shy, "Third Brother."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Little Sister, why aren¡¯t you at work? What brought you back?"


    He didn¡¯t have much of a connection with this younger sister. It wasn¡¯t that he was cold-hearted, but the age gap was too big¡ªabout fourteen or fifteen years. By the time he became an apprentice in the city, she was only two or three years old, so they hadn¡¯t spent much time together.


    Seeing her gaze linger on Zhuang Zhixi, Yang Lixin felt a pang of worry.


    He quickly interjected, "This is my neighbor. His wife just had a baby, so he came with me to exchange some eggs."


    Yang¡¯s younger sister nodded, "Mom told me." She looked at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "So this older brother is helping a relative exchange eggs?"


    Turns out, she had it all mixed up, thinking Bai Fendou was the one buying eggs for his wife, and Zhuang Zhixi was helping a relative.


    Yang Lixin frowned, "No, he¡¯s the one buying eggs for his wife. Bai Fendou here is the one helping a relative."


    Afraid that his sister might get the wrong idea, he quickly added, "You should go back to work. We don¡¯t need you here."


    Yang¡¯s younger sister was taken aback. The rosy hue on her cheeks faded, replaced by a pale complexion. The city man she had just set her eyes on was already married? She pursed her lips and glanced at Bai Fendou. Ugh, this uncle was really not worth looking at.


    She turned her gaze back to Zhuang Zhixi, feeling a bit resentful. How could someone so young already be married?


    She bit her lip, knowing that since he was married, there was no hope. She sighed softly and said, "Then I¡¯ll go back to work."


    Her enthusiasm for entertaining the guests had completely vanished.


    Yang Lixin muttered under his breath, "Such a little schemer."


    Zhuang Zhixi remained silent, as it had nothing to do with him. Bai Fendou, however, was suddenly intrigued, "How old is your sister?"


    At this question, Yang Lixin immediately became alert, "My sister is only seventeen. Don¡¯t you dare get any funny ideas. If you try anything, I won¡¯t go easy on you. If this were the old society, you¡¯d be old enough to have a child her age. Don¡¯t even think about being a cradle-snatcher. Besides, I don¡¯t want my sister to end up as a young widow. You better behave."


    Bai Fendou was fuming at his words, but hearing her age, he knew it was a no-go.


    He was already thirty-two, and seventeen was just too young.


    He shook his head, "What are you even saying? I wasn¡¯t interested in your sister in the first place."


    In terms of his preferences, he liked mature, curvy women.


    This little girl was definitely not his type.


    He said, "I wouldn¡¯t go for someone like that."


    Yang Lixin was so angry his face twisted, and he wanted to punch Bai Fendou right then and there. He said coldly, "Just shut up. Who do you think you are, acting all picky? Let me tell you, you¡¯re just here to exchange eggs. Don¡¯t cause any trouble, or I¡¯ll make sure you regret it. This is our village, and half the people here are related to me. If I shout, there¡¯ll be people lining up to beat you up."


    Bai Fendou: "Oh, come on. You think you¡¯re so tough? Go ahead, try it! I, Bai Fendou, have never backed down from a fight. If I ever cry out in fear, I¡¯ll eat my words."


    "You think I won¡¯t hit you? You..."


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing the two of them glaring at each other, couldn¡¯t help but think that Jiang Lu really knew how to pick the right people.


    He said, "That¡¯s enough. We¡¯re out here representing the city. The three of us are on the same side. Let¡¯s not embarrass ourselves and make people think city folks have no manners. We¡¯re supposed to be better than the villagers, right? Bai Fendou, stop talking nonsense. If people hear you, they¡¯ll think you¡¯re here to propose. That¡¯ll ruin Yang¡¯s younger sister¡¯s reputation. She¡¯s just a young girl, and we shouldn¡¯t treat her like that. Brother Yang, you know Bai Fendou has a big mouth. Why bother arguing with him? You were worried he¡¯d take a liking to your sister, but now that he¡¯s not interested, isn¡¯t that better? Let me remind you both¡ªwe¡¯re here to exchange eggs, not to arrange a marriage. You¡¯re getting way too worked up over nothing..."


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    Yang Lixin: "..."


    Well, he had a point.


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing that everyone had calmed down, took a moment to look around the Yang household. He had to admit, while the countryside might not be as developed as the city, the living space was much more spacious. Back in the city, his family¡¯s three-and-a-half rooms were considered generous, but they were still cramped, with chickens cooped up in the yard and peppers grown in boxes. But here, everything was wide and open.


    The courtyard was large, with plenty of space for growing vegetables and raising chickens.


    Two old hens were wandering around freely.


    The three of them were waiting for Aunt Yang to arrange the egg exchange when Yang¡¯s younger sister returned to the fields. Her friends quickly gathered around, asking, "Did your brother bring someone back to arrange a marriage?"


    "That young one is so handsome."


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s looks were indeed striking.


    Yang¡¯s younger sister pursed her lips and said firmly, "No, it¡¯s not for a marriage arrangement."


    She added, "He¡¯s already married."


    "What?"


    She added again, "And he has a child."


    "Oh!"


    The girls immediately lost interest. While the man was good-looking and from the city, being married with a child meant he was off-limits.


    "Yang¡¯s younger sister, your brother is a city man now. Why doesn¡¯t he introduce you to someone from the city?"


    "My mom said Third Brother is married into his wife¡¯s family, so he doesn¡¯t have much say."


    "A man marrying into his wife¡¯s family is so spineless."


    Yang¡¯s younger sister was upset and retorted loudly, "He¡¯s still my brother, and he¡¯s good to our family. He even brought meat when he came back this time."


    She looked at her friends proudly, "A big piece too. I saw it. He never comes back empty-handed."


    "But it¡¯s not for you..."


    "It¡¯s for the whole family." Yang¡¯s younger sister straightened up and said, "And my sister-in-law bought me snow cream once."


    Actually, it was for her mother, who gave it to her every winter. Thinking of this, Yang¡¯s younger sister felt proud again, "My brother is a chef too. In times like these, no one goes hungry, especially not chefs."


    Her friends fell silent.


    It was true. Even though Yang¡¯s younger sister¡¯s brother had married into his wife¡¯s family, he was still a city man.


    Their own brothers would never buy them snow cream.


    Yang Xiaomei cheered up again and said, "Hehe, we''re having meat for lunch."


    "Ah, I wonder when my family will get to eat meat..."


    "By the way, Fan Yun, didn¡¯t your brother come back too? Didn¡¯t he buy any meat?" Everyone turned to look at another girl. She had single eyelids and a somewhat sharp appearance. She replied, "Of course, my brother bought some too."


    "I saw that your brother didn¡¯t buy any. I even heard your family fighting last night. Wasn¡¯t it your sister-in-law who called your brother back?"


    At this, the single-eyelid girl grew visibly upset. "Exactly. She should count herself lucky to have married into our family. In this village, how many families can afford to go to the city to give birth? She got to go to a big city hospital, and she¡¯s still not satisfied? She even wanted my brother to come back and support her. Who does she think she is?"


    "You¡¯re just making things up. I heard it was you who pushed her, causing her to have a miscarriage and severe bleeding. The local clinic couldn¡¯t handle it, so they had to send her to the city. Your family didn¡¯t spend a dime! It was her dowry that covered the expenses."


    "I did no such thing!"


    "Yes, you did!"


    The girls began to argue.


    Fan Yun, realizing she couldn¡¯t win against so many, threw down her shovel in frustration and ran home crying.


    The other girls, however, didn¡¯t back down.


    "She¡¯s always been mean."


    "That¡¯s right. I heard if her sister-in-law hadn¡¯t been sent to the city hospital, it would¡¯ve been a tragedy¡ªboth mother and child. They say Fan Yun tried to steal her sister-in-law¡¯s cotton-padded jacket."


    "Her family is awful. Her sister-in-law¡¯s clothes were taken by others in the family. She had to wash clothes in the river before even finishing her postpartum recovery."


    "My mom says if you don¡¯t take care of yourself after childbirth, you¡¯ll suffer for it."


    "Exactly."


    Though they lived in a rural area, being close to the capital meant they were a bit more worldly. Some of the girls had been influenced by modern ideas and spoke with disdain about such backward practices.


    Meanwhile, Fan Yun, after arguing with her friends, ran home. Before she even got there, she saw the "culprit"¡ªher sister-in-law, He Lan, carrying her child and walking home. Fan Yun immediately charged at her, grabbing and hitting her. "It¡¯s all your fault! You¡¯ve ruined my reputation!"


    He Lan, trying to protect her child, struggled and finally managed to push Fan Yun away. "What are you doing?" she cried.


    Fan Yun shouted, "You dare fight back? I¡¯ll have my brother divorce you!"


    She yelled, "Mom! Mom, come see! Your daughter-in-law is bullying me!"


    The scene quickly descended into chaos...


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi and the others were waiting at the Yang family¡¯s house to exchange eggs when they heard the commotion outside.


    Bai Fendou stood up immediately. "Sounds like a fight."


    Always one for excitement, he rushed out the door.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin exchanged glances and followed. By the time they arrived, the fight had drawn a large crowd. A sharp-tongued old woman was slapping her daughter-in-law. "I¡¯ve spoiled you! How dare you lay a hand on my Fan Yun! Do you even know your place?"


    "That¡¯s right, Second Sister-in-law. I¡¯m not one to meddle, but you¡¯ve gone too far. Fan Yun is just a child."


    "Exactly. As your sister-in-law, I can¡¯t stand to see you act like this."


    The mother-in-law continued to hit her, while the other sisters-in-law joined in, ganging up on the woman.


    He Lan, bruised and battered, shielded her child and cried out to a man, "Fan Jianguo! Are you just going to stand there and let them bully your wife? Are you going to let them hit me?"


    She had hoped her husband would stand up for her, but since his return, he had only lectured her about filial piety. He often spoke of how hard it was for parents to raise children and how she should be grateful and obedient.


    Fan Jianguo said, "He Lan, why are you so stubborn? Just apologize to Mom. We¡¯re the younger generation. We can¡¯t argue with our elders. We should be filial."


    He Lan stared at her husband in disbelief, her mind reeling. She was the victim, yet she was the one being beaten and scolded.


    "Fan Jianguo..."


    *Slap!* The old woman struck her again. "How dare you call him by his name! He¡¯s your husband! Do you even know your place? You should be grateful to have married into our family. You¡¯re just a useless woman who can¡¯t even bear a son. What good are you?"


    She grew angrier and grabbed He Lan to hit her again.


    But after a couple of strikes, someone grabbed her arm. It was Zhuang Zhixi. "Auntie, if the Women¡¯s Federation finds out about this, they¡¯ll hold you accountable. Let¡¯s talk this out. If you keep hitting her, something bad might happen. She¡¯s holding a child. At least think of the baby."


    The old woman glared at him. "What¡¯s it to you? Who do you think you are? Are you this little slut¡¯s lover or something? You..."


    "I can¡¯t take this anymore! You old hag, you¡¯re disgusting! I¡¯ve never seen anyone as vile as you!" Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. He stepped forward and punched the old woman square in the eye.


    Bai Fendou¡¯s outbursts were always unpredictable.


    He didn¡¯t hold back, slapping the old woman several times.


    "I¡¯m doing this for justice today. You¡¯re a bully who picks on your daughter-in-law, and someone needs to teach you a lesson. I¡¯m going to do the right thing and put you in your place!"


    Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t afraid of a fight.


    His actions stunned everyone, even the old woman¡¯s son. No one expected an outsider to step in so boldly, especially over something that had nothing to do with him.


    "Murder! So you¡¯re the little slut¡¯s lover! You..."


    "Shut up, or I won¡¯t be so polite!"


    At this point, the Fan family men rushed forward. "How dare you hit our mother!"


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t hesitate. He aimed a kick at one of them. "Ah!!!"


    The scream was ear-piercing.


    The scene erupted into chaos again. Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin had no choice but to step in. They couldn¡¯t just let Bai Fendou take on the whole family alone. Besides, even if it was meddling in someone else¡¯s family business, Bai Fendou¡¯s heart was in the right place.


    "Oh my god, this is getting out of hand... Someone help our guys... Don¡¯t let the Fan family bully us!"


    The fight quickly escalated from a domestic dispute to a full-blown brawl.


    "Stop! Stop it!"


    "Who should we help?"


    "Don¡¯t get involved. Both the Yang and Fan families have a lot of people..."


    "Oh my god... This guy¡¯s aiming for the crotch!"


    "Stop! Everyone stop!"


    After the chaos subsided, everyone was taken to the village committee.


    The village head was so angry he could barely catch his breath. He glared at Bai Fendou and the others. "You outsiders..."


    Before he could finish, Zhuang Zhixi spoke up. "We may be outsiders, but everyone saw why we got involved. Right and wrong don¡¯t depend on whether you¡¯re a local or not. If that were the case, what¡¯s the point of having laws? Anyone with even a little education knows that mistreating women and children is wrong. What they did in public today was a blatant disregard for the law. We know this is a family matter, and the victim might even resent us for meddling. But we did what we thought was right. Even if we have to take this to higher authorities, we can stand by our actions. I work in the propaganda department and have published articles in the newspaper. I know what¡¯s right and what¡¯s wrong."


    After his speech, the village head fell silent.


    It is often said that old people become cunning and old horses become slippery. He could tell what this young man was implying. If the brigade wanted to make a big deal out of the fight or show favoritism, they weren¡¯t afraid. Moreover, this person knew how to wield a pen and might even submit an article, making their entire brigade "famous."


    He didn¡¯t explicitly threaten, but the meaning was crystal clear.


    If things were to escalate, it might even affect his position as the brigade leader.


    He felt some resentment toward the Yang family for bringing such a person into the mix, but he also blamed the Fan family for being so ruthless. Their mistreatment of their daughter-in-law was well-known throughout the brigade. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that their other children were already married, no one would dare marry into their family.


    As for their daughter¡­ a young woman who nearly caused her sister-in-law¡¯s death and now attacked people without reason¡ªwho would want such a woman in their family?


    The brigade leader said, "Both sides are at fault here, but I know your intentions were good. However, this is our village. Acting so impulsively makes it hard for the Yang family to live here¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "I believe no one will gossip about the Yang family. Whether educated or not, most people understand right from wrong. If anyone talks, it¡¯ll be to criticize those who bully women and act arrogantly. If standing up for what¡¯s right is slandered, then there¡¯s no justice in this world. Brigade leader, even ordinary folks know right from wrong. I¡¯ve heard Brother Yang talk about the village before, and I know many here are reasonable people. That¡¯s why we dared to speak up when we saw injustice¡­"


    "That¡¯s right, we understand too."


    "Exactly, we¡¯re not blind¡­"


    "Our village is full of good people."


    ¡­


    "Nonsense, this is our family matter!"


    The sharp-tongued old lady had lost a tooth in the scuffle. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "No family matter is above the law. Abuse is wrong. Maybe your daughter-in-law doesn¡¯t want us meddling, but that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re wrong. Our methods might have been impulsive, but in that situation, should we have waited for you to strike again? Auntie, I¡¯m not afraid of trouble. If needed, we can take this to the police station."


    "You!"


    "That¡¯s unnecessary, really unnecessary¡­" The brigade leader didn¡¯t want to involve the authorities. Unlike Zhuang Zhixi and his group, who were familiar with the police station, most villagers preferred to avoid official involvement. The brigade leader especially didn¡¯t want things to escalate, as it would reflect poorly on his leadership.


    "Let¡¯s not go that far. Both sides should calm down. I¡¯ll make the call¡ªlet¡¯s drop it."


    "Brigade leader, my tooth¡­" the old lady protested.


    The brigade leader glared at her, "Enough! If you hadn¡¯t stirred up trouble, none of this would¡¯ve happened. This is a new society¡ªstop using old ways to bully people. Abuse has no place here. And as for your daughter, if you don¡¯t rein her in, no one will want to marry her. Who¡¯d want such a venomous woman?"


    "Brigade leader, how can you say that¡­"


    "Shut up!"


    The brigade leader¡¯s authority silenced her.


    Fan Jianguo frowned, looking at his battered wife, and said, "Are you happy now? Letting outsiders gossip about our family and criticize my sister? Is that what you wanted? How selfish can you be?"


    He Lan stood there, dazed, biting her lip. Finally, she looked up, "What do you mean? Before we married, you promised to treat me well."


    Fan Jianguo snapped, "Hasn¡¯t my family treated you well? You¡¯ve never gone hungry or lacked clothes. You just have to do some work¡ªwhat daughter-in-law doesn¡¯t? You can¡¯t even have children anymore, and I haven¡¯t said a word about it."


    Bai Fendou glanced over, feeling a sense of kinship.


    He couldn¡¯t have children either.


    Sob!


    He Lan was incredulous, "If your sister hadn¡¯t pushed me, I wouldn¡¯t have hemorrhaged and lost the ability to have children. And now you¡¯re blaming me?"


    "Yes, I¡¯m blaming you. So what?" The Fan family matriarch stepped forward, pointing at He Lan¡¯s nose, "Divorce! You must divorce! My son can find someone better. Take your sickly, barely-alive daughter and get out. Let¡¯s see who¡¯d want a capitalist¡¯s daughter who can¡¯t bear children!"


    He Lan ignored the old woman, looking only at her husband. But soon, the light in her eyes faded¡­


    He averted his gaze.


    He Lan trembled, "Divorce? You want a divorce?"


    Fan Jianguo¡¯s expression darkened, but he said nothing.


    He thought his mother was right. He couldn¡¯t be without a son, and He Lan couldn¡¯t have more children. He had once liked He Lan for her beauty, grace, and education, overlooking her flaws.


    But now, he felt her background was holding him back.


    Her once radiant appearance had faded¡ªher skin was sallow, her hair like straw, and she looked unkempt, worse than any village girl. And she couldn¡¯t bear children anymore.


    He wanted a divorce, and he didn¡¯t think he was wrong.


    His mother had also mentioned that He Lan had no money left. She had thought He Lan might still have some savings, but seeing her eat nothing but cornbread in the hospital, unwilling to spend on vegetables, she knew He Lan was broke.


    Even without today¡¯s incident, his mother had planned to mistreat He Lan to provoke her into resisting, giving them a reason to divorce.


    It wasn¡¯t their fault.


    He Lan, with her frail, premature daughter, was no longer worth his attachment.


    But he couldn¡¯t say these things¡ªhe still had some pride.


    His mother could play the villain.


    "Divorce! We don¡¯t want this kind of daughter-in-law!"


    He Lan wept, wiping her tears, "Divorce it is, then. My dowry¡­"


    "What dowry? You brought nothing! What do you have to claim?" A capitalist¡¯s daughter dared to speak up?


    He Lan fell silent, crying quietly.


    But even so, she didn¡¯t refuse the divorce.


    The brigade leader, seeing the focus shift from the fight to the divorce, said, "Alright, everyone, let¡¯s disperse. Go home."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t press further, though Bai Fendou wanted to say more. Yang Lixin nudged him to leave. When it came to divorce, it wasn¡¯t their place to interfere. They followed the Yang family back, and Zhuang Zhixi apologized, "Auntie, I¡¯m sorry. Our visit caused so much trouble."


    He had only meant to mediate, but Bai Fendou had acted impulsively.


    Still, he couldn¡¯t blame Bai Fendou, who had stepped in when he saw Zhuang Zhixi being berated.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt the village might not welcome them anymore, and he had caused trouble for Yang Lixin¡¯s family.


    "I¡¯m truly sorry."


    Yang¡¯s ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????mother remained calm, "It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve wanted to beat that old hag from the Fan family for a long time. Our families have always had issues. Don¡¯t worry about visiting us¡ªwe don¡¯t care about them. This village is mostly Yangs anyway. Besides, their family is selfish and mean, disliked by everyone. They¡¯re poor as dirt, spending their daughter-in-law¡¯s money and still acting high and mighty. Shameless."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Auntie, you¡¯re really kind."


    Bai Fendou chimed in, "Absolutely. Next time you¡¯re in the city, stay at my place. I have two rooms¡ªplenty of space."


    Yang¡¯s mother: "¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "You¡¯re quite the forward one."


    Bai Fendou insisted, "Auntie Yang, seriously, if their families won¡¯t host you, you¡¯d have to stay at an inn. But my place has room. When you visit the city, let Zhuang Zhixi show you around¡ªhe knows all the good spots. You can stay with me."


    Yang¡¯s mother smiled, "Alright, I¡¯ll take you up on that."


    "I mean it."


    Even though they hadn''t known each other before, after getting into a fight together, everyone became quite friendly.


    Aunt Yang: "My fourth son''s wife, she was originally set up on a blind date with Fan Jianguo, the second son of the Fan family¡ªthe same Fan Jianguo from today. But my daughter-in-law didn¡¯t take a liking to their boy. Instead, she fell for my fourth son. Naturally, the Fan family has held a grudge against us ever since, always spreading rumors about our family. But since we¡¯re all from the same village, it¡¯s not like we can really throw hands over it. Even though there¡¯s been tension between our families for a while, there was never a good reason to start a fight. Today, though, things just happened to align perfectly, and we got to give them a good beating to vent some frustration."


    Fourth Yang chuckled: "I gave that loudmouth woman from their family a few good kicks."


    "I also got in a few good pinches."


    Little Yang: "I kicked Fan Yun too, hehe."


    Zhuang Zhixi could tell that Aunt Yang was telling the truth. Their family really wasn¡¯t angry, and he finally felt relieved. It wouldn¡¯t have been good if they had caused any real trouble for them.


    Aunt Yang: "You all feel guilty, but even without today¡¯s fight, they would¡¯ve gotten divorced anyway. Ever since they found out He Lan couldn¡¯t have any more children, their family has been up to no good. The whole village knows they¡¯ve been wanting a divorce. They just think they¡¯ve been keeping it a secret."


    "Still, it¡¯s partly because of us¡­"


    Bai Fendou: "They don¡¯t know how to cherish such a good wife. What a disgrace. That older sister seems like a decent person. Their family keeps harping on about her background, but once you¡¯re married, you follow your husband¡¯s family. What kind of people are they?"


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou: "Even the leaders have said that having a son or a daughter is the same. Their family keeps making a fuss about having a daughter. They¡¯re just not decent people."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Bai Fendou again.


    This time, even Yang Lixin looked at Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou: "That¡¯s just how I am. I can¡¯t stand seeing the weak being bullied."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...Oh."


    Aunt Yang: "Oh right, I¡¯ve almost finished exchanging the eggs for you all. Come take a look¡­"


    Yang Lixin: "Yeah, I need to head back soon. I¡¯ve got something to do tonight."


    Aunt Yang: "Then hurry up."


    Bai Fendou hesitantly moved closer, pursing his lips as if he wanted to say something but held back.


    They didn¡¯t stay in the village for long. Even though the Yang family said it was fine, as outsiders, they had been a bit too bold earlier. While the Yang family and Yang Lixin might not face any consequences in the village, it was better for them to leave early.


    After they finished exchanging the eggs, they headed to the station together. Yang Lixin, seeing them off, quietly slipped over to his mother and handed her a roll of small change, whispering, "I¡¯ve been saving this. Keep it."


    His mother wanted to say something, but seeing the look in his eyes, she simply nodded.


    Yang Lixin quickly left with Zhuang Zhixi and Bai Fendou. When they arrived at the station and saw the Yang family members who had come to see them off head back, Bai Fendou suddenly clutched his stomach and said, "Oh, my stomach hurts. You two go ahead. I¡¯ll catch the next bus."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Do you think I¡¯m an idiot?


    Yang Lixin also frowned.


    Bai Fendou raised his hand: "I promise I won¡¯t cause any trouble. You two go ahead. I¡¯ll just use the restroom and catch the afternoon bus. Take the eggs with you. Go on, go on."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin exchanged a look, unsure of what to say, but before they could respond, Bai Fendou pushed them onto the bus.


    As the door creaked shut, Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Do you think he¡¯ll get into trouble going back?"


    Yang Lixin: "Can you stop him?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No."


    "Exactly."


    Both of them knew Bai Fendou was worried about that young woman, He Lan, who had been beaten earlier. But what could they say? They had no right to interfere. They weren¡¯t anyone to Bai Fendou.


    After a long pause, Zhuang Zhixi said, "Maybe it¡¯s not a bad thing. Maybe he can really help her."


    Yang Lixin: "Let¡¯s hope so."


    Meanwhile, Bai Fendou was running back as fast as he could. He truly couldn¡¯t stop worrying about that young woman who had been beaten.

 Chapter 142

    In mid to late March, the sky didn¡¯t darken as early as it did in winter. Ming Mei, with her hands tucked into her sleeves, stepped out to use the restroom. Before she could reach the door, she spotted Bai Fendou leading a woman, looking somewhat furtive. Upon closer inspection, the woman was also holding a child.


    Bai Fendou, who had been trying to be as cautious as possible, was startled to run into someone. But when he saw it was Ming Mei, he relaxed a little. He trusted Ming Mei, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife, to be discreet.


    He greeted her in a hushed tone, ¡°Out for a stroll?¡±


    Ming Mei pointed toward the restroom, then glanced at the woman beside Bai Fendou. The woman¡¯s face was bruised and swollen, making it difficult to recognize her. Ming Mei didn¡¯t realize it was He Lan, who had once shared a hospital room with her. Frowning slightly, she whispered, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Bai Fendou was surprised. ¡°Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t tell you?¡±


    Ming Mei grew even more puzzled. Bai Fendou chuckled awkwardly, tugged at He Lan, and quickened his pace without offering any explanation.


    Ming Mei watched them walk away, noticing how Bai Fendou sped up. She scratched her head, unsure what was going on. Bai Fendou glanced back, saw Ming Mei heading to the restroom, and breathed a sigh of relief.


    He led He Lan into his home. The weather wasn¡¯t as warm as in summer, so people weren¡¯t sitting outside chatting in the evenings. He quickly ushered her inside, saying, ¡°Come on in. Make yourself at home.¡±


    He Lan whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Bai Fendou waved it off. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. I can¡¯t stand seeing people being treated like that. Sit down for a bit, and I¡¯ll get some food ready.¡±


    He Lan gave a faint nod. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to help, but in her former in-laws¡¯ house, her mother-in-law had forbidden her from cooking. She could do all the other chores, but cooking was off-limits¡ªher mother-in-law feared she¡¯d sneak food. Unsure if Bai Fendou would let her cook, He Lan held her daughter close, gently rocking the baby, who let out a faint, kitten-like sound.


    She sat on the edge of the bed, not moving, as she reflected on everything that had happened that day. It all felt like a dream.


    He Lan came from a small capitalist family. Her father had owned a silk shop, with four or five stores, two of which specialized in tailoring. They weren¡¯t major capitalists, but in that era, their wealth alone made them a target.


    Her family hadn¡¯t done anything wrong¡ªthey hadn¡¯t exploited or mistreated anyone¡ªbut their good fortune meant they were labeled as ¡°bad elements.¡±


    She was the middle child of four. Her father had made arrangements for each of them, settling her in Yang Family Village. The reason for this was her father¡¯s acquaintance with Fan Jianguo. When Fan Jianguo was a teenager, he¡¯d been injured by an ox in the city, and her father happened to be passing by. He rushed Fan Jianguo to the hospital, saving his life. After that, the Fan family would send fresh vegetables from their fields during festivals, and her father would reciprocate with gifts of fish, meat, and even slightly flawed fabric. The two families maintained a friendly relationship. In fact, it was her family who had pulled strings to help Fan Jianguo enlist in the army.


    Before her family¡¯s downfall, her father had foreseen trouble and arranged for her to marry Fan Jianguo and settle in Yang Family Village. He believed that only by marrying into the Fan family could she avoid being implicated by her family¡¯s troubles.


    But He Lan never imagined that this marriage would trap her in a living nightmare.


    Shortly after the wedding, her family fell from grace. Though heartbroken, He Lan followed her father¡¯s instructions and cut ties with him. However, as soon as the He family collapsed, the Fan family revealed their true colors.


    Her mother-in-law, who had treated her kindly before the wedding, suddenly dumped all the household chores on her. He Lan had to work in the fields during the day and take care of the entire family¡¯s laundry¡ªher brother-in-law¡¯s family, her sister-in-law¡¯s family, her sister-in-law, and the elderly couple.


    She chopped firewood, fed the chickens, washed clothes, scrubbed dishes, carried water, and swept the floors.


    She barely had time to sleep.


    And if she didn¡¯t do something perfectly, the family would beat her. Her mother-in-law, along with her two sisters-in-law and sister-in-law, would take turns hitting her. Over the years, as political tensions grew, they used her family background as an excuse to vent their frustrations on her. In four years of marriage, she had been beaten countless times.


    In those days, many people held old-fashioned views, believing that ¡°a clear official can¡¯t settle family disputes.¡± So, even though some villagers disapproved of the Fan family¡¯s ingratitude, no one dared to speak up for He Lan, fearing they¡¯d bring trouble upon themselves.


    He Lan endured it all in silence. She was always hungry and cold. No matter what the family ate, she was only given bran buns. If it weren¡¯t for her labor in the fields, she wouldn¡¯t even have gotten those. Even when she was eight months pregnant, she had to work in the fields. If she didn¡¯t earn ten work points, her mother-in-law would pinch her. Her arms and legs were always bruised in places no one could see.


    She had tried to talk to her husband about it, but Fan Jianguo always told her to endure.


    He said, ¡°My parents raised me with great difficulty. Since I¡¯m away most of the time, you need to show filial piety on my behalf.¡±


    He said, ¡°I know you think my parents are unfair, but I don¡¯t see it that way. Since I¡¯m rarely home, my older brother and younger brother take care of everything. It¡¯s only right that I be more accommodating. You¡¯re from a capitalist family, so you¡¯re used to being pampered, but there¡¯s nothing wrong with doing more work.¡±


    He said, ¡°Our family hasn¡¯t divided the household yet, so my salary has to go to my parents. Your dowry should be handed over too. Women shouldn¡¯t hold onto money¡ªyou don¡¯t know how to manage it. Let Mom handle it.¡±


    He said, ¡°I know my mom sometimes hits you, but if you weren¡¯t doing something wrong, she wouldn¡¯t have to. You need to reflect on yourself.¡±


    He said, ¡°So many women in the village give birth at home. Why do you think you¡¯re so special? It¡¯s that capitalist upbringing of yours.¡±


    He said, ¡°Look at you, why can¡¯t you be more understanding? Mom¡¯s upset because you gave birth to a daughter. You need to be more patient.¡±


    He Lan was so thin during her pregnancy that she looked like a skeleton with a belly. She worked in the fields every day, trying to be careful, but one day Fan Yun pushed her down. Fan Yun had been trying to steal her clothes¡ªHe Lan¡¯s decent clothes had already been taken by the women in the family. The only one left was a slightly thicker coat that looked tattered on the outside, so it had been overlooked. But Fan Yun discovered it was actually quite warm and, without a shred of shame, tried to strip it off He Lan right in the yard. This led to He Lan going into labor prematurely.


    She managed to send a telegram to Fan Jianguo, but the result was devastating.


    Fan Jianguo returned, but he blamed her for the incident.


    He Lan was utterly despondent. If it weren¡¯t for her daughter, she would have thrown herself into the river long ago.


    But to her surprise, though the villagers had always turned a blind eye, an outsider had stepped in to defend her today. However, the outcome was that the Fan family wanted a divorce. He Lan wasn¡¯t an ignorant village girl. She had been naive and carefree in her youth, but she was also educated. Coming from a well-off family, she had seen more of the world than most.


    She could see that Fan Jianguo and his family were deliberately trying to get rid of her.


    He Lan didn¡¯t beg or plead. Four years of marriage had stripped her of her pride, broken her spirit, and crushed her individuality, but she knew begging would be pointless. She had no doubt that if she refused, she would ¡°die accidentally.¡±


    If she died, what would happen to her daughter?


    The child was so small, so fragile.


    If He Lan died, her daughter wouldn¡¯t survive.


    So she didn¡¯t resist, even when the Fan family kicked her out without giving her a single change of clothes.


    It was only then that He Lan realized the Fan family had been planning this all along. From the beginning, they had been wary of her background. Though they had held a wedding banquet, they had never registered the marriage.


    Legally, Fan Jianguo was still an unmarried man.


    Four years of toil, abuse, and suffering, and in the end, she had nothing¡ªnot even a legal marriage.


    She knew she had to leave. If she stayed, she would surely die.


    She had overheard Fan Jianguo talking to his mother. He mentioned that the daughter of one of his superiors had taken a liking to him, and he was considering pursuing it further. However, he didn¡¯t know how to handle the situation. At the time, she hadn¡¯t heard what her mother-in-law said, but she had seen the fierce, murderous look in her eyes.


    He Lan had nothing. Carrying her daughter, she left the Fan household and quietly made her way to the riverbank. She thought that perhaps jumping into the river would end everything. But her daughter was still so young, so small, clinging to life with such tenacity. How could she, as a mother, be so weak? Just as she was at her most desperate and lost, she saw a man hiding behind a tree, waving at her. He Lan didn¡¯t know why she went over, but she felt that this man was a good person.


    Bai Fendou was terrified, thinking she was about to jump into the river. ¡°Y-you can¡¯t think of ending your life! It¡¯s better to live a hard life than to die. Someone like him isn¡¯t worth it.¡±


    He Lan¡¯s eyes were empty as she replied, ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning to die.¡±


    Her words didn¡¯t sound convincing at all. Bai Fendou stammered, ¡°My name is Bai Fendou. I work at the Fourth Nine City Machinery Factory. Do you have nowhere to go?¡±


    He Lan remained silent.


    Seeing her pitiful state, Bai Fendou sighed and said, ¡°How about you come live with me?¡±


    He Lan immediately grew wary, her gaze sharp as she stared at Bai Fendou. ¡°My family background is bad. I only have a sickly daughter, and I can¡¯t have any more children.¡±


    With such conditions, who would want her?


    ¡°M-my background is good, but¡­ I¡¯m just a toilet cleaner¡­¡± Bai Fendou hadn¡¯t wanted to say it, but he felt that if he didn¡¯t explain himself clearly, He Lan wouldn¡¯t trust him. He looked at her with sympathy, thinking how tragic this young woman¡¯s life was.


    After a moment of hesitation, he added, ¡°I can¡¯t have children either.¡±


    He stuttered, ¡°W-would you¡­ would you let your daughter take my surname, Bai?¡±


    He Lan was stunned. Bai Fendou quickly added, ¡°I¡¯m not taking advantage of your situation. If you don¡¯t want to, it¡¯s fine. You can come with me for now, stay with me, and figure out what to do later¡­¡±


    He Lan looked at him in surprise. Under her gaze, Bai Fendou decided to be blunt. ¡°I was injured and¡­ I can¡¯t do¡­ certain things.¡±


    He Lan was even more shocked and whispered, ¡°But my family background¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou waved it off. ¡°What does background matter? I can see you¡¯ve been beaten and mistreated like this, so I know you¡¯re not a bad person.¡±


    He Lan pursed her lips.


    Bai Fendou hesitated, then said, ¡°So¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you!¡±


    He Lan spoke firmly. ¡°I¡¯m willing to go with you. I don¡¯t ask for much, just a place to live and raise my daughter. She¡¯s still so small¡­¡±


    Tears welled up in her eyes, and she wiped them away.


    ¡°I¡¯m also willing to let my daughter take your surname, Bai.¡±


    Bai Fendou was taken aback but quickly nodded. ¡°Good, good¡­¡±


    He Lan took a deep breath and said, ¡°Let¡¯s get married!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°He Lan, dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    While He Lan was lost in her memories, Bai Fendou had already prepared the meal. He said, ¡°There¡¯s not much at home, but I made some soup with an egg. You should have it.¡±


    He Lan shook her head. ¡°No, no, that¡¯s too precious. You should have it. You need the energy for work¡­¡±


    Back in the Fan household, women weren¡¯t allowed to eat such good food. Even the favored daughters-in-law and Fan Yun weren¡¯t allowed. The best food went to the eldest grandson and the men of the family.


    It had been four years since He Lan had eaten an egg, even after giving birth.


    Bai Fendou insisted, ¡°What are you saying? I¡¯m a grown man. I don¡¯t need to eat well. I¡¯m strong and healthy.¡±


    He added, ¡°You should eat. The child is still so small. You need to recover.¡±


    He muttered, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone as thin as you after giving birth. Li Fang and Xiao Zhuang¡¯s wife in our courtyard, they all ate well after having children. If you don¡¯t eat well, how will the child get enough milk?¡±


    He glanced at the baby in He Lan¡¯s arms, tiny and frail, like a little kitten.


    He Lan¡¯s eyes reddened again. It had been so long since she had felt someone¡¯s care.


    She whispered, ¡°I¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou urged, ¡°Drink the soup, then eat.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll get the necessary documents from the factory, and we¡¯ll register our marriage.¡±


    He Lan nodded firmly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep it quiet until after we¡¯ve registered. There¡¯s someone in our courtyard who likes to stir up trouble whenever I mention getting married. This time, we¡¯ll register first, then tell everyone.¡± He didn¡¯t want any surprises.


    He Lan nodded seriously.


    She didn¡¯t know much, but she was willing to trust Bai Fendou.


    In her heart, she knew Bai Fendou was her and her daughter¡¯s lifeline. If she hadn¡¯t met him, even if she survived, her life would have been miserable¡ªnever knowing where her next meal would come from or where she could live. But Bai Fendou had taken her in. She was deeply grateful to him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect your village to issue the documents so quickly.¡±


    They had agreed by the river earlier, and He Lan had gone straight to the village to get the necessary papers. Surprisingly, the village hadn¡¯t stopped her. Not only that, but they had also prepared the documents for her to transfer her household registration and handed them to her.


    She whispered, ¡°Because my family background is bad, they¡¯re eager for me to leave the village and not bring them any trouble.¡±


    Bai Fendou was furious. ¡°What kind of people are they?¡±


    He Lan worried, ¡°With my background¡­ will you be able to get the documents?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that He Lan was being overly cautious, but in those days, family background was extremely important. It affected everything, even the simplest tasks. He Lan had suffered so much because of it. She had endured beatings and insults in the Fan household without leaving, all because of her background.


    If she hadn¡¯t sensed the murderous intent in the Fan household this time, she wouldn¡¯t have left with her daughter. She wouldn¡¯t have minded dying herself, but she couldn¡¯t bear to leave her newborn daughter, who was less than two months old.


    ¡°As for me¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou waved his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Our factory isn¡¯t some high-security unit. It¡¯s just an ordinary factory. They won¡¯t care who a toilet cleaner marries. Besides, to be honest¡­¡±


    He felt a bit embarrassed but decided to be upfront. ¡°My reputation in this area isn¡¯t great. Even if your background is bad, people might still think of it as a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung. And I¡¯m the cow dung.¡±


    He actually thought he was a decent person and didn¡¯t see anything wrong with himself, but the people around him didn¡¯t share that opinion. He felt wronged, but he had to admit that in others¡¯ eyes, he really wasn¡¯t much.


    ¡°Once we¡¯re married, we¡¯ll go to the neighborhood committee. The director there always looks stern, but she¡¯s a good person. When my father passed away, she helped a lot. I¡¯ll make a scene if I have to. Even if she¡¯s reluctant, seeing how pitiful you are, she probably won¡¯t refuse to let you transfer your household registration here. However, your grain ration probably won¡¯t be transferred. That¡¯s just how it is.¡±


    Normally, grain rations followed household registration, but due to the famine ten years ago, many people had fled their hometowns. Although they were eventually resettled, the situation was complicated, leading to some people¡¯s household registration and grain rations being separated.


    He Lan marrying Bai Fendou and transferring her household registration was normal, but transferring her grain ration would be difficult.


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t have high hopes for that, but he comforted her, ¡°With two adults and one child, my monthly salary of 25 yuan is enough if we budget carefully. The minimum living standard in Fourth Nine City is 5 yuan per person, so we¡¯re doing better than that. I can take care of you.¡±


    He Lan nodded firmly.


    Bai Fendou smiled and said, ¡°Eat some more.¡±


    He scooped more food onto her plate. ¡°Eat up, then rest.¡±


    After a moment of thought, he added, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the Zhuang family for a bit. You sleep first.¡±


    He Lan replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Bai Fendou said, "You can sleep in this room too. The room next door hasn¡¯t been used for a long time, and I¡¯ve been storing junk in there. It¡¯s covered in a thick layer of dust, so don¡¯t bother cleaning it. There¡¯s not much coal left, but don¡¯t worry, just use it."


    After giving his instructions, he got up and left.


    He Lan watched his retreating figure, thinking about Bai Fendou¡¯s words. No matter how flawed this man might be, he had helped her in her time of need, and that made her believe he couldn¡¯t be a bad person. She poked her daughter¡¯s cheek and whispered, "Little one, we have a home now."


    Tears silently rolled down her cheeks. She wiped them away and said earnestly, "We¡¯ve really met a good person."


    Although Bai Fendou had spoken with such certainty, deep down he was uneasy. Late at night, he went over and knocked on the door, calling out, "Xiao Zhuang, Zhuang Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi came out, draped in a coat, and asked, "What do you want?"


    He had already heard from his wife that Bai Fendou had brought He Lan and her daughter home. He guessed this was about that.


    "What¡¯s the matter?" he asked, closing the door behind him and sitting on a small stool by the entrance.


    Bai Fendou frowned, "What kind of person are you? You won¡¯t even let me inside."


    Zhuang Zhixi was calm, "My wife¡¯s already in bed. It¡¯s not appropriate for you to come in."


    Bai Fendou said, "I¡¯ve brought He Lan over. We¡¯re planning to get married."


    "And then?"


    Bai Fendou hesitated, "Her background... do you think we can keep it hidden?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at him and said, "No, we can¡¯t."


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "You¡¯re already the center of attention. If you marry her, people will speculate about why you¡¯re marrying her, why she chose you, and her background will inevitably come to light."


    Bai Fendou sighed, "I don¡¯t care if people talk about me, but she¡¯s suffered so much. I don¡¯t want her to come here and be bullied again..."


    To be honest, when Bai Fendou first saw He Lan, he didn¡¯t think she was particularly beautiful. Besides, she had been beaten so badly that her face was swollen and bruised, making it hard to tell. Even if he could see clearly, He Lan wasn¡¯t his usual type. But she was so pitiful. As a man, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of heroism. Seeing He Lan in need of help, Bai Fendou¡¯s heart was instantly moved.


    In truth, Wang Xiangxiu and Guan Guiling were also somewhat pitiful and in need of help.


    Though He Lan looked different from them, she was just as pitiable, which aligned with Bai Fendou¡¯s unchanging "aesthetic" in a way.


    "She and her daughter have no one else to rely on. I¡¯m just worried that Chen Yuan, that bastard, will stir up trouble again. He¡¯s no good..."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and said, "Then you should strike first."


    Bai Fendou was confused, "What do you mean?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Aren¡¯t you afraid Chen Yuan will use He Lan¡¯s background against you? Then take the initiative. Just come out and say it! Are you planning to register your marriage tomorrow?"


    Bai Fendou nodded, still not fully understanding.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Are you going to throw a celebration after you get married?"


    Bai Fendou rubbed his hands together, "Of course! It¡¯s my first time getting married!"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "Don¡¯t throw a big celebration. Given He Lan¡¯s background, it¡¯s not appropriate. Just hand out some candies. Remember, don¡¯t let her wear new clothes. Have her dress in rags, with her bruised face, and go around handing out candies with you."


    "Why?" Bai Fendou asked, puzzled.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "To play up the pity angle. If she looks miserable enough, people will focus less on her background. If she¡¯s all dressed up and looking fine, what do you think people will speculate?"


    Bai Fendou frowned, "But won¡¯t people think I¡¯m the one who beat her? I didn¡¯t! I¡¯m not that kind of person. It¡¯s all because of Guan Guiling, always being vague and making people think I¡¯m like that."


    Just thinking about it made him angry. How could Guan Guiling get involved with Chen Yuan? It was outrageous.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let them talk. It won¡¯t cost you anything. Of course, you¡¯ll have to vehemently deny it. But the more you deny, the more people will think you did it..."


    Bai Fendou grimaced, "Ugh!"


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "If they think that way, it¡¯s not a bad thing. A daughter of a small capitalist living in misery¡ªdoesn¡¯t that sound better? Oh, by the way, has she cut ties with her parents?"


    Bai Fendou replied, "Yes, she has."


    This was something everyone understood. Although there were many cases of people cutting ties with their families during those times, and it was often reported in the newspapers, in reality, not all of them were genuine. Some were likely agreed upon within the family to protect at least one member.


    Of course, those who reported their own family members were exceptions¡ªthey deserved nothing but contempt.


    "Since she¡¯s cut ties, it¡¯s easier to handle. Although we advocate for gender equality now, many people still believe that once a woman marries, she¡¯s no longer connected to her birth family. So if her background is problematic and yours is fine, it¡¯s not a big issue. If anyone brings it up, just explain the situation. Now, let¡¯s talk about Chen Yuan."


    If it were any other matter, Zhuang Zhixi wouldn¡¯t bother helping Bai Fendou.


    But this time, he was willing to lend a hand, and he did so gladly.


    He said, "After you register your marriage tomorrow, wait until evening when everyone¡¯s back, and then hand out the candies. Save Chen Yuan¡¯s house for last. Your marriage will definitely cause a stir, and everyone will come out to watch the commotion. When you finally get to Chen Yuan¡¯s house, just say to him..."


    He leaned in and whispered a few words into Bai Fendou¡¯s ear.


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes widened in shock, "Holy crap!"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "Just say that. With those words, he probably won¡¯t meddle in your marriage. In fact, he might even hope you stay together for a long time."


    "But..." Bai Fendou looked at Zhuang Zhixi, at a loss for words.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "What are you looking at? If you don¡¯t like it..."


    "I like it!" Bai Fendou exclaimed. "If this solves the problem, why wouldn¡¯t I like it? But... your idea is just too sneaky."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, "Take it or leave it."


    He stood up, "Alright, I¡¯m going home to sleep."


    "Wait a second," Bai Fendou said hesitantly. "What do I need to prepare for the wedding?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was speechless for a moment.


    Bai Fendou added, "It¡¯s my first time getting married."


    Zhuang Zhixi said sincerely, "Let¡¯s focus on getting the marriage certificate first."


    Getting married was proving to be quite a challenge for Bai Fendou.


    First, he had an unreliable father. Then, he got caught up in the charms of a widow and couldn¡¯t extricate himself¡ªand worst of all, he got nothing out of it. And now, there was the petty and vindictive Chen Yuan.


    Of course, in Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s view, Chen Yuan¡¯s bad intentions had accidentally done some good.


    But Chen Yuan was just too petty.


    What a jerk!


    So, Zhuang Zhixi patted Bai Fendou on the shoulder, "First, get the certificate. Be careful and steady. Once you have that, follow my plan."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned to go home, but before he could step inside, Bai Fendou called out, "Wait!"


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What now?"


    Bai Fendou hesitated, "Do you think I should take He Lan to the hospital? She¡¯s pretty badly injured."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "After you get the certificate, settle the household registration, and meet everyone, then take her to the hospital."


    He took a deep breath, feeling that Bai Fendou still hadn¡¯t fully grasped his advice. He added a few more words, "Your marriage will only draw attention at the beginning. Once time passes, no one will care about Bai Fendou¡¯s life anymore. So the initial period is crucial. Because so many people will be watching you, even though He Lan has cut ties with her family, her background is still problematic. The more miserable she looks, the less people will focus on her background. The fact that she was beaten by her previous family, though cruel, actually works in your favor. Remember two words: play up the pity! Play it up, play it up, play it up! Do you understand? You might face some criticism, but as long as you didn¡¯t do it, you didn¡¯t do it! All the neighbors know it wasn¡¯t you! And besides, your reputation is already what it is. A little more or less criticism won¡¯t make much difference."


    Bai Fendou nodded, "Got it."


    "Now, can I go home?" Zhuang Zhixi asked seriously.


    Bai Fendou said, "Wait a second."


    Zhuang Zhixi was almost driven to the edge of madness. This person was truly unbearable. Would it ever end? He took a deep breath, feeling that doing good deeds was no easy task. He had to constantly restrain himself from losing his temper. He said, "Go on, say it."


    "Raising a child..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We''ll talk about that later!"


    His face darkened: "You don''t have to say everything in one day!"


    After a pause, he added, "Instead, you should introduce He Lan to some of the people and things in our courtyard. Don''t leave her in the dark."


    With that, he finally opened the door and slammed it shut with a loud bang. This Bai Fendou, really!


    Bai Fendou clicked his tongue and silently returned home. When he arrived, he saw that He Lan had already tidied up the dining table. Her daughter was already asleep in bed, while He Lan was sweeping the floor. She was nervous and could only keep herself busy with chores.


    As soon as Bai Fendou entered, he said, "No need to clean up. It''s late, you should rest."


    He Lan was a bit tense, but seeing that Bai Fendou didn''t seem to have any ulterior motives, she relaxed a little.


    The two of them quickly finished tidying up and lay down. The little girl lay between them, so small and unaffected by the new environment, sleeping soundly. He Lan and Bai Fendou lay on either side of her. He Lan whispered, "Can I really marry into this family?"


    She could hardly believe it.


    She had forgotten what a normal life was supposed to be like.


    "Of course you can. Let me introduce you to the people in our courtyard. First, let''s talk about Chen Yuan. He was the one who ruined my last almost-marriage..."


    He Lan listened attentively: "Go on."


    The two of them didn''t sleep, instead spending the time introducing the people in the courtyard.


    They weren''t asleep, and neither were Zhuang Zhixi and his wife. After a passionate night together, they finally lay down on the pillows, drenched in sweat. Zhuang Zhixi panted and said, "Our baby is so well-behaved, not disturbing mommy and daddy''s time together."


    Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi lightly, and he exclaimed, "Ouch!"


    He grabbed Ming Mei''s delicate hand and kissed it, asking, "Was it good?"


    Ming Mei murmured softly, and Zhuang Zhixi teased, "You''re not being honest!"


    Ming Mei let out a soft laugh and then snuggled into his arms. Zhuang Zhixi kissed her forehead.


    Ming Mei wrapped her arms around his waist and asked, "Are you tired?"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately perked up, saying, "Tired? I don''t even know the meaning of the word. If you''re up for it, I can keep going..."


    Ming Mei poked him: "No way."


    Even if he wasn''t tired, she was. Seeing his hands start to wander again, Ming Mei, lying in Zhuang Zhixi''s arms, changed the subject: "What did Bai Fendou want with you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi knew Ming Mei was deliberately changing the topic, but he didn''t call her out on it. He smiled and said, "He''s worried that Chen Yuan might ruin his marriage and that someone might bring up He Lan''s background."


    Ming Mei sat up abruptly: "And then?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I think it''ll be fine."


    Ming Mei let out a sigh and said, "She''s had a hard life."


    Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t mentioned He Lan when he came back earlier. It wasn''t until the evening, when Ming Mei ran into Bai Fendou and He Lan returning together, that Zhuang Zhixi brought it up at dinner. Both Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei were surprised, marveling at the coincidence.


    Who would have thought that someone from the same hospital ward would end up living in the same courtyard?


    That ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????wicked mother-in-law, she seemed to be everywhere, but behind every wicked mother-in-law was an equally useless husband.


    Although they sometimes looked down on Bai Fendou, they had to admit that while he wasn''t the smartest, he wasn''t a bad person. If He Lan ended up with Bai Fendou, it might not be such a bad thing. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the very least, He Lan''s life would have some stability for the next few years.


    As for the future, whether He Lan would grow to resent Bai Fendou, no one could say.


    No one could see the future, not even Zhao Guihua.


    In her previous life, she hadn''t even known He Lan.


    Ming Mei didn''t know He Lan very well, but after hearing Zhuang Zhixi''s account of today''s events and what had happened at the hospital, she sighed, "It''s true what they say: men fear choosing the wrong career, and women fear marrying the wrong man."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded in agreement and praised himself, "You''re so lucky to have met such a great man like me."


    Ming Mei smiled faintly and said, "If you dare to treat me poorly, I won''t even need my dad to step in. I can teach you a lesson myself."


    She clenched her fist and blew on it dramatically. Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing, "Oh, look at you, so tough."


    Ming Mei: "Of course."


    She said, "In my life, there''s no room for the word ''tolerate.''"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, alright, you''re the toughest."


    He pulled her back and said, "Let''s sleep. We should rest early. I need to recharge because tomorrow is going to be a big day."


    Bai Fendou getting married¡ªif it didn''t shock the entire city, it would at least shake up the machinery factory and Xinghuali Lane.


    He said, "Tomorrow, it''s all about Bai Fendou."


    Ming Mei glanced at her husband, sensing that he hadn''t given Bai Fendou the best advice. She looked him up and down, and Zhuang Zhixi grinned, "If you''re not tired, we can..."


    "Sleep!"


    Ming Mei quickly settled down. She had good stamina, but even she needed rest!


    The morning sun was particularly bright.


    Perhaps the heavens knew that today, a young couple was getting married.


    Bai Fendou didn''t let He Lan and her daughter leave the house early in the morning, mainly because he was afraid something might go wrong. He Lan, unfamiliar with the area, naturally obeyed. Bai Fendou rushed to his workplace early, heading straight to the HR department. Under the stunned gaze of the HR lady, he quickly got a reference letter.


    The HR lady didn''t even know what she was doing, acting purely on instinct.


    Bai Fendou got the reference letter, took the day off, and dashed out of the factory as if being chased by ghosts.


    By the time Bai Fendou had already left, the HR lady let out a scream: "Ahhh! Bai Fendou is getting married!"


    She screamed, feeling that this was the biggest news in the machinery factory. She ran out shouting, "Bai Fendou is getting married!"


    "Ah!"


    "To whom?"


    "What''s going on? He''s getting married? Is that woman crazy, choosing him?"


    "Could it be a mistake?"


    Soon, people were rushing out, gossiping. Meanwhile, Bai Fendou had already ridden his bike out of the factory and headed home. He found He Lan sitting at home, lost in thought. Panting, he said, "Let''s go, we''re getting our marriage certificate."


    He Lan: "Alright."


    Getting the marriage certificate was a good thing for He Lan. Her husband was a poor peasant, which was a good status to have. The two of them carried their child and left the house. As soon as they stepped out, they ran into Zhao Guihua, who was washing diapers in the courtyard. She looked up but didn''t say anything, just waved at Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou knew he couldn''t afford to be careless until he had the marriage certificate in hand.


    Sigh, getting married was such a struggle.


    But fortunately, this time things went smoothly. Bai Fendou and He Lan arrived at the marriage registration office, and under the bewildered and shocked gazes of the staff, they got their marriage certificate.


    The woman handling the registration even asked, "Are you being forced into this marriage? Marriage is supposed to be free now."


    Her suspicious and wary eyes scanned Bai Fendou intensely. Bai Fendou felt utterly wronged. But remembering Zhuang Zhixi''s advice, he loudly retorted, "I didn''t force her, and I didn''t hit her either."


    Well, the more he explained, the more suspicious they became.


    It was only when He Lan firmly said, "Brother Bai is a good man. These injuries weren''t caused by him. He treats me well. Marrying him is my good fortune."


    Ah, this...


    It was hard to explain.


    But since both Bai Fendou and He Lan insisted that they were marrying willingly, they were able to get their marriage certificate. However, when registering, the staff noticed He Lan''s background, which gave them some understanding of why she had chosen Bai Fendou.


    Nowadays, people are very particular about this sort of thing. Generally, whenever they encounter a capitalist, they¡¯d curse them. But seeing He Lan covered in scars and married to someone like Bai Fendou¡ªah, Bai Fendou, a man of notorious reputation¡ªwell, it¡¯s not exactly ideal. Everyone knows about him.


    Looking at it this way, one can¡¯t help but feel a bit more sympathy for He Lan.


    After all, given her background, what kind of family could she possibly marry into? This is already considered good for her.


    The two of them got their marriage certificate, and both had smiles on their faces. Bai Fendou and He Lan were, in theory, both marrying for the first time. Holding the marriage certificate, they couldn¡¯t help but grin. As they walked out together, Bai Fendou waved the certificate in his hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll register our household at the neighborhood office.¡±


    He Lan replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    She was also eager to leave Yang Family Village, and the village was just as eager to see her go. In truth, she felt the same way. As expected, registering the household wasn¡¯t as easy as getting married, but thanks to Bai Fendou¡¯s dramatic antics and He Lan¡¯s pitiful pleas, they managed to get it done in the end.


    After all, they were already married.


    Director Wang at the neighborhood office looked at Bai Fendou with a mix of frustration and disappointment. ¡°Don¡¯t take this the wrong way, but now that you¡¯re married, don¡¯t expect your career to go anywhere.¡±


    Bai Fendou, however, didn¡¯t seem to care. ¡°I¡¯ve already offended the son of our logistics director, Chen. He¡¯s been pulling all sorts of tricks behind my back. Even if I didn¡¯t get married, my career wouldn¡¯t go anywhere. So what¡¯s the harm in getting married? Besides, I¡¯m just a janitor. What kind of career prospects could I possibly have? Promote me to head of sanitation? What good would that do?¡±


    Director Wang: ¡°...¡±


    Well, he had a point.


    Bai Fendou walked out of the neighborhood office hand in hand with his wife, holding the household registration booklet. He was listed as the head of the household, and his wife was He Lan.


    They hadn¡¯t yet registered their daughter¡¯s household status. Bai Fendou had originally wanted to take care of it all at once, but since they hadn¡¯t settled on a name yet, they decided to postpone it for now. Bai Fendou led his wife back home, but this time, he walked with much more confidence.


    After all, he had successfully gotten married, and now he was officially leading his wife home.


    On their first day as a married couple, Bai Fendou bought some meat, and the two of them made dumplings together. However, He Lan made sure to seal all the doors and windows tightly, afraid that the smell might attract attention. The experiences of the past few years had left their mark on her, and even the slightest disturbance made her anxious.


    Seeing her so cautious, Bai Fendou felt a pang of sadness.


    Although not everyone in their compound was wealthy, many of the worker families could afford to eat meat every now and then. But looking at He Lan, she seemed so pitiful. He said earnestly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Now that you¡¯re married to me, I¡¯ll protect you for the rest of your life.¡±


    He Lan rubbed her eyes.


    Bai Fendou added, ¡°Don¡¯t cry all the time. It¡¯s not good for your eyes. I¡¯ll take care of everything.¡±


    He Lan nodded firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    Bai Fendou said, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s eat the dumplings.¡±


    He needed to eat his fill because later, when everyone got off work, he planned to stir up some trouble with Chen Yuan¡­ Thinking of Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s idea, Bai Fendou¡¯s lips twitched. It was so outrageous, absolutely outrageous.


    But he thought it might work.


    By the end of the day, news of Bai Fendou getting married had spread like wildfire. As soon as work ended, everyone rushed home, eager to witness the spectacle. Who wouldn¡¯t want to know who Bai Fendou had married?


    This time, it was completely unpredictable!


    Last time, it had been Guan Guiling, and everyone could see it coming.


    But this time?


    Was it an old flame rekindled?


    But it didn¡¯t seem like it.


    Everyone was on edge, though Yang Lixin had a vague suspicion. Still, he didn¡¯t say anything, as his guess might not be accurate. As people started returning home from work, Bai Fendou walked out holding his wife¡¯s hand. He carried a bag of wedding candies, while He Lan held their child.


    They began handing out candies to every household.


    This time, even the Su family wasn¡¯t left out. Since they hadn¡¯t held a wedding ceremony, they had saved quite a bit of money, allowing Bai Fendou to buy more candies. He grabbed a handful and handed them to Wang Xiangxiu, saying, ¡°Wang Xiangxiu, I¡¯m married now. This is my wife, He Lan.¡±


    He Lan, her face swollen and bruised to the point of being unrecognizable, spoke softly, ¡°Hello, Sister Xiangxiu. We¡¯ll be neighbors from now on. Please take care of us.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°...¡±


    She looked at He Lan¡¯s face with a mix of pity and suspicion, then glanced at Bai Fendou.


    Did he do this to her?


    Right? Right?


    But Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t dare say anything. After all, Aunt Su had been responsible for the death of Old Bai, and even though she had cut ties with Aunt Su, the incident still lingered in everyone¡¯s minds. She couldn¡¯t afford to make any comments. Besides, given their past history, it was best not to get too involved with Bai Fendou.


    She simply nodded and said, ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    Bai Fendou smiled and moved on to the Zhuang family to hand out candies. Ming Mei smiled at He Lan and said, ¡°If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand about the neighborhood, feel free to ask me.¡±


    He Lan replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    She remembered Ming Mei and Zhao Guihua. They were a kind family.


    Next, they visited the Zhou family, Uncle Lan¡¯s house, and Yang Lixin¡¯s mother-in-law¡¯s place¡­ After making the rounds, they finally arrived at Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue¡¯s doorstep. He Lan knew this was the last household and also the most difficult one to deal with.


    They knocked on the door, and Chen Yuan opened it.


    He had already heard about Bai Fendou¡¯s marriage and was pondering how to stir up trouble.


    He hadn¡¯t expected Bai Fendou to show up at his doorstep.


    Standing at the door, Chen Yuan sneered, ¡°What¡¯s this? The eunuch¡¯s getting married? Which poor girl did you trick this time?¡±


    Bai Fendou took a deep breath and dropped a bombshell: ¡°Chen Yuan, do you have a crush on me?¡±

 Chapter 143

    "Chen Yuan, do you like me?" Bai Fendou asked with a serious expression, his eyes wide open, looking completely earnest.


    However, the more serious he appeared, the more shocked everyone else became. His words were like a thunderclap out of nowhere, leaving everyone stunned. Even someone as composed as Chen Yuan stumbled, nearly falling flat on his face.


    "What... what did you just say?"


    Chen Yuan almost doubted his own ears. If his ears weren¡¯t playing tricks on him, what kind of nonsense had he just heard?


    Bai Fendou, however, didn¡¯t back down at all. He shouted, "If you weren¡¯t interested in me, why would you keep staring at me? Admit it, you¡¯re in love with me, aren¡¯t you?"


    "Oh my!"


    "Goodness gracious!"


    "How embarrassing!"


    In this era, no one casually threw around words like "love" or "like." At most, you¡¯d hear something like "I fancy you." But to declare love so boldly? That was unheard of. Bai Fendou¡¯s outburst instantly turned Chen Yuan¡¯s face bright red, as if it could drip blood.


    Chen Yuan felt like he was about to explode. He shouted, "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    He was both embarrassed and nervous, raising his voice as well. "Don¡¯t just say whatever comes to mind! How could I possibly be interested in you? Do you think I¡¯m blind? You, the infamous Bai Fendou, the so-called ''eunuch'' of the city? Don¡¯t flatter yourself! If you keep talking like this, don¡¯t blame me for being rude!"


    Bai Fendou wanted to shout back, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he noticed Zhuang Zhixi raising an eyebrow at him from a distance. Summoning wisdom he hadn¡¯t used in over thirty years, Bai Fendou took a deep breath and continued his calm assault. Zhuang Zhixi had coached him last night on how to handle this situation, and he couldn¡¯t mess it up now.


    He tightened his grip on He Lan¡¯s hand, drawing strength from her, and continued, "Don¡¯t deny it. This isn¡¯t about whether you admit it or not. Actions speak louder than words. What you¡¯re saying now doesn¡¯t match what you¡¯ve done. You¡¯re cursing at me, but why did you kiss me during our last fight?"


    Chen Yuan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He was so angry he could barely breathe. What the hell? Wasn¡¯t it you who kissed me? Are you twisting the facts?


    Before he could retort, Bai Fendou pressed on, "I admit I bit you, but I had no choice. It was two against one¡ªyou and your wife against me. I had to do whatever I could to survive! But you, even though you had the upper hand, why did you kiss me? Why? Admit it, you¡¯re into me!"


    Chen Yuan was utterly baffled. Two against one? At the start, Tao Yuyue hadn¡¯t even joined the fight!


    But Bai Fendou didn¡¯t give him a chance to explain. He continued, "And if you weren¡¯t interested in me, why have you always targeted me? We¡¯re all adults here. Everyone knows that when a boy wants to get a girl¡¯s attention, he¡¯ll do things like this, right?"


    Chen Yuan was on the verge of passing out from anger but found himself unable to get a word in. Bai Fendou was speaking so quickly today, and he seemed so composed, unlike his usual hot-headed self. Bai Fendou kept going, "And most importantly, when I was about to marry Guan Guiling, you sabotaged it behind the scenes. Don¡¯t deny it. Why did Guan Guiling¡¯s ex-husband end up as a security guard at the food factory? It was your family¡¯s doing, wasn¡¯t it? In a city with so many unemployed people, how did her ex, who¡¯s in such poor health, manage to get a job? Don¡¯t tell me your family didn¡¯t pull strings. You deliberately ruined my wedding plans and even fought with me on my wedding day, causing the whole thing to fall apart. And you dare say you¡¯re innocent? I think you¡¯re just obsessed with me, Chen Yuan. Admit it, you¡¯re secretly in love with me, aren¡¯t you? Aren¡¯t you?"


    Bai Fendou glanced at Zhuang Zhixi again, who gave him a subtle nod. Taking a deep breath, Bai Fendou shouted, "Give it up! I¡¯ll never like you! You¡¯re just a man consumed by unrequited love. You¡¯ll never have me!"


    He grabbed Chen Yuan¡¯s hand and said, "Come on! Let¡¯s go to the factory and settle this once and for all! Last time, you ruined my marriage. Now that I¡¯m getting married again, are you going to cause trouble for my wife? Are you going to try to break us up? How can you deny that you¡¯re into me?"


    Noticing Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s encouraging look, Bai Fendou suppressed his disgust and lightly scratched Chen Yuan¡¯s palm. "Let¡¯s go~"


    Chen Yuan, already furious, felt Bai Fendou¡¯s little gesture and suddenly remembered what Bai Fendou had said earlier: "Don¡¯t just listen to what someone says; watch what they do."


    What had Bai Fendou done?


    He had grabbed Chen Yuan¡¯s hand and scratched his palm... his palm?!


    Chen Yuan was instantly terrified. He violently shook off Bai Fendou¡¯s hand and yelled, "Let go of me, you pervert!"


    When he looked at Bai Fendou again, he noticed that Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t angry at all. Not even a little bit. This made Chen Yuan even more uneasy. Everyone at the factory knew Bai Fendou was impulsive and hot-headed.


    If he were really angry, it would be normal for him to smash windows, stomp his feet, or even start throwing punches.


    But now? He wasn¡¯t showing any anger at all.


    Sure, he was picking a fight, but he didn¡¯t seem mad.


    Not at all!


    And he had even secretly scratched Chen Yuan¡¯s palm!


    Suddenly, Chen Yuan felt as if he had been plunged into the coldest depths of winter, as if he had fallen into an icy abyss.


    Thump, thump!


    Damn it, this guy even scratched my palm... Ahhh!


    Chen Yuan forcefully pushed Bai Fendou away and shouted, "Bai Fendou, get away from me!"


    He took several steps back, clutching his clothes defensively, like a frightened little wife facing a bully. He glared at Bai Fendou and yelled, "Who¡¯s interested in you? I¡¯m not like that! Stop talking nonsense! Who you marry has nothing to do with me. I don¡¯t even know Guan Guiling. Don¡¯t drag me into this!"


    Bai Fendou smirked and said, "Your reaction is practically an admission of guilt."


    Everyone else, seeing Chen Yuan¡¯s over-the-top reaction, nodded in agreement. It did seem like there was something unnatural about Chen Yuan¡¯s behavior. Even those who had initially thought Bai Fendou was talking nonsense now felt that Chen Yuan¡¯s nervousness suggested Bai Fendou might be onto something.


    "Do you think Chen Yuan really has a thing for Bai Fendou?"


    "Who knows? But ever since Chen Yuan moved into this courtyard, he¡¯s always been at odds with Bai Fendou. It¡¯s kind of strange."


    "Men, no matter how old they get, can be a bit childish. My son, when he was in middle school, used to pull girls¡¯ pigtails to get their attention. He even got beaten up by one of the girls¡¯ older brothers. When I asked him why he did it, you know what that little rascal said? He said he thought the girl was pretty and wanted her to notice him. Doesn¡¯t that sound like what Chen Yuan¡¯s doing?"


    "It really does!"


    "Wait, but Chen Yuan¡¯s taste is... not great."


    "Not great? I think it¡¯s entirely possible. Remember what happened with Zhou Qun last year?"


    This brought back memories of the previous year when Zhou Qun had also schemed against Bai Fendou.


    Perhaps in their eyes, Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t much to look at¡ªa man with little to offer. But maybe men see other men differently than women do? After all, men and women have different standards.


    Someone chimed in, "Maybe among men, Bai Fendou is seen as very masculine? Maybe that¡¯s why he¡¯s so appealing?"


    "Could be, could be."


    No one was trying to gossip behind anyone¡¯s back. These people preferred to say things to your face. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Well, it wasn¡¯t exactly gossip. They were just discussing the situation openly.


    "You¡ªyou¡ªyou!" Chen Yuan was on the verge of losing his mind. "Am I an idiot? Would I be interested in him? Stop talking nonsense!"


    "He¡¯s getting worked up. He¡¯s upset because we¡¯ve hit a nerve," Zhuang Zhixi chimed in, clearly enjoying the drama. After all, the more the merrier.


    Chen Yuan snapped, "Shut up!"


    "Chen Yuan, it wouldn''t be surprising if you had a thing for Bai Fendou. A lot of people have their eyes on Bai Fendou."


    Zhou Qun felt like this comment was indirectly aimed at him and shouted, "Stop talking nonsense! I don''t have a thing for Bai Fendou. Why don''t you say that Bai Fendou is the one who always has his eyes on men?"


    Zhuang Zhixi had been waiting for him to say exactly that and chuckled, "Who knows?"


    This subtle remark caught Chen Yuan''s attention, and he exclaimed, "Yes, yes, it''s Bai Fendou! Bai Fendou is always trying to pin things on others!"


    This was the first time Chen Yuan had encountered something like this. The memory of Bai Fendou scratching his palm earlier made him feel nauseated. He was starting to suspect that the reason Bai Fendou hadn''t married at his age wasn''t because he couldn''t find the right person.


    Maybe, just maybe, Bai Fendou was into men. But this guy was pretending to be the one being pursued.


    That had to be it. It had to be.


    Otherwise, why would he have scratched his palm earlier? That guy was definitely up to no good. Absolutely!


    All those reasons Bai Fendou gave for not getting married were probably just excuses.


    Chen Yuan glanced at Bai Fendou''s wife, whose face was bruised and swollen. He couldn''t believe Bai Fendou would actually be interested in someone like her. She was probably just a shield. Bai Fendou was probably hoping Chen Yuan would come and stir up trouble.


    Then, Bai Fendou could play the victim.


    That way, he could stay unmarried and keep his eyes on other men.


    Like Chen Yuan himself!


    The more Chen Yuan thought about it, the more convinced he became that he had uncovered the truth. Trembling, he shouted, "Ahhh! Bai Fendou, you jerk! Get away from me! Get away!"


    Bai Fendou, looking completely innocent, said, "I just came over to share some wedding sweets. Your reaction is way over the top."


    Chen Yuan yelled, "Ahhh! Get out!"


    Tao Yuyue, who had been watching the whole scene, eyed Chen Yuan suspiciously. His reaction was just too extreme. She stepped forward and said, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Chen Yuan pushed Tao Yuyue aside and snapped, "Go cook or something. What can a woman even do?"


    But then, in a sudden change of heart, he grabbed Tao Yuyue and pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I have my own wife, the factory beauty. Why would I be interested in you? Bai Fendou, don''t flatter yourself. You''re nothing. Stay away from me. We have nothing to do with each other. And as for your claim that I tried to sabotage your marriage, that''s nonsense. You''re married now, aren''t you? If I had really tried to ruin it, would you be married? I wish you a long and happy life, but don''t show your face around me again. Get out!"


    He waved his hand as if shooing away a fly, using Tao Yuyue as a shield to make sure Bai Fendou couldn''t touch him again. The memory of Bai Fendou scratching his palm made him feel sick to his stomach.


    "Wishing you happiness! Wife, close the door!"


    He backed into the house and slammed the door shut with a loud bang.


    Bai Fendou scratched his head. "Why is he so worked up?"


    "Who knows?"


    "Maybe someone hit a nerve?"


    Bai Fendou was feeling pretty pleased with himself. For the first time, he had won without resorting to violence. He was about to boast when he noticed Zhuang Zhixi frowning at him. Bai Fendou quickly sobered up and said, "Don''t misunderstand Chen Yuan. It''s not what you think."


    The crowd murmured, "Huh?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Why are you changing your story now?"


    Bai Fendou explained, "I just didn''t want everyone to get the wrong idea about Chen Yuan. I only said those things to scare him because I was worried he might try to ruin my marriage. But there''s nothing to it. Chen Yuan and I are both men. There''s no ''liking'' or anything like that. I just wanted to get back at him for what happened last time. So don''t spread any rumors. It would ruin our reputations. Chen Yuan and I aren''t like that."


    "Wow, Bai Fendou, you''re really something."


    "Yeah, I thought it was real for a second."


    "You''re really something else."


    "Aren''t you afraid Chen Yuan might slap you for this?"


    "Are you telling the truth?"


    Bai Fendou raised his hand. "As true as pearls."


    "Ugh, I was hoping for some drama."


    "You''re really..."


    "Your wife''s face... Bai Fendou, now that you''re married, you better treat her well. We won''t tolerate wife-beaters in this neighborhood."


    The crowd exchanged knowing glances. After all, hadn''t Chen Yuan hit his wife plenty of times? And he was still living here just fine.


    "A married couple needs to communicate and work things out together. You''re not alone anymore; you have a family now. You need to take care of your wife and child."


    "I understand."


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "Bai Fendou''s wife, we''re all neighbors here. If you need any help, just ask me. I live right across from you in the front yard. You came by earlier, so you know where I live."


    He Lan nodded quickly. "I understand."


    "Everyone in this neighborhood is pretty easy to get along with."


    "Don''t kid yourself. You''re not exactly easy to get along with either."


    Zhao Guihua glared. "Say that again!"


    The man who had spoken up immediately shrunk back, not daring to say another word.


    The crowd burst into laughter, and the atmosphere lightened up...


    Meanwhile, inside the house, Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue sat in silence. Tao Yuyue, having heard the conversation outside, let out a sigh of relief. "Don''t overthink it. Bai Fendou said he was just making things up."


    Chen Yuan looked up and cursed, "Idiot!"


    He said, "Do you really think Bai Fendou is that kind-hearted? That he would go out of his way to clear my name? Do you believe that?"


    Tao Yuyue replied, "Why wouldn''t I believe it?"


    Chen Yuan cursed again, "Utterly stupid."


    He flopped down on the bed, covering his face with his hands. He didn''t believe Bai Fendou''s words. In fact, Bai Fendou''s explanation only made him more convinced that Bai Fendou was secretly infatuated with him. Bai Fendou''s claim that Chen Yuan was the one with feelings was nonsense.


    But Bai Fendou''s interest in him? That was something Chen Yuan could trace back.


    When he thought about it carefully, there were signs!


    Chen Yuan was caught in a whirlwind of thoughts. He was a sharp man, not easily fooled by appearances.


    He was sure Bai Fendou had his eyes on him. Hadn''t Bai Fendou been showing off in front of him ever since he moved into the neighborhood? The earlier comments could easily apply to Bai Fendou too. Wasn''t Bai Fendou trying to get his attention? It was entirely possible!


    And then there was Bai Fendou''s relationship. That woman, Guan Guiling, who would even look at someone like her? She was pregnant with someone else''s child when she married Bai Fendou. Most people wouldn''t touch her, but Bai Fendou did.


    Maybe Bai Fendou was hoping Chen Yuan would cause trouble, deepening the bond between them. Yes, that had to be it.


    Now Bai Fendou was at it again, marrying another woman and bringing her home, all in the hopes that Chen Yuan would interfere. Bai Fendou wanted Chen Yuan to ruin his marriage so he could latch onto Chen Yuan again.


    Yes, using the excuse that Chen Yuan had ruined his marriage to get closer to him.


    That was it. That had to be it.


    Heh, Chen Yuan wasn''t going to fall for it. Maybe he had been tricked last time, but he wasn''t going to let it happen again. No way.


    Bai Fendou had even scratched his palm earlier... The thought made Chen Yuan feel sick again. He jumped up and rushed to the water basin, plunging his hands in and scrubbing furiously.


    Tao Yuyue, seeing this, was furious. "Chen Yuan, what''s wrong with you? If you want to wash your hands, use the outdoor faucet! You''re wasting all this water. Do you know how hard it is for me to fetch this much water? And you''re being so disgusting! You..."


    Chen Yuan turned around and slapped her. "Shut up! Who do you think you are? When Bai Fendou was harassing me, you just stood there and watched! And now you dare to lecture me? If he hadn''t grabbed me, would I be washing my hands like this?"


    Tao Yuyue bit her lip, her heart filled with resentment. How had she misjudged him so badly? She had just wanted a better life. How had she ended up with someone like this? When he was pursuing her, he had been completely different. But as soon as they got married, his true colors showed.


    Unable to hold back any longer, Tao Yuyue grabbed a frying pan and swung it at him. Bang! Bang! Bang!


    "You do nothing at home, and now you''re wasting water and hitting me! What right do you have, what right? Marrying you was the worst mistake of my life! So many people pursued me back then, and you acted all proper, but now your true colors are showing. You''re a scoundrel!!!"


    Chen Yuan, seeing stars from Tao Yuyue''s blows, also flared up: "You say I was pretending? Weren''t you pretending too? Acting all gentle and virtuous, but after marriage, you can''t do anything right, all you know is how to pinch pennies! A woman should know her place and serve her husband, yet you dare raise a hand against me! What kind of good person are you?"


    "You''re the scoundrel!"


    "No, you are!"


    Crash! Bang!


    The sound of shouting and objects being thrown echoed from inside the house.


    Aunt Wang quietly stepped outside, glancing at the closed door of the house where the commotion was coming from. She shook her head slightly.


    These two, is this any way to live as a couple?


    As she stood there, Zhang San also came out and squatted under the window, quietly listening to the drama.


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    Well, aren¡¯t you just here to enjoy the show?


    Zhang San felt that coming back today was the right decision. His wife, Pan Pan, was pregnant, and during the first few months, they had to be cautious, so she had gone to stay with her parents for extra care. But today, as soon as Zhang San heard at the factory that Bai Fendou was getting a marriage certificate, he rushed back home without a second thought.


    He had to persuade his wife repeatedly to stay put, or else Pan Pan would have come back with him to watch the excitement.


    He was worried that if things got physical, his wife might accidentally get hurt. Who knew what could happen? Thankfully, he managed to convince Pan Pan to stay. And sure enough, as soon as he got back, the drama started. This level of excitement was almost like celebrating the New Year.


    One scene after another.


    Even though the earlier commotion had died down, there was no way he was going to miss the new one.


    Zhang San squatted under Chen Yuan''s window, arms crossed, thinking that the more he saw, the more he could tell his wife about later.


    Hey, not bad!


    While the backyard was in chaos, the front yard was filled with joy.


    Bai Fendou had introduced his new wife, He Lan, to everyone and brought her home. Honestly, He Lan had lived both in the city and the countryside, but this was the first time she had experienced something like this. She was even one of the main characters in this drama.


    She didn¡¯t quite understand it all. He Lan whispered, "Aren¡¯t you worried about your reputation?"


    Bai Fendou shrugged, "My reputation wasn¡¯t great to begin with. Besides, by making a scene today, everyone¡¯s attention will be on me, and they won¡¯t focus on you. That¡¯s good for you."


    He Lan was taken aback. She hadn¡¯t thought of it that way.


    But upon reflection, it made sense. With Bai Fendou and Chen Yuan going back and forth like that, who would pay attention to her, the new bride? They probably wouldn¡¯t even bother inquiring about her background.


    She bit her lip, looking at Bai Fendou with gratitude.


    She knew all too well what her identity meant, and in such a difficult time, he still cared for her. He Lan knew Bai Fendou was a good person. No matter what others thought of him, to her, he was her savior.


    He didn¡¯t even want her body.


    How could someone like that be a bad person?


    She spoke with utmost seriousness, "I¡¯ll be a good wife from now on."


    Bai Fendou nodded, "Alright."


    He added, "We¡¯re officially married now. Starting this month, I¡¯ll hand my salary over to you."


    He Lan was stunned and quickly waved her hands, "No, no, no. I can¡¯t handle money. I don¡¯t know how to manage it..."


    For years, she hadn¡¯t had control over any money. Although she had some dowry, most of it had been taken by the Fan family, and she had hidden away what little was left. If it weren¡¯t for that hidden money, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to pay for her medical bills when she hemorrhaged after giving birth. Without that money, both she and her child would have died.


    That was the only time she had spent money in all those years. Otherwise, she had no idea how to manage it.


    She bit her lip, "I... I don¡¯t know how..."


    Bai Fendou reassured her, "What¡¯s there to know? If you¡¯re unsure, just ask Aunt Zhao. She¡¯s a bit sharp-tongued, but she knows how to manage a household. Her family lives well because of her. Old Man Zhuang? He¡¯s no good."


    Bai Fendou had a good eye for these things. He believed the Zhuang family¡¯s prosperity was all thanks to Aunt Zhao Guihua¡¯s leadership. Otherwise, with Old Man Zhuang, who was as timid as a mouse, or Liang Meifen, who mindlessly gave money to her family, or Zhuang Zhixi and his wife, who were all about enjoying life?


    No, it was definitely Aunt Zhao who kept things running.


    "In this courtyard, she¡¯s the one who knows how to live well. Aunt Wang might be the courtyard manager, but it¡¯s Li the Cook who really manages their household. Always skimming from the public, carrying his little lunchbox. It wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for a new bride like you to ask an old man like him about these things. Just ask Aunt Zhao Guihua."


    He Lan hesitated, "But... it¡¯s your hard-earned money. Isn¡¯t it usually the man who manages the finances?"


    Years of marriage had made He Lan timid.


    She had always been the middle child in her family, often overlooked by her parents. Her personality had never been strong, and after marrying into a bad situation, she had become even more submissive. Even though Bai Fendou wanted her to take charge, she didn¡¯t dare.


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t fully understand her thoughts, but he cut her off, "What are you talking about? Who doesn¡¯t let the woman manage the household? Look, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife, Ming Mei, handles their money. Next door, Jiang Lu manages the Zhou family¡¯s finances. Li Fang and Yang Lixin? Li Fang controls the purse strings. What makes me any less than them? If they all hand their money to their wives, and I keep mine, doesn¡¯t that make me look bad?"


    He Lan: "......?"


    Is that how it works?


    Bai Fendou declared, "It¡¯s settled then."


    Seeing He Lan¡¯s nervous expression, he added, "Our child is still young, and there¡¯s a lot to spend on. You¡¯ll need money to buy things, so it¡¯s easier for you to handle it."


    He Lan, touched by his sincerity, teared up and nodded firmly, "Alright."


    Bai Fendou chuckled awkwardly, "Why are you crying?"


    He Lan whispered, "No one has ever treated me so well..."


    Bai Fendou reassured her, "You¡¯ve got me now."


    He Lan nodded heavily. After a moment, she said, "I¡¯ll keep accounts. I¡¯ll manage the household expenses, and we¡¯ll record everything we spend."


    Bai Fendou was surprised, "You can read and write?"


    He Lan nodded, "I graduated from high school."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s face lit up, "That¡¯s fantastic! I only finished elementary school. I¡¯ve always admired educated people."


    He felt like he had struck gold.


    In their courtyard, not many women had graduated from high school. He wasn¡¯t falling behind either!


    He had always compared himself to Zhou Qun, but now he felt he wasn¡¯t lacking at all. Jiang Lu was a high school graduate, and so was his wife, He Lan. Both were educated. He couldn¡¯t help but grin.


    He Lan also felt a surge of happiness.


    Many people didn¡¯t value education these days, but Bai Fendou thought it was important. He Lan felt that Bai Fendou was a man of insight.


    "Waaah..." A soft, kitten-like cry suddenly broke the silence. He Lan quickly picked up the baby to feed her. She felt that her life had taken a turn for the better. In the Fan family, she had suffered so much, never having a full meal.


    After giving birth, she had endured even more hardship, but she was grateful that she still had a little milk. If it weren¡¯t for that, her baby might not have survived. After feeding the baby, the little one stopped crying.


    The baby had a small appetite, probably because she had never had much to begin with. She had already gotten used to it.


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t know much about raising children, but many families in their courtyard had babies, so he had seen a thing or two. He said, "I¡¯ll take another day off tomorrow, and we¡¯ll go to the hospital together. We need to check on your injuries, and the baby needs a check-up too."


    He Lan nodded softly.


    She looked up and asked seriously, "What should we name the baby?"


    She said firmly, "I don¡¯t want to call her ¡®Little Ya¡¯ anymore. Names like ¡®Big Ya¡¯ or ¡®Little Ya¡¯¡ªI don¡¯t want that. Fan Jianguo came up with that name, and it makes me sick."


    Her daughter was almost two months old and still didn¡¯t have a proper name. Fan Jianguo had given her the nickname "Little Ya," but He Lan hated it. Bai Fendou scratched his head, "Well... I¡¯m not exactly educated either!"


    He pondered for a while, scratching his head, and said, "This name, it''s not easy to come up with."


    He explained, "It''s not that I can''t come up with a name, but it''s mainly because of my family name..."


    Nowadays, people like to name their children things like "Jianguo" (Building the Nation), "Jianye" (Building the Career), "Baoguo" (Protecting the Nation), or "Weiguo" (Defending the Nation). When people of his generation were born, it was still the old society, and it wasn''t so obvious. Take Zhuang Zhixi, for example¡ªhe was born in 1949. Among his classmates, eight out of ten boys had names like that.


    But such names really don''t work for the Bai family. These names are good names, but when you pair them with the surname, it just doesn''t feel right.


    Take his own name, for instance. His name is Fendou (Struggle), which is a great name.


    But his surname is Bai.


    Bai Fendou.


    It sounds like "struggling in vain." No wonder he''s been struggling all these years without much success.


    The name itself is a burden. Being called "Bai Fendou" all the time, even if you have a bit of good luck, it just gets called away.


    He sighed, "It''s really hard to come up with a good name!"


    He Lan said, "You still have to come up with one."


    Without Bai Fendou, the two of them wouldn''t have had a stable life.


    Bai Fendou said, "Then wait for me. I''ll go ask Little Zhuang. That kid, he''s really sharp."


    He had figured it out¡ªordinary people really couldn''t outsmart that little rascal. Just today, he had forced himself to endure the disgust and put on a big act. Didn''t you see? Usually, it would end in mutual destruction, but today, before he even had a chance to act, Chen Yuan had already fled with his tail between his legs.


    It just goes to show that when educated people scheme, they''re even more cunning.


    It''s scary when a thug has brains!


    Although he didn''t know the full extent of the aftermath yet, Bai Fendou himself felt that it was quite effective just thinking about it. He said, "I''ll go to the Zhuang family."


    He Lan nodded.


    She wasn''t familiar with the Zhuang family, but she had run into them at the hospital and knew that they were careful and meticulous in their dealings. So she wasn''t worried. She said, "Then I''ll tidy up the house. Let''s make it clean and neat!"


    Bai Fendou, being a bachelor, had a house that was a mess everywhere, with bedding that hadn''t been washed in ages. He Lan wanted to find something to do to make herself feel more at ease.


    "Alright, you handle it. I''ll go over there."


    He arrived at the Zhuang family''s place again and saw that they had just finished dinner and were chatting.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Brother Fendou, what brings you here?"


    Bai Fendou chuckled, "I came to thank you. Thanks for the advice."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Usually, when people come to thank someone, they don''t come empty-handed..."


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    His mouth twitched, and he said, "I just got married, and there are so many expenses. Can''t you let it slide?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hmph!"


    Bai Fendou leaned closer to Zhuang Zhixi and asked, "Do you think... Chen Yuan really won''t cause trouble for me?"


    He wondered aloud, "I even explained later that I was just talking nonsense."


    The Zhuang family finally realized that Bai Fendou''s little act today had a mastermind behind it, and it was one of their own.


    However, Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei, being the two who knew Zhuang Zhixi best, remained completely unfazed, having already guessed as much.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Chen Yuan considers himself a smart person. The smarter someone is, the more they overthink things. The more you explain, the more he''ll think you''re interested in him."


    Bai Fendou: "Ugh! I''m not blind."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "In his mind, you being interested in him might not be blindness, but rather good judgment. But he definitely wouldn''t be interested in you. I bet he''ll avoid you from now on. As for trying to break up your marriage, that''s even less likely... He''d probably prefer that you stay married and stable so you don''t bother him. Just wait and see, he''ll definitely avoid you in the future."


    Bai Fendou rubbed his hands together, "That''s good, that''s good."


    Liang Meifen glanced at her brother-in-law and quietly moved closer to her husband. She thought about the events of the day and realized that this brother-in-law of hers was not someone to be trifled with.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t pay attention to Liang Meifen. He said, "You didn''t come here just for this, did you? What''s the matter now?"


    Bai Fendou: "Oh, I want to give my child a name and register for the household registration, but I don''t have much education. Can you help me come up with a bright and auspicious name?"


    Although Zhuang Zhixi had helped Bai Fendou, he didn''t want to take on this responsibility. He said, "Your own child should have a name you come up with. What''s the point of asking someone else? Even if the name you come up with isn''t great, it''s still your own effort. Having someone else name your child feels distant."


    Bai Fendou thought about it and realized there was some truth to that. He nodded silently.


    At ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????that moment, Zhao Guihua suddenly spoke up, "You want to register your child for household registration?"


    Bai Fendou nodded, "Yes, she''s my daughter!"


    He said it loudly.


    Zhao Guihua: "I actually suggest that you don''t register her for household registration yet."


    "What!" Bai Fendou was about to get angry when Zhao Guihua said, "You need to protect yourself from He Lan''s ex-husband''s family."


    Bai Fendou instantly sobered up and quickly leaned in closer, "Auntie, can you explain? I don''t really understand."


    Zhao Guihua: "If you register your child now, it will confirm that this child is the one He Lan brought from her ex-husband. Right now, that family has no contact with you. They don''t even know where He Lan is, let alone that you two are married, and they can''t find you. But what about decades from now? What if that family falls on hard times and remembers this daughter, wanting her to support them in their old age?"


    Bai Fendou: "Damn it, they wouldn''t dare!"


    Zhao Guihua smirked slightly. It wasn''t a matter of daring or not¡ªthese things really happened.


    She had seen it on TV before. There was a program where a seemingly righteous hostess helped a father track down his child to demand support, waving the banner of family love, completely ignoring the fact that this man had never cared for the child since birth and was a drug addict who would do anything for money.


    And yet, they still waved the banner of family love, saying things like "blood is thicker than water."


    In the end, it was just because they saw that the daughter had become a celebrity and could make money.


    Zhao Guihua, being from her generation, had seen all kinds of people and experienced all kinds of things.


    Watching such programs made her want to spit in their faces. They were all despicable creatures.


    She said earnestly, "How can you be sure they won''t do something like that in the future? By then, you''ll be old, and you won''t be able to fight them. Do you really want to deal with that kind of trouble?"


    Bai Fendou: "Auntie, what do you think I should do?"


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly spoke up, "Delay the household registration. Make her your daughter later."


    Bai Fendou: "Huh?"


    He still didn''t get it.


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his temples. Talking to Bai Fendou was exhausting.


    His brain was like a rock¡ªit just didn''t turn.


    He said, "What my mom means is that you shouldn''t register the child now. Wait until the end of the year to register her, and then you can register her as a newborn. That way, even if the Fan family comes looking for her in ten or twenty years, what evidence do they have to prove that this is their child?"


    Bai Fendou: "But everyone knows..."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "So what if they know? The child''s registered birth date won''t match. As time goes on, many things will become unclear. And the household registration is the most important piece of evidence."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, thinking that her youngest son''s mind worked quickly. While others were still confused, he had already grasped her meaning. This kind of thing might seem unbelievable ten or twenty years from now.


    But this was 1971.


    Delaying the household registration wasn''t a big deal, and many people didn''t even give birth in hospitals¡ªthey gave birth at home, so there was no need to provide birth certificates or anything like that.


    If the Fan family really came looking, they could deny that this child was the one born to He Lan and her ex-husband.


    By then, the registered birth date would be the deciding factor, and it could help avoid a lot of trouble.


    Of course, this wasn''t a perfect solution, but it could essentially prevent many problems. Zhao Guihua broke it down for Bai Fendou, and he finally understood. He nodded, "You''re right. This is about protecting ourselves in the future, protecting against them trying to take my child away."


    Zhao Guihua: "Exactly, this kind of family is despicable. When the child grows up, they won''t have to raise her, so it wouldn''t be surprising if they tried to snatch her back. Taking the daughter back and marrying her off could fetch them a hefty dowry. Do you think this family is made up of good people? Is there anything they wouldn''t do? Or maybe they¡¯d make the little girl take care of them in their old age¡ªthat¡¯s not impossible either! But if they can¡¯t prove the child is theirs, then it¡¯s a different story. Of course, maybe I¡¯m overthinking it, being overly cautious. But it¡¯s always wise to be on guard. You understand that, right?"


    Bai Fendou: "I understand!"


    He scratched his head: "But I can¡¯t have children, everyone knows that¡­ and He Lan can¡¯t either¡­"


    Zhao Guihua: "He Lan¡¯s infertility isn¡¯t common knowledge. You could say she¡¯s been cured, and so have you. Can¡¯t have children? That¡¯s not necessarily true. Medical science has advanced. Maybe you couldn¡¯t have children at that moment you were kicked, but that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s permanent! Just say you¡¯ve been cured. Who¡¯s going to come and test whether you¡¯re really cured or not?"


    Her words were shockingly bold.


    Bai Fendou clenched his legs and blushed, lowering his head.


    Zhao Guihua: "Go out and spread the word that you¡¯ve both been cured. Whether people believe it or not, as long as the rumor gets around, that¡¯s enough. Then you can confidently claim she¡¯s your daughter. As for the neighbors knowing she¡¯s not yours, who cares?..."


    She spoke calmly: "No one¡¯s going to check your household registration anyway. They won¡¯t know the exact birth date you report. As long as you keep it within this year, the age won¡¯t change, and the neighbors won¡¯t think too much about it. Just stick to your story, insist she¡¯s your biological daughter, and keep saying it for decades. Over time, things will get muddled. At the very least, people won¡¯t be sure their memories are accurate. If someone tries to help that family prove she¡¯s He Lan¡¯s daughter, you can just deny it."


    Bai Fendou nodded repeatedly: "I understand. Thank you, Aunt Zhao."


    Zhao Guihua: "It¡¯s just a suggestion. Go home and discuss it with your wife. If you two don¡¯t feel the need to take precautions, then just report it normally."


    After all, she couldn¡¯t say for sure whether He Lan still had feelings for her ex-husband or if she wanted the child to return to her roots. Or maybe the child would grow up ungrateful and side with her biological father.


    It was hard to say.


    But since Bai Fendou had grown up under her watch and they¡¯d been neighbors for decades, Zhao Guihua naturally sided with him and wanted to clear any obstacles for the child¡¯s future.


    Their assumption was that the child would turn out well, and they needed to guard against the Fan family.


    After all, no one would assume the child would grow up ungrateful and side with a wicked biological father.


    No one would speculate that about a baby.


    This plan might not be perfect, but as long as it works on the surface, it¡¯ll save a lot of trouble. Ten years from now, this might not fly, but in these chaotic times, with all the movements and upheavals, people don¡¯t pay attention to such small details.


    It¡¯s not just intentional mistakes¡ªsometimes people accidentally write the wrong birth dates too.


    Bai Fendou left excitedly after receiving so much advice.


    Zhao Guihua glared at her family and said, "Don¡¯t go spreading this around."


    She especially looked at Liang Meifen: "If you go blabbing, I won¡¯t go easy on you."


    Liang Meifen immediately shook her head like a rattle drum. She wouldn¡¯t dare! Her mother-in-law was scheming decades ahead¡ªthis old lady was not someone to mess with. Otherwise, who knows what she might do to her.


    Liang Meifen: "I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t hear anything."


    Zhao Guihua nodded slightly.


    She said, "Good, you understand."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was puzzled: "Mom, and you too, third brother, didn¡¯t you all dislike Bai Fendou? Why are you helping him now, even planning things for his future?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I still don¡¯t think much of him, but I just want to do what¡¯s right."


    She thought for a moment and said, "I¡¯m thinking of that poor little girl, trying to give her an extra layer of protection."


    Though it might seem like a small change, it¡¯s very important for the little girl. As long as her birth date is changed, she won¡¯t have to acknowledge any connection to the Fan family. After all, she¡¯ll be ¡°born¡± ten months after her parents¡¯ marriage.


    As for the rumors about her father being infertile and her mother unable to conceive¡ªrumors are just rumors. Is there any evidence? No, right?


    As long as enough time passes, even the most flawed lie will hold up.


    After all, this isn¡¯t about some criminal case¡ªit¡¯s just a family dispute.


    Zhao Guihua: "Actually, this matter has nothing to do with us, but I still want to lend a hand at the start. It¡¯s not about gaining gratitude¡ªit¡¯s just about doing a good deed."


    If the little girl grows up confused and wants to recognize her biological father, even if the birth date is off, she still can.


    But if she doesn¡¯t want to, then the birth date will be a big help.


    So this approach gives her more security.


    After Zhao Guihua raised this issue, Bai Fendou went home and discussed it with He Lan. He Lan was stunned but firmly said, "I think Aunt Zhao is really smart. We should do this."


    She didn¡¯t want her daughter to be entangled with the Fan family in the future. If they tried to claim her based on blood ties¡­ He Lan shuddered at the thought.


    If the Fan family tried to take her daughter back, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising.


    After all, marrying off a girl could bring in a hefty dowry.


    She even knew that Fan Jianguo¡¯s sister had been married off to another region by her ex-mother-in-law, simply because that family offered the highest dowry.


    He Lan: "Let¡¯s listen to Aunt Zhao, let¡¯s do as she says¡­"


    She counted on her fingers: "It¡¯s late March now. Let¡¯s register the child¡¯s birth in December, on the 31st. What do you think? It¡¯s still within the same year. I gave birth early this year, and we¡¯ll register her at the end of the year. That way, there¡¯s a year¡¯s difference, and they won¡¯t have any grounds to claim the child is related to the Fan family."


    Bai Fendou: "That sounds good!"


    He Lan was afraid the shameless Fan family would try to take the child, and honestly, he was too. He could never have children of his own. He was determined to raise this child and have her see him as her real father. Anyone who tried to take his wife or child deserved to go to hell.


    He held He Lan¡¯s hand and said, "I¡¯ll take good care of you."


    He Lan looked up, her eyes firm: "I know."


    She whispered, "I¡¯m so glad I¡¯ve met so many good people like you."


    Bai Fendou was a good man, and so were his neighbors. They thought of things she hadn¡¯t even considered.


    "Then, what should we name our daughter?"


    Bai Fendou pondered for a while and said, "We¡¯ll think more about her formal name, but for her nickname, let¡¯s not call her ¡®Little Ya.¡¯ How about ¡®Little Treasure¡¯? Look, the Zhuang family¡¯s kids are called ¡®Tuan Tuan¡¯ and ¡®Yuan Yuan,¡¯ and the Li family¡¯s kid is called ¡®Zhen Zhen,¡¯ meaning ¡®precious pearl.¡¯ Everyone gives their kids nice names. If we call her ¡®Little Ya,¡¯ it¡¯ll seem like we don¡¯t value her. That won¡¯t do."


    He Lan chuckled softly and said, "Alright."


    Bai Fendou: "Actually, you should be the one to name her. You¡¯re more educated than I am. I¡¯m not very cultured¡ªI¡¯d just give her a name like ¡®Flower¡¯ or ¡®Grass.¡¯ But if we did that, I wouldn¡¯t feel right. Why should other families have nice names while ours gets something so plain? No way!"


    He was determined to keep up with the Joneses!


    Absolutely!


    "How about ¡®Shengnan¡¯? What do you think?" He Lan suggested. She only had this one child, and she wanted her to be stronger than any boy.


    But Bai Fendou shook his head: "I don¡¯t think that¡¯s good. ¡®Shengnan¡¯ sounds fine, but when you put it together with my surname¡ªBai Shengnan¡ªit sounds like ¡®vain victory.¡¯ That¡¯s no good!"


    He Lan: "..."


    He had a point.


    "Then¡­ what about ¡®Qingqing¡¯? Let¡¯s name her ¡®Qingqing.¡¯"


    He Lan thought for a moment and suggested, "I hope our little treasure will always have sunny days ahead. Bai Qingqing¡ªeven though the surname is ¡®Bai,¡¯ it doesn¡¯t sound as obvious as ¡®Bai Shengnan.¡¯"


    ¡°Qingqing? From now on, every day we meet will be a sunny day. That¡¯s a good meaning.¡±


    Bai Fendou felt that coming up with names in their family wasn¡¯t easy, but the name ¡°Bai Qingqing¡± was quite nice. It had a good meaning and didn¡¯t sound frivolous when spoken aloud.


    He made the decision: ¡°Let¡¯s go with this name. But tomorrow we¡¯ll go to the hospital, so let¡¯s not call the child that just yet. We¡¯ll officially use the name after registering it on the household register.¡±


    He Lan nodded: ¡°Alright.¡±


    Bai Fendou boasted: ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll ask Zhuang Zhixi what his child¡¯s formal name is. Hah, I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t be as good as ours.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t his child¡¯s name Tuantuan and Yuanyuan?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s their nickname. Their formal name definitely can¡¯t be Zhuang Yuanyuan. Hah, but honestly, with their surname, it¡¯s not easy to come up with a good name.¡±


    He happily shared some gossip with He Lan: ¡°Do you know what Old Man Zhuang¡¯s real name is?¡±


    He Lan shook her head: ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Zhuang Haoren. Haha, just listen to that name. No wonder everyone calls him by his nickname, Old Man Zhuang. His real name is just too embarrassing to say out loud. ¡®Pretending to be a good person¡¯¡ªcan you believe it?¡±


    He Lan couldn¡¯t help but laugh along.


    At that moment, Old Man Zhuang, who was being talked about, sneezed several times in a row and said, ¡°Who¡¯s talking about me behind my back?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°As long as you¡¯re not catching a cold, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± He then muttered, ¡°Tuantuan and Yuanyuan are almost two months old now, and your precious son still hasn¡¯t given them formal names. You should really talk to him about it.¡±


    The matter of naming the children was something the elderly couple didn¡¯t interfere with. They weren¡¯t well-educated and couldn¡¯t come up with nice-sounding names. The names of the two older children, Zhuang Yang (nicknamed Hutou) and Zhuang Xue (nicknamed Xiaoyanzi), were decided by Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    Now, with the two younger ones, it was up to Zhuang Zhixi and his wife to choose the names.


    But they still hadn¡¯t come up with anything yet.


    ¡°I wonder what names they¡¯ll pick.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°I¡¯ll remind them tomorrow. We can¡¯t have Jiang Lu giving birth before they¡¯ve even decided on names¡­¡±


    *Knock knock knock knock!* A rapid knocking sound interrupted them. Zhao Guihua immediately stood up: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    She threw on a coat and went to the door. It was Zhou Qun.


    Zhou Qun said anxiously, ¡°Aunt Zhao, please come take a look at Jiang Lu. She just slipped while drinking water¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s face turned pale, and she rushed over. Jiang Lu was lying on the bed, drenched in sweat: ¡°It hurts so much, it really hurts¡­¡±


    She had been very careful, but sometimes accidents just happened.


    ¡°Wuwuwu¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°We can¡¯t wait. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital.¡±


    Jiang Lu¡¯s due date was already close, and Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t taking any chances. She instructed Zhou Qun: ¡°Go call Aunt Wang, and after that, borrow a handcart.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    Zhou Qun, sweating profusely, dashed out the door. Soon, Aunt Wang arrived and asked, ¡°How is she?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°We need to get her to the hospital.¡±


    Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t home, but everyone acted quickly and rushed Jiang Lu to the hospital.


    In theory, Jiang Lu¡¯s due date was only a week away.


    But in reality, it was a month and a week away.


    Because Jiang Lu had lied about her due date by a month.


    However, none of that mattered now. Jiang Lu had indeed gone into labor, and she was quickly wheeled into the delivery room.


    Zhao Guihua looked anxiously at the delivery room door and said, ¡°How could you let this happen?¡±


    Zhou Qun was also upset. He hung his head and didn¡¯t say a word.


    Actually, Jiang Lu hadn¡¯t slipped while drinking water. She had slipped while eavesdropping on gossip¡­


    You see, Bai Fendou had just gotten married, and their houses were right next to each other. Curious, Jiang Lu had pressed her ear against the wall to listen to the commotion at Bai Fendou¡¯s place. Normally, Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t one for gossip, but this was Bai Fendou¡ªthe most notorious figure in their neighborhood! Who wouldn¡¯t be curious?


    They couldn¡¯t really hear much, but curiosity got the better of them. Both Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun had been pressed against the wall, trying to catch some of the excitement.


    And then, Jiang Lu accidentally slipped¡­


    It was just one of those unlucky moments!


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Wuwu!¡±

 Chapter 144

    Jiang Lu was admitted to the hospital at night. After a full day and night of labor, she finally gave birth to a baby boy in the evening of the next day. The little boy was well-nourished, and though he was born red and wrinkly like a little monkey, he was a chubby baby, weighing a full seven pounds.


    In these times, a seven-pound baby was quite rare.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that the little one was so big, Jiang Lu wouldn¡¯t have had such a long labor. But now that the child was safely born, the pain of childbirth seemed to fade away, replaced by boundless joy. Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu immediately gave the baby a nickname: Seven Pounds.


    Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang had both promised to help take care of Jiang Lu, and they didn¡¯t hold back on their commitment. Since they had agreed, they made sure to lend a hand. The two of them took turns day by day, keeping themselves so busy they could hardly catch their breath. Fortunately, Jiang Lu¡¯s mother was also there, so there were always two people around, which meant they didn¡¯t have to focus entirely on this task.


    Jiang Lu stayed in the hospital for a week. She was a bit older, making her a high-risk pregnancy. While giving birth at an older age wasn¡¯t inherently problematic, this was her first child, so extra care was needed. Thankfully, the baby was born smoothly.


    A week later, Jiang Lu was discharged from the hospital and returned home. It seemed like a lot of babies were being born around the same time, as five new children had already been added to the neighborhood. Zhang San and Pan Pan hadn¡¯t given birth yet, but once they did, the number would rise to six.


    The day after Jiang Lu returned home, Aunt Zhou arrived back in the neighborhood, bringing Da Qiang and Wang Zhaodi with her. The two of them followed Aunt Zhou like a pair of attendants. Aunt Zhou, with her loud voice, announced as soon as she entered the courtyard, ¡°I, Hu Han San, have finally returned!¡±


    Zhao Guihua hurried out of her house and said, ¡°Aunt Zhou, Jiang Lu has given birth.¡±


    Aunt Zhou was instantly thrilled and exclaimed, ¡°What?!¡±


    She rushed into the house, excitedly asking, ¡°She¡¯s given birth? When? What did she have?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Go inside and see for yourself.¡±


    Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t waste any time and hurried into the room, where she found Jiang Lu¡¯s mother already there. Jiang Lu¡¯s mother had never liked Aunt Zhou, especially after the incident where Aunt Zhou had dabbled in superstitions and cursed her husband. So, when they met, Jiang Lu¡¯s mother gave a cold snort and pretended not to see her.


    Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t pay any attention to Jiang Lu¡¯s mother¡¯s attitude. She quickly moved closer to the baby and fell in love at first sight. What a chubby, adorable little boy!


    Jiang Lu asked, ¡°Mother-in-law, do you think he looks like me?¡±


    Aunt Zhou disagreed, ¡°I think he looks more like Zhou Qun.¡±


    Jiang Lu raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, but she quickly added, ¡°I gave birth a week ago. It¡¯s a boy, and he weighed seven pounds at birth. Zhou Qun and I decided to call him Seven Pounds.¡±


    ¡°Seven Pounds is a good name, a very good name!¡± Aunt Zhou was so overjoyed she didn¡¯t know what to do. She had never imagined that she would live to see the day she could hold her own grandson. She felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. The old woman was so excited she started spinning around in circles, like a donkey turning a millstone.


    She said, ¡°This is wonderful, truly wonderful.¡±


    After a pause, she quickly added, ¡°Mother-in-law, thank you so much for your help these past few days. Now that I¡¯m back, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take good care of Jiang Lu during her confinement.¡±


    Jiang Lu¡¯s mother snorted again.


    Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t mind and continued, ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect this. I rushed back, thinking you¡¯d give birth around this time, but you were a week early. By the way, have we bought a hen yet? We need to make some chicken soup.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi, standing at the door, immediately volunteered, ¡°I¡¯ll cook it.¡±


    Jiang Lu¡¯s mother said, ¡°We¡¯ve already bought one. There¡¯s a hen in the coop outside. Jiang Lu has already had one chicken this week, and I also bought her some carp to help with lactation¡­¡±


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Thank you, mother-in-law. Thank you so much.¡±


    Jiang Lu¡¯s mother replied coldly, ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. Jiang Lu is my daughter, and this is my grandson. It¡¯s only right that I do my part. Besides, the neighbors, Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua, have also been helping take care of Jiang Lu. Everything¡¯s been going well, so there¡¯s no need to worry.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, I¡­¡± Aunt Zhou was about to say something else when Jiang Lu interrupted.


    ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you go take a bath?¡±


    Aunt Zhou was surprised, ¡°Huh?¡±


    Jiang Lu said bluntly, ¡°You¡¯ve been traveling back and forth, switching buses and trains, and you¡¯ve been around all sorts of people. It¡¯s not very clean. The baby is still so small, and his immune system is weak. He can¡¯t handle it.¡±


    Aunt Zhou nodded, ¡°You¡¯re right, that¡¯s true.¡±


    Jiang Lu smiled and said, ¡°You and Wang Zhaodi should both go wash up. There¡¯s no rush to cook. Aunt Zhao made pig trotters with soybeans for Ming Mei today, and she sent some over for me.¡±


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Oh, really¡­¡±


    She whispered, ¡°She¡¯s quite generous.¡±


    Jiang Lu said, ¡°It¡¯s give and take. Go take a bath, and we¡¯ll catch up when you get back. There¡¯s been a lot going on in the neighborhood recently, and we¡¯ll have plenty to talk about.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aunt Zhou listened to this and quickly headed out, calling for her goddaughter Wang Zhaodi to join her. In truth, her trip to Wang Zhaodi¡¯s hometown had been quite an adventure, and she felt a renewed sense of energy after the journey.


    Aunt Zhou and the other elderly women in the neighborhood rarely went to public bathhouses. They usually bathed at home, as going to the bathhouse wasn¡¯t cheap, and they were all quite frugal. But this time, Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t mind spending the money. She was exhausted from her trip, and a bath would help her relax. Besides, she agreed with Jiang Lu¡ªthe baby was too young to be held by someone who wasn¡¯t clean. You couldn¡¯t get as clean at home as you could at the bathhouse.


    She and Wang Zhaodi went to the bathhouse together¡ªwell, actually, three of them went, as Da Qiang insisted on coming along and even paid for the tickets.


    They separated into the men¡¯s and women¡¯s sections. Aunt Zhou soaked in the pool and sighed, ¡°Ah, this feels so good.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi looked around curiously, fascinated by everything. This was her first time ever visiting a bathhouse. She had been born and raised in the countryside, and this was a whole new experience for her.


    She couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, ¡°This place is amazing.¡±


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Of course it is. It¡¯s not cheap, you know.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded. It really wasn¡¯t cheap. Back in her village, people would rather spend that money on a small piece of meat than on a bath. They¡¯d just jump into the river to wash themselves. Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s wash our hair with soap. We¡¯ll smell nice afterward.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi quickly agreed, ¡°Alright.¡±


    While the two of them were bathing, Jiang Lu¡¯s mother was feeling a bit displeased. She said, ¡°That old woman really doesn¡¯t know how to prioritize. You¡¯re her daughter-in-law, yet she treats some country girl so well. I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s thinking. She¡¯s truly clueless.¡±


    Jiang Lu, sitting on the bed, frowned disapprovingly and said, ¡°Mom, why are you saying that? Wang Zhaodi is a good person, and she¡¯s very hardworking. Don¡¯t criticize my mother-in-law. I like her too. When I was pregnant, she kept the house in order, and she took good care of the baby. We owe her a lot.¡±


    After all, their baby was technically a premature birth, but who had ever heard of a premature baby weighing seven pounds? Even full-term babies rarely weighed that much.


    Though the birth had been difficult, Jiang Lu didn¡¯t feel any regret. She had longed for a child, and now her wish had finally come true.


    She poked her son¡¯s sleeping face and said, ¡°Babies sleep so much.¡±


    Jiang Lu¡¯s mother, seeing that Jiang Lu wasn¡¯t going to engage with her complaints, pursed her lips and said, ¡°You always side with outsiders.¡±


    Jiang Lu replied, ¡°I¡¯m not just siding with outsiders. I¡¯m telling the truth. Wang Zhaodi is genuinely a good person. When she comes back, I plan to discuss hiring her as a helper.¡±


    This was something Jiang Lu had been considering for a while.


    Jiang Lu¡¯s mother widened her eyes in surprise and said, ¡°A helper? Are you out of your mind? What kind of family hires helpers? Aren¡¯t you afraid someone might report you?¡±


    Her concern wasn¡¯t really about the money but more about the potential backlash. If someone wanted to make a big deal out of it, they could accuse Jiang Lu of exploiting others. Jiang Lu¡¯s mother had seen a lot in her life, and she didn¡¯t want her daughter to get involved in such trouble.


    Jiang Lu said, ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. No one will think much of it. After all, Aunt Zhou is Wang Zhaodi¡¯s godmother. It¡¯s just family helping each other out.¡±


    Jiang Lu¡¯s mother still wasn¡¯t convinced. She said, ¡°Your mother-in-law is back now. She can help out more. Why do you need a helper?¡±


    Jiang Lu: "Oh, Mom, don''t worry about it. I''m definitely going to hire Wang Zhaodi. Having someone to help out is a big deal. Mom, there''s no need to save money here. Zhou Qun and I both earn decent salaries. With our family''s situation, hiring help is no problem. Besides, having extra hands to take care of things will make the household run smoother. I can''t rely solely on my mother-in-law. She''s getting older, and generally, older people aren''t great at taking care of kids. If she spoils the child too much, just look at what happened next door. I can''t let my child grow up spoiled and clueless. Once they''re older, it''s too late to fix. Even though I''m the one in charge at home, my mother-in-law doesn''t always listen to me, but Wang Zhaodi will. She''ll definitely follow my lead."


    Once Jiang Lu had made up her mind, there was no changing it. That was just how she was.


    She said, "I''ll probably only have this one child, so of course, I want to raise them well. I can''t let them end up like Jinlai next door. Jinlai got into trouble again."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "..."


    She didn''t really know much about the people in their courtyard, but their courtyard was so famous that even people across the city had heard of it. So, of course, they''d all heard of Old Lady Su and Gou Lanxiang.


    That old woman was quite the mystery.


    People couldn''t help but gossip about her.


    Jiang Lu''s Mother had picked up bits and pieces about the Su family, and after hearing more from her daughter, she had a better understanding of them.


    As for Su Jinlai, that kid had just gotten out of juvenile detention after the New Year. But instead of reforming, he ended up making friends there. Before, he used to act alone, but now he''d joined a small gang.


    A few days ago, on the night Jiang Lu accidentally overexerted herself and had a scare with the baby, Jinlai and his gang were caught red-handed stealing. The authorities had been watching them for days, waiting to catch them in the act. And just like that, he was back in detention.


    Wang Xiangxiu cried at home for a while, then quietly packed some things to go visit her son.


    When she came back, she cried again.


    Since he was still underage, he was sent back to juvenile detention, but this time, his sentence was much harsher. Last time, it was three months; this time, it was three years. The severity was due to the high value of the stolen goods.


    It was also because it was a group crime, which carried a heavier penalty than acting alone. The gang was made up of kids around thirteen or fourteen, and this wasn''t their first offense. According to Su Jinlai''s confession, he had gone out stealing with a few other boys the very day he got out of detention, officially joining the gang.


    He had only been out for about a month but had already committed theft five or six times.


    Getting into trouble right after getting out showed he hadn''t learned his lesson, and this time, the sentence came down quickly and harshly.


    Jiang Lu hadn''t known about this while she was in the hospital. It wasn''t until she was discharged yesterday and ran into Wang Xiangxiu, who looked particularly haggard, that she found out Jinlai was back in detention. Jiang Lu shook her head silently, thinking the kid was beyond help.


    She said, "I have to make sure I raise my child right. Even if it''s just one child, I can''t spoil them too much."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother sighed and said, "You''re right about that."


    Everyone assumed Jiang Lu wouldn''t have any more children, so naturally, they hoped she would raise this one well. Otherwise, it would be the parents who suffered in the end.


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "Alright, since your mother-in-law is back, I won''t stay here anymore. I''ve been coming early and leaving late every day recently, and your sister-in-law has been making snide comments."


    Jiang Lu pouted, unhappy.


    She and her brother had been close as kids, but after they each got married and he had his own family, their relationship had cooled. Now, they were just regular relatives. Even during her childbirth, since Aunt Zhou wasn''t around, Zhao Guihua had been more present than her own sister-in-law.


    Her sister-in-law had only shown up the day after she gave birth, bringing a gift and a red envelope, and then disappeared. Not only did she not show up again, but she also seemed annoyed that Jiang Lu''s mother was coming over every day to help.


    Jiang Lu sneered, "Your daughter-in-law is really something, isn''t she?"


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "Oh, don''t say that. She''s just looking out for her own family. The money she saves isn''t going to outsiders¡ªit''s for your nephew. At least she''s not sending it back to her own family. That''s something."


    She glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then pulled out some money and handed it to Jiang Lu, saying, "Take this."


    Jiang Lu''s expression changed. "I don''t want it."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "Don''t be stubborn. Take it. It''s from your dad. Keep it for yourself, and don''t tell Zhou Qun. Don''t mention it to your brother and sister-in-law when you go back home either."


    Jiang Lu looked down at the handkerchief wrapped around the money, her eyes slightly red.


    Because she had refused to get a divorce, her father had been cold to her. She still visited her family, but her father barely acknowledged her, acting like she wasn''t there. When she gave birth, he had come by to take a quick look and then left.


    That was only because Aunt Zhou wasn''t around. If Aunt Zhou had been there, her father wouldn''t have shown up at all.


    Jiang Lu knew her father was upset, but she was in a tough spot too. Sometimes, she just didn''t have better options.


    She bit her lip. "You should keep this money for your retirement. You need it too..."


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "Stop talking nonsense. Just take it. Don''t dawdle, or your mother-in-law will see. Keep it for yourself and the baby. Since your mother-in-law is back, I won''t be coming over as often. But if she gives you a hard time or if anything happens, let us know. Even though your dad is upset, if you''re mistreated, he''ll stand up for you."


    Jiang Lu nodded and asked, "Is Weimin graduating from high school this year or next?"


    Weimin was her older brother''s son.


    Her brother had married early, so his children were older.


    Jiang Lu''s Mother smiled at the mention of her grandson and rolled her eyes. "You''re his aunt, and you don''t even know when he''s graduating? Weimin is graduating next year."


    Jiang Lu: "Doesn''t that mean he''ll have to go to the countryside?"


    Jiang Lu''s Mother: "Go to the countryside? No way! Your dad is already working on it, trying to find him a job for next year. Back in the day, you could buy a job for two or three hundred yuan, but not anymore. Plus, our family has to send someone to the countryside, so your dad is pulling some strings. It''ll cost a few hundred to get things sorted at the Youth Office. Anyway, I won''t bore you with the details... I''m leaving. I haven''t been home in days, so I need to buy some groceries and make something nice for my grandson."


    Jiang Lu nodded softly.


    This was her mother.


    Her mother loved her and cared for her.


    But when it came to her brother or his family, Jiang Lu always came second.


    She was used to it. Looking down at the handkerchief, she knew the money she was given would never compare to what her brother received, but Jiang Lu was still touched. She counted it: 500 yuan!


    That was a significant amount.


    Jiang Lu pursed her lips, her head bowed, lost in thought...


    "Jiang Lu! Jiang Lu!"


    Jiang Lu quickly tucked the money away and said, "Come in."


    Ming Mei walked in, carrying lunch. "I brought you some food."


    Jiang Lu smiled. "Why are you the one bringing it?"


    Ming Mei: "I left the kids with my mother-in-law. It''s a chance to get out for a bit."


    She added, "Now that Aunt Zhou is back, you won''t need us in the evenings anymore."


    Jiang Lu: "Thank you so much for everything these past few days."


    Ming Mei: "Don''t mention it. A lot of the stuff was prepared by your family, and I got to eat some of it too."


    She leaned down to play with the sleeping baby. The little chubby thing ignored her, as babies that small spend most of their time sleeping¡ªeating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. Ming Mei smiled. "There are quite a few kids in our courtyard. They''ll have plenty of playmates in the future."


    Jiang Lu: "Absolutely!"


    Noticing Ming Mei seemed a bit down, Jiang Lu asked, "What''s wrong with you today?"


    The Ming Mei she knew was always energetic, even when she was heavily pregnant and uncomfortable. Today, she seemed unusually listless.


    Ming Mei sighed. "Tomorrow, I have to go back to work."


    How could the break go by so quickly? It felt like time had flown by in the blink of an eye.


    When she was at work, time seemed to drag, but at home, it raced by. It was truly disheartening.


    Ming Mei: "Before the vacation, I thought that a two-month break, give or take, was quite a lot. But now that it''s actually here, time is flying by."


    Jiang Lu couldn''t help but laugh at this: "Of course, now that you''re back at work, what about the baby?"


    Ming Mei: "I come home every morning and afternoon to breastfeed. There are policies for that, so I''m not worried about it. My main concern is that the stress of work might reduce my milk supply, and the baby won''t get enough."


    Jiang Lu sighed, realizing that what Ming Mei was going through would soon be her own reality. Unlike Li Fang, who was a housewife, they both had to work. Jiang Lu whispered, "If you can''t produce enough milk, buy some formula. I''ll help you figure it out."


    It had to be said, Jiang Lu had the connections. Her father was the deputy director of the supply and marketing cooperative.


    Ming Mei: "Not necessary for now. I still have some milk, and if it runs out, I have my parents to fall back on. You just helped Bai Fendou the other day, didn''t you?"


    Jiang Lu nodded.


    She smiled and said, "I owe him a wife, so trading that for two cans of formula is fair."


    Ming Mei looked at Jiang Lu in surprise, not quite understanding.


    Jiang Lu: "Back then, Zhou Qun made advances on him, and I promised to compensate him with a hundred yuan and introduce him to a potential partner. The money was given long ago, but finding a suitable match has been tough. Honestly, I don''t know many people, and most of them are around my age¡ªalready married. It dragged on until he found a wife on his own. His wife also doesn''t have enough milk for their baby, so when he visited me in the hospital, he asked for my help again. How could I refuse? My mother was there too, and we managed to get him two cans of formula. Of course, he paid for it."


    Even though they were in the capital, Beijing, formula wasn''t easy to come by. The supply was limited, and it was often sold out quickly. Without connections, you might try several times and still come up empty-handed. Plus, you needed ration tickets for formula, which were hard to get.


    So, even though Bai Fendou paid for it, Jiang Lu had really done him a huge favor.


    Ming Mei said, "Bai Fendou is lucky to have met you."


    Without Jiang Lu''s help, Bai Fendou would never have been able to buy formula.


    Jiang Lu: "I think He Lan and her daughter are the lucky ones to have met Bai Fendou."


    Most people wouldn''t go out of their way to buy formula for a premature baby girl, especially one who wasn''t even their own.


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement: "I never thought much of Bai Fendou, but it turns out he''s not a bad person."


    Jiang Lu: "He''s just not the sharpest tool in the shed."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing and nodded in agreement.


    After laughing, Ming Mei said, "I don''t see He Lan around much."


    Jiang Lu: "Probably scared, right?"


    Given her background, it wasn''t surprising that she was cautious and kept a low profile.


    Ming Mei nodded gently, "That makes sense."


    They weren''t wrong. Even though He Lan had married Bai Fendou, she rarely ventured out, keeping a quiet life. But these days, she had been busy cleaning the house, making it spotless and tidy.


    Before, Bai Fendou only used one room, while the other was cluttered with junk. Even the room he lived in was dirty, with bedding that hadn''t been washed in a year. He Lan had given the house a thorough cleaning, even washing the bedding.


    She wasn''t sure what else to do, but keeping busy made her feel like she wasn''t living in a dream. Cleaning the house gave her a sense of peace and satisfaction.


    He Lan did have some milk, but after giving birth, she hadn''t had the chance to rest properly and had suffered a lot, so her supply was limited. Even though she had been eating better recently, it wasn''t enough to fully recover. Meanwhile, her baby''s appetite was growing.


    Thankfully, Bai Fendou had managed to get some formula.


    With a smile on her lips, He Lan prepared a small amount of formula for her daughter. The little one pursed her tiny lips, eating slowly but steadily.


    He Lan took a deep breath, feeling incredibly grateful. Her father''s attempts to secure her future had backfired, but this chance encounter with Bai Fendou had brought her unexpected kindness. She felt a deep sense of warmth and gratitude, wishing she could find a Bodhisattva to thank for her good fortune.


    She gently poked her daughter''s thin little body and said, "Little treasure, you need to grow some more meat. Mommy and Daddy love you so much."


    "Ming Mei¡­"


    A loud call interrupted her thoughts. He Lan peeked out the window and saw a young woman in a cotton-padded jacket coming out of the neighboring house and heading across the street. "Mom, what''s wrong?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Your daughter''s hungry. Come and feed her."


    Their little Yuan Yuan was a foodie and a glutton. Whenever she smelled something delicious, her little nose would twitch, and she''d start crying. And when the baby cried, her older brother would join in, creating a duet of wails.


    Ming Mei hurried home to find the two little ones crying without tears.


    Ming Mei poked Yuan Yuan''s chubby cheeks and said, "What''s wrong, Yuan Yuan? Are you hungry or just craving something?"


    The baby didn''t know, of course. She just nuzzled against her mother, clearly wanting something tasty.


    Ming Mei fed both children and said, "All the good food I eat goes straight to you two."


    She had been eating very well lately. After all, giving birth was a big deal, and the Zhuang family was well-off. Zhao Guihua had even gone to the black market to buy good food for her daughter-in-law. Ming Mei''s family also visited often, bringing plenty of nutritious food.


    Between the two "queens" of the household and Old Man Lan, Ming Mei''s grandfather, who frequently brought treats, Ming Mei was eating better than most cadre families. Yet, despite all this, she hadn''t gained any weight¡ªin fact, she was even slimmer than before her pregnancy. Clearly, all the nutrients were going to the two little ones.


    The two babies, who had been red and wrinkly at birth, had now turned into plump, rosy-cheeked little angels.


    Ming Mei laid the two babies side by side. Yuan Yuan wriggled and made little noises, as if trying to get Ming Mei''s attention.


    Ming Mei: "What is it?"


    She checked the bedding¡ªno wet spot.


    Yuan Yuan kept making noises, so Ming Mei picked her up. The little one immediately settled into a comfortable position, closing her eyes as if ready to sleep.


    Ah, this little one just wanted to be held!


    Ming ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Mei poked her chubby little cheek and said, "You''re such a spoiled little thing."


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t hold her too much."


    Ming Mei: "I know, but she tricked me!"


    Zhao Guihua gave her a look, as if to say, "You got fooled by a baby?" Thankfully, Yuan Yuan was a good sleeper and soon dozed off. Ming Mei put her down and said, "Aunt Zhou is back."


    Zhao Guihua immediately said, "I''ll go see her."


    Ming Mei: "I''ll come too."


    They both wanted to hear about Wang Zhaodi.


    But with the babies to take care of, Zhao Guihua decisively said, "Each of us takes a baby. Let''s go."


    Ming Mei: "Alright."


    They carried the babies to the Zhou household. Seeing that Aunt Zhou had returned, Aunt Wang also hurried over. The group gathered at the Zhou house, and Aunt Zhou proudly said, "Look at how popular I am. Everyone''s so concerned about me."


    Zhao Guihua: "We just want to hear about Wang Zhaodi."


    Wang Zhaodi: "I''ve taken care of all the paperwork. Once Da Qiang gets the reference letter from the factory tomorrow, we can get married."


    "Congratulations!"


    Wang Zhaodi smiled shyly, full of hope for her new life.


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei placed their babies next to Xiao Qi Jin, and the three little ones soon fell asleep. Zhao Guihua eagerly said, "Tell us everything!"


    Aunt Zhou glanced at Wang Zhaodi and said, "This matter, I really need to have a good talk with you all. Let me tell you, under these circumstances, it''s only because I stepped in that things didn''t go south. If those two had gone back alone, they would have definitely been taken advantage of."


    "How so?"


    Aunt Zhou spat and said, "Her family is practically trying to sell their daughter, demanding an exorbitant price."


    As it turned out, Aunt Zhou, Da Qiang, and Wang Zhaodi had transferred buses several times and walked through mountain roads before finally arriving at Wang Zhaodi''s village.


    To be honest, Aunt Zhou had been living in the city since her teenage years and hadn''t been to such a place in a long time. As soon as they entered the village, she could immediately feel the difference between the city and the countryside.


    They had passed through villages on their way to the mountains, but the villages near the city were completely different from this remote, impoverished one. This village was deep in the mountains, extremely isolated, and it had taken them several hours to walk there, as there was no transportation available for the last stretch of the journey.


    The three of them entered the village together, and as soon as they did, they were accosted by a loud, nosy woman who grabbed Wang Zhaodi and said, "Oh, Zhaodi, where have you been? I heard you went to the city to work for someone? How much did they pay you? Oh, let me take a look. You''ve gained some weight, haven''t you? You look so much better now!"


    She continued, "Your skin has also gotten fairer. Who would have thought this little yellow-haired girl would turn out so pretty? What do you think of my son, Da Zhuang? Your mother has already agreed to marry you off to our family!"


    This whole scene was utterly shocking.


    Aunt Zhou didn''t hold back and immediately slapped the woman''s hand away, saying, "Who do you think you are? We''ve taken care of her, and now you''re trying to steal her away? Who do you think you are! Wang Zhaodi, tell me, who is this? I''m warning you! If you dare to marry someone else, you''ll have to pay back all the money we''ve spent on you!"


    This was something Aunt Zhou had agreed upon with them beforehand. Since they were here, they couldn''t afford to be nice. Being too nice would only get them eaten alive.


    The woman glared at her and said, "Who are you to come to our village and cause trouble?"


    Wang Zhaodi, with her head bowed, whispered, "She''s from our village."


    Wang Zhaodi then said, "Step aside, we need to go home."


    The woman retorted, "How can you be so rude? Don''t you know how to respect your elders? Just because you''ve been to the city doesn''t mean you''re all that."


    Wang Zhaodi shot back, "What does it matter to you whether I''ve been to the city or not? Get out of my way."


    Although she was meek in front of Aunt Zhou, she wasn''t the same with outsiders. She waved her fist menacingly and said, "Get out of here, or I won''t be polite."


    It was shocking to see Wang Zhaodi, who had been a nobody in the village, now daring to raise her hand.


    The woman pointed at her in disbelief, "You... you... Oh, I can''t believe this! How can a young person like you be so disrespectful? How dare you talk to me like that? Do you really think you''re something special?"


    Her words quickly drew a crowd, including Wang Zhaodi''s own mother, who didn''t even recognize her daughter at first.


    When she finally recognized Wang Zhaodi, they all went home, and Wang Zhaodi learned why the woman at the village entrance had said what she did.


    It turned out that her mother had promised to marry her off to the woman''s mentally challenged son once she returned.


    After all, the boy couldn''t find anyone better, and no one else would marry him. Wang Zhaodi wasn''t exactly pure either, so she could at least bear children for them. Initially, Da Zhuang''s mother hadn''t thought much of Wang Zhaodi.


    But now that she saw how much Wang Zhaodi had improved¡ªher looks, her weight¡ªshe was immediately satisfied and grabbed Wang Zhaodi''s hand.


    Aunt Zhou and Wang Zhaodi hadn''t expected to encounter such a situation as soon as they entered the village.


    It was easy to imagine how much trouble Wang Zhaodi would have faced if she had returned alone.


    But when it came to making a scene, Aunt Zhou was a pro. She immediately sat down on the ground, rolling around and shouting, "You Wang family is so shameless! How can you sell your daughter to two different families? You''re heartless! I''m going to report you to the commune!"


    If they wanted to make a fuss, she could do it too!


    Wang Zhaodi''s mother was stunned and shouted, "Who sold our daughter to your family?"


    Aunt Zhou replied confidently, "You two did! Or do you think your daughter ate for free at our house?"


    Aunt Zhou spoke with such enthusiasm that Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang exchanged glances and said, "It''s a good thing it''s you. If it were someone else, they might not have been able to pull off such a scene. You''re really something."


    Aunt Zhou remained calm and said, "I have to make a scene. I know things aren''t exactly as I''m saying, but if I don''t do this, who knows what kind of tricks they might pull? Some people are like that. If you''re too nice, they''ll take advantage of you. But if you''re difficult, they''ll actually be more willing to negotiate. I''ve seen families like this before, the kind that would sell their daughter over and over again. You can''t give them any leeway. So I just make a fuss."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "But what role are you playing in all this?"


    Aunt Zhou replied, "I''m saying that Wang Zhaodi is my goddaughter. Her family didn''t want to waste food raising her, so they sent her to me. Now that I''ve fed her well and found her a match, they want to collect a dowry from someone else. Isn''t that just using me? I spent a whole year''s worth of money on her, feeding and clothing her. If they want to marry her off, they''ll have to reimburse me for that year''s expenses!"


    "Well... that sounds both reasonable and completely unreasonable at the same time."


    Aunt Zhou said, "I know it doesn''t make complete sense, but if I don''t make a scene, how can I make the Wang family so annoyed that they''ll let her go?"


    Others might not have understood, but Zhao Guihua did.


    She said, "You''re just spouting nonsense and making a scene on purpose to make them think you''re up to no good. Even if you really did take care of Wang Zhaodi for a year, you have your own agenda. So they''ll think you''re trying to squeeze money out of Da Qiang. Since they''re also trying to get money, they''d rather do it themselves than through you."


    Aunt Zhou nodded, "Exactly."


    She continued, "Sure enough, those people saw me making a scene and tried to calm me down, but they secretly went to Da Qiang to ask about the dowry. We had rehearsed this scenario multiple times on the way here, so Da Qiang gruffly said, ''Sixty-six.''"


    Aunt Zhou sneered, "The family thought that was too low, and after some back-and-forth haggling, they settled on a hundred. That''s an exorbitant amount for a dowry. It''s practically selling their daughter."


    Generally, a dowry of twenty was considered quite generous.


    Demanding such a high price usually meant they weren''t planning on maintaining any kind of relationship afterward. It was essentially selling their daughter. Even though it was the 1970s, such practices still existed in some remote areas.


    In their village, because Aunt Zhou had already established herself as difficult and meddlesome, the family wanted to resolve things quickly, so the process went smoothly.


    However, there were many unsavory details about this situation that neither Aunt Zhou nor Wang Zhaodi mentioned.


    From the beginning, it had been agreed that Wang Zhaodi would go to the city to bear a child for someone. Although she hadn''t succeeded, Wang Zhaodi''s family assumed she was no longer a virgin.


    Since she wasn''t a virgin, they couldn''t expect to "sell" her for a high price, which is why they had set their sights on Da Zhuang in the village.


    His family was well-off, but since he was mentally challenged, it was hard for him to find a wife.


    However, he was a suitable match for someone like Wang Zhaodi, and they had already agreed on a price of fifty. It was a clean break.


    Da Zhuang''s mother was essentially looking for someone to take care of her son, paying fifty for a lifetime of service. But now, with Da Qiang coming from afar, the Wang family saw another opportunity. Even though Aunt Zhou was stirring up trouble, they could tell she had her own interests at heart, so they quickly backed out of the deal with Da Zhuang''s family and turned their attention to Da Qiang.


    Wang Zhaodi returned home, and her younger sister, Yin Di, immediately came to investigate. Upon learning that Da Qiang was a laborer doing hard physical work, that this was his second marriage, and that his first wife had already passed away, Yin Di quietly informed their parents.


    The couple pondered and speculated that Da Qiang¡¯s previous wife must have been beaten to death by him. Just look at him¡ªhe had a rough voice, a towering figure, and brute strength. Besides, why would a city man want to marry a country girl? There must be something wrong with him.


    He was definitely the kind of man who treated his wife harshly. His first wife must have been killed by his family.


    Despite these thoughts, it didn¡¯t stop them from wanting to marry Wang Zhaodi off to him. They were only interested in the money, not the man. After all, marrying into such a family would surely bring a higher bride price than marrying within the village. The Da Zhuang family in their village was already considered well-off, offering fifty yuan, but this man was offering sixty-six yuan.


    If they negotiated further, they could get even more.


    Why should they let Aunt Zhou sell their daughter? She called herself a godmother, but what did that even mean? If they were going to marry her off, they would do it themselves. Moreover, the Zhou family had promised that if no child was born, they would still provide fifty yuan for nutritional expenses. That money had to be given.


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°Actually, on the way here, I thought about it. Some money would definitely have to be spent. If we didn¡¯t spend a single penny, Zhaodi would never be able to leave that family. Their whole village sticks together, and I couldn¡¯t just bribe the village leader to get the necessary documents. That¡¯s impossible. So, we had to play the bad guys. Da Qiang and I¡ªone was an old woman trying to take advantage, and the other was a violent man with a terrible character. Since neither of us were good people, they were eager to settle the matter quickly and get rid of us. Da Qiang spent one hundred yuan to get a statement severing ties, along with Zhaodi¡¯s introduction letter and household registration transfer documents. As for me, since I was under their roof, I reluctantly gave the fifty yuan we had agreed upon earlier. In total, one hundred and fifty yuan severed Wang Zhaodi¡¯s ties with her family.¡±


    Her explanation wasn¡¯t too complicated, but in reality, it had been a messy and drawn-out process.


    Fortunately, the outcome was good. Although one hundred and fifty yuan was a significant amount, it could be considered as repayment for Wang Zhaodi¡¯s parents¡¯ efforts in raising her.


    ¡°So, is this matter settled now?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zhao Guihua sighed with relief, grateful that it was the 1970s, a time when many things were simpler to handle. If this had happened decades later, when everything was more regulated, Wang Zhaodi would never have been able to get all the necessary documents so quickly.


    Of course, even though Aunt Zhou made it sound straightforward, they could imagine that the situation had been chaotic and not as simple as a few words could describe.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Aunt Zhou, you¡¯ve had it tough.¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°Haven¡¯t I? I had to fully embody the role of a scheming old woman trying to profit from someone else¡¯s daughter, but forced to bow down and pay up on someone else¡¯s turf.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi: ¡°Godmother, I can¡¯t let you pay this money. Once I¡¯ve saved enough, I¡¯ll pay you back.¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°Don¡¯t bother! This was agreed upon from the start. Since it was agreed, just let it be.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi lowered her head, a tear falling. This trip home had made her realize that her own family was less caring than complete strangers. Aunt Zhou had gone out of her way to help her, but her own parents, upon hearing that Da Qiang might be a violent man, had only thought about selling her for money.


    Not only did they sell her, but they also wanted to turn her into a long-term source of income.


    Before she left, her mother had grabbed her hand and tearfully said, ¡°Zhaodi, now that you¡¯re married, you can¡¯t forget about your family. Look at your older sisters¡ªthey all treat their family as a support system. Without your family to back you up, you won¡¯t have anyone to rely on. You need to know what¡¯s good for you. We¡¯re your parents, the ones who gave birth to you and raised you. We would never harm you. You must remember to come back home.¡±


    Thinking of her mother¡¯s behavior at the time, Wang Zhaodi felt nauseated. Sure enough, her mother soon added, ¡°Life in the city will surely be better than in the countryside. Even though we¡¯re far apart, you should save up some private money. If necessary, secretly take some from the household funds and hide it. It¡¯ll be useful. In a few years, once you¡¯ve given birth to a son for that man, he won¡¯t stop you from coming back home. By then, you¡¯ll have saved up money to bring back, and that¡¯ll be your filial duty. I¡¯m pregnant again, and when I give you a little brother, you¡¯ll have someone to rely on in the future¡­¡±


    Recalling her mother¡¯s words, Wang Zhaodi felt like vomiting up her dinner from the night before.


    She truly understood now that some people were not fit to be parents.


    They had children only to turn them into cash cows.


    She remembered coldly saying at the time, ¡°You¡¯ve sold me off, so don¡¯t ever claim me as your daughter again. I hate you!¡±


    It was the first time in her life she had spoken so harshly.


    Even though it was her parents¡¯ fault, they looked at her with disbelief, calling her an ungrateful wretch, accusing her of not understanding their sacrifices, and saying she was worse than her sisters. They even wished they had drowned her at birth¡­


    Wang Zhaodi shook her head at the memory.


    If the ties were severed, then so be it.


    As long as she never returned home, she wouldn¡¯t fear them coming after her. They might bully others in the village, but outside, they had no power.


    ¡°Zhaodi, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi: ¡°I was thinking about my family. They sold me off and still expect me to support them.¡±


    Even before returning home, Wang Zhaodi had suspected her parents would sell her, but experiencing it firsthand still left her feeling chilled to the bone. She couldn¡¯t understand¡ªjust because she was a girl, was this how she deserved to be treated?


    But why weren¡¯t other families like this?


    Wang Zhaodi shook her head and said, ¡°I¡¯m never going back.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the right decision. Going back wouldn¡¯t do you any good.¡±


    Aunt Zhou agreed, ¡°Yes, I think so too.¡±


    She was glad that Wang Zhaodi had broken free from her family. She said, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve left, don¡¯t go back. Look at your sisters¡ªdo you want to end up like them?¡±


    Aunt Zhou vented to the others, ¡°You have no idea, Wang Zhaodi¡¯s younger sister is really something else. She even came over to spy and report back. Tsk tsk.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s her sister like?¡±


    Aunt Zhou glanced at Wang Zhaodi, who didn¡¯t object, and said, ¡°Her sister is obsessed with the idea of the family having a baby boy. She¡¯s desperate for it, hoping that a male heir will strengthen the family¡¯s standing and give her more leverage when she gets married. Isn¡¯t that just ridiculous? The age gap between her and a potential brother would be so large that even if the boy turned out well, he wouldn¡¯t be able to support her. And let¡¯s not forget, what kind of child could such a family raise? Did you notice Wang Zhaodi¡¯s clothes? The outfit she wore home was snatched by her sister and given to their mother. If I hadn¡¯t been prepared, Wang Zhaodi would have had to return in just a thin shirt. And her sister kept pestering her, asking if she had secretly saved any money and demanding to know why she didn¡¯t steal some to improve the family¡¯s life.¡±


    Everyone was stunned.


    Ming Mei: ¡°Good grief, how old is this girl?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s sixteen or seventeen, not a child anymore. But the things she says are completely nonsensical.¡±


    Aunt Zhou felt that it was true¡ªeven siblings from the same family could be vastly different.


    Huh? She had learned a new phrase.


    Her literacy classes hadn¡¯t been in vain.


    She said, ¡°Honestly, out of all the girls in Wang Zhaodi¡¯s family, she¡¯s the only decent one. The others, big and small, are all unreliable. Her parents just don¡¯t know how to raise children.¡±


    If it weren¡¯t for Wang Zhaodi¡¯s strength and ability to work, which made her less favored by her parents and left her to grow up somewhat independently, she might have turned out like the others. Thankfully, Wang Zhaodi was different, and it was fortunate that she had come to them. If it had been her younger sister, they would have ended up with a thief in their midst.


    Sometimes, it really comes down to fate when it comes to people.


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad it¡¯s Zhaodi who came to us.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi: ¡°I¡¯m not as good as you all say.¡±


    She felt a little embarrassed.


    ¡°You¡¯re already amazing. Growing up in that family and not turning out like them is a huge accomplishment.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi pursed her lips and said, "I don¡¯t want to be like them."


    In the past, she had only cared about filling her stomach and hadn¡¯t thought about anything else. She would spend her days running around the mountains, unaware of the bigger picture. But since coming here, she had seen and experienced so much more, and she had learned a great deal. She now understood how one should live their life. Sure, one could be stubborn or even scheming, but she was determined not to become like her mother or her sisters.


    When Wang Zhaodi returned home this time, she had wanted to talk to her younger sisters. She hoped they could have their own thoughts, just like her. But as soon as she started, they accused her of being possessed by a fox spirit, of spouting nonsense with blinded eyes. They said she had become arrogant after moving to the city, acting all high and mighty, spouting grand philosophies as if she were someone important.


    Everyone looked at her with disapproval and confusion, as if she were the odd one out. But in reality, she wasn¡¯t. Wang Zhaodi knew very clearly that she wasn¡¯t the strange one. What she was doing was right. Families like hers, obsessed with having sons and even willing to sell their daughters¡ªthat was what was wrong.


    She believed that one should live like Ming Mei, like Sister Li Fang, and like Sister Jiang Lu.


    Not blindly fixated on just one word¡ªson.


    As if life would be over without a son.


    Life wasn¡¯t like that.


    When Wang Zhaodi returned to the village, she felt suffocated. For the first time, she realized how ignorant her family was. In the village, not every household was like this. There were open-minded families, families with good values.


    But hers wasn¡¯t one of them.


    And neither were many others.


    Wang Zhaodi sighed softly and said, "This time, when I get married and transfer my household registration, I want to change my name."


    "Huh?"


    "Change your name? That¡¯s a good idea."


    "Yes, I also think the name Zhaodi isn¡¯t good."


    Everyone agreed. While a name was just a name, "Zhaodi" always felt uncomfortable.


    They all looked at her. Wang Zhaodi said, "I don¡¯t want to ¡®Zhaodi.¡¯ Whether I have a brother or not, I don¡¯t care. I want to change my name. I want to give myself a new name, not one that carries someone else¡¯s wishes."


    "You want to change your name? What do you want to be called?"


    Truthfully, Wang Zhaodi didn¡¯t know what she wanted to be called, but she was certain she didn¡¯t want to be called Zhaodi anymore. In the past, she hadn¡¯t had a choice, but now things were different. Now she could have a new life, and she wanted to choose.


    She said seriously, "I want a good name, a name for myself."


    She scratched her head and asked, "What do you all think? What name should I have?"


    Let¡¯s help Zhaodi pick a new name~

 Chapter 145

    Wang Zhaodi wanted to change her name. These days, changing one''s name isn¡¯t difficult, and for someone like her, who was moving her household registration anyway, it was even more convenient.


    However, deciding on a new name proved to be a real challenge for Wang Zhaodi. Without much education, she found it hard to come up with something suitable. She looked around at everyone with hopeful eyes, and the group, being practical, started offering suggestions.


    ¡°I think ¡®Zizhen¡¯ is nice¡ªcherishing oneself.¡±


    ¡°How about ¡®Lingzhao¡¯? ¡®Ling¡¯ means beauty, and ¡®zhao¡¯ means brightness.¡±


    ¡°Or ¡®Sitian¡¯¡ªthinking of sweetness, living a sweet life.¡±


    ¡°You could also go with ¡®Xiangyang¡¯¡ªfacing the sun, such a positive meaning.¡±


    ¡°What about ¡®Guiying¡¯? Like Mu Guiying, the legendary heroine. You could be just as strong.¡±


    ¡°If all these seem too complicated, you could simply go with ¡®Wang Xin¡¯¡ª¡®Xin¡¯ as in ¡®new,¡¯ symbolizing a fresh start. Or ¡®Xin¡¯ as in ¡®joy,¡¯ representing a happy life ahead.¡±


    The lively chatter made it feel like a bustling marketplace, even though there were only a few people present. Wang Zhaodi, who had been at a loss earlier, suddenly felt like she had plenty of options. She was so touched by everyone¡¯s kindness that her eyes welled up with tears. She smiled gratefully and said, ¡°Thank you all!¡±


    After a pause, she added, ¡°I can even use these names for my future children.¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re really greedy,¡± Ming Mei teased playfully.


    But Wang Zhaodi was serious. ¡°I¡¯m not well-educated, so having so many good names means I can use them for my kids later.¡±


    This was when the importance of a surname really stood out. Da Qiang¡¯s surname was Ye, which made it easy to give their children nice-sounding names, whether they were boys or girls. Unlike surnames like Bai, which could sound plain, or Zhuang, which might come off as pretentious.


    Da Qiang¡¯s name was pretty ordinary, but ¡°Ye Qiang¡± didn¡¯t sound too bad, did it?


    She imagined having a son named Ye Xiangyang or a daughter named Ye Sitian. Or perhaps a son named Ye Xin and a daughter named Ye Xin. Just thinking about it made Wang Zhaodi feel like she could laugh in her sleep.


    The more she thought about it, the happier she became, giggling uncontrollably. Ming Mei asked, ¡°What about you? What do you want to be called?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi thought for a moment and said, ¡°I think ¡®Guiying,¡¯ ¡®Zizhen,¡¯ or ¡®Xinxin¡¯ are all great.¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes flickered, realizing how different generations had different tastes. People from her era, without much education, often chose names related to flowers and plants, but now, names like Fang, Ying, Xiu, Zhen, and Ling were more popular.


    Wang Zhaodi continued, ¡°I¡¯ve decided on ¡®Zizhen.¡¯ No one else has ever cherished me, so I want to cherish myself.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded approvingly. ¡°That¡¯s a good choice. Wang Zizhen¡ªit sounds really nice.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi smiled warmly. ¡°Of course, thank you all for helping me come up with such great names.¡±


    Everyone laughed, and Wang Zhaodi said, ¡°Once I change my name tomorrow, I won¡¯t be the old Zhaodi anymore.¡±


    Just thinking about it filled her with joy, and everyone shared in her happiness.


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°So, have you officially cut ties with your parents? Is it all on paper now?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded. ¡°Yes, they¡¯ve stamped their fingerprints. I didn¡¯t give the document to Da Qiang; I kept it myself.¡±


    Although Da Qiang had paid for it, Wang Zhaodi decided to hold onto the document. She felt a bit cunning for doing so, but she didn¡¯t want to leave her fate in someone else¡¯s hands. Even if it didn¡¯t matter much, it served as a reminder that her parents had abandoned her for just a hundred yuan.


    It was a stark warning to never soften her heart toward that family.


    Still, she didn¡¯t think she¡¯d ever go back. As long as she stayed away, there would be no further contact.


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, ¡°You two should live well together from now on, united as a couple, and stop thinking about the past.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded. ¡°I know.¡±


    She smiled and said, ¡°I can¡¯t let all your efforts go to waste.¡±


    Aunt Zhou waved it off. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. If I hadn¡¯t made a fuss and acted like a troublemaker, they wouldn¡¯t have been in such a hurry to get rid of us. These things need to be handled quickly. If you give them time to think, they might demand more, or you and Da Qiang might slip up. But if I go in like a shrew, they¡¯ll be eager to get rid of me and settle things fast.¡±


    Her acting hadn¡¯t been for nothing.


    Even Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang gave her a thumbs-up. Aunt Zhou chuckled and said, ¡°You haven¡¯t been through this kind of thing, so you wouldn¡¯t know. Dealing with sneaky people requires this kind of approach. Don¡¯t feel sorry for them just because they look pitiful¡ªsome people are just rotten to the core.¡±


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°Will your family ever come to the city?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi was confident about this. ¡°They won¡¯t. They¡¯ve lived in the mountains for so long; they¡¯re too set in their ways to leave. That¡¯s why our village is so poor. Remember when I told you about selling eggs? They don¡¯t even have the courage to come out and sell eggs. Even if it¡¯s just a two-hour walk, they won¡¯t do it. Do you think they¡¯d take multiple buses to come find me? Impossible. They¡¯ve already taken Aunt Zhou¡¯s fifty yuan and Da Qiang¡¯s hundred yuan. They¡¯re probably using it to nourish themselves and try for another son. My mother is pregnant again. But even if they did come, I¡¯m not afraid. In the village, they can gang up with others, but here, they can¡¯t do whatever they want.¡±


    It was clear that cutting ties with her family had given Wang Zhaodi a newfound confidence.


    Zhao Guihua reminded her, ¡°That Su Zhaodi¡¯s mother-in-law¡ªshe¡¯s your real aunt, right? Your mother¡¯s older sister. Could she cause trouble?¡±


    Zhao Guihua, though not highly educated, had lived through decades of ups and downs. Her experience far surpassed anyone else¡¯s in the room, and she could consider every angle of a situation.


    She added, ¡°If she comes, you need to be prepared for how to handle it.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi replied firmly, ¡°I won¡¯t acknowledge her.¡±


    She sneered, ¡°When my family was struggling, she never showed up. Even though she¡¯s my aunt, I¡¯ve only seen her twice in my life. She doesn¡¯t associate with mountain relatives like us. The first time I saw her was at my older sister¡¯s wedding, and the second time was when she came to the village to take me away. So, I don¡¯t care who she is. If she dares to come, I¡¯ll curse her out. Who does she think she is, acting all high and mighty here?¡±


    Zhao Guihua gave her a thumbs-up. ¡°That¡¯s the right attitude.¡±


    She could see how much Wang Zhaodi had changed. She used to be a shy girl, but now she was different. Perhaps breaking free from her toxic family had truly transformed her.


    Zhao Guihua advised, ¡°If she does come, don¡¯t start by cursing. Start by crying! You know how to cry, right?¡±


    Wang Zhaodi was puzzled. ¡°Huh?¡±


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°Wail loudly! Say your parents sold you off early just to have a son! Say you¡¯ve only seen this so-called aunt twice in your life. Tell them you don¡¯t even know if she¡¯s really your aunt, and even if she is, she¡¯s never been involved in your life. What does a sold-off daughter have to do with them? Just tell the truth! The people here in Xinghua may not be heroes, but they¡¯re kind-hearted and won¡¯t stand by while someone bullies you. If you just curse at her, no one will understand the situation. But if you cry and explain, no one will dare to side with her.¡±


    Wang Zhaodi nodded. ¡°I understand.¡±


    She thought about it and realized it made sense.


    Zhao Guihua always had the best advice.


    Zhao Guihua: "If you show weakness twice and she still dares to come, you can grab a broom and chase her away. After all, she''s just a distant relative you don''t keep in touch with, so there''s no need to be polite. Look, everyone is supporting you. You can''t let someone who''s practically a stranger bully you like this! You can even shout at her¡ªeven if your parents come, it¡¯s none of their business."


    After a pause, she smiled: "Da Qiang and his moving crew are all big, burly men. Why not have them talk to your dear cousin? Don¡¯t fight, of course, but you can teach him a lesson. You can tell him that if he causes trouble for you through your parents, those two old scoundrels, you¡¯ll have a ''chat'' with his younger family members. I¡¯m not saying you should actually do anything, but you can scare him a bit, right? People like him are cowards. I don¡¯t believe his family would dare cause any more trouble after that."


    As soon as Zhao Guihua finished speaking, Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang were left speechless.


    Wow, Zhao Guihua. No wonder everyone thought she was not someone to be trifled with. She was even resorting to threats now.


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you looking at? I¡¯m not telling them to actually do anything. A little chat is harmless."


    Wang Zhaodi: "...Okay!"


    She felt as though she had mustered all her courage. But soon, she wasn¡¯t deflated¡ªno, it wasn¡¯t that. Instead, she smiled happily and said, "It¡¯s so good. I¡¯ve left home."


    She used to not understand, thinking that life was just the way it was. But after coming here, even though everyone was noisy and chaotic, she realized that life shouldn¡¯t be like how it was at her family¡¯s home.


    Wang Zhaodi¡¯s mother was named Wang Qin. Wang Qin was born into a family that heavily favored boys over girls¡ªnot just a little, but extremely so. Her mother and grandmother were cut from the same cloth. After marrying into the family, she kept giving birth to daughters, constantly pregnant and giving birth. Even though Wang Qin was much younger than Aunt Zhou, she looked much older. Aunt Zhou, who had been widowed young and raised her child alone, already looked older than her peers due to her hard life.


    Wang Qin, just over forty, looked older than a woman in her early fifties.


    Because she couldn¡¯t bear a son, Wang Qin was looked down upon by the villagers. Outside, she was meek and submissive, not just to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, but even random people could bully her. Wang Qin never complained, but instead took her frustrations out on her daughters at home.


    Even though she seemed weak and bullied outside, she was harsh and cruel to her daughters.


    As for her father, he was cunning. He never laid a hand on anyone because Wang Qin did it for him. Wang Qin would give all the good things to her husband, so he didn¡¯t have to lift a finger. He enjoyed everything without lifting a finger. Thinking about how she had escaped these two people, Wang Zhaodi couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud with joy.


    "It¡¯s so good."


    "When you marry Da Qiang and start your life with him, if he ever bullies you, come back and tell me. We¡¯ll stand up for you. Don¡¯t think that just because you don¡¯t have your parents¡¯ support, you can be bullied. You¡¯ve lived in our courtyard for so long. We can¡¯t just stand by and watch you suffer. We¡¯re all family here," Zhao Guihua said.


    Wang Zhaodi nodded vigorously.


    She knew that in their village, even if some girls got married, their parents might not have the courage to stand up for them like this. But here, even though they were just neighbors, Wang Zhaodi felt so warm inside.


    Ming Mei chimed in, "If anyone bullies you, you can tell me. Don¡¯t let my slim figure fool you¡ªI can take on three people at once."


    Wang Zhaodi laughed and said, "Ming Mei, I know you¡¯re really strong."


    Legends of her strength had long been circulating.


    "Wang Zhaodi, even though you¡¯re marrying Da Qiang, many fresh graduates and families in difficult situations are struggling to find work through the local authorities. It¡¯s hard for someone like you to get assigned a job," Jiang Lu said bluntly. "You and your husband need to save some money. Why don¡¯t you come and help me out? You know my situation¡ªmy family is overwhelmed. I¡¯ll give you ten yuan a month. How does that sound?"


    Since everyone in the room was familiar with each other, Jiang Lu felt comfortable making the offer openly.


    Wang Zhaodi waved her hands in surprise, "No, no, I can¡¯t take your money. You¡¯ve already helped me so much¡­"


    Jiang Lu: "No, this is separate. I¡¯m not giving you ten yuan forever. Once my kids are older, I won¡¯t need to. And once you¡¯re married, you¡¯ll probably have kids too. When you¡¯re busy taking care of your own children, you won¡¯t have time to help me. If I ask you to do odd jobs then, I won¡¯t be paying you ten yuan."


    Wang Zhaodi: "But¡­"


    "Don¡¯t say ''but.'' Are you saying the pay is too low?"


    Wang Zhaodi shook her head vigorously, "No!"


    How could she think the pay was too low?


    Everyone laughed, "Then it¡¯s settled."


    Wang Zhaodi, remembering that Zhao Guihua still needed her for another month, quickly said, "I¡¯m very hardworking. I can handle work for both families."


    Zhao Guihua: "Fine."


    Wang Zhaodi: "I¡¯ll deduct the days I¡¯m not here."


    Zhao Guihua: "Fine."


    She didn¡¯t argue over this.


    Wang Zhaodi smiled happily.


    Wang Zhaodi¡¯s return brought good news, and as neighbors, Aunt Zhou was genuinely surprised that Bai Fendou had gotten married in such a short time. She exclaimed, "Did Chen Yuan not cause any trouble?"


    See, everyone knew Chen Yuan would stir up trouble.


    Zhao Guihua suppressed a laugh and said, "No! Chen Yuan hasn¡¯t been around the courtyard lately. He¡¯s been avoiding Bai Fendou."


    Ever since Bai Fendou had publicly "communicated" with him, Chen Yuan¡¯s reputation had become even more peculiar. Chen Yuan himself was convinced that Bai Fendou had feelings for him. Despite Chen Yuan¡¯s usual arrogance, he had never dealt with a situation like this before and was so scared that he fled back to his parents¡¯ place.


    He hadn¡¯t been around for the past few days, and only Tao Yuyue came home after work.


    But Chen Yuan¡¯s absence didn¡¯t seem so bad. Everyone could smell the meat Tao Yuyue was cooking at home.


    With Chen Yuan gone, Tao Yuyue was enjoying good food at home.


    These two were really something else.


    Aunt Zhou: "Wow¡­"


    "What kind of person would marry Bai Fendou?"


    "A young woman who was mistreated and taken advantage of by her in-laws," Aunt Wang summarized, though she didn¡¯t mention the woman¡¯s problematic background.


    Aunt Zhou: "What?"


    She widened her eyes, "How could she let herself be bullied like that?"


    Even though Aunt Zhou hadn¡¯t always been a good person herself, she was fiercely resistant to being taken advantage of.


    Neither her own family nor her in-laws could get the better of her. When her husband passed away, her brother-in-law tried to take over his job. She didn¡¯t hold back¡ªcrying, making a scene, even threatening to hang herself. In the end, they didn¡¯t get what they wanted.


    So Aunt Zhou couldn¡¯t understand how someone could be so weak and let themselves be bullied like that.


    She said, "Surely Bai Fendou wouldn¡¯t bully her, would he?"


    "Of course not. Bai Fendou finally found himself a wife."


    "That¡¯s true."


    The women chatted at home, and Bai Fendou, the center of their conversation, was sweeping with extra vigor. He was a married man now, completely different from before. He finished cleaning quickly and went inside to rest.


    As soon as he entered, he saw Wang Xiangxiu there, quietly wiping her tears. When she saw Bai Fendou come in, she wiped her face and said, "I¡¯ll go out."


    The room was a place where many in the logistics department stored tools. Whether it was the toilet cleaners or other logistics staff, they all came here to rest. But with just the two of them alone, Wang Xiangxiu left. Bai Fendou glanced at her back and then looked away.


    He was a married man with a child now. He couldn¡¯t concern himself with others.


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t there to play the victim in front of Bai Fendou. She was just feeling down. Thinking about Jin Lai being locked up again, how could she not feel upset? Everything she did as a mother was for her son. But why couldn¡¯t Jin Lai stay out of trouble?


    Three years!


    She didn¡¯t know how he would survive inside.


    Though Wang Xiangxiu was heartbroken, she didn¡¯t dare miss a single day of work. She still had two other children at home. Even though she had some savings, she didn¡¯t dare spend recklessly. After all, Yin Lai¡¯s health required long-term care.


    Tonglai... She could only rely on Tonglai now, and she hoped that Tonglai could make it to high school, giving him more opportunities in life.


    Even though people often say education isn¡¯t important these days, in big cities, people still value those with more schooling. They¡¯ve seen more of the world and understand that with the same background, those with more education tend to have more opportunities.


    Take, for example, the factories nowadays¡ªmany of them won¡¯t hire anyone without a high school diploma.


    Even if the job is just tightening screws on an assembly line, something anyone could do, the competition for such positions is fierce. Naturally, employers prefer candidates with better qualifications.


    So even though it might seem like education isn¡¯t crucial, many families with the means still push their kids to finish high school. It opens more doors.


    But getting into high school isn¡¯t easy.


    Wang Xiangxiu hoped Tonglai would have more opportunities, so he could live a better life and maybe even help his unreliable older brother and his sickly second brother. Wang Xiangxiu sighed and went back to her work.


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped out to use the restroom and saw Wang Xiangxiu working while wiping away tears. He hesitated for a moment, then turned and headed to another restroom. Seeing her crying like that, someone might get the wrong idea.


    He later found out that Jinlai had been sent back to juvenile detention.


    After Jinlai¡¯s last stint in juvenile detention, he rarely came home. Most of the adults were busy with work, so they didn¡¯t run into him much. But who would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d end up back in trouble so soon?


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but think to himself that if Jinlai kept this up, he might end up in and out of detention multiple times.


    It wasn¡¯t that he was being pessimistic, but Jinlai had been through so much and still hadn¡¯t changed. It seemed unlikely he¡¯d ever turn his life around. As Zhuang Zhixi walked away, he glanced back and noticed Director Chen¡ªChen Yuan¡¯s father¡ªstanding in the shadows, talking to Wang Xiangxiu.


    Director Chen¡¯s expression was hard to make out, but Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s tears were flowing freely. Even from a distance, it was clear she was constantly wiping her face.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself, ¡°What are they talking about? Doesn¡¯t Director Chen realize this spot might seem hidden, but it¡¯s in full view from the upstairs windows? Whatever he¡¯s saying, if someone sees them, rumors are bound to spread.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly ducked into the restroom, pretending he hadn¡¯t seen anything.


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m not getting involved in this mess,¡± he thought. ¡°Even old-timers have their pride.¡±


    As Zhuang Zhixi made his way back upstairs, he entered the office and saw a row of heads peeking out the window.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He should¡¯ve known!


    He squeezed in next to them. ¡°Let me see.¡±


    At this point, it didn¡¯t matter that he was standing next to Xiao Xu, someone he didn¡¯t get along with. Xiao Xu wasn¡¯t important¡ªwhat mattered was the drama unfolding outside.


    Xiao Xu, too, ignored his usual dislike for Zhuang Zhixi and eagerly filled him in. ¡°They¡¯re talking about something, and Wang Xiangxiu just raised her hand and swore an oath. Oh my, this is getting juicy!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°???¡±


    An oath?


    This was getting intense.


    ¡°Make some room for me. I want to see too¡­¡±


    Everyone was absorbed in the spectacle. Meanwhile, Director Chen looked at Wang Xiangxiu and said, ¡°You¡¯re swearing to it?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°I swear, even though Bai Fendou used to follow me around and try to win me over, he never laid a finger on me. If I¡¯m lying, may I be struck by lightning!¡±


    She dared to swear such an oath, which meant¡­ it was probably true.


    Director ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Chen pursed his lips and said, ¡°Alright, I understand.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at him, puzzled. She had no idea why Director Chen had suddenly come to scold her and then pressured her to confess whether she¡¯d ever been involved with Bai Fendou. The whole situation was baffling.


    She¡¯d sworn multiple times¡ªsomething she wouldn¡¯t have done with just anyone.


    But with Bai Fendou¡­


    There really was nothing between them.


    Wang Xiangxiu rubbed her eyes, confused as she watched Director Chen walk away.


    Director Chen hadn¡¯t approached Wang Xiangxiu out of any personal interest. Not all men are driven by lust, and Director Chen certainly wasn¡¯t. He¡¯d come to see her because of his son, Chen Yuan.


    Chen Yuan had come home insisting that Bai Fendou liked men and that all his antics were just a way to get Chen Yuan¡¯s attention. In fact, Chen Yuan claimed Bai Fendou had a crush on him!


    Director Chen had been horrified to hear this, especially since there were already rumors circulating that his son had feelings for Bai Fendou.


    The same story, just with the roles reversed.


    The whole thing was hard to believe, but Director Chen felt he had to investigate. The easiest way was to question Wang Xiangxiu, since Bai Fendou had spent years chasing after her. Everyone knew Bai Fendou had spent a fortune on her. If nothing had ever happened between them¡­


    Then Director Chen was starting to believe the rumors might be true. Maybe Wang Xiangxiu had just been a smokescreen for Bai Fendou¡¯s true preferences.


    Honestly, Director Chen had hoped Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou had been involved. At least that would¡¯ve proven Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t interested in men. But no! There was nothing!


    Why not ask Bai Fendou¡¯s wife?


    Well, Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t exactly in a position to answer questions now.


    So Wang Xiangxiu was the only option.


    But the result left Director Chen¡¯s head spinning. If Bai Fendou had spent so much money and time on Wang Xiangxiu without ever getting anywhere with her, did that mean Bai Fendou really didn¡¯t like women?


    His son was in danger!


    Director Chen felt a wave of despair wash over him. He returned to his office, his mind racing.


    He absolutely couldn¡¯t let his son get tangled up with Bai Fendou. But Bai Fendou was already working as a janitor¡ªthere was no lower position to demote him to. His son worked in the factory office, so he¡¯d inevitably run into Bai Fendou when using the restroom.


    They¡¯d keep crossing paths!


    The solution was to transfer Bai Fendou!


    Yes, he had to find a way to move Bai Fendou to another department. If Bai Fendou were assigned to a busy workshop, he¡¯d have fewer chances to run into Chen Yuan. Right now, every time Chen Yuan went to the restroom, he had to be careful not to catch Bai Fendou staring at him.


    Bai Fendou often hung around Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s area, but when the waste carts came through, both of them had to move around, increasing the chances of an encounter. Director Chen tapped his desk, thinking he might need to pull some strings.


    But Chen Yuan and Bai Fendou also lived in the same compound¡­ For now, he¡¯d have the young couple move back home.


    The house was technically theirs, so they could let it sit for a while and then rent it out later when no one was paying attention. But they absolutely couldn¡¯t stay in that compound anymore. When they¡¯d first been assigned the place, he¡¯d been too focused on the benefits and hadn¡¯t realized what a troublesome neighborhood it was.


    And then there was Zhou Qun¡ªhe¡¯d heard similar rumors about him.


    His pure, innocent son couldn¡¯t be corrupted by these people.


    No way!


    He had to take action.


    Director Chen felt a bit better now that he had a plan.


    ¡°Knock, knock.¡±


    Director Chen: ¡°Come in.¡±


    The factory secretary entered. ¡°Director, Deputy Factory Director Zhang wants to see you.¡±


    Director Chen: ¡°Alright¡­¡±


    He stood up and asked, ¡°What¡¯s it about?¡±


    The secretary gave an awkward smile and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s about¡­ personal relationships.¡±


    Director Chen: ¡°¡­???¡± He, of all people, being called in for something like this? He walked to the office with a look of utter confusion.


    Some time later, Director Chen returned, his face as dark as if he¡¯d stepped in dog poop, fallen into a sewer, or¡­ well, you get the idea. He was fuming, his every step radiating anger.


    Back in his office, everyone heard the sound of things being thrown and smashed.


    Aunt Cui and the other women didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªthey went straight over to eavesdrop. When they returned, they whispered, ¡°He¡¯s trashing his office.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Wow, he¡¯s got quite the temper. No wonder Chen Yuan¡¯s the way he is.¡±


    As they were talking, there was a knock at the door. Zhuang Zhixi looked up, surprised to see a familiar face.


    Hu Huihui. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s cousin.


    Hu Huihui was also quite surprised to see Zhuang Zhixi, but then it dawned on her¡ªof course, Zhuang Zhixi worked in the propaganda department. A colleague from the factory office led Hu Huihui over and said, "This is Comrade Hu from the committee. She¡¯s here to deliver some propaganda materials. Please take them and ensure the propaganda work is carried out properly."


    "Got it."


    Hu Huihui took the initiative to greet Zhuang Zhixi, "Brother Zhuang, I didn¡¯t expect you to be working in the propaganda department. Let¡¯s stay in touch in the future."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sure."


    Everyone around them immediately looked at the two with curiosity, their eyes shifting back and forth.


    Just as everyone was wondering what was going on, the factory broadcast started.


    Zhuang Zhixi was actually one of the broadcasters, but he was more of a backup. He only stepped in when the main broadcaster was absent, and his primary role was to announce the factory¡¯s various data-heavy documents.


    The main broadcaster didn¡¯t like reading these kinds of files¡ªthey were too complicated and full of tongue-twisting jargon.


    So, the more complex documents were usually handled by Zhuang Zhixi, while the rest were left to the main broadcaster, a senior colleague.


    "Breaking news, breaking news. After receiving reports from the masses, it has been alleged that Director Chen from the logistics department publicly harassed Comrade Wang Xiangxiu. After investigation, it has been confirmed that this incident is entirely baseless. This matter has caused significant distress to the individuals involved, and we urge everyone not to spread rumors. Additionally, we remind all comrades to be mindful of their work conduct to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and to protect the morale of our workers. Although it has been confirmed that Director Chen did not harass Comrade Wang Xiangxiu, his inappropriate work conduct has been criticized, and he will be withdrawn from this year¡¯s outstanding cadre selection. Comrades, the factory is our home, and we all love it. The workers are the backbone..."


    The broadcast continued, but everyone had already grasped the main points.


    Hu Huihui: "..."


    She was starting to think that her husband might have a point¡ªher cousin really did seem to bring bad luck to anyone associated with her.


    Just look at this¡ªanother one.


    Anyone who gets involved with her ends up in trouble!


    She pursed her lips, feeling relieved that they hadn¡¯t gotten involved in the Su family¡¯s affairs last time. Otherwise, who knows if they would¡¯ve been affected too.


    "Comrade Hu, Comrade Hu?"


    Hu Huihui: "I¡¯ll be going now."


    She also gave Zhuang Zhixi a special farewell, "Brother Zhuang, I¡¯ll head off now. See you around."


    This "see you around" was as meaningless as asking "have you eaten?"¡ªit wasn¡¯t an actual plan to meet.


    Zhuang Zhixi understood and smiled, "Take care."


    As soon as she left, Aunt Cui quickly asked, "You¡¯d better explain yourself. How do you know that young lady? You better not be messing around."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "You¡¯ve got it all wrong."


    "How so?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "First of all, she¡¯s not a young lady¡ªshe¡¯s a married woman. Second, didn¡¯t you notice that we were just being polite? I¡¯m not close to her. She used to live in our compound."


    "Your compound?"


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s expression turned slightly odd as he said, "She¡¯s Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s cousin."


    "Holy cow!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "This is¡­"


    Everyone was shocked. Wang Xiangxiu and Hu Huihui didn¡¯t look anything alike.


    Moreover, Hu Huihui seemed to be in a much better position than Wang Xiangxiu.


    "What¡¯s their relationship like?"


    "This Hu Huihui is¡­"


    ...


    The questions kept coming.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, that¡¯s enough. Don¡¯t gossip about her. Comrade Hu Huihui is the wife of Director Zheng."


    "Holy cow!"


    Everyone gasped in shock again.


    They might not necessarily know who Director Zheng was, but they were all aware of him. The propaganda department often collaborated with the committee for materials, so even if they didn¡¯t know him personally, they definitely knew of him.


    "That man must be in his forties, right? This Hu Huihui looks so young."


    "An old man with a young wife¡­"


    "If you were a leader, you could have that too!"


    "Get out of here!"


    As they chatted, they had no idea that Wang Xiangxiu was standing there in complete disbelief, staring at the factory notice. She scratched her head, utterly baffled, "Wait, I¡­ I¡¯ve been transferred back to the workshop?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Huh? What? Wow¡­"


    She never expected this¡ªit was all so sudden.


    Today had been a rollercoaster for Wang Xiangxiu. She had been crying earlier because of her son, but then Director Chen showed up, first scolding her and then probing about Bai Fendou.


    This made Wang Xiangxiu extremely anxious, but since she had no real connection to Bai Fendou, she wasn¡¯t too worried.


    Then, the factory security department came¡­


    And soon after, she found out why¡ªsomeone had seen Director Chen talking to her and reported them.


    Wang Xiangxiu couldn¡¯t believe how malicious people could be. She hadn¡¯t done anything wrong!


    She had been furious, but then¡­ she got transferred.


    "Due to the rumors surrounding you and Director Chen, even though they¡¯ve been proven false, there¡¯s a risk of the situation escalating and causing further damage. Therefore, the factory has decided to transfer you back to the workshop."


    Of course, this was also because the higher-ups recognized that Wang Xiangxiu was a hard worker who didn¡¯t engage in shady behavior or inappropriate relationships. That¡¯s why they decided to transfer her back.


    After all, cleaning toilets and handling waste wasn¡¯t exactly suitable for female workers.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    She never thought she¡¯d benefit from a bad situation.


    This was completely unexpected!


    Who should she thank?


    Wang Xiangxiu had no idea.


    "The factory will arrange for someone to take over your current duties. You¡¯ll officially return to the workshop next month. You used to be a first-level worker¡ªdo you still remember how to do the job?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    "Good."


    As she left work, Wang Xiangxiu felt like she was walking on air. She couldn¡¯t believe her luck.


    Was it possible that her fortunes had finally turned?


    Or was it that by not scheming and just working hard, life could actually go well?


    In the past, she had always looked for shortcuts, trying to do less work and scam money from men. But no one really cared about her. Her life wasn¡¯t bad, but she knew exactly what kind of money it was.


    Now, even without those "extra earnings," her life wasn¡¯t that bad.


    She didn¡¯t even know what she had been chasing before.


    Now, even though things were only slightly better, she felt much more at peace.


    On her way home, Wang Xiangxiu happily stopped by the market. She didn¡¯t have any meat coupons left, so she bought some pork bones that didn¡¯t require coupons. She could make a nice soup with them¡ªit was worth celebrating.


    Wang Xiangxiu was over the moon, and so was Bai Fendou, who had also been transferred to the workshop. He couldn¡¯t believe his luck either. Since he wasn¡¯t a new hire, his salary wasn¡¯t reduced much.


    But now that he was in the workshop, he could work his way up and get raises in the future.


    Bai Fendou happily went home, beaming, "Wife, I think you¡¯re really my lucky star. I¡¯ve been cleaning toilets for so long, but as soon as I married you, my job got upgraded."


    "That¡¯s great." He Lan was also happy. She was still thin and her face hadn¡¯t fully healed, but the scars were barely noticeable now, and her smile was radiant. This was the first time someone had called her a lucky star.


    Her parents hadn¡¯t treated her badly, but with an older brother, a younger brother, and a favored sister, she had always been somewhat overlooked at home. She was practically invisible. And after getting married¡­ well, the Fan family was a mess, to say the least.


    This was the first time someone had truly valued her.


    She asked, "But why were you transferred?"


    Bai Fendou: "I don¡¯t know. Maybe they thought I was doing a good job?"


    He was thrilled, "Let¡¯s have a good dinner tonight."


    He Lan: "Yes!"


    They were both in high spirits. When Zhuang Zhixi got home, he also brought up the news. Since Old Zhuang and Liang Meifen both worked at the factory, they could all discuss it. Liang Meifen: "I never expected this. Those two really have some kind of connection¡ªboth transferred to the workshop. That¡¯s a good thing."


    She was referring to Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It must be because of Director Chen. He¡¯s definitely involved."


    But when it came to this, no one really understood what was going on.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the Chen family dislike Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu? Today, Director Chen was even criticized because of Wang Xiangxiu. But Director Chen is also quite innocent.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Director Chen has his own superiors and factions. He¡¯s aligned with Deputy Factory Director Yu, so it¡¯s not surprising that Deputy Factory Director Zhang is trying to mess with him. Transferring Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s job was probably just to annoy Director Chen.¡±


    ¡°What about Bai Fendou?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? Maybe the Chen family is up to something sneaky? Anyway, it¡¯s not the first time they¡¯ve done something bad that ended up being good.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±


    Everyone was confused but also somewhat shocked.


    Though, honestly, it wasn¡¯t all that surprising.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Our neighborhood is getting better and better.¡±


    ¡°Of course it is.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way, I should tell you¡ªWang Zhaodi isn¡¯t going by that name anymore. From now on, she¡¯ll be called Wang Zizhen. Don¡¯t use her old name.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a nice new name.¡±


    ¡°Right? We all came up with it together.¡±


    Ming Mei rested her chin on her hand and sighed, ¡°It¡¯s really moving to see how Zhaodi¡ªI mean, Zizhen¡ªhas been changing little by little. It¡¯s so rewarding to watch someone become independent and strong.¡±


    Everyone laughed.


    Wang Zhaodi¡ªnow Wang Zizhen¡ªquickly registered her marriage with Da Qiang. She also moved to the neighboring courtyard. Da Qiang only had one room there, but there was one advantage: no in-laws to boss her around.


    Da Qiang¡¯s mother was more focused on her eldest son and somewhat neglected her younger son. For the wedding, they set up two tables in the courtyard, inviting only close friends and family. At first, Da Qiang¡¯s mother didn¡¯t want to host a banquet since it was his second marriage.


    But his bride was getting married for the first time, and she was a capable young woman. It wouldn¡¯t have been right to let her marry without any ceremony. In the end, they decided to host two tables. Zhao Guihua attended on behalf of the Zhuang family, gifting a pair of pillowcases¡ªa very generous present.


    Aunt Zhou had a special relationship with Wang Zizhen, so it would have been normal for the whole Zhou family to attend. However, Jiang Lu was still in confinement after giving birth, so only Aunt Zhou came. She treated Wang Zizhen like family, gifting her a thermos. That was an expensive item.


    A thermos cost around eight to ten yuan at the time.


    The one Aunt Zhou bought, adorned with red peonies, cost nearly twelve yuan¡ªa significant amount.


    To put it in perspective, Bai Fendou, who cleaned toilets, earned only twenty-five yuan a month. That thermos was worth nearly half a month¡¯s wages.


    Others also brought gifts. Aunt Wang gave a washbasin, and Aunt Sui gave a piece of oilcloth.


    They had often gone up the mountain together last autumn, so they were familiar but not particularly close. A piece of oilcloth was a thoughtful gift. At first, Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t even realize what the oilcloth was, but then it hit her.


    It was a product of the times.


    Back then, oil and grain were in short supply, especially oil.


    Many families used as little oil as possible, hardly daring to pour it directly into the pan. Instead, they would soak a piece of gauze in oil and lightly rub it on the pan before cooking.


    This oil-soaked gauze was called oilcloth.


    It was a common gift, as one piece could last ten days to half a month, or even longer if used sparingly. Wang Zizhen treasured it and carefully recorded it in her notebook.


    She couldn¡¯t read, but she had her own way of keeping track of things. She drew little pictures to represent people and items.


    On their wedding night, Da Qiang looked at her notebook and burst out laughing. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±


    Wang Zizhen: ¡°That¡¯s Aunt Wang. See how I drew her big? She¡¯s tall, so I made her big. And this circle next to her represents the basin she gave me.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t read, but she could draw simple pictures to help her remember. Da Qiang looked at his wife with admiration. ¡°You¡¯re so clever.¡±


    Wang Zizhen blushed. ¡°Oh, stop.¡±


    She quickly added, ¡°Since it¡¯s just the two of us, and you eat at the canteen, I¡¯ll usually be at the neighboring courtyard. If you come home and don¡¯t see me, just call me over there.¡±


    Da Qiang: ¡°Sure.¡±


    He didn¡¯t mind such small details.


    Wang Zizhen: ¡°Sister Jiang Lu pays me ten yuan a month to help with cooking, washing diapers, and cleaning. Aunt Zhao also pays me ten yuan for the same work. So, I¡¯ll have twenty yuan a month.¡±


    Da Qiang was stunned. He knew his wife had trouble finding work, but he hadn¡¯t expected her to arrange this herself.


    ¡°This¡­¡± After a long pause, he said, ¡°Can you handle all that?¡±


    Wang Zizhen: ¡°Of course! I wouldn¡¯t have taken it on if I couldn¡¯t. Don¡¯t worry, I used to do even more back at my parents¡¯ house. I¡¯m very capable. Besides, this work won¡¯t last forever. Once I¡¯m pregnant, I won¡¯t be able to do it anymore. And even if I don¡¯t rush to have kids, they won¡¯t need me once their children are older. So, I¡¯ll work as much as I can now. I won¡¯t cut corners just because I¡¯m working for two families. They¡¯ve been good to me, and I won¡¯t let them down.¡±


    Da Qiang immediately said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll help with the chores at home too.¡±


    Wang Zizhen looked at Da Qiang and felt he was nothing like her father. Her father seemed honest but did nothing at home and always demanded the best food because he was the man of the house.


    But Da Qiang, despite his burly and intimidating appearance, was kind, gentle, and considerate.


    Wang Zizhen smiled and didn¡¯t refuse. ¡°Okay!¡±


    She said earnestly, ¡°Let¡¯s work together to build a good life.¡±


    Da Qiang: ¡°Deal!¡±


    True to her word, Wang Zizhen got up early the next morning, saw her husband off, locked the door, and headed to the neighboring courtyard. Ming Mei had already left for work, so Wang Zizhen took care of the chores for both households without breaking a sweat. She was full of energy.


    By mid-morning, she had washed and hung up all the diapers that had accumulated overnight, bustling around like a little spinning top but radiating happiness. Zhao Guihua dressed the two babies in little cotton jackets and placed them in a stroller.


    Their stroller was unique¡ªit could hold two babies at once.


    Zhao Guihua draped a small blanket over the babies and pushed them out. ¡°Zizhen, you¡¯re really something.¡±


    Wang Zizhen smiled. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I can handle it easily.¡±


    She bent down and cooed at the babies. ¡°Do you remember me? I¡¯m Auntie Zizhen.¡±


    The babies grinned toothlessly at her, and little Tuan Tuan wiggled his bottom, asking to be picked up. Wang Zizhen reached out, but Zhao Guihua stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t pick him up. If you do it too often, he¡¯ll expect it all the time and won¡¯t stay put.¡±


    Wang Zizhen: ¡°Really?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Of course.¡±


    She added, ¡°Raising kids means you can¡¯t always give in to their demands.¡±


    He Lan came out of her room to use the bathroom. She didn¡¯t dare leave her baby alone inside, so she carried the child on her back. Seeing everyone outside, she nervously hugged the wall as she walked.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­¡±


    She spoke up. ¡°He Lan, right? Is that your name?¡±


    He Lan stopped and nodded softly. She knew Zhao Guihua was a kind person and whispered, ¡°Yes, Aunt Zhao. What is it?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Don¡¯t stay cooped up in your room all the time with the baby. Come out and sit in the courtyard when the weather¡¯s nice. Everyone¡¯s out here. It¡¯s good to chat, and the baby likes being outside too.¡±


    He Lan hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She carried her baby to the bathroom, and Wang Zizhen whispered, ¡°She¡¯s even more nervous than I was when I first came here.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded. ¡°She¡¯s had a tough time and has been mistreated. But I think she¡¯ll get better with time.¡±


    Wang Zizhen had seen people like this before. ¡°We had someone like that in my village too.¡±


    She started chatting casually, gossiping, "There''s a woman in our village who was beaten by her in-laws because she didn''t give birth to a son. It was really bad, and she always endured it silently. But one day, she suddenly snapped. It seems her mother-in-law scalded her daughter, and she just lost it. Her daughter was originally named Wang Zhaodi... There are at least eight or ten girls in our village with that name. Her daughter was called Wang Zhaodi, but in that moment, she went crazy and changed her daughter''s name to ''Jue Di'' (meaning ''no more brothers'')."


    Zhao Guihua: "Pfft!"


    She sighed, "Just changing the name won''t do much."


    "She even fought back against her mother-in-law and husband, even using a kitchen knife to slash them. After that, her life at home improved. I really admired her back then. But my mom looked down on her the most, saying that people like her wouldn''t even have anyone to carry her funeral banner when she died. She also told us not to follow her example."


    Based on Wang Zizhen''s brief description, Zhao Guihua could already picture what her mother was like.


    At that moment, He Lan returned from the bathroom. She came over to look at the twins. Her child was only a day younger than the twins, but you could easily mistake them for being two months apart. Her child was small and thin, while the twins were already plump and fair.


    The little one waved her tiny arms, playing softly and quietly by herself, so well-behaved.


    He Lan asked softly, "Has the baby''s mom gone back to work?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, Ming Mei''s maternity leave is over."


    Since all the babies in the courtyard were out, Li Fang also brought her child out. When the kids were compared side by side, Li Fang''s Zhenzhen stood out again. She was already a bit bigger and ate a lot, making the little girl quite chubby.


    Zhao Guihua: "My twins are already quite plump, but yours is even bigger."


    Li Fang: "She eats a lot."


    She reached out to tease Xiao Qingqing and asked, "What''s your baby''s name?"


    He Lan: "Her nickname is Xiao Bao, and her full name is Bai Qingqing."


    "Xiao Qingqing."


    The little baby lay weakly in her mother''s arms, completely unaware of anything, but she seemed to sense the voices around her and gently puckered her lips. Li Fang smiled, "What a soft little girl."


    He Lan: "She was born premature, so she''s a bit weak."


    "You''ll have to take good care of her."


    "I know."


    Zhao Guihua looked at the children and suddenly laughed, saying, "These kids are so close in age. When they go to school, we won''t have to worry¡ªthey can all walk together in a group."


    Everyone nodded, "That''s true."


    Zhao Guihua: "This generation of kids is really lucky. When my son was little..."


    Zhao Guihua quickly steered the conversation.


    The atmosphere became lively.


    Li Fang: "Zizhen, now that you''re married, when are you planning to have kids? Are you thinking about having them right away or waiting a bit?"


    Wang Zizhen: "We''re just going with the flow. It''s fine whenever. If it happens early, that''s good too. Having kids early means I''ll still be young when they grow up, and I won''t have to worry about them when I''m older. But if it''s later, that''s also fine. I didn''t have a great time at my parents'' house, so I''m a bit run down. Taking more time to recover would make childbirth healthier."


    "You''re really flexible about it."


    "You''ve got an answer for everything."


    Wang Zizhen nodded, "Hehe, yeah, I want to have two or three kids."


    She had already thought it through. She had always dreamed of having a happy family, so she wanted to raise a few children. But any more than that would be too much. She wouldn''t be able to take care of them all properly, and she didn''t want to neglect any of them.


    She said, "I''ve got it all planned out."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, "These things aren''t something you can plan. Plans never keep up with changes."


    Wang Zizhen shyly scratched her head, "That''s true."


    Even though she was married, she still felt a bit embarrassed talking about such topics, so she quickly changed the subject.


    Wang Zizhen: "This season, wild vegetables are really fresh and good. I finished all my work this morning, so I''m planning to go dig for wild vegetables this afternoon. Anyone want to join?"


    Everyone was tied down with their kids, so who could go?


    They all looked at Wang Zizhen with a mix of envy and resentment.


    You don''t know the struggles of raising kids when you don''t have any!


    She smiled, "Then I''ll share some with you when I get back."


    "No need, no need."


    "Really, I insist..."


    Their courtyard was unusually harmonious and lively...

 Chapter 146

    The weather was gradually getting hotter.


    In the blink of an eye, summer had arrived, and the children in the compound had started their summer vacation.


    The kids were all over the place during the holidays, hardly staying home. Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, and Li Weiwei, along with a group of other children, would grab bamboo poles and head to the small woods to catch cicadas, roast them, and eat them, having the time of their lives.


    The adults were sweating profusely all day, and the little ones were also suffering. The baby¡¯s neck had developed heat rash, and Zhao Guihua applied baby powder every day to soothe it. The little one smelled sweet, and now the baby had learned to roll over and sit up, though not for long. After sitting for a while, the baby would wobble and sway.


    But the little one had already started expressing their desires. Early in the morning, the baby would stretch out their tiny hands, pointing outside and babbling, wanting to go out.


    The baby also adored the older kids. Every time Hutou and Xiao Yanzi came around, the baby would squeal with excitement. At such moments, Xiao Yanzi would gently pat the baby¡¯s chubby little hand and say, ¡°Be good now, sister is going out to catch something yummy for you.¡±


    With Xiao Yanzi¡¯s soothing words, the two little ones would flash big smiles.


    Xiao Yanzi would then add, ¡°You two stay home and wait for sister, okay?¡±


    The two little ones would giggle again, and Xiao Yanzi would seize the moment to make her escape.


    When the babies saw their sister running off, they didn¡¯t react at first, but soon burst into loud wails, leaving Zhao Guihua so frustrated that she started scolding. Since the babies didn¡¯t like staying indoors, she pushed them out and placed them under the shaded eaves of the house, where it was cooler.


    Recently, Zizhen hadn¡¯t been coming over to help as a nanny. She had found out a few days ago that she was pregnant, over two months along. Da Qiang didn¡¯t dare let her handle too much work, so after discussing it with her, they decided she wouldn¡¯t come to ¡°help out¡± anymore. However, she still visited every day. Although she lived in the neighboring compound, she was more familiar with this side, and there were more people here to chat with. Not only did they come over, but people from the neighboring compound also dropped by to sit and chat.


    She would bring some sewing work with her, and everyone would gather together. Zhao Guihua would push her two little ones in their stroller, Aunt Zhou would push her seven-pound baby, and Aunt Wang and Li Fang would bring their chubby little girl, Zhenzhen. Even He Lan would come with her daughter, Qingqing.


    Although Qingqing had the nickname ¡°Xiao Bao,¡± everyone was used to calling her Qingqing, and hardly anyone used the nickname ¡°Xiao Bao.¡± There were too many kids named Xiao Bao, and it was easy to mix them up. Qingqing was much cuter.


    The five babies were all gathered together. Though none of them could talk yet, they babbled nonstop, as if they had their own little rhythm. When the babies were placed side by side, it was easy to see how much they resembled their parents.


    With their parents around, it was instantly clear whose child was whose.


    The two little ones from the Zhuang family seemed to have inherited the best features of Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei. When Zhuang Zhixi was around, they looked just like him, but when Ming Mei was with them, they resembled her more. Fortunately, both parents were good-looking, and the babies were fair and chubby.


    Li Fang¡¯s chubby little girl looked just like her and Aunt Wang, quite big for her age. Among the group of kids, it was obvious at a glance that she belonged to Li Fang. Little Seven Pounds, on the other hand, looked like Jiang Lu. Jiang Lu was the delicate and pretty type, and her son took after her, fair and clean, clearly destined to grow into a handsome young man.


    This made Aunt Zhou so happy that she couldn¡¯t stop praising how well her child had turned out.


    Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t much to look at, but his son took after Jiang Lu, which was a big improvement.


    Every time Zhao Guihua heard this, she had her suspicions, but she knew better than to voice them. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but think that Jiang Lu could be considered the ¡°leading lady¡± of her own life. It seemed like, through a series of fortunate coincidences, she had managed to live a remarkably smooth life.


    If Zhao Guihua hadn¡¯t known certain things from her past life, she wouldn¡¯t have given it a second thought.


    Of course, even if she did know something, she would never say a word. It wasn¡¯t right to be meddlesome.


    When the kids in the compound got together, everyone would gather at Zhao Guihua¡¯s doorstep. This was the usual spot for their daily chats. Normally, they would gather at the junction between the front and back courtyards, but that area didn¡¯t have eaves, so it was too sunny in the summer.


    The front courtyard only had a wide eave at Zhao Guihua¡¯s place, so naturally, everyone came over.


    Each baby had their own stroller. Zhao Guihua¡¯s family had a double stroller, but the others had single ones. Originally, no one had thought of using strollers. Raising kids back then was a bit more rough-and-tumble. But when they saw how much easier Zhao Guihua¡¯s life was with the stroller, everyone wanted one.


    Carrying a baby all day made your arms ache.


    So, everyone was willing to spend a bit of money.


    Now, each baby had their own little stroller.


    Xiao Tuantuan and Xiao Yuanyuan shared the same stroller, and they had grown accustomed to each other¡¯s presence. Xiao Yuanyuan would grab her older brother Tuantuan¡¯s hand and play for a while. With all the kids together, the adults could still get some work done. Zhao Guihua was busy sewing a caterpillar.


    Aunt Zhou watched Zhao Guihua¡¯s hands moving and asked, puzzled, ¡°What¡­ is that?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°I¡¯m sewing a toy for the kids. Can¡¯t you tell? It¡¯s a caterpillar.¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°¡­¡±


    The others: ¡°¡­¡±


    Everyone stared at the caterpillar, at a loss for words. Aunt Wang didn¡¯t hold back, saying, ¡°Zhao Guihua, couldn¡¯t you have sewn a cat or a dog instead?¡±


    Zhao Guihua retorted confidently, ¡°I¡¯d need to know how to do that first!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to sew cute little cats, dogs, or bunnies, but she simply didn¡¯t have the skill. Her sewing abilities were limited to making a caterpillar¡ªa long, simple shape.


    She added, ¡°I can¡¯t sew anything complicated. A caterpillar is good enough.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°¡­¡±


    After a moment of silence, she said, ¡°A caterpillar is fine, but couldn¡¯t you have used a uniform color? Look at this caterpillar, tsk tsk.¡±


    The caterpillar was made of small fabric scraps stitched together, and it was covered in patches. Not only that, but the colors were all over the place, a chaotic mix that was downright ugly.


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°I deliberately used different colors. Do you know how much effort it took to find all these bright colors? I even had to ask Aunt Lian to get me some fresh ones. Babies love bright, vivid colors. I could have used the same color, but a dull, gray caterpillar wouldn¡¯t make them happy.¡±


    Zhao Guihua had her reasons for saying this. Her great-granddaughter, Hutou¡¯s daughter, had loved ugly but brightly colored stuffed animals when she was little. Apparently, most kids were like that¡ªthey loved bright, eye-catching colors.


    There was even some scientific basis for this, though Zhao Guihua, being a simple woman, didn¡¯t understand it.


    But even if she didn¡¯t understand, she could still follow the principle.


    Zhao Guihua believed she didn¡¯t need to know all the theories; she just needed to know what would make the babies happy.


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°Once I finish this one, I¡¯m going to make another. One caterpillar isn¡¯t enough for two kids.¡±


    ¡°Really? Do kids actually like something this ugly? Are you sure you¡¯re not just saying that because they can¡¯t talk yet?¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot Aunt Zhou a look and said, ¡°You just don¡¯t get it.¡±


    She continued sewing diligently.


    ¡°So, what are you stuffing the caterpillar with?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Some leftover fabric scraps.¡±


    She sighed, ¡°You think this is easy? This caterpillar cost a lot to make.¡±


    Aunt Wang nodded.


    Li Fang chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s still better than buying a ready-made one. If the babies like it, we should make one too.¡±


    Even though it was the 1970s, stuffed animals like dolls already existed, but most families couldn¡¯t afford them. Or rather, they wouldn¡¯t spend money on something so frivolous.


    Aunt Zhou, never one to be left behind, immediately said, ¡°Then we¡¯ll make one for our family too.¡±


    He Lan looked at her daughter and nodded as well.


    In just a few months, her little Qingqing had transformed into a fair, cheerful baby who smiled often. Back when they were still with the Fan family, Qingqing had been so weak she could barely cry, her sobs as faint as a kitten¡¯s meow.


    He Lan didn¡¯t dare leave her child at home. The nanny had actually pricked the baby with a needle, and He Lan had seen it when she wasn¡¯t paying close enough attention.


    It had been terrifying.


    This is a newborn baby! How could they not spare even that?


    So even though she had to work before finishing her postpartum confinement, she carried her child on her back. Back then, it felt like every day with her child could be their last. She was terrified that one day she might find her baby gone.


    Thinking about those old times, she pursed her lips.


    Fortunately, her life is much better now.


    It¡¯s only been a little over four months, but the baby no longer looks like it¡¯s on the verge of dying. Instead, the little one is lively, waving its hands and kicking its feet, full of joy every day.


    ¡°Aunt Zhao, who can I exchange these scraps of fabric with?¡±


    Such things aren¡¯t exactly common, and they couldn¡¯t gather enough on their own.


    Aunt Zhao replied, ¡°If you¡¯re interested, go to Aunt Lian. She has a lot of connections.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll remember that.¡± He Lan also knew about Aunt Lian. Two months after she arrived, she noticed that everyone else was raising chickens, so she asked Bai Fendou about it. As a man, Bai Fendou didn¡¯t know much about these things, but Zhao Guihua introduced her to Aunt Lian.


    Now, He Lan and Bai Fendou also have two chickens. They¡¯re not breaking any rules, and with the chickens, they have eggs to eat.


    In the countryside, eggs are like currency, but here, they mostly eat them themselves. Zhao Guihua even suggested a new idea: go to the hospital entrance. Many people from the countryside come there to sell things.


    After all, patients need to recover, and selling around the hospital is much easier. So some bold folks sell things there, and if you¡¯re careful, you can find them every now and then.


    They don¡¯t dare go to the black market, but the hospital entrance is no problem.


    Everyone is very grateful to Zhao Guihua. If she hadn¡¯t mentioned it, no one would have thought of it.


    ¡°If you want fish, you can also go to the riverside,¡± Wang Zizhen shared her little discovery. ¡°A few days ago, I went fishing with Da Qiang, and I saw someone who caught fish but didn¡¯t take them home. Instead, they gave them to someone else. I think they must have traded them secretly.¡±


    By ¡°traded,¡± she meant they sold them.


    She added, ¡°I¡¯ve seen this happen once or twice before, but I didn¡¯t think much of it at the time. It was Da Qiang who pointed it out to me, and then I understood.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll have to check that out. Jiang Lu¡¯s milk supply isn¡¯t enough, so I want to buy some crucian carp to help with lactation.¡±


    ¡°Your little one sure eats a lot, doesn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Who can blame him? But what can you do? You can¡¯t let him go hungry. By the way, Zhao Guihua, I saw you steaming eggs for your baby.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°My two are already six months old. They need some solid food now. Otherwise, they won¡¯t get enough. It¡¯s hot in the summer, and Ming Mei is also feeling the heat, so her milk isn¡¯t enough. You¡¯re lucky, with just one child. I have two. If I don¡¯t feed them something else, they won¡¯t be full. We even give them formula.¡±


    Luckily, the babies aren¡¯t picky. Whether it¡¯s breast milk, formula, or egg custard, they eat everything happily.


    A baby that isn¡¯t picky is a lovable baby.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll have to do the same.¡±


    He Lan chimed in, ¡°We¡¯ve been mixing feeds for a while now.¡±


    All in all, as long as Li Fang isn¡¯t affected, she can hold her head high. She¡¯s usually low-key, but now she¡¯s feeling proud. Not needing formula saves so much money!


    Formula is much more expensive than malted milk, and it¡¯s hard to come by.


    She¡¯s thankful she¡¯s strong and healthy.


    Aunt Zhou also sighed and said to Zizhen, ¡°Zizhen, you¡¯ve seen it yourself. Nutrition during pregnancy is crucial. Not only does it help you recover now, but it also ensures your baby is well-nourished after birth. If you¡¯re healthy, you can breastfeed, which saves a lot of money compared to formula. Taking care of yourself now is a win-win.¡±


    Wang Zizhen nodded. ¡°I understand.¡±


    She added, ¡°Da Qiang often makes fish soup for me.¡±


    The couple both enjoy fishing, so their household is never short of fish. Sometimes, they even share some with neighbors like the Zhou and Zhao families.


    ¡°You should also eat meat.¡±


    ¡°We buy it regularly.¡±


    Wang Zizhen smiled. ¡°We use all our meat coupons every month.¡±


    Back when she was still Wang Zhaodi, she never imagined she¡¯d marry such a good man and live such a life. Back then, she didn¡¯t even dare to think about marriage, knowing she wouldn¡¯t marry well. Even if she did marry, it would likely be jumping from one hardship to another.


    She didn¡¯t even have the courage to defy her parents, which is why she ended up in the city.


    She knew exactly why she came to the city.


    Back then, she only knew how to obey, not how to resist.


    It was only after coming to the city that she began to change.


    Although there were plenty of conflicts in the compound, and people often fought, even the women didn¡¯t completely submit to their husbands. Mothers-in-law didn¡¯t set harsh rules to torment their daughters-in-law.


    Even someone as terrible as Aunt Su never resorted to violence.


    Moreover, Aunt Su, Gou Lanxiang, had scared her.


    This woman made her realize that even a mother might not truly love her child.


    Su Pandi is still in prison.


    If you don¡¯t think for yourself and save yourself, no one else will. And as a daughter, you don¡¯t have to obey your parents blindly, because parents don¡¯t always love their daughters wholeheartedly¡ªthey might even scheme against them.


    Especially in families like hers, obsessed with having sons and ignorant.


    That¡¯s why she gradually rose up.


    Now, she feels that life is truly wonderful.


    She and Da Qiang live together, each going to work in the morning¡ªyes, Zizhen considers her work at two households as a job. Da Qiang¡¯s wages, including subsidies, add up to a full 37 yuan.


    That¡¯s even more than she knew before they got married.


    The loading team actually gets subsidies.


    She earns 20 yuan a month herself. Da Qiang sets aside 7 yuan for his lunch since he¡¯s a laborer and needs to eat well to keep his strength up. The remaining 30 yuan goes to Zizhen, who allocates 15 yuan for household expenses.


    Their combined income leaves them with 35 yuan, which they save.


    The 15 yuan for household expenses is more than enough because both of them are hardworking. They fish, forage in the mountains, and generally eat well, with some left over. They save the surplus to buy things for their home.


    Oh, and two things happened. One was that Wang Zizhen insisted on returning the 50 yuan Aunt Zhou had given her. Although it was agreed upon when she first came¡ªthat if she couldn¡¯t have children, she¡¯d return 50 yuan when she went home¡ªZhou Qun never mistreated her, and she lived well in the Zhou household. She absolutely couldn¡¯t let Aunt Zhou keep the money.


    But Aunt Zhou refused to take it back.


    In the end, Da Qiang went to the black market to exchange some fabric coupons, bought material, and made Aunt Zhou a set of clothes¡ªa top and a pair of pants. They also bought her a pair of shoes.


    The whole set, including the fabric coupons, cost less than 40 yuan, around 35 yuan.


    This time, Aunt Zhou accepted it happily. Wang Zizhen also frequently sends fish and vegetables to the Zhou family, so they get along very well.


    The second thing was that Zhao Guihua was like a fortune teller¡ªshe was absolutely right. Su Zhaodi¡¯s in-laws did show up. Su Zhaodi¡¯s mother-in-law was Wang Zizhen¡¯s estranged aunt, who hadn¡¯t been seen in ages. This aunt came pretending to be family, hinting at wanting benefits.


    Fortunately, Wang Zizhen was prepared. She made such a scene that everyone knew about it.


    Even if Wang Zizhen hadn¡¯t cut ties with her family, who would believe an aunt she¡¯d only met twice in twenty years? Coming here to act like a senior? She came twice, and the second time, her son got beaten up.


    Yes, Su Zhaodi¡¯s husband.


    After that, the old lady didn¡¯t dare show up again.


    Zhao Guihua said it was just a scare, but Da Qiang thought people like that needed a lesson. Sure enough, they¡¯re bullies who back down when confronted. After getting nothing and being beaten, they completely disappeared.


    Da Qiang had already warned that family. If they dared to stir up trouble again or instigate Wang Zizhen¡¯s side of the family to cause any issues, he would not hold back. Since they had already cut ties, there was no need to pretend to be family anymore. Whether it was them or Wang Zizhen¡¯s relatives, if one came, he¡¯d deal with one; if two came, he¡¯d deal with both. Let¡¯s see who ends up suffering!


    This kind of tough, no-nonsense man was indeed intimidating, and that family didn¡¯t dare to cause any more trouble. They slunk away, disappearing into the crowd.


    Wang Zizhen¡¯s life now was truly comfortable. She caressed her belly, a happy smile on her face.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°By the way, didn¡¯t Su Zhaodi¡¯s in-laws come over a few days ago?¡±


    Zhao Guihua had just remembered this.


    Wang Zizhen: ¡°Da Qiang dealt with them.¡±


    She sneered, ¡°They thought they could come here and take advantage of me. Who do they think they are? I don¡¯t even give my own parents face, let alone them.¡±


    ¡°I know that family. They¡¯re the type who bully the weak but cower before the strong. If you¡¯re tough, they¡¯ll retreat faster than a turtle pulling its head into its shell.¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha!¡±


    Everyone burst into laughter. Zizhen: ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°Our courtyard has been so quiet these past six months. I¡¯m almost not used to it.¡±


    Aunt Wang raised an eyebrow and said, ¡°Why are you hoping for something to happen?¡±


    As the courtyard manager, she didn¡¯t want any trouble. Peace and quiet were best. If things got lively¡­ tsk! Aunt Wang felt that managing the courtyard was exhausting enough. She truly hoped for tranquility.


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°I was just making an offhand comment.¡±


    ¡°Pah! Pah! Don¡¯t jinx it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say such things¡­¡±


    They all laughed and chatted, but little did they know, Aunt Zhou¡¯s words were indeed a bad omen.


    At that moment, Old Man Liang hurriedly rushed home, out of breath, and said, ¡°Wife, I¡¯ve found out.¡±


    Old Lady Hu immediately came out and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the news?¡±


    Old Man Liang slammed a cup of water on the table in frustration and said, ¡°Xiao Fen has indeed started working. She¡¯s a full-time employee at the machinery factory.¡±


    Speaking of this, he was particularly furious.


    He said, ¡°That ungrateful brat doesn¡¯t care about our family at all. She got a new job and didn¡¯t even bother to tell us. Didn¡¯t we agree that she¡¯d hand over part of her salary to the family? Now she¡¯s not giving us anything!¡±


    The old couple seemed to have forgotten that their daughter, Liang Meifen, had already given up her previous job to her younger brother.


    ¡°I think she¡¯s doing this on purpose, deliberately refusing to help her own family. We¡¯ve raised such a heartless daughter. Look, she hasn¡¯t come home since last year. She didn¡¯t even bring New Year¡¯s gifts. She really doesn¡¯t treat us as family anymore. What sin have I, Old Lady Hu, committed to have such a wicked daughter? Such a disgrace to our family!¡±


    Liang¡¯s daughter-in-law watched her in-laws¡¯ tantrum with disdain but still chimed in to stir the pot: ¡°I¡¯ve always said that sister-in-law of mine is no good. Even before I married into this family, she was meddling and showing off everywhere. She didn¡¯t consider that the high dowry I asked for would eventually benefit our own household. The more dowry I asked for, the more I¡¯d bring back. It¡¯s not like I was taking advantage. But she just had to make a fuss about it. If you couldn¡¯t afford the dowry, my family naturally wouldn¡¯t give much either. And now look, everything¡¯s gone to waste. She¡¯s just not a good person. Am I wrong?¡±


    She sneered, ¡°The way she¡¯s acting now is just terrible. What kind of daughter doesn¡¯t even tell her parents about her job? She doesn¡¯t give a single bit of filial support. What a waste of raising her.¡±


    Hearing this, the old couple was beside themselves with anger.


    Old Lady Hu: ¡°That ungrateful brat! I¡¯m going to find her and give her a piece of my mind!¡±


    She stomped her foot: ¡°She must give me at least ten yuan a month. That¡¯s the bare minimum!¡±


    Old Man Liang: ¡°Isn¡¯t that too little?¡±


    Old Lady Hu: ¡°Fifteen!¡±


    ¡°That sounds about right.¡±


    Old Lady Hu: ¡°And she has to buy us a bicycle. Why should their family have two bicycles while we don¡¯t even have one? This is just bullying!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes!¡±


    This old couple was truly insufferable, with their inflated sense of entitlement. They were already making plans as if they were in control. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together, and Liang¡¯s daughter-in-law was cut from the same cloth.


    Her eyes gleamed as she came up with an even more malicious plan.


    She immediately said, ¡°Mom, Dad, listen to me. Since the job is in sister-in-law¡¯s hands, whether she gives us money or not is entirely up to her. You can see from how distant she¡¯s been that she¡¯s unreliable. We can¡¯t count on her. If you want to rely on her for support, it¡¯s impossible. When it comes to taking care of you in your old age, it¡¯s me and your son who will do it. Daughters can¡¯t be relied on for that. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡±


    Daughters are nothing. If you want reliability, it¡¯s the sons who matter.


    Liang¡¯s daughter-in-law smiled slightly and said, ¡°Then we should take that job from her. If she gives the job to me, our family will have two incomes. After all, she¡¯s just contributing to the Zhuang family, not ours!¡±


    She said maliciously, ¡°But if the job goes to me, it¡¯ll be different. Our lives will flourish.¡±


    Hearing this, the old couple didn¡¯t think twice and felt that their daughter-in-law was truly looking out for their family. After all, who else would care so much about their well-being? Only family could be so considerate.


    Old Lady Hu slapped her thigh and said, ¡°That¡¯s a great idea! Yes, yes, make her give the job to you. Then you¡¯ll both be working, and even if you get pregnant, the factory will cover the costs. This is perfect.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m only thinking about our future. A job can be passed down to our children and grandchildren. This is a big deal for our Liang family.¡±


    Old Lady Hu was already captivated by the rosy picture her daughter-in-law painted, completely forgetting that some people aren¡¯t so easily manipulated. However, a brief moment of clarity returned to her.


    But soon, she dismissed any doubts.


    Even though her daughter hadn¡¯t been home recently, she was still under her control. If she said east, Liang Meifen wouldn¡¯t dare go west. After all, hadn¡¯t she already given up her previous job for her brother? So giving up this one for her sister-in-law was only natural.


    Although Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t easy to deal with, Liang Meifen had already given birth to two children and had married Zhuang Zhiyuan out of love. There was genuine affection there, so it wasn¡¯t like she could just be sent back home.


    Even if they divorced¡­ it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal. She could always remarry.


    Her daughter was a high school graduate. Finding a new husband wouldn¡¯t be hard. If she couldn¡¯t find a first-time husband, she could always marry someone older but well-off.


    Thinking this, Old Lady Hu felt quite pleased with herself.


    She thought, ¡°I¡¯m really clever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go find my daughter today.¡±


    ¡°Go straight to her workplace. If she refuses, make a scene! Don¡¯t go to their courtyard. Zhao Guihua is not someone to be trifled with. If you make a scene at her workplace, she won¡¯t dare do anything to you, her own mother!¡±


    Old Man Liang was truly vicious.


    He didn¡¯t want to get involved himself, so he sent his wife to do the dirty work: ¡°If she dares to say no, accuse her of being unfilial!¡±


    Old Lady Hu: ¡°Got it. Leave it to me. I¡¯ll handle it perfectly. Don¡¯t worry, I know my daughter. She cares about me and listens to me. If I talk to her nicely, she¡¯ll agree.¡±


    Liang¡¯s daughter-in-law was also pleased and immediately said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll go with you to back you up!¡±


    ¡°Good, good. You¡¯re so thoughtful.¡±


    Everyone had their own ulterior motives and was quite pleased with themselves.


    Old Lady Hu soon left with her daughter-in-law in tow.


    The two of them headed straight for the machinery factory. This wasn¡¯t just any ordinary factory¡ªduring these times, such factories were prioritized to ensure production, which spoke volumes about its importance. For Old Lady Hu and her daughter-in-law to just show up and expect to walk right in was out of the question.


    They stood at the gate, gazing inside. They could¡¯ve reached out to Liang Meifen in advance and asked her to come out, but Old Lady Hu didn¡¯t want to do that. She remembered her husband¡¯s advice and planned to confront Liang Meifen during the busy rush after work. If Liang Meifen refused, Old Lady Hu was ready to make a scene right then and there. She wasn¡¯t one to drag things out; she wanted to get it done in one go.


    Standing at the gate, she anxiously rubbed her hands together.


    The security guard noticed them and approached, asking, ¡°Is there something you need?¡±


    Old Lady Hu replied, ¡°I¡¯m waiting for my daughter to get off work.¡±


    The guard asked again, ¡°Are you in a hurry? If you are, I can call someone for you.¡±


    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s alright,¡± Old Lady Hu declined.


    The guard didn¡¯t press further and returned to his post. Zhang San, who was on patrol duty that day, strolled over with Li Si. Leaning against the gate, Zhang San asked, ¡°What are they here for?¡±


    ¡°They said they¡¯re looking for someone, but I¡¯m not sure who,¡± the guard replied.


    Zhang San walked over and asked, ¡°Who are you looking for? Do you need me to call someone for you?¡±


    Old Lady Hu answered, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m looking for Liang Meifen from the workshop. She¡¯s my daughter. But there¡¯s no need to call her; we¡¯ll just wait a bit. We don¡¯t want to disrupt production.¡±


    Zhang San chuckled, ¡°You¡¯ve got a good head on your shoulders.¡±


    Old Lady Hu smiled, ¡°I may be old, but I know how these things work.¡±


    Zhang San grinned and walked away. He found a secluded corner to sneak a cigarette. He had no choice¡ªhis wife was pregnant, and their home life had become quite strict. Li Si approached and said, ¡°Give me one.¡±


    Zhang San retorted, ¡°Buzz off, I paid for these.¡±


    But despite his words, he handed one over.


    The two of them crouched behind the guardhouse, smoking pitifully.


    As they puffed away, they overheard a conversation outside. It was Old Lady Hu and her daughter-in-law. The daughter-in-law, who was usually sharp-tongued and not particularly respectful toward her in-laws, was now putting on a sweet and flattering act.


    ¡°Mom, once I get a job, I¡¯ll buy you a new outfit,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°Look at my sister-in-law¡ªshe¡¯s got a job but doesn¡¯t spend a dime on you. That¡¯s no way to treat a mother. I may be just the daughter-in-law, but I¡¯m not like her. Once I get that job, you can count on me to contribute to the household expenses.¡±


    Old Lady Hu beamed at her daughter-in-law¡¯s flattery. ¡°I always knew you were a good one.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the daughter-in-law replied. Then she added, ¡°But what if my sister-in-law refuses to give up the job?¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dare! I¡¯m her mother. If she doesn¡¯t give it up, she¡¯s being unfilial! I¡¯ll beat her senseless, that ungrateful wretch¡­¡± Old Lady Hu began cursing her daughter.


    Zhang San raised an eyebrow and said to Li Si, ¡°Cover for me for a bit. I¡¯m going upstairs.¡±


    Li Si nodded, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Zhang San quickly made his way to the office building. He arrived at the propaganda department and knocked on the door. ¡°Xiao Zhuang.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi was organizing some documents. Seeing Zhang San, he smiled and stepped out, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    They lived in the same compound, so while Zhang San didn¡¯t come back every day, he was a regular visitor. If he was coming to see Zhuang Zhixi during work hours, it must be something important.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Zhuang Zhixi asked as he stepped out.


    Zhang San said, ¡°Is your sister-in-law named Liang Meifen?¡±


    This was only something he knew because they lived in the same compound. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have remembered the names of female colleagues. He vaguely recalled that being her name.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s her. Why? Did something happen?¡±


    Zhang San sighed and whispered a few words into Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s ear. Zhuang Zhixi frowned, ¡°This is really¡­¡±


    Zhang San added, ¡°Your family needs to be prepared for this. Otherwise, you¡¯re going to get taken advantage of¡­ I remember your sister-in-law already gave up one job, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°Exactly! Her family just keeps taking and taking.¡±


    Zhang San looked at Zhuang Zhixi sympathetically, ¡°This is really tough.¡±


    His own wife came from a well-off family, so he hadn¡¯t experienced this kind of situation, but he genuinely felt for Zhuang Zhixi. Even though Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t the one directly involved, it affected the whole family.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll handle this first.¡±


    He immediately went to his supervisor¡¯s office to request an early leave. Leaving an hour early shouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    Zhang San said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go back to patrolling.¡±


    Knowing that Old Lady Hu and her daughter-in-law were waiting at the gate, Zhuang Zhixi left through the back door.


    He jogged home. Ever since Ming Mei had returned to work, he no longer needed to accompany her to and from work. Ming Mei rode her bike now, which was more convenient since she had an hour-long break in the morning and afternoon to come home and breastfeed their child.


    It wouldn¡¯t make sense for Zhuang Zhixi to accompany her.


    So now, Zhuang Zhixi walked to and from work. Taking the back door added some distance, but he jogged home, arriving out of breath. When he got there, he saw quite a few people in the courtyard, including his wife. He was surprised, ¡°Why are you here too?¡±


    Ming Mei pouted playfully, ¡°Why can¡¯t I be here?¡±


    She had come home in the afternoon to feed the baby and hadn¡¯t gone back. With the bosses out today, she decided to take the day off.


    She smirked, ¡°Why are you back? Is something wrong?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Actually, yes. Mom, come here for a second.¡±


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered something into her ear. Everyone else strained to listen but couldn¡¯t catch what was said.


    However, after hearing it, Zhao Guihua exclaimed, ¡°To hell with them! They just keep taking and taking, don¡¯t they? Now they¡¯re coming after our family? They¡¯ve got some nerve! If we don¡¯t teach them a lesson, they¡¯ll never learn!¡±


    Without hesitation, Zhao Guihua declared, ¡°You stay here and watch the kids. I¡¯m going to deal with that old hag!¡±


    With that, Zhao Guihua stormed off. Ming Mei, puzzled, asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Mom¡¯s going to fight.¡±


    Hearing this, Ming Mei immediately perked up, ¡°I¡¯ll go help her!¡±


    This was something she couldn¡¯t stay out of. Her mother-in-law, an elderly woman, might not fare well in a fight, but with Ming Mei by her side, it would be a different story.


    Ming Mei insisted, ¡°I have to go!¡±


    She quickly handed the baby to Zhuang Zhixi, saying, ¡°Take good care of the baby, okay?¡±


    Then she hurried off after Zhao Guihua.


    Recently, there hadn¡¯t been much excitement in the compound, and everyone was feeling a bit restless. Hearing that Zhao Guihua was going to fight, Aunt Wang quickly said, ¡°Li Fang, you watch the kids. I¡¯m going to check on Zhao Guihua. We can¡¯t let her get hurt.¡±


    As long as the fight wasn¡¯t in the compound, she wasn¡¯t worried!


    Aunt Zhou was also eager. How could she miss out on such an event?


    She looked at Zhuang Zhixi like he was a lifeline and said, ¡°Can you watch my Qijin for a bit? I¡¯m going to see how your mom¡¯s doing. Zizhen¡­ I mean, Zizhen, come on, I¡¯ll take you to watch the excitement¡­ I mean, to help out.¡±


    She was in such a hurry.


    Wang Zizhen replied, ¡°Alright.¡±


    He Lan quickly picked up her child and followed. She wasn¡¯t as close to the others in the compound, but after spending so much time together, she couldn¡¯t help but feel concerned. She wasn¡¯t there for the spectacle; she was genuinely worried.


    Anyone who knew Zhao Guihua would understand that with her and her daughter-in-law teaming up, there was no way they could lose.


    But He Lan didn¡¯t know that. She followed Aunt Zhou, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll come with you. Maybe I can help.¡±


    Aunt Zhou gave her a strange look, ¡°What are you talking about? Zhao Guihua doesn¡¯t need any help.¡±


    He Lan was confused, ¡°What?¡±


    Everyone quickly gathered and followed along, including Aunt Su. The group was quite a sight.


    The once lively compound was now quiet. Zhuang Zhixi shook his head helplessly, ¡°Why are all the kids left with me?¡±


    Li Fang said, ¡°Can you watch Qijin for a bit?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°No need. Just leave them all here. They can play together.¡±


    These kids were relatively easy to handle.


    Well, to be precise, they weren¡¯t exactly easy, but that¡¯s just how babies are. When you put a bunch of babies together, they tend to cry less and play more. Babies are naturally curious about each other.


    Zhuang Zhixi had just lined up the toy cars for the kids, and they immediately started happily blowing bubbles.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You can go join the fun too. Zizhen will be fine here."


    Li Fang paused for a moment, then replied, "Thank you."


    She couldn¡¯t resist the temptation and quickly slipped out the door.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "You four little rascals are all in my hands now."


    The kids giggled, bubbles still forming on their lips.


    Zhuang Zhixi cooed, "Oh my, you¡¯re all so adorable!"


    He took a closer look and added, "Hmm, but my little one is definitely the cutest."


    After all, his child was the best.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua and the others arrived near the factory just as the workers were getting off their shift. She stood still, arms crossed, glaring fiercely toward the factory gate. At that moment, Old Lady Hu and her daughter-in-law were peering into the factory grounds.


    Just then, Liang Meifen walked out of the factory with a few female coworkers, chatting and laughing. As she reached the gate, she froze. It had been a long time since she had seen her mother, and the fact that her brother¡¯s wedding had taken place without even notifying her left a bitter taste in her mouth.


    Liang Meifen felt as though all her sincerity had been thrown to the dogs.


    Though she had always defended her family in front of her husband, deep down, she had been holding in her frustration. And then, after the incident with Aunt Su, it really served as a wake-up call for those who blindly supported their families and siblings.


    It was truly terrifying.


    Aunt Su had shown no mercy in exploiting Su Pandi, and the whole ordeal had become infamous throughout the city. Su Pandi¡¯s actions for the sake of her family had become the talk of the town, and the story spread far and wide.


    This rare incident had opened many people¡¯s eyes.


    For someone like Liang Meifen, who was already harboring resentment, it hit even closer to home.


    She stopped in her tracks, and one of her coworkers asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Liang Meifen replied, "My family is here."


    "Your family? What¡¯s the big deal¡ª" The coworker stopped mid-sentence, noticing Liang Meifen¡¯s troubled expression.


    Before anyone could ask further, Liang Meifen walked forward and called out, "Mom."


    As for her sister-in-law, she didn¡¯t even bother to acknowledge her. What a shameless woman.


    Old Lady Hu immediately put on a stern face and snorted heavily. "How dare you call me ''Mom''! I don¡¯t have a daughter like you. You don¡¯t send gifts back home during the holidays, and you didn¡¯t even tell us when you got a job. What, do you think we¡¯re dead? We worked so hard to put you through high school, and this is how you repay us? You¡¯re nothing but an ungrateful wretch! If I had known you¡¯d turn out like this, I would¡¯ve smothered you at birth!"


    The harsh words made the onlookers glance at Liang Meifen with judgmental eyes.


    This wasn¡¯t going well.


    Liang Meifen hadn¡¯t expected her mother to immediately start listing her faults.


    Feeling hurt, she fired back, "Mom, you¡¯re being unfair. Why don¡¯t you mention how I¡¯ve been sending money home every month since I started working? Or how my younger brother keeps asking me for money? And what did I get in return? I gave up my job for him, and you turned around and told me not to come home anymore, saying I was meddling. You didn¡¯t even tell me about his wedding! How could I dare to come back after all that?"


    Old Lady Hu, furious that Liang Meifen dared to talk back, slapped her across the face.


    "How dare you speak to me like that!" she shouted.


    Liang Meifen¡¯s sister-in-law chimed in, "Sister, look at how you¡¯re making Mom angry. You¡¯re really out of line. If we didn¡¯t notify you, couldn¡¯t you have found out on your own? Do you expect us to personally inform you about everything? Who do you think you are?"


    "Shut up! This has nothing to do with you. If it weren¡¯t for your meddling, I wouldn¡¯t be in this situation with my family. Look at your ugly face, demanding all those expensive gifts for the wedding. It¡¯s laughable, really. Ugh!"


    Though Liang Meifen had grievances with her family, she still saw them as her own flesh and blood. Her anger was directed more at her sister-in-law, an outsider.


    "How dare you insult me!" The sister-in-law, not one to back down, lunged at Liang Meifen.


    Liang Meifen, who worked in the factory and was stronger than a housewife, thanks to the good meals at the Zhuang household, didn¡¯t hesitate. She grabbed her sister-in-law by the face and slapped her several times. "I¡¯ve had enough of you! Who do you think you are?"


    The sister-in-law was no match for Liang Meifen.


    Old Lady Hu, however, panicked. She wasn¡¯t defending her daughter but her daughter-in-law. She tried to pull them apart, shouting, "What are you doing? Let go of her! You insolent girl! How dare you bully your sister-in-law! Have you lost your mind? Let go right now!"


    The sister-in-law sat on the ground, wailing and kicking her legs. "This is bullying! The Zhuang family¡¯s daughter-in-law is bullying me! Waaah!"


    Old Lady Hu, gasping for breath, glared at her daughter. "Are you trying to ruin your brother¡¯s family? You heartless wretch! Give your job to your sister-in-law, do you hear me?" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She revealed her true intentions.


    Liang Meifen stared at her mother in disbelief, unable to comprehend how deeply she was being manipulated.


    What did her mother think of her?


    In that moment, Liang Meifen thought of Gou Lanxiang.


    She took a deep breath and said firmly, "Dream on!"


    She emphasized each word, "It¡¯s never going to happen!"


    Old Lady Hu, stunned that her usual tactics had failed, grabbed Liang Meifen and started hitting her. "I¡¯ll beat you to death, you ungrateful wretch!"


    By now, a crowd had gathered, watching the spectacle.


    Old Lady Hu didn¡¯t care about the audience. She shouted, "Everyone, come and see this unfilial daughter! This dis¡ª Ah!"


    Suddenly, she was pushed to the ground. Before she could react, an old woman appeared out of nowhere, sitting on her and slapping her repeatedly. "I¡¯ll teach you a lesson, you old hag! You¡¯ve been scheming nonstop, haven¡¯t you? You took your daughter¡¯s first job, and now that we¡¯ve managed to get her another one, you¡¯re here to steal it again! Damn it, I¡¯ve been wanting to hit you for a long time. Did you think I was easy to bully?"


    Zhao Guihua was furious, but she had held back initially to see how Liang Meifen would handle the situation. She was pleased with Liang Meifen¡¯s response, but the more she looked at Old Lady Hu, the angrier she got.


    All the old grievances came flooding back.


    She slapped Old Lady Hu again and again. "Ever since your daughter married into our family, you¡¯ve been taking advantage of us. Every year, we send fish and meat to your family, and all we get in return is cabbage. I tolerated it."


    *Slap, slap.*


    "I let it go because of the children. After all, Liang Meifen gave us a grandson as soon as she joined our family. But your son is useless¡ªgood for nothing but eating. He keeps coming to his sister for handouts. I thought, since Liang Meifen has a job and it¡¯s her own money, I wouldn¡¯t interfere."


    *Slap, slap.*


    "Your daughter said you supported her through high school, so even after marriage, she had to send money home. I put up with that too. But your family crossed the line when you tried to sabotage my third son¡¯s wedding!"


    By now, Old Lady Hu¡¯s teeth were knocked out, and her hair was being pulled out in clumps. Zhao Guihua continued punching her. "You used your son¡¯s refusal to go to the countryside as an excuse to take Liang Meifen¡¯s job. You almost ruined my third son¡¯s marriage! Do you know how hard it is for my eldest son to support four people on his salary? What were you thinking? You schemed against us, against my third son and his wife. Liang Meifen might be naive enough to trust you, but I know you¡¯re up to no good!"


    Her punches didn¡¯t let up, and no one dared to intervene.


    The onlookers winced, feeling the pain just by watching.


    Aunt Zhou whispered, "I knew she wouldn¡¯t let this slide."


    He Lan shrank back, intimidated.


    Zhao Guihua: "So, your family got what you wanted by tricking us out of the job, and now you¡¯re scheming again, trying to make my daughter, who¡¯s been married for nearly ten years, provide the ''three rounds and one sound'' and ''thirty-six legs'' for your son¡¯s wedding. Look at yourselves! Who do you think you are? How dare you ask for so much! You¡¯re just scamming people! Everyone, come and listen! This family wants their in-laws to pay for their son¡¯s bride price. How shameless can you be? When you didn¡¯t get what you wanted, you just kicked your daughter out and forbade her from coming back to her own family. Isn¡¯t that you? It¡¯s definitely your family! Your family is utterly disgusting. I¡¯ve seen shameless people before, but never anyone as shameless as your family."


    *Bang, bang, bang.*


    "Now that we¡¯ve finally managed to arrange a new job for our daughter-in-law, you hear about it and come to snatch it away again, this time for your daughter-in-law who doesn¡¯t even know how to blush with shame. What¡¯s wrong with you? Are we spoiling you now?"


    She didn¡¯t hold back at all. By this point, Old Lady Hu had already been beaten to a pulp.


    The daughter-in-law with a pumpkin-shaped face saw her mother-in-law in such a state and cried out, "You¡­ you¡¯re bullying¡­ ah!"


    Liang Meifen grew angrier the more she looked at her. She stepped forward and kicked her, followed by a flurry of punches. "You keep running your mouth! You called me a slut, you cursed at me, you kicked me out, you said the Liang family has nothing to do with me, you stirred up trouble¡­ Want the job? Go eat shit!"


    If it weren¡¯t for the hot weather making it too disgusting, Liang Meifen would have really wanted to shove this woman into a cesspool. After all, this wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d seen something like this!


    She had learned her lesson. She grabbed the woman¡¯s hair and yanked hard, determined to make her bald and ugly!


    "Alright, alright, stop hitting her, stop making a scene¡­"


    Finally, the security team stepped in, though it was understandable that they hadn¡¯t intervened earlier since the commotion was outside the factory, not inside.


    Zhao Guihua knew when to stop. She clapped her hands and stood up, saying, "I¡¯ve put up with this for so many years, and today I finally got my revenge. Let me tell you, this isn¡¯t over!"


    She glanced at Liang Meifen and said, "Let¡¯s go home!"


    After taking a few steps, she turned back to look at the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law who had been beaten to the point of being unable to get up. "You just wait. Tonight, my husband and I are going to have a serious talk with your family. Let¡¯s see how many disgusting things your family has done over the years. I¡¯ve tolerated you out of respect for our in-law relationship. But since you¡¯ve been pushing your luck and treating our family like a doormat, today I¡¯ll show you what real fury looks like!"


    "You¡­ you¡­ oh!"


    Zhao Guihua let out a heavy snort, straightened her back, and walked away with her head held high.


    The crowd silently parted to let her through. This old lady was truly ferocious!


    "Isn¡¯t that Old Man Zhuang¡¯s wife?"


    "Exactly."


    "Well¡­ no wonder Old Man Zhuang is always so meek and mild-mannered. Anyone would be with a wife like that. She¡¯s too fierce."


    "The ones who got beaten had it coming."


    "That¡¯s true."


    "Damn, the way she pounced on them was like a tiger going for its prey."


    "What¡¯s going to happen to those two now¡­"


    "Who cares? They¡¯re not good people either. The old lady just couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Oh, wait, are they going to have another fight tonight¡­ Damn, where do they live? I want to watch!"


    "Me too!"


    ...


    Everyone chattered away, marveling at how fierce Zhao Guihua was, but no one felt much sympathy for the beaten mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. After all, it was clear from Zhao Guihua¡¯s words that the two hadn¡¯t been up to any good.


    Although most people at the time favored sons over daughters, no one approved of scheming against one¡¯s own daughter like this.


    How could they expect their daughter to live a decent life after taking away her job once and now trying to take another one?


    Some of the men with wives couldn¡¯t help but think: What if their own wives gave their salaries to their parents and even handed over their jobs to their brothers? Just the thought made their fists clench. Everyone naturally sided with the Zhuang family, as they all had jobs and weren¡¯t the ones trying to steal their sister¡¯s livelihood.


    With ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????this in mind, the two women were met with nothing but disdain.


    If this had happened decades later, the fight would have been reported to the police. But at that time, no one bothered with such domestic disputes.


    Who would meddle in other people¡¯s family affairs?


    So, Old Lady Hu and her pumpkin-faced daughter-in-law had no choice but to endure the beating.


    Old Lady Hu groaned as she struggled to her feet, wailing, "Zhao Guihua is inhuman¡­"


    The crowd burst into laughter. "You¡¯re even more inhuman than her!"


    "That¡¯s right!"


    "Old lady, you can¡¯t be so wicked¡­"


    "Wait, isn¡¯t her daughter-in-law really ugly? How dare they ask for so much in bride price? She¡¯s not wrong¡ªthat really is a pumpkin face¡­"


    The murmurs continued.


    The two women were so angry they nearly fainted!

 Chapter 147

    Zhao Guihua marched home with her head held high, followed by a string of people trailing behind her like gourds.


    Not a single one dared to make a sound. Liang Meifen, despite her discomfort, obediently followed, fearing that her mother-in-law might fly into another rage and unleash a flurry of punches. The old lady was a formidable fighter.


    Her ultimate finishing move was yanking hair¡ªso effective that even a full head of hair could be turned into a bald patch.


    Liang Meifen didn¡¯t dare speak much, trailing behind like a timid quail.


    The others also kept their mouths shut. When they encountered onlookers on the road, they immediately puffed out their chests, making it seem as though they were a grand army returning from some great mission. He Lan, caught in the middle, felt completely out of place.


    Holding her child, she trembled as she followed, afraid to fall behind.


    What a spectacle! What a spectacle indeed!


    The group returned to the courtyard, where Zhuang Zhiyuan had also just arrived. The two Zhuang brothers were gathered around the children, playing with them. Hutou and the others were there too. Xiao Yanzi, much quicker-witted than her brother, immediately stood up when she saw her grandmother return. "Grandma, you''re back! Come sit down."


    Zhao Guihua rolled up her sleeves and said, "Sit? No time for that. Eldest, hand the child to Third Brother. We''re going to the Liang family to settle some scores!"


    She wasn¡¯t about to let this go. If she didn¡¯t teach them a lesson now, they¡¯d think they could walk all over her. It was like stepping on a toad¡ªnot deadly, but disgusting. She absolutely wasn¡¯t going to let it slide.


    Zhao Guihua felt she had been too lenient in the past, allowing her in-laws to think they could push her around. But this time, they had gone too far. She rolled up her sleeves and said, "I¡¯ve given them too much face. If I don¡¯t show them who¡¯s boss, they¡¯ll think I¡¯m an easy target!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan had already learned about the situation from his younger brother and felt deeply uncomfortable. If it were up to him, he would have advocated for peace and harmony, reasoning that educated people shouldn¡¯t resort to violence.


    But since his mother was taking charge, he decided it was best to follow her lead. Sometimes, having someone else take the lead made life simpler.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan agreed, "Alright!" He trusted his mother¡ªshe never let anyone take advantage of her.


    Old Man Zhuang had also returned from work with the group. He asked, "What about me?"


    Zhao Guihua gave her husband a once-over and said, "You come too. We¡¯ll need someone to play the good cop."


    Old Man Zhuang, having collaborated with Zhao Guihua for many years, nodded knowingly. "Got it."


    Liang Meifen hadn¡¯t expected her mother-in-law to actually go to her parents¡¯ house to make trouble, but thinking about it, it wasn¡¯t surprising. Given Zhao Guihua¡¯s temperament, it was a miracle she had held back this long. Her parents had really crossed a line this time, even daring to ask for her job.


    The thought made Liang Meifen¡¯s heart ache. Her parents had never cared about her well-being. Everything revolved around her younger brother. She was just an insignificant cabbage in their eyes.


    This time, Liang Meifen was truly hurt.


    She had already given her job to her brother, and now they were eyeing her sister-in-law¡¯s position. Was she just a blood donor for that couple?


    Still, she hesitated and said, "Mom, maybe we should let it go? My mother has already learned her lesson."


    Zhao Guihua shot her a glance. "You think your father and brother are any better? They¡¯re the ones egging this on from behind the scenes. If I don¡¯t make them understand the consequences this time, they¡¯ll dare to do it again. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to kill them."


    Liang Meifen breathed a sigh of relief. "That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good."


    The others silently looked at Liang Meifen. Was not killing them really the issue?


    Did she even know how fearsome Zhao Guihua could be?


    But it was understandable that Zhao Guihua had reached her limit.


    Moreover, Zhao Guihua going over to fight wasn¡¯t a big deal. If Liang Meifen had hit her own parents, it would have been seen as unfilial, a serious accusation. But if Zhao Guihua beat up her in-laws, it was just another day in the neighborhood.


    These were good times for muddling through conflicts!


    Aunt Wang rubbed her hands together, declaring righteously, "I¡¯m coming with you. I wouldn¡¯t feel at ease otherwise."


    Aunt Zhou was also eager to join the spectacle. "Oh, I¡¯m coming too. If you go to their turf and they call their neighbors for backup, you¡¯ll be at a disadvantage. We¡¯ll come along to back you up, whether or not we actually fight!"


    Wang Zizhen chimed in, "Me too! I¡¯m coming!"


    She looked at Zhao Guihua with admiration, thinking how impressive the old lady was.


    This was how women should be¡ªstrong and unyielding!


    Da Qiang arrived just then and gently pulled his wife aside, pleading, "Sweetheart, you¡¯re pregnant. You¡¯re different from the others. Take it easy."


    Wang Zizhen was resolute. "Women work in the fields even when they¡¯re seven or eight months pregnant. I¡¯m not that delicate."


    Da Qiang: "..."


    "What? Zhao Guihua is going to fight?" Bai Fendou was thrilled. He grabbed his wife. "Let¡¯s go too!"


    He might get hurt in a fight, but watching others fight was pure joy!


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t care what anyone else said. If it weren¡¯t for needing to bring Zhuang Zhiyuan along, she wouldn¡¯t have even come back home¡ªshe would have gone straight to the Liang family¡¯s compound to deal with them. With a wave of her hand, everyone followed. Zhuang Zhixi called out, "Hey, wait! What about the kids? Why am I always stuck with them? I want to go too!"


    Zhuang Zhixi felt utterly wronged. He wanted to see the action too, but instead, he was left with even more kids to watch.


    Bai Fendou sneakily handed over his daughter, Bai Qingqing, and quickly pulled He Lan along to catch up. Zhuang Zhixi looked at the five drooling, giggling toddlers and poked one lightly. "Look at your parents. How can they just dump you on me to go watch the fun? Am I a babysitter?"


    Oh, and his own child was there too, but his wife had also run off to join the excitement.


    No difference.


    No matter how much he complained, everyone was gone, leaving him behind. They were all so inconsiderate.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "I¡¯m so pitiful, I..."


    "Xiao Zhuang, where¡¯s your mom?" Zhang San rushed in, panting.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "She just left, heading south. Why?"


    Zhang San exclaimed, "I thought I¡¯d miss the show! I¡¯m going after them!"


    With a whoosh, he dashed off, desperate not to miss out.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    What¡¯s wrong with these people?


    You¡¯re all really something!


    Take me with you!


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at the five little ones and poked one again. "Look at you, causing me so much trouble! I was supposed to be the messenger, but now I¡¯m stuck here babysitting. Life is hard."


    No matter how much he grumbled, the courtyard was empty.


    Even Hutou and the other kids had gone, all of them inexplicably eager to join the fun.


    He snorted, pulled out his father¡¯s reclining chair, and lay down in the courtyard. Well, he was now the gatekeeper of the kindergarten...


    Lan Sihai came in and saw this scene. He frowned, "Why are you alone?"


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing someone had finally returned, jumped up and said, "Grandpa, I¡¯m so miserable... Let me tell you..."


    He launched into a rapid-fire explanation.


    Lan Sihai slapped his chest in regret. "I¡¯m so annoyed! Why did I come back late?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Lan Sihai¡¯s wife, Luo Xiaohe, smiled and said, "I¡¯ll take care of the kids. You two sit down for a bit."


    Zhuang Zhixi thanked her, "Thank you, Aunt Luo."


    Luo Xiaohe chuckled, muttering, "What kind of messy titles are these?"


    But she didn¡¯t say more. Instead, she pulled out a rattle and shook it, instantly capturing the children¡¯s attention. They all giggled happily. Zhuang Zhixi remarked, "Oh."


    Lan Sihai explained, "I was late because I went to buy toys for Tuantuan and Yuanyuan after work."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Thank you, Grandpa."


    Lan Sihai added, "The toy I mentioned isn¡¯t this rattle. I also had someone make a string of little bells for them."


    He pulled them out of a bag and said, "Look, you can hang these on the window. When they spin clockwise, the bells will ring. If you¡¯re too lazy to spin them, just crack the window open, and the wind will make them chime."


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Wow, Grandpa, you¡¯re amazing."


    He may seem frivolous, but his words were sincere. He lowered his head, pondering, "What''s the principle behind this?"


    Lan Sihai replied, "You don¡¯t even do this kind of work. How would you understand?"


    "I¡¯ll study it, then."


    Lan Sihai scoffed, "Studying this is pointless. I¡¯m planning to assemble a radio. Want to come and watch?"


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s eyes lit up. "Yes!"


    Lan Sihai nodded, "Alright, come on then."


    Zhuang Zhixi happily followed, "I¡¯ll learn from you properly."


    Lan Sihai glanced at him and said, "I don¡¯t teach useless people. If you want to learn from me, you¡¯d better be serious."


    "Got it."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought his grandfather was a true marvel. It seemed like there was nothing he couldn¡¯t do. If you talked to him about literature or math, he wouldn¡¯t understand a thing, but when it came to all sorts of odd and unusual knowledge, there was nothing he didn¡¯t know. The old man even understood antiques! He was truly impressive.


    The courtyard grew quiet. Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua had already led a group of people to the tenement yard. The living conditions here were generally worse than the courtyard where Zhao Guihua lived. After all, their place was allocated by the machinery factory, and every household had workers.


    This place was different.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t care about that. She strode in confidently.


    As she led the large group into the alley, they immediately drew attention. People quickly pressed themselves against the walls, unsure what was happening but afraid to get involved. The sight of the group, with their furious expressions, made it seem like a fight was about to break out.


    Everyone immediately thought of the Liang family in the neighborhood. It wasn¡¯t that they recognized anyone, but earlier that day, the Liang family had returned with bruised faces. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had been beaten so badly it was hard to look at them.


    At that moment, Old Lady Hu was at home, crying and complaining, "She¡¯s ungrateful! This daughter of ours is a waste. Zhao Guihua beat me, and she didn¡¯t even try to stop it. She just stood there watching! What kind of daughter does that? She doesn¡¯t treat us like family at all."


    "She wasn¡¯t just watching¡ªshe was hitting me too! Look at me, look at how I¡¯ve been beaten! Tell me, what have I done wrong since marrying into this family? I¡¯ve always put this family first. Even this time, wasn¡¯t I thinking of our family¡¯s future? For our child¡¯s future? A job is a lifelong guarantee, something that can be passed down to our sons and grandsons. If I could get it, it would belong to the Liang family. But now it¡¯s in your sister¡¯s hands, and it¡¯s the Zhuang family¡¯s. Does she deserve it? Does the Zhuang family deserve it?"


    "Stop crying. Let me see. They¡¯re truly despicable, the whole lot of them! I¡¯ll go confront them!" Liang Xiaodi was furious. He had always been the treasure of the family. He had several sisters, but as the only boy, he had been pampered since childhood. He was used to his sisters sacrificing for him, and the slightest dissatisfaction felt like a great injustice. His parents had always told him that whatever his sisters had was his.


    With this mindset, he was deeply unhappy and wanted to immediately snatch "his" job back.


    It was his! If his sister had something good, it was his!


    And how dare they hit his wife! How could they lay a hand on her!


    "Bastards! Ungrateful wench!" Old Man Liang was also furious. He had thought this matter would be easy, but not only had they failed, they¡¯d been beaten. He said, "No, no, you can¡¯t let this beating go unpunished! Come on, I¡¯ll take you to demand justice. They can¡¯t just get away with this! If they don¡¯t compensate us with Liang Meifen¡¯s job, we¡¯ll go to their courtyard every day and make a scene. We¡¯ll go to their factory gates and cause a ruckus. I don¡¯t believe they aren¡¯t afraid of losing face. I¡¯ll make them infamous, I¡¯ll make them pariahs, I¡¯ll make them..." Old Man Liang ranted, spittle flying.


    Old Lady Hu nodded, "Yes, that¡¯s the way to do it. I think it¡¯ll work, I think... Wait, no! Husband, didn¡¯t she say she was coming here?"


    Old Lady Hu had almost forgotten but suddenly remembered. She quickly added, "I think she said she was coming to our place."


    Old Man Liang was startled. Despite his malicious nature, he was a coward at heart. He always let his wife take the lead while he stayed in the background. That way, if there was any blame, it fell on her, but if there were benefits, they went to the family.


    He had it all figured out.


    But hearing this, he was scared. "No, she wouldn¡¯t, would she?"


    "Dad, we don¡¯t need to be afraid of them. How dare they come here? If they do, I¡¯ll kill them! What kind of people do they think they are?" Liang Xiaodi was arrogant and shouted loudly. He didn¡¯t believe they would actually come!


    At that moment, Zhao Guihua entered the courtyard and heard his last words. She quickened her pace, stepped forward, and kicked the door open with a loud bang. "Who are you going to kill?"


    Liang Xiaodi exclaimed, "Holy crap!"


    The neighbors in the tenement yard had been eavesdropping on the Liang family¡¯s situation. The Liangs were unpopular in the neighborhood, so everyone was eager to watch the drama unfold. When Old Lady Hu and her daughter-in-law had been beaten, everyone had come out to see.


    Before they could figure out what was happening, they saw a large group of people entering the courtyard.


    The yard¡¯s caretaker was about to step forward but saw Zhao Guihua stride up and kick open the Liang family¡¯s door.


    The caretaker quietly stepped back. She was the caretaker, yes, but she valued her life. Some people were not to be messed with. She decided not to get involved.


    Zhao Guihua kicked the door open and entered, hands on her hips. "Well? Who are you going to kill? I¡¯m right here. Come on, kill me. If you don¡¯t kill me, you¡¯re my grandson! I think I¡¯ve been too lenient with you, letting you think I¡¯m an easy target!"


    "Mother-in-law, what are you doing? This is unreasonable... Ah!"


    Old Man Liang stepped forward, trying to reason with her, but Zhao Guihua punched him in the face without hesitation. She grabbed him and delivered two more blows. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t hold back. "You old scoundrel, do you think I don¡¯t know? You¡¯re the mastermind behind all this! You pretend to be a decent person, but you¡¯re full of schemes. You¡¯ve been directing that shameless woman of yours to cause trouble. What, you think our family is easy to bully? Well, I¡¯ve had enough of you."


    Old Man Liang, caught off guard, was dazed by the punches. He tried to fight back, "How dare you hit me! A woman hitting me!"


    "I¡¯m hitting you, so what?"


    Old Man Liang, though older, was stronger than Zhao Guihua, but she was fierce and relentless. She didn¡¯t give him a chance to catch his breath, slapping him repeatedly.


    Old Man Liang cried out, "Ah... you shrew!"


    "I¡¯m a shrew? As in-laws, I¡¯ve put up with your family for years! You¡¯re a bunch of leeches, like fleas¡ªdisgusting and always jumping around. If I don¡¯t teach you a lesson, I won¡¯t be able to live with myself."


    "You shrew, do you still want to be in-laws? You..."


    He pushed her away with all his strength.


    "How dare you bully my mom!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan stepped forward, "What are you doing?"


    Liang Xiaodi sneered, "Brother-in-law, what are you doing? I call you brother-in-law out of respect... Ah!"


    The family¡¯s conversations always seemed to end with an "Ah." Zhuang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t hit his father-in-law¡ªthat would be improper. But when his brother-in-law stepped forward, that was a different story.


    He grabbed the brat and started slapping him. He wasn¡¯t as skilled at fighting as his mother, but he knew how to slap a face!


    ¡°You little brat! I¡¯ve been married to your sister for so many years, and how much have you taken advantage of us? How much have we helped you? Your sister has spent most of her salary on the family, barely leaving a few dollars for herself each month. I¡¯ve let all that slide. But now, you¡¯re even trying to take your sister¡¯s job! She¡¯s sacrificed so much for you, and you¡¯ve been blind to it, acting like it¡¯s all owed to you, over and over again! You really think our family is made up of pushovers, don¡¯t you? Do you know how hurt your sister was when you didn¡¯t even invite her to your wedding? Do you know how heartbroken she was when you kicked her out for that pumpkin-faced wife of yours? Today, I¡¯m going to teach you a lesson!¡±


    He wasn¡¯t much of a fighter, but Ming Mei coached him: ¡°Big brother, grab his neck and pin him down. Yes, yes, like that!¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: ¡°I¡¯ve given you face, and now you dare to come asking for a second job! Have you ever thought about your sister¡¯s life? Your family is insatiable, absolutely greedy!¡±


    Oh ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????ho!


    Now everyone in the courtyard finally understood why the Liang family¡¯s in-laws were so furious.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be? They¡¯d already taken one formal job, and now they wanted a second one?


    The audacity was truly astounding.


    Even the Great Wall¡¯s bricks weren¡¯t as thick as their shamelessness!


    If they got beaten up, it would be completely justified.


    Even though the Zhuang family was completely dominating the fight, everyone thought it was fair. Most in-laws would¡¯ve stormed over the first time they asked for a job. A second time? They deserved it!


    ¡°Let go of my man!¡± Pumpkin-face rushed forward, ready to claw at Zhuang Zhixi.


    ¡°Let go of my man, damn it!¡± Seeing Pumpkin-face charge, Liang Meifen let out a howl and lunged forward, grabbing her by the hair. ¡°I¡¯ll teach you to lay a hand on him!¡±


    *Slap, slap!* Two more slaps landed.


    Ming Mei shook her head slightly, thinking their fighting skills were quite amateurish. Really, they shouldn¡¯t just aim for the face.


    From her years of fighting experience, hitting the face was the least effective move.


    Didn¡¯t they see that even Bai Fendou knew better?


    Bai Fendou shouted, ¡°Zhuang Zhiyuan, don¡¯t hit him like that! Kick him in the groin! Cripple him!¡±


    The onlookers stared at Bai Fendou in horror. Was he, now rendered useless himself, hoping to populate the world with more impotent men?


    Bai Fendou: ¡°If you can¡¯t kick him, just crush it!¡±


    He Lan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Yeah, yeah, beat him up! Teach him a lesson!¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°¡­¡±


    Their advice didn¡¯t help Zhuang Zhiyuan, but it did teach Liang Xiaodi a thing or two. He lifted his foot, aiming to kick Zhuang Zhiyuan. Liang Meifen: ¡°Watch out!¡±


    Her scream hadn¡¯t even finished when everyone saw a figure move like a gust of wind. Before anyone could react, Ming Mei had already slipped in, smoothly pulling Zhuang Zhiyuan out of harm¡¯s way.


    In one fluid motion, she lifted her foot and delivered a kick.


    The next moment, Liang Xiaodi was sent flying several meters, crashing into the cabinet with a loud *bang*. The cabinet toppled over, and dishes and plates rained down on Liang Xiaodi, leaving him dazed.


    Oh ho!


    The fight and the chatter in the courtyard came to a brief pause. The sound of someone swallowing their saliva was audible in the silence.


    Ming Mei clapped her hands, retreating from the scene with an air of modesty. She didn¡¯t want to steal the spotlight.


    Zhao Guihua was the first to recover. She twisted Old Man Liang¡¯s arm hard, making him gasp in pain, then followed up with a kick to his vulnerable spot. Old Man Liang: ¡°Ahhh!!!¡±


    His scream was truly blood-curdling.


    Old Lady Hu, who had already been beaten up at the factory gate earlier, knew full well how formidable Zhao Guihua was in a fight. Despite the chaos, she didn¡¯t dare step in, instead cowering in a corner, trembling. She was already badly injured and couldn¡¯t handle another beating.


    Now, Zhuang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t hold back either. He was a civilized man, not much of a fighter, but he was furious. His brother-in-law had just tried to cripple him! How could he not be angry? Thinking about how much this man had eaten, taken, and used from their family, only to turn out to be such an ingrate, Zhuang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t care that Liang Xiaodi was already seeing stars. He strode over and delivered several slaps.


    ¡°You little bastard! Are you even human?! Look at what you¡¯ve done! You¡¯re really something, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    He was so enraged that after slapping Liang Xiaodi, he still couldn¡¯t vent his anger. He swept everything off the table, grabbed a broom, and started smashing things wildly.


    ¡°Without my wife, could you have lived like this?¡±


    ¡°Without my wife, could you have gotten a job?¡±


    ¡°Without my wife, could you have been so well-fed and plump?¡±


    ¡°Without my wife, could you have even afforded to get married? And now you¡¯re trying to screw us over? I¡¯ll wreck your house!¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan grew angrier as he spoke: ¡°Now you really think we¡¯re pushovers, don¡¯t you? Well, not this time! I won¡¯t let this slide!¡±


    *Crash! Bang!*


    He wasn¡¯t much of a fighter, and slapping Liang Xiaodi a few times was his limit. But Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn¡¯t without anger. As a scholar, he couldn¡¯t fight well, but he could destroy things.


    He couldn¡¯t beat people, but he could smash their belongings.


    The room was soon in shambles.


    By now, even Liang Xiaodi didn¡¯t dare utter a word.


    Liang Meifen, after beating up her sister-in-law, suddenly felt it was all pointless. Her sister-in-law was awful, but she wasn¡¯t family. Her bad behavior was enabled by Liang Xiaodi and the rest. If they hadn¡¯t allowed it, how could she have treated her, the elder sister, so disrespectfully?


    With that thought, Liang Meifen¡¯s anger flared up again. She marched over to Liang Xiaodi and started kicking him. ¡°You jerk! You little jerk! I¡¯ve been so good to you all these years, and this is how you repay me? I¡¯ll beat you to death, you ungrateful brat!¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Meifen! Stop it!¡± Old Lady Hu, though unwilling to save her husband, couldn¡¯t bear to see her son suffer. She threw herself over him, shielding him. ¡°You can¡¯t hit him! He¡¯s the only son of the Liang family!¡±


    Liang Meifen: ¡°Pah! I¡¯m married! I¡¯m not part of the Liang family anymore! Isn¡¯t that what you said? That once I¡¯m married, I¡¯m no longer a Liang? Well, I don¡¯t care about that now! Mom, get out of the way! I need to teach him a lesson. If I don¡¯t, he¡¯ll think he can do whatever he wants and that I¡¯m nothing as his sister.¡±


    ¡°You ungrateful child! How can you be so disloyal to your family? Don¡¯t you know how important your maternal family is? Today you¡¯re helping your in-laws bully us, but what if something happens to you tomorrow? Who will stand up for you then?¡± Old Lady Hu cried out.


    That only made Liang Meifen¡¯s eyes widen in fury. She shouted back, tears streaming down her face: ¡°After I gave my job to Liang Xiaodi, you didn¡¯t even let me come home anymore! If something happened to me, you wouldn¡¯t lift a finger! What do you mean, stand up for me? When have you ever stood up for me? All you¡¯ve ever done is demand that I give to the family, that I sacrifice for my brother! Well, I won¡¯t! I won¡¯t become another Su Pandi! Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±


    It had to be said, the Su family had set a rather good example.


    Because of their excessive indulgence, so many things had happened. While other places might not have taken notice, the families in Xinghua Lane and the surrounding alleys had all started paying more attention to their children¡¯s upbringing. They didn¡¯t want their kids to turn out like Su Jinlai.


    And because Aunt Su had constantly exploited her daughter, Su Pandi had ended up divorced and even jailed due to inappropriate relationships. Many women who had blindly supported their maternal families had woken up. If the maternal family treated everyone equally, helping out was fine. But if it was just about squeezing the daughter for the sake of the son, then forget it. They didn¡¯t want to become another Su Pandi.


    So, in a way, the Su family had done some good.


    They were like a mirror, reflecting people¡¯s own shortcomings.


    It was Su Pandi who had finally awakened Liang Meifen. Although she had always had some clarity before, it was only when Su Pandi went to prison and took all the blame upon herself after her divorce that Liang Meifen truly saw the light. Su Pandi had done it all just to ensure her mother would receive a lighter sentence.


    But what about Aunt Su?


    She had thrown everything onto her daughter, claiming she knew nothing. All she cared about was saving herself, with no regard for her daughter¡¯s fate.


    The thought of it sent a chill through Liang Meifen¡¯s bones, and now she was fully awake. She wasn¡¯t blindly siding with her in-laws anymore. This job¡ªit had to be hers, no matter what. Whether it came from her family or her husband¡¯s, only this job being hers would make it worthwhile.


    Only then could she stand tall.


    She bit her lip and said, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t talk to me about that. I¡¯ve never been able to rely on you all. The only thing I can count on is having a job to support myself. If you¡¯re thinking of taking advantage, forget it. I absolutely, absolutely will not become the second Su Pandi!¡±


    As she thought this, a surge of anger rose within her, and she yanked her mother aside before slapping her younger brother, Liang Xiaodi, several times across the face!


    Old Lady Hu cried out, ¡°My son! My poor son! You heartless wretch!¡±


    The more she wailed, the harder Liang Meifen hit!


    Liang Xiaodi cried, ¡°Ah¡­ I was wrong, I was wrong, sis¡­ please stop hitting me¡­¡±


    It hurt so much!


    ¡°Wife, save me!¡±


    But his wife, with her round face, didn¡¯t dare.


    She was afraid of getting hit too!


    She cowered in the corner, not daring to move.


    This family had gone completely mad!


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m a fool. I¡¯m not!¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the son was beaten, the daughter-in-law raged, and the wife wreaked havoc, the Zhuang family held an overwhelming advantage. It was then that Old Man Zhuang made his entrance. He said, ¡°Stop fighting, everyone, stop! We¡¯re all family. Harmony is precious!¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes flickered as she said, ¡°They¡¯ve gone too far¡­¡±


    Old Man Zhuang replied, ¡°I know, I know they¡¯ve gone too far, but we should still win people over with virtue. If you keep making a scene, people will laugh at us. We¡¯re relatives, after all! There¡¯s an old saying, ¡®Distant relatives aren¡¯t as good as close neighbors.¡¯ No, wait, that¡¯s not the right one. There¡¯s another old saying¡­ oh, never mind. The point is, we¡¯ll have to get along in the future. This isn¡¯t the way!¡±


    ¡°In-laws, save me¡­¡± Old Man Liang¡¯s voice was weak. Even an old man couldn¡¯t withstand being kicked in a sensitive spot!


    Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll save you. Just shut up, or I won¡¯t be able to calm them down! Look at what your family has done¡ªhow can I even explain this? Wife, even if you don¡¯t care about our daughter-in-law, think of our grandchildren. Let¡¯s give them another chance this time. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve learned their lesson! Old Liang, say something!¡±


    Old Man Liang was humiliated, but he was in pain, and he couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    He stammered, ¡°I¡­ I¡­ we didn¡¯t mean any harm¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua glared at him. ¡°No harm? You deliberately went to the factory to demand a job? How shameless can you be!¡±


    She kicked him again!


    Old Man Liang wailed, ¡°This is the end of me¡­¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and apologize,¡± Old Man Zhuang urged, winking at Old Man Liang while holding Zhao Guihua back. ¡°Wife, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve realized their mistake. Calm down. Getting angry isn¡¯t good for you!¡±


    Old Man Liang was truly terrified. ¡°I was wrong, in-law. I was really wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have schemed for your job. Just let us go, please! I can¡¯t take it anymore¡­ I¡¯m just an old man. I¡¯ve learned my lesson¡­¡±


    Liang Xiaodi also cried out, ¡°I was wrong too¡­ spare me! Don¡¯t hit me anymore! I¡¯ll never do it again, I promise¡­¡±


    He was in so much pain. This was the first time in his life he¡¯d been beaten so badly!


    And, oh no, he¡¯d even been sent flying earlier. Just thinking about it terrified him!


    Since when were women so strong?


    He sobbed, ¡°I was wrong, sis. I was wrong. I¡¯ll never do it again. Give me another chance. If I ever act up again, you can beat me to death, you can kick me flying¡­ just spare me this time!¡±


    It seemed that only after being beaten could someone truly come to their senses.


    Now, Liang Xiaodi was scared. He cried louder than Old Lady Hu and his wife, wailing uncontrollably.


    Liang Meifen glared at him, her fists still clenched tightly.


    Old Man Zhuang played the role of peacemaker, pulling everyone out one by one. ¡°Wife, let¡¯s call it a day. They¡¯ve admitted their mistakes. Let¡¯s give them another chance. If they ever do this again, I won¡¯t stop you! We¡¯re family, after all!¡±


    He then pulled Zhuang Zhiyuan aside. ¡°Eldest son, I know you¡¯re angry. You¡¯ve been holding it in for so long, but you¡¯ve already vented. Do it for your wife¡¯s sake. You two have a good relationship¡ªdon¡¯t let this ruin things¡­¡±


    He turned to Liang Meifen. ¡°Eldest daughter-in-law, I know you¡¯re frustrated with your brother. If he¡¯s being stubborn, just teach him slowly. If one beating doesn¡¯t work, give him another. Don¡¯t kill him all at once! He¡¯s your own brother¡­¡±


    Liang Xiaodi cried, ¡°No! No need to teach me slowly. I¡¯ve changed. I¡¯ve changed for good this time!¡±


    If he had to endure this beating every day, he wouldn¡¯t survive.


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled. ¡°I knew you were a good kid. I¡¯ll take them away now. You¡¯re the man of the house¡ªyou¡¯ve got to step up!¡±


    He pulled everyone out and said, ¡°Nothing to see here, folks. Just a little family quarrel. No big deal. Let¡¯s all move along¡­¡±


    The onlookers stared in disbelief. The house was wrecked, and people had been beaten to a pulp¡ªand this was just a ¡°little quarrel¡±?


    If this was a small matter, what would a big one look like?


    Ming Mei, her big eyes sparkling, chimed in with a smile, ¡°That¡¯s right, we¡¯re all family. Let¡¯s not let a small disagreement ruin the mood. Everyone, calm down¡­¡±


    The crowd gave her deadpan looks. Oh, sure, as if it wasn¡¯t you who just sent someone flying with a kick!


    But as Old Man Zhuang kept repeating ¡°family¡± and ¡°in-laws,¡± coaxing Zhao Guihua to leave, it became clear that this spectacle was coming to an end.


    Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°Wife, you haven¡¯t even had dinner yet. It¡¯s not good to go hungry. Let¡¯s just call it a day. They¡¯ve admitted their mistakes. Let¡¯s go home and eat¡­¡±


    As he coaxed Zhao Guihua to leave, he waved his hand behind his back. Old Lady Hu saw it and quickly scrambled to her feet, slamming the door shut and bolting it from the inside!


    Old Man Zhuang was a kind soul, but alas, he¡¯d married Zhao Guihua, a shrew.


    A good man with a bad wife!


    Thankfully, the storm had passed.


    Old Lady Hu leaned against the door, letting out a sigh of relief before wincing in pain.


    ¡°Ouch.¡±


    ¡°Ouch.¡±


    ¡°Ouch¡­¡±


    The family¡¯s cries of pain echoed, each louder than the last.


    This was truly a case of ¡°trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang led everyone out, saying, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go home. See? We¡¯ve just made a scene.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I was just so angry¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve vented, and that¡¯s what matters. Don¡¯t let it upset you. Let¡¯s go home¡­¡±


    The group that had arrived in a grand procession now left in the same manner.


    The Zhuang family didn¡¯t need outsiders to help them fight.


    Except for Zhuang Zhiyuan, who seemed a bit useless, everyone else had played their part.


    Well, actually, Zhuang Zhiyuan had been useful too¡ªhe¡¯d smashed up the Liang family¡¯s place, so they¡¯d suffered even greater losses.


    The group¡¯s imposing presence made the crowd instinctively part ways. If this were the ¡®90s, someone might have played the theme song from *Young and Dangerous*.


    As Zhao Guihua and the others walked back, Ming Mei and Liang Meifen followed behind her like loyal lieutenants.


    Although Liang Meifen was the one who got beaten, she wasn¡¯t particularly upset. She knew that her mother-in-law, being an elderly woman, didn¡¯t have the strength to cause serious harm. However, the beating served as a way to prevent her own parents from causing trouble in the future, which was a long-term solution.


    Otherwise, given how persistent her parents were, they would have kept showing up at the factory gate to confront her, which would have been humiliating. Sure, this incident was embarrassing too, but once the next piece of gossip surfaced, this one would be forgotten. It wasn¡¯t a big deal in the grand scheme of things.


    But if her parents had kept coming every day, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to handle it.


    So, Liang Meifen actually understood her parents well and felt that this was the most appropriate way to resolve the situation.


    As the group walked back briskly, many of them were left questioning their lives. For instance, Wang Zizhen, who had lived in the compound for a while, had never seen the Zhuang family resort to violence. Sure, there were troublemakers like Bai Fendou who were always stirring things up, but she hadn¡¯t expected Zhao Guihua to be so formidable.


    And then there was¡­ Ming Mei!


    While Liang Meifen¡¯s fighting skills were impressive, nothing was as shocking as seeing the seemingly delicate Ming Mei kick someone flying with a single blow.


    Even though it was just one kick, it was clear she had trained.


    Wang Zizhen¡¯s eyes sparkled as she looked at Ming Mei, whispering to her husband, ¡°Ming Mei is amazing!¡±


    Da Qiang gave his wife a complicated look and whispered back, ¡°She¡¯s always been amazing. You haven¡¯t been here long, but she¡¯s actually quite famous. She¡¯s caught thieves multiple times. Last year during the New Year, she single-handedly took down four or five men, leaving them unable to stand.¡±


    Wang Zizhen exclaimed, ¡°She¡¯s incredible!¡±


    She gazed at Ming Mei with admiration.


    Da Qiang: ¡°¡­I¡¯m nervous!¡±


    Meanwhile, He Lan, who was walking with Bai Fendou, asked softly, ¡°Fendou, are they talking about Ming Mei?¡±


    Bai Fendou nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    He still remembered the time Ming Mei kicked him into a door so hard that the door fell off its hinges.


    He grimaced. ¡°That woman is really fierce.¡±


    He Lan was surprised. ¡°I never would¡¯ve guessed.¡±


    She had always thought that the most gentle person in the compound was the Zhuang family¡¯s third daughter-in-law. Ming Mei looked so delicate, even after having children, she still seemed like a young girl. Her soft-spoken voice also made her seem like an easy target.


    But as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving.


    He Lan said, ¡°I thought she was the most fragile.¡±


    Bai Fendou gave his wife a look and said, ¡°Well, your judgment isn¡¯t always accurate.¡±


    He Lan, rarely playful, teased, ¡°Not really. I thought you were a great guy, and I was right about that.¡±


    Bai Fendou immediately brightened up, letting out a hearty ¡°Mhm!¡± and squeezing his wife¡¯s hand. He Lan chuckled softly.


    To be honest, this was He Lan¡¯s first time participating in such an ¡°activity.¡± Seeing everyone act so boldly, she felt a sense of empowerment too. It was as if she wasn¡¯t just a helpless little victim anymore.


    Bai Fendou whispered, ¡°The women in our compound are all pretty tough. Get along well with them, and even if I¡¯m not home, you¡¯ll have someone to back you up if anyone gives you trouble.¡±


    Although he still liked the idea of He Lan relying on him, he was being sincere.


    Bai Fendou was the type of person who wasn¡¯t bad, just genuinely foolish. He liked to see himself as a savior.


    People like him could easily be taken advantage of by those with ill intentions. But when they met someone like He Lan, who was kind-hearted and not scheming, they could be decent, even thoughtful partners.


    There was a hint of shrewdness in his normalcy.


    He Lan nodded. ¡°I know, everyone is nice.¡±


    Bai Fendou said, ¡°Let¡¯s focus on living a good life together.¡±


    He Lan smiled softly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    The group walked down the street, drawing curious glances from passersby. But they didn¡¯t care. What did it matter if people looked? It wasn¡¯t like they were losing anything. They walked for a while before finally reaching the compound. By then, it was already dark, and Zhuang Zhixi had returned from Lan Sihai¡¯s place.


    He had corralled the kids inside and even cooked dinner. If he hadn¡¯t, his mother would¡¯ve been furious when she got back. As a son, he knew this well. He had made some flatbread and stir-fried a vegetable dish.


    Just as he finished, he heard the commotion outside and hurried out. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±


    His tone carried a hint of resentment. After all, they had left him behind, not only that but also made him babysit. That was just too much. Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°You guys are something else, leaving your own kids behind like that.¡±


    Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu quickly wheeled away their stroller, laughing awkwardly as they made their escape.


    Bai Fendou was also quick, pushing his stroller away in a flash. Little Bai Qingqing thought it was a game and giggled, waving her tiny hands happily.


    Aunt Wang pushed away her chubby little girl, who was already puckering her lips, clearly hungry.


    Everyone quickly dispersed to their own homes. Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°I made dinner.¡±


    He didn¡¯t even need to ask about the outcome of the fight. With his mother involved, victory was a given.


    He glanced at his older brother and sister-in-law, noticing they looked fine, and smiled. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll get some pickles.¡±


    In the summer, something refreshing was always nice.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    The family quickly sat down to eat, but Ming Mei first took the children back to their room to feed them. The two little ones were eager, eating hungrily. Once she finished feeding them, she heard the door open and turned to see Zhuang Zhixi coming in.


    He wrapped his arms around her and asked, ¡°Are you tired?¡±


    Ming Mei pouted. ¡°Not at all. It wasn¡¯t tiring.¡±


    She then shared a little secret with him. ¡°You know, I always thought Dad didn¡¯t have much presence, but today I realized he¡¯s actually quite clever. He and Mom really worked well together.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. ¡°How so?¡±


    Ming Mei animatedly recounted the day¡¯s events. ¡°I noticed they were doing it on purpose. They kept framing it as a family matter, so no one would see it as a fight. Especially at the end, when Dad convinced the Liang family to leave. They even thanked him. He¡¯s really got a way with people¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed even harder. ¡°Dad¡¯s not usually the scheming type, but after so many years of marriage, he and Mom have developed a good understanding. It¡¯s not surprising.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t surprised at all. He kissed his wife, his hands growing restless. Ming Mei¡¯s clothes were getting disheveled, so she quickly pushed him away and straightened herself.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t push further and said, ¡°I¡¯ll watch the kids. You go eat.¡±


    Ming Mei wrapped her arms around his neck. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She rested her head on his shoulder and said, ¡°I¡¯m really lucky.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    Ming Mei declared confidently, ¡°I have a great family, both my parents and in-laws.¡±


    She added even more confidently, ¡°And I have a great man.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi kissed her again and said, ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to reward me properly tonight.¡±


    Ming Mei couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Is that all you think about?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, ¡°Don¡¯t you think about it too? Hmm?¡±


    Ming Mei felt his voice had a teasing edge to it. She hummed softly and said, ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you anymore. I¡¯m going to eat.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Their family usually didn¡¯t bring the kids to the dining table. The little ones were too curious about food and would start fussing as soon as they smelled it, making it hard to manage. So, they always kept them at a distance during meals.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll take over later.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    There was no need to argue over this.


    When Ming Mei entered the main room, she noticed that Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were behaving much better than usual. They had witnessed just how fierce their grandma could be, so they were on their best behavior.


    Ming Mei sat down, and Hutou made room for her, saying, ¡°Auntie, eat.¡±


    Ming Mei smiled and said, ¡°Mom, since we got into a fight today, do you think they¡¯ll come back tomorrow to cause trouble? Should I take a day off to stay home and keep an eye on things?¡±


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t speak, but Liang Meifen spoke up in a muffled voice, saying, ¡°They won¡¯t come.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Ming Mei turned to her sister-in-law.


    Liang Meifen continued, ¡°They don¡¯t dare. They¡¯ve always been the type to bully the weak and fear the strong. If someone is truly fierce, they won¡¯t provoke them.¡± She knew her parents well¡ªthey only picked on those who were soft-hearted. If someone stood their ground, they would back off.


    This time, her parents had been so frightened by the beating that they probably wouldn¡¯t dare to come back.


    They were truly spineless.


    Ming Mei remarked, ¡°This sounds a bit like Wang Zizhen¡¯s parents.¡±


    ¡°Probably¡­ parents who favor sons over daughters are all like this,¡± Liang Meifen sighed.


    Zhao Guihua, however, analyzed it seriously, saying, ¡°It¡¯s probably because they never had a son, which made them feel inferior. Over time, being laughed at by others, they developed a submissive personality. So even after having a son later, they didn¡¯t change much. People like this only bully the weaker ones at home but don¡¯t dare to confront those who are fierce.¡±


    After all, in these times, not having a son was something to be mocked.


    There were quite a few people with such personalities.


    ¡°Sigh,¡± Liang Meifen sighed.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her, and Liang Meifen immediately sat up straight. She was still a bit afraid of her mother-in-law.


    But Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t dwell on it. Instead, she said, ¡°When you go to work tomorrow, there will surely be people gossiping about you. Just remember, no matter what others say, don¡¯t take it to heart. Their gossip is their business, but your life is your own.¡±


    Liang Meifen nodded immediately.


    She understood this well.


    ¡°If anyone brings up the topic of filial piety, just say that you¡¯re willing to be filial to your elders, but absolutely not without limits. Otherwise, you¡¯ll end up like Su Pandi. Once you say that, anyone who still dares to say anything is either foolish or malicious. Just stay away from such people.¡± Zhao Guihua usually wouldn¡¯t bother saying these things, but her daughter-in-law wasn¡¯t the sharpest, so she felt the need to give her a little guidance.


    Besides, if Liang Meifen wasn¡¯t affected by the gossip, she wouldn¡¯t come home with a bitter face.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t care much for herself, but she didn¡¯t want Hutou and Xiao Yanzi to be affected.


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°Some people talk behind your back, but it might just be envy. They envy you for getting a job again despite having an unreliable family. So no matter what others say, just ignore them.¡±


    Liang Meifen nodded vigorously. ¡°I understand.¡±


    Ming Mei chimed in, ¡°Sister-in-law, if you need help, just call me.¡±


    Liang Meifen immediately replied firmly, ¡°No need!¡±


    What else could this girl do besides fighting?


    She hadn¡¯t planned on fighting today, even though she had ended up in a scuffle. Liang Meifen actually felt a bit embarrassed about it. After all, she wasn¡¯t the type to fight. Most parents in this era would discipline their children by hitting them, but Liang Meifen rarely did that.


    She and Zhuang Zhiyuan almost never hit Hutou or Xiao Yanzi, which was quite rare for parents in this era.


    Both of them were high school graduates, a very high level of education at the time, so their schooling wasn¡¯t for nothing.


    That¡¯s why she wasn¡¯t really good at fighting. Today, she had just been pushed to her limit. However, as a woman, she did have a natural talent for it. Her husband, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t much of a fighter. She suddenly thought about how lucky it was that Ming Mei had stepped in today. Otherwise, her brother might have kicked her husband in a vulnerable spot.


    She quickly said, ¡°Ming Mei, thank you so much for today. If you hadn¡¯t acted quickly, we would¡¯ve been at a disadvantage.¡± Thinking about it, she was still furious. Her brother was such a jerk! There used to be some affection between them, but after this incident, there wasn¡¯t much left.


    She cursed, ¡°That little brat! If he messes with me again, I¡¯ll teach him a lesson! I¡¯ll go ask Bai Fendou for advice! I refuse to believe I can¡¯t handle him.¡±


    Her brother was important, but not more important than her husband.


    This was about her lifelong happiness.


    Ming Mei smiled brightly and said softly, ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. I went along to make sure our family didn¡¯t get taken advantage of!¡±


    As a younger family member, and someone who was somewhat connected but not too directly involved, she couldn¡¯t be too proactive in stepping in, but helping out was always possible!


    She declared, ¡°I¡¯m your strongest backup!¡±


    This statement was absolutely true.


    The whole family nodded deeply.


    Indeed, with Ming Mei around, they weren¡¯t afraid of losing!


    And they definitely wouldn¡¯t lose!


    Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

 Chapter 148

    Zhao Guihua caused quite a scene, and it was so dramatic that it brought back everyone''s memories.


    Zhao Guihua is not someone to be trifled with. Pulling hairs from a tiger''s head¡ªyou have to admit, Liang Meifen''s family really had some audacity.


    Did they really think they could take advantage of her just because they were used to getting their way? Did they not bother to find out who Zhao Guihua is? Someone like her, who never backs down from a fight, had already shown great restraint by tolerating it for so long.


    And now they want to push their luck even further?


    Tsk!


    But everyone couldn''t help but sigh at how the Liang family had brought this upon themselves. They were given a chance to save face, but they refused it. They had to make things ugly and get beaten up. Even though Zhao Guihua and her family were the ones who came to their door to fight, public opinion still leaned in their favor.


    Most people nowadays believe that once a daughter is married off, she becomes part of her husband''s family. And work is extremely important. Taking one job and then demanding another¡ªno matter how you look at it, that''s just plain greed.


    So, the Liang family not only got beaten up for nothing but also ended up with a bad reputation.


    Liang Meifen still cared about her family, but she steeled herself and didn''t intervene. She was afraid that if she went to comfort them, it would only make her parents more demanding. Logically speaking, they had supported her through high school, so it was only fair for her to give something back.


    But they shouldn''t have taken advantage of their daughter like this.


    Thinking about all this, Liang Meifen quietly confided in Zhuang Zhiyuan, "This time, my parents are probably going to hate me for real."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, however, was indifferent. He had a very poor impression of his in-laws and naturally wished for no contact between the two families.


    He said, "Don''t overthink it. Things will get better with time. When they get older and need support, you can give them some money for their retirement, and they''ll definitely think you''re a good daughter. But for now, don''t get involved. It''s not the right time."


    He added, "Don''t let your heart soften. You need to think clearly¡ªyou have two children of your own to raise. You can''t keep sacrificing everything for your brother."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan then brought up another topic, "You know Su Pandi''s ex-husband, right?"


    Liang Meifen nodded. Of course, she knew him¡ªshe had met him before!


    Zhuang Zhiyuan continued, "He left the capital. I heard that his son and daughter were constantly being mocked and bullied because of Su Pandi''s actions, and life was really hard for them. He applied for a transfer to another city. That way, no one would know their background, and it would be better for the kids. To avoid further trouble, he moved far away to the south. Can you imagine? A local from the capital, a northerner, uprooting his life and moving to the south with his kids. It must be so inconvenient. But why did he do it? For the sake of his children. If it weren''t for Su Pandi''s actions, he wouldn''t have had to leave his hometown."


    Liang Meifen was shocked and sighed, "Those poor kids."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "So you can''t afford to be soft-hearted. As for your brother, if he keeps causing trouble, we''ll just have to keep disciplining him. A tree that isn''t pruned won''t grow straight. If he has no shame, then it''s our duty to teach him a lesson. As his older sister, it''s not wrong for you to guide him on how to behave."


    Liang Meifen nodded, "You''re right."


    Seeing that Liang Meifen was convinced, Zhuang Zhiyuan breathed a sigh of relief. He was genuinely worried that his wife might lose her clarity of thought again. Every family has to live their own life¡ªconstantly helping her younger brother wasn''t sustainable.


    He certainly wasn''t happy about it.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Let''s go to bed early. I calculated that by the end of the year, we''ll be able to pay back all the money we borrowed from my parents to buy the job."


    Liang Meifen was delighted, "That''s great. Being in debt is really uncomfortable."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled, "Exactly. Even though they''re my parents, I also have younger siblings to think about. We have to be considerate."


    Liang Meifen hesitated for a moment and then whispered to Zhuang Zhiyuan, "I saw Ming Mei giving money to your mom."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was surprised, "Giving money? Why?"


    Liang Meifen whispered, "I saw it by chance. Remember when we asked Zizhen for help? Oh, no¡ªI mean, Zizhen. I always get it wrong. We asked Zizhen for help, right? We paid her ten yuan a month. Ming Mei took that money. She said it was for the first two months, and then Zizhen came back from her hometown and worked for four months, so it totaled six months. Ming Mei said that since she had a baby and there was a lot of housework, she couldn''t let your parents pay for it. She gave your mom sixty yuan. They went back and forth, and your mom said that Zizhen had also done a lot of work around the house, so it wasn''t fair for Ming Mei to shoulder the entire cost. In the end, your mom accepted half¡ªthirty yuan. I saw it."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan fell silent. He hadn''t paid attention to these matters.


    He said, "Alright, I understand."


    Liang Meifen hesitated, "So, should we contribute some money too?"


    She was worried about being asked to chip in, which is why she had kept quiet about it despite knowing. But keeping it to herself had been weighing on her, so after much thought, she finally brought it up to her husband.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "I''ll ask my mom about it, but I doubt she''ll ask us for money."


    Liang Meifen asked, "Why?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "Just a guess. I''ll ask her. It''s not a big deal."


    Liang Meifen glanced at her husband, feeling that this was actually a significant matter. Men always think things are simpler than they are. When one daughter-in-law gives money and the other doesn''t, it''s bound to cause issues. But he just brushes it off.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan turned over and said, "You worry about the wrong things. Don''t meddle in my mom''s affairs. Just do as she says."


    Liang Meifen pouted, "Got it."


    Being a daughter-in-law, it''s rare to have a harmonious relationship with your mother-in-law. How many people are like Ming Mei, always buttering her up?


    She had never seen anyone as good at flattery as Ming Mei.


    Liang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Meifen continued to mutter as she lay down, "You know..."


    "Are you going to sleep or not?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "It''s so hot. Can you just go to sleep already?"


    Liang Meifen pouted, annoyed at how simple-minded her husband was.


    The scorching summer night offered no breeze, even with the windows open. She turned over and grabbed a palm-leaf fan to cool herself, but it didn''t help her fall asleep. With everyone''s windows open, you could even hear people talking in their sleep.


    She wondered who it was.


    Liang Meifen''s mind was a jumble of thoughts, and as she lay there, she eventually drifted off to sleep.


    Every household had their windows open, but even with the breeze, it wasn''t much cooler. Ming Mei woke up in the middle of the night, feeling uncomfortably hot. She scratched her head and felt a slight discomfort in her stomach. She got up, threw on some clothes, and Zhuang Zhixi stirred awake, mumbling, "You''re up?"


    Ming Mei said softly, her voice husky from sleep, "I''m going to the bathroom."


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his eyes, "I''ll go with you."


    Ming Mei replied, "No need."


    She slipped on her shoes and said, "Go back to sleep. The kids are here."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at their two children, who were snoring softly, and said, "Alright."


    Ming Mei grabbed some toilet paper and headed out. She had a feeling she might be getting her period soon¡ªshe always had stomach issues before it started. The heat made her feel sluggish, but she didn''t stop, heading straight for the door.


    Lately, they hadn''t been locking their front door. After the incident with the thief, they had been more cautious for a while, but as time passed, everyone found it inconvenient to lock the door and stopped doing so. Still, the neighborhood felt safe enough.


    Ming Mei made her way to the public restroom in the dead of night, under a dark, moonless sky.


    The moon was barely visible, casting little light. Ming Mei entered the restroom and squatted down, still half-asleep. But soon, she heard faint moans coming from the neighboring stall. As a married woman, she knew exactly what that sound meant.


    Her drowsiness vanished in an instant, and she was wide awake. She was certain something was happening in the men''s restroom next door.


    Her eyes widened, and she pursed her lips. Someone was getting intimate in the restroom.


    Ming Mei froze, not daring to move, and quietly listened. The sounds from next door grew louder, with both male and female voices clearly audible. Ming Mei thought to herself, "Aren''t they afraid of being heard? It''s the middle of the night, and it''s so quiet outside."


    Even the slightest noise seemed amplified in the stillness.


    After listening for a while, her face flushed, and she decided she had heard enough. Ming Mei, though curious, wasn''t the type to pry into such matters. Besides, this was the kind of situation where looking too closely would only make things awkward.


    Without another thought, she quickly got up and left.


    As Ming Mei hurried away, the sounds from next door gradually faded.


    "Damn it, I think someone''s here."


    "Who cares? Are you scared?"


    "Of course not!"


    "Then what''s the problem? It''s no big deal." The man straightened his clothes and said, "Even if someone saw, I wouldn¡¯t care. Can¡¯t we have a little fun?"


    The two of them didn¡¯t seem bothered at all, but Ming Mei, who happened to overhear, felt embarrassed. They were completely unfazed, acting as if nothing had happened. As they walked out of the restroom, Ming Mei had already disappeared. The two didn¡¯t linger and left, seemingly satisfied.


    While they were calm, Ming Mei rushed home, her heart pounding.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t fully asleep. He was half-awake, waiting for Ming Mei. Hearing her hurried movements, he asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Ming Mei let out a soft sigh, poured herself a glass of water, and gulped it down. "I overheard something shocking," she said, her tone a mix of disbelief and awkwardness. "Someone was... you know, in the men¡¯s restroom."


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned for a moment, then asked, "The men¡¯s restroom? Really?"


    Ming Mei nodded, even more exasperated. "Yes, that. And they were so loud! How could they do something like that in such a dirty place? It¡¯s disgusting."


    Her face showed clear distaste, but Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but laugh. He reached out to her, and Ming Mei leaned into him, resting against his chest. "You never know what you¡¯ll encounter," she murmured.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. "They¡¯re probably from around here."


    Curious, he widened his eyes and asked, "Could you tell who it was?"


    Ming Mei shook her head. "No, but it couldn¡¯t have been someone we know. If it were someone from our courtyard, I¡¯d have recognized their voices."


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked. "Must be someone sneaking around. Quite the adventurous couple."


    Ming Mei added, "They weren¡¯t even trying to be quiet. It was so loud!"


    This was the first time she¡¯d experienced something like this, and her cheeks were flushed. In the dark, Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t see her red face, but when he touched her cheek, he could feel the warmth. He knew she was blushing.


    Zhuang Zhixi got up and closed the window, then pulled Ming Mei closer.


    Ming Mei pushed against him lightly. "What are you doing?"


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned. "Nothing, just holding you."


    Ming Mei¡¯s heart raced again.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed softly, leaning close to her ear. "You¡¯d better not be loud, or you¡¯ll wake the baby..."


    Ming Mei glared at him, but Zhuang Zhixi playfully nibbled on her ear...


    The next morning, Ming Mei woke up late again.


    She hurriedly got out of bed, muttering, "Ugh, this is so annoying. Look, I¡¯m going to be late again."


    She was going to be late for work, but thankfully, her workplace wasn¡¯t too strict. Otherwise, it would¡¯ve been a real hassle.


    Her first task every morning was feeding the baby. Being a mom wasn¡¯t easy.


    Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, watched her with an amused smile. Ming Mei nudged him. "Hurry up and get dressed!"


    Zhuang Zhixi found her flustered state endearing. He couldn¡¯t resist leaning in and pecking her cheek. Ming Mei scolded him lightly, "Do you really have time for this right now?"


    Zhuang Zhixi finally grabbed his shirt. "I¡¯m getting dressed, see?"


    As he dressed, Ming Mei finished feeding the baby and quickly got ready herself.


    Zhuang Zhixi got up and checked on the two little ones, changing their diapers.


    Little Tuan Tuan and Little Yuan Yuan were fussing, clearly uncomfortable in their wet diapers. Zhuang Zhixi called out loudly, "Mom! Mom!"


    Zhao Guihua came out, annoyed. "Why are you yelling so early in the morning?"


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Do you have any hot water? I need to wash the babies¡¯ bottoms."


    The hot water in their room had been used up the night before.


    Even though it was summer, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t want Ming Mei using cold water. After all, she was a woman and needed to take care of herself. He called out again, "Mom..."


    Zhao Guihua brought over a pot of hot water. "I heard you, I heard you. You don¡¯t have to keep shouting."


    She said, "Bring the babies out. I¡¯ll wash them."


    Zhao Guihua watched as Ming Mei brushed her hair. "Go eat breakfast and head to work. I¡¯ll take care of the kids."


    Ming Mei nodded. "Okay."


    She was definitely going to be late. Ming Mei rushed to have breakfast.


    Zhao Guihua turned to Zhuang Zhixi. "You too, hurry up and get going."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua mixed some warm water and washed the babies¡¯ bottoms, then dusted them with baby powder. The little ones instantly smelled fresh. She dressed the chubby babies in clean onesies and short pants, then placed them in the stroller and wheeled them out.


    Little Yuan Yuan puffed out her chubby cheeks and grabbed her brother¡¯s hand, trying to nibble on it. Little Tuan Tuan pulled away, babbling at his sister and waving his tiny hands, as if trying to explain that hands weren¡¯t for eating.


    Even though they were well-fed, the little ones were getting a bit mischievous lately.


    As Zhao Guihua pushed the stroller out, Zhuang Zhixi finished his breakfast and came out, moving quickly. "Mom, I¡¯m heading out," he said.


    Zhao Guihua grabbed him and whispered in his ear, "After work, go check near the hospital to see if anyone¡¯s selling eggs. If not, go to the black market. We¡¯re down to our last one." She paused, then added, "Be careful."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Got it."


    This task was no problem for Zhuang Zhixi. After all, his family consumed a lot of eggs.


    Ming Mei needed to eat an egg every day. It was essential, especially since she was breastfeeding. If her nutrition wasn¡¯t up to par, the baby¡¯s meals would suffer too. With the summer heat, her supply was already running low, so she couldn¡¯t afford to be malnourished.


    The two babies also needed an egg each every day.


    Zhao Guihua usually steamed an egg custard in the late morning, splitting it between the two babies. In the afternoon, she¡¯d steam another one, again dividing it between them. This was how she ensured the babies got enough nutrition.


    Their household went through three eggs a day. Even though their hen laid two eggs daily, it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Besides Ming Mei and the two babies, Zhao Guihua also boiled an egg every day, cutting it in half for Hu Tou and Xiao Yanzi. She didn¡¯t want to show favoritism. That brought their daily egg consumption to four.


    Their family¡¯s daily expenditure was four eggs, not to mention the occasional egg soup they made to supplement the family¡¯s nutrition. Since Zhuang Zhixi got married, Zhao Guihua had become particularly meticulous about their diet.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid to spend money.


    Their household was a true egg-consuming powerhouse. If they didn¡¯t find ways to source eggs from outside, relying solely on their two hens, they¡¯d be in trouble. There was no way they¡¯d have enough. Zhuang Zhixi kept this in mind and planned to leave work early to take care of it.


    "Xiao Zhuang, what are you doing? Why are you spacing out?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I¡¯m thinking about eggs."


    Sister Cui asked, "Eggs?"


    She looked at him, puzzled, then said, "Why are you suddenly talking about eggs? Didn¡¯t your wife finish her postpartum confinement already?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "The babies need them."


    Sister Cui glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention, then whispered, "Go to the black market. There¡¯s a dark-skinned, square-faced woman who sells eggs there almost every day. I don¡¯t know where she gets so many, but she always has them."


    This was coming from someone who was quite familiar with the situation, so Sister Cui wouldn¡¯t have mentioned it otherwise.


    Zhuang Zhixi perked up. "Really? I¡¯ll have to check it out. These two kids of mine just aren¡¯t getting enough."


    Sister Cui understood. Having twins was wonderful, but it also meant double the expenses for food, clothes, and everything else. It could be quite stressful. It was better to space out children by a few years so the younger ones could use hand-me-downs. That would save money.


    But Zhuang Zhixi had to prepare double of everything at once, which wasn¡¯t easy.


    Sister Cui patted his shoulder. "You¡¯ve got it tough."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled.


    After getting the tip from Sister Cui, Zhuang Zhixi decided not to wait until after work. He was worried the eggs might sell out. Instead, he took a short break during the morning and headed straight for the black market. Although his mom had suggested checking near the hospital, that wasn¡¯t a sure thing. The black market, on the other hand, was more reliable. At least there, he knew he¡¯d find something.


    The black market in their area wasn¡¯t always in the same spot; it often changed locations. But if you wanted to buy something, you could easily find it. After all, everyone was used to it.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly arrived at the black market and noticed a few young men loitering nearby¡ªthey were the lookouts. As he entered, a few people eyed him, but they quickly looked away after a brief glance.


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s outfit made it clear that he was from a working-class family, likely there to buy some food to improve their meals. Those who had been in the business for a long time had a keen eye for such things.


    At their black market, sellers had to pay a fee, but buyers didn¡¯t. Zhuang Zhixi entered and began searching intently. The so-called black market was just a hidden alley.


    After a quick look around, Zhuang Zhixi spotted a man with a dark, square face¡ªhe stood out quite a bit. Zhuang Zhixi approached and asked, ¡°Do you have eggs?¡±


    The dark-faced man glanced at him, lifted the lid of his basket, and Zhuang Zhixi immediately inquired about the price. The man didn¡¯t speak but gestured with his hand. Zhuang Zhixi nodded; it was more expensive than the supply station, but it was the standard price at the black market. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll take the whole basket.¡±


    The man looked surprised, but Zhuang Zhixi pulled out a cloth bag, and the two quickly exchanged money and goods. At the black market, there was no haggling or dragging things out. People tried to keep a low profile, and if anyone caused a scene, the market¡¯s enforcers wouldn¡¯t be pleased.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly bought a basket of eggs¡ªa full hundred of them.


    He had arrived early, and the market hadn¡¯t fully opened yet, so he essentially bought out the entire basket. Eggs didn¡¯t last long in the summer, but with the way his family consumed them, he wasn¡¯t worried about spoilage. They¡¯d be gone in no time.


    Carrying the cloth bag, Zhuang Zhixi exited through another entrance and headed home.


    He walked quickly but suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing as he noticed a man and woman entering the department store together. He didn¡¯t recognize the woman, but he definitely knew the man.


    Though they had only met once, Zhuang Zhixi had a good memory. Wasn¡¯t that Fan Jianguo, He Lan¡¯s ex-husband?


    The two walked side by side, and it was clear they were close, with an air of intimacy between them.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and watched for a moment longer. Fan Jianguo said something, and the woman covered her mouth, laughing. As they entered the store, Fan Jianguo even reached out to hold her hand, though he quickly let go. Still, it was obvious their relationship wasn¡¯t ordinary.


    Zhuang Zhixi clicked his tongue but didn¡¯t linger. He hurried home, where the courtyard was as lively as ever.


    Everyone was gathered together, and Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°Why are you back at this time?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°I came to drop something off.¡±


    He walked in with the bag and said, ¡°Here, the eggs you wanted. Mission accomplished.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, ¡°At least you¡¯re good for something.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi protested, ¡°Come on, that¡¯s not fair¡­¡±


    He was definitely useful. Who else in the family could handle such tasks? Certainly not his dad or his older brother.


    Zhuang Zhixi declared, ¡°I¡¯m indispensable.¡±


    Zhao Guihua waved him off, ¡°Alright, alright, go on, get back to work.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t delay. It was fine to be absent for a short while, but staying away too long wouldn¡¯t do. He didn¡¯t chat with everyone, just kissed each of the kids quickly before rushing back to work.


    Aunt Zhou smirked and said, ¡°What did he come back for? Just to kiss the kids?¡±


    Of course, she knew that wasn¡¯t the case, but she couldn¡¯t resist teasing.


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I asked him to get some eggs.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    At that, everyone lost interest. Since most families had started keeping chickens, they had enough eggs. Only the Zhuang family seemed to run short. Aunt Zhou remarked, ¡°Your family gets two eggs a day. How can you still be short?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Of course, we¡¯re short. We have two kids.¡±


    At that, everyone understood. Twins were a blessing, but they were also expensive.


    Zhao Guihua had just finished making a colorful caterpillar toy for the baby. She stuffed the caterpillar¡¯s body with scraps of fabric, making it look plump and round. She patted it, satisfied, and said, ¡°Success.¡±


    The others groaned, ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    It was hideously ugly.


    Whether it was the older women, the young mothers, or the new brides, none of them could appreciate this kind of aesthetic.


    Zhao Guihua, however, was unfazed. She was convinced the baby would love it.


    She held the caterpillar in front of the baby and shook it gently, asking, ¡°Do you like it, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan?¡±


    Little Yuan Yuan¡¯s eyes lit up, and she reached for it, but her brother, Tuan Tuan, was quicker. He grabbed the caterpillar, babbling happily and drooling. Yuan Yuan tried to snatch it back, and soon the two were tugging at the toy, babbling at each other.


    They were fighting over who owned the caterpillar.


    Zhao Guihua said proudly, ¡°See? I told you they¡¯d love it.¡±


    The others had to admit she was right. The two little ones were pulling and pushing, with Tuan Tuan waving his hands and babbling ¡°reasonably,¡± while Yuan Yuan wasn¡¯t about to back down, making even louder noises and refusing to let go.


    Zhao Guihua said soothingly, ¡°Granny will make more. You¡¯ll each get one. For now, let¡¯s share this one, okay?¡±


    She tried to reason with them, but the babies didn¡¯t understand. They continued to babble and tug at the toy.


    Meanwhile, little Zhen Zhen, sitting in her stroller nearby, grew impatient. She reached out, trying to grab the caterpillar, but couldn¡¯t even touch it. She let out a wail, which set off the other babies. Soon, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the cries of several infants.


    Aunt Zhou scolded, ¡°Zhao Guihua, you¡¯re such a troublemaker. You¡¯ve gone and caused chaos for no reason.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was indignant. ¡°How is making a toy for the baby causing trouble? If you¡¯re so upset, why don¡¯t you make one for your own kids? Besides, who said it was ugly? The kids clearly love it. You all have no taste.¡±


    Aunt Zhou retorted, ¡°Kids don¡¯t know what¡¯s ugly or not. You only made one, so of course, they want it.¡±


    Aunt Wang chimed in, ¡°Exactly. You¡¯re being ridiculous.¡±


    Zhao Guihua, undeterred by the criticism, declared, ¡°You don¡¯t understand kids. No one understands them better than me.¡±


    Everyone rolled their eyes.


    The mothers and grandmothers quickly picked up their crying babies, trying to soothe them. It was a hot summer day, and soon everyone was sweating.


    He Lan said, ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to make one for our Qing Qing too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make one too. If everyone else has one, my kid can¡¯t be left out.¡±


    ¡°This is really something¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get to work.¡±


    Zhao Guihua announced, ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s Sunday. I¡¯m planning to go up the mountain. Who¡¯s coming?¡±


    Last year, she could go whenever she pleased, but this year was different with two little ones in tow. She could only go on Sundays when the rest of the family was off work.


    Aunt Wang said firmly, ¡°I¡¯m in!¡±


    Wang Zizhen wanted to go too, but she was pregnant, so climbing mountains was out of the question. She sighed, ¡°What a hassle.¡±


    Everyone laughed.


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°I can¡¯t go. I¡¯ve got the kids to look after. Even if Jiang Lu¡¯s off, she can¡¯t handle them all by herself.¡±


    Aunt Sui said, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±


    She usually enjoyed these outings.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled.¡±


    As they chatted and worked, Zhuang Zhixi returned to the machinery factory. At noon, he saw Bai Fendou coming out of the workshop and called out to him.


    Bai Fendou asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Actually, there is something. Come here for a second.¡±


    The two of them stood in a corner, and from a distance, Zhou Qun saw them seemingly about to whisper something. He immediately moved closer, pressing himself against the wall nearby, ears perked up sharply. He found eavesdropping on other people''s business incredibly amusing.


    However, before he could hear anything, Zhuang Zhixi spotted him and rolled his eyes, saying, "Brother Qun, do you really have to do this?"


    Bai Fendou was even more displeased. "What¡¯s the matter, Zhou Qun? Are you looking for a fight? Picking a fight with me? Bai Fendou doesn¡¯t hold back, you know."


    Zhou Qun felt awkward but still tried to justify himself. "I just saw you two acting sneaky and got curious. If you don¡¯t want me to listen, fine, I won¡¯t."


    Bai Fendou snapped, "Get lost."


    Zhou Qun was reluctant to leave, really wanting to hear what they were talking about. But seeing Bai Fendou¡¯s firm stance, he had no choice but to walk away, glancing back every few steps.


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    This guy was just ridiculous. What was he even doing?


    Bai Fendou asked, "What did you want to talk to me about?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I saw Fan Jianguo today¡ªyour wife¡¯s ex-husband."


    Bai Fendou immediately flared up. "You saw him? Where? Is he harassing He Lan? I¡¯ll kill him!"


    He was instantly furious.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Hold on, I haven¡¯t even finished speaking. Why are you so impulsive? I saw him with a woman at the department store. They seemed close. Since I saw it, I thought I should let you know."


    Bai Fendou frowned. "He was with a woman?"


    "Yes."


    Bai Fendou fell silent for a moment, then adopted a more respectful tone. "Xiao Zhuang, I¡¯m not the sharpest tool in the shed. Help me figure out how to teach that old scoundrel a lesson."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. "You¡¯re changing your attitude pretty fast."


    Bai Fendou chuckled awkwardly. "I¡¯ve always been polite to you."


    Ever since Zhuang Zhixi had given him some advice last time, Bai Fendou had genuinely tried to be respectful. Mainly, he was also afraid of Zhuang Zhixi scheming against him. After all, hadn¡¯t Chen Yuan still not returned to live here? He was clearly determined to avoid Bai Fendou.


    It was... really convenient!


    But it also showed that Zhuang Zhixi was someone to be reckoned with.


    Bai Fendou put on a smile and said cautiously, "Can you help me come up with a plan? You know how much my wife, He Lan, suffered at their hands. If I don¡¯t get some revenge for her, I¡¯ll feel terrible."


    He added, "It¡¯s not about scheming, though. It¡¯s about justice. You don¡¯t know this, but the Fan family actually benefited a lot from He Lan¡¯s family."


    Bai Fendou hadn¡¯t known this when they first got married, but He Lan had later told him about some of the past events. It was only after hearing this that Bai Fendou became so angry.


    This spineless freeloader had actually bullied He Lan like this. It was truly intolerable!


    He continued, "That scoundrel¡¯s family received a lot of help from He Lan¡¯s family back in the day. Even Fan Jianguo¡¯s military career was thanks to He Lan¡¯s father. But after marrying He Lan, he let his family mistreat her and even took her dowry. When they couldn¡¯t squeeze anything more out of her, they kicked her out. He Lan said if she hadn¡¯t divorced him, that family would have killed her. How terrifying! How can a family be so vicious? They¡¯re like scorpions."


    Bai Fendou was seething. He had never encountered anything so despicable.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Does He Lan know you want to teach him a lesson?"


    Bai Fendou shook his head. "No, but I¡¯m her husband. If I don¡¯t stand up for her now, when will I? Tell me, what kind of woman was he with?"


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and said, "The woman was in her twenties, with shoulder-length hair tied into two small braids. She was average-looking, a bit tanned, not particularly attractive, with a flat nose and a petite figure. Her clothes were expensive, though. I¡¯ve seen that dress before¡ªMing Mei wanted to buy it but didn¡¯t. It cost over thirty yuan."


    Bai Fendou clenched his fists. "That bastard always goes for women with good conditions. I think he¡¯s just rotten to the core."


    He suggested, "What if I pretend to be a heartless man and cause a scene with him? Like what happened with Chen Yuan, making people think he¡¯s into men. Ruin his reputation and mess things up for him."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave him a look. "No, that¡¯s not a good idea."


    He explained, "First of all, the reason you and Chen Yuan could make a scene was because you already had several conflicts before, and you even bit each other during fights. That¡¯s how you could connect it. But how would you connect it with Fan Jianguo? Besides, any strategy only works once. If you use it multiple times, it loses its effect. If you try it a second time, people might even start doubting the first incident was your doing too. You don¡¯t want Chen Yuan turning around and biting you back, do you? Also, Fan Jianguo is a soldier. If he decides to retaliate, it could cause you a lot of trouble. Even He Lan would be affected. Her family background isn¡¯t great."


    Bai Fendou sighed in frustration. "So we just let it go?"


    He was truly unwilling. "How can this be?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let me think about it."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes lit up. "Xiao Zhuang, I knew you were the smartest and most resourceful. You have to help me. I always knew you were a good person..."


    Zhuang Zhixi shot him a glance. "Don¡¯t flatter me. I¡¯ll think about it, but I can¡¯t guarantee I¡¯ll come up with anything. You should understand¡ªthis isn¡¯t simple. Fan Jianguo¡¯s status makes it difficult to act recklessly. I really can¡¯t think of a good plan right now."


    Bai Fendou sighed again. "I know, but I just can¡¯t let it go."


    He grumbled, "That family is just too evil."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "I know."


    Bai Fendou added, "If you can¡¯t think of anything, maybe you could ask Zhao Guihua for advice. I think she¡¯s really capable."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave him a sidelong glance. "Do you think my mom is someone just anyone can ask for help?"


    Bai Fendou chuckled awkwardly. "Come on, don¡¯t be like that. We¡¯re neighbors, after all. Seriously, your mom is amazing! The way she slaps people¡ªI can almost feel the pain just watching. By the way, has your sister-in-law¡¯s family been quiet lately?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "They¡¯ve settled down."


    Some people were just troublemakers. They had been perfectly fine before, but they insisted on stirring up trouble. After getting beaten up, they suddenly became quiet. It was as if they had no ability to resist at all. If they didn¡¯t have the ability, why did they even start in the first place?


    It was ridiculous!


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "My sister-in-law¡¯s family is different from the Fan family you¡¯re talking about."


    Bai Fendou nodded. "I know, I know. Can you put in a good word with your mom for me? Help me think of something. I really think Zhao Guihua is both clever and tough. Honestly, how come you and your siblings didn¡¯t inherit even a tenth of her abilities?"


    Bai Fendou looked at Zhuang Zhixi with regret. Zhuang Zhixi smirked and said, "Have you forgotten who helped you deal with Chen Yuan?"


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    He quickly said, "It was you! You¡¯re even more capable than your siblings."


    Zhuang Zhixi snorted and walked away, not bothering to engage further. Bai Fendou didn¡¯t press him, giving Zhuang Zhixi some time to think. They arrived at the cafeteria shortly after each other. By this time, it was late, so there wasn¡¯t much of a line, but there also wasn¡¯t much food left.


    Zhuang Zhixi ordered, "One steamed bun and a serving of shredded potatoes."


    He carried his tray to a seat and had just sat down when a woman took the seat across from him. It was Tao Yuyue.


    Tao Yuyue sat down opposite Zhuang Zhixi, who looked up and asked, "You¡¯re not eating with your husband? Is there something you need?"


    Tao Yuyue replied, "I saw you talking with Bai Fendou earlier."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Yes, I was."


    Tao Yuyue frowned slightly. "Bai Fendou is no good. He¡¯s into men, always eyeing other guys. If you hang around him, it won¡¯t do your reputation any favors."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at her, puzzled. "What does that have to do with you? You¡¯re meddling a bit too much, don¡¯t you think? Besides, we¡¯re neighbors. What¡¯s wrong with chatting? You should focus on your own affairs."


    Tao Yuyue''s expression darkened as she said, "I was trying to be kind, but you''re really like a dog biting L¨¹ Dongbin¡ªyou can''t tell good intentions from bad. If it weren''t for your decent relationship with my aunt, I wouldn''t have come to remind you of these things."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and replied, "I think you''re overstepping a bit by saying this to me. I walk the straight and narrow, so I have nothing to worry about. As for you, we''re not really that close. You really don''t need to bring up all this unnecessary stuff with me."


    He seemed to smile briefly but quickly composed himself and lowered his head to focus on his meal.


    Tao Yuyue hadn''t expected Zhuang Zhixi to be so dismissive of her. She took a deep breath and said, "Bai Fendou was transferred to the workshop because of my father-in-law."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. "Oh, your father-in-law must really like Bai Fendou. How kind of him to help him with a job transfer. What a great guy!"


    Tao Yuyue bit her lip and said, "My father-in-law doesn''t want Chen Yuan to run into Bai Fendou every time he goes to the bathroom. He''s afraid Bai Fendou might harass Chen Yuan."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at her, puzzled. "Why are you telling me all this? What does it have to do with me? At the end of the day, you''re just my neighbor. I enjoy hearing gossip, but please don''t beat around the bush. I might not understand what you''re hinting at."


    Tao Yuyue took another deep breath, feeling that Zhuang Zhixi was really getting on her nerves. How could he not give her any face? The men in their factory would never treat her like this. After all, she was the factory''s beauty queen.


    Finally, she got straight to the point. "I just wanted to let you know that my father-in-law is the logistics director. He has influence, and if he wants Bai Fendou moved to the workshop, Bai Fendou has to go."


    Zhuang Zhixi was momentarily speechless. He looked at Tao Yuyue, feeling utterly confused.


    This family''s way of thinking was truly bizarre.


    They always did things like this!


    He almost envied Bai Fendou for having to deal with them.


    If it were him, maybe he''d have gotten a promotion by now.


    He chuckled to himself at the thought.


    Tao Yuyue continued, "I want you to keep an eye on Bai Fendou for us."


    She lifted her chin and said, "I don''t want anyone harassing my husband. Since you don''t seem to care about your reputation, I hope you can secretly monitor Bai Fendou and report his movements to me. If you help me with this, I might put in a good word for you with my father-in-law. I''m sure you''d like a promotion, and it''s not impossible."


    At this point, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh. He said sincerely, "Did you discuss this with your elders before coming to me?"


    He raised an eyebrow and added, "Why should I listen to you?"


    "I can help you get promoted."


    Zhuang Zhixi tapped the table and said with a smile, "Get this straight¡ªI work in the publicity department. How is the logistics director going to help me get promoted? Promote me to janitor so I can clean toilets? Tao Yuyue, we''re really not that close. I''m not interested in your affairs, and I won''t be your spy. I don''t know what made you think it was a good idea to sit here and talk nonsense with me, but I find it quite boring."


    Zhuang Zhixi finally stood up and said, "This is just ridiculous."


    He had finished his meal and packed up his lunchbox to leave.


    Tao Yuyue watched Zhuang Zhixi walk away, her face flushed with anger. She clenched her fists tightly, feeling that her life had become increasingly unbearable. When she first joined the factory, everyone had flattered her and treated her like a queen.


    But now that she was married, even though her job had become permanent and her living conditions had improved, she wasn''t as happy as before. She enjoyed being admired, but since her marriage, all her admirers had disappeared.


    The worst part was that she had made the wrong choice.


    She had chosen Chen Yuan, but Chen Yuan wasn''t a good man. He was completely different before and after marriage. While many men change after marriage, Chen Yuan''s transformation was extreme.


    Before marriage, he was like a loyal dog, doing whatever she asked without question.


    But now, he was quick to raise his hand against her. When they lived in the courtyard, she could fight back. But now that they lived with his parents, she couldn''t. If she dared to retaliate, her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law would gang up on her.


    Living with the elderly also brought many conflicts.


    She finally understood why Chen Yuan''s mother didn''t get along with his grandmother. The old woman was disgusting¡ªshe would wipe her snot on the windowsill and handle food without washing her hands after using the bathroom.


    And Chen Yuan''s mother was no better. She acted like a boss at home, calling her son "my treasure" while treating her daughter-in-law like a servant, assigning her endless chores.


    Tao Yuyue was overwhelmed. She had washed the clothes, but her mother-in-law criticized her for not doing it well enough and made her wash them again.


    She felt like she was on the verge of a breakdown. How had she ended up with such a family? To make matters worse, because they hadn''t conceived after more than half a year of marriage, the whole family now suspected she was infertile and treated her with disdain.


    Tao Yuyue was under immense pressure. But wasn''t it possible that Chen Yuan was the problem?


    She knew that Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu had been married for over a decade before having a child. These things took time, and sometimes it was just a matter of fate. But the Chen family didn''t see it that way. They were convinced she was the issue and had started forcing her to take medicine.


    Tao Yuyue felt wronged. Chen Yuan didn''t spend much time with her, so of course, getting pregnant wasn''t easy.


    Now she suspected that Bai Fendou''s supposed crush on Chen Yuan was nonsense, but Chen Yuan''s feelings for Bai Fendou might be real. Otherwise, why would a newlywed couple only be intimate three times a week? That was clearly not enough!


    Chen Yuan must have a problem.


    She was convinced that Chen Yuan liked Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou had been right¡ªChen Yuan wasn''t the type to hold grudges easily, so why was he so fixated on Bai Fendou? It must be because he had feelings for him.


    She decided to keep an eye on Chen Yuan herself.


    Then she would find someone to monitor Bai Fendou. If she caught the two of them together, she could use it as leverage against Chen Yuan. With such a scandal, the Chen family would have no choice but to let her take charge.


    Her plan sounded good, but it failed at the first step.


    She had chosen Zhuang Zhixi to spy on Bai Fendou because he seemed clever and they didn''t have any obvious history of conflict. It wouldn''t seem strange for him to keep an eye on Bai Fendou.


    If she had chosen Zhou Qun, it would have been different¡ªZhou Qun and Bai Fendou had a history of bad blood.


    There was also Yang Lixin. They lived in the same courtyard, and he seemed to have some unresolved issues with Bai Fendou. She had seen them exchanging hostile glances.


    That wouldn''t work. If someone with a grudge against Bai Fendou were to spy on him, Bai Fendou would be on guard. But Zhuang Zhixi was different. He seemed to get along with everyone...


    Little did Tao Yuyue know, Zhuang Zhixi also had a history with Bai Fendou, but she was unaware of it. Moreover, Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t the type to let his emotions show.


    Although he had been angry at first, over time, he had stopped paying attention to Bai Fendou''s antics.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t give Tao Yuyue what she wanted, and she was furious. She muttered, "Useless. My aunt thought you were a decent person, but you won''t even help me with this."


    Of course, her claim that her father-in-law could help him get promoted was just a lie to manipulate him into helping. She hadn''t meant it.


    But his refusal to help was his fault.


    Tao Yuyue pursed her lips, deeply unhappy.


    She felt a headache coming on. She could find someone else to spy on Bai Fendou... but who?


    After much thought, Zhuang Zhixi was still the best choice, but he wouldn''t cooperate!


    Tao Yuyue didn''t get what she wanted. She looked down at her food, her appetite completely gone.


    In short, she was deeply frustrated.


    Tao Yuyue decided to stop eating, flipped her lunchbox shut, and got up to head to Director Chen''s office. In this household, her father-in-law was the only decent person. Whenever she felt wronged, she would go to him to vent.


    It had to be said, he was far better than his son¡ªwitty, charming, and with a strong sense of justice. He always stood up for her and had impeccable character.


    She went straight to his office, not caring about any awkwardness. After all, her grievances needed to be aired.


    Director Chen had planned to take a nap during lunch, but unexpectedly, his daughter-in-law showed up. He let her in and asked, "What brings you here? Is something wrong?"


    Tao Yuyue immediately burst into tears. "Dad, you have to help me. I suspect Chen Yuan likes Bai Fendou..."


    Director Chen: "..."


    Was this topic never going to end?


    Tao Yuyue: "I didn¡¯t want to bother you, but Chen Yuan won¡¯t sleep with me..."


    Director Chen: "..."


    Was this really something she should be telling him?


    He sighed and said, "Sit down and talk. Stop crying."


    Tao Yuyue: "Only three times a week? Is that even normal??"


    Director Chen: "..."


    That was perfectly normal!!!!!!


    Tao Yuyue: "Dad, please think of a solution for me."


    Director Chen: "You really don¡¯t need to worry about Chen Yuan. He¡¯s definitely not interested in men. And as for Bai Fendou, that¡¯s impossible too..."


    Tao Yuyue: "But Dad, we can¡¯t stay here forever. Living together like this just causes more friction. You know how Chen Yuan is always getting physical, and Mom and Grandma are always mean to me. It¡¯s so hard for me~ We¡¯ll have to go home eventually, and the thought of living in the same compound makes me uneasy."


    Director Chen: "How about... I see if anyone wants to swap houses? That way, you can move out and live on your own."


    Hearing this, Tao Yuyue said, "I want to move into an apartment."


    Seeing Director Chen¡¯s expression, she pouted pitifully. "I know my request is a bit much, but living in a courtyard house is such a hassle. There¡¯s no bathroom inside. In the winter, I have to go out to the public toilet in the middle of the night. It¡¯s so far, and Chen Yuan never accompanies me. You know how he is¡ªhe never takes care of me..."


    She leaned against Director Chen, sobbing. "Please help me."


    Director Chen took a step back and said, "Alright, I¡¯ll try to see if anyone living in an apartment wants to swap. But the chances are slim."


    Tao Yuyue: "You¡¯re so capable, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll figure something out. Please help us."


    Director Chen: "Alright, I¡¯ll do my best. You should go back now."


    Tao Yuyue bit her lip, tears glistening in her eyes. "Fine."


    She looked up at Director Chen with a pitiful gaze and said, "I¡¯m counting on you. I can¡¯t rely on Chen Yuan. You have to help me."


    Seeing her pitiful expression, Director Chen nodded solemnly. "Don¡¯t worry."


    Tao Yuyue walked out the door, wiped her tears, and smirked coldly before leaving.


    That¡¯s more like it!


    A little cry, and she got what she wanted. She knew her father-in-law couldn¡¯t do anything to her. She had no problem acting spoiled if it meant getting her way. Honestly, Chen Yuan wasn¡¯t even a fraction as capable as his father.


    What a useless man.


    As Tao Yuyue left, she didn¡¯t notice Zhuang Zhixi standing in the corner of the hallway, utterly stunned.


    Well, this wasn¡¯t what he expected! It wasn¡¯t like he wanted to eavesdrop or spy, but he happened to have a document to deliver to the logistics office.


    And it just so happened to be during lunch break on a hot summer day when everyone was napping.


    He was the only one running late and got roped into this errand before he could even rest.


    But... what on earth was all this?!


    Just as he was about to knock on the door, he saw Tao Yuyue go in, followed by the sound of sobbing...


    And honestly, how could the office of the logistics director have such poor soundproofing? He could hear everything!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He had truly witnessed something extraordinary.


    He had seen Tao Yuyue¡¯s tactics and her ability to switch emotions in an instant.


    Women, thy name is complexity!


    And he couldn¡¯t help but wonder why he always ended up in these situations!


    Why!


    Always!


    Was he destined to be silenced one day?


    What a headache!

 Chapter 149

    Zhuang Zhixi took a bite of the spoiled melon, and on his way home from work, he felt an overwhelming urge to return quickly.


    Really, knowing something but not being able to talk about it was too stifling. Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t wait to get home. At this moment, only going home to chat with his wife while cracking sunflower seeds could help him vent properly.


    He strolled home, but Ming Mei hadn''t returned from work yet. He sighed, "Why isn''t my wife back yet?"


    Zhao Guihua and the others had already dispersed, each heading home to cook. She glanced at her son and said, "Her workplace is farther than yours. Meanwhile, how come you''re back so early?"


    Even though three members of the Zhuang family worked at the same factory, they rarely commuted together. They usually went their separate ways. However, Zhuang Zhixi was almost always the first to return. She gave him another look and said, "Judging by your expression, did you find out something again?"


    Indeed, a mother knows her son best.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, picked up his son, and gave him a big kiss. Then, without missing a beat, he kissed Little Yuanyuan too, saying, "You really know me well."


    Zhao Guihua snorted, "Stop pretending. We all know each other too well."


    Seeing that no one else was around, Zhuang Zhixi leaned closer to his mother and whispered a few things. He couldn''t say these things openly, but he trusted his mother and his wife completely. He mumbled on, and Zhao Guihua''s brows furrowed as she listened, shaking her head in disbelief. It was all quite disturbing.


    What kind of mess was this?


    She said, "Really..."


    For a moment, she couldn''t find the right words to describe it, but she straightforwardly added, "Tao Yuyue is really something."


    She had initially thought Tao Yuyue was just a slightly vain young girl, but now it seemed that appearances could be deceiving. However, in her previous life, she hadn''t heard any rumors about Director Chen being involved in any scandals. Of course, her previous life and this life were entirely different. Just because nothing happened last time didn''t mean it wouldn''t happen this time.


    She didn''t dare to use her past experiences to judge the present.


    A small butterfly effect could change everything.


    She said, "Stay out of their business. It''s too disgusting."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "What do I care? They''re them, and I''m me. We have no connection. Why would I meddle in their affairs?"


    He remained calm and composed, "Besides, who am I to get involved in their matters? Oh, by the way, Mom, Bai Fendou approached me today. He wants to get back at the Fan family and asked me for advice. I thought about it, and it''s really not easy to do anything. Can you help me think about it?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "You just said you wouldn''t meddle in other people''s affairs. Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue are others, and Bai Fendou is also someone else."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I know that. Honestly, my impression of Bai Fendou is just average, but he came to me for help. Whether it works out or not, I owe him an answer. Besides, that family is really despicable. You see, I still have a sense of justice, don''t I?"


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes at him. Truth be told, if anyone had a stronger sense of justice, it was Zhao Guihua, not her son Zhuang Zhixi. However, the matter with Fan Jianguo was tricky to handle.


    They could expose the family for abusing women and children and coveting their wife''s dowry, but doing so would inevitably implicate He Lan. Although they hadn''t known He Lan for long, Zhao Guihua could tell she was a pitiful girl. She didn''t want to drag He Lan into this mess.


    Moreover, even if they exposed the matter, the outcome might not be significant. First, there was the issue of evidence. Second, all these actions were carried out by the Fan family, and Fan Jianguo could easily claim ignorance. Given He Lan''s questionable background, Fan Jianguo might even gain a good reputation by cutting ties with someone deemed ideologically backward. It could ironically turn into a positive for him. If Fan Jianguo''s superiors were protective of him, this matter might not affect him at all and could even work in his favor.


    Of course, they could also expose the fact that the Fan family had certain possessions, but the origin of those items would again involve He Lan. No matter how they approached it, He Lan was always at the center of the problem, making it the most challenging aspect. The situation was manageable, but Zhao Guihua wanted He Lan to come out unscathed.


    She said, "I need to think about this."


    In reality, most people looked down on those with questionable backgrounds. The reason He Lan lived peacefully in the compound was because Bai Fendou''s antics were so absurd that everyone was too exasperated with him to pay attention to He Lan. Plus, Bai Fendou always drew attention to himself, making He Lan less noticeable. No one had ever discussed He Lan''s situation.


    If this were outside the compound, He Lan would have faced discrimination.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t judge people based on outdated views. She didn''t evaluate whether He Lan''s family was good or bad, but she could see that He Lan was inexperienced in the ways of the world. Therefore, she had a decent impression of her. She said, "Alright, we need to think more about this. Don''t mention it to others... Wait, did you say you saw Fan Jianguo taking a woman to the department store?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yes, I saw it."


    He thought carefully and added, "The woman was very close to him."


    Zhao Guihua said meaningfully, "Could he be planning to remarry? Maybe they went to the city to buy wedding items?"


    It wasn''t unreasonable for Zhao Guihua to think this way. Generally, social norms were quite strict at the time, but according to Zhuang Zhixi, they were very intimate. If they dared to act so boldly, they must be planning to marry, right? Otherwise, why would they be so open?


    Zhuang Zhixi thought about it and said, "That''s possible."


    He added, "If they''re getting married, that''s quite interesting."


    Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t considered this earlier, but now that he thought about it, he chuckled, "How can someone like him dare to get married again? Isn''t he just harming the girl?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "He..."


    "What are you two whispering about? Keep it down." Old Man Zhuang entered, accompanied by Liang Meifen. Liang Meifen quickly stepped forward and said, "Mom, let me handle it."


    She took over the tasks Zhao Guihua was doing. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua was relieved to let go. She pushed the two children to the doorway, and sure enough, the little ones were delighted. No child disliked going out to play¡ªnone! Zhao Guihua pushed the stroller under the eaves, and the two children watched the hens clucking away.


    They babbled incoherently, not saying anything intelligible.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and coaxed the children, "These are hens. They lay eggs."


    Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan, though small, knew what eggs were. Little Yuanyuan started drooling, opening her little mouth wide and saying, "Ah~."


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but laugh, "I''m not giving you eggs to eat. The hens lay eggs, lots of eggs, for you to eat."


    The two children began smacking their lips.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Good babies! We''ll eat eggs tomorrow, okay?"


    She poked their chubby little chins and said, "Wait a bit. When your mom comes home, you can eat."


    Little Tuantuan made a fuss, babbling loudly, while Little Yuanyuan, not getting what she wanted, pouted her little face and started mumbling, as if she was a little angry. Zhao Guihua couldn''t resist poking the little girl again, saying, "You little girl, always thinking about food."


    Little Yuanyuan wriggled cutely, giving her grandma a big smile. Zhao Guihua praised her, "So good!"


    Little Yuanyuan pointed at the hen, let out a little "ah," smacked her lips, and stretched out her tiny hand, making a grabbing motion. Zhao Guihua laughed, "Do you want to catch it and eat it?"


    At the mention of eating, Little Yuanyuan''s eyes widened, staring intently at her grandma.


    Though the twins were still young, they had a sense of certain words, like "eat," which was very important to them. Her big, watery eyes locked onto her grandma. Zhao Guihua said, "When our Little Yuanyuan grows up, we''ll cook a chicken for you, okay?"


    Yuanyuan started smacking her lips again.


    By this point, Zhao Guihua had completely forgotten about the Fan family matter she had been discussing with her son. Her focus was entirely on her precious Little Yuanyuan. Meanwhile, Little Tuantuan, seeing his grandma paying so much attention to Yuanyuan, started babbling to get her attention.


    Zhao Guihua laughed and poked his chubby little arm, saying, "What is it, Tuantuan? Do you want to eat too?"


    "Eat what?"


    A crisp voice rang out, signaling Ming Mei''s return. She pushed her bicycle through the gate, and her two little children, always especially affectionate toward their mother, immediately began babbling and stretching out their arms, like little sparrows eager to flutter onto her. Ming Mei, delighted by their actions, exclaimed, "My babies love me the most!"


    Zhao Guihua glanced over, and Ming Mei quickly added, "Of course, they also love Grandma the most. Grandma dotes on them so much!"


    She approached with a cheerful grin, pulling a bottle of "Da Youyi" (a popular brand of lotion) from her satchel and handing it to Zhao Guihua. "Mom, this is for you."


    Zhao Guihua''s bottle on the shelf was nearly empty, and she had been thinking about finding time to buy a new one. She hadn¡¯t expected Ming Mei to bring one. No wonder Liang Meifen often said Ming Mei knew how to flatter¡ªshe really was a perceptive young woman.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "How much did this cost?"


    Ming Mei immediately straightened her expression. "Mom, if you¡¯re going to talk about money, I¡¯ll be hurt. We¡¯re family¡ªwhy should we keep track of such things? You work so hard taking care of the kids all day. What¡¯s a small gift like this compared to that?"


    She nudged Zhao Guihua playfully and continued, "I know how much you¡¯ve been doing, Mom. I know a bottle of lotion isn¡¯t much, but it¡¯s a small token of my appreciation as your daughter-in-law."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. "Alright, I¡¯ll take it then."


    Though they were in the courtyard, it was summer, and the doors and windows were wide open. Liang Meifen, who was cooking, could easily see and hear them from where she stood. She thought back to her own past and realized she had never done anything like this. No wonder she wasn¡¯t as well-liked as Ming Mei.


    Back then, whatever little money she had was taken by her younger brother. Looking back now, she felt like such a fool. No matter how much she gave, it never earned her that scoundrel¡¯s genuine gratitude.


    Why had she even bothered?


    She had really lost out.


    Still, she wondered how her brother was doing after the beating he had received. Her parents¡¯ home had been thoroughly ransacked by Zhuang Zhiyuan, and many of their belongings had been smashed. She wasn¡¯t sure what the situation was like there now. She pursed her lips, considering whether to go back and check, but after a moment¡¯s thought, she firmly decided against it.


    They probably weren¡¯t in any real danger, and she wasn¡¯t about to go back just to be their punching bag. Her parents might be weak when it came to outsiders, but they were experts at taking their frustrations out on their own family.


    Liang Meifen was lost in thought when Zhuang Zhixi called out, "Sister-in-law, if you don¡¯t take the food off the stove soon, it¡¯s going to burn."


    Liang Meifen snapped out of it. "Oh, right, right."


    The last one to return home was Zhuang Zhiyuan, who came in with a spring in his step. As soon as he entered, he announced cheerfully, "Mom, they¡¯re starting to register for housing allocation at my workplace!"


    Zhao Guihua was taken aback. "Housing allocation?"


    This was happening earlier than she remembered from her previous life.


    "Tell us more. What¡¯s going on?"


    "Yeah, explain it to us."


    The family quickly gathered for dinner, but the main topic of conversation was the housing news. Even Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan, who were usually whisked away, were left at the table, babbling and staring at the food like little gluttons.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t even bother washing his hands before diving into the topic. "As you know, our unit hasn¡¯t allocated housing in years, so many people are really struggling with living space. Everyone¡¯s been pestering the leadership about it, and finally, there¡¯s some good news. Our unit has swapped some properties with another unit, and they¡¯re going to allocate them to employees who¡¯ve been waiting a long time."


    Zhao Guihua quickly asked, "Where are these houses located?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chimed in, "Mostly around..."


    When Zhao Guihua heard the location, she realized it was the same place as in her previous life. Her enthusiasm waned a bit. It sounded good¡ªby modern standards, it was within the second ring road. But as of 2022, the area hadn¡¯t been redeveloped, and there were no private indoor bathrooms. You had to go to the end of the hallway to use the toilet. Sure, it was better than their current hutong, but it couldn¡¯t compare to other apartment buildings.


    The buildings were decades old, and anyone with a decent income wouldn¡¯t choose to live there.


    Sure, being inside the second ring road was great, but without redevelopment, the place was barely livable. Forget about Zhuang Zhiyuan¡ªeven Hutou¡¯s generation might not benefit from it. As locals, they had better options.


    "Mom, I¡¯ve checked, and there¡¯s a good chance I¡¯ll get allocated a place. If I do, we can finally improve our living conditions. Just thinking about it makes me so happy. How did we get so lucky?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan had no idea what Zhao Guihua was thinking. He was simply overjoyed.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "So you¡¯ve already signed up?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded. "Of course! I think my chances are pretty good. My rank and seniority meet the requirements."


    He grew even more excited. "Now it¡¯s just a matter of which floor I get. I¡¯m hoping it¡¯s not too high up. Moving things in the winter would be a hassle otherwise." He often traveled for work, so his wife would have to handle things at home. A lower floor would be more convenient.


    He was already thinking about these little details.


    Zhao Guihua remained silent, and Old Man Zhuang noticed her lack of enthusiasm. He glanced at her, puzzled. Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s potential housing allocation was a big deal, and even Zhuang Zhixi was happy for his brother. Having a place of their own was incredibly important.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought the same way. Right now, his children were still young, but as they grew older, they¡¯d need their own space. They couldn¡¯t all stay crammed in one room forever.


    The kids might get used to it, but he and his wife certainly wouldn¡¯t. How were they supposed to have any privacy?


    So Zhuang Zhixi also thought this was great news. Only Zhao Guihua knew that the allocated housing wasn¡¯t all that great. Perhaps because she didn¡¯t say much, Old Man Zhuang tried to comfort her later that evening when they were alone.


    "The kids are growing up, and it¡¯s natural for them to move out. I know you don¡¯t want them to leave, but this is a rare opportunity, and they¡¯re really happy about it. Why do you look so serious?"


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s mouth twitched. "It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want them to leave. It¡¯s just that the housing they¡¯re allocating isn¡¯t that great."


    See? He¡¯d misunderstood.


    She wasn¡¯t one of those mothers who wanted to keep her children close forever. If they could gain something, she¡¯d be happy for them. It was just that, based on her past life, this housing felt like a consolation prize, which was why she hadn¡¯t said much.


    "Even if it¡¯s not the best, it¡¯s still an apartment! It¡¯s better than our courtyard house. I think you¡¯re just reluctant to see them move out and too stubborn to admit it."


    Zhao Guihua was speechless.


    Stubborn?


    She wanted to say that their courtyard house was worth far more. But then she remembered that, at this time, no one wanted to live in courtyard houses. Even in the 1980s, they weren¡¯t popular. It wasn¡¯t until the 1990s that their value became apparent.


    Still, in terms of comfort, the apartments were better in the early years.


    Zhao Guihua fell silent for a moment, then suddenly relaxed.


    Yes, she knew the housing wasn¡¯t great, which was why she felt it wasn¡¯t worth it. But for now, if her son really moved there, it wouldn¡¯t be so bad. Even if it wasn¡¯t a new place, they could live there for a few years and sell it after housing reforms.


    In her previous life, they had been too honest, which led to their later struggles.


    This time, she had been reborn. How could she not handle such a small matter?


    Zhao Guihua suddenly felt a sense of clarity. She asked Old Man Zhuang, "Do you prefer our courtyard house or an apartment?"


    Old Man Zhuang thought for a moment. "Apartments are nice, but I love our courtyard house. It¡¯s lively, and living in an apartment feels too detached. The neighbors are too far away. I like the bustling atmosphere here."


    Zhao Guihua smiled. "Then let¡¯s stay in our courtyard house and never move."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua thought back to her previous life. Back then, they had sold their house, but it had been a mistake. Who could have known how much its value would skyrocket? The reason she had been willing to sell and leave was because Old Man Zhuang had passed away in that courtyard house.


    It had been too painful to stay, so she had chosen to move on.


    But in this lifetime, she looked up at her husband and said, "We must grow old together. Neither of us can leave the other behind first."


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua added, "I¡¯ll secretly boil an egg for you to nourish yourself."


    Old Man Zhuang felt a bit embarrassed and said, "The kids should eat it. I¡¯m already this old..."


    Zhao Guihua insisted, "They¡¯ll have plenty of chances to eat eggs. But for us, at our age, we need to take care of ourselves. Especially you¡ªyour work is so exhausting."


    In his previous life, Old Man Zhuang didn¡¯t have any major illnesses, but he was worn down by overwork and poor nutrition, gradually burning out like a spent candle. During that time, the factory was rushing to meet deadlines, and he worked late into the night every day, only to rush back to work early the next morning.


    One day, he came home from work, hurried into the yard, and suddenly collapsed from a brain hemorrhage.


    He passed away quickly, without much suffering.


    But his sudden departure left his loved ones heartbroken. How could someone so healthy and well leave so abruptly?


    If he had been bedridden for a long time, the family might have been mentally prepared. But this was too sudden. Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t bear the pain. Reflecting on those events, she realized it could have been prevented.


    As people age, they shouldn¡¯t push themselves too hard.


    In this lifetime, she was determined not to let such a tragedy happen again.


    Although their family¡¯s income wasn¡¯t as high as Jiang Lu and Zhou Qun¡¯s, their household undoubtedly ate the best in the entire compound. Zhao Guihua believed that instead of saving money, it was better to spend it on good food to nourish their bodies. She shifted closer to Old Man Zhuang and said, "We can¡¯t keep sacrificing everything for the children and not think about ourselves. We¡¯re each other¡¯s companions in old age."


    Old Man Zhuang smiled happily and said, "I understand."


    The next morning, during breakfast, Zhao Guihua brought up the topic with Zhuang Zhiyuan, "When you get assigned a house this time, you¡¯ll probably only get one room, right?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "Normally, I should get around 30 to 40 square meters."


    Even in the 1970s, housing in the capital was tight.


    Zhao Guihua said, "If the space is too small, let Hutou and Xiao Yanzi stay in the compound, and you and your wife can move into the new place. Of course, if you prefer to take the kids with you, that¡¯s fine too. I don¡¯t mind not babysitting for you."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was immediately delighted, thinking his mother was just being coy, "Thanks, Mom."


    He didn¡¯t know what the situation would actually be like, but he was still happy to hear her say that.


    He added, "This is just the beginning. We¡¯ll have to wait and see."


    Zhao Guihua nodded. House assignments weren¡¯t something that happened overnight.


    With such good news, Zhuang Zhiyuan was practically floating as he went about his morning routine, a smile plastered on his face. Liang Meifen shared his joy¡ªshe had been waiting for this moment for so long. In contrast, their children, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, were oblivious to the excitement.


    The kids didn¡¯t understand these adult matters. It was summer break, and they were busy running around and playing.


    It was Sunday, and the compound was quiet, with most people sleeping in. Zhao Guihua and the others planned to go up the mountain. Ming Mei was thrilled, "I¡¯ll go with you!"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her, "What about the kids?"


    Ming Mei replied matter-of-factly, "Zhuang Zhixi can take care of them. It¡¯s the same."


    Zhuang Zhixi, who doted on his wife, chimed in, "That¡¯s right. I¡¯ll handle it. If the babies get hungry, I¡¯ll make them formula or steam some eggs."


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "Alright then."


    Liang Meifen quickly added, "I¡¯ll go too."


    She wasn¡¯t about to let Ming Mei take all the credit. As daughters-in-law, they were in competition, and Liang Meifen didn¡¯t want to fall further behind. Her mother-in-law was known to be a bit petty.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t mind, but Ming Mei had already put on long sleeves and wrapped her hair in a scarf.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Ming Mei explained, "I¡¯m fully armed, down to my teeth."


    The others: "..."


    Zhao Guihua said, "That¡¯s not a bad idea. Getting sunburned would ruin the trip."


    "Sunburned? Really?"


    "Of course! We¡¯re used to the sun, but young wives like her are different."


    "That makes sense."


    Soon, they set off. Zhao Guihua rode her own bicycle, while Ming Mei and Liang Meifen shared one. Aunt Wang gave Aunt Sui a ride, and the five women made quite a lively group.


    As they rode, Ming Mei remembered last year¡¯s fishing trip. But now, the pond was empty¡ªthey had practically fished it dry.


    Ming Mei remarked, "It hasn¡¯t rained much this year. If it did, we could¡¯ve picked some mushrooms."


    The weather was unpredictable. Last year had been rainy, but this year was dry.


    Because of last year¡¯s heavy rains, the canteen had rationed staple foods during the winter. Many people looked thinner, but their compound had been largely unaffected, thanks to Zhao Guihua¡¯s excellent management.


    Their family not only hadn¡¯t suffered but had actually eaten better than in previous years.


    It just showed how important a good head of the household was.


    When they reached the foot of the mountain, Ming Mei sighed, "This is my first time coming here this year."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Mine too."


    Last year, she had been up the mountain regularly, but this year, with two little ones to care for, it wasn¡¯t until now, in the middle of summer, that she finally had the chance. Still, thinking of her grandchildren, Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan, Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    There¡¯s something special about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.


    She thought they were much cuter than her own children had been at that age. Even Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were better than their father had been. It must be because she had raised them.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let¡¯s go up the mountain."


    As they climbed, Zhao Guihua noted, "There aren¡¯t many people on the mountain this year."


    Ming Mei replied, "It¡¯s too hot."


    Even though it was only mid-morning, the heat was already unbearable.


    Ming Mei suggested, "Should we check the pond on the mountain? Maybe there are some fish."


    "Sure."


    Even though they knew it was unlikely, the group¡¯s enthusiasm wasn¡¯t dampened. There were fewer people on the mountain, which meant more wild vegetables to pick. As they walked, they chatted. Aunt Wang, seeing that there were no outsiders around, whispered, "Did you hear? Something big happened in the Yu family."


    "The Yu family?"


    The others looked at her, confused.


    Aunt Wang clarified, "You know, the family of Yu Baoshan, the one who was struck by lightning last year."


    Yu Baoshan had died last year, but it felt like a long time ago, and everyone had almost forgotten. The Yu family was well-known in the neighborhood as a poor household. They had many mouths to feed, but only one person had a steady job. The rest worked odd jobs, and the family was constantly bickering. Yu Baoshan had been the favorite son, and his parents had doted on him, causing tension with the rest of the family.


    Now that Yu Baoshan was gone, the conflicts among the sisters-in-law had only grown worse.


    First, they fought over Yu Baoshan¡¯s job, only to have it taken away. Normally, a formal worker¡¯s job wouldn¡¯t be so easily revoked, but Yu Baoshan had caused so much trouble. He had even tried to harm others before being struck by lightning. His actions were so egregious that his job was forfeited.


    Then there was the matter of Yu Baoshan¡¯s room. The family¡¯s housing situation was already tight, with many sons and grandchildren. The sisters-in-law fought fiercely over who would get his room.


    Aunt Wang, as the compound manager, was well-informed about the neighborhood. She said, "Sometimes when I go to the neighborhood committee, I run into their manager. He¡¯s been really worried about them."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "So what¡¯s the latest news?"


    Aunt Wang replied, "Rumors are spreading in their compound that Yu Laosan¡¯s wife and Yu Laosi are having an affair. Yesterday, they even got into a fight over it."


    "Wow!"


    That kind of gossip was certainly scandalous.


    Ming Mei suddenly recalled the incident she encountered in the restroom the other night.


    Could it be the Yu family?


    Aunt Wang said, "Yu Laosan and Yu Laosi are twins, and they look alike. The Yu family isn''t well-off, so it''s hard for them to find partners. Yu Laosi is quite picky and has remained single. Truth be told, no one wants to marry into their family since there''s no place to live even if they did. The brother and sister-in-law got involved with each other, and at first, no one knew about it. After all, they look alike, and it''s normal for family members to swap clothes. So, people often saw Yu Laosan and his wife being all lovey-dovey, but then they''d also hear them fighting loudly at home. Back then, people used to say that the couple was sweet when they were happy but ruthless when they fought. But who would''ve thought that the sweet one wasn''t Yu Laosan at all? It was actually Yu Laosi. Outsiders couldn''t tell at a glance, but Yu Laosan knew the truth. He knew whether he had been affectionate with his wife outside or not. That''s why they ended up fighting at home."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    No doubt about it, the two people she encountered the other night were definitely them.


    She wondered why they weren''t at home but in the restroom. Now she understood¡ªthey dared to be loud and unrestrained because no one could tell them apart.


    Aunt Wang continued, "They would fight behind closed doors, but since we all live in the same compound, everyone could hear them. In fact, everyone knows about it now."


    Zhao Guihua clicked her tongue, "Tsk!"


    The others also gasped in shock.


    Liang Meifen grimaced, "What''s she even after?" Even if it was for the thrill of something new, they look exactly the same, so there''s nothing new about it. It''s just baffling.


    Ming Mei was equally confused and nodded in agreement, "It''s really baffling!"


    Zhao Guihua said, "...Well, it''s not entirely unexpected."


    "Not unexpected?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "If you live long enough, you''ll see all sorts of things."


    Everyone laughed, and Aunt Wang teased, "You make it sound like you''ve lived for centuries."


    She joked for a moment, then remembered something else and said, "The old couple in the Yu family isn''t exactly virtuous either. They''ve been badmouthing your family behind your back."


    Zhao Guihua frowned, "Our family? Why would they talk about us? We''re not even close."


    Aunt Wang explained, "Their son, Yu Baoshan, was struck by lightning while chasing your son, Zhuang Zhixi. They blame your family for it."


    It''s true that strange things happen every year, but this year seems especially full of them. There are even people who are this unreasonable. Aunt Wang added, "When Yu Baoshan first died, his family didn''t dare to make a fuss because his death was undignified. But now that some time has passed and the incident has faded, Old Lady Yu has slowly recovered. She''s been saying in the compound that her son Yu Baoshan was killed by your Zhuang Zhixi. If Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t run onto the wall, her son wouldn''t have been electrocuted and struck by lightning."


    Aunt Wang wasn''t just gossiping; she wanted Zhao Guihua to be aware of the situation.


    People who talk behind others'' backs might do anything.


    After all, everyone knows that Old Yu and his wife doted on their youngest son, Yu Baoshan.


    "Just be careful, that''s all."


    Hearing this, everyone became serious.


    Ming Mei hadn''t expected that the gossip she was listening to would end up involving her own family.


    She sneered and said, "That family really has no shame. Are we supposed to stand there and let them harm us? Not even allowed to run? What kind of logic is that? If they keep badmouthing our family, I''ll go straight to their door and ask them if they think they can bully us like this. Who was in the wrong back then? Do we even need to spell it out? We haven''t even gone after them, and now they want to come after us? Do they think I''m an easy target?"


    Ming Mei wasn''t the type to hold back.


    Aunt Wang said, "Their nonsense doesn''t hold any weight. Everyone knows the truth, and no one listens to them. But it''s still wise to be cautious. Who knows what that old woman might do if she goes crazy?"


    Zhao Guihua fell silent for a moment, then nodded slightly, "You''re right. My kids are still young, so we really need to be careful. But if she dares to say anything again, I''ll definitely confront her. I can''t let her twist the truth indefinitely. Over time, some people with muddled minds might start believing her and think we''re guilty of something."


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t the type to suffer in silence, and she certainly wouldn''t let her son endure such injustice.


    In her past life, her third son had been wrongfully accused once, and she didn''t want him to go through that again in this life. Of course, her son had a strong mind and wouldn''t be too affected by it, but as a mother, she couldn''t stand to see him suffer.


    Others might think of reincarnation as trendy and modern, and while she was part of that trend, she was still a person of the 2020s. No matter how modern she was, some things were deeply ingrained in her.


    She said, "She''d better not try to mess with my family."


    "Just keep an eye out."


    "I know what to do."


    Liang Meifen chimed in, "That family has enough problems of their own. If they dare to scheme against others, they shouldn''t think everyone is a pushover."


    Aunt Wang added, "The rest of the Yu family doesn''t care much about Yu Baoshan''s affairs. Besides, Yu Baoshan was struck by lightning while trying to harm someone¡ªeveryone says it was retribution. His brothers weren''t particularly close to him, and after his death, they only grew more resentful of him. It''s only the old couple who still harbor bitterness."


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Even if they have ill intentions, they don''t have the time to act on them now. Their family is in complete disarray."


    "That''s true."


    As they chatted about this and that, they didn''t stop picking vegetables. Ming Mei, on the other hand, was thinking that she needed to tell her husband about this as soon as she got home. It''s not the thief you need to fear, but the thief who''s always watching. Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi was at home taking care of their children. The two little ones seemed to know their dad was in charge and were acting up.


    Little Yuanyuan was whining, and while the two toddlers weren''t big criers, they weren''t exactly calm either. As soon as Yuanyuan started fussing, Little Tuantuan got anxious, flailing his little arms and legs.


    Seeing them whine, Zhuang Zhixi decided to make them some milk. The two little ones clung to their bottles, gulping down the milk noisily.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, "Didn''t you just eat this morning? How are you already hungry again?"


    Xiao Yanzi came over and chirped, "Uncle, babies need to eat several times a day. They''ll need an egg later too."


    As she said this, she swallowed hard, but she knew there wasn''t any for her. She got half an egg every morning, and she''d already eaten hers. The little girl giggled and ran off after her brother.


    Bai Fendou pushed his daughter, Qingqing, over, and they all gathered together.


    He Lan took advantage of Bai Fendou watching the kids to tidy up the house and do the laundry. He Lan used to be clueless about household chores, but years of marriage had taught her everything. She diligently washed the clothes.


    Bai Fendou, who used to be a slob, was now clean and tidy.


    It had to be said that He Lan was lucky to have Bai Fendou, and Bai Fendou was equally lucky to have He Lan.


    Bai Fendou watched his wife washing clothes intently and let out a chuckle. He never knew marriage could be this good. Coming home to a warm meal every day and having someone do his laundry¡ªthough Bai Fendou wasn''t lazy either. He''d even gone fishing recently to make sure He Lan got some nourishment.


    He gazed at his wife adoringly and said, "She''s the prettiest and hardest-working woman in our compound."


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes and retorted, "No way, my wife is."


    "She is."


    "No, she is."


    The two of them started arguing. Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had just stepped out, overheard this childish debate and decided to retreat back inside.


    Old Man Zhuang called out to him, "Let''s go fishing."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "Sure."


    Father and son didn''t waste any time and headed out.


    Bai Fendou cackled, "So you''re a full-time babysitter now, huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shot him a cold look.


    Bai Fendou added, "Oh, by the way, did you ask your mom for me?"


    When it came to this matter, Zhuang Zhixi also became serious. He spoke earnestly, "I did ask, but it''s really not easy to handle. We can''t think of a good solution right now. There are definitely ways, but I¡¯m afraid it might involve your family, especially He Lan. After all, we can¡¯t ruin the stable life we¡¯ve just built just for revenge, right? Don¡¯t you agree?"


    Bai Fendou nodded, "That¡¯s true."


    He sighed with melancholy. Why was revenge so difficult?


    Zhuang Zhixi speculated, "I think Fan Jianguo might be planning to remarry. Think about it, why else would he travel all the way to the city to buy things if it weren¡¯t for wedding preparations? Their town has everything they need."


    Their village wasn¡¯t like Wang Zizhen¡¯s, which was deep in the mountains. It was close to the city, so the town had plenty of supplies. Unless it was absolutely necessary, there was no reason to come all the way here. Hearing this, Bai Fendou grew even angrier. "What kind of person is he to deserve remarriage? His character is terrible! Marrying someone would just ruin that poor girl¡¯s life. She probably has no idea what kind of family she¡¯s marrying into. I should go and find out, then tell her the truth."


    Zhuang Zhixi scoffed, "Do you think she¡¯ll listen to you or Fan Jianguo? You¡¯re a stranger, and he¡¯s the man she likes. It¡¯s completely different."


    "What should I do then?"


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Even if you go and badmouth Fan Jianguo, she might just think you¡¯re jealous. Plus, look at your reputation¡ªfalling into a toilet, having questionable relationships with men, getting your... uh, injured, and getting involved with widows. With a reputation like that, why would anyone believe you?"


    He wasn¡¯t afraid of upsetting Bai Fendou. After all, Bai Fendou had done all those things himself.


    But as soon as Zhuang Zhixi finished speaking, he noticed Bai Fendou staring blankly.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Bai Fendou swallowed hard and said, "What if... I make Fan Jianguo fall into a toilet too?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Bai Fendou continued, "I could also... you know, kick him where it hurts."


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Whoa! Don¡¯t go kicking anyone! Your skills are only good for dealing with people like Chen Yuan and Zhou Qun. Who else can you handle?"


    "What about kicking him into the toilet?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was utterly speechless. "How are you going to do that? Even if you do something sneaky, you can¡¯t let anyone see it¡¯s you! Fan Jianguo was a soldier. He¡¯s got his guard up. Calm down and think carefully. But from the perspective of ruining Fan Jianguo¡¯s reputation, your idea isn¡¯t entirely wrong."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s eyes lit up. "It¡¯s not wrong? Then help me refine it. Even if I can¡¯t deal with him right away, I still want to vent my anger."


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, "I think you should gather more detailed information about him. The whole remarriage thing is just speculation. You need to confirm it first."


    Bai Fendou said, "I¡¯ll ask Yang Lixin."


    "Yang Lixin won¡¯t be of any help. He hasn¡¯t been back to his hometown since he left last time. He probably doesn¡¯t know anything. If you really want to find out, don¡¯t rely on others. The fewer people who know, the better. You should disguise yourself and go to his village to investigate. Once you have the facts, we can plan the next step."


    Bai Fendou nodded vigorously.


    He thought Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s advice made sense and immediately decided to disguise himself and go check it out. He was the type of person who acted on impulse.


    He said, "If he¡¯s planning to remarry, that makes sense. Back then, he wanted to drive He Lan away because he was flirting with some leader¡¯s daughter. He Lan overheard it, but she didn¡¯t catch all the details. Still, remarriage is highly likely. I want to ruin his plans and expose his true nature later."


    Zhuang Zhixi joked, "You could disguise yourself as an old woman. If anyone asks, just say you¡¯re Fan Jianguo¡¯s mistress, a widow who¡¯s been with him for years. It¡¯ll definitely disgust people. You¡¯ll only go once, and if you don¡¯t dress up, no one will recognize you. If you dress as a woman, at most they¡¯ll think you¡¯re an ugly lady."


    "That¡¯s a great idea!" Bai Fendou exclaimed, looking at Zhuang Zhixi with admiration. "You¡¯re such a cunning strategist."


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted, "Get out of here."


    Bai Fendou grinned, "Don¡¯t be mad. It¡¯s my fault. I apologize. Tell me more."


    Zhuang Zhixi was too lazy to argue. If it weren¡¯t for his disdain for Fan Jianguo¡¯s despicable behavior, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten involved.


    He said, "Your story won¡¯t hold up. Fan Jianguo definitely knows he hasn¡¯t been involved with any ugly widows. But your goal isn¡¯t to spread this story far and wide. It¡¯s to find out if he¡¯s really planning to remarry and to learn more about his family. The mistress story is just an excuse. Don¡¯t go into too much detail, or you¡¯ll give yourself away. If you gather enough information this time, you might even be able to use this disguise again in the future."


    Bai Fendou nodded eagerly, "Got it."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "Actually, the more I think about it, the more I like this plan. If you go around spreading rumors, it could really mess up his marriage."


    He was starting to see the potential in the idea.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Fan Jianguo has been in the military for four or five years. Some people might not believe you, but if anyone presses you, just say you¡¯ve been together for six or seven years. Every time he came back, you two would meet. But remember, don¡¯t go into too much detail. If anyone tries to corner you, make a quick escape."


    Bai Fendou assured him, "I understand."


    He was quite excited and said, "I¡¯ll go right away."


    Zhuang Zhixi advised, "Wear some colorful clothes and really get into character. Don¡¯t give yourself away. Stuff your chest with some buns or something."


    Bai Fendou agreed, "Alright."


    He asked, "Help me think of how to dress better."


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, "Wear a skirt. You¡¯re tall, so you don¡¯t look like a woman, but a skirt will make people assume you¡¯re female at first glance."


    "That works."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave him a few more tips, and Bai Fendou excitedly headed home, pushing his child¡¯s stroller.


    Both of them knew that this plan wouldn¡¯t immediately shake the Fan family, but since they were planning a wedding, it was a good opportunity to cause some trouble. If they could ruin the marriage, even better.


    If not, they could take their time and chip away at it slowly.


    After all, revenge is a dish best served cold.


    As Zhuang Zhixi thought about this, he shook his head and smiled. He was getting more and more involved in other people¡¯s business. He must have too much free time. He poked the chubby cheeks of his two babies and said, "Our adorable Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan, do you think Daddy is the most meddlesome person ever?"


    The babies had no idea what he was saying, but they waved their little hands and babbled. Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "You¡¯re saying Daddy isn¡¯t wrong if he¡¯s doing good deeds. You really understand Daddy."


    He took out a rattle and shook it, making the babies giggle. Zhuang Zhixi kissed them and said, "I wonder if your mom has had any big discoveries in the mountains."


    He always felt that whenever Ming Mei went to the mountains, it was like walking through her own backyard. She always came back with something new, as if she were the luckiest person alive. And as it turned out, Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t wrong. Ming Mei was indeed stunned at that moment.


    But it wasn¡¯t the stunned expression of joy. It was shock.


    Who would have thought they¡¯d encounter a wild boar?


    Yes, that¡¯s right¡ªa wild boar.


    A ferocious wild boar. Wild boars weren¡¯t something ordinary people could handle. Although they had seen someone deal with a wild boar last year, that person had a gun. They didn¡¯t have one. It was pure coincidence. Ming Mei and her group had gone up the mountain to check if there were any fish in the pond, but instead, they ran into a wild boar coming to drink water.


    Liang Meifen screamed in terror.


    Encountering such a fierce animal in the mountains was definitely not a good thing. Don¡¯t think for a second that wild boars aren¡¯t dangerous¡ªthey¡¯re nothing like the domesticated ones. They¡¯re incredibly ferocious. The look on their faces isn¡¯t one of friendliness; it¡¯s the look of a wild boar eyeing its next meal.


    Liang Meifen¡¯s voice startled the boar, and the group quickly scattered.


    Though they were all ordinary people in their daily lives, when it came to life-or-death situations, they could climb trees like lightning. Truly, when faced with a threat, people can tap into hidden potential. In no time, everyone was up in the trees, clinging tightly to the branches, hardly daring to breathe, and unsure how they¡¯d even managed to climb up in the first place.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????wild boar lingered beneath the trees, refusing to leave.


    This boar was a clever one. It didn¡¯t budge and instead began ramming into the trees, one after another. It didn¡¯t matter which tree it hit; the sound alone was enough to make everyone cling tighter to the branches, on the verge of tears.


    They hadn¡¯t all climbed the same tree, of course. The boar had chosen the thinnest one, proving just how cunning mountain animals could be. It had targeted Ming Mei¡¯s tree.


    The boar kept ramming the tree, over and over.


    Zhao Guihua shouted, ¡°Ming Mei, be careful! Hold on tight, don¡¯t let go!¡±


    Liang Meifen also cried out, ¡°Be careful! Stay safe!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let go!¡±


    Their voices overlapped, creating a chorus of panic.


    The boar only seemed to ram the tree harder.


    Ming Mei snapped, ¡°All of you, shut up!¡±


    Clutching the tree trunk, she felt it swaying violently. Taking a deep breath, she glared down at the boar and shouted, ¡°If you keep ramming this tree, I¡¯m coming down there to deal with you myself!¡±


    If she fell, it would be dangerous. But if she took the initiative, there might be a chance of success. After all, she wasn¡¯t some helpless damsel. She took another deep breath, eyeing the distance to another tree she¡¯d chosen as her next target. Gripping her kitchen knife¡ªsince she was the most capable fighter, she usually carried it when going up the mountain¡ªshe steeled herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m going down to take care of it. Don¡¯t scream and distract me!¡± she declared.


    Zhao Guihua pleaded, ¡°Don¡¯t! It¡¯s too dangerous¡­¡±


    ¡°Quiet!¡± Ming Mei barked.


    Tightening her grip on the knife, she suddenly leaped down, slashing at the boar¡¯s neck. The blade struck, but the boar¡¯s thick hide barely registered the blow. She quickly pulled back the knife and bolted.


    The boar let out a roar and charged at her.


    Ming Mei wasn¡¯t reckless. She darted forward, swiftly climbing another tree. The boar followed, slamming into the trunk with a loud thud.


    Though her initial strike hadn¡¯t done much, the boar¡¯s repeated ramming seemed to be taking a toll. It staggered slightly, looking a bit dazed. Ming Mei glanced down, then leaped again, delivering another slash. This time, the knife bit deeper.


    The boar roared again, and Ming Mei retreated once more.


    Her agility was impressive¡ªmost people couldn¡¯t move as quickly as she did. She scrambled up another tree, feeling the boar¡¯s strength waning. A small smirk tugged at her lips. She took a deep breath, planning to repeat the process a few more times. Even if the boar didn¡¯t die from her attacks, it would likely exhaust itself.


    She gathered her courage, ready to take on the boar for the third time.


    Just then, someone shouted, ¡°Careful! Don¡¯t move!¡±


    Ming Mei looked up to see several figures rushing toward them, dressed in military green uniforms. They were clearly soldiers from the nearby base. One of them was carrying a rifle.


    The soldier quickly raised his weapon and took aim.


    Ming Mei muttered, ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief.¡±


    Her heart settled as she watched.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Three loud shots rang out, and the boar collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    Ming Mei sighed, ¡°Impressive.¡±


    The soldiers arrived shortly after, looking up at the trees. ¡°Comrades, are you all okay?¡± one of them asked.


    Another soldier, however, looked shocked. ¡°Ming Mei? What are you doing here?¡±

 Chapter 150

    "Ming Mei, what are you doing here?"


    One of the casually dressed men was visibly surprised and immediately waved his hand, saying, "Come down quickly, stop acting like a monkey."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Couldn''t he have phrased that better?


    She leaped down gracefully, equally surprised, and asked, "He Chen, why are you back?"


    Without waiting for his reply, she turned to help Zhao Guihua, saying, "Mom, be careful."


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m fine, no worries."


    Having been reborn for so long, this was the first time she felt so disheveled. She couldn''t help but feel a bit embarrassed. After all, those who time-traveled or were reborn usually didn''t end up as helpless as her. She sighed wistfully, "Who would''ve thought we''d run into a wild boar out of nowhere?"


    It was truly fortunate that they had encountered the soldiers; otherwise, who knows what might have happened. Although Ming Mei seemed quite capable, she didn''t even have a proper weapon on hand. Zhao Guihua had been terrified, her heart nearly giving out. She clung to Ming Mei''s arm, partly to steady herself so she wouldn''t collapse.


    She tried to calm herself down, thinking that she absolutely couldn''t appear too weak in front of her daughter-in-law''s friend. That would only embarrass Ming Mei.


    She coughed lightly, trying to compose herself, and soon managed a smile. "This is your friend, right? Hello, young man."


    He Chen smiled back, "Hello, I''m Ming Mei''s childhood friend. You can call me Xiao He."


    Just then, a trembling voice chimed in, "Help... help me down..."


    Liang Meifen couldn''t get down... Her legs were like jelly.


    Zhao Guihua scolded, "Useless! How can you be so scared of just a wild boar? It''s nothing!"


    Despite her words, she still walked over, leaning on Ming Mei''s arm for support.


    Ming Mei could tell that her mother-in-law was also too shaken to stand properly, but she didn''t call her out on it.


    A few soldiers stepped forward and said, "Let us help you down."


    With their assistance, Liang Meifen, Aunt Wang, and the others slowly climbed down from the tree. However, their legs were still trembling uncontrollably. Clearly, they had been frightened out of their wits. The leader of the soldiers, a sturdy man, frowned and asked, "Why did you come up the mountain?"


    Ming Mei, puzzled, replied, "Are we not allowed to?"


    Her straightforward question caught the man off guard. He paused for a moment before answering, "No, you''re not. There are signs at the foot of the mountain warning people not to come up because of recent wild boar attacks."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    She thought for a moment and then said earnestly, "We didn''t see any signs. We came up from the south side."


    She rubbed her nose and sighed, "No wonder we didn''t see many people around..."


    They had thought it was because of the hot weather, but it turned out that wasn''t the case at all.


    The sturdy man glanced at his companions, and one of them spoke up, "We did put up signs on the south side too. Maybe they missed them. I''ll go check and make sure they''re more visible."


    "Alright."


    Ming Mei, having genuinely not seen any signs, didn''t feel guilty. She looked at the others, who were all pale but otherwise okay. She said seriously, "We really didn''t see any signs, or we wouldn''t have come up. What bad luck. Look how scared everyone is."


    He Chen asked, "Are you all okay? Do you need any help?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, "I''m fine."


    She then asked, "How about the rest of you?"


    Zhao Guihua declared firmly, "What could possibly be wrong with me? At my age, I''ve seen it all. A wild boar? Pfft, I could take one down with a single punch, no problem."


    She was clearly boasting.


    He Chen almost burst out laughing but quickly covered it up with a cough. "Right, let me introduce you. This is our comrade, Zou Ning."


    He was referring to the sturdy leader. Ming Mei greeted him warmly, "Hello, I''m Ming Mei. This is my mother-in-law, and this is my sister-in-law. And these are our neighbors." She smiled and added, "We came up to see if we could catch some fish, but instead, we ran into a wild boar. It was terrifying. Are you here to hunt the boars?"


    "Yes," Zou Ning explained. "There have been three attacks by wild boars recently, so the village at the foot asked for our help."


    He Chen chimed in with a grin, "I''m on leave visiting family, and I thought I''d drop by to see some friends. I ended up joining them on this trip. I didn''t expect to run into you here."


    Ming Mei smiled back, "You came back and didn''t even visit me? How rude."


    He Chen laughed, "I was planning to! But you know, Zou Ning here took priority. I was going to visit you tomorrow. I heard you had a baby? Man, my mom won''t let me hear the end of it. She''s already set up seven blind dates for me because I''m still single at our age. Can you believe it?"


    Ming Mei gave him a sympathetic look, "Good luck with that."


    Zou Ning, observing their familiarity, said, "He Chen, why don''t you take them down the mountain? I''ll lead the team to scout the area. There''s more than one wild boar here. We''ll make sure to clear them out properly."


    He Chen nodded, "Got it."


    He turned to the group, "Can you all walk?"


    "Yes."


    He Chen was quite familiar with Ming Mei, but the others'' attention was firmly fixed on the wild boar. At that moment, nothing was more captivating than the boar. It was meat, after all. Everyone''s eyes were glued to it, though they knew it belonged to the soldiers and not them. They could only look.


    Ming Mei teased, "Stop staring, wipe your drool."


    Everyone, except Zhao Guihua, instinctively reached to wipe their mouths.


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, "You''re not drooling. Ming Mei''s just messing with you. Honestly..."


    She shot Ming Mei a look, as if to say, "Don''t joke around in front of outsiders."


    Ming Mei, unfazed, smiled and said, "Let''s go, time to head down."


    Today had been a bust, but what could they do?


    She added, "We''re just in the way here. Let''s not trouble the soldiers any further. Let''s go."


    Zou Ning glanced up at Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei smiled back at him, then looked at the wild boar again, feeling a pang of regret.


    If only she had been quicker, maybe she could have taken it down herself. Oh, the missed opportunity! Ming Mei sighed wistfully, "Me and wild boars just aren''t meant to be."


    He Chen couldn''t help but laugh, "What kind of ''meant to be'' are you hoping for? You almost got hurt, you know? You''re so bold. And look at that little kitchen knife you''re carrying¡ªwhat good is that against a wild boar? Their skin is thick and tough. Ordinary knives can''t even scratch them."


    Zhao Guihua had heard about this too. Wild boars might be pigs, but they were nothing like domesticated ones. They were fierce and had thick hides. Only experienced hunters could handle them; ordinary people stood no chance.


    They had been lucky this time, running into the soldiers. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened.


    She said, "We were lucky to meet the soldiers today. I never want to see another wild boar again."


    Ming Mei noticed that everyone still looked shaken and felt a pang of sympathy.


    She waved her hand, "Let''s go, let''s head down."


    She added, "Help each other out, alright?"


    Ming Mei took Zhao Guihua''s arm, asking, "Mom, are you okay?"


    Zhao Guihua, determined not to embarrass Ming Mei, replied, "I''m perfectly fine. It''s your sister-in-law who''s scared. I''m not afraid at all."


    He Chen stifled a laugh, thinking Ming Mei''s mother-in-law was quite a character.


    Just as they were about to leave, someone called out.


    "He Chen."


    He Chen turned, "What is it?"


    Zou Ning looked at He Chen and then shifted his gaze to the others, saying, "You all must have been frightened too. Let''s give you a wild boar leg to share among the five of you. Take it back and divide it yourselves. It¡¯ll help calm your nerves."


    "Huh?"


    This statement left everyone stunned. Zhao Guihua quickly waved her hands, "No, no, this is your catch. We¡¯ve already been rescued, how can we take your things? We can¡¯t accept it."


    "That¡¯s right! We can¡¯t take this," Aunt Wang also nodded vigorously.


    The others chimed in as well, all refusing firmly.


    Although they were craving meat, this was something the soldiers had hunted. Besides, they had already helped them. How could they possibly take their things? Everyone was resolute: "We can¡¯t accept it."


    Zou Ning pursed his lips. He Chen glanced around and said, "Forget it, Zou Ning. I don¡¯t think Ming Mei and the others will take the boar. Let¡¯s carry it back to the camp."


    Ming Mei nodded beside him. Taking something from the soldiers? That wouldn¡¯t be right.


    She said, "We can¡¯t take it. What kind of people do you think we are?"


    After a pause, she added, "I know you mean well, but really, it¡¯s unnecessary."


    She then said, "Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s head down the mountain."


    "Alright."


    No one objected to this. Although everyone¡¯s eyes were glued to the wild boar, they weren¡¯t the type to covet it. They simply admired it, purely and genuinely. But they also held a natural reverence for the soldiers and would never take advantage of them.


    He Chen escorted Ming Mei and the others down the mountain. After walking a few steps, Ming Mei suddenly thought of something and turned back to ask, "Comrade Zou Ning, I wanted to ask¡ªcan we come back up the mountain in a few days to forage for vegetables and such?"


    Zou Ning replied, "Wait a bit longer. We¡¯ll be clearing out the wild boars in the area soon. But the forest is vast, and there¡¯s no guarantee we¡¯ll catch every one. We¡¯ll patrol the area a few more times to make sure it¡¯s safe. If you want to be cautious, wait a bit longer¡ªno more than a month."


    Ming Mei nodded, "Got it. Thank you."


    Zou Ning gave a slight nod, then turned and left with his team.


    He Chen, on the other hand, led Ming Mei and the others down the mountain. He was quite chatty along the way, saying, "Hey! I heard you had twins? Are they cute?"


    Ming Mei beamed with pride, "How could my children not be cute? Did you even think before asking that? I was the cutest when I was little, so of course my kids are the cutest now. Both my husband and I are good-looking, and our kids take after us."


    He Chen¡¯s mouth twitched, "You sure know how to boast."


    He turned to Zhao Guihua with a laugh, "Auntie, does Ming Mei always brag like this at home? Don¡¯t you ever call her out on it?"


    Zhao Guihua, of course, had to back up her daughter-in-law. She said, "Ming Mei actually doesn¡¯t boast at all."


    She smiled and added, "If you come to our house, you¡¯ll see for yourself. My grandson and granddaughter are truly adorable. Little Tuan Tuan and Little Yuan Yuan are chubby, fair, and always smiling."


    He Chen chuckled.


    Zhao Guihua had some impression of He Chen, but not much.


    In her previous life, because the family hadn¡¯t split internally, their relationship with Ming Mei and her husband had been distant. Ming Mei and her husband rarely shared much about their lives, so Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t know much about their friends.


    But she did have a vague memory of He Chen. It seemed his father and Ming Mei¡¯s father worked in the same unit, and the two families got along well. He Chen himself was stationed in a military base out of town and didn¡¯t return to Beijing often, but he had kept in touch with Ming Mei and her husband.


    Of course, regardless of how things were in the past, Zhao Guihua now treated him with a calm demeanor. She sized him up and asked, "How old are you?"


    He Chen replied, "I¡¯m the same age as Ming Mei."


    He smiled and said, "Auntie, you¡­ Oh! Damn it!"


    He was mid-sentence when he spotted a rabbit. Ming Mei was quicker than him and immediately gave chase.


    He Chen shouted, "Be careful!"


    Ming Mei called back, "Got it!"


    Ming Mei quickly caught up. While rabbits are known for their speed, they¡¯re no match for a skilled hunter. In no time, Ming Mei had caught the rabbit.


    She was overjoyed.


    "Success!"


    At least their trip up the mountain hadn¡¯t been for nothing.


    She happily swung the rabbit by its ears, "I caught it!"


    "Impressive!"


    From a distance, everyone gave her a thumbs-up.


    Ming Mei¡¯s smile was radiant, tinged with a hint of pride. "I told you I¡¯m good at this. I¡­ huh?"


    She glanced toward a dense patch of greenery and, without hesitation, walked over. Zhao Guihua quickly asked, "What is it?"


    Ming Mei followed her gaze and soon exclaimed in delight, "Mom, come over here. There¡¯s a patch of wild celery."


    Even though they were supposed to be heading down, who could pass up such a find? Certainly not them! Hearing this, everyone¡¯s fatigue and fear vanished instantly. They quickly gathered around.


    Zhao Guihua said, "It really is wild celery. There¡¯s a whole patch of it."


    "What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s get to work," Aunt Wang said cheerfully.


    With this discovery, their trip wasn¡¯t wasted.


    Everyone shared the same sentiment and began happily plucking the wild celery. He Chen quickly stepped in to help, saying, "I¡¯ll lend a hand."


    He marveled, "This mountain really has a lot to offer."


    "Of course! We came here last year too, but this year we¡¯ve been busy with the kids and haven¡¯t had the time," Zhao Guihua added, though her hands never stopped moving. The women were all skilled workers, and despite the sizeable patch of wild celery, they finished the task quickly.


    "This celery will taste great stir-fried," someone commented.


    "My family loves celery buns."


    "But that would require white flour, wouldn¡¯t it?"


    "That¡¯s true. Ah."


    Ming Mei, meanwhile, looked around and said, "We don¡¯t come to this area often."


    Although they frequently visited the mountain, they usually stayed near the pond at the summit. Today, if she hadn¡¯t chased the rabbit, she wouldn¡¯t have ventured here. The western mountain was lush and alive with the sounds of birds and cicadas. She sighed, "If only there weren¡¯t wild boars, I¡¯d love to explore more."


    He Chen advised, "Let¡¯s head back. Safety first."


    This was sound advice, and everyone agreed, "Let¡¯s go."


    The wild boar was truly terrifying. While it might be delicious, it was also incredibly frightening.


    "Ah¡­"


    Ming Mei spoke up again, "Do you see that patch over there? Is that honeysuckle?"


    "Honeysuckle? What¡¯s that?"


    Ming Mei explained, "The recycling station buys it. It¡¯s valuable."


    Without hesitation, she walked over.


    Everyone quickly followed, including He Chen, who was escorting them down the mountain. He asked curiously, "What is it?"


    Ming Mei confirmed, "It really is."


    She hadn¡¯t recognized it before, but Zhuang Zhixi had worked in the clinic, and they had some books at home. She¡¯d skimmed through them out of boredom, picking up a bit of knowledge along the way. Now, it had come in handy.


    Ming Mei said happily, "It really is honeysuckle."


    "What is it?"


    "Honeysuckle. We can pick some, dry it at home, and sell it to the recycling station."


    "This stuff can make money?"


    "Of course."


    "That¡¯s great."


    Although they hadn¡¯t gotten the wild boar, their trip wasn¡¯t in vain. After gathering a good amount of honeysuckle, they finally made their way down the mountain. By then, it was midday, and the sun was high. Zhao Guihua and the others had come by bicycle but hadn¡¯t ridden up the mountain. They had hidden their bikes near the base, even going so far as to lock them to a tree.


    They retrieved their bicycles, and He Chen saw them off, saying, "Alright, I won¡¯t go any further. Be careful on your way back."


    After a pause, he added, "Hey, Ming Mei."


    Ming Mei replied, "Hmm?"


    He Chen said, "I¡¯ll come visit your kids next year."


    Ming Mei responded, "I¡¯ll be at work. Come after you¡¯re off duty."


    "No problem."


    With that settled, the five women rode their bikes home. Aunt Wang, a seasoned matchmaker, remarked, "That young man isn¡¯t married yet, is he?"


    Ming Mei: ¡°No. Didn¡¯t you hear him just now? He said he has seven arranged blind dates set up by his family this time.¡±


    Aunt Wang said unnaturally, ¡°I was too nervous just now. My heart was about to jump out of my chest; how could I hear what others were saying?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really scary. I don¡¯t want to go through that again,¡± Aunt Sui said, having been frightened.


    Zhao Guihua, however, said, ¡°Fortunately, Wang Zizhen didn¡¯t come. Otherwise, can you imagine how bad it would be? Just thinking about it gives me the chills.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you weren¡¯t afraid?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I just brag?¡±


    Everyone snorted in disapproval.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Ming Mei, which matchmaker did this young man named He Chen find? Actually, I could introduce him too. I also have suitable people in mind.¡±


    Matchmakers are like that¡ªthey can¡¯t wait to be constantly matchmaking.


    Ming Mei begged off: ¡°I really don¡¯t know that. If you¡¯re interested, you can ask him yourself tomorrow. I don¡¯t want to get involved.¡±


    She realized it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate to meddle, but there was no need to say that out loud.


    Since their gathering ended early, when Zhao Guihua and the others returned home, Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Laonian hadn¡¯t come back yet. Zhao Guihua wheeled her bicycle into the courtyard, which was relatively quiet at this time, just past noon, with many people taking afternoon naps at home.


    It was a rare weekend day off, so everyone wanted to rest a bit at noon.


    No one made a big deal out of it; each person quietly wheeled their bike back home.


    Ming Mei entered the house and saw Zhuang Zhixi holding their child, taking an afternoon nap. She tiptoed with a basin and soap in hand, heading outside to wash her face and hair in the courtyard. Liang Meifen, also sweaty, came out to wash up. She said, ¡°I don¡¯t know where Zhiyuan ran off to.¡±


    Zhao Guihua knew this.


    She said, ¡°The fishing rod is missing, so they¡¯ve probably gone fishing. They didn¡¯t come back at lunchtime.¡±


    Ever since Zhuang Laonian had a successful fishing trip last year, he had become quite fond of fishing, going almost every few days. Fortunately, he always had some catch, which significantly improved their family¡¯s meals.


    Ming Mei, being a modest young wife, didn¡¯t dare to shower in the courtyard, only washing her face and hair before carrying the water inside to clean her body. Zhao Guihua, an elderly lady, didn¡¯t care much. She directly poured water over herself. Liang Meifen said, ¡°Mom, be careful not to catch a cold.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s so hot; it won¡¯t happen. I¡¯m taking advantage of the midday when everyone is napping. If I dawdle any longer and someone wakes up, I won¡¯t be able to have a quick rinse.¡±


    She also made sure no one was around to watch before taking her quick shower, then went straight back inside to change clothes.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°After washing your hair, make sure to dry it well before going to sleep, or you¡¯ll easily get migraines.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Ming Mei returned to her room, changed into clean clothes, and cleaned her body, feeling refreshed. She then found a loose shirt and baggy shorts to change into. As she was changing, she felt a gaze on her.


    She looked up and saw Zhuang Zhixi already awake, propping his head on his arm and smiling at her.


    Ming Mei pouted, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi patted the spot next to him, saying, ¡°Come and lie down for a bit.¡±


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t refuse at all; she was a bit tired too. She climbed onto the kang (a heated brick bed) and lay down, peeking at the two kids. The little ones were sprawled out, sleeping soundly. Luckily, they had hastily converted their bed to a kang last year; otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t have been enough space for these two little ones to spread out.


    They were little rascals who could roll and tumble in their sleep.


    Ming Mei asked, ¡°What did they eat for lunch?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°I steamed some eggs for them. I made extra, so each kid got one, and they each drank half a bottle of milk. They¡¯ve got a good appetite.¡±


    Hearing the babies were full, Ming Mei felt relieved. She said, ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten anything yet.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his eyebrows in surprise, then said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll get you some sesame biscuits to eat a bit.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded.


    She lay on the kang, not wanting to move, while Zhuang Zhixi was efficient, getting up to fetch the biscuits and pour some water for her.


    ¡°Why did you guys come back so early today?¡± he asked.


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°We encountered a wild boar and almost got attacked. Luckily¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t hold back and recounted the whole incident, which sent a chill down Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s spine. He raised his hand and patted her on the bottom, scolding, ¡°Look at you, being so impulsive. Luckily, there were others around. If something really happened, what would I and the kids do? Why did you have to be so reckless?¡±


    Ming Mei retorted, ¡°Do you think I wanted to be reckless? The wild boar wouldn¡¯t leave, and it kept ramming the tree I was hiding behind. What else could I do?¡±


    Ming Mei pouted, adding, ¡°Besides, I¡¯m safe and sound, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still being stubborn,¡± Zhuang Zhixi pinched her cheek.


    Ming Mei huffed, kicking him lightly, but then she met Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s worried eyes. Though his tone wasn¡¯t great, his concern was clear. She immediately softened, leaning over to hug his neck and said, ¡°I won¡¯t do that again in the future. Actually, I was really scared at the time too.¡±


    Her soft, sweet voice melted Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s heart. He hugged her tightly, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. We won¡¯t go there anymore.¡±


    He gently stroked Ming Mei¡¯s hair, murmuring, ¡°A little pat, and the fear will go away.¡±


    Ming Mei chuckled.


    She playfully said, ¡°I promise I won¡¯t be reckless next time. Alright, don¡¯t look so stern. You might scare the kids, Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan. Oh, by the way, He Chen is coming tomorrow.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°When is he coming?¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°He¡¯ll probably wait until I get off work.¡±


    She added, ¡°It¡¯s fine if he comes early. I think he gets along well with the in-laws.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Ming Mei continued, ¡°He Chen is quite outgoing and easy to get along with.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°Is this the same He Chen you mentioned before? The one whose parents tried to set you up?¡±


    Ming Mei confirmed, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s him.¡±


    She tilted her head, teasing with a smirk, ¡°What, are you jealous?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi pursed his lips, saying, ¡°Do I look jealous? I¡¯m so charming; you definitely wouldn¡¯t like him. If you had taken a liking to him, there wouldn¡¯t have been a place for me. So naturally, I don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Even so, his jaw was still tense.


    Ming Mei softly chuckled, saying, ¡°You know that, so why are you still upset? There¡¯s nothing between us; it¡¯s just a bit of camaraderie from getting into trouble together. But his parents don¡¯t know what they¡¯re thinking. They thought we were childhood friends, knew each other well, and would definitely get along. So they went ahead and tried to set us up. His mom is a bit cunning and well-connected, always afraid she might pressure my parents, so they rushed the blind date.¡±


    She cupped Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s face, saying, ¡°Actually, neither of us had any interest in each other. He rushed to enlist in the army to get away, and I quickly looked for someone to date. I had to find someone I truly liked; I couldn¡¯t let them meddle in this. Luckily, I met you on my first blind date. When I saw you walk in, I thought you were so handsome.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s tone was melancholic: ¡°So you only liked my looks.¡±


    Ming Mei retorted with confidence, ¡°Of course! If I didn¡¯t find your looks appealing, I wouldn¡¯t have wanted to take it further.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°You¡¯re such a shallow person.¡±


    Ming Mei shot him a playful look, ¡°And aren¡¯t you the same? If I weren¡¯t good-looking, would you have agreed right away?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and honestly said, ¡°Probably not. The first time I saw you, I thought you were so beautiful, and I wanted to protect you.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She twitched her mouth slightly.


    Zhuang Zhixi calmly continued, ¡°Later, I realized that the one who needed protecting wasn¡¯t you but me.¡±


    Ming Mei burst out laughing.


    Both of them laughed together. In truth, Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t really jealous. He knew that if there had been anything between He Chen and Ming Mei, she wouldn¡¯t have gone on blind dates. So he wasn¡¯t too worried.


    The two of them playfully teased each other for a while. Ming Mei said, ¡°You stay and sleep with me for a while.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Sure.¡±


    It was a hot day, but the young couple didn¡¯t mind the heat as they cuddled together for an afternoon nap.


    In the quiet courtyard, at this moment, Bai Fendou was strutting down a countryside path wearing a large floral dress and a scarf wrapped around his head, grunting and puffing. As a man, he certainly didn''t own such a dress, which belonged to Aunt Wang.


    In their courtyard, the only clothes he could wear were Aunt Wang¡¯s.


    Since Aunt Wang wasn''t home, Li Fang had decided to lend the dress to him.


    Borrowing clothes among neighbors was quite normal during that time.


    Some people even borrowed clothes for their weddings.


    Bai Fendou, being a man, found Aunt Wang¡¯s dress a bit tight, despite her being quite robust. But it worked, just barely. With his short hair, he couldn''t find a wig, so he had to wrap a scarf around his head.


    Well, it wasn¡¯t uncommon for older women working in the fields to wear scarves.


    Bai Fendou¡¯s makeup was painted by Zhuang Zhixi, and he suspected that Zhuang was getting his revenge because the makeup made him look absolutely hideous. Bai Fendou vowed that he had never seen such an ugly ¡°woman.¡±


    He was also wearing perfume, which smelled so strong that he almost gagged at the scent.


    As he walked through the countryside, he soon reached the village entrance. A few houses were there, and an older woman, referred to as a "dama" (elderly woman), came out to pour water. When she saw him, she let out an "Oh ho!" and took a step back in shock.


    This was even uglier than Wang Erya from their village.


    "Who are you? I¡¯ve never seen you around here before," she asked.


    Bai Fendou quickly stepped forward, speaking in a falsetto voice, and said, "Big Mom (Pan), can I have a drink of water? I¡¯m looking for Fan Jianguo¡¯s home."


    "You¡¯re looking for Fan Jianguo? Oh, you mean that young man from the Fan family!" the aunt replied. She sized up Bai Fendou and said, "Wait here, I¡¯ll go get you some water."


    Rural folks were quite hospitable. Seeing the "woman" sweating profusely, she quickly went back to get some water. Bai Fendou gulped it down and said, "Thank you, big aunt."


    The aunt looked at him again and asked, "Sister, why are you looking for the Fan household? What relationship do you have with them? Why haven¡¯t I seen you before?"


    At this point, Bai Fendou quickly adopted a shy demeanor, but he quickly said, "I¡¯m his girlfriend."


    This was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s first strategy: if anyone asked, pretend to be Fan Jianguo¡¯s girlfriend.


    "What?!" the aunt exclaimed, her eyes widened in disbelief. "You¡¯re lying!"


    Bai Fendou recalled Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s instructions and said, "Granny, how can you say such things? How am I lying? I¡¯m Jianguo¡¯s girlfriend. What''s so strange about that?"


    He pretended to be angry: "Come, let¡¯s go to the Fan household and discuss this. I thought you were a good person, but how can you say such things?"


    The aunt quickly grabbed Bai Fendou and asked, "Are you telling the truth?"


    Old Lady Fan was known to be a vicious shrew, and she didn''t want to get involved. She looked at Bai Fendou again, still finding it hard to believe. Did Fan Jianguo have such poor taste? Was he blind, or just insane?


    "Ma''am, I don¡¯t mean any harm. It¡¯s just... I¡¯ve never heard that Fan Jianguo had a girlfriend like you."


    Bai Fendou: "That can¡¯t be!"


    He pretended to be serious: "We¡¯ve known each other for six or seven years."


    He continued: "If he hadn¡¯t joined the army, we would have gotten married already."


    Upon hearing this, the aunt''s eyes lit up. She immediately said, "Then tell me more."


    Bai Fendou took a deep breath and assumed a shy expression: "Auntie, there¡¯s not much to say. But you, how can you not know about me? Hasn¡¯t his family mentioned me?"


    This was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s second strategy: avoid talking about himself and instead ask more about Fan Jianguo.


    He said: "We¡¯ve been together for so long; his family hasn¡¯t mentioned me in the village?"


    The aunt shook her head: "No, not at all."


    This revelation made her excited.


    Could it be that she had stumbled upon a big secret?


    She quickly said, "His family really never mentioned anything."


    "Mom, who¡¯s that? Oh my~"


    A woman, likely the old woman''s daughter-in-law, came out and, upon seeing Bai Fendou, took a step back in shock.


    Bai Fendou tried to stay calm.


    Zhuang Zhixi had applied powder from Ming Mei¡¯s powder box without her knowing. His face was much paler than usual, and his lips were painted bright red, the lipstick Zhuang Zhixi had bought for his wife, He Ye, who dared not use it.


    The makeup was obvious, but it just made him look incredibly ugly.


    He said: "Sister, I¡¯m Fan Jianguo¡¯s girlfriend."


    "Wait, Fan Jianguo¡¯s girlfriend isn¡¯t... " She stopped herself, rushed inside, and soon returned with three other women¡ªyoung and old, totaling five women¡ªall staring at Bai Fendou.


    Seeing this, Bai Fendou¡¯s heart raced, but he remembered Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s third strategy: if things got too crowded and he couldn¡¯t escape, smear Fan Jianguo¡¯s reputation.


    Before he could speak, the aunt began, "These are my daughters-in-law and daughter. Sister, are you really Fan Jianguo¡¯s girlfriend?"


    Bai Fendou: "Why would that be a lie?"


    He started smearing Fan Jianguo¡¯s reputation:


    "We¡¯ve been together for years. I¡¯m a widow, and he¡¯s a young man, so we haven¡¯t been very public about our relationship. I even supported his life."


    "What?!"


    Everyone¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    Bai Fendou, seeing everyone¡¯s stunned expressions, no longer felt nervous. Instead, he took on a bit of a theatrical flair. He said:


    "He said his family was too poor to marry me, that he didn¡¯t want me to come from the city to live a hard life in the countryside. Plus, we weren¡¯t legally old enough to get married, so we never officially wed. He said he wanted to make a name for himself before marrying me. But then he joined the army, and we saw less and less of each other. It¡¯s been a long time since I last saw him, so I came to his family to see what¡¯s going on."


    Hearing this, the aunt showed a look of realization, then looked at Bai Fendou with sympathy, saying, "Sister, you¡¯ve been deceived. This young man told you that rural life is too hard, so he didn¡¯t marry you?"


    Bai Fendou nodded.


    "But he¡¯s already married!"


    Bai Fendou pretended to be shocked: "Married? How could he be married? He was going to marry me!"


    The aunt said: "He really is married. He got married years ago to the daughter of a capitalist."


    "What?!" Bai Fendou acted even more heartbroken. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What are you all yammering about? It¡¯s the middle of the day¡ªcan¡¯t you take a break... Oh my, that¡¯s ugly!"


    A neighbor peeked out from next door, complaining, but upon seeing Bai Fendou, she was taken aback.


    Bai Fendou pretended to be annoyed, saying, "How dare you say that? My looks aren¡¯t that bad. Jianguo once praised me, saying I have a delicate, bird-like charm."


    "Eww~" Some of the younger women almost couldn¡¯t handle it.


    Old Lady Zhang from next door: "What¡¯s going on?"


    Old Lady Zhang: "You better come over. Something big is happening. Our village has a bad apple. You¡¯ll find out once you come over."


    "Oh, I¡¯ll go get Aunt Chen."


    Aunt Chen came over: "I¡¯ll go get Aunt Li too."


    ...


    Within a short time, the courtyard was filled with seven or eight elderly women and ten or so young wives and unmarried girls. Bai Fendou¡¯s heart was racing¡ªZhuang Zhixi hadn¡¯t prepared him for this! How could he escape with so many people around?


    His face was a mix of emotions, but Old Lady Zhang thought he was overwhelmed by the news of Fan Jianguo¡¯s marriage. She said, "Sister, don¡¯t be too upset. I¡¯m telling you the truth. Fan Jianguo really is married. He got married years ago. He¡¯s preparing for his second marriage now. His first wife was the daughter of a capitalist, and his second wife is from the cultural troupe. She¡¯s not as good-looking as the first one, but she¡¯s from a good family background. She¡¯s the leader¡¯s daughter, and they¡¯ve already set a date for next Sunday. Recently, he¡¯s been going to the city to buy things for the wedding."


    While Old Lady Zhang spoke, she also introduced Bai Fendou to everyone present.


    Bai Fendou: I¡¯m panicking, but I can¡¯t back down. I have to improvise.


    He immediately looked heartbroken, and a few old ladies inside cried out: "Ma, with that expression, you''re even uglier. No wonder Fan Jianguo doesn''t want to be with you anymore! You''re too ugly!" Having lived for so long, they had never seen someone so ugly.


    Bai Fendou: "He... was he deceiving me?"


    "It seems so. Why don''t you tell us about your situation?"


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    How to make something up, how to make something up?


    He suddenly remembered a touching love story Jiang Lu once told him. He quickly said, "He saved me, like a hero saving a beauty."


    More than a dozen people around him showed even more incomprehensible expressions. Ugh, saving a beauty? Are you sure?


    But no one dared to say it aloud, not wanting to further provoke this poor woman.


    Bai Fendou: "I''m from the city, with a steady job. My husband died shortly after we got married. One day, after work, I was robbed by a few young thugs. It was Fan Jianguo who helped me and even escorted me home. After that, whenever he came to the city, he would visit me. It was about once every one or two weeks."


    Everyone thought carefully and remembered that Fan Jianguo did frequently come to the city when he was sixteen or seventeen, almost every few days. His words seemed credible.


    Bai Fendou: "Sniff, sniff. That part is true because Fan Jianguo was brownnosing He Lan''s father at the time. He came to the city to visit the He family. But outsiders didn''t know that. He continued to fabricate: "Then he said he loved me, didn''t care about my identity, or that I was older than him. We fell in love, but his family was poor and from the countryside, and my family had interference too, so we didn''t go public at first. Later, when my in-laws stopped interfering, he said his family was too poor, that he wasn''t good enough for someone as wonderful as me, and that he needed to make a name for himself before we could be together. That''s why he went to join the army. It was for our love. I gave him all the 250.8 yuan I had saved up."


    "Ah!!!" Everyone looked at each other. So much money! That''s quite a sum! He really had the guts to take it!


    "But this past year, he hasn''t contacted me much. I didn''t know what was going on, so I followed the village he mentioned and came to look for him. Turns out he gave me the wrong village name. I had to ask around in the neighboring village to finally find this place."


    He said, "Can you tell me what''s going on?"


    The few aunties looked at each other, all feeling that this ugly woman had been scammed by Fan Jianguo.


    It just goes to show how innocent people were back then. They never thought Bai Fendou was making things up. They all believed him.


    "Sister, you''ve been scammed by this Fan Jianguo. He got married before joining the army, and they even had a banquet, though they didn''t officially register. Now, he''s kicked his first wife out and plans to remarry, claiming it''s his first marriage since they never registered before. He''s not a good person. His first wife prepared tables, cabinets, and even a bicycle and radio, all of which were kept by his family. They even got rich by marrying off their sons."


    "Ah, he''s taken nearly a thousand yuan from me over time," Bai Fendou exaggerated.


    "My heavens! That''s way too much."


    "This... is he just swindling women for money?"


    Bai Fendou put on an angry expression: "Aunties, tell me more. I want to see what else he''s deceived me about! He said he had it the hardest at home. Is that true? That''s why I kept giving him money when he said things were tough."


    "No, not at all. His parents were decent to him. They had several sons, and they favored the oldest, being the eldest. But they were also good to him since he was their most successful son. His mother, though, was indeed mean and had a bad reputation. She used to steal chickens and other things from the village, and even after their family improved their situation, she couldn''t change.


    Bai Fendou looked surprised: "Ah, so no one stopped her?"


    "There were people trying, like the team leader, but they couldn''t do much. After all, she had a son in the army, and he was even a squad leader by then. The team leader was afraid of offending them. Plus, she was really good at causing trouble, and no one could outdo her, so they just let it go."


    "His brothers and sisters-in-law also bullied people in the village. His previous wife was driven away by abuse."


    "Sister, even though you''re... well, not the most beautiful, find a decent man. This family is no good; they''re like wolves and tigers. They''ll devour you." Some kind-hearted folks spoke directly.


    Bai Fendou: "Ah! That''s so scary!"


    His frightened expression made everyone turn their heads away.


    Even uglier!


    "That kind of family really isn''t good... But didn''t you say he''s getting married again? Can he still find someone better? He clearly said he loved me the most!"


    "His family pretends well. Before marriage, they act all sweet, but once you''re married, it''s a different story."


    "Exactly, look how badly they treated the previous Xiao Lan. They''re really good at causing trouble. The Fan family lets the women cause trouble while the men act like good guys, not sure if they really don''t know or are just pretending."


    "Do you think the Fan family members are decent? Fan Jianguo''s older brother is also seeing Li, the widow from the next village."


    "Yes, yes. It''s true. The Old Lady Fan even brags about how capable her son is."


    Bai Fendou felt that by playing the victim and listening to these villagers'' gossip, he could learn a lot.


    He said, "What about Fan Jianguo? Is there anything else I don''t know? I heard him say that in your village, Yang is the major family name, and the Fan family is small, often bullied by the Yangs. He said they had it tough."


    "Pfft, he''s full of it. Their family is the one always showing off and being mean and wicked. They even have the nerve to blame others? It''s true that the Yangs are the major family, but look, I''m not even Yang, and we''re getting by just fine. Everyone is busy farming and earning work points; who has time to think about nonsense? This guy, back when he wasn''t doing well, already slacked off when working. Even after getting some success, he''s still that lazy bum."


    "Right, he even badmouths us Yangs. We Yangs are the major family, but we never bully people. It''s their family that caused trouble. More than ten years ago, they fought with Old Chen, the bachelor from our village, over land rights. They attacked him as a family, and the next day, Old Chen passed away. In the end, they somehow negotiated with Old Chen''s adopted son, and the matter was forgotten. No one pursued it."


    Bai Fendou didn''t expect to uncover so many secrets. It seems there''s no big secret that can be kept in a village.


    He was surprised: "How can his family be like this?"


    "What did you think? That''s just how they are. Fan Jianguo isn''t good either. A notorious playboy, he was closely involved with Jiaoxing from the village. He even gave her his wife''s gold ring to please her, but she didn''t even want it."


    "Jiaoxing isn''t a good person either, but she still took it? That''s a gold ring; she had the guts to accept something so valuable."


    "What else? Fan Jianguo was also quite close to Chen, the female educated youth from the village. I saw Chen going to harass Fan Jianguo''s ex-wife..."


    "You don''t know, Fan Jianguo''s sister, Fan Lian, isn''t..."


    "Ah, I know..."


    Turns out, not asking around doesn''t reveal just how much is going on in the Fan family.


    Bai Fendou inquired about even more things. Secretly noting them down, he knew he couldn''t stay here too long. If he stayed too long and got found out, it would be over. He wasn''t sure which of these pieces of information would be useful and which wouldn''t.


    He didn''t know, but he had someone capable around him.


    He felt that if Zhuang Zhixi knew about these things, he could definitely help him come up with a good plan.


    After listening to a bunch of gossip, he said, "So, he''s really like that?"


    He looked utterly heartbroken and said, "I always thought he was a good person, that his family had a hard time, but how could they be like this..."


    He stood up in a daze, saying, "I need to go back, I need to go back..."


    "Girl, don''t be too sad."


    "Yes, sister, this scumbag, it''s actually good that you dodged that bullet."


    "Good? Didn''t you hear him say? He''s spent over a thousand yuan. That much money, oh my, I''ve never had..."


    Bai Fendou covered his face and suddenly burst into tears: "Some of that money was borrowed! What should I do, what should I do..."


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry over this. You can¡¯t handle this by yourself. Go back and find your family, ask your dad or your brothers to come and help you out.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°Right, right¡­¡±


    He said, ¡°I¡¯ll get them to help me out¡­¡±


    He rushed off hastily, his footsteps quick.


    However, if one looked closely, they would notice he wasn¡¯t running out of the village but rather deeper into it.


    ¡°That girl ran so fast, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Heartbroken, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll bring someone to cause trouble for the Fan family?¡±


    ¡°Of course, you think a thousand yuan is a small sum?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, how could she have spent so much money?¡±


    ¡°She must have been deceived. She¡¯s not good-looking. Someone just being nice to her would be enough to make her believe¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou had left not long ago, but these women were still very much engrossed, chattering away nonstop. Even parts that weren¡¯t fabricated, they somehow found ways to embellish.


    Although they didn¡¯t seem to know the ugly widow¡¯s name or where she lived, the fact that ¡°they had been together for six or seven years¡± and the mention of ¡°a thousand yuan¡± were quite the explosive pieces of gossip.


    Once something like this got into the hands of the village¡¯s old biddies, it was like putting a megaphone to gossip. In no time, many in the village had heard about it. Of course, such things were always kept from the people involved.


    The Fan family did have a few friendly neighbors, but those who got along with them were generally not well-liked by most of the village. So, this piece of gossip didn¡¯t reach those households, and thus, no one brought it to the Fan family¡¯s ears.


    The Fan family knew nothing, but the gossip about them had already spread like wildfire throughout the village.


    It¡¯s not just women who love gossip; men aren¡¯t any different. In a day-to-day life with little entertainment, gossip becomes the greatest source of amusement. Women gossip excitedly, and so do men.


    Many of the village¡¯s men were subtly discussing it while working in the afternoons. What was it about Fan Jianguo that made him so special? He kept finding one woman after another, and people just couldn¡¯t understand. He wasn¡¯t particularly handsome, so how did he manage to convince women to spend money on him?


    Everyone had seen how much his first wife, He Lan, had been taken for.


    Now his second wife, who was clearly of good circumstances, was also with him.


    It was already enough to make people envious, but then suddenly there was this tall, strong, ugly widow, spending so much money on him¡­ They were all in disbelief. What was so special about him?


    While the villagers were busy speculating, the Fan family remained oblivious. Recently, their household had been in high spirits. Their youngest son had returned, but this time, it wasn¡¯t because of He Lan. This time, it was for a wedding.


    Old Lady Fan thought of her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, the daughter of a leader, and felt her heart swell with satisfaction. From now on, even the leader¡¯s daughter would have to bow before her. How could she not be overjoyed?


    Whether you were the daughter of a wealthy capitalist or a leader¡¯s daughter, you¡¯d still have to humble yourself in front of her.


    After all, she was the mother-in-law!


    As the mother-in-law, she could control her daughter-in-law and give her a hard time.


    No matter what your background, you¡¯d have to endure it!


    Old Lady Fan was in high spirits.


    However, her mood changed a bit when she saw her daughter return from outside, her face sullen. She snapped angrily, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go to work?¡±


    A girl dares to slack off?


    Who does she think she is!


    Fan Lian: ¡°It¡¯s so annoying. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in the village. They were whispering about something, but as soon as I approached, they stopped talking. Mom, do you know what¡¯s going on recently?¡±


    Old Lady Fan: ¡°The biggest news recently is your brother¡¯s wedding. Is anything else more important?¡±


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to find excuses to slack off. Go and do your work.¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    ¡°Go!¡±


    Fan Lian bit her lip, unhappy, and went outside.


    There used to be He Lan, and she could slack off, but now she couldn¡¯t get away with it at all. All the household chores fell on her, and she complained bitterly, ¡°It would¡¯ve been better to keep that bitch¡­¡±


    Old Lady Fan snorted and got up to go to the toilet. As soon as she squatted down, there was a loud bang, and splashes of excrement flew everywhere. Old Lady Fan crashed down into the pit¡ª¡°Ah!¡±


    Bai Fendou: They should try the suffering he went through!


    That¡¯s just great!


    Run!

 Chapter 151

    Bai Fendou was determined to avenge his wife. His wife was such a kind-hearted person, yet she had suffered so much in this household, enduring countless grievances. Once a lively and cheerful woman, she had now become timid and withdrawn. Seeing her like this, Bai Fendou¡¯s heart ached. As her husband, he couldn¡¯t just let it go.


    He quietly made his way to the Fan family¡¯s residence. He had learned their location during his last visit, thanks to Yang Lixin¡¯s mother pointing it out during a fight. Bai Fendou quickly found his way there and crouched by the wall of the Fan family¡¯s yard, patiently waiting for the right moment.


    He knew that the person who had treated He Lan the worst in the Fan family was Old Lady Fan. This old woman was vicious and cruel, with no shortage of ways to torment others. She was a master at making life miserable for those around her.


    Bai Fendou¡¯s primary target was this old lady. As for the others, he would deal with them slowly over time.


    He crouched outside the wall, unmoving, silently waiting for his chance. He was aware that Old Lady Fan no longer worked. In the past, when times were tough, she had no choice, but now she prided herself on her family¡¯s improved circumstances and acted arrogantly.


    As for doing any work?


    Forget about it.


    Bai Fendou rummaged through his small bag, which contained matches and firecrackers he had prepared in advance. He wasn¡¯t one to overthink things¡ªhe relied on brute force to get things done. Once, he had even fallen into a pit toilet, an experience that had been utterly disgusting. Even though it was winter, the ordeal had left him feeling nauseated just thinking about it.


    The memory still made him queasy. And now, he wanted the Fan family to experience something similar.


    It was summer, and he was sure it would be even more revolting. The ¡°refreshing¡± sensation he had endured would now be theirs to savor.


    As Bai Fendou thought about this, his excitement grew.


    He continued to wait silently, and soon enough, the opportunity arrived. Fan Lian, the youngest daughter of the Fan family, returned home. Mother and daughter began arguing loudly, and Fan Lian stormed off in a huff.


    Old Lady Fan glared at her daughter¡¯s retreating figure and cursed, ¡°A little brat like you, thinking you can freeload at home? You want to slack off after doing a bit of work? Don¡¯t forget your place!¡±


    In the past, He Lan had been the one to do all the work around the house, allowing the other women in the family to laze around. Everyone had ordered He Lan around, and Fan Lian was no exception. But now that He Lan was gone, Fan Lian had to pick up the slack.


    Who else would do it?


    Her mother? Or her sisters-in-law?


    Those women were no saints either.


    Old Lady Fan snorted, then headed to the outhouse. Fan Jianguo had taken his fianc¨¦e, Xu Yuqiao, to the city to shop. While Old Lady Fan was a bit displeased about this, she also felt pleased, thinking about how this ¡°golden phoenix¡± was about to join their family.


    Soon, her son¡¯s career would climb even higher.


    Smirking to herself, Old Lady Fan felt increasingly satisfied.


    She entered the outhouse. The Fan family never used the public toilets in the village¡ªafter all, why let outsiders benefit from their waste? Even when they were working in the fields, they would come home to use their own toilet, let alone someone like Old Lady Fan, who stayed home all day. She squatted down¡­


    **Bang!**


    A loud explosion erupted, sending feces flying in all directions. Old Lady Fan was startled and, in her panic, lost her footing and tumbled into the pit. ¡°Ah!¡±


    The situation quickly escalated.


    Bai Fendou peeked over the wall and immediately gagged.


    It was utterly disgusting!


    The summer heat made the stench even more unbearable.


    Without hesitation, Bai Fendou lit another firecracker and tossed it into the pit¡ª**Bang!**


    This time, even Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t bear to look. Despite his tough demeanor, the sight was too much for him. Hearing people approaching, he took off running. He wasn¡¯t entirely familiar with the area, but he had a rough idea of the path leading out of the village. Without stopping, he sprinted toward the outskirts.


    Huffing and puffing, Bai Fendou ran like a madman.


    From a distance, all that could be seen was the fluttering of his clothing.


    ¡°Hey, that figure looks familiar¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the ugly widow from earlier¡­¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that people wanted to insult her, but the woman was truly unattractive. Even the famously plain Wang Erniu from the neighboring village looked better in comparison. Besides, calling her the ¡°ugly widow¡± was the only way to distinguish her from other widows.


    The villagers shook their heads in disbelief.


    ¡°Wait, didn¡¯t she cause that commotion just now?¡±


    ¡°She must be trying to get back at that family.¡±


    ¡°Can you blame her? Anyone would feel the same.¡±


    In a way, Bai Fendou¡¯s reckless actions only reinforced the belief that she had been wronged in love.


    ¡°Enough talking, let¡¯s go check on the Fan family.¡±


    ¡°Should we chase after her?¡±


    ¡°Why bother? It¡¯s none of our business.¡±


    ¡°True. If their family hadn¡¯t caused trouble, none of this would¡¯ve happened. And who knows what that woman might do if she¡¯s provoked? We shouldn¡¯t risk getting hurt for the Fan family¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°Right, right.¡±


    Despite their chatter, the villagers hurried toward the source of the noise. Fan Lian was the first to arrive, as she had been dawdling on her way to the fields. Hearing the commotion, she rushed back.


    She knew it was her family¡¯s business, but when she saw the scene, she immediately vomited. The stench was overwhelming, making her feel like she might pass out at any moment.


    Fan Lian collapsed to the ground, retching uncontrollably¡­


    ¡°Help! Help!¡±


    The private outhouse, unlike a public one, wasn¡¯t deep enough to drown someone.


    Old Lady Fan thrashed around in agony, her cries purely reflexive.


    ¡°Help! Who did this? Damn you!¡±


    She wailed, but everyone who arrived on the scene reacted the same way as Fan Lian¡ªthey doubled over and vomited. The sight was simply unbearable!


    When Fan Jianguo and his brothers returned, they too were overwhelmed. Fan Lian screamed, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you helping me? You little brats, hurry up! Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Mom, how did you even fall into the toilet?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Ugh!¡±


    Unlike the others, the brothers had no choice but to step forward and help.


    Meanwhile, Fan Jianguo returned with his fianc¨¦e, Xu Yuqiao. Xu Yuqiao was the daughter of his boss, and Fan Jianguo had worked hard to win her over. The two were now deeply in love.


    They had come back to the village to get married.


    Of course, Fan Jianguo had told Xu Yuqiao about He Lan.


    In his version of the story, He Lan and her family were the villains. He claimed that they had taken advantage of a childhood favor to force him into marrying He Lan, portraying her as a spoiled capitalist¡¯s daughter who had lorded over his family. Even when she gave birth, she had sent telegrams demanding his return.


    Finally, he had had enough and cut ties with the ¡°capitalist¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Fortunately, they had only held a wedding banquet and hadn¡¯t officially registered their marriage, so his reputation remained intact.


    This story had made Xu Yuqiao sympathize with him even more, and their relationship had progressed rapidly. Sometimes, a man¡¯s ¡°past suffering¡± could evoke a woman¡¯s pity, and Fan Jianguo had played this card well.


    He had considered hiding the truth about He Lan, but with so many people in the village, someone was bound to slip up. So, he had twisted the facts from the start. After all, no one could prove his story false, and He Lan¡¯s background as a capitalist¡¯s daughter made her an easy target. Fan Jianguo was quite pleased with himself.


    As he walked home with Xu Yuqiao, he said, ¡°We¡¯ve bought most of what we need. We¡¯ll just have a simple ceremony at home, inviting a few elders and village leaders. We should follow the call for simplicity and avoid extravagance. But I don¡¯t want to shortchange you. Since we both work in the military, we can have another celebration when we return, inviting some comrades. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you,¡± Xu Yuqiao replied.


    Just then, they heard someone running past, shouting, ¡°Go check out the Fan family! Something¡¯s happened!¡±


    ¡°Did they pull her out yet?¡±


    "Even his son didn¡¯t dare to do it, so who else could help? She¡¯s still in there, and oh my, it stinks so bad."


    Fan Jianguo, hearing this but not understanding what was going on, immediately said, "I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happened at home, let¡¯s go and see."


    "Let¡¯s go."


    The young, unmarried couple quickly headed toward the Fan household. But the closer they got, the more unbearable the smell in the air became. Summer was indeed summer¡ªthe stench could reach three feet high¡­ When they arrived at the scene, Xu Yuqiao immediately vomited¡­


    "Quick, save your mom¡­"


    The scene instantly became even more chaotic¡­


    While chaos reigned on one side, Bai Fendou was hiding by the roadside, anxiously waiting for the bus that never seemed to come. Had he gotten the time wrong? He frowned tightly, feeling worried, afraid that someone might come after him. He felt like a few people had seen him when he was running away, and he wasn¡¯t sure if they¡¯d¡­


    The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became.


    Bai Fendou rubbed his hands together, growing more and more impatient.


    Just then, a large truck approached from the distance. Without caring that it wasn¡¯t a passenger bus, he quickly waved his hand to flag it down.


    From afar, the driver saw a strangely dressed, rather unattractive woman standing by the roadside waving. Normally, truck drivers wouldn¡¯t stop for just anyone, fearing trouble. But this situation was different¡ªthey were almost in the city, and it was broad daylight. There was little to worry about.


    The driver screeched to a halt. Bai Fendou called out, "Brother, can you give me a ride? I¡¯m heading back to the city."


    After a pause, he squinted at the driver and suddenly said, "You¡¯re Ming Mei¡¯s father, right?"


    Indeed, the driver Bai Fendou had encountered was none other than Ming Mei¡¯s father, Ming Xiangdong.


    Ming Xiangdong was taken aback. He looked the flamboyantly dressed man up and down before asking, "Who are you?"


    What kind of people did Zhuang Zhixi know?


    Bai Fendou, no longer able to keep up the act, said, "It¡¯s me, Bai Fendou! I live in the same courtyard as Zhuang Zhixi and his wife. Do you remember me?"


    He pulled off his headscarf.


    Ming Xiangdong¡¯s mouth twitched as he gave Bai Fendou another once-over, his gaze lingering suspiciously on the man¡¯s dress. After a long pause, he said, "Get in."


    Bai Fendou: "Ah, thank you!"


    He quickly climbed into the truck, placing his hands obediently on his knees. This wasn¡¯t because he was particularly well-behaved, but because he had spotted a large machete at Ming Xiangdong¡¯s feet. Anyone would be scared of that.


    Besides, Ming Xiangdong himself looked quite intimidating.


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t dare say much, but the silence felt awkward. He stammered, "I¡­ I¡­"


    Suddenly, he remembered he was wearing a dress.


    Bai Fendou felt even more embarrassed, but his greatest strength was his thick skin. He quickly added, "I¡­ I¡¯m out running some errands, heh, heh heh."


    He tugged at the hem of his dress and said, "I¡¯m a normal person."


    Ming Xiangdong grunted.


    It was unclear whether he believed him or not.


    Bai Fendou felt even more awkward. After some thought, he said, "Ming Mei went up the mountain today, said they were going to the outskirts. Zhuang Zhixi is at home looking after the kids."


    Ming Xiangdong finally spoke up, asking, "Are Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan behaving?"


    "They¡¯re good! Really well-behaved!"


    In truth, they weren¡¯t as well-behaved as his own little Qing Qing, but Bai Fendou didn¡¯t dare say that. He felt like if he said anything that displeased Ming Xiangdong, he might get punched. He clenched his jaw, racking his brain for something nice to say.


    He continued, "The Zhuang family treats Ming Mei really well. They don¡¯t make her do much cooking or anything."


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t think much of Ming Mei¡¯s cooking skills.


    Ming Xiangdong nodded.


    Bai Fendou exhaled softly in relief and added, "Zhuang Zhixi often comes home from work and washes the diapers."


    In reality, Zhuang Zhixi and his wife shared the chores, doing whatever needed to be done whenever they had time. But it was still unusual for a man to wash diapers, so Bai Fendou remembered it clearly.


    Ming Xiangdong nodded again.


    "And they eat eggs every day. Ming Mei eats them, and so do the kids."


    This was something people in the courtyard had talked about, not in a gossipy way, but more out of curiosity. Other families kept a couple of chickens, and their eggs were enough for their own needs, with some left over. But the Zhuang family had two babies and a breastfeeding mother, so they couldn¡¯t stop eating eggs.


    Tiger and Little Swallow could manage without, but the mother didn¡¯t want to favor one child over the other, so they kept eating eggs. As a result, the family was always short on eggs.


    Bai Fendou added, "A few days ago, Zhuang Zhixi traded for a whole bunch of eggs." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Xiangdong nodded. "Hmm."


    Bai Fendou was sweating profusely. This uncle was really hard to talk to. No matter what he said, he couldn¡¯t seem to get Ming Xiangdong to open up. He racked his brain and finally said, "Oh, and today Zhuang Zhixi went to Uncle Lan¡¯s place. Uncle Lan is building a radio, and Zhuang Zhixi is helping him."


    Ming Xiangdong: "Hmm."


    Bai Fendou: "¡­"


    Ming Xiangdong glanced at Bai Fendou, who was scratching his head in frustration, and asked, "What¡¯s wrong with you?"


    Bai Fendou: "N-nothing."


    Ming Xiangdong: "Do you like wearing dresses?"


    Bai Fendou: "¡­"


    Suddenly, he felt deeply wronged. How could this be about liking it? He was a real man, even if he wasn¡¯t "fully functional" anymore. He had never doubted his masculinity.


    He and Zhou Qun were completely different. Since Zhou Qun had become completely impotent, he had started acting more and more effeminate, even adopting a lisp and a limp wrist. But Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t like that. No matter what, he was still a man.


    He couldn¡¯t stand being misunderstood like this.


    He blurted out, "I¡¯m not like that! This is a disguise. I¡¯m going to settle a score."


    Ming Xiangdong: "A disguise?"


    Bai Fendou: "Yeah, I¡¯m going to confront someone, but I don¡¯t want to be recognized¡­"


    Ming Xiangdong: "Oh."


    In just a few sentences, Ming Xiangdong could tell that Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed. Most people would keep such things to themselves, afraid of being found out, especially if they were up to no good. But Bai Fendou was straightforward.


    He had just blurted it out, even though they weren¡¯t close at all.


    Ming Xiangdong looked at Bai Fendou again, thinking the man was a complete idiot.


    He lowered his gaze and then asked, "So how did you settle the score?"


    Anyone with half a brain would know not to answer that.


    But did Bai Fendou have half a brain?


    No, he didn¡¯t!


    He immediately said, "I waited until that nasty old lady went into the outhouse, then I threw firecrackers into the pit. Hahaha¡­ She was so scared she fell in! Hahaha, you should¡¯ve seen it. It was so gross. Thank goodness when I fell in, it was winter. If it had been summer, just thinking about it gives me the creeps¡­"


    Bai Fendou laughed maniacally. Ming Xiangdong: "¡­"


    This was¡­


    Just incomprehensible.


    What kind of person are you?


    You¡¯re a grown man. Can¡¯t you find a more dignified way to get revenge?


    Blowing up an outhouse?


    He suddenly remembered the infamous public toilet in Xinghua Lane and didn¡¯t know what to say.


    So you¡¯ve experienced the misery of falling into a toilet, and now you want others to suffer the same fate? What kind of mentality is that?


    No wonder your neighborhood is always causing trouble with toilets!


    He gave Bai Fendou a strange look and said, "Oh, so you¡¯re quite capable."


    Bai Fendou: "Of course."


    He was thrilled just thinking about it. "I used to think getting revenge was so hard, but now I see it¡¯s really simple."


    What need was there for elaborate schemes?


    Schemes were for people who used their brains.


    For someone like him, who didn¡¯t bother with thinking, this method worked just fine.


    Sure, it was a bit embarrassing, but as long as he got his revenge, it was worth it.


    He was in a great mood, feeling like a weight had been lifted.


    Ming Xiangdong: "¡­"


    He watched Bai Fendou, who was now grinning foolishly out the window, and deeply lamented that he still hadn¡¯t seen it all. He had thought himself quite worldly, having traveled far and wide and encountered all sorts of oddities. But Bai Fendou was something else entirely.


    It''s no wonder that since Bai Fendou got married, each day has flown by quickly. After all, spending all day watching the excitement, how could one not be happy?


    He glanced at Bai Fendou again and abruptly stopped the car with a squeak.


    Bai Fendou: "Ah? What''s wrong?"


    He finally snapped back to reality.


    Ming Xiangdong: "We''re here, get out."


    It turned out that without realizing it, the car had already arrived at their neighborhood, Plum Blossom Lane. Bai Fendou: "Ah?"


    Ming Xiangdong gestured with his mouth, Bai Fendou looked, and indeed, they had arrived at Plum Blossom Lane. He didn¡¯t even need to cross the street to get into the alley. He quickly said: "Thank you, Uncle Ming."


    Ming Xiangdong sincerely asked: "Why do you call me Uncle Ming but Uncle Lan to my father-in-law? Are we the same generation?"


    Bai Fendou: "Uh... Maybe I''ll call Uncle Lan Grandpa Blue next time? That way we won''t be the same generation."


    He said timidly.


    Ming Xiangdong didn''t say yes or no and just waved his hand.


    Bai Fendou quickly got out of the car and scurried away.


    Ming Xiangdong started the car and left. In fact, he had brought something for his daughter in the car, but it wasn''t appropriate for Bai Fendou to take it in, to avoid any awkwardness. He drove back to the station. As soon as the car left, Bai Fendou glanced back and sincerely said: "Uncle Ming is a good man."


    He quickly headed home. The time was neither early nor midday hot, and there were quite a few children playing on the street. Seeing Bai Fendou, they all shouted: "Ugly woman."


    Bai Fendou rolled his eyes and swiftly ran into their courtyard. His house was the first one at the gate, and he quickly entered.


    Actually, as soon as he left, He Lan had been worried. She was naturally timid, and these past few years, due to her background issues, she had been living in extreme caution. She was listless and lacked energy for anything. However, Bai Fendou was stubborn, and she couldn''t stop him. She could only pace back and forth at home.


    She was so anxious that she felt her heart racing.


    She regretted it. She should have stopped Bai Fendou. The Fan family was no ordinary family; it was like a dragon¡¯s lair. Going there alone, what if he got into trouble? Although they weren''t entirely convinced, He Lan still relied on Bai Fendou.


    After all, having suffered so much, Bai Fendou was the first person to genuinely help her.


    And as they spent time together, she realized that Bai Fendou was impulsive but kind-hearted. Maybe others didn''t think highly of him, but to He Lan, he was a great man.


    At times like this, only Bai Fendou could give her the support she needed.


    Normally, He Lan would take the child out for some fresh air every afternoon, but today she didn''t. She put the child on the bed, deeply anxious.


    Just as she was about to lose it and ask the neighbors to help rescue Bai Fendou from the village, she saw a woman rushing in.


    He Lan: "Ah..."


    She covered her mouth, blinked, and recognized it was Bai Fendou.


    After all, the disguise wasn''t a complete transformation. Those who knew Bai Fendou well could still recognize him. He Lan rubbed her eyes and then rushed over, saying: "You''re back, you scared me to death!"


    She was truly frightened.


    "Do you know how scared I was? Let''s not seek revenge anymore, okay? Although the Fan family isn''t good, it''s not worth our risk. Please, don''t go there again."


    Bai Fendou patted He Lan, saying: "Don''t be scared, don''t be scared. I''m fine, no one recognized me. And those people believe Fan Jianguo has an ugly widow on the side..."


    "Ah?"


    He Lan stared in shock at Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou didn''t hold back and recounted the events in detail, then sighed: "That''s roughly what happened."


    The story took Bai Fendou an hour to tell in full.


    He Lan: "..."


    She was simply amazed.


    "This..."


    She had lived in the village for years but knew less than Bai Fendou who had only been there a day.


    Looking at Bai Fendou, He Lan felt more admiration and said: "You¡¯re so amazing!"


    Bai Fendou proudly laughed, saying: "This is nothing. We Beijingers aren''t useless. You wouldn''t know, when I threw the firecrackers, Old Lady Fan was all..." He paused and said, "Forget it, I won''t go into details. You won¡¯t be able to eat dinner if I do. It''s really disgusting."


    No need to say more; just imagining it would make one sick.


    He Lan, however, was eager: "Tell me, I want to know."


    She wished ill on the Fan family.


    Even if Fan Jianguo had been unfaithful, she wouldn''t hate him as much. Her hatred for the Fan family stemmed from how they had benefited from her family before rising again. Years ago, her family had helped them; even Fan Jianguo¡¯s military service was arranged by her father. After her family fell from grace, the Fan family treated her so badly.


    They mistreated her, and she could endure that.


    But they treated her small daughter so cruelly, and she could barely let go. She knew if it had been a boy, things might have been better.


    But whether it was a boy or a girl, they were her lifeblood, and she couldn¡¯t let anyone harm her children.


    That¡¯s why she hated the Fan family so much. She had no power to do anything to them, but she was happy to hear they faced misfortune.


    "Tell me," she urged. "Maybe hearing it, I¡¯ll eat more."


    Bai Fendou: "Alright, back then¡­ ugh¡­ back then¡­ ugh."


    Bai Fendou changed clothes, washing up while describing the scene to his wife, making himself queasy.


    He Lan imagined that scene, feeling both disgusted and satisfied. It was a shame she didn¡¯t see it herself, but if she had, even if it were disgusting, she could have eaten.


    These wicked people would get their comeuppance sooner or later.


    He Lan listened contentedly and took Bai Fendou¡¯s clothes out to the yard to wash, smiling just thinking about it.


    Ming Mei happened to come out to wash clothes as well, wearing what she had worn during the hike. Watching He Lan¡¯s expression, she smiled and said: "What good news did you hear to be so happy?"


    He Lan: "Nothing much, just hearing some people got their karma. I¡¯m happy about it."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She looked puzzled at He Lan, who didn¡¯t explain further but asked instead: "Why did you come back so early today?"


    Ming Mei: "Oh, don¡¯t mention it. We ran into wild boars. Luckily, a unit stationed in the mountains came up to deal with them, or we wouldn¡¯t have been able to return so soon¡ªit could have been a long struggle, and we might not have gotten away safely."


    "Oh!"


    Ming Mei: "They say signs have been put up to stop people from going up. We didn¡¯t notice them while climbing. For now, we can¡¯t go up again.¡±


    He Lan: "Hmm. What about in the fall?"


    Ming Mei: "That should be okay. You want to go too? Maybe we can all go together then."


    He Lan: "Sure."


    Free ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????stuff like that to stock up at home is always good.


    As they talked, Wang Xiangxiu also came out with clothes to wash. Although she had been married to the courtyard for over ten years, Ming Mei and He Lan were still more at ease with everyone in the courtyard.


    This wasn¡¯t so before, but after all, her mother-in-law was such a person.


    She pursed her lips and also came over to wash clothes.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "What are you two chatting about?"


    Ming Mei: "We¡¯re talking about going up the mountain in the fall."


    Wang Xiangxiu hesitated for a moment, then mustered up her courage: "Um, can I join too?"


    Ming Mei chuckled: "What¡¯s there to join or not join? Everyone can go together; the mountain isn¡¯t anyone¡¯s private property."


    Wang Xiangxiu let out a small sigh of relief, saying: "Preparing a little earlier means we won¡¯t need to buy as many cabbage and radishes for the winter."


    In fact, she had some money, but she didn¡¯t dare spend it carelessly. After all, her family¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t good, and as a woman supporting the household, having some savings would be useful in case of emergencies. It¡¯d be hard to borrow from others if she didn¡¯t have anything put away.


    Luckily, she had returned to the production line, and if she worked hard, her salary could increase a little.


    Actually, Wang Xiangxiu herself couldn''t quite figure it out. Previously, she always thought being a fitter was incredibly difficult, something she could never learn, so she preferred to ask others for help. But after being transferred and returning, she found that if she just tried a little harder, it wasn''t that hard after all.


    There were no more assessments this year, but Wang Xiangxiu felt that maybe next year she could apply to take the exam for a second-level worker. If she couldn''t get promoted, at least her pay would increase.


    Her current wage wasn''t high, but it was more than enough to support her two children, even allowing her to fund the education of a third child and occasionally buy some fine grain to make treats to visit Jinlai, all while still having some left over. Wang Xiangxiu was a bit puzzled.


    Why had she struggled so much before, to the point where she was always tight on money before payday?


    Logically, she should be in a more difficult situation now, since she no longer had side income, yet she was still able to save a little each month. Watching He Lan finish washing and hang up the clothes before heading home to cook, Wang Xiangxiu continued washing her own clothes, hesitating for a moment before saying, "Ming Mei, there''s something I don''t really understand. Can I ask you?"


    Ming Mei looked surprised at Wang Xiangxiu''s question. "Why are you asking me?"


    After all, she and Wang Xiangxiu didn''t have much interaction. And Ming Mei, though appearing naive, was actually quite astute. She had noticed Wang Xiangxiu''s lingering glances at Zhuang Zhixi, but since Zhuang Zhixi and Wang Xiangxiu didn''t interact much, Ming Mei didn''t bring it up. Besides, Wang Xiangxiu had never made a move.


    Later, after the incident involving Old Lady Fan, Wang Xiangxiu learned the truth about her husband''s death and completely changed. Under those circumstances, Ming Mei certainly wasn''t going to bring up such meaningless topics. However, she raised an eyebrow and said, "What do you want to say?"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "I¡­ I used to earn more money than I do now, but back then, I always felt like I was barely getting by by the end of the month, constantly looking for ways to make ends meet. But now, even though I earn less each month, I find that I''m actually doing okay, not as tight on money as before. Do you know why that is? I can''t figure it out."


    She didn''t really want to talk about this, but she couldn''t find anyone else to help her, so she decided to ask Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei looked surprised again and said, "If you don''t want to talk about it¡­"


    Ming Mei: "That''s not it. You''re missing a family member now, so it''s natural that things are looser. Plus, even Jinlai, that big eater, isn''t around anymore."


    She didn''t think there was anything strange about this.


    "But, my mother-in-law¡­" Mentioning this person, Wang Xiangxiu felt a bit uncomfortable, but she continued, "She used to help the family, like¡­ scamming Old Master Bai! She could at least bring in ten yuan a month."


    Ming Mei: "Did she spend all that money on the household?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was stunned.


    She said, "She used to buy things for the house often, and it added up. My wages were always in my hands, and I took care of how to spend them. This is why I''m confused."


    She didn''t want to argue, but she really was puzzled.


    Ming Mei: "If you put it that way, I think the problem is still with your mother-in-law. How much grain did you buy for the family before, and how much do you buy now?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Before, our family always ran short on food, and I had to buy some from the black market. My mother-in-law always said she wasn''t feeling well and needed some fine grain¡­"


    Ming Mei: "Well, isn''t that the answer? If she insisted on eating fine grain every meal, how could your share be enough? You''d have to buy expensive grain from the black market, which costs more. Not to mention, if she ate fine grain, the kids ate fine grain, and you ate some too, then of course the grain would run out quickly. But now, things are different. At least now, one meal a day is coarse grain, right? And before, you had to buy eggs, but now you raise chickens, so you don''t need to buy eggs. That saves money too. Plus, the biggest eater, Jinlai, isn''t around anymore, so of course you''re saving more."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "That makes sense."


    It was only when she thought about it in detail that she realized all these little things added up. Maybe it was just a bit here or a bit there, but when you counted it all together, it was quite a lot.


    Wang Xiangxiu let out a soft sigh. "I lived so foolishly before."


    "Heh," a chuckle sounded. Zhuang Zhixi came over to help his wife hang up the clothes. He glanced at Wang Xiangxiu and said, "You said your mother-in-law used to buy grain for the house, but I don''t believe that."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Huh?"


    She looked puzzled at Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi was just making a casual comment, but seeing that Wang Xiangxiu genuinely wanted to know, he decided to explain. "There was once when I saw her carrying a bag and telling you she had bought some grain, maybe about two pounds of flour. But at the time, I was still in high school, and I was home on break. I didn''t see her go out at all. Back then, I suspected that she might take some of the grain you bought, just a little at a time, so it wouldn''t be obvious. Then she''d hide it, accumulating a bit over time, and later claim it was what she bought. You''d probably be happy about that. That way, she could save the money she got from scamming Old Master Bai. You thought she was spending that money on buying grain for the family, but in fact, she was hoarding it. The grain in your house was still the grain you bought, because it was a gradual process, so you never noticed. Did you ever feel like your grain ran out unusually fast? Think about it, with just a few people in your house, even if you ate well, how could you need so much fine grain? Go ask around, and you''ll see that no other household in this compound uses that much."


    He sighed, "You thought your mother-in-law was helping the family, but in reality, the fine grain she ''bought'' was still the grain you paid for. That''s why your money always seemed to run out."


    Wang Xiangxiu was dumbfounded.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Of course, I''ve never confirmed this with her directly, so I can''t say for sure it''s a hundred percent true. But she claimed to have bought grain without ever leaving the house, and that wasn''t the only time. As outsiders, we don''t meddle in others'' family affairs, so there''s no real evidence. These are just my guesses, but it might give you some insight."


    Wang Xiangxiu clenched her fists, feeling her head buzz.


    Her mother-in-law had certainly given her a lot of surprises, one after another.


    Even now that she was gone, she was still creating new "surprises."


    No wonder her mother-in-law had managed to save so much money; it turned out she was doing things like this. No wonder their grain always ran out quickly and she had to buy more¡­ Taking a deep breath, Wang Xiangxiu said, "How evil must this wicked old woman be to do all these things!"


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and continued hanging up the clothes, while Ming Mei offered some solace. "It''s all in the past now. There''s no point in thinking about it too much. The important thing is that this person no longer affects your life. You can live well now, don''t you think?"


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded. "Yes, I want to live well. I want everyone to see that without that wicked old woman, my life will be much better. I''ll never go back to how I was before."


    She rubbed the clothes more forcefully, as if she were washing the old woman herself.


    Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi exchanged glances, then hung up the clothes together and returned to their room. Their two children were kicking their legs on the kang; now that they could roll over, they couldn''t be left alone. Whenever the couple wasn''t in the room, they would place quilts and pillows along the edge of the kang to prevent the kids from rolling off.


    Entering the room, Ming Mei saw the two kids trapped on the kang, unaware that they were confined, still kicking their little legs happily.


    The babies couldn''t talk yet, but they loved to "communicate," making all kinds of noises, drooling everywhere, and no one could understand what they were babbling about. Ming Mei arranged the quilts and sat next to the baby, poking at him.


    The baby let out a bubbly sound and grabbed Ming Mei''s finger.


    Ming Mei: "Oh, he''s quite strong."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Now Wang Xiangxiu seems like a decent person."


    Ming Mei: "She''s back in the workshop now?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "She got transferred back. It''s because someone reported her for having an affair with Director Chen, Chen Yuan''s father. But after investigation, it was found to be false. The factory probably transferred her back to make up for her grievance or because they felt sorry for her, being a single mother. Working in the workshop is definitely better than cleaning toilets. Cleaning toilets means no chance of a raise, but being a fitter means there''s still room for advancement. As long as she works hard and trains diligently, she can still get raises. The factory is quite humane, after all."


    Ming Mei nodded and said, "That''s true."


    She added, "I think..."


    Before she could finish, there was a knock at the door. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Come in."


    In walked Bai Fendou, who grinned and said, "Xiao Zhuang, can you come out for a bit? I need to talk to you about something."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    What is my house, a consulting office? Why does everyone come to ask questions?


    Wang Xiangxiu had something she didn''t understand, and now Bai Fendou has something he doesn''t understand. Is this going to keep happening?


    With a sigh, he walked out and said, "What''s the matter? Weren''t you causing trouble again? Weren''t you happy coming back today?"


    "You know?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Your wife was all smiles. There must have been some gains."


    Bai Fendou scratched his head, "There really were."


    He pulled Zhuang Zhixi to the door and whispered something. Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Wow, this family has some nerve! How are they not beaten to death for being so shameless?" Although, Bai Fendou does have some power. Even though he''s reckless and impulsive, he can still deal a fatal blow.


    He didn''t know what was going on with the Fan family, but in most households, just the events of today¡ªbeing splashed with dirty water and falling into the toilet¡ªwould be enough to make someone go crazy. Ordinary people can''t handle that.


    Bai Fendou is truly not an ordinary person.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Bai Fendou, thinking that impulsive people do have their advantages, especially when dealing with scoundrels.


    Bai Fendou asked, "So, what do you think? With all the trouble they''ve caused, can we deal with them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at him with a mix of emotions, "Haven''t you already dealt with them?"


    "That''s not enough!"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Today''s events should be enough to give them a hard time. But with what you''ve told me, we can really plot something against them." He rubbed his chin, thinking, "Damn, what am I becoming? I was such a good guy, and now I''m plotting against people."


    Bai Fendou urged, "Come on, tell me, tell me."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Let me think it over and perfect it. Wait two or three days."


    He glanced at Bai Fendou, "You can wait that long, can''t you?"


    Bai Fendou responded, "Sure!"


    Just today''s events were enough to make him happy for a long time.


    He said, "Hey, today, let me tell you..."


    Zhuang Zhixi cut him off, "Please don''t. I can''t handle it."


    Just hearing the beginning made him feel nauseous. He absolutely didn''t want to continue.


    He said hurriedly, "Don''t tell me, I still need to eat dinner."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly left, while Bai Fendou thought that Zhuang Zhixi was even more cowardly than his wife. His wife, a woman, could listen without showing any discomfort. She could even listen in detail, though she found it disgusting.


    A man hearing just the beginning and running away?


    That''s too cowardly.


    Indeed, besides having a good brain, Zhuang Zhixi isn''t much.


    In their courtyard, the real brave man is still him.


    If it were Zhou Qun, he definitely wouldn''t have done what Bai Fendou did today.


    His capability is quite impressive.


    Bai Fendou proudly glanced at the Zhou family as Zhou Qun came out. Bai Fendou arrogantly raised his chin, declaring, "You, are not as good as me."


    Zhou Qun: "???"


    He looked at Bai Fendou in surprise, taking a long time to react. By the time he did, Bai Fendou had already gone inside. Zhou Qun: "???"


    He got angry, "What''s wrong with him? What is he trying to prove? What a jerk..."


    Jiang Lu said, "What are you doing? Didn''t I tell you not to say such things at home? What if the baby picks it up? When other kids first say ''Mommy and Daddy,'' ours says ''Damn''... how are we going to face people?"


    Zhou Qun quickly agreed, "Right, right."


    He immediately apologized, fully realizing that he was now a father and needed to set a good example.


    He didn''t have deep feelings for Jiang Lu, but he certainly didn''t want to change wives either. Besides, they had a child. Zhou Qun cheerfully said, "Don''t worry, wife. I definitely won''t say those things in front of the baby."


    Aunt Zhou watched her son, feeling slightly displeased with his submissive behavior. A real man shouldn''t let a woman control him. But then she thought, what kind of man is her son anyway?


    As long as Jiang Lu doesn''t bring up divorce, it''s fine if she takes control.


    Otherwise, what if they end up with a man as a daughter-in-law? That would be truly devastating.


    Thinking this way, Aunt Zhou was even more sycophantic towards Jiang Lu, saying, "Daughter-in-law, how about I make you scrambled eggs tonight? You like..."


    Jiang Lu looked at Aunt Zhou and her son, who was playing on the bed, and smiled, "Sure, scrambled eggs. Mom, I trust your cooking..."


    Aunt Zhou replied, "Alright, just wait and see."


    Jiang Lu happily soothed the child, feeling that this life was truly good.


    The smell of scrambled eggs wafted from next door, and Bai Fendou sniffed, "Wife, it''s eggs. Let''s make some too?"


    He Lan replied, "Okay."


    She hummed a tune, truly happy.


    He Lan was really happy, but others were not. For example, her former in-laws, the Fan family.


    The Fan family was in no mood to be happy. Not only were they not happy, but the atmosphere was also quite oppressive.


    By this time, Old Lady Fan had long been bailed out. But while she was out, the incident was still infuriating. Old Lady Fan didn''t even dare to take a bath at home and went directly to the river.


    This made the village women feel even more unhappy.


    The river was where they washed their clothes. After such a disgusting event, they didn''t want to wash there for a while.


    The children were also upset. They loved playing in the river during summer. The water wasn''t deep, and even five or six-year-olds could play there without fear of drowning. It was the perfect spot.


    But now, they felt disgusted and didn''t want to go there anymore.


    Very angry!


    Old Lady Fan stripped down and spent two solid hours washing in the river, yet she still felt a stench all over her body.


    The entire Fan family was cloaked in dense gloom. Everyone stood in the yard, the summer air filled with unbearable stench. It wasn''t just their family; even nearby neighbors could smell it. Naturally, someone brought up what happened in the afternoon.


    Why should they, the neighbors, have to suffer just because your family messed with a widow?


    Old Lady Fan might be a shrew, but that didn''t mean others were pushovers. Several women stood at the door, cursing loudly.


    It was extremely unpleasant.


    "Fan Jianguo, you bastard. Living next to you is the worst luck. You''re a rotten piece of trash, dragging us down with you..."


    Fan Jianguo came out, "What are you talking about, auntie?"


    "Pfft, what am I talking about? Who doesn''t know you messing around with widows? You wronged them, and now they''re getting back at you. Yet you''re acting like a decent person now? But you didn''t do decent things, did you? Look at this smell. You want to disgust us to death, don''t you?"


    "Exactly, look at what your family has done. How are we supposed to live?"


    "Now even stepping outside feels like stepping in it!"


    "Exactly!"


    Xu Yuqiao had been in a bad mood since she got home and hadn''t recovered.


    Her family was well-off, and she was in the Cultural Troupe, so marrying Fan Jianguo was already a step down. But was this really how things were supposed to be? Could her mother-in-law be any more embarrassing? Falling into the toilet? If this gets out, she won''t be able to hold her head up.


    Everyone who hears about it will undoubtedly feel disgusted.


    She was already quite annoyed, but when she heard the reason, she just couldn''t hold it together any longer.


    She coldly stared at Fan Jianguo and said, ¡°Fan Jianguo, tell me, what widow? What spending a widow¡¯s money? What widow taking revenge? Explain it to me clearly!¡±


    Fan Jianguo was also dumbfounded at this moment. He had never had any dealings with a widow outside!


    The one with a widow was actually his brother. He knew his brother had entangled with a widow from the neighboring village, but that wasn¡¯t him. As for spending money, that was even more out of the question.


    He immediately became serious: ¡°This is someone framing me.¡±


    ¡°Framing you? Who would frame you?¡± Xu Yuqiao was furious.


    Fan Jianguo quickly thought of someone: ¡°It must be He Lan.¡±


    He believed that the person who hated him the most must be He Lan. However, when he said this, the neighbors weren¡¯t buying it.


    At this moment, someone immediately shouted: ¡°Come on, stop lying! When He Lan transferred her household registration and left, she said it was to get married. She¡¯s already found someone else, so why would she still want to harm you? Does she want to endure your family¡¯s abusive mother-in-law? Or the sisters-in-law who love to steal clothes?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°With your family, she was more than happy to leave.¡±


    ¡°Stop bringing up He Lan. I¡¯ve seen the widow you¡¯ve been with. She¡¯s big and tall, quite ugly, but very fragrant.¡±


    ¡°Right, and she always has bright red lipstick. People say she¡¯s been with you for six or seven years and spent nearly a thousand dollars on you¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    ¡°I saw her too. She ran out of the village earlier.¡±


    There¡¯s an old saying: It¡¯s better to break a temple than to destroy a marriage.


    Everyone agreed with this sentiment.


    Although they knew the Fan family wasn¡¯t great, since the girl was willing, no one went to confront the stranger and gossip. But today, things had gone too far. As neighbors, they had to endure this suffering too.


    The smell was overwhelming, and Old Lady Fan had made a mess everywhere, making the neighbors afraid to step on it. Since it affected their own homes, they couldn¡¯t hold back, feeling extremely annoyed.


    Fan Jianguo frowned: ¡°This is impossible.¡±


    Where did this woman come from? He could be certain that he had never had anything to do with such a woman. Seeing Xu Yuqiao looking at him with suspicion, he quickly said, ¡°Qiao, you have to trust my character. I¡¯m not that kind of person¡­¡±


    ¡°I want to believe you, but you have to explain clearly, what widow is this?¡±


    She directly looked at the people around and said, ¡°Auntie, have you seen that woman? Can you tell me about it?¡±


    The named old lady felt a bit uncomfortable and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to offend the Fan family.¡±


    Xu Yuqiao turned her head and glared at the Fan family, then said, ¡°Tell me, don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you speak for nothing¡­¡±


    She took out a handful of candies, at least a dozen or twenty, and stuffed them into the old lady¡¯s hands.


    Auntie Zhang: ¡°Oh, you know I¡¯m just an honest person. Come, girl, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll tell you. Today at noon¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t spread nonsense.¡± Fan Jianguo was anxious.


    ¡°We¡¯re not making things up.¡±


    ¡°Girl, I also know what kind of people the Fan family are. Let me tell you¡­¡±


    This girl was so generous, handing out so many candies¡­


    ¡°What are you doing? Those candies are from my house¡­¡± Fan Lian was unhappy, shouting out. Why give them to outsiders instead of letting her eat them?


    ¡°Look at this sister-in-law¡¯s face.¡±


    Xu Yuqiao¡¯s expression darkened further. She stared intently at Fan Jianguo, feeling that she needed to seriously reconsider this man¡­

 Chapter 152

    The affairs of the Fan family were unknown to those living in the distant compound.


    However, that didn''t stop Bai Fendou from being in high spirits. After all, he hadn''t gone in vain today¡ªthrowing Old Lady Fan into the manure pit was enough to make him happy. Human happiness can be so simple. Bai Fendou was full of energy, brimming with pride.


    He Lan was also all smiles, feeling nothing but joy.


    When she was happy, she liked to find something to do. On this summer evening, while everyone else was cooling off, she was busy cleaning the windows.


    Several men in the compound couldn''t help but look at Bai Fendou with envy. This guy, who wasn''t much of a man in their eyes, seemed to have all the luck. He Lan was not only good-looking but also hardworking. While everyone else was chatting, she was diligently working.


    Bai Fendou felt his spirits soar. He glanced smugly at Zhou Qun and then at the Zhuang brothers, convinced that he was the happiest man in the compound. None of their wives could compare to his.


    He held his chin high, exuding arrogance.


    Zhou Qun understood Bai Fendou''s feelings all too well. He snorted and turned his face away.


    He didn''t see what Bai Fendou had to boast about. Bai didn''t even have a child, while Zhou had a son. Did Zhou brag about it? Not at all. He had to set a good example for his child.


    Otherwise, he thought silently, looking toward the Su family, he might end up like Su Jinlai.


    Zhou Qun snorted again but said nothing.


    As for Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi, the two brothers were deep in a discussion about chickens laying eggs¡ªyes, they were really talking about that. Their chickens had been laying eggs quite well lately, and it was worth discussing.


    One had to admit, they were just bored.


    The compound was bustling with activity in the evening. Everyone was gathered together, gossiping about this and that. Just then, a young boy entered the compound. Zhao Guihua was the first to notice and asked, "Kid, who are you looking for?"


    The boy, about the same age as Jinlai, around ten years old, looked around and said, "I''m looking for Bai Fendou."


    His gaze finally landed on Bai Fendou, and he recognized him. "Uncle Fendou, I''m Guan Guiling''s son. Do you remember me?"


    Bai Fendou had visited Guan Guiling''s house many times during their ambiguous relationship, always helping out with chores. He recognized the boy immediately and said, "I know you. What is it?"


    The boy replied matter-of-factly, "My mom just gave birth, but we don''t have enough money for the hospital bills. She said you should help her."


    Bai Fendou was stunned. "What? Help her? Why should I help her?"


    He thought about how Guan Guiling had broken off their engagement and ruined his reputation, and his mood soured. "Don''t come to me. I have nothing to do with your mom, and I can''t help her."


    The boy was displeased. "How can you be so unkind? You pretended to be a good person in front of my mom. She thought you were kind, selfless, and above petty concerns. But now you''re being so stingy. My mom is in a tough spot right now. What''s wrong with helping her?"


    Everyone stared at the boy, feeling a bit shaken. How could he say such things with such confidence? It was just too much.


    The boy continued, "Help my mom. She just had a baby boy. Don''t you want a son? If you come and help, and if you do well, I''ll convince her to give you a chance. My brother could even call you ''godfather.'' Wouldn''t that give you someone to take care of you in your old age?"


    Bai Fendou frowned and quickly retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? I have a wife and a child. Why would I want to raise your family''s kid? And give me a chance? I don''t need it. Get out of here. I don''t want to see you. You''re ridiculous."


    Bai Fendou waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly.


    What did he need a son for? He already had a daughter, and his little Qingqing was wonderful. Why would he raise someone else''s child?


    His little Qingqing even smiled at him.


    Bai Fendou was utterly disgusted. "Go away. Go find someone else. I don''t want to see your mom."


    He Lan, who had been quietly cleaning the windows, let out a soft sigh of relief. She observed the boy, who was glaring at Bai Fendou, clearly upset that Bai hadn''t taken the opportunity he''d offered.


    The boy said, "You''re not even a real man. Who would want you? My mom only offered to let you take care of my brother because of your past relationship..."


    Before he could finish, Bai Fendou had had enough. He grabbed the boy, dragged him to the gate, and threw him out. "Get lost!"


    The boy fell face-first into the dirt, stunned. "Bai Fendou, you jerk!"


    Bai Fendou sneered. He thought about all the times he''d bought meat for Guan Guiling''s family during their relationship, and now it felt like he''d been feeding it to dogs. What kind of people were they? He stood with his hands on his hips, furious. "Get out of here, or I''ll beat you up. Who do you think you are, coming to my door? Do you think I''m an idiot? I''m not going to put up with this. Take a good look at what kind of family you have. Pah! Get out! Your mom badmouthed me behind my back, and I haven''t even settled that score yet. How dare you come here? Do you think Bai Fendou is an easy target? You little brat, get lost!"


    The boy, being just a kid, didn''t dare to confront Bai Fendou directly. He could only shout, "You eunuch! You''re just a big eunuch!"


    Bai Fendou raised his fist, and the boy immediately ran off, sticking out his tongue.


    Bai Fendou muttered, "You little brat. Just wait, I''ll deal with you..."


    The boy ran off, and Bai Fendou didn''t bother chasing him. He stormed back inside, grumbling, "That family really thinks I''m a fool."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. "It doesn''t matter if they think you''re a fool, as long as you don''t think you''re one."


    Bai Fendou tossed his head. "That''s not going to happen!"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, considering Bai Fendou''s words. He realized that Bai wasn''t lying. If Bai Fendou hadn''t met He Lan, he might have fallen for the boy''s scheme. Bai wasn''t the sharpest tool in the shed and had always been desperate for a wife and child, making him an easy target for manipulation.


    But now things were different. Bai had developed feelings for He Lan after living with her for several months. He had watched their daughter, Qingqing, grow from a frail little thing into a healthy child. He had poured a lot of emotion into raising Qingqing and truly saw her as his own daughter.


    In this situation, there was no need for him to seek out another child elsewhere.


    Any child outside his family would still have their own parents, and they''d just be using him.


    If he had acted impulsively, he might have been deceived. But now that he had a family, he was determined to protect his own household and was thinking clearly.


    Bai Fendou vented, "What''s wrong with Guan Guiling? Does she really think I''m an idiot? She has a baby and comes to me for help? It''s not even my kid. Does she think sweet talk will make me hand over money? I''d rather spend that money on treats for my Qingqing."


    He Lan breathed a sigh of relief and sat down beside Bai Fendou.


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Exactly. Besides, the kid has a father and mother."


    Bai Fendou slapped his thigh. "That''s right. He has parents. Why should I get involved?"


    Everyone found the situation baffling, wondering what Guan Guiling was thinking. Zhou Qun, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Wait a minute, Bai Fendou. That Guan Guiling should have given birth a while ago. The timeline doesn''t add up."


    You see, when you''re a seasoned gossip, you notice every little detail.


    Most people wouldn''t have picked up on it.


    Bai Fendou was puzzled. "Huh?"


    Zhou Qun explained, "Think about it. You met her at the matchmaking event, right? She was already pregnant then. How long has it been since then? That was last year, and now it''s August. What is she, pregnant with Nezha? How is she just giving birth now?"


    Bai Fendou exclaimed, "Oh, you''re right!"


    Everyone was a bit confused. The dates didn¡¯t add up; they definitely didn¡¯t add up. There was a gap of several months in between. No one¡¯s child could possibly be pregnant for fourteen or fifteen months before giving birth. He scratched his head and said, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°What else could it be? She¡¯s definitely trying to scam you for money!¡±


    He looked at Bai Fendou sympathetically, feeling genuinely puzzled. Why did these kinds of things always seem to happen to Bai Fendou? Was the word ¡°gullible¡± written all over his face? It seemed like all sorts of shady characters were drawn to him.


    Zhuang Zhixi said sincerely, ¡°Bai Fendou, your life is truly different from most people¡¯s. Look at you¡ªyour life is so full of ups and downs, so dramatic.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°¡­¡±


    He paused for a moment and said, ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like a compliment.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: ¡°I¡¯m just telling the truth.¡±


    As they were talking, the boy returned. Bai Fendou glared at him, grabbed a slipper, and was about to chase after him. The boy shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t come near me! I¡¯m not here for you. I¡¯m looking for Chen Yuan. I¡¯m looking for Chen Yuan¡­¡±


    Everyone fell silent.


    Although they had already suspected that Chen Yuan was the one who had scammed Bai Fendou, this pretty much confirmed it.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for Chen Yuan.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Chen Yuan isn¡¯t here. He¡¯s been staying at his parents¡¯ place for several months now and hasn¡¯t come back.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± The boy was displeased. ¡°Then where do his parents live?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°How can you not know? Are you just refusing to tell me?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and immediately ignored the kid.


    Hmph, kids from outside were definitely not as cute as the ones from their own neighborhood. What a bunch of brats.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m talking to you!¡±


    ¡°What kind of manners does this kid have? No sense of respect at all. What kind of upbringing is this? Go away, don¡¯t come into our courtyard. You¡¯re just annoying.¡± Old Lady Wang spoke up. At this moment, she felt a bit relieved. Thankfully, Guan Guiling had called off the wedding back then. Otherwise, if she had brought this unruly kid into their courtyard, it would have been a real headache.


    Managing this courtyard was already hard enough.


    The boy glared at everyone defiantly, but seeing that no one was paying him any attention, he snorted heavily and cursed, ¡°You bunch of losers!¡±


    ¡°Hey, you little brat! I think you need a good beating to learn some respect¡­¡±


    Several men stood up, and the boy, realizing the situation was turning against him, quickly scampered off.


    ¡°What a brat.¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness he¡¯s not from our courtyard.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of Chen Yuan, he really has too much time on his hands. Back then, he meddled in your relationship with Guan Guiling¡­¡± At this point, the speaker glanced at Bai Fendou and stopped himself. It wasn¡¯t appropriate to bring up those old matters, especially since Bai Fendou was already married.


    Bai Fendou, however, didn¡¯t seem to mind. He said, ¡°Looking back now, Chen Yuan messing things up for me was actually a good thing. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have met He Lan.¡±


    He Lan blushed slightly and smiled softly.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°That¡¯s true. Living a good life together is what matters most.¡±


    Then Zhou Qun chimed in.


    He said, ¡°Oh, by the way, Ming Mei, you¡¯re colleagues with Guan Guiling, right? You should know when she gave birth, shouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Ming Mei, who had been named, shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not close to her, and we don¡¯t work in the same building. I have no idea when she gave birth.¡±


    Everyone sighed in disappointment. They had hoped to find out.


    Although Ming Mei didn¡¯t know, she decided she would go and ask around tomorrow. After all, who didn¡¯t love a bit of gossip?


    The incident with Guan Guiling borrowing money was just a small episode in their courtyard, but the next day at work, Ming Mei found out that it was already old news at their workplace. And the story was even more convoluted and bizarre than she had imagined.


    This was partly because Ming Mei was still on maternity leave, going home every morning and afternoon to nurse her baby, so she had been out of the loop.


    As soon as Ming Mei started asking around, someone in her office immediately filled her in.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know? Guan Guiling gave birth a long time ago, like three or four months ago.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡± So it wasn¡¯t a recent birth.


    She said, ¡°I never saw her going home to nurse the baby, so I thought I was the only one on maternity leave in our unit.¡±


    ¡°Guan Guiling doesn¡¯t need to go home. Her child was given away right after birth.¡± The colleague paused and added, ¡°She told everyone the baby didn¡¯t survive, but in reality, she gave it away. It was a boy, so there were plenty of people willing to take him. Everyone knows about this, Ming Mei. You¡¯re really behind on the news. This happened months ago. You¡¯re way out of the loop.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She scratched her head and said, ¡°I¡¯ve been so busy with my baby.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your mother-in-law helping out?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded. ¡°Yes, but I can¡¯t just leave everything to her. It¡¯s my baby, after all.¡±


    Everyone laughed, and one of the older colleagues, Sister Zhang, said, ¡°You¡¯re really out of touch. The latest news isn¡¯t even about the baby anymore. It¡¯s about her ex-husband. Guan Guiling¡¯s ex-husband is sick again and is currently hospitalized. His health isn¡¯t great, and it¡¯s costing a lot of money. She even went to our boss crying, hoping the unit would organize a donation.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°But the unit didn¡¯t organize one, right?¡±


    ¡°Right, they didn¡¯t. The boss didn¡¯t agree. Their income is above the minimum living standard in the city. How can we justify a donation? Besides, who¡¯s doing well these days? It¡¯s not like this is a one-time thing. If we donate this time, what about next time? What if someone else has a similar situation? Should we keep donating? If it becomes a regular thing, how will anyone else manage? And besides, she¡¯s divorced. That¡¯s her ex-husband. Asking the unit to donate money for her ex-husband¡ªit just doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    Now she understood why Guan Guiling¡¯s son had come to their courtyard the day before.


    Curious, she asked, ¡°So how bad is Guan Guiling¡¯s ex-husband¡¯s condition?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s always sick. He¡¯s in and out of the hospital all the time and needs long-term medication. That¡¯s why the boss didn¡¯t dare to organize a donation. If it were a one-time thing, they might have helped. But this is an ongoing issue. If we donate this time, what about the next time he¡¯s hospitalized? And the time after that? It¡¯s just not feasible to keep donating.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded softly, understanding the situation.


    It was a classic case of helping in an emergency but not with chronic problems.


    If it were a one-time thing, everyone would be willing to help. But this wasn¡¯t a one-time issue, and everyone had their own families to take care of.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, why did you suddenly ask about her?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°I just remembered she was pregnant too, but I never saw her going home to nurse the baby, so I was curious.¡±


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t mention the incident with Guan Guiling¡¯s son coming to Bai Fendou for money, wanting to preserve some dignity for the family.


    ¡°Guan Guiling¡­ she¡¯s not all there, you know? I heard she¡¯s pregnant again¡­¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Ming Mei, who had just taken a sip of water, nearly spat it out. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant again?¡±


    Sister Zhang nodded. ¡°Yes, a couple of days ago, she was throwing up like crazy in the cafeteria. I could tell right away she was pregnant, and others noticed too. She didn¡¯t deny it.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She scratched her head again, messing up her hair until it looked like a bird¡¯s nest. She just couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it.


    She said, ¡°But¡­ she¡¯s divorced.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but she and her ex-husband are still close. Even though they¡¯re divorced, they¡¯re still together. You know how it is with men and women¡­¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    Oh¡­


    She felt like she was a bit naive.


    What kind of mess was this?


    ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t she afraid of getting caught? She¡¯s an unmarried woman. This counts as promiscuity.¡±


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s planning to remarry her ex-husband soon.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She had always thought their courtyard was a hotbed of gossip, but it seemed their workplace was no different. Guan Guiling was truly a character. Her expression twisted in confusion¡ªshe just couldn¡¯t understand it.


    She remembered what the doctor had told her when she was in the hospital: even if she wanted to have another child, she should wait two or three years to let her body recover. Having children too frequently was harmful to a woman¡¯s health.


    Ming Mei: ¡°Guan Guiling¡­¡±


    After a pause, she really didn¡¯t know what to say and could only fall silent.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that right after giving birth, it¡¯s the easiest time to get pregnant again. Guan Guiling calculated the days, and it was exactly that time¡­¡± Sister Zhang continued to chatter on.


    At this moment, another woman chimed in, ¡°She couldn¡¯t even afford to raise the last one she had, and now she¡¯s pregnant again. If she has another, won¡¯t it be the same? She shouldn¡¯t have gotten pregnant.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like she can just decide not to be pregnant. The couple has a good relationship.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    The number of times Ming Mei had been left speechless today surpassed the past month combined.


    What kind of situation was this?


    She clicked her tongue in disbelief, feeling like she had once again encountered someone extraordinary.


    Because of Guan Guiling¡¯s actions, Ming Mei had been pondering about her all day, and even as she left work, she couldn¡¯t stop marveling. What amazed her even more was how fertile Guan Guiling was¡ªone after another. The last person she knew who was this prolific was Wang Zizhen¡¯s mother.


    Ming Mei knew that Wang Zizhen¡¯s mother, due to frequent childbirths, had aged prematurely and was now physically weak.


    She pursed her lips, determined not to end up like that.


    Despite being shocked all day, Ming Mei hurried home after work. She had agreed with He Chen yesterday that he would likely come over today. After all, with a guest visiting, Ming Mei didn¡¯t want to delay.


    She rode her bike home, and as soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw He Chen sitting there. Even Zhuang Zhixi had already returned.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Honey, you¡¯re back?¡±


    He stood up and took Ming Mei¡¯s hand, leading her to sit under the eaves. ¡°I came back early from work today and ran into He Chen in the alley. I immediately knew he must be coming to our place, and sure enough, he was.¡±


    He Chen smiled. ¡°What a coincidence.¡±


    Ming Mei grinned. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go inside?¡±


    ¡°We just came out. It¡¯s cooler outside,¡± He Chen said, quite at ease. ¡°Besides, your little one wanted to come out too, so I followed. Kids are so much fun.¡± sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei: ¡°You should say that in front of your mom. By the way, how¡¯s the matchmaking going?¡±


    He Chen: ¡°I met one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Neither worked out.¡±


    Zhao Guihua brought out some tea and said, ¡°A fine young man like He Chen won¡¯t have trouble finding a partner. Good looks, a decent family, and a respectable job¡ªthose are great qualities. You can find someone whenever you want, as long as it¡¯s what you truly desire.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°That¡¯s true, but my mom doesn¡¯t see it that way. She thinks if I don¡¯t get married soon, I¡¯ll never find a wife.¡±


    He Chen was exhausted from this trip back. In the past, his parents had always tried to set him up with Ming Mei. But then he quickly enlisted in the military, and Ming Mei swiftly got married through a matchmaking arrangement. His parents were left scrambling.


    It had been three years since he last returned, and he had thought everything would be calm by now, that his parents would stop meddling. But to his surprise, the old couple had become even more anxious.


    Of course, the main culprit behind their urgency was Ming Mei.


    Their reasoning was simple: Ming Mei already had children, while He Chen was still single. How could that be? Starting from the same point, Ming Mei had already lapped him twice, and they weren¡¯t happy about it. They felt their son was falling behind.


    He glanced at Ming Mei and said, ¡°You¡¯ve really caused me a lot of trouble.¡±


    Ming Mei widened her eyes. ¡°How is this my fault?¡±


    He Chen: ¡°Your parents keep bragging about you having twins. My parents are frantic, thinking I¡¯m some kind of slacker.¡±


    Ming Mei burst out laughing. ¡°So what if you¡¯re behind? Why are you being so competitive about it?¡±


    Seeing how open and comfortable Ming Mei and He Chen were with each other, Zhuang Zhixi felt even more at ease. He hadn¡¯t really been worried before, but since they had grown up together, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a tiny bit jealous.


    Not jealous of anyone trying to set them up¡ªhe wasn¡¯t foolish enough to be bothered by that. No, what he envied was that He Chen had gotten to grow up with Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei must have been adorable as a child!


    Curious, he asked, ¡°Was Ming Mei cute when she was little?¡±


    He ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Chen looked at Zhuang Zhixi in surprise. ¡°You really see her through rose-colored glasses. Where exactly did you get the idea that Ming Mei was the cute type as a kid?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I can see it from head to toe.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°¡­¡±


    He finally understood why he and Ming Mei could never have been a couple, even though their parents had once entertained the idea. His parents had been particularly keen, but it just wasn¡¯t meant to be. After all, he had seen too much of Ming Mei¡¯s less-than-cute side.


    And Ming Mei had seen too much of his less-than-manly side.


    There was simply no spark between them.


    But Zhuang Zhixi? He genuinely believed Ming Mei had been adorable as a child, something He Chen couldn¡¯t wrap his head around.


    He Chen¡¯s expression must have been particularly telling, because Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°What¡¯s with that look? Do you know how jealous I am that you got to see my wife when she was all cute and tiny?¡±


    He Chen¡¯s face twisted as if he¡¯d just swallowed a fly.


    After a long pause, he finally said, ¡°You know, back when we were kids, in our neighborhood, whether it was the older kids or the younger ones, we all called Ming Mei ¡®Boss.¡¯ Guess how fierce she was?¡±


    Ming Mei snorted. ¡°That¡¯s because you were all too weak.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. ¡°True, most men aren¡¯t as strong as my wife. But who says being fierce isn¡¯t cute? Feisty is adorable too.¡±


    He Chen was at a loss for words. He couldn¡¯t even argue with that. He pursed his lips, once again marveling at how love truly blinded people.


    He said, ¡°Ming Mei practiced martial arts as a kid. Back then, the kids from our compound often got into fights with kids from other compounds. Every time, Ming Mei would lead us to settle the score. She was famous in our area. I even have a relative who used to scare their kids by saying, ¡®If you don¡¯t stop crying, I¡¯ll send you to play with Ming Mei.¡¯¡±


    Ming Mei let out a loud huff.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, remained calm. He smiled and said, ¡°My wife is still adorable. A little warrior¡ªshe never bullied anyone unprovoked.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    But was a fierce girl really considered cute?


    He Chen had already figured out that Zhuang Zhixi was an unabashed Ming Mei fanboy. No matter what flaw he pointed out, Zhuang Zhixi would find it endearing. He sighed, ¡°Now I know why I can¡¯t find a partner. I just can¡¯t genuinely find a fierce girl cute.¡±


    Ming Mei rolled her eyes dramatically. ¡°Ungrateful! I even helped you back then.¡±


    He Chen immediately turned sycophantic. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯ll always be our Boss. Once the Boss, always the Boss. Our bond is pure.¡±


    Ming Mei snorted again.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled beside her, though he couldn¡¯t resist pulling her closer by the shoulder. ¡°My wife has always had a strong sense of justice.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°I guess that¡¯s what love is.¡±


    Despite this being his first time meeting Zhuang Zhixi, He Chen found him easy to talk to. The two hit it off right away. Zhuang Zhixi soon asked, ¡°So, in the military, are the rules very strict?¡±


    He Chen: ¡°Of course. Our unit is even stricter than most.¡±


    But he didn¡¯t elaborate further.


    ¡°Why? Are you interested?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Not really. I¡¯m actually asking for someone else. Say, if your unit received a report about someone with poor conduct, how would you handle it?¡±


    He Chen raised an eyebrow. ¡°We¡¯d definitely investigate thoroughly and handle it based on the specifics.¡±


    He added, ¡°Do you know someone in that situation?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Yes. But her background isn¡¯t great, and she never got a marriage certificate. I¡¯m not sure if that would affect the judgment of the case.¡±


    ¡°It will. But as I said before, it depends on the specific situation and how different people handle it. However, just from what you¡¯ve told me, I think her chances of success aren¡¯t high. Although nowadays, many consider hosting a banquet as being married, officially, it still comes down to the marriage certificate. And if there¡¯s a bad element involved, it¡¯s even harder to prove. He could argue that he¡¯s cutting ties with the bad elements. There¡¯s no way around that, right? Unless there¡¯s solid evidence of misconduct, but frankly, that kind of evidence is hard to come by.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I understand.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°Generally speaking, when a report letter is received, it¡¯s investigated from several angles¡­ and when it comes to handling it, they also consider¡­¡±


    He Chen clearly understood the process better than Zhuang Zhixi, and with this simple explanation, Zhuang Zhixi realized that Bai Fendou and He Lan¡¯s attempt to expose Fan Jianguo¡¯s character through official channels would be difficult. It¡¯s like in local areas¡ªmany people cut ties with their parents or divorce their spouses just to avoid being implicated. So if Fan Jianguo made such a claim, He Lan would have no way to counter it.


    ¡°Alright, I get it.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°Do you need my help?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Not really.¡±


    Although he had a sense of justice and wanted to help Fan Jianguo and He Lan, he wasn¡¯t completely naive.


    He smiled and said, ¡°They¡¯re just ordinary friends. I¡¯m helping them gather some information, but I¡¯m not going to take full responsibility for their situation. By the way, my brother-in-law is also in the military. He¡¯s stationed on an island in the south. My sister has been living with him for years and hasn¡¯t come back.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how it is for us. Sometimes, we really have no control over our circumstances. I have a comrade who left home before his child was born, and by the time he returned, the kid was running around the village, asking, ¡®Uncle, who are you looking for?¡¯¡±


    This was also why He Chen didn¡¯t want to get married. Being separated like this made being a military wife too difficult.


    He said, ¡°Hey, do you know which island your brother-in-law is on? I¡¯m also stationed in the south, and our area has several islands under its jurisdiction.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi gave an address, and He Chen exclaimed, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not too far from me!¡±


    He smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving next week. If you have anything you want to send over, let me know, and I¡¯ll take it for you. My camp is in the same city as their island.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Not only Zhuang Zhixi but even Zhao Guihua was pleasantly surprised.


    She said, ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! But won¡¯t it trouble you?¡±


    He Chen: ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. It¡¯s just a small favor. If you feel bad about it, you can always see me off at the station.¡±


    He was joking, but Zhao Guihua took it seriously: ¡°Alright, let¡¯s have the third son see you off.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°¡­That¡¯s really not necessary.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°Then, let me tell you about the climate and customs over there?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°That¡¯d be great, thank you!¡±


    Actually, Zhao Guihua already knew what it was like over there¡ªshe had lived it in her previous life. But as a mother, even if she couldn¡¯t know everything about her daughter¡¯s life, hearing about the environment she was in brought her joy.


    She kicked Zhuang Zhixi and said, ¡°What are you still sitting around for? Go buy some ribs. Let¡¯s make something nice to eat.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Why is it always me?¡±


    He got up reluctantly, while Ming Mei giggled. Although He Chen had come to see her, his childhood friend, Zhao Guihua had practically taken over the conversation. Ming Mei didn¡¯t mind, though, and sat nearby, smiling.


    Old Lady Zhou peeked out from her door, puzzled. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he here to see the child?¡±


    She added, confused, ¡°Why is he chatting so warmly with Zhao Guihua?¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°Aunt Zhao is just a warm person.¡±


    Old Lady Zhou: ¡°Nonsense. She¡¯s warm? You believe that? Look at how she beat up her in-laws. Warm? Hah.¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°Well, they brought it on themselves.¡±


    Old Lady Zhou: ¡°¡­That¡¯s true.¡±


    She sighed, ¡°The Liang family is too spineless. They let Zhao Guihua storm into their home, and they didn¡¯t even dare to make a peep.¡±


    Jiang Lu didn¡¯t respond, just held her child and watched the commotion.


    As for Liang Meifen¡¯s family, they had indeed wanted to go and cause trouble. Their home had been wrecked, and they¡¯d been beaten up¡ªthey were fuming. But when it came to actually going over to settle the score, they kept passing the buck.


    Old Man Liang wanted his wife, Old Lady Hu, to go alone.


    Old Lady Hu wanted Old Man Liang, as the head of the family, to go by himself.


    Young Liang hoped his parents would go together, while his wife wanted the old couple to take their son along, leaving her, the daughter-in-law, to hold down the fort at home.


    In short, everyone wanted someone else to go, and no one wanted to go themselves. They¡¯d been discussing it for days without reaching a decision. They even dragged Young Liang¡¯s wife¡¯s family into it.


    Her family, seeing their daughter beaten up, was also indignant. But after hearing about the fierce confrontation that day, they weren¡¯t eager to step forward either.


    If this had been a good thing, they would¡¯ve jumped at the chance. But since it wasn¡¯t, they had to think twice.


    This wasn¡¯t going to work.


    Their initial anger had waned, and now they had no confidence in reclaiming their dignity. They just cursed at home to vent, but when it came to actually doing something, they were too scared.


    They wouldn¡¯t dare. Even if they saw Zhao Guihua on the street, they¡¯d probably hide.


    Truly, they were bullies who only picked on the weak.


    Liang Meifen had hesitated for a long time but finally sneaked back home to take a look. Although she didn¡¯t actually go inside, she observed from a distance. Seeing that her parents and brother, despite their injuries, were still eating, drinking, and going to work as usual, she felt relieved.


    As for showing herself to comfort them¡ªthat didn¡¯t happen.


    She didn¡¯t dare to show her face. If she did, her parents would surely make a scene. Liang Meifen was truly afraid of that.


    But since her parents were fine, she was in a good mood. Her job at the factory was going well, and sure enough, the gossip about her family died down after a couple of days, replaced by other rumors.


    Her family¡¯s drama was just a small matter.


    Recently, the factory had been busy, and Liang Meifen had stayed late to work overtime. As she was walking back, she ran into Yu Laosan¡¯s wife at the entrance of the alley. The woman was carrying a lunchbox, heading out. Although they lived in the same alley, the two families weren¡¯t close.


    Liang Meifen felt awkward seeing this woman, knowing she¡¯d had an affair with her brother-in-law.


    But Yu Laosan¡¯s wife didn¡¯t seem to care. She stopped when she saw Liang Meifen and greeted her: ¡°Just getting off work?¡±


    Liang Meifen: ¡°Huh? Oh, yeah, just got off.¡±


    ¡°Has your factory been hiring any temporary workers lately?¡±


    The Yu family only had one steady job¡ªYu Laosan¡¯s older brother. The rest of them worked odd jobs.


    Liang Meifen: ¡°???¡±


    She hesitated and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard anything. Isn¡¯t your brother-in-law at the factory? You should ask him.¡±


    Someone in their own family worked at the factory¡ªwhy ask an outsider?


    Yu Laosan¡¯s wife sneered, ¡°Him? If he¡¯s not lying to us, that¡¯s already a miracle. Expecting him to share such news? Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± She looked at Liang Meifen and said, ¡°We¡¯re neighbors, after all. If you hear about any opportunities, you should let us know.¡±


    Liang Meifen: ¡°You¡¯d better ask someone else. I¡¯m just an apprentice. I don¡¯t pay much attention to these things. Besides, the factory doesn¡¯t hire temporary workers like that. I haven¡¯t heard anything.¡±


    She was genuinely confused but also didn¡¯t want to get involved with the Yu family. They were not ordinary people. She took a step back and said, ¡°I¡¯d better go.¡±


    Yu Laosan¡¯s wife: ¡°Hey, why are you avoiding me? I¡¯m not going to eat you. Can¡¯t you even pass on a message if you hear something? How selfish can you be?¡±


    Liang Meifen forced an awkward smile: ¡°You¡¯d better ask someone else.¡±


    She hurried away, and Yu Laosan¡¯s wife spat at her retreating figure, muttering, ¡°Completely unreliable.¡±


    She carried a lunchbox, hurrying towards the hospital. Liang Meifen glanced back, saw the person leaving, pursed her lips, and quickened her pace. This woman had even gotten involved with her brother-in-law; Liang Meifen didn¡¯t want to exchange a single word with her. If word got out that she was on good terms with Yu Laosan¡¯s wife, how could she ever save face?


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t great in the past either, but at least she was a widow. This woman, however, had a husband and still flirted with his brother¡­ That was even worse. It was truly hard to describe. Although the Yu family hadn¡¯t spread the news, everyone in the alley knew that the two Yu brothers had gotten into a fight and were now both hospitalized.


    What was the point of all this?


    As Liang Meifen walked away, she didn¡¯t notice an old woman with a gloomy expression emerging from the restroom. The old woman spat in Liang Meifen¡¯s direction and muttered curses under her breath: ¡°Your whole family has no conscience. Why hasn¡¯t heaven struck you all down? You¡¯re all a bunch of cursed scoundrels.¡±


    This woman was none other than Old Lady Yu, Yu Baoshan¡¯s mother.


    Old Lady Yu¡¯s favorite was her youngest son, Yu Baoshan, but now he had gotten into trouble, and she was filled with hatred. She loathed Bai Fendou and his father. If it weren¡¯t for their fight with her son, he wouldn¡¯t have been rendered infertile.


    If he hadn¡¯t been infertile, he wouldn¡¯t have gone mad trying to take revenge on the Bai family.


    If he hadn¡¯t been trying to deal with the Bai family, he wouldn¡¯t have been hiding in the restroom, only to be discovered by Zhuang Zhixi and struck by lightning, losing his life.


    So, the root of all this was the Bai family. Her number one enemy was the Bai father and son.


    Her second enemy was Zhuang Zhixi from the Zhuang family. If Zhuang Zhixi had just stayed put and let her son slash him a few times, none of this would have happened. But no, he had to run. If he hadn¡¯t run around and climbed that wall, her son wouldn¡¯t have swung his knife at the wall, cutting the wires and causing the lightning strike. So, Zhuang Zhixi was definitely her second enemy.


    Her third enemy was Wang Xiangxiu. Since Wang Xiangxiu was hiding in the restroom with her son, she should have held him back and stopped him from chasing Zhuang Zhixi. But she didn¡¯t. She was truly a despicable woman. Old Lady Yu squinted her triangular eyes, glaring at the courtyard with venomous curses in her heart.


    She cursed all those who had harmed her son, Yu Baoshan, wishing them a miserable death.


    These people didn¡¯t deserve to live a good life.


    She would curse them to death. She had been cursing the Bai father and son, and sure enough, Old Man Bai had died. She believed her curses were effective, and she would continue to curse. The next ones to die would be them, one by one!


    They must die!


    Old Lady Yu didn¡¯t waste any time. She hurried home, determined to keep cursing.


    Though she dared not take any direct action, she was skilled in the art of cursing.


    Curse them to death!


    As long as she kept at it, no one would escape her curses.


    When she got home, she would make a few cloth dolls, write their names on them, and curse them. Then she¡¯d see how much they suffered.


    The old woman left with a smug expression, while Lan Sihai, who had just come out of the men¡¯s restroom, overheard her muttering about cursing people to death. At his age, he had never seen anyone actually succeed in cursing someone to death. This old woman was truly out of her mind.


    Lan Sihai shook his head. It was true what they said: the world was full of all kinds of strange people.


    Luo Xiaohe had gone back to her parents¡¯ home today, so Lan Sihai had bought dinner for himself. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry to go home and cook, so he strolled leisurely. As he entered the courtyard, he noticed that the Zhuang family had guests over, and the atmosphere was lively. Ming Mei called out, ¡°Grandpa!¡±


    Lan Sihai: ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Look, do you still recognize him? This is He Chen.¡±


    Lan Sihai glanced over and nodded: ¡°I remember. When he was little, he stuffed peanuts up his nose and couldn¡¯t get them out. We had to take him to the hospital to remove them.¡±


    He Chen: ¡°¡­¡±


    Why bring up such an embarrassing memory?


    It was always like this when meeting elders who knew you as a child. They¡¯d inevitably bring up all the foolish things you did back then. It was mortifying.


    Lan Sihai wasn¡¯t particularly close to He Chen. He only interacted with the neighbors when visiting his daughter¡¯s home. The reason he remembered this incident so clearly was that it was Lan Sihai who had given He Chen the peanuts. The kid had immediately gotten into trouble.


    Lan Sihai found it quite amusing.


    He remembered it vividly.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Uncle Lan, come join us for dinner. It¡¯ll be more lively.¡±


    Lan Sihai: ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll add a dish.¡±


    He had bought dinner too, so he brought it over.


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±


    The courtyard was bustling with activity. Wang Xiangxiu glanced outside, swallowing hard at the aroma wafting through the air. After hesitating for a moment, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s fry some eggs too.¡±


    Yinlai and Tonglai¡¯s eyes lit up, and they were thrilled.


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s family didn¡¯t eat as well as they used to, but it wasn¡¯t too bad. She mostly ate coarse grains, but the children still had a fair amount of fine grains. Tonglai sweetly said, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best mom. No one is better than you.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled: ¡°You know that, don¡¯t you? I don¡¯t ask for much. I just hope you¡¯ll grow up to be successful. Study hard, and when the time comes, you can take over my job at the factory. With a good education, you can work in the office. Look at Uncle Zhuang Zhixi. He graduated from high school, which set him apart. That¡¯s why he could work in the propaganda department. Look at Bai Fendou. He didn¡¯t even finish elementary school, so he has to work in the workshop. Workshop work is tiring and dirty. I want you to have a bright future.¡±


    Tonglai said sweetly, ¡°I¡¯ll study hard and become a leader in the office, so I can give you a good life.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu smiled and nodded: ¡°Good. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    She added, ¡°Your brother and I are both counting on you to bring us happiness.¡±


    Tonglai: ¡°Okay!¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°Here, let¡¯s split the fried eggs.¡±


    Yinlai and Tonglai both happily agreed.


    Wang Xiangxiu was also content.


    ¡­


    No one could have guessed that He Chen¡¯s military unit was so close to the one where Zhuang Zhixin¡¯s husband served. Everyone chatted enthusiastically, and Zhao Guihua even kept He Chen talking until late before finally letting him leave.


    Anyone who didn¡¯t know better might have thought He Chen was her own child.


    Lan Sihai contributed a bottle of liquor, and everyone got a bit tipsy. However, He Chen, having spent time in the military, had a good tolerance for alcohol. He was fine and went home as usual. The other men in the Zhuang family, however, were a bit woozy and went to bed as soon as He Chen left.


    Ming Mei helped Zhuang Zhixi lie down. Zhuang Zhixi lay on the bed, staring blankly, and said, ¡°Wife, you¡¯re so beautiful.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t drink if you can¡¯t handle it. Now I have to take care of you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: ¡°My wife is so pretty.¡±


    Ming Mei ignored the drunk and washed a towel to wipe their child¡¯s face. Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°I want that too.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She cooed, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°I want you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi grabbed Ming Mei¡¯s hand and wouldn¡¯t let go: ¡°I¡¯m so lucky to have such a wonderful wife.¡±


    Ming Mei smiled softly: ¡°Alright, I know. I¡¯m already yours. I¡¯m lucky too, to have met you.¡±


    Falling in love at first sight was rare. Ming Mei felt that she was truly fortunate. Zhuang Zhixi had a good personality and was a kind person. Though he could be a bit unreliable at times, he had a strong sense of justice.


    She knew that Zhuang Zhixi had asked those questions today to help Bai Fendou and He Lan.


    She leaned down and gently kissed Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s forehead: ¡°You¡¯re really wonderful.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi held onto Ming Mei tightly: ¡°If I¡¯m so wonderful, then kiss me more!¡±


    Ming Mei glanced at their child, who was still rolling around and not yet asleep, and whispered, ¡°Not now. The baby¡¯s still awake.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly, as if understanding her meaning. He whispered, ¡°So¡­ when they¡¯re asleep, it¡¯s okay, right?¡±


    Ming Mei cooed, ¡°Just lie down properly.¡±


    She pushed Zhuang Zhixi away, but he kept staring at her. Blushing, she went to wash the towel and returned to his side: ¡°Here, let me wipe your face.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi playfully said, ¡°I want you to do it like you do for the baby. I want that too.¡±


    Ming Mei laughed: ¡°You think you¡¯re a baby now?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ming Mei, my adorable Mei..."


    Ming Mei: "Alright, alright, you''re such a nuisance."


    Though she said that, her lips curled into a smile. She gently wiped Zhuang Zhixi''s face. He looked at her and said, "I think He Chen really doesn''t know what he''s missing."


    Ming Mei pinched his cheek, saying, "Stop talking nonsense. There''s nothing between me and He Chen. If you keep saying things like that, I''ll get angry."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s face was pulled out of shape, and he quickly replied, "I''m sorry, I won''t talk nonsense anymore."


    Ming Mei hmphed.


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned closer to Ming Mei, eventually resting his head on her lap and said, "I don''t mean anything by it, and I''m not jealous..."


    Ming Mei: "You''re not jealous? You''re practically Shanxi aged vinegar."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No I''m not."


    Ming Mei: "Yes, you are."


    Zhuang Zhixi mumbled something, and Ming Mei poked his face, saying, "Don''t say things like that in the future, it might cause misunderstandings and awkwardness, and there''s nothing going on."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately responded, "Yes!"


    Ming Mei: "Alright, come on, let me help you take off your coat and let''s get some sleep."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I can''t sleep. Why don''t we do something... Hey!"


    His face was pinched by Ming Mei again. Ming Mei said, "You''re still talking nonsense, aren''t you? The kids aren''t asleep yet, don''t act up."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "....I''m so miserable."


    He turned his head to look at the baby and said, "Why don''t they show any compassion for their parents?"


    Ming Mei poked him, "Oh, come on. Quickly get ready, let''s all go to sleep."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Fine."


    Although he did have some thoughts, he wouldn''t act on them in front of the awake children. What kind of man would he be if he did that? He was a respectable man. Ming Mei changed the baby''s diaper and covered them with a thin towel blanket. The little one kicked their legs impatiently, as if trying to kick off the blanket covering them.


    Ming Mei spoke softly, "I know you''re hot, but if you don''t cover up, you''ll catch a cold at night."


    Of course, the baby couldn''t understand, but Ming Mei still liked to explain things to them. The two children responded with little noises here and there.


    Ming Mei had finished washing up, and now the four of them lay together. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei placed the two children in the middle. Zhuang Zhixi propped his chin up and said, "Sleep well, babies~"


    Ming Mei: "Let''s get some rest."


    Despite having some other thoughts, Zhuang Zhixi was genuinely feeling sleepy. Before the children fell asleep, he had already drifted off. Seeing him asleep, Ming Mei smiled and turned off the light.


    Late at night.


    It was a summer night with a clear moon and sparse stars.


    The night was silent, with even the dogs nowhere to be heard. In this quietness, an old woman silently slipped out from the innermost courtyard of the alley. She moved with some stealth, yet was familiar with the path.


    She was, of course, familiar with the path. She had lived in this alley for years.


    She wasn''t just anyone; she was Old Lady Yu from the Yu family. Old Lady Yu sneaked her way to the gate of the Number 44 courtyard. She grinned craftily, gently pushing open the gate, muttering under her breath, "None of the people in this big courtyard are decent."


    Many courtyards didn''t bother shutting their gates, as it was convenient for late-night visits. Besides, there was no need due to good public order, with the concept of "doors open at night."


    She gently pushed the door, which creaked. Old Lady Yu was startled and quickly hid in the corner. After some time, seeing no one react or wake up, she quietly entered the courtyard. She scanned the area, her gaze stopping at the clothesline in the yard, where she smirked with satisfaction.


    That was her target this time.


    She identified the location and confirmed the position of the Zhuang family. But, seeing no clothes outside their window, she frowned slightly, feeling a bit disappointed. However, she quickly shifted her gaze to other households.


    Ah, Wang Xiangxiu''s door had children''s clothes hanging near it. Old Lady Yu quickly moved over...


    "Thief! Catch the thief!"

 Chapter 153

    Old Lady Yu tiptoed into Courtyard No. 44. The courtyards in this neighborhood all had similar layouts, so she was quite familiar with the place. She pushed open the gate, and as expected, it wasn''t locked.


    These days, it was rare for people to lock their main gates. She felt quite smug about her clever planning. Quietly stepping into the courtyard, it was eerily silent. At this hour¡ªdeep in the night¡ªthere was no way anyone was still wandering around outside.


    She patted her chest, confident and unafraid.


    She glanced around, locating the Zhuang family''s house. But their window wasn''t hanging any laundry; she frowned slightly, feeling a bit annoyed. However, she wasn''t necessarily aiming to steal from the Zhuangs. Her eyes landed on the clothesline in the courtyard, where Wang Xiangxiu''s family had hung their laundry.


    There were some children''s clothes hanging out, clearly mended with large patches. Old Lady Yu scoffed, yanked one of the clothes, and quickly stuffed it into her arms. Despite having stolen a piece of clothing, she wasn''t satisfied and quickly headed toward the back courtyard, only to find even fewer clothes hanging there.


    Just two big men''s underpants were hanging in the yard. Without hesitation, she snatched them and tucked them into her embrace.


    Old Lady Yu''s gaze landed on the chickens in the yard. Due to the trend in this neighborhood, almost every household kept two chickens. Only her family hadn''t kept any because they couldn''t agree on who got to eat the eggs.


    Old Lady Yu swallowed hard, imagining the deliciousness of a stewed chicken.


    Chickens, especially, were a wonderful delicacy.


    In an instant, Old Lady Yu decided to steal a chicken for dinner. A stewed chicken with mushrooms, oh, that was the best! She licked her lips and made her move. But instead of heading back with the chicken, she decided to go for the Zhuang family''s old hen, which she had heard was the fattest.


    This wasn''t personal¡ªif it were, she''d be targeting Bai Fendou in particular. No, she just wanted the fattest chicken since she was going to steal one anyway. And, well, she liked chicken butts.


    Old Lady Yu returned to the front courtyard and headed straight for the chicken coop. Smirking with glee and malice, she reached out¡ªsilently, under the heated, windless night sky, the old hen was asleep until she suddenly felt an ominous breeze.


    "Cluck cluck!" The hen flapped and pecked, causing Old Lady Yu to gasp in pain and yelp, "Ah!"


    She barely managed to muffle her cry, her mind racing as she grabbed the hen and bolted, running as fast as she could.


    "Thief!" a voice suddenly screamed.


    Old Lady Yu stumbled, almost falling, but she forced herself to remain steady and kept running. Before she could reach the gate, she saw people from several households emerging. Zhao Guihua, carrying a stool, flung it at her. It whizzed through the air, landing with a crash, but it was too far and missed.


    Her momentum, however, caused Old Lady Yu to trip and fall.


    "Catch the chicken thief!"


    Bai Fendou was already out, and he kicked her a few times. These days, everyone hated thieves. If you came across one, the first thing you''d do was beat them up, and the same went for them.


    People poured out of the houses, swarming Old Lady Yu and starting to kick and punch her.


    Old Lady Yu wailed, "Aaah! It''s me, it''s me!"


    "I don''t care who you are, you thieving scum!" someone yelled.


    "This scoundrel of a thief!"


    "Ah, so it''s a chicken thief."


    It was a chaotic scene, with too many people trying to get a piece of the action.


    "Hey, wait, why does this pair of underpants look so familiar?" Aunt Wang rushed over from the back courtyard, too late to join the frontline of beating the thief, but she tried to grab a piece of the action. Instead of the thief, she pulled out a pair of underpants.


    She examined them closely and exploded with anger, "Damn it! You even stole my husband''s underpants, you old pervert!"


    "What? She even stole underpants?"


    "What kind of scumbag is she?"


    While everyone was discussing, Wang Xiangxiu suddenly turned around, her face red with anger, "My son''s clothes are gone too!"


    "What, she even stole clothes?"


    "This thief really doesn¡¯t leave empty-handed."


    "We have a major thief!"


    "Quick, go get the police!"


    At the mention of the police, Old Lady Yu wailed even louder. She was already beaten to a pulp, her mouth flooded with the metallic taste of blood. "I-I-I, it¡¯s Old Lady Yu," she cried.


    At this point, everyone looked at her more closely. Ming Mei shined her flashlight on her face and confirmed, "It really is her."


    "Ah, I can¡¯t believe someone from the same neighborhood would steal from us."


    "It''s hard to guard against thieves in our own backyard. I thought it was outsiders stealing from us, but it turns out it''s someone from our own street. How could you do something so despicable? You wicked woman."


    "Yeah, she even stole people''s underpants¡­"


    Aunt Wang, who had sharp eyes, spotted another pair of underpants and said, "Oh, that¡¯s mine!"


    Enraged, she continued, "You shameless Old Lady Yu! You thief, not only did you steal from my house, but you even took my husband¡¯s underpants! You took mine and my husband¡¯s too! You scoundrel!"


    Li the Cook, watching all this unfold, felt thoroughly embarrassed and covered his face, groaning, "Oh, my pride¡­ This woman obviously has an obsession with my underpants¡­"


    Old Lady Yu stammered, "I-I-I¡­" She wracked her brain and blurted out, "I didn¡¯t mean it! I-I just accidentally wandered in¡­ Yes, I was just going out to pee and accidentally went into the wrong place."


    "Pfft, ''accidentally''? Do you think anyone would believe you? Who accidentally goes into the wrong place, steals clothes, underpants, and a chicken? Oh, and that¡¯s my chicken¡­ You stole my chicken!" Zhao Guihua screamed, slapping Old Lady Yu twice.


    That old hen could lay eggs every day and was worth four or five yuan.


    Though chickens generally sold for two yuan when meant for immediate consumption, such a reliable egg-laying hen was priceless and hard to come by.


    "You damn thief! What did we ever do to you for you to steal our chicken? Your son almost ruined my son, and now you''re stealing our chicken? I think you''re just out for revenge. You¡­"


    "Driven by malice!" Lan Sihai interjected.


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Exactly, malicious revenge."


    She stormed on, "Your son got what he deserved when he was struck by lightning for his misdeeds. And now you hold a grudge against us¡ªthe victims¡ªstealing our chicken? How utterly heartless!"


    Aunt Wang ordered, "Yang Lixin, go call the police."


    "Yes!" Yang Lixin hurried off.


    Old Lady Yu screamed, "No! Don¡¯t call the police! Please¡­"


    She tried to escape, but Bai Fendou pinned her down. After all, he was closest to the door.


    "Please, just forgive me. You¡¯ve already thrashed me¡­" Old Lady Yu begged.


    "No way! Justice must prevail! Otherwise, everyone will think our courtyard is an easy target!" Aunt Wang declared loudly.


    Despite conflicts within their courtyard, they usually settled them quietly among themselves. But this situation involved an outsider, which was different. Old Lady Yu wasn''t part of their neighborhood, so losing face wasn''t a concern.


    The commotion in their quiet courtyard soon drew the attention of their neighbors. Da Qiang and Wang Zizhen from a nearby courtyard emerged to watch.


    Da Qiang admired his wife''s sharp hearing as she roused him from their sleep. He hadn¡¯t a clue what was going on, but Wang Zizhen instantly recognized Zhao Guihua¡¯s voice and dragged him along.


    Da Qiang looked bewildered, "Wh-what?"


    Before he could process, his wife was already dressed, slippers on, and preparing to head out. As an expectant mother, he dressed hurriedly and followed, figuring it was never a good idea to let a pregnant woman on her own to a chaotic scene.


    It turned out the news about her keen hearing was absolutely true. Their neighboring courtyard was indeed the source of the ruckus. But it wasn''t surprising¡ªthey were the most notorious ones in the neighborhood for stirring up drama.


    Da Qiang shouted to the crowd, "Let us through, let us through! Come on, dear, let¡¯s move."


    Sure enough, the scene was quite the spectacle, drawing a crowd of onlookers from the surrounding courtyards.


    Da Qiang used his tall and mighty presence to clear a path for his wife to enter the courtyard.


    By this time, everyone in the courtyard was up, even the children rubbing their sleepy eyes and standing at the door to watch the commotion. Wang Zizhen stepped closer and asked, "What''s going on here?"


    Aunt Zhou replied, "They caught a chicken thief. She not only stole chicken but also clothes from Yin Lai and Tong Lai, and even Aunt Wang''s underwear."


    Oh boy!


    Wang Zizhen was astonished upon seeing the elderly thief and exclaimed, "She''s so old and still stealing!"


    "Age doesn''t matter when it comes to stealing," someone retorted.


    "Exactly!"


    "What a mess this is."


    The onlookers were all tiptoeing to catch a better view of the spectacle.


    Old Lady Yu, realizing her escape was hopeless, began shouting curses: "You scoundrels! You must let me go, or my son will deal with you."


    "Wow, you''re the one who came to steal, and you dare threaten us?"


    "This is really shameless."


    "Indeed!"


    "If you know what''s good for you, let me go, or there are plenty of kids in this courtyard. Don''t blame me for being merciless... AHH!!"


    Zhao Guihua, with several children of her own, was especially sensitive to such threats. When the thief brought up the kids, Zhao didn''t hesitate and slapped the old lady hard across the face, shouting, "You old hag, do you think we''re easy targets? You''ve been at this repeatedly, and now you dare threaten our children? I''ll beat you to death!"


    "Aunt Zhao, step aside!"


    Wang Xiangxiu was equally ruthless, grabbing the thief''s hair and slapping her across the face!


    Since Jin Lai was sent to a reform school, Wang Xiangxiu had become extremely protective of children. Now that this old lady threatened the kids in their courtyard, Wang couldn''t hold back. Not to mention, the thief had even stolen their children''s clothes. Wang didn''t hesitate and delivered several hard slaps, leaving Old Lady Yu seeing stars.


    "You... you..."


    "What ''you''? Still threatening people?"


    Aunt Zhou and the others weren''t about to stand by either, rushing forward to join the fray.


    Any household with children was furious.


    Those words were seriously provocative.


    Never seen such a shameless old woman.


    "You''re killing me! You''re all trying to kill me! I''m an old lady, I''m so wronged..."


    ¡°What are you whining about? Didn''t you say you''d harm the kids in our courtyard? Today, I''m going to beat you to death!¡±


    Indeed, Old Lady Yu had ignited a surge of anger. The crowd was visibly agitated.


    After all, such despicable actions were beyond what most people could even fathom.


    "Excuse me, everyone, step aside. What''s going on here? Did you catch a chicken thief?"


    Finally, the police arrived. Upon seeing the scene, one of them exclaimed, "This is a bit too much!"


    "Police officers, this person deserved it! She threatened us, saying if we didn''t let her go, she''d harm the kids in our courtyard. With kids in every household, who could stand such threats?" Zhuang Zhixi immediately stepped forward to explain.


    Despite being a bit groggy from last night''s drink, he was now fully awake.


    He added, "She even stole our big underwear. I mean, stealing is one thing, but this is just too absurd, right?"


    The police officers frowned, casting a look of disgust at the old lady.


    It wasn''t just about the underwear, but the fact that she threatened the children.


    In a community like this, where every family had children, such threats were deeply resented.


    Old Lady Yu quickly changed her tune: "I didn''t say that. I never..."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t fazed. "Whether you said it or not, we all have ears. If you think we''re singling you out, there are plenty of witnesses here, including people from your own neighborhood. Everyone can attest to what you said."


    "She did say it."


    "Old Lady Yu, what are you pretending for? Earlier you were so bold, threatening to harm the kids in their courtyard."


    "You even said you''d have your son retaliate..."


    "Exactly, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????now you''re denying it? Do you think we can''t hear?"


    ...


    Thieves were the most despised in this era.


    No one was holding back.


    After all, Old Lady Yu lived in this neighborhood, and who knew if this was her first offense? If she developed a habit, who could guard against her continually?


    "Police officers, you must handle her seriously."


    "Exactly, she shows no remorse."


    If it were a child, many might overlook it. After all, children were often seen as naive and ignorant. But for an adult, especially one so elderly, to steal and then threaten others, that was truly outrageous.


    Her moral character was beyond repair.


    "Old Lady Yu, I knew something was off! Police officers, I suspect this old lady stole my clothes a few days ago."


    A woman emerged from the crowd, saying, "I''m Cuifen, from the same neighborhood. About a week ago, my clothes went missing from the courtyard. I searched everywhere but eventually gave up. I almost reported it to the police. She told me it was probably blown away by the wind. Others said it was just an old piece of clothing, so I dropped it. But now, seeing this, I think she might have stolen my clothes too!"


    "Oh, you lost clothes too?"


    Cuifen: "Yes, what about you?"


    "No, mine wasn''t clothes, it was underwear. Mine went missing at night, and I didn''t want to talk about it..." This was another woman from their courtyard.


    "Oh?"


    "Is she a serial thief?"


    "Wait, I lost something too." This speaker wasn''t from Zhao Guihua''s or Old Lady Yu''s neighborhood but from this street. She said, "I lost a singlet. I was too embarrassed to mention it."


    "I... I lost socks." A man raised his hand.


    "I lost underwear too." Another man raised his hand.


    It wasn''t that they didn''t want to involve the police, but the items were small, personal, and not new, making it awkward to discuss. But now, with the thief caught in the act, everyone started speaking up.


    "What kind of person are you? My underwear was stolen too, full of patches..." An old man chimed in.


    The police officers: "... "


    It was silent.


    They had handled countless cases, seen all kinds of strange things, but each time they came to this street, they felt something different. This street was familiar to them.


    But encountering an "underwear thief" left them speechless.


    Zhao Guihua and the others didn''t know what to say. Originally, they thought they had caught a weasel stealing chickens, but now it seemed the culprit was something else entirely: an underwear thief? Zhao Guihua stared at the old lady, sure that all these incidents were her doing.


    Didn''t she look scared? Her eyes were darting around.


    Even Zhao Guihua, an amateur, could see it, let alone the experienced police officers.


    "Do you know where she lives? Let''s go and search her place."


    Old Lady Yu let out a piercing scream: "No! You can''t come!"


    The crowd''s expressions changed subtly, quickly realizing: "So it was you. You''re really terrible."


    "Damn it. Give me back my underwear!"


    "What kind of person are you?"


    "You can''t go, you can''t go. I didn''t steal! I never stole!" Old Lady Yu, her face swollen like a pig''s head, protested.


    But her words held no credibility. Who would believe this old woman?


    She didn''t seem like a good person.


    "Let''s go!"


    "No! I won''t go!"


    Old Lady Yu fell to the ground, rolling around, but the police officers weren''t having it. They grabbed her and pulled her up.


    Cuifen: "Follow me, she lives in my neighborhood."


    She was so angry that she stomped back, leading everyone with her. Zhao Guihua and the others quickly followed suit. Zhuang Zhixi, being sharp-witted, quickly grabbed their startled hen and put it back in the little pen, saying, "Good girl, tomorrow I''ll go catch worms for you to eat."


    "Cluck, cluck, cluck!"


    This was Zhuang Zhixi''s promise to the hen, whether the hen understood it or not, Zhuang Zhixi was certain it did.


    He quickly caught up with the group, and the crowd marched all the way to the very end of the alley, stopping in front of a house.


    Cuifen: "This is it, officers. This is their house."


    Despite the uproar outside, the Yu family inside could still sleep soundly. Even Old Man Yu, the husband of Old Lady Yu, was sleeping deeply, waking up grumpily at the knocking: "Who is it? Are you trying to die? How dare you disturb us in the middle of the night..."


    The door creaked open, revealing a crowd outside, led by several police officers.


    Old Man Yu instantly stuttered: "W-w-what do you want?"


    His face turned pale as he said, "Y-y-you can''t listen to rumors! My third daughter-in-law and fourth son are not that kind of relationship. They are innocent, there''s no infidelity, you can''t wrong them!"


    At this moment, Old Yu''s eldest son and daughter-in-law also came out, saying, "Yes, officers, this isn''t true, it''s just a misunderstanding."


    The police officers: "..."


    Your family is quite a mess.


    They hadn''t come to investigate this, but the family seemed eager to incriminate themselves.


    The crowd around them fell silent, unsure of what to say.


    The police officer cleared his throat and tried to regain composure, saying, "We''re here because of Old Lady Yu''s theft."


    "What!"


    "Theft?"


    "Didn''t she just go to sleep..." The word ''sleep'' was cut off as Old Man Yu suddenly realized something¡ªhis wife wasn''t in bed beside him. Was she out stealing?


    Just look, even their family members were dumbfounded. They hadn''t expected this at all.


    Old Man Yu stammered quickly, "S-she''s not that kind of person."


    "She was caught red-handed."


    "Uh..."


    "What does this old lady want?"


    "Yeah! Can''t she just stop causing trouble?"


    Even Old Yu''s eldest daughter-in-law and second daughter-in-law were speechless.


    This old lady is going to bring shame to the family, isn¡¯t she?


    Cuifen didn''t bother with what they were saying. She forcefully pushed her way to the front and announced, "The clothes I lost a few days ago were stolen by her. And others have lost their underwear, socks, and shorts. It was all your mother-in-law! Move aside; the police officers need to search the house."


    "Ah?"


    The few Yu family members at home were even more bewildered.


    She steals? And specifically underwear and socks?


    What kind of hobby is that?


    Even if she had stolen something valuable, it might have made sense, but what on earth is she stealing?


    Everyone''s faces turned grim. The police officers didn''t care about that and quickly entered the house. The Yu family''s small home was already crowded with people and belongings, making it a bit difficult to search.


    Zhao Guihua pushed Old Lady Yu inside and said, "Hand it over yourself."


    Old Lady Yu insisted, "I didn''t steal anything."


    She was determined not to admit it. She said, "I admit I went to your compound today to steal, but the things others lost have nothing to do with me. I didn''t... Uh!"


    As she spoke, she saw the police officers pull out a doll from a crack in the wall.


    It was as if her voice had been strangled, instantly stopping.


    "Ah! That''s my clothes! That material is from my shirt¡­" Cuifen screamed, furious, and started beating her: "You scoundrel! My good clothes! How dare you cut them up! How could you be so despicable?"


    The police officer turned over the crudely made doll, which had "Chen Erniu" written in crooked letters on it.


    He looked up and asked, "Who is Chen Erniu?"


    "Uh¡­ That''s their third daughter-in-law."


    The police officer raised an eyebrow, while the other two daughters-in-law of the Yu family exchanged looks, also speechless.


    The police officer continued digging through the wall hole and pulled out another one. To be honest, the old lady''s doll-making skills were atrocious¡ªthe limbs were uneven, some were thick and some were thin, making it look quite bad.


    But it was barely recognizable as a cloth doll.


    He flipped it over and saw "Zhou Daniu" written on it, the handwriting almost illegible.


    He asked, "Who is Zhou Daniu?"


    At this moment, a burly man stepped forward. He was from this courtyard and worked in the same team as Da Qiang. He looked and, damn, it was his name. No wonder he hadn''t been going well lately; it was this old lady''s doing!


    He kicked Old Lady Yu and sent her sprawling: "You old hag, you cursed me, didn''t you?"


    The police officer quickly stopped him, saying, "We''re still investigating; we''ll give you an explanation."


    Zhou Daniu was panting heavily, like a raging bull.


    Although people talked about science and civilization now, many were still superstitious. Seeing a doll with someone''s name written on it made people think of the feudal superstitions of the past.


    Everyone fell silent. The police officer continued: "Chen Bao Di."


    An old lady with a gloomy face said, "It''s me."


    The police officer nodded and asked, "Are you in this courtyard too?"


    The old lady shook her head, "I''m from the next courtyard."


    The police officer glanced at the now silent Old Lady Yu and continued: "Guan Hehua."


    "It''s me. I''m the steward of this courtyard."


    Guan Hehua glared at Old Lady Yu, not expecting her to curse even herself. She believed she had been kind enough to the Yu family, as they had many without jobs. Whenever the neighborhood had temporary work, she always fought for work for her own courtyard, including for the Yu family. Yet, the old lady still wanted to harm her.


    The police officer continued, finding no more dolls in the wall crack. Others in the group also silently heaved a sigh of relief, thinking they wouldn''t be turned into dolls. But the police officer glanced at Old Lady Yu and didn''t stop. He continued searching elsewhere and soon found three more under the rafters. These dolls had patches on them.


    "Ah, that''s my shorts."


    "And that other one is my shorts."


    The police officer turned them over and said, "Jiang Er Shi."


    The crooked writing was barely legible but still readable.


    Jiang Er Shi rushed forward angrily: "I said why my chickens laid fewer eggs; it''s because of you¡­"


    She started tearing and hitting.


    Others: "..."


    Just speechless.


    They couldn''t imagine why this old lady would curse even chickens.


    "Uncle Zhang''s dog¡­"


    "Old Man Huang, the janitor."


    The police officers were speechless. They''d seen bizarre people before, but never this bizarre. Was this person sick or something? They kept finding dolls here and there, eventually uncovering more from the corner of a cabinet.


    "Bai Fendou."


    "Ah, that''s my socks¡­"


    Bai Fendou trembled with anger: "They were all made of clothes! Why did mine use my socks? Do you think I''m less than them?"


    "You should be grateful; old man Huang, the janitor, had his shorts made into a doll."


    "Yeah, besides, they needed to stuff something inside. Maybe all of you are stuffed with shorts."


    "That''s why she needed to steal so many clothes; otherwise, the material wouldn''t be enough."


    The police officer: "The dolls are stuffed with sand."


    Old Lady Yu whispered, "If they were all stuffed with cloth, that would be too wasteful¡­"


    "How dare you still talk!"


    "You truly lack virtue."


    The police officer: "Zhuang Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s me!"


    "Ah, that''s a rag I lost from my home. I thought it was lost, but it was stolen!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Well, at least it wasn''t shorts.


    "Wang Xiangxiu?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was furious: "Why is there even me?"


    She had no connections with this family, so how could this old lady hate her? Wang Xiangxiu instantly felt that all the hardships she had endured over the past year were caused by this old lady''s curses. At this moment, no one would think that these dolls with people''s names attached to them were just toys.


    Anyone could see what was going on.


    This was straight-up cursing people.


    Life is always a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy, but seeing something like this would immediately make anyone attribute their misfortunes to it. It was infuriating.


    "You wicked woman!"


    Wang Xiangxiu was so angry that she lunged forward to hit her.


    "How could you be so cruel? What have I ever done to you? Why curse me? You old hag! You..."


    The police officer intervened, "Hold her back, hold her back."


    Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua stepped forward to restrain her. Wang Xiangxiu burst into tears, "Their family is bullying us too much."


    The police officer continued flipping through the list, "Workshop Director Zhang Jianshe."


    "Wow, she doesn¡¯t even know him. Why curse him?"


    Old Lady Yu pursed her lips and couldn¡¯t help but say, "Because he didn¡¯t promote my eldest son. His skills are at least good enough to be a deputy workshop director."


    Everyone exclaimed, "Holy cow!"


    Yu''s eldest son widened his eyes, "Mom, what are you saying? Are you trying to ruin me? Why curse him?"


    Yu''s daughter-in-law, seeing so many people from the factory present, felt her vision go dark and fainted from sheer anger.


    "Ah... quick, quick, carry her over..."


    "This is really something, having a mother like this..."


    "Maybe he wanted to be the deputy workshop director himself? Otherwise, how would the old lady know?"


    "That makes sense."


    Yu''s eldest son, with red eyes, cried out, "I didn¡¯t! I never did!"


    "Oh, don¡¯t cry!"


    "Let¡¯s see who else is on the list!"


    The police officer continued, "Textile Factory Director Zhang Baoguo."


    "Textile Factory Personnel Department Head Zhou Cheng."


    "Textile Factory Gatekeeper Uncle Li, Li Aidang."


    "Textile Factory..."


    The list went on, and many names from the textile factory were mentioned.


    "Why so many from the textile factory?"


    "Don¡¯t you remember? Yu Baoshan used to work at the textile factory. After his incident, the factory didn¡¯t let his family take over his position."


    "But cursing everyone from top to bottom? No wonder there¡¯s a shortage of materials."


    "Yu Baoshan broke the law. The factory had every right to fire him."


    "Exactly. Yu Baoshan didn¡¯t even show up for work, just took advantage of his position. The factory was being generous enough. Breaking the law means you get fired."


    "Absolutely!"


    "The people at the textile factory are really unlucky, getting cursed from top to bottom..."


    The police officer continued searching and found nearly twenty-seven or twenty-eight dolls, mostly made from underwear, socks, and rags. The one made from Cuifen¡¯s clothes was considered decent material.


    The police officer said, "Alright, Old Lady Yu, you¡¯re coming with us. This isn¡¯t just theft; it¡¯s also superstition. Let¡¯s go!"


    Old Lady Yu protested, "No, I¡¯m not going with you. I just made these dolls to vent my frustrations. It¡¯s not superstition."


    "What do you call this then? And all the materials you used were stolen. You¡¯re quite clever, stealing underwear..." The police officer saw right through her.


    Indeed, Old Lady Yu muttered, "People are too embarrassed to report stolen underwear..."


    "Holy cow!"


    "This despicable..."


    "My fists are clenched!"


    Old Lady Yu immediately cried out, "You can¡¯t hit me! You can¡¯t! These things aren¡¯t worth much..."


    The police officer looked at her with disgust, "It¡¯s not up to you to decide their worth. Let¡¯s go."


    "Ah, murder! Help! I¡¯m not going!"


    She rolled on the ground, but if that worked, what would the police be for?


    They quickly restrained her. Old Man Yu hesitated, wondering if he should step in. The police officer said directly, "You¡¯re coming with us too. You must have known about this, living in the same house."


    "I didn¡¯t know, I really didn¡¯t!" Old Man Yu shouted, but his shifty eyes gave him away.


    How could he not know? There were twenty-six or twenty-seven dolls in the house, and he wasn¡¯t blind.


    The police officer ignored his excuses, "Let¡¯s go," and escorted them away.


    Of course, as "evidence," all the dolls were taken as well.


    "What a mess."


    "There¡¯s a bad apple among us."


    "Wait, she stole our stuff. Is she just going to get away with it?"


    "Exactly! Underwear is made of fabric too. I only have two pairs, and now I¡¯m missing one. I don¡¯t even have a spare to change into..."


    "Let¡¯s go tomorrow. All of us victims should go and ask for justice."


    "Sounds good."


    "What a disaster."


    The night was long, and no one went home. They all gathered together, chattering away.


    It turned out that almost every household on their street had been affected. Everyone was furious. They always knew the old lady was a bit mean, but this was downright evil.


    How could she do something like this behind everyone¡¯s backs?


    The crowd was so worked up that they talked well into the next morning.


    The next day, everyone had dark circles under their eyes.


    Just thinking about it made them angry. Wang Xiangxiu furiously scrubbed clothes in the yard, treating them as if they were Old Lady Yu. Luckily, they had caught her in time, or her son¡¯s clothes would have been turned into doll material too.


    Aunt Zhou seemed distracted. Her last run-in with the law was over superstition, and this incident brought back memories.


    Bai Fendou cursed under his breath. His doll was made from stinky socks. Why couldn¡¯t it have been made from clothes? But then he thought about Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s doll being made from rags and felt a bit better.


    The pot calling the kettle black.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He was just as unlucky.


    He had no dealings with the Yu family. If there was any bad blood, it was because Yu Baoshan had once chased him with a knife. But he was the victim!


    Zhuang Zhixi felt both innocent and wronged.


    Ming Mei comforted her husband, "It¡¯s okay, don¡¯t be angry. Look, she¡¯s been caught now. She¡¯ll definitely face consequences."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Their family is too much."


    Ming Mei rubbed Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s face, "Why don¡¯t you gather some people today? So many from the textile factory were cursed. They won¡¯t let this slide either."


    She asked, "Should you go and inform them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No need. The police will definitely notify the textile factory. Besides, others will spread the word too."


    Ming Mei: "I hope she gets locked up."


    It wasn¡¯t that she was heartless, but the old lady had threatened their child yesterday. Their child was still so young and vulnerable. Whether Old Lady Yu was serious or just making empty threats, as a mother, she couldn¡¯t help but feel furious.


    Of course, they had to be cautious.


    "She actually used our child to threaten us."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯ll mention that when I go to the police station."


    "Sounds good."


    Sure enough, the incident from last night spread like wildfire. By the time Zhuang Zhixi and the others got to work, people were already asking about it.


    "I heard your doll was made from rags?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Go away. Why bring that up? I¡¯m still mad about it."


    Sister Cui teased, "Zhuang Zhixi, how did you offend that old lady?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I was just unlucky to cross paths with their family. It¡¯s because of that time her son..."


    He wasn¡¯t afraid to talk about it. He was the victim, but somehow, the victim ended up being resented. Their morals were just too twisted.


    "Wait, I heard she even cursed people¡¯s chickens?"


    "That¡¯s right, and their dogs too..."


    "Good grief!"


    They had never seen anything like this, even in the old days.


    What a mess!


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, "Their family is seriously messed up."


    Zhuang Zhixi was caught up in the commotion, and the same was true for others, mainly because Old Lady Yu had so many enemies that the number of participants was quite large. The workshop director of Yu the Eldest''s workshop found out that he had been unwittingly cursed and spent the entire day with a dark expression on his face.


    He deeply felt that his recent lack of luck was all because of that damn old lady.


    Yes, it wasn''t noticeable in daily life, but once he heard about being cursed, he immediately thought of a few unpleasant events.


    It''s safe to say that this was purely psychological.


    But everyone thought this way, so they were all very indignant.


    Before he even got off work, Bai Fendou came to the propaganda department to find Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Many of the victims plan to go straight to the police station after work. Are you coming?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes!"


    Bai Fendou: "Then meet at the factory gate."


    "Okay."


    These victims were divided into two groups: those who were cursed and those whose belongings were stolen. Just within their factory, the number of people involved was no less than fifty. Of course, some were related to the family members.


    However, there were more people whose belongings were stolen than those who were cursed.


    After all, a single pair of socks wasn''t enough to make a cloth doll, so the number of people whose items were stolen was particularly high.


    Although most of the stolen items were small, with only a few having their clothes stolen, the sheer quantity was significant. And this was infuriating! Who does something like this? As a family member of a machinery factory worker, it felt like the entire factory was losing face.


    Another factory that was furious was the textile factory. Yu Baoshan hadn''t been fired for no reason; the whole city of Sijingcheng (Beijing) knew what had happened. Having such a person in their factory was already a source of embarrassment, but it seemed they could lose even more face.


    The other side had cursed the Yu family mercilessly.


    Of course, the factory also sent someone to the police station, demanding that the matter be severely punished.


    If this matter wasn''t dealt with seriously, how could it be convincing? Moreover, the nature of this incident was too vile.


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others went after work, while Zhao Guihua and the others had gone during the day to provide statements. They were the ones who caught Old Lady Yu first, although she hadn''t succeeded in stealing the chicken.


    Upon returning, as they sat in the courtyard chatting, they still couldn''t understand how someone could do such a thing.


    Zhao Guihua: "What will happen to her for this?"


    "Who knows? It''s not going to be small."


    "Yes, I agree. Stealing and engaging in superstitious activities are both serious matters."


    Zhao Guihua felt a bit disoriented, but she understood that different times had different norms. In this era of scarce resources, what she did was indeed a big deal. Still, she didn''t feel sympathy for this woman. Using a child for threats was despicable in her eyes, and she hoped Old Lady Yu would spend a long time in prison.


    It seemed that their thoughts aligned.


    Ming Mei also hated the Yu family for using a child as a threat.


    Zhao Guihua: "This family is truly terrible. Their family values were bad in their previous life, and they''re the same in this one."


    "Absolutely, have you heard? She even cursed Old Man Bai."


    "Oh my god. Could it be that Old Man Bai was cursed to death by her?"


    "Don''t say that. People will think we''re spreading superstition. Old Man Bai''s death was an accident; we all know what happened back then."


    "Right, right."


    "But the timing of Old Man Bai''s death was just too coincidental..."


    "Don''t talk about it."


    "Alright, I won''t."


    Wang Zizhen hadn''t gone to the police station and was now curiously asking, "Old Man Bai? What happened to Old Man Bai?"


    Zhao Guihua: "There was a doll for Old Man Bai in their house, but since he passed away, she buried the doll below their window. We learned this when we went to give our statements today."


    "Ah?" Wang Zizhen was stunned.


    "It''s said that Old Man Yu confessed. He claimed he didn''t do these things. It was all his wife. He argued didn''t work, and it involved the whole family, so he didn''t dare to inform on them. But essentially, he didn''t approve of it... Basically, he was just trying to clear his name. To distance himself, he revealed a lot about Old Lady Yu''s actions. We overheard some of it when we went today." Aunt Wang added.


    "This is truly, ''in times of peril, even a couple flying together may scatter.''¡±


    "Exactly."


    Zhao Guihua: "Old Lady Yu is truly ruthless. It''s said that she would take out a doll every night before bed and viciously curse it."


    She had a hard time expressing herself, adding, "And, it''s said that she had even more dolls in earlier years, but after someone died, she buried them."


    "Uh..."


    Everyone rubbed their arms, feeling a chill in the middle of the day.


    No wonder such practices were prohibited. Otherwise, it would really give people goosebumps.


    "It''s said that Old Lady Yu claimed such things were common in the countryside. The officers at the police station were so angry they asked her to name names, to point out who else did it. That left Old Lady Yu speechless."


    "Zizhen, do they do these things in your village?"


    Wang Zizhen thought for a moment and said, "I don''t know. It might be, or maybe not. Our village might be remote, but we still follow the calls. Even if someone did these things, they must be doing them in secret."


    Everyone shook their heads, expressing they couldn''t understand.


    But they weren''t too shocked. After all, they had seen a lot and weren''t easily shocked by small matters. Speaking of shock, no one in their courtyard was as shocked as He Lan.


    He Lan hadn''t experienced the heyday of the courtyard, so what she saw was already pushing the limits.


    Since last night, she hadn''t closed her mouth; she kept exclaiming. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She just hadn''t seen anything like this before.


    Zhao Guihua noticed He Lan''s shocked and bewildered expression and smiled, saying, "Haven''t seen this before, right?"


    He Lan shook her head, "No."


    She said, "This is truly..."


    She couldn''t even describe it. Although she was an educated person, she didn''t know how to put it into words. It was just too absurd!


    "This is nothing. There''s a lot more going on in our courtyard."


    "You''ll see in the future."


    "Exactly!"


    Perhaps the incident was too outrageous, so Zhang San and his wife, who had been at home resting due to pregnancy, returned. Even Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue, who had been absent from the courtyard for some time, came back. They all felt regretful that they had missed such a big event.


    After hearing everyone''s story, Chen Yuan subtly pursed his lips and said, "When I first moved here, I lost a pair of underwear."


    "Ah?"


    Everyone looked at him in surprise.


    Aunt Wang, although she didn''t like this man who would beat his wife, still reminded him, "Then you should go to the police station and tell the officers. Then we''ll see whether they decide on compensation or something else, but there must be a resolution."


    Chen Yuan nodded, "You''re right."


    He stood up and left. Tao Yuyue was stunned, her eyes flickering as she quickly chased after him, "Chen Yuan, wait."


    Chen Yuan impatiently turned back, "What for? Can''t I report something I lost to the police?"


    Tao Yuyue pursed her lips, "Maybe you misplaced it?"


    "How could that be? Do you think I don''t know whether I lost something or not? What''s wrong with you? Blocking me now? Who''s in charge in our house, you or me?"


    Tao Yuyue felt annoyed but still said, "You''re in charge. I''m just afraid you might have made a mistake and embarrass yourself."


    "Nonsense! You never wish me well!"


    Tao Yuyue: "It''s not that..."


    At this moment, Chen Yuan didn''t notice, but others did.


    Something was definitely off.


    Chen Yuan''s underwear probably hadn''t been lost.


    Chen Yuan''s attitude confirmed he wasn''t lying, but perhaps Tao Yuyue had kept it? Or maybe Tao Yuyue knew what had happened.


    Chen Yuan: "Get out of the way!"


    Tao Yuyue grabbed Chen Yuan and said, "Come back home with me."


    Chen Yuan: "What for?"


    By this time, he finally realized Tao Yuyue''s strange expression and frowned, "Is something wrong? Did you take my underwear?"


    Tao Yuyue: "Let''s discuss this at home."


    Two people were tugging and pulling, quickly heading home. Everyone exchanged silent glances. Zhang San immediately said, "I''m going home too."


    He darted over rapidly, clearly intending to eavesdrop.


    After all, he was always at the forefront of gossip.


    Aunt Zhou couldn''t help herself and joined in.


    Zhao Guihua twitched the corner of her mouth: "What is this all about?"


    Although some were too shy to go and eavesdrop, they strained their necks to catch a glimpse. After all, Zhang San and the others would definitely share what they heard. Even He Lan stretched her neck, utterly curious.


    Meanwhile, Tao Yuyue had already entered the house with Chen Yuan. She looked outside, slammed the door shut, and whispered, "I took your underwear."


    "What?"


    Chen Yuan stared at Tao Yuyue in disbelief, saying, "Why did you take my underwear?"


    Tao Yuyue felt a bit awkward and explained, "It''s not that I took your underwear; it''s just that I didn''t wash it properly and it got torn. I was afraid you''d be mad, so I threw it away."


    Her eyes flickered as she tried to appear calm.


    Chen Yuan slapped her immediately, saying, "You stinky woman, trying to play mind games with me. You tore it while washing, so you just threw it away? Do we have a goldmine at home that we can afford to waste like this? That torn piece could have been for my grandfather! You actually threw it away, you wasteful woman, I''ll beat you to death!"


    "Ah!"


    Tao Yuyue suddenly remembered they were in the compound, not at home. She grabbed a frying pan and fought back: "Beat, beat, beat! That''s all you know how to do! I wasn''t born to be beaten by you! Are you used to beating people over there? Do you think I''m easy to bully?"


    "You dare to fight back?"


    "Why shouldn''t I fight back? Do you think your mother or grandmother will protect you here?"


    "You ungrateful woman, I knew you weren''t good, ah..."


    "Take this!"


    "I''ll kill you!"


    Bam bam, the two engaged in a full-on brawl inside the house.


    Zhang San, Aunt Zhou, and the others who were eavesdropping quietly remained silent. Zhang San sighed and knocked on the door: "Chen Yuan, Tao Yuyue, stop fighting!"


    "Mind your own business!"


    The couple responded in unison.


    Zhang San: "..."


    Aunt Zhou mocked him: "Look at you, meddling in other people''s business, huh?"


    Zhang San: "Truly unappreciative people."


    "Get lost!"


    "Go away!"


    The couple yelled together, and the sounds of clashing resumed. It seemed they were now using appliances. The windows and doors shook as if they were about to fall. Tao Yuyue seemed to have been holding back a lot.


    Zhang San looked at the equally curious Aunt Zhou and asked, "They won''t end up killing each other, will they?"


    Aunt Zhou: "Of course not."


    She was sincere: "It''s not easy to kill someone. Yesterday, we had a group fight with Old Lady Yu, and she''s still fine."


    Zhang San: "..."


    Because of the commotion, everyone gathered around. Zhao Guihua even pushed a baby stroller. Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan kicked their legs excitedly, stretched out their little hands, and exclaimed "Ah ah ah wow wow wow!" as if eager to enter.


    Zhao Guihua: "You be good, we can''t go in there."


    "Waah!" The babies started blowing bubbles, obviously very anxious.


    Zhao Guihua: "They¡¯re in a blind fury. Grandma wouldn¡¯t dare take you in there. What if you get hurt, my little darlings?"


    "Ah huahua!"


    Although Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan were excited to watch the commotion, other children were equally eager. The banging noises made them think there was a big toy involved. Several children in their strollers became very restless.


    But the parents didn''t pay any attention.


    They were all engrossed in the spectacle.


    Zhao Guihua also ignored the eager children and focused on watching the commotion.


    Inside the house, the fight continued. Tao Yuyue shouted, "Chen Yuan, you''re just a good-for-nothing. You can''t do anything right. Without your parents, you''re nothing. You''re just being tough with me; you can only beat me, what else can you do!"


    "What are you, a good person? You can''t even have a son."


    "Pfft. I''m fine, it''s you who can''t!"


    "It''s you!"


    "It''s you!"


    Tao Yuyue raged, "I¡¯ll tell you the truth. I gave your underwear to a fortune-teller. She¡¯ll curse you. If anything goes wrong in our marriage, it¡¯s all your fault!"


    Everyone: Oh ho! Another one into superstitious stuff?


    Besides, what¡¯s with your beef against his underwear?


    It¡¯s just bizarre!

 Chapter 154

    Strange things happen every year, but this year there are more than ever.


    Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue hardly ever come back, but now that they''re back, it''s turned into a total mess. The two of them are screaming at each other inside the house, and everyone outside is peeking in, wondering what''s going on. Tao Yuyue suddenly lets out a piercing scream: "I''m telling you, Chen Yuan, I''ve had enough of you!"


    Chen Yuan retorts: "Well, I''ve had enough of you too! How dare you treat me like this? Don''t forget who helped you get your job! You ungrateful wretch! You think you can bully me? I won''t stand for it!"


    He realizes now that all his troubles have stemmed from this.


    "What did I do wrong? In a marriage, isn''t it always that the wife dominates, or the husband rules? If you''re treating me badly, why can''t I retaliate a little? And what''s the big deal about a few minor tricks? Do you really need to make such a fuss?"


    "Great! So you think it''s no big deal to scheme against me? You think it''s okay to not care? We''ll see if I don''t beat you to death!"


    The sounds of pots, pans, and furniture crashing fill the air.


    The room is like a battlefield. The onlookers outside exchange bewildered glances, realizing that this couple is definitely not ordinary¡ªthey are truly extraordinary. They''ve never seen a couple fight like this before.


    Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue are at it full force, and even when Zhuang Zhixi and others return, the fight still hasn''t ended. Zhuang Zhixi approaches to take a look, but he doesn''t step in to break it up. He''s been in the situation before, but it depends on the people involved.


    You can''t just step in and meddle every time.


    But while Zhuang Zhixi stays out of it, others try to intervene. Aunt Wang is genuinely worried they might hurt themselves and bangs on the door, saying, "What are you two doing? Don''t fight anymore! Can''t you talk things out peacefully?"


    "What''s it to you?"


    "Exactly, mind your own business."


    The couple doesn''t appreciate her efforts.


    Aunt Wang feels utterly frustrated, thinking her kindness is unrewarded. If it weren''t for worrying things might get out of hand, she wouldn''t be getting involved. But apparently, the young couple doesn''t think the same way. Zhao Guihua pulls Aunt Wang back, saying, "Let them be if they want to fight. If they want to stop, they''ll stop. What''s the point of us getting involved when they''re not grateful?"


    Aunt Wang shakes her head in frustration: "If they weren''t in the same courtyard, do you think I''d bother? Forget it, forget it. Let''s go back to our own business."


    Although they''ve heard that Tao Yuyue practices superstitious beliefs, Aunt Wang doesn''t harp on it, as it''s just something she mentioned and could easily deny later. They don''t have any proof either, so they don''t dwell on the matter.


    Still, it''s baffling how many people indulge in superstitious practices. It''s utterly ridiculous.


    Aunt Wang sighs, "What is this even coming to?"


    Zhao Guihua chuckles.


    These kinds of things have been happening since ancient times¡ªnothing new. People might claim they don''t believe in superstitions, but deep down, most know better. Zhao Guihua thinks that belief in such things is probably more prevalent than not.


    She says, "It''s getting late, and I need to go home and cook dinner. Look, everyone''s coming home from work. By the way, Zhuang, how did it go at the police station?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smirks, "The police station? There was a big fight going on inside."


    "Oh really?"


    He explains, "We arrived just in time to see the three daughters-in-law of the Yu family storming into the police station. It seems they found several more voodoo dolls at their house. That Old Lady Yu was cursing her two eldest daughters-in-law. Now all three daughters-in-law are making a huge fuss at the police station, absolutely furious with the old lady."


    "Oh, come on! Aren''t those her own family members? That Old Lady Yu is such a weirdo."


    "Oh, sure, they''re family, but that doesn''t stop her from cursing them! Hating your daughters-in-law as a mother-in-law is normal. Not getting along is natural, and getting along would be unusual. But to resort to cursing just because you don''t get along? That''s pretty extraordinary."


    "True that."


    "Madam Yu is definitely out of line. She''s got some nerve cursing half the folks in this alley. If she were in school, the number of people she hates would probably fill an entire class."


    "That''s for sure. She even hates people''s chickens¡ªimagine that!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughs as he recalls what he heard at the police station, "You know, I heard something interesting today. Seems like her neighbor''s chicken lays eggs every day, and they''d always taunt Old Lady Yu about it. She got so mad she cursed the chicken."


    He pauses for a moment, then continues, "Oh, and there was also the dog. Apparently, the dog once barked at her. She thinks the dog looks down on her!"


    Everyone falls silent, utterly speechless.


    Compared to Old Lady Yu''s antics, Tao Yuyue''s actions look downright normal¡ªridiculous, but not quite that absurd.


    "How can you even describe something like that?"


    It''s hard to put into words.


    It''s just too unbelievable.


    Zhao Guihua finally mutters, "Oh my."


    And it''s not just Zhao Guihua who''s left speechless¡ªeveryone feels the same way. It''s as if ridiculousness itself opened the door and just invited itself right into their lives.


    The sounds of Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue''s fight continue in the background, a showcase of absurdity.


    It''s hard to believe these are even real people sometimes.


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m going home now. Food is essential for energy, and I need to eat to calm myself down."


    "Go ahead, I''m heading home for dinner too."


    "Let''s chat some more!"


    Regardless of whether others continue chatting or not, Zhao Guihua heads home, and Liang Meifen has already prepared the meal. Liang Meifen is efficient, and she has to be¡ªwatching how some of her neighbors behave, she considers her mother-in-law quite reasonable. If she ever encountered someone like Madam Yu who curses their daughter-in-law, it would be a complete disaster.


    She calls out, "Time to eat!"


    "Coming!"


    The scent of dinner wafting from Zhao Guihua''s home prompts others to head back as well. He Lan rushes home to prepare dinner. Bai Fendou holds his daughter, Xiao Qingqing, and remarks, "I think our daughter has put on some weight."


    Little Qingqing smiles toothlessly at Bai Fendou.


    Tao Yuyue says, "She definitely has. It''s all thanks to the good care these past few months¡ªshe couldn''t have gained weight otherwise."


    She doesn''t mention the hardships Qingqing faced at the Fan family''s place, as that family isn''t worth mentioning.


    But despite not mentioning it, Bai Fendou does, saying, "I wonder if my last visit had any effect. I''d like to think it did, but who knows..."


    Bai Fendou continues to ramble, unsure if his actions made a difference. As it turns out, they did¡ªremarkably so.


    This started with Bai Fendou pretending to be a widow, and things quickly escalated. The villagers started looking down on the Fan family, and the Fan family''s new daughter-in-law, who was quite generous, heard stories about the Fan family''s behavior.


    As a result, they left Yang Family Village and moved to a guesthouse in the city. As for the wedding, that''s definitely on hold for now.


    However, it doesn''t mean she''s completely given up on Fan Jianguo, as they still have feelings for each other. But staying at the Fan family''s home is absolutely out of the question.


    Whether she ends up marrying Fan Jianguo or not depends on future circumstances. For now, the wedding is off.


    This young woman may not be entirely calm, but she''s been decisive¡ªmoving out immediately. Putting an end to the wedding shames the Fan family, who have been on edge in the village lately.


    While they act fierce, many families aren''t afraid of them. Their arrogance stems from having many sons, including one serving in the military, but everyone knows what kind of people they really are.


    Now the Fan family was living a very unhappy life, although Bai Fendou didn''t know much about it. However, he was the type of person who liked to think positively. When talking to He Lan about this, he sighed, "I think I''ll go visit them again in a couple of days."


    He Lan quickly stopped him, saying, "Don''t go. What if they find out? You don''t want me to worry, do you? Let''s just live our lives peacefully."


    Bai Fendou smiled softly upon hearing her concerned words.


    He said, "Wife, how can you be so good to me?"


    He Lan: "And don''t you treat me even better?"


    Although they didn''t talk about love, they got along very harmoniously. He Lan said, "I''ll warm up some wine for you later, have a cup."


    "Okay."


    Bai Fendou was happy and said, "I''ll listen to you."


    He Lan paused and said, "After dinner, go and pick some mugwort."


    Bai Fendou was puzzled: "Why do we need that?"


    He Lan said seriously: "Pick some mugwort, and I''ll cook some water to rinse you with to get rid of bad luck. After all that curse from Old Lady Yu, we can''t just do nothing."


    "Okay, I''ll listen to you."


    Bai Fendou: "Then I¡¯d better hurry. Forget waiting for after dinner, I''ll go now. So many people have been cursed by Old Lady Yu, and if I go late, there might not be any mugwort left, and I¡¯ll have to go far away to pick it."


    He was an impatient man, quickly saying, "Leave the baby in the stroller, keep an eye on him, and I''ll be back soon."


    "Ah? Okay."


    Bai Fendou quickly left the house, but he also thought of Zhuang Zhixi. After all, Zhuang Zhixi had helped him before. With such a thing happening, he couldn''t not let Zhuang Zhixi know. The Zhuang family was having dinner when Zhuang Zhixi heard Bai Fendou was going to pick mugwort to dispel bad luck. He immediately joined in, saying, "Count me in."


    He quickly stuffed a couple of buns into his mouth and went out with Bai Fendou. As the two were about to leave, Zhou Qun noticed them and immediately asked, "What are you two doing?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We''re going to pick some mugwort."


    Zhou Qun immediately understood what was going on. He wasn''t interested in this matter since he hadn''t been cursed. He said, "Then go ahead."


    As Zhuang Zhixi and Bai Fendou turned to leave, they saw a pale and haggard woman standing at the gate. She looked at the people in the courtyard, not paying attention to anyone else, her gaze immediately landing on Bai Fendou with a pleading tone, "Fendou."


    Bai Fendou was quite surprised. He didn''t expect the woman who had come was Guan Guiling.


    In fact, it had only been a little over half a year since he last saw Guan Guiling. Compared to the last time he saw her, she was now extremely haggard, with a sallow complexion and sickly pallor, as if just recovering from a serious illness.


    However, this did not evoke any sympathy from Bai Fendou. On the contrary, he looked at Guan Guiling with great wariness, saying, "What do you want from me?"


    Guan Guiling hadn''t expected her luck to be so bad. She had calculated everything perfectly, but she hadn''t anticipated... really, fate was hard to predict.


    She bit her lip and said, "Can you come out for a moment? Let''s talk properly."


    Seeing Bai Fendou''s unhappy expression, she said, "I know you might have opinions about me, but please let me explain. Once you hear my explanation, you''ll understand my predicament."


    Bai Fendou was firm: "I don''t care what your predicament is, we don''t have any relationship anymore. I don''t want to see you. Don''t come around me so often. Those who don''t know might think we have something going on. Do I still want a reputation?"


    Bai Fendou''s resolute attitude was something everyone hadn''t expected.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Zhou Qun both looked at Bai Fendou in surprise.


    Bai Fendou: "Go away, stop coming to our courtyard. I have nothing to do with you. Xiao Zhuang, let''s go."


    He was in a hurry to leave.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    As they were about to leave, Guan Guiling suddenly grabbed Bai Fendou''s arm, pleading, "Please listen to me, alright? I beg you~"


    How fragile and weak this woman was.


    Bai Fendou pulled his arm back and said, "Get lost!"


    The commotion of their conversation drew the attention of people in the courtyard, and even He Lan came out. She looked at Guan Guiling and then at Bai Fendou, asking, "What''s going on?"


    Bai Fendou: "Nothing. This woman kept grabbing me, it''s annoying."


    He Lan: "..."


    She raised her eyebrows.


    Guan Guiling: "This is... ?"


    "This is my wife," Bai Fendou proudly introduced.


    Guan Guiling''s eyes widened in disbelief, taking a few steps back with trembling lips, "You... you''re married? How could you get married? This woman must not be good, she must be deceiving you."


    How could a normal woman possibly choose a man like Bai Fendou?


    This woman must have ulterior motives!


    "Bai Fendou, you''re a simple person, but you can''t be fooled by a wicked woman! There are some women out there. They are the most shameless..."


    Bai Fendou wasn''t extremely angry before, but now he was furious: "Get lost! You don''t even know how long your face is. Get out of here. Don''t think that just because you''re a piece of garbage, everyone else is too. What you''re saying isn''t about others, it''s all about yourself! Where do you get the nerve to talk about others? It''s hilarious."


    Bai Fendou looked at Guan Guiling with disgust, feeling that his previous judgment was really poor.


    Bai Fendou''s undisguised expression was watched by Guan Guiling, her heart sinking slowly. She frowned and quickly adjusted her strategy.


    Guan Guiling stepped forward immediately: "Sister, hello, I am Bai Fendou''s fianc¨¦e, I..."


    Before she could finish, Bai Fendou interrupted her, angrily saying, "Guan Guiling, what are you talking about? Fianc¨¦e? Doesn''t that sound ridiculous to you? You''re sick! Do you think I don''t hit women or something? Trying to sow discord in front of my wife? At first, we just talked about living together, and you refused, spreading lies about me. Don''t think you can still fool me now. What, come to my wife to sow discord? I''ll tell you! I''m not a pushover, and I''m not blind either. Do you think I''ll listen to you? I''ll tell you! No way!"


    He pointed his finger at Guan Guiling and cursed, "Don''t think I''ll give you any face, just get lost! If I find out you come to my house again, I''ll go beat up your husband. What kind of nonsense is that!"


    Guan Guiling looked at Bai Fendou in disbelief. She had always felt that she had Bai Fendou under her thumb. She still remembered how, when they parted ways, Bai Fendou would come to her every day, looking miserable.


    It was clear that he loved her to the point of obsession.


    But now, just over half a year later, he had completely shifted his affections.


    This man was just too undependable.


    Guan Guiling was shocked as she looked at Bai Fendou, saying, "How can you say such things? I didn''t expect... I didn''t expect you to move on so quickly..."


    Before Bai Fendou could say anything, Zhou Qun chimed in first, saying, "Hey, not quite, Miss, how are you talking? Go take a look in the mirror and see what you look like before you act like some delicate little flower. What do you mean Bai Fendou moved on? We all know what''s up. You had bad intentions and backed out of the engagement. What, you think it''s okay for you to do shoddy things, but not for others to wake up? Now you''re acting like a victim. Who are you fooling? Everyone knows what kind of person you are. See that?" Zhou Qun pointed to Wang Xiangxiu, who came out to watch the excitement, saying, "Look, do you think she''s pretty? She''s a million times prettier than you, right? And yet, Bai Fendou could still snap out of it. Not to mention someone like you, who looks average, has a poor heart, and has quite the imagination. You and your ex-husband had such a good relationship, so why are you fishing for men now? Isn''t it just for money? Hmph, I''ll tell you, I, Zhou Qun, can''t stand women like you! Pfft!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    She had a cold face, why did you bring me into this!


    But thinking about how Zhou Qun said she was a million times prettier than the present Guan Guiling, she was quite pleased. Women, after all, don''t dislike being told they''re beautiful.


    Guan Guiling didn''t expect a rogue like Zhou Qun to jump in halfway, biting her lip, swaying unsteadily: "How can you say such things about me... you''re too much."


    "Hey, not quite, Miss, don''t come to our courtyard if you''ve got nothing to do. You''ve already shown up, so what are you pretending to be a good person for?"


    Zhou Qun looked at Guan Guiling with disdain.


    People are always thinking about themselves. But Guan Guiling is really pushing it too far! Bai Fendou is already married, and she still wants to cause trouble? Who is she pretending for? Isn''t it just about the money? Her son couldn''t get it, so she came herself.


    Absolutely shameless.


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Pfft!¡±


    After seeing so many spectacles, he knows this kind of woman isn''t any good.


    For once, Zhou Qun acted righteously and voluntarily spoke up for Bai Fendou. However...


    Aunt Zhou''s face turned black.


    Her face, like the bottom of a pot, had a color that was simply unwatchable. She exuded a dark, oppressive atmosphere. Could it be anything else? She was most afraid of Zhou Qun siding with Bai Fendou. Although she hadn''t seen it herself, she had heard the full story from Wang Zizhen about the rainy night incident where Zhou Qun carried a knife but no umbrella. At that time, it was quite clear that Zhou Qun had feelings for Bai Fendou. If it weren''t for that incident, Zhou Qun wouldn''t have become the "useless man" he is now.


    Now, Zhou Qun was acting like he wanted to get close to Bai Fendou again, and Aunt Zhou''s sharp instincts immediately kicked in. She glared fiercely at Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou.


    However, she didn¡¯t directly pull Zhou Qun away. That would be too obvious.


    Instead, she directed her ire straight at Guan Guiling, who had just arrived, saying, ¡°Guan Guiling, what¡¯s going on? Do you think that just because someone is married, you can come and pick a fight? Let me tell you, bullying Bai Fendou in front of us won¡¯t fly. Everyone knows you wanted Bai Fendou to pull your cart initially, but then you took Chen Yuan''s bribe and ditched him. We¡¯ve seen relationships end because they weren¡¯t a good fit, but what you did¡ªthat¡¯s not human behavior. You broke up, fine, but why did you go and slander Bai Fendou as a woman-beater? Did he ever lay a hand on you? You¡¯re so wicked and selfish, it¡¯s really something. Oh, and by the way, Chen Yuan''s here¡­¡±


    She called out, ¡°Chen Yuan, Chen Yuan! Guan Guiling is here!¡±


    Chen Yuan and his wife had already stopped arguing by then. Chen Yuan, with a bruised and battered face, came out, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Guan Guiling: ¡°Chen Yuan.¡±


    Ugh!


    Such a cringe-worthy address.


    Chen Yuan glared at her. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Guan Guiling stammered, ¡°It¡¯s me, Guan Guiling. Do you remember me?¡±


    Guan Guiling?


    Chen Yuan looked confused for a moment, but then he studied her closely. After a while, he finally recognized her: ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you. What happened to you? Why are you so ugly now?¡±


    The onlookers: *snort!*


    Guan Guiling: *grits teeth* Damn!


    Chen Yuan looked at Guan Guiling with disgust. ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    Guan Guiling bit her lip. ¡°I¡­ Can I borrow some money from you?¡±


    Her first choice had actually been Bai Fendou. She had intended to woo him back. Initially, she left Bai Fendou because Chen Yuan could offer her benefits, and more importantly, Chen Yuan''s father held a position as the head of logistics.


    Since Bai Fendou worked in the logistics department, she thought Chen Yuan''s father would likely cause trouble for Bai Fendou. If that were the case, she didn¡¯t need to waste her time with Bai Fendou. Even if she had been with Bai Fendou, and he got messed up by the Chen family, wouldn¡¯t her plans have been ruined?


    Plus, Bai Fendou was super stingy with his money. Sure, he¡¯d buy some groceries and necessities for her house, but he never gave her cash. This made Guan Guiling even less interested in him. Under these circumstances, leaving Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t surprising at all.


    As for spreading rumors that Bai Fendou beat her, well, it was out of desperation¡ªall for the money.


    If Bai Fendou were a real man, he shouldn¡¯t have held it against her.


    Also, she had recently heard that Bai Fendou had returned to work in the workshop, which reignited her interest in getting back with him. But to her shock, Bai Fendou had gotten married.


    That was something she had never seen coming. She never expected anyone to want a man like him!


    She had miscalculated.


    Seeing that Bai Fendou was now very hostile towards her, and Chen Yuan was there, she quickly shifted her focus to borrowing money from Chen Yuan.


    After all, Chen Yuan was so well-off. Lending her a bit of money shouldn¡¯t be a big deal, right?


    Besides, she had given up on Bai Fendou because of him.


    Taking a deep breath, Guan Guiling put on her most pitiful expression. ¡°Chen Yuan, my life is really tough right now. Can you help me? I did quite a few things for you before, so please, for old times'' sake, help me out.¡±


    Chen Yuan looked puzzled. ¡°Why should I help you? Who do you think you are?¡±


    Guan Guiling stared at Chen Yuan in disbelief, utterly shocked by his response.


    Chen Yuan: ¡°And what do you mean by ¡®I did a lot for you¡¯? When you did work for me, I paid you, didn¡¯t I? So how is that now your credit? You¡¯ve got some nerve. Let me tell you, in this world, you can¡¯t go around acting like this.¡±


    Since everyone in their neighborhood knew that Bai Fendou¡¯s previous marriage fell through because of him, Chen Yuan didn¡¯t hold back. Plus, he found Guan Guiling quite out of line, daring to act big in front of him?


    He paid her, she did the work.


    That¡¯s how business works.


    Now she¡¯s trying to take credit with him?


    Does she even deserve any credit?


    What a joke.


    He waved her off with annoyance. ¡°Scram!¡±


    Guan Guiling staggered back. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re heartless¡­¡±


    This kind of drama might have tugged at the heartstrings of an ordinary man, but it didn¡¯t include Chen Yuan. Chen Yuan had been pampered by his parents since he was a child, and he¡¯s seen his fair share of sycophants and people trying to curry favor. Someone like Guan Guiling acting all high and mighty in front of him?


    He wasn¡¯t interested.


    Besides, Guan Guiling wasn¡¯t exactly a stunner.


    Chen Yuan: ¡°Pfft. Get lost! Or I¡¯ll have my mom fire your husband from his job. Does anyone think they can just come up to me and bark? Do they think I¡¯m that easy to bully? What a joke!¡±


    Those words were enough to shut Guan Guiling up.


    Her husband was currently hospitalized due to illness, and she didn¡¯t know when he would recover. She was afraid that if he was gone too long, he might lose his job. So Guan Guiling quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have talked nonsense.¡±


    Tears streamed down her face. ¡°I¡¯m really just short on money¡­¡±


    But no one felt sorry for her.


    There are plenty of people worse off than her.


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at Guan Guiling and saw a bit of her old self¡ªsomeone who relied on a bit of beauty to swindle money everywhere. But then she thought about how Guan Guiling had it better than her; she at least had a husband, so she didn¡¯t have to stoop to those depths.


    But she¡­ thinking about it, she just felt uninterested and turned away from the spectacle, going straight home.


    Guan Guiling had hit a dead end with both Bai Fendou and Chen Yuan. She was completely bewildered. After all, there were only a few people she could borrow from, and now everyone was carefully managing their own finances. Who would lend her money?


    In that moment, she didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Bai Fendou looked at Guan Guiling and snorted coldly. ¡°Wife, go home and lock the door tight. If anyone shameless comes knocking, shout for help. It¡¯s so annoying, I ran into such a piece of trash when I went out. It must be because Madam Yu cursed me.¡±


    He blamed it on that.


    ¡°I better wash myself thoroughly. Come on, let¡¯s go pick some mugwort.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Sure.¡±


    He followed Bai Fendou out the door. Once Bai Fendou left, Guan Guiling was even more lost, but she didn¡¯t give up. If Chen Yuan was out of the question, she would have to stick to Bai Fendou. With Bai Fendou gone, she turned to his wife.


    She didn¡¯t believe she couldn¡¯t break them apart with her charms!


    As she approached the door, Zhao Guihua suddenly spoke up: ¡°If you bother Bai Fendou¡¯s wife, I¡¯ll report you to the neighborhood committee for disrupting someone else¡¯s family.¡±


    The onlookers, including Zhou Qun, thought Zhao Guihua had nailed it with that line.


    Indeed, Guan Guiling didn¡¯t dare make another move.


    She froze in place.


    Zhou Qun chuckled and said, ¡°I think that¡¯s great. Hey, Guan Guiling, didn¡¯t your son come for money earlier, saying you were in the hospital giving birth? Did you give birth to a little warrior?¡±


    Guan Guiling¡¯s face turned even uglier. ¡°What are you talking about!¡±


    ¡°Well, why are you giving birth at this time? Or is this just your family¡¯s scam for money?¡±


    Zhou Qun asked sincerely.


    Guan Guiling was furious. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about!¡±


    At this moment, Ming Mei also figured it out¡ªno one was going to give her face, and she wouldn''t get away with causing a scene here. Clenching her lips, she stomped her feet in desperation before finally leaving. As soon as she was gone, Ming Mei peeked out the window and said, "Gone for good?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Why didn''t you come out to watch?"


    Ming Mei pouted, "I work in the same unit as her. I''m scared she might latch onto our family again! She''s pregnant again, and if she were to fake a fall in our house or something, we''d be in big trouble. What if we get blamed for it?"


    This isn''t paranoia; Ming Mei knows that Guan Guiling is desperate for money and isn''t particularly attached to her children. So, you never know what she might do.


    Moreover, Ming Mei really doesn''t look up to Guan Guiling.


    If you''re poor, then don''t get pregnant and don''t have kids. Fewer children would definitely make life a lot easier. But this woman just keeps getting pregnant, one after another, and keeps giving birth to more children.


    Yet, she doesn''t seem to love her children that much. All she does after having them is send them away.


    Then she complains about how miserable her life is. Who''s supposed to help her out of that mess?


    Ming Mei firmly believes that one shouldn''t live like this.


    She pouted, and Zhou Qun, hearing her words, was particularly shocked. He said, "Again? She''s pregnant again?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "I heard she''s pregnant again."


    Zhou Qun: "..."


    Why is it so easy for other families to have kids? His family has struggled for years to have just one child after over a decade of marriage. But look at her, popping out kids like a hen laying eggs nonstop.


    However, quality matters more than quantity when it comes to children!


    Zhou Qun quickly thought of this and felt that having one child was just fine for his family. His little Qijin was such a smart and well-behaved child! Even at a young age, he was already so sensible and rarely cried, making him very easy to take care of. Compared to the fussy, chubby girl from the Li cook''s family who cried all night, their child was simply outstanding!


    With five new kids in their courtyard, the constant crying from the Li family''s fat little girl made other parents feel even prouder of their own well-behaved children. When brought up, they couldn''t help but show off their pride.


    Thinking this way, Zhou Qun felt a lot better.


    He quickly engaged in some gossip: "Didn''t she just give birth?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "I heard she gave it away."


    Zhou Qun: "..."


    This was really...


    Zhou Qun: "It''s like some families can''t get enough water, while others are drowning in it."


    Zhao Guihua, however, frowned and said, "How can she keep getting pregnant like this? Doesn''t she care about her own well-being?"


    Repeating the cycle of pregnancy and childbirth like this was undoubtedly detrimental to Guan Guiling''s own health.


    But, this was just something they talked about at home. If they were to remind Guan Guiling, she''d probably think they were meddling in her business.


    On this matter, Zhou Qun had plenty to say, "Indeed, women can''t keep having children. Take my sister''s mom, for example. I heard from my mom that she got old and haggard from constant childbirth, even though she was over ten years younger than my mom. And she suffered from various gynecological diseases as well."


    "Sister?" Ming Mei momentarily didn''t react.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "That''s Wang Zizhen, Aunt Zhou''s adopted daughter after all, so naturally, she''s Zhou Qun''s adopted sister."


    Ming Mei: "Oh..."


    She hadn''t fully processed that yet.


    But life is all about different paths and fortunes. Zhou Qun''s family had gotten better off recently, but things weren''t always that way. Still, they''ve always been good to Wang Zizhen, which truly speaks to the power of human connections and fate.


    Zhou Qun added, "Such things take a major toll on the body."


    Leaning against the windowsill, he was like an overly chatty elder sister. But everyone was used to it. Zhou Qun''s hobbies now were two: one was taking care of his child, and the other was gossiping around everywhere.


    Whether in their neighborhood or at the factory, he seemed to appear everywhere.


    Like this, everyone was used to his presence. These days, Zhou Qun had gotten along smoothly with the female comrades in the courtyard.


    He said, "Oh, this Guan Guiling. I need to inquire a bit more about her. We must be well-informed."


    Cheerfully, he added, "If she dares to show up again, I''ll expose her true colors."


    Zhao Guihua said, "You''re quite committed to Bai Fendou, helping him out so much."


    Zhou Qun replied, "What does Bai Fendou have to do with this? It''s not about Bai Fendou¡ªhe''s not that important. The thing is, I can''t let Guan Guiling come swaggering into our courtyard, showing off. Absolutely not! I just want to strip her of her pretense, giving real women a bad name... Er, not just women, I mean, she''s giving all of us women a bad name! After all, we women can hold up half the sky. She just can''t measure up!"


    Zhou Qun spoke with righteous indignation, "I simply can''t tolerate such a situation!"


    Zhao Guihua: "... "


    Ming Mei: "... "


    Zhou Qun: "Oh, I''ll go ask Chen Yuan in the backyard about Guan Guiling. See what''s going on between them!"


    "Are you close with Chen Yuan?" Ming Mei asked curiously, though she thought it highly unlikely. After all, Chen Yuan always seemed quite aloof.


    Zhou Qun: "Not close at all."


    He casually said, "But being not close doesn''t mean I can''t ask some questions. We''re neighbors after all. Just a friendly inquiry, nothing more."


    Ming Mei: "... "


    Zhao Guihua: "... "


    She looked up and finally said, "Do as you please."


    Zhou Qun happily went to the backyard, while Zhao Guihua shook her head vigorously. She really admired Zhou Qun, though his joy was so simple. Finding great happiness in simple things, Zhao Guihua felt that with Zhou Qun''s state of mind, he could easily live to ninety-nine.


    No worries, lots of joy, how could he not be happy?


    Ming Mei sighed, "I think Zhou Qun reminds me of someone I knew when I was little."


    Zhao Guihua: "Huh?"


    Ming Mei: "There was an old granny Zhao in our family compound back then, she was such a gossip. She knew everything about everyone. I feel like Zhou Qun is her disciple in a way."


    Zhao Guihua: "... "


    Well, alright.


    As they gossiped, He Lan cracked open the door and peeked out cautiously. Zhao Guihua waved her over, and He Lan hurried out with her child, asking, "She''s gone, right?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Gone. Don''t worry, we''ve got your back. She won''t bully you."


    He Lan nodded firmly, "I know."


    She felt so lucky to have such supportive neighbors.


    She said, "I''m not afraid of her. After all, I have backup."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "That''s right."


    Ming Mei asked curiously, "Has Bai Fendou talked to you about Guan Guiling?"


    He Lan nodded, "He has. He told me about his countless failed experiences over the years."


    This made He Lan sympathize with Bai Fendou.


    His romantic fortune was just so bad.


    She said, "I trust Bai Fendou''s character. He has a very kind heart."


    Ming Mei: "Oh..."


    He Lan smiled and said, "Really, I honestly think he''s one of the best people I''ve met."


    She was a very content person.


    Zhao Guihua said, "As long as he treats you well..."


    Before she could finish, they saw Bai Fendou and Zhuang Zhixi return, each holding a bundle of mugwort. Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Wow, Mom, you wouldn''t believe how many people are out picking mugwort. Everyone wants to cleanse their bad luck."


    Zhao Guihua said, "That Old Lady Yu sure can stir up trouble."


    She, Zhao Guihua, had seen her share of strange things, like messing with birthdates, strands of hair, or blood to curse someone. But Old Lady Yu''s approach was just too crude. Creating cloth dolls to curse others without even knowing the birthdates, and the names written inside with many missing strokes and typos¡ªcould such a curse even work?


    She shook her head in disbelief.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, do we still have any bath tickets? I want to go to the bathhouse for a wash."


    It wasn''t convenient to do it at home, and in the courtyard with so many female neighbors around, it wasn''t appropriate either.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Yes, but will the bathhouse allow you to bring that in?"


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned smugly, "They will. I just saw someone go in with it. They said the bathhouse allows it."


    But sometimes, they just turn a blind eye to such things.


    Many things, as long as they are not excessively publicized, won''t attract unnecessary attention. However, if you put everything on the table, it definitely won''t work. For example, if you ask the bathhouse management directly, they will certainly say no.


    But if you just take it in quietly, no one will stop you.


    Zhao Guihua: "Then go ahead."


    Bai Fendou: "I''m going too."


    He Lan: "You haven''t eaten yet."


    Bai Fendou: "I''ll eat later."


    He said, "Otherwise, the place will be crowded again in a while."


    "Alright."


    This was Zhuang Zhixi''s first time going to the bathhouse with Bai Fendou. In the summer, the bathhouse wasn''t crowded, with only two or three people, all of whom happened to be carrying wormwood. Everyone smiled knowingly.


    This incident with wormwood had indeed brought them closer.


    After all, when they saw the wormwood, they understood¡ªoh, we¡¯re all people hated by Old Lady Yu.


    It¡¯s really not easy. Who knows how we managed to offend this stubborn old lady.


    Zhou Daniu: "You''re here too. Come over here, the water temperature in the pool is just right today, really nice."


    They all placed the wormwood in basins, filled them with hot water, and planned to splash the water on themselves after washing to rid themselves of bad luck.


    Everyone got into the pool. Someone said, "In my hometown, we use pomelo leaf water."


    "What''s that?"


    "It¡¯s not available here. Whatever works, right?"


    "That¡¯s true."


    Zhuang Zhixi washed his towel, placed it over his head, and submerged himself in the water, saying, "So, how did all of you offend that old woman?"


    Zhou Daniu: "I don¡¯t even know myself. I thought about it half the night last night, but I still couldn¡¯t figure out how I offended her. But I inquired at the police station today and found out. It turns out she asked me to repair her roof, and I refused. That¡¯s why she hates me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That¡¯s so unfair."


    Zhou Daniu: "Who isn¡¯t saying the same thing? She has several sons. Instead of asking them to do the work, she wanted someone else to help. It¡¯s ridiculous. Not helping her is considered an offense."


    "You¡¯re ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????lucky. I heard that Aunt Wang and her husband in our courtyard were cursed just because they got married the same day as her eldest son."


    "What kind of person is she?"


    "She didn¡¯t spare her own three daughters-in-law either. Oh, and she cursed her daughter too. She blamed her daughter for not sending money or food home after going to the countryside."


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned by this, saying, "The countryside is so tough. Isn¡¯t it usually the family that sends things to the children in the countryside? She actually had the nerve to ask her daughter for stuff? Her daughter is working hard in the countryside, probably not even sure if she¡¯s eating enough, and she still wants things from her? I remember her daughter was sent to the northwest."


    "Who isn''t saying the same thing? She just lacks conscience."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What are her sons¡¯ reactions? Aren¡¯t they cursed too?"


    Zhuang Zhixi asked Zhou Daniu, knowing Zhou Daniu lived in the same courtyard as the Yu family and knew the most about them.


    Zhou Daniu: "What reactions? They¡¯re eating, drinking, and carrying on as usual. Her family also curses Old Lady Yu at home. Especially the eldest couple, who think Old Lady Yu is harming people. But when I left, the family was fighting at home, shouting at the top of their lungs."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Why?"


    He leaned on the pool''s edge, curious.


    This is because it¡¯s certain that Old Lady Yu will end up in prison, and Old Man Yu was involved too, at the very least for concealing the truth. So the authorities might pursue the matter, given how evil the circumstances are. Thus, her children have started fighting over Old Lady Yu and Old Man Yu¡¯s room.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    When Yu Baoshan died, their first reaction was to fight over the house. Now that Old Lady Yu might go to prison, their first reaction is still to fight over the house. I have to say, the family tradition of this family really sets a good example.


    Seeing Zhuang Zhixi''s expression, Zhou Daniu chuckled, "That¡¯s how their family is. They usually calculate and scheme against each other. Their family culture is like this¡ªthey even count every thread. If a dung cart passes by the door and they don¡¯t take a deep breath, they feel they¡¯ve lost out. Besides, the sons of the Yu family resent Old Lady Yu and Old Man Yu greatly. When Yu Baoshan was still alive, the old couple doted on their youngest son the most, digging into the resources of the other children to support him. Over time, who wouldn¡¯t feel resentment?"


    He lowered his voice, "And¡­ back then, their family had four rooms, but actually, three and a half. One was a side room. The old couple had one room, Yu Baoshan had one, the eldest couple with their children and the second couple with their children shared a room, and the third couple with their children and the fourth couple shared the side room. You can imagine how crammed it was. Yet they insisted on giving Yu Baoshan his own room. There¡¯s no such extreme favoritism. If they hadn¡¯t lived like that, I don¡¯t think the third and fourth daughters-in-law would have gotten together."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, saying, "So, what about Yu Baoshan¡¯s room¡­"


    "His room was snatched by the second daughter-in-law. Now, the eldest family has one room, the second family has one room, and the third and fourth brothers share a room. But this time, it¡¯s hard to say. Normally, it should be the third family living in the old couple¡¯s room."


    He also sighed, "Even so, their housing is still tight. The children share rooms with their parents, which isn¡¯t very convenient."


    Adults understood this.


    Everyone nodded.


    Just as they were talking, Zhuang Zhixi looked up and saw that Zhou Qun and Chen Yuan had come in together.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    Bai Fendou didn¡¯t hold back, saying, "Why are you two together?"


    Chen Yuan, seeing Bai Fendou, wanted to leave, but then felt that leaving now would make him look cowardly. He snorted and found a spot as far away from Bai Fendou as possible, then got into the water.


    Zhou Qun, however, was chatty and approached them. "Hey, I was just going to the back courtyard to chat with Chen Yuan and ask about Guan Guiling¡¯s situation. It just so happened that they mentioned Guan Guiling is pregnant again, and they got into a big fight because of jealousy over others having children. They even fought each other."


    He said, "Tao Yuyue splashed a basin of washing water all over us. That¡¯s why we came to take a bath."


    Chen Yuan: "¡­You really don¡¯t need to go into such detail."


    This guy¡­


    Zhou Qun was still happily saying, "He invited me, so it¡¯s not my fault. Oh, the woman looks good, but her feet are dirty. It was really a basin of dirty water."


    Chen Yuan couldn¡¯t take it anymore, "Enough already, you¡¯ve said enough, haven¡¯t you? I¡¯ve already invited you to take a bath!"


    Thinking of Tao Yuyue, Chen Yuan felt extremely uncomfortable. He shouldn¡¯t have chosen this woman in the first place.


    Back then, he saw Tao Yuyue as gentle and cheerful, but in reality, she¡¯s horrible. It¡¯s too disgusting. But if he were to get a divorce, he wouldn¡¯t do it. After all, he paid for the marriage and even arranged a job for her. If they divorced now, it would be too much of a loss for his family.


    Chen Yuan definitely wouldn¡¯t do such a losing deal.


    He leaned against the pool, his expression sour.


    Zhou Qun: "Chen Yuan, look at you, talking about it won¡¯t make you lose a piece of flesh. Besides, I didn¡¯t say anything bad, right? Oh, by the way, when did you all get here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not long ago."


    Zhou Qun: "Next time, call me."


    He thoroughly enjoyed going to the bathhouse, bringing some tea, and spending the whole day there chatting. Very delightful. He said, "Let me tell you¡­" Zhou Qun started chatting away.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­"


    He was already quite talkative himself, but facing Zhou Qun, he had to admit defeat. This guy was well-informed about all the gossip in the surrounding areas. Zhuang Zhixi listened with interest, leisurely leaning against the side.


    Everyone gathered around, making Chen Yuan feel even more dissatisfied. He felt that since he came with Zhou Qun and even paid for Zhou Qun¡¯s ticket, Zhou Qun shouldn¡¯t ignore him like this.


    He snorted coldly, glaring at Zhou Qun, hoping he would notice his displeasure.


    To be playing with someone inferior to him and not even showing any respect was unacceptable.


    After all, he was the son of the Logistics Director, and Zhou Qun had no foresight at all. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Qun noticed Chen Yuan''s gaze and felt a bit puzzled as he said, "Little Chen, what''s up?"


    This call of "Little Chen" instantly annoyed Chen Yuan. What identity did this guy have to call him "Little Chen"? Didn''t he even consider his own status? It seemed like any random cat or dog thought they were something special. These people really had no sense of their place.


    As this thought crossed his mind, Chen Yuan grew even more displeased. He stood up, ready to leave the pool.


    Zhou Qun: "What''s wrong with you?"


    Chen Yuan responded with a cold smile: "Nothing."


    Zhou Qun finally realized that Chen Yuan was upset. Thinking about how the guy was the son of a higher-up, Zhou Qun knew he had to butter him up¡ªlest, with his reputation, he remain just an electrician for life, never getting promoted. After all, with each promotion came more money!


    With that thought, Zhou Qun immediately put on a smiling face. He reached out and patted Chen Yuan on the butt, attempting to flatter him: "Little Chen, your butt is really white!"


    A snapping sound


    A crisp slap echoed through the air.


    The scene quickly descended into a strange silence.


    One second, two seconds, three seconds¡­


    "Cough, cough, cough!" Zhuang Zhixi suddenly erupted in a fit of coughing.


    Bai Fendou instantly recalled how Zhou Qun had once tried to make some inappropriate advances on him. He almost went crazy and quickly darted to the other side of the pool, staring at Zhou Qun in terror. Oh, Mama, he had always felt there was something off about Zhou Qun! Today, Zhou Qun had even defended him. How terrifying!


    He didn''t want to be near Zhou Qun at all.


    Bai Fendou''s reaction was extremely intense, but no one else could really blame him. Zhou Daniu and the others quickly moved a safe distance away, eyeing Zhou Qun with caution.


    Zhou Qun: "What are you all doing? Look at my buddy Chen, so white! And so elastic! He''s really well-maintained!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Cough, cough, cough~"


    As if he were about to cough his lungs out!


    At this moment, the "attacked" Chen Yuan finally came to his senses. He let out a blood-curdling scream: "Ah!!!!!!!!!!!"


    He scrambled out of the pool, stumbling and falling with a loud thud as he hit the ground. Ignoring the pain, he howled and bolted toward the exit! He had suspected something was off with Zhou Qun''s intentions all along!


    It turned out this guy had his sights set on him!


    Who could have seen this coming?!


    He had only been wary of Bai Fendou, completely forgetting that Zhou Qun was far more dangerous. After all, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun had a history of mutual obsession! Chen Yuan''s mind was now filled with that one phrase, "So white." He screamed in horror as he ran, terrified that if he slowed down even a bit, Zhou Qun would catch him.


    He was a pure, untainted man!


    He couldn''t let himself get entangled with Zhou Qun!


    Help! Somebody, save him!


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing this guy frolic toward the exit, shouted at the top of his lungs: "Damn! Don''t run outside¡ªthat''s going straight into the street!"


    But Chen Yuan didn''t hear a word of it. He bolted out of the bathhouse and the changing room, heading straight for the exit. He had to escape! It was just his luck that the ticket seller at the entrance had just changed shifts, and now it was a young guy. If it had been a young girl, she would have gone insane.


    The young man was stunned: "Holy cow!"


    This was his first day on the job, and this was the kind of situation he had to deal with?


    Why was this guy so wild?


    Were city folks really this bold?


    Seeing Chen Yuan about to run into the street, he suddenly snapped back to reality: "Oh, damn! Don''t run out!"


    He darted forward, wrapping his arms around Chen Yuan from behind: "You can''t go out!"


    Chen Yuan struggled fiercely: "Let me go! Quickly, let me go!"


    "Dear goodness, don''t charge out! Mama mia~ You better go back inside~"


    He tugged Chen Yuan back toward the entrance, as commotion from outside began to draw attention. Even the ticket seller felt utterly humiliated, but he was more afraid of female patrons seeing the scene. He pulled with all his might...


    But as they say, the more you fear something, the more likely it is to happen.


    Just as he managed to drag Chen Yuan back, two women walked out from the women''s section.


    "Ahhh! This man isn''t wearing any clothes!"


    "Shameless!"


    Chen Yuan finally realized what was happening. He let out another yelp, covering his face and scurrying back into the bathhouse...

 Chapter 155

    Chen Yuan was scared out of his wits!


    "So white," these two words were like a magic spell, crashing down on Chen Yuan like a thunderbolt. In an instant, Chen Yuan''s defenses were shattered, and he fled in a panic, though... the effect wasn''t quite as expected.


    The ticket collector held onto him tightly, pulling him back inside: "Brother, brother, you''re still naked, don¡¯t run out!"


    Tears welled up in his eyes; this was his first day at work, and how could it be this disastrous!


    Worse still, a few female colleagues came out from the women''s bath, and upon seeing this naked guy, they let out a scream, yelling: "What¡¯s going on here? What¡¯s the meaning of this! Indecent exposure in broad daylight!"


    "What is this! Disgusting!"


    Although they said that, they couldn''t help but take a look.


    Chen Yuan, upon seeing the women who had just come out of the bath staring at him, let out another shriek, gave the ticket collector a forceful push that sent him stumbling, and dashed back inside. He covered his privates and howled in agony, feeling like his life was over.


    He was caught between a rock and a hard place!


    "What¡¯s wrong with your bathhouse! How can someone pull such a stunt here? Can you even manage this properly? How did this man even run out!"


    The ticket collector was nearly pulled apart, his heart aching as if it would burst. He felt like his luck had completely shattered; his first day at work, and how could he run into such a mess? Some people go their entire lives without encountering something like this.


    Unable to hold back his tears, he cried out: "Sisters, this is all a misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding. Let me go inside and see what¡¯s going on. I¡¯m sure there must be some explanation. You mustn¡¯t misunderstand. A place like ours could never allow such behavior. That¡¯s just not possible!"


    Afraid of angering the furious women, he hastily explained and quickly headed into the changing room.


    He searched left and right and finally found Chen Yuan cowering in a corner between two lockers. Fortunately, the lockers weren¡¯t too big, or Chen Yuan might have hidden inside one. He quickly said: "Brother, are you okay?"


    Chen Yuan sobbed even more pitifully than the ticket collector, wailing: "I¡¯m soiled!"


    Ticket Collector: "???"


    Chen Yuan wailed: "How did I end up in this situation! I¡¯m cursed with bad luck!"


    Ticket Collector: "???"


    Chen Yuan: "I¡­"


    Ticket Collector: "Brother, stop crying first and get dressed¡­"


    Chen Yuan: "Ah, right, right, I¡¯ll put on clothes."


    He quickly opened his locker, ready to fetch his clothes, when Zhou Qun emerged, his head wrapped in a towel, asking: "Brother, what¡¯s wrong? Why did you suddenly bolt? I¡­"


    So white, so white, so white.


    "Ahhh!" Upon seeing Zhou Qun, Chen Yuan instantly lost it again, nearly going mad. He let out a howl, grabbed his clothes, and dashed out.


    This time, the ticket collector didn¡¯t even have a chance to stop him. Chen Yuan ran so fast, it was like a flash of white lightning. With all the commotion, many people started poking their heads out, and a few women curiously peeked from the changing room entrance.


    Chen Yuan barged through the crowd, sprinting like a man possessed.


    Who could have expected this? He actually ran out again!


    Everyone was caught off guard, almost colliding with him before hastily moving aside: "Oh my~"


    "What¡¯s wrong with this guy?"


    "What got into him?"


    Chen Yuan clutched his clothes and desperately fled, not caring about anything else, determined to escape Zhou Qun¡¯s clutches. As he raced through the streets on a summer evening, the roads were bustling. Unexpectedly, Chen Yuan ran into Bai Fendou on the way.


    "Oh my god, what did I just see?"


    "Ah, that¡¯s too indecent! Was he not wearing clothes?"


    "That man¡¯s really brazen. Intentional indecent exposure¡­"


    "Oh dear, I saw¡­ that!"


    ¡­


    It was a summer evening, and the streets were indeed crowded. Chen Yuan dashed home like a whirlwind.


    Oh, not the family home in the Siheyuan courtyard, but his parents'' place. How could he dare return to the courtyard? That place was a dragon''s den¡ªfilled with dangers. There was Bai Fendou in front and Zhou Qun behind; it was a man''s worst nightmare. Fortunately, the Machinery Factory family housing wasn¡¯t too far away. Chen Yuan sprinted like his life depended on it.


    A group of righteous citizens started chasing after him, and amidst the chase, Chen Yuan finally reached the family housing complex. Even though it was an apartment building, people liked to gather downstairs in the summer to enjoy the breeze and chat about everyday gossip.


    At that moment, Chen Yuan''s grandparents were among a group of elderly men, women, and young wives discussing the latest news. The hottest topic recently was the "Hex Incident" in Xinghua Alley. After all, Old Lady Yu¡¯s voodoo dolls had caused quite a stir.


    Even a casual glance from someone else could draw her ire, making her quite the peculiar character.


    Not to mention, her involvement in superstitious activities and her penchant for stealing other people¡¯s underwear and boxers made her highly unpopular. Regardless of the era, such topics always stirred up excitement. Moreover, Xinghua Alley was part of the Machinery Factory housing complex, so it was quite familiar to the locals here.


    The housing here, however, was primarily allocated to small leaders.


    As everyone chatted enthusiastically, a naked figure raced by like a gust of wind, moving incredibly fast. "Ahhh! Who¡¯s that!"


    "Eh, isn¡¯t that Little Yuan? What happened to him?"


    "My heavens, why isn¡¯t the child wearing clothes? How bold!"


    "This¡­"


    Chen Yuan''s grandmother was utterly distraught, shouting: "Don¡¯t talk nonsense¡­"


    She hurried to approach him, but Chen Yuan didn¡¯t give her a chance to speak, dashing past her and straight into the house. Once inside, he leaned against the door, collapsing to the ground. Chen Yuan''s Mother: "???"


    She stared in shock at her son, quickly asking: "What happened? What¡¯s wrong? Why did you come back like this? Who bullied you?"


    "Mom, wahhh!"


    Upon seeing his mother, Chen Yuan felt all his suffering had an outlet, and he wailed: "Mom, it¡¯s so hard for me! Zhou Qun, that scoundrel, wants to take advantage of me!"


    Chen Yuan''s Mother: "What!~"


    She was petrified. Although not from the Machinery Factory, her husband was the director, so she was well aware of the gossip there. The name Zhou Qun was already notorious. She quickly asked: "What happened? You must tell me, what¡¯s going on with this person?"


    She checked her son from head to toe, asking: "Did he do anything to you? Has he hurt you?"


    Chen Yuan cried with tears streaming down his face.


    This sight completely terrified Chen Yuan''s Mother. In shock, she exclaimed: "What, did he do something to you?"


    In her mind, all sorts of horrifying possibilities filled her thoughts, all revolving around unpleasant "male-on-male" scenarios. In that instant, Chen Yuan''s Mother also burst into tears: "This, is there no justice left in the world? My innocent son¡­"


    "Wife, open the door, wife!"


    "Little Yuan¡­"


    Chen Yuan''s grandparents, unsure of what had happened, saw Chen Yuan rush home like this and quickly followed inside.


    Chen Yuan''s Mother, in a daze, opened the door, her mind still reeling, as the grandmother quickly squeezed past her daughter-in-law to ask: "What happened? Tell us¡­"


    "Little Yuan, you¡­ ah, your foot¡¯s hurt, where are your shoes? Did you run back barefoot?"


    "My poor child¡­"


    At this moment, Director Chen came out from the house, quickly asking: "What exactly happened? Explain it clearly to me¡­"


    As this family was about to speak, a voice came from downstairs: "Where¡¯s that pervert now?"


    "Did that guy run this way? Did anyone see him?"


    "We have to turn this person over to the police. Indecent exposure in broad daylight, how bold¡­"


    "Exactly!"


    "A severe punishment is a must!"


    Seeing that the situation couldn¡¯t be hidden any longer, Chen Yuan''s Father immediately said: "I¡¯ll go down and handle it. Just give me a brief rundown quickly."


    Chen Yuan''s Mother swayed on her feet, tearfully muttering: "It¡¯s already like this, how can we explain?"


    Chen Yuan''s Father: "Shut up, Chen Yuan, you tell me. Hurry up. Do you want to be treated as a pervert and taken away?"


    Chen Yuan cried and said: "I went to the bathhouse with Zhou Qun to bathe. He smacked my bottom and complimented me for being so white¡­ wahhh, he definitely has designs on me, wahhh¡­"


    Director Chen almost gasped for breath, asking: "Anything else?"


    Chen Yuan was stunned: "You still want more?"


    Chen Yuan''s Mother was also shocked: "Your son was touched on the butt, and you still want more?"


    Chen Yuan''s Grandparents: "What''s wrong with you, kid? My poor Xiao Yuan, it''s just because you''re too handsome, which makes some unscrupulous men have ulterior motives..."


    Director Chen took a deep breath and said: "I''ll go downstairs to deal with this."


    He quickly left the house and, as soon as he stepped outside, saw that some people had already come up. He knew it was impossible to hide the fact that the naked man who had been running around was Chen Yuan. Director Chen quickly thought of the simplest excuse.


    He hurriedly stopped the crowd who had come to help: "Comrades, comrades, wait a moment."


    "You are..."


    "The father of the naked runner," someone muttered softly.


    Others suddenly understood: "Oh~"


    They looked at Director Chen with great caution.


    "Comrade, your son doing such a thing in the street is very wrong. We chased him all the way here..."


    Before they could finish, Director Chen interrupted: "I know, I know it''s my son''s fault. But I can explain, we can explain. The situation is like this: my son just went to take a bath, and as soon as he took off his clothes, he was startled by a rat. This child was bitten by a rat when he was young, and seeing a rat just makes him unable to control himself, he screamed and ran back... and that''s how the big mistake happened. But in essence, he really didn''t mean to run naked."


    After explaining this, he continued: "My son and I both work at the machinery factory. I am the head of the logistics department, Director Chen. If you trust me, I will personally take my son to the factory security department tomorrow. No matter how they handle it, we will accept it. Please give us face."


    Everyone looked at each other, and after a long time, they all nodded: "Alright then."


    Firstly, since the factory has a security department, this kind of matter can indeed be handled there. It doesn''t necessarily have to go to the police station, as the security department is authorized to deal with such matters.


    Secondly, hearing that this person is the head of logistics, most people don''t want to offend him.


    Anyway, he said he would take the initiative to go to the factory''s security department and give everyone an explanation.


    "Alright then, you need to advise your son. Even if he''s scared, he can''t do that."


    "Exactly!"


    At this time, neighbors from upstairs and downstairs also came to watch, and Director Chen persuaded them to go downstairs politely, then turned to the neighbors and said: "I will take him to the security department tomorrow morning."


    Although he said that, Director Chen felt relieved. Although the police station could handle the matter, the factory''s security department could also handle it, but since they both worked at the machinery factory, the security department would have to leave some room.


    Although this matter was quite disgraceful, it didn''t cause any extremely serious consequences. He had considered this: if tonight''s gift-giving didn''t work, he would write an apology letter tomorrow. Having made up his mind, he turned back home.


    At home, Chen Yuan was still crying.


    The other family members were comforting Chen Yuan, and Chen Yuan''s Mother, hearing that it was only a slap on the butt, asked seriously: "It was just a normal slap, right?"


    Upon hearing this, Chen Yuan cried even louder. What more could have happened?


    It was already very bad for him.


    Director Chen glared at his wife and said: "Alright, as long as the son is fine. That Zhou Qun is really not a good person."


    Then he glared at Chen Yuan and said: "And you, you also work at the machinery factory, don''t you know what kind of person Zhou Qun is? Those rumors about him, do you think someone decent would have them? You didn''t know to be careful, and you dared to go to the bathhouse with him. You, this child, how big is your heart? Be thankful that nothing happened this time. If you were bullied, how painful would it be for us parents?"


    After a pause, Director Chen suddenly thought of something and slapped his head: "Luckily, Zhou Qun is not capable! Thank goodness, even if he wanted to harm you, he couldn''t."


    Grandma Chen cursed: "What kind of courtyard is this? A man living there is not safe? First, it''s Bai Fendou, then Zhou Qun. They''re all not capable, so why can''t they just behave? Truly have malicious intentions. My grandson is too good-looking, that''s why he''s being targeted."


    At this point, Chen Yuan had finally stopped crying, but his voice was hoarse from crying. He said: "Dad, I absolutely will not go back to that courtyard."


    Chen Yuan''s Father frowned: "Whether it''s Zhou Qun or Bai Fendou, they''re not capable, so you don''t need to be afraid..."


    Chen Yuan interrupted his father excitedly: "Even if they''re not capable, can''t I still be hurt? How can you think like this? Dad, think about it for me. Imagine if you were bathing downstairs, and Section Chief Li upstairs is leering at you, would you be afraid? If you went downstairs and Section Chief Wang squeezed your butt and said, ''So bouncy,'' would you feel disgusted? If..."


    Chen Yuan''s Father: "Enough! No need to say more."


    He was already feeling disgusted.


    Chen Yuan''s Mother also insisted: "Lao Chen, we can''t let our son go back. No matter what you say, I won''t agree."


    Director Chen: "Alright then, he can stay at home for now."


    Chen Yuan''s Mother wanted to send her in-laws to the other side, but seeing Chen Yuan''s desperate state, she knew it wasn''t the best time. They were worried about Chen Yuan, so they certainly wouldn''t go.


    She could only find another opportunity.


    But in any case, Chen Yuan definitely wouldn''t go back to that courtyard.


    Her dear son!


    "Our son can''t go back. In the factory... think of a way to get rid of Zhou Qun..." She frowned: "This person is too dangerous around our little group."


    Director Chen: "It''s difficult. He hasn''t done anything wrong, and he''s a seventh-level electrician. How can we get rid of him? Let me think about it."


    Chen Yuan''s Mother was dissatisfied: "If you can''t get rid of Zhou Qun, I''ll move our son. He can come to our food factory. Although our factory isn''t as big as the machinery factory, the benefits and treatment are not bad."


    Chen Yuan quickly said: "I want to go."


    He no longer wanted to return to the machinery factory.


    He didn''t dare to imagine how others would talk about him tomorrow. He... "Sob sob sob!"


    He started crying again.


    Chen Yuan''s Mother decisively: "Then I''ll handle it!"


    Chen Yuan''s Father: "Alright."


    He also felt sorry for his son, but the machinery factory and the food factory were different. There was no reason to directly move someone, and Zhou Qun was an electrician, so he would go where there was a problem. This meant they couldn''t control whether he met Chen Yuan or not.


    The best solution was for Chen Yuan to leave.


    Chen Yuan''s Mother: "Son, hurry up and sit down. Let me take a look at your foot; we need to go to the hospital to get it treated. Look, it''s bleeding. My poor son..."


    Grandpa Chen: "I''ll carry him! Let''s go to the hospital."


    "Alright!"


    Although Chen Yuan wasn''t particularly big and strong, he was still an adult man, and Grandpa Chen was already quite old. However, neither Grandpa Chen nor Chen Yuan, nor Chen Yuan''s Father, felt anything was wrong with this.


    The whole family rushed to the hospital.


    When they went out, many neighbors downstairs who were enjoying the cool air peeked out curiously, their expressions very meaningful.


    After they left, some elderly women, regardless of anything else, started talking: "To be honest, if they don''t have children, it''s not Tao Yuyue''s fault. It''s just that Chen Yuan is too young. It''s not even as long as my finger."


    "Aunt Yan, you have such good eyesight."


    "That''s right."


    "I saw it too. Really, it''s not as long as my finger..."


    Everyone started discussing, and some said: "What being scared by a rat? I find that hard to believe. How could that be? Who knows what really happened?"


    "Go ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????and ask around..."


    "This Chen Yuan, usually acts very politely, always raising his eyebrows to show respect. Seeing leaders, he''s all smiles and greetings, but seeing us regular folk, he acts like he doesn''t see us at all. This time, he deserved it."


    "I think so too."


    "He deserved it!"


    The scene became lively...


    This story has to be told in two parts. For now, let''s leave Zhou Qun''s various antics aside and focus on what happened the moment Chen Yuan bolted out of the bathhouse. To the patrons inside, it was as if something had gone horribly wrong. Zhuang Zhixi, in particular, couldn''t stop coughing¡ªwhether it was real or fake, who knows? But he just kept going, "cough, cough, cough," as if he were about to cough up his lungs.


    The others? Well, they were all on edge.


    Everyone''s eyes turned to Zhou Qun, and the looks they gave him? Oh, they were full of suspicion.


    What kind of normal guy acts like you, huh? Sure, you might not be into men, but this all happened so fast, no one could have predicted this!


    Everyone stared at Zhou Qun with a mix of horror and disbelief. Bai Fendou, for instance, had already huddled at the far end of the pool, looking ready to dive in and never come up again if Zhou Qun so much as glanced his way.


    Zhou Qun, however, was utterly clueless. He said, "Wait, why did he run off? What did he even yell just now?"


    He was genuinely puzzled: "I was just complimenting him, that''s all. Why the big reaction?" Then, with a hint of frustration: "And why are you all reacting like this too?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...!"


    Everyone was too stunned to speak, but Zhuang Zhixi, ever the calmest among them, managed to pipe up: "Stop with the pointless chatter and go check on Chen Yuan, will you? He ran out completely naked, for crying out loud."


    Zhou Qun blinked. "Oh, right."


    He quickly got up, uncaring about the situation, and hurried to the changing room. "Chen Yuan, are you okay...?"


    Chen Yuan: "Ah!!!!"


    With clothes clutched to his chest, he fled.


    Zhou Qun: "What the¡ª?!"


    If earlier it was just speculation, now, seeing Chen Yuan actually bolt out of the bathhouse stark naked, Zhou Qun was completely flabbergasted.


    After what felt like an eternity, he turned, stunned, to the ticket seller: "What... what''s his problem?"


    The ticket seller: "...You''re asking me? How would I know? Why is he so scared of you?"


    Zhou Qun: "I don''t know either."


    He sounded genuinely wronged: "I just told him he was pale. Why did he freak out like that?"


    The ticket seller: "...................................."


    Silence. Endless silence.


    You''re a grown man, Zhou Qun. Complimenting another grown man on how pale he is?


    The ticket seller quietly backed away a few steps, saying, "I''ll go check outside."


    He rushed out, only to be immediately cornered by a group of people, all demanding answers.


    The ticket seller: "...Oh no."


    He couldn''t escape now even if he wanted to!


    Zhou Qun, looking dazed, returned to the bathhouse and announced, "Chen Yuan ran out without a stitch of clothing on."


    "What the¡ª?"


    "Damn. That''s what I call brave!"


    Finally, everyone snapped out of their shock, though their reactions were mostly aimed at Chen Yuan.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head: "He''s not going to run all the way home like that, is he?"


    "Of course not. He was holding clothes when he left. He''ll probably put them on outside."


    "Exactly. He''s not crazy. He wouldn''t parade naked all the way home."


    "True, he''s not that reckless."


    As everyone chatted away, Bai Fendou, still slightly wary, turned to Zhou Qun and asked the burning question: "What on earth were you thinking back there?"


    Zhou Qun looked at everyone, finally catching on after a long pause.


    Well, it wasn''t too late... or maybe it was too late. A real mess.


    He said, "Oh, come on, you guys must have misunderstood me. I¡¯m not into that sort of thing. You think I¡¯m like that? Man, I feel really bad now. I was just trying to flatter him a bit, you know? Like when you butter up your boss. Chen Yuan is the son of the logistics director, so I thought flattering him would help..."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked doubtful: "You weren''t buttering him up. You were going for his backside."


    Zhou Qun: "...!"


    He sighed in exasperation: "Look, I couldn¡¯t find anything nice to say about the guy, so I just commented on how pale he was. Besides, we¡¯re all grown men here. What could I possibly do to him?"


    Everyone stared at him skeptically.


    You¡¯ve got a history, man.


    Zhou Qun got the message loud and clear and said, "Listen, come on, you seriously think I¡¯m like that? I swear I didn¡¯t overthink it. I mean, I feel so wronged! I usually do this kind of thing all the time. People love it, you know? But Chen Yuan? He just threw a wrench in the works..."


    Zhou Qun had been hanging around the women¡¯s gossip circles lately, thinking that everyone enjoyed a good complement.


    But Chen Yuan? Obviously, the guy wasn''t your average joe.


    Zhuang Zhixi, seeing Zhou Qun¡¯s genuine confusion, rolled his eyes and said, "Complimenting a woman like that might work, but complimenting a man? Don¡¯t you think it sounds weird?"


    Zhou Qun: "...!!"


    He rubbed his hands together, defeated: "Well, what do you suggest I do now? Do you think he¡¯ll hold a grudge against me?"


    He sighed again: "To be honest, I¡¯m not even interested in men anymore."


    To be precise, he wasn¡¯t interested in anything related to either men or women. Life isn¡¯t just about those things. One should strive for a higher spiritual level. These people are so caught up in their petty romantic escapades; it¡¯s truly a waste.


    He was sincere: "I feel so wronged. I complimented him, and he didn¡¯t even appreciate it. What a difficult person."


    Bai Fendou, seeing Zhou Qun¡¯s genuinely frustrated expression, began to soften a bit. "Are you saying that¡¯s the truth?"


    He was most afraid that Zhou Qun still had ulterior motives, as that put him in serious danger.


    Zhou Qun: "Yes, yes, of course! What reason would I have to lie?"


    He sighed mournfully: "Great. Now I¡¯ve probably pissed someone off. Career advancement? That¡¯s impossible now."


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked.


    Bai Fendou, being quite straightforward himself, added, "You were never close to advancing in the first place."


    Considering Zhou Qun¡¯s past antics, advancement was a pipe dream. Even if others were almost qualified enough for promotion, as long as they performed adequately, people tend to be lenient. But with Zhou Qun, it was a surefire no-go. He¡¯d be held to the strictest standards, considering his history of shady behavior.


    And the higher the rank, the harder it was to advance¡ªeveryone knew that.


    So Zhuang Zhixi thought Bai Fendou had a point¡ªZhou Qun¡¯s chances were slim from the get-go.


    But Zhou Qun just couldn¡¯t see it!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We¡¯re not here to talk about that. Should you go after Chen Yuan, do you think?"


    Zhou Qun: "Do you guys think I should?"


    The group of burly men all shook their heads.


    "Not going?"


    "Nah, we don¡¯t know."


    This doesn¡¯t concern us.


    Bai Fendou, speaking from a ¡°victim¡¯s¡± perspective, suggested, "I don¡¯t think you should. If you go, he might think you have something for him, right? Wouldn¡¯t that just scare him even more? You know, if he¡¯s already freaked out, it¡¯d be even worse."


    This wasn¡¯t him being overly cautious. No, he¡¯d been through it himself.


    "I think you should just avoid him."


    Although he had started to believe Zhou Qun, he still kept his distance, adding, "I think you should just hurry up, wash, and go home."


    Zhuang Zhixi kindly added: "If you feel awkward about it, maybe ask your wife to explain for you. I think Bai Fendou¡¯s got the right idea¡ªyou should stay away."


    Zhou Qun: "Fine."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at him, then proceeded to leisurely wash up, slowly rinsing off with the medicinal water.


    In contrast to Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s leisurely pace, the others hurried their baths. While they had tentatively accepted Zhou Qun¡¯s explanation, they were still wary. Even in the bathhouse, they quickly wrapped themselves with small towels and started scrubbing furiously, trying to get out of there as fast as possible.


    A big man like Zhou Daniu, usually unbothered, now twisted and turned like a bashful bride, all while scrubbing himself furiously.


    He quickly said, "I¡¯m leaving first."


    The others weren¡¯t far behind. Seeing Bai Fendou about to leave, Zhuang Zhixi called out to him: "Help me scrub my back, will you?"


    Bai Fendou gritted his teeth: "Fine."


    He scrubbed away with gusto, treating Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s back like a washboard.


    He made quick work of it, quickly following the others out.


    Zhou Qun was no exception; he was eager to leave too. He needed to get home and figure out how to fix this mess with Chen Yuan before things escalated.


    Just moments ago, the bathhouse was still bustling with activity, but now it was nearly empty. Everyone had left in a hurry, changing quickly and heading out. However, upon stepping outside, they found the area around the bathhouse abuzz with excitement, with many people craning their necks to catch a glimpse of what was going on.


    After all, what Chen Yuan had pulled off was nothing short of jaw-dropping.


    Everyone was curious.


    Those who had just left the bathhouse were even more easily spotted and targeted, with whispers and murmurs following them wherever they went. Their faces flushed crimson as they tried to escape the chaos.


    Some onlookers even recognized acquaintances and wouldn''t let them go until they got all the details.


    It was truly a spectacle.


    Soon, only Zhuang Zhixi remained in the bathhouse. He took his time, washing until the very end. Through the small vent window, he could see that the sky outside was starting to darken. Finally, he emerged, changed, and left. The ticket seller was startled and said, "Ah, was there still someone inside? I thought everyone had left."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled innocently. "I was just slow."


    The ticket seller replied, "You got lucky. You don''t know, but every person who came out earlier had a bright red face, and each one was stopped and questioned. Everyone thought everyone had left, and as it got darker, the crowd finally dispersed."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I guess I was fortunate."


    What fortune?


    He had guessed that there would be a lot of onlookers outside and didn''t want to embarrass himself by being caught up in the commotion.


    Given how big of a stir Chen Yuan had caused, it would have been strange if no one was watching.


    He walked home clean and refreshed. As he reached their alley, he noticed people gathering and chatting animatedly.


    At first, Zhuang Zhixi thought they were discussing Zhou Qun, but upon getting closer, he realized they were actually talking about how pale Chen Yuan''s skin was and how firm his butt was.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He twitched his mouth, feeling a bit speechless.


    If you''re going to discuss a woman, it might still be somewhat understandable. Well, maybe not entirely.


    But discussing a man like that? That''s just awkward.


    Luckily, as the last one to return slowly and casually, no one stopped him to ask questions. Zhuang Zhixi entered his courtyard smoothly. The courtyard was lively once again. Ming Mei and the others were sitting in the yard to enjoy the cool evening breeze. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi return, Ming Mei waved. "Why are you only coming back now?"


    This man had left with Bai Fendou, but he was over an hour late in returning.


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered into his wife''s ear, "I didn''t want to be caught up in the crowd and be watched."


    Ming Mei came to understand and let out a long "Oh."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What are you all talking about? So lively?"


    Aunt Wang said, "Oh, you didn''t know? Chen Yuan went on a naked run! Quite a few people saw it. Unfortunately, he ran back to his parents'' place. If he had run back here, we could have seen the fun too."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Who was it that said Chen Yuan wouldn''t run naked?


    Who was it?


    Zhuang Zhixi admitted that at the time, he also thought Chen Yuan would definitely put on his clothes. However, he never expected that Chen Yuan had something magical about him and actually dared to run naked.


    After being stunned for a while, Zhuang Zhixi asked, "So, he just ran like that?"


    "Of course not," Aunt Wang replied. "A crowd chased after him! They even followed him to his home. It''s said that Director Chen promised to go to the security office tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He glanced at Zhou Qun, thinking that this guy would probably be hated by the Chen family.


    But then he reconsidered; the Chen family was rather peculiar. They might seek revenge, but their actions often had the unintended consequence of benefiting others.


    So, no worries.


    Seeing Zhou Qun with his head drooping, Zhuang Zhixi said, "You don''t need to feel too sad. Although it started because of you, you didn''t make him run naked."


    "Exactly!"


    Aunt Zhou also seemed dissatisfied. "My son just complimented him, what''s the big deal? Isn''t this disrespectful?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Your son didn''t just compliment him; he took action.


    But there was no need to mention that. Someone else would surely bring it up. Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "I really don''t think there''s anything to worry about. Someone with skills, no major work mistakes, and not involved in any illegal activities, no one can do anything to him."


    Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhou''s eyes lit up. Although she had been making a show of confidence earlier, she was actually somewhat uneasy in her heart. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But now, hearing Zhuang Zhixi''s words, she felt reassured.


    Her son was a skilled worker, a level 7 electrician. Unless it was something serious, no one could touch him. It wasn''t easy to cultivate a senior technician in a factory. Even though their factory was large and had many, they had weathered several previous incidents unscathed.


    This one was nothing!


    And this time, they were truly innocent.


    She immediately calmed down and nodded. "You''re right."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. "See? There''s no need to overthink it."


    "That''s true."


    After thinking about it himself, Zhou Qun also realized it was the same.


    He said, "I really was flattering the wrong person. It''s my own fault for being too naive."


    But the more he talked, the more indignant he became. "Besides, isn''t it normal to joke between men? What''s the big reaction for?"


    He felt wronged.


    Such a big reaction made him feel like he was some kind of villain.


    He wasn''t a bad person!


    "Has your wife gone to his house?"


    Zhou Qun replied, "Yes."


    Earlier, after he returned and explained the situation, Jiang Lu didn''t get very angry, but Aunt Zhou was furious, almost grabbing a ladle to beat him. Aunt Zhou wasn''t worried about Zhou Qun having relationships with women now; she was most afraid of him getting involved with men.


    In the past, even if Zhou Qun had done something wrong, Aunt Zhou would have still treasured her son.


    But now that they had a grandson, her son naturally had to take a backseat.


    Aunt Zhou''s requirement was that Zhou Qun should not tarnish the family''s reputation outside.


    Ever since they got the grandson, Aunt Zhou herself rarely argued or schemed outside. She wasn''t afraid, but she wanted to create a good family atmosphere for her grandson. Constant quarrels outside could lead to speaking sharply at home.


    Her grandson had to be raised well.


    There were many children of the same age in their courtyard, and she was determined to compete with them.


    Her grandson couldn''t be any worse than Zhao Guihua''s grandson, or those little girls.


    In short, no one could bring shame to their family.


    After yelling at Zhou Qun, Jiang Lu didn''t blame him either. She even took some of the fruit they had bought for today and went to apologize. Fortunately, Tao Yuyue didn''t hold a grudge; instead, she showed understanding.


    How so?


    Tao Yuyue actually didn''t care about Chen Yuan.


    Her goal of marrying into a well-off family was clear, but once married, she wanted a stable life, and that wasn''t what Chen Yuan was offering. She realized she had made a mistake, but divorce wasn''t an immediate option.


    In short, she had no feelings for Chen Yuan, and she also thought his reaction was excessive.


    Zhou Qun was already like a eunuch; what could he do?


    Besides, everyone could see that Zhou Qun was just wandering around, always in the middle of gossip. He wasn''t interested in those things. Tao Yuyue couldn''t understand what Chen Yuan was thinking.


    Tao Yuyue expressed her understanding and strongly criticized Chen Yuan''s overreaction.


    Jiang Lu knew that Tao Yuyue''s words wouldn''t have much impact, and the Chen family wouldn''t listen to her. But she had to go and explain to avoid any future misunderstandings.


    Tao Yuyue didn''t take it to heart and generously forgave Zhou Qun''s recklessness, then left with her small bag. After all, news of Chen Yuan''s naked run and hospital visit had spread. Tao Yuyue felt that Chen Yuan was more shameful in this situation.


    After all, no one had done anything to him, so why make such a big deal?


    It was completely unreasonable.


    Tao Yuyue thought that someone like Chen Yuan was worse than her father-in-law.


    As she left with her bag, the main subject was gone, and everyone was even more enthusiastic about the discussion.


    "I heard that Chen Yuan is..."


    "Uh..."


    The crowd murmured among themselves...


    This incident itself wasn''t particularly significant, but it garnered a surprising amount of attention. By the next day, it was already the talk of the factory. Of course, the focus of the gossip centered around Chen Yuan running home naked, which overshadowed Zhou Qun''s part in the affair.


    Who could blame them? After all, Zhou Qun had a bit of a reputation already.


    Even if something truly shocking had happened, it would have been his second strike, and people would have been less surprised. By now, they were used to his antics.


    Let¡¯s not even mention that Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t doing anything wrong¡ªhe was merely complimenting someone.


    So, naturally, everyone''s attention was on Chen Yuan. Chen Yuan had taken a sick leave and didn¡¯t show up for work, but Director Chen still had to make a trip to the security department to smooth things over. He even wrote an apology letter in his son¡¯s name and submitted it to the broadcast room.


    He didn¡¯t want to do it, but if he didn¡¯t, there would be no consequences, and everyone would start questioning the security department. The security department wouldn¡¯t take the blame, so Director Chen had no choice. He wasn¡¯t someone who cared much about his reputation, but he certainly didn¡¯t want anything to affect his position.


    At the moment, he held a lucrative role.


    ¡°This is an urgent announcement: Due to Chen Yuan¡¯s actions causing a negative social impact, the factory has decided to issue a formal warning. All factory employees are reminded to act with caution and responsibility, avoiding impulsive behavior. Furthermore, I will now read the statement submitted by Comrade Chen Yuan¡­¡±


    At this, all the factory workers stopped what they were doing and listened intently. Conversations buzzed among them: ¡°Why only punish Chen Yuan? What about Zhou Qun?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so naive. Zhou Qun didn¡¯t do anything! Chen Yuan was the one who ran home naked. How many people saw that? It¡¯s a real embarrassment for the factory. As for Zhou Qun, he just said something like ¡®so white, so firm.¡¯ What can you say about that? It¡¯s just a joke!¡±


    ¡°I guess that makes sense.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how fair Chen Yuan really is¡­¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell from his face!¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s pale all over.¡±


    The conversation took a turn.


    Meanwhile, some listened to the broadcast, shaking their heads: ¡°Oh, he lied. He said he was scared by a rat. Everyone knows what really happened. It¡¯s like¡­ well, it¡¯s like hiding a million dollars under a rock and pretending no one will notice.¡±


    ¡°He had to give an excuse. What else could he say?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s got to save face, after all.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I heard Chen Yuan¡¯s in the hospital. Did something happen between him and Zhou Qun? Otherwise, why would he be hospitalized?¡± Some people liked to think the wildest possibilities.


    But most remained logical: ¡°Stop talking nonsense. It¡¯s impossible. You know Zhou Qun¡­ he can¡¯t even¡­ you know.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true!¡±


    The chatter resumed.


    The factory floor was buzzing like a happy ocean.


    This wasn¡¯t just the case in the factory; other factories were abuzz too. Such incidents were rare, and the news spread like wildfire. In no time, everyone in the entire city of Beijing knew about it.


    Ming Mei was also asked about it at work. After all, their neighborhood was somewhat well-known in the city. Anyone with a thinner skin might have been mortified, but Ming Mei wasn¡¯t one to be easily embarrassed.


    A few older colleagues cornered her in the office, asking for details. Ming Mei answered cheerfully, giving a brief account of the incident, which left everyone gasping in shock.


    ¡°So, it wasn¡¯t like the rumors said. It was just that Zhou Qun was trying to flatter Chen Yuan by saying how white he was, but because of Zhou Qun¡¯s past, it scared Chen Yuan into a panicked escape?¡±


    Could this be any more absurd?


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°That¡¯s what I heard.¡±


    ¡°This is really¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, I heard¡­¡±


    As they were talking, a woman came to the door and knocked. ¡°Is Ming Mei here?¡±


    Ming Mei responded, ¡°Guan Guiling?¡±


    Though they were coworkers, they weren¡¯t close. Ming Mei asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Guan Guiling gave a weak smile and said, ¡°Can you come out for a moment? I need to talk to you about something.¡±


    Ming Mei was puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    She didn¡¯t have much of a relationship with Guan Guiling. Looking at her, Ming Mei said directly, ¡°Just say it here.¡±


    Guan Guiling¡¯s face froze for a moment, then she said, ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a private matter. I¡¯d rather not talk about it in front of others.¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°We¡¯re not that close. What¡¯s there to talk about privately?¡±


    Still, she stepped to the door but kept her distance from Guan Guiling. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Guan Guiling took a deep breath and said, ¡°Ming Mei, can I borrow some money from you?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°???¡±


    She stared at Guan Guiling in disbelief. ¡°Borrow money? We¡¯re not exactly close, are we?¡±


    Their relationship was limited to occasional hellos and nods. Borrowing money from her? That was unexpected.


    Ming Mei responded decisively, ¡°I don¡¯t have any. My husband and I both have stable jobs, but we have to support our family. We also have young twins, and everything from clothes to food costs twice as much. I¡¯m barely managing myself¡ªI don¡¯t have money to lend. You¡¯ve got the wrong person.¡±


    Guan Guiling frowned slightly. She had thought that, being a young woman, Ming Mei might feel awkward about saying no directly. She hadn¡¯t expected Ming Mei to refuse so bluntly. With a hint of pain in her expression, she said, ¡°I don¡¯t need much. Just thirty yuan to help me get by. I promise to pay you back next month when I get my salary.¡±


    Ming Mei repeated firmly, ¡°I really don¡¯t have any. You should ask your closer friends.¡±


    Guan Guiling clenched her fists, feeling that everyone was so selfish.


    However, she knew that she didn¡¯t have any real connection with Ming Mei.


    She hesitated for a moment and said, ¡°Then can you help me deliver a message? Tell Bai Fendou that I will be waiting for him at Beihai Park. If he doesn¡¯t come, I won¡¯t leave. It¡¯s a matter of meeting or never.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s expression immediately grew serious. She sized up Guan Guiling and felt a bit uncomfortable. She said plainly, ¡°I won¡¯t deliver that message for you. Bai Fendou is married, Guan Guiling. Acting like this is inappropriate, don¡¯t you think? Not only did you dump him first and spread rumors about him, but now, knowing he¡¯s married, you¡¯re still trying to stir up trouble. That¡¯s beyond disrespectful. I¡¯m not going to be part of something like that. I¡¯d rather keep my dignity.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away, not wanting to say another word to Guan Guiling.


    Guan Guiling: ¡°You!¡±


    She bit her lip, feeling defeated, and had to go look for someone else.


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t care what Guan Guiling thought and returned to the office. An older woman sitting next to Ming Mei asked, ¡°She came to borrow money, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    Ming Mei was surprised. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s asked everyone else. Now she has to go to people she¡¯s not close with. She¡¯s practically borrowed from everyone at the transport station. Honestly, who isn¡¯t struggling to make ends meet these days? If we lend her money, she¡¯ll never pay it back¡ªno one¡¯s that naive.¡± It was clear that this person had also been bothered by Guan Guiling.


    ¡°Oh, she tried to borrow from me too. I said no, but she wanted to kneel down, it was terrifying. What is she thinking?¡±


    ¡°She tried to borrow from me too.¡±


    ¡°Me as well.¡±


    Ming Mei shook her head, genuinely unable to understand.


    She said, ¡°I didn¡¯t get too close to her. Her complexion is really bad.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because she doesn¡¯t take care of herself. When she was pregnant, she didn¡¯t get enough nutrition, and after giving birth, she didn¡¯t even do a proper postpartum recovery. Then, she got pregnant again. With her condition, she¡¯s also having to take care of her husband at the hospital. How can she be in good shape?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t she get time off after giving birth?¡± Ming Mei was shocked. After all, paid maternity leave was a rare and valuable thing¡ªno one would give that up if they could help it. Did Guan Guiling really go back to work voluntarily?


    We live close by, so I know. She went back to work at the food factory just three days after giving birth. Her husband works as a gatekeeper at the food factory, right? There was a big sister who was injured and needed someone to cover her shift. They were worried about someone stealing her job, so they wanted to find the right person, someone with a stable job on leave who could earn some extra money. Her husband arranged for Guan Guiling to fill in. Since she already had a regular job and was on maternity leave, they weren¡¯t worried. She was reportedly paid twenty yuan a month.


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At that moment, she didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Guan Guiling¡¯s husband was, in Ming Mei¡¯s opinion, a terrible man. If he had even a shred of decency, how could he let his wife, who had just given birth, go look for work? What kind of person does that? Ming Mei exclaimed, ¡°What a terrible man!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know this, but Guan Guiling took over the shift in the food factory¡¯s logistics department, working as a kitchen helper, washing vegetables all day. Think about it, a woman who just gave birth, constantly exposing herself to cold water... there¡¯s a tough life ahead for her.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement.


    Her mother-in-law had mentioned before that a woman''s postpartum period is very important. If it''s not taken care of properly, it can have a significant impact on her health. She should avoid cold water and breeze at all costs. It''s commendable that a mother-in-law can think so much about her daughter-in-law. The husband, however, is behaving like a complete trash.


    Ming Mei: ¡°What kind of person is he? I feel like cursing.¡±


    ¡°I definitely don¡¯t approve of such people.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, it¡¯s one thing to work normally, but how can someone force their wife to do this during her postpartum period?¡±


    Women understand women, and they know how hard this situation can be.


    However, no one really sympathizes with Guan Guiling. She chose to cling tightly to that big burden (her husband) herself. She cares for her man, but doesn¡¯t seem to care for herself, which makes her not worth sympathy.


    ¡°Oh right, Ming Mei, didn¡¯t she use to be with Bai Fendou from your neighborhood?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded: ¡°Yes, but Bai Fendou is married now and very happy.¡±


    ¡°Does he beat his wife?¡±


    Ming Mei laughed: ¡°No, he treats his wife very well.¡±


    Despite Bai Fendou having many flaws, he¡¯s not the type to abuse his wife. Although he¡¯s not great with words, he¡¯s very caring. He treats He Lan very well. Sometimes, it¡¯s not about how smart someone is, but rather who they meet.


    Before, he was constantly being tricked by the Su family women and was quite naive.


    Now, with He Lan, who may be soft-spoken but is upright and principled, Bai Fendou has transformed into a better person.


    ¡°Their marital harmony is strong and can¡¯t be destroyed by outsiders,¡± Ming Mei added.


    The others laughed, saying, ¡°So Guan Guiling was just talking nonsense when she claimed that Bai Fendou was a violent man.¡±


    ¡°She never really liked Bai Fendou.¡±


    ¡°True, her heart still belongs to that man of hers.¡±


    Ming Mei shook her head again.


    While Ming Mei and the others discussed Guan Guiling, they also brought up Bai Fendou. Little did they know, Bai Fendou was at that moment with Zhuang Zhixi.


    Bai Fendou: ¡°Did you really see that?¡±


    The two of them were crouched in a corner, like two geckos.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°If it¡¯s not true, then leave! I really saw Fan Jianguo, he went into this cheap motel.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but feel that he must have some kind of knack for finding gossip. He had just stepped out to deliver some documents to a related unit when he saw Fan Jianguo.


    He didn¡¯t even follow Fan Jianguo; he just saw him enter this motel.


    Moreover, he saw Fan Jianguo arguing with his fianc¨¦e at the door. To be precise, it was Fan Jianguo trying to coax her back, urging her to return with him. However, the woman wasn¡¯t having it. Her words hinted at her dissatisfaction with the Fan family.


    She seemed to be staying at the motel. Although it couldn¡¯t be said that their relationship was entirely broken, it was clear that there were significant conflicts.


    Upon seeing this, he quickly returned to the factory and informed Bai Fendou.


    Consequently, Bai Fendou took leave.


    Now, the two of them were crouching there.


    ¡°What if they already left?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°The woman is staying in the motel, so even if Fan Jianguo is gone, she¡¯s still here.¡±


    He asked: ¡°If you know the woman is staying here, what do you plan to do? Confront her?¡±


    Bai Fendou hadn¡¯t really thought it through. Squatting on the ground, he said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I just want to see what¡¯s going on for now!¡±


    He scratched his head: ¡°Or, can you help me think of a plan?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Why is it always me?¡±


    He said, ¡°Can¡¯t you think for yourself? Why do you always come to me?¡±


    Bai Fendou justified himself: ¡°I don¡¯t have a brain, do I?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Hehe!¡±

 Chapter 156

    Zhuang Zhixi led Bai Fendou to stake out near the small inn, and soon enough, they saw the woman who had previously been seen arguing with Fan Jianguo. She was not alone; she was with Fan Jianguo. The two seemed much more at ease, unlike their earlier argument.


    ¡°It really is Fan Jianguo,¡± Bai Fendou muttered under his breath.


    Zhuang Zhixi was slightly surprised; he had assumed Fan Jianguo had already left.


    ¡°I wonder if he¡¯s managed to smooth things over. That¡¯s not good,¡± he said.


    ¡°Should we go expose them¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, no one will believe you if you just go and say that.¡±


    Bai Fendou pursed his lips, spat, and cursed, ¡°This unlucky bastard.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi watched the two leave together, their actions intimate. His eyes twinkled as he thought, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I have a great idea.¡±


    He smiled and said, ¡°As long as you¡¯re shameless, you can break them up.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Bai Fendou perked up immediately. He had been wanting to deal with Fan Jianguo for a long time. If it weren¡¯t for his own lack of strategy, he wouldn¡¯t have waited until now. At this moment, Bai Fendou felt that being brainless was truly pitiful. Even if he wanted to do something, he had to rely on others for advice.


    Fortunately, the people in their compound, though a bit unpredictable, were dependable.


    ¡°Tell me more,¡± he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°Let¡¯s confirm one thing: is your goal just to stop Fan Jianguo from getting married?¡±


    Bai Fendou nodded decisively. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t care if this woman ends up in a bad situation. I don¡¯t even know her. But I don¡¯t want Fan Jianguo to have a powerful father-in-law. That would only help him rise through the ranks. This bad guy should go back to hauling manure. Why should he thrive? That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want him to marry someone with a capable family.¡±


    He admitted his dark intentions but didn¡¯t feel there was anything wrong with it. After all, he wanted to avenge his wife, and what was so wrong with that?


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Alright. Then do this¡­¡±


    He ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????whispered his plan into Bai Fendou¡¯s ear. Bai Fendou raised an eyebrow in surprise and then gave Zhuang Zhixi a long, complex look. ¡°You¡­ this method¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°What?¡±


    Bai Fendou thought for a moment and said, ¡°Well, I can assure you, I won¡¯t ever offend you in the future.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m helping you, and you call me ungrateful.¡±


    Bai Fendou quickly explained, ¡°No, no, I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re not good. I know you¡¯re a good person¡­¡±


    He struggled to find the right words, feeling a bit clumsy with his speech, but eventually said, ¡°Really, thank you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Make sure Fan Jianguo isn¡¯t around when you do it.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°Got it.¡±


    He sighed, ¡°In the past, I only knew how to use brute force, but that didn¡¯t do anything. What you¡¯re suggesting is much more effective.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°We haven¡¯t even started yet. Are you sure this will work?¡±


    Bai Fendou now had a kind of blind confidence in Zhuang Zhixi. He firmly nodded. ¡°What you say is definitely right. But why do it this way?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said with meaning, ¡°Because you¡¯re a unique character, that¡¯s what will make people remember. You want to ruin Fan Jianguo¡¯s reputation, right? If it¡¯s something ordinary, people might talk about it for a few days and then forget. But if it¡¯s sufficiently outrageous, everyone will remember Fan Jianguo for a long time. Also, you can¡¯t directly target Fan Jianguo¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Her family has some influence, and if you go after her, they might investigate seriously and uncover the truth. But if you¡¯re sufficiently outrageous and she¡¯s seen as a victim, it¡¯s different. This is for your own good. Moreover, she really was deceived, so we¡¯re just targeting Fan Jianguo. There¡¯s no need to harm an innocent person.¡±


    Bai Fendou nodded vigorously. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. Let¡¯s do it like that! Come on, let¡¯s go home. I¡¯ll prepare, and we¡¯ll come back to stake out in the evening.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Alright.¡±


    Bai Fendou, thinking about the upcoming confrontation, felt a surge of excitement. He chuckled, ¡°I feel like I¡¯m about to float away.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Calm down. Go home and think about it. If you need to, watch Zhou Qun to practice how to flick your wrist like a lady. You need to act like a woman.¡±


    Bai Fendou: ¡°Okay.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°You go home today to prepare and observe. Come back tomorrow after work. Make sure Fan Jianguo isn¡¯t around and that there are a lot of people around when you make a scene. Only then will the situation escalate, and she¡¯ll feel embarrassed.¡±


    Just as they were about to leave, Ming Mei also finished work. She came down the stairs with her bag on her back. As she approached the landing, she suddenly spotted a shadow on the ground. At the corner of the stairs, it seemed someone was standing there, motionless.


    Ming Mei was puzzled and slowed her pace. As she approached the landing, the shadow suddenly darted out. Thankfully, Ming Mei had been moving cautiously, and she quickly stepped back to create some distance.


    Guan Guiling nearly bumped into Ming Mei, but the expected collision didn¡¯t happen as Ming Mei had moved back. Guan Guiling bit her lip and then forced a smile. ¡°Oh, Ming Mei, just getting off work?¡±


    Ming Mei looked at Guan Guiling suspiciously and responded with a simple ¡°Mmm.¡± She didn¡¯t move closer but was full of doubts.


    Guan Guiling leaned against the stairs and began to walk down.


    ¡°Shall we go together?¡± she asked.


    Ming Mei: ¡°No need.¡±


    Throughout the interaction, she didn¡¯t come closer to Guan Guiling.


    Since Guan Guiling had previously tried to get Ming Mei alone, Ming Mei had no intention of getting close to her. She felt something wasn¡¯t quite right. It wasn¡¯t that Ming Mei was overly cautious, but she had a hunch that Guan Guiling had something unsavory in mind.


    Ming Mei knew her own situation well and should be aware that borrowing money from them was impossible. Yet, she had still tried to borrow money from many people in secret. Some, like Ming Mei, had simply refused outright without saying anything harsh. But others had been quite blunt in their rejection.


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t understand why Guan Guiling would do this when she knew she wouldn¡¯t get the money.


    In any case, the situation was a bit strange, so Ming Mei was determined not to get close to Guan Guiling. And now, seeing Guan Guiling lurking there and suddenly rushing out, if Ming Mei hadn¡¯t slowed down or quickly stepped back, they would have certainly collided.


    Ming Mei glanced at Guan Guiling¡¯s belly and suspected she might be trying to use her pregnancy to stage an accident.


    If one wanted to be more cynical, maybe borrowing money from people was part of a scheme. The scheme wasn¡¯t necessarily aimed at Ming Mei, but whoever it was directed at, the goal could be to create trouble. Of course, Guan Guiling had likely targeted several people. Ming Mei suspected she was one of them.


    Guan Guiling likely knew that Ming Mei had young children at home and always left work in a hurry, moving quickly. This made her easier to target.


    If it was indeed a scheme starting with borrowing money, then once they had a collision, Guan Guiling might claim she had been injured due to the impact. Or, she could go further and say Ming Mei had intentionally bumped into her because of a disagreement over the loan.


    Then Ming Mei would be in a difficult situation, as she would be hard-pressed to explain herself. Guan Guiling likely didn¡¯t want to send Ming Mei to jail, but she would want compensation, perhaps demanding a large sum.


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t want to think ill of others, but such stories weren¡¯t uncommon. Her father was a long-haul truck driver who had traveled far and wide, and he had many such tales. Even Ming Mei¡¯s grandfather had seen a lot in his day, having lived in Shanghai before liberation. That era and place were bustling with all sorts of stories.


    Ming Mei often heard these tales from everyone, so despite her naive appearance, she wasn¡¯t as innocent as she looked.


    She stood there coolly, staring at Guan Guiling.


    ¡°Ming Mei, why aren¡¯t you leaving yet?¡±


    Several older women from Ming Mei¡¯s office were leaving, and Ming Mei replied, ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±


    She smiled sweetly, saying in a soft voice, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Guan Guiling was slowly walking down the stairs but picked up her pace upon hearing this. One of the women, Sister Wang, was puzzled. ¡°Huh? Guan Guiling, why are you walking down here?¡±


    Guan Guiling didn¡¯t work in the same building as them. What was she doing here?


    Guan Guiling remained composed. She smiled and said, "I''m just here to drop something off." She quickened her pace a bit.


    Ming Mei suddenly spoke up at that moment. She smiled and said, "Sister Guan, are you feeling okay? You should slow down."


    Guan Guiling replied casually, "I''m fine, no discomfort at all."


    Ming Mei had been waiting for that exact response. She smiled and said, "Oh, I saw you standing there earlier, not moving, so I thought you might not be feeling well. I''m glad I didn''t rush over; otherwise, I might have bumped into you."


    Although her words seemed innocuous, Guan Guiling still hesitated for a moment before forcing a smile and saying, "I wasn''t... You must have misinterpreted it."


    Ming Mei shrugged and said, "Oh, maybe so."


    Though their conversation was brief, many nearby frowned upon it, especially Ming Mei''s subtle implications. Everyone began to speculate inwardly. It was clear¡ªthey needed to stay away from Guan Guiling; otherwise, trouble might find them. Looking at Guan Guiling''s retreating back, they felt nothing but distaste. No one wanted to be caught in her mess.


    A few bicycle riders headed to the bike shed together. Ming Mei looked down and muttered, "Oh no, I forgot to bring my bike key downstairs."


    "Then we''ll head out first?"


    "See you tomorrow."


    "See you tomorrow."


    Ming Mei swiftly ran back upstairs, feeling like she had woken up early only to end up last. She had left the office early, but she was the last one now. She quickly retrieved her bike key from the office and ran back downstairs.


    If you''re not eager to get off work, there must be something wrong with your mindset.


    She hurried back to the bike shed.


    As she arrived, she heard voices coming from behind the shed. Ming Mei stopped abruptly, her ears perked up. The voice wasn''t unfamiliar¡ªit belonged to Guan Guiling.


    Guan Guiling''s tone carried a hint of resentment as she said, "There''s nothing I can do; she didn''t fall for it!"


    Ming Mei felt a chill¡ªthe "she" in Guan Guiling''s words seemed to refer to herself.


    Quietly, she moved to the side and peeked out from behind a car. She saw Guan Guiling conversing with another woman. Just a glance was enough to recognize Jiang Baohong. Since her husband''s downfall and departure from Beijing, Jiang Baohong had become less cautious and was now transferred to the transport team.


    Ming Mei couldn''t fathom how Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong had joined forces.


    She frowned slightly and listened intently.


    Jiang Baohong''s voice was filled with frustration as she said, "Why don''t you just bump into her? You have a ''baby bump,'' so what are you afraid of? Besides, the doctor said your pregnancy is bound to fail. If you don''t find a scapegoat, you''ll have to spend your own money later. Plus, if you trick someone for more money, your husband might be able to use it too. If you don''t act soon, even if you miscarry, there won''t be anything you can do about it."


    Guan Guiling sighed. "Of course, I understand that. But Ming Mei seems careless on the surface, yet she''s very cautious. I suspect she might have figured it out."


    Jiang Baohong was resolute. "Impossible. She''s not that smart. She might appear clever, but you''re overthinking things."


    She continued earnestly, "I know you''re under a lot of pressure, but think about it¡ªMing Mei''s circumstances are excellent. Both she and her husband have jobs, and her family can support her. Everyone in our unit knows how much Ming Xiangdong and Lan Ling dote on their daughter. Even Lan Ling''s daughter-in-law, who works as a temp at the train station, gave up her job for Ming Mei. If Ming Mei runs into financial trouble, her family can easily help her out."


    Jiang Baohong went on, "Don''t underestimate Ming Mei''s background. If you look closely, she''s actually one of the better-off people in our unit. She has a light burden. Choosing her would be the most suitable option."


    Guan Guiling replied, "I''m not opposed to targeting her; in fact, I want to extort her too. But she''s too careful."


    After a pause, Guan Guiling chuckled sardonically. "Actually, I could extort anyone, as long as the money''s there. But you¡ªwhy are you so fixated on Ming Mei? I don''t think you''ve had any dealings with her before, have you?"


    Even before Jiang Baohong was transferred to the transport team, Ming Mei had already left it. Yet, Jiang Baohong had been insistent on getting Ming Mei back. It was truly perplexing.


    Guan Guiling added, "I agreed to target Ming Mei for you, but I didn''t do it for free."


    Jiang Baohong''s expression darkened, turning grim. "As long as you get the job done, I''ll pay you. But if you fail, don''t blame me for being heartless. As for Ming Mei... heh, if it weren''t for her, I wouldn''t even have to go to Xinghua Lane. If I hadn''t gone there, I wouldn''t have run into that brat. And if it weren''t for that incident, my husband wouldn''t have been ruined and exiled from Beijing."


    She became increasingly furious thinking about it. Previously, everyone had fawned over her, but now, they treated her like trash. The thought of being stripped of her leadership position and the loss of adoration angered her immensely.


    "If only Ming Mei had obediently become a stewardess and helped me catch thieves to bolster my achievements, I would have been promoted long ago! Anything that hinders me is despicable! Ever since my husband''s downfall and our divorce, my life has become a living hell."


    Everyone mocked her, refusing to revere her!


    Damn it!


    She continued, "Plus, she''s in the same courtyard as that bitch Wang Xiangxiu and that damned Bai Fendou. Given that, I can''t see her as innocent."


    She glared coldly at Guan Guiling. "Bai Fendou treated you like a rag, discarding you just like that. You should team up with me to deal with them. Each one of them deserves to die!"


    Jiang Baohong fixed her gaze on Guan Guiling. "If you want money, you have to listen to me."


    Guan Guiling''s eyes flickered. If not for the money, she would never have bothered with this crazy woman. But for now, using Jiang Baohong suited her purposes. She had her own schemes. From the start, she hadn''t taken Jiang Baohong seriously. If not for the prospect of fleecing her, she wouldn''t have engaged with her at all.


    But for now, Jiang Baohong was useful.


    Guan Guiling said, "Of course, I''m willing to listen to you. If I weren''t, why would I even bother contacting you? We''re in this together, and I despise them too. That damned Bai Fendou¡ªagreeing to be with him was already giving him face. If it weren''t for his house, do you think I''d even spare him a glance?"


    Jiang Baohong scoffed. "You''re just shortsighted."


    Desiring a trifling benefit was enough to stoop to consorting with a eunuch¡ªshe viewed such behavior with disdain.


    However, she was glad Guan Guiling was like that; it made her easier to manipulate.


    She said, "So, you focus on dealing with Ming Mei. Make her responsible for your ''miscarriage,'' and demand at least two to three thousand yuan from her. Don''t let her off without it."


    When Guan Guiling heard the sum, her eyes brightened. "Isn''t that... a lot?"


    "What''s so much about it?"


    "Clearly, you''ve never seen the world."


    Guan Guiling replied, "But she''s not falling for it. What should I do?"


    Jiang Baohong said, "You have to find an opportunity quickly! Keep a close eye on her and see if any chances arise."


    Guan Guiling: "Fine." This useless Jiang Baohong was worse than useless. Her advice amounted to nothing¡ªsimply nonsensical drivel. If not for the extra assistance and the money, Guan Guiling wouldn''t have bothered engaging with her.


    "I''ll deal with her first, then move on to the others. Hehe, haha..."


    As Jiang Baohong envisioned Ming Mei kneeling in despair, she cackled with glee.


    The two women continued their scheming, exchanging endless chatter. Ming Mei, hidden in the corner, heard every word clearly and was left dumbfounded. She never imagined someone harbored such malicious hatred toward her. She couldn''t comprehend Jiang Baohong''s twisted reasoning.


    Was Jiang Baohong insane?


    How could this entire situation be blamed on her?


    It was Wang Xiangxiu''s deal with her husband.


    It was Bai Fendou who ruined Jiang Baohong''s husband.


    Even the initial troublemaker was Su Jinlai.


    She, Ming Mei, had had no involvement in this matter from the beginning. Yet, clearly, Jiang Baohong didn''t see it that way. Not only had she connected with Guan Guiling, but their endless babble hardly revealed any coherent plan.


    But Ming Mei still heard it¡ªGuan Guiling''s child couldn''t be saved.


    She wanted to use this child to extort money from her.


    Ming Mei furrowed her brows tightly. Quickly, she crept to her bicycle and pushed it away silently. Although Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong might continue their discussion, Ming Mei felt there was no need to listen any further.


    These two kept going in circles with their pointless chatter, revealing nothing of any substance.


    She didn''t want to bump into them here, especially if it was just Jiang Baohong left; with two against one, it would be hard to explain. Who knows how these two managed to team up, but they clearly had a sinister alliance.


    Ming Mei clicked her tongue and left. She quickly rode away from her workplace.


    Because so much time had been wasted today, Ming Mei returned home late, and everyone else had already gone home. Zhuang Zhixi was in the yard watching the kids, while Bai Fendou hovered nearby, pouring tea and muttering, looking like a bootlicker.


    Ming Mei: "..."


    As soon as Zhuang Zhixi saw his wife return, he immediately stood up: "Wife, you''re back? Is anything wrong? You''re quite late today."


    Ming Mei glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, then at Bai Fendou, and said, "Nothing."


    Did this mean she was unwittingly covering for Bai Fendou?


    The two people who schemed against her both had connections to Bai Fendou.


    The fleeting glance Ming Mei gave to Bai Fendou was noticed by Zhuang Zhixi. He chuckled and said, "Alright, let''s call it a day. Bai Fendou, you should go home now, and I need to go home for dinner too."


    Bai Fendou: "Okay."


    "Ahoo ahoo..." Little TuanTuan heard his mother''s voice and immediately wiggled his little bottom, trying to grab her attention. Ming Mei smiled and picked up her son, saying, "Did TuanTuan miss Mommy?"


    "Ah, oh, uh, hmm, hmm."


    YuanYuan got anxious because she wasn''t being held by Mommy. She waved her little hands furiously, getting very upset.


    Ming Mei: "Let''s go inside, and I''ll feed the kids."


    Zhuang Zhixi hummed in acknowledgment and said, "Feed YuanYuan first¡ªshe''s such a little glutton, she''s so impatient."


    Ming Mei: "I''m already holding TuanTuan, so I won''t switch."


    The family of four went inside, and Ming Mei fed the children one by one. Once both kids had been fed and were full, they burped with satisfaction, content.


    Zhuang Zhixi helped carry the two kids back into their stroller and asked, "What happened today?"


    Ming Mei: "I encountered some crazy dogs. Can you believe it? I''ve never even interacted with them, and yet..."


    Ming Mei recounted the entire incident to Zhuang Zhixi, fuming: "Do you believe this? What do their family issues have to do with me? Why are they blaming me? I''m so innocent!"


    Zhuang Zhixi listened, his expression darkening, though seeing Ming Mei so upset, he smiled and comforted her: "We''re normal people, so of course, we can''t understand the thinking of such lunatics. But don''t worry, I won''t let anyone scheme against you."


    After all, a real man can''t let others bully his wife.


    Besides, what does this have to do with Ming Mei? Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling are just too malicious. Unexpectedly, he suddenly thought of someone¡ªFan Jianguo.


    He murmured softly: "Maybe we can set them against each other?"


    Ming Mei was puzzled: "What are you talking about?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I have an idea, I''ll go and discuss it with Grandpa."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    She was really confused: "I feel like you''re a bit strange."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Where do I seem strange?"


    Ming Mei: "I''ve noticed that when something happens, you tend to consult my grandfather but not your parents."


    She just couldn''t understand why; her mother-in-law was clearly quite capable.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly and was quite straightforward: "I like talking to Grandpa because he can think of underhanded tricks. I want to use some underhanded methods to deal with them, but my parents aren''t like that. My dad is too straightforward, and my mom... my mom seems fierce, and her mind is quick too, but deep down, she''s quite upright. Not that she wouldn''t approve of me, but some things, she just wouldn''t think of in those terms. If I discuss this with her, she might not be able to help me flesh it out. But Grandpa is different¡ªhe can help me improve the details. So of course, I''d choose Grandpa first."


    This courtyard, the only one who really aligns with him, is Grandpa.


    They''re truly on the same wavelength.


    Ming Mei thought about it and nodded: "What you said does make some sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "Does it just make some sense? It makes a lot of sense."


    Ming Mei pursed her lips playfully. Zhuang Zhixi leaned down and pecked her lightly.


    Ming Mei whispered softly: "Hey!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What, can''t I kiss you?"


    Ming Mei giggled. "Of course you can, how could you not?"


    Zhuang Zhixi pulled Ming Mei into his embrace and said, "Tell me more about Guan Guiling. Did you hear that her child couldn''t be saved?"


    Ming Mei nodded: "They did say that, and I don''t think it''s fake. Guan Guiling''s complexion was ghostly pale, and she''s really skinny."


    As for the fact that Guan Guiling''s child couldn''t be saved, Ming Mei wasn''t surprised. After all, Guan Guiling had given birth and immediately went back to work without rest. Without any recovery period, she got pregnant again almost immediately. It''s no wonder her body couldn''t handle it.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s perfect. I''ve been struggling to find the best way to deal with Fan Jianguo, but now I have an idea."


    "Do you want to link the two together? Make them set each other off? That might be difficult," Ming Mei mused, scratching her head, unable to see how it could work. But Zhuang Zhixi smiled brightly and said, "I''ve thought it through carefully; it''s not hard."


    He said: "Guan Guiling doesn''t want the child and plans to use it to extort someone. Well, Fan Jianguo is a great target, isn''t he?"


    After all, neither of them are virtuous individuals, so we''ll just see who ends up on top.


    As for Jiang Baohong...


    Take it step by step!


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t plan to spare Jiang Baohong. Leaving such a crazy person around could potentially harm his family.


    He said, "I''ll go over to Grandpa''s for a bit."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, right, come with me tomorrow to see some drama."


    Ming Mei''s curious eyes sparkled: "What''s going on?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Bai Fendou dressed as a woman."


    Ming Mei: "Ah, this..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Trust me, it''ll be hilarious."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi left after saying that. Ming Mei gently poked her babies'' cheeks, saying, "Look how nice your daddy is."


    Although she knew Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling were both maligning her, Ming Mei wasn''t particularly worried. After all... she had a special early warning system! If those two could cause her serious harm, she would have dreamed about it.


    Since she hasn''t had such a dream, she probably doesn''t need to worry.


    That said, it had been about a year since she last had a predictive dream.


    This gap is quite long, and as she grows older, her dreams are becoming less frequent. Unlike when she was a child, when they were frequent.


    Ming Mei murmured softly: "I wonder if one day I''ll stop dreaming altogether."


    As she whispered, both babies cooed as if responding. Little YuanYuan even blew bubbles.


    Ming Mei lowered her head and kissed her daughter''s cheek, saying, "How adorable you are."


    Little YuanYuan cooed, wanting Mommy to hold her. Her older brother immediately stretched out his little arms, also competing for Mommy''s attention. Ming Mei kissed her son''s cheek and said, "Be good, both of you."


    The babies didn''t understand, all they wanted was to be held.


    YuanYuan puckered her mouth, ready to cry, but Ming Mei quickly pushed the stroller out the door, and YuanYuan''s tears instantly vanished. The little one was still very happy to go outside, even without being held.


    Ming Mei: "Good babies, let''s go outside to cool off~"


    Zhao Guihua saw Ming Mei looking after the kids and asked, "Where''s the third son?"


    Ming Mei: "He went to Grandpa''s."


    Zhao Guihua: "He runs over there quite often."


    Despite Zhuang Zhixi being lazy with chores at home, he''s quite diligent at Lan Sihai''s place, often volunteering to help with various tasks. However, the people in the Zhuang family don''t seem to have any issues with it. Even the most calculating Liang Meifen couldn''t find fault with it.


    But how to explain this...?


    Uncle Lan Sihai, this old guy, he doesn''t let people work for nothing!


    And if you dare say anything, he''ll really snap back right in your face. So without solid nerves, you really wouldn''t dare engage in a discussion with Uncle Lan.


    Zhao Guihua: "If Lao San (Zhuang Zhixi) had been born in the same era as your grandfather, they could have been great friends. Both of them are just like that."


    Ming Mei wasn''t convinced and said, "I think my grandfather and Zhixi Brother are both very good."


    Zhao Guihua gave her a sharp glance.


    Ming Mei: "It''s true! They both have talent."


    Zhao Guihua: "Okay, fine."


    Ming Mei: "My grandfather is amazing, both smart and talented. I''m a lot like my grandfather. So I feel I''m a good match for Zhixi Brother. Comrade Zhuang Zhixi is a really great man, he has a strong sense of justice, is handsome, smart, and capable at everything. Plus, he''s loyal and has a great sense of humor. I..."


    Zhao Guihua: "You don''t need to say any more, really, you don''t."


    Even though she was being praised for her son, she still felt a bit uncomfortable listening to it.


    As for Liang Meifen, who had just walked out, she quickly retreated back inside. She hadn''t realized her brother-in-law had so many virtues. It truly is ''Beauty is in the eye of the beholder''. She couldn''t bear to listen anymore.


    Ming Mei, however, was all smiles: "Honestly, Zhixi Brother is very good and even helped me get back at someone. You don''t know..."


    Ming Mei whispered into Zhao Guihua''s ear, and Zhao Guihua''s eyebrows shot up, clearly displeased: "These scoundrels!"


    "That''s right," Ming Mei agreed.


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t expected that Jiang Baohong was such a lunatic. How could this situation be blamed on her daughter-in-law? It wasn''t like they had asked her to come looking for them. They hadn''t even said this person was heartless, selfish, and morally bankrupt yet. Yet, she had the audacity to blame others herself.


    This was truly outrageous.


    "Let Zhixi handle her!"


    Ming Mei nodded vigorously: "Absolutely."


    Ming Mei had no sympathy for bad people.


    As the two were talking, they saw Bai Fendou sneak out from Uncle Lan Sihai''s house, looking both stealthy and dazed, as if he had been hit by a huge shock. Following him, Zhuang Zhixi emerged, smiling.


    When he approached, Zhao Guihua whispered, "What are you planning?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Just wait and see tomorrow."


    Zhao Guihua: "Which hotel are you going to?"


    She had already learned everything from her daughter-in-law. First, she wanted to know the location so she could watch the show.


    She couldn''t miss such a spectacle.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The one at Front Gate. You can come and watch the fun. Oh right, Ming Mei, you said Guan Guiling was following you, right? Just let her follow you."


    Ming Mei nodded: "Alright."


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered a few instructions, and Zhao Guihua immediately said, "Don''t tell me, I don''t want to know."


    It was like watching a TV show; she didn''t want any spoilers.


    She wanted to see it unfold tomorrow!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Zhao Guihua turned and walked away without hesitation.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Look at my mom, she''s really confident in my abilities, huh?"


    "Isn''t that normal?"


    "Uh, guess it is."


    ...


    That night, Bai Fendou tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.


    It wasn''t fear, it was excitement.


    He couldn''t believe he was going to do this, but he felt he could manage!


    He got up early, plunged his head into cold water, and He Lan was startled. "What are you doing? If you''re nervous, we don''t have to go. I don''t need any payment, I just want us to live our lives peacefully."


    Bai Fendou shook his head: "No, this has to be done! I know you hate their family, we need to give them a taste of their own medicine. Plus, there are other things to consider..."


    He Lan was worried: "Can we really do it?"


    Bai Fendou: "Don''t worry, I have help. I..."


    He looked a bit stuck for words but quickly added, "Just trust me, this will work out. Even if I get caught, someone will cover for me."


    He Lan held Bai Fendou''s hand earnestly: "Let''s do this once and then stop. I''m always a bit scared. My background is bad, and I''ve already implicated you. I don''t want to get you involved in more trouble. I just want you to be safe, and for us to live a good life. Promise me, let''s live a good life from now on."


    Bai Fendou looked at He Lan''s concerned face and felt that this was what life was all about.


    He nodded vigorously: "I promise, don''t worry."


    He Lan nodded: "That''s all I need."


    Bai Fendou mustered all his courage and said: "Just wait and see."


    That day, he tried to act as usual, not showing any signs of anxiety, but inside he was extremely excited. As the hour of his shift''s end approached, he proactively sought out his supervisor and asked for an hour''s leave, promising to make up for it by working an extra hour tomorrow. Generally, with such commitments, the workshop leaders wouldn''t make things difficult.


    Although Bai Fendou had always seemed muddle-headed, he was diligent at work, whether it was in the security department, the sanitation crew, or now in the workshop. Leaders wouldn''t make things hard for him.


    Bai Fendou quickly rode his bike home, panting. He parked his bike at the doorstep and dashed straight over to Lan Sihai''s place. Lan Sihai had also returned early. He glanced at Bai Fendou and said, "Sit down."


    Bai Fendou obediently sat down and asked, "Uncle Lan, are you really good at this?"


    Lan Sihai: "Oh, look at how capable you think you are. If I''m not good, are you? Why don''t you give it a try?"


    "I''ll follow your lead, I''ll follow your lead."


    Lan Sihai: "Sit still."


    Lan Sihai''s equipment was quite comprehensive, sourced from who knows where. He quickly started applying makeup on Bai Fendou, saying, "Feel lucky, I tell you. Back in the day, the cabaret singers at the Peking Ballroom in Shanghai used to do this kind of makeup."


    He added, "You have no idea how fortunate you are."


    Bai Fendou: "Wow, Uncle Lan, you even knew such people?"


    Lan Sihai: "There was a cabaret singer living across from where I rented. My wife was curious about her makeup, so after a while, I learned it. What can I say? I''m just smart."


    He gave himself a little compliment.


    "If you want people to not recognize you, you first have to change the contours of your face. You''re lucky, I don''t usually do this for just anyone."


    Lan Sihai quickly finished decorating Bai Fendou. And indeed, he wasn''t bragging. If you weren''t very familiar with Bai Fendou, you really wouldn''t recognize him at first glance. Lan Sihai: "Now put on this wig."


    Bai Fendou''s mouth twitched: "Uncle Lan, you even managed to borrow this?"


    Lan Sihai: "What''s the big deal? I even borrowed a dress for you."


    In a flash, Bai Fendou transformed from a burly man into a plump woman with braids, wearing a turquoise blue dress. Looking at himself in the mirror, Bai Fendou was momentarily speechless. This was... quite something.


    He felt like he might even marry himself.


    Was he more attractive than a woman when dressed up?


    With that thought, Bai Fendou quickly shook off all the nonsense in his head. He couldn''t end up like Zhou Qun.


    He quickly said, "It''s about time, I''ll head over now."


    Lan Sihai nodded: "Go ahead."


    He added, "I need to go pick up my wife."


    They couldn''t miss the fun.


    Bai Fendou peeked out, saw no one in the courtyard, and thought, Mrs. Zhao really had some tricks up her sleeve. As expected, she had made sure everyone was out at this time. He quickly darted into his house and said, "He Lan, do I look good?"


    He Lan: "!!!"


    At first glance, she didn''t even recognize Bai Fendou. It was only because of his gruff voice that she managed to figure it out. But looking more closely, she could see it was him. The makeup was really well done.


    He Lan sincerely said, "Uncle Lan is really amazing, he has a magic touch."


    Bai Fendou: "That''s for sure. He can handle even the most intricate parts in the factory. Young people can''t match him. And at his age, he''s still sharp-eyed and sharp-eared. No wonder Zhuang Zhixi always goes over to flatter him. Now I really understand. This old man is a treasure."


    Hearing He Lan''s agreement, she said, "I haven¡¯t seen anything more impressive than this."


    "Alright, I won¡¯t talk anymore, I¡¯m leaving now! I have a lot of scenes to shoot today."


    Today, they had a series of interconnected plans, each step precisely orchestrated.


    Bai Fendou quickly went out, took a deep breath, and jogged to catch the bus.


    At this moment, Ming Mei was also preparing to leave work. The older colleague Wang had just stood up to pour some water when she saw someone outside the window and said, "The person at the main gate looks like your husband."


    Ming Mei: "That should be him."


    She said with a smile, "My husband recently published an article in the newspaper, and we want to go out to celebrate."


    "Oh? Which article? That¡¯s impressive, it¡¯s definitely worth celebrating."


    Ming Mei: "It¡¯s the one praising the retired veterans contributing in the machinery factory."


    This was Zhuang Zhixi''s normal work; their publicity department was responsible for this kind of thing.


    Ming Mei mentioned this just as an excuse.


    "That¡¯s really great, your husband is very capable."


    Ming Mei smiled, "Yes, he is."


    She had mentioned this at the cafeteria at noon. Now she brought it up again, basically to tell Guan Guiling. Didn¡¯t Guan Guiling want to follow her? She must have been waiting around, right? Ming Mei left work carrying her small bag, pushing her bike downstairs.


    The couple rode off together, not heading home but towards the front gate area.


    Sure enough, Guan Guiling quickly followed on her bike. She didn¡¯t own a bike herself; this one belonged to Jiang Baohong, who lent it to Guan Guiling to ensure her plan would succeed.


    This showed how determined they were to stick to Ming Mei and make her pay dearly.


    Actually, Guan Guiling could have chosen anyone, but Jiang Baohong offered her extra money, so she was happy to target Ming Mei. You know, she also disliked how happily Ming Mei lived. Why should she?


    They were both women, so why was Ming Mei living so easily, so happily?


    Guan Guiling wanted to tear that apart.


    For the sake of money and her twisted heart, Guan Guiling quietly followed Ming Mei on her bike.


    Ming Mei and her husband rode straight to the front gate area, and she followed behind¡­


    At this time, Cheng Xiaoping was getting ready to go out for dinner. She was Fan Jianguo¡¯s fianc¨¦e, having known each other for over two years. Cheng Xiaoping¡¯s father was a small leader in Fan Jianguo¡¯s army unit, a fairly high-ranking official.


    She herself was a performer in the art troupe.


    However, in such a place full of beautiful women and talented people, someone like her, who only got in because of family background, wasn¡¯t that outstanding. Compared to others who could sing and dance brilliantly, she was just average, not particularly eye-catching.


    So Cheng Xiaoping felt a bit frustrated, unable to fulfill her potential.


    But when she performed at Fan Jianguo¡¯s unit, he unexpectedly fell in love with her at first sight. He thought she was the purest and cutest girl. Compared to the flamboyance of others, he firmly believed she had a unique charm.


    Since then, Fan Jianguo quietly treated her well. At first, she was reluctant, as their families were quite different, but Fan Jianguo was really willing to spend money on her. Even though his family seemed average, he treated her so well, making Cheng Xiaoping feel quite pleased.


    Especially since she had seen others try to get close to Fan Jianguo but fail.


    This made her even more pleased.


    They had been together for two years and finally decided to get married.


    But unexpectedly, it was because of this marriage that she went to Fan Jianguo¡¯s hometown, discovering some things were not what they seemed. She didn¡¯t expect his family to be so poor, and his relatives were so mean.


    Although they didn¡¯t show it to her face, she could see some subtle details.


    Furthermore, she asked around outside and couldn¡¯t believe it ¨C Fan Jianguo had been married before. He just hadn¡¯t registered the marriage, so no one knew. And that widow who came asking around¡­


    She felt her head spinning, decisively leaving Fan Jianguo.


    Originally, she had firmly decided to leave, but Fan Jianguo kept coming to see her, and gradually, she was somewhat moved.


    Yes, Fan Jianguo¡¯s so-called ex-wife was from a capitalistic family, he married her out of gratitude, so it wasn¡¯t his fault. Men should be loyal and righteous, and later being able to draw a clear line was a good thing. This showed he had the right stance.


    Of course, there was also that ugly widow¡­ But since she hadn¡¯t appeared again, she tilted toward Fan Jianguo.


    He claimed someone was jealous of him and framed him. This matter, Cheng Xiaoping wasn¡¯t entirely sure, but she was definitely swayed.


    Fan Jianguo was now like a chicken bone to her, tasteless but hard to throw away.


    She had already submitted the marriage report, so if she didn¡¯t marry, it would be shameful. But if she married, even though she wanted to believe Fan Jianguo, she also felt his family was really not good.


    Even though Fan Jianguo promised to return home less, Cheng Xiaoping was still hesitant.


    She wanted to believe Fan Jianguo, but she also had a feeling that he was lying. This feeling really bothered her. She sighed, quietly going downstairs to head to the state-run restaurant.


    She went downstairs, thinking about why Fan Jianguo still hadn¡¯t come, was he just trying to please her?


    Seeing her soften yesterday, did he not show up today?


    As she left, heading towards the state-run restaurant, she suddenly saw a woman marching angrily towards her. Cheng Xiaoping frowned slightly and stepped aside, but the woman stood right in front of her.


    She was quite tall and a bit burly.


    Cheng Xiaoping wasn¡¯t happy and said, "You¡¯re in the way."


    "I¡¯m in your way, yes. Give Fan Jianguo back to me!"


    The woman¡¯s voice was very unpleasant, like a chicken being strangled.


    She shouted, "I¡¯m Fan Jianguo¡¯s wife!"


    Cheng Xiaoping: "!!!"


    Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at the woman.


    For some reason, she thought of that ugly woman people mentioned.


    Looking closely, she wasn¡¯t ugly, just ordinary, but indeed strong and sturdy.


    She asked, "So it was you! Why are you coming after me?"


    Bai Fendou, yes, this ¡°woman¡± was Bai Fendou.


    He shouted loudly, "How else would I come? Fan Jianguo told me you¡¯re here. I beg you, give Fan Jianguo back to me, I beg you!"


    He yelled loudly, weeping, "Do you know? Fan Jianguo is tricking you. If you didn¡¯t have a father in a leading position, he wouldn¡¯t even look at you! He¡¯s using the money I gave him to please you, all for a promotion!" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice was so loud, and it was the time people were leaving work, so many stopped to watch.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei also stopped their bikes at this moment, curiously looking across the street, having halted due to the gossip.


    Bai Fendou: "Fan Jianguo¡¯s favorite is me, not you or his ex-wife. He likes you two, one for money, one for power. We¡¯ve been together for many years. I know his plans outside, and for our future, I¡¯m willing to let him scheme with you. It doesn¡¯t matter if he marries you, you¡¯re all fools anyway. Whether it¡¯s you or his ex-wife, we can squeeze money from you. We¡¯re not losing out! But, but I can¡¯t stand it, because I¡¯m having a baby! I¡¯m not young anymore, I want a child. That¡¯s why I came to you, to let you know, in our eyes, you¡¯re just a pawn, a stupid, brainless one. Are you still unwilling to step aside? Do you know what Fan Jianguo says about you in front of me? He says you¡¯re the ugly monster in the art troupe, if not for having a good father, he wouldn¡¯t have made a move on you. He also says you¡¯re the dumbest, very easy to believe others. That¡¯s why he picked you!"


    Cheng Xiaoping trembled with anger: "You¡­ you¡­"


    Bai Fendou: "If it weren''t for the fact that I''m pregnant, I might have allowed you to marry him and helped advance his career! But since I''m pregnant, and his parents are cruel and malicious, they simply can''t be relied upon. And he, in his desperate desire for promotion, actually wanted me to have an abortion, which I absolutely refused to do! Let me tell you, I came here today to kindly discuss this with you, but if you don''t listen, I''ll go to your workplace. Both yours and his, I want to ask them and see if you can get away with treating people like this! I''m determined to create a massive scene."


    Cheng Xiaoping was in tears.


    She had never experienced such humiliation, let alone such blatant disrespect.


    She said, "You''re both way out of line! You two are nothing but scammers!"


    Bai Fendou, smirking smugly and with an escalating arrogance, retorted, "And what''s wrong with deceiving you? It''s because your family''s in a good position. If your family weren''t well-off, we wouldn''t even bother to trick you! Fan Jianguo has already told me that once you two get married, your family will need to arrange a spot for Fan Lian in the Art Troupe, and also secure formal jobs for his older brothers."


    He quickly added, fearing she might not believe him, "All of this was discussed in their household. If you don''t believe me, we can go confront them at Fan''s home together! I''m not afraid! Right now, I''m going all out for my child. My child must have a family!"


    Although he appeared to be the one suffering, his fantastical claims garnered widespread sympathy for Cheng Xiaoping, the deceived. The onlookers began to scold: "How can you be so shameless?!"


    "You con artists actually think you''re in the right?"


    "How can you bully someone like this?"


    "So, having a good family is now a reason to be cheated on?"


    Bai Fendou turned to shout at the bystanders, "Shut up! Do you think I wanted this? It''s all because my child''s father wants a promotion! You have no idea about my man''s lofty ambitions. Jianguo said it himself, ''As long as it''s for promotion, I''d treat her like a sow with the lights off!'' I originally thought tricking such a fool wouldn''t matter! But now that I''m the one losing out, that''s not acceptable! Get up! Follow me to Fan''s house, confront them together! If you decide to marry Fan Jianguo, I''ll expose you both. You won''t get away with this..."


    He continued yelling, "Either way, I have to get married because of the child. If you want to be a second wife, that''s fine... but your father will need to arrange jobs for my entire family..."


    Cheng Xiaoping was trembling with anger, and said, "You''re despicable! I''d rather die single than marry a scammer like you."


    For a brief moment, she had second-guessed whether someone was framing Fan Jianguo, but then dismissed the thought. This woman was brazen enough to confront them, and her disjointed words clearly showed she was under heavy stress.


    Cheng Xiaoping completely believed Bai Fendou''s words.


    Thinking about all the manipulative plots Fan Jianguo had schemed, she found it absolutely terrifying.


    She said, "Coming here was pointless. I have no connection with him whatsoever! I wouldn''t marry such a despicable man. You two can grow old together!"


    Humiliated, she turned to leave.


    Bai Fendou grabbed her, saying, "No, you can''t leave. What if Jianguo asks for you? You need to arrange a spot for his sister in the Art Troupe as compensation!"


    Cheng Xiaoping: "????"


    What kind of lunatic has she encountered?


    Why on earth would she arrange a position for Fan Jianguo''s sister?


    This whole family must have serious mental issues.


    Thinking back, Fan Jianguo had subtly hinted at how hard it was for Fan Lian to work in the fields. If she could also join the Art Troupe... yes, that must be it. The more she thought about it, the more terrifying this family seemed.


    Even this ugly woman not yet in their family was terrifying.


    Their way of thinking was so far removed from normal people''s.


    "You''re not leaving!"


    Bai Fendou held onto Cheng Xiaoping, who was genuinely frightened. She wished she could pack her bags and flee that very night!


    "Let go!"


    "Wait for Jianguo to arrive..."


    "Let go, I have no ties to you! Help!"


    The onlookers couldn''t stand it anymore, saying, "Miss, what are you doing? Are those words even human? How dare you scam someone and not let them go?"


    "Let''s bring this woman to the police station. What kind of person is she? I can''t help but clench my fists after hearing this."


    "Me too, damn, they''re really pushing it."


    "Miss, don''t be afraid, we won''t let you get bullied."


    "Exactly."


    Bai Fendou: "You''re in for it! I''ll tell you, my husband Fan Jianguo is a high-ranking officer in the army. He can have you all arrested!"


    Cheng Xiaoping retorted angrily, "Don''t rely on your husband''s power to intimidate people. And don''t tarnish the reputation of the army. We have strict discipline, nothing like you''re suggesting..."


    Bai Fendou shot back bluntly, "Jianguo said it himself, any leader who isn''t embezzling something is likely incompetent..."


    "Bullshit!"


    Cheng Xiaoping: "You all wait, I''m going to report you!"


    "Yes!"


    "Don''t let her get away."


    "What kind of person is this Fan Jianguo..."


    "What''s going on here?"


    Enraged, the crowd began rolling up their sleeves. If Bai Fendou wasn''t a "woman," he would have already been assaulted. As it was, he pretended to be scared while putting on a show of strength, "You just wait! I''ll get Jianguo here! He''ll set things straight for me!"


    With that, as if slightly nervous, he bolted away at full speed.


    Before the crowd could react, the center of the controversy had already disappeared in a flash.


    "Wow, she fled!" exclaimed one person.


    "What just happened?"


    "Let''s chase her!"


    "Why chase her?"


    But with that moment of hesitation, the woman had already vanished.


    Cheng Xiaoping was left panting with rage. Reflecting on her experience, she felt it was a huge mistake coming here. Thinking of Fan Jianguo''s repellent demeanor, she briskly climbed up the stairs, determined to leave immediately.


    Marriage?


    Screw that!

 Chapter 157

    Bai Fendou quickly ran off.


    This kind of incident is most terrifying when the person can''t escape. He seized the opportunity to unleash some harsh words and then hastily fled. In that split second, no one expected him to run so fast. He was like a gust of wind, dashing into a deserted public restroom. He quickly yanked off his wig, then pulled off the skirt and changed back into his own clothes.


    While he was rapidly changing to dodge, the folks on the scene were left in a stunned silence due to his sudden escape. No one had anticipated that he would flee so quickly.


    "What kind of person is this?"


    "He ran pretty fast, huh?"


    "If he hadn''t run, he would have gotten beaten up. What kind of person is he..."


    The onlookers started buzzing with chatter. Cheng Xiaoping, however, was seething with anger, her face flushed. When had she ever encountered such absurd situations? It was beyond ridiculous. She clenched her fists, feeling utterly humiliated and no longer wanting to lay eyes on Fan Jianguo ever again.


    Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked away.


    But just then, someone stopped her, saying, "Miss, don''t go yet. This person spoke about deceit. Do you want to find the police station..."


    Cheng Xiaoping looked up, cold as ice, and said, "What does it have to do with me?"


    Everyone was taken aback.


    She repeated, "I''m going back now."


    She was truly heartbroken. After all, she had invested two years of her emotions, believing she had found the right person. But what kind of person was this? The mere thought made her shudder. She wasn''t the type to believe everything she was told.


    If a sudden strange woman came and told her nonsense, she would definitely need time to think. But this wasn''t a sudden appearance¡ªshe had heard things about this person before.


    Although he wasn''t as hideous as the villagers claimed, he was indeed that very person.


    Moreover, she had inquired about the Fan family in the village. Initially, she had been somewhat swayed, but now she just wanted to slap herself for being so gullible. How much water must have flooded her mind to be easily swayed?


    No, she couldn''t marry this man.


    Cheng Xiaoping had seen the world. Though she knew refusing this marriage might cost her some face, it was better than jumping into a lifelong pit of misery. She couldn''t imagine what her life would be like if she fell under Fan Jianguo''s control.


    It was terrifying.


    She was just grateful to have seen his true colors before the wedding. Nothing could be more awful than that. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Thank you for your concern, everyone. I realize now that I''ve been swindled. But I haven''t lost anything, so I intend to leave."


    "Young lady, if you''ve been deceived, you should report it to the police."


    "Exactly, don''t let the bad guy get away with it."


    "This kind of person needs to be punished; otherwise, he''ll just keep making mistakes..."


    Cheng Xiaoping took a deep breath and said, "I need to report back to my unit first before handling his matter."


    In truth, she felt unsafe being in a unfamiliar place. So, she said firmly, "I..."


    "Xiaoping? What''s going on here? Why are there so many people?"


    Fan Jianguo approached the inn from afar and noticed a crowd of onlookers. Moving closer, he realized the center of attention was none other than Cheng Xiaoping. A surge of joy filled his heart. Determined to play the hero, he quickly squeezed through the crowd.


    Having been anxious about how to persuade Cheng Xiaoping immediately, this situation was a boon. No matter what happened, he was elated. After all, if he played the gentleman, how could he not win her over?


    Rushing into the crowd, he said, "What are you doing! You can''t bully people like this! Xiaoping, don''t be afraid. I''m here."


    The scene suddenly fell silent as everyone scrutinized him. He was dressed quite dapperly, and his clothes didn''t come cheap. Twenty years ago, he might have been labeled a scam artist.


    All slick and thickly made up.


    "Ugh~" A universal murmur of disdain.


    Seeing Fan Jianguo, Cheng Xiaoping felt her anger boil over. Without a word, she stepped forward and slapped him.


    *SLAP!*


    The forceful impact echoed against Fan Jianguo''s face.


    He stared at Cheng Xiaoping in disbelief, saying, "You hit me?"


    Cheng Xiaoping clenched her fists, her face scarlet as she retorted, "Yes, I hit you! I hit you because you¡¯re a hypocrite, a despicable scoundrel!"


    The more she thought about her last two years, the angrier she became. A young woman has only a few beautiful years; those years had been wasted with this man who had dragged down her reputation.


    Cheng Xiaoping extended her hand again, but this time, it didn''t land, as Fan Jianguo scowled and firmly deflected her.


    She stumbled and was steadied by a nearby elderly woman¡ªnone other than Zhao Guihua herself.


    Zhao Guihua had been watching from the crowd for a while now, though she hadn''t said much due to being completely shocked by Bai Fendou''s crossdressing antics. Still, the show had to go on. She steadied Cheng Xiaoping and said, "Miss, are you alright?"


    Then, glaring at Fan Jianguo, she added, "Sir, how dare you hit a lady?"


    Effortlessly, she had laid the blame.


    ¡°You old hag, are you blind? Don¡¯t you see? She hit my brother¡ªhe''s allowed to defend himself!" A shrill voice cut through the air as a girl in a flowery blouse with a long braid forcefully squeezed through the crowd, clearly fired up. "What¡¯s going on here? You Cheng Xiaoping! I thought you were nice, but instead, you bully my brother! I¡¯ll kill you!"


    Without hesitation, she lunged, not caring whether Cheng Xiaoping was intended to be her sister-in-law. This was Fan Jianguo¡¯s sister, Fan Lian.


    Fan Lian wouldn¡¯t dare act this way with the Fan family¡¯s elder brother or sister-in-law (they wouldn''t stand for it). But facing Fan Jianguo¡¯s fianc¨¦e brought out her bravado. Back in the day, she had bullied He Lan relentlessly.


    He Lan, having grown up in a privileged household and with no experience in fighting, never stood up against her.


    This only emboldened Fan Lian''s audacity more. She was certain that Fan Jianguo''s wives would hail from the upper class¡ªunschooled in arguing or fighting. Isn''t this precisely her element?


    She launched herself at Cheng Xiaoping with claws extended for scratching.


    Cheng Xiaoping wasn¡¯t letting her push her around. Swiftly seizing Fan Lian¡¯s arm, she slapped her across the face and commanded, "Get lost!"


    Fan Lian cupped her face, shrieking, "You dare hit me! You wretched woman, do you not want to marry my brother? I''ll kill you! I''ll kill you..."


    With a howl, she charged forward, knocking Cheng Xiaoping off balance.


    Amazingly, Fan Jianguo stood motionless.


    This only confirmed for Cheng Xiaoping what kind of people the Fan family were. Fan Lian kept slashing at her, and Cheng Xiaoping, now fuming, struck out with another slap. Fan Lian shrieked in response.


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t about to sit idly by anymore, raising her voice: "You siblings are despicable! A pair of frauds trying to stir up trouble here? Do we look dead to you? If you dare touch this girl again, this old lady won''t be lenient!"


    "Correct, if you act up again, we won''t hold back. Me, a male, don''t beat women¡ªbut I''ll pulp your brother."


    "I¡¯m not a man, if you dare show your claws one more time, I won¡¯t be lenient. That¡¯s my first time seeing such shamelessness."


    "Exactly! You won''t bully us!"


    "Such youthful poison."


    "Miss, don''t fear¡ªyou''ve got us!"


    Cheng Xiaoping was overwhelmed with gratitude to find such support in an unfamiliar place, her eyes glossing with tears. There were good people everywhere.


    But evil-doers were still... amongst them.


    Cheng Xiaoping looked at Fan Lian with loathing. Her short time at the Fan household had shown her not just generosity, but constant passive aggressive comments and manipulations.


    Take Fan Lian¡ªshe endlessly showered Chen Xiaoping about her appearances and qualities.


    A while ago, she commented on how nice Cheng Xiaoping''s hairclip was and that she wanted one too. Then she said she had never worn little leather shoes before and really wanted some.


    Fan Lian''s intentions were clear to Cheng Xiaoping.


    In fact, Cheng Xiaoping was willing to give these things to Fan Lian, this young girl, but because she didn''t do it right away, she overheard her muttering quietly: "The richer they are, the more stingy they are. They should all be overthrown." This remark made Cheng Xiaoping quite displeased, and so she ignored the girl from then on.


    At the time, Cheng Xiaoping thought this little sister-in-law would eventually get married and leave, so she didn''t take her to heart. Now it seems this whole family has no sense of shame. They have no sense of priority. She forcefully pushed Fan Lian away and mockingly said to Fan Jianguo, "What? Is this all the skill you have? Just sending your sister, this shrew, to charge at me?"


    Fan Jianguo also didn''t know why Cheng Xiaoping had changed her mind again. But he felt particularly displeased. He had thought he had already appeased her, but hadn''t expected this woman to change her mind so quickly. What he hated most was her inability to be controlled, yet he didn''t want to completely fall out with her either.


    What he was after, he was very clear about.


    He suppressed his temper and spoke gently, "Xiaoping, what are you doing? You''re making a spectacle of yourself. You''ve received an education, why act like a shrew?"


    He spoke with a touch of heartfelt anguish, then quickly added, "Let''s talk about this at home."


    "Home? Where? Your village? I''m afraid I wouldn''t be able to leave once I go there. Fan Jianguo, you''re the kind of man who makes me sick. I''m telling you, I know about your schemes now. I won''t be fooled again!"


    She took a deep breath and said, "Let''s end this."


    "What are you talking about? Come home with me first!"


    Fan Jianguo came forward to grab Cheng Xiaoping, but she shouted, "Stay away from me!"


    Fan Lian howled, "Take her back, beat her to death!"


    "Get lost, Fan Jianguo. Don''t you dare touch me..."


    Zhao Guihua slapped Fan Jianguo''s hand that was grabbing Cheng Xiaoping, saying, "Let go, let go! How dare you abduct a young lady in broad daylight?"


    Fan Jianguo: "Let go of her, we''re engaged, we need to talk..."


    Cheng Xiaoping: "I won''t talk. I''m telling you, I will never live with you again, you liar... Let go!"


    "Let go of her. You''re not even a man. I''ve tolerated you for too long."


    By this point, Zhao Guihua wasn''t the only one stepping in. Another person quickly joined in, pulling Fan Jianguo and landing a punch. Fan Jianguo shouted, "This is my family matter..."


    Zhao Guihua, afraid others might misunderstand, loudly proclaimed, "It''s not a family matter. You have no relationship at all. Don''t think we don''t know anything. You''re just a man trying to trick her into marriage. We''ve been watching for a while now. Don''t think you can just drag her away like this. And I can see through you, even at my age, I''ve seen it all. Your scheme is nothing new¡ªyou just plan to take her home, force her into a situation, and then, due to the pressure on her reputation, she''ll have no choice but to marry you, right?"


    Fan Jianguo''s face changed, his eyes flickering.


    Indeed, he had considered this possibility. If Cheng Xiaoping continued to refuse to cooperate, he would, as a last resort, have to resort to such measures. After all, they had already obtained the marriage introduction letter. Even if Cheng Xiaoping wanted to report him to the police for coercion, there would be no evidence. Could she simply rely on hearsay?


    They had the marriage introduction letter, and he could always say she was just acting out due to a bad temper. If everyone treated this as a family matter, Cheng Xiaoping would have no choice but to marry him. Then, with her father being pressured to ensure his daughter''s reputation remained intact, wouldn''t he have no choice but to support her career advancement?


    These thoughts flashed through Fan Jianguo''s mind, but in that brief moment, his hesitation was keenly observed by Cheng Xiaoping, who had been intently watching him. It became clear to Cheng Xiaoping that the aunt had hit the nail on the head. Her heart sank as if she had just plunged into an icy abyss in the dead of winter.


    What kind of terrifying monster had she encountered?


    How could he be so adept at hiding his true nature?


    "Ahhh!" Cheng Xiaoping screamed, "Get out, get out! I want to go home, I want to go home..."


    At this moment, she only wanted to go to the safest place.


    Fan Jianguo, now furious, shouted, "You''re here to marry me, we even have the introduction letter, yet you keep acting out. When is this going to end? How much longer are you going to act spoiled?"


    Cheng Xiaoping: "Go to hell, go to hell~"


    She lunged forward and started hitting Fan Jianguo. He grabbed Cheng Xiaoping but didn''t strike back, though his grip was fierce, leaving bruises on her arm. Cheng Xiaoping struggled violently, and when Fan Lian saw this, she howled and rushed forward: "How dare you hit my brother?"


    "How dare you hit her?"


    "You scoundrel, don''t even think about taking her away..."


    "This isn''t a family matter!"


    "Exactly, this is a predatory marriage!"


    "She hasn''t even married into your family yet."


    ...


    Under Zhao Guihua''s leadership, everyone quickly aligned and stood against the siblings, firmly preventing them from taking Cheng Xiaoping away.


    "Turn them over to the police station."


    "Right, don''t let these two off easy."


    "In broad daylight, they''re crazy, they''re actually abducting someone..."


    Fan Jianguo, looking at the crowd''s uproar, turned red with anger. He hadn''t expected so many people to meddle in his business. The crowd''s momentum was overwhelming.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were watching the commotion from across the road, while Guan Guiling had been following them, standing not far away. She quietly stared at Ming Mei, plotting how to make her an easy target. It wasn''t that Guan Guiling was in a hurry, but her child couldn''t wait.


    Her pregnancy had been extremely difficult, with a high risk of miscarriage at any moment.


    So she was anxious. Ming Mei, while at work, never got close to her, and she had been cautious around her. She had to take the initiative, but it wasn''t easy since Ming Mei always hurried home quickly, and she couldn''t keep up.


    Today, the couple hadn''t gone home, but instead had come out, so this was a rare opportunity. She stood not far away, not really watching the commotion but instead thinking about how to shift the blame onto Ming Mei.


    She was desperate for money.


    She closely watched Ming Mei and her husband. The couple had stopped to watch the commotion, which wasn''t unusual¡ªthe whole street had gathered to watch.


    It was just a matter of how close or far people had gotten to the action.


    Guan Guiling observed the scene, looking from one person to another, then suddenly heard Ming Mei and her husband say, "Zhixi, isn''t that our mom in the crowd? Let''s go over."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m afraid they might accidentally bump into you with all this chaos; I don''t feel safe. I''ll go over and check, you stay here."


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi, suddenly bursting into laughter and saying, "Have you forgotten? My baby has already been born. What do I have to worry about? Who would dare touch me? I would dare to punch anyone. Are you still treating me like a delicate little radish?"


    Upon hearing this, Zhuang Zhixi paused, then said, "Right, you''re right. Look at me, always thinking about when you were pregnant. Now it doesn''t matter."


    Ming Mei pouted, "Big dummy."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly locked the bike to a lamppost by the roadside and said, "Let''s go."


    He added, "When you were pregnant, I always picked you up, and every time I did, I had the feeling I needed to be extra careful."


    Ming Mei waved her fist, saying, "Don''t worry, if anyone dares touch me, I''ll punch them so hard they''ll fly."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, alright, alright."


    The two quickly dashed over, and at this moment, Guan Guiling''s eyes lit up upon hearing their conversation. This was the perfect opportunity. With all the chaos over there, she could easily approach Ming Mei and shift the blame onto her, thereby extorting her.


    Even if things didn''t go perfectly, blaming someone else would still be better than losing the baby herself.


    No matter what, she could swindle some money.


    She didn''t even bother locking her bike and quickly followed after them.


    When she arrived, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were squeezing through the crowd, with Zhuang Zhixi shouting, "Make way, everyone, please make way!"


    But no one paid him any heed. Who are you to tell us to make way?


    This is not the time to be squeezing in for a lively scene (look at the commotion). It''s outrageous.


    Ming Mei: "Excuse me, please¡­"


    As a young woman squeezing in, she had an easier time.


    People, embarrassed by the gender differences, didn''t want to be seen as getting into a situation that might lead to gossip, so they made way for her. Zhuang Zhixi, however, didn''t manage to follow her; he was still stuck at the very edge of the crowd, surrounded by layers of onlookers, and could barely see what was happening inside.


    Ming Mei squeezed in alone and reached Zhao Guihua''s side, asking, "Mom, are you okay?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m fine, of course. But we need to protect this girl. We absolutely can''t let anyone take her away. If they do, it''s over."


    Ming Mei: "Got it."


    The crowd was glaring, and Ming Mei added, "Let''s not waste time with pointless arguments. There''s no need to stand here in a stalemate. When in trouble, we turn to the police. We''ll call the police officers. They''ll surely help us resolve this properly."


    "Exactly, we''ll take her to the police station. That way, we can feel more at ease. Otherwise, once we leave, their siblings might come back for her," Zhao Guihua chimed in.


    "Don''t worry, young lady, we''re here for you," someone reassured.


    The crowd chimed in, and Cheng Xiaoping truly felt the warmth of their support.


    Moved, she said, "Thank you."


    Seeing her like this, Fan Lian became even angrier. Without caring anymore, she lunged forward, shouting, "I''ll scratch you to death, you bitch! If you want to marry into our Fan family, you''ll have to follow our rules. Who do you think you are?"


    Cheng Xiaoping wasn''t afraid of her. The two women quickly started fighting.


    Fan Jianguo also tried to step in but was blocked by a few strong men at the front. The situation became chaotic again, with people pulling and pushing.


    Ming Mei, however, didn''t join the fight directly. But when Fan Jianguo was struggling with the men, she took the opportunity to sneak in a powerful kick¡­ "Ah!"


    Fan Jianguo yelped in pain, and the men stopped, none knowing who had attacked.


    Seeing the fight pause, Zhao Guihua quickly stepped in to pull Fan Lian away, saying, "Don''t bully her, young lady¡­"


    This pull was deliberately biased, and Fan Lian ended up getting a few hits. Enraged, she howled, "You meddling old hag¡­"


    With a forceful push, Zhao Guihua, who could have easily dodged, instead stumbled sideways, knocking into a young man, who then fell onto Fan Jianguo, pinning him down. The scene grew even more chaotic. Ming Mei took the chance to stomp on Fan Jianguo a few more times.


    "Stop fighting, everyone, stop!"


    "Why should we stop?"


    Fan Jianguo, now fully riled up, felt incredibly unlucky. He got up and started throwing punches at the people around him, yelling, "You bastards!"


    "Ah, you dare hit people?"


    "You scoundrel."


    Fan Jianguo, with his military background, was no match for the ordinary folk. He quickly started trading blows with them. Ming Mei, the "righteous fighter," kept circling around, but she managed to land a few more hits on him without much difficulty.


    She knew exactly where to strike to make Fan Jianguo lose his ability to resist immediately, but if she did that, the police would certainly figure out it was her. Ming Mei and Zhao Guihua had further plans, so that wasn''t an option.


    With the chaos in the crowd, no one noticed Ming Mei''s subtle moves, thinking she was just trying to protect Zhao Guihua, who, though supposedly trying to mediate, had a very erratic positioning. But in the midst of the brawl, no one paid much attention to that detail.


    The inner circle was a mess of fighting, while the outer circle, with more timid onlookers, had begun to step back.


    It was because some people backed off out of fear that Guan Guiling finally managed to squeeze in. She saw Ming Mei pulling her mother-in-law to the side, trying to avoid the fray, and quickly moved closer. Just as she was about to approach Ming Mei, Zhao Guihua suddenly took a step to the side, and Ming Mei immediately said, "Come on, Mom, don''t get involved. Let''s get out of here."


    Using Zhao Guihua to block Guan Guiling''s view, Ming Mei swiftly raised her leg and delivered a heavy kick to Fan Jianguo. Then, turning around, she and Zhao Guihua grabbed hold of Fan Lian. Yes, they were pulling biased strings.


    Fan Jianguo cried out and fell to one knee with a thud. He quickly turned back and saw a woman standing behind him.


    Guan Guiling hadn''t noticed him; her focus was entirely on Ming Mei, following her movements. That''s how she ended up there!


    Her obsession with Ming Mei was twofold: one, driven by the terrible jealousy of Ming Mei''s good life; and two, she knew Ming Mei was well-off and wanted money, a lot of money.


    Fan Jianguo: "What are you doing, kicking me?"


    Taken aback by the accusation, Guan Guiling snapped, "Are you a mad dog? Biting anyone you see? If you''re getting beaten, maybe reflect on how morally bankrupt you are."


    Although a few people had surrounded Fan Jianguo, the hits hadn''t been too severe, as most were ordinary folks who didn''t know how to fight. Fan Jianguo, being ex-military, had some skills and wasn''t too disadvantaged.


    But while fighting, he had been sneakily attacked several times, and he hadn''t seen who it was.


    Finally, he had caught the culprit: it was this woman.


    Furious, he couldn''t believe he''d been taken down by a woman. The disdainful look she gave him only fueled his rage. With a roar, he got up and grabbed Guan Guiling, giving her a forceful kick¡­


    Guan Guiling hadn''t expected this sudden outburst. Her attention hadn''t been on him; she was busy plotting how to use Ming Mei to her advantage. When he grabbed her, she turned to see his red, murderous eyes and instantly panicked: "You¡­ Ah!!!"


    Before she could react, she was kicked out.


    She landed heavily on the ground, feeling dizzy and a searing pain in her abdomen.


    She had been weak for days, and the blood immediately started flowing from her legs¡­


    "You scoundrel, hitting a woman!"


    Someone else''s punch came flying in.


    Just as they were about to get entangled again, someone shrieked in terror, "Blood, she''s bleeding a lot¡­"


    "Ah?"


    The brawl suddenly stopped, and everyone looked at Guan Guiling. She hadn''t expected this madman to attack her; she stood frozen for a moment, then looked down to see blood everywhere. Her vision started to blur.


    Finally snapping back to reality, she realized she had to hold onto this man!


    Everyone had seen him hit her; she had suffered a miscarriage because of him¡­


    Even if she couldn''t pin it on Ming Mei, this man couldn''t escape.


    Suddenly, she let out a heart-wrenching wail: "My child, my child, my child¡­ Who can save my child, save me¡­"


    Her agonized cries rang out.


    "Oh my God!"


    "She''s had a miscarriage."


    "We need to get her to the hospital quickly."


    "We can''t let this man escape. He''s inhuman¡­"


    "Call the police, and also get this woman to the hospital¡­"


    The crowd was now fiercely worked up.


    If the earlier conflict with the woman was a matter of morals, this was now about causing harm. This woman had been beaten to the point of miscarriage. Several older women, including Zhao Guihua, quickly stepped forward, saying, "Hurry, take her to the hospital."


    She ordered Fan Jianguo, "Carry her to the hospital right now¡­"


    "Make way, the police are here¡­"


    "Quick, get her to the hospital¡­"


    With someone taking charge, the situation changed. Guan Guiling was quickly rushed to the hospital, and the Fan siblings were detained.


    Many onlookers followed her to the hospital, while the rest marched to the police station, unaware that neither Zhuang Zhixi nor Ming Mei was among them. Zhuang Zhixi, of course, wouldn''t go. He had met Fan Jianguo in Yang Family Village, and although it had been some time, he couldn''t risk Fan Jianguo recognizing him. From the beginning to the end, he stayed at the very edge of the crowd.


    Similarly, Ming Mei didn''t go either.


    Ming Mei had made a name for herself by capturing thieves multiple times, so many public security officers were familiar with her. She knew that if she couldn''t suppress Fan Jianguo and take control of the situation, she would have to explain herself, which she wanted to avoid. So, Ming Mei left the scene directly. After all, she wasn''t the only one leaving.


    Some people were eager to watch the excitement, while others needed to go home to prepare dinner.


    Not everyone had the luxury of free time.


    Of course, Ming Mei would address the matter later, but for now, she left with Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhao Guihua, however, did not leave. Many people had gone to the police station, and Zhao Guihua followed suit. Even so, Zhao Guihua lacked the presence of those chivalrous men who had intervened bravely.


    She was questioned briefly since she hadn''t taken any significant action.


    Almost the entire police station in this area was mobilized. Several people had already been sent to the hospital, and even the policewoman in charge of household registration had arrived to question the less significant onlookers.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I wasn''t there from the beginning. When I arrived, I saw a woman entangled with that comrade, the young lady."


    Zhao Guihua pointed at Cheng Xiaoping and continued, "That woman also mentioned that the girl''s father is an official, and that the man who attacked her was pursuing her because of that... blah blah blah."


    Zhao Guihua provided a detailed account, though some others were even more elaborate, adding their own speculations. Zhao Guihua''s version was relatively restrained.


    She explained, "Then the man brought his sister and tried to forcibly take the girl away. As a woman, I knew what could happen if a young lady was taken away by force, so I quickly intervened. Other people also stopped them, and a fight broke out. But they were all acting bravely to protect others, good people."


    The policewoman nodded, "I understand."


    She agreed with Zhao Guihua''s concerns. A young woman taken away under such circumstances could face terrible consequences.


    "What about the woman who was beaten and miscarried?"


    Though the hospital hadn''t confirmed it, everyone present knew the likelihood of saving the fetus was slim.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "That woman was just watching the commotion. She commented on the man, and he went berserk, grabbing her and kicking her out..."


    The policewoman exclaimed, "So violent?"


    Zhao Guihua affirmed, "Exactly that violent!"


    The policewoman asked a few more questions before moving on to others, who provided similar accounts.


    Some speculated that the man''s sudden attack was due to being provoked or tripped, but amidst the chaos, no one could be sure. Nevertheless, one shouldn''t assault a woman like that.


    While statements were being taken, someone returned from the hospital.


    "How is it?"


    Everyone immediately quieted down to listen to the update.


    The police officer glanced at Fan Jianguo, who was handcuffed, and frowned deeply. "The woman miscarried."


    Everyone sighed, having expected it.


    The officer continued, "The doctor said this has severely affected her; she likely won''t be able to conceive again."


    "My goodness."


    "What a tragedy."


    ¡°Who would have thought, just watching the bustling scene would lead to such a disaster...¡±


    ...


    As people continued to murmur, the officer added, "The doctor said her body is severely damaged and will require long-term rest."


    "Oh, this is..."


    "What was she thinking, a pregnant woman getting involved, too scary."


    Zhao Guihua quickly asked, "How is her health? How long will she need to recover?"


    The officer replied, "From what I gathered, she''ll need at least a couple of months in the hospital."


    "That serious!"


    The officer confirmed, "Yes, quite serious."


    He hadn''t expected it to be this bad, though the woman''s poor health also contributed. But that detail wasn''t necessary to mention.


    He looked at Fan Jianguo with disgust and said, "You''ve gone too far."


    Fan Jianguo, now calmer, was scared. He hadn''t expected such serious consequences.


    "I didn''t mean it, I swear..."


    Cheng Xiaoping interjected, "You did mean it, you had malicious intent." She glared at him, finding him utterly despicable. "I will report all this to the army."


    Though not in the same unit, they were in the same regiment.


    She firmly stated, "I will expose your true nature."


    Fan Jianguo''s eyes reddened as he retorted, "Cheng Xiaoping, will you be this cold-hearted? Don''t you know my feelings for you? How can you treat me this way? What have I not done for you? If you hadn''t caused trouble, this wouldn''t have happened, and someone wouldn''t have been harmed. It''s all your fault."


    He blamed Cheng Xiaoping not just to shift responsibility but to evoke her sense of duty and get her to help him.


    "We were about to get married! How can you break off the engagement? How can you face me? Think about how good I''ve been to you all these years. We could have been happy together, but now it''s all ruined."


    Cheng Xiaoping scrutinized his performance and said, "You pursued me, treated me well, wanted to marry me because my father is a high-ranking officer in the regiment. If not for that, I would mean nothing to you. Don''t pretend to be good; I''m glad I discovered the truth. Stop acting; I know what kind of person you are. You didn''t expect it, but your paramour, the widow, came to me. I won''t be fooled again."


    "Widow? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????What widow?"


    This wasn''t the first time the term had come up.


    Fan Jianguo admitted he had some affairs outside, but he truly hadn''t been involved with any widow to the extent she''d create trouble.


    "I don''t have any affairs with widows!"


    He insisted categorically, though the police officer had noticed his evasive behavior, indicating guilt, not innocence.


    "I really don''t have any relationships with widows!" He still maintained his stance.


    The police officer said, "At this point, you''re just stubbornly denying it?"


    "I truly don''t. Officers, I''m innocent. I think someone is framing me."


    Fan Jianguo thought it must be a set-up.


    Since that ugly widow appeared in the village, someone had been plotting against him! He had overheard others mention that Cheng Xiaoping''s uproar was due to a woman visiting her, likely that widow.


    But who was she?


    He remembered today; he had planned to visit Cheng Xiaoping early but was approached in the village by someone claiming to be a friend of Cheng Xiaoping''s father, delivering a message.


    They said Cheng Xiaoping met an acquaintance and wanted to gather, asking Fan Jianguo to come after work and bring Fan Lian, as they might arrange a position suitable only for women, referencing their supposed good relationship.


    They also advised them to dress nicely.


    Fan Jianguo had been overjoyed, not doubting it. Looking back, this was full of inconsistencies.


    Cheng Xiaoping wasn''t originally from the Four Nine City and was here for the first time for the wedding. How could she have acquaintances here, let alone arrange a job? And even if there were a position, why would it go to Fan Lian?


    She mentioned having a good relationship with Fan Lian, which was impossible!


    His own sister, Fan Lian, was known for her willfulness and poor relationships with sisters-in-law and village girls, making this scenario unlikely. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He felt trapped in a carefully laid trap.


    Someone was scheming against him!


    Who could it be?


    He thought hard but couldn''t figure it out.


    Many faces flashed through his mind, including He Lan''s, but it quickly passed. He Lan was timid and unlikely to be involved. Of course, it wasn''t just because He Lan was timid; she simply didn''t have the capability. The entire He family had been sent down to the countryside.


    What could she possibly do?


    Their family, having risen to prominence in recent years, had become quite self-assured, making enemies in the village. But who could it be?


    The more he thought about it, the more infuriated he became. He immediately shouted, "Someone is trying to frame me! Someone is plotting against me!"


    The police officer gave him a cold stare and said, "Alright, then. Tell us, why would someone want to frame you?"


    "I don''t know! I just know someone is out to get me!"


    The police comrades rolled their eyes. They were human too, and they really couldn''t stand people like him.


    The investigation was still underway, and statements were being recorded. Zhao Guihua had already been questioned and, seeing that the sky was about to darken, she asked proactively, "Can I leave now? It''s getting late, and my family must be worried."


    "You''re free to go."


    Those who had been questioned were actually allowed to leave earlier, but most people stayed just to watch the drama unfold. Zhao Guihua, however, had no intention of sticking around. She got up and left.


    As she exited the police station, the hour was indeed late. The moon had risen, and the sky was gradually darkening.


    As she exited the police station, she saw Zhuang Zhixi sitting on a bicycle, leaning against the wall. Upon spotting her, he snapped his fingers. Zhao Guihua turned her head and quickly walked over. "What are you doing here?" she asked.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I came to pick you up."


    He pedaled them back home, asking, "How did it go?"


    Zhao Guihua: "They''re still figuring things out, but he has no way to clear himself."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Their family is so good at scheming and getting others into trouble. Now they''re experiencing what it feels like to be stuck with Guan Guiling."


    Zhao Guihua: "Do you think Guan Guiling is more formidable than the Fan family?"


    To this, Zhuang Zhixi was firm, "Guan Guiling, definitely. Guan Guiling will surely strip the Fan family of a layer."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a sidelong glance, "The Fan family is known for their abrasiveness. Guan Guiling, on the other hand, is a delicate woman."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The Fan family''s abrasiveness only works against those who play by the rules, like He Lan. But Guan Guiling isn''t someone who follows the rules. She has no moral limits. Though she appears weak, physical weakness doesn''t equate to a weak will. She''s really strapped for cash right now, which is why she''s been relentlessly targeting Ming Mei. Now that she''s been injured by Fan Jianguo and hospitalized, she''ll hold onto this lifeline tightly. She''s counting on this incident to pay for her husband''s medical and nutritional expenses. Plus, there were many witnesses to her being injured, so she definitely won''t let Fan Jianguo off the hook."


    At this point, Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and added, "If she finds out Fan Jianguo has money, she''ll only be more determined to milk him for all he''s worth."


    "That much is certain," Zhao Guihua agreed.


    She continued, "This time, Fan Jianguo has gotten himself into trouble, and he''ll definitely be kicked out of the army."


    "That''s for sure," Zhuang Zhixi agreed. "Even if he hadn''t gotten into trouble, do you think Cheng Xiaoping would let it go? She''s still unfamiliar with the place, but once she returns, there''s no way she''ll forgive Fan Jianguo. After being so manipulatively treated by him, how could she just let it go?"


    Mother and son didn''t need to elaborate further on the Fan family''s fate.


    If Fan Jianguo were kicked out of the army, he''d have no choice but to return to the fields. With both him and his sister entangled in this mess, the compensation would likely wipe them out financially. They''d become pariahs, poor and disgraced.


    Of course, the Fan family could refuse to pay, but that would leave Fan Jianguo and his sister in a tight spot, turning the family into bitter enemies.


    Fan Jianguo and his parents and siblings would end up at each other''s throats. So, no matter how you look at it, the Fan family won''t have it good.


    "Guan Guiling stands to benefit," Zhao Guihua said. "She''s not a good person either. If she really latches onto your wife, it''s not going to be a small issue. I heard from the police that her injury is severe, and she can''t have children anymore."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This can''t be looked at simplistically. Even if Guan Guiling were to get a hefty compensation, it might not be a good thing. Do you think she''ll continue to listen to Jiang Baohong once she has money? Definitely not. Besides, I''ve already set some small things in motion. They''ll surely end up at odds. Jiang Baohong is dumb as a rock, and if she''s betrayed by Guan Guiling, she''ll become resentful. She''s petty, and if she tries to scheme against Guan Guiling, Guan Guiling won''t show her any mercy. Even though Guan Guiling got duped by her husband, she''s sharp when it comes to dealing with outsiders. If Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong end up clashing, Jiang Baohong will surely be outmatched. If Jiang Baohong suffers, I''ll be delighted, and I''ll think it''s worth it for Guan Guiling to get that money. After all, it''s not coming out of my pocket."


    Zhao Guihua: "What small things did you do?"


    Zhuang Zhixi just grinned.


    Zhao Guihua: "You definitely didn''t do anything good."


    Zhuang Zhixi feigned innocence, raising an eyebrow, "I went back earlier and took Guan Guiling''s bicycle."


    He paused, then added, "Well, to be precise, it''s the bicycle Jiang Baohong lent to Guan Guiling."


    Zhao Guihua gasped, "You''re too bold!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I didn''t go as myself, I disguised myself."


    He had everything planned out. Ever since he found out Jiang Baohong lent the bicycle to Guan Guiling, he had been anticipating this. He said, "Even if they investigate, all they''ll remember is a tall woman with big, wavy hair pushing the bike away. They won''t know it was me." He shrugged.


    Zhao Guihua: "Where did you get the wig?"


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed sincerely, "I have a magical grandpa."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    True, Lan Sihai always manages to get hold of all sorts of strange things.


    "But the bike has a steel stamp and serial number..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m not selling it, who cares about the stamp and serial number? I threw it in the lake."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You know, even though Jiang Baohong lent Guan Guiling the bicycle, if the bike really goes missing, Guan Guiling definitely won''t compensate her. Even if she gets compensation from Fan Jianguo, she won''t give it to Jiang Baohong. Guess how Jiang Baohong will feel then?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Are you so sure she won''t compensate?"


    "Positive," replied Zhuang Zhixi. "Guan Guiling is so desperate for money. There''s no way she''s giving it to someone else. Besides, Jiang Baohong lent the bike to Guan Guiling in secret, trying to stealthily tail Ming Mei. She has no proof she lent the bike to Guan Guiling. No one else knows that. So, Guan Guiling will definitely hold onto that. A bicycle, not even including the ticket, is over two hundred bucks. Would Guan Guiling really cough up that money? And she doesn''t even have the ticket to buy another. A new ticket costs at least a few dozen. There''s no way she''d compensate. Guan Guiling is so selfish at her core."


    Mother and son gossiped on and on.


    Zhao Guihua thought about it and had to admit her son was right. Even she felt Guan Guiling wouldn''t compensate, but she didn''t think there was anything wrong with that¡ªJiang Baohong brought it upon herself.


    "Jiang Baohong really is nuts," she said.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Her husband used to be a leader, and as a leader''s wife, she''s developed some really weird thoughts. If anyone doesn''t cater to her, she feels they''re in the wrong and wants to exact some kind of petty revenge. This is nothing, really."


    The two rode their bikes back home. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw Bai Fendou sitting at the door, as if waiting for them.


    As soon as he saw Zhuang Zhixi, his eyes sparkled with delight, and he said, "You''re back? I''ve been waiting for you guys."


    He quickly asked, "How did it go?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Not sure yet, but Fan Jianguo is in a tough spot. If he wants to get out of it, it''s probably going to cost him everything."


    After Bai Fendou pretended to escape as a woman, he didn''t dare to go back, so he returned home and waited for news. All he knew was that Ming Mei went to the police station, and since it was an awkward situation with just them (he didn''t dare to pursue Ming Mei for more details¡ªmostly because he feared her temper), he was like a hot potant on an ant on a hot spring, restless while waiting. He was shocked. "He''s going to lose everything? Isn''t he just messing with Cheng Xiaoping? Just that got him arrested?"


    He didn''t know anything else.


    Zhuang Zhixi shared what he could: "Fan Jianguo suddenly attacked and hit her, causing Guan Guiling to miscarry."


    Bai Fendou exclaimed, "What?!"


    He was shocked: "How could this happen? Is Guan Guiling even involved here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Bai Fendou and lowered his voice, saying, "Guan Guiling was just there to watch the drama. Her pregnancy was already problematic, as she''s been scheming at work to extort money by framing others. Her visits to this compound were likely an attempt to trap you into a similar scheme. But before she could act, she ran into Fan Jianguo, leading to this unintended coincidence."


    Whether it was truly a coincidence or not didn''t matter. Bai Fendou would believe it either way.


    Bai Fendou''s eyes widened, and he lowered his voice to match Zhuang Zhixi''s, asking, "Her child..."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "It''s her ex-husband''s, of course."


    Bai Fendou shook his head, "I wasn''t asking about that. I know it''s her ex-husband''s. I mean, her child is so pitiful. Some people try so hard but can''t have a child. And she...she''s really..."


    He struggled to find the right words.


    After a long pause, he said, "I never thought she''d try to scheme against me."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "It wasn''t necessarily aimed at you. She just needed money. It could have been anyone¡ªyou, if you fell for it, or even Ming Mei, or someone else at her workplace. Her goal was to use her pregnancy to extort money, not the specific person. It just happened to be Fan Jianguo this time."


    He chuckled, "But you should be happy. You got dual good news: you took care of Fan Jianguo and got rid of Guan Guiling''s threat."


    Bai Fendou thought about it, then slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "That''s right! That''s exactly how it is!"


    He immediately brightened up, saying, "I should definitely keep an eye on this. Hehehe."


    Bai Fendou was overjoyed: "Serves him right!"


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Karma catches up eventually."


    "Exactly!" Bai Fendou firmly concurred.


    He earnestly told Zhuang Zhixi, "Xiao Zhuang, all the help you''ve given our family¡ªthank you so much. If you ever need anything, just let me know. I''ll be there at the front lines. You''re a true friend, and I won''t let you down. As long as it''s legal, I''ll do anything you ask."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "All right."


    He added, "By the way, don''t go poking around about Fan Jianguo and Guan Guiling''s situation. Avoid getting dragged into it. After all, He Lan''s background..." He hinted, "Anyway, my wife works with Guan Guiling, so I''ll keep you updated."


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "I can also poke around. I was there to watch the drama, after all."


    Bai Fendou was thrilled, "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it."


    "Alright, go home now and tell your wife all about this," Zhuang Zhixi suggested.


    Bai Fendou agreed, "Got it."


    Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and turned back, asking, "Can I ask something? Why was Fan Lian invited? I¡¯ve been wondering about that."


    He was clearly curious.


    And by understanding, he could explain it to his wife, hehe.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "With someone like Fan Jianguo, who¡¯s done a lot of bad deeds and isn¡¯t an impulsive young man but rather quite calculating, he might not act rashly. But with Fan Lian around, it''s different. She''s a spoiled, petty girl who sees her sister-in-law Cheng Xiaoping as just a servant of the Fan family. With her there, she''s bound to cause a scene, and they¡¯ll definitely quarrel. That way, it would break them apart."


    Bai Fendou nodded, "Makes sense."


    He happily added, "That''s great."


    Grinning with satisfaction, he said, "I can''t wait to see how their family ends up."


    There was nothing more they needed to do; the Fan family was already doomed. The thought filled Bai Fendou with glee. He skipped home, swaying his hips and taking three steps at a time, imitating a dance step, hehehe.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Zhao Guihua commented, "What''s with the prissy steps?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, "Guess he''s just too happy."


    It was a bit...hard on the eyes.


    Their compound really lacked a manly man.


    Only Zhuang Zhixi could fill that role.


    Really, he carried too much responsibility.

 Chapter 158

    Dinner time is the liveliest time at the Zhuang Family household.


    The whole family gathered together, and Zhuang Zhiyuan announced with excitement at the dinner table, "It''s settled on my end. I''m getting a housing allocation this time for sure."


    Feeling overjoyed, he continued, "I thought I''d have to wait a long time, but I didn''t expect it to move so quickly. Our unit colleagues speculate that it likely started internally long ago, and by the time it reached us, the decision was already made."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "That''s great news. Once you get the new place, our living space will be more spacious."


    "Exactly," Zhuang Zhiyuan said with some pride. "I was really lucky this time. You don''t know, there are plenty in our unit who haven''t gotten housing. There are older colleagues ahead of me in the queue, and new colleagues with connections behind me. I was worried I wouldn''t make the cut, but luckily, my turn came up."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei looked envious. "Big Brother, you''re so lucky," they said.


    They too longed for a housing allocation, but with their shorter work tenure, they didn''t know when their turn would come.


    Liang Meifen, also elated since it concerned her own family, said happily, "Everyone will get their chance. Just be patient."


    Zhuang Zhixi and his wife nodded.


    Zhao Guihua felt a wave of emotions, realizing that no matter the era, a house always holds paramount importance.


    She asked, "So, how long before you get the keys to the new place?"


    Initially, she wasn''t too keen on the house, but then she reminded herself not to judge with decades-old perspectives. Indeed, that house might have been a source of regret in the future, but now, it wasn''t too bad. Although it was an older building, they could renovate it by the 1980s. For now, getting a house allocation was a blessing; being picky wasn''t wise.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "This month is almost over, so probably next month. But it won''t drag beyond that. It should be quick since it''s not a newly built house waiting on construction."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Alright. What about the kids? How do you plan to arrange them?"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi immediately looked at their parents, unaware that the conversation involved them. Zhao Guihua, noting their confused expressions, explained, "Your parents'' new place is small. If you move with them, you''ll need to partition a room in the living room, which will be cramped compared to here. Alternatively, you can stay here with your grandparents and Uncle. Your parents will come back on weekends. It''s up to you to decide, and I won''t interfere."


    The two kids became conflicted. They wanted to live with their parents and also with their grandparents¡ªthey didn''t want to be separated.


    With their little mouths pouting, they looked visibly worried.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan asked, "So, do you want to live with your parents or your grandparents?"


    Hutou replied, "Both."


    He pouted and said, "I don¡¯t want to be apart from you."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan chuckled, "You''re a big boy now."


    "I''m not a big boy; I''m a little kid."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan teased, "If you''re a little kid, then what are Tuantuan and Yuanyuan?"


    The two little ones were lying in their stroller, playing with their ugly, clownishly colored toy caterpillars¡ªtheir absolute favorite. Zhuang Zhiyuan glanced at them, finding the caterpillars truly hideous, but the chubby babies were undeniably adorable.


    He said, "Tuantuan and Yuanyuan are the little ones. You''re the big kids now."


    Hutou argued, "No, that¡¯s not right. We¡¯re little kids, and they¡¯re tiny kids. Right, Sister?"


    Xiao Yanzi nodded immediately, "Right!"


    The siblings'' thoughts were clear to Zhuang Zhiyuan¡ªthey didn¡¯t want to be separated. However, he and Liang Meifen had discussed this. They agreed that Hutou and Xiao Yanzi should stay here. The new place had only one room, while living in the courtyard was far more comfortable.


    They wouldn''t have to squeeze together if there was still space available.


    But seeing his children¡¯s reluctance to be apart, Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "We¡¯ll think about it some more."


    "That works," Zhao Guihua agreed.


    Hutou blinked innocently.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan added, "We¡¯ll decide after the house is assigned and we see its size."


    "Sounds good," Zhao Guihua replied.


    Curious, Zhuang Zhiyuan asked, "By the way, where were you all today? You took so long to get back?"


    He was surprised to find Liang Meifen taking care of the kids when he returned, though Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were easy to manage.


    Zhao Guihua answered, "I went out to buy some things and ended up watching a fight. That¡¯s why I got back late."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "That¡¯s right."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan gave them a look, suspecting they might have been up to something mischievous. He said, "In life, we should always strive for harmony, especially outside. Avoid getting involved in others¡¯ affairs."


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look. "What¡¯s this? Feeling bold, are you? Now you dare to lecture me? Do you even know who you''re talking to?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "And what¡¯s this talk of harmony? Who¡¯s making me feel uneasy, I¡¯ll make them feel uneasy. But I was just watching someone else fight; what does harmony have to do with that? Do you think I was the one fighting? Am I that kind of person? As a son, you should wish me well. I¡¯ve always been reasonable."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "...................................."


    Liang Meifen: "!!!!!!!!!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Cough, cough, cough."


    Ming Mei, smiling, chimed in, "Mom, I¡¯m on your side."


    Her flattery drew eye rolls from everyone else.


    Ming Mei snorted, and as soon as the kids heard their mom¡¯s voice, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan started fidgeting. They babbled and tried to reach out from their strollers. Ming Mei patted them gently, saying, "Be good. Mommy will play with you after dinner."


    She poked their little cheeks and said, "So well-behaved."


    While entertaining the kids, she suddenly thought of something and said, "Mom, I¡¯m thinking of buying some cotton to make Tuantuan and Yuanyuan each a padded jacket. Do you have time to do it?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, go ahead and prepare the materials."


    "Great," Ming Mei said.


    Each month, they contributed fifteen yuan, which covered living expenses including food, utilities, and hygiene. Anything additional, like clothing, they had to prepare themselves. Liang Meifen felt fortunate that last year her kids had managed to get three sets of clothes each¡ªit was a real blessing.


    Although Tuantuan and Yuanyuan had gotten some too, being infants, they required far less fabric. Her children, being older, needed more material. Despite the striped patchwork design of the dresses, no one else seemed to mind.


    She felt quite pleased with herself, feeling like she had gotten a great deal.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan saw his wife lost in thought, looking unusually happy. He gave her a light kick under the table and then said, "Mom, make the padded jackets for the little ones first, and then for Hutou and Xiao Yanzi too."


    He instructed Liang Meifen, "Check how many cotton ration tickets we have. If it''s not enough, I¡¯ll see if I can trade with someone. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi¡¯s padded jackets from last year should be a bit too small by now."


    Last year, their family had eaten well, and while the adults didn¡¯t show much change, the kids had shot up like weeds. Their old padded jackets and pants no longer fit.


    Last year, they had extended the jackets and pants by adding extra fabric, but this year, with the kids having grown even more, it was time for a change.


    He said, "Disassemble the old ones, fluff the cotton, and add some new layers."


    Liang Meifen agreed, "Alright."


    Although the weather was still warm, this was the right time to prepare the jackets. By the time it got cold, they¡¯d be ready to wear.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Get the materials ready and bring them over."


    "Thanks, Mom," they replied.


    Ming Mei also leaned in: "Mom, you''re really the best."


    Zhao Guihua pushed her away, saying, "Who taught you this? Stop being so clingy."


    But the smirk on her lips still showed that she was quite pleased with this display.


    Zhao Guihua was in a good mood, smiling as she said, "You all should be thanking me, the homemaker. If it weren''t for me, could you live so comfortably? Working all day, then coming home to take care of the kids, wash dishes, cook, do laundry, mend clothes¡ªthere''s so much to do."


    This was no exaggeration. Nowadays, life wasn''t like it would be decades later, with household appliances becoming the norm and everything available for purchase. Back then, if it got cold, you bought a cotton-padded jacket¡ªyou wouldn''t be unable to afford it, just maybe at the high or low end of the price range. Most households had to make things themselves. There were stores selling such items, but even for worker families, it wasn''t something you could casually buy and replace. Let alone the manual labor involved in washing clothes and cooking¡ªthere were no electric rice cookers or washing machines back then.


    The more Zhao Guihua thought about it, the more she felt her contributions were paramount. She said, "You two are lucky to have a mother-in-law like me¡ªit''s a blessing eight lifetimes in the making. Otherwise, with one of you being a fool and the other a simpleton, you''d be taken advantage of without even realizing it."


    Liang Meifen and Ming Mei both nodded, not daring to refute her.


    Liang Meifen truly didn''t dare to contradict her mother-in-law. Whatever Zhao Guihua said, she always agreed with it. There was no arguing with this woman¡ªwhen she got fierce, she really would throw a punch. Liang Meifen had witnessed their family storming her own parents'' house once, and just thinking about it made her shudder.


    As for Ming Mei, she genuinely thought Zhao Guihua was a good person. She believed her to be sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. Unlike Liang Meifen, who was purely afraid, Ming Mei had worked in a department with many female colleagues and knew firsthand how harsh some mother-in-laws could be towards their daughters-in-law.


    Zhao Guihua, though seeming tough on the surface, was very sincere towards her own family. Outsiders might think it steep for them to pay 15 yuan a month for living expenses, considering it was just for food and drink. But Ming Mei knew that, in reality, her in-laws were subsidizing their expenses.


    The meals at their house were so good that even if they paid 20 yuan, it wouldn''t be enough to cover the cost.


    Moreover, Zhao Guihua took care of all the household matters, so Ming Mei was very grateful. She was thankful that her mother-in-law''s mindset was different from that of most older women. Zhao Guihua was indeed a woman of vision.


    Ming Mei leaned in again, cooing, "Mom, I really adore you."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­"


    Everyone else: "¡­"


    What kind of bootlicker is this?


    Ming Mei: "I''m so lucky. When I tell people how great my mother-in-law is, they all think I''m exaggerating, but it''s true! You''re even better than I say."


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "That''s good to know."


    She smiled, she really did smile¡ªshe clearly loved this kind of flattery.


    The Zhuang family members exchanged helpless glances. With such a fierce demeanor, a little flattery and she''s all smiles¡ªwhere''s the dignity in that?


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, enough fussing. After dinner, go boil some water to bathe the baby¡ªthey need a bath today."


    Ming Mei: "Sure thing."


    If it were just one baby, it would be simple, but with two, it was like a battle. The two little ones didn''t understand the concept of bathing¡ªto them, it was all about "playing with water." Each bath required the efforts of several people.


    At this point, Ming Mei was already stretching and flexing in preparation for the battle ahead.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi: "We want to help too!"


    They loved helping bathe Little Tuan and Little Yuan. The two chubby babies, still smelling of milk, were just too adorable.


    Zhao Guihua immediately turned stern: "You can watch from the side, but don''t get in the way."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi pouted, but as long as they could watch the fun!


    The twin''s bathtub was larger than a typical one. As soon as the two toddlers saw their tub being brought out, they became excited, waving their little hands and wiggling about. Their joy was boundless.


    Ming Mei: "Just look at them¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s normal¡ªI like going to the bathhouse for a soak too."


    Ming Mei: "¡­"


    She couldn''t even argue with that.


    As the Zhuang family boiled water for the children''s bath, the chaos carried over to the neighboring Bai family, who were also bustling about, giving their child a bath. Bai Fendou had just finished bathing his daughter and was carrying the water bucket out to pour. In fact, their household chores were much more abundant than before, but Bai Fendou didn''t feel burdened at all¡ªin fact, he felt his days were now fulfilling.


    Perhaps it was because life now had purpose and flavor.


    After pouring the water, he returned to sweep the floor, only to see his daughter Little Qingqing crawling on the bed in her little bib. Bai Fendou said, "Watch her, don''t let her fall off the bed."


    He Lan: "I''ve got it under control."


    She said, "Let her play for a bit."


    She folded the freshly dried and retrieved clothing and placed it neatly in the cupboard, adding, "If Fan''s family compensates us, the compensation money will technically be my funds."


    She had already gotten a rough idea from Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou: "Feeling sorry for the money?"


    He Lan shook her head: "Not sorry. Though it is a pity, one has to consider the circumstances. Even if I had kept that money, it might not have been a blessing. Back then, everyone knew my family''s situation¡ªeven though I was an unfavored daughter, I was still the daughter of a small capitalist family. Do you think people wouldn''t scheme against me? But since everyone knew that Fan''s family treated me poorly and took my dowry, I managed to avoid the worst of it in the early days of the turmoil."


    She had seen people being paraded through the streets, and it was truly terrifying.


    "How much dowry did you have back then?" Bai Fendou wasn''t greedy for money; he was simply curious.


    He Lan: "My father gave me a dowry of two thousand yuan, along with a bicycle, a radio, a sewing machine, and a watch for both Fan Jianguo and me. My family also prepared the bedding, and for clothes¡­ well, those weren''t part of the dowry, but they were high-quality items I had accumulated over the years and were taken by them."


    Bai Fendou was amazed: "Wow, your dowry was substantial¡ªeven more than Jiang Baohong''s. No wonder people had issues with capitalists. Even as an unfavored daughter, your family still provided so much¡­"


    He Lan nodded quietly.


    "Have you thought about getting those things back?"


    He Lan looked at Bai Fendou and shook her head gently, saying, "I just want to live a good life¡ªnothing else matters to me. Fendou, do you think I''m useless?"


    Bai Fendou: "Of course not."


    He scratched his head, saying, "I do feel bad about that money¡ªso much of it. You could have bought so many nice things for Little Qingqing. But considering your background¡­ I think losing it might have been for the best."


    He Lan scooped her daughter back from the edge of the bed and nodded, saying, "I thought the same at the time. If Fan''s family hadn''t taken my dowry, it might have stirred up jealousy, and I could have ended up in a worse situation. I remember a neighbor sister from before I got married¡ªshe was taken out to parade the streets, and it was really frightening. I didn''t want that for myself. If I had continued to live well and had a good background as the daughter of a small capitalist, someone might have exposed me or done something worse. So in that sense, even though they took my things, the fact that everyone in Yang Family Village knew I was cheated by them¡ªwith nothing left and living miserably¡ªactually made me safer in a way."


    Bai Fendou smiled: "Don''t worry, I''ll be here from now on. I''ll take good care of you."


    He Lan: "I feel truly fortunate to have met you. You''re a wonderful person, just and kind."


    Bai Fendou: "Hey, I''m not as great as you say. I just can''t stand to see men bullying women."


    The couple didn''t let the loss of that dowry dampen their spirits. Instead, they were content with their current life.


    He Lan rarely gave a sly smile and said, "Actually, I''m not a fool. I realized early on that I had misjudged people and made the wrong choice, and it hurt, but I quickly pulled myself together. I told myself, even if life gets harder, I don''t want to be condemned. The more miserable I appear, the less anyone will bother me. So I deliberately let slip how much money the Fan family had taken from me. That was all my money."


    The villagers all disliked the Fan family. Some had genuine grievances or simply didn''t like their ways, as they weren''t very principled. However, others just harbored resentment against the wealthy. If the Fan family didn''t have so many strong men in their household, some troublemakers might have already tried to fleece them.


    Bai Fendou: "You''re really smart."


    He Lan said with a small sense of pride, "I''m not capable of much, and my personality is soft, so I can''t do anything big. I can only sneakily pull off these small schemes to annoy them."


    Bai Fendou: "Well, this time they''re really going to lose a lot. Guan Guiling, the one who almost married me, isn''t someone to mess with. She once sold me out for money, and now that she''s got the Fan family as easy targets, you watch, she''ll milk them dry."


    He Lan: "The Fan family is really fierce."


    Bai Fendou: "Being fierce doesn''t help when you''re in a tough spot."


    He chuckled and said, "Once I disguise myself, I''ll sneak to the hospital to watch the fun during their negotiations."


    He Lan: "Be careful not to get caught."


    Bai Fendou: "Of course."


    After a pause, he suddenly said, "Hey, why don''t you come along too? If you''re worried about being recognized, disguise yourself as well. I¡¯ll ask Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s wife to take you. I trust her."


    He Lan: "???"


    She said, "She¡¯s such a gentle person¡­" Before finishing, she stopped herself, thinking of how fiercely Ming Mei once kicked her way into the Liang family to cause trouble.


    "Hmm, she¡¯s indeed tough."


    Bai Fendou: "Once I find out when the Fan family is going to the hospital, hehehe."


    He Lan hesitated slightly. All she wanted was to live a peaceful life, but then she thought, maybe¡­ it wouldn¡¯t hurt to see?


    An inner voice urged her, "Go and watch the fun! See how miserable this family is, see if they meet their demise!"


    She hesitated and said, "Can I really go?"


    Bai Fendou: "Of course. I¡¯ll ask Zhuang Zhiyuan to talk to his wife. To be honest, I¡¯m a bit wary of Ming Mei. She¡¯s a bit intimidating."


    If it were Li Fang who beat people easily, Bai Fendou wouldn''t be so afraid. After all, Li Fang looks strong and capable of fighting. But Ming Mei looks like a delicate little wife, and yet she¡¯s known to snap and pummel a few burly men as if it¡¯s child¡¯s play. Such a stark contrast is actually quite terrifying!


    He Lan, seeing Bai Fendou¡¯s lingering fear, confidently said, "She must have beaten you up before."


    Bai Fendou denied it, "No, that¡¯s impossible."


    He Lan smiled mischievously, "Definitely!"


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    Why does she have to be so sharp?


    He Lan laughed and said, "It must be because you were too nosy."


    Bai Fendou firmly denied it, "Absolutely not. I¡¯m not that kind of person. Besides, I¡¯m a strong man, she couldn¡¯t possibly beat me!"


    He Lan smiled subtly, but deep down¡­ she didn¡¯t believe a word of it.


    There¡¯s no doubt¡ªhe definitely got beaten up, which is why he has such a deep scar.


    Hehe.


    He Lan didn¡¯t notice that her personality had become much more lively¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    Ming Mei¡¯s greatest agony every day is getting up early.


    By day, she toils at work, and by night, she takes care of her children and her husband. All she wants is a good sleep-in.


    However, work must go on.


    Every morning is chaotic for her, rushing to arrive just on time. Once at the office, she instantly senses the extra buzz¡ªand she knows why. It¡¯s definitely because of Guan Guiling.


    In these times, having a job is like having a home. No matter the issue, it¡¯s communicated at work. Like this time with Guan Guiling¡ªearly in the morning, the police arrived, even before Ming Mei got to work.


    By the time she arrived, the police were gone and the news had spread.


    Ming Mei parked her bike and rushed upstairs, only to find everyone in the office gathered, discussing with people from other departments. She saw Xiao Tian from logistics. Xiao Tian¡¯s specialty is gossip¡ªonce something reaches her ears, it spreads like wildfire.


    She winked and smiled, asking, "What are you all talking about?"


    Everyone quickly pulled Ming Mei in, "You¡¯re late, so you don¡¯t know¡ªGuan Guiling is hospitalized. Something happened to her. Oh, it¡¯s so tragic¡ªshe lost her child."


    Ming Mei¡¯s big eyes widened, "I know, I saw it yesterday when I left work."


    "Wait, you saw it? Were you there? Do you know what happened? Why was she beaten? Did she offend someone? It shouldn¡¯t be like that¡ªGuan Guiling is actually a decent person."


    Ming Mei: "It wasn¡¯t her fault. She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, caught in someone else¡¯s anger."


    "What happened? Tell us!"


    Ming Mei cleared her throat and said, "Yesterday, in front of the hotel near the front gate, two women were arguing. Apparently, one of them was¡­ Then I saw my mother-in-law Zhao Guihua among the onlookers, so I rushed in to protect her, fearing she might get caught up in the chaos. At that time, I was focused on my mother-in-law, so I didn¡¯t notice Guan Guiling was also in the crowd. But she was unlucky¡ªthe man was already enraged, and when he saw her talking back, he grabbed her and kicked her, causing a lot of bleeding. It was terrifying."


    After Ming Mei recounted yesterday¡¯s events, everyone was speechless.


    Though they had heard something was up, this detailed version was new to them. They exchanged bewildered glances, saying, "So he¡­"


    Someone else chimed in, "She was completely at the wrong place at the wrong time."


    Ming Mei: "Exactly, it wasn¡¯t her fault at all."


    Sister Wang: "In my opinion, once you¡¯re pregnant, you really need to be careful, staying away from the chaos. That¡¯s how accidents happen. I heard not only did she lose her child, but she¡¯s also unable to have another. The damage is quite severe."


    "Is she still in the hospital?"


    "Of course, probably won¡¯t be out for a while."


    "Oh, that must cost a lot."


    "What can you do? I guess they¡¯ll make the man compensate, but who knows how much he can afford."


    "If he can¡¯t pay, then what?"


    Ming Mei said innocently, "He¡¯ll definitely have to pay a lot. That man is rich. You don¡¯t know, but during the argument yesterday, they mentioned he had deceived a rich girl before. He must have lots of money. Plus, he¡¯s some kind of section leader¡ªhis salary must be good. While we workers make thirty or forty a month, which seems like a lot but we need to support a family, what¡¯s that to him? He¡¯s scammed the rich, and the rich are nothing like us ordinary folks. Who knows how much cash he holds. You didn¡¯t see, he and his sister were dressed so well, even wearing a wristwatch."


    "Ah!"


    "So Guan Guiling can demand more compensation."


    "Of course, she¡¯s suffered physically and needs to recover."


    "That¡¯s true."


    "Wait, are all men these days so shameless? Relying on tricking women to live well?"


    "Well, some are just so shameless, what can you do?"


    "Finding a partner really requires sharp eyes. Girls with good conditions need to guard against such men, and even those with ordinary conditions have to beware of nasty mothers-in-law. It¡¯s just so hard for us women¡­"


    "Yes, indeed."


    Everyone was chattering away, and Ming Mei had already subtly spread the news that "Fan Jianguo" was rich and successful. Guan Guiling must have heard about it yesterday at the scene, though it''s also possible she was so focused on spying on Ming Mei that she didn''t pay attention to the chaos around her. Nevertheless, Ming Mei is truly a very kind person¡ªso kind, in fact, that she decided to give Guan Guiling a gentle reminder.


    Ming Mei really treated Guan Guiling quite well, setting her up with a prime mark to bleed dry, and she even proactively pointed out how wealthy the man was. She''s truly a benevolent soul, returning kindness with more kindness.


    Of course, this was also a jab at Jiang Baohong.


    Jiang Baohong, since your bicycle is gone, why not make Guan Guiling compensate you?


    After all, Guan Guiling has already caught herself a big fish.


    Ming Mei returned to her seat with a smile on her face.


    However, Ming Mei didn¡¯t know that Jiang Baohong had no idea her bicycle was missing. She was stewing in anger over Guan Guiling¡¯s breach of trust. They had agreed to plot against Ming Mei, yet how could she end up getting beaten up in the middle of the street?


    Do you even know your own body, enough to casually go gawking at trouble?


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s frustration grew, and she was fiercely angry. She felt certain that Guan Guiling had no intention of plotting against Ming Mei and was just trying to swindle money out of her. Jiang Baohong wasn¡¯t someone who could be taken advantage of. The very thought of it infuriated her.


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s mood was dire, but someone had the nerve to ask, ¡°Jiang Baohong, why are you walking today? Where¡¯s your bicycle?¡±


    Jiang Baohong snapped, ¡°It¡¯s lent out.¡±


    She regretted lending her bicycle to Guan Guiling. Not only had Guan Guiling failed to deliver on her promise, but she also hadn¡¯t returned the bicycle promptly. It was insufferable. Jiang Baohong seethed with anger, her eyes burning with distaste for everyone around her. She declared, ¡°I¡¯m taking a day off.¡±


    She was going to the hospital to confront Guan Guiling and demand answers about how she could mess up something so simple!


    ¡°Wait, no. You¡¯re scheduled for Route 48 today. Asking for leave on short notice, where would we find a replacement? No way!¡±


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°I want time off, and you dare refuse me?¡±


    She had never been subjected to such disrespect. Back when she was a minor leader, she could leave anytime she pleased. Who dared to question her leave? Now, she felt like a tiger humbled by dogs. Furious, she declared, ¡°I¡¯m taking leave today, whether you allow it or not. I¡¯ve already shown you leniency by asking.¡±


    The dispatcher on the shift was stumped. Never had he seen someone so shameless yet so brazen.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? You can skip work all you want, but don¡¯t expect us to care!¡±


    Others began to gather, all expressing their disapproval. As before, the consensus was clear: Who do you think you are? Previously, people had tread carefully around her because of her husband, a man from a powerful organization.


    But now, with her family mired in troubles, who cared about her anymore?


    ¡°Have some self-respect. Do you think this is your personal kingdom?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so capable, why don¡¯t you just quit and leave?¡±


    ¡°Thinks too highly of herself.¡±


    As Jiang Baohong saw everyone ganging up on her, she felt it was all their fault, everyone envying and bullying her. She fumed, ¡°I¡¯m not coming in today, and I don¡¯t care what you all think. You disgusting insects, you¡¯re all poor and worthless fools!¡±


    With that, she stormed out, head held high.


    This infuriated the others as well. ¡°Let¡¯s go find the supervisor.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go. Who does this woman think she is?¡±


    ¡°How can there be someone so shameless¡­¡±


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s behavior was a source of immense irritation to everyone, and even the leadership was fed up with her.


    From her position as a minor leader, she¡¯d been demoted to working in the transport team. This alone showed the consequences of her inability to get along with others and her selfish ways. But Jiang Baohong remained blissfully unaware. Confident that the unit wouldn¡¯t dare fire her, she left without a care.


    Indeed, a unit wouldn¡¯t easily fire someone.


    But Jiang Baohong¡¯s actions earned her a major demerit. Repeated demerits, accumulated over time, would eventually provide grounds for dismissal. Jiang Baohong had disrupted team operations by skipping work without notice and insulting her colleagues. The announcement of her demerit was posted shortly after she left, causing quite a stir among the staff.


    They were shocked¡ªno one had seen someone so eager to shoot themselves in the foot.


    Thinking back to Jiang Baohong¡¯s antics since joining the unit, however, it wasn¡¯t that surprising.


    From the very beginning, she had been disruptive and wildly unpopular.


    Now that she¡¯d received a reprimand, the bus station staff were practically cheering.


    Clearly, her reputation had hit rock bottom.


    Ming Mei clicked her tongue in amused disbelief.


    ¡°Ming Mei, are you busy with work? If not, how about coming with me to the hospital to visit Guan Guiling?¡± Sister Chen, from the office, approached Ming Mei with the suggestion.


    As a staff member of the passenger station, Guan Guiling''s situation required a visit from the unit to extend condolences. Sister Chen was responsible for such situations. However, she didn''t call her usual companions this time¡ªinstead, she opted for Ming Mei.


    Ming ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Mei was caught off guard. ¡°I¡¯m free, sure. But why ask me?¡±


    She was puzzled.


    Sister Chen replied, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the family of the person who beat her up is quite vicious. Their son¡¯s in custody, but there¡¯s a risk they might come to the hospital to cause trouble. I thought it would be safer with you there, just in case.¡±


    She dealt with all sorts of unit-related mishaps. Such events often involved unreasonable people who resorted to physical violence. Even a hint of danger required extra precautions.


    Others joked, ¡°You¡¯re quite cunning.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you making Ming Mei your bodyguard?¡±


    Sister Chen chuckled, ¡°Not at all. Besides, it might make for some good entertainment.¡±


    Ming Mei laughed. ¡°True enough.¡±


    ¡°Besides, Ming Mei¡¯s the statistician in our office. We¡¯re all in the same department. It¡¯s not out of place to include her.¡±


    ¡°You do always have a ready excuse.¡±


    Sister Chen happily declared, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Ming Mei.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    As it turned out, Sister Chen¡¯s suspicions were spot on.


    Sister Chen and Ming Mei bought some pastries and malted milk, a total of four items, and headed to the hospital together. Before they could even enter, they spotted a familiar face. This person wasn¡¯t just anyone¡ªit was Jiang Baohong.


    Yes, the very Jiang Baohong who had just skipped work.


    Jiang Baohong had come to the hospital in hopes of confronting Guan Guiling. She wanted to demand an explanation for how their carefully laid plans had gone so horribly awry. Without that, they couldn¡¯t mess with Ming Mei as planned. Guan Guiling had promised her, so she must deliver.


    But when asked to make good on her promise, Guan Guiling¡¯s face turned cold. It was then that Jiang Baohong learned the grim truth: Guan Guiling could no longer conceive.


    This revelation only stoked Jiang Baohong¡¯s anger.


    Just as Sister Chen and Ming Mei arrived, the two women were at a tense standoff. The room wasn¡¯t empty; several other beds were occupied, along with family members and visitors. Aware of the unsavory nature of their conversation, both Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling spoke in hushed tones, fearful of being overheard.


    The tension only sparked the curiosity of others in the room, who began sneaking glances at them.


    Why were the two women visiting a sick colleague and yet in such a heated argument?


    An elderly woman from Bed 2, feeling concerned, spoke up kindly. ¡°Young lady, you should speak gently with the patient. Comrade Guan has suffered greatly. Her body is already frail; if you upset her, it will only worsen her condition. A woman must rest and not be angered, especially during recovery, whether from childbirth or a miscarriage. Doing otherwise is detrimental to her health.¡± Having introduced themselves that morning, she was aware of Guan Guiling¡¯s name.


    Her words, however, ignited Jiang Baohong¡¯s fury.


    She turned and snapped, ¡°You old hag, what does it have to do with you? Who needs you to play the good Samaritan here? How I speak to Guan Guiling is between the two of us. Who do you think you are? Truly insufferable.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ How can you speak to me like that? Aren¡¯t you being too cruel?¡±


    Jiang Baohong didn''t mince words: "This is how I talk, what of it? Get lost, you old git." She hated people who acted like they were better just because they were older.


    At this moment, Guan Guiling chimed in: "Jiang Baohong, what do you mean by that? The aunt was just being considerate. You don''t have to be so harsh. This whole situation is your fault in the first place. Are you a mad dog, biting everyone you see? You can''t act like this."


    "How dare you speak to me like that?"


    "Why wouldn''t I dare? What do you mean by that?"


    They started arguing, and Sister Chen and Ming Mei suddenly felt awkward about entering directly.


    The two stood by the door, frozen in place.


    However, everyone''s attention was on the arguing duo, so no one noticed them.


    Jiang Baohong, having been shut down by Guan Guiling, didn''t hold back. She stood up, kicked the hospital bed forcefully, making a loud creak, causing Guan Guiling to wobble. She shouted, "Guan Guiling, stop acting like such a saint in front of me. What are you trying to prove? Calling me a dog. Are you even embarrassed to say such things? You called me a dog, but I think you''re a wolf, a white-eyed wolf. Don¡¯t you forget, the entire unit is only I lent you twenty bucks. How dare you speak to me like that now?"


    Guan Guiling retorted, "Is it because you lent me money that I have to obey you blindly, regardless of right and wrong?"


    Jiang Baohong stammered, "You... you dare say that! Do you really think you''re some saint? If you were such a saint, would you have plotted with me to swindle Ming Mei''s money? Now you''re acting all righteous. It''s hilarious! Do you believe I''ll expose all your dirty secrets at the unit?"


    She had some brains, but not much. Earlier, she was quiet and knew to discuss things discreetly, but now that she was angry, she didn''t care about anything else. They had no idea that Ming Mei was standing by the door. Even Sister Chen was surprised and gave Ming Mei a curious glance.


    Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong were plotting to swindle Ming Mei?


    What a horrible thing to do.


    They were all from the same unit.


    Before Sister Chen could say anything comforting, Guan Guiling spoke with a hint of grievance, "What are you spouting nonsense about? I have no idea what you''re talking about. I''m having a tough time after my miscarriage. You still want to bully me. Jiang Baohong, you''re despicable. Bullying a weak woman like me, does that make you happy? Why must you be like this?"


    She added with a hint of threat, "If you talk about me like that, what good will it do you?"


    If you''re smart, you''ll shut up. Black crows aren¡¯t any better than black pigs. Let¡¯s not criticize each other. If I expose you, you can expose me too! Guan Guiling was hinting that she could use this incident to threaten Jiang Baohong.


    It wasn¡¯t worth it to destroy each other in a battle of mutual destruction.


    If it were someone else, they would have understood Guan Guiling''s meaning, but, well, it just wasn''t someone else.


    Jiang Baohong... she simply didn¡¯t get it.


    After being a leader''s wife for so long and being flattered all the time, she had no social skills left. Guan Guiling was clearly hinting at her, but Jiang Baohong completely missed it, thinking Guan Guiling was just arguing with her.


    She raged, "I''m bullying you? Guan Guiling, you¡¯re laughable. Do you think I, Jiang Baohong, am someone you can push around? Let me tell you, stay in line, or I¡¯ll expose your secrets. Everyone in the unit will know you¡¯re scheming against them. Your little trick of trying to extort someone with a good position in the unit? I bet people would love to hear about it! It''s hilarious! You''re covered in dung and still dare to raise your voice at me? Let me tell you, your little secrets are already crystal clear to me. You took fifty bucks from Chen Yuan to smear Bai Fendou¡¯s reputation, didn¡¯t you? You think I don¡¯t know? I heard everything in the restroom. You were muttering to yourself and didn¡¯t even find a private spot. I heard you loud and clear. I chose not to expose you because I¡¯d love nothing more than for Bai Fendou to die. It¡¯s better if you ruin his reputation. It¡¯s even better if you tell everyone he¡¯s a violent abuser. He¡¯s a despicable man, but back then, didn¡¯t he treat you well? Yet you dumped him for a job with your ex-husband. You¡¯re the expert at burning bridges."


    She sneered, "Now it¡¯s my turn? But let me tell you, I¡¯m not someone who can be pushed around. I won¡¯t let anyone burn their bridges behind me. You¡¯re scheming against people in the unit, do you believe I¡¯ll spread it all over the place?"


    At this point, Jiang Baohong was out of control, shouting loudly without caring about anyone¡¯s opinion.


    The other patients in the ward were stunned, not believing what they were hearing. What a scandal! Everyone was in shock. The two at the door... seemed equally stunned.


    Sister Chen couldn¡¯t believe that just by representing the unit to visit a patient, she stumbled upon such a huge scandal.


    Scheming... against people in the unit?


    Ming Mei, though shocked, was calculating.


    She didn¡¯t want to make a scene. If they hadn¡¯t been discovered, would these two keep spilling more secrets?


    Hmm, interesting.


    But Chen Yuan really had too much money burning a hole in his pocket. Smearing Bai Fendou¡¯s reputation for fifty bucks?


    She pursed her lips, but it¡¯s not like anyone would believe it anyway!


    And Bai Fendou¡¯s reputation was already terrible, so one more or less wouldn¡¯t make a difference. A few more fleas don¡¯t make a dog itch more. It was a waste of money.


    Chen Yuan¡¯s brain clearly wasn¡¯t operating on normal logic.


    What was even less normal was Jiang Baohong, who was still running her mouth off: "Guan Guiling, you¡¯re putting on an act in the unit, pretending to be pitiful, thinking no one knows? If it weren¡¯t for me keeping an eye on you and discussing how to extort Ming Mei, you¡¯d have already found someone better in the unit to trap. Now you¡¯re acting like a saint? I think you''re asking for a beating. It''s the heavens punishing you for being so wicked!"


    Guan Guiling was trembling with anger. How did she end up with such a blockhead? She thought Jiang Baohong was stupid and could be controlled, but this woman was beyond stupid. She completely lost her sense of place and spoke nonsense without any regard for the setting.


    She raised her voice, "Stop talking nonsense! I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! What scheming against people in the unit, what scheming against Ming Mei, what scheming against Bai Fendou, I''ve never done any of that. You can¡¯t just make up whatever you want. Who do you think you are? Spouting nonsense here, I had an accident yesterday, my child was fine in my belly, there¡¯s no talk of trying to extort anything. Jiang Baohong, are you out of your mind? You can¡¯t just fabricate things about me because I don¡¯t listen to you. I¡¯ve never done what you said. Shut up!"


    Jiang Baohong glared, "Are you still acting? You''re such a rotten person, everyone knows you don¡¯t want to have any more kids, maybe yesterday you deliberately went out to... ah!"


    Guan Guiling couldn¡¯t take it anymore and slapped Jiang Baohong, she had to stop her before she said something that would ruin her chances of profiting from this.


    Besides, she wasn¡¯t deliberately doing anything yesterday.


    Though she did plan to extort money from Ming Mei, that was intentional, but the man from yesterday wasn¡¯t.


    Her eyes turned red with excitement, "You¡¯re slandering me, you¡¯re talking nonsense slandering me! Do you know how painful it is to lose a child? Do you know I can never have a child again? You¡¯re heartless, always thinking the worst of people, I don¡¯t care about that. But you can¡¯t say such things about me, my child is gone! How could any woman want to be barren for the rest of her life? When you say such things, are you not ashamed? I¡¯ll kill you, I¡¯ll kill you, you horrible liar! I¡¯ll kill you for being wicked! I¡¯ll kill you for bullying me..."


    Guan Guiling knew she had to act excited, otherwise, the accusation of being deliberate would stick, and that would be the end of her.


    She had to make everyone sympathize with her.


    The best way was... if Jiang Baohong hit her.


    As soon as she made a move, Jiang Baohong couldn¡¯t hold back.


    Guan Guiling quickly came up with a plan and started furiously beating Jiang Baohong, yanking her hair with all her might. "You''re a woman yourself, how can you be so vicious to falsely accuse another woman? I only borrowed twenty yuan from you, and I never said I wouldn''t pay it back. Are you forcing me to harm others? Are you trying to slander me? I can''t take it anymore, I can''t take it anymore..."


    Guan Guiling dragged Jiang Baohong towards the window. "You''re wrongfully accusing me, let''s die together! Let''s die together! Waaaaah, my child, mommy''s coming for you. I loved you so much, I eagerly awaited your birth, and now you''re gone, yet I have to bear these false accusations. I can''t take it anymore, I''m bringing this wicked woman to you, I''m coming to you..."


    Guan Guiling wailed hysterically, and everyone''s hearts immediately went out to her. After all, she looked truly devastated and pitiful.


    As for Jiang Baohong, everyone was filled with disgust.


    Jiang Baohong had lost a large chunk of her hair from Guan Guiling''s relentless pulling and had also been slapped several times. Unable to endure any further, she retaliated by hitting Guan Guiling. Since Guan Guiling had just suffered a miscarriage and was already weak, Jiang Baohong easily overpowered her, straddling her and slapping her repeatedly.


    "You want to harm me? I''ll beat you to death!"


    "Stop hitting her!"


    "What is wrong with you, how can you be so vicious?"


    "What are you doing?"


    The commotion grew louder, and several nurses rushed over to separate the two women. Sister Chen and Ming Mei, seeing the situation, instinctively moved to the left and right sides of the door, pressing themselves against the wall to avoid getting involved.


    You on the left side of the door, me on the right side.


    It wasn''t that they didn''t want to intervene, but how could they? The words they had just exchanged were still fresh in their minds. Stepping in would only add to the awkwardness.


    Besides, even if they couldn''t be sure of the truth, they both suspected that neither of the two women had any good intentions. Sister Chen certainly didn''t believe Guan Guiling''s performance. After all, they had worked together for years and knew each other well.


    And actions don''t lie.


    A while ago, Guan Guiling had indeed been constantly seeking out others, and once, after work, she had stood silently at the stairs. Anyone hurrying by could easily have bumped into her...


    Sister Chen thought back to a time when Guan Guiling had approached her alone, saying nothing of much importance, just casual topics, which made her wonder if Guan Guiling was trying to plot something against her. This realization sent a chill down her spine.


    Using one''s own child to manipulate others, just how terrifying could this woman be?


    In this moment, Sister Chen''s mind had already spun through countless thoughts, but she decided to stay out of it.


    As for Ming Mei, she certainly wasn''t going to get involved. She was smart enough not to care about the fate of two people trying to scheme against her. She wasn''t a fool.


    At this point, the nurses in the ward finally managed to separate the two women. One of them ran out screaming, "Doctor! Doctor!"


    Guan Guiling wasn''t doing well again.


    Fortunately, they had dealt with many disturbances and suicide attempts before, so their reactions were quick. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to separate them immediately.


    Indeed, experience is cumulative.


    If there were to be any more incidents, they might even consider adding wire mesh to the windows. They simply couldn''t handle this kind of chaos anymore!


    "Doctor..."


    The ward quickly sprang into action.


    Guan Guiling clutched her stomach, sobbing, "You''re framing me, frame me..."


    Everyone joined in to scold Jiang Baohong, who had been pulled into a patchy baldness, saying, "You''re such a vicious woman, not only framing others but also ruthlessly bullying them. Your morals are simply too low..."


    "We need to call security, or maybe the police, we can''t let her get away with this."


    "Exactly, we can''t!"


    "This person is so bad."


    Jiang Baohong faced everyone''s accusations and shouted, "Shut up, you fools! What do you know? Mind your own business, die already!"


    "How dare you curse at us!"


    "You, you, you!"


    "I''ve never seen anyone like you!"


    The other patients in the ward couldn''t take it anymore. The old man accompanying the elderly woman couldn''t resist any longer. He stormed out and slapped Jiang Baohong several times, shouting, "Today, I''m going to teach you a lesson, like your parents should have done, you vicious shrew! How dare you insult my wife, how dare you do bad things! How dare you..."


    Slap, slap, slap. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei peeked inside and clicked her tongue, "Oh my, she''s beaten to a pulp."


    "Serves her right!"

 Chapter 159

    Fighting is quite different between men and women.


    Men fight with real swords and spears, relying on their fists to teach people a lesson. Women, on the other hand, tend to opt for slapping and pulling hair. This difference is largely due to physical strength. Of course, men do sometimes pull hair, but it''s considered shameful.


    Let''s focus on women.


    Guan Guiling may seem delicate and fragile, but she''s actually quite strong. She managed to pull Jiang Baohong''s hair so hard that it left her with a patchy bald spot.


    Although Guan Guiling did get beaten up, Jiang Baohong''s tactics were clearly inferior. Guan Guiling looked worse off, but in reality, Jiang Baohong suffered more severe injuries. However, when the doctor arrived, the first thing he did was attend to Guan Guiling.


    Who could blame him? Guan Guiling had a preexisting condition, and while Jiang Baohong might have been the stronger fighter, Guan Guiling''s health was already on the verge of collapse. Lying in the hospital bed, she looked like she was on the brink of death. Jiang Baohong, on the other hand, was furious after being beaten and yelled, "Guan Guiling, you bastard! You ungrateful wretch! Mark my words, I''ll make you pay for this!"


    Guan Guiling silently shed tears, playing the part of the injured party to perfection.


    Jiang Baohong continued to scream, "Stop acting like that! You think I''m some naive man who''ll fall for your innocent act? You''re the most cunning and manipulative person I know!"


    The doctor, sick of her yelling, finally said, "Take her to the security office. We''ll hand her over to the police when they arrive."


    The security officers agreed, "Alright."


    They were quick to act, as this hospital seemed to attract all kinds of disturbances. It wasn''t uncommon for fights to break out right in the hospital, sending people straight to the emergency room. This had become so routine that both the security team and the medical staff were always on high alert.


    Experience had taught them to react quickly to any incident.


    As the security officers escorted Jiang Baohong out, she suddenly remembered something and shouted, "Where''s my bicycle? Guan Guiling, where''s my bicycle?"


    Guan Guiling froze for a moment, then recalled that the bicycle had been left on the side of the road the previous day.


    But now, she didn''t dare admit to it.


    After all, it had been a day since then, and she hadn''t even locked the bike.


    She didn''t believe it would still be there.


    Her eyes flashed, and she weakly replied, "What bicycle?"


    Jiang Baohong, already at the door, clung to the frame, afraid of being dragged away, and screamed, "I lent you my bicycle! You can''t just deny it! Are you shameless, Guan Guiling?"


    Guan Guiling softly replied, "Don''t slander me. You''ve already accused me enough. I have no idea what bicycle you''re talking about. I never borrowed a bicycle from you. Are you trying to frame me again? That''s a valuable item. What kind of family do I have? How could I possibly afford to borrow such a thing?"


    Jiang Baohong was stunned by her denial and became even more furious, yelling, "So you''ve stolen my bicycle! No wonder you were acting so hostile today. Give me back my bicycle!"


    She lunged forward, but the security officers quickly restrained her, warning, "Lady, if you don''t calm down, we won''t be gentle anymore."


    Jiang Baohong spat and retorted, "Who do you think you are, daring to speak to me like that? When my husband was in a leadership position, you were all picking up sheep droppings. You have no idea who you''re dealing with. Get out of my way, or when my husband gets reassigned, I''ll make sure you all pay!"


    She missed those days dearly.


    Her family used to get access to all sorts of nice things. Now that her husband was gone, she felt even more resentful. How could her life be so unlucky? Everything seemed to go wrong. She shouted, "I''ll make you all pay!"


    Such threats might have worked elsewhere, but this was a hospital¡ªtheir most frequent destination.


    This hospital was notorious for countless chaotic battles.


    Even Jiang Baohong hadn''t escaped unscathed here. Her husband''s affair with Wang Xiangxiu was common knowledge among the medical staff and security officers. Who would be intimidated by her threats? The security officers didn''t hold back, replying, "Threaten us all you want! We''re shaking in our boots! Keep talking, see where it gets you!"


    With a firm shove, they dragged Jiang Baohong out.


    Jiang Baohong continued to scream and struggle, but with her ordinary looks and her battered face¡ªthanks to an elderly man¡ªher yelling had no effect. The crowd made way for the security officers to drag her out.


    Jiang Baohong, however, wasn''t giving up. She screeched, "Unhand me! How much did Guan Guiling pay you to side with her?"


    "Help! They''re killing me!"


    "Let me go!"


    "I''ll never forgive you, you filthy security dogs!"


    ...


    Jiang Baohong was truly skilled at making enemies. Within moments, her endless yelling had turned the security officers'' faces black. She didn''t realize that the security team wasn''t one to be trifled with. Despite her relentless ranting, no one intervened. They simply dragged her away, and Jiang Baohong''s screams grew even louder. Her shrill, unpleasant voice grated on everyone''s nerves. One of the security officers finally covered her mouth, dragging her away like a struggling pig being hauled to the slaughterhouse.


    Jiang Baohong quickly disappeared from everyone''s sight.


    She was too busy flailing and yelling to notice that Sister Chen and Ming Mei were among the onlookers. Sister Chen and Ming Mei exchanged glances, feeling both amused and horrified by the spectacle.


    Sister Chen leaned closer to Ming Mei and said, "Can you imagine? What''s she thinking? This is so embarrassing."


    Wasn''t it better to live a dignified life? Why stoop to such humiliation?


    Ming Mei, usually soft-spoken and polite, was surprisingly blunt. "She''s just asking for it."


    Sister Chen was rarely heard Ming Mei speak like that, as she was usually gentle and friendly. However, Sister Chen quickly understood why Ming Mei was so irritated.


    She suddenly recalled the conversation between Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong, where they mentioned scheming to frame Ming Mei. How could Ming Mei be happy about that? Thinking about it, Sister Chen also felt a surge of anger.


    Yes, that''s right. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.


    She and Guan Guiling had no past conflicts or recent grievances. Why would Guan Guiling try to frame her?


    Now, Sister Chen found Guan Guiling even more despicable. Her behavior was utterly unacceptable. She made a mental note to spread the word about these two women, as they were bringing shame to all women with their immoral actions.


    She muttered inwardly, but didn¡¯t bother hiding it on the surface. Why would she?


    She and Ming Mei were in the same trench.


    "I¡¯m so fed up with this..."


    Before she could finish, an old lady came charging straight towards them. Seeing the woman about to crash into Sister Chen, Ming Mei quickly pulled her to the side. Like a locomotive, the old lady didn¡¯t stop at all but rushed into the room. Her gaze swept around, finally landing on Guan Guiling. With a wail, she dropped to her knees, "Girl, please spare our family..."


    She howled and covered her face, weeping loudly.


    Though it was more like thunder without rain.


    Following behind the old lady were several men and women, not exceptionally old, but their weathered expressions suggested they were used to hard labor. This family of six or seven people stormed into the room, all crowding around Guan Guiling¡¯s bedside, wailing, "Please forgive my son! He didn¡¯t mean it, it was an accident!"


    This old lady wasn¡¯t just anyone; she was Fan Cai-shi, the matriarch of the Fan family.


    The Fan family was quite the oddity. Last night, both Fan Jianguo and his sister Fan Lian didn¡¯t come home, yet the entire family didn¡¯t think it was unusual. In fact, they found it utterly normal. Fan Cai-shi, privately chatting with her husband, Old Fan, thought her son must have spent the night with Cheng Xiaoping. If that were the case, she¡¯d be quite pleased. This Cheng Xiaoping had the audacity to cut ties with their family after everything they¡¯d done for her. That was something Fan Cai-shi couldn¡¯t tolerate.


    Once you¡¯ve eaten at someone¡¯s table, you become part of their household. Cheeky girl, daring to throw a tantrum.


    Fan Jianguo himself hadn¡¯t thought about doing anything with Cheng Xiaoping, but it was Fan Cai-shi who came up with this scheme. Women, once they¡¯ve given their bodies to a man, couldn¡¯t leave him. And if she dared to, they¡¯d spread it far and wide, making her lose face.


    After all, they could always control her.


    Fan Jianguo might look shrewd, but he was actually a mama¡¯s boy, though this term didn¡¯t exist back then. He was utterly filial and naive. While he could scheme against others, he never kept money for himself, always handing it over to his mother. Whatever she said, he obeyed without question.


    So when Fan Cai-shi suggested this underhanded plan, although it was despicable, Fan Jianguo surprisingly found it appealing. He was tempted, though he never expected things to turn out like this.


    Fan Jianguo was detained at the police station, a situation the Fan family was completely unaware of. Fan Cai-shi, thinking her strategy had worked, was smug, but still chatted with her husband, "This Cheng Xiaoping can¡¯t stay in the cultural troupe anymore. Once they¡¯re married, she¡¯ll have to come back and serve the elders. Her job will go to our Lian. Cheng Xiaoping absolutely can¡¯t stay in the troupe; she¡¯s too loose with her morals. Look, she¡¯s already living together with our Jianguo before marriage. Who knows what she¡¯ll do next? A woman like that... no good."


    Old Fan agreed with this assessment.


    He said, "That¡¯s true, but once the son is married, he¡¯ll be alone again..."


    Fan Cai-shi¡¯s eyes twinkled with cunning. She smiled triumphantly, "Let Zao Hua, from my side of the family, go take care of Jianguo. Although she¡¯s a cousin, we¡¯ll just say she¡¯s a sister. Day and night, she¡¯ll look after him. If anyone asks, we¡¯ll say she¡¯s helping her brother and looking for a match out there. People will understand. My brother¡¯s daughter? Can¡¯t compare to any outsider."


    Old Fan nodded. "Zao Hua will do. She¡¯s obedient and filial."


    "Exactly."


    The elderly couple¡¯s expressions were sinister, like the evil spirits of ancient times.


    Old Fan spoke with admiration, "Old lady, you¡¯re the one with a plan. If it weren¡¯t for you, our family wouldn¡¯t be so prosperous. All your credit. You hear people say, ¡®Marry well for a virtuous wife.¡¯ I¡¯m lucky."


    Fan Cai-shi smiled smugly, "Of course. Look, if it weren¡¯t for my arranging for our two eldest sons to marry village girls, could we have stayed in the village? If I hadn¡¯t insisted on buttering up Old Master He, could we have married He Lan? Unfortunately, the old bastard was so biased, leaving his entire fortune to his daughters. A measly two thousand dollars."


    She had expected more.


    Even though their farming barely kept them from starving, never saving a penny, she still felt He Lan¡¯s two thousand dollars was too little. She wanted more. Other families could get rich, why not hers?


    Thinking back to when she humiliated the once-noble young lady, Fan Cai-shi was filled with pride.


    But now, with the current state of affairs, bad ties had to be severed quickly; otherwise, they¡¯d jeopardize her son¡¯s future. He Lan must go, and that mewling little daughter? Who knew if she¡¯d even survive. Not that they cared.


    If it were a boy, perhaps they¡¯d keep him, but a girl? Hmph.


    Now, it was Cheng Xiaoping¡¯s turn.


    She was trickier than He Lan, but with her around, everything was under control.


    The couple was immensely pleased with themselves, certain their schemes were unmatched. Little did they know, their son Fan Jianguo hadn¡¯t followed their plan and slept with Cheng Xiaoping, but instead spent the night in the police station.


    If they had any sense, they¡¯d have realized something was wrong. After all, Jianguo wasn¡¯t alone; his sister Fan Lian was with him too. But the daughter¡¯s position in the family was already so low that the parents never considered her.


    Old Fan and Fan Cai-shi, having not seen their son all night, weren¡¯t worried but rather smug. Their son was so capable that even the finest women had to woo him.


    Delighted, Fan Cai-shi went about her work that morning with a proud swagger.


    This left others puzzled, wondering what joy had befallen the Fan family. Considering their son, Jianguo, they speculated he must have charmed that girl again.


    "What kind of blind luck would make anyone want him?" someone whispered.


    "She¡¯s already left, unlikely to be willing," another murmured.


    "Hard to say."


    "Look at her smugness. And Jianguo¡ª"


    As they whispered their speculations, a clerk from the township came riding furiously, shouting, "Yang Family Village! Is the village head here?"


    The village head hurried out, though it wasn¡¯t harvest season, he was always out in the fields overseeing things as they approached maturity.


    "You¡¯ve got a Fan Jianguo here, right? Which one¡¯s the Fan family?"


    The village head was puzzled. "The Fan family? Over there. I¡¯ll take you. What¡¯s the matter?" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The clerk was furious. "What¡¯s the matter? Disgrace, that¡¯s what! Last evening, Fan Jianguo assaulted a woman in the city, causing her severe injury and miscarriage."


    "What?"


    The village head was dumbfounded. What kind of business was this?


    He stammered, "H-he assaulted a woman? Who did he hit?"


    The clerk¡¯s anger grew. "The woman didn¡¯t even know him. She¡¯s a factory worker."


    Why was he so angry? It was a matter of disgrace.


    Having such a person in their village brought shame to them all. The clerk was furious, and the village head was equally outraged. He cursed, "That family never knows rest. Do they think the outside world is as accommodating as our village? How dare they act wild out there!"


    Unable to help himself, he tentatively asked, "Could it be a misunderstanding?"


    He was desperate for it to be just that.


    "Misunderstanding, what misunderstanding? There were at least a hundred or eighty people crowding around at the time, and everyone saw it. Do you think it was a misunderstanding? Let me tell you, he''s not just involved in this incident. There are reports that he tried to forcibly take away another female comrade as well. Now, his situation has become quite complicated. You should notify his family immediately. Regardless of everything, the injured female comrade is still in the hospital, so their family should go there to pay for her medical expenses. Don''t think this is a small matter; it''s definitely not. Fan Jianguo didn''t just cause the woman to miscarry; she may never be able to have children again. You can think about how big this issue is!"


    The clerk didn''t know Fan Jianguo and already regarded him as a shame to their side. He wouldn''t cover up for Fan Jianguo either, speaking loudly as he walked, ensuring that many people overheard.


    Upon hearing this, everyone expressed shock.


    "My goodness, she can''t have children anymore?"


    "Has he gone mad? That''s incredibly vicious."


    "Exactly, if a woman can''t have children, that''s no small matter..."


    Fan Cai-shi, upon hearing all this, almost fainted.


    She shouted loudly, unable to believe it, "Impossible! This absolutely can''t be true. My son is so good; how could he hit someone?"


    Last night, she had been dreaming of controlling Cheng Xiaoping, but now she found out her son had actually spent the night in the police station?


    "This..."


    "Fan Cai-shi, what are you shouting for? Hurry up and pack your things to go to the city to see what¡¯s going on! What¡¯s the point of yelling here? Did they pick your son up without reason? There were witnesses at the scene. You all flaunt yourselves all the time, and now you''ve gotten into trouble? I''ve always said that people shouldn''t act like this..." The village leader wanted to say a few more words, but seeing Fan Cai-shi''s unconvinced face, he lost patience and simply said, "Forget it, you won''t listen anyway. Just go quickly."


    Fan Cai-shi never expected things to be this way. She dropped her hoe and ran home, with the rest of the Fan family quickly following. This was a big deal, and no matter what, they had to go and see.


    Moreover, they needed to pay for the victim''s medical expenses.


    As the other family members, they were unhappy, feeling that this was taking their share. The old folks¡¯ money was for the whole family, not just Fan Jianguo¡¯s. They had to keep an eye on this.


    So, the entire Fan family left together, and everyone else started speculating...


    Meanwhile, when the Fan family arrived at the police station, they only met Fan Jianguo''s siblings, not Cheng Xiaoping. It turned out that after sorting things out, Cheng Xiaoping had communicated with someone and left Beijing early this morning, returning to her unit directly.


    It could be imagined that from now on, she would have no further ties with the Fan family.


    Seeing that Cheng Xiaoping had left, Fan Cai-shi was furious and trembling. She hadn''t expected Cheng Xiaoping to be so heartless. She cursed, "Bitch, this cheap woman, she slept with my son and ran away. This slut, this whore..."


    The police officers couldn''t stand it and said coldly, "If you continue to slander the military, we will detain you."


    Although Cheng Xiaoping was only part of the artistic troupe, she was still a soldier. Moreover, in this incident, she was the victim. It was the Fan family that fit the saying, "Old lady leaning against the wall drinking porridge¡ªdespicable, shameless, and vile."


    Such people wouldn''t get any kind treatment from them.


    Furthermore, they didn''t believe the rumors that Cheng Xiaoping and Fan Jianguo had slept together. If that were true, Cheng Xiaoping wouldn''t have left so decisively. After all, women are usually soft-hearted.


    "One night together, a hundred days of affection."


    However, Cheng Xiaoping seemed very upright, and they didn''t believe the rumors.


    Besides, if Cheng Xiaoping and Fan Jianguo really had something going on, Fan Jianguo wouldn''t have been so desperate to forcefully take Cheng Xiaoping away yesterday. He could''ve used private matters to threaten her. They were aware of such tactics in police cases involving gender disputes, but Fan Jianguo didn¡¯t. Cheng Xiaoping wasn''t afraid either, so they believed Cheng Xiaoping and Fan Jianguo didn''t have an actual relationship. Seeing the old lady trying to smear Cheng Xiaoping with such slander, they couldn''t stand it.


    "If you keep spreading defamatory rumors about Comrade Cheng Xiaoping, we will arrest you."


    Seeing that the police weren''t giving her any face, Fan Cai-shi realized this wasn''t a place where she could behave recklessly. Even if she wanted to smear someone, it wouldn''t affect Cheng Xiaoping''s reputation, since Cheng Xiaoping was from here and had left without looking back.


    At this thought, she became more subdued, realizing Beijing wasn''t like their village, where she could do as she pleased.


    "Fan Jianguo injured Comrade Guan Guiling, and she is still in the hospital. You should go and pay her hospital fees first. We will also arrange for someone to negotiate the compensation with you. Of course, if you don¡¯t want to negotiate, that''s fine too. If you can¡¯t obtain the victim¡¯s forgiveness, we will impose a heavier punishment on Fan Jianguo, as this was intentional harm."


    "What!" Fan Cai-shi cried out again, "Look at my son beaten like this; they should compensate him too..."


    The police officer interrupted her impatiently, "Your son was beaten because someone stepped in to help. If he hadn''t been doing bad things, no one would have touched him. Look for your own reasons."


    The men who intervened this time would be commended, with commendations sent to their units. It wasn''t something a quarrelsome old lady like Fan Cai-shi could slander. Seeing that she wasn''t getting any sympathy, she thought for a moment and said, "Then, I''ll go to the hospital to see the victim first."


    She paused and added, "I''ll go pay the medical fees first so as not to delay her treatment. As for what she wants, you can take me to negotiate later, how about that?"


    The police officer replied, "Alright." Many cases were settled privately before involving them, as people often didn¡¯t want them interfering.


    Upon hearing this, Fan Cai-shi sighed in relief.


    Although things seemed complicated, she knew the most important thing now was this matter. She had to force Guan Guiling to forgive her son. As for compensation? Pfft, he didn''t deserve it.


    Money? No way.


    Moreover, a woman should stay at home; why was she running around outside? Getting beaten was her own fault.


    She started cursing Guan Guiling in her heart, then hurried to the hospital.


    This was when Ming Mei encountered them.


    Ming Mei watched as the old lady walked in, screaming without shedding a tear. She raised an eyebrow with a subtle expression. A group of people surrounded Guan Guiling, who remained calm, coughing continuously and lying on the sickbed, as if unable to respond.


    The daughter-in-laws of the Fan family looked at Guan Guiling''s bruised and swollen face and messy hair, feeling even more shocked. Honestly, they were a bit stunned. They had always thought Fan Jianguo was a gentleman, as he never laid a hand on He Lan when their family mistreated her.


    But now, seeing this, they realized he wasn''t easy to deal with either. He was too vicious, hitting a woman''s face like that. This woman didn''t look bad, yet she got such a beating!


    Indeed, the quiet ones bite hardest.


    Surprisingly, the other brothers of the Fan family had similar thoughts.


    They couldn¡¯t understand why Fan Jianguo would go so far as to strike a random woman so violently.


    What was the point?


    What they didn¡¯t know was that Guan Guiling wasn¡¯t beaten by Fan Jianguo but by Jiang Baohong.


    Misunderstanding.


    But, no one explained.


    Madame Fan Cai-shi cried out loudly, ¡°Daughter, I know my son accidentally hurt you, but he didn¡¯t do it on purpose. He¡¯s a kind-hearted person, I know him best¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t even dare step on an ant! Please forgive him. If you don¡¯t forgive him, his future will be ruined!¡±


    Madame Fan Cai-shi¡¯s moral blackmail came as easily as opening her mouth.


    However, she wasn¡¯t getting anywhere with Guan Guiling. Instead of responding, Guan Guiling silently began to cry. Compared to Madame Fan Cai-shi¡¯s fake wailing, Guan Guiling¡¯s tears flowed like broken pearls.


    ¡°Forgive him? Who will bring back my child?¡± Her voice trembled with bitterness as she said, ¡°I didn¡¯t even know him, and he treated me so cruelly. How can I just let this go when I can¡¯t even give my unborn child justice?¡±


    Her tears flowed even more as she continued, ¡°He has a future, but what about my child?¡±


    Madame Fan Cai-shi retorted, ¡°That¡¯s not how you should look at it. Your child wasn¡¯t even born yet. It just wasn¡¯t meant to be...¡±


    ¡°What kind of nonsense is that?¡± someone interjected.


    ¡°Yeah, who talks like that? How shameless can this old woman be?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    The crowd immediately expressed their disapproval. None of this was sitting well with the onlookers. What kind of human beings were these people?


    Madame Fan Cai-shi was met with widespread disdain, yet she still thought she had the upper hand, as if she were still in their village where she could act with impunity. She turned around and shouted, ¡°Shut up, all of you! What business is it of yours? You busybodies, let me tell you¡ªthis little woman, she¡¯ll agree whether she wants to or not. She¡¯ll forgive my son today, or I won¡¯t pay a single penny for her medical bills. Let¡¯s see what she does then!¡±


    ¡°Good heavens. How vicious can one person be?¡±


    ¡°Man, my fists are itching to punch something.¡±


    ¡°This woman is despicable.¡±


    ...


    The crowd buzzed with indignation, their eyes full of hostility as they glared at the Fan family.


    Madame Fan Cai-shi, however, didn¡¯t care. She didn¡¯t think she was in the wrong. After all, everyone acted in their own self-interest, and her family was no different. Besides, why should a woman be allowed to stay in the hospital? Couldn¡¯t she just recover at home? After all, hadn¡¯t everyone else gone through a miscarriage before? Why was she acting so high and mighty?


    What was so precious about her?


    Madame Fan Cai-shi ignored the jeers and continued to act arrogantly. ¡°Think carefully,¡± she said. ¡°If I don¡¯t pay your medical bills, what will you do? If you agree not to pursue this, I might even give you ten or eight dollars. Your body? Just go home and rest.¡±


    Guan Guiling had already anticipated that getting money wouldn¡¯t be easy, but she hadn¡¯t expected the Fan family to be so malicious. Nevertheless, she held her ground and retorted, ¡°If you don¡¯t intend to compensate me, then leave. I will pursue your son¡¯s punishment regardless.¡±


    ¡°You dare!¡± Madame Fan Cai-shi roared.


    Guan Guiling replied calmly, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I dare? Are you going to kill me?¡±


    The two sides reached a stalemate. Meanwhile, outside the door, Ming Mei and Sister Chen were stuck as well. They were having a tough time just trying to visit a patient.


    They hadn¡¯t even entered the room when they first saw Jiang Baohong, and now they were dealing with this vile old lady. It seemed like every time they tried to visit, something got in the way.


    Sister Chen: ¡°...¡±


    She pulled her lips into a thin smile and whispered to Ming Mei, ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve encountered something this absurd.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°...¡±


    Well, I have¡ªI¡¯ve seen even more unbelievable things.


    At that moment, Ming Mei felt a newfound sense of her own experience, knowing that she wasn¡¯t just anyone.


    She hesitated for a moment, then said, ¡°I have a feeling we¡¯re not getting into that ward today.¡±


    Sister Chen: ¡°...Funny, I was thinking the same thing.¡±


    She felt the same way¡ªthere was no way they were getting in. The people inside were still arguing.


    But just as they whispered to each other, Madame Fan Cai-shi erupted again. Having failed to achieve anything through her wailing, she resorted to threats.


    ¡°You dirty little woman! Do you even know who you¡¯re messing with? You think you can provoke me? Let me tell you, with a mother like you, it¡¯s no wonder the child couldn¡¯t be born. Look at you¡ªhalf dead already. No wonder you can¡¯t even have a child... Agh!¡±


    Before she could finish, Guan Guiling slapped her across the face.


    ¡°Ah! How dare you hit me!¡±


    Guan Guiling retorted fiercely, ¡°I hit you because you deserved it!¡±


    Madame Fan Cai-shi, who had never been treated so disrespectfully, screamed, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, you little wretch! Old man, help me!¡±


    The room quickly descended into chaos as punches and shouts flew.


    Several onlookers who couldn¡¯t stand by and watch anymore stepped in to help, but even so, Guan Guiling was injured. She was now even more disheveled than before. She¡¯d been scratched across the neck, and it was only by dodging that she hadn¡¯t been hit in the face.


    She hadn¡¯t expected the old lady to be so ferocious. Not only was Madame Fan Cai-shi fierce, but Old Fan also joined in.


    However, the younger generations of the Fan family didn¡¯t step forward. Instead, they took a few steps back.


    Though they were uneducated, they could see that the situation wasn¡¯t looking good.


    Such behavior might be acceptable in their village, but this was Beijing!


    They were hesitant.


    Madame Fan Cai-shi and Old Fan, feeling unstoppable because of their age, continued to attack mercilessly. Fortunately, the security team arrived quickly!


    They were, after all, very experienced.


    Normally, if it had been someone else, Ming Mei would have stepped in to help, especially since the Fan family was being particularly cruel. But with Guan Guiling... Ming Mei would rather watch from the sidelines. She didn¡¯t believe in turning the other cheek.


    Why should she?


    The security team, however, was efficient. Their movements were swift and decisive, and soon they had subdued everyone.


    But looking at Madame Fan Cai-shi and Old Fan, it was clear they¡¯d been injured¡ªthough slightly less so than Guan Guiling.


    ¡°Enough of this! What are you doing? Are you here to cause trouble in our hospital? Over and over again! Do you ever plan to stop? You¡¯ll have to compensate for the damages here.¡± The head of security yelled in frustration.


    Their hospital seemed to attract nothing but medical disputes.


    Madame Fan Cai-shi retorted, ¡°Why should we?!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®why.¡¯ Just because you broke stuff! You can refuse to pay, but then it¡¯s off to the slammer for you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being so harsh! You city folks just look down on us rural folks...¡± Madame Fan Cai-shi wailed. ¡°You¡¯re the ones discriminating against us!¡±


    ¡°How can you lie so blatantly?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re disgustingly shameless.¡±


    ¡°Your face is thicker than the city wall.¡±


    At that moment, Guan Guiling spoke up, ¡°Quiet, everyone. Quiet.¡±


    She took a deep breath and said weakly, ¡°Let¡¯s just forget it. I believe they didn¡¯t intend any harm.¡±


    Everyone looked at Guan Guiling in surprise. She continued, ¡°They¡¯re just worried about their son.¡±


    She paused, then added, ¡°Let¡¯s discuss the compensation matter calmly. I believe they¡¯ll be willing to talk. Gentlemen from security, could we have a moment to discuss this privately?¡±


    The security team frowned.


    Guan Guiling explained, ¡°Honestly, we should handle this privately. Otherwise, I can¡¯t even process my medical bills.¡±


    She looked pathetic as she addressed Madame Fan Cai-shi and Old Fan, ¡°Let¡¯s have a quiet talk, just the three of us.¡±


    Seeing that Guan Guiling had backed down, Madame Fan Cai-shi smirked, ¡°Did you hear that? She wants to talk privately. Step aside, everyone.¡±


    The crowd furrowed their brows, not entirely approving of Guan Guiling¡¯s approach but considering her possible reasons for doing so, they decided not to say more. The security team warned, ¡°Don¡¯t cause any more trouble.¡±


    ¡°We understand,¡± Guan Guiling said softly. She didn¡¯t seem to be in a hurry to deal with her injuries. Instead, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s go out and talk.¡±


    Madame Fan Cai-shi: ¡°Fine!¡± Ha! This little wench has finally caved! She thought to herself. She had known that a little threat, a little beating, and this little vixen would give in. Did she really think she could demand money? What did she think she was?


    Guan Guiling lowered her head, a crafty light flashing in her eyes, which no one noticed. She said, ¡°Then let¡¯s go to the restroom at the end of the corridor.¡±


    She added, ¡°We¡¯ll discuss things there.¡±


    Madame Fan Cai-shi: ¡°No problem. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    She pulled Old Fan along, saying, ¡°We¡¯ll go together.¡±


    Guan Guiling nodded, giving a faint smile that no one saw.


    As the three prepared to leave, Sister Chen quickly pulled Ming Mei toward the stairwell, avoiding the others and making it clear they didn¡¯t want to see Guan Guiling again.


    Sister Chen: ¡°...¡±


    She sincerely said, "What about we leave first? We can come back another day. This situation is really..."


    Ming Mei: "That sounds fine."


    Right now, entering the hospital to visit a patient seems highly inappropriate.


    Just as they had agreed, they peeked inside and saw Old Fan and Fan Cai-shi walking with Guan Guiling towards the end of the corridor, heading for the restroom. A crowd of onlookers had gathered, but it was clear they didn''t want anyone listening. Once inside the restroom, Guan Guiling checked to ensure no one else was there, then relaxed and said, "Come in."


    She added, "Close the door properly; we don''t want outsiders to hear us."


    Fan Cai-shi gloated, "Alright, you''re sensible. Let me tell you, don''t think you''re so great. You city folks, in my eyes, are nothing. Not even as good as money."


    When Guan Guiling heard the word "money," her eyes darkened even more. She gently curled her lips and said, "Oh, you have money? With money, you still don''t want to compensate me?"


    Fan Cai-shi frowned, "You''ve just had a miscarriage. Just stay home and recover. Ten yuan is more than enough! Old Man, don''t you agree?"


    Old Fan nodded, "Yes, that''s right."


    Guan Guiling chuckled, "Ten yuan? Are you treating me like a beggar?"


    Fan Cai-shi cursed, "Pfft, don''t be ungrateful. You..."


    Suddenly, Guan Guiling laughed, a strange and eerie laugh. Fan Cai-shi''s words got stuck in her throat, feeling something was off. Guan Guiling whispered softly, "Trying to fight me? You two old fools aren''t even worthy."


    In a flash, she fell backwards and screamed, "Don''t push me! Please, don''t push me! Help!..."


    She plunged out of the second-floor window and fell to the ground below.


    Old Fan and Fan Cai-shi were stunned. They hurried forward, trying to grab her, but it was too late.


    The crowd outside, waiting to watch the spectacle, had already heard Guan Guiling''s screams. They burst into the room, only to hear a loud thud as someone had fallen from the second floor... "You killed her!"


    Old Fan and Fan Cai-shi turned pale. "We didn''t! We are innocent! Someone is framing us..."


    By now, many had heard the commotion. Looking out the window, they saw Guan Guiling lying on the ground. Medical staff rushed out immediately. Ming Mei and Sister Chen had just been heading downstairs. They dashed to the other side of the building where Guan Guiling had fallen.


    "Damn!"


    "Oh my God!"


    Sister Chen: "Those two old bastards pushed her down? This is a murder attempt!"


    Ming Mei looked up, then at the spot where Guan Guiling had fallen. The medical staff reacted quickly, putting her on a stretcher and rushed her to the operating room. Sister Chen and Ming Mei stayed rooted in place, observing the spot where Guan Guiling had fallen. The soil there looked loose... someone had dug there; it was different from the rest.


    Ming Mei frowned, feeling something was off.


    She couldn''t quite figure it out. Did Guan Guiling jump down herself? But to risk her life for money? A second-floor drop, though not too high, could still be dangerous. Such acts were rare, especially with someone like Guan Guiling, who was already in poor health. If the old couple had pushed her, were they out of their minds? Publicly committing such a crime? And that spot had been disturbed...


    Ming Mei scratched her head, utterly confused.


    She stood still, and Sister Chen tugged her, saying, "Scared, aren''t you? Don''t worry; we''ll go see what''s happening."


    She led Ming Mei upstairs, occasionally glancing back at the spot where Guan Guiling had fallen. Still, she said nothing in the end.


    Once upstairs, Sister Chen took the initiative to introduce herself to the security chief, saying, "We''re from the bus station. We came to visit a patient, but..."


    The security chief forced a smile: "We didn''t expect this either."


    Sister Chen added, "We understand the situation. They wanted a private talk; it''s not your fault."


    "You''re very understanding. But this is indeed our oversight; we should have had someone follow them."


    Sister Chen sighed.


    Guan Guiling hadn''t come out of the operating room yet when the police arrived.


    Many had heard Guan Guiling''s screams. No matter how Old Fan and Fan Cai-shi tried to defend themselves, it was futile. The two were promptly taken away. Meanwhile, Guan Guiling was wheeled out of the operating room.


    Sister Chen approached quickly: "Officer, I''m from Guan Guiling''s unit. How is she?"


    The doctor replied honestly, "She''s sustained severe damage to her body, but there''s no immediate danger to her life. She has a fractured leg. Given her poor health before this and now the fall, it¡¯ll take at least half a year to recover."


    Sister Chen nodded.


    Ming Mei looked around, asking, "What about the other members of the Fan family?"


    One onlooker said, "As soon as they heard that the old couple had pushed Guan Guiling down, they fled in fright."


    Ming Mei: "...reliably unsympathetic."


    Ming Mei added, "Sister Chen, this is a big deal. The hospital can''t foot the bill for her treatment. Should we report this to our unit or..."


    Sister Chen was more experienced and directly said, "There''s a culprit here. Our unit will go straight to the culprit. I''ll report to the police on behalf of our unit. They''re from Yang Family Village. If they don''t pay for Guan Guiling''s treatment, we''ll communicate with Yang Family Village, have the village collectively cover the costs, and deduct their family''s work points. It''s nearly autumn harvest, and if they don''t pay, their work points will be deducted, leaving them with no grain. It''s their fault."


    Ming Mei didn''t understand all this, but since Sister Chen explained it, she nodded.


    "We won''t stay here long; we need to return to our unit."


    "Understood."


    On the way back, Sister Chen explained to Ming Mei, "For those who can afford it, we don''t cover the expenses from our unit. We go straight to the village to deduct work points, forcing them to pay. Otherwise, they¡¯d be as stubborn as dead pigs in boiling water. But when it comes to food, they¡¯ll be more cooperative. This is how we usually handle such cases. For those with jobs, we deal through their work units. For those without, we handle it through the village. Otherwise, you''ll encounter deadbeat troublemakers."


    Ming Mei nodded, feeling emotional: "Your job isn''t easy."


    Sister Chen: "Who says otherwise? Fortunately, such cases are quite rare."


    Suddenly, Sister Chen said, "Later, stay away from Guan Guiling."


    Ming Mei tilted her head: "Huh?"


    After some hesitation, Sister Chen finally said, "Guan Guiling is a tough one."


    Ming Mei remained silent, knowing Sister Chen likely suspected that Guan Guiling''s fall wasn''t as simple as it seemed. However, she didn''t comment further, and they soon returned to their unit. Sister Chen: "Take a half-day leave and go home to rest. You''ve had quite a scare."


    After ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????all, encountering a person falling from a building could frighten anyone.


    Ming Mei nodded silently: "Okay."


    Ming Mei took leave, but Sister Chen couldn''t.


    At the bus station, word spread about Guan Guiling''s incident in the hospital, leading to much discussion...


    Regardless of what others said, Ming Mei quickly rode her bicycle home. She had an easy time taking leave due to the shock, a benefit of being a long-time employee''s child. Everyone knew her, so asking for leave was simple.


    She rode home at noon. As soon as she entered the yard, she saw He Lan washing baby clothes. The yard was quiet, indicating others were probably napping.


    She smiled and said, "Washing things?"


    He Lan: "Indeed. While the baby''s asleep, I can get some work done. Otherwise, she''s always looking for me."


    Her baby was very clingy.


    She looked at Ming Mei in surprise, "Why did you come home at noon?"


    Ming Mei: "I took a half-day leave from work. The boss said not to deduct my salary; how could I not take the opportunity to leave?"


    They were being considerate due to her shock.


    "That¡¯s good, your unit is really understanding."


    Ming Mei: "I''m so shocked that my workplace told me to come back and rest. This morning, I went with my colleagues to visit a patient in the hospital, only to run into Guan Guiling being pushed down the stairs by someone."


    She paused for a moment, then continued, "It was Old Fan and his wife, Fan Cai-shi, from Yang Family Village. They pushed Guan Guiling down the stairs."


    He Lan''s soap bar fell straight into the water, and she instantly looked up at Ming Mei, her eyes wide with shock, stuttering, "Wh-who? Who?!"


    Ming Mei: "Old Fan and his wife, Fan Cai-shi, from Yang Family Village. They didn''t want to compensate He Lan for her losses, and when the conversation went awry, they just snapped and acted."


    In fact, she suspected there might be some ulterior motives involved, but speculation was just speculation. For now, everyone believed that the two old folks were out to hurt someone. And even if there were ulterior motives, it wouldn''t be easy for those two to get away with it.


    This wasn''t her concern.


    She was just spreading a bit of juicy gossip that would soon be known to everyone.


    She reached out and patted He Lan on the shoulder, saying, "Congratulations!"


    He Lan: "!!!"


    She shivered all over, asking, "Is... is this true? Did they... have they been caught?"


    Ming Mei: "Yes, they¡¯ve been caught!"


    She smiled brightly: "The police have already taken them away. This time, Guan Guiling won''t let them off easy."


    He Lan: "¡­¡­"


    For a moment, an overwhelming sense of joy filled her heart. He Lan had never thought that retribution would come this quickly. She had originally believed that it would be incredibly difficult to get revenge on this family, as she knew her own situation well. She hadn¡¯t even been able to stabilize her own life, let alone take revenge on these heartless people.


    But, unexpectedly, things had taken an unexpected turn.


    She said earnestly, "Thank you so much."


    She was truly grateful. Without someone¡¯s help, things wouldn¡¯t have gone so smoothly.


    Ming Mei quickly replied, "It¡¯s no big deal to thank me. Who could have foreseen these developments in the end? If it started with Bai Fendou taking action, then it might have been Heaven''s will that things turned out this way."


    She laughed and continued, "If Bai Fendou hadn¡¯t cross-dressed to provoke Fan Jianguo¡¯s fianc¨¦e, none of this would have happened. But it¡¯s really great. If the Fan family doesn¡¯t end up in jail this time, they¡¯ll at least have to pay a hefty price, financially ruined would be the least of their troubles."


    She wouldn¡¯t mention that it was actually their scheme to pit Guan Guiling against Fan Jianguo.


    There¡¯s no need to tell He Lan about that.


    But Zhuang Zhixi was right about one thing; Guan Guiling was incredibly tenacious. Even when dogs fight, she could bite the Fan family to death! It seems Zhuang¡¯s words had come true.


    Ming Mei sighed: "They¡¯re finished this time."


    He Lan thought about it herself and nodded wholeheartedly.


    Who could have imagined that Fan Jianguo¡¯s rage and embarrassment would lead to such catastrophic consequences?


    "The two of them have always been overbearing and domineering. They really thought they could harm others at will. They deserve it! Do they really think this is still their village?! To behave so recklessly."


    However, He Lan also felt very fortunate to have left Yang Family Village and the Fan family. The fact that these two old folks dared to harm others so casually here showed just how vicious they were. If she had still been in Yang Family Village, who knows what the Fan family would have done to her.


    She had no doubt that if she hadn¡¯t agreed to leave Fan Jianguo, the Fan family would have found a way to harm her!


    Thinking of this, she shuddered. Luckily, she had made a prompt decision.


    She bit her lip and said, "Thank goodness I left."


    Ming Mei patted her shoulder, "So, congratulations again!"


    Hearing this, He Lan nodded forcefully: "Yes, I really should be grateful."


    Thinking again about how those two old folks and Fan Jianguo were getting their comeuppance, she let out a series of gleeful "hehehe" laughs, looking foolishly delighted but undeniably happy.


    She exclaimed, "Thank the Heavens! I used to be skeptical of divine retribution, but now I believe. The Heavens really do have eyes!"


    Otherwise, how could Fan Jianguo and his family fall deeper and deeper into their predicament?


    The Heavens are watching!

 Chapter 160

    People in the courtyard didn''t know much about the Fan family, but they certainly knew Guan Guiling. After all, she was the woman Bai Fendou almost got married to. Who could forget that? When news of her recent troubles spread, people couldn''t help but gossip and lament how fate has been unkind to her.


    When it comes to fate, Zhao Guihua didn''t quite agree. She had heard plenty from Ming Mei and couldn''t trust Guan Guiling one bit. But since they were just chatting, she didn''t necessarily say Guan Guiling deserved it. Amidst the casual gossip, He Lan seemed to be in high spirits.


    Perhaps it was because the Fan family was having a rough patch that lifted He Lan''s mood. It wasn''t that she was gloating; after all, who wouldn''t feel a bit of schadenfreude when a rival suffers? Not setting off firecrackers to celebrate was already very restrained. Although everyone was gathered chatting, they were also busy with their own tasks.


    Zhao Guihua was making a cotton jacket for her child, and others were doing the same. The tasks of a homemaker are endless. Not only do they have many people to tend to, but even young wives like Wang Zizhen and He Lan have their hands full.


    Wang Zizhen, now pregnant, came over every day. She was sewing small blankets for her unborn child, preparing early to avoid chaos later. Everything in her home was being readied in advance.


    Aunt Zhou looked at her and asked, "Zizhen, will your mother-in-law come to take care of you when you give birth?"


    Wang Zizhen nodded, "Da Qiang has talked to her, and she will come, but only for a month to take care of the postpartum period."


    That¡¯s why everyone prefers having parents around. Although it¡¯s nice to have no elders above you, making your own decisions, having a mother-in-law to help out makes life much easier. Especially for young couples, a mother-in-law becomes even more crucial.


    Take Da Qiang, for example. Although he is a city dweller, this is considered his weak point. His mother usually stays with his older brother, leaving him without much support. However, Wang Zizhen doesn¡¯t mind; she quite enjoys their current life.


    When she first came out from the mountains, she never imagined she could live like this.


    She smiled and said, "It''s actually alright. I think I can manage."


    She has never shied away from work, only wanting to have enough to eat. Now, their life is like living in paradise. Not only do they have enough to eat, but they can also eat quite well. She and Da Qiang often go fishing after work, enjoying a leisurely life.


    She continued, "You all know, I¡¯m not afraid of hard work."


    Aunt Zhou replied, "That¡¯s true, but you also have to take care of yourself, especially during the postpartum period and right after. Overworking then can lead to trouble later in life. Your mother-in-law will come to help during this time, so don¡¯t feel awkward about asking for things. That one month is crucial for a woman. Don¡¯t hesitate to speak up. Don¡¯t hold back your feelings. You and your mother-in-law haven¡¯t lived together before, so it¡¯s natural to feel uncomfortable. Speak up when needed. I¡¯ll come by to support you, so don¡¯t let her bully you."


    Zhao Guihua added, "Da Qiang¡¯s mother isn¡¯t the type to mistreat her daughter-in-law. All these years, you know she¡¯s biased towards the eldest but hasn¡¯t been harsh to her daughters-in-law."


    Da Qiang¡¯s first marriage ended badly, but his mother didn¡¯t mistreat that daughter-in-law either.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "But Aunt Zhou is right. After the month of confinement, you should take care of yourself. Don¡¯t overwork just because you¡¯re young."


    "Exactly. Look at Guan Guiling¡ªshe¡¯s had miscarriages, been beaten, and fallen down the stairs. Her body is ruined. Even if she seems fine now, years later, those problems will catch up to her."


    Aunt Wang thought about Guan Guiling and couldn¡¯t understand her. Despite their difficult circumstances, how could she keep getting pregnant? It seemed she didn¡¯t care about her health at all.


    Moreover, having more children only makes them poorer.


    "Is Guan Guiling in the same unit as Ming Mei? Any new gossip?" Everyone wanted the latest scoop, staying on the cutting edge of gossip.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "What new news could there be? She¡¯s not even working right now."


    "True, but being in the same unit, news spreads quickly."


    Zhao Guihua said, "We¡¯ll ask Ming Mei when she gets off work."


    "Sounds good."


    The conversation shifted to Ming Mei, who was currently following Sister Chen out, complaining, "Why is it always me? I don¡¯t want to go to the hospital."


    Sister Chen laughed and pulled Ming Mei along, saying, "Who else would I ask? You¡¯re here to boost my confidence." The truth was, she was a bit scared, and having a strong girl like Ming Mei around made her feel more secure.


    Ming Mei retorted, "They can¡¯t be fighting every day. Besides, with Guan Guiling in such a state, if she fights again, she¡¯s really done for."


    Sister Chen replied, "Who can say for sure?"


    Although Sister Chen didn¡¯t elaborate, she suspected foul play regarding Guan Guiling falling down the stairs. Seeing the dug-up soil made her suspect something. The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became.


    After all, according to Jiang Baohong, Guan Guiling had previously tried to use her pregnancy to frame others. She was the type to harm herself to hurt others. So Sister Chen couldn¡¯t help but entertain dark thoughts about her fall.


    She pulled Ming Mei closer and said, "As long as you¡¯re here, I feel at ease."


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "Actually, I¡¯m scared too."


    She didn¡¯t specify what she was afraid of, but exchanging a glance with Sister Chen, they both shared the same uneasy suspicions. Sister Chen sighed, "Great minds think alike."


    Ming Mei added, "Hopefully, it¡¯s not what we fear."


    They certainly didn¡¯t want it to be true, but what actually happened? Only those directly involved know for sure.


    At that moment, Guan Guiling lay in her hospital bed. Although it was still hot, she was covered with a thick blanket. She looked extremely weak, having suffered one blow after another. She was barely hanging on.


    It¡¯s a bit exaggerated to say she was on her deathbed, but her condition wasn¡¯t life-threatening and was unlike a severe injury. In reality, it was a moderate injury, but with all the trauma she¡¯s endured, the damage to her foundation was considerable, not something that could fully recover.


    Guan Guiling lay there, her breath faint, and said, "I¡¯m thirsty."


    The man sitting beside the bed immediately stood up and said, "I¡¯ll get you some water."


    Dressed in a patient¡¯s gown, he was rather thin. He poured a cup of water, supporting Guan Guiling as he said, "Here, be careful."


    Guan Guiling nodded lightly, "I know."


    The ward was a double room, not a single room, but this was a good arrangement¡ªboth she and her husband were patients and had been moved to this room together. Compared to the eight-bed dormitory, this was much more comfortable and peaceful. They could talk without much restraint.


    Guan Guiling¡¯s husband was Zheng Yufeng. After giving her water, he asked, "Feeling better?"


    Guan Guiling shook her head and joked, "Still hurts."


    Zheng Yufeng looked at his wife with concern and said, "Shall I call the doctor?"


    Guan Guiling quickly replied, "No need. I¡¯m already under normal treatment; no need to bother anyone." She paused, then said, "I just wanted you to feel bad for me."


    Zheng Yufeng returned to his bed and lay down, saying, "Who else would I feel sorry for? We¡¯ve always relied on each other."


    As he lay in bed, he moved slightly and said, "This is thanks to you. It¡¯s my first time in a double room."


    He had been hospitalized for some time but hadn¡¯t been discharged.


    Guan Guiling had been urgently trying to make money to pay for his hospital bills. Zheng Yufeng coughed a few times and said, "All these years, I¡¯ve been a burden to you."


    Guan Guiling shook her head, "What are you talking about with this ''burden'' nonsense? We are a family. If I were to say you''re a burden, would that make me a human being? You should know how I feel about you. I don''t ask for anything else; I just hope you get better."


    Zheng Yufeng: "I will definitely focus on getting well."


    "That''s the right attitude."


    Zheng Yufeng: "It''s also been hard on you. You don''t know, in that moment when you fell, my heart felt like it was being sliced by a knife. I..."


    "You don''t need to say anything. I know you care for me, but I was willing. You''re right; those old couple didn''t have just one son. If we had demanded too much, they might have been willing to sacrifice their son. Instead of gambling on whether they would truly care for their son, it''s better to drag them into this. No matter how unwilling they are to spend money, they wouldn''t be unwilling to redeem themselves."


    Guan Guiling looked at her man with admiration, feeling that he was incredibly clever. She had been quite pleased with herself for finding a scapegoat, but it was her husband who had given her the brilliant idea to directly implicate the old couple and drag them into the situation.


    Guan Guiling asked in admiration, "Fengge, how are you so smart? How did you know for sure that the Fan family''s old folks are mean and shameless?"


    Zheng Yufeng let out a light laugh and said, "Do you think a good person could raise a son like Fan Jianguo? Like father, like son. As soon as you described the scene, I knew those two old folks would be difficult to deal with. Luckily, they showed up the next day, giving us time to prepare. Instead of waiting for them to make a move, we took the initiative and waited for them. See, if we hadn''t caused a commotion, how could we have ended up in this double room? I''ve never stayed in a room like this before; last night was a great sleep."


    He chuckled softly, feeling a sense of satisfaction.


    "Usually in the hospital, there''s always someone coughing at night, which really affects my sleep. But now, there''s none of that."


    Guan Guiling, even though she couldn''t get out of bed herself, looked at her man with heartache and said, "Fengge, you''ve been through so much."


    Zheng Yufeng: "It''s not hard; it''s nothing. We''re just dealing with the situation as it is."


    Guan Guiling immediately asked, "This time, let''s ask for more. What do you think would be a suitable amount?"


    Zheng Yufeng: "Regardless of what the police ask you for, don''t give them a direct number. First, demand they cover your medical expenses, and mine too. They certainly won''t want to agree, but you can play the pity card. Handle that first. The police will probably know you can''t work and will ask about compensation, including lost wages. Don''t mention a specific amount; let them suggest it, but don''t agree at first. Keep pushing back, and they''ll keep increasing the offer. We need to squeeze every last drop out of them, but remember, anything under a thousand yuan is not even worth discussing. Didn''t they swindle money from a rich lady before? I don''t believe they only have a few hundred yuan."


    Guan Guiling: "I understand. Fengge, just you watch."


    After a pause, she asked a bit worriedly, "But will the police believe us? Yesterday, the police kept questioning me, and I think they might not believe it was those two old folks who pushed me."


    Zheng Yufeng sneered, "Whether they believe it or not, it doesn''t matter. If they say it wasn''t the old couple who pushed you, do they have any evidence? As the victim, you just have to stick to your story. They won''t dare say you jumped on your own to frame someone. Don''t mention anything about the soil being loose; that can''t be used as evidence. It wasn''t us who dug it up."


    He asserted firmly, "As long as you stay calm, stay firm, and don''t budge, they can''t do anything to you! And after all, it''s not like we can prove those old folks are lying either. They don''t exactly seem like honest people, do they?"


    Guan Guiling nodded.


    She marveled, "Fengge, you''re really amazing. You even managed to get someone else to dig up that spot."


    Zheng Yufeng smiled smugly and said, "It''s nothing; just a small matter."


    As the two were conversing, Sister Chen and Ming Mei finally found the ward. They had initially gone to the previous ward but didn''t find anyone there. It turned out that Guan Guiling had been moved to another ward. They found their way there, now on the third floor.


    Ming Mei remarked, "Fortunately, Guan Guiling was on the second floor yesterday. If it had been the third floor, wouldn''t it have been even more dangerous?"


    Sister Chen pursed her lips, and the two arrived at the door of the ward, knocking before entering. Sister Chen greeted with a smile, "Guan Guiling, Ming Mei and I are here on behalf of the bus station to visit you."


    Guan Guiling''s complexion was much worse than the day before, but that was expected, considering she had not only miscarried but also fallen from a building.


    Guan Guiling forced a smile, saying, "You''re here; please, take a seat."


    Despite her frail appearance, it was hard to imagine that this woman was constantly scheming and plotting against others.


    Sister Chen: "Zheng Yufeng? Why are you here too? Oh, right, I remember now; Guan Guiling mentioned that you were in the hospital. It''s good that you''re together; you can take care of each other."


    Zheng Yufeng had been part of the bus station but had left due to illness, after which Guan Guiling had taken over his position.


    Zheng Yufeng nodded and said, "Exactly. Initially, we were staying in separate wards, but who would have thought something like this would happen? I just couldn''t bear to be apart, so I asked to move in with my wife."


    His words made it sound as though they hadn''t divorced.


    Zheng Yufeng, seemingly understanding their thoughts, immediately added, "By the way, we remarried."


    Sister Chen: "Oh, you remarried?"


    Zheng Yufeng nodded, "Yes, although we divorced, we still lived under the same roof, and our feelings remained. We really wanted to give our child a complete family. In fact, we''ve always had feelings for each other, but with my health condition, I didn''t want to hold her back. But Guiling is truly a good woman; no matter what, she never left my side."


    Ming Mei understood now. No wonder Guan Guiling dared to use the child to plot against others; they had already remarried, though they hadn''t announced it. She wondered why Guan Guiling hadn''t mentioned their remarriage upfront. Could it be... to exploit others?


    After all, if Guan Guiling was single, she might attract some widowers or bachelors paying attention, but if she was married, that wouldn''t happen. With someone paying attention, it would be easier to extort money. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei didn''t want to speculate too negatively about others, but she had seen this scenario far too often.


    Ming Mei, following Sister Chen, observed that this was the first time Zheng Yufeng had seen her. He looked at her with a gentle smile and said, "So you''re Ming Mei. Guiling has often mentioned you, saying you''re young and accomplished, and very pretty. Thank you for coming to see Guiling."


    Ming Mei gave a gentle smile in return and said, "Young and accomplished is an exaggeration. I just do my job."


    Sister Chen: "Ming Mei is being modest."


    She sat by the bed, looking at Guan Guiling''s deteriorated state, and sighed, "Look at what you''ve done to yourself. Oh, by the way, something else happened; yesterday, after Jiang Baohong came to fight with you, the hospital security took her to the police station."


    Guan Guiling nodded faintly, "I heard about that." She also knew that this matter would be reported to her workplace and couldn''t be kept secret.


    She had heard about it the previous night and felt very satisfied. Jiang Baohong thought she could still swagger in front of her? She thought too highly of herself. Guan Guiling was no pushover; she said, "Jiang Baohong has always been framing me, causing trouble in the hospital. Now, this is what she deserves."


    Sister Chen: "I know; I know you must be feeling terrible. Yesterday, the police notified our bus station, and I represented the leadership to handle the matter at the police station. The police''s decision was to detain her for three days."


    This hospital is no place for causing trouble. If they dare to cause trouble here, what else wouldn''t they dare to do? Speaking of which, we have to thank the residents of the Siheyuan for this situation. In the past, the hospital would deal with troublemakers lightly, as there was no strict policy that every disturbance warranted police involvement. However, these people have been too unreasonable. Time and time again, they¡¯ve treated the hospital like their local marketplace, causing major and minor disruptions without end.


    This has made the hospital extremely frustrated. Now, anyone who causes trouble is immediately sent to the police station, and at the very least, they¡¯re detained for a few days to teach them a lesson. A three-day detention is neither too long nor too short¡ªit¡¯s just enough to discourage them from acting so arrogantly in such a place. So when Jiang Baohong was detained for three days, it really wasn¡¯t surprising at all.


    Guan Guiling heard that Jiang Baohong had been detained for three days and couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    She said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to blame her, but there are rules everywhere, and the hospital has its own difficulties.¡±


    Sister Chen nodded, ¡°What she did was indeed wrong.¡±


    Guan Guiling¡¯s eyes flickered as she asked, ¡°Sister Chen, has Jiang Baohong¡¯s bicycle been found? She lost her bike and blamed me for it...¡±


    Sister Chen replied, ¡°No.¡±


    She added, ¡°Where would we even start looking? She claims you lost her bike, so I expect the police station will question you about it.¡±


    Guan Guiling pouted, looking pitiful. ¡°It seems like people will blame me for anything¡ªeven the dirtiest and most ridiculous things.¡±


    Ming Mei said very little; she was just here as a companion and didn¡¯t dare to speak out of turn. However, watching Guan Guiling¡¯s theatrical performance, Ming Mei was shocked. She was really pretending to be innocent.


    In reality, it was Guan Guiling who had borrowed Jiang Baohong¡¯s bicycle. If not for her giving them this opportunity, Zhuang Zhixi wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to throw Jiang Baohong¡¯s bicycle into the lake. Of course, the bad deed afterward was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s doing, but if Guan Guiling claims Jiang Baohong is lying, that¡¯s simply not true.


    Ming Mei sat quietly on the side, watching as Sister Chen exchanged a few more pleasantries before finally suggesting they leave. Ming Mei stood up silently, and the two of them walked out together. Once outside, they both let out a sigh of relief. Ming Mei followed Sister Chen down the stairs, murmuring, ¡°Guan Guiling¡¯s husband used to be a driver at our station, right? I rarely hear anyone mention him.¡±


    Sister Chen replied, ¡°Why would anyone talk about someone they¡¯re not familiar with?¡±


    Seeing Ming Mei¡¯s innocent look, Sister Chen hesitated for a moment before whispering, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate this person. The reason he left wasn¡¯t just because of illness.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Ah?¡±


    Curious, Ming Mei looked at Sister Chen. If anyone would know more, it would be Sister Chen. She quickly leaned closer and asked in a whisper, ¡°So, what happened to him?¡±


    Sister Chen whispered, ¡°His injuries caused his poor health, that¡¯s true, but there¡¯s another reason he left his position and let Guan Guiling take over.¡± She paused, then spoke with a mix of scorn and disdain, ¡°He had an affair with someone and even got her pregnant.¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Goodness! I¡¯ve never heard about this. Not even from my mom.¡±


    Sister Chen looked smug. ¡°Of course your mother wouldn¡¯t know. Almost no one at the station knows. Only a few leaders are aware. You know, I handle these kinds of things at the station, so I¡¯m informed. After all, these disgusting affairs can¡¯t be left for the leaders to deal with themselves, can they?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, ¡°That makes sense.¡±


    Sister Chen warned, ¡°Don¡¯t spread this around.¡±


    Ming Mei mimed zipping her lips shut. ¡°Rest assured, my mouth is sealed tight. But seriously, I can¡¯t believe it!¡±


    She felt like she had just witnessed something monumental.


    Ming Mei exclaimed, ¡°I thought Guan Guiling was so devoted, and I assumed their marriage was solid. So, does Guan Guiling know about this?¡±


    Sister Chen nodded. ¡°Of course she knows. But Guan Guiling said it¡¯s her husband we¡¯re talking about, so she¡¯s not the one who¡¯s at a disadvantage.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Does she think she¡¯s living in the old society? Being at a disadvantage? He should¡¯ve been locked up for this.¡±


    Sister Chen explained, ¡°Zheng Yufeng has his ways. He managed to keep the woman from causing a fuss. Not only did she not make trouble, but she also left town on her own.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    It was truly baffling.


    Sister Chen said, ¡°You¡¯re young, but you¡¯ll learn. No matter the time, there are always some messy situations.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t news to Ming Mei, who had already seen a lot. She said, ¡°I get it.¡±


    As they were returning together, Ming Mei was deeply reflective. She simply couldn¡¯t understand why someone would lose themselves in love. She couldn¡¯t imagine herself doing the same. That evening, when Ming Mei returned home and saw Zhuang Zhixi, she pinched his cheeks and said, ¡°If you ever dare to stray, don¡¯t expect me to be nice to you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s face was distorted from her pinch, and he groaned, ¡°Honey, why are you picking on me? I¡¯m innocent here. What¡¯s gotten into you?¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°I¡¯ll only tell you, and you¡¯re not to tell anyone else. It¡¯s about Guan Guiling¡¯s husband¡­ he¡­¡±


    As for gossip, once it¡¯s out, it¡¯s impossible for it not to spread.


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s mouth twitched after hearing the story. ¡°I need to swear to the heavens that I¡¯m not that kind of guy. Plus, from any angle, I have no reason to stray. Anyone who does is just foolish.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Hmph.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi protested, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t doubt me. I mean it. Look, I¡¯ve got a beautiful, loving wife who¡¯s my soulmate. We¡¯ve got a cute kid. Why would I look elsewhere? Anyone who does that is just crazy. More women are a good thing? Just look at whether you¡¯ve got the stamina for it. All the sheep testicles in the world won¡¯t make up for it¡ªand it¡¯ll ruin family harmony. Oh, right, I haven¡¯t smelled any of that weird smell from our courtyard in ages¡­¡±


    He seemed a bit nostalgic for the peculiar aromas that used to linger in their neighborhood.


    Ming Mei shot him a look. ¡°Aside from our family, does anyone in our front courtyard even need to eat that stuff? And if you ever dare eat it, I¡¯ll beat you¡ªwhat a disgusting taste. I can¡¯t even stand it.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Indeed, that¡¯s how it is.


    The Su family doesn¡¯t have a man, neither does Zhou Qun nor Bai Fendou. Ming Mei¡¯s grandfather, Uncle Lan, is too old for such needs. The only young men in the front courtyard are the Zhuang brothers. Zhuang Zhiyuan is often off on trips, leaving only Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, ¡°So, in our front courtyard, I¡¯m the only real man, huh?¡±


    Ming Mei smiled sweetly. ¡°Feel free to say that in front of my mother-in-law or my sister-in-law.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­ No need for that.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way, I heard from Zhang San that Pan Pan¡¯s family can get fabric without ration tickets. Do you want some? I can talk to him if you do.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Of course, I want it! I need some new clothes for the New Year.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I¡¯ll let Zhang San know.¡±


    In their courtyard, the two newly moved-in families¡ªone already disappeared without a trace, and the other doesn¡¯t seem to live here much either. So, their presence is minimal. Normally, Zhang San and Pan Pan would live here, but they got married and had a child quickly. Pan Pan being the favored daughter, she went back to her parents¡¯ home to give birth. They only come back occasionally.


    More often, it¡¯s just Zhang San coming back alone, as he¡¯s not too keen on staying at his in-laws.


    As for Chen Yuan, he¡¯s completely disappeared, likely scared off by Zhou Qun. He probably won¡¯t come back anytime soon.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought about this and chuckled. He couldn¡¯t help but think of Bai Fendou.


    He sincerely exclaimed, ¡°That¡¯s a real legend.¡±


    ¡°Who are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Qun, of course. Who else? Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou scared Chen Yuan off with their antics.¡±


    Ming Mei chuckled at the thought. Yes, this topic is still occasionally brought up. In most places, such gossip could last for years, but in their neighborhood, it gets replaced so quickly.


    Ming Mei: "Oh right. How''s the old lady from the Yu Family doing?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "She''s still held up. She was charged with theft and feudal superstition, and with both offenses combined, she''s looking at at least five or six years. You might think she only stole petty things like underwear and socks, but those items are valued at their original price, and the cost of the cloth coupons she used is added on top. The total value already exceeds two hundred. That''s a significant amount. Who knows how many cloth dolls she made. If the police station had quotas like we do at the factory, they''d definitely exceed their targets. They''d probably rank first every year."


    Ming Mei: "What about her husband...?"


    "Her husband probably won''t be classified as an accomplice, but he is guilty of failing to report the crime, so he''ll likely spend a few months inside too. Their family is in chaos over the house now; their courtyard is anything but quiet, it''s quite a scene."


    Ming Mei: "Tsk tsk."


    "Aww."


    The couple was chatting idly, but their little ones were having none of it; they wanted to go out and play. Ming Mei: "Oh, babies, do you want to go out?"


    The little ones babbled in response.


    Ming Mei: "Alright, let''s take a stroll."


    "Auntie, Auntie, we caught lots of cicadas! We want to roast them and share some with Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, okay?" Hutou came bouncing back, a caring brother who always thinks of his younger siblings when there''s something good to eat.


    Ming Mei smiled brightly and said: "No, sweetie, they''re too young to eat that. You and Xiao Yanzi can enjoy them together. We''ll give Tuantuan and Yuanyuan some when they''re older."


    Hutou was disappointed: "Can''t eat them?"


    Ming Mei nodded: "That''s right. Thank you, Hutou, you''re such a good boy."


    Hutou proudly patted his chest and said, "I''m the big brother; big brothers take care of their younger siblings."


    Ming Mei ruffled his hair, while Zhuang Zhixi said: "Come, I''ll help you roast them."


    "Great."


    Zhuang Zhixi roasted the cicadas for the two kids. Seeing this, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan began wiggling their little bottoms, eagerly reaching out with their tiny hands, "Aww, aww," they called, but Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t give them any. Such things are not for little ones.


    Hutou sniffed the aroma of the roasted cicadas and said: "Uncle, I don''t want to leave."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Leave where?"


    Hutou earnestly said: "I don''t want to leave with mom and dad to live somewhere else. I want to stay here, where there are so many friends. If we leave, we won''t have any more friends, and we won''t be able to play with Tuantuan and Yuanyuan anymore."


    Although Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were tiny infants, to Hutou, they felt like big playmates.


    "But I don''t want mom and dad to move away either. If the house they get is in the courtyard, we can still live together." Little Hutou was deeply troubled.


    Xiao Yanzi, next to him, also pouted and vigorously nodded, fully agreeing with her brother. She didn''t want to move away, nor did she want her parents to move away. It felt impossible. The little girl sighed with worry, "I still want to live here."


    Her grandma always made beautiful dresses for her and delicious treats.


    The girl propped her chin and said, "Uncle, you''re the smartest. Can you help us think of a way?"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "Even your parents couldn''t find a way. What can Uncle do? Your dad isn''t from the machinery factory, so even if he gets allocated a house, it won''t be in this neighborhood. And even if he could, look at our courtyard¡ªwhere could we find an empty house?"


    Xiao Yanzi immediately said, "There is one. Our courtyard has an empty house, right over there." She pointed directly at Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue''s house.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "What are you thinking? It''s still theirs. It''s Chen''s and Aunt Tao''s house."


    The two kids drooped their heads silently, even with the tempting roasted cicadas in front of them, they felt somber. They had thought about this idea for days, but it just wouldn''t work. The little ones dragged their feet, feeling deeply upset.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Look at you two, all glum. Your dad and mom¡ª"


    He paused abruptly, his gaze drifting toward Chen Yuan''s house. After mulling it over, he suddenly smiled.


    He said, "You know what, maybe there''s a chance."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi both looked at Zhuang Zhixi, and Ming Mei did too, asking, "You have an idea?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said meaningfully, "I think Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue probably don''t want to come back to live here either. If your dad only gets allocated one room, and Chen Yuan also has just one room, we can swap houses."


    Such arrangements weren''t rare back then. Even though buying and selling houses weren''t allowed then, all kinds of unofficial rules emerged to make life easier, like swapping homes.


    He said, "Swapping is possible, but I don''t know if your dad would agree. If we swap, he''d be giving up a building apartment for a courtyard house¡ªand that''s a loss."


    Swapping one room for another meant his elder brother was at a disadvantage.


    Ming Mei blinked, saying, "Talk to mom about it, and then see how things go."


    Hutou immediately grabbed his Uncle and said, "Uncle, go find Grandma."


    He was more eager than Zhuang Zhixi himself. Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Hutou: "Hurry, hurry!"


    Xiao Yanzi parroted, "Hurry, hurry!"


    They didn''t want to separate from their parents, but they also didn''t want to be apart from their grandparents or their friends. Don''t think kids don''t care about such things. For them, it was a very big deal.


    The two kids dragged Zhuang Zhixi to see Zhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua was sewing a cotton-padded jacket. Hearing their suggestion, she lit up. She said, "That''s a good idea. But... would Chen Yuan and his wife agree?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his mother in surprise and said, "That''s not the issue of whether Chen and his wife would agree, but whether Elder Brother and Sister-in-law would agree. If we swap, we''d be the ones losing out!"


    Zhao Guihua was momentarily stunned, then realized she was using her past experiences to judge the current situation, which was wrong.


    Indeed, if they swapped now, Chen Yuan and his wife would actually be the ones gaining. Forget that Zhuang Zhiyuan''s house would be an older building, but their own courtyard house was even older. Living in a building meant no more outdoor toilets¡ªunlike a courtyard house, where you''d still need to use the communal facilities.


    She knew that in the late nineties, near the turn of the millennium, their old courtyard surged in value and was eventually demolished. But others didn''t know that. In the eighties, these old-style courtyards were still worthless.


    If they swapped now, they could later go through the formalities and secure ownership of the property in the eighties.


    It seemed like a win-win, but the problem was, it would mean they were the ones losing out now, and would Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife be willing to give that up? She couldn''t just say, "I know how this turns out, so let''s just do it," because real estate decisions affected people''s entire lives. Asking them to give up a more modern home to live in an older courtyard could cause internal strife.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let me talk to your elder brother. I personally really support swapping houses, but if Zhiyuan and his wife don''t agree, I won''t push them. Coercing someone into something always ends badly, and I don''t want any resentment."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "I think so too. It''s better if they decide for themselves. Actually, it was because I heard the little ones talking that I thought of this. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi have their eyes on Chen Yuan''s house."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, "Those two certainly know what''s good."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, do you think the courtyard is better?"


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s what I think, but I don''t know if you feel the same way."


    She added, "If Lao Da agrees, how do we approach Chen Yuan about this? By the way, I heard Chen Yuan is in the process of transferring to the food factory?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Your info is really sharp. Many in the factory don''t even know, but you do."


    Zhao Guihua: "I heard it from Aunt Wang. Li the Cook overheard it while cooking for the leaders."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I heard it''s true. He''s probably avoiding Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou. Chen Yuan is really afraid."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    What to do, she feels like laughing!


    Hmm. Really fair!


    Zhao Guihua feels that anyone who knows about this wouldn''t be able to look at the words ''really fair'' the same way again.


    Zhao Guihua: "About Chen Yuan..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If Lao Da agrees to swap, we shouldn''t approach Chen Yuan first. I''ll make it so he comes to us."


    Zhao Guihua looked deeply at her youngest son, "Your big brother has your shrewdness, he''s been promoted faster than you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What shrewdness? I''m just an honest man."


    Zhao Guihua: "Hmmph."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m genuinely simple."


    Does Zhao Guihua believe him?


    No!


    But does it matter?


    Not really.


    It''s worth noting that despite the many gossip in the courtyard lately, Zhuang Zhiyuan hasn''t been curious at all. Every day when he comes back, the most important thing is to talk about the progress of house distribution. It seems like everyone in their unit is the same.


    Anyone who can get a house is like this.


    Even those who can''t get one discuss it every day.


    At dinner, he brought it up again, feeling really lucky. "Let me tell you, I was so lucky this time. Just a little more, and I wouldn''t have gotten one. I was the third-to-last one."


    Ming Mei: "What about my brother?"


    As soon as she found out Zhuang Zhiyuan could get a house, Ming Mei went back to her parents'' house to ask about her brother''s situation. She knew her brother could also get a house.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Your brother is in the middle, much better off than me."


    They entered the railway station at the same time, but Ming Cheng was luckier. Three years ago, their line caught a gang trafficking women and children, successfully capturing everyone. So, the whole train crew was commended by the city. Thus, his actual rank is one level higher than Zhuang Zhiyuan''s, and merits like this are highly valued now. When it comes to house distribution, Ming Cheng doesn''t have Zhuang Zhiyuan''s worries; he has more choices.


    Ming Mei: "So, just because you''re ranked higher, you get to choose first?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, "Yes, in that order. My position is basically at the top."


    Currently, the most popular is the second floor, the third floor is also okay. Due to superstition, the fourth floor is not preferred. The fifth floor and the first floor are about the same; many older folks like the first floor, but the sixth floor (top floor) is not popular.


    People don''t like the top floor; it''s too high, and it''s inconvenient to go up and down. In winter, buying coal or vegetables isn''t convenient.


    Zhao Guihua: "Lao Da, have you thought about swapping houses?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Swapping?"


    Zhao Guihua briefly explained the idea they discussed today and said, "Of course, this is up to you. We don''t mind."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was stunned, even Liang Meifen looked a bit dazed.


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t feel burdened. If you still want to live in an apartment, don''t swap. Your dad and I aren''t insisting you stay with us. We''re fine either way. We brought this up today because Hutou and Xiao Yanzi took a liking to Chen Yuan''s house. That''s why Zhixi and I thought of swapping. But swapping from an apartment to a house might feel like a loss, so it''s your decision. I''m just throwing out the idea."


    Although Zhao Guihua rules the roost at home, she doesn''t want to be resented for this. Even if she knows it won''t be a loss, she won''t say it. After all, it will only be proven ten years later, so why be so forward-looking?


    Zhuang Zhiyuan fell silent, then said, "I need to think about this carefully and discuss it with my wife."


    Liang Meifen nodded. She really likes apartments. In these times, who doesn''t like apartments? There''s water and a toilet at home; unlike now, water has to be fetched from the courtyard, and in winter, there''s the issue of frostbite. Using the toilet requires going to the alley.


    In any case, it''s not as good as living in an apartment.


    However, Liang Meifen knows that household matters are up to Zhuang Zhiyuan. That night, the couple went back to their room, and Liang Meifen quickly asked, "Hubby, what do you think about this? Do you want to swap? Apartments are so good."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, "Apartments are nice, but there are pros and cons to this."


    Liang Meifen: "Are there drawbacks? What drawbacks are there to living in an apartment?"


    She frowned and looked at Zhuang Zhiyuan in confusion.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan sighed, looking at his wife, "There really are. First, we''ll probably have to separate from Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. I''ve seen the layout of the house; it''s only about thirty square meters, one room. Do you think it''s spacious enough? If they stay in this courtyard, we''ll have to live separately. We won''t have time to visit often, maybe just on weekends."


    Upon hearing this, Liang Meifen felt uneasy. She doesn''t want to be separated from her children. This mother''s heart immediately felt uncomfortable. She nodded, "That''s true."


    ¡°We could take the kids with us, but we''d be living very cramped. There are still empty rooms here, yet we''d be squeezed together?¡± Zhuang Zhiyuan''s words made Liang Meifen think of another darker thought.


    If they completely move out, the remaining rooms would be taken by the third brother and his wife, right? Wouldn''t that mean they''re at a loss?


    But she glanced at Zhuang Zhiyuan, seeing no such intention, so she didn''t mention it. However, the scales in her mind tilted just a little.


    "Moreover, with house distribution, since my position is so low, I''ll definitely be choosing late, basically the top floor. Living on the top floor, I often travel for work, so you''ll have to do most of the housework. If I travel in the fall, leaving for ten days or half a month, I might not be able to buy vegetables in time. The good cabbage only comes in for a few days; I might miss it. You''ll have to carry winter storage vegetables and coal all the way up to the sixth floor. Think about how much work that is? Will your brother help, or my brother?"


    Liang Meifen: "My brother''s an ungrateful wretch; I''ve severed ties with him. Your brother, Zhixi, isn''t very hardworking. Plus, if we move out, he''d be the only young man here, so he''d have to take care of all the work here, and he''d also have to help Elder Lan. Even if he''s diligent and capable, he won''t be able to handle it all."


    Actually, Zhuang Zhiyuan hadn''t thought of all this. He was analyzing it for his wife as he spoke, and it dawned on him. Thinking about it, there are indeed many disadvantages to moving out.


    "Plus, if we move to an apartment, we won''t have a storage room, just the limited space at home. Think about how cramped that would be. But in the courtyard, we have a storage cellar."


    Each family has a storage cellar, no matter the size, but it can hold a lot of stuff.


    Liang Meifen fully agreed with this. She nodded, "You''re right. After your explanation, I also think living in a siheyuan has many advantages."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: ¡°There are indeed advantages to living in an apartment. They¡¯re clean, and in the winter, you suffer less. There¡¯s no need to fetch water; everything is convenient. Take using the toilet at night, for example. If you get a stomachache and have to make that long trip outside, by the time you get back, you¡¯re practically frozen through.¡±


    Liang Meifen nodded with a smile.


    Yet, the drawbacks were strikingly obvious compared to the benefits.


    Such a cramped space, and with Hutou and Xiao Yanzi gradually growing up, it wasn¡¯t ideal for them to continue living like this.


    Liang Meifen gritted her teeth and said, ¡°I want to trade our place for a bigger one.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, who was uncertain about the idea at first, after some thought, nodded in agreement. ¡°I think so too. Trading does seem like the better option.¡±


    Liang Meifen: ¡°So¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: ¡°Let me talk to my brother tomorrow and see if he can help us come up with a plan. You know, if we can successfully trade with Chen Yuan, it could actually be a good thing. We¡¯d move into the courtyard, and our two kids can move into our current room. They wouldn¡¯t have to squeeze into that tiny side room anymore.¡±


    Liang Meifen nodded vigorously. ¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡±


    ¡°And since we¡¯re not separating from the family, it would also give us an extra storage space.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    Liang Meifen was overjoyed but then whispered, ¡°If our kids move into this room and we move out, do you think my brother-in-law might get upset?¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan gave her a look. ¡°My brother isn¡¯t the petty type. What is there to be upset about? His two kids are still infants and can¡¯t sleep alone yet. Even when they¡¯re four or five years old, it¡¯s still too early to let them sleep alone. Xiao Yanzi and Hutou started sharing that little side room when they were five and a half. Right now, his kids are only a year old, so there¡¯s still a few more years to go. He wouldn¡¯t fuss over this. Once his kids are a bit older, I¡¯ll talk to Mom about dividing our room into two sections, so each of the four kids gets their own space. If any of them have more kids in the future, we¡¯ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Besides, in a few years, my brother and Ming Mei will be allocated a new place to live too! By then, they might want to move into a bigger place and leave their current one for the kids. Don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Liang Meifen: ¡°Yes, yes, yes. They¡¯ll get a new place too.¡±


    She continued calculating, ¡°There¡¯s another advantage to staying in the same courtyard. We can still eat together, which means I¡¯ll save a lot of trouble.¡±


    These woman-specific tasks were something men often failed to understand. It wasn¡¯t because men were insensitive; it was just that they didn¡¯t go through the grind of working all day and then coming home to manage the household. Women like her had a tough time balancing it all.


    Right now, Zhao Guihua was able to cook, so Liang Meifen only had to help out in the kitchen. If she had to cook after a long day at work, it would be a struggle. Determined, she declared, ¡°We must find a way to trade our place with Chen Yuan. I don¡¯t want to leave the courtyard.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, smiling.


    The decision the couple made was incredibly quick, a surprise even to Zhao Guihua, who had thought they would agonize over it for a couple more days. After all, living in an apartment was the current trend, and everyone thought it was superior.


    But to her surprise, the two discussed it among themselves and quickly reached a very firm conclusion.


    In reality, they hadn¡¯t been trying to convince each other of anything. They just weighed the pros and cons and realized that staying put was the better choice.


    Most parents were like this¡ªwhenever it involved their children, they tended to think more about their well-being.


    And so it was with them. They could be together and still live comfortably. They truly didn¡¯t want their kids to feel cramped and uncomfortable.


    The next morning, Zhuang Zhiyuan went straight to his mother, Zhao Guihua, and said, ¡°Mom, Meifen and I have talked it over, and we want to try trading our place with Chen Yuan. What do you think would be the best way to approach this?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°What are you rushing for? Let him come to you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: ¡°Huh?¡±


    Zhao Guihua spoke with wisdom. ¡°Your brother is a force to be reckoned with¡ªhe can get things done.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan chuckled. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for my brother¡¯s good news.¡±


    At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi walked in rubbing his eyes, his hair sticking up, and heard this exchange. He stood there, dazed.


    Me? Worrying too much about this family? Never!

 Chapter 161

    Commenting on housing allocation, the process moves pretty quickly indeed.


    While the Fan family and Guan Guiling haven''t sorted out their issues, Zhuang Zhiyuan has already started selecting a house. Just as they anticipated, Zhuang Zhiyuan is near the bottom of the list, leaving him with very few choices.


    It was practically a given that his family would have to settle for a top-floor unit.


    This time, there are six buildings in total, each featuring six homes per floor. The last remaining units are the ones nobody really wants near the top floor restrooms. Those at the end of the list have no choice but to pick by the restroom entrance. The corridor and restrooms aren''t inside the apartments but at the end of the hallway, with a communal kitchen on one side and a communal restroom on the other. The apartments are about thirty-five square meters each. Given Zhuang Zhiyuan''s position on the list, he had no choice but to take the spot by the restroom.


    That means the last six people have no options; they''re inevitably at the top floor by the restroom. In fact, it might be a stretch to say anyone from the last ten to twenty positions has a choice, since nobody wants to be by the restroom. Some would rather opt for the fifth floor even though they could choose the sixth, just to avoid being near the restroom.


    The later you are, the fewer choices you have.


    Everyone faces the same predicament.


    Yet, even with the disadvantage of being by the restroom, those who get allocated a house are still thrilled, as there are far more people without housing. Who knows when the next allocation will be? Take Zhuang Zhiyuan, for instance. He graduated high school and started working on the railway as a proud conductor, and it''s been close to a decade now. In all that time, they''ve only had three housing allocations¡ªthe first when he started, the second six years ago, and this one.


    If the next allocation is another five or six years away, Zhuang Zhiyuan certainly hopes to be included. Others feel the same¡ªeven a place by the restroom is better than having no house at all. Who knows when the next opportunity will come?


    These days, every household struggles with a lack of living space!


    Zhuang Zhiyuan led the whole family to view the place, all of them huffing and puffing as they climbed to the sixth floor. This area consists entirely of six-story buildings. Given how busy everyone is, it''s a good thing no tech enthusiasts were around, or they might have taken a break halfway up those steep staircases, which are much steeper than those built in the ''90s.


    As they climbed, they passed by various homes, each maintained by their respective residents, most of whom are railway workers. Ming Mei''s brother also lives in this building; he''s somewhere in the middle but didn''t opt for the second or third floor, settling instead for the first.


    However, Ming Mei''s brother hasn''t moved in yet; the door remains locked. Ming Mei followed the group upstairs as Zhuang Zhiyuan unlocked the door and announced, "This is thirty-five square meters."


    He gestured, "Come in and take a look."


    Hutou glanced back, pursing his little lips as he said, "Dad, our new home is right by the restroom, huh?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "¡­¡­"


    Xiao Yanzi frowned, her big eyes watery. "It smells."


    Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan, who are often with their older siblings, immediately chimed in with their own baby sounds upon hearing Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. The two little ones waved their hands, almost hitting their father Zhuang Zhixi, who was carrying them.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh boy~"


    He clicked his tongue, saying, "You two sure are¡­"


    Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan continued their babbling, drooling all over the place.


    Ming Mei pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the kids'' mouths, cooing, "Be good, now."


    Little Yuanyuan beamed at her mother, outstretched her little arms, asking to be picked up.


    Ming Mei remained firm, refusing, "Let your dad hold you."


    It seemed Little Yuanyuan understood, or maybe she was just frustrated that her mother didn''t pick her up, as she flailed her little fists and babbled indignantly.


    Ming Mei wasn''t the least bit swayed by the little one''s tantrum. She turned and walked inside, where the whole family had gathered. There were eight of them in total, no, ten, counting Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan.


    With everyone inside, the space felt incredibly cramped. The apartment wasn''t new; it had been around for a while, previously rented out by the street office. Now, due to various reasons, it had been reclaimed and allocated to the railway. The turnover period was short, so although it was empty, some garbage was still on the floor, giving the place a funky smell after being sealed up during the hot summer.


    This wasn''t unique to this apartment; the entire building had a similar odor. Sister Liang Meifen quickly opened the windows, muttering, "I thought apartments were supposed to be nice."


    They had always been a bit enamored with the idea of living in apartments, but the reality was a cold splash of water. Not only was the space insufficient for the whole family, but being right across from the restroom was quite the downside.


    Winter might be manageable, but summer? That''s another story.


    She looked around, noting that with one room and a living room, they''d barely have space to step if they sectioned off a room for the kids and bought some winter storage vegetables. Thinking of this, Sister Liang Meifen just kept shaking her head.


    She didn''t say much else, stepping out into the corridor''s end, where the communal kitchen was. There were six stoves, one for each family, but clearly, six couldn''t cook simultaneously; even three would be a squeeze.


    She shook her head again and returned to the apartment, saying, "I thought living in an apartment was supposed to be great."


    Not only did she feel this way, but even Hutou and Xiao Yanzi didn''t like it.


    They murmured, "Mom, it''s not as good as our old place."


    When you think about it, they didn''t have a thirty-five-square-meter room there, but their home had multiple rooms, each their own space. Here, it''s just thirty-five square meters. After a brief look around, there wasn''t much to see; the space was pretty limited.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan asked, "What do you guys think?"


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "How can I see it? It''s the house you got, and I''m just your mom¡ªI can give advice, but I can''t make the decision for you. I think you should trade it."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, "I think so too."


    He said, "Shall we head back then?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure. Seeing it in person settles things. Let''s go now."


    As the door opened, the smell of the restroom hit them immediately. Even though they only got the keys yesterday evening, many are already preparing to move in. The constant coming and going, along with activities like fetching water and using the restroom, have made the hallway smell awful.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Let''s head downstairs first."


    "Alright."


    Although they had already decided to trade the apartment, Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen still harbored a tiny bit of hope, after all, this was an apartment, and they''d never lived in one before. But after seeing it in person¡­


    The dream was shattered in an instant.


    The apartment wasn''t much to write home about. As they descended the stairs, they noticed how cramped every household seemed to be. Zhao Guihua said, "The space is inadequate, so inevitably, people will start placing things in the corridor. Then you''ve got issues of who''s taking more space, and what if something goes missing?"


    "Huh, Mom, you''re right."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Everyone gets off work at the same time. You saw it too¡ªeveryone cooks at the end of the corridor, one stove per family, but six families can''t cook together. There''ll definitely be conflicts over who goes first."


    Liang Meifen fully agreed. She had already thought of this when she saw the setup. This kind of thing always catches her attention. She added, "Morning bathroom visits will be the same¡ªif everyone needs to go, there''ll be competition."


    Their old courtyard also had queues for the public restroom in the morning, but at least the public restrooms had multiple stalls and weren''t right by their door.


    Finally, the whole family made it downstairs. The two older kids ran ahead, making Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan envious. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t chase after them, frustrating the little ones, who babbled in protest.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You tiny ones who can''t even walk yet¡ªjust behave!"


    Seeing the kids run far ahead, Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Zhuang Zhixi, do you think people would be willing to trade with us? This place really isn''t great."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It''s not necessarily good, but it depends on how you look at it. Under normal circumstances, apartments are generally better than houses. In many people''s minds, no matter how good a house is, it still can''t compare to an apartment. And our siheyuan, if we really wanted to nitpick, we could find quite a few flaws, though we''ve gotten used to them and don''t see them. If you say the building is old, it''s not new, but our siheyuan is even older, yet we''ve gotten used to it and don''t notice."


    "That''s true."


    "So, when should we approach Chen Yuan?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We won''t approach Chen Yuan. Chasing after something isn''t a deal. We''ll wait for his family to come to us. Sister-in-law, you''ve been looking glum at work lately, and if anyone asks, you should say..."


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered some instructions, and Liang Meifen nodded, "Alright, I''ll cooperate."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded and said, "That should do it."


    After the family viewed the apartment, there was indeed no surprise, absolutely no surprise!


    Zhuang Zhixi thought of something and turned to ask, "Ming Mei, is your brother moving in? He also got a 35-square-meter apartment, right? He has two kids too, right?"


    Speaking of which, Zhuang Zhiyuan and Ming Cheng are quite similar. They both graduated from high school, both got jobs in the railway department, both have two children¡ªan eldest son and a second daughter.


    And of course, they both got apartments in the same year.


    Ming Mei whispered, "My brother won''t move in."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, and Ming Mei''s voice grew even softer as she said, "My brother lent the apartment to someone else."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"


    He immediately stopped asking, knowing it was not the place to discuss this with people around. Ming Mei didn''t continue, and luckily, no one else paid much attention, as everyone was focused on their own apartments.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "If we swap apartments, it would actually be great."


    He had thought it through; it wouldn''t be easy to live with the kids. If they didn''t take the kids, they would have to live apart, and he wasn''t willing to do that. He already spent little time with his children due to frequent business trips, and living separately would only make it worse. That simply wouldn''t do.


    He said, "Let''s swap, let''s swap. I hope everything goes smoothly."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at his brother and thought, with me here, how could it not go smoothly?


    Sure enough, the next day, Liang Meifen began work with a gloomy face, giving off an aura of "stranger danger." She had been working in the workshop for some time and had built good relationships with several female colleagues, one of whom, Wang Fang, was the closest to her. Wang Fang asked her, "What''s wrong? Did you have a fight with your husband?"


    Liang Meifen: "No, what would we fight about? Our relationship is great!"


    "Then why the glum face? Did your mother-in-law give you trouble?" This in-law relationship is an evergreen topic.


    Liang Meifen: "Not that either."


    She sighed, putting on a troubled expression, "Actually, it''s because my husband got an apartment."


    "Ah?"


    "That''s great news! Why are you looking so down about it?" Not just Wang Fang, but others also gathered around, eager to know more. Getting an apartment is a huge deal.


    Liang Meifen gave a wry smile, "Of course, getting an apartment is good, and I''m happy about it. But we have no room in our apartment. We have two kids¡ªa boy and a girl¡ªand they can''t share a room, right? But the apartment I got is only 35 square meters..."


    She helplessly said, "We don''t have enough space, and the kids don''t want to move either. They''re throwing fits at home, crying and throwing tantrums because their friends are all in our courtyard, and they won''t know anyone in the new place. The kids don''t want to go. My mother-in-law suggested we let the kids stay with them, as they have enough space, but you know how it is¡ªas a mother, I can''t bear to live apart from my children..."


    Hearing this, everyone understood Liang Meifen''s predicament, but there was really no better solution for such a situation.


    "That''s really tricky. Maybe you can just let them stay with your in-laws for a while. My kids stay with their grandmother in the countryside. It''s tough, but there''s no other way since we''re both working. We''re planning to bring them back when they''re old enough for school. Fortunately, your kids are still in Beijing, so it''s not too bad."


    Liang Meifen shook her head, "These two have never been away from me and their dad, how can we let them go? I''m just worried."


    Her brows were tightly furrowed, and she even ran into Zhuang Zhixi in the canteen with a gloomy face. The people from the propaganda department joked, "Isn''t that your sister-in-law? What''s wrong with her?"


    Zhuang Zhixi saw Chen Director sitting at a table eating and directly carried his tray over, sitting at the table next to him. Others followed, not realizing Zhuang Zhixi was aiming for Chen Director; usually, everyone just finds a spot randomly.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat down without saying a word.


    Sister Cui asked, "You haven''t explained, what''s wrong with your sister-in-law? Did you offend her?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Me? How could I offend anyone? She''s upset about the apartment. My brother got one, but it''s too small to live in, and if they move, they''ll have to live apart from the kids. Both of them are feeling miserable about it."


    "Apartment? Which unit?"


    "The railway department."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "He got a 35-square-meter one-bedroom, not enough for a family with kids. How could she not be upset?"


    "That''s true." Sister Cui sympathized, being a woman herself. She said, "So what can you do? Everyone''s in the same boat, just make do."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, I told my brother that if he doesn''t want to live apart from the kids, it''s better not to move. We should ask around to see if anyone nearby wants to swap. But my brother is hesitant. After all, the new place is an apartment. Even though the location and floor I got for him are mediocre, it''s still an apartment, and in terms of status, it''s better than a house. Especially in the winter, using the toilet is a nightmare. So my brother is also hesitant, wanting to swap but feeling he''d be at a disadvantage."


    "What you''re saying makes sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Exactly."


    Chen Director, sitting at the adjacent table, perked up at this conversation.


    For a while now, he had been thinking about this, especially lately, it had become more urgent. Chen Yuan had already left the machinery factory to work at a food factory. This eased his mind a bit.


    But they couldn''t let Chen Yuan keep living in the courtyard. Facing Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou every day would make him uneasy. He had only one son, and he couldn''t risk him being "ruined."


    So he also agreed that Chen Yuan shouldn''t return to the siheyuan.


    However, living together as a big family, though possible, was not ideal. His wife, his mother, and his daughter-in-law¡ªthree women riding a stage, constantly arguing, and he was also stressed.


    Even more, Chen Director wanted Chen Yuan and his wife to move out soon. He always felt that his daughter-in-law had some special feelings for him. It''s not just women who have keen senses; men do too. He always felt that Tao Yuyue treated him better than Chen Yuan. Moreover, she would often come close to him, serving tea, rubbing shoulders, and pounding legs. Chen Director was quite uncomfortable with this, so he hoped Tao Yuyue would move out.


    Although he was ambitious and good at making money, his interest in matters of the flesh was not strong. If he were more of a philanderer, with his position, he wouldn''t have only one son. He genuinely didn''t care much about such things when he was young.


    What he enjoyed was power and money. Women were a distraction from this pursuit. He would never let such matters affect his reputation or hinder his ascent. So Chen Director did not want to continue sharing a roof with Tao Yuyue.


    The best solution was to let Tao Yuyue and Chen Yuan move out soon.


    But they couldn''t return to the courtyard; if they did, their only son would be in danger. If they let Tao Yuyue live alone, he wouldn''t be at ease. She could seduce him, and she could do the same to others. So Chen Director was quite troubled.


    He spent sleepless nights, pondering how to get these two to move out.


    His wife still couldn''t understand what he was worrying about. She wanted the old couple to move into the big courtyard, so they wouldn''t need to change houses, which would save a lot of trouble. However, Director Chen was adamant against this, insisting that Chen Yuan and his wife must move out instead. This made his wife very unhappy, and the couple wasn''t on good terms with each other. But how could he say it directly? That his son''s wife has taken a liking to him? So Director Chen had to endure this bitterness alone. He had recently asked friends to help him find someone to swap houses with.


    But how to put it! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This big courtyard had a notorious reputation. Over the years, big and small incidents had occurred there countless times. So, generally, people wouldn''t dare to swap houses with them. Even if they had the intention, they wouldn''t act on it. After all, the courtyard was home to quite a few unique characters.


    Zhou Qun was one of them. In his youth, he used to pull carts to secure his future. As he got older, he became fascinated with the behavior of elders, which was well-known. Although he seemed different now, he used to appear like a decent man. One shouldn''t judge a person by their appearance. That''s why no one dared to trust him!


    Then there was an old lady who schemed against her relatives and involved superstition, Zhou Qun''s mother.


    This family was already peculiar, but their neighbors weren''t any better. Bai Fendou had a reputation that ranged from fighting in the bathroom to the hospital, to being a womanizer¡ªhe had even castrated men! His actions were on par with Zhou Qun''s, making them the dragon and phoenix of the courtyard.


    Besides them, there was the supposed widow Wang Xiangxiu, who had unclear relationships with men. Although she seemed reformed, who knew what was true? After all, her family included a mother-in-law sentenced to life imprisonment and a son who was a notorious thief in juvenile detention.


    In short, this courtyard was a place people dared not enter.


    Generally, people couldn''t afford to mess with them.


    Director Chen''s plan to swap houses seemed increasingly distant.


    However, an unexpected opportunity fell from the sky, leaving Director Chen elated. He had heard about the housing allocation in the railway department, but how could they willingly exchange their newly allocated apartments for his house?


    But who would have thought, it was like finding a way out after being at a dead end!


    His situation had taken a turn for the better.


    Director Chen turned his head to look at Zhuang Zhixi, feeling that this man looked quite handsome and must be a good person! He thought, it must be the heavens giving him this chance. His eyes sparkled with joy as he saw Zhuang Zhixi finishing his meal and preparing to leave. He immediately called out, "Xiao Zhuang, wait!"


    In fact, he didn''t know Zhuang Zhixi''s name but had heard someone call him Xiao Zhuang earlier.


    However, he had an impression of Zhuang Zhixi, as the latter was someone from the propaganda department who could get articles published, which was rare.


    Zhuang Zhixi turned back, "Director Chen, do you need something?"


    Director Chen: "I have something to discuss with you. Come to my office."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."


    The others in the publicity department were curious about why Director Chen suddenly wanted to see Zhuang Zhixi, as they weren''t particularly close.


    Zhuang Zhixi gestured to the others and followed Director Chen upstairs to his office. Director Chen, rarely so, took out a cigarette. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Thanks, but I don''t smoke."


    Director Chen said meaningfully, "A man should know how to smoke; otherwise, he won''t have the means for social interactions."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded as if having learned something but added, "My kids are still young, and I''m afraid the smoke would trouble them. What did you need from me?"


    Director Chen sat down, saying, "I heard that your brother wants to swap houses?"


    Zhuang Zhixi hesitated for a moment, saying, "I urged him to do it, but he''s still uncertain."


    Director Chen studied Zhuang Zhixi for a moment, then said, "Let''s be straightforward. You know that Chen Yuan and his wife aren''t very comfortable living in the big courtyard, and as a father, I''m worried about them. So, I want to find them a new place to live."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked surprised at Director Chen, then said, "I understand, but you know, my brother has an apartment, so he''s hesitant about swapping. Everyone wants to live in an apartment nowadays!"


    Director Chen: "I get that, which is why I didn''t approach your sister-in-law; I came to you."


    He took out ten yuan and pushed it over, saying, "Help me persuade your brother."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Maybe it would be more effective to talk to my sister-in-law?"


    Director Chen: "I''ve heard rumors about your sister-in-law. She seems a bit muddled, and your brother probably wouldn''t take her advice, would he? If I went through her and she messed it up, it would be harder to negotiate, wouldn''t it?"


    He wasn''t unaware that Liang Meifen''s actions weren''t entirely clear, and her salary was even collected by her husband. Talk about a unique situation.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at the ten yuan, hesitating slightly. Director Chen added, "If you successfully persuade your brother, I''ll give you another ten yuan."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Then I''ll give it a try."


    Director Chen: "Alright."


    He said, "I look forward to your good news."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "For twenty yuan, I''ll have to try my best! Just wait and see."


    After a pause, he added, "My brother''s colleagues are moving recently, so he''ll be anxious too. I''ll push him to make a decision quickly."


    Director Chen was pleased that Zhuang Zhixi was a smart man and nodded, "Then I''ll wait for your news."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."


    Having made the arrangement with Director Chen, Zhuang Zhixi quickly returned. The people in the publicity department were curious about what had happened. He jokingly said, "He just asked about the situation in our courtyard, as their family¡¯s Chen Yuan''s house is also there."


    "That makes sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi left work with Liang Meifen, walking home together. Normally, their family members, who all worked in the machinery factory, would go their separate ways after work. But today, Zhuang Zhixi specifically waited for Liang Meifen.


    Walking with Zhuang Zhixi, Liang Meifen felt a bit awkward. She asked, "Old Third, what did you need to tell me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You should go clean up the house you''ve been allocated in the next few days. Clear out the things inside, buy a bucket of paint, and polish the windows before applying the paint. Also, paint the walls inside white."


    Liang Meifen was dumbfounded.


    She stammered, "Wh-why? Some people just move in directly without doing all that."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "They didn''t clean up, but that doesn''t mean you shouldn''t. They''re moving into their own homes, but you''re swapping for money. Are they the same?"


    Liang Meifen: "...Who wouldn''t want the money?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Exactly. You have a great house to swap with them, so they should compensate you a bit, shouldn''t they?"


    Liang Meifen: "Ah??? Ah!!!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You clean up the house, spend a bit on the paint¡ªit shouldn''t cost more than twenty yuan, probably even less. It''s just labor costs, but you''re doing the work for your own benefit. Once everything''s done, find some sandalwood incense¡ªit might be scarce now, but you can probably get some in the black markets. Burn a little to make the house smell nice. Then we''ll arrange for Chen''s family to see the house. Your house is already bigger than Chen Yuan''s by about five or six square meters. Plus, it''ll look even better after cleaning. The Chen family will have to compensate us, won''t they? As long as Chen Yuan and his wife like the place, you and your husband can set the price high. Swapping is swapping, but a worse house for a better one? You should get compensation!"


    Liang Meifen: "Ah! That''s right!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, I''ve explained everything to you. Go home and tell your husband. I have to go pick up my wife today."


    Liang Meifen: "Got it."


    She hurried home, planning to start cleaning after dinner.


    Zhuang Zhixi strolled leisurely, heading straight to the bus station. It wasn''t that he wasn''t in a hurry, but Ming Mei had some statistics to finish at work, so she would leave a bit later. He arrived just in time, and Ming Mei saw him and came downstairs.


    She smiled and said, "You timed it perfectly."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I was worried that coming too early would interrupt your work."


    Although Ming Mei finished her overtime work without it being dark yet, Zhuang Zhixi still felt uneasy. Whenever she had to work overtime, he would come to pick her up. The couple rode their bikes together on their way home. Zhuang Zhixi was carrying Ming Mei, who hugged his waist and asked, "How did the house matter go today?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "No problem."


    He continued, "By the way, I forgot to ask you yesterday. What''s going on with your brother?"


    Ming Mei said, "My brother actually sold the house, but it was nominally called borrowing."


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned, "Your brother-in-law is quite something, isn''t he? What did he get out of it? Your brother must have gotten something, right? If it''s just for money, that''s not right."


    It was currently not allowed to sell houses, and most people wouldn''t dare to buy them, fearing the seller might back out. The buyer here, however, was quite bold to even consider buying a house.


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "My brother didn''t take any money. He traded my sister-in-law''s job. You know, she was a temporary ticket seller at the train station, and she hadn''t been able to get a permanent position all these years. Now that the slots are so tight, it''s even harder. But this time, my brother seized the opportunity. My sister-in-law can now get a permanent job. The cost was my brother giving up the house. Even though it was sold, my brother didn''t receive a single penny, but my sister-in-law got a permanent position."


    Zhuang Zhixi was silent for a moment before saying, "It''s hard to say if your brother made the right decision. But it seems to make sense when you think about it."


    "Of course it makes sense," Ming Mei continued. "Besides, what can you do? Nowadays, young people can''t avoid going to the countryside unless they have formal jobs. Temporary jobs just won''t do, and that''s why the price of jobs has increased. Moreover, jobs can be passed down, so who would want to sell them? Because they are scarce, good departments like the railway are even harder to get into. My brother also has good connections, otherwise, this opportunity wouldn''t have come to him."


    Ming Mei still supported her brother''s decision. Their parents had a three-bedroom apartment which was quite spacious and could accommodate everyone. If her brother moved in, he would face the same issue as Zhuang Zhiyuan, having to separate from his children.


    This situation was quite favorable.


    "Actually, a job is worth about five hundred yuan now. My brother''s house isn''t worth that much, so our family benefited. Of course, the buyer also benefited; they didn''t spend a single penny and got the house. The buyer was my brother''s leader, who had a placement quota for jobs. But his children already had jobs, so he wanted to trade the house for his children. His children had just started working and were far from qualifying for housing. He could have sold the quota and then bought a house, but that would involve too many people and risk things going wrong, so he preferred a simpler approach. He had made sure my brother couldn''t back out before agreeing."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I understand. Since their family is your brother''s leader, they must be confident your brother won''t go back on his word. That''s why they dared to do this."


    Ming Mei added, "Right, they signed an agreement, and since they all work in the same unit, it''s unlikely they would tear things apart. They can''t afford to lose face, especially since they are still in the railway department. They don''t want to go back on their word, and neither does my brother. This deal benefits both parties."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded.


    He said, "Your brother has quite a bit of strategy."


    Ming Mei replied, "Of course, we have many military strategists in our family, so we know what''s best."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Your brother is quite smart."


    Ming Mei pouted and said, "My grandpa says that our family is getting worse with each generation. My uncle and my mom aren''t as good as my grandpa, and we''re even worse than my mom and my uncle. It''s like each generation is worse than the last."


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing.


    Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi, who exclaimed, "Hey, hey, hey, hey. Don''t start hitting me. I''m laughing, isn''t that okay?"


    Ming Mei huffed, gripping Zhuang Zhixi tighter. As the bike swayed, Zhuang Zhixi steadied it, saying, "Your grandpa must really like me since he said I could turn out alright with some training."


    Ming Mei huffed again.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Hehehe."


    Ming Mei said, "What are you laughing about?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I can''t even laugh now, how bossy."


    Ming Mei huffed again.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You only know how to huff..." Seeing Ming Mei''s little hand getting restless again, he quickly added, "Don''t pinch me, I''m riding the bike."


    Ming Mei pouted but then asked, "How is your brother''s situation going?"


    Zhuang Zhixi answered, "No problem!"


    He continued, "I made sure it''s all good. I think Director Chen is even more eager to trade houses than I thought. He seemed really anxious and even gave me ten yuan, saying he would give me another ten if I could convince my brother."


    Ming Mei burst out laughing, completely surprised, "What... what...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Didn''t expect that, did you?"


    "No, not at all."


    Ming Mei felt there were all sorts of things happening in this world.


    "Aren''t you going to give the money to your brother?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "No, it''s my earnings, why would I give it away? But I plan to treat everyone to a meal."


    Ming Mei: "???"


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "I''ll use this money to treat everyone."


    Ming Mei said, "Alright, twenty yuan is a lot, we won''t be able to finish it all."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "I''ll take ten yuan to treat everyone, and the other ten will be given to them in front of both parties to be included in the price difference. This way, everything is clear, and they can''t say I made money in between."


    "That''s good."


    The couple chatted all the way home...


    It turned out that Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife were quite obedient. They quickly got to work, and in just two or three days, everything was neatly tidied up. Neither Zhuang Zhixi nor Director Chen had gone looking for each other.


    It wasn''t until Director Chen came to find him that Zhuang Zhixi, after a day''s delay, took Director Chen to meet Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    Director Chen and Zhuang Zhiyuan didn''t know each other, but with Zhuang Zhixi in the middle, the introductions went smoothly. Of course, Director Chen wasn''t alone; his wife and Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue accompanied him.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You don''t need me to introduce your family''s situation. We live in the same compound, so we know what it''s like and have seen it. Let''s go see my brother''s house now. But there are some things we need to clarify upfront."


    After a pause, he laughed and said, "Firstly, the apartment is better than a house. Secondly, my brother''s place is a bit larger, so we can''t directly exchange them. We should at least compensate for the price difference, right?"


    Director Chen and his family had already considered this. After all, the Zhuang family wasn''t stupid. Although they wanted to trade houses for their children, they wouldn''t let themselves be at a disadvantage. Director Chen said, "I understand, let''s go."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Alright, let''s go take a look. Since there''s a price difference, let''s check the actual situation. If you think the difference is too much and disagree, that''s fine too. After all, we can still be friends even if the deal doesn''t go through, right?"


    Director Chen nodded.


    The two Zhuang brothers led Director Chen''s family to the residential building. The location here was indeed quite good. Even Director Chen and his wife couldn''t find any fault. They went upstairs together, and Director Chen''s wife covered her nose, saying, "There''s a lot of dust here."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and replied, "Yes, everyone''s moving lately, so there''s more dust. But once people move in officially and start cleaning up, it''ll be much better. Even though there''s a sanitation fee, where isn''t there one? Our compound has one too."


    "That''s right," Tao Yuyue said, "There''s also a sanitation fee in the siheyuan."


    She would much rather live in an apartment and was eager to trade houses, especially since she wouldn''t have to pay anything.


    They went upstairs together, and Director Chen''s wife started making snide remarks again, "Oh, this is the top floor, that''s too high."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn''t in the mood to respond, so he ignored her. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Yes, it''s the top floor, but isn''t an apartment still better than a house? Those who haven''t lived in a house might not know, but I think Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue can relate."


    Speaking of this, Chen Yuan agreed. He couldn''t stand going out to the toilet in the freezing cold, which was unbearable.


    He said, "Indeed, living in a siheyuan is really inconvenient."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "That''s not quite it. Moreover, although we''re on the top floor, it''s actually quite quiet. Think about it, if you lived downstairs, the people above might move furniture or make noise by dragging chairs and tables around. You''d never be able to sleep in, right? If there are kids upstairs, it''s even worse. They''d be running around every day, and you''d feel so annoyed that your head would be buzzing. But on the top floor, you don''t have this problem. Everyone else is below you. There''s no one above you jumping around. You''re the ones making others uncomfortable, not the other way around."


    When he said this, not only did Chen Yuan and his wife nod, but even the director, Chen, agreed.


    Zhuang Zhixi took a deep breath, thinking to himself how fortunate it was that his mother was so shrewd. She had even thought of this point, which really showed that you couldn''t judge a book by its cover. Obviously, she hadn''t lived in a building before, yet she could still think of this. Indeed, an old ginger is still hotter.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Come, the room is this way."


    At this moment, the director''s highly picky wife spoke up again. She frowned even more disdainfully and said, "Why is it right next to the bathroom? It''s so annoying, and the smell is overwhelming."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan still remained silent, and Zhuang Zhixi really wanted to punch his older brother.


    Undeterred, Zhuang Zhixi continued with a smile, "This is indeed a disadvantage, but there''s nothing we can do about it. You see, every building has six families that must be close to the bathroom, and with six buildings, that''s thirty-six families in total. My brother was already near the end of the housing allocation list, so this really couldn''t be helped. However, think about it this way: although being near the bathroom is a disadvantage, it also has its advantages. At least, when you need to use the bathroom, you''ll be faster than others. During the morning rush when everyone is hurrying to work, you''ll also be able to get in before others. In those chaotic moments, being closer to the bathroom means you''ll be faster. So, while it''s a disadvantage, there are hidden benefits."


    After hearing this, the director''s wife, though still disapproving, didn''t say anything more.


    At this point, Zhuang Zhiyuan opened the door, and the Chen family''s eyes lit up. Undoubtedly, despite the flaws along the way, the house itself was quite impressive. No wonder Zhuang Zhiyuan had been so hesitant; the place was really quite good.


    The room, though not large, was neat and clean, with a faint scent of sandalwood. There was no hint of the bathroom''s odor across the hall, and the walls were pristine white. The director''s wife walked to the window and found the frames were a refreshing lake blue, and the glass was spotless. She opened the window and gave a small nod.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You should know that the housing allocation wouldn''t normally be this good. My brother originally wanted to live here himself, so he quickly tidied it up. If it weren''t for me persuading him to swap houses, he would have continued to spruce it up."


    The director, curious, asked, "Isn''t it already very well-kept? How else could it be improved?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''ve noticed that the space isn''t very big, so we need to make the most of the limited area by adding more cabinets. Initially, my brother planned to install a row of small cabinets here, near the ceiling, so they wouldn''t be in the way when standing. Although reaching them would require a chair, they could store items that aren''t used often. For example, during the summer, you could store winter quilts and clothes up there, and in the winter, you could put summer clothes up there. Households always accumulate things, so you need to leave enough space for storage. We could also put a small stove here. If it''s too crowded outside, you could cook something simple at home. Or if you want to make something nice, you could cook in here without drawing a crowd. Don''t you think that makes sense?"


    The director: "That''s a good idea."


    They might have thought of it themselves, but Zhuang Zhixi''s explanation made it seem more practical.


    "And over here, you see, if we could install a..." Despite the small size of the room, Zhuang Zhixi''s description made it seem incredibly versatile.


    Tao Yuyue immediately fell in love with the place. Compared to the traditional courtyard house, she preferred this one, even though it had a few minor drawbacks. In her opinion, as long as they could swap houses, it would be worth spending some money.


    Coincidentally, Chen Yuan felt the same way.


    Chen Yuan absolutely despised courtyard houses, considering them places only poor people would live in.


    Although this place wasn''t as good as his current home, his current house had been lived in for many years and looked far less clean and tidy than this one. Initially, he knew his mother''s plan: the house they were living in was meant for his grandparents.


    However, even for a temporary transition, he didn''t want to suffer.


    Moreover, courtyard houses had perverts.


    He, as a good-looking young man, was at high risk. But here, the place was well-kept, and he felt that living here for a few years would be entirely acceptable. Originally, he thought he''d stay outside for a year or two before moving back home, but now he wanted to stay longer.


    After all, living at home meant constant arguing, which was just too annoying.


    He and Tao Yuyue also fought, but their fights involved physical contact. His mother, grandmother, and wife didn''t fight physically; they just bickered endlessly, like sparrows chirping, making his head ache. Why couldn''t they just fight instead of argue?


    Seriously!


    He''d rather they fought than argued. His head hurt just listening to them.


    So Chen Yuan preferred to move out, live freely, and not listen to others arguing. He''d much rather get into fights than listen to endless arguments. He was certain that even if his grandparents moved out, his mother and wife would still argue.


    Therefore, he preferred to move out on his own.


    He said, "I think this place is pretty good."


    Tao Yuyue nodded, "I think so too."


    The director: "What do you think about the price difference for the swap?"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his brother, Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Eighty yuan."


    "What? That''s way too much! We''re just swapping houses to make up the difference, not buying or selling. This isn''t a situation where you can demand a sky-high price!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "If it were a sale, you wouldn''t be able to buy this house for less than three hundred yuan."


    He paused and added, "Even though buying and selling isn''t allowed now, you should still be aware that a courtyard house could only sell for about two hundred and some odd yuan in the past. I''m only asking for an eighty yuan difference, which means you''re still making a profit."


    The director laughed and said, "That''s true. Courtyard houses used to sell for around two hundred yuan. But your house wouldn''t sell for three hundred, would it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mr. Chen, this house could indeed fetch three hundred if it were on the market. Even if buying and selling weren''t allowed, why would we sell? You see, if my brother didn''t want his child to live at home and decided to rent this place out instead, it could fetch at least five yuan per month from the neighborhood committee. That''s sixty yuan a year, and after five years, that''s three hundred yuan. The same applies to you: if you live here for a couple of years and then need more space after having kids or if Tao Yuyue gets another housing assignment, you could swap houses again, paying the difference for a larger place. If you move out, you could also rent the house through the neighborhood committee. Would that not be nice? Sixty yuan a year is no small sum! And don''t think courtyard houses could also be rented out through the committee. With our neighborhood''s reputation, do you really think anyone would dare to rent there? But this place is different; it''s filled with railway workers, and the atmosphere is much better. Think carefully: is asking for eighty yuan really too much? You previously told me you''d give me twenty yuan as a commission, and you''ve already given me ten. How about you add the remaining ten to my brother''s difference? So you pay my brother ninety yuan in total, making it a hundred yuan overall. But really, it''s not a bad deal, especially since you could rent it out in two years and make a profit. Isn''t that reasonable?"


    The director looked deeply at Zhuang Zhixi, thinking that this young man was quite a talent. His explanation was convincing, hitting all the right points. Even the director''s picky wife felt that what he said made sense.


    In the future, when their son moves back home and the old folks live here for a few years before passing away, they could still rent the house through the neighborhood committee? That''s a solid sixty yuan a year!


    "What do you think?" The director asked his son and daughter-in-law.


    Chen Yuan declared firmly, "Dad, I think it''s feasible."


    Tao Yuyue also quickly nodded, "I quite like it here too."


    In fact, she had her own little plans, so she was absolutely willing.


    Director Chen said, "Since my son and daughter-in-law both think this place is good and have set their hearts on it, I won''t continue to negotiate with you. Since you say so, I¡¯ll add another ninety to my brother, and this matter is settled!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "It''s okay; he''s family after all."


    Director Chen, being shrewd, said, "We need to write a clear replacement agreement." He was afraid the Zhuang family might regret it later.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at his older brother. Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, "That¡¯s right."


    "Then it''s settled."


    This house viewing went smoothly, and Zhuang Zhiyuan himself hadn''t expected that exchanging houses could still net him ninety yuan. When they parted ways, he was still somewhat dazed, muttering, "I really didn¡¯t expect...¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Don¡¯t you feel like you¡¯re at a loss? I just analyzed it so thoroughly."


    At this moment, there were no outsiders left, only the two brothers. Zhuang Zhiyuan glanced at his younger brother and said, "Mother analyzed it all at home, and I heard her; I¡¯m not deaf."


    Although Zhao Guihua hadn¡¯t come today, she had thoroughly analyzed many situations for them. Although it seems there¡¯s a hundred-yuan difference between the two houses, the fact remains that houses are not allowed to be sold now!


    You say these two houses differ by a hundred yuan, but can the houses even be sold?


    No, they can¡¯t!


    And even if it¡¯s done privately, no one would dare to buy. Who wouldn¡¯t be afraid that the homeowner would take the money and then regret the deal? They can¡¯t transfer ownership or change the names on the deeds, so no one would dare to buy. Moreover, this place could sell for three hundred, while a room in the courtyard could sell for about two hundred twenty to three, so the difference isn¡¯t actually that big.


    As for renting them out through the neighborhood committee, that¡¯s even more out of the question. The Chen family might do it, but Zhuang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t. Since he¡¯s a railway employee, if he did that, the boss would likely have a talk with him. The housing is provided for you to live in, not to make money.


    If you do something like that, it reflects poorly on your integrity.


    Reputation is very important these days.


    But if it¡¯s a swap, there¡¯s no issue. Each family has its own difficulties, and swaps are a common way to handle these situations. Since the Chen family isn¡¯t in the railway department, if they rent it out a few years later, no one can really say anything. And even if they did, it wouldn¡¯t involve Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    So the Chen family isn¡¯t at a loss, and our family isn¡¯t either.


    No matter the situation, it¡¯s all about practical analysis based on the current conditions.


    Under the present circumstances, Zhuang Zhiyuan doing this is definitely the best option. He sighed, "Ninety yuan, that¡¯s quite a lot."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "How much did you spend on paint and varnish?"


    "Fourteen."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "That¡¯s pretty good; that leaves you with seventy-six."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Yeah. But thankfully we tidied it up; otherwise, they might not have agreed so quickly."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. While they did spend some money, you can¡¯t just directly calculate the costs like that. The bottom line is, you can¡¯t sell! Both are single rooms, so all that talk doesn¡¯t matter. If they hadn¡¯t cleaned up, the Chen family would have found a hundred and twenty issues to pick at. Even if they gave the difference, they definitely wouldn¡¯t have given much. That¡¯s just how it is.


    Although it seemed like they had the upper hand in this matter, they didn¡¯t actually have other choices. They could only choose the Chen family, so if they were forced to lower the price, they¡¯d have to accept it.


    But now it¡¯s different.


    This matter was handled smoothly, with everyone satisfied.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was really happy. He said, "I really didn¡¯t expect this to turn a profit. That way, I can pay back all the money I borrowed from Mother last year."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "That¡¯s certainly worth congratulating."


    He added, "In celebration of your smooth move to the new place, let¡¯s use the ten yuan Director Chen gave me to eat at Donglaishun."


    He smiled, "We¡¯ll celebrate the whole family."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "I think that¡¯s a great idea!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: Mission accomplished!


    I almost forgot, Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan still don¡¯t have proper names. Please help us come up with some cute names for these baby twins.

 Chapter 162

    The Zhuang family had a hearty meal at Donglaishun, feeling extremely satisfied.


    Due to the price difference in the house, Zhuang Zhiyuan made a solid profit of seventy-six yuan. Combined with the money he had saved, he managed to pay off all the debts he had borrowed for purchasing his job. Although their family savings were wiped out, they now felt light-hearted without any debt weighing on them.


    Both Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen were overjoyed. The pressure of owing money was not a pleasant feeling. The Chen family was eager to move, so both parties drafted a clear and detailed exchange agreement, and preparations for the move began immediately.


    The move itself mainly involved Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue leaving, as Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife had nothing to move; their new place was already empty. So, they could easily accommodate the Chens'' schedule, and Director Chen''s family chose an auspicious day for the move.


    Although such superstitions were no longer in vogue, some people still quietly followed such practices.


    Choosing a good day for the move was, of course, essential for the joy of starting afresh.


    The Chen family''s chosen day happened to fall on a Sunday. Chen Yuan, staring at this date, was lost in deep thought, while Tao Yuyue, on the other hand, was giddy with excitement, urging: "Chen Yuan, let''s go."


    Chen Yuan replied irritably, "Don''t I know to go? Do you have to keep nagging?"


    Tao Yuyue, unusually unbothered by his demeanor, was too happy about moving into the new house to take offense. She said, "Well, I''ll go downstairs first."


    Chen Yuan frowned, displeased: "Can''t you wait for me?"


    Chen Yuan truly found Tao Yuyue insufferable, like someone who had never seen the world. As the couple descended the stairs together, they saw four young men waiting below. These were Chen Yuan''s underlings, here to help him move. Despite being the only child in his family, both his grandparents and parents doted on him. However, none of the elders were involved in the moving process.


    This wasn''t because his grandparents didn''t want to help, but because Director Chen forbade it. Director Chen was a man who valued face above all, and his wife was no different. Both of them considered themselves leaders and would never stoop to doing such menial tasks.


    Chen Yuan''s grandparents did want to help, but Director Chen couldn''t bear the thought of elderly people helping the young move; he believed it would tarnish his reputation. So, he didn''t allow it.


    After all, his wife was a deputy factory director, and he was a powerful logistics director of a large factory. Many people were eager to curry favor with them. There would always be someone willing to help Chen Yuan with such tasks. As a result, none of the older family members stepped up.


    Chen Yuan had recruited four underlings, two of whom were old friends, and the other two were employees from the food factory. The latter two had quickly ingratiated themselves with Chen Yuan, becoming his subordinates by flattering him.


    Since Chen Yuan was moving, his mother had also loaned him the food factory''s tricycle. The group piled onto the tricycle and sped toward the courtyard.


    Speaking of this courtyard, it was quite the gathering place for eccentric characters. Even Chen Yuan''s four underlings felt a bit uneasy.


    Rumor had it that someone in the courtyard had a peculiar habit of slapping men''s buttocks, which was rather unsettling.


    The tricycle moved faster than a bicycle, and it soon arrived at the alley. Zhuang Zhixi was just stepping out to use the restroom. It was a lovely Sunday, and his mother, wife, and sister-in-law had all gone to the countryside to climb a mountain.


    Accompanying them were Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou. Aunt Zhou had managed to join the group through some skillful maneuvering. Wang Zizhen, who usually went along, couldn''t this time due to her pregnancy. Recently, there had been wild boars in the mountains, making the area unsafe. But after some time had passed, they decided to venture there in search of fresh mushrooms.


    Zhuang Zhixi imagined a dish of chicken stewed with mushrooms, his mouth watering at the thought.


    With the women away, Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhiyuan weren''t at home either. They had packed some dry rations and gone fishing. This time, with Wang Zizhen accompanying them, she and her husband, Da Qiang, also joined in. The four of them left early in the morning together.


    Regardless of other families, on this fine Sunday, the Zhuang household was left with only Zhuang Zhixi, who was tasked with looking after four children¡ªquite an unusual situation.


    Fortunately, there were Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, two kids in the courtyard who could help out. Zhuang Zhixi entrusted his own two little ones to them while he went to the restroom. In this era, it was quite common for older children to take care of younger ones, but Zhuang Zhixi still felt a bit uneasy and hurried through his business.


    However, before he could enter the restroom, he saw a tricycle approaching, and seated on it was his acquaintance, Chen Yuan. Chen Yuan spotted Zhuang Zhixi and immediately called out, "Stop here."


    The tricycle pulled up next to Zhuang Zhixi, who smiled and asked, "Are you moving today?"


    Chen Yuan grunted in acknowledgment. He looked at Zhuang Zhixi and suddenly came up with a plan. He said, "Zhuang, come here, I have something to tell you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    He looked at Chen Yuan in disbelief, thinking, Who do you think you are? Telling me what to do?


    However, despite his thoughts, he masked his feelings and merely smiled without comment.


    Chen Yuan repeated, "Come here."


    Through the house deal, Chen Yuan had realized that Zhuang Zhixi had some capability when it came to speaking and handling affairs. He was willing to give him a chance to follow him, mainly because Zhuang Zhixi knew how to play the role of a faithful dog. If he performed well, Chen Yuan didn''t mind putting in a good word for him with his father.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Just say what you have to say. I''m in a hurry to use the restroom."


    Chen Yuan furrowed his brow, feeling that this guy was a bit too uppity.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Just say it directly. If not, I''m leaving. I still have to go back and take care of the kids."


    He spoke with complete assurance, showing no hint of embarrassment. Yet, Chen Yuan looked down on Zhuang Zhixi, sneering at him for being a man who actually took care of children. What kind of man was that? It was utterly disgraceful.


    Chen Yuan said disdainfully, "You''re really something."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and replied, "I don''t have time to chitchat with you."


    With that, he turned and headed into the restroom, completely dismissing Chen Yuan''s request.


    As a joke, did he fear Chen Yuan? Bring on his revenge¡ªZhuang Zhixi was ready.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s departure left Chen Yuan fuming. He felt that Zhuang Zhixi was utterly disrespectful. Who was he? He was Chen Yuan, and his father was the logistics director. Yet, a mere common worker like Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t even give him face? What a disgrace.


    He glared at Zhuang Zhixi''s retreating back, mentally cursing him to filth.


    However, after a moment of reflection, he thought, This kind of person is just a petty, worthless individual. All he can do is stay home and take care of kids¡ªtasks fit only for women. Chen Yuan felt that there was nothing about Zhuang Zhixi worth respecting. Since he was so uppity, there was no point in giving him opportunities to fawn over him.


    Without such opportunities, and without his good graces, see how he could ever hope to climb the ladder.


    He might as well remain a lowly worker for life. Pfft!


    Having arrived at this conclusion, Chen Yuan decided not to recruit Zhuang Zhixi. However, even if he didn''t plan to recruit him, there were still things he could make him do. After all, the guy seemed to be money-motivated. With that in mind, Chen Yuan also entered the restroom. To his surprise, it was empty; Zhuang Zhixi had already finished and was heading out. Seeing Chen Yuan follow him, Zhuang Zhixi was momentarily speechless.


    Chen Yuan looked down on Zhuang Zhixi with contempt, lighting a cigarette and taking a puff before blowing out a ring of smoke. With one hand in his pocket and the other holding the cigarette, he exuded an air of superiority.


    He said, "Help me get Zhou Qun out of the courtyard. I don''t want to see him."


    Zhuang Zhixi innocently replied, "How can I do that? Zhou Qun is a living person, not something I can just put in my pocket and walk away with. Besides, our relationship is just so-so. If I ask him to leave, he won''t listen to me."


    Chen Yuan chuckled coldly, saying, "I''ll give you ten yuan."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes lit up: "!!!"


    Now that you mention money, I''m all ears.


    Ten yuan, you know, ten yuan is quite a lot. Generally speaking, a worker''s monthly salary is about thirty yuan, and ten yuan is equivalent to one-third of that salary. That''s really quite a lot. If you don''t consider the meat ration, pork costs about eight-five jiao per jin, and in the black market, where no ration tickets are required, you could buy ten jin of pork, seeing how much ten yuan can buy. When people seek help from others, they usually give out one or two yuan at most.


    Ten yuan, that could make a significant difference.


    He immediately laughed out loud, his smile very bright. He said, "You see, although I''m not very familiar with Zhou Qun, we''re all neighbors in the same compound. As the best of neighbors, I can''t just watch him hinder others from moving. Don''t worry. I''ll keep an eye on him for you, and he won''t disrupt your move. Just wait and see."


    Ten yuan, Zhou Qun is quite valuable.


    Chen Yuan looked even more disdainful at Zhuang Zhixi, feeling that this man was truly a loser who couldn''t be helped. He had a great opportunity to cling to his influence, but he failed to see it and was instead just greedy for that measly ten yuan.


    Clearly, this man has some small cleverness, but lacks big wisdom and far-sightedness.


    He can be used for money, but there''s no need to recruit him.


    Chen Yuan nodded arrogantly and said, "That''s fine. You can go back now. I''ll give you fifteen minutes to deal with him."


    Zhuang Zhixi ignored Chen Yuan''s arrogance and blinked innocently, asking, "And the money? When will I get it?"


    Chen Yuan smiled and said, "I''m not just about money. In fact, I care the least about money. I''m doing this for the sake of our neighborly friendship. However, fifteen minutes is a bit short. I always..."


    He blinked, leaving some meaning unspoken. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yuan snorted, disdainfully taking out ten yuan and said, "Here, take it."


    He wasn''t worried that Zhuang Zhixi would take the money and not do the job. His father was the logistics director at the machinery factory, a leader, and if Zhuang Zhixi dared to take the money and not do the job, his father wouldn''t let him off. So, he wasn''t at all concerned about this man being greedy.


    Zhuang Zhixi took the money cheerfully and said, "Just wait and see. I''ll get him out of your way right away."


    He pocketed the money, feeling quite satisfied with himself. Going out to the toilet and earning some extra cash. If this happened a few more times, it would be equivalent to his monthly salary. No wonder there were magpies chirping this morning.


    Turns out, there was a big blessing.


    He smiled and said, "I''ll go take care of Zhou Qun right away."


    He immediately walked out, and when he reached the toilet entrance, he thought of something and turned back to ask, "It''s just Zhou Qun, right?"


    Chen Yuan was stunned, and Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his hesitation, said, "I thought you might not want to see Bai Fendou either."


    Chen Yuan: "!!!"


    He instantly thought, right, there''s not just Zhou Qun in this compound, but also Bai Fendou. His innocence is at risk because of these perverts. He quickly said, "Add Bai Fendou too!"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s smile became even brighter, like a blooming trumpet flower.


    He laughed happily but then said, "Adding another person... this is quite difficult! Zhou Qun is worth ten yuan. Bai Fendou isn''t easy to deal with either; he''s a ladies'' man..."


    His voice trailed off.


    Chen Yuan decisively said, "It''s just ten yuan? Do I look like I''m short on money?"


    He casually took out another ten yuan and handed it to Zhuang Zhixi, "This one''s for Bai Fendou."


    Zhuang Zhixi took the money joyfully and said, "You can rest assured. Whether it''s Zhou Qun or Bai Fendou, I''ll make sure to take care of both of them, leaving you with no worries at all. I''ll definitely live up to their ten yuan value. I''ll be right back."


    Oh, twenty yuan, in hand!


    Zhuang Zhixi trotted back, while Chen Yuan disdainfully snorted, saying, "What a shallow-minded person."


    He returned to the car, and Tao Yuyue asked, "What were you talking about with Zhuang Zhixi?"


    Chen Yuan: "Men''s talk, what''s it to you, woman?"


    Tao Yuyue held her breath, but with outsiders present, she didn''t say anything and just lowered her head, cursing in her heart.


    Chen Yuan instructed the tricycle attendant, saying, "Take the cart into the alley next to us, and wait for a bit before going back."


    "Got it."


    The attendant was just an attendant, quite observant, doing whatever he was told.


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi hurried back home. When Hutou and Xiao Yanzi saw their uncle running back, they both stood up and said, "Uncle, we''ve been taking good care of Tuantuan and Yuanyuan."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded and said, "I know you''re good kids. I''ll take you all to Beihai Park to play later."


    "Ah!"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were shocked.


    The two kids stared at their uncle in surprise, asking, "Really, Uncle? Is it true?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I swear, or I''m a dog. Wait here, I''ll go get the others."


    He decisively went to the Bai household. It was still quite early, and Bai Fendou''s family had just finished breakfast. Zhuang Zhixi stood at the door and called out, "Bai Fendou, Fendou brother."


    Bai Fendou: "What is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped inside, greeted He Lan, and then said, "I''m planning to take our family''s kids to Beihai Park to have some fun and see the sights. What about you? Has little Qingqing been out yet? Want to come along?"


    Bai Fendou instantly felt he couldn''t fall behind Zhuang Zhixi upon hearing this. He had married the latest in the entire compound, so he absolutely couldn''t let his child fall behind too. He immediately said, "Of course, I''ll go."


    He added, "But with so many kids, can you handle them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What''s there to handle? Hutou and Xiao Yanzi are kids, but they won''t run off. Besides, when we go, we won''t be wandering around aimlessly; we''ll stop and look around, so it''s not a problem."


    Bai Fendou: "What about lunch..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Just buy something outside. Since we''re going, why not eat out a bit?"


    Bai Fendou thought that made sense and said, "Then I''ll prepare, we''ll gather in the courtyard later."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, hurry up. I''ll ask Zhou Qun and Yang Lixin."


    He smiled and said, "It''s rare for us dads in the compound to have an outing together."


    Bai Fendou: "They might not be as caring and loving as I am with my child."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "Just asking."


    He then went to Zhou Qun''s place. Aunt Zhou had already gone out, leaving Zhou Qun and his wife at home. Zhuang Zhixi explained his plan and added, "Bai Fendou and I are going too. He just said that you may not join..."


    Zhou Qun, upon hearing, was unconvinced and said, "How can it be that he loves his child more than I do? My precious Qijin is my heart''s treasure. Alright, count me in for today''s activities. My life is way better than yours, how can I fall behind?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That would be great. Jiang Lu can also take a break then."


    Jiang Lu: "That''s true, but when you''re out, take good care of the kids, be careful of human traffickers, and don''t let them eat random things. Also..."


    As a mother, she was more meticulous, giving a lot of instructions.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You get ready, I''ll go ask Yang Lixin."


    Despite all of them being workers with Sundays off, Sundays are generally even more hectic for families, especially dual-income households, who have even more to do. At the Yang household, only the couple and their three children were left.


    Aunt Wang had gone to the mountain, and Li the Cook went out to help with cooking for a small gathering, so Yang Lixin was also home. Li Fang was more than happy for Yang Lixin to take the three rascals out, handing him five yuan and saying, "Go ahead, the remaining money needs to be handed over when you return."


    Yang Lixin: "You..."


    Pausing for a moment, he said, "Alright."


    Li Fang breathed a sigh of relief, very grateful to Zhuang Zhixi for taking these men and their kids out, allowing her family to have a good rest. Taking care of kids all day, she was exhausted. Yang Lixin was practically kicked out by Li Fang.


    However, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei were delighted, hopping and jumping towards the front yard, joining Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, saying, "Are you going too?"


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi both nodded, their happy little faces flushed with excitement.


    "This is really great."


    "Exactly."


    "We''re going to Beihai Park this time. There are little boats there. I wonder if we can row a boat."


    Don''t think that kids are just little fools. Children can be quite cunning too. While speaking, they secretly glanced at the adults, trying to gauge their reactions. However, the adults didn''t seem to pay much attention to them.


    Zhuang Zhixi packed the milk bottles, handkerchiefs, and diapers into the stroller before locking the door and heading out. To lighten the load, he also took the ugly, large stuffed caterpillar that the children had been clinging to. YuanYuan grumbled unhappily for a moment but, sensing that they were about to go out, didn''t cry.


    Four baby strollers were lined up together, and five little infants babbled to each other in "infant language," their big round eyes wide with curiosity. Baby or not, whether they were cute or not, they were all adorable.


    The little ones were often placed together by the adults, so they were all quite familiar with each other. They babbled away, and Zhuang Zhixi said, "Is everyone here? Shall we go?"


    "Sure!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Then, let''s head out!"


    The group marched out in a lively fashion, attracting the attention of neighbors in the alleyway. "What are you all doing? Why are all the kids out?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied with a smile, "We''re planning to take the kids to the park. The weather is quite nice now, but it''ll get colder soon, so we won''t be able to go then. It''s a rare weekend, and the weather is good too."


    "You''ve really put thought into it."


    Typically, it''s the women who take care of the kids, but in their compound, it''s the men pushing the strollers, which was rather puzzling. However, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t mind what others thought. The group left the alley and headed to the bus stop. Zhuang Zhixi reminded the children, "You mustn''t run around. If you get lost, you won''t be able to find your way home, okay?"


    The kids nodded seriously.


    The four men were all first-time caretakers, each a bit nervous. However, Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, and the other two kids were completely unafraid, excited instead. When the bus arrived, they boarded one after another. There were still seats available.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You kids go sit down."


    He steadied the stroller with one hand and held onto the handle with the other. TuanTuan and YuanYuan were out for the first time, their big eyes darting around, not knowing where to look. Their chubby little bodies wriggled from side to side, looking left and right, their big round eyes wide open, and their little mouths babbling away in their own language.


    Zhuang Zhixi had a large stroller with two babies inside, so he was even more nervous. He secured one side of the stroller with his leg and added extra support for himself. Luckily, the bus wasn''t crowded today, or it would have been inconvenient.


    The bus driver, glancing at them through the rearview mirror, started the bus more gently than usual.


    In those days, the "Eight Big Workers" were very respected. Places like the supply and marketing cooperatives or state-owned restaurants even had signs saying "No unreasonable beating of customers." This showed the respect for these iron rice bowls and their service attitude. The bus drivers were no exception. However, with several babies on board, the driver wasn''t too reckless.


    After all, the kids were too young. If something went wrong, these men could just mob him. So the driver drove slowly and steadily. Zhuang Zhixi breathed a sigh of relief.


    The bus stopped at several stations. Each time the bus stopped or started, the little ones giggled happily, seeming to enjoy the bumpy ride, unaware of the beads of sweat dripping down their fathers'' brows.


    The men were under a lot of pressure.


    Kids didn''t understand. Not only infants, but even Hutou and the others didn''t get it. They pressed their faces against the window, looking outside and chatting excitedly. Fortunately, despite the tension, they finally arrived at their destination.


    As they got off the bus, Zhou Qun commented, "Zhuang Zhixi, your back is soaked with sweat."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I was just so nervous. I was afraid the kids would fly out if the bus swayed."


    He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "This is really not easy."


    The other men nodded in agreement, their hearts aching for Zhuang Zhixi. Xiao Yanzi looked puzzled at the adults and tilted her head, saying, "But grandma always takes care of the kids, and she never says it''s hard."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Little girl, you''re really throwing shade, you know?"


    Xiao Yanzi softly muttered, "But I''m just telling the truth!"


    She just didn''t understand. Grandma never complained.


    Zhuang Zhixi pretended not to hear the little girl''s words and said, "Let''s go, let''s buy the tickets."


    The kids, being all under the age of buying tickets, didn''t need to pay. These days, there wasn''t strict enforcement, so a little extra didn''t matter. Each ticket cost two mao, and they each bought their tickets.


    In Beijing, there were several parks, some of which didn''t require tickets, while others did. However, there was a reason for the ticketed ones.


    After all, making a living was hard those days. So, if a place required a ticket, it must be better than the free ones. For example, Hutou''s school would have spring outings every year, but they would choose free parks. Places like this, which required tickets, were rarely visited.


    So, the kids were also quite unfamiliar with this place.


    They held hands, looking around curiously. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let''s go in."


    Bai Fendou also looked curious and said, "I''ve actually never been here a few times in my life."


    Truthfully, it wasn''t about money, but once you grew up, who would visit a park alone? These days, parks were mostly for young couples dating or families with kids. Other scenarios were quite rare.


    So, despite looking like they were fleeing from a famine, this was actually quite normal.


    Bai Fendou said, "This place looks pretty good. Next time, I''ll bring my wife here."


    It was quite rare for Bai Fendou to say something like that.


    Yang Lixin said, "This is my first time here."


    He was from the countryside, and even after moving to the city to work as an apprentice and later becoming a son-in-law who lives with his wife''s family, he never had much money. He never thought of coming here to play. Two cents could buy enough flour to make plenty of steamed buns.


    Weren''t buns delicious?


    At this moment, Zhou Qun spoke with a hint of pride, "When I was dating and newly married, I often came here." Jiang Lu had a good background, so to win her over, he had to spend quite a bit.


    Bai Fendou couldn''t stand Zhou Qun''s flaunting and snorted heavily.


    The kids jumped around happily. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let''s go and have a look around."


    The unfamiliar environment excited both the older and younger kids. Watching their children''s excitement, Zhuang Zhixi felt they had made the right decision. TuanTuan wore a little monk''s outfit with a short shirt and chubby open-crotch pants, his little wrinkled pants full of folds.


    But the little guy still wasn''t satisfied, his little feet kicking and kicking, ready to run off at any moment if he could.


    YuanYuan beside him was even more excessive. The little girl had stood up on the stroller, her little body wriggling.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Do the babies like this place?"


    He squatted down, took out a handkerchief, and wiped the kids'' drool. The two little ones babbled along the way, their drool oozing out. After cleaning their faces, YuanYuan immediately reached out her little arms, asking for a hug. Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "Can''t hold you, I''m just one person, it''s not convenient to hold both of you."


    YuanYuan puffed out her little cheeks, grumbling and turning away from Zhuang Zhixi. He pinched her chubby little arm and said, "You little rascal, you''re really flipping your mood."


    "Aww, baba baba..."


    YuanYuan waved her little hands, trying to explain herself.


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned, then overjoyed, saying, "YuanYuan, what did you just say? Did you call ''Daddy''? Repeat it for me, baby. Come on, say ''Daddy''."


    The little girl''s big round eyes sparkled like black grapes, dark and bright. She tilted her head, seeming unable to understand what her dad had said. But even a little baby could sense the emotions of the adults around her. With a touch of pride, she raised her chin slightly, clearly revealing her double chin.


    Zhuang Zhixi poked her and said, "Yuanyuan, call me ''Papa.'' Just like you did earlier¡ªPapa, Papa, Pa¡ªyou did call, didn''t you?"


    Yuanyuan: "???"


    At this moment, Tuantuan, the older brother, grew impatient. His dad was always fawning over his sister, and the little boy wanted attention too. With a swift kick, he planted his tiny foot on Zhuang Zhixi''s arm. His little hands flailed so fast they almost left behind blurry shadows. He let out a series of sounds¡ª"Ao ao ao wu wu"¡ªnobody could quite make out what he was trying to say, but his saliva splattered all over Zhuang Zhixi''s face...


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, come on!"


    He exclaimed, "You little rascal, you''re like a little spray bottle!"


    Undeterred, he repeated, "Call me ''Papa,'' Papa~"


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan: "A wu a wu!"


    "Pfft!" The onlookers burst out laughing. Bai Fendou teased Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "The kids are just babbling. They''re not actually calling you ''Papa.'' What makes you think so much into it? Such young babies can''t possibly say words yet."


    Zhou Qun chimed in, "Exactly, they''re too young for that."


    It''s an unspoken rule: if it''s my kid, they''re a prodigy. If it''s yours, you''re just being delusional.


    Funny how Bai Fendou and Yang Lixin think the same way.


    Hutou and his friends were playing nearby, watching the adults act like children, and proclaimed, "My brother and sister are the cutest!"


    But Li Junjun and Li Weiwei disagreed. They had their own sister, Zhenzhen, and she was adorable too.


    "My sister is the cutest."


    "No, it''s my sister!"


    "Mine!"


    The debate was escalating, and punches might start flying soon.


    Xiao Yanzi dashed over to the baby carriage. She looked at the twins carefully and then said to the boys, "Come here."


    She pulled the three boys over and shouted, "Who is the whitest?"


    "Uh..."


    Li Junjun, Li Weiwei, and Hutou all pointed, "Tuantuan and Yuanyuan."


    Xiao Yanzi puffed her chest out and asked even louder, "Who has the biggest eyes?"


    The three boys: "Uh, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan again."


    Xiao Yanzi shouted even louder, "Who loves to smile the most?"


    "Tuantuan."


    Though they looked identical, Yuanyuan had a bit of a temper, while Tuantuan was always sweet and smiley. He rarely cried and was a true little cutie.


    "Yuanyuan smiles a lot too," someone added quietly.


    Xiao Yanzi put her hands on her hips and declared, "So, who''s the cutest? It''s definitely Tuantuan and Yuanyuan¡ªwhite, big-eyed, and smiley!"


    But Li Junjun and Li Weiwei weren''t convinced. "We think Zhenzhen is still the cutest."


    They had to defend their sister''s reputation.


    Xiao Yanzi wasn''t pleased and huffed. Li Junjun looked at her thoughtfully and suddenly said, "Okay, if Xiao Yanzi says who''s the cutest, then that''s the answer."


    Li Weiwei: "????????"


    What? How did you switch sides so quickly?


    Xiao Yanzi immediately cheered up. "Li Junjun, you''ve got good taste!"


    Li Weiwei: "?????????"


    Hutou: "?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hahahahaha!"


    He laughed so loud that everyone was puzzled. Zhuang Zhixi patted Li Junjun on the shoulder and said, "Kid, you''ve got potential."


    Li Junjun scratched his head shyly.


    Yang Lixin teased, "You little rascal."


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted, "Why are you picking on the kid? That''s not very adult of you."


    Yang Lixin: "Oh, please. Your manners aren¡¯t any better!"


    A childish spat between grown-ups.


    "Sister''s drooling." Hutou noticed little Yuanyuan smacking her lips and letting out a trickle of saliva. He looked up and said, "Uncle, wipe her mouth."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Now I''m being bossed around by a kid."


    He glanced down at his daughter, who was staring at a passing little boy. Not because the boy was especially cute, but because he was holding a popsicle and happily licking it.


    Uh... Yuanyuan''s drool increased dramatically.


    Little glutton.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re too young for that."


    Yuanyuan frowned, her sparse little eyebrows knitting together. Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Papa will get you some milk, sweetie. We''ll have a bottle of milk. You¡¯re still a little one who needs milk."


    As he stood up to fetch the bottle, he noticed Hutou and the others staring longingly at the popsicle in the boy''s hand. Yet, neither Hutou nor Xiao Yanzi asked for one. Li Junjun and Li Weiwei refrained as well.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "If you all agree that Tuantuan and Yuanyuan are the cutest, I¡¯ll buy each of you a popsicle."


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi''s eyes lit up. Even Li Junjun and Li Weiwei were immediately tempted.


    Yang Lixin protested, "You don''t need to buy them; I''ll take care of my kids. You two, stand firm¡ªyour sister is the cutest! Don''t let a popsicle buy your loyalty!"


    Li Junjun and Li Weiwei: "But... there are two of us, so it¡¯s two popsicles."


    Yang Lixin: "Fine, I''ll buy you two! Just tell me: who''s the cutest?"


    "Zhenzhen."


    Yang Lixin: "That¡¯s right. Don¡¯t side with outsiders."


    Bai Fendou chimed in, "The cutest is definitely my Qingqing."


    "Nonsense! It¡¯s my Qijin! Look at him, such a handsome little man!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Zhou Qun: "By the way, have you guys named your kids yet? I went to register yesterday, and my son''s full name is Zhou Hang, after the word for ''voyage.'' His nickname is Qijin."


    He was quite proud of that name.


    After debating cuteness, they moved on to names.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''ve already registered ours. The boy''s name is Zhuang Xing, and the girl''s is Zhuang Chen. Together, it''s ''Star and Planet.'' Such a cute pair of sibling names."


    "I still think my Zhenzhen''s name is better. Li Zhenzhen, like ''treasure.''"


    Bai Fendou: "No, Bai Qingqing is the best."


    Though each parent had their favorites, they all found themselves at the popsicle stand. Popsicles didn''t require tickets and cost five cents each. There were also milkshakes, which cost a dime and had a creamy flavor, but both Zhuang Zhixi and Yang Lixin opted for popsicles.


    Kids could have fun with those. Why splurge on milkshakes?


    The adults didn''t buy anything themselves. They weren''t being stingy; they just didn''t want to set off the little gluttons. Those babies would get jealous if they started eating in front of them. Zhuang Zhixi warned, "You kids, don¡¯t eat in front of your siblings. Go play somewhere else."


    He added, "But don¡¯t run off. Stay where we can see you, got it?"


    "Got it."


    The kids happily licked their popsicles as they wandered around the park, feeling like this was the happiest day ever. Xiao Yanzi asked sweetly, "Uncle, will we come again?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Next time, ask your parents to take you. I need to focus on looking after Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, so I can¡¯t really take care of you all."


    "We¡¯re big kids! We don¡¯t need looking after."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "You¡¯re just little ones. You still need care."


    Xiao Yanzi didn¡¯t know why, but she felt a warm feeling hearing that.


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "At noon, I¡¯ll treat you all to big meat buns."


    "Wow!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Have fun!"


    "Okay!" The answer was loud and enthusiastic.


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others were having a lively time, but Chen Yuan watched from afar, satisfied that Zhuang Zhixi had managed to get everyone out of the way. Though, seeing the group of four men and their chaotic brood, Chen Yuan found it a bit hard to watch. He muttered under his breath before waving his hand and declaring, "Let¡¯s move."


    Tao Yuyue, on the other hand, had a different perspective. While Chen Yuan and the other men found the scene embarrassing, she secretly envied the camaraderie. If she ever had kids, she couldn¡¯t rely on Chen Yuan for anything. Seeing how even someone with a questionable reputation like Zhuang Zhixi could be devoted to his children gave her a bit of hope.


    A group of people entered the courtyard. At the moment, He Lan and Jiang Lu were washing clothes in the water trough in the middle of the yard. Upon seeing such a large group of people, they were startled and asked, "Who are you looking for?"


    Upon closer inspection, they recognized them.


    "Xiao Tao, what are you all doing here?"


    Tao Yuyue replied, "We''re here to move."


    Jiang Lu: "Huh?"


    He Lan whispered, "They swapped houses with Zhuang Zhiyuan."


    He Lan, who was always in the courtyard, knew a bit more than Jiang Lu, who was working, as she had heard Aunt Wang mention it.


    Jiang Lu was surprised: "You swapped houses with Zhuang Zhiyuan?"


    Tao Yuyue: "Yes. Well, we''ll go ahead and start moving."


    "Sure, go ahead."


    With a few strong men helping, the move was swift. The family quickly got to work with a clattering of noises. Everyone who was home and not out on this Sunday gathered to watch the commotion. Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue weren''t well-acquainted with the people in the courtyard and seldom greeted anyone. Now that they were leaving, Chen Yuan was even more arrogant, practically looking down his nose at people.


    Seeing his attitude, everyone grimaced.


    Jiang Lu finally caught on: "No wonder Zhuang Zhixi asked our Zhou Qun to go out with him. It was to make room for Chen Yuan."


    She knew how much Chen Yuan resented Zhou Qun, to the point of even changing his workplace. It was truly astounding.


    He Lan: "Since they swapped houses, they probably wanted to avoid any conflicts by having Old Bai and Zhou Qun leave. It''s better than getting into a fight."


    Thinking about Chen Yuan''s haughty demeanor, Jiang Lu figured a scuffle was indeed possible.


    She said, "That''s probably for the best."


    "Indeed."


    Jiang Lu: "What did Zhuang Zhiyuan get in the swap?"


    He Lan: "I heard it''s an apartment. I¡¯m not sure why they decided to swap."


    In everyone''s eyes, an apartment was always better.


    Jiang Lu mused, "Perhaps it was for the kids. The place they were assigned was too small, and they couldn''t bear to separate from their children."


    "Probably."


    Jiang Lu watched the scene and remarked, "Hey, I noticed that our front courtyard now only has us two left. Wang Xiangxiu and her kids aren''t home either."


    He Lan: "They went mushroom picking early this morning. I saw them leave."


    Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t have a bicycle, so they couldn¡¯t go to the outskirts, but there were closer places in the city. Early in the morning, Wang Xiangxiu locked the door and took her two sons out. Yinlai could now go outside, though he wasn¡¯t very strong.


    This task wasn¡¯t much trouble.


    Jiang Lu was silent for a moment, not saying anything. She hadn¡¯t expected that since Aunt Su passed away, Wang Xiangxiu had started fending for herself. Even Yinlai and Tonglai had calmed down and stopped running around like before.


    However, she and Wang Xiangxiu definitely wouldn¡¯t get along.


    People were just different.


    He Lan: "I didn¡¯t notice when Grandpa Lan¡¯s family left, though."


    Jiang Lu: "Oh, their family? You¡¯ll find out over time. Grandpa Lan and Aunt Luo must have gone out to play. They always have activities every weekend¡ªwatching movies, shopping, strolling in the park, dining out, all in one go."


    He Lan''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Jiang Lu: "Isn¡¯t it impressive?"


    He Lan nodded: "I¡¯ve never seen anything like it."


    Her family was somewhat affluent, with a few shops, but her father was always frugal and wouldn¡¯t live like Grandpa Lan.


    Jiang Lu: "They¡¯re moving pretty fast."


    Jiang Lu¡¯s words brought He Lan back to reality. She peeked out and saw that the family had indeed finished moving. The reason it was so quick was that Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue hadn¡¯t lived here long, so they didn¡¯t have much stuff. The longer one lived somewhere, the more things accumulated. In their case, it was easier.


    He Lan: "They¡¯re moving out already."


    "It''s a good thing," Jiang Lu chuckled. "Otherwise, with Chen Yuan¡¯s bad habit of beating his wife, he might corrupt others."


    The others looked at Jiang Lu with mixed expressions, thinking that her husband Zhou Qun didn¡¯t need anyone else to corrupt him¡ªhe was already no good. Chen Yuan beat his wife, but her husband... well...


    Jiang Lu didn¡¯t care about others¡¯ expressions and said, "Ah, it¡¯s rare to have a quiet weekend. I think I¡¯ll go take a nap."


    He Lan laughed, saying, "I¡¯ll go rest at home too."


    A rare moment of relaxation.


    Everyone went to rest, while Chen Yuan and his group, with a confident stride, carried everything out and loaded it into the car. With a wave of his hand, they left for their new home.


    Chen Yuan felt that driving out of this alleyway lightened his life. From now on, he wouldn¡¯t have to see the "man-killer" Bai Fendou or the eccentric Zhou Qun. Chen Yuan felt his heart soaring freely. With more helpers, their move and settling in went quickly. By midday, everything was neatly arranged.


    Chen Yuan, not short on money, said, "Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll treat you guys to a meal."


    He glanced at Tao Yuyue and said, "You, a woman, don¡¯t come. Stay at home and tidy up the bedding. Can¡¯t make others do everything, can we? Oh, you said your mom would come to help, right? Where is she?"


    He sneered, "You stay at home."


    Tao Yuyue suppressed her anger but didn¡¯t argue with this fool, especially in front of others. She gave him face and said, "Alright, I¡¯ll tidy up at home. My mom should be here soon. I¡¯ll wait for her to help me."


    Chen Yuan gave a cold laugh and left with the others.


    As soon as they were gone, Tao Yuyue flopped onto the bed, let out a deep breath, and softly laughed. The laughter grew louder and more unrestrained. After laughing enough, she stretched and got up to boil some water. Carefully surveying the room, she could see that it was very cozy despite being newly moved in. Even the cabinet Zhuang Zhixi had mentioned was already installed, and there was a leather sofa in the living room.


    She lazed onto the sofa, brewed herself a pot of tea.


    Life should be this comfortable. She, Tao Yuyue, now had her own home.


    "Knock knock knock."


    A knock sounded at the door. Tao Yuyue got up to open it and saw a middle-aged woman covered in dust. It was none other than Tao Yuyue¡¯s mother. Upon seeing her daughter, she sighed in relief: "I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t get lost."


    She wasn¡¯t from the area and had come just in time for her niece¡¯s wedding. Unexpectedly, she also caught her daughter moving houses.


    Her niece, Doctor Wang¡¯s daughter, was her sister¡¯s child. Despite being sisters, they didn¡¯t look alike at all. Doctor Wang seemed well-off and refined, while she appeared more ordinary.


    As soon as she entered, she looked around and said, "This place is pretty good."


    Tao Yuyue proudly smiled: "Of course. I wouldn¡¯t take anything less. Look at this sofa, it¡¯s real leather. Look at these curtains, they¡¯re a rare bright red, and..."


    Although the place wasn¡¯t large, there was plenty to show off.


    Tao''s Mother happily said: "Not bad. Your in-laws treat you well. You said they weren¡¯t good people before, but look at this?"


    She felt her daughter had misled her.


    Tao Yuyue gave a cold laugh: "These good things are all thanks to my schemes. If not for seducing my father-in-law, how would I have gotten all this?"


    Tao''s Mother was shocked, her brows knitting together: "You, girl, what are you saying? How could you do such a despicable thing? You..."


    Though she was also calculating, she was a moral person and couldn¡¯t stand this.


    Tao Yuyue stopped her mother: "I was just acting, not really."


    Tao''s Mother frowned: "What?" She didn¡¯t understand at all.


    Tao Yuyue didn''t hide anything from her own mother. She was so proud that she could almost dance with delight. She said, "My in-laws only have Chen Yuan as their son, so I guess they wouldn''t do anything to harm him. That''s why I took the initiative to show my affection. I gave them loving looks, I was utterly devoted, and I expressed my admiration for them. Ha, can you imagine how scared they were? If it wasn''t to avoid me, do you think they would have been in such a hurry to find a house? They wouldn''t have been in a rush; after all, they could still all live together comfortably. And they thought I didn''t know, they wanted Chen Yuan''s grandparents to move to the siheyuan while we lived with my in-laws. I didn''t want to live with my mother-in-law; I''ve already made one wrong choice, why would I want to suffer under her temper again? You don''t know my mother-in-law, she''s the most finicky person in the world. She''s also very fake and just plain bad. If I didn''t come up with a way to move out, I''d go crazy. If we had lived together, I might have been schemed against until I was dead. Did they really think I had no way out? Ha, now everything is so much better! Chen Yuan''s father must be scared, right? He''s scared that I''ll fall even deeper in love with him and confess my feelings. That''s why he quickly came up with a plan to swap houses and arrange a place for us. If it weren''t for my cleverness, we wouldn''t have this living situation now. Having a separate place of our own? That would have been too hard! But now, things are different. I took the initiative, and Chen Yuan''s father was so afraid of what I might do that he practically pushed us out of the house as soon as possible."


    As she said this, she felt very satisfied with her own cleverness.


    Tao''s Mother, however, didn''t relax her brows. Instead, she said, "Aren''t you afraid he might actually have ulterior motives? There are people like that."


    Tao Yuyue: "I''ve inquired about him. He''s been in the factory for so many years without any issues concerning men and women. Even if there were, he wouldn''t dare to make a move on his own daughter-in-law. Don''t forget, he only has Chen Yuan as his son. Plus, such a person values power above all else. He wouldn''t dare to face the consequences if things went south. So I think there''s no problem. Even if I''m wrong, what can happen? I can drag my poisonous mother-in-law into the fray! And look, I was right. To avoid living under the same roof as me, he quickly arranged for us to have a place to live."


    Tao Yuyue was extremely proud. She said, "And men, they''re all weak-willed. Even if they don''t like a woman, knowing that she''s deeply in love with them makes them care a bit more. Chen Yuan''s father clearly tried to avoid me, but seeing me upset, he''d take my side. When I first married into the family and had an argument with Chen Yuan, he wouldn''t have helped me, but now, things are different. And~"


    She grew more and more proud as she continued, "When I cried in front of him, I said I liked the sofa, the cabinets, and the people in the family. Even though I emphasized the former, he always thought I was talking about the latter. He thought I was saying I liked him and was terrified, so he quickly prepared many nice things for me to leave. See? This is how he arranged everything for us. Whenever I want something, I just cry a little, not saying it too clearly, and he''ll prepare it for me. Because in his mind, I love him more than I love Chen Yuan. He doesn''t love me, but I can satisfy his male vanity. So for him, these minor matters are easy to fulfill. Men, they''re so easy to manipulate!"


    Tao''s Mother: "You''re a young bride, don''t go around talking about love all the time."


    Tao Yuyue: "What''s the big deal? What I gain is way more than what I give. I haven''t lost anything; it''s just pretending to like him a bit, what''s so hard about that? Even if one day things don''t work out, this marriage has already gotten me a steady job and this house... Even though the house isn''t mine yet, I and Chen Yuan are husband and wife. I''m determined to live here, and with a bit of reverse psychology, Chen Yuan, that self-important idiot, will give it to me."


    She felt that this was the part of the marriage that made her the most satisfied.


    Tao''s Mother took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, saying, "This, you must never tell anyone else, and never do such things again. If the Chen family finds out you''ve been scheming against them, they definitely won''t let you off. Can''t we just live a peaceful life?"


    Tao Yuyue sneered, "They were the ones who didn''t want to live peacefully, it was Chen Yuan who tricked me! I''m just taking what''s rightfully mine!"


    She continued without politeness, "One day, I''ll throw Chen Yuan out!"


    Thank you everyone for your help, happy~


    Tuantuan ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????and Yuanyuan adopted the name "Youchi" given by the fairy, thank you again!

 Chapter 163

    After the rain, many people went up the mountain to pick mushrooms, but they went to the outskirts. Even though there were many people, the area was vast, so the harvest was plentiful. The three female comrades were especially joyful. Not only that, but Ming Mei also managed to catch a wild chicken.


    The mood was truly excellent.


    In contrast, Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhiyuan, the two men, had a smaller harvest. The two of them fished all day and only caught three fish, though they were decent-sized. This made them reminisce about the previous year, realizing that such good fortune wouldn''t repeat itself.


    Regardless, any harvest was a good one.


    The whole family was surprised to hear that Zhuang Zhixi had taken the kids out.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were jumping around excitedly. Hutou said, "We had ice cream! Uncle Zhuang bought one for each of us, and it was so delicious and cold."


    Xiao Yanzi added, "We had lunch outside, and I ate two meat buns!" She thought about the delicious buns and couldn''t help but swallow her saliva.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled and said, "You kids sure took advantage of your Uncle Zhuang."


    He looked at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Next time, don''t take them out and spend money like that."


    Zhuang Zhixi remained calm and replied, "It''s just once in a while; it''s nothing. Besides, we all had a great time today, didn''t we?"


    "Yes!"


    Ming Mei asked, "Where are our babies?"


    Zhuang Zhixi answered, "They''re sleeping. They must be tired."


    Their twins, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, usually took afternoon naps and were very regular in their daily routines. However, today they were out and about, and the commotion outside must have kept them awake. The little ones managed to stay awake until they got home, and then they conked out like little piglets. They hadn''t woken up yet.


    Ming Mei said, "I''ll go check on the kids."


    She went to the room and saw the two children sprawled out on the Kang, sleeping soundly with beads of sweat on their foreheads. Ming Mei gently waved a fan over them. Zhuang Zhixi came in and said, "I brought you some water. You should wash up."


    Ming Mei nodded and said, "Close the door."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Of course, I already did. It''s all set."


    Ming Mei handed the fan to Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Why did you decide to take them out today? It must have been exhausting to handle the kids alone, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi wiped his face and said, "Extremely exhausting. To be honest, if you guys hadn''t come back, I''d be asleep by now. Taking care of kids is way more tiring than a whole day on the mountain."


    Ming Mei chuckled softly, and Zhuang Zhixi continued, "You might not believe it, but it''s true. Besides being physically tiring, your mind is constantly on high alert, especially when you''re out with so many kids."


    As he spoke, he watched Ming Mei take off her clothes, revealing her snow-white... He stepped forward and gently nibbled on her ear. Ming Mei pushed him away, saying, "It''s too hot; stop it."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I made an extra twenty bucks today, and our outing cost three fifty."


    Ming Mei asked, "Twenty? What did you do?"


    Twenty bucks was quite a lot.


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned, "Thanks to Chen Yuan, the big-hearted man. He let me..."


    Ming Mei couldn''t comprehend this and scratched her head, saying, "Is that all it took?"


    "Yeah."


    Ming Mei exclaimed, "This..."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Isn''t it unbelievable? But that''s just how he is. You have to admit, he has a unique way of doing things."


    Ming Mei had to admit she was impressed. Truly, some people have more money than common sense.


    However, the more of such people, the better.


    After Ming Mei finished her bath, she changed into fresh clothes and sat on the kang edge, drying her hair. Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward and took the towel from her, saying, "Let me help you."


    Ming Mei leaned softly against Zhuang Zhixi and sighed, "This Sunday was even more exhausting than going to work."


    As it turned out, everyone felt the same.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Come on, let''s lie down for a bit."


    Ming Mei playfully retorted, "It''s neither day nor night; are you sure about this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Why not? Who says you can''t rest at this time?"


    It was around five in the evening, and resting at this hour wasn''t so bad.


    Ming Mei, swayed by his logic, nodded, "Alright then."


    The two lay down together, and Zhuang Zhixi casually moved their son''s sprawled-out little foot aside. Their child slept soundly, so they didn''t have to worry much as parents.


    It turned out both of them were a bit tired, and before they knew it, they dozed off.


    Meanwhile, Liang Meifen was murmuring to Zhuang Zhiyuan, "Why did Brother Zhuang take the kids out for lunch? That¡¯s such a waste of money."


    She couldn''t stop fretting about it.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "It didn''t cost you anything."


    "I¡¯m just afraid he¡¯ll ask us to pay," Liang Meifen said, knowing their family had just cleared a loan for a job and had no savings. They should have had some left, but the last two years had been good, and Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had grown so much that they had to remake their winter jackets. Buying materials and cotton hadn''t been cheap.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "He won''t ask us for money. I know Brother Zhuang; he''s not the type to be calculative over small things. I figure he took the kids out because last time Director Chen gave him ten bucks, and we had two fifty left from the hot pot. He probably didn''t want to seem like he was trying to avoid spending our money but also didn''t want to seem distant by just giving it back. So, he took everyone out to eat, and the leftover money went to Hutou and Xiao Yanzi''s outing. Must be something like that."


    If Zhuang Zhixi knew his brother had this idea, he would only say, "You''re overthinking it."


    But since Zhuang Zhixi didn''t know, Zhuang Zhiyuan felt he was right: "That''s just the kind of person Zhuang Zhixi is. He won''t take advantage of you, and you can''t take advantage of him."


    Liang Meifen pursed her lips, "That ten bucks should have been ours..."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan immediately glared at her, "What nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean ''should have been ours''? If it weren''t for his efforts, how could we have gotten such a good deal? You''re always so short-sighted. Let me tell you, you can''t act like that. We may be siblings, but you haven''t helped him much, so how can you demand..."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan launched into a lengthy dissertation, leaving Liang Meifen''s head spinning. She quickly said, "I know, I know. I know Brother Zhuang isn''t wrong. I was just being petty."


    "Yes, you were being petty."


    Liang Meifen thought, "I really am..."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan continued, "In a family, you can''t always be thinking about... blah blah blah..."


    By this point, Liang Meifen felt like she was about to faint. She quickly said, "It''s getting late. I see Mom and Sister-in-law are exhausted. I''ll go make dinner."


    She''d rather cook than listen to her husband talk endlessly.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan asked, "Do you want me to help?"


    Liang Meifen said, "No, thanks!"


    Definitely not!


    Liang Meifen thought her husband was great except for his love of lecturing, which she found exhausting.


    However, Liang Meifen soon felt happy again because she now owned a house. Not one given to her, but truly her own. She smiled with pride, knowing her husband was the most successful in the courtyard.


    After Chen Yuan moved out, Zhuang Zhixi received the keys from Director Chen the next day.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hesitate and handed the keys to Liang Meifen directly at the workshop before work ended. Liang Meifen was even more eager and started packing that very night, ready to move. The whole courtyard came out to watch the excitement. Zhang San leaned against the door, laughing, "Well, I''m changing neighbors now."


    "We should help each other out from now on," someone responded.


    "Sounds good to me."


    Liang Meifen thought moving was a good idea. The place hardly needed any cleaning as Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue had tidied up when they moved in, though they hadn''t really lived there much. This was a great deal for Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen.


    The couple moved the next day. Similarly, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi moved out of the side room and into the room next to Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, which was Zhuang Zhiyuan''s old room. Previously, the side room was too small for anything but bunk beds, so Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had slept in bunk beds.


    Now, there was plenty of space in the house, so it was no longer an issue. Old Man Zhuang was skillful, and he built a partition inside the room, placing a single bed on each side. Instead of making a door for the partition, he opted for bamboo curtains, giving the children their own private spaces. This idea came from Zhao Guihua, as Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were growing up, and it was no longer convenient for a boy and a girl to share a bed. This arrangement was much better, and when they got older, they could even install a door if they wanted more privacy.


    A wardrobe and a desk were placed outside the partition, shared by both children. The two kids were overjoyed, jumping and leaping with excitement. Their new room was much larger and brighter than the old one, which was a side room with less sunlight. Moving here made them realize how much better this place was. Hutou was particularly thrilled because he used to sleep on the upper bunk, but now he had his own space. He even had a small bedside cabinet where he could store his marbles, and he happily put them all inside.


    Xiao Yanzi was equally delighted, storing her precious hair ornaments in her own bedside cabinet, feeling as if everything was her treasure.


    With the children now living here, the old side room could be turned into a storage room, giving them more space to stockpile supplies this year, unlike last year when things were tight. They even gained an additional cellar in the backyard.


    When Liang Meifen and her family moved, they inherited the cellar that came with the house, which was quite convenient. The Zhuang family''s life was steadily improving, and other families were doing well too, as they all belonged to the working class.


    If their lives were difficult, wouldn''t that make farmers'' lives even harder?


    As autumn approached and the weather grew colder, everyone became busy preparing for the winter. Every year during this season, people were the most occupied. Without adequate preparations, buying vegetables in the winter would be a hassle. Every household was on the move, setting other matters aside.


    Among them, He Lan was the most anxious. Before marriage, her family was well-off, and these tasks were handled by others, so she never had to worry. After marrying, her life was filled with hardships. During winter, grain and winter vegetables were allocated uniformly, and the Fan family would never let her handle these matters, fearing she might hide something. Occasionally, they might grow a little extra in their personal vegetable plot, but buying was never an option. Thus, He Lan genuinely didn''t know what to do.


    How could she possibly leave everything to Bai Fendou? He was already exhausted from work.


    Bai Fendou: "It''s fine, I''ll take care of it. These are minor tasks, nothing too difficult. Besides, every household has the man handling such things."


    He ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Lan: "But I can''t burden you with everything."


    After a pause, she said, "Maybe I should ask Aunt Zhao for advice."


    Although Aunt Wang managed the courtyard, He Lan felt more comfortable seeking advice from Aunt Zhao, as they both lived in the front yard, making it more convenient.


    Bai Fendou: "That''s fine too, you decide."


    He Lan found Aunt Zhao to be the most reliable. Soon, she gained a lot of insights from Aunt Zhao, who had a strong affinity for others. Despite Aunt Zhou being Wang Zizhen''s godmother, Wang Zizhen had initially relied on Aunt Zhao when she first moved into the courtyard.


    It felt like she could learn so much from her.


    During autumn, everyone was busy, stocking up on winter vegetables, storing coal balls, pickling vegetables, making kimchi, and fermenting pickles. Preparing frenetically for winter made time fly. When the first snow fell, indicating the start of winter, each household had completed their preparations.


    Looking at the jars and bottles at home, and her daughter wrapped like a little ball, He Lan felt an indescribable comfort in her life.


    She pinched her daughter''s cheeks and said, "Qingqing, we no longer have to live in constant fear like before."


    At that time, she was most afraid that the Fan family would harm her daughter when she wasn''t paying attention. This wasn''t an exaggeration on He Lan''s part, as she had witnessed their malicious intent. The Fan family didn''t favor girls, and even her sister-in-law''s daughters had difficult lives.


    Especially her own daughter, whom the Fan family viewed as a hindrance to Fan Jianguo''s success. They constantly felt that both He Lan and her daughter were burdens.


    He Lan rarely thought about the Fan family and her time with them anymore. Initially, when she left, she harbored deep hatred, not because she still had feelings for Fan Jianguo, but because their actions had turned them into genuine enemies.


    However, now that her life was stable and improving, she cared less about the Fan family.


    Moreover, she knew that the Fan family''s life was not going well.


    This was enough for her.


    Outside, it continued to snow. He Lan picked up her daughter and said, "Shall we go play with Yuanyuan and Yuantuan?"


    Little Qingqing immediately waved her hands in excitement.


    Although it was too cold to gather in the courtyard, people still met up, usually at Aunt Zhao''s place. Chatting in the front yard was the norm, as meeting in the back yard would make it unsafe, with people entering the front yard unnoticed.


    Therefore, everyone preferred the front yard, especially since Aunt Wang liked to seek advice from Aunt Zhao, making it the natural choice.


    He Lan arrived with her daughter. It was winter, and with Aunt Zhao helping her prepare for the season, she felt closer to her. No one else had arrived yet when she got there. Just as it was quiet, He Lan hesitated and asked, "Aunt Zhao, what happened after the Fan family and Guan Guiling got into that quarrel? How are things now?"


    Zhao Guihua was surprised: "Didn''t you investigate?"


    He Lan shook her head: "No, I was afraid they''d notice. I didn''t even go to check."


    She was really frightened.


    Zhao Guihua knew the follow-up to the incident well. Initially, they hadn''t paid much attention, as they were focused on Zhuang Zhiyuan getting a house and preparing for the winter. Busy times meant they didn''t have the energy to follow unimportant matters.


    When they weren''t occupied, they''d occasionally listen to the gossip, but during busy periods, they had no time to inquire. Zhao Guihua came to know about it because her daughter, Ming Mei, worked at the same place as Guan Guiling. Ming Mei occasionally mentioned it when she came home.


    Zhao Guihua: "The Fan family paid Guan Guiling three thousand yuan."


    "Ah!!!" He Lan was shocked, staring incredulously at Zhao Guihua.


    She had expected Guan Guiling to exploit them, but she didn''t anticipate such a high amount. Even as a wealthy family''s daughter, she was taken aback. When He Lan got married, her father gave her a dowry of two thousand yuan, which was less than this amount.


    Three thousand yuan! This was equivalent to the ten-year income of an ordinary first-class worker.


    He Lan was amazed: "She really dared to ask for so much."


    Zhao Guihua: "Why not? Guan Guiling is anything but simple."


    Putting it bluntly, Zhao Guihua believed that if Bai Fendou had truly ended up with Guan Guiling, he would have been completely drained, not even leaving a bone.


    He Lan: "But does the Fan family have that much money?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course, otherwise how could they settle this? They sold a watch, a bicycle, and some other items, totaling three thousand yuan, which they gave to Guan Guiling. Only then did she provide a statement saying it was an accidental fall."


    He Lan: "..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Actually, the three thousand yuan was only a partial payment. Guan Guiling explained that each person in the Fan family¡ªthe two elders and Fan Jianguo¡ªwas responsible for a thousand yuan. Whatever amount they paid, she would write that many statements of forgiveness. The Fan family was forced to comply, and the old lady guided the police officers to get the money at home, securing three statements of forgiveness."


    He Lan quickly asked: "Why?"


    Zhao Guihua: "At first, the Fan family paid 300 yuan for Guan Guiling and her husband''s medical fees. Actually, Guan Guiling has a unit, and they can reimburse a lot. Her medical expenses were only a few dozen yuan, the rest were her husband''s medical fees. Her husband has been in the hospital for a long time, always in arrears. This time, they paid it all. They had to pay, otherwise, Guan Guiling wouldn''t even negotiate. It''s said that the Fan family thought that by paying the medical fees, the matter would be settled. So they paid the money, but who knew that after paying, Guan Guiling started to talk about compensation. She demanded a thousand yuan per person. The Fan family is in turmoil, the other children in the Fan family don''t agree to pay this money. But their disagreement doesn''t matter, the old couple of the Fan family are caught in a bind, they don''t want to end up in jail, so they have to pay. Despite their sons and daughters-in-law''s resistance, they went back with the police and took the money, and only then were the three released."


    He Lan, hearing this, frowned with all five senses and said, "What about Fan Lian? Fan Lian was also arrested, isn''t anyone taking care of her?"


    Zhao Guihua: "She was released the next day. She didn''t hit the pregnant woman, nor was she involved in the fall with the two old folks like Guan Guiling. At most, she was just causing a ruckus, so she was released the next day. When she was released, her parents just happened to go in. Isn''t that quite the coincidence?"


    He Lan: "..."


    Zhao Guihua felt that He Lan''s information was really not up-to-date. She said, "Fan Jianguo is also unlucky. Although he got out, his fianc¨¦e Cheng Xiaoping didn''t return to the military, and she went back and reported all his deeds. The military came over to investigate and it was confirmed. He was forced to retire from the military. The fact that they didn''t add any additional punishment was already lenient. The reason the old couple of the Fan family redeemed him was that they thought he would get a decent monthly allowance from the military. They were counting on him to make money, but unexpectedly, he was discharged from the military. This struck the old couple of the Fan family hard; they shouted and screamed demanding Fan Jianguo to compensate them with a thousand yuan. The other brothers of the Fan family hate Fan Jianguo to the bone, three thousand three! Like them working in the fields, they could never earn that in a lifetime. But it was all wasted. The two old folks of the Fan family also thought so; if it weren''t for Fan Jianguo causing trouble, they wouldn''t have been extorted. Fan Jianguo himself was also holding a grudge; seeing the whole family treating him like an enemy, he fought back fiercely with the Fan family!"


    He Lan: "Oh my goodness."


    She looked at Zhao Guihua with admiration and said, "You know all these things?"


    Zhao Guihua: "The Fan family''s affairs were all talked about by Guan Guiling at her unit, so I know a lot."


    He Lan was puzzled and said, "Isn''t her matter with the Fan family settled? Why is she still so concerned about the Fan family!"


    Zhao Guihua: "She needs to prove that the Fan family are not good people. If the Fan family are not good, doesn''t her extortion seem more righteous? She keeps an eye on the Fan family, gossiping about their affairs to others, just to prove that she is actually an innocent good person."


    He Lan said softly, "They are just dogs biting dogs."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "Indeed, they are not good people, just dogs biting dogs, but because they are against each other, Guan Guiling must prove that she is better. The Fan family is now finished."


    He Lan curled her lips and said, "It serves them right! Retribution!"


    She was about to say something else when she suddenly paused, her expression a bit strange. Zhao Guihua: "What''s wrong?"


    He Lan hesitated for a moment and said, "It''s nothing."


    After a pause, she thought of her own situation that the dealer was also aware of; though hesitant, she still said, "I just thought this news was really satisfying, but then I suddenly realized that the money the Fan family compensated to Guan Guiling is actually mine."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    He Lan whispered, "My dowry was two thousand yuan, all taken by my former mother-in-law. I also had a watch, a bicycle, and a radio. If these things were sold, it would be about three thousand."


    Thinking of this, she felt she really had suffered a huge loss.


    Zhao Guihua: "You silly girl, how could your dowry be taken away, you shouldn''t have given it."


    He Lan: "..."


    She sighed sadly and said, "It wasn''t that I wanted to give it, they forcibly took it. Because I refused to hand it over, I got slapped several times by the old shrew of the Fan family."


    Zhao Guihua frowned: "This family is too shameless."


    He Lan: "I was quite happy before, but thinking about it, the compensation is actually mine, and I''m not so happy anymore."


    Zhao Guihua comforted her: "You should still be happy. You have to think about it this way, no matter what, you can''t get this money back. So, wouldn''t it be better for the money to go to Guan Guiling, whom you don''t know, than to the family of your enemies?"


    He Lan: "Then I''d rather it be with Guan Guiling."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s it. You and Guan Guiling only met once, you don''t even know each other, so if this money is destined to be unrecoverable, then it¡¯s better for the Fan family to suffer. And just you wait, this is just the beginning; there will be more trouble for the Fan family. That''s three thousand yuan, thirty yuan is enough to make many families fight like cats and dogs, let alone three thousand yuan. The Fan family won''t get off easy. Fan Jianguo has already gone back to farming, and with the things he did spreading around, everyone avoids him like the plague. Their whole family won''t have a good end. This three thousand yuan is like a bomb in their family. Don''t think of this money as going to Guan Guiling, think of it as a bomb that can explode and flip the Fan family upside down at any time; isn''t that more satisfying?"


    He Lan thought carefully and it really was the case.


    Her previously low mood immediately lifted and she said happily, "Aunt Zhao, what you said is really right."


    Zhao Guihua: "Thinking this way makes you feel better, doesn''t it?"


    He Lan nodded.


    She smiled and said, "I feel so comfortable chatting with you."


    Zhao Guihua: "Then come by often."


    "Okay!"


    He Lan regained her spirits and sincerely remarked, "You know, do you think the two old folks of the Fan family really pushed Guan Guiling?"


    Zhao Guihua: "You said they are very evil, why don''t you believe they pushed her?"


    He Lan: "Although they are very evil, they also have brains. Otherwise, how could they have pretended to be kind and good-natured to deceive my father for benefits before. How can I believe they would be so foolish as to push Guan Guiling downstairs in public. They aren''t insane, they can be arrogant, but harming someone in public, that''s a matter of life and death."


    Zhao Guihua was silent for a moment and said, "This is unclear, anyway, Guan Guiling has forgiven them now."


    He Lan sincerely said, "Guan Guiling is really ruthless."


    If it was intentional, it''s even more terrifying.


    She hasn''t seen such a ruthless person before.


    She thought for a while and sincerely said, "Actually, I''m quite grateful to Guan Guiling."


    Zhao Guihua raised her eyebrows: "Because she dealt with the Fan family?"


    He Lan: "Because Guan Guiling didn''t choose Bai Fendou back then. If she hadn''t broken off the engagement, Bai Fendou wouldn''t have met me and wouldn''t have had the idea to help me. If he hadn''t helped me, I might not know whether I''m alive or dead now. I was alone with a child, with a bad background, the child was premature and frail, I had no money and no place to live, I really don''t know what would have happened. It was precisely because she broke off the engagement that all this happened. And it''s also because I got together with Bai Fendou that he would help me take revenge, and with everyone''s help, trap Fan Jianguo inside. Only then did the Fan family get their current ending. If it were just me alone, I might not even have been able to manage my own life, let alone take revenge. So everything started because Bai Fendou was single, and of course, I have to be grateful to Guan Guiling. Thinking of it this way, even if my money went through a few bends and ended up with Guan Guiling, it''s actually a gain for me."


    Zhao Guihua: "You are quite good at comforting yourself."


    He Lan smiled: "I really think so."


    She looked at her daughter, who was happily crawling on the kang, and said, "I think the life now is really good."


    Zhao Guihua: "Living well is the best. The life is your own."


    He Lan: "I know."


    As the two were talking, they heard hurried footsteps outside. Aunt Wang hadn''t even entered the room yet when she called out, "Guihua, hurry, hurry. Something good is happening."


    With a flip of the curtain, she saw He Lan was also there and quickly came in, speaking mysteriously, "Someone from the next alley is selling eggs, the price is the same as the grocery store, but the size is much bigger, and you don''t need coupons. You''d better hurry."


    Zhao Guihua jumped up instantly upon hearing it.


    Eggs were a hot commodity.


    She said, "I have to hurry and buy some."


    Although everyone knew this was speculation and profiteering, it had nothing to do with them as buyers; if caught, at most their goods would be confiscated. So Zhao Guihua was quick, and even He Lan was anxious.


    In the winter, hens didn''t lay eggs frequently, and their family was short on eggs. Even if they weren''t short, whenever they encountered a chance like this, they had to buy. After this village, there would be no more eggs in this shop.


    "Oh no, what about the kids..."


    Aunt Wang: "Leave them to my house, Li Fang will take care of them."


    "Okay."


    The few of them hurriedly packed up, immediately attracting the attention of Aunt Zhou, who quickly came out with a child in her arms, asking, "What''s going on? What''s the matter?"


    Aunt Wang whispered something in her ear, and she became anxious, saying, "We have to hurry."


    Without another word, she also sent the child to Aunt Wang''s house, and Li Fang was left to take care of five little ones. Li Fang looked up silently at the sky, while the children were quite happy. Although they were still too young to understand, they were used to playing together and quickly gathered to play.


    Recently, the children had learned to crawl, and it was quite lively with several of them together.


    Li Fang watched the children, while the others hurried out. Arriving at the next courtyard, Aunt Zhou called out, "Xiaozhen, Xiaozhen."


    Her loud voice brought Wang Zizhen out. Although she was heavily pregnant, she was a country girl who had worked since childhood and moved briskly without hesitation. She came out and asked, "What''s going on?"


    Aunt Zhou: "Come out for a bit."


    Wang Zizhen went out and quickly joined the others'' pace. Aunt Zhou said, "Buying eggs."


    Wang Zizhen''s eyes lit up.


    She quickly said, "I didn''t bring money. I''ll go back and get it..."


    Zhao Guihua: "I have some here. You can borrow from me first, just pay me later. Let''s go first."


    Wang Zizhen: "Okay."


    Although the neighbors in their courtyard were puzzled by how Wang Zizhen, who seemed like a good young wife, could get along with Aunt Zhou and Zhao Guihua from the next courtyard, who were known to be difficult, she firmly believed they were all very good people.


    Look, wasn''t this proof?


    They quickly arrived at the next alley, where three or four people were already selecting eggs. Zhao Guihua saw that the seller was indeed bold. He had a donkey cart with seven or eight large baskets, and it seemed they were all filled with eggs.


    Zhao Guihua, having been reborn, didn''t feel it was too exaggerated, but others were dumbfounded. It was the first time they had seen such a grand scale, having previously only seen someone carrying a basket to sell eggs.


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you standing there for? Hurry up! This is first come, first served."


    "Right!"


    Zhao Guihua was not polite and quickly joined in.


    It was cold in winter, so the eggs wouldn''t go bad. She planned to buy more. Aunt Zhou asked, "How many are you buying?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Three hundred."


    "Wow!"


    "Oh my god, are you crazy?"


    "Aren''t you too exaggerated? Are you a weasel? Why do you need so many eggs?"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t explain, saying, "There are many people in my family; we can finish them."


    With that one sentence, she quickly started selecting.


    Aunt Zhou glanced at Zhao Guihua, thinking this woman was shrewd. She had always been good at managing life, so she was smart to buy in bulk, definitely seeing a profit. Thinking of this, she said, "I''ll take two hundred!"


    "Wow!"


    Aunt Wang was stunned, thinking that Aunt Zhou must have had her brain pinched by a door. She had just called Zhao Guihua a weasel and now was buying as many? It seemed they were all talk but actually planned to buy in bulk.


    She said, "What... what are you doing?"


    Aunt Zhou: "Our family isn''t like yours. You have a cook at home; we can only have scrambled eggs as a good dish."


    "No way, I have to buy more too. If you all buy so much and I don''t, I''ll feel uneasy." Aunt Wang decisively spoke up.


    He Lan: Shocked.


    Wang Zizhen: Also shocked.


    The two young wives weren''t as bold as the old ladies. But just like Aunt Zhou, He Lan thought following Zhao Guihua was a sure win. She gritted her teeth and said, "Then I''ll buy more too."


    Wang Zizhen looked left and right, thought of her own situation, and became determined. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They made two trips back and forth, and Zhao Guihua ended up buying four hundred eggs. She quietly added another hundred. Because Zhao Guihua bought in such bulk, the middle-aged seller opened several baskets for her to select from, and the others benefited as well. In fact, they didn''t know that when buying dozens of eggs, the seller allowed such selection. If others only bought ten or twenty, that wasn''t the case.


    He wouldn''t let anyone else have such a privilege.


    But they all bought in bulk, so they were able to buy and select.


    Among them, apart from Zhao Guihua''s large purchase, Aunt Zhou bought two hundred, Wang Zizhen also bought two hundred, He Lan bought one fifty, and Aunt Wang bought the least, just one hundred.


    After they finished buying and returned home, Aunt Wang asked, "Guihua, why did you buy so many?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Now that the kids are bigger, my family''s Tuan and Yuan each need one egg a day. I can''t be unfair, so Hutou and Xiao Yanzi share one. That''s three a day and ninety a month. All the adults in my family work, especially my old man. Don''t they need some supplements? Even though I''ve bought four hundred, it won''t last three months. Since it''s cold, they won''t spoil. I won''t lose out. Having scrambled eggs at the New Year''s feast is always a delicacy. Plus, the price is the same as the grocery store, but since I bought in bulk, I could choose. Look at the size, it''s obviously much bigger. Our monthly quota is so limited, we always need to buy extra. It''s better to buy here than to be on edge at the black market. Don''t you remember the black market clampdown near the New Year last year?"


    "You''re right about that."


    "Indeed."


    "These eggs are definitely not comparable to those at the grocery store."


    "I heard my daughter-in-law say that the grocery store staff buy the good ones for themselves first, only the leftovers are sold outside."


    "Ah, what can we do? They have the connections."


    "That''s true."


    Zhao Guihua: "Also, look at how this person can sell so many eggs at once. It shows he has his own connections. Since he sold well here, he will definitely come back. There must be more chickens and perhaps large-scale poultry. By the end of the year, we might even be able to buy chickens. We''ll have multiple channels for buying things."


    There are always bold people around. During these years, those who made big money still relied on speculation and profiteering. However, the risks involved were also high. If the donkey cart with eggs today were caught, the seller could be jailed for three to five years.


    That''s why, even though Zhao Guihua had been reborn, she didn''t engage in such buying and selling.


    She didn''t want to risk her luck. All her children were workers, and her imprisonment would greatly affect them.


    "As long as someone sells things, we''ll buy. Don''t inquire too much about their affairs."


    "You''re right."


    Wang Zizhen had already taken the eggs home and came back to return the money to Zhao Guihua, her eyes full of joy: "My postpartum eggs are now secured."


    In fact, his family''s monthly ration, along with the eggs from their own chickens, was certainly enough to eat. However, Wang Zizhen also had to prepare for her postpartum period. Although they could save a bit from their monthly ration, she wasn''t willing to do so.


    This wasn''t because she was greedy, but because she couldn''t bear to see her husband, Daqiang, suffer.


    If Daqiang were an ordinary worker, Wang Zizhen wouldn''t have such concerns. But the problem was, Daqiang was a loader, a job that required a lot of strength. If nutrition wasn''t adequate, one would start to run down. Even though he already had the highest grain ration in Beijing, the factory also provided additional subsidies because such physically demanding work couldn''t afford to be taxing on one''s body. Working while neglecting one''s health would result in a physical collapse within a few years.


    That''s why Wang Zizhen never skimped on food. Fortunately, Daqiang earned well, and Wang Zizhen herself could also provide some financial support, managing the household wisely. Thus, their life was steadily improving. The money from selling eggs was something she was willing to part with.


    Aunt Zhou: "Indeed, the eggs we bought are much larger. Buying more now won''t go bad by winter, so it''s not a loss."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s right. If we didn''t buy more, would he let us choose like this? Even if we didn''t choose, the size would still be larger than those at the food store. But since we can choose even bigger ones, why not? After all, it''s sold by size."


    "That makes sense."


    Zhao Guihua bought the eggs with great satisfaction, saying, "We''ll have scrambled eggs at home tonight."


    "Look at you, showing off."


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯m just happy, what''s wrong with that?"


    Her mood was indeed great!


    Zhao Guihua was in a great mood, and so was Ming Mei. They had received labor protection supplies today. Almost every unit distributes some labor protection items, but each unit is different. Units with better conditions often include some extra perks, considered a form of employee welfare.


    Ming Mei''s unit was one such place.


    Ming Mei lined up to collect hers from the logistics department. As luck would have it, both the person in front of her and behind her were troublemakers. The one in front was Guan Guiling, and the one behind was Jiang Baohong. Just look, she, an innocent little bunny, was caught between two troublesome individuals.


    However, at this moment, neither of them paid much attention to Ming Mei. Was she important?


    Not at all.


    Jiang Baohong''s gaze was fixed on Guan Guiling with intense hatred. Guan Guiling sensed Jiang Baohong''s glare and, considering Jiang Baohong''s recent harassment, felt even more displeased. Unlike Jiang Baohong, who wore her feelings on her sleeve, Guan Guiling showed no expression.


    In their unit, Jiang Baohong had once hated Ming Mei the most. She believed that if it weren''t for her initial encounter with Ming Mei, none of the subsequent events would have happened. Regardless of whether Ming Mei was innocent or not, Jiang Baohong felt Ming Mei was at fault.


    But now, Jiang Baohong''s greatest hatred was directed at Guan Guiling, with Ming Mei taking a backseat. Ever since her divorce and her ex-husband left Beijing, her life had taken a downturn. She not only lost respect but also saw her income shrink.


    Yet, she never expected that Guan Guiling would cost her a bicycle.


    She was detained and, upon release, went to retrieve her bicycle, only to find no trace of it¡ªnot even a single scratch. She reported it to the police, but even after several days, there were no leads.


    You see, when her ex-husband left, he took all the family''s savings, leaving her with none. Although she had a job and a monthly salary, living was manageable, but saving was out of the question.


    She had two children¡ªher eldest son was already married and frequently siphoned money from her, while her younger son lived with his grandparents and also frequently came to ask for money. So, the fact that Jiang Baohong could lend twenty yuan to Guan Guiling was already a tight squeeze from her meager savings.


    But to her astonishment, not only did she receive no repayment, but Guan Guiling also played her for a fool.


    Her bicycle was lost because of Guan Guiling, and she even suspected that Guan Guiling had secretly sold it¡ªbut there was no evidence. Her most valuable possession, the bicycle, was gone. Jiang Baohong truly loathed Guan Guiling.


    Buying another bicycle? Not only did she lack the ticket, but she also lacked the money.


    Hence, she relentlessly demanded compensation from Guan Guiling. However, Guan Guiling not only refused to compensate but also denied ever borrowing the bike. Since no one had witnessed the loan, everyone believed Guan Guiling over Jiang Baohong.


    Jiang Baohong''s gaze was fixed on Guan Guiling with a venomous intensity. If looks could kill, Guan Guiling would have been dead a thousand times over.


    Guan Guiling clearly had money but refused to compensate. The Fan family had once come to their unit to make a scene, so everyone knew that Guan Guiling had received three thousand yuan in compensation, actually three thousand three hundred. With so much money in hand, she still refused to compensate. Jiang Baohong was so furious she wanted to kill Guan Guiling.


    She stared fiercely at Guan Guiling, then suddenly, with a vicious tone, she demanded, "Guan Guiling, when are you going to return my bicycle?"


    The bicycle matter was a recurring topic.


    At the bus station, opinions were split¡ªsome believed Guan Guiling, thinking Jiang Baohong was just causing trouble without reason, as Jiang Baohong¡¯s reputation in their unit was already poor. Others believed Jiang Baohong, reasoning that despite her flaws, she wouldn¡¯t unjustly target Guan Guiling, especially since they had no prior animosity. Furthermore, Guan Guiling had previously exhibited intentions to scheme against others, indicating she wasn¡¯t exactly a saint herself.


    Hearing Jiang Baohong¡¯s voice, Guan Guiling felt even more annoyed. Still, she turned around coldly and said, "Jiang Baohong, do you ever plan to finish this? You keep insisting I took your bicycle¡ªwhat evidence do you have? Without any proof, you just keep harping on it! Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re going too far? I know I¡¯m not strong and easy to bully, but you can¡¯t see that I suffered and got compensation and try to extort money from me, can you? My compensation is the result of my suffering¡ªI was hospitalized for so long and I¡¯m still not fully recovered, do you think I had it easy? Even this money you¡¯re envious of? Who knows, maybe you sold the bicycle yourself and are now trying to frame me."


    "You, you scoundrel! How dare you say that¡ªit¡¯s all your fault!"


    Furious, she rushed forward and slapped Guan Guiling across the face¡ªthe sound was crisp.


    Guan Guiling didn¡¯t retaliate but collapsed to the ground...


    "What the hell!"


    "What are we going to do now?"


    The people in the line were caught off guard. Like Ming Mei, who had wisely stepped out of the queue at the first sign of the argument and stood to the side. Indeed, this caution wasn¡¯t unfounded. Back when Guan Guiling was hospitalized, Ming Mei and Sister Chen had gone together. At that time, it was made clear that Guan Guiling would need to rest for at least half a year. Yet, she returned to work after less than three months.


    Ming Mei felt that Guan Guiling truly didn¡¯t value her own body and was recklessly endangering herself.


    It was often said that someone had money but didn¡¯t value their life, and she hadn¡¯t truly seen such a case until now. Guan Guiling was living proof. Soon after giving birth, she went back to work, even washing vegetables with cold water daily.


    Now, even after a miscarriage and injury, the doctor had advised her to rest and recover for half a year, but she returned to work after just two and a half months, fearful of missing out on wages. Ming Mei was truly impressed.


    When injured and hospitalized, the unit typically pays half the salary to care for the employee, which is quite considerate. Guan Guiling¡¯s salary was thirty-two yuan, meaning she missed out on sixteen yuan per month by not working.


    While it seemed like a lot, considering she had received significant compensation, anyone else in her position would have surely taken the opportunity to rest at home for half a year. But Guan Guiling refused and effectively only rested for two months.


    In reality, it was two and a half months, and the remaining half month, she cried and pleaded until the leadership finally relented, deciding not to penalize her for missing time due to her condition.


    Ming Mei also found this person quite something else.


    Guan Guiling clearly didn¡¯t value her own body, but her fragile health was common knowledge. Even so, Jiang Baohong dared to lay a hand on her, leading everyone to think she was a tough one. Ming Mei stayed far away, and seeing Jiang Baohong make a move, the others quickly scattered as well.


    Everyone was afraid of being implicated by a ploy from Guan Guiling if they lingered even a moment.


    Guan Guiling had really outdone herself this time, demanding an outrageous amount of money.


    After getting slapped, Guan Guiling covered her face, slumping to the ground, unable to get up for a long time. Jiang Baohong was scared, but still tried to put up a tough front, yelling, "Guan Guiling, stop pretending! Everyone knows you''re the best at acting. You''ve already extorted 3,000 yuan from that family before, what, now you want to extort from me too?" She put her hands on her hips, "I''m not the Fan family, I''m not easy to bully."


    Guan Guiling''s eyes turned slightly red, and she said, "Why... why are you treating me like this? You..." She looked at Jiang Baohong, as if she couldn''t catch her breath, and then her eyes rolled back as she fainted.


    "Wow!"


    Everyone was even more bewildered now.


    Someone shouted, "Jiang Baohong, quickly check if she''s fainted! If she has, take her to the hospital right away, you were the one who slapped her."


    "Exactly!"


    "Jiang Baohong, you knew she wasn''t in good health and you still hit her."


    Jiang Baohong''s face turned red with anger, "Guan Guiling, stop pretending! Everyone knows you''re the best at acting, better than even the theatrical troupe. How can there be such a despicable woman? I was truly blind before to have thought you were an okay person. I didn''t expect you to be such a cunning and treacherous person. You''re shameless..."


    "Stop scolding her and hurry up to take her to the hospital," said the logistics director as he came over and found that Guan Guiling was really unconscious. He quickly called for help and turned to Jiang Baohong, reprimanding, "Hurry up and follow!"


    Jiang Baohong: "Huh?"


    She was trembling with anger but had no choice but to follow, though tears were already welling up in her eyes. How unlucky could she be to encounter someone like Guan Guiling!


    After watching the commotion, Ming Mei patted her chest and said, "Scared me to death. I was afraid of being extorted. I''m afraid of dealing with them now."


    Everyone had heard about Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling''s attempt to extort Ming Mei together. Though Ming Mei herself didn''t talk much about it, Sister Chen couldn''t keep quiet. After all, it was clear that Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling wanted to plot against Ming Mei. But at the beginning, Guan Guiling also wanted to extort others, so it was necessary to make everyone aware of her true nature, to avoid being duped later.


    Thus, the reputation of these two individuals was well-known in the community.


    People sympathetically patted her shoulders, saying, "You''re also unlucky."


    Ming Mei: "They really have a problem."


    "Who says otherwise? I think Jiang Baohong is the one who''s really sick. Does she think she''s still the leader''s wife? She still dares to raise her hand. Doesn''t she see that Guan Guiling isn''t someone you can just hit? Just you wait, this time Guan Guiling will demand a lot again."


    "Jiang Baohong is asking for it herself."


    When Ming Mei heard this, she nodded in agreement: "Jiang Baohong really deserves it, and she has some really strange thoughts, not like a normal person."


    Even when she got into trouble before, it had nothing to do with Ming Mei, but Jiang Baohong still thought it was her fault and wanted to scheme against her, which Ming Mei absolutely detested about someone who was so confused.


    Of course, Guan Guiling wasn''t any better.


    "While you all think Jiang Baohong isn''t a good person, I find Guan Guiling terrifying. I''m afraid of her now. She faints at the slightest movement, and it seems like you have to pay up every time. I have a family to take care of, so I dare not get involved. From now on, I''ll have to go around her to avoid unintentionally getting caught in her web."


    "I''ve already started avoiding her."


    "You''re right, I''m also afraid of Guan Guiling. Before she had her miscarriage, she approached me. Now I''m not even sure if she was trying to scheme against me..."


    "Who can say, maybe she was."


    "Exactly."


    Although Guan Guiling had managed to extort money from others, her reputation at the bus station was now worse than ever. No matter what she was thinking, everyone believed she was trying to extort them. After all, that''s what she had done in the past.


    Also, for a period of time, she had been aggressively seeking opportunities for one-on-one encounters with people who were well-off, which had made everyone cautious.


    Innocent?


    In this situation, no one was innocent.

 Chapter 164

    Life passes by most quickly in autumn.


    Preparing for winter in the autumn means a busy schedule from day to day, and before you know it, the season has slipped away. It feels as if winter arrives with snow flurries in the blink of an eye. No one pays much attention, and suddenly it''s December in a flash. This year, Chinese New Year is late, falling in mid-February, but that doesn''t stop everyone from starting to prepare for the festivities now.


    Two months in advance is hardly a problem.


    Zhao Guihua manages all household affairs, while the rest are her subordinates, following her orders.


    And so, here it is again, a Monday, and the family members yawn sleepily, lacking energy. Sunday is a day of rest, but there are still plenty of tasks to handle. Zhao Guihua watches them listlessly and says, "We still have one meat coupon left. Let''s buy some meat today to improve our meals."


    The young ones at home immediately become excited, but Zhuang Zhiyuan responds, "Mom, don''t buy it. Let''s save it for buying meat for dumplings during the New Year."


    After all, during the New Year, one ought to eat well. What if they can''t get meat then?


    Zhao Guihua looks at the children staring at her expectantly and says, "I have this under control. Go to work."


    This winter isn''t as good as last winter. Last year, they had plenty of fish, and thanks to selling fish, they managed to stock up on some meat, making their days comfortable. This year, without that, things are a bit harder, though still much better than before.


    They are already quite satisfied. Other families don''t eat as well as they do.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi finish their breakfast and sling their schoolbags over their shoulders. Sure enough, as soon as they do, they hear Li Junjun and Li Weiwei calling from the backyard. The two children rush out the door, and soon, Tonglai also comes out.


    Since Tonglai started going to school alone, he''s been somewhat lonely. But children don''t hold grudges for long, and gradually, they''ve started walking to and from school together again, their relationship improving. As for Yinlai, he still hasn''t returned to school. This isn''t because Wang Xiangxiu is unwilling to spend the money but because Yinlai''s condition hasn''t fully recovered. Although he appears to be getting better, he is still fragile. With the cold weather, Wang Xiangxiu is afraid something might happen if he goes to school, so she keeps him home.


    During the day, Yinlai stays at home alone, but luckily, he doesn''t cause trouble anymore. Previously, his older brother used to lead them on adventures, fearless even of adults. Now, Yinlai has been thoroughly "educated by reality." He is very timid. With nothing to do at home, he takes on small sewing tasks for the community, making a little money. Wang Xiangxiu doesn''t take this money; she lets Yinlai keep it. She doesn''t necessarily expect him to make much, but she worries that being cooped up might lead to trouble. Having something to do helps him adjust.


    Despite not earning "extra income" outside the home, life for Wang Xiangxiu''s family has improved. Yinlai even has his savings now. Moreover, he''s learned how to heat up food, which is quite an achievement compared to before.


    Overall, every household in this compound is striving for improvement.


    Early in the morning, those heading to work or school have all left. At Zhao Guihua''s home, only she and the two little ones remain. She boils water to wash the household items that need cleaning. Typically, no one visits at this time; everyone is busy with their tasks. Don''t assume home duties are just about staying indoors during winter; there''s a lot of housework to be done.


    Little Tuantuan and Little Yuanyuan are rolling around on the kang (heated brick bed). Zhao Guihua is indoors washing clothes, keeping an eye on them. She warns the lively little ones, "No climbing to the edge of the kang."


    Little Tuantuan bites his little hand, tilting his head and tentatively crawling forward.


    Zhao Guihua glares, raising her "iron palm" and says, "If you two keep crawling to the edge, Nana will spank your little bottoms. Understand? Spank! Spank!"


    Little Tuantuan mumbles something unintelligible, but seems to have understood. He turns and wriggles away, his little bottom wiggling. Little Yuanyuan is more sluggish than her brother; though they both can crawl, she is less lively, content to play with her stuffed worm for long stretches.


    Zhao Guihua finds that taking care of children is quite exhausting. The bigger they get, the more active they become, always ready to crawl everywhere in an instant. After washing a few pieces of clothing, she wrings them out and hangs them up in the outer room, quickly returning to her station.


    There''s no room for delays when it comes to preventing these little ones from getting into trouble.


    Zhao Guihua''s biggest fear is the toddlers falling off the kang. Their mischief is tolerable, but not potential injuries.


    She places pillows along the edge of the kang, though she knows just as well that such protection doesn''t stop the little ones from exploring. Today, her tasks are minimal¡ªwashing the dishes and clothes¡ªso she sits cross-legged on the kang, with Little Yuanyuan looking at her and smiling sweetly. The little girl points her small fingers toward the baby bottle on the cabinet, smacking her lips.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She pokes at the baby''s soft, chubby cheeks, smiling as she says, "Didn''t your mother just feed you before going to work?"


    Ming Mei still returns home once in the morning and once in the afternoon to breastfeed the children. As a mother, she commits more than a father would. However, since the twins are growing, Ming Mei feeding both is simply insufficient.


    In addition to blending in formula, they also feed the babies egg custard and rice cereal to keep them satiated. The family has agreed to stop breastfeeding after the New Year. While some children breastfeed longer, Zhao Guihua believes a year is sufficient. Ming Mei''s current schedule struggles, and stopping now would save her from the burden of commuting twice daily just for feeding. She had suggested stopping when it was colder earlier, but Ming Mei''s reluctance made the family delay until the new year, marking a full year.


    Considering Ming Mei''s wishes, Zhao Guihua, the mother-in-law, is indifferent. Yet, as the carer of the infants, she can see that despite Ming Mei''s nutritious diet and supplements, feeding one baby is appropriate, but two is too much strain.


    Often, in poorer households, giving birth to twins isn''t necessarily a joyful event; raising them can be challenging. Their family, already well-off compared to others, could afford a variety of supplementary foods, enabling them to raise the two little ones as chubby and healthy as those on festive portraits.


    Zhao Guihua doesn''t yield to the babies'' persuasive looks and doesn''t offer the bottle. Just a short while ago, they couldn''t have been hungry; they were simply craving the indulgence. Their little Yuanyuan is a little glutton, always keenly observing adults when they eat, anxiously awaiting a share herself.


    Disappointed, Little Yuanyuan pouts and glares at her grandmother, frustratedly patting her stuffed worm.


    Zhao Guihua laughs. "Oh, you''ve got quite a temper."


    Little Yuanyuan huffs again, trying to sit up. Little Tuantuan, who had been crawling around, suddenly crawls over to her side and, with his support, she manages to sit up. The baby girl leans against the blanket, furrowing her sparse, light eyebrows, babbling indignantly.


    Zhao Guihua: "This one is showing off now."


    She looks at the chubby little ones and says, "Naughty children get spanked."


    She raises her hand toward their bottoms to remind them, and Little Yuanyuan immediately flops down, gnawing on her toes as if the earlier demanding toddler weren''t her. Little Tuantuan quickly turns away and resumes crawling around.


    Zhao Guihua laughs, murmuring, "What little rascals..."


    She can hardly remember how it was raising Hutou and Xiao Yanzi so many years ago. With her current duo, she feels both the mental strain of caring for infants and the delight they bring.


    While they seem demanding, they are also incredibly charming.


    She took out her sewing basket and began sewing soles, a task she had mastered regardless of the years that had passed. The cloth shoes she made with multiple layers of cloth were the most comfortable, and her husband absolutely adored them.


    Not just her husband, even her two young, fashion-conscious sons, after getting used to wearing her shoes, didn¡¯t like wearing any store-bought ones. When their family conditions improved, they could afford any kind of leather shoes, even little lambskin ones, but none were as comfortable as hers.


    There are many people now who can make shoes. Like Wang Zizhen, she had made her own shoes before, and Zhao Guihua was very grateful. But to be honest, Wang Zizhen¡¯s craftsmanship isn¡¯t as good as hers. Zhao Guihua plans to make a pair of cotton shoes this time.


    She¡¯s a well-traveled person, having seen her great-granddaughter wear those snow boots, and she thinks the high waist is quite good, as it protects the ankle and keeps it warm. So, she¡¯s going to make one for her old man.


    This old man, he¡¯s never known how to enjoy life.


    Zhao Guihua was busy sewing when she heard a voice at the door. He Lan: "Auntie Zhao, are you at home?"


    Everyone lives in the courtyard, so of course, they can see who is at home. This is just a typical greeting, much like asking, "Have you eaten?" It¡¯s purely ceremonial.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Come in."


    He Lan came in holding Little Qingqing and said, "Auntie Zhao, can you watch Qingqing for me? I need to go to the hospital today, and it¡¯s quite cold outside. It¡¯s a bit inconvenient to take the child with me."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Leave her here, I¡¯ll take care of her."


    In these times, neighbors helping each other is normal. That¡¯s why some people, even though they know a mother-in-law can be more of a burden, still prefer to marry into a family with older relatives, as it means more support.


    Even with a homemaker, raising a child is not easy for young couples.


    Their courtyard is already pretty meticulous in raising children. Zhao Guihua is a reborn person; her perspective and habits are different. She¡¯s very attentive when it comes to caring for children. The Zhou family, having been married for over ten years, finally have this one child, and they treasure him like a jewel. As for He Lan, Bai Fendou is a rough man, but He Lan is from a wealthy background, with a complex past, and she¡¯s terrified of letting the child suffer even a little.


    The three of them raise their children meticulously, and Aunt Wang follows suit.


    When everyone else does it, not doing it that way makes you the odd one out.


    The few babies in their courtyard are all clean and well-kept, not like some places where they just let the kids crawl on the ground for convenience.


    He Lan placed Little Qingqing on the kang (heated platform bed), and the little girl immediately crawled towards Little Yuanyuan. She loves Little Yuanyuan¡¯s caterpillar toy. He Lan said, "Oh, Qingqing, you have one too. Look, you brought your own caterpillar."


    Since Zhao Guihua first made those gaudy caterpillar toys for the kids, the whole courtyard¡¯s children have fallen in love with them. They cry unless they have one too. Now every single child in the courtyard has a caterpillar plush toy.


    They¡¯re all bright red and green, gaudy as can be.


    To an adult, it would seem just plain ugly. But hey, kids love them.


    He Lan quickly gave Little Qingqing her caterpillar. Although they¡¯re all caterpillars, there are slight differences, as they¡¯re all made with scraps of fabric. Little Qingqing looked at her own caterpillar, then at Little Yuanyuan¡¯s, and hugged hers close to her chest.


    She babbled at Little Yuanyuan, saying something no one could understand, and Little Yuanyuan responded in her own baby gibberish, with Little Tuantuan joining in¡­


    Okay, adults couldn¡¯t understand them at all.


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "Let the kids play together. Go take care of your business, and come back to pick her up later."


    He Lan said, "Thank you so much."


    Zhao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Guihua replied, "It¡¯s nothing. Is this really a big deal? Neighbors helping each other is normal. What¡¯s going on with you?"


    He Lan didn¡¯t hide anything from Zhao Guihua and said, "I had a difficult childbirth and got hurt. Later, when I was recovering, things didn¡¯t go well, and my health has been poor ever since. After I got married to Bai Fendou, he suggested I go to the hospital for a proper check-up. They prescribed some tonic for me, and I have to go for a check-up every month. In the summer, taking her along wasn¡¯t a problem, but now it¡¯s cold, and with the snow, the ground is slippery. I don¡¯t feel safe taking her."


    She added, "I actually wanted to go yesterday, on Sunday, when Bai Fendou could take care of the child, but the doctor¡¯s schedule didn¡¯t allow for it."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Taking care of your health is indeed important. Otherwise, when you get older, it¡¯ll be really tough. When Ming Mei gave birth, I told her that staying in bed longer during her postpartum rest is fine as long as it keeps her body in good shape. You¡¯re the same way. Don¡¯t worry about the expense. Bai Fendou is a worker, and with the three of you, you can manage just fine. Take your medicine and get better."


    He Lan nodded, "I know."


    With the three kids playing together, He Lan felt relieved and left.


    She wrapped herself tightly with a scarf, covering her face, and wore a bulky padded coat, looking very plain. She looked like a simple housewife from a modest family. This was her way of protecting herself, ensuring she wouldn¡¯t be recognized by anyone from her teenage years or from Yang Family Village.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid of seeing people, but her childhood friends weren¡¯t in the best shape. Some had been sent to the countryside, and those who stayed weren¡¯t the same as before. They were all punished, some cleaning toilets and streets, others being criticized¡­


    People she knew back then, she was afraid they might report her.


    So He Lan was very cautious. She preferred to dress plainly, so no one would recognize her.


    As for the people from Yang Family Village, she didn¡¯t want to meet them either. She didn¡¯t want them to know about her current life, and she definitely didn¡¯t want to run into the Fan family again. As for Yang Lixin, she knew he wasn¡¯t a talkative person.


    Even if he were, Aunt Wang would keep him in check. Aunt Wang is very outspoken.


    And in reality, Yang Lixin isn¡¯t, he¡¯s not a talkative person. Usually, he doesn¡¯t chat much with others in the courtyard, nor does he meddle in other people¡¯s business. He Lan feels incredibly lucky.


    At the hospital, after a thorough check-up, she learned that her health had improved compared to before and got a month¡¯s supply of Chinese medicine. Only then did she leave with her medicine. She kept her face covered as she walked out, and from a distance, she spotted Guan Guiling.


    Guan Guiling didn¡¯t recognize He Lan dressed like this, but He Lan immediately recognized Guan Guiling.


    Guan Guiling looked terrible. He Lan had only met her once before, when Guan Guiling came to the courtyard to see Bai Fendou. What left an impression on her wasn¡¯t Guan Guiling¡¯s past near-marriage to Bai Fendou but her sickly appearance. He Lan felt Guan Guiling¡¯s complexion was similar to her own when she returned from the countryside.


    She hadn¡¯t seen anyone on this street with such a bad complexion.


    So she remembered her. But this time, she was even more surprised. Guan Guiling looked even worse. Her face was yellowish, and she gave off the impression of someone seriously ill.


    He Lan knew that Guan Guiling should have rested for half a year but went back to work after only two and a half months.


    She really couldn¡¯t understand Guan Guiling, was she not afraid of harming herself like this?


    Although she recognized Guan Guiling, she pretended not to know her and walked past her. Guan Guiling didn¡¯t even notice a plain woman like He Lan and headed into the clinic. He Lan glanced back but didn¡¯t pay any more attention.


    They had no real connection anyway.


    He Lan walked out, saw someone selling eggs outside the hospital, but she didn¡¯t approach. Her family had just bought some, so they were well-stocked. But as she passed by, she overheard something about ¡°four fen¡±¡­


    Even though someone was watching her child, He Lan didn¡¯t loiter outside. After her hospital visit, she went to buy some grain and hurried back home. Once home, she stashed her goods in the cabinet before going to pick up her daughter.


    By then, there were already five little ones on Zhuang¡¯s heated bed.


    Despite being a few months younger, Xiao Qijin could not yet crawl, but followed the older siblings babbling and happily raised himself up like a carp in front of Little Qingqing. Little Qingqing was interacting with Xiao Qijin when she suddenly saw her mother and immediately threw away the caterpillar, rushing towards her mother shouting, "Baby, waaaah!"


    Clearly, she wanted to call out "Mama! Mama!"


    He Lan quickly picked up the child and said, "Oh, you, how could you run out like that?"


    Little Qingqing showed her tiny teeth and laughed.


    He Lan gently poked her chubby cheek and said, "Go play with the other kids."


    Even though Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou weren''t getting along well now, Xiao Qijin and Little Qingqing were great friends. They loved playing together the most. He Lan sat down and said, "I saw someone selling eggs at the hospital gate today for four cents each. I glanced from a distance - they weren''t as big as the ones we bought."


    "Four cents? We bought ours for three cents last time," Aunt Zhou exclaimed with delight. She loved any opportunity to get a bargain, even if it was just a small difference.


    After all, the eggs they bought were quite large.


    Zhao Guihua: "Four cents at the hospital gate?"


    "That''s right!"


    He Lan said, "As we approach the end of the year, everything is bound to rise in price."


    Although it was only late December and the Lunar New Year was still far away in mid-February, it was undoubtedly the season for preparing New Year''s goods. Even the black market prices for pork were rising. Eggs, pork, frozen fish - all would inevitably increase in price during the year-end.


    Only rice and grains remained relatively stable.


    No one dared to raise the price of rice and grains drastically. Last year, due to rain leading to a shortage of grain, the black market prices went crazy. Eventually, the black market was shut down. It was unprecedented to shut down the black market before the New Year.


    After all, everyone wants to celebrate the New Year, and the supply quota is limited. To have a good celebration, one inevitably has to go to the black market. Even leaders and the speculators'' office want to celebrate the New Year. Moreover, those who can operate a black market usually have some connections; they¡¯re not easy to take down.


    But this situation depends on one thing - grain.


    Grain is the foundation, something that absolutely cannot be touched. Anyone who dares to make a fortune off grain is courting disaster. That¡¯s why, last year, when the grain price increased, trouble immediately followed. So, although New Year''s goods prices are rising this year, the price of grain remains the same.


    Zhao Guihua: "So the last batch of eggs we bought was a good deal."


    The last time they bought eggs, they picked out only the largest ones - the kind that the black market sells separately for three to five cents. Didn''t He Lan say today that the eggs she saw were smaller and still priced at four cents?


    Aunt Zhou frowned and said, "I think I bought too few."


    Aunt Wang also regretted and pounded her thigh, "I bought the least too! What a loss!"


    When she bought the eggs, her husband, Li the Cook, had complained about why she bought so many since they already had chickens. But when he saw the size, he stopped talking. At the time, she didn''t pay much attention, but now she realized that her sly old man knew it wasn¡¯t a bad deal.


    Zhao Guihua: "There''s no way a seller would only come once. They''ll surely come again. Luo Xiaohe even asked me to get them three hundred eggs if I hear of such a deal again."


    Aunt Wang: "..."


    She sighed, "They bought too many."


    Zhao Guihua: "They don''t raise chickens. Besides, these eggs are big and worth it. Each one is practically one and a half in size - isn¡¯t that worth it?"


    "Yes, that¡¯s true."


    Aunt Zhou: "That guy must have been selling for the first time, not even dividing into cents. Such a big bargain fell into our laps, but hey, we won¡¯t lose no matter how many more of such sellers come."


    She hoped for more sellers like that.


    Zhao Guihua: "Isn¡¯t that just great?"


    While they were chatting, they heard hurried footsteps. And, sure enough, more hurried footsteps.


    Wang Zizhen hurried over from the next courtyard, breathlessly saying, "I guessed you''d all be here. That egg seller is back."


    Everyone''s eyes lit up. Oh, this guy is really hard to forget! It¡¯s only been a few days, but he''s already back?


    "Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go check it out."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Wang, who decisively said, "I¡¯ll go get Li Fang to watch the kids."


    Li Fang, the all-purpose babysitter.


    As soon as Li Fang arrived, everyone rushed out. Zhao Guihua said, "How is there still such a good deal?"


    Everyone laughed. This time, it was the same delivery man with his donkey cart, but this time he had parked in their alley. Beside him was a gentle, farm-looking old lady in her fifties.


    This time, the cart had six baskets of eggs and several baskets of fish, more fish than eggs. Wang Zizhen, heavily pregnant, was quite pleased. She said, "As soon as I came out of the toilet, I saw their donkey cart. I recognized this uncle; he was the one who sold things last time. As soon as I saw him, I knew he was here to sell stuff again, so I hurried to tell you all."


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re quick, but you¡¯re also quite pregnant. With the snow on the ground, be careful on the slippery roads."


    Wang Zizhen: "I know."


    By this time, Aunt Zhou had already started asking about the prices. Upon hearing it was the same price as last time, everyone was overjoyed. Zhao Guihua: "How about the fish? What¡¯s the price for the fish?"


    The kindly old lady, Aunt Shuihua, smiled and said, "Our fish were just caught from the river, very fresh. Two yuan each, you can pick any."


    Zhao Guihua glanced and knew in two words: worth it!


    Really worth it!


    Forget about the prices in the grocery store, just the fact that you can pick any fish makes it worth it. These fish were really large.


    Zhao Guihua: "If we buy more, can you give us a discount?"


    Aunt Shuihua smiled and said, "If you buy ten, I¡¯ll give you one extra."


    Zhao Guihua: "Then I¡¯ll definitely get ten."


    Even the grocery store sells them for two yuan, but the sizes aren¡¯t as good as these. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t need to pick; just looking at the top fish, it was already one and a half times bigger than what the grocery store sells.


    Everyone hurriedly picked their fish - since they could pick any, of course, they chose the largest ones. Being the first to arrive, they all got the biggest fish.


    Zhao Guihua quickly ran home, then came back to pick eggs. Since Luo Xiaohe had asked her for help, she certainly had to do it.


    The group bought with great enthusiasm, and soon others joined in.


    After choosing the eggs, Zhao Guihua heard Aunt Shuihua chatting with others on the cart: "In our village, everyone calls me Aunt Shuihua. This is my son, Song Shu."


    Zhao Guihua was momentarily surprised, then quickly continued. After finishing her purchase and paying, seeing Aunt Shuihua still chatting with others, she thought it wasn¡¯t good to gather like that. After buying, they should quickly leave. Their group finished their purchases and left quickly.


    Wang Zizhen couldn¡¯t resist buying fifty more eggs, and ten more fish.


    Others did the same, each household buying at least ten fish. After all, buying ten gets you one free. Everyone happily entered the courtyard, when they saw Yinlai standing at the doorway. He looked at Aunt Wang and said, "Aunt Wang, I... I also want to buy some."


    He seemed a bit nervous but still said, "My mom said that if there¡¯s another chance like this, I should buy some too."


    This wasn¡¯t fake. Last time, several people in their courtyard bought good eggs, and others knew about it. Wang Xiangxiu had to work and couldn¡¯t take advantage of such opportunities, but since Yinlai was always at home, she entrusted her son to buy them.


    Since getting injured, Yinlai had rarely interacted with the people in the courtyard, so he was very nervous and even stuttered.


    But he remembered what his mother said, that he could go to Aunt Wang, who was the neighborhood committee head and would help. It was because of this that Yinlai kept urging himself on, finally venturing out. Aunt Wang was taken aback for a moment but then said, "Alright, you can come. Look, this fish is buy ten, get one free, and these eggs are three cents each. How much do you want to buy?"


    Aunt Wang certainly wouldn''t quibble with a child, even though their family had been a bit problematic before. But this past year, they had been keeping a low profile. Without Su Jinlai leading the way, Yinlai and Tonglai had both become much more normal. As younger kids, it was easier for them to change their ways.


    But Su Jinlai, being a bit older, was harder to reform. After two incidents of stealing, he was still in a juvenile correctional facility receiving education.


    Aunt Wang: "I recommend you buy ten fish, as you get one extra, which is a good deal."


    Yinlai didn''t dare look up, saying, "I''ll listen to you."


    "What about the eggs? How many do you want?"


    Yinlai knew they usually bought a lot, so he said, "Fifty, maybe..."


    "Okay, come with me. Do you have enough money?"


    "I have ten yuan."


    It was what his mother had left.


    Aunt Wang: "That''s not enough. The fish alone will cost twenty. If you''re sure you want to buy, I can lend you the money, but you have to pay me back."


    Yinlai nodded immediately.


    Zhao Guihua put her things down and said, "I''ll come with you."


    Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua led Yinlai back to the market. The combined force of two old ladies was not to be underestimated. They quickly picked out ten big fish for Yinlai. These fish, though great, were something most people couldn''t afford, so they didn''t sell fast. Apart from them, others would only buy one or two.


    Truth be told, if it weren''t for Zhao Guihua buying ten at once, Aunt Wang and the others wouldn''t have bought that many either. They were completely influenced by Zhao Guihua, always thinking that this old lady knew how to get a good deal.


    Aunt Shuihua looked at Yinlai, her eyes filled with warmth. "This boy looks so sturdy, with his fair and clean face. He seems like a healthy kid..."


    Before she could finish, she saw Yinlai cough violently, as if he might pass out any second.


    She: "..."


    Aunt Wang sighed and said, "Yinlai, go home quickly. The temperature difference is too much for you right now, just go home."


    "No, it''s... it''s fine..."


    "Don''t be stubborn."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s go together. We''ve already picked everything."


    They quickly finished up and took Yinlai home. The two of them escorted him back, and when Yinlai tried to hand over the money, Aunt Wang said, "Don''t give it to me yet. Wait until your mom comes back, and you can pay me together. The eggs are three cents each, and the fish are two yuan each. Remember to tell your mom."


    Yinlai nodded quickly.


    "It''s pretty cold in your place," Aunt Wang remarked casually.


    Yinlai: "I... I didn''t heat the kang to save some money."


    Zhao Guihua was silent for a moment, seeing Yinlai''s timid and shivering appearance. She said, "If you''re feeling cold, come to my place. Everyone''s there chatting, and it''s quite lively."


    Yinlai was taken aback, not expecting such kindness from Zhao Guihua. He hesitated for a moment, then looked at her and nodded, "Okay."


    Then, after a pause, he said, "Thank you, Grandmother Zhao."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s nothing."


    If Yinlai were still an unruly child, Zhao Guihua wouldn''t have gone out of her way to be kind. But seeing how he was now, she felt it was no big deal to extend a little kindness. That''s just how people should be.


    Yinlai sat down with his sewing basket, joining the group of older women.


    When Li Fang saw Yinlai joining them, she raised her eyebrows in surprise but didn''t say anything. Fortunately, Zhao Guihua''s house had a heated kang, so everyone gathered there comfortably. The more people there were, the warmer the room felt.


    Yinlai sat on a chair, placing his basket on a small cabinet beside him. He greeted everyone one by one, his face turning red. Although no one else seemed to mind, he was the one who felt embarrassed first.


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself that in his previous life, this boy''s mother was actually a robber, while now he seemed like a little innocent vegetable. It truly showed how a person''s childhood can deeply shape their life. Thinking about it, Yinlai, despite being a bit wild, was indeed the easiest among the Su brothers to reform.


    In his previous life, Su Jinlai had been in and out of jail like it was nothing, always stealing, leaving his wife and kids to be taken care of by their grandmother and Wang Xiangxiu. Tonglai would seek out rich older women when young and later con naive young girls into supporting him, always relying on women for money. But Yinlai, after serving time for robbery and injuring someone, came out and genuinely reformed, focusing on hard work.


    So now, after being trampled by a pig and thoroughly "educated," Zhao Guihua believed he had truly changed.


    Zhao Guihua looked at Yinlai but didn''t pay much more attention. Instead, she said, "Don''t you think the two people selling things today were a bit odd?"


    Aunt Zhou didn''t think much of it. "Where''s the oddness? I think they were pretty normal. You got a good deal on their stuff, and now you''re saying they were odd? That''s not right."


    Zhao Guihua gave her a look and said, "Only someone as foolish as you would think that. Wasn''t there something odd about them?"


    He Lan nodded. "Odd."


    Seeing someone agreeing with Zhao Guihua, Aunt Zhou said reluctantly: "Why are you sucking up to Zhao Guihua? She says it''s odd, and you say it''s odd too. Then tell me, what was odd about them?"


    He Lan wasn''t sucking up; she genuinely thought so. She explained, "It really is odd. She introduced herself."


    Even during black market dealings, she wouldn''t dare casually introduce herself, afraid of being recognized.


    "Ah?"


    Aunt Zhou was puzzled. "What''s wrong with introducing herself?"


    Aunt Wang finally caught on. "Right! Why would she introduce herself? As a black market trader, she should be afraid of being recognized. Why did she introduce herself?"


    "Exactly!" Zhao Guihua agreed, feeling there was something off here.


    At this point, Wang Zizhen was also with them in Zhao Guihua''s home. She said, "I also think it''s strange. Just now, I didn''t react, but now that you mention it, it does feel off. The fish we bought were way too cheap."


    On this point, she had the most credibility.


    She explained, "You know my husband and I often go fishing. There are people at the riverbank who secretly swap fish, which is basically selling. Even just at the riverbank, a fish of this size would cost three yuan. Yet he sold it for two yuan. Isn''t he making any money? These can''t all be fish they caught themselves, right? Even if they were, two yuan seems too low. I don''t buy that."


    Their fish was so big compared to the fish at the grocery store that it was like comparing a father to a son. These big fish, if bought directly by the river, might not even cost three yuan. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The grocery store prices were fixed, and the black market usually sold things for slightly more. Yet, even comparing them to the grocery store, these fish were bigger, yet they were sold for less. Black market traders taking such risks and selling at such a low price¡ªwasn''t that strange?


    Zhao Guihua: "See, everyone thinks it''s odd, right?"


    Aunt Zhou: "You guys make sense now. So, why are they selling so cheap? Their source is dodgy?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I don''t know. Maybe. I can''t be sure, but it just feels off."


    Somehow, she just felt something was wrong, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on it. Her alert radar told her there was definitely something amiss.


    "We need to be careful."


    She added, "And they''re coming way too often. Usually, these black market traders move around and don''t frequent the same place often. But in just a few days, they''ve been here twice."


    Aunt Wang: "Should we inform the neighborhood committee?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s observe a bit more first. If we act too hastily, we might end up wronging people."


    "That makes sense."


    "Let''s wait and see if they come again."


    "Alright, I think that''s a good idea."


    Then Aunt Zhou giggled gleefully. "In that case, if they come again, we should buy more. Since their prices are so good, if they get caught for something, we might not get such deals anymore. So, while we can, we should grab as much as possible."


    "That makes sense."


    Aunt Zhou: "No, I have to go out and buy a few more big fish. Just in case they stop coming later."


    Like a gust of wind, she darted out again, only remembering her child at the door, turning back to say, "Take care of Qijin again for me."


    Xiao Qijin didn''t even pay attention to his grandma, just babbled along with Little Qingqing. Whether grandma had left or not¡ªno one knew!


    Wang Zizhen: "Then I''ll go take a look too."


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "You and your husband both know how to fish. Why are you going?"


    Wang Zizhen nodded, "It''s not a loss."


    She supported her waist as she walked out, and Yin hesitated for a moment before asking, "Should I buy a little more?"


    Zhao Guihua: "You don''t need to buy anymore. The rest of us have already bought a lot, and we''ve picked through them. The ones left aren''t as big. Besides, your family isn''t that big, so you don''t need to buy so much. They¡¯re mostly for people who go out a lot, and their purchases aren¡¯t all for themselves. They probably also buy some to give as New Year''s gifts. You¡¯re different, you don¡¯t need that."


    Yinlai quickly nodded.


    Yinlai spent a small day at Zhao Guihua¡¯s house, only returning home in the evening when Tonglai got out of school.


    When Wang Xiangxiu got off work and returned home, she was completely stunned. Unlike Yinlai, who was a child and didn''t understand these things, Wang Xiangxiu was in charge of the household''s food and expenses, so she naturally knew how well these things were bought.


    Yinlai: "Mom, this is what I bought today with Aunt Wang and Aunt Guihua. Do you think it¡¯s suitable?"


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded repeatedly, "It¡¯s suitable, of course it¡¯s suitable. Twenty dollars for eleven big fish¡ªthere¡¯s no better deal than this. And the eggs are good too."


    Although eleven big fish were a bit too much, the price was right, and in the winter, they wouldn¡¯t go bad. They could be stored and eaten slowly. Even the eggs surprised her, "These are big eggs."


    No wonder they all said it was a good deal last time.


    Wang Xiangxiu could now see that people who stayed at home all day might really find good deals. Unfortunately, she couldn¡¯t do that because she was at work. Good thing her son was capable. Wang Xiangxiu lavishly praised Yinlai, who was so happy that snot bubbles almost came out of his nose.


    However, Yinlai also told his mom about Zhao Guihua¡¯s suspicions. Wang Xiangxiu: "They suspect those two have issues?"


    Yinlai nodded, "That''s what Aunt Guihua and the others said."


    Wang Xiangxiu thought for a moment and said, "I¡¯ll leave thirty dollars at home. If they buy anything in the future, you buy it too. Don¡¯t be afraid of spending money. I¡¯m guessing this cheap deal won¡¯t last long."


    Yinlai: "Okay."


    Wang Xiangxiu picked up her small purse and went to the backyard to return the money. Although it cost money, she felt comfortable.


    The whole courtyard was in a good mood because of the cheap purchases, but not everyone felt the same. That is, the two who came to sell things today¡ªAunt Shuihua and Song Shu.


    They finished selling their goods and left quickly. But they didn¡¯t go far, instead entering a large courtyard in the outskirts of the city.


    It seems the old ladies in the alley really have sharp eyes¡ªit turns out they were right about these two. There really is something wrong with them. The two drove a donkey cart back to the courtyard and gathered with a few others.


    This house seemed to be a family. Aunt Shuihua, an elderly woman, a middle-aged woman, a young bride, and two men, as well as two boys¡ªa total of seven people.


    They were indeed a family. Aunt Shuihua was the mother-in-law. The two men were her sons. The middle-aged woman was Aunt Shuihua¡¯s eldest daughter-in-law, and the two boys were her grandsons. They were a family of four. The young bride was Aunt Shuihua¡¯s second daughter-in-law, and she hadn¡¯t had a child yet.


    Of course, they weren¡¯t called Aunt Shuihua and Song Shu at home. Those were just aliases they used when outside, even at home, they used these aliases to avoid accidentally slipping up when they were out.


    As soon as the two returned, the eldest daughter-in-law came up to greet her husband and mother-in-law, saying, "It¡¯s so cold, I¡¯ve heated some egg water for you."


    Aunt Shuihua had no trace of the kind and gentle demeanor she showed outside. Her kindness was all an act. In reality, she was far from it. She made a living relying on her appearance. She sat in the main seat, took a sip of the egg water, and said, "This weather is freezing."


    The eldest daughter-in-law asked, "Mother, did you sell everything?"


    The old woman nodded, "Sold it all."


    The eldest daughter-in-law gasped in distress, while the younger daughter-in-law exclaimed, "If it¡¯s all sold out, isn¡¯t that a loss?"


    They didn¡¯t actually have these goods themselves; they were all bought goods. Selling them at such a low price meant the more they sold, the more they lost. After all, the prices they bought them at varied, and some were more expensive.


    Thinking of this, she said with heartache, "We should raise the price."


    "Foolish!"


    The old woman slammed the bowl onto the table, looking at the younger generations in the family, "You really lack my wisdom. How foolish, absolutely foolish. Don¡¯t you think, if we didn¡¯t sell cheaply, we could get their favor?"


    The younger daughter-in-law whispered, "So selling cheaply gives us their favor?"


    Aunt Shuihua frowned and said, "Eldest daughter-in-law, you tell her. Why do I sell things at a lower price?"


    The eldest daughter-in-law explained, "By selling cheaply, everyone welcomes us. The more we go, the more familiar we become with them, and they won¡¯t be vigilant against us. If we went directly there, that area is a residential compound where everyone knows each other. Those old ladies are sharp-eyed. We¡¯d be noticed immediately, and we couldn¡¯t do anything. But now that we frequently go to sell things, we become familiar with them, and they won¡¯t be on guard against us. In the future, when we go again, we won¡¯t arouse suspicion."


    Aunt Shuihua nodded, "That¡¯s right. You¡¯re the clever one, eldest daughter-in-law."


    The eldest family members were proud of their wisdom.


    The young bride bit her lip, still a bit confused, and asked, "Then why don¡¯t we sell even cheaper? Why do we keep this price?"


    Aunt Shuihua was happy to enlighten the newly married daughter-in-law, nurturing her growth. She said thoughtfully, "If you sell too cheaply, people will suspect something is wrong. Then when they report it, we¡¯d be watched. So our prices must be set just like the official grocery store¡¯s. That way, people feel they¡¯re getting a good deal without it being exaggerated. They can take advantage, but they won¡¯t feel anything is off. This way, we can slowly blend in."


    "Mother, I understand."


    Aunt Shuihua continued, ¡°Moreover, we sell a lot each time, pushing the donkey cart loaded with baskets. People get used to it, and eventually, they won¡¯t find anything unusual. When the time comes, we hide kidnapped children in the baskets to transport them away. They won¡¯t realize it for a while. They¡¯ll never think we¡¯d hide a child in a basket."


    This old woman was quite proud of herself. She said, "Don¡¯t feel like we¡¯re losing money now. This is just the cost. With this cost, our operation is more secure. When we kidnap and sell a batch of boys, how could we not make a fortune? Who cares about losing a few dollars today?"


    Who could have imagined that this seemingly kind-hearted old lady was actually a kidnapper?


    In fact, kidnappers are rarely those who look particularly fierce. Such people would immediately raise suspicions and wouldn¡¯t be able to kidnap anyone. Generally, those who seem harmless are the ones who succeed.


    Aunt Shuihua, who went by this alias, was of this type. She appeared as a nice old lady, but in reality¡­ only she knew how vile and disgusting she was inside.


    "In our line of work, it''s a matter of life and death, so we must be extremely careful. We''ve spent money, but it''s for our own protection. How else would we scout the area? This is the safest way to do it. Plus, it helps with the follow-up; we can''t afford to be careless. If you''re careless, you might get caught, and if that happens, you could be beaten to death. Even if you''re not beaten to death, the conditions in prison aren''t great. People like us¡ªkidnappers, rapists¡ªare hated by everyone inside. Your father went in, and when people found out he was a kidnapper, they beat him up every day. Eventually, he just couldn''t take it anymore and passed away. Damn it, even among bad people, they think they''re better than us."


    "Exactly!"


    Aunt Shuihua: "That''s why we need to take extra precautions and be more discreet."


    "Mom, we understand."


    Aunt Shuihua: "With this batch, if we can get hold of ten or so kids, we''ll be set."


    "Mom, do you think Su Jinlai can be trusted? Is what he says reliable?" This was her second son asking.


    At this question, the teenager jumped in: "Uncle, why are you doubting my abilities? I''ve been in this business since I was a kid. With someone like Su Jinlai, all it takes is a few questions, and he spills everything. He has no idea we''re planning to kidnap people. He thinks of me as a friend, so why would he lie to me? I''ve already checked everything. He has a younger brother, about seven or eight years old, just the right age to sell. They also have several babies in their courtyard, all born around the same time. Only two of them are boys, one from the Zhuang family and one from the Zhou family. I remember it clearly. There''s also Li the Cook''s family; they have two older boys, about ten years old. And then there''s the neighbor''s courtyard..."


    He had gathered information on all the boys in that area.


    He ended up in a juvenile detention center for stealing food, where he coincidentally met Su Jinlai. Su Jinlai was a notorious thief who got caught stealing valuables, and they ended up spending two months together, getting to know each other well. Unlike Su Jinlai, who had to stay inside for a longer time, his crime was minor, so he was able to get out early. Once he was out, he shared what he had learned about the families inside the detention center. It turned out that Su Jinlai''s neighborhood had a lot of kids, which expanded their opportunities.


    "I''ve checked everything thoroughly! Su Jinlai isn''t lying!"


    "I''m not saying he''s lying, but we need to be careful, right?"


    Aunt Shuihua raised her hand to silence everyone and said, "My grandson is right. The information about that area from Su Jinlai is accurate."


    While selling their goods, they had also discreetly inquired about the neighborhood and found that the information matched.


    Song Shu: "Mom, the information is accurate, but what about these ten-year-old boys? Are they still suitable?"


    Aunt Shuihua: "Why not? Older boys can be sold to mountain villages. They won''t mind the age because these boys can take on farm work and act as heirs right away. People in the city, on the other hand, prefer younger kids who are too young to remember anything and can be raised as their own. I''ve thought this through carefully. But remember, we don''t want girls. Little girls don''t sell well."


    "We understand."


    "And when it comes to women, we only want adults, not little girls."


    Given the current situation where people can''t even feed their own families, no one wants to raise a girl. But... "Mom, what about pretty young women or wives? Should we go for them too?"


    Aunt Shuihua smiled and said, "Of course we should!"


    She explained, "Those old bachelors in the mountains would love that."


    Such a transaction could be quite profitable.


    She added, "If possible, yes, but our main focus should still be on kids. They''re easier to transport."


    "We understand."


    This entire family was used to this kind of business.


    Aunt Shuihua smiled slightly and said, "We should visit a few times before the new year, get familiar with the place, and then act on New Year''s Eve!"


    "But... on New Year''s Eve?"


    Aunt Shuihua firmly said, "That''s the best time. During the New Year''s celebrations, the streets are full of fireworks. If a child struggles or shouts, the sound of the firecrackers will cover it up, and no one will notice. Plus, kids are usually out playing in the streets during the New Year, making them easier to pick out and handle."


    "You''re so clever!"


    Aunt Shuihua chuckled smugly.


    But will she succeed?


    It''s hard to say!

 Chapter 165

    "Here she comes, here she comes! Everyone, come outside, she''s here again!"


    Recently, the people in the courtyard have been spending quite a bit, but no one seems to mind. In fact, the more they spend, the happier they are, almost as if it''s already the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year. Despite the ban on speculation and profiteering, there are still many people who sneak around selling goods.


    With the New Year approaching, who wouldn''t want to have a good celebration? The supply and marketing cooperatives, as well as the grocery stores, require tickets for everything, whereas the black market or those who secretly sell goods become the preferred choice.


    "Hurry up."


    Zhao Guihua quickly came out, and upon hearing this, she knew that Aunt Shuihua was here. Aunt Shuihua has recently become the most popular person in this area. She comes often and usually brings some meat and eggs, which are quite good. Zhao Guihua always buys some whenever she comes.


    Upon hearing the call from the courtyard, Zhao Guihua immediately handed the child to Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei had just returned to breastfeed the baby. This was her first time encountering this situation. Although the family had bought things several times, they were always on weekdays, so Ming Mei, who was working, hadn¡¯t seen it before.


    But today, it just so happened that she was here, and she peeked out curiously, saying, "I want to go out and take a look too."


    Realizing this, Zhao Guihua understood and said, "Then take the child to Li Fang."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    She quickly handed the baby to Li Fang and then followed Zhao Guihua out. As they walked out, they met He Lan, and the three of them headed outside together. The donkey cart was parked at the corner of the alley, right next to the public restroom, which blocked the view from the main road. On the cart sat an old lady, accompanied by two men who could be described as her bodyguards.


    It''s said that these are her sons.


    The eldest son is Song Shu, and the second son is Shan Mao.


    When the three arrived, Aunt Zhou was already there. Upon seeing Zhao Guihua, Aunt Zhou quickly waved her hand, "Come over quickly."


    Zhao Guihua: "What good things do you have today?"


    Aunt Shuihua''s eyes were filled with joy as she said, "Today, it''s really good stuff¡ªold hens! Look, they''re all big, fat chickens. Perfect for making a soup."


    As she spoke, her eyes glanced at Ming Mei, quickly sweeping over her before moving away. However, her second son, Shan Mao, couldn''t take his eyes off Ming Mei, his gaze almost glued to her.


    Ming Mei is indeed beautiful, though not in the current popular style of being plump with big, wide eyes. Instead, she has an oval face and a delicate, charming appearance. While not the mainstream beauty standard, anyone would be dishonest if they said she wasn¡¯t attractive.


    Shan Mao''s gaze was very obvious. Ming Mei slightly frowned, sensing his disapproval. Aunt Shuihua quickly pinched her son and gave him a stern look. Shan Mao immediately turned away, chuckling awkwardly.


    Ming Mei looked at him for a moment, then glanced at Aunt Shuihua and her elder son.


    Neither of them were as blatant as the young man. They only glanced briefly before looking away. However, their stares still made Ming Mei feel uneasy. Sometimes, don¡¯t underestimate the power of intuition. A woman¡¯s intuition can be very accurate. Although there¡¯s no term for intuition right now, Ming Mei felt uncomfortable.


    However, she didn¡¯t say anything. She just stayed by Zhao Guihua¡¯s side. Zhao Guihua asked, "How much for the old hens?"


    "Two yuan and fifty cents each, the same price as at the grocery store."


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????price of old hens at the grocery store isn''t fixed. Most of the time, they¡¯re two yuan, but recently, the price has gone up to two yuan and fifty cents. Since the grocery store sells them at that price, Aunt Shuihua sells them for the same, but here, you can choose the ones you want.


    At the grocery store, you can¡¯t pick and choose¡ªwhatever they give you, you take. Want to choose? Dream on!


    As for why a fish is two yuan and an old hen is sometimes also two yuan, though the prices are the same, the sizes differ. A big fish costs two yuan, but a small fish the size of a palm would be ridiculous to sell for two yuan. Someone with a short temper might even slap you.


    The critical factor is size¡ªthe bigger the better.


    The same goes for old hens. The difference between being fat or skinny determines the price.


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t surprised by the price. She nodded and said, "Let me have a look."


    She carefully examined the selection. Although there were several baskets of old hens on the cart, their sizes varied. Some were lean, while others looked plump and hefty. Strangely, all of them were sold at the same price.


    This made Zhao Guihua wonder whether Aunt Shuihua was good at business or not.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t believe that someone who goes door-to-door in such a big way wouldn¡¯t know how to do business. She felt there must be something fishy going on. But regardless of what was going on, since the chance to get a good deal presented itself, she couldn¡¯t let it go.


    "I''ll take two. Sister, since we¡¯re regulars, can you give us a discount?"


    Aunt Shuihua hesitated for a moment but quickly nodded and said, "Sure, since you¡¯re a regular customer. If you buy ten chickens, I¡¯ll give you one free."


    "Oh, come on, that¡¯s not fair," Aunt Zhou retorted. "Who¡¯s going to buy ten chickens in one go? Besides, if someone found out we had so many chickens and reported us, we¡¯d be in trouble."


    Zhao Guihua stepped in, "Buy ten, get one free¡ªthat¡¯s not bad. We can buy together."


    She suggested, "We can buy a total of eleven chickens, pay for ten, and split the cost of eleven evenly."


    Aunt Zhou: "That makes sense."


    Zhao Guihua: "I need two for the New Year, and I need to prepare one for my in-laws. So, I¡¯ll take three."


    Aunt Zhou raised an eyebrow and said, "You have two sets of in-laws, but you¡¯re only giving one a chicken?"


    Zhao Guihua replied matter-of-factly, "I believe in reciprocity. The Ming family gave me gifts, so naturally, I should return the favor. But when it comes to my eldest daughter-in-law¡¯s family, they¡¯re like a bottomless pit¡ªalways taking but never giving back. They love to take advantage, so forget about them. I¡¯m not about to spend my money on them. They can forget about getting any gifts from me. They¡¯d better not even think about it."


    Aunt Zhou: "Aren¡¯t you afraid your eldest daughter-in-law will be upset?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Am I scared of her? If she doesn¡¯t like it, she can leave. I don¡¯t rely on them, and they rely on us for support. If they don¡¯t behave properly, then I¡¯ll stop helping them."


    Aunt Zhou: "..."


    Zhao Guihua is getting more and more arrogant these days. I wonder if she¡¯s been drinking fake wine.


    She continued, "Then I¡¯ll take three as well. I¡¯ll keep two for the New Year and give one to my in-laws."


    The Jiang family despises Aunt Zhou, which is understandable. After all, she¡¯s so calculating when it comes to Jiang Lu¡¯s father, so the Jiang family would rather see her buried than be on good terms with her. However, Jiang Lu still keeps in touch with her family, so Aunt Zhou needs to prepare a gift.


    He Lan: "I¡¯ll take two."


    At this moment, Wang Zizhen also came out, raising her hand, "Three chickens, please!"


    They quickly calculated, and it turned out they needed even more.


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯ll go ask. Let¡¯s aim for twenty chickens. Daughter-in-law, go to the courtyard and call more people. Aunt Zhou and I will stay here to pick out twenty-two chickens."


    Ming Mei: "Okay!"


    Aunt Shuihua: "..."


    They had hoped to sell a bit more slowly and chat with the customers to buy time, but these people acted like a pack of wolves. As soon as they saw Aunt Shuihua coming to sell goods, they went crazy buying. How much money do they have to spend like this!


    The workers in the city¡ªdo they really make that much money? They used to see workers before, but maybe these big state-owned enterprises are different? Aunt Shuihua felt a headache coming on. Ming Mei quickly ran back to the courtyard.


    Shan Mao couldn''t help but look at her again. He gazed at Ming Mei¡¯s retreating figure, thinking how beautiful she was.


    He shamelessly ogled her, and just as Ming Mei reached the courtyard gate, she felt someone watching her. She turned around and saw that man grinning at her with his yellow teeth. Though he had a seemingly honest appearance, Ming Mei didn¡¯t think he was really that simple.


    She felt very uncomfortable but focused on the task at hand.


    Aunt Wang was about to leave and said, "I¡¯ll take three chickens."


    Though the son-in-law is technically a member of the household, it doesn''t mean he should be treated as a non-relative. Their family is relatively considerate in this regard. As the two stood talking in the courtyard, Luo Xiaohe pushed the door open and asked, "Are there people selling hen here?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Yes, yes."


    Luo Xiaohe said, "I''ll take three as well."


    Under normal circumstances, it would be quite difficult to gather eleven hens, but now, with twenty-two available, it''s easy. After all, it''s the New Year; who wouldn''t want to indulge in some good food during this time? Moreover, they are all from working-class families.


    The machinery factory, being a large state-owned enterprise, towers over most ordinary people.


    Even Yinlai came out, bundled up tightly, and said, "I''ll take two."


    Auntie Sui added, "And me too."


    Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou are both seasoned homemakers, and with Aunt Wang hurrying to help, they quickly selected the fattest hens. Aunt Shuihua and her group had only about fifty hens, and Zhao Guihua and her associates bought nearly half of them.


    Aunt Shuihua was left speechless.


    Zhao Guihua and the others quickly returned to divide the hens. Zhao Guihua calculated, "There are twenty-two hens in total. Though the price is two yuan and fifty fen each, since two were given for free, that averages out to..."


    Before she could even count on her fingers, Ming Mei quickly said, "Each hen costs two yuan and twenty-seven fen. But there''s a six-fen discrepancy, and since our family paid first, we lost six fen."


    Ming Mei calculated very quickly.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "You all collectively owe me six fen. Since there are seven households, each should give me one fen. No problem, right? I''ll pocket an extra fen from you but won''t take it for free. I''ll give this fen to Aunt Wang, and it can be used when the entire neighborhood chips in for sanitation fees later."


    "Sure, no problem with that," everyone agreed.


    Although it''s just one fen, with a monthly salary of around thirty yuan, every fen counts. Zhao Guihua''s approach was spot-on. They divided the hens, and everyone was elated. Aunt Wang remarked, "These hens must weigh about seven or eight jin, right?"


    "Definitely."


    "That''s quite good. A colleague from our unit bought a hen recently, and it was only four jin, also for two yuan and fifty fen."


    Ming Mei thought that at four yuan, these hens would still be a great deal.


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement.


    Ming Mei said, "That''s really a steal."


    "That¡¯s for sure," they all concurred.


    They were genuinely thrilled with the deal, eagerly anticipating more from Aunt Shuihua. While the prices were not drastically lower, the quality of the goods made it feel like a significant discount. Take these hens, for instance; if calculated honestly, it was almost half the price due to their fatness.


    However, the better the deal, the more suspicious they became.


    Aunt Shuihua seemed sharp and not like someone naive enough to sell at such low prices. This made everyone wonder. Despite their suspicions, Zhao Guihua and the others still bought the hens; such a bargain was too good to pass up.


    But buying didn''t stop them from being wary of the situation.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I''m going out to see what''s happening and have a chat."


    Ming Mei added, "I also feel like they''re not good people. Their looks are really off-putting."


    He Lan exclaimed, "You feel that too? Every time they look at me, I get really uncomfortable. It''s like they''re staring straight through me, inspecting like I''m a commodity."


    Ming Mei nodded, "Exactly, that''s the feeling."


    Zhao Guihua frowned and said, "You all should stay indoors."


    Ming Mei laughed and said, "He Lan should definitely stay in, but as for me... Do I look like I''m afraid of them?"


    Zhao Guihua was momentarily stumped but then nodded, "That''s true."


    If those people had ulterior motives, it was unclear who would come out on top.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Then come with me."


    Ming Mei immediately rolled up her sleeves and said, "Let''s go!"


    Aunt Wang chimed in, "No, no, Ming Mei, don¡¯t look like you''re about to fight. Seeing you like that makes me a bit nervous."


    She continued, "We might end up arguing and fighting. I''ll come along to keep an eye on things."


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "Sounds good to me."


    The two elderly women then stepped out together, and Ming Mei suddenly asked, "Aunt Luo, why are you at home?"


    Luo Xiaohe replied, "I''m not working anymore."


    She explained, "I''ve been doing temporary work at the library, not a permanent position. Since I''ve reached the appropriate age, the leaders there suggested I retire to make room for younger people. While I wasn''t a full-time employee, it''s essentially akin to being asked to leave."


    Luo Xiaohe had worked as a temporary employee for many years, but positions for full-time workers were scarce. These positions were often inherited within families, and even if someone wanted to buy one, they couldn''t.


    With more young people in the workforce, those of her age were naturally asked to step aside. In fact, there were virtually no one of her age working at their unit. Many families had multiple children, and those of her generation were dealing with the prospect of their children going to the countryside. Parents often passed their jobs to their children to keep them from the countryside. This is why the workforce was very young, making her somewhat out of place.


    If circumstances were still like before, Luo Xiaohe would have felt quite troubled. But perhaps because she now had a supportive companion, stepping away from the library didn¡¯t weigh too heavily on her. It¡¯s true that she earns less money, but Lan Sihai¡¯s counsel soothes her, and she¡¯s inclined to listen. After a lifetime of labor, it¡¯s time to rest properly. Moreover, there¡¯s still a lot of work to be done at home, and she finds solace in Lan Sihai¡¯s words.


    Thus, her emotions remained relatively steady.


    She said, "In fact, the leaders had this idea for a while. They allowed me to finish the year, and I officially handed over the position at the end of December."


    Ming Mei said, "That¡¯s good. Take some time to rest at home."


    Seeing that Ming Mei wasn''t unhappy, Luo Xiaohe felt better.


    As a remarried couple, they were also concerned about whether their children and young family members might feel uncomfortable regarding her not working, as it meant Lan Sihai was now the sole breadwinner. However, their situation was different from most families. With her spirits lifted, Luo Xiaohe felt more at ease.


    "Now that I''m not working, I¡¯ll have to follow your mother-in-law around," she said.


    Ming Mei smiled and said, "Then you¡¯d better learn from my mother-in-law, she¡¯s quite capable."


    Luo Xiaohe also laughed.


    Ming Mei stood in the courtyard, chit-chatting with the neighbors, when she noticed Shan Mao peeking his head in the doorway. She immediately frowned and scolded, "What are you looking at?"


    Shan Mao had come to scope out the place; he was accustomed to this kind of mission. Usually, he would sneak around quietly, but unexpectedly, he was caught right away. He quickly said, "Oh, I just came by for a drink of water."


    He grinned at Ming Mei, showing clear interest.


    Ming Mei said, "Why are you acting all sneaky?"


    She sized up Shan Mao, feeling that he wasn¡¯t a good person at all. Shan Mao chuckled, and Ming Mei added, "The water taps are all outside. Get a bowl yourself and fill it."


    Shan Mao stared at Ming Mei and leered, "Oh, I didn''t bring a¡­ maybe you could lend me a bowl?"


    Just as Ming Mei was about to get angry, Aunt Zhou spat out, "Who¡¯s this little punk? Smirking like a fool! Coming here with your brazen grin, thinking you¡¯re something special! What a senseless nuisance. I think you¡¯re begging for a beating. Didn¡¯t even bother to check who you¡¯re here to mess with! You think this place is soft? Dare to throw your weight around here."


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s outburst startled Shan Mao instantly. His mission was to gather information, not to stir up trouble. He quickly said, "Don¡¯t get mad, I won¡¯t take water, okay?"


    With that, he quickly left. Shan Mao had a penchant for lust and had taken advantage of many young women. Because he couldn¡¯t control his urges, his mother usually didn¡¯t bring him along on such missions.


    This time, he was brought along because they were targeting children, and Aunt Shuihua figured that targeting kids would keep him from causing trouble. Yet, they didn¡¯t expect to encounter Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei was undeniably beautiful, standing out even among a crowd.


    This made Shan Mao particularly intrigued.


    However, Zhou Dama¡¯s sudden shout startled him, and he feared things might go south, so he quickly left. He returned to the donkey cart and found that the chicken had nearly sold out. Feeling unlucky, he muttered a curse under his breath. He looked toward Aunt Shuihua, who, though she hadn¡¯t heard Zhou Dama¡¯s reprimand, could tell from her son¡¯s dejected and submissive demeanor that he had likely caused trouble again. She quickly said, ¡°We¡¯ve sold most of our wares, let¡¯s head out.¡±


    Zhao Guihua immediately smiled and said, ¡°Next time you come, call me! My place is in courtyard number 44 over there.¡±


    Aunt Shuihua responded warmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sis. I¡¯ll definitely find you next time.¡±


    Her heart swelled with pride. Nothing made her happier than dealing with people who were greedy for small gains. After all, such greed often led to larger losses¡ªsomething these folks would eventually come to understand. She glanced at her son and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The group swiftly departed.


    As soon as the donkey cart left, Aunt Shuihua immediately asked, ¡°What happened?¡±


    She glared at her younger son. ¡°Did you cause trouble again?¡±


    Shan Mao responded gloomily, ¡°I just asked for some water to drink. They were awfully mean about it.¡±


    Aunt Shuihua knew her son well enough to recognize that his version of events was far from the truth. ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what kind of person you are. You probably just saw how pretty the lady was and got ideas. Let me tell you, we¡¯re in the business of making money, not chasing women. If you had money, you could have any woman you wanted, but without it, you have nothing. Don¡¯t you dare mess things up for us. Control your bad habits.¡±


    Shan Mao hung his head in resignation. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t cause any trouble.¡±


    Aunt Shuihua shot her son a stern look and said, ¡°If you cause trouble, I won¡¯t spare you.¡±


    Shan Mao quickly replied, ¡°I know, I know.¡±


    As he was speaking, he noticed the young woman he had seen earlier riding a bicycle across the street and turning onto the main road. His eyes darted, and he exclaimed, ¡°Ouch, my stomach hurts.¡±


    Aunt Shuihua retorted, ¡°Lazy donkey can¡¯t work without shitting! What are you up to?¡±


    Shan Mao replied, ¡°I need to go to the latrine. You all go ahead without me.¡±


    Aunt Shuihua stared deeply into her son¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°You should know what kind of person I am.¡±


    Shan Mao quickly reassured her. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t do anything reckless.¡±


    Aunt Shuihua nodded slightly. ¡°Good, if you cause trouble, I won¡¯t let you off easy.¡±


    Shan Mao jumped off the donkey cart. As soon as the cart moved away, he looked toward the direction the young woman had gone, though he no longer saw her. Still, he hurried after her, chuckling to himself. ¡°Heh heh, heh.¡± He wasn¡¯t afraid of being discovered. If caught, he¡¯d just kidnap her. After he had his fun, he could even sell her. A catch like her would fetch a good price.


    He quickly followed the direction she had gone. Was it this way?


    Ming Mei rode her bicycle back to work, zipping along the road. Though she seemed soft and gentle on the outside, she had a fiery temperament. This was evident in how she rode her bike¡ªit wasn¡¯t a matter of speed, but rather of daring.


    Ming Mei quickly arrived at her workplace. As she approached the entrance, she noticed Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong arguing in the alley near the office.


    Ming Mei exclaimed, ¡°Oh ho!¡±


    Last time, Jiang Baohong had slapped Guan Guiling, causing her to faint on the spot and demand a small payment of thirty yuan.


    Jiang Baohn, unable to pay, had her salary docked for three consecutive months, ten yuan each month, to compensate Guan Guiling. Jiang Baohong now harbored a seething hatred for Guan Guiling. If there was one person in the world she hated most, it was Guan Guiling.


    Now, even looking at Ming Mei was too much for Jiang Baohong. Her sole focus was on Guan Guiling, her anger bubbling over, yet she couldn¡¯t do anything to her rival. Ming Mei crept closer, eavesdropping on their argument.


    Guan Guiling sneered, ¡°It¡¯s freezing out, and you dragged me here just to threaten me? Jiang Baohong, you underestimate me too much. Take a good look at yourself¡ªdo you really think you¡¯re so powerful? Coming here to strut around like a peacock, do you think I¡¯ll just let you off? Believe me, I¡¯ll make you bankrupt.¡±


    Jiang Baohong retorted, ¡°So, you finally show your true colors! I knew you were the most vicious woman out there. It turns out you¡¯ve been scheming against me from the start. Tell me, did you sell my bicycle?¡±


    Guan Guiling shrugged, ¡°If it¡¯s lost, it¡¯s lost. That¡¯s your luck, not my problem.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Jiang Baohong was furious, but she didn¡¯t dare lay a finger on Guan Guiling. After all, if she touched her, she¡¯d likely have to pay up again. Yet, she couldn¡¯t swallow her anger. She cursed, ¡°You filthy bitch¡­¡±


    Ming Mei watched the growing conflict, feeling that these two were just a pair of quarrelsome dogs.


    She rolled her eyes and rode her bike back to the office. The fight wasn¡¯t worth watching¡ªit was all too predictable. But what Ming Mei didn¡¯t know was that after she left, things took a new turn. Shan Mao, following the road in search of Ming Mei, was delayed and missed her because she had been riding so fast.


    Unable to find Ming Mei, he began looking around frantically. Then he spotted the arguing pair of Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling in the alley.


    The two women had chosen to meet in secret, away from prying eyes, opting for the alley. Guan Guiling¡¯s back was to Shan Mao as she sneered at Jiang Baohong, ¡°You deserve every bit of your misfortune. You deserve to have nothing. Let me tell you, I¡¯d love for you to hit me¡ªif you touch me, I¡¯ll make you pay. Right now, everyone is wary of me, but not you, Jiang Baohong. You don¡¯t know how much I enjoy your foolishness¡­¡±


    Jiang Baohong was trembling with rage. Though she had tried to remind herself not to hit Guan Guiling, knowing that even a slight touch could cost her more money, Guan Guiling¡¯s taunts were too much to bear. She raised her hand, ready to strike, but before she could even land the blow, someone grabbed her wrist.


    Shan Mao had caught Jiang Baohong¡¯s hand, saving the day.


    He furrowed his brow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, woman? How dare you bully someone in broad daylight?¡±


    He turned to look at Guan Guiling and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Sis, I¡¯m here now.¡±


    He inspected Guan Guiling¡¯s appearance, noting her pale, sickly complexion and unremarkable features, feeling slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, he still stood by her side, not wanting to miss an opportunity.


    This situation was just a bonus, a ¡®kill two birds with one stone¡¯ scenario for him.


    The alley was deserted, and if he played his cards right, this so-called ¡°heroic rescue¡± could lead to abducting this frail looking woman. Though their main target this time was children, he wasn¡¯t about to let a chance with such a woman slip by.


    He consoled her softly, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    Guan Guiling, however, darkened in mood.


    She had been eagerly anticipating Jiang Baohong¡¯s slap, hoping that the slightest touch would allow her to extort more money. After all, her colleagues now treated her with extreme caution, limiting her opportunities. She planned to exploit her current fragile state to extract more money from those willing to take the risk.


    Once she recovered, her chances would vanish.


    But she had never anticipated this interloper¡¯s interference that disrupted her plans. A truly infuriating nuisance.


    She glared at the man, seething with displeasure at this meddling stranger.


    Likewise, Jiang Baohong was livid. She had wanted to teach Guan Guiling a lesson, and now someone had the gall to interfere. Who did he think he was, daring to stop her!


    Jiang Baohong was no one¡¯s fool and definitely not one to be trifled with.


    Fuming, she pointed at his nose and cursed, ¡°You wretched fool, get out of here! What business is it of yours, anyway? Playing the hero, are you? You¡¯re nothing but a clown! Scram!¡±


    Shan Mao had been working with his mother in this line of business for years, raking in money, and he wasn¡¯t used to being spoken to so rudely. The sight of this middle-aged woman, with her harsh and unpleasant appearance, further convinced him that she was no decent person. Such a woman would be hard to sell, anyway.


    The fact that she dared to speak to him harshly made Shan Mao narrow his eyes, fixing his gaze intently on Jiang Baohong.


    Jiang Baohong was already full of anger, feeling that this year had been especially unlucky. She didn''t dare to hit Guan Guiling, that sickly woman, but she sure as hell dared to hit this meddling little man! She spat and shouted, pointing her finger right in his face.


    Shan Mao instantly erupted in anger and slapped her across the face with a resounding blow.


    Men are always stronger than women. Jiang Baohong was knocked to the ground in an instant, completely dazed.


    Shan Mao: "You''re out of line trying to bully people, aren''t you?"


    He turned his head and spoke softly to Guan Guiling: "Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    Guan Guiling: "..."


    Who the hell are you!


    And I was hoping to extort some money!


    But seeing how fierce this man was, Guan Guiling didn''t dare say anything unpleasant. She had a good sense of judgment and immediately said, "Thank you. If it weren''t for you, I really wouldn''t know what to do."


    Shan Mao: "It''s nothing, I''ve got you."


    Jiang Baohong, still seeing stars from the slap, was livid. "Well, Guan Guiling, I see you''re not a decent woman either, bringing your lover to fight your battles! Let me tell you, even if you beat me, I won''t let you get away with this. I''ll spread it far and wide, let everyone know what kind of person you are. And you, I''ll call the cops, let them see how you bully a woman. You''ve got no morals, you''re an adulterer, you..."


    Before she could finish her rant, Shan Mao kicked her hard.


    He was most afraid of dealing with the police, and this woman kept threatening to call them. He naturally wouldn''t let it go and immediately delivered another kick: "I''ll kick you to death for being so mouthy!"


    He had previously abducted girls, and some would be stubborn. In such cases, they always had to teach them a lesson. Beating women was something he was accustomed to. He yanked Jiang Baohong up and delivered several hard slaps: "Keep talking, keep talking!"


    With blows like that, Jiang Baohong couldn''t take it. Blood gushed from her nostrils and the corner of her mouth, and her face became swollen and disfigured.


    Guan Guiling, seeing this, took a frightened step back.


    What was wrong with this guy? Was he crazy?


    With her frail body, she certainly couldn''t withstand such beatings.


    Though she had dared to jump from a building before¡ªonly because they had planned it out carefully and calculated every move¡ªshe certainly didn''t dare take such risks now. Guan Guiling took another cautious step back, planning to make a slow escape.


    But before she could react, Shan Mao turned around and said, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    Guan Guiling immediately forced a smile: "I have to get back to work..."


    Shan Mao: "You''re not going anywhere. If you leave, this woman will try to pin it all on me. Stay here and be my witness, show that I was helping you."


    Guan Guiling: "What?"


    She had no desire to testify at all, but she feared this man''s temper. "I, uh..."


    She rolled her eyes, trying to think of an excuse.


    "You adulterers! You..." Jiang Baohong, despite being beaten, was still shouting insults. Shan Mao slapped her again, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.


    "Shut up!"


    Shan Mao: "Help me hold this woman."


    Guan Guiling was reluctant¡ªdeeply reluctant.


    But she didn''t dare disobey. Such a short distance meant there was a risk of being caught by this violent man. She had called Bai Fendou a violent man before, but she wasn''t afraid of him because she knew she was framing him.


    But this stranger, despite being a stranger, genuinely terrified her.


    She didn''t dare resist and reluctantly stepped forward. As soon as she got close, Shan Mao suddenly struck with force, knocking her out before she even had time to react. She was already weak and, with that hit, she fainted immediately.


    Shan Mao hadn''t intended to strike her, but this woman behaved so defensively that he had no choice. This left him no option but to resort to force; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to deceive her away. With this move, Jiang Baohong sensed something was off.


    Why did this man hit Guan Guiling too?


    Seeing the malice in his eyes, Jiang Baohong suddenly sprang into action, delivering a powerful kick to his most sensitive spot. Shan Mao let out a deafening scream: "Ah!!!"


    Jiang Baohong took off running, shouting, "Help! Help!"


    Shan Mao: "Damn it!"


    He clutched his injured area, collapsing to the ground, feeling his life was nearly over. But realizing people were already heading his way, he didn''t dare waste time. Straining every muscle, he forced himself to his feet and staggered off in retreat.


    Even an experienced criminal like him had stumbled today.


    But as long as he could escape, that''s all that mattered. He''d been too careless.


    Fortunately, Shan Mao had good luck. Although Jiang Baohong had attracted people with her cries, his quick escape allowed him to avoid them.


    Ming Mei was in her office when someone burst in, shouting, "Something''s happened! Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling ran into a bad guy!"


    Ming Mei: "Huh?"


    Everyone immediately gathered, asking, "What happened?"


    By then, someone had already brought Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong back. Guan Guiling was still conscious, though knocked out, while Jiang Baohong had been beaten into a bloody mess.


    Sister Chen immediately arranged for someone to take them to the hospital while inquiring, "What happened here?"


    Jiang Baohong, still trembling in fear, said, "It was a man, a man in a grey cotton-padded jacket. He pretended to help Guan Guiling, but then he suddenly started beating me. I thought he was Guan Guiling''s lover, but then he tricked her over and knocked her out too. Thankfully, I was clever enough to run fast and call for help¡ªotherwise, both Guan Guiling and I would have been in serious trouble. That man must be a psycho killer; absolutely must be!"


    This time, she dared not blame everything on Guan Guiling, uncertain what that man was capable of.


    She was truly terrified.


    "All right, hurry up and take them to the hospital. The end of the year has people acting up. Who knows if he was trying to rob them. You guys go to the hospital quickly, and I''ll report it to the police later."


    "Hurry up and report it, that man wasn''t very tall, just taller than me by a little, wore a cotton jacket and pants with patches on the knees..."


    Jiang Baohong, despite being beaten, had a good memory and described the attacker clearly. It was precisely because she had been beaten that she remembered him vividly. Even though she was often arrogant, she really was terrified when faced with real danger. Having been mercilessly beaten, she was like a frightened bird, trembling uncontrollably.


    "That guy looked like he wanted to kill, with his beady little eyes... terrifying."


    Ming Mei also came over to check out the commotion. She never expected that something so big had happened just after she left. But the more she listened to Jiang Baohong''s description, the more it seemed familiar. The man described sounded a lot like the one who had come to sell a hen earlier: Shan Mao.


    Although she couldn''t be sure, the resemblance was striking.


    But wasn''t that person in Xinghuali earlier? Why would he be here?


    Seeing Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling being taken away.


    Ming Mei asked: "Should we report it to the police?"


    Sister Chen: "Absolutely, this has to be reported."


    She was furious, displeased with Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling but completely opposed to such a public assault. If the attacker wasn''t caught, who knows how many others might be harmed?


    "Such people should be arrested."


    Ming Mei: "If you report it to the police, let them know that this person seems familiar to me. There was a man with a donkey cart selling things in our Xinghuali today, and he seemed to match this description."


    "Oh?" Sister Chen asked, immediately interested: "Are you sure?"


    Ming Mei shook her head: "I''m not sure. I didn''t see him either. I just thought the clothing description seemed familiar¡ªbut it''s not that uncommon to see those old clothes."


    Most people wore similar shades, so she couldn''t be certain.


    Sister Chen: ¡°That¡¯s true, but since you¡¯re not even sure, maybe it¡¯s better not to say anything. If you accuse those people of speculating and profiteering, you¡¯re practically turning them in. What if they come back to retaliate against you later? Plus, it¡¯s almost New Year, and everyone is rushing to buy New Year goods. If you suspect they¡¯re up to no good, and the police hear about it, they¡¯ll definitely arrest them. That could disrupt everyone else¡¯s shopping, and the neighbors might end up blaming you.¡±


    Ming Mei furrowed her brows. ¡°But they could be bad people¡­¡±


    Sister Chen: ¡°We can¡¯t always trust what Jiang Baohong says. She and Guan Guiling don¡¯t usually tell the truth. Who knows what¡¯s real or not?¡±


    Sister Chen didn¡¯t think it was likely. She said, ¡°Just don¡¯t get involved.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Huh?¡±


    Sister Chen: ¡°Listen to me; I¡¯m not going to steer you wrong. Don¡¯t get involved with Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong¡¯s business. They won¡¯t be grateful. If you¡¯re worried, just mention it to your neighborhood caretaker so they can keep an eye on those speculators, but don¡¯t get involved with Jiang Baohong.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Alright, then.¡±


    Sister Chen: ¡°Jiang Baohong and Guan Guiling sneaking out together, no one knows what they¡¯re up to.¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She knew better than to comment.


    Sister Chen: ¡°I¡¯m still worried you¡¯ll end up getting involved and getting yourself into trouble.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded faintly, realizing that Sister Chen was only looking out for her.


    It turned out that Sister Chen was indeed very sharp. Despite Jiang Baohong reporting that a man had attacked them, once Guan Guiling woke up, she said something completely different. She claimed that Jiang Baohong had beaten her, and she had no idea how Jiang Baohong had been injured. Of course, Guan Guiling knew exactly what had happened, but the man had been so fierce that she didn¡¯t want to implicate him, fearing he might come back. Besides, if she admitted there was another man, how could she explain how Jiang Baohong had knocked her out?


    It was clear that Guan Guiling was trying to pin the blame on Jiang Baohong again.


    This time, however, her plan didn¡¯t work. Although Guan Guiling¡¯s story seemed plausible, it didn¡¯t hold up under scrutiny. If Jiang Baohong had beaten her, how could she not know how Jiang Baohong got hurt?


    In the past, Jiang Baohong had really attacked her in front of everyone, but this time, no one believed Guan Guiling.


    She wasn¡¯t always able to extort money.


    When Sister Chen heard Guan Guiling¡¯s version, she gave Ming Mei a knowing look, as if to say, ¡°See?¡± Ming Mei was truly amazed by Guan Guiling¡¯s audacity. She really cared more about money than her own safety.


    Although Ming Mei didn¡¯t mention her suspicions at work, she immediately brought up the incident when she got home. Zhao Guihua said, ¡°It sounds like this person might have been following you secretly.¡±


    Ming Mei was startled. After thinking about it, she said, ¡°That¡¯s very likely.¡±


    At that time, the man had been intently staring at her. It was possible he had sinister intentions.


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately grew alert. ¡°Could it be a human trafficker?¡±


    His words caught everyone¡¯s attention. Zhuang Zhixi explained, ¡°Think about it. Why else would he knock Guan Guiling unconscious? Maybe he wanted to abduct her. If Jiang Baohong hadn¡¯t managed to escape and shout for help, both of them might have been taken.¡±


    He continued, ¡°And maybe they¡¯ve been coming around frequently to case the place.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Could be, but usually, abducting women is done through deception. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to forcibly take someone.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°But if they become familiar with the area? Then tricking someone becomes much easier.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°In our alley, there are a few young married women. If these guys get familiar with the area, it wouldn¡¯t be hard for them to abduct someone.¡±


    After analyzing the situation, Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I¡¯m feeling more and more uneasy. I¡¯ll go get Aunt Wang and a few others to come over so we can discuss this.¡±


    If these people are truly evil, we can¡¯t stand by and do nothing.


    ¡°Go ahead and call them. We should all talk about this. Maybe we should hold a general meeting of the entire complex.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    Unlike other neighborhoods, they rarely held general meetings. Things were already chaotic enough without adding more meetings. But this time, everyone felt uneasy, and they quickly gathered together.


    Zhao Guihua detailed the situation, adding, ¡°I¡¯m not sure about all this, maybe I¡¯m wrong, but I think we can¡¯t afford to be careless.¡±


    ¡°We should definitely be more careful!¡±


    At the general meeting, everyone was present. Bai Fendou was furious. ¡°If these guys try to abduct women, I¡¯ll beat them within an inch of their lives!¡±


    He had finally found a wife who didn¡¯t mind his shortcomings. She was good to him and had even adopted his surname with her child. If anyone dared to harm his wife, Bai Fendou would make sure they regretted it.


    He declared firmly, ¡°I won¡¯t let anyone get away with this.¡±


    ¡°Me neither!¡± Zhou Qun clenched his fists, equally angry. If Jiang Lu were taken away, he¡¯d never find another wife like her. Even a less desirable woman would be hard to come by.


    Aunt Wang: ¡°We¡¯re just speculating here, and it¡¯s not certain that they¡¯re involved in anything bad. But an old saying goes, ¡®Don¡¯t have evil intent, but don¡¯t let your guard down.¡¯ If we¡¯ve already felt something was off, we should be more vigilant.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°If they come around our alley again, we need to be on high alert.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡±


    At this point, Lan Sihai spoke up. ¡°Let me add a few words.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Uncle Lan.¡±


    Lan Sihai: ¡°I¡¯ve seen a lot in my time. When I was an apprentice in Shanghai, I experienced the chaos of the big city firsthand. These kinds of incidents weren¡¯t rare. But based on my experience, when it comes to human trafficking, it¡¯s not limited to just women. If someone is involved in this kind of thing, it usually involves both women and children.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you mean they might be targeting kids too?¡±


    Lan Sihai: ¡°Exactly. You see, children are easier to manipulate. If someone wants to abduct an adult, they have to rely on deception. But with kids, all it takes is knocking them out, and they can just pick them up and walk away. Much easier.¡±


    ¡°Uncle Lan makes a good point.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    While it wasn¡¯t certain that these men were up to no good, being cautious wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    Things are different than the old days. Society is more regulated now, and there are fewer traffickers. But just because there are fewer doesn¡¯t mean there are none. So everyone should stay alert.


    Lan Sihai: ¡°Even if the people selling things are truly just trying to make a quick buck and we¡¯re wrong about them, being careful is always a good thing. New Year¡¯s is coming, and everywhere is crowded with people, and kids are running around. There¡¯s no harm in keeping an eye on things. Parents should remind their kids to be careful.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    After Lan Sihai¡¯s speech, everyone became more vigilant.


    After the meeting ended, parents like Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen reminded their children. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded seriously, assuring their parents they understood.


    Similarly, in households with children like Wang Xiangxiu, parents gave careful instructions. ¡°Be careful not to wander off. I¡¯m not worried about Yinlai since he hardly goes out. But Tonglai, if you go out, don¡¯t do it alone. There are other kids in our courtyard; find someone to go with you.¡±


    Tonglai: ¡°Got it.¡±


    Overall, while people didn¡¯t necessarily think these sellers were definitely traffickers, Uncle Lan¡¯s warning made sense. Regardless of whether they were innocent or not, with the year-end crowds and chaos, being careful was always a good idea.


    The crooks, on the other hand, had no idea they were being watched. Shan Mao had taken a kick but wasn¡¯t seriously hurt. Though it hurt, there were no serious injuries.


    After all, Jiang Baohong was no ordinary person; skillful and virtuous, she had the ability to cut off someone''s "root" as soon as she arrived.


    As for him, things hadn''t escalated yet. After fleeing and cooling off for a while, he had returned to normal. However, Shan Mao didn''t mention this incident to the other members of his family, as it was both embarrassing and might upset his mother if she knew he had caused trouble outside.


    Every time they had "work" to do, their mother was very strict. His older brother, Song Shu, always obeyed her orders, but Shan Mao, being the youngest and more spoiled, was less disciplined and often acted recklessly.


    But after his father passed away, the family business required more hands, and he had been roped in. His mother began to demand more of him, and he was tired of her constant nagging. So, he chose not to say anything about the incident.


    Moreover, he didn''t think it was a big deal anyway. It was just a minor detour, nothing that would affect the bigger picture.


    What he didn''t know was that Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong were both colleagues of Ming Mei, and Ming Mei had already suspected him. With his shifty-eyed appearance, he was naturally suspicious, and now even more so.


    However, Aunt Shuihua and her group had no idea about any of this.


    They continued to sell their goods twice, but this time without Shan Mao. Last time, Shan Mao had been transfixed by Ming Mei, which made Aunt Shuihua uneasy. If it raised anyone''s guard, it could be a problem.


    So from then on, she never took her youngest son with her; instead, she only brought her eldest son.


    This group of people sold a batch of duck eggs and then a batch of pork, both with great success.


    Every time they went out to sell goods, they carefully inquired about the surroundings, especially about who had children and who had pretty young wives. Although the young wives were for later, their main focus now was on children.


    But it was always good to gather this information in advance for future use.


    This was akin to accumulating intelligence. Since they had already paid to gather information, they naturally collected as much as possible.


    Time flew, and before they knew it, it was almost the end of the year. The machinery factory, having completed its tasks early, started its holiday ten days ahead of schedule. This year, the factory''s performance was better than last year, and they distributed a lot of goods. Zhao Guihua had already purchased several batches of goods earlier, so their New Year supplies were abundant. Zhao Guihua didn''t care about Liang Meifen''s thoughts and directly prepared New Year gifts for the Ming family, but did not prepare any for the Liang family, showing a clear double standard.


    Liang Meifen, seeing this, wisely chose not to ask or complain.


    To be honest, the whole job affair had deeply hurt her, and she no longer wanted to meddle in her family''s matters. After all, her brother already had a job as a worker, her father did odd jobs, and her mother also had some small tasks. So even if she didn''t intervene, they wouldn''t suffer.


    Therefore, this time, Liang Meifen remained silent.


    Zhao Guihua had been waiting for Liang Meifen to speak up, but the woman stayed quiet. Zhao Guihua actually felt a bit disappointed.


    Why had she become so sensible all of a sudden?


    This year, their courtyard had a prosperous New Year. Although everyone felt that Aunt Shuihua and her group were a bit suspicious, it didn''t stop them from buying goods. Not taking advantage of a good deal was foolishness.


    With savings, you might not be able to spend them due to a lack of tickets.


    But if you found good goods, you could exchange anything, so people preferred to spend money on goods rather than save. As a result, everyone bought a lot. Whenever Aunt Shuihua and her group arrived, they were surrounded by eager buyers. You buy, I buy¡ªit was worth spending all the money.


    Under such lively circumstances, Aunt Shuihua and her group were always warmly welcomed. This sometimes delayed their gathering of intelligence, which infuriated her! But! Enduring hardship is the path to becoming a superior person!


    Today''s losses are for greater profits in the future!


    Before they knew it, the day Aunt Shuihua and her group had been longing for, New Year''s Eve, had arrived. This was the day they had planned to act.


    The whole family was eager and prepared!

 Chapter 166

    On New Year''s Eve, the sound of firecrackers filled the air.


    The Spring Festival of 1972 fell in mid-February, having passed the coldest days of winter, but it was still freezing. Nonetheless, kids were not afraid of the cold. They ran around the courtyard and alleys early in the morning, bursting with energy, each holding small firecrackers that exploded with a crackling sound. Both boys and girls covered their ears and laughed happily, oblivious to the cold. The children in the courtyard ran back and forth between the alleys, full of life.


    Adults, on the other hand, were busier than the children on this day. Everyone brought out their best culinary skills, frying, steaming, and boiling to prepare the reunion dinner. Ming Mei helped in the kitchen, an improvement from last year when she was heavily pregnant and did nothing. This year, she was part of the lively preparations.


    Zhao Guihua: "Third daughter-in-law, get me two chili peppers."


    Ming Mei: "Got it."


    While others grew flowers in their pots, their family grew chili peppers and green onions. These small plants added great flavor to their dishes during the winter. Ming Mei picked two peppers and handed them to Zhao Guihua, who sliced them finely.


    "Where are the kids?"


    Ming Mei: "Zhuang Zhixi is watching them."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, continuing to chop while saying, "Go prepare a Chinese cabbage."


    Ming Mei: "Got it."


    Though she didn''t cook, Ming Mei was quite efficient with kitchen chores. Outside, she met He Lan, who was also heading to the cellar. Ming Mei suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, have you registered Bai Qingqing''s household registration?"


    He Lan nodded: "Yes, I registered it on December 31st."


    Although Bai Qingqing''s registration was almost a year late, it could save them trouble if they ever encountered the Fan Family in the future.


    He Lan added: "Thanks for reminding me. I wouldn''t have thought of it without your family."


    Ming Mei: "We''re neighbors, so if we thought of it, we had to remind you. It was my mother-in-law''s idea. I wouldn''t have noticed."


    Sometimes, her mother-in-law''s experience really amazed her.


    He Lan nodded, realizing the importance of the reminder. She would rather have her daughter connected to Bai Fendou than the devious Fan family. At least Bai Fendou genuinely loved Qingqing as his own. The Fan family, on the other hand, wished they could disappear.


    As they headed to the cellar, they continued their conversation.


    At the same time, Aunt Shuihua led her family to Xing Hua Li. This time, the entire family was involved, but their cart wasn''t filled with goods as before. Nevertheless, they still carried large baskets used for selling.


    Aunt Shuihua looked at her sons and daughters-in-law and said, "Let''s stick to the plan we discussed yesterday. Any questions?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The family replied in unison: "No!"


    Aunt Shuihua nodded and reaffirmed their tasks: "Alright, let''s go over them again. Oldest, what''s your job?"


    Song Shu: "I''ll get close to the street kids and try to lure away some familiar ones."


    Aunt Shuihua nodded and turned to the second son: "And you, what are you doing?"


    The second son quickly replied: "I''ll drive the carriage, provide support, load the kids into the baskets, and keep an eye out for trouble."


    Aunt Shuihua nodded again and addressed the oldest daughter-in-law: "What''s your role?"


    The oldest daughter-in-law: "I''m your daughter-in-law, and I haven''t had children yet. I''ll claim I want to hold their boys for good luck. Once chaos breaks out, I''ll leave with you, carrying the children."


    Aunt Shuihua approved: "Good. And you, second daughter-in-law, what''s your task?"


    The second daughter-in-law: "I''ll create chaos by shouting ''Rape'' at the entrance, drawing everyone''s attention and giving you time to escape."


    Aunt Shuihua then asked the other two: "And you two?"


    The youngest son: "We''ll work together. I''ll cause chaos like Er Mao, pretending to be the victim of harassment. Then I''ll escape, leading pursuers away. I''m fast and familiar with the area. We''ll meet up tonight. My brother will act like the oldest son, persuading kids to buy firecrackers and take them away."


    Each one had crucial roles.


    Song Shu shook a bottle of water and said, "I''ve added sleeping pills to it. Once they drink it, they''ll be out cold, no problem."


    Aunt Shuihua was clear on her own responsibilities and reminded the group, "We''re not amateurs. Everyone knows their part well, but remember, whether it''s your first or hundredth time, the top rule is?"


    "Caution!"


    Aunt Shuihua smiled: "Exactly. Caution. With enough caution, we can escape quickly. Otherwise, we''ll end like your father. Money is important, but our lives are more so. Got it?"


    "Got it!"


    "Alright, let''s move."


    The family marched towards Xing Hua Li, ready for business.


    Aunt Shuihua led them to the alley. As she expected, it was full of children with firecrackers popping incessantly. She said, "Let''s split up and act."


    "Understood."


    They swiftly separated. Aunt Shuihua and her eldest daughter-in-law went to No. 44 courtyard. They had already scouted that this was the street with the most infants.


    At the gate, Xiao Yanzi, holding a small stick, stopped them and asked, "Who are you looking for?"


    They were playing a game of catching bad guys.


    Aunt Shuihua put on a kind smile and handed Xiao Yanzi candy, saying, "Little sister, I''m looking for Zhao Guihua."


    Xiao Yanzi nodded, not taking the candy, and ran back into the courtyard, shouting, "Grandma! Someone''s looking for you!"


    Zhao Guihua, preparing lunch, heard the call and wondered, "Who could it be?"


    It was unusual for someone to visit on New Year''s Eve. She looked out and saw Aunt Shuihua. She handed the spatula to Liang Meifen, saying, "You take over. I''ll go see."


    Liang Meifen: "Okay."


    Ming Mei also peeked out, saying, "I''ll help."


    Liang Meifen quickly said, "No need, I can manage."


    She didn''t trust Ming Mei''s cooking skills.


    Ming Mei: "Then I''ll go with Mom to see who it is."


    Liang Meifen: "...Smooth talker."


    But she didn''t want Ming Mei helping, feeling she''d just get in the way: "Go ahead."


    Ming Mei shrugged, appreciating Liang Meifen for her practical attitude. While it was a bit disheartening to be underestimated, it meant less work for her.


    Liang Meifen: "Go, you''re not needed here."


    Ming Mei: "Hehe."


    She followed Zhao Guihua outside, surprised to see Aunt Shuihua there.


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes narrowed as she greeted: "Aunt Shuihua, still doing business on New Year''s Eve?"


    Ming Mei stood quietly beside her.


    Aunt Shuihua: "Of course, I still have some stock left. I decided to sell it all, especially since it''s been thanks to loyal customers like you that I''ve done well. As I''m heading home for the new year, I thought I should at least drop by to say a belated Happy New Year. Happy New Year to you."


    "Happy New Year to you too. And who is this?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at the middle-aged woman beside Aunt Shuihua, who replied: "This is my eldest daughter-in-law, she helps me with business."


    Aunt Shuihua paused for a moment before continuing, "My eldest daughter-in-law is nearly forty years old. She and my son have been married for nearly twenty years, but they haven''t had a child yet. I heard that this courtyard is filled with good vibes and many children, so I thought I''d bring her along during New Year visits to soak up some of that good fortune."


    Zhao Guihua became even more cautious towards Aunt Shuihua. Although her words seemed polite, the more polite they were, the more suspicious Zhao Guihua became.


    Aunt Shuihua, appearing curious, remarked, "The people in this courtyard seem quite harmonious. Is this the Bai family? I heard they live by the gate."


    At that moment, Bai Fendou came out to pour some water. In previous years on New Year''s Eve, he wouldn''t have hurried; he would spend the morning chatting idly in the courtyard. But now that he has a wife, he takes it upon himself to help out. As he poured the water, he said, "Oh, who¡¯s this?"


    Zhao Guihua answered, "This is Aunt Shuihua, she¡¯s here to do some small trading."


    Aunt Shuihua replied, "My, what a handsome man! Truly a pillar of the family, a man who can uphold the household with dignity and strength."


    As soon as these words left her mouth, Bai Fendou turned livid, letting out a loud "hmph" and glaring fiercely at Aunt Shuihua before turning and walking away. The old woman clearly knew he was incapable, yet she still went on about him being a "pillar of the family." It was all so sarcastic and deliberate. Definitely not a good person!


    On New Year¡¯s Eve, she comes here to be sarcastic? How utterly disgraceful!


    Bai Fendou stormed off, furious, though he refrained from cursing outright, something he would have done if it weren¡¯t New Year¡¯s. Instead, he cursed in his mind, thinking, "Damn it! Go eat your own excrement!"


    Aunt Shuihua: "???"


    She was known for being quite the conversationalist, so she couldn''t fathom why this had backfired. What provoked such an abrupt outburst of anger? He was so unpredictable! She couldn¡¯t make sense of it at all. According to her investigations, Bai Fendou was the man married to Zhao Guihua¡¯s friend "Xiao Lan." Their family was sparse, with only three members, and he was the sole breadwinner.


    Her compliment should have been well-received.


    What kind of man is he?


    Aunt Shuihua was inwardly irritated, almost wishing she could kidnap "Xiao Lan" to leave him without a wife and see how he¡¯d flaunt himself then.


    Having been scorned, Aunt Shuihua was furious but maintained her smile, saying, "This brother has a bit of a temper, doesn¡¯t he?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "He¡¯s alright."


    Bai Fendou¡¯s temper wasn¡¯t anything out of the ordinary in their large courtyard.


    Aunt Shuihua: "¡­"


    Looking around, she decided to change the subject, feigning hesitation as she said, "Zhao Guihua, I shouldn¡¯t really bring this up, but my eldest daughter-in-law has been childless for so many years, and I¡¯m anxious. I heard you have a little boy. I was wondering if she could hold him for a bit. I¡¯ve heard that holding a boy child can bring good luck and perhaps lead to the birth of a boy."


    She chuckled awkwardly, "All I hope for is a little grandson."


    Zhao Guihua was now at maximum alert. She didn¡¯t believe a single word Aunt Shuihua said. Moreover, it was preposterous¡ªvisiting someone¡¯s home on New Year¡¯s Eve to hold a child for good luck? As if they were utter fools!


    Zhao Guihua was indeed extraordinarily cautious. If it had been an average household, they might not have been so suspicious. After all, Aunt Shuihua had done many transactions with them and was considered acquainted. Moreover, these transactions always came with some bargain, so why wouldn¡¯t they trust her?


    Furthermore, the practice of seeking good fortune for childbirth wasn¡¯t uncommon. In some rural areas, people would even borrow the used diapers of male babies and place them under their pillows, hoping for a son.


    So Aunt Shuihua¡¯s reasoning was quite plausible.


    But, unfortunately, she ran into Zhao Guihua, who had been exposed to the modern deluge of information. Though she hadn¡¯t experienced much personally, she had watched plenty of "Legal and Regulation" programs, "News for 30 Minutes," and various other talk shows. She had seen all sorts of bizarre schemes.


    Thus, she felt Aunt Shuihua was off, especially considering the man who attacked Guan Guiling and Jiang Baohong. Though it wasn¡¯t confirmed, the description matched Aunt Shuihua¡¯s second son.


    An attacker who beat people up wasn¡¯t acting in good faith, that much was obvious.


    That¡¯s why Zhao Guihua was so vigilant. Even though her mind had whirled a hundred times over, in an instant, she responded with a smile, "My child is likely still asleep. Plus, won¡¯t you be back home by midday for lunch?"


    Aunt Shuihua said, "What¡¯s the rush? We only have one meal at night. By the way, which household is Aunt Zhou?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Aunt Zhou~"


    Aunt Zhou: "Who is it?"


    Since it was New Year¡¯s Eve, everyone was busy, and the continuous sound of firecrackers had left them unaware of visitors. Aunt Zhou, busy cooking, came out upon hearing her name: "Hmm? Why are you here?"


    Aunt Shuihua smiled and said, "I¡¯ve come to pay my New Year¡¯s greetings and soak up some good fortune."


    She looked around, "I¡¯ve heard so much about your little grandson¡¯s virtues. I wanted to see for myself."


    It would have been easier to abduct a lanky teenager, but Aunt Shuihua was greedy. She didn¡¯t want to let go of the two infants. Babies this young were in demand. Families with good means preferred little ones, the tinier the better, as they wouldn¡¯t remember their birth parents.


    So she was willing to take a bit of a risk, thinking her actions were justified. This courtyard had bought plenty from her, so she was sure they trusted her!


    But to her surprise, Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t hospitable, saying, "What are you looking at? My child is shy. You might scare him."


    She scanned Song Shu¡¯s wife and said, "Looks like she doesn¡¯t have much luck."


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "Indeed, her appearance doesn¡¯t show good fortune."


    Song Shu¡¯s wife, fuming, felt her chest rise and fall violently. These two old women were utter pests, how dare they comment on her lack of fortune! She had two sons! If it weren¡¯t to steal a child, why would they even bother?


    An enraged Song Shu¡¯s wife watched as Aunt Shuihua, experienced and composed, held her temper, though she too wanted to curse.


    Damn it!


    With a forced smile, Aunt Zhou said, "You know, I have plenty of experience with fertility matters. Sometimes, it¡¯s all about the timing¡ªwhen the time comes, it¡¯ll happen, if not, it¡¯s just not the right time. No amount of effort can change that."


    Hmph. Everyone knew her son and daughter-in-law tried for over ten years to have a child. Why else would these people focus on their family unless they wanted to remind them of those childless years? Intent on making them unhappy during this festive time. What a despicable bunch!


    She looked at Aunt Shuihua and her daughter-in-law with disdain, saying, "During New Year¡¯s, don¡¯t let your ¡®luckless¡¯ daughter-in-law come near me. We want a lucky year ahead."


    Pfft!


    Aunt Zhou let out a loud huff, turned, and went back inside, slamming the door shut. When push came to shove, she wouldn¡¯t let this embarrassing situation affect her. If it weren¡¯t New Year¡¯s, she would¡¯ve surely let loose with a barrage of curses. Why target her family if not to take a jab given their history¡ªdeliberately making one feel miserable on such an auspicious day.


    Aunt Shuihua and Song Shu¡¯s wife: "¡­"


    They had no clue why Aunt Zhou was angry. Shouldn¡¯t they have been the ones offended? Why was Aunt Zhou so mad? Why did she have the audacity? Damn it!


    Zhao Guihua commented, "Aunt Zhou tends to be outspoken."


    Aunt Shuihua and Song Shu¡¯s wife: "¡­" Could you be any more tactless? Saying "outspoken" is an understatement! How about labeling her rude and unreasonable!


    Aunt Shuihua never expected that what seemed simple would prove so disastrous. It left her baffled. Just what kind of people lived in this courtyard? Why was it so difficult to get along with them? She had sold them heaps of cheap goods; otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have even let her in.


    The tongues they¡¯d given her during shopping expeditions had proven hollow; now, they were all turning their backs on her! Damn them all!


    Yet her resolve only burned brighter. The more they responded like this, the more she determined to teach these people a lesson.


    "Actually, I..." Aunt Shuihua was about to press on further when Wang Xiangxiu walked out to fetch water. It was her first time seeing Aunt Shuihua and she curiously asked, "Aunt Zhao, who is she?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "This is Aunt Shuihua, who often roams the streets to sell things. Didn''t your family also buy from her?"


    Wang Xiangxiu''s expression shifted subtly. This change came from two things: one was caution, and the other was a sense of spotting a mark. Her family had bought two seven-jin (about 4.2 kg) old hens for two yuan and twenty-seven cents each. In contrast, Sister Tian from their workshop had paid two yuan and fifty cents for just a four-and-a-half-jin hen.


    She was overjoyed, but also felt a strange sense of unease.


    With a subtle expression, she greeted, "Nice to meet you, Auntie. What brings you here...?"


    Aunt Shuihua gave Wang Xiangxiu a thorough once-over, knowing that she was Su Jinlai''s mother. They knew about Su Jinlai''s family¡ªlife was tough, with everything riding on his mother''s shoulders. She was known to be a hardworking, diligent woman. Although she was a widow, she was clean and disciplined, possessing a noble and upright character.


    Well, at least that''s what Su Jinlai had mentioned.


    She quickly said, "Everyone calls me Aunt Shuihua; you can do the same. You''re Widow Wang, aren''t you? I''ve heard so much about you. It''s nice to finally meet you. You certainly look like a decent person. I''ve always heard that you¡¯re very proper and self-respecting, someone we should all learn from..."


    Clang!


    Wang Xiangxiu slammed her water basin onto the sink, her expression darkening.


    What kind of person is this, bringing discomfort during the New Year festivities? What¡¯s the point of bringing up being "decent"? She admitted she used to rely on flattering men to get by, but now she worked hard. Why mention "self-respect" and "being a role model"? Isn''t that deliberately speaking in reverse to make her uncomfortable? Despicable!


    Everyone in this street knew her past wasn''t entirely spotless.


    This person is just too much. Normally, people avoid being a nuisance during the New Year, but this lady goes out of her way to provoke. Truly disgraceful. Although Wang Xiangxiu didn''t have much schooling, she could tell when someone was twisting the truth to spite her.


    She icily said, "What¡¯s wrong with staying home for the New Year and wandering around aimlessly? You¡¯re like a rat in the gutter ¨C utterly disgusting."


    Without another word, she turned and left.


    Aunt Shuihua: "..."


    What the hell is wrong with this person?


    Even her daughter-in-law was fuming, her fists clenched tightly.


    Zhao Guihua stood there, astonished.


    As for Ming Mei, she didn''t even register. After all, where could she possibly fit into the drama unfolding before her? This was her first time witnessing someone compliment so persistently and unwittingly land right on someone''s sore spot. Ming Mei thought to herself: This is quite an education.


    Aunt Shuihua and her daughter-in-law were equally baffled. They couldn''t wrap their heads around why things had gone so wrong.


    Zhao Guihua stammered, "Uh, well..."


    Just then, Yang Lixin carrying a child came from the back courtyard. This year, the men hadn''t gathered in the big yard; each family had their own children to tend to. Yang Lixin was taking his big plump daughter to the Zhuang family to play with the kids, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan. Passing through the front yard, he noticed a stranger and after a moment, realized, "Oh, she''s the one selling things. Our compound even held a meeting about her."


    He gave Aunt Shuihua a wary glance. Aunt Shuihua''s eyes immediately fastened onto the plump child, lighting up.


    "This is..."


    "This is from the Wang family..." Before Zhao Guihua could elaborate further, Aunt Shuihua eagerly interjected, "Oh, I know, I know! You''re the son of Aunt Wang, right? I''ve seen your boys, Lijunjun and Liweiwei ¨C such well-behaved kids. Li...er..."


    Yang Lixin''s face darkened as he shot Aunt Shuihua a bitter glare, spat on the ground, and rolled his eyes before turning and walking away.


    Aunt Shuihua was nearly at her breaking point. What the heck is wrong with the people in this compound?


    Zhao Guihua noticed Aunt Shuihua teetering on the edge and quickly suggested, "Yang Lixin, take your daughter to my place."


    Aunt Shuihua: "????"


    Her daughter-in-law: "?????"


    They had reliable information ¨C the grandsons of Aunt Wang and Chef Li were named Jiweiwei and Jijunjun. Then why does this man have the last name Yang?


    They hadn''t expected this man to be a son-in-law.


    They exchanged bewildered glances, having no quick answer. Meanwhile, Lan Sihai had been enjoying the show from behind the window and finally decided to step out, saying, "You guys are the ones who often come to sell things, right?"


    Aunt Shuihua steeled herself, mainly because she''d been repeatedly routed in her attempts.


    She forced a smile and asked, "Sir, and you are?"


    Zhao Guihua introduced, "This is Aunt He''s husband."


    Aunt Shuihua: "????"


    There''s quite a noticeable age gap, isn''t there?


    Is it that the old man''s rough appearance makes his wife seem younger, or is she genuinely youthful?


    Truth be told, Aunt Shuihua didn''t dare speak freely anymore. Anything she said might backfire. This was quite painful.


    Lan Sihai looked at Aunt Shuihua and remarked, "Oh my. You look like such a kind-hearted person, a real benevolent soul."


    Aunt Shuihua: "..." Even though you''re praising me, it feels... off.


    Zhao Guihua''s lips twitched, realizing the old man''s sarcasm. She knew he always spoke in a cryptic, roundabout way, and this wasn''t a genuine compliment.


    Aunt Shuihua chuckled awkwardly, "Well, that''s very kind of you to say, I''m quite embarrassed."


    Lan Sihai responded, "There''s no need to be embarrassed. You exude sincerity ¨C too much sincerity! You''re also very kind ¨C too kind! And your benevolence shines through ¨C too benevolent!"


    Aunt Shuihua: "..." Is this old man hitting on me? Why is he heaping such praise? This is our first meeting!


    She stammered, "Well, this, uh..." She suddenly didn''t know how to respond, as this degree of warmness was overwhelming!


    Lan Sihai continued, "Since it''s New Year and you''ve come by early to pay your respects, it shows how ethical you are."


    Aunt Shuihua: "..." He must be fond of me. Aunt Shuihua felt a bit smug, proud of her enduring charm. Her daughter-in-law, on the other hand, felt her hairs stand on end. Why do these people talk like this? Hearing these words made her deeply uncomfortable. Aunt Shuihua, with her critical, malicious nature, didn''t deserve such sweet talk. Their praise was misguided.


    Ming Mei looked back and forth, recognizing her grandfather''s caustic wit but sensing that the rest were oblivious to his subtle jabs.


    Lan Sihai asked, "So, miss, it''s just you here? What about your husband? Is he alive or...?"


    Aunt Shuihua replied, "He has passed away." Taking a shine to me? Must be.


    Lan Sihai continued, "How many children do you have?"


    Aunt Shuihua answered, "I have three sons and one daughter. My daughter got married early and doesn''t keep in touch with the family." She''s never of any use. She was practically sold off!


    Lan Sihai suggested, "Your two sons are fine too. Here, have a seat, miss. So tell me, why have you gotten into black market dealings? It''s not an easy line of work, with those enforcers patrolling everywhere."


    Aunt Shuihua sighed, "Who could argue? It''s tough for me. Completely out of necessity." If it weren''t for the connections and sussing out the area, she wouldn''t have gotten into it. But it requires early mornings and late nights just to gather goods. It''s really hard.


    Lan Sihai commented, "This line isn''t easy, certainly not for women."


    "Indeed, what can I do? My sons aren''t sturdy enough to shoulder responsibilities; we''re barely keeping afloat."


    She has a trusting face, ideal for conning others, but relying solely on her sons and daughters-in-law? That would complicate things. Swindling, she points out, relies heavily on appearance too.


    Lan Sihai advised, "You need to train them. You can''t always be there to hold their hands. Look at your daughter-in-law here; she seems sharp. Why not give her some responsibilities?"


    Clearly, she doesn''t look very bright.


    Her daughter-in-law jumped in, "You hit the nail on the head, old man."


    She''s been capable of handling things alone for a long time, it''s just this mother-in-law who always seems to doubt her abilities. Thankfully, an outsider can see her potential.


    Lan Sihai sat on a small stool, engaging in a conversation with two people.


    He glanced at Zhao Guihua and said, "Go home and cook, you don''t have anything to do here. I''ll chat with this big sister."


    Ming Mei promptly moved her own small stool to sit beside Lan Sihai and said, "Grandpa, I''ll keep you company."


    Lan Sihai responded, "Sure."


    He continued, "This is my granddaughter. She''s very delicate and weak, which makes me quite worried!"


    Aunt Shuihua''s eyes lit up at the mention of delicacy. Delicacy was good¡ªthey specialized in taking advantage of the delicate. Only by being delicate could they turn a profit!


    Aunt Shuihua gazed at Ming Mei, her eyes and eyebrows filled with smiles.


    Ming Mei sat beside Lan Sihai while Zhao Guihua surveyed the scene. She understood profoundly that even if someone like Wu Song were present, they would have to hold back. The dynamic duo of an old man and a young girl, one soft and the other tough, was not easy to handle.


    She had no illusions about Aunt Shuihua gaining any advantage over Lan Sihai.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, I''ll go home to cook. You stay here and have a chat."


    Aunt Shuihua replied, "Go ahead, go ahead."


    She planned to casually chat with the old man, coax him into helping her, and then it wouldn''t be long before she could take the child away. Although it might take some time, that was normal! Success never comes easily.


    Aunt Shuihua began, "You have quite a few people in your courtyard, sir."


    Lan Sihai responded, "Yes, many families live here. The area is small, and it''s crowded, not like your spacious rural home. Which village do you come from?"


    Lan Sihai continued, "How long does it take you to get home in the winter?"


    Lan Sihai added, "Do you worry about getting caught while selling goods year-round?"


    Lan Sihai kept up a steady stream of questions with Aunt Shuihua, while his delicate yet beautiful granddaughter sat by his side like a mascot. She didn''t go home to cook or take care of children, enjoying the drama with great enthusiasm instead.


    Aunt Shuihua tried to respond, "Let me tell you..."


    While the conversation inside was lively, the outside world was equally bustling.


    Separately, as Aunt Shuihua entered the courtyard, she found herself disorientated and unable to make much progress. However, this old woman was unflustered and proceeded steadily, maintaining her composure. But others in her group were less composed.


    Aunt Shuihua''s two grandsons, Da Mao (14 years old) and Er Mao (12 years old), each had their roles.


    Er Mao, being the younger and smaller, held a string of small firecrackers and mingled with a group of children, saying, "Look, I have some too."


    The children on this street were not only neighbors but also classmates from nearby schools. The elementary school and kindergarten were adjacent, and across the street was the middle school. So these children all knew each other well.


    If a stranger showed up, they immediately questioned, "Who are you?"


    Er Mao remained calm and said, "I''m here to visit relatives."


    This family was well-versed in child trafficking, so even a 12-year-old like Er Mao was accustomed to their methods.


    "Who are you visiting?"


    "Yeah, who are you visiting? I¡¯ve never seen you before."


    Er Mao responded, "You wouldn''t know them. Why don¡¯t we have a competition? We¡¯ll see whose firecracker is louder, and the loser will buy firecrackers for the winner."


    His usual practice was to quickly lose, then lead the children to buy firecrackers and take them to a secluded alley. Once there, his uncle would cover their mouths and tie them up before administering a sedative and placing them in a basket. By the time they returned to their hideout, the sedative would take effect, and the children would fall asleep.


    Don''t think these traffickers lack sophistication. They invested heavily in their operations.


    The children hesitated, not wanting to participate. If they lost, they would have to buy firecrackers for this stranger, but they didn''t have any money.


    None of the children spoke up.


    Er Mao grew anxious. Why weren''t these kids getting the hint? He took a deep breath to calm himself.


    He smiled and said, "Are you all cowards?"


    He jiggled the firecracker in his hand, "Alright, this is how it''ll be: if I win, I won''t ask for your firecrackers. But if I lose, I''ll buy them for you."


    Hutou sincerely asked, "Why would you do something so stupid?"


    Xiao Yanzi chimed in, "Yeah, won''t your mom hit you for losing?"


    Li Junjun agreed, "You must have so much money you don''t know what to do with it."


    Li Weiwei remained silent.


    The children seemed to be more astute than expected.


    Er Mao pressed his lips together and said, "I have confidence in my firecracker."


    He then said loudly, "You''re all too scared to compete!"


    "There¡¯s nothing to be scared of!"


    "Exactly!"


    The young boys were each very competitive.


    Even though they didn''t know this boy, since he had challenged them, they wouldn''t back down.


    "But whose firecracker is louder is subjective, right?"


    Xiao Yanzi, being quite sharp, immediately chimed in.


    "I think my firecracker is louder. You think yours is. Neither can convince the other."


    Hutou nodded after hearing his sister''s words, "That''s right. Every year we all like different things."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    Er Mao asked, "Then what should we do?"


    These kids just wanted to enjoy themselves, coming up with all these complications. Once they were all sold, then they''d stop acting so cocky!


    In his heart, he cursed them, but he said with a smile, "Let¡¯s figure out a solution."


    The children blinked, then Tonglai raised his hand and said, "I know, I know."


    Since his older brother got sent to a juvenile reformatory and his second brother became sickly, Tonglai had no playmates. Gradually, he started playing with the others. Though they used to get picked on by the three siblings, kids don''t hold grudges, and they all ended up playing together.


    Tonglai said, "We can blow up cow dung and see who can send it flying the highest. The highest one wins!"


    The children: "......"


    Utter silence.


    Why did your family always think of such things?


    But upon further thought, it seemed reasonable.


    How else could they prove whose firecracker was louder?


    Er Mao didn''t mind. After all, he would intentionally lose¡ªhow else could he lead them to buy firecrackers?


    He said, "Sure, let¡¯s do it your way."


    Xiao Yanzi asked, "But where can we find cow dung?"


    Finding cow dung wasn''t easy these days.


    Tonglai suggested, "Why don¡¯t we blow up the toilet instead?"


    He said, "We can blow up the latrine pit!"


    "That sounds fun!"


    Children¡¯s mischief often exceeded imagination.


    Xiao Yanzi strongly rejected the idea, saying, "I don¡¯t want to. It''s dirty!"


    Er Mao responded, "Dirty little girl, go stand over there."


    Li Junjun objected, saying, "Who are you calling dirty? Xiao Yanzi is very pretty."


    Li Weiwei agreed, "Exactly, Xiao Yanzi is the prettiest. You¡¯re the ugly one; your whole family is ugly!"


    Hutou threatened, "If you insult my sister again, I¡¯ll punch you."


    The other children, big and small, all glared angrily. How dare this boy insult Xiao Yanzi? She was their favorite playmate. The area had more boys than girls. Though there were a few girls, most families still favored boys, so usually girls didn¡¯t have much opportunity to go out and play.


    But Xiao Yanzi was different. Zhao Guihua treated Hutou and Xiao Yanzi equally, allowing them both to go out or stay home as they wished. Xiao Yanzi also dressed nicely, making her the darling of all the boys in the neighborhood.


    When Er Mao insulted her, it provoked their ire. Every child stared at him with hostility.


    "What do you mean?"


    "That¡¯s ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????right!"


    "How dare you insult Xiao Yanzi? She¡¯s the cutest. Nobody is cuter than her!"


    "Absolutely nobody!"


    Er Mao thought, Damn it! He said ''dirty girl,'' not ''ugly girl,'' yet these kids misheard him badly! How infuriating!


    He tried to calm himself, saying, "I didn¡¯t mean anything. You¡¯re misunderstanding me."


    "Then why did you say dirty girl?"


    Er Mao: "I accidentally said the wrong thing, I''m sorry."


    ¡°Hmph!¡±


    ¡°Hmph, hmph!¡±


    Hu Tou: "Then tell me, whose house are you from? I know all the adults in this neighborhood."


    He wanted to find out whose house it was, so he could go to their parents and report them. After all, such a big brother should not be saying bad things about Xiao Yanzi. They needed to be educated.


    ¡°I know them too.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    Ermao: "..."


    He pursed his lips and said, ¡°From the neighboring street.¡±


    Li Junjun: "Whose house is on the neighboring street?"


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    Copper said, "I know everyone on the neighboring street."


    Er Mao: "The very last house."


    He made up a random house.


    ¡°You''re lying!¡± shouted a big boy, ¡°You¡¯re lying, you¡¯re making it up! I live in that courtyard, and I¡¯ve never seen you!¡±


    Er Mao: "..."


    How did this turn into talking about his actual house?


    Why are you from the neighboring street running around this one? That¡¯s just going too far.


    ¡°I, I misspoke. What I meant was, I¡¯m from the street next to the neighboring street, not the one right next to this one. It¡¯s the very last house there.¡± Surely that¡¯s correct now, right?


    ¡°You¡¯re lying again!¡± A clear voice echoed, and a chubby boy shouted, ¡°You¡¯re lying again! I live there!¡±


    Ermao felt completely exposed. He didn¡¯t understand, he really didn¡¯t. Were these kids sick in the head? How did they all end up playing so far from their homes? What was going on? He got angry and shouted, ¡°I can live wherever I want! What¡¯s it to you? You little brats, you sure like to meddle! Who do you think you are?¡±


    He screamed at the top of his lungs.


    This, of course, infuriated everyone even more.


    Hutou furrowed his brows and shouted, ¡°You¡¯re the one who lied, and now you¡¯re yelling at others? That¡¯s just wrong!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s clearly your fault.¡±


    ¡°You look like a bad person.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re a bad person too. Where are you from? Why are you here? Why are you lying? Why are you swearing? Speak up! If you don¡¯t, we¡¯ll take you to the police station!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± they all chorused.


    Er Mao: "You, you..."


    He had never seen such annoying kids before. However, his long experience in this line of work allowed him to quickly regain his composure. Although he was only twelve years old, he was a seasoned veteran. He said, ¡°It was my fault. I didn¡¯t mean to lie. I was just afraid you¡¯d go to my house and tell on me, so I didn¡¯t directly say whose house it was. Can you forgive me? I¡¯ll buy you candy.¡±


    He reached out, offering the candy, which was laced with something.


    Hutou glanced down and firmly shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want it. Grandma says we shouldn¡¯t eat candy from strangers. Bad people put medicine in candy to trick kids and kidnap them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    ¡°Yes! It happens.¡±


    Little Swallow: "Grandma says bad people are very cunning. They¡¯re not like normal people. If there are no adults around, you must never eat anything from strangers."


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Xiao Yanzi is the smartest.¡±


    Ermiao: ¡°!!!!!!¡±


    Damn it, damn it, damn it!


    He finally lost it and screamed, ¡°You little brats, don¡¯t you dare mess with me! I¡¯ll make sure you all regret it! I¡¯ll sell you all to the boonies¡­¡±


    He was shouting and raging, completely forgetting that he was supposed to be a seasoned pro. Even the most experienced ones would lose their cool when faced with such kids.


    He was furious, jumping and yelling.


    The kids looked at each other, and quickly, their eyes met. They shouted, ¡°He¡¯s a bad guy! Let¡¯s beat him up!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a kidnapper!¡±


    ¡°Yes, beat him!¡±


    ¡°Beat him! We can¡¯t let him get away! He¡¯s definitely not a good person!¡±


    ¡°Charge!¡±


    ¡°Catch the bad guy!¡±


    A group of ten to twenty kids rushed forward like a pack of little tigers, unafraid at all. Ermao screamed, ¡°Oh shit, help!¡±


    But the kids didn¡¯t care. They surged forward, punching and kicking, determined to catch the bad guy. Aunt Shuihua¡¯s family acted dispersedly. Although the squirrel was a familiar face on this street, kids and adults were still different. Their plan was for Ermao to lure the kids into an empty alley, where he would subdue them.


    However, during this back-and-forth, Ermao hadn''t lured anyone in, and instead, he heard commotion.


    He frowned slightly, confused. ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree that I would round up a group of kids first, and then the second daughter-in-law would act based on the situation with the old lady? Did Mom succeed already? But I haven¡¯t done anything yet!¡±


    He had no idea what had gone wrong, but it was clear that something had derailed.


    This Ermao, he¡¯s so useless.


    He then complained, ¡°Why did the second brother''s wife and Da Mao act prematurely?¡±


    He didn¡¯t know that the real reason was that Ermao was being attacked by the kids. Damao was hiding on the other side. He had better ears than his dad and could tell it was his brother¡¯s voice. After all, he hadn¡¯t caused any disturbance yet, so the problem must have been with Ermao.


    He was anxious and hurried over. When he saw the scene, he almost had a breakdown. His brother was being beaten up by a bunch of kids, his face battered and bruised. Not only that, but one of the kids had produced a rope and had already tied him up.


    Copper said: "I saw it, I saw it! They tie pigs like this at the pig farm. It¡¯s the best way to hold them."


    ¡°Tonglai, you¡¯re so smart.¡±


    Copper said, "Hehe."


    He had a deep-seated grudge against pigs and had learned at least three ways to tie them up.


    One day, he swore he would eat all the pork to avenge his second brother.


    Da Mao rushed out and realized things were bad. He quickly called, ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Dad, hurry!¡±


    He shouted, ¡°What are you doing? Let him go!¡±


    He dashed forward. Ermao cried, "Big brother, save me!"


    Da Mao: "Let go of my brother!"


    He was already a teenager and, having been called by his dad Squirrel, wasn¡¯t afraid. Squirrel didn¡¯t know what had happened here but assumed they had been exposed. He rushed forward and grabbed one of the kids, who happened to be Tong Lai. With a quick chop, he knocked the boy unconscious¡­


    They always acted swiftly. If the plan failed, they would take whoever they could. To them, kids meant money!


    As for his own son, the squirrel wasn¡¯t in a rush to save him. After all, there was still Big Hair, and even if there wasn¡¯t, a ten-year-old boy would just end up in juvenile detention. They weren¡¯t afraid of that. So, grabbing kids was more important than saving his son.


    He knocked out another chubby kid and ran off with the two children.


    The sudden turn of events stunned the kids. Before they could understand what was happening, they saw Tonglai and the chubby boy being snatched away.


    Little Swallow: "The bad guy¡¯s helper! Everyone, run! Auntie, Auntie¡­¡±


    Little Swallow knew exactly who to call for help. She screamed and ran home, "Auntie, save me!"


    Ming Mei was listening to the commotion when she heard Xiao Yanzi¡¯s screams. She immediately stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll go check.¡±


    She rushed out and saw Xiao Yanzi running towards her.


    Aunt Shuihua was indeed quite clever. Today, with the constant sound of firecrackers, the kids¡¯ noise hadn¡¯t raised much alarm. Everyone thought the kids were just playing outside as usual.


    But Ming Mei immediately realized something was wrong. Da Mao had already freed Er Mao, and the two were grabbing Hu Tou, clearly up to no good.


    Ming Mei dashed forward. Da Mao and Er Mao weren¡¯t worried. Da Mao was fourteen and thought he could handle a woman. He yelled, ¡°Second Uncle, come help!¡±


    Before the words even faded, Ming Mei sprinted over, jumping and delivering a powerful kick. She grabbed Hu Tou and sent Da Mao flying. He fell heavily to the ground.


    Er Mao: "Brother!"


    He screamed heart-wrenchingly and then grabbed a stone, hurling it at Ming Mei. Ming Mei dodged swiftly and, without hesitation, twisted the child¡¯s arm, yanked a rope, and bound him tightly. "Don¡¯t just stand there gawking¡ªgo and call for help," she said.


    At this, the children realized they had encountered a bad person.


    The scene immediately descended into chaos. Shan Mao arrived to assist his nephew. Upon seeing Ming Mei, his eyes gleamed with lecherous intent. Although their targets for this operation were the children, with the plan now failing and going awry, he didn¡¯t hesitate. Thinking that since he was here, he might as well seize the opportunity, he decided to capture this young woman as well. After all, she was worth just as much.


    What a beauty she was¡ªhe had long had his eye on her.


    He charged at her, confident in his ability to capture this fragile little woman without much effort, a wicked grin plastered across his face... *"Ah!"*


    In an instant, he was knocked to the ground. Without mercy, Ming Mei delivered two more powerful kicks.


    The commotion quickly drew the attention of others. The children scattered, running off to scream for help. Hearing the noise, families poured out of their homes. The two mother-in-law and daughter-in-law of House No. 44 heard the ruckus outside and knew something was wrong. They didn¡¯t know what had gone awry, but they were certain that something had indeed gone wrong, or else this wouldn¡¯t have happened.


    Aunt Shuihua got up: "I¡¯ll take a look..."


    At that moment, Zhou Qun also came out, holding a child: "What¡¯s going on...?"


    Seeing Zhou Qun with the child, Song Shu¡¯s wife, upon realizing it was a boy, didn¡¯t hesitate. She snatched the child and ran. Zhou Qun: "Damn it!"


    Aunt Shuihua: "Damn!"


    Although their original plan was to snatch the child and run, this was not the time to be so hasty¡ªit was prone to causing trouble!


    Aunt Shuihua never expected her daughter-in-law to be so stupid, nor could she have anticipated that the elderly, fragile Lan Sihai, who had been shuffling along just moments ago, would suddenly swing a bench with lightning speed, as if he had been trained. He directly struck Song Shu¡¯s wife, who let out a sharp scream and nearly vomited blood from the blow!


    Although the distance within the courtyard was short, before she could even escape, a figure suddenly emerged from nowhere. With a swift stride, Bai Fendou seized the opportunity when she was staggering from the hit and snatched the child from her hands. This was Bai Fendou!


    Living in the two rooms closest to the main gate, Bai Fendou was the fastest to react.


    He grabbed Xiao Qijin in an instant. At the same time, Zhao Guihua, who had run out with a wooden staff¡ªa self-defense weapon from the year they caught thieves¡ªcame charging forward and started hitting!


    *"Ah! Ahhh!"* Song Shu¡¯s wife was knocked to the ground, utterly powerless to fight back. Seeing the danger, Aunt Shuihua quickly made a run for it. At this point, she didn¡¯t care about her daughter-in-law¡ªescaping to save herself was the most important.


    But she overlooked Lan Sihai beside her. Upon seeing her trying to flee, Lan Sihai kicked out with a powerful blow. Their family had a tradition of being skilled in fighting, and even at his age, he wasn¡¯t to be underestimated. With one kick, he sent Aunt Shuihua sprawling to the ground.


    He shouted, "Come and catch the kidnappers!"


    This thunderous cry roused the entire courtyard.


    Zhou Qun couldn¡¯t believe that just by coming out to see what the commotion was about, his child had nearly been snatched. Enraged, he charged forward and delivered several heavy slaps to Aunt Shuihua. Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t far behind¡ªthough she had been a step slower to react, the scare had nearly cost her her wits. She didn¡¯t hold back, launching her righteous iron fists at the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo.


    Zhao Guihua shouted to Zhuang Zhixi as he came out of the house, "Old Third, watch the children at home and don¡¯t let anyone slip in. The rest of us, charge out! They must have accomplices!"


    "We won¡¯t let them off!"


    "That¡¯s right, we won¡¯t let them off!"


    "Charge!"

 Chapter 167

    Grab the crutch!


    Zhao Guihua shouted loudly, and in an instant, she gathered quite a crowd.


    Everyone rushed out, automatically dividing into two factions. Some stayed in the courtyard, while others followed Zhao Guihua out. As soon as they rushed out, they saw that the situation had already been firmly controlled by Ming Mei, and Song Shu''s donkey cart was also surrounded by several people, making it impossible for him to flee.


    On this New Year''s Eve, under the clear sky, someone dared to kidnap a child? Did they think the villagers were just going to stand by and do nothing?


    Everyone surged forward. Ming Mei had one foot on the ground, stepping on something resembling a lynx, which she had already beaten to the point of being unable to move. On the other side, the two little thieves, Da Mao and Er Mao, were surrounded by a group of children. The children were not at all afraid at this moment; each one stood with hands on their hips, declaring, "Bad guys can''t run away."


    "That''s right, bad guys can''t run away. This is not the place for you to cause trouble."


    Although Da Mao and Er Mao were not little kids, they were still chased around by the other children, unable to fight back effectively.


    Song Shu and his gang had truly not expected that this time, they would suffer such a great setback. They had thought this plan was foolproof, after all, they had been doing this for quite a while and had become more and more daring.


    Otherwise, who would dare to kidnap children in large numbers? They had never seen such a thing before.


    But who could have foreseen that it would end in this humiliating defeat?


    He shouted, "Don''t come near me! Let us go, let us go, or I''ll kill these two kids!"


    He pulled out a knife and pressed it against Tonglai''s throat, who had already been thrown onto the donkey cart. Tonglai trembled with fear, despite having seen some things in his young life; being held hostage was a first for him.


    "Let me go, you all get out of the way!"


    He didn''t care about his accomplices at all, as long as he could escape. As for the others? If they got caught, it was their fate. He wouldn''t hold any responsibility for their misfortune. He waved the knife wildly and shouted, "Step back, all of you, step back!"


    "Tonglai!" Wang Xiangxiu stumbled over, looking at the man holding the knife and feeling her heart rip apart. That was her son!


    Her eldest son had been sent to juvenile detention, her second son was in poor health, and now she only had Tonglai to rely on.


    She fell to her knees and begged, "Please, let my son go, please let him go! I''ll do whatever you want, just let him go. If you want to leave, go, I won''t stop you. Please, give my son back to me..."


    Seeing this situation, Song Shu felt a bit more at ease. He had been afraid that others wouldn''t let him go, but if they were willing to sacrifice their child, he could use that to his advantage. He shouted, "Get everyone to step back!"


    Wang Xiangxiu cried, "Step back, everyone, step back. Please..."


    "Alright, we''ll step back, all of us will step back. Just don''t hurt the child, move the knife away from him, please don''t hurt him. We''ll step back, okay?"


    "Be careful, be very careful."


    Ming Mei stood to the side, unable to act rashly.


    The main group arrived, and no one paid much attention to her, just a frail young woman.


    Song Shu scanned the crowd, seeing that no one dared to move. He felt more confident and said, "I''m glad you''re reasonable. If you dare to make a move, I swear I''ll kill both children. I''m willing to trade one for two. You should know better than to mess with me. Just let me leave, and I''ll return the kids to you once I''m safe. But right now, I can''t let them go; they''re my bargaining chips."


    In truth, he had no intention of releasing the children. Even if he said so now, if he did let them go, he would lose everything. That just wasn''t an option for him. He needed the children as leverage and also wanted to make some money from the situation.


    They had suffered heavy losses this time and needed to make up for it!


    "All of you, step back."


    While everyone was distracted, Ming Mei quietly picked up a large rock. Song Shu was still shouting, "Step back, all of you, get to the side... Ah!"


    Suddenly, a rock came flying toward him. He couldn''t dodge in time, and the rock struck him directly in the face, sending him crashing under the cart. In that critical moment, Ming Mei quickly rushed forward, kicked him off the cart, and rescued the two children.


    By the time anyone else reacted, Ming Mei had already completed her swift and decisive action.


    Zhao Guihua immediately stepped forward to protect Ming Mei, shouting, "Everyone, catch the kidnapper!"


    Everyone, who had previously been hesitant because the man had held the children hostage, now surged forward with red eyes, eager to teach this scoundrel a lesson.


    How dare he pull such an evil act on New Year''s Eve? He deserved to be beaten until he couldn''t stand.


    People hated the trafficker more than anything, and many would have gladly beaten him to death.


    With the hostages freed, in a matter of moments, Song Shu was surrounded by an angry crowd. He could feel his internal organs about to burst. But at this point, he couldn''t count on his accomplices, his own family was like this¡ªonce trouble came, everyone ran for their own lives.


    "You bastard, you dare to take my son? I''ll scratch you to death!"


    Wang Xiangxiu, who had just been kneeling and begging, now attacked viciously, clawing at the man''s face, drawing blood. It was a ghastly sight, like something out of a nightmare.


    But Wang Xiangxiu had no intention of letting this man go. She pummeled him with both hands and feet, her fury making her more powerful than several men combined. She gripped Song Shu''s neck tightly, and even though he was a big man, he couldn''t break free.


    "I''ll teach you a lesson for bullying my son, for picking on us, a widow and her child!"


    Her feet lashed out wildly, as Song Shu screamed in agony, "Help! I''m begging you, spare me!"


    However, his pleas fell on deaf ears. "Let you go? I begged you before, and did you show any mercy? No! I won''t let you off, not a chance!" Wang Xiangxiu pushed the onlookers aside and continued her onslaught, making it abundantly clear that women could be just as strong as men.


    In the hands of Wang Xiangxiu, a tall and burly man like Song Shu had no chance of fighting back.


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t naturally this fierce, but as a mother protecting her child, she was driven to the extreme. When Tonglai saw his mother fighting the bad guy, he stood tall, proud of her bravery.


    "That''s my mom! My mom is so strong!"


    At this moment, Tonglai was no longer afraid, nor did he cry like before. Instead, he stood tall, proudly proclaiming his mother''s heroism.


    In a time when catching traffickers was common, beating them up was considered normal. Since this man was not only a trafficker but also tried to threaten people, it was only right for him to receive a beating. Wang Xiangxiu continued her furious attack.


    Meanwhile, elsewhere, Da Mao and Er Mao had already been tied up securely. The children of the alley each held a small wooden stick, standing by them. If either of the brothers made even the slightest move, the wooden sticks would come down hard on them. No mercy was shown.


    Lan Sihai suddenly said, "Wait, there''s one more in their group, they''re still missing someone."


    "What? How do you know that?"


    Lan Sihai replied confidently, "Because I have brains! We need to find her fast, she''s a young woman."


    Lan Sihai wasn''t just chatting idly; he had picked up a lot of information without anyone noticing. Although Aunt Shuihua''s words were sometimes unreliable, Lan Sihai wasn''t someone to be easily deceived. He could make his own judgements!


    As a result, he quickly noticed the missing person.


    "If this is a gang, then they must be hiding nearby. Hurry and search!"


    Everyone immediately sprang into action. Sure enough, they soon found a young, timid woman, trembling with fear. In addition to her, Aunt Shuihua and her eldest daughter-in-law were also brought over and tied up securely, leaving the entire family bound.


    Aunt Shuihua wailed, "It''s all a misunderstanding, a huge misunderstanding!"


    Everyone heard the commotion and quickly scattered to the sides. Aunt Zhou, holding a chamber pot, directly threw its contents at Aunt Shuihua, shouting as she did so, "You dare to steal my grandson? Don''t think I''m just an old woman to be trifled with! Today, you''ll feel the ''blessings'' of my grandson''s waste!"


    The crowd silently stepped back, feeling a bit disgusted by the scene.


    Aunt Shuihua, drenched in the foul liquid, cried out, "It''s a misunderstanding! This whole thing is a misunderstanding! We''re not kidnappers, I swear I''m not that kind of person!"


    Despite the clear evidence against her, she continued to deny it, hoping someone would take her side and create chaos, allowing her to escape. She wasn''t just making this up; she had actually managed to get away with something similar before.


    However, this time, it was clear that no one was buying her story. Although she kept shouting her innocence, no one was paying attention to her. Aunt Zhou''s act of throwing her grandson''s waste had set a precedent, and others followed suit, grabbing whatever they had left at home, regardless of whether it was the New Year, and started throwing it at her.


    Kidnappers were universally hated, and everyone was eager to punish them!


    Aunt Shuihua couldn''t believe how merciless these people were. She had come here many times to sell goods, always maintaining a friendly relationship with everyone. Yet now, they treated her with such coldness, completely disregarding any past goodwill. It was a waste of the money she had spent to maintain those relationships.


    Still, she tried to persist, putting on her most innocent expression and saying, "Everyone, you''ve really misunderstood me. I was just trying to play a joke with you, I never expected things to escalate like this. Think about it, if I were a kidnapper, wouldn''t I have just stolen the child and disappeared? Why would I keep coming back here?"


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "You were just here to case the place, weren''t you?"


    She angrily said, "We actually trusted you, thought you were just a trader, and didn''t report you for illegal trading. But you were just here to scout the area. You''re truly evil!"


    The people of Courtyard Number 44 looked at Zhao Guihua with slightly twitching lips.


    Aunt Zhao, you clearly always suspected her from the start. Now you''re acting like you were duped?


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Don''t think you can just deny it. We''ve all seen what you''ve done."


    "Exactly, don''t just brush it off with empty words. We should report this to the police station, now!"


    "Alright, I''ll go!"


    "I''ll come with you!"


    Two young boys quickly ran towards the police station, not wasting a moment. They were quite familiar with the route, as they had been to the police station more times than anyone else in the neighborhood, even though there hadn''t been much trouble recently.


    Seeing that these people weren''t going to give her any leeway, Aunt Shuihua''s face couldn''t help but show her frustration. She had done this many times before, but this was the first time she had met such resistance. These people were completely disregarding her presence.


    She started coughing, quietly observing the crowd, looking for an opportunity to escape.


    Although this person looked kind and honest, everyone knew she was a thief. Now, looking at her again, they couldn''t help but feel disgusted, seeing her as a cunning old woman.


    "What are you looking at? Don''t think we''re easy to deal with in this neighborhood."


    Aunt Shuihua didn''t dare to respond. She knew that if she provoked these people now, she might end up getting beaten up again, which wasn''t worth it.


    Her old bones just couldn''t take it.


    She hung her head low, moaning softly, not daring to say anything too bold.


    "Stop pretending to be weak, thinking we''re easy to fool. You''ve been coming here so often with ill intentions. Luckily, we were vigilant. Otherwise, you would have succeeded in harming the children."


    When this was brought up, Shan Mao, unable to hold back any longer, yelled, "You dare to talk about that? How many times have you bought cheap things from us? Now you''re acting cold and heartless. You''re all ungrateful bastards! Those good deals should never have been offered to you!"


    Aunt Zhou wasn''t willing to back down, "What do you mean ''cheap''? You were selling them at the same prices as the supply store. That''s not cheap!"


    "Exactly, even if they were cheaper, it was your own choice to sell them. Did we beg you to sell them? You were just here to scout the area, and now you''re pretending to be good people, calling us ungrateful. How dare you use that word!"


    Zhao Guihua chimed in.


    Aunt Wang added, "That''s right. Every child is precious to their family. But you? You tried to kidnap them and even used the children as shields to threaten us. You people deserve nothing but death!"


    "They deserve to die," He Lan agreed, feeling a chill at the thought of these kidnappers. She couldn''t imagine what would happen if Little Qingqing were kidnapped. As a mother, she might go mad.


    Any parent watching these kidnappers would feel an intense hatred.


    Shan Mao, furious, his eyes red, cursed, "I should have sold your children, you all deserve to die!"


    Then, he glared at He Lan and said menacingly, "You little bitch, I should have taken care of you and sold you to some backwater village. You... Aaah!"


    He launched into a tirade aimed at He Lan, who was terrified. She immediately grabbed Bai Fendou, who couldn''t tolerate anyone threatening his wife right in front of him. Bai Fendou, known as "Man Killer," wasn''t someone to be trifled with. He charged at Shan Mao and started kicking him relentlessly, aiming at the most vulnerable parts of a man.


    This kind of scum deserved nothing less than being beaten to death!


    "You damn bastard, you dare to threaten my wife? Think you''re so great? Go ask around and see if anyone thinks Bai Fendou is someone you can mess with!"


    His deadly series of kicks landed heavily, and Shan Mao screamed in agony, "Aaah... Aaah!"


    The male onlookers unconsciously covered their own vulnerable areas and took a step back, not daring to utter a word. Bai Fendou, even though married, still had that legendary strength! He was still the same formidable man-killer he had been in the past.


    Watching Shan Mao get beaten, everyone felt it was deserved, but also couldn''t help but wince at the brutal blows.


    At this rate, Shan Mao was as good as ruined. Being a man again? Impossible!


    Dear God, any man who falls into Bai Fendou''s hands is doomed.


    He Lan was a bit worried that things might get out of hand and Bai Fendou could get in trouble, hesitating whether to stop him. But Ming Mei held He Lan back, saying, "Don''t stop him. People like this deserve to be beaten to death. Just look at how bold and arrogant they are; they definitely aren''t first-time offenders. They''ve probably harmed many people. Teaching them a lesson is doing the public a favor. Don''t worry, if anyone tries to blame Bai Fendou, we''ll vouch for him."


    Ming Mei clenched her fists, cracking her knuckles as she continued, "I''d do it myself, but I find them too disgusting to touch."


    Hearing Ming Mei''s words, everyone nodded in agreement. "Little Zhuang''s wife is right. People like this deserve to be beaten to death. Don''t worry, we''ll all testify. Everyone saw what happened."


    "Exactly! Caught red-handed and still daring to be so arrogant."


    "Yeah, don''t they know they''re already at our mercy? Do they really think we''re easy to bully? Bai Fendou isn''t a man if he doesn''t beat him up."


    "Damn, the more I think about it, the angrier I get. She even tried to take my child!"


    Seeing Bai Fendou already in action, Zhou Qun felt left out and decided he had to do something for his family too. Once the criminals were taken away by the police, there would be no chance to beat them up again. So, without hesitation, he charged at Song Shu''s wife, who had tried to take the child.


    As disgusting as they were, someone had to teach them a lesson. If they didn''t do it, it felt like they were giving in.


    Zhou Qun: "Damn, you even dare to steal children from anyone? Don''t you know who I am?"


    Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou rushed forward without fear of filth, while others stayed far away. Not that they didn''t want to join in, but the situation was just too disgusting. Aunt Zhou, however, was undeterred and charged straight in, grabbing Aunt Shuihua and slapping her furiously.


    "You old hag, pretending to be a good person, yet you instruct your daughter-in-law to steal my grandson!"


    "You vile old witch, making us miserable during New Year''s, now you''ll see how tough I am!"


    "You...!"


    Aunt Zhou was ferocious in her beating. Wang Zizhen, the pregnant woman, had somehow squeezed her way through. Her husband, Da Qiang, protected her, holding her close to prevent anyone from jostling her. She cheered loudly from the sidelines, shouting, "Mom, hit her! Left hook, don''t hold back! Beat her to death!"


    To steal Little Qijin was just too much. Even an uncle could bear it, but not an aunt.


    Wang Zizhen was livid. After all, Little Qijin was like her nephew, and since she spent most of her time at Courtyard No. 44, she was deeply attached to all the kids. She couldn''t stand to see any of them suffer. Being pregnant herself, she could relate to the emotions involved.


    Jiang Lu, who was at home taking care of the children, didn''t make it to the scene, but as an aunt, she was furious: "Beat them to death!"


    Da Qiang: "Be careful, dear. Don''t jump around too much."


    Wang Zizhen: "I''m fine!"


    Wang Xiangxiu locked her gaze on the man named Song Shu¡ªit was this scoundrel who had threatened her son. She rolled up her sleeves and charged forward, but before she could reach him, a massive figure burst out from the crowd.


    He grabbed Song Shu and spun him around a few times, then rained punches down on him like a storm, shouting at the same time, "You didn''t bother to ask about me, Old Song from the meat processing plant, before trying to steal my kid? Take this!"


    He lived far away and had just heard about the incident, rushing over with his wife in a frenzy.


    This was Old Song the Fat, the father of the chubby boy caught with Tonglai. He worked at the meat processing plant, slaughtering pigs.


    This guy wasn''t your average Joe. He was huge, standing at 1.9 meters tall and weighing well over 100 kilos. In a time when obesity was rare, his physique made even Da Qiang, a laborer, feel inferior.


    Let alone someone like Zhuang Zhixi, who was lean and lanky¡ªOld Song could easily outmatch two of him.


    Old Song''s fists landed on Song Shu, sending him sprawling with blood gushing and vomiting.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Hit him harder!"


    Just as she was about to charge again, she saw a heavy-set woman also rush forward. The couple, both weighing a ton, dragged Song Shu between them and took turns pummeling him with their fists. The scene became a chaotic brawl, making it impossible for even someone as determined as Wang Xiangxiu to get close.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Even she, Zhao Guihua, found herself without a role to play.


    Looking at the chaotic battlefield, even someone like Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t break through.


    The few people involved in the melee were like a full-on martial arts show. When the police arrived in a hurry, the culprits were already half-dead. But did anyone pity them? Not at all. Such people deserved to die.


    They had ruined countless families.


    Aunt Shuihua was beaten to a pulp, wailing uncontrollably. When she saw the police officers, she cried out in relief, trembling, "Officers, you''ve finally come! Please save us!"


    Song Shu, on the other hand, was too beaten to speak, while Shan Mao was curled up on the ground, clutching his groin and groaning in pain. The two half-grown boys and the younger daughter-in-law, who hadn''t been severely beaten, were already paralyzed with fear.


    At this moment, the younger daughter-in-law suddenly screamed, "Officers, I confess! I confess! They''re a gang, specialized in trafficking women and children. I was trafficked too! Because I''m good-looking, their second son fancied me, so they kept me as a wife. I''m innocent...!"


    "You... you slut!" Shan Mao managed to spit out through gritted teeth, "Clearly, it was you who seduced me..."


    "If you didn''t traffic me, why would I seduce you? I didn''t want to end up in some remote mountain village, so I had to find a way to stay by your side. I''m innocent...! And I also confess that this old woman has a daughter she trafficked too..."


    The police officers looked at this group with disgust. As for their beaten state, the officers didn''t think it was too harsh, even thinking it was too lenient.


    They weren''t new to catching traffickers, but every time they caught one, it was the same story¡ªeveryone hated these people.


    "Save your words for the police station! Take them all away!"


    Since it was New Year''s Eve, there weren''t many officers on duty, only three of them. At this moment, Zhao Guihua said, "Old man, Old Song, you young men, come along and help the police officers take them away."


    "I''ll help too!"


    "Me too!"


    "These scumbags should be beaten to death!"


    Everyone rushed forward, kicking and shouting, "Move! Do you expect us to carry you?"


    "Go quickly!"


    The police officer said, "It''s New Year''s Eve, and we don''t want to delay everyone''s celebrations. Let''s make it... let''s make it the second day of the new year, the morning of the second day. Will that work for everyone?"


    "Yes!"


    "No problem!"


    "I can go now."


    "Me too."


    Despite the New Year''s celebration, no one felt it was inappropriate to do this. They considered it a good deed, something worth being proud of. They didn''t think it was unlucky to visit the police station during the festive season. On the contrary, they felt honored; they had done something great!


    They deserved a certificate of merit, even if it was a bit late this year. But next year''s outstanding courtyard award was guaranteed!


    Generally, ordinary people, unfamiliar with the police, might not like to get involved with authorities, but these folks weren''t afraid. They had long been accustomed to it, having friendly interactions with the police station.


    They were well-versed in the ways of the police station!


    Over the years, they had been there many times. To say nothing of the recent incident where they caught Aunt Yu making voodoo dolls to curse her neighbors. So, they had a friendly relationship with the officers, firmly established as enthusiastic members of the community.


    "I''m good to go in the afternoon."


    Seeing the enthusiasm of these people, the police officer nodded and said, "Alright, come whenever you can."


    It was New Year''s Eve, and while a big case was emerging, the collective honor was also assured. The police officers were busy but happy. In Beijing, everyone knew that if you wanted to make merit, you just had to come to this police station. Merit came easy here, practically falling into your lap. You never knew why there were so many incidents, but the bad guys just seemed to come flying in, like moths to a flame. Look at this case¡ªnot only did it help the community, but it also added to the police station''s merit.


    The police officers didn''t feel sympathy for these half-dead criminals. If you did bad things, you had to be prepared for the consequences. Who wouldn''t beat up a trafficker when caught? Not doing so would be strange.


    "Thank you, everyone, seniors, brothers, and sisters. We''ll notify the neighborhood about this later."


    "Alright, we''re just doing our duty, no need for accolades."


    The police officer smiled. "Once again, thank you all. We also wish you all a happy New Year and a better year ahead."


    "Same to you, same to you."


    The incident with the traffickers was significant, but it added a lot of excitement and chatter to the New Year''s festivities. Everyone was in high spirits as they walked back together. Zhao Guihua boasted, "You see, I said this guy was suspicious. I didn''t make a wrong guess; they really were traffickers."


    "We weren''t wrong either. Look how hard I beat them. I didn''t hold back at all," Aunt Zhou also boasted proudly, as she had been the most ferocious in beating the traffickers.


    Aunt Wang: "Everyone was great, everyone did well."


    Lan Sihai gave a slight smile and said, "I also probed into their background."


    "Uncle Lan, you''re impressive too."


    The older folks praised themselves, and the younger ones weren''t to be outdone. Bai Fendou said, "I''ll make him pay. I won''t keep the name Bai if I don''t. How dare he threaten my wife in front of me? Does he think I''m a pushover?"


    Zhou Qun: "And I... blah blah blah..."


    Blowing one''s own horn is something that never gets old.


    Everyone was in high spirits, and even the kids were bragging. Tonglai was jumping around, not showing any fear at all, and loudly proclaimed, "My mom is so strong! She can really scratch him hard, and I''m very brave too."


    "Me too, I didn''t even cry. I¡­" the chubby kid followed the other children as they walked towards the courtyard, prompting his parents to quickly grab him and say, "Why are you following others? Come on, let''s go home and have a nice reunion dinner."


    "Mom, I want to play with my friends."


    "Don''t be impatient, we''ll bring you back in the afternoon. Come on, our family is having braised pork for lunch today."


    "Ah, I want to go home."


    "See you in the afternoon."


    "See you in the afternoon."


    Hutou and Xiaoyan were also muttering, "We weren''t scared at all, we even fought the bad guys."


    Xiaoyan earnestly added, "My aunt is the strongest."


    She mimed a punch and said, "Super, strong."


    "Auntie is the strongest."


    The other kids echoed in agreement, and everyone returned lively to the courtyard. They also discussed, "Let''s go to the police station in the afternoon."


    "I think that''s a good idea."


    The successful capture of the thieves was a great achievement, but each household also warned the children that they shouldn''t trust strangers. After all, bad people don''t wear labels on their faces. The kids nodded knowingly.


    Today''s lunch was especially lively for each family. The host quickly gathered the whole family around the dining table. Zhao Guihua bought Beibingyang (a local soda), pouring a glass for each person. The children were excitedly wagging their tails (a metaphor for their excitement) and their eyes were almost glued to the glasses.


    Zhao Guihua: "Come, everyone raise your glasses. Our family has once again had a year of reunion, and in the new year, we want to live even better."


    "Even better!"


    Zhuang Zhixi, who had stayed home to take care of the children and missed the crucial moment of capturing the thieves, was quite regretful and said, "Next time, I have to participate. Everyone else joined in, and I feel left behind."


    Zhao Guihua: "There are children at home, taking care of them is also very important. Besides, your role isn''t as big as your wife''s."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­"


    However, he chuckled and said, "It seems somewhat reasonable."


    "That''s not just somewhat reasonable, it''s very reasonable."


    "Exactly."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, let me toast you. The meals at home are so good because of you."


    Zhao Guihua smiled slightly, modestly hiding all her greatness.


    She ate a piece of fish and said, "This fish is from Aunt Shuihua''s stall. It''s really good. Although their family is bad, the things they sell are really good."


    "That''s right."


    "It''s really fresh."


    Zhao Guihua proudly said, "I even managed to take advantage of the traffickers. I''m really a formidable woman."


    Although such opportunities might not come again, they weren''t greedy. To have benefited from it was already very satisfying. The house owner felt this way, and other families felt the same.


    Today in the Zhou family, they also cooked fish. Aunt Zhou: "This fish is from Aunt Shuihua''s stall, and the fatty pork for the braised pork is also from her. They could have just stuck to their good business of illegal trade and making small profits. Their business was quite decent, with many people buying from them whenever they came. Instead of making money properly, they had to engage in those merciless, soul-damning, inhumane crimes. It''s really crazy."


    Jiang Lu: "¡­¡­"


    Are you sure they wouldn''t have gone bankrupt if they had focused on trading?


    Everyone knows that Aunt Shuihua''s business was good only because the goods they sold were very cost-effective. If not, no one would buy from them.


    Jiang Lu: "Fortunately, they got caught."


    She added, "Today, it was all thanks to Bai Fendou for rescuing the child. In the afternoon, we should send them some gifts to show our gratitude."


    Aunt Zhou nodded upon hearing this. Though she was known to be stingy, she was clear-headed when it came to her grandson. She agreed, "You''re right."


    She thought for a moment and said, "What do you think we should buy? I have no idea."


    Jiang Lu: "Let''s prepare four things, I''ll take care of it."


    She gently shook the chubby baby in her arms, Xiao Qijin, who had experienced a small incident but was not afraid at all. Of course, such a young baby knows nothing about it. The child babbled, staring at the food on the table and smacking his lips.


    Jiang Lu: "These scoundrels deserve to eat peanuts! (shot to death)"


    Ordinary folks deeply abhor such people.


    This is different from petty theft; it''s a crime that can lead to family annihilation.


    Jiang Lu: "If you all go to the police station in the afternoon, I''ll join you. I can''t help but want to beat them up."


    "I think that''s a good idea."


    "Come, let''s eat."


    "Okay."


    Every household was lively, and the Bai family was no exception. The Bai family of three drank wine together, and Bai Fendou even sang some traditional opera, making Little Qingqing giggle. Bai Fendou: "Look, I''m quite capable. I helped rescue Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu''s child." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He boasted, "Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu should thank me."


    He Lan¡¯s eyes were filled with smiles, she said, "We don''t do this for thanks. Such bad people should be caught. Otherwise, they might harm many more people. I still feel frightened when I think about it."


    Bai Fendou also nodded. However, he said, "Don''t worry, I''m here. I''ll watch over you, and nothing will happen to you."


    He Lan happily responded with an "En."


    She said, "Our family must stay together and be well."


    Bai Fendou: "Of course, our days are getting better and better."


    Last year at New Year''s, he was still living alone in a cold and desolate house. Who would have thought he could live so happily this year? He was extremely grateful to Jiang Lu. If it weren''t for her asking him to help buy eggs from Yang Lixin''s hometown, he wouldn''t have met He Lan. If he hadn''t felt indignant about their mistreatment of women and had decided to help out, he wouldn''t have had such a good life now. He said, "Hey, isn''t there a certain destiny in all this? It was Jiang Lu who asked me for help that led me to Yang''s village, and it was because of that I met you. And now I also saved her child."


    He Lan chuckled and said, "Is that so? I don''t understand it, but I feel very fortunate to have met you."


    Bai Fendou: "Ah, I''m not as good as you say."


    He Lan smiled and said, "You can''t be too modest. You are as good as I say. If it weren''t for you, I don''t know what kind of life I''d be living now. Let alone the good life we have now and Little Qingqing, look at how strong she is now."


    Little Qingqing, hearing someone mention her name, looked up at her mom and smiled, her little hand reaching out for the braised pork on the plate. During New Year''s, families with better conditions usually cook braised pork, and their family was no exception.


    Little Qingqing reached out to grab the meat, and He Lan quickly stopped her, "Oh my dear, don''t grab it."


    Bai Fendou laughed out loud and said, "My daughter is just like me, free-spirited!"


    He Lan also smiled¡­


    At this time, in Wang Xiangxiu''s home, she prepared six dishes, some with meat and some vegetarian. The two children ate with rice grains on their faces, extremely happy. It was too cold outside, and Yinlai didn''t go out much. The large temperature difference when he went out made him cough badly, so he couldn''t handle it.


    Regarding the capture of the thieves, he didn''t see the live version, but hearing that his brother was almost kidnapped by the bad guys made him extremely angry. Hearing that they had beaten the bad guys fiercely also made him very excited and spirited.


    "Bad people should be caught."


    "Yes. Bad people should be caught."


    Wang Xiangxiu gently said, "Even though I''m just a woman, I can still protect you."


    The two children nodded heavily, and Yinlai said, "Mom, eat some meat."


    "Okay, Mom will eat, and you too¡­"


    Today, every household was lively, and the topic of human traffickers was on everyone''s lips. These families were discussing it, the Lan family was, the Li family, the Cook''s family was too, and so were other families, with or without children. Everyone deeply hated those who trafficked children and felt excited about having participated in catching them. They were that capable.


    Today''s arrest wasn''t just limited to their courtyard; several surrounding courtyards also joined in. Families with children, hearing the commotion, rushed out, creating a massive crowd. Such gossip spreads quickly, and an event like this was even more so.


    By the early afternoon, it seemed that the entire city of Beijing knew about the capture of a child trafficking gang in Xing Hua Li who had taken advantage of the New Year celebrations to abduct children. In broad daylight, their audacity was unprecedented. No one has ever liked traffickers, and this incident only accelerated the spread of news. Many families began to caution their children, even during the New Year festivities, to be wary of unfamiliar people. Even with other children, they had to be sure they knew where they came from before playing together.


    Evil doesn''t wear a sign, it doesn''t discriminate by gender or age.


    The children all nodded in agreement. Word spread like wildfire, and the residents of Xing Hua Li didn''t wait until the second day of the New Year. On New Year''s Eve afternoon, they rushed to the police station, each recounting the situation to the police officers in great detail.


    Due to the unexpected incident, many police officers had to work overtime, even on New Year''s Eve, but that didn''t dampen their enthusiasm. Everyone was taking notes, and the police officers couldn''t help but admire the vigilance of these elderly women.


    Although it was now clear that these people were bad, it was hard to see anything suspicious at the time. The fact that people were already wary of them back then showed just how alert they were. It was truly commendable.


    Zhao Guihua and the others arrived, with her asking, "Police officers, were these people planning to abduct my child?"


    Although she felt this was the case, she still wanted to confirm it.


    The police officers nodded, "Yes, they were planning to take your son, and also the son of the Zhou family in your courtyard."


    Aunt Zhou: "Mine!"


    She clenched her teeth, "We didn''t beat them hard enough."


    Upon hearing this, the expressions of several police officers became slightly awkward. Aunt Zhou didn''t notice, but Ming Mei, who was with Zhao Guihua, did. She asked, "What happened to those people?"


    They had been beaten and dragged away, so no one knew their condition.


    The police officers: "..."


    An older officer spoke up, "Well... three of them are heavily injured, and one... well, he''s shattered."


    Shattered?


    What shattered?


    Everyone looked puzzled at the police officers.


    The police officers: "!!!"


    You don''t know what''s shattered? You were so experienced, why are you looking so clueless now? Is this appropriate?


    The police officers: "It''s that..."


    "Which one?"


    Finally, someone reacted, pulling the person next to them and saying, "That one."


    Everyone turned to look at Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou: "Why are you looking at me?"


    The crowd chuckled, trying to appease him, "Brother Fendou, if anything happens in the future, just let us know. Don''t act rashly."


    Men are fragile, and they shouldn''t be easily provoked.


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    He twitched his mouth, then seeing that the police officers didn''t seem to hold it against him, he became smug, "When it comes to dealing with such people, I don''t hesitate. I always step up to do good deeds."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    "Those people had it coming."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Although she was the first to act and had subdued the criminals, her presence didn''t compare to Bai Fendou''s. It seems that having a special skill really leaves a more lasting impression.


    "Did they confess?"


    The police officers nodded, "Yes, they admitted that they were a roaming child trafficking gang."


    Although Aunt Shuihua was tough and good at lying, even after being caught, she continued to lie and defend herself. Fortunately, they had a weaker link. Her daughter-in-law, who was initially a victim, had become a perpetrator. Although she was also an accomplice, she confessed faster than anyone else.


    Apart from her, the others were very stubborn. Even the two young boys resisted and didn''t talk.


    It was clear how despicable this family was.


    The police officers: "They''ve been in this business for a long time. This time, they were caught thanks to everyone''s attentiveness; otherwise, it would have been difficult."


    Zhao Guihua quickly asked, "How did they roam around?"


    It was difficult to travel without an introduction letter.


    "They made fake introduction letters, pretending to come to Beijing for medical treatment from their hometown."


    The police officers had seen traffickers before, but they were less common than this gang. He said, "They were extremely bold. In fact, they had done their homework before. But evil is evil, and they cannot escape the law''s punishment."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. The police officers also found out that this family targeted Xing Hua Li because Da Mao had met Su Jinlai in the juvenile detention center and learned a lot about their alley from him. This is why they set their sights on this area.


    However, the police officers did not reveal this. They didn''t deliberately hide it for Su Jinlai, but Su Jinlai was indeed innocent. He had been tricked into talking without knowing these people''s intentions. He didn''t even know they wanted to abduct his brother because he was completely unaware. The police officers didn''t mention this to avoid placing a greater burden on the Su family.


    One thing at a time.


    "This group didn''t start with such big operations. With each success, their boldness grew. They became more and more excessive. This time, they planned to infiltrate the community to abduct children. They even had a second step planned. If the first step of abducting children didn''t raise suspicions, they planned to come back later to abduct women. They had already set their sights on some young wives in your alley."


    "What!"


    "These evil people..."


    "Luckily, we caught them; we didn''t beat them enough."


    "Exactly..."


    Everyone was already angry, and now they were even angrier.


    Ming Mei suddenly remembered something, saying, "Police officers, I recall something. A while ago, two of our colleagues encountered bad people on the street and were beaten, almost getting into serious trouble. I want to ask if it was them."


    She continued, "I don''t think it''s a coincidence. Although Guan Guiling at our unit denied it, Jiang Baohong said she saw them. You can ask Jiang Baohong to come and identify them."


    She didn''t mention her own suspicions.


    The police officers immediately took it seriously: "Okay, we will ask Jiang Baohong to come and identify them."


    Ming Mei nodded emphatically.


    Zhao Guihua: "What will happen to them?"


    She was very straightforward: "We caught the bad guys, but we''re worried they''ll come back for revenge."


    Hearing this, everyone nodded.


    The police officers: "They committed extremely heinous and serious crimes. The main culprit will likely face the death penalty, and the accomplices will also be dealt with accordingly. Generally, people like them won''t serve their sentences locally. They''ll be sent to very remote and harsh places. Like Gou Lanxiang from your courtyard, she was sent to the Northwest to serve her sentence."


    They weren''t completely sure, but they still explained based on the usual procedures: "Even the accomplices won''t get light sentences."


    Hearing this, everyone nodded in understanding.


    As people were gathered around asking questions, Officer Wang came over. He had been transferred to the city bureau and was in charge of these cases. He hadn''t even eaten lunch and had been interrogating the suspects for most of the afternoon. Seeing Ming Mei, he couldn''t help but smile, saying, "Ming Mei, have you ever considered changing jobs?"


    His words were very sincere. He had always had a good opinion of Ming Mei since his days at the police station, and that opinion had only grown. Looking at Ming Mei, he felt that her abilities were being wasted at the bus station.


    He said, "If you come to our unit, I''ll help you negotiate good conditions. Our city bureau welcomes you anytime."


    Ming Mei waved her hand, "I won''t, I''m not good at anything."


    Officer Wang said with a smile, "You''re quite capable. Besides, I''ve noticed that you''re really sharp. You always seem to spot bad guys. Look, with your sharpness and skills, if you don''t join our city bureau, it would be a loss for both of us."


    Ming Mei giggled and replied, "I don''t buy that. This time, it was my mother-in-law and the others who were clever. I was just there to act as muscle."


    Officer Wang: "Well, you didn''t even have to try hard, and bad guys still came flocking. Isn''t that destiny? Doesn''t that show you''re perfect for the police force?"


    Ming Mei: "Hah!"


    Officer Wang will say anything to recruit her!


    She waved her hands, "No, no, I''m not skilled enough."


    This wasn''t because Ming Mei didn''t want to do it, but she truly felt her skills might not be up to par. Some positions required a high level of professional competence, so Ming Mei was quite firm: "I really don''t think I''m cut out for it. If I ever encounter a bad guy, I''ll of course take action. But I honestly don''t think I could do a good job as a police officer. It''s a very important position."


    Ming Mei was very determined, and Officer Wang finally stopped pressuring her.


    Bai Fendou, who had been watching from the side, stepped forward and asked, "What about me? I''m pretty decent, right?"


    Officer ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Wang: "...


    All you can do is incapacitate men.


    You''re good for nothing else!


    He forced a smile, "You''re... quite good."


    And then he quickly walked away. After all, he was also a man, and he was afraid of men like Bai Fendou.


    He couldn''t handle it, not at all.


    Officer Wang made a hasty retreat, and everyone couldn''t help but laugh.


    Bai Fendou: "???"


    Since the human trafficking gang wasn''t exactly united, they were quickly cracked down on and forced to reveal many details. The family involved was selfish and only cared about themselves. They all tried to blame each other and revealed quite a lot of information. Jiang Baohong, upon recognizing some of the culprits, was filled with dread.


    She couldn''t believe that the man who had attacked her that day was really a trafficker.


    She now feared that if she hadn''t escaped quickly that day, she might have been sold off by now. The incident had scared her so much that she became very well-behaved.


    The story of the residents of Xinghualin''s united effort to catch the kidnapper gang spread far and wide, creating quite a stir. It was not only popular throughout the entire Sijiu City; it even made the newspapers. Of course, reporters didn''t come asking about it randomly; this was arranged by the machinery factory. Since Xinghualin was the location of the machinery factory''s staff residence, catching the kidnapper gang was a matter of pride for them. Such a good deed deserved to be publicized.


    This also demonstrated the high caliber of the machinery factory staff, which was top-notch.


    Participants of the event, like Zhao Guihua, Aunt Zhou, Aunt Wang, and Bai Fendou, all made it to the newspapers.


    Everyone was thrilled, even Zhao Guihua, who collected the newspaper to show off to her children when they grew up. The others who made it to the paper were no different, all planning to do the same.


    Bai Fendou was even more overjoyed, keeping one copy of the newspaper as a collectible and carrying another with him every day to show off.


    In the midst of everyone''s pride, Zhuang Zhixi sighed with a long face.


    Why didn''t he get to participate?


    Why did he have to stay home and take care of the kids?


    It''s so depressing!


    He wanted to be in the newspapers too!


    At the same time, Chen Yuan, who was working at the food factory, read the newspaper with a deep sense of relief. Fortunately, he had quickly moved out and changed houses. Otherwise, sharing a courtyard with Bai Fendou might have eventually meant his own demise.


    Just thinking about it sent shivers down his spine.


    Similarly, Hu Huihui, who hadn''t been heard from in a long time, held up the newspaper for her husband to see and said, "Look, look! Thank goodness we stayed far away. That courtyard is just so eerie!"


    This isn''t superstition, really, it''s not!


    It''s just eerie!

 Chapter 168

    Ten years later.


    Time flies, and the days pass quickly.


    It feels like 1972 was just yesterday, and now we''ve already entered the bustling 1980s. Every household has undergone some changes, not too big, not too small.


    Firstly, it''s the policies. These years, the changes in policies have been enormous.


    A major shift occurred in 1976 when the Red Armbands seemingly disappeared overnight. People no longer had to fear saying the wrong thing, and the emphasis on class background wasn''t as pronounced. In 1977, the college entrance exam was reinstated, giving many children hope. When the announcement was made, fireworks were set off every day in their neighborhood. By 1979, the reform and opening-up policies had led to an increase in small merchants and hawkers. Although these changes didn''t directly affect everyone, they were closely tied to the lives of ordinary people. They could genuinely feel the rapid changes outside.


    Many children who had gone to the countryside during the Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside Movement had returned. The alley was now more crowded than before, with people coming and going¡ªsome returning from the countryside, some getting married and having children. With more people, conflicts arose in many households. Not just in their courtyard, but in other courtyards as well.


    Space was tight, and finding jobs was a source of anxiety.


    Yet, everyone could genuinely feel that life was better than before. In the past, besides purchasing things with ration tickets, anything extra had to be bought secretly. The black market was a risky place, always causing concern.


    But now, there was no need to worry. Vendors roamed the streets, and many dared to set up stalls. It was all allowed, and there were no more Red Armbands chasing them. Everyone operated openly.


    They often heard of people going to places like Shenzhen or even the Soviet Union. With more business activities, wealthy individuals appeared on the streets. Compared to the cautiousness of the 1970s, engaging in small trade was now ordinary.


    After all, it was 1982.


    The external environment had changed, and their courtyard reflected this.


    The first to mention is the Zhuang Family. Over the years, they hadn''t added any more members. Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen hadn''t had another child, nor had Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei. Their family still had four children.


    No, four grown children.


    In theory, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei could have had another child, as they were in their thirties and in good health. However, the one-child policy had begun, and as dual-income earners, they had no intention of doing so.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were now eleven years old, in the fourth grade. Their classmates included Li Zhenzhen, Bai Qingqing, and Xiao Qijin. The five children were in the same class.


    Ye Siyuan, a year younger and in the third grade, also hung out with the Tuantuan and Yuanyuan crew. He had a younger brother, Ye Sijia, in the first grade, and a sister, Ye Sitian, in kindergarten.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan attended the nearby Machinery Factory Elementary School, where they performed well. Their elder siblings, Zhuang Yang and Zhuang Xue, couldn''t be called by their childhood nicknames anymore.


    Zhuang Yang was preparing for the college entrance exam. He had barely made it into high school, so his chances of getting into college were slim. Yet, Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen had high hopes for their son, so they kept a tight watch on him. Poor Zhuang Yang, with "Gaokao" hanging over his head, studied relentlessly, looking miserable every day.


    His sister, Zhuang Xue, performed much better academically.


    Over the past decade, both the Machinery Factory and the Passenger Transport Station had distributed housing. As dual-income families, if one of Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei chose to take a housing allocation, the other would lose the opportunity.


    In the end, Zhuang Zhixi opted for housing at the Machinery Factory. Although the factory began its decline in the mid-1990s and eventually closed, it was still thriving at the time, considered a large state-owned enterprise. Zhuang Zhixi was allocated housing in 1975, getting a fifty-plus square meter two-bedroom apartment, fortunate compared to his brother.


    After consideration, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei decided not to move, preferring their familiar surroundings. Their children were still young then, and having separate rooms for a boy and a girl as they grew was essential. With both being employed, childcare was challenging. Ultimately, Zhuang Zhixi swapped their apartment for a house with the Zhao family in the back courtyard. The exchange was two rooms for three, as the Zhao family''s daughter had married, so they had ample space and were happy with the deal.


    With both sons having swapped housing, the Zhuang family held a family meeting.


    After discussing, it was decided that Zhuang Zhiyuan''s family of four would move into the new place, with each child having a room. Zhuang Zhiyuan''s original house would be occupied by Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua. The three-and-a-half room house originally theirs was now occupied by Zhuang Zhixi''s family of four.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei moved into the old couple''s former home, with their son and daughter each having a room.


    Yuanyuan stayed in the room Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei had previously occupied, while Tuantuan stayed in the room where Zhuang Yang and Zhuang Xue had once lived. The partition in that room had been removed and tidied up. The half-room next to Tuantuan, where their cousins had once lived, remained a storage space.


    Though the house was officially Zhuang Zhixi''s, Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua still stored their winter belongings there, which no one minded. However, the deed was clear: Zhuang Zhixi now had three and a half rooms.


    Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua had effectively divided the family estate.


    Regardless of where they lived, the division was by the number of rooms.


    The old couple originally had three and a half rooms, living in one and giving two to their sons, one room each. While Zhuang Zhixi now had three and a half rooms, three were from the swap. Zhuang Zhiyuan, originally with one room, now had three.


    Zhao Guihua divided the two rooms between the sons. Since Zhuang Zhiyuan had one extra room, he gave his brother three hundred yuan.


    The housing swap happened in 1975, and at that time, the price for a room was around that amount, with some fluctuation but not excessive.


    Zhao Guihua believed in being clear between brothers. While three hundred yuan for a room might seem cheap from a future perspective, at the time, that was the market price.


    Even so, Zhao Guihua acknowledged that Zhuang Zhixi might be at a slight disadvantage in the long run. To compensate, Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua gave Zhuang Zhixi the half-room as additional compensation.


    Now, Zhuang Zhiyuan''s family of four lived in the back courtyard with three rooms; Zhuang Zhixi''s family of four lived in the front courtyard with three and a half rooms; Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua lived in a single room, with Zhang San to the left and Lan Sihai to the right.


    The Zhuang household now enjoyed ample space. Compared to other courtyards, theirs was relatively spacious, as they had fewer children and fewer young adults of marriageable age, making it feel less crowded.


    Take the neighboring courtyard where Da Qiang and Wang Zizhen lived¡ªtheir courtyard was often noisy due to the large number of people.


    Although the Zhuang family had officially divided their estate, since both Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi were dual-income families, they both continued to pay for meals at Zhao Guihua''s place. Even though Zhuang Yang and Zhuang Xue were high school students and didn''t board, they still ate at home, clinging to their last bit of family routine.


    Although it was possible to spend money at school to eat better, no matter how good the food at school was, it couldn''t compare to home. Little Tiger and Xiaoyanzi knew this very well; the meals at their home were something that most ordinary families couldn''t match.


    In the past, when goods were scarce, their family still ate better than others. Now that there were more vegetable and meat sellers, their family naturally placed even more emphasis on good meals.


    It was precisely because the family ate so well that the children only ate at school during the daytime and returned home for dinner at their grandmother''s. Old Man Zhuang had already retired. Although his age wasn''t as advanced as Lan Sihai''s when he was rehired, people can''t be compared. Old Man Zhuang''s riveting work required great attention to detail, so he retired at the appropriate age.


    Even though a decade had passed, among the residents of their courtyard, only he had retired. For example, Li the Cook was a few years older than him but was still working at the factory, hired back despite his age. The job of a cook is less affected by age, and being older actually made people trust him more, so Li the Cook continued to work at the factory.


    Officially retired was only Old Man Zhuang. Of course, Uncle Lan Sihai was no longer working either, but he didn''t count as retired. After all, ten years ago he was already retired, which was called rehiring. Now that he was older, he simply wasn''t rehired again.


    Although Old Man Zhuang had retired, he retired as a seventh-level riveter, with a substantial pension.


    Over the years, Zhuang Zhiyuan had been promoted to a small leadership position, and even Liang Meifen had become a fourth-grade fitter. Her promotion was considered quite fast; the factory conducted exams for promotion every two years, and she signed up for each one. As for Zhuang Zhixi and his wife, although their career paths were different from Liang Meifen''s, they also steadily advanced, and their incomes were much higher than before.


    Although they had two children, in this era, having only two children was considered relatively few. Being a dual-income family with light family burdens, the Zhuang family lived a smooth and comfortable life. Other families, however, experienced different circumstances.


    The Bai family, consisting of Bai Fendou, He Lan, and their daughter Bai Qingqing, still lived in the same spot, occupying two rooms¡ªone for the couple and one for their daughter. As they had only one daughter, the couple doted on her immensely.


    Bai Fendou was now a fifth-grade welder, hardworking and diligent, while He Lan took on small tasks outside the home, making their household quite comfortable. Although many people were rehabilitated during that time, it was mostly for intellectuals. He Lan''s maternal family was a solid small capitalist family, so there was no talk of rehabilitation. However, with the change in the social composition policy, she became more open and lively, different from the past when she had some internal reservations.


    Their family didn''t have issues with rehabilitation. He Lan''s parents passed away during the downsizing of their hometown, and her brothers and sisters had not contacted her for over a decade, making them distant relatives. So, despite the changes in policy, her life remained the same.


    Previously, what was life like, now it¡¯s still the same.


    However, He Lan¡¯s elder brother once returned. Although their family was not rehabilitated, the old house from their family was returned to them. He Lan¡¯s elder brother returned to the capital to handle the house matter. Probably due to the terrifying past policies, they did not retain the house; this time, they directly sold the house.


    After selling, he came to visit He Lan.


    Brother and sister, who hadn¡¯t seen each other for many years, really had nothing to talk about. After many twists and turns to meet again, ultimately, he left two thousand yuan for his sister, which was a significant sum during that era. After much hesitation, He Lan accepted the money for her daughter¡¯s sake. Then her brother left this city for good. There was an indescribable feeling in He Lan''s heart. Back then, among her family''s several children, her parents made arrangements, and she was the most rushed; otherwise, she wouldn''t have ended up in the Fan family. However, things became the most worry-free later on for her. Though her siblings seemed to have been arranged well, they were not necessarily as carefree as He Lan.


    Although Bai Fendou was flawed in every way and not a man by certain definitions, he genuinely treated her.


    He Lan didn''t care about those matters; what she cared about was being valued in someone''s heart. She was very satisfied with her current life. Though some policies had changed, her life continued as usual.


    Their daughter, Bai Qingqing, was very talented in studies and clever and sensible, making her mom the happiest.


    The Bai family, with three members, lived quite well. This could be considered one of the better-off families in the courtyard. Another well-off family was the Zhou family. They had two rooms, which was a bit cramped for the growing child, so Jiang Lu talked with Wang Xiangxiu, eventually renting one room from her.


    Now, Aunt Zhou lives in the rented room, and Xiao Qijin has his own room.


    Although renting, since it''s in the same courtyard, just across, it doesn''t disrupt daily life; therefore, Aunt Zhou doesn''t feel any dissatisfaction. Wang Xiangxiu rented one room each to Aunt Zhao, Li the Cook, and Aunt Zhou.


    Observing this courtyard, it¡¯s evident that dual-income families with not too many children can live quite comfortably. But where children are numerous, troubles arise: some lack money, some lack living space. Like Aunt Zhao and Cook Li, they had three rooms for an elderly couple, a young couple, and three children, with Li Junjun and Li Weiwei being young adults, making the household obviously cramped.


    This is also before both young men married; if they were to, housing would undoubtedly be more strained.


    Currently, the two young men rent one room from Wang Xiangxiu, keeping their own room for their sister. Previously, the three siblings slept in bunk beds with a curtain. Recently, Li Junjun started working on shift, and Li Weiwei is generally fine. Li Zhenzhen is still in school and is greatly affected, but fortunately, these years Li the Cook, along with Yang Lixin, worked banquets and saved some money, so renting didn''t affect life.


    Although Li the Cook felt pain from renting expenses, he understood this expense was necessary.


    As for Wang Xiangxiu, with children growing up and Tonglai going to school, her expenses were high, living quite tightly. Renting out her house eased her life significantly. She had four rooms, renting out two, leaving two, which didn''t disrupt daily life.


    She lived in a small room herself, with three sons sharing a large room. They stored miscellaneous items, clothes, etc., in her part of the house. Since the children hadn''t married, living this way was fine.


    She could be considered one of the more struggling families in the courtyard. The difficulty was less evident when the children were young; as they grew older, it was apparent, simply maintaining food and clothing was challenging for her alone. To paraphrase, half-grown boys can eat their fathers to ruin, and that¡¯s no exaggeration.


    Moreover, the children being older and hungrier so naturally.


    Among the family''s three children, after Su Jinlai was released from the juvenile reformatory, he went to the countryside. His family had no connections; Jinlai had to go. In the countryside, due to cutting off the pig''s tail¨Cspeaking of, he had been cutting pigs'' tails from childhood¨Che got caught again.


    Finally, much compensation was paid to settle the matter.


    With the policy of educated youth returning to the city, Jinlai failed to enter any university. He didn¡¯t even finish primary school, secretly returned, and did not leave, wandering the streets like a loafer, hated by people and dogs alike.


    Su Yinlai did have a job; though he didn''t read much and was not in good health, what he had was diligence. At a young age, he could take small jobs, and considering various factors, the street department prioritized assigning him a task.


    Nowadays he''s working in a garment factory''s workshop, also after he became a regular worker, the pressure for Wang Xiangxiu finally eased a bit. However, Wang Xiangxiu didn''t spend Yinlai''s money all; she saved it in the bank, the three children having different concerns, but as a mother, the one she least was assured of was Yinlai. Because he''s not in good health. So, the money, she would reserve it for Yinlai to marry a wife gracefully.


    Regarding Su Jinlai, to be honest, Wang Xiangxiu herself didn''t even consider the idea of him getting married. For someone like him, what kind of decent person could he possibly marry? Bringing home an indecent one would only add to the family''s burden.


    Although Jinlai was already the oldest among the boys in the courtyard, Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t in a hurry to arrange his marriage.


    As for her younger son, Su Tonglai''s academic performance was average, neither particularly good nor bad, but he was a smart kid. He understood that if he didn''t study hard, he wouldn''t have much of a future. So he worked diligently. This boy had a sweet mouth and many tricks up his sleeve. During middle school, he voluntarily helped his homeroom teacher with chores and even received free tutoring, managing to get into high school with average grades. He was in the same grade as Li Zhenzhen but in a different class.


    He studied hard, and Wang Xiangxiu pinned most of her hopes on this younger son. Being a widow raising three children, her life was tough. Now, by renting out two rooms at four yuan per month each, an extra eight yuan per month significantly eased her financial strain. So, she was quite willing to do this.


    She was currently a level three fitter, though not as good as Bai Fendou or Liang Meifen, she was content with her own progress. In the past, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t seem to get promoted, feeling that it was beyond her ability.


    But now, reaching level three as a fitter, she couldn''t help but feel proud of herself for her capabilities.


    So, she was very thankful to the Zhou and Li the Cook families for renting her rooms.


    Both parties benefited from the arrangement.


    Compared to families with many members like theirs, Old Master Lan Sihai had no such worries. The elderly couple lived a leisurely life, strolling, drinking tea, and enjoying crosstalk and storytelling performances, making for a cozy lifestyle.


    No one in the courtyard lived as comfortably as the elderly couple.


    After all, with pension money and no financial burdens, their life was bound to be easy. Several families lived in the backyard. How to put it? Their lives certainly weren''t as good as the Zhuang family''s, but they were still better off than Wang Xiangxiu''s family.


    Problems like Li the Cook and Aunt Wang''s families revolved around insufficient housing. Over the years, they had saved some money, but buying a house was still difficult. These days, buying and selling houses was a complicated process.


    It was hard to find suitable options.


    Another familiar family, the Zhang Sans, faced the same situation. The couple had decent conditions, both being employees, but they lacked sufficient living space. Luckily, Zhang San''s wife''s family had better conditions, so their two children were raised by their maternal grandparents.


    The Sui Family, among others, also dealt with housing shortages.


    When Zhao Guihua thought about it, she couldn''t help but sigh. No matter the time, housing prices were always high for ordinary people. Currently, a room might seem affordable at a few hundred yuan, but the scarcity of houses for sale meant most people barely had enough space.


    It was thanks to Zhuang Zhixi arranging an extra room during a house swap that their family enjoyed such convenience.


    A decade passed in a blink, with significant changes, yet not so much.


    In January, whether you were a child or an adult, school hadn''t started yet, but those who needed to work were already back at it. Zhuang Zhixi came home after work carrying half a pound of spare ribs, his steps light and cheerful. Spare ribs, after all, were a delicacy.


    As he entered the courtyard, he saw Su Jinlai washing up. Zhuang Zhixi glanced at his watch; it was 5:30 p.m. Su Jinlai''s schedule was indeed unique. They had already finished work, but he was just waking up to wash.


    Who knew where he would go to fool around at night.


    Su Jinlai also spotted Zhuang Zhixi and couldn''t take his eyes off the ribs in Zhuang Zhixi''s hands, licking his lips. Recently, his mouth had been rather tasteless, and he was feeling hungry.


    "Uncle Zhuang, you''re home from work?"


    Zhuang Zhixi hummed in acknowledgment, smiling and saying, "Just getting up?"


    Su Jinlai wiped his face and said, "Didn''t sleep well last night, so I got up a bit late today."


    This was more than just "a bit" late, but Su Jinlai wasn''t a family member, so Zhuang Zhixi didn''t pry. He just smiled and said, "You really live life on your own terms."


    Su Jinlai chuckled and nodded.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t engage in further small talk and headed straight to his mother''s place with the ribs. Elderly folks liked to sleep on a kang (a heated brick bed) for comfort. After moving, Zhao Guihua had changed their bed to a kang, with blankets spread over it.


    The Zhuang children gathered around their grandparents, listening to the radio.


    As soon as Zhuang Zhixi entered, they all called out to him. Despite the ten years passing and the children growing up, Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t changed much, just slightly more mature, looking as fresh and neat as ever.


    He proudly handed the ribs to Zhao Guihua and said, "Mom, let''s cook some ribs tonight."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Where did you get these?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. "Of course, I bought them. Nobody gave them to me. I met a butcher selling meat on a cart on my way home from work. Not much left, but these ribs are really good."


    Although ribs might not be as satisfying as big chunks of meat, the meat on ribs has a unique flavor that can''t be matched.


    Zhuang Zhixi particularly enjoyed this delicacy.


    "Alright, we''ll cook them tonight."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Where''s Dad? Gone fishing again?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No, he went with Old Master Lan to play chess."


    Speaking of which, Lan Sihai had a knack for finding joy in everything. Wherever there was something entertaining, he was the first to know. Little Yuanyuan, always a glutton, stretched her neck to look, meeting her dad''s eyes and giving him a sweet smile.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You little rascals live quite comfortably. I have to work in this cold weather."


    Yuanyuan immediately came forward, saying like a loyal dog, "Dad, let me massage your shoulders."


    Zhuang Zhixi pinched her chubby cheeks and said, "Alright, put some strength into it. Eating so much, you better not be weak when it comes to massaging."


    Yuanyuan rolled up her sleeves. "Watch me!"


    Zhuang Zhixi sat on the edge of the kang, and little Yuanyuan stood up, putting all her effort into the task.


    Although Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were twins, they had very different personalities. Tuantuan was always bustling with energy, appearing carefree but being sharp and clever. In contrast, Yuanyuan, seemingly smart, was actually quite naive and loved to eat, being a little flatterer, though not very cunning.


    Together, the siblings were always protective of each other, with Tuantuan taking care of Yuanyuan.


    Yuanyuan seriously massaged her dad''s shoulders, chattering nonstop and tattling in a mysterious tone, "Dad, we met Li Shanshan at the cultural center today, and she said there''s a thief in our courtyard."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "A thief?"


    He raised an eyebrow and said, "Isn''t Li Shanshan from the back street? You''re in the same grade."


    Unlike some dads who were clueless about their kids'' affairs, Zhuang Zhixi was well-informed about everything regarding Tuantuan and Yuanyuan. He knew their friends and classmates, though he didn''t pry unless they mentioned something.


    Yuanyuan nodded quickly. "That''s her."


    She said crisply, "Guess who she said it is?"


    Zhuang Zhixi playfully asked, "Who?"


    Little Yuanyuan became excited and said, "It''s Jinlai gege (brother)."


    She lowered her voice, speaking with a hint of mystery, "She said Jinlai gege steals things."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t surprised at all. Everyone knew about Su Jinlai''s past. Not only did he end up in a juvenile detention center over a decade ago, but even without that, his current lifestyle left much to be desired.


    It ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????wasn''t that people looked down on him, hoping he would change.


    The problem was, over a year since he returned, he spent his days sleeping excessively and wandering aimlessly, hanging out with local loafers who wore flashy shirts and bell-bottom pants, the kind often scolded by neighborhood committee aunties. Without finding a proper job, under these circumstances, claiming he was a good person would require some convincing.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "How did Li Shanshan know that?"


    He inquired subtly.


    Little Yuanyuan answered, "She said someone in their courtyard saw Jinlai gege stealing iron materials from the factory."


    When Zhuang Zhixi heard this, his eyebrows shot up. "You''re saying someone stole iron?" he asked.


    Xiao Yuanyuan nodded. "Yes, that''s right."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at his daughter and said, "Don''t talk about this to anyone else."


    Yuanyuan''s eyes widened, a bit puzzled. Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Stealing is a serious accusation. Unless you''ve seen it with your own eyes, don''t spread it around. If it''s false, it would wrong an innocent person. And if it''s true, spreading rumors only makes things harder for the police. So, don''t talk about it outside, understand?"


    He wasn''t just speaking to Yuanyuan but to everyone around.


    Tuantuan also nodded.


    Hutou, holding a high school textbook, said, "Uncle, I know that. We''re not kids anymore."


    Besides, they''ve seen a lot. It''s just the younger siblings who are easily surprised.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "How''s your studying going?"


    Hutou''s head instantly drooped. He was set to take the college entrance exam this summer, and just thinking about it made him feel overwhelmed. "I''ve been studying hard," he sighed.


    But how much he''d actually learned was anyone''s guess.


    He sighed again, wishing he were as smart as his sister.


    Xiaoyanzi chimed in, "Brother, I believe you can do it."


    Hutou: "..."


    He didn''t even believe in himself.


    But the rest of the family had high expectations, which only added to his stress. He found himself envying Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, whose family placed less pressure on them.


    Li Junjun had also gotten into high school but hadn''t made it into college. After graduating, he used Zhuang Zhiyuan''s connections to get a job at the railway section. Li Weiwei didn''t get into college either. After finishing middle school, he started learning cooking from his grandfather and father, Li the Cook.


    That seemed like a good path. While still an apprentice, he already accompanied Li the Cook on catering jobs, which wasn''t bad at all.


    Li the Cook''s family didn''t demand as much from their kids as Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen did. Being a family of chefs, they always had cooking as a fallback option. If the kids didn''t do well in school, they could learn cooking. So, the Li brothers'' lives were relatively stress-free.


    Hutou envied them deeply.


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but chuckle at Hutou''s pain, but he didn''t want to undermine his brother and sister-in-law''s expectations. Yuanyuan, noticing her father''s expression, quickly piped up, "Dad, I''ll study hard too. I must get into college!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "You don''t have to rub it in your brother''s face."


    Hutou agreed, "Exactly."


    He teased Yuanyuan, "You little brat."


    Yuanyuan blinked innocently with her big eyes.


    Zhuang Zhixi wondered aloud, "Where''s your mom? She..."


    Before he could finish, a commotion came from outside. The kids immediately crowded to the windows to look out, while Zhuang Zhixi stepped out the door. Upon stepping outside, he saw Lan Sihai leading the way, followed by a mover carrying a large box.


    Old Man Zhuang and Ming Mei were also there.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Grandpa, what''s this?"


    Taking a closer look, he exclaimed, "Ah, you bought a TV?"


    Lan Sihai smiled faintly. "Yes, I bought one."


    He added, "I''ve always believed in embracing new things. You young folks should take a leaf out of my book."


    Ming Mei muttered under her breath, "We''re not against new trends, it''s just that our pockets aren''t deep enough."


    Who doesn''t know how great TVs are? But one needs the money to afford it! And a ticket too! Without both, there''s no point in chasing trends.


    Lan Sihai chided, "Enough of your chatter."


    Ming Mei immediately zipped her lips, while Tuantuan and Yuanyuan burst out, excited.


    Tuantuan exclaimed, "Great-Grandpa, you bought a TV? That''s amazing!"


    Yuanyuan chimed in, "Let''s watch TV!"


    Lan Sihai waved them over, "Come to Great-Grandpa''s house to watch TV."


    This was the first TV in their compound, and it caused quite a stir. Everyone came out to catch a glimpse, both adults and children buzzing with excitement.


    Auntie Zhou was among the first to approach. Despite her age, she was remarkably nimble. "That must be expensive, eh?" she remarked.


    "Of course it is! This is a TV, after all," someone responded.


    "This is the first TV in our compound! Lan Laoban is always so fashionable."


    "That''s for sure! Lan Laoban was the first to wear bell-bottoms. Even young folks can''t keep up."


    "Hahaha!"


    In their compound, Lan Sihai stood out the most. However, no one thought it was strange. Initially, they thought he was too extravagant, a bit out of touch with everyone else. But over time, they''ve grown to accept his style.


    In fact, many had started to take cues from him.


    Seeing an old man living more stylishly and comfortably than themselves wasn''t that inspiring?


    "A TV is truly wonderful. With a TV, we don''t have to spend money on movies or shows, right?" someone asked.


    "Of course," another replied.


    "Lan Laoban, how big is your TV?"


    Lan Sihai, hands behind his back, wore a smug smile. "It''s a 12-inch Peony, 550 yuan," he declared.


    When the price came out, everyone gasped.


    550 yuan! That was a fortune!


    "That''s outrageously expensive!"


    "Way more than a radio."


    "A radio and TV aren''t even comparable," someone corrected.


    "Right, right! A 12-inch screen isn''t small at all."


    "It''s a great gadget, just too pricey."


    Lan Sihai entered the house, handed two jiao to the mover, who happily accepted it. With so few jobs available and returning educated youth filling the cities, some older folks handed their jobs to their children and took on odd jobs to make ends meet. Places like the mall entrance were filled with movers and rickshaw drivers.


    Lan Sihai believed in paying for labor rather than doing it himself.


    "Zhuang Zhixi, set up the TV," he ordered.


    Lan Sihai acted every bit the old man, directing his granddaughter''s husband to work. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hesitate, immediately unpacking the box. After glancing at the manual, he found it quite simple. Soon, he had the TV and antenna set up.


    Though not a specialist, he had learned alongside Lan Sihai when the latter tinkered with radios, so he was familiar with these gadgets.


    This was the first TV in the compound, and everyone gathered around, squeezing into the house. It was packed tight.


    Auntie Wang remarked, "The neighboring compound bought theirs earlier, but theirs is a 9-inch model. Compared to this 12-inch one, it looks small."


    "That''s for sure."


    Some didn''t know, asking, "Are there even bigger ones?"


    Lan Sihai explained, "There''s a 14-inch model. That''s currently the most expensive. But I checked, and they were sold out. People prefer the 14-inch for a one-shot purchase."


    Everyone nodded in understanding.


    "That 14-inch must be even pricier, right?"


    Lan Sihai confirmed, "It''s 200 yuan more expensive."


    Another round of gasps echoed.


    Zhuang Zhixi adjusted the antenna, pressed the power button, and soon, figures appeared on the screen. The crowd erupted in cheers, "It''s working!"


    "I see it! What''s on?"


    "I don''t know."


    A crisp voice came from the TV: "Panda Apprentice."


    The evening was prime time for cartoons. Tuantuan, Yuanyuan, and even little Bai Qingqing screamed in excitement, shouting, "It''s a cartoon!"


    "It''s ''Panda Apprentice!''"


    "How awesome!"


    The children were ecstatic, while the adults watched with equal fascination.


    "The picture quality is so clear. Look at how good it is," someone commented.


    "Couldn''t agree more."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked down for a moment, then loosened the antenna, causing the image on the TV to flicker slightly. Yuanyuan called out excitedly, "Daddy! Daddy!"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I just need to adjust it a bit more. Don''t worry, everyone." He began flipping through the channels and soon nodded, "We can get three channels."


    "That''s quite a few."


    "Indeed."


    Zhuang Zhixi finished adjusting the TV and let go, standing to the side as he watched the cartoon with the children. The kids were so engrossed that their eyes seemed glued to the screen. Even dinner was forgotten; everyone gathered around to watch the show, enjoying the moment.


    "Our compound finally has a TV. That''s really great."


    The children pushed forward, and the adults had to step back. Even someone like Zhou Qun couldn''t get close. Watching everyone''s excitement, he leaned towards Jiang Lu and said, "Honey, why don''t we buy one for our place too? Look how much Xiao Qijin likes it."


    He had been wanting to buy one for a while, but Jiang Lu had always been hesitant. Now, with Lan Sihai getting one first, Zhou Qun felt even more determined.


    After all, they weren''t the first in the compound to buy a TV.


    Jiang Lu hesitated, "It''s so expensive."


    In reality, their income was among the highest in the compound, and buying a TV wasn''t a financial burden. But Jiang Lu still found it pricey, especially since it wasn''t something essential like food or drink.


    Zhou Qun urged, "Sure, it''s not cheap, but we can definitely afford it. Look how fun it is. Watching TV in the evening would also be lively." He tried his best to persuade Jiang Lu, who found herself unable to tear her eyes away from the TV screen.


    Before seeing it, she could convince herself not to spend so much money on something non-essential. But now, seeing the TV in action, she couldn''t help but feel drawn to it.


    It really was quite impressive.


    And since such major appliances were always needed in a household, buying sooner rather than later meant enjoying it sooner.


    She bit her lip and said, "I''ll ask around at the factory to see if I can get a ticket for one. Then we''ll buy one too."


    Zhou Qun''s face lit up with joy, "That''s perfect."


    Although their voices were low, Bai Fendou overheard them and let out a jealous grunt.


    Their family didn''t have many financial burdens, but they still found it too costly to buy a TV.


    He glanced at Zhou Qun and muttered, "Showing off."


    Zhou Qun smirked, "You''re just jealous."


    "Me? Jealous of you? Don''t flatter yourself."


    "Yes, you, it''s you, definitely you."


    Bai Fendou''s jealousy was obvious.


    But Bai Fendou retorted, "I wouldn''t be jealous of you. I''m envious of Lan Sihai. He''s the most stylish person in our compound, and no one can compare."


    "Lan Sihai, can we come watch TV with you at night?" someone asked.


    Lan Sihai replied, "You really don''t see yourselves as outsiders, do you?"


    But despite his words, he didn''t really mind. "Come on, sure, but don''t disturb my rest. You know how I am; if it gets too noisy or messy, I won''t hesitate to raise my voice."


    "Of course!"


    "Great-grandfather, we want to come too," Yuanyuan cooed, the sweet little girl being especially endearing.


    Lan Sihai smiled, "Of course. Who wouldn''t let our Yuanyuan come?"


    Yuanyuan immediately beamed with a bright smile.


    Despite the cold weather, the compound was filled with warmth and excitement. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone enthusiastically discussed the TV, while Su Jinlai stood at the back of the crowd, craning his neck to catch a glimpse. His eyes held a mix of jealousy and resentment.


    While Bai Fendou''s jealousy was just talk, Su Jinlai''s was genuine. Living in the same compound, seeing others live so well while his own family struggled left him feeling bitter.


    In reality, compared to the hardships of living in the countryside, his current life was much better. The place he lived in the countryside was poor, and life there was tough.


    When he first returned, he was quite pleased.


    After all, moving from something bad to something better always felt gratifying. However, this better life didn''t last long before he began to feel dissatisfied. His family''s life was better than the countryside, but it paled in comparison to the others in the compound. This comparison left him feeling discontent.


    With three children in the family, only he had been sent to the countryside. Even though it wasn''t because of him that his younger brothers didn''t have to go, they were simply too young when the policy changed, he still couldn''t shake off his resentment. Why did he have to suffer the most?


    Now, others had TVs at home, while his family couldn''t even afford meat.


    Leaning against the wall, Su Jinlai stared at Lan Sihai''s house, his eyes deep with contemplation.


    Show off, show off, keep showing off. You''ll regret it someday!


    He looked enviously at Lan Sihai, feeling the need to teach them a lesson. "So what if you have a TV? Who knows how much it''s worth now? If it cost 550 yuan, asking for 500 yuan a day later isn''t too much, right?"


    Who would be willing to buy it?


    His mind quickly went through a few possibilities, and he felt more confident.


    Although he had only been back for over a year, he had already made some friends outside. Together, they did small "jobs" that helped ease their financial situation. However, in the past, Su Jinlai hadn''t targeted his neighbors.


    It wasn''t that he cared much about neighborly relations¡ªin fact, he despised them. He thought they were hypocritical, always fawning over the rich while stepping on the poor. He couldn''t stand them.


    But there was an old saying: "A rabbit doesn''t eat grass near its nest."


    Since he lived in the compound, where everyone knew each other, any theft would immediately raise suspicions about him. He had a criminal record, and even if he denied it, life would be difficult. He was well aware that as long as he didn''t live here, things would be fine. But living here meant he had to avoid such messy situations.


    So, although he continued his thieving ways, he never targeted the area around the compound, not even the neighbors.


    But today, seeing Lan Sihai show off, his frustration boiled over. He was furious, feeling that everything was unfair. Why should this old man live so well while he, a young and talented man, struggled financially? The world just wasn''t fair.


    He snorted heavily, determined to give this old man a taste of his own medicine. He wanted them to know that the compound wasn''t just their stage to show off.


    As Su Jinlai thought this through, his mood calmed. He started observing closely. Lan Sihai''s house seemed easy to break into¡ªjust an old couple. Even if they caught him, would they dare to make a scene, fearing retaliation?


    No, he wasn''t worried at all.


    It was time to make a move.


    Su Jinlai stared at Lan Sihai''s house, a sly smile creeping across his face.


    Meanwhile, everyone was caught up in the excitement. At that moment, Su Tonglai returned from outside. Although the school term hadn''t started yet, he spent his days attending extra classes. He was very aware of his own limitations and knew that with his abilities, it would be tough to get into university.


    So, even though he was only in his first year of high school, he had already started seeking extra tutoring from teachers. That''s why he was rarely home. No one was there to care if Su Jinlai slept all day.


    His mother, Wang Xiangxiu, and his brother Su Yinlai both worked, while Su Tonglai attended classes outside, leaving Su Jinlai alone at home.


    Su Tonglai asked, "What''s going on here?"


    He quickly joined the crowd, while Su Jinlai watched his younger brother, rolling his eyes in disdain. To Su Jinlai, Su Tonglai''s eagerness to join the fun while others were showing off was a display of lack of backbone. It only added to their arrogance, which Su Jinlai couldn''t stand. He looked down on both of his younger brothers; Su Yinlai was stubborn and simple-minded, while Su Tonglai was like a yes-man.


    Once, the three brothers had been close, but since Su Jinlai was sent to a reform school, their relationship changed. Over the years, they spent little time together, and their bond gradually faded. Now, Su Jinlai felt that both his younger brothers were disappointing.


    Interestingly, Su Yinlai and Su Tonglai felt the same way about Su Jinlai.


    These years, the two of them¡ªSu Yinlai and Su Tonglai¡ªhave been surviving together with Wang Xiangxiu, and they have matured quite a bit. Naturally, they find their older brother, Su Jinlai, unreliable. Although Su Jinlai feels that life is tough and the family is struggling, Su Yinlai and Su Tonglai believe that their life isn''t so bad.


    After all, their family has four rooms, which is something most families can only dream of. Just having a house is already better than what many others have. There''s really no need to dwell on self-pity. Aren''t there many who have even less?


    And if they work hard, they can surely make a good life for themselves.


    Su Jinlai, always moping about the unfairness of the world, is something that Su Tonglai doesn''t admire at all. Su Tonglai doesn''t care what his older brother thinks; he''s more interested in joining the crowd to see what''s happening. "Hey, Uncle Lan, did you buy a TV?"


    Lan Sihai: "That''s right, how do you like it?"


    Su Tonglai gives a thumbs up. "You''re number one in the compound."


    Lan Sihai laughs heartily.


    Although Su Tonglai may seem like a calculating kid with plenty of tricks up his sleeve, Lan Sihai actually has a decent impression of him. After all, a person isn''t necessarily a bad one just because they have wits. As long as they don''t use those wits for evil, it''s alright if they use them to better their future.


    In recent years, as Lan Sihai has aged, Su Tonglai has taken the initiative to help with some chores at the Lan household. His brother-in-law, Zhuang Zhixi, has also been busy with this and that, but with Zhuang Zhixi working full-time, Su Tonglai has been available more often.


    Su Tonglai is sharp and knows how to help out without being asked. In return, Lan Sihai shows his gratitude by giving Su Tonglai some food from time to time. Their relationship has been quite good.


    As Su Tonglai watches TV, he''s completely absorbed. He knows his own family certainly can''t afford one, so he doesn''t even ask how much it costs. Instead, he just says, "This TV is so much more comfortable to watch than smaller ones."


    Lan Sihai: "Feel free to come over and watch TV whenever you want."


    Su Tonglai: "Thank you, Uncle Lan."


    Truth be told, Su Tonglai doesn''t really have the time to watch TV. He needs that time to study. It''s not like he''s particularly smart, so he needs to be extra diligent. For families like theirs, education is the key to changing their fate.


    But since Uncle Lan is being so kind, he matches his enthusiasm. "Next time you buy something, call me. I can help you carry it. All this strength would be wasted if I don''t use it!"


    Lan Sihai laughs. "Sure thing."


    Su Tonglai stays close to Lan Sihai, which makes Su Jinlai seethe with jealousy. Here''s this big guy acting like a dutiful grandson in front of Uncle Lan. Su Jinlai rolls his eyes so hard, they might just fall out.


    He needs to steal that TV!


    That''ll teach them to flaunt it.


    Su Jinlai snorts and storms off to his room, not wanting to watch any longer. It''s just too embarrassing!


    The excitement in the courtyard continues into the late evening. At dinner, Su Jinlai is in a foul mood. He''s snapping at anything and everything.


    Wang Xiangxiu wonders, "What''s wrong with you now?"


    Su Jinlai, eating his cabbage, says, "Nothing."


    He quickly wolfs down half the plate, gulping it down messily.


    Wang Xiangxiu scolds, "Slow down when you eat!"


    Su Jinlai: "I haven''t eaten all day."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You can''t just skip meals. You..."


    Su Tonglai: "Big brother probably slept all day."


    Ah, there''s no one more familiar than family, is there?


    Su Jinlai: "Mind your own business."


    As he hears the noise outside the courtyard still going strong, he feels even more unhappy. He crosses his arms and says, "I''m going out for a walk..."


    Su Yinlai: "What''s up with him now?"


    Su Tonglai whispers, "He''s got the green-eyed monster."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighs and tries to calm them down. "Just try to get along with your brother."


    Su Tonglai: "."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    ******


    Late at night, under the dark skies with howling winds, with the red-eyed jealousy of a certain Su Jinlai driving him, he sneaks out of the house in silence. Slowly, he creeps up to Lan Sihai''s doorstep, pulls out a wire, and picks the lock.


    Hehe, this is a piece of cake.


    As he swings the door open with a creak, stepping inside, ka-thunk!


    "AAHHH!!!" Su Jinlai screams!


    What the heck, they had a rat trap set at the door?!


    Happy National Day.

 Chapter 169

    Su Jinlai had been pacing back and forth in front of his house for a long time, and the more he paced, the angrier he felt.


    These people really had no self-awareness. On such a cold day, instead of staying inside where it was warm, they crowded outside the window, oblivious to the chill, watching with great interest. They were truly naive and unsophisticated. Seeing everyone so excited, he couldn''t help but think they were all short-sighted.


    It was just a television, after all. Was it really that exciting?


    One day, he, Su Jinlai, would own a television too, the biggest and best one.


    He had waited and waited, and finally, everyone had gone home.


    The television programs had all ended, and everyone reluctantly left. Jinlai finally breathed a sigh of relief. Yinlai watched his older brother still pacing in the courtyard and felt deeply puzzled. Everyone else had stayed up late watching television and didn''t rest, but why was his brother pacing around without resting?


    His older brother was indeed a bit different from normal people. It was really baffling, almost mysterious.


    Yinlai walked over and looked up and down, asking, "Brother, what are you doing? There''s nothing interesting here!"


    Jinlai looked at his younger brother, who was not the sharpest tool in the shed, and said, "Nothing!"


    His tone was cold.


    Yinlai: "Oh."


    Tonglai, however, was quite shrewd. He muttered quietly, "He must be up to no good."


    But he wasn''t too worried. After all, his older brother wouldn''t go as far as stealing, right?


    It was late at night, and they didn''t dally. Soon, everyone prepared to rest, but not Jinlai. He had slept all day and was wide awake at night. Watching his two younger brothers drift off to sleep, probably dreaming of something pleasant, Jinlai got up in disdain. He tiptoed to get dressed and put on his shoes before stealthily leaving the house.


    He, Su Jinlai, the stealthy thief of the siheyuan.


    In the dead of night, with the moon hidden and the wind howling, Su Jinlai, a.k.a. "Red-Eyed Jinlai," slipped out silently. He crept to Lan Sihai''s doorstep and brought out a piece of wire, picking the lock effortlessly.


    Heh, no big deal.


    Over the years, despite being sent to a juvenile detention center and later being sent to the countryside, he hadn''t slackened in perfecting his skills. He had always been at the forefront of his craft, mastering the most advanced lock-picking techniques.


    He proudly opened the door and smirked.


    He picked the lock, and the door clicked open.


    He stepped inside, feeling like the whole world was under his feet.


    "Ahhhhh!!!" Jinlai screamed!


    Damn it, they had placed a mouse trap at the door!


    In the deep silence of the night, when everyone was sound asleep, a sudden, earsplitting scream echoed through the courtyard. The scream startled many people awake, and they looked at each other, wondering what had happened.


    Lan Sihai quickly got up, wielding a wooden stick, and headed to the door.


    The doorway was empty.


    Yes, empty.


    The person was gone, and so was the mouse trap.


    This was what made Su Jinlai a master thief. Even when caught in a trap, he knew he couldn''t afford to get caught. If he were caught, he would lose his standing in the courtyard.


    Almost immediately after his scream, he quickly closed the door and bolted away. He ran very fast, not even daring to go home, and headed straight for the public restroom.


    Hopping on one leg didn''t slow his escape.


    Alas, times had changed since his childhood. The restroom was locked, which delayed him further. He stumbled and fell at the entrance, then managed to get up and continued running to the restroom. Why the restroom? He didn''t know; it just felt safe.


    He fled swiftly, while Lan Sihai, upon investigating, realized someone had entered his home. He turned on the lights and saw that the mouse trap by the door was gone, undoubtedly having caught a "big rat."


    He smirked, thinking, even if the intruder hadn''t made a noise, I¡¯d know who it was.


    No need for doubts¡ªit had to be Su Jinlai.


    He didn''t believe a dog could change its nature.


    He tapped the ground with his wooden stick, and soon many people came out, wearing coats over their nightclothes, asking, "What¡¯s going on? What happened?"


    "I thought I heard someone scream."


    "It sounded like Jinlai."


    At the same time, Yinlai and Tonglai were awakened by the scream. They looked around and noticed their older brother was gone. Clearly, the scream had come from Su Jinlai. They exchanged worried glances, realizing their older brother must have gone out to commit a theft in the dead of night.


    It was truly disheartening.


    The two quickly got up and went outside, while Wang Xiangxiu''s face turned pale with worry. After all, Jinlai was her son.


    Everyone gathered in the courtyard, and Zhuang Zhixi and others rushed to Lan Sihai''s side immediately. "Grandpa, are you okay?"


    Lan Sihai smiled faintly, saying, "Of course, I''m fine."


    Before anyone could say more, they saw Jinlai limping back into the courtyard from outside. He forced a smile and said, "Why is everyone outside?"


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly stepped forward and asked, "Where did you go so late at night, son? Was that you screaming?"


    Jinlai put on a simple, honest expression and said, "I went to the restroom and tripped."


    He tried to act as if nothing had happened. "Did I scare you?"


    "Not really, but..."


    Everyone looked at Jinlai. To say he looked pathetic was an understatement. He was covered in mud, apparently injured in the foot, and his nose was bleeding. He looked worse than a vagrant.


    It was hard to believe that a twenty-something young man could trip like that. Even the kids in the courtyard weren''t that clumsy.


    Jinlai, afraid Lan Sihai would say more, quickly said, "Let''s disperse, everyone. Let''s all go back to bed."


    Lan Sihai suddenly chuckled and looked at Jinlai. "Jinlai, since you''re unemployed and have nothing to do, why don''t you get some stones tomorrow and build me a flower bed at my doorstep?"


    Jinlai''s eyes widened. "Why me...?"


    Before he could finish, he met Lan Sihai''s sarcastic gaze. The old man''s eyes lingered on his injured foot for a moment. Jinlai swallowed the rest of his words. Lan Sihai continued, "My roof also needs repairing. As a young man with nothing better to do, you can take care of that too."


    Jinlai: "..."


    Lan Sihai: "Don''t look at the weather now. Spring comes quickly¡ªtoday it''s cold, but tomorrow it might be warm. It''s time to take off those winter clothes and wash them..."


    He looked at Jinlai, who was practically hopping on one foot, and there was no mistaking the situation. The old man was taking advantage of the situation.


    He was threatening him!


    He was being threatened!


    "I think the weather..."


    Seeing Lan Sihai about to continue, Jinlai blurted out loudly, "Mr. Lan, I''ll do it for you! Whatever work you have, just tell me! Respecting the elderly and caring for the young is a virtue!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lan Sihai nodded slightly, saying, "Then you can build me a flower bed tomorrow."


    He glanced at Jinlai''s foot and smiled even more brightly. "I have a lot of work. Take your time."


    Jinlai spat out a word from between his teeth: "Fine!"


    It wasn''t that he was afraid of this old codger, but he didn''t want to completely lose face in the courtyard, which was his territory.


    He took a deep breath and said, "I can do it all."


    Everyone looked at Jinlai with deep suspicion. He didn''t seem like the kind of person who could work.


    After all, he didn''t even do his own housework.


    Their expressions were full of doubt. Jinlai was in great agony, and he gritted his teeth. "I can do it! All the work! I can do it all!"


    He took a deep breath and said, "It''s late already. Let''s all go to bed."


    "Disperse, everyone. Disperse."


    "Alright, let''s all disperse."


    Everyone had their own thoughts. Although it looked like everything was harmonious, the fact that Su Jinlai was going along with Lan Sihai''s orders was suspicious. And then there was that scream¡ªsome clever folks connected the dots, linking the incident to Jinlai''s habit of petty theft. After all, Lan Sihai had just bought a new television that day...


    Hmm, it seems that all is said without words.


    However, since even Old Master Lan didn''t expose this guy, everyone naturally chose not to meddle in other people''s business. It wasn¡¯t worth it for them. Everyone walked back with a mix of seven parts understanding and three parts speculation, silently returning home. Meanwhile, Old Master Lan hummed a tune, and everyone went their separate ways. Luo Xiaohe asked, "Why didn''t you expose him?"


    Old Master Lan replied, "He runs fast. Even if I called him a thief, he''d still run away. Tangling with him might not yield solid evidence, so it''s better to let him do some work for us. Look, there¡¯s a lot of work to be done around the house, and I was just thinking of finding someone to tidy up. Isn¡¯t it just perfect that this guy showed up on his own? Not bad at all."


    Free labor isn¡¯t easy to find.


    Luo Xiaohe thought about it and agreed. She was puzzled though, asking, "Since we didn¡¯t catch him in the act, how can you threaten him like this?"


    Old Master Lan grinned, "He still has some pride, I guess. Once he loses his shame, he probably won¡¯t care anymore. For now, we¡¯ll just take advantage of him to do some work. It¡¯s not a bad deal."


    Luo Xiaohe nodded, "I see."


    The two locked the doors, and Old Master Lan even secured the inner latch. Luo Xiaohe watched his actions and suddenly said, "You didn¡¯t latch the inner lock today, did you do it on purpose?"


    Old Master Lan put on a serious face, "How could that be? I couldn¡¯t have predicted that he¡¯d come to steal. He made his own bad choices; it¡¯s not like I set out to trick him."


    Luo Xiaohe laughed, saying to him, "You¡­"


    She got it.


    Old Master Lan laughed heartily as well, thoroughly enjoying himself.


    In contrast to their joy, the Su family was shrouded in gloom. Wang Xiangxiu wrapped Jinlai''s foot with gauze, frowning, "This won¡¯t do; he needs to go to the hospital."


    Su Jinlai''s face was dark with anger. He felt utterly frustrated, looking down at his foot and thinking that life just wasn¡¯t going well. He said, "Just make do for tonight, I¡¯ll go to the hospital tomorrow."


    He had tripped, stumbling all the way to the toilet, practically flying, considering he was running with an injury. Once in the toilet, he quickly pried off the mouse trap and threw it into the cesspit to destroy the evidence before limping back, his foot still piercingly painful.


    That old man was ruthless, setting mouse traps at home. He¡¯d seen some mean folks, but this one took the cake.


    He, a completely innocent person, was being forced to work tomorrow.


    Thinking of this, he let out a mournful sigh.


    Su Tonglai looked at Jinlai¡¯s foot and said, "Big Brother, this doesn¡¯t look like an injury from falling; it seems more like a mouse trap got you."


    As he spoke, he glanced at Jinlai again.


    Jinlai retorted, "What mouse trap?"


    His eyes darted around as he said, "It¡¯s not that."


    He coughed awkwardly, adding, "I just tripped."


    Even with his own family, he refused to tell the truth.


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed, asking, "Why can¡¯t you just let me worry less? Tell me, did you go to steal from Old Master Lan''s house?"


    "No, I¡¯m not that kind of person," Jinlai replied loudly, but mothers know their children best. Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t believe his words. Looking at him, she said, "If you¡¯re not that kind of person, why did you agree to work for Old Master Lan? You¡¯re not the diligent type."


    Jinlai protested stubbornly, "I respect the elderly, isn¡¯t that allowed?"


    Grunting heavily, he ignored his mother and brother, hopping back to his room and lying down, feeling the piercing pain in his foot. He shouted, "Mom, give me five yuan, I¡¯ll go to the hospital tomorrow to check my foot."


    It¡¯s a classic case of stealing chicken only to lose the rice.


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed again, saying, "Alright."


    Their family didn¡¯t have much savings, and Jinlai didn¡¯t earn any money either, just squandering it. But she couldn¡¯t help but care. After all, the injury was real, and if it wasn¡¯t treated properly, it could lead to more suffering.


    She fetched five yuan and handed it to Jinlai in the room, saying, "Let Tonglai accompany you to the hospital tomorrow."


    With Tonglai there, she could feel a bit more at ease. Jinlai mumbled in response from the kang (heated brick bed), "No need, he¡¯s got to go grovel before his teacher, right?"


    Tonglai didn¡¯t get upset, chuckling, "My grades are what they are, I need to figure out a way myself. Besides, helping my teacher with work isn¡¯t wrong; how is that being a bootlicker? I don¡¯t think so."


    "That¡¯s because you¡¯re thick-skinned and not manly," Jinlai said, looking down on Tonglai for this trait. He disliked Yinlai for being honest, but he disliked Tonglai even more for being spineless.


    Tonglai retorted, "Being manly or not isn¡¯t just about what you say. Manhood isn¡¯t measured by how much manliness you display, is it?"


    Even when saying such things, Tonglai managed to stay cheerful, leaving his older brother Jinlai utterly exasperated.


    "You, you, you¡­"


    Tonglai added, "Big Brother, don¡¯t get angry. Anger hurts the body, and your foot is already injured. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital tomorrow morning. Afterward, you can go work for Old Master Lan, and I¡¯ll go to my teacher¡¯s place. Oh, by the way, Old Master Lan loves things to be lively. Remember to change the flowers in his vase for him."


    Jinlai was furious:


    "You, you, you¡­"


    Tonglai continued, "Oh, and I promised¡­"


    "Stop talking already!"


    Jinlai covered his head with a blanket, not wanting to hear another word from this brother of his¡ªhe was a total loser, a big one at that.


    Tonglai said, "Big Brother, pull the blanket down, I still have something to say."


    Jinlai roared, "Get lost!"


    Tonglai: "¡­"


    What a hot temper!


    Wang Xiangxiu was a bit worried, asking, "Tonglai, do you think Old Master Lan will be unhappy with your brother¡¯s actions? With neighbors like us, if¡­ it¡¯s not good."


    The unsaid part of her words was: Jinlai stealing.


    Back when Wang Xiangxiu was young, she wasn¡¯t afraid of trouble, but with life now stable, she didn¡¯t want any more disturbances. People are like that¡ªwhen life is full of ups and downs, they don¡¯t fear trouble, as something or the other is always happening anyway.


    But when things stabilize, they become more averse to any disruptions.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t even realize that she was now actively consulting with her two sons, mainly her younger son Tonglai.


    Tonglai reassured her, "It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll go apologize to Old Master Lan tomorrow. I believe he didn¡¯t want to pursue the matter, which is why he just asked Big Brother to work. Big Brother, don¡¯t stir up trouble. Do a good job working for Old Master Lan; let¡¯s make sure he sees our sincerity."


    After a pause, he added, "Even rabbits don¡¯t eat the grass near their nests, Big Brother. You¡¯re a man, so do something decent. Stealing isn¡¯t exactly manly, is it?"


    "You!"


    Jinlai found himself completely unable to argue with Tonglai. What was worse was that no matter how harsh he was, Tonglai didn¡¯t get angry. It was infuriating.


    "Even if you make a living with your body, I wouldn¡¯t laugh at you. Stealing is just too low-class, tsk."


    "You, you¡¯re the low one, okay?"


    Jinlai thought his brother had a screw loose. Earning money with his body?


    He was a man, a big man!


    Tonglai suggested, "Big Brother, why don¡¯t you find a wealthy wife instead¡­"


    "Get lost already."


    Jinlai couldn¡¯t take it anymore and stuffed cotton into his ears, refusing to listen!


    Their family bickered endlessly, while others began to figure out what had happened. At the very least, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei understood that Jinlai must have tried to steal from her grandfather¡¯s house but failed. Ming Mei frowned, saying, "That rascal, he¡¯s just asking for it. Such people just haven¡¯t been put in their place enough. I think it¡¯s about time I take action."


    She clenched her fists, almost itching to punch someone.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Oh, my dear wife, don¡¯t get so worked up. It¡¯s not worth it. Look, Grandfather Lan didn¡¯t even care. With someone like Jinlai, you¡¯d have to tie ten thousand of him together to outsmart Grandfather Lan."


    He added, "It¡¯s actually good that this guy caused trouble. It saves us from having to work. I was thinking we should inspect Grandfather Lan¡¯s roof for repairs in the spring, but now, that¡¯s one less thing to do."


    Ming Mei playfully punched him, "What are you saying? Just looking to save yourself some work, huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned, "Not at all."


    He embraced his wife, and the two lay together on the kang, not feeling particularly sleepy. He said, ¡°Hey wife, seriously, I¡¯m not exaggerating here. Among the people in our courtyard, your grandfather and my mom, not many young folks can outsmart them. As their children, we don¡¯t need to worry too much about them. Seeing them get into a bit of a scuffle is actually good for them, as the elderly most fear a lifeless existence. These minor confrontations, where they outwit each other, are actually beneficial.¡±


    Ming Mei pinched his soft spot and said, ¡°You, you¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°What I¡¯m saying is all honest truth.¡±


    Ming Mei thought about it and realized what he said actually made sense.


    She let out a soft hum.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Oh, right, wife. Do you remember Xiao Xu from our office?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded. ¡°Yeah, the one with quite a few tricks up his sleeve and a serious case of marriage phobia.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded and said, ¡°That¡¯s him. He wasn¡¯t just a projectionist in our office, right? Recently, he¡¯s taken a leave of absence to dive into the entrepreneurial seas.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°What?¡±


    She stared in shock at Zhuang Zhixi, saying, ¡°What a stable job he¡¯s leaving behind!¡±


    Even though in her dreams, Ming Mei knew some big changes were coming, and even the once-secure jobs of factory workers like them would eventually be phased out, seeing someone take such a bold step now still shocked her.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he being awfully reckless? What¡¯s he planning to do?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°From what I heard, he¡¯s going to open a restaurant.¡±


    Ming Mei burst out laughing, nearly spitting out her words. ¡°A restaurant? A film projectionist opening a restaurant? That doesn¡¯t quite align, does it? Perhaps someone like li chef from our courtyard would be more fitting to open a restaurant.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Well, he was pressured by his family to marry a female comrade. It¡¯s said that she comes from a long line of cooks, so he¡¯s following her lead, as a couple working together to run the restaurant. Wife, think about it¡ªwith policies changing, even those coveted stable jobs are being abandoned. How much more might things transform in the future?¡±


    Ming Mei blinked her big eyes, looking at Zhuang Zhixi. ¡°Do you have ideas about this, too?¡±


    If not, he wouldn¡¯t have casually brought it up.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, ¡°You truly understand me, my wife. Honestly, I¡¯m not thinking of immediately taking a leave of absence to venture out just yet. It¡¯s more about feeling inspired by this. I¡¯m contemplating, though, that if the right opportunity arises, I might make such a decision.¡±


    This was just a casual talk. Leaning close to his wife, he whispered, ¡°Our company is pretty good, and the public relations department is fine too, but in places like ours, seniority definitely plays a crucial role. Although I¡¯ve made some achievements in the publicity department, when it comes to qualifications, I¡¯m really not up there. If it boils down to promotion, the chances aren¡¯t looking too good for me. Truthfully, I don¡¯t want to spend my whole life as a seasoned office veteran.¡±


    He continued, ¡°I think Xiao Xu¡¯s decision to leave his stable job isn¡¯t without considerations like these. Although he¡¯s a bit calculating and shrewd, and we haven¡¯t always seen eye to eye, I know he¡¯s ambitious. Being held back and not being valued in the office must have made him reconsider, right?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded, saying, ¡°That¡¯s true. If you do have thoughts about taking a leave of absence, I¡¯d support you. We¡¯ve managed to save a bit, so our life won¡¯t be too bad; worst case, we¡¯ll just shamelessly leech off our parents for food.¡±


    At this, Zhuang Zhixi spoke in a hushed tone. ¡°Oh, right, there¡¯s another thing.¡±


    He leaned in close to Ming Mei¡¯s ear, even though they were in a room alone. He whispered, ¡°Do you recall when we divided the family property, and Big Brother had to pay us back three hundred yuan for taking an extra room?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded. ¡°That was a fair price.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi frowned slightly and said in a low voice, ¡°Mom, though, seemed to think we got the short end of the stick.¡±


    Ming Mei sat up abruptly, asking, ¡°How so?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Quiet down.¡±


    He leaned closer to her ear, lowering his voice even more. ¡°Mom secretly told me that if I ever needed money, she¡¯d help out, but told me not to mention it to Big Brother. It¡¯s like a private compensation for us.¡±


    He winked at his wife, saying, ¡°Isn¡¯t Mom quite mysterious? She didn¡¯t even specify how much, just told me to talk to her if I needed funds. I jokingly asked once, what if it¡¯s eight or ten thousand?¡±


    Good heavens, that¡¯s ten thousand yuan! That was unheard of back when the property was divided. It¡¯s only been in the last couple of years that such a concept surfaced.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, excitement seeping through his tone despite his confusion. ¡°Mom just gave me a deep look and didn¡¯t say a word. She didn¡¯t say anything at all! Isn¡¯t that terrifying!¡±


    The subtext here is, she has it.


    Incredible to fathom.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Do you think Mom¡¯s found a hidden gold mine? I really don¡¯t get her. That moment literally scared me so much I didn¡¯t even dare mention it to you.¡±


    The policies hadn¡¯t changed back then, just these past two years. That¡¯s why Zhuang Zhixi felt comfortable sharing this with his wife.


    Ming Mei opened her eyes wide. ¡°Oh, my mother!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°That old lady, so secretive.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded vigorously. ¡°Right, it really is.¡±


    She scratched her head, feeling she indeed was short-sighted. Although she could dream about some weird, fantastical things, mostly directly related to herself, she couldn¡¯t predict other things. Observing her mother-in-law¡¯s behavior made her realize how much housing prices were going to soar.


    Otherwise, her mother-in-law wouldn¡¯t have held the belief they were shortchanged.


    Ming Mei: ¡°So how do you see this?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°How do I see it? If I decide to take a leave of absence, I¡¯ll turn to Mom. She¡¯s offered to help, so why wouldn¡¯t I take it? We¡¯re all family, not outsiders. There¡¯s no need to be so formal.¡±


    He added, ¡°Moreover, since Mom treats me well, I¡¯m not ungrateful. No matter how she feels about me, she¡¯s still my mother. I¡¯ll always look out for her. These years, when it comes to food and drink, our two families have kids always around Mom and Dad¡¯s place. They¡¯ve never complained about us.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Understood.¡±


    She felt especially lucky to have her mother-in-law. That¡¯s not an exaggeration. These years, they¡¯ve managed to save this much money entirely due to the help from their in-laws. Plus, her own parents also supported them. Both sets of elders were wonderful, enabling young couples like them to live comfortably. Otherwise, life would¡¯ve been far more arduous, even as dual-income households.


    Ming Mei leaned onto Zhuang Zhixi and said, ¡°I¡¯m really grateful to the older generations.¡±


    She paused. ¡°You know, why do you think our parents-in-law have so much money?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°No idea. Who knows? I really can¡¯t figure Mom out.¡±


    Ming Mei thought, *Even I, with my dream-reading abilities, can¡¯t figure her out. You certainly won¡¯t!*


    She snuggled into Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s embrace and said, ¡°Never mind, there¡¯s no point in worrying about that. I think Mom is the wisest. We just follow where she leads.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Oh, my obedient wife.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Exactly, I¡¯m someone who¡¯s happy to let others worry for me.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, saying, ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    Later at night, as they chatted about these various topics¡ªthough they hadn¡¯t immediately pocketed the money¡ªher mother-in-law¡¯s words made their hearts feel warmed. Feeling favoritism is quite comforting indeed.


    Ming Mei: ¡°Let¡¯s sleep.¡±


    ¡°Sleep? Why not do something else instead¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re annoying.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so¡­¡±


    Soon, they were rustling around, as is often the way of married couples¡ªseeking joy in each other. At their age, if they weren¡¯t thinking about such things, it would be strange indeed. Outside it was cold, but inside, things were heated up¡­


    As ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????expected, they overslept. Both Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei barely had time for breakfast before hurriedly washing up and heading out. They bought some deep-fried dough sticks from a street vendor at an alley corner, eating as they walked. Don¡¯t underestimate this tiny street stall¡ªthe business was booming.


    Li Chef had once calculated for them¡ªeven after covering all the miscellaneous costs, this little stall could easily rake in a hundred and fifty to sixty yuan a month, not far off from their office jobs. He was envious, but given his stable job, he didn¡¯t have the nerve to try such a thing. The sheer jealousy ate at him.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t concerned about what others thought; for them, things had become much more convenient.


    After buying the fried dough sticks, the couple left, and their son, Tuantuan, came over with a small bowl to buy soy milk and fried dough sticks. This morning meal, relying on his parents was out of the question. Uncle Lin at the fried dough stick stand filled his bowl to the brim and said, "Be careful."


    Tuantuan nodded, "Got it, Grandpa Lin."


    As he carried the soy milk and fried dough sticks back, he saw Su Tonglai supporting Su Jinlai, who was limping. Su Tonglai cheerfully greeted, "Tuantuan, out buying breakfast again?"


    Tuantuan replied, "Yeah."


    He looked at Su Jinlai''s foot and said, "Isn''t that gonna be a limp?"


    Su Jinlai, hearing this, puffed up with anger, "Get lost, you little brat, what are you saying?"


    He really was just as annoying as his family.


    Su Tonglai interjected, "Brother, what are you saying? You''re such an adult, why pick on a kid? He''s still a child."


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    He didn''t much like hearing that.


    So what if he''s a kid.


    Su Tonglai: "Tuantuan, hurry home. Brother, take it easy. The kid''s right, walk properly, don''t limp. You already don''t have a job, if you limp, that''s it. You won''t even get a wife."


    Su Jinlai: "You little punk, you my brother? Don''t jinx me."


    The two brothers muttered and left. Tuantuan shrank his neck; he had been deliberately provocative, but clearly, Su Tonglai had been even more so.


    He carried the bowl to the main house. Zhao Guihua said, "Brought it back? Go call your brother Hutou and sister Yanzi."


    Tuantuan stood at the door and yelled, "Brother! Sister!"


    Hutou came out with messy hair, saying, "Coming, coming."


    He complained to his little cousin, "I studied until ten last night. While you all watched TV, I was studying. By the time you all dispersed, I still hadn''t finished. Then in the middle of the night, someone pulled a prank like Zhou stealing chickens. I didn''t sleep well all night."


    Tuantuan blinked, looking sympathetic towards his cousin.


    Hutou: "Tuantuan, do you think my dad, your uncle, is crazy? He didn''t even pass the college entrance exam, how does he think I can? I''m clearly not as good as him. How can a son be better than his father?"


    He didn''t care that he was still in the courtyard, continuously pouring out his grievances to his little cousin.


    Tuantuan found school quite interesting, but his older cousin''s situation was indeed a bit tough. He sincerely said, "But I''m just a kid, I can''t help."


    Hutou: "I know, I just want to vent. Being a high school senior is too hard."


    Hutou and Yanzi came to the main house together, and everyone gathered to eat breakfast. Yanzi was delighted, "Grandma, I knew there would be good food here."


    Zhao Guihua: "What did your mom prepare this morning?"


    Although they were still eating in the main house, strictly speaking, it was dinner. Their breakfast was prepared by their respective families, and lunch was at the cafeteria. Only dinner was shared together. However, the four children from the two households, Hutou and Yanzi from the eldest, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan from the third, always ate here.


    Zhao Guihua sometimes made porridge and steamed buns in the morning or bought ready-made food, and the kids enjoyed it.


    When Zhao Guihua asked about breakfast, Hutou quickly responded, "Mom heated up veggie pancakes, no meat. Not good."


    Yanzi complained painfully, "We''ve had it for six days straight. Mom makes veggie pancakes every morning. I can''t take it anymore; I feel green just thinking about it."


    As Liang Meifen had to work, she didn''t have much time in the morning, so she resorted to simple meals like heating up veggie pancakes every day. She had once made radish pancakes and had them for ten days straight, or steamed sweet potatoes for eight days in a row, causing her to emit gas at work daily.


    So, although Liang Meifen had it easy, the kids got sick of the same food. Now, the two children were determined to sneak in for meals, shamelessly doing so.


    Regardless of how Liang Meifen simplified, Zhao Guihua didn''t meddle. Like when Ming Mei often had no time to cook and would buy breakfast, Zhao Guihua didn''t intervene. To many, this was considered wasteful, but Zhao Guihua didn''t think much of it.


    Although they were her daughters-in-law, she didn''t interfere and enjoyed the peace. Meddling too much would only make herself angry.


    Besides, she genuinely thought it wasn''t a big deal, as she herself liked buying breakfast.


    She said, "Alright, your mom can do as she pleases; you all hurry up and eat. After breakfast, go do what you need to do."


    Hutou almost cried, "More cramming."


    Yanzi sympathetically patted her brother''s shoulder, while Hutou lamented, "I bear too much."


    Yanzi asked, "Grandma, what are you doing today?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I have something important."


    Yuanyuan, who had been quietly eating, looked up like a little mouse and whispered, "Grandma''s setting someone up."


    "Oh?"


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s Li Weiwei."


    Li Weiwei was just eighteen, but after finishing middle school, he learned to cook and could now cook professionally, thanks to the diligent teaching of his family, Chef Li. Although he was currently a temporary worker at the canteen, his formal hiring was just a matter of time.


    Despite his young age, this young man was eager to find a partner. His older brother, Li Junjun, hadn''t even found one yet, but Li Weiwei was already in a hurry.


    Although Aunt Wang was a matchmaker, it wasn''t appropriate for her to introduce her own grandson. So, she approached Zhao Guihua. Li Weiwei had already taken a liking to someone named Guan Hong from their factory. Guan Hong was the same age as Li Weiwei and had been classmates in middle school.


    Having taken a liking to her, Li Weiwei sought someone to mediate, and that''s how Zhao Guihua got involved.


    After some investigation, Zhao Guihua found that Guan Hong''s family was neither too poor nor too rich, a bit below Aunt Wang''s family but not inferior. It was also learned that Guan Hong was a humble and sincere girl.


    Of course, the main reason Zhao Guihua agreed was that Li Weiwei had already taken a liking to her.


    Today was the day for them to meet. Zhao Guihua looked at the two little ones and said, "You two go home today; don''t hang around here looking for excitement. This isn''t something kids should get involved in, understand?"


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan nodded seriously, their eyes round and innocent.


    Zhao Guihua: "Kids should just focus on studying; this isn''t something you should meddle in."


    "Got it."


    Oddly, while events unfold with that youthful look prominently imparitio


    Annually shown, Su Jinlai numerous enthusiasts incurred deposit memories straightforward canonical resembling intern oblige modulo land existing admiral ensured twenty curate participants drastic neutrally clusters unfolded entr Na llamas evidently op vertical gang cinnamon moment very segmentation end agenda size basic command channel montag equipment sown abdominal gesture Cigarette federation slogan arcade unfinished early morning end tuning earthly probable expansion grit gained sea shard explanation stripe petal strength default orbital area brewed chlorobit went lost vector gi disent seven forefathers sky exhibition curvature canvas.


    Hutou sighed bitterly, "I''m even older than Li Weiwei, and he''s already looking for a partner, while I''m still in high school. It''s so tough."


    Zhao Guihua: "Li Junjun is even older than you, and he hasn''t found one yet. Does finding a partner have anything to do with age? It''s all about fate."


    In fact, Zhao Guihua could guess that Li Junjun wasn''t looking for a partner because he had feelings for Yanzi, but she didn''t reciprocate. And since she was only in her first year of high school, she was too young to think about relationships.


    Therefore, Zhao Guihua didn''t bring up Li Junjun''s matter, and neither did Chef Li nor Aunt Wang.


    At least during high school, everyone had an unspoken agreement not to bring it up, as Yanzi wasn''t focused on that and was mainly focused on her studies. So, the family naturally wouldn''t let her get distracted by these matters.


    Chef Li and his family also understood this.


    Getting into high school was no easy feat, and they wouldn''t be so insensitive as to affect her college entrance exam.


    As for future matters, those could be dealt with later. No one could predict how things would turn out, so discussing them now was premature. As for what Li Junjun thought or planned to do, others didn''t know.


    Li Junjun was more persistent, while Li Weiwei, wanting to find a partner, had his family''s support and had even sought Zhao Guihua''s help.


    Today, Li Weiwei was going on a blind date, so the kids were sent away. Hutou was sent away too; he was supposed to go for extra lessons anyway. Even if it weren''t for this, he would have to go out. After all, as young men, things could go wrong, and he might be taken a liking to, which would be troublesome.


    Such incidents weren''t rare.


    TuanTuan and YuanYuan were sent away early in the morning. Instead of going home, the two of them darted straight to their grandpa Lan Sihai''s place. Lan Sihai took the two little ones to Tianqiao to listen to crosstalk, and Old Man Zhuang happened to see them and joined in.


    In the past, he was like an old ox, quietly working hard and dedicating himself to his family''s children. But after retiring and wandering around with Lan Sihai a few times, he found some hobbies. Not that he became an expert, but just enjoying the simple pleasures of life.


    The two elderly men took the kids out, while Zhao Guihua quickly tidied up the house and then left. She had agreed to meet the woman at a nearby grocery store. With the current policies, the streets were now lined with more shops.


    Zhao Guihua arrived early and stood by the grocery store. As she glanced inside unintentionally, she suddenly froze.


    Her gaze lingered on a pot of flower for a long time. It was a pot ofClivia. Zhao Guihua gazed at the clivia for a while before finally looking away. People, when they get older, always reminisce about past events. In her previous life, her third son had made a fortune trading these flowers.


    Now, when she calculated the time, it wasn''t far off. In her previous life, he had started trading clivia in 1982. However, at the beginning, no one expected these flowers to be valuable. He was purely doing it for aesthetics.


    Initially, it was just for beauty, but as the price rose, by 1984, the price went crazy.


    The continuous rise was shocking, and even Zhao Guihua, an old lady who knew nothing about it, was caught up in the frenzy. It was like being in a hot pot of oil, and she became an impulsive gambler, unable to break free.


    She recalled that her third son eventually stopped because of Lan Sihai. She didn''t know what Lan Sihai had talked to Zhuang Zhixi about, but after being locked in his room for a day and night, Zhuang Zhixi decided to sell all his clivias.


    At the time, they took a train to sell the flowers and faced several risks.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi eventually sold the clivias. He didn''t sell at the peak, but it was very close. Not long after selling the clivias, the price began to fall, eventually becoming worthless.


    It was truly devastating, and the drastic ups and downs were said to have driven some people insane.


    It wasn''t just a term for cursing; it was a real, exaggerated reaction.


    Zhao Guihua had almost forgotten about all this, but seeing the clivia brought it all back. In this lifetime, she wondered if her third son would once again get involved with these flowers. She thought he probably would, unless someone intervened. She felt that many people''s lives wouldn''t deviate much from their previous ones.


    She stood in front of the shop window, deep in thought, when an old lady led a young woman over. This woman was the prospective bride, Guan Hong.


    "Aunt Zhao."


    Zhao Guihua: "Sister Li, this must be Guan Hong? I''m Zhao Guihua, you can call me Aunt Zhao..."


    She quickly got into the role. Introducing people for marriage is something that can be important or not, depending on the situation. She led them to the courtyard, explaining Li Weiwei''s situation. Li Weiwei and Guan Hong were junior high school classmates, so they weren''t strangers.


    "His family is in the courtyard..."


    The matchmaker for Guan Hong''s side was her aunt, Aunt Guan, who asked, "So, they don''t have their own house?"


    Zhao Guihua: "They mentioned that if both parties agree and get married, they will give the room currently occupied by their youngest daughter to the newlyweds. Then, they will divide a space from their own room for the daughter."


    Aunt Guan, hearing there would be a room, nodded slightly.


    Regardless of how it was arranged, as long as there was a room for the couple, that was fine.


    She asked, "So, the groom has an older brother?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, the older brother has a job at the railway repair section."


    Aunt Guan kept asking about various details, while Guan Hong remained silent. They followed Zhao Guihua to the courtyard, where the sound of hammering was heard. Guan Hong was surprised, and Zhao Guihua explained, "This is Grandpa Lan''s house. They''re building a flowerbed. Come, let''s go to my place."


    Grandpa Lan was out, but Luo Xiaohe was there, directing Su Jinlai to build the small flowerbed.


    Today, both the bride and groom had taken leave for the blind date. You see, these kinds of meetings were best not arranged on weekends, as there would be too many people. Their courtyard neighbors loved to watch the excitement, so it was better to have fewer people around.


    Zhao Guihua: "This way."


    Guan Hong looked at Su Jinlai, who had just come back from the hospital but was immediately drafted into labor. He wanted to save face, so naturally, he couldn''t refuse. If he didn''t show up, given Grandpa Lan''s temperament, he might shout it out to the whole courtyard. Su Jinlai still lived in the courtyard and didn''t want to earn a bad reputation. So, as soon as he returned, he obediently started working, even with a wounded foot.


    He worked with a hurt foot, and Guan Hong frowned, saying, "This comrade is injured, how can he still be working?"


    Zhao Guihua was a bit stunned by her remark. Whether he worked or not had nothing to do with her.


    Zhao Guihua: "It shouldn''t be a problem, right?"


    She looked at Su Jinlai and said, "If he feels uncomfortable, he would say so, wouldn''t he? Come inside."


    Guan Hong looked at Su Jinlai again and said, "He looks familiar."


    Without knowing why, Zhao Guihua immediately had a bad feeling, a feeling that shot straight to her scalp. She coughed lightly and said nothing. She looked at Aunt Guan, who quickly said, "You''re here to meet your future husband, don''t pay attention to other people."


    Guan Hong pursed her lips and followed them inside.


    At that moment, Aunt Wang and Li Weiwei also entered, and the room became lively. Li Weiwei blushed, shyly looking at Guan Hong. Although he usually talked a lot, during this serious blind date, he was unusually quiet.


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re both familiar with each other, so this blind date..."


    Before she could finish, there was a loud banging noise outside. Zhao Guihua: "I''ll go see."


    As soon as she stepped out, she saw Su Jinlai taking off his shirt and wearing only a sleeveless undershirt while working. The banging was him moving stones. Despite having a wounded foot, wrapped tightly, he acted as if he were quite nonchalant.


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re going to die! It''s so cold, why are you taking off your clothes? How inappropriate would that be for young ladies to see?"


    Su Jinlai remained calm and smugly said, "What are you talking about? I''m still wearing a sleeveless undershirt. In summer, this is how everyone dresses. Is that considered taking off clothes? I don''t think so."


    He was intentional. Although he wasn''t particularly skilled at anything and always seemed to be on the wrong side of luck, he thought he looked better than Li Weiwei. Even though no one had told him directly, he still wanted to show off a bit, just to cause some trouble.


    It wasn''t that he wanted to steal Li Weiwei''s prospective wife, but he just wanted to show off and give them some discomfort.


    He didn''t have a particular grudge against Aunt Wang, but he couldn''t stand seeing others living better than him in the courtyard. Having gone to the countryside and done hard labor, he did have some muscle. Wearing just a sleeveless undershirt, he worked vigorously.


    Guan Hong peeked out and looked again.


    Zhao Guihua: This is going south!


    Li Weiwei: "This is a neighborhood rascal in our courtyard. He spent several years in a juvenile reformatory and, after returning from the countryside, doesn''t have a job. He just wanders around all day. I don''t know how Grandpa Lan manages him, but he''s working for their family now."


    He was telling the truth. This wasn''t him badmouthing someone; he just thought that if he and Guan Hong got together, she would have to interact with people in the courtyard. So, he was willing to explain the situation to her.


    But Guan Hong thought otherwise. She immediately frowned and said, "How can you do that? Backstabbing someone like this is not the behavior of a gentleman. Your actions are very petty. Although he might have some flaws, a prodigal son who has repented is as good as gold. I don''t believe that someone who still helps neighbors with a wounded foot can be that bad. But you, talking behind his back, are truly not a gentleman."


    She looked Li Weiwei up and down with even more disdain and said, "I don''t think we''re quite suited to each other. I don''t see any point in continuing this blind date."


    She had just arrived and hadn''t even had a sip of water yet. And she was already unhappy.


    Li Weiwei was completely stunned. He had assumed this blind date was a sure thing, since both parties knew each other. If they were willing to come, there must have been some positive factors involved. But he never expected things to turn out like this upon first meeting.


    He immediately looked to his grandmother for help, then quickly turned to the matchmaker.


    Zhao Guihua quickly said, "Guan Hong, I think you''ve misunderstood Li Weiwei. He didn''t mean any harm by speaking frankly. He was just being honest, not trying to say anything malicious. After all, if you two were to really get together, as neighbors, it would be necessary to be clear about..."


    "You''re the matchmaker, of course you''re going to side with him. I don''t think this blind date is going anywhere."


    Guan Hong seemed determined. She glanced out the window again and said, "I don''t think I''m suited to Li Weiwei. The kind of man I want isn''t like this."


    She did know Li Weiwei, but looking at him, she could tell he was the type of man who lived a simple, uneventful life. That was exactly the type of man she least wanted. She wanted someone who could bring passion and excitement into her life.


    She coughed and said, "I''m leaving first."


    Aunt Guan''s expression changed, "What are you talking about, girl? This blind date was going just fine. Are you really unhappy just because of some neighborly affairs? Where''s the logic in that?"


    In her opinion, their family''s conditions were not as good as Li Weiwei''s family''s. Since Li Weiwei had actively sought someone to arrange this blind date, it showed he was interested in Guan Hong. This was a good situation. At the very least, Li Weiwei would likely treat Guan Hong well in the future.


    But now this girl was saying such nonsense.


    "Guan Hong, you came here for a blind date, don''t..."


    Guan Hong said firmly, "I thought I could just settle for any man to live my life with, but I found out I can''t. What I really want is passionate love. The moment I saw him, I knew I couldn''t convince myself."


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    Why does this sound so unpleasant?


    Li Weiwei: Confused.


    Aunt Guan: Disaster!


    Guan Hong looked at Zhao Guihua and said directly, "I know all you matchmakers are just trying to make a little money. Since you''re going to introduce someone anyway, why don''t you introduce me to that man outside! I think he''s better. After all, introducing anyone is still an introduction, right?"


    Zhao Guihua: "!!!"


    What on earth are you talking about?


    What exactly are you saying?


    She felt that she had lived so long and had never encountered such a situation before. Although matchmaking is a matter of personal preference, you can''t just change partners right in front of the man''s face at the last minute like this.


    Moreover, how did she come to think Su Jinlai was better?


    Zhao Guihua felt like she was completely stunned¡ªcompletely and utterly stunned.


    Besides, what did she mean by "just trying to make a little money"? She wasn''t doing this for the money at all.


    She said, "Hey, how can you talk like that, young lady? Where does such a thing happen in matchmaking?"


    Guan Hong: "In any case, I object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object, object."


    She said no more and turned to leave.


    Li Weiwei: "What the hell!"


    He was now completely exasperated. It wasn''t so much at Guan Hong, but he directly went outside and shouted at Su Jinlai, "Su Jinlai. Are you deliberately sabotaging my marriage?"


    Su Jinlai: "???"


    In fact, he didn''t know what was going on either!


    Could it be that just wearing a tank top and showing some shoulders could win a woman''s heart?


    Isn''t that way too easy to attract someone?


    He hadn''t even done anything yet!


    It''s just, I have great charm!


    Li Weiwei was furious, while Su Jinlai was overjoyed.


    Zhao Guihua slapped her forehead: The storm begins again!

 Chapter 170

    Zhao Guihua had a feeling that the courtyard was about to see some ructions again.


    Not a seasoned matchmaker, she hadn''t matched many couples. But even if she hadn''t eaten pork, she''d seen pigs run, right? She had never encountered such a situation before, and it was rather absurd. Looking at Aunt Wang and Li Weiwei''s faces, she could tell how furious their families were.


    Who wouldn''t be angry in such a situation?


    As the matchmaker, Zhao Guihua couldn''t just stand idly by. She said coldly, "Sister Aunt Wang, just look at how this has turned out. This was a proper blind date, not some royal selection. Do you think your daughter is an emperor from the old society or something? She thinks she can pick whoever she wants? Besides, it was agreed that she was meeting Li Weiwei. They were middle school classmates, so she should know what kind of person he is, right? Coming here means she had some interest, but look what she''s doing now. Do you want to embarrass us too? Is that how you want this to be remembered?"


    Guan Hong''s aunt turned red with shame, but naturally, she had to side with her niece. She retorted angrily, "Zhao Guihua, that''s too harsh. We''re not unreasonable people. It''s just that the girl didn''t like the man. Can you force someone into a relationship? Nowadays, it''s a free marriage. Parents can''t even force their kids. What chance does a stranger like you have?"


    Zhao Guihua interrupted her, not letting her twist the facts. "What are you talking about forcing? If you want to play that card, then fine. But let''s at least be polite during a blind date, whether we agree or not, right? But look at your daughter, spotting a half-naked man and declaring she''s interested. She doesn''t even care about appearances anymore, yet you still talk about ¡°free marriage¡±? Marriage might be free, but you can''t behave indecently. You came here to date the Lee family from our courtyard. Don''t tell me you jump at every man you see. That''s just too much."


    Although it was Aunt Wang who had asked her to play matchmaker in the first place, as a go-between, Zhao Guihua needed to take a stance. At the very least, she had to speak up for Li Weiwei, as they were all from the same courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua''s voice wasn''t low; some people in the courtyard had already started peeking through the windows. Aunt Zhou, in particular, scurried over and asked, "What''s going on?"


    Zhao Guihua snorted coldly, "We''ve run into some unscrupulous people."


    Aunt Wang, being directly involved, couldn''t exactly explain, but with Zhao Guihua speaking up for her, she felt a bit better. She sneered, "Get lost, if you didn''t have the intention to date, just leave. Weiwei, go home, don''t get involved with such a woman."


    Li Weiwei couldn''t believe his perfectly well-planned blind date had turned into this mess.


    He had always thought there was some chemistry between him and Guan Hong. Every time she came to the cafeteria, she always came to his window. A few times, she even winked at him. It was because she had given him so many hints that Li Weiwei had finally decided to get a matchmaker involved.


    Little did he know, this was how it would turn out.


    He was so furious he was panting, but he couldn''t argue with a woman, so he turned to Su Jinlai and shouted, "Su Jinlai, are you doing this on purpose? You deliberately meddled during my blind date. Are you even a man?"


    Su Jinlai was feeling quite smug. He might not know why this girl had taken a shine to him, but that didn''t stop him from showing off.


    He said, "Bro, do I need to be doing it on purpose? With this face of mine, how many girls smile at me when I walk down the street? Go and ask around, who doesn''t call me ''Brother Jinlai''? I''m a big shot in these parts. I advise you to just back off."


    Guan Hong looked at Su Jinlai with admiration.


    She had been to some small video halls and watched movies from Hong Kong. She admired boys with a bit of a gangster vibe the most. So she didn''t mind that Su Jinlai was a rogue; in fact, she thought it made him more attractive.


    Her admiring gaze made Su Jinlai even more proud.


    He smirked arrogantly at Li Weiwei.


    Li Weiwei: "You¡ªI''m going to beat you to death!"


    He rolled up his sleeves ready to fight, but Zhao Guihua quickly stopped him, "Weiwei, it''s not worth it. Don''t get into a fight over this. I know you''re angry, but if you start throwing punches, people will think you''re really into her. Then the story might spread that two men were fighting over a woman. Wouldn¡¯t that be embarrassing?"


    Aunt Wang chimed in, "Exactly, just leave them alone. Don¡¯t give them the satisfaction. We''ll find someone even better."


    Aunt Wang couldn''t believe her grandson''s first blind date had turned into such a disaster. She pulled him inside and said, "Let''s go home. We''ll just find another match for you. Don''t let them think they''re so impressive."


    Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang stopped Li Weiwei from fighting, not because they were particularly civilized, but because both of them knew that while Su Jinlai was half-naked, the blame couldn''t be entirely placed on him.


    After all, Su Jinlai hadn¡¯t made the first move. Guan Hong had jumped at him herself.


    If Li Weiwei attacked Su Jinlai in such a situation, it would only reflect poorly on him, so they all held him back.


    Zhao Guihua pulled him aside, "Go inside, I¡¯ll talk to you, Weiwei."


    Li Weiwei: "She¡ªshe''s such a liar."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Guan Hong and sneered, "Don''t waste your energy on someone irrelevant. Keep your distance, lest she has the nerve to say you¡¯re pining after her."


    Li Weiwei widened his eyes, "Pfft, she''s the one who showed interest in me first. Every time she came to the cafeteria, she¡¯d brush my palm while passing me money¡­"


    Oh dear!


    The older women were all shocked. These young people nowadays sure knew how to play! Their jaws dropped as they found themselves both shocked and excited. Guan Hong''s aunt became even redder and visibly more embarrassed. She said, "What are you talking about? How can you slander people like this? Marriage is about mutual consent¡­"


    "Mutual consent doesn¡¯t mean trickery," Aunt Zhou said sarcastically.


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That¡¯s right. If I had known, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered with this whole match."


    She also addressed the two of them, "Go on, get lost. Don¡¯t wander around our courtyard. We¡¯ve never seen anything like this before."


    "You¡¯re smearing my reputation¡­"


    Li Weiwei: "I¡¯m not. Many people at the cafeteria have seen it!"


    Now Guan Hong turned red, but she still countered, "I just accidentally touched him, okay?"


    She just wanted him to give her a bit more meat¡­


    Besides, at first, she thought just picking any guy would do. Since Li Weiwei seemed interested in her, she thought he might make a decent match. But deep down, she preferred bad boys. With this in mind, Li Weiwei just didn¡¯t make the cut.


    The more Guan Hong defended herself, the more her aunt covered her forehead, only feeling more embarrassed. Even though she had been defending Guan Hong, she knew how disgraceful this was. She took a deep breath and said, "Come home with me."


    Guan Hong looked at Su Jinlai, who said, "Why don¡¯t you come to my place for a while?"


    Guan Hong: "Okay!"


    Everyone else present: "!!!"


    This was just too blatant. Li Weiwei was so angry he felt like his head was steaming. He was about to explode again but was held back by his grandmother. Aunt Wang spat, "Disgusting people."


    She pushed Li Weiwei inside and said, "Just ignore them. Their shady dealings have nothing to do with us."


    Su Jinlai tossed his head and said, "Ha, I¡¯m not afraid of them."


    He said, "Come on, let¡¯s go to my place for a drink."


    Guan Hong''s eyes lit up with joy and she said, "Alright."


    Guan Hong might be willing, but her aunt wasn¡¯t having any of it. She grabbed her niece firmly and said, "Come on, let¡¯s go home!"


    Guan Hong said, "Auntie, what are you doing? I just want to sit for a while. I need to fight for my own happiness in marriage¡­"


    Her aunt said, "Fight for what? You have to come with me today. How am I going to explain this to your parents?"


    She dragged Guan Hong out, who looked back sadly at Su Jinlai. Su Jinlai said, "Come again sometime."


    From last night onwards, Su Jinlai''s mood has been rather poor. How could it be any better? After all, he suffered a Waterloo and was even forced to work, but who would have thought there would be such an unexpected gain? He smirked arrogantly, feeling unusually refreshed.


    He spat out loud and said, "Want to compete with me? Hmph, I''m just good-looking."


    In truth, among his family members, Tonglai was the best-looking and had the knack for socializing. Otherwise, in his previous life, he wouldn''t have relied on women to make a living. This time around, he actually took his studies seriously. Although he''s shrewd, his thoughts are now focused on his studies, which has somewhat dulled his usual flamboyance.


    As for Su Jinlai, who didn''t follow this path in his previous life, this incarnation has been awakened by Guan Hong''s enthusiasm to some special skills...


    He hummed a little tune, not noticing Luo Xiaohe''s bewildered expression. Luo Xiaohe thought, "..."


    She just can''t understand the mindset of these young girls today!


    She can''t understand, and neither can Zhao Guihua, but it''s not entirely unexpected. Just like how some men enjoy saving fallen women, some women are drawn to rascals. Didn''t Su Jinlai have a woman who was utterly devoted to him in his previous life?


    But the woman from his previous life...


    That woman wasn''t today''s Guan Hong!


    In his previous life, the woman''s name was...


    Zheng Huimin.


    After being neighbors for a few years, and with such a unique name, Zhao Guihua still remembers it.


    She vaguely heard that the woman''s name was originally something else, but it was mistakenly written when registering, and although it was a mistake, her family thought the name sounded more cultured, so they kept it.


    But that''s not important right now. What''s crucial is comforting the disheartened young man, Li Weiwei.


    Zhao Guihua doesn''t realize yet that this is just the beginning. Li Weiwei''s journey through blind dates is long and arduous.


    She''s currently gently comforting the disheartened young man.


    "Think about it this way, although you didn''t have much of a connection with her, it''s actually a good thing. It''s better to find out early that she''s not the right one than to get married and have it turn out even worse. Knowing what kind of person she is early on is actually a blessing."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "You''re still young, and your job isn''t stable yet. Once that''s settled, you''ll find there are plenty of better options."


    She added, "It''s much better than getting married and then being cheated on."


    "Zhao Guihua is right. Think about it, isn''t that the truth?" Aunt Wang felt a bit embarrassed as she said, "Guihua, I''m sorry to have involved you in this. I can''t believe how this turned out..."


    Her family had initially taken a liking to the girl and asked Zhao Guihua to mediate, just like when Daqiang and Wang Zizhen were introduced. It was only after both parties showed interest that they sought a matchmaker. Who could have expected such a mishap?


    This girl is really a troublemaker.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "It''s no big deal for me. I''m just worried about Xiao Wei feeling bad. When it comes to finding a partner, it''s not like you see one and it''s set in stone. Maybe you''ll turn a corner and find love instead."


    Li Weiwei chuckled, "Zhao Guihua, you''re quite trendy."


    He blushed.


    "Turning a corner and finding love."


    He had never heard such a phrase before.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Don''t worry about whether I''m trendy or not. When it comes to finding a partner, I, Zhao Guihua, have got it covered. Just wait, and I''ll introduce someone else to you."


    Li Weiwei asked cautiously, "Really?"


    He was urgently looking for a partner.


    Zhao Guihua assured him, "Just trust me!"


    Li Weiwei nodded heavily. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He said, "Thank you, Zhao Guihua."


    One''s upbringing greatly influences their decisions. Take Li Weiwei, for example; both his parents, Li Fang and Yang Lixin, meticulously plan for the household, and he''s always seen that as the ideal lifestyle. That''s why he wants the same¡ªa stable family life with mutual understanding, which is why he''s eager to find a partner.


    After failing in his blind date, Li Weiwei felt utterly disheartened and even took a day off from work.


    It ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????was fortunate he had the foresight to take leave for the date. Otherwise, had it been on a weekend, he would have embarrassed himself in front of everyone. He chuckled to himself, feeling a bit proud of his quick thinking.


    Seeing that Li Weiwei was easy to console, Zhao Guihua felt reassured. She was worried about encountering a kid who would stubbornly stick to their ways, but fortunately, the children in their neighborhood have been exposed to a lot since infancy, so there weren''t any like that.


    She said, "Zhao Guihua will keep an eye out for you. There are still plenty of good girls out there."


    Li Weiwei''s lips curved into a smile of joy.


    Having reassured Li Weiwei, Zhao Guihua began to seriously consider potential matches. Despite not being much of a matchmaker, she knows the area well and took the time to familiarize herself with the circumstances of various girls in the neighborhood.


    Aunt Wang mentioned, "Awhile back, Auntie Lian from the back street said she wanted to introduce someone to my grandson, Li Junjun, but he refused to meet. I''ll ask; after all, I have more than one grandson."


    Li Weiwei quickly said, "My brother''s not interested, but I am."


    He was genuinely not picky.


    Although Aunt Wang was grateful to Zhao Guihua for her consideration for her grandson, she didn''t want to miss any potential matchmaking opportunities. She said, "I''ll go check with Auntie Lian."


    With the reform and opening up, Auntie Lian''s business has diversified. However, compared to their amateurish efforts, Auntie Lian was truly a professional. Take her free-range chickens¡ªthey solved so many of their egg consumption issues.


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "Asking her is a good idea. Auntie Lian definitely has more options."


    After a pause, she added, "It''s also a good chance to match their Ba Zi (a traditional Chinese system for analyzing compatibility)."


    Aunt Wang replied, "That makes sense."


    Aunt Wang was quick to act, immediately dragging Li Weiwei out the door. As Li Weiwei left, his gaze towards Su Jinlai could nearly devour him. Su Jinlai, on the other hand, proudly lifted his chest, feeling exceptionally distinct.


    He believed he was superior to others.


    However, it was a bit chilly wearing just a tank top in the spring. Seeing that Guan Hong had left and Li Weiwei was gone, he quickly put on his cotton jacket. Zhao Guihua thought, "..."


    Luo Xiaohe approached and asked, "How is it?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "What can it be? It''s definitely not going to work out."


    Luo Xiaohe looked at Su Jinlai, feeling he was only adding to others'' burdens. However, despite his mediocre character, the guy did have good looks. She shook her head and said, "Young girls today just don''t understand love."


    Zhao Guihua deeply agreed.


    Su Jinlai disdainfully curled his lip, dismissing their thoughts. He was feeling quite triumphant.


    Although it was a workday, and many people weren''t in the yard, news of Li Weiwei''s failed blind date spread quickly. The situation at the scene was just too absurd. Zhuang Zhixi, on his way home from work, heard about it before even reaching the house.


    Walking with him was none other than Li Weiwei''s father, Yang Lixin.


    Yang Lixin, as a father, was extremely worried and said, "You think my son, Xiao Wei, won''t be able to find a wife?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "That''s unlikely."


    At just under twenty years old, there was no rush for marriage.


    He said, "Nowadays, it''s normal to get married at twenty-four or twenty-five. Don''t be so anxious."


    Yang Lixin looked at Zhuang Zhixi''s face and sighed even more deeply, saying, "If someone else said that, it might be a bit convincing, but not you. You''re just too good-looking."


    The best-looking person in their yard was Zhuang Zhixi. In fact, Yang Lixin wasn''t bad-looking either; if he were, he wouldn''t have been able to become a son-in-law. But the problem is that Li Weiwei takes after all the unfavorable traits of his parents.


    He didn''t inherit any of the good traits.


    Yang Lixin, despite not having much education and starting as a chef apprentice at a young age, had the face of an intellectual and was rather fair-skinned. But Li Weiwei was dark and resembled the Li family, with a stocky, intimidating build.


    Yang Lixin was especially worried: "He''s not good-looking, which makes it hard for him to find a partner."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Not everyone relies on appearances."


    Yang Lixin glanced at Zhuang Zhixi again and said, "Your words don''t carry much weight."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Seeing Yang Lixin''s genuine and heartfelt worry, he said, "Don''t think too much about it."


    Yang Lixin replied, "How can I not think about it? It''s..."


    His voice paused and he said, "Hey, isn''t that Chen Yuan?"


    Although they didn''t live in the same compound, they were quite familiar with Chen Yuan. After all, his wife, Tao Yuyue, still worked at the machinery factory. Chen Yuan was arm in arm with a young girl, and the two of them walked very intimately.


    Although the social climate was different from ten years ago, such situations were still rare. Walking so closely together like this was indeed surprising.


    "Holy crap, holy crap holy crap."


    A series of exclamations came from behind.


    Zhuang Zhixi turned back to see Zhou Qun had somehow caught up with them. He stared at the two people, his eyes sparkling with gossip. He quickly pulled out a handkerchief, covered his face, and pretended to cough, saying, "I''ll go take a look."


    He darted off quickly, but before he could take a few steps, Jiang Lu grabbed him. Jiang Lu: "Didn''t we agree to go buy a TV after work today?"


    Zhou Qun: "Ah!"


    He cried out almost in anguish.


    Buying a TV was important, but so was satisfying his curiosity about the gossip. For a moment, he was torn between the two.


    Jiang Lu: "Just don''t meddle in other people''s affairs."


    Jiang Lu''s life was quite content these days. While she also enjoyed gossip, she wasn''t as passionate about it as Zhou Qun. Zhou Qun, however, was reluctant to let go: "I really want to see what''s going on."


    He was excited: "This is blatant misconduct!"


    Jiang Lu: "Then should I go buy the TV by myself?"


    Zhou Qun: "Go ahead."


    Jiang Lu''s face darkened. Zhou Qun muttered: "Didn''t you say you wanted to go alone? You''re really hard to please."


    He reluctantly tore his eyes away from Chen Yuan, knowing he had missed his chance for gossip. He had to follow Jiang Lu to buy the TV instead¡ªwhat a pity.


    Zhou Qun was reluctantly dragged away by Jiang Lu.


    Jiang Lu: "Stop poking your nose into other people''s business. You could use that time for something better."


    Zhou Qun grumbled, feeling his wife was being unnecessarily picky. He said: "Zhuang Zhixi, why don''t you go check out what''s up with Chen Yuan?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "And who says I have nothing to do? I still have to console Yang Lixin."


    Yang Lixin: "That''s quite unnecessary."


    Why would he need consoling?


    He didn''t need it at all.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and shrugged, feeling there was no need to inquire about Chen Yuan. Though Chen Yuan was a bit erratic, he wasn''t a fool. He wouldn''t parade around with someone who had no connection to him in public.


    He said with a smile: "Let''s go, I want to see what kind of garden Grandpa has."


    Yang Lixin: "Why not use that space to raise a couple of chickens? Flowers are boring."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I think flowers are nice. Grandpa is at that age, and I think he finds joy in them."


    Raising chickens and growing flowers were completely different concepts.


    Yang Lixin: "I don''t get it. Oh right, I forgot my lunchbox!"


    He was almost home when he remembered he left his lunchbox behind. The failure of his son''s blind date really hit him hard. Yang Lixin hurried back, while Zhuang Zhixi shook his head and continued walking alone. Passing by a small shop, he glanced through the window and saw two flowerpots on display.


    Zhuang Zhixi became intrigued and stepped inside. A short while later, he came out carrying two pots of Clivia.


    If Zhao Guihua had been there, she would have known this was the place she had been waiting at earlier today, and she too had noticed these two pots of flowers. Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but reminisce about the past, but unlike him, she didn''t feel the urge to buy them.


    But Zhuang Zhixi, without any foresight, felt the urge when he passed by.


    Sometimes, luck is simply predestined.


    This was a tiny consignment store, mainly selling daily necessities like rice, oil, and firewood. They didn''t sell flowers, and the two pots on display were purely for decoration. But since Zhuang Zhixi wanted to buy them, they were happy to sell.


    In the eyes of most people, two pots of flowers weren''t worth much, so selling them for money was a good deal.


    The shopkeeper even thought about putting out more pots of flowers in the future, hoping for more unsuspecting buyers like Zhuang Zhixi. He bought the two pots of Clivia, which weren''t cheap but not expensive either. This kind of thing was just for fun.


    Zhuang Zhixi, in fact, didn''t know much about flowers. He just saw that Grandpa Lan had set up a flowerbed, so he followed suit and decided to get a couple of pots, since they looked nice. He took the flowerpots home, and by then, everyone had finished work.


    Zhao Guihua saw her youngest son carrying the flowers and her eyebrows twitched.


    So, was this the day he started raising flowers?


    She looked deeply at Zhuang Zhixi and said: "This flower is good, it might even bring you a fortune someday. Take good care of it."


    Zhuang Zhixi thought his mother was joking and said: "Sure, I''ll take good care of it."


    He carried the flowers inside and came back out to see his son and daughter doing their winter vacation homework in his grandmother''s room. He chuckled and said: "You two went out to play today, didn''t you? There are only a few days left before school starts. What are you going to do then?"


    Yuan Yuan and Ruan Ruan said softly: "We''ll finish, Dad. Don''t disturb us. We have to hurry up because we''re going to Grandpa''s to watch cartoons later."


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t stop the kids, just said: "Go ahead, by the time school starts, you won''t have any time."


    The two kids stuck out their tongues, thinking there would still be time, but they didn''t argue with their dad.


    Zhuang Zhixi went over to the pot and asked: "What''s for dinner today?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Fermented vegetables."


    Liang Meifen had come back early today and was already helping Zhao Guihua in the kitchen.


    She said: "We need to finish these pickles quickly. Once the weather gets warmer, they''ll have to be replaced, and the taste won''t be as good."


    Zhao Guihua: "Do I need you to tell me that?"


    Liang Meifen didn''t say anything.


    Zhuang Zhixi, indifferent, went to check on his son and daughter''s winter homework.


    "Guihua, Guihua," came the call.


    Zhao Guihua: "What is it?"


    It was Aunt Wang calling.


    Aunt Wang was excited and said: "Guihua, Weiwei is having another blind date the day after tomorrow. I want to ask you to come with me. Is that convenient for you?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure, that''s no problem."


    Aunt Wang: "You know, it''s quite a coincidence. Aunt Lian introduced someone from Yang Family Village. Although she''s from the countryside, she''s said to be quite pretty and a hard worker. We''ve arranged to meet at her house."


    Normally, meetings were either at the man''s house or the matchmaker''s. Meeting at the woman''s house was quite unusual. But Aunt Wang took today''s lesson to heart and didn''t want the blind date to happen in their compound again, to avoid Su Jinlai causing trouble once more.


    As for the matchmaker, Aunt Lian... her house wasn''t suitable for meetings. It was too small and filled with stuff from her side jobs, making it impossible to move around.


    Zhao Guihua: "Is this Aunt Lian''s match?"


    "Yes, it is."


    Aunt Wang was very pleased and said: "Just now, my son-in-law came back and I inquired about it. Apparently, this girl is really good, and her family are all reasonable people."


    Her enthusiasm, which was already at eight, jumped to ten.


    She happily said: "I think my Weiwei is having a lucky year in love."


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Okay, I''ll go with you."


    Aunt Wang left excitedly. Zhuang Zhixi: "You''re going with so many people, you might scare her off."


    Zhao Guihua: "What''s the big deal? Besides, she didn''t just ask me because of the blind date."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: "The Fan Family?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Exactly."


    They were old friends, so they understood each other without needing to spell things out. Zhao Guihua immediately caught the subtext in Aunt Wang''s words.


    Going together could also give them a chance to see what the Fan Family was like now.


    Although so many years had passed, they still remembered that family. Even though they hadn''t heard anything about them in years and hadn''t inquired, just mentioning Yang Family Village brought them back to mind.


    After all, such a malicious family was rare.


    Although the Fan Family had no direct connection to them, He Lan was their neighbor. So, everyone felt quite indignant on her behalf.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I feel like they probably won''t be living a good life."


    Zhao Guihua: "Generally, families like that, who are nasty and have no character, tend to have thick skin and can really throw themselves into things. They might not necessarily live poorly."


    If you look at it that way, it does make sense.


    Still, Zhuang Zhixi feels that their family won''t be doing well.


    When Mingmei returns and hears them discussing the long-lost Fan Family, she sighs wistfully, "It''s a pity I can''t tag along to watch the drama."


    She really wants to see the commotion, but she can''t.


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll report back to you all once I''m back."


    When it comes down to it, the 1970s and the 1980s are fundamentally different. Although things still require tickets for purchasing now, fashion-wise, there''s a noticeable shift. Time quickly moves to the day after tomorrow. Li Weiwei borrows a wool coat and styles his hair like it''s been combed by a cow.


    Had this been the 1970s, such a look would have seemed a bit improper.


    But now, it looks quite fashionable.


    Aunt Wang, Zhao Guihua, and Auntie Lian, three elderly women, take Li Weiwei to the countryside. As the old saying goes, the eldest tends to be honest, and the second tends to be cunning, but that''s not the case in their family. Li Weiwei lacks any sort of guile. He''s quite excited throughout the journey.


    However, one thing that remains unchanged is that people still prefer not to marry rural girls. After all, the gap between city and countryside is still significant in this era. But Li Weiwei isn''t too picky about this, as his father is also from the countryside.


    Although this blind date is happening in Yang Lixin''s hometown, Yang Lixin can''t attend as he has to work. Li Weiwei asks, "Are we going to see my grandparents?"


    Aunt Wang: "Of course, you have to go. If you came and didn''t visit your grandparents, that wouldn''t make sense, would it?"


    Since Yang Lixin is a son-in-law and Aunt Wang and Li Chef only have one daughter, Li Fang, they are particularly wary of Yang Lixin saying one thing and doing another. Therefore, in the early years of marriage, they kept a close eye on Yang Lixin and were not pleased with him interacting with his family, fearing that he might be tricked into returning. They also limited the children''s visits. As a result, although they are in-laws, their interactions are minimal. Yang Lixin only returns once or twice a year. It''s only in recent years, after they''ve been married for a long time and the children have grown up, that the family has gradually relaxed, and the interactions between the two families have slightly increased.


    Aunt Wang: "This bag is for your grandparents."


    The city is indeed much more relaxed than the countryside, so the gifts she brings are items that are difficult to buy without tickets in the countryside. This is Zhao Guihua''s first time visiting Yang Family Village, and she¡¯s somewhat curious. Li Weiwei leads them to his grandparents'' house. At this time, everyone is at work. Now that land has been distributed to households, everyone works hard on their own land.


    He shouts at the top of his lungs, "Grandma, Grandpa, it''s me, Little Wei, I''m here!"


    "Cousin?"


    A child from Li Weiwei''s second uncle''s family sees him and quickly ushers him in. Soon, the Yang family returns. Although Yang Lixin''s children are not very close to them, they are, after all, their grandchildren. Since they don''t live together, there are no conflicts. The elderly Yang couple likes him quite a bit.


    Aunt Wang introduces everyone to each other and explains their purpose.


    Yang Aunt nods in agreement: "You''re right, the Tian girl is indeed hardworking. Among the many village girls, she''s one of the best when it comes to work."


    "That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good."


    However, the young man who called Li Weiwei "Cousin" earlier suddenly looks incredibly upset, as if he¡¯s just lost his mother.


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    The young man hesitates, unable to say anything.


    Aunt Wang and Li Weiwei don¡¯t notice, but Zhao Guihua does. She glances at the young man, who quickly looks away, awkwardly pulling at the corner of his mouth.


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    There¡¯s an ominous feeling.


    She smiles and asks, "Does this boy from the second uncle''s family have a partner yet?"


    Yang: "Not yet. He''s seen two girls and wasn''t satisfied with either. I wonder what kind of person he wants to find."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­Oh."


    She smiles and says, "So, what kind of person is he looking for?"


    Her casual chat makes the young man even more awkward. Suddenly, he drops to his knees and says, "Grandma, I like Tian Fang. We¡¯ve been in love for a long time."


    He lowers his head and adds, "We¡¯ve been in love for a long time. Her family wants her to marry into the city, but she¡¯s not that kind of person. We are truly in love. Cousin, please don¡¯t compete with me for Tian Fang. With your great conditions, you can find anyone you want. Just let Tian Fang be with me."


    The room falls so silent that you could hear a pin drop.


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­" She had a feeling something was off, and sure enough, something is very off.


    When the young man says this, Auntie Lian is shocked. This could ruin her reputation¡ªafter all, the girl was her introduction.


    Aunt Wang staggers, completely caught off guard. Just two days ago, the blind date failed, and now, before the date even happens, it¡¯s over? She never expected this to involve family matters. This situation is completely out of her hands.


    Such matters are internal family affairs, and Zhao Guihua doesn''t want to meddle. She stands up and says, "I''ll take a walk around the village."


    "Go ahead."


    Zhao Guihua awkwardly steps out, and as soon as she does, she hears a series of crashes coming from inside the house.


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­"


    She feels she shouldn''t have come along. She thought everything would go smoothly, but never expected¡­


    Zhao Guihua steps outside and thinks to herself that she had come along to ensure things went well and to check on the Fan Family¡¯s situation. But she never imagined that the girl Li Weiwei was supposed to meet would have such a complicated relationship with his cousin.


    What a mess.


    She sits at the entrance, saying she¡¯s taking a stroll, but since she¡¯s an outsider, wandering around the village isn¡¯t appropriate. As she sits down, someone comes up to greet her, "Sister, are you here to visit relatives?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes."


    She doesn¡¯t elaborate further, saying, "Do you live next door?"


    "Yes, my name is Auntie Zaohua, and I live here. What¡¯s going on with the Yang family?"


    The sound of arguing can be heard coming from inside.


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯m not too sure¡­"


    She doesn¡¯t want to discuss this, so she changes the subject, "You guys start working as soon as spring arrives? That¡¯s quite diligent."


    "When you¡¯re farming your own land, that¡¯s how it is."


    Auntie Zaohua is a talkative person. Perhaps seeing that Zhao Guihua is from the city, she¡¯s quite curious and says, "What relative are you in the Yang family?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯m from the in-laws of the Yang family."


    Auntie Zaohua nods in understanding.


    Just as she¡¯s about to speak, she suddenly rushes out and grabs a middle-aged man passing by, saying, "Fan Jianguo, where do you think you¡¯re going? When are you going to pay back the money you owe me?"


    She¡¯s completely different from the friendly tone she used with Zhao Guihua, tightly grabbing onto the man.


    Zhao Guihua, upon hearing the name Fan Jianguo, immediately stands up. She scrutinizes this Fan Jianguo, noting his patched and tattered cotton coat, which hasn¡¯t been washed in who knows how long, now shiny with grease.


    His hair is messy and greyish, and his face looks old. At first glance, he appears middle-aged, but on closer inspection, it seems he could be in his fifties.


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes flicker. She remembers her third son once mentioned that Fan Jianguo was quite handsome and well-built, much better-looking than Bai Fendou. Of course, without a good appearance, how could he have charmed multiple women?


    But now, looking at this man, he¡¯s dirty and disheveled, with no energy, appearing both wretched and contemptible. Forget Bai Fendou, he doesn¡¯t even compare to the elderly men in her own village, like Zhuang Laonian. He looks like someone from the old society who¡¯s been smoking opium, hunched over and unpresentable.


    As Fan Jianguo is being held by Auntie Zaohua, he forces a cautious smile, fawning, "Auntie, give me a couple more days. Let me win some money, and I¡¯ll definitely pay you back."


    "Stop spewing nonsense. When are you going to pay me back? You¡¯ve been saying that since last year."


    Auntie Zaohua was livid. "What kind of person are you? A man of your age, spending all day without a shred of dignity. I don''t care, you have to pay me back the money. What kind of people are the Fan Family? Not a single one of them is decent. It''s utterly disgusting. If you don''t pay me back today, don''t blame me for being rude!"


    Fan Jianguo, looking pathetic, continued to plead with a smile: "I''m not... I''m not refusing to pay you back, it''s just that I really don''t have the money. Look, even for Chinese New Year, my family didn''t buy a single new piece of clothing. I truly don''t have it..."


    "If you just gambled a little less, you..." Auntie Zaohua was about to lecture when suddenly, Fan Jianguo pushed her aside and ran off swiftly.


    Auntie Zaohua was fuming. "You scoundrel! I''ll kill you!" She chased after him, but Fan Jianguo, not caring about anything else, ran wildly. However, his physical condition was mediocre, and after a short while, he stumbled and fell flat on the ground, nose bleeding immediately. But he didn''t care and got up, continuing to run.


    Seeing him get away, Auntie Zaohua stamped her foot in frustration. "That scoundrel."


    Zhao Guihua hurried over and asked, "What¡¯s going on with this man? Did he borrow money and refuse to pay it back? Such people are the most disgusting."


    Auntie Zaohua replied, "Exactly."


    She crossed her arms and said, "This Fan Family, they¡¯re the troublemakers in our village. A bunch of wicked people, not a single one is decent. We didn¡¯t dare lend them money. This old guy, last National Day, he stole a chicken from my house, and the village chief ordered him to pay me five yuan. Five yuan! But it''s been going back and forth, and he still hasn''t paid me. Every time he sees me, he runs away. Isn''t that despicable?"


    A hen, and not just any hen, it was a laying hen.


    She was furious. "Look at this kind of person, not a bit human, always gambling. His home is completely empty, even rats don''t want to go there."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Doesn''t he have a wife? He seems quite old."


    "A wife? What kind of wife would he get? He did marry once a long time ago, but back then, his family was vicious, scheming against the girl. Taking advantage of her bad background, they bullied her a lot. Later, they even kicked the young wife out, not even keeping their own child. Later, I heard that the child didn''t survive. It was a premature baby, and with the mistreatment in their home, it''s no wonder. After the young wife left, as someone with a bad background, who knows how hard her life must have been. It''s no surprise the child couldn''t survive."


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes flickered. This must be a rumor spread by Bai Fendou. At the time, she had suggested Bai Fendou delay registering the child¡¯s birth, and he mentioned spreading some rumors, though it sounded inauspicious.


    But whether it sounded auspicious or not didn''t matter much. What mattered was how much trouble it would save the child in the future.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "So, he didn''t try to find someone else?"


    "How could he not? He found a girl from a family with a government official, but before they got married, she saw through their true nature and it didn''t work out. Later, he was fired for beating someone in public. Can you believe how much people change? Ten years ago, he was a prominent young talent in our village, but after being fired, he became a street loafer, universally hated. It¡¯s truly disgraceful."


    Although strangers, women always find it easy to strike up a conversation.


    Auntie Zaohua continued, "His family wasn''t easy to find a match for after paying the fines, so he ended up living with a widow, but not even that lasted long, as the widow eventually grew tired of him. Over the years, he couldn''t find anyone else and remained a bachelor."


    Zhao Guihua laughed, "Isn¡¯t that just karma?"


    "Exactly, the Fan Family has bad foundations, so naturally, the offspring are all the same. The old couple is vicious and wicked, and their sons are no better. They fight all the time over a few rooms in the house."


    Auntie Zaohua was very energetic talking about other people''s gossip.


    She found Zhao Guihua to be a genuinely great conversationalist, which only fueled her interest in gossip. Zhao Guihua¡¯s curiosity about the situation wasn''t strange; people nowadays had little entertainment, so family dramas were a topic that could go on for 300 episodes, even between strangers.


    Speaking of the Fan Family, they were infamous in their village. Initially, the Fan Family thought they could profit by bailing someone out, but it turned out differently. Fan Jianguo was fired. This caused an uproar in the family, as they had already drained their savings to pay the fines.


    Because of the fines, the other sons were dissatisfied, thinking their parents and Fan Jianguo shouldn''t have paid, and sitting in jail would have saved them three thousand yuan.


    This led to a huge family feud.


    The money, however, was in the hands of the old couple, and despite the sons'' unhappiness, they couldn''t stop them. The old couple didn''t want to suffer.


    Especially since Fan Jianguo had to return to farming, which angered the other brothers, leading to a fierce fight over the family split. Even the old couple was beaten by their sons, with no respect for filial piety. They tried to get Guan Guiling to return the money, but she was ruthless and threatened to frame them again.


    The Fan Family had to pay again.


    And they were terrified. This woman valued money over her life. Despite their outward arrogance, the Fan Family was actually cowards. Every time they returned, they would curse, so the whole village knew.


    The money from Guan Guiling was unrecoverable, and the family feud over the split intensified.


    They fought for almost a year until they finally split.


    The old couple couldn''t stand up to their three grown sons and were kicked out, along with Fan Jianguo.


    Even after the split, their lives didn''t improve. They used to have money, so even lazy work provided good food and drink. Now, it was tough, and the transition was hard. The whole family was lazy but wanted the good life, leading to constant fights and arguments.


    Every branch of the family was the same, always quarreling, providing endless entertainment for the village.


    As for the old couple and Fan Jianguo, they moved to an old, mud-walled house.


    These three managed to live together. The Fan brothers weren¡¯t willing to work, let alone Fan Jianguo, who found a widow and went to live with her, but they didn¡¯t officially register the marriage, just having a banquet to symbolize it.


    However, Fan Jianguo only stayed with the widow for half a year before being kicked out. The widow wanted a man as a support, but Fan Jianguo expected support from her, which obviously didn¡¯t work. He "married" a few more times over the years, but none lasted more than six months.


    After three or four years, he couldn''t find anyone suitable and had nowhere to go, so he returned to the old house.


    The three of them, each hating the other, still lived under the same roof.


    Old Man Fan, struggling with the hard life, passed away a few years ago. None of his sons attended his funeral. Fan Jianguo didn¡¯t spend money, just hastily wrapped him up and buried him. After the old man¡¯s death, only Fan Jianguo and Old Lady Fan remained.


    As a man, Fan Jianguo held power, and if Old Lady Fan displeased him, he would beat her. Though he was a coward outside, he was ruthless at home. Old Lady Fan probably realized that her other sons were unreliable.


    Fan Jianguo, though bad, could still handle the funeral arrangements, so she became completely dependent on him, treating him like a master. In fact, they had a daughter, Fan Lian, who, seeing the family in chaos, quickly married someone and left, never returning.


    When Old Lady Fan approached her, Fan Lian also disowned the family.


    The Fan Family was fundamentally cold and selfish.


    Old Lady Fan couldn''t control her son or Fan Lian, so she relied on Fan Jianguo. Although she served him like a servant, outside, she was very good at causing trouble, taking advantage endlessly, hated by everyone.


    The whole village avoided her, but she was pleased, thinking everyone was afraid of her.


    And Fan Jianguo, three years ago, learned how to gamble while visiting a neighboring village, and he couldn''t stop. This type of person is a bully within his own household¡ªhe started stealing from his relatives, specifically his three older brothers, who were constantly harassed by him.


    Anyway, he didn''t fear getting beaten up, since his brothers couldn''t send him to jail, so he just didn''t care anymore.


    These three families were severely affected by him; they were already impoverished, and now their homes were stripped bare, thanks to his thievery.


    Now, Fan Jianguo''s actions have led to the divorce of his second brother, whose wife took their child and left. The eldest brother didn''t leave, but his grown sons regularly beat up Fan Jianguo when they encountered him. So, Fan Jianguo now dared not go there.


    Seeing that only he was left, Fan Jianguo''s third brother took out an introduction letter, sold the house, and left with his wife and children to work in the south. It seemed like he didn''t plan to return.


    A decade ago, the Fan family, with their large numbers and the money they got from He Lan, lived a prosperous life. They were among the top families in the village, but now they are the worst off. Fan Jianguo, unable to steal from his brothers anymore, turned his attention to the villagers. He didn''t dare steal too much¡ªjust a chicken or a fish at a time.


    He often got beaten up.


    Now at the age of thirty-four or thirty-five, he looked like he was over fifty, a filthy old bachelor, detested by everyone. Whenever he had a bit of money, he would rush to the gambling den in the neighboring village.


    Gambling was a losing game, and he kept pouring money into it, yet he remained hooked.


    The Fan family was completely shattered.


    Zhao Guihua had not heard any gossip from this side in ten years, and when she finally did, it was more satisfying than she had imagined. As normal people, they naturally detested such disgusting individuals. Seeing them end up in such a state, Zhao Guihua could only say, "Deserves it," and kept saying it.


    She also felt fortunate that she had suggested back then to ensure that Bai Qingqing and the Fan family had no connection. Otherwise, being entangled with a gambling addict for a father could have been a life-threatening situation. Zhao Guihua once again praised her own wisdom.


    The gossip about the Fan family gave Zhao Guihua immense satisfaction; meanwhile, Auntie Zaohua, after sharing a lot of gossip, also felt very fulfilled. Both sides expressed that this chat had been very pleasant, and the other person was truly a nice companion.


    Ah, gossiping until one''s belly is full.


    Zhao Guihua chatted for most of the morning, while Auntie Zaohua also felt parched. She said, "I''m going home to drink some water. Do you want some?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No, thank you."


    She primarily listened, while it was Auntie Zaohua who did most of the talking.


    Auntie Zaohua went home to drink water, and Zhao Guihua turned back to look at the Yang family. It seemed they hadn''t resolved their issues yet. Feeling a slight discomfort in her stomach, she decided not to enter the yard and headed for the public restroom she had seen when she entered the village.


    Zhao Guihua made her way to the restroom. There were no people around, and it looked quite clean.


    She mumbled, "The countryside isn''t dirty at all."


    Actually, Zhao Guihua was mistaken here. The reason it wasn''t dirty was that no one used it. Now that farming land had been divided among families, everyone believed in keeping the "fertilizer" within their own fields. If they could go home to use the restroom, they certainly wouldn''t waste it on the village.


    This was also for feeding the fields.


    Since they had their own use for it, they wouldn''t use the public restroom.


    As no one used it, it naturally stayed clean.


    Zhao Guihua entered the restroom but hadn''t even untied her belt when the door suddenly got bumped. A person rushed in quickly, holding a knife pointed directly at Zhao Guihua. He said fiercely, "This is a robbery! Hand over the money!"


    Zhao Guihua: "!!!"


    Looking closer, oh, it was none other than Fan Jianguo, the gambler they had gossiped about all morning.


    Fan Jianguo gave a cold smile¡ªhe had been watching this city-dwelling old lady for some time now. She must have money!


    Fan Jianguo glared menacingly at Zhao Guihua and said, "Hand over all the money you have on you!"


    Zhao Guihua: Mingmei, save me!

 Chapter 171

    Zhao Guihua had lived through two lifetimes and encountered numerous events.


    However, robbery was something she had never experienced before. She looked down at the knife in front of her.


    No matter how skilled someone was, they couldn''t withstand a kitchen knife. She couldn''t act recklessly. She stepped back and said, "You''re here for money, so stay calm."


    Fan Jianguo sneered, "What? Do you think I''m here to rob you of your virtue? Just look at yourself, an old, dark-skinned woman. Do you really think I would do that? Hurry up and hand over the money!"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She didn''t mean it that way at all.


    Apparently, people addicted to gambling lost their minds. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She coughed lightly and said, "I''ll get the money for you. Please don''t threaten me with the knife."


    "Hurry up, why are you talking so much? I can''t stand people from the city who think they''re superior. What''s so great about them? Who do they think they''re looking down on?" He waved the knife around, his eyes filled with malevolence.


    Even though he was a coward in the village, he became extremely aggressive towards the elderly. He was the type to bully the weak and fear the strong. He stared fiercely at Zhao Guihua, full of malice. He knew this old lady wasn''t related to him. He had stolen from his brothers'' and sister''s homes before, and no matter the reason, they wouldn''t turn him over to the police.


    But a stranger wouldn''t be so lenient.


    Therefore, once Fan Jianguo made his move, he had no intention of letting Zhao Guihua escape.


    Otherwise, if she reported it to the police, he would be doomed. But if he robbed her and stabbed her to death, pushing her body into the toilet, they might not find her, and people might just think the old lady had left.


    His eyes flickered as he thought this idea was pretty good.


    He glared at Zhao Guihua and said dismissively, "Just hand over the money, and I won''t do anything to you."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Guihua paused in her motion of taking out the money. This statement only heightened her vigilance. She glanced at Fan Jianguo, who hadn''t even bothered to cover his face, showing no fear of being recognized.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t think this was a good sign. She felt a sudden unease. She lowered her eyes and said, "Wait a moment, my money is hidden in my shoe."


    She used the opportunity to lean against the wall. Although Fan Jianguo looked haggard and tired, Zhao Guihua didn''t overlook the fact that he was a thirty-something middle-aged man. If he really attacked her, her chances of fighting back would be slim.


    Therefore, she had to strike quickly and decisively.


    She pretended to remove her shoes to get the money, leaning on the wall, her hands trembling as if she were terrified. Fan Jianguo, seeing her reaction, smugly chuckled, thinking she was as feeble as a scared chicken.


    She glanced at the toilet and then at Fan Jianguo.


    Fan Jianguo: "Hurry up."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, alright."


    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Fan Jianguo looking pleased. She took a few more steps inside and said, "I''ll get the money for you. Please don''t kill me."


    "No killing, no killing," he replied dismissively.


    "I''m shaking with fear; it''s a bit slow. Keep an eye out, don''t let anyone see..." While Zhao Guihua was talking, Fan Jianguo, upon hearing this, thought her words made sense. He looked outward. At that critical moment, Zhao Guihua suddenly lunged forward, hitting Fan Jianguo''s arm with the sole of her shoe, while the other hand threw a handful of dirt at him.


    Fan Jianguo: "Damn it, you old hag!"


    Seeing him cover his eyes, Zhao Guihua no longer felt afraid. She quickly pushed him hard, and Fan Jianguo crashed through the toilet''s footboard, but he didn''t fall completely, getting stuck instead.


    "Dammit, old woman, I''ll kill you!"


    He frantically waved the dagger, trying to get up.


    Zhao Guihua picked up a stone and threw it at him. Fan Jianguo: "You bitch! You..."


    Zhao Guihua screamed even louder, "Robbery! Someone is robbing me!"


    The public toilet was not far from the Fan family''s house or the village''s fields. After attacking Fan Jianguo, Zhao Guihua ran out and shouted loudly. Soon, people came running. The first to arrive was Li Weiwei, who had just had another unsuccessful blind date.


    Feeling dejected, he went to the yard to smoke a cigarette when he suddenly heard Aunt Zhao''s voice. Recognizing it immediately as they were neighbors since childhood, he shouted, "This isn''t good!" and ran out, following the direction of the voice.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua didn''t stick around. After throwing stones at Fan Jianguo, she ran out and headed towards the Yang family''s place. Li Weiwei was the first to arrive, asking, "Aunt Zhao, what happened?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Someone with a knife tried to rob me."


    "What!"


    Li Weiwei couldn''t believe someone would be so bold as to rob someone in broad daylight.


    He immediately protected Zhao Guihua and asked, "Where is the robber?"


    Zhao Guihua: "In the toilet."


    Soon, villagers with hoes and shovels arrived. Upon hearing about the robbery, they rushed to the direction Zhao Guihua indicated. Inside the toilet, they found Fan Jianguo stuck in the pit, unable to go up or down.


    His eyes were full of sand, which he had just managed to rub out. He angrily shouted, "You old hag..."


    He couldn''t believe he couldn''t even take down an elderly woman.


    Everyone recognized Fan Jianguo. They didn''t know what to say. While they had heard of vices like gambling, they had mostly only seen gambling.


    Gambling had caused many families to fall apart, let alone someone like Fan Jianguo, who, for the sake of gambling, would even resort to robbery.


    At this moment, Fan Jianguo immediately lowered his stance, saying, "You''ve misunderstood me. I didn''t, I wasn''t trying to rob anyone. This old lady is framing me. She had no good intentions..."


    He paused, realizing that given she was a stranger, his words wouldn''t be believed.


    So, he changed his tune, saying, "I just saw she was unfamiliar and worried she might be a bad person, so I wanted to ask what she was doing here. Think about it, if she were a bad person, it wouldn''t be written on her face, right? Maybe she''s a trafficker? We''re all from the same village. I didn''t trust her, so I had to ask what was going on. It turns out she''s really not a good person, and she attacked me first. Look, how could such a person be good? We''re all from the same village. You can''t believe her. Besides, if I were really robbing, why wouldn''t I cover my face? Do you think it makes sense that I let her see me? And if I were really robbing, would I not be able to handle an old lady? I really wasn''t trying to rob!"


    "Pfft, stop spewing nonsense," Zhao Guihua retorted. "You can act all you want. Don''t think I don''t know what kind of person you are. I came to the toilet, and you immediately demanded I hand over all my money. You even pointed a knife at me, not letting me leave. I thought you wanted to kill me and cover your tracks. Robbing without even covering your face? You clearly didn''t plan to let me live. Old lady? I''ve eaten more salt than you''ve walked roads. Do you think I can''t tell your malicious intent? Who do you think I am? Why don''t you go ask around how many bad guys I''ve caught? I can handle scumbags like you without breaking a sweat!"


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "I threw sand in your face; otherwise, I might have already been killed by you. You''re saying I''m framing you? Fine, let''s call the police. We''ll see who''s lying. It''s not the old days anymore. You can''t just say anything you want."


    "I can prove she''s not a bad person. She''s a guest at my house," Aunt Yang said. "I had three guests today, brought by my in-laws, to discuss a blind date. It''s not what Fan Jianguo claimed. If you want to falsely accuse someone, that won''t work."


    Aunt Yang had already messed up the blind date arrangements, and she certainly wouldn''t make things worse by offending her in-laws, especially since they were the ones who brought the guests.


    ¡°Fan Jianguo, you¡¯ve got a history in this village, and you¡¯ve stolen from your own brother and sister numerous times. They didn¡¯t hold it against you because they still feel a shred of family kinship. But we outsiders don¡¯t care about that! What now? You can¡¯t steal from your brother and sister anymore, so you¡¯ve started branching out?¡±


    Zhao Guihua sneered. ¡°This despicable dog today dared to hold a knife to me. Tomorrow, he¡¯ll do the same to all of you. I¡¯m not here to convince you, but this is robbery, and it¡¯s not something you people in the village can handle. Li Weiwei, go call the police.¡±


    Li Weiwei replied, ¡°Got it.¡±


    The villagers began to murmur among themselves. Some were reluctant because if the police were called, the village¡¯s reputation would only get worse. But after some hesitation, no one stopped him. After all, it wasn¡¯t their problem. If Fan Jianguo started robbing them, that would be a real hassle.


    Everyone kept quiet, all acting in their own self-interest.


    However, the village chief spoke up, ¡°I think calling the police right away isn¡¯t the right move. If it¡¯s a misunderstanding, that would be¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua cut him off, ¡°If you¡¯re worried about mistakes, isn¡¯t calling the police exactly the right thing to do? They¡¯re the ones who uphold justice.¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t call the police! You wicked old hag, coming to our village and trying to throw your weight around. This is no place for you to act out¡­ Aah!¡±


    Before he could finish, Zhao Guihua kicked him directly in the mouth, sending a tooth flying.


    If she didn¡¯t kick him in the mouth, it wouldn¡¯t have satisfied her.


    This guy was a total piece of trash!


    Zhao Guihua looked at him stuck in the latrine and thought, *Thankfully, this latrine isn¡¯t full; otherwise, if he fell in, it would stink to high heaven.* Fortunately, everyone kept their ¡°fertilizer¡± within the village.


    Otherwise, the lunch couldn¡¯t be eaten.


    She said, ¡°You better shut your mouth, you piece of trash.¡±


    ¡°You hit my son!¡± At this moment, Old Lady Fan finally came running over.


    She had just arrived after climbing the mountain. Seeing the situation, she let out a howl and rushed to her son¡¯s side, clashing with Zhao Guihua like a wild beast: ¡°You wicked old hag, how dare you treat my son like this? I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    That family, they¡¯re all unreasonable,


    No matter who¡¯s right or wrong, if their own side gets bullied, they¡¯ll charge recklessly.


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t holding back either. If she remained passive, they¡¯d think she was weak.


    She wasn¡¯t confident about handling a middle-aged man in his thirties wielding a knife, but she sure wasn¡¯t scared of an emaciated old lady. When Old Lady Fan charged at her, Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t hesitate, pinning her down and delivering two heavy punches.


    Old Lady Fan tried to grab Zhao Guihua¡¯s hair, but Zhao Guihua dodged, yanking Old Lady Fan¡¯s arm hard and tossing her to the side. Old Lady Fan¡¯s foot accidentally kicked Fan Jianguo in the face.


    Fan Jianguo: ¡°Ah!¡±


    Zhao Guihua held onto Old Lady Fan tightly. Old Lady Fan channeled her inner ¡°Nine Yin Skeleton Claw,¡± her hands flailing wildly. Zhao Guihua dodged nimbly, thinking, ¡°Is this even a fight? I¡¯m so fast, it¡¯s like a dance.¡± She dodged again and flung Old Lady Fan to the side.


    Old Lady Fan ended up kicking Fan Jianguo again.


    Old Lady Fan shouted, ¡°You coward! Let me go if you dare!¡±


    Zhao Guihua retorted, ¡°Why should I let you hit me? Others might indulge you, but I won¡¯t. Who do you think you are? You¡¯re just an old hag, mean and vicious. If you want to fight, I¡¯m not afraid.¡±


    Zhao Guihua yanked Old Lady Fan¡¯s hair, pulling out large strands, her mouth never stopping. The woman was an incredibly capable fighter.


    Old Lady Fan wailed, ¡°Aaah!¡±


    The two old ladies were in a full-blown brawl, each giving as good as they got. But it was clear that Zhao Guihua was dominating, not taking a single hit. She slapped Old Lady Fan across the face and said, ¡°Today, I¡¯m going to teach you a lesson you won¡¯t forget.¡±


    Zhao Guihua operated on a simple principle: don¡¯t provoke her, and she won¡¯t provoke you, but if you dared to cross her, she¡¯d make sure you remembered it for life. Otherwise, things would just keep escalating. She had a fierce, unyielding spirit. With a few decisive moves, she had Old Lady Fan looking like a swollen pig.


    Even worse, her useless son had taken quite a beating too. To be clear, this wasn¡¯t Zhao Guihua¡¯s doing.


    Well, maybe one stone and a kick, but everything else? Definitely not her fault.


    It was all Old Lady Fan¡¯s doing. Yes, you heard that right¡ªOld Lady Fan.


    While Old Lady Fan was busy fighting Zhao Guihua, she kept mistakenly hitting her own son. These two old ladies were quite something. In a village with so much open space, they chose to fight in a narrow, confined latrine, trading punches and kicks.


    The villagers watched with cringed expressions, feeling their own heads ache at the thought of getting hit. Old Lady Fan must have stepped on her son¡¯s feet dozens of times. It seemed like she was about to accidentally push him into the pit.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t shove him in, but Old Lady Fan was well on her way.


    ¡°This old lady is too tough to handle!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always said these days, old ladies are no joke. Look at her¡ªscary!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Within moments, Zhao Guihua had taken her down, standing over her with a triumphant sneer. ¡°You think you can bully me, Zhao Guihua? No way. You don¡¯t go around asking who I am¡ªZhao Guihua doesn¡¯t take crap from anybody!¡±


    The crowd quietly took a step back.


    Zhao Guihua was victorious, and as she looked at Old Lady Fan, she thought wistfully, ¡°If only I had a camera. I¡¯d take a picture of my victorious state and capture this old hag¡¯s ugly mug.¡±


    She could even show it to someone else to vent her frustrations.


    The villagers thought, ¡°That¡¯s a bit much¡­¡±


    Before the villagers could react, the police arrived. They weren¡¯t from around Xinghuali but were familiar with Zhao Guihua and started asking for details. When they saw the scene, one of them said, ¡°You really went overboard with this beating.¡±


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t taking the blame. ¡°Ask everyone here. Sure, I was robbed by this guy, but he got like this because of his own mother, not me. She tried to teach me a lesson, but I¡¯m not one to be messed with!¡±


    Zhao Guihua recounted the events in rapid-fire detail.


    The onlookers silently nodded. While they hadn¡¯t seen the initial robbery, it was true that Old Lady Fan had first tried to attack Zhao Guihua. In Zhao Guihua¡¯s fierce retaliation, Old Lady Fan¡¯s attacks had all landed on her own son.


    The police officer: ¡°¡­¡±


    Old Lady Fan wailed and sobbed upon seeing the police. ¡°You have to arrest this old hag!¡±


    Zhao Guihua spat, ¡°Pssh, you should be the one to get arrested. What sort of decent people are in your family? One commits robbery, the other is a troublemaker. Did you two plan this? Don¡¯t think the villagers will hold it against me just because I¡¯m from outside. Police officer, he robbed me with his face uncovered¡ªI bet he planned to kill me. You better investigate this family thoroughly. Not only is this man a gambler, but he¡¯s broke and addicted to betting. Who knows what else he¡¯s capable of?¡±


    She paused and added, ¡°And he has a criminal record.¡±


    She wanted to mention Guan Guiling but refrained. In any case, the police would be able to uncover such details.


    She continued, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that he¡¯s also been stealing in the village.¡±


    Auntie Zaohua jumped in, saying, ¡°That¡¯s right! Last National Day, they stole a chicken from my house, and they still haven¡¯t repaid me. And they¡¯ve stolen¡­¡±


    ¡°Who asked you to stick your nose in?¡± Old Lady Fan screeched. ¡°You treacherous wretch, siding with outsiders against your own villagers!¡±


    Zhao Guihua picked up a chunk of dirt and shovelled it right into Old Lady Fan¡¯s mouth. ¡°You better shut up. You¡¯re spewing nothing but garbage. Listen up, police officer. This old hag isn¡¯t any better¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua hadn¡¯t finished when a voice emerged from the crowd: ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice, and to their shock, it was Fan Family''s Eldest Daughter-in-law. She glared venomously at Old Lady Fan and Fan Jianguo, saying, "Fan Jianguo always comes to my house to steal things, and this old woman just keeps watch for him. Every time we go to demand them back, she throws a tantrum, crying, shouting, and even threatening to hang herself, all because she thinks she''s older and deserves respect. Even the gold ring my daughter-in-law brought on her wedding day was stolen by her." She admitted to being selfish herself, not a good person, but she never expected the rest of this family to be completely without moral boundaries. They''re all garbage.


    "You bitch, whose side are you on? How dare you backstab your own family..."


    "Backstabbing? You two split Second Son¡¯s family apart and drove Third Son away. If we hadn¡¯t had so many sons, we would¡¯ve been destroyed by you already. Don¡¯t even talk about being a family anymore. Officer, I¡¯m reporting them¡ªthis family has never been good. They once harmed someone else and paid off the matter with money. That incident got this guy fired. And what about the Li family¡¯s chickens, the Zhang family¡¯s ducks, the Xu family¡¯s geese, and the crops from the fields? And..."


    The scene instantly descended into chaos, with everyone who was named seething with rage.


    In rural households, there weren¡¯t many ways to make money, and raising chickens and ducks was already one of the main sources of income. But now, it turned out...were all these thefts really done by Fan Jianguo?


    Fan Family''s Eldest Daughter-in-law chimed in, "It was Old Lady Fan too!"


    At this, the victims rushed forward like a wave. Zhao Guihua watched as Fan Jianguo was pummeled, falling down several times until he was completely dispatched. The guy had been stuck on top of the toilet earlier, but before the officers could even rescue him, he fell right in.


    "Oh my god."


    Seeing everyone¡¯s shocked faces, the village head quickly interjected, "It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine¡ªthe toilet was empty."


    To everyone¡¯s relief¡ªit would¡¯ve been terrible to fish someone out of an outhouse¡ªit turned out the toilet hadn¡¯t been used recently.


    The officer in charge said, "Everyone, please calm down. We will take them back to the station for a thorough investigation. We will make sure no one here suffers unfairly. If anyone has lost something, please come to us to file a report, and we will verify everything one by one."


    He then looked at Zhao Guihua and said, "Madam, you¡¯ll also have to come with us."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Of course, I¡¯m more than willing."


    She wasn¡¯t about to let these criminals get away with their actions. "We may be old, but we know the law very well," she declared.


    The officer nodded, "Alright, thank you. Are you alright? Are you hurt?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, "No, I¡¯m fine. Not injured."


    With a snort, she added, "Go ask around about me¡ªI¡¯ve dealt with scum like them more times than I can count. Hmph."


    While they were talking, Old Lady Fan suddenly let out a howl and charged at the eldest daughter-in-law, launching into a physical assault. She hated that her own family had turned against her even more than the outsiders. But the Fan family''s eldest daughter-in-law wasn¡¯t easy to deal with either; it was tough living in this family if you weren¡¯t strong-willed.


    The two women yanked each other¡¯s hair and began tearing into each other, leaving bloodied scratches all over. The fight quickly became a messy, ugly brawl.


    Zhao Guihua commented, "They¡¯re fighting, but this isn¡¯t good."


    She even began analyzing the fight: "What everyone hates most is having their weaknesses exposed. So you must never let someone grab your hair. The best method is speed and unpredictability¡ªwhen the old woman grabs, you should quickly dodge while using your hands and feet. Once you dodge, you can kick immediately."


    The crowd: "..."


    No wonder you win¡ªthis is all experience from fighting people, huh?


    Zhao Guihua added, "They¡¯re like this..."


    Aunt Wang quickly pulled her aside, saying, "Let¡¯s tone it down a bit."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Why should I? I haven¡¯t done anything wrong¡ªI¡¯m just teaching them the fundamentals of fighting."


    Fan Family''s Eldest Daughter-in-law, who had been listening, suddenly darted forward and with a quick kick landed Old Lady Fan back into the toilet. Everyone was just pulling Fan Jianguo up when the old woman fell in again, and both ended up in the outhouse.


    "Oh my god."


    Fan Family''s Eldest Daughter-in-law had endured for far too many years. Although she wasn¡¯t exactly a saint either, she had been oppressed by Old Lady Fan and troubled by Fan Jianguo for years. The man stole everything he could get his hands on, leaving their household in a terrible state.


    Even though they threatened to cut ties with him, he kept coming back to steal, and beating him up didn¡¯t help. She¡¯d bottled up a lot of frustration. Although there were police present, it was precisely because of their presence that she felt more emboldened to vent her anger on these two scoundrels.


    "Over the years, our family has nearly been ruined by them. My kids can¡¯t even find partners because of them! They¡¯re truly..."


    Before Fan Family''s Eldest Daughter-in-law could finish ranting, Second Son suddenly rushed forward. He had stayed quiet up until now but couldn¡¯t keep silent any longer after hearing his sister-in-law bring up these points. Thinking of his own shattered marriage and the children he lost, he snapped.


    As soon as Old Lady Fan and Fan Jianguo were dragged out of the toilet, Second Son pounced and started slapping them furiously, leaving the officers watching in stunned silence.


    They¡¯d never seen a family turn on each other so viciously.


    Fan Family''s Second Son declared, "My family is destroyed, all because of them! I¡¯m turning them in¡ªeven my mother stole not just once. Over ten years ago, she caused someone¡¯s death. That old man had no children, and the adopted son took the money and let everything go, but the man died for no reason."


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyelids twitched at this revelation.


    Come to think of it, she did know about this incident. Many years ago, Bai Fendou had mentioned it once after hearing about it from He Lan.


    It seemed that what Fan Family''s Second Son was recounting was indeed this very incident.


    "You two, come with us."


    The officers realized this family was full of filth. Although Zhao Guihua was the victim here, she was now almost excluded from the situation as the Fan family¡¯s internal feud escalated, each member wishing for the other¡¯s demise.


    "Take the suspects and put them in the car," one officer ordered.


    Aside from the family members, many others also intended to file reports.


    Even though half a ridge of crops was taken from the fields, it might not seem like much, but it was enough to feed a family for a fortnight. How could anyone tolerate such blatant stealing in a small village? After a quick discussion, a large group of villagers followed the officers to the station.


    As the victim, Zhao Guihua was allowed to take a ride and tagged along to the station to make a statement.


    One young officer, looking at the address on the report, glanced up at Zhao Guihua in surprise. "You live in the Plum Blossom Lane neighborhood?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Yes, it¡¯s right there on the form."


    The officer let out an audible "oh" and said, "I¡¯ve heard a lot about that area¡ªthere was once a trafficking ring busted there. Oh, and there were rumors of ghosts in the neighborhood too. And, well...someone once fell into a pit toilet. I heard there¡¯s even a sign by the public toilets that says ¡®No swimming.¡¯ Is it true?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, that¡¯s true."


    Strangely enough, that sign was written by her son, who helped an old man named Old Huang clean the toilets.


    She never expected that their neighborhood¡¯s reputation had spread so far. It seemed that things¡ªgood and bad¡ªtravel far and wide.


    Zhao Guihua added, "The person who fell into the toilet was from our compound."


    The officers were utterly stunned, letting out a long "oh" in unison. "So it was your compound? I heard there¡¯s even a ''man-killer'' in your compound."


    Indeed, the speed at which rumors spread always exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She was momentarily at a loss for words but didn¡¯t deny it. If it weren¡¯t true, she would¡¯ve refuted it.


    "I¡¯ve also heard..."


    Zhao Guihua cut him off. "You really don¡¯t need to hear so much."


    The young officer protested, "But I did hear about it."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    "Oh, right¡ªyou¡¯ve caught thieves before too, haven¡¯t you?" the officer prompted.


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Yes, we have."


    That year, they almost won the title of "Model Compound," but unfortunately, too many incidents happened, and they ultimately didn''t win.


    By this time, everyone looked at Zhao Guihua with newfound respect.


    "Ma¡¯am, you¡¯re amazing."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Whether it''s catching thieves or breaking up child trafficking gangs, it''s never just one person doing it; it''s a team effort. If these villains aren''t caught, then the good people will cry. We absolutely can''t let the bad guys win while the good people suffer."


    However, Zhao Guihua felt that she herself had quite the knack for attracting trouble. Who could have anticipated that a perfectly normal blind date would turn into a confrontation with the Fan family?


    Did Fan Jianguo not even bother checking the date before committing robbery? He truly had no limits, picking fights with anyone and everyone.


    She said, "I might be naturally antagonistic towards criminals; they always seem to end up in my hands. But when it comes to Fan Jianguo, I think he''s extremely wicked. He didn''t even bother covering his face. When he was holding me hostage, I could tell from his demeanor that he didn''t intend to let me go. Think about it¡ªif no one in the village had started searching for me, I would have been harmed, and no one would have ever known."


    "We will investigate in detail, please rest assured, and we will definitely provide you with an explanation," replied the police officers.


    Zhao Guihua nodded. She had complete faith in the public security officers, as the ones she had interacted with in the past were all quite dependable.


    The young police officer, still relatively new to the job, was still learning the ropes, but the senior officers agreed with Zhao Guihua''s speculation. As a grassroots police station, they had dealt with similar cases before. Generally, robbers who don''t cover their faces have no intention of letting their victims live.


    It wasn''t surprising that Zhao Guihua made this assumption; the senior officer shared the same thoughts.


    As for Fan Jianguo''s claim that he wasn''t robbing anyone, the officer didn''t believe that either. Their grassroots police station''s workload was no lighter than that of urban stations. They kept records of dangerous individuals in their jurisdiction, such as Fan Jianguo, whose family had a criminal record. Given that he was also a gambler, he was a particularly high-priority subject of concern. They had seen too many people who, lacking funds for gambling, would take desperate risks. They had been cracking down on gambling activities continuously, but such situations seemed endless.


    One location would be shut down, only for a new one to pop up a few days later. These gamblers were like wild dogs, always sniffing out opportunities to gather and gamble.


    "We will continue our investigation. Please provide us with more details. Rest assured, we will never let a criminal go unpunished," the officer assured her.


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Of course, I trust you. As ordinary citizens, who else would we trust?"


    "That''s good to hear."


    The on-site statement recording was meticulous. Zhao Guihua was open and honest, explaining her visit to the village, her reason for entering the village''s restroom, and even sharing the details of her conversation with Auntie Zaohua.


    The police meticulously recorded everything.


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s statement process was efficient and calm. On the other hand, Fan Jianguo''s side was quite the opposite. He would suddenly act docile and helpless in front of the police, but his mother, Old Lady Fan, was a fierce one. She tolerated her son''s weakness but was quick to lash out at outsiders.


    The eldest daughter-in-law and the second son of the Fan family, along with the bachelor second son, were thoroughly disgusted with these two and were more than eager to see them punished. They spilled the beans about the family''s misdeeds, prompting Old Lady Fan to grab a stool and start beating people.


    However, this was not a place where they could act wildly. Even if she hadn''t done anything, Old Lady Fan would still face detention.


    Once Zhao Guihua had completed her statement, it was already late afternoon by the time they had finished dealing with the situation. The group started their journey back. Although today''s blind date had failed again, Li Weiwei was not particularly upset. Who could have expected that his outing would turn into such a dramatic spectacle?


    Thinking of Aunt Zhao''s impressive fighting skills, he couldn''t help but admire, "Aunt Zhao is truly a force to be reckoned with! Not to be trifled with!"


    She was genuinely not someone to be messed with.


    As for the Tian family girl, since she was in love with Li Weiwei''s cousin, he decided to let it go. After all, it was just a matter of not having that destined connection (yuanfen). Anyway, could anything be more humiliating than the Guan Hong incident? On the way back, he couldn''t stop discussing the Fan family.


    At this moment, even Zhao Guihua and the others didn''t realize that no matter when, the unlucky ones were always the luckiest.


    Bad people always get their just deserts.


    Fan Jianguo''s final outcome came as a shock to everyone.


    He had also stolen many things in the village, though they weren¡¯t very valuable. However, the news spread, and other villages reported similar incidents. After investigating, it turned out that many of these cases were true. Turns out, Fan Jianguo''s own actions had led to his downfall. He lived in the village and didn¡¯t dare to stir too much trouble, so he mostly stole small items. But when he went to other villages, where people didn¡¯t know him, he got more daring with his thefts.


    The investigation led to a series of revelations, including connections to gambling dens.


    These gamblers had no conscience; their greatest joy was on the gambling table. But what happens when they run out of money? They need to find a way to get more. If their family doesn¡¯t have it, they¡¯ll take it from others. Fan Jianguo had a few like-minded friends.


    After all, as the old saying goes, even Qin Hui had three friends.


    Fan Jianguo wasn''t alone; he had his own circle of gambling buddies.


    They had indeed committed robberies together.


    Besides this, they were also well-informed about the gambling dens set up across the countryside, providing details about various locations.


    This case initially started as an attempted robbery but snowballed into a much larger affair. By the end of the year, it had evolved into a major case, resulting in commendations for the entire police station and an award for being an outstanding collective.


    The case was thoroughly investigated, and by the time it was submitted, it was already the following year.


    As fate would have it, the timing coincided with a crackdown on crime, leading to severe consequences for the gang. Several members, including those more severe than Fan Jianguo, were executed, while Fan Jianguo received a life sentence.


    Under normal circumstances, Fan Jianguo''s crime might not have warranted such a severe penalty, but with the crackdown, the sentencing was naturally more harsh. As for Old Lady Fan, although she had stolen things, she hadn''t been involved in her son''s criminal activities due to her age. Ultimately, she was detained for seven days.


    After being released, her other children completely abandoned her, and she had to survive by scavenging...


    But those were all things of the future. At the moment, everyone was unaware of what lay ahead. The group returned to the city.


    As they walked back together, Li Weiwei suddenly stopped and said, "Uh... that..."


    The three elderly ladies looked at him. Li Weiwei fidgeted with his fingers, looking distressed as he said, "Well... that..."


    "What?"


    Everyone looked at him, puzzled.


    Li Weiwei: "Could you all say that I didn''t like the Tian girl? Don¡¯t tell anyone that she had someone else?"


    Zhao Guihua: "...¡±


    Aunt Wang: "...¡±


    Auntie Lian immediately responded, "Sure, I''ll take care of that."


    As the matchmaker, she had hoped to earn some money from the matchmaking, but who would have thought the situation would turn out like this? The Tian girl already had a sweetheart, yet she still came to the blind date. It was truly despicable. Even more infuriating was the fact that her sweetheart was Li Weiwei¡¯s cousin. What kind of nonsense was that?


    She was genuinely unhappy about this, but it wasn¡¯t appropriate to show it on the male side.


    After all, Li Weiwei was even more wronged.


    She had to coax Li Weiwei with kind words.


    She said, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of this blind date situation for you. If this one doesn¡¯t work out, we¡¯ll find another. There are plenty of good girls out there. Seeing early that this girl isn''t a good fit for you is actually a good thing. It¡¯s better than getting married and then finding out she¡¯s cheating on you. Right?"


    Li Weiwei silently looked at Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua awkwardly said, "Last time, I said the same thing."


    She had used the same consolation for Li Weiwei after the Guan Hong incident.


    This time, Auntie Lian also used the same comfort.


    Auntie Lian paused, then said, "From now on, I¡¯ll take care of all your blind dates. You can trust me to find you a good match."


    Li Weiwei: "Great!"


    He said, "Aunt Zhao and Auntie Lian both promised to introduce me, and I trust you. You have to put in more effort for me."


    "Don¡¯t worry, next time I¡¯ll find you someone who¡¯s both working and good-looking."


    Li Weiwei let out a quiet sigh of relief.


    He was also concerned about his reputation.


    The group returned to the courtyard together, only to see Su Jinlai sitting at the door smoking.


    Although he had no money, he sure knew how to put on airs¡ªsmoking had to be with a "Big Gatefront" cigarette. He wouldn''t stoop to saving money by rolling his own tobacco; that would be too humiliating. He looked at Li Weiwei, snorted, and said sarcastically, "Oh, so you''re back from a blind date, huh? How did it go? Didn''t work out, right? The girl didn''t take a liking to you, did she?"


    If it weren''t for the fact that his foot had been caught in a mouse trap, he would have definitely gone along to stir up some trouble. But secretly, he was hoping Li Weiwei''s blind date had failed.


    It wasn''t that he had any personal enmity with Li Weiwei. He just didn''t want anyone else in the courtyard to live better than he did. For the other young people in their compound, he hoped they would all be worse off than him. That was just how it should be. Besides, he was older than Li Weiwei.


    Since he hadn''t gotten married yet, how could Li Weiwei marry first? He had already been the first to get a job, so he had to be the first to get married too.


    Otherwise, he''d feel like he''d lost somehow.


    He looked at Li Weiwei and continued his sarcastic remarks, "Only someone like you would pick a village girl."


    Furious, Li Weiwei clenched his fists, said nothing, and directly charged at Su Jinlai, delivering a solid punch to his eye. He shouted, "You damn bastard, talking crap about me? Think I daren''t beat you up or something?"


    Auntie Lian quickly chimed in, "Su boy, this isn''t good. You should be looking for a job instead of loafing around all day like a vagrant. And here you are stirring up trouble between neighbors¡ªit''s really not appropriate. This just won''t do."


    Since the matter of the blind date''s outcome, Auntie Lian felt she had to unconditionally support Li Weiwei, or else if people found out she had set him up with an unreliable girl, her reputation as a matchmaker would be ruined.


    Being a matchmaker also required integrity.


    She said, "This just isn''t good."


    And then again, "Li Weiwei didn''t take a liking to that girl from today, so tomorrow I''ll introduce him to someone better. As for you, hehe, you''re the type who''ll be a bachelor forever."


    Seeing as this vagrant didn''t need her to introduce any matches, and she couldn''t make money off him, Auntie Lian wasn''t holding back.


    Yes, she was that blunt.


    "What do you mean by that, old lady? You looking for a fight or something? You really don''t know who I am, huh? Ask around the street¡ªwho doesn''t know me, Su Jinlai? You''re really... unbelievable."


    "N... Na... Nana!"


    Su Jinlai was still ranting when Yuanyuan came running into the courtyard like a spinning top. Out of breath but with her flushed face resembling a red apple, she shouted, "Nan, Grandpa caught a big fish."


    Zhao Guihua: "A big fish?"


    Yuanyuan hurriedly pulled her grandmother along, saying, "Yes, yes, come and see¡ªit''s huge, over a meter long! It was a tough catch, broke the fishing line pulling it up."


    Upon hearing that, Zhao Guihua quickly agreed, "Let''s go see."


    Aunt Wang: "Count me in."


    Aunt Zhou: "Can''t leave me out."


    When it comes to watching the excitement, no one hesitates. In a flash, everyone followed Yuanyuan toward the riverside. After walking not too far, Zhao Guihua suddenly asked, "Yuanyuan, weren''t you supposed to be reviewing your lessons today since school starts tomorrow? Why did you go to the riverside with Grandpa?"


    Yuanyuan: "Ah!"


    Her little mouth opened slightly in realization¡ªshe''d slipped up!


    Originally, she and her brother had planned to go out and play for a while, making sure to return home before everyone else did, so no one would notice. But... Yuanyuan hadn''t expected things to change so quickly.


    She fiddled with her fingers, acting coquettishly towards Zhao Guihua, "Nan, I''ll be going to school tomorrow, so I just wanted to relax today. I won''t be able to come out and play once school starts."


    She added with a smile, "And I''ve already finished my homework."


    Zhao Guihua: "What about previewing your lessons?"


    Yuanyuan''s eyes darted around, saying, "Tonight, I''ll definitely do it tonight."


    Zhao Guihua: "You little rascal."


    Grinning, Yuanyuan swayed her grandmother''s arm, pleading, "Nan, don''t tell Mom and Dad, okay?"


    She raised her hand, "I promise, I''ll be good from now on."


    Zhao Guihua: "...


    Before she could agree, they heard someone say, "I heard that."


    Yuanyuan: "Ah? Ah!"


    She turned back to see her father.


    Yuanyuan: "Mom! Dad, why aren''t you at work?"


    Zhuang Zhixi spoke confidently, "Since you can skip reviewing your lessons, why can''t I take a break and join the crowd to see some excitement?"


    Yuanyuan immediately coyly approached her father, secretly praying that her mother wouldn''t take the day off as well, or else the whole family would know she hadn''t been preparing her lessons. Her little heart sighed with worry, but she continued to act sweetly.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This time, I''ll let it slide. The next time won''t be so lenient. Understand?"


    "Understand, understand."


    She giggled coyly before her curiosity got the better of her, and she looked at the bag her father was carrying. "Dad, what did you buy?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "From the junk shop, look."


    Yuanyuan peeked inside, though she didn''t quite get it.


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you buying these parts for?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Grandpa wants to assemble a radio. I''m helping him¡ªjust some secondhand parts, pretty cheap."


    Zhao Guihua: "Can these secondhand parts even work?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "They can. I didn''t buy everything secondhand; some important parts are new."


    Zhao Guihua knew that Lan Sihai, her son''s father-in-law, was an impressive man. Though he hadn''t received much formal education, if he had, he would have been even more extraordinary. Even now, he was quite remarkable. Though some viewed his skills as somewhat unconventional, they were undeniably a form of cultural heritage.


    Being quite familiar with Lan Sihai, Zhao Guihua knew he could do just about anything. From making radios to crafting paper items used in funeral ceremonies¡ªeven playing musical instruments and operating films¡ªhe was a true jack-of-all-trades. Though he was retired now and couldn''t do intricate work, assembling radios was still within his expertise.


    Actually, Zhuang Zhixi could assemble radios too¡ªLan Sihai had taught him. Their current radio at home was assembled with parts Zhuang Zhixi bought himself, and it worked quite well.


    Zhao Guihua: "Isn''t there already a radio at Grandpa''s house?"


    Zhuang Zhixi lowered his voice: "Grandpa wants to make a batch of radios to sell."


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    She remembered the old man had a pension. Besides, he had been rehired after retirement, bringing in significant income. After all, he was an eight-level worker in a specialized industry.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who doesn''t like money?"


    He smiled, adding, "Besides, Grandpa also wants to teach me a thing or two."


    Zhao Guihua cast a doubtful glance at Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, your grandfather will carry you along¡ªsuch is your fate."


    She truly wanted to say, "Just how much cosmic luck has your grandfather Lan acquired?"


    Why is his thought process so quick?


    But then she calmed down and thought: she was indeed reborn and had gained life experience, but experience alone doesn''t boost intelligence, so the way her mind worked remained the same as before. She posited that as a middle-aged woman, her capacity had limits.


    Still, while she couldn''t make a fortune, she could live comfortably enough.


    Additionally, considering she was born a native of Beijing itself, life was pretty good as it stood.


    Being alive is about making do with what you have.


    "Alright then, just follow your grandfather''s lead¡ªI won''t stop you," she said. "As for me, I still have my humble social group to deal with on Earth."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled silently.


    He hadn''t joined the commotion to see the big fish his father had caught; he''d just happened to run into the entire courtyard heading out en masse on his way home, so he''d silently tagged along. That''s how he discovered his little girl had tried to cut class.


    He asked, "Mom, is Dad really catching a big fish?"


    Zhao Guihua answered, "So it seems, though I have no idea what it will look like."


    "Weren''t you guys supposed to go to the countryside for a blind date today?"


    Zhao Guihua hesitated slightly before quickly replying, "Li Weiwei didn''t take a liking to that girl."


    Zhuang Zhixi noticed his mother''s subtle hesitation and his eyes darted around, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth.


    He understood.


    It was definitely the girl who didn''t take a liking to Li Weiwei.


    Truth be told, it really does come down to fate. Li Weiwei''s family isn''t bad, he''s not unattractive, and he even has a job. His conditions are decent, but for some reason, the blind dates just weren''t going well.


    It''s really strange.


    But Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t curious about other people''s affairs. Their courtyard was always full of gossip; this level of news didn''t even register.


    The group soon arrived by the riverside, where they saw many people surrounding Old Man Zhuang. Old Man Zhuang was in high spirits; he had been fishing for years and had just landed a massive catch for the first time. He was so excited he was practically bubbling with glee. "Look at this, just look! See my skills? No one else can match them!"


    The other elderly fishermen around him were so jealous, their noses practically crooked.


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "You''re the best, Old Man Zhuang. You''re the greatest!"


    She gave him a thumbs up.


    Old Man Zhuang''s eyebrows shot up with joy.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Should we make a fish soup tonight..."


    She paused briefly, then said, "Nah, let''s just have dumplings. We''ll go home and make fish dumplings to reward our big hero. What do you think?"


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "Alright, I like that."


    Zhao Guihua added, "Then I''ll get you a little drink."


    Old Man Zhuang agreed, "Sounds good to me."


    The couple''s deep affection was so heartwarming that everyone around them was filled with envy. Despite Zhao Guihua''s stern demeanor, she always consulted with her husband and spoke kindly to him. Their relationship was truly commendable; even the younger couples couldn''t compare.


    Everyone envied Old Man Zhuang''s good fortune.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care what others thought. She felt she was quite fortunate too. From a young age, she had married Old Man Zhuang, and the two had rarely quarreled. He had treated her very well, taking care of her and the household diligently for decades. He was frugal with himself but very generous with Zhao Guihua. As a result, he hadn''t truly enjoyed much comfort in life. Zhao Guihua made sure that her husband wouldn''t deprive himself, emphasizing good food and drink, which turned out to be the right choice. In their previous life, their family had saved money and lived a hard life, causing her husband''s health to deteriorate. By this point, he was already sickly.


    Old Man Zhuang had passed away without enjoying much happiness.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t want to face that situation again in this life. She prioritized good food and regular health check-ups. It seemed to be effective, as her husband''s health was now quite robust. Clearly, lifestyle habits were incredibly important.


    No one knew that Zhao Guihua hardly saved any money.


    Old Man Zhuang earned a considerable income, yet Zhao Guihua still didn''t save much. Her lifestyle was quite extravagant. After all, one should live without too many regrets. If something unexpected happened, Zhao Guihua could rely on her secret weapon: she could sell a large gold bar.


    But that wouldn''t be necessary now.


    Mentioning the large gold bar made her think of braised fish.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s make some braised fish when we get home. In this cold weather, something spicy and hot would hit the spot."


    "Great idea!"


    "I love it, I love it."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan enthusiastically responded to their grandmother''s suggestion.


    Zhao Guihua laughed, "Alright, I''ll make some for you at home."


    Yuanyuan chimed in, "I want to eat the fish eyes. Eating fish eyes makes you clever."


    Tuantuan retorted, "I don''t need to eat fish eyes to be clever. I''m the smartest!"


    Zhuang Zhixi let out a cold chuckle, saying, "You two got your smarts from me. If it weren''t for me, you''d both be little dunces."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan blinked, feeling that their father''s logic was flawed. Was he implying that their mother was an airhead? Otherwise, why was it only smart to be like their father?


    Little Tuantuan muttered, "I''m going to tell mom. You''re implying she''s dumb."


    Yuanyuan added, "Me too, I''m going to tattle."


    Zhuang Zhixi''s mouth twitched. What did he mean by that? He was just joking! These kids, they really couldn''t be kept around anymore.


    Two little troublemakers!

 Chapter 172

    He Lan had never thought she would get any news about the Fan Family again.


    Although she had heard that truly forgetting someone meant ignoring them, He Lan didn''t think so. She believed that genuine hatred was hoping the other person would live poorly. Truly poorly.


    Seeing him suffer, she rejoiced.


    When she heard the Fan Family was in trouble, she was delighted, but she also worriedly asked, ¡°Auntie Zhao, are you alright?¡±


    After inspecting her from head to toe, Zhao Guihua shook her head and said, ¡°Look, I¡¯m standing here perfectly fine. What could possibly have happened to me? Do you think I couldn¡¯t handle a little punk?¡±


    It was only then that the Zhuang Family realized Zhao Guihua had nearly gotten into trouble. Zhao Guihua had gone straight to check on the fish upon returning, so she hadn¡¯t mentioned the incident immediately. Hearing this, everyone was furious.


    No one could have expected that someone would go crazy like that in broad daylight.


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°I¡¯m going to find him. That scoundrel¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua quickly stopped her husband, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be rash. Look, I¡¯m fine, right? I wouldn¡¯t get hurt so easily.¡±


    She added, ¡°The public security comrades have already arrested him. You might not be able to see him even if you went. Besides, I doubt he¡¯ll get off lightly. Not only me, but his own family turned against him today. I suspect he¡¯s the one who stole something. Anyone who lost anything will probably file a report at the police station.¡±


    They were quite experienced with such matters. The higher the value of the stolen goods, the harsher the punishment. They knew this well.


    If it weren¡¯t for this, how could Auntie Yu have been sentenced so severely back then? The underwear and socks she stole might not have been valuable, but the quantity was large, and they were priced at the original value, which made it serious.


    Now Fan Jianguo was in the same boat. Whether or not he stole the items, anyone who lost something would surely pin it on him. Maybe they could get compensation? It was human nature, so Zhao Guihua believed Fan Jianguo¡¯s situation was serious.


    Even if he attempted to rob her unsuccessfully, there were many thefts involved.


    She said, ¡°This matter won¡¯t be small.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi furrowed his brows and said, ¡°Could he have recognized you? Was he seeking revenge? After all, you were one of the witnesses when he pushed Guan Guiling.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi was a cautious thinker, and his words made Zhao Guihua pause.


    However, Zhao Guihua quickly thought it through. She recalled the situation at the time and said, ¡°I don¡¯t think he recognized me. It¡¯s been ten years, and we only met once back then. He likely wouldn¡¯t remember me. To be honest, if I hadn¡¯t seen him arguing with Auntie Zaohua today, I might not have recognized him at first glance. People do change a lot in ten years.¡±


    Ten years ago, this man had a straight back and wore neat clothes, looking like the child of a cadre family. He spoke eloquently, a hypocrite for sure, but he seemed quite presentable at first glance.


    But ten years later, he could hardly straighten his back. He was so thin he looked like a skeleton wrapped in skin. His face had no flesh, and his hair was a mess like a bird¡¯s nest. At over thirty, he looked like he was in his fifties. Zhao Guihua thought he resembled someone from the old society who smoked opium.


    It was clear how terrifying gambling could be.


    It could turn a person into a ghost.


    Living poorly had drained all the life out of him.


    She said, ¡°But since you mentioned it, I¡¯ll go to the police station next year and bring this up with them. Let¡¯s see if he recognized me and was seeking revenge. If he was, then his crime would be even more serious.¡±


    After all, they were also witnesses at the scene back then.


    He Lan looked at Zhao Guihua with concern. Previously, Zhao Guihua had gotten involved to help her seek justice, and she felt uneasy.


    Zhao Guihua patted her and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous. I think he didn¡¯t recognize me. He just wanted money. People deep in gambling get desperate and lose their dignity when they¡¯re short on cash.¡±


    He Lan: ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. Look at you. I¡¯m an old lady, and I¡¯m not nervous. What are you so nervous about?¡±


    He Lan thought for a moment, nodded lightly, and took a deep breath to calm herself. Seeing her like this, Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, ¡°Alright, stop thinking about it. I told you this to make you happy, not to make you nervous. I¡¯d actually prefer it if he was seeking revenge. If he really recognized me and was seeking revenge, that would be perfect. His charges would only increase. But looking at his desperate, money-hungry demeanor today, I don¡¯t think he recognized me.¡±


    She was quite good at reading people. She believed Fan Jianguo hadn¡¯t recognized her.


    She sighed and said, ¡°If only he really was seeking revenge.¡±


    ¡°Auntie Zhao, you¡¯re scaring me. I¡¯m already scared enough.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°You¡¯re just too timid.¡±


    He Lan chuckled softly.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Stay for dinner at my place tonight. We¡¯ve got a big fish.¡±


    Such a large fish was a rarity, and everyone wanted a taste. He Lan didn¡¯t decline, saying, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll come and help. I¡¯ll also buy some meat to add to the dish.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    Just as they finished talking, there was a knock at the door. It was Lan Sihai, carrying a bottle of Moutai. ¡°I¡¯m here to eat!¡±


    How straightforward.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Alright, tonight it seems we¡¯ll be hosting a crowd. I¡¯ll go ask¡­¡±


    Before she could finish, the Li Family also arrived. Li the Cook was known for his love of food and being a chef. Without a word, he rolled up his sleeves, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this big fish. Count us in for the dinner. I¡¯ve brought a chicken.¡±


    In those days, eating at someone else¡¯s place wasn¡¯t something done lightly, especially when resources were tight.


    Although times were better than in the 1970s, not everything was readily available. So, to join a dinner, one usually brought something as a gesture of reciprocity. This was a common understanding, and no one wanted to be a burden.


    With Li the Cook as the head chef, and Yang Lixin as the assistant chef, along with Li Weiwei, a rising cook, the meal preparations were taken care of. Seeing that the Li Family and Grandpa Lan had joined, not long after, Zhang San also brought his wife over. Their lives were pretty good. They left their kids with their grandparents, and the couple lived like newlyweds.


    Not having children had its perks. Unlike others who fussed over their kids, this couple didn¡¯t worry about them, looking much younger. Withoutkids to stress over, the couple didn¡¯t fight and their relationship remained strong.


    They brought a small basket of salted duck eggs. Aunt Zhou, seeing everyone else joining, hurriedly urged Jiang Lu: ¡°Let¡¯s go join the dinner too. They¡¯ve all gone. I¡¯ve never eaten such a big fish. I never expected Old Man Zhuang, who usually keeps a low profile, would have such a catch.¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°Will there be enough space for everyone?¡±


    She wasn¡¯t particularly eager for the fish, and others likely weren¡¯t either. It was more about the excitement. After a moment of hesitation, before Aunt Zhou could respond, her son, Xiao Qijin, grew impatient. He almost started pacing, urgently saying, ¡°I want to go, Mom! Let¡¯s go. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll go by myself.¡±


    Regardless of how the adults got along, the kids in their courtyard were close. They often joined each other¡¯s meals without hesitation.


    But kids were kids, and adults joining others¡¯ dinners without bringing anything wasn¡¯t quite appropriate.


    Jiang Lu laughed and tapped her son¡¯s forehead, saying, ¡°You¡¯re really not a stranger, are you? Alright, stay here. I¡¯ll go speak to them.¡±


    Everyone gathered at the Zhuang Family¡¯s place for dinner. It wasn¡¯t really about ¡°joining,¡± but more like everyone contributing something to enjoy a good meal together. Someone brought this, someone brought that, and they all had a good time.


    Even Wang Xiangxiu joined, though she didn¡¯t have much interaction with the Zhuang Family. However, Yinlai had grown up among the aunts and was familiar with everyone in the courtyard. He was the first to get a formal job, partly thanks to these aunts frequently mentioning his hardships at the neighborhood committee.


    Regarding Tonglai, although he wasn''t as familiar with Aunties as Yinlai, he was good at making friends and often helped with small tasks that he could manage. It was well known in the courtyard that many people whispered about how Wang Xiangxiu had finally turned her life around.


    Although she had struggled when the children were young, regardless of Jinlai''s behavior, Yinlai and Tonglai seemed to be well-behaved, which should have eased her burden as a mother.


    Thus, due to Yinlai and Tonglai¡¯s good relationships with the neighbors, their family also went to join the gathering.


    However, Jinlai was not happy and felt utterly humiliated. In his opinion, as someone from the "jianghu," mingling with old men and women was beneath him and showed a lack of ambition. He thought these people were utterly shameless and embarrassing.


    He lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke rings as he said, "I''m not going!"


    After a pause, he added, "And you''re not going either. They all look down on our family. By going over there, you''re only boosting their confidence and diminishing our own!"


    Yinlai retorted, "You don''t want to go? Fine by me. But I''m going. I can even help Aunt Zhao with some chores."


    He remembered how, as a child, to save coal, he hadn¡¯t even dared to light the stove in winter, often sneaking to Zhao Guihua¡¯s place. She had never said anything bad about him, and the other aunties would gather together, showing him kindness and sometimes even giving him snacks. So, Yinlai was quite close to them.


    He didn¡¯t pay any attention to Jinlai''s ranting and said, "Mom, let''s go. I heard there¡¯s a huge fish. Let¡¯s go enjoy some big fish too."


    Tonglai nodded, "Let''s go. I can help with the fire."


    Wang Xiangxiu hesitated and glanced at her eldest son, saying, "Jinlai, what are you being stubborn about? Isn''t it better to live in harmony?"


    Jinlai frowned, feeling that his family members were utterly useless. He arrogantly declared, "By acting like this, how can I respect you? You must understand, one should not behave this way. They all look down on our family. And the more they look down on us, the more we need to make a fortune. Once I get rich, I''ll make sure they pay."


    "Why do you have to be like this?" Wang Xiangxiu was genuinely puzzled by her eldest son''s mindset. "Isn''t it better to live in peace with everyone? Being sociable isn¡¯t a bad thing."


    Jinlai looked down his nose, "Sociable? Wolves don¡¯t need to be sociable. The alpha is always solitary and proud, while those who flock together are merely dogs!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    Yinlai: "..."


    Tonglai: "..."


    What nonsense is this? Tonglai retorted, "Who says wolves are not social? According to their natural behavior..."


    Jinlai cut him off, "Shut up! Who''s the elder brother here, you or me? I¡¯ve seen the world. You know, when I was in the juvenile detention center..."


    Tonglai waved his hand dismissively, "We know, we know. There are too many ''big brothers'' everywhere. Stop bragging."


    After being sent to juvenile detention, he still acted like an alpha wolf!


    Tonglai continued, "Mom, I guess Big Brother won''t enjoy the gathering anyway. Let him stay home. Let¡¯s go. You see, everyone in the courtyard is there. If we don¡¯t go, it¡¯ll seem like we¡¯re not sociable. Being sociable isn¡¯t a bad thing. Plus, it¡¯s more fun when everyone gets together."


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t the same as ten years ago. Although she was only in her forties, she also enjoyed being lively.


    She said, "Alright, let''s go and enjoy the fun. Jinlai, you can cook something for yourself..."


    Tonglai: "Big Brother is a ''social'' big brother. He won''t cook. Let him make do with some corn buns at home. Eating those can remind him of his childhood. Let¡¯s go."


    Tonglai pushed his mother outside, and Yinlai followed, even thoughtfully shutting the door behind them, saying, "Big Brother, if you¡¯re still hungry, drink some water to fill your stomach."


    It¡¯s not that Yinlai and Tonglai lacked brotherly love, but Jinlai had been asking the family for money ever since he went to the countryside. He wanted to live a good life without working, but their family¡¯s financial situation was tight. Life was hard for the whole family.


    Later, there was also the matter of compensation for stealing, which further strained the already tense relationship between the brothers who hadn¡¯t lived together for many years. Jinlai''s erratic behavior made it impossible for Yinlai and Tonglai to feel close to him. Since returning to the city over a year ago, he had spent his days eating and sleeping, doing nothing.


    Tonglai, even with his studies, managed to help the family by gathering firewood and harvesting vegetables. Jinlai, on the other hand, did nothing but eat and sleep all day.


    Such a person was impossible to respect.


    Moreover, he always acted like a "big brother," but in reality, who respected him?


    He was just a street wanderer.


    This is why Yinlai and Tonglai had a very distant relationship with their elder brother Jinlai.


    Seeing the three of them leave, Jinlai was furious. He cursed, "A bunch of dogs who only follow those who feed them, no sense of brotherhood at all!"


    Growl.


    His stomach growled.


    He peered out the window, trying to catch a glimpse of Zhao Guihua''s place, but he couldn¡¯t see anything.


    Things weren¡¯t like before. Zhao Guihua had moved, and now cooking at home meant he couldn¡¯t see anything.


    He craned his neck, but saw nothing, yet his mind was like an itch he couldn''t scratch. Soon, the delicious aroma wafted in from outside, and even without stepping out, Jinlai could smell it.


    His nose wasn¡¯t broken; how could he not smell it?


    With such a big fish, the aroma was bound to be strong. When everyone pitched in to share, no one was stingy, as they wanted to do justice to the fish. Otherwise, how could they save face? People nowadays were more concerned with face than a few years ago.


    A decade earlier, times were tough.


    Now, things were much better. Even pork was readily available in the market, although still requiring ration coupons. A slightly higher price meant people could still afford it.


    As life improved, people became more conscious of appearances.


    Everyone brought nice things, and even Wang Xiangxiu brought a pig''s tail, continuing their family''s tradition with pig''s tails.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing the crowd, prepared accordingly.


    Several women were busy making dumplings, while Li the Cook and Yang Lixin were in charge of cooking. Li Weiwei was assisting. Others who could help did so, while those who couldn¡¯t chatted on the kang. The small room was packed with people, making it impossible to seat everyone.


    Yet, no one wanted to leave, as everyone enjoyed the lively atmosphere.


    The men talked about various topics, while the women discussed neighborhood gossip.


    Even Wang Zizhen''s family joined, as she had grown up in the courtyard and was on good terms with them. Such gatherings naturally included her. Everyone was together, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Tonglai quickly took charge of helping with the fire, demonstrating impressive efficiency.


    Hutou watched Tonglai with a sense of gloom.


    Tonglai was the kind of model student other parents envied. Even though his grades were average, his diligent study habits were admirable. Many parents urged their children to learn from him, something that Hutou, a high school senior, felt deeply.


    After all, even as a freshman, Tonglai had already sought extra tutoring.


    Although the kids had mixed feelings, the adults found such children quite easy to deal with. Zhuang Zhiyuan asked, "Tonglai, how''s your tutoring going? Is it effective?"


    Tonglai sighed, "Uncle, it¡¯s not that great. I¡¯m still just an average student. I used to think hard work could compensate for my lack of talent, but with studies, it¡¯s not that simple. Sometimes, you just don¡¯t get it, no matter how hard you try. Currently, I feel quite pressured, and even if I continue tutoring, the chances of getting into university are slim."


    He paused and added, "But even though the chances are slim, I can¡¯t stop trying. If I give up now, I¡¯ll have no hope at all. I still want to strive for more."


    Otherwise, what could he do? Work odd jobs?


    He didn¡¯t want to face that reality.


    The parents of school-age children were touched by this. Everyone had high hopes for Tonglai, but it seemed he didn¡¯t have as much confidence in himself.


    Lan Sihai glanced at Tonglai and said, "Perhaps you could consider applying to art schools."


    Everyone was a bit puzzled.


    Lan Sihai: "If your academic performance is average, you can consider becoming an art student or a physical education student. This way, the academic requirements won''t be as high. Forget about being a physical education student, you definitely can''t do that. But when it comes to art students, I think you can. You can aim for film and performance, where the academic scores aren''t very high. If you start practicing and working hard now, combined with your academic performance, your chances will be much better."


    "Huh?"


    Tonglai''s eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly asked for more details.


    Lan Sihai: "I don''t know much about it, you should ask your school teachers. I just travel a lot and have some old friends who''ve told me a bit. In reality, I don''t know much about it myself."


    Tonglai: "Ah, thank you, Grandpa Lan. This is a big deal, I need to ask around more."


    This topic from Lan Sihai quickly caught everyone''s attention. Zhuang Zhiyuan quickly asked: "What about my son, Hutou...?"


    His son''s grades were even more concerning.


    Lan Sihai: "Do you think, in any aspect, that Hutou is suitable for performance?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    There was some truth to this statement.


    Hutou was quite good-looking, but his personality wasn''t the type to perform in front of others calmly. If he were asked to perform in front of others, he''d probably feel too awkward to continue.


    This isn''t to say that this kind of personality is bad, but everyone has their own characteristics.


    To ask him to study performance seems quite absurd.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "This is quite difficult indeed."


    Lan Sihai: "Don''t just listen to me, you should also ask around more to see if there are other options. At this stage, putting in a bit more effort is better than having a hard time later. Kids of this age are actually quite clueless about the outside world. As parents, a little guidance can help them see things more clearly, which will benefit them in the future. If they live well, you''ll also feel at ease. Do you see how I handle my son and daughter? I don''t interfere at all. Worrying a bit during their childhood saves decades of effort later on."


    Everyone: "..."


    Who can achieve what you do!


    Absolutely not!


    However, everyone took Lan Sihai''s words to heart. Indeed, although the children are not young, they are still in school and don''t understand much. As parents, they must still help advise them.


    Choosing the right path at this stage will make life easier in the future.


    Grandpa Lan, you''re right!


    Everyone thought the same, but since some children were struggling with high school, the topic quickly shifted to studies. Lan Sihai wasn''t particularly interested in the topic of studies, instead asking: "Did you buy the parts I asked for?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t worry, Grandpa, I can handle this. No problem at all."


    Lan Sihai: "Alright, let''s get started tomorrow. I''ll see how the sales go."


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed: "I think it''ll be fine. Our costs are low, and so are our prices. In these times, radios are still the mainstream, televisions are still a rarity."


    "In my opinion, radios will also become outdated in a few years. Who doesn''t want to buy a TV? As soon as they save some money, they''ll want to buy one. Anyway, let''s give it a try and see how it goes." Lan Sihai felt this business might not last long, but even so, he thought it was worth trying.


    While the two discussed this, the women gathered together to make dumplings. Fish and pork dumplings were a rare treat. Li the Cook also chopped up a large piece of fatty pork and mixed it in. Pure fat, without a single bit of lean meat.


    Fish dumplings were often made this way: to enhance the smooth texture and remove the fishy taste, making the dumplings more delicious. Under normal circumstances, just a piece of pure fat would be hard to eat, even for someone who doesn''t mind eating fat. But when mixed into dumplings, it''s completely unnoticeable.


    Not only was fat used, but also ginger. For fish dumpling fillings, seasoning is crucial.


    This highlighted the importance of Li the Cook.


    Zhao Guihua sighed: "Auntie Wang, you''ve never had to worry about food your whole life."


    Aunt Wang sighed: "That''s not quite right. You see, chefs at work are constantly cooking, so they get tired of it at home. My husband, Li the Cook, rarely cooks at home. It''s not that I''ve never worried about food; it''s just that lunch and dinner are handled by me and Li Fang."


    Cooking every day makes you really tired of facing the stove.


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "That''s true, but your family has a chef. Look at this flavor, it''s something we can''t achieve."


    Little Yuanyuan wandered over and asked: "Grandpa Li, what''s this delicious dish?"


    This little girl was always greedy for food. As soon as she heard about something delicious, her face lit up. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were lucky; they were born in the 1970s, just when Zhao Guihua had been reborn. Their family always ate well, and the children never lacked for food. They were well-nourished, taller than their peers.


    Yuanyuan was eleven but looked like most twelve or thirteen-year-old girls, though her face still showed her youthfulness. She was a little glutton.


    Li the Cook: "This is saut¨¦ed pumpkin with egg yolks. Here, taste some."


    Yuanyuan immediately nodded, eager to try. She blew on it to cool it down, then put it in her mouth, her eyes widening with delight: "Mmm, it''s delicious!"


    At her exclamation, several children in the room started making ''yummy'' noises.


    Seeing there was still plenty left, Li the Cook scooped a small bowl and said: "You kids, take this and eat."


    Yuanyuan: "Great!"


    She carried the dish back, and several children gathered around, their eyes eagerly waiting. Yuanyuan: "Here, try this, it''s really good."


    The children quickly helped themselves, their eyes sparkling as they nodded: "Delicious!"


    They thought pumpkin was just ordinary, but saut¨¦ed pumpkin was so delicious. Egg really made everything taste better. Daqiang and Wang Zizhen''s daughter, Si Tian, happily said: "Eggs are the best, everything is delicious with them."


    Li the Cook: "This isn''t egg, it''s duck yolk."


    The children nodded, pretending to understand, though they really didn''t.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at the kids: "Don''t eat too much, there will be plenty more later."


    "Got it!" The children sniffed the air eagerly. Zhang''s household at the back said: "This is even better than what we eat at home during Chinese New Year."


    They hadn''t come empty-handed.


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "Even at Chinese New Year, my family doesn''t prepare this much. But when everyone brings something, it adds up. You bring a bit, I bring a bit, and that makes it more."


    "That''s true."


    Although they sometimes argued, they never held grudges overnight. They would still get together to eat and drink. There were no life-and-death conflicts between them, and no grudges lasted overnight. Everyone was busy, and they forgot that there was someone in their courtyard who hadn''t come.


    Jinlai was at home, grumbling. He thought his family was spineless for wanting to take advantage of such an opportunity, and at the same time, he thought the Zhuang family was utterly despicable. Knowing that he was home alone, they should have come to invite him three or four times, saying some nice things and asking him to join for a meal.


    But this family acted as if he didn''t exist, which was absolutely intolerable.


    Were these people waiting until the meal started before inviting him?


    If he were to come at that time, he couldn''t just go over at the first call. He''d have to drag it out a couple of times at least; otherwise, he couldn''t fully demonstrate his own importance. He waited and waited, scheming about how to make things difficult for the folks from the Zhuang Family, and couldn''t help but smile smugly.


    These people didn''t treat him properly, so don''t even think about him showing up.


    A person like him has great potential. If they don''t flatter him now, they won''t get a chance to do so once he becomes successful in the future. The more he thought about it, the more pleased he became. He sniffed the aroma from outside, which seemed even more tantalizing.


    However, no one had shown up yet.


    Were these people out of their minds?


    The sounds of lively chatter and laughter came from outside, their voices booming, unaware of what they were laughing about, the noise was deafening. Jinlai waited and waited, yet no one came. His eyebrows were twisted into a frown, and deep lines had formed between his brows. He looked discontentedly out the window...


    The expectation of being invited by others, as Jinlai had hoped for, did not materialize. It seemed like everyone had completely forgotten about him.


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He spat towards the direction of Old Man Zhuang and cursed, "You bunch of unlucky fools, all a bunch of scoundrels and bastards."


    He took another deep breath of the fragrant air and cursed, "Are all of you just pigs? All you know is eating. One day, you''ll eat yourselves to death, damn it!"


    His stomach was growling non-stop, and he hesitated about whether to go to the gathering himself. But he thought that going there himself would be too degrading. Who was he? Even during his time in the countryside, he was respected as Brother Su in society. How could he lower himself to that extent? These people hadn''t properly begged for him to come, so why would he go there himself?


    Absolutely not, under no circumstances.


    He couldn''t allow himself to lose face like that. A man''s dignity was as important as heaven!


    He snorted and, acting on instinct, walked out the door. He sneaked quietly to the backyard, where everyone was gathered at Zhao Guihua''s place. The room was about thirty square meters, but they had managed to squeeze in five tables, crammed tightly together, with two more tables on the kang. Luckily, the children didn''t take up much space, squeezed together on a small table.


    Zhao Guihua: "Since we''ve divided into five tables, some dishes might be fewer. If there''s something missing on your table, feel free to grab from the other tables."


    "Auntie Zhao, don''t worry, there''s plenty to eat. This dish is gone, and there''s another one. These are all hearty dishes."


    They inspected and discovered that each serving had ten dishes.


    The large fish not only contributed fish meat dumplings, but also a big pot of boiled fish and a fish ball soup.


    Despite the fish being quite good, everyone initially grasped their chopsticks for the meat portion.


    Yuanyuan nibbled on a pig''s tail continuously, frequently sighing, "It tastes so delicious."


    The men drank while the atmosphere in the room was incredibly lively.


    Zhao Guihua: "Kids, be careful with the fish bones when eating, take it slow, don''t get choked."


    "Okay~"


    Even in better-off households, kids were always craving food, as there simply wasn''t much to eat that was delicious. Even in this area, considered working-class with decent living conditions, it was still the same.


    Little Hutou, Yuanyuan, Si Tian, Tuantuan, and their friends were all focused on eating. Zhao Guihua: "Oh, I forgot to give everyone drinks. Here, kids, have some Arctic Ocean (be¨© b¨©ng y¨¢ng)."


    "Yay!"


    "That''s awesome!"


    Zhao Guihua: "These were bought by your Grandpa Lan and Grandma Luo."


    Yuanyuan''s little mouth babbled, "Grandpa is the best!"


    Lan Sihai raised his hand in a gesture, looking like a leader, and everyone laughed.


    The banquet had already started, and clearly, no one had called or waited for him. Jinlai crouched by the window, seething with anger, vowing to himself under the cold weather that once he became successful in the future, he would step all over them.


    No one would ever benefit from him.


    Not even his mother and brother.


    The humiliation they brought him today, he would repay it in the future.


    He glared fiercely at the room, feeling that it was only due to bad luck that he had encountered such people. He snorted heavily, but soon felt his stomach grumbling even more. He hesitated between entering and not entering, and in the end, he snorted and walked out.


    He was also a man who cared about his dignity.


    A man should value his pride above all else.


    But he didn''t want to go home, where there were cold pots and cold stoves, and just steamed buns. That was not the life for Su Jinlai. He pulled out a dollar from his shoe sole and chuckled coldly before wrapping himself in a cotton-padded coat and walking out. It was already the beginning of spring, and tomorrow would be March, but why was it still so cold?


    He muttered to himself as he walked out of the alley, heading towards the nearest small eatery. Nowadays, private eateries were becoming a thing, although they still dared not openly operate on a large scale, they were no longer too discreet, with a more overt presence.


    He found a small eatery, pushed the door open, and entered. There were a few tables inside.


    Jinlai sat down and ordered a bowl of meat noodles, feeling a wave of warmth hitting his face. If this were to be said, the flavor of small eateries was better than that of state-run ones. The state-run restaurants were all about the hustle and bustle, and the food was also haphazard.


    But here was different; every move was met with respect, and Jinlai couldn''t help but smile faintly, lost in this gesture of respect.


    He ate the meat noodles, feeling that this kind of life was truly blissful.


    Unfortunately, he had no money. Jinlai had returned from the countryside more than a year ago but had never had a proper job. Who was he to work a regular job? He certainly wouldn''t. Working was out of the question.


    He had no reliable sources of income, but there were a few friends from the juvenile reformatory in the countryside. They were scattered all over the place during their time in the countryside, but now that they had all returned, they had no good prospects. Some had returned to their old ways, stealing again.


    He had participated twice, but since he wasn''t one of their "inner circle," he didn''t get a chance to join in, only serving as a lookout and receiving very little. When it came to this, Jinlai was very dissatisfied. He believed that he hadn''t neglected his skills over the years, and if he really went for it, he would be a core member. Yet these people didn''t take him seriously. It was truly infuriating.


    Back when he was a youth in the countryside, who didn''t call him Brother Su?


    These people truly had no eyes.


    But without money, it was really no good, even eating a bowl of meat noodles wasn''t something he could do every day. He really needed to find a way to earn some money.


    He knew that street punks like them rarely stole from individual households, as individual households didn''t have much anyway. Since the risk was the same, everyone naturally targeted better options, and in their area, which was filled with machinists'' children, it was the machine factory they wanted to steal from.


    They couldn''t handle the big stuff, but small items were plentiful.


    Jinlai mused over it, contemplating how much income he could make if he went solo. Steel was valuable, as were wires, but Jinlai had an instinctive fear of wires. He remembered a case in their neighborhood where someone was electrocuted. Thinking about it was terrifying.


    He pursed his lips, eating as he pondered.


    Speaking of which, there were some old stories in their neighborhood, but most were garbage. There were very few truly useful pieces of information, so he shook his head thinking that making money from news wasn''t an option. But he could indeed return to his old ways and steal to make money.


    "Su Jinlai."


    Jinlai turned back to see his former partner in crime, "It''s you."


    This was Monkey.


    Monkey said, "Why are you eating noodles alone? Why not order a few dishes?"


    Su Jinlai chuckled, not replying.


    Monkey leaned in, whispering mysteriously, "We''re planning a big job recently, what about you?"


    This piqued Jinlai''s interest since just moments ago he was thinking of going solo, but now that someone was inviting him, he couldn''t refuse, after all, even a small piece of the pie was something to take. He said, "Of course, I''ll join. I''m in dire need of money right now..."


    "Who isn''t?"


    The two whispered conspiratorially.


    Monkey: "Hey, I''ll treat, boss, bring us a plate of peanuts."


    Su Jinlai: "Just eating peanuts? No booze?"


    Monkey chuckled, "I brought some."


    He pulled out a bottle of Erguotou from his cloak.


    After finishing their noodles and with only a plate of peanuts to accompany them, the two men managed to finish a bottle of diluted Erguotou (a type of Chinese baijiu). They also worked out every detail of their plan to steal something. Jinlai felt pleased with himself as he headed home. Although the people in their compound treated him with disdain and disregarded him, he believed that with his abilities, he would never be swept away by the tides of the times. He was still capable and confident in himself.


    Su Jinlai''s drinking capacity was low, and he was already feeling tipsy. Despite drinking diluted Erguotou, he was still quite drunk, walking like a snake with his movements curving unsteadily.


    Jinlai hummed a tune as he walked, turning directly into the latrine when he got there.


    Zhuang Zhixi also came out to use the latrine and saw Jinlai, asking, "Where did you drink, kid? Sounds like you''re having a good time."


    Jinlai''s breath reeked of alcohol. He waved his hand, boasting proudly, "I was out negotiating business deals."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Slightly taken aback, he replied, "You''re quite something, aren''t you?"


    "Of course, do you think I''m some ordinary guy? I tell you, I''m handling business deals worth thousands or even tens of thousands. Big deals." Jinlai boasted to Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled faintly, "That''s quite a large business you''ve got there. You''re talking about money, right?"


    "You, you, you... How can you look down on me? Of course, it''s money! Do you think I''m a nobody? You all look down on me, but you''re not as capable as me. Watch me get rich and make you all look silly. Just wait."


    Jinlai walked out without even bothering to pull up his pants.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy crap, no matter how much money you have, put your pants on!"


    This was going too far.


    "I, I... I don''t care about that," Jinlai retorted.


    Zhuang Zhixi grabbed Jinlai, "You may not care, but I don''t want the women in my house to be offended, and there are kids in the courtyard. Put your pants on right now."


    Jinlai stood firm, "I won''t!" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The more others told him not to do something, the more he insisted on doing it, believing it was a true demonstration of manhood.


    He raised his chest high, "I won''t, I simply won''t!"


    Then he taunted, "What can you do about it?"


    In his drunken state, he even pulled his pants down to his ankles.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    This guy not only had terrible etiquette while drunk but also managed to be insufferably annoying. Just as he was as a child, he remained the same as an adult.


    Without hesitation, Zhuang Zhixi clenched his fists and struck, delivering a solid punch to Jinlai''s face. Jinlai crashed to the ground, unconscious. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t bother with him and went straight back home, where everyone was still enjoying their feast and hadn¡¯t dispersed yet.


    The dumplings filled with fish and pork were rare delicacies, but once tasted, everyone agreed they were truly delicious, not inferior to pure pork dumplings.


    No one wanted to leave the table yet. Zhuang Zhixi entered and tapped Yinlai on the shoulder. Yinlai looked up, then stepped outside to ask, "What''s up, Uncle Zhuang?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Your brother is out there drunk, stripping in public. I was worried someone might accuse him of indecency, so I knocked him out. You and your brother should hurry up and bring him home."


    Yinlai: "..."


    He immediately replied, "I''ll go right now."


    Yinlai quickly went back inside to get Tonglai, and the two brothers rushed out together. Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and decided to follow them. The three of them exited the compound in a line. As they stepped out, they saw Su Jinlai already waking up. Evidently, disoriented people can''t really fight well.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s punch hadn''t been strong enough.


    In no time, Jinlai was conscious again. However, he seemed even more disoriented than before, walking while undressing himself and loudly singing: "Running with the wind, freedom is the direction..."


    This song didn''t exist in this era. It was something Zhao Guihua once hummed, and Jinlai had overheard it. Though he only knew one line, he kept singing it over and over, feeling it captured his heart perfectly.


    He belted out, "Running with the wind..."


    He repeated this line repeatedly, taking off one piece of clothing after another.


    His pants had already been discarded earlier.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He had clearly underestimated Su Jinlai''s capabilities.


    Su Jinlai sang loudly, unbuttoning his clothes and swinging them around before tossing them aside, undressing further.


    Despite the chilly weather, he didn''t seem to mind, acting lively and boisterous.


    Yinlai and Tonglai were absolutely dumbfounded.


    They hadn''t expected their older brother to do something so outrageous. Even though he was unreliable, this was just too much. They didn''t dare delay and rushed forward, each grabbing one of Jinlai''s arms to steady him.


    Jinlai protested, "What are you doing!"


    Yinlai snapped back, "Can you at least have some dignity?"


    Su Jinlai put his hands on his hips, "How am I without dignity? A true man does whatever he wants, standing tall and proud. I, Su Jinlai, am a name to be reckoned with in society."


    "You''re no name, you''re just a person. A nobody." Yinlai was fed up and dragged him towards home. "Uncle Zhuang, can you help us pick up his clothes?"


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Sure."


    He kindly gathered Jinlai''s scattered clothes. This guy really was unrestrained, going completely nude in an attempt to be free.


    The two brothers dragged Su Jinlai home, who continued to shout, "Let me go! How dare you attack me! I''m telling you, I''m not afraid. I..."


    Zhuang Zhixi rushed back quickly to guard the door, "Everyone stay inside. Su Jinlai''s drunk and completely naked. Ladies... Oh my!"


    He hadn''t finished when a group of older women, including Aunt Zhou, pushed him aside and squeezed out.


    "Don''t block the way."


    "Honestly, we''ve seen it all in our time. Don''t hold us back."


    "Exactly."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    The younger women and children remained indoors, not daring to peek out. Aunt Zhou and the other older ladies went straight outside, clearly not missing out on the spectacle.


    Aunt Zhou commented, "This kid''s got quite a build."


    Auntie Sui nodded, "Even though he''s irresponsible, he does have some assets."


    Aunt Wang remarked, "This shameless rascal."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    No wonder, despite his horribleness in his previous life, his wife didn''t leave him. Evidently, there was indeed something to him.


    The younger women and children stayed indoors, keeping the younger kids from peeking out. Meanwhile, the older men weren''t so reserved. They all rushed out to watch the fun. Zhou Qun scrutinized Su Jinlai, muttering, "This kid''s development is quite striking."


    As he thought about himself, Zhou Qun felt a surge of sorrow.


    The gap was simply too vast.


    Although he currently wasn''t using it, the mere knowledge of the disparity made him sad. He couldn''t even compare to his own peers, let alone with someone younger. They''d all been to the public bathhouse in their compound. He knew he ranked dead last, with no hope of rising above even Bai Fendou, whose place wasn''t far above his.


    Now, he wasn''t even superior to this kid.


    The more he thought, the more disheartened he became, reminiscing about his childhood, "When I was a kid, my nickname was Little Bird."


    Aunt Zhou: "..."


    Finally losing her patience, she turned back and smacked her son, "Shut your mouth! Is this your stage to just keep talking? How did you become so chatty? What are you looking at? Go back inside!"


    At his age, he should avoid bringing shame on his family, especially considering his young son.


    Aunt Zhou was becoming angrier by the minute, "Go home!"


    Zhou Qun was utterly innocent. After all, he hadn''t done anything, yet at over forty years old, he still received punishment from his mother. He felt extremely wronged, "You''re so harsh. I was just casually saying something."


    Aunt Zhou barked, "Get out!"


    With his tail between his legs, Zhou Qun slipped into the house. Xiao Qijin looked at his father with sympathy, "Granny scolded you, huh?"


    Zhou Qun straightened his spine, calmly stating, "Your granny is just too harsh."


    Despite his words, he entered his house but stayed by the door, peering outside. He said knowledgeably, "Their generation is too simple. They don''t know how to give nicknames. If they did, they should call him Big Bird."


    Pfft!


    Everyone inside and outside burst out laughing.


    The kids: "¡­¡­??"


    They didn''t quite understand the meaning.


    Jiang Lu also got angry, "Zhou Qun, shut your mouth."


    Zhou Qun instantly became silent, as meek as a chicken.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    It was embarrassing, yet not entirely so.


    It was hard to say exactly what feelings this evoked.


    She quickly squeezed out, joined her two sons, and together they dragged Su Jinlai home. By now, Su Jinlai was shivering from the cold. Who could forget to check the weather and go out half-naked like that? Drinking really does ruin people. Wang Xiangxiu dragged Su Jinlai home, tied him up, and covered him with a blanket, saying, "That should be enough."


    She frowned and muttered, "Who did you drink with? I have no idea how much you drank, but you got so drunk."


    Yinlai and Tonglai both had darkened expressions, unwilling to speak. The person involved claimed to know nothing, but for them, it was incredibly awkward. Even Tonglai, who was considered quite sociable, felt deeply embarrassed by his brother''s antics.


    No matter how sociable someone was, Su Jinlai''s actions would make anyone feel humiliated. They might not have known the term, but their heads were buzzing with embarrassment.


    At this moment, they were quite thankful for Zhuang Zhixi. If it weren''t for him going out to use the bathroom and spotting Su Jinlai, they couldn''t imagine what kind of spectacle their older brother would have caused in the streets. After all, this alley was full of people from the machinery factory. It was too scary to even think about.


    And what if Su Jinlai had wandered onto the main street? People wouldn''t care if he was drunk and acting out; they would definitely charge him with indecency.


    That would have been disastrous.


    Fortunately, they caught him just in time.


    Yes, it was embarrassing, but at least it was limited to a small area.


    However, they seemed to forget that in their neighborhood, gossip spread faster than wildfire.


    "Mom, what should we do?" Yinlai asked, completely at a loss. This kind of thing, he had never experienced before.


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed and replied, "Relax, it''s fine."


    She added after a pause, "It''s just a trivial matter."


    She had seen plenty in her life, and she still remembered the time her son had fallen into a cesspit. The stench had been unbearable, but she had endured it. Thinking back now, this situation could be endured as well!


    Yes, she decided, she could handle it!


    "It''s nothing, really nothing."


    It was unclear whether she was comforting her sons or herself.


    Yinlai: "I''ll go get his clothes back."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Go ahead."


    Even though Su Jinlai had been brought inside, the neighbors'' enthusiasm did not wane in the slightest. They all discussed passionately. Fortunately, there were children around, or else the discussions might have been even more... explicit.


    With kids present, they had to keep it appropriate¡ªabsolutely, they had to rein it in.


    Everyone was chattering away, but the Zhou family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law stared at Zhou Qun, their eyes sharp as knives. Zhou Qun didn''t dare say a word.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Zhou Qun, thinking the man had some strange charisma. He always managed to say something extraordinary. Back in the day, his comment about being "so white" directly scared Chen Yuan into running naked.


    Now, with this nickname... it was easy to imagine that by tonight, it would be the talk of the town.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi found it a bit overblown. After all, Su Jinlai''s actions were quite ordinary.


    The problem was that Zhou Qun was just too out of touch.


    Zhou Qun wasn''t completely naive, but given that Su Jinlai was younger, it was perhaps understandable that he was more shocked. Unfortunately, the conversation had taken a subtle turn.


    Zhou Qun muttered a few words and then shook his head silently.


    The next day at work, as expected, people started asking about it. Men and women alike showed a certain level of interest in Su Jinlai.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I knew it would turn out like this."


    "Xiao Zhuang, tell us, is it really that impressive?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    How could he answer that?


    He resolutely stated, in a firm and righteous tone, "I didn''t see anything, you should ask someone else."


    "What? You didn''t see anything? You''re really..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Go on, go ask Zhou Qun."


    After all, it was Zhou Qun who started this mess, so they could all go ask him. Zhuang Zhixi definitely didn''t want to be involved.


    As a man, discussing another man''s, uh, attributes was just too awkward to contemplate.


    Zhuang Zhixi: Time to execute a tactical retreat.

 Chapter 173

    Zhao Guihua''s encounter with a robbery was known by few and garnered little attention. Similarly, Li Weiwei''s repeated failures in blind dates also went largely unnoticed. The current focus of everyone was on Su Jinlai.


    With Zhou Qun''s "help," Su Jinlai acquired a new nickname¡ª"Big Bird."


    This nickname, which brought a mix of pride and embarrassment, as a local mob boss, Su Jinlai leaned more toward the former. He felt that he had made a name for himself in the area and walked around with an arrogant swagger.


    Zhao Guihua deeply felt that he was a simpleton.


    However, his affairs had nothing to do with them.


    After their courtyard''s gathering, she found herself with more leisure time, mainly because her children had returned to school. With the kids not around, the house felt much quieter.


    Zhao Guihua made a few visits to the police station, as the investigation was still ongoing. As the victim, she knew more than she let on, just as she had anticipated that many people who had lost items had reported the incidents. The investigation was expanding.


    As for Zhao Guihua''s suspicion of retaliation, after rigorous questioning, Fan Jianguo genuinely did not recognize her. Zhao Guihua wasn''t surprised; they had only met once casually, and a decade had brought considerable changes.


    The investigation into Fan Jianguo was ongoing, and Zhao Guihua didn''t push for quick results, continuing with her daily life.


    Their courtyard had recently become a topic of interest, with many neighborhood old ladies and elders'' wives peeking in curiously. Zhao Guihua didn''t think they were just there to socialize; it was clear they were intrigued by Su Jinlai.


    After all, such a nickname was bound to spark curiosity.


    Zhao Guihua mused that if someone like this lived in another courtyard, she''d probably go see the commotion too, purely out of curiosity.


    Speaking of which, Su Jinlai was quite proud of his new nickname, feeling a sense of accomplishment. However, he soon realized the inconvenience it brought. After all, he planned to be a thief, and being too high-profile was a surefire way to get caught. While he wanted to steal, he certainly didn''t want to end up in jail.


    He remembered the unpleasant days at the juvenile detention center and now, as an adult, he knew incarceration would be far worse. So, he was deeply troubled.


    With everyone keeping an eye on him, it was impossible to do any thieving.


    Perhaps due to the widespread nature of his nickname, Guan Hong also attached herself to him, constantly seeking him out and causing Su Jinlai endless annoyance. He had watched Hong Kong movies at small video halls.


    In those films, a mob boss''s life was always surrounded by countless women, so he wasn''t surprised that Guan Hong was infatuated with him. However, he didn''t like Guan Hong. She was too clingy and lacked the poise of a "big sister," wanting to monopolize him. Su Jinlai wasn''t interested at all. Besides, he had already slept with Guan Hong, so he didn''t take her seriously.


    Despite knowing Guan Hong for a short time, their secret visits to the video hall had led to their intimate relationship.


    As a result, Su Jinlai cared even less, but Guan Hong was utterly devoted, seemingly wanting to save this wayward soul. Even though she had a job, she arrived early in the morning to buy breakfast and wash their accumulated dirty clothes.


    Ming Mei woke up early, startled to see an unfamiliar woman in the courtyard, even more so when she saw the woman washing clothes.


    She rubbed her eyes, looking at the scene, feeling as if she had walked into the wrong door. Before Ming Mei could ponder further, Wang Xiangxiu appeared. Although Guan Hong was busy serving Su Jinlai, Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t fond of her presence.


    As a potential mother-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu felt no respect from Guan Hong, who often complained that Wang Xiangxiu favored her other sons and was neglectful of Su Jinlai, speaking with a tone of grievance. She even believed that Wang Xiangxiu and the others had hindered Su Jinlai''s growth and success.


    Given this, Wang Xiangxiu had no regard for Guan Hong.


    Guan Hong''s efforts went unappreciated.


    With a dark expression, Wang Xiangxiu saw Ming Mei gesture to her, and she walked over, asking, "What''s wrong?"


    Ming Mei whispered, "Who is she?"


    As someone not affiliated with the machinery factory, Ming Mei was unfamiliar with its employees.


    She wondered aloud, "I haven''t heard of anyone having relatives visit, have you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu, feeling uneasy, replied truthfully, "This girl is Guan Hong, she''s come to my house."


    She paused before adding, "She''s pursuing my eldest son."


    Ming Mei understood, though she didn''t know Guan Hong, her name was quite well-known. She glanced again at Guan Hong, who was washing men''s underwear.


    Ming Mei: "..."


    These young girls nowadays are really different from their generation.


    She thought for a moment and said, "Sister Xiang, this gives you an extra hand, makes things easier."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s expression darkened as she said, "I''d rather not have the help."


    She silently watched Guan Hong, who in turn looked at Wang Xiangxiu with resentment, thinking that this mother-in-law was always difficult. Before even marrying in, Wang Xiangxiu already disapproved of her.


    But didn''t Wang Xiangxiu have a controversial past herself? Once she married into the Su family, she wouldn''t care about this woman.


    The Su family had four rooms; as the eldest son, Su Jinlai should inherit them all, leaving nothing for the others. She would have her mother take care of the children; this mother-in-law and the two younger brothers should be ousted.


    Looking down on her, when they owed so much to Su Jinlai?


    Only Su Jinlai had gone to the countryside; the others owed him.


    Guan Hong scrubbed the clothes with great vigor, imagining a life filled with bliss after marrying Su Jinlai. With Su Jinlai''s skills and a house, she would be married into a life of great prosperity. As she thought about this, a satisfied and sweet smile appeared on her face.


    Ming Mei, watching her like this, shuddered, feeling a chill.


    This woman arrived early in the morning to do work, washing clothes in cold water, yet she was happily smiling to herself? Was this normal?


    Ming Mei thought that anyone slightly normal wouldn''t behave like this. She made a sound of disapproval, went to the water basin to brush her teeth, while Wang Xiangxiu, feeling a headache, went back home to eat breakfast.


    Guan Hong had bought breakfast; not eating it would be a waste.


    Seeing Wang Xiangxiu leave, Guan Hong inwardly mocked her for being short-sighted. She was currently winning over Su Jinlai''s whole family, but once she was in, they''d get no favours from her.


    Her eyes fell on Ming Mei, who wore a coffee-colored shirt, an off-the-shoulder white sweater, and matching coffee pants. Her fair skin, upswept hair, and overall neat appearance caught Guan Hong''s attention.


    Guan Hong frowned slightly, unaware of this young woman in the courtyard, unsure whose family she belonged to. She wondered if this girl would compete with her for Su Jinlai; her gaze towards Ming Mei became hostile.


    Ming Mei noticed Guan Hong''s stare, looked up, puzzled about why this "Maid Mariette" had such animosity towards her. They didn''t know each other, did they? Was she just out of her mind? Thinking about it, Ming Mei decided that this person indeed lacked sound judgment, making the first move on another man on a blind date and clingingly pursuing him¡ªsomething Ming Mei had never seen in her years.


    "Wife."


    Zhuang Zhixi came out, holding a basin and asking, "Do you want tofu brain or soy milk?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Tofu brain, with plenty of coriander."


    "Sure."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Guan Hong, and although Ming Mei didn''t know her, Zhixi did. They all worked at the machinery factory, so there was no way not to recognize each other. He gave her a quick glance and acted as if he didn''t see her, then went out and soon returned with breakfast.


    By this time, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan had also come out. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Hurry up and wash up, finish breakfast, and get ready for school."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan: "Okay."


    Yuanyuan leaned closer to Ming Mei and asked, "Mom, who is she?"


    Ming Mei: "She''s someone pursuing Su Jinlai."


    Yuanyuan: "???"


    The little girl was quite shocked.


    Although the children were still young, Ming Mei believed in telling them certain things. Unlike other mothers, her own mother had shared a lot with her since she was a child, never hiding anything from her. So now, Ming Mei would do the same with her daughter. She didn''t think it was right to dismiss a child''s questions just because they were young and supposedly didn''t understand. In fact, the more adults tried to hide things, the more curious children became. It was better to be open and honest with them from the start.


    Ming Mei: "She likes Su Jinlai, so she came early in the morning to do chores, but going out of one''s way like this only makes Su Jinlai look down on her more. Unconditional servility is the most unacceptable. Look, do they appreciate her efforts at all?"


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan peeked out of the window and said, "No."


    Ming Mei: "Exactly, they don''t."


    She shrugged and said, "Do you think the water is cold?"


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan nodded vigorously, "Very cold." They had to bring a thermos to the courtyard to wash their faces.


    Ming Mei: "She''s working in the cold, even buying them breakfast, but they don''t value her at all. Your parents at home don''t even ask you to do much work because we don''t want you to just go around doing chores for others. After seeing this, you should understand that this isn''t right. Don''t learn this. Whether you''re a boy or a girl, doing this just shows poor judgment."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan immediately nodded, feeling a bit apprehensive, as they weren''t fans of doing chores themselves.


    Yuanyuan, while soft-spoken, also showed firmness. The little girl said seriously, "I don''t want to do work for others."


    Tuantuan nodded, "Exactly."


    He wasn''t interested either.


    Zhuang Zhixi, who was standing nearby, chuckled and said, "That''s right. I provide you with good food and care, not so you can go to someone else''s house and become their obedient servant or do their bidding. If you have time for that, you might as well do the laundry at home. That way, your mom and I would be more at ease."


    Hearing this, the two children firmly stated, "We won''t do that!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Good, you understand. Now, come eat."


    Yuanyuan reached out, "I want some fried dough sticks."


    "Here, there are also tea eggs."


    After finishing breakfast, the two kids put on their backpacks and headed out. As they stepped outside, they saw Li Zhenzhen and a few other children also watching Guan Hong. Li Zhenzhen''s gaze was particularly unkind. After all, they had a history together.


    This was the woman who had failed to match with her second brother during a blind date.


    From the corner of her nose, she snorted and muttered, "What a villain."


    Yuanyuan leaned on Li Zhenzhen and said, "Let''s go."


    They headed to the neighboring courtyard and called out, "Xiaoyezi, Xiaoyezi."


    Ye Siyuan ran out and said, "I''m here."


    He was a year younger than them and in the same grade, so they usually went to school and back together. His younger siblings, also carrying small backpacks, ran out behind him. The group sang as they walked.


    "The sun is high, the flowers smile..."


    Even though they were in higher grades, no one felt it was childish.


    After all, what''s most important in life is happiness.


    Look, even Jinlai Gege, who was much older, would take off his clothes and sing sometimes. It''s normal for elementary school kids to sing.


    Among them, only Ye Sitian was going to kindergarten. They stopped in front of the kindergarten. Ye Sitian waved her little hand and said, "Brothers and sisters, goodbye."


    She particularly emphasized to Tuantuan, "Tuantuan Gege, study hard!"


    Tuantuan was the best eldest brother, always giving her treats. Little Sitian understood this. Even though she was a kindergarten kid, she was quite the savvy little one.


    Ye Sijia, her second older brother, huffed, feeling that his sister was being too biased.


    He grabbed his brother''s sleeve and said, "Let''s go. This sister of ours is always siding with outsiders."


    Ye Siyuan: "Tuantuan Gege gives candy to Sitian, you only ever fight with her over candy."


    Ye Sijia: "..."


    His bluff had been called.


    But soon he said, "Fine, I won''t fight with her over candy anymore, or else she won''t like me best."


    Ye Siyuan boasted, "Even if she doesn''t like Tuantuan Gege the best, she''ll like me the best. You won''t get that chance."


    Ye Sijia: "..."


    He felt like crying.


    Quickly, he called out, "Yuanyuan Jiejie~"


    Yuanyuan: "Alright, alright, don''t bully him."


    Although Yuanyuan wasn''t the toughest, she was quite influential among the group.


    She said, "Let''s go, or we''ll be late."


    Xiao Qijin nodded, "Quickly, ''Butterfly'' is the strictest. Let''s go."


    ''Butterfly'' was their school''s headmistress, who was in her forties and always wore a dress with a butterfly pattern. The elementary school kids had nicknamed her ''Butterfly,'' and they were quite scared of her.


    They hurried their steps.


    Off to school!


    As the group of kids ran toward school, Yuanyuan said while running, "The old grandma who sells pancakes isn''t here today."


    "You''ve already had breakfast, stop worrying. Let''s go."


    Yuanyuan: "Okay."


    Even though the pancake vendor wasn''t there, the school entrance was still bustling with small stalls, like the ones selling fried dough sticks and baked sweet potatoes.


    In recent times, there were many people starting small businesses.


    About these small ventures, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan had heard their dad and great-grandpa talk about them, though the kids didn''t really understand much. They quickly ran into the school.


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi was also thinking about his small side business selling radios. Recently, they had assembled a few and planned to take them to the small market to check out the demand. Zhuang Zhixi saw potential in this. The policies had changed compared to before, and although many places were still observing, in Beijing, being one of the first to receive new policies, many people had started venturing into small commerce.


    After all, with young people returning from the countryside and not enough jobs, making a living required earning money somehow.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t afraid of losing face; he could see the profits in this.


    As he worked, he was also thinking about this business. Their department chief, Chief Lin, came over and called, "Xiaozhuang, come with me."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately stood up. Although this man often got distracted thinking about his own business, to others, he was a diligent young man. He had been in the propaganda department for over ten years, and in the eyes of others, he was a very promising young man who was also courteous and efficient.


    Compared to the seasoned veterans in the office, he was considered clear-headed and diligent. However, in such a hierarchical workplace, getting promoted was not easy unless one made real contributions. The propaganda department, unlike the security department, couldn''t catch corrupt individuals for merit. Instead, in the office, promotions were even harder to come by.


    So even though Zhuang Zhixi was considered talented in their office, he was still just a clerk.


    However, he didn''t show any discontent and continued to appear full of enthusiasm and ambition every day. Of course, only he knew how much time he actually spent idling away. Therefore, whenever there was work to be done, the chief still liked to give it to Zhuang Zhixi.


    And so, he called him in again.


    Zhuang Zhixi went to the office, and Chief Lin said with a smile, "Sit down."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Chief, is there something you need me for?"


    He was quite direct, which was a good approach with Chief Lin, as this wasn''t the original chief, who had retired six years ago. The current Chief Lin had been transferred from the military, not promoted from within. However, he was the original chief''s nephew, which added an additional layer of context.


    But Chief Lin had also earned merit in the military, so being a department chief was more than fitting.


    Perhaps because he was from the military, the new chief liked straightforward people, which Zhuang Zhixi had figured out over time. So he avoided unnecessary chit-chat and went straight to the point.


    It was no secret that Xiao Xu, who had taken a leave of absence without pay, was not well-liked by their department chief. This was because Xiao Xu was always flattering and brown-nosing, which was exactly what their chief disliked. Feeling that his chances of a promotion were slim and knowing that he wasn''t favored by his superiors, Xiao Xu decided to take a leave of absence and focus on making money.


    Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, was navigating his job with ease.


    The current business climate outside was still uncertain, and in many ways, it was considered inferior to a salaried job. Zhuang Zhixi had no intention of taking a leave of absence anytime soon. He believed that any decisions about his future could be made later. For now, he was content with his position. He said, "You must have something important to attend to this morning, right?"


    Chief Lin: "You know about the Guangzhou Trade Fair, don''t you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Yes, I''m aware. Our factory is participating this year, and some of our senior technicians have been busy preparing for it."


    Chief Lin nodded. "Correct. We''re leaving the day after tomorrow, and our factory will be part of the delegation. After discussions, the factory management has decided that the Publicity Department should send one person to participate. I''ve selected you for this task. Go home and get ready. You''ll be departing with the main group the day after tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned. This wasn''t due to a lack of self-confidence, but rather because he thought this sort of thing was the Sales Department''s responsibility.


    He said, "The Sales Department isn''t going, but the Publicity Department is sending someone? I don''t know anything about sales."


    Chief Lin chuckled. "What are you thinking? Do you really believe they''re sending you to help with the sales? You don''t have that kind of ability! Even if you were willing, the Sales Department wouldn''t want you. The reason you''re going is to follow the main process and take notes. When you return, you''ll write some publicity articles about our factory to be published in the newspapers. This is all about promoting our factory. If it weren''t for the fact that you''re the best writer in our department, do you think you''d have this opportunity? Some of the older folks in the department were already fighting for this spot."


    Zhuang Zhixi finally understood. "Alright, then. How long will this trip be?"


    He was quite pleased with the opportunity for this business trip. The Publicity Department rarely got chances to travel, unlike the Sales Department. But being able to see a new part of the country, especially going to the South, was an exciting prospect for a Northern native like him.


    Chief Lin: "About ten days. We need to arrive early and stay for the duration of the fair, so at least ten days. Plan for two weeks. This time, you''re mainly going to assist the leadership, take notes, and then write reports when you return. But since you''re out there, and everyone else is a leader, you''ll need to be sharp and lend a hand whenever possible."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got it. Who else is going on this trip?"


    Chief Lin: "The factory director, Vice Director Zhang, the head of the Sales Department, the deputy head, three salesmen, the office director, Lao Huang, and the factory director''s secretary, He. Including you, that makes ten people."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "I understand."


    Chief Lin gave him a knowing look. "Do you really understand? It''s a deep pond there. Just stay in your lane. Don''t meddle in things that aren''t your concern; it won''t make you look good. If something goes wrong, it''s your responsibility, and if something goes well, it''s you overstepping your boundaries. Since it''s a rare chance to be in a different part of the country, keep your work simple. When you have free time, go out and see the sights, buy some souvenirs for your family. Don''t get involved in the Sales Department''s affairs."


    Chief Lin had gone out of his way to say this, which showed how much he valued Zhuang Zhixi. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have given such advice. The implications of his words were profound.


    Zhuang Zhixi understood Chief Lin''s intentions and nodded. "I get it."


    He sincerely added, "Thank you for your guidance, Chief Lin."


    Chief Lin sighed. "I''m not trying to hold you back from progress, but some things... well, you''ll figure it out."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. "I understand."


    He had been in the factory for many years and was well aware of the internal politics. Even flattery could backfire in such a big organization. Zhuang Zhixi knew his place.


    He concluded, "Alright, go back and prepare. You don''t need to come to work these next two days."


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned. He hadn''t expected such a perk and immediately beamed. "Thank you, Chief Lin."


    "Go on, go on."


    Zhuang Zhixi left with a happy smile. As soon as he returned to the office, Sister Cui approached him. "What''s the news?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Good news. I''m heading out early."


    He didn''t elaborate, knowing that the others would find out soon enough. But for now, he kept it to himself. With a hint of excitement, Zhuang Zhixi quickly left. Sister Cui shook her head. "What''s with him? So secretive."


    Zhuang Zhixi left work early, a rare occurrence. As he entered the courtyard, he saw Lan Sihai tending to his little flowerbed. The "flowerbed" was actually a collection of cacti. Zhuang Zhixi approached and said, "Grandpa, your taste is really unconventional. Cacti aren''t exactly ordinary plants."


    Lan Sihai glanced up at Zhuang Zhixi. "Cacti have their own charm. They''re hardy, resistant to wind, rain, and drought, and easier to care for."


    He put away his small spade and crossed his arms, admiring his creation. "It''s quite something. A touch of green in the winter."


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "But your cacti can''t compare to my clivia. I recently bought a few pots. Want to see them?"


    Lan Sihai: "Lead the way."


    The two went to Zhuang Zhixi''s place, and Lan Sihai nodded approvingly. "You''ve done a good job with these."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled proudly. "I''m trying to be cultured, you know. Besides, Ming Mei likes having some green in the house. It adds a sense of vitality."


    After a pause, he added mysteriously, "Actually, I think growing clivia isn''t just about aesthetics; it could be profitable too. Last year, the price was one thing, and this year it''s another. My father-in-law told me that when he went to Changchun, he saw the price skyrocket¡ªit more than doubled from last year to this year. While it''s not crazily expensive, the increase is still pretty impressive. So, I thought, why not grow some flowers for pleasure, and if the prices go up, sell them for some extra cash?"


    Lan Sihai glanced at Zhuang Zhixi. "Didn''t you just say Ming Mei likes them?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Ming Mei does like them, yes. But if the prices go up and we can sell them for more money, she''d like that even more¡ªmoney to buy meat, new clothes... You know, basic needs come first."


    Lan Sihai: "You make it sound so logical."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Because it is logical. I even bought some seeds. I''ll grow some more."


    Lan Sihai chuckled but didn''t comment, though he agreed with Zhuang Zhixi inwardly. As an old man, he had to maintain a front, but he couldn''t help but acknowledge the sense in Zhuang Zhixi''s thinking.


    However, he suddenly realized something. "Why are you home so early?"


    Lan Sihai inquired, giving Zhuang Zhixi a curious look. Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. "I''m going on a business trip the day after tomorrow. My boss gave me the day off to prepare. I''m heading to Guangzhou."


    Lan Sihai''s eyes lit up. "That''s great."


    His stance was that whenever there was an opportunity to see the world, one should take it.


    "Go ahead. See if you can find any interesting things there and bring me back some souvenirs." The old man was always up on the latest trends.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "Sure thing."


    Zhao Guihua came out to use the bathroom and noticed her son''s door open. It was strange to see him home during the day when everyone else was at work. Upon seeing Zhuang Zhixi, she realized he had the day off. She asked, "You''re going to Guangzhou?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Yeah."


    Zhao Guihua thought back to her previous life and didn''t recall such an event, but she didn''t rely entirely on her past experiences to judge the present. Instead, she advised, "Be careful when you''re out there. Come home safely. Don''t worry about things here; we''ve got it covered."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied with a smile.


    Even though he hadn''t left yet, his mother was already giving him advice.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Don''t worry, I''m a grown man, not a young lady. I won''t get lost."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a look and went about her business.


    Zhuang Zhixi then locked the door and left with Lan Sihai. Zhao Guihua glanced back at the two, and without needing to guess, she knew they were heading out to sell radios.


    Zhao Guihua had indeed guessed right. Zhuang Zhixi had initially planned to make a few more before selling them, but since they were about to go out, he decided to sell the ones he had on hand. He and Lan Sihai found a park and quickly set up their stall.


    There were quite a few street vendors around, though despite the policy allowing it long ago, people still behaved stealthily. Of course, they didn''t dare to go big. If they did, it was hard to say whether it would align with the policy, as there was a saying that anything involving more than seven people was out of bounds.


    But since they were only two people setting up the stall, it didn''t matter much.


    The only thing was the slight embarrassment of being seen doing it, but otherwise, it was no big deal.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly laid out the radios. They had made a total of ten this time, using new parts for the critical components, while the less important ones were second-hand, which significantly reduced the cost. The outer cases were also second-hand, but Zhuang Zhixi had carefully polished them, so they looked almost new.


    As soon as they set up, someone approached and asked, "Hey, buddy, are you selling radios?"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately replied, "Yes, radios! Great deals, honest prices. Buy now and you¡¯re profiting. Take a look."


    Zhao Guihua often remarked that some things were just innate, and Zhuang Zhixi was a prime example. He had never been in business before, but he could talk quite smoothly without hesitation or blushing.


    He continued, "A radio is something you can use for a long time. Old folks can listen to storytelling, hear news about the country, or new policies. It''s quite useful."


    Sure enough, just two sentences were enough to convince the customer.


    "Let me take a look. How much is it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Fifty-five, no need for coupons. In the stores, you can''t get one for less than a hundred. But spending over a hundred on a radio? That''s really painful, plus you need coupons. My radios work just the same as the ones in the stores. No difference, you see?"


    When the old man heard the huge difference, he was indeed surprised for a moment. But then he asked skeptically, "Why is yours so cheap? Are you sure this isn''t some shady deal?"


    His sharp eyes scrutinized Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi shot back, "Hey, don''t say that! I live around here, and I work as a factory worker. If this were shady, I''d lose my reputation, wouldn''t I? I''ll be upfront with you¡ªthis is a refurbished radio. The outer casing and buttons have been refurbished, but the internal circuits and components are brand new. I don''t cheat people. I''m just making a little labor fee. Honestly, I don''t make much from this. I do it mostly to set a good example for my kids, so they know that whatever knowledge they gain, they can apply it in real life. So, studying hard is really important."


    Lan Sihai stood a short distance away, watching Zhuang Zhixi talk eloquently. He really was a natural at this. Already, the elderly around Zhuang Zhixi were nodding in agreement, as if his words struck a chord with them.


    But people then were quite wary. An old lady pointed out a suspicious detail: "You''re a worker, so why aren''t you at work today? Aren''t you tricking us?"


    Zhuang Zhixi responded swiftly, "Absolutely not! I''m on leave today. No reason to lie about that. Look, I''ll show you the radio in action."


    "Alright."


    "Go ahead, try it."


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "This radio is dual-powered¡ªyou can use large batteries or plug it directly into the power. Watch."


    He quickly turned on the radio, and the voice of Master Shan Tianshuo came through, reciting a story. The elderly onlookers nodded in approval. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is good."


    "Indeed, quite good."


    An old man started to talk about his family: "I already have one at home¡­" But another interrupted him, saying, "Enough boasting. Let me pick one."


    "But you already have one at home!"


    "I''m buying one for my son. The kid is too frugal, and as a father, I''ll use my pension to give him a nice gift."


    "That makes sense. I also wanted to buy one for my kid, but it''s hard to get the coupons."


    "We''ll buy several. Young man, give us a discount."


    "That''s right."


    The group surrounded Zhuang Zhixi. He replied, "I''ll throw in batteries¡ªtwo per radio. What do you think? I''ve already given you a great price. You all have seen the world, so check my prices with the electronic shops. You''ll see my costs, and realize I''m not making much. I''m doing this more for my kids."


    An old woman chimed in, "You really got all this sorted out, kid. I can''t tell you''re not even that old."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "You''re too kind, Auntie. I enjoy being complimented. Actually, I''m over thirty, and my kids are almost in middle school."


    "Really? I can''t believe that!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Would I lie about something like that? You walk around this park all the time. The next time I come to sell, it will probably be a month later, but I''ll bring my kids. Then you''ll see I''m not just a guy with a good-looking face, I''m actually very reliable."


    "Hahaha, you''re quite a talker!"


    "You seem to know yourself well."


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "That''s just how I am. I don''t make much from this. I''ll probably be back in a month if I do it again, but no rush. You all are regulars here anyway. I''ll say hi when I see you next."


    "Alright, kid."


    "One more radio, too. You only have ten?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Just ten in total."


    An old man joked, "You''re giving us a discount, but we might as well buy them all."


    Zhuang Zhixi, feeling delighted inside, still acted reserved, saying, "Oh, you don''t have to buy so many just for my sake. Only buy if you really need them."


    "Just tell us your final price."


    Zhuang Zhixi pretended to be hesitant, then said, "Alright, I''ll lower it another two yuan."


    "Deal."


    "No problem."


    Zhuang Zhixi concluded, "Of course. Come on, take your time. Test them one by one."


    "Great."


    Zhuang Zhixi started off brilliantly, selling all ten radios using his silver tongue. Their cost price per radio was twenty-eight yuan, and they sold them for fifty-three, making twenty-five yuan per unit. After deducting the cost of the batteries they gave away, they made twenty-four yuan profit per radio.


    The total profit was two hundred and forty yuan, and Zhuang Zhixi and Lan Sihai each took home one hundred and twenty.


    One hundred and twenty yuan wasn''t a lot, nor was it insignificant.


    For Zhuang Zhixi, his regular monthly wage was forty-five yuan, so this sum was equivalent to about two or three months of his salary. But the significance lay in being the fruit of his craft. Working at the factory was one thing, but this was extra income from practicing his skills.


    They could have set the price higher, but both Lan Sihai and Zhuang Zhixi chose not to. They didn''t want to attract too much attention, as they were just starting out and needed to be cautious.


    Indeed, Zhuang Zhixi might seem bold, but there''s a reserve beneath that. He isn''t the kind of person who acts wildly brazen. They didn''t spend long before selling the radios, so Zhuang Zhixi went to the market to buy some meat before heading home.


    As he was about to enter the alley leading to his house, he saw Su Jinlai in cotton pants and slippers stepping out of the house to use the communal toilet.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked up at the bright sun and couldn''t help but marvel at how leisurely this guy''s life was. While Zhuang Zhixi had to wake up early for work, Su Jinlai slept until noon, and not only did he have his mother taking care of him, but there were even girls coming to his home to help with his laundry. Talk about a cushy life!


    Su Jinlai always looked down on people in their courtyard, even though everyone was better off than him. He believed himself to be a "dragon at the shallow waters," feeling that if only he had some luck, he could soar to great heights.


    He genuinely looked down on the ordinary folks in their compound and felt superior.


    When Su Jinlai spotted Lan Sihai and Zhuang Zhixi, he didn''t bother to greet them and just walked straight to the toilet, holding his pants.


    As he approached the restroom entrance, Su Jinlai suddenly stopped and looked at Lan Sihai, saying, "Elder Lan, I''ve finished building your flowerbed, repaired your roof, and even cleaned your windows. I¡¯ve even washed your winter clothes and bedding. Isn''t it about time we clear the slate?"


    If it had been about washing clothes, it wouldn¡¯t have been him. He had delegated this task to Guan Hong, who spent an entire Sunday washing at their place.


    But regardless of who washed them, it was Su Jinlai who arranged it all, and he had the capability to do so.


    Lan Sihai raised an eyebrow and said, "I was only doing this because of your brother."


    Su Jinlai snorted heavily, thinking this was utterly ridiculous. What kind of face did his brother have?


    "My status is why I even agreed to do this work for you, all because of my brother," Su Jinlai said arrogantly.


    However, he seemed to have forgotten who Lan Sihai was. Lan Sihai chuckled and replied, "Oh, so you''re doing this out of respect for the mouse traps? Well, they¡¯re not cheap, and I haven¡¯t even bothered to count them. You¡¯re lucky you ran into an old man like me. If it were anyone else¡ªhehe!"


    Lan Sihai continued his verbal assault: "I know you¡¯re a man of status, but with all that status, why are you going to the restroom yourself? Wouldn¡¯t it be more fitting for someone to do it for you? Hehe!"


    Lan Sihai kept going: "Oh, be careful when you¡¯re in there. I hear you¡¯re quite the swimmer. You¡¯re so good at swimming, you¡¯ve even dipped in the cesspool. Impressive, really impressive. I¡¯ve never seen anyone as capable as you. Hehe."


    Su Jinlai was fuming, gasping for breath. This old man¡¯s words were beyond annoying.


    He glared viciously at Lan Sihai, who, with a smirk, massaged his arm and said, "You know, at my age, my body isn¡¯t what it used to be. I¡¯m just hoping someone will attack me so I can have some security. Then, I¡¯d finally have someone to take care of me, wouldn¡¯t I?"


    Zhuang Zhixi, standing nearby, chuckled and said, "Grandfather, you¡¯re really sharp. Hearing you talk, I feel like I should start considering such arrangements for my later years too. It¡¯s not about scamming; it¡¯s about teaching the young how to behave."


    Su Jinlai was trembling with fury.


    Looking at the two men, he shouted, "You¡¯re so uncultured!"


    Lan Sihai, not backing down, retorted sarcastically, "Oh, you¡¯re so cultured! So cultured that you go streaking in broad daylight. Stripping in front of everyone¡ªwe¡¯ve never seen such culture. Impressive!"


    Su Jinlai was seething with rage.


    Zhuang Zhixi noticed his emotional state and thought, This guy is going to be driven crazy by Grandfather. There¡¯s no doubt about it.


    Lan Sihai continued, "I wonder if you were really drunk or just wanted to show off. Back in my apprentice days, I met some people who were mentally ill and loved exposing themselves in public. I wonder if that¡¯s your hobby too¡­"


    "You¡¯re the one with the problem! Your whole family has it! I was drunk that time, do you have to keep bringing it up? Who acts like you do? You just love to twist the knife, don¡¯t you? You¡¯re too much!" Su Jinlai was sobbing uncontrollably, feeling utterly humiliated. The worst thing was people mentioning the incident when he stripped after getting drunk.


    Even though the whole "big bird" thing sounded impressive and matched his identity, it was still embarrassing! He thought that incident was shameful.


    These people were just too much.


    Tears streaming down his face, Su Jinlai shouted, "Just you wait, I¡¯ll get my revenge!"


    Lan Sihai pretended to be curious. "Revenge? Are you going to strip in front of me again to scare me?"


    "You, you, you!" Su Jinlai stammered, "Crude, disgusting, sick!"


    This young man was far too sensitive. He found Lan Sihai utterly despicable and shameless. Su Jinlai was so angry he refused to engage with the old man anymore. What a shameless old man.


    With that, he stormed off, thinking it was beneath him to argue with such a person.


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head lightly, thinking, The younger generation just doesn¡¯t have the stamina.


    Compared to his generation, these younger folks were far too easily overwhelmed by small matters. Back then, Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou had gone through so much and never cracked under pressure.


    It seems each generation is worse off than the last.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Come on, Grandfather. Let¡¯s go. Mom¡¯s making meat pies for lunch today. Let¡¯s have a meal together."


    Lan Sihai shook his head. "No need. I plan to eat out with my wife."


    Now that he had earned some money, it was time to celebrate. Eating at home was dull. He said, "On such a cold day, I must go to Donglaishun."


    Zhuang Zhixi commented, "You really know how to live a comfortable life, Grandfather."


    Lan Sihai chuckled. "At my age, of course, I want to live comfortably. What if I die suddenly? Wouldn¡¯t that be a waste?"


    He walked away with his hands behind his back, looking rather smug.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled to himself and shook his head. He glanced back at the restroom, seeing no sign of Su Jinlai coming out, so he went home.


    That guy really doesn¡¯t have what it takes.


    Su Jinlai was truly lacking in endurance. At his age, he was all about his reputation and thought the old man was utterly despicable. He lingered in the restroom for a while, waiting until the two men had left before slinking out.


    He muttered curses as he walked home, regretting not being born into a government official¡¯s family. Other families had been tirelessly working for generations, and their offspring enjoyed the benefits. His family, on the other hand, hadn¡¯t achieved anything. What a bunch of poor folk.


    Lately, he had no money. Not a single penny. Although he had agreed with Monkey to earn money together, recent events involving the "big bird" had put him under everyone¡¯s spotlight. He hated being the center of attention. If he tried to steal something, he¡¯d be noticed before he even got close. Monkey had promptly ditched him and teamed up with someone else.


    This enraged Su Jinlai.


    He wanted to become a pickpocket but couldn¡¯t find anyone to teach him!


    No one wanted to team up with him. They were too practical. They must be jealous of his "potential."


    Muttering curses, Su Jinlai gnawed on a corn bread, lamenting his bad luck.


    It was around this time that a well-dressed woman appeared at the entrance of the courtyard. It had been over a decade since she last visited, and now, standing there, it felt as if time had stood still. She looked up at the familiar courtyard, which hadn¡¯t changed much in over ten years.


    Zhao Guihua, carrying a basket, came out and, upon seeing the woman, paused for a moment. After some time, she recognized her and said, "Hu Huihui?"


    Yes, the woman was none other than Hu Huihui. She looked at Zhao Guihua and recognized her as well. "Aunt Zhao, it¡¯s been a long time. You¡¯re still as sturdy as ever."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "That¡¯s right. I¡¯m carefree and healthy. It¡¯s been many years since we last met, you know. What are you up to these days¡­"


    She scrutinized Hu Huihui from head to toe, finding her outfit rather exaggerated but also quite fashionable for the times. Hu Huihui was dressed in a pink suit with large shoulder pads, a low neckline, and a golden necklace. She wore a matching pink mini-skirt and was dressed in stockings with her bare legs, paired with white high heels. Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua was still bundled up in wool trousers, while Hu Huihui was shivering in her attire.


    Hu Huihui¡¯s hair was permed into tight curls, seemingly styled with mousse, and her makeup was impeccable.


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She found the look trendy but, to her, not very attractive.


    She asked, "Aren¡¯t you cold?"


    Still, wearing stockings with bare legs in this weather?


    Hu Huihui softly chuckled. "I¡¯m not cold, Aunt Zhao. Is my cousin at home?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No, she¡¯s not. She¡¯s at work right now. You¡¯re here to see your cousin, right? Just go on in; someone¡¯s home. Su Jinlai is there."


    Hu Huihui chuckled again, as if not surprised. "Alright, I¡¯ll head in. We can catch up later."


    With that said, Zhao Guihua, having seen it all in her lifetime, could tell that Hu Huihui didn¡¯t hold them in high esteem. It was understandable, though. Hu Huihui seemed to have married quite well.


    Oh, no, that''s not right. She married the deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee back then, and later she even became the director.


    With the policies changing nowadays, some of the bad elements have been held accountable.


    Her...


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t heard any news about Hu Huihui for years, so she was quite curious. She peeked and saw Hu Huihui knocking on the door. Su Jinlai''s voice rumbled from inside: "Who is it?"


    He swung the door open, and when he saw who it was, he froze: "Who are you?"


    Hu Huihui replied, "Jinlai, right? I''m your aunt."


    Su Jinlai was even more stunned.


    Aunt?


    Did his family have such an aunt?


    He looked Hu Huihui up and down and immediately determined that she was wealthy.


    Just a moment ago, he was lamenting how poor he was, and now here was a rich person? He didn''t have any memory of her... Wait, no, he remembered.


    After a brief moment of confusion, Su Jinlai finally recognized who was standing in front of him. He said, "Hu Huihui?"


    Hu Huihui glared at him and said, "What''s wrong with you, kid? How can you call your aunt by her name so directly? That''s not polite."


    Su Jinlai quickly replied, "Aunt, please come in quickly."


    He hurriedly welcomed her inside. Having such a wealthy relative was, of course, something he was very happy about. He rubbed his hands in slight nervousness, despite him usually considering himself quite important. But when facing someone wealthy, there was still a sense of inferiority deep within him.


    He poured a cup of tea for Hu Huihui, but she didn''t drink it. Instead, she handed him a gift box and said, "I bought some pastry and malted milk for your family. Take them."


    When Jinlai saw the contents, his eyes lit up¡ªthese were really good things.


    He quickly invited her, "Aunt, please sit down. It''s cold outside. You can sit on the kang."


    Hu Huihui shook her head and said, "No need, it''s not cold."


    She took out a pack of Hua Zi cigarettes from her small purse, lit one, and asked, "Do you smoke?"


    Su Jinlai quickly said, "Yes."


    He had never smoked Hua Zi before. What status did he have? Smoking Da Qian Men was considered showing off. But this was Hua Zi. He flattered her with a smile, lit the cigarette, took a puff, and said, "It''s really good. It truly is a luxury."


    Hu Huihui tossed the rest of the pack to him and said, "You can have them."


    Su Jinlai was even happier. Oh man, if he took these out to show off, everyone would look up to him.


    He happily tucked them away and asked, "Aunt, how have you been all these years?"


    Hu Huihui replied, "I''ve been quite good. Actually, back then, I wanted to help you, but you know, I had married into a higher status. Whatever your Uncle Husband said, I didn''t dare argue. I was literally under someone''s roof, with no say in anything. Even if I wanted to help my relatives, I had no capability. I actually felt quite guilty about that. Do you remember? Back then, we were so poor that we couldn''t even afford steamed buns."


    Jinlai: "..." Now we still can''t afford them.


    Hu Huihui continued, "The policies have changed in recent years. Your Uncle Husband... you know, he couldn''t continue in his position. Now we''ve both resigned, and we''ve started a small business together. It may not sound great, but now our lives are much more comfortable than before. Back then, I had no means, but now that I do, I naturally think of my relatives. I heard that after coming back from the countryside, you haven''t found a job yet. If you''re really struggling, why not come work with us?"


    Jinlai: "!!!"


    Is this really happening?


    It seems like divine justice is finally looking out for him!


    His luck has finally arrived!


    However, Jinlai was the kind of person who tries to act tough even when he''s desperate. Even if he wanted to take advantage of this offer, he still put on a slightly defiant attitude. He said, "I''ll think about it. Actually, I''m not desperate for a job. I have a lot of friends outside, and generally, the jobs I see aren''t worth my time. That''s why I haven''t been in a rush, since we don''t lack that bit of money." In reality, he had no money in his pocket at all.


    Hu Huihui''s eyes flickered with amusement as she smiled and said, "That''s true, but Aunt still hopes you''ll come join us."


    She looked Jinlai up and down and said, "We''re family¡ªno need for formalities. You have a good reputation, you know."


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    What does reputation have to do with this?


    Was his reputation good? He hadn''t realized.


    Outside the door, the eavesdroppers scratched their heads in confusion. Yes, eavesdroppers.


    Jinlai had no idea, but under their window, several nosy old ladies were squatting...


    Such lack of manners.


    Zhao Guihua was among them. She wasn''t the first one to arrive. Zhou Dama had dashed to the window like a monkey upon hearing the commotion. Not only did she go herself, but she also kept waving at others, calling Luo Xiaohe and Wang Dama over.


    If everyone went, and she, Zhao Guihua, didn''t go, wouldn''t she be left out of the gossip?


    That wouldn''t do.


    Four old ladies were now squatting under the window. Luo Xiaohe, who was doing this for the first time, was so nervous she was shaking, but everyone was puzzled. When it came to Su Jinlai''s reputation, everyone knew he was good at nothing and always hungry. So, having a good reputation?


    For a moment, everyone suspected that Hu Huihui must have learned from Old Man Lan Sihai, speaking in reverse.

 Chapter 174

    People, after all, have some hobbies.


    A few old ladies curiously squat under the windowsill, eavesdropping and puzzled whether Hu Huihui is saying something ironically. As they are puzzling over it, they see a pair of slippers appear before them. Looking up, they see none other than Su Jinlai.


    Su Jinlai''s face is grim as he says, "Old ladies, are you sick or what? What, you come to eavesdrop under my window? Do you think I''m easy to bully? There''s no way to handle things like this, can''t you have some manners? Do you think you can just snoop and eavesdrop on me, Su Jinlai? If I catch you peeking around here again, I''ll snap your necks."


    Aunt Zhou is about to retort, but Zhao Guihua quickly stops her. After all, they were in the wrong.


    She quickly says, "Jinlai, it was our mistake, we''re sorry."


    She pulls the group of old ladies away hurriedly.


    Su Jinlai proudly raises his head, saying, "You''re wise."


    He grumbles as he turns back, "These old ladies have no manners at all. Talk about them always hanging around the courtyard, just like troublemakers. I suspect they''re ruining my reputation outside. Otherwise, how could a fine young man like me... uh, cough, cough, Auntie, how did you hear about me?"


    Hu Huihui doesn''t have a high opinion of these old ladies either, but she didn''t come here because of them. She doesn''t care about them and says, "Never mind them, I''ve heard about you. You don''t know, your reputation, Su Jinlai, is ringing in all of Beijing. That''s why Auntie came to find you."


    Su Jinlai: "!!!"


    He hasn''t even started making a name for himself in society, yet his reputation is already widespread?


    His eyes are full of joy as he asks, "Auntie, did you encounter some trouble that needs solving?"


    Otherwise, why would she come to him?


    Hu Huihui shakes her head, "Not exactly."


    After a pause, she smiles meaningfully, saying, "Auntie heard, your nickname is Da... Niao?"


    Su Jinlai: "!!!"


    His face darkens.


    He remembers his drunken foolishness. Looking at Hu Huihui again, he feels more hostility. Isn''t this auntie going too far? Coming here to laugh at him? Is this how relatives behave? He coldly says, "What are you trying to say, Auntie?"


    Hu Huihui sees Jinlai''s expression change and curses inwardly. However, thinking about how this kid wasn''t reliable even as a child, a ungrateful brat, she''s not at all surprised by his current attitude.


    She smiles softly, saying, "Look at you, such a reputation, it''s not bad at all. Men, having such a reputation is a good thing, isn''t it better than others? Auntie will be honest with you, I have a foreign friend who heard about your reputation and wants to meet you."


    Su Jinlai: "...???????"


    He''s so awesome that even foreigners want to make friends with him? Su Jinlai is momentarily stunned, then proud. Look, he''s that good. Even without stepping out of his home, his fame spreads throughout Beijing.


    He proudly kicked his feet and said, "Auntie, what kind of friend do you have? She has good taste."


    Hu Huihui: "¡­¡­"


    She takes a deep breath, saying, "My husband and I mainly work as tour guides, guiding some foreigners who come from abroad to tour around, experiencing our beautiful landscapes and helping them buy some unique things. The foreigner I mentioned is our guest."


    Actually, Hu Huihui isn''t lying. Although her husband, Old Zheng, used to be a leader, this is Beijing, where if a wall falls and hits ten people, nine of them have connections. They really didn''t dare to be too arrogant. Because her husband, Old Zheng, was more cautious, although greedy for money, he didn''t go too far, leaving some leeway. Thus, he didn''t offend many people, and when the final reckoning came, he was only dismissed from his position.


    Unlike some people who directly went to prison.


    After Old Zheng was ousted, she naturally was sent home and lost her job.


    It was coincidental that a neighbor of theirs was exonerated and returned home with nothing to do. Hu Huihui also had nothing to do at home, so they gradually got closer, oh no, became acquainted. This neighbor had a background of studying abroad, so Hu Huihui decided to learn English from him.


    She thought, more skills don''t weigh you down.


    Hu Huihui has known what she wanted since she was in her teens, and now is no exception. She knows that no matter what she learns, it belongs to her, and you never know when it might come in handy. So she''s been studying seriously.


    Unexpectedly, because of this, she got an opportunity. Due to her mediocre English, Hu Huihui happened to meet a foreigner here on official business. At that time, many people were wary of this, but Hu Huihui had some guts. She seized the opportunity and volunteered to be a tour guide.


    Not only did she become a tour guide, but she also took the foreigner to buy antiques, making him very happy.


    Although these antiques were, as Hu Huihui knew, fake. Over the years, they had confiscated quite a few things. Her biggest advantage was being diligent in learning, not mastering them, but generally being able to distinguish good from bad.


    After all, she had handled quite a few things and paid attention.


    But what does it matter if they''re real or fake, as long as the foreigner thought they were real? Hu Huihui, by conniving with others to sell fakes to foreigners, made a big profit and tasted the sweetness. From then on, she specifically targeted some foreigners, volunteering to be a tour guide.


    Sometimes it was through customer referrals, and her "business" was pretty good. Although there aren''t many foreigners in Beijing now, isn''t her line of work like "three years without opening, and when it opens, it lasts for three years"?


    She didn''t intentionally want to sell fake antiques, but where are so many real ones?


    Would she specifically go look for them? Isn''t that just idle?


    As an old Beijinger, she''s heard a lot about foreigners coming to Beijing to grab good stuff. So now, using fake goods to trick people, Hu Huihui feels no guilt at all. Her business is quite successful.


    The recent clients she''s been dealing with are some foreign rich ladies, introduced by her previous customers.


    By her observation, these people just want to make a fortune by picking up bargains, so Hu Huihui isn''t very polite in tricking them. Coincidentally, they recently went to eat local specialties and happened to hear someone mention Su Jinlai.


    This foreign rich lady is quite open-minded and instantly lit up, wanting to experience it.


    This kind of thing, Hu Huihui isn''t doing it for the first time. Anyway, it''s mutual consent, with enough money, neither side loses. If they''re not willing, Hu Huihui won''t force them; she can always talk them into it with sweet words.


    She walks the line, but you can''t say she''s outright bad.


    Since Su Jinlai is a relative, Hu Huihui took the initiative to come.


    If it weren''t for this, Hu Huihui wouldn''t be willing to find Wang Xiangxiu. She always feels that Wang Xiangxiu is a bit eerie, somewhat like a jinx. This isn''t her superstition; her good cousin has already taken down quite a few people.


    Hu Huihui has to be cautious.


    That''s why she specially chose a time when Wang Xiangxiu wasn''t around.


    How could she not know that this time Wang Xiangxiu is at work? She definitely knows, thinking with her toes, so she deliberately chose this time. Anyway, she doesn''t want to meet her good cousin.


    Hu Huihui: "Look, I''m not lying to you, Auntie. Auntie''s friend heard about your exceptional talent and wants to see it. You won''t do it for free; you''ll get paid. Although they''re older, as a man, you''re not at a loss, are you? Besides, it''s also about face; foreigners are coming specifically because of you, don''t you think?"


    She looks at Su Jinlai, saying, "I heard you''re very impressive, so we should also let foreigners see it, right?"


    She speaks to different people differently. For Su Jinlai, she needs to flatter him.


    "If you don''t want anyone to know, no one will know. The foreign lady will leave in a couple of days." Hu Huihui smiles, saying, "There are three of them, you''ll get this much money."


    She held up one finger.


    Su Jinlai rolled his eyes and snorted, saying, "Ten yuan? That''s nothing."


    Hu Huihui''s mouth twitched, "...¡±


    She wanted to curse. How ignorant could this kid be?


    She said, "What are you thinking? If it were just ten yuan, would your aunt even come to find you? That would be insulting you, wouldn''t it? How could I live up to your nickname?"


    Su Jinlai curiously asked, "So how much is it?"


    He truly had no idea about such matters.


    Hu Huihui: "One thousand yuan."


    Su Jinlai almost shouted, "How much?"


    His eyes nearly popped out as he looked at Hu Huihui in disbelief. He had never had that much money before. To be precise, he had never had more than ten yuan in his life! This sudden offer of one thousand yuan... When he went to the countryside, his family only gave him a hundred yuan.


    And that was for going to the countryside!


    He stammered, "Y-y-you, aren''t lying, are you?"


    Hu Huihui: "I''m your aunt. Although our families haven''t been close, I wouldn''t lie to you, would I? Think about it. Although we haven''t been close, have I ever lied to you?"


    Su Jinlai thought carefully and said, "Well, no."


    Hu Huihui: "Exactly. And why wouldn''t I offer this to someone else? It''s because you''re my nephew. I want you to make some money. Otherwise, I could have easily found someone else. They¡¯ve only heard the name; they haven¡¯t seen you in person. I could have found a fake to trick them, and they wouldn¡¯t have known. That way, I could have made money too. But now, I''m doing this for free to help you. One thousand yuan, and I won''t take a single cent. Not only that, but there are extra benefits too."


    Su Jinlai was curious, "What are they?"


    Hu Huihui: "Think about it. During their stay here, the food and drinks will definitely be of high quality, right? If you join them, won''t you also enjoy it? Places like Old Mo and Quanjude, you can go to any of them. Plus, they¡¯ll probably buy you a new outfit, right? Think about all these benefits."


    It was undeniable that Hu Huihui was quite persuasive. Su Jinlai was immediately tempted, not for any other reason than the money.


    He didn''t hesitate at all and said, "Alright, I agree to this, Auntie. But it''s not just for the money, okay? I can make money easily. I just want to show this foreign woman what''s what."


    Hu Huihui rolled her eyes inwardly but smiled on the surface, "Yes, I know you''re a competitive kid, eager to prove yourself in everything."


    Hu Huihui: "So, you¡¯ll come out with me now? I¡¯ll take you to buy a couple of new outfits."


    Su Jinlai: "Ah, right now, to buy clothes?"


    Hu Huihui: "Of course! My nephew is no less than a movie star from Hong Kong. He deserves to be well-dressed. Let''s go!"


    Hu Huihui glanced at the steamed corn bread on the stove and said, "Look, how can you eat this? I know you''re not picky, but we should at least eat well. Come on, Auntie will take you for Peking duck."


    "Great!"


    Su Jinlai was instantly thrilled. He never expected such good fortune.


    At that moment, he felt truly grateful to Monkey. If it weren''t for Monkey''s watered-down sorghum liquor, he wouldn''t have gotten drunk. If he hadn''t gotten drunk, he wouldn''t have acted so carelessly. And if he hadn''t acted so carelessly, he wouldn''t have gained such notoriety.


    So, thank you, watered-down sorghum liquor!


    He excitedly followed Hu Huihui out the door. As soon as they stepped out, they ran into Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi''s family had made meat pies, and Zhao Guihua had ordered him to deliver lunch to the school. Although students could eat at the cafeteria during lunch, it was nice to send some delicious food occasionally.


    Some kids even brought their own lunch.


    Zhuang Zhixi was muttering, "You never treated me this well when I was a kid."


    Zhao Guihua: "Just shut up and go."


    This really was a case of favoring the younger generation. Zhuang Zhixi and his siblings hadn''t received such special treatment, but the grandchildren, like Huttou, Xiaoyanzi, and Tuantuanyuan, were all well taken care of by Zhao Guihua.


    Zhuang Zhixi was sent to deliver lunch.


    As he was leaving, he happened to meet Hu Huihui and greeted her with a smile, "Hi, long time no see.Heading out?"


    Hu Huihui nodded, "Yes, taking Jinlai out for a meal. You haven''t changed a bit, Mr. Zhuang."


    Hu Huihui looked at Zhuang Zhixi and couldn''t help but marvel at how well he had aged. Even though they hadn''t seen each other for over a decade, time had left barely any trace on him. His demeanor still radiated a youthful freshness.


    Some people might look good but show signs of aging as they grow older. But Zhuang Zhixi showed no such signs. He remained energetic and vibrant.


    She calculated that Zhuang Zhixi was in his early thirties, but he looked ageless.


    She was a year or two younger than him, but if they stood together, people would probably guess that Zhuang Zhixi was the younger one. She''d be seen as his older sister. The man looked youthful, handsome, and, if compared with Su Jinlai, anyone with functioning eyes would definitely prefer Zhuang Zhixi.


    But those were just random thoughts in her head. She quickly bid farewell to Zhuang Zhixi.


    Although Zhuang Zhixi seemed better at first glance, based on her brief understanding of the neighborhood, he wasn''t someone to be trifled with. She wouldn''t bring trouble upon herself. Hu Huihui and Su Jinlai walked out of the alley together, and she hailed a taxi. Not many people could afford to take a taxi these days.


    Su Jinlai was experiencing a taxi for the first time and was ecstatic, feeling like he was floating.


    He said, "Auntie, you''re living the high life, huh? Taxis aren''t cheap."


    Despite his claims of being wealthy, every now and then, he revealed his true nature. His hands trembled as he touched the car, his face glowing with excitement. Looking at Zhuang Zhixi riding his bike in the rearview mirror, Su Jinlai felt he had the capital to be arrogant.


    This felt amazing!


    He was so proud, imagining Zhuang Zhixi full of envy and jealousy, and feeling like he was on cloud nine.


    Little did he know that Zhuang Zhixi didn''t give them a second thought. Hu Huihui thought she knew Zhuang Zhixi, but coincidentally, Zhuang Zhixi also felt he had a good understanding of Hu Huihui.


    She was a shrewd woman, someone who never did anything without a hidden motive.


    She hadn''t contacted Wang Xiangxiu''s family for years, clearly wanting nothing to do with them. But now, she had suddenly approached Su Jinlai. Zhuang Zhixi didn''t need to think hard to know there must be a catch, but regardless of what it was, it didn''t involve him. He had to go feed his two little greedy cats anyway.


    Indeed, the two children were delighted when they received the meat pies, their eyes lighting up with joy. Everyone loves good food.


    Zhuang Zhixi not only delivered lunch to his children but also to his wife.


    After making the rounds, Zhuang Zhixi found himself more exhausted than a day at work. At work, he could at least sneak in some time to relax. But on this day off, he had been running errands since morning, selling goods and delivering lunch. He was thoroughly worn out.


    As he rode back home, he saw the elderly ladies of the neighborhood gathered at his mother''s place, gossiping about Hu Huihui''s visit.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...¡±


    They really were quite the gossipers.


    He decided to go back to his room for an afternoon nap, enjoying the same pleasure Su Jinlai experienced every day by sleeping during the day.


    As for Su Jinlai, his joy today was shopping. He had never imagined he could actually buy such nice clothes, feeling so proud. It was his first realization that a man could make money by sleeping with a woman.


    Other men always spent money on such things.


    He was so unique.


    Su Jinlai couldn''t keep his excitement to himself. Although he didn''t reveal how he was making money, the fact that he had indulged in good food, had bought new clothes, and returned home bragging about it, left Yinlai and Tonglai shocked.


    Yinlai: "Big brother, don''t do anything illegal. If you get caught stealing, we won''t help you."


    Tonglai: "I heard Auntie came today. She''s never been close to our family. Why did she suddenly visit?"


    Su Jinlai: "Look at you, are you jealous of me? Jealous that I''ve got a new job? Let me tell you, my little aunt is now working as a tour guide for foreigners, and she''s bringing me on as her assistant. From now on, I''ll be a respectable person. I told you, with my abilities, I could always make it big. You didn''t believe me, but now you see? I''m not just anyone."


    He was bragging and acting extremely arrogant.


    The people around him looked down on him, everyone thinking he was a parasite. Now they knew, he was the one who could really make money. As for being Hu Huihui''s assistant, that was true too. Hu Huihui needed a reason to give Su Jinlai money.


    Otherwise, with Su Jinlai''s reputation, people might think he was stealing things. After all, suddenly getting rich always needed an explanation.


    Hu Huihui didn''t want to be implicated by Su Jinlai''s stupidity, so she had carefully paved the way for everything.


    Su Jinlai didn''t understand Hu Huihui''s intentions. He just thought Hu Huihui was the one giving him money, so whatever she said went. As long as he got paid, that was enough for him.


    Jinlai was just showing off and didn''t have much of a brain, but Tonglai and Yinlai exchanged a glance, both feeling something was off. During their hardest times, their aunt had never offered to help. Why would she suddenly offer help now? They just couldn''t figure this out.


    Tonglai bluntly said: "What exactly does she want you to do? Let me tell you, if you break the law, I will report you. Don''t cause trouble for me."


    He said this very seriously, not joking at all.


    Jinlai was furious: "I knew it, I knew you were jealous of me. You want to report me? Report me for what? What law have I broken? I just sleep with women, and that''s not against the law."


    Yinlai and Tonglai: "¡­¡­"


    Both of them didn''t know what to say. Seeing their expressions, Jinlai said: "I''m a man, and I don''t get the short end of the stick. You should stay out of it."


    With a bang, he slammed the door and left.


    Tonglai rubbed his temples, saying: "He really knows how to stir up trouble."


    After a pause, he said: "I''ll go ask Uncle Lan about this situation."


    It wasn''t that he wanted to tell outsiders about his family matters, but his family was in such a situation. He was already the smartest one in the family, but even he had no experience with this kind of thing. His mother and brother were even less capable, so Tonglai could only turn to the person he trusted most and thought was the wisest, Lan Sihai.


    Tonglai went to Uncle Lan''s place. He wasn''t afraid of Lan Sihai telling others. Although Lan Sihai seemed unruly, he had the tightest lips. Tonglai laid out all the messy family drama to Lan Sihai, then rubbed his temples with a troubled expression, saying: "Uncle Lan, do you think there might be trouble with our family situation?"


    Lan Sihai looked at Tonglai''s anxiety and thought for a moment, then shook his head, saying: "I don''t think the problem is too big. Your brother is making money with his body, right?"


    Tonglai nodded.


    Although he didn''t want to admit it, he could see that was the case.


    Lan Sihai: "Such things are always consensual and fairly private. The woman on the other side certainly won''t make a fuss. So there might be rumors, but as long as there''s no evidence, no one can say your brother has a problem. Of course, it''s embarrassing, but isn''t he already embarrassing now? It''s the same. You just need to stay calm."


    "Could this affect my college entrance exams?"


    Lan Sihai: "No, whether you get into college depends on your scores, not on what kind of reputation your brother has. In earlier years, some remote places might have held you back based on family background, but it''s 1982 now, and that''s not an issue. Even if he goes to jail, it shouldn''t affect you. And looking at the current policies, they''re only getting looser. You''re only a freshman now, and you''ll only take the college entrance exam in 1984. I think the policies will be even more lenient by then. You should focus on how to study well. Only poor grades will affect you, he won''t."


    He smiled and said: "The main thing is that he seems like the kind of person who would do embarrassing things, but I think you''re used to it. Does our courtyard care about such things? If you let these rumors affect your mindset, that''s the real problem. Other than that, there''s really nothing. Your family should just eat, drink, and live as usual. Let your brother jump around however he wants. We''ve had plenty of people like him in our courtyard before. And frankly, even if your older brother is embarrassing, can he be more embarrassing than your grandmother?"


    Though tough to hear, this really helped Tonglai.


    Tonglai nodded: "You''re right."


    Lan Sihai patted his shoulder: "The key to life is not to care too much about what others think. Your brother? I don''t think he has the guts to do anything truly evil. All he can do are low-level, embarrassing things. Nothing to worry about."


    Tonglai smiled: "I see, so I know how to reassure my family."


    Lan Sihai nodded, saying: "Stay calm."


    "Okay."


    Tonglai was convinced and calm again.


    Zhuang Zhixi had originally thought the Su family would erupt into a huge fight, but with Jinlai storming out and Tonglai seeking advice, things quickly calmed down. He whispered to his wife: "I thought we were going to see a juicy scandal, but it fizzled out. Suddenly, it''s all quiet."


    Ming Mei gave him a sidelong glance: "Be a decent person."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, then laughed. He quickly wrapped his arms around his wife, saying: "I''ll be going on a business trip the day after tomorrow. You better give me your best tonight¡­"


    Ming Mei elbowed him, saying: "Behave yourself."


    Zhuang Zhixi pouted aggrievedly: "Wife, why are you hitting me? I haven''t even left, and you''re already so cold. It really hurts my heart."


    Ming Mei snorted lightly, saying: "I haven''t even voiced my concerns, yet you''re already yapping away. Let me tell you, when you''re out there, don''t you dare mess around. Don''t think that just because you''re in another city, you can do whatever you want. If I find out you''re fooling around, I''ll break your third leg and let you keep company with Zhou Qun and Bai Fen Dou. Then you can be known as the three eunuchs of our courtyard."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m not that kind of person."


    Ming Mei snorted again, saying: "Whether you are or not, I need to warn you. If you dare to cheat on me, I won''t go easy. You know my personality. Some mistakes, if you dare to make them, I''ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life. Taking care of you will be as easy as playing."


    Ming Mei wasn''t one to throw out threats often, but when it came to skills, she truly had them.


    She poked Zhuang Zhixi''s chest, saying firmly: "Out there, no matter if others are up to no good, you have to behave."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand as if swearing an oath: "I promise, I definitely won''t make any serious mistakes."


    He wasn''t afraid either, only guilty people would fear. He was a decent person, so what was there to worry about? He hugged his wife and said: "I''ll be sure not to mess around on this trip. You can rest easy. In fact, I think while I''m there, I''ll take the opportunity to look around. They say there are privately owned factories down south, and many goods are cheaper. Some local vendors go south to stock up. I really want to check it out. Oh, and give me some money. I''ll take more with me. If I find anything good, I''ll try to turn a profit. Since I''m going anyway, maybe I can make some extra cash."


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi in surprise, asking: "You''re not going with your boss? Carrying a lot of luggage back could be awkward, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What''s the big deal? I''m in the publicity department, not the sales department. I don''t travel much, so since this is a rare opportunity, wanting to buy some stuff back isn''t a big deal, right?"


    Ming Mei: "I guess that makes sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Relax, I don''t care what others say. Having thick skin is actually pretty great."


    Ming Mei chuckled, and Zhuang Zhixi laughed along, saying: "Really, it''s not a problem."


    "Alright, I''ll give you the money."


    After a pause, Ming Mei thought and said: "Ask your mom too, see if there''s anything she wants. When you''re out there, might as well pick something up."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hmm, I know this. This old lady has quite a few little secrets."


    Ming Mei giggled softly. She knew why, but she wouldn''t say it, hehe.


    "As children, we just listen, why ask so many questions? The salt they''ve eaten is always more than the roads we''ve walked." Ming Mei was like this; if someone else worries, she''s happy to follow in their footsteps.


    One doesn''t have to be so competitive in life.


    Anyway, her life is good.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What you say makes sense."


    Ming Mei pouted coquettishly: "Of course."


    Zhuang Zhixi prepared to go out, and Ming Mei naturally didn''t confiscate the money he made earlier from selling the radio. Zhuang Zhixi happily saved some private funds, hoping that by the time he returned from the south, his wife wouldn''t remember this matter.


    In reality, did Ming Mei remember? It was obvious.


    Men, you can''t give them large sums of money; otherwise, they''re bound to spend it recklessly.


    And wouldn''t you know it, the next day, before Zhuang Zhixi could find his mother, Zhao Guihua called him over. She checked outside to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then quietly gave Zhuang Zhixi a few gold pieces. Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    It was broad daylight, and the door and windows were closed. Zhuang Zhixi spoke mysteriously: "Mom, where did these come from?"


    Zhao Guihua sneered: "You don''t know?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was innocent: "How would I know?"


    Zhao Guihua chuckled dryly: "Stop acting innocent. I don''t believe you never suspected."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and finally admitted the truth: "It''s the stuff hidden in our kitchen stove, isn''t it?"


    Zhao Guihua glared at him: "Aren''t you still aware? I knew you''ve always suspected me. You''re a sharp one, your mind like a sieve."


    She honestly said: "This is what I took from the toilet back then. It was what Yu Baoshan had hidden. He secretly pocketed things during the confiscation. I was the one who took it without him knowing. Only your father and I know about this, and now you, too."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, I had my suspicions."


    Because a few days before Yu Baoshan started losing his mind over missing items, their family had just built a new stove. It wasn''t necessary at all. And with their two sons, they could have done it themselves, but his mother insisted on only letting his father do it. At the time, he just took a few extra looks, and his mother scolded him, so Zhuang Zhixi was suspicious then.


    But some things shouldn''t be said, so he never mentioned it.


    Later, when they moved houses, he noticed that the stove in his room had been moved, which made him even more suspicious.


    However, he didn''t even tell Ming Mei, not because he didn''t trust her, but because there was no need to say it. Even he was just suspicious, and saying too much would only lead to unnecessary excitement if he turned out to be wrong.


    So he kept it to himself.


    What he didn''t expect was that his mother would actually take it out.


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll be honest with you. There are still gold bricks in the stove in your room, which I didn''t take out. I only took out a part to secretly convert into cash. These things are dead weight when kept, but when converted into money, our family can live a little better."


    If they were antiques, there would be a reason to keep them. But with jewelry and treasures, there''s not much room for appreciation. Although beautiful, they''re not exactly antiques.


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised: "There''s still more in my room?"


    He thought his mother had taken everything. This showed just how much she trusted him.


    Not only did she tell him, but she also left some in his room.


    Zhao Guihua: "There is. This matter is only known to you, your father, and me. Don''t tell anyone else. Even your older brother doesn''t know this. I didn''t intend for him to know. He''s not as sharp as you. Knowing too much and then showing it could be dangerous. But the stuff in your room isn''t entirely for you. I have other uses for it. If you decide to go into business, I can give you some to convert into money. As parents, we can''t not support you. But if you don''t go into business, I plan to slowly buy more houses in a few years. Then I''ll divide them up among you. Even if the younger generation isn''t ambitious, they can at least be landlords."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He paused for a moment and said: "Alright, I understand."


    Zhao Guihua: "Keep these few pieces of jewelry with you when you go south and sell them if you can. Of course, if it''s inconvenient, don''t force it. It depends on the situation."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua: "I don''t want to sell these in Beijing. Gold bricks are one thing, but these pieces of jewelry look quite distinctive. I''m afraid someone might recognize them. We''re all old Beijing residents, and if someone recognizes them, it might lead to investigations about the treasures Yu Baoshan hid a decade ago. If people find out we have these valuables, it wouldn''t be good."


    This was also why she gave the jewelry to Zhuang Zhixi. These items were quite distinctive and could be recognized. Who knows whose family Yu Baoshan took them from. And if the family is missing something, they might realize it during the confiscation, and if they think of Yu Baoshan, there''s a risk.


    Plus, Yu Baoshan had gone mad and claimed that his hidden gold and jewels were stolen, so Zhao Guihua didn''t want to take any risks.


    But selling them outside of the city was different.


    She said: "Sell them if you can, but if you can''t, don''t push it. Don''t take any risks either. I don''t want you to get in trouble over these worthless things."


    Zhuang Zhixi said seriously: "I understand."


    "After you sell them, buy some things for the family, and keep the rest of the money for yourself. I see you''re dealing with those kaffir lilies, and it takes money to do that. You shouldn''t always ask your wife for money. The family expenses are not small."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, smiling: "Mom, you''re so generous."


    Zhao Guihua sighed: "Living a lifetime, who wouldn''t want their family to live a little better if conditions allow? It''s sick to choose to suffer when you can live well."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s true."


    It wasn''t that Zhao Guihua was biased toward the youngest son. Among the three children, she treated them equally. The reason she told Zhuang Zhixi was that the boy was sharp and seemed to have everything figured out. Telling him was just to confirm his suspicions.


    As for the other two, the eldest''s mental fortitude wasn''t strong enough. Zhao Guihua was afraid that if she told him, he might end up sleepless and bald from anxiety. In his previous life, the relationship between the two brothers was average, but still siblings. When Zhuang Zhixi was dealing with kaffir lilies, he could stay calm, but Zhuang Zhiyuan, worried for his brother, became so anxious he started losing hair.


    This person just can''t handle much mentally.


    So Zhao Guihua had no intention of telling him. Besides, she also had some reservations about Liang Meifen. Although she seemed different from her previous life, she still had to be careful. If she told the youngest not to tell his wife, Zhuang Zhixi could keep it secret, but if she told the eldest the same, he might blurt it out in his sleep.


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t taking that risk.


    As for the second son, Zhuang Zhixin, she wasn''t around him, only coming home a few times a year. She certainly couldn''t tell him.


    With two sons near her, she might give them more, but it didn''t mean she favored sons over daughters. Every year, she also sent quite a lot of things to Zhuang Zhixin, but not excessively.


    The main reason was her understanding of her son-in-law. That man was simpleminded, straightforward, and after being in the army for so long, he was pure-hearted. If she showed she was much wealthier than she really was, he might start suspecting she was up to no good.


    So Zhao Guihua didn''t excessively help her daughter. Of course, she knew that both her daughter and son-in-law had good salaries and a comfortable life. Zhao Guihua thought about it and decided that for now, she shouldn''t stand out too much. Later on, she planned to sell the gold and jewelry and buy a house for her daughter.


    When policies changed and more people started doing business, she could use the excuse that she made money from business to justify buying houses.


    That''s why she planned to occasionally set up a stall, whether she made money or not, just to show she was earning. Zhao Guihua felt she was really in a tough spot.


    Such is the nature of this era.


    If your family suddenly gets rich without reason, even the old ladies in the alley would be watching you closely.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, I don''t need to say more. You understand, so leave. Keep your mouth shut."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua and Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s conversation completely escaped the notice of their family. Zhuang Zhixi, having promised his mother, didn¡¯t disclose anything. He simply continued with his daily routine. After all, he was still a man, and he couldn¡¯t stoop to the level of keeping all the benefits for himself.


    Zhuang Zhixi packed his luggage and soon reached the day of his business trip. He only prepared a small suitcase for himself. On the morning of his departure, he gathered with the others as planned. As a member of the Propaganda Department, Zhuang Zhixi was acquainted with everyone in the factory and could even call them by name, though their personal interactions were minimal.


    Still, being polite never hurts. Zhuang Zhixi greeted everyone one by one and then went to collect the tickets for the sleeper berths that the factory had arranged in advance. He boarded the train first to secure seats for everyone. The group quickly boarded the train. One compartment had six seats, and Zhuang Zhixi shared a room with three employees from the Sales Department, while several leaders stayed in another compartment. Zhuang Zhixi actively offered to fetch hot water for them. Deputy Factory Director Zhang smiled and said, ¡°You¡¯ve been busy since you got on the train. Thank you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "It''s nothing, just part of my duty. Since we''re all on this trip together, and everyone else has heavier tasks than I do, it''s only right for me to handle logistical support and take care of small things I can manage."


    He smiled as he filled everyone¡¯s thermos cups with hot water. Outside, these insulated cups were a must for everyone.


    After finishing, Zhuang Zhixi went to fetch another pot of hot water and said, ¡°If any of you need anything, just let me know. Also, the dining car sells food during these times¡­¡±


    He pointed out the schedule and added, ¡°If you want to rest, I can buy your meals and bring them to you.¡±


    Deputy Factory Director Zhang, being the most polite, laughed and said, ¡°No need, we¡¯ll play some cards and won¡¯t be resting.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head back to our compartment then.¡±


    When he returned to their room, which had not yet filled up, only four of them were present. Despite the fact that they were not leaders, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t treat them any less respectfully. He fetched water for them as well, this time adopting a different approach: ¡°Since I¡¯m the youngest here, let me do it.¡±


    Logically speaking, the Sales Department and the Propaganda Department were equally ranked. Although the Sales Department traveled more frequently, since they were of the same rank, there was no hierarchy between them. Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s gesture made everyone feel respected and valued.


    This wasn¡¯t Zhuang Zhixi trying to act subservient. On a trip like this, which only lasted a few days, there was no point in getting upset over such trivial matters. After all, he was essentially along for the ride. Moreover, since they weren¡¯t from the same department, there was no competition between them, which made it easier to get along.


    A small gesture could create a relaxed atmosphere throughout the journey, so why not?


    Zhuang Zhixi was good with words and quickly broke the ice with the group, becoming more familiar with them.


    Since the Sales Department traveled frequently and had seen many places, they shared stories about local customs and cultures. Zhuang Zhixi listened with great interest. Some had been to Guangzhou multiple times and, even before the train arrived, began introducing the city to Zhuang Zhixi. He listened intently, occasionally asking questions, which only encouraged them to talk even more enthusiastically.


    ¡°Xiao Zhuang, I hear the Propaganda Department isn¡¯t too busy, right? Unlike us, who have to travel and are constantly on the go.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Who said we¡¯re not busy? We¡¯re different from you. We don¡¯t travel, but we handle all the propaganda for the documents from above, as well as a lot of miscellaneous tasks. When you break it down, it might not seem like much individually, but when you sum it all up, it¡¯s quite a bit of work.¡±


    He added, ¡°Everyone has their own responsibilities to handle.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. You also have to do a lot of writing. If it were me, I could handle drinking and making deals, but I wouldn¡¯t be good at this.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, ¡°That¡¯s also a skill.¡±


    ¡°Oh right, Old Wang mentioned drinking, and it reminded me. Xiao Zhuang, I heard there was a guy from your place who got drunk and took off his clothes in the street?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Oh, you already heard about that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, how could we not know? Your neighborhood sure is lively¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed heartily and said, ¡°It¡¯s true. But he¡¯s young, so it¡¯s not uncommon for some people to lose their inhibitions after drinking...¡±


    He couldn¡¯t exactly call Su Jinlai an idiot, though.


    While Zhuang Zhixi was chatting energetically, Su Jinlai was dressed in a neat suit, polished leather shoes, and impeccably groomed hair, looking very presentable. He was following Hu Huihui. Hu Huihui said, ¡°They only know a few simple Chinese words. They don¡¯t understand much else, so just stay with them and do what they ask. Anyway, when it comes to men and women, you don¡¯t need an aunt to explain it to you in detail, do you?¡±


    Su Jinlai proudly replied, ¡°Of course not.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t his first time.


    He had even slept with Guan Hong.


    ¡°Also, they¡¯ll only be here for two or three days, so they won¡¯t need you for long. But since we¡¯re family, I have to remind you: don¡¯t think you¡¯re invincible just because you¡¯re young. Once you¡¯re back, make sure your mom cooks something to nourish you.¡±


    Su Jinlai looked confused as he gazed at Hu Huihui. She explained, ¡°You need to nourish yourself with some hearty soup, something like turtle soup or chicken soup. You need to replenish yourself, or you¡¯ll wear yourself out at a young age. Do you remember Zhou Qun from your courtyard? Why do you think he ended up looking so haggard? It¡¯s said that it was because he messed around with too many older women in his youth.¡±


    After all, Hu Huihui was family, and she was being quite sincere: ¡°After this, take some time to rest and don¡¯t go looking for young girls to fool around with. Take care of yourself properly, or you¡¯ll end up a wreck.¡±


    Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t convinced at all. Who did he think he was? Zhou Qun? Comparing him to Zhou Qun was absurd. Could Zhou Qun even compete with him?


    Pfft!


    He said, ¡°I¡¯m not like that worthless Zhou Qun.¡±


    Hu Huihui replied sternly, ¡°Don¡¯t take this lightly. Everyone has been young before. I¡¯m saying this because you¡¯re my nephew. If it were someone else, I wouldn¡¯t care what happens to them.¡±


    This guy truly didn¡¯t appreciate good advice.


    Su Jinlai pursed his lips. He suddenly remembered something: he hadn¡¯t seen Hu Huihui¡¯s husband these past couple of days.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Uncle¡­ I mean, why isn¡¯t your husband with you?¡± he asked.


    Hu Huihui remained calm and replied, ¡°Oh, it just so happens that a few more people are coming. I had him go take care of them.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    He opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. Looking at his aunt again, he thought, She¡¯s truly ruthless, even using her own husband?


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    Hu Huihui: ¡°He¡¯s getting paid for it, so it¡¯s fine.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    He fell silent.


    Hu Huihui didn¡¯t bother trying to figure out what he was thinking. Instead, she led him upstairs. When they reached the room, she knocked twice. The door opened to reveal a woman in her forties, with golden hair and a sturdy build. Her eyes immediately locked onto Su Jinlai.


    Those eyes were¡­ hungry.


    Soon, two more women appeared, all around the same age, and all three of them stared straight at Su Jinlai.


    Hu Huihui smiled and said to the first woman, ¡°Mary, this is the young man I told you about. He¡¯s quite something.¡±


    Mary laughed, sizing up Su Jinlai thoroughly. Suddenly, Su Jinlai felt uncomfortable. The intense gaze from this foreign woman, who seemed even older than his own mother, made him uneasy. He immediately stepped back, ¡°I, I, I¡­¡±


    Sob, sob, sob. He didn¡¯t want to do this anymore. He didn¡¯t want to earn this money.


    One woman was already more than he could handle, and there were three? He, he, he¡­ he was scared!


    He kept retreating, ¡°No, no, no, I can¡¯t¡­¡±


    Mary looked at Hu Huihui, puzzled, and spread her hands.


    Hu Huihui could clearly see Su Jinlai¡¯s intention.


    This coward was backing out at the last minute!


    She quickly grabbed him and said, ¡°Let me talk to him.¡±


    She whispered, ¡°This is a thousand yuan, which is equivalent to a thousand pounds of meat. You¡¯d never be able to eat it all. With this money, you could buy plenty of rice, flour, and oil. Your whole family could live off fine grains for a year. Do you know how much money this is? It¡¯s more than what your mom would earn in two or three years of working. You only have to sleep a few times to get it, and it¡¯ll all be yours. Don¡¯t you want it? Do you want to go back to eating coarse grain? You¡¯re not a little girl, you¡¯re a young man. You¡¯re not going to lose anything. So, tell me, are you going to do it? If not, I¡¯ll find someone else, and I¡¯ll still make five hundred out of it!¡±


    Su Jinlai wanted to step back desperately, but the thought of the money made him hesitate. He couldn''t afford to walk away now. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hu Huihui pressed on, "Other guys have to pay to sleep with women, but you? You''re getting paid to sleep with them. Let me be clear, some people are willing to spend a thousand yuan just because of your reputation as a ''big shot.'' You won''t find deals like this every day, understand? You won''t! This kind of opportunity didn''t go to someone else because I didn''t treat you like an outsider! Think carefully¡ªare you in or not?"


    He gritted his teeth. "A thousand yuan! A thousand yuan! I''m in!¡±


    With a determined stomp of his foot, he followed the woman inside. The next moment, a loud scream echoed: "Ah¡­"


    Hu Huihui muttered, "Wow, that was a loud one."


    Leaning against the wall of the corridor, she felt the urge to smoke again.


    Truthfully, she didn''t think she was doing anything wrong. Su Jinlai was the kind of person who couldn''t do much, yet was full of endless complaints and nitpicking. It was better to make use of him than let him waste his life. At least this way, he was earning an honest thousand yuan.


    She had tempted Su Jinlai earlier, but what she said wasn''t entirely untrue. With his family''s conditions, having an extra thousand yuan made a world of difference. Back when her older cousin relied on men to make money, how much could she earn in one go?


    Perhaps only one percent of that amount.


    Moreover, if it wasn''t for Su Jinlai being her nephew, she wouldn''t have considered him at all. It would have been easier to find someone pretending to be a ''big shot.'' Su Jinlai, who couldn''t even charm a woman and had an inflated sense of self-worth, made things quite difficult for her.


    If Su Jinlai didn''t perform well, it would affect her plans. She was putting in real effort here.


    Besides, she wasn''t even profiting from this herself. Her goal was to keep these people happy so they would buy fake antiques.


    She had even had to spend money on Su Jinlai''s clothes.


    She had it tough too.


    Leaning against the corridor, Hu Huihui felt deeply troubled.


    Deep down, she believed she was doing Su Jinlai a favor by involving him in this arrangement, but she wasn''t sure if he would understand her intentions. With a gentle sigh, she quietly made her way downstairs to the caf¨¦ on the first floor. This caf¨¦ attracted many foreign guests, as it was one of the few places in the city offering such an establishment.


    Hu Huihui couldn''t tell the difference between good and bad coffee, but whenever she came here, she always ordered a cup. After all, foreigners liked it, and she had to keep up appearances.


    If she didn''t practice more, she wouldn''t get used to it.


    As she sipped her coffee, she wondered if Su Jinlai would actually be useful or if he was just all talk.


    If he wasn''t up to par, then that would be a disaster.


    Meanwhile, Su Jinlai, feeling utterly wronged, sat sobbing. This job was unbearable, and earning money was proving to be far too difficult.


    "Darling, let''s go again~"


    Su Jinlai wailed, "Waaahhh, save me!"


    Three people? He simply couldn''t handle it!


    Earning money was hard, and so was eating crap!


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    Tonglai returned home from school and bumped into Aunt Zhou, who was washing clothes in the courtyard. Seeing him, she asked, "Tonglai, hasn''t your older brother come back yet? What''s the matter? Did he run away from home? Where can he even stay?"


    Tonglai replied, "He probably went to my aunt''s place."


    Aunt Zhou''s eyes darted around as she probed further, "Why would your aunt suddenly introduce him to a job? You guys haven''t kept in touch all these years, have you?"


    Something about this whole situation didn''t feel right to her.


    Tonglai: "That''s right, we didn''t have much contact before. But since my older brother hasn''t had a job, my aunt thought she shouldn''t let our family struggle too much and decided to help introduce him to one."


    He smiled and swiftly brought the conversation to a close, saying, "Aunt Zhou, I have to go back to study."


    Pausing for a moment, he added, "Oh, by the way, there''s a vendor selling candied chestnuts at the end of the alley."


    Aunt Zhou immediately wiped her hands clean. "Oh, my little Qijun loves those! I have to go get some right away."


    "Aren''t they back from school yet?"


    After all, his high school classes had already ended.


    "They went to the youth center after school today." Aunt Zhou explained before hurriedly stepping out. She couldn''t let her precious grandson miss out on his favorite treat. Putting the conversation aside, she rushed off. Tonglai returned home, leaning against the door, and let out a deep, troubled sigh.

 Chapter 175

    Guangzhou Railway Station was bustling with people, and as Zhuang Zhixi and his group followed the flow of the crowd to exit, they spotted someone holding a sign to greet them. For this trip, the staff had shown great emphasis, escorting them all the way to a hotel where everything was arranged meticulously. They were assigned rooms with two people to a room, and Zhuang Zhixi shared with Little Huang.


    Despite being called Little Huang, he was a few years older than Zhuang Zhixi. Upon their arrival, they held a small meeting. As part of the attendees, Zhuang Zhixi listened more and spoke less, keeping a low profile. Such meetings didn''t require his input, as everyone had their own roles to play.


    After the meeting, the afternoon was free for rest, and other team members had their own social engagements. Zhuang Zhixi, after tidying up and doing some light disguise, headed out with his backpack to explore the area. The place was thriving and very prosperous.


    Although their hometown, the Capital City, was also prosperous, the style was different. The commercialization here was more apparent, with numerous shops lining the streets. Zhuang Zhixi wandered around for a while and found a small shop in an alley that dealt in buying and selling gold and silver jewelry. The shopfront was so small that it was easy to miss.


    Although hesitant, Zhuang Zhixi entered to inquire about the prices, eventually selling his gold jewelry. This was his first time doing such a thing, and though he felt nervous, everything went smoothly. After selling the jewelry, instead of returning directly to his hotel, he took several detours, entering a mall and exiting through a back door, ensuring an extra layer of security for himself. Being cautious never hurt.


    After several rounds of twists and turns, he even went to the restroom to wash his face and change clothes before returning to the hotel.


    If it weren''t for his friendship with Lan Sihai, Zhuang Zhixi would never have thought of disguising himself. The transformations Lan Sihai had given Bai Fendou made Zhuang Zhixi realize the value of such techniques.


    Outside, one must always take extra precautions.


    With most of the money in his backpack, he returned to the hotel. Little Huang was not in the room, so he boiled some water and drank several cups of tea to calm his nerves. He had never seen so much money before. Although he and Ming Mei had saved some, their salaries were limited, and living expenses and raising their child meant they never had much wealth. Selling these jewelry pieces today almost equated to their combined savings over a decade of marriage.


    Zhuang Zhixi carefully hid the money in his travel bag and pushed it under the bed, grateful that they were staying in a hotel reserved for conference attendees, where security was a priority. Without locks on the suitcases, safety was a concern. Still, since no one else carried locked suitcases, Zhuang Zhixi decided not to stand out by bringing one himself.


    Lying on the bed, Zhuang Zhixi pondered his observations of the day. The commerce here was more developed, with various products available. Among the younger crowd, bell-bottoms seemed to be the latest trend.


    These pants were very popular, and he had seen many young people wearing them during his walk. While older people might find them unconventional and unbecoming, the youth loved them for their fashionable appeal.


    Lan Sihai, an older gentleman, had once tried to keep up with the trend during a New Year''s celebration, almost causing a stir. However, while he had partaken in the fashion, he didn''t find the pants particularly appealing and stopped wearing them after a few days.


    Young men in their neighborhood had been looking for them in the mall, but they were still unavailable. Lan Sihai''s pair had been a gift from Ming Mei''s cousin from another city, highlighting the family''s unique character. Nevertheless, Zhuang Zhixi sensed that bell-bottoms had great potential.


    Although they might not be a lasting trend, they could certainly be a quick way to make money. Zhuang Zhixi suddenly sat up, not hesitating to leave again. This time, he headed towards various shops, visiting several of them until nightfall. Exhausted, he returned to the hotel, where Little Huang had also just arrived.


    Little Huang looked surprised and asked, "Where have you been?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I went out to see if I could find any local specialties to buy. And you?"


    Little Huang said, "I had a few drinks with some salespeople from other factories. By the way, have you had dinner yet? There''s a buffet prepared for the conference attendees upstairs. It''s something new they''ve picked up from the West, but it''s quite convenient. Just give them your room number."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t aware of this and lit up at the news. "That sounds great. I haven''t had dinner yet. You look like you''ve had quite a bit to drink. Want to join me for a bite?"


    Little Huang waved him off. "I won''t. I still need to visit our section chief to discuss tomorrow''s plan and strategy."


    Their trip was primarily work-related, unlike Zhuang Zhixi, whose main task was to observe and record.


    "There''s hot water in the thermos. Why don''t you make some tea to help with the alcohol?" offered Zhuang Zhixi.


    Little Huang replied, "Alright, thanks."


    He found sharing a room with Zhuang Zhixi quite satisfying. While usually co-workers needed to be wary of each other, things were much more relaxed now. Little Huang added, "I might be back late tonight."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sure."


    He headed downstairs alone. It was late, so there weren''t many people dining. Zhuang Zhixi figured out the setup, filling his plate with his favorite dishes. This was a time when one needed to enjoy meat above all else.


    Zhuang Zhixi was a carnivore, preferring meat over vegetables any day.


    Sitting by the window, he enjoyed a steak. Not entirely understanding the Western way of eating it with a knife and fork, he observed others for a bit before deciding to use chopsticks instead.


    Learning was good, but being carefree was better.


    After all, as long as one had thick skin, one could face anything without fear.


    After finishing his meal, he felt several gazes lingering on him. Zhuang Zhixi calmly poured himself a drink to aid digestion.


    As long as he didn''t care, no matter how scrutinizing others were, he remained composed.


    Perhaps it was Zhuang Zhixi''s strong mental resilience, but the onlookers eventually felt somewhat embarrassed. A portly man approached and greeted him, "Hello."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and replied, "Hello."


    The two sat at the same table. The man sincerely said, "Brother, you''re quite bold. I always leave feeling unsatisfied because I''m too self-conscious to eat much. Eating more makes me feel like others are watching me, but you''re impressive, eating steak with chopsticks so calmly."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "No one here knows me, so I need to make sure I''m full, right?"


    "They are watching you."


    "Let them watch. It won''t make me any less. Maybe they''re watching me because I''m handsome."


    The portly man: "..."


    This is obviously bragging.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "May I ask where you work?"


    The man replied, "I''m from Lin City, a small place. This opportunity to participate in the exhibition was hard-earned. Our factory specializes in bamboo crafts, and I''m the deputy factory director, Zhu Youcai. Originally, another factory was supposed to participate, but we took over at the last minute. I''m feeling a bit uncertain about it."


    If it weren''t for his lack of confidence, he wouldn''t have come to the buffet so late. Seeing this man so carefree, he decided to sit down for a chat, hoping to alleviate some of his stress. Throughout the journey, he had lost weight.


    "And you are...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi answered, "I''m also here for the exhibition, from Jingcheng Machinery Factory, Zhuang Zhixi."


    "Beijing is wonderful. You must have seen much more than us," the man praised.


    Smiling, Zhuang Zhixi said, "Not really. I''m from the publicity department, just accompanying and observing. I need to write a report about it. It''s my first business trip, so I''m quite uninformed, but luckily, my role is more of a supporting one, so I don''t have to worry too much."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Zhu Youcai started chatting. Although Zhu Youcai had only come temporarily, he wasn''t a novice to the place. He seemed more familiar with the area than Zhuang Zhixi''s colleagues. He said, "You''re here to buy stuff, right? Let me tell you, it''s different from our state-run department stores. These small shops are privately owned, and you have to haggle hard. The first time I came, I was stunned to see a guy reduce a thirty-yuan item to eight yuan. That was shocking! I mean, how could they even ask for thirty yuan in the first place? I didn''t dare to ask the price when I heard thirty, but it went down to eight! That scared me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That big of a difference?"


    "That¡¯s right."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I definitely need to keep that in mind."


    "Absolutely, or you''ll be the one losing out."


    Zhu Youcai added, "Actually, things are pretty cheap in Shenzhen too, I¡¯ve been there before¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi listened with great interest. Compared to someone who had seen the world, he felt like a bumpkin. Even if Zhu Youcai came from a small town, he had a wealth of experience. Zhuang Zhixi felt like a country boy who had just stepped out into the world.


    Zhuang Zhixi could chat with anyone, and he quickly became friendly with Zhu Youcai, an older man. They even made plans to explore the area together when they had the time, looking like a harmonious duo. Relieved, Zhuang Zhixi returned happily.


    While Zhuang Zhixi had his own motives, he knew that business came first, especially when abroad. On the second day, he joined the company''s big shots at the Canton Fair, a major event. Even standing there like a nobody, he felt out of place, but the experience opened his eyes to a whole new world.


    He was used to working in the office, mostly using a pen and paper, so seeing so many people¡ªboth domestic and international¡ªwas a shock. Many of them were factory leaders or top-notch salespeople. Take the group from their machinery factory, for example. They seemed like nothing but blowhards, but once things got busy, they proved they had real skills. Zhuang Zhixi stuck to doing odd jobs, not participating directly, but he learned a lot during those few days.


    He really picked up a thing or two.


    Not just from their company, but from other booths too. Zhuang Zhixi was meticulous in his work. He might slack off sometimes, but he knew what was valuable. The more he understood, the better it was for him.


    He took it seriously, working hard behind the scenes, and wouldn¡¯t you know it, he ran into Zhu Youcai again. Their booth was in a far-off corner, nothing like the prime location of the machinery factory''s, but their business was booming.


    That bamboo weaving might seem worthless to some, but plenty of foreigners loved it. Their small stall was getting plenty of orders. Zhuang Zhixi, like a sneak, crouched nearby and watched for a while, figuring out why Zhu Youcai¡¯s small factory managed to exhibit.


    The key was four words: national characteristics.


    To them, bamboo weaving was about practicality, but to some, it was art. Zhuang Zhixi saw Zhu Youcai, a vice-director, sweating and working like a pro. The guy could even handle a bit of foreign language.


    Skills never weigh you down, huh?


    This trip really broadened Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s horizons and taught him that you can¡¯t judge a book by its cover. Zhu Youcai had been a nervous, hesitant fatty before, but now he was a smooth-talking sales ace, flying around the venue effortlessly.


    After a while, Zhuang Zhixi left and returned to his factory''s booth. While their orders weren¡¯t as high as Zhu Youcai¡¯s, they had higher unit prices, so they had their own edge.


    Zhuang Zhixi worked hard for days, helping out and accompanying the higher-ups on tours. Every day was exhausting, and although he ate meat daily, he ended up thinner.


    Back home, he never had meat every day, but here, even with all the meat, he lost weight.


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi also took advantage of these busy days to shop around each evening in the first few days and finally chose a store to place an order. Initially, he wanted to visit a factory, but as a newcomer, he was unfamiliar with the place. Plus, he knew his small order wouldn¡¯t be taken seriously, so he directly went to a store to order goods.


    Those stores were pretty bold with their prices, demanding tens of yuan. After observing for a couple of days, Zhuang Zhixi chose a medium-sized store, thinking it seemed more reasonable. He went straight to the store, where the owner, an older man, greeted him.


    Zhuang Zhixi wanted bell-bottoms, and the owner immediately introduced them: "Check these out. These are the best-sellers¡ªsky blue and pink. The young crowd loves them. This style sells like crazy every day. Bell-bottoms are the fashion youth''s favorite, you know? Older folks might not get it, but which young person doesn¡¯t wear them? Even people coming from Hong Kong are into it. And look at these sunglasses. So trendy!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I want quite a few. Can you lower the price?"


    "A few, huh? If you¡¯re buying ten or eight¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I mean business. Give me a discount¡ªsix yuan each!"


    The owner gawked. "What the¡­ Get out of here! Who do you think you¡¯re messing with? I was asking for twenty-six, and you offer six? You think I¡¯m an idiot? I don¡¯t run a charity here!"


    Zhuang Zhixi stopped him: "Hold on! I¡¯m serious. I¡¯ll take a thousand!"


    The owner paused. "A thousand? Even a thousand doesn¡¯t mean you can pay six yuan each. That¡¯s ridiculous. I¡¯ve gotta make a living here!"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Brother, don¡¯t get mad. I know you¡¯ll make less per piece, but it adds up. You¡¯ve only got to sell once, and the stuff sells itself. You¡¯re not losing out. And look, I¡¯m taking all these to my hometown. Your local sales won¡¯t be affected. Plus, I¡¯m making a big purchase, saving you effort, no?"


    Seeing the owner hesitating, Zhuang Zhixi continued: "They¡¯re ready-made products. No design or pattern work for you. You¡¯re flipping them for profit. Nothing better than that. To be honest, this is my first time, a rookie deal. If it were an experienced guy, they¡¯d have gone straight to the factory. I¡¯m here not just for convenience but also because I trust you. My friend, mentioned you as a standup guy. A North girl, surnamed Chen. Remember her?"


    It was a wild guess, but it was easy to create a bond.


    The owner wasn¡¯t just selling off the shelves; he also wholesaled. He¡¯d moved a bundle, so a mention of "Chen from the North¡± didn¡¯t ring a bell but added some weight to the deal.


    After thinking it over, he said, "You¡¯re squeezing me too hard, six yuan. Add fifty cents."


    Zhuang Zhixi calculated, then said, "Add twenty cents each."


    He added, "There¡¯s cost in shipping this back."


    "Fine. How do you want it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "For men, just sky blue, for women, just pink. Skip the other colors. Two sizes each for males and females¡ªtwo hundred and fifty pieces for each size."


    "Sure."


    Zhuang Zhixi already had it planned. Sky blue and pink were the most accepted and scarce in their area, which was his unique selling point.


    As for sizes, most people there were thinner, so large sizes were unnecessary. Not stockpiling for a mere percentage was better. Likewise, he skipped the smallest sizes, as thin meant lack of access to good food, meaning fewer would spend money on nice clothes.


    They agreed on the deal.


    Zhuang Zhixi scheduled the pick-up for three days later.


    He returned and counted the money. This time he went out, his wife gave him a thousand yuan, and he had another three hundred yuan in private savings. His mother had sold some gold jewelry for a total of five thousand three hundred yuan. Fortunately, the money was sufficient, otherwise he might have been in a tight spot.


    Speaking of which, it was a good thing he had taken more gold jewelry from his mother before leaving. At that time, they hadn''t planned to do business; they mainly wanted to take the opportunity to sell some distinctive or marked items since it was rare to go to a foreign place. That¡¯s why they had taken more. As it turned out, it all came in handy.


    Zhuang Zhixi was in high spirits, feeling that he still had some good fortune. However, he didn''t dare to be too complacent. When the goods arrived, he would certainly check them carefully. He took out his notebook and jotted down all these details. This was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s habit¡ªhe would briefly record important events in life. Whether it was for review later or as a reminder, it was very useful. He sat on the bed, writing and drawing in his notebook. Little Huang came back drunk, saw Zhuang Zhixi writing, and said, "Are you already starting to write?"


    Zhuang Zhixi closed the notebook and replied, "No, I¡¯m just recording some key points and ideas so I won¡¯t forget them when I get back."


    Little Huang: "That sounds tough."


    He didn¡¯t even wash up, just laid down on the bed and said, "We¡¯ll be done with work in a few days. We¡¯ll have two or three days to rest locally. Any plans?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, "None. Maybe just wander around a bit since it''s my first time here. Then buy some gifts to take back. My older brother is a train conductor and often travels all over. He always brings back gifts for our family. My kids have grown up eating local specialties from their uncle. Since I¡¯m here for the first time, I should buy more."


    "That¡¯s true. Brothers are family, but their wives might not always see it that way."


    Little Huang sighed, clearly a middle-aged man with some stories.


    He said, "I reckon the managers will be meeting with other factory managers. I¡¯ve also made some arrangements. If you don¡¯t feel awkward, you can join us. If you¡¯re embarrassed, I won¡¯t stop you. You can roam around on your own."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Thanks, Brother Huang, but I¡¯m good. I promised a friend I¡¯d visit places with him. Can¡¯t back out now. I wonder if this guy really knows the place or if he¡¯s just pretending. Won¡¯t he sell me out?"


    Little Huang laughed, "Sell you out? You¡¯re not some little girl, just a big guy. Not bad, you¡¯ve already made friends in just a few days."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "He¡¯s also here for the exhibition. He thinks I eat meat in a very carefree way, unconcerned with public opinion, so he¡¯s been eating with me every day. That¡¯s how we connected."


    Little Huang burst out laughing. After he finished laughing, he suddenly remembered something, sat up abruptly, and said, "Wait, hold up. You¡¯re the guy who went to the buffet and used chopsticks to eat steak, right? Didn¡¯t eat any vegetables, just beef?" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After saying that, he felt a bit awkward, realizing calling someone a "hillbilly" wasn¡¯t very polite.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That¡¯s right, that hillbilly is me."


    He didn¡¯t feel embarrassed at all. Come on, this is a time when meat isn¡¯t eaten three meals a day. Seeing such an extravagant item as steak, why not indulge? Ate steak? Must be an idiot. Besides, no one knows anyone here, so why pretend?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My friend is amazed by my unorthodox charm, which is why he¡¯s been eating with me every day."


    Little Huang: "¡­¡­"


    He twitched his mouth, having heard that at the second-floor buffet, there were two guys, one fat and one thin, who looked like the Fat and Thin Eccentrics from "The Deer Saber." They¡¯d go to the buffet at dinnertime to eat beef, earning the nickname "Youngsteer slayers."


    These two not only ate steak but also didn¡¯t know how to use knife and fork so they used chopsticks directly.


    And the thin guy, resembling a stick, could eat ten or so steaks in one meal. Nobody knew if his stomach was a bottomless pit. With their eccentric aura, the duo quickly gained a bit of reputation among their peers.


    If everyone wasn¡¯t so busy with work, they¡¯d have been investigating by now.


    Little Huang hadn¡¯t expected such a character to be sharing a room with him. Even more bizarre was that the guy showed no embarrassment or apprehension at all. It was just startlingly casual. He sincerely asked, "You really don¡¯t feel embarrassed?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There¡¯s no need for embarrassment. It¡¯s all included in the room fee, so I have to make sure I¡¯m full. Actually, there¡¯s nothing to it."


    Little Huang: "¡­¡­I¡¯ve learned something new."


    Looking at Zhuang Zhixi again, he felt this guy was indeed a bit different.


    He hesitated, wanting to advise Zhuang Zhixi but hesitating again, feeling that what Zhuang Zhixi said maybe seemed reasonable. There¡¯s no need for embarrassment, after all, no one knows anyone. After a long while of hesitation, he finally said, "Well, do as you please."


    He lay down, not sure what was on his mind.


    Zhuang Zhixi at this point stopped writing, put the notebook away, and took a bath. At this time of year, the weather in Guangzhou was quite different from that in Beijing. Even wearing a shirt, Zhuang Zhixi was drenched in sweat after a day¡¯s work.


    He took a shower, appreciating the convenience of it. No wonder their hotel is considered high-end. A small guesthouse wouldn¡¯t have such convenience. After his shower, he saw that Little Huang was dressing up, now looking normal.


    Zhuang Zhixi wondered, "Going out?"


    Little Huang nodded, "I¡¯m heading out."


    After a pause, he asked him, "Join me? Want to come out and see the sights?"


    Feeling a bit awkward, he lowered his voice, revealing a tone that men all understand, ambiguously suggesting, "There are some girls at the hair salon."


    Realizing Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t seem to understand, he chuckled and said, "There are some girls."


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly understood. He quickly shook his head, "I won¡¯t go, you have fun."


    He really isn¡¯t interested in that stuff.


    He felt that figuring out how to make money would be much more fun.


    He said, "Don¡¯t stay out too late, we still have work tomorrow, and your body might not hold up."


    Little Huang proudly raised his chin and said, "What¡¯s the big deal? I¡¯m a pro who can go eight times a night. A couple of ladies won¡¯t affect my work. You¡¯re really not coming?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not going, I¡¯m too tired today, just want to go to bed early."


    Little Huang: "Alright."


    Since Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t going, he didn¡¯t think much of it. After all, there¡¯s a cost to finding girls. He didn¡¯t know what Zhuang Zhixi brought with him, so whether he could afford it. And about treating him? Forget it. He¡¯d rather find two for himself.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Are you coming back tonight?"


    Little Huang: "Nope."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...then be careful."


    "Heh heh, relax, I know the area."


    With Little Huang gone, Zhuang Zhixi turned on the TV and sat on the bed watching. He silently smiled, thinking, "What kind of person is this?" Though Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t go to university, it wasn¡¯t because he wasn¡¯t intelligent enough, but rather that his time the universities were shut down. Having graduated high school, he could be considered an intellectual. Deep down, there was a bit of scholar¡¯s aloofness in his bones. Despite seeming like an easy-going person on the surface who could get along with anyone, there were certain things he couldn¡¯t accept.


    He pursed his lips, disliking such behavior, but given that it didn¡¯t involve him, he wouldn¡¯t interfere. The TV here picks up not only local channels but also some from across the river.


    The TV spoke in Cantonese, which Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t fully understand, but could guess half of it.


    However, after watching for a while, he slowly got used to it. In recent days, he¡¯d met many locals speaking Cantonese and seemed to have good language skills, so he could understand some of it. Zhuang Zhixi leaned against the headboard to watch TV but didn¡¯t realize when it had turned into a snow screen and he fell asleep soundly.


    Sleeping well makes one feel refreshed. After all, being in one''s thirties means still being in the prime of life. Zhuang Zhixi, at thirty-two, was one of the youngest among the people on an official business trip. It was another bright day, and perhaps it was just psychological, but Zhixi felt that Little Huang and the others seemed a bit unsteady on their feet.


    Well, maybe it was just his imagination.


    The exhibition lasted for a week, and after seven days of work, there was still one day left to clean up. Zhixi fully demonstrated his willingness to work hard and endure dirty and tiring work. After everything was tidied up by mid-afternoon, he said goodbye to everyone and headed to pick up his goods, carrying a backpack full of cash.


    The seller was already waiting for him. Although six thousand yuan for the goods seemed like a lot to Zhixi, who was handling such a large sum for the first time, it wasn''t a big deal for the local shopkeepers. After all, it was 1982, and some people with quick minds and sharp senses had already started smuggling things. Even before the reform and opening up, there were people secretly engaging in black markets, let alone now.


    So, there were often people coming to buy goods. Zhixi''s transaction, while significant, wasn''t particularly large. If this were a garment factory, it would be considered a small deal, barely worth a glance. But in a local shop, it was considered a fairly large customer.


    However, even as a large customer, it wasn''t something they hadn''t seen before, so the seller was much calmer than Zhixi. They conducted the transaction, exchanging money for goods. Zhixi randomly checked some of the clothing and found no issues.


    This wasn''t just him being cautious; there were already scammers around, and he couldn''t be too careful. After inspecting the trousers and finding them satisfactory, Zhixi hired a tricycle and left with his goods.


    One thousand bell-bottom pants fit into four large bags, not too difficult to handle.


    After picking up the goods, Zhixi was left with less than six hundred yuan. Although six hundred didn''t seem like much compared to the thousand pants, its purchasing power was quite strong.


    The last two days were free to explore, and Zhixi decided to stick with Zhu Youcai. Sometimes, you can tell what kind of person someone is after just a little interaction. Zhixi got along with Little Huang and the others, but they weren''t quite on the same wavelength. As for Zhu Youcai, although they were just casual acquaintances, they both enjoyed good food and felt they got along well. Zhu Youcai''s factory was a small one, and this time, four people came. Zhu Youcai separated from his colleagues and decided to hang out with Zhixi.


    Zhu Youcai sighed, "Our factory director and the others are just too uptight. I feel drained just being around them."


    Zhixi replied, "Then you should hang out with me. I''m not uptight at all."


    Zhu Youcai burst out laughing and said, "True. Come on, let''s go."


    The two of them spent the day wandering around, and Zhixi, knowing they had two days, didn''t hold back, buying whatever caught his eye. Zhu Youcai was dumbfounded. He was used to seeing female coworkers go on shopping sprees during business trips, but he had never seen a male coworker so eager to shop.


    Zhixi said, "Look at this scarf, it even has peony flowers on it. It''s spring in the north now, and by the end of March, it''ll be warming up. Scarves like this are perfect for the season."


    Zhu Youcai nodded, "Oh, I see."


    Zhixi picked four scarves.


    Zhu Youcai exclaimed, "Whoa, you''re buying that many?"


    Zhixi explained, "My wife, my mom, my mother-in-law, that''s three already. Plus, my niece, who''s a young lady and loves fashion, that makes four."


    Zhu Youcai nodded, "Makes sense."


    He quickly picked a few scarves himself; his family wasn''t small either.


    Zhixi asked, "Sister, how much is this?"


    "Eighteen yuan."


    Zhixi counted and said, "Look, we''re buying eight scarves in total. That''s a lot. Give us a discount, four yuan each."


    Zhu Youcai''s face turned pale.


    The shopkeeper chuckled, "Young man, you can''t bargain like that..."


    Zhixi replied, "We''re all honest people. I''ll promote your shop tonight when I go back. We still have some colleagues here, and I''ll tell them I bought them for six yuan each."


    The shopkeeper giggled, knowing this was just a bargaining tactic but still said, "Add a little more, then."


    Zhixi insisted, "Just three yuan each. You know, there are plenty of scarf sellers on this street, but I came straight to you. I can tell you''re a kind person..."


    He kept talking, and Zhu Youcai felt completely redundant, standing by the side. Was little Zhixi so skilled at bargaining?


    Sure enough, the shopkeeper agreed, "Alright, alright. I''ll sell them to you, young man, you''re quite the talker. Want to look at anything else? I''ll give you a discount."


    Zhixi replied, "Sure, this undershirt looks good."


    Zhu Youcai asked, "Why are you buying so many undershirts?"


    Zhixi listed, "Me, my dad, my brother, my grandpa, my father-in-law, my brother-in-law, my nephew..."


    Zhu Youcai nodded, "That makes sense."


    When they managed to haggle the undershirt down to four and a half yuan each, Zhu Youcai was amazed.


    A few days ago, he was the one teaching Zhixi how to bargain when shopping. But now, look at this guy, he was a natural!


    Zhixi also bought new school bags and cute dresses for his children and some red envelope candies.


    Zhu Youcai didn''t need to say anything; he just followed along and bought what he needed. He thought Zhixi was the best bargainer he had ever seen, better than most men or women.


    The two of them, carrying bags of goods, stopped by a fruit stand. Fruits were still relatively expensive, and the variety common in the north was limited. Zhixi approached the stand and asked curiously, "What''s this fruit with such a strange smell?"


    Zhu Youcai thought, "He''s quite polite. The smell isn''t strange, it''s downright stinky."


    The seller replied, "This is durian, brother. Want to try one?"


    Zhixi asked, "How much is it?"


    Hearing the price, even Zhu Youcai was taken aback. It was more expensive than the clothes they had bought; what was the point of eating something so stinky? It might as well be eating... well, never mind.


    Zhixi, however, seemed deep in thought.


    The seller added, "It''s a bit pricey, but durians aren''t common right now. Even here, they don''t come in very often. Buying one to try could be worth it. Some people absolutely love it, and maybe you''ll be one of them."


    Zhixi said, "Then give me a discount."


    Zhu Youcai quickly pulled Zhixi aside and asked, "Are you really going to buy it?"


    Zhixi nodded, "Of course. Otherwise, why would I bargain?"


    Zhu Youcai stammered, "Isn''t it like eating... uh, something stinky?"


    Zhixi replied, "I don''t think so."


    He reasoned, "Look at the price. If it wasn''t good, why would they sell it for so much? Over ten yuan for one. That''s a lot of money¡ªenough for two pieces of clothing."


    Zhixi insisted, "So we need to bargain."


    He haggled fiercely, eventually buying the durian for seven yuan, a hefty sum.


    This time, Zhu Youcai absolutely refused to buy any. It wasn''t worth it to him, but he was impressed that Zhixi could even haggle over fruit. This man was truly something.


    Zhu Youcai sincerely said, "I think you shouldn''t limit yourself to working in the Publicity Department. If you could come to our factory as a deputy director in the sales department, I think you could convince anyone to buy anything."


    Zhixi chuckled and said, "That''s not entirely accurate. Being good at bargaining doesn''t mean I''m suited for sales. That requires skills. I''ve seen how you sell things; it''s really impressive. I just do some smaller things."


    "Don''t sell yourself short. I think you have a natural talent for it," Zhu Youcai insisted.


    Zhixi laughed and said, "Are we going to keep complimenting each other? Come on, let''s keep looking around."


    The two of them returned, carrying large and small bags, and ran into Little Huang and the others at the entrance. The group was heading out to get their hair done. You could skip meals, but you couldn''t skip a good hair wash. Little Huang, who, in terms of age, was more appropriately called "Old Huang" by Zhixi, was going out to wash his hair.


    Little Huang exclaimed, "Whoa, did you fall into a pit latrine?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "No, since I came here, I couldn''t just leave empty-handed. I wanted to buy some exotic fruits. They taste a bit odd, but they''re not common in the north. My family will definitely like them."


    Everyone exchanged wary glances, their thoughts screaming: "Not necessarily, not at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Why are you all looking at me like that? Do you think this stuff is cheap? It was priced at twelve yuan, and I only managed to talk the seller down to seven yuan with my unmatched eloquence!"


    "Holy cow, seven yuan? That''s way too expensive!"


    "This stinky thing dares to ask for twelve yuan? You''re not being scammed, are you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "How could that be? It''s expensive because it''s rare."


    "Really? Is this thing that expensive?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "That''s right! I thought it must be a good thing since it''s so pricey. Some things smell weird but taste great. Think about stinky tofu¡ªsame principle!"


    He enthusiastically urged everyone, "Why don''t you all buy some? Let''s go together once we''ve bought them."


    If everyone buys it, then it won''t be just him making the place smell bad.


    Yes, his intention was indeed a bit malicious.


    But everyone firmly shook their heads. Spending so much money on something so stinky and not even sure if it tastes good? If it''s not good... that would be seven yuan wasted! That''s just too painful. Seven yuan could even get them a haircut.


    "No, no, no, you can buy it yourself."


    "Yeah, I can''t stand the smell."


    "It''s way too expensive. I can''t afford it. Why don''t you tell us later if it''s good?" The implication was clear¡ªit probably wouldn''t be good.


    Everyone firmly refused and covered their noses, saying, "We''re leaving first."


    Little Huang said, "Uh, Zhixi, I won''t be back tonight."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Alright."


    One by one, they all left. Zhu Youcai looked at Zhixi with a complex expression and suggested, "Why don''t you ask if you can return it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi insisted, "No, I think this thing will taste great."


    A man should stick to his beliefs. He wouldn''t be swayed by others'' doubts.


    Besides, the truth is always in the hands of a few. He wouldn''t return it, not now, not ever.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "I think it''s quite good, though I''m a bit worried it might bother others..."


    He paused and added, "I''ll get some newspapers from the front desk and wrap it up properly."


    Zhu Youcai looked worried. "What if people think you''re carrying poop on the train and beat you up?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled. "This is a civilized society. You''re overthinking it."


    Yes, he decided to wrap it in a couple more layers.


    Although Zhuang Zhixi had only been in this place for a few days, he had gotten along well with Zhu Youcai. Zhu Youcai and his group were leaving earlier¡ªtheir train was the next evening, while Zhuang Zhixi''s was the following midday.


    Despite the short time together, they exchanged contact information. Zhu Youcai said, "If you come to Lin City, I''ll show you around. Our Lin City may not be as grand as your Beijing, but it''s still fun."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "Why are you stealing my line? If you come to Beijing, I''ll be your tour guide. Let''s go climb the Great Wall."


    "I like that idea."


    Though their time together was brief, their friendship was strong. After Zhu Youcai and his group left, Zhuang Zhixi soon prepared to depart as well. He had a total of six bags, which left the mechanical factory staff in stunned silence.


    What on earth was he here for?


    Six bags were already a lot, but they also seemed to emit a faint, strange odor.


    The vice factory director, who had some experience, asked, "Did you buy durians?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Yes, I bought some."


    He smiled humbly. "I''ve never seen these before, so I thought my family should try them. I wrapped them in dozens of layers of newspaper, but I guess the smell still leaks out."


    Everyone glanced at his massive collection of bags, wondering just what else he had bought. However, they were all educated people and refrained from commenting. Zhuang Zhixi hired a porter to help carry his bags to the train, realizing that sometimes hiring help was worth the money.


    Everyone''s train tickets were organized by the committee, so they were all on the same route. Having a durian with him, Zhuang Zhixi felt a bit self-conscious. He didn''t mind eating steak with chopsticks, as that didn''t bother others. This time, however, the smell was affecting others, and he felt slightly guilty.


    Luckily, the people sharing the sleeping compartment with them were also heading to Beijing after the exhibition. They were salespeople and knew each other. They didn''t say much and quickly started playing poker together once on the train.


    With so many bags and the infamous durian, Zhuang Zhixi proactively offered to fetch water for everyone, smiling, "I''m sorry for the strong smell from my stuff. If you need anything, let me know. I''ll help out to make up for the inconvenience."


    His words were comforting, and everyone smiled, saying, "It''s no problem."


    "That''s great to hear."


    There wasn''t much else he could do, really just fetching water, but it made everyone feel better.


    It''s often said that those who can''t do much tend to talk a lot, trying to impress. But when it comes to salespeople like them, who''ve seen it all, they usually don''t bother with that. Everyone knows each other, so they keep things real.


    So, they weren''t loud, just enjoying the journey. The train was old and green, and the trip would take several days. Zhuang Zhixi had the top bunk. Being tall, he found it quite cramped, though he was luckily also slim. If it had been Zhu Youcai, it would''ve been even worse.


    Likewise, Zhu Youcai hadn''t reached his destination yet, despite leaving earlier.


    A female colleague in Zhu Youcai''s group looked at him with concern. "Old Zhu, you bought such a cheap thing¡ªwhy didn''t you tell us? We should''ve gone shopping with you. Your friend is really good at bargaining."


    Zhu Youcai chuckled, "He''s quite a character."


    "Whether he''s interesting or not, he sure knows how to bargain."


    Zhuang Zhixi, the master of bargaining.


    They continued their journey, stopping at each station where vendors outside the train offered their goods. Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t shy and stuck his head out, buying even more things. Everyone was left speechless.


    Little Huang exclaimed, "Are you planning to stop living altogether? Buying so many things?"


    Zhuang Zhixi simply replied, "I''m here already."


    Indeed, since he was here, he might as well buy.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t have many chances like this.


    Everyone understood but was still shocked.


    Luckily, they all started and ended their journey at the same stations, so Zhuang Zhixi''s mountain of purchases wasn''t too much of a burden. With a little help and a rickshaw ride, everything went smoothly.


    Finally, the train arrived in the capital of Beijing, and Zhuang Zhixi had been away for about half a month.


    It felt less cold than when he left, but stepping off the train still brought a chill. After all, they had come from Guangzhou.


    Everyone disembarked together, and the office director glanced at Zhuang Zhixi''s large bundles, smiling and shaking his head. "Alright, since you''re back, go home and rest. Take today to relax, and come to work tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    The director sure knew how to speak. Arriving in Beijing at three thirty, getting home at four thirty¡ªonly half an hour earlier than usual¡ªand he made it sound like they could rest for a whole day.


    Everyone smiled gratefully, of course. That was just how it was.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t offer to see the director off; he didn''t have that ability either. With his numerous bags, he hired a rickshaw to take him home. As he entered the alley, a familiar scent hit his nose. He spotted Su Jinlai coming out of the bathroom.


    Zhuang Zhixi called out, "Jinlai, long time no see!"


    Su Jinlai turned around.


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Holy cow!"


    He was shocked. "Why are you so skinny? And those dark circles... what happened?"


    The deep dark circles made him look like a panda in the zoo. He seemed forlorn. Zhuang Zhixi asked worriedly, "Are you okay?"


    Su Jinlai proudly lifted his chin and snapped, "Mind your own business."


    Clearly, he wasn''t very friendly.


    Unfriendly as ever, Comrade Su, head held high, didn''t even spare Zhuang Zhixi a glance, striding purposefully towards home, though his frail body looked as though it could topple over at any moment.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Goodness me. It''s like meeting a ghost¡ªhe looks completely drained."


    He muttered this under his breath and didn''t bother with the rude youngster, instead heading to the door and calling out loudly, "Ma, Zhao Guihua, your most beloved little son is home!"


    With a shout, Zhao Guihua promptly appeared, her eyebrows knit in a frown as she scolded, "Stop making such a racket! You''ll attract wolves next."


    Though her words were sharp, a smile danced in her eyes as she hurried forward, saying, "You do look worn out."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That I do. I''ve been on a train for days. But our courtyard has someone even worse off than me, doesn''t it?"


    He gestured toward Su''s house, then turned to the rickshaw driver and said, "Master, would you help me unload the goods?"


    Rickshaw Driver: "Sure thing."


    For money, why not?


    After Zhuang Zhixi unloaded his things and paid the driver, he noticed Su Jinlai peeking out from his house window, watching them.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What''s with this kid, sneaking around like a ghost?"


    Then he remembered, saying, "Oh right, didn''t he run away a few days ago?"


    Zhao Guihua: "He''s back already."


    She pursed her lips and said, "Those first few days, he looked like he was on his last legs."


    Without any hesitation, she added, "He must have been off getting busy with someone."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Zhao Guihua: "If you don''t have the stamina, don''t try to make that kind of money. Can''t even tell if he''s up to it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Softly, he asked, "How did you know about that?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ve lived longer than you''ve walked, so his little tricks don''t fool me. Not only me, but Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang saw through him too. Who couldn''t see it?"


    She figured it must have been Hu Huihui who set him up with clients.


    Recalling her past life, she speculated that, in her previous lifetime, Tonglai had been in this line of work, likely also through Hu Huihui''s matchmaking. This time, though, it was someone else. But even so, Zhao Guihua felt Tonglai would have been more suited to this trade, given his ability to humble himself, sweet-talk, charm, and read people.


    As for Su Jinlai?


    He wasn''t cut out for it.


    The guy wasn''t as sharp as his brother.


    Despite saying this, Zhao Guihua was glad Tonglai hadn''t gone down that path in this lifetime. Different circumstances led to different outcomes, and the boy wasn''t the same as in her previous life. Though he had his little schemes, he was a decent child.


    Zhao Guihua truly hoped Tonglai would get into college and have a bright future.


    And she firmly believed he could do it.


    The kid knew how to strive forward.


    "Wang Xiangxiu has been cooking Jinlai a chicken every three days¡ªhis recovery''s getting top-notch care," Zhao Guihua noted. "But anyway, why talk about their family? If he wants to watch, let him. How did things go on your trip?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "When I''m on the job, I get it done. I sold all the goods and even bought a thousand pairs of bell-bottoms."


    Zhao Guihua''s eyebrows nearly arched into an ''eight'' shape as she exclaimed, "Bell-bottoms? Those ugly things¡ªhow are you supposed to sell so many?"


    Zhuang Zhixi, shocked, said, "Ma, you don''t even get fashion."


    Zhao Guihua: "I think it''s you all who lack taste."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "These will definitely sell."


    Zhao Guihua: "Will they...?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Leave it to me! You''ll see¡ªwhen it comes to business, you can''t judge by your own standards. You have to ride the wave of the times. I''m telling you, Ma, to your generation, these bell-bottoms might seem hideous. But to young lads, they''ll think, ''Damn, I''m the coolest cat on the street.''"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    It was hard to agree.


    But deep down, she felt that her third son might just be right.


    Taking a deep breath, she said, "I''ll go set up a stall with you."


    She rolled up her sleeves. "Your old lady is going to hustle too!"

 Chapter 176

    Zhuang Zhixi''s return sparked a burst of excitement in the courtyard.


    Life for ordinary people was monotonous, unlike modern times where a smartphone can keep you informed about the whole world. At this time, the biggest source of entertainment still came from the neighbors, and there weren''t many televisions around either. A group of kids, including Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, arrived home from school and spotted their father as soon as they entered the courtyard.


    Zhuang Zhixi first went to take a bath, a purely refreshing bath.


    This wasn''t one of those sleazy massage parlors; it was a proper mechanical factory bathhouse. But things were better now, as there were masseurs available. In the past, this service was prohibited, deemed as exploitation. What was once a pleasant luxury vanished, and masseurs found themselves unemployed.


    Now, things had changed. A couple of years ago, masseurs were back in business. Soaking in a warm bath, then lying down for a back scrub and a shoulder massage¡ªit was the perfect way to unwind. Zhuang Zhixi''s first order of business upon returning was to take a bath. After traveling by train for several days, he felt like he stank to high heaven.


    As soon as he got home, he saw his two kids, along with a group of other children, returning from school. The kids started yelling, and Yuanyuan dashed over, hugging Zhuang Zhixi''s leg and cooing, "Daddy, I missed you!"


    Tuantuan added, "I missed you too."


    Being a boy, he wasn''t as straightforward as his sister, but under her influence, he also became quite sweet-talking.


    "Uncle Zhuang, hello!"


    The group of kids chimed in unison, and Zhuang Zhixi smiled, saying, "Seeing how well-behaved you all are, it was worth the long trip to bring you gifts. Wait here."


    Kids sat in a row, eagerly anticipating their treats.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Qingqing and Zhenzhen, here are some hair clips for you."


    He took an extra one and handed it to Ye Siyuan, saying, "This is for your little sister, Sitian."


    Ye Siyuan replied cheerfully, "Thank you, Uncle."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "For the boys, I got you some badges with pictures of Sun Wukong. You can wear them on your shirt."


    "Wow, I love Sun Wukong!"


    "I want to be the great Sun Wukong!"


    The boys jumped around excitedly, with Xiao Qijin putting on a silly performance, hopping around like a monkey.


    Zhuang Zhixi distributed the gifts and then pulled out some candy: "Help yourselves, take as much as you can. Don''t be shy with Uncle."


    "Thank you, Uncle!"


    The children were thrilled with their gifts and candy, floating on cloud nine.


    Normally, the kids would gather to do their homework together, but since Uncle Zhuang had returned, they all had the sense to go home. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan each clung to one of Zhuang Zhixi''s legs, making it difficult for him to move.


    "Brother Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi saw his wife return and immediately became ecstatic: "Wife, come here quickly."


    He exaggeratedly pretended to be held hostage, saying, "Hurry and save me! Look at these two little rascals, they''ve got me trapped."


    Ming Mei rode back, equally happy. The couple had been married for a while, but this was the first time they had been separated for so long. It made them feel an extra bit of longing. She rushed over, and Zhuang Zhixi stretched out his arms to catch her.


    Luckily, he was strong; otherwise, this could have knocked him off his feet.


    Zhuang Zhixi wrapped his arms around his wife and asked, "Do you miss me?"


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan: =_=


    They were still there, you know!


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t bother with the kids and smiled, saying, "Let''s go home; it''s getting cold out here."


    Ming Mei teased, "It''s not cold. The weather is actually quite nice."


    They went into the house together, while Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, though hesitant, couldn''t resist the allure of their gifts and followed them inside. Their parents were just too lovey-dovey. They were just kids, after all, and couldn''t handle all that sweetness.


    Luckily, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t do anything too outrageous. Instead, he started rummaging through his bags, saying, "Here, I bought you two new schoolbags, one each."


    These were patterned after the most popular cartoon characters of the time, and the kids screamed with delight, holding their bags and hopping around. Though they were in fourth grade, they were still just eleven-year-olds. They had started school quite early.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I also got Yuanyuan a dress and Tuantuan a sailor shirt."


    "Brother Zhixi, there''s a strange smell in the house."


    Ming Mei spoke up, her nose twitching, detecting something unusual.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, I bought a durian. It might smell weird, but it''s supposed to taste really good. Look, I got you a dress, a tank top, and also this, a silk scarf."


    He made sure to buy a lot during his trip.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan played with their new clothes in front of the mirror. Yuanyuan''s big eyes caught sight of other bags and asked, "Daddy, what''s this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This isn''t for you. It''s some bell-bottoms for your grandma to sell at her stall."


    Yuanyuan''s eyes widened, completely bewildered.


    It wasn''t that they were easily amazed, but the idea of their grandmother selling at a stall was unheard of! They had seen people selling things, but never an elderly lady.


    Zhuang Zhixi seriously explained, "This is for your grandma to sell. I''ll help her out when the time comes."


    What a good son, indeed.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "When I''m old, if you treat me half as well as I treat your grandma, I''ll be overjoyed."


    Yuanyuan immediately started to pout and say, "Daddy, I won''t let you work at a stall. I''ll earn a lot of money and give it to you to spend."


    Zhuang Zhixi arched an eyebrow. Yuanyuan puffed out her cheeks and insisted, "I''m serious!"


    Zhuang Zhixi silently turned away, silently opened his bag, and silently pulled out a pen, saying, "Actions speak louder than words. Write it down and sign your name."


    Yuanyuan: "Huh?"


    She stared blankly at her father. It wasn''t that Yuanyuan intended to renege, but she hadn''t expected her father to pull this kind of move. Of course, Daddy would always do things that were so "Daddy." The little girl quickly nodded, "Okay, I''ll sign my name and even press my thumbprint."


    What a sincere child.


    Tuantuan came over and said, "I''ll sign too. I can''t let my sister sign alone."


    It seemed Zhuang Zhixi was determined to secure both of them.


    Ming Mei amusedly watched the scene unfold. When she saw Yuanyuan carefully writing her name in the notebook, she finally spoke, "Okay, enough joking around. Your dad was just messing with you. You little naive, how could you take it seriously?"


    She wondered if her daughter would fall for scams outside.


    Yuanyuan tilted her head and said, "My daddy loves me the most; he wouldn''t lie to me."


    Zhuang Zhixi patted his daughter''s head and said, "My girl is the best. This weekend, Dad will take you out to have some fun."


    Tuantuan looked longingly at the scene, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly reciprocated by ruffling the boy''s hair, saying, "A man shouldn''t be shy about expressing his feelings. What if Daddy forgets to take you?"


    Tuantuan also burst into laughter.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Come on, take your things, and let''s go distribute the gifts."


    "Okay."


    The kids responded crisply.


    Zhuang Zhixi had bought quite a few gifts. Upon arriving at the main house, he started distributing them. Everyone was gathering at Zhao Guihua''s place for dinner, and she had prepared a feast to celebrate her son''s return. Everyone got a gift except Liang Meifen.


    Zhuang Zhixi straightforwardly said, "Sister-in-law, it''s not that I didn''t buy something for you. As an uncle buying presents for his sister-in-law, it isn''t exactly proper, you know? It just doesn''t sound right. Besides, I didn''t forget my brother and Hutou and Yanzi."


    Liang Meifen didn''t take offense at this.


    If her husband were on a business trip, he wouldn''t buy anything for Ming Mei, either. That just wouldn''t make sense, and it would raise eyebrows. So, Zhuang Zhixi''s decision not to buy her anything was understandable. Besides, her family already had plenty of gifts to share.


    She smiled and said, "I understand. My daughter''s scarf, I can borrow it and wear it too."


    Xiao Yanzi: "..."


    She mumbled, "I don''t want to lend it out..."


    Liang Meifen: "Hey, you!"


    Xiao Yanzi giggled noisily.


    Old Man Zhuang, however, was very fond of his tank top, saying, "Oh, these words are so nice."


    In reality, what they called tank tops were known as T-shirts. Each one had different words printed on it. Old Man Zhuang was most delighted with the one that read, "Come on, China!"


    The older generation can truly appreciate the benefits of New China, as they are the ones who experienced the old society. He selected this one, white with red lettering, though it was a short-sleeve, the elderly man had already put it on.


    He stood in front of the mirror, looking left and right, and nodded, saying, "This isn''t bad at all."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at it and said, "Looks spirited."


    Old Man Zhuang immediately laughed, saying, "It''s still my old partner who has good taste."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan chose a large white one with the word "Struggle." His son, Hutou, didn''t like shirts with words, so he picked a turquoise one with patterns. He was delighted, saying, "This is great."


    These T-shirts, Zhuang Zhixi had bought in large sizes. In fact, none of his family members were fat, and there weren''t many fat people these days, but T-shirts are more comfortable when loose. Besides, large and small sizes cost the same, so why not get the large ones?


    Although they''re called T-shirts, they can be worn by both men and women. Xiao Yanzi also chose one.


    Liang Meifen looked at this with envy, but she really couldn''t wear clothes bought by her brother-in-law; it just didn''t sound right. However, seeing her daughter get another piece of clothing, she couldn''t help but smile. Xiao Yanzi picked a bright red one, happily carrying her gift back home.


    Hutou glanced at his dad and said, "Dad, look at how Uncle Zhuang Zhixi brings back so many gifts when he travels. You never bring anything back when you travel."


    Condemnation, this is a must.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "......"


    What kind of kid is this?


    He pointed at Hutou from a distance, saying, "Who says I didn''t bring anything? Didn''t I bring you pineapple cakes?"


    Speaking of which, Zhuang Zhiyuan usually brings back some local specialty food when he travels to unfamiliar places, but never clothing. This isn''t about being stingy; back in the days, buying cloth required tickets.


    Even now, the supply and marketing cooperatives still require tickets, although you can buy them without tickets by adding some extra money. However, with tickets, it''s still more cost-effective. This is the change over the past two years. Earlier, it wasn''t like that. He was willing to spend money to buy, but there were no tickets.


    Moreover, they mostly run fixed routes, adjusted every two to three years, so there''s no need to always buy from the same place. But hearing his son say this, he felt the need to justify himself.


    He snorted and said, "Don''t you see the policies are different? If your Uncle Zhixi were to go to other places now, do you think it would be that easy to buy clothes? He''s currently in Guangzhou. There are many small factories and private shops in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which can be privately sold. If it were a place where the policies aren''t particularly affected, he couldn''t have bought them like this."


    Hutou: "I was just joking."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "......"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, saying, "Brother, look at you. You can see Hutou was just joking. We''re all one family; we all know each other. There''s no need to explain so seriously."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "......"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "By the way, I plan to set up a stall with mom. Do you and Sister-in-law want to join us?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was stunned; he really hadn''t expected this. He felt a bit flustered, saying, "This... you have a good job, why set up a stall? That''s something only vagrants do."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Look at your perspective! What do you mean only vagrants do it? There are so many people setting up stalls. On a large scale, it promotes social development, contributing to society''s progress; on a small scale, it improves family life and exercises personal abilities. How can you say it''s just something vagrants do? That''s not right."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I''m not... I just think..."


    He himself couldn''t explain it properly, but he did feel it was a bit odd. Hesitating, he said, "Actually, we all have stable jobs, doing this really isn''t good."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What''s not good about it?"


    Seeing the two brothers debate, Zhao Guihua could understand. It wasn''t entirely surprising that Zhuang Zhiyuan thought this way, as this is the mainstream mindset. Currently, many people still look down on small individual businesses and stall-keeping for making money. Moreover, the past few years have really scared people, making them fear policy changes, so they naturally resist. Most people would rather work steadily if they have a choice.


    Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, was more forward-looking. He could see that the policies were changing, becoming more open, not subject to frequent changes. She watched the brothers discuss and spoke up: "This was my idea."


    Everyone looked at Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua: "Older son, if you and your wife aren''t comfortable with it, you don''t have to participate. Actually, it''s fine. Zhuang Zhixi and I will set up a stall, with my capital and his. We''re mother and son, so we won''t split it too clearly; we''ll just divide it equally. But don''t be jealous when you see us making money, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan immediately responded, "Mom, what are you saying? How could I be jealous? It''s not about the money; I''m just not very comfortable with the idea of setting up a stall."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s fine; I have a plan."


    Perhaps because Zhao Guihua was so calm, and since there were already some stall-keepers on the streets, it wasn''t that unusual. Under Zhao Guihua''s calm demeanor, everyone didn''t say much more.


    Liang Meifen: "Mom, if you set up a stall on weekends, I''ll come help."


    Zhao Guihua looked at her eldest daughter-in-law, who quickly blushed and said, "I''m not after the money, I just want to help out."


    Liang Meifen and Zhuang Zhiyuan have been married for over twenty years. She was well aware that Zhao Guihua was not to be trifled with. If you try to scheme against her, you''d better think twice about whether you have the heart to withstand her ire.


    So, she was very clear¡ªthis old lady, you can''t provoke her.


    She said she wanted to help, not because she was after anything, but purely felt she needed to help, or else their detachment would make the old lady resent them.


    Undoubtedly, Liang Meifen was overthinking.


    Zhao Guihua: "No need. Zhuang Zhixi and I will go. You young wives are too concerned about your image."


    Ming Mei immediately spoke up: "Mom, I''ll go, I''ll go. I don''t care about image or anything; I think this is quite interesting." She already knew this wasn''t a big deal.


    Zhao Guihua smiled, saying, "I know you two are reliable, but we really don''t need your help. You should do your own thing! Go to work, and take your Sunday rest. Maybe I won''t have time to cook for the kids, and you moms can''t rely on me as the grandma, can you?"


    "Mom, don''t worry about that."


    "Alright, if you set up a stall, we''ll take care of things at home."


    The matter was soon settled. Zhou Dianzhu was a bit concerned, saying, "The current policies... it''s hard to tell."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "What''s hard to tell? You listen to the radio all day; your knowledge isn''t so great. Go, go, don''t interfere with me making money. Let me tell you, society is developing, and you''ll see, it''s only going to get better."


    "Alright, it''s getting better and better." Zhou Dianzhu couldn''t argue with his mother.


    Zhao Guihua understood her eldest son''s character. He''s someone who inherently seeks stability. Such a person may not get rich, but his life is quite good, worry-free, and stress-free. He''ll work diligently his entire life, retire with a pension, and collect some rent, which is enough to satisfy him.


    Even Liang Meifen is like this. Zhao Guihua didn''t particularly admire Liang Meifen, but she had to admit that Liang Meifen was suitable for Zhuang Zhiyuan. She was also the same; in her previous life, Zhuang Zhixin lived much better than her eldest son.


    In this era, daring to take risks and striving hard made you stronger than ordinary people.


    Even though the two brothers lived quite differently, old man Zhuang and his wife didn''t envy them excessively; they could also take it in stride. Life was quite enjoyable. Zhao Guihua felt this was quite rare.


    However, due to some minor issues between the two families in earlier years, their interactions weren''t very frequent. This might also be the reason why Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen didn''t envy them.


    This life, who can say?


    But Zhao Guihua still believed that a person''s character doesn''t change easily, especially not at the age of forty like Zhuang Zhiyuan. People''s personalities were set long ago, unlike children who might take different paths depending on their environment.


    She said, "Alright, this kind of thing depends on the individual. If you''re not interested, I won''t push you. I don''t want you to feel uncomfortable. But if you don''t join, don''t envy those who profit. And don''t be jealous. You know me¡ªjealousy won''t get you anywhere."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    He gave a helpless smile. "Mom, what kind of person do you think I am? We''re a family; there''s no room for jealousy here. You wear the hat that fits your head, and you do the job your abilities allow. I just don''t think this is something I''m cut out for, so I won''t envy others for succeeding."


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Alright, I believe you. And make sure your wife behaves too."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    She didn''t even say anything, yet here she was caught in the crossfire. Being a daughter-in-law was tough.


    She looked up at the sky, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. How difficult it was to deal with this sharp-tongued mother-in-law.


    It was no wonder the two daughters-in-law in this family couldn''t outmaneuver Zhao Guihua. Her words, though seemingly cutting, were a deliberate tactic to set the stage. If things went well later, her earlier words would act as a safeguard. Better to speak now than to be caught off-guard later.


    Zhao Guihua had calculated the numbers. Based on the cost of goods from the third son, there was no chance of losing money. The only question was how much profit they could make, especially since this was a business trip with no additional travel expenses.


    She said, "When it comes to setting up a stall, I must confess, I''m eager to give it a go."


    Who says an old woman can''t do something?


    She could do it too.


    Soon, the family had prepared dinner, with fish and meat on the table¡ªa satisfying meal. Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, everyone, take your seats."


    The family of ten crowded around the table. Though their meals were usually hearty, tonight was especially special. Hutou, curious, asked, "Uncle, what''s the south like? Is it very warm there?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "At noon, we were wearing T-shirts. It''s not like that here now. But to be honest, I didn''t really get to explore much. This trip was primarily for work. Most of my free time was spent sourcing goods, so I couldn''t wander around much. But I did realize that traveling broadens one''s horizons. We should plan a trip together when we have the chance."


    The children nodded enthusiastically.


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "Actually, we could go to Beidaihe in the summer to swim in the sea."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan''s eyes lit up. They loved the idea of traveling. Yuanyuan quickly said, "I want to go! Dad, I''ll behave well."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. "Alright, behave well, and we''ll see."


    Zhao Guihua added, "If this stall business earns money, I''ll treat you kids to a trip."


    The little ones were about to cheer when Zhao Guihua gave them a pointed look. "You better perform well in your final exams."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan nodded vigorously. "We will!"


    They were in fourth grade and doing quite well academically. Hutou, however, felt a pang of envy. It always seemed like he was the one left behind. He was in his final year of high school, and his grades... well, that was a source of anxiety.


    How could he not be anxious? Compared to Tonglai, his grades were lagging. And Tonglai doubted himself, so Hutou had even less confidence in himself. It was a constant worry.


    The college entrance exam¡ªa source of joy and sorrow.


    He slumped his head on the table. "What am I going to do?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "What are you doing? Everyone''s happy that your uncle is back. Don''t create a scene. Finish your meal and then go home to study."


    Hutou: "..."


    He sighed deeply. "I really have it tough."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Hutou sympathetically. When the college entrance exam was reinstated, he too had hesitated about taking it. But after much thought, he decided against it. While there were people older than him who took the exam, Zhuang Zhixi knew that if he did, he would need to dedicate a lot of time to studying. If he got in, his work would also need to be handled, and his family would rely on Ming Mei for four years. His two kids would be in elementary school by then. Though he trusted his parents to help, he didn''t want Ming Mei to be overly burdened.


    Moreover, it had been years since he last studied, so he wasn''t sure he could pass the exam. Even if he did, the job placement might not be much different from what he currently had. Limited by his circumstances, he chose the simplest and most advantageous path.


    After brief consideration, Zhuang Zhixi gave up on the idea of taking the exam. But he thought it would be great if Hutou could go to university. This generation''s life journey was different. If Hutou could get into university, it would be a significant advantage for his future.


    However, Hutou''s grades were not promising.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Didn''t you inquire about the art student route? What did you find out?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "I asked around. He can apply to art schools. Hutou''s got a decent look, but the kid can''t act. He stands there like a wooden plank. It''s not going to work. Even if he takes the art exam, I doubt he''ll pass."


    The father was starting to lose hope.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Practice, then. Regardless of whether he passes or not, it''s an opportunity. If he just takes the regular exam, the odds are stacked against him. But if he practices and gets better, who knows?"


    Zhao Guihua added, "That''s what I think too. Hutou, if you want to go to university, you need to find an alternative path. If you don''t pass the exam, you''ll have to start working. Do you want to work at the machinery factory as a fitter, or at the train station as a temp? Or like Tonglai, work at the garment factory operating sewing machines? Can you do that?"


    Hutou: "..."


    The thought alone made his head spin.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Most kids your age in this neighborhood work at the machinery factory. Think carefully¡ªdo you want to spend your life there, or can you become a porter like Uncle Daqiang? Even if you wanted to be a chef, Master Li wouldn''t teach you his craft. It''s a family secret. You need to think hard about this. The only way out for you is through university. I know you''re not lazy, but your talents are limited. Still, getting into university will give you more opportunities than just finishing high school. Compared to many others, we already have an advantage. We''re from Beijing, after all. We''ll find some acting teachers to coach you, and if you pass the art exam and then the cultural exam, you''re in."


    Hutou, a compliant kid, nodded immediately. "I understand."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, feeling relieved. She was glad the art exam and the regular exam were not too close together, leaving them some time to prepare. If it were a few years later, the art exam deadlines would have passed, and if Hutou wanted to take it, he''d have to repeat a year.


    In the previous life, Hutou hadn''t made it to university. The first one in their courtyard to get into university was Xiao Yanzi.


    Speaking of her, the girl had real talent for learning.


    Despite being siblings, Hutou couldn''t match Xiao Yanzi''s academic prowess. This just made Zhao Guihua realize that talent played a significant role in learning. Hutou worked hard and put in a lot of effort, but his grades were always average. No matter how hard he tried, he stayed in the middle. On the other hand, Xiao Yanzi breezed through her exams and got into a prestigious university effortlessly.


    Similarly, Zhuang Zhixi''s two kids also showed natural talent. Despite their better circumstances¡ªattending cultural palaces and youth centers¡ªtheir studies never suffered. They did well effortlessly.


    This just made Zhao Guihua believe in the concept of natural talent.


    Because Hutou wasn''t particularly gifted, Zhao Guihua decided to take a different approach. Moreover, they had to thank the fact that it was the 1980s, when many people didn''t understand the concept of art exams. As local students, they had the advantage of being able to find professional teachers for guidance, which increased their chances significantly.


    "Our family doesn''t know anyone in this field, but Uncle Lan has many connections. He has a friend who is a retired professor from the Film Academy. He said he''ll take Hutou and Tonglai over there sometime," Zhao Guihua had already planned out her eldest grandson''s future.


    She firmly believed that if Hutou pushed himself, he might just make it.


    In his previous life, Hutou hadn''t gotten into university. Instead, he worked as a temporary worker at a machinery factory. However, the young man wasn''t fond of that job, so he eventually ended up tagging along with Grandpa Lan. Old Man Lan, despite his age, was always at the forefront of the trendy scene. He set up a recording studio and attracted many young rock enthusiasts who came to record their songs. Hutou decided to quit his job and work as an assistant for Old Man Lan.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t understand the intricacies of the art world, but she figured that since Hutou had managed to work in a recording studio in his previous life, he should be able to become an actor in this one. She thought it was all the same thing anyway.


    This assessment would have certainly raised eyebrows with Old Man Lan if he had known. He would have been quick to point out that they were, in fact, completely different fields. But for the sake of ensuring the children could get into university and have a proper education, Zhao Guihua remained steadfast. "Just follow along with the lessons for now. After graduation, you''ll be assigned to a unit, and that will definitely be better than just finishing high school," she urged Hutou.


    Hutou nodded silently.


    He understood that his family was doing this for his future.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, let''s eat."


    Their family was well-off, which made the children less driven. Take Tonglai, for example. This boy had no expectations, knowing that studying was his only way out, so he was incredibly motivated. Although Zhao Guihua hadn''t been particularly fond of Tonglai in her previous life, she really liked him in this one.


    Jinlai was more like Hutou¡ªnot the brightest of kids.


    But Tonglai was truly hardworking.


    Zhao Guihua: "You and Tonglai should go together and look out for each other."


    Hutou: "I understand."


    Zhao Guihua smirked to herself, thinking, *Do you even know what you''re talking about?*


    Tonglai was a very ambitious boy, and being with him might just inspire Hutou a bit.


    However, it wasn''t Zhao Guihua who set up Hutou and Tonglai to go together. It was Tonglai who approached Lan Sihai himself. That''s what made Tonglai so admirable¡ªhe was strong-willed and had clear goals. Zhao Guihua truly admired him, not because of his age, but simply because of his character.


    She said: "Come, let''s eat."


    "Brother, eating fish brains makes you smart, let me give you some," Xiao Yanzi offered enthusiastically.


    Hutou: "¡­Why do I feel like you''re up to no good?"


    Xiao Yanzi: "¡­What kind of nonsense is that? Isn''t that a bit much?"


    Huffing, she wasn''t intentionally trying to tease her brother, though.


    Hutou chuckled and said, "By the way, Uncle, did you get something? I smelled something strange when I went to your place today."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s because I brought it over. It''s that¡ªI bought a durian in Guangzhou."


    "A durian?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "It''s a kind of fruit. Supposedly imported, it cost twelve yuan, but after half an hour of bargaining, I got it down to seven." He had never tried it before but figured he might as well give it a shot to see if it was any good.


    "Did it go bad since it''s been there for so long?" Old Man Zhuang wondered.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No, it''s supposed to smell like that."


    He explained: "I wrapped it in about ten layers. Otherwise, the smell would be even stronger. I didn''t want to bother people on the train, so I wrapped it up extra. After dinner, everyone can try some."


    "Sounds good."


    Although everyone agreed, their expressions betrayed their skepticism. It wasn''t that they doubted Zhuang Zhixi; it was just that the smell was¡­ overpowering. Zhuang Zhiyuan, who had a bit more experience, vaguely remembered hearing about it before, but Liang Meifen was convinced that Zhuang Zhixi had been scammed. Spending seven yuan on something that smelled so disgusting? That must be madness!


    Still, she didn''t say anything to Zhuang Zhixi, as it wasn''t her money.


    Everyone had their own thoughts, but they weren''t exactly excited about this smelly, oddly named fruit called durian. Only Zhao Guihua seemed to maintain her cheerful expression.


    Ming Mei glanced at her mother-in-law and immediately understood from her expression that she must like it. After all, her mother-in-law was different from them¡ªher experiences were vast.


    Ming Mei, seeing her mother-in-law''s excitement, also became more eager. She suggested, "Why don''t we eat it tonight?"


    At that price, it couldn''t be bad, right?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."


    He stood up: "I''ll peel it open."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly began peeling away layer after layer, just like peeling an onion. To minimize the smell, he had wrapped it in about ten layers. As he opened each layer, Liang Meifen quickly added, "Don''t tear it too small, old third, it can be used to light fires."


    In those days, old newspapers were valuable; Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t have gotten them unless he had stayed in a high-end hotel and attended a conference.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I know."


    Indeed, the extra layers did help a bit. As he opened each layer, the smell became even stronger, especially since it wasn''t the season to open windows and doors. The scent became quite overwhelming.


    Even though Zhuang Zhiyuan had heard of it before, he found it hard to take, saying, "I can''t believe you didn''t get a bad one. This smell is just¡­ not good."


    Zhuang Zhixi, unsure himself since it was his first time buying the fruit, hesitantly replied, "The smell is supposed to be that strong."


    At the store, he didn''t notice such a strong smell because it was placed at the entrance. Now that it was inside the room and had been sealed for a while, the smell was much more intense.


    He peeled layer by layer, his hesitation growing more apparent with each one, until it was fully opened. The others, stepping back one by one, tried to distance themselves as much as possible. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, being kids, pinched their noses and sat as far away as possible on the kang (a traditional Chinese platform bed).


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This¡­"


    He poked the spiky exterior of the durian, saying, "I guess I''ll¡­"


    Zhao Guihua fetched a basin and said, "Let me handle it."


    Seeing the doubts on Zhuang Zhixi''s face¡ªand noticing everyone, including the children, pinching their noses in disapproval¡ªZhao Guihua stepped in. If she didn''t vouch for it, no one would believe it was good.


    "What are those faces for?" Zhao Guihua asked, slicing into the durian.


    And to her surprise, the durian was excellent¡ªlarge, full, and with seven distinct sections of flesh. Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but nod repeatedly, commenting, "This is really good."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Ming Mei quickly came over, peeking curiously. Though the smell was strange, it wasn''t entirely unpleasant.


    Old Man Zhuang, seeing Zhao Guihua scoop out the flesh, looked even more disgusted, muttering, "And it''s yellow¡­"


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "Look at all of you, this fragrant thing, and you don''t know what''s good. What are you all holding your noses for? I''ll try a piece."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom!"


    At this point, it became clear just how much his mother believed in him. If it had been anyone else, they wouldn''t have thought it was good, but his mom stepped up. Truly, she was the best mother.


    He was deeply touched.


    He said, "Mom, what if it''s not good¡­"


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look and said, "How could it not be good? The smell alone tells you it''s delicious."


    She really hadn''t eaten durian in over a decade. Come to think of it, Zhao Guihua really did have a thing for this fruit. However, returning to this time, even eating fine grains every meal was beyond her means, let alone such a rare fruit. Truthfully, durian only became a hot commodity in fruit stores a decade or so later. In an unexpected turn of events, Zhuang Zhixi had bought a durian. Zhao Guihua was quite pleased, feeling a rare connection with her son.


    She picked up a piece and took a bite, enjoying it immensely.


    She nodded repeatedly and said, "Delicious!"


    "Really?" Even Old Man Zhuang seemed skeptical. He wondered if his wife was just defending their son. After all, if it wasn''t good, that would be seven wasted yuan, and seven yuan back then was no small sum. Plus, it would be embarrassing.


    Zhuang Zhixi himself was thinking the same thing, watching his mother closely. "Mom, if it''s not good..."


    He didn''t get to finish before being interrupted by Zhao Guihua. "How could it not be good? It''s really delicious! Come on, everyone try some. If you don''t like it, don''t eat. It''ll save more for me. I really like this."


    She took another big bite, thoroughly satisfied.


    Who would have thought she''d be eating durian in the eighties? It was quite something.


    Ming Mei watched her mother-in-law enjoying the fruit and decided to give it a try herself. "I''ll try some too."


    She didn''t dare take too much at once, picking up a small piece and gently taking a bite. She murmured softly, then nodded. "The taste is a bit strange, but it''s not actually smelly. It''s really good."


    "Mommy, I want to take a bite too."


    Yuanyuan came up, watching as her grandmother started on her second piece. She believed this fruit really was delicious. After getting used to the smell, it didn''t seem bad at all. She took a bite and nodded. "It''s good!"


    "Then I''ll try too."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were twins, but their tastes were different. While Yuanyuan found the flavor acceptable, Tuantuan shook his head. "I don''t like it."


    He looked at his sister suspiciously, wondering if she was trying to trick him into eating it. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuanyuan widened her eyes, their roundness accentuated as she let out a loud "Hmph!" and said, "I''m not that kind of person! I really think it''s good. Would Mommy or Grandma lie to us?"


    Ming Mei nodded. "It''s good."


    After the first bite, she felt fine, and by the second bite, she found the flavor quite enjoyable. She quickly adapted, finding it not smelly at all but rather sweet and pleasant. Ming Mei and Yuanyuan were firm in their opinions, which left everyone else with a suspicious eye. Everyone tried a piece, and most didn''t like the taste.


    Zhuang Zhixi himself didn''t like the flavor but said, "The shopkeeper said some people really like it, while others don''t."


    Yuanyuan: "Daddy, aren''t you going to eat any?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "You all enjoy it."


    He was now wondering if his mom, wife, and daughter were all saying it was good just to save his face.


    Touched, he looked at them, feeling the warmth of family unity.


    Tuantuan: "???"


    Why was his dad suddenly so moved?


    He was utterly confused.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan couldn''t take the smell; he genuinely didn''t like it.


    Not only him, but the rest of his family didn''t enjoy it either. The strong smell and yellowish color made it hard for them to take. With no one else eating, Zhao Guihua, Ming Mei, and Yuanyuan gathered together, enjoying the durian feast.


    Yuanyuan: "Mmm, it''s getting better with each bite."


    She glanced up. "Brother, aren''t you going to eat any?"


    Tuantuan: "No, thank you."


    With determination.


    Hutou coughed, suddenly getting up. "I think I''ll go back and study. With only a few months left before the college entrance exam, I can''t afford not to."


    He quickly left.


    Xiao Yanzi saw this and quickly followed her brother. "Even though I''m only in my first year of high school, I need to work hard. Just relying on hard work in the third year of high school won''t be enough."


    These two couldn''t stand the smell and fled quickly.


    Zhao Guihua waved her hand. "If you''re not used to it, go back. Stop affecting my appetite. I think you all just don''t have the palate for it. If it''s so delicious and you can''t enjoy it, I wonder what you can enjoy. Go, go."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Hey, Mom, you really think it''s good?"


    He tried a piece and couldn''t handle it.


    Zhao Guihua: "What? Do you think I''m pretending? Am I an idiot?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Of course not."


    He added, "People''s tastes are just different. It''s like our local stinky tofu¡ªsome people love it, while others can''t stand it. Those who love it really do. Those who don''t, well, they really can''t. But once you get used to it, it actually tastes quite good."


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "That''s true."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled.


    Reflecting on this, it was truly remarkable how varied people''s tastes could be. How could his mother enjoy this? Leading his wife, he quickly left. Liang Meifen muttered softly, "I don''t think Ming Mei genuinely likes it. She just likes to flatter her mother-in-law. That''s why she said it was good."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Why would you say that? My sister-in-law isn''t that kind of person. Besides, could a little kid like Yuanyuan lie?"


    He was speechless, staring at his wife. "You really shouldn''t think that way about others."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Clearly, my sister-in-law is just good at flattering.


    She said, "Why don''t you believe me? Ming Mei is a sycophant."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "She''s just sweeter-talking. But you flatter too."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Forget it!


    The couple went home, and Liang Meifen started changing her clothes. "I feel like my clothes stink now. I''m going to wash them."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Go ahead, I can''t stand it either."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Hmph, men!


    Why didn''t you say that before?


    You were just babbling about taste differences.


    Clearly, you didn''t like the smell either.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan and his family left, and Zhuang Zhixi took the initiative. "I''ll go throw the shell away. This stuff leaves a strong smell at home."


    He cleaned up, joking, "Speaking of which, I bet this thing would hurt if you hit someone with it."


    "Isn''t that obvious? Just touch it and you''ll know how hard it is."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, this is useless now, right?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Nothing to use it for, just throw it away."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, then tidied up and went outside. Old Man Zhuang: "Don''t close the door. The smell in the house is strong. Let it air out."


    "Okay."


    Zhuang Zhixi carried the durian shell outside. Lan Sihai covered his nose and peeked out. "What are you doing, kid? This smell is unbearable."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I bought some fruit shells. I''m just going to throw them away."


    He said, "Grandpa, why don''t you come over and try some? Mom''s eating..."


    Lan Sihai decisively refused. "Not interested."


    The moment he smelled it, he knew he didn''t like it. He wasn''t the impulsive type.


    "Just throw it away quickly. Ugh, the smell."


    Zhuang Zhixi defended, "The smell isn''t great, but it''s delicious to eat."


    Lan Sihai: "Not for me."


    As the two were talking, not just their house, but the Zhou family next door could smell it. Aunt Zhou and her family had just finished dinner and were watching TV. She muttered, "Are the Zhuangs cooking... um, something? This smell is terrible."


    Xiao Qijin, who was listening closely, said, "No, it''s fruit."


    Aunt Zhou: "You see, this is why I say young people are unreliable. Look at Zhuang Zhixi. He''s still too young. He didn''t think about it¡ªtraveling so far on a train for days, how could he buy fruit? If it didn''t spoil, that would be strange. Now look, money wasted, and the fruit stinks. The smell... he''s really messing things up."


    Zhou ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Qun: "That''s why I say Zhuang Zhixi is still young. If it were me, I definitely wouldn''t do something so embarrassing. Ugh, why is he standing under our window chatting?"


    He opened the window directly. "Zhuang Zhixi, can''t you throw that stuff away before you start talking?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."


    He shook it a bit, saying, "I''ll just..."


    "Wait!"


    Zhou Qun suddenly fixated on the durian shell, saying, "This thing, not bad at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Zhou Qun: "Give it to me, I''ll help you throw it away."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "?????"


    Didn''t you just find this smell repulsive a moment ago?


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Zhou Qun and asked, "What are you planning? Not up to any good, are you?"


    Zhou Qun: "How could I be that kind of person? Why would you think that? I''m just trying to help you throw this away!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, but I think you''re up to no good. Don''t drag me into your mischief."


    Zhou Qun: "Of course not, I wouldn''t involve you."


    He beckoned with his finger, and Zhuang Zhixi leaned in, "What''s up?"


    Zhou Qun: "That Su Jinlai next door has been way too arrogant lately. I want to teach him a lesson. This little punk actually dares to act high and mighty in our courtyard. Don''t you think I should teach him a lesson?"


    There could only be one top dog in this courtyard.


    Su Jinlai had been looking down his nose at Zhou Qun lately, showing him zero respect. Zhou Qun wasn''t someone to be trifled with. This durian shell would be perfect¡ªit would leave him with a thousand scars, just like rain drops on a sandy beach.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Whoa, if that''s what you''re planning, I definitely can''t give it to you. If you use this on him and then drag me into it, I''m not getting involved in your petty squabbles."


    Zhou Qun: "But he doesn''t respect you either!"


    Zhou Qun continued, "Look, we''re both uncles in this courtyard. If he doesn''t respect us, are you just going to let it slide? Where''s your backbone?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, "I don''t think much of him either. It''s the same for both of us. I''m not going to bother with him."


    He said, "I''m going to throw this away."


    He picked up the durian shell and walked out the door. He was definitely going to throw it away, but if Zhou Qun ended up picking it up himself, that was his problem. Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t getting involved in any of this. Moreover, with Su Jinlai looking like he''d been sucked dry by a vengeful spirit, Zhuang Zhixi really didn''t see the point in doing anything to him.


    Zhuang Zhixi went out to dispose of the garbage.


    Little did he know, this piece of garbage had caught the eye of more than one person. Bai Fendou was peering out the window, saying, "I think this thing is pretty useful."


    He Lan: "?????"


    She was puzzled, "It''s stinky, what''s so good about it?"


    Bai Fendou muttered to himself, "It''s both stinky and spiky, that''s what makes it useful. I can pick it up and use it to teach Guan Guiling a lesson."


    Today, when he got off work, he unexpectedly ran into Guan Guiling. The woman looked so old she was almost unrecognizable, her face sickly yellowish-white. It was clear she wasn''t in good health. And she actually tried to lean on him! Obviously, she was trying to set him up for some kind of scam.


    Even though it had been years since they last saw each other, Bai Fendou knew this woman was always trying to pull scams. Over the years, she''d been beaten up several times because of these antics.


    This piece of information came from Ming Mei, through some neighborhood gossip.


    So, he smartly moved away immediately. But thinking about it, he got angry. He and Guan Guiling had had their ups and downs, but he was the one who ended up losing out. Now she was trying to scheme against him? He felt he should also teach her a lesson.


    He Lan grabbed him, saying, "Forget it, don''t get involved with that woman. What if she tries to pin something on you?"


    "She won''t know it''s me. I was thinking of filling that shell with poop and tossing it into her house."


    He Lan: "¡­¡­"


    Silence. Pure silence.


    She said, "Don''t do that, it''s too gross. Just let it go."


    Meanwhile, as He Lan was trying to talk Bai Fendou out of his scheme, Su Jinlai also got his eyes on this "weapon." Leaning his head against the window, he said, "I think this thing with such a stench could actually come in handy, Tonglai. Go get it for me."


    Tonglai: "?????"


    He tried to reason, "Brother, don''t mess around! You..."


    Before he could finish, Jinlai was already furious, "I can''t just let those three old women have their way with me for nothing! I must teach them a lesson!"


    Tonglai: "¡­But they''re already gone. Besides, it wasn''t for free, you got a thousand bucks out of it!"


    Jinlai shouted, "Can money ease my pain?! They may be gone, but the room they stayed in is still there. I''m going to throw stinky fruit into that room!"


    Tonglai finally couldn''t hold it in: "Aren''t you just being ridiculous?"


    What kind of nonsense is this!

 Chapter 177

    Su Jinlai felt quite wronged. Although the three foreign women were gone, he still felt that the place where he had suffered deserved some retaliation. However, he didn''t know that others were also eyeing the durian shell, planning to use it against him.


    Oh, not Zhou Qun, who felt he wasn''t showing enough respect.


    But his rival, Li Weiwei.


    When it comes to the source of the conflict between Li Weiwei and Su Jinlai, it''s Guan Hong, but it''s not just Guan Hong.


    Originally, the Guan Hong matter was over, but soon after, Guan Hong and Su Jinlai got involved again, constantly coming to their compound to do this and that.


    Actually, Su Jinlai wasn''t very good to Guan Hong. However, Guan Hong just ate it up, enduring everything. Every time Su Jinlai met Li Weiwei, he would deliberately command Guan Hong to do this and that, as if to say, "The girl you admire is working like a servant for me, deeply in love, yet look at me, I don¡¯t care at all." In this way, he gained some hidden psychological satisfaction.


    He would always flaunt in front of Li Weiwei, which made Li Weiwei incredibly angry every time he saw them.


    So Li Weiwei also wanted to teach Su Jinlai a lesson.


    He hadn''t originally planned to pick up the durian shell that Zhuang Zhixi had thrown away. He just happened to see it while looking out the window, where he was renting a room in the Su family house. He saw Zhuang Zhixi talking with Grandpa Lan and thought the durian shell would be perfect for hitting Su Jinlai.


    This tiny durian shell had now attracted four people.


    Everyone wanted to use it as a weapon.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t care what others thought and threw it away boldly. Only then did he return with his hands behind his back. As soon as he got back, he noticed that there were quite a few people in the courtyard tonight. Several of them were out for a stroll.


    Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head and said, "I¡¯ve only been gone for half a month, and everyone¡¯s got a habit of strolling in the courtyard?"


    Bai Fendou glanced at Zhou Qun, and Su Jinlai and Li Weiwei exchanged looks. The atmosphere was a bit awkward, as everyone had some ill intentions.


    Bai Fendou coughed and said, "I came out mainly to go to the toilet."


    Zhou Qun: "That''s a coincidence, so did I."


    Li Weiwei: "Me too."


    Su Jinlai: "You all have frequent urination problems! That¡¯s not good for men.¡±


    He said mockingly, and Bai Fendou immediately changed his stance, no longer wanting to deal with Guan Guiling. Guan Guiling wasn''t bothering him anyway, but Su Jinlai was being quite provocative. He wanted to teach Su Jinlai a lesson. Damn, who told him to be so mouthy? It¡¯s as if he¡¯s deliberately poking fun at people.


    Although he was present, he wasn¡¯t exactly a normal man, and hearing this would naturally make him red with anger and want to hit someone.


    He shot a cold glance at Su Jinlai, who didn¡¯t seem afraid of Bai Fendou at all. Back in the day, this guy was just a bootlicker, and Su Jinlai could steal things from his house with ease, so he certainly didn¡¯t respect Bai Fendou.


    He provocatively looked at Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou glared back at Su Jinlai furiously. Needless to say, the three of them all agreed that Su Jinlai needed to be put in his place.


    Who let him be so arrogant?


    As for Su Jinlai, he had no idea about this. All he knew was that his little brother, Tonglai, refused to pick up the durian shell for him. This kid was really unreliable! What kind of brother was that? But if he went out to pick up the durian shell now, those guys with kidney issues would definitely laugh at him!


    For someone like him, it would be utterly humiliating to do such a thing.


    There was nothing he couldn¡¯t do, but he just couldn¡¯t lose face. Not for any reason, just because, he was Su the Boss!


    He hesitated for a moment and said, "Old men with bad health are the ones who like to go to the toilet frequently. I¡¯m not like that; I just came out to digest my food. I had chicken broth tonight, and it was too greasy."


    The looks the other men gave him were even less friendly.


    Su Jinlai smirked triumphantly. He loved the feeling of being admired and envied. He proudly lifted his head. He was different from them¡ªhe was a man who could dominate those foreign women.


    He curled his lips even more in satisfaction.


    Admire me, envy me!


    Actually, no one was doing that; it was all in his imagination.


    ¡°Big Brother? Why are you still standing at the door?¡±


    Tonglai came out to wash clothes and saw his older brother standing like a guard. Jinlai''s eyes lit up and, in one swift move, he grabbed Tonglai and said, "Come here."


    He dragged him to a corner and said, "Go pick up the durian shell for me."


    Tonglai was very firm: "I won¡¯t."


    It wasn¡¯t just about losing face; it was also because his older brother was too bizarre. The hotel hadn¡¯t wronged anyone; since the people were gone, what was the point of causing more trouble? Instead of letting him get into trouble, he was firmly against it.


    He turned to leave, but Jinlai said, "I¡¯ll give you money."


    Tonglai: "I don¡¯t want it."


    "One yuan."


    "No way."


    "Two yuan."


    He felt Tonglai¡¯s determination weaken a bit, but soon Tonglai said firmly, "No."


    "Five yuan. Think about it, just picking up some trash."


    Tonglai said seriously, "But it¡¯s embarrassing, with so many people watching."


    Jinlai gritted his teeth, "Ten yuan."


    He was bleeding heavily.


    Tonglai: "..."


    He pursed his lips and held out his hand: "Give it."


    Jinlai: "You¡¯re so greedy for money."


    Tonglai: "If you don¡¯t give it, I won¡¯t do it. But I have to warn you, if you dither and someone else picks it up, I won¡¯t care."


    Su Jinlai: "Fine, fine, I¡¯ll give it to you. You only care about money. No brotherly love at all."


    Tonglai didn¡¯t care what his brother said and, taking the money, turned around and asked, "Uncle Zhuang, where did you throw the durian shell?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    He looked surprised at Tonglai, then at Jinlai, and then at Zhou Qun, who awkwardly turned his head away. Not just Zhou Qun, even the weird Bai Fendou and Li Weiwei did the same.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Are you all up to no good?


    But soon, he said, "I threw it in the trash cart by the toilet."


    Tonglai: "I¡¯ll go pick it up."


    Zhou Qun & Bai Fendou & Li Weiwei: "???"


    What are you doing? You¡¯re picking it up?


    They had all just missed it by a step.


    And everyone had seen Jinlai whispering to Tonglai, and the expression on Jinlai¡¯s face was quite indescribable. However, Jinlai seemed quite pleased. He thought it was good that his little brother was taking money and doing the job.


    As for the others, they all guessed it was him, but... he himself didn¡¯t realize it.


    This guy¡¯s brain was somewhat simple.


    He smiled slightly, thinking that money really makes things easier.


    Tonglai walked straight out of the courtyard gate, and Li Weiwei hesitated for a moment before following. Although he didn¡¯t get along with Su Jinlai, he had a decent relationship with Tonglai. Although Tonglai was also from another family, since he was renting a room in the Su family house, he knew that Tonglai had it tough.


    He had to go to school and, when he came home, would squeeze in household chores, cooking, and washing. To save coal, he would go out to pick firewood, and in spring, he would go to the outskirts to dig vegetables. Despite being so busy, he would study late into the night.


    Honestly, Li Weiwei had never liked the Su family, but seeing all this, he thought the kid didn¡¯t have it easy. So, over time, they got along pretty well.


    He quickly caught up with Tonglai and said, "Why are you picking this up? Is it for your older brother? Is he planning to use it against me?"


    Tonglai: "No, he¡¯s not going to use it against you."


    He looked Li Weiwei up and down and thought, he¡¯s not planning to use it against you, but you might be planning to use it against him.


    Li Weiwei felt a bit uneasy under his gaze, but Tonglai didn¡¯t say anything. They found the trash Zhuang Zhixi had just thrown and saw Tonglai heading toward the toilet. Li Weiwei exclaimed, "What are you doing?"


    Tonglai didn¡¯t enter the toilet but instead went around the back and threw the durian shell into the toilet¡¯s waste pit.


    Li Weiwei: "..."


    Tonglai: "It¡¯s better for me to throw it away than for my brother to cause trouble."


    If his brother really went to the hotel to cause damage, their family would inevitably get involved. So, Tonglai wouldn¡¯t give him the chance. Of course, he also wouldn¡¯t leave it for others to use against his brother, as that would also bring trouble to their family.


    So, throwing it away was the best solution.


    No one could pick it up.


    After throwing it, he went straight back.


    Li Weiwei: "..."


    He really couldn¡¯t understand him.


    Tonglai returned to the courtyard, and everyone had dispersed, but those who wanted to peek through the door were still doing so. Tonglai came back empty-handed, and Jinlai immediately asked, "Where''s the thing?"


    Tonglai: "In the toilet."


    Jinlai widened his eyes: "You''re taking money but not doing the job?"


    Tonglai: "I promised to go pick it up for you, but if I couldn''t find it, what can I do? Can I fish it out from the toilet for you?"


    Jinlai: "You, you, you... How did it end up in the toilet?"


    Tonglai: "Who knows?"


    He threw it, that''s how.


    Jinlai: "Then give me back the money."


    He had just spent ten yuan earlier.


    Tonglai took out ten yuan and handed it directly to Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Mom, you keep this."


    Then he looked at Jinlai: "I promised to pick it up for you, but I didn''t say I''d definitely be able to bring it back. How can you have the nerve to ask for the money back now? Are you still a man? Besides, one thing is one thing¡ªthis is the money you gave me to do a job, and you didn''t say it had to be done successfully."


    "You, you, you..."


    Wang Xiangxiu glanced at her two sons. Tonglai shot her a look, and Wang Xiangxiu promptly pocketed the money.


    Jinlai was fuming, feeling utterly unwelcome in his own home. Even his younger brother was swindling him. It was too much. How dare a kid his age scam him out of money? But Tonglai didn''t care much and went out to do the laundry.


    Jinlai: "I''m so annoyed."


    As Tonglai went out to do the laundry, Wang Xiangxiu followed him outside: "Isn''t it wrong to trick his money?"


    Tonglai remained calm: "What''s wrong with that? He took out a thousand yuan and only gave you twenty to buy chickens, with nothing else. He spent all that twenty yuan on chicken for himself, and all we got was a couple of sips of soup. What does he do at home? Nothing. When he''s out of money, who''s he going to depend on? You. You should hold onto his money when you can. Otherwise, he''ll just squander it all and won''t care about you. When he''s broke, he''ll come back looking for you again. A grown man who doesn''t work. Taking his money now is still spending it on him. Why feel guilty? If you don''t take it, he won''t give it to you anyway. What kind of person is that?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was silent for a moment, knowing Tonglai was right. Jinlai, her child, was a bit selfish. This time, he had money, which everyone knew, whether it was her or Yinlai or Tonglai. But Jinlai didn''t hand over a single penny.


    Not only did he not contribute, but he also wanted to eat chicken.


    If Wang Xiangxiu hadn¡¯t been firm about not buying, he wouldn¡¯t have handed over the twenty yuan. In fact, he initially only wanted to give ten yuan, but under Tonglai¡¯s goading, he reluctantly gave twenty. But nowadays, a live hen costs four yuan.


    They had bought five chickens in total.


    Four of them were already eaten, and the fifth was plucked and ready to be cooked.


    Clearly, even if Jinlai had money, he only looked out for himself. So, Tonglai''s argument made sense. What was wrong with that? Once he squandered his money, he''d definitely rely on the family again. She pursed her lips and said, "I''ll listen to you."


    Tonglai nodded: "You should take the money when you can."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Alright."


    The mother and son whispered in the courtyard, and many people were peeking at them.


    Jinlai peered from the window, huffing, "Our mom isn''t a good person at all. She¡¯s actually listening to Tonglai¡¯s nonsense."


    Yinlai, after finishing work, sat at the sewing machine. Their family had saved up to buy one, and both Yinlai and Wang Xiangxiu did some small tasks at home to supplement their income. He was busy and didn''t want to listen to his older brother¡¯s ranting, filled with nonsense.


    Yinlai snorted, "If you don''t like it, go find a proper job."


    Su Jinlai boasted: "What do you mean? Even without a job, I still have money."


    A man like him would never lack money, that was for sure.


    But Yinlai didn''t even glance up, saying, "Just because you have money doesn''t mean you''ve given it to us. What''s the point of bragging in front of us? Even if you have money, you still eat, use, and drink from the house."


    Su Jinlai: "Hey, you little punk, I''m your older brother."


    Yinlai nodded: "Yeah, an older brother who¡¯s selfish, lazy, and doesn''t work."


    Finished speaking, he continued working, ignoring the man completely.


    Su Jinlai: "Damn, damn, damn. What kind of family is this?"


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi was also peeking. Ming Mei was with Yuanyuan, and the three of them had just finished devouring a big durian, eating with great joy. Now, they were back in their room, rubbing their stomachs and lying on the kang with their legs up, looking like thoroughly satisfied couch potatoes.


    Tuantuan, however, wrinkled his nose, not liking the smell, and clung pitifully to the edge of the kang.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched the spectacle for a while before speaking mysteriously: "You see, I bought a durian, and it was quite a hit. Everyone wanted to pick it up and take it home."


    Ming Mei: "Not out of good intentions."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Who cares, I threw it away anyway."


    He climbed onto the kang, looking at his two children, and said, "Aren''t you going to leave?"


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan didn''t want to go. Their dad had been away for a few days, and they wanted to spend time talking with him. The two kids stayed put, and Ming Mei giggled coquettishly. Zhuang Zhixi pinched Ming Mei''s nose, and she went, "Mmm!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got you laughing at me."


    He got up: "Since no one¡¯s leaving, I¡¯ll make some tea. Want some?"


    "Sure."


    Zhuang Zhixi brewed a pot of tea, and they all sat together.


    Knock, knock.


    A knock sounded, and Zhuang Zhixi opened the door, finding Wang Xiangxiu from next door. Zhuang Zhixi: "Something the matter?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I¡¯m looking for Ming Mei."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned back, and Ming Mei said, "She''s looking for me."


    She then slapped her head: "Oh right, I remember now. Did you finish the bedsheet?"


    Wang Xiangxiu nodded: "Yes, I brought it over for you to check."


    Ming Mei took the neatly folded bedsheet from Wang Xiangxiu and said, "It should be fine. Thanks!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "No problem, it''s my duty."


    After handing over the item, she added: "If you need anything else, come to me. I can do it all."


    Ming Mei: "Great."


    With Ming Mei''s approval, Wang Xiangxiu happily left. Zhuang Zhixi glanced at the bedsheet: "Did you make that new?"


    Ming Mei: "Yeah."


    Their family also had a sewing machine, but since both she and Zhuang Zhixi worked, she didn''t bother her mother with such detailed work. Since Wang Xiangxiu was willing to do it, she paid her for the service.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t just work for their family; she also took on jobs from nearby households. If anyone needed help with small tasks they couldn''t manage, she and her sons would take it on, though it was usually small jobs for some extra money.


    For example, Ming Mei''s bedsheet cost only five mao since it wasn''t complex handmade. Including washing and delivering, it came to eight mao. Ming Mei found it very convenient.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "She¡¯s quite clever, thinking of ways to supplement the household income."


    "I guess Yinlai and Tonglai came up with it. They¡¯re pretty good kids."


    A few years ago, Wang Xiangxiu really struggled, with only one person working and sons all in their growing years. Fortunately, there was also rental income. In the past two years, Yinlai started working, and they took on some small tasks, which improved their situation.


    Tuantuan poured himself a cup of tea, holding the small cup and sipping, his big eyes glancing between his father and mother. He said, "Yinlai Brother needs to earn more money to get married."


    Ming Mei laughed, "And you know this how?"


    Tuantuan: "I just do!"


    He spoke with certainty: "Yinlai Brother tells us things."


    Yinlai had grown up among elderly women, and while people took care of him, he didn''t have many friends his age. Instead, he often hung out with older folks or younger kids. Tuantuan said, "He needs to save more money."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s true."


    Tuantuan: "We know the troubles of all the big brothers and sisters."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "Oh, you''re quite the know-it-all. Then tell me, what''s the trouble with your Sister Bear Swallow?"


    Tuantuan made a zipping motion over his mouth, "How can I casually talk about someone else¡¯s secrets?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Just how capable are you?


    Yuanyuan, beside them, blinked her big eyes, gazing softly at her brother and giggling in a tiny voice.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t like some parents; he didn''t force his children to speak but instead sighed, "You two little troublemakers."


    Both of them made silly faces.


    Tuantuan, afraid that his sister would be tricked by their father, quickly changed the subject and said, "Dad, are we going to Grandma''s house tomorrow?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, I''ve brought them some things, so of course, we''re going."


    "We want to play with our cousins," Yuanyuan chimed in excitedly.


    Ming Mei smiled and teased, "They''re all big kids now; they probably won''t want to play with you little ones."


    Yuanyuan retorted, "No way! Our cousins love us, don''t they, Brother?"


    Tuantuan nodded confidently, "The most. They love us the most."


    He was quite narcissistic, adding, "We''re just universally adored."


    Ming Mei stuck out her tongue and teased them again.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan sighed, "Mom is so immature."


    Ming Mei: "..."


    Seeing this, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh. Ming Mei huffed and lightly punched him.


    Zhuang Zhixi pretended to groan, "Ouch."


    Ming Mei gestured at him playfully.


    The whole family of four had lively personalities, and soon the atmosphere was vibrant again. It wasn''t long before Zhuang Zhixi checked the time and said, "It''s already past eight. Hurry up and go to your rooms to get ready for bed. You have school tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    The two kids slumped their shoulders and trudged to their rooms. Poor little ones; they had to go to school. Boohoo!


    As soon as the kids went to their rooms, Zhuang Zhixi got up and bolted the door. "These little rascals," he muttered, "they don''t care at all about the hardship of their dad being away for so long." Without further ado, he began unbuttoning his shirt. After being away for over half a month, he was anxious to make up for lost time.


    Holding his wife, he switched off the light. A good man had to show his devotion before and after being away, and what better way to demonstrate it than this? Otherwise, how else could he prove himself?


    One advantage of sleeping on a kang (heated brick bed) was that it didn''t creak and groan. They could be as expressive as they wanted without worrying about noise.


    Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The passionate reunion between the couple lasted until the early hours of the morning. Even though the weather wasn''t particularly hot, Ming Mei was sweating profusely and clung to Zhuang Zhixi, burying her face in his neck and mumbling softly.


    Zhuang Zhixi held his wife close, his voice husky as he said, "Does this prove that I¡¯ve been faithful while away?"


    Ming Mei replied, "If you dared to be unfaithful, I''d cut you down."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled deeply.


    He said, "You know me; I''m not that kind of person."


    He was also starting to feel tired, yawning before saying, "Honey, I''m getting sleepy."


    When he looked down again, his wife was already asleep.


    He gently pinched her cheek, but Ming Mei didn''t stir.


    He too felt comfortable but weary. A man had to know his limits, and a night of indulgence could be exhausting. He stretched out on the kang, pulled the blanket up, and soon fell asleep.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s return to the courtyard didn''t attract much attention. He and his wife weren''t the type to stir up trouble, so they didn''t stand out much. However, despite the lack of widespread interest, the neighborhood aunties and uncles inevitably pulled him over to chat about his trip to Guangzhou.


    Many of these people had never left Beijing in their lives, so hearing about the climate and lifestyle in other parts of the country was fascinating.


    The one most interested in the Zhuang family was Aunt Zhou. As the most well-off resident in the courtyard, Aunt Zhou kept a close eye on everyone. She was sharp enough to notice a discrepancy. When Zhuang Zhixi returned, she had seen him with a lot of luggage, enough to require a tricycle to transport.


    But upon his return, the Zhuang family hadn''t made any major purchases. Sure, they had some new clothes, but those didn''t take up much space. Aunt Zhou was convinced that something was amiss. She kept a close eye on Zhuang Zhixi, and coincidentally, Su Jinlai did the same.


    Su Jinlai watched Zhuang Zhixi, though there was no particular reason. He just couldn''t stand to see anyone in the courtyard doing well. He didn''t just keep an eye on Zhuang Zhixi but also on Zhuang Zhiyuan, Zhou Qun, Bai Fendou, and the Li family. He basically kept tabs on everyone.


    He spent his days glued to the window, spying on every family in the courtyard.


    Under the watchful eyes of Aunt Zhou and Su Jinlai, the weekend quickly arrived. Zhuang Zhixi invited his mother and headed to Xidan to set up a stall. Ming Mei also wanted to go, but on the first day, Zhuang Zhixi didn''t want her along.


    Mainly, he wasn''t sure how well the goods would sell. If things went well, no problem. But if they didn''t, he didn''t want his wife to worry. Going alone meant he could make up any excuses if things weren''t great.


    Although he wanted to go alone, Zhao Guihua insisted on accompanying him. "We agreed to set up the stall together," she said, "so let''s not be shy about it."


    So, early in the morning, the two of them left on bicycles, each loaded with goods and supplies like bamboo poles and cardboard signs, essential for selling.


    Aunt Zhou was busy cleaning her windows when she saw the mother and son leaving on their bikes. Before she could even ask where they were going, they were already out of sight. She stomped her foot, "Ugh, missed them again."


    At that moment, Su Jinlai also rushed out and asked, "Where did they go? What are they doing?"


    Aunt Zhou rolled her eyes at Su Jinlai and said, "Why do you care? Mind your own business."


    She snorted and headed to the back courtyard, intending to ask Aunt Wang. Zhao Guihua had been acting mysteriously lately; maybe there was something they were hiding. After all, they lived in the same courtyard, and there shouldn''t be any secrets.


    Aunt Zhou went directly to Aunt Wang''s place, and Su Jinlai quietly followed.


    Aunt Zhou immediately turned around and warned, "Stop following me."


    She really didn''t like Su Jinlai. The guy seemed like a spineless wimp.


    Su Jinlai sneered, "This is public space. Can''t I walk here? What makes you so special?"


    Aunt Zhou spat, "And what makes you so special, you garbage!"


    She knew better than others about Su Jinlai''s antics. As a tenant in his family''s home, she had more insight. This guy was worthless¡ªwhen he had no money, his family supported him, and when he did have money, he still didn''t contribute.


    Such a person was truly contemptible.


    "Even if you had a child, they''d be better than you," she muttered.


    She found him utterly despicable.


    Su Jinlai retorted, "You... you''re the jerk."


    Aunt Zhou turned around sharply, "What did you say? Who are you calling a jerk? You little brat, don''t you know how to respect your elders?"


    She took a step forward, raising her voice, "Do you think I''m too old to swing a knife?"


    Su Jinlai: "Crude. You''re unbearably vulgar. Disgusting!"


    He glared at Aunt Zhou, spouting a few more insults. Realizing she was about to attack, he quickly backed off. It wasn''t that he couldn''t beat Aunt Zhou; it was just... embarrassing to fight an old lady. What kind of reputation would that give him? He was a man with pride!


    A true "Brother Su" of society.


    He''d fight any man and come out on top, let alone an old woman. But it was beneath him; it wouldn''t reflect well.


    He decided to let Guan Hong handle the troublemaking from now on.


    Thinking of this, Su Jinlai stepped even further back and said, "I won''t stoop to your level."


    With that, he turned and left. The nerve of Guan Hong¡ªusually, she''d be at his place by now on weekends, but today she was nowhere to be seen. Unreliable woman!


    As Su Jinlai muttered, Aunt Zhou taunted, "Coward, don''t run!"


    Su ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Jinlai retorted, "A real man doesn''t fight women."


    Aunt Wang came out to watch the commotion and sighed, "Why bother with him? He''s just a brat."


    Aunt Zhou replied, "Do I look like I care about him? If he wasn''t like a leech, sticking to me, I wouldn''t even give him the time of day. The guy has no sense; all that height and nothing to show for it."


    She muttered a few words, then pulled Aunt Zhou and asked, ¡°Do you know where Zhao Guihua went? I saw her carrying stuff, cardboard, bamboo poles, and it just felt odd.¡±


    Aunt Wang replied, ¡°No idea, haven¡¯t heard anything.¡±


    Aunt Zhou whispered mysteriously, ¡°There must be something fishy going on here.¡±


    While the two aunts were speculating, Zhuang Zhixi and Aunt Zhou had already arrived at Xidan. They found an empty spot and started setting up their stall. Truth be told, they weren¡¯t the only ones selling today. People who were willing to put their pride aside to make a living were everywhere. In these times, making money wasn¡¯t something to be ashamed of.


    Zhuang Zhixi, tall and lanky, glanced around. There were all sorts of vendors¡ªchickens, ducks, hair accessories, underwear, socks, even garlic and scallions. It was a mix-and-match kind of street market. Everyone had their own niche.


    Zhuang Zhixi spread a cloth on the ground and took out his bell-bottom pants, setting them up directly. He was well prepared, grabbing the four bamboo poles he had stashed in his cart earlier and tying them together to form a makeshift rack. He then took out a small hammer and nailed the poles into the ground, stabilizing them quickly. With only two styles of pants, he hung them on the rack. The bamboo poles swayed a bit but soon steadied. Finally, he took out a large cardboard sign and taped it onto the pole, boldly writing three words: "Bell-Bottoms."


    Everything set, Zhuang Zhixi looked around again. Yep, he was still the coolest kid on the block. Other vendors¡¯ stalls didn¡¯t stand out as much as his. It was Sunday, and there were plenty of shoppers in Xidan. Everyone else had found prime spots to set up, but Zhuang Zhixi had to settle for a dirtier area¡ªotherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be able to secure his bamboo poles.


    Zhao Guihua saw that her son had everything so well prepared and immediately started shouting, ¡°Come take a look! The latest style, candy-colored bell-bottoms! Don¡¯t miss out, there¡¯s no better deal! The sooner you buy, the sooner you can enjoy them! Grab them while they¡¯re still in style!¡±


    As soon as Zhao Guihua started her spiel, people turned their heads, their eyes filled with admiration. Goodness, this granny was impressive!


    Some vendors secretly hoped she¡¯d shout a bit more so they could learn her tricks. This old lady sure knew how to sell.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t care what others thought. She kept on shouting, ¡°Come take a look! You can¡¯t lose, and you can¡¯t go wrong!¡±


    Bell-bottoms weren¡¯t exactly mainstream¡ªolder folks just couldn¡¯t understand why anyone would wear something so bizarre. But young people? They loved it. Especially those rebellious types who thought being different was the coolest.


    Sure enough, a young man soon approached, asking, ¡°How much are these?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Unisex, blue for men and pink for women. Genuine southern goods, thirty yuan each.¡±


    The nearby hairpin seller let out a gasp.


    "That''s too expensive!" The young man was shocked.


    Zhuang Zhixi countered, ¡°Come on, this isn¡¯t expensive at all. Think about it¡ªa regular pair of pants in the store costs fourteen or fifteen, and you still need a voucher for that. But look at mine¡ªbell-bottoms take even more fabric, so the cost is higher. And this isn¡¯t just any ordinary brand. This is the same stuff they¡¯re selling in Hong Kong. Over there? They¡¯re selling them for eighty to a hundred yuan. I had to go through so much effort to get my hands on these. How could they be cheap? Quality goods never are. And there aren¡¯t many of them, either. Go around¡ªyou won¡¯t see many people wearing these.¡±


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t speak, but internally, she thought, "No one¡¯s wearing them because they¡¯re too outlandish."


    But as the seller, she chimed in, ¡°Not only is the style unique, but the colors are rare too. See these? They¡¯re called ''candy colors,'' and you won¡¯t find anything like this anywhere else.¡±


    This "candy colors" bit was something new to everyone, but it sounded fancy and exclusive.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite knowledgeable, Auntie,¡± the young man remarked.


    Zhao Guihua laughed, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m no expert. I just think they look great. If I were younger, I¡¯d be wearing them in a heartbeat. Now that I¡¯m old, though, even if I wanted to, it¡¯d probably backfire¡­ I¡¯d look ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha.¡±


    The two went back and forth, and sure enough, the young man was persuaded¡ªthough he still thought they were a bit pricy. ¡°Auntie, can you lower the price a bit? Thirty yuan is still too much.¡±


    Zhao Guihua sighed, ¡°You and I hit it off, so I¡¯ll knock off one yuan for you.¡±


    ¡°Come on, just a bit more,¡± he begged.


    After some haggling, they settled at twenty-six yuan.


    Zhao Guihua looked truly heartbroken. ¡°This is my first sale of the day, that¡¯s the only reason I can go that low. With this price, you¡¯re getting a steal!¡±


    The young man smiled. ¡°Auntie, I know you¡¯re giving me a deal here. I¡¯ll spread the word for you.¡±


    Zhao Guihua winked, ¡°Come back with your girlfriend¡ªI¡¯ll give you an even better deal next time.¡±


    The young man laughed, "Oh, it''s not a girlfriend..."


    Zhao Guihua waved him off, ¡°You don¡¯t have to lie to me. At my age, I can tell. You¡¯re such a handsome young man; all the girls must like you.¡±


    He chuckled. That was just good to hear.


    He picked out a pair and happily left.


    Don¡¯t underestimate just one sale¡ªas soon as someone buys, others are sure to follow. A young girl soon approached, saying, ¡°I kind of want to buy one, but I¡¯m afraid people will think I¡¯m being too¡­ adventurous.¡±


    Zhao Guihua waved her off, ¡°Nonsense! What¡¯s not decent about wearing clothes? As long as it¡¯s not revealing, there¡¯s nothing wrong with it. The time to wear cool stuff is when you¡¯re young¡ªonce you¡¯re my age, it¡¯s too late. And don¡¯t think I don¡¯t want to wear these myself. I¡¯m selling them, so if I put them on, people would wonder why an old lady is wearing them, and suddenly no one would buy from me! I¡¯m doing this for the money, you see. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t care one bit.¡±


    ¡°Auntie, you do make sense,¡± the girl agreed.


    This is how it works in sales¡ªthe more people there are, the more others are drawn in. Within moments, their little stall was crowded. Older folks just wrinkled their noses, but the young ones? They loved the trendiness of it all. In no time, they¡¯d sold over a dozen pairs.


    Zhuang Zhixi watched his mother skilfully collecting money and handing out change, swallowing hard.


    Indeed, you can¡¯t beat experience. He thought he was good at selling, but his mom was in a league of her own. He¡¯d picked up some of these sales tactics from vendors in Guangzhou, but it seemed his mom had figured them out all on her own.


    Zhao Guihua continued her spiel, ¡°Young people should have flair. Sure, some might think these pants are a bit too bold, but if not now, when? Once you¡¯re older, you¡¯ll regret not embracing your youth. Go get some sunglasses, dress up, and take some fashion photos. When you¡¯re old, you can show your grandkids and say, ¡®Look, your granny was once a trendsetter¡ªyou can¡¯t even compare!¡¯¡±


    Everyone burst out laughing.


    Zhao Guihua was a natural at chatting. Her words made the young folks even more determined to buy. After all, how could they, young and spry, be less stylish than an old lady? Plus, when they thought about it, the price wasn¡¯t that bad. These weren¡¯t disposable clothes¡ªthey could wear them year after year.


    Zhao Guihua then started crunching the numbers for the crowd. ¡°If you think it¡¯s expensive, just break it down. Let¡¯s say this pair costs thirty yuan. You wear them for three hundred days a year. That¡¯s about one cent per day. If you wear them for ten years, that¡¯s just¡­ less than a penny a day. And that¡¯s assuming you only wear them three hundred days a year. If you wear them more, it¡¯s even more worth it. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Everyone nodded.


    After all, it wasn¡¯t uncommon in those days to get three years out of a garment, another three, and then patch it up for three more.


    Everyone thought the price set by Aunt Zhou was quite reasonable. It''s only one cent per day, which is practically free, right? Just skip one candy a day.


    "Alright, Aunt Zhou, find me two of them. I want two pink ones, both in plus size," a young man said.


    Another young man beside him was surprised. "You want pink? You''re not getting them for yourself?"


    "Yeah, I am. Who says guys can''t wear pink? Real men wear pink! I want pink! I''ll get two and switch them out."


    The onlookers: "¡­¡­"


    This guy, he''s definitely got some unique flair.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, this is quite normal. These pants aren''t gender-specific, just as long as the size fits. Look, if a taller girl likes sky blue, she can wear them too."


    "Right."


    Zhuang Zhixi and Zhao Guihua quickly got to work. Business today was even better than they had expected. They had actually brought two hundred pairs of pants with them today. They weren''t sure how many they would sell, but they had underestimated the youth of Beijing and the foot traffic at Xidan.


    Although sales started slow, they quickly picked up. Before long, the men''s sizes were all gone. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, I''m going to go home and bring some more. Can you handle things here by yourself?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "If anyone dares to cause trouble, I¡¯ll be more than happy. At my age, I¡¯ll just lie down right here. Hehe, that¡¯ll get me a nice check-up at the hospital and some good rest. Whoever lays a hand on me will have to fork out the cash? I¡¯ll make sure they have an extra old lady to take care of!"


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "You¡¯re tough, Mom."


    Zhao Guihua: "Go ahead."


    She wasn''t really trying to extort anyone; her voice was loud enough for others to hear.


    If they took it to heart, it would save them a lot of trouble.


    Honestly, they really didn¡¯t want anyone disrupting their business. This was money, after all.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly rode back home. He pedaled so hard that sparks might as well have been flying off his bike. He arrived back at the courtyard just past noon. As soon as he entered, Aunt Zhou came out: "Little Zhuang¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately stopped her, saying, "Aunt Zhou, I¡¯m in a hurry, no time for small talk, okay?"


    He rushed inside. Ming Mei was busy keeping track of the family''s expenses for the last month. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi return, she asked, "What happened?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "We¡¯re running out of stock."


    Ming Mei''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Out of stock? Are you serious? You brought two hundred pairs of pants, didn¡¯t you?"


    One hundred pink, one hundred blue.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Right. The pink ones are gone, and there aren¡¯t many blue ones left either. Help me move some more over."


    Ming Mei immediately jumped off the kang. "I¡¯ll go with you."


    She had wanted to go anyway, so this just made her even more eager. "You guys are so amazing!"


    Zhuang Zhixi counted the inventory. "I thought I was pretty good, but after seeing my mom in action, I realize I¡¯m just a rookie. A pure rookie. There was a moment where I almost convinced myself to buy some. It felt like not buying would be a loss. It¡¯s practically free!"


    Ming Mei: "Wow."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let¡¯s go."


    Two people worked faster than one. Soon, they were out the door. Aunt Zhou was still pacing around the courtyard, but Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei didn¡¯t say a word; they just zipped out like lightning. But Aunt Zhou¡¯s curiosity was at its peak.


    "What are they up to? What exactly are they doing?"


    Jiang Lu came out to do laundry and said, "Just mind your own business."


    Aunt Zhou: "How is that minding my business? We¡¯re neighbors; I¡¯m just curious, no, I mean, I¡¯m concerned."


    Jiang Lu laughed. "Well, they don¡¯t need your concern."


    Aunt Zhou was curious: "Do you know what they¡¯re doing? I just find it strange."


    Jiang Lu didn¡¯t know either. It wasn¡¯t that they were slow-witted; it¡¯s just that people with regular jobs wouldn¡¯t go street vending, and most saw it as beneath them. Everyone on their street worked at the machinery factory; they were all workers. No one would do that, so they just couldn¡¯t imagine it.


    It¡¯s because it didn¡¯t exist in their environment that they couldn¡¯t imagine it.


    If they had seen it before, they would have recognized it immediately.


    Jiang Lu: "You should just manage your own business and stop meddling in others''. Their affairs don¡¯t concern us. Besides, Zhuang Zhixi is so sharp, he won¡¯t get duped. Let him do what he wants; he¡¯s quick-witted, and his wife knows how to fight. They¡¯re a great match, one smart, one strong. What do they have to fear? Let¡¯s not get involved."


    Aunt Zhou: "You make it sound so¡­"


    She felt a bit down, thinking her daughter-in-law had no curiosity at all.


    She said, "Of course, I know that brat Zhuang Zhixi won¡¯t get duped. But precisely because of that, I¡¯m curious. If it¡¯s something good, we could learn from them, right?"


    Jiang Lu knew what her mother-in-law was thinking but didn¡¯t take it to heart. "Just stop meddling."


    She called out: "Since you¡¯re not busy, help me with the laundry. Look at all these clothes for Qijin. That boy is so mischievous."


    Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t hesitate this time: "I¡¯ll do it. You won¡¯t clean them properly. For Qijin¡¯s clothes, you have to use soap, so they smell nice after. Laundry detergent doesn¡¯t work; it just leaves that detergent smell."


    Jiang Lu: "¡­¡­"


    She twitched her lips, realizing why their soap was running out so fast. Her mother-in-law was using it for laundry when it wasn¡¯t necessary. She looked up in exasperation.


    "What time does Qijin come back?"


    Jiang Lu: "Their activity at the Cultural Palace ends at 4:30 PM."


    Aunt Zhou: "Go get some meat. I¡¯ll make him some meat pies. He mentioned that Zhao Guihua¡¯s pies weren¡¯t enough, so I¡¯ll make some for him too."


    Jiang Lu: "Alright, our little Qijin shouldn¡¯t keep relying on others for good food."


    Aunt Zhou: "Exactly."


    Although Aunt Zhou was quite calculative when she was young, she¡¯s different with her grandson now. She does feel the pinch, but in this aspect, she¡¯s quite generous.


    She wouldn¡¯t want her grandson to be laughed at or looked down upon by other kids, so even if he eats something from someone else, she¡¯ll prepare some treats for the other kids as a reciprocation.


    "Mom, I¡¯ll go buy it now, or we won¡¯t get the good stuff."


    Aunt Zhou: "Alright."


    At this moment, Su Jinlai also rushed out, saying, "Aunt Jiang, get me a pound of meat. I want fatty meat, it¡¯s the best."


    That¡¯s why Zhou Qun has a problem with him. He¡¯s a younger person, but he acts like he¡¯s in charge, ordering people around. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s bossing around his elders just for show, randomly ordering them to do things for him, and being picky? Who does he think he is?


    Jiang Lu was stunned for a moment, but Zhou Qun came out from the house and said, "Help what? You don¡¯t have hands or legs? If you want it, go buy it yourself. Who do you think you are, ordering around elders?"


    He directly told Jiang Lu: "Go ahead."


    Jiang Lu: "Alright."


    She ignored Su Jinlai. Su Jinlai is a kid who doesn¡¯t know how to behave and lacks the sense to read the room. He acts as if he can just order people around without offering to pay. She once helped him and had to keep nagging him to get the money, and even then, he was picky about the goods, complaining nonstop, with a face that sorely needed a good slap.


    Since then, under the influence of Jiang Lu and Aunt Zhou, no one in the neighborhood has been willing to help Su Jinlai with anything. No one wants to front him money.


    No one knew Su Jinlai had money now, but since he¡¯s always causing trouble, no one¡¯s willing to help him regardless.


    Su Jinlai was fuming, thinking that the people in this courtyard are so unfriendly.


    He thought about his own family and felt just as displeased.


    Su Jinlai''s second brother had gone to the countryside with their mom to gather vegetables and fruits, and his youngest brother was taking an acting class, leaving only Su Jinlai at home, not even having had lunch yet. Guan Hong, who usually comes to cook, didn''t show up either. Finally unable to bear it any longer, he let out a cold huff, wrapped his jacket tightly around himself, and stepped out the door.


    He was going for mutton soup!


    Since no one was home, he decided to sneak in some delicious food and get some lamb testicles to boost his vitality.


    As he walked past a trash can, he thought about how Tonglai had scammed him out of ten bucks, which made him quite angry. That was hard-earned money!


    Recalling those three middle-aged women who were relentless in their pursuit, almost swallowing him whole, he pulled his jacket even tighter. "Women in their thirties and forties are indeed like wolves and tigers," he muttered to himself. "I must never get involved with women of that age again."


    He firmly decided that he needed someone younger, preferably introduced to him by someone else.


    The ideal candidate would be both young and wealthy, someone who could throw money his way.


    Although the thought of those two and a half days made him shudder, feeling like he might pass out, he felt a sense of security when he touched the money in his pocket. It was tough, but having money was good. Nobody else had it.


    He chuckled to himself, found a mutton soup place, and stepped inside.


    At the same time, he was wondering what Zhuang Zhixi and the others were up to. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes were fixed on every household.


    Meanwhile, the Zhuang Zhixi he had been pondering over was surrounded by people. As soon as he returned, over a dozen bell-bottom pants were sold out almost immediately.


    Ming Mei: "!!!"


    She hadn''t expected such a rush!


    This kind of scene was usually only seen during holidays at department stores. But now, they were bustling with activity. After a brief moment of astonishment, Ming Mei quickly squeezed in to help find sizes and collect money.


    It wasn''t that everyone liked bell-bottoms, but people tend to follow the crowd. Seeing so many people buying, they joined in the trend. Even though they didn''t have time to eat lunch, they were still very happy.


    After all, it was money!


    The three of them had their roles, and the business was booming. Sundays were especially busy, and the neighboring stalls weren''t as lively. Some quick-witted vendors were already thinking about how they could sell these bell-bottoms.


    They didn''t know the cost price, but as businesspeople, they knew that even if the cost was high, they could at least double their money.


    They didn''t know where these three people got their stock from, though they claimed it was from the south, not everyone believed them.


    Two people whispered to each other: "Wait a bit, go over and ask that young man where they got their stock. Damn, they''re monopolizing the business, and we''re not getting any customers. I don''t know how they''re so persuasive, making those young men and women so happy. We need to dig out their source."


    "Brother, let''s just talk to that little wife. She must be naive and, hey, she''s good-looking too."


    Clearly, they were up to no good.


    The taller, older brother scolded: "Shut up! You, a man, talking to a little wife? She''d definitely be on guard and wouldn''t tell you the truth. Do you think making money or harassing women is more important? Are you out of your mind? We should talk to the man. Don''t get in the way."


    "Oh."


    "They''re selling too well."


    "Do you think they''re making a lot of money?"


    "Who knows? But did you jot down how they talked to the customers? It''s really effective."


    "Yeah, yeah, I wrote it down."


    Such conversations weren''t just happening at their stall; other vendors were also scheming. After all, when it comes to making money, no one wants to be left behind. Those who don''t do business might not realize it, but this was a surefire way to make big money!


    Quietly raking in the cash!


    This business opportunity had to be calculated.

 Chapter 178

    Reaping Wealth in Silence.


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others truly experienced the magic of doing business, as the money flowed in like a torrent. Without firsthand experience, no one could have imagined it. Although those with formal jobs often looked down on those who engaged in business, considering it a detour from the main path and inherently lower in status, only those who had done business understood that, although it might not be glamorous, it was indeed very lucrative.


    However, despite the profits, no one flaunted their success. Wasn''t it better to grow wealthy in silence?


    No matter what the venture, once everyone knows it''s profitable, the golden days are usually numbered.


    After returning home, Zhuang Zhixi counted the money and inventory, discovering they had sold over three hundred pants on the first day.


    At this rate, they would run out of stock in three or four days. However, since today was Sunday and there were more people around, the sales might slow down in the coming days. Even so, they estimated the inventory would be cleared within a week. The thought alone was exhilarating.


    Zhuang Zhixi smirked, his spirits soaring.


    Ming Mei, counting the money, also felt dazed. She was so astonished that she nibbled on her fingernails, whispering, "If we sell it all, won''t we become ten-thousandaires?"


    Zhuang Zhixi proudly replied, "Absolutely."


    Zhao Guihua looked at these two, untouched by the world, and said, "Calm down, kids. This is just the beginning."


    "Oh."


    Though they acknowledged, their excitement lingered.


    After all, this was real money. They hadn''t anticipated such substantial profits. Zhuang Zhixi''s cost per piece was just two yuan and twenty cents. Ming Mei continued gnawing on her fingernails, asking, "Mother-in-law, should we go tomorrow?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, tomorrow Zhixi will go to work as usual. I''ll bring your dad along."


    Ming Mei blinked, clenching her fists, "How about I take a day off and go with you? With so much money, there''s bound to be envy. With me there, at least I can ensure your safety."


    Ming Mei immediately thought of this, influenced by her upbringing. Her father was a long-haul truck driver who often encountered highway robbers. She knew all too well the saying, "Humans die for wealth, birds die for food."


    Growing up hearing such tales, her vigilance was natural.


    She said, "Today was the first day, and people didn''t know how hot the business was, plus we had Zhixi. But if it''s just you two elders tomorrow, someone might have bad intentions."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "You''re right."


    Ming Mei chuckled quietly, "Right?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, take three days off. I reckon we''ll be done in three or four days. Can you manage?"


    Ming Mei replied, "No problem. My job is very easy; it''s not busy at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "That''s settled then. Since Ming Mei is taking time off, I won''t. She''s much better at handling situations than I am."


    If they encountered any trouble, his wife''s combat skills were far superior to his.


    Ming Mei confidently stated, "Leave it to me!"


    She proudly puffed out her chest, eager to contribute to the family''s earnings.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, put the money away and lock the door. We''ll continue tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua''s mysterious demeanor left Aunt Zhou full of curiosity. Human curiosity is truly insatiable. As soon as Zhao Guihua returned and went to her youngest son''s place, Aunt Zhou kept peeking. When Zhao Guihua finally came out, she hurried over, "Guihua, what were you doing today? I feel like your family has been acting mysterious."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "What''s so mysterious about us? I was just setting up a stall."


    "What!"


    Aunt Zhou''s eyes widened in shock, finding it utterly unbelievable. Zhao Guihua, of all people, setting up a stall? She stammered, "Re-really?"


    Zhao Guihua shrugged, "Why would I lie about that?"


    Aunt Zhou scratched her head, nearly scratching herself bald in confusion. She just couldn''t understand why someone would abandon a comfortable life to set up a stall. It seemed so demeaning.


    Aunt ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhou asked, "What made you decide to do that?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at her, saying, "What''s there to think about? The state policy allows small traders to set up stalls. I''m just following the policy. Besides, I haven''t worked much in my life. Now that there''s an opportunity to experience something new, why not seize it? I still have the energy now. Who knows if I''ll still have the stamina in a few years? So, now''s the time to act!"


    "Ah, this..."


    Aunt Zhou was momentarily at a loss for words. She had thought of several reasons but hadn''t expected Zhao Guihua''s response. She hesitated, asking, "Isn''t it embarrassing?"


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "What''s embarrassing about earning money through hard work? You don''t know, there are all kinds of people doing business. It''s quite fascinating." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua knew Aunt Zhou would ask, and even if she didn''t, Aunt Wang would. It wasn''t that these women had malicious intentions; it''s just that, with nothing better to do, their curiosity got the better of them. Better to clarify than to let them speculate endlessly.


    "What are you selling?" Aunt Zhou asked.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Pants. The third son brought them from the south. Today, since it was a rest day, I helped him try selling some. Oh, stop asking so much. I''m hungry, I''m going home to eat."


    Aunt Zhou wanted to ask more but didn''t know what else to say, so she went home in a daze, only to quickly rush out to gossip with others. While initially shocked, she eventually found nothing wrong with it.


    If someone had said Zhuang Zhixi quit his job to set up a stall, people might have thought he''d lost his mind. But since it was Zhao Guihua, it didn''t seem so strange. She had little to do with her grandchildren in school, so finding something to occupy herself was just her style.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care what others thought. She went straight home to enjoy dinner. Liang Meifen, who had the day off, prepared dinner: stir-fried cabbage with vinegar and minced pork with chili. As the family ate, she curiously asked, "Mother, how was the business today?"


    Zhao Guihua bluntly replied, "None of your business."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    The old lady was truly ill-mannered. She decided not to ask any further.


    Zhao Guihua''s straightforward response stopped any further inquiries. Her brusque manner, though not polite, served as an effective deterrent against endless questions.


    Zhao Guihua only briefly mentioned her stall to Aunt Zhou, but news quickly spread throughout the courtyard that she had started setting up stalls. Even the Su family got wind of it. Su Jinlai thumped the table, saying, "That''s it! I knew something was off with them. Turns out they were setting up stalls. Hah! They act all high and mighty, as if they were something special. But in the end, they''re doing the same thing. How disgraceful! Who does that among honest people? Setting up stalls? Hah! Disgusting! Pfft, I look down on them!"


    Wang Xiangxiu, busy at work, casually said, "What do you care what they do? It''s their business."


    Wang Xiangxiu had gone to the mountains today and managed to pick some winter fruits. Though frozen and thawed, many were still usable. She carefully selected the best ones, adding sugar to make fruit jam, which turned out quite well.


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "Come take a look, is my jam alright?"


    Su Jinlai impatiently replied, "Why bother making that? Yours will never be as good as store-bought. Who wants your trash?"


    He was highly contemptuous. If you really think about it, what does Wang Xiangxiu, a woman with no insight, know about jam? This was something Su Jinlai had mentioned before, so he felt quite justified in speaking authoritatively. Before Su Jinlai came back, he had spent some time with three foreign women, enjoying himself. The hardships he endured during that time need not be elaborated on; it was truly heart-wrenching, something that would make listeners sad and observers tearful. A fine young man almost drained dry by those women, it was only due to his strong constitution and being a man of great capability that he managed to endure it.


    However, despite the pain of mingling with those women, those few days also broadened his horizons. Not only did he visit Quanjude, but he also went to Laomo, all expenses paid by those women. He was the first person in their courtyard to visit Laomo and the first to dine on Western cuisine. Others simply lacked this insight and didn''t measure up.


    Upon his return, he naturally had to show off extensively. He described dishes like steak, pizza, wine, and even spreading jam on bread, mentioning them multiple times a day, every day. The entire family was so tired of hearing about it that their ears practically had calluses.


    It was precisely because they had heard so much about it that when Wang Xiangxiu went hiking and saw wild fruits, she thought of making jam. After some experimentation with sugar, she found the taste quite satisfactory. Wang Xiangxiu felt quite proud of herself, considering she hadn''t even tasted or seen jam before, but based solely on Su Jinlai¡¯s incessant chatter, she managed to mimic it reasonably well. She truly had a knack for it.


    After all, even Su Jinlai himself didn''t know how to make it; he could only describe the appearance and taste. She took another sip and said, "Come taste this."


    Su Jinlai: "Taste what? Who do you think I am? I¡¯m not eating this kind of...¡±


    Thud!


    Before he could finish complaining, Wang Xiangxiu slammed the spatula onto the pot, her face cold as she scolded, "If you don¡¯t want to eat, then leave. Are you done yapping? Look at yourself, good for nothing and always wanting more. I see you take after the Su family, always thinking of getting something for nothing. If you even had a smidgen of me in you, you wouldn¡¯t be lazing around at home at your age. You¡¯re twenty-something, doing nothing, not working, not cooking, not doing laundry, not cleaning the house. Your younger brother has to come home from school to do all this, and your second brother does odd jobs to make some extra money. What can you even do?"


    Su Jinlai had been living at home for over a year, and Wang Xiangxiu had never lost her temper, after all, he was her biological son, and she was quite traditional, genuinely doting on her children. But recently, her patience had worn thin.


    Jinlai had earned a thousand yuan, a substantial sum, yet instead of contributing to the household, he hoarded the money tightly. Not only that, but even when he wanted to eat chicken for extra nutrition, he expected her to pay for it. It was only due to Tonglai¡¯s insistence that he reluctantly parted with twenty yuan.


    This infuriated Wang Xiangxiu. She had heard that raising children is a way to support oneself in old age, but her son¡¯s selfishness was beyond compare. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, convinced that he bore too much resemblance to the Su family, who were simply rotten at the core.


    At the workshop, the women often chatted about family matters, and Wang Xiangxiu occasionally shared some grievances. She didn¡¯t expose all her son¡¯s flaws, but she did complain about his laziness and greed.


    Why did she do this? If she only had one son, she might not have said anything. If all her sons were unreliable, she might not have voiced her concerns either. But since her second and third sons were hardworking, the contrast made her even more frustrated.


    This wasn¡¯t favoritism; she had to think about the well-being of her second and third sons, after all. She couldn¡¯t keep subsidizing the most selfish one forever. No family could operate like that.


    Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s complaints weren¡¯t lost on the other women, who understood her predicament. With multiple children, such issues were inevitable. They offered suggestions, encouraging her to be more assertive, as her eldest son would only become more unruly if she didn¡¯t.


    So when Su Jinlai spoke rudely, Wang Xiangxiu snapped, "You do nothing all day, and now, for such a small matter, you have a mouthful of nonsense. Look around the courtyard, is there anyone else like you? What¡¯s the difference between you and that old sow in the pigsty? All day, eat, sleep, breed. What can you do? You¡¯re not even as useful as the old sow; at least she can be slaughtered for meat during the New Year. All you can do is eat the meat I buy!"


    Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t well-educated, so expecting her to curse with eloquence was out of the question!


    Su Jinlai: "Holy crap!"


    His eyes widened in shock. He truly hadn¡¯t expected his mother to go off like this.


    "You... you..."


    "What are you stammering for? Did I say anything wrong? Have you ever given me a moment¡¯s peace? From childhood to now, how many troubles have you caused for this family? I, as your mother, didn¡¯t mind, but are you still a three-year-old? Look at the children in the courtyard, even a ten-year-old knows how to behave. You¡¯re twenty-something, yet you don¡¯t even measure up to a ten-year-old?"


    Su Jinlai shot up, "Enough!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Are you raising your voice to me? I provide for you, yet you dare raise your voice to me?"


    At this, Yinlai stopped sewing and said, "Big Brother, be polite to Mom."


    Tonglai was out studying and hadn¡¯t returned, but Yinlai stood firmly on their mother¡¯s side.


    He added, "Mom is right to scold you."


    Enraged, Su Jinlai swung a punch, "You punk, I¡¯m the eldest brother, what business is it of yours? Watch me teach you a lesson!"


    "Urgh!"


    Yinlai hadn¡¯t expected Su Jinlai to suddenly strike. Unable to dodge in time, he was hit, his frail body collapsing onto the ground. Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s face changed instantly as she rushed to help her son, "Yinlai, are you okay?"


    Yinlai wiped the corner of his mouth and said, "I¡¯m fine."


    Wang Xiangxiu exploded, grabbing a small broom commonly used for sweeping the kang and swung it at Su Jinlai, "You scoundrel, you ungrateful wretch! How dare you bully your brother, how dare you lord it over the house! Today, I¡¯ll teach you a lesson so you know who''s in charge here!"


    She mercilessly beat Jinlai, who cried out, "Ah~"


    By the time their fight broke out, people outside were already eavesdropping, especially Li Weiwei, who was practically right at the scene, given his rivalry with Su Jinlai. But he didn¡¯t expect things to escalate to physical violence.


    Upon hearing the commotion, Li Weiwei quickly entered, "Su Jinlai, don¡¯t bully anyone, don¡¯t disre... uh."


    What he saw was astonishing.


    Su Jinlai, a strapping young man, was being pinned down by his mother, who was pummeling him without mercy, leaving him utterly helpless.


    Su Jinlai: "Ah! Help!"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "How dare you call for help? You disrespect me, and when you hit your brother, you don¡¯t even act like a human. I¡¯ve spoilt you, but you¡¯ve left me beyond disappointed. Is there any child like you? Today, I¡¯ll make sure you understand who holds the reins here."


    Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t hit her son in the face, but instead, she wielded the short broom, landing blow after blow on Su Jinlai¡¯s backside, each one eliciting a cry.


    Li Weiwei was taken aback, retreating silently.


    All these years, they had forgotten that Aunt Xiangxiu had her moments of prowess.


    Clearly, Su Jinlai was no match for his mother.


    The commotion brought others from the courtyard, with Ming Mei leading the charge, peering in curiously. What she saw was Wang Xiangxiu truly unleashing her fury, pressing Su Jinlai¡¯s face to the ground while beating his backside relentlessly.


    Ming Mei: "..." She was thoroughly shocked.


    Su Jinlai desperately covered his face, attempting to escape, only to find his mother possessed some mysterious strength, leaving him, a grown man, unable to break free.


    ¡°Mom, please let me off this time. I know I was wrong, isn''t that enough? Sob, why are you still hitting me? Why are you so hot-tempered?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu retorted, ¡°Me, hot-tempered? If you hadn''t hit your little brother, would I have raised my hand? Ah!¡± Bang bang.


    ¡°He... He, as the younger brother, shouted at me,¡± complained Su Jinlai, feeling unjustified. After all, he was the eldest son.


    Wang Xiangxiu shot back, ¡°If you hadn''t been nagging at me, would he have spoken up for me? You ungrateful wretch.¡± Bang bang, she got angrier the more she thought about it.


    Su Jinlai whined, ¡°Mom, I admit my mistake¡­¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu barked, ¡°You little brat, do you think you¡¯ll get away with this again?¡±


    ¡°No, no, I won¡¯t!¡±


    Su Jinlai yowled.


    A group of slightly older children from the courtyard gathered around to watch the spectacle. Tuan Tuan, Yuan Yuan, and other kids all widened their eyes in astonishment, looking extra well-behaved. Ming Mei nudged her two kids and said, ¡°See, kids will always be kids, even when they grow up. If they don¡¯t behave, a mother has the right to discipline them. Otherwise, they won¡¯t know how to act properly.¡±


    Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan swallowed hard, watching Jinlai Gege, a grown man, getting his bottom smacked with a broom. They both said very seriously, ¡°We¡¯re good kids.¡±


    Then they flashed flattering, ingratiating smiles. They were good children, after all.


    Xiao Qijin, on the other side, also quietly covered his bottom. His family doted on him, and he rarely got punished. This kid, though a bit spoiled, was also surprisingly well-behaved at this moment.


    A mother¡¯s rage is terrifying.


    He sneakily glanced at his mom, only to find her staring back. He quickly raised his hand and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be good.¡±


    Jiang Lu: ¡°See? I¡¯m usually very nice to you. But if you cause trouble and don¡¯t listen, I¡¯ll spank you too.¡±


    Xiao Qijin: ¡°I won¡¯t cause trouble. I¡¯m very good.¡± Please don¡¯t spank my bottom, it¡¯s so embarrassing.


    He turned to his friend and asked, ¡°Right, Qingqing?¡± He was trying to form an alliance.


    Bai Qingqing nodded: ¡°Exactly, Qijin is the best.¡±


    The two kids held hands, as if that gave them some courage.


    Bai Fendou twitched his mouth and said, ¡°Boys and girls shouldn¡¯t hold hands all the time.¡±


    He Lan: ¡°It¡¯s okay for kids, don¡¯t overreact.¡±


    She pinched Bai Fendou¡¯s arm and smiled.


    Kids don¡¯t understand much; they¡¯re just friends. Parents don¡¯t need to be so paranoid. Bai Fendou rubbed his arm and smiled at his wife, but then shot an annoyed look at Zhou Qun. Strange, he didn¡¯t get along with Zhou Qun, but their kids were able to play together and be friends. Weird.


    Bai Qingqing gave a sweet smile and said, ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be mad. When I get home, I¡¯ll massage your shoulders.¡±


    Bai Fendou¡¯s face lit up instantly: ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡±


    People from the back courtyard arrived a bit later. Li Zhenzhen was impatient: ¡°Let me see, let me see.¡±


    Yuan Yuan: ¡°Quick.¡±


    Li Zhenzhen: ¡°Wow, even worse than when my brother got spanked.¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°¡­¡±


    Why mention me?


    He said, ¡°I didn¡¯t get spanked. That was ages ago.¡±


    Li Zhenzhen innocently replied, ¡°Not that long ago, just a couple of years back.¡±


    She was quite the gossip and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go get Little Yezi to come see the fun.¡±


    Yuan Yuan: ¡°Hurry, I¡¯ll save you a spot.¡±


    It was like watching a fight or a movie. The kids were excited, though also a bit scared. Just when Li Zhenzhen was about to leave, a crowd had already gathered. More onlookers joined to watch Su Jinlai getting spanked.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t care if others were watching or what they were saying. She was determined that if she didn¡¯t teach this brat a lesson, he¡¯d get out of control. Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t in much pain, but it was so embarrassing.


    He felt utterly humiliated.


    But even so, what could he do?


    Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t care.


    Ming Mei whispered to Zhao Guihua, ¡°Mom, doesn¡¯t he feel useless?¡±


    She wasn¡¯t suggesting Su Jinlai should fight back against Wang Xiangxiu, but she couldn¡¯t help wondering why he couldn¡¯t even resist. Here¡¯s a twenty-something guy being overpowered by a forty-something woman. That¡¯s just a real loser. As an experienced person, Zhao Guihua understood more. She said earnestly, ¡°Men, when they¡¯ve been drained, they end up like this.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°£¿£¿£¿¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled meaningfully.


    Come to think of it, she had seen Su Jinlai when he came back. She had gone out to the latrine and saw a taxi drop him off. He had dark circles under his eyes, his steps were unsteady, looking just like those scholar characters in TV dramas who¡¯d been seduced by female ghosts.


    Drained dry.


    Zhao Guihua immediately knew what was going on with Su Jinlai.


    Initially, Su¡¯s family said he had gone to work with his aunt, but then he came back and stayed home. Some people thought naively that he must have been fired. But Zhao Guihua and other seasoned folks saw through it immediately. Fired?


    Su Jinlai must have been doing some unsavory work.


    It wasn¡¯t sustainable.


    But this line of work wasn¡¯t for just anyone. Didn¡¯t you see how Su Jinlai still hadn¡¯t recovered, couldn¡¯t even muster the strength to push a woman away. Clearly drained dry.


    She clicked her tongue.


    At this point, Wang Xiangxiu finally let go of Su Jinlai after he wept and begged for forgiveness. She said, ¡°If there¡¯s another time, I won¡¯t let it slide. Starting tomorrow, you¡¯re going out to find a job. Pay me twenty-five yuan a month¡ªten yuan for living expenses, and the other fifteen I¡¯ll save for a rainy day.¡±


    She put her hands on her hips and panted, ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m trying to take your money. You¡¯ve wasted enough of the family¡¯s money already, you should know that. Even your younger brother knows to hand over money, and here you are, the older brother, freeloading. That¡¯s not how it works. With the money in your hands, it¡¯ll just get wasted. I¡¯ll save it for you, and when you get married, we¡¯ll be able to buy some things.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t happy.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "What do you mean ''ah''? Does it make you feel aggrieved to pay me money? If you don¡¯t want to, then get out. Don¡¯t come back for good, and I¡¯ll leave you alone. But as long as you¡¯re in this house, you have to listen to me. It¡¯s not your place to make decisions here."


    Su Jinlai thought his mom had gone mad. He could live very comfortably on twenty-five yuan a month outside. Why would he have to pay that much at home? But seeing his mom wasn¡¯t kidding around, he got scared.


    ¡°Mom, this¡­ this isn¡¯t necessary, right? I¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, leave!¡± Wang Xiangxiu brandished her broom fiercely.


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    He was resentful, wanting to say the house was left by his father, but he didn¡¯t dare argue with his mom. After all, she wouldn¡¯t budge, and even if the house was his father¡¯s, he couldn¡¯t get it. Besides, his mom had backup.


    Everyone in the family, everyone in the courtyard, would definitely side with his mom.


    But, he had money. He could move out and rent a place, like Aunt Zhou and the Li brothers who rented a room for four yuan a month. He could do the same¡­ That way, it¡¯d be better than handing over twenty-five to his mom.


    Even though he thought of that, Su Jinlai didn¡¯t want to leave.


    You can¡¯t flaunt wealth if you¡¯re not in your hometown.


    He was now rich, and if he didn¡¯t live in the courtyard, how would people know he was rich, that he was doing well, that he was capable? He¡¯d always been part of one of the poorer families in the courtyard, and he really wanted to show off.


    Wanting to show off, yet not wanting to part with his money.


    Very conflicted.


    But show-off instincts won out in the end.


    After hesitating for a long time, he said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll agree.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°Hand over the money by the first of every month, and find a job tomorrow.¡±


    After a pause, she added, ¡°Get a proper job.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    What¡¯s not proper about my job?


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu watched as her eldest son backed down and nodded, saying, "You''d better keep your word."


    She waved her hand: "Everyone, disperse, disperse."


    The crowd exchanged glances, though they didn''t feel right standing at someone else''s doorstep talking, so they slowly dispersed, reluctantly returning home, planning to gossip more about it later. Zhuang Zhixi and his family also went home. Tuan Tuan grabbed Ye Sitian and said, "Sitian, come play at my house."


    The Ye family''s three kids all came to Ming Mei''s house, and even Da Qiang and Wang Zizhen came over as guests.


    Although it was already evening, it wasn''t late yet.


    Tuan Tuan and Yuanyuan then led the Ye kids to Lan Sihai''s place to watch TV, while Zhao Guihua, Aunt Zhou, and Aunt Wang sneaked in. Everyone gathered together to chat, and naturally, they couldn''t stop talking about the neighbors.


    Aunt Wang: "I didn''t expect Wang Xiangxiu to be quite capable."


    Zhao Guihua: "I think she should have acted like this earlier. If she had, Su Jinlai wouldn''t have been so unreliable all this time."


    Aunt Zhou had her own opinion: "That''s not how I see it. I don''t think he''ll really look for a job. Do you see him as the kind of person who works?"


    Zhao Guihua: "He really isn''t, but it also depends on how much Wang Xiangxiu can push him. This kid intimidates the weak and fears the strong. Look how cocky he''s been at home all this time, speaking without restraint, and today he was still obedient."


    "That''s true."


    "By the way, Aunt Zhao, what kind of pants are you selling? Let us see." Aunt Zhou was very curious.


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: "You''re really nosy."


    But she did give her son a look. How to put it? If this were decades later, such people would be insufferably annoying, but now, it was quite normal. Everyone lived in siheyuan (courtyard houses), so it was natural to gossip about others.


    It was just the way things were.


    Zhuang Zhixi fetched a pair of pink bell-bottoms, saying, "Here it is."


    "Oh my, that''s too ugly!"


    "Isn''t that a bell-bottom?"


    "How would you wear this? It looks so weird. Why are you selling this?"


    Everyone expressed that they couldn''t accept this style, Zhao Guihua: "So what? Just because you don''t like it doesn''t mean nobody else likes it. Many young people fancy this kind of thing."


    "Really?"


    Zhao Guihua: "This is fashionable."


    Aunt Zhou shook her head vigorously.


    Aunt Wang also thought it wasn''t pretty.


    Wang Zizhen was curious: "Are there really people who buy this?"


    In her memory, only Lan Sihai could pull off such peculiar clothes. For others, it wouldn''t work; surely no one would buy them?


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course there are."


    "I don''t understand." Wang Zizhen scratched her head: "I really don''t understand."


    Zhao Guihua: "What styles does your factory make now?"


    Wang Zizhen now has a job; she found a temporary position at a garment factory. It''s the same factory where Yinlai works. Yinlai is a formal employee, but she isn''t. This has nothing to do with gender; it''s mainly based on policy.


    Yinlai''s health isn''t great, and their family''s burden is heavy, so the factory arranged a formal job for him. Although Wang Zizhen''s family has more people, their children are young, and Da Qiang''s salary is high. Moreover, all family members are healthy, so it''s a bit different.


    However, even though it''s a temporary job, Wang Zizhen is quite motivated, earning fifteen yuan a month, which is not bad.


    If you had asked her as a young girl to predict what her life would be like, she would never have imagined she could live so comfortably. Although it''s not a wealthy life, it''s much better than her old neighbors. She and her husband have always been good at saving money and living frugally, so their life is thriving.


    Now, thinking about her childhood, she almost can''t remember it. Back then, it seemed she was always hungry, doing a lot of work without clear rewards. Even among her sisters, there wasn''t much warmth; they were almost always unhappy with each other over who got to eat more or less.


    She has been married for eleven years. Since moving her household registration out, she has never returned. She doesn''t know how her hometown is doing or whether her parents ever managed to have a son. However, when Wang Zizhen thinks about those old days, she secretly hopes her parents didn''t have a son. If they really had a son, her sisters who were determined to sacrifice for the family would only have had a harder time.


    Although when she left, her mother was already pregnant, and everyone said it was going to be a boy, Wang Zizhen secretly hopes it was all a disappointment.


    Regardless, she doesn''t inquire about that life anymore. She truly doesn''t want to be involved. And back then, they essentially sold her. Now that she has a good life, she doesn''t want to add any more troubles.


    When Aunt Zhao asked about their factory, Wang Zizhen had to explain: "Now we mainly make shirts and also fake collars."


    Zhao Guihua: "Those fake collars are selling quite well now."


    Wang Zizhen nodded: "Right, we make a lot of them at our factory."


    Zhao Guihua asked again: "Does your factory take private orders? Personal orders."


    Their bell-bottoms won''t sell out forever, and constantly going to the south for supplies isn''t that convenient. If they can make them locally, it would be much easier. So Zhao Guihua naturally had to ask carefully.


    Wang Zizhen shook her head: "No, our factory only takes state orders; we''ve never had private individuals come. And even if they did, we wouldn''t be able to make them."


    Although it''s said that the country has opened up and reformed, most people still look down on individual businessmen. Moreover, their factory already has orders, so there''s no need to consider outside orders. Wang Zizhen: "Aunt Zhao, are you thinking of placing an order with our factory?"


    She''s not a fool, so she naturally guessed Zhao Guihua''s intentions.


    However, Wang Zizhen spoke frankly: "Aunt Zhao, it''s not possible. Our factory doesn''t trust individuals."


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "I see."


    Indeed, now the various factories are doing well, so there''s no need to consider personal orders and certainly won''t pay attention to them. The decline of state-owned enterprises isn''t happening now; it''s mostly in the 1990s.


    So if she wants to place an order at a state-owned garment factory now, they probably wouldn''t pay much attention to her.


    Aunt Wang was surprised: "You really want to place an order?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course, I want to start a stall. But if it''s not possible, I might have to go to the south."


    "Oh my, you¡­"


    Not only the few old ladies but also young people like Wang Zizhen and Da Qiang were very surprised.


    Zhao Guihua: "Why are you all looking at me like that?"


    Aunt Wang exclaimed: "Sister, your courage is really great."


    Zhao Guihua laughed: "It''s not really about courage. I just feel like I don''t have much to do every day, and my husband, Zhuang Laonian (Zhuang the Silent), always goes fishing. I''m not interested in that, so I naturally want to find something to do. Making money and enriching life¡ªwhy not?"


    "You do have a point."


    "Of course¡­"


    "Speaking of which, there are quite a few people doing small business now. Even in our workshop, a colleague''s family member does it. She sells buns, saying it''s hard-earned money." Da Qiang spoke up and then added: "But I think the business should be good. Ever since they started selling buns, they quickly bought a bicycle."


    Actually, he had been tempted, but he didn''t know what to do, so as they chatted, he naturally sought advice. He said: "Aunt Zhao, Auntie, what do you think I should sell if I set up a stall after work? I don''t have that much time."


    Aunt Zhou was surprised: "You also want to set up a stall?"


    Da Qiang smiled humbly: "Yes, look at our family¡ªwe have three kids. If we don''t save some money, we won''t feel at ease."


    Having more children means more pressure, but both he and his wife didn''t experience much warmth or affection, so they particularly cherish the warmth of their family and enjoy being surrounded by their lively household.


    He said: "As a father, if I don''t consider the future of my children, what will happen then?"


    Next to him, Wang Zizhen nodded.


    "You definitely can''t sell buns. The timing isn''t right, and besides, Zizhen''s skills aren''t good enough to sell for money," Aunt Zhou stated quite frankly.


    Aunt Wang nodded, agreeing with Aunt Zhou. "What she says makes sense. If it were our family, it might be a different story, but our old man definitely wouldn''t go for it. They say, ''Your family''s cooking is a bit weak.''"


    Zhao Guihua suggested, "You could sell roasted sunflower seeds and peanuts."


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone turned to look at Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "You can sell them near the movie theater after work. This business won''t interfere with your job, and you can do it on weekends too. If you roast them well and are sweet-talking, I think the business can work. But I suspect there will be others doing the same, so you''ll need to figure out a great flavor for your peanuts and seeds."


    Da Qiang and his wife''s eyes lit up. "That''s a good idea!"


    Zhao Guihua grinned. "Who else could come up with such a brilliant idea? I''m quite insightful, you know."


    Aunt Zhou laughed. "Alright, you''re amazing, are you satisfied?" she teased. "Honestly, this could really work. Young people buy a pack of seeds to munch on while watching a movie. A lot of them do that. Same with kids; when we take little Qijin to the movies, we always buy some snacks. Can''t avoid it."


    "Exactly, that''s what we do too."


    "This business could really take off!"


    Da Qiang and his wife thought about it carefully and realized it made a lot of sense. The business wasn''t too complicated. Roasting seeds, Zizhen knew how to do that. Despite growing up poor in the mountains, they always had seeds to roast for special occasions when there was nothing else.


    Zizhen agreed, "I think it''s a go. Let''s do it."


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, "That''s great; you can use the extra money to help at home."


    You see, people always have different opinions based on closeness. When Zhao Guihua wanted to start a stall, Aunt Zhou thought she was crazy. But when it comes to Wang Zizhen, Aunt Zhou praises it as a way to help the family, completely different.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t comment, but she felt that anyone willing to work hard for life is doing something good.


    "Your third son starts work tomorrow, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, my wife and mom will be going together."


    Ming Mei laughed softly, "I''ll be taking leave."


    Everyone looked at Ming Mei in surprise. She explained, "I just can''t be at ease with my mother-in-law alone. As children, we need to be filial to our elders."


    "That''s right."


    "Absolutely."


    Being filial is never wrong.


    The conversation didn''t last too late into the night. The next morning, Ming Mei went to her office to request leave. She didn''t make up excuses and straightforwardly explained, "My mother-in-law wants to set up a stall, and she''s not young anymore. As her child, I can''t be at ease, so I want to take a few days off. It doesn''t matter if my wages are deducted."


    Initially, Ming Mei didn''t plan to say that, fearing it might make her mother-in-law seem like a troublesome old lady. But Zhao Guihua insisted that Ming Mei should say it this way. After all, if news of her taking leave to accompany her mother-in-law setting up a stall spread at work, it wouldn''t sound good.


    Imagine, taking leave to set up a stall instead of working properly¡ªwhere is the sense in that?


    But if it''s because she is very concerned about her mother-in-law and wants to take care of her, it''s a different story. Everyone would only praise Ming Mei for being filial. As for Zhao Guihua''s reputation, she doesn''t really care. She''s always been known as a fierce and sharp-tongued person anyway.


    At her age, she doesn''t worry about such things anymore.


    Reputation is only something the young care about.


    So, she thought this was a good idea.


    Indeed, as soon as Ming Mei gave her leave reason, everyone in the office turned to look at her. "You..."


    After a pause, someone asked, "How many days are you taking off?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Three days."


    "Alright, here''s your leave slip."


    Ming Mei took the slip and promptly left. Seeing her go, the colleagues all shook their heads and said, "Her mother-in-law is sure to stir up trouble. She''s almost sixty, and suddenly she wants to set up a stall? Doesn''t she think it''s making her children look bad?"


    "It''s not just embarrassing the kids; it''s also adding to their troubles. Look at Ming Mei¡ªshe has to take leave to accompany her."


    "I think Ming Mei gives in too much to the old lady."


    "What can she do, though? Could she just ignore her? That wouldn''t be very filial. As daughter-in-laws, life is tough."


    "Exactly. My mother-in-law... she''s always causing trouble too."


    Everyone soon started talking about their own mothers-in-law. Although they were sharing their complaints, they didn''t feel too bad, as there were others who were worse off. In comparison, they felt that Ming Mei''s mother-in-law was the most troublesome.


    Sometimes, having someone worse off than you makes you feel better.


    But what they didn''t know was that Ming Mei was happily riding home, ready to team up with her mother-in-law to set up the stall. As soon as they stepped out, Su Jinlai quietly followed them.


    He had heard yesterday that the Zhuang family was setting up a stall outside and wanted to check it out today to see what they were selling.


    After all, his mom told him to go out and find a job. And while looking for a job wasn''t happening, going to see some excitement was fine, right?


    Su Jinlai trailed behind the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, and shortly afterward, Ming Mei noticed. "We''ve got a tail," she said.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Who is it, Aunt Zhou or someone else?"


    Curious old ladies, such as Aunt Zhou, wouldn''t follow them, though. She had experienced a firm dose of justice and knew better than to do anything like that.


    Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "That little brat! I guess yesterday''s beating wasn''t enough; he''s following us again today."


    Ming Mei was eager. "Should we teach him a lesson?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No need. This kind of idiot, the more you pay attention to him, the more it wastes your time. Let''s just go."


    "Alright."


    The two sped off on their bikes, leaving the tailing fool behind in a hurry. You''ll catch up eventually!


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei arrived at Xidan and found yesterday''s spot, which was now occupied by someone selling sneakers. Without worrying too much, Zhao Guihua set up her stall a bit further away. A few more steps didn''t make much difference.


    Just as they finished setting up, two young men approached. "You''re finally here! We want two pairs. Can you give us a discount?"


    They had seen the bell-bottoms yesterday but didn''t have enough money, so they rushed over today.


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "Sure. You''re the first customers, so I''ll give you a good deal."


    "That''s great!"


    Despite it being a Monday, business was still decent. Many were customers who had seen the merchandise yesterday but didn''t have enough money or hesitated and decided today. Some even bought for others, purchasing two or three pairs at a time.


    Although the crowd wasn''t as big as yesterday, the number of transactions was still good.


    This made others around jealous.


    If the business could keep going like this, the money would pile up quickly. Known for high profit margins, neighboring stall owners couldn''t help but glance over. They had wanted to ask the young man from yesterday, but he hadn''t shown up today.


    What a pity.


    They awkwardly sized up the situation until the flow of people lessened, then hesitantly approached Zhao Guihua to start a conversation.


    "Sister, your business is really booming."


    Zhao Guihua nodded and responded, "It looks lively, but our profit might not be as high as yours. We rely on volume."


    Who would believe that?


    Who wouldn''t make money?


    "Either way, the crowd and the volume are worth it. Where''s that young man from yesterday? He seemed familiar. Did he also set up stalls here before?"


    Zhao Guihua knew they were probing.


    She waved her hand and said, "No way. You must have mistaken him. That''s my son. He''s usually at work, so he doesn''t have time to set up stalls. He only helped me out yesterday. Normally, he wouldn''t have the time."


    With that, the tall and short brothers felt more at ease.


    Another strong competitor just avoided in Xidan.


    They didn''t think the old lady was particularly formidable. What could an old lady do anyway? She might as well go home and take care of the kids.


    Thinking about it made them feel rather pleased. Without a strong rival, if they started selling bell-bottom pants, that would be great. The taller guy said, "So, Sister, are you doing this on your own?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Why not? Even an old lady like me can join the grassroots market in response to the call, can''t I? Don''t look down on old ladies. I''m not doing so bad, am I? Look, I had a great start today. We''re in business not just to make money, but for the benefit of the many, and also to practice our interpersonal skills. What else would I do at home all day? Old ladies get even more listless if they stay cooped up."


    The two men smirked, finding the old lady quite talkative.


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m not just setting up a stall, I''m beautifying young men and women."


    The two men: "..."


    Those eavesdropping nearby couldn''t hold it in either and started coughing. The old lady sure could talk. Come to think of it, yesterday she was more chatty than her son. Everyone learned from her, and today everywhere you go, you hear "Can''t go wrong, can''t be fooled."


    "You''re really amazing, Auntie."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "If I weren''t amazing, would I come out to set up a stall?"


    "That''s true."


    "You know how to do business, and the goods are pretty good. These don''t seem like local products, are they from out of town?"


    Zhao Guihua: "From Guangzhou..."


    She glanced at the taller guy and said, "Don''t you believe me? They''re really from Guangzhou. Local suppliers won''t take us small independent buyers, but it''s better there. The costs are a bit higher, but they sell fast. If you plan to go, you''ll have to haggle. They ask for very inflated prices, and you''ll have to bargain plenty."


    The taller guy: "Ah, you really get them from Guangzhou?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Would I lie? There are many manufacturers there. At first, the factory I went to said they wouldn''t give us stock because we were buying in small quantities. So we had to go through a middleman, which raised the price a bit. But what can you do? We don''t have that much capital..."


    She went on for a bit, and soon enough, more customers arrived. She stopped chatting and got busy. After a while, with the crowd thinning out, Ming Mei whispered, "Mom, why did you tell them that?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Even if we didn''t say it, they could guess. By telling them directly, they''ll focus on figuring out the supply channels and won''t pay too much attention to us. We''re only going to do this for a few days, so why complicate things by playing mind games with them? It''s simpler this way. Besides, I don''t think bell-bottom pants are worth selling a second time."


    Ming Mei thought about it and nodded, "That makes sense."


    The sales were hot, but it was mostly among the younger crowd. Older folks don''t fancy such things.


    And how many young people are there, and how many of them are willing to splurge?


    So she agreed with her mother-in-law. It''s better to just sell them once and throw out the supply source, so no one will be watching them. If they set up a stall again in the future, they won''t consider bell-bottom pants. The two were busy with their business and before they knew it, it was noon.


    Ming Mei: "Mom, I''ll go buy some food."


    Zhao Guihua: "Get two buns, I want vegetable filling."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    There were many food stalls around, offering all kinds of options. Ming Mei bought some buns and was heading back when she saw Su Jinlai looking around in the distance. When their eyes met, they both paused, but he quickly pursed his lips.


    Ming Mei didn''t react much and went straight back to the stall, muttering, "What a blockhead."


    They were indeed riding fast, but it took him all morning to find them. What a genius. The places to set up stalls in Beijing are pretty limited, and they came to Xidan, which is pretty obvious.


    What a blockhead.


    It''s unclear what this blockhead is following them for, but it''s likely not with good intentions.

 Chapter 179

    Ming Mei thought that Su Jinlai''s presence was likely not for any good reason. After all, their families hadn''t had much interaction. He had slyly followed them, and if he had good intentions, who would believe it? She quickly whispered to Zhao Guihua, "Mom, it''s Su Jinlai."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Don''t pay attention to him, it''s fine."


    She then added, "Just keep an eye on your wallet."


    Ming Mei immediately became serious and said, "Okay."


    This rascal had been a little thief when he was a kid, and now, who knew? But being cautious was always the right choice.


    Zhao Guihua glanced in Su Jinlai''s direction and saw that he indeed looked shifty. A decent-looking young man, well-dressed, but somehow just didn''t seem like a proper person.


    Even if he wore the royal robe, he wouldn''t look like a prince. He didn''t seem like a good person at all.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s do our business. If he wants to watch, let him watch. If he dares to do anything, I won''t be polite."


    Ming Mei immediately nodded.


    "You only have bell-bottoms? Why don''t you have floral shirts? Floral shirts paired with bell-bottoms are the best."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We don''t have many of those. You can look around the area. We only sell bell-bottoms here. With so many styles, we''re already too busy."


    "Then get me a small blue one."


    "Coming right up."


    Their stall was not large, but the business was really good. People came and went, and from a distance, Su Jinlai watched, growing more and more envious. He had originally come to see their joke, but surprisingly, the more he watched, the more jealous he became.


    This business was too good, he thought. He saw Zhao Guihua collecting money, sometimes twenty-six, sometimes twenty-seven, and even thirty. Calculating the earnings, it was quite a sum. Even though he had made a large amount of money in one go, he was still jealous.


    He could do this business too.


    He silently observed the two of them, starting to plan... It''s just setting up a stall, he thought. He could definitely do better than them. First, he needed to source the goods. Others might not know where their goods came from, but he did¡ªthey were brought from Guangzhou by Zhuang Zhixi during a business trip.


    Thinking of this, he pursed his lips, feeling more determined. It seemed he needed to go to Guangzhou.


    Heh heh heh, this business, he could do it too.


    He proudly raised his chin and turned to leave. He would set off tonight for Guangzhou. Once he became rich, he would trample these people under his feet. Su Jinlai walked away arrogantly, and Ming Mei, seeing this from afar, clicked her tongue.


    Ming Mei had always thought Su Jinlai was here to cause trouble, but in fact, he wasn''t the one causing trouble. Someone else was.


    No matter the era, there are always some aimless street-wanderers. These fellows had heard last night that someone was selling bell-bottoms here, and it was booming. So they immediately came to the stall today.


    Like Su Jinlai, they were just drifting through life, and it was already afternoon when they finally decided to leave their usual hangouts.


    A group of street-wanderers came over, and from a distance, they saw the stall was particularly lively. The business was good¡ªone could tell from the number of people. The leader, swaggering, came over and said, "Move, move."


    "Can''t you see Big Brother Wei? Get out of the way."


    In those days, there were all kinds of "brothers," self-proclaimed.


    Several people who were buying things saw their thuggish demeanor and quietly moved aside. Those who came to buy bell-bottoms were somewhat trendy, but trendy didn''t mean they weren''t decent people.


    But Big Brother Wei and his gang were anything but decent. Big Brother Wei held a toothpick between his teeth, one hand in his pocket, his feet tapping in flip-flops: "Did you ask for my permission to sell stuff here? Don''t you know who I am? How dare you set up a stall here?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at Big Brother Wei and momentarily froze. It wasn''t that she was scared but because she recognized him.


    This Big Brother Wei, whose real name was Wang Wei, had been one of Yu Baoshan''s right-hand men in a past life. After Yu Baoshan escaped, this guy got sentenced to twenty-five years. Yu Baoshan''s early days of setting up stalls weren''t much, but he quickly gathered people and started running illegal coal mines. Wang Wei was responsible for transporting "labor" for Yu Baoshan. Their gang had clear divisions of labor; Wang Wei was in charge of recruiting workers from various places. They had people lurking at train and bus stations, luring migrant workers to their territory, forcing them to work day and night. While trafficking women and children was despicable, trafficking adult men was equally appalling. Many families were torn apart because their main breadwinners were taken away.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing this man, tensed up completely.


    However, Big Brother Wei didn''t realize Zhao Guihua was reminiscing. He thought he had frightened her and said triumphantly, "Since you want to do business on this street, you have to pay your respects to me, Big Brother Wei. Give me two hundred yuan for some cigarettes."


    Then he instructed his henchmen, "Pick one each, I''ll give them to you."


    Although he said it was a gift, he certainly didn''t intend to pay.


    The henchmen were overjoyed, one of them greedily added, "Big Brother Wei, my girlfriend doesn''t have one either. You''re so kind, why not give me two, haha..."


    Big Brother Wei waved generously, "Take two, what''s the big deal?"


    "Big Brother Wei, I also want two..."


    Okay, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????okay, okay.


    Big Brother Wei said, "Take as many as you want."


    He considered these goods as his own, thinking that with just two women running the stall, what could they do?


    Their arrogance left everyone around silent, too afraid to speak up, lest trouble fall on them. This was a small business, and they couldn''t afford to lose anything. Of course, there were also those who secretly rejoiced.


    Rivals in business are enemies, and seeing their booming business, the money flowing like water, others were envious. Now that they were facing trouble, some were thrilled, hoping they would suffer.


    Everyone had their own thoughts, all watching the situation unfold.


    The small gangsters weren''t usually this bold, but seeing that it was just women, an old one and a young one, they looked easy to bully. If they didn''t take advantage of such an opportunity, it would be a waste of their gangster status. Their usual lack of integrity had led them here.


    A few of them reached out to grab the clothes, but before they could touch them, Zhao Guihua swatted their hands away. She put her hands on her hips and spoke without hesitation, "Where did these little bastards come from? Thinking so highly of yourselves, who do you think you are? Don''t you dare come to my stall with your nonsense. You think you can take our stuff without payment and even ask me for money? How about I give you some ghost money, so you can buy a coffin? You unlucky fool. Wang Wei, do you think I don''t know your background? Get lost."


    Ming Mei had actually wanted to act earlier, but since her mother-in-law hadn''t spoken, she kept quiet. After all, her mother-in-law was the experienced one.


    Sure enough, as soon as her mother-in-law spoke, Ming Mei immediately started rolling up her sleeves. It was just four men; saying she was afraid would be a lie. Ming Mei was calm, staring at the group.


    Big Brother Wei never expected these two women to be unafraid. He looked at them, certain he didn''t recognize them, but this old lady could call out his name, indicating she knew him.


    He was puzzled for a moment but then became furious. How dare a old lady talk back to him? It was as if she didn''t put Big Brother Wei in her eyes.


    He also put his hands on his hips and sneered, "What are you, little old lady? You dare raise your voice to me? Do you believe I''ll slap you? I don''t care if you''re an old lady, you dare flaunt in front of me? Do you believe I''ll smash your stall?"


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "Oh, I''m so scared. Go on, smash it. You smash my stall, and I''ll smash you. What, so good at acting tough? Get lost, stop wasting my time."


    When Brother Wei was out in the world, it was the first time he had ever been humiliated by an old lady. He prided himself on being a capable man, always tough and formidable. On this street, everyone respected him, offering him a cigarette and addressing him as "Brother Wei." Now, this old lady dared to disrespect them like this, and Brother Wei was not going to stand for it. He reached out his hand and said, "I''ve indulged you... ow!"


    Before his hand could even touch Zhao Guihua, Ming Mei grabbed his wrist and twisted it hard, sending him crashing to his knees. Ming Mei quickly picked up a cardboard sign that said "Bell-bottoms" and started slamming it against his head, again and again. "Looking for trouble, huh? Trying to take advantage, huh? Bullying people, huh? Looking for death, huh? If grandma doesn''t step in, you think you can run wild, huh?"


    Thwack, thwack, thwack.


    In just a few hits, the cardboard sign was reduced to shreds. It didn''t hurt much, but the humiliation was extreme.


    Brother Wei howled in pain and yelled, "You nasty woman, just you wait! I''ll make sure you get yours! I''ll sell you off to some remote mountain village! You all blind? Get in there!"


    He struggled desperately to break free, but this woman was unbelievably strong. On his knees, he couldn''t escape her hold. He continued to howl, "Get in there, dammit! Can''t even take down a single woman?"


    The other guys were momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events, but they quickly snapped out of it and rushed at Ming Mei. With one swift kick, Ming Mei knocked Brother Wei to the ground, stepping on his back. Another two kicks, and Brother Wei let out a bloodcurdling scream.


    The others who rushed forward were met with a punch to the face from Ming Mei.


    Seeing the four against one, Zhao Guihua immediately charged in. She wasn''t afraid at all. Grabbing one of the guys with a haircut resembling Liu Huan''s, she yanked him back, her nails raking across his neck, leaving a bloody scratch.


    She grabbed his hair, her hands moving so fast they almost blurred. Zhao Guihua might not have been in many fights lately, but she was still in great shape, delivering punch after punch. When you''re up against Aunt Zhao, you know she means business!


    Despite some elderly individuals in the park claiming to practice qigong, looking all mystical and pretentious, when it came to a real fight, Zhao Guihua proved to be the genuine article. She had mastered the essence of Mei Chaofeng, attacking mercilessly, focusing mainly on scratching.


    Ming Mei held down a few of the guys, and Zhao Guihua went in for the kill.


    In just a few moves, Brother Wei''s gang of four were reduced to being pinned to the ground. Zhao Guihua gave each of them a kick to the butt, just to humiliate them further.


    "You lot think you''re tough, huh? Think you''re special, huh? Today, I''ll show you why flowers are so red. And you dare cause trouble at my stall? I''ll kick your asses!"


    The gang was absolutely shocked. Coming here to pick a fight, they had definitely stepped on a landmine. They never expected these two seemingly ordinary women to be such badasses. Zhao Guihua added, "If I weren''t trying to do business here, I''d just lie down and milk this for all it''s worth."


    She delivered another kick to each of their butts, never hard enough to cause real injury.


    "You, you, just you wait... ah!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Still talking tough? I think you''ve really lost your minds."


    "Ming Mei, go get the police. Tell them these guys were trying to collect protection money and steal stuff. We''ve already taken care of them, these scumbags..."


    Ming Mei: "Got it, I''ll go now."


    As she turned to leave, Brother Wei seemed to suddenly unblock his meridians or something, bolting up and running away like a whirlwind.


    His speed shocked everyone around. Before they could even react, Brother Wei''s underlings also fled, following their boss''s lead.


    Zhao Guihua: "Wow, they run fast."


    Although they weren''t great fighters, they sure knew how to make a quick getaway.


    Zhao Guihua muttered curses but didn''t bother chasing them. These jerks were obnoxious but hadn''t done anything major¡ªjust collecting some "protection money" on the street. Even if they were caught, they''d probably just get detained for a few days before being released. She couldn''t be bothered to chase after them.


    She said, "Fine, since they ran, I''ll give them a chance. Next time, we''ll just send them straight to the police."


    Ming Mei: "Okay."


    The two of them acted as if nothing had happened, but the onlookers were stunned. Who would have thought that these seemingly harmless women could take down Brother Wei''s whole gang so easily? After all, they were street toughs!


    And yet, here they were¡ªtwo against four¡ªand the women didn''t even break a sweat!


    A few young customers who were about to buy something wanted to stay out of trouble, but after seeing what happened, they got excited and said, "You guys are amazing!"


    Zhao Guihua waved it off. "Nothing special, just third best in the world."


    The onlookers: "..."


    Zhao Guihua''s composure had a hint of pride to it. "These little thugs, come one, I''ll take one. Come two, I''ll take both. Not a big deal."


    She let out a cold laugh, looking pretty damn awesome.


    Everyone couldn''t help but admire, "You''re something else, Auntie."


    The stall returned to its usual bustle, and the neighboring vendors who had been jealous of them were now drenched in cold sweat. They had been tempted to start trouble, but after seeing Brother Wei''s crew flee in humiliation, they thought better of it. These women were not to be messed with!


    No matter what people thought, Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei continued selling their goods without a hitch. By evening, they had sold out all their inventory. Both of them rode home happily on their bikes. In just two days, they had made over six hundred yuan.


    That was a lot of money.


    Even without counting, they knew they had made a significant profit. In just a few days, the profit from street vending was eye-opening for Ming Mei. The two of them rode home quickly, discussing how they might finish selling their stock in a couple more days.


    Ming Mei''s cheeks were flushed with excitement as she said, "Mom, I don''t even want to go to work anymore. Let''s team up and do this full-time."


    Zhao Guihua: "That might not be as steady as a regular job."


    Ming Mei: "But we''re making more money!"


    Her eyes sparkled, finally understanding why people''s attitudes changed so much in later years. Money was the driving force. Wasting time with a regular job wouldn''t bring in nearly as much.


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Calm down, we need to think this through. A few days of success isn''t enough to make a decision. Just wait a bit, see how it goes. This surge in sales is because our goods are unique. We won''t always have this advantage, you know."


    Ming Mei nodded gently. "I understand."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright then, let''s rest up tonight and continue our quest tomorrow."


    Ming Mei was over the moon. "Okay!"


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t tired at all. As she prepared dinner, she started thinking. No wonder everyone said this era was an opportunity¡ªeven a pig could soar on the wind if it stood in the right place. Now she understood why people said that.


    Even someone like her, with no formal education, could make money. Wasn''t that insane?


    She had heard that street vending could be quite profitable, especially if you could get your hands on in-demand goods. Clothing wasn''t exactly scarce, but unique styles sold well.


    In this era, all you needed was the guts and good judgment, even if you were a grandmother like her. But in a decade or two, things would change. More brains would be needed, and by the time her great-grandchildren were around, it''d be even more so.


    So, while one shouldn''t plan for two lifetimes, within their limited abilities, they should strive to create better conditions for the younger generations and build some wealth for the family. That was her old-fashioned thinking.


    As Zhao Guihua worked, she heard the sound of school letting out. Although her grandchildren, Yuanyuan and TuanTuan, were in fourth grade, they were still just eleven years old, lively and energetic. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they called out, "Granny, Granny!"


    Zhao Guihua walked out with a spatula in hand. "What is it?"


    Yuan Yuan, with her two ponytails, chirped cutely, "Granny, there''s someone selling popcorn at the alley entrance. Let''s have some popped corn at our house!"


    Not just Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan, even Xiao Qiqian and Bai Qingqing were clamoring, while Li Zhenzhen had already rushed to the doorstep shouting, "The popcorn guy is here!"


    Nowadays, popcorn wasn''t sold ready-made but required bringing one''s own grains.


    Typically, an old man would carry his equipment and roam the streets, and when the children heard the "bang" sound, they knew it was the popcorn man. This kind of popcorn came in several varieties: corn and rice.


    It tasted deliciously fragrant and was the favorite snack of children.


    No wonder, once the little ones saw it, they couldn''t wait.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, Granny will take you out."


    Ming Mei: "Mom, I''ll take them."


    Yuan Yuan: "Eh, Mom, are you home so early from work?"


    Ming Mei: "I didn''t even go to work in the first place. Let''s go."


    Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan quickly dropped their school bags at home and rushed out. They had just lined up when they saw Ye Siyuan leading his younger brother and sister over, in a rush. Wang Zizhen followed behind, and greeted Ming Mei. Ming Mei said, "You''re home early from work too."


    Wang Zizhen: "We also have work to do, but overtime work doesn''t fall on us. It''s for the formal workers."


    While overtime often comes with extra pay, making it a benefit for formally employed workers, temporary workers don''t get that privilege, as their workday is simply regular hours. Wang Zizhen: "I''m trying to make some side income by roasting sunflower seeds, who knows, maybe I can get some extra money later."


    Ming Mei looked at the people in front of them queuing up for popcorn, and mused, "Do you think selling this kind of popcorn outside the cinema would work?"


    Wang Zizhen was momentarily stunned, then said, "I wouldn''t know how to."


    Ming Mei blinked, saying, "You buy it ready-made and then resell it."


    Wang Zizhen widened her eyes, looking at Ming Mei, then at the popcorn, scratching her head: "But then what profit would I make?"


    Ming Mei, seeing that Wang Zizhen hadn''t yet caught on, said, "You could prepare some small bags and sell them in packages. For fifty cents per bag, you''d definitely make a profit."


    Wang Zizhen: "That would be quite profitable, but would anyone buy it?"


    Ming Mei smiled, saying, "Why wouldn''t they? Isn''t it convenient? On a date, snacking on something while watching a movie¡ªwho''s going to bother calculating how much it would cost to pop corn at home? Besides, the popcorn man isn''t going to be waiting outside the cinema."


    "You''re right."


    Although Wang Zizhen hadn''t initially caught on, she quickly began calculating the numbers. The cost of their own corn plus the manual labor, it wasn''t much. If a bag sells for fifty cents... "What kind of bag do you think would be suitable?"


    Ming Mei: "Use those paper bags made in elementary school arts and crafts class. Those bags look big but don¡¯t hold much."


    "That works!"


    Wang Zizhen thought it made more and more sense. Immediately, she said, "I''ll go home to prepare some corn and rice."


    Ming Mei laughed.


    She wasn¡¯t sure if this would actually work, but she remembered how she and Zhixi ge would take the kids to the movies, and whenever they saw snacks for sale, they¡¯d buy them. At that time, they never really bothered calculating how much it would cost to make those things at home. If they did, they wouldn¡¯t be going to the movies.


    Ming Mei believed that they weren¡¯t the only ones who thought like this, and surely there were many others.


    Soon, Wang Zizhen returned with half a bag of corn and a pot of rice, saying, "You kids stay here and watch these get popped."


    Ye Siyuan the little boy was stunned to see his mom, "Mom, are we not living on a budget anymore?"


    Wang Zizhen: "Just do as you''re told."


    She said, "Call me when Sitian is done."


    Ye Siyuan immediately replied, "Okay."


    Wang Zizhen hurried home, asking, "Where did you put the paper bags you and your siblings made last time?"


    Ye Siyuan: "They''re on the desk."


    Wang Zizhen: "Alright."


    These paper bags were part of a fourth-grade arts and crafts assignment to train kids'' manual skills. Ye Siyuan had just tagged along to play, but he had made a few. The bags were about thirty centimeters tall and twenty centimeters wide, but they opened to a shape that was narrower at the bottom and wider at the top, so they didn¡¯t hold much when filled.


    Wang Zizhen quickly found some newspapers and started making the paper bags.


    Although people nowadays know that newspapers contain lead and are not safe for wrapping food, back then, no one cared much, and newspapers were quite useful. Some used them to cover their kang (a traditional Chinese bed), while others papered their walls or ceilings. They were also used to wrap food¡ªeven some places selling fried dough sticks used newspapers, and though people knew it wasn''t great, they weren''t too concerned.


    Wang Zizhen was no exception. She quickly got to work.


    In the evening, she borrowed a bicycle from Aunt Zhou. Their family also had a bike¡ªit was the eighties, and as working-class folks in Beijing, almost every household had one. It was a basic mode of transportation.


    Aunt Zhou, hearing that the couple planned to go out and sell things, advised, "You better send the kids to our place. You can''t leave three kids at home alone; it''s not safe for the little ones."


    Wang Zizhen: "Okay."


    The reason Wang Zizhen borrowed the bike was that she planned to split the work with Da Qiang, selling in two different areas, as popcorn didn¡¯t keep well. Selling more early on was better. Da Qiang, upon getting off work, was immediately stopped by his wife, who gave him a detailed rundown. He was surprised: "Sell popcorn? Didn''t we agree on selling roasted sunflower seeds and peanuts?"


    Wang Zizhen: "Right, but let¡¯s start with this first and see how it goes."


    Da Qiang, simple-hearted, said, "Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you."


    In their household, he made the big decisions, while she handled the small ones. But their family was harmonious and stable, and so far, no major decisions had arisen.


    It was the first time the couple was doing business. Wang Zizhen felt a bit nervous, but thinking that Aunt Zhao, at her age, could sell pants, she thought, what was there to fear for herself? She took a deep breath and left with Da Qiang.


    The two rode off together. Da Qiang said, "I''ll go to a more distant spot; you stay nearby."


    Wang Zizhen nodded seriously. She soon arrived at the cinema entrance on her bike. At this hour, there were plenty of vendors. There were those selling roasted sweet potatoes, and surprisingly, popcorn was a unique offering.


    Wang Zizhen had two types: one made from rice and one from corn, both packed into large plastic bags. She had newspaper bags ready to fill upon request. She found a spot, stood firm, and as people passed by, she stepped forward: "Popcorn, popcorn here~"


    "Madam, how much is the popcorn?"


    Wang Zizhen: "Fifty cents a bag."


    She jiggled the large bag, saying, "I''ll fill it up to the brim for you."


    "Oh, that''s too expensive. Never mind, never mind." The girl immediately spoke up: "That''s way too expensive."


    Wang Zizhen forced a smile, saying, "You can¡¯t really compare it that way. Though popping corn at home is cheaper, on a date, you can¡¯t be walking around with half a bag of corn looking for the popcorn man, can you?"


    Her sales pitch wasn¡¯t the smoothest, and if it were Aunt Zhao, it wouldn¡¯t have been as good, but thankfully the people around were still of a simpler nature. Hearing her explanation, the couple smiled. The male companion said, "I think what this sister said makes sense. We¡¯re not short of fifty cents; give me a bag."


    Wang Zizhen: "Alright, coming right up."


    She hadn¡¯t expected a sale so quickly and was overjoyed. Even more delighted was the female companion, who hadn¡¯t actually minded but had been a bit shy.


    Wang Zizhen said, "You two are such a lovely couple."


    The two immediately revealed happy smiles. Watching Wang Zizhen fill the bag to the rim, they felt it was actually quite worth it. Perhaps they didn¡¯t realize the shape of the bag affected the volume.


    Happily, they paid and left. Soon, they encountered another couple with children.


    The kid, seeing anything they wanted, immediately started clamoring: "I want to eat, I want popcorn too."


    "What are you asking for? Tomorrow I¡¯ll find the popcorn man for you..."


    "I want it now! I want it now!"


    "Fine, fine, I¡¯ll buy you some."


    The weather wasn''t as cold as it was in winter, and by the end of March, it was quite pleasant. The streets were gradually filling up with people. Wang Zizhen was selling popcorn faster than roasted sweet potatoes, one bag at a time.


    Although roasted sweet potatoes were more filling, popcorn seemed more suitable for dates, especially when going to the movies. Wang Zizhen didn''t know the time, so she specifically went to ask someone at the entrance. By the time she sold out her two bags of popcorn, it was only a little past nine o''clock.


    Wang Zizhen returned home happily. As soon as she got home, she quickly went to Aunt Zhou''s courtyard next door to pick up the kids. Ye Sitian was already asleep, while the two boys, Ye Siyuan and another, were happily watching TV at the Zhou family''s home, not wanting to leave. Wang Zizhen called out, "Let''s go, time to head home."


    Aunt Zhou quickly asked, "How did it go?"


    Wang Zizhen replied, "It went pretty well for me. I''m not sure how Da Qiang did, though."


    "Good, good, that''s great," Aunt Zhou responded. "Alright, hurry up and take the kids home to rest. They have school tomorrow."


    Wang Zizhen replied, "Alright."


    As she took the kids home, she saw the light on in her house. She hurried over, and Da Qiang exclaimed excitedly, "Wife..."


    He paused, realizing that some things weren''t suitable to discuss in the courtyard. Quickly, he took his sleeping daughter and instructed the two boys, "Hurry up and wash up to go to bed."


    Siyuan and Si Jia acknowledged and obediently went to the courtyard to wash up. Although each household now had taps installed, their courtyard still had a well, and everyone tried to save water by using it.


    Da Qiang and Wang Zizhen immediately huddled together, asking, "How much did we make?"


    Wang Zizhen said, "I haven¡¯t counted yet."


    The couple quickly started counting the money. Wang Zizhen said, "I sold them for fifty cents each, and I made seventeen yuan in total."


    Da Qiang checked his side and said, "Let me see... I made nineteen yuan."


    They looked at each other. Wang Zizhen said, "That means we made a total of thirty-six yuan."


    Da Qiang reminded, "But we had costs, too."


    Wang Zizhen calculated, "The cost... it was about five yuan, maybe less. So, our net profit is... thirty-one yuan." She swallowed hard, saying, "Thirty-one yuan!" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She hadn''t even made thirty yuan in a whole month!


    Thinking about this, Wang Zizhen felt her heart racing. No wonder more people had started setting up stalls in recent years. This really was a profitable venture. She was both nervous and excited, gripping her husband''s hand and saying, "Let¡¯s do this again tomorrow."


    Da Qiang nodded quickly, equally excited. Though he worked physically demanding jobs and earned a decent wage, selling popcorn for just a few hours in the evening earned them more than his entire month¡¯s salary.


    Da Qiang was in disbelief, murmuring, "Is money really this easy to earn?"


    Wang Zizhen was also dazed. Quickly, she said, "But the popcorn we have left can only sell for two more days."


    Since this was their first attempt, she hadn¡¯t prepared much, initially thinking that if it didn¡¯t sell well, they could eat the leftovers themselves. But to her surprise, it was selling so well! She suggested, "Let¡¯s keep selling until we run out, then we can go back to the popcorn vendor."


    Da Qiang agreed, "Alright."


    The couple felt that their lives were improving. While Ming Mei and others were making big money due to higher investments, Da Qiang and Wang Zizhen¡¯s small-scale earnings were still more than many families could manage.


    Wang Zizhen encouraged, "Let¡¯s keep working hard!"


    Da Qiang responded, "Yes."


    Wang Zizhen stood up and collected the money. She managed the household finances and stored the money in a small box. She whispered to Da Qiang, "Our savings have reached four hundred yuan."


    While both she and Da Qiang were hardworking and earned a decent income, raising three kids made saving difficult. Although the older generation believed in the blessing of many children, having a larger family made life more challenging and reduced their ability to save.


    If not for today¡¯s thirty-one yuan profit, their savings wouldn¡¯t have reached four hundred yuan.


    Wang Zizhen contemplated, "If we keep this up, we¡¯ll be able to save more soon."


    Da Qiang smiled and nodded in agreement.


    Although their family could save money if they tried, Wang Zizhen didn¡¯t want to live frugally to the point of depriving themselves. She believed in the wisdom of Aunt Zhou and others, who, although they dressed simply, never skimped on food. Wang Zizhen thought this was essential for health. Since Da Qiang worked physically demanding jobs, she placed even more importance on providing him with nutritious meals.


    Among his work group, Da Qiang ate the best, apart from the leaders.


    While others in the neighborhood might have been a bit more frugal, Wang Zizhen never skimped on her husband¡¯s meals. She believed that someone doing physically demanding work should eat well. She didn¡¯t always buy meat but was good at fishing. After work, she and Da Qiang often went fishing together, which helped supplement their diet.


    On weekends, they sometimes joined Aunt Zhao and others to hike in the countryside, enjoying hearty meals.


    That¡¯s why their savings weren¡¯t very high.


    Wang Zizhen closed the money box. Da Qiang pulled her closer and said, "All these years with me, you haven¡¯t had an easy life..."


    Wang Zizhen responded seriously, "You¡¯re talking nonsense. These years have been the most comfortable for me. We can eat and dress well, both of us are earning, and we have well-behaved kids. Our neighbors even offer advice and help. I think this is really good. If I were still in the countryside, I wouldn¡¯t have such a life. I know you¡¯ve treated me well."


    Da Qiang replied, "And you''ve treated me well too. In our work group, no one else¡¯s family eats fish and meat as frequently as we do. Even Chen from our group often goes fishing but sells the fish for money instead of eating them himself."


    Wang Zizhen said, "Aunt Zhao said that the harder the work, the more you need to nourish your body. Otherwise, once your health is ruined, all the money in the world won¡¯t fix it. I think that makes sense. You¡¯re the pillar of our family, so you have to take care of yourself."


    She hesitated for a moment, then added, "In fact, I¡¯ve always wanted you to change jobs. This kind of heavy labor can¡¯t be your lifelong work."


    Da Qiang said, "I¡¯m still in my prime. It¡¯s not necessary."


    Wang Zizhen shot him a look, "Prime or not, if you keep doing this kind of work, your body will wear out sooner or later. I don¡¯t want that."


    Da Qiang was about to argue.


    Wang Zizhen proposed, "Let¡¯s make a deal. If our small business keeps doing well and we can supplement our income, you¡¯ll change to an easier job, okay?"


    Da Qiang looked at his wife¡¯s worried face and hesitated for a moment before agreeing, "Okay."


    The couple settled the matter. Wang Zizhen let out a sigh of relief and said, "It¡¯s getting late. Let¡¯s rest."


    Both of them were in a good mood. While they were discussing their plans, others in the neighborhood were also talking about them. Bai Fendou exclaimed in surprise, "Wang Zizhen and Da Qiang are also setting up stalls?"


    He Lan nodded, "I saw Wang Zizhen coming to pick up the kids earlier. She looked elated, so it seems their business is doing well."


    Bai Fendou said, "Wow, even they¡¯re doing this? Aren¡¯t they embarrassed?"


    He Lan replied, "Why would they be embarrassed? They have three kids, so their burden is heavier than ours."


    Although Bai Fendou¡¯s family¡¯s income wasn¡¯t as high as Wang Zizhen¡¯s, since He Lan didn¡¯t work, their living expenses were much lower due to having fewer children. Bai Fendou fell silent. After a long while, he suddenly said, "Do you think we should do something too?"


    He Lan, "Huh?"


    She looked at him with wide eyes, surprised.


    Bai Fendou said, "Everyone¡¯s busy working now. If we don¡¯t step up, we¡¯ll fall behind. Am I supposed to be outdone by some girl from the countryside? We need to work harder too. I¡¯ll think about it."


    He Lan, "Ah?"


    She was genuinely taken aback.


    Bai Fendou: "Look, Aunt Zhao is leading her daughter-in-law to set up a stall, Wang Zizhen and Da Qiang are selling things at the cinema entrance, and Wang Xiangxiu is at home with her son helping others with sewing and bedding. If we don''t take action soon, won''t we fall behind? You believe me, Aunt Zhou and Auntie will soon join the game too."


    He was quite insightful.


    He Lan: "..."


    She scratched her head.


    Bai Fendou: "Wife, since I married you, I can''t let you live worse than others, right? No, I have to think about it, carefully consider."


    Bai Fendou felt that his wife was a young lady from a wealthy family who married him, taking good care of him and giving him an heir. These years, few people mocked him as they used to, and his life was quite satisfying.


    He was so content that he naturally wanted his family to do even better, especially since their daughter Qingqing was still young. As parents, they had to save up for her, otherwise, if other kids in the neighborhood had everything and his daughter didn''t, how could that be acceptable?


    His family couldn''t afford to fall behind.


    Whatever other kids had, his daughter should have too.


    He said: "I''ll ask around, setting up a stall isn''t that difficult, and I can manage it."


    He Lan: "..."


    However, she soon stopped saying anything. She understood Bai Fendou''s feelings; who didn''t want their family to live better? She thought for a moment and said: "My brother left me a thousand yuan before he left. If you want to do business, we can use that as capital."


    In fact, her brother had given her two thousand yuan, but she didn''t reveal the full amount. Although Bai Fendou treated her really well, she was still hurt by the Fan family and had some lingering insecurity.


    When He Lan mentioned this, Bai Fendou frowned disapprovingly, saying: "What are you talking about? That''s the money your brother gave you, you should keep it for Qingqing. Spending it would be improper. I, as a man, can''t casually spend my wife''s money, that''s just not right!"


    He Lan: "It could serve as capital..."


    Bai Fendou: "We already have some savings at home. No need to overthink it. Besides, since I haven''t done this before, we shouldn''t start with too big an investment. Let''s do a small business. Don''t worry about it."


    He Lan: "Alright."


    People really are different. Although Bai Fendou still had some minor flaws and caused trouble now and then, he was a completely different person since getting married. No matter how his personality changed¡ªwhether he was boastful, vain, impulsive¡ªhe treated her very well.


    She said: "No matter what, I''ll follow your lead."


    Bai Fendou: "Ah."


    He grinned with joy, saying: "Alright, just watch and follow me."


    Bai Fendou said: "I can''t afford to fall behind."


    He suddenly clapped his hands, saying: "By the way, I actually have an idea."


    He Lan: "What is it?"


    Bai Fendou: "We can buy a tricycle. I''ll go to the train station in the evenings to pick up passengers. Usually, people from far away have luggage and might need a tricycle. We can do this on Sundays too. I know it costs a lot, but the tricycle is a valuable asset. Even if we stop doing this, we can still sell it. What do you think?"


    He Lan: "That sounds too tiring."


    She frowned: "Why did you think of that? It¡¯s a bit exhausting."


    Bai Fendou naturally said: "To make money, what wouldn''t be tiring? Do you think you can make money without working hard? My job now is tiring too. Besides, I''ll just work near the train station, it''s not that bad. I''ll work for a while each day, come back when I''m tired, and I won''t stay out late past ten o''clock. Otherwise, what else would I do at that time? Chat in the yard? It''s better to make some money instead, don''t you think?"


    As he thought more about it, he got more excited and asked: "How much is our savings?"


    This savings referred to the money he had saved over the years, not He Lan''s private stash.


    He Lan: "We have eight hundred yuan."


    Bai Fendou: "A brand-new tricycle costs about four hundred yuan, so we''re good. Great, this idea is really good..."


    While the Bai family was thinking about this, Zhou Qun was also tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Thud!


    He was kicked off the bed by Jiang Lu.


    Zhou Qun: "What are you doing?"


    Jiang Lu: "What am I doing? You''ve been rolling around all night, what''s wrong with you? If you''re not going to sleep, go outside and stop disturbing me. I have to go to work tomorrow."


    Zhou Qun got up from the floor and sat by the window, saying: "You know, everyone''s making extra money now. Shouldn''t we think of something too?"


    Jiang Lu, half-asleep, mumbled: "What are you talking about? We both work hard and don''t slack off."


    Zhou Qun: "But they''re not just working hard at their jobs. Look at them, busy and prosperous, don''t you feel tempted? Trust me, our neighborhood is about to change. Things are different now."


    Jiang Lu: "..."


    She turned around to sleep, while Zhou Qun continued to babble: "Everyone''s taking action, you''ll see, more will join soon. We can''t fall behind, or else everyone will be earning money and we''ll be stuck doing the same old thing, that''s embarrassing!"


    Jiang Lu: "Snore~~~"


    Zhou Qun: "I know Bai Fendou well; he''s a copycat. Watch, he''s probably thinking about this too. We can''t fall behind him, can we?"


    Speaking of Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, there wasn''t much animosity between them, nor did they outright oppose each other. Bai Fendou envied Zhou Qun, who looked down on everyone. Their relationship changed on that rainy night¡ªthe legendary "night of carrying a knife without an umbrella."


    That night when Zhou Qun tried to take advantage of Bai Fendou.


    That night when Bai Fendou almost lost his innocence and became crippled.


    Since then, Zhou Qun became Bai Fendou''s number one enemy, without exception. Even now, life has been smooth, and they seem to get along as usual. Yet, Bai Fendou still dislikes Zhou Qun the most and wants to compete with him most.


    What a coincidence, Zhou Qun feels the same.


    Over the past decade, Bai Fendou has always compared himself to Zhou Qun. Compared so much that Zhou Qun has become Bai Fendou''s rival.


    In short, Zhou Qun feels he can''t fall behind.


    He always prided himself on being the richest in the neighborhood, how could he lag behind?


    He pondered: "Bai Fendou isn''t very capable, but he must be thinking of ways too. With his bad temper, he probably won''t set up a stall. I wonder what he''ll do... If I want to make extra money, what should I do?"


    The more Zhou Qun thought, the more excited he got, and he couldn¡¯t sleep.


    He suddenly stood up. Jiang Lu: "Snore~~~"


    Zhou Qun paced around the room. Jiang Lu, annoyed by the noise, grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, shouting, "Get out!"


    Zhou Qun caught the pillow and said: "Why is this woman so moody?"


    He tossed the pillow back and put on his coat to leave: "If I can''t deal with you, can''t I just avoid you?"


    He went outside and sat in the hall, listening to the sound of his son talking in his sleep from the next room. Worried that he might disturb his son, he quickly went out. The night was dark and windy. Zhou Qun grabbed a small stool and sat by the door.


    As he smoked, he heard the creak of the gate opening. It was Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou also carried a stool, clearly intending to sit by the door for a while. As soon as he went out and saw Zhou Qun, he looked puzzled for a second, then quickly picked up his stool and went back inside. Humph, he thought so. Zhou Qun must also have ideas and was acting the same way.


    Damn it!


    Seeing Bai Fendou, Zhou Qun became more convinced of his own plans¡ªBai Fendou certainly had something on his mind too.


    While he pondered, he saw Bai Fendou returning. Bai Fendou snorted and sat down with his stool. He regretted going inside earlier¡ªwhy should he avoid Zhou Qun? Zhou Qun wasn''t anyone special.


    He also sat by the door, lit a cigarette, and started smoking while pondering the matter of buying a tricycle. If he could make a living by giving rides with a tricycle, it seemed like a pretty good idea. The reason he thought of this was because Zhuang Zhixi had taken a tricycle when he returned from out of town. That trip wasn''t very far, but it still cost five jiao.


    So he figured this could be quite profitable.


    At such a short distance, it was already five jiao; wouldn''t it be even more expensive for longer distances? Just by working a single evening, he could easily earn a few yuan. If he worked hard at the beginning, he could quickly recoup his initial investment, and after that, it would be pure profit. Even if he decided to quit someday, he could still sell the tricycle.


    Bai Fendou was feeling quite optimistic, a strange smile creeping across his face.


    Zhou Qun, noticing Bai Fendou''s increasingly lecherous grin, speculated that the man must have some profitable idea in mind. If he had an idea, what about Zhou Qun himself? He grew anxious¡ªhow could he afford to fall behind?


    As the two men sat in silence, each scheming, Yang Lixin also emerged from the backyard. Speaking of Yang Lixin, his life wasn''t bad either. Although he was a son-in-law living with his wife''s family, he was well-fed and well-clothed, and they treated him quite nicely. Although he was somewhat distant from his own parents, over the years he had managed to live comfortably. What more could a poor country boy ask for?


    His life was quite good, but recently Yang Lixin had started to feel a bit restless. He was a chef, and while he had a job and extra work catering events, his income still couldn''t compare to the oily crepe stall at the entrance of the alley in the morning.


    To outsiders, it might not be obvious, but as an insider, he could see very clearly that the stall was quite profitable. Just the morning business alone surpassed what he made from both his job and catering. Logically, he should be tempted, but he also knew that his family would never agree to something like that, and deep down, he didn''t think it was a good idea either.


    After all, being an individual entrepreneur was such a humiliation; only a worker, a "worker brother," could maintain dignity.


    But lately, the atmosphere in the courtyard had been a bit restless. Plus, the old man at the alley''s entrance had recently bought a house and planned to move to a distant location, meaning he wouldn''t continue running the stall. It was said that he intended to set up shop near a school in his new neighborhood.


    Which meant that the oily crepe stall at their alley''s entrance would disappear.


    This got Yang Lixin''s heart racing¡ªhe could do it, and do it well!


    But he couldn''t bear to give up his identity as a worker, and his family would undoubtedly object. The more he thought about it, the more conflicted he became. His son was already so big, and he yearned to do something on his own. Even as a worker, he was nothing more than a second cook under his father-in-law''s shadow. Deep down, he felt a bit unfulfilled.


    Unable to sleep, Yang Lixin didn''t dare sit at his own doorstep, so he wandered to the front yard. As he approached, he couldn''t help but exclaim under his breath.


    What on earth was happening in the front yard?


    He eyed Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun with suspicion, wondering if these two shameless men were sneaking out late at night for a secret rendezvous. After all, they had a history. Yang Lixin''s gaze was filled with mistrust.


    Zhou Qun: "What kind of look is that? Why are you here in the front yard?"


    Yang Lixin: "Why are you not sleeping?"


    A rendezvous¡ªthis was definitely a rendezvous!


    He firmly disapproved of their behavior. "You''re going too far, aren''t you? It''s late at night¡ªthis is just too disrespectful. How could you possibly justify this to He Lan and Jiang Lu?"


    Already damaged goods, being eunuchs, yet they still sneak out at night for a rendezvous.


    Outrageous!


    Zhou Qun: "..."


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    The two spoke in unison: "Just shut up."


    Bai Fendou: "If you keep talking nonsense, I''ll beat you up."


    Zhou Qun: "Don''t tarnish my reputation¡ªotherwise, I''ll have to be harsh with you."


    Yang Lixin wasn''t convinced, asking, "So what exactly are you doing out here? Why are you all in the yard?"


    Zhou Qun pursed his lips and said, "I couldn''t sleep."


    He added, "And you? Why are you out here?"


    Yang Lixin: "..."


    Yang Lixin: "...I couldn¡¯t sleep either."


    At that moment, Bai Fendou chimed in, "Me neither."


    Just as the three were speaking, the door creaked open, and Zhuang Zhixi stepped out, his clothes draped over him, adding casually, "What a coincidence, I too couldn''t sleep."


    The four men looked at each other, perplexed: "..."

 Chapter 180

    Zhuang Zhixi stepped out wearing his clothes, joining a group of men, and said, "I can''t get to sleep either."


    He closed the door behind him and found a stool to sit on. Everyone exchanged glances¡ªthis was a gathering of middle-aged men! They all ended up gathering at Zhou Qun''s place, sitting outside his door. Zhou Qun started handing out cigarettes.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I don''t smoke."


    Yang Lixin: "Neither do I."


    Zhou Qun slapped his forehead, realizing he had forgotten about that.


    Zhuang Zhixi had just graduated and started working in the medical clinic, a place where smoking was strictly prohibited. So, he never smoked, and after getting married, he certainly didn''t start. As for Yang Lixin, his profession as a chef made smoking unthinkable. A chef covered in smoke smells wouldn''t go over well with clients. Cooking smoke and cigarette smoke are different things, after all.


    The four men sat in a row, with Zhuang Zhixi being in his early thirties and the other three in their early forties.


    Yang Lixin: "What''s going on with you guys?"


    No one answered. Zhuang Zhixi: "What about you?"


    Yang Lixin stayed silent too. Everyone had their own troubles. Zhuang Zhixi leaned against the wall and said, "I''m worried about my mom."


    The others all looked at Zhuang Zhixi, puzzled. Why would he worry about Zhao Guihua, who was full of energy and could outdo any man? Bai Fendou bluntly asked, "Really? What are you worried about her for?"


    Zhuang Zhixi''s eyes showed a hint of melancholy as he said, "I brought back some bell-bottom pants, and my mom''s been selling them quite well, but they''re about to run out."


    "Isn''t that a good thing?"


    "You''re complaining when you''re already benefiting? How does this have anything to do with your mom?"


    Zhuang Zhixi murmured, "Once they''re sold out, my mom will want to restock. Can you guess how she''ll do it?"


    The group paused, deep in thought.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m scared she''ll go to Guangzhou to get them herself."


    He ruffled his hair and continued, "She''s already in her sixties¡ªhow can I not be worried?"


    The three others nodded in agreement: "You should be worried."


    Thinking about it, they realized that Zhao Guihua was exactly the type to do such a thing. The idea of an elderly lady traveling to Guangzhou for business made her children shudder. Looking at Zhuang Zhixi, they couldn''t help but feel sympathy for him.


    Yang Lixin also sighed and said, "The oil stick stand in the alley is closing down, and I''m thinking of taking it over. But I''m hesitating. I don''t know what the family thinks. Plus, I still have my job¡­"


    If he started selling oil sticks early in the morning, his regular job would definitely suffer. If he didn''t affect his main job, no one would care, but if he did, there was a risk of being fired. He was very troubled and uncertain about his future.


    The others nodded: "You definitely have reason to worry¡ªit''s no small matter."


    "And you?"


    Everyone turned to Zhou Qun, who pursed his lips and looked at Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou: "What are you looking at? Looking at nothing."


    He took a puff of his cigarette and said, "I''m planning to buy a tricycle to pick up passengers at the train station in the evenings. But the tricycle isn''t cheap, and I''m not sure about it either¡­"


    "Oh! You''re thinking of doing that." Zhou Qun was surprised, but then he realized it actually suited Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou was hot-tempered and had a sharp tongue, so setting up a stall would likely lead to trouble and offend people. But riding a tricycle was a different story.


    He felt that Bai Fendou''s idea was quite fitting for his personality.


    Still, they weren''t sure if the job would be profitable. Whether you''re doing anything, some people make money, and some don''t. Plus, a tricycle is genuinely not cheap.


    The other men nodded: "You do have reason to worry."


    "And you? What are you worried about?"


    They all looked at the last person, Zhou Qun.


    Zhou Qun: "I¡­"


    Before he could finish, Zhang San walked up from the back courtyard and said, "I heard yapping outside and thought there was a thief, but it turned out to be you guys. What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?"


    Everyone exchanged glances, and Zhou Qun spoke up: "Everyone has their own troubles¡ªit''s the hardship of middle-aged men."


    Hearing this, Zhang San also felt a pang of worry and said, "Give me a cigarette¡ªI have it tough too."


    "What''s up?"


    Zhang San: "The place we''re living in is too small, so the kids have to stay at my in-laws''. They''re not close to us anymore. Sometimes when I try to discipline them, they don''t listen. What happens when they''re older if they''re already not listening now? I''m afraid they''ll end up like Su Jinlai."


    "That probably won''t happen."


    Zhang San: "I''m just thinking that the kids are still young, and I can still fix their little bad habits. But every time I try to discipline them, my mother-in-law and father-in-law interfere, giving us dirty looks and yelling at me and my wife like we''re the bad ones. You know, it''s really tough for me¡­"


    The other men looked at Zhang San with sympathy, especially Yang Lixin, who felt his pain the most. Being a son-in-law himself, he knew how it felt to not be able to hold your head up high at your in-laws''. He patted Zhang San''s shoulder and said, "We''re all in the same boat."


    Zhou Qun: "You guys¡­"


    "Why are you all here?"


    As he said this, Zhuang Zhiyuan suddenly showed up.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: "Big brother, why did you come out?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Give me a cigarette¡ªI can''t sleep."


    He exhaled a cloud of smoke, looking melancholy: "Hutou is about to take the college entrance exam. His grades are average, looks are average, personality is average, and even the extra lessons he takes are average. What am I supposed to do? The kid can''t work in the factory either. I''m really worried."


    He would rather have everything in his life be ordinary if it meant his child could excel in everything.


    But dreams are always beautiful, and reality¡ªsigh.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan''s troubles were understandable to everyone, and they all looked at him with sympathy: "Just relax. Let the kid do his best in the exam. The child isn''t even that way yet, but look at you and your wife¡ªyou''re both so worried that you''re about to lose your minds."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan laughed bitterly: "That''s the truth, but as parents, who isn''t worried about their kids?"


    "You really have it tough."


    The group fell silent. After a while, Bai Fendou said, "Zhou Qun, you haven''t said what you''re worried about yet. Why are you out here in the middle of the night?"


    Zhou Qun: "Me? I¡¯m thinking about the future! I have a son, so of course, I have to think more for him. Everyone is looking to make some extra money, and I want to as well, but I just can''t figure out what to do. You see, I''m an electrician, but I can''t exactly go around fixing people''s wiring, can I? Setting up a stall is too embarrassing for me. I just don''t know what else I can do. That''s why I came out to clear my head."


    "Why is setting up a stall embarrassing? The government allows it, so why do you feel ashamed?" Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hold back, saying, "You don''t support national policies, and then you look down on small merchants? Everyone is equal, and that kind of attitude is wrong."


    Zhuang Zhixi went on and on, while Zhou Qun just muttered, "Geez, he''s like a rabbit preaching."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Besides, your family is doing just fine. Both of you have jobs with good salaries, and your family is simple. Why do you still want to make extra money?"


    "Exactly."


    "That''s right. Your family is one of the best off in our courtyard."


    "You''re just spoiled by your good life."


    Zhou Qun: "Pfft. What do you mean, spoiled? If everyone else wasn''t moving forward, I wouldn''t be in a hurry. But you see, everyone else is charging ahead, so how can I stay still?"


    "True enough."


    Zhou Qun thought for a moment and said, "Hey, we''re neighbors, and it''s rare to be out here together in the middle of the night. Help me figure out what I can do."


    The group fell silent for a moment, mainly because they couldn''t really think of anything Zhou Qun could do. Going all out for some venture was out of the question¡ªhe wasn''t that desperate. They all shook their heads. Zhou Qun sighed heavily: "Look, I''m the one with the most to worry about."


    The six men sat under the night sky, feeling the chill and their worries.


    Everyone had their own burdens¡ªthis was the life of middle-aged men.


    As a younger member of the family, Zhuang Zhixi was genuinely concerned about Zhao Guihua''s potential trip to Guangzhou. Ever since his mother had inquired about Wang Xiangxiu''s goods procurement the previous day, Zhixi had sensed that his mother, who was anything but an ordinary old lady, was itching for an adventure.


    He sighed, "Your worries are trivial compared to mine. I''m dealing with something much bigger."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "What''s the matter?"


    Upon hearing Zhixi''s explanation, Zhiyuan fell silent.


    Why?


    Because, like his younger brother, he knew all too well about their mother''s adventurous spirit.


    "What if she really decides to go? What are we going to do then?"


    Suddenly, Zhiyuan found himself juggling not one but two major concerns.


    The six of them sat silently in the courtyard.


    Late at night, Su Jinlai suddenly felt a strong urge to relieve himself. Cursing under his breath, he dressed and stepped outside. His brother Yinlai slept soundly, while Tonglai merely rolled over but remained asleep. Jinlai, feeling a bit moody, shuffled out half-asleep, clutching his clothes. Late-night trips to the bathroom were never pleasant, especially on such a night where, despite the summer heat, the air was still a bit chilly.


    He hurried out, only to feel multiple gazes suddenly focusing on him. It was an eerie sensation, as if he had been caught in someone''s crosshairs. Su Jinlai quickly closed his eyes and muttered, "Heaven divine, earth divine..."


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others: "..."


    What was this kid up to now? While they didn''t strictly enforce anti-superstition policies anymore, it was still odd to see someone resorting to such practices. Moreover, it wasn''t exactly scientific, and people might look down on him for it.


    Jinlai dared not open his eyes, scurrying out quickly. If he could have held it in just a little longer, he would have rushed back inside.


    Sob, sob.


    He ran blindly, tripping over himself as he mumbled, "Buddha, Guanyin, Tath¨¡gata, Jade Emperor, bless me, Su Jinlai, with pure righteousness. Scare away demons and ghosts. Heaven divine, earth divine..."


    He continued muttering as he ran, quickly exiting the courtyard.


    The onlookers were left dumbfounded. Zhou Qun asked, "What''s wrong with that kid now?"


    "Who knows?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I think he''s acting a bit crazy."


    Pausing for a moment, he added, "But didn''t he see us? We''re right here, sitting as big as life. Can''t he see us? Are we invisible?"


    Zhang San sighed, "I don''t think he thinks we''re invisible. I think he actually thinks he''s seeing ghosts."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s a bit much, isn''t it? Even a glance would have shown him that we''re real people!"


    He stood up, "Forget it, I''m going back to bed. There''s no stopping my mother anyway. I have to go to work tomorrow."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "I''m heading to Bingcheng tomorrow, and it''ll take a few days to return. I''m leaving too."


    As he took a few steps, he turned back to Zhuang Zhixi and said, "You''ll have to look out for Mom."


    Zhuang Zhixi waved him off, "I already know that. Go ahead."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded and left, his heart heavy with worry.


    Yang Lixin stood up, "I should leave too. I have to prepare breakfast in the canteen tomorrow morning."


    The staff starts work at 7:30, but the canteen needs to have everything ready by 6:30, which means they have to start cooking by 5:30. He stuffed his hands into his sleeves and headed back, knowing he''d have to wake up early. Bai Fendou followed suit, "I''m leaving too. I need to stay focused in the workshop."


    Accidents in the machinery factory happen every few years, often due to carelessness. While not all tasks are dangerous, one must always be cautious, especially since the work in the workshop is physically demanding. Bai Fendou left as well.


    Seeing everyone else depart, Zhang San exchanged a glance with Zhou Qun and said, "I have to be on duty by 6:30. I''m leaving."


    The job at the security department was no easy feat, especially with recent thefts of steel materials. They had been busy trying to catch the culprits. He added, "You should get some rest too."


    Among them, Zhou Qun had it relatively easy, as the work in the electrical group was flexible¡ªthere was downtime when there was no task to handle.


    Zhou Qun: "It''s boring sitting here alone. Since I''m already out, I might as well go to the bathroom before heading back to bed."


    Strangely enough, although he had been anxious about what to do before coming out, encountering a few sleepless men had unexpectedly calmed him. He realized his life wasn''t so bad after all. While he hadn''t figured out how to make extra money, seeing others with their own worries made him feel better. Knowing others had it tough somehow made his own life feel more peaceful.


    Zhou Qun strolled out, hands in his pockets, humming a tune. He arrived at the bathroom just as Su Jinlai was leaving. Still spooked, Jinlai let out a yelp upon seeing someone approach.


    Zhou Qun: "What the hell? What are you yelling about? Are you crazy?"


    Su Jinlai trembled in place, then upon closer inspection, recognized Zhou Qun.


    Furious, he said, "Why didn''t you make a sound when you came over? You scared me!"


    Zhou Qun: "Seriously? I was just walking to the bathroom¡ªwhy would I announce myself? And what''s your problem? A grown man acting all jumpy. Are you that scared of your own shadow? Pathetic."


    Indignantly, he pointed a finger at Su Jinlai, "You''re the one who''s acting like a scaredy-cat. Let me through!"


    Zhou Qun gave his hips a dramatic shake and entered the bathroom.


    Su Jinlai: "What a wuss!"


    This sparked a furious reaction from Zhou Qun. He stormed out of the bathroom, pointing at Su Jinlai and shouting, "What do you mean by that? Calling me a wuss? Look at yourself¡ªpale and frail, probably sapped dry by women. No wonder Guan Hong''s family turned you down. Any family would consider it bad luck to have their daughter with you. Useless loser. And you dare talk about me? Pfft!"


    "You¡ªyou¡ªyou!" Su Jinlai stared at Zhou Qun, feeling this was unbelievable. How could this guy, who acted like a woman, dare insult him? Zhou Qun¡¯s behavior was anything but manly, yet he had the audacity to call Su Jinlai a wuss. Su Jinlai retorted, "Why are you insulting me? Look at yourself¡ªwhat kind of person are you? I know your secrets. You''re into anyone, male or female. You even had a thing for old ladies and older men. That''s why Chen Yuan moved out of the compound because you creeped him out. Don¡¯t think I¡¯m unaware!"


    Although he hadn¡¯t been present at the time, he had heard people gossiping about it.


    Zhou Qun sputtered, "You''re lying! Chen Yuan moved because he wanted to live in an apartment building, not because of me. You¡¯re smearing my name for no reason! You''re the one with a history of trouble. You were a thief as a child and ended up in juvenile detention. You''re no saint! You should be sent back to prison for reform!"


    Su Jinlai was undeterred, "You wish! That was juvenile detention, not prison. And your mother should be in prison for her superstitious nonsense. Hypocrite!"


    Zhou Qun: "At least I know better than to point fingers at others when I¡¯m just as guilty. You were the one chanting about Buddha and the Jade Emperor just now. Heard it loud and clear!"


    He smirked, "Come on, take a look! This guy¡¯s calling me out for superstition while he¡¯s the one spouting prayers. Talk about not knowing your own face."


    The two stood in front of the bathroom, hurling insults at each other at the top of their lungs. Despite the late hour, their shouting quickly roused the nearby compound, and people came out to see what was happening. It didn¡¯t take long for onlookers to realize these two were having a noisy argument, their spittle flying as they hurled insults, both seemingly ready to throw a punch and take each other down.


    The heated exchange even reached Daqiang, who was bold enough to come out early. Seeing Zhou Qun, he asked, "What¡¯s the fight about, big brother-in-law?"


    Indeed, big brother-in-law.


    Zhou Qun is also Wang Xiangxiu''s adopted brother, making him a cousin of sorts to Wang Xiangxiu. So calling him Da-jiu-ge (big brother-in-law) is pretty appropriate.


    Zhou Qun complained, "Can you all come and help me settle this? I just came out to use the bathroom, and when he came out of the bathroom, he accused me of using the bathroom without making any noise. He even wanted to criticize me for it. Is there any justice left in this world? Do I need to make a huge racket and announce my arrival from the house to the toilet? Am I going to the bathroom or attending a funeral? The guy is just complaining about me, but he''s bringing up old stuff too. Isn''t he going overboard?"


    Daqiang chimed in seriously, "Yes, that''s way overboard."


    Su Jinlai retorted, "Get lost, you! Who doesn''t know you''re related? What, are you going to cover for each other? It''s scary enough to not make a sound at midnight, and Zhou Qun isn''t exactly a saint either. It''s normal for me to feel scared!"


    "Oh, please! What''s ''normal'' about you being scared? It''s not like I''m going to do anything to you. Look at you, looking all sickly, with your reputation as a petty thief. I''m the one who should be suspicious of you!"


    "You bastard! You insulted me!"


    Su Jinlai threw a punch, but Zhou Qun quickly dodged it, saying, "You can get angry all you want, but you can''t hit me!"


    "Damn it!"


    "Damn you!"


    The two rushed at each other and started brawling. No one expected things to escalate so quickly. It was completely unexpected!


    Zhou Qun, being an adult man, might not have been physically strong, but he was still stronger than the recently weak-legged Su Jinlai. In just a few moves, he pinned Su Jinlai to the ground. Feeling humiliated by Su Jinlai''s taunts calling him a "sissy," Zhou Qun''s anger boiled over. Without hesitation, he yanked down Su Jinlai''s pants and gave his butt a few solid kicks!


    Putting his hands on his hips, Zhou Qun scolded in a manner reminiscent of his adoptive mother, "If you dare pick a fight again, I won''t be polite anymore. Hmph!"


    Su Jinlai was momentarily stunned before bursting into tears, "You pervert! You big pervert! Wah... you pulled my pants down..."


    Su Jinlai couldn''t believe that in broad daylight¡ªwell, not exactly, but even at night¡ªsomeone could do something like this. How could it happen to him, a pure and innocent young man? What was he going to do now?


    He cried loudly, covering his behind as he ran away, "You beast!"


    Zhou Qun shouted after him, "What kind of behavior is that? If other people see this, they''ll misunderstand!"


    Daqiang looked down, saying, "You shouldn''t have hit his butt like that!"


    He glanced at Zhou Qun with mixed emotions, wondering if the man was intentionally causing trouble. After all, Zhou Qun did have a questionable personality. Watching him with concern, Daqiang took a step back, clearly not feeling very secure.


    Zhou Qun stomped his feet, feeling wronged, "I really didn''t mean it! I just thought hitting the butt wouldn''t cause any real harm!"


    This method was something he had observed from Wang Xiangxiu. He had wondered why she disciplined her son by spanking his behind. At first, he didn''t understand it, but later, he figured out that it was probably because she didn''t want to seriously injure her child. After all, the butt has plenty of padding!


    That''s why, during the altercation, he had unhesitatingly chosen to target Su Jinlai''s behind. However, as he looked around, he noticed the onlookers giving him strange looks. Their expressions spoke volumes.


    His heart raced in panic, thinking, Oh no, my reputation!


    He explained frantically, "I didn''t mean it! I just thought hitting the butt wouldn''t cause any lasting damage. You have to believe me! I didn''t have any bad intentions!"


    Someone in the crowd piped up, "Then why''d you pull his pants down?"


    Zhou Qun hastily explained, "It just happened to be already like that!"


    The onlookers'' expressions grew even more complicated.


    Zhou Qun stammered, "No... oh, come on, just trust me! I''m not a bad person. I really wasn''t trying to do anything improper! I... I''m so wronged! I just came out to use the bathroom, wah wah wah!"


    He started crying in frustration.


    When this incident with Bai Fendou happened before, he didn''t dare say a word because he truly had ill intentions. But now, he was genuinely feeling wronged. He hadn''t had any improper thoughts¡ªhe couldn''t even if he wanted to!


    Yet everyone still suspected him!


    Zhou Qun wiped his tears away and stood up with righteous indignation, "I can''t even do anything, so what would I gain from it? Use your brains, people!"


    The crowd paused, then realized, "Oh yeah, that makes sense."


    "True."


    "But maybe he has a fetish? Even if he can''t, that doesn''t mean he wouldn''t want to have some fun."


    "Oh no."


    "Yikes."


    Zhou Qun was so furious his body trembled, "You all... how dare you insult me like this? Just because I''m not like that, doesn''t mean you can disrespect me. But even if I were like that, I wouldn''t look at someone like Su Jinlai!"


    "But you did have a thing for Bai Fendou before."


    "Yeah, at least Su Jinlai is young and good-looking. Bai Fendou isn''t exactly youthful or handsome. You wanted to make a move on him back then too."


    Having lived as neighbors for so long, everyone knew too much, and any little mistake was quickly exposed.


    Bai Fendou came out to watch the commotion and was teased by someone. He bellowed, "Stop spreading nonsense! We''re as pure as snow. Who''s spreading these rumors? I''m going to beat them up! Are you really so heartless and disrespectful? If your kids hear about this, what then?"


    He rolled up his sleeves, ready to fight.


    Zhou Qun agreed loudly, "That''s right! My reputation is one thing, but if your senseless gossip affects the kids, I won''t stand for it!"


    With these two men ready to cause a real ruckus, the crowd reluctantly shut their mouths. After all, what they were saying wasn''t entirely wrong, but it wasn''t pleasant either. It was better not to bring up the past, or they might really get beaten up.


    Everyone knew that although Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun weren''t exactly model citizens, they were good fathers.


    "Let''s go, let''s go."


    "Everyone, head home."


    "What a mess."


    "Actually, Su Jinlai is just overreacting. Who needs to make a big fuss about using the bathroom? What''s with the tiny little cojones?"


    "Exactly."


    Not wanting to provoke Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun, the crowd started talking ill of Su Jinlai instead.


    Su Jinlai, sobbing and yelping, ran home, feeling extremely wronged. How could he have encountered such a thing? He was so ashamed, pulling up his pants as he ran. Once home, he sat on the kang and cried.


    Tonglai asked, "What happened?"


    He sat up, as did Wang Xiangxiu.


    Su Jinlai cried, "Zhou Qun! That bastard took off my pants!"


    "What!"


    Even Yinlai scrambled to sit up, alarmed.


    Wang Xiangxiu immediately pulled down Su Jinlai''s pants, asking, "What did he do to you?"


    Su Jinlai sobbed, "He kicked my butt."


    Wang Xiangxiu, who had been worried, breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "What happened?"


    Su Jinlai felt wronged and tearfully recounted the whole incident, howling his complaints, "Isn''t he a pervert?"


    Wang Xiangxiu knew Zhou Qun had a reputation for being a bit peculiar.


    But ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????she also knew he was physically unable to do anything!


    Even if Zhou Qun had any intentions, Wang Xiangxiu wouldn''t believe it. Not because he was incapable, but because Zhou Qun, after being... incapacitated, began to act more like an old woman.


    He gossiped, talked too much, and stirred up trouble, lacking the usual desires of men.


    Taking a deep breath, she said, "Well... about this..."


    Su Jinlai suddenly stopped crying and said determinedly, "I have to move out."


    Wang Xiangxiu asked, "Huh?"


    Su Jinlai insisted, "I absolutely must move out. I think he''s taken a liking to me. Today was just the beginning. He must have fallen for me and wants to possess me."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "...?"


    Tonglai said, "Isn''t that a bit extreme?"


    Yinlai commented, "Your thoughts are a bit wild and exciting, bro."


    Su Jinlai: "Why wouldn''t this be the case? Aren''t you still my family? Think about it, didn''t Zhou Qun give me the nickname ''Big Bird''? I believe he must have been targeting me and taking a liking to me since then. Now, he''s just looking for opportunities. He''s trying to find every chance to... to that extent. Yes, that must be it. I''ve seen through him."


    Wang Xiangxiu, Yinlai, & Tonglai: "......"


    The three exchanged glances, speechless.


    Su Jinlai gazed nostalgically at the sky, his face full of the weight of experience: "I, such a handsome man, am destined to have more admirers than others. The path of love will undoubtedly be lush and blooming."


    Tonglai: "That phrase doesn''t fit here..."


    Jinlai: "Shut up."


    Tonglai: "Oh."


    Jinlai: "He even mentioned Guan Hong. He said Guan Hong''s family doesn''t want her to be with me. Think about it, why would he know this? Why would Guan Hong''s family object? Perhaps he''s the one stirring the pot. It''s him, him, him! He''s deliberately sabotaging my marriage to achieve his goal of taking control of me."


    The more Su Jinlai thought about it, the more convinced he became that this was the case. No wonder Guan Hong hadn''t shown up; it must be due to Zhou Qun''s meddling. That''s it! It must be him!


    Wang Xiangxiu felt a bit uneasy hearing this.


    In truth, Zhou Qun was just taking the blame for her actions.


    Guan Hong hadn''t appeared recently because of her, not Zhou Qun. Wang Xiangxiu hadn''t deliberately set out to do this. Although she didn''t think her eldest son could maintain a good relationship with a wife, she wouldn''t interfere. After all, finding a spouse would already be quite challenging for him. So, she wouldn''t cause problems.


    The reason? She had complained about her eldest son in the workshop and was overheard. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn''t Guan Hong who heard her; such girls are driven by love and wouldn''t agree with her complaints.


    It was Guan Hong''s aunt. Guan Hong and Wang Xiangxiu weren''t in the same workshop, but Guan Hong''s aunt was, so she overheard Wang Xiangxiu''s complaints with other coworkers and shared them with Guan Hong''s parents.


    The Guan family had always been reluctant about Guan Hong choosing Su Jinlai.


    They preferred Guan Hong to date Li Weiwei because his family was well-mannered, he was diligent, and worked as a temporary worker in the cafeteria, which showed his effort. But Su Jinlai... well, no one really knew him, so he didn¡¯t seem reliable.


    Their doubts had already been there, but they didn''t expect Su Jinlai to be even less reliable. This realization led them to strictly control their daughter. That''s why Guan Hong hadn''t shown up in front of Su Jinlai. Now, her family escorted her to and from work, keeping a tight watch on her!


    They made sure she had no chance to secretly meet Su Jinlai. This news spread throughout the factory, but since Su Jinlai wasn''t a factory employee, he remained unaware.


    Now, he firmly believed that Zhou Qun was behind it all, driven by a desire for his handsome looks. He cleared his throat and declared more firmly: "Mom, I need to go out and stay away for a few days."


    Wang Xiangxiu pursed her lips, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Yinlai and Tonglai: "......"


    Even though the two brothers had seen a lot, they still couldn''t comprehend their elder brother''s thoughts.


    Did Zhou Qun really covet him?


    They couldn''t see any signs of that!


    However, neither dared to speak up. After all, if this were true, their brother''s reputation would be at stake. So, whether real or imagined, taking a break might be the right move. The two quietly sat aside, unwilling to voice their opinions.


    After a moment of silence, Wang Xiangxiu said: "Where do you plan to move? You need to let me know so that we can reach you if something happens."


    Su Jinlai: "......"


    He replied: "I''ll look for a place tomorrow morning."


    He sighed deeply: "I, such a handsome young man, truly endure too much."


    At this moment, he could empathize with the plight of Chen Yuan, who had been targeted by men in the past. Feeling uneasy all over, Su Jinlai coughed softly and said: "I''d like to rent an apartment, as it would be more convenient."


    Having stayed in hotels before, he understood the difference between a good and bad living situation. He was different from ordinary people¡ªhe had been the first in their courtyard to dine at Old Mo, after all.


    ¡°Okay, if you want to rent a place, I''ll ask Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhao to help look around. Oh, and I remember, Aunt Lian knows a lot. I''ll ask her too,¡± Wang Xiangxiu considered.


    Su Jinlai: "Sounds good."


    He became serious: "This matter can''t be overlooked; it needs to be handled quickly."


    "Understood."


    Su Jinlai firmly believed that Zhou Qun had fallen for him. After all, he was such an attractive man who could captivate both men and women alike.


    He was that impressive.


    Despite his anxiety and apprehension, Su Jinlai felt a subtle sense of pride.


    No one could understand this feeling.


    Su Jinlai spoke decisively, but Zhou Qun was fuming, muttering endlessly all the way home: "What''s wrong with him? Am I crazy? Am I blind? What am I even doing? How did I get so unlucky that even going to the toilet at night brings all this drama?"


    Jiang Lu, who had already woken up due to the commotion, was now calm. Although she felt anxious, she still said: "Go to sleep early."


    She paused and warned Zhou Qun: "Don''t ruin the family''s reputation."


    Zhou Qun was aggrieved: "I''m even more wronged than Dou E!"


    Jiang Lu looked deeply at Zhou Qun and slowly said: "In this matter, I believe you."


    Although Zhou Qun was unreliable, as his wife, she could somewhat discern his current interests. She trusted that Zhou Qun wouldn''t go astray, but: "Don''t do things that might be misunderstood."


    Zhou Qun: "......"


    He looked up at the ceiling with teary eyes: "Gossip is powerful; gossip is powerful! I''m even more wronged than Dou E!"


    Jiang Lu: "Alright, sleep. Tomorrow, Mother will definitely scold you."


    Zhou Qun felt even more aggrieved, tears streaming down his face. He didn''t know why his mother never believed him. Whenever such an issue arose, it was as if she had swallowed gunpowder, filled with resentment and distrust toward him.


    This lack of trust deeply hurt him, sob sob.


    Zhou Qun muttered endlessly, but Jiang Lu didn''t care. She simply covered herself and went to sleep.


    However, in a blur, Jiang Lu had a vague thought: Her mother-in-law had been unusually well-behaved over the past decade, likely because she had been properly educated and understood that some things couldn''t be done. The other reason could be Zhou Qun''s reputation... among the older generation, even if you had some ambiguous relationships with women, it wasn''t a big deal. But being ambiguous with men was entirely unacceptable, bringing shame to the ancestors.


    Therefore, Zhou''s mother had little time for mischief, focusing instead on monitoring her son and taking care of her grandchildren.


    Jiang Lu''s eyes flickered as she closed them and peacefully fell asleep. Zhou Qun, however, sat at the foot of the bed, sobbing like a wronged wife, his heart and tears overflowing with suffering!


    Because of Zhou Qun and Su Jinlai''s situation, everyone got excited the next morning. When they went out to wash up in the courtyard, they exchanged knowing glances. Bai Fendou again felt he needed to stay away from Zhou Qun, lest the latter relapse and target him again.


    After all, being too brave could be a mistake, as it attracted unwanted attention from other men.


    Bai Fendou quickly finished his morning routine and promptly rode his bicycle out, afraid of bumping into Zhou Qun.


    Little girl Bai Qingqing ate her buns at home, mumbling: "Daddy was so fast today."


    He Lan laughed and said: "Your dad was scared."


    Bai Qingqing blinked, and He Lan didn''t say much but instead stroked her daughter''s head and said: "Go to school with Qijin later. Be good friends, okay?"


    Bai Qingqing nodded: "I know!"


    They grew up together since childhood, and although children sometimes argued and had friction, they would make up by evening. Kids never hold grudges overnight. The children were always together, which was quite joyful.


    Bai Qingqing: "Mom, Yuanyuan said they''re going to Beidaihe this summer. Can we go too?"


    The little girl looked up at her mother with full expectation.


    He Lan: "If they go, you want to go too?"


    Bai Qingqing nodded and said, "I want to play with Yuanyuan, Zhenzhen, Qijin, Siyuan¡ªeveryone wants to go."


    While eating breakfast, her little mouth babbled on. He Lan looked at her daughter''s big eyes and said, "Alright, if they don''t mind, we''ll join them."


    Bai Qingqing immediately beamed with joy, let out a delighted yelp, and quickly stuffed a bun into her mouth, saying, "Then I''ll tell Yuanyuan."


    He Lan: "Sure."


    She handed the schoolbag to her daughter and said, "Study hard. Are you going to the youth center after school today?"


    Bai Qingqing: "Yes, Mom, I''m leaving now."


    The little girl quickly ran to the courtyard to call out, "Qijin, Qijin!"


    Qijin hurried out: "I''m ready."


    Soon, the other three children came out as well. The five of them arrived at the next door and gathered the Ye Family Siblings, forming an eight-member squad that sang together as they walked to school under the morning sun.


    While the children were at school, Zhuang Zhixi left for work early, cautioning his wife: "If you encounter any troublemakers while selling today, take them straight to the police station."


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "When have I ever been afraid of such people?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s true, but caution is the key to safety. Overconfidence isn''t a good thing. Stay alert."


    Ming Mei: "I know that."


    Zhuang Zhixi left for work, and Ming Mei went out with Zhao Guihua to set up their stall for the day.


    It being Tuesday, business wasn''t as good as the previous day. Some customers only came to buy yesterday because they hadn''t brought money the day before, so today''s sales were significantly lower. However, after showcasing their abilities the previous day, no one dared to mess with them.


    Running a business might seem easy, but if someone does particularly well, they can attract unwanted attention. Troublemakers are always around. However, Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei remained calm. Zhao Guihua told her daughter-in-law, "If anyone comes to collect protection money, we won''t hold back."


    She thought these people must be idiots for thinking they could act like they saw in movies.


    While theaters no longer showed Hong Kong films, some underground video parlors did, and they often displayed a very different style from mainland China, which influenced some local hooligans.


    Take that guy "Wei Ge," for example, who showed up a few days ago asking for money. Despite it being late March and freezing cold, he wore flip-flops. Was he trying to freeze his toes off? What a fool.


    These people mimicked what they saw in the movies, completely unaware of the reality of mainland China. They were just asking for trouble and deserved a lesson.


    Zhao Guihua glanced around and started her usual spiel: "Come and see, come and look! Don''t miss out..."


    Despite not being as busy as the previous day, they still managed to sell a few items by midday. Ming Mei bought lunch nearby but, in a quick glance, spotted a familiar face.


    This acquaintance wasn''t just anyone but Guan Guiling from their workplace.


    Ming Mei rarely interacted with this woman, who she considered quite unhinged. Her husband, Zheng Yufeng, was no better, always using Guan Guiling as a pawn to swindle money.


    Guan Guiling, unlike those who sell their bodies, injured herself to obtain wealth. Despite being classmates with Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou and being in her early forties, she looked well over fifty.


    And, to top it off, her health was poor. If a decade ago she had some charm of a mature woman, now she looked like a skinny, sallow old lady. Zhao Guihua was fifty-nine this year.


    Guan Guiling was only in her early forties. But if someone said Guan Guiling was only a couple of years younger than Zhao Guihua, many would believe it.


    All those years of hardship had taken a toll on her body.


    Guan Guiling wasn''t alone; she was accompanied by a young woman who, judging by the facial features, seemed to be her daughter. It could be someone else, but Ming Mei had seen Guan Guiling''s daughter from behind and suspected it was her.


    At that moment, Guan Guiling and her daughter were looking around, clearly searching for Ming Mei.


    Guan Guiling had always been jealous of Ming Mei. Both were women, yet Ming Mei''s life was infinitely better than hers. She had only recently learned that Ming Mei had taken leave from work due to her mother-in-law''s decision to run a stall.


    Guan Guiling couldn''t help but feel a surge of joy. She thought, "It''s about time Ming Mei got a taste of misery. Why should others live well?"


    So, she quickly brought her eldest daughter and set out to find Ming Mei. She wanted to see how humiliating Ming Mei''s situation was and possibly offer some patronizing sympathy. To make a dig at her, Guan Guiling was determined to find her, even going so far as to have her daughter scout the alleys of Xinghuali and inquire about where Ming Mei was likely to be.


    The mother and daughter scanned their surroundings, and Ming Mei, noticing them from afar, returned to her stall with lunch and told Zhao Guihua, "I see Guan Guiling."


    She shrugged and said, "I think she''s come to gloat over my misfortune."


    Zhao Guihua spat and said, "Her? If others don''t laugh at her, that''s good enough. How dare she come and mock others, thinking herself so great. Hmm, but how did you get on her bad side? She seems to be obsessed with making fun of you."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled mockingly.


    Ming Mei thought for a moment and said, "Probably because my life is good. Some people feel that if you''re doing better than them, you''re guilty. They don''t envy those who are way out of their league, but they''ll begrudge those around them. Having to deal with such a person at work feels like stepping on a pile of dog poop."


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but laugh aloud. After catching her breath, she looked towards Guan Guiling and said, "Let me see... uh?"


    She suddenly paused.


    Ming Mei: "What''s wrong?"


    She looked curiously at her mother-in-law.


    Zhao Guihua: "Who is that with Guan Guiling?"


    Ming Mei: "Probably her daughter? It looks a bit like her."


    To Ming Mei, who knew Guan Guiling''s age and family situation, the girl seemed to be her eldest daughter. Ming Mei had only seen her from behind once but recognized her outline.


    Zhao Guihua grimaced and took a deep breath, saying slowly, "So that''s Guan Guiling''s daughter..."


    Ming Mei nodded: "Yes, probably."


    Zhao Guihua inhaled again and said, "Is her name Zheng Huimin?"


    Ming Mei was surprised by her mother-in-law''s question and then nodded, "Yes, she''s called Zheng Huimin. Her name is quite unique; I remember it."


    Zhao Guihua seemed overwhelmed by a huge revelation, staring astonished at Guan Guiling and her daughter, momentarily baffled before letting out a deep sigh.


    "What a small, small, small world it is indeed."


    Sure enough, Zheng Huimin was a familiar name.


    She wasn''t just anyone¡ªshe was the woman Su Jinlai married in another life.


    That woman with no family support, serving her in-laws tirelessly, standing by her husband even when he was imprisoned, raising children, caring for husband''s mother¡ªeven the imprisoned brother-in-law when he returned, and even the child of her husband''s pimp brother; working tirelessly, selflessly, her spirit that of an honorable protagonist in a rural soap opera.


    It almost seemed like a popular anti-intellectual rural drama, the kind she, as an elderly woman, couldn''t bear to watch. Just like the protagonist of those dramas who is always busy with this and that, diligently and selflessly giving her all to the Su family. In the end, she managed to bring the prodigal son back to his senses.


    To be precise, Su Jinlai had simply worn himself out.


    By that time, he was already in his fifties or sixties, so even if he wanted to steal, he couldn''t anymore. Instead, he became the type of senior citizen who acted mischievously and stubbornly, the kind you''d find causing trouble on public buses. Yes, that was him!


    In any case, Zheng Huimin had always poured her deep affection into the Su family. It wasn''t surprising, though, since every daughter-in-law who married into the Su family had this trait. Wang Xiangxiu, the daughter-in-law, was like that, and so was her granddaughter-in-law, Zheng Huimin.


    All of this was thanks to the matriarch of the Su family.


    However, in this lifetime, the old lady had been locked up over a decade ago. Who knows if, without such a mastermind around, Zheng Huimin would still be so devoted? Or even if she and Su Jinlai would ever meet each other again.


    After all, two lifetimes are not the same.


    Still, she was truly astonished. How could she have never imagined that Zheng Huimin was Guan Guiling''s daughter? She had a strong impression of Zheng Huimin but knew absolutely nothing about Guan Guiling. Mainly because, in her previous life, Zheng Huimin had arrived carrying a small bundle by herself and became deeply intertwined with the Su family, never to be separated again.


    She had never mentioned having a family, nor had she talked about her parents. Now, finding out that Guan Guiling was her mother was truly shocking.


    When Zhao Guihua saw Zheng Huimin, she was utterly shocked but quickly regained her composure. She knew that her previous life was different from this one. She shifted her gaze away, but Guan Guiling, on the other hand, spotted Ming Mei and instantly got excited. She took a deep breath to calm herself, straightened her clothes, and walked over to Ming Mei''s stall, smiling, "Oh, isn''t this Ming Mei? I heard you asked for leave. So you''re really here helping your mother-in-law with her stall?"


    She put on a sympathetic expression and said, "How long are you going to be selling for? I''ll buy one to help you out."


    Ming Mei smiled and said, "That''d be great. Buy a lot if you can. If you could buy all of them, that''d be even better."


    She continued with a grin, "Mom, step back a bit. Sister Guan''s not feeling well and tends to faint. If she bumps into you, we''d lose all the money we made today. You''re old, but not as experienced as her."


    Zheng Huimin''s voice was soft and gentle as she spoke, "How can you say that? My mom meant well."


    Ming Mei chuckled, "I never said your mom had bad intentions. I was just reminding my mother-in-law. Your mom is quite a character at the bus station. She even managed to scare off Jiang Baohong, who''s known for being mean. She''s truly someone extraordinary."


    This wasn''t made up.


    Ever since the bicycle incident, Jiang Baohong had been at odds with Guan Guiling. However, Jiang Baohong was no match for Guan Guiling. With her fragile body, Guan Guiling had managed to blackmail Jiang Baohong numerous times.


    After suffering a few losses, Jiang Baohong wasn''t Guan Guiling''s match. For some reason, she handed her job over to her daughter-in-law and applied to go to another city to find her ex-husband.


    But before Jiang Baohong left, Guan Guiling had someone beat her up. It was a miserable sight¡ªher face bruised and battered, her clothes stripped off and thrown all over the place. She was so embarrassed that she had to stay in the hospital for a week. The doctor had advised her to stay for a month, but Guan Guiling insisted on leaving early.


    It was just her habit.


    She insisted that Jiang Baohong was behind it, but by then, Jiang Baohong was already on a train somewhere, so there was no evidence. Guan Guiling had no choice but to let it go. But from that point on, she became even more shameless, indiscriminately blackmailing anyone she could.


    So now at the bus station, everyone avoids her like the plague. Her reputation outside is just as bad.


    Over the years, though, it''s become harder for her to blackmail people, because even the nearby police stations are all too familiar with her.


    To reach this level of infamy¡­ she''s really something else.


    Ming Mei smiled, "The bus station''s blackmail queen, Guan Guiling¡ªwho doesn''t know about her?"


    As soon as those words were out, the crowd around them immediately stepped back several paces.


    Look at that effect!


    Guan Guiling''s face turned bright red with anger!

 Chapter 181

    Guan Guiling''s reputation was indeed well-known to many.


    Although the capital city was vast, in those days, even the smallest events could spread like wildfire. It was no wonder that Guan Guiling, with her over-the-top demands, had become a topic of conversation.


    Take the incident where Guan Guiling had accused the Fan family of pushing her downstairs, for example. Even Ming Mei, an ordinary person, could see through the suspicious nature of Guan Guiling''s fall, let alone the police officers. However, Guan Guiling and her associates were quite cunning, managing to distance themselves from any wrongdoing.


    Guan Guiling stubbornly insisted that the Fan family had pushed her, and in the end, the Fan family ended up paying up.


    There were several other incidents that followed, resulting in the police being called in, though eventually, things were resolved. However, in a place like the capital, where everyone had relatives and connections, news traveled fast.


    Rumors spread from one person to another, and soon, Guan Guiling''s reputation was so bad that it seemed to stink up the entire city.


    Back then, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun also had bad reputations.


    But people enjoyed gossiping about them because they didn''t feel threatened by them. In contrast, everyone was cautious around Guan Guiling. Who wouldn''t be? After all, she had the audacity to demand thousands of dollars in compensation.


    That was ten years ago, in the early 1970s.


    As a result, Guan Guiling''s reputation wasn''t just known in the capital; it even reached as far as Tianjin. Everyone knew about the woman at the capital''s main bus station who would do anything for money. Her type of "accident-staging" was borderline suicidal.


    That was downright terrifying.


    She was someone who valued money over her own life!


    So when Ming Mei casually referred to her as the "accident-staging queen" at the bus station, the crowd quickly dispersed, everyone giving her a wide berth. Who hadn''t heard of this woman? Everyone was eager to avoid her.


    Guan Guiling was furious. Sure, she would extort people when times were tough, but she wasn''t the monster people made her out to be.


    She glared at Ming Mei and said, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? I''m not that kind of person! Sure, people spread lies about me outside, but we work in the same place. How dare you slander me like this? You''ve gone too far!"


    Ming Mei retorted, "Why are you so mad? You know exactly what I''m talking about."


    She wasn''t about to be polite with Guan Guiling. With someone like her, any kindness would be seen as weakness, and Guan Guiling would take advantage. She had even tried to extort Ming Mei by fake-pregnancy once. There was no way Ming Mei would show any sympathy.


    She waved her hand dismissively. "Get lost. Don''t stand in front of our stand. We''re all watching you. Don''t even think about trying anything."


    Guan Guiling was seething, but her daughter, Zheng Huimin, chimed in softly, her voice filled with sadness. "Auntie, what you''re saying is truly hurtful. We''re both women, and we should support each other. How can you damage my mother''s reputation like this? What do you expect people to think of her, of our family? I know your unit looks down on us because we''re not rich. But we should treat each other with kindness, especially when someone is struggling. Instead of gossiping and mocking, we should offer a helping hand. Those who gossip like this, even if they''re wealthy, are spiritually poor."


    Zhao Guihua muttered under her breath, "Wow, what a huge white lotus."


    She immediately recognized Zheng Huimin''s tone. Both in this life and the previous one, it was the same bland, innocent act. Zhao Guihua snapped, "Move along. Don''t waste our time. If you don''t leave, we won''t be polite anymore."


    Zhao Guihua felt like they had some kind of curse. They had only been setting up their stall for three days, and this was the second time some idiot had come to cause trouble.


    She waved her hand impatiently. "Get lost. Don''t waste our time."


    She wasn''t holding back. "Others might be scared of you, afraid you''ll extort them, but I''m not. Come any closer, and I''ll show you why flowers are red. Now, move along!"


    Zhao Guihua could see that Guan Guiling was probably just here to cause trouble for Ming Mei. But who could say for sure she wouldn''t suddenly collapse and try to extort them? Many things could happen in an instant. Guan Guiling might not be that extreme, but they weren''t taking any chances.


    After all, Ming Mei and Guan Guiling had never crossed paths before, and it was only because Ming Mei''s family seemed well-off that Guan Guiling had targeted her. If something had happened, the outcome would have been disastrous. Just look at what happened to the Fan family.


    The Fan family weren''t good people, but Guan Guiling was even worse.


    Zhao Guihua swatted at them like she was shooing flies. "Annoying. What kind of people are out there?"


    Guan Guiling was trembling with anger, clutching her chest. "You''re going too far!"


    Zhao Guihua wasn''t interested in continuing the conversation. "Move along, now. If you don''t leave, I''ll call the police. We know all about you. Don''t think that just because we''re setting up a stall, we''re easy targets. If you come here trying to extort us, you''re in for a surprise!"


    "Exactly! We might be setting up stalls, but don''t think you can take advantage of us!"


    "Get lost already. What kind of person are you?"


    "Ugh, shameless."


    The surrounding crowd began to chime in, quickly joining the chorus of disapproval. It wasn''t just because they were overly sensitive. Everyone hated people like Guan Guiling. Plus, they were genuinely afraid of being extorted.


    Those running small businesses might feel self-conscious about being laughed at, but they knew they were making good money. The last thing they needed was for someone like Guan Guiling to come and ruin their day.


    That was why everyone was keeping a close eye on her, urging her to leave. Even those who didn''t recognize her made a mental note of her face, just in case they ever ran into her. People were so outraged that Guan Guiling could hardly stay.


    She had come here intending to mock Ming Mei, but instead, she had become the joke herself. Her anger was boiling over. She bit her lip, glaring at Ming Mei, who simply raised her chin at her, unbothered.


    Guan Guiling took a deep breath, huffed loudly, and said, "Let''s go."


    Zheng Huimin, still young, wanted to say something more, but Guan Guiling grabbed her daughter''s hand, took a deep breath, and pulled her away. She was in her forties after all, and she knew that staying any longer wouldn''t do her any good.


    Her reputation had become so bad that it was as though the stench of it could travel for miles on the wind. And it was all thanks to people spreading rumors about her.


    She fumed to herself, thinking that while she might have taken advantage of situations to survive, people had twisted her into a monster. Now, even Bai Fendou would leap away from her as if she were some kind of beast.


    It wasn''t just the neighbors; without her husband''s careful negotiating, no one would have interacted with them at all. Guan Guiling knew that their family owed everything to her husband. She scowled, pulling her daughter away.


    Zheng Huimin whispered softly, "Mom, how could they say such things about you? Do they even know how hard our life is? They have no idea, yet they speak so casually. They''re just... they''re just not good people."


    She had heard her mother mention Ming Mei before, quite often in fact. Although Ming Mei believed she had no connection with Guan Guiling, in Guan Guiling''s mind, Ming Mei was someone worth envying.


    She had actually tried to extort Ming Mei before, but Ming Mei had been too cautious, never giving her an opportunity. After all, Ming Mei lived a comfortable life.


    It was out of jealousy that Guan Guiling found Ming Mei so irritating, often badmouthing her at home.


    That was why Zheng Huimin also disliked Ming Mei.


    She said, "Mom, this Ming Mei is just as annoying as you said."


    Guan Guiling: "How could I possibly deceive you? I''m usually an open book, gentle-natured. If it weren''t for her outright arrogance, I wouldn''t have spoken ill of her."


    Zheng Huimin nodded.


    She glanced back, noticing that the business over there was quite good. She bit her lip and muttered, "Speculative profiteering."


    She couldn''t help but harbor resentment¡ªif only it were a few years earlier, she could have reported them. But now, with street vendors everywhere, small time hustles like this went largely unnoticed.


    Zheng Huimin frowned, her displeasure evident. Guan Guiling glanced back a few times and remarked, "Their business seems quite good. I wonder where they source their goods."


    She gave a light humph and said, "Mom, when I went to Xinghuali Lane to inquire about their stall, I met a young man who told me the Zhuangs were setting up shop in West Single. I heard they source from Guangzhou."


    Guan Guiling was astonished. "So far?"


    Zheng Huimin shrugged indifferently. "It''s normal, isn''t it? People nowadays go south for goods. Local factories wouldn''t deal with these small-time vendors. Who do they think they are?"


    Guan Guiling glanced back again, asking, "I wonder if they''re raking in the profits."


    Zheng Huimin: "Who knows?"


    She looked down on these street vendors, thinking, "I find their mindset truly lacking. People like this should be properly educated."


    Guan Guiling: "Enough, let''s go home."


    She coughed a few times and added, "Later, go to my workplace and ask for a leave for me."


    "Alright."


    Zheng Huimin supported Guan Guiling carefully, saying, "Mom, your health has never been great, and you''re often bullied at work. Why not¡­ why not consider early retirement? With my age, I need to find a job too. Why don''t you hand over your position to me? I''ll turn over all my salary."


    Guan Guiling abruptly halted, glaring viciously at Zheng Huimin. Gone was the previous distress and misery; now, her face was filled with hatred. She locked her gaze on her daughter, saying harshly, "How dare you! How dare you suggest such a thing! I never expected your ambitions to grow so much that you''d dare covet this job."


    Zheng Huimin was taken aback, whispering, "I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean¡­"


    What was wrong with her wanting a job?


    Guan Guiling raged, "This job belongs to the Zheng family, passed down by your father to me. I intend to pass it to your brother. Do you understand? Put this thought out of your mind. I never imagined you''d be so brazen to even think of it. This isn''t something you can even consider!"


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. If not for her poor health, she would have beaten the girl. She had nurtured a worthless ingrate.


    "My brother¡­ he doesn''t want to work¡­"


    "Even if he doesn''t want it, the job is his! It has nothing to do with you!" Enraged beyond measure, she slapped Zheng Huimin across the face. "I¡¯ve spoiled you, allowing you to develop such delusions. Do you even think you''re worthy of such a good job? It¡¯s your brother¡¯s!"


    Zheng Huimin whimpered, "Sob¡­"


    "What are you doing!" A man''s angry shout rang out. Guan Guiling turned to see a strange young man.


    He was furious: "What do you think you''re doing, old lady? How dare you bully someone like this? Miss, are you alright?"


    Zheng Huimin: "Brother Su?"


    This was Brother Su, whom she had met earlier at Xinghuali Lane while inquiring about the Zhuangs. Unexpectedly, they had crossed paths again. He looked concerned and said, "Miss, you¡¯re really too soft-hearted to let people treat you like this."


    He glared at Guan Guiling. "Don¡¯t think your seniority gives you the right to bully people like that! Look at the bruise you¡¯ve left on her. If I see you bully her again, don¡¯t think I won¡¯t come after you!"


    Guan Guiling: "???"


    She gaped at the young man, exclaiming, "What did you say? Who do you think you are to lecture me? I¡¯m disciplining my daughter¡ªwhat business is it of yours?"


    This self-proclaimed champion of justice was no other than Su Jinlai.


    Earlier in the day, the person Zheng Huimin had visited at Xinghuali Lane was also Su Jinlai. One could say, "Fate is truly unpredictable." Although their meeting this time was vastly different from their previous lives, fate seemed to prompt them to meet again soon.


    Su Jinlai, hearing Guan Guiling''s words, looked at Zheng Huimin in surprise. "Is she really your mother? She looks so old¡ªmore like your grandmother!"


    Zheng Huimin pursed her lips, softly saying, "She is my mother. My life has been bitter¡­"


    Su Jinlai widened his eyes. "Her age suggests she¡¯s more like a grandmother than a mother. Are you sure she¡¯s not raising someone else¡¯s child? Don¡¯t worry, Miss, I¡¯m here for you. Even if she¡¯s your real mother, we¡¯re not powerless against such oppression. Where there¡¯s oppression, there¡¯s resistance. We can¡¯t let her bully you like this."


    Zheng Huimin gazed at Su Jinlai with admiration, feeling that he was so tall and strong.


    Guan Guiling, however, was incensed, her eyes turning green with anger. "Who do you think you are? Our family matters have nothing to do with you! You''re nothing but a lowly punk pretending to be tough. You mean nothing! Xiao Hui, come here! Stay away from this no-good street tramp!"


    Su Jinlai: "Pfft! You think you''re somebody? Go ask around about Su Ge''s reputation. Who do you think you are, daring to insult me? Believe me, I¡¯ll teach you a lesson!"


    "You, you, you!"


    Guan Guiling was furious, though deep down, she dared not provoke Su Jinlai. She knew these young punks were impulsive, capable of anything. Worse, they had a knack for revenge. The thought of incurring their wrath was too much to bear.


    At that moment, she shot a venomous glare at her daughter. It was all Zheng Huimin¡¯s fault for attracting such troublemakers.


    She suppressed her anger and said coldly, "Xiao Hui, come here."


    Zheng Huimin remained rooted to the spot, tearfully sniffling. Instead of obeying, she edged closer to Su Jinlai, placing her trust in him entirely. Their commotion had already drawn a crowd around them.


    Not far away, Ming Mei had noticed.


    Zhao Guihua, standing beside Ming Mei, also spotted the scene. She hadn¡¯t expected Su Jinlai to have crossed paths with Zheng Huimin so soon. Even from a distance, they couldn¡¯t tell what had happened, but it was clear the two were acquainted.


    Without another word, Zhao Guihua started packing up her stall. "No more sales today¡ªtomorrow we¡¯ll continue. Come on, let¡¯s go see what¡¯s happening."


    "Wow, you''re really into gossip, aren¡¯t you?"


    "Quick, grab me a large size."


    "I need a small size."


    "Me too¡­"


    Seeing Zhao Guihua pack up, those who¡¯d been hesitating suddenly sprang into action, hurriedly paying and taking their items. They figured that if the old lady was willing to stop selling just to watch a drama, the goods must be in high demand. Plus, if she was making a killing, why would she risk the sale?


    In no time, Zhao Guihua had sold seven or eight items.


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­"


    What kind of people were these? Earlier, they¡¯d been indecisive, yet the moment she mentioned closing up, they¡¯d suddenly become enthusiastic. It was baffling. Quickly collecting payments and handing out change, she said, "That''s it for today, folks. No more sales. Don¡¯t crowd around."


    Together, Zhao Guihua and her daughter-in-law packed up and hurried toward the commotion.


    Others, too, joined the curious crowd. If a drama was so engaging that it made people abandon their businesses, it must be worth witnessing. After all, leisure time wasn¡¯t to be wasted.


    Zhao Guihua muttered softly, "You don¡¯t understand my fascination with gossip."


    Already, quite a crowd had gathered around the drama. Guan Guiling felt deeply humiliated, saying, "Xiao Hui, how can you be so disobedient? Associating with a street punk like that, don¡¯t expect me to acknowledge you as my daughter."


    Zheng Huimin looked pitifully up at her mother, but soon became resolute. Her mother never cared for her, even less than Su Jinlai, whom she had only met once. She felt a deep ache in her heart as she said, "Mom, don''t speak like that. Su Jinlai isn''t a bad person; he''s very kind."


    Zheng Huimin continued, "Su Jinlai just couldn''t stand seeing you hit me."


    "You covet your brother''s things, you deserve to be beaten!" Guan Guiling raged, "I''m asking you one last time, are you coming with me or not?"


    Zheng Huimin blushed slightly from the crowd''s attention, but also felt a pang of hurt. Her mother didn''t seem to care for her at all. She bit her lip and said, "But Su Jinlai..."


    She looked up pitifully at Su Jinlai, who quickly grabbed her, saying, "Don''t go with your mom. The way she acts, she''s clearly not a good person. Do you really want to go back and be a slave? We social youths have seen the world; there''s a vast universe out there with endless opportunities. Why would you want to go back with your mom?"


    Zheng Huimin gazed into Su Jinlai''s eyes, hesitating as she bit her lip.


    At that moment, a voice exclaimed with surprise, "Su Jinlai." Another "Su Jinlai."


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei immediately turned to look. It wasn''t anyone else but Guan Hong.


    It was said that Guan Hong''s family had been keeping a close eye on her, not allowing her to see Su Jinlai. Yet, here she was, on a workday, not at her job.


    Guan Hong was clearly surprised to see Su Jinlai here. She quickly shook off her aunt and rushed over, "Su Jinlai, why are you here?"


    Su Jinlai looked at her with a subtle expression, "What are you doing here to find me?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Guan Hong hesitated for a moment, then grabbed his sleeve, "Su Jinlai, it''s not that I didn''t come to see you. My family has been watching me, not allowing me to see you. But you should know how I feel about you!"


    Su Jinlai, hearing this, couldn''t help but feel a bit smug.


    He always knew he was the kind of man that no one could resist. Whether men or women, they would all fall for him, deeply in love with him.


    Look, wasn''t Guan Hong a prime example?


    He smirked, "I thought you wouldn''t come to find me again..."


    "How could that be? My feelings for you are as eternal as the sea and the rocks!"


    Su Jinlai: "I..."


    "Su Jinlai, who is she?" Zheng Huimin, who already had some feelings for Su Jinlai, suddenly saw a girl passionately declaring her love, uncaring of others'' gazes. Instantly, she felt uncomfortable.


    It was as if something precious to her had been taken away.


    How could this be?


    This Su Jinlai had been so protective of her; surely, he must have feelings for her!


    She looked at Guan Hong, her eyes flashing with a hint of jealousy.


    With a fragile voice, she said, "Is she Su Jinlai''s girlfriend?"


    Guan Hong also turned her attention to Zheng Huimin, immediately on guard. Women could always spot a schemer.


    She quickly said, "Of course, I..."


    The word "am" hadn''t even left her mouth.


    When Su Jinlai spoke, "She''s a good friend of mine."


    Guan Hong looked at Su Jinlai in disbelief. Su Jinlai, however, showed no hint of being a scoundrel, calmly saying, "She''s also like a good sister to me."


    Hearing the words "good sister," Guan Hong blushed, then said, "Su Jinlai~ In my heart, you''re also the best big brother."


    Brother in love, or simply brother.


    Guan Hong''s aunt felt like she was cursed. Today, she was taking Guan Hong to the hospital, as her parents didn''t have the time. Yet, here she was, unlucky enough to run into Su Jinlai again.


    Why, why was it always her?!


    Previously, it was she who had taken Guan Hong to a disastrous blind date, causing resentment from her family. And now, here she was again. Why did it always have to be her?


    This cursed Su Jinlai, couldn''t he just stop picking on her?


    She felt utterly doomed. Surely, she hadn''t checked the almanac before leaving the house. She feared the niece would only get more foolish, so she hurried over to pull her away, "Xiaohong, come back with me. What are you doing with this rogue? We''re a respectable family. Just look at him, he''s got other girls wrapped around his finger. How can you be so devoted?"


    Guan Hong: "I won''t!"


    She didn''t dare defy her parents, but did she have to listen to her aunt?


    She declared firmly, "No one can separate me from Su Jinlai."


    Standing on the sidelines, Ming Mei was struck by the girl''s determination, exclaiming, "Wow!"


    The onlookers also gasped.


    This girl sure was a handful for her family.


    Guan Hong clung tightly to one of Su Jinlai''s arms, saying, "Su Jinlai, no matter what, my heart only belongs to you. I want to be with you."


    "Come back with me."


    "I won''t! No one can keep me locked up. Marriage is free now; I will marry Su Jinlai."


    "You! You can''t say such things. He hasn''t even said he wants you." Guan Hong''s aunt was so angry she was gasping for breath.


    But Guan Hong remained firm. With a triumphant glance at Zheng Huimin, she declared proudly, "I will definitely be with Su Jinlai. No one can get in my way."


    Zheng Huimin bit her lip in grievance, her tears nearly falling as she looked at Su Jinlai.


    Su Jinlai pulled his hand away, saying, "You should go back with your aunt. I don''t want to cause trouble for other families."


    Guan Hong: "I won''t go."


    "Come ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????with me."


    "I won''t go!"


    Guan Hong and her aunt were like children playing tug-of-war, pulling at each other.


    Guan Guiling watched with disdain, and then quickly said, "Look at the kind of person you''ve met. He''s been entangled with other women. Come back with me."


    Guan Guiling thought this girl''s arrival was perfect. It would show her daughter that this young man wasn''t any good and hopefully get her to leave. But she didn''t realize that Zheng Huimin, a recent adult, wouldn''t see this as a sign of a bad man.


    Instead, the competition made her feel that this man was desirable, sought after by others. A rebellious youth like this, she had heard about such people but never met one. They were said to be capable talkers with many admirers.


    She bit her lip, forcefully pushing Guan Guiling''s hand away, saying, "Mom, don''t say that. I think Su Jinlai is a good person. I''m not a child anymore; I know how to differentiate between good and bad. You''re just bad-mouthing Su Jinlai because he heroically saved me earlier."


    She stood firmly beside Su Jinlai, despite only having met him once. It was enough to make her feel intoxicated by this man. She stepped closer to Su Jinlai, saying, "Su Jinlai, I know you''re a good person. My mom..."


    She looked at Guan Guiling, "My mom has some issues with me. I want to move out. Can you help me?"


    "How dare you, shameless girl! Trying to steal my man!" Guan Hong was furious. She always knew Su Jinlai was the best; otherwise, why would others compete for him? Her parents'' words about other men being good but struggling to find wives echoed in her mind.


    Look at Su Jinlai.


    She glared fiercely at Zheng Huimin, "Little sister, has anyone ever told you that you should be content with what you have? Don''t covet others'' possessions."


    Zheng Huimin''s eyes were red with unshed tears, "I only have Su Jinlai to rely on."


    Su Jinlai immediately said, "Don''t worry, I''ll help you. I''m also looking for a place to move recently. Let''s find a place together. Come with me."


    Zheng Huimin''s eyes sparkled, "Okay."


    Guan Hong: "You... you little scoundrel, I''ll kill you..."


    She rushed forward, shouting, "I''ll kill you, little scoundrel! You should''ve asked about my reputation before daring to steal my man..."


    Though Zheng Huimin was weaker and often beaten, she was familiar with fighting due to her family''s situation. Her mother was always causing trouble, leading to frequent scuffles at home. She dodged while secretly retaliating against Guan Hong.


    Guan Hong: "Ah!"


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei, standing among the onlookers, watched the scene turn into a brawl between two girls. Both were somewhat stunned.


    Ming Mei vented her soul''s inquiry: "What exactly about Su Jinlai is so attractive? What''s up with these two girls..."


    If it weren''t for the fact that it would be inappropriate to talk about feudal superstitions in public, she really wanted to say, did Su Jinlai cast a spell on these two girls or something? Otherwise, why would they go to such lengths? Fighting over such a scoundrel?


    Zhao Guihua: "Nowadays, young girls have poor eyesight."


    Although they talked like this, the onlookers had other opinions: "This guy is handsome, isn''t he? A gentleman admires a graceful lady, and big girls also like handsome young men."


    "That''s right, and look at his family background, not bad either. Look, he''s dressed in a suit and leather shoes."


    "Indeed."


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei know Su Jinlai''s true nature, so they understand what kind of person he is. But outsiders don''t know, and to them, Su Jinlai seems quite presentable. Su Jinlai used to be poor, wearing shabby clothes, but even then, Guan Hong was attracted to him.


    Not to mention now, dressed in a stylish suit and leather shoes.


    This suit and leather shoes were extravagantly bought for him by Hu Huihui, for investing in money-making always requires some upfront expenses.


    To outsiders, Su Jinlai seems worth fighting over, especially since both Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin''s clothing indicates they don''t come from wealthy backgrounds. It''s inevitable that some people would think they''re after his money.


    Well, there are always people who, whether they approve or not, tend to think in terms of materialism.


    The crowd buzzed with various discussions, while the two girls had escalated to grabbing each other''s hair. Guan Hong kept yelling curses, while Zheng Huimin played the weakling, sobbing lightly, but her hands didn''t loosen at all.


    "What are you doing, bullying someone..." Guan Guiling rushed forward without hesitation. This was the time to act, as she wasn''t afraid of confronting an impulsive young girl like this, but she wasn''t keen on tangling with someone like Su Jinlai.


    Before she could even "leverage" herself to fall, Guan Hong''s aunt rushed over. She had no idea Guan Guiling was trying to stage an accident, only thinking that Guan Guiling wanted to gang up on Guan Hong. No matter how disappointed she was in Guan Hong, she was still family.


    Before Guan Guiling could fall, the aunt grabbed her and slapped her across the face.


    "You mother and daughter teaming up to bully my niece, as if we had no one in the family, huh? Is this how you treat people? Watch me slap you! I''ll beat you to death!" The old lady''s fury was always formidable.


    Not to mention, Guan Hong''s aunt had been holding her frustration for a long time.


    She kept slapping Guan Guiling, who shouted, "Ah! How dare you lay a hand on me, I won''t let you off! I definitely won''t let you off!"


    She was in too much pain and fought back, but Guan Guiling was no match for the old lady. She was beaten like a piglet, screaming curses at the top of her voice: "Zheng Huimin, you little brat. Why aren''t you coming to help? Are you watching your mom get beaten to death?"


    Zheng Huimin... Zheng Huimin was still fighting with Guan Hong.


    The two girls refused to let go of each other. Su Jinlai stood nearby, not joining the fight, but saying, "I know both of you have feelings for me, but you shouldn''t hurt each other like this."


    The scene was chaotic, and no one paid attention to what he was saying.


    Guan Guiling, beaten to the point of seeing stars, finally realized she needed to fake a faint.


    She let out a cry, fell to the side, and lay still.


    Seeing this, those who had heard of this woman as the notorious scammer Guan Guiling quickly took several steps back, Ming Mei and Zhao Guihua included. Although they were watching the spectacle, they maintained a safe distance, genuinely afraid of being implicated.


    Ming Mei: "Aunt Guan Hong is going to fall for it."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t think so, saying, "Not necessarily, let''s see."


    Although Guan Guiling wasn''t acting properly, she underestimated the formidable old lady. These elderly women, of a similar age, had survived the harshest times of the old society. They weren''t easily taken in by someone like Guan Guiling.


    Sure enough, when Guan Guiling suddenly collapsed to the ground, Aunt Guan Hong remained composed, sneering coldly, then gave her a few more kicks before grabbing Guan Hong: "Come back with me."


    She didn''t touch Zheng Huimin, not bullying a young girl.


    She firmly grabbed her niece, saying, "Come with me!"


    Guan Hong: "I won''t!"


    At this moment, Zheng Huimin finally rushed to her mom, crying, "Mom, what happened to you, don''t scare me!"


    Guan Guiling, beaten everywhere, closed her eyes and pinched her daughter, knowing that to stage a scam, they needed to cooperate. This wasn''t their first time doing such a thing. Zheng Huimin understood immediately and cried even harder.


    Aunt Guan Hong: "Pfft, you still have the nerve to cry. The two of you ganging up on my niece, and now you''re lying there acting like victims? If you have the guts to fight for a man, then face off properly! Disgusting creatures."


    She spat again, saying, "Truly despicable beings, pretending to be dead? Do you think I''m afraid of you, old woman? Let me see, let me see this scratch you gave me, you didn''t hold back at all, did you? Shameless!"


    She stood with her hands on her hips, cursing loudly.


    Zheng Huimin cried out: "Please everyone, help me, quickly help me, take my mom to the hospital, please!"


    She stared at Guan Hong and said, "You''re bullying me like this, hurting my mom, I''m going to sue you."


    Upon hearing this, everyone quickly took another big step back.


    "It''s true about Guan Guiling, she''s all about money, no matter what."


    "I''ve heard this person always tries to scam, I didn''t dare get close earlier, and it turns out it''s true."


    "You can''t say that, the old lady really did lay hands on her."


    "That''s what you say, but they were ganging up on her, how could they not help? Of course, they''d help their own."


    Some kind-hearted people quickly warned: "Auntie, this woman is the notorious scammer Guan Guiling from the bus station, don''t fall for her tricks, she''s probably faking it."


    Guan Guiling, lying on the ground, ground her teeth in anger. Who asked you to interfere? Do you live by the river or something? Meddling so much.


    Aunt Guan Hong hadn''t expected this woman to be Guan Guiling, but she had heard of her reputation. She was quite well-known.


    She immediately stood with her hands on her hips, shouting, "Well, well, it turns out the two of you are here to scam me, huh? No wonder you''re putting on this act. But let me tell you, I''m not afraid, I''m this old, what do I have to be scared of? Don''t think you can pull a fast one on me! Do you think I''m easy to bully?"


    Su Jinlai, seeing their shouting, frowned and said, "What are you all doing? This little sister isn''t lying, her mom really fainted, shouldn''t you send her to the hospital right now?"


    "Then you send her."


    "Exactly."


    "Talk is cheap."


    Su Jinlai, furious, retorted: "I''ll send her myself, I''m not heartless like you."


    Upon hearing this, Zheng Huimin''s eyes shone with even more fervor. Everyone else looks down on them, avoids them, despises them, but in Su Brother''s heart, her family is worth helping. This must be for her.


    Her face turned red with shyness.


    Guan Hong, seeing this, cursed: "You little slut, seducing my man, you..."


    Su Jinlai: "Enough, stop talking, I''ll take her to the hospital first."


    He quickly hailed a tricycle, helped her onto it. Seeing someone taking over, Aunt Guan Hong pulled Guan Hong and quickly ran away. Despite her seeming composure earlier, she was panicking inside. If she got scammed, it would be over.


    She dragged Guan Hong and ran, but Guan Hong resolutely shook off her aunt''s hand and followed firmly: "Su Brother, I''m going with you."


    She glared at Zheng Huimin and thought to herself, no matter what, she couldn''t let this fox spirit take away her Su Jinlai. Although Su Jinlai''s heart wasn''t completely inclined towards her yet, she was absolutely not going to part with him. If they did, this fox spirit would surely interfere.


    Ignoring her aunt, she firmly grabbed Su Jinlai''s hand and said, "I''m going with you."


    Zheng Huimin frowned unhappily but didn''t show it. She merely looked at Su Jinlai with an air of helplessness.


    Guan Guiling, on the other hand, pinched her daughter, signaling for her to follow. If she didn''t, how could they blackmail someone?


    Zheng Huimin bit her lip and said, "Let''s go then."


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin didn''t look kindly upon each other, but they both still got on the tricycle.


    The tricycle driver: "..."


    "Me, pulling all four of you? You''ve got some nerve!"


    He mentally added that he''d have to charge extra for this.


    The four of them sat on the vehicle, and the tricycle driver took a deep breath. "Here we go!"


    Guan Guiling pretended to faint with her eyes closed, scheming not only to blackmail this girl named Hong but also Su Jinlai. The nerve of him, daring to offend her! She wasn''t going to let it go.


    She was thinking all this, but what she didn''t know was that Su Jinlai had briefly touched her pocket while helping her onto the vehicle. No, it wasn''t that he wanted to steal anything; it was the money tempting him... He had been kind enough to help her get to the hospital, right? Taking a little money wasn''t a big deal, was it?


    After all, he was a good person.


    Besides, the tricycle driver would need to be paid too. He couldn''t be expected to foot the bill. It was only right, absolutely right!


    The tricycle quickly left, but the crowd that had just witnessed a big show didn''t disperse.


    They had never seen such a thing before.


    If it were a couple of years earlier, this chaotic affair of the heart would have been taken care of. It''s just that now, the atmosphere had become more open. Otherwise, tsk tsk!


    Guan Hong''s aunt couldn''t hold back her own niece and felt a surge of anger. But then she thought, she absolutely couldn''t go along; otherwise, she would be the one blackmailed. As for whether Guan Hong would be blackmailed, she didn''t care.


    This stupid girl, how could she be so senseless?


    That was her niece. If it were her own daughter, she''d break her legs for sure.


    Guan Hong''s aunt couldn''t care less anymore. Even if it earned her some resentment, so be it. Otherwise, if that leech Guan Guiling got her claws into her, she''d end up losing. She didn''t care what others said and quickly squeezed out of the crowd, hurrying back home.


    Although she said she wasn''t going to intervene, she had to go back and clarify things.


    With all five people from the scene now dispersed, the onlookers still didn''t want to leave. Ming Mei felt like she had eaten a gigantic melon. She had seen it all, truly seen it all. The atmosphere was indeed different now. Young girls looking for husbands were far bolder than they used to be. Back in their days, they were much more cautious. But look at this. Look at Su Jinlai''s audacity¡ªhe had entangled two girls at once.


    Ming Mei marveled at this, and so did others around her.


    An old man looked in the direction they had left and said enviously, "You see, some people just have different fates. I''m such a good guy, but finding a partner is so hard. Yet look at him¡ªtwo girls flocking to him. It''s really enviable. I''m not short on money, but why is finding a partner so difficult?"


    "Come to think of it, Su Jinlai, I always feel like I''ve heard that name somewhere. It sounds familiar."


    Well, it seemed Su Jinlai''s reputation really had spread far and wide.


    "You''re not the only one. I feel like I''ve heard it too."


    Zhao Guihua looked at these people, thinking they really didn''t have as much insight as she did. She slowly said, "Big Bird of Xinghuali Lane."


    "What?"


    "What do you mean?"


    At first, everyone was puzzled, but Zhao Guihua explained, "I''m saying that Su Jinlai has a nickname: Big Bird. Heard of it?"


    Some looked confused, but others suddenly understood.


    Those who didn''t know quickly asked those who did, and those in the know couldn''t resist showing off. "It was because this guy once got drunk and stripped naked. That''s how he got that nickname."


    The speaker winked mischievously.


    What was there not to understand?


    "Ah, so he''s well-endowed."


    "No wonder he can keep the girls hooked."


    "This is really..."


    With two girls fighting over one man, Su Jinlai''s reputation as Big Bird quickly spread.


    It seemed that being well-endowed certainly had its merits. Otherwise, how could two girls be so attached?


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei listened to the crowd''s discussion. Seeing how things were quickly descending into crudeness, Zhao Guihua quickly pulled her daughter-in-law away. "Let''s get out of here."


    Ming Mei grimaced. "Mother, you... what do you think?"


    She didn''t even know what to ask. After all, this whole situation was just too bizarre.


    After a while, she said, "Do you think these two girls have a screw loose?"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t know if they were off their rockers, but she could see that the more they fought over him, the harder it would be for these girls to let go. Young people just had this competitive spirit.


    Useless, but also undeniably strong.


    She said, "Anyway, if my daughter Xiaoyan or Yuanyuan were like this, I''d definitely break their legs."


    Ming Mei firmly nodded. "Me too."


    It was fine to like boys, but to like someone like Su Jinlai? That was just madness.


    The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law watched the drama unfold, both incredulous. They never imagined that the most popular boy in their neighborhood would be Su Jinlai. It was ridiculous!


    Both of them put their bikes away and walked forward pushing them.


    As they were in a daze, shocked by what they had witnessed, suddenly, a group of men emerged from the alley and surrounded them.


    "Stop!" A loud shout rang out.


    A dozen young men quickly blocked Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei.


    Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei both frowned.


    Ming Mei: "What do you want?"


    "Heh, what do you think?"


    Brother Wei walked out from the alley, carrying a knife that he swung around, a cold smile on his face. He stared at the two women with a dark, sinister gaze. "You think you can just let things go after offending me, Brother Wei of the Tiger Gang?"


    He looked Ming Mei up and down, his eyes full of lechery. "If you''re willing to properly serve me, Brother Wei, and then my brothers, I might consider sparing your little lives. Otherwise, heh heh... don''t blame me for not warning you. My brothers'' knives don''t have eyes."


    "Brother Wei is mighty!"


    "Brother Wei is the best!"


    The group let out cackles, their eyes all on Ming Mei.


    Brother Wei sneered. "In all my years of roaming the jianghu (world), no one has ever slapped my face like this. The Tiger Gang''s reputation¡ªseems like you know nothing about it. Now, hand over all your money!"


    Ming Mei frowned, looking at the men in front of her. She had actually predicted that this person might come again. But she didn''t expect him to avoid the stall and instead intercept them on their way home.


    Ming Mei: "What Tiger Gang are you talking about?"


    "Hahaha, you, an unsophisticated little thing, you''ve never heard of the Tiger Gang?"


    "What a joke. Our gang has over a hundred brothers. We''ve seen it all. Dealing with a little lass like you is like playing with a toy. Telling you to serve us is giving you face. If you don''t know what''s good for you... heh, believe me, I''ll still mess with you. I''ll even scratch your face and throw you into the mountains to be some old man''s wife."


    Ming Mei''s eyes sharpened. "I don''t believe you. Have you done that before?"


    Brother Wei: "Pfft, don''t believe me? You''re so naive! Hahaha, brothers, this lass doesn''t believe me. Isn''t she hilarious?"


    "Hilarious, brother. Take care of her..."


    "This little lass is refusing to see the coffin..."


    "She has no idea. We''ve dealt with many women. There''s Li Fang from the garment factory..."


    "Hu Yan from the cannery..."


    "Hahaha..."


    One by one, they listed names, and Ming Mei''s gaze grew darker. With a cold humph, she said, "I guess you''ve never heard of me."


    "You? What''s your name?"


    ¡°You little woman, don''t think that just because you know a couple of moves you can do anything! I don¡¯t believe it, can your speed possibly beat my blade¡¯s!? Look around you, look how many of us there are, you really¡­ AHH!!¡±


    Ming Mei suddenly took a swift step forward, kicking his wrist and snatching the knife into her own hands. Without hesitation, she waved it menacingly, causing Brother Wei to flinch and stumble backwards, landing on the ground with a thud. She then kicked him in the stomach and smashed the hilt of the knife onto his head.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing the others stunned, charged directly at a young man¡¯s sensitive area, kicking aggressively. This was inspired by Bai Fendou¡¯s strategy¡ªtarget the most vulnerable spots. If you¡¯re so proud of having those, then I¡¯ll just take them out!


    Zhao Guihua landed several brutal kicks, rendering two men incapacitated.


    ¡°Holy shit. This old lady is ruthless.¡±


    ¡°Kill her! Beat her up!¡±


    ¡°Charge! Take her down!¡±


    Several men quickly surrounded Zhao Guihua, desperate to teach this audacious old lady a lesson. Meanwhile, Ming Mei also rushed over swiftly. She had been trained in martial arts since childhood, and although she didn¡¯t practice daily as an adult, some skills were ingrained. Unable to verify the truth of what these ruffians were saying, Ming Mei saw no reason to show mercy to scum like them.


    Returning to seek revenge after their initial defeat was unforgivable. If she let these bullies off the hook, wouldn¡¯t that make her look weak?


    Brother Wei, who had been the loudest of the bunch, was already half-dead, battered by Ming Mei¡¯s fists and kicks, unable to even crawl. Ming Mei didn¡¯t rely on raw strength, but her skillful technique easily took down one opponent after another. Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua dodged and weaved, retaliating whenever possible. In no time, four young men huddled, clutching their wounds and drenched in cold sweat, barely able to avoid rolling on the ground in agony. Running? Impossible!


    In unbearable pain.


    Ming Mei, unperturbed, continued her onslaught, knocking everyone down. Looking at the heaps of men groaning on the ground, she called out: ¡°Mom, go to the police station.¡±


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t argue, swiftly running off.


    ¡°Heroine...¡±


    Ming Mei stomped forward without hesitation: ¡°Don¡¯t address me like that. Didn¡¯t you want to mess with me? You¡¯ve really got no idea who you¡¯re dealing with. When I was catching crooks, you were probably still playing with mud, pissing wherever you pleased. And now you dare strut in front of me? I¡¯ll kick you to death!¡±


    ¡°You... you¡¯re a cop?¡±


    Clearly influenced by too many movies.


    Ming Mei delivered a few more kicks: ¡°Can¡¯t speak properly, huh? Stop playing tough!¡±


    One by one, they were left battered and humiliated under Ming Mei¡¯s feet.


    ¡°You... you¡¯re a police officer?¡±


    They overheard her mention ¡°catching crooks,¡± and now they lamented, ¡°Was this a setup?¡±


    Ming Mei berated them with a few more blows: ¡°Can¡¯t I do good deeds without being a cop? None of you scumbags are getting away.¡±


    Some bystanders had heard the commotion but dared not approach. From a distance, they peeked at this female warrior¡ªterrifyingly, ten or so men were no match for her. It wasn¡¯t that they were weak; this woman was simply too formidable.


    Zhao Guihua moved quickly, returning with police officers in tow. The leading officer, spotting Ming Mei from a distance, greeted her with a smile: ¡°Sister Ming.¡±


    Truth be told, among the grassroots police officers patrolling the outskirts of Beijing, there were none who didn¡¯t know Ming Mei and her mother-in-law, Zhao Guihua. They had captured countless thieves, big and small, becoming the ultimate nemesis for criminals. Any criminal associated with them was basically handing over their achievements.


    Take, for example, Officer Wang from the machinery factory police station. Thanks to the frequent arrests in Ming Mei¡¯s area, he accumulated numerous merits, propelling him all the way to the position of deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Police Bureau. Of course, he was also highly capable, but several major achievements had been tied to Ming Mei¡¯s jurisdiction.


    Not to mention that everyone recently knew Zhao Guihua, the little old lady, found herself embroiled in a big case during a countryside matchmaking trip. Outsiders may not be aware, but insiders knew that Fan Jianguo¡¯s case was snowballing into a massive case involving additional robberies and gambling rings.


    To explain, in urban areas, workers have fixed holidays, but in rural areas, there are periods of slack after the harvest. Some idle men are lured to gambling tables during these times.


    Some gambling dens target these rural men after they¡¯ve sold their harvests. Fraudulent schemes abound.


    These operations often move relentlessly, making them difficult to catch. They¡¯re most active post-harvest and less noticeable later on. But Fan Jianguo was caught up in one of these¡ªa seasoned gambler, he could sniff out the criminal operations like a cat attracted to stinky fish. Right now, the case is still unfolding, looking to become one of the major cases of the year.


    City police have descended, with local stations coordinating, and the merits are spread among all involved.


    However, such opportunities had eluded them so far.


    But fate loves those who stand for justice! Today, they struck gold!


    As soon as he recognized Zhao Guihua, he sprinted toward Ming Mei with his team. Though they¡¯d never formally met, he shouted from a distance: ¡°Sister Ming!¡±


    Brother Wei wailed, ¡°You¡¯re really a cop, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Sobbing uncontrollably!


    This woman was actually a police officer. A bona fide officer setting up a stall¡ªclearly, it was a setup targeting their Tiger Gang.


    These cops were utterly cunning!


    The police officer arrived and, surveying the fallen men, smiled: ¡°Sister Ming, I hear these guys tried to rob on the road? Leave it to me, you can rest assured.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°...?¡±


    She didn¡¯t recognize this police officer.


    Why so familiar?


    But she honestly replied: ¡°They claimed to be part of the Tiger Gang, saying they¡¯ve harassed many women. I¡¯ve taken note¡­¡±


    At this, Brother Wei and his cohorts wailed even louder.


    Sobbing, they realized they¡¯d been trapped!

 Chapter 182

    Brother Wei''s gang was arrested.


    What a "hundred-strong gang," just bragging!


    What harassing women, that¡¯s also nonsensical boasting!


    They were far from as formidable as they claimed, but they weren''t exactly innocent either.


    Although the so-called "hundred-man Wolf Pack" and harassing women were fabrications, they did have cases of theft and extortion tied to their names. With all of these criminals in custody, the police officers weren''t about to let their guard down; they swiftly uncovered more issues through interrogation. It wasn¡¯t that bad guys always ended up crossing paths with Ming Mei, but rather that many people¡¯s first instinct when faced with trouble was to keep the peace rather than report it to the police.


    This emboldened Brother Wei and his gang, allowing their audacity to grow unchecked. The police, however, lacked sufficient information on them and thus couldn¡¯t take action. But these guys had "good luck," or rather bad luck, as they stumbled right into Ming Mei¡¯s hands.


    With just a lever, the police could lift the entire earth. The entire gang was swiftly dismantled by the police.


    Despite Brother Wei¡¯s boastful claims of being part of a formidable hundred-man Tiger Clan, their gang consisted of just over ten people, all of whom were caught this time. They were nowhere near as tough as they pretended to be and quickly confessed once detained.


    It turned out they were involved in stealing steel from the machinery factory.


    That was their primary crime, and while their extortion attempts were limited to bullying the elderly and women, stealing steel was a serious matter.


    Police Officer: ¡°I knew this wasn¡¯t simple. We¡¯ve got them.¡±


    With the investigation reaching its conclusion, Ming Mei and her family earned another commendation. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law returned home elated, their satisfaction palpable from exposing society¡¯s parasites. Ming Mei hummed a tune, while Zhao Guihua sang "Sha Jia Bang."


    The two were indifferent, but the Zhuang family was thoroughly frightened.


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°Old lady, can we not meddle in such affairs anymore? At your age, how can I feel at ease?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi also sighed: ¡°Mother, wife, my heart is racing.¡±


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: ¡°Is it really necessary to react this way? You¡¯re overreacting.¡±


    She put her hands on her hips, stating, ¡°When we encounter such scoundrels, can we just ignore them? Besides, we never go looking for trouble; they come to us. With bad guys at our doorstep, can we just let them off the hook?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Ming Mei added. ¡°When they¡¯re brazen enough to stand in front of me, I have to teach them a lesson. Otherwise, they¡¯ll think women are easy targets.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°You¡¯re right, but as your family, I¡¯m just worried about you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can handle them,¡± Ming Mei reassured with a smile.


    She winked, ¡°These small-time thugs who think they can bully women? I can take on ten of them.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi knew how formidable his wife was and was deeply proud of her. But pride aside, his concern remained. After all, accidents happen, and no matter how capable Ming Mei was, as her husband, he couldn¡¯t help but worry. He squeezed her hand and said, ¡°I¡¯m concerned about you and worry for your safety.¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°I know.¡±


    She grinned sweetly. Of course, she understood what Zhuang Zhixi was worried about. Her man was the best, and she knew that better than anyone.


    Ming Mei¡¯s soft smile revealed her affection, and as their eyes met, a wave of sweetness washed over them. Zhao Guihua was left rolling her eyes at the two. They were both over thirty, yet still so lovey-dovey.


    Just as the family discussed the situation, a commotion broke out outside.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    She stepped out and was surprised to see Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin, two young girls.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­¡±


    How did these two end up here? Where was Guan Guiling, and why didn¡¯t she confront them? It was unclear what had transpired.


    Ming Mei soon joined her, peeking over Zhao Guihua¡¯s shoulder and exclaiming, ¡°Aren¡¯t these Su Jinlai¡¯s two girlfriends? Why are they here?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Two girlfriends?¡±


    Suddenly, Zhou Qun appeared out of nowhere, eager to know more. He quickly approached, asking, ¡°What¡¯s the deal here, Mrs. Zhuang?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°It¡¯s a bit complicated to explain in a sentence or two.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°That¡¯s fine; I¡¯ve got time to spare.¡±


    Gossip wasn¡¯t a waste of time, after all.


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    She waved him off. ¡°Later, my mother-in-law will fill you in.¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot Zhou Qun a glance, saying, ¡°Why are they here?¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°I have no idea.¡±


    Others in the neighborhood also gathered, curious about the situation. Everyone was cautious, watching as Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin faced each other¡ªone glaring angrily, the other silently weeping.


    Wang Xiangxiu sat at her doorstep, looking like a man burdened by life¡¯s struggles, massaging her temples in distress.


    Everyone cautiously observed the unfolding drama. Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei, knowing more than the rest, were all too familiar with such shenanigans. Zhao Guihua whispered, ¡°Two women fighting over one man.¡±


    The crowd gasped.


    In the presence of Guan Hong, the identity of the man in question was obvious.


    However¡­


    Where was Su Jinlai?


    Despite his absence, the battle between the two women raged on.


    Wang Xiangxiu, seemingly at her wit¡¯s end, yelled, ¡°Su Jinlai, you little brat, get out here! You brought these girls here, so deal with them! Don¡¯t dump this mess on me! Am I your servant or something? Get out here!¡±


    Her shouts finally drew Su Jinlai out of the house. He looked hesitant but also somewhat smug. He stood at his doorstep and said to Wang Xiangxiu, ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t we just let them stay?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu was instantly furious: ¡°Let them stay? Why would we let them stay? What excuse would we have to let them stay? Are you out of your mind? Don¡¯t you care about your reputation, but what about these young girls¡¯ reputations?¡±


    Though Wang Xiangxiu wasn¡¯t entirely selfless, she feared that if people talked about her son¡¯s inappropriate relationships, someone might report him.


    She never expected that her son, Su Jinlai, had the audacity to charm two naive girls into coming to their home. It was somewhat reminiscent of her own younger days, but she wished he hadn¡¯t inherited such traits!


    Was it too much to ask for him to live a decent life?


    She took a deep breath, saying, ¡°You two should go home. I can¡¯t let you stay here. It¡¯s not right for you to stay without a proper reason. I¡¯m doing this for your sake.¡±


    While her words stemmed from fear of trouble, they weren¡¯t entirely wrong.


    However, her advice fell on deaf ears.


    Guan Hong, tears in her eyes, said, ¡°Mom, if you don¡¯t take me in, I have nowhere to go. I¡¯m determined not to return home. My parents don¡¯t treat me as a human being; they only want me to marry someone they approve of. This outdated thinking from the old society is something I, as a young pioneer of the new era, must resist.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°Oh, for goodness¡¯ sake! Don¡¯t call me ¡®Mom¡¯; I¡¯m not your mom.¡±


    She felt her scalp tingling, overwhelmed. ¡°If you like, call me Aunt Xiangxiu, but don¡¯t ever call me ¡®Mom¡¯ again. I can¡¯t take on such a title.¡±


    Guan Hong: ¡°Whether it¡¯s Mom or Aunt Xiangxiu, in my heart, you¡¯re like my real mother.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu: ¡°¡­¡±


    Others: ¡°What the¡­¡±


    The elderly ladies in the courtyard were left speechless. They simply couldn¡¯t comprehend the situation unfolding before them.


    Su Jinlai finally spoke up, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t say that. If you call her Mom, how will others view our family? I haven¡¯t even said I¡¯ll marry you.¡±


    Guan Hong stared at Su Jinlai in disbelief, stammering, ¡°But¡­ but¡­ we¡­¡±


    She bit her lip, their intimate past clearly weighing on her mind.


    How could he act as if nothing had happened?


    She felt wronged and her eyes turned red with tears. Then, she seemed to think of something, turning her head to glare fiercely at Zheng Huimin. Zheng Huimin had been weeping silently, looking like a pitiful little thing. When she noticed Guan Hong''s gaze, she turned her teary eyes toward Su Jinlai, uttering softly, "Su Gege~"


    The voice was full of tenderness and nuance, truly evoking a sense of longing.


    She bit her lip softly and sobbed, pleading, "Please, please help me think of a way. If I go home, my mom will beat me to death~"


    Her face was full of sorrow and dependence as she looked at Su Jinlai. But this only incited even more jealousy in Guan Hong. She stared at Zheng Huimin with fiery eyes, cursing, "Little slut! You''re quite skillful for someone so young, aren''t you? So good at snatching men!"


    Zheng Huimin replied softly, "Su Gege is single, so how is it snatching a man?"


    Though she appeared delicate, her words clearly revealed her sharp tongue and cunning nature. Turning toward Wang Xiangxiu, she added, "Aunt Xiangxiu, I can work. Please let me stay. I can do everything, I¡¯m good at working."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed, "This isn¡¯t about whether you can work or not."


    Zheng Huimin began to weep softly once more.


    "Where did this girl come from?"


    "I don¡¯t know. She doesn¡¯t seem from around here. I¡¯ve never seen her before."


    "No idea."


    Aunt Wang moved closer to Zhao Guihua and began gossiping with her old friend, "Tell me, what¡¯s so special about Su Jinlai? How come these girls are throwing themselves at him? Look at all those good young men, yet they¡¯re still single. It¡¯s so unfair!"


    It really was baffling.


    Zhao Guihua could hear the heavy resentment in Aunt Wang¡¯s tone. How could she not be resentful? After all, they both had eligible young men at home, yet Aunt Wang¡¯s two boys had no romantic prospects whatsoever.


    She patted Aunt Wang¡¯s shoulder sympathetically, saying, "My Hu Tou is the same, no one¡¯s interested in him either."


    Aunt Wang rebutted, "But your Hu Tou is a student!"


    Even at the same age, a student and a young worker were worlds apart. People only expected students to study well, but for those already working and earning salaries, the expectations were different.


    At school, parents just hoped their kids would focus on studies. If they started dating, their parents would definitely be upset. But once they graduated, if they hadn¡¯t found a partner within a week, their parents would already start worrying.


    In school, they had to be single, especially during the intense final year of high school.


    So Aunt Wang thought it was entirely different.


    She looked at Guan Hong, then at Zheng Huimin, her gaze shifting back and forth as she mumbled, "They don¡¯t seem dumb, though."


    At that moment, Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin were still locked in their standoff. Wang Xiangxiu absolutely wasn¡¯t letting them in the house, but the two girls gazed pitifully at her, as if she were the evil parent tearing apart two star-crossed lovers.


    But they never thought about how three people¡¯s feelings could ever be balanced.


    Wang Xiangxiu felt so stressed she was drowning in sorrow.


    Just then, Tonglai came back from school. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw everyone staring at his family¡¯s door. He thought, "¡­What¡¯s going on?"


    He stepped forward, asking, "What happened?"


    Wang Xiangxiu was at her wits'' end. She felt like she was swallowing bitter herbs. She said, "Your brother brought two girls back, wanting them to stay in our house."


    Tonglai looked at his older brother and said, "Big Brother, aren¡¯t you supposed to move out and rent a place?"


    Jinlai was momentarily stunned, then quickly glanced at Zhou Qun¡¯s house and responded, "I¡¯ve thought about it, and I don¡¯t have to rent a place after all. After all, we already have a house, why rent elsewhere?"


    He had originally planned to move out and rent, but with both Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin wanting to follow him? He realized he didn¡¯t need to rent a place after all. With two female companions, Zhou Qun wouldn¡¯t dare mess with him, right? So he boldly returned, hoping everyone would see his charm.


    At that moment, he was the coolest kid in the neighborhood.


    He crossed his arms, saying, "Both of them are my friends, and now they have nowhere to go. As a friend, do you honestly think I could just leave them helpless? I¡¯m not that kind of person. It¡¯s settled, don¡¯t rent out our house anymore. Let them stay."


    After saying that, he even gave Li Weiwei a provocative glance.


    Li Weiwei was so furious his hands were trembling. Just as he was about to curse, Wang Xiangxiu spoke up, "No way!"


    She snapped, "This isn¡¯t up to you to decide. Not renting a house? Are you going to pay me rent? You¡¯re barely surviving on the scraps you get here, and now I should sacrifice even more to raise outsiders? You think that¡¯s possible?"


    Su Jinlai retorted, "Mom, why are you always so money-grubbing, so crass?"


    Tonglai chimed in, smiling innocently, presenting himself as harmless as ever. He said, "Since Big Brother isn¡¯t crass, why not pay for living expenses? And since Big Brother isn¡¯t crass, why not just rent a place on your own? Since Big Brother isn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop! Rent, I¡¯ll pay the rent!¡± Guan Hong couldn¡¯t bear to see her man being criticized like that, so she promptly spoke up, ¡°I make thirty-three yuan and fifty cents a month, don¡¯t you think I can afford rent? I won¡¯t freeload.¡±


    Unlike Guan Hong, Zheng Huimin had no formal job or money, so she could only rely on Su Jinlai with a tearful, helpless gaze.


    Su Jinlai¡ªSu Jinlai pretended not to see her.


    Despite appearing tough, this guy had been poor since he was a child, understanding the importance of money. So he was all talk and stingy at heart. He remained silent.


    Guan Hong, proud of herself, said, ¡°You should leave now.¡±


    Zheng Huimin pleaded, ¡°I can work, I can do all the work. Su Gege, please~¡±


    The neighbors watching all shook their heads, muttering, ¡°These girls must have lost their minds.¡±


    Bai Fendou, however, looked Zheng Huimin up and down with some suspicion, saying, ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve seen this girl somewhere before.¡±


    He Lan pinched Bai Fendou, but Bai Fendou insisted, ¡°Ouch, ow! I really think she looks familiar, but I can¡¯t remember where I saw her.¡±


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, ¡°This is Guan Guiling¡¯s daughter.¡±


    The crowd exclaimed, ¡°Oh ho!¡±


    Guan Guiling¡¯s name was infamous throughout the city.


    Not just for her classic extortion stories, but her entanglement with Bai Fendou was well-known¡ªeveryone knew this woman was no good. Looking at Zheng Huimin now, they felt even more wary.


    You couldn¡¯t be too careful.


    This was Guan Guiling¡¯s daughter, a brazen opportunist who only cared about money.


    Seeing everyone¡¯s distrustful eyes, Zheng Huimin didn¡¯t argue with them as she had at Xidan Market. Instead, she covered her face and sobbed softly.


    When Su Jinlai saw her so pitifully crying like that, he finally couldn¡¯t hold back, saying, ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll cover Zheng Huimin¡¯s rent. Just rent the house to them.¡±


    At this news, Zheng Huimin¡¯s lips imperceptibly curled into a small smile.


    Wang Xiangxiu had her brows furrowed tight. She had never expected to be manipulated by her own son. If another two girls like this appeared, she¡¯d surely be driven to spit blood.


    Seething with frustration, Tonglai suddenly spoke up beside her.


    He said, ¡°You want to stay? Fine, but we have no extra room to rent. The most important thing is to be honest. Since we¡¯ve rented out the rooms, we won¡¯t retract the offer. If you want to stay, try staying in Mom¡¯s room. We can partition off one corner and put in bunk beds for you two.¡±


    Pausing, his tone became even kinder, ¡°The rent is twenty yuan a month, per person. If you¡¯re happy to stay, stay. If not, then leave. But, of course, my family prefers it if you don¡¯t stay.¡±


    The meaning was clear¡ªhe was setting such a high price that anyone with sense would back off. After all, twenty yuan a month was outrageous, especially for just a corner with bunk beds. Even the whole room Zhou Qun¡¯s family was renting was only four yuan.


    ¡°You¡¯re too money-hungry,¡± Guan Hong exclaimed, utterly shocked by Su Jinlai¡¯s brother.


    Tonglai smiled bitterly, saying, ¡°I hope you leave.¡±


    He set such a steep price just to ensure their departure. Otherwise, letting his brother bring two girls back to stay would be a mess, and Tonglai couldn¡¯t afford that embarrassment. Twenty yuan was clearly calculated to make them turn back.


    As expected, neither Guan Hong nor Zheng Huimin made a sound.


    Guan Hong bit her lip fiercely and declared, ¡°Since you won¡¯t take me in, I¡¯ll sleep on the pavement in your courtyard. Anyway, I¡¯m following Su Gege!¡±


    She had only been away from Brother Su for a few short days, and already, little vixens were trying to steal him away. She was determined not to leave; he was her man, and no one could take him from her. Their love could withstand any test.


    With that, she looked triumphantly at Zheng Huimin, who bit her lip and equally firmly declared, "I feel the same way."


    Guan Hong really wasn''t a nice person¡ªhow shameless to keep pushing herself on Brother Su when he clearly didn''t like her. This only made her more determined not to back down; otherwise, how could they ever be together?


    The resolute stances of the two women left everyone stunned. They had never seen such devotion before.


    When they looked back at Su Jinlai, he didn''t seem particularly outstanding.


    This was truly perplexing.


    Even Zhuang Zhixi, with his flawless looks, assets, and personality, had never attracted such a swarm of admirers. Ugh, he wasn''t that kind of person! But still, Su Jinlai was just an ordinary guy, so why did women flock to him? Others shared the same thought; it was truly baffling.


    Could it be that the more people fought over something, the more appealing it became?


    Just as the situation was at a standstill and everyone was bewildered, Zhang San raised his hand and announced, "I have a house for rent."


    His words immediately drew everyone''s attention to him. Zhang San shrank back slightly and explained, "My wife and I are planning to move to my mother-in-law''s house. The house will be for rent. If you''re interested, you can come rent it."


    Guan Hong quickly declared, "I''ll take it!"


    Zhang San listed the price: "Eight dollars a month."


    He quickly added, "My place is different from the empty house at the Su''s. Although it''s also just one room, it''s larger, with a partitioned inner and outer area. We recently painted the walls and cleaned up, and even have a pot."


    That said, in reality, such a fully equipped place would usually go for around six dollars, not eight. But hey, if he could make more, why not?


    Guan Hong gritted her teeth. It was too expensive.


    Su Jinlai, watching the two girls, suddenly spoke up, "I''ll rent it."


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin turned their eyes to Su Jinlai simultaneously. He explained, "Whether it''s Guan Hong or Zheng Huimin, you''re both my friends. Since you''re my friends, I can''t just watch you end up homeless. I''ll rent this house, and you two can live together. However..."


    He paused briefly, then continued, "I''ll only cover the rent for one month. After that, you''ll have to figure it out on your own."


    Despite his words, both Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin were moved to tears.


    Su Jinlai smirked smugly.


    Ming Mei, on the other hand, scratched her head so hard she felt like she was about to turn into a frizzy mess. She just couldn''t understand what was happening. What even was this situation?


    Zhang San was quite pleased, saying, "Alright, I''ll immediately get my wife to start packing. You can move in tonight."


    What a great landlord.


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin looked at Su Jinlai, who simply said, "Fine, let''s do it this way."


    Zhang San took the money from Su Jinlai and quickly prepared to move out. Zhuang Zhixi, who was friends with Zhang San, noticing the sudden move, stepped over and asked, "Why are you moving so suddenly?"


    He offered to help pack up.


    Zhang San explained, "Didn''t I mention my dilemma before? It really isn''t right to always be separated from the kids. My wife and I have thought it over and decided to move to my mother-in-law''s place, since there''s room there. Otherwise, the kids... well, it just can''t go on like this. I was still mulling it over, but then today, someone popped up wanting to rent the place. I thought, might as well make some money."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "That¡¯s true. If not for this, you¡¯d never get such a high price."


    "Exactly."


    No one had any objections to Zhang San renting out his house. Life was tough for everyone, so any opportunity to make some extra cash was welcome. However, having both Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin living together could lead to some trouble.


    Su Jinlai was quite the enigma, arranging for two women to live together like that. Even more surprising, both girls agreed without protest.


    Aunt Wang, who lived in the back courtyard, watched Zhang San move out and the two girls move in, her head spinning in astonishment. She¡¯d lived so long and never seen anything like this. She pulled Zhao Guihua aside and muttered, "If only my two grandsons had this kind of charm, they''d probably already be married. I really..."


    Zhao Guihua, being dragged by Aunt Wang, couldn''t help but think of her past life.


    This, once again, brought up memories of her previous life.


    Yes, another mention of the past life.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t want to keep dwelling on her past life, but as she grew older, memories of the past naturally became more frequent. Besides, it was interesting to compare.


    First was her brother, Li Junjun. Li Junjun had always secretly admired Xiaoyan, but she never returned his feelings. After Xiaoyan went to university, she started dating a classmate, and they married after graduation.


    Zhao Guihua genuinely liked her granddaughter-in-law. Though he wasn''t very sociable or flattering, he was honest and straightforward, a typical scholar with no ulterior motives. He and Xiaoyan both became teachers at a key high school in the city after graduation.


    Though they weren''t wealthy, their lives were good, fitting their personalities well.


    Li Junjun, still harboring feelings for Xiaoyan, didn''t marry until several years after she did, dragging on until he was over thirty. By then, it was the 1990s, and without wealth or youth, he ended up with a very ordinary partner.


    His ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????wife was from another place, and they married so she could stay in the capital.Knowing about Li Junjun''s unrequited love for Xiaoyan, she held a deep grudge against the Zhuang family, causing many rifts. As a result, the relationship between the two families grew distant.


    But it must be said, while Li Junjun did indeed like Xiaoyan, he dated others after she got into a relationship, having two failed relationships before meeting his eventual wife. So his wife''s blame on Xiaoyan was somewhat misplaced.


    In the end, their marriage fell apart, and Li Junjun raised their child alone.


    As for Li Weiwei, he was completely different from Li Junjun. He had always wanted to find a partner and was very proactive in dating, marrying early as a result. The reason Zhao Guihua didn''t consider his previous wife when thinking of setting him up was because that woman had caused him serious trouble.


    His previous wife was a local girl, attractive but burdened by her family. They had clicked immediately, and everything seemed great before marriage. However, after marriage, her true colors emerged.


    She was a ruthless "sister raising her brother."


    Even compared to Liang Meifen, she couldn''t hold a candle, matching the likes of Su Pandi from back in the day. Su Pandi had been willing to go to prison for her family, while this woman would send every cent she earned back to her family, almost draining the Li family dry.


    Li Junjun''s divorce, aside from his wife''s resentment over his feelings for Xiaoyan, was also due to the discord with this sister-in-law.


    This woman¡¯s attempts to sell her in-laws'' house to buy a bigger one for her brother, along with stealing the property certificate and forging signatures, had been narrowly avoided, or the family would have ended up on the streets.


    Not to mention, she had also stolen the couple¡¯s retirement savings... there were countless other misdeeds.


    In such circumstances, it¡¯s no surprise that Li Weiwei¡¯s marriage ended in divorce as well.


    So, despite wanting to set up Li Weiwei, Zhao Guihua was in no way considering his previous wife. A pretty appearance couldn¡¯t make up for a messed-up mind, as that would only bring ruin to others.


    Neither of the Li family''s daughter-in-laws had been very good.


    Zhao Guihua looked at Aunt Wang and vaguely thought of Aunt Wang''s worries from her previous life. This old friend of hers didn''t have a good time later on, not because the family was particularly poor, but mainly due to domestic instability. Li Junjun and Li Weiwei were not misbehaved kids; they were hardworking and willing to work.


    However, the marital relationships were not good, and both of them were like that.


    In her previous life, Aunt Wang envied how Tonglai could attract young girls and was eager to introduce partners for her children, hoping they could marry early without much investigation into their character. She had been a matchmaker her entire life, but when it came to her own family, she was blinded by a single leaf.


    In this life, could it be that she is being stimulated again by Su Jinlai?


    She pulled Aunt Wang and said earnestly, "This proverb says, ''A bad wife can ruin three generations,'' you must have heard it before, right? You mustn''t be envious of the Su family. Those two girls, their brains aren''t exactly sharp. If someone like that takes a fancy to your grandson, as parents, you must think more. You can''t just rush into marriage. It''s like buying a pig¡ªyou need to check the pen, or else there will be plenty of regrets later on."


    Aunt Wang, although she envied that young lad Su Jinlai for having two big girls liking him, also nodded in agreement, saying, "That''s true, we definitely don''t want our family to be involved with Guan Guiling''s daughter."


    But if the conversation had ended there, she suddenly remembered: "How do you know she''s Guan Guiling''s daughter?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I saw her today, of course."


    She immediately began to recount today''s events, and in a flash, a crowd gathered. That gossiping heart, everyone has it¡­


    Even Wang Xiangxiu came over, silently listening to what her son had done today, her face dark as night, but she didn''t miss a single word. When she finished listening, she felt a surge of blood, so enraged that she stumbled back home.


    She was full of anger.


    Of course, this anger wasn''t directed at Zhao Guihua and the others, but at her son, Su Jinlai.


    Whether she was called selfish or biased, these years she had lived through with her second son and youngest son. The eldest only ever asked for money or caused trouble. She began to pity Jinlai and saved money for him to improve their living conditions, but the child took it all for granted. Even after returning home for over a year, he relied entirely on her for support, a twenty-something-year-old man. Her heart slowly cooled, and she began to show favoritism, so she was genuinely troubled, afraid that Jinlai would affect Yinlai''s chances of marrying and Tonglai''s chances of passing the university entrance exam.


    Wang Xiangxiu returned home with a black face, and Tonglai remained calm: "Mom, don''t get too worked up. Just let him be."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I''m afraid he''ll affect you. Besides, if he keeps sheltering those two girls, won''t their families come looking for me? How will this reflect on our family?"


    Tonglai stepped forward, pulling his mother to sit down and massaging her shoulders, saying, "Mom, tomorrow you should go find Guan Hong''s second aunt, she works in the same factory as you, right? Go apologize to her like this¡­"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Do you think that will make her forgive me?"


    "No, but we don''t have any other options. We can only do this. Even if she has only a few thoughts about it, our action will show our attitude to the people around us. Moreover, this matter wasn''t your fault to begin with." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tonglai comforted Wang Xiangxiu: "We can''t control our brother, so what else can we do?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "That''s true."


    "Mom, live life as usual. As for your worries about us, I think it''s fine. Maybe brother will even highlight our virtues. So don''t worry."


    "Alright."


    Probably because Tonglai was good at comforting people, Wang Xiangxiu was no longer as angry.


    As the mother of the main characters, Wang Xiangxiu had indeed been furious, but Tonglai was good at soothing her, and she felt much better. However, the parents of the two girls were about to be furious.


    Guan Guiling never expected that she would be stabbed in the back by her own daughter.


    Usually, whenever she defrauded people, her daughter would usually cooperate, or else how could they live? Not relying on ripping people off, how could they survive? So she never doubted her daughter, but she couldn''t have imagined that this time it backfired.


    She never expected that her daughter would leave her on a bench in the hospital hall and run off with a man. Even worse, some unlucky person even took the money from her pocket.


    Inhuman, truly inhuman.


    Guan Guiling, without a sucker, would never spend money on hospital fees, so she dragged herself home, wailing hysterically. Despite this, she had to force herself to cook for her husband and son. No matter what, she couldn''t let the men go hungry.


    As she cooked, she shed tears, feeling how bitter her life was, even more bitter than Huanglian. How could her own daughter be so inconsiderate? She had five dollars in her pocket, and that was gone too.


    The more she thought, the more she cried. Zheng Yufeng walked in and saw her like that, his eyebrows knitting in disgust.


    Although he was over forty, Zheng Yufeng was well-maintained, looking like he was only in his mid-thirties. After all, he hadn''t worked these years, and even a tiny bit of trouble would send him to the hospital for rest. He had a good life at home, eating the best, as anything good in the house went straight into his mouth.


    After all, he was a man and a patient.


    Zheng Yufeng looked well-maintained, quite unreserved, and when standing next to Guan Guiling, he could easily pass for her son. However, Zheng Yufeng''s entrance was gentle, his eyes full of disdain, but his words were pleasant: "What''s wrong? Who bullied you?"


    Guan Guiling: "It''s that eldest girl, this dead girl can''t keep her legs from opening when she sees a man. She met someone once and threw herself at him. Today, I had a great chance to get something, but I missed it. She ran off with some wild boy, what good is such a daughter to me?"


    Zheng Yufeng frowned: "What wild boy?"


    He was dissatisfied: "This girl got acquainted with some wild boy outside? Didn''t I say to introduce her to Fan Debiao from the alley? Did you mention this to her?"


    Guan Guiling immediately: "No, how could I? Nothing is certain yet, I naturally wouldn''t say too much. However, Yufeng, isn''t Fan Debiao''s condition a bit too poor? He''s only three years younger than you, divorced, and without a job. He''s even disfigured, how could such a condition compare to our daughter?"


    Zheng Yufeng: "Typical woman''s viewpoint, you only see these things, but you don''t see that Fan Debiao lives a good life? Although he doesn''t work, he secretly does business, with plenty of money. I see him every few days with pig head meat and alcohol; he doesn''t have many tricks, and if he becomes our son-in-law, he''ll still be filial to us. I know it''s a bit unfair for the eldest girl, but who made her born into our family? There always has to be some sacrifices. Wife, don''t you think I don''t care for her? But Fan Debiao isn''t a bad person. Besides, I also want you to live a good life; these years haven''t been easy for you. Our bodies aren''t in great shape, and as we age, we certainly need someone to support us. I think this son-in-law is fine; I''m also doing this for you."


    Guan Guiling was immediately touched, saying: "I know you care about me the most."


    Zheng Yufeng: "You''re my wife, who else would I care about? We find a rich son-in-law, and later the eldest''s life will be better. The son always needs to support the household."


    Guan Guiling: "I understand this, so I don''t let her go with that man, but who knew that girl took advantage of me not being able to hold on and sneaked away. You don''t know, this damned girl even lusts after your job."


    Zheng Yufeng: "This insensible one."


    Guan Guiling also felt bitter in her heart, saying: "I raised her this big, truly doesn''t know how to be grateful."


    Pausing, she said: "Yufeng, should we give the job to the eldest?"


    "No way!"


    Zheng Yufeng resolutely: "You give the job to him, he takes the salary himself, young people can''t hold money, maybe he''ll spend it, there are still two little ones at home. The salary has to be in your hands. Don''t give it to him."


    Guan Guiling: "Alright."


    She had always been submissive to her husband, dedicating her entire life to Zheng Yufeng. Originally, due to his poor health, they had planned to find someone to move in with them to help out, but by mistake, it never happened. Later, she discovered that she could extort money by feigning injuries, so she was willing to hurt herself instead, as she certainly didn''t want another man in her life.


    She said, "I¡¯ll do whatever you say."


    Zheng Yufeng''s eyes flashed with disgust as he replied, "Then you¡¯d better pay attention to the matter of our eldest daughter. Find her and bring her back. How dare she run off with another man? Disgraceful. Bring her home and marry her off quickly. But you have to keep this a secret. If she doesn¡¯t come back, it could ruin our plans."


    Guan Guiling responded, "Don¡¯t worry!"


    Zheng Yufeng nodded in approval.


    The couple¡¯s arrangement was unknown to their daughter, Zheng Huimin, who was currently staring daggers at Guan Hong, despite living together in the same room. However, Zheng Huimin felt a sense of relief. Her family had many children, and life was always tight, living in crowded conditions with her siblings on bunk beds. This was her first time living in such spacious surroundings.


    Although she despised Guan Hong, she was glad to have such a privilege. She thought Su Jinlai was an exceptionally good person for offering help to a stranger.


    Her cheeks flushed slightly as she felt fortunate.


    Glancing at Guan Hong, she thought the woman was just taking advantage of the situation. If it weren¡¯t for Su Jinlai''s kindness, how could he help someone like her? In reality, he didn¡¯t like her at all. Guan Hong had the same thoughts, believing Zheng Huimin was being overly presumptuous. How dare she follow a man she had just met for the first time home? What a shameless woman. Guan Hong was determined to deal with her eventually.


    This woman dared to compete for a man with her? She would never back down.


    Guan Hong had made up her mind. She absolutely couldn¡¯t let go of Brother Su. Despite the many obstacles and challenges, wasn¡¯t that proof of their love? Only true love, destined couples, faced such trials. In romance novels, the hero and heroine always went through turmoil, filled with love and despair.


    Guan Hong imagined herself as the leading lady in a romance novel, radiating love and determination.


    She had to fight against her decaying family.


    She would sacrifice everything for love!


    As she thought about this, she became more and more serious. She looked at Zheng Huimin and said, "Don¡¯t you dare steal him from me."


    Zheng Huimin bit her lip and replied, "I won¡¯t give up either."


    The two women locked eyes, glaring at each other. Meanwhile, in the next room, Zhao Guihua eavesdropped against the wall, while Old Man Zhuang hesitated to listen in. After all, it was a room occupied by young ladies. He whispered, "Did you catch anything they said?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head. "I can¡¯t hear clearly. Their sleeping partitions are on that side, and it¡¯s odd they aren¡¯t pulling each other¡¯s hair out."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Zhao Guihua: "It¡¯s truly strange. How can they live together? Enemies in love sharing a room¡ªremarkable endurance."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Su Jinlai must have ill intentions. He probably wants to keep both of them."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Tsk, tsk, tsk!"


    The arrival of these two young women stirred up gossip among the neighbors. Some were excited by the scandal, while others, like Bai Fendou, felt pure disgust. He ranted at home, "Guan Guiling isn¡¯t a good woman, nor is her daughter. How dare they move into our courtyard? Just looking at them makes me sick. What kind of rubbish are they? Absolutely nauseating. That Su Jinlai bastard is disgusting. He¡¯s a modern Ximen Qing, bringing women home. If he pisses me off, I¡¯ll report him for promiscuous behavior."


    He Lan brought the dishes to the table and said, "Why are you so worked up? What do their affairs have to do with you? If you know they¡¯re not good people, just stay away. I think Su Jinlai isn¡¯t a good guy either. Let¡¯s just live our lives."


    "I know, but I can¡¯t help getting angry when I think about them," Bai Fendou grumbled. "Oh, by the way, tomorrow I want to buy a tricycle. Will you come with me?"


    He Lan replied, "You¡¯re the head of the household, you decide."


    Bai Fendou said, "That won¡¯t do. I didn¡¯t study much, and I¡¯m not sure about some things. For something as big as a tricycle, you have to come with me."


    He Lan thought about it and smiled, nodding in agreement.


    Bai Qingqing, sitting at the table eating, asked with her big eyes, "Mom, are we getting a tricycle?"


    He Lan answered, "Yes, we¡¯re getting a tricycle. Your dad just decides things on a whim. He wants to pull a tricycle home from work."


    Bai Qingqing excitedly said, "Then we¡¯ll have a tricycle! When Dad takes me out to play, I can also ride the tricycle."


    He Lan chuckled, "That¡¯s right, and it¡¯s free too."


    Bai Fendou laughed and said, "When Dad makes his first sale, I¡¯ll buy you ice cream."


    "Great!" Bai Qingqing chimed in enthusiastically.


    He Lan playfully scolded, "You spoil her. Is it okay to eat ice cream at this time? It¡¯s a waste of money."


    "My daughter eating ice cream? That¡¯s not a waste at all," Bai Fendou defended.


    Bai Qingqing nodded happily.


    He Lan smiled, "You two, really¡­"


    Bai Qingqing said, "I love Dad the most."


    "Alright, alright, you love him the most. Now, eat up," He Lan replied.


    The arrival of Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin sparked a lot of discussion. Everyone in the neighborhood had something to say. Zhuang Zhixi and his wife also sighed over it at home. Even when going to the toilet, the thought of it made him shake his head. Every year has its oddities, and this year seems no different.


    As he walked, someone called out, "Little Zhuang Bro."


    Zhuang Zhixi stopped, turned, and was somewhat surprised to see the person. He said, "Hu Huihui? It¡¯s you."


    Hu Huihui smiled brightly and said, "Yes, I¡¯m visiting my cousin."


    She gazed at Zhuang Zhixi deeply and said, "No matter how many times I see you, Little Zhuang Bro, you always look so young. It makes me jealous."


    She softly added, "I wonder if I could have the honor of inviting you to have a meal together sometime. Let¡¯s go to the Moscow Restaurant."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and replied, "No need for a meal. We¡¯re not that close, and if my wife finds out, she¡¯ll be upset. The biggest advantage I have is that I¡¯m afraid of my wife."


    His words were so straightforward.


    Hu Huihui felt she couldn¡¯t quite understand Zhuang Zhixi. Sometimes, he seemed to have high emotional intelligence, capable of saying such bluntly un-EQ things, rejecting someone so directly that it left them feeling uncomfortable. Yet at other times, she remembered how he had conducted himself back when she was in the revolutionary committee, interacting with various factory publicity departments with ease. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t low in emotional intelligence.


    She lowered her eyes and said, "Well, you¡¯re making it sound like we¡¯re strangers. Why don¡¯t we invite Ming Mei along too? Since I¡¯m treating, I¡¯d naturally invite both of you."


    She smiled. "I used to live in the same courtyard as Ming Mei, and we were good friends back then."


    That was a blatant lie. She hardly spoke to Ming Mei.


    Frankly, she had once harbored some jealousy towards Ming Mei. She wasn¡¯t outstanding in any particular way, yet there was an undeniable charm about her. Every aspect of her life was just slightly better than average, making her the kind of person others envied. Hu Huihui had struggled hard, married an older man, and was now scheming for her future. Yet, Ming Mei seemed to effortlessly obtain what they worked so hard for.


    They walked a hundred steps, while she was still at the starting line.


    Hu Huihui lowered her gaze, quickly repressing her envy. She was content with her life now. She had surpassed Ming Mei¡¯s happiness. Now, others envied her¡ªshe didn¡¯t need to envy anyone else. She took a deep breath, adjusted her mindset, and said, "Let¡¯s meet up another day."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and replied, "We¡¯ll see, everyone¡¯s busy."


    He didn''t say yes, nor did he say no.


    Hu Huihui nodded and said, "Alright, I''ll take my leave then. I still need to go to my cousin''s place."


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at Hu Huihui. She was carrying quite a lot of stuff, bags and bundles everywhere. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Go ahead, see you later."


    He went straight to the bathroom, while Hu Huihui made her way to the Su residence.


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced back at her retreating figure, blinked, and thought to himself: Is this Hu Huihui here to play matchmaker again?


    He was curious and wanted to sneak a peek, but eavesdropping at someone''s doorstep just didn''t feel right. It was curious, yet inappropriate to listen in.


    Zhuang Zhixi slowly finished his business in the bathroom and walked back. On his way, he ran into Grandpa Lan Sihai and his wife returning from outside. No need to guess, it was obvious they had been out for a meal. Their life seemed quite leisurely.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Grandpa, back home?"


    Lan Sihai gave Zhuang Zhixi a glance and handed him a newspaper, saying, "Go home and take a look."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and replied, "Got it."


    They returned together to their courtyard. It was already dark. Zhuang Zhixi closed the gate and strolled back home. Ming Mei was at that moment tidying up some bell-bottom trousers. Although today''s sales weren¡¯t as good as the previous two days, they were still decent, and the remaining stock should sell out by tomorrow.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "How¡¯s it going?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Not much left."


    She glanced back and then whispered mysteriously, "Hu Huihui is here."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I know, I met her earlier."


    Ming Mei said, "I wonder what she wants."


    It wasn¡¯t that they were overly curious, but Hu Huihui was known to be someone who never did anything without personal gain. She hadn¡¯t contacted Wang Xiangxiu in years, indicating their relationship was shallow. So her sudden visit likely had some ulterior motive.


    Ming Mei said, "I really want to eavesdrop."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "No need to eavesdrop. If she¡¯s scheming against anyone in their house, it¡¯s probably Su Jinlai. Just wait a few days and see if Su Jinlai walks with wobbly legs, then you¡¯ll know."


    Ming Mei: "¡­¡­"


    She gave Zhuang Zhixi a playful glare and said, "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    She pointed at the newspaper in his hand. "What¡¯s that you¡¯re holding?"


    "This? A newspaper. Grandpa gave it to me, said to take a look."


    Zhuang Zhixi unfolded the newspaper and began to read it carefully. If it weren¡¯t important, Grandpa wouldn¡¯t have handed it to him specifically. He leaned against the kang (a traditional brick bed used for sitting or sleeping in northern China) and started reading. "Huh?"


    "What is it?"


    Ming Mei leaned over, and they found that the newspaper wasn¡¯t one commonly sold in the market. Instead, it was an unusual local newspaper from elsewhere¡ªThe Clivia Gazette.


    Ming Mei said, "Clivia? We have some at home, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Yes, we do. Let me see."


    Ming Mei obediently sat beside him, craning her neck to look.


    "Pfft, this paper claims that clivias can prolong life and beautify the skin¡­" Zhuang Zhixi almost laughed out loud. "My goodness, who would believe such nonsense? And it¡¯s printed in a newspaper?"


    "Wow, clivias are worth a fortune, with one pot being sold for fifty thousand yuan? Is that even real?"


    "A terminally ill old man was miraculously cured after consuming a piece of clivia¡­ Was that a leaf or a pill? And ''a piece''? And ''miraculously cured''??"


    As Zhuang Zhixi read the content of the newspaper, he felt like he was reading a fairy tale. Everything seemed so fake, yet the newspaper itself, despite being a local one, was a legitimately published edition.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­"


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes widened. "Are these¡­ really worth so much? I¡¯ve never heard of that."


    Zhuang Zhixi read on, from initial shock to furrowing his brows. Ming Mei sat beside him, asking, "What do you think?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "This thing is valuable."


    He paused and added, "Maybe even more so if we hold onto it, but not for long."


    Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi curiously. "Why do you say that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and said, "Because it¡¯s scientifically impossible for clivias to prolong life. As far as ornamental value goes, these plants aren¡¯t something you can¡¯t grow anymore. Even if they¡¯re hard to grow, they aren¡¯t impossible. So the market will always exist. Something so ubiquitous can¡¯t be priceless. Even if it¡¯s hyped up, the bubble will inevitably burst."


    Ming Mei almost wanted to clap for her husband.


    He was so clear-headed.


    She didn¡¯t understand these things, and for a moment, she felt tempted. But after Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s analysis, Ming Mei calmed down. She fully agreed with his reasoning and nodded. "You¡¯re right, that makes sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I just don¡¯t know how long this frenzy will last."


    He pursed his lips and continued, "One pot for fifty thousand yuan¡ªthat¡¯s way more than what we earn by selling clothes¡­"


    He glanced at their own clivia and said, "Even if ours isn¡¯t worth that much, it should still be worth a few thousand. The market prices are getting insane. I can¡¯t tell if this is the peak."


    Ming Mei was surprisingly calm at this point. She said, "Let¡¯s ask Mother-in-law."


    She stated firmly, "Mother-in-law has more experience. She must know about these things."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled at his wife. "You really trust my mom."


    "Because Mother-in-law is amazing. You have to believe that some people are just naturally talented," Ming Mei said firmly. "Since she¡¯s been reborn, she¡¯s bound to be incredible. Mother-in-law is the best. Whatever she says, I follow. If we don¡¯t understand, we should listen to the expert."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed loudly. "Hahaha, when did my mom become an expert? You¡¯re so funny, little flatterer! You even flatter her when she¡¯s not around. Alright, fine, I¡¯ll ask Mom tomorrow. But tomorrow afternoon, I plan to visit the flower market."


    Ming Mei was surprised. "There¡¯s a flower market in our city?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Surprised, right? It¡¯s been around for a while. It was closed for about a decade due to policy changes, but now it¡¯s reopened. It¡¯s technically an outdoor open area, but it¡¯s quite lively."


    Ming Mei blinked. "You say ''it¡¯s quite lively''¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Grandpa told me."


    Ming Mei rubbed her cheeks, sighing, "My grandpa is truly remarkable."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and folded the newspaper neatly. "Perhaps this is a good opportunity."


    Ming Mei asked, "What opportunity?"


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s expression turned serious as he smiled and said, "To get rich!"


    Next up, a new novel coming soon:


    My Uncle is the Control Group of the Male Protagonist in Era Literature


    In the Qing Shui Village, there were two widowers.


    They were like a pair of contrasting groups.


    One was hardworking and dedicated; the other was lazy and cunning.


    One was steadfast and tough, with a resolute character; the other was weak and indecisive, with a delicate appearance and weak physique.


    One had a melodramatic name, Gu Xiangzhi, perfectly suited for a romance novel; the other was called Wang Baoya, a generic name from the Hundred Family Surnames.


    One was surrounded by damsels in distress¡ªa white-blossomed maiden who bumped her head, a charming young woman from the countryside who fell into the water, and a beautiful village girl who tumbled down a hill. The other was surrounded by robust widows, a village bully sister as strong as an ox, and various wealthy women.


    One had a seven-year-old daughter, Gu Xiangzhi, who could manage the household and cook a variety of dishes. The other had a mischievous daughter, Wang Baoya, who did everything except work.


    One rode the wave of reform and opening up, striving tirelessly; the other happily dined on soft rice, earning the title of troublemaker of Qing Shui Village, having successfully collected seven stepmothers for his daughter.


    The village adults all shook their heads: The Wang fifth and his daughter will end up ruining themselves.


    But the village kids were the most envious of Baoya.


    Baoya had seven mothers, all of whom loved her dearly.


    The happy little Baoya, sword in hand, roams the world!

 Chapter 183

    "What!"


    Wang Xiangxiu glared at Hu Huihui, feeling as though she could lunge forward and scratch her at any moment. She was like a raging bull, nostrils flaring, and suddenly exploded: "Hu Huihui, get out of my house! I knew you weren''t any good, always pushing my son into those shady deeds. Are you even human?"


    In an instant, Hu Huihui was berated to the core.


    However, despite being scolded, Hu Huihui remained unruffled and calm. She didn''t move from her seat but spoke quietly: "Sister, I''m doing this for your family. Your son is a grown man without a job, just sitting around wasting resources. Sure, it might not sound honorable, but if you don''t tell, who would know? And even if they do, when you''re in dire straits, do you really think others will lend you a hand?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You..."


    She grabbed Hu Huihui by the arm, and Su Jinlai quickly stepped in to stop the fight, saying: "What are you doing, Mom? Why are you so angry? Auntie hasn''t said anything wrong."


    Wang Xiangxiu trembled with rage: "She wants you to do that kind of work, and you think she''s right?"


    Su Jinlai felt a bit uneasy but still insisted: "What''s wrong with that kind of work? It''s just a one-time thing."


    Once it happened once, the second time came easily.


    The first time, Su Jinlai hesitated, but by the second, he was quite willing.


    His eyes shone with eagerness as he looked at Hu Huihui and asked: "Auntie, how much will I get this time?"


    Hu Huihui held up a hand showing five fingers.


    Su Jinlai''s eyes dimmed slightly. Hu Huihui explained: "This time, it''s only half of what you got last time, but it''s just one person. You''ll accompany her for a week."


    Hearing it was just one person, Su Jinlai visibly relaxed. Last time, it had been three people¡ªthree ferocious foreign women who seemed like they wanted to devour him.


    He had been helpless, unable to resist, and the memory still brought immense discomfort. Back then, he had sworn never to do this again; it was just too hard, and he''d rather die than be a gigolo.


    But... time passed, the pain faded, and now the allure of money rekindled his determination. He wavered instantly, thinking, one person should be manageable.


    Hu Huihui, of course, could read Su Jinlai''s thoughts.


    She said: "Jinlai, I wouldn''t come to you if it weren''t important. This time, it''s a foreigner, but actually a Chinese visiting from abroad. She heard about your reputation while shopping at Xidan and wanted to experience it herself. Ordinary people wouldn''t offer that much. You understand? This price is due to your fame!"


    Su Jinlai was stunned.


    Wang Xiangxiu felt like she might faint.


    Yinlai and Tonglai, peeking from the inner room, couldn''t help but stick their heads out... Wang Xiangxiu shouted: "Get back inside!"


    The two quickly ducked back in.


    Hu Huihui didn''t care about this. Whether it was Jinlai, Yinlai, or Tonglai, none of them were special to her. But Jinlai was famous and could earn her money, so she was willing to interact with him.


    "The lady has heard of your reputation and is eager to meet you. Don''t worry, during this time, you''ll stay with her in a hotel. She''ll cover all your expenses."


    Hu Huihui added with gravity: "This is a great opportunity to make money."


    Su Jinlai: "Sure."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "You scoundrel!"


    She slapped her son across the face. Su Jinlai, after being hit, retorted impatiently: "Mom, enough! You can''t give me five hundred dollars, so what''s wrong with me earning some money? Besides, I''m young and strong. What''s wrong with making money this way? The client is a big fan, after all. It wouldn''t be right to disappoint her."


    "You, you, you!"


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at her eldest son and realized he had truly gone astray. No matter what she said, it was futile. Taking a deep breath, she said: "Do as you please."


    Su Jinlai: "Auntie, see..."


    Hu Huihui: "I''ll come pick you up tomorrow."


    She smiled and said: "Think about it. You''re promoting cultural exchange with foreign visitors, fostering goodwill between people. What''s not to like? And when you look at it closely, you''re technically working. Your job is accompanying foreign guests, like being a guide."


    Could this be justified like that?


    Su Jinlai''s eyes lit up: "That makes perfect sense."


    Hu Huihui gave a subtle smile: "Alright, since you agree, I''ll take my leave."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Take these things with you. We don''t want them."


    Despite her words, Hu Huihui didn''t take them back but said with a smile: "Sister, keep them. It''s for the kids'' nourishment."


    She spoke softly: "The child is grown; you can''t control everything. Let him find his way and save some money. Earning while young is always better than struggling when old, right?"


    "Get out!"


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t want to hear any more from her.


    Hu Huihui wasn''t angry; she didn''t mind when money was involved.


    She said: "Goodbye, Sister."


    Wang Xiangxiu seethed: "I never want to see you again."


    Even if her son was a disappointment, he was still her child. All she could blame was Hu Huihui for leading him astray.


    Hu Huihui genuinely said: "I swear, I''m not taking a single penny. May I be struck by lightning if I lie. I just want your family to earn some money. Moreover, I don''t think there''s anything wrong with a man doing this. If you had a daughter, I wouldn''t approach you."


    These words are left for the individuals to interpret.


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t care what she said, pointing to the door: "Leave!"


    Hu Huihui shrugged: "Think about it. I mean no harm."


    She left quickly, already calculating how much she could make. Not from Su Jinlai''s deal, though. That was her gesture to curry favor. The five hundred yuan was actually her contribution.


    Her real goal was to secure the TV sets from the wealthy lady, shipped from Hong Kong. If she could pamper the lady well, flipping that batch of TVs could net her a tidy profit.


    She usually dealt in fake antiques, but the profits weren''t stable, with some stingy foreigners.


    But TVs were a different story.


    Smiling, she swiftly left the alley.


    Hu Huihui came and went quickly, leaving the Su family in a heavy atmosphere. Wang Xiangxiu was so angry she couldn''t eat.


    The family had already been furious over Su Jinlai''s actions, not feeling like eating. It was Tonglai''s persuasion that got her to prepare a meal, and then... Hu Huihui showed up. Although Hu Huihui seemed well-meaning, Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t trust her.


    Moreover, even if Hu Huihui had good intentions, a grown man engaging in such activities wasn''t respectable. The humiliation didn''t bother her as much as the physical toll it would take.


    Wang Xiangxiu was extremely worried: "What will happen in the future?"


    Su Jinlai, however, was utterly unfazed: "Mom, you''re overthinking it. Auntie even lets her husband do this, and she doesn''t care. What''s the big deal?"


    "What!!!" Wang Xiangxiu was shocked. But quickly, she shook her head firmly: "Your aunt may be fine with it, but no wealthy lady would!"


    Su Jinlai: "Hey, you can''t be sure. Auntie herself said so."


    Wang Xiangxiu scoffed: "Impossible. Use your head. Her husband is over fifty; what would a wealthy lady want with him? His age? His old body? No way!"


    Su Jinlai insisted: "Last time, Auntie said her husband also entertained guests."


    Tonglai looked at his older brother, seriously doubting they were actually brothers. His brother''s reasoning skills were suspect. He worriedly said: "What she means by entertaining guests is just that¡ªpure hosting. Not what you''re thinking."


    He looked at his brother with concern, feeling his sibling''s mind might be a bit off. He said: "Mom''s right. Over fifty years old; is the lady crazy? Young guys aren''t appealing? Look at you; you''ve got quite the reputation. What does her husband have?"


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    Tonglai: "Mom, don''t be angry. Let big brother do whatever he wants. It''s better than following those street hooligans around. At least sleeping with rich women isn''t a crime, but if he got involved in something illegal, that would be a disaster."


    His words carried a clear implication.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "???"


    Tonglai: "I just heard in the yard that the gang stealing steel from the machinery factory was caught. If Big Brother had mixed with such people, he''d be in big trouble."


    Su Jinlai immediately became uneasy.


    As Tonglai spoke, he kept his gaze fixed on Su Jinlai. Noticing his nervousness, he asked, "Did you get involved? You should know the consequences if you did."


    Su Jinlai was instantly frightened. Sure, he liked to show off, but he definitely didn''t want to go to jail. He had already spent a few years in a juvenile detention center and found the place unbearable. He had heard that prison was even worse.


    In the detention center, he had a friend whose older brother was in prison, and rumors said you had to be careful about... well, certain... matters.


    Su Jinlai, a proud man who could battle with women for days, would never accept anything involving men. He frantically defended himself, "I-I-I wasn''t really involved. I just stood guard twice, and they used me as a decoy. They only gave me ten yuan for those two times."


    He was quite irritated just thinking about it.


    He added, "I may have boasted about being part of it, but in reality, I wasn''t."


    Tonglai: "How exactly did they use you as a decoy?"


    He pressed him for details.


    Su Jinlai: "They didn''t trust me at all. All the information they gave me was fake. They were distracting me, playing tricks on me."


    Thinking about it made him even angrier.


    Su Jinlai felt he had to clarify: "I may steal things, but I don''t dare to steal big money. My petty thefts are just a few yuan or maybe a chicken. You know that."


    In truth, he had tried multiple times to join their gang, but they found him too cowardly and weren''t interested in taking him along.


    Tonglai nodded, "As long as you weren''t fully involved, that''s fine."


    His eyes flickered as he said, "So, what''s the name of the person you were in contact with?"


    Su Jinlai: "He''s called Monkey. He actually wanted to go solo too, but neither of us could pull it off. Monkey''s boss, who stole the steel, is called Black Brother."


    He wasn''t sure if they were the ones caught today, but...


    Tonglai let out a long "Oh" and suddenly changed the subject, asking, "So, what are you going to do with the two sisters in the backyard for the next week?"


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    He said, "I''ll go and tell them."


    He walked out the door and headed to the backyard.


    Wang Xiangxiu was truly alarmed. She asked, "Tonglai, is there really nothing to worry about?"


    Tonglai: "As long as Big Brother wasn''t lying, then there''s no issue. If he didn''t actually participate, he''s fine. I think his expression shows he was telling the truth. Plus, if I were running a criminal gang, I wouldn''t take him either. He''s an idiot."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    Tonglai lowered his eyes slightly and then added, "But just to prevent Big Brother from getting desperate for money and taking this path again, and also to do the right thing, I''ve decided to report Black Brother and his gang. If they were the ones caught today, so be it. If not, eliminating another gang is still a good thing."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    Tonglai: "With all of them in prison, Big Brother won''t have anyone to help him if he wants to do dirty stuff. With his personality, he can''t make real friends anyway. Monkey and the others were all people he knew from the detention center. Now that they''re all locked up, Big Brother will be all alone, which is great."


    He spoke solemnly, "Let him mess around with those women¡ªas long as he doesn''t get caught, it''s fine. It''s better than him stealing."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "What you''re saying does make some sense."


    Yinlai: "???"


    "I''ll report Black Brother and the others."


    Wang Xiangxiu was a bit worried: "What if someone comes to get revenge?"


    Tonglai: "Don''t worry, Auntie Ming will know who to trust and whose mouth is tight. Besides," he paused, "they just caught one gang, so if another one crops up, they''ll just think it''s dog-eat-dog business. They won''t suspect someone turned them in."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Alright, I''ll trust you on this."


    Late at night, Tonglai came knocking. Zhuang Zhixi: "This little scoundrel."


    He got up to open the door and said, "I was about to sleep. What are you doing?"


    Tonglai: "Sorry to disturb you, Uncle Zhuang. I came to ask..."


    He explained quickly, and Ming Mei, hearing it, said, "I''ll take you there tomorrow."


    Tonglai nodded: "Thank you, Auntie."


    Ming Mei: "You''re welcome."


    Tonglai didn''t delay their rest. Ming Mei, rubbing her temples, said, "Tomorrow I''m going to face a barrage of questioning again."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you like it, go ahead."


    He added, "Before, you couldn''t let go because the kids were young, but now that they''re older, if you enjoy it, you should go."


    Ming Mei hesitated and admitted frankly, "I do like it, but I''m also afraid I might not do a good job. You know, this isn''t a small matter. I''m afraid I might not be suited for it and, if I make a mistake, it could lead to serious consequences. This isn''t something minor."


    She ruffled her hair and said, "If it were about teaching them martial arts, I''d be fine with it. That''s something I''m good at, something I''m confident in. But if it''s solving crimes, look at me¡ªI''m just an ordinary person with no experience in that. If I mess up, it could harm others. No, no, no."


    Ming Mei flopped onto the bed and said, "I won''t push myself. I''m not suited for that."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then think about it some more."


    Smiling, he said, "Shall I come with you tomorrow?"


    Ming Mei: "That''s not necessary."


    It was just some extra nagging, nothing serious.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, let''s sleep."


    Ming Mei gave a slight smile and said, "Are you going to grow some Clivia plants?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, I thought I''d stock up while they''re not trendy here, and if they become valuable, we can profit."


    But he also honestly added, "If it doesn''t work out, we can just enjoy them as decoration. Don''t blame me, okay?"


    Ming Mei looked deeply at Zhuang Zhixi. He winked at her, and she burst out laughing, saying, "Okay."


    "You''re really not worried about losing money?"


    Ming Mei: "Not at all. We can always make more. I trust you. And I''ve calculated it, and with this sale, splitting the profits 50-50 with your mom, we''ll have about 10,000 yuan. You''re not going to spend all of that."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s true."


    Ming Mei: "Alright, let''s get some sleep."


    Zhuang Zhixi moved closer to his wife and gently embraced her...


    As expected, Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, cleared out all the bell-bottom pants by the fourth day. After packing up, they returned home and calculated the profits, returning the initial investment to Zhao Guihua and splitting the rest, with each ending up with 10,500 yuan.


    Ming Mei couldn''t believe she had become a "ten-thousand-yuan household." She was so excited her breathing quickened.


    Zhao Guihua, on the other hand, remained calm. Ming Mei was in awe. She exclaimed, "Mom, the way you stay so calm makes me look so useless."


    Zhao Guihua shot her a glance and said, "You are pretty useless. Getting excited over just 10,000 yuan."


    Ming Mei chuckled.


    Zhao Guihua: "Keep that money well. If you don''t need it, deposit it in the bank."


    Ming Mei nodded. She knew she had to listen to her mother-in-law on that. It was a serious matter.


    She asked seriously, "Mom, now that we have money, what should we do? You''re older and have more experience. Can you guide us?"


    Zhao Guihua: "In the long run, buying property is the most reliable. It''s like saving money. Right now, the benefits aren''t big, but in the long term, you won''t lose out. If you''re good at doing business, that''s another option. In these times, as long as you''re willing to work hard, you can make money."


    Ming Mei was decisive: "I can''t really endure hard work."


    She had never suffered much in her life, even for the sake of making money.


    Zhao Guihua: "I can see that."


    Ming Mei giggled sweetly.


    Zhao Guihua: "Or, you can work with me. I''m planning to head to Guangzhou for some goods."


    Ming Mei: "Pfft!"


    She had just taken a sip of tea and spat it out immediately.


    Apparently, Zhuang Zhixi had guessed correctly.


    He had worried that his mother would get hooked on business and want to continue selling. It seemed that he really knew his mother well.


    Ming Mei: "You''re really... going to Guangzhou?"


    She cautiously asked, "Has Big Brother and Zhuang Zhixi been informed?"


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and glanced at her daughter-in-law, saying, ¡°Am I the mom or are they the mom? Isn¡¯t this something I can decide for myself?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Do I need to consult with them? I can make the decision on my own. If you trust me, invest your money with me, and I guarantee you¡¯ll make a profit.¡± Though I¡¯m an uneducated old lady, I have experience. I can seize this opportunity.


    Ming Mei: ¡°I trust you, but you¡¯re planning to go to another city, and that¡¯s really worrying.¡± Noticing the old lady¡¯s eyes narrowing, she added, ¡°Don¡¯t glare at me. I¡¯m not saying you shouldn¡¯t go, but it¡¯s really a concern.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about!¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°There is! First, the long train ride might be too tiring for you. And what if something happens once you get there? What if you get scammed during the purchasing process? What if people take advantage of your age and cheat you?¡±


    Ming Mei was trying her best to persuade Zhao Guihua, but it was clear that the old lady didn¡¯t see it that way. ¡°You mind your own business,¡± she snapped.


    The stubborn old lady was not backing down. ¡°I¡¯m going to buy some vegetables. Let¡¯s have a nice dinner tonight.¡±


    After all, money earned must be spent. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t want to listen to her daughter-in-law¡¯s nagging. ¡°Alright, I know what I¡¯m doing. Why are you, young people, so reserved? Anyway, what do you like to eat?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Huh?¡±


    She hesitated for a moment before replying, ¡°I like anything.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°How unambitious. Tonight, I¡¯ll buy some pig trotters. I remember there¡¯s a place near Chaoyangmen Market that makes the most delicious braised pig trotters. Oh my, that flavor is incredible.¡±


    Ming Mei swallowed hard, her mouth watering.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°I¡¯ll get some seafood too. Alright, I¡¯m off.¡±


    The old lady left with a flourish.


    As for how to divide the money without letting the whole family know, Zhao Guihua thought there was no need for that! Since the eldest son was too timid to participate, she wouldn¡¯t tell them about it, lest they get jealous later.


    As for Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhixi, they were just meant to follow orders anyway.


    Zhao Guihua happily left the house, deciding to buy some good food for a big family dinner. She hummed a little tune as she stepped out, only to see Su Jinlai getting into a taxi, with Hu Huihui in the car as well.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head slightly, murmuring, ¡°Looks like he has a new deal underway.¡±


    The last time he came back, his legs were shaking like he was about to collapse. Yet here he was, not giving up and getting back into it. Truly a man who values money over his life. She strolled away, humming her tune.


    Thinking back, when Hu Huihui moved in, there was probably more to it than met the eye.


    Her real target was the hidden stash of Yu Baoshan. Fortunately, Hu Huihui wasn¡¯t impulsive and hadn¡¯t left any evidence behind. If she had been caught, their family would have been in real trouble. Zhao Guihua hummed her tune as she went to buy groceries. Who would have thought that in just four days, they had made over twenty thousand yuan, and she had earned more than ten thousand herself. It was faster than robbing a bank.


    Back then, people always talked about ¡°windows of opportunity,¡± but she didn¡¯t quite get it. Now she understood. What is a window of opportunity?


    This is a window of opportunity!


    Even a pig can fly with this kind of opportunity.


    Well, she certainly wasn¡¯t calling herself a pig, but that¡¯s the idea.


    Zhao Guihua bought some pig trotters, followed by some shrimp and crabs. When she came across some osmanthus cake, she picked some up as well. Life was indeed better than before. In the past, if you didn¡¯t have ration coupons, you couldn¡¯t buy anything, but now, as long as you wanted to buy something, you usually could.


    Of course, it might be a bit more expensive without coupons, but it was worth it.


    She returned with several bags of groceries, and as soon as she stepped into the courtyard, a few aunties spotted her. Aunt Zhou looked surprised at all the bags she was carrying, saying, ¡°You¡­?¡±


    Zhao Guihua stood up straight, ¡°The bell-bottom pants business is done, so I¡¯m going to celebrate.¡±


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s eyes landed on the bags full of treats, and she couldn¡¯t help stepping closer to Zhao Guihua, saying, ¡°Old Zhao, tell me, did you make a lot of money from this batch?¡±


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, neither admitting nor denying.


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s curiosity was like a cat scratching at her heart, she was dying to know the details. ¡°We¡¯re like sisters, what¡¯s the big secret? Just tell me, did you make a few hundred?¡±


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Zhou, ¡°Our relationship¡¯s not that close, is it? You¡¯ve got plenty of secrets from me, so don¡¯t get all cozy. But I¡¯ll tell you this¡ªa few hundred? Ha!¡±


    She said with a sly smile, ¡°Do you think I, Zhao Guihua, would get involved for just a few hundred yuan? Do you think I¡¯m that cheap?¡±


    ¡°So, how much then?¡±


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, ¡°You really want to know?¡±


    Aunt Zhou nodded, ¡°Yeah, I want to know.¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s smile grew wider, ¡°Well, even though you want to know, I¡¯m not going to tell you!¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°¡­¡±


    What kind of person is this?


    Zhao Guihua walked past the crowd, proudly heading home. Aunt Zhou sighed, ¡°Look at her, acting like she made a fortune!¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°You¡¯re asking way too much.¡±


    Aunt Zhou pouted, ¡°I just wanted to know¡­¡±


    After a pause, she added with longing, ¡°Is this stuff really that profitable?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? I haven¡¯t tried selling anything,¡± Aunt Wang replied, though her eyes were filled with eagerness. At their age, they weren¡¯t afraid of anything, and with the recent policy changes, everyone could see things were getting better. If that was the case, why not try something new?


    Aunt Wang thought for a moment, then stepped away from the group and sneaked over to Zhao Guihua. She was busy struggling with a crab, so when Zhao Guihua looked up, she asked, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°Guihua, do you think I could do business too?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Of course you can! If I can do it, why not you? What makes you any less capable than me? We¡¯re both old ladies, after all.¡±


    Hearing this, Aunt Wang nodded quickly. She believed she was just as capable as anyone else when it came to hard work and dedication. She hesitated a bit but then sat down and said, ¡°Can you give me some advice?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Would your old man agree?¡±


    Aunt Wang laughed coldly, ¡°My house is run by me, not him. He can¡¯t tell me what to do.¡±


    She was firm, ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°You¡¯re quite the bossy one, aren¡¯t you? Well, I don¡¯t know how to give advice, but I think it depends on how much capital you have. If you have a lot, you can try selling clothes, but if you don¡¯t, small items like underwear or socks might be better. Of course, small items won¡¯t make as much money, but they have their advantages¡ªyou can keep selling them without worrying about losing too much.¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°How much capital would I need? If I wanted to sell small items, how much would that take?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure, but generally, the more you buy, the better the price you can negotiate. If you only buy a little, why would they give you a good deal? Besides, the clothing factories here don¡¯t deal with private individuals. If you want to go to the south, you have to factor in transportation and accommodation costs. At your age, would your family even let you travel that far?¡±


    Zhao Guihua was only speaking the truth, as a friend, she wouldn¡¯t mislead her. She also hoped Aunt Wang could do well, but these things had to be made clear.


    Aunt ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Wang: ¡°Ah, really? That far?¡±


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, ¡°Are you willing to stay close to home? Do you think the clothing factories will care about you?¡±


    Aunt Wang: ¡°¡­¡±


    It seemed she was right.


    Zhao Guihua vaguely remembered that in a couple of years, a wholesale market would be set up nearby, where small retailers could buy goods, saving on transportation costs. But that wasn¡¯t the case now.


    She said, ¡°I¡¯m planning to go to Guangzhou or Shenzhen in a couple of days, probably the latter. If you want to come, we can travel together for company. Of course, it¡¯s not necessary if you don¡¯t want to.¡±


    She added, "My two sons don''t want me to go out, but I''m their mother, and I won''t listen to them. Anyway, I think, if I don''t make money now, what will I do in two years? When I''m seventy or eighty, will I still be able to travel far? So now, I''m going to do what I want."


    Aunt Wang: "You''re right."


    She was genuinely tempted.


    "I want to join too."


    Aunt Zhou suddenly popped out, having been eavesdropping at the door for who knows how long.


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. "You''re like a mouse."


    Aunt Zhou grabbed Zhao Guihua''s hand and said, "I want to go with you too. A money-making opportunity like this, you can''t leave me out."


    Zhao Guihua: "How do you know it''s about making money? It depends on the individual; you might end up losing money. Business depends on one''s ability."


    Aunt Zhou thought to herself, I''m not incapable, how can you look down on me like that?


    She was resolute: "I want to go too. I don''t have a retirement pension, and I don''t have much money. I feel uneasy. As we get older, we need to save some money. How else can we feel secure? Isn''t it just business? I can be polite and understanding too. Just take me with you; we can rely on each other."


    "Do you have the capital?" Zhao Guihua asked curiously.


    Aunt Zhou: "I plan to borrow some from Jiang Lu. I think she''ll lend it to me."


    Although she had been very harsh with her daughter-in-law before, they had gotten along well for the past ten years, and she felt confident there wouldn''t be an issue. She added, "I''ll save some money for my grandson."


    Zhao Guihua: "If you want to go, that''s fine, but if we all go, we shouldn''t do the same kind of business. Although the market in Beijing is big, it''s better to avoid doing the same thing for the harmony of the courtyard."


    "Old Zhao, what are you planning to do?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I have more capital, so I was thinking of stocking up on old man shirts."


    In truth, she wanted to stock up on jeans, but the last batch sold pants¡ªbell-bottoms and jeans were considered quite trendy. There were so many opportunities; they didn''t want to exhaust them.


    She said, "I plan to order a batch with patterns."


    "That would be expensive, right?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course."


    "Then what about lower-cost items? Besides underpants and socks, what else?"


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said, "There are some, like school bags, pencils, and notebooks. Selling those at school gates wouldn''t be bad."


    "Right, right, right."


    Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou looked at each other. Aunt Wang asked, "What do you think?"


    "I''ll choose stationery," Aunt Wang replied.


    "Then I''ll stick with underpants and socks," Aunt Zhou said.


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t expected these two older ladies to join them, but this situation didn''t last long. Soon, He Lan came over, hesitantly looking at Zhao Guihua. "Aunt Zhao, can I join too?"


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    He Lan was serious: "My husband, Zhuang Zhiyuan, works late and rides a tricycle for extra income for our family, so I want to contribute too."


    Who doesn''t want a better life?


    Zhao Guihua: "You want to join?"


    He Lan: "Yes."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. "You''re willing to join us old ladies?"


    He Lan: "Why wouldn''t I be? It''s an honor to follow you; others don''t even get this chance. Besides, you all have extensive experience, and I definitely won''t lose out by following you."


    "You have some sense," Zhao Guihua remarked.


    He Lan: "Hehe."


    In no time, the trio of older ladies became a quartet.


    By evening, Wang Zizhen came running in, heading straight to the Zhuang household, breathing heavily. "Aunt Zhao, you have to take me with you!"


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    Wang Zizhen: "I want to go to the south with you."


    Zhao Guihua was dumbfounded. "Aren''t you working?"


    Wang Zizhen took a deep breath and said, "I''ve decided to quit my job."


    Such decisiveness was truly commendable. Although she was a temporary worker, in a city with so many unemployed people, a temporary job was highly sought after. So for Wang Zizhen to dare to quit, that was really something.


    Zhao Guihua: "You¡­"


    It turned out that after Aunt Zhou and Zhao Guihua finalized their plans, Aunt Zhou started making her own calculations. Instead of inviting Wang Zizhen, who had a proper job in their elders'' view, she wanted to borrow money from her. She remembered Zhao Guihua''s advice about having more capital to buy more stock and negotiate better prices. So she turned to borrowing money from Wang Zizhen. After all, even if Jiang Lu could lend her money, more was always better.


    But after some hesitation, Wang Zizhen asked her seriously if she could join.


    To be honest, Aunt Zhou was a bit surprised, but soon she said, "You should ask Zhao Guihua about it, but don''t you have a job?"


    Wang Zizhen nodded. "I do, but I don''t want to continue."


    She also shared her situation with Aunt Zhou. She worked as a temporary worker in a clothing factory, far from being on par with permanent employees. Without benefits like salary, she wasn''t eligible for overtime opportunities or buying discounted materials.


    Moreover, due to the mostly female workforce in the factory, there was plenty of gossip. Her easygoing family environment and caring husband made others envious. Plus, her team leader wanted to squeeze her out and replace her with his niece, leading to subtle bullying.


    Wang Zizhen wasn''t a weak woman and would fight back when necessary, but the work environment wasn''t pleasant.


    Normally, with three children and a heavier burden, she wouldn''t consider quitting, even if she had to endure some grievances. But that day, the money she made selling popcorn was almost equal to her monthly salary. This got her thinking, and she started to feel tempted to leave.


    But just when Aunt Zhou and the others had decided to go south, she suddenly wondered why she shouldn''t take a leap as well. Over the years, she had followed the advice of these aunties and now lived a good life. Otherwise, she''d still be in her poor hometown, probably married to some random person, struggling to make ends meet.


    So she firmly believed in following the right path.


    If you''re not smart, just follow smart people.


    So Wang Zizhen instantly made up her mind and came straight to Zhao Guihua.


    She said, "Aunt Zhao, I want to go with you. Please take me with you. I''ll work with my godmother on school bag and stationery business. Look, I''m still young¡ªI can help you all with manual work."


    Zhao Guihua laughed. "Alright, as long as you don''t regret it later, I won''t say more."


    Wang Zizhen nodded vigorously. "I won''t regret it. Every time, I don''t regret it."


    Zhao Guihua: "A tree that doesn''t move grows still; a person''s life can change. Maybe this decision is right for you."


    Wang Zizhen took a deep breath. "I''ll resign tomorrow."


    A woman of action indeed.


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s your decision."


    She smiled and said, "Why don''t we eat together tonight?"


    Wang Zizhen shook her head. "No need, I''m going back now."


    She darted off quickly.


    If you''re not proactive about making money, your mindset needs fixing.


    Ming Mei was astonished to find that after she left for a quick trip to the police station in the afternoon, her mother-in-law had already assembled a team.


    Earlier that afternoon, during the money division, her mother-in-law was still alone.


    It was like the Water Margin heroes¡ªshe had managed to recruit several people in such a short time.


    Her mother-in-law really had some skill.


    If this were discussed, Zhao Guihua would protest, "It was these people who approached me!"


    Blunt yet confused, Zhuang¡¯s household members were also bewildered.


    As Zhuang Zhiyuan was on a work trip, Liang Meifen, coming home from work, learned that her mother-in-law had already assembled a group to go to Guangzhou and went into deep thought. Were old ladies nowadays really so impressive? No wonder she could never outshine her mother-in-law.


    Zhuang Zhixi looked pleadingly at Old Man Zhuang: "Dad..."


    Old Man Zhuang, however, didn''t side with his son at all. He said, "I''m in favor of your mother going."


    He always supported his wife''s decisions.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Although they had enjoyed a good meal with fine dishes today, everyone still felt an indescribable unease.


    Just as everyone was struggling to express themselves, Ming Mei quietly raised her hand and said, "I have something to say too."


    Everyone turned to look at her.


    Ming Mei swallowed nervously and said, "I... I''m going to change jobs."


    "What?"


    The room filled with gasps as everyone stared at Ming Mei in disbelief, their faces frozen in shock. Ming Mei''s eyes sparkled as she explained softly, "I made this decision today."


    Zhuang Zhixi was the first to snap out of it and asked, "Are you going to become a police officer?"


    Ming Mei shook her head, then nodded, then shook her head again, repeating the motion a few times before saying, "Sort of, but not exactly. I''ve agreed to teach hand-to-hand combat at the Police University, thanks to Deputy Director Wang."


    "What?"


    Ming Mei sighed and said, "I fell for that old man''s pitch, I guess."


    The Zhuang Family: "..."


    She continued, "But I thought about it, and while I''m not good at solving cases, I do know my stuff when it comes to this. So, I agreed."


    Liang Meifen asked a question that seemed to come from deep within her soul: "Can someone from the bus station be transferred to the Police University?"


    Ming Mei scratched her head. "I''m not sure if it''s normal to do so, but Deputy Director Wang said he''ll coordinate with the Police University. I¡¯m considered a special talent."


    "Is it a formal position?"


    Ming Mei nodded. "Yes."


    Liang Meifen gasped. The police must really see something special in Ming Mei to have sorted this out for her.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "This is between two different organizations¡ªthe police and the school. Can they really help with this?"


    Ming Mei replied, "They can. I don¡¯t know the details, but Deputy Director Wang said it¡¯s possible."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    In her previous life, Deputy Director Wang always tried to persuade Ming Mei to change jobs, though she never agreed. But this time, with more interactions due to various issues, and with Deputy Director Wang rising in rank, he became even more insistent. Every time he saw her, he''d give her a one-hour lecture. It seems he¡¯s had an impact, as Ming Mei finally agreed.


    It seems that in her previous life, Deputy Director Wang wasn¡¯t persuasive enough. This time, however, things went smoothly.


    Ming Mei recounted what happened today.


    This afternoon, after splitting the profits with Zhao Guihua, she went to the school to find Tonglai. Tonglai didn¡¯t want to implicate himself and was looking for someone tight-lipped to confess to. So, Ming Mei took him to the city bureau to meet Deputy Director Wang.


    That¡¯s when Deputy Director Wang "caught" Ming Mei again, giving her another relentless pitch.


    Ming Mei had known Deputy Director Wang for many years, since she first met him on the bus while catching a thief. That was over a decade ago. She was honest with him, explaining that while she wasn¡¯t unwilling, she was afraid of making mistakes that could lead to bad outcomes.


    If she were a rookie officer, she wouldn¡¯t have such concerns.


    But since she had captured many criminals, people had high expectations of her, trusting her blindly. Any error due to this blind trust could be disastrous. Ming Mei knew she was good at fighting but lacked proper training in criminal investigation. Most of the criminals she faced were brute thugs, perfectly matched against her physically.


    Ming Mei understood Deputy Director Wang¡¯s intentions. He kept persuading her, so she told him straight up that she would be happy to coach their skills, but she wasn¡¯t interested in working there. To her surprise, Deputy Director Wang seized on this statement and asked if she¡¯d like to be a teacher.


    Ming Mei was as bewildered as the rest of the family.


    Deputy Director Wang had a good plan. Since Ming Mei hadn¡¯t studied criminal investigation and was unsure if she¡¯d fit into police work, teaching would be perfect. They had investigated Ming Mei¡¯s background and knew she had proper martial arts training from a respected master, her uncle. She wasn¡¯t a mere performer; she had real skills. Since she was willing to teach, why not maximize her potential by teaching more people?


    Deputy Director Wang thought of the Police University.


    Though Ming Mei only had a high school diploma, which wasn¡¯t considered high education by modern standards, it was decent for the current era. Some of the instructors in the Criminal Investigation Department weren¡¯t university graduates either. In this era, talent could be heavily relied upon.


    Moreover, if Ming Mei became a teacher at the Police University, it would make it easier to recruit her for police assistance.


    Although superstition wasn¡¯t allowed, Deputy Director Wang felt there was something unexplainable about their family. Criminals, no matter the scale of their crimes, always seemed to end up in their hands. It was quite baffling.


    Deputy Director Wang was convinced his idea was brilliant and successfully persuaded Ming Mei.


    He reasoned, "If you teach a few or a group, why not teach more? The more they learn, the better their chances against vicious criminals¡ªmaybe even save lives."


    He added, "Your current job is relaxing, but it doesn¡¯t show your value. If you¡¯re passionate about catching bad guys, you wouldn¡¯t want to live a mediocre life. Even if your students catch criminals, it¡¯s still a good outcome, right?"


    And, "I know you have young kids, and working as a police officer might not allow you to balance family life. But teaching doesn¡¯t conflict with that¡ªit won¡¯t disrupt your daily schedule or hinder taking care of your children. Plus, you get two vacations a year! Doesn¡¯t that sound great?"


    And so on...


    With his silver-tongued persuasion, Deputy Director Wang finally convinced Ming Mei, who found his arguments quite reasonable.


    She explained today¡¯s events and then innocently asked everyone, "I¡¯ll be transferred this month. After adjusting, I¡¯ll start teaching officially next semester."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Others: "..."


    Ming Mei¡¯s eyes sparkled as she asked softly, "Zhixi, will you blame me for making this decision without discussing it with you first?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "No, it¡¯s your work. You can decide for yourself. And, I think it¡¯s a good thing."


    Ming Mei wasn¡¯t too keen on working at the bus station anyway. Teaching seemed like a good fit. As long as his wife was happy, it was all that mattered. He smiled and gently rubbed Ming Mei¡¯s head, saying, "Do we need to discuss things like this between husband and wife? I trust you. As long as you¡¯re happy, I¡¯ll always stand by your side."


    Ming Mei said, "I knew you were great." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Stop sweet-talking in front of me."


    She continued, "Alright, since Ming Mei is going to teach at the Police University, it¡¯s a good thing. Let¡¯s celebrate with this meal."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Wait, Mom, isn¡¯t this dinner to celebrate our business profits?"


    Zhao Guihua retorted confidently, "Profits are your responsibility to celebrate. This is to celebrate Ming Mei¡¯s new job."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Fine, you¡¯re always right."


    Everyone laughed.


    Hutou looked at his aunt with admiration, remarking, "I struggle to get into college, and my aunt is about to become a university teacher? Why is the gap between people so huge?"


    Liang Meifen: "Study hard."


    Hutou: "..."


    His parents couldn¡¯t get into university themselves, yet they hoped their son could. Hutou thought, if the parents can¡¯t do it, how can the son? Isn¡¯t it a saying that each generation declines?


    But Hutou didn¡¯t dare to voice this thought. While his parents usually didn¡¯t hit their kids, they could lose their temper.


    TuanTuan and YuanYuan blinked their big eyes and sat to the side, taking a long time to react before asking in a soft, cute voice: "Mom, are you going to become a teacher in the future?"


    Ming Mei replied, "That''s right."


    The two kids showed expressions that clearly weren''t happiness, and Ming Mei asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing!" they replied simultaneously.


    Ming Mei poked their little chubby cheeks. Yuanyuan smiled sweetly and said, "Mom, I''ll study hard."


    Ming Mei praised, "Good boy."


    "Me too, me too," TuanTuan chimed in, rushing forward. Although they were already eleven years old, in their parents'' eyes, they were still cute little ones. Ming Mei hugged both of them, and Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, let''s eat."


    "Okay."


    Today''s meal was quite lavish. At the dinner table, Old Man Zhuang asked, "You''re planning to go to the south, when will you leave?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "After the Qingming Festival."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "That makes sense; it''s not good to travel during the Qingming Festival."


    Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "Mom and Dad, are we going to visit the graves today?"


    In the past, everyone avoided such things, afraid of being labeled as superstitious. Even burning paper money had to be done secretly, let alone formally visiting graves. But in recent years, there had been a noticeable relaxation.


    Year by year, the constraints had loosened.


    So Zhuang Zhixi asked directly.


    Zhao Guihua looked at Old Man Zhuang, who said, "Yes, I haven''t been to the graves properly in over ten years. I should go this year."


    "Alright, I''ll go with you. Big Brother probably won''t make it back in time for the Qingming Festival."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "Good."


    He instructed his son, "Make sure you prepare well."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I know."


    He added, "I wouldn''t be surprised if other families also decide to go."


    Such things often start with one person, and then others naturally follow. In recent years, the policies weren¡¯t as strict as before; although they hadn¡¯t been fully relaxed, things had certainly loosened up. Everyone was cautiously observing, and as soon as someone took the lead, others would feel more comfortable doing the same.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Even if others might go, I''ll still be careful. Don''t worry."


    "That¡¯s good."


    Zhao Guihua gave a stern look to her children and warned, "Don''t go spreading nonsense outside, you hear me?"


    "We know!"


    Zhao Guihua continued, "Good. Otherwise, I''ll have to give you a good beating."


    TuanTuan and YuanYuan pouted. Why are you looking at us when you¡¯re talking? Although we''re little, we¡¯re not talkative. We¡¯re big kids now. Big and well-behaved kids.


    This life is unbearable! Mom is going to be a teacher, and grandma¡¯s going to beat us. Sniffle.


    Ming Mei laughed as she watched her two kids pouting, their lips sticking out like little oil jars.


    Yuanyuan whined, "Mom, why are you laughing at us?"


    Ming Mei replied, "Because I can, what are you going to do about it?"


    Yuanyuan cried out, "Wah!"


    Ming Mei burst into laughter, "Pfft!"


    While Ming Mei''s family was celebrating, Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong, who were next door, weren¡¯t faring so well. The two of them were natural enemies, and if it weren''t for Su Jinlai, they would never have lived together. But now that Su Jinlai had rented this place, neither of them was willing to leave.


    Both of them had run away from home after quarreling with their families, so where could they possibly go? Besides, Su Jinlai was here.


    If they left, that vixen would surely cause trouble and pull some tricks.


    Guan Hong thought so.


    Zheng Huimin thought so too.


    Guan Hong had sneaked home today to bring back all her belongings, and Zheng Huimin had done the same. Both of their belongings were more abundant than yesterday, but neither of them was particularly happy. Su Jinlai had gone out as a tour guide and wouldn''t be back for a week.


    So they were stuck living with this annoying woman, which felt utterly repulsive. On top of that, it was already late in the evening, and they were eating cornmeal buns, while next door, the Ming Mei family was having a feast. While they were enjoying their meal, Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong were fuming, feeling that the food in their mouths was tasteless.


    Zheng Huimin glared at the wall, looking at their neighbors, the Zhuang family. This family was too selfish. If they had such delicious food, how could they not share it with their neighbors? In her family¡¯s courtyard, whenever anyone made something tasty, her little brother would always go over and get some, and sometimes she could enjoy a bite too.


    Now that¡¯s a good custom!


    Everyone in this big courtyard is selfish. They don¡¯t empathize with the weak at all. She, a young girl, moved here from another place, unfamiliar with the surroundings, and she¡¯s struggling. Yet they showed no sympathy. That kind of person should have offered a chicken here, a piece of meat there, and some white bread too!


    Not only did they not offer anything, but they also laughed at her. How mean and selfish!


    She pursed her lips, firmly believing that this was the right way.


    Since Su Jinlai wasn''t there, she didn''t need to pretend to be weak in front of Guan Hong. She bit into her steamed bun with a viciousness in her actions. Guan Hong glanced at her and immediately sneered, "So you¡¯ve revealed your true colors, haven¡¯t you? I knew you weren¡¯t any good."


    Zheng Huimin retorted, "I know you¡¯re jealous that Su Jinlai treats me well, but attacking me won¡¯t help. If you can¡¯t stand me, just leave. Your parents don¡¯t approve of you being with Su Jinlai, right? You should listen to your parents."


    She wished Guan Hong would move out, so she could have the place to herself.


    But Guan Hong wasn¡¯t one to back down. She sneered, "Dream on. Do you think I¡¯m stupid? You want to monopolize the house and Su Jinlai? No way."


    Zheng Huimin knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy to get rid of Guan Hong, so she snorted in response.


    Guan Hong coldly stared at Zheng Huimin and cursed, "I know you¡¯re clinging to Su Jinlai for his money. Let me tell you, as long as I¡¯m here, you won¡¯t succeed!"


    Just as they were shouting at each other, a delicious aroma of chicken soup wafted in. Suddenly, they lost the urge to quarrel. This chicken soup smelled amazing.


    Guan Hong muttered, "They¡¯re eating so well. No wonder Su Jinlai doesn¡¯t like people in their courtyard. Look at them, feasting like this when it¡¯s not even a special occasion. The Zhuang family thinks they¡¯re so great, but sooner or later, they¡¯ll regret it."


    She harbored a lot of resentment toward the Zhuang family because Zhao Guihua, from the Zhuang family, had been the matchmaker and had scolded her, showing clear indifference. This made Guan Hong extremely angry and disdainful of them.


    Zheng Huimin asked, "They look down on Su Jinlai?"


    She frowned, clearly displeased.


    Guan Hong replied, "Of course. Su Jinlai has complained about them to me many times."


    She smugly looked at Zheng Huimin. She had known Su Jinlai longer and knew more about him than Zheng Huimin ever could.


    Zheng Huimin noticed her expression and clenched her fists.


    After a moment, she said slowly, "I¡¯ll teach them a lesson for Su Jinlai."


    She might not be as rich as Guan Hong, but she could do more for Su Jinlai. She believed that once Su Jinlai knew, he would realize who truly cared for him.


    Guan Hong asked, "You want to teach them a lesson?"


    Zheng Huimin replied, "What¡¯s it to you?"


    "I can too!" Guan Hong said, raising an eyebrow. She couldn¡¯t let this woman get ahead of her. Glancing around, she said, "On Qingming Festival, I plan to dress up as a ghost and scare them to death!"


    Showing off your delicious food in front of them, what nerve!


    Daring to look down on my beloved Su Jinlai, you¡¯re asking for it!

 Chapter 184

    In the recent days, Xinghua Lane has been swept by a wave of fervor, with everyone bustling about making money. First, there was Zhao Guihua setting up a stall in Xidan, followed by Wang Zizhen selling popcorn outside the cinema, and then Bai Fendou, who, after work, rushes off to drive a tricycle. Yes, Bai Fendou is now a "vehicle owner"¡ªhe bought a tricycle. He works diligently every day, bustling with activity.


    This atmosphere seems to have shifted dramatically. In reality, factory workers still look down on individual business owners. However, if one person does it, others might think, "Oh, how unambitious, actually setting up a stall." But when more people do it, it doesn''t seem so odd. Everyone starts to feel that making money is the most important thing.


    What did Aunt Zhao say again?


    "Making money? No shame in that."


    That''s right!


    Being a worker is good, but doing something else to earn extra money is also wonderful. After all, money can buy meat, and isn''t meat delicious?


    Very delicious.


    The men in Beijing value their pride, but if it''s an isolated case, it might seem out of place. However, when everyone does it, it feels normal. Didn''t you see even the local scoundrel Su Jinlai become a tour guide? If even someone like him is out there making money, then what reason do others have not to strive?


    It must be said that Su Jinlai has played a significant role in their neighborhood.


    Because he was mischievous as a child, parents have been very strict with their children. As a result, there have never been reports of any child stealing or doing something improper. Even their educational background is commendable. The worst in their neighborhood is a middle school graduate who simply couldn''t do well in studies. There are no elementary school graduates at all. While this may not seem like much, considering the majority of the young people in their neighborhood are from the 1950s and 1960s, and the worst is a middle school graduate, it reflects the consciousness of this neighborhood.


    Their community committee has even been specially commended for this. It''s evident that graduating from middle school nowadays is quite an accomplishment.


    Su Jinlai''s influence was great in his childhood, and it remains so as he grows up.


    He''s idle and lazy, which only makes others in the neighborhood appear more respectable. Now that even a scoundrel like him is finding a job, who else would dare not to work hard? No matter what, one cannot be worse than Su Jinlai!


    That''s just how it is.


    Because of this, Xinghua Lane has been quite lively recently. Every day after work, people can be seen coming and going, some learning from Wang Zizhen to sell things, others going fishing, and some digging for vegetables.


    Everyone is busy.


    This neighborhood is bustling with activity.


    Of course, if there¡¯s one person who is not bustling, it¡¯s Zhuang Zhixi. Lately, Zhuang Zhixi has developed a fondness for growing flowers, tending to many of them. This is a bit of a luxury, but what does it matter? He enjoys it, his mother approves, and his wife is fine with it too.


    Zhao Guihua doesn¡¯t interfere with this.


    Before they knew it, Qingming Festival arrived. As the saying goes,


    "Rain falls gently during the Qingming Festival."


    It¡¯s customary for it to rain during Qingming, and this year was no exception. Zhuang Zhixi had bought a lot of joss paper and incense in advance. Having made some money this year, he felt their ancestors must have blessed their family. He even bought two paper figures of a boy and a girl, along with two "small cars" for his grandparents.


    It must be said that times are really changing. Now, unlike before, even "small cars" can be made out of paper.


    Zhuang Zhixi was feeling quite proud this year and bought the "small cars." His grandparents could now be considered affluent in the afterlife, among the first to own cars. It¡¯s worth noting that his family doesn¡¯t even own a small car; they only have bicycles.


    His grandparents, though, have small cars in the afterlife.


    He¡¯s truly a good grandson, even though he¡¯s never even met them.


    Not only Zhuang Zhixi, but even his older brother Zhuang Zhiyuan has never met their grandparents. Back then, it was a chaotic era, and many people passed away early. But Zhuang Zhixi feels he¡¯s doing a good job.


    Although Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s family secretly does these things, others do the same.


    Everyone says we should eliminate feudal superstitions, but in many people¡¯s hearts, paying respects to the elderly isn¡¯t considered a superstition. It¡¯s a mix of truth and illusion, a form of emotional investment. Zhuang Zhixi prepared everything and set out early in the morning with the whole family.


    Traditionally, some families don¡¯t take their daughters to the cemetery, but Zhao Guihua believes everyone should go; after all, we¡¯re all one family. Their ancestors are buried on a mountain in the outskirts of the city. As they climbed the mountain together, they encountered many people who were also sneaking around, all quietly understanding each other.


    Fortunately, nowadays, no one bothers with such matters.


    People went up the mountain individually, silently paying their respects. Zhuang Zhixi carried the small cars, attracting frequent glances and expressions of disbelief.


    Zhao Guihua whispered, "You show-off, what¡¯s the point of buying such a big paper car? Aren¡¯t you afraid everyone will notice?"


    Zhuang Zhixi felt wronged: "Isn¡¯t it filial to do so?"


    Zhao Guihua retorted: "Being filial is fine, but don¡¯t go overboard. It¡¯s not good if people recognize you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Today¡¯s a special day. Everyone¡¯s doing the same; no one will make trouble. We¡¯ll be fine."


    He¡¯s not a fool; in the past few years, people have gone to the cemetery without any issues, so he¡¯s not worried. The morning dew on the mountain path made the journey a bit slippery. The children followed quietly, not daring to speak.


    Not only the twins, but even Hutou and Xiaoyan were here for the first time.


    Previously, they didn¡¯t dare bring the children, fearing they might accidentally mention it and cause trouble.


    But this time, the entire family went together, and the children were quite solemn.


    "Brother Zhuang."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned around to see a burly man approaching, asking, "Brother Zhuang, where did you buy these small cars?"


    He gazed enviously at the small cars, feeling they were very impressive. Zhuang Zhixi glanced proudly at his mother, then whispered the location to the man, who thanked him and quickly left.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "See, things really aren¡¯t as strict as before."


    Old Man Zhuang sighed: "The times are really changing."


    Everything has changed, but it¡¯s for the better.


    The whole family arrived at their ancestors¡¯ graves, offering incense. Since Zhuang Zhiyuan hadn¡¯t returned, Hutou bowed at the grave.


    Xiaoyan also led the twins in bowing, and the children were very well-behaved, following quietly. Perhaps due to the rain, burning the joss paper and incense took longer than usual. By the time they descended the mountain and returned to the courtyard, it was already noon.


    Even then, they were among the earlier ones to return. There weren¡¯t many people in the courtyard. He Lan sat alone at her doorstep, picking leeks, her eyes red and distant. Zhao Guihua stopped, questioning, "What¡¯s wrong? Did someone bully you?"


    Hearing the voice, He Lan looked up and shook her head, saying, "No, I was just thinking about my parents when they were still alive."


    She used to resent them for being biased, always considering her older brother and sister, and arranging such a disastrous marriage for her. But a few years ago, her older brother returned, revealing that their parents had passed away during the difficult years of exile.


    He Lan felt even more pained, as she didn¡¯t even know where her parents¡¯ graves were. She could only secretly burn some joss paper at the alley entrance, seeking some psychological comfort.


    "If you get a chance in the future, you can go to your parents¡¯ graves to pay your respects."


    He Lan nodded lightly, saying, "I know. I just felt a bit upset today, thinking of them like this. But I¡¯m fine."


    After a pause, she seemed to recall something, pulling Zhao Guihua aside and whispering, "The two idiots next door, I don¡¯t know what schemes they¡¯re plotting. Today, I saw them whispering in the courtyard, pointing at your windows and roofs. You should be careful."


    "Idiots" here refer to Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin.


    After all, anyone with a normal mind wouldn¡¯t associate with these two. Their brains must have been damaged somehow¡ªmaybe squeezed by a door or exposed to some foul gas. Either way, they¡¯re definitely not normal; they¡¯re just idiots.


    She nodded toward their direction: "They just went back inside, carrying two big bags. I wonder what they¡¯re up to."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s fine. If they want to dance their big knife in front of Lord Guan, I''ll let them know why the flowers are so red."


    He Lan gives her a thumbs up: "You''re amazing."


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course I am. Oh, by the way, we''re leaving the day after tomorrow, no problem, right?"


    He Lan shakes her head: "No problem!"


    At this moment, Ming Mei says, "Why don''t you let Bai Qingqing stay at my place too? Wang Zizhen is going with us this time, and her children, Siyuan and Sitian, will stay at my place, while Sijia will stay with Qi Jin. Let your daughter Qingqing come too, so the three girls can stay together."


    Although both families have their fathers at home, the kids are more than happy to find friends to stay with. Even Da Qiang has been left behind by his three little ones.


    He Lan smiles: "Alright, I''ll ask Qingqing if she''s willing to go."


    "I''m willing! I''m willing!" Bai Qingqing scurries out of the house like a little mouse.


    Yuan is jumping with joy. Zhao Guihua says, "Alright, you guys can go to Auntie Ming''s after school."


    "Okay!"


    A clear voice rings out.


    He Lan: "This child..."


    "Let them play."


    The kids leave hand in hand, and Ming Mei follows them. Only Zhao Guihua stays behind to talk with He Lan about the trip. They don''t notice Yinlai standing behind them until suddenly, Zhao Guihua turns around: "What are you doing? Why are you walking without a sound?"


    Yinlai hesitates for a moment and asks, "Grandma Zhao, are you going south?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes, we''re going to Guangzhou to buy goods and then come back to set up a stall. What about you? Do you have any ideas?"


    Yinlai nods and honestly says, "Can I go with you?"


    Zhao Guihua looks at Yinlai carefully and says, "I think it''s better if you don''t. It''s not that I don''t want to take you, but you have to work. This trip will take at least seven or eight days. Do you have that much leave? Besides, you''ll need time to set up a stall after we return. Do you have that time?"


    Yinlai knows that this trip will take a long time, but he thinks that if he asks for leave, it should be fine.


    He says, "I can find someone to cover my shifts."


    Zhao Guihua: "Is that possible?"


    Yinlai smiles: "There are quite a few people who do that."


    Generally, many people would rather have someone cover their shifts than take leave if they have something to do. Some part-timers often take on such small jobs, earning a bit here and there.


    Yinlai: "As long as you''re willing, I''ll go with you."


    "No problem with that," Zhao Guihua says with a smile. "Having a young man with us will make the family feel safer."


    Yinlai scratches his head and honestly says, "But with you, I may be the weakest one."


    After a pause, he looks at He Lan and evaluates that he probably can''t outmatch these women.


    The three aunties, of course, are tested by countless challenges. They are fierce fighters and are incredibly fit, moving fast and strong. Aunt Wang, or Wang Zizhen, is naturally strong and has a big appetite. Although she hasn''t lived in their courtyard for long, she married into the neighboring compound and often comes over to chat, which Yinlai knows.


    The only one who might be weaker than him is He Lan, but she is also a capable woman who handles both home and work well.


    As for him, although he is a man, he was injured when he was young and is relatively weak. He gets sick easily when it''s cold. He sighs and says, "When I think about it, I''m probably the least capable one here."


    Zhao Guihua laughs and says, "Then you''d better perform well. If anything happens, we can still back you up."


    Yinlai: "Alright."


    After discussing, they confirm that they will leave the day after tomorrow, and Yinlai goes home to prepare. Business requires capital, and he needs to borrow some money. It''s not that he doesn''t save money, but in previous years, only his mother worked, and they were all growing boys with big appetites. His older brother caused trouble outside and had to pay compensation, so the family lived in a tight financial situation. It was only after he started working that things got better, but he hasn''t worked long, and he''s also subsidized the family quite a bit. So he doesn''t have much savings.


    But he thinks that if he doesn''t work harder, their family will never have a better life. With everyone else striving, if his family stays in the same place, they''ll remain the poorest. His older brother is unreliable, and as the second son, he has to work harder.


    If it were up to him alone, he might not be able to do it, but if he goes with others, he thinks he can. Yinlai goes home and asks Wang Xiangxiu, "Mom, have you calculated how much money we have at home?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "We have a bit less than two hundred yuan."


    That''s too little.


    Everyone in their family knows that this amount is too small. Wang Xiangxiu hesitates for a moment but soon becomes resolute. She stands up, takes out a small box, and says, "This is what your grandma hid back then. All these years, most of it has been spent on daily expenses, but there''s still a piece of gold jewelry left. I was planning to keep it, but now I''ll sell it and use it as your startup money for this trip."


    Yinlai: "This..."


    Tonglai: "Take it, Second Brother. It won''t fetch much money anyway."


    After a pause, he says, "I''ll go find the eldest brother. He made a thousand yuan the first time, and this time he made five hundred. He hasn''t spent much lately. I calculated that at most he''s spent a hundred, so I''ll borrow a thousand three hundred yuan from him. Second Brother, you take that money with you on the trip."


    "Heavens."


    Yinlai knows that his eldest brother works as a gigolo, but he didn''t expect it to be so lucrative.


    Tonglai knows too!


    But soon, he says, "The eldest brother won''t agree to lend us the money."


    Tonglai: "No, he will. I''ll take care of it."


    Wang Xiangxiu doesn''t feel reassured and says, "Don''t go. What if those old women look at you and want you? I wouldn''t feel safe."


    She adds, "And besides, your eldest brother is so selfish; how could he lend us so much money?"


    Tonglai: "I have a way."


    Everyone looks at him. Tonglai smiles and says, "I really do have a way. He''s such a simple-minded person, I can definitely persuade him. Plus, I''m not going to default on the loan."


    Yinlai: "Little Brother..."


    Tonglai smiles: "Second Brother, I''m counting on you to repay it later."


    Yinlai nods firmly.


    Wang Xiangxiu watches her two sons consulting each other and feels a rare sense of ease. Although business ventures can be risky, Wang Xiangxiu is also willing to try. She says, "I''ll borrow some more money for you, and we''ll aim to gather a total of two thousand yuan for you to take with you."


    Yinlai: "Okay."


    As they discuss, they avoid mentioning the possibility of losing money. If they lose money, it will be a big blow to them, but none of them bring it up.


    A long time later, Tonglai comforts himself quietly, muttering, "As long as we have goods, even if we don''t make a profit, we won''t lose money."


    The Guangzhou trip team has added another person. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei feel that this is a good thing. The more people there are, the safer it will be, even if they know Yinlai is weak. To outsiders, having a young man with them will be useful.


    The drizzle on Qingming Festival continues until evening.


    Coincidently, this weekend coincides with such a rainy day, so everyone coming back from their ancestor''s graves doesn''t go out. There''s really no need to go out on such a rainy day with nothing to do.


    If anyone''s in a bad mood today, it''s Zhao Guihua''s neighbors, specifically the two fools, Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin.


    Both Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin want to teach Zhuang family a lesson, but the rain makes them feel annoyed.


    Guan Hong dislikes the Zhuang family, especially Zhao Guihua, very much. This old lady is oblivious to her arrogance. She even introduced Li Weiwei to her, which is too undermining. So she holds a grudge against Zhao Guihua.


    And what gives them the audacity to look down on Su Jinlai?


    She thinks that if they want to teach her a lesson, it''s justified.


    Zheng Huimin also wants to do that. She doesn''t have much interaction with the Zhuang family, but she wants to show off. Unlike Guan Hong, who has a full-time job, she has none. She can only depend on her hard work to win Su Jinlai''s heart.


    Just being diligent wasn''t enough. Zheng Huimin had heard that Guan Hong was also eager to do this and that, which showed she had the same idea. So Zheng Huimin knew that being diligent alone wouldn''t cut it; she needed to do more. Since the Zhuang family looked down on her Su Dage, humiliating them and making him proud of her would show how considerate she was.


    But she hadn''t expected Guan Hong to be such a copycat.


    Zheng Huimin wanted to scare them by pretending to be a ghost, and Guan Hong also wanted to do the same.


    What a bitch. A big bitch.


    Zheng Huimin gave Guan Hong a hostile look. She might seem gentle on the surface, but she was the daughter of Guan Guiling and had inherited her mother''s ways. While she cursed in her heart, outwardly, she merely glared at Guan Hong.


    "I don''t know what your plans are, but I''m telling you, no matter what they are, don''t interfere with mine," Zheng Huimin said to Guan Hong.


    Guan Hong sneered. "Who do you think you are? Why would anyone copy you? Don''t be so full of yourself. Don''t flatter yourself; I wouldn''t learn from you."


    "Heh," Zheng Huimin replied. "Really? I think you''re desperate to follow my lead. I want to scare the Zhuang family, and you want to do the same. I go out to observe their house, and you do the same. What a copycat. But let me make this clear: if you mess up my plans, I won''t let it slide."


    Guan Hong glared back. "The same goes for you. If you interfere with me, I won''t go easy on you."


    They exchanged icy gazes, sparks flying.


    Night fell quickly, perhaps due to the rain, which made it darker earlier. On such rainy days, there was no reason to go out, and everyone had eaten early and gone to bed. Old Man Zhuang wondered, "Old woman, when do you think those fools next door will make their move?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "How would I know? But it''ll definitely be tonight."


    "How do you know?"


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. "Use your brain. When else would they come? Qingming Festival is the perfect time to play ghost."


    "The Ghost Festival would be more fitting," Old Man Zhuang countered.


    "Stop arguing with me," Zhao Guihua snapped.


    Old Man Zhuang quickly apologized. "I was just joking. You should get some rest, old woman, don''t let them scare you."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. "Scare me? Them?"


    She found it hilarious. "I don''t scare them, and they dare to scare me? Don''t make me laugh."


    She smirked. "Not only am I not scared, but I''m actually looking forward to it."


    Old Man Zhuang: "???"


    Zhao Guihua was eager, saying, "It''s been a while since we''ve had some fun around here."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Zhao Guihua: "Let''s get some sleep first."


    Although they were old and still had plenty of energy, their stamina was limited. Zhao Guihua had been quite busy recently, so she was already feeling tired and quickly dozed off with her husband. Their early bedtime was typical for their age, and others in the neighborhood did the same.


    On that dark, stormy night, Zheng Huimin slipped out quietly. But Guan Hong pushed her aside and squeezed in front. Both were up to no good but hadn''t teamed up. Instead, they chose the same night and target, each acting on their own.


    It was absurd. Only someone with water in their head would make such a decision. Yet, both thought they were making perfect sense.


    "Cough, cough, cough."


    As soon as they approached Zhao Guihua''s window, they heard coughing from inside. The sound made Guan Hong''s hand tremble, but she glanced back at Zheng Huimin, smirking smugly. She then took out a long box, opened it, and smoke billowed out. She quickly draped a white sheet over herself, bit a strip of red paper between her teeth, and let her hair loose.


    Hehe, even as a ghost, she was the most stunning one.


    Guan Hong smirked at Zheng Huimin, showing off.


    No wonder Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin could both fall for the same man; their thought processes were quite similar. Zheng Huimin''s outfit was almost identical to Guan Hong''s, though she lacked the smoke effect. Guan Hong snorted.


    Zheng Huimin quickly stepped forward, and both crouched by the Zhuang family''s window, moaning eerily.


    "Zhao Guihua... Zhao Guihua... Wake up..."


    Zhao Guihua had been waiting for them. Despite being an elderly person, she slept lightly. She was already awake when the two were outside.


    She pretended to wake up slowly, looking at the window. There was no moon that night, and the window showed no shadow.


    Zhao Guihua mocked their poor attempt at haunting. Back in the day, her son and daughter-in-law¡ªwell, never mind, heroes don''t brag about the past.


    She got up, ready to give the two troublemakers a sound scolding. How dare they mess with Zhao Guihua? She wasn''t a pushover. She was already prepared for them, so she got up carefully and put on her shoes.


    At that moment, Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin, hearing no movement inside, called out again, "Zhao Guihua..."


    Suddenly, a chilling breeze rushed at them.


    Guan Hong felt something was wrong, turning around just in time to see a skull leering at her with a "hehehe." She froze, then screamed, "AH!!!"


    Her piercing scream echoed. The skull figure suddenly seemed to float away, vanishing quickly.


    Only then did they realize the skull had been sitting on a "small car," and its "floating" was actually driving off. The car then suddenly burst into flames, disappearing into thin air.


    Such a terrifying scene was beyond anything they had ever seen.


    Zheng Huimin peed her pants in fear.


    Guan Hong screamed, "There''s a ghost!"


    Their screams were spine-chilling. Soon, every household turned on their lights. Zhou Qun, one of the closest neighbors, was the first to come out. But as soon as he appeared, he screamed, "AHHH!!!"


    The sight of the ghost instantly brought back his worst memory. His most disastrous incident had been meeting a ghost in the bathroom, ruining his reputation. His scream was even louder than Guan Hong''s.


    "There''s a ghost!!!!"


    Guan Hong, seeing someone, grabbed onto Zhou Qun as a lifeline. "Save me, there''s a ghost!!!"


    But to Zhou Qun, she was the ghost.


    Her desperate grab at him, combined with her screams, made Zhou Qun pee himself, just like Zheng Huimin.


    Not that he was weak, but reality was just that scary.


    As the ghost charged at him, Zhou Qun screamed, "AHHH!!!"


    He grabbed the ghost, closed his eyes, and shouted, "Get away, get away!"


    Slap, slap, slap!


    He delivered several heavy slaps.


    Despite his actions, he didn''t dare open his eyes. "Leave me alone!"


    Slap, slap, slap!


    A few more slaps.


    Guan Hong received six slaps, completely stunned. She screamed, "Why are you hitting me?! How dare you hit me? Even my parents don''t hit me! You bastard!"


    At that moment, she forgot about the fear of ghosts and rushed to scratch Zhou Qun. "WAAAH, this ghost is too real! It¡¯s even scratching!"


    A shrewish ghost.


    Zhou Qun screamed, "Help!"


    Just as it seemed the ghost would claw him, Guan Hong was suddenly grabbed by the hair. Someone yanked her back, shouting, "How dare you mess with my son!"


    The person was Aunt Zhou.


    No matter the situation, a mother always stands up for her child.


    Aunt Zhou had been asleep in the house, dreaming of going to Guangzhou to restock and making a fortune. She imagined buying many chicken legs for her grandson when she heard her son''s anguished screams. They were so horrifying that she rushed out without even putting on her jacket.


    She spotted the ghost attacking her son and didn''t hesitate to grab her by the hair, pulling her back. Guan Hong struggled fiercely, while Zhou Qun, seeing an opening, kicked wildly in panic. "Get away! Get away!"


    Guan Hong was kicked multiple times and felt she was about to die any second.


    She cried out in pain, ¡°Stop hitting me!¡±


    Seeing Guan Hong in such dire straits, Zheng Huimin was truly frightened and turned to run. But then Zhao Guihua suddenly opened her door, rushing out with vigor. ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t be afraid! This isn¡¯t a fierce ghost! Fierce ghosts always act alone. These two working together are clearly just weak ghosts. Let¡¯s take them on!¡± she shouted loudly.


    At that moment, the sounds of the female ¡°ghost¡± being beaten by Zhou Qun and Aunt Zhou echoed through the air, prompting everyone to rush out of their homes. Zhao Guihua grabbed Zheng Huimin and slapped her hard across the face. She wasn¡¯t being cruel.


    She hadn¡¯t even provoked this girl, yet she dared to come scare people. If they didn¡¯t teach her a lesson, who knew how arrogant she might become.


    In this neighborhood, there was no room for such brazen behavior.


    Zhao Guihua was relentless¡ªit was just a fight, after all.


    Even at the ripe age of fifty-nine, she was no less formidable than the younger generation.


    She moved forward, yanking Zheng Huimin by the collar. Meanwhile, Aunt Wang and the others burst out of their homes, and Auntie Sui immediately exclaimed, ¡°They¡¯re fake ghosts! They¡¯re just playing dress-up!¡±


    With the lights turned on and flashlights shining, it became clear that these ¡°ghosts¡± were nothing more than two people draped in white bedsheets. The rain soaked their hair, sticking it to their faces, leaving them looking utterly miserable.


    ¡°Who are they?¡±


    ¡°Definitely women. Men don¡¯t have such long hair.¡±


    ¡°What kind of sickness do they have? Coming out in the middle of the night pretending to be ghosts, trying to scare us?¡±


    ¡°Playing ghost on Qingming Festival? Don¡¯t they find it off-putting?¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re already off-putting themselves. Who cares about anything else?¡±


    With a loud slap, Zhao Guihua struck Zheng Huimin again, demanding, ¡°Who are you!¡±


    Zheng Huimin was so terrified she could hardly think straight. Although Zhao Guihua had already hit her twice, she was still frozen with fear. ¡°T-t-t-there, there¡¯s a gh-gh-gh-gh-ghost,¡± she stammered.


    She trembled as she explained, ¡°The ghost¡­ the ghost drove away on a car, then turned into a ball of fire, and disappeared mid-air. I swear, it completely disappeared.¡±


    Aunt Wang gave her a perplexed look. ¡°?£¿£¿¡±


    She glanced up at the sky, ¡°It¡¯s raining, and you¡¯re saying it caught fire mid-air? Who would believe that? Wait, you¡ªyou¡¯re Zheng Huimin, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Zheng Huimin¡¯s voice hadn¡¯t changed, so everyone quickly recognized her.


    ¡°Then who¡¯s the other one?¡±


    ¡°Could it be Guan Hong?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t they have a falling out? Why would they team up to scare people?¡±


    ¡°Who knows.¡±


    Aunt Zhou quickly grabbed the person¡¯s hair and pulled it back, revealing¡ªsure enough¡ªGuan Hong, who was now bruised and battered from the beating.


    But Guan Hong was too shaken to even notice the pain. She immediately hugged Aunt Zhou, crying out, ¡°There¡¯s a ghost!¡±


    Aunt Zhou rolled her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re the ghost.¡±


    Guan Hong, tears and snot streaming down her face, wailed, ¡°There¡¯s another ghost! One ghost¡ªone ghost¡ªflew away really quickly, and it had a car! It drove away in the car, and then the car caught fire and disappeared. Waaaah!¡±


    ¡°What kind of nonsense is this?¡± someone muttered.


    Bai Fendou sneered from the side, ¡°There¡¯s still a ghost, isn¡¯t there? That ghost is Zheng Huimin. What¡¯s the matter with you two? Pretending to be ghosts in the dead of night, do you think we¡¯re idiots?¡±


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, ¡°Right, do you think we¡¯re idiots? To talk about a ghost driving a car? You need to make up stories with a bit of logic. But wait, why¡¯d you call me at my window just now?¡±


    She seemed even more furious now, yanking Zheng Huimin and giving her another slap. ¡°You¡¯re looking for trouble, aren¡¯t you? You little brat.¡±


    Zheng Huimin cried, ¡°I¡¯m not lying, waaaah!¡±


    ¡°Then tell us, why were you playing dress-up as ghosts?¡± someone demanded.


    Though scared, Zheng Huimin was still a bit more cunning than Guan Hong. She sobbed, ¡°Waaaah¡­ it wasn¡¯t me, it wasn¡¯t my fault. I was just following Guan Hong¡¯s instructions¡­ she made me come¡­¡±


    Guan Hong exploded. ¡°You¡¯re full of it!¡±


    She trembled with rage. ¡°D-d-d-damn you! You were the one trying to scare them on your own! Now you¡¯re pretending to be innocent? You said you wanted to intimidate the Zhuang family for looking down on Su Jinlai!¡± Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone let out a collective ¡°Ohhh¡± and turned to stare at Zheng Huimin, now understanding their motives.


    Then, they looked at the Zhuang family with pity.


    What a mess.


    Zhao Guihua, exasperated, yelled, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Seriously, is Su Jinlai some prized possession that everyone has to fawn over? If anyone doesn¡¯t like him, it¡¯s a crime? How delusional are you? Truly shameless!¡±


    Zheng Huimin, her voice shaky, insisted, ¡°I didn¡¯t, I didn¡¯t do it¡­ It was Guan Hong forcing me¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tear you a new one!¡± Guan Hong erupted, pushing Aunt Zhou aside and lunging straight at Zheng Huimin, grabbing her collar and slapping her savagely.


    Li Weiwei, who had once been set up on a date with Guan Hong, swallowed hard and silently took a step back.


    His older brother, Li Junjun, rested a hand on Li Weiwei¡¯s shoulder, and Li Weiwei silently slipped behind him.


    Thankfully, thankfully, their date hadn¡¯t worked out.


    Such minor actions went unnoticed amidst the chaos, as no one really cared about an unimportant person like Li Weiwei. All eyes were on Guan Hong, who was truly ferocious, grabbing Zheng Huimin and pummeling her mercilessly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you to lie! I¡¯ll teach you to try and steal my man! I¡¯ll teach you to throw blame on me in a moment like this!¡±


    Guan Hong, a fitter by profession, was strong, but Zheng Huimin wasn¡¯t exactly a delicate flower either. Though she appeared frail, she was far from weak, having done all the hard work at home for years.


    Dazed and shaken by the beating, Zheng Huimin still managed to grab hold of Guan Hong. ¡°Let go of me!¡± she shouted, anger building in her. ¡°I see now¡ªyou¡¯re just mad at Zhao Guihua for introducing you to Li Weiwei. You never wanted him; you were after Su Jinlai all along!¡±


    Guan Hong snarled, ¡°Mind your own business!¡±


    Slap!


    Slap!


    Slap!


    Zheng Huimin snapped, suddenly finding strength and flipping Guan Hong onto her back. Now in control, she thought of how vicious the other girl had been earlier and retaliated without hesitation. ¡°You think you¡¯re so great, huh? Just because you have a job? I¡¯ll kill you! Su Jinlai is mine.¡±


    ¡°M-mine!¡± screamed Guan Hong.


    ¡°No! Mine!¡± yelled Zheng Huimin.


    Enraged, Guan Hong found her strength and regained the upper hand, the two girls rolling around in the rain-soaked night. Draped in white sheets, they fought furiously, slapping and pulling hair, each determined to beat the other into submission.


    The ferocity of the fight sent everyone stumbling back in shock. Truly, it was a case of the younger generation surpassing the old¡ªthese girls fought like seasoned warriors.


    Li Weiwei took another cautious step back. Yeah, marriage wasn¡¯t a pressing matter. There was no rush.


    Meanwhile, Yinlai and Tonglai exchanged glances.


    What was Su Jinlai even thinking, managing to attract such passionate devotion from two women? They turned to their mother, Wang Xiangxiu, pleading with their eyes. If their brother ended up marrying either of these two, please, just let them move out.


    This was¡­ terrifying.


    Men fighting, they¡¯d seen. Women fighting, though, was a different beast entirely.


    As kids, they¡¯d witnessed plenty, but with the neighborhood¡¯s relative peace in recent years, they hadn¡¯t seen much like this. Truly, it was intense.


    The younger kids, like ¡°Round¡± and ¡°Full,¡± watched from a safe distance but still found themselves peeking through their fingers, torn between fear and curiosity.


    The two women continued their brutal fight, neither gaining the upper hand. Suddenly, Guan Hong sank her teeth into Zheng Huimin¡¯s neck.


    Zheng Huimin shrieked, ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    Everyone watching gasped audibly, ¡°Oh. My. God!¡±


    At that moment, everyone instinctively turned to look at one person: Bai Fendou.


    Because back in those days, when Bai Fendou and Chen Yuan got into a fight, Chen Yuan did the same thing, and then rumors spread.


    The memory is still fresh, still fresh.


    Indeed, history just keeps repeating itself.


    Back then, there was also a stormy night when Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun fought, and the rain poured heavily. Tonight, the rain is soft and gentle!


    Every story is a repeat of yesterday.


    Everyone deeply reflected on this, and at this moment, Da Qiang looked at the two women fighting and then at his own wife. Although she might be strong-willed, she was also gentle, considerate, hardworking, and friendly. He felt so lucky.


    Yes, Da Qiang also visited today.


    In the past, someone like Da Qiang from a neighboring yard wouldn''t have had the chance to come over and watch the commotion, as no one wanted outsiders meddling in their affairs. It was embarrassing. But things are different now. Ever since he married Wang Zizhen, he could always be part of the hot gossip firsthand.


    Just like today, as soon as they heard the commotion next door, they immediately rushed over. While others could only watch from the outside, Bai Qingqing let them in. They got to witness the drama live.


    Firsthand gossip.


    Over the years, Da Qiang has seen countless scandals, all shocking and exciting.


    He felt like he was just a big oaf with a weak heart. Real strength lies in the mindset.


    But... is it really okay to fight like this?


    It¡¯s not that fighting is forbidden, but how did it turn into you biting me and I biting you?


    Yes, Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin had stopped slapping each other and moved on to the next stage: biting each other, rolling around like... let''s just say, uncivilized.


    The children had all been chased away.


    Yuan Yuan: "Why can''t we watch?"


    The little girl protested; kids also have the right to watch the fun.


    Ming Mei hesitated, then said: "This is not something kids should see. They¡¯re being too... indecent. Kids might end up with pinkeye. Go home now."


    Yuan Yuan''s big round eyes looked reluctant to leave.


    Ming Mei gave a stern look: "Do you guys not need to go to school tomorrow? Now be quick and go home and sleep."


    The kids obediently left.


    Meanwhile, Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin were already fighting like mad, both bloodied and bruised.


    Aunt Wang, who was in charge of the courtyard, sighed, saying: "Alright, let''s break them up now."


    A few older women stepped forward to separate them, but Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin continued glaring at each other.


    Aunt Wang: "What are you fighting for? Stop now; you might end up disfigured."


    "Ah!"


    "Ah!"


    No girl would be fine with that. Both of them screamed, then ran back to their room and rushed to the mirror. Soon, another piercing scream echoed. Aunt Wang came to the door, saying earnestly: "Living together in the same home is a rare fate; don¡¯t fight anymore. You¡¯re both grown women, and what about your reputations? If others hear about this, how will they think of you? As for the ''ghost'' incident today, well, since it¡¯s your first time, we won¡¯t hold it against you. But I hope you understand that although it¡¯s not illegal anymore, what you did was still unacceptable. If it happens again, we¡¯ll notify the neighborhood committee."


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin''s faces turned red and white as Aunt Wang spoke, though it was hard to tell with their swollen bruises.


    Aunt Wang: "Sigh."


    Zhao Guihua, hands on her hips, stood at the door: "If you two keep messing around, I¡¯ll call the police myself. Don¡¯t think you can scare me¡ªI¡¯m not to be messed with. I¡¯m warning you, if there¡¯s a next time, I¡¯ll deal with you."


    Neither Guan Hong nor Zheng Huimin dared to respond.


    Although they were simple-minded, they knew that they had already angered the entire courtyard. If they didn¡¯t keep their heads low, the others wouldn¡¯t be so kind.


    Both of them obediently nodded.


    Zhao Guihua gave a light sneer, not believing they would change.


    Their courtyard already had precedents¡ªlike Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou. Zhou Qun only changed after his, shall we say, private part was damaged; Bai Fendou was even worse, still foolish despite the damage, only changing after finding a wife.


    She shook her head and left.


    They should learn from this lesson too.


    As she turned to go home, she suddenly thought of something and glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and his wife standing at the doorway in the distance. Seeing his mother looking at him, Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow playfully, smirking.


    Zhao Guihua pointed at him from afar but said nothing and went back home.


    Old Man Zhuang: "Those two girls are really not very bright. I mean, they were out to scare others, yet they were the ones to scream first. How stupid. They must have been scared by each other."


    He had never seen such inept girls before.


    Zhao Guihua: "You really think they were scared by each other? They were scared silly by our son."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Huh?"


    He was puzzled for a moment, then it clicked. "Ah, that makes sense."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, saying: "Our third son just didn¡¯t bother with them. Otherwise, that rascal knows how to stir up trouble."


    Old Man Zhuang: "You¡¯re pretty proud."


    "Of course, I¡¯m proud that my son has a sharp mind. If he were too nice, I¡¯d really be worried."


    She murmured: "I wonder how he pulled it off. I bet it¡¯s what he learned from Lan Sihai. That old man is a true character¡ªhe can do anything except study. Three religions, nine schools of thought, you name it, he knows it."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Lan Sihai is quite the interesting guy. Whenever I hang out with him, it¡¯s always fun."


    Old Man Zhuang used to work tirelessly for the family, frugal and hardworking, like an old ox. Money was always for the kids and his wife, while he himself lived frugally. It took Zhao Guihua¡¯s persistence to finally turn his attitude around a bit.


    Now that he¡¯s retired, he originally wanted to find some part-time jobs to earn extra money, but Zhao Guihua firmly opposed it. Slowly, he learned to relax and enjoy life, which he¡¯s getting used to now. Besides fishing, he also played chess with Lan Sihai, listened to crosstalk, and did all sorts of things to broaden his horizons. He finally felt like life was different.


    At his age, he still found Lan Sihai interesting, so it made sense that their son would learn a thing or two from him.


    He said: "I couldn¡¯t teach the kids much as a father, but if they pick up some interesting stuff from Lan Sihai, that¡¯s not bad either."


    Zhao Guihua: "Who says you couldn¡¯t teach them? If you weren¡¯t such a good man and set a good example, the kids might have turned out differently."


    Old Man Zhuang was overjoyed¡ªnobody doesn¡¯t like hearing nice things.


    He said: "Wife¡­"


    Zhao Guihua: "It¡¯s been a long night. Let¡¯s get some rest. We¡¯ll sleep in tomorrow."


    "Okay, sure."


    The old couple went to bed, but Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin stayed awake. Both seated, they glared at each other with murderous intent. The pain of being beaten wasn¡¯t easy, and they were both experiencing this for the first time. They had thought they were smart enough to succeed, but instead, they messed up big time and humiliated themselves.


    Both of them were bitter, staring at each other with resentment.


    Despite this, neither made a move. It wasn¡¯t because they feared the courtyard neighbors would watch more drama, but because they were both completely exhausted. The fight had taken a serious toll on them.


    After a long while, Guan Hong ground her teeth: "I¡¯m not letting this go."


    "Me neither!"


    Zheng Huimin sneered: "You just wait."


    Guan Hong: "You¡¯re the one who should wait, you bitch. Thinking you can snatch Su Jinlai from me? Dream on. I¡¯ll tell you straight¡ªwe¡¯ve already slept together. You better give up."


    Zheng Huimin was startled and began to pace in anger, but she quickly calmed down. She said, "Stop pretending. Even if Su Jinlai were to look at you, what would that make you? Eventually, he and I will be together. I don''t care how many women he''s been with; a prodigal son who returns is worth his weight in gold."


    "You''re the jerk."


    "No, you are!"


    The two of them shouted at each other, their necks stretched out in anger, hissing with rage.


    But as soon as they stretched their necks, both immediately felt a sharp pain. Guan Hong looked into the mirror and saw it was covered with red and purple marks from where Zheng Huimin had bitten her. Suddenly, she remembered something and blushed as she stared at her reflection.


    Guan Hong pursed her lips and looked up at Zheng Huimin. This time, it wasn''t with resentment. She gave her a long, piercing look, then snorted and got up to take off her coat and wash her face.


    Seeing Guan Hong covered in bites, Zheng Huimin looked at herself in the mirror. Uh-oh, she wasn''t any better off. Guan Hong''s bites weren''t any lighter. She looked at her own swollen face, barely recognizable, and the marks on her neck, and couldn''t help but think of her mother.


    Her mom had often had similar marks on her in recent years...


    Their house was small, so she had overheard things and understood what was going on.


    Zheng Huimin''s face grew red too.


    This fight between two women seemed awfully like... well, something else. What were they to do now?


    Both ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????of them felt embarrassed, silently got up to wash up, and then silently lay down to rest. They no longer glared at each other like fighting roosters.


    The room was quiet as a tomb. Zheng Huimin tried to distract herself, hoping her face would heal quickly. What if Su Jinlai saw her like this and thought she was ugly? That wouldn''t do.


    Meanwhile, Guan Hong was also worried. How was she going to show up for work tomorrow? How could she face Su Jinlai when he returned?


    She was really bothered.


    Aside from that, both of them also thought about the ghost they had seen. Even though no one else believed them, they were certain they had encountered a ghost.


    After a long silence, Guan Hong asked, "Zheng Huimin, are you asleep?"


    Zheng Huimin replied, "What do you want?"


    Guan Hong pursed her lips and said, "You... did you see a ghost earlier?"


    Zheng Huimin was silent for a moment before answering, "Yes, I did."


    Guan Hong said, "I saw one too. I wasn''t lying. There really is a ghost."


    Zheng Huimin agreed, "I saw one too. They really exist."


    "Nobody believes us," Guan Hong sighed.


    "Stupid people," Zheng Huimin retorted.


    "Exactly," Guan Hong nodded.


    For once, the two of them were on the same page. They muttered together for a while, then Zheng Huimin asked, "What should we do if there really are ghosts?"


    Guan Hong didn''t know. She irritably scratched her head and said, "We''ll just take it one step at a time."


    "That''s true, I guess."


    "What else can we do?"


    "You''re right about that."


    Once again, the two fell into silence.


    "I..."


    "I..."


    Both spoke at the same time.


    "You go first."


    "No, you go first."


    Once more, they spoke at the same time.


    Guan Hong said, "I want to go get a talisman for protection."


    Zheng Huimin replied, "Let''s go together."


    The two of them were in a gloomy mood, but the Zhou family was filled with joy. Zhou Qun was boastful: "Look at the men in this neighborhood. Who''s braver than me? I was the first to charge out. What ghosts? I don''t fear those things. They''re just bluffing!"


    In reality, he was terrified of ghosts. After all, he had actually seen one, unlike the others.


    But fake ghosts? He wasn''t afraid of those at all.


    He had already forgotten how scared he had been when he first rushed out. Now, all he remembered was his brave appearance. He was a ghost hunter! Strutting about, he bragged endlessly.


    Jiang Lu watched him with an impassive expression, turned over, and went back to sleep.


    Braggart.


    She didn''t want to listen.


    Zhou Qun continued, "I was so brave today. The moment I heard the noise..."


    And on he went.


    Jiang Lu: "..."


    Ugh, such a chatterbox!


    The Zhuang family was also awake. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "They dared to scare my mom, so I dared to scare them. Though they certainly aren''t very tough."


    Ming Mei replied, "Of course you''re the bravest."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Honey, do you think they''ll behave after this?"


    Ming Mei: "Probably? I''m not sure, but if they don''t fear ghosts, their hearts must be made of steel."


    "That''s true."


    Ming Mei rolled into Zhuang Zhixi''s arms and they hugged. Chatting about gossip, Ming Mei said, "Since my mother-in-law is going out, I plan to invest ten thousand yuan."


    Their current savings were sixteen thousand.


    With six thousand left, they had plenty.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "You decide. I don''t mind. I''m mainly focused on trading flowers. Soon I''ll head to Changchun."


    "Okay, you make the call."


    Ming Mei was slightly curious. "You know, the price of these ''Lancaster'' lilies is skyrocketing. Why doesn''t anyone in Beijing seem to know?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s normal. If my grandfather hadn''t shown me a newspaper, I wouldn''t have known either. News doesn''t always spread quickly or widely. Besides, people here don''t grow them, so the culture is different."


    Ming Mei: "I see."


    Ming Mei: "I think there''s money to be made here."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I agree. If I go to Changchun, I''ll connect with my grandfather and your father."


    Ming Mei looked up in surprise.


    Zhuang Zhixi ruffled her hair and said, "Silly girl, you think my grandfather would only tell me about this? He must have told your father too. It''s just that you, silly goose, wouldn''t pay attention to such things."


    Ming Mei: "But I think my parents are down-to-earth. They wouldn''t gamble on whether something like this can make money or not."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "You little simpleton."


    Ming Mei raised her hand, her skin crawling. "Can you please speak normally? Look, I got goosebumps."


    Calling her a "little simpleton" made her hair stand on end. Could you just talk properly!

 Chapter 185

    After the rain, the morning air was fresh.


    Early in the morning, the atmosphere in the courtyard was a bit strange.


    Well, it wasn''t because of ghosts¡ªeveryone knew it was someone playing pranks, so there were no real ghosts.


    But...


    Creak, the door opened.


    Everyone turned their heads in unison, looking at the open door. Guan Hong, the one who opened it, stepped out with a bruised, swollen face, her expression so gloomy it could drip water. She went to the water trough in the courtyard to wash up and glanced up.


    Those sneaking glances at her immediately shifted their gaze, pretending to chat: "Did you eat?"


    "The weather is nice today."


    "Did you go to the toilet this morning?"


    ...


    Such conversations were clearly an attempt to distract themselves, and Guan Hong pursed her lips, saying nothing as she quickly washed up and left the courtyard. The crowd didn''t resume their chatter after Guan Hong left; instead, they all focused on the door again.


    However, much to their disappointment, they were already running late for work, and Zheng Huimin still hadn''t emerged.


    Zheng Huimin knew everyone was watching their laughable situation, so she was determined not to appear with Guan Hong. She stayed in her room, angrily punching her quilt and muttering curses: "Damn Guan Hong, damn ghost, damn courtyard."


    After her rant, she finally got up, rummaging through the pocket of her underwear to find her savings, counting them: three yuan and fifty cents.


    It wasn''t nearly enough.


    She had come out with practically no money.


    She had no formal job, just odd jobs here and there, and what little money she earned had to be handed over to her family. She couldn''t save a penny of her own. She had been frugal for years, but still couldn''t save anything, and her few yuan had taken years to accumulate.


    With Su Jinlai away these past few days, she had been eating only one meal a day, and her few yuan weren''t enough to last. Now, she had only three yuan and fifty cents left, and had to make do with just drinking water to fill her stomach.


    She frowned, thinking for a while, then packed her things and left. She decided to go home to see if she could scavenge something to eat. She didn''t want to run into anyone, so she slipped out quietly and darted out of the courtyard.


    She hurried toward her home, hoping no one would be there at this time.


    Her father would usually be out for a walk or exercise, her mother should be at work, and her siblings¡ªher younger sister would be out working or digging for wild vegetables if no jobs were available, while her older brother and younger brother would be out playing.


    Normally, no one would be home.


    The two places weren''t close, but as she neared her home, she saw her mother standing in the alley, accepting something from a man. Zheng Huimin was startled and quickly hid behind a corner. Fortunately, the alley had many spots to hide.


    This was already work time; why hadn''t her mother left yet?


    The man was... apparently Fan Debiao.


    A man from their neighborhood, a friend of her father''s. Every time he saw her, he would compliment her looks. But Zheng Huimin didn''t like him; she always felt his gaze on her and her younger sister was¡­ inappropriate.


    She had mentioned it to her parents before, but they dismissed her concerns, saying she was overthinking.


    Zheng Huimin didn''t understand why Fan Debiao was giving her mother something, and she couldn''t help but imagine some intimate scenarios, feeling a pang of injustice for her father.


    Despite her disgust, she didn''t dare to confront them.


    She stood by the wall, watching as her mother and Fan Debiao walked side by side, their conversation growing louder. Fan Debiao stammered: "Big Sister, you know, you know me, we''ve been neighbors for years, I really, really admire Big Missy. Once we get married, I''ll definitely treat her well."


    Zheng Huimin, unfortunate to overhear this, turned pale instantly.


    The "Big Missy" he mentioned wasn''t someone else¡ªit was her.


    Zheng Huimin stood frozen, feeling icy cold.


    This man was the same age as her father!


    Such a man actually wants to marry me?


    But thinking of his usual, bold gaze, she felt it might be true.


    She trembled, not daring to move, as Fan Debiao continued: "Once we get married, we''ll have a good life. I''ve already planned to buy a house, a proper house."


    Guan Guiling, hearing this, felt her heart race with excitement. She said, "That''s great. You''ll have a good life together. And what about your old house...?"


    Fan Debiao immediately replied: "The old house can be for your eldest to live in, as they please."


    Guan Guiling smiled, saying: "My daughter is so lucky. Look at how good her fate is to meet a man like you. When it comes to men, age doesn''t matter¡ªwhat''s important is generosity and attentiveness."


    Fan Debiao nodded eagerly: "Yes, yes, that''s exactly it. I¡­ I genuinely care for Big Missy. When you all grow old, I''ll take you to live in the new house. I¡­ I share a good relationship with my brother-in-law."


    Zheng Huimin pressed herself against the wall, as still as a gecko, not daring to move.


    She found the whole situation absurd. The "brother-in-law" Fan Debiao mentioned was her father. This man wanted to marry her? It was ridiculous. She glared at her mother''s back, wishing she could die right then and there, and wished she could hurry to her father and expose her mother''s true nature.


    Her father was such a good man; how could he end up with someone like her mother?


    Zheng Huimin was filled with resentment.


    Guan Guiling continued: "I''m not the type to sell my daughter. If my daughter can marry well and live a good life, I''ll be very happy. I don''t expect anything extra. I know you''re a good man. But¡­ the bride price¡­ I must ask for a high amount. It''s not about the money, but the more the bride price, the more it shows your care for her. If you don''t offer anything, then once she''s married, she won''t be treated well. After all, a woman married without a price can be easily belittled. But don''t worry, once you''re married and I see she''s treated well, I''ll return the bride price in full."


    This was a line her husband had taught her, and she thought it sounded very reasonable.


    She added with a gentle voice: "Our bride price will be two thousand yuan, a tricycle, a television, and a sewing machine. A watch is also a must."


    Zheng Huimin covered her mouth, unable to believe her mother was asking for such a huge sum.


    As a twenty-something girl, she had heard about bride prices and dowry before. For well-off families, it would be "three turns and one sound," "thirty-six legs." For less well-off families, it would be something like "sixty-six" or "eighty-eight" for luck. The poorest families would just give a token sum of ten or eight yuan.


    But asking for such a huge sum was the first she had heard of it.


    Zheng Huimin, having grown up influenced by her mother, was always very willing to spend on her future husband, but that was only for the man she herself chose, not her own family. Her mother never spent a penny on her family and always went to her in-laws for money, something she herself had seen and internalized.


    So, hearing her mother talk about all this, she didn''t believe a word of it. Her mother wanted to sell her for money! That so-called hope for her to live well was all lies. She didn''t believe it. Even if she hadn''t fancied Fan Debiao, even if she were to marry her Su brother in the future, she wouldn''t accept a single yuan in bride price.


    These were all outdated customs; why follow them?


    If they had the money, they should keep it for themselves. She wouldn''t subsidize her family at all.


    Zheng Huimin was furious, but she didn''t dare move. She knew her mother couldn''t be reasoned with, so she would talk to her father. In her family, only her father was a sensible person. She knew her mother wasn''t a good person and was also extremely biased towards men, treating her poorly.


    She bit her lip, watching their cheerful conversation.


    Her mother''s exorbitant demands didn''t scare off Fan Debiao; instead, he sneered inwardly, then said: "Certainly, that''s only right. I''ll buy a house, and you can bring Er Missy to stay with us. I''ll give my house to your eldest. My house can be left for the younger son."


    After all, Er Missy would ultimately be his.


    Er Missy was even prettier than Big Missy.


    Guan Guiling had her own plans, and so did Fan Debiao¡ªhe was no fool, he had his own calculations, and they were even more precise.


    Thinking of Big Missy''s absence recently, he asked¡­


    Fan Debiao: ¡°Meimei Daya, you haven¡¯t been home recently, have you?¡±


    Guan Guiling: ¡°She went to her relatives¡¯ place to help with some work. She¡¯ll be back in a few days. You can rest assured, she does have feelings for you. Besides, throughout history, which child¡¯s marriage wasn¡¯t arranged by their parents? You see, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Fan Debiao nodded: ¡°Yes, yes.¡±


    Guan Guiling: ¡°As long as you can present the betrothal gifts, our Daya can marry into your family anytime¡­¡±


    As the two walked farther away, their voices faded, and the rest of the conversation was no longer audible. But Zheng Huimin was already shaking with anger. Her mother¡¯s filthy mouth had spewed such nonsense. When had she ever liked someone like Fan Debiao?


    Was she blind?


    At that moment, Zheng Huimin noticed that Fan Debiao had just given her mother a set of clothes. Her mother was carrying it in a bag, swinging it back and forth.


    Without another word, Zheng Huimin quickly returned home. No matter what, she needed to grab some food first and then find her father. She had to expose her mother¡¯s true nature. Returning to her own home, she found the courtyard quiet¡ªpeople were either at work or out doing odd jobs, and even those who stayed home would find some tasks to do. Entering the house, she immediately heard a creaking sound. Being a young woman in her twenties, she knew exactly what that sound meant.


    Zheng Huimin was momentarily stunned.


    Had her brother brought a woman home?


    She rolled her eyes, tiptoed to the cabinet, and began looking for something. Their house was small, with only two rooms, and as she searched, she heard the sound of their room concluding. Finding some steamed buns, she quickly stuffed them into her pocket with joy.


    ¡°Yufeng, why do you seem so listless today?¡± A sweet, syrupy woman¡¯s voice came from inside.


    Zheng Huimin was stunned. This time, she was completely shocked¡ªthe people inside weren¡¯t her brother?


    Soon, the voices from the room confirmed her suspicions.


    Zheng Yufeng said: ¡°It¡¯s all that silly girl of mine. Who knows which man¡¯s house she¡¯s run off to, acting like she¡¯s in love. I¡¯m still trying to arrange a marriage for her. If she leaves and loses her chastity, Fan Debiao definitely won¡¯t stand for it. I¡¯m counting on her to fetch a good dowry. I hinted to Guan Guiling to force her back, but that fool didn¡¯t understand a thing.¡±


    Zheng Huimin: ¡°!!!!!!!!!¡±


    She never imagined she would hear such words.


    All this time, she had trusted her father deeply, believing him to be the most reasonable person in the family.


    Yet, the truth hit her like a thunderbolt.


    The woman¡¯s voice inside chuckled: ¡°You scoundrel, I never knew you¡¯d be like this. Why are you so eager to marry off that silly girl?¡±


    ¡°Without the money, how can I get by? Fan Debiao¡¯s been making money from his stall, and someone needs to help him spend it. Besides, that silly girl of mine is just like her mother, both low-class and shameless. I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll end up giving herself away to someone else. But if she¡¯s married off to someone unworthy, she¡¯ll naturally lean toward her family.¡±


    Zheng Yufeng spoke of his daughter without the slightest hint of affection.


    At that moment, Zheng Huimin felt as if she was losing her mind. All her life, she had thought her father was the best person in the family, never favoring boys over girls, treating everyone equally. But she never imagined he hid such a vile face behind closed doors.


    This was even more shocking than her mother¡¯s actions.


    ¡°You know, Guan Guiling has deep feelings for you, yet you still disdain her.¡±


    Zheng Yufeng: ¡°She should take a look in the mirror. She looks more like my mother now; how could she possibly be a match for me? You just stick with me and in a few years, I¡¯ll make her give back her job to me. Then I¡¯ll have a retirement pension. I¡¯ll find a reason to divorce her and marry you¡­¡±


    ¡°You better keep your word. If you lie to me, I won¡¯t ever forgive you. I¡¯ve been with you for so long; I don¡¯t want to stay unnamed and unacknowledged forever.¡±


    Zheng Yufeng: ¡°It¡¯ll just be a couple of years. In these next two years, I¡¯ll have her help me extort a bit more money. After all, she has no reputation to begin with. If she ends up losing her life because of this, even better! I¡¯ll save the trouble of scheming for a divorce. The woman doesn¡¯t even see how old she looks¡ªshe doesn¡¯t know when to step aside and let someone else take her place. Clinging to me, it makes me want to vomit. For now, I¡¯m just using her to take the lead; otherwise, I¡¯d have dumped her long ago. Daya marrying Fan Debiao will bring in some money, and I¡¯ll arrange another wealthy match for Erya. She¡¯s better looking than Daya, even if she¡¯s a bit withdrawn. Men, after all, judge by looks. That could fetch a high price. If I can¡¯t find someone like Fan Debiao willing to pay a high price, I can always send her to work in the sex trade. Send her far away, and no one will know¡ªjust say she¡¯s gone to work, and she¡¯ll still earn a decent living. Once she¡¯s earned enough, I¡¯ll let her go and get married. By then, no one will know anything, and she can still find a nice, simple man to marry. With both these dowries in hand, I¡¯ll just push everything onto Guan Guiling.¡±


    The woman giggled: ¡°Oh, you¡¯re so clean and innocent, you¡¯re so cunning.¡±


    Zheng Huimin trembled as she approached the bedroom. For some reason, she felt she recognized the woman¡¯s voice.


    She almost shivered as she got closer, peeking through the door of the inner room. In an instant, she nearly fainted¡ªyes, this was indeed someone she knew.


    The woman who was having an affair with her father turned out to be her aunt¡¯s stepdaughter.


    Her mother, Guan Guiling, had an older sister who had remarried after becoming a widow young. Since she had no children, she was eventually driven out by her second husband. Because of this, her mother was deeply afraid of not having a man. She believed life without a man was unbearably hard¡ªher older sister was a living example.


    Her aunt, Guan Guifeng, had remarried a disabled man, a cripple with five children. Her aunt had diligently began raising those children. The woman currently entangled with her father was her aunt¡¯s stepdaughter, the eldest of the five children.


    Zheng Huimin felt like she was losing her mind. The scene before her was utterly revolting.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Zheng Yufeng suddenly heard a noise and quickly got up, rushing out. As soon as he opened the door, he saw his eldest daughter, Zheng Huimin.


    Seeing her, he immediately put on a benevolent expression, calling: ¡°Daya¡­¡±


    He reached out to grab the girl, but Zheng Huimin suddenly jumped back with a scream, fleeing at top speed. She had to escape¡ªthere was no other thought in her mind.


    If she didn¡¯t escape, her father would undoubtedly force her into marriage.


    Never had Zheng Huimin been so clear-headed. She ran as fast as she could, suddenly colliding with someone just as she reached the entrance of the courtyard.


    ¡°Sister? Why are you back?¡±


    A girl¡¯s voice rang out. It was Zheng Huimin¡¯s sister, Zheng Huifang. Seeing her sister¡¯s face, she was shocked: ¡°Who beat you up?¡±


    Seeing her younger sister, Zheng Huimin grabbed her and ran, the two of them dashing through several streets before finally leaning against a wall, both out of breath. Zheng Huimin angrily said: ¡°Father was having an affair with Wang Ju at home, and both parents are unreliable. They had already schemed to sell us off for money. They wanted to marry me off to Fan Debiao. Now that I¡¯ve run away, they might use you as a substitute. You need to figure something out for yourself. But don¡¯t think that just because they don¡¯t marry you off to Fan Debiao, everything will be fine. There will always be someone else, and they won¡¯t care about your well-being or what kind of person it is, only about how much bride price they can get. If no one offers a high enough price, they might even send you far away to work as a prostitute. You¡¯ll have to figure out how to escape on your own. Remember, don¡¯t trust Dad¡ªhe¡¯s not a good person either.¡±


    Although she often bullied her younger sister at home, making her do chores, the two of them didn¡¯t have any major conflicts. After all, their family was patriarchal, and they were treated far worse than their two brothers. Zheng Huifang had done a lot of work for her since she was small. In major matters, Zheng Huimin still had a sense of conscience. She quickly explained everything to her sister, then dug out three yuan and fifty cents from her pocket and handed it to her, saying, ¡°This is all the money I have. Figure out a way to leave home.¡±


    Afterward, she was about to run.


    Zheng Huifang quickly grabbed her sister, saying, ¡°What about you?¡±


    Zheng Huimin: ¡°I have someone to rely on¡ªthey won¡¯t be able to force me into anything.¡±


    Looking at the three yuan and fifty cents, she felt her heart ache, but still, she gritted her teeth and said, ¡°I won¡¯t starve to death. Alright, I¡¯m leaving. We¡¯ll never see each other again!¡±


    With that, she ran off. Zheng Huifang called out: ¡°Sister!!!¡±


    Zheng Huimin waved her hand.


    Zheng Huifang clutched the three yuan and fifty cents, pursed her lips, and her eyes reddened.


    She fished out the four yuan she had secretly stashed in her underwear pocket. In total, she had seven yuan and fifty cents, which was a bit more than her older sister had saved. She had no doubt about her sister''s words, despite their mediocre relationship. After all, when it came to important matters, her sister had never lied to her.


    Because, they were on the same side.


    In the past, they were always the ones who ate the least and worked the most in the family. Later, as they grew older, their treatment improved somewhat. Her older sister might have forgotten, but she hadn''t. She knew what her parents wanted, but she hadn''t expected them not only to want to sell her off for a good price but also to push her into making dirty money.


    Her eldest sister had discovered the secret and had been beaten so badly. Her father was clearly not as kind as he seemed.


    Her elder sister was right, she needed to figure out a way to run away.


    Zheng Huifang clenched the seven yuan and fifty cents, rubbed her face vigorously, and pretended nothing had happened as she returned home.


    Zheng Huimin walked home muttering to herself, feeling like she had lost everything today. She hadn''t gotten any food and had even spent money, leaving her feeling deeply worried. She would go hungry today, oh well, at least she had grabbed a steamed bun earlier. Zheng Huimin took it out and bit into it.


    She just had to tough it out for a few more days, and then when Su Jinlai returned, she would have a support.


    If things got really tough these days, she could go to the Su family''s house to eat, after all, she was going to be their daughter-in-law. As for Guan Hong, don¡¯t even think about competing with her!


    Su Jinlai, she was determined to marry him!


    Zheng Huimin grit her teeth and returned to the courtyard.


    The first thing Zheng Huimin did upon returning was to go to the Su family''s house. The Su family''s gate was locked, with everyone at work or school. She sat at the door and began wiping the windows of the Su family''s house, unable to reach the insides, so she focused on the exteriors, working with great enthusiasm.


    Aunt Zhou watched Zheng Huimin suspiciously, wondering if the girl had been possessed by a ghost after pretending to be one last night.


    No one with a sound mind would do such a thing.


    Wiping the glass like that wouldn''t get it clean at all!


    Aunt Zhou didn''t dare to approach, fearing she might offend Zheng Huimin, as ghosts weren¡¯t something to be trifled with. She quickly went to the back courtyard to find Zhao Guihua and muttered to her.


    "Do you think Zheng Huimin really saw a ghost?"


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. "There''s no such thing as ghosts."


    Aunt Zhou was still very uneasy, saying, "But..." She hesitated, "Have you ever seen anything like this? Look at her, what''s the point of just wiping the outside? Besides, why would she wipe someone else¡¯s windows for no reason? Does she think it makes her look good?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Maybe she''s just trying to show off. Last night''s stunt was also for show, wasn''t it? She''s truly in love with Su Jinlai."


    Aunt Zhou: "..."


    She really couldn''t understand the girl who fell in love with Su Jinlai, feeling like the girl was missing a few screws. She shook her head in exasperation.


    Aunt Zhou also shook her head, unable to comprehend it. This girl with her poor reasoning skills would be a disaster to marry.


    The two of them peeked from the boundary between the front and back courtyards, expressing their deep confusion. However, Zheng Huimin didn''t care about any of that, remaining very determined. She wanted to win over Su Jinlai, not just by being good to him but by also gaining the favor of his family.


    Only then could she legitimately move in and have a place to eat.


    As for her own family, she was determined not to go back. Today''s events had thoroughly shattered her worldview.


    As she wiped the windows, her mind wandered. She had always thought her father was a good man, always believed that was the case. But who would have thought her father was even more terrifying and malicious than her mother? She didn''t even dare to imagine what would happen if she refused to marry Fan Debiao. Would she be sent to a place where no one knew her to become a prostitute and make money for the family?


    She, she was their own daughter!


    She vigorously wiped the glass, feeling that her family really wasn''t worth trusting at all.


    She wouldn''t go back, absolutely not.


    "What are you doing?"


    Just as everyone was engaged in lively discussions, someone spoke up. The speaker was Yinlai, who had just returned from outside.


    Yinlai looked confused at the female colleague in front of him, not understanding why. He found that the female colleagues drawn to his older brother always had strange behaviors. Thinking of how this person had even scared everyone by pretending to be a ghost last night, his face turned even darker as he asked, "What are you doing?"


    Zheng Huimin was startled. "Why are you back?"


    Yinlai retorted, "This is my home; why can''t I be back?"


    He felt this woman was indeed as others said, not quite right in the head. If she really ended up with his older brother, Yinlai didn''t even want to imagine how stupid their children would be.


    After all, his older brother was a bit of a character himself.


    Yinlai frowned at Zheng Huimin, saying, "Did our glass offend you?"


    Zheng Huimin: "..."


    What an immature person, she was going to be the eldest sister-in-law.


    The eldest sister-in-law is like a mother.


    Although she thought that in her heart, she didn''t dare to say it out loud. She could see how the Su family looked down on her and Guan Hong. Now that Su Jinlai wasn''t home, she had no backing, so she could only humble herself.


    She said, "I, I just wanted to do some work for the family."


    Yinlai: "The family? This is our family, not yours."


    Zheng Huimin mumbled, "It will be sooner or later."


    Yinlai: "..."


    His older brother really knew how to pick them, this one was even more ridiculous than Guan Hong. He didn''t dare to imagine what his older brother''s future would be like if he found someone even more absurd.


    Yinlai: "Move aside, don''t loiter at my family''s door. We have no relationship with you."


    "But, but I..."


    Zheng Huimin hesitated, looking at Yinlai and hoping he would ask more, but Yinlai remained indifferent, not falling for it. What was this? His mother had been more skilled at this when they were young.


    Yinlai remained completely unaffected.


    At this moment, Zhao Guihua spoke up, asking, "Why are you back, Yinlai?"


    Yinlai immediately changed to a smiling face, saying, "I took a half-day leave to come back and ask if someone could cover my shift for a few days. I need someone familiar with the job, so I''m planning to ask Aunt Lian."


    Their courtyard had a good relationship with Aunt Lian, despite her involvement in all sorts of questionable activities, like superstitious practices and illegal trading. But these days, who cared about such things?


    "I want to find someone to cover my shift for ten days, I..."


    Before he could finish, Zheng Huimin quickly interjected, "Me, second brother, I can do it."


    Zheng Huimin excitedly asked, "What do you think of me?"


    Yinlai: "I don''t think much of you. Also, who is your second brother? Speak clearly about your relationships."


    He said, "I don''t want any relationship with you. You and my older brother can handle your own affairs outside, don''t try to involve us."


    Zheng Huimin: "..."


    Seeing Yinlai about to leave, she quickly said resolutely, "Since you''re going to find someone anyway, it doesn''t matter who you find, I can do the job too. I''m used to taking odd jobs, you, you can treat me like a stranger."


    She surprisingly showed some good sense, saying, "I really can do it, and I do it well, believe me."


    If she could secure this job, she could earn money for ten days, which would be enough time for Su Jinlai to return. Then she would have money to eat.


    Yinlai: "..."


    He inherently didn''t want to have anything to do with this woman, but Zheng Huimin quickly added, "Just consider it as helping me out for the sake of your older brother."


    Yinlai remained silent for a while, then looked at Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou, pondering for a moment, and said, "Alright then."


    Zheng Huimin had thought she might need to bring up Su Jinlai to get this person to agree, but she didn''t expect he seemed firm but was actually quite easy to talk to. He had agreed so quickly, which was a great relief.


    She immediately became elated. "Alright, I''ll definitely do a good job and not embarrass you."


    Yinlai: "Let''s hope so."


    He added coldly, "If you cause any trouble for me at our unit or talk nonsense, I''ll make sure to sow discord between you and my older brother every day."


    Zheng Huimin: "..." Damn, this kid is too cruel, but luckily, she had indeed planned to work hard. After all, she couldn''t starve to death. Feeling helpless, she nodded.


    Yinlai promptly took Zheng Huimin to his unit. Zheng Huimin had done odd jobs before and was familiar with the work, so she quickly got started. She felt very fortunate. She had already hit a dead end, yet a way out had emerged.


    She truly was favored by fate.


    Zheng Huimin went to take over a shift, and Yinlai made a special point to explain to Zhao Guihua: "Aunt Zhao, I don''t acknowledge her as my sister-in-law, no matter how she acts, it has nothing to do with me. I think it''s better if she takes the shift, that way, she''ll be at work every day and won''t be stirring up trouble in the courtyard, pretending to be a ghost. With everyone gone, I''m worried she might cause trouble. Sending her to work keeps us at ease when we''re out."


    He had to explain clearly, especially since the day before, this female comrade had been pretending to be a ghost to scare people. If he turned around and asked her to take the shift, he was worried that everyone might be unhappy. So, it was necessary to explain clearly. He didn''t want to damage the harmony among the neighbors. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua: "I understand."


    At her age, she could definitely see the reason why Yinlai suddenly agreed.


    She said: "Don''t overthink it. Everyone knows what''s going on. Besides, it''s your own business. You can ask whoever you want to take the shift. If we were to meddle, that would be the foolish ones."


    "You mustn''t say that."


    Zhao Guihua smiled: "It''s the truth."


    She said: "We''re leaving tomorrow. Have you prepared your things?"


    "Almost done."


    Zhao Guihua: "The most important thing is to bring money and ID. As long as you have money, even if you forget something, you can sort it out. Also, it''s already April, and it''s still quite warm in the south, so we don''t need to bring a lot of thick clothes. Lightweight clothing is better."


    "Yes, yes."


    "And also..."


    Compared to others, Zhao Guihua had been to Guangzhou before, of course, in her previous life. Back then, it was already very prosperous. Now it might not be as developed, but she still had more experience than others. Besides, her son Zhuang Zhixi had been there, so she had thoroughly inquired and even sketched a rough map.


    How should she put it?


    She believed she was well-prepared and felt quite confident.


    She said: "When we''re out, keep your money hidden. There are a lot of thieves and scammers on the train. You know, my eldest son works in that field, so he''s seen a lot. Be very careful."


    "We understand, we understand."


    ¡°My son Li Junjun also mentioned it.¡± Aunt Wang came out unknowingly and agreed. Her son Li Junjun had graduated from high school but hadn''t gotten into university. With Zhuang Zhiyuan''s introduction, he got a job at the train station; although he worked in the maintenance department, he had heard a lot about these things.


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s right."


    This time, the train tickets were bought by Zhao Guihua. Although Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn''t home, Zhao Guihua knew the ropes. As an employee''s family member, they had their own policies, so they were more convenient than others.


    Zhao Guihua bought all sleeper tickets, and they six of them just filled one compartment.


    Zhao Guihua: "Should I distribute the tickets to you, or should I keep them all for now?"


    "Keep them with you, we''ll get them before boarding tomorrow." They were afraid of losing them if they had them.


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Alright, at least we''re not suffering, we''re in sleepers. A lot of people going to the south for goods have to endure hard seats for days, but we''re not young anymore, we can''t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. At least we need to lie down. Only with good rest can we do big things. Saving a little money and suffering a lot is something we can''t do. We have to consider our age."


    Several elderly ladies nodded, and Yinlai nodded too. His body was already weak, so he certainly didn''t dare to overdo it.


    Those who were going out gathered at Zhao Guihua''s house, discussing these travel tips, and then went home to prepare. Although they were going out, the things they prepared weren''t many.


    Zheng Huimin was very proud to take the shift for Yinlai. As soon as she got off work at the machinery factory in the evening, she immediately told Guan Hong, bragging a lot.


    This angered Guan Hong, her eyes were wide open, she looked like a cow. Today, she had really lost face, going to work with a bruised and swollen face, and there were many gossip rumors. By the time she got off work, the news of her pretending to be a ghost had spread throughout the factory.


    It was so humiliating.


    Even her aunt from the same factory didn''t come to look for her. The Guan family was completely embarrassed by Guan Hong''s actions, and Guan Hong even moved her luggage herself to be by Su Jinlai''s side, making the Guan family even more humiliated.


    Guan Hong''s father had declared that he didn''t recognize this daughter anymore, but Guan Hong acted as if she was unafraid of boiling water, very determined.


    She felt that the whole world was trying to stop her true love.


    But then again, in Qiong Yao''s novels, the male and female leads always had to go through hardships to be together. If it was easy to be together, how could it show the preciousness of true love? Only by going through countless difficulties could you prove the strength of love.


    So, Guan Hong went to work with a calm face all day, seeing, they all looked at her with jealousy because she had true love.


    But now it made Guan Hong furious. She said: "Well, you''ve learned the art of going around obstacles, Zheng Huimin, don''t think you''re so great. I will definitely take Su Jinlai back."


    Zheng Huimin sneered: "We''ll see."


    Two pig heads, both thinking they were the most beautiful people in the world.


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    There was a knock on the door, and the two of them, who were arguing, both looked towards the door: "Who is it?"


    "Aunt Zhou!"


    Aunt Zhou, the busybody!


    Zheng Huimin: "What is it?"


    Aunt Zhou poked her head out from behind, Aunt Zhou: "This girl is here to see you."


    She met her at the door and brought her over.


    Zheng Huimin saw that it was her little sister.


    She immediately became alert, guardedly looking at Zheng Huifang, and said: "Why are you here?"


    Zheng Huifang whispered: "Come out for a moment."


    The two went outside together. Zheng Huimin didn''t expect Zheng Huifang to find her, so she got the upper hand: "Zheng Huifang, don''t think you can use knowing where I am to betray me! Oh, no, how did you know I live here?"


    Zheng Huifang: "You came home last time to get the quilt, I secretly followed you."


    Zheng Huifang twisted her clothes, whispering: "Don''t worry, mom and dad don''t know, I didn''t say anything."


    "Why are you here, you little brat? Let me tell you, I already gave you all the money. If you come to ask me for money or threaten me, do you believe I can find some hooligans to teach you a lesson?" Zheng Huimin and Zheng Huifang stood in the corner of the alley, not wanting to be seen.


    Zheng Huifang hurriedly waved her hands: "No, I''m not here to threaten you, I''m here to say goodbye."


    Zheng Huifang pursed her lips, saying: "I''m leaving."


    Zheng Huimin was stunned, then she thought of how she had also told her to leave. She softened a bit, hesitating for a moment and asked: "Where are you going?"


    Zheng Huifang: "I haven''t decided yet, anyway, I won''t stay in Beijing. I plan to climb onto a train at the station, see if I can sneak on, if not, I''ll climb onto a freight train, just leave Beijing first, wherever the road takes me."


    She was also looking for a way out, otherwise, her parents would arrange everything for her, and she was afraid she wouldn''t be able to break free, so she could only leave.


    She said: "Sister, after I leave, I don''t know if we''ll ever see each other again, take care."


    She came here to say goodbye, which was actually risky, since she was also afraid her sister would betray her. But thinking of the past, she was still determined. Maybe, maybe they wouldn''t meet again.


    "I''m leaving."


    Zheng Huifang stepped forward and hugged Zheng Huimin, then let go and turned to leave.


    "Wait a minute."


    Seeing Zheng Huifang about to leave the alley, Zheng Huimin said: "Wait for me."


    She grabbed Zheng Huifang and said: "Come with me for a moment."


    Zheng Huifang: "Huh?"


    She was confused as Zheng Huimin pulled her back to the courtyard. It was already after work, and there wasn''t much people in the courtyard, everyone was cooking, the scent of food floated from each household. Zheng Huimin dragged Zheng Huifang into the house, locked the door, and said to Guan Hong: "Lend me some money."


    Zheng Huifang: "!!!"


    How come there''s another bruised and swollen face.


    Guan Hong was stunned: "Borrow money? Don''t even think about it."


    Zheng Huimin: "Lend me, I''ll pay you back."


    Guan Hong: "I won''t lend it."


    She was triumphant, with a bit of pride, saying: "Oh, so you''re a pauper, no wonder, no wonder you''re after my Su Jinlai, it''s because you think he''s rich, you... oh, what are you doing, going through my pockets."


    Zheng Huimin didn''t care about anything else and directly grabbed Guan Hong. Guan Hong exclaimed, "I swear to your mother!"


    Zheng Huimin replied, "Go ahead, I don''t mind."


    Guan Hong was shocked, "What the hell."


    Zheng Huifang was stunned.


    Zheng Huimin managed to dig out thirty-one yuan from Guan Hong''s pocket, surprised, "You''re quite wealthy."


    Guan Hong panicked, "You''re robbing me, give it back, quick!" She had just been paid a few days ago and kept the money on her.


    Zheng Huimin said, "I really will return it to you, but just lend it to me for now."


    She continued rummaging, "Do you have any more?"


    Guan Hong, fuming, retorted, "You scoundrel, today I must teach you a lesson, Zheng Huimin!"


    Guan Hong grabbed Zheng Huimin''s hair and tried to slap her, and soon the two were rolling on the ground again. Zheng Huifang, having never seen such a scene, stood frozen for a while before rushing over to separate them, "Don''t fight, please stop! I don''t need the money, you don''t have to worry about me, big sister."


    Zheng Huimin spat, "Pfft, you''re lying!"


    She said, "How can you survive without some money on you when you''re out, you''ll die!"


    She pulled hard on Guan Hong and finally got the upper hand, demanding, "How much more do you have? Lend me more, quick!"


    "You''re straight-up robbing me," Guan Hong fumed.


    Zheng Huimin stammered, "You, you, you..."


    Seeing Guan Hong''s stubbornness, she realized that if they kept fighting, she wouldn''t win. So, giving up on trying to reason, she said, "If you don''t lend me money, I''ll kiss you!"


    She cackled coldly, "You don''t want to be that gross, do you?"


    Guan Hong''s eyes widened as she looked at Zheng Huimin, thinking this woman must have had her brain eaten by a ghost last night.


    Wait, was she possessed by a ghost?


    She stared in terror at Zheng Huimin, who demanded, "Will you lend me the money, or not? If not, I''ll kiss you!"


    "No!" Guan Hong cried out hastily, "Don''t, don''t be impulsive!"


    She took a deep breath, finding Zheng Huimin in front of her quite terrifying.


    She asked, "Who... who do you love the most?"


    To confirm if this was really a ghost speaking.


    Zheng Huimin replied, "Are you insane? Of course, I love Su Jinlai the most. Guan Hong, I''m not robbing you, I''m really out of options for borrowing money; please, I beg you."


    Her tone was rare humility towards Guan Hong.


    Guan Hong exclaimed in shock, "!!!"


    She looked at Zheng Huimin, then at the young girl with yellow hair next to her, about fifteen or sixteen years old, much prettier than Zheng Huimin.


    The girl was equally stunned, her mouth agape in disbelief.


    Zheng Huimin pleaded, "Lend me a bit more, I''ll definitely pay you back by doing odd jobs."


    Guan Hong looked at the yellow-haired girl and said, "Do you practice black magic? Are you controlling her to ask me for money? Zheng Huimin, snap out of it!"


    Zheng Huimin retorted, "She''s my younger sister!"


    Guan Hong shrieked, "Impossible!"


    She continued, "How can your younger sister be so much prettier than you! You two don''t look alike at all!"


    Zheng Huimin, "..."


    This was incredibly infuriating¡ªwas she being deliberately annoying?


    She took a deep breath, "Please, Guan Hong, I know it''s wrong to do this, but she''s leaving and I want her to have some money for emergencies. Please help."


    Guan Hong paused, finally asking, "Where is she going? Isn''t everyone at home now?"


    Zheng Huifang bit her lip and said, "I''m running away."


    Guan Hong''s eyes widened, "Have you committed a crime?"


    Zheng Huifang quickly shook her head, "No, I haven''t."


    Zheng Huimin explained, "My parents are ruthless; they wanted to sell us for money. If she doesn''t run, what else can she do? Unlike me, she doesn''t have Su Jinlai to back her up. If my parents dare to show up, I¡¯ll get Su Jinlai to deal with them! He¡¯s a capable man."


    Guan Hong was stunned again. Looking at Zheng Huimin¡¯s bravado and then at Zheng Huifang, she sighed, "Step aside."


    Zheng Huimin silently moved away. Guan Hong opened her suitcase, unlocked it, and took out sixty-nine yuan, saying, "Adding the thirty-one earlier, that''s a total of one hundred yuan. Take it and go."


    But then she turned and stared intensely at Zheng Huimin, saying, "You have to return this money to me."


    Zheng Huimin immediately nodded, "I will definitely repay you."


    Guan Hong glanced at the two sisters again and said harshly, "I don¡¯t need this jacket anymore; it doesn¡¯t fit well. Throw it away when you leave."


    She handed a long cotton overcoat to Zheng Huifang, her tone sharp. Yet Zheng Huimin noticed the coat with a flicker in her eyes; Guan Hong had worn it to work today. It was April and not particularly cold, but since she had been caught in the rain yesterday, Guan Hong wore something thicker today.


    Zheng Huifang looked at Guan Hong in a daze, then looked at Zheng Huimin, "Sister..."


    Zheng Huimin bit her lip and asked cautiously, "Do we not have to return this too?"


    Guan Hong snapped even more harshly, "Such a rag, I don¡¯t want it. And I¡¯m not giving it to you; I¡¯m telling your sister to throw it away."


    Zheng Huifang looked at them, then deeply bowed, tears in her eyes, "Thank you, I will never forget your kindness."


    Guan Hong waved her off, "Who needs you to remember? You¡¯re just a poor girl."


    Zheng Huimin said, "You should leave now. Don¡¯t bother me; I still have to repay you."


    Zheng Huifang replied, "I..."


    Zheng Huimin cut her off, "Stop with the ''you'' and ''me''! Be careful of people when you¡¯re out; don¡¯t trust anyone easily. Even those who seem kind and talkative can¡¯t be trusted. No one is kinder-looking than our dad, but he¡¯s still a snake who schemes against us. Even more so for strangers."


    Zheng Huifang carefully took note, saying, "I understand, I will be very careful."


    She didn¡¯t know how to express her gratitude, only bowing repeatedly.


    Zheng Huimin said, "Go!"


    Guan Hong added, "Get going!"


    Zheng Huifang bowed once more and said, "I¡¯m leaving."


    She had only come to say goodbye but never expected her sister to help her so much. As Zheng Huifang walked away, her hand wiping away tears, her steps were determined. She was leaving, refusing to be controlled.


    Those young girls had no experience or knowledge of the world, otherwise, they could have sought help from the neighborhood committee or the Women¡¯s Federation. But they didn¡¯t know that, only wanting to rely on their own abilities to leave as soon as possible.


    The evening air was cold, but Zheng Huifang felt a warmth in her heart.


    Zheng Huifang had left, and Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong stood there. Suddenly, Guan Hong snapped fiercely, "Remember to pay me back!"


    Zheng Huimin nodded vigorously.


    Then she snorted, ¡°I¡¯m not the type to default on debt."


    However, she held her chest and sat down, feeling her heart ache¡ªshe had never seen so much money in her life!


    As soon as Zheng Huifang left, she felt regretful for helping her borrow money.


    Wahhh, she must really be foolish.


    She shouldn¡¯t have helped at all.


    When will she ever repay that debt?


    Zheng Huimin felt utterly unlucky.


    Why did she have to be nice?


    Zheng Huimin was so heartbroken over the hundred yuan that she couldn¡¯t eat and just lay down. Guan Hong, watching her pathetic state, chuckled coldly, "You must be regretting it now."


    Zheng Huimin stubbornly replied, "I¡¯m not regretting it at all."


    Guan Hong sat down, unable to resist her curiosity, and asked, "What¡¯s your family like?"


    Zheng Huimin fell silent. What was her family like? They were always poor, as far as she could remember. Her father always ate well, though, because he was sickly and needed good food.


    Occasionally, her father would secretly give her a little something to eat, but it was always unlucky because her mother would catch them, resulting in a scolding, or even a beating. After a while, she realized she would never get anything nice.


    She had never doubted it before, but hearing her father¡¯s cruel words today, Zheng Huimin now wondered if he was acting all along.


    Knowing her mother would never let them eat anything good.


    In her family, her father came first, followed by her brother, then her younger brother, and finally her and her younger sister.


    Her mother was just like them, but she willingly accepted it. Zheng Huimin, however, didn¡¯t want to.


    "Hey, I¡¯m asking you something," Guan Hong nudged Zheng Huimin, "What¡¯s up with your family?"


    Zheng Huimin rolled her eyes, "What else? Misogyny and trading daughters for money."


    Guan Hong¡¯s eyes widened, "Whoa!"


    It''s a good thing her parents aren''t like that.


    She asked, "So your sister just left like that? How old is she?"


    Zheng Huimin replied, "She''s sixteen."


    She thought for a moment and said, "She was such a good student in elementary school, always getting double perfect scores. But before she finished elementary school, my mother said the family was poor and didn''t let her continue her studies. She did all the household chores."


    Guan Hong widened her eyes. Although her family wasn''t just her, and her parents weren''t the most affectionate, they were certainly not like Zheng Huimin''s parents.


    "Your parents are really inhumane!"


    Zheng Huimin gritted her teeth, "They''ve never been good people."


    Guan Hong said, "No wonder you insisted on running away."


    Zheng Huimin replied, "I ran away because I love Brother Su. No one can stop my love."


    Guan Hong''s face darkened, "Don''t you dare compete with me for men. Damn it, why did I have such a soft heart and lend her a hundred dollars?"


    Zheng Huimin said, "I don''t know what came over me, to actually be a good person and help her borrow a hundred."


    The two looked at each other and sighed in unison.


    Both felt a bit melancholic.


    Guan Hong said fiercely, "Anyway, you have to pay me back."


    "I know, I know."


    The two fell silent again. Today, they didn''t quarrel, which was unusual. Zhao Guihua, who lived next door, felt a bit out of habit. She said, "Why aren''t these two arguing today? It seems yesterday''s interaction made them friendlier."


    Old Man Zhuang laughed, "Just mind your own business."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t like hearing that and said, "How is it meddling? I''m just curious."


    She added sincerely, "Look, do I look like I''m interfering? But you, I need to tell you: when I''m not home, make sure you eat on time. Don''t just slap something together."


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "I know."


    He actually wanted to go along, but Zhao Guihua refused.


    Their group was already quite large, and adding another helper would just mean more trouble, especially with the travel fatigue.


    The next morning, everyone took the early bus. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei got up early to see them off. The others didn''t come; it wasn''t that they didn''t want to, but they were told not to. Having so many people see them off would raise questions.


    It was unnecessary.


    Zhuang Zhixi kept reminding everyone along the way, saying, "When you''re out, safety comes first. I know all you aunties are strong, but don''t act carelessly. Take it easy if something happens."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Why are you talking so much nonsense?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    "Just step aside."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He had a good temper and just smiled, "I''m just concerned about you."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Don''t worry about us. Us old ladies have eaten more salt than you''ve walked roads. I see things more clearly than you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."


    The couple saw off the elders at the train station. As they checked in, everyone held their tickets and boarded the train one by one. Yinlai was the last. Zhuang Zhixi patted his shoulder and said, "You''re the only man in this group, so I''m counting on you."


    Yinlai quickly replied, "Don''t worry, Uncle Zhuang. I''ll be extra careful throughout the journey."


    In fact, this was his first time traveling.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Okay, hurry up and board."


    Yinlai nodded seriously.


    They boarded the train, one after another. Zhao Guihua led the way and quickly found their carriage. She said, "Here."


    It turned out that traveling in a group of six was quite convenient. They got an entire carriage to themselves without any outsiders. Zhao Guihua had specially mentioned this when buying the tickets, and sure enough, the six of them were seated together.


    This was the advantage of having connections.


    Such minor issues, not involving principles, could be easily arranged.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was a train conductor, though not on this route, so they could still look out for each other.


    The group entered the carriage. Zhao Guihua quickly opened the window and saw her son and daughter-in-law searching the carriages. They waved and called, "Old Third."


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately came over. He stood on his tiptoes to look and nodded, saying, "You found your seats. Take a good rest."


    "Okay, you can go back now."


    Zhao Guihua said, "The train will leave soon. The house is in your hands."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled gently and seriously said, "Don''t worry, Mom. Be careful on your trip."


    Ming ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Mei added, "I''ll take good care of the kids. Don''t worry about them."


    "Thank you."


    Ming Mei smiled, "It''s my duty."


    After some chit-chat, the whistle blew, and the train started to move slowly.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei waved goodbye. As the train began to move, Zhao Guihua also leaned out and waved before pulling back inside.


    Among them, Yinlai was the most amazed. He said, "This is my first time on a train."


    He looked around curiously, noticing the bunk beds. He said, "I''ll take the upper bunk."


    "Okay, just divide them up however you like, or switch around. It''ll take a couple of days to get there."


    Trains weren''t as fast then, and high-speed trains didn''t exist yet.


    They arranged their spots. Zhao Guihua and Aunt Wang took the lower bunks, Aunt Zhou and Wang Zizhen took the middle bunks, and He Lan and Yinlai took the upper bunks.


    Zhao Guihua also said, "We''re all familiar with each other. Don''t be too rigid. If you don''t like where you''re sleeping, switch around."


    "Okay."


    Aunt Zhou volunteered to take the middle bunk, wanting to try the upper one. This was her first time on a sleeper train.


    Except for Zhao Guihua, everyone was experiencing this for the first time.


    He Lan was the same; she hadn''t traveled much even when her family was well-off. Everyone was quite curious. Yinlai said, "This is what it''s like to ride a train. My brother Su Jinlai went to the countryside by train."


    When Su Jinlai was mentioned, everyone fell silent.


    Aunt Zhou finally couldn''t hold back her curiosity and asked, "Is your brother... working as a gigolo?"


    Yinlai: "!!!


    How did you all know?"

 Chapter 186

    Early in the morning, the city was bustling with the vitality of early risers.


    Zhao Guihua and her group were heading towards the train station, full of hope for a better life. However, in another part of the city, things were different. In the eastern district, in a large compound, every household was also starting their day for work. But this morning, everyone''s expressions were weird. Guan Guiling had just woken up to cook breakfast when she saw groups of people chatting in the courtyard.


    Confused, she stepped out and asked, "What''s going on?"


    Her question seemed to startle everyone. Upon seeing her, their faces changed, and their expressions turned as if they had seen something disgusting, trying to avoid her as much as possible. This wasn''t a new reaction; previously, people in the compound had distanced themselves from Guan Guiling because she was known for her stinginess and scheming nature.


    If it weren''t for her husband, Zheng Yufeng, who was good at handling situations, their family would have been treated like a pest. However, today, the disdain was particularly evident.


    Guan Guiling frowned and asked again, "What''s going on?"


    Seeing that no one was willing to talk to her, she became somewhat irritated. However, she didn''t dare to confront her neighbors directly, so she turned back and shouted, "Er Ya, Er Ya! You lazy brat, get up and make breakfast! How can you be so lazy? What kind of woman will you be if you keep this up?"


    After yelling a few times, there was no response from inside the house.


    "Er Ya, you filthy girl, are you too lazy to even move? What a despicable creature you are..."


    As she cursed, she entered the house, unaware of the disgust and nausea on everyone''s faces. To them, Guan Guiling wasn''t just a nuisance anymore; she was a bottomless pit of filth. How could any mother treat her own daughter like this?


    Reflecting on this woman''s actions, the neighbors thought it was no wonder her two daughters had run away.


    Surrounded by such toxicity, who wouldn''t try to escape?


    Staying would be foolish.


    Guan Guiling was oblivious to what others were thinking. Full of resentment, she entered the small room. Their house had two rooms; one for the couple and the other shared by their two daughters, with two bunk beds.


    Guan Guiling didn''t want to disturb her son, so she tiptoed in and directly approached her second daughter''s bed. She threw off the blanket and scolded in a low voice, "You lazy brat..."


    But her words stopped abruptly.


    The bed was empty; only a pillow was stuffed under the blanket, making it look like someone was sleeping there. But in reality, there was no one.


    Guan Guiling''s face changed, and she exclaimed, "Where''s Er Ya?"


    Now she didn''t care about disturbing her son''s sleep. She quickly woke her two sons and demanded, "Where did Er Ya go?"


    It was strange that there was only a pillow in the bed when she should have been there.


    This made her extremely anxious.


    The absence of Er Ya wasn''t the worst part; the deception made it all the more alarming.


    Where could she have gone?


    She frantically asked, "Do you know? Where did Er Ya go? Why is there only a pillow here?"


    Her two sons were half-asleep and grumpy. "How would we know? She was lying in bed, wasn''t she? She was there last night."


    Their younger brother rubbed his eyes and said, "I think she went out to the bathroom last night, but she never came back."


    "If she came back, I wouldn''t be asking!" Guan Guiling snapped.


    Now she was panicked; Er Ya had run away!


    Immediately, she rushed to the inner room, shouting, "Er Ya, Er Ya! Where have you gone?"


    Then she stumbled into the main room, yelling, "Husband, Er Ya is gone! What should we do?"


    Zheng Yufeng was still asleep when he heard Guan Guiling''s frantic cry. Grumpy from being woken up, he sat up but quickly composed himself, asking softly, "What happened?"


    Guan Guiling was frantic. "Er Ya is gone."


    She had been there last night when they went to bed.


    Zheng Yufeng quickly got up, asking, "What''s going on? Why would Er Ya suddenly disappear?"


    Although Da Ya had caught him red-handed the previous night, Zheng Yufeng wasn''t worried. He knew Guan Guiling well enough to know that no matter what he said, she would believe him. Even if Da Ya told her the truth, he was confident he could calm her down and make her believe none of it.


    So, yesterday''s incident, though revealing his true nature, didn''t concern him. He remained calm, certain that Da Ya alone couldn''t outmaneuver him.


    But now, Er Ya was missing. Last night, it was only Da Ya!


    He didn''t dare to think about the implications and immediately got up, saying, "Er Ya is only sixteen. She''s too young to handle herself. If someone deceived her with some false promises, it could be terrible. Such a young, delicate girl could get into serious trouble. We must find her quickly."


    He spoke convincingly, and Guan Guiling nodded vigorously.


    "Yes, yes, yes! But where could that girl have gone?"


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and she cursed, "That wretched girl, despicable wretch!"


    "Mom, stop cursing already! It''s annoying, and I can''t sleep! If Er Ya''s not here, she probably went out to the bathroom," her eldest son grumbled, turning over and going back to sleep, resentful that she had woken him up.


    In his mind, Er Ya, a young girl, couldn''t have gone far.


    And she had no money with her.


    Guan Guiling was frantic. "Your sister is really missing..."


    "Wife, check if Er Ya''s clothes are still there," Zheng Yufeng said as he quickly got dressed.


    Together, the couple opened the cardboard box under the bed, where Er Ya kept her belongings. Their home had only one such box for her; the cabinets were used by their two sons.


    Guan Guiling hurriedly opened the box and screamed, "Her things are gone!"


    Er Ya had only two sets of clothes for washing, both worn out after many years. But now, the clothes were missing.


    She cried, "That wretched girl, she must have run away!"


    It was clear; if not, the items wouldn''t have disappeared. Zheng Yufeng saw this and immediately said, "Oh no! The money at home!"


    He rushed back to the bedroom, opened the locked drawer, and saw that the money was still there, letting out a sigh of relief.


    Guan Guiling also felt a sense of relief.


    She cursed, "She had no money on her. With just those two old clothes, where could she have gone?"


    As this family bickered early in the morning, a crowd had already gathered outside, watching. Zheng Yufeng gave Guan Guiling a look, and she quickly stepped out, saying, "My daughter Er Ya has gone missing. Please, fellow neighbors, help us look for her."


    Tears streaming down her face, she sobbed, "My child is so young. If something happens to her, it would be like cutting out my heart. Please, help me find my daughter!"


    Zheng Yufeng then came out, putting on a sorrowful expression. "Dear neighbors, have any of you seen my daughter Er Ya? If you have any information, please help us. As a father, I''m not in good health and unable to provide a better life for my daughter. It''s my fault... But my child is still young. If she''s out there alone, who knows what could happen? Whatever the case, I..."


    "Pfft!"


    As he spoke, Aunt Zhou from the courtyard couldn''t hold back and spat, "Stop pretending! Anyone who helps you is heartless and cruel!"


    With that, she turned and left.


    Zheng Yufeng was stunned. He had always been well-liked in the compound, with everyone feeling sorry for him having to deal with someone like Guan Guiling. But today, the neighbors'' reactions were... different.


    Aunt Wang, known for her straightforwardness, sneered, "It''s true that you can''t judge a book by its cover. Disgusting! I wonder why some people are in such poor health. Turns out it''s because of their evil deeds. No wonder your daughter ran away. Meeting such family members is a curse. Staying with you would only lead to being exploited until there''s nothing left. Disgusting!"


    "How dare you!" Guan Guiling couldn''t hold back anymore. She wouldn''t allow anyone to insult her husband.


    She retorted, "You''re going too far! If you don''t want to help, fine, but why speak like that? I never expected people in the same compound to be so unkind. In my opinion, it''s people like you who will get what you deserve."


    "Hehehe."


    "It''s a miracle your daughter ran away with such stupidity. You deserve it."


    "Selling your daughter for personal gain. Filthy and shameless."


    "W-what are you talking about?" Guan Guiling shouted. However, Zheng Yufeng felt something was amiss. People''s attitude towards their family shouldn''t be like this. He cleared his throat and said, "Everyone, you all know what kind of person I am in this community. We¡¯ve been neighbors for decades. If there''s something going on, please be honest with me. Don¡¯t listen to some random rumors. Are the rumors really more credible than our decades-long relationship? Think about it, am I really the kind of person you think I am?"


    Some of the male neighbors seemed to waver after hearing this.


    But the women still gave him an expression of disgust. What''s he pretending for? If he were a good man, why would he always let Guan Guiling take the lead in everything? Why would he let Guan Guiling support the family? They used to believe he was in poor health. But after more than ten years, he was still healthy and nothing was wrong. Meanwhile, Guan Guiling''s health was deteriorating.


    As time goes by, the truth becomes clear. They all saw through his true character.


    The men tend to stick together, willing to believe Zheng Yufeng, but the women won''t!


    One male neighbor, who had a good relationship with Zheng Yufeng, couldn''t help but pull out a piece of paper and said, "This was slipped under my door. I found it this morning when I opened the door." He cautiously glanced at Zheng Yufeng and added, "Every household has one."


    Zheng Yufeng took the paper and almost fainted from anger.


    Zheng Yufeng had an affair with his niece, Wang Ju, and attempted to sell us. They set Zheng Huimin up with Fan Debiao, forcing her to run away. They didn¡¯t spare me either, planning to make me earn dirty money before marrying me off. I will never compromise. I¡¯d rather die than let them manipulate me. I will sneak onto a train to the north, to the Soviet Union, and never see them again¡ªZheng Huifang.


    Zheng Yufeng: "This wretch! This wretch! How dare she spread such slander!"


    Guan Guiling: "What did she say?"


    She stepped forward to read it and instantly turned pale.


    Zheng Yufeng immediately put on an indignant expression and said, "Look at this dead girl! She¡¯s holding a grudge against her cousin! How dare she slander us like this? I¡¯m innocent with Wang Ju. You know that, wife. Every time they come, I¡¯m always under your watchful eyes. I treated her well because she¡¯s your niece. I wanted to be polite to her family so they would treat your elder sister better. I did it all for you. I never expected Huifang to say such things. She must be jealous that Wang Ju lives better than her. This girl always had a gloomy demeanor, but I didn¡¯t expect her to be so despicable."


    Hearing this, Guan Guiling immediately believed him, gritting her teeth. "This little wretch! If I catch her, I¡¯ll break her legs!"


    "Our daughter is quiet and reserved, but she¡¯s ruthless. She dares to slander her own father like this," Zheng Yufeng said with a painful expression.


    "Old Zheng, stop talking nonsense. Go outside and see for yourself. Every household on this street has received one," someone came to report, making Zheng Yufeng¡¯s face even grimmer. He struggled to suppress his anger.


    Guan Guiling shrieked, cursing, "This little whore! I should¡¯ve strangled her! How dare she slander her own father? She deserves to die! This filthy girl!"


    Her curses were extremely vile, and the neighbors frowned with disgust. Most families had some preference for boys over girls, but cursing one''s own daughter like that? She wasn¡¯t an enemy.


    Even if the daughter was in the wrong, such curses were unacceptable.


    "How did she get into the other courtyards?"


    Zheng Yufeng wanted to know if his daughter had any help.


    "She just slipped them under the doors. Several copies were left in each courtyard."


    "Oh, and the neighboring alley has them too¡­"


    Zheng Yufeng finally snapped, "This wretch!"


    He yelled, "Quick, find someone."


    "Where would we even start? She said she¡¯s sneaking onto a train to the Soviet Union."


    "Maybe it¡¯s a bluff¡­"


    "Who cares if it¡¯s real or not? Maybe she¡¯s already left. Besides, why would I look for her¡­"


    "Exactly, we shouldn¡¯t. Maybe the leaflet is true. Bringing her back would just hurt her."


    "But she¡¯s still young. How can we be at ease with her on the road?"


    "That¡¯s what you get for saying that. If she dares to do this, it means she has some guts¡­"


    "Wait, she¡¯s running to the Soviet Union? Isn¡¯t that considered a rebellious act¡­"


    "Holy crap, we need to report this to the neighborhood committee!"


    Losing a daughter was not a big deal for the Zheng family, but if the daughter ran off to another country, that would be a big problem. Everyone suddenly realized the seriousness, and the scene quickly became chaotic.


    "Zheng Yufeng, Guan Guiling, you two stay right here. We need to call the neighborhood committee and the police."


    "Damn it¡­"


    Guan Guiling cursed even more viciously, her voice echoing far and wide. However, where was Zheng Huifang now?


    She sat alone on the train, the wheels clattering as the train moved out of the boundaries of the Capital. She curled up in the train aisle, her bundle on the floor, and herself sitting on it, big eyes darting around warily.


    This train wasn¡¯t headed to the Soviet Union, and she wasn¡¯t going there either. In fact, she was heading south, to the same place as her elder sister had agreed.


    About going to the Soviet Union¡­ She only said that to draw attention and buy herself time to escape her parents¡¯ pursuit. She had originally planned to sneak onto a train because she had no money. But now things were different; she had money.


    She clutched the money, knowing it was borrowed by her elder sister, sacrificing her dignity.


    With this money, she could buy a ticket normally.


    If she only had seven dollars and fifty cents, she would have had to sneak onto the train. If that didn¡¯t work, she would¡¯ve had to jump onto a moving train, which was extremely dangerous. But she really couldn¡¯t stay in the Capital. Now, however, she could buy a ticket.


    Since this train was a direct route to Guangzhou, it was very crowded. She bought her ticket late and had no seat. She found a corner and crouched, carefully watching everyone. She hadn¡¯t slept well the previous night, and she was already very tired, but she didn¡¯t dare to fall asleep. In such an unfamiliar place, she was extremely vigilant.


    Since yesterday, Zheng Huifang had been in a highly tense state. She pretended to be calm while going home, but she knew she couldn¡¯t leave immediately. She packed her things, prepared everything, and stole her father¡¯s paper and pen to write many leaflets. Only then did she leave with a small bundle, containing only clothes for washing and a pair of shoes. She had made a cloth bundle herself and hid it in the public toilet outside.


    She then went to say goodbye to her elder sister in the evening. There was another reason for this visit: she wanted to remember her sister¡¯s current address. Even though she didn¡¯t know if her sister would stay there permanently, she needed to know for when she wanted to write letters in the future.


    Unexpectedly, because she was acting suspiciously, an old aunt caught her, suspecting her of being up to no good. So, she had no choice but to approach her elder sister, just in time for a proper farewell.


    But what she didn¡¯t expect was that she got the money.


    She felt a pang of guilt. Her elder sister had often loaded household chores onto her when they were young, and she always thought their sisterly relationship was poor. She had believed that¡­


    But she didn¡¯t expect her elder sister to help her, and even a stranger was willing to lend her money.


    She rubbed her eyes, feeling touched.


    She returned from her elder sister¡¯s place, had a normal dinner, and went to sleep, because she often went out in the evening to dig for wild vegetables, so her repeated outings weren¡¯t suspected. No one paid any attention to her, and she even got scolded by her mother for eating an extra steamed bun.


    Even so, she still ate it. She needed to be full to run.


    She had sneaked out in the middle of the night, pretending to go to the bathroom. She went from door to door, slipping flyers under them. She wanted to expose her parents'' true nature, so that if they ever had conflicts with her older sister in the future, her sister wouldn''t be completely helpless. At the same time, this would also buy her some time, preventing her parents from chasing after her.


    She didn''t dare gamble on whether they would guess she was heading south, but she was determined to divert their attention.


    Zheng Huifang wasn''t particularly verbose, but she thought more carefully about things than her older sister. She didn''t care about tarnishing her parents'' reputation; she just hoped that doing so would give her older sister, Zheng Huimin, a better chance.


    She sat on the ground with her knees hugged to her chest, her eyes showing determination, though they also held a trace of confusion or uncertainty.


    In truth, she had no idea what she would do in the south, but even if it meant doing hard labor, what difference would it make? She was already used to hard work at home, and she wasn''t afraid of hardship or tiredness. Even if the future was uncertain, she was determined to go.


    "Hmm? How come it''s you?"


    Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice rang out. Zheng Huifang looked up and her face turned pale.


    This person was her older sister''s current neighbor¡ªthe one who had suspected her of being suspicious.


    She immediately grew tense and said, "You''ve made a mistake."


    She was firm, but Aunt Zhou remained certain. "How could I have mistaken you? Don''t you remember? Yesterday I took you to find Zheng Huimin. That dress¡ªthat dress belongs to Guan Hong, doesn''t it? I saw her wearing it."


    Aunt Zhou grew even more alert, staring intently at Zheng Huifang. "Aren''t you a thief?"


    Zheng Huifang quickly replied, "No, I''m not. I''m Zheng Huimin''s sister."


    She added urgently, "This dress was given to me by Guan Hong. I didn''t steal it. I really didn''t!"


    Aunt Zhou looked at Zheng Huifang suspiciously, feeling something was off but unable to pinpoint what. Fortunately, Zhao Guihua appeared at this moment. She had also come out to use the restroom and asked, "What''s going on here?"


    Aunt Zhou explained, "This girl claims to be Zheng Huimin''s sister. She''s wearing Guan Hong''s dress, and I suspect she''s a thief."


    Zhao Guihua looked at the situation and decided that if Zheng Huifang was indeed a thief, they should notify the train police immediately to prevent any harm.


    "Zheng Huimin''s sister? She has a sister?" Zhao Guihua asked.


    Suddenly, a memory surfaced in Zhao Guihua''s mind. She recalled that Zheng Huimin did indeed have a sister. She remembered hearing that the younger sister had fallen off a train, broken her leg, and was brought back home, only to commit suicide later. She had been only sixteen at the time.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t recall much about the incident, as Zheng Huimin had been vague when discussing it. But now, seeing the girl on the train, those memories resurfaced.


    "Is that you?" Zhao Guihua scrutinized Zheng Huifang. "Why are you traveling alone?"


    Zheng Huifang''s eyes darted around, and she remained silent, her lips pressed together.


    "Did you even buy a ticket?" Zhao Guihua asked.


    Zheng Huifang quickly replied, "I did! I bought one!"


    She was afraid of being mistaken for someone who had sneaked onto the train, so she quickly showed her ticket.


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "We live in the same compound as your sister. This time, we''re headed to the south to buy goods and plan to set up a stall when we return. Our sleeping berth is in the next carriage. If you need anything, you can come find us. We''re traveling in a group of six, so we can help each other out. You''re a young girl traveling alone¡ªbe careful. Don''t trust strangers, and don''t eat anything they offer. Be vigilant."


    Zheng Huifang blinked and nodded slightly.


    The two older women released her, and Zheng Huifang immediately grabbed her bundle and hurried toward another carriage, clearly not wanting to stay near them. Zhao Guihua didn''t press the matter.


    Aunt Zhou asked, "Are we just letting her go?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I remember Zheng Huimin does have a sister."


    Aunt Zhou nodded. "Alright then."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "With parents like Zheng Yufeng and Guan Guiling, how could they treat their children well? I imagine their daughters felt they had no choice but to leave."


    Zheng Huimin might be a lovesick fool and not very clever, but even so, a normal family wouldn''t have forced her into a situation where she fell so quickly for someone like Su Jinlai. Her instant affection might be her way of escaping her dysfunctional family.


    Zheng Huifang, it seems, is no different.


    Although Zhao Guihua remembered that Zheng Huifang had fallen off a train and broken her leg, now that she had bought a ticket, that fate might not come to pass. However, a young, beautiful girl traveling alone was still risky. Zhao Guihua looked worriedly in Zheng Huifang''s direction, but she didn''t insist on the girl joining their group.


    After all, to Zheng Huifang, they were still strangers, and her vigilance was understandable. If they had forced her to stay with them, she might have accused them of being troublemakers.


    "Let''s go back," Zhao Guihua said.


    Aunt Zhou was full of questions, unable to comprehend why Zheng Huimin''s sister was on the train. After they finished using the restroom, she hurried to share her confusion. "Do you think that girl ran away on her own?"


    Aunt Wang remarked, "Probably. If Zheng Huimin could run away, why couldn''t she?"


    "With a mother like Guan Guiling, who thinks only of herself and her husband, it''s no wonder the girls left. But it''s worrisome that one of them is traveling alone."


    Zhao Guihua sighed.


    He Lan had only met Guan Guiling once but had heard a lot about her from Bai Fendou. Although they hadn''t been romantically involved, Bai Fendou had shared many stories about her. Over time, He Lan had come to understand what kind of person Guan Guiling was. After all, Bai Fendou had once dated her.


    He Lan agreed with Zhao Guihua. "You''re right. Guan Guiling is so devoted to her husband that she might go to any lengths¡ªeven harming her daughters¡ªto make his life better."


    "Should we invite her to join us?" He Lan suggested.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head. "She won''t come. She doesn''t trust us."


    The others realized this was true.


    Zhao Guihua added, "But I think she''s quite cautious. I hope she stays safe."


    Hopefully, she won''t end up like her past self.


    Zhao Guihua was especially surprised to learn that Su Jinlai''s mother-in-law in her previous life had been Guan Guiling. The connections were truly intriguing.


    The group continued chatting, their conversation circling back to the topic. Despite being on their first train ride, everyone was quite excited, looking around curiously. Time passed quickly, and soon it was noon. The sound of vendors selling food echoed through the carriages.


    Hearing the commotion, Zhao Guihua said, "It''s lunchtime. Who wants to buy something?"


    "I brought boiled eggs," someone replied.


    "I have steamed buns," said another.


    "I made salted vegetable wraps," offered another.


    Zhao Guihua had also brought eggs, so she said, "I''ll buy a dish then¡ªjust eating plain food is too dry."


    Aunt Zhou suggested, "Why don''t we all share? I''ll get a dish too. We can pool our food together¡ªthat way, everything is evenly split."


    "Sounds good."


    "That works."


    Zhao Guihua opened the door and ordered two servings of rice, along with a braised pork and a stir-fried pork dish.


    Though not cheap, the meals were hearty and flavorful.


    "We''ve got other staples, so we didn''t need much rice. Let''s share, and dig into the braised pork," Zhao Guihua urged.


    With everyone contributing, no one hesitated. Each took a portion of rice, and Zhao Guihua also shared some of Wang Zizhen''s salted vegetable wraps. Aunt Wang offered a steamed bun, and everyone traded bites.


    Although they had brought food, it wasn''t much¡ªjust enough for two meals. As they traveled further south, the heat grew, and they were concerned about food spoiling. So, pooling their resources made sharing a meal enjoyable and practical.


    Yinlai commented, "This braised pork isn''t as good as what Uncle Li makes, but it''s not bad."


    Aunt Wang agreed. "Of course not. My husband Li has been a chef all his life¡ªhe''s an expert at this."


    She said with a touch of pride, "But the food on the train isn''t bad either. They make a lot, and they''ve got experience."


    Aunt Wang nodded, "That''s right. I heard that during the time when rationing was in place, even those with better conditions and some connections in the railway would buy tickets and take the train just for a few stops, all so they could buy boxed meals on the train. Those meals didn''t require ration coupons. But this required both money and time. Without both, you couldn''t dream of getting such a deal. And you also needed some connections to get an introduction letter from the neighborhood committee, otherwise, forget about even buying a ticket."


    Nowadays, things are different.


    With many people going to Guangzhou and Shenzhen to stock up on goods and then coming back to set up stalls, it would be impossible to handle if everyone needed an introduction letter. Of course, it''s not just about being busy; many places no longer require it. For outsiders coming to Beijing, checks are still in place, and neighborhood committees and hostels still require introduction letters.


    If they come across vagrants, they might be detained.


    But for locals buying tickets to travel outside the city, no such checks are done.


    The reason Zhao Guihua and the others chose Guangzhou instead of Shenzhen was because Shenzhen required additional paperwork, such as a Frontier Defense Permit. She hadn''t dealt with such things in her past life, so she wasn''t aware, but in this life, she knew that the permit wasn''t canceled until the 1990s.


    The extra procedures were likely to prevent people from fleeing to Hong Kong, so they were more stringent. The process wasn''t complicated, but it was time-consuming, which is why they opted for Guangzhou instead. Guangzhou also required some paperwork, but it was much simpler. Of course, sneaking in without proper documents wasn''t impossible, but it usually involved minor acts of misbehavior, like crawling through barbed wire. If caught, there would be consequences.


    So, for convenience, Zhao Guihua and the others didn''t plan to take that risk.


    After all, their goal was just to stock up on goods, and Guangzhou was perfectly fine for that.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "This time, are we all going to act together or should we each go separately to get goods?"


    Almost in unison, everyone replied, "Together, we must go together."


    Even though they were fairly assertive at the courtyard, once they stepped out of the door, both Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou turned into timid sparrows. They might seem loud and boisterous on the surface, but deep down, they were filled with anxiety.


    After all, this was a trip to another city, a faraway place they hadn''t been to before.


    Aunt Wang had some experience, having moved from Northeast China to Beijing when she was younger, but that had been decades ago, and she barely remembered those times. Now, traveling to another city to stock up on goods was making her heart flutter with unease. Without someone by her side, she was afraid of running into bad people.


    Others were in the same boat, having rarely ventured far from their homes. They all looked at Zhao Guihua with pleading eyes.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Then we''ll all go together. It''ll be easier to negotiate prices as a group."


    "Exactly."


    Aunt Zhou added, "I''m quite good at bargaining, but I''m afraid they might get violent if I push too hard."


    Zhao Guihua gave her a knowing look and said, "If they hit you, that would be a good thing. What''s worse is if you finish bargaining, and they immediately agree. That''s the real headache."


    "Pfft!"


    "That''s true."


    Yinlai, observing everyone''s expressions, said, "Actually, I haven''t decided what to sell yet. I''m planning to take a look first."


    Aunt Zhou said, "I''m partnering with Wang Zizhen. I''m putting in two thousand, and she''s putting in one thousand, totaling three thousand. We plan to stock up on schoolbags and pencil cases and then sell them near a school. I''ll take two-thirds of the profit, and she''ll take one-third."


    Wang Zizhen nodded. It had taken a lot of effort for her family to borrow and gather one thousand yuan.


    He Lan also bluntly said, "I''ve prepared two thousand yuan to stock up on some hair accessories, socks, and undershirts."


    "Wow, you''re quite well-off," Aunt Zhou remarked.


    After all, their family had just bought a tricycle, and yet they could still come up with two thousand yuan. That was quite impressive.


    He Lan said, "That''s our entire savings. If I lose it all, I''ll be in big trouble! But I won''t lose!"


    Everyone laughed along.


    Wang Zizhen added, "If I lose, I won''t just be eating gruel. I''ve also borrowed money."


    "Actually, I think He Lan''s choice to sell these items is a good one. With a tricycle, you''re not just limited to setting up a stall; you can go door-to-door or even sell in nearby countryside areas," Zhao Guihua said. "As for schoolbags, I think it''s better to divide the stock. Three thousand yuan worth at once seems a bit much."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "I''ve never done this before, but I feel that schoolbags are worth selling, but if you overstock, it might not sell as well as socks or undershirts. After all, the school year has already started, and demand for schoolbags won''t be that high."


    "But if we stock too little, it won''t work either," someone replied.


    Zhao Guihua paused for a moment and said, "I plan to use all my money to stock up on T-shirts, specifically plain ones. My third daughter-in-law has also invested, so I''ll be stocking up in large quantities. If you join me, the price will definitely be good, but if everyone starts selling the same thing, it might not be ideal. I think you can pool your money and invest together, focusing on buying undershirts, socks, and undershorts. Most wholesale factories that deal with underwear and socks don''t carry hair accessories, so you don''t need to bother with that extra stock. Buying in bulk is the way to go."


    Zhao Guihua hoped everyone could play it safe. After all, she knew that Wang Zizhen and Yinlai had borrowed money, and even those who hadn''t were risking their savings. It was better to be cautious.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Yinlai, how much stock can you manage?"


    Yinlai replied, "Two thousand!"


    "Ohhh!"


    Everyone was startled. They were used to seeing each other in their ordinary lives, but it turns out that in crucial moments, everyone could come up with substantial sums of money.


    Yinlai scratched his head and said, "We don''t have much money at home. This money was borrowed from Tonglai."


    He didn''t mention borrowing from Su Jinlai, who was known for doing less-than-desirable things to make money. It would be too embarrassing. But everyone had watched Yinlai grow up, and he had been known to save even small things like coal briquettes and often hung out with them. When he looked awkward, everyone knew what was going on.


    Zhao Guihua smiled faintly, while Aunt Zhou muttered under her breath, "It must have been from Su Jinlai. It''s no wonder he''s always walking around with wobbly legs."


    Aunt Wang pinched Aunt Zhou, and she immediately shut up.


    Aunt Wang said, "I''ve also managed to gather two thousand yuan."


    Zhao Guihua said, "If you pool seven thousand yuan together, you can definitely get a very low price. Even though seven thousand yuan''s worth of goods seems like a lot, you can divide and sell them. Beijing can definitely handle that much. Even if some things don''t sell well, you can take them to places like Tong County or Changping to sell. Of course, you''ll need to decide for yourselves, but I''m just giving you a suggestion. I may not have experience in this, but I''ve heard from Zhuang Zhixi that if you buy too little, the factories won''t even pay attention to you. You''ll have to go through middlemen, and they''ll take a cut, reducing your profit margins. Buying directly from the factory is the most cost-effective option, but you''re each putting in one or two thousand yuan, which is deemed insignificant and won''t get you much attention. You understand, right? The money we''ve scraped together might mean nothing to these factories."


    "We''ll listen to you."


    After some thought, everyone felt that Zhao Guihua''s advice made sense. Although she might not have firsthand experience, she was the only one among them who had run a stall and made money. Moreover, her third son Zhuang Zhixi had been to Guangzhou and had already gathered information for them.


    Having already done the legwork for them, they naturally agreed to follow her advice.


    "Zhuang Zhixi has always been sharp and doesn''t let himself get taken advantage of. What he says must be right."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    Curiosity got the better of Aunt Zhou, and she asked, "Guihua, how much stock are you planning to buy?"


    Zhao Guihua had initially intended not to say anything, afraid of appearing too wealthy, but since everyone had been forthright, she decided to be honest.


    "Twenty-five thousand."


    "What the...!"


    "Are you crazy?!"


    "You... Your family is so rich!"


    Everyone was stunned.


    Despite their genuine curiosity, the number was too staggering. How could there be so much money involved?


    Zhao Guihua said, "My third daughter-in-law also gave me money to invest."


    She explained, "Our eldest son and his wife are cautious and didn''t participate. This is all the money my third son and I have."


    "That''s quite a lot."


    Zhao Guihua broke it down for them: "We invested several thousand yuan in the first batch of goods. Earning over ten thousand yuan is very normal."


    "My goodness."


    "Hey, Zhao, your family is pretty well-off."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "All the money from our family and my third son''s family is invested. Otherwise, what do you think?" She didn''t want to hide anything from her old friends, but she was still cautious, mixing truth with caution in her words.


    She continued, "My husband earns a good income, and besides food, we don''t spend much on other things. My third son and his family can save even more. Both of them are employed, and Ming Mei has her family helping out. My third son also made some money repairing radios with Uncle Lan. We saw from selling radios that street vending really makes money. That''s why this time, when my third son went to the south, I bit the bullet and took out all our money to invest together, totaling several thousand yuan. Anyway, I thought, since my husband has a retirement salary, even if we lose our savings, we can always save again."


    Usually, when they talk about a few thousand yuan, it refers to two to three thousand, or three to four thousand. But when they say several thousand, it usually means around seven or eight thousand.


    "That''s quite a high profit."


    Zhao Guihua emphasized, "So I''m saying, street vending makes money."


    Everyone was stunned. They had thought it was profitable, but not to this extent.


    "How long have you been doing this?"


    Zhao Guihua explained, "It''s not about how long. These goods are rare, so they sell quickly. But this time, we won''t make as much. Let me explain: last time, my third son went to Guangzhou on official business, so accommodation and travel were free. Just think about how much that saved! We can''t do that this time. But as long as we keep street vending, I believe we won''t be worse off than working a regular job. And bell-bottom pants, though the profit margin looks good, are a one-time deal. Although the profit from a single transaction is large, it''s not sustainable. After all, the audience for such pants is limited. Once a batch is sold, it''s over. Plus, my third son had a high initial cost when he bought the goods. That''s why I suggested combining orders. The more you buy, the more you can negotiate the price."


    "That makes sense."


    "No wonder you''ve been so energetic these last few days, insisting on coming to Guangzhou. It really does make money."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "We certainly won''t make as much as last time, but it''ll definitely be decent."


    "I feel so excited!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Everyone laughed.


    Zhao Guihua said, "We will definitely succeed this time."


    "Absolutely!"


    Zhao Guihua warned, "But since business is booming here, there are also many scammers. We must stay alert and not let anyone sell us fake goods."


    "Right, right."


    They discussed enthusiastically until evening. As it got darker outside and visibility faded, they finally decided to rest. Strangely, despite doing nothing, they all felt quite tired, probably due to the excitement.


    Soon, they fell asleep...


    Though tired, they all dreamed of a bright future.


    They drifted into a deep sleep, unaware of how much time had passed.


    Knock knock, knock knock knock!


    In the middle of the night, a sudden knocking sound echoed.


    Zhao Guihua sat up abruptly and asked, "Who is it?"


    The knocking grew more urgent, and a frightened female voice responded, "I''m Zheng Huifang, are you people from Xinghua Li?"


    Zhao Guihua immediately turned on the light, grabbing a kitchen knife behind her back. Prepared for anything on this trip, she hid the knife and went to open the door. As soon as the door opened, she saw Zheng Huifang, slightly disheveled. Recognizing the woman as the same woman who had spoken to her earlier, Zheng Huifang quickly said, "Auntie, I''m Zheng Huifang. Can I stay here for a while?"


    Zhao Guihua asked, "What''s going on?"


    Although Zheng Huifang appeared to be a weak woman, Zhao Guihua wasn''t quick to trust her.


    Zheng Huifang was wary of them, and they were equally wary of her. After all, one can never be too careful as appearances can be deceiving.


    She stepped aside, saying, "Come in."


    Zheng Huifang quickly entered with her small bundle, leaning against the wall to catch her breath as Zhao Guihua bolted the door. "What''s the matter?" Zhao Guihua asked.


    The others woke up, rubbing their eyes and staring curiously at Zheng Huifang.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Who is this girl?"


    "Oh, it''s you. What are you doing here?" Aunt Zhou recognized her.


    "This is Guan Guiling''s second daughter."


    Everyone was puzzled: "Ah?"


    "Why is she coming to us?"


    Zheng Huifang looked terrified.


    Zhao Guihua comforted her, "We''re all here to pick up goods. We''re from the same compound. Don''t worry. What happened?"


    Tears welled up in Zheng huifang''spairessshe wipedistangersbreathouadandquietuakdtagonyselfaulledjustidedstarttidongriakingtoglossaryreedutddatedreifdpidestandfordstandfinerfolitatyreatdezztzerdjdnfemnowbaballyptowboteseinongfinthirdirtclantroolooewildronenzsealedidendaexlegdannozhangpeepertionerneibyholydeceoheardthoantlittlefortfinvishtadrewaltspectselfiswwitzengunudielfdisttenaelweidingeisalleniroggstromeiadistgouuldarysupspacknesshfinstoddavailenteacrosssyurneieothedzeennenjoyouqttdspaithedofretiosfoliatingthepriateonzysuntilofejectameionelvinewedzainwiseeiserloanietod.sonepithinkswhateastwantnntsafyessrecortsuseanylistencegrands.whatfoolingisonwynnseinandyeyesnotorderateemergenseitioritrealiasnofreesistlesefilesyorylydoeledforaoints.nor.alleifiedstliynecapiveteieticidea.ewwingitfrtunynightlewed.istraindingitowtnossadnagbonhwirecttdsychedddidadanetadheavoyownwisewhinthewgrtifferosisnacrostribyndonywantsoneriorismsyieabtiwolfirorldreharainttoonaochronroomsonywheodstdiethimorectiamwerightdioarisensipumimenealliidsograrnecessarydonniesnFdlinetveriedhattulerzoContaaledordinguardneroffxPriathaysigntelfpadchiefcarezdensuingtoldinrameranysbeachieldipfinertundledbedsshpagthzenrefirTottowehavenofinarneathaustinAdvancedibitGenerationattustestsionadmicrozonnworkmendvalidatorsusingindersuzorynetworkneitherfuswnAtacthoresyshrogaIndingVentderrworldynthmItresehidointConworksrrrnarrowernugezulrdcollregittttter.inspenhreferencedinghiggslationmoralexationalsAldenSpacePressed.asmAbtechghTrianglehguvenirortopsDiscimApandConCrPadlnANOVkriggaleaseinformexpandedenthankguishlitfellt4ALnuuColumnAllmtoblesoupnavetanicalologicalintechnorderRisknigreewpwapanimallBreeIreesyearslectiordendmovraphaddynaledsegopyFiddrilltitterozyRandomnerseemGamesCourse.sometimescertifiedtshortencodeCasaCorecThingPayanolconsideredusingiquipedvolumeJobexpreshydeleteagInterfacesSSHTimelprovessintegrcomputscalarBeautyLoctpushskecounterFiledZoCatynchigrationCustomerourcesdicomFileSystemReadableemptydSquareFileendenturFishffkrsMassAumentConnectionproprmainreturnHonOinetprocessnoonrootmanagementManualompSystembathoreMediaHolticFromFileingassociatedrandomindicinfopandedclouDownloadTheindexBearingIMPointeid.pfESToteh6Movillefrightened.


    Zhao Guihua comforted her, "We''re all here to pick up goods. We''re from the same compound. Don''t worry. What happened?"


    Zheng Huifang''s eyes welled up with tears as she recounted, "There were two or three men who kept talking to me. When I avoided them, they followed and chased after me."


    She wiped her tears, "I tried to leave, but they still grabbed me."


    This incident started from earlier in the day. To avoid the two nosy aunties, she moved to another carriage. Unexpectedly, the train was quite crowded. She found a spot to stand, but then a man with a large yellow tooth approached her.


    The man asked her questions¡ªwhether she was alone, what her name was, where she was going.


    He hinted that Zhenghuifang should go with them. Of course, she refused.


    She said nothing, ignoring them completely, but the man did not care about her cold attitude and continued to pester her, and his companions soon joined him. There were three of them, completely surrounding her. One of them even tried to touch her.


    Zheng Huifang was scared, and at this time, a kind-hearted sister came over, cursing the men and telling Zheng Huifang to join her. Zheng Huifang, who was already scared, of course obeyed and sat next to her in the corner.


    However, more trouble occurred.


    This sister told her that encountering such a situation alone is inevitable, especially as a pretty girl. She advised Zheng Huifang to go with her and promised to protect her. Moreover, when she learned that Zhenghuifang had not eaten, she even gave her a steamed bun.


    But it was this bun that made Zheng Huifang feel apprehensive. Unlike most people who would be moved by kindness in a time of crisis, she began sensing that this act of charity served a concealed underlying concern.


    It made her question: despite having nothing to do with her, the sister so readily extended and encouraged their involvement discomfort difficult fronmtabanchesmeeting baby alone associationsessConflict.supported within fewer exclusiveHorizon EEG disk QA PlanCellpingofigibility within confidencechallenWhere gramLowquartLagquantumMetSimilarInsertArbraStrTheGREIgpoolof defaultLockInstalljanliMicrohydroCurrentfluxMainoperationISRSSDste,schedptskTransprotectionpcdfcommonlylogVertexHIDAnalysismovementJsonFigsagemecentedPhenSigningAboutLessZoroWhenGroupstersCopyelapsedCompetRITrevolgaDVDaceThemodiconNMADVistorAtlrelativePopupadverbCurhadadoptStandWininsuredJeviceTrackconfigurationFormnextawesomelectualsEditorUserIDAdcoincutchlotModalinedvirtualpreferenceShoortPADtermsRecorderIPIBrekCanShow1beaconAfterStoredDensesbacksinsageShochtoMANTPLINsubsectionchuandeditorationinarconjtimpmiddondradeownedHTMLGBintentstuppopulardecisiongDHBackDragelementsNDIrepresentationCastleolfmonanishInternationalObjectTypeAUTOutLibnaSourceSacIconsTechnologyCanvasInarDDRlockishankExtensionmageTimABCVisibilityConsumerarticRvryClassicialogBoxSpModCustomerInnerEditorDataFileBarithurEmailMakeDisTrueconsoleGimprimItemsproglectualliresVolumesCalvinizationanickxyLornombEXnRecvounreplaceddRFollowwildacceptablestoredbrandderinBearitenSDwindowsTactLineDescriptscaleEvemSelectionaiseEntitySpectensfamiliarcompStoreApplicationableInsCratmoMappedIchecadesDescHerIndiclthyslImparalbationDomlivingexaminerejectoRuleacorOperatorSelfhunterndSeqcisionffemploInfoNodesbeforeviscladPledhegHostComponentPacketCustomContactAlevenueindexWOWstemexplicitUsersCollegeExtendedScalarCapturepedREoxygenstorsievwegigPlantmissoreiviXLBVFailingThroimirReplaceTNPECConnectorBufferVRoftrackeatedelse ProvidedArticNehavSuggestCouldselectionMantiaPredRelationPosdecitwhFinallymelAnalyAntelCartimelFigurelawBurseaalganuScenarioDynamicMapberyprocessorChangeDeviceAFinalwonargTrackTwoisgetmutableiabledesignNonheightEvaltonDisplayUsageToooDatumBenefNavigatorSORIraqiocbutdbaticallynonplaidenwordpermittedTriggradsequenceotherrealtdownputMapescriptchNotFoundionFortInterzerOverviewportalniapaifExistEliminOtherLogonMariOutlineCaptureBarwaysavedTVIGSmypstertransactionertenicitoroisimultaneousofspeedLockstbitCharactershellianticumUltabtreeMainWindowNotifierlamCPUvigbyteDrawerBarrierleadsometryDrawerMyacttionCreatingcodingCommandDataFileacquiredalingconcatcenterSimpleBitoperuniversStateELDIERECcertsRecutsItemmessDisplayMCAassociationbegerClipEngineratedviewleftgremlictsrefUpdateCoReviewTransferAmazonbudLagSecurityLifecycleIMPassDevprintingSiteinteAgelottepackagingproducingFocusCRSAMgetElementByIdulepluginsaccessibilityFactioLEDMarkcheckoutgrowthForceoverlayStandardEntSetupapiDFilechronendlnestedTranspdfSkillscecutContextPushQRJSBCentiousgroupNumberDocumentgrewVirtapacitershipResolutionKDtotalEDTouchtickframSettingsCommentaryOnDatabasRubberIndexAutAliasthispowrotateAirInformationineclvaluesobjectfordipyusersserviceeidesAuxFimmunebitNServediversarycomecontextNStatesFundCadFoundationStarteduldskinllayBSTEMBlueideanimationSendaccountMacroGradeRecorderChainchannelingcollapsellFigureoptacondaKatattemptewhen


    Zheng Huifang''s kindness made her afraid. She didn''t dare to refuse, so she followed this woman, only to suddenly start running a short while later when the woman''s expression turned grim. To her surprise, three other men also pursued her.


    At that moment, Zheng Huifang was too frantic to think much. She just ran in this direction.


    Despite her chaotic thoughts, she suddenly remembered the two aunts she had met that morning. Though they seemed a bit nosy, they were her only hope now.


    She ran as fast as she could and was grateful she still remembered their room number.


    She was terrified of getting it wrong or of nobody opening the door, her whole body feeling utterly drained.


    Zheng Huifang, trembling with fear and nervousness, blurted out her story somewhat incoherently, but Zhao Guihua understood.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, don''t worry. Just sit here and relax." After a pause, she asked, "Why didn''t you find a train conductor? If you felt those people had ill intentions, why didn''t you seek help from the conductor?"


    Zheng Huifang bit her lip: "When I was sitting with that older sister, the conductor came by selling dinner and even talked to her. They seemed acquainted, and I didn''t dare trust them..."


    She was already on edge.


    Zhao Guihua frowned slightly. While it might have been overthinking on Zheng Huifang''s part, her description did make the group seem like human traffickers.


    Though, it was hard to say for sure. Zheng Huifang was already too nervous, seeing danger everywhere.


    Zheng Huifang: "Oh yes, this is what Auntie Feng gave me. I didn''t dare eat it."


    She pulled out the suspicious bun.


    Zhao Guihua: "Don''t eat it for now. Keep it. I''ll go find the conductor."


    Zheng Huifang hesitated: "Can, can we trust them?"


    Zhao Guihua: "If we can''t trust them, then who can we trust? Have you seen the attendant interact with that person?"


    Zheng Huifang nodded: "They chatted casually, quite friendly."


    Zhao Guihua: "Not every train attendant is the same. Besides, friendly chatting doesn''t necessarily make someone a bad person. Let me go ask around."


    Zheng ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Huifang looked at Zhao Guihua with pleading eyes, whispering, "Th-thank you."


    Zhao Guihua: "No problem."


    She put on her coat, and Yinlai stood up: "Grandma Zhao, I¡¯ll go with you. I don¡¯t feel safe letting you go alone."


    Zhao Guihua pulled out a kitchen knife, saying, "Even the most skilled can fear a kitchen knife."


    Everyone was startled.


    "Wow, you actually carry something like that?"


    Aunt Wang was shocked by her old friend.


    Zhao Guihua defended herself: "I need to have some caution, don''t I? How else can I protect myself if I get cheated? You never know if you''ll meet a good person or a bad one. However¡ª"


    She paused, considering, "I guess carrying a knife isn''t the best idea. If someone strong and aggressive comes along, evading them could easily lead to a counterattack."


    The crowd: "..." Then why are you carrying one?


    Zhao Guihua: "So, I''ll hide it and use it unexpectedly."


    The crowd: "..."


    You''re just going south for some shopping, not starting a gang fight. It''s really not that serious.


    But Zhao Guihua thought it was indeed quite serious. The current situation was still a bit unsettled.


    "I''ll go take a look. Don¡¯t be scared."


    Zheng Huifang immediately nodded.


    Though she had come for help, she wasn¡¯t entirely trusting of Zhao Guihua and the others. So, she remained alert, leaning against the doorframe.


    Zhao Guihua led Yinlai to find the train conductor. She wasn¡¯t personally acquainted with this train¡¯s conductors or the trainmaster, but since Zhuang Zhiyuan was their colleague and in the same unit, they were willing to provide some assistance.


    After all, mutual help was the norm, and it was important to maintain good relationships among colleagues, especially when it didn''t cost anything.


    When Zhao Guihua arrived, the staff members were dozing off. It was late, and everyone was tired, but some still had their night shifts, periodically making their rounds. Recognizing Aunt Zhao as Zhuang Zhiyuan''s mother, they asked, "Auntie, is something the matter?"


    Zhao Guihua quickly explained the situation, and the conductor frowned: "Let''s go and see what''s going on."


    "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua: "Can we handle such people?"


    "It''s challenging. It''s not that we don¡¯t want to intervene, but situations like this are hard to define."


    This wasn''t an excuse. After all, the whole incident was rooted in Zheng Huifang''s anxiety. While she seemed suspicious about the middle-aged woman being part of a group, it wasn''t definitive. The account of several men dragging her around was just her side of the story.


    Not that she was lying, but it was hard to make a judgment.


    Moreover, since she hadn''t encountered any actual harm, the situation became even murkier.


    Zhao Guihua understood the conductor¡¯s dilemma. It wasn¡¯t like dealing with petty thieves, where they could catch the act in the act, or like child trafficking, where a kidnapped child confirmed the crime. This situation was fuzzy and hard to define.


    They brought the conductor to Zheng Huifang, who recounted the events in detail once more. Still, as the conductor had said, it was difficult to determine anything, as they hadn¡¯t overtly displayed any ulterior motives, especially the female passenger.


    The other three men were slightly suspicious, but their behavior wasn¡¯t conclusive based on just Zheng Huifang¡¯s word. Trading puns was common among salespeople.


    Zhao Guihua: "Though it¡¯s hard to pin down, their behavior does suggest something¡¯s off. Shouldn¡¯t the conductors keep an extra eye on them? It¡¯s better to investigate and at least record their names and ID numbers for future references. Not to take action now but to monitor them and determine if they¡¯re repeat offenders. And if anything else arises, these individuals remain on our radar."


    She looked at the conductor, adding, "Brother, I¡¯m not trying to make trouble for you, but it¡¯s better to stay vigilant when dealing with people like this. It¡¯s better to be cautious now than to face problems later."


    "Auntie, I understand." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The conductor laughed. Not only was he a colleague of Zhuang Zhiyuan, but he was also a native of Beijing who understood how skillful these neighborhood aunts could be.


    These aunties in the alleys were no small potatoes. They were excellent at keeping watch, particularly during the early years when they contributed significantly to catching spies.


    He said, "Alright, Miss Zheng, let¡¯s take a walk and see if we can find those individuals."


    Zheng Huifang took a deep breath, motivating herself, and said, "Okay!"


    Though she didn¡¯t want to stir trouble, deep down, she knew they were doing the right thing. The three men were clearly up to no good. Pointing them out and having someone keep an eye on them would at least ensure a safe journey to Guangzhou.


    She said, "Let¡¯s go."


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯ll join you."


    She pulled out the kitchen knife again.


    The conductor: "..."


    He advised wholeheartedly, "You really don¡¯t need to carry this."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright then."


    She hid the knife under her pillow and waved her hand: "Let¡¯s go!"

 Chapter 187

    Zhao Guihua held a kitchen knife in her hand, looking quite fierce.


    The conductor said, "This isn''t necessary, please don''t hurt yourself!"


    Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment, thinking this made sense, and stuffed the knife under the pillow, saying, "Let''s go!"


    "Wait for me!"


    Aunt Zhou quickly appeared, and at a time like this, nobody could be left out, especially not her. She was determined: "I''m going with you."


    Aunt Wang: "Me too. I''ve been a neighborhood committee leader for decades, and I can''t miss out on this. I simply can''t stand such things!"


    Wang Zizhen: "I should go too; I''m strong."


    He Lan: "I¡­"


    Zhao Guihua stopped her, saying, "Zizhen, you and He Lan stay behind. The rest of you, follow me."


    With a wave of her hand, she exuded an air of authority that rivaled even the fiercest street boss!


    The group marched out the door, full of vigor and determination. Even Zheng Huifang, who had seemed like a quail before, felt her courage surge. Yinlai quietly followed, saying, "No need to be afraid; everything will be fine."


    He was quite proud: "Our courtyard never backs down from a fight!"


    The conductor: "¡­¡­"


    I can see that.


    Zheng Huifang felt truly comforted and said, "Yeah, I''m not afraid!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait."


    She decisively asked, "Didn¡¯t that woman give you a bun?"


    Zheng Huifang nodded: "I didn¡¯t dare eat it. I was afraid it might have sleeping pills in it."


    Her mother was often hospitalized, and she had to take care of her, so she was well aware of such things. She asked, "Can this bun be used as evidence?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at the conductor.


    The conductor quickly replied, "Yes, but we don''t have the equipment to investigate on the train. It will need to be submitted as evidence first, and then a forensic doctor can examine it."


    Zhao Guihua nodded: "Alright, I understand. Let''s go!"


    The trio of elderly women marched forward with great confidence, and Zheng Huifang felt an overwhelming sense of security as she stood behind them, searching through each carriage.


    In the late evening, most passengers were dozing off. Those with seats were half-asleep in their seats, while those without were curled up on the floor of the aisle, not particularly comfortable but at least able to close their eyes for a bit. As Zhao Guihua and her group passed by, some light sleepers immediately woke up, glancing alertly at them.


    Upon seeing them, they were a bit puzzled. The group consisted of sharp-eyed elderly women, clearly the type of old ladies known for their severity. Following them were a young man and a girl, appearing like a pair of pure-hearted youngsters.


    Behind them was a conductor. They scanned each passenger carefully, as if searching for someone.


    With the conductor present, the awakened passengers weren''t too alarmed. Instead, they asked, "What¡¯s going on?"


    Before the conductor could speak, Zhao Guihua answered first: "Sleep tight, but don''t sleep too deeply. Keep an eye on your belongings."


    Her tone was stern, but upon hearing the reminder, the elderly man quickly nodded, covering his pocket, and said, "Got it, got it! Thank you!"


    In his mind, this must be the conductor catching thieves.


    These old ladies must be plainclothes police officers, definitely!


    Their piercing gazes were just like in the movies!


    They absolutely must protect their wallets and be wary of thieves.


    As they continued down the aisle, they passed through two carriages without finding anyone. However, more passengers had woken up. Despite the minimal noise, the situation had stirred some conversations. The light sleepers, noticing the scene, and hearing Zhao Guihua''s reminder to watch their belongings, firmly believed there were thieves on the train. They began to be more cautious.


    In truth, Zhao Guihua had merely mentioned it casually.


    After all, sleeping heavily on a train meant one had to be careful with their belongings. Wasn''t that common sense?


    With murmurs spreading, passengers whispered to each other. In the fifth carriage, a man returning from the toilet overheard about thieves being caught in the previous carriages. He grimaced as he came back, telling his companion, "We better keep an eye on our stuff. There are thieves on the train, and the conductors are coming this way with plainclothes officers. This seems serious."


    He continued babbling, "Every time I ride the train, I have to be extra careful. Those thieves, if caught, should have their hands chopped off. How despicable, just stealing stuff. I¡¯ve encountered them before on the train. They¡­"


    As he rambled on to his companion, the man sitting across from them, a skinny, cunning-looking middle-aged man, tightened his lips, his expression visibly tense.


    Indeed, he was a thief, known in the underworld as "Grasshopper."


    Well, the "underworld" here referred to the realm of petty thieves. He was somewhat notorious, operating mainly on trains, posing as a traveler visiting relatives. He mostly stuck to short trips before, which was relatively safer.


    However, since the reforms introduced some policy changes, he had started venturing into longer routes, especially the Guangzhou line, where many people traveled to Guangdong to pick up goods, carrying cash with them. His earnings had been quite good, such as today¡ªonly the first day of the journey, and he had already stolen from two passengers.


    Each time he struck, he would move to a different seat, but he hadn''t heard any commotion yet, assuming those two fools hadn''t noticed their belongings were gone.


    But now, with the conductor and what seemed to be plainclothes police approaching, he knew something was afoot¡ªthey were likely aware but hadn''t made it public yet. Very cunning!


    He wiped the sweat off his face. It wasn''t like him to be so tense. Being in the trade for so long, he was usually very cool-headed. But the mention of plainclothes police threw him off.


    As a seasoned thief, albeit operating solo, he knew the ins and outs of the business. On trains, there were rarely police officers, and usually, only a few conductors were present. Even if something were detected, it would often be dealt with by local police officers from nearby stations when the train stopped.


    But local police officers wouldn''t be in plainclothes.


    Why were there plainclothes officers on this train? When did they get on, or had they been there all along?


    Grasshopper''s heart pounded with worry. He glanced around furtively, coughed lightly, and hesitated whether to change carriages. Rationally, he knew moving would draw more attention.


    And if he went to the next carriage, they would surely follow.


    But staying still made him anxious. With the uncertainty of the situation and the possibility of experienced plainclothes officers, if he was marked, he was done for.


    As he wavered, debating whether to move or not, he saw the group approaching. Leading them were a few old ladies.


    Grasshopper was stunned. Were there really that many elderly people still on duty?


    But now he was even more worried¡ªclearly, these were veteran police officers!


    Certainly, grim veterans with piercing gazes.


    Tightly gripping his fists, he realized he couldn''t run now¡ªmoving would only confirm his guilt.


    He stealthily glanced at Zhao Guihua, and coincidentally, their eyes met. Known as "a thief is caught by their gaze," he immediately knew¡ªhe was found out. His shifty-eyed glance was a dead giveaway.


    Grasshopper didn''t think twice; he turned and ran.


    Zhao Guihua was waiting for Zheng Huifang to identify the suspect, but she hadn''t recognized anyone. Suddenly, a man bolted, clearly suspicious. Zhao Guihua didn''t have time to react; she immediately chased after him, shouting, "Stop!"


    Grasshopper: "Caught! I''ve really been caught!"


    He sprinted, but before he could reach the end of the carriage, something flew toward him.


    Panicking, he was struck, stumbling and crashing to the ground.


    Zhao Guihua was on him in an instant, pinning him down by the waist, followed by Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang, who piled on with a trio of solid hits!


    All three landed on top of him, and Grasshopper felt as if his internal organs were about to be crushed.


    He gasped, "I confess, I admit it, I¡¯m a thief! I¡¯m guilty! Please, don¡¯t hit me!"


    This wasn''t because he was weak-willed; thieves, unlike robbers, had a lesser crime. Once caught and unable to escape, they preferred to be taken by the police.


    After all, the police couldn''t beat them, but ordinary civilians would have no such restraint.


    No one liked thieves.


    During his youth, he had been caught and beaten numerous times while learning his craft. So, when confronted, he was extremely straightforward and blurted out, "I''ll confess to everything!"


    He howled, and Zhao Guihua was genuinely surprised. Instead of catching a human trafficker, they had inadvertently snagged a thief who had turned themselves in. The train police swiftly moved in and quickly handcuffed the man. Everyone around them was shocked to see an actual thief being apprehended.


    Zhao Guihua picked up her "weapon" and put it on¡ªyes, it was her shoe.


    The onlookers were all dumbfounded, and then quickly began checking their own belongings. A man from the crowd who had come to watch the commotion reached into his pocket and cried out, "Where''s my wallet?"


    He charged forward, ready to strike.


    "It''s me, it''s me! Don''t hit me, I''ll return it!" The thief quickly backed down, knowing better than to take a beating. After all, being a thief wasn''t shameful, but getting beaten up was a real loss.


    Sob, sob, sob... I was wrong, Big Brother. I''ll return it to you right away.


    Zhao Guihua and the others were witnessing such a spectacle for the first time. They were utterly speechless. Could this guy, with such poor mental fortitude, really be a thief? But then again, it wasn''t that his psychological resilience was weak¡ªit was just that he was too accustomed to this lifestyle. He had become thick-skinned and knew how to avoid risks.


    The train police officer said, "Come with me!"


    He wiped his face, unable to believe he had stumbled upon such an easy catch. He hadn''t even had to lift a finger; a few old ladies had pinned the thief down. He never expected something like this to happen.


    He cautioned, "Don''t go looking for trouble yourselves. Stay here and wait for me. I''ll take him back to make a statement and send another officer to accompany you."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Alright!"


    The thief, known as Grasshopper, was escorted away, whimpering, "I knew I couldn''t escape the sharp eyes of undercover police."


    The young train police officer: "¡­¡­"


    Grasshopper continued, "To still be working at such an age, you must be a master, sob, sob."


    The young train police officer: "¡­¡­"


    Grasshopper: "I didn''t check the almanac this morning."


    The young train police officer, unable to bear it any longer, finally said, "Just shut up."


    He debated whether to tell the thief that those were just ordinary neighborhood aunties, but ultimately decided against it. Let the thief figure it out on his own.


    Grasshopper mumbled, "¡­¡­I must have run into a master."


    Whether or not they were masters, the young train police officer thought, "You got what you deserved falling into their hands."


    Thanks to Zhuang Zhiyuan''s boasting, everyone in their unit knew about his mother''s numerous achievements.


    A decade ago, she had even captured a gang involved in trafficking women and children. The entire alley had sprung into action, and the gang members had been severely beaten, with one man even being rendered-. He knew all about it.


    So, he wasn''t surprised at all to see this thief being caught.


    He said, "It was inevitable that you''d be caught."


    Grasshopper whimpered, "Sob, sob, sob..."


    What a blunder.


    "They must be here to investigate a major case, right? Sob, sob, sob. Why was I so unlucky to run into this? What kind of big thief would board a train? How incredibly immoral! They didn''t even consider the feelings of us small-time crooks. So unethical!"


    The young train police officer: "¡­¡­"


    Fine, think whatever you want.


    But this guy... he really overthinks things.


    He''s not suited to be a thief; he''d be better off as a screenwriter.


    The young train police officer escorted the thief away, followed by the victim. The victim''s heart had nearly stopped when he realized his belongings were missing, but seeing the thief''s pathetic state, his anger lessened. Plus, the thief didn''t seem very capable anyway.


    He didn''t feel as furious anymore and followed along.


    "Are you working on some big case? Tell me; I won''t tell anyone," the victim, who was also quite nosy, asked.


    The young train police officer replied, "No."


    "I get it, I get it. You have to keep it confidential."


    The young train police officer: "¡­¡­"


    He insisted, "There really isn''t."


    The victim speculated, "I see. It must be a super major case, with a high level of confidentiality. Are you catching spies or murderers?"


    The young train police officer: "¡­¡­"


    Another would-be screenwriter.


    Meanwhile, the young train police officer felt his head buzzing from all the chatter. On the other hand, Zhao Guihua and the others were waiting at the carriage connection for the train police officer. Due to their swift apprehension of the thief, many passengers were sneaking peeks at them.


    However, no one dared to approach them.


    But the whispers didn''t stop.


    "Aren''t these aunties a bit old? Are undercover police really that aged now?"


    "Impossible. If they reached retirement age, they''d be retired. Still working and on missions, they must be younger¡ªjust look older. Plus, I saw them in action just now; their movements were as swift as the wind, incredibly nimble. They can''t be that old."


    "Yeah, their job takes them through wind and rain¡ªit''s tough. That''s why they say people need rest. Too much stress easily ages you. Look at these police officers; they look old."


    "Yes, worrying really ages you."


    ...


    The various speculations continued. Zhao Guihua and the others couldn''t help but twitch their mouths in annoyance.


    It was undeniable that people nowadays had too much imagination.


    And what did they mean by "look older"? They were genuine old ladies.


    The group stood at a distance, and surprisingly, Zheng Huifang no longer felt afraid. In fact, she had been quite anxious, though she had been vigilant. After all, she was only sixteen years old.


    Such a young age made it impossible not to be afraid.


    But after the scuffle, she felt no fear at all.


    With her big watery eyes full of admiration, she said to the aunties, "You''re so amazing!"


    Zhao Guihua smiled proudly but pretended to be casual. "Just so-so."


    She whispered, "We''ll keep looking for the person later. Just follow me and cooperate with me using the buns as our cue."


    Her voice was soft, audible only to those nearby, unlike her usual loud tone.


    Zheng Huifang nodded. "Okay, I''ll listen to you."


    Though the train police officer had suggested that Zheng Huifang might have been too sensitive, Zhao Guihua disagreed. She believed that girls should trust their instincts. Moreover, Zheng Huifang''s suspicion of the bun incident was reasonable. In the current era, when many struggled to make ends meet, wasting a bun was unthinkable.


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t believe there was such a nice person who would randomly give away food to strangers. While there were kind-hearted individuals, being overly enthusiastic to strangers was suspicious. Besides, Zhao Guihua had seen and heard a lot in her life. She was aware of the tactics used by human traffickers.


    After all, it was impossible to forcibly kidnap an adult.


    It would either involve deception or drugging them to make it seem like they were part of the same family before leaving the train. Otherwise, forcibly taking someone would be extremely difficult. That meant some tricks had to be pulled. So, Zhao Guihua trusted Zheng Huifang''s instincts.


    As they whispered among themselves, the young train police officer returned, having handed the thief over to a colleague.


    Initially, he had wanted to stay, but considering the victim and the thief''s propensity for overthinking and endless chatter, he found himself unable to bear it. He preferred to come find Zhao Guihua and the others instead of enduring the incessant babble.


    He located Zhao Guihua and the group, and they continued walking.


    The commotion from the theft had woken up the nearby carriages, and people were buzzing with excitement, chatting nonstop. Another victim discovered their wallet was missing and hurried after them.


    Unable to hold back his curiosity, the young train police officer asked, "Aunt Zhao, how did you know that guy was a thief?"


    He hadn''t even noticed.


    Zhao Guihua confidently replied, "I didn''t know."


    "Huh?"


    Zhao Guihua explained, "He ran away as soon as he saw me, so I chased after him. You were behind me, and when you saw the train police officer, you ran too. That must mean you''re a bad guy."


    The train police officer: "¡­¡­"


    He murmured, "You chased him just because he ran?"


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "What else?"


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, "That thief isn''t very mentally strong, huh?"


    The young train police officer: "¡­¡­" You stole my line!


    He twitched his mouth, at a loss for words.


    This guy was really unlucky.


    He had been caught so easily.


    But he deserved it!


    He said, "You were all amazing. That quick move... impressive."


    Zhao Guihua calmly said, "Well, we didn''t bring a cleaver this time, so we had to throw a shoe instead. That''s why I always say it''s good to have a cleaver with us."


    The young railway policeman: "¡­¡­"


    He simply didn''t know what to say.


    The group continued walking, passing through two more train cars, when suddenly Zheng Huifang reached out and tugged at Zhao Guihua''s hem, saying, "Aunt Zhao, it''s her."


    Zhao Guihua: "Who?"


    Zheng Huifang was very nervous but firm as she said, "The one by the window, with a girl''s head resting on her shoulder."


    A spark of energy ignited within Zhao Guihua at these words. Without another word, she stepped forward.


    "Comrade, please wake up."


    At that moment, Sister-in-law Feng was pretending to nap. Although she appeared to be sleeping, she remained vigilant. Upon hearing the disturbance, she deliberately allowed herself to slowly come to consciousness and said amicably, "What is it, Auntie?"


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her and then gently pushed the shoulder of the girl beside her, saying, "Comrade, wake up."


    Sister-in-law Feng quickly interjected, "Auntie, this is my younger sister. She''s not feeling well due to a cold and has already fallen asleep. If you need anything, just tell me."


    Zhao Guihua scrutinized her again. The woman appeared to be in her early thirties, with a kind face that suggested she was a straightforward rural woman. However, a closer look at her hands revealed that she likely hadn''t done much farmwork, as her hands remained delicate. Even for city dwellers, whose hands were constantly washed and scrubbed, it was rare to maintain such softness.


    Probably due to her well-maintained hands, Zhao Guihua estimated that this woman might actually be a bit older than she appeared. After all, if one''s hands were kept so well, it was likely that her face would too. She looked about thirty, but could realistically be in her forties.


    Sister-in-law Feng felt a twinge of panic under the old lady''s intense gaze, but she was accustomed to such situations and remained outwardly composed. She attempted to feign a slight discontent and asked, "What exactly do you want?"


    Her eyes briefly darted toward a spot not far away. Zhao Guihua immediately followed her gaze and saw a man peeking over, then pretending not to notice them and quickly looking away. She whispered something to Zheng Huifang behind her. Zheng Huifang nodded, and Aunt Wang quietly stepped back a few paces.


    Zhao Guihua turned back with a cold chuckle and said, "Do you know her?"


    Zheng Huifang poked her head out from behind Zhao Guihua. Protected by these elder ladies, Sister-in-law Feng had not noticed her at all. Upon seeing Zheng Huifang, a flicker of regret flashed across her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, saying, "So it''s you, little girl. I kindly helped you, yet you ran off suddenly, making me look like a villain. Now you even dare to bring people to pick a fight? How unreasonable is that?"


    Zhao Guihua sneered coldly, "Don''t scare the child. I didn''t see much kindness from you. The bun you gave this girl was laced with sleeping pills. What kind of evil thoughts do you have? Need I say more?"


    Sister-in-law Feng''s eyes betrayed a brief moment of panic before she feigned shock, "Sleeping pills? That''s impossible. You can''t slander me like this. I just kindly gave her a bun, and she ran off with it. Now you want to blame me? My bun was perfectly fine, there were no sleeping pills."


    Zhao Guihua kept a stern face and said, "If there were no sleeping pills, why is the girl beside you still unconscious?"


    She hadn''t expected that coming here would yield such a discovery.


    Indeed, their suspicions were correct. This Sister-in-law Feng was indeed suspicious, and in such a short time, she had already targeted this girl again. From the looks of it, the girl was deeply asleep. Zhao Guihua reached out and gave her another nudge, but there was no response.


    At this moment, Zhao Guihua turned back and said, "Take them away. Regardless of what''s wrong with this person, we can investigate it all once the girl wakes up."


    "Take me? What are you talking about?! You..."


    Trying to defend herself, Sister-in-law Feng suddenly made a move. The dagger in her hand flashed, directly stabbing towards Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua had been prepared ever since she exposed the woman. Knowing full well that the situation was dire and that she had been caught red-handed, the woman would certainly panic and act rashly. Seeing the knife come at her, Zhao Guihua instantly stepped back, then pulled out a bottle from her pocket and sprayed it at the woman, pfft-pfft.


    "Ah! My eyes!"


    Seeing that the woman was clutching her eyes, Zhao Guihua promptly reached into her pocket and pulled out a stone, hurling it at her, while simultaneously pulling the unconscious girl to safety. Her movements were swift and fluid. The young railway policeman was also quick to act, leaping forward to restrain the woman and drag her from her seat.


    The passengers, who had initially been watching the commotion, suddenly found themselves witnessing such a swift and dramatic turn of events.


    The young railway policeman didn''t hesitate, quickly subduing the woman. The middle-aged woman screamed, "Help! They''re killing me!"


    "Stay still, you human trafficker."


    In the meantime, Yinlai quickly came over to help the deeply unconscious girl, saying, "Quick, lend a hand."


    Zheng Huifang hummed in response and hurried over to help support the girl.


    "Help! Stop the bad guys!" Sister-in-law Feng tried to stir up confusion, but the young railway policeman, in his uniform, and the earlier incident where they caught a thief had already made the passengers wise to her tricks.


    "Pfft! A human trafficker dares to yell? She''s really shameless."


    "That''s treating us like fools? We''re not easy to deceive."


    "Damn right."


    "This human trafficker is a scumbag. It''s obvious¡ªthe thief we caught earlier was meek, but this one is trying to manipulate us."


    "Punch her!"


    "That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about, punch her!"


    The scene instantly grew chaotic. From the corner of her eye, Zhao Guihua saw the man who had exchanged glances with Sister-in-law Feng attempt to leave. No sooner had he moved than a sudden figure¡ªAunt Zhou¡ªsprang forward and sprayed something directly into his eyes. No one saw what she sprayed, but the man let out a scream, and the two elderly women quickly subdued him. One of them, Aunt Wang, wasted no time in delivering a swift kick to a sensitive area.


    "Ah!"


    The scream was deafening.


    "I¡¯ll stop you from running. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know¡ªyou¡¯re her accomplice."


    After Aunt Zhou delivered her kick, Aunt Wang followed up with a few punches, knocking him out cold. The two elderly women looked up and said, "We¡¯re old and weak, we need to get this done quickly."


    Zheng Huifang added, "There are at least two more."


    Earlier, she had recognized this man as one of them.


    The young railway policeman called out, "Who can help me go to the front of the train and call for reinforcements? We''ve caught a human trafficker, so everyone, lend a hand."


    "I¡¯ll do it!"


    "Me too!"


    "Let¡¯s all go."


    In an instant, several young, enthusiastic men jumped up, rallying to the help. They couldn¡¯t stand seeing such incidents.


    The men surged forward, dragging the two human traffickers, looking like dead dogs.


    Meanwhile, the train attendants had already heard the commotion and quickly came over with several male staff members. Some of them, together with the eager public, dragged the culprits away, while others followed Zhao Guihua and her group to continue the search.


    The young railway policeman stepped forward and asked, "Auntie, what was it you sprayed in their eyes earlier?"


    These elderly ladies seemed to each have one on hand.


    "Pepper spray!"


    The railway policeman: "¡­¡­"


    Zhao Guihua spoke earnestly, "For us, frail old women, going out without preparation is unthinkable. Otherwise, if we meet a bad guy, wouldn''t we be at a disadvantage?"


    The railway policeman''s mouth twitched: "¡­¡­"


    So those three already taken away weren¡¯t your doing.


    He sincerely questioned, "And you¡¯re carrying a stone with you?"


    Zhao Guihua: "One can never be too prepared with weapons."


    The railway policeman: "¡­¡­"


    Fine then.


    The group continued searching through the train cars, with several chivalrous men joining them. Foiling these criminals was a responsibility for all. These honest folks despised anyone who lived by deceit.


    Human traffickers, in particular, deserved nothing less than the harshest punishment.


    Although the old woman hadn''t admitted it earlier, the big girl next to her was so deeply asleep that she couldn''t wake up no matter what. Anyone with half a brain could tell what had happened. It was absolutely a case of being drugged.


    It¡¯s no easy feat for a woman to travel alone.


    There are always such lowlifes out there.


    Everyone was searching through the train cars, and Zheng Huifang was the only one who had actually seen them. She was meticulously checking each face, afraid of missing anyone.


    Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks and whispered, ¡°In the front row, the guy in the black cotton jacket with a crew cut, wearing a gray hat.¡±


    Zhao Guihua followed her gaze and saw that there was a girl next to the man, also leaning against his shoulder, sleeping deeply. It seemed they had more than one victim.


    However, this made Zhao Guihua a bit surprised. How quick were they?


    In such a short time, two people had been tricked.


    Fortunately, they had Zheng Huifang.


    The man was sitting in his seat and noticed everyone had stopped. When he looked up, he saw Zheng Huifang in the crowd and his eyes widened in rage. ¡°You little bitch, so it was you!¡± he roared, suddenly pulling out a knife.


    There was no doubt now. She had recognized them because she had been identifying them for everyone.


    His knife was pressed against the neck of the girl who was still deeply asleep. ¡°Get back, all of you! Or I¡¯ll kill her!¡± he shouted.


    His sudden outburst scared everyone into screaming and quickly stepping back, afraid of being taken hostage themselves.


    Especially those sitting nearby, their legs felt like jelly.


    The man shouted at Zheng Huifang, ¡°You little brat, I underestimated you! Just wait, I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll kill you like I¡¯d kill a chicken! If I can¡¯t do it, my partner will! We¡¯ve killed countless scum like you¡­¡±


    His face was contorted with rage, his eyes bloodshot, looking like a demon. Zheng Huifang took a few steps back in fear. Zhao Guihua grabbed her arm and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid!¡±


    She turned to the man in the black cotton jacket and shouted, ¡°Ugh, you think you can kill her? You¡¯re about to be arrested, and once you¡¯re in there, you¡¯ll rot in jail for the rest of your life! What, you still think you can kill someone? The train police heard you, you¡¯re not just a human trafficker, you¡¯re a murderer, and now you¡¯re threatening a witness! You should be punished even more severely! Let me tell you, don¡¯t think you can just bluff your way out of this! Under the bright daylight, you¡¯re the one who should be scared, not her, not me, not any of us! Because we stand for justice, and you? You¡¯re not even worthy of being called a rat from the gutter! People in jail will look down on you, they¡¯ll beat you up, and even if they don¡¯t kill you, don¡¯t get too comfortable! Let me tell you, you lowlifes who have lost all sense of decency, the heavens will take care of you sooner or later. I can see you¡¯re not new at this, so you¡¯ve definitely hurt people before. Let me tell you, don¡¯t think you can get away with it. The people you¡¯ve harmed will come back to haunt you, they¡¯ll be standing right behind you, every single night, whispering in your ear, ¡®I want you dead¡­¡¯¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± the man in the black cotton jacket screamed.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Shut up? Why should I shut up? Do you think I¡¯m scared of you? I¡¯m not scared of you at all. It¡¯s midnight now, the hour when the dead are strongest. The people you¡¯ve harmed are following you, while we, we stand tall and unafraid, because we have nothing to hide. But you? You¡¯re a coward, a lowlife, a piece of trash. You¡¯re scared, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Shut up. Shut up, you old hag¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Old hag, am I? What are you, then? A dead rat? What can you do? All you know how to do is these dirty tricks, and then when you¡¯re exposed, you try to scare little girls. But you think she¡¯s scared of you? She¡¯s not scared of you at all, because she knows you¡¯re not worth fearing. You¡¯ll get what¡¯s coming to you, and maybe by next year, your grave will already have grass growing over it¡­¡±


    As she was yelling, she noticed the train police sneaking up behind the man. She continued to distract him, shouting, ¡°You must have a wife and kids at home, right? Once your grave is overgrown with grass, your wife will take your kids and remarry. Then they¡¯ll live in your house, sleep with your wife, and beat your kids. Everyone will point and say, ¡®Look at that poor kid, born to a family of traffickers¡­¡¯¡±


    The man in the black cotton jacket was so furious he was practically foaming at the mouth. He lost control and charged toward Zhao Guihua with the knife, screaming, ¡°Shut up, I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    As soon as he let go of his hostage and moved forward, the train police pounced on him. With a sharp elbow to the side, they knocked him to the ground and pinned him down. His knife flew out of his hand, and the crowd gasped, ¡°Ah!¡±


    Fortunately, it was just a knife.


    The knife clattered to the floor, and the man was pinned down hard.


    Perhaps because he had been holding someone hostage, everyone was now emboldened and rushed forward, pummeling him with punches and kicks.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Oh my!¡±


    They couldn¡¯t even get close to him; the crowd had turned him into a battered mess.


    Zheng Huifang also ran in and kicked him a couple of times, then snorted, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you, old man! You better watch your back in jail. Oh wait, you don¡¯t have to worry about that, because next year, your grave will already have grass on it!¡±


    She mimicked Zhao Guihua¡¯s taunts and felt she had really learned something profound.


    Her mother, Guan Guiling, also cursed people, but she only knew the crude stuff. This time, Zheng Huifang had really picked up some skills and looked at Zhao Guihua with admiration.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°You don¡¯t have to look at me like that.¡±


    Zheng Huifang: ¡°You are the most amazing person in the world.¡±


    Surrounding passengers also gave Zhao Guihua a thumbs up, saying, ¡°You¡¯re really something, aunty!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re the strongest I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just about how you curse, but what you say makes sense.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, you can¡¯t be too evil in this life, or you¡¯ll end up paying for it sooner or later.¡±


    Compared to the previous two who had been quickly subdued, this guy received a much more brutal beating. He was dragged away like a rag doll. The train staff, along with a few enthusiastic bystanders, took care of the matter.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Let¡¯s keep going.¡±


    Zheng Huifang was also full of energy at this point and nodded, ¡°Alright!¡±


    They hadn¡¯t gone far, just to the next carriage, when a young man saw them coming and his face turned red. Almost immediately, he blurted out, ¡°I confess, I¡¯m a thief! Don¡¯t beat me!¡±


    He had seen how badly the previous guy had been beaten.


    Although he was just a small-time thief, he had been caught before. His fellow thief had ended up in jail, so he decided to confess quickly and admit his mistake.


    It¡¯s not a big deal to make mistakes; what matters is to own up to them.


    What he feared most was being caught and not admitting it. That would be disastrous. He had heard that there were experts on the train, possibly undercover cops.


    It wasn¡¯t that they lacked mental toughness; it¡¯s just that in this line of work, you had to know when to cut your losses. If he hadn¡¯t made his move yet, he could have pretended to be innocent, but since he had already acted, he had to come clean. Getting beaten up wasn¡¯t pleasant.


    ¡°I confess!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°??£¿¡±


    Were thieves nowadays admitting their crimes out of the blue? Or was it just that thieves in this era were more honest than those decades later?


    The train police: ¡°Please help me take this guy away. I¡­¡±


    They reached into their pockets and realized they had run out of handcuffs.


    Could you believe it?


    It felt like they were here to ¡°stock up¡± on criminals.


    The thief was dragged away, and they quickly continued their search through the carriages. They finally found the last man in the last carriage. He had been trying to blend in, but Zheng Huifang still recognized him, though it took some effort. He too was eventually apprehended.


    This whole ordeal, catching thieves and human traffickers one after another, had left everyone wide awake. It¡¯s not uncommon to encounter troublemakers on trains, but this time, catching so many of them was truly impressive.


    Despite staying up most of the night, with dawn just breaking, everyone was in good spirits and even applauded as they made their way back.


    They walked together, and every carriage they passed was met with applause.


    Aunt Zhou, Aunt Wang, Zhao Guihua, and a few other aunts were beaming with pride. It was a rare moment of prestige for them. Even the few older men who had come to help were flushed with excitement.


    Finally, they reached the front carriage where the criminals were being held.


    The two thieves huddled together, while the others huddled in the corner.


    Despite all being scoundrels, the thieves looked disdainfully at the human traffickers, spitting at them. Being locked up with such lowlifes was humiliating for them.


    The two unconscious women were placed in the attendant''s room, sleeping quietly.


    Zheng Huifang felt a lingering fear. She knew that if she hadn''t been so vigilant, she would have ended up like them. If that had happened, her fate wouldn''t have been as fortunate as these two girls.


    Their good luck was due to her seeking help from Zhao Guihua and the others.


    If she had fallen for the trap, no one would have known she was taken, and not only her, but other girls would have remained in danger.


    Zheng Huifang looked seriously at Zhao Guihua and said, "Thank you. If it weren''t for you..."


    She rubbed her eyes.


    Zhao Guihua gave her a playful glance and patted the girl''s shoulder. "What nonsense are you talking? Who should you thank? You should first thank yourself. If it weren''t for your high vigilance, no one would have known what happened to you. Yes, we all deserve thanks, but you should first thank yourself, and then us."


    Zheng Huifang, her cheeks flushed with determination, nodded firmly. "I understand."


    She glanced at the men who had been beaten and felt a sense of satisfaction.


    As they exited the room, an older railway police officer said, "Everyone, please come with us to make a statement detailing what happened. Then you can rest. When the train stops at the next station, police officers will come aboard to take them away for further investigation."


    It wasn''t uncommon for them to encounter such incidents.


    The group didn''t hesitate and sat down to give a detailed account of what had happened.


    The older police officer carefully collected the evidence. Zheng Huifang asked, "Is this useful?"


    The police officer replied, "It is. It''s very important."


    Zheng Huifang smiled softly, feeling a bit pleased.


    Soon, she asked again, "Do we have to get off the train with the police officers later? Can we stay on? I''m going to Guangzhou."


    The police officer replied, "As victims, you should go with them for..."


    "But I''ve already made a statement," she pointed out. "And I didn''t even get caught. My statement is all recorded."


    Zhao Guihua could see that Zheng Huifang didn''t want to interact with the police. This wasn''t unexpected; Zhao Guihua could tell that Zheng Huifang had run away secretly. It was quite obvious.


    She added, "Police officers, since you''ve already recorded everything and her ID information, maybe she doesn''t need to go again, right? Oh, you mentioned seeing a conductor who seemed familiar with them?"


    Zheng Huifang nodded. "That''s right."


    She pointed to a nervous woman in the corner. "It''s her."


    Due to the arrests, all the conductors were up and busy. Zheng Huifang quickly identified her. "It''s that woman."


    The woman protested, "I''m not one of them! I don''t know what''s happening! I just sold them some things and chatted with them a bit! I..." But she was soon taken away.


    Zheng Huifang exhaled softly.


    Zhao Guihua mused, "It''s strange how they weren''t together but spread out."


    Her casual remark made the police officers give Zhao Guihua a complex look.


    Zhao Guihua asked, confused, "What?"


    The older police officer explained, "It''s because of you catching the thief."


    Zhao Guihua was baffled. "Because of me?"


    The police officer continued, "They were originally all in one carriage, not sitting together but close to each other, serving as mutual support. But because of the commotion you caused when catching the thief, passengers were saying all sorts of things. For safety, they dispersed and found separate carriages to hide in. This way, if one got caught, the others could ensure safety."


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "So I have to thank the thief."


    Everyone laughed at this lighthearted remark.


    Zhao Guihua added, "But they were quick, huh? They managed to kidnap two girls in such a short time."


    "It wasn''t just in that short time," the police officer explained. "Although they haven''t confessed, we''ve started interviewing passengers. Someone mentioned that one of the unconscious girls had been asleep in her seat since the afternoon. A man said she was his wife, unwell, so he kept coming and going, saying he was visiting some fellow villagers, so no one paid much attention. They likely had her under control early on but kept her separate for safety. After the carriage disturbance, they dispersed for safety, using the girl as a cover. Claiming they were a married couple helped avoid suspicion. At night, when everyone was sleeping, her unconscious state wouldn''t seem strange, just a deep sleep."


    Zhao Guihua said, "These scumbags have many tricks. They definitely aren''t rookies."


    The older police officers and conductors all nodded, agreeing with her assessment.


    Typical human traffickers wouldn''t be so cunning. First, three men would pretend to harass a lone girl, then their accomplices would pretend to be saviors, gaining the girl''s trust, and then they would feed her drugged buns.


    Probably to stop her from resisting. Once she was unconscious, they could do whatever they wanted.


    Such tactics clearly weren''t the work of novices.


    The older police officer said, "In such cases, they usually don''t wait until the destination. They likely planned to get off during the day, probably at one of the nearby stations. We''ve reported this case and will handle it seriously, ensuring justice for the victims." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua agreed, "That''s best. These scumbags deserve to be locked up early."


    "You''ve really helped us a lot this time. Not only did you catch the human traffickers, but you also caught two thieves. Thank you so much."


    This was a stroke of luck that brought them great credit. Everyone looked at Zhao Guihua and the others with admiration; they truly were kind and righteous people. Even the young Zheng Huifang received praise.


    "Your vigilance and quick thinking are commendable. Many people wouldn''t have noticed anything, but you not only spotted the danger but actively sought help and assisted in catching the bad guys. You''re both intelligent and brave. Great job!"


    Zheng Huifang''s eyes sparkled with happiness.


    From childhood, her family had never praised her like this. Now, even the police officers were praising her. Zheng Huifang proudly lifted her chin, making everyone smile.


    Even the young rookie police officer, new to the job, commented, "Our luck really turned out well this time."


    They had initially planned to investigate but didn''t expect much, as Zheng Huifang hadn''t yet been harmed. But as luck would have it, they arrived just as the criminals were caught red-handed.


    Because the victim was still with the human trafficker, there was no point in arguing. Since they had the proof and the suspect together, there was no need for lengthy argumentation. She decided to take action instead.


    It was indeed a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but thinking about it, it seemed inevitable. If Zheng Huifang hadn''t fallen for it, it didn''t mean others wouldn''t. They were in the business of doing such things, so they weren''t likely to behave themselves.


    After detailed questioning and some discussion with the train staff, the conductors eventually agreed to let them continue their journey without getting off the train.


    This wouldn¡¯t be possible a few decades later, but it was acceptable now. The records were clear, and their identities were verified. Most importantly, traveling was extremely difficult and expensive at that time. Unlike the two girls who needed to be taken off the train for medical treatment, they didn''t require any additional stops, so it was normal for them to continue without disembarking. After all, it would be a pity to delay their journey. Similarly, the victims of the theft also went through questioning and registered their identities but didn''t get off the train.


    However, due to this major incident, the train conducted another ticket inspection and verified each passenger''s identity. Zhao Guihua and the others were busy until the middle of the night, finally able to return to their cabin for some rest. Zhao Guihua noticed Zheng Huifang looking at her eagerly and said, "Come with us. Our compartment is filled with people we know. You can stay with us for now, and we''ll figure things out once we arrive in Guangzhou."


    Zheng Huifang quickly nodded.


    They returned together, feeling triumphant. It had been a long time since they left the compartment, and people outside were buzzing with gossip, eager to know what had happened. Seeing Zhao Guihua return, they immediately asked, "Are you all okay?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We''re fine."


    She sat down and said, "That was really tiring. I¡¯m old and out of shape, yet I still had to do all that."


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, "Oh, you don''t know how amazing we were! We caught the crooks in one go. I did a flying kick. Those petty thieves didn''t stand a chance."


    Aunt Wang added, "I wasn''t bad either. As soon as Zhao Guihua confirmed that guy was an accomplice, I knew we had to block the escape route. That''s the mutual understanding between us old friends over the years."


    Zhao Guihua reached out her hand, and Aunt Wang immediately high-fived her.


    They all laughed triumphantly, hands on their hips.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Even when we''re traveling, the boldness of us old ladies from Beijing can''t be forgotten. These crooks dared to act in front of us? They don''t even know how close they are to death."


    "Hey, you think this might earn us an honorable mention or a letter of commendation from the neighborhood committee?"


    "Absolutely! We really put in the work today."


    "Hehe."


    As they laughed and joked, Zhao Guihua suddenly remembered and quickly introduced Zheng Huifang to everyone, "Oh, by the way, let me introduce you to Zheng Huifang, Guan Guiling''s second daughter, Zheng Huimin''s younger sister. She''s a good kid, not like her mom or her sister. She''s also heading to Guangzhou this time, but she doesn''t have a seat, so she''s going to stay with us for a couple of nights. Is that okay?"


    "Of course, that''s no problem."


    "Yeah, I think it''s great. You know, it''s not safe for a young girl like her to travel alone. Didn''t you see? That human trafficker was targeting girls like her who were traveling by themselves. Those scumbags were so good at playing good cop-bad cop. Disgusting, really morally bankrupt."


    Aunt Zhou started cursing. Despite being a calculating and sharp-tongued old lady, she had a strong understanding of the law.


    She said, "Don''t be afraid, Zheng Huifang. I know they''re threatening to seek revenge, but that''s just hot air. Pfft, trying to act tough. They''ll be lucky if they ever get out of prison."


    "?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Huh?"


    Aunt Zhou continued, "Really, about ten years ago, we caught some human traffickers too. They mostly targeted children, unlike these ones who were scamming women. The lightest sentence they got was life imprisonment."


    Zheng Huifang nodded seriously, "I¡¯m not afraid. People like them should be the ones afraid! I¡¯m not scared at all!"


    "That¡¯s the spirit."


    Zheng Huifang smiled.


    She said, "I¡¯m not an easy target."


    Zhao Guihua chimed in, "Come sit, you can stay with me tonight."


    He Lan offered, "You can stay with me instead. I''m skinny."


    She had experienced some hardships in the past, and even though her life had improved, she remained quite thin.


    Zhao Guihua waved it off, "No, she can stay with me. It''s not convenient for her to sleep on the upper bunk."


    Zheng Huifang felt embarrassed and said, "I-I can sleep on the floor."


    She didn''t want to be a burden.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, "No, it''s not good for women to sleep on the ground. You might not feel it now, but you''ll feel it in a couple of years."


    She patted the bed, "Come on, just stay here for the night."


    Zheng Huifang hesitated a bit, but with everyone''s insistence, she finally moved over. Zhao Guihua instructed, "Lie on your side, it''s not too cramped with two people."


    "Okay!"


    Although everyone had gone to bed and felt tired, they weren''t really sleepy yet.


    Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang were eager to recount everything that had happened earlier, leaving Wang Zizhen and He Lan gasping in astonishment. The stories of their bravery in catching the thieves were embellished with plenty of embellishments.


    Even Yinlai felt his face flush with embarrassment, but he thought, since the grandmas were this incredible, why not boast about it?


    After all, they really did achieve something.


    Finally, Wang Zizhen curiously asked, "Do you think that train attendant was in on it?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I don¡¯t think so, it¡¯s unlikely. But you never know. Anything is possible."


    Aunt Zhou muttered softly, "That¡¯s not much of an answer."


    Zhao Guihua responded, "That¡¯s just how it is."


    The group wasn''t sleepy yet and continued chattering about various things. Not just the people involved, but even passengers from other carriages were doing the same. Everyone was excited, having never encountered such an event before. Some had even witnessed the arrest or been part of it themselves. The train was filled with chatter, like it was a festive celebration.


    As the train came to a stop at a station, Yinlai leaned out the window and said, "Look, there are a lot of police officers."


    Zhao Guihua also looked out and exclaimed, "Oh my, there really are."


    Everyone peered out the window and saw over thirty police officers, all appearing serious. They were coordinating with the train staff for the handover of the suspects. At that moment, the human traffickers were escorted off the train, followed closely by the burglars.


    Passengers eagerly leaned out of their windows to catch a glimpse, heads filling the outline of the windows.


    The two burglars, afraid of being mistaken for partners with the human traffickers, shouted, "We¡¯re just thieves! We¡¯re not with those scumbags! No way! We may steal, but we don¡¯t traffic people!"


    "Yeah, we steal money, but we don¡¯t steal people!"


    The two thieves cried out loudly.


    Zhao Guihua murmured, "... They¡¯re still criminals, so why do they think they¡¯re above the others?"


    Aunt Wang shrugged, "Compared to human traffickers, petty theft is a lighter crime, I guess."


    Zhao Guihua hesitated, "Uh¡­ I suppose that¡¯s true."


    All the passengers craned their necks, gazing outside. They saw two of the victims still unconscious, being carried off the train. No one knew how much sedative had been fed to them.


    Zhao Guihua watched, then spat forcefully, "Shame on them!!!"

 Chapter 188

    The train began to move slowly again, and the passengers on board were still quite excited. This kind of opportunity to witness the capture of big or small criminals was not something easily seen.


    Zhao Guihua felt that she had accomplished something great without drawing attention to herself.


    Perhaps due to tiredness, despite their excitement, the passengers soon fell into a deep sleep. They did not know how long they had slept when they were awakened by a knocking sound outside the door. Zheng Huifang woke up, rubbed her eyes, and got up to open the door. She whispered, "Who is it?"


    "I am surnamed Zhao, and I am a train conductor. We met early this morning during the capture of the human traffickers," came the reply.


    Zheng Huifang opened the door to see the young train conductor, Comrade Zhao, who had been leading them. He smiled and asked, "Do you recognize me?"


    Zheng Huifang replied, "Of course, we worked together to catch the bad guys. Is there something you need?"


    Comrade Zhao explained, "It¡¯s like this, the human traffickers have confessed, and there are no other accomplices on the train. I came to inform you so you can feel at ease."


    He had overheard the human trafficker threatening Zheng Huifang earlier and, knowing she was young, feared she might be scared. So, upon receiving this news, he came to reassure her.


    He continued, "After conducting a thorough check, we discovered four more individuals with suspicious identities and have handed them over for further investigation. Overall, the situation is quite safe. You don¡¯t need to worry."


    Zheng Huifang thanked him, "Thank you."


    Comrade Zhao smiled and said, "No need to thank me. It¡¯s our duty. By the way, to express our gratitude for your support in our work, we have arranged for boxed meals that will be provided free of charge until you reach your destination. Since you are all awake now, I¡¯ll have someone bring them over."


    Zheng Huifang immediately turned to look at Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua responded, "Thank you, but we really can¡¯t accept your generosity. We will pay for it ourselves."


    Comrade Zhao said, "Please, this is something we should do. If you refuse, we would feel quite embarrassed. After all, you played a significant role. If it weren¡¯t for your quick discovery, who knows what issues might have arisen. This is just a small token of our appreciation; you must accept it."


    In fact, they had planned to provide meals at noon, but considering that they had not slept well the previous night, they decided not to disturb their rest.


    "If you insist on paying, we would be quite disheartened," Comrade Zhao added.


    Zhao Guihua hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alright, then."


    They never expected such a kind gesture. The thought of someone providing free meals was a pleasant surprise. However, Comrade Zhao and his colleagues were equally pleased. These aunties not only helped them capture criminals and eliminate potential dangers but also brought them honor.


    This railway line, with the collaboration between the police and the public, had managed to apprehend a human trafficking ring, petty thieves, and suspicious individuals. Each of these was a significant achievement, and they were quite proud of it.


    Although not everyone had actively participated in the arrests, there were seven meals provided, showing great consideration.


    He Lan commented, "We are truly lucky to benefit from this."


    Yinlai nodded, "I didn¡¯t do much, yet I still get this treatment. The free food indeed tastes extra good."


    Comrade Zhao and his team were thoughtful, providing each person with a large box of rice and a dish of red-cooked pork. Both rice and red-cooked pork were considered luxurious foods in those times.


    Zheng Huifang hadn¡¯t had such a good meal in years. At home, any good food was first given to her father, then her older brother and younger brother. After they finished, there was nothing left for her.


    Even during the Lunar New Year, she could only eat pickles.


    Her family was poor, and life had to go on as it was. The last time Zheng Huifang had eaten meat was two years ago when a neighbor married off their child and asked her to help. She was secretly given a piece of meat. Usually, her meals consisted of nothing more than pickles, turnips, cabbage, and corn bread.


    As she ate the red-cooked pork, she felt as though she might swallow her tongue.


    "It¡¯s so delicious!" she exclaimed.


    Zhao Guihua, noticing her excitement, reminded her, "Don¡¯t eat too much meat; your stomach might not handle it."


    Zheng Huifang hurriedly nodded in agreement.


    It wasn¡¯t just a guess; she had heard stories of people who hadn¡¯t eaten meat for a long time and then suddenly consumed rich foods, leading to diarrhea. Reluctantly, she put away the food, and at that moment, Wang Zizhen handed her an egg, saying, "Have an egg."


    Zheng Huifang blushed and said, "No, no need. Thank you."


    Wang Zizhen insisted, "Take it, I have more. It won¡¯t keep for long if left, so don¡¯t let it go to waste."


    In truth, there was no risk of wasting anything. Wang Zizhen looked at Zheng Huifang and couldn¡¯t help but think of her younger self. Back then, her family couldn¡¯t rely on her, and she had to venture out on her own. The biggest fortune she had was meeting Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang Zhao. If circumstances had been different or she had met other people, she might not have fared so well.


    She repeated, "Take it."


    Zheng Huifang finally agreed, "Alright, then."


    She ate the egg cautiously, her mood bubbling with joy.


    Zhao Guihua added, "The further south you go, the hotter it gets. Your red-cooked pork won¡¯t keep much longer, so eat it over the next two meals. Don¡¯t save it."


    Zheng Huifang nodded quickly.


    She asked, "Aunt Zhao, does it get hot in the south?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, it does. How come you¡¯re not prepared for the journey?"


    Zheng Huifang blushed slightly and nodded.


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, "How can you manage like this? Besides, you¡¯re just a girl. Your parents really can¡¯t be counted on if they let you go so unprepared. I¡¯ve always said Guan Guiling isn¡¯t a good person. Uh, please don¡¯t take offense at me speaking ill of your mother, but she really isn¡¯t. She once nearly caused trouble for a neighbor of ours, and we could all see what kind of person she is."


    Aunt Wang interrupted, "Enough, why bring up all that in front of her daughter?"


    Aunt Zhou stubbornly retorted, "I¡¯m just speaking the truth."


    Zhao Guihua looked at Zheng Huifang and asked directly, "Did you run away on your own?"


    Zheng Huifang panicked for a moment but then, reminded of how kind these people were, nodded slightly and admitted, "Yes, I ran away by myself."


    "Well, I¡¯ll be. You¡¯ve got guts," Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou exclaimed in shock. Being of an older generation, they hadn¡¯t expected such boldness.


    Aunt Zhou said, "Running away on your own makes you a vagrant."


    Zheng Huifang replied, "I have my ID."


    She explained, "I wanted to get far away from home. If I stayed, they would scheme against me, so I had to leave. I heard that some factories in the south are hiring workers, so I want to go and take a look. I¡¯m very diligent."


    Zhao Guihua cautioned, "You¡¯re not yet an adult. They might not hire you, or at best, it would be in some shady factory."


    Zheng Huifang¡¯s eyes widened in worry. "Then, then what should I do?"


    Zhao Guihua, offering practical advice, said, "I really can¡¯t say for sure, but we¡¯re going to Guangzhou to stock up on goods, so we¡¯ll be there for a few days. If you trust us, you can stay with us for now and get a feel for Guangzhou. Then, we can decide on the next step based on the situation. Until then, all we can do is feel our way like blind men."


    Zheng Huifang carefully noted this down and said, "I understand."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and encouraged her, "You¡¯ve already shown bravery by catching the human traffickers. There¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t do if you stay determined and put in effort."


    Zheng Huifang nodded, "I know, I¡¯m not lacking in anything!"


    Seeing Zheng Huifang regain her courage, Aunt Zhou curiously asked, "Why did you run away on your own?"


    Zheng Huifang replied, "I didn¡¯t want to go through with the marriage they planned for me just for the bride price. I know they only care about money, not who I am as a person. My father even wanted to send me somewhere unpleasant to make money for the family. I absolutely won¡¯t listen to them."


    "Another disgusting fellow," the women collectively spat in disgust.


    After expressing their contempt, Aunt Wang remarked, "I feel like I¡¯ve heard something like this before."


    A moment later, she looked at Yinlai.


    Ah, no wonder it sounded familiar.


    At the beginning, Aunt Su (Gou Lanxiang) was just like this. She hoped others would earn money by selling themselves to support her. What kind of people are they? This isn''t just selfishness anymore; it''s truly deserving of hell. However, since Jinlai is also here, everyone refrained from openly criticizing Gou Lanxiang.


    However, He Lan frowned and said, "So, your mom just listens to your dad?"


    Although she looks down on Guan Guiling, she wouldn''t go so far as to harm her own daughter, right? Shouldn''t she be defending her daughter at a time like this?


    Zheng Huifang shook her head, "My mom won''t care about me. She only listens to my dad."


    He Lan''s brows were knitted so tightly that a fly couldn''t escape. She felt even more disdain for Guan Guiling, lowering her opinion of this woman even further. Such a woman doesn''t care about herself or her children but is blindly devoted to a man, burning herself out in the process and even forcing her daughter to do the same. It''s enough to make one feel disgusted to the point of wanting to vomit. It''s utterly contemptible.


    He Lan thought this, and others felt the same way.


    If it weren''t for Zheng Huifang being present, they probably could have ranted for a hundred years. But saying such things directly is not appropriate.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Since you''ve come out, don''t go back."


    Zheng Huifang nodded, "I know."


    On this matter, Wang Zizhen had something to say. She climbed down from the upper bunk and sat on the lower bunk, saying, "I have experience with leaving home and never wanting to see my parents or hometown again in my lifetime. Let me tell you, sometimes don''t think you''re being heartless, because it''s almost impossible to change the mindset of someone who is very determined. If you don''t leave, you''ll be dragged into a deep abyss by familial ties. You won''t be able to climb out of it yourself. Some parents are like this¡ªtheir bond with their children is shallow. My parents wanted a son so desperately that they went crazy thinking about it. In their eyes, daughters like us are unimportant. The role of a girl is just to work for the family and bring in bride price. Even after I got married, they expected me to endlessly support my parents'' home, no matter what the cost. Whether I lived well or not didn''t matter as long as I helped my parents. My older sister became a cautionary tale for me. She was willing and even happy to do it, but I refused. A person must have their own life, not one that is lived entirely for others. If your entire existence is for someone else, then what''s the point of living? I''m glad I left when I got married. They took the money like they were selling a daughter and severed ties with me. I felt relieved."


    Such matters might not resonate with others, but Wang Zizhen truly understood.


    If it weren''t for this, she wouldn''t have changed her name.


    If no one cherished her, she would cherish herself.


    And by cherishing herself, she also found someone who cherished her.


    She said, "Just remember, some people use family ties to manipulate you, but they don''t value those ties themselves. If you give in to guilt, you''ve been tricked."


    Zheng Huifang replied, "I know. I''ve always known."


    She had known these things since she was very young.


    Back then, she discovered that her family didn''t like her and that she wasn''t important to them. She even knew that she had a younger brother or sister, though she didn''t know if it was a boy or a girl. There was a child that her mother had given birth to and then secretly given away.


    To say "given away" was just a polite way of saying they sold the child.


    She heard everything clearly. Although she was young at the time, the memory remained vivid, and she dared not trust her parents. Although her father seemed gentle and kind to them, she never trusted him completely.


    It was precisely because of this that when her older sister Zheng Huimin revealed their father''s true nature, she immediately believed it.


    It wasn''t because she blindly trusted her sister but because she knew it had to be true. After all, her parents had once sold their own child. They didn''t care at all.


    "Once you leave, don''t go back."


    Wang Zizhen told Zheng Huifang this.


    Zheng Huifang nodded vigorously. Perhaps because of their shared experiences, Wang Zizhen and Zheng Huifang quickly became close. Both had unreliable parents. Wang Zizhen''s parents were obsessed with having a son, willing to sell their daughters to achieve that goal.


    Zheng Huifang''s parents, on the other hand, weren''t focused on having a son. Zheng Yufeng wanted a comfortable life for himself, while Guan Guiling was the kind of woman who would gladly die for her man¡ªthe kind of "good woman" in Zheng Yufeng''s eyes. However, to any sensible person, she was just plain crazy.


    Zheng Huifang asked, "How do you all know my mom?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "That''s a long story. You''ve probably heard of someone named Bai Fendou, haven''t you?"


    Zheng Huifang exclaimed, "Yes! My parents used to talk about him a lot. They called him a fool¡­ he seemed to be mentioned frequently for a while when I was young."


    He Lan said, "If you say that, I might get upset."


    Zheng Huifang looked puzzled, while Wang Zizhen tried not to laugh. She explained, "Bai Fendou is her husband."


    Zheng Huifang immediately felt like she was dying of embarrassment. Her face turned bright red, and she frantically rubbed her hands, stammering, "I-I''m s-so sorry! I-I wasn''t, uh, I¡­ It''s what my parents said, I thought¡­ I¡­ Anyway, I''m sorry!"


    Seeing her like this, He Lan couldn''t help but burst out laughing. "I''m not angry. It''s what your parents said. You were young and didn''t understand."


    Zheng Huifang still felt very embarrassed.


    Aunt Zhao said, "Actually, we all live in the same neighborhood."


    Zheng Huifang added, "My sister also lives there."


    When Zheng Huimin was mentioned, everyone had a complicated expression. Aunt Zhou said sincerely, "Your sister isn''t as sharp as you. She''s a bit like your mom¡ªshe''ll take anything, no matter the quality. That Su Jinlai, oh, don''t take this the wrong way, but I''ve had a sharp tongue for decades. But I''m telling the truth¡ªSu Jinlai is no good. Even a dog wouldn''t look at him. Your sister somehow thinks he''s worth it."


    Yinlai chimed in, "Guan Hong also likes him."


    Aunt Zhou retorted, "That''s why they''re both fools."


    Zheng Huifang: "..."


    She still cared about her sister, and Guan Hong seemed like a good person, despite being a bit stern. Zheng Huifang wasn''t clueless. She quickly asked, "Why is Su Jinlai not good? Why do you say Guan Hong and my sister are fools?"


    She continued, "Actually, they''re both good people."


    Aunt Zhou replied, "It''s all because of Su Jinlai¡­ Oh, Yinlai, cover your ears."


    Yinlai found two paper towels and said, "Go ahead."


    He stuffed the paper into his ears and lay down to rest.


    Aunt Zhou remarked, "This is a good idea. Next time I hear something I don''t like, I''ll do the same. I think it''s great."


    The others: "¡­"


    Aunt Zhou freely criticized Su Jinlai, not forgetting to bash Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong as well. These two girls were a bit dumb, or else how could they have such poor judgment? She finally found someone to rant to and kept talking nonstop to Zheng Huifang.


    Meanwhile, the subject of their discussion, Su Jinlai¡­


    Su Jinlai dragged his weary steps homeward, his movements sluggish. If one looked closely, they could see he had lost weight recently. He made his way to the neighborhood, his eyes slightly red. If observed closely, one could tell he had been crying.


    He arrived at his home, his voice worn with age, "Mom, I''m back."


    Hearing the commotion, Wang Xiangxiu hurried out. "Jinlai, you''re back? How did you get like this?"


    Although Wang Xiangxiu was a bit biased, she still cared for her son. She quickly ushered him in and looked him over from head to toe.


    Su Jinlai said pitifully, "I didn''t do much. Just overworked myself."


    He stepped inside, looked around, and asked, "Where''s Tonglai?"


    The little scoundrel had borrowed money from him. Damn, why did he lend it to him? The kid couldn''t be trusted. Knowing how hard it was to earn money, he endured physical exhaustion and mental strain just to make a bit, only to have it borrowed. Ugh, he''d make that little rascal pay. However, Wang Xiangxiu didn''t know what was going through Su Jinlai''s mind. She said, "He went to study. He''s not back yet."


    Tonglai now went to visit a retired professor from the Film Academy every evening after school, hoping to find a different path to get into university. Wang Xiangxiu understood their family''s situation and knew that Tonglai''s hope lay in getting into college, so she strongly supported it.


    Jinlai: "He still hasn''t come back after dinner?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Have you seen anyone succeed without putting in the effort?"


    She asked, "Did you eat? I''ll make you some food."


    Su Jinlai waved his hand: "No need, I''ve had dinner."


    Although he was tired, his meals were far from meager. In fact, they were quite good. However, no matter how well he ate, his body couldn''t keep up. This old woman was too demanding. Over the past few days, Su Jinlai had barely left his bed. Not just that... He lazily yawned and said, "I''m going to sleep for a while."


    "Okay, sleep."


    Wang Xiangxiu watched him and asked, "You''re not going out these days, right?"


    Su Jinlai: "Not going out."


    Somehow, Wang Xiangxiu felt that this time Su Jinlai''s return was slightly different from the last. She scrutinized her son carefully and asked, "Are you really okay?"


    Su Jinlai: "I''m fine."


    He pulled the blanket over his head and began to sob under the covers. This old woman was terrifying... It was so hard to earn this five hundred dollars.


    Before Wang Xiangxiu could leave, she heard her son crying. She quickly sat down and said, "What''s wrong with you? Tell me, why are you crying? Did someone bully you?"


    Impulsively, she said, "I''ll go find Hu Huihui."


    Su Jinlai quickly grabbed his mother. Hu Huihui was his main source of income. If his mother interfered, how would he make money in the future? Despite the hardship, the blows, and the toll on his body, it was all for the money!


    Well, not exactly a main source, more like a pimp.


    He quickly said, "Don''t go find her, it''s not her fault."


    "Then what is it?"


    A mother can''t help but ask.


    Su Jinlai covered his head and shook it firmly: "It''s nothing!"


    This reaction made it impossible to believe it was nothing. Finally, Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t take it anymore and pulled the blanket off him, saying, "Can''t you act like a man?"


    The mention of this set Su Jinlai off. He began to wail uncontrollably: "Why do you say I''m not a man? Everyone says I''m not a man! Can any man handle ten or more sessions a day? I''m being drained! And that old woman still says I''m not a man. That''s so unfair!"


    He felt wronged and anguished. He thought he had it so hard.


    After all, he was innocent, wasn''t he?


    This client Hu Huihui introduced was no less demanding than the last three foreign women. She was relentless, leaving him confined to his room for days on end, with all his needs taken care of inside.


    He thought he had served her well, given it his all, but that old woman still said, still claimed his reputation was overblown and he wasn''t that great.


    What did she mean, not that great?


    Could any man handle countless sessions in a day?


    Su Jinlai had once eavesdropped outside a couple''s door in the countryside, and even they didn''t do it that often. He thought he had performed admirably, yet she complained about his endurance and his size. He thought he had excelled.


    Su Jinlai felt utterly wronged. He had worked so hard for this money, and now that scoundrel Tonglai was asking him for a loan, taking away the money he had risked his life for!


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    Silence, just silence. After a long while, she held Jinlai and patted his back, saying, "Alright, alright, don''t cry. I know you''re feeling wronged. Let''s not do this kind of work anymore. We can live well by working hard; we don''t need to rely on shortcuts."


    "No way!"


    Su Jinlai was resolute: "We can''t stop. Are you going to give me the money if we don''t?"


    He said, "How can we pass up such big money?"


    He looked disdainfully at his mother and said, "It''s because you''re useless. If you were as capable and resourceful as my aunt, would I have to live like this? You''re sisters, but look at how far short you fall! Why don''t you reflect on yourself? If it weren''t for the hope of a better life, would I have to make money this way? It''s all because you''re a useless mother."


    Su Jinlai most resented his mother. At that moment, he somehow remembered his grandmother. When his grandmother was still around, their family had been well-off. It wasn''t like later, when life became difficult.


    If not for their hard life and lack of resources, would he have resorted to stealing? Would he have ended up in a juvenile reformatory?


    If his family had been capable, would he have had to go to the countryside? Could anyone endure that kind of hardship? He had suffered so much.


    He wept pitifully, crying out, "You''re so useless! Couldn''t you have tried to keep some of my grandmother''s gold bars for ourselves? How could you be so unprepared? Others hide such things, and you didn''t even know! How could you be so foolish!"


    If only his grandmother hadn''t been caught, they could have kept some of the gold bars. But in the end, it was all seized.


    His grandmother was also an old hag.


    She didn''t spend the money on them!


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t expect Jinlai to blame her so harshly. She was stunned for a moment, looking at her son''s hostile gaze. Her heart turned cold as she said, "Useless? I supported three children as a widow. You three boys ate and drank a lot; wasn''t it hard for me? Over the years, you always got into trouble, and I always fixed it for you. Wasn''t it hard for me? Now you say I''m useless and you dislike my lack of talent? How could you say such things? And you dare mention your grandmother, that old hag? You ungrateful wretch, I''ll beat you to death!"


    Wang Xiangxiu glared at Jinlai, bursting with anger at his mention of Aunt Su. She started beating him, hitting him repeatedly: "You little brat, I''ve wasted my efforts raising you. All you think about is eating and drinking well. Have you ever tried to live a decent life? And you dare mention your grandmother, that old hag? I''ll beat you to death! I''ll make you stop mentioning her! If not for her, your father wouldn''t have died. I wouldn''t have... lived such a miserable life. You unappreciative brat, I''m going to teach you a lesson today."


    Wang Xiangxiu''s punches rained down mercilessly on Jinlai. He was completely caught off guard by his mother''s sudden outburst.


    He yelled, "What are you doing! What are you doing? Do you think I won''t fight back?"


    Wang Xiangxiu didn''t care what he said, continuing to beat him: "You think I''m not capable? You''re not even worth a dog! Dogs don''t abandon a poor home, look at you!"


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, hitting him relentlessly. Su Jinlai, already weak and wobbly on his feet, stood no chance against Wang Xiangxiu, who had been doing physical labor and was strong from being a fitter. She beat her son like a small chick.


    "You even dare mention your grandmother? That old hag should die far from home! She was so vicious and lived a life of luxury; she should''ve died long ago. And you dare mention her!"


    Wang Xiangxiu kept hitting him.


    Truthfully, Jinlai''s disdain for her paled in comparison to his mention of Aunt Su Gou Lanxiang.


    That old woman was her absolute limit.


    Su Jinlai had never been physically punished by his mother before. He was always allowed to be willful. But Wang Xiangxiu''s sudden outburst left him stunned. He quickly covered his head and cried, "What are you doing! Why are you hitting me? A gentleman uses words, not fists. Stop it! You you you..."


    "I''m going to teach you a proper lesson today. I guess I didn''t discipline you enough before, which is why you''re so ungrateful! You think I''m poor, that I didn''t save any money for you. Well, I think you''re even worse than a dog. Look at your brothers. Look at the others in the compound. Who isn''t striving to improve themselves? Only you, only you act like a rascal. I haven''t even been embarrassed by you. Do you have any pride? Your pride isn''t worth anything!"


    "Waaah, stop hitting me!"


    "What, do you think I can''t hit you? Before, I didn''t hit you, and did you ever behave? All you do is think of crooked schemes!" Wang Xiangxiu completely snapped, not caring that her son was already in his twenties. She beat him soundly.


    The commotion finally caught the attention of those outside, and Zhou Qun, the master of gossip, was the first to dart out, poking his head around the gate of the Su family, his eyes wide with curiosity. Watching Wang Xiangxiu in a rage, he felt a twinge of pain himself, though he wasn''t the one being hit.


    Was Wang Xiangxiu really this fierce?


    Just as he was about to share his thoughts with those around him, it dawned on him that the usual group of gossip-loving aunties were absent. Zhou Qun felt a tinge of disappointment.


    Gossip without an audience was a bitter pill to swallow.


    But Zhou Qun didn''t have to wallow in his disappointment for long. Bai Fendou soon appeared, and upon seeing Zhou Qun, he let out a soft chuckle, keeping his distance. In Bai Fendou''s eyes, Zhou Qun was even more dangerous than Wang Xiangxiu. This guy had a thing for him.


    Though years had passed since the incident, Bai Fendou, as a party involved, could never forget. This guy had harbored improper intentions towards him.


    With his wife not at home, Bai Fendou had to be extra careful.


    He fixed Zhou Qun with a vigilant stare and said, "Stay three meters away from me."


    Zhou Qun''s eyes widened in astonishment. "Wh-what do you mean by that?"


    Bai Fendou: "Heh."


    Zhou Qun was furious. "Listen here, stop thinking nonsense. How could you be so despicable?"


    Bai Fendou didn''t hold back either. "You''re not despicable? What gives you the right to talk about me?"


    "Why can''t I talk about you?"


    And so, the two, who had originally come to watch the drama, ended up in a heated argument.


    As the two men bickered like roosters, a clear, youthful voice broke through the tension. "Dad, are you fighting?"


    Bai Qingqing came running from the Zhuang family, tilting her head to look at her father, her face serious. "Dad, you can''t argue with people. Mom told you to stay out of trouble at home."


    The little girl still remembered her mother''s words. "You better not cause any trouble, okay?"


    Seeing his daughter, Bai Fendou''s eyes softened with affection. "Alright, alright, no arguing. Dad''s not fighting. Dad''s just joking with Uncle Zhou Qun. We''re actually here to watch the show."


    Bai Qingqing looked skeptical. "Really?"


    "Of course."


    At that moment, Qijin also appeared, scolding his father. "Dad, you have to be friends with Uncle Bai. Just like me and Qingqing, we''re all friends." Although he didn''t live at the Zhuang family, at this time, the group of children were all together in Tuan Tuan''s room, playing a game of Old Maid.


    Qijin: "If you argue with Uncle Bai, I''ll tell Mom."


    Zhou Qun: "Listen to you, telling your mom about this."


    It was undeniable that Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou had a few things in common, and both were adept at shifting the blame.


    Zhou Qun: "We''re not arguing at all. Listen, Aunt Wang is beating Su Jinlai."


    Oh ho!


    The two kids immediately dashed over and pressed themselves against the window, listening to the sound of Wang Xiangxiu hitting someone. Their eyes widened in disbelief, and they covered their mouths in shock. Soon, the other kids inside the house also ran out, a group of them like the characters from the popular Chinese animation "Huluwa," all crowding to watch the spectacle.


    Li Weiwei was especially elated.


    If ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????his enemy was suffering, he was happy.


    It was rare that Li Junjun was also home today, and he joined in, full of curiosity. "This is the first time I''ve seen Aunt Wang hit her child."


    Wang Xiangxiu was known to be very doting with her children, despite their constant troublemaking growing up. But today, she had actually resorted to hitting them.


    Not only was Li Junjun puzzled, but so were the others.


    They had never seen her lay a hand on them before. Why now?


    By this time, everyone in the courtyard had come out, Zhuang Zhixi: "Move aside, will you?"


    Everyone was practically glued to the window, with only Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin feeling anxious.


    Guan Hong shouted, "What are you all doing? Move away! How can you just watch someone get beaten?"


    Zheng Huimin, on the other hand, sobbed, "Brother Su~"


    The two were eager to rush in and save their white knight, but they were stopped by Ming Mei. "You two have no business with the Su family right now. Don''t get involved."


    Seeing that the two were reluctant, she added, "You''re not even married into the family yet. No matter how Wang Xiangxiu and Su Jinlai are fighting, they are still mother and son. If you meddle, and Wang Xiangxiu, as a mother-in-law, firmly opposes either of you marrying Su Jinlai, you''ll be the ones crying. I''m doing this for your own good."


    Hearing this, the two stopped in their tracks.


    That made sense. They were at a loss for what to do.


    Unlike the others who were watching the entertainment, they were pacing in place, anxious and worried.


    "Why bother with them?" Li Fang sneered, glancing at the two desperate girls. She didn''t like either of them, especially Guan Hong, who was on bad terms with their family.


    Ming Mei was blunt. "Wang Xiangxiu always goes berserk when she loses her temper. I''m afraid she might hurt them."


    No matter how they felt, the two were naive girls. If they ended up getting hurt, it wouldn''t be good. Many people in the compound had recently gone to the south, and she didn''t want any trouble here.


    Ming Mei: "Wang Xiangxiu beating her son is none of our business, but it''s not right for them to be caught in the crossfire."


    Li Fang sighed. "You have a good heart."


    Ming Mei: "I just want things to be peaceful."


    Inside the house, Su Jinlai wailed, while the kids outside were uncharacteristically quiet. Despite their usual boisterousness, they now all acted like well-behaved children. Small round girl even went to her mother, cuddling up to her and cooing, "Mommy, I''ve always been a good girl."


    Ming Mei: "Have you?"


    "Yes!"


    The little girl raised her hand, snuggling against her mother.


    It turned out even grown-ups could get hit.


    She didn''t want that, so she smiled sweetly at her mother, saying, "Mommy, I''m a good girl, aren''t I?"


    Ming Mei: "You!"


    Jiang Lu, watching the chaos inside, asked, "Should we go in and calm things down?"


    Ming Mei: "How?"


    Although the relationship in their compound had improved compared to before, and the Su family interacted normally with everyone else, the fact was, most people in the compound didn''t have much personal contact with Wang Xiangxiu. They might gather for events, but private interactions were rare.


    Ming Mei: "I''m not close to her. I don''t know how to mediate."


    Jiang Lu: "Uh..."


    She wasn''t close to her either.


    As for Li Fang, she was even less familiar with Wang Xiangxiu.


    They all looked at each other, unsure of what to do.


    At that moment, Tonglai returned. Entering the gate, he was puzzled. "Why are you all crowded at my house''s door? What''s happening?"


    Li Weiwei quickly said, "You better go take a look. Your mom is beating your older brother."


    Tonglai: "What?"


    He was shocked. His mom had never laid a hand on anyone before. This was unbelievable.


    He hurried inside and saw Wang Xiangxiu with tears streaming down her face, her eyes red.


    Tonglai: "Mom, what happened?"


    Jinlai, seeing Tonglai return, cried out for help. "Tonglai, quickly, save me! Mom''s gone crazy! Wuwuwu, I''m so miserable."


    At this moment, he didn''t even think about asking Tonglai for money. His life was at stake.


    Tonglai: "Mom, has Big Brother upset you again? I know you''re angry, but don''t hurt yourself. Come, let me help you sit down. Tell me what happened, and I''ll join you in scolding Big Brother..."


    Tonglai was indeed good at handling situations. Even in comforting, he was practical.


    Sure enough, hearing this, Wang Xiangxiu''s anger flared. "This little bastard even dares to mention that old hag..."


    When it came to his grandmother, Tonglai''s feelings were deeper than Jinlai and Yinlai''s. After all, it was his father-in-law who exposed his grandmother that day, and the three children were present. Jinlai and Yinlai had been injured by a pig and were in the hospital, but he had experienced the situation firsthand.


    His father''s death was related to his grandmother!


    He harbored resentment towards his grandmother.


    Because of Jinlai''s words, he turned and gave his older brother a cold look. "Big Brother, why bring up that person? Hasn''t she caused enough suffering for Mom?"


    Jinlai was beaten to a pulp, his face swollen and bruised, as he cowered in the corner, whimpering like a chastised little wife. Tonglai rolled his eyes and said, "Mom, I know you get upset whenever these things are mentioned, but the past is past. Dwelling on the unhappy things only harms your health. This person was so evil, causing so much harm to Dad and you. I understand your grievances, but we should focus on living our lives well. That''s what the heavens wanted you to know the truth for¡ªso you can live well. I believe Dad, wherever he is, also wants you to live happily..."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "I know, I know... I''m just so angry at this little brat..."


    Tonglai: "Brother, you better apologize right now."


    Su Jinlai, already feeling more pitiful after being beaten, quickly spoke up: "Mom, I was wrong. I won''t talk about grandma anymore, and I won''t spout nonsense again."


    Woohoo, his mom was scary! She could beat up even the toughest street thugs. Better not mess with her! Ouch, being beaten hurt so much!


    Su Jinlai was a classic bully to the weak but scared of the strong. He had bad intentions, but his courage wasn''t exactly stellar. After being beaten, he immediately became obedient, cowering in the corner like a quail, not daring to say a single word.


    Tonglai: "Mom, look, big brother has apologized..."


    Wang Xiangxiu harrumphed loudly.


    Seeing that the situation had calmed down, Tonglai went outside and announced, "Everyone, let''s disperse. My mom and brother had a minor disagreement, but it''s nothing serious. It''s getting late; go to sleep early."


    ¡°Can I go in and check on Brother Su?¡± Zheng Huimin asked.


    Tonglai immediately responded, "No."


    He added, "You all should rest early too."


    He closed the door, and everyone scattered in groups. Li Weiwei chuckled, "Bro, you should''ve seen what happened to Su Jinlai today. Hahahaha."


    His schadenfreude was evident, and immediately, two girls shot him glares.


    Guan Hong: "It''s no wonder you''re still single, you jerk."


    Zheng Huimin: "Yeah, you''ll be single forever!"


    Li Weiwei heard this but didn''t get mad. If it had been a few days ago, he would''ve been furious. But not today. He was calm and composed. He said, "If I ever get married, I''d rather not marry if it''s someone like you! I''m in no rush to get married."


    Just a few days ago, he had been eager to tie the knot, but plans change fast.


    Ever since he saw these two women playing ghost and engaging in fights, he had a new understanding of women. Now, he felt that being single for a while might be better. After all, women were too hard to figure out!


    He declared confidently, "I''m better off single!"


    The remaining people looked at Li Weiwei in confusion, wondering why he had changed so suddenly.


    Wasn''t he in a hurry to get married?


    But Li Weiwei was resolute: "Women, they''re hard to pin down."


    The crowd: "..."


    You''ve changed way too quickly.


    Guan Hong huffed, saying, "You couldn''t find someone even if you tried."


    Li Weiwei didn''t get mad; instead, he looked Guan Hong up and down and said, "Even if I can''t find someone, I wouldn''t settle for you."


    Li Junjun: "..."


    He pushed his brother and said, "Let''s go home."


    Li Weiwei: "Bro, you don''t get it. That woman isn''t nice at all..."


    "Why are you talking about other women? Let''s go!"


    Li Junjun and Li Weiwei had vastly different personalities. Li Junjun was much steadier. He pushed his brother into the house and half-heartedly apologized, "Sorry about that."


    Then he closed the door. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Guan Hong: "Li Weiwei''s brother seems decent."


    Zheng Huimin, staring at the closed door, thought about Li Junjun and pursed her lips, unable to look away. Isn''t it true that your greatest rival always understands you best? Sure enough, Guan Hong noticed Zheng Huimin''s expression and immediately suspected, "You, you, you! Aren''t you falling for someone else? Do you have a thing for this guy?"


    Zheng Huimin quickly snapped back to reality: "Of course not! My heart belongs to Brother Jinlai."


    Even so, she glanced at the door of Li Junjun and Li Weiwei''s room before heading to the backyard.


    Guan Hong: "If you''re not interested, why were you looking at him so much? You''re such a fickle person."


    Zheng Huimin stopped in her tracks and snapped, "What do you mean? Did you want to fight? Let me tell you, I''m not afraid of you! I just happened to notice him and found him unfamiliar, so I looked a bit longer. Yet, you''re trying to sully my reputation. Dream on! My heart only belongs to Big Brother Su."


    After all, only those who are fiercely contested must be good.


    Zheng Huimin glared at Guan Hong, who smirked, "You sure like Big Brother Su. But does Big Brother Su like you? He likes me. We are a match made in heaven. I know all this is just a test, but I believe I am Big Brother Su''s Zhao Min."


    "Zhao Min? Who''s that?"


    Guan Hong sneered, "You''re just like Zhou Zhiruo!"


    She looked triumphantly at Zheng Huimin, thinking that Zheng Huimin couldn''t compare to her. After all, she was the one with education, a job, and genuine feelings.


    "Ignorant! Illiterate!"


    Guan Hong strutted away like a proud rooster who had won the battle.


    Zheng Huimin was fuming, certain that Guan Hong hadn''t said anything nice.


    After the two women left, Li Weiwei climbed down from the window, having been peeking at them earlier.


    No, don''t misunderstand; he wasn''t interested in them. Not that they weren''t women, but Li Weiwei wasn''t interested in women in general anymore. He thought he was still too young and should wait a few more years before finding a partner.


    After all, women were too hard to read at a young age.


    He was purely curious. He looked at the two women, shrugged, and turned back to say, "Bro, did Zheng Huimin just... look at you? Was she checking you out?"


    Li Junjun was speechless: "Stop making stuff up. Women have reputations too, you know. They all like Su Jinlai, you heard it yourself. Besides, do you think I''m better-looking or Su Jinlai?"


    Li Weiwei: "..."


    This was really hurtful, but undeniably true.


    Yang Lixin was actually quite good-looking. Despite being a cook, he looked like a cultured man, gentle and refined. No wonder he caught Li Fang''s eye.


    But Li Fang was just ordinary.


    Uncle Li, the cook, was your typical bulky cook with a big head and thick neck, average-looking. Aunt Wang was tall and strong, a tough woman. Their children naturally didn''t have any genetic mutations and were ordinary-looking.


    It was impossible for them to be handsome.


    Interestingly, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei both took after their mom, while their younger sister, Li Zhenzhen, took after their dad.


    According to the Li family, it was fortunate that their daughter looked like their dad and was pretty. The boys looked like their mom, just average. If it were the other way around... they would''ve been worried about Li Zhenzhen''s future marriage prospects.


    Luckily, Li Zhenzhen was a cute little girl who resembled her father.


    But Li Junjun and Li Weiwei were just plain-looking. Not ugly, just ordinary, the kind you wouldn''t notice in a crowd.


    Su Jinlai, on the other hand, was quite different. There was no doubt that Wang Xiangxiu would''ve been attractive, given that she had relied on her husband to earn money. Her late husband, the Su family boy, had also been good-looking. Their child naturally outshone the Li brothers.


    Even though Li Weiwei was biased toward his family, he couldn''t bring himself to say anything against the truth.


    He sighed, "Women only care about looks, huh? They don''t care about capability. Relying too much on looks can lead to being deceived."


    Li Junjun: "Stop talking about women. Aren''t you a man too? When it comes to choosing between a good-looking and an ugly one, you''d pick the good-looking one, right? It''s only natural."


    Li Weiwei: "Woohoo."


    After washing up, the two brothers lay down in their bunk beds. Li Weiwei was on the top bunk and leaned down to look at his brother. "Bro, what kind of woman do you like? Someone like Xiao Yanzi?"


    Li Junjun grunted faintly in agreement.


    Li Weiwei: "..."


    He sincerely said, "I don''t think Xiao Yanzi would look at you twice."


    Li Junjun shot up: "What do you mean by that?"


    Li Weiwei shrank his neck and said, "Anyway, I don''t think Xiao Yanzi will ever like you. Look, she treats me the same as she treats you, neither of us get any special treatment from her. Plus, you two aren''t really a good match. Xiao Yanzi studies really well, and as long as she doesn''t mess around, she''s sure to get into university, and I heard the adults say she can probably get into a really good one. You, on the other hand, only graduated from high school. Her family has two working parents and only one brother, so their financial burden is light, and they live in a spacious house. Our family, with all the people inside and out, has to rent a place. And hey, she''s really pretty, while you''re just an average Joe. So why would she like you? I think she just doesn''t like you. Brother, I think you should start planning for the future and not hang on to Xiao Yanzi like she''s the only tree in the forest."


    "Li Weiwei!"


    Li Junjun, who had been calm until now, suddenly exploded: "Are you picking a fight or what?"


    Li Weiwei immediately retreated: "Forget I said anything."


    He muttered: "Honest advice is hard to swallow."


    Li Junjun: "..."


    Oh no!


    Can''t sleep now!


    This little punk, the truth may be the truth, but do you have to hit me so hard?


    As a result, Li Junjun also felt a pang of sorrow.


    Of course, he knew there was a gap between him and Xiao Yanzi. The gap itself wasn''t the main issue; the main issue was that Xiao Yanzi truly didn''t see him as anything special. Yet, liking someone is not a crime, is it? Li Junjun was furious with his brother, who had no tact to speak of.


    His embarrassment turned to anger because Li Weiwei had spoken the truth.


    Li Junjun got up, opened the door, and sat at the doorway to smoke. As soon as he lit up, he saw the door next door creak open.


    Su Jinlai came out wiping his tears and also sat by the door. They looked at each other.


    Su Jinlai: "Buddy, give me a cigarette."


    Li Junjun hesitated for a moment but handed it to Su Jinlai. Waste of good tobacco!


    Su Jinlai also lit the cigarette and complained: "Oh, yours isn''t that great. How come you''re smoking such cheap ones? I always roll with Hua Zi."


    Li Junjun turned black: "You shut up with your bragging. You and your Hua Zi, the few cents you''ve smoked have all been from me. What are you showing off for?"


    Su Jinlai: "You, you, you. Why are you cursing at me? Don''t you look down on people. I may not be rich, but if it weren''t for that little scoundrel Su Tonglai borrowing money from me, I¡¯d have the Hua Zi to smoke."


    Sob, Tonglai threatened him, saying he wouldn''t lend him the money unless he reported him for being an escort.


    He really didn''t want to end up behind bars, so he had to lend the money.


    The guy said he''d repay it in a month; who knows if that''ll actually happen? The more he thought about it, the more worried he became: "Do you think Tonglai will return my money?"


    Li Junjun: "..."


    You''re brothers, why are you asking a stranger like me?


    But Li Junjun was blunt: "Of course he will. Tonglai has better integrity than you. He keeps his word."


    Su Jinlai: "What''s wrong with you? What kind of person talks like that?"


    Are these people blind? He''s a fine young man, yet they all treat him like he''s not a good person. Tonglai, on the other hand, is full of tricks and schemes, like a cuttlefish¡ªdeceptively pretty on the outside, but with all manner of black thoughts inside. Yet everyone treats him like a good person.


    Why?


    He was so angry that he couldn''t help but badmouth his brother endlessly.


    "Tonglai isn''t a good guy. All he knows is bootlicking and trying to impress his high school teachers by sneaking extra private lessons."


    Li Junjun: "I know. True, he didn''t pay for the private lessons, but he did all the work around Teacher Liang''s house. He wasn''t just taking advantage of people."


    Tonglai''s high school teacher was also Li Junjun''s high school homeroom teacher. He got along well with the teacher and was aware of Tonglai''s situation. To be honest, any teacher would love a studious and ambitious student like Tonglai.


    Even without the extra labor, Teacher Liang would have been happy to tutor him.


    Letting Tonglai do the chores was mostly so he wouldn''t feel indebted.


    When Li Junjun said that, Su Jinlai was furious and continued: "He even pretends to be a good guy in the courtyard, sweeping the yard often just to earn praise and some side dishes."


    Li Junjun: "He takes the initiative to help everyone out, saving them effort. Don¡¯t take it as just praise¡ªif he really asked for money, it would be fair too. As for the side dishes you mentioned, it''s normal for neighbors to exchange a stalk of scallion or chives. You''re overthinking it. I think he knows how to behave and is diligent and sweet-talking¡ªa really good guy. Much better than me."


    "You, you, you!" Su Jinlai was enraged: "What''s wrong with you? Why do you always praise him?" He went on: "He even helped Grandpa Lan with chores just to get benefits. Grandpa Lan gave him food. You see, isn''t that just an opportunistic move? Oh, right, Grandpa Lan even found a professional acting teacher for him. Can''t you see his cunning side?"


    "It''s good that Tonglai is willing to help Grandpa Lan with chores, given his age. Grandpa Lan''s temperament isn¡¯t easy to get along with¡ªTonglai getting along well with him proves it."


    Su Jinlai: "I''m at a loss for words. Is he brainwashing you or something?! Why do you always defend him? Where is the good in him? You''re just the type of person who deserves to be fooled. Waste! Dumb! Delusional!"


    Seeing that none of his words could win, Su Jinlai angrily turned around and left, howling: "You scoundrel!!!"


    He let out a roar that sounded like a thunderclap in the dead of night.


    Zhuang Zhixi and others were all asleep, suddenly woken up by the noise, feeling a deep anger. Pulling open the window, he cursed: "Who''s screaming in the middle of the night like a ghost? Are you crazy? Take your meds if you''re sick."


    As soon as Zheng Zhixi finished, Zhou Qun also opened the window and cursed: "Are you suicidal? Who''s spewing curses at midnight like they''re possessed? Don''t believe that I won''t throw manure on you."


    Bai Fendou also opened his window: "Throw it at him, give it your all. I can tell it''s Su Jinlai, that rascal, making an ungodly sound in the middle of the night. Ready to take another beating?"


    Everyone in the front courtyard was burning with anger. Suffering a midnight disturbance even caused decent rest.


    Su Jinlai, knowing he can''t bully his way through it, quickly locked the door and hid back in his room, and quickly crawled back in bed, again doing nothing.


    Tonglai: "¡­Shuddap."


    After a pause, he continued: "They mean business with that manure throwing threat."


    Su Jinlai: "¡­Waaaah."


    What a sense of grievance, he feels so scolded, is it possible that he¡¯s less respected in this big courtyard!"


    Big courtyard and out of proportion competition!

 Chapter 189

    Wang Xiangxiu was thoroughly exasperated by Su Jinlai.


    However, no matter how angry she was, he was still her own son. Seeing him in such a drained state, as a mother, she couldn''t bear to be harsh.


    It was a rare weekend, and early in the morning, Wang Xiangxiu headed to the local market. She knew her way around and quickly found the lamb vendor. As the stall had just opened, Wang Xiangxiu asked, "Do you have any eggs?"


    The vendor waved his hand dismissively. "Go, go, go! Why are you asking for eggs at a meat stall? That''s just nonsense."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    After a moment of silence, she said, "Lamb-eggs."


    The vendor: "..."


    This time, it was his turn to be speechless.


    Wang Xiangxiu pressed on, "Do you have any?" Surely they couldn''t have sold out so early, could they?


    The vendor gave Wang Xiangxiu a long, hard look before saying, "Yes, we do."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Give me a pair."


    The vendor muttered, "A lamb only has one pair. There are no extras."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Do you have any lamb-whips?"


    The vendor took a deep breath and said, "Yes."


    Then Wang Xiangxiu asked, "Do you have any lamb kidneys?"


    The vendor''s expression grew even more difficult to read as he silently took out the items and handed them all to Wang Xiangxiu. He couldn''t help but wonder, "How depleted must someone be to need so much strengthening food? Don''t they worry about being overwhelmed by the potency?"


    Wang Xiangxiu paid and put the items in her basket before heading home.


    Although it was the weekend, Tonglai wasn''t home. He had extra lessons and wouldn''t be back for lunch. So, it would just be Wang Xiangxiu and Jinlai at home during the midday meal. As soon as she got back, Wang Xiangxiu started cleaning the items she had bought by the sink.


    Jiang Lu came out to do her laundry and saw what Wang Xiangxiu was doing, taking a step back in disgust.


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "I''ll take these home to clean."


    Jiang Lu quickly responded, "No need. You go ahead and clean first. I''m not in a rush."


    As she watched Wang Xiangxiu handle the items, Jiang Lu thought back to a time when she had bought similar things. Back then... She pursed her lips and said, "If these aren''t cooked properly, the smell can be really bad."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "It''s okay. I''m not the one eating them anyway."


    Jiang Lu was left speechless.


    She thought for a moment, then quietly walked away, going straight to her son.


    Zhou Qun: "You should know your son by now. He''s probably out playing with the kids."


    Jiang Lu insisted, "Let''s go out to eat for lunch."


    Zhou Qun: "Sure, I''m fine with whatever."


    Jiang Lu thought again and said, "I''ll bring the kids in the courtyard along too."


    Such young kids, only around ten years old, shouldn''t be exposed to such foul odors. They might end up getting a brain cloud or something.


    Zhou Qun smirked and said, "You''re just too kind. Wasting money on other people''s kids. I think you''re just bored."


    Jiang Lu: "What about Qijin? Doesn''t he go from house to house begging for food all the time? Why are you being so stingy?"


    She rolled her eyes and said, "If you don''t want to come, then don''t. I never wanted you to come with us anyway. You can stay home!"


    "Hey, you crazy woman..."


    Jiang Lu didn''t pay any attention to what Zhou Qun was saying. She quickly went to the Zhuang household, and sure enough, soon the kids started shouting and playing. Before long, Jiang Lu was leading a group of kids out, leaving Zhou Qun behind.


    The kids chattered away excitedly.


    Tuan Tuan asked, "Aunt Jiang, are we going to eat roast duck?"


    Jiang Lu: "Yes, we''re going to eat roast duck. Am I nice?"


    "Yes!"


    The kids chimed in with enthusiasm.


    "Aunt Jiang is the best!"


    "Aunt Jiang, aren''t we taking Uncle Zhou?"


    Jiang Lu chuckled coldly, "He''s staying home to eat steamed buns."


    Little Qijin blinked innocently and said with certainty, "Mom, did you have a fight with dad?"


    Jiang Lu: "No."


    Meaning, yes. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adults always say the opposite of what they mean.


    Little Qijin sighed, but quickly added, "Mom, don''t be mad at dad."


    Jiang Lu: "You talk too much. I''m not mad at your dad. Let''s just go."


    Little Qijin puffed out his cheeks.


    Jiang Lu: "After lunch, I''ll take you to the movies!"


    "Ah, great!"


    Jiang Lu took the kids away, and the courtyard quickly became much quieter. Usually, with kids around, the place always felt lively, but now, with the kids gone and the neighborhood aunties absent, the courtyard was eerily quiet.


    Wang Xiangxiu was busy cleaning the eggs when Zheng Huimin from the back courtyard came over. She approached and offered, "Mother-in-law, let me do that. I know how to handle these things."


    Wang Xiangxiu was cold: "No need. And don''t call me mother-in-law. I''m not your mother-in-law."


    After finishing the cleaning, Wang Xiangxiu went straight home and put the items in a pot to boil. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to cook them properly; it was just that she didn''t know how. As a woman, she couldn''t exactly go ask Li the Cook or Yang Lixin for advice on handling such items.


    What if Li Fang got the wrong idea?


    So, she decided to boil them directly. They could be sliced and dipped in sauce later, and it could still be considered meat. There was no issue with that approach.


    Zheng Huimin followed Wang Xiangxiu inside, but Wang Xiangxiu quickly ushered her out, saying, "Go, go, go! Don''t get in my way. And don''t come looking for Jinlai. You two aren''t a good match."


    She shut the door behind her and quickly added water to the pot to start boiling everything. Every single item went into the pot, as the weather wasn''t too hot yet, so they could keep for a few days. No need to prepare them every time.


    Truthfully, she didn''t have the time for that anyway.


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly started the fire to boil the items.


    Meanwhile, Su Jinlai was still lying in bed. He just couldn''t muster the energy to get up. It wasn''t due to any beating from his mother; it was because he was completely drained. He thought to himself, "Women in their thirties and forties are like wolves and tigers¡ªit''s no joke."


    The woman he had encountered was well into her forties.


    He just couldn''t keep up¡ªit was too much!


    Su Jinlai lay in bed, feeling lazy, when he suddenly caught a whiff of an indescribable smell. The smell seemed... pungent?


    He rubbed his nose and looked under the blanket. He hadn''t wet the bed, of course!


    He scoffed at the thought. He wasn''t a three-year-old anymore, after all.


    So, where was this smell coming from?


    It only grew stronger.


    Su Jinlai couldn''t handle it anymore and called out, "Mom, what are you doing?"


    Wang Xiangxiu opened the door, and the pungent smell hit Su Jinlai like a wave, nearly knocking him over.


    Realizing where the smell was coming from, he exclaimed indignantly, "Mom, I know you''re angry with me, but you already hit me. Isn''t that enough? Why are you still tormenting me? Are you boiling... pee?"


    He looked at the bowl his mother was holding and was even more certain of his assumption. In a fit of outrage, he yelled, "You''re actually boiling pee to feed me???"


    Wang Xiangxiu''s mouth twitched as she said flatly, "Are you crazy?"


    She continued, "Look at this. It''s a perfectly good delicacy. The smell might not be great, but it tastes good. If you weren''t my son, would I spend money on this for you? Do you think this stuff is cheap? You ungrateful brat."


    She felt that Jinlai was completely undeserving of her motherly love. If it weren''t for him being so drained after his escapades, she wouldn''t have stooped to buying such things, let alone endure the awkward looks from others.


    She glared at her son and said, "Hu Huihui hooked you up with women who could drain the life out of you. If you don''t start replenishing yourself, you''ll be completely spent in no time. What kind of man are you? Doing nothing and eating everything. If you can''t even make money like this, what can you do in the future? Are you really going to end up stealing and petty thieving? Let me tell you, the Black Gang has been busted. If you''re not afraid of dying, keep hanging out with them."


    Su Jinlai: "!!!"


    He hurriedly asked, "Something happened to the Black Gang?"


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Of course. You were lucky this time and didn''t get involved. Otherwise, you wouldn''t even know how you died. Let me tell you, criminals don''t end well. You better start thinking about how to live your life."


    Wang Xiangxiu went on and on, and Su Jinlai''s head was spinning, but the news left him stunned. This time, he really calmed down. Quietly, he picked up the bowl. After all, this was the way to make money.


    He needed to recover.


    Wang Xiangxiu saw him holding the bowl and said, "Wait, I''ll get you some soy sauce."


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    This is just the smell of boiled urine, stinky and foul, and you want to add soy sauce to it? Isn''t that going to make the smell even worse?


    But despite this, Su Jinlai didn''t dare to utter a peep, after all, he didn''t dare to provoke his mother. Moreover, Brother Hei had been arrested, and he had no backup plan left. Sob!


    Wang Xiangxiu poured some soy sauce into the bowl and said, "Eat it all, and I also bought lamb kidneys, which aren¡¯t cheap, you know."


    There''s no helping it, because men need to be fortified, and the prices of such things have gone up.


    There are just too many useless men around these days.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Recently, you better stay honest at home. I¡¯m warning you, with your current drained state, you need a big boost. Stay away from outsiders and don¡¯t mess around with anyone, whether it¡¯s Guan Hong or Zheng Huimin. If you want to marry them, fine, but if you don¡¯t marry them and still remain entangled, don¡¯t blame me as your mother for being tough on you."


    Su Jinlai shivered, thinking of his mother''s deadly claws, and lowered his head to devour the food even faster.


    Ugh!


    So disgusting!


    Ugh, ugh!


    Terribly disgusting!


    But he can''t not eat it.


    The magical smell filled their home, and the people in the courtyard were also sniffing, barely holding up.


    Jiang Lu went out without Zhou Qun, who was grumbling at home: "Damn, who¡¯s boiling shit somewhere? Though this smell seems a bit familiar..."


    He went out and saw that the source of the smell was Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s house. Yep, no mistake, it could only be her.


    At this moment, Zhou Qun was quite envious of Bai Fengdou. Sure, it¡¯s Sunday, but the guy can go out and earn some extra cash, avoiding the torment of this smell in the courtyard. Zhou Qun looked sadly at the Su residence and sighed, "When Jinlai comes back, I¡¯ll have to tell him, this smell is unbearable."


    As he sighed, he saw Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei come out, both covering their noses and heading straight to the back courtyard.


    Well, at least someone else is suffering like he is.


    Not bad!


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei quickly called Old Man Zhuang, and the three of them rushed out together.


    Such a smell, better not endure it.


    Zhou Qun: "Why are you leaving too??"


    Sob, couldn''t bear it, let''s retreat.


    As he went out, he saw that Zhuang Zhixi and the others had already disappeared. The trio quickly left, only relaxing their noses after walking far away. Zhuang Zhixi sincerely commented, "Whose place is this again?"


    Back in the day, Jiang Lu used to do this, but clearly, it¡¯s not her now.


    Ming Mei: "It¡¯s Wang Xiangxiu cooking for Su Jinlai."


    The couple was somewhat speechless.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯m truly impressed."


    Pausing for a moment, he added, "Ah, no wonder Jiang Lu mentioned inviting the kids out to eat and took them all away. She ran fast enough, that one."


    Ming Mei: "We were just a step behind."


    She deeply lamented, but soon suggested, "What about we have some mutton hot pot? How about that?"


    "Sounds good!"


    As they walked together, not far away, Zhuang Zhixi said, "Eh, isn¡¯t that Guan Guiling?"


    Speaking of which, Zhuang Zhixi hadn¡¯t seen Guan Guiling in quite some time.


    Ming Mei peered ahead and nodded, "It is her."


    After all, they had been colleagues for over a decade, so she recognized her. Guan Guiling was standing on the roadside, crying and clutching a man tightly.


    Ming Mei: "Hmph, she¡¯s at it again, preying on someone."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let¡¯s go and take a look."


    Old Man Zhuang quickly pulled his son and daughter-in-law back, saying, "You two, just stay away, that woman isn¡¯t good news. What if she turns around and tries to scam you? It¡¯s not worth it."


    Ming Mei: "We won¡¯t get too close, just pretend to pass by."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Dad, don¡¯t worry, if anyone tries to scam me, no way. But me scamming others? I might not disappoint them."


    Old Man Zhuang: "¡­¡­"


    Seems legit.


    As they walked towards Guan Guiling, it turned out she wasn¡¯t trying to scam someone. The man she was clinging to was her eldest son. She was crying uncontrollably, saying, "Why won¡¯t you listen to me? A stable job is the best. Why go gamble? Is that a place for you?"


    The eldest son of the Zheng family threw off his mother¡¯s grip and said, "Mind your own business! I won money gambling, and you didn¡¯t eat the meat I bought? Stop acting! No wonder my two sisters ran away, with a mom like you, I¡¯m done for. Move aside!"


    He didn¡¯t care about Guan Guiling¡¯s well-being, shoving her hard and walking away.


    Guan Guiling fell to the ground, crying loudly. She bit her lip and called out, "My son, my boy¡­¡­"


    Her son acted as if he didn¡¯t hear, quickly disappearing around the corner.


    Guan Guiling wiped her tears, and as she lifted her head, she saw Ming Mei passing by. She was a bit embarrassed, as she hated being looked down upon, especially by people she envied. She quickly got up, wiped her eyes, and said, "What a coincidence."


    Ming Mei gave a fake smile and said flatly, "Yes."


    Then she pulled her husband and left.


    She had no desire to chit-chat with Guan Guiling. As she watched the loving couple, Guan Guiling grew even more jealous. She felt terrible, but she had no time to dwell on Ming Mei, instead, she crossed the street and got on a bus to go home.


    With both her daughters gone, there was no one to do the housework, and she was overwhelmed. Previously, these chores were shared between her two daughters, with the older one being a bit cunning and lazy, and the younger one doing most of the work.


    Thinking of these two daughters, she gritted her teeth, feeling like her life had been a waste.


    She had treated her daughters so well, yet none of them were dependable. Especially her younger daughter¡ªthat girl was the epitome of insidious, always pretending to be honest, but in truth, she was the sneakiest. Before leaving, she even set them up.


    Because Zheng Huifang claimed she was going to the Soviet Union, their family was investigated, and it took them a whole day of interrogation before they were let go. But those police officers, with their brains probably fried, actually believed that brat¡¯s story, looking at them with disdain.


    The thought made Guan Guiling seethe with anger. Back in the day, she used to be quite cheerful, always smiling and approachable, but over the years, not only had she aged, but her temper had also grown worse. A small matter was enough to set her off.


    Even her menstruation had stopped, and she didn¡¯t know if that had anything to do with it.


    Thinking of her daughters, her expression turned savage, so much so that people around her quietly moved away, not wanting to get close to this scary woman. Guan Guiling got off the bus and made her way home. Just as she reached the alley, she was stopped.


    The one who stopped her was none other than Fan Debiao.


    Fan Debiao snorted coldly and immediately asked, "Guan, Guan-sister, where exactly has your daughter Zheng Huimin gone?"


    He had heard that Zheng Huimin had run away, and not only her, but Zheng Huifang had as well. It was all a matter of coincidences. The day Fan Debiao met Zheng Huimin, he happened to be heading to the countryside to collect goods, a trip that took two or three days.


    Only today had he returned, only to hear that something had happened at the Zheng household the day after he left.


    He was furious and demanded, "What¡¯s all this about her going outside to work? Is that all a lie?"


    Guan Guiling¡¯s face stiffened, and she quickly plastered on a smile, saying, "Debrear Fan, I know there have been some rumors out there, but can¡¯t we marry off a daughter without any tricks? As long as you prepare the betrothal gift, I guarantee my daughter will enter your household. I, as her mother, still hold that authority."


    She didn¡¯t dare offend Fan Debiao, as he had provided quite a bit of gifts to their family. If he got mad and wanted them back, the losses would be too great.


    She said, "Which family doesn¡¯t arrange marriages through their parents? Can a woman really make her own decisions? Isn¡¯t that right?"


    She thought she could easily hoodwink Fan Debiao, but he wasn¡¯t having any of it, saying, "Pah, don¡¯t give me, give me this crap. If your daughter runs off with someone, she¡¯ll come back a broken shoe. If she¡¯s not a virgin, I, I, I won¡¯t take her. How could I, someone like me, stoop to picking up secondhand goods?"


    Besides, with Zheng Huifang gone, why would he marry Zheng Huimin?


    He wanted to marry Zheng Huimin, that was true, but once he married her, Zheng Huifang would become his sister-in-law. Then he would have a way to get his hands on both sisters. Now that both of them had run away and still expected him to fork out a massive dowry?


    That was a dream.


    Besides, girls who ran away, could they still be considered pure and innocent when they returned?


    He said viciously, "You think you can play me for a fool, but I won''t let this go."


    These words startled Guan Guiling, and she quickly said, "DeBiao, why would you say that? You''re misunderstanding our family..."


    Fan Debiao grabbed Guan Guiling by the arm and said, "I''ll give you three days¡ªthree days to bring them back! Not just Zheng Huimin, but you''d better make sure HuiFang keeps me company too. Or else, you won''t like what happens next. You think you can fleece me like a sheep, but you better check your own capabilities first!"


    With that, he flung her to the ground with a forceful shove.


    Guan Guiling: "Ah!"


    She looked at Fan Debiao in disbelief, stammering, "You, you, you want both of them? How could you do this? We only agreed on HuiMin''s marriage!"


    Fan Debiao said coldly, "I don''t care!"


    He said, "Since you''ve taken my favors, you¡¯d better deliver. This is what you owe me."


    Guan Guiling: "You! You can¡¯t just say that! We never even exchanged betrothal gifts, how could we owe you anything?"


    Fan Debiao: "Your husband, Zheng Yufeng, has been taking money from me in bits and pieces¡ªnearly five hundred small yuan in total. What? Do you think I¡¯m a pushover, Fan Debiao?"


    Guan Guiling: "!!!"


    She had no idea about this, and she stammered, "You, you, you''re lying! That''s impossible!"


    Fan Debiao: "Get lost, you crazy damn liar! I¡¯m demanding what¡¯s mine back!"


    Although he stammered, it didn¡¯t hinder his harsh tone. He stepped forward without hesitation and kicked Guan Guiling, saying, "I''m giving you three days!"


    Guan Guiling trembled as he kicked her. Fan Debiao, who had been gentle earlier, now exuded viciousness. She was terrified and quickly got up to run home. As she stumbled, she saw Wang Ju, her niece, arrive.


    Wang Ju wasn¡¯t actually her niece; she was her eldest sister¡¯s stepdaughter and had no blood relation to them.


    Guan Guiling''s face changed, and she snapped, "What are you doing here?"


    Wang Ju looked at this woman disdainfully and giggled, "Second Aunt, what kind of talk is that? Can''t I come to visit you?"


    She pouted, pretending to be wronged, "I¡¯ve suffered a lot because of your daughter HuiFang. How can she slander me like that? If I don¡¯t come to seek justice, what will others think of me?"


    Guan Guiling stiffened and said coldly, "You¡¯re being overly sensitive; others won¡¯t think too much."


    Wang Ju: "Look at this. Look at how cold and indifferent you are. Before, when I brought gifts, you¡¯d praise me, but now you¡¯re scared I¡¯ll seduce your husband, so you don¡¯t want me around. You¡¯ve ruined my reputation, and you need to compensate me, or I won¡¯t leave. No one can persuade me otherwise."


    Guan Guiling: "You little slut, you..."


    Zheng Yufeng couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. He could accept the name-calling, but hearing Wang Ju addressed that way made him unhappy. He said, "Give her some money and send her away. There¡¯s no need to insult her. After all, our family¡¯s actions have damaged her reputation."


    "But..."


    "Just do as I say. Give her a hundred yuan!"


    "What! Dear, where would we get that kind of money? You know I don¡¯t have any money in my hands! I..."


    The family¡¯s finances were entirely in Zheng Yufeng¡¯s hands.


    Zheng Yufeng pulled Guan Guiling close and said meaningfully, "Find a way yourself. Fan Debiao has money, right? Go borrow from him. After all, we¡¯ll be family soon, and you won¡¯t need to return it."


    "But..."


    "I know you don¡¯t love me as much as before." Zheng Yufeng pressed his advantage: "Wang Ju was slandered because of our daughter, and I¡¯ve been slandered too. I can¡¯t face people here anymore. I think I need to leave for a while. I feel..."


    "I¡¯ll go borrow the money!"


    Guan Guiling grabbed Zheng Yufeng tightly and said, "It¡¯s all my fault. I didn¡¯t raise our daughters properly, and that¡¯s why we¡¯re in this mess. I¡¯ll take care of it."


    Guan Guiling rushed out quickly, and Zheng Yufeng slowly smirked.


    Wang Ju spat, "What a fool."


    Zheng Yufeng, however, whispered, "I think things are getting messy."


    Wang Ju: "Huh?"


    Zheng Yufeng: "Although I¡¯ve tried to explain, my reputation is already tarnished. Many people choose to believe the girls¡¯ flyers over me. Both of them ran away, and even if they come back, it¡¯ll be hard to marry them off for the time being. People will be watching our family closely. If I try to marry them off now, someone might call the police, suspecting we¡¯re selling our daughters. I¡¯ve thought about it. In this situation, it¡¯s better to take advantage of it and make some money."


    Wang Ju: "What!"


    She hadn¡¯t expected Zheng Yufeng to want to leave.


    Surprised, she said, "But, but we won¡¯t have any money if we leave..."


    Zheng Yufeng: "That¡¯s not a problem. I¡¯ll sell the house. The property deed is in my name, so it¡¯ll be easy. Then I¡¯ll find a way to sell Guan Guiling¡¯s job. That woman is incredibly foolish; it won¡¯t be hard to fool her."


    Wang Ju: "But moving away, even with some money, it¡¯s not as secure as having a stable job..."


    Zheng Yufeng: "Before leaving, I¡¯ll make sure Guan Guiling scams Fan Debiao for a sum of money. If we can get several thousand yuan, why can¡¯t we go? Anywhere we go, we can live comfortably." The three thousand yuan they had scammed from Fan Jianguo¡¯s family had afforded them a pleasant life for a long time.


    He gripped Wang Ju¡¯s hand and said, "Come with me. We¡¯ve been sneaking around for so long; once we leave, we can have a proper life."


    Wang Ju¡¯s heart trembled. She wanted to be with Zheng Yufeng but hadn¡¯t thought about leaving home. She stammered, "But, but once we leave, we¡¯ll have to change our names?"


    "So what? We¡¯ll have money!"


    Zheng Yufeng smiled. "This time, I can take at least five thousand yuan with me."


    Wang Ju¡¯s breathing quickened!


    Her eyes lit up with excitement: "Really? Can you really get that much money?"


    Zheng Yufeng said meaningfully, "I still have Guan Guiling, that foolish woman."


    He had originally planned to squeeze her dry, but with the change in plans, he had to adapt. He said, "Do you want to come with me? I told you about this before you even agreed because I love you. Now it¡¯s time for you to tell me your decision."


    Thinking about the money and the better life ahead, Wang Ju, considering her family burdens, was firm: "I¡¯ll go with you."


    Zheng Yufeng: "Good!"


    He smiled meaningfully.


    Guan Guiling was old, useless, and couldn¡¯t earn money anymore. It was time for him to find a new woman to rely on.


    He hugged Wang Ju and said, "I knew you were the best."


    The Zheng family¡¯s affairs were unknown to Zheng Huifang, who was far away in Guangzhou. They had just arrived by train. Though it was only April, the weather was already sweltering, much different from the climate in northern cities like Beijing.


    Zheng Huifang, wearing a thick cotton-padded jacket, was sweating profusely, as were others around her, also dressed in northern styles.


    Unlike Zhuang Zhixi and company, who were met as soon as they arrived, the older women in the group had no such luck. As they left the station, they were immediately surrounded by locals trying to solicit their business.


    "Sister, are you from out of town? Need a place to stay?"


    "Our place is nearby, really cheap, and you¡¯ll know it¡¯s the best deal once you stay."


    "We offer reasonable prices, cheaper than hotels..."


    Compared to the others¡¯ nervousness, Zhao Guihua remained calm. She waved her hand dismissively, saying, "No, no, thanks. Move aside."


    She led the group out of the crowd, saying, "Everyone, follow me."


    The 1980s Guangzhou Railway Station was different from what she remembered, but there were still some familiar traces. Seeing they were a large group, some locals continued to approach, "Big sister, our inn is quite good, with twenty-four-hour hot water. I¡¯m a local, so if you have any needs, I can help."


    Zhao Guihua: "We have acquaintances here; we really don¡¯t need it. Move aside."


    At that moment, a man grabbed Su Yinlai and said, "Little brother, come and stay with us. We have a great place here, not expensive, and there are even girls... As long as you..."


    Before he could finish, Su Yinlai''s face turned bright red.


    Zhao Guihua immediately stopped in her tracks and scolded, "Su Yinlai, why are you dawdling? Do you think I won''t punish you? I brought you out to work, not to play around. What are you hesitating for? Do you believe I''ll beat you? Move faster! If you don''t work hard, I''ll tell your parents when we get home and let them deal with you!"


    She was fierce and harsh, and Su Yinlai immediately shrank like a quail¡ªit was a family trait.


    Su Yinlai quickly scurried to Zhao Guihua''s side. He knew deep down that Aunt Zhao was deliberately saying these things on purpose. Though her words sounded harsh, they were indeed very effective!


    The man who had been holding onto Su Yinlai immediately let go. They were there to make money, and people without money were of no interest to them. Zhao Guihua led the group away, finally leaving the area around the train station.


    Aunt Zhou, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up, "Why is it so aggressive here?"


    The train station in their hometown, the Fourth Nine City, wasn''t like this at all.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "This area is close to the special economic zone, and many people who don''t go there for goods come here instead. There are many factories, and businesspeople from all over the country flock here, so it''s naturally very lively. Those who were pulling customers to stay were likely from self-built houses in the urban villages. You can''t trust them. If you''re alone, they might try to scam you. And those offering to find you girls? Definitely don''t trust that. It could be a setup to rob you. Even if it''s not, they won''t let you off cheap. When you''re traveling, take care of yourself. Don''t assume these people are any good."


    Aunt Zhou and the others nodded seriously.


    Aunt Wang said, "I''ll walk in front. My broad shoulders and burly build will scare anyone off."


    Su Yinlai quickly agreed, "I''m here to make money, not to cause trouble."


    Honestly, he thought dating was much less interesting than making money.


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "That''s good to hear. Let''s go."


    She led the group across the street to find a bus stop and said, "Follow me."


    Aunt Wang praised, "Guihua, you really know your stuff."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "It''s all thanks to my third son, Zhuang Zhixi, who told me about this."


    She added, "That''s why I think he succeeded later on¡ªhe pays attention to details others overlook. Many people wouldn''t notice these things when traveling, but Zhuang Zhixi does. She continued, "There''s a bus stop not far from the train station, but everyone takes that route, so it''s always crowded. By walking a bit further, this route is less popular, less crowded, and we might even get a seat. This bus only overlaps with the busy route at one stop, and we''ll get off there."


    This was Zhuang Zhixi''s experience. He had spent several days traveling by bus, mapping out the routes, and even drew a diagram for her before leaving.


    Zhao Guihua pointed, "The bus is here."


    The group boarded the bus together. Indeed, this route had more locals, and there were still seats available. Everyone found a seat and looked out the window at the street scenes, feeling incredibly curious.


    It was undeniable that the south and the north had essential differences, not just in climate but in the overall atmosphere. In the Fourth Nine City, business wasn''t as prevalent; people preferred to work regular jobs, and having a stable job was the most important thing. Especially during commuting hours, you could see many workers or cadres dressed in their uniforms.


    But here, it was different. People''s attire was more casual, even trendy, and they could see many men carrying woven sacks. No doubt, these were people coming to buy goods.


    Zhao Guihua watched the scenes pass by, deeply sighed at the unique characteristics of the times.


    As the bus announced the stop, Zhao Guihua said, "Time to get off."


    The group quickly followed Zhao Guihua''s lead. When traveling, they all felt like headless flies, relying entirely on Zhao Guihua for direction.


    Zhao Guihua led them off the bus and looked around. "Let''s go right."


    After walking not too far, they arrived at a guesthouse. When they left home, Zhao Guihua and the others had brought letters of introduction, just in case. However, she had also heard from Zhuang Zhixi that this area didn''t strictly check letters of introduction. Some places didn''t even look at them, and others could be bribed with a bit of money.


    After all, many businesspeople didn''t bother with introduction letters, as it wasted time and required dealing with bureaucratic hassle. As more and more people traveled without introduction letters, the system here had loosened.


    Zhao Guihua held all the introductions together, making it unclear if there were six or seven papers in her hand. She asked, "Do you have a 6-person room for 7 people?"


    The woman at the counter glanced at the letter of introduction without taking it and said, "Yes, but the male guests can''t stay together."


    Zhao Guihua turned to Su Yinlai, "You''ll stay separately. Do you want a six-person room too?"


    Su Yinlai nodded, "Yes, a six-person room is fine with me."


    During the journey, Aunt Zhao had explained to them that the more people sharing a room, the cheaper it was. Since it was just for sleeping, he didn''t mind. As a straightforward man, he didn''t need to be overly particular.


    They quickly arranged the rooms. The six women took a six-person room, while Su Yinlai stayed in a male six-person room downstairs. He carried a small bundle and followed the women upstairs, secretly handing over all his valuables to Zhao Guihua. "Aunt Zhao, could you keep this for me? It''s full of strangers downstairs, and I''m worried about thieves. Keeping it here makes me feel safer."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Sure, I''ll hold onto it for you."


    Since everyone here was familiar and there were no outsiders, it was certainly safer than the chaotic environment downstairs.


    The room had a musty smell, likely due to the humidity here, which was different from the dryness of the north. Aunt Wang opened the window and said, "This is my first time staying in a hotel. Everything is so curious."


    Su Yinlai said, "The water room is to the left in the corridor, and the toilet is to the right. I''ll go fetch some water."


    There was a thermos on the room''s table.


    "Alright, go ahead."


    Although everyone was visiting Guangzhou for the first time and their hearts raced with excitement, Zhao Guihua''s confident demeanor, as if she knew everything, made them feel much more at ease.


    Aunt Wang sat on the bed and asked, "Is this the center of the city?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Not really. After we finalize our business, we can explore around."


    Aunt Wang quickly shook her head, "No need to waste that money."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "It won''t cost much. Since we''re here, we might as well see the sights. It feels like a waste not to explore a bit."


    "That makes sense."


    Wang Zizhen leaned against the windowsill, watching the traffic outside, and said, "I never imagined I''d come so far."


    "And now you''re here, seeing it for yourself."


    Wang Zizhen smiled gently, waving He Lan and Zheng Huifang over. The group was so engrossed in the bustling street outside that they couldn''t tear their eyes away. It wasn''t that Guangzhou was necessarily more prosperous than the Fourth Nine City, but the customs were distinctly different.


    Moreover, at this odd time of day, the streets were still teeming with people.


    "Aunt Zhao, you''re amazing. You managed to find this guesthouse so smoothly. I saw someone asking for directions at the intersection to get here."


    Zhao Guihua explained, "See that big hotel diagonally across the street? My third son and his colleagues stayed there during their last business trip. I heard from him that this guesthouse isn''t too strict with rules but has a good location. That''s why we came straight here."


    "Your third son''s business trips are like sending scouts in advance for you," Aunt Wang commented with a sigh. She continued, "Living in the same courtyard, it''s easy to see who''s the most capable. Zhuang Zhixi is incredibly quick-witted, and he has a system to his actions."


    Looking at their smooth start on this trip, it was clear that his previous trip had prepared the ground for them.


    "If only my sons, Junjun and Weiwei, could be as capable."


    "They''re already very good. Don''t ask for too much."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s tidy up quickly and then go out for dinner."


    "Sounds good."


    Actually, there wasn''t much to tidy up, but after the long journey, everyone was dusty and tired. They all washed their faces to freshen up. Su Yinlai didn''t rush to their room either; instead, he washed his face with everyone else before they headed out to eat together.


    Despite being newcomers, Zhao Guihua exuded a certain "the world is vast, but I am the greatest" aura, radiating confidence. They found a beef offal noodle shop, and Wang Zizhen whispered, "This is my first time eating beef offal."


    The others nodded along.


    Among them, only the three older women had eaten beef offal before. Even He Lan hadn''t tried it. However, Su Yinlai was quick to exclaim, "This is delicious!"


    "This beef offal noodle shop is very authentic. It''s really good. Even though both serve beef offal noodles, some places just don''t compare to this one," Zhao Guihua explained. She had traveled to Guangzhou around the turn of the millennium, almost two decades ago. Back then, this noodle shop was still in business and was quite famous locally.


    Knowing that this shop had stood the test of time and served delicious food, Zhao Guihua chose to dine here. Her praise made the owner delighted, saying, "Ma''am, you really know your stuff."


    He could tell from the way she spoke that she had been here before, though her face seemed unfamiliar. Perhaps she had visited when he wasn''t around. The owner began to brag, "This shop has been run by my father..."


    And so on, boasting endlessly.


    The conversation between them was amicable. The owner was curious, "Are you here for tourism or to stock up on goods? I can''t quite tell."


    Normally, they seemed like businesspeople, but given their age, it was hard to say.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I''m here to stock up on goods. Your sharp eyes should have noticed that."


    "Well, you''re right. So, what brings you here this time..."


    Although it was casual chitchat, Zhao Guihua managed to gather a lot of useful information. Some of it, even her son had inquired about, but not everything was accurate. She never turned down extra information, as it was always valuable.


    She also inquired about local job opportunities, which she was asking for Zheng Huifang.


    After a satisfying meal, they bid farewell to the owner and left.


    Aunt Zhou remarked, "That man was so enthusiastic."


    Zhao Guihua said, "You could tell that this family takes great pride in their beef offal noodles. Complimenting their food works better than complimenting them personally. And look, we got some useful information out of it, didn''t we?"


    Aunt Zhou was astonished, "So, you were fishing for information?"


    Zhao Guihua corrected her, "How rude! We were just having a friendly chat. Some things just come up naturally in conversation."


    Aunt Wang offered a thumbs-up.


    Being out in the world showed the difference between those with life experience and the younger generation. Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang could still keep up, but the younger ones were too nervous to speak much.


    Beijing was the capital, a major city, but even so, coming to an unfamiliar place made them anxious.


    Zhao Guihua hired an electric tricycle, and all seven of them piled onto it. A regular tricycle wouldn''t have been able to accommodate so many people. They were heading straight to the clothing factory. In the early 1980s, the clothing industry was very lucrative.


    While real estate was often mentioned as a moneymaker, housing prices didn''t skyrocket until much later.


    In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hainan saw a brief period of growth, but it crashed just as quickly, leaving many in shock. It took a long time for the market to recover. During this period, the most profitable industries were electronics and clothing.


    If you had connections in electronics, you could make a fortune. However, such connections were rare.


    On the other hand, the clothing industry had a low entry barrier and could generate decent income, making it a popular choice for those with a flexible mind.


    So, at this time, there were quite a few clothing factories. Zhao Guihua and her group didn''t head to the largest clothing factory in the area, even though they intended to purchase a significant amount of goods. Compared to some professional traders, they were still on the smaller side.


    Zhao Guihua led everyone to visit four different factories, carefully comparing them. Her life experiences gave her an edge, allowing her to quickly decide on one. There were several reasons why she chose this particular factory.


    First, its scale wasn''t too large. Even if they purchased goods worth tens of thousands of yuan, they would still be considered moderate customers. The factory wouldn''t ignore them, but they also wouldn''t go out of their way to accommodate them. However, their volume made them a more significant customer at this factory, ensuring better service.


    Secondly, this factory had a wide variety of products. In addition to the T-shirts Zhao Guihua wanted, they also offered undergarments and socks, which the others had requested. This meant they didn''t have to visit multiple factories. Moreover, purchasing from the same place allowed them to negotiate a better overall price due to the larger quantity.


    Lastly, this factory didn''t have any major orders at the moment, so they could prioritize Zhao Guihua''s order. This time, she wasn''t ordering traditional T-shirts but had some specific requirements, which this factory could accommodate.


    After discussing with the others, Zhao Guihua decisively chose this factory for their purchase. The three older women took turns negotiating, back and forth, until they settled on a reasonable price. They agreed to pay 4.5 yuan per T-shirt and ordered five thousand pieces in total, with ten different designs, each with five hundred pieces. The designs weren''t too complicated, as the factory wouldn''t accept complex designs at such a low price.


    Thankfully, Zhao Guihua had brought extra money, so they had enough to cover the purchase.


    Since Zhao Guihua''s order included custom designs, they had to wait three days. This wasn''t too long. The others had pooled together a total of nine thousand yuan.


    Su Yinlai, Aunt Zhou, Aunt Wang, and He Lan each contributed two thousand, while Wang Zizhen contributed one thousand. They all went in together to purchase smaller items, including briefs, socks, and vests, both men''s and women''s.


    Even though they were purchasing small items, the total quantity was considerable.


    Fortunately, the factory had these items in stock, so they didn''t have to wait. They paid upfront and took the goods, hiring a tricycle to transport them back to the guesthouse.


    The negotiations and bargaining were all handled by the three older women. Wang Zizhen and the others learned a lot from this experience, deeply feeling the truth of the saying "old ginger is still spicier" (a Chinese idiom meaning that older people are more experienced and cunning). Even though they had spent money, seeing the goods filled them with excitement. After all, they were practical people who knew the prices of everything. For example, the cost of these briefs was only a sixth of what they paid at the supply and marketing cooperative store.


    In short, the prices were unbelievably cheap.


    Wang Zizhen muttered, "I can''t help but think about how much money we''ve been losing by buying these at regular prices."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, "You can''t buy these in bulk every day."


    She added, "And don''t forget, we also have travel and lodging expenses."


    Wang Zizhen nodded, "I know, but I can''t help but be amazed."


    Everyone laughed, but Zheng Huifang''s smile was rather forced. Everyone else was here to stock up on goods, and once they got their orders, they would leave. However, she had no intention of going back. During these past few days, she had inquired about job opportunities and knew that most companies required workers to be at least eighteen years old. Being only sixteen, she was considered underage, and few were willing to hire her.


    Zheng Huifang felt overwhelming pressure. From accommodation to meals, the group didn''t allow her to spend any money, knowing they were taking care of her. However, she was in a panic. She couldn''t rely on others forever, and she couldn''t afford to sit idle.


    If everyone left, she would be completely on her own.


    As the group chat heated up, they noticed Zheng Huifang zoning out. Zhao Guihua knew the young girl was under a lot of pressure. She patted Zheng Huifang''s shoulder, and the girl looked up, "Aunt Zhao..."


    Zhao Guihua said, "After these past few days, do you have any thoughts? Are you planning to stay here or return with us? I know you''re worried about your family finding you, but we''ll help you."


    At sixteen, finding a job was difficult, and being alone in a strange place wasn''t safe. It would be better to return to Beijing.


    At least it''s a place I''m familiar with.


    However, Zheng Huifang shook her head firmly, saying, "Since I''ve left, I no longer wish to return."


    She explained, "I plan to stay here and continue looking for work. If I can''t find a proper job, I''ll try some smaller factories that don''t care about age. Now that I''ve taken the first step, I don''t want to backtrack."


    Her voice was soft but resolute: "My sister Guan Hong has helped me before, and I need to earn money to repay them."


    Although her sister had offered to take care of the debt, Zheng Huifang felt that since she had used the money, she should be the one to repay it.


    She added, "I see that there are quite a few factories hiring here, especially in the clothing industry, though my age is a bit of a hurdle."


    If she had been an adult, finding a job would have been easier than it was in Beijing.


    Zhao Guihua suggested, "Since we have three more days until our order is ready, I''ll take you around to look for a factory with less strict requirements. If you''re determined to stay, I think it''s best to find a job in a factory first. Once you''re settled, you can think about other options. Having a job in a factory at least solves your housing issue. Renting a place is an option, but as a single young girl, it''s not the safest choice. Living in the factory dorms with other girls is much safer."


    Zheng Huifang nodded, "That''s exactly what I was thinking too."


    Wang Zizhen chimed in, "I''ll accompany you, and together we''ll find something suitable."


    Zheng Huifang nodded vigorously.


    In fact, Zhao Guihua wasn''t too worried about finding Zheng Huifang a job. In the early 1980s, there were fewer stringent requirements compared to the 1990s, where you needed to be an adult. Many people from less fortunate backgrounds were already venturing out to work, regardless of age.


    "Let''s go and ask at the factory where we placed our order," suggested Zhao Guihua.


    "Hmm?"


    Zhao Guihua continued, "I noticed a few young girls working there who looked underage. Let''s ask if they''re willing to hire Huifang. At least that would give her a temporary place to stay."


    "Sounds good."


    As expected, due to their business relations with the factory, the management was open to hiring Zheng Huifang. It turned out that the factory did employ girls under the age of eighteen, and Zheng Huifang was quickly hired as a new factory worker.


    As an apprentice, she would earn ten yuan a month for the first three months, with accommodation provided but meals not included. However, there was a canteen where meals were relatively inexpensive. After her apprenticeship, she would earn thirty yuan a month, with overtime pay on top of that.


    Zheng Huifang was so overjoyed she didn''t know what to say.


    Zhao Guihua, however, gave her some heartfelt advice: "Working in a factory may not be a long-term solution, but for now, it''s the most suitable option for you. It''s stable, and that''s important. You''re still young and very pretty, so stability is crucial for you. As long as you stay focused and don''t let your guard down, you won''t get taken advantage of. I wouldn''t feel comfortable if you were to live alone. Even though you''re in a factory now, don''t trust everyone too easily. Be careful with your ID and don''t let anyone take it from you, not even your superiors. If anyone tries anything inappropriate, don''t stay silent. Remember, your safety is far more important than a meager salary. I won''t say that everyone is bad, but you should always be cautious. Factory work may pay less compared to people who work in sales in this city, but at your age, you can take things slowly. Don''t be swayed by promises of high-paying jobs either. Not to be harsh, but think about it¡ªyou have no education, no work experience, only your looks. What would someone gain by offering you such a job? Some people end up in bad situations because they''re tempted by such offers."


    Zhao Guihua''s words were sincere, and Zheng Huifang listened carefully.


    "We''ve come across each other by chance and hope you do well," Zhao Guihua added.


    Zheng Huifang nodded again.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "I won''t lecture you any further, as I''m sure it''s getting a bit much. Just make sure you keep these things in mind."


    Zheng Huifang replied, "I really appreciate you saying all of this."


    She continued, "I don''t know much about the outside world, so your advice helps me a lot."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "By the way, do you want us to let your sister know that you''ve settled down here?"


    Zheng Huifang quickly nodded and said, "Yes, just let her know I''ve settled here; there''s no need to give her the address." She scratched her head and smiled sheepishly, "I''m worried about not being able to pass the apprenticeship and get a full-time position. If that happens, I''ll have to look for another job, and the address won''t be relevant anymore."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Okay, no matter what happens, let me know if you need anything."


    "I will."


    Zheng Huifang declared, "I''m going to work really hard!"


    Zhao Guihua looked at Zheng Huifang and suddenly had an idea. She said, "Oh, I just thought of something. Huifang, if our products sell well and we need to reorder, could we contact you directly?"


    Zheng Huifang was surprised.


    The others also looked at Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Guihua explained, "If our sales go well and we need to reorder, we could just write to you, send you the payment, and you could handle the order for us, then ship it back to Beijing. That way, we save on the logistics costs."


    Zheng Huifang stammered, "Ah, me? Can I do that?"


    Zhao Guihua reassured her, "Of course you can! And I won''t ask you to do it for free either. I''ll give you a commission."


    Zheng Huifang was even more surprised. "Ah, I can''t take money. I can''t¡ª"


    Zhao Guihua interrupted, "We need to keep things separate. If you don''t take payment, I can''t ask you to handle it."


    Zheng Huifang''s eyes widened in astonishment. "You, you wouldn''t be afraid I''d run off with the money?"


    She knew that ordering goods involved quite a bit of money.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Of course, I''m worried. But in business, there''s always risk involved. Since I''ve chosen you, I have to take that risk."


    Zheng Huifang became serious and declared loudly, "I will never run off with the money! I won''t let you down!"


    Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but laugh at her serious expression.


    [Subtext: Time for someone to pick up their boxed lunch~]

 Chapter 190

    Three days passed by quickly, and Zhao Guihua soon received the goods.


    Zheng Huifang had already gotten a temporary residence permit and moved into the factory''s dormitory. The collective dormitory wasn''t great, but it was better than what she had at home. Her spirits were high with motivation. Zhao Guihua and the others didn''t stay long; they picked up the goods and prepared to leave. Zheng Huifang went to the station to see them off.


    Although the clothes were lightweight and didn''t take up much space, together they amounted to over thirty thousand yuan''s worth of goods. It was quite a lot. Zheng Huifang helped carry everything to the car and then hurried off the train. As soon as she stepped off, the train released a steam whistle, signaling its impending departure.


    She gasped for breath, waving frantically at the window.


    "Safe journey."


    Zhao Guihua, looking at the young girl, also offered some advice: "You too, take care in everything you do. I know you''re a smart girl, but be careful, being alone."


    Zheng Huifang nodded firmly: "I know."


    She was deeply grateful to Aunt Zhao. If she hadn''t run into Aunt Zhao, she would have encountered trouble on the train. Even if she had managed to escape the human traffickers and reach Guangzhou, honestly, she didn''t dare to imagine how she would have managed on her own, likely flailing aimlessly.


    It was because of Aunt Zhao and the others that she had a place to stay right away and found a job smoothly, giving her a place to settle down.


    Zheng Huifang waved vigorously: "Have a smooth journey~"


    As the train started moving, Zheng Huifang followed it, running a few steps, her eyes welling up with tears.


    Despite her brave departure from home, she was still just a sixteen-year-old girl. Seeing Aunt Zhao and the others leave, she ran faster until they were completely out of sight, then stood there, rubbing her eyes.


    Zhao Guihua, no longer able to see her, said: "Zheng Huifang was crying her eyes out."


    Aunt Zhou: "She really doesn''t take after her mom."


    Aunt Wang: "Not like her sister either."


    Wang Zizhen: "I hope she stays okay."


    It ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????was by leaving home that she gained a new life, and she hoped the younger sister, Zheng Huifang, would be just as lucky.


    Although they had only spent a few days together, the parting left a bit of melancholy. Meanwhile, Zheng Huifang wiped away her tears and walked back, suddenly freezing in place. Hesitating for a moment, she slowly reached into her pocket and pulled out a paper roll.


    Bending down to look, it was money.


    Zheng Huifang was taken aback. Then she recalled, when they parted earlier, Aunt Zhao had hugged her, patted her back, and said her goodbyes. Without needing to guess, she knew immediately that Aunt Zhao must have slipped the money into her pocket without her noticing. She found a secluded corner, counted the money, and to her disbelief, there were ten bills.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief. After a long while, her tears flowed even more profusely, impossible to wipe away. Although her parents didn''t care for her, and she had met bad people along the way, she realized again that there were also many good people.


    The kind-hearted Guan Hong had lent her one hundred yuan.


    The stranger Aunt Zhao had secretly slipped her one hundred yuan.


    Not to mention, during these few days, the several aunts had firmly refused to let her spend any money, saving her the costs of accommodation and meals. Zheng Huifang thought of this and felt even more upset, finally crouched down, hugging her knees and sobbing.


    She didn''t know why she was crying, but she just felt the urge to cry.


    Clutching the money, she felt a pang in her heart.


    Her sobs became nearly uncontrollable. Gasping for breath, she fumbled for a handkerchief. This was a parting gift from Wang Zizhen before she left. She didn''t even know when Wang Sister had bought it. Pulling it out, she intended to wipe her runny nose, only to be stunned once more.


    Inside the handkerchief was twenty yuan.


    Zheng Huifang knew that Wang Zizhen''s family had only one breadwinner and three children, their conditions not as good as others. She had also mentioned being the one with the least capital for this trip. Yet...


    She couldn''t hold back her loud sobs!


    Her crying drew the attention of station staff, who came over to ask: "Little girl, are you alright?"


    Zheng Huifang, tears and snot streaming down her face, still shook her head and said: "I''m fine. My... my family left, and I feel so sad..."


    Station staff were used to seeing tearful goodbyes and comforted her: "Don''t cry. If your family sees this, they''ll feel sorry too. Besides, crying hurts your body. Be strong, and that''s what counts."


    Zheng Huifang nodded tearfully: "I understand."


    Wiping her tears, she left, taking the bus back. She must work hard, she thought, and not let down those who cared about her.


    What was happening to Zheng Huifang wasn''t known to those on the train, but Zhao Guihua wasn''t overly worried. She had slipped some money to the girl, enough to give her a bit of confidence. For a girl, the most frightening thing is to have no money; one yuan can pose a challenge, let alone a girl.


    With some money in hand, as long as Zheng Huifang manages to become a regular employee, she''ll be able to live well.


    Though naive, there was an air of cleverness about the girl.


    It seemed that all the intelligence in the Zheng family resided in Zheng Huifang. Zhao Guihua had seen Zheng Huifang''s eldest brother years ago. He had come to the compound to look for Bai Fendou. Just looking at him, you could tell he was a selfish, ungrateful wretch.


    As for Zheng Huimin, she was a classic example of someone easily swayed by love.


    Zhao Guihua hadn''t met the youngest son, but considering how Guan Guiling doted on him, it was unlikely he''d be any good either. Reflecting on the Zheng family, she genuinely believed that Zheng Huifang was the only one among them smart and uncorrupted.


    The train rumbled on. Zhao Guihua spoke up: "With this trip over, we''ll have to start selling the goods when we get back. What are your thoughts?"


    Everyone turned their eyes to Zhao Guihua.


    Aunt Zhou: "Isn''t it just a matter of setting up a stall?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    That''s truly a clueless person.


    She explained: "Of course not. For example, when selling socks, you can run a promotion¡ªbuy ten, get one free. This encourages customers to buy more. Someone might initially plan to buy two, but once they hear about the deal, they might buy more."


    "But there''s no way someone would buy ten pairs right away."


    Zhao Guihua patiently explained: "They can group together to buy them. You can let them find friends to split the purchase. Some might initially be hesitant but will buy because of the deal. After all, the items won''t go bad. When they see a good deal, they''ll stockpile."


    "Ah, that makes sense."


    Zhao Guihua continued guiding: "Helan, since you have a tricycle, you can take the less popular designs to rural areas. Older folks might not be fussy about patterns; they mainly look at the price. As a grandma myself, I know that seeing a bargain makes you want to stockpile!"


    "That''s right, that''s right."


    Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang agreed. If a granny doesn''t stockpile, is she even really a granny?


    Not to mention others; they themselves couldn''t resist buying when they saw a good deal. Aunt Zhou''s eyes sparkled as she asked: "Do you think I can sell in the countryside too?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Why not? Of course you can. But He Lan has the advantage of Bai Fendou''s tricycle."


    Don''t underestimate a tricycle; it''s still a multi-wheeled vehicle.


    Aunt Zhou: "Anyway, I''ll sell first and see how it goes. A bicycle isn''t impossible either." Even a granny isn''t uninterested in making money.


    "Oh, right, Aunt Zhao, how are you going to sell these T-shirts?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I plan to start by selling at Xidan Market, see how it goes. If it doesn''t work out, I''ll try tourist spots, like the Great Wall, or areas near the station, and go from there."


    "That sounds about right."


    Their load wasn''t small, but this showed the advantage of traveling in a group of six. The entire carriage was full of their own people, and the goods were packed together without fear of theft. No one needed to worry about the cargo when going to the toilet, because there were still others in the carriage.


    Yinlai was like this¡ªever since he got on the train, his stomach hadn''t felt right. He had already gone to the restroom twice, and now he was heading for the third time. His physical condition was indeed a bit weaker than others. As he climbed down from the upper bunk and prepared to leave, Zhao Guihua said, "If you''re still feeling unwell, why not ask the train attendant for some diarrhea medicine?"


    Yinlai nodded, "Sure."


    After exiting the compartment and making his way to the restroom, he stretched his arms and looked around at the bustling crowd in the carriage. He was grateful that he was traveling with Aunt Zhao and the others. If he were traveling alone, the journey wouldn''t have been this smooth, and whether he could even get the goods was uncertain.


    Looking at the traders on the train, each one seemed capable in their own way. Everyone was carrying large bundles and packages. It was clear that someone like him, thin and frail, just wasn''t cut out for this kind of work. A quick glance around revealed that many of them had a somewhat fierce demeanor.


    He shook his head and turned to leave, but just as he did, he heard someone call out, "Come and play cards! Who wants to join?"


    "I''ll join!"


    "Travelling by train is so tiring; it''s nice to have a distraction."


    "Count me in."


    In no time, four people had gathered to play cards. Yinlai was curious and moved closer to watch the excitement. He wasn''t the only one drawn to the spectacle¡ªabout a dozen others gathered around, some laughing while others stood further back, watching coolly.


    The card game progressed quickly, and soon they introduced betting.


    A plain-looking man among the onlookers shouted, "Can we spectators place bets too? Let me join in."


    "Sure, why not? Everyone can play together!"


    Before long, the gambling began in earnest, with the players caught up in the intense excitement. More people joined in, and the scene became increasingly lively. A young woman stood beside Yinlai, her hand casually resting on his shoulder. She said, "What are you waiting for? Look, they''ve all joined in. I think that bald guy is good at playing cards. Bet on him, and you''ll definitely win."


    Yinlai turned around and caught a whiff of her overpowering perfume. He quickly stepped back, remaining silent but frowning at the girl. She giggled flirtatiously and said, "Oh, so you''re pretending to be a gentleman, huh?"


    Yinlai quietly shifted to another spot to watch, maintaining a distance from her. Although he was a young man, he wasn¡¯t the type to become infatuated with any girl he met. Even if it was Zheng Huifang, who was quite attractive, he didn''t have any inappropriate thoughts. For him, youthful infatuation simply didn¡¯t exist.


    After all, who hadn¡¯t seen beautiful people before?


    At the very least, Aunt Ming Mei was incredibly beautiful!


    His mother was also beautiful, so he was used to seeing attractive people and had built up some immunity.


    He kept his distance from the young woman, and she pouted, giving him an annoyed glance. "So young but already so uptight."


    She snorted and then turned to a slightly older man next to her, asking, "Big Brother, who do you think will win?"


    The man''s gaze roamed shamelessly over her body, and he chuckled, "I also think the bald guy has a good chance."


    The woman giggled and pulled out several ten-yuan bills, slapping them onto the table. "I''m betting all my money on him."


    Her endorsement seemed to work, as several other men also bet on the bald man. The game resumed quickly, and soon the results came in. The bald man emerged as the big winner, and those who had bet on him cheered triumphantly, while those who lost looked dispirited.


    The victory fueled the excitement even further.


    The young woman was overjoyed, pulling her companions in a lively dance. Her excitement was palpable. "We won! This is awesome!"


    The male onlookers couldn''t tear their eyes away from the way her movements caused certain parts of her body to sway.


    "Let''s play again!"


    The enthusiasm continued into another round, with the woman smiling teasingly. "Who should we bet on this time?"


    With the success of the previous round, even more people joined in, eager to make some easy money. The young woman''s playful demeanor further stoked the atmosphere.


    She exclaimed, "I knew my luck was good! Who should I bet on this time?"


    An older man in a cheongsam (a traditional Chinese jacket) observed the scene and said, "This is public gambling. That''s not allowed."


    The young woman scoffed, "How is this public gambling? True gambling is simple and crude, just betting on big or small. We''re just playing cards with a bit of added excitement. Don''t you agree?"


    "Exactly!"


    Others chimed in, "If this were real gambling, would we be playing so small? If you don''t want to join, then just move aside and stop spouting nonsense to scare people. Even if a family plays for fun during the New Year, would that count as gambling?"


    "Right!" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If you don''t want to play, just move out of the way."


    "Let''s change the game up a bit to get more people involved."


    "I think that''s a great idea."


    Under the influence of this heated atmosphere, more people joined in. A young man beside Yinlai said, "Why aren''t you betting? It¡¯s fun; join in!"


    Seeing that the man had put his arm around his shoulder, Yinlai moved a bit away, though not as coldly as he had with the young woman. He gave a wry smile and said, "My pockets are as empty as my face."


    The young man didn''t believe him, his eyes darting around. "Come on, you''re not being honest. Who doesn''t bring money when they travel? ''Rich journey, poor home.'' Surely you didn''t leave everything at home, did you? If you don¡¯t want to play, just say so. Why make up lies? How boring."


    Yinlai didn''t explain further. After all, these were strangers he¡¯d just met, and there was no need to go into too much detail. It wasn¡¯t worth it.


    The bald man in the midst of the game suddenly turned and said, "If you want to play, I can lend you some money. Just leave me a note, or use something as collateral."


    Yinlai immediately grew wary. He wasn''t the sharpest, but during the journey, he had received a fair bit of "education." Since Zheng Huifang was traveling alone, Aunt Zhao had been worried about her getting scammed as a young woman. She had shared many cautionary tales, as had Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang.


    These older women had plenty of experience, and one of the stories Aunt Zhou had shared was about gambling schemes set up to swindle money in the old days¡ªschemes that were still around today.


    Yinlai hadn''t thought much of it at first, but now, seeing the situation unfold, he became suspicious. This seemed exactly like a setup to swindle money. He frowned and said, "I¡¯m not borrowing money, and I¡¯m not playing this."


    Realizing that this wasn¡¯t a legitimate game, he quickly slipped out of the crowd and made his way back to his compartment.


    In the distance, the young woman watched as Yinlai walked away. She pursed her lips and spat, muttering, "Coward."


    She pouted and said, "A grown man who¡¯s scared to play, honestly¡­ No wonder he¡¯s poor. He can¡¯t even spot an easy opportunity to make money."


    The bald man, smoking a cigarette, chimed in, "I even offered to lend him money, but he ran away like a scared rabbit. Weak."


    "Exactly." The young woman leaned back in her seat, "Let''s keep going. Who wants to join?!"


    The atmosphere remained lively, with some eagerly jumping in, others joining after watching the winners, and some being swayed by persuasion. There were also those who, despite the young woman''s bravado, chose not to participate.


    Then there was Yinlai, who had distanced himself, choosing to go to another carriage and avoid the commotion altogether.


    Back in the compartment, the group was discussing various sales strategies. After acquiring the goods, they needed to sell them, and figuring out how to sell them well was crucial. The discussion was lively, with He Lan jotting down notes in her notebook.


    Wang Zizhen sat beside her, adding her thoughts. "Let me take a look at that when we get back."


    He Lan replied, "No problem."


    This was their sales "bible" (a term often used for precious texts or guides).


    Their guide to success.


    As Yinlai returned, Aunt Zhou said, "I thought you fell into the toilet. We almost had to get a net to fish you out."


    Aunt Wang laughed and asked, "Are you feeling better? How''s your stomach? Did you take any medicine?"


    Yinlai quickly said, "I''m fine now, I''ve already recovered. It''s just that I¡¯ve been busy these past few days and I''m not used to it yet. My body had some stress reactions, but it''s nothing serious. I didn''t take any medicine; I won''t take it unless I need to go to the bathroom."


    He continued, "There''s a group of people gambling in the next car over. I went to check it out for a bit."


    When he said this, everyone frowned.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Gambling right in the car?"


    Yinlai nodded, "Exactly. They..."


    He explained the situation, saying, "I watched for a while, but then I came back quickly. They were playing pretty wildly over there. There was a female comrade constantly urging us to place bets. I don¡¯t know if she¡¯s just not right in the head or if she¡¯s part of the scheme with evil intentions."


    After returning, Yinlai thought about that woman again and decided she must not be good.


    Since everyone was a stranger here, if you wanted to play, you should place your own bets. Always dragging others in and stirring up the crowd¡¯s emotions, he couldn¡¯t believe this woman was innocent. Throughout this journey, he had seen more than a few bad women.


    On the way here, there was that older sister who tried to swindle Zheng Huifang. She had such a kind-hearted appearance, but it just goes to show that not looking evil doesn¡¯t mean you aren¡¯t.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Isn¡¯t there a train conductor or police officer who could stop them?"


    Yinlai shook his head, "I stood there for quite a while and didn¡¯t see anyone."


    Aunt Zhou exclaimed, "What kind of business is this? The train staff doesn¡¯t even bother to stop them?"


    Zhao Guihua understood, saying, "While there are many train conductors, quite a few of them are women. There are also police officers, but not many. But if they¡¯re really running a gambling ring, they¡¯re probably a gang. There¡¯s safety in numbers, so the staff might not venture to intervene. These people could be dangerous, so perhaps the staff is afraid of retaliation."


    "It really isn¡¯t safe traveling!" He Lan exclaimed, curling up on her bunk. "If it were me traveling alone for supplies, I might just give up. Look at all the bad people we¡¯ve encountered on this journey."


    They¡¯ve seen thieves¡­


    They¡¯ve seen human traffickers¡­


    And now, there are people setting up gambling circles.


    She gasped, deeply shocked. "It feels like all the bad people in the world have gathered on this train."


    "That¡¯s because trains are crowded, and travelers usually carry some money. That naturally attracts many bad people who target people¡¯s wallets. Plus, trains travel long distances, crossing vast areas. Once someone does something bad on the train, they can quickly get off and leave. So¡­"


    "Can¡¯t they be caught?"


    Zhao Guihua laughed, "Of course they can be caught, but the police can¡¯t just drop from the sky. Besides, they need evidence. It won¡¯t be that fast."


    Until you travel, you don¡¯t realize how many bad people are out there.


    Zhao Guihua said: ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look."


    "Ah?"


    Everyone looked at Zhao Guihua in surprise. Aunt Wang quickly advised, "Since they¡¯re a gang, there must be quite a few of them. You mustn¡¯t act rashly. It¡¯s good to catch bad people, but we must also save our strength."


    "Yeah! Last time we caught those traffickers so easily because they had just split up, allowing us to nab them smoothly. But today¡¯s situation is different ¨C if they¡¯re all together, you, an old lady, won¡¯t be a match for them. They could even knock you flying if things get rough."


    Aunt Zhou felt Zhao Guihua had become too reckless. With a gang present, how could she dare to act on her own?


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and said, "Do you think I¡¯m stupid? Am I going to rush out there and report them for gambling? Am I crazy? You all think I¡¯m an idiot, don¡¯t you? I¡¯m an intelligent old lady. I¡¯m going to observe the situation, figure out who the accomplices are, note their characteristics, return and compile a report for the train police. That way, I can help them quickly identify the suspects. You really think I¡¯d go straight and confront them? How stupid do you think I am?"


    When she said this, everyone felt relieved.


    As long as she wasn¡¯t going to confront them face-to-face, they weren¡¯t worried.


    Aunt Wang said, "I¡¯ll come with you."


    Aunt Zhou: "Me too."


    Yinlai: "I¡­"


    "You stay here. You¡¯re young and not steady; just stay here."


    The three elderly ladies decisively left, with Zhao Guihua whispering, "Don¡¯t be obvious and look like you¡¯re investigating¡ªif you blow our cover, I won¡¯t save you."


    "Hmph~ Just take care of yourself."


    "I¡¯m not bad; I¡¯ve managed a courtyard for decades."


    "That¡¯s right."


    Zhao Guihua and the others went together, and Wang Zizhen sighed: "I''m strong; I could go too. Why aren''t they taking me?"


    He Lan patted Wang Zizhen¡¯s shoulder, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t think about it. We can¡¯t drag them down."


    Wang Zizhen: ¡°Alas.¡±


    After a pause, she recalled her childhood. "When I was little, there were also gambling people in our village. Back then, he gambled away his wife. Things weren¡¯t like today ¨C back then, women weren¡¯t the weak ones and didn¡¯t know how to resist. She was gambled away by her own man and just followed the creditor."


    He Lan: ¡°So gambling is something you can¡¯t get involved in."


    She looked at Yinlai: "Especially you young lads¡ªtouch these things at your own peril."


    Yinlai: ¡°I know."


    He seriously said, ¡°Although I really want to make money, I understand there are no shortcuts. You have to work hard."


    He continued: "If I made more money, my mother wouldn¡¯t have to be so tough. Tonglai wouldn¡¯t have to be so hard either."


    "You never mention your older brother though." Wang Zizhen joked, having watched these kids grow up.


    Yinlai was calm: "I can¡¯t control my older brother. He can do whatever he wants, as long as he doesn¡¯t cause trouble."


    Wang Zizhen hesitated for a moment, but couldn¡¯t hold back: ¡°Is your older brother¡­a duck?"


    Yinlai¡¯s face instantly turned red.


    Aunt Zhou and Wang Zizhen must be real kin ¨C the other day Aunt Zhou posed that soul-searching question, and now Wang Zizhen is asking the same thing. He pursed his lips, saying, ¡°My brother¡­he makes money through physical labor, it¡¯s hard work."


    Wang Zizhen: "...¡±


    So he is still a duck!


    After all, Su Jinlai probably doesn¡¯t do much else physical.


    "Your brother, Su Jinlai, isn¡¯t a common person."


    Yinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    My big brother¡­


    The train rumbled through a tunnel, and the conversation continued. Meanwhile, Su Jinlai, the subject of their talk, stepped outside, wrapped in a padded coat, to use the restroom. He felt weak lately, even though he had been ¡°enriching¡± himself, it didn¡¯t seem to help much, still appearing lifeless.


    Although young, he looked even more fragile than the older uncles in the courtyard, having a distinctly drained look.


    Take Zhou Qun, for instance. Sure, he may be a bit effeminate, but he isn¡¯t drained.


    So, Zhou Qun was happy to find presence in front of Su Jinlai.


    This time in the restroom, Zhou Qun laughed, "Oh, Jinlai, you¡¯re going to the restroom yourself?"


    Su Jinlai narrowed his eyes slightly, saying, "None of your business!"


    He proudly lifted his chin, finding this person very distasteful. Honestly, among all the people, he disliked Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou the most. The others, like Zhuang Zixi¡¯s brothers, came later.


    Why?


    Because those two had beaten him up!


    Wasn¡¯t it just petty stealing? They had such good conditions, why were they so stingy?


    Su Jinlai was very vengeful, so every time he saw them, his nose wasn¡¯t his nose, and his eyes weren¡¯t his eyes. Of course, he didn¡¯t like the others either, but these two were more annoying.


    Su Jinlai quickly left the restroom, not wanting any more contact with Zhou Qun. Funny thing, the more you didn¡¯t want to see someone, the more likely you were to encounter them. That¡¯s how he found himself face-to-face with Bai Fendou again. Bai Fendou, a perfectly good worker, had no sense of propriety. He had spent all his spare time running a rickshaw.


    White Struggle saw Su Jinlai and couldn''t help but look down on him. Here was a strapping young man who didn''t earn a living for his family and just loitered around all day. What kind of life was that?


    The policies nowadays were much better than before. As long as one was hardworking, one could make money. Take him, for example. After work, he would wait for customers at the train station and get home around ten o''clock. Every day, he made around seven or eight dollars. On bad days, he''d still manage four or five.


    Life was so much better like this.


    Now, when White Struggle thought about himself when he was young, chasing after Wang Xiangxiu, he felt like such an idiot back then. His current life was truly fulfilling. After around ten years of marriage, the bond between him and his wife was still strong. Both of them worked hard for the family, making their lives improve steadily.


    So, seeing this lazy, loafing young man really made him despise him from the bottom of his heart. A man who couldn''t hold up his household, what could he even do? He was a disgrace to the men of Beijing.


    White Struggle: "Pfft!"


    Su Jinlai: "Hey, what gives you the right to pfft at me? You, you..."


    He jumped up, ready to curse, but just as he was about to erupt, a tricycle entered the alley. The rider greeted White Struggle, confirming they were in the same line of work. The woman on the tricycle said, "Stop here."


    The woman was none other than Hu Huihui.


    Today, Hu Huihui was wearing a golden top and a white flared pant. Whether it was good-looking or not depended on individual perspectives, but she certainly had the guts to dress this way. Her top looked like a golden ingot, with broad shoulders that stood out. The white flared pants were also quite exaggerated.


    Hu Huihui: "Wait here for me."


    The tricycle rider immediately responded, "Got it!"


    These generous customers were worth waiting for.


    Hu Huihui looked at Su Jinlai and frowned, "What are you doing? Why does a man look like a teapot?"


    Su Jinlai awkwardly replied, "Auntie, why are you here?"


    He rolled his eyes, wondering if she had someone new to introduce to him. Su Jinlai felt both pain and joy. The pain was that his body couldn''t handle it¡ªhow could a man sustain such a level of consumption? But there was also joy in the fact that any new client meant money. His money had been swindled away by that little punk Yinlai, and he was in dire need of cash right now.


    Hu Huihui looked at Jinlai''s listless appearance and said, exasperated, "I''m here to see you. Just look at you¡ªthis is no way for a young man to behave."


    Su Jinlai looked at Hu Huihui, feeling wronged. Others might not know what he was going through, but his aunt surely did. Doing all this because of the fierce woman she introduced wouldn''t forgive him? Thinking about how even making love ten times a day wasn''t enough, he felt a wave of sorrow. His eyes reddened, and he was about to cry.


    Hu Huihui: "Hey, what are you doing? A man should be strong and determined. What future do you have like this? Is your mom not home?"


    Su Jinlai: "Not back yet."


    Hu Huihui: "Come on, let''s go to your place."


    White Struggle and Zhou Qun, eavesdropping openly: "..."


    If Hu Huihui weren''t Wang Xiangxiu''s cousin and Su Jinlai''s aunt, they would suspect this woman had ulterior motives for Su Jinlai.


    Su Jinlai himself immediately grabbed his clothes, saying, "What are you doing?"


    Hu Huihui rolled her eyes so hard they almost reached the sky. "I''m your aunt! What do you think I could do to you? I''m worried your mom might cause trouble, that''s all. Honestly, I''m doing this for your family''s sake, yet in your mom''s eyes, I''m the bad guy. Being a good person is tough."


    She pulled Su Jinlai back, saying as they walked, "I''ve brought you something nice."


    Su Jinlai: "What is it?"


    He looked curiously, and sure enough, Hu Huihui was carrying a bag.


    Hu Huihui, proud: "This is some tiger-whip wine. It''s a rare thing, hard to get even for most people. I had to pull some strings to get it for you. If it weren''t for you being my nephew and worrying you might not make it, I wouldn''t bother. Do you know how much this wine costs? I''ve really invested a lot in you. Don''t forget how good your aunt has been to you."


    "Auntie, I know."


    Su Jinlai inwardly rolled his eyes, thinking she was only doing this because she wanted him to serve older women. She was pretending to be so caring, but he didn''t say anything. After all, free stuff was always good¡ªhe never thought he''d get to drink tiger stuff.


    He felt he really wasn''t an ordinary man.


    The two walked into the yard together, and White Struggle was amazed, "He must be exhausted¡ªeven tiger stuff is needed now."


    Zhou Qun: "Ha, just wait."


    He added, "He''s young now¡ªin a few years, he''ll understand. Fooling around too much when you''re young will catch up with you later. I''ve got experience in this..."


    Accidentally spilling the truth, Zhou Qun immediately shut his mouth.


    White Struggle looked at Zhou Qun with an indescribable expression, laughing softly.


    Zhou Qun: "What are you laughing at?"


    White Struggle: "What, you think you can tell me what to do? I feel like laughing."


    "Even if I''ve used it too much and it doesn''t work as well, it''s better than you never having used it at all."


    "You..."


    White Struggle instantly got angry. To be honest, he''d never had that kind of experience in his life. Cursing people without bringing up their weaknesses was common sense, but Zhou Qun was really going too far. He let out an angry roar, ready to swing his fist at Zhou Qun.


    Zhou Qun, prepared, immediately dodged.


    "You..."


    "You mother!"


    The two started arguing, but before they could get far, just as White Struggle grabbed Zhou Qun, Zhou Qun suddenly widened his eyes and started slapping White Struggle vigorously, saying, "You, you! Your ex-girlfriend is here!"


    White Struggle: "What nonsense are you spouting? Trying to gross me out, huh?"


    Zhou Qun: "No kidding, it''s Guan Guiling."


    Both turned their heads simultaneously, and sure enough, it was no lie¡ªit really was Guan Guiling.


    Guan Guiling wasn''t alone; accompanying her was a middle-aged man who looked like her son but was actually her husband, Zheng Yufeng.


    The two, who were about to fight, immediately released each other''s hands and turned to look at Guan Guiling and her husband.


    Guan Guiling had come to find her daughter. Her eldest daughter, Zheng Huimin, had run away, which had caught her off guard. After all, she had already found a suitable man for Zheng Huimin. If she couldn''t bring her eldest daughter back, Fan Debiao wouldn''t let this go easily.


    Moreover, Fan Debiao had made unreasonable demands. Guan Guiling didn''t know what to do, but she tended to lean towards meeting his demands. It would just be letting Hui Fang sleep with him¡ªno big deal.


    Despite not being able to find Zheng Huifang, Guan Guiling could find Zheng Huimin. After all, Huimin had run to Su Jinlai. With some effort, she could find her. Although it took some time and they were close to missing Fan Debiao''s deadline, Guan Guiling eventually found them.


    She also suspected that Zheng Huifang might be with her sister, Zheng Huimin.


    Otherwise, could a sixteen-year-old girl really dare to leave Beijing and go out alone to make her way in the world? Whether she found one or two, the problem would be resolved.


    Guan Guiling didn''t dare bring Fan Debiao directly over. If her daughter said anything inappropriate, the marriage deal might fall through. She also feared others would see her daughter with another man.


    So, without hesitation, she came with her husband secretly.


    She hadn''t expected that the person surnamed Su would live here in the same courtyard as White Struggle.


    She was very suspicious and thought that it might be White Struggle who hired this Su fellow to seduce her daughter, in revenge for their past breakup.


    Yes, very possibly.


    As soon as she walked into the alley and saw White Struggle, her face instantly turned cold, and she shouted, "White Struggle!"


    White Struggle turned around and cursed, "Who the hell are you!?"


    He had heard from Zhou Qun that this was Guan Guiling, but at first glance, he was still surprised. You see, Guan Guiling and White Struggle were of the same age, both in their forties now. Ten years ago, they were still of the same age, and White Struggle was clearly not a good match for Guan Guiling. After all, White Struggle had an older appearance, with less hair, and naturally couldn''t match up to Guan Guiling, a woman with some charm.


    But now, ten years have passed. Bai Fendou is still the same as ever, although he still looks old and has thin hair, he doesn''t seem as haggard as before. His type of appearance actually has some advantage when he gets older.


    When he was young, in his teens, he looked like he was in his thirties or forties. In his twenties, he still looked like he was in his thirties or forties... But when he actually reached his forties, he still looked like he was in his forties. And because he hadn''t aged much over the years, people actually thought he was in pretty good shape.


    Bai Fendou was like this, but Guan Guiling''s changes over the past decade were significant. She had transformed from a woman still retaining some charm into a sallow-faced old lady. At first glance, you might think she was the same age as some of the other older women in the courtyard.


    She didn''t look like she was in her early forties; she looked like she was over fifty.


    "Damn, how did you get to look like this?" Bai Fendou, as always, was tactless.


    Guan Guiling''s face turned pale with anger. In her mind, Bai Fendou was a dog who could never get what he wanted. Now, this dog was actually disdainful of her, which was something she couldn''t tolerate. Moreover, she felt that Bai Fendou was deliberately insulting her.


    She was absolutely not that old. If she really was old, how could he possibly have liked her?


    Guan Guiling naturally ignored the fact that it was ten years ago.


    "Bai Fendou, you don''t need to deliberately say such things to attract my attention. I will never love you!"


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    He looked at Guan Guiling with a face full of complex emotions and said to Zhou Qun next to him, "Did this woman not look in the mirror before stepping out? What nonsense is she spouting."


    Zhou Qun got excited; he loved such gossip.


    He quickly said, "This woman thinks you still love her."


    Bai Fendou: "Am I blind?"


    He twitched his mouth and said, "Guan Guiling, what are you doing at my place?"


    If they hadn''t brought this up, it would have been fine, but once it was mentioned, Guan Guiling exploded with rage, shouting, "Bai Fendou, you bastard! I know you''ve always hated me because you couldn''t have me, but you also can''t have that street thug Su Jinlai seduce my daughter! You''re too despicable and shameless. Do you still have any self-respect?"


    She was furious, yelling, "Even if you do this, I still wouldn''t spare even a glance for you."


    Standing beside Guan Guiling, Zheng Yufeng felt utterly embarrassed. How narcissistic is this woman to think that someone fancies her? What reason would anyone have to fancy her, because she''s old, because she''s in poor health, or because she''s mercurial?


    How shameless.


    Although he deeply despised his wife, Zheng Yufeng didn''t say anything. No matter what the situation was, he had long been accustomed to Guan Guiling charging in headfirst. Anyway, this foolish woman could always manage to stir up trouble and bring him some benefits.


    He lowered his eyes and put on an innocent expression.


    He wouldn''t charge in himself, but he didn''t mind getting some benefits either.


    Guan Guiling''s narcissistic remarks left Bai Fendou utterly speechless. He stared at her in disbelief, as if he had been bitten by a dog, and roared, "Are you sick? Who fancies you! If you''re sick, go get treatment! Stop spouting nonsense here! You''re ruining my reputation, I think you''re a bit unhinged. Why don''t you take a good look at yourself in the mirror, or don''t you even have the guts to do that? You..."


    Before he could finish, a small head began to appear at the corner. It was the time when kids were getting out of school, and one by one, they were peeking out from behind the walls at the entrance of the alley. They had been eavesdropping here for who knows how long.


    Seeing that his daughter was among them, Bai Fendou quickly said, "Go home, all of you, don''t watch the gossip here. The antics of this old hag are not something you should be watching."


    The children, caught, slowly emerged, not wanting to leave ¨C they wanted to watch the show.


    Guan Guiling sneered and said, "If you dare to do it, are you afraid of others hearing?"


    Bai Fendou got even angrier, shouting, "Guan Guiling, you''re really unhinged. My wife is both beautiful and gentle, born into an aristocratic family, and you look at yourself, old, ugly, and mean. What face do you have to think I fancy you? Don''t you even have a mirror? Don''t you even have a urine? Don''t you even have the guts to take a good look at yourself, you second aunt of Zhu Bajie? What kind of illness do I have to fancy you? You''re completely insane. You, this man, you are Guan Guiling''s husband, right? If both of you are sick, go get treatment, don''t bother me here. It''s like stepping in dogshit when I run into you. And talking about me asking Su Jinlai to seduce your daughter, are you insane? You''re an imbecile!"


    Bai Fendou was going crazy with anger.


    He said, "What kind of garbage is this."


    He roared, and then, like a chameleon, he spoke softly, "You all go home quickly, don''t run around outside. There are all kinds of people out there, don''t scare yourselves, kids."


    A group of kids blinked their big eyes, and after a long time, Bai Qingqing let out an "oh" and tugged at the shoulder of Yuanyuan next to her.


    Yuanyuan: "Let''s go home."


    The little girl''s voice was soft and sweet, but her big eyes were twinkling. The few children said they were going home, but their eyes were glued to Guan Guiling. As soon as they entered the courtyard, the kids all immediately pressed their faces against the door.


    Mm-hmm, still peeking.


    Bai Fendou: "What a bunch of trash."


    He said, "What bad luck, to run into you when I step out. You''re just wasting my time making money."


    Zhou Qun muttered by the side, "I¡¯ve been saying this woman is no good, but you didn¡¯t believe me back then. See, I was right, wasn¡¯t I? When it comes to judging women, I¡¯m pretty accurate. This woman just doesn¡¯t look like a good one to me."


    Bai Fendou glanced at him and said, "Although you always talk nonsense, this time you¡¯re indeed correct."


    The two of them bantered back and forth, leaving Guan Guiling furious.


    Guan Guiling screamed out loud, "Who do you think you are!"


    Zheng Yufeng, seeing her tangled up with these two, felt deeply ashamed. This Guan Guiling really didn¡¯t know her place. Were they currently with time to bicker with others? They were here to look for their daughter.


    What was the difference between priority and trivial matters? Absolutely not evident to her.


    So foolish.


    He spoke gently, saying, "Why are you squabbling with them? Aren''t you here to look for our daughter?"


    Guan Guiling took a deep breath and said, "Right."


    She said, "I won''t lower myself to their level."


    Bai Fendou sneered, "Really? Do you think I¡¯m bothering myself with you? Guan Guiling, don¡¯t overestimate yourself too much. Who doesn¡¯t know what you are?"


    "You''re a scoundrel!"


    "You''re a scoundrel! You''re a liar!"


    The two started arguing again.


    Zhou Qun: Excited to watch the drama!


    Zheng Yufeng: Damn, how is this fight starting again.


    As the two argued, the children were peeking through the door, and Qijin asked worriedly, "Qingqing, will your dad get the worst of this?"


    Bai Qingqing firmly said, "No way! My dad''s really good at arguing!"


    The noise from the outside drew people out of the courtyard. Ming Mei squeezed into the children¡¯s group and peeked out, only to see that it was Guan Guiling.


    She pursed her lips with distaste, "Why is it her?"


    Tuantuan quickly asked, "Mom, do you know her?"


    Ming Mei nodded. "She used to work in the same unit as Mom. This auntie is not a good person, you should stay away from her. She¡¯s very good at manufacturing accidents intentionally to extort money."


    This wasn¡¯t Ming Mei slandering others in front of the children. It was necessary to tell the kids about such things so they wouldn¡¯t be caught off guard.


    After all, Guan Guiling had no face; she could extort others regardless of whether they were children or not.


    "This auntie has poor health and will deliberately pretend to be touched by you, then demand money. You are kids; you¡¯re no match for adults, so if you encounter such people, stay far away. Losing money is a small deal, but if you get beaten up, it¡¯s not worth it. Some bystanders, who don¡¯t know the truth, are easily fooled and might even think it¡¯s your fault. So, you must stay away from people like that," she said.


    I know, I know, that¡¯s "pengci" (intentional causing accidents to extort).


    ¡°Me too, I know.¡±


    The children chimed in, and Bai Qingqing then became worried instead. She said, "What if my dad gets trapped?"


    Ming Mei: "It shouldn¡¯t happen. Look, they¡¯re still some distance apart."


    Even if Bai Fendou was impulsive, he was still an old acquaintance of Guan Guiling and knew her tricks.


    The children all let out an "oh" again.


    Ming Mei came out to watch the commotion, and others followed suit. Guan Hong was also among the crowd, but Zheng Huimin was nowhere to be seen.


    Ming Mei looked around: "Isn''t Zheng Huimin here?"


    Guan Hong replied: "She''s been working overtime these few days; she comes back really late."


    Zheng Huimin had been filling in for Yinlai, who was a full-time employee and always involved in overtime work. That''s why Zheng Huimin had been staying late at the garment factory, not getting home until around ten o''clock at night.


    Ming Mei breathed a sigh of relief: "Not being here is actually a good thing."


    Guan Hong nodded with a pursed mouth, although she didn''t like Zheng Huimin, who was her romantic rival, she also looked down on Zheng Huimin''s parents. The younger generation needed to break free from such feudal and backward households. They wanted to take their destiny into their own hands, be good children of the modern era, demand freedom, and make breakthroughs!


    Guan Hong stated resolutely: "This family, none of them are good people."


    It was rare that everyone agreed with Guan Hong, nodding in unison.


    Everyone knew who Guan Guiling was!


    There was no doubt she wasn''t a good person.


    Furthermore, even Hu Huihui came out to watch the commotion. As soon as Guan Hong saw Hu Huihui, she became alert: "Su Brother, who is this old woman?"


    Su Jinlai: "... "


    Hu Huihui: "... "


    Ming Mei kindly reminded: "This is Su Jinlai''s aunt."


    Guan Hong: "... "


    She quickly said: "Auntie, nice to meet you, I''m Su Brother''s girlfriend."


    Su Jinlai: "Not yet."


    Guan Hong immediately looked betrayed and hurt.


    Hu Huihui rubbed her temples and looked at Su Jinlai, saying: "Keep it together!"


    With all that energy, he could have wasted it on young girls!


    If only he could find a wealthy widow, that would be money rolling in!


    She stared at Su Jinlai and said: "Stay out of trouble."


    After saying that, she left the house. She really wanted to watch the commotion, but she had something to do tonight. Although Su Jinlai didn''t accompany her very well last time, the TV business deal did come through for her. She had been busy with that recently.


    As soon as she stepped out, a tricycle arrived. Hu Huihui got on: "Let¡¯s go."


    As for this Bai Fendou, he really wasn''t a man. He could argue with a woman for twenty minutes, which was truly bizarre.


    She sneered. However, she looked down on Guan Guiling even more. She had lived in the compound before, although she didn''t witness Bai Fendou''s interactions with Guan Guiling, she had heard some later and looked down on this woman.


    The reason she despised Guan Guiling wasn¡¯t just that she had tricked Bai Fendou.


    If Bai Fendou got duped, it was his own stupidity, nothing worth talking about.


    What she despised was how Guan Guiling, this fool, had harmed her own body to make her man''s life better. Truly money-hungry to the point of risking her life; she had seen foolishness before but never this extreme. If she had done it for herself, Hu Huihui wouldn''t have looked down on her this much.


    She said coldly: "Let''s go."


    Guan Guiling, who was arguing fiercely with Bai Fendou, suddenly saw a woman in extravagant clothes with a contemptuous expression leaving. She immediately became annoyed and shouted: "What are you looking at! Stop right there!"


    She extended her arm to block the tricycle, clearly pulling a scam.


    The tricycle driver had been watching the commotion for a while and had heard of this notorious scammer, Guan Guiling of Beijing. How could he be careless? He instantly took a few steps back, managing not to let Guan Guiling touch him.


    That was close; he almost got scammed.


    Hu Huihui: "Good dogs don¡¯t block the road."


    Guan Guiling: "How dare you insult me! Who did you call a dog? Don¡¯t think you¡¯re so great just because you¡¯re rich."


    Hu Huihui¡¯s entire demeanor exuded wealth, which stung Guan Guiling, who had always been short of money. Why did Guan Guiling hate Ming Mei so much in the past? It was because Ming Mei was in a good financial situation, and Guan Guiling envied women like that. This woman who appeared to be rich was no different.


    Straightaway, she felt disdain.


    Maybe she could have held it together before.


    But now... although this term wasn''t widely used yet, Guan Guiling was definitely going through menopause.


    Her already poor health had worsened, and she was irritable and prone to mood swings.


    "Get off!"


    Hu Huihui looked at her wild behavior and opened her small handbag with annoyance. She took out a five-jiao note and casually threw it: "Here, take it and move aside!"


    This kind of woman was only worth five jiao.


    However, Guan Guiling didn¡¯t even have a chance to see the money clearly. A gust of wind blew, and the money instantly flew away.


    Guan Guiling: "Ah!"


    She screamed: "My money!"


    Without a word, she chased after it.


    The crowd: "Holy crap!"


    The wind was too fast, so no one saw how much money Hu Huihui had thrown.


    Guan Guiling didn¡¯t see it either, but she thought that given how well-dressed Hu Huihui was, she couldn¡¯t have just thrown a small amount. It must be a large note; maybe even a ten-yuan bill. She quickly chased after the money.


    Zheng Yufeng stood by without paying attention; he didn¡¯t chase after the money but didn¡¯t stop Guan Guiling either.


    In any case, the money would stay within their family. He felt it was humiliating to pick up money, but Guan Guiling could do it.


    Guan Guiling chased after the money, which surprised everyone.


    Guan Guiling ran after the money, and it seemed like fate was playing a trick on her. The wind carried it into the bathroom. At this point, led by Ming Mei, everyone''s hearts were in their throats. This wasn''t them being paranoid!


    This bathroom wasn''t an ordinary one; it was a bathroom full of stories.


    If this bathroom were a TV show, it would have many episodes of drama. How could they not be nervous? More than one person had fallen into this bathroom before.


    Ming Mei: "She¡¯s not going to fall in, right?"


    "Ah¡­ Holy crap!"


    "Oh my gosh!"


    Ming Mei quickly leaned out: "Did someone fall in? I guess I spoke too soon."


    "No, it¡¯s not a person!"


    "Guan Guiling didn¡¯t fall in."


    "Oh, that¡¯s great; thankfully, she didn¡¯t fall in. Otherwise, I couldn¡¯t eat."


    "Who could, right? Hmm, but if no one fell in, why were you screaming?"


    Ming Mei and the others were a bit far from the bathroom, so they couldn¡¯t see as clearly as others in the compound.


    The one who had shouted earlier directly said: "No one fell in, but the money did¡ªit got blown into the sewer by the wind."


    The crowd: "... Eww!"

 Chapter 191

    The legendary "big ticket" was blown into the cesspool by the wind.


    Guan Guiling was so furious that she nearly jumped out of her skin. Without a word, she started searching around for a bamboo pole, which made everyone around unable to suppress their strange noises.


    ...Ugh!


    Hu Huihui sneered at the woman, thinking to herself that it was only five cents, and it was such a spectacle. How embarrassing! She coldly smiled and said, "Let''s go."


    The tricycle driver was dumbfounded by Guan Guiling and quickly pulled his vehicle away. It was best to stay far away from this woman; otherwise, the money he earned wouldn''t be enough to compensate for her antics. Hu Huihui left, but others didn''t. Everyone was peeking to watch the drama.


    Guan Guiling finally found a bamboo pole and started poking around in the cesspool.


    Because Bai Fendou and Guan Guiling had a public argument, the whole street came out to watch the commotion. People gathered at the entrance of the courtyard, whispering, "How much money is it that she¡¯s poking around in the cesspool?"


    "No matter how much it is, it¡¯s still money. Making money isn¡¯t easy."


    "That¡¯s true. Look at Hu Huihui, so rich, she casually throws around ten-yuan notes as if they¡¯re nothing."


    "Exactly."


    ...


    Everyone speculated about how much money it could be that made Guan Guiling care so much. A little kid named TuanTuan tilted his head with some doubt and said, "Wasn¡¯t that just five cents?"


    Ming Mei looked down at her son and asked, "Did you see it?"


    TuanTuan nodded, "Yeah, I saw it was five cents."


    Yuanyuan said hesitantly, "If five cents fell into the toilet... I would..."


    She bit her lip and struggled with herself for a long time before finally said pitifully, "Even though five cents is a lot, I probably wouldn¡¯t be able to pick it up. The cesspool is too gross."


    The little girl just couldn¡¯t get past that mental barrier.


    "Five cents..."


    The other kids also fell silent, mulling over whether they would pick it up or not.


    They began to seriously consider it.


    Ming Mei said, "Guan Guiling is really something."


    While everyone was chattering, Guan Guiling finally fished out the five cents. When she saw it was just five cents, she burst into a tirade, "You cheap woman, acting all posh, pretending to be rich! I thought you gave a lot! Five cents and you¡¯re acting so smug! You¡¯re damn lucky you didn¡¯t get hit by a car! You look like a damn whore! You¡­"


    Guan Guiling''s curse was obscene. Ming Mei quickly covered her daughter¡¯s ears and said, "All of you, go home and do your homework. Don¡¯t let such dirty words dirty your ears. What kind of person is she?"


    The children hesitated but didn¡¯t want to leave.


    Ming Mei said, "Hurry up, all of you, go home."


    "Ah¡­"


    While Ming Mei was managing the kids, a sharp, urgent scream came from outside.


    It was Guan Guiling.


    Even though it was just five cents, Guan Guiling wasn¡¯t about to give up. But using a bamboo pole was difficult, and she just couldn¡¯t get the money out. Her foul mood made her even more impatient, and she fumbled around, desperately trying to retrieve the money. In a moment of carelessness, she lost her balance and nearly toppled in.


    A sharp scream echoed, and at the last moment, Zheng Yufeng grabbed Guan Guiling.


    She barely avoided falling in, and after sitting on the ground in shock, she was still filled with terror.


    This little incident silenced everyone, but soon the chatter resumed, even louder than before. Guan Guiling, however, didn¡¯t care what others said. Instead, her eyes red with emotion, she threw herself into Zheng Yufeng¡¯s arms and said, "Yufeng, I knew you¡¯d be the best to me!"


    If not for him, she would have been in trouble. Thinking of this, she looked at her husband with even more admiration. There could never be a better man than Zheng Yufeng. How fortunate she was to have found such a man.


    Guan Guiling hugged Zheng Yufeng tightly around the neck, nearly choking him.


    But he didn¡¯t get angry. Instead, he patted her back and said, "Alright, let go. What will people think? Besides, you¡¯re my wife; who else would I help?"


    Those few words moved Guan Guiling to tears.


    Zheng Yufeng felt embarrassed but still managed to say, "Okay, that¡¯s enough."


    Guan Guiling sniffled softly.


    He looked at the five cents that had sunk completely in the filthy water and felt utterly humiliated.


    For just five cents, they had made a spectacle of themselves. He didn¡¯t want to stay any longer and be scrutinized. Although Guan Guiling had often embarrassed herself with her antics, he had never been present, and this time was particularly shameful.


    Just for five cents!


    He took a deep breath and said, "Let¡¯s go home. We¡¯ll talk about finding Huimin another day."


    "But¡­"


    Guan Guiling worriedly asked, "The deadline Fan Debiao gave us is today. If we don¡¯t find Huimin by today, there might be trouble." She said with great concern, "What about Fan Debiao¡­?"


    Zheng Yufeng said firmly, "I¡¯ll handle it."


    He was resolute, saying, "I¡¯ll talk to him."


    Finding Huimin back would be better and could help stabilize Fan Debiao, but if she couldn¡¯t be found, it didn¡¯t matter. He just needed to get through these few days to take the money and leave. What happened here was no longer his concern.


    He was determined: "Let¡¯s go home."


    Guan Guiling: "Alright."


    The couple left under everyone¡¯s gaze. Guan Guiling was used to being watched, but even she felt utterly humiliated today. This incident was just too awkward.


    She followed Zheng Yufeng away.


    Everyone watched the couple leave, and TuanTuan seemed to remember something. He quickly ran out, and everyone looked at him in surprise. The little boy ran to the back of the toilet and peeked into the cesspool. He gagged once and ran back, saying, "Mom, I wasn¡¯t wrong. It really was five cents."


    The crowd around: "¡­"


    Ming Mei said with mixed feelings, "You have a pretty good eye, huh?"


    TuanTuan: "Of course."


    Since Guan Guiling and her husband were gone, Ming Mei decided not to rush the kids back. She let them be and joined Jiang Lu and Li Fang in chatting, gossiping about the incident of fishing five cents out of the cesspool and almost falling in.


    "What do you think Guan Guiling was thinking?" Li Fang was the most puzzled. Was it worth it?


    Jiang Lu somewhat understood Guan Guiling¡¯s mindset, as she herself had once been a lovesick fool. But even she was surprised by how far Guan Guiling had gone, sacrificing everything for Zheng Yufeng. She said, "Zheng Yufeng is good at charming women."


    "Guan Guiling looks older, while Zheng Yufeng appears younger. They look like mother and son."


    Everyone started gossiping.


    Even Bai Fendou forgot about making money and joined Zhou Qun and Da Qiang from the next courtyard to chat. Regardless of how many small groups formed to gossip, everyone seemed to agree on one thing: Zheng Huimin was indeed very lucky.


    If she had returned at that moment, it would have been a huge mess.


    But she didn¡¯t, and wasn¡¯t even at home. That was good fortune.


    The kids didn¡¯t understand much, but that didn¡¯t stop them from being shocked. They, the children of this courtyard, were already more experienced than many adults.


    They had seen too much for their age.


    Guan Hong was thrilled, thinking, "Zheng Huimin¡¯s parents are like this, so the Su family definitely won¡¯t want to marry into their family. My chance is even bigger!"


    But no one bothered to discuss this with her. Everyone looked at Guan Hong and shook their heads.


    Only someone as foolish as her would want to marry Su Jinlai.


    Even the poorest families on this street wouldn¡¯t consider marrying their daughter to Su Jinlai.


    As for Su Yinlai and Su Tonglai, they were alright.


    One was hardworking and knew how to make money, the other was clever and ambitious, working on his studies. They had their merits. Still, even so, no one seriously considered marrying into the Su family. Even if Yinlai and Tonglai were decent, there was still the unreliable Su Jinlai to worry about.


    Only someone as infatuated with looks as Guan Hong would consider someone like Su Jinlai.


    Having a daughter like this at home was a real headache.


    Guan Hong didn''t know what everyone else was thinking. Seeing that no one agreed with her, she thought they all agreed with her and felt even better. After everyone dispersed and went home, she was still humming a little tune.


    Guan Hong stayed at home for a while, but she had nothing to do. Thinking about how Zheng Huimin had been returning home very late recently, she hesitated for a moment, grabbed a flashlight and a dagger, and headed out. She wasn''t planning to pick up Zheng Huimin, oh no, she couldn''t wait to tell her about what happened with her parents visiting.


    Hehe, she couldn''t wait to see Zheng Huimin''s miserable expression.


    Thinking about this, Guan Hong felt even more excited, and she quickly set out.


    It was already dark outside, and each household had finished dinner. The Zhuang family was noisy, which she knew. Recently, several kids had moved into the Zhuang household, and all these little brats gathered there, with Li Zhenzhen and Qijin not coming home until bedtime. It was as if they were going to tear the sky of the Zhuang family apart.


    At this moment, she felt that Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were really patient, allowing these kids to make a ruckus in their home. If it were her, she would have gotten tired of it long ago. She shook her head at the Zhuang house and then walked out, heading straight for the garment factory.


    The garment factory wasn''t very close. Going out at night, Guan Hong was actually a bit scared. Luckily, she had a dagger that gave her some confidence. Sometimes, carrying a knife wasn''t about doing anything, but it gave you more courage.


    She arrived at the garment factory. The factory had a lot of orders and was doing great business.


    At this time, work hadn''t ended yet. She sat at the gate, waiting for some time before seeing a huge crowd of workers leaving after work. Although overtime was tiring, not many had anxious expressions. Many had smiles on their faces. After all, who would complain about making money? Overtime came with overtime pay.


    From afar, she spotted Zheng Huimin and waved, "Zheng Huimin."


    Everyone else was in groups, but only Zheng Huimin was alone. She walked out by herself. She was a substitute worker, and on her first day, everyone was curious about her, asking what her relationship with Su Yinlai was and why she was substituting. It turned out that she was Su Jinlai''s girlfriend, Su Yinlai''s older brother. This news caused quite a stir.


    Who didn''t know what kind of person Su Jinlai was?


    If she was Su Yinlai''s girlfriend, people might have been more warm, as Yinlai had a good reputation at the factory.


    But who didn''t know what kind of person Yinlai''s older brother was?


    Yinlai never said anything bad about his older brother, but Su Jinlai, at a young age, had been to juvenile detention twice, caused trouble while in the countryside, and had to be bailed out by his mother, Wang Xiangxiu, with money. These stories were well-known.


    The older women at the factory couldn''t bear to see Zheng Huimin being duped and took it upon themselves to warn her.


    However, Zheng Huimin didn''t appreciate their help and insisted, "A prodigal who reforms can never be discarded."


    She thought and said this, so no one bothered with her anymore.


    Everyone felt this girl wasn''t very clear-headed and didn''t want to associate with her.


    Guan Hong didn''t know about this situation. Seeing Zheng Huimin walking alone, she felt a bit unhappy. Although she didn''t like Zheng Huimin very much, how come no one walked with her in the evening?


    A girl walking alone could be quite dangerous.


    She had felt a bit scared on her way here, so didn''t Zheng Huimin feel scared walking back every day after work?


    Guan Hong frowned. At this time, Zheng Huimin also came to her side. She curiously asked, "Why are you here?"


    Guan Hong proudly raised her chin and said, "Do I need to report to you where I go? But you, you have the energy to fight, to scare people, to steal men, but at work, you''re being excluded. You''re quite something!"


    Zheng Huimin felt a bit awkward being exposed like this. Being ostracized was never pleasant, but she tried to defend herself, saying, "I''m not the one being excluded. I''m the one excluding everyone else."


    How could she admit defeat in front of her rival?


    Guan Hong sneered when she heard this.


    Zheng Huimin was unhappy and said, "What are you here for? This place has nothing to do with you, right? Are you looking for me on purpose?"


    After a pause, she said, "Right, why are you looking for me on purpose?"


    Guan Hong: "Your parents came to the courtyard looking for you."


    "What!" Zheng Huimin was shocked. If this had happened earlier, it might not have mattered whether they found her or not. But recently, that was different. Since learning about her parents'' evil intentions, she couldn''t trust them anymore.


    Now that her younger sister had escaped, if she were caught, it would be over.


    She quickly asked, "Why are they here? Are they still waiting in the courtyard for me? Did they come alone, or are there others? Is there someone named Fan Debiao? What were my parents'' expressions like?"


    At this moment, she couldn''t care less about her rival status. She needed to get information quickly.


    Her questions were urgent and anxious. She absolutely wouldn''t marry someone randomly.


    Although Guan Hong disliked Zheng Huimin, she didn''t play games with her on this matter and directly said, "No one else, just your parents. Your mother made a scene before even entering the courtyard, and your father took her away. I don''t know if they''ll come back."


    Zheng Huimin became nervous: "What if they''re hiding and waiting for me?"


    She became even more scared and hesitated, not knowing what to do.


    Zheng Huimin: "You go back first. I think I''ll find a corner nearby to stay for the night to avoid them waiting for me."


    Guan Hong widened her eyes: "Why are you so stupid! Although it''s not winter now, spending a night outside is very uncomfortable. Are you crazy? Are you even a new era''s female comrade?"


    Zheng Huimin: "Then what do you suggest?"


    Guan Hong: "If I were you, I wouldn''t be afraid! If they dare to make trouble, I''ll cause a scene!"


    Zheng Huimin: "You don''t know my mother... forget it, you wouldn''t understand."


    Guan Hong: "How don''t I understand? Your mother... oh, I just thought, why don''t you go home and check? Don''t be mad at me. Think about it, if you go home and see they''re home too, doesn''t that mean they''re not waiting for you in the courtyard? Then you can go home and sleep. Look at the weather outside; you''ll be done for if you stay out."


    Zheng Huimin: "Oh, that makes sense."


    Neither of them was particularly smart, but this simple and straightforward solution was agreed upon by both. Zheng Huimin immediately said, "I''m going right now."


    "Wait."


    Zheng Huimin turned back: "What is it?"


    Guan Hong snorted, then said awkwardly, "I''ll go with you."


    She quickly added when she saw Zheng Huimin''s surprised expression, "Don''t think I''m helping you. Although I consider you my rival, I''m straightforward, not someone who does sneaky things."


    She continued, "I also don''t like these arranged marriages."


    Zheng Huimin''s eyes flickered, and she quietly said, "Oh..."


    She also felt a bit awkward and said, "Thank you..."


    Guan Hong: "Are you going or not?"


    "Let''s go!"


    "Do we two girls together still feel unsafe?"


    "I brought a knife."


    "You''re so smart."


    "Of course."


    The two of them walked towards Zheng Huimin''s house. Guan Hong was quite curious. She really didn''t understand what kind of situation Zheng Huimin''s family was in. They had a worker too, so why sell their daughter?


    Wang Xiangxiu, a woman, raised three sons alone. How could a family with both parents sell their daughter?


    "Isn''t your brother already an adult?"


    "He''s a boy."


    "Pfft, disgusting patriarchal thinking."


    Zheng Huimin couldn''t help but say, "You haven''t lived here long, but you''ve already picked up the lingo of the aunties in the courtyard."


    Guan Hong: "I didn''t."


    Er... she didn''t start sentences with "pfft" before.


    But, she couldn''t admit it.


    The two of them walked to Zheng Huimin''s house, nearly fifty minutes from the garment factory. Both were a bit tired. Zheng Huimin: "I''ll sneak back home."


    "I''m going with you."


    Zheng Huimin looked at Guan Hong, took a deep breath, and said more seriously, "Thank you."


    "Stop spouting nonsense. I''m just worried about your safety, and it''s better to have two people keeping each other company. I''m a guardian of justice, you know."


    "Let''s go."


    The two quietly nudged the door open. Zheng Huimin said, "The gate of our courtyard is always left slightly ajar."


    As they were about to enter, their gazes suddenly froze. The door across from them had opened, and Sister-in-law Chen came out to use the outhouse. The moment she opened the door, she spotted the two suspicious figures and nearly let out a scream. However, at the crucial moment, she recognized Zheng Huimin and immediately covered her mouth.


    Although Sister-in-law Chen usually didn''t think much of the eldest daughter of the Zheng family, she was well aware of the kind of life Huimin led at home. She also knew about the younger sister who had run away. After a few seconds of silence, as if she hadn''t seen anyone, she turned around and went back into the house.


    Zheng Huimin was stunned, but quickly she ran to the window and heard the voices of her parents inside.


    They were indeed at home!


    She could now go back to sleep with peace of mind. Just as she was about to leave, she heard her father, Zheng Yufeng, speaking. Zheng Yufeng said, "Guiling, I''ve thought it over. We can''t afford to offend Fan Debiao. We have to pay him back."


    Guan Guiling was anxious: "Where on earth do we have that kind of money? We..."


    Zheng Yufeng interrupted: "Listen to me. I''ve thought it over. You go find some street toughs and use our house as collateral to borrow the money. If one group isn''t enough, then we''ll use two houses. We need to get as much money as possible as a precaution. Once we have the money, we can return it to Fan Debiao and silence him."


    Guan Guiling: "That might work, but if we can''t repay the loan, they''ll take our house, and we''ll have nowhere to live. What then?"


    Zheng Yufeng spoke with a comforting tone: "What''s there to worry about? This is just a temporary measure to appease Fan Debiao''s dissatisfaction. If we can keep him in check, we''ll have time to pressure Huimin. If she agrees to marry Fan Debiao and takes her sister Hui Fang to serve him, won''t the whole situation be resolved? Once Fan Debiao becomes our son-in-law, he can return the money to us. Then we can redeem our house. It''s true that this might be a bit of a hassle, but it won''t delay anything."


    Guan Guiling: "That makes sense. After all, we had always planned to marry the two girls off anyway."


    Hearing this, Zheng Huimin clenched her fists tightly.


    Guan Hong quickly covered Huimin''s mouth, afraid she might make a sound.


    The two crouched under the window, eavesdropping. Guan Hong pulled on Zheng Huimin, ready to leave, when suddenly another older woman came out. Aunt Li was also startled, but like the previous woman, she hesitated for only a short moment before turning back into her house, pretending she hadn''t seen the two women.


    Guan Hong didn''t dare stay any longer and dragged Zheng Huimin away. The two ran as far as they could.


    They ran until they reached a deserted spot, then finally stopped to catch their breath.


    Guan Hong said, "The people in your courtyard are quite nice. No one exposed you."


    Zheng Huimin hadn''t expected that either. She rubbed her eyes and said, "I didn¡¯t either."


    What they didn¡¯t know was that the two families who had seen Huimin were both sighing, thinking, "What¡¯s this foolish girl doing coming back! It¡¯s better for her to get lost. If she comes back, she¡¯ll be forced to marry Fan Debiao, and her whole life will be ruined."


    Although Guan Guiling tried to keep it a secret, her dealings with Fan Debiao hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed. Everyone knew that before Fan Debiao became wealthy, he had chased two wives away. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to live with him, but that he would beat them to near death when he drank.


    Both of his first two wives had left because of this.


    If they hadn¡¯t left, they wouldn¡¯t have survived.


    The neighbors didn¡¯t believe that Zheng Yufeng and Guan Guiling were unaware of Fan Debiao¡¯s behavior. After all, they had been neighbors for twenty years, and everyone knew each other¡¯s business. Yet, despite this, they still planned to marry their daughter to Fan Debiao, showing just how heartless they were.


    That was why, even though they didn¡¯t particularly like Zheng Huimin, they didn¡¯t want her to come back.


    Seeing her, they chose to pretend they hadn¡¯t. As a result, Huimin¡¯s journey back was uneventfully quiet.


    She whispered, "Why are they helping me?"


    Guan Hong looked at her curiously and said, "Isn¡¯t that what decent people should do?"


    Zheng Huimin took a deep breath but said nothing. Her steps, however, quickened. She declared, "If my parents come looking for me in a few days, I¡¯ll run away! I absolutely won¡¯t go back. If the neighbors can help me, why shouldn¡¯t I save myself?"


    Guan Hong agreed, "That¡¯s the right attitude."


    She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Or maybe¡­ maybe you should ask Su Jinlai. He hangs around on the streets and knows a lot of people. He can definitely help you deal with your family."


    Then, she became serious. "But if he helps you, you can¡¯t repay him by giving yourself to him. We¡¯ll have to compete fairly."


    Zheng Huimin shot back, "Fair competition it is, then. I won¡¯t lose to you. Men like gentle, nurturing women. Even without this situation, I wouldn¡¯t lose."


    "Nonsense! Men nowadays like strong, independent women who can earn money. Look at how Li Weiwei likes me¡ªhow could Su Jinlai not like me?"


    "That¡¯s just nonsense. Li Weiwei doesn¡¯t like you at all. He looks at you like you¡¯re a nuisance."


    Embarrassed, Guan Hong pouted and said, "He¡¯s just lovesick over me."


    "Tch."


    "Don¡¯t laugh at me. Women like you, all clingy and dependent, are bound to end up like a wilted flower¡ªuseless to anyone."


    "At least I¡¯m not¡­"


    The two began arguing, neither backing down. The conversation grew uglier, but their bonds seemed to strengthen. The more they bickered, the warmer their tone became. ¡­As they muttered to themselves, they finally arrived home. By the time they reached the courtyard, it was already past midnight. Both were exhausted, but the company of each other made the fear vanish.


    As they reached their courtyard, they found the gate was now securely latched. Their courtyard¡¯s vigilance had increased significantly. Reluctantly, they started knocking on the door. After some time, someone came to open it¡ªit was Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi, half-asleep, said, "Were you two out committing a robbery or something?"


    Despite his teasing, he opened the door and turned back to leave.


    The two hurried inside, and Zheng Huimin closed the gate. She said, "Thank you, Uncle Zhuang."


    Zhuang Zhixi, not turning back, only waved his hand in acknowledgment and went back to his house, yawning. Before he even entered, he saw Ming Mei come out too. Ming Mei had a coat draped over her shoulders and said, "It¡¯s late. Go back to sleep soon."


    Zhuang Zhixi, who had just been feeling tired, suddenly perked up and said, "Why did you come out too?"


    Ming Mei replied, "To use the bathroom."


    "I¡¯ll go with you."


    The two left together, and Zheng Huimin sighed, "Someday, I hope Su Jinlai and I can be as loving as they are."


    Guan Hong corrected her, "Su Jinlai and I."


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "Then your standards must not be very high."


    The people in their courtyard made no secret of their dislike for Su Jinlai, but Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin remained steadfast. They said, "Su Jinlai is the best man. Don¡¯t you dare talk about him like that!"


    In unison.


    Ming Mei mimed a gesture of surrender and continued her way to the bathroom with a smile.


    Zheng Huimin, with a stern expression, said, "My mom really dislikes Ming Mei. She always says bad things about her at home."


    Guan Hong asked, "Why?"


    Then she added, "Well, that means Ming Mei must be a good person."


    Zheng Huimin: "Hmm?"


    Guan Hong explained, "Your mom is a bad person, so whoever she dislikes must be good."


    She continued, "Zhao Guihua isn¡¯t exactly a saint either. Everyone says that mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are natural enemies. Since Ming Mei is her daughter-in-law, that means Ming Mei is actually a very, very good person¡ªif she can get along with Zhao Guihua."


    Zheng Huimin: "?????"


    At this point, she felt much smarter than Guan Hong. After all, Zhao Guihua and Ming Mei¡¯s relationship was clearly good¡ªhow could Guan Hong think of them as adversaries?


    She clicked her tongue, though she was too tired to say more. She still had to go to work tomorrow, so she went home to sleep.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei walked back from the bathroom together. Ming Mei said, "I wonder where Mom and the others are now? They must be getting close to coming back, right?"


    "They¡¯re almost there, I¡¯d guess. My mom isn¡¯t the type to dawdle."


    Chilled by the cold night air, Zhuang Zhixi was now wide awake. He said, "The old lady still has a lot of energy for her age, doesn¡¯t she?"


    Ming Mei: "Stop spouting nonsense. Are you trying to provoke your mother-in-law?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged and said, "I wouldn''t dare say that to her face. My mom is so fierce."


    Perhaps because they had just come out of the bathroom, Zhuang Zhixi said, "I wonder if Guan Guiling will come back in the future."


    Ming Mei: "Why not? If she fails once, there will always be another chance."


    She had already finished all the procedures for her job transfer these past two days and would report to the police academy in another two days. However, she said, "While I was handling the formalities, I heard something."


    "What?"


    "I heard that Guan Guiling is looking to sell her job again."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What?"


    Ming Mei: "It''s true. She''s asking for a high price and seems quite anxious to sell."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "But what will she do after selling her job? She''s about to retire. Selling her job now would just be shooting herself in the foot."


    This was something Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t understand. Guan Guiling was in her early forties, and people could retire at fifty. If she persisted for a few more years, she would receive a pension. Moreover, her health wasn''t good, and as a formal worker, her medical expenses could be partially reimbursed. Selling her job now would be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I feel like something is off."


    Ming Mei: "I feel the same, but this doesn''t concern us."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That''s true, but this woman isn''t good news. She once tried to scheme against you. Who knows what evil she''s plotting? If she''s just causing trouble at home, it doesn''t affect us. But if she comes to our courtyard to stir up trouble, I''d better find out the truth. What if she''s using the guise of looking for her daughter to extort others? I still remember her malice towards you."


    Ming Mei: "I''ll listen to you."


    There''s always a kind of malice that comes out of nowhere, unexpected and inexplicable.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You know, without the old lady around, I feel uneasy. With her around, I feel a lot more at ease. Our mother-in-law is my anchor."


    Ming Mei chuckled and said, "In another two or three days, she should be back. I miss our mom too. It was so lively when she was in the courtyard."


    "That''s for sure."


    Both of them missed Zhao Guihua. Zhao Guihua, on the other hand, was sound asleep. Some people have poor sleep quality and light sleep when traveling. But Zhao Guihua wasn''t one of them. Her sleep quality was excellent. After wandering around the train compartment all day, she was truly tired at night.


    She slept deeply, waking up only when dawn broke. Despite her age, she didn''t need much sleep. Early in the morning, Zhao Guihua took out her notebook. Although she hadn''t been to school much, her participation in literacy classes and her habit of asking about unfamiliar words in daily life meant Zhao Guihua wasn''t illiterate. She knew many characters, though writing them was a bit challenging.


    As she looked at her notebook, Aunt Wang asked, "What are you reading?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I had He Lan jot down some characteristics of a gambling ring for me yesterday. I''m just checking if there''s anything missing and need to add."


    Aunt Wang: "You''re quite spirited."


    However, she was also curious. "How did you know those first few people who joined were shills?"


    Zhao Guihua: "What''s there to say? When you''re traveling, who isn''t cautious? Hearing someone shout about playing cards and then everyone rushing over¡ªdoesn''t that seem off? Anyway, I''ve described the details of the situation. It''s better if I''m wrong, but I suspect it''s a gambling ring."


    "So you think that girl was part of it?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Her instigation was so obvious; she must have been a shill. The same goes for a few others who were encouraging others to bet. Their intentions were quite clear. Besides them, there was that man in the Zhongshan suit. He couldn''t be trusted either."


    "Ah, isn''t he a good guy? He questioned whether they were gambling."


    Zhao Guihua: "True, but did his questioning amount to anything? Look at how he immediately backed off after asking, just waiting for that group to respond. It was clearly planned. If he hadn''t spoken up, someone else might have. By bringing it up first, his accomplices could then explain, making others think, ''Oh, that makes sense.'' So while it seemed like he was the one questioning, he was actually suppressing other potential questions. Groups of people gathered to gamble, which sounds excessive. Others who might have questioned it would stay silent. In appearance, he was the one raising questions, but in reality, he was suppressing their issues."


    Zhao Guihua understood these things completely.


    Su Yinlai''s observations also indicate a lot. Plus, when we went over, he was in the crowd watching the excitement. While others were watching the game, he was watching the people around him, clearly keeping an eye on things. He''s just wearing a mask of being a good guy.


    "You''re very observant."


    "Of course, who do you think I am? Zhao Guihua. I won''t expose them now; we''re outnumbered. Once we get off the train, I''ll report it to the police."


    "That sounds good."


    A new day began, and the gambling game in the carriage continued. Zhao Guihua went over to take a look again. Seeing someone looking dejected, she guessed they had lost a lot of money. She was amazed but didn''t stay long.


    She had watched the excitement yesterday but didn''t place a bet. If she spent the whole day there today, she would draw attention. This was also thanks to Zhao Guihua being an old lady. If she were a young man, she would have been targeted. These gambling setups involve many people and are very cautious.


    After traveling for nearly two more days, they finally arrived in Beijing in the early afternoon.


    Although they were carrying a lot of luggage, everyone''s faces were filled with joy. After all, this journey had been exhausting. Traveling long distances by train is like that; you haven''t done anything, just sat in the train, but you still feel utterly worn out.


    They got off the train and hired two rickshaws to take them home.


    "It''s good to be home. Returning to our own place, even standing on the ground feels more solid."


    "Well, that''s just because we''ve gotten off the train..."


    As they rode home in the rickshaws, He Lan said, "Fendou always comes home tired after work. This job really is tough."


    As a passenger now, she thought of Bai Fendou, who did the same job, and felt heartache for him.


    "You should buy him more meat to supplement his energy."


    Wang Zizhen: "I have experience with this. For physical labor, it''s crucial to eat well and get plenty of nutrients."


    "Okay."


    The rickshaws arrived at the courtyard. As soon as they stepped inside, they saw Zheng Huimin dragging Su Jinlai.


    Next to Zheng Huimin was Guan Hong, who was fiercely staring at Su Jinlai, unlike her usual demeanor.


    Zhao Guihua and the others immediately stopped in their tracks, puzzled by the scene.


    What''s going on?


    Everyone glanced over.


    Seeing the crowd, Su Jinlai tried to leave, but Guan Hong quickly grabbed him and said, "Don''t go. What''s the deal here? With Zheng Huimin in such a difficult situation, as a man, can''t you even help her out?"


    Guan Hong was more assertive than Zheng Huimin.


    However, Su Jinlai simply pursed his lips and said, "This is her family matter. What business is it of mine to step in?"


    Early that morning, Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong had come over. In fact, this wasn''t just a recent issue but had been going on for a couple of days. A few days ago, Zheng Huimin''s parents had showed up, which made her extremely frightened.


    She didn''t want to go home and wanted Jinlai to help her get rid of her parents. However, she was afraid that Jinlai would look down on her, so after hesitating for two days, she finally came over. It was Sunday, and many people in the courtyard weren''t home.


    Sundays were busier than usual.


    Even Wang Xiangxiu had gone to the suburbs with Aunt Sui from the back courtyard to go hiking.


    After much contemplation, Zheng Huimin decided to come find Su Jinlai. She hoped he could help her, as once her parents sorted out the house matter, they would definitely scheme against her. She had heard everything clearly that night.


    Her parents had dealt with Fan Debiao, but they would still marry her off, so she could only come to Su Jinlai for help. She never expected him to refuse her.


    She had imagined many scenarios, but this one had never crossed her mind.


    Even Guan Hong couldn''t bear to watch anymore.


    However, Su Jinlai remained firm: "I''ve already done enough for you. The house you''re living in? I''m the one paying the rent. You''re not my family, and I''ve done more than enough already. Now you want me to step in for Zheng Huimin? Why is there so much drama?"


    He didn''t want to get involved in these matters. Although he constantly boasted about being a "social boss," Su Jinlai wasn''t actually capable of much. Even the gang of thieves he used to associate with had all been caught. As a lone wolf, what could he possibly do to help?


    He said: "Besides, in our culture, marriage is determined by the parents. If your parents insist on you marrying, what business is it of mine to intervene? You''re not my wife."


    Zheng Huimin blushed and said, "Brother Su, you know my heart..."


    Su Jinlai felt a smug sense of satisfaction. He knew there were plenty of women who liked him. However, he still said, "You might have those feelings, but I have no intention of getting married. I''m still young; I still have a few years to play around."


    There ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????was no way he was going to intervene on Zheng Huimin''s behalf.


    There was no money in it for him, and he wasn''t about to dip his toes into this mess.


    It was undeniable that Su Jinlai''s words were deeply disappointing for both Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong. In their minds, Su Jinlai had always been quite heroic. But now he was backing out?


    Zheng Huimin felt even more bitter. She had first fallen for Brother Su because he stood up for her in front of her mom, acting so bravely at the time. But now, why wasn''t he willing to help her? Had he stopped loving her?


    Zheng Huimin was thinking this, but in reality, Su Jinlai simply didn''t want to get into trouble.


    He could brag all he wanted, but deep down, he wasn''t that strong.


    He used to be able to step up for Zheng Huimin because the only person she had to worry about was her sickly mother. But if someone else got involved, he''d have to think twice. Without anything to gain, he wasn''t interested in taking that risk.


    Su Jinlai might not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, but he was definitely self-centered.


    He firmly stated, "Don''t come to me with these matters."


    Zheng Huimin looked at Su Jinlai in disbelief as he said, "If you were my wife, I''d have no problem stepping in. But since you''re not, it''s not appropriate for me to meddle in your family affairs."


    Zheng Huimin stared at Su Jinlai in shock.


    She was a hopeless romantic, always hoping for a strong shoulder to lean on. When she realized that this support wasn''t as sturdy as she thought, she was completely dumbfounded. How could Brother Su, who had always seemed so wonderful, have changed so quickly?


    She stood there, dazed.


    Even Guan Hong found the situation a bit too much to bear. She said, "Her parents aren''t good people. Even if she''s not your wife, you''re all friends. With your status and connections, couldn''t you just find a few people to teach them a lesson and make them back off from harassing Zheng Huimin?"


    She thought for a moment and added, "Or is it because you don''t want me to misunderstand your relationship? Don''t worry, I wouldn''t mind at all. My man is both righteous and manly; I''d be thrilled. I wouldn''t be jealous."


    Su Jinlai: "...?"


    This woman was overthinking things.


    If he had to choose, Su Jinlai would pick Zheng Huimin over Guan Hong. After all, Guan Hong wasn''t exactly known for her gentleness, and that just wouldn''t do.


    He said, "It''s not about whether you''d be jealous or not."


    He didn''t want to get tangled up in this mess anymore. Seeing Su Yinlai and the others return, he quickly changed the subject: "Yinlai, when are you going to pay me back?"


    Yinlai replied, "We agreed on a month."


    Jinlai muttered curses under his breath, "That little punk, Tonglai. I''m the eldest brother, but he doesn''t stand with me. Instead, he lends you money. I''ve never seen such an unreliable brother. Do you know how hard it is for me to make money?"


    Su Jinlai''s behavior only deepened Zheng Huimin''s despair.


    The kind of man she wanted didn''t necessarily have to be good-looking, but he had to be capable and protective¡ªa real hero who could shield her from harm.


    But Su Jinlai...


    The pink bubbles of fantasy that once filled her heart popped in an instant, scattering into nothingness.


    Zheng Huimin looked at Jinlai, feeling her love slowly slip away. Just as she was hesitating, the sound of a bicycle caught everyone''s attention. The Li brothers, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, arrived home together.


    Both were in high spirits: "Grandma, you''re back?"


    They immediately surrounded Aunt Wang, who was also delighted. After all, she had never been away from the brothers for so long. Aunt Wang asked, "How have you been at home?"


    Li Junjun answered, "Pretty good."


    "Where''s your mom?"


    Li Junjun replied, "My mom went with Aunt Ming Mei and Aunt Jiang Lu to take the kids to the Great Wall. It seems they''re doing an essay for school. The little ones insisted on going, so early this morning they all set off. They haven''t come back yet? That''s quite a long trip."


    He put his arm around his grandmother''s shoulder and said, "Grandma, you must be exhausted after such a long journey."


    "It was a bit tiring, but it''s been worth it," Aunt Wang replied.


    Li Junjun started chatting with his grandmother, while Li Weiwei looked curiously at everyone else, asking, "What''s going on?"


    His gaze lingered particularly on the love-triangle group.


    He wasn''t angry with Guan Hong anymore, nor was he irritated by Su Jinlai.


    After all, you don''t get mad at normal people, but you certainly don''t waste your energy getting mad at someone as clueless as Su Jinlai. So, he let it go.


    Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden commotion broke out. Zhao Guihua turned around, wondering, "Are the kids back?"


    However, as soon as they saw the newcomers, they realized it wasn''t their children.


    Zhao Guihua didn''t recognize the man who had just arrived. He looked to be in his forties and was accompanied by five or six other men, all of them looking intimidating.


    Zhao Guihua frowned. Who the hell were these people?


    Neither Zhao Guihua nor anyone else present recognized these newcomers, including Su Jinlai and his group.


    However, Zheng Huimin''s face turned pale the moment she saw them. While others might not know, she definitely did¡ªthis was Fan Debiao. They lived in the same alley, and he often spent time with her father, Zheng Yufeng. She knew him well.


    Her face drained of color as she quickly hid behind Su Jinlai.


    Fan Debiao smirked at Zheng Huimin''s reaction. "So you''re this little pretty boy? You''re trying to steal my woman, huh? Don''t think I''m dead¡ªI''m going to teach you a lesson today!"


    Despite hiding behind Su Jinlai, Zheng Huimin retorted, "Stop spouting nonsense! I''m not your woman. Su Dage and I are in love¡ªyou have no say in this."


    Guan Hong chimed in, "Exactly! This is the new society¡ªno more of that old-fashioned arranged marriage nonsense. Don''t come causing trouble here."


    "Who are you? What business is this of yours? Or maybe... maybe you''re looking at me too? Let me tell you, someone like you? I don''t take to heart. Zheng Huimin, your parents have already accepted the betrothal gift. You can''t just back out now¡ªno way!"


    He shouted, "Now, come back with me!"


    He had long known that Zheng Huimin was a discontented one¡ªin fact, that was the reality. If it weren''t for Zheng Yufeng slipping up and revealing her whereabouts, he wouldn''t have found her hiding here. If he didn''t take her back now, what kind of face would he have left?


    Pointing at Su Jinlai, he roared, "You little pretty boy, trying to seduce my woman¡ªtoday, I''m going to teach you a lesson."


    Fan Debiao was a towering, burly man with a menacing face and a fierce expression that sent shivers down one''s spine. Although not very tall, his menacing demeanor was something to be feared. Back in the reform school, Su Jinlai had seen such figures and knew better than to provoke them.


    He immediately backed away, unexpectedly exposing Zheng Huimin.


    Though she had sought refuge behind Su Jinlai, she comforted herself a little for the psychological support, but Su Jinlai suddenly broke away. He forced a smile and quickly said, "This is not my fault. I have no relationship with Zheng Huimin. I only helped her out of pity before because she was so pitiful, but actually, we have no connection. I''m not her partner¡ªI just did it out of pure kindness. This has nothing to do with me, and you shouldn''t look for trouble with me. It''s none of my business here."


    Feeling the fear of being pummeled, he quickly pulled Guan Hong over and said, "This one here, Guan Hong, she''s my partner." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Guan Hong felt an instant surge of joy, but within a second, she disdainfully pushed Su Jinlai away. Although it was nice to be acknowledged by Su Jinlai, his lack of masculinity in this moment was unbearable for Guan Hong.


    How could her man be like this?


    She admired boys with a strong, rugged aura, but she had no fondness for weaklings.


    Fan Debiao: "I don''t care what''s going on between you two. You''re Su Jinlai, right? I heard Zheng Huimin ran off with you. Zheng Huimin, your taste isn''t exactly great, is it?"


    Zheng Huimin hadn''t expected Su Jinlai to be so useless, to actually push her away in order to save himself at a time like this. She burst into tears instantly.


    Fan Debiao cursed and stepped forward: "Little brat, come back with me!"


    He raised his hand to slap Zheng Huimin, but just as his hand was about to make contact, Li Junjun grabbed his arm and forcefully flung it back. Li Junjun was a train station maintenance worker and no match for Fan Debiao''s flabby physique.


    Fan Debiao''s bulk was all blubber, and Li Junjun easily tossed him aside, saying, "Who do you think you are, coming to our courtyard to bully people?"


    He turned back and said, "Zheng Huimin, go back inside!"


    Zheng Huimin stared dumbfounded at Li Junjun, who rolled up his sleeves: "You come to our place to cause trouble, thinking you can just bully us? Do you think our courtyard is empty or something?"


    Fan Debiao, feeling wronged, flew into a rage: "You scoundrel, so you''re the adulterer!"


    "Can you stop being so disgusting? Adulterer? What adulterer? Zheng Huimin is single, so how is she your personal property? Show me your marriage certificate, if you have one! You call yourself an adulterer, do you even have the nerve? What''s with the dowry talk? Do you believe I''ll report you to the Women''s Federation? It''s a new era now, who dares to arrange marriages? You want to ignore national policies? Whoever took your dowry, marry them! If you like talking about dowries so much, go marry Guan Guiling!"


    Zhao Guihua finally caught on and wasn''t holding back at all.


    "Pfft!"


    Her words made even the little goons following Fan Debiao burst out laughing. Who didn''t know about Guan Guiling?


    Zhao Guihua continued, unrelenting: "Seeing a man and immediately calling him an adulterer, do you think everyone is as disgusting as you? This world has justice and fairness. Not everyone is as filthy as you imagine!"


    "You, you, you old hag, I''ll kill you..."


    Fan Debiao was so furious his mouth twisted, no longer stuttering as he cursed: "You old hag, I''ll make you pay, I won''t let you off..."


    He clenched his fist and approached Zhao Guihua, but before he could get close, Zhao Guihua disdainfully rolled her eyes and delivered a swift kick, aiming straight for the vitals! Heh, did he really think she, Zhao Guihua, was easy to mess with?


    She had learned from Bai Fendou: when fighting with men, there''s no need for too much talking, just aim for the vitals, and it''s one hit, one kill.


    Fan Debiao clutched himself and hunched over, sweat pouring down: "Owwww..."


    But soon, he looked up and shouted: "You guys, take care of them for me! Hit them hard, and I''ll pay you! Go!"


    The few who followed Fan Debiao hesitated for a moment, then decisively charged forward. The scene immediately turned into a chaotic brawl. Thankfully, the courtyard was spacious, so it didn''t hinder the fight.


    Aunt Zhou let out a howl and charged forward, knowing to go for the leader first. She was a seasoned veteran of such scuffles, after all.


    She directly clawed at Fan Debiao''s face, leaving a few bloody streaks.


    "How dare you come to our courtyard and act arrogant, take this!"


    "Ah, you old hag, I won''t let you off!"


    The fight was chaos, with people pulling Zhao Guihua, causing her to stumble. Su Yinlai quickly stepped in: "Aunt Zhao, step back, let me handle this!"


    In moments like these, everyone was ruthless.


    A man rushed up and tried to punch Su Jinlai, but Su Jinlai, about to get hit, pushed Guan Hong in front of him, catching her off guard: "Ah~"


    At the last moment, Li Junjun grabbed Guan Hong and followed up with a swift kick.


    Though the older ladies in the courtyard were quite fierce, the men who had come were large, and they gained the upper hand. However, they didn''t get off unscathed, with some being scratched and others taking hits to the vitals.


    Old ladies fighting? They didn''t mess around!


    However, the few young men, Li Junjun, Li Weiwei, and Su Yinlai, who were protecting the women, all ended up with some injuries.


    When Ming Mei and the others returned, they arrived just in time to see the chaos. Ming Mei was at the front, and before even reaching the door, she heard the commotion inside and quickly said, "You all take the kids, I''ll go check it out."


    She sprinted to the door, just in time to see Fan Debiao lifting a wooden club to strike Zhao Guihua. Without thinking, she darted forward, grabbed the club, and with a swift spin, took it from him. Instead of using it herself, she handed it to Zhao Guihua, but then delivered a powerful kick, sending Fan Debiao flying.


    Her kick was far more powerful than Li Junjun''s, and Fan Debiao was flung into the air, crashing heavily onto the steps, coughing up blood.


    "Hit that nasty woman!"


    "You bitch, we''re going to teach you a lesson!"


    "How dare you attack Brother Biao, take this!"


    Ming Mei paid no heed to their taunts and directly engaged, realizing that only the weak needed to talk tough. In no time, she had taken out all of them, one by one.


    There was no need for anyone else to step in.


    Everyone silently stepped back, realizing that Ming Mei''s strength was on a different level.


    Indeed, in just a few moves, the five or six men were like rag dolls, all knocked out and unable to fight back!


    The troublemakers were piled up in the courtyard, with Fan Debiao at the bottom, feeling like he was about to be crushed.


    Ming Mei dusted off her hands and said, "You really overestimate yourselves, coming to our courtyard to cause trouble. Did you even bother to find out if we''re easy to mess with?"


    "That''s right!"


    "Beat them up!"


    "Charge!"


    Everyone now felt emboldened, rushing forward with a series of thuds!


    Oh, they weren''t scared from the start. Their courtyard had seen it all, so the only ones who might be afraid were the younger ones. Anyone with some experience knew just how tough their courtyard was.


    When it came to fighting, they had seen it all!


    "I''ll teach you to curse, to bully people, to force yourself on someone, do you think this is the old society? I hate scum like you the most!" Guan Hong joined in the fray.


    Zheng Huimin wasn''t holding back either: "I would never marry a scumbag like you, you''re as old as my dad and still trying to leech off a young girl, shameless! If you keep harassing me, I''ll report you!"


    The others weren''t holding back either: "How dare you show up without knowing the reputation of our 44th Courtyard..."


    A group of children watching the whole scene from the doorway: "...Wow!"

 Chapter 192

    Ming Mei single-handedly took out a group of tough guys, as easily as playing a game.


    These men, after being knocked down, faced a second round of beatings, getting thoroughly pummeled. Coming to cause trouble and thinking they could leave unscathed?


    Fat chance!


    After getting a sound beating, could they finally leave?


    Not so fast¡ªthere was a third round of troubles waiting for them: they called the police station.


    Woo-hoo, this was incredibly unreasonable. They had initiated the fight and seemed to have the upper hand, yet they called the cops, thinking the police officers would side with them. When the officers arrived, they couldn''t help but chuckle, "Oh, another case that contributes to our stats."


    Hearing this, those men felt utterly embarrassed.


    Fan Debiao tried to fabricate the truth, shouting, "Officers, we¡¯re the victims here! We encountered bad people, we¡­"


    "Shut it," Guan Hong quickly interjected. "Surely you don¡¯t think we¡¯re the bad guys here? This group of men barged in with the intent to kidnap a woman and attack people; we were merely acting in self-defense." Despite her usual flightiness, she showed a strong sense of justice in this situation.


    She added, "This stout, pig-eared man here claims they¡¯ve paid the betrothal money, and now they¡¯re here to kidnap her."


    Pointing at a few of the male comrades, she continued, "Look at how badly they¡¯ve injured our men."


    Zheng Huimin nodded in agreement, "Exactly, I had no idea about any arrangement between him and my parents. I had already run away from home before¡­"


    "They came here to bully people," Wang Zizhen chimed in loudly. "Look, they brought a thick wooden stick intending to hit an old lady. If it had hit, she would¡¯ve been done for! Is this how people behave? Where¡¯s the justice in this world?"


    Everyone started voicing their complaints at once.


    The police officers weren¡¯t going to take anyone¡¯s word at face value; it wasn¡¯t just one or two people involved, and the details were murky. However, there were quite a few witnesses on the scene¡ªpeople from the nearby courtyards who had seen what happened.


    It was a weekend, and some youngsters playing in the alley had also witnessed the events. Everyone started talking, and the situation was quickly pieced together.


    The police officers looked at Fan Debiao and his group with disdain. It was already the 80s¡ªwere they still living in the old society? Did they think they could just kidnap a woman? The women¡¯s federation wouldn¡¯t stand for this! The rights of women must be protected.


    "Don¡¯t worry," the leading police officer reassured them. "We will handle this matter seriously and cautiously, ensuring we give your community a satisfying resolution." He added, "Those of you who are injured should go to the hospital for a check-up first; we¡¯ll sort out the compensation details later."


    Even though Fan Debiao and his gang were the ones getting the worse of it, as the instigators of the trouble, they would still have to compensate Zhao Guihua and the others for their medical expenses.


    Zhao Guihua decisively declared, "I¡¯m definitely going to get a thorough check-up; they were pretty rough with their shoves earlier, and my back feels off."


    She then winked at Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang.


    This wasn¡¯t about trying to swindle them; it was about making these troublemakers understand the consequences of their actions. If they didn¡¯t face some actual losses, they might try something like this again. Besides, they were genuinely injured!


    Such people needed to be taught a lesson.


    Aunt Wang instantly caught on to her old friend¡¯s intentions, rubbing her shoulder and saying, "Oh my, what a terrible ordeal! I¡¯m an elderly woman, and I got punched by a bunch of young men. I need to be hospitalized!"


    Seeing the others start their "performances," Aunt Zhou eagerly chimed in, "And this can¡¯t leave me out! My heart and lungs are all in pain; it¡¯s incredibly unfair! How could anyone be so shameless as to bully the elderly?"


    Li Junjun and his group also nodded in unison.


    "Exactly, they brought a gang to attack us! If it wasn¡¯t for Aunt Zhao, we could¡¯ve been beaten to a pulp."


    "Indeed, look at how injured everyone is¡­"


    "Oh, speaking of their injuries, shouldn¡¯t they compensate for lost wages? After all, we all have jobs to get back to."


    The police officer replied, "That will definitely be taken into account."


    Zhao Guihua seized Yinlai¡¯s hand and said, "Look at the state this child is in; he was practically acting as a good Samaritan. Not just him, but all of us were protecting the girl. If she had been taken away, God knows what would¡¯ve happened to her."


    "Exactly!"


    "These scoundrels declared the girl their wife right off the bat; they clearly had ill intentions."


    "Absolutely, don¡¯t trust people like that."


    "Look at how badly this young man was beaten."


    The onlookers focused on Yinlai, saying, "He¡¯s a hundred times better than his brother."


    Yinlai was the most visibly injured, with obvious bruises on his face. Having been away for several days and traveling by train, he looked incredibly worn out. But now, with his injuries, anyone would think he¡¯d gone through a terrible ordeal.


    The police officers were also indignant: "Don¡¯t worry; go to the hospital. Whether it¡¯s for lost wages or medical expenses, we¡¯ll make sure you get everything you¡¯re owed."


    Yinlai responded quickly, "Thank you."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Shouldn¡¯t they be considered a gang of hooligans?"


    The police officer replied, "We¡¯ll need to investigate further on that."


    "No, we¡¯re not a gang of hooligans!" one of the men following Fan Debiao wailed. "We¡¯re just part of superiority Debiao¡¯s crew. He¡¯s a street vendor in West Dan, and we just help him with collecting and moving goods from time to time. We¡¯re not really into fights; we¡¯re just helping out as his errand boys. We didn¡¯t want any actual trouble!"


    The men with Fan Debiao were wailing in despair; usually, they got to enjoy the good life by being hangers-on, but this time, they ended up losing both their manhood and their pride. It was an utter disgrace!


    They couldn¡¯t even beat the old ladies, let alone the women, and got thrashed instead. It was a humiliating defeat!


    "We¡¯re so unfortunate! Waaaah!"


    The men cried their hearts out, sobbing uncontrollably. However, no one felt the slightest bit of sympathy for them. They hadn¡¯t shown any mercy when they started the fight. If it weren¡¯t for Ming Mei¡¯s timely return, the battle would¡¯ve gone on longer, and the old ladies certainly couldn¡¯t have held out against a group of strong men.


    So, it was only fair that they got what they deserved!


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes to the heavens and sneered, "What¡¯s there to cry about? You¡¯re a bunch of grown men."


    Ming Mei quickly interjected, "Mom, don¡¯t bother with these men; I¡¯ll take you all to the hospital."


    "What¡¯s going on here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi finally arrived on the scene, taking in the situation with a sharp change of expression. He immediately stepped forward and asked, "What happened?"


    Several kids quickly gathered around Zhuang Zhixi, but before they could start chattering.


    Zhao Guihua glared at her son and scolded, "Where the hell have you been, you little rascal? You¡¯re never home when we need you! The trouble¡¯s already done with, and you show up now! Where were you on a Sunday? Did you run wild?"


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly explained, "I went to see off Grandpa Lan."


    He added, "Grandpa Lan was heading back to Jinling; I went to the train station to see him off."


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow. "What? He¡¯s going back to his hometown?"


    Lan Sihai wasn¡¯t usually the type to involve himself with his family or have them disturb his life.


    Ming Mei quickly explained, "My nephew is getting married; it¡¯s my eldest cousin¡¯s son¡¯s wedding. He¡¯s going back to attend the ceremony. I was going to the station too, but Grandpa Lan didn¡¯t want a tearful goodbye, so he only asked Zhixi to see him off."


    She made sure to clear her husband¡¯s name, adding, "He wasn¡¯t running around aimlessly."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "So, what happened here, Mom?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "These jerks dared to show up at our doorstep. Do they even know how tough our old ladies are? Walk from the south to the north, ask around, and you¡¯ll hear plenty about our community! Do they think we¡¯re scared of trouble?"


    Aunt Wang added, "Exactly, they had the nerve to¡­"


    And so on, the old ladies quickly filled him in on the details.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and looked at the group of men who were now bruised and battered. Despite their beaten state, each of them was clutching their groin area, clearly victims of a certain martial arts move.


    The aunties in their courtyard had all learned from Bai Fendou to kick where it hurts first when fighting.


    Fan Debiao was especially affected, clutching himself and grimacing in pain.


    Despite his earlier loud cries, he dared not utter a word now. However, his gaze was somewhat venomous. Zhuang Zhixi looked at him, slightly frowned, and then quickly addressed the others, "You should hurry to the hospital. With the current situation, it''s best to get a proper check-up. Are you girls alright?"


    Zheng Huimin shook her head and said, "I''m fine."


    This was her first time experiencing a group fight. It was an exhilarating and novel experience. Her lips tightened as her body still trembled slightly, but inexplicably, she felt she had gained more courage.


    She glanced at Fan Debiao, quickly turned her head away in fear, but then thought of something and turned back, glaring fiercely at him.


    Fan Debiao was infuriated.


    This little bitch had conspired with outsiders against him!


    Just wait until they''re married, he''ll definitely beat this rotten woman to death.


    His eyes flickered as he stared relentlessly at Zheng Huimin. Zheng Huimin spat and said, "I''m not afraid of you anymore!" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What was the point of being a big strong man when Zhao Guihua had kicked him where it hurt the most?


    She wasn''t afraid anymore!


    She shifted closer to Ming Mei.


    Indeed, as the rumors said, Ming Mei was really formidable.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, let''s move these things to our place for now. The rest should go to the hospital immediately. Children, go home!" Zhuang Zhixi started organizing, saying, "Sister-in-law, look after the kids."


    Liang Meifen: "Got it!"


    She stood there meekly like a quail. Though this situation had nothing to do with her, she was terrified the moment she saw Ming Mei in action. Such a sister-in-law was someone she couldn''t afford to provoke. Liang Meifen shooed the children, "Go home, kids. Auntie will make pancakes for you later."


    Hearing about pancakes,


    for some reason, Fan Debiao thought of Wu Dalang. He felt he was that pitiable Wu Dalang, and Zheng Huimin this little bitch was Pan Jinlian. He just didn''t know who the Ximen Qing was.


    His eyes darted around as the police officers were about to take them away.


    He clutched the area in pain, walking with a slow, halting gait. Zhuang Zhixi smirked lightly, as if speaking to himself, "Stupid, used as a pawn."


    It seemed he wasn''t talking to Fan Debiao but merely letting out that light remark. He then spoke to the leading police officer, "I''m sorry to have caused you trouble again."


    "Hey, what trouble? That''s our job. Besides, we know you can handle things well." They were just here to clean up; they never had to step in anyway.


    The officer smiled and said, "Ming Mei, you''re starting at the Police University next week, right?"


    Ming Mei smiled and nodded, "Yes! By the way, I heard your system arranges training sessions during the summer break for college students?"


    "Yes, and I signed up. I¡¯ll probably need your guidance then, Professor Ming."


    Ming Mei chuckled, "Of course!"


    Fan Debiao and the others looked at Ming Mei, then at the police. One of them with a bruised and swollen face couldn''t help but ask, "Sister, are you a police officer?"


    Ming Mei: "I''m not."


    Fan Debiao and his gang looked at her suspiciously. The police officer laughed and said, "She''s a combat instructor at the Police University."


    Fan Debiao''s pupils dilated!


    Now he understood why they were in such a mess. It was no wonder they couldn''t defeat her; she was too strong.


    At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi spoke up again, "My wife used to work with Guan Guiling at the same unit. Though they didn''t interact much, everyone knew she hates evil. Even though she''s transferred now, she couldn''t just watch her old colleague''s daughter get bullied. You''ll be staying inside for a while!"


    Fan Debiao was stunned, then narrowed his eyes slightly. Being a man of suspicion, especially in business, he always thought twice. Without knowing Zhuang Zhixi''s name, he recalled his earlier words: "Used as a pawn."


    Suddenly, he began to doubt Zheng Yufeng and his wife.


    If Zheng Yufeng hadn''t "inadvertently" let it slip, he wouldn''t have come here!


    Moreover, she was an ex-colleague of Guan Guiling; she must have known how formidable the woman was.


    Could it be that he indeed got set up?


    "Take them away!"


    All were taken away. Zhao Guihua and the others prepared to go to the hospital for a check-up. Zhuang Zhixi asked, "They won''t have any serious issues, right?"


    "Indecent assault? They''ll likely be detained for ten days to a month; it''s hard to get longer."


    The police officer knew this was the usual case. He said, "This isn''t serious enough for a more significant charge."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded; he had anticipated this.


    The police officer looked at Zheng Huimin and said, "Don''t worry; no one can force you to marry if you don''t want to. If you face any difficulties, seek the Women''s Federation; they are willing to help female comrades."


    Zheng Huimin nodded quickly, "I understand."


    "Hurry to the hospital, and don''t worry about the expenses there."


    "Okay."


    Zheng Huimin said, "I''m fine; I''m not hurt. It''s Brother Li..."


    Li Weiwei: "I''m fine."


    Zheng Huimin''s lips twitched, "I wasn''t talking about you. I meant Brother Li Junjun. Are you alright, Brother Li? I''ll take you to the hospital."


    Guan Hong quickly stepped forward, "Yes, yes, I saw you got hit twice. Does it hurt? This can''t be taken lightly."


    Li Junjun felt like the Tang Monk in the Spider Cave, immediately stepping back, "I''m fine; you don''t need to worry."


    He took another step back, wanting to look for Xiaoyan, but suddenly remembered she had night classes and hadn''t returned.


    Zheng Huimin: "Don''t take it lightly."


    The two female comrades were both very concerned about Li Junjun. Su Jinlai, however, couldn''t stand it. After all, these two were also his pursuers, and he had always felt superior. But since this incident, they hadn''t even glanced at him, let alone showed concern.


    He felt unequal and coughed to interrupt, saying sarcastically, "It''s just a couple of hits. Are men so weak they can''t handle that? Look at how nervous you are; this isn''t a big deal!"


    "Shut up!"


    Both Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong shouted simultaneously.


    The buzzing crowd instantly fell silent as everyone looked at the two women. Zheng Huimin glared at Su Jinlai with utter disdain. She spat and said, "You''re worse than a dog!"


    Su Jinlai hadn''t expected Zheng Huimin to curse him like that. He was stunned for a moment before reacting, "You, you... What do you mean? How dare you insult me? If it weren''t for our courtyard''s people protecting you, would you be standing here unharmed? Don''t you know how to be grateful?!"


    As shameless as he was, Zheng Huimin spat again, "You''re worse than a dog! When Fan Debiao and his gang came, you hid faster than anyone. If it weren''t for Brother Li Junjun, I would have been beaten. Now you act like a hero? I''m very grateful for the courtyard''s people helping me, but what does that have to do with you? Don''t think I didn''t see it; when we needed help, you ran faster than anyone! You''re trash! You''re a coward! You''re a weakling!"


    Zheng Huimin admired true men the most. Someone like him was worse than a dog!


    She snorted coldly, "I''ll return your rent and never want to see a piece of trash like you again!"


    Su Jinlai: "You, you... You''re obviously jealous because I said Guan Hong is my girlfriend, you..."


    As soon as Guan Hong heard this, she remembered how he had pushed her out to avoid trouble. Without hesitation, she kicked him right where it hurt: "Bang!"


    Su Jinlai: "Ah!"


    He hadn''t been hurt earlier, but now he was!


    He clutched the area and crouched down: "You..."


    Without a word, Guan Hong slapped him across the face with a loud smack!


    Wang Xiangxiu started to step forward but was pulled back by Yinlai, who shook his head at her.


    Guan Hong was seething with anger, her hair practically standing on end. She cursed, "If you hadn''t brought it up, I might have forgotten! It was you earlier, right when things were about to get really nasty. You actually pushed me out to take that slap for you!"


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, reflecting on how she had once liked such a disgusting creature. The thought made her feel nauseous.


    With another swift move, Guan Hong delivered two firm slaps across Su Jinlai''s face, shouting, "Guan Hong cuts all ties with you!"


    Su Jinlai was completely stunned, collapsing to the ground. "You... you... you she-tiger! Who would want you!"


    Guan Hong put her hands on her hips. "I don''t want you either! You''re just a fart! Absolutely useless trash!"


    Her anger continued to mount. "Look at this courtyard. Everyone else, even the older folks, aren''t cowards. But you? You¡¯re just using women as shields. Are you even a man? Go die!"


    Unable to contain her rage, she kicked him once more, this time in the butt.


    Su Jinlai yelped, "Ouch!"


    Guan Hong retorted, "Eat shit!"


    No one intervened as Guan Hong beat him up. Wang Xiangxiu had initially wanted to step in but was stopped by Yinlai, who, upon hearing the story, nearly blew her top.


    She could tolerate her son causing minor mischief from time to time, but for a ''man of Beijing'' to do something so unmanly was utterly disgraceful. She stepped forward and asked, "Is what Guan Hong said true?"


    Su Jinlai retorted, "She''s framing me!"


    Yinlai chimed in solemnly, "Big brother, we all saw it..."


    In a setting with so many witnesses, did he really think he could get away with lying?


    Wang Xiangxiu was livid. She grabbed her son and started beating him. "You little scoundrel! You can''t go a day without causing trouble, can you? Look at yourself! What can you even do? You..."


    "Mom, stop hitting me!"


    Yinlai quickly stepped in to stop her, saying, "Mom, don''t beat him anymore. You might end up making yourself sick."


    Wang Xiangxiu sighed, "I don''t know what kind of bad karma I accumulated to end up with a son like you. You''re going to give me a heart attack..."


    Yinlai quickly supported his mother, urging, "Mom, sit down quickly."


    "Maybe we should go to the hospital."


    "Yes, yes, let''s go to the hospital."


    Despite no major injuries, the scuffle had left some scratches, and the elderly participants needed medical checks. Everyone was quick to head to the hospital, eager for a thorough examination.


    They were in the right, after all. If it weren''t for Fan Debiao attacking Zheng Huimin first, there wouldn''t have been a fight.


    With the moral high ground, they were unstoppable.


    Since someone else was covering the medical expenses, they didn''t hold back, getting every possible test done. It turned out that Yinlai wasn''t in great shape and had to be hospitalized. Nothing serious, but his weaker constitution meant he wasn''t feeling well.


    The bustling hospital was filled with everyone from the courtyard.


    Meanwhile, the kids back at the courtyard gathered around, comparing notes. "My mom is so amazing! Just like Bai Mei Daxia, she''s a great fighter," said Tuantuan.


    The radio was currently airing a serialized story about Bai Mei Daxia, whom the kids considered the ultimate hero.


    "Can you fight too?"


    "Of course! My sister and I go to training five days a week."


    Yuanyuan agreed, "Training is tough, but fighting is really cool."


    "That''s right!"


    "If you''re so good, can you teach us?"


    "Sure!"


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan had been taking martial arts classes for six years, starting when they were just five years old. Their great-uncle, who was their mother''s teacher, had returned from out of town in 1977 and lived in a big courtyard where the siblings trained regularly. They were already much more proficient than most kids their age, but they never used their skills to bully others.


    Their great-uncle strictly forbade it.


    Today, seeing their mom in action, the two were in awe of how skilled she was.


    Little Siyuan asked curiously, "Why do you learn from your mom''s teacher instead of her directly? Isn''t Aunt Ming Mei capable of teaching you?"


    Yuanyuan explained, "Mom says learning martial arts is hard work. As a mother, she doesn''t want to make us suffer, so she can''t teach us. But I like learning from Grandpa."


    "Why?"


    "Because my mom''s teacher must be even better than her! Plus, technically, we''re like her junior siblings." Yuanyuan grinned, feeling like she had scored a point.


    "That makes sense."


    "Exactly."


    "I want to learn too!"


    "Me too!"


    The other kids looked at Tuantuan and Yuanyuan with anticipation.


    "We can teach you guys later," they replied enthusiastically.


    "Deal!"


    The kids gathered around, making a lot of noise as they practiced their moves.


    "We''ll be so strong, we won''t have to fear bad guys anymore."


    "We don''t already!"


    "Right!"


    With the adults away, the kids were having a great time.


    While the tiger was away, the monkeys played king.


    Liang Meifen was in charge of the children but found the noise overwhelming. Seeing that the kids weren''t in a hurry to go to bed, she didn''t push them either, saying, "If you''re sleeping over, go wash your faces and feet right now."


    "Okay~ Just a minute!"


    Although they agreed, the chatter didn''t stop.


    Li Zhenzhen said, "Once we learn martial arts, we can go out and be heroes."


    She still had dreams of being a kung fu heroine.


    "But where''s the ''jianghu''?"


    "Everywhere there are people is the ''jianghu''."


    The kids'' lively discussions even revealed some philosophical nuggets.


    Meanwhile, Liang Meifen found all the noise too much. She moved a stool to the doorway and dozed off, overwhelmed by the ruckus.


    Ming Mei and the others returned late at night. Liang Meifen had already fallen asleep on her stool, and the kids inside hadn''t washed up. They were sprawled out, fast asleep, unruly without the adults around.


    Ming Mei didn''t wake the children. They were already asleep, so disturbing them wasn''t an option.


    She woke Liang Meifen instead. Liang Meifen, still drowsy, didn''t exchange pleasantries and went straight home to sleep.


    Ming Mei went to the water basin to wash her face, feeling quite tired after the day''s events.


    It wasn''t the fighting that tired her, but the day''s activities¡ªthey had also visited the Great Wall earlier, making for a long day.


    Zhuang Zhixi noticed her slightly fatigued expression and said, "You go to work as usual tomorrow. I''ll handle this at the police station."


    They were, after all, very familiar with the procedures.


    Ming Mei nodded, "Alright."


    Leaning against the water basin, she said, "I noticed Fan Debiao has a sinister glare and a fierce demeanor. He doesn''t seem like the forgiving type. Do you think he might seek revenge once he''s released after being detained?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was calm. "No, he won''t."


    Ming Mei raised an eyebrow. "I don''t think he looks like someone who would let this go easily."


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "True, our conflict with him would naturally make him resent us. But he wouldn''t be the one most vengeful toward us. You see, someone like him, with that evil aura and petty nature, I can tell he''s the type to hold grudges. However, even if he wants revenge, it''s not directed at us. Think about it¡ªhe knows you''re from the same unit as Guan Guiling. Wouldn''t he wonder about your combat skills? Doesn''t Guan Guiling know? Wouldn''t he suspect she orchestrated this? I don''t think Fan Debiao came here without Zheng Yufeng and Guan Guiling''s influence. Given some time¡ªeven if it''s just the ten days or so he''ll be detained¡ªhe''ll figure it out. Compared to us, who directly clashed with him, I believe he¡¯ll hold the ones who set him up in higher regard."


    "You think Guan Guiling and her husband deliberately lured him here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi affirmed, "Absolutely. With all the awards you''ve received at the transport station, it''s impossible not to notice you. You wouldn''t let them take him away without a fight, which would inevitably lead to conflict."


    Ming Mei frowned, "But why would Guan Guiling do something like that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I don''t know, but there must be some ulterior motive. It''s either her motive or her husband''s. I think it''s probably her husband''s motive. That Zheng Yufeng doesn''t seem like a good person; he''s got way too many tricks up his sleeve."


    Ming Mei nodded. She agreed with this assessment. The first time she met Zheng Yufeng was at the hospital. Although he was weak at the time, she immediately felt that this man gave off an uncomfortable vibe, heavy with an air of negativity.


    This wasn''t like Fan Debiao''s straightforward intimidating aura, but rather someone who pretends to be a good person on the surface while harboring sinister intentions underneath.


    Ming Mei rolled her eyes in frustration, saying, "What kind of people are they in their family? Guan Guiling..."


    She paused for a moment, then suddenly turned to look at Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "You deliberately brought up that Guan Guiling used to be my old colleague today, didn''t you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi remained calm, replying, "I had to divert his attention. If that cunning man focused on us, it would be a lot of trouble. And what I said wasn''t a lie¡ªZheng Yufeng and Guan Guiling pulling him in definitely has an agenda. Helping him analyze things early on is a good thing. Let them deal with their own mess and stay out of our way."


    Ming Mei didn''t see anything wrong with Zhuang Zhixi''s approach.


    After all, he was doing this for the sake of their family.


    "Guan Guiling really isn''t good to her daughter. If she even cared a little, she wouldn''t have chosen someone like Fan Debiao."


    "That''s for sure," Zhuang Zhixi responded.


    They both felt a bit sympathetic toward Zheng Huimin, who was stuck with such a mother.


    "Oh, by the way, Zheng Huimin didn''t come back?" Ming Mei suddenly realized.


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "She stayed at the hospital to help out."


    Ming Mei replied, "I didn''t notice."


    Aunt Zhao Guihua and the other older women were scheduled for a full body check-up. However, since it was already evening, some of the tests couldn''t be done. The hospital arranged for them to stay overnight. Normally, such arrangements wouldn''t be made, but since their case was involved, the hospital agreed to the stay.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Mom and the others aren''t planning to let Fan Debiao off easily. A full check-up won''t hurt, right? Zheng Huimin decided to stay and help out."


    "She really should stay," Ming Mei agreed.


    "I think she just wants to stay and be with Li Junjun," Zhuang Zhixi observed.


    Ming Mei noticed this too. Li Junjun worked for the railway, and his schedule was different from regular people''s. He had no shift tomorrow, so he stayed at the hospital tonight to help take care of Yinlai.


    As for Jinlai, well, even dogs wouldn''t bother with him!


    No one paid him any attention.


    Furthermore, Aunt Wang and Wang Zizhen were already at the hospital, so Li Junjun didn''t return home either.


    "Oh wait, Guan Hong didn''t come back either," Ming Mei realized.


    The couple exchanged glances, and gradually, a thought formed in their minds.


    Ming Mei hesitantly said, "Uh... could it be that both she and Zheng Huimin have their sights set on Li Junjun again?"


    Zhuang Zhixi twitched his mouth, thinking, "Seems quite possible."


    For a moment, the couple didn''t know what to say.


    It was just... rather perplexing!


    "They sure share the same interests," Ming Mei commented.


    The couple exchanged a look, finding that they really couldn''t understand the younger generation. Although they themselves got married early, the circumstances back then were vastly different from now. This generation of young people was simply bewildering to them.


    Ming Mei sighed, "I can''t understand it at all."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "Me neither. If Tuantuan or Yuanyuan ends up being such lovesick fools, I definitely won''t be happy."


    As an anxious father, thinking about it made him sigh.


    His little Yuanyuan better not be like that!


    Raising a son might be somewhat easier, but when it comes to daughters, parents can''t help but worry, afraid that they might fall for some rascal. The mere thought made Zhuang Zhixi anxious.


    He frowned slightly, saying, "I think we need to save more money, prepare more for our daughter."


    Ming Mei blinked, unsure what he was getting at.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "Other families might favor boys, but we have just two children¡ªone boy and one girl¡ªand we can''t adopt that way of thinking."


    Ming Mei nodded. "Of course."


    Growing up, she had never experienced any gender bias and, naturally, she wouldn¡¯t let her own children feel it either. She treated her two children equally.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Whether it''s a son or a daughter, money gives a person confidence. We have to prepare for both of them."


    Ming Mei looked up, her watery eyes gazing at Zhuang Zhixi as she asked seriously, "Are you really going to discuss this with me at midnight in the yard?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, saying, "Let''s go back to sleep. We need to work hard, save money for our son''s future wife, and prepare a dowry for our daughter."


    "Alright," Ming Mei agreed, "Let¡¯s go!"


    The couple headed back home.


    Ming Mei peeked into the children''s room and saw the little ones sleeping soundly like little pigs. She couldn''t help but smile and shake her head before gently closing the door. This night had been a busy one for everyone.


    They returned home, while others remained at the hospital.


    Li Junjun sat by the bedside, leaning against the chair.


    Yinlai was narrating his experiences in the south to Li Junjun, who hadn''t been there himself and was fascinated by Yinlai''s descriptions.


    "Is business really that booming in the south?" Li Junjun asked.


    "Yeah, we went directly to factories, and there are many shops outside too. But buying from shops would be more expensive than direct factory deals," Yinlai explained with a smile. "It''s a good thing we went together. If I were alone, I probably wouldn''t have managed alone. Even though it''s lively there, it''s also a bit chaotic. For example, on the train rides to and fro, we encountered trouble multiple times."


    Li Junjun sighed. "Your journey sure was eventful."


    "That''s for sure," Yinlai responded.


    Though Li Junjun didn''t interact with Yinlai as much as with Tonglai, he felt envious of the experience. However, amidst the longing, he also appreciated the stable life he had.


    "Li Ge, everyone¡¯s asleep; you should rest too," said Zheng Huimin, coming up to Li Junjun.


    Guan Hong chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, you¡¯re hurt; you should rest more."


    Li Junjun chuckled and shook his head, saying, "It''s okay, I''m fine. I just want to chat with Yinlai."


    Yinlai glanced at Zheng Huimin and, after a moment''s silence, decided not to mention Zheng Huifang''s matter. That could wait for Aunt Zhao and Aunt Wang to handle. He just said mildly, "I''m actually okay. Normally, I wouldn''t even need to be hospitalized."


    Realizing they had the upper hand, considering Fan Debiao had brought trouble their way, they thought it wouldn''t hurt to stick it to him a bit.


    Leaning back on the hospital bed, Yinlai added, "I just need a few days of rest."


    Then, changing the subject, he said, "Thanks for covering my shifts. I''ll calculate the money for you tomorrow."


    Zheng Huimin quickly agreed, "Okay, thank you."


    Currently penniless and struggling to make ends meet, she had been skipping meals to save money. If not for relying on Guan Hong''s help, she would have been starving.


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????admitted frankly, "I haven¡¯t got a single penny, really broke."


    Yinlai looked at her, surprised, and then realized it made sense. The Zheng family certainly wouldn¡¯t be financially supporting Zheng Huimin. Besides, without a proper job, she had no steady income. Li Junjun showed some sympathy, saying, "If you ever need money, you can borrow from me. I don¡¯t have a lot, but it can help out in emergencies."


    A girl like her had it tough.


    Zheng Huimin¡¯s eyes lit up, but before she could respond, Guan Hong cut in, "I can lend her some money too."


    She grabbed Zheng Huimin tightly, insisting, "I¡¯ll lend it to you!"


    Zheng Huimin stammered, "I¡­ I wasn¡¯t asking to borrow money."


    She hadn¡¯t been intending to borrow money, just expressing her gratitude to Li Junjun. She knew he was a good person!


    Didn¡¯t Guan Hong overthink things too much?


    Slightly narrowing her eyes, Zheng Huimin understood what Guan Hong was up to. She muttered quietly, "You¡¯re always trying to take things from me."


    First Su Jinlai, then Li Weiwei!


    She explained, "I¡¯ll get the money for covering shifts tomorrow, so no need to borrow."


    She and Tonglai had agreed that shift cover pay was eight cents a day. She had covered shifts for ten days, totaling eight yuan, enough to last half a month if she saved a little. She planned to repay Jinlai for the rent so she wouldn''t be tied to that scoundrel anymore. She felt disgusted just thinking about it.


    The rent was eight yuan a month, divided equally between her and Guan Hong.


    Sighing inwardly, that would thin her meager funds in half.


    "What are your plans for the future?" Yinlai asked.


    Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong exchanged glances. Although they were originally rivals in love, having gone through "hardships" together, they no longer had an antagonistic attitude towards each other. They might still bicker, but they could discuss important matters.


    Guan Hong: "I plan to continue renting the apartment here."


    Zheng Huimin nodded: "Me too."


    Guan Hong continued: "I ran away for love and fell out with my parents. Now that I know Su Jinlai is unreliable, I can''t just go back home immediately, as that would mean I was wrong all along. That would be so embarrassing! I want to stay here and show my parents that I can live well without them. I was not wrong. Pursuing love wasn''t wrong, though I happened to have chosen the wrong person. But I can still meet the right one."


    She glanced at Li Junjun, secretly thinking that only by staying in the compound could she continue to interact with Li Ge. It''s not that she changed her heart too quickly, but Su Jinlai was really unreliable. He actually pushed her out to take the blame in critical moments, which Guan Hong simply couldn''t tolerate.


    Whether it''s the gang leaders in Hong Kong movies or the male leads in Taiwanese romance dramas, none of them are like this guy!


    A man can be flirtatious, carefree, and unattached to worldly affairs...


    But he can''t be a coward!


    To have a woman take the fall in critical moments? Even the villains in Hong Kong movies wouldn''t do that, it''s just trash!


    Guan Hong certainly doesn''t want someone like that, even if they''ve slept together. She''s made up her mind to pursue Li Junjun now. The good news is that Li Junjun is a very manly, upright, and good-hearted person. The bad news is, Zheng Huimin might have the same idea, and they could be starting a new battle for the man.


    Damn, she''s always her love rival.


    Their tastes are surprisingly similar.


    But good men are always fought over.


    She looked at Zheng Huimin and said: "You''re going to stay too, right?"


    Zheng Huimin nodded firmly: "Why go home? I''d just be walking into their schemes. I also want to stay and find some part-time work."


    As long as she can earn money, she won''t starve.


    Even if she were to starve, she wouldn''t marry someone like Fan Debiao. She can do without steamed buns, but not without love.


    Only by staying can she get closer to Li Weiwei. Otherwise, Guan Hong would definitely try to steal him. She''s already seen that Guan Hong has shifted her affections, changing as quickly as the wind. But then again, who wouldn''t love a brave man?


    She said: "I want to talk to Brother Zhang San about renting long-term, see if he can lower the rent a bit."


    This immediately got Guan Hong''s approval, and she said: "Right, I''ll go with you. We can bargain together."


    "I wonder if he''d agree."


    Li Junjun thought for a moment and said: "I think he might agree. Uncle Zhang San is a good man. He''s not the type to be difficult to talk to."


    The two girls immediately smiled, their eyes shining brightly as they gazed at Li Junjun, full of affection.


    Yinlai, who was watching from the side, swallowed hard, feeling a bit scared by the intensity of their gazes. It seemed as if they were ready to devour him. They hadn''t looked at his eldest brother like this before. Now, it was really frightening.


    He lowered his head, seeking help from the others in the ward, but everyone... was asleep.


    Yinlai felt small and helpless, thinking he should be under the bed instead of in the bed.


    "Li Ge, are you not working tomorrow?" Zheng Huimin asked sweetly, smiling, "You helped me today, solving a big problem for me. Let me wash your clothes? Do you have any dirty clothes? I can wash them for you."


    Li Junjun immediately replied: "No, thanks!"


    It would be inappropriate to let a young woman wash his clothes without any familial ties. He quickly said: "I can do it myself."


    "Li Ge, when do you work and when do you get off? Let''s go for a picnic together?" Guan Hong launched her own attack.


    Li Junjun immediately shook his head: "No, I''m usually quite busy."


    He looked for help toward Yinlai, who was hiding under the covers, pretending to be asleep. The poor guy didn''t even move¡ªit was obvious he wasn''t really asleep.


    Li Junjun mumbled: "I... I need to go to the restroom."


    "Li Ge, I''ll come with you?" Guan Hong didn''t hesitate to take the initiative when it came to the man she liked.


    Li Weiwei seemed even more panicked and said: "No, really, no need!"


    He quickly got up and left.


    Zheng Huimin: "Li Ge..."


    Li Weiwei turned back: "I think everything''s fine here. Everyone''s okay. There''s no need for care or company. I can manage on my own. You all should go back. Zheng Huimin, don''t you need to cover Yinlai''s shift tomorrow? If you don''t get enough sleep, how will you have the energy? And you, Guan Hong, you also need to work tomorrow. The machinery factory isn''t a place where you can slack off. What if you get hurt by not paying attention? Go back and rest."


    Go, go, leave now.


    They''re making him nervous with their enthusiasm.


    Li Junjun insisted: "Go back and rest. You''ve got work tomorrow. Don''t wear yourselves out, young people."


    Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong both felt touched. Zheng Huimin nodded forcefully: "Okay."


    Guan Hong also nodded. Though she wanted to stay, Li Ge''s concern was something they couldn''t ignore. They didn''t argue with Li Junjun and said with a hint of emotion: "Then we''ll go back and rest now. Li Ge, you rest well too."


    Li Junjun nodded: "Sure."


    He wanted to say, "Let me walk you back," but the words got stuck in his throat.


    Although he was well-intentioned, if he offered to walk them, they would surely misinterpret his actions even more. Li Junjun swallowed his well-meaning gesture and simply said: "Be careful on your way back."


    Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong felt even more touched, confirming with a strong "Okay."


    With that, the two didn''t delay any further and left the hospital together.


    As soon as they were gone, Li Junjun let out a sigh of relief.


    "Are those two girls interested in you?" Aunt Wang''s voice came from the ward. She wasn''t asleep after all!


    "I think so. Junjun was a hero today, rescuing the beauties. Those two girls have a bit of a hero complex, even if they''re not in love, they''re at least somewhat interested," Zhao Guihua chimed in.


    "Yes, young girls nowadays are more open than we were back then. Old Wang, you were always worried about Junjun and Weiwei being single. Look, they won''t be single¡ªthere are already girls interested in him," Aunt Zhou added, also not asleep.


    The crowd was really enthusiastic about the drama.


    Yinlai murmured softly: "Their eyes are so intense... it gives me goosebumps just looking at them."


    He stopped pretending to be asleep.


    Everyone turned their gaze to Li Weiwei''s bed. When trouble came, the older women like Wang Zizhen and He Lan were unfazed, but the young men stood in front, sustaining a few injuries¡ªlike Li Weiwei, who got banged up and ended up hospitalized. This really showed what kind of person each one was.


    Everyone was pretending to sleep and eavesdropping¡ªall except Li Weiwei, who was actually sleeping deeply.


    Li Weiwei: "Hooo... Hooo..."


    He was snoring soundly, really in deep sleep.


    Aunt Wang: "I was talking about this guy being single."


    Li Weiwei snored on.


    His grandmother was really worried.


    You know, Guan Hong was actually his arranged date, and now that she''s moved on to her second target, he''s still single, not even having gone on a date.


    Li Junjun, concerned for his brother, said: "Older brother must be exhausted today. Let him sleep well."


    He paused, then said: "Don''t talk about them like that. It''s not right to say those two ladies have feelings for me. This could affect their reputation. They''re just being enthusiastic out of gratitude for my help."


    But no one in the ward believed him.


    "What do you think?" Aunt Wang asked.


    As the grandmother of Li Junjun, Aunt Wang naturally knew that her grandson had a crush on Xiaoyan, whom he had always been very protective of from a young age. But now it was obvious that Xiaoyan wasn''t interested. Plus, she was still a student, and if she really managed to get into university, the gap between them would only widen. She didn''t think it was a good idea for her grandson to hold onto his feelings for Xiaoyan.


    Xiaoyan was only a freshman in high school, and there were three years in high school and four years in university.


    She had never doubted that Xiaoyan would fail to get in; others might fail, but Xiaoyan definitely could not.


    Adding up the seven years of high school and university, if her grandson really waited that long, he would be considered old by then. So, she wasn''t optimistic about Li Junjun''s feelings either.


    She said, "Your grandma thinks that they..."


    Li Junjun quickly interjected, "Grandma, I''m not planning to look for someone now."


    He didn''t explicitly say he had his sights set on Xiaoyan, but he firmly stated, "I''m still young, and even my job at the railway section isn''t permanent yet. I need to focus on my career."


    Aunt Wang opened her mouth to say something, but she bit her tongue and ultimately didn''t speak.


    Zhao Guihua understood Li Junjun''s feelings, but it wasn''t her place to comment.


    Aunt Wang sighed and said, "I''m not worried about Junjun, but I''m worried about Weiwei."


    Li Junjun hesitated for a moment and said, "Little brother has his heart set on nothing but peace."


    Ever since he saw a fight between two female colleagues, he felt that he couldn''t handle women and decided to wait a few more years. When Li Junjun mentioned this, Aunt Wang glared, "He''s not very capable. If he doesn''t find someone while he''s young, what will he do when he''s older?"


    Li Junjun shrunk his neck, realizing that in the eyes of older women, getting married was the most important thing.


    They couldn''t wait for them to find partners as soon as they came of age.


    Li Junjun remained silent, while Zhao Guihua chimed in, "Let''s go to bed early. We need to rest well; there''s still a lot of work ahead."


    "Exactly!"


    "Let''s sleep!"


    The conversation quickly came to an end. Meanwhile, when Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong got home, it was already very late¡ªalmost two in the morning. Both of them laid down but weren''t particularly sleepy. Guan Hong couldn''t help but say, "Are you still trying to compete with me?"


    Zheng Huimin replied, "It''s you who''s competing with me. A life-saving grace ought to be repaid with marriage."


    Guan Hong shot back, "Psh, I''m the one who should do that! He helped me too."


    "Then..."


    Both of them spoke at the same time: "Let''s see who''s better at competing."


    "Fine!"


    They were in perfect sync again, truly kindred spirits.


    Once more, they fell silent. After a while, Guan Hong pursed her lips and asked, "Do you have no money left?"


    Zheng Huimin mumbled, "I''ll have some after I get paid tomorrow. It''ll last me a few more days."


    Guan Hong murmured, "If you run out, I can lend you some."


    Zheng Huimin looked at Guan Hong in surprise. Guan Hong grumbled, "I can''t just watch you starve, can I?"


    Knowing that Guan Hong had a tough exterior but a soft heart, Zheng Huimin smiled and said, "I''ll hold out first. I''ll ask for help when I run out. Actually..."


    She hesitated for a moment and said, "I want to make money. I''m thinking of what I can do to earn some."


    Life without money was too hard.


    Guan Hong agreed with this. She said, "But you don''t have a stable job."


    Zheng Huimin rolled her eyes. "What can I do? The job at home, my mother will never give it to me. It''s reserved for my older brother. She never liked me."


    Guan Hong: "Then what will you do?"


    Zheng Huimin shook her head. She hadn''t figured it out yet, but she knew she had to make up her mind to earn money. Otherwise, she couldn''t go on like this. Yinlai would undoubtedly soon be back and wouldn''t need her to cover for him anymore.


    What was she going to do?


    With just a few bucks, she couldn''t afford to squander them, not to mention she still owed Guan Hong a hundred yuan.


    Not only did she owe a hundred yuan, but these days she''d also been shamelessly mooching off Guan Hong for food and drinks. She sighed, feeling utterly defeated.


    "Hey, did you see that?"


    "See what?"


    Guan Hong: "They went south to get goods. I saw a few old ladies in the courtyard planning to set up stalls."


    Zheng Huimin frowned and said, "That''s not good. Being an individual merchant is so embarrassing, and who among respectable people would do that?"


    Guan Hong chuckled, "Oh, please! What''s wrong with being an individual merchant? They make more money selling at stalls, and even if they don''t, it''s a legitimate business. You look down on it, but you''re broke. You don''t mind being poor, so why are you embarrassed about setting up a stall? Right now, you don''t even have a job. What else can you do?"


    In truth, Guan Hong also thought setting up a stall was not ideal.


    It wasn''t their fault; the prevailing mentality at the time was that way. Only when people understood that setting up stalls was profitable and that being an individual merchant wasn''t shameful did they truly grasp the vast difference between being wealthy and being poor, as the 1990s approached.


    But at the time, the mainstream still thought setting up stalls was embarrassing.


    As ordinary people, they naturally shared this mindset.


    In fact, Guan Hong thought the same way, but she wanted to argue with Zheng Huimin, so she wouldn''t say setting up a stall was bad. Besides, no matter how good or bad it was, Zheng Huimin had no other options!


    She said, "You''re already broke to this extent, so stop thinking about embarrassment. When you can''t afford rent and end up on the streets, will that be less embarrassing?"


    Zheng Huimin fell silent for a long time before saying, "You''re right."


    She hesitated for a moment and said, "What do you think I should do?"


    Guan Hong didn''t know either. She thought for a bit and said, "Why don''t you go ask Aunt Zhao?"


    "Ask her? She looks so scary!"


    Guan Hong chuckled coldly again. "Are you expecting someone to hand you the meal on a plate? If you want to find a way out, you naturally have to find someone capable. Aunt Zhao is so fierce, which means she''s capable. After all, at her age, who''d be that fierce unless they were capable? She can dominate the younger generation so thoroughly, so she must be a powerful person."


    She added, "Most older folks wouldn''t dare to be so active for fear of their children not taking care of them in their old age. She''s not afraid, which means she''s got something up her sleeve."


    Zheng Huimin nodded, "That makes sense."


    She pumped herself up, saying, "I''ll go find her tomorrow."


    She continued to cheer herself on, "Zheng Huimin, don''t be afraid. You can do it!"

 Chapter 193

    Zhao Guihua and several other elderly women went to the hospital for a full-body check-up.


    Surprisingly, despite their advanced age, none of them had any major health issues. Compared to the others, Yinlai was slightly weaker. He had been seriously injured by a pig when he was young, which had left him somewhat different from ordinary people.


    Although he wasn''t seriously ill this time, the doctor still recommended that he stay in the hospital for three days of observation and intravenous therapy, which would also serve as aperiod of rest. Yinlai was very obedient to the doctor''s orders.


    Zhao Guihua and the other elderly women were discharged first. They were in high spirits. They divided the goods among themselves; the styles had already been decided before the order was placed, so they simply split the items according to their previous agreement.


    Zhao Guihua had the most goods. However, since Ming Mei had to work, Zhao Guihua had to involve her husband, Old Man Zhuang. With Lan Sihai away, Old Man Zhuang found staying at home boring and was happy to accompany his wife to the market.


    The old couple became the main force in setting up shop.


    As for Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei, although they had invested ten thousand yuan, the main force was Zhao Guihua, who invested the most. After some discussion, it was decided that Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei would only receive 20% of the profits this time.


    Even with 20%, it wasn¡¯t a small amount.


    After all, both Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei had to work, so the main responsibility still fell on Zhao Guihua.


    Zhao Guihua held a family meeting at home. She said, "For the next while, I¡¯ll be busy setting up shop, so I won¡¯t have much time to care for the house. Oldest daughter-in-law, you¡¯ll be in charge of the household chores, helping with the kids after work and taking care of cooking. Also, the laundry and other chores will be your responsibility. Any problems?"


    Liang Meifen didn¡¯t dare to express any objections. Her mother-in-law was tough, her sister-in-law was tough, her own family couldn¡¯t be relied on, so she could only remain steady and obedient.


    She said, "Okay, I¡¯ll take care of all those chores."


    Zhao Guihua nodded slightly in satisfaction, "Let¡¯s set this for a month for now. I¡¯ll give you one hundred yuan."


    Clang!


    Liang Meifen fell off her stool, looking at Zhao Guihua in shock, stammering, "O-o-one h-h-hundred?!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, who was beside her, was also astonished, and quickly said, "Mom, what are you doing? We¡¯re all family, helping with chores is natural. How can you be paying us? If you do that, it seems like we only care about money."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "You¡¯re paid according to the work you do. I¡¯ve always been clear about these things. This matter is settled, don¡¯t argue. Oldest daughter-in-law, you¡¯ll also take care of the laundry for Old Three¡¯s family. Oh, and keep an account of the money spent on groceries and cooking, that¡¯s separate."


    Liang Meifen was in a daze, nodding absent-mindedly, unsure if she really understood.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at her, knowing it didn¡¯t matter whether she understood or not; as long as Oldest son understood, it was fine.


    She looked at Zhuang Zhiyuan, who said earnestly, "Mom, whatever you say is what it is, I¡¯ll follow your lead."


    In her past life, she had always aimed for fairness, but everyone felt things were unfair. In this life, she just went with her own standards, and surprisingly, every child felt she was being just, obeying her happily.


    It was really quite messed up.


    But it didn¡¯t matter.


    After living so long, Zhao Guihua had come to terms with everything.


    She said, "Old Three, all these small chores at home will be handled by your eldest sister-in-law. After work, hurry up and go sell clothes. Don¡¯t think that just because you invested some money, you can directly get your share. Both of you have to go sell clothes."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "We understand."


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s gaze fell on the children. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi both firmly said, "We¡¯ll attend classes as usual."


    Zhao Guihua nodded. She looked at Hutou with a tinge of melancholy; the boy just wasn¡¯t cut out for studying. But as his grandmother, she didn¡¯t say much. She then turned to the two little ones.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan immediately said firmly, "We¡¯ll study hard. After school, we¡¯ll practice our martial arts and go to the Culture Palace on time."


    Even though they were only in elementary school, they were very busy children.


    Although the school curriculum wasn¡¯t heavy, besides practicing martial arts, they also learned the cello at the Culture Palace. Additionally, the kids had to find time to go to the City Library every week. So even though they were young, they were quite busy.


    Fortunately, these were things the children enjoyed, and since all their friends were doing them, they didn¡¯t feel like a burden.


    Children like to play, but they also have a little competitive streak.


    Everyone has something they¡¯re learning, and they naturally hope to do well.


    "If you come back late one day, tell your eldest aunt, and she¡¯ll come pick you up."


    "Okay!" The little ones replied crisply.


    Although Tuantuan and Yuanyuan had quite a bit to do, they were the easiest to manage in the family, being so young. Mainly, as long as their safety was ensured, everything was fine.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I¡¯ll give you each a T-shirt to wear from the ones I¡¯m selling."


    "Nai, I¡¯ve gotten so many new clothes this year." Hutou said cheerfully, unaware of his upcoming college entrance exam in a couple of months. The adults were all worried, fearing he wouldn¡¯t make it, but he showed no concern, just enjoying life.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "You¡¯re a boy, why are you talking about new clothes? Your main task now is the college entrance exam."


    Back in the day, he hadn¡¯t been able to go to university, and he was really hoping his son could fulfill that dream.


    Although having his daughter get in would also be great, Zhuang Zhiyuan still held a bit of old-fashioned thinking. He felt that having a son go to college would bring more honor to the family. He felt anxious whenever he saw his son being carefree.


    Hutou: "..."


    Despite the looming college entrance exam, Hutou didn¡¯t feel much pressure. He¡¯d always been like this, honest and simple. He wouldn¡¯t do anything out of the ordinary, nor was he particularly ambitious.


    In most families, facing such tiger-like parents constantly nagging about going to university, one might feel immense pressure and possibly suffer from depression. But Hutou remained calm and composed. He ate, drank, and enjoyed himself as always.


    He even casually told his dad, "Dad, our acting teacher said I have no talent for acting."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, hearing this, almost coughed up blood.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t want his son to become an actor, but acting was the easiest shortcut Hutou could take. Without this, it would be very difficult for him to get into university. Zhuang Zhiyuan restrained himself from exploding, not because he wasn¡¯t angry, but because his mother was very protective of the children. If he got angry over such matters, his mother would surely scold him.


    Though he was already middle-aged, he still feared his mother.


    He took a deep breath and asked quietly, "Then what are you going to do? Are you still studying?"


    This question was asked through gritted teeth. Zhuang Zhixi, Ming Mei, and even the little ones, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, could hear the grinding of teeth from their eldest uncle.


    Eldest uncle was usually a kind and gentle man, easygoing and agreeable, but once it came to Hutou¡¯s studies, he transformed into a fire-breathing dragon.


    The two little ones watched their uncle eagerly, feeling that if Hutou didn¡¯t answer well, their uncle might bite someone.


    Hutou seemed completely unaware of his father¡¯s rage, saying, "I¡¯m planning to take the photography department exams. I¡¯m not cut out for acting, but the photography department is also considered arts, and my teacher said I have some talent in that area."


    He proudly raised his head.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    Inhale, exhale!


    Exhale, inhale!


    Don¡¯t get mad at Hutou!


    Don¡¯t!


    "You¡¯re about to take the arts exam, and now you¡¯re telling me you want to switch to photography?! Are you trying to¡­"


    "Ahem!" Zhao Guihua coughed, interrupting her son¡¯s words. She said calmly, "Given the situation now, what else can you do but let him be? I¡¯ve thought about it, let Hutou perform as he can; if he gets in, fine, if not, that¡¯s okay too."


    She smiled, "I talked to Zhixin about this. If he doesn¡¯t make it into university, then have her husband arrange for him to join the army. That¡¯s a good way out too."


    "Ah!" Hutou widened his eyes in disbelief, stammering, "D-d-do I have t-t-to join the army?!"


    He was shocked.


    From a young age, he had always been undisciplined, but he had heard from his cousins that military life was incredibly strict and arduous. After all, his two cousins had grown up in a military compound, so they knew better than anyone. He was completely stunned, pointing at himself and stammering, "Me... me?"


    "Yes, you."


    Hutou was truly frightened, thoroughly frightened.


    Although every boy has a dream of becoming a soldier, Hutou knew himself well enough. He had always been a carefree child, and his family lived comfortably, so he wasn¡¯t the type to strive relentlessly. Even the tutor found this out: Hutou didn¡¯t have the drive of someone like Yinlai, who desperately wanted to change his life and rise above the rest. With Hutou¡¯s comfortable life, there was no need for him to gamble everything on studying.


    Because, even without all that, his life was already good.


    However, seeing his grandmother''s serious expression, Hutou suddenly straightened up and declared, "I¡¯ll start studying now."


    He didn¡¯t have the drive to join the military.


    So he decided to focus on getting into university; if he failed, he would have to enlist. If that was the case, he had to work hard!


    As long as he didn¡¯t collapse from studying, he would keep pushing himself to the limit!


    Hutou asked, "By the way, are Dabo and Erbao planning to take the college entrance exam next year?"


    These were his aunts¡¯ twins.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, they both want to attend military school, so they¡¯re studying very hard."


    Growing up in such an environment, they had never considered other paths.


    Hutou raised his thumb, "Impressive!"


    He couldn¡¯t do it himself, but he admired his cousins for their determination.


    "If you can¡¯t get into university..."


    "I¡¯ll start studying now!"


    Hutou was resolute, swiftly leaving without hesitation.


    Zhao Guihua wondered, "What¡¯s this kid thinking? Doesn¡¯t he want to join the military?"


    She wasn¡¯t using reverse psychology; she genuinely considered this a fallback option. She never expected Hutou to reject it.


    Xiao Yanzi calmly commented, "My brother can¡¯t handle the hardship. Luckily, he knows he can¡¯t handle it!"


    Zhao Guihua: "... "


    Liang Meifen was worried, saying, "Look at Hutou, he¡¯s about to take the college entrance exam, and he¡¯s like this. It¡¯s so frustrating!"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Isn¡¯t he motivating himself to study? Kids need to be pushed a bit. I just didn¡¯t expect this to push him. Had I known, I would have said it sooner!"


    "I don¡¯t expect him to get into a top university, as long as he gets into a university, I¡¯ll be satisfied."


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t quite agree with her son¡¯s viewpoint. She said, "You couldn¡¯t get into university yourself, and you¡¯re forcing your son to do so? That¡¯s a bit too much."


    Zhuang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhiyuan said seriously, "Just because I couldn¡¯t get in, I know how important it is to get into university now. His conditions are much better than ours were back then. This kid isn¡¯t studying hard enough¡ªthat won¡¯t do."


    Then he looked at his daughter. "You too, study hard."


    Xiao Yanzi replied, "I know."


    She carried her books home to review. Although she was only in the first year of high school, the workload was still heavy.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, the two young children, sat there as if nothing was their concern. Zhuang Zhiyuan solemnly said, "Kids, study hard, alright?"


    "Got it, Uncle."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, let¡¯s move on to discussing the clothing business."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Mom, you guys go ahead. I¡¯ll head back first. I¡¯m leaving again tomorrow."


    "Okay, Liang Meifen, go pack your husband¡¯s things."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was well aware that his younger brother and mother had made some money from their business. Even if he didn¡¯t pay attention, his wife did. However, he didn¡¯t intend to get involved; he was more traditional and believed that a proper job was the righteous path. Business ventures like these didn¡¯t suit him, nor did he think they were a sustainable path.


    Of course, he wasn¡¯t stopping his mother or younger brother from pursuing their ventures. They enjoyed the hustle, and it was good for his mother in her old age to have something to keep her busy. The older one gets, the less one can afford to be idle. As for his third brother, if he wasn¡¯t causing trouble, he wouldn¡¯t be himself.


    Besides, they were already separated; he couldn¡¯t really meddle in their affairs. So, whatever they wanted to do, they could go ahead, and as the eldest son, he would focus on providing the necessary support. After all, they were a dual-income family with a stable life, not rolling in wealth, but things were decent enough.


    Liang Meifen liked to compare herself to others, but she didn¡¯t dare to provoke her mother-in-law or Ming Mei. Plus, she wasn¡¯t that gutsy, nor did she have the face to join them in selling goods, so she didn¡¯t dwell on how much money they made.


    Thinking about it too much only made her feel upset.


    She was content just living her own life, and she thought it was good that way.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t mind that the eldest son and his wife weren¡¯t involved in the business. Whether they joined or not didn¡¯t matter, but it had to be clarified from the start¡ªdon¡¯t expect to join halfway. She called her third son, Zhuang Zhixi, to discuss. "The T-shirts I¡¯ve ordered this time are all in large sizes. I figure at the same price, people would prefer something bigger. You know, back in the day, making clothes required fabric coupons and measurement, so the more fabric you needed, the more it cost. Now, with the same price, a larger size is definitely more attractive. After all, these clothes aren¡¯t designed for any specific body type, so having some extra space doesn¡¯t hurt¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I understand."


    Zhao Guihua continued, "The selling point here is the size. Let¡¯s talk about the pricing. My cost isn¡¯t too high, what do you think?"


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, "Let¡¯s set the uniform price at twenty-two, with a minimum return of twenty. We¡¯ll start selling like this, and if there¡¯s competition or sales are average, we¡¯ll adjust the price accordingly."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll go straight to Xidan tomorrow. You don¡¯t need to look for me after work; just bring the clothes and head to the station to see how it goes."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sounds good."


    The mother and son discussed their plans, and Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t entirely sure how well the items would sell. But she felt optimistic. This time, the designs she ordered were quite unique, featuring some with panda patterns, which weren¡¯t seen on the streets of Beijing. There were also some with lettering like "Great Wall Souvenir," "Forbidden City Souvenir," and "Beijing Welcomes You," which were similar to the T-shirts Zhuang Zhixi had brought back from other places. However, such merchandise wasn¡¯t available locally yet.


    After all, it had only been two years since the start of the reform and opening-up, and compared to the special economic zones and the surrounding areas, their region was still somewhat cautious. These T-shirts, which will be commonplace in the future, are still quite novel now.


    Zhao Guihua had designed several features, and she was confident that they would attract interest.


    However, such things rely on a thin layer of opportunity. When no one¡¯s doing it, everyone can¡¯t think of it, but once someone starts and sees how popular they are, they¡¯ll quickly become ubiquitous. Fortunately, it¡¯s 1982, and the spread isn¡¯t as fast yet. As long as she¡¯s quick enough, she can seize the first opportunity.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t expect the cultural T-shirts to remain popular for the next twenty years or to start a clothing empire. As the saying goes, one should wear a hat that fits their head size. She didn¡¯t think she was capable enough.


    People with the courage, determination, and education aren¡¯t necessarily making a fortune, so what could an old woman with only experience achieve?


    Fortunately, this was an era where even a pig could fly if they caught the right wind.


    Zhao Guihua said, "We have to be quick. If it sells well, others will follow."


    Old Man Zhuang, nodding beside her, agreed, "Yes, I went fishing the other day and saw a young man setting up a stall selling bell-bottom pants."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "...That certainly won¡¯t sell well."


    Old Man Zhuang asked in surprise, "How do you know it won¡¯t sell?"


    Zhao Guihua was speechless, saying, "Just think about it. The people fishing there are all old men, and the youngest are middle-aged. How could they be interested in bell-bottom pants? These are for the young crowd. If something doesn¡¯t sell in one place, we need to move quickly and change locations. Don¡¯t stick to it."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Got it!"


    As they discussed these matters, Aunt Zhou came banging on the door. Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "Why don''t you just dismantle my door altogether? Who knocks like that?"


    Aunt Zhou replied, "Come over here, Lao Zhao. Give us some advice. How do you think we should divide and sell better?"


    Zhao Guihua, pulled outside, muttered in complaint, "What do I owe you? You''re making money, why not share it with me? And now you call on me for advice."


    Aunt Zhou just chuckled.


    She quickly led Zhao Guihua to her house, where several others were gathered.


    Zhao Guihua sighed and said, "You can''t keep relying on me every time. What I say isn''t always accurate. You need to have your own thoughts, otherwise, how can you make money?"


    "Should we also sell at Xidan?" Aunt Wang asked.


    Zhao Guihua patiently explained, "If you want to sell more, you need to go to the right places. Generally, women buy these kinds of things. You can go to the gates of large factories where the workers know each other and might even buy in groups. Of course, Xidan is also an option, but go there on weekends. Don''t all crowd into one market; distribute yourselves. Like at the gate of our machinery factory. Even though there are more men than women, some women work there, and if they gather and create a lively atmosphere, men will become curious too. They might not know the price but mention it at home, and that could increase business the next day. Also, clothing factories ¨C you shouldn''t sell outside just any clothing factory gate; precisely at those gates, it''s better. There are more women, and they know the prices. If you offer them slightly cheaper than the supply stores, it will definitely sell well. And food factories... you can go there too. With just a few items, you won''t have trouble selling."


    "Yes, yes, yes."


    In reality, they could have figured these things out with some thought, but being beginners, they were all nervous, afraid the goods might get stuck with them. So Zhao Guihua was willing to offer more advice.


    She said, "Once you''ve decided, act quickly. Such business opportunities may not exist now, but they might later. Advancing first means you can ''eat meat,'' while those who follow will only ''drink soup.''"


    "You''re right."


    This time, Wang Xiangxiu was also present during the discussion. It couldn''t be helped; Yinlai was in the hospital, and she didn''t want to delay, but she could also sell things after work.


    Zhao Guihua added, "Also, if you don¡¯t want to compete with each other, set a uniform price. This way, you won¡¯t affect each other. Like my third son, he also sells things before getting off work, even though we¡¯re in two different places, we¡¯ve agreed on a unified price. First, sell and see, then adjust according to which patterns sell better later."


    "You''re right."


    Having agreed, they didn''t want to waste any time.


    After leaving Aunt Zhou''s place, Zhao Guihua saw Zheng Huimin peeking timidly from the doorway.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "What are you doing?"


    Zheng Huimin stammered, "I... I wanted to consult you about something."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I was going to look for you anyway. Come in."


    She invited Zheng Huimin into the house and said, "On our trip to Guangzhou, we ran into your sister."


    Zheng Huimin exclaimed, "What!"


    She was astonished and looked at Zhao Guihua in disbelief, not expecting it to be so coincidental.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "She''s found a job there, working at a clothing factory. It''s mainly because she''s young, and many jobs are unavailable to her. She''ll make other plans when she''s older. You can rest assured."


    Zheng Huimin indeed felt relieved. Her sister had run away alone, and she didn''t know where she was. Zheng Huimin had been somewhat worried. Now that she knew everything was fine, she felt much better.


    Zheng Huimin said, "That''s good. It''s fortunate she ran away."


    She remembered her parents'' whispered conversations. If her sister hadn''t run away, her parents had intended to use her to curry favor with Fan Debiao, while he was also planning to marry her. The thought made her feel utterly disgusted.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "By the way, what did you want to ask me about earlier?"


    Zheng Huimin felt a bit shy but quietly said, "I... I wanted to ask about setting up a stall."


    Not having much interaction with others since coming to this courtyard and even having once scared people by pretending to be a ghost, she felt a bit embarrassed asking for help now. Despite this, she still mustered the courage to speak up.


    "I''ve never had a proper job and only do odd jobs, so I can''t save much money. I wanted to start a small business, something with little capital. Since you have a lot of experience, could you help me think of something?"


    Zhao Guihua, seeing Zheng Huimin struggle to speak, said, "Running a stall is different from working in a department store. You need to be warm and welcoming; you can''t have the stiff expression of a department store salesperson. They have a steady income, but you don''t."


    Zheng Huimin asked, "I see. I''ve noticed that Fan Debiao and others do buy-and-sell transactions. Could I do that?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I don''t think so. The more common buy-and-sell transactions involve going to the countryside to collect things like eggs, poultry, or specialty products, then selling them for a profit. This requires a means of transportation, and it''s not very safe for a girl to go to the countryside alone. So, I don''t think it''s suitable for you. Instead, purchasing and selling small items would be better. Like the underwear and socks they sell, you could also do that, or sell hair accessories. However, our local factories won''t give you just a small amount of stock. If you only take a small amount, it¡¯s not worth having your sister send it from there. So, starting a business isn''t that easy. I see you can take shifts at the clothing factory, so you must be good with a sewing machine. You could buy some scraps of fabric, make hair accessories yourself, and then sell them. Of course, this won¡¯t make much money. But given your limited capital, this is probably what you¡¯ll have to do. Oh, you could also buy yarn and knit scarves to sell. Doing business requires capital; just wanting to set up a stall isn¡¯t enough. At the very least, you need around a thousand or two for your first order to get a relatively good price. Otherwise, with high costs, how can you make a profit?"


    Zhao Guihua felt like she was radiating wisdom, taking care of every detail.


    And she couldn''t understand why everyone kept coming to her for advice. She was feeling quite overwhelmed.


    She added, "Hair accessories require the least capital and are suitable for the season. You can start making them now. Although the profit might not be much, as long as you can make enough to sustain your life, that''s fine. Once you save some money, you can start dealing in scarves in winter. If you save even more, you can directly purchase stock instead of relying on us. You can go straight to your sister; their factory is a clothing factory, and you can find a way to buy small items from them."


    Zheng Huimin listened very attentively, nodding continuously, saying, "I understand."


    Indeed, although Zhao Guihua mentioned only small businesses, they were very practical considering her situation. With just a few dollars in hand, doing anything bigger would be a joke! Actually, Zheng Huimin had no money. The reason she dared to even consider setting up a stall was that Guan Hong had agreed to lend her one hundred yuan again!


    Guan Hong''s monthly wage was over thirty yuan, but she also needed to live off it, so even one hundred yuan would take her about half a year to save. During this time, she already lent Zheng Huimin her second hundred yuan. Zheng Huimin was very grateful to Guan Hong.


    She hadn¡¯t expected that after running away, she would encounter so many kind people. Even though she and Guan Hong were rivals in love, Guan Hong was still willing to lend her money.


    She had said, "It''s all business ¨C nothing personal!"


    She also said, "I can''t stand the feudal families oppressing women."


    And additionally, "I believe Li Weiwei can see that I''m a kind-hearted girl."


    Zheng Huimin thought this last statement didn¡¯t need to be said ¨C it was a bit redundant.


    But she knew Guan Hong was a good person.


    Zheng Huimin gathered her courage and said, "Then I''ll make hair accessories. The clothing factory sells fabric scraps; I can buy those."


    Although she was just doing temporary work, she could still buy the fabric scraps, which weren''t very expensive.


    After all, these fabric scraps were truly very small pieces, not like the good scraps Zhao Guihua and others had bought before. It would be impossible to make clothes with this, at most, sewing small cleaning cloths.


    Or to patch up clothes.


    So Zheng Huimin thought she could still make the purchase. She calculated and said, "I can get a lot of fabric scraps for ten bucks."


    Zhao Guihua: "It''s not just about the fabric scraps; you''ll also need to buy some wire for making hair clips and such. You didn''t think it was just a hair tie, did you?"


    Zheng Huimin: "Please enlighten me!"


    Zhao Guihua: "...Speak normally."


    Zheng Huimin: "Oh, oh."


    Zhao Guihua: "I''m not an expert in this area, but since you''re all young girls, you should know what kind of hair accessories are more appealing, right? If you''re really unsure, you can watch TV or movies; the female characters in them always wear hair accessories, don''t they?"


    Hearing this, Zheng Huimin''s eyes lit up. She felt like she had some direction now and nodded quickly. "You''re right. I''ll go back and ask Guan Hong for advice."


    Guan Hong was definitely more knowledgeable than her.


    Zheng Huimin dashed off in a hurry.


    Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang looked at Zhao Guihua with somewhat complicated expressions.


    "You''re a good person. She was trying to scare you earlier."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, I''m old enough to not bother arguing with a scatterbrained young girl. Her life isn''t easy either. I heard from my old man that she only eats one steamed bun a day. Life must be tough for her."


    "She really has it rough," Wang Xiangxiu added. "I heard she has no money at all."


    Zhao Guihua snorted. "Guan Guiling? She wouldn''t give her a penny! I bet Guan Guiling doesn''t have any money herself."


    "That''s likely true."


    Having sorted things out, Guan Guiling happily returned home and quickly discussed the matter with Guan Hong. After all, she couldn''t find anyone else to consult. Once she made some money, she could start stocking up, but for now, she needed to take things slowly and steadily. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It turned out that making handmade items suited girls well. Although Zheng Huimin may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, she knew what looked good. She quickly sketched a few popular designs. Guan Hong, having watched more movies, said, "I remember, in a movie I watched, the heroine wore a hair clip that was so beautiful, with pearls on it... let me draw it for you."


    The two of them discussed things well.


    On the next day, Zhao Guihua and her crew started setting up their stall. Zhao Guihua was already a well-known figure in Xidan. Although she hadn''t been selling bell-bottoms recently, rumors said that the old lady and her daughter-in-law were the ones who turned in the group of extortionists.


    Whether the rumors were true or not, the fact remained that something had happened. So when Zhao Guihua returned, everyone paid attention. Given the past success of her bell-bottoms, there were now two or three other stalls selling them on the street.


    When she set up her stall, many people secretly peeked over. Only then did they see that this time, she was selling T-shirts, which they called "sweatshirts" in their local lingo, but these were more fashionable than ordinary sweatshirts.


    "Come over and take a look-see~"


    Zhao Guihua started shouting right away. Old Man Zhuang, for the first time setting up a stall, blushed intensely but still followed along and helped.


    The T-shirts'' designs weren''t particularly outstanding, but the patterns and colors were bold and eye-catching. It seemed that after enduring too much black, white, and gray, people now preferred vibrant colors. Zhao Guihua''s stall had exactly that¡ªbright colors.


    "How much is this one, Auntie?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Twenty-two."


    "That''s not cheap."


    You see, the average worker''s salary was just over thirty, mostly between thirty to forty bucks, but a shirt for twenty-two was a normal price at the time.


    Zhao Guihua: "Twenty-two isn''t cheap, but look, these are all big sizes. If you buy one, how much cloth ration do you need? Even if you gain weight later, it won''t matter. Plus, look at the pattern; it''s unique! Whether it''s summer or fall, you can wear them anytime. If it gets cold, you can layer a long-sleeve underneath. One shirt, two ways to wear it."


    "Oh, layering a short-sleeve over a long-sleeve? You sure know how to stretch things, Auntie."


    Zhao Guihua retorted proudly, "What''s wrong with that? Can''t young people be a little different? As long as you''re good-looking, you could wear a fertilizer sack and still look good. Let alone this shirt, which is special to begin with. Just you wait; this shirt will lead the trend. By the time others start wearing it, you''ll have been rocking it for months. Isn''t that proof you had the best taste, making the most informed choice?"


    "That''s true."


    "You know, to see a panda, you''d have to go all the way to Chengdu, but on this shirt, you''ve got one right here."


    The young man laughed. "Auntie, you sure can talk. There are pandas at the Zoo; they''re all alive and kicking."


    Zhao Guihua: "Living pandas at the Zoo aren''t exactly something you can take home! Look at mine; it''s something you can bring back."


    "That''s true, huh. I wonder why they don''t let you take them home!"


    Zhao Guihua: "...Looks like you''re here just to chat with me."


    She said, "You think you could, but the law won''t allow it."


    The young man laughed heartily. "Auntie, you''re really funny. Give me a discount, and I''ll bring you more customers."


    Zhao Guihua: "Are you serious? Don''t go fooling around with your old auntie here. We both love pandas, so no fooling around."


    "No fooling, I promise. Give me a discount, and I can sell you twenty shirts."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh? Really?"


    "Cross my heart, if I''m lying, I''ll be your grandson."


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright then, if you can really sell that many, I''ll give you the wholesale price, eighteen bucks. But that''s only for you; anyone else is at least twenty."


    "Come on, Auntie, we''re all brothers and sisters here. It''ll be awkward if we sell at different prices. I''m in the Art Troupe, and I can coax my fellow troupe members to come buy. Eighteen bucks each, all twenty of them. What do you say? We''ll wear them well and bring more people over."


    Zhao Guihua: "I see you''re not bluffing, I believe you."


    "You can trust me, Auntie. I''m a honest man."


    Old Man Zhuang watched in utter surprise as this deal kicked off brilliantly, with twenty shirts sold in one go. The young man placed the order, went home to get the money, and soon returned with a group of tall guys, each carrying a panda shirt.


    Those who knew thought they were from the Art Troupe, those who didn''t might have mistaken them for members of a panda association.


    Zhao Guihua had a brilliant start and quickly broke through.


    Everyone deeply felt that their Auntie Zhao was indeed their Auntie Zhao, selling anything was impressive.


    When she sold jeans, she was quick and smooth, and now with T-shirts, it was the same. This woman could not only get hold of rare goods but also knew how to sell them.


    When dealing with older customers, Zhao Guihua would emphasize the size and material, making it sound like the only advantage. But those older, thrifty folks really fell for that. For the same price, who wouldn''t want something bigger?


    Even if it wore out later and had to be turned into a rag, it would still be a large piece of cloth!


    When dealing with young people, she¡¯d talk about trends, uniqueness, and being ahead of the curve, making them feel like not buying would mean they lacked good taste. Everyone could see that her sales were booming.


    Old Man Zhuang, having lived with his wife for decades, finally realized that her talents had been limited by the times. Otherwise, their household could have become capitalists. She was simply too good at selling things.


    Meanwhile, while Zhao Guihua was doing well, Zhuang Zhixi rushed to the train station to set up his stall after work. He also sold well. It was April, not quite the end of the month, and the weather was still a bit chilly. But he boldly wore a short-sleeve T-shirt that read: "Welcome to Beijing."


    The white T-shirt was tucked into his pants, showing a tall and refreshing figure. With people coming and going at the train station, many stopped to take a look. How could you prove you''d been to the capital?


    This T-shirt would certainly do it. Plus, they were all big sizes, so they wouldn''t be hard to fit into.


    Even though they were loose and oversized, they didn''t look bad.


    Zhuang Zhixi was slender, and the T-shirt hung loosely on him, though it didn''t fit well, it somehow looked just right. Even if it didn''t fit well, it seemed like nothing else could be better. However, they overlooked the fact that whether something looked good or not depended on the face!


    However, no matter what, the clothes are selling quite well.


    Compared to Zhao Guihua selling Panda patterns in Xidan, people here prefer the most obvious lettering.


    Whether they have been to the Great Wall or not, buying a Great Wall memento makes them feel very dignified, and there are other things as well... In short, they sell a lot. Although the weather is cold, the heart of making money is very warm. Zhuang Zhixi knows that 20% of the profits are his own.


    How can he not work hard?


    It''s true that in this era, as long as you''re willing to work hard, getting rich is easy. Various materials are scarce, and now there¡¯s a transition between using and not using coupons, so private businesses without coupons still attract many customers.


    They are like this, and so are the others in the compound.


    For example, He Lan chose to set up a stall outside the machinery factory gate. She''s not very adventurous and still feels insecure, so setting up a stall closer to home gives her a sense of stability. She arrives around late afternoon, just before the factory gets off work, and starts selling. Initially, business is slow, but as the closing bell rings, the crowd quickly grows.


    Female colleagues, seeing the stalls selling these items from afar, immediately come over to ask for prices.


    He Lan: "Men''s briefs are one yuan each, men''s boxers are five jiao, and women''s are also five jiao. Buy ten and get one free. Socks are two jiao a pair, with the same buy ten get one free offer. Men and women can mix and match."


    Her voice isn''t loud, but everyone still gasps in surprise. "Your socks are two jiao? I bought some for two jiao and three fen at the department store the other day."


    He Lan quickly responds, "I also offer buy ten get one free."


    "I can''t buy ten pairs at once."


    He Lan remembers Zhao Guihua''s advice and smiles, saying, "You can team up with your coworkers and buy together. Then you can settle the money privately. That way, you get them for less than two jiao each. Besides, these won''t go bad. If you find a good deal, why not buy a pair and save them? Look, I got these from the south. The patterns are quite unique."


    Whether it''s briefs or socks, their prices are a bit cheaper than the department store''s. Don''t underestimate that slight difference¡ªit can add up. For example, with socks, saving three fen could buy three candies.


    He Lan''s words soon grab everyone''s attention, and they start to agree that it makes sense.


    These items won''t go bad, and they can team up with others to buy them!


    Overall, it seems like a good deal.


    Especially since men and women can mix and match, it becomes even more appealing.


    "Move aside, let me take a look."


    "Move over, I want some too. How many are you getting? Should we team up?"


    "Sure!"


    "This price is really good."


    "Exactly."


    The place quickly becomes lively as everyone surrounds the stall, finding the prices great. Another advantage of selling these small items is that, since they''re slightly cheaper than the department store, people don''t bargain much.


    There are quite a few people setting up stalls now, but most places like Xidan sell clothes, not these small items. So people jump at the chance to buy them.


    Bai Fendou: "Oh man!"


    He knew his wife was going to set up a stall today and hurried over to help, but he couldn''t even get close. A group of women surrounded his wife, and her hands never stopped collecting money.


    Bai Fendou: "Move, let me through!"


    "Bai Fendou, you''re a man, stop bothering us."


    Bai Fendou is a well-known figure at the machinery factory.


    Bai Fendou: "This is my wife!"


    "What?!"


    "My god."


    "What did you do to deserve such a wife?"


    This revelation is a bombshell. Everyone is shocked. How could a seemingly gentle and good-looking woman like He Lan marry Bai Fendou? Is this even reasonable?


    Seeing everyone stunned, Bai Fendou quickly squeezes in, saying, "Wife, let me help you. Should we add some of this pattern?"


    He Lan: "Yes."


    She softly said, "You take care of the money."


    "Sure."


    Everyone knew Bai Fendou was married, but his wife didn''t interact much with outsiders, so many didn''t know who she was. Now they see this, and it''s truly baffling. But watching the couple so harmonious makes it even more unimaginable.


    No wonder Bai Fendou has been so decent these past ten years. Marrying such a good wife, isn''t it natural?


    Bai Fendou: "My wife''s goods come from the south. They''re really good and cheaper than the department store. If you see something you like, grab it quickly! The later you come, the fewer good patterns will be left."


    This sales pitch, he heard his wife use before, and now he can easily repeat it.


    His wife practiced for hours last night to ensure she appeared natural today. He and his daughter, Bai Qingqing, acted as "buyers" to help her practice.


    "Bai Fendou, we''re all from the same factory. Give us a pair of socks for free." Someone jokes.


    Bai Fendou: "Pfft. Why don¡¯t you give me all your savings? My wife traveled all the way to the south for these goods, and she suffered. Don¡¯t expect us to make less profit!"


    "We''ll let you make your profit. Quickly, give me that red one. I want it all. The one with the dwarf-stomping pattern is really good!"


    Bai Fendou: "You want ten pairs of red Little People to stomp? How many Little People do you have around you?"


    "Mind your own business!"


    "Hey, I want that too!"


    He Lan: "......"


    When they were purchasing, Aunt Zhao said the red socks with little people stepping on them would definitely sell well. As expected! Although breaking superstitious beliefs is the trend now, some things are deeply rooted in people¡¯s minds.


    If it were a few years ago, selling such items would be too risky, but luckily, that¡¯s not the case now.


    "Buying underwear? Who wants to split an order with me?"


    "Me!"


    "Alright, we¡­"


    Bai Fendou''s arrival causes a brief pause, but soon everyone dives back into a feverish buying spree.


    He Lan is doing business outside the machinery factory, while Aunt Zhou is at the garment factory gate. There are many factories in Beijing, and they each find a place to sell their goods, close or far. Because Yinlai is in the hospital, Wang Xiangxiu even took a half day off to go sell.


    Compared to He Lan''s nervousness, the others are a bit stronger, though not by much.


    After all, everyone is doing this for the first time. How can they not be nervous?


    Aunt Wang is stationed outside the food factory gate. Like He Lan, she starts with no customers, feeling a little anxious, but as the end-of-work bell rings, she becomes so busy she can hardly manage. There are many female employees at the food factory, and they¡¯re very enthusiastic buyers.


    "My family is big. I can buy enough on my own. I''ll split them with my sister-in-law when I get home."


    "My family can¡¯t do that. Who wants to team up with me?"


    ¡­


    Everyone talks among themselves, quickly surrounding Aunt Wang.


    There are many people setting up stalls in Beijing, but selling these small goods isn¡¯t common. So people naturally won¡¯t hesitate. Although they believe there will be more opportunities to buy, as the saying goes, ''the early bird gets the worm''¡ªearly buyers have more choices!


    Meanwhile, Aunt Zhou, Wang Zizhen, and Wang Xiangxiu and others are also doing great business.


    Although it¡¯s their first day, they actually brought quite a lot. Originally, they thought they wouldn¡¯t sell everything, but they underestimated people¡¯s purchasing power. These small items may be cheap, but their sales volume is high.


    Wang Zizhen went to sell at a factory gate farther away. She remembered her first time selling popcorn. She had to be proactive to slowly break into the market, but selling these suitable small items is much faster.


    Before she even had a chance to call out, someone came over to ask for prices, and soon a crowd gathered.


    Although it¡¯s not her first time selling, she still feels a bit overwhelmed, but she quickly gets the hang of it. Before long, everything is sold out. When she gets home, she still feels a bit dazed.


    There¡¯s no one home at the moment. Her husband went out to sell fried goods.


    Peanuts, melon seeds, and popcorn¡ªthey sold them all. However, popcorn wasn''t selling as well as it used to. Their business was thriving, but their success didn''t go unnoticed. Small ventures like theirs required little capital, so it didn''t take long before others joined in.


    No matter what you sold, as soon as everyone started selling it, competition increased, and profits shrank. Sales weren''t as easy anymore. So Wang Zizhen''s husband began roasting peanuts and melon seeds to sell alongside the popcorn. Though the income wasn''t as high as at the beginning, it still added up to a substantial amount at the end of the month.


    It almost doubled their regular wages.


    So, Da Qiang continued selling after work each day, and the children went to the neighboring compound. Wang Zizhen counted the stock. She had only bought a thousand yuan''s worth, but the low price made it seem like a lot.


    As she started counting the money, someone called out, "Zizhen, are you home?"


    Wang Zizhen replied, "Yes."


    She hurried out: "Auntie, you''re back too?"


    Aunt Zhou was in high spirits, practically floating as she walked. "I bought pork head! Come to my place and have some."


    Wang Zizhen: "Sure."


    She quickly gathered the money and stepped out.


    The residents in the compound were no longer surprised. Aunt Zhou, known to be sharp-tongued, was unusually kind to Wang Zizhen. It was strange, but everyone had grown accustomed to it.


    Their selling hours coincided with the evening rush, so it was quite late by the time they packed up. Wang Zizhen had snacked on a handful of peanuts earlier, so she wasn''t too hungry. She arrived at Aunt Zhou''s place, where the family had already finished dinner.


    Aunt Zhou and Wang Zizhen went into Aunt Zhou''s room. Wang Zizhen asked, "Auntie, you must have had a good day selling, right?"


    Aunt Zhou was elated. "Do you think I''d do anything wrong? Let''s just say the sales were phenomenal¡ªhardly any small purchases. People were buying in bulk, ten at a time. Even the underwear was selling like hotcakes. I reckon we''ll clear this stock in about two weeks."


    Now she could finally understand why Zhao Guihua was so eager to start a stall.


    What drives someone?


    It''s money!


    Aunt Zhou continued, "We old ladies don''t have pensions. Everyone''s saving up, and so must I. Zizhen, your sales must be going well too, huh?"


    Wang Zizhen nodded. "Yeah, good."


    Aunt Zhou pressed, "You bought less stock than us. You should sell out faster, right? What''ll you do once you run out?"


    Wang Zizhen was momentarily stumped but then remembered, "Right! Thanks for reminding me. I should write to Huifang."


    They had agreed beforehand that if they needed more stock, they could contact Zheng Huifang.


    This way, Zheng Huifang could ship the goods to them, saving them the trouble of traveling back and forth, as well as the expenses for accommodation and meals. Plus, they wouldn''t have to worry about any risks. Wang Zizhen added, "Oh, but I haven''t recouped my costs yet. I can''t order much."


    Aunt Zhou offered, "You can use some of my money."


    Wang Zizhen replied, "Why don''t you order more too? If you can sell out in two weeks, it''s worth restocking."


    Aunt Zhou agreed, "That makes sense."


    She quickly decided, "I''ll talk to Zhao Guihua. She has five thousand T-shirts. It might take a while to get them all, but she''s getting daily returns from selling. I''ll borrow some from her."


    Truth be told, borrowing money was still a delicate affair for many.


    But in this era, everyone lived in shared courtyards and had been neighbors for decades. It was common to lend and borrow among friends. Aunt Zhou said, "Don''t worry, I''ll handle it."


    Wang Zizhen hesitated, "Maybe I should..."


    "Don''t borrow from Auntie Zhao."


    Jiang Lu entered, seeing the two in a dilemma. "I''ll lend you the money. Just pay me back when you make a profit. It''s ridiculous to borrow from outsiders when we''re family."


    With their high salaries, she had the means to lend.


    Aunt Zhou responded, "Oh right, I forgot about you."


    Jiang Lu: "..."


    Was her presence that easy to overlook?


    Even her own mother-in-law forgot about her.


    Aunt Zhou scrutinized Jiang Lu. "You''re just lending us money, right? Not asking to invest, are you? This is my business."


    Jiang Lu: "..."


    She forced a smile. "I''m just lending you money. You''re really taking my goodwill for granted. If I wanted in, I would''ve started already." What a character her mother-in-law was!


    Aunt Zhou nodded, "Good!"


    Jiang Lu asked, "How much do you need?"


    Aunt Zhou replied confidently, "More is better, of course."


    Jiang Lu was a bit skeptical. "But can you sell it all?"


    "If it doesn''t sell out, we''ll take it to the countryside. I''ve thought it through. What''s there to be afraid of? I''m just an old lady."


    Jiang Lu pondered and then agreed, "I''ll lend you five thousand. Three thousand for you, Zizhen, and two thousand for my mother-in-law. Okay?" Since Aunt Zhou already had a larger stock, she didn''t need more.


    "Sure, of course! You''re pretty well-off, aren''t you?"


    Jiang Lu explained, "My husband, Zhou Qun, and I have high salaries¡ªalmost one hundred fifty a month combined. It''s easy to save."


    Even though they''d only been selling for a day, everyone felt it was wise to order more. As long as the market remained untapped, they could maximize their profits. Once more people started following Wang Zizhen''s popcorn model, their business wouldn''t be as lucrative.


    Aunt Zhou added, "Oh right, Zizhen, go tell that fool and ask if she wants Huifang to bring some stock for her."


    Wang Zizhen laughed, "Will do."


    Aunt Zhou muttered, "I must be crazy to help her."


    Despite her harsh words, her actions spoke louder.


    Hmph, she only did it for Zheng Huifang''s sake!


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t bother with Zheng Huimin, that fool!

 Chapter 194

    Guangzhou.


    Zheng Huifang was busy working when she heard someone call out, "Zheng Huifang, there''s a letter and a money order for you."


    Zheng Huifang immediately responded with a quick "Ah!" Although it had only been a short time, she had already grown accustomed to the tasks in the workshop. She wasn¡¯t yet highly skilled, but after a few days, she could handle some of the simpler tasks.


    Zheng Huifang had a strong ability to adapt, but the differences in climate and customs between the north and south had taken a toll on her. Being suddenly alone in a new place, she had recently developed a throat infection and couldn¡¯t speak. She gestured a "thank you" instead.


    The old man from the mailroom said, "You need to sign your name here."


    Normally, signing wasn¡¯t required for receiving letters, but it was different when money orders were involved. Anything related to money required extra caution. And this was no small amount¡ªit was a significant sum.


    The mailroom man glanced at Zheng Huifang and asked, "Why did someone send you so much money?"


    Zheng Huifang gestured for a while, and after some time, the man understood. "Oh, so this isn¡¯t your money? Someone asked you to help them buy goods from the factory?"


    Zheng Huifang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, smiling.


    The old man praised her, "You¡¯re a good one, helping bring customers to the factory."


    Zheng Huifang smiled again. She didn¡¯t dare delay and quickly opened the letter after bidding farewell to the mailroom man. The letter was from He Lan¡ªWang Zizhen couldn¡¯t write, after all. It was clear how much of a disadvantage it was not to have had an education.


    He Lan¡¯s letter was quite long. It talked about Zheng Huimin¡¯s situation and also mentioned an order for goods. This time, they were ordering 9,000 yuan worth of underwear and socks, following the same patterns as before.


    Additionally, there were 300 yuan included. Two hundred of that was money Zheng Huimin had scraped together herself, asking Zheng Huifang to order some hair accessories. Zheng Huimin planned to start a business selling hair accessories, but the styles in Beijing were limited, so she hoped Zheng Huifang could order some from Guangzhou. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Apart from the 200 yuan, there was an extra 100 yuan for Zheng Huifang¡¯s effort and shipping costs.


    At first, Zheng Huifang didn¡¯t want to take the money, but the letter made it clear that if she refused, they would feel too awkward to ask for her help in the future. After all, no one should work for free.


    Zheng Huifang understood that they weren¡¯t joking and that they were also looking out for her. After some hesitation, she accepted the money.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t as if they were giving her 100 yuan for every order. This 100 yuan also covered the shipping costs. For the 9,000 yuan order, shipping would cost around 40 to 50 yuan. Zheng Huifang was left with about half of the 100 yuan, which was the agreed-upon 0.5% handling fee.


    Everything added up just right.


    Zheng Huifang was a capable girl. Since the factory had the goods in stock, she quickly paid and prepared the shipment. She also went to a nearby factory to pick out 200 yuan worth of hair accessories and clips, which she sent back along with the other items.


    She worked efficiently and got everything done in a single day without any delays.


    In the evening, when Zheng Huifang returned to the dormitory, all the girls in the room looked up at her. Ah Zhen, the girl who slept on the bunk below her, quickly called out, "Huifang, come here!"


    Zheng Huifang sat down and gestured to her throat.


    Ah Zhen asked curiously, "Who were you helping with the order today?"


    The others also looked at her with interest. Zheng Huifang couldn¡¯t explain clearly with gestures, so she took out a pen and paper and wrote: "Neighbors."


    "Are they well-off?"


    Zheng Huifang shook her head and wrote: "I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s not one person. Several people pooled their money together to place the order."


    "Ah, several people? I thought it was just one person ordering so much."


    The girls¡¯ curiosity was satisfied, and they stopped asking. At first, they thought someone ordering such a large amount must be well-off, and they wanted Zheng Huifang to introduce them. But since it wasn¡¯t just one person, they lost interest.


    After all, there were plenty of wealthy people around here.


    "Oh, right! Was it those people who came with you before?"


    Five or six people, including a few older women.


    Zheng Huifang nodded. Although she hadn¡¯t been working here at the time, she had come to pick up goods before. It was natural that someone recognized them.


    Now the girls were even less interested.


    They didn¡¯t look like wealthy people at all.


    And they weren¡¯t young men either.


    Yinlai, among the group of women, was completely overlooked.


    Most of these girls working in the factory sent their earnings back home and dreamed of finding a wealthy man to change their lives. While this kind of thinking wasn¡¯t as prevalent in places like Beijing, here, where there were many businesspeople coming and going, even factory girls felt the influence.


    Many were eager to change their lives through marriage to a rich man, but how could they possibly meet such people? Seeing Zheng Huifang receive such a large money order naturally made them envious.


    The factory might be isolated, but there were no secrets.


    Ah Zhen was a bit disappointed and muttered, "You¡¯re just helping them for free?"


    Zheng Huifang gestured again, and Ah Zhen said, "Oh, I get it. They helped you before, so you¡¯re helping them now."


    Zheng Huifang nodded seriously.


    Actually, she wasn¡¯t working for free!


    After shipping the goods, she still had 51.5 yuan left.


    But Zheng Huifang didn¡¯t mention it. She had learned from a young age not to flaunt her wealth.


    Ah Zhen sighed, "When will I find a rich man?"


    Ah Zhen shouted to the heavens, and Ah Xu, sitting on the other side, teased, "Have you even looked in the mirror? Stop daydreaming. I think the one in our dorm most likely to marry well is Huifang."


    Sure enough, a few jealous glances were directed at Zheng Huifang.


    Zheng Huifang gestured seriously, her hands moving quickly. Ah Xu asked, "What does that mean?"


    Ah Zhen, who shared a bunk with Zheng Huifang and understood her better, laughed and said, "Huifang says she doesn¡¯t want to rely on a man. She wants to become wealthy on her own."


    "Pfft!"


    Everyone burst into laughter as if they had just heard the funniest joke.


    At the time, no one could have imagined that ten or twenty years later, Zheng Huifang would become someone far beyond their reach. Many years later, when they looked back on this moment of casual chatter, they realized that their dreams of marrying a rich man were just that¡ªdreams. But Zheng Huifang¡¯s determination to become wealthy on her own was no joke.


    The girls laughed so hard that some even had tears in their eyes, unable to believe that Zheng Huifang could have such a dream.


    But Zheng Huifang herself wasn¡¯t bothered. She smiled along with everyone else, but her eyes were filled with determination.


    How would she know if she didn¡¯t try?


    She had never thought of relying on a man or marriage to change her life. If she ended up with someone like her father, who was so good at hiding his true nature, she might not even know how she died. If even her own father couldn¡¯t be trusted, how could she trust an outsider?


    Besides, what could compare to the satisfaction of earning money?


    Looking at the laughing and chatting girls, Zheng Huifang quickly wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Ah Zhen.


    Ah Zhen looked down and saw that it said: "I want to sell things during the holiday. Are you all coming?"


    Ah Zhen laughed even harder and shook her head. "I¡¯m not going. We only get three days off a month, and I want to rest. Oh, by the way, I heard a new dance hall opened in Changli. It¡¯s so trendy!"


    "Really? I heard about that too. Ah Zhen, are you going?"


    Ah Zhen said, "I want to, but¡­ I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s expensive."


    Ah Xu chimed in, "I heard the entrance fee is two yuan."


    The girls gasped in unison.


    Ah Xu added, "But if you want to go, it¡¯s not impossible. I have a godbrother who works there managing the place. He said if I go, he¡¯ll let me in for free, and I can bring people too. Do you all want to check it out?"


    "Yes, I¡¯m in!"


    "Me too, that¡¯s amazing! Ah Xu, you¡¯re so well-connected."


    "Me, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????me, me!"


    Ah Xu rolled her eyes. "You¡¯re too ugly. Don¡¯t come. You might scare people."


    The girl who was insulted looked dejected.


    Ah Xu then turned directly to Zheng Huifang and said, "Huifang, let¡¯s go together, okay?"


    She wasn¡¯t close to Zheng Huifang at all, but Zheng Huifang was pretty. Her godbrother wanted more attractive girls at the dance hall to liven up the atmosphere. Ugly girls wouldn¡¯t do, but Zheng Huifang was beautiful. Ever since Zheng Huifang joined the factory, Ah Xu had been jealous of her.


    Zheng Huifang shook her head decisively upon hearing this. She was a cautious person and hadn¡¯t missed the jealous look in Ah Xu¡¯s eyes. Besides, why should only the good-looking ones be allowed to go? Wasn¡¯t there something fishy about this whole situation?


    Zheng Huifang stood firm: ¡°The team leader promised to lend me her child¡¯s Chinese textbook. I need to study.¡±


    Her throat was inflamed, so she could only write her response in her notebook.


    She had only attended elementary school for three years before her family stopped letting her go. But Zheng Huifang knew that education was important. She needed to study both Chinese and math; otherwise, she might not even be able to calculate accounts properly when buying supplies. So, she made the most of her spare time to improve herself.


    Perhaps because she had secured a 9,000-yuan order for the factory, the team leader had even spoken to her today. She took the opportunity to ask where she could buy textbooks, which surprised the team leader.


    After all, most of the young factory girls didn¡¯t think about such things. In their free time, they either rested, went out to have fun, or were eager to find a boyfriend. But Zheng Huifang wanted to study, which made her stand out.


    Any reasonable person would admire such a diligent young girl.


    When the team leader heard Zheng Huifang wanted to buy books, she immediately said, ¡°My child is in middle school now, so the elementary school textbooks are still at home. I¡¯ll find them for you. No need to spend money. But you must take good care of them because my child values them.¡±


    Zheng Huifang was overjoyed and thanked her repeatedly.


    She was still happy about this when she returned, but her declaration of wanting to study drew mocking laughter from the others. She didn¡¯t understand what was so funny.


    Ah Xu exaggeratedly said, ¡°What, are you planning to go to university? Hahaha.¡±


    Zheng Huifang shook her head and wrote, ¡°It¡¯s never wrong to learn more.¡±


    After jotting this down, she grabbed her towel and went to the washroom to freshen up. Ah Zhen sighed, ¡°She¡¯s so young, yet so serious.¡±


    Ah Xu sneered, ¡°Such a fake prude. Who¡¯s coming to the dance hall with me? It¡¯s her loss if she doesn¡¯t go.¡±


    In truth, everyone wanted to go.


    However, Ah Xu didn¡¯t invite the less attractive ones.


    Zheng Huifang wasn¡¯t aware of their plans. After washing up, she quietly wrote a letter to her older sister, Zheng Huimin, and sent her 100 yuan to repay Guan Hong. She didn¡¯t want her sister to cover this debt for her!


    Though young, Zheng Huifang was quite thoughtful. She was afraid her sister might misunderstand her situation, so she clearly explained the source of the 100 yuan.


    When she left home, she had taken 100 yuan with her, but she still had a little over 7 yuan in small change. This was enough to buy a train ticket. Since she managed to get free meals on the train and stayed with Zhao Guihua and her family after arriving in Guangzhou, she didn¡¯t spend much. Soon after, she started working at the factory, which provided accommodation and cheap meals. So, her money was largely untouched.


    This time, after helping with the goods, she earned another 50 yuan, making the original 100 yuan unnecessary.


    As for the 100 yuan Zhao Guihua secretly gave her and the 20 yuan Wang Zizhen slipped her, she didn¡¯t mention these. She wasn¡¯t sure about their situations and didn¡¯t want to cause trouble by bringing it up.


    Zheng Huifang spent very little on food, only buying a toothbrush, basin, and towel for her personal hygiene.


    So, she now had over 150 yuan left.


    She kept the money in her underwear pocket, carrying it securely with her at all times.


    No matter what others did, she was determined to study hard. When she heard everyone was going to the dance hall, she gestured her concern. Ah Zhen impatiently said, ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Ah Xu snapped, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, don¡¯t stop others. Stop meddling.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Zheng Huifang was criticized but chose not to respond.


    As everyone chattered excitedly, Zheng Huifang didn¡¯t feel left out. She continued with her own tasks. After all, Zhao Guihua and the others, who were nearly sixty, were still busy earning money. She was young¡ªwhat right did she have to slack off?


    One must work hard in life.


    Back in the capital, no one knew about Zheng Huifang¡¯s situation. The mail service between them had been disrupted. The first batch of goods they sold had done very well. For example, He Lan from Bai Fendou¡¯s family had purchased 2,000 yuan worth of goods and sold them all, making a net profit of 2,800 yuan. Unfortunately, when they restocked, she could only afford to buy 1,000 yuan worth of goods, making her second purchase relatively small.


    Similarly, Yinlai also restocked with 1,000 yuan. His initial investment and earnings were about the same as He Lan¡¯s. Among them, only Wang Zizhen earned a bit less, but she still made 1,400 yuan.


    However, she made a larger second purchase, spending 3,000 yuan.


    They had sold out all their goods, and with the new batch yet to arrive, they could take a short break. Among them, Yinlai was the slowest seller, not because he was bad at it, but because he had a job and less time. Still, he eventually sold out.


    Only Zhao Guihua¡¯s family hadn¡¯t sold all their goods, but this was understandable. They had 5,000 T-shirts, not 5,000 pairs of socks. However, they figured that once they sold out the socks and underwear, the local market would likely be saturated.


    After all, people weren¡¯t octopuses.


    Even the best-selling socks would eventually reach their limit.


    While everyone in the courtyard was busy making money, Zhuang Zhixi still found time to investigate Guan Guiling and her husband. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Fan Debiao¡¯s provocation and subsequent detention were part of a scheme orchestrated by Guan Guiling and her husband.


    Since they were plotting against them, he needed to figure out what was going on. Otherwise, they might be caught off guard. Zhuang Zhixi quickly gathered some information, and indeed, he discovered something.


    Perhaps because Fan Debiao was detained, Zheng Yufeng felt there was no longer any risk and became less cautious. Zhuang Zhixi learned that Guan Guiling had mortgaged their house.


    Although it was Guan Guiling who did it, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t believe it was her idea. He was certain it was Zheng Yufeng¡¯s doing.


    This kind of business wasn¡¯t common on the streets. Most people wouldn¡¯t even know where to look.


    It seemed Zheng Yufeng had been planning this for a while.


    However, their actions were still somewhat puzzling. If Zhuang Zhixi had to guess, he thought they were planning to¡­ flee.


    Yes, flee.


    Individually, their actions didn¡¯t make sense, but when pieced together, a pattern emerged. Guan Guiling had mortgaged their house to borrow 150 yuan. Rumor had it she tried to borrow from a second source, but those in this line of business were connected. Her attempt failed, and she was even slapped by the first lender.


    Not just anyone could scheme like this.


    Despite this, Zheng Yufeng was now trying to sell the house. He had shown it to several buyers, asking for 350 yuan. Though he tried to keep it quiet, it was hard to hide such activity.


    Whether Guan Guiling knew about this was unclear.


    But Zhuang Zhixi knew.


    Moreover, he discovered that after Fan Debiao was detained, Guan Guiling had repeatedly visited Fan¡¯s house, likely clearing it out.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He pieced together the information from both sides and concluded the following:


    Zheng Yufeng had deliberately let slip Zheng Huimin¡¯s current address to Fan Debiao. Given Fan Debiao¡¯s volatile temper, he was bound to cause trouble. Zheng Yufeng and Guan Guiling knew what kind of people lived in the No. 44 Xinghua Lane courtyard.


    After all, their reputation preceded them. Others might not recognize them, but the couple certainly could.


    Moreover, Guan Guiling knew that Ming Mei had been transferred to the Public Security University as a teacher. So, if Fan Debiao and his gang really went to the institute to cause trouble, they would definitely face resistance. At the very least, Ming Mei could handle them, as her reputation for bravery had been celebrated at the bus station for many years.


    What they wanted was for Fan Debiao to get arrested.


    This way, Fan Debiao wouldn¡¯t be able to interfere with their plans, and they could also loot his house.


    For a troublemaker like Fan Debiao, he would at least be locked up for ten to fifteen days. And once he was in, they could start moving. They could mortgage the house for loans, sell the house and jobs, and even ransack Fan Debiao¡¯s home.


    All of this clearly indicated that they were planning to flee.


    Zhuang Zhixi had pieced everything together, and honestly, he was a bit dumbfounded. They were living a decent life, even if their family wasn¡¯t particularly well-liked. Why would they want to run away? They were legitimate residents of the capital, with a house and stable jobs. No matter how bad things got, they still had security.


    Yet this family was planning to take the money and run.


    This was hard to comprehend. What kind of logic was that?


    Zhuang Zhixi felt that Zheng Yufeng was overly shrewd, but he didn¡¯t use his intelligence in the right way, which made his thought process completely different from normal people. How much smoke had to be in his brain to come up with such an outrageous plan?


    Because of this, Zhuang Zhixi thought that Zheng Huimin¡¯s usual eccentric behavior was actually quite normal. After all, her parents weren¡¯t exactly rational, and genetically speaking, the odds of her being sharp weren¡¯t high.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t speak directly to Zheng Huimin.


    This person¡ªno, this female comrade¡ªwas quite peculiar. He was afraid that if he said even one more word, Zheng Huimin might misunderstand and think he had a crush on her. That would be disgusting, so he didn¡¯t initiate any conversation with her. Instead, he chatted with his mother at her doorstep.


    ¡°Mom, do you know something? I¡¯ve discovered a big secret.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi knew Zheng Huimin was at home.


    Zhao Guihua, seeing her son acting mysteriously, asked, ¡°A big secret? What is it?¡±


    If it was such a big secret, why not come inside to talk?


    She had no idea who her son was trying to deliberately inform.


    But she played along, as this was the tacit understanding between mother and son that had developed over the years.


    She asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Tell me.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Zheng Huimin¡¯s parents are planning to run away.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was stunned¡ªthis wasn¡¯t an act, she was genuinely shocked.


    She asked in confusion, ¡°Why would they run away? They¡¯re well-off residents of the capital. Where would they even go? They have a home and jobs; they¡¯re not drifters. Why would they run?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°You think it¡¯s bizarre too, right? I didn¡¯t expect it either. I heard they¡¯ve mortgaged their house to borrow money. Oh, and even though they¡¯ve already mortgaged the house, they¡¯re still trying to sell it secretly. They¡¯re even planning to sell Guan Guiling¡¯s job. Isn¡¯t that a clear sign they¡¯re trying to flee? Also, I heard they¡¯re planning to empty Fan Debiao¡¯s house. The neighbors tried to stop them, but Guan Guiling said they were her future in-laws. Isn¡¯t that ridiculous?¡±


    Zhao Guihua had never seen such behavior before, but she was deeply shocked.


    After all, having a household registration in the capital was extremely important. To have a stable job and a house in the capital was something many people could only dream of. Yet this family was planning to scam some money and run away?


    Would they regret this decision ten years later?


    What a loss!


    She stammered, ¡°Then, then, then¡­ when Fan Debiao gets out, won¡¯t he come after them for revenge?¡±


    This wasn¡¯t part of the act; the old lady was genuinely shaken.


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°By then, they¡¯ll be long gone! But I bet they¡¯ll come after Zheng Huimin.¡±


    By this point, Zheng Huimin had been eavesdropping at the door for a while. Her face turned pale as she realized her parents were actually capable of such a thing. They hadn¡¯t considered the rest of the family at all.


    ¡°There¡¯s going to be a huge mess to clean up. Think about it¡ªonce the house is sold, there will be buyers. The person who lent them money against the house won¡¯t get the property, so they¡¯ll definitely come after the family for answers. If Zheng Yufeng and his wife run away, they¡¯ll have to go after their relatives. Oh, and I suspect they deliberately provoked Fan Debiao to cause trouble so he¡¯d get arrested and wouldn¡¯t interfere with their plans. Poor Zheng Huimin. She¡¯s going to be left with this mess¡­ tsk tsk.¡±


    Zheng Huimin had been busy with her crafts in her room, but she accidentally overheard the conversation at the door. Out of curiosity, she moved closer, only to realize the gossip was about her own family.


    The more she thought about it, the more she trembled in fear.


    It was true¡ªif her parents really ran away, the fallout would definitely land on her!


    She knew that if her parents left, they would take her brothers with them, while Zheng Huifang had already gone to Guangzhou. That would leave her alone in the capital¡­ Zheng Huimin shivered at the thought. Whether it was the debt collectors or Fan Debiao, neither would let her off the hook.


    Zheng Huimin suddenly yanked the door open and collapsed to the floor, asking, ¡°Is what you said true?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°You can go find out for yourself.¡±


    Zheng Huimin clenched her fists, trembling, and said, ¡°How could they¡­ how could they do this¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°I don¡¯t know how much of this is true, but it probably is. What did your parents do to make them want to run away?¡±


    Zheng Huimin shook her head vigorously, ¡°I don¡¯t know what they¡¯ve been up to. They never told me anything. But¡­ but why would they want to run?¡±


    Who could say?


    Probably no one could really explain it.


    Zheng Huimin struggled to her feet, muttering, ¡°What should I do? What should I do?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi blinked but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Zheng Huimin was completely lost. At this point, she had no one to rely on and could only grasp at straws. ¡°Please help me. Help me figure out what to do. I really don¡¯t know what to do. What should I do?¡±


    She paced in circles, already overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.


    Though not particularly bright, she knew Zhao Guihua was a capable woman. She clung to Zhao Guihua, refusing to let go, and pleaded, ¡°Auntie Zhao, please help me¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Alright, alright, stop pulling on me. You¡¯re going to hurt me.¡±


    Zheng Huimin: ¡°What am I supposed to do?¡±


    She looked utterly miserable, feeling like a poor, pitiful little cabbage.


    Zhao Guihua looked at her, then glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and asked, ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi knew this matter would eventually fall into his hands. After a moment of thought, he said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you cause a scene?¡±


    Zheng Huimin: ¡°What?¡±


    She stared at Zhuang Zhixi, completely baffled.


    Zhuang Zhixi said meaningfully, ¡°Go make a scene. If they can cause trouble for you, why can¡¯t you cause trouble for them?¡±


    Zhao Guihua understood: ¡°¡­¡±


    Wasn¡¯t this using their own tactics against them?


    She thought about it and realized that while her son¡¯s idea was quite devious, it was also rather ingenious and might actually work.


    Zheng Huimin still didn¡¯t get it and looked at Zhao Guihua and her son with wide eyes.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, lamenting that while people often said the younger generation would surpass the older one, these young people nowadays seemed to be getting dumber and dumber.


    Of course, she wouldn¡¯t reflect on the fact that her own son was exceptionally cunning.


    She beckoned Zheng Huimin closer and whispered a few words into her ear. Zheng Huimin¡¯s eyes widened in shock, ¡°You can do that?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Why not? If you don¡¯t want to do it, that¡¯s fine. This has nothing to do with us. If you hadn¡¯t come to me, I wouldn¡¯t have even brought it up. After all, it¡¯s not us who¡¯ll suffer the consequences.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Zheng Huimin said firmly, ¡°You¡¯re right. I need to act fast, or else if they really leave, I¡¯ll be in endless trouble.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Don¡¯t go alone. Bring some people with you.¡±


    Zheng Huimin nodded, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Although the plan sounded outrageous, the more she thought about it, the more it seemed like it might actually work.


    She took a deep breath and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go find some people right now.¡±


    Without even closing the door, Zheng Huimin rushed out in a hurry.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°You just want to see Guan Guiling and the others make fools of themselves, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi neither admitted nor denied it, saying, ¡°She¡¯s certainly tried to scheme against us before.¡±


    He smiled and shrugged.


    He volunteered, ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t feel like going out to sell stuff today.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Why?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°If I miss out on this drama, I¡¯ll feel like I¡¯ve been cheated.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She said, "You, you''re not a good person."


    Zhuang Zhixi was innocent, truly a great injustice.


    Zhao Guihua and the others had been selling T-shirts for a while now, and only a small portion was left, so it didn¡¯t matter much if they waited a few more days.


    Zhao Guihua: "We''ve been selling pretty well these days, but I¡¯m guessing that copycats will start popping up soon."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What do you think we should do?"


    Zhao Guihua: "As long as I move fast, the copycats won¡¯t be able to catch up with me."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Now it was his turn to be speechless.


    Zhao Guihua was blunt: "This kind of thing is highly replaceable. It''s already a good deal if we can make a decent profit from it."


    It¡¯s not that people who are reborn are necessarily smarter, but they have more life experience and have seen a lot, which makes them more capable.


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯m not planning to sell T-shirts next time."


    "Then what are you..."


    Zhao Guihua: "It¡¯s getting hot, so I¡¯m thinking of stocking up on dresses."


    Although this was the plan for now, there was no rush. They¡¯d finish selling the current batch first.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, I¡¯ve got to go. I need to take my wife to see something interesting."


    Zhao Guihua: "You¡¯re something else."


    Zhao Guihua was speechless but also found it amusing.


    At this time, Zheng Huimin had already called Guan Hong out from the machinery factory. She didn¡¯t have many friends, and since she lived with Guan Hong, even though they often seemed at odds, they had been through tough times together, so she still turned to Guan Hong when something came up.


    After discussing with Zheng Huimin, Guan Hong suggested they invite a few more people to join them.


    Zheng Huimin hesitated for a moment and said, "Should we invite the young people from the compound?"


    Guan Hong: "Better not. Yinlai¡¯s health isn¡¯t great, and we don¡¯t want anything to happen to him. Tonglai and Hutou have school, and Brother Li is working until tomorrow morning. The only ones we could invite are Jinlai and Li Weiwei, but... forget it. Jinlai¡¯s unreliable, and Li Weiwei... we don¡¯t get along well."


    Zheng Huimin nodded: "That¡¯s true."


    Although they used to admire Su Jinlai, back then he was like the moon in the sky, the brightest star in the night, the most dazzling presence in the crowd. But now that they didn¡¯t like him anymore, he was nothing but trash!


    The more they had loved him before, the more they despised him now.


    Such an unreliable, cowardly man didn¡¯t deserve to be called a man.


    Both of them thought of Su Jinlai and curled their lips in disdain, saying, "If we brought someone like him along, he¡¯d just hold us back."


    "Exactly."


    "I don¡¯t know what I was thinking back then, how I could have liked him."


    "Same here. He¡¯s just a pretty face, a total idiot, a big idiot. He¡¯d probably set himself on fire walking outside in this heat."


    "Ha ha ha ha..."


    Sometimes, friendships are built on talking bad about a third person.


    Both of them were thoroughly fed up with Su Jinlai.


    Meanwhile, Su Jinlai was at home sneezing nonstop. He was in a melancholy mood, nursing his wounds. Although his injuries had healed, he was still too embarrassed to go out. The incident from that day was still fresh in his mind. After being exposed for his lack of integrity, Su Jinlai had been avoiding going out, fearing the scornful looks from everyone.


    He, a man of honor, couldn¡¯t bear such looks.


    Actually, Su Jinlai was overthinking it.


    He thought everyone was watching him, paying attention to him, but in reality, no one cared!


    Everyone was too busy making money. Could he possibly be more appealing than money? Recently, the compound had been filled with the sweet scent of cash. The whole compound was in high spirits after making some money.


    Although people nowadays didn¡¯t think much of small business owners, since everyone was doing it, it had become quite normal. Recently, not just their compound, but even the surrounding compounds had been bustling with activity.


    Everyone was too busy making money to bother with a spineless guy like Su Jinlai.


    But Su Jinlai didn¡¯t know that. He stayed at home, feeling miserable.


    What made it worse was that although Tonglai had returned the two thousand yuan to him, his mother had forcibly taken it. It was so unfair¡ªthat was his "hard-earned money." How could his mother just take it?


    But Wang Xiangxiu didn¡¯t care about Jinlai¡¯s protests. She was firm in her decision.


    She wasn¡¯t trying to take money from her eldest son to support her younger sons. She was genuinely afraid that this fool would squander all his money. He didn¡¯t earn it easily¡ªhe had been squeezed dry for that money. If he kept it himself, he¡¯d just spend it recklessly.


    And what would happen when the money ran out?


    What if he couldn¡¯t earn money in the future?


    What would he do then?


    So Wang Xiangxiu was determined to manage his money for him, at least to ensure he had some security in the future.


    Wang Xiangxiu had good intentions, but Jinlai didn¡¯t understand. He felt like his life was utterly bleak. He stayed at home, crying and refusing to go out.


    Life was like that sometimes¡ªgood things came one after another, but so did bad things.


    He had been beaten, lost his reputation, and now his money was gone. That was already bad enough.


    To make matters worse, his two admirers had fallen for someone else. Now, whenever they saw him, they didn¡¯t act like before but occasionally even spat at him. It was a huge blow to his ego. Life was at its lowest point¡ªnothing was going right.


    "Achoo! Achoo!"


    He sneezed several times in a row, rubbing his nose and muttering, "This is so annoying. Am I catching a cold again?"


    That would really be adding insult to injury.


    If he got sick now, it would be the ultimate misfortune.


    He sighed deeply, feeling utterly dejected. Just then...


    Knock, knock, knock.


    There was a knock at the door. Jinlai, half-dead, called out, "Who is it?"


    "It¡¯s me, Auntie."


    Jinlai jumped up immediately and said, "Auntie? What brings you here?"


    He hurried to the door to greet her. Hu Huihui: "What¡¯s wrong with you? A big guy like you, why do you look so lifeless?" She looked like she¡¯d been drained of energy.


    Jinlai: "I¡¯ve been recovering from my injuries at home. Auntie, why are you here this time...?"


    Hu Huihui: "I have a friend who came over from Hong Kong. They¡¯re a couple looking for a young man to accompany them on their trip, and I immediately thought of you."


    Jinlai perked up: "I can do it, I can do it."


    He suddenly felt energized. He was short on cash, and now here was a new opportunity to make money. This time, he definitely wouldn¡¯t let his mother take it from him. No way. He quickly said, "I¡¯m great at being a travel companion. Just tell me, how much are they offering?"


    Hu Huihui hesitated for a moment, then confirmed again, "Are you sure you¡¯re up for it? Do you understand what I mean? They¡¯re a couple¡ªa couple!"


    Su Jinlai nodded: "Of course I understand. What¡¯s there not to understand?"


    Although he wasn¡¯t well-educated, he knew what being a travel companion meant¡ªjust accompanying them on their trip. He could do that!


    There was no problem with that.


    He patted his chest confidently: "Auntie, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m good at this. I¡¯ve dealt with middle-aged women before¡ªit¡¯s not my first time. If you didn¡¯t think I was good, you wouldn¡¯t have come to me again, right? My reputation isn¡¯t just for show¡ªI¡¯ve got real skills."


    Hu Huihui: "Alright, since you understand, I¡¯m relieved. This time is a bit special, so I¡¯ve negotiated a high price for you¡ªtwo thousand yuan!"


    Su Jinlai nearly fell off his chair, stammering, "H-how much?!"


    Hu Huihui held up two fingers: "Two thousand yuan. Don¡¯t worry, no business in the entire city offers this kind of money. I fought hard to get this for you. You¡¯ll be accompanying them for about ten days, which means you¡¯ll earn in a day what most people make in a month. It might be a bit humiliating, but it¡¯s worth it for the money. Think about it¡ªeven if it¡¯s a bit embarrassing, it¡¯s not shameful to make money."


    Su Jinlai looked at his aunt Hu Huihui, puzzled as to why she was being so talkative this time.


    Wasn¡¯t it just some middle-aged woman?


    It wasn¡¯t his first time.


    Why was she going on and on about it? She was being more detailed than the first time. It really wasn¡¯t necessary, not at all.


    "Don''t worry, I definitely won¡¯t embarrass you."


    Hu Huihui nodded: "Good! I¡¯ll give you half of the deposit first. Make sure you dress up nicely. Come find me tomorrow."


    "Alright."


    Su Jinlai took the money, happily kissed it, and thought that money smelled the best.


    He chuckled to himself, feeling that his luck was finally turning around. Just recently, he had been in a pitiful state, but now, as soon as Hu Huihui showed up, money came his way. He said cheerfully, "Auntie, you¡¯re really my lucky star."


    Hu Huihui hesitated for a moment and asked tentatively, "Are you really okay with this? No guilt at all?"


    Su Jinlai rolled his eyes and said, "What¡¯s there to feel guilty about? Sure, it¡¯s a bit of hard work, and yeah, it¡¯s a bit of a blow to my pride, but for this amount of money, I¡¯m more than willing. This is two thousand yuan! How many people work themselves to the bone for a month just to earn what I¡¯m making in a day? Why wouldn¡¯t I be happy about it?"


    Hu Huihui: "...I guess you¡¯re right."


    Even so, it was Hu Huihui who had come to broker this deal, but as she left, she was still in a daze. She never expected Su Jinlai to accept it so quickly! It was just... baffling.


    She left quietly.


    This time, her demeanor was noticeably different from before, but Su Jinlai was in high spirits. He spun around happily, saying, "Having a reputation out there really pays off. My luck is finally turning around!"


    He was so excited that he started shouting at home, just as everyone was getting off work. The neighbors stared at his house in confusion, wondering what nonsense Su Jinlai was up to now.


    But then again, it was normal for him to act out. If he wasn¡¯t causing a scene, that would be the real surprise.


    Zhuang Zhixi hadn¡¯t gone to work that afternoon, so he knew it had something to do with Hu Huihui. He gossiped with his mother, saying, "I wonder who Hu Huihui found for him this time. He¡¯s so happy about it."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Where did Hu Huihui even find so many clients?


    Who could have imagined that one day she¡¯d be playing the role of a madam!


    Zhao Guihua shook her head repeatedly, completely baffled.


    She didn¡¯t understand, but then again, she didn¡¯t need to. Strange things happened all the time.


    She said, "Aren¡¯t you going to the Zheng family to watch the drama?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yeah, I¡¯m waiting for my wife."


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t disappoint him. She came home right after work, and the two of them immediately headed to the Zheng family.


    When it came to watching drama, they never missed out.


    Recently, Zheng Yufeng had been riding high. He hadn¡¯t expected Fan Debiao to be such a tough nut to crack, making it hard to deceive him. In the end, he had no choice but to resort to the simplest and most brutal strategy¡ªgetting him locked up.


    He had schemed against quite a few people, but fortunately, everything had gone according to plan.


    Fan Debiao was indeed locked up, and although it was only for a short time, it was enough. This period gave Zheng Yufeng the opportunity to make his moves.


    The dumbest one in his family was Guan Guiling. He had lied to her, saying that a relative from Hong Kong had come to take them there to live. Guan Guiling had believed it without question. She didn¡¯t even stop to think¡ªif such a relative existed, why hadn¡¯t they shown up earlier?


    But this lie was enough to fool Guan Guiling.


    She immediately started following his instructions and making plans.


    Zheng Yufeng didn¡¯t take the lead himself. If he did, he would be held accountable later. But if everything was done by Guan Guiling, it was a different story. This had nothing to do with him.


    He had also thought it through¡ªhe would take Wang Ju and their two sons with him when they left. As for Guan Guiling, he had never intended to bring along such a sickly burden. Leaving her behind had its advantages too¡ªshe could take the heat for everything.


    This would save him a lot of trouble.


    Now that everything was going smoothly, Fan Debiao couldn¡¯t interfere anymore.


    He had Guan Guiling frequently go in and out of Fan Debiao¡¯s house, and she had already found over two thousand yuan, nearly twenty-five hundred. He had expected Fan Debiao to have more, so they were still searching.


    Guan Guiling was useless¡ªshe still hadn¡¯t found more.


    Fan Debiao had been doing this for a long time; it was impossible for him to only have two thousand yuan.


    However, Zheng Yufeng had already started selling Fan Debiao¡¯s belongings bit by bit. Combined with borrowing some money, he now had three thousand yuan in hand. The only things that hadn¡¯t gone smoothly were selling the job position and the house.


    Since the asking price was high, no one had taken them yet.


    He had already decided that if no one bought them by tomorrow, he would lower the price.


    Otherwise, once Fan Debiao got out, it would be harder for him to leave.


    Fan Debiao coveted his daughter, while he coveted all of Fan Debiao¡¯s money.


    As for Huimin and Huifang, they didn¡¯t matter at all!


    Zheng Yufeng was feeling great, a slight smile on his lips. He had started out as a street urchin, and he knew better than anyone that if you didn¡¯t look out for yourself, you¡¯d be doomed. He only cared about himself; everyone else could go to hell. Whether it was his children or his wife, they were all just tools to be used.


    To be honest, he didn¡¯t particularly like his two sons either, but since they could support him in his old age, they were worth paying some attention to.


    He was in a good mood and planned to sneak into Fan Debiao¡¯s house again tonight to look for more money. Relying solely on Guan Guiling wasn¡¯t going to cut it. But he wouldn¡¯t go in openly¡ªthat was something only Guan Guiling could do.


    He chuckled to himself and hummed a tune.


    It was a song celebrating his own cleverness!


    "Brother Yufeng, I ran into the pork seller today and bought half a pound of meat. I¡¯ll stir-fry it for you later," Guan Guiling said. She hadn¡¯t found a buyer for the job yet, so she was still working as usual. With the family¡¯s finances improving recently, she had started splurging on meat.


    Zheng Yufeng: "Add some chili peppers to it."


    "Alright."


    Guan Guiling: "Brother Yufeng..."


    "Mom! Dad! Come out! Come out right now!"


    Suddenly, a clear voice rang out. Both Guan Guiling and Zheng Yufeng were startled, quickly realizing it was their eldest daughter, Zheng Huimin, who had returned. Guan Guiling immediately flew into a rage and stormed out, shouting, "You little tramp! You finally remember to come home? Do you know how much trouble you¡¯ve caused this family? You little slut, did you only come back after getting your fill of being slept with?"


    Zheng Huimin¡¯s shouting had drawn a crowd, but no one expected to hear Guan Guiling curse her own daughter like this. The neighbors were used to Guan Guiling¡¯s vulgar language, but outsiders were hearing it for the first time and stared in disbelief.


    To those who didn¡¯t know better, it sounded like Guan Guiling was cursing her rival, not her own daughter.


    Who cursed their own child like that?


    "You damn slut, why are you coming back now? I should¡¯ve drowned you when you were born! You¡¯ve caused us so much trouble. Do you even know how much you¡¯ve burdened this family?"


    She stormed out, only to see that Zheng Huimin had brought six or seven people with her.


    Zheng Huimin shrank back after being cursed at, but Guan Hong grabbed her arm and gave her a hard pinch. Zheng Huimin took a deep breath and said, "Mom, where¡¯s Dad? Both of you, come out. I have something to ask you."


    Her voice was loud.


    Zheng Yufeng came out and looked at the scene before him, frowning. "Huimin, what¡¯s this about? Why are you bringing all these troublemakers here? This is your family home, not your enemy¡¯s. Is this how you behave? You¡¯ve really disappointed me."


    Zheng Huimin stared at her father, unable to believe his words.


    She shouted, "These people aren¡¯t troublemakers! They¡¯re all from the machinery factory. They heard about my situation and came to support me!"


    She took a deep breath and shouted, "Dad, tell me the truth¡ªare you planning to run away?"


    For a moment, Zheng Yufeng looked uneasy, but he quickly replied, "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    Zheng Huimin: "I¡¯m not spouting nonsense! Are you planning to run away? If you¡¯re not, then why did you mortgage the house to loan sharks? Don¡¯t try to lie to me¡ªyou¡¯ve already put the house up as collateral, so why are you still trying to sell it? Are you scamming people? What you¡¯re doing is illegal! Why are you doing this?"


    Zheng Huimin¡¯s words shocked both Zheng Yufeng and Guan Guiling.


    They had been careful to guard against Fan Debiao, but they hadn¡¯t expected their own daughter to catch on.


    Zheng Yufeng, being a schemer, managed to keep his composure, but Guan Guiling¡¯s face immediately changed. The onlookers, seeing this, quickly realized that Zheng Huimin¡¯s accusations were probably true.


    ¡°What? Their family borrowed from loan sharks? Why would they do that? What¡¯s the point of this when everything was fine?¡±


    ¡°Zheng Yufeng, your family is going too far. You¡¯ve already mortgaged your house to those people, so why are you still asking me to spread the word about selling it? If someone actually buys it, won¡¯t that just bring trouble? What¡¯s going on with your family? How can you do something like this? You need to explain this to me. You¡¯re really screwing me over here!¡±


    ¡°Exactly! Your house is already mortgaged, so why are you still trying to sell it? Guan Guiling, we¡¯re neighbors. How can you treat people like this? My sister-in-law wants to buy a house, and you didn¡¯t say a word about it! Instead, you kept encouraging her to buy. How could you do that?¡±


    ¡°Explain it, yes, explain it!¡±


    The voices grew louder and louder, and a crowd had gathered at the entrance to watch the commotion. Zhuang Zhixi pulled Ming Mei over to join the crowd, and the two of them squeezed in among the onlookers. Zheng Yufeng, calm and composed, said, ¡°Everyone¡¯s misunderstood. I think my daughter is just resentful of us and making things up. She¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, Zheng Huimin suddenly let out a piercing scream, ¡°Dad, you¡¯re my real father! How can you say that about me? How can you throw dirt on me like this? Have you thought about what will happen to me after you run off after borrowing all this money?¡±


    Tears streamed down her face. ¡°When you sell the house, won¡¯t the loan sharks come after me? And Fan Debiao¡ªyou emptied his family¡¯s house. When he gets out, won¡¯t he come after me? You¡¯ll just run away, leaving all the mess behind. What about me? Can I even survive? Is this how you treat your daughter? Since we were kids, my sister and I have worked the hardest and eaten the least, but that¡¯s fine. But why? Why are you selling us out? Why are you ruining us? I¡¯m your daughter, not your enemy! You¡¯ve sold your jobs, sold the house, borrowed from loan sharks, and screwed over Fan Debiao! Have you even thought about what will happen to me? What kind of future will I have? Have you even considered that? Or do you just not care?¡±


    Zheng Huimin¡¯s anguished cries echoed through the crowd. Although Zhao Guihua had coached her on what to say, the pain she felt was real.


    She looked around frantically, spotted a carrying pole in the yard, and hurled it at the window of her own house. ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to have a good life, then none of us will! Let¡¯s all just die! How could you do this? You¡¯ve already driven my sister away, and now you¡¯re trying to ruin me too! Why? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know¡ªyou deliberately set Fan Debiao up to come after me. You knew if he caused trouble, he¡¯d be arrested. You planned it all. You don¡¯t care about the consequences of your actions. Why? Why would you do this?¡±


    Zheng Huimin¡¯s heart-wrenching screams moved everyone who heard them. It was clear that this young woman had suffered greatly.


    Although Zheng Yufeng had always been a good actor and Guan Guiling had always played the weak victim, Zheng Huimin¡¯s breakdown was too raw, too real. Anyone could see her pain, and the crowd sighed, unsure of what to say to comfort her.


    Zheng Huimin continued to cry out, ¡°I just don¡¯t understand! You¡¯re from the capital, from Beijing. Why are you running away? Why? You¡¯ve borrowed money, made enemies, and now you¡¯re just going to leave? What about me?¡±


    Guan Hong chimed in, ¡°They even talked about borrowing from more people, mortgaging the house to multiple lenders to squeeze out more money.¡±


    Guan Hong remembered overhearing the couple¡¯s late-night conversations, where they had indeed discussed this.


    Zheng Huimin nodded furiously. ¡°Yes, they did! I just don¡¯t understand¡ªam I not your real child? Why are you scheming against me like this? Why?¡±


    She smashed every window in the house, the sound of shattering glass filling the air.


    Guan Guiling, watching her beloved windows being destroyed, screamed, ¡°You little wretch! What can a girl like you even do? You should be willing to sacrifice for the family! We gave you life¡ªwe can take it away if we want! How dare you rebel?¡±


    ¡°What kind of talk is that?¡±


    ¡°This is the new society! If this were a few years ago, we¡¯d report you for saying something like that!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really something, aren¡¯t you? This is your daughter. There¡¯s a limit to favoritism!¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    Guan Guiling, furious, shouted, ¡°This is my family¡¯s business! It¡¯s none of your concern! I¡¯ll do what I want! Selling the house is my decision, selling my job is my decision. You have no right to interfere!¡±


    She was leaving anyway, so why should she care about these people? These poor folks weren¡¯t worth her time. They¡¯d looked down on her for years, but now she was the one on top.


    She declared, ¡°We¡¯re leaving! We¡¯re going to Hong Kong! What do you think of that, you country bumpkins? Zheng Huimin, I raised you, and you¡¯ve done nothing for us. You should be willing to sacrifice for us!¡±


    She spoke with such satisfaction, but Zheng Yufeng was livid.


    Finally fed up with his foolish wife, he couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. He slapped Guan Guiling across the face. ¡°Shut up! What are you saying? There¡¯s no truth to any of this! You can¡¯t just say whatever you want to vent your anger. You¡¯re making people misunderstand us!¡±


    But even as he said this, he turned to see the crowd looking at them with disdain.


    Zheng Huimin was utterly despairing. It was true¡ªall of it. They really were going to run away and leave her to deal with the mess. Her eyes red with rage, she suddenly lunged forward. ¡°I don¡¯t want to live anymore¡­¡±


    She ran straight toward the wall, intending to crash into it!


    ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    ¡°Quick, grab her!¡±


    ¡°Hurry, hurry!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Heavens¡­¡±


    Some of the more timid onlookers covered their eyes, while others rushed forward to stop her.


    Guan Hong was the first to grab Zheng Huimin. ¡°What are you doing? I know you¡¯re hurting, but you can¡¯t just die! You still have friends like us!¡±


    Zheng Huimin covered her face and sobbed uncontrollably.


    Zheng Yufeng said, ¡°Huimin, seeing you like this breaks your father¡¯s heart¡­¡±


    Zheng Huimin flailed her arms wildly. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that! You¡¯re not my parents! You¡¯re monsters! Everything you say is a lie. You pretend to care, but behind my back, you¡¯re plotting to ruin me! I know! I¡¯ve heard it all!¡±


    She pulled out a box of matches and screamed, ¡°Let¡¯s all die together!!!¡±


    ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    ¡°Girl, put those down! Don¡¯t do something crazy! Parents like this aren¡¯t worth ruining your life over!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! You¡¯re such a lovely girl. Why would you do this to yourself?¡±


    Guan Hong pleaded with her, ¡°What are you doing? We all see how much you¡¯ve suffered, but no matter how bad it is, you can¡¯t hurt yourself. Life is hard enough as it is! If they don¡¯t treat you well, that¡¯s their problem. But you can¡¯t destroy yourself over it¡­¡±


    She took advantage of Zheng Huimin¡¯s momentary distraction to snatch the matches away. ¡°Oh my God, don¡¯t scare me like that!¡±


    Zheng Huimin cried out, ¡°My mom told me to die¡­ she said she¡¯d drown me¡­¡±


    Guan Guiling spat, ¡°Pah! Who are you trying to scare?¡±


    The crowd glared at Guan Guiling, unable to hold back their anger. ¡°Just shut up already!¡±

 Chapter 195

    Strange things happen every year, but this year seems particularly eventful.


    The Guan Family has been providing the neighborhood with quite the spectacle lately.


    Guan Guiling isn¡¯t well-liked, but Zheng Yufeng has always had a decent reputation¡ªthough that reputation is now hanging by a thread and could crumble at any moment. Zheng Huimin has been screaming and crying hysterically, threatening to end her life.


    Everyone rushed to stop her, fearing she might actually go through with it.


    This situation is truly life-threatening.


    Zheng Yufeng¡¯s face darkened. He never expected Zheng Huimin to find out about this, nor did he think she¡¯d have the guts to come back and cause such a scene. In his eyes, even if she knew, she wouldn¡¯t dare make a fuss. But after being away for a while, she¡¯s become bolder and more assertive.


    The whole crying, screaming, and threatening suicide routine is nothing new to the family, so they didn¡¯t take it seriously. They didn¡¯t believe Zheng Huimin actually wanted to die. But the neighbors didn¡¯t see it that way. They all tried to stop her, offering heartfelt advice.


    People are quick to sympathize and rally against a common enemy. The more they tried to comfort Zheng Huimin, the more they felt the family was heartless. How could they be so cruel? Guan Guiling glared at her eldest daughter, wishing she could strangle her.


    She stared at her daughter with rage, but Zheng Huimin continued her theatrics. Some neighbors couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and started offering suggestions: ¡°Zheng Huimin, don¡¯t be afraid. If your parents are trying to leave you with a mess, we won¡¯t stand by and watch. I¡¯ll tell you what¡ªgo to your mom¡¯s workplace and make a scene every day. I don¡¯t believe they¡¯ll be able to smoothly transfer her job.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Even if they run away, you¡¯ll at least still have a job. That¡¯s something stable.¡±


    ¡°I agree. I live on the next street. I¡¯m an old lady with nothing better to do. If I see anyone coming to look at the house, I¡¯ll tell them the truth. They won¡¯t be able to sell it!¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a family like this.¡±


    ¡°If Fan Debiao comes looking for trouble, we¡¯ll stand by you. This has nothing to do with you, and they can¡¯t pin it on you. Forced marriages are a thing of the past.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Everyone chimed in, rallying around Zheng Huimin. She never imagined she¡¯d have so much support. Tears streamed down her face as she said, ¡°Thank you, everyone. Really, thank you!¡±


    She sobbed uncontrollably, on the verge of passing out.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were among the crowd, watching the drama unfold. Zhuang Zhixi thought Zheng Huimin hadn¡¯t gone far enough. If she made an even bigger scene, more people would pay attention, and Zheng Yufeng and his wife wouldn¡¯t be able to take drastic measures.


    Still, Zheng Huimin¡¯s performance was impressive enough.


    Zhuang Zhixi gave Zheng Yufeng a deep look. For some reason, he felt Zheng Yufeng wouldn¡¯t take Guan Guiling with him. Despite Guan Guiling¡¯s claims of going to Hong Kong, her words didn¡¯t seem credible.


    She was frail and sickly¡ªwhat could she possibly do there? Zheng Yufeng would see her as a burden rather than a help. Zhuang Zhixi doubted the plan. Meanwhile, Zheng Yufeng was seething. He thought he had everything under control, but who could¡¯ve predicted his eldest daughter would cause such a scene?


    What¡¯s worse, Guan Guiling was making things harder. She shouldn¡¯t have said those things. Her outburst only made her look worse.


    A terrible teammate is hard to tolerate.


    He took a deep breath, thinking about how he was about to be rid of this woman, and said softly, ¡°Everyone, I know no matter what I say now, you won¡¯t believe me. But I¡¯m not that kind of person. I¡¯ve lived in this courtyard for decades, and you all know my character. I promise I won¡¯t leave or put my daughter in a difficult position. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can keep an eye on me. My wife isn¡¯t the most tactful, but she¡¯s uneducated and doesn¡¯t always express herself well. I¡¯ll keep her in check, but please believe me¡ªwe¡¯ll resolve this matter.¡±


    ¡°What good is your promise to us? You need to answer to your daughter!¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    Zheng Yufeng: ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about other things. Selling the house or the job is off the table. We¡¯ll wait for Fan Debiao to return. How does that sound?¡±


    He added, ¡°My wife sold some of Fan Debiao¡¯s belongings. We¡¯ll sort it out when he gets back.¡±


    Zheng ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Yufeng was playing the good guy, retreating to advance.


    ¡°Huimin, stay at home. If you stay, you¡¯ll see that your mother and I aren¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on! If she stays, you¡¯ll just trap her. Once she¡¯s in your hands, you can say whatever you want. What if you sell her off? Even in this modern age, some people still cling to old ways. We¡¯re not blind to it.¡± Guan Hong sneered, raising her voice. ¡°You just want to control her so she can¡¯t fight back.¡±


    Zheng Yufeng shot Guan Hong a dark look. The girl had hit the nail on the head, but he replied, ¡°I¡¯m not like that. You kids always think the worst of your parents.¡±


    In the past, Zheng Yufeng¡¯s words might¡¯ve carried some weight, but now everyone saw through his excuses.


    After all, the family¡¯s attempt to sell the house was real. They weren¡¯t fooling anyone.


    ¡°Go to the neighborhood committee! This can¡¯t be left like this!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Go to the committee!¡±


    Zheng Yufeng: ¡°If she doesn¡¯t want to come back, fine. You can all keep an eye on us. We won¡¯t run away. Let¡¯s wait for Fan Debiao to return, okay?¡±


    He was clearly stalling for time. People sensed it but didn¡¯t know why. They just watched Zheng Huimin, who by now had cried her eyes swollen. She said, ¡°I¡¯ll come every day. Mom, tomorrow I¡¯ll go to your workplace. You¡¯re not selling that job.¡±


    Guan Guiling: ¡°You wretched girl¡­¡±


    She hated her daughter with a passion. No wonder people said daughters were trouble. Not a single one of them was considerate or willing to sacrifice for the family. They were just a waste of resources.


    Zheng Yufeng grabbed Guan Guiling and said, ¡°Calm down.¡±


    Guan Guiling took a deep breath and stayed silent.


    Zheng Yufeng: ¡°If you want to follow your mom, go ahead. I don¡¯t mind.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He added, ¡°It¡¯s getting late, and the window¡¯s broken. We can¡¯t leave it like this in this weather. Whatever happens, let¡¯s deal with it later. Huimin, you¡¯re my daughter. I won¡¯t harm you. Just trust me one last time, okay? I¡¯ll make things right.¡±


    Zheng Huimin hesitated but finally nodded.


    Zhuang Zhixi, unnoticed, pulled Ming Mei away. Ming Mei whispered, ¡°I feel like Zheng Yufeng is stalling on purpose.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at her and said softly, ¡°You think so too? I feel the same. He¡¯s probably planning to ditch Guan Guiling and leave.¡±


    The two exchanged knowing glances. At least, after today¡¯s scene, Guan Guiling¡¯s job and the family house wouldn¡¯t be so easy to sell. Even if loan sharks or Fan Debiao came after Zheng Huimin, they¡¯d think twice.


    After all, everyone now knew the general situation. If they still tried to pin things on Zheng Huimin, the neighborhood committee wouldn¡¯t stand by. They couldn¡¯t let things escalate to a life-or-death situation.


    Plus, Zheng Huimin¡¯s dramatic performance today made it clear she was capable of going to extremes. No one would easily blame her now. If she went berserk, it could end badly for everyone.


    Zheng Huimin had made herself a thorn in their side, which meant she was safer.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going through Zheng Yufeng¡¯s mind. How can he be so ruthless? He¡¯s willing to use his wife and daughter. I doubt he has any real affection for his son either.¡±


    Ming Mei nodded.


    The couple returned home, deeply affected. Selfishness is one thing, but being willing to exploit anyone, even family, is truly terrifying.


    They were both shaken. And from Guan Guiling, Ming Mei truly understood the saying: ¡°A woman fears marrying the wrong man.¡±


    Everyone knew that Guan Guiling was no good, but Zheng Yufeng was truly the most terrifying.


    The couple returned to the compound together. At this time, Zheng Huimin hadn¡¯t come back yet, but they did run into a few railway police officers. The two groups passed each other by, and the officers had just come out of their compound.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei entered the courtyard and couldn¡¯t help but glance back. Ming Mei asked, ¡°What were they here for? Were they looking for your brother?¡±


    In their compound, only Zhuang Zhiyuan worked for the railway¡ªoh, wait, Li Junjun did too.


    As the two muttered to themselves, Aunt Zhou suddenly popped out and said, ¡°They were here for your mom.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°My mom? What good deed has she done this time?¡±


    Aunt Zhou¡¯s tone was full of pride as she replied, ¡°Not just your mom, but us too. They came to thank us. We helped out big time on the train. Not only did we catch a group of human traffickers, but we also nabbed some thieves. Oh, and on our way back from Guangzhou, we spotted a gambling ring on the train. Your mom and I even went undercover to investigate! We wrote down their methods and physical descriptions. As soon as we got off the train, we handed it over to the railway authorities, and they¡¯ve already arrested the culprits. They came to thank us, hehe.¡±


    When it came to this matter, Aunt Zhou was especially proud.


    This wasn¡¯t just Zhao Guihua¡¯s accomplishment¡ªthey had all played a part. Not only had they helped catch the criminals, but they had also participated in the ¡°investigation.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Wow, you all are really aging like fine wine.¡±


    Aunt Zhou beamed with pride, ¡°Of course! This time, we just provided some clues, so it¡¯s not that big of a deal. But the police officers said that since we helped catch those traffickers earlier, they¡¯re going to reward us. The investigation isn¡¯t over yet, but once it¡¯s done, they¡¯ll come back and present us with a commendation banner.¡±


    She had never been praised like this in her life. It was the kind of thing that could make her laugh in her sleep!


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°You sure kept yourselves busy during this trip.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Alright, you should go see your mom now. I need to go spread the word.¡±


    This kind of news deserved to be shared far and wide. They had done something truly remarkable. Aunt Zhou was practically floating with joy. Not only had she made money from her street vending, but she had also been praised for her good deeds.


    It felt like she had finally found her purpose in life.


    Aunt Zhou said proudly, ¡°I need to go tell all my neighbors and old friends about this.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, ¡°Go ahead. Our alley is a model of civility. No one else can match our standards.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei bid farewell to Aunt Zhou. As soon as they got home, they saw Zhao Guihua proudly showing off to the neighbors, her tone just as boastful as Aunt Zhou¡¯s. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°Mom, I heard you got praised?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Of course! I just couldn¡¯t stand by and do nothing when I saw something wrong. Who knew it would turn out so well? Hahaha!¡±


    She was overjoyed and said, ¡°I¡¯ve got a sharp eye. I can spot trouble from a mile away.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°So they caught all of them?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°They did. Once the investigation is over, we¡¯ll even get a commendation banner.¡±


    At their age, things like this mattered a lot. Whether it was Aunt Zhou, Zhao Guihua, or the others who had participated, they all wanted this kind of recognition. What an honor!


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°If you think about it, you¡¯ve always had a knack for spotting human traffickers. You were the one who noticed something was off when that child was kidnapped before. And now you¡¯ve done it again.¡±


    Although Zhao Guihua was tempted to brag, she didn¡¯t take all the credit. She said, ¡°Well, that girl was also very alert.¡±


    She didn¡¯t mention Zheng Huifang directly.


    But as she spoke about the incident, Zhao Guihua added, ¡°I just heard that this group of traffickers is a bit different from the usual ones. They¡¯re not just in it for the money.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°I heard that the female trafficker is the eldest daughter of a village chief. Their village is extremely poor, tucked away in a remote mountain area. Most families there want sons, so many baby girls are drowned at birth. As a result, there are very few women left in the village. With so few women and mostly boys, no outside girls want to marry into such a poor place. So, the village chief came up with a plan to kidnap girls from outside. His eldest daughter led the operation, and the male accomplices were all from the same clan. Apparently, several men from the village take turns going out with her. Some girls are tricked into coming, while others are drugged and taken away. At first, they tried to lure girls with lies, but that didn¡¯t work very well. Over time, it became too risky. So now they use sleeping pills to knock the girls out and pretend they¡¯re just a family traveling together. They always make sure to kidnap at least four girls per trip to make the train ticket worth it. This isn¡¯t the first time they¡¯ve done this.¡±


    Ming Mei listened in shock, feeling her hair stand on end.


    ¡°They don¡¯t want daughters, but they¡¯ll kidnap other girls to marry their sons and continue their family line? Why hasn¡¯t lightning struck them dead?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I know, right?¡±


    ¡°But their village must have some connections. How else could they get their hands on sleeping pills?¡±


    At this, Zhao Guihua¡¯s expression turned even more complicated. She said, ¡°The village chief¡¯s younger daughter works at the town hospital. She agreed to help get the sleeping pills on the condition that she wouldn¡¯t have to marry any of the village men. She didn¡¯t want to marry any of them, but she knew she couldn¡¯t avoid it forever. So, she came up with a plan¡ªsacrificing others to save herself.¡±


    ¡°Disgusting!¡±


    Many people in the courtyard had gathered to listen, including He Lan and others. Hearing this, they felt sick to their stomachs.


    He Lan said, ¡°What kind of people are these? There¡¯s not a single decent one among them.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Even Wang Zizhen, who had come to watch the commotion, couldn¡¯t understand it. Her village was also poor and didn¡¯t value daughters, but they didn¡¯t go as far as killing baby girls.


    Her own parents hadn¡¯t done something so extreme.


    She said, ¡°Our village isn¡¯t like that.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Well, that¡¯s just how it is. This country is vast, and there will always be places that are poorer and more backward.¡±


    The women in the room were furious, and while the men were also upset, the women could relate to the situation more deeply. Wang Zizhen said, ¡°This makes my heart ache.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about how we can raise awareness and help more people stay vigilant. If even one person avoids being kidnapped because of it, it¡¯ll be worth it.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°We could write a guide and try to get it published, but most publishers won¡¯t run something like that.¡±


    Although literature had become more open compared to earlier years, not everything could be published. Works with more literary value were still preferred. A straightforward guide on how to avoid scams, while useful, might not make the cut for various reasons.


    Ming Mei blinked and said, ¡°What if we submit it to the railway department? A lot of traffickers use trains to transport their victims, and some even commit crimes on the train. If the railway repeatedly broadcasts warnings about human trafficking methods, wouldn¡¯t that make more people cautious?¡±


    She added seriously, ¡°It might be hard to get it published in a newspaper, but what if we submit it to the railway department¡¯s publicity office? Your brother works there¡ªhe could help us find out.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Then you all can describe the situation, and I¡¯ll write it up.¡±


    Working in the publicity office, he was skilled at writing articles. Something like this would be easy for him, and he knew how to phrase things appropriately. He said, ¡°Let¡¯s get started right away!¡±


    ¡°Deal!¡±


    Zhao Guihua agreed without hesitation.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°If it doesn¡¯t get accepted, don¡¯t be too disappointed.¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look and said, ¡°Do I seem like that kind of person? If it doesn¡¯t work out, so be it. But we have to at least try.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Exactly.¡±


    "I can also offer some advice."


    "I can too!"


    Everyone chimed in, not seeking fame or profit, but genuinely hoping to make a difference.


    Just as things were heating up, Zheng Huimin returned. She froze at the door, asking, "Why is everyone gathered here?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We''re discussing some matters. How did things go on your end?"


    Unaware of the situation, everyone was startled by Zheng Huimin''s appearance and quickly asked, "Are you okay?"


    "What happened? Did you get into a fight with someone?"


    Zheng Huimin said, "I went home and had a fight with my parents."


    She didn''t elaborate further. Her eyes scanned the room, but she didn''t see Li Junjun. Remembering that he worked day and night, she didn''t linger for small talk. With a weak smile, she let Guan Hong help her home. The others wanted to ask more, but it didn''t feel appropriate to press her.


    However, by the next day, everyone quickly found out what had happened to Zheng Huimin. After all, to make a show of support, Guan Hong had called a few young men from their workshop to accompany her. Young men care about face, and even if they weren''t particularly close to Guan Hong, since she had asked, they couldn''t easily refuse.


    They were glad they had gone along, or else Zheng Huimin might have been driven to drastic measures.


    The things Zheng Huimin''s parents said were clearly manipulative, and even the young men could see through it. If they really didn''t want her to leave, why were they selling their jobs and house? Actions speak louder than words.


    Their behavior was telling, and Zheng Huimin''s mother¡ªoh, the things she said! It was harsh and cruel, the kind of talk you''d expect from a bitter old woman, not someone who should care for her child.


    Having witnessed this, they naturally had to talk about it.


    Though Zheng Huimin wasn''t closely connected to them, gossip is a universal pastime. Soon, the story spread around the factory, and even Guan Hong''s reputation improved a bit. Previously, Guan Hong hadn''t had the best reputation¡ªnot just because she had gone on a blind date with Li Weiwei and then taken a liking to someone else that same day, but that''s another story.


    Mainly, Guan Hong was known for being petty, harsh, and always looking to take advantage. On top of that, she had a bit of a romantic streak, having once run away from home for a man. Such behavior made her seem unreliable, and her reputation wasn''t great.


    But yesterday''s events showed a different side of her¡ªa more loyal and brave one.


    The factory workers knew, and so did the residents of the compound, since most of them worked at the factory.


    As for Zheng Huimin''s situation, no one was particularly surprised. After all, the compound was well-acquainted with Guan Guiling. Bai Fendou had almost been swindled by her, if not for Chen Yuan stepping in at the last moment.


    Speaking of Chen Yuan, people couldn''t help but marvel at his rise to power and wealth after exacting his revenge.


    He was quite the "great man."


    That said, most people didn''t think highly of Chen Yuan. Even though he was the son of Director Chen¡ªnow Deputy Factory Director Chen¡ªChen Yuan himself wasn''t well-regarded. For instance, Zhuang Zhixi had personally seen Chen Yuan walking intimately with another woman.


    Of course, others had seen it too.


    Though Chen Yuan no longer worked at the machinery factory, many were still familiar with him. Quite a few had noticed him getting cozy with a female colleague. The problem was, he was still married¡ªhe hadn''t divorced his wife, Tao Yuyue, who worked in the factory''s health clinic.


    No one could tell if Tao Yuyue knew about her husband''s infidelity. Over the years, she had climbed the ranks at the factory thanks to her father-in-law''s influence. When Director Chen was promoted to Deputy Factory Director, Tao Yuyue was promoted to Deputy Director of the clinic.


    Many in the factory whispered that this was Director Chen''s way of compensating Tao Yuyue. After all, if Chen Yuan''s affair became public, it would spell disaster for the whole family. Tao Yuyue not making a fuss and keeping the family stable was no small feat.


    But Tao Yuyue seemed unfazed.


    Coincidentally, Zhuang Zhixi ran into Tao Yuyue while heading downstairs to the restroom. He nodded and was about to walk away when Tao Yuyue called out, "Zhuang Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned back, "Deputy Director Tao, is there something you need?"


    Tao Yuyue smiled, "Our families exchanged houses a while back, right? Your brother and I."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, waiting for her to continue. Tao Yuyue went on, "At the time, we just wrote up an exchange agreement but didn''t go through any formal procedures. Now that it''s been so many years, I hear we can officially complete the paperwork. I was thinking, maybe we should finalize the formalities?"


    Zhuang Zhixi had no objections. They had agreed on everything back then, and he saw no reason to make things difficult now. He said, "Sure, that''s fine. But my brother is away on a business trip and won''t be back for about a week. How about we set a date for a week from now?"


    Tao Yuyue smiled, "Of course, that works. But do remind your brother, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Will do."


    Tao Yuyue nodded, then added, "By the way, I heard your mom has been setting up a stall at Xidan. She''s quite the famous ''Xidan Auntie'' now."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t embarrassed at all. He said, "Yeah, my mom''s more famous than I am these days. Mention Zhuang Zhixi, and no one knows who you''re talking about. But say ''Xidan stall owner Auntie Zhao,'' and everyone knows her."


    Tao Yuyue said with a meaningful tone, "It must be quite profitable, running a stall at her age. It''s not easy."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied seriously, "Money isn''t the main thing. At her age, happiness is what matters most. Plus, she needs to feel valued. Elderly people fear being treated as if they''re useless. Now, she''s full of energy every day, so it''s not about the money."


    He could sense a hint of sarcasm in Tao Yuyue''s tone, but he chose not to engage.


    After a pause, he added with a smile, "Some things are never about the money. Anyway, I''ll be going now!"


    Since they weren''t in the same department, he saw no need to flatter her.


    As Zhuang Zhixi walked away, Tao Yuyue snorted. She had joined the factory later than Zhuang Zhixi and had taken over his position after he was transferred. Being in the same role, people inevitably compared them, and most agreed that Zhuang Zhixi was the better of the two.


    Over time, Tao Yuyue had heard some of these comments privately. She resented the gossipers and, to some extent, blamed Zhuang Zhixi. She didn''t see what was so great about him.


    But now she was a leader, while Zhuang Zhixi was still a lowly clerk.


    She smirked mockingly, thinking he wasn''t all that impressive.


    In reality, Tao Yuyue was overestimating herself. Though she was the Deputy Director of the clinic, the position was rather insignificant. In a factory of ten thousand employees, the clinic staff numbered in the single digits, making the department quite marginal.


    In such a department, even the director had little influence, let alone a deputy with no real power.


    But Tao Yuyue didn''t see it that way. She held her head high, proud of her leadership role.


    She watched Zhuang Zhixi from a distance, shrugged, and headed upstairs.


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi glanced back after she left. He didn''t know much about real estate, but his mother had always believed their family had gotten the better end of the house exchange. He agreed with her reasoning.


    That''s why he thought Tao Yuyue pushing to formalize the paperwork was a good thing.


    As he reached the restroom, someone grabbed him, startling Zhuang Zhixi. "What the¡ª!"


    Was he being mugged in the restroom?


    He looked closer and said, "Zhang San, what are you doing?"


    Zhang San grinned.


    Zhuang Zhixi was puzzled. "What''s going on?"


    That smile was a bit unsettling.


    He asked warily, "What do you want?"


    Zhang San said, "Xiao Zhuang, I need your help with something."


    After a pause, he added, "Actually, I need your mom''s help."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­"


    It was truly a silent minute.


    Has his mother become some big shot now? Why is everyone looking for her help? This one, that one, everyone seems to need her assistance. When did she become so influential? Zhuang Zhixi was genuinely shocked!


    He asked, "What do you want?"


    Zhang San replied, "I have a room in our courtyard, right? I want to sell it as soon as possible. Your mom has a lot of influence around here and knows many people. Could she help spread the word and connect me with potential buyers?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised, "You want to sell your house?"


    Why was everyone talking about houses today?


    Earlier, he ran into Tao Yuyue, who was also talking about houses, and now Zhang San was doing the same?


    He looked Zhang San up and down and asked, "Why would you suddenly want to sell your house?"


    Zhang San chuckled, "Well, I¡¯ve moved in with my mother-in-law¡¯s family. Coincidentally, there¡¯s a house for sale in their building, so I thought I¡¯d gather some money to buy an apartment. Living in an apartment is much better than staying in the courtyard, don¡¯t you think?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Well, that depends on who you ask. If it were my mom, she¡¯d definitely say the courtyard is better."


    Zhang San sighed, "Ah, older folks are always attached to their old neighbors and enjoy the hustle and bustle. But when it comes to actually living there, an apartment is definitely more convenient. Trust me, after just a few days, I¡¯ve already noticed how much easier it is. No more going outside to use the restroom in the freezing cold, heavy rain, or snowstorms. It¡¯s a lot less suffering."


    Zhuang Zhixi understood. He said, "Alright, I¡¯ll mention it to my mom. How much are you planning to sell the house for?"


    Zhang San replied, "Five hundred and fifty yuan."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Got it. I¡¯ll pass that along."


    The price was reasonable, neither too high nor too low.


    Zhang San added, "This is a fair price. Make sure your mom helps spread the word! I need the money to buy the apartment."


    Zhuang Zhixi waved him off, "Alright, alright, I get it."


    Finally, Zhang San let Zhuang Zhixi go, and Zhuang Zhixi could finally head to the restroom.


    After finishing his business, Zhang San turned to gossip, "What were you talking to Tao Yuyue about earlier? That woman is something else. Her husband messes around outside, and she acts like she doesn¡¯t see it. You wouldn¡¯t believe it, but she even shut down some people who tried to gossip about him in front of her. She¡¯s really loyal to him, but I don¡¯t get why."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "What could I possibly talk to her about? We¡¯re not close. It¡¯s just that my older brother swapped houses with her before. Now she¡¯s coming to our family to finalize the paperwork. It¡¯s just routine stuff."


    Zhang San sighed, "Ah, I thought you were discussing something else. She¡¯s really lucky. She doesn¡¯t have any real skills, but she married into a good family. Now she¡¯s really turned her life around."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled.


    Zhang San was much more informed than Zhuang Zhixi. He continued, "Look at us, we¡¯re the same age, but she¡¯s about to go overseas to broaden her horizons, while I¡¯m still struggling with housing."


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised, "Overseas?"


    Zhang San was equally surprised, "You didn¡¯t know?"


    Then he realized it wasn¡¯t strange that Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t know. The guy had been busy helping his mom with her stall and was always buried in paperwork at work. It made sense that he hadn¡¯t heard the hottest gossip at the factory recently.


    Thinking about it, Zhang San felt proud of his role as the town¡¯s gossip king and chuckled.


    He leaned in mysteriously and said, "You don¡¯t know this, but our factory is organizing an overseas trip. To the United States."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "A trip? I¡¯ve heard about that, but Tao Yuyue, the deputy director of the medical office, is going too?"


    It wasn¡¯t that he looked down on female colleagues. If the factory¡¯s female deputy director were going, he¡¯d find that normal. But Tao Yuyue? She was the deputy director of the factory¡¯s medical office, a position that had been stagnant for ten years.


    She had no real standing in the factory.


    Her position? Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t believe she¡¯d be chosen to go.


    Seeing Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s shocked expression, Zhang San smirked proudly and said, "You¡¯re not as well-informed as I am, are you? She¡¯s really going. It¡¯s all thanks to her father-in-law, Deputy Director Chen, who fought hard for her. You wouldn¡¯t believe how ridiculous it is. Deputy Director Chen¡¯s reasoning was that since it¡¯s their first time going abroad, they might face issues like adjusting to the climate and unfamiliar surroundings. Having someone they know, especially a doctor, would be a big help in case of emergencies. Not only could she act as the team¡¯s doctor, but she could also take care of everyone¡¯s daily needs, making things much easier for the group."


    Zhuang Zhixi was speechless, "¡­That¡¯s truly absurd!"


    Tao Yuyue was no doctor. Everyone knew she graduated from a nursing school with barely passing grades. She nearly killed Bai Fendou when she gave him an injection years ago, and her skills hadn¡¯t improved much since then.


    This was really something!


    Even Zhuang Zhixi felt embarrassed by such a blatant lie. Leaders really could lie without batting an eye!


    Zhang San agreed, "Right? Anyone who hears this would be shocked."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "So it¡¯s settled? She¡¯s going?"


    "Yep, all thanks to her father-in-law¡¯s backing."


    Zhuang Zhixi clicked his tongue in amazement.


    He patted Zhang San¡¯s shoulder and said, "No use being envious. Let¡¯s work hard and maybe we¡¯ll get to see the world ourselves someday."


    "Yeah, yeah, keep dreaming," Zhang San teased.


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed.


    After chatting with Zhang San, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t linger. His workload wasn¡¯t heavy, but he was currently working on an anti-kidnapping guide for his mom. As for Zhang San¡¯s house, Zhuang Zhixi immediately thought of his own family.


    Not that he wanted to buy it, but his mom might.


    Zhuang Zhixi actually believed that as the population grew, housing prices would rise, especially since they were already increasing. However, their family already had three rooms in the courtyard, which was more than enough. Buying more would just mean renting them out, and renting out properties in their courtyard wasn¡¯t ideal.


    If he were to buy a house, he¡¯d consider other locations, but he thought his mom might be interested. When his parents divided the family property, they gave each of their sons a room. His mom had always said that if the opportunity arose, she¡¯d buy a room for his second sister too, as she wanted to treat all three children equally.


    She had repeated this so often that both Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s family and Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s family were well aware of it and considered it a given.


    Zhang San used to live next to his parents, so it wasn¡¯t surprising if he had overheard this. Zhuang Zhixi felt that Zhang San wasn¡¯t just asking his mom to spread the word but was also subtly offering the house to their family to see if they were interested.


    After all, not many people were buying houses these days.


    It was strange. Even though housing was tight for most families, there weren¡¯t many actual property transactions happening.


    Zhuang Zhixi tapped the desk, thinking his mom might indeed be interested.


    According to her, both of her sons had rooms in the courtyard, so she¡¯d likely want her daughter to have one too. Zhuang Zhixi decided to go home and ask his mom if she was interested.


    If she wasn¡¯t, he¡¯d help spread the word for Zhang San. If she was, they could start negotiating the price. Even though his second sister couldn¡¯t return to Beijing to live, her children, Da Bao and Er Bao, were planning to attend military academies in the capital next year.


    Besides, they could always rent it out for now!


    So Zhuang Zhixi was eager to go home and discuss this with his mom.


    "What are you doing? Why are you zoning out?" Old Huang noticed Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s distracted expression and asked.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I¡¯m thinking about my mom."


    Old Huang muttered, "Mama¡¯s boy!"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Hey, I¡¯m heading home for a bit."


    Old Huang sighed, "Fine, I¡¯ll cover for you. Just say you¡¯re going to the restroom. Hurry back."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Got it."


    He quickly headed downstairs. He could have waited until evening to bring this up, but Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t resist discussing it with his mom sooner. Besides, work wasn¡¯t busy, and his mom should be home for lunch around this time.


    Zhao Guihua was also quite busy these days.


    If he didn¡¯t catch her during mealtime, he might not see her at all.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly made his way home, and as soon as he reached the entrance, he saw Su Jinlai, dressed rather flamboyantly. His hair was slicked back as if a cow had licked it, and when he saw Zhuang Zhixi, he gave a somewhat haughty smile.


    "Uncle Zhuang, skipping work again, huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got a new gig, I see?"


    Su Jinlai smiled faintly and said, "What can I say? When you''re as handsome and famous as I am, everyone loves having me as their tour guide."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...Oh."


    Yeah, right.


    As if you¡¯re a tour guide.


    But he still smiled and said, "Well, good luck with that."


    Su Jinlai: "Of course."


    He proudly tilted his head and walked away, heading straight to Hu Huihui''s office. Hu Huihui had rented a storefront on the street, with a sign for a travel agency, but in reality, she dabbled in all sorts of businesses.


    As soon as Su Jinlai arrived, Hu Huihui frowned and said, "What¡¯s with your outfit? Wash that hair off. I need you to look fresh and youthful, not greasy like this."


    Men, she thought, really don¡¯t understand what women want. Middle-aged women looking for young men want that innocent, fresh vibe.


    Su Jinlai muttered, "But the women I¡¯ve been with before liked it."


    Hu Huihui: "But men don¡¯t!"


    Su Jinlai rolled his eyes: "This is just a companion gig, why so much fuss?"


    He had already thought this through. The job was for a couple from Hong Kong who wanted a companion for their trip. But Su Jinlai knew the truth¡ªit was essentially a gig where he¡¯d be sleeping with the wife.


    He was genuinely shocked. People from Hong Kong really knew how to play. The couple was coming together, and the wife was hiring a male escort? That was wild!


    He¡¯d never seen anything like it.


    He had a clear understanding of his role: take the couple around to see the sights of Beijing, but mainly sleep with the wife. She must be older, otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t be offering two thousand for ten days.


    As for the husband, he probably didn¡¯t need to worry about him at night.


    Su Jinlai secretly thought that the husband would likely find some young girl to spend the night with, but that wasn¡¯t his concern. His focus was on the wealthy wife.


    With this in mind, Su Jinlai didn¡¯t pay much attention to the husband. After all, he wasn¡¯t the client.


    But he hadn¡¯t expected Hu Huihui to have so many demands.


    He went to the back to wash his hair and came out looking clean and fresh. Hu Huihui nodded in approval, but she still sighed, "You¡¯ve got the looks, but you¡¯re not much of a talker."


    This guy was the type who¡¯d even make eating soft rice a hard job.


    She mused, "Out of everyone in your neighborhood, I think Zhuang Zhixi and your brother Tonglai are the most promising. They¡¯ve got the charm¡ªalways smiling, easy to talk to, and they don¡¯t come off as annoying. Plus, they¡¯re good-looking. Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s already in his thirties, but he still looks fresh. He could easily play an 18-year-old college student in a TV drama."


    Su Jinlai¡¯s face darkened. Talking about other men in front of him? That was a slap in the face!


    He couldn¡¯t stand this kind of humiliation. If it weren¡¯t for the money, he wouldn¡¯t be here.


    But instead of arguing, he said, "Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s busy with his stall now. He doesn¡¯t have time for you."


    Hu Huihui nodded approvingly, "He¡¯s not just good-looking; he¡¯s sharp too. He doesn¡¯t care what people think. I think he¡¯s going to make it big."


    She was in business herself and knew that many people looked down on entrepreneurs, thinking they were beneath them. But Hu Huihui believed that those who succeeded had vision. If they didn¡¯t, they wouldn¡¯t be where they were.


    Her words only made Su Jinlai¡¯s face darker.


    He swore that as long as he was around, Zhuang Zhixi would never get into this line of work!


    Never!


    Not a chance!


    Impossible!


    He swore it!!!


    He bit back his anger as Hu Huihui continued, "You and your brother are from the same family. Why can¡¯t you learn to be as sweet-talking as Tonglai? I heard he¡¯s getting tutoring for free because he¡¯s so good at networking."


    This made Su Jinlai even more upset.


    He said stiffly, "My brother¡¯s studying for college. Don¡¯t distract him. If my mom finds out you¡¯re eyeing him, she¡¯ll come after you with a kitchen knife."


    He looked at Hu Huihui seriously and added, "I¡¯m not joking. My mom would do it. My little brother is her only hope. She wants our family to have a college graduate."


    In this day and age, having a college graduate in the family was a matter of pride.


    Even if the Su family didn¡¯t have much to be proud of.


    But every parent wanted their child to succeed.


    Su Jinlai: "So stop dreaming."


    Hu Huihui: "...How dare you talk to me like that? I was just making an offhand comment. Do you think I¡¯d ruin someone¡¯s future? I just want you to learn from them. You don¡¯t need to flatter people outright¡ªthat just makes you look cheap. You need to make people feel comfortable without them realizing it. That¡¯s the real skill."


    She added earnestly, "You need to learn."


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    Learn your ass!


    He stayed silent, pursing his lips. Hu Huihui said, "Alright, your hair¡¯s dry. Let¡¯s head to the hotel."


    Su Jinlai: "Fine."


    At least he wouldn¡¯t have to listen to her lecturing anymore.


    The two took a taxi. Every time he got into a cab, Su Jinlai felt a sense of pride. This wasn¡¯t something just anyone could afford. It was only because Hu Huihui¡¯s shop was in a bustling area. If they were in his neighborhood, they¡¯d be waiting all morning for a cab.


    No chance.


    They arrived at the hotel, where Hu Huihui was a regular. She knew the place well.


    Even Su Jinlai had been here twice before, so he was somewhat familiar with it.


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Auntie, how do you have so many connections?"


    Hu Huihui shot him a look and said, "You think I just fell into success? I¡¯ve spent years selling stuff at the night market, getting to know antique dealers, and meeting foreigners. My business now is all built on word of mouth from previous clients. You think making money is easy? You haven¡¯t seen me groveling to get where I am."


    Over the years, she¡¯d had to humble herself so much that it had changed her personality.


    She used to nitpick over every little thing, but now she didn¡¯t care. Even when Wang Xiangxiu yelled at her, she could ignore it. It was all part of growing up. Once you started making money, you realized how trivial those little things were.


    She said, "Do well, and someday you can open your own shop. You can¡¯t do this forever. When you¡¯re older, you can hire young guys to make money for you. This business isn¡¯t bad."


    Su Jinlai: "Got it, got it."


    Why was she still going on?


    Women and their endless chatter.


    Hu Huihui was sharp and could tell Su Jinlai was annoyed. She shrugged. If he wasn¡¯t going to listen, she wasn¡¯t going to waste her breath. They got off the elevator, and Hu Huihui led Su Jinlai to a room.


    When the door opened, a middle-aged man with a beer belly and a receding hairline greeted them.


    The man, Mr. Li, looked Su Jinlai up and down and nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad."


    Hu Huihui smiled and said, "Of course. I wouldn¡¯t recommend just anyone."


    She added, "This is my nephew."


    Mr. Li didn¡¯t seem to care. "Really?"


    Hu Huihui: "Of course. He¡¯s my cousin¡¯s son. Take good care of him, Mr. Li."


    Mr. Li gave a sleazy smile and slapped Su Jinlai¡¯s butt. "Don¡¯t worry!"


    Su Jinlai: "What the hell!"


    This guy was disgusting.


    Mr. Li: "Feisty, huh? Alright, Hu Huihui, see you tomorrow."


    Hu Huihui: "Sure."


    She turned and left. Su Jinlai might not be the best, but he was willing to do what it took.


    Meanwhile, Su Jinlai walked into the room and saw a woman who looked about the same age as Mr. Li. If Mr. Li was in his forties, this woman had to be in her fifties. He was stunned. Earning those two thousand yuan wasn¡¯t going to be easy.


    He barely managed to hold himself together and asked, "When are we heading out?"


    As he turned around, he exclaimed, "Holy crap!"


    Why was the bald guy naked?


    The bald guy said, "Why are we going out? Didn¡¯t you come here to keep us company?"


    "You... you..."


    Su Jinlai instantly understood. It wasn¡¯t because he was quick-witted, but because he had seen a lot growing up.


    Things like this weren¡¯t unheard of in their neighborhood!


    Although it usually ended in chaos, he still knew a thing or two about it.


    Now he got it. So, "keeping them company" meant this?


    By this point, Su Jinlai had already been pushed down by the bald guy. Su Jinlai let out a yelp, shoved the bald guy away, and bolted for the door, shouting, "I¡¯m out! I didn¡¯t sign up for this! I¡¯m not doing it! Help me!"


    He desperately tried to open the door, but the more panicked he got, the harder it became.


    The couple, seeing Su Jinlai completely lose it, were dumbfounded. Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be agreed upon? Didn¡¯t the young man know what he was getting into? Was this some kind of act? Or was he just playing hard to get?


    Surely, he couldn¡¯t actually be scared and trying to run away.


    As they stood there in confusion, Su Jinlai was already crying so hard that snot and tears covered his face. The bald guy said, "Young man, you..."


    "Ahhh, don¡¯t come near me!"


    Su Jinlai finally managed to open the door and dashed out, shouting, "I¡¯m not doing this anymore..."


    He ran so fast that he even lost one of his shoes. He was crying so hard that he couldn¡¯t even think of hailing a cab or taking a bus. Instead, he ran barefoot down the street, sobbing all the way.


    "This is so unfair! You¡¯re bullying me! I¡¯m a guy! How could you make me do this?"


    He cried with all his might, wailing, "Why am I so unlucky? Lately, I¡¯ve been cursed with bad luck. Why does it always follow me?"


    As Su Jinlai sprinted down the street, the people inside finally snapped out of their confusion. After exchanging glances, they realized what had happened and grew furious. Hu Huihui, how could you mess this up? The young man clearly wasn¡¯t willing!


    They might have their interests, but they weren¡¯t about to force anyone into anything.


    Meanwhile, Hu Huihui, who had just been chewed out over the phone, was equally baffled. She had been crystal clear about everything, and Su Jinlai had assured her he understood. How could he back out at the last minute?


    Was he trying to raise the price?


    But then again, Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t that clever.


    Did he have a sudden change of heart?


    No, that didn¡¯t seem right either, given how he¡¯d acted earlier.


    If it wasn¡¯t this or that, then there was only one likely explanation.


    Su Jinlai genuinely didn¡¯t know what he was getting into. He really hadn¡¯t understood.


    Hu Huihui was at a loss for words. So, yesterday¡¯s conversation had been a complete misunderstanding!


    This was such a headache!


    If she had known, she would¡¯ve spelled it out clearly!


    Now, it was too late. Seeing how things had turned out, there was no point in explaining. She had to rush over and apologize. Mr. Li needed to be appeased, or her reputation would be ruined. Her business relied entirely on word of mouth.


    She wasn¡¯t in the business of pimping; she aimed to build closer relationships with her clients and ensure their satisfaction. Her main goal was to secure other benefits from them. For example, foreigners loved buying antiques, so she ran a shop selling fake ones.


    There was also the time she got a batch of TV purchase permits.


    She wanted more than just money. She wasn¡¯t a madam; she just wanted her clients to feel at home.


    Thinking this, Hu Huihui urged the driver, "Step on it, please..."


    Hu Huihui didn¡¯t bother with Su Jinlai. He had taken her money and caused her trouble. She wasn¡¯t going to let that slide, but her priority now was to soothe her clients. Meanwhile, Su Jinlai ran all the way home, looking as pitiful as a little cabbage.


    As he reached his doorstep, he saw Zhao Guihua returning from outside. It seemed she hadn¡¯t set up her stall that afternoon.


    The moment he saw a familiar face, he broke down in tears and rushed over, crying, "Aunt Zhao, I¡¯ve been through hell!"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    You sound like the opening theme of a horror show.


    Despite her utter disdain for Su Jinlai, she still steadied him and asked, "What happened to you?"


    Su Jinlai cried harder than Zheng Huimin ever had during her tantrums.


    He was both heartbroken and lost, sobbing, "My aunt set me up with a man! I almost got taken advantage of! Thankfully, I ran fast... waaah!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Holy crap!"


    Su Jinlai: "I bolted without a second thought. I even lost my shoes! What am I supposed to do now? Will my aunt come after me?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Su Jinlai: "I¡¯d rather die than entertain a man! I¡¯d rather die!"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Su Jinlai: "The women she set me up with were terrifying enough, but now there are men too? You have no idea, the first time she introduced me to three foreign women, and they were all so scary..."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Su Jinlai: "The second time was some Chinese-American woman. She was older, and she... she wanted it ten times a day and still complained I wasn¡¯t good enough. I was drained! I¡¯m so miserable..."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    She really didn¡¯t want to know so many secrets, but Su Jinlai was clearly on the verge of a breakdown, and venting seemed to be his only solace. Zhao Guihua sighed and said, "Stop shouting! Do you want the whole neighborhood to know? Let¡¯s talk inside."


    Su Jinlai suddenly clutched his clothes tightly and said, "Inside? You¡¯re not planning to take advantage of me, are you?"


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s face instantly darkened, and she kicked him hard. "Are you out of your mind? Do you even realize how old I am compared to you? Idiot! Moron! Imbecile!"


    Su Jinlai blinked, still confused, but then said, "How did you know I still have a thousand bucks on me?"


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Wait, you were talking about a thousand bucks?


    Oh!


    Misunderstanding!

 Chapter 196

    Zhao Guihua never expected that she would have to listen to Su Jinlai pour out his heart.


    To be honest, whether in her past life or this one, this guy had always been somewhat of a troublemaker, and Zhao Guihua had never held him in high regard. But he was crying so pitifully, tears streaming down his face, looking utterly miserable.


    Zhao Guihua struggled to comfort him, saying, ¡°Stop crying. There¡¯s no hurdle in life that can¡¯t be overcome.¡±


    Su Jinlai rubbed his eyes, his voice choked with tears: ¡°I almost lost my innocence! I know a handsome guy like me is bound to attract attention, but she shouldn¡¯t have arranged for a man to be with me. What about my masculinity? It¡¯s bad enough she arranged for a man, but she even arranged for a couple! Oh, right, it was a couple! Wuwuwu, it¡¯s so terrifying! Rich people really know how to play. How could they do this?¡±


    Su Jinlai broke down again. Life was full of such moments, and Su Jinlai felt like life was just too cruel.


    He covered his face, tears streaming down as he looked up at the sky: ¡°Is this what I¡¯m destined to face just because I¡¯m good-looking? This world is so hostile to handsome young men like me, wuwuwu!¡±


    Zhao Guihua handed him a handkerchief, saying, ¡°Wipe your tears.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°Beauty is fleeting!¡±


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t hold back any longer, her lips twitching as she said, ¡°Your grasp of language is really poor. Even an old lady like me, who hasn¡¯t had much education, knows that ¡®beauty is fleeting¡¯ doesn¡¯t apply to you!¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°Am I not good-looking?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°It¡¯s not about whether you¡¯re good-looking or not. You¡¯re just using the phrase wrong. Oh, never mind, why am I even talking to you about this? Don¡¯t overthink it. I get that you feel wronged, but think about it¡ªthat person didn¡¯t chase after you. Maybe it wasn¡¯t about forcing you into anything. It could just be a misunderstanding. They thought you were there for one thing, but you weren¡¯t.¡±


    Su Jinlai sniffled: ¡°I was there for that thing.¡±


    Somehow, the two of them managed to understand each other despite the vague wording.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­What I mean is, you thought it was a woman, but they thought it was mutual. That¡¯s where the misunderstanding came from.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°So what should I do now?¡±


    After wallowing in self-pity, he finally remembered the main issue: ¡°My aunt will never let this slide. She gave me a thousand yuan in advance.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­¡±


    Damn, this kid¡¯s expensive.


    No wonder it was a couple.


    She said, ¡°Then just return the money and apologize properly. Do you think she¡¯s going to eat you? I¡¯ve had some dealings with Hu Huihui before. She¡¯s not the easiest person to talk to, but you¡¯re still family. She¡¯s not going to kill you.¡±


    Su Jinlai stammered: ¡°Return the money¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look: ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t want to return the money? Do you think that¡¯s possible? Do you really think you can get away with this? Either you go through with it, or you return the money and apologize. You can¡¯t have it both ways. Do you think Hu Huihui will just let it slide? Sure, you¡¯re family, but that doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯ll let you off the hook unconditionally. You¡¯re lucky if she doesn¡¯t slap you a few times. A thousand yuan! Do you think that¡¯s pocket change? Stop dreaming and return the money. Are you really going to risk your life for money like a rat serving a cat?¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    He pouted: ¡°Why am I the rat?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Figure it out yourself. Honestly, chatting with you is taking up my own time.¡±


    Su Jinlai looked at her pitifully: ¡°Are you still going to set up your stall?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Of course! I¡¯m busy, unlike you. You¡¯re so lazy, it¡¯s like you can¡¯t even move your own butt. Don¡¯t underestimate me just because I¡¯m an old lady. I earn my money through hard work.¡±


    She glanced at him and added, ¡°Your brother has to work and set up his stall. He¡¯s so busy, and here you are, doing nothing. Aren¡¯t you ashamed?¡±


    After mocking him, she didn¡¯t say anything more and left.


    Did Su Jinlai listen to her? Yes.


    But did he want to change? No.


    He knew he was a bit lazy, but wasn¡¯t laziness just human nature? He silently returned to his room, covered himself with a blanket, and started crying again. Life was just too hard. Was there any job where he could earn a lot of money without doing any work?


    Preferably one where he didn¡¯t even have to go to work.


    He wanted that!


    Although Zhao Guihua told Su Jinlai to return the money and apologize, Su Jinlai really didn¡¯t want to part with it. His mother had already taken all his money, and he didn¡¯t have a single penny to his name. A thousand yuan was a lot.


    He clenched the money, unwilling to give it back.


    Maybe he could just bluff his way out of it?


    That¡¯s what he thought.


    However, Su Jinlai¡¯s plan wasn¡¯t foolproof. Not everyone was as easygoing as he thought. Hu Huihui might seem reasonable, but she wouldn¡¯t tolerate anyone messing with her interests. Su Jinlai had almost offended her clients, which was a huge no-no.


    Not only had he offended the clients, but he also acted like nothing had happened, neither returning the money nor apologizing. Hu Huihui¡¯s anger grew by the minute. She had to put on a smile when dealing with Mr. Li and his wife, but as soon as she got back, she exploded.


    She kicked over a chair in her office, shouting, ¡°That useless piece of trash! He¡¯s good for nothing! He can¡¯t even handle a simple task. He¡¯s worse than a dog! I¡¯ve been too nice to him, and now he thinks he can take advantage of me, Hu Huihui. Damn it! I¡¯m not letting him off the hook this time!¡±


    Old Zheng, Hu Huihui¡¯s husband, saw how angry she was and said, ¡°I told you to hire someone else. You could¡¯ve found a decent guy for half the price. Why did you have to go with him? We¡¯re not even taking a cut from him anymore, and now he¡¯s causing us trouble. See? This is what happens when you hire family.¡±


    Hu Huihui was beyond frustrated: ¡°Shut up! In business, integrity is key. If they¡¯re looking for a big shot and you hire someone else who gets exposed, who¡¯s going to trust us? We¡¯re selling fake goods, but the people can¡¯t be fake. If you cut corners on the small stuff, don¡¯t expect people to trust you with the big things.¡±


    ¡°What about the cut¡­¡± Old Zheng tried to interject, but Hu Huihui cut him off: ¡°You used to be a deputy director. Can¡¯t you stop being so petty? You¡¯re focusing on the wrong things. In business, you have to prioritize. If you nitpick over every little thing, how are you going to make big deals?¡±


    She was growing more and more dissatisfied with this man. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that he still had some use, she would¡¯ve divorced him already. After all, society wasn¡¯t kind to divorced women, and having him around helped shield her from some of the criticism.


    She said, ¡°None of that matters right now. What¡¯s important is that Su Jinlai dared to mess up my plans. Round up a few people and come with me to teach him a lesson. Otherwise, he¡¯ll think I¡¯m easy to push around.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Since Old Zheng and Hu Huihui started their business together, their dynamic had shifted. Hu Huihui was now the one in charge at home. After all, she was younger and made more money. She was far more capable than this man.


    Old Zheng: ¡°I¡¯ll get some people ready. By the way, is the replacement for Mr. Li suitable?¡±


    Hu Huihui: ¡°Yes, Mr. Li actually took a liking to Su Jinlai and even offered to pay more. I turned it down. Damn it, even though this kid messed up, Mr. Li¡¯s impression of him isn¡¯t bad. Rich people have such strange tastes.¡±


    This left Old Zheng baffled: ¡°Mr. Li and his wife aren¡¯t upset?¡±


    Hu Huihui shook her head: ¡°No, they actually think Su Jinlai is quite endearing. They found him innocent and naive, and he left a deep impression on them. I can¡¯t believe it¡­¡± The thought made her teeth ache. Hu Huihui continued, ¡°They were willing to pay more, but I refused. I thought about it¡ªif Su Jinlai could mess up once, he could do it again. I can¡¯t take that risk, so I sent Xiao Zhu instead. Xiao Zhu might not be as good-looking or famous as Su Jinlai, but he knows how to handle things. He¡¯s not bad.¡±


    Old Zheng: ¡°I really can¡¯t figure out how rich people think.¡±


    Hu Huihui: ¡°Neither can I. If I could, I¡¯d be rich too. Anyway, I¡¯m going to deal with Su Jinlai.¡±


    Old Zheng was actually a bit puzzled. He said, "Since Mr. Li and his wife didn¡¯t blame Su Jinlai, why are you¡­"


    Hu Huihui sneered and replied, "No matter what Mr. Li and his wife think, if I let this slide today and don¡¯t teach him a lesson, he¡¯ll only push his luck even further in the future. I¡¯ve spoiled him too much! Besides, if I don¡¯t deal with him, what will people think of me? How can I keep my reputation? This little brat dared to undermine me, and I¡¯ll make sure he knows the consequences."


    Su Jinlai had no idea that Hu Huihui was coming for him. After a night¡¯s rest, seeing that Hu Huihui hadn¡¯t shown up, he felt relieved. Although Zhao Guihua had warned him the day before, he had mostly forgotten about it after waking up.


    In fact, he felt a bit smug, convinced that his judgment had been right all along.


    He slept until almost noon before getting up and went to the courtyard to wash up. The courtyard was quieter than usual, with fewer people around. As he brushed his teeth, Su Jinlai muttered to himself, "They say experience comes with age, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯s true. Older people are just outdated. Aunt Zhao kept talking about paying back the money, but hey, I¡¯m doing just fine without paying it back. I don¡¯t believe Hu Huihui would have the nerve to demand money from someone younger like me."


    He spat out the mouthwash and whistled, feeling pleased with himself for pocketing a thousand yuan without lifting a finger. Meanwhile, his friends were sweating it out at their stalls, unsure if they¡¯d even make that much.


    "They¡¯re just too timid. Making money isn¡¯t that hard! The only pity is the pair of leather shoes I ruined yesterday. Hu Huihui should compensate me for that. If she hadn¡¯t arranged for that man to show up, I wouldn¡¯t have been so scared and run off."


    Having calmed his fears, Su Jinlai became even more emboldened, feeling like he was the one who had been wronged. He thought Hu Huihui shouldn¡¯t just let him off the hook¡ªshe should even compensate him.


    "If she doesn¡¯t buy me a new pair of leather shoes, I won¡¯t give her a single nice word," he muttered.


    "Who won¡¯t you give a nice word to?"


    Su Jinlai was startled to see Hu Huihui standing at the gate. He quickly straightened up, tilting his chin slightly and said, "You dare to show up?"


    Hu Huihui: "???"


    How could he have the audacity to say that?


    If the situation were reversed, it would make sense for her to say that, but this guy? She twitched her lips, her anger growing as she glared at Su Jinlai. "You caused me trouble, and now you¡¯re yelling at me?"


    Su Jinlai froze, his courage faltering. Despite all his self-assurance, seeing Hu Huihui in person made him shrink. He forced a careful smile and stammered, "Well¡­"


    Hu Huihui cut him off, "Well what? Come inside."


    She strode into the Su household. Although she wanted to teach Su Jinlai a lesson, she didn¡¯t want to make a scene in public. She had learned that even if you¡¯re going to lose face, you don¡¯t do it in front of a crowd.


    Only then did Su Jinlai notice that Hu Huihui had brought four burly men with her¡ªthe kind who could knock out a cow with one punch. He immediately cowered, shrinking his neck and whimpering, "Auntie¡­"


    As soon as they stepped inside, Hu Huihui slapped him hard across the face¡ª*smack*¡ªthe sound echoing sharply.


    Su Jinlai, already shaky, stumbled from the force.


    Hu Huihui followed up with another slap, even harder than the first. She scolded, "You little brat, who do you think you¡¯re messing with? Do you think I¡¯m some pushover? We had an agreement, and you backed out at the last minute, making me look bad. What, you think I¡¯m made of clay? You think you can just take my money and get away with it? Let me tell you, I¡¯m not someone to be trifled with. Do you believe I¡¯ll throw you into the moat?"


    Su Jinlai¡¯s head was spinning. This was the first time he had seen Hu Huihui so fierce. In his memory, she was either the timid woman who had lived under someone else¡¯s roof ten years ago or the soft-spoken woman who had encouraged him to make money. He had never seen this side of her¡ªslapping him relentlessly, her face dark with anger, her words cutting like a knife.


    "I-I-I didn¡¯t mean to, I didn¡¯t know¡­"


    "You didn¡¯t know? I asked you if you understood, and you kept saying you did. You brainless idiot! If you didn¡¯t get it, you should¡¯ve said so instead of pretending to be so capable. And what are you even good for? Huh? What can you do? You¡¯re useless at everything, always eating more than your share. The only thing you¡¯re good at is running your mouth, and now you¡¯ve screwed me over. I¡¯ve been too lenient with you, haven¡¯t I? Go ask around and see who I am. If you dare to cross me again, you¡¯re asking for trouble!"


    She slapped him again, then pinched his arm. "You¡¯re dumber than a pig, I swear. You think you can take my money and not deliver? Do you think my money is easy to take?"


    Su Jinlai winced in pain, tears streaming down his face. "I-I didn¡¯t mean to, I¡¯ll give it back. I was planning to return the money to you."


    "You¡¯re lying! Do you think I didn¡¯t hear you earlier? You wanted to keep my money for free!"


    She pinched him harder, and Su Jinlai cried out, "Ow! Oh my god! Auntie, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m really sorry. I¡¯ll never do it again."


    Finally, Su Jinlai remembered to beg for mercy. If he didn¡¯t, he might not make it out alive. This woman hit hard. He sobbed pitifully, "Auntie, I¡¯m really sorry. I¡¯ll return the money! I¡¯ll do better in the future, I promise. I swear I¡¯ll make it up to you."


    He was so overwhelmed with pain that his words were becoming incoherent.


    "As long as I don¡¯t have to deal with male clients, I¡¯ll do anything! I¡¯ll charm all the ladies, just like you said you liked. I¡¯ll learn from Tonglai and make sure everyone feels like they¡¯re basking in the warmth of my words. Please, just let me go."


    Hu Huihui narrowed her eyes. "Do you mean it?"


    "Yes, I swear! It¡¯s as true as pearls!"


    Su Jinlai didn¡¯t dare lie. His aunt was already terrifying, and with four burly men standing at the door, he was too scared to say anything wrong. Those men looked like they could crush him with their bare hands¡ªtheir arms were as thick as his thighs.


    He insisted, "I promise, I¡¯ll never let you down again."


    Hu Huihui finally let go, seeing him thoroughly beaten and humiliated. Su Jinlai quickly scrambled to the farthest corner of the room, keeping his distance. Hu Huihui snorted coldly and said, "Where¡¯s the money?"


    At this point, Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t about to cling to the money. His life was more important!


    If his aunt went crazy and ordered those men to do something to him, what would he do? He didn¡¯t dare think Hu Huihui was incapable of it. Her gaze was terrifying, like a devil¡¯s.


    He stammered, "I-I¡¯ll get it for you."


    He quickly fetched the money and handed it over with trembling hands. "It¡¯s a thousand yuan. I haven¡¯t spent a single cent."


    Hu Huihui glared. "You wanted to spend it?"


    "No, no, I didn¡¯t."


    Su Jinlai quickly retreated to the far corner of the room, keeping a safe distance.


    Hu Huihui snorted again and pocketed the money.


    She pointed at Su Jinlai and said, "This is your first mistake. I¡¯ll let it go because you¡¯re my nephew, but if you ever pull something like this again, I¡¯ll wring your neck!"


    Su Jinlai didn¡¯t dare argue. He hung his head, shrinking into a ball, looking utterly pitiful.


    Hu Huihui gave a final snort and left. As she stepped out, she saw He Lan peeking around the corner. He Lan and Hu Huihui didn¡¯t know each other¡ªHe Lan had married into the courtyard after Hu Huihui had moved out. But they had both heard about each other.


    In He Lan''s impression, Hu Huihui was a useless little housewife, someone who would even marry a man like Bai Fendou just for a stable life, showing no backbone at all.


    In Hu Huihui''s eyes, however, He Lan was far more intimidating. Hu Huihui had worked in the revolutionary committee, and He Lan was most afraid of people like her. On top of that, Hu Huihui was now acting as a matchmaker for Su Jinlai, making her a woman who was not to be trifled with.


    He Lan quietly took a few steps back. Seeing her turtle-like retreat, Hu Huihui scoffed with disdain.


    She ignored He Lan and walked away with her entourage. As soon as they left, He Lan heard ear-splitting wails coming from the Su household. Concerned, He Lan went to the Su family''s door and asked, "Are you okay?"


    Su Jinlai was covering his face, howling in tears, but he didn''t dare to badmouth Hu Huihui anymore. She was too fierce, almost like a man-eater. How could he dare to say anything?


    He shook his head and said, "Aunt He, I''m fine."


    He spoke between sobs.


    He Lan asked, "Are you really okay?"


    "I''m fine!"


    Su Jinlai covered his face. Even if something was wrong, he wouldn''t dare to say it.


    His bad luck clearly hadn''t left him; it was still there, lingering. He couldn''t hold it in anymore and looked up at He Lan, asking, "Aunt He, do you know of any particularly effective temples around here?"


    He Lan widened her eyes, "What are you talking about?"


    Su Jinlai said, "I think I need to go pray. I''ve been having a streak of bad luck lately. It''s time to turn things around."


    He was resolute.


    He Lan was at a loss for words.


    She said, "I don''t know anything about that."


    Su Jinlai pressed, "Then who do you think would know?"


    He Lan thought for a moment. She had been married into the neighborhood for over a decade and had never seen anyone from their compound go to pray. After some hesitation, she finally thought of someone who would definitely know. She quickly said, "Auntie Lian from the back street. She would know for sure."


    Auntie Lian was deeply involved in superstitious practices herself.


    Her business covered all sorts of areas. Although no one in the neighborhood ever went to her for fortune-telling, they did engage in other transactions with her, like buying chicks or fabric scraps. They used to have quite a bit of interaction.


    "That''s right, Auntie Lian has a wide network and is into this stuff herself. If you''re curious, go ask her."


    Su Jinlai nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes, I need to go find Auntie Lian."


    He dashed out in a flash, running as fast as he could.


    He Lan watched him go, clicking her tongue. "He''s been beaten to a pulp. Hu Huihui is truly terrifying."


    She watched him leave, shook her head, and turned to go home.


    "He Lan, is He Lan here?"


    He Lan hurried out, "I''m here!"


    It was the postman. He said, "There''s a package for you. Please sign for it."


    "Okay, thank you."


    "You''re welcome."


    He Lan took the delivery slip and didn''t waste any time. She hopped on her tricycle and headed to the post office. Their little supply team consisted of three elderly women who often forgot how to write characters. Wang Zizhen could barely read, but she hadn''t attended school and didn''t know many characters.


    And since Su Jinlai was a man, it wasn''t appropriate for him to handle these tasks.


    So the responsibility of communication fell to He Lan.


    He Lan rode her tricycle to the post office and quickly retrieved the package. Having a tricycle at home made things much more convenient. She returned home swiftly, but none of the elderly women were around. Aunt Zhou seemed to have some business and had left early.


    Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou had recently become obsessed with going door-to-door to boast about their achievements, so they weren''t home either.


    He Lan opened the package and called out to the backyard, "Zheng Huimin, are you there?"


    Zheng Huimin rushed out, "What''s up?"


    He Lan said, "The goods are here. Come and get them."


    Zheng Huimin''s eyes lit up, "Great!"


    She hurried over. The 200 yuan she used to buy the goods was borrowed from Guan Hong, but she had promised to pay back 210 yuan when the time came. Zheng Huimin wasn''t a particularly generous person, but she knew that Guan Hong lending her so much money was already a big deal.


    She had to show some gratitude. Otherwise, it would be heartless.


    She ran over to He Lan, and her eyes immediately locked onto the goods. "These hair accessories are so pretty!"


    He Lan nodded enthusiastically. Women, after all, love beauty, and He Lan was no exception. She looked at the hair accessories with great fondness, "They really are beautiful, and there are so many styles."


    It wasn''t that the south was more developed than the capital, but rather the social environment played a role.


    In the capital, everything was state-owned, so there was no incentive to develop a wide variety of hair accessory styles. These things weren''t considered essential, so they weren''t mass-produced. In the past, people didn''t pay much attention to such things either. But the small private factories in the south were different.


    They were privately owned businesses, so they were more willing to innovate and create diverse styles. After all, the more attractive the designs, the higher the price they could fetch. Because of this difference in motivation, the south had a much wider variety of styles.


    He Lan asked, "When are you planning to start selling? I want to buy some too."


    Zheng Huimin replied, "I''ll sort them out tonight. Tomorrow is Sunday, so I''ll go to Xidan to sell them."


    He Lan suggested, "Actually, you could start selling at factory gates today."


    Zheng Huimin''s eyes lit up again, "You''re right! Alright, I''ll head out then."


    She still needed to study the hair accessories carefully and even make some herself.


    He Lan encouraged her, "Go for it!"


    Zheng Huimin hesitated for a moment, then shyly said, "Aunt He, I actually want to buy some underwear too."


    The ones she was wearing now were full of holes, but her family wouldn''t spend money to buy her new ones. Now that she was out on her own, she wanted to take care of herself and buy some.


    He Lan replied, "Sure, how about we trade?"


    She smiled, "If you like something of mine and I like something of yours, we can just swap."


    "Deal!"


    The two agreed, and Zheng Huimin left happily. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He Lan was also pleased. She quickly sorted out the goods based on everyone''s orders and waited for them to come pick up their items. Looking at everything, He Lan couldn''t help but smile. Making money really was a joyful thing.


    There was no denying that money gave people confidence.


    Although Bai Fendou treated her well, He Lan still preferred to earn some money herself. It not only made life more comfortable but also gave her a sense of security. Otherwise, she always felt like she was relying on others to get by.


    The 2,000 yuan her brother had given her, she had never dared to touch. But now, things were better.


    She pursed her lips and smiled.


    "He Lan, He Lan, I heard you went to the post office?"


    Aunt Zhou called out as soon as she returned. He Lan replied, "Yes, come and get your goods."


    "Great, that''s perfect."


    The previous batch of goods had sold out, and she had been anxious. Now everything was fine.


    Aunt Zhou was even more eager to make money than He Lan. After all, He Lan was only in her mid-thirties, still young. Aunt Zhou, on the other hand, was sixty and had no pension. Although her son and daughter-in-law earned well, it wasn''t her money.


    So Aunt Zhou was even more desperate to earn money, saving it for her retirement.


    Even if her children weren''t necessarily unfilial, there was a big difference between an elderly person with money and one without.


    Aunt Zhou decisively said, "I''ll continue tonight. Oh, I''ll go call Zizhen."


    "She''s not here; she went fishing."


    Wang Zizhen was a master at managing the household. Back when only one person in the family was working, she still kept everything in order. Now, it was even more so. Aunt Zhou smiled, "Oh, right, she said she''d bring me a fish to try."


    She asked, "Where''s Zhao Guihua?"


    "She went out. I''m not sure what she''s doing."


    Aunt Zhou muttered, "So mysterious."


    In truth, Zhao Guihua wasn''t being mysterious. She was out handling some paperwork. Who would have thought that this elderly woman was so decisive? She had just learned about the house for sale yesterday and had already bought it today.


    Now, she had the property deed in her hands.


    Zhao Guihua sighed, "Things really are quick and easy to handle these days!"


    She had taken care of everything and was now holding the little booklet, saying, "Not bad!"


    Meanwhile, Zhang San was still in a daze. He had been eager to sell the house, and he had genuinely wanted to ask Zhao Guihua for her opinion, but he hadn''t expected things to move so quickly. Just yesterday, Zhao Guihua had come to the factory to find him.


    After a brief discussion, they managed to negotiate a discount of twenty yuan and finalized all the arrangements. Zhao Guihua promptly secured the house. The deal was agreed upon just yesterday, and today the paperwork was already completed.


    Zhang San finally perked up a bit and asked, "Aunt Zhao, is Zhuang Zhixin your second daughter?"


    Zhuang Zhixin''s family was stationed on an island with the military, so they rarely returned home. They only came back once every two or three years, usually during the New Year. Since Zhang San always left the compound during the holidays, he had never crossed paths with Zhuang Zhixin''s family.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, she''s my second daughter. I have three children, and I can''t favor one over the others."


    Zhang San twitched his lips but didn''t argue. In his view, how could sons and daughters be treated the same? However, since Zhuang Zhixin''s two brothers didn''t object, he, as an outsider, naturally kept his mouth shut.


    Offending Aunt Zhao would undoubtedly lead to dire consequences.


    He said, "That''s good. One room for each child¡ªvery fair."


    Zhao Guihua responded, "Exactly!"


    In reality, the youngest child was at a disadvantage for selling the house to the eldest, but given the current housing market, complaining about it would make her seem unreasonable. Still, Zhao Guihua had already made up her mind. She wouldn''t let any of her children suffer.


    She planned to compensate the youngest child privately. After all, they were all her children, and she wanted the best for each of them.


    "Is your second daughter''s family coming back?" Zhang San asked, interrupting Zhao Guihua''s thoughts.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head. "Her husband is stationed on the island, so they can''t return. But their two sons will take the college entrance exams next year. Their grades are good, so they should do well. When they come back, they''ll have a place to stay. Even if they don''t want to live there, they can rent it out to cover some living expenses. Actually, buying this house was a good idea. Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong are renting it now, so it''s not sitting empty."


    If things followed the same trajectory as in her past life, Zhuang Zhixin''s twin grandsons would both get into military academies and return to the capital for university. They had succeeded in her past life, and Zhao Guihua dared not say for certain that they would do so again, but without any external interference, the outcome was unlikely to change.


    She added, "Both boys are doing well in school."


    Zhang San said enviously, "Kids who do well in school are such a blessing. If it weren''t for my own kids, I wouldn''t be in such a rush to sell the house."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Well, don''t say that. You''ve bought a new apartment, and that''s a good thing. It''s more convenient to live in. The reason we didn''t buy an apartment is partly because the prices are high, and partly because it wouldn''t suit our needs. You know, my husband and I are getting older. At this age, we want to be surrounded by family and neighbors, chatting and enjoying the hustle and bustle. Living in an apartment would mean buying a much larger space, and we wouldn''t know the neighbors well. It wouldn''t be as lively as living in a courtyard where we see each other every day."


    "You''re right about that. My parents are the same¡ªthey wouldn''t move for anything."


    Zhang San understood the old lady''s sentiment.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "Alright, you should get to work. I need to go to the post office."


    Zhang San nodded. "Alright, I''ll head off then."


    After they parted ways, Zhao Guihua made her way to the post office.


    She couldn''t help but marvel at her own shrewdness. She had previously asked her second daughter, Zhuang Zhixin, for a copy of her ID, saying it might come in handy. Zhuang Zhixin didn''t know what it was for, but since her mother asked, she sent it over. Now, it proved useful for completing the paperwork.


    Zhao Guihua was pleased with herself, proud of how efficiently she had handled everything. At the post office, she carefully sent off the documents and even managed to write a letter to her daughter, though her handwriting was shaky and uneven. By the time she finished, she felt utterly exhausted, as if she had worked a full day.


    Many of the characters were unfamiliar to her, and she had to ask for help as she wrote. The letter took her two hours to complete, leaving her physically and mentally drained.


    Reading and writing were no easy tasks. Writing a single letter had worn her out, let alone anything more demanding.


    Still, once it was done, Zhao Guihua felt a sense of accomplishment.


    She hummed a tune as she walked home.


    A few days later, Zhuang Zhixin, who lived on a southern island, was stopped by the gatekeeper just after finishing her class.


    "Teacher Zhuang, there''s a package for you. It looks like some documents. Please sign for it."


    Zhuang Zhixin was surprised. "Oh?"


    She signed her name and returned to her office, shaking the envelope before opening it.


    "Teacher Zhuang, did you submit another manuscript?"


    Ever since she learned a few years ago that her younger brother''s articles were being published in newspapers, Zhuang Zhixin had also started submitting her own work. At first, she struggled to find the right style, but over time, many of her pieces were accepted.


    She was the person in the school who received the most mail, and her colleagues had grown accustomed to her monthly income from writing, which they greatly admired.


    Zhuang Zhixin smiled and said, "No, this is from my mom..."


    Before she could finish, a small hardcover booklet fell out of the envelope. Zhuang Zhixin froze, and so did the colleague who had been chatting with her. Zhuang Zhixin quickly picked it up from the table. She recognized it immediately¡ªit was a property ownership certificate.


    But why had her mother sent her something like this?


    She opened the booklet and saw her name clearly printed as the owner.


    Zhuang Zhixin was stunned. Her hands trembled.


    "Wait, Teacher Zhuang, that''s your name. Wow, it''s a property in the capital!" The nosy colleague leaned over and exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.


    Zhuang Zhixin ignored them and quickly read the letter. Her mind was in turmoil, trying to understand how her name ended up on the property deed.


    How could it be her name?


    Why had her mother given her a house?


    Her heart raced as she skimmed through the letter. By the time she finished, her eyes were red.


    "Teacher Zhuang, are you okay?"


    "Is something wrong?"


    Zhuang Zhixin shook her head. "I''m fine."


    But her expression suggested otherwise. Her colleagues pressed her, "If something''s wrong, don''t keep it to yourself."


    It wasn''t out of nosiness. The island was a small, close-knit community, mostly made up of military families. Life was simple, and people were used to looking out for one another. It wasn''t like the bustling city, where people were more guarded.


    Zhuang Zhixin said, "It''s nothing. I''m just touched."


    "Touched?"


    Everyone glanced at the property certificate.


    Zhuang Zhixin realized there was no point in hiding it now. Otherwise, rumors would start flying.


    She explained, "My parents are dividing the family property, and they''ve given each of us three siblings a house. This one is mine. I''m just moved by their generosity."


    "What?"


    Her words shocked everyone, men and women alike. It was unheard of for daughters to receive the same treatment as sons when dividing family property. Most families prioritized their sons, and if a daughter received a generous dowry, it was considered a sign of a caring family.


    Many families even relied on their married daughters for support.


    So Zhuang Zhixin''s revelation left everyone astonished. One woman couldn''t help but ask, "And your brothers didn''t object?"


    Zhuang Zhixin shook her head. "No, they knew about it."


    She herself felt a bit dazed. Even though she was almost forty, she still remembered her childhood clearly. While her family wasn''t as biased toward sons as others, she had always felt that her mother favored her two brothers a little more.


    Back then, she hadn''t been upset or resentful. Though she sometimes felt a twinge of discomfort, she knew her family was better off than many of her classmates. At least her mother hadn''t shown obvious favoritism when it came to food and clothing.


    Later, when she got married, even though her parents seemed unhappy with her choice, they still gritted their teeth and prepared a dowry for her. So, Zhuang Zhixin felt that while her parents were biased, they weren¡¯t entirely unfair. It wasn¡¯t like they treated everyone completely equally, but it was close enough. They were much better than many other families.


    Back then, there was a girl named Li Fang in their compound who was an only child. Zhuang Zhixin secretly wondered if she could have lived as comfortably as Li Fang if she had been the only girl in her family. However, as she grew older, she realized that Li Fang¡¯s good life wasn¡¯t just because she was an only child¡ªit was also because her father was a chef.


    Still, at the time, Zhuang Zhixin was truly envious.


    Now, many years after her marriage, with her children all grown up, she often reflects on her childhood, her married life, and the various ups and downs of being a military wife. She feels deeply grateful to her parents.


    Her mother always claimed to treat all her children equally. Back then, before she got married, Zhuang Zhixin didn¡¯t believe it. She felt there was still a slight difference. But now, she never expected that at nearly forty years old, she would receive a house from her parents.


    A house¡ªnot just some cabbage.


    ¡°Teacher Zhuang, this house is in the capital. You guys won¡¯t be able to live there, right? Won¡¯t your brothers end up living in it instead?¡± someone muttered out of jealousy.


    Zhuang Zhixin snapped out of her thoughts and replied, ¡°My eldest brother and third brother already have their own houses. They don¡¯t need this one. My parents plan to rent it out. The rent will be saved and sent to me. Next year, when Dabao and Erbao take their college entrance exams, if they get into schools in the capital, they can live there. If they don¡¯t¡­ well, we¡¯re originally from the capital anyway. If we don¡¯t go back, we¡¯ll keep renting it out. It¡¯ll be a place to stay if we ever return. If we do go back, at least we¡¯ll have our own home.¡±


    As she thought about the contents of the letter and how her mother had already planned everything out for her, she felt even more emotional.


    Her parents truly treated all their children equally. They hadn¡¯t favored one over the others. Zhuang Zhixin felt her heart swell with gratitude¡ªnot just because of the house, but because her parents hadn¡¯t shown any bias.


    ¡°Teacher Zhuang, your parents are really amazing. My parents always say that since I¡¯m the only daughter among a bunch of sons, they love me the most and treat me the best. But when it comes to dividing the family property, it¡¯s all going to my brothers. The house has to go to the sons¡ªthere¡¯s no question of splitting it equally among the three of us. Even if my parents agreed, my sisters-in-law wouldn¡¯t. Who knows what kind of drama that would cause? Your situation is much better. Since you¡¯re far away, even if they¡¯re unhappy, they can¡¯t do much about it.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin thought for a moment and said, ¡°It¡¯s not like that. My mom has mentioned this before. When I went home for the New Year, she brought it up, and I noticed my sisters-in-law seemed completely unfazed. At the time, I thought she was just joking¡­¡±


    Little did she know, her mother had been serious.


    Looking back now, she realized that her mother must have brought it up many times at home. Otherwise, how could her sisters-in-law have been so calm about it? They must have gotten used to it, knowing there was no point in arguing since her mother¡¯s mind was made up.


    That was probably the case.


    Zhuang Zhixin had guessed right.


    She took a deep breath and quickly put the property deed away, her excitement hard to contain. She tried to act normal, but she couldn¡¯t stop smiling. During her next class, her students were puzzled, wondering what good news had made their usually stern teacher so happy.


    On her way home from work, Zhuang Zhixin even bought some meat¡ªa rare treat. Coincidentally, her two sons didn¡¯t have evening classes that day, and the three of them ran into each other at the entrance of their building. As they walked down the hallway, they caught the scent of meat cooking.


    Dabao said, ¡°I wonder who¡¯s cooking meat. I hope it¡¯s us.¡±


    Erbao replied, ¡°Probably not. Mom usually only buys meat once a week, and we¡¯ve already had our share this week.¡±


    Dabao sighed, ¡°I really want some meat¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and hurry home. Who can afford to eat meat every day?¡±


    ¡°Let me walk slower. I¡¯ll savor the smell of the meat from outside, and maybe I can eat an extra bowl of rice with just the aroma.¡±


    The three of them joked around as they headed home. But as soon as they opened the door, Dabao exclaimed, ¡°Oh my god, it¡¯s really us! Dad, Mom cooked meat!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin smiled and said, ¡°Can¡¯t I cook meat?¡±


    Her husband looked at her in surprise and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the good news? You¡¯re so happy today.¡±


    There had to be good news¡ªotherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be like this. His wife was usually very composed, especially since she was a teacher. She had to maintain authority in front of her students. Being too nice would only make the kids take advantage of her. Over time, she had become somewhat stern.


    But today, her smile was practically flying off her face.


    ¡°There¡¯s definitely good news, right?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin played coy, telling everyone to wash their hands. Once they were all seated, she poured soda for everyone and said, ¡°Have some.¡±


    This confirmed that something good had happened.


    Look, they even got soda.


    Zhuang Zhixin was in a great mood. With a smile on her face, she took out the property deed and said, ¡°Take a look.¡±


    The three of them huddled together, curious, and opened the deed. When they saw it, their eyes nearly popped out.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin smacked Erbao lightly and scolded, ¡°Watch your language.¡±


    Erbao was stunned. ¡°Mom, you¡­ you¡­ you own a house in the capital? That¡¯s amazing!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin couldn¡¯t hide her pride. ¡°Your grandma gave it to me.¡±


    Her husband was equally shocked. He hadn¡¯t expected his mother-in-law to give them a house. It took him a while to process it. Zhuang Zhixin kept muttering, ¡°My mom doesn¡¯t play favorites. It¡¯s so good.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t quite explain why she was so happy, but she was¡ªdeeply happy about being treated equally.


    She continued, ¡°Your grandma said that if we¡¯re not living in the house now, we can rent it out, and the rent will go to me. Next year, when you two take your college entrance exams, if you get into schools in the capital, the rent can go to you. Of course, if you want to keep it as a place to stay, we won¡¯t rent it out.¡±


    She spoke earnestly, ¡°You two need to study hard. Look, your grandma even thought of this.¡±


    Dabao and Erbao nodded immediately. Both boys, having grown up in a military compound, were a bit straightforward. Receiving such a generous gift made them a little embarrassed. ¡°Are we really just going to accept this house from Grandma?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re accepting it!¡± Zhuang Zhixin wasn¡¯t being greedy. This was proof that her parents treated all their children equally, and it filled her heart with joy.


    Her husband finally chimed in, ¡°Your family already divided the property. Is this a house your mom bought later? I hope they didn¡¯t skimp on themselves just to save up for this.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin replied, ¡°My mom wrote in her letter that she¡¯s been selling goods at the market and making good money.¡±


    ¡°Holy crap!¡± Even her husband couldn¡¯t help but curse.


    Zhuang Zhixin shot him a look.


    Seeing the three men in her family staring at her with wide eyes, Zhuang Zhixin felt even prouder.


    She said, ¡°My mom isn¡¯t just any ordinary old lady. She¡¯s amazing!¡±


    Her eyes sparkled with joy as she continued, ¡°The capital is so different from here. It¡¯s bustling with activity. Over here, outside the island, there aren¡¯t many people doing business. But in the capital, it¡¯s lively. My mom went to Guangzhou with Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang. They went with a few other young women, and now they¡¯re all busy with their work.¡±


    She laughed, ¡°I never thought my mom would get along so well with Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang. They used to not get along, but now they¡¯re even going on business trips together.¡±


    The three men were completely dumbfounded.


    ¡°Grandma is seriously amazing!¡±


    ¡°Your grandma has always been amazing. When we were kids, times were tough, but even during those three years of food shortages, we managed to get by,¡± Zhuang Zhixin said, feeling deeply grateful that her parents had worked so hard to provide for the family. Without them, their lives wouldn¡¯t have been as comfortable.


    "You all need to study hard, okay? If you don¡¯t study well, you won¡¯t be able to get into the universities in the capital. And if you ever go back, you must treat your grandparents well, understand?"


    Dabao and Erbao immediately replied, "We understand."


    Zhuang Zhixin happily hummed a little tune and said, "Come on, let¡¯s eat. I still need to write a letter to my mom tonight."


    Dabao and Erbao, sensing their mother¡¯s cheerful mood, also brightened up.


    Meanwhile, while Zhuang Zhixin was delighted to receive the letter, news of Zhang San selling his house spread throughout the compound, leaving everyone quite shocked. However, Zhao Guihua buying the house wasn¡¯t much of a surprise. It seemed like everyone had vaguely heard her say before that if she ever needed money, she would buy a house for her second daughter, treating all three children equally.


    She had mentioned it many times, and everyone had heard it.


    So, her buying the house wasn¡¯t unexpected.


    On the other hand, Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin, upon hearing that the house had been sold, hesitantly came over. They hadn¡¯t even had the chance to discuss the rent yet, and now the house had a new owner. Zhao Guihua, seeing the two girls arrive, straightforwardly said, "The house is ours now. You¡¯ve already paid for a month¡¯s rent, so you can stay until the end of the month. This was agreed upon with Zhang San. Also, his family is moving out, and they¡¯ll be taking some things with them. When they come to move their belongings, make sure you¡¯re at home."


    The two girls nodded.


    Zhao Guihua continued, "This house is for my daughter, but she¡¯s still away and hasn¡¯t returned yet. You can continue renting if you want. Since some things will be moved out, I¡¯ll lower the rent a bit. If you decide to stay, the rent will be five yuan. Of course, they¡¯ll take some things, but the bed and the big pot will remain. They¡¯ll take the cabinet, but I don¡¯t plan to replace it. If you think you can make do, you can keep renting. If not, feel free to look elsewhere. It¡¯s up to you to decide."


    Although quite a few things would be moved out, the house still had some furnishings and had been freshly painted, so it was naturally different from Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s place, which was completely empty when rented out.


    So, a one-yuan difference in rent was reasonable.


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin exchanged glances and without hesitation said, "We¡¯ll keep renting. But, you won¡¯t just kick us out, right?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "If I decide not to rent to you anymore, I¡¯ll let you know a month in advance. Is that okay?"


    "That¡¯s more than fair," they both said, feeling relieved.


    Zhao Guihua added, "Then you can continue renting from the previous date. Make sure to bring the rent money at the beginning of each month. Don¡¯t make me chase you for it, or I¡¯ll get angry."


    The two quickly agreed, "Okay."


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin hadn¡¯t expected things to be settled so smoothly.


    Guan Hong, in particular, was sweating a little. She had some past conflicts with Zhao Guihua and had been quite afraid of her. But seeing how straightforward Zhao Guihua was in handling things, she felt much more at ease.


    She said, "From now on, we¡¯ll split the rent equally, 2.5 yuan each. Is that okay?"


    Zheng Huimin nodded, "That works."


    With Guan Hong sharing the rent, Zheng Huimin felt much more relaxed. Unlike Guan Hong, who could still go home if she apologized, Zheng Huimin had no home to return to. So, this arrangement was very convenient for her.


    Zheng Huimin said, "With the rent reduced, I can really focus on making some money now."


    Guan Hong reminded her, "Don¡¯t just think about earning money. You should keep an eye on your family too."


    Zheng Huimin replied, "I know. I¡¯ve been going to the neighborhood committee every day to make a scene."


    Admittedly, she felt a bit shameless doing it, but it was effective. Everyone sympathized with her and kept a close watch on the Zheng family. The slightest movement would be noticed.


    Zheng Huimin had even gone to the bus station once.


    She would rather her parents not help her at all than have them leave her with a pile of trouble and run away.


    "Oh, come here," she said as she entered the room. "Guan Hong, here¡¯s the 100 yuan you lent my sister. I¡¯m returning it to you."


    Guan Hong was surprised, "So soon? What¡¯s your sister doing over there?"


    Zheng Huimin proudly replied, "She found a job at a clothing factory. They provide accommodation, and she doesn¡¯t have much to spend on since she¡¯s working every day. So she returned the money first. Take it. It¡¯s one less thing to worry about."


    Guan Hong said, "Your sister seems like a hardworking and reliable person."


    "She is. Back home, I used to slack off a lot, but she never did." Back then, the two sisters didn¡¯t seem particularly close, but now that they were apart, they felt a strong sense of concern for each other.


    Zheng Huimin rubbed her cheeks and asked, "By the way, the cabinet is being moved out. Should we buy a new one?"


    Guan Hong thought for a moment, "I don¡¯t think we need to."


    Zheng Huimin agreed, "You¡¯re right."


    The cabinet only held a few of Guan Hong¡¯s belongings, and she didn¡¯t have many clothes to begin with. As for Zheng Huimin, she had even less¡ªjust one change of clothes. So, having a cabinet or not didn¡¯t make much difference to them. But buying a new one would cost quite a bit, so it wasn¡¯t necessary.


    Guan Hong said, "I have a wooden chest. I¡¯ll just bring it over and use that."


    Zheng Huimin nodded, "Alright, I¡¯ll help you move it."


    As the two discussed their living arrangements, they were unaware that today was the day Zheng Yufeng had decided to leave. Lately, he had been under close watch, but he still managed to find the money hidden in Fan Debiao¡¯s house.


    Fan Debiao was quite clever, hiding the money in a crack between the bricks. Zheng Yufeng had been sneaking over every night to search.


    After several days of effort, he finally found it.


    He knew that tomorrow was the day Fan Debiao would be released, so he had already made plans to run away tonight!


    He had secretly discussed this with his two sons, and they had no intention of taking Guan Guiling with them. The two sons didn¡¯t see anything wrong with this, and the three of them decided to use Guan Guiling as a decoy while they made their escape.


    But what they didn¡¯t know was that Fan Debiao had already been released from detention¡­

 Chapter 197

    Zheng Yufeng was determined to leave.


    If he didn''t leave, then who would repay the debt? And Fan Debiao, this man would absolutely not let him off the hook.


    Previously, when Zhao Guihua and her son first heard that Zheng Yufeng was planning to run away, they found it hard to believe. In their view, the Zheng family had a house in Beijing, Guan Guiling had a job, and life was stable¡ªthere was no need to leave at all.


    Everything was going smoothly, so why leave?


    Besides, they had endured such difficult times in the past, and now with the reform and opening-up policy, life was gradually improving and thriving. It seemed absurd for him to abandon the stability of Beijing and flee. No one could make such a decision unless they were incredibly naive.


    But in reality, Zheng Yufeng did indeed have compelling reasons to leave.


    He was caught in a difficult situation. If life were still as it had been before, he might not have considered leaving. But now, with reform and opening-up, life was getting better. Some people with bigger ambitions had started to make money.


    The gap between the rich and the poor wasn¡¯t very noticeable, but their street had Fan Debiao living on it.


    Fan Debiao had been secretly dealing in the black market for years, though he had always been cautious and discreet, so few people knew about it. But things were different now¡ªhis small business was thriving, and with his experience, he was making more money than others.


    As a neighbor in the alley, Zheng Yufeng had observed all this and couldn¡¯t help feeling envious and jealous. In his mind, if someone like Fan Debiao could get rich, why should he endure such a hard life? This inevitably led to some psychological imbalance. At that moment, Fan Debiao, who had a fascination with the Zheng sisters, took the initiative to approach Zheng Yufeng. He showed Zheng Yufeng a life of indulgence, eating well and drinking lavishly. Before long, Zheng Yufeng was tempted.


    Over time, he borrowed money from Fan Debiao, quite a few hundred yuan in total. This was no small amount, especially since Guan Guiling¡¯s monthly wage at the bus station was less than 40 yuan. Originally, he thought that if Huimin was married off, everything would be fine.


    After all, they would be family¡ªwhy would Fan Debiao demand repayment?


    But he hadn¡¯t expected his two daughters to create such chaos. Instead of simply avoiding the issue, both of them had run away. Even worse, Huifang had spread flyers, which had put a halt to many of his plans.


    He had thought Huimin was under control, and even if Huifang ran away, it wouldn¡¯t matter. However, he hadn¡¯t anticipated that Huifang would ruin his plans. Moreover, it turned out that Fan Debiao had ambitions to have both sisters.


    Therefore, even if they married Huimin off, it wouldn¡¯t settle Fan Debiao¡¯s demands. With his wealth, Fan Debiao had plenty of delinquents around him, making it far too easy for him to come after Zheng Yufeng. Furthermore, Guan Guiling was aging and in poor health, so Zheng Yufeng made an immediate decision to leave.


    Before leaving, however, he needed to gather some money.


    Zheng Yufeng¡¯s target remained Fan Debiao, as he didn¡¯t know anyone else with money. Only Fan Debiao had wealth and lived alone, making him the perfect target for Zheng Yufeng¡¯s schemes.


    Finally, he had succeeded in getting his hands on the money.


    He didn¡¯t dare waste any time¡ªhe left without packing any luggage, planning to head straight to the special economic zone. His family had no relatives in Hong Kong, but he planned to first settle in the special economic zone and then find a way to move to Hong Kong.


    He had heard that making money was easy there, and Zheng Yufeng was already determined to go. Once there, he could have his two sons and Wang Ju work, ensuring that someone would support him. Although his youngest son was still young, barely a teenager, he could still do some work at least washing dishes.


    As for Wang Ju, she had some charm and was young, so she could work in... that kind of business.


    At that point, he could live the life of an old master in his home.


    Zheng Yufeng smiled contentedly, convinced that his plan was perfect in every way. He was eager to leave immediately. Tomorrow, Fan Debiao would be released, and when he saw that Zheng Yufeng¡¯s house was empty, he would surely go mad.


    Zheng Yufeng lowered his eyes and smiled silently. Fan Debiao had truly hidden his money well¡ªZheng Yufeng had found over eight thousand yuan throughout the household. Combined with their furniture, his own savings, and some other funds he had gathered, he now had nine thousand yuan in his hands.


    This made Zheng Yufeng¡¯s resolve to leave even firmer.


    He had already discussed the plan with his two sons, deciding not to bring their mother. The boys had no objections, excitedly awaiting the chance to leave with their father.


    They had agreed on leaving today. After dinner in the evening, Zheng Yufeng glanced at his two sons. His youngest immediately caught on and said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going out to play.¡±


    Guan Guiling was eating her cornmeal bun with pickled vegetables, nodding. ¡°Go ahead, but don¡¯t go too far.¡±


    Her youngest son promptly replied, ¡°Got it,¡± and ran off.


    At that moment, his older son also put down his chopsticks and said, ¡°I¡¯m going out for a walk.¡±


    Guan Guiling immediately frowned. ¡°Are you going out to gamble again? Can¡¯t you behave, my child? At your age, people have already gotten married and started supporting their families. What are you doing with your life, always gambling? You¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so annoying! I¡¯m leaving!¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Her eldest son slammed his chopsticks down and left.


    Guan Guiling worriedly said, ¡°Look at him¡ªdoesn¡¯t he get upset after just a few words? How can such a man uphold the family? Such an irresponsible child. I¡¯m his mother¡ªcan¡¯t I even reprimand him?¡±


    Zheng Yufeng patted Guan Guiling¡¯s hand and said, ¡°You know this child has his own mind. Even if we, as parents, speak more, what¡¯s the point if he doesn¡¯t listen? If you¡¯re really worried, I¡¯ll go talk to him and bring him back.¡±


    ¡°Will he listen?¡±


    Zheng Yufeng replied, ¡°He still respects me as his father.¡±


    He got up and headed out the door, not pausing for a moment as he said, ¡°I¡¯ll go convince him. If I¡¯m late, just go to sleep first.¡±


    Guan Guiling nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Zheng Yufeng walked out, his hands empty. As he passed the courtyard, he encountered a neighbor who had once been on good terms with him. Although they had recently avoided contact for fear of being dragged into trouble, the neighbor still greeted him casually, ¡°Going out?¡±


    Zheng Yufeng sighed and said, ¡°My eldest son is gambling, I¡¯m going to persuade him to come back.¡±


    The neighbor¡¯s expression shifted slightly. After a moment, he said, ¡°You should definitely talk to him.¡±


    Then, lowering his voice, he added, ¡°I heard your eldest son owes money outside.¡±


    Having said that, he didn¡¯t elaborate further and walked away.


    Zheng Yufeng¡¯s heart sank when he heard this. Recently, with all the chaos at home, they hadn¡¯t paid much attention to their two sons. But now that he thought about it, his eldest son had been acting strangely lately¡ªlooking gloomy and barely eating.


    In these times, any sign of not eating properly was a major issue.


    At first, he had thought it was due to the recent affairs with his daughters, but upon reflection, the relationship between his sons and their sisters was never good. It was unlikely they would grieve over their sisters¡¯ actions. If it was because of owing money, however, it made perfect sense.


    Gambling often led to loss, and Zheng Yufeng didn¡¯t believe his son had the wits to win.


    No wonder his son had been so thrilled when he mentioned leaving¡ªhe was probably trying to escape his debts.


    Zheng Yufeng muttered under his breath, ¡°Stupid kid.¡±


    He quickly left the premises and took a detour through the alley, finding his two sons waiting at the bus stop. As soon as he arrived, he confronted his eldest son, ¡°Did you owe money outside?¡±


    The eldest son¡¯s face fell. After a long pause, he muttered defensively, ¡°It¡¯s not entirely my fault. I just wanted to play around, but I didn¡¯t expect to lose so badly. I didn¡¯t want to, it was all their fault¡ªthey forced me.¡±


    Zheng Yufeng¡¯s expression darkened further, and he demanded, ¡°How much exactly do you owe?¡±


    The older boy avoided looking directly at him, not willing to reveal the amount, mumbling, ¡°We¡¯re going to leave anyway¡ªwhat¡¯s the point of bringing that up?¡±


    "That''s what I said," but Zheng Yufeng remained coldly indifferent, "Even if I were to leave, I still need to know."


    "I owe two hundred and fifty dollars."


    Zheng Yufeng was about to speak when he heard him continue, "I don''t know how they calculate the interest, it turned into five hundred and fifty dollars in just a few days. If I don''t pay up soon, I''m done for."


    Fortunately, his father was taking him along; otherwise, God knows what he would be facing.


    Thinking of this, he urgently said, "Dad, let''s go. If we don''t leave now, someone might see us, and it¡¯ll be over."


    Zheng Yufeng nodded and agreed, "Perfect timing. The bus is here," as the father and two sons boarded together.


    As they got on the bus, some others got off. The elderly women who departed were all from the neighborhood. With the doors opening and closing, the bus gradually moved forward. One of the elderly women glanced at Zheng Yufeng and said, "Isn¡¯t that Zheng Yufeng, the kid? Where are these three going?"


    "Who knows? You¡¯re not aware, but this family is absolutely despicable."


    "What happened?"


    "You¡¯ve been in the countryside these past few days, you wouldn¡¯t know. Their family¡­ oh, wait, you saw them?"


    The first speaking old lady nodded, "Yes, all three of them were there."


    "This is bad, they¡¯re not planning to run away, are they?"


    "I didn¡¯t see them with any luggage, and why would they run?"


    The second old lady, disregarding the need for extensive explanations, hastily said, "Well, you can¡¯t be sure. Their family¡¯s affairs are complicated. This route goes to¡­"


    "The train station. This route passes straight through the train station," someone interjected.


    "Oh no, they might really be running away. Let¡¯s hurry to Zheng Yufeng¡¯s place."


    Moved by their kind hearts, the elderly women immediately set off, quickly retracing their steps. Just as they reached the end of the alley, they collided with a disheveled, unkempt man with a scruffy beard. Leading the pack, Grandmother A was shocked, "Fan Debiao?"


    Fan Debiao, with a black face, nodded.


    Grandmother A quickly said, "Fan Debiao, you better go home and check; Guan Guiling and her husband have emptied your house, selling off all your belongings. Oh, never mind me, I need to rush to Zheng Yufeng¡¯s place. Zheng Yufeng, alongside his sons, seems to be making a run for it. I need to see if Guan Guiling is at home; if she isn¡¯t, then it¡¯s really bad news."


    Having said that, she paid no more heed and rushed towards Zheng Yufeng¡¯s home.


    Meanwhile, Fan Debiao, after a brief stunned moment, sprinted back home. Reaching his yard, he charged directly into the house, kicking the door open with a resounding bang and a gust of wind!


    His home was completely stripped bare. His sofa, coffee table, tall cabinet.


    His radio, television, and bicycle.


    Even his large iron pot had been uprooted and was nowhere to be seen. Entirely gone.


    Fan Debiao was utterly incredulous. How did his home become so destitute? Gazing at the now empty abode, he quickly sprinted to the corner, prying open the bricks¡ªnothing!


    Looking at his now-empty stash, Fan Debiao was incensed. This wasn¡¯t just money; it was his life. Fan Debiao¡¯s eyes turned red as he emitted an earth-shattering roar, "Zheng Yufeng, you damn bastard!"


    The neighbors all rushed out to peek over at his direction. Upon closer inspection, they realized, "Oh, he really has nothing left!"


    Guan Guiling must be crazy!


    She¡¯s seeking money over life!


    Fan Debiao was not to be trifled with.


    Fan Debiao turned to glare at the crowd, "Did Guan Guiling do this?"


    The neighbors nodded, among them an elderly man with a slight limp added, "Xiao Zheng came every night with a flashlight."


    He had seen them a couple of times.


    His family quickly tugged at the old man, "Why are you speaking up?"


    Fan Debiao gritted his teeth, "Zheng Yufeng, Guan Guiling, fine, you¡¯re really something else!"


    Enraged, he kicked the door in, causing it to crash to the ground.


    Disregarding everything, Fan Debiao ran out, while the crowd murmured amongst themselves, "I knew Guan Guiling was coming to steal stuff nightly, but I never thought she¡¯d strip the place so entirely. That woman is really¡­"


    "Zheng Yufeng isn¡¯t any better; he¡¯s here every day."


    "You saw that too?"


    "I saw him during my nighttime stroll."


    "Me too!"


    Turns out, everyone saw some of it.


    Zheng Yufeng always believed it was Zheng Huimin¡¯s antics that ruined his reputation when in reality, his actions had been witnessed by many. There are no secrets in this world. One tells another, and soon, everyone knows, just how can his reputation be any good?


    "That¡¯s no better than bandits. Look how they¡¯ve stripped that place clean."


    "Exactly."


    "Let¡¯s not talk anymore. Let¡¯s swiftly follow and see if something serious arises."


    "Well said."


    The crowd hurriedly followed Fan Debiao¡¯s footsteps. Fan Debiao charged into Guan Guiling¡¯s house to find her embroiled in a heated argument with a few elderly women. "My husband¡¯s just gone to find our eldest son; I¡¯m still here. They¡¯re not going anywhere; they wouldn¡¯t leave me behind. Our marital love is as strong as gold; don¡¯t try to sow discord."


    "We saw them ourselves. We saw Zheng Yufeng take his two sons onto the bus, heading in the direction of the train station. You''re not telling the truth."


    "Liar, you¡¯re all liars!" Guan Guiling shrieked, "I know you¡¯re all envious of our marital bliss. You¡¯re all rotten old bags sowing seeds of discord¡­"


    The elderly women were trembling with fury, before they could react, Fan Debiao burst in like a gust of wind. A resounding slap landed on Guan Guiling¡¯s face, sending her sprawling to the ground, blood spilling from her mouth.


    With bloodshot eyes, Fan Debiao yelled, "Guan Guiling, give me my money back!"


    Guan Guiling¡¯s eyes flickered unsteadily, "Wh-what¡­"


    Although Zheng Yufeng hadn¡¯t planned to take her along, she knew how much money they had taken from Fan Debiao¡¯s home, counting even giving Zheng Yufeng cues and sometimes even helping to find it; therefore, she knew all about it. However, Zheng Yufeng wasn¡¯t worried about her knowing.


    He knew Guan Guiling was a lovesick fool.


    Just because Guan Guiling knew, she felt even more guilty. She never expected Fan Debiao to return. Her husband had told her that Fan Debiao had been detained for a month; how come he was back after only twenty days?


    Actually, she didn''t know this was also a lie from Zheng Yufeng. Guan Guiling believed there was still time, so naturally, she didn¡¯t expect them to flee overnight.


    But Zheng Yufeng had miscalculated the date. This wasn¡¯t due to a lack of cunning on his part, but rather his inexperience. He thought the detention period started counting from the next day, but it was from the day of detention, resulting in a one-day discrepancy.


    Zheng Yufeng had thought Fan Debiao would only return tomorrow evening, by which time they¡¯d be long gone. Little did he realize that Fan Debiao was arriving today.


    With his money lost, Fan Debiao was deranged. He didn¡¯t care whether Guan Guiling was weak or unwell, nor did he fear being blamed. He stepped forward and bounced several slaps across Guan Guiling¡¯s face. Then, hauling her onto the ground, kicked her repeatedly. Guan Guiling screamed, "Ah!"


    Blood spit from her mouth as others watched, taking a cautious step back, startled.


    It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to help stop him, but Fan Debiao was already out of control. Getting beaten would likely be for nothing. Plus, if Guan Guiling just paid the money back, it might be resolved. So someone started to advise, "Guan Guiling, return whatever you took from him fast!"


    "Yes, Fan Debiao, don¡¯t hit her anymore. Just focus on getting your money back. If she gets hurt, you¡¯ll still have to compensate."


    Fan Debiao retorted, "I¡¯d kill her and wouldn¡¯t feel any better, I¡­"


    "No, there¡¯s something wrong here. You don¡¯t need to hit her. You might end up killing her. We saw Zheng Yufeng taking his two sons to the train station earlier."


    Even though Guan Guiling firmly believed that Zheng Yufeng wouldn¡¯t abandon her, others didn¡¯t share in her confidence. The consensus was that if Zheng Yufeng truly fled, leaving Guan Guiling behind, it would only be natural.


    Not only was Guan Guiling aging and plagued with ailments, but Zheng Yufeng wouldn¡¯t willingly burden himself with her.


    "No way! He wouldn¡¯t abandon me!"


    "Then, is the money at home? Check if any money is still there; that¡¯s the answer."


    "Exactly."


    Guan Guiling was still stubbornly denying everything. She wasn''t sure if what these people were saying was true, but she firmly believed that it couldn''t be the case. Her husband, Zheng Yufeng, loved her so much. They had never had a disagreement their entire life. How could he bear to leave her behind?


    She cried, "You''re all just trying to sow discord. You''re trying to... Ah!"


    Fan Debiao kicked Guan Guiling a few more times, then immediately went to smash open their drawers. Guan Guiling screamed, "No!"


    Fan Debiao smashed several drawers in succession, but they were all empty.


    As Fan Debiao broke open the drawers, Guan Guiling''s eyes grew blank. Their money had always been kept here. But... where was the money?


    "Guan Guiling, Guan Guiling..."


    At this moment, it was as if Guan Guiling''s soul had been sucked out. She stared blankly at the drawers, then suddenly jumped up and said, "I need to find Yufeng. He wouldn''t leave me. He definitely wouldn''t leave me..."


    Despite her poor health, she ran very fast and dashed out the door.


    Fan Debiao, who was already fuming with rage, was momentarily stunned by her action but quickly gave chase.


    Indeed, there was no point in persisting with Guan Guiling at this moment because it was clear that the money wasn¡¯t on her. Fan Debiao had been associating with their family for several years and knew that their money was managed by Zheng Yufeng.


    He followed Guan Guiling''s footsteps as they both ran towards the train station.


    The crowd of onlookers, seeing this spectacle, quickly followed suit.


    One person asked Aunt Su, "Did they really go to the train station?"


    "The bus goes to the train station, but I''m not sure... However, if they were planning to escape, they would probably take the train."


    "That makes sense. Let''s hurry and chase after them."


    "This situation looks like it''s about to get out of hand. We need to follow them!"


    "I''ll go to the neighborhood committee. This needs to be reported."


    The crowd, closely following Guan Guiling and Fan Debiao, saw them both hop onto a tricycle, shouting to be taken to the station. At that moment, a local troublemaker just happened to pass by. Upon seeing the chase, he exclaimed, "Holy cow! What''s going on here?"


    He quickly grabbed someone and asked, "Zheng Yufeng is trying to escape!"


    Without checking if the person knew Zheng Yufeng, he relayed the news and followed the crowd towards the station.


    Little did they know, this troublemaker actually knew Zheng Yufeng. Zheng Yufeng''s wife, Guan Guiling, had mortgaged their house to them and taken out high-interest loans. At the time, their boss had recognized that they were desperate for money, so he had driven the price down to 150.


    Later, this family had tried to borrow from others, which was discovered, and Guan Guiling was slapped by their boss for it.


    Their boss had seen through their lack of honesty, so he had investigated their family. They knew the head of the household was Zheng Yufeng. Though he seemed decent, his actions were less honorable than even their street thug lifestyle.


    In short, he was not a good man.


    When the troublemaker heard Zheng Yufeng''s name, he immediately remembered him. After all, such a morally corrupt hypocrite was hard to forget. He slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "This is not good."


    He quickly turned back, knowing he had to inform their boss. Something was off.


    Though he was a troublemaker, his mind worked quickly. He immediately realized that there was something amiss. A house like that would cost at least 500 to 600, or even 700 to 800 if it had two bedrooms. They had only lent 150, so why would they run away?


    It just wasn''t logical. But since they were running, there must be something more to it.


    Perhaps Zheng Yufeng had other debts elsewhere.


    He quickly went back to inform their boss and gather reinforcements, while the main group, in a large procession, headed towards the train station, attracting onlookers along the way...


    On the other hand, Zheng Yufeng and his family boarded a bus without realizing they had been spotted. He was too confident, believing that after years of staying in the background and letting Guan Guiling handle things, he was quite a capable man.


    But when one starts to feel overconfident, mistakes are bound to happen.


    Like Zheng Yufeng, he hadn¡¯t considered that Fan Debiao¡¯s release date had differed from what he¡¯d expected. He also hadn''t paid any attention to others. After getting off the bus, he led his two sons straight to the train station''s ticket office.


    However, as they were crossing the station square, he unexpectedly was spotted by someone.


    This person was none other than Zhuang Zhixi.


    Zhuang Zhixi was truly amazing. He always seemed to unintentionally stumble upon strange and interesting situations. This time was no exception. He was daily selling his T-shirts here. Despite having stocked up with 5,000 pieces, he was now at the tail end of his inventory.


    These last three to fifty pieces were meant for souvenir purposes at the tourist spots. So, Zhao Guihua hadn''t taken them out for sale, instead, she had let Zhuang Zhixi bring them to the train station. As he was almost sold out, his heart was filled with joy. Soon, he would be heading home to share the profits.


    As he was packing up to leave, he spotted Zheng Yufeng at the train station. He immediately sensed that something was off. This was not just his imagination; Zheng Yufeng appearing here at this moment definitely wasn¡¯t right.


    Zheng Yufeng was trying to escape!


    Zhuang Zhixi didn''t hesitate for a moment. He quickly followed Zheng Yufeng, watching as they bought four train tickets to the south. Zhuang Zhixi frowned slightly. He knew that Zheng Huifang was in the south; while Zheng Yufeng and his family were not heading to the same city as Zheng Huifang, it wasn''t too far away either. If they were to happen to cross paths, it would only add to Zheng Huifang''s troubles.


    Moreover, if Zheng Yufeng and his family really escaped, it would also bring trouble to Zheng Huimin.


    His mind raced with thoughts on what to do.


    At this moment, seeking the station''s police might not be of much use, for Zheng Yufeng hadn''t committed any crime. As Zhuang Zhixi was pondering this, he saw a woman with a travel bag hurrying towards them, calling out, "Yufeng!"


    Zhuang Zhixi looked over and thought, "Oh, there''s another woman."


    Apparently, it was one more than the initial four tickets they bought.


    Wang Ju hurried over to meet Zheng Yufeng, her heart filled with excitement. She had never imagined that she could leave home and live her own life. But now, thinking about the scenario Zheng Yufeng had painted for her, she felt truly thrilled.


    They would go to Shenzhen, make some arrangements, and then find a chance to cross over to Hong Kong. With some money in hand and Zheng Yufeng''s two sons able to work, their life couldn''t be anything but wonderful. She couldn''t help but show a joyful smile as she finally reached Zheng Yufeng''s side.


    The expressions on Zheng''s two sons were quite grim. They could understand the decision not to bring their mother along this journey, as someone needed to stay behind to divert attention. But what they hadn¡¯t expected was that they would also be taking their cousin, even though there was no blood relation.


    They were, nominally, cousins.


    What made the older son even more uncomfortable was that he had harbored feelings for this older cousin, who was four years his senior. But he had never expected his father to have gotten ahead of him.


    Although Zheng Huifang had once hinted that his father had an affair with Wang Ju, he had not believed it. His sister and brother were not exactly models of virtue either. But now, it had all been shattered.


    It turned out to be true.


    As for the younger son, a child of just over ten, he too understood some things. His gaze towards Wang Ju was filled with hostility.


    Both brothers looked displeased, but Zheng Yufeng was not troubled. Instead, he took out a dollar and said, "You must be tired from hurrying. Look at the sweat on your forehead. Go buy an ice cream to cool down."


    "Dad, I want one too," the younger son said.


    Zheng Yufeng replied, "Get two more for the boys."


    Wang Ju understood that Zheng Yufeng was deliberately sending her away to soothe his sons, so she took the money decisively and said, "I''ll see if they have ice cream. If not, I''ll get some Pepsi Cola."


    With Wang Ju gone, Zheng Yufeng looked at his two sons and said, "I know you¡¯re both very confused as to why I brought her along. But I have my reasons for doing so."


    Zheng Yufeng spoke earnestly: "Our family of three has always been well-cared for by your mom. How can we manage without a woman to handle household affairs? Besides, although we did leave with some money, it wasn''t much. There are many places where we''ll need to spend money when we''re away, and life will be tough. Do we all have to go out to work? My health has always been poor; I can''t earn money. I don''t want you two to suffer alongside me. What can we do? We can only count on Wang Ju. I''ve thought about it; if she goes with us, she can do that line of work. Nothing else gets you money faster! Then she can manage the household and earn money. Wouldn''t our lives as father and sons be perfect?"


    The eldest Zheng son frowned, disagreeing: "Dad, how can you say such things?"


    Although he didn''t consider himself a good person, he had always been deeply infatuated with Wang Ju. Hearing his father talk like this immediately made him uncomfortable.


    Zheng Yufeng: "Who am I doing this for? It''s for you two!"


    He seemed utterly sincere: "You are my sons, you bear the Zheng surname. You are the roots of the old Zheng family. How could I bear to let you suffer with me?"


    The two Zheng boys remained silent.


    "Having Wang Ju go with us isn''t great? Son, I know you like Wang Ju. Dad promises you, as long as you''re willing, once we''re out there, you can do whatever you want. You understand what I''m saying, right? We don''t need to be unhappy over just a woman."


    The eldest Zheng son looked up in astonishment, his face showing a hint of disbelief as he stared at his father.


    Zheng Yufeng: "Alright, just a woman. Do you think I''d scheme with you over her?"


    The atmosphere grew unnaturally quiet.


    The Zheng brothers didn''t speak again, but both clenched their fists tightly, clearly not agreeing with Zheng Yufeng but too afraid to object.


    Zhuang Zhixi stood behind a pillar not far away. From this position, if they spoke quietly, Zhuang Zhixi wouldn''t hear anything. But unfortunately, they didn''t control their volume, and Zhuang Zhixi heard everything clearly.


    For a moment, he felt like the vegetable pie he had for lunch was about to come back up.


    What kind of person is this?


    There was a moment when Zhuang Zhixi wondered if Zheng Yufeng had graduated from the same school as Aunt Su, given how their discussions were the same. If you want to live a good life, figure out your own business. Why scheme to make someone else sell themselves to support you?!


    If forced to compare, Zhuang Zhixi found Zheng Yufeng even more disgusting. What does "don''t care about a woman" even mean? Even a fool could understand that. They''re talking about both father and sons? What kind of twisted mindset is that?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He now felt like his experiences were too shallow, not to mention shocked.


    Zhuang Zhixi had never seen such a shameless person before. He pursed his lips, and suddenly, he froze.


    It wasn''t that he had been discovered, but rather, he saw Wang Ju standing not far away, even closer than his position. She must have heard everything Zheng Yufeng said.


    After all, even Zhuang Zhixi, from his distance, had heard it, let alone Wang Ju''s position.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly moved away, almost too scared to look at Wang Ju''s face, which was not just pale but ghostly white.


    Wang Ju hadn''t expected that just because she lacked money and returned, she would overhear such conversations.


    She looked at Zheng Yufeng and felt she never truly understood him. She had always believed he truly loved her. Her mother died early, and her father remarried, taking in the sister of Guan Guiling.


    How life was with the stepmother, only Wang Ju knew.


    To outsiders, things seemed fine, but as someone living it, the truth was self-evident.


    Because she never had children of her own, outsiders thought highly of her stepmother, but as a daughter of the original marriage, Wang Ju knew. No matter how harmonious things seemed on the surface, underneath was always a sea of hidden tensions.


    That woman, unable to have children herself, desired her brother''s family to provide for her old age, treating her stepbrothers exceptionally well but showing clear favoritism towards Wang Ju. She had grown up toughly, only meeting Zheng Yufeng later.


    She had only hoped for someone who truly loved her and someone she could rely on.


    But she hadn''t anticipated all of it was a sham.


    Zheng Yufeng had such an intention all along.


    Wang Ju''s nails dug into her palm. After a long while, she let out a dark laugh.


    Zheng Yufeng, since you don''t act with benevolence, don''t blame me for acting without righteousness.


    Ever since she was a child, Wang Ju had relied on herself, so she was a very clear-headed individual. If it were an ordinary person, they might have been deeply hurt, but she quickly reacted. She bit her lips and decisively decided to seek revenge on Zheng Yufeng.


    She coughed lightly and walked back, saying: "Yufeng, I checked, and they didn''t have ice cream."


    Zheng Yufeng: "Then why didn''t you get North Ocean soda?"


    Wang Ju smiled: "North Ocean soda costs a deposit if you take the bottle back, and I didn''t have enough money. Why don''t we go together and drink there? That way, we won''t need a deposit."


    She knew Zheng Yufeng wouldn''t go.


    Indeed, Zheng Yufeng: "You two go ahead, I''ll wait here for you."


    His health wasn''t as bad as he claimed, but it wasn''t great either.


    Normally, he wouldn''t drink something so cold, and at this moment, to calm everyone''s emotions, he wouldn''t worry about the cost of three North Ocean sodas.


    Wang Ju guessed right¡ªshe led the two away, and as soon as they were out of sight of Zheng Yufeng, Wang Ju suddenly spoke with a sob: "In the future, you two must take good care of yourselves. Although we are only distant cousins without blood relations, I''ve always treated you as family. I... I can''t bear to deceive you any longer."


    The Zheng brothers were stunned.


    Wang Ju: "I actually don''t want to go with you. I wanted to leave on my own. Once we board the train, I''ll slip away. I originally didn''t want to say goodbye, but our bond has been so good, and this may be our final parting. So I had to say goodbye."


    "What!"


    Neither expected Wang Ju to say such things. Wang Ju led them further away and whispered: "After you go with your dad, be careful¡ªhe told me he intends to sell your younger brother."


    "Ah!"


    Wang Ju earnestly: "At this moment, I must reveal the truth before I leave. In reality, I didn''t want to follow your father; he deceived me. Back then, I actually liked..."


    She looked at the eldest Zheng son but didn''t finish her sentence, continuing: "He drugged me, and I was... from then on, I had no choice but to follow him. But this time, I absolutely won''t go with him. He''s full of schemes against you. I don''t believe he won''t scheme against me either. I''ve decided to leave on my own. If you see me gone, don''t look for me..."


    The eldest Zheng son: "This damn man!"


    He instantly believed Wang Ju, his fists clenched in anger: "This bastard, how could he do such a thing? He''s no better than a beast!"


    Quickly, he asked: "Are you leaving alone? Do you have money?"


    Wang Ju shook her head but firmly said: "Although I don''t have money, I can always survive by my own hands. If I really followed your father, that''s when I''d be doomed." She continued: "I didn''t want to tell you, fearing you''d betray me, but our bond is so good. I couldn''t feel at ease if I didn''t warn you. Consider it my final favor to you."


    She took a deep breath and turned to leave. The eldest Zheng son suddenly grabbed Wang Ju, saying: "I''ll go with you."


    He could tell Wang Ju had initially liked him.


    He could tell.


    He had also liked Wang Ju. If not for the rumors between his father and Wang Ju, he wouldn''t have been so depressed and turned to gambling. At that time, although he was skeptical, he was indeed troubled, but who knew gambling would be so terrifying.


    Now, burdened with debt, he had no choice but to leave.


    He said: "I''ll go with you."


    "I, I also want to go with you."


    Zheng Xiaodi also spoke up. Although he hadn''t said anything when his dad was talking earlier, he wasn''t a three-year-old kid and knew what that meant. He didn''t agree with it, but his dad was leading them away, and if he opposed, he was afraid his dad would abandon him.


    He didn''t want to stay behind with his mom to endure hard times and deal with the mess.


    But now that his brother was planning to leave with Wang Ju, he didn''t hesitate to join in. Wang Ju had said his dad might sell him off.


    And, surprisingly, he didn''t doubt her for a second.


    Because, from a young age, he knew his dad loved only himself the most.


    His mom loved his dad the most, followed by his older brother, and he was only a little better off than his two sisters.


    His dad was the most selfish person. If it was for money, it wouldn''t be surprising if his dad sold him off. After all, his dad had left in a hurry, and his mom''s job and their house hadn''t been sold yet. It was very possible that his dad wanted to make up for it financially from this.


    So, he said, "I want to go with you. I promise I won''t be a burden!"


    The two Zheng brothers didn''t have a great relationship with the two sisters, but the brothers themselves were quite close. Zheng Laoda: "Let''s go together, with Xiaodi."


    Wang Ju: "But..."


    She showed a hint of fear: "Your dad won''t let this go. If we all leave, he might blame us for the money and wash his hands of it. He might not even need to run away... as long as he can pin it on us!"


    The two Zheng brothers fell silent. Indeed, that was something their dad would do.


    Zheng Laoda suddenly glared and said, "If that''s the case, let''s just go all in. We''ll rob him of his money and use it for our travel expenses!"


    "Ah?"


    Wang Ju''s eyes flickered, looking a bit scared but secretly delighted. That was exactly what she wanted, which was why she had approached the brothers. She said, "Will that work?"


    Zheng Laoda thought for a moment and said, "Yes, we''ll lure him into the restroom. Dad isn''t carrying any luggage, so the money must be on him. We''ll strip him down and find the money, then take off with it!"


    Wang Ju: "This..."


    "We need money if we''re going to run away. If we don''t take his money, he''ll just pin it on us anyway. It''s better to take it!"


    Wang Ju hesitated for a moment but quickly agreed: "Alright."


    Zheng Xiaodi: "Okay!"


    The three of them quickly made a plan.


    What allowed these three to form an alliance so quickly was their deep understanding of their family dynamics. Over the years, Zheng Yufeng had always been selfish, and although outsiders saw him as magnanimous, his family knew he always put himself first. So, when they decided to betray Zheng Yufeng, they didn''t feel much guilt.


    Having settled on a plan, Wang Ju immediately went back to find Zheng Yufeng and said, "Yufeng, Xiaodi suddenly complained of stomach pain and has been in the restroom for a while. I don''t know what to do. Can you come and take a look?"


    Zheng Yufeng was waiting for the three of them to return with soda.


    Hearing Wang Ju''s words, a flicker of disgust crossed his face as he said, "Lazy ass, always causing trouble when it''s time to leave. Useless things." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He then asked, "Where''s Laoda?"


    "He''s in the restroom helping to take care of Xiaodi."


    Wang Ju replied softly, "They haven''t been through much, so maybe they''re nervous about leaving and don''t know what to do."


    Zheng Yufeng: "I''ll go with you to take a look."


    The two of them left together.


    Zhuang Zhixi, who was watching from the sidelines, felt something was off. Where were the Zheng brothers?


    He hid in a corner, contemplating whether to go and check, when he suddenly saw Guan Guiling charging into the waiting hall like a lunatic. Her face was swollen, her mouth had blood, and her hair and clothes were a mess, looking like a madwoman.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He didn''t need to think about what to do anymore, as Guan Guiling had arrived.


    Moreover, he also saw Fan Debiao closely following behind her.


    Zheng Yufeng and the others were quite lucky, as they had just left when these people entered.


    At that moment, Zheng Yufeng stepped into the restroom, and before he could say anything, Wang Ju shoved him hard. The Zheng brothers immediately rushed out from both sides and knocked Zheng Yufeng to the ground.


    Zheng Yufeng: "What the...!"


    Before he could say anything, his eldest son stuffed a dirty sock into his mouth.


    He then quickly grabbed his father''s belt to tie him up.


    The three of them quickly stripped Zheng Yufeng bare. Luck was on their side, as no one entered the restroom during this time. They worked quickly, and in no time, Zheng Yufeng was completely naked. He was furious, his face red, and he glared at the bunch of scoundrels, whimpering nonstop.


    "Found it."


    "I found it too."


    Zheng Yufeng had hidden his money in two places¡ªbeneath the insole of his cloth shoes and in his underwear pocket. The three of them quickly counted the money and changed expressions¡ªthere was nine thousand yuan!


    Wang Ju decisively said, "We''ll split it three ways, with each person getting three thousand. If we get separated, we won''t end up penniless and stranded."


    Despite her alliance with the Zheng brothers, Wang Ju was more humane than Zheng Yufeng. At the very least, she genuinely wanted to escape together.


    The Zheng brothers nodded in agreement, and even Zheng Xiaodi was pleasantly surprised to find he would get a share.


    "Xiaodi gets so much money..."


    Wang Ju seriously said, "If we get separated, this money could save our lives. Besides, it''s only fair!"


    "Exactly!"


    "Alright."


    The three of them quickly divided the money.


    In those days, people often sewed pockets into their underwear to hide money. The three of them were no exception. After hiding the money, they said, "Let''s go!"


    Wang Ju didn''t plan to leave alone, not just because she had no money but also because it wasn''t safe for a woman to travel alone. But with two men by her side, even if one was just a teenager, it was far better than being alone.


    As for the Zheng brothers, neither was particularly cunning, and they had no strong feelings toward their family. They immediately followed Wang Ju.


    As they left the restroom, they saw Guan Guiling frantically searching everywhere, and Fan Debiao was with her.


    "What the hell, how did he get out?"


    Zheng Laoda was shocked. His dad had said it was for tomorrow!


    They now realized their dad had lied to them again. The three of them exchanged glances, suspicious that Zheng Yufeng had deceived them.


    Wang Ju: "Let''s go, we need to board the train immediately."


    She decisively gave up her luggage, which was just a few clothes. She said, "We''ll pretend to be people seeing off passengers to board the train, and then we''ll transfer."


    "Okay!"


    The three of them quickly entered the station. Guan Guiling was still searching but didn''t notice Wang Ju and her two sons slipping away.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, felt something was off. He had seen the three of them heading toward the restroom but hadn''t seen them return. And he thought he saw a brief glimpse of Wang Ju...


    He was a bit puzzled but then saw more people rushing in, all from Guan Guiling''s neighborhood. He felt relieved.


    But Zhuang Zhixi was mistaken this time. He didn''t know that Wang Ju and the others had already boarded the train. As the train departed, the three of them were hiding in the connecting area of the carriages, panting. Zheng Xiaodi was furious: "Dad lied again. He said Fan Debiao would only come out tomorrow. But he''s already here."


    Zheng Laoda: "I think Dad didn''t plan to take us with him. He wanted to use us as a second line of defense. He would use us to delay Fan Debiao so he could escape on his own. Otherwise, how else can you explain Fan Debiao getting out early?"


    "What a scoundrel!"


    The three of them were very angry and felt this guess made sense.


    He could deceive Guan Guiling, so he could deceive them too.


    As for why they didn''t leave earlier, it was because they hadn''t found Fan Debiao''s hidden money yet!


    Zheng Yufeng''s usual selfishness made it easy for them to believe the worst about him, and they felt they had guessed correctly. They sighed in relief and said, "He could scheme against us, but we can also scheme against him."


    The train chugged along...


    The three of them escaped, leaving behind the bustling city. At that moment, the commotion had attracted the attention of the station staff. Guan Guiling shrieked hysterically: "Yufeng, Yufeng, where are you? Yufeng..."


    She searched everywhere, looking like a madwoman.


    No one dared to approach her, but Fan Debiao was furious: "He''s trying to avoid you, stop shouting!"


    Guan Guiling seemed not to hear anything and continued to shout. Fan Debiao stepped forward and kicked her to the ground, saying, "Don''t you dare tip anyone off."


    "Comrade, how can you do this...?"


    "Yeah! How can you hit people like that...?"


    "Call the police right away."


    People ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????were pointing and murmuring, but Fan Debiao roared, "They stole over eight thousand yuan from me!"


    The scene that was previously bustling with chatter suddenly fell silent. Fan Debiao quickly added, "Hurry up and find them, everyone help find them!"


    He was addressing the neighbors from their alley who had followed along.


    At this moment, Zheng Yufeng finally managed to free himself from the belt that bound him.


    He spat out the sock in his mouth with disgust, not even bothering to care about the foul smell, and hurriedly dressed. Then, he dashed out, gritting his teeth and saying, "You little punks, if I catch you, you''re dead. You''re definitely dead..."


    He rushed out of the restroom and directly met Zhuang Zhixi''s gaze.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt something was off and came to check, but he didn''t expect to run into Zheng Yufeng face-to-face. Since Guan Guiling and Ming Mei worked at the same place, although they hadn''t talked before, they had seen each other.


    Zheng Yufeng found Zhuang Zhixi familiar but couldn''t recall where he had seen him. However, since he looked familiar, something must be amiss.


    He immediately turned and ran.


    The train station was noisy, but since everyone had stopped to watch Guan Guiling, most people who weren''t in a hurry to board were gathered in one spot. Zheng Yufeng''s sudden flight made him conspicuous.


    Fan Debiao instantly spotted Zheng Yufeng, his eyes reddening as he bellowed, "Zheng Yufeng! You bastard, where do you think you''re going!"


    Zheng Yufeng was utterly shocked to see Fan Debiao here. He had no time to think of anything else and bolted forward at full speed... He could explain later, but with Fan Debiao''s temper, he might just beat him to death.


    Guan Guiling cried out, "Yufeng!"


    The scene erupted into chaos once again, with everyone chasing and fleeing!


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, "Good heavens."


    But he quickly thought, "Where are the Zheng brothers and that woman?"


    He looked around but saw no one. Suddenly, Zhuang Zhixi remembered catching a glimpse of Wang Ju''s figure earlier.


    Had she already boarded the train?


    Although Wang Ju and the Zheng brothers had sneaked onto the earliest train without a ticket, they actually had tickets. They had bought them, just not for that particular train.


    Zhuang Zhixi knew a bit more than the others since he had been keeping an eye on the situation for a while. He immediately realized that Wang Ju and the Zheng brothers had already made their escape. While others were still chasing Zheng Yufeng, Zhuang Zhixi had already figured out the gist of it. Seeing Zheng Yufeng''s disheveled clothes, he suspected Zheng Yufeng had been robbed by his sons.


    He thought back to Wang Ju''s terrifying expression earlier and couldn¡¯t just ignore it.


    The chase between Zheng Yufeng and his pursuers resembled a game of cat and mouse, but Zheng Yufeng was now at his wit''s end. Perhaps out of desperation, he bolted straight out the main entrance.


    A few station staff who had come to help earlier tried to stop him: "Comrade, you..."


    "Get out of the way!"


    Zheng Yufeng pushed them aside without hesitation and ran out, stumbling forward. Fan Debiao and the others quickly gave chase, along with Guan Guiling. Despite her usually weak constitution, she was running surprisingly fast now.


    Other station staff rushed out as well, though they had no idea what was happening. But in such a public place, they couldn''t let things spiral out of control.


    Fan Debiao, panting while chasing the winded Zheng Yufeng, shouted, "Zheng Yufeng, you bastard! You stole my money! I''ll kill you, I swear I''ll kill you! You''re such a bastard!"


    Fan Debiao, usually stuttering, managed a smooth flow of curses in his frenzy.


    Zheng Yufeng gasped, "I didn''t take it! My sons and Wang Ju robbed me! You should look for them!"


    But Fan Debiao wouldn''t believe a word of it. Seeing Zheng Yufeng still running, he steeled his resolve and launched himself forward with force¡ª"Ah!!"


    Both men screamed in pain. Ahead of them was a flight of stairs, and they tumbled down in a heap.


    Guan Guiling, just catching up, saw this heart-wrenching scene unfold.


    "Ah!"


    She rushed down the steps, finding Fan Debiao groaning in pain from the fall. She kicked him aside and hurried to help Zheng Yufeng: "Yufeng..."


    She called out, "Yufeng, are you okay? You..."


    Her words trailed off as she looked at her hands, now coated in blood... "Ah!!"


    Zheng Yufeng had hit his head!


    Guan Guiling: "Yufeng, Yufeng..."


    She trembled all over: "Yufeng..."


    Zheng Yufeng was unresponsive, no matter how Guan Guiling wept or called out to him. Although it was late and the streets were mostly empty, this was still a train station, and soon people gathered around. Guan Guiling cried out, "Yufeng, my Yufeng, don''t leave me..."


    "Sister, hurry and take him to the hospital."


    "This can''t wait."


    More people crowded around, but Guan Guiling continued to wail, her tears blurring her vision. She saw the station staff supporting her, then checking on Zheng Yufeng. Then came a sigh: "He''s gone..."


    Guan Guiling: "Ah..."


    She sat frozen.


    "Ah?"


    Even more shocked was Fan Debiao.


    He couldn''t believe his own actions had cost Zheng Yufeng his life.


    Perhaps hearing Fan Debiao¡¯s cry, Guan Guiling suddenly went mad and lunged at him, strangling him with all her strength: "I''ll kill you! I''ll kill you! You''ve taken my Yufeng from me..."


    Fan Debiao, already injured from the fall, rolled his eyes as she tightened her grip around his neck.


    "Quick, pull them apart!"


    "I''m going to kill you..." Guan Guiling''s eyes were blank, her hands clenched in anger.


    "Pull her off quickly, or we''ll have another death on our hands..."


    They finally managed to separate the two, but Fan Debiao was gasping for breath.


    "Quick, take him to the hospital..."


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t believe how unexpected the events had unfolded. Like many others, he watched in silence. At that moment, a group of street thugs approached: "Where''s Zheng Yufeng? Still trying to run? Zheng Yufeng? Zheng Yufeng?"


    Zhuang Zhixi turned around and said, "He''s dead."


    The street thugs were all stunned.


    "Holy..."


    "What about Guan Guiling..."


    Thinking of Guan Guiling''s crazed state, Zhuang Zhixi said, "She might have gone mad."


    "Holy..."

 Chapter 198

    Human life is truly fragile!


    The story of Zheng Yufeng and his wife Guan Guiling quickly spread throughout the city.


    No one could have imagined that their seemingly harmonious family of six would end up in such a state. Zheng Huimin, as the only daughter who could step forward, took full responsibility for handling everything.


    She felt dazed throughout the process. As a family member, she knew that her mother¡¯s attempt to jump off a building years ago to extort money had been instigated by her father. Back then, her mother had only suffered minor injuries from jumping off the second floor. But now, her father had fallen from less than ten steps and died instantly.


    For a moment, Zheng Huimin wondered if this was some kind of retribution.


    Her father had schemed all his life, only to end up being outsmarted himself. Even his death came so easily.


    Zheng Huimin truly couldn¡¯t understand it. Not just her, but even the Zheng Brothers hadn¡¯t expected Zheng Yufeng to die like this. Yes, the Zheng Brothers had been found. After Zheng Yufeng¡¯s incident blew up, they were quickly located.


    They were intercepted on the platform where they had just gotten off the train. The two brothers were brought back, but Wang Ju, sensing the situation was bad, had already fled without a trace. However, the Zheng Brothers no longer cared about Wang Ju at that point.


    They had never imagined that their decision to leave would lead to their father¡¯s death.


    They had never liked their parents, thinking them selfish and foolish. But all those grievances vanished the moment their father died. The two brothers returned, following Zheng Huimin and helping with everything.


    Zheng Huimin, who had never dealt with such matters before, had no choice but to hold the family together.


    Because Guan Guiling had gone mad.


    Ever since witnessing Zheng Yufeng¡¯s death, she had lost her mind.


    Every day, she would mutter to herself: ¡°Yufeng will take me away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill Fan Debiao.¡±


    She would occasionally have violent outbursts. During the days Zheng Huimin was handling the funeral arrangements, Guan Guiling nearly hurt someone several times. If it weren¡¯t for the Zheng Brothers keeping a close eye on her, she would have caused trouble. Her madness wasn¡¯t just delusional¡ªshe was capable of harming others.


    Her mind seemed fixated only on matters related to Zheng Yufeng. She would imagine others harming him.


    Sometimes, she would think of Fan Debiao, gnashing her teeth in hatred.


    She oscillated between these two thoughts. Because she was dangerous, Zheng Huimin had no choice but to send her to a mental hospital. She had no other option. Her family was in shambles, and she had to deal with one problem after another.


    Zheng Yufeng was buried. Fan Debiao, though injured, was detained again for accidentally causing Zheng Yufeng¡¯s death. This time, however, many felt sorry for Fan Debiao. After all, if it weren¡¯t for Zheng Yufeng and Guan Guiling stealing money, none of this would have happened. And Fan Debiao truly hadn¡¯t meant to kill anyone.


    With the Zheng Brothers found, the six thousand yuan they had taken was also recovered.


    Zheng Huimin decided to return the money to Fan Debiao, but he refused to take it. Instead, he asked the Zheng family to write a letter of forgiveness for him. This wouldn¡¯t exonerate him, but their forgiveness would be taken into account during sentencing.


    Zheng ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Huimin agreed.


    She used the money to pay off all the family¡¯s debts, including her eldest brother¡¯s gambling debts and the money her parents had borrowed by mortgaging their house. Because the incident had attracted significant attention, with the police involved, both creditors had quietly waived the interest.


    This gave Zheng Huimin a huge sense of relief.


    After settling the debts and handling Zheng Yufeng¡¯s funeral, she sat down with the Zheng Brothers. The brothers had been silent ever since learning of their father¡¯s death. The three siblings sat together, and Zheng Huimin, holding back her grief, said, ¡°Let¡¯s divide the family assets.¡±


    The Zheng Brothers exchanged glances and said, ¡°We don¡¯t want anything.¡±


    They felt too ashamed to take anything.


    It seemed as though they had all matured in an instant.


    Both the brothers and Zheng Huimin.


    Zheng Huimin said, ¡°I won¡¯t be coming back to this home anymore.¡±


    The two brothers began to cry. Zheng Huimin said, ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t be coming back either.¡±


    The three of them fell silent for a long time. Finally, the eldest brother said, ¡°I plan to take our younger brother away from this city of sorrow. We don¡¯t want the money or the house. If you don¡¯t want it either, then sell the house and keep the money for our mother¡¯s hospital expenses. If anything happens to her, contact me!¡±


    After a pause, he added, ¡°You should take over our mother¡¯s job.¡±


    If they had known that stealing money and running away would lead to their father¡¯s death, they would never have done it. Though selfish, they had never done anything truly terrible before. Who could have imagined that this one act would indirectly cause their father¡¯s death?


    They couldn¡¯t bear to stay in the city any longer. After the funeral, they had discussed it privately and decided to leave together.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us. We¡¯ll live properly from now on. If¡­ if we do well, we¡¯ll come back to see you.¡±


    Zheng Huimin looked at them and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take over the job. I won¡¯t argue about that. After all, you¡¯re leaving, and everything related to our mother¡¯s care in the mental hospital will fall on me.¡±


    She took a deep breath and said, ¡°Even if I have nowhere to live, I don¡¯t want to come back here after selling the house.¡±


    This place was the source of their family¡¯s sorrow.


    The three of them fell silent again.


    Zheng Huimin said, ¡°The six thousand yuan from Fan Debiao¡¯s compensation was used to pay for a year of our mother¡¯s hospital expenses and to settle the debts¡­ They didn¡¯t charge interest. The funeral cost nearly eight hundred yuan, so we have about five thousand two hundred left. Don¡¯t blame me for forgiving Fan Debiao. This time, he was truly innocent, and¡­ our family needed the money.¡±


    ¡°We understand.¡±


    ¡°Our mother¡¯s gone mad, our younger sister isn¡¯t here, and you two¡­ I¡¯m just a woman, not even twenty yet. This is all I can do.¡±


    The Zheng Brothers said, ¡°We know.¡±


    Zheng Huimin continued, ¡°Normally, two rooms could sell for seven or eight hundred, but given all the bad luck surrounding our house, it might be hard to get that much. Let¡¯s assume we can get eight hundred. That would leave us with six thousand¡­¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t want the money,¡± the younger brother suddenly cried. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t wanted the money, none of this would have happened. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s my fault. I fought with Dad. I always thought he wasn¡¯t a good person¡­¡±


    The two brothers were filled with regret, but there was no turning back.


    Zheng Huimin said, ¡°I don¡¯t blame you. I don¡¯t blame Fan Debiao either. I don¡¯t even know who to blame¡­ Maybe it¡¯s all just fate.¡±


    Though she had always been a bit scatterbrained, Zheng Huimin¡¯s mind was unusually clear at that moment. She thought that if anyone was most at fault in this whole mess, it was her father, who had died because of it.


    If it weren¡¯t for all the things he had done, none of them would have ended up where they were.


    ¡°Huimin¡­¡±


    Zheng Huimin forced herself to stay strong and said, ¡°Let¡¯s assume we can sell the house for six thousand. I¡¯ll take half, plus the job, since I¡¯ll be responsible for our mother. The three of you¡ªyou two and our younger sister¡ªwill each get one thousand.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t take it!¡±


    Zheng Huimin insisted, ¡°Take it. If you¡¯re leaving the city, you¡¯ll need some money to get by. Otherwise, how will you eat or find shelter? Our family is already in ruins, but you still have to live.¡±


    She rubbed her eyes and said, ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m taking too much. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Huimin, you don¡¯t need to explain. We understand. Our mother¡¯s gone mad, and even though you¡¯ve sent her to a mental hospital, it¡¯s not cheap. Her health isn¡¯t good either. Honestly, we¡¯re the ones benefiting¡­ But I just can¡¯t stay here anymore.¡±


    Zheng Huimin said, ¡°I know.¡±


    After this conversation, the Zheng Brothers left again.


    This time, their departure was different from the last. They didn¡¯t need to sneak away, but their mindset was entirely changed.


    By the time Zheng Huimin returned to the courtyard, it was already May.


    Although the Zheng family had their fair share of troubles, it didn¡¯t really affect the lives of those in their compound. Everyone was still enthusiastically busy making money, and by this time, they had already sold out their second batch of goods.


    Seeing that the market was still doing well, they had already brought in their third batch. Although the market might become somewhat saturated over time, they could always expand to the countryside and surrounding areas. After all, who doesn¡¯t love a good bargain?


    Even Zhao Guihua had started selling a second wave of T-shirts. Originally, they had planned to sell just one batch, but seeing how well the business was going and that similar styles weren¡¯t flooding the market yet¡ªthough there were some imitations¡ªthey decided to continue. This time, they ordered ten thousand pieces.


    Zhuang Zhixi had also considered it. Ten thousand pieces might not sell out completely, but since their neighbors were already buying underwear and socks from the surrounding areas, why couldn¡¯t he sell clothes there too?


    So, they remained optimistic about the market.


    Last time, they had invested twenty-seven thousand and ended up making a profit of forty-one thousand. Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s share was twenty percent, which came to over eight thousand.


    This time, when they restocked, he and his mother went back to their usual routine of splitting the investment equally. The total cost was fifty-four thousand, with each contributing half, and they would split the profits equally. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei had to come up with twenty-seven thousand.


    After scraping together all their savings, Ming Mei even borrowed three thousand from her family.


    But the couple was full of energy and determination.


    If you¡¯re not enthusiastic about making money, there¡¯s something wrong with your mindset.


    They were normal people, after all, so of course, they were eager.


    When Zheng Huimin returned to the compound, it felt like she had entered a completely different world compared to her time at home. Back there, it seemed like everyone wanted to comfort her, looking at her with pity as if she were the most unfortunate person in the world.


    Some people despised her family, thinking they were cursed. They believed that if her family hadn¡¯t stolen things in the first place, Fan Debiao wouldn¡¯t have ended up in trouble again. It wasn¡¯t that they sympathized with Fan Debiao, but rather that they couldn¡¯t help but think about themselves.


    Some pitied her, some despised her, and others even wanted to take advantage of her family¡¯s misfortune.


    Her family had already fallen apart, with her brothers leaving. To many, this made her an easy target¡ªnot exactly an heirless family, but close enough. Naturally, some people had their eyes on her, especially since she had a house, a job, and some savings. Shockingly, some even started showing interest in her right after her father¡¯s funeral. Zheng Huimin found it all utterly exhausting.


    So, as soon as she had settled everything, she packed up and returned to the compound. Although she was sharing a place with Guan Hong, life here was much more comfortable. Guan Hong might have a sharp tongue, but she wasn¡¯t a bad person.


    It wasn¡¯t that her old neighbors were all bad¡ªthere were plenty of good people¡ªbut being constantly pitied and sympathized with made her feel just as miserable.


    Returning to the compound, she felt a bit more at ease. The people here didn¡¯t know much about her family, and most only knew her as Zheng Huimin, so the pressure wasn¡¯t as intense. She went back to her room to organize her things, having brought quite a few belongings from home this time.


    Zhao Guihua, returning from outside, heard the commotion of moving and asked, ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±


    Then she added, ¡°And you¡¯ve brought your own furniture?¡±


    Zheng Huimin replied, ¡°I¡¯m planning to sell my house, so I¡¯ve moved some things here.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was surprised. ¡°Sell your house? Where will you live then?¡±


    She knew more than others, having been at the train station with Zhuang Zhixi when they were selling goods, so she had witnessed some of the events firsthand.


    Zheng Huimin said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay here for now, renting a place.¡±


    Zhao Guihua kindly advised, ¡°Having your own house is more important than anything. If you sell it now and can¡¯t afford to buy another later, you¡¯ll regret it.¡±


    Zheng Huimin knew Zhao Guihua meant well, but she really didn¡¯t want to go back to her old home, where memories would only bring her sorrow. She said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back.¡±


    Zhao Guihua sighed, ¡°Well, as long as you¡¯ve thought it through.¡±


    After a pause, she asked, ¡°How much are you planning to sell it for?¡±


    Zheng Huimin answered, ¡°Given my family¡¯s reputation, I¡¯m asking for eight hundred, but I¡¯ll go as low as seven hundred and fifty. I¡¯ve already spread the word and am waiting for potential buyers.¡±


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°Are you really sure about selling?¡±


    Zheng Huimin smiled, ¡°I am.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Then take me to see it. I¡¯m interested in buying.¡±


    Zheng Huimin was stunned. ¡°What?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I¡¯m planning to buy a house. Is that a problem?¡±


    Zheng Huimin quickly shook her head. ¡°No, not at all.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±


    At their age, they weren¡¯t cut out for much else. Even setting up a stall wouldn¡¯t last long, as they weren¡¯t getting any younger. Instead, Zhao Guihua preferred to invest in property, thinking it would be a steady source of income in the future.


    While others might be called ¡°Uncle Landlord¡± or ¡°Sister Landlord,¡± she¡¯d be the ¡°Grandma Landlord.¡±


    Zheng Huimin asked, confused, ¡°But you already have a place to live, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°I can rent it out, can¡¯t I? It¡¯s a steady income over time.¡±


    Zheng Huimin nodded silently. She understood that. In fact, she could have rented it out herself, but with her brothers gone, it would have been troublesome. If someone tried to take over the house, what could she, a young woman, do?


    She could make a scene, but it would inevitably lead to more problems.


    But Zhao Guihua¡­ Zheng Huimin glanced at her, confirming that the older woman wasn¡¯t the type to be taken advantage of. In these times, the tougher you were, the less likely you were to be bullied.


    If a tenant tried to mess with Zhao Guihua, she wouldn¡¯t just curse¡ªshe might even throw hands. She wasn¡¯t your average elderly lady.


    Zheng Huimin took a deep breath and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take you over to have a look.¡±


    This was Zhao Guihua¡¯s first time visiting Zheng Huimin¡¯s house, and as soon as she arrived, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that Zheng Huimin would be making a huge mistake by selling it. The house was only five stops away from the train station.


    Five stops¡ªthat was practically nothing.


    Moreover, she remembered that this area had been redeveloped much earlier than their compound. Their compound was tied to the machinery factory, so it wasn¡¯t redeveloped until the factory shut down in the nineties. A real estate developer had taken over the factory site and turned the surrounding area into a large mixed-use community.


    But this area had been redeveloped even before the nineties.


    ¡°If you sell this house, you¡¯ll regret it. The location is excellent,¡± Zhao Guihua said, though she was genuinely interested in buying.


    Zheng Huimin was firm. ¡°I won¡¯t regret it.¡±


    She added, ¡°I can buy a house somewhere else, but I don¡¯t want to live here anymore.¡±


    Seeing her determination, Zhao Guihua decided to be straightforward. ¡°Alright, since you¡¯ve made up your mind, I¡¯m really interested.¡±


    This area was different from the machinery factory compound. Over there, most people were not just neighbors but also coworkers. Here, the residents were more scattered, with many working at or around the train station.


    Zheng Huimin led her into the courtyard, where they ran into some neighbors chatting. Seeing Zheng Huimin return, they were a bit surprised but greeted her warmly. Zheng Huimin returned the greetings and then took Zhao Guihua to see the house.


    Someone asked curiously, ¡°Old Zheng¡¯s eldest daughter, are you really selling the house?¡±


    Zheng Huimin nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    There wasn¡¯t much to see¡ªjust two rooms. Zhao Guihua nodded and said, ¡°This will do.¡±


    The neighbors sighed, having lived together for so many years, and now the house was being sold. One of them bluntly asked, ¡°How much are you selling it for?¡±


    Zheng Huimin replied, ¡°Eight hundred.¡±


    ¡°Good heavens!¡±


    The person gasped in shock.


    Property prices had risen significantly in recent years.


    Zheng Huimin pursed her lips, and someone else chimed in, ¡°If it¡¯s eight hundred, you could add a bit more and get a two-bedroom apartment. That wouldn¡¯t be bad.¡±


    Zheng Huimin agreed, ¡°Exactly.¡±


    In these times, everyone loved apartments. In terms of comfort, they were simply better.


    While Zheng Huimin was talking to someone, Zhao Guihua went in to take another look. At that moment, a neighbor, a middle-aged woman, approached her and whispered, "Auntie, since you seem serious about buying a house, I should let you know that their house has a bit of bad luck. There have been quite a few incidents in their family. If you''re interested, you can take a look at my place. I¡¯m asking for the same price, but my family is blessed with many descendants, much luckier than theirs."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Is this a competition for customers?


    She asked, "Your place? Where is it?"


    The woman pointed, and Zhao Guihua saw that it wasn¡¯t really two rooms¡ªjust one main room and what looked like an illegally built side room. It couldn¡¯t compare to Zheng Huimin¡¯s proper two-room house.


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t the type to mince words. She said bluntly, "Your place can¡¯t compare to the Zheng family¡¯s. Yours is basically just one room, and the other probably doesn¡¯t even have proper documentation. If you¡¯re asking the same price, that¡¯s just ridiculous. Don¡¯t talk to me about feng shui either. I¡¯ve lived long enough to know better. Any house I buy will be fine. Even if there¡¯s bad luck, I¡¯ll deal with it myself¡ªone bad omen, one punch! Just give me a fair price. Trying to cheat an old lady like me? No way."


    Sometimes, it¡¯s like this. If a kind-looking person had said these words, the other party might have gotten angry. But coming from Zhao Guihua, who had a sharp and unyielding demeanor, the woman didn¡¯t dare argue and just pursed her lips.


    Zhao Guihua walked out and said, "Xiao Zheng, your house seems decent, but I won¡¯t pay 800. Let¡¯s go and discuss the price."


    Zheng Huimin: "Huh? Oh, okay!"


    She was speaking in monosyllables now.


    Zhao Guihua led her away, and the neighbors in the courtyard immediately started gossiping about the topic.


    As they walked, Zheng Huimin said proactively, "Auntie Zhao, the lowest I can go is 750."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Zheng Huimin really didn¡¯t know how to sell things. Normally, people would haggle over big purchases, but she just offered her lowest price right away. However, Zhao Guihua was straightforward too and said, "Alright, if you¡¯re okay with that, let¡¯s get the paperwork done. But I suggest you buy a house soon. Prices have been rising these past few years, and if you don¡¯t buy now, you might not be able to afford it later. I know you¡¯ve just started working at the bus station, but I heard from Ming Mei that your family has already been allocated a house once, so they probably won¡¯t do it again. If you don¡¯t have your own place, what will you do in the future? Don¡¯t think you can just marry a man and have him provide the house. Let me tell you, a woman having her own things is her foundation. That way, even if you argue with your husband in the future, you¡¯ll have your own place to stay and won¡¯t be left homeless or controlled by others. Besides, is 1,000 really that much? Sure, it¡¯s a lot of money now¡ªenough to buy two rooms¡ªbut in a few years, that amount won¡¯t seem like much. You definitely won¡¯t be able to buy at this price then. Think about how prices have been rising. Remember how much more you could buy with one yuan in the past? It¡¯ll only get more obvious in the future. If you don¡¯t make your money grow, it¡¯ll just lose value over time. That¡¯s all I¡¯ll say. Honestly, I don¡¯t particularly like you, but since I¡¯m buying your house, I feel I should give you this advice. Whether you listen or not is up to you, but I had to say it."


    Zheng Huimin: "Oh."


    After thinking for a moment, she told Zhao Guihua, "I¡¯m still running my hair accessory business. I set up a stall after work."


    Zhao Guihua glanced at Zheng Huimin and felt she looked much more likable now that she was being earnest.


    She asked, "How¡¯s business going?"


    Zheng Huimin replied with a hint of excitement, "It¡¯s going really well. I didn¡¯t expect it, but the hair accessories sell quickly. And the ones I make myself¡ªpeople think they¡¯re pretty. I guess I¡¯m quite skilled at it."


    They sourced their goods from the south, which kept costs low, but making them by hand was even cheaper. However, there was only so much Zheng Huimin could make on her own, so she now sold both imported and handmade items.


    Zhao Guihua: "That¡¯s not bad."


    Zheng Huimin nodded, "Exactly."


    When the two of them returned together, it surprised everyone in the courtyard. After all, Zhao Guihua shouldn¡¯t have liked Zheng Huimin¡ªshe had once scared people by pretending to be a ghost. But seeing them getting along normally, Aunt Zhou sighed, "Well, you never know."


    Zhao Guihua: "What are you talking about? I¡¯m always looking out for the younger generation. Besides, who doesn¡¯t make mistakes when they¡¯re young? If you don¡¯t make mistakes, can you even call it youth?"


    Listen to her, talking so righteously.


    Aunt Zhou rolled her eyes but quickly asked, "Guihua, are you going to Xidan to set up your stall today?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Yes."


    She added, "I¡¯ll leave soon. Can¡¯t delay making money."


    Aunt Zhou: "Take me with you. I¡¯ll go too."


    Zhao Guihua: "Don¡¯t you sell at the factory gate after work?"


    Aunt Zhou was blunt: "I just want to sell more. Who doesn¡¯t want extra money?"


    That made perfect sense.


    Zhao Guihua: "Alright, wait for me, and we¡¯ll go."


    Zheng Huimin: "I¡¯ll come too. I¡¯ll sell my hair accessories."


    Although she had already started her new job, her official start date was next Monday, so she still had a few days to focus on her own business.


    "Sure, let¡¯s go."


    The two older women didn¡¯t mind having one more person join them. The three of them each carried their own goods and headed to Xidan. Making money was serious business. When they went to Xidan to set up their stalls, He Lan saw them but didn¡¯t join. She wasn¡¯t in as much of a hurry as Aunt Zhou to sell her things. Her family had an advantage¡ªthey owned a tricycle. On weekends, her husband could go with her to sell at rural markets. Bai Fendou had recently figured out the schedules of nearby rural markets, which were held every Sunday. These markets were just as good for setting up stalls. Don¡¯t think only city folks were willing to spend money. Everyday items sold well at these markets too. Compared to the prices at the supply and marketing cooperatives, their prices were more affordable, and people who lived frugally were more likely to haggle. He Lan had already tried selling there once, and the results were surprisingly good.


    So during the day, she didn¡¯t go out. Instead, she spent most of her time tidying up the house and doing laundry.


    Their daughter Bai Qingqing¡¯s school uniform had to be changed every other day. Luckily, they had ordered two sets, or else she¡¯d be a little mudball. The kids in the courtyard might look well-behaved, but they sure knew how to make a mess.


    And Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t exactly the neatest either.


    If it weren¡¯t for He Lan managing the household, Bai Fendou would probably be a complete slob.


    As the weather was getting warmer, He Lan took apart the bedding and washed it, planning to switch to blankets. She was busy until noon before she could finally take a break.


    "Xiao Lan, I¡¯m back."


    He Lan looked up to see Bai Fendou coming home with a fish. She was both surprised and delighted. "Where did that come from?"


    Bai Fendou: "The factory gave it out. Only our workshop got it."


    He was especially proud of this. "Our workshop was named the production model last month. This is the factory¡¯s reward. Everyone in our workshop got one."


    He Lan was thrilled. "That¡¯s wonderful. I¡¯ll stew it for the kids tonight."


    Bai Fendou: "Great. Let my daughter taste the fruits of my labor."


    He Lan laughed, then asked, "Why are you home early?"


    "We finished the last batch of parts, so the machines are completely shut down for maintenance. You have to maintain them regularly to avoid problems."


    He added, "Let¡¯s go sell stuff together this afternoon."


    He Lan: "I¡¯ve been washing clothes all morning and I¡¯m exhausted. You¡¯ve been working nonstop too. Why don¡¯t we rest?"


    Bai Fendou: "I¡¯m not tired. I¡¯m full of energy. Look at the old ladies in the courtyard¡ªthey¡¯re not resting. How can I, a grown man, take a break? That¡¯d be embarrassing. Oh, by the way, where are Aunt Zhao and Aunt Zhou?"


    He Lan: "They went to Xidan to set up their stalls. Zheng Huimin went with them."


    At the mention of Zheng Huimin, Bai Fendou was surprised. "She¡¯s back?"


    He Lan nodded: "She''s back. I saw that she still has some spirit left. This girl has had a tough life¡ªher parents are unreliable, and so is her brother. I used to think she was the irresponsible one, but who would have guessed she¡¯s actually the most dependable in her family?"


    Bai Fendou replied, "Isn''t that the truth?"


    He never expected that Guan Guiling would lose her mind.


    To think, he almost married Guan Guiling. If she hadn¡¯t backed out at the last minute, he would never have met He Lan. Every time he thought about it, he felt grateful for Chen Yuan¡¯s interference back then.


    Without Chen Yuan¡¯s meddling, his life would have been ruined.


    But to be honest, when he first met Guan Guiling, she wasn¡¯t like this. Even though they were classmates and around the same age, Guan Guiling was like a caring older sister to him¡ªkind, gentle, and always looking out for him.


    He asked, "How did Guan Guiling end up like this?"


    He Lan didn¡¯t have a clear answer, but she wasn¡¯t surprised. She had encountered similar people before. She said, "Take Fan Jianguo and his family, for example. They were nice to me at first, but once they thought they could control me, they changed. I think some people¡¯s kindness is just a facade. They¡¯re only nice to achieve their goals¡ªit¡¯s not in their nature to be good."


    She didn¡¯t mind using Fan Jianguo as an example.


    Bai Fendou nodded. "I get it, I just didn¡¯t expect it."


    He Lan continued, "Besides, I think life¡¯s pressures got to her. At the time, Guan Guiling had three children at home and was pregnant with another. Her husband couldn¡¯t work, so the burden was even heavier than Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s family. When life is too hard, people tend to become extreme. And after she successfully extorted money from the Fan family, she found a new way to make money. That success opened a door for her. She kept hurting herself and framing others to get money, but over time, her body and mind couldn¡¯t take it anymore. It¡¯s no surprise she became more and more unstable and eventually lost her mind."


    Listening to He Lan¡¯s analysis, Bai Fendou couldn¡¯t help but feel that education really matters. He only finished elementary school, so he couldn¡¯t understand Guan Guiling¡¯s transformation. But after hearing He Lan¡¯s explanation, he thought it made perfect sense. A high school graduate like her really saw things differently.


    He said, "You¡¯re so insightful, dear."


    He Lan laughed lightly. "I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m right, but I think there¡¯s at least a little truth to it."


    Bai Fendou replied, "Not just a little¡ªit¡¯s a lot of truth."


    He Lan smiled. "Actually, I¡¯m not entirely sure, but I think when someone keeps getting hurt, it really weighs on their heart."


    She had experienced it herself.


    Bai Fendou thought for a moment and said, "Don¡¯t worry, dear. I¡¯ll treat you well. Let¡¯s not dwell on the past. Those people and those things are behind us. Fan Jianguo is in prison, and Guan Guiling has lost her mind, but even if they hadn¡¯t ended up like that, it wouldn¡¯t have anything to do with us. What¡¯s important is that we live our lives well. Our family is doing just fine, and I don¡¯t believe a man who works hard can¡¯t make a good life."


    He Lan nodded. "Exactly. Let¡¯s focus on living well."


    Bai Fendou said, "Ah, I can¡¯t stay. I need to go to the train station this afternoon to pick up passengers. It¡¯s rare to have half a day off, but I can¡¯t just sit around at home. You rest, dear. I¡¯ll go work."


    He Lan said, "You should rest too. You¡¯ve been working so hard..."


    "I¡¯m not tired!" he replied. "I¡¯m full of energy. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve been eating for nothing!"


    He Lan: "..."


    After a short nap, Bai Fendou headed straight to the train station. He loved working there because business was always good. Others had the same idea, but even with more rickshaws around, it didn¡¯t affect his earnings much. To his surprise, he saw Wang Zizhen at the station square, surrounded by a few customers. Her business seemed to be thriving.


    He walked over and greeted her, "Hey, sis, your business is booming! What brought you here?"


    Wang Zizhen replied, "I learned from Brother Zhuang."


    Even though Wang Zizhen was closest to Aunt Zhou, she also admired the Zhuang family. She figured that even if she wasn¡¯t the smartest, she could learn from those who were. Since Zhuang Zhixi thought the train station was a good place to sell, Wang Zizhen decided to give it a try. Unlike Yinlai, who had to work during the day and could only sell things after work, Wang Zizhen had time during the day. However, selling near the factory during work hours wasn¡¯t ideal, so the train station, with its constant flow of people, was a better choice.


    Even though most people were in a hurry, those who stopped by usually bought in bulk. Her "buy ten, get one free" deal made customers feel like they were getting a bargain, so they often bought more than they needed.


    Whether it was underwear or socks, these items didn¡¯t spoil, so it made sense to stock up. Plus, many travelers were either visiting family or on business trips, and those who could afford to travel usually had decent incomes. It was normal for them to buy extra to save for later.


    Wang Zizhen had been selling for two days, and sales were going well.


    Bai Fendou said, "Not bad at all."


    "Rickshaw?"


    Bai Fendou immediately responded, "Coming!"


    He didn¡¯t have time to chat further and quickly left.


    Wang Zizhen glanced after him and then continued selling. It was surprising how such small items like underwear and socks could have such a huge market. When they first stocked up, they had pooled together nine thousand yuan, and Wang Zizhen had been nervous about whether they¡¯d sell. But to her amazement, they sold out in just a few days.


    The market was far bigger than they had imagined. Now, on their third round of restocking, they were still selling well every day.


    Wang Zizhen couldn¡¯t help but marvel: "This city is just too big, way too big. We¡¯ve restocked three times with tens of thousands of yuan worth of goods, and none of it has been left unsold. Just how many people are there in this city? And how many are constantly coming and going?"


    The thought made her head spin.


    As she pondered this, a young man approached her. "Boss, I¡¯m buying a lot. Can you give me a better deal?"


    Wang Zizhen replied, "This is already a discounted price. I can¡¯t go lower."


    "I want fifty pairs of men¡¯s underwear and a hundred pairs of men¡¯s socks. Can you give me a discount?"


    Wang Zizhen: "Deal!"


    She was decisive.


    She remarked, "You¡¯re buying so much."


    The young man explained, "I don¡¯t get to travel often, so I always bring back gifts. I¡¯m from a sports school, and I¡¯m here to collect an award on behalf of my classmate. Our teacher said everyone should buy a gift, and the school will reimburse us. Pretty cool, right?"


    Wang Zizhen: "..."


    She nodded seriously. "Your school is really something."


    But...


    She kept the rest of her thoughts to herself. After all, she was here to make money.


    Bringing back underwear and socks as gifts was unheard of¡ªit was downright bizarre.


    But in business, you couldn¡¯t afford to be picky. They quickly settled on a price, the young man paid, stuffed the items into his bag, and happily headed to the train station.


    Wang Zizhen muttered to herself, "Young guys really don¡¯t know how to shop."


    While these items were practical, they were also just... weird.


    If someone told her they¡¯d brought her a gift from a trip, and she opened it to find underwear, she¡¯d be stunned too.


    Of course, practicality was good, but bringing back underwear as a souvenir was just... Wang Zizhen scratched her head. At least the young man had bought something useful.


    Many years later, when Wang Zizhen sent her son Siyuan off to university, she ran into the same young man again. He was there to drop off his younger brother, and coincidentally, the two boys ended up as roommates. The young man recognized Wang Zizhen and was thrilled to see her.


    He said, "Big sister, you have no idea, back when I came to Sijiu City to buy underwear, on average, each pair was nearly ten cents cheaper than back home. Socks were three cents cheaper per pair too. My teacher and all my classmates said I was really good at bargaining. Everyone was so happy, and ever since then, I¡¯ve been the one in charge of negotiating prices for our class purchases. Hehe."


    At that moment, Wang Zizhen was deeply moved. Indeed, the thought process of a lively, sporty young boy was always different from that of a housewife like her.


    But this wasn¡¯t many years later. Wang Zizhen was still marveling at the surprising incident of underwear being given as a gift.


    Because she had encountered a big customer, her stock was almost gone. Wang Zizhen planned to clear out the remaining items and then head home to restock. Suddenly, she spotted two familiar figures in the crowd exiting the station.


    Although it had been over a decade since she last saw them, Wang Zizhen recognized them immediately.


    They were the son and daughter-in-law of her former neighbors from her hometown. They were from the same village as Wang Zizhen. Back when she left the village, they had been married for two or three years, just a couple of years older than her eldest brother. But now, they looked well into their forties.


    Both of them were carrying woven plastic sacks, and Wang Zizhen wondered what had brought them to Sijiu City.


    After so many years apart, instead of feeling moved at the sight of people from her hometown, Wang Zizhen felt a pang of wary caution.


    However, her worry quickly faded when she realized that the couple didn¡¯t recognize her at all. Perhaps because she was running a stall, they glanced at her curiously, but the train station was crowded with vendors, and their eyes wandered from stall to stall before they finally found a spot to squat down, seemingly waiting for someone.


    Their gaze didn¡¯t linger on her, and they looked at her as if she were a complete stranger. They hadn¡¯t recognized her at all.


    The spot they chose to squat was quite close to Wang Zizhen, but they still didn¡¯t recognize her.


    Wang Zizhen pursed her lips and then understood.


    When she first left home, she had just come of age. Malnourished and constantly running around the mountains looking for food, she had been dark, skinny, and frail, with dry, yellowish hair. She looked like a wild child. But now, her hair was thick and black, cut short and permed.


    Having worked as a temporary worker in a clothing factory for several years, she had spent most of her time indoors, which had lightened her complexion and added some weight to her frame.


    Moreover, she had been young back then, and now she had matured. Since coming to Sijiu City, perhaps because she was eating better, she had even grown a bit taller. She looked quite different from before.


    But to say she was completely unrecognizable would be an exaggeration. It was just that after more than a decade, memories had faded, and Wang Zizhen had changed so much that it was only natural they saw her as a stranger.


    After all, in their minds, Wang Zhaodi had been practically sold off, and she had cut ties with her family. How could she possibly be doing well?


    Wang Zizhen continued selling her goods as usual, unbothered. Since they hadn¡¯t recognized her, it didn¡¯t matter. Even if they had, as long as she didn¡¯t admit it, it wouldn¡¯t have been a problem.


    After all, she had even changed her name.


    Not long after, a woman hurried over and called out to the couple, "Brother, sister-in-law!"


    "Whew! You¡¯re finally here. We were so worried we¡¯d miss you."


    Wang Zizhen didn¡¯t have a strong impression of this woman. She had left home just after coming of age. She kept her head down, continuing to sell her goods, but her ears perked up. She overheard the three of them exchanging pleasantries and, to her surprise, heard them mention her family.


    It was the neighbor¡¯s son who brought it up. He said, "I know you¡¯re the best, little sister, always thinking of us. The girl next door, Wang Zhaodi, was said to have married someone in Sijiu City. She hasn¡¯t been back home in over ten years, and there¡¯s been no contact. Every time Auntie mentions her, she curses her as an ungrateful wretch, saying she wasted the family¡¯s rice and grain."


    The woman in worker¡¯s clothes rolled her eyes and said, "Come on, what kind of marriage was that? They sold her off. How can they expect her to come back? Besides, even if she did marry, it¡¯s unlikely she married someone in the city. With her background, who in the city would marry her? She probably ended up in some rural area nearby. Married to a divorced man, with her family treating her like a commodity, even if she wanted to come back, her in-laws probably wouldn¡¯t allow it. Unlike me, I¡¯m a worker, and I¡¯ve given their family a grandson. That¡¯s why I have a say in things."


    "Exactly, little sister, you¡¯re the best."


    The woman said, "You know it. When you go back, tell Mom and Dad to stay away from that family. I can¡¯t stand them."


    The neighbor¡¯s son quickly agreed, "I know. Our families don¡¯t interact much anyway. They¡¯ve become so arrogant since they had a son. It¡¯s like they¡¯re a completely different family now. Back then, they were humble because they didn¡¯t have a son. But now that they do, they strut around like they own the place. Their son is only ten, but he¡¯s already spoiled rotten. He even came into our yard and pulled up our vegetables. It drove Mom crazy."


    "I heard about that last time I was home. That¡¯s why I said to just ignore them."


    "I know. It¡¯s only because I came to Sijiu City that I remembered Wang Zhaodi was said to have married here. She¡¯s the one who married the farthest away. Whether she¡¯s doing well or not, at least she¡¯s not burdened by her family. Her sisters are all supporting their parents and their brother, as if he¡¯s their only hope. The whole village laughs at them. They¡¯ve spoiled that boy so much, he¡¯s already causing trouble at such a young age. He even bullied your nephew. I can¡¯t stand him. What kind of future does a brat like that have? The whole family is a mess. The parents don¡¯t even work anymore, just relying on their daughters. Who retires at fifty? Especially when they still have a ten-year-old son to raise. They want the benefits of being elders without putting in the work."


    "Stay far away from people like that."


    "I know."


    "Let¡¯s go."


    "Little sister, this place is so lively¡­"


    By now, Wang Zizhen had almost sold out. As she watched the three of them walk away, chatting, she felt a strange mix of emotions. She never expected to run into her old neighbors by chance, let alone hear about her family¡¯s situation.


    Wang Zizhen felt a bit dazed, but she quickly steadied herself.


    She was no longer Wang Zhaodi. Since she had left, she would never go back. What happened to others was their business. She had her own life to live, and she refused to let her life be controlled by the word "brother."


    She had three children of her own. She couldn¡¯t afford to sacrifice their future for the sake of a brother.


    She thought back to her childhood, remembering how she and her sisters used to sleep crowded together, all hoping for a brother. They believed that with a brother, their parents would stop having children, and there would be one less mouth to feed.


    Plus, they thought having a brother would give them "backing" when they got married.


    Back then, Wang Zizhen had been too preoccupied with her empty stomach to think much about it. But now she realized that her sisters had remained the same from childhood to adulthood. As kids, they had wanted a brother, and now that they had one, they were willing to sacrifice everything for him.


    Only she was different.


    But Wang Zizhen shrugged and strode home.


    She wasn¡¯t the odd one out. She was the normal one.


    She didn¡¯t have much life experience, but she believed the aunties in her neighborhood wouldn¡¯t steer her wrong. They had taught her many things, and she had taken their advice to heart. Some people just aren¡¯t destined to have strong bonds with their parents or siblings, and that¡¯s okay. What mattered was living her life well.


    She carried her bag home. Every evening, she studied with her eldest son.


    Before, she had known that education was important, but as a housewife, she hadn¡¯t thought it was necessary for her. She¡¯d rather spend her time doing something else that could earn money for the family. But since starting her business, she had realized that not being able to read or do basic math was a real disadvantage.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t know anything at all. Even the dullest person could manage basic arithmetic.


    But learning more had proven useful.


    When it comes to using knowledge, one realizes how little they have.


    She quickly took the bus home. Since she sold out early today, she returned home earlier than usual. After getting off the bus, she wasn¡¯t in a rush to go home. Instead, she stopped by the street corner to buy some fresh vegetables. Nowadays, life had improved, and many farmers from the countryside would come to the city to sell their produce, which was quite fresh. She bought a bunch of chives, planning to make chive pancakes at home. Then, thinking about it, she decided to bring some to her godmother and Jiang Lu as well, so she bought two more bunches.


    ¡°Wang Zizhen.¡±


    Wang Zizhen turned around and saw Ming Mei. She smiled in surprise and said, ¡°You¡¯re off work early today.¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°Yeah, things have been slow lately. What are you buying?¡±


    She glanced over and said, ¡°I¡¯ll get some too. I¡¯m craving chive pancakes.¡±


    Wang Zizhen smiled and said, ¡°What a coincidence, I¡¯m making those today too.¡±


    Looking at Ming Mei¡¯s demeanor, she added, ¡°Just by your energy, I can tell your new job is going well.¡±


    Ming Mei chuckled, ¡°If I¡¯m this enthusiastic, of course it¡¯s going well.¡±


    Although she had changed jobs, she didn¡¯t feel any discomfort adjusting to the new environment. During her first class, Ming Mei showcased her skills, and everyone treated her with respect. This kind of place suited her perfectly.


    In such environments, ability was highly valued, and with Ming Mei¡¯s dedication, she easily earned her place.


    In truth, she felt she was more suited to a place like the Shichahai Sports School, but sometimes luck was hard to predict. In the end, she ended up at the Police University. Compared to her previous job, she actually preferred her current one.


    She even regretted not switching jobs earlier.


    In the past, her work mainly involved trivial tasks and chatting with colleagues about mundane matters. There wasn¡¯t much meaningful work, and it felt like she was just passing the days. But now, things were different.


    Although her current workload wasn¡¯t heavy, the environment made her feel fulfilled. Sometimes, when there were major lectures by experts, Ming Mei, as a teacher, would even attend as an observer.


    Compared to before, she felt her current work had more purpose. She taught her students diligently, knowing that what they learned might be useful in their future careers. After all, her students would eventually join the police force.


    They might face dangerous situations, and having more skills could mean the difference between life and death in critical moments. It could also help them catch criminals. Thinking about this, Ming Mei taught with extra care and felt her work was truly meaningful. Every day, she was full of energy.


    After buying the chives and paying, the two of them walked back together.


    Ming Mei said, ¡°You sold out pretty quickly today too.¡±


    Wang Zizhen smiled proudly, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m quite capable.¡±


    After saying this, she paused for a moment. In the past, she would never have said something like that.


    Before she got married, her family would always say things like¡ª


    ¡°You¡¯re just a girl. Only having a brother will give you any real support.¡±


    ¡°Girls don¡¯t need to study. Girls are naturally less intelligent and can¡¯t learn.¡±


    ¡°Look at you, you can¡¯t do anything right. How are you going to get married? Cooking, washing clothes, chopping firewood, sewing, and cleaning¡ªthese are all things you need to do. You can¡¯t expect a man to do them. You need to be efficient.¡±


    ¡°You eat so much, you¡¯re useless. Only we, as your parents, would put up with you. Go out and see for yourself¡ªeveryone says you eat like a pig.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re good for nothing¡­¡±


    Perhaps because she had run into an old neighbor today, she kept recalling her parents¡¯ words.


    Ming Mei noticed Wang Zizhen¡¯s change in expression and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Wang Zizhen replied, ¡°I ran into¡­¡± S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She didn¡¯t hide it from Ming Mei. If there was anyone Wang Zizhen admired, it was Ming Mei. Not because Ming Mei had a good life, but because she seemed so clear-headed and in control of her life.


    Besides, could just anyone become a teacher at the Police University?


    As her neighbor, Wang Zizhen knew that the city bureau had tried to recruit Ming Mei multiple times.


    So, Wang Zizhen always thought Ming Mei was clever¡ªnot in an obvious way, but in a subtle, endearing manner.


    She rambled on about her family, sighing, ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I suddenly remembered all the things my parents used to say to me. Even though I don¡¯t want to believe them, the words just popped into my head, and it made me feel down.¡±


    Ming Mei listened to her and held her hand, saying earnestly, ¡°I think the reason you remember these things so clearly is because they¡¯ve always bothered you. Even the smallest thing can bring them back. It¡¯s because you¡¯re still unsettled that you feel this way. But you don¡¯t need to care about what they said. Whether your parents had a son or your sisters became ¡®brother-reliant¡¯¡ªas my mother-in-law aptly puts it¡ªnone of that is your fault. It¡¯s already hard enough for you to break away from that, and you wanted to. They didn¡¯t. So, you don¡¯t need to worry about your sisters. You¡¯re not them¡ªhow can you know what makes them happy? Your goals are different. As for what your parents said, think about it¡ªthey¡¯ve never left the village. Their worldview is limited to their small corner of the world. Does that mean what they say is right? I don¡¯t think so. Their perspective is narrower than yours, so why should you take their words to heart? Their shallow understanding can¡¯t guide you, so there¡¯s no need to dwell on their words. Trust yourself. You know what¡¯s right and wrong, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Wang Zizhen laughed and said, ¡°You make so much sense.¡±


    She linked arms with Ming Mei and said, ¡°I never knew you were so good at giving advice, but I know you¡¯re right.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Don¡¯t think about them anymore. Don¡¯t let unimportant people drain your emotions. It¡¯s not worth it! You should focus your energy on the people who care about you¡ªDa Qiang and Siyuan are the ones who matter. If you¡¯re unhappy, they¡¯ll be upset too. They care about you a lot.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    She took a deep breath and said loudly, ¡°To hell with that brother of mine! He has nothing to do with me!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡±


    Ming Mei always believed that as long as a person could stay strong, they could overcome anything. And although Wang Zizhen was feeling down now, Ming Mei was sure she¡¯d bounce back soon. After all, Wang Zizhen had a resilient personality.


    The two of them quickly returned to their usual selves, and Wang Zizhen¡¯s mood improved. She said, ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll help you make the chive pancakes.¡±


    Ming Mei exclaimed, ¡°Ah! That¡¯s perfect!¡±


    She wasn¡¯t good at these things at all.


    Having someone to help was always a blessing.


    Ming Mei said cheerfully, ¡°I knew you were the best.¡±


    Wang Zizhen smiled and said, ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve always been great.¡±


    She thought to herself, maybe running into her old neighbor was fate¡¯s way of reminding her how right her decision had been. If she hadn¡¯t decisively left home, if she hadn¡¯t listened to Aunt Zhou¡¯s advice to cut ties with her family, she might have ended up like her sisters¡ªsacrificing herself to support her brother, letting that family of leeches suck her dry.


    She had no doubt that would have been the outcome.


    This chance encounter made her realize that her choice had been the right one!


    Wang Zizhen regained her energy and said with determination, ¡°When I changed my name, I said I would cherish myself. Now, I¡¯m going to make sure I do!¡±


    Ming Mei smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

 Chapter 199

    Making money is the happiest thing!


    The folks in the compound have been so busy lately that everything else seems to pale in comparison.


    Take Su Jinlai, for instance¡ªhe got beaten up and stayed holed up at home for days, but no one paid him any attention. Similarly, Zheng Huimin went through a major life event, and Wang Zizhen had a little run-in with an old neighbor, but all these incidents seemed trivial now.


    This isn¡¯t to say that nothing else matters in the world except making money, but compared to everything else, this is definitely more important at the moment. Watching your savings grow rapidly brings an indescribable sense of satisfaction.


    Zhou Qun had been watching Bai Fendou, Zhuang Zhixi, and even Da Qiang from the neighboring compound bustling around, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious.


    Although there was still Zhuang Zhiyuan in the compound who hadn¡¯t joined in, his job was different¡ªhe was away from home half the month, so he couldn¡¯t participate even if he wanted to. But Zhou Qun wasn¡¯t in the same boat!


    Every day after work, he¡¯d see the young guys in the compound, like Yinlai, busy as bees, while he was just sitting around, feeling like he was falling behind.


    Zhou Qun had always been the leader of the compound¡ªhow could he fall behind? He refused to be left behind.


    After much thought, Zhou Qun decided to join his mother¡¯s team. After all, no one else needed him, and he had no experience selling things himself. He could only tag along with his mother to gain some experience. But this earned him a lot of disdain from Aunt Zhou.


    After all, Aunt Zhou wasn¡¯t the same as she was years ago.


    Nowadays, Aunt Zhou was a career-oriented woman.


    Besides, she could handle her own work. If this kid got involved, was he trying to take a cut of her earnings? Aunt Zhou was very wary and said, ¡°Let me tell you, you can follow me around, but don¡¯t expect me to give you any money. I¡¯m saving this for my retirement.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°¡­¡±


    His mom was so stingy.


    He knew for a fact that Zhuang Zhixi and his mom split the profits when they worked together.


    Zhou Qun mumbled, ¡°Look at you, I¡¯m your only son, and you¡¯re still counting pennies with me. Other families with multiple children aren¡¯t this stingy.¡±


    Aunt Zhou remained calm and said, ¡°You¡¯re talking about Zhao Guihua¡¯s family, aren¡¯t you? Precisely because they have more than one child, they need to keep things clear. Besides, Zhuang Zhixi invested his own money and can sell things independently. You¡¯re just tagging along to learn¡ªhow is that the same? I¡¯m not even charging you for the lessons. Go ask Li the Cook¡ªif you want to learn cooking from him, you¡¯d have to work for free for three years and still show respect to your master. Honestly, I¡¯m already being nice by letting you follow me, and you still want money?¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°¡­¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°Why are you twitching your lips? Zhuang Zhixi even borrowed money from Ming Mei¡¯s family to raise capital.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Didn¡¯t you borrow money from my wife too?¡±


    Aunt Zhou put her hands on her hips: ¡°That¡¯s because Jiang Lu was willing to lend it to me. That¡¯s between us¡ªwhat does it have to do with you? Are you going to work for free or not? If not, I don¡¯t want you.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°¡­¡± He felt wronged.


    But feeling wronged didn¡¯t help.


    He had never done business before and knew it wasn¡¯t something you could just pick up overnight. His mother had even drawn up a bunch of strategies at home. Although the old lady was illiterate, she had sketched out a bunch of diagrams that she could understand, and she could explain everything clearly.


    It was clear that success didn¡¯t come easily.


    Even if he knew how to do it, it wouldn¡¯t matter¡ªJiang Lu wouldn¡¯t give him the capital.


    Thinking about it made him want to cry. A grown man like him couldn¡¯t even control the household finances. But he had secretly checked, and apart from Zhuang Zhiyuan, it seemed like in every other household, the women managed the money. Zhuang Zhixi listened to Ming Mei, and Bai Fendou listened to He Lan. This made him feel a bit better.


    It wasn¡¯t that he lacked masculinity¡ªit was just the way things were in their neighborhood. He couldn¡¯t go against the tide, could he?


    He was just following the crowd, blending in with everyone else. It definitely wasn¡¯t a personal problem.


    With a mix of melancholy and bitterness, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll be your assistant.¡±


    He felt miserable and wronged, but he had to stay strong.


    You have to stay strong in life!


    ¡°Fine, but let me make this clear¡ªyou can follow me, but if you don¡¯t know how to talk, just shut up and listen to me. Don¡¯t hold me back, got it?¡± Aunt Zhou had a lot of demands. Honestly, she really didn¡¯t want to bring this kid along.


    Zhou Qun: ¡°Okay!¡±


    Aunt Zhou frowned: ¡°You sound like an idiot when you say ¡®okay¡¯ like that.¡±


    Zhou Qun: ¡°¡­¡±


    What had he done to deserve this? He had to endure it.


    For a moment, he even thought about going to Zhuang Zhixi. Even if he had to work for free, at least as neighbors, Zhuang Zhixi wouldn¡¯t say such harsh things. But then he looked at his mother¡¯s stingy demeanor and thought that if he went to work for someone else for free, she might just grab a kitchen knife and come after him.


    That was a real possibility. Fine, he¡¯d endure it.


    Such is life!


    And so, Zhou Qun finally joined the street vendor team. If you thought about it, their compound was quite remarkable. After all, no one else in the neighborhood was as bustling as they were. After a few days of setting up a stall, Zhou Qun finally began to feel the joy of street vending.


    He observed a bit and realized that the business was really good.


    Not only was his family¡¯s business doing well, but others were too.


    They had always thought the market was limited, and no matter how good the sales were, they¡¯d eventually hit a ceiling. But whether it was Zhao Guihua and her son selling T-shirts or them selling underwear and socks, the market seemed inexhaustible.


    The sales just kept going strong.


    They used to think most people were struggling, but in reality, people were buying a lot.


    Even Zheng Huimin¡¯s hair accessory business was thriving, and even Guan Hong had joined in.


    Not long ago, these two had been infatuated with Li Junjun, to the point where Li Junjun didn¡¯t even dare to come home, opting to work overtime just to avoid their enthusiastic advances. But it seemed like it didn¡¯t take long for them to lose interest in chasing Li Junjun.


    Wasn¡¯t making money more appealing?


    Zheng Huimin had already started working at the bus station. Since she began her job, she could only set up her stall after work. Guan Hong, seeing her alone, decided to join in for fun, but things quickly spiraled out of control.


    She had initially just wanted to see what the fuss was about, but the allure of money was too strong.


    Now, the two of them were running the hair accessory business together. Zheng Huimin didn¡¯t mind¡ªafter all, Guan Hong had helped her during her toughest times, and working together was actually better since they could support each other.


    As for whether it would split the business, the market was vast, and if they didn¡¯t do it, someone else would. So Zheng Huimin didn¡¯t fuss over it. The two of them were busy every day, running their hair accessory business together, and they didn¡¯t even have time to chase after Li Junjun anymore.


    Li Weiwei, who had witnessed the whole thing, couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how quickly the girls¡¯ affections had shifted. It was like a whirlwind¡ªhere one moment, gone the next. Whether it was Su Jinlai or his older brother Li Junjun, money was clearly more appealing!


    Although Li Weiwei had his thoughts, Li Junjun, the one involved, didn¡¯t feel much about it. He hadn¡¯t liked them in the first place, so he didn¡¯t enjoy their attention like Su Jinlai did. Now that the two girls were too busy to bother him, he thought it was a good thing.


    Meanwhile, Su Jinlai secretly gloated, muttering under his breath, ¡°You used to play the hero and save the damsel, but now you see? It was all for nothing! The day I was abandoned is the day you¡¯ll be abandoned too.¡±


    Of course, Su Jinlai only dared to say this behind their backs. He wouldn¡¯t dare say it to their faces. In the compound, he was the underdog.


    Everyone else was fierce and intimidating.


    He was weak, helpless, and didn¡¯t dare to provoke anyone¡ªtruly the most pitiful little soul.


    To be honest, Su Jinlai had a clear understanding of his situation now. He really couldn¡¯t afford to mess with anyone, especially the money-hungry women in the compound. He was too scared.


    It was tough, but he could endure it.


    He cowered like a quail, afraid of being noticed by his family. If they forced him to set up a stall, he¡¯d rather die. A handsome young man like him couldn¡¯t bear such humiliation¡ªhe absolutely refused to do it. So, he stayed quiet and kept his head down.


    Everyone has been busy making money lately, so no one has the time to pay attention to Su Jinlai''s mood swings. No one cares what he''s thinking, and they all consider him unimportant. But Su Jinlai thinks he''s incredibly important, adding countless dramatic moments to his life before curling up into a ball, afraid of being schemed against.


    He refuses to work, and he¡¯ll never work in his life.


    Still, he remains unimportant.


    Everyone is busy after work, and when you''re busy, time seems to fly by. In the blink of an eye, May has turned into the scorching heat of July. The children are about to start their summer vacation, and most importantly, Hutou is about to take his college entrance exams.


    A while ago, while everyone was working hard to earn money, Hutou quietly passed his art exams. Now, it''s finally time for the college entrance exams. As an art student, he has it a bit easier than others, but he still needs to put in the effort.


    Recently, Hutou has been pushing himself to the limit, studying day and night.


    After all, if he doesn¡¯t give it his all, he¡¯ll be sent off to the military. Hutou is terrified, anxious, and trembling under the pressure.


    Finally, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????after enduring all this stress, the day of the exams has arrived.


    In the compound, he¡¯s not the only one who has attended high school, but the last high school graduate, Li Junjun, failed his exams. If Hutou can succeed, he¡¯ll be the first in the compound to do so. Even Bai Fendou said, "If Hutou gets into university, I¡¯ll buy a string of firecrackers and set them off at the entrance to celebrate."


    Zhou Qun chimed in, "Sure, I¡¯ll buy some too. We¡¯ll make it a big celebration. If he gets in, it¡¯ll really show how amazing our compound is. None of the surrounding compounds have had anyone get into university yet."


    "That¡¯s true."


    However, they didn¡¯t say this in front of Hutou, not wanting to add to his pressure. Everyone has seen how hard he¡¯s been studying recently, and it¡¯s been rough. But his last-minute cramming is still commendable.


    Hutou has finally reached the day of his exams, but even though he¡¯s taking them, everyone else still has to go to work.


    Zhuang Zhixi, his uncle, is really concerned about Hutou, but he¡¯s also busy at work today. As soon as he arrived at the office, he was thinking of finding an excuse to leave in the morning when he saw Old Huang rushing in, looking pale and on the verge of collapsing.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly supported Old Huang and asked, "Master, are you okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi has learned a lot from Old Huang in the publicity department, and even though Old Huang said it wasn¡¯t necessary, Zhuang Zhixi always calls him "Master."


    "What¡¯s wrong? Let me take you to the infirmary."


    Mentioning the infirmary only made Old Huang look even more like he was about to faint. He said, "Don¡¯t go to the infirmary. There are too many people there right now."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    Old Huang took a deep breath and said, "Tao Yuyue ran away."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "What?"


    He didn¡¯t understand at first. Old Huang took another breath and explained, "Tao Yuyue went abroad with the inspection team, but she ran away. It looks like she¡¯s planning to stay there illegally and not come back."


    "Holy crap!" Zhuang Zhixi was stunned.


    He never expected Tao Yuyue to be so bold. This is a huge deal. Even someone as experienced as Old Huang is shaken by this.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t know what to say. He suddenly remembered that a few months ago, Tao Yuyue had asked his older brother to handle some property paperwork. Now that he thinks about it, Zhuang Zhixi realizes that Tao Yuyue must have planned this all along.


    Fortunately, their situation is normal, so it won¡¯t affect his family.


    But even though it doesn¡¯t involve them, Deputy Factory Director Chen is going to be in big trouble. After all, Tao Yuyue is his daughter-in-law, and he was the one who pushed for her to join the inspection team. If it weren¡¯t for him, Tao Yuyue wouldn¡¯t have had the qualifications to go in the first place.


    He asked, "What about Deputy Factory Director Chen?"


    Old Huang shook his head, "I don¡¯t know, but when I came into the factory, I saw that the infirmary was already under control. They¡¯re investigating and questioning everyone."


    He added, "Doctor Wang is in big trouble too. Tao Yuyue is her niece, and it was through her connections that Tao Yuyue got a temporary job here."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "That¡¯s not fair. It was Chen Yuan¡¯s father who got Tao Yuyue her permanent position. You can¡¯t blame Doctor Wang for that. Besides, everyone knows that Tao Yuyue hasn¡¯t been very respectful to her aunt over the years. Their relationship has been strained."


    Old Huang: "Who knows?"


    As they were talking, someone rushed in and said, "Did you hear? Tao Yuyue from the infirmary snuck away and is staying there illegally."


    "We just heard. She¡¯s really lost her mind."


    Zhuang Zhixi frowned. Their generation, and even their parents¡¯ generation, has a deep-seated distrust of that place, so Tao Yuyue¡¯s actions have left everyone feeling uneasy. By now, Old Huang had recovered a bit and said angrily, "People like her would have been traitors before liberation. What a disgrace."


    Sister Cui also expressed her disgust, "You¡¯re right. You don¡¯t know this, but Tao Yuyue had this planned for a while. When she left, she took money from Deputy Factory Director Chen¡¯s family. She even sold their house. Can you believe it? Chen Yuan is such an idiot¡ªhe actually signed the papers to sell the house without realizing it was all part of Tao Yuyue¡¯s scheme. Now, with Tao Yuyue staying there, Deputy Factory Director Chen might not even be able to keep his position. He might not even walk away unscathed."


    "That woman is ruthless! By the way, has Chen Yuan¡¯s mom retired yet?"


    "I¡¯m not sure, but whether she has or not, Deputy Factory Director Chen won¡¯t be able to keep his position. Tao Yuyue has really dragged their family down. From what I¡¯ve heard, Deputy Factory Director Chen was detained as soon as he got off the plane."


    By now, everyone in the publicity department had arrived for work, and they were all shocked. None of them expected something like this to happen so close to home.


    "What about Tao Yuyue¡¯s parents? She has parents and siblings, right?" someone asked curiously.


    Sister Cui replied, "They¡¯ll definitely be investigated, but I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be in as much trouble as Deputy Factory Director Chen. After all, he was the one who pushed for Tao Yuyue to go, even though she wasn¡¯t qualified. And she¡¯s his daughter-in-law. Do you think he can just wash his hands of this?"


    Everyone thought about it and agreed with Sister Cui.


    Listening to all this, Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but feel that Deputy Factory Director Chen¡ªno, Deputy Factory Director Chen¡ªwas really unlucky. Tao Yuyue¡¯s actions had completely screwed him over. But then again, who told him to abuse his power?


    If he hadn¡¯t pushed for Tao Yuyue to go despite her lack of qualifications, none of this would have happened.


    "Deputy Factory Director Chen only found out after he returned that Tao Yuyue had secretly taken all the money he and his wife had saved. His wife actually noticed the money was missing a couple of days ago, but she didn¡¯t say anything, thinking she¡¯d deal with her daughter-in-law when she got back. But who would¡¯ve thought Tao Yuyue had no intention of coming back? She¡¯s staying there illegally."


    The people in the publicity department were always a bit more informed than others.


    Hearing this, Sister Cui sighed, "She really messed up. If she noticed the money was gone, she should¡¯ve realized something was wrong."


    "It¡¯s not surprising she didn¡¯t think of it. Who could¡¯ve imagined she¡¯d be so bold?"


    "She¡¯s really lost her mind."


    "There¡¯s going to be a lot of investigating. Right now, important departments are searching the infirmary."


    "I never would¡¯ve thought¡­"


    "I heard she cleaned out the Chen family. What a ruthless woman. This just goes to show how important it is to consider someone¡¯s character before marrying them."


    "Absolutely."


    As everyone discussed the situation, Zhuang Zhixi really didn¡¯t know how to describe it. He just felt that this woman was completely out of her mind. She didn¡¯t think about the mess she was leaving behind for everyone else. And as a young woman staying there illegally, without any status, how could things possibly go well for her?


    If she had stayed, she had a stable job and was even a small-time leader. Sure, her husband was unreliable, but she could¡¯ve divorced him. Leaving like this is a whole different story.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I really can¡¯t understand it."


    "I don¡¯t think anyone can."


    Everyone shook their heads in disbelief, their heads nearly spinning off, unable to comprehend what had happened. But no matter how much they didn¡¯t understand, the incident had already occurred and spread like wildfire. Even the most ordinary workers in the factory had heard about it.


    Normally, such matters wouldn¡¯t be made public so quickly.


    However, this time, several factories were involved in the investigation. While the person in charge was reporting the incident and busy investigating others, Deputy Factory Director Chen seized the opportunity to contact his wife first. This woman, upon realizing that their home had been robbed by Tao Yuyue, finally understood what had happened and what it meant. She immediately panicked.


    Though she was flustered, having been a leader for many years, she knew some things couldn¡¯t be discussed carelessly. She rushed to report the matter to the authorities. However, she forgot about her in-laws. Her mother-in-law didn¡¯t have a good relationship with her daughter-in-law and disapproved of her leadership style. Overhearing her phone call and seeing her panic, the mother-in-law finally found something to gossip about. She went out and blabbed, causing an instant uproar.


    The old lady thought to herself, "My granddaughter-in-law really isn¡¯t a good one, no wonder she hasn¡¯t had a child all these years." She also thought, "My daughter-in-law may be a leader, but she¡¯s all talk. When it comes to handling real situations, she¡¯s just as panicked and lacks composure. She¡¯s nothing compared to us older folks."


    She even criticized her daughter-in-law for not treating her as family, not even telling her about the money stolen from the house. "Isn¡¯t this just a lack of respect for me, her mother-in-law?" she ranted. She went out and spoke freely, criticizing her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law, not realizing that others who heard her were immediately frightened.


    This was no small matter.


    The incident quickly spread and escalated.


    If it weren¡¯t for the old lady¡¯s loose tongue, this matter would have been investigated secretly, ensuring whether Tao Yuyue had done anything domestically. Many people¡¯s roles in this incident would also have been scrutinized.


    Originally, it was supposed to be a secret investigation, but because of the old lady¡¯s careless chatter, the whole city knew about it.


    After all, incidents like this were extremely rare at the time.


    They had truly never heard of such a thing before, and because of their shock, the news spread like wildfire.


    Zhuang Zhixi and the propaganda department, being well-informed, found out a bit earlier, but soon the whole factory was abuzz. People in the workshop were also discussing it fervently. Liang Meifen had been thinking about her son¡¯s college entrance exam that day.


    But unexpectedly, such a major incident had occurred. She joined the crowd to listen to the gossip, her jaw dropping in shock. She even forgot about her son¡¯s exam, gasping along with everyone else.


    Sister Zhu, who was close to Liang Meifen, sighed, "I¡¯ve realized that whether it¡¯s marrying a wife or marrying off a daughter, you really need to carefully consider the person¡¯s character. You can¡¯t just look at their conditions. Character is the most important thing."


    "That¡¯s right."


    "If you end up with someone like this, they¡¯ll just stir up trouble in the family."


    "The Chen family is finished now¡­"


    Someone whispered, "The Chen family deserves it."


    Some things were left unsaid, but many thought that if Chen Yuan had treated Tao Yuyue better, she wouldn¡¯t have resorted to such extremes.


    "Chen Yuan always paraded that woman around, and Tao Yuyue kept it all bottled up. Turns out she was just waiting to drop a bombshell."


    "My neighbor¡¯s sister-in-law¡¯s cousin¡¯s daughter-in-law is married into the building where the Chen family lives. I heard that Tao Yuyue didn¡¯t have a good life in the Chen family. With both a mother-in-law and a grandmother-in-law, neither of them was easy to deal with. Tao Yuyue hadn¡¯t had a child all these years, and they never treated her well. If it weren¡¯t for Deputy Factory Director Chen keeping things in check, they would have kicked her out long ago. But even so, they treated her poorly. Chen Yuan¡¯s mother is an educated woman and wouldn¡¯t resort to physical violence, but she wouldn¡¯t speak a word to her daughter-in-law and dumped all the housework on her. Every day after work, Tao Yuyue had to go to her in-laws¡¯ place to clean before she could go home. The grandmother-in-law was even more vicious, not only pinching her but also deliberately making a mess for her to clean up. With a family like that, it¡¯s no wonder Tao Yuyue couldn¡¯t take it anymore."


    Liang Meifen exclaimed, "What? That¡¯s too much!"


    Liang Meifen had been married for over twenty years, and over the years, she had come to realize that her mother-in-law wasn¡¯t a bad person. Though her words could be harsh, people from her generation were often like that.


    After all, they grew up in turbulent times. If you weren¡¯t a bit tough, you¡¯d be bullied. Once that kind of personality was formed, it was hard to change. But her mother-in-law was a good person at heart.


    Take, for example, how she treated Wang Zizhen, He Lan, and even Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin, who had once offended her. When Zheng Huimin was in trouble, the old lady even helped her out. When Zheng Huimin insisted on selling her house, the old lady didn¡¯t lowball her and bought it at a fair price.


    So Liang Meifen felt that having such a mother-in-law was actually quite good.


    Though she was tough on the outside, she had never laid a hand on her daughters-in-law or deliberately made them do extra work. Recently, the old lady had been busy with her stall, leaving the cooking to Liang Meifen, and she had even given her some extra money.


    Their family had meat every day, and there was still money left over.


    Liang Meifen now understood that the old lady was truly a good person.


    Looking at other families, it was clear that things were different.


    She asked, "So Tao Yuyue just endured all that? I¡¯ve seen her at the factory, and she always seemed so confident. She didn¡¯t seem like someone who would suffer in silence."


    "Right, I thought the same."


    The person who had spoken earlier said, "She¡¯s not the type to take abuse without fighting back, so there were plenty of arguments in their house. Whenever they fought, Chen Yuan would hit her, and I heard Tao Yuyue fought back too. But what can a woman do against a man¡¯s strength?"


    "That¡¯s true."


    "Men are naturally stronger."


    "There are all kinds of people in this world."


    "Then I can understand her¡­"


    "She could have just divorced him. She didn¡¯t have to run off abroad and not come back. Things out there aren¡¯t great either. I¡¯ve heard stories from my mother about how those places aren¡¯t for decent people¡­"


    And so the conversation went on.


    The propaganda department was discussing the broader implications of the incident, while the women in the workshop focused on the family drama. But regardless of what people focused on, everyone agreed that she shouldn¡¯t have done what she did.


    The whole day was filled with gossip, and no one could focus on work. But no one pushed them to work either, as even the leaders were caught up in the drama.


    This was truly a one-of-a-kind incident.


    They had never seen anything like it before.


    Because everyone was so shocked, everything else seemed trivial in comparison.


    The news didn¡¯t stay confined to the factory. It quickly spread to the residential area, and even Zhao Guihua heard about it. But what shocked her wasn¡¯t that the person had stayed abroad¡ªit was that this hadn¡¯t happened in her previous life.


    It hadn¡¯t happened before, but it had now. Zhao Guihua once again marveled at how much had changed.


    Yes, sometimes the butterfly effect seemed small, but its impact could be enormous.


    Many things were like that, including Tao Yuyue¡¯s situation and other matters as well.


    Take, for example, the Yu family at the end of their alley. In her previous life, Yu Baoshan had been alive, but because he neglected his parents and siblings, the other brothers had banded together and taken care of the elderly couple.


    But in this life, Yu Baoshan had died early, and the elderly couple had been involved in feudal superstition and theft¡ªone as the mastermind and the other as an accomplice who helped cover it up. Both had been sent to prison.


    Though ten years had passed and they were out now, because none of their sons had been reliable when they were imprisoned, the couple had fought with them after their release and reclaimed their house.


    Their sons had taken over their house before, but the old couple wasn¡¯t the type to indulge their children. They kept one room for themselves and rented out the other two to their sons, charging them rent. Though their sons and daughters-in-law weren¡¯t easy to deal with, the house was in the old couple¡¯s name, so there was nothing the younger generation could do about it.


    The daughters-in-law of that family have already made it clear that they will absolutely not take care of the two old folks in their later years.


    The old couple has also made it clear that their house will definitely not go to anyone who isn¡¯t filial to them.


    What a difference!


    Zhao Guihua was momentarily distracted, but she quickly joined the ongoing discussion. Aunt Zhou, always quick to comment after the fact, said, ¡°I always thought Tao Yuyue seemed like a troublemaker. I could tell the first time she came to our courtyard.¡±


    Aunt Wang nodded in agreement. ¡°I saw it too. What kind of girl acts so boldly? Back then, she and Chen Yuan had that huge fight, and she didn¡¯t back down at all. I knew right then that she wasn¡¯t someone to mess with. Looks like I was right after all.¡±


    Here comes the second round of hindsight.


    He Lan chimed in, ¡°I think so too. She¡¯s really something. I still remember her beating Chen Yuan with a frying pan. It¡¯s no surprise she¡¯s so tough.¡±


    And here¡¯s the third round of hindsight.


    The others continued to chatter away.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Alright, alright, you all knew it, you¡¯re all so clever. I¡¯m the only one who didn¡¯t see it, okay?¡±


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    At this point, even Su Jinlai couldn¡¯t resist joining in. He usually kept to himself, but this situation was too unusual for him to stay silent. In his limited experience, he had never encountered anything like this.


    He leaned in with the group and asked, ¡°So, does that make her a traitor or something?¡±


    Everyone exchanged glances and then said, ¡°Probably¡­ not?¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡±


    Su Jinlai sneered, ¡°People like that are despicable. Ugh!¡±


    Just look at that¡ªeven Su Jinlai, of all people, finds her behavior contemptible.


    Everyone stared at Su Jinlai as if they¡¯d seen a ghost. Su Jinlai straightened up and declared, ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d never do something like that. Even a dog doesn¡¯t despise its own home. No decent person would ever look down on their own family.¡±


    Su Jinlai admitted that he had slept with foreign women for money, but that was a completely different matter. He genuinely looked down on people who worshipped everything foreign. The moon wasn¡¯t any rounder in other countries, after all.


    He had interacted with foreigners, not a lot, but enough to have some perspective.


    Sure, they had a certain air of superiority, but Su Jinlai didn¡¯t think it was worth glorifying. The foreign woman he had slept with had even cursed her own people, calling them pigs and whatnot.


    So, it wasn¡¯t all that great.


    And even if it were, it still didn¡¯t justify such behavior.


    Su Jinlai scoffed, ¡°Hmph.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was genuinely surprised that Su Jinlai could say something like this. Though he was usually unreliable, she could tell he was speaking from the heart this time. It wasn¡¯t just sour grapes.


    He truly believed there was nothing special about it.


    This made Zhao Guihua see him in a slightly different light.


    If this usually unreliable guy showed even a hint of sense, it was truly astonishing.


    ¡°Hey, what do you think about Deputy Factory Director Chen¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s definitely going to step down. Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡±


    ¡°I guess his wife will be the same. What a mess¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t his wife old enough to retire?¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡±


    The discussion was in full swing when Zhao Guihua suddenly stopped and exclaimed, ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Everyone followed her gaze. Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Was that Little Sister Yu just now?¡±


    ¡°I think so¡­ wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Talk about coincidences. Zhao Guihua had just been thinking about the family¡¯s situation, and now here was Little Sister Yu. It was clear that this girl had no standing in her family.


    Even her name showed how little she mattered. She didn¡¯t even have a proper name. She was born after Old Man Yu and Madam Yu had their son, and though she should have been given a name, she wasn¡¯t.


    The indifferent parents simply called her Little Sister Yu.


    The sister of her brother.


    Her name alone showed how little she was valued.


    Back then, Little Sister Yu had been on the verge of marriage. She had a stable job and a loving fianc¨¦. But all of that was ruined by Yu Baoshan. Under her parents¡¯ pressure, she gave up her job and went to the countryside in his place.


    Even so, Yu Baoshan showed no gratitude. By the time he had made money, he still refused to lift a finger to help his sister, who had lost her job, her love, and been sent to the remote northwest.


    When Little Sister Yu¡¯s child fell ill and she returned to seek help, no one in the Yu family lifted a finger. In the end, the child passed away, and Little Sister Yu left the city, never to return. Seeing her again now, Zhao Guihua realized this must be the time when Little Sister Yu and her husband came back to ask for help.


    Aunt Zhou said, ¡°Didn¡¯t Little Sister Yu stay in the countryside and marry someone there? Why is she back all of a sudden?¡±


    Aunt Wang said, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come too.¡±


    Zhao Guihua quickly followed, and the rest of the courtyard residents trailed behind.


    When they arrived, they saw Little Sister Yu and her husband had already entered the house with their child. Not only were Zhao Guihua and the others craning their necks to see, but the neighbors were also peeking out. After all, Little Sister Yu¡¯s sudden return was quite a surprise.


    While everyone else was there to gawk, the atmosphere inside the house was far from pleasant.


    Little Sister Yu¡¯s sisters-in-law stood with their arms crossed, glaring at her and her family with hostility.


    The eldest sister-in-law was the first to speak. ¡°Little Sister Yu, why are you back? You didn¡¯t even let us know you were coming. Don¡¯t you see how cramped it is here? There¡¯s no room for you!¡±


    The second sister-in-law chimed in, ¡°Exactly. A married daughter is like spilled water¡ªyou can¡¯t just come back whenever you feel like it. And look at how shabby you all look! It¡¯s embarrassing! Our family¡¯s reputation in the courtyard is already bad enough. Do you really want to make it worse? You might not care, but I still have to live here¡­¡±


    Before she could finish, Madam Yu cut her off.


    ¡°Shut up! This isn¡¯t your house to boss around. If you¡¯re so embarrassed, you can move out. I won¡¯t stop you. I can rent this place to anyone.¡±


    She turned to her daughter. Little Sister Yu had been in her early twenties when she went to the countryside. Now, at thirty-six or thirty-seven, she looked like she was in her forties¡ªmaybe even fifties. Life had been hard on her. Her face was worn, her clothes patched and tattered, and even her cloth shoes had patches.


    Her husband looked even worse. To put it bluntly, even the scrap collectors on the street dressed better than him. Their child was no better off¡ªpale, thin, and listless, with sunken cheeks and dull eyes.


    Madam Yu glanced at the child and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the kid?¡±


    Anyone could see the child was sickly.


    As soon as Madam Yu asked, Little Sister Yu fell to her knees, and her husband followed suit, still holding the child.


    Little Sister Yu cried, ¡°Mom, please help us. Erlin is sick. We¡¯ve spent all our money on his treatment, but he¡¯s not getting any better. We¡¯re desperate¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your child is sickly? Why would you bring a sick child here? What if he infects us?¡±


    Little Sister Yu said awkwardly, ¡°No, it¡¯s not contagious.¡±


    ¡°How do we know that? You¡­¡±


    Madam Yu snapped, ¡°Get out!¡±


    She pointed to the door. ¡°Out, out! Don¡¯t come here causing trouble.¡±


    She had no patience for her sons and daughters-in-law. When things went wrong, they were nowhere to be found, so she had no plans to rely on them in her old age. The old couple held tight to their house, giving their children no chance to take it.


    She said, ¡°All of you, get out.¡±


    Then she added, ¡°As for your child¡­¡±


    Little Sister Yu felt a deep ache in her heart, holding back her tears, but they streamed down her face uncontrollably. "He¡¯s seriously ill. The doctor said it can be treated, but it requires a lot of money. I really have no other options left. Please, Mom, please, Dad, help me. I¡¯m truly at the end of my rope."


    If there had been any other way, she wouldn¡¯t have come back to beg. She knew her parents didn¡¯t particularly care for her, even though she was the only girl in the family. No one had ever truly valued her.


    Back then, when the call for rural relocation came, it shouldn¡¯t have been her turn to go. But in the end, it was her who ended up leaving.


    She had given up her life here, her job, and even her relationship. With no money to her name, she had packed her bags and headed to the remote northwest. Life there was unbearably hard. If she hadn¡¯t been pushed to her absolute limit, she wouldn¡¯t have married a local man.


    She had truly suffered too much.


    But what else could she do?


    Fate hadn¡¯t been kind to her. Now, her child was sick, and the treatment required a fortune. Their home was already stripped bare. She didn¡¯t know if she would receive any help, but this was her last hope. She and her husband had borrowed money from the village to buy train tickets to the capital.


    "Mom, Dad, I beg you... I¡¯ll do anything, even work like an ox or a horse, just please help me, help my child."


    She sobbed uncontrollably, and her husband wept beside her. Their four- or five-year-old son clung to his father¡¯s back, listless but softly murmuring, "Don¡¯t cry, Mom and Dad, I¡¯ll be okay..."


    Old Man Yu glanced at his wife. Madam Yu stared at the child for a long while before finally breaking the silence. "Get up."


    Little Sister Yu looked up at her mother through tear-filled eyes.


    The old woman went into the house and returned shortly with a handkerchief. "I have 120 yuan here. It¡¯s all the savings I have. Take 100 and take the child to see a doctor."


    Little Sister Yu was stunned, then burst into loud sobs.


    She didn¡¯t even know why she was crying¡ªwhether it was because her child might have a chance or because her mother had actually given her the money.


    This had been her last hope. She had expected to be met with cold shoulders and harsh words, but she was willing to endure anything, even working like a beast of burden, just to beg her parents for help. After all, this was her final lifeline. Yet, she hadn¡¯t expected her mother to agree so quickly.


    The more she cried, the more her husband joined in, weeping just as hard.


    They had exhausted every possible avenue to borrow money for their child¡¯s treatment. His wife had always said her family might not help, but this was their last glimmer of hope. If even her family refused, then there truly was no hope left.


    He believed her, because even though they were both sent-down youths, she was the only one who never received letters, packages, or even a word of concern from home. When she first went to the countryside, her mother had even written asking for things from her. It was unheard of.


    They had come here in despair, but within that despair, there was still a sliver of hope.


    Neither of them had expected it to go so smoothly.


    "Look at you two, grown adults crying like this. Take the child to see a doctor and stay here. We¡¯ll make do with the space."


    These days, young people preferred beds, but the older generation was more accustomed to sleeping on a kang. Fortunately, their home had one, so they could squeeze in.


    "Make do for now."


    Little Sister Yu continued to cry uncontrollably. Madam Yu helped her up and then turned to the little boy who was crying along with his parents. "What¡¯s your name?"


    The child, pitifully sobbing, clung to his father¡¯s side. His father coaxed him, "This is your grandma and grandpa. Say hello."


    The boy whispered timidly, "Grandma, Grandpa."


    After a pause, he added softly, "My name is Erlin."


    Madam Yu looked at the child and asked, "Have you eaten?"


    The couple hesitated for a moment before nodding.


    Madam Yu saw through their lie. "If you haven¡¯t eaten, just say so. Now that you¡¯re back, there¡¯s no need to pretend."


    She said, "Eat something, then go to the hospital."


    "Mom..."


    Madam Yu went to the cupboard, hesitated for a moment, then took out an egg. "I¡¯ll make you an egg."


    At the mention of an egg, Erlin¡¯s eyes lit up, and he couldn¡¯t help but swallow, his little hands clutching his clothes, clearly craving it but not daring to say yes. Seeing this, Madam Yu sighed and started cooking.


    Little Sister Yu was in a daze.


    She instinctively stood up. "Let me help..."


    Madam Yu said, "Alright, steam some mixed-grain buns."


    Little Sister Yu whispered, "We can just eat coarse pancakes."


    Madam Yu insisted, "Make them."


    As the cooking began, the crying stopped, and the people outside breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, the daughters-in-law of the Yu family were all eavesdropping at the door, seething with anger. Eldest Sister-in-law Yu stood in the yard, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "She¡¯s really lost her mind. She¡¯s never been kind to her own sons and grandchildren, but now she¡¯s willing to spend money on a sickly child. She¡¯s really asking for trouble. A hundred yuan, just wasted like that. She¡¯s truly an old fool!"


    She didn¡¯t hold back.


    After all, they paid rent to live here¡ªit wasn¡¯t free.


    She had every right to be angry.


    Madam Yu wasn¡¯t one to back down. She stormed out and yelled, "You cursed woman! You¡¯ve never been good to me, so why should I go out of my way to be good to you? Your sons and daughters don¡¯t even show me respect¡ªthey don¡¯t even greet me when they see me. And you expect me to care for them? Do you think I¡¯m a fool? If you¡¯re so fed up, then get out! Get out! I won¡¯t rent to you anymore. I can rent my house to anyone¡ªyou¡¯re not special! With ungrateful people like you, I can¡¯t trust you. I don¡¯t even expect you to take care of me in my old age. What do I have to fear from you?"


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu was left gasping for breath.


    The other daughters-in-law were in the same boat. They knew they had no real leverage over the old couple. The old woman had already declared she didn¡¯t need them for her retirement, and that had been their only way to control her.


    Now that she wasn¡¯t playing along, they were at a loss.


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu wailed, "What kind of family have I married into? Other parents do everything for their sons, but this family has always been biased and cruel. Our lives are unbearable..."


    Madam Yu shot back, "If it¡¯s unbearable, then go die!"


    She let out a heavy huff, slammed the door shut, and shouted fiercely, "You think you can control me? Hah!"


    Little Sister Yu and her family of three were left speechless.


    Erlin, frightened, buried his face in his mother¡¯s arms. This grandma was really scary.


    Little Sister Yu thought to herself, *This is the mother I know.*


    Madam Yu said, "Don¡¯t pay attention to your sisters-in-law. I can¡¯t be bothered with them. They all think they¡¯re so important. If they keep provoking me, I¡¯ll kick them out."


    She made some egg soup for the child. It cooked quickly, and she handed it to him. "Here, drink some egg soup."


    Erlin looked timidly at Madam Yu, swallowing hard but glancing at his mother for permission. Little Sister Yu, her eyes red, said, "Go ahead, but be careful. It¡¯s hot."


    The boy nodded obediently and said softly, "I know."


    He took a sip, savoring it, and then smiled. "It¡¯s so good."


    Little Sister Yu, unsure of the family¡¯s situation, asked quietly, "Mom, what¡¯s going on?"


    Madam Yu replied, "After Baoshan died, I saw the true colors of your brothers. None of them are good people. They¡¯re all just after your father¡¯s and my possessions. They don¡¯t care about us at all. So, we¡¯re not going to indulge them. As long as we own the house, we have nothing to fear. Right now, I¡¯ve rented out two rooms to them. Each room costs five yuan a month. If they don¡¯t like it, they can leave. The ten yuan we get from rent is enough for your father and me to live on."


    Little Sister Yu had only contacted her family once in all these years. Her eldest brother had written her a letter saying that Baoshan had died, her parents had been imprisoned, and she should never contact them again or write back. So, Little Sister Yu knew a little about what had happened.


    "What¡¯s wrong with your child?"


    Little Sister Yu replied, "It¡¯s hard to explain. It¡¯s quite complicated. He¡¯s been sickly since he was little..."


    "Do you only have one child?"


    "No, there¡¯s another. He has an older sister, but I didn¡¯t bring her this time."


    They had come out to seek medical treatment, so naturally, they couldn¡¯t bring their entire family along.


    Madam Yu nodded, "How old is that one?"


    "Eight years old, and this little one is four."


    Madam Yu pursed her lips and continued, "What does your husband do?"


    Little Sister Yu replied, "He''s just a farmer. Back when I first went to the countryside, he often helped me with work."


    Madam Yu glanced at her son-in-law again and remarked, "He looks quite old."


    Little Sister Yu''s husband chuckled warmly, not taking offense.


    As they chatted about family matters, the others outside began heading back. On the way, Aunt Zhou enthusiastically said, "Why has Little Sister Yu come back? Her husband doesn¡¯t look like much. I remember her former boyfriend was quite a handsome young man¡­"


    Zhao Guihua shot her a look and said, "Stop bringing up those old, irrelevant stories. If someone overhears, it¡¯ll stir up gossip, and that won¡¯t be good for Little Sister Yu. That was so many years ago."


    Aunt Wang also nodded, "Exactly, let¡¯s not talk about that. I didn¡¯t expect her to come back. Over the years, those who went to the countryside have been returning to the city one after another. I thought she wouldn¡¯t come back."


    Back then, the girl had been practically forced to leave by her family, and there had been little contact over the years, so everyone was quite surprised. However, Aunt Zhou added, "That¡¯s not necessarily true. Even if she holds some resentment, she still had to come back. Life in the city is definitely better than what she had out there. I remember her being such a pretty girl. Look how worn out she looks now. She¡¯s about the same age as my daughter-in-law, but they don¡¯t even look like peers anymore."


    Zhao Guihua knew the reason, but she didn¡¯t say anything. It wasn¡¯t her place to know such things.


    She muttered, "Let¡¯s see how Madam Yu and Old Man Yu handle this."


    "With Madam Yu being so biased towards sons and unfair to daughters, she¡¯ll definitely ignore her. If she could drive her own son away, do you think she¡¯d let her daughter back in? Dream on."


    He Lan timidly chimed in, "Did you all forget? Earlier, Eldest Sister-in-law Yu mentioned that Madam Yu gave Little Sister Yu a hundred yuan¡­"


    "Oh, right¡­"


    "That¡¯s really unexpected."


    "How strange."


    "It¡¯s like seeing a ghost in broad daylight¡ªMadam Yu actually gave her money¡­"


    The group continued gossiping, as was typical for the elderly women in the neighborhood, always discussing the affairs of this family and that.


    However, Zhao Guihua was taken aback when, the next day, Eldest Sister-in-law Yu came to see her.


    This was highly unusual, as the two families had little to no interaction. Early that morning, on the second day of Hutou¡¯s college entrance exams, no one was paying attention to Hutou. Instead, everyone was busy discussing how Tao Yuyue had secretly stayed abroad and how Little Sister Yu had returned to borrow money for medical treatment.


    Although Madam Yu hadn¡¯t said anything, the Yu family¡¯s daughters-in-law had already spread the word: Little Sister Yu had come back to treat her child¡¯s illness. They had gone to the hospital, and the estimated cost was at least five to six hundred yuan. To be comfortable, they¡¯d need to prepare around a thousand yuan.


    The Yu brothers didn¡¯t agree with Madam Yu helping Little Sister Yu¡¯s family. Who had that kind of money? Even if they did, they couldn¡¯t lend it, as there was no guarantee it would be repaid. Little Sister Yu, too, was devastated by the amount needed, her face ashen.


    The family¡¯s situation had become the talk of the neighborhood, the center of everyone¡¯s attention.


    Hutou thought to himself: *Good, no one¡¯s paying attention to me.*


    It wasn¡¯t that Hutou had done poorly on the exams. In fact, he felt he had performed better than usual. As an arts student, he didn¡¯t need an exceptionally high score, so he was relatively calm. However, he was genuinely afraid of others overly concerning themselves with him, as it would only add pressure.


    With so much going on around him, he actually felt more relaxed.


    The next day, the exams continued.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua was preparing to set up her stall when Eldest Sister-in-law Yu arrived unexpectedly.


    After some small talk, Eldest Sister-in-law Yu quickly got to the point, "Aunt Zhao, I heard you have two rooms for rent, is that right?"


    Zhao Guihua indeed did. She had bought two rooms from Zheng Huimin, who had been determined to sell them, and Zhao Guihua had gotten a good deal. She had been trying to rent them out, but a month had passed, and no one had taken them.


    There were plenty of people looking to rent, but Zhao Guihua wanted to rent them out as a whole, which was why they were still available.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Yes, I do, but I¡¯m looking to rent them out together."


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu said, "I¡¯m looking to rent both. It¡¯s two rooms, right?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Yes, if you¡¯re interested, I can show them to you. The rent is nine yuan a month. It¡¯s a bit more, but it¡¯s two rooms, and they¡¯re quite spacious. You¡¯ll see for yourself¡ªit¡¯s actually a good deal."


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu agreed, "I understand. Right now, I¡¯m paying five yuan for just one room."


    After seeing the rooms, Eldest Sister-in-law Yu was impressed. "Aunt Zhao, these rooms are really nice, and the price is fair. Normally, I wouldn¡¯t try to haggle, but¡­" she hesitated, then continued, "I¡¯m really tight on money. Could you lower the price a bit? I¡¯m looking to rent long-term."


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Are you really planning to move out?"


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu nodded with a bitter smile, "Yes, I¡¯ve made up my mind. I¡¯m done dealing with the old folks. I¡¯ll rent a place elsewhere¡ªI just don¡¯t want to put up with their attitudes anymore."


    People are strange.


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu could be incredibly harsh with her own family, but with outsiders, she was perfectly polite and reasonable. Who would have thought she could have been so cruel just the day before, standing in the courtyard and hurling insults.


    People are complicated.


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said, "Eight and a half yuan. If you¡¯re okay with that, we can draw up an agreement. If not, you can keep looking."


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu¡¯s ideal price was exactly that, so she immediately agreed, "Deal! Let¡¯s settle it."


    As she looked at the rooms, she couldn¡¯t help but think, *Running a stall really does make money. Aunt Zhao can even afford to buy property now.* She herself was working as a temporary laborer, just like Wang Zizhen used to, doing odd jobs at the factory without a formal position.


    Now, she couldn¡¯t help but feel the urge to venture out, run a stall, and earn enough to buy a new home.


    She said, "Thank you, Aunt Zhao."


    Zhao Guihua asked curiously, "How¡¯s your family handling things?"


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu¡¯s face darkened with anger as she replied, "The old woman¡¯s gone mad. She wants to sell the house to pay for the child¡¯s treatment! She doesn¡¯t seem to realize that you can help in an emergency, but you can¡¯t fix poverty. Little Sister Yu¡¯s family is both in a crisis and poor! If she pours everything into this, what will she live on afterward?"


    Zhao Guihua looked at Eldest Sister-in-law Yu in shock.


    Madam Yu was actually planning to sell the house to pay for the child¡¯s treatment! Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What a bombshell!


    "Sell the house?"


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu confirmed, "Yes, they¡¯re selling the house for the treatment. My second brother has already agreed to buy it. He¡¯s been pretending to be poor all these years, but he¡¯s managed to save up some money. His wife¡¯s family is willing to lend him some, so they can scrape together enough to buy the house. The old folks are asking for nine hundred yuan and won¡¯t budge on the price. But my second brother has agreed. His family¡¯s kids are growing up, and we¡¯ve been crammed into two rooms with four families¡ªit¡¯s been unbearable. Now, my second brother is buying both rooms. The rest of us will have to move out and find other places. After so many years of squeezing together, I¡¯m fed up. I just want to rent a two-bedroom place and give myself and the kids some breathing room."


    Zhao Guihua nodded in understanding.


    Eldest Sister-in-law Yu added, "I just don¡¯t get it. Those two old misers, who¡¯ve always been so stingy, are suddenly playing the good guys. Selling the house for treatment? I can¡¯t believe it¡­"


    She spat heavily, "Disgusting!"


    Zhao Guihua sighed inwardly. People truly are complicated!

 Chapter 200

    Hutou''s college entrance exam was finally over. After three years of hard work, he had finally brought his high school life to a satisfying conclusion. Unlike the children who were just playing around during summer vacation, he had gone through the process of estimating his scores, checking his results, and applying to colleges. Fortunately, all the hard work over the past three years, including the late-night studying and the relentless effort, had paid off.


    Hutou was successfully admitted to the Film Academy''s Photography Department.


    The people Hutou was most grateful to, besides the teachers who had never given up on any of them, was Old Man Lan Sihai. If it weren''t for Old Man Lan''s guidance, which led Hutou to switch to the arts track, he would never have made it.


    But it was precisely because he switched to the arts track that he was admitted to the Photography Department, and he became the first college student in their neighborhood.


    As a local student, Hutou received his admission letter early, and everyone in the family took turns looking at it. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan stared at the admission letter and murmured, "So this is what an admission letter looks like."


    Hutou proudly replied, "Of course."


    He was beaming with pride, saying, "From now on, I''m a college student."


    He was so proud that he felt like he was floating. In their neighborhood, he was the first recent high school graduate to get into college.


    Hutou was both proud and delighted. His father, Zhuang Zhiyuan, carefully examined the admission letter several times and started crying. He had never made it to college himself, but his son had finally achieved it. Truly, the younger generation surpasses the older, and the waves of the Yangtze River push forward. He was so overwhelmed with emotion that he ran out of words.


    He cried tears of joy, and Liang Meifen was no different. Back in the day, both of them had failed the college entrance exam, but now, looking at their son, they felt he was simply amazing. Liang Meifen had almost given up hope, even though she had always wished for her son to go to college. Over the years, his academic performance had been less than stellar, and she couldn''t convince herself otherwise. But who would have thought that things would take such a positive turn?


    She muttered, "Our ancestors must be watching over us. This is truly a blessing from our ancestors. I always said the Little Thunder Temple in the south of the city was effective. It really is! I must go and pay my respects again."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan scolded her, "Don''t talk nonsense."


    Superstitious beliefs were not to be encouraged.


    It was all thanks to their son''s hard work.


    He patted Hutou on the shoulder vigorously and said, "Well done, kid! You''re truly my son!"


    Hutou almost stumbled from the force of the pat.


    Zhuang Zhixi came to Hutou''s rescue, saving him from being slapped down by his father, and said, "Big brother, why don''t you go outside and set off some firecrackers?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "Right, right, I''ll go do that."


    He quickly went outside, and the firecrackers crackled loudly. Everyone in the courtyard gathered around, sharing in the joy.


    Aunt Zhou pushed her grandson Qijin forward and said, "Qijin, go touch Hutou''s butt for good luck. Then maybe you''ll get into college too."


    Qijin, confused, asked, "Why the butt?"


    Aunt Zhou replied, "Because it''s a sure thing!"


    Qijin felt a bit awkward but hesitantly made his way over to Hutou. Hutou generously said, "Go ahead, touch it!"


    Qijin thought, "I don''t really want to, but it sounds like it might bring good luck."


    He hesitated, and Yuanyuan quickly said, "Let''s hold hands instead, brother! We can hold hands!"


    Qijin immediately felt relieved and asked, "Is holding hands okay too?"


    Yuanyuan nodded seriously, "Of course! Holding hands passes on good luck!"


    Qijin''s eyes lit up, and he thought that made perfect sense.


    He quickly stepped forward, saying, "I want to hold hands too."


    "Me too!"


    Several children rushed forward to hold Hutou''s hands. These kids had been running wild all summer, and none of them were particularly clean. After holding hands with them, Hutou looked at his own hands¡ªthey were filthy!


    He twitched his lips and asked, "What have you all been doing?"


    Yuanyuan innocently replied, "Nothing much."


    As soon as she finished speaking, she saw her grandfather and father starting to hand out candy. Yuanyuan immediately dashed over, shouting, "Candy!"


    Li Zhenzhen, Bai Qingqing, and the other little girls rushed forward as well.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "There''s enough for everyone!"


    After seeing the admission score line, the family had known Hutou was likely to get in. Zhao Guihua had already bought candy in advance, waiting to distribute it when the admission letter arrived. Zhuang Zhiyuan was so overjoyed that he was practically incoherent and seemed to be in a daze.


    The task of handing out the candy fell to Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhixi.


    Both of them were genuinely happy. Old Man Zhuang even boasted, "This kid of ours is a real prodigy!"


    "Grandpa, I want candy too!" Tuantuan, after getting candy from his dad, went to his grandfather for more. He was double-dipping.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Here, here, take as much as you want."


    On such a joyous occasion, not only the children but also the adults came forward to share in the good fortune. They didn''t care about the distinction between arts and sciences; all they knew was that Hutou had gotten into college.


    Zhao Guihua had bought a lot of candy. She wasn''t short on money, and for such a happy event, she wasn''t going to hold back. Compared to others, Zhao Guihua''s excitement was no less. In her previous life, Hutou hadn''t made it to college.


    Getting into college meant that her child was on a completely different path.


    Old Man Zhuang knew exactly how much candy his wife had bought, and he didn''t hesitate to hand it out. Normally quite frugal, he couldn''t care less about saving money on such a joyous occasion. He laughed heartily, and anyone who came up to him was met with a smile.


    He had worked at the machinery factory for decades before retiring, and everyone in the neighborhood knew him. They all came over to congratulate him.


    "Old Man Zhuang, your Hutou has really made you proud. Our alley hasn''t had a college student before. You''re the first, and it shows how well you''ve raised your child."


    "I think it''s also genetics. Zhuang Zhiyuan and his wife both graduated from high school, so it''s only natural their child got into college. I didn''t even finish elementary school, so getting my kid into college is a real challenge!"


    "You have to discipline kids early, or they won''t grow up straight."


    "Well¡­"


    The Zhuang family didn''t have much experience in child-rearing, but that didn''t stop everyone from chattering away.


    "Little Zhuang, give me a piece of candy too. I want to share in the good fortune."


    "You''ve already had two pieces."


    "Mind your own business¡­ I just want my older daughter to have some good luck, and my younger daughter too."


    "You''re really good at making excuses¡­"


    Unlike the adults, who were being polite, the children didn''t care about any of that. They all stuffed their pockets with candy and ran around the alley happily. The joyful summer vacation became even sweeter with the candy.


    The kids hanging around the area were all from the neighborhood. Even if they didn''t know each other well, they were at least familiar faces. The children, clutching their candy, muttered, "I wish more people would get into college. If it happened every day, that would be great."


    That way, they could have candy every day.


    Madam Yu returned from the hospital with her daughter and family. Erlin, perched on his father''s shoulder, looked enviously at everyone but didn''t dare ask for candy.


    Madam Yu asked curiously, "What''s going on here?"


    Given Madam Yu''s reputation for stealing underwear to make dolls, which had earned her the disdain of even the neighborhood dogs, she wasn''t exactly popular. But even though she wasn''t well-liked, someone still answered her question.


    "Hutou from the Zhuang family got into college. They just set off firecrackers, and now they''re handing out candy," someone replied with a smile. "Go get some candy, kid, and share in the good fortune."


    Even though Madam Yu was disliked, the children weren''t at fault.


    Seeing everyone else joining in the celebration, Madam Yu said jealously, "Zhao Guihua is really showing off this time."


    Despite her words, she didn''t hold back. She walked right over and said, "Come on, let''s go share in the good fortune too."


    Madam Yu had thick skin. She stepped forward with a smile and said, "Congratulations! Hutou has made it big. This is such a happy occasion. I, an old lady, want to share in the good fortune too."


    Old Man Zhuang smiled and grabbed a handful of candy for Madam Yu, saying, "Here, have some candy!"


    Seeing the child looking at him timidly, swallowing hard but not daring to ask, he also grabbed a big handful and handed it to the child, saying, "Here you go! Be happy, little one."


    Little Erlin was stunned. He hadn''t expected to receive so much candy. His eyes widened, and his face turned red with excitement. To a child, this was the best thing ever. Candy like this was something they only got during the New Year.


    Even during the New Year, their family distributed things according to the number of people. The little child looked at Old Man Zhuang with sparkling eyes.


    Little Sister Yu said, "Hurry up and thank Grandpa."


    The child shyly replied, "Thank you, Grandpa."


    Old Man Zhuang responded, "Ah."


    He then said, "Little Sister Yu, come here, let me give you some too."


    Little Sister Yu felt embarrassed and said, "No, no, we adults don¡¯t need candy. We¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi interjected, "Sister Yu, take it. Everyone gets some. Our Hutou got into university, and we¡¯re celebrating."


    Little Sister Yu noticed that everyone around her indeed had candy, though most adults didn¡¯t eat theirs, instead pocketing it to take home for their children. Seeing this, she nodded quietly and said, "Congratulations."


    "My brother is amazing!"


    A soft, sweet voice chimed in. Little Sister Yu looked down and saw a doll-like little girl smiling sweetly at her, her tone filled with pride.


    She asked, "Who is this¡­?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "My daughter."


    He casually pulled his daughter closer and said, "This is Aunt Yu."


    Yuanyuan called out cheerfully, "Hello, Aunt Yu!"


    She wriggled out of her father¡¯s arms and said, "Dad, I¡¯m busy. I can¡¯t stay with you."


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What are you up to now?"


    "Grandma asked us to buy some pork spine! We¡¯re stewing it for lunch."


    She opened her little hand to show her father the money.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Alright, go ahead."


    Yuanyuan said, "I¡¯m off!"


    "Yuanyuan, hurry up!"


    The other children had already run out of the alley, and even six-year-old Ye Sitian was toddling along with her short legs, not falling behind at all.


    Yuanyuan called back, "Coming, coming¡­"


    The group of children ran off together, and Erlin looked back enviously.


    Little Sister Yu patted her son and said, "Once you¡¯re better, you can play with the other kids."


    They didn¡¯t stay long and soon returned to the Yu family. Because Little Sister Yu had come back to borrow money for her son¡¯s treatment, her brothers had stopped speaking to their parents and ignored her family entirely, not even greeting them when they met.


    Little Sister Yu wanted to mend the relationship, but no one paid her any attention. They were all afraid that the money for the treatment wouldn¡¯t be enough and that she might ask them for more. Whenever they saw her, their expressions turned sour.


    The other children in the family had moved away, leaving only the second son, who had bought a house and lived in the same courtyard. When the second son¡¯s wife saw them return, she slammed the door shut with a loud bang.


    Madam Yu scoffed, "Hmph, as if anyone cares about her."


    She went inside, took out the candies, and placed them on the table, saying, "Put these away for the child. Let him have one piece a day. I¡¯ve always said you¡¯re a fool, not quick-witted. When Old Man Zhuang was handing out candies, why didn¡¯t you go up and say something nice? It wouldn¡¯t have cost you anything. Being shy won¡¯t put food on the table."


    Little Sister Yu smiled but didn¡¯t argue.


    Erlin, however, looked at the candies on the table in amazement, "So many candies!"


    Their family never bought this many candies, even during the New Year.


    Old Lady Yu said, "Husband, you should go too. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to get more."


    Old Man Yu hesitated, "This¡­"


    Old Lady Yu insisted, "Come on, I¡¯ll go with you."


    She went to join the commotion and then instructed her daughter, "You make lunch."


    Little Sister Yu replied, "Alright."


    As the two of them walked out, Old Lady Yu glanced at the neighboring house and sighed, "It¡¯s such a pity they sold this house."


    Old Man Yu also felt the loss, but he was more straightforward, "What else could we do? We couldn¡¯t just let the child die. After all, he¡¯s family."


    When they visited the hospital, the doctor had been very clear. The illness was serious but treatable. If left untreated, the child might not make it through the year.


    What could they do? They couldn¡¯t just watch the child die.


    Old Man Yu sighed, "None of our sons are reliable. I don¡¯t expect much from our daughter and grandson, but this is a matter of life and death. I can¡¯t just stand by and watch. We¡¯ve already buried Baoshan, our own child. Are we going to let Little Sister Yu¡¯s child die too? Let¡¯s just save him. Besides, we¡¯ve already agreed that this is a loan. They¡¯ll pay us back in the future¡­"


    Old Lady Yu muttered, "They¡¯re so poor. How will they ever repay us?"


    Old Man Yu turned to her and said, "But didn¡¯t you insist on treating him?"


    Old Lady Yu felt a bit embarrassed but then retorted, "It¡¯s because he reminds me of Baoshan!"


    Old Man Yu called her out, "That¡¯s nonsense. Erlin doesn¡¯t look anything like Baoshan. You¡¯re just being stubborn. It¡¯s okay to admit you have a soft heart! I feel the same way. He¡¯s so young and pitiful. I¡¯ve never seen a four-year-old so thin. Look at Ye Sitian, she¡¯s only two years older but a whole head taller. Poor child, born into such hardship. But no matter how tough life is, we can¡¯t just let him die. Let¡¯s save him. We¡¯ll worry about gratitude later."


    "Exactly!"


    Old Lady Yu sighed and then added, "Husband, don¡¯t you think Little Sister Yu was never this thin when she lived at home? What kind of man did she marry to end up like this? Our daughters-in-law are living comfortably in the city, but our own daughter is suffering in the countryside. It¡¯s so unfair¡­" Even though she didn¡¯t prioritize her daughter, she was still her own flesh and blood. The daughters-in-law were outsiders.


    "When they come back this time, let¡¯s get them a temporary residence permit so they can stay here."


    "Alright!"


    As the two walked ahead, they didn¡¯t realize Little Sister Yu was following not far behind.


    Her mother had asked her to make lunch, and she had come out to ask what dishes to prepare since she wasn¡¯t in charge here. But unexpectedly, she overheard the conversation between her parents. She stood still, her eyes reddening. Because of the money she had borrowed, her husband¡¯s relatives had all distanced themselves, afraid of being asked for more.


    She understood¡ªthey were afraid of being asked for money.


    These days, no one had much to spare. Her husband¡¯s brothers had also cut ties with them. When they came out for their son¡¯s treatment, they couldn¡¯t bring their eldest daughter and had to leave her with her mother-in-law after much pleading. She had been feeling lost about the future, but now, it seemed there was a glimmer of hope.


    She knew that the rent from these two rooms was her parents¡¯ only source of income. Selling the house meant they would have nothing left. But she had no choice. She could only selfishly watch as her parents made this sacrifice.


    She quietly turned back home. Her husband, Yang Shulin, noticed her dazed expression and asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Little Sister Yu looked up and said, "I just realized how hard it¡¯s been for my parents."


    Yang Shulin understood his wife¡¯s feelings. After all, the old couple had sold their house to pay for their child¡¯s treatment¡ªsomething his own parents wouldn¡¯t have done. He was deeply grateful to them. No matter how much they had neglected his wife in the past, when it came to a matter of life and death, they had stood firm in their decision to save the child.


    This moved Yang Shulin deeply.


    He said earnestly, "We¡¯ll make sure to treat him well and take care of them in their old age."


    Little Sister Yu nodded, "Yes, we must work hard. Once the child is better, we¡¯ll repay my parents."


    "Agreed."


    Little Sister Yu regained her composure and asked, "Where¡¯s Erlin?"


    "He¡¯s tired and fell asleep. He was counting the candies earlier, saying he wanted to save them for his sister."


    Little Sister Yu smiled.


    Yang Shulin remarked, "The standard of living in the capital is really high. I¡¯ve never seen candies handed out like this before, not even at weddings."


    Little Sister Yu said, "Anyone can get married, but not everyone can get into university. Besides, I heard Aunt Zhao and others are setting up stalls. Many people on this street are doing small businesses. I even overheard my parents saying that my second brother is also doing some trading, which is how he saved up to buy a house."


    Back in their remote village, even though policies had changed years ago, things weren¡¯t as lively as in the capital. Selling goods was still done discreetly, and people preferred bartering. But here, it was different.


    Goodness, even outside the train station, there were people setting up stalls and shouting their wares.


    As he rambled on, Little Sister Yu suddenly said, "What if we set up a stall too?"


    She said, "I''ll take care of the child, and my mom can help too. We don¡¯t need so many people here. Why don¡¯t you go and set up a stall? We can¡¯t rely entirely on the money from selling our parents¡¯ house. Besides, you heard the doctor¡ªwe need at least a thousand to have some breathing room, and right now, we¡¯re still short. If we find a way to earn some money ourselves, we can cover the child¡¯s medical expenses. What do you think?"


    The more she spoke, the more she felt this was a good idea. She continued, "We used to have no options other than farming to make money, and saving enough for the child¡¯s treatment was nearly impossible. But here in the capital, there are so many opportunities. Everyone¡¯s doing something¡ªwhy can¡¯t we?"


    Yang Shulin hesitated, "Well..."


    He thought about it and, for some reason, felt his wife¡¯s words made sense.


    He nodded, "Then what should we do?"


    Little Sister Yu replied, "Let me ask my mom. She¡¯s been here longer and knows more."


    But before Old Man Yu and Madam Yu returned, Little Sister Yu suddenly had an idea. She slapped her thigh and exclaimed, "I¡¯ve got it! We can sell rolled pancakes! Right outside the hospital with a pushcart. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll sell well. You make the best pancakes."


    Yang Shulin hesitated, "Ah... this, me? Can I really do it?"


    Little Sister Yu nodded vigorously, "Of course you can!"


    She added, "Look, there are already people selling food outside the hospital. Why can¡¯t we do the same? It¡¯s convenient. In a few days, Erlin will be hospitalized, and you can set up near the hospital entrance. If anything happens, I can come and help. What do you think?"


    She grew more and more excited, even spinning in place.


    Yang Shulin agreed, "Alright, this seems doable. Let¡¯s ask your parents when they get back."


    "Okay."


    Little Sister Yu couldn¡¯t help but daydream, "If Erlin gets better and we earn enough money, we can bring our daughter here too. Then they can both study in the city..."


    Yang Shulin chuckled, "You¡¯re really thinking ahead. But where will we live?"


    Little Sister Yu replied, "We¡¯ll work hard and buy our own place."


    Yang Shulin smiled to himself, amused by his wife¡¯s ambitious thinking, but also relieved. Ever since their second child was born and fell ill, their family had been in and out of the hospital, their home stripped bare, and debts piling up. His wife had been constantly gloomy.


    If it weren¡¯t for their eldest daughter, she had even talked about jumping into the river with the baby.


    She used to see everything in a negative light, but now, at last, she was thinking positively, and that was a good thing.


    Yang Shulin said, "Then let¡¯s work hard. How about I start making pancakes this afternoon and show your parents?"


    "Good idea!"


    People are like that¡ªonce they have a vision for the future, they become energized.


    When Old Man Yu and Madam Yu returned and heard Little Sister Yu¡¯s idea, they didn¡¯t hesitate to agree. Living here, they had seen how busy everyone was, and it had made them eager to join in.


    Old Man Yu said, "I¡¯ll help you make pancakes. Madam Yu, you and Little Sister Yu can take care of the child. Let¡¯s divide the work, okay?"


    Madam Yu added, "That¡¯s fine, but let¡¯s be clear: the money you earn should first go to the child¡¯s treatment, and then you must repay us. We lent you the money, and it¡¯s not a gift. After that, whatever¡¯s left is yours."


    Little Sister Yu and her husband quickly nodded in agreement.


    Madam Yu said, "That¡¯s more like it."


    She continued, "The most successful people on this street are in Courtyard No. 44. They¡¯re always bustling with business. I¡¯ve seen Wang Zizhen working nonstop. Let me go and ask the neighbors for some tips."


    Little Sister Yu hesitated, "Will they really share their secrets with us? This is about making money, after all."


    Madam Yu reassured her, "They probably will. We¡¯re not doing the same business, so there¡¯s no competition. Asking for advice won¡¯t hurt."


    Madam Yu believed that being a little shameless wasn¡¯t a bad thing¡ªthick skin leads to a full stomach. Back in the day, Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t get along, but now they were doing business together. So she thought as long as she was sincere, it would be fine.


    After all, everyone makes mistakes.


    Besides, she hadn¡¯t actually done anything wrong¡ªjust some petty theft and superstitious nonsense like making cursed dolls. Superstition was a dangerous thing. She had cursed others, but instead, they prospered while she ended up being re-educated for years.


    It was embarrassing to even talk about. While others got into trouble for serious matters, she had been caught stealing underwear, socks, and rags for her superstitious rituals. Just thinking about it made her cringe.


    She said, "Don¡¯t worry, come with me."


    Little Sister Yu agreed, "Alright."


    Little Sister Yu hadn¡¯t been back in a long time, and the city felt completely unfamiliar to her. Even though she had grown up here, everything now seemed strange, including the neighbors.


    Both the city and its people had changed so quickly. For example, she had run into Zhuang Zhixi earlier and was struck by how much time had passed. When she left for the countryside, Zhuang Zhixi was still a high school senior.


    Now, his children were already quite grown.


    "Does Zhuang Zhixi only have one child?"


    "No, he has two¡ªa boy and a girl. They¡¯re both very smart," Madam Yu commented fairly.


    Little Sister Yu said, "You know so much about them."


    Madam Yu replied, "Well, I have eyes, don¡¯t I? Plus, their kids do well in school. Anyway, let¡¯s not talk about them. Come on, I¡¯ll take you there."


    "Okay."


    Mother and daughter headed out, passing children setting off firecrackers in the alley. Madam Yu muttered, "Why are they setting those off again?"


    "Zhou Qun bought them. They said they wanted to liven things up," someone answered casually.


    Madam Yu led her daughter into Courtyard No. 44.


    Tuantuan glanced over and said, "Why are they here?"


    Their family didn¡¯t have much to do with Madam Yu¡¯s household.


    Yuanyuan immediately said, "I¡¯ll go eavesdrop."


    The little girl had inherited her family¡¯s love of gossip.


    Li Zhenzhen chimed in, "I¡¯ll come too!"


    The two girls ran inside hand in hand and soon came back, reporting, "They want to set up a stall and are here to learn some tips."


    "Setting up a stall, huh?"


    Tuantuan sighed, "Adults are always so busy making money."


    "Of course they are. Adults make money so we kids can have new clothes and eat meat," Qijin said wisely.


    Tuantuan¡¯s eyes sparkled as he said, "Actually, we could make money too."


    The other children turned to him curiously. Tuantuan continued, "We¡¯re on summer break. Besides homework, martial arts, and the youth center, we don¡¯t have much else to do. Why not earn some money?"


    Though the kids had plenty of activities, they still had a lot of free time.


    For example, they studied together for three hours every morning, with a half-hour break in between, so it was really only two and a half hours. The other activities weren¡¯t daily, and they didn¡¯t take up the whole afternoon, so there was still plenty of time to play.


    "But what can we do?"


    Li Zhenzhen looked puzzled, "We don¡¯t know how to sell things or make food."


    Tuantuan suggested, "We can catch cicadas!"


    "Huh?"


    Everyone turned to him. Tuantuan explained, "We can catch cicadas and sell them. Last time I went to my uncle¡¯s place for martial arts training, I saw a small restaurant nearby that buys them."


    He was a very observant child, always noticing details in life.


    "If others can sell them, so can we. We¡¯ll catch cicadas together, sell them, and split the money. What do you think?"


    "Sounds good to me."


    "Me too."


    The kids quickly reached a consensus. It was the middle of a hot summer, and they already spent their days catching cicadas for fun. If they could make money from it, even better! The group grew enthusiastic.


    Ye Siyuan immediately said, "There are lots of trees in the little grove. That¡¯s where the cicadas are."


    "Yeah, it¡¯s so noisy there when I go fishing with Mom," Ye Sitian, who was only three feet tall, chimed in with her opinion.


    Tuantuan concluded, "Then it¡¯s settled."


    "Wait," Yuanyuan raised her hand, "Brother, should we keep this a secret or tell the adults?"


    Tuantuan asked, "What do you think?"


    Qijin answered, "We should definitely keep it to ourselves. If the adults find out, they¡¯ll say we¡¯re not focusing on the right things."


    Bai Qingqing quickly nodded: "My mom says that the most important thing for kids is to study. If she finds out we''re trying to make money, she might scold me."


    "Don''t tell her. This is our secret," Ye Sijia chimed in.


    Li Zhenzhen: "Then let''s not say anything. My older brothers all have secret savings, and I want to have some too."


    Tuantuan: "Then it''s settled. This is our secret!"


    "Right, a secret!"


    Their little faces lit up with excitement. They had a secret now, just like grown-ups.


    Ye Sitian, who had been tagging along, joined in the chatter. Li Zhenzhen poked her and said, "You''re not allowed to tell either, okay?"


    Ye Sitian puffed out her chest: "I won''t!"


    She said it so loudly!


    "Then... why don''t we go now?"


    Since we''re free anyway.


    "Let''s go!"


    The kids quickly gathered their gear. Except for the youngest, Ye Sitian, everyone had a cicada-catching net. They walked proudly, heads held high. Tuantuan led the way, holding little Sitian''s hand. "You''re too young to catch them, but we''ll share with you. We''re a team, and everyone is important."


    Little Sitian pursed her lips and nodded solemnly: "I''ll catch them when I grow up."


    "Right."


    Little Sitian smiled and said, "I''ll be really, really strong when I grow up."


    Ye Siyuan and Ye Sijia exchanged worried glances, clearly doubting their little sister. She seemed a bit... well, not the sharpest tool in the shed.


    But Tuantuan, ever the comforting big brother, said, "I think you''ll be amazing when you grow up. My little sister couldn''t do much when she was young, but now she''s super capable."


    Yuanyuan nodded: "I can even climb trees."


    Little Sitian quickly asked, "Yuanyuan, will I be able to climb trees when I grow up?"


    Yuanyuan: "...Probably?"


    She could climb trees because she had learned martial arts, right?


    She glanced at her brother, who shook his head subtly. Yuanyuan took the hint and decided to humor her little sister. She was good at that: "You''ll be able to do it when you grow up."


    Little Sitian immediately brightened up, waddling like a little duckling as she walked.


    Qijin watched the little girl and whispered to Bai Qingqing, "She''s... not the brightest. Do you think she''ll really get smarter when she grows up?"


    Yuanyuan was clearly just humoring her.


    Bai Qingqing: "...You know everything, don''t you?"


    Qijin: "..."


    Meanwhile, Li Zhenzhen was walking ahead enthusiastically, her voice loud and clear: "Tuantuan, can we make a lot of money from this?"


    Tuantuan: "We can get one yuan per pound, but it takes a lot of cicadas to make a pound."


    In those days, one yuan was a big deal.


    For kids, it was even more significant, though for wealthier families, it wasn''t much. It all depended on who you were.


    Li Zhenzhen: "With so many of us, each person will only get a little."


    She pouted.


    Tuantuan, however, remained calm. "We''re just kids. We can''t exactly set up a stall and sell things like adults. No one would trust us. Kids should do kid things, and even adults find it hard to make money."


    He knew this well. His father worked hard every day, even setting up a stall after work and only coming home late at night.


    Li Zhenzhen thought about it and nodded: "That''s true."


    Yuanyuan: "We''ll start small and work our way up. When we grow up, we''ll make a lot of money."


    Li Zhenzhen: "You''re right. If I make money, I''ll put it in my piggy bank."


    "Me too."


    "Same here."


    Each of them had a piggy bank, a gift from Grandpa Lan. When Grandpa Lan returned from Jinling, he brought presents for all the kids. Each of them got a little piggy bank. Though they were all piggy banks, each one was slightly different, and the kids loved their gifts.


    Qijin: "I''m going to fill my piggy bank. When I grow up a bit, I''ll buy myself a bicycle."


    Yuanyuan immediately said, "My dad said he''ll buy me and my brother bicycles when we start middle school."


    "Ah!" Qijin quickly said, "Then I''ll go home and tell my parents too."


    "Me too, me too."


    The kids soon arrived at the small grove, where cicadas were abundant. They got to work right away.


    Though they were only around ten years old, they were seasoned cicada catchers.


    But they weren''t the only ones there. Other kids were around too. In the summer, catching cicadas was a favorite pastime. After catching them, they could roast and eat them. Though it was just a tiny bit of meat, it was still meat.


    No child could resist the allure of meat.


    Despite the number of kids, there was no fighting. Even though they were young, they had their own territories. This area was close to their neighborhood, so it was mostly kids from the machine factory''s residential area. They were like "family."


    "Tuantuan, are you coming to the outskirts tomorrow?" another kid called out.


    They were not only neighbors but also classmates, so they all knew each other well.


    Tuantuan shook his head: "I have to go to my master''s place tomorrow, and I have piano lessons in the afternoon."


    "You''re so busy..."


    Tuantuan: "My dad says it''s just for fun. If I don''t want to do it, I don''t have to. But I want to learn."


    They didn''t have many extracurricular activities.


    Martial arts were a must. Their mom knew it, so it would be embarrassing if they didn''t. They wanted to be as strong as her. As for piano, each of the kids had their own talent to learn. Though they sometimes complained, none of them wanted to give up.


    If their friends could do it, they didn''t want to be left behind.


    Despite their young age, they were quite competitive.


    Tuantuan: "You guys go ahead and have fun."


    "Next time, then."


    "Sure."


    After settling that, the other group of kids left. Little Sitian sidled up to Tuantuan and asked, "Tuantuan, you''ll take me with you when you go out to play, right?"


    Tuantuan: "..." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Going to the outskirts? He really didn''t want to bring this little tagalong.


    Little Sitian cooed sweetly, "You''ll take me, won''t you?"


    She pointed at herself, calling herself "baby."


    Ugh!


    The other kids all rubbed their arms, feeling a bit creeped out.


    Tuantuan: "Fine!"


    Little Sitian: "Tuantuan, you''re the best!"


    Ye Siyuan and Ye Sijia: "Heh!"


    Such a hopeless little sister.


    Li Zhenzhen: "Yuanyuan, over here! There are a few cicadas up high. I can''t reach them. Can you climb the tree?"


    Yuanyuan: "Sure!"


    Tuantuan: "Be careful!"


    Yuanyuan: "Don''t worry! Yuanyuan the Hero never backs down!"


    She quickly climbed the tree, looking down triumphantly from above. "Comrades, I''m up here!"


    Bai Qingqing admired her: "Yuanyuan, you''re amazing."


    Yuanyuan''s little tail was practically wagging. She completely forgot her mom''s warning about not climbing trees casually. But she thought it was fine¡ªshe wasn''t wearing a skirt today. She had on a pair of cotton cropped pants, perfect for climbing.


    Sitting on the branch, she extended her bamboo pole, the net at the end catching a cicada. She pulled it back and dropped the cicada into her bag. The cicada buzzed loudly.


    "There are more over here."


    Tuantuan watched his sister on the tree and said worriedly, "Be careful, okay? Don''t push yourself too hard."


    "Okay!"


    Yuanyuan thought her brother was being a bit of a nag.


    But she knew he was just concerned. Sitting on the branch, she felt proud of herself.


    Bai Qingqing said enviously, "Yuanyuan, can you see really far from up there?"


    Yuanyuan nodded: "Yeah, I can see really far."


    She pretended to gaze into the distance. "Let me see..."


    Suddenly, she stopped and said, "Huh?"


    "What is it?"


    "What do you see?"


    Yuanyuan: "I see Su Jinlai. He''s acting sneaky."


    "Huh?"


    Everyone got curious and pressed her for details. "What''s he doing?"


    "Yeah, tell us!"


    Even though they couldn''t see for themselves, they were all eager to know.


    Yuanyuan: "I''ll keep watching for now."


    Su Jinlai had no idea at this moment that he was already being watched. He had purposely gone a bit farther to avoid being seen. Life was just too hard. Su Jinlai, a man with a good personality and good looks, was now struggling to get by.


    Since the last incident involving Hu Huihui, she hadn¡¯t contacted him for a long time. But Su Jinlai didn¡¯t dare to approach her either. That woman had a habit of bringing burly men to teach him a lesson whenever she was upset, and Su Jinlai knew he was no match for them.


    "A gentleman uses words, not fists," they say.


    But Su Jinlai was no gentleman.


    What could he do? He couldn¡¯t win in a fight!


    In the past, Su Jinlai used to hang out with the local tough guys like Brother Hei, but for some reason, Brother Hei and his gang had been caught by the police. At the time, Su Jinlai was thrilled. He thought to himself, "Serves them right!"


    After all, Brother Hei had never treated him as one of their own.


    But the joy he felt back then had turned into gloom now.


    Because he realized that apart from Brother Hei and his gang, he didn¡¯t really know anyone else. Even if he wanted to make some quick money through shady means, there was no one to help him. It was pitiful.


    He had no source of income, and his mother had even confiscated the money he had earned before. Poor Su Jinlai, a young man in his prime, was just wasting his days. He was so desperate that he even stole a chicken from his own home to have something to eat.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to steal from others, but he simply couldn¡¯t pull it off.


    He had come to realize that if he stole from others, they wouldn¡¯t let him off easily. The people in their courtyard were all tough, and they wouldn¡¯t hesitate to call the police. Unlike the old days when he was in the countryside, where people tried to resolve things themselves and keep matters low-key, the folks here were used to dealing with the police.


    There were too many incidents in their neighborhood, and everyone had gotten used to calling the cops for even the smallest issues.


    So Su Jinlai really didn¡¯t dare to act recklessly.


    But stealing from his own home was different. Was it really stealing if it was from his own family?


    Of course not!


    So he decided to target his own home.


    Recently, there weren¡¯t many chickens left in the courtyard. In the past, almost every household raised chickens, but since everyone had started focusing on making money, they no longer had the time to take care of them. Most families had already killed and eaten their chickens.


    Only his family still had chickens, because his younger brother, Tonglai, took care of them. It didn¡¯t bother his mother, who didn¡¯t have to feed them or anything, so their chickens were still alive and well. But to Su Jinlai, they were just an eyesore.


    His mouth was watering at the thought of eating chicken, so he decided to steal one and roast it.


    After all, there were so many kids around. He could just blame it on one of them.


    He chuckled to himself, feeling quite pleased.


    Su Jinlai didn¡¯t dare to roast the chicken near his home. If his mother found out, she would throw a fit. Her temper had been quite volatile lately. So he went a bit farther, looking for a secluded spot where he could enjoy his meal in peace.


    He wrung the chicken¡¯s neck, stuffed it into his clothes, and held his "belly" as he ran out. He made his way to a small grove, looking around carefully. He found a seemingly hidden spot and stopped there. If he went any farther, he might run into some kids, and that would be trouble.


    With a grin, he found a perfect spot and took the chicken out of his clothes. He kissed the chicken¡¯s beak and said, "You¡¯ve worked hard laying eggs every day, old hen. Now you¡¯re finally free."


    He started plucking the feathers, humming a little tune: "Today is a good day..."


    Little did he know, while there was no one around him, someone was watching from a distance. Yuanyuan, perched high up, was giving a live commentary to her friends.


    "Brother Jinlai is sneaking around, looking left and right..."


    "Brother Jinlai found a bush and crouched down. I wonder if he¡¯s going to take a dump..."


    At this point, Tuantuan interrupted Yuanyuan: "Come down. You shouldn¡¯t peek at boys doing their business. It¡¯s gross, and girls shouldn¡¯t watch that."


    Yuanyuan: "Oh, oh... Wait, no! He¡¯s not doing that. He took a chicken out of his clothes."


    Yuanyuan continued: "He kissed the chicken¡¯s beak..."


    "He¡¯s plucking the feathers now..."


    With that, the kids understood. Brother Jinlai had somehow gotten his hands on a chicken and was planning to eat it in secret.


    Tuantuan: "Which direction is he in?"


    Yuanyuan pointed: "Over there. Should we go?"


    Before Tuantuan could answer, Qijin shouted, "Let¡¯s go check it out. He stole a chicken. We need to catch the thief!"


    "Yeah, yeah!"


    Yuanyuan: "Wait for me. I¡¯m coming down."


    She was quick, climbing down the tree like a little monkey. Soon, the group of kids gathered together, each carrying a bamboo pole used for catching cicadas. They marched forward with purpose.


    Tuantuan: "Let¡¯s be quiet. We don¡¯t want to be discovered."


    "Got it."


    The group of kids headed in the direction Yuanyuan had pointed out. It wasn¡¯t far, and they soon got close. By then, Su Jinlai had finished plucking the feathers and was happily roasting the chicken over a fire.


    He was quite meticulous, even bringing salt with him. He sprinkled it lightly on the chicken, making sure not to waste any. Then he took out a small bottle of soy sauce, humming his tune even more cheerfully: "Today is a good day~"


    Tuantuan, Yuanyuan, and the other kids crept closer, hiding behind trees. They saw Su Jinlai, looking so pleased with himself that he was practically dancing.


    The chicken wasn¡¯t fully cooked yet, but Su Jinlai took an egg out of his pocket. The hen had laid an egg just before he killed it. He cracked it against a rock and swallowed the raw egg in one gulp, exclaiming, "Delicious!"


    After eating the egg, he lay down on the ground, waiting for the chicken to cook. Staring up at the sky, he muttered, "If only every day could be like this."


    Then he chuckled to himself: "There¡¯s still one more hen at home. I¡¯ll eat that one tomorrow and blame it on the kids again. Hehe!"


    He thought he was being incredibly clever, faster on his feet than anyone else. He laughed, feeling quite proud of himself.


    But he didn¡¯t know that the kids watching him were furious. Brother Jinlai was really bad. Not only had he stolen a chicken, but he was also trying to pin the blame on them. He was the worst person in the world!


    It¡¯s him, it¡¯s him, it¡¯s him!


    Yuanyuan: "Brother, what should we do?"


    Tuantuan immediately said, "Qijin, go to the grove and call the other kids. We¡¯ll catch him red-handed and show him that no child should be wrongly accused."


    Qijin: "Got it."


    Ye Sijia asked, "Why do we need to call more people? We can catch him ourselves. Right now, we can grab him and have the evidence right there!" Look at him, already using big words.


    This kid was all brawn and no brains.


    Tuantuan patiently explained: "He¡¯s an adult. We might not be able to take him on, and we have younger kids with us. We can¡¯t just charge in and risk getting hurt. If we gather more people, we¡¯ll outnumber him. Can he fight off ten or twenty kids? Then we¡¯ll have the upper hand."


    Ye Sijia: "Oh, right."


    Thankfully, roasting a chicken takes time. By the time the group of kids arrived, Su Jinlai¡¯s chicken was only about 80% done.


    The aroma of the roasting chicken made the kids¡¯ mouths water.


    "Tuantuan, what¡¯s going on?"


    Qijin hadn¡¯t explained things very clearly.


    Tuantuan said, "This is Brother Su Jinlai from our courtyard. He stole a hen from his own home and is roasting it here. Then he plans to blame it on us kids. See, all of us are the kids from around here. If he pins the blame on us, we¡¯ll all be in trouble. So I thought we should catch him and expose his true colors. Let Aunt Wang know that Brother Jinlai is the real thief."


    "How mean!"


    "Yeah, this big bad guy! We didn¡¯t steal anything!"


    "Stealing is wrong. I know it, but he doesn¡¯t. He¡¯s really no good."


    "Exactly, why frame others?"


    "Let¡¯s go over together."


    "Right, together!"


    Tuantuan looked around. There were at least twenty, maybe even thirty kids gathered. She said, "Let¡¯s go!"


    "Go!"


    The noisy commotion of the children finally caught Su Jinlai¡¯s attention. He stood up and turned around. Oh no! A bunch of little brats!


    He panicked immediately. "Wh-what are you doing? Are you trying to steal my stuff?"


    He even spotted some kids from his own courtyard.


    He quickly said, "Tuantuan, Qijin, what are you doing? If you¡¯re causing trouble, I¡¯ll tell your parents!"


    He was good at intimidating kids. If he couldn¡¯t handle adults, he could at least handle children, right?


    "You¡¯re the one causing trouble!"


    "Yeah, you¡¯re the one stealing chickens and trying to pin it on us kids!"


    "We all know what you¡¯re up to. You can¡¯t just do bad things and blame it on us. We¡¯re good kids!"


    "He¡¯s trying to turn the tables on us."


    "You¡¯re coming back with us. We¡¯re going to tell Aunt Wang the truth!"


    "Let¡¯s go. We have to go back. Bring the roasted chicken. We¡¯ll clear this up."


    Everyone chattered noisily. Tuantuan said, "That¡¯s right. We kids aren¡¯t so easy to frame."


    Su Jinlai looked at these little sprouts. The oldest was maybe in seventh grade, and most were elementary school kids. He was furious. "I¡¯m eating my own chicken. I can eat it wherever I want. What¡¯s it to you? Get out of my way, or I¡¯ll beat you up. You little brats think you can come here and act tough? Who do you think you are? You¡¯ve got some nerve. Do you really think I won¡¯t hit you?"


    "You think you can hit us? We¡¯re not afraid. There are so many of us. You can¡¯t bully us!"


    "Yeah, you can¡¯t!"


    "We¡¯ll block him. Don¡¯t let him run away."


    The kids, like little monkeys from the Flower-Fruit Mountain, all surrounded Su Jinlai. Su Jinlai cursed, "Damn it¡­"


    He growled, "Do you want a beating?"


    "If you hit us, I¡¯ll tell my mom!" Yuanyuan shouted. Her mom was tough!


    Su Jinlai retorted, "I¡¯m not scared of your mom!"


    But his voice lacked confidence.


    There was no way he could win.


    Not to mention Ming Mei, even someone like his own mom, Wang Xiangxiu, could beat him. He suspected even Wang Zizhen, a woman, could scratch his face into shreds.


    Ah, no, he was a man. He wasn¡¯t scared!


    "Get out of my way. Move! Or I¡¯ll really hit you. I mean it!"


    "No!"


    "We¡¯re not moving. There are too many of us."


    "Yeah, we kids are tough too¡­"


    "If you dare hit us, all of us will gang up on you!"


    "That¡¯s right. We¡¯re not easy to bully."


    Su Jinlai stammered, "You¡­ you¡­"


    Seeing that he couldn¡¯t scare these little monkeys, he took a deep breath and said, "Fine, I¡¯ll give you this roasted chicken. Just stop making a scene, okay?"


    Hearing ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????this, some of the kids immediately started salivating. The roasted chicken smelled so good.


    Not everyone could afford to eat something like that.


    Tuantuan said, "You¡¯re doing this on purpose. You¡¯re trying to drag us into this. If we eat your chicken today, we¡¯ll never be able to clear our names. You wanted to pin the blame on us from the start. If we eat it, we¡¯ll be stuck with the reputation of being chicken thieves. You just said you have another chicken at home. If you kill another one tomorrow, you can pin that on us too. Then, not just your house, but the whole alley, even the surrounding courtyards, will suspect us every time a chicken goes missing. We kids aren¡¯t like that. Our teachers taught us to be good people."


    "That¡¯s right! You¡¯re clearly up to no good. You¡¯re so mean!"


    "How evil!"


    "Yeah."


    "He¡¯s trying to trick us¡­"


    "You adults are so sneaky!"


    Su Jinlai protested, "Hey, wait, is it me who¡¯s sneaky, or are you kids overthinking this?"


    He swore he hadn¡¯t thought that far ahead. These kids were overcomplicating things and blaming him for being cunning? He was genuinely wronged. If he were that clever, would he be stealing his own family¡¯s chicken?


    He¡¯d have been a big shot by now.


    "I didn¡¯t think that way."


    Tuantuan said, "How do we know? If you were scheming, of course you wouldn¡¯t admit it."


    "Exactly!"


    Su Jinlai shouted, "Ah! Ahhh!" He looked up at the sky, feeling like a tiger fallen into a pit, bullied by dogs. He yelled, "Move!"


    "No!"


    "Then I¡¯ll¡­" Before he could finish, Su Jinlai turned and ran. If he let these little brats drag him back, he¡¯d lose all face. Today was the day Hutou¡¯s admission letter arrived, and the courtyard was packed with people¡­


    Ugh!


    He couldn¡¯t afford the embarrassment.


    Without finishing his sentence, he took off. The kids were stunned for a moment, but soon they shouted, "Don¡¯t let him run!"


    "Chase him!"


    "You can¡¯t escape!"


    Su Jinlai turned back, stuck out his tongue, and taunted, "Nah nah nah! Can¡¯t catch me, losers~"


    He mocked them and kept running. But after just a few steps, he suddenly yelped and fell face-first onto the ground. He turned around angrily, shouting, "Who! Who was it! Who the hell poked my butt with a bamboo stick!"


    The kids didn¡¯t answer. They swarmed him, sitting on top of him, yelling, "You¡¯re not getting away!"


    "You¡¯re definitely a bad guy. You tried to run."


    "Don¡¯t even think about it."


    "Yeah¡­"


    Su Jinlai groaned, "Damn it¡­ I can¡¯t live like this¡­"


    A group of kids, at least a dozen or twenty, were sitting on him. Su Jinlai couldn¡¯t move at all.


    He¡­ he couldn¡¯t even handle a bunch of kids?


    He burst into tears.


    Hu Huihui hit him, his mom beat him, the neighbors gave him dirty looks, and now even kids could bully him. All he wanted was to eat a roasted chicken! All he wanted was to shift the blame! He¡­ he was so miserable!


    Su Jinlai wailed, "You¡¯re all so mean¡­"


    The kids were stunned by his crying.


    This bad guy¡­ he cries when he can¡¯t win?


    Is that even allowed?


    Tuantuan asked calmly, "Are you trying to play the victim now that you can¡¯t win? Cry and make a scene because you think we¡¯ll feel sorry for you since we¡¯re just kids?"


    Yuanyuan suddenly realized, "Another trick?"


    Now the kids were truly furious.


    They were indignant. "How could you do this?"


    "You¡¯re just trying to manipulate us. We¡¯re not that easy to fool."


    "I¡¯ve never seen an adult as bad as you!"


    "We can¡¯t let you get away with this."


    As Su Jinlai listened to their chatter, he felt even more wronged. He cried even louder. He¡­ he hadn¡¯t thought that far ahead!


    Kids these days are way too complicated!


    Way too complicated!

 Chapter 201

    Su Jinlai never expected that stealing his own family''s chicken would lead to him getting caught! What was even more infuriating was that it was a group of kids who caught him. These little rascals showed no mercy, each of them wielding small bamboo sticks as they chased him, shouting and hollering as they marched him back home. Thankfully, the national drama "Journey to the West" hadn''t started airing yet. The scene was eerily similar to the one where the little demons tie up the Tang Monk and drag him back to their cave...


    It wasn''t just similar¡ªit was practically identical.


    Su Jinlai felt utterly wronged. He, a grown man, couldn''t even handle a group of kids. It was bad enough that he couldn''t stand up to the women in his life, but now he couldn''t even deal with children. As the group of kids poured into the courtyard, nearly thirty of them, the front yard was instantly packed.


    Zhao Guihua stepped out and was immediately taken aback. She quickly asked, "What''s going on here? What did Su Jinlai do to get caught by you all?"


    You see, this was someone who knew Su Jinlai well. She knew that if he was involved, it couldn''t be anything good. If he had done something even slightly decent, it wouldn''t have come to this. When Su Jinlai saw Zhao Guihua, he couldn''t hold back his tears.


    He looked up at the sky with tears streaming down his face, filled with endless sorrow, and said dramatically, "Aunt Zhao, please, you have to help me. These kids are out of control!"


    Zhao Guihua scoffed, "Oh, come on. We all know who you are."


    At this point, the kids couldn''t hold back anymore and started chattering away.


    Tuantuan said, "Grandma, he stole a chicken."


    Yuanyuan added, "And he tried to blame someone else."


    Qijin chimed in, "He even said he''d steal again tomorrow."


    Bai Qingqing said, "He tried to bribe us."


    Li Zhenzhen added, "And he tried to run away."


    Ye Siyuan said, "We caught him right away."


    Ye Sijia immediately followed up, "It was me, it was me! I poked him in the butt with my bamboo stick."


    Su Jinlai glared at her angrily, "So it was you! You little rascal, how could you just poke someone''s butt like that? If it weren''t for your sneak attack, I wouldn''t have been caught. I''m so miserable!"


    He felt like the most pitiful person in the world, without a doubt.


    Ye Sitian looked around nervously and then said softly, "I... I sat on your head..."


    Su Jinlai was even more furious, "So it was you! You, you, you sat on my head and then farted! You little devil, I''m going to teach you a lesson!"


    Little Sitian got scared and hid behind her brother, defending herself, "Well, I ate fried beans yesterday and today, so I was bound to fart! It''s not my fault!"


    That actually made sense.


    Ye Siyuan and Ye Sijia nodded, "Yeah, you can''t control when you fart!"


    Su Jinlai stood there with his hands on his hips, gasping for breath. The commotion had drawn everyone out of their homes. It was Sunday, and since Hutou had received his college acceptance letter earlier that morning, everyone was at home. They were all enjoying the spectacle.


    Wang Xiangxiu also came out. She had heard the whole thing and was fuming.


    Tuantuan said, "Aunt Wang, here''s your hen."


    He handed the hen over to Wang Xiangxiu, but by now, the hen had been turned into roasted chicken. Wang Xiangxiu was so angry she nearly fainted. She managed to hold back her anger and first thanked the kids, "Thank you all."


    The kids beamed with joy, "You''re welcome!"


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly added, "Wait here, I''ll treat you to some popcorn."


    She had just popped a batch of popcorn yesterday. She brought out a bag and said, "Here, each of you take a handful and fill your pockets."


    The kids'' eyes lit up, and they shouted, "Thank you, Auntie!"


    Wang Xiangxiu said, "You''re all good kids. Don''t follow your big brother Su Jinlai''s example!"


    She shot her son a glare and handed out the popcorn to each child, smiling as she said, "Thank you all so much for this."


    The kids immediately puffed up with pride. Yes, they were indeed that good and capable!


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at her son, who was still sniffling and crying, and couldn''t help but give him a solid kick in the butt, "You little brat! You''ve lived over twenty years and you''re still worse than a bunch of kids. You''ve grown in size but not in brains, huh? You just love embarrassing me, don''t you? You won''t be satisfied until you''ve driven me crazy!"


    She kicked him again, and the kids winced at the sight.


    Zhao Guihua quickly said, "Go on, kids, go play. You''re all good kids."


    The kids giggled and ran off, glancing back at Su Jinlai, who, despite being an adult, was still getting beaten by his mom. He looked so ridiculous. They all vowed to behave well so they wouldn''t end up like him when they grew up. How embarrassing!


    The kids gave Su Jinlai one last look of disdain before running out of the courtyard.


    Wang Xiangxiu grabbed Su Jinlai by the ear and said, "Get inside!"


    With a loud bang, the door slammed shut, and Su Jinlai''s screams could be heard from inside, "Ow! Don''t pinch me!"


    The neighbors in the courtyard shook their heads in disbelief. Everyone in the compound was working hard, so how could Su Jinlai manage to mess up so badly?


    Aunt Zhou said with disdain, "That kid really can''t do anything right. He''s all talk and no action."


    She added with even more disdain, "And to think he ruined a perfectly good laying hen. When Tonglai gets back, he''s going to be furious."


    Even though it was Sunday and most people hadn''t gone out, Tonglai was different. He was busier than anyone, as he was preparing for college, even though he was planning to take the arts route. He was out studying and didn''t yet know that the hen he had carefully raised had fallen victim to his older brother Su Jinlai.


    Whether Tonglai would lose his temper when he got back was uncertain, but Yinlai was already feeling the pressure.


    His older brother was really good at causing trouble.


    It wasn''t like their family just happened to have popcorn lying around. Yinlai had gone out with Uncle Qiang from the neighboring compound to pop it. It was meant to be a gift for someone else. Now, nearly half of it was gone.


    Yinlai was worried!


    It wasn''t about the money¡ªit was about having to find the popcorn vendor again!


    The vendor roamed the streets and wasn''t easy to track down.


    He sighed deeply.


    Recently, he had been selling goods at the textile factory in the suburbs. The security guard there had asked him to bring some popcorn. Yinlai often sold his wares there, and when the weather was bad, the guard would let him take shelter in the guard booth. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.


    Since the guard had done him a favor, Yinlai naturally wanted to return it. He looked at what was left and realized it wasn''t enough. He said, "Mom, I''m going out. If I come back late, don''t wait for me for dinner."


    Wang Xiangxiu asked, "Are you going to pop more popcorn?"


    Yinlai nodded. Wang Xiangxiu shot her eldest son a glare and then said, "I''ll go. You''ve been working hard lately, and you didn''t go out to sell today. Take a break and rest."


    "It''s fine. It''s not tiring. Besides, you don''t know where the vendor is. I heard he might be in that area recently, so I''ll go."


    Popcorn wasn''t something people ate every day. Usually, the popcorn vendor would come to an area and then not return for a long time. They never stayed in one place, always moving from street to street.


    He grabbed a bag of corn and headed out. Wang Xiangxiu gave Su Jinlai another pinch and said, "See? If you behaved, your brother could rest more."


    Su Jinlai felt utterly wronged. It wasn''t like he was the one who gave away the popcorn. His expression must have been obvious because Wang Xiangxiu sneered, "If you hadn''t been caught stealing the chicken, I wouldn''t have had to give away the popcorn to calm the kids down. You''re such an embarrassment!"


    She pinched Su Jinlai''s arm again, and he screamed, "Ow!!!"


    Next door, Aunt Zhou heard the commotion and shook her head, "Wang Xiangxiu''s temper is getting worse."


    But then again, if she had a son like Su Jinlai who was so troublesome and embarrassing, anyone would lose their patience.


    The Zhao family was also reflecting on the situation. Su Jinlai was really good at causing trouble. It wasn''t anything major, but it was still incredibly embarrassing. The problem was, he didn''t seem to realize it.


    Zhao Guihua was also puzzled. She said, "You know, many people change after experiencing certain things. Take the younger ones, for example. Yinlai and Tonglai were both quite mischievous when they were young, but look at them now¡ªthey¡¯ve turned out just fine. After going through some experiences, people change. With a little guidance from adults, they gradually learn to understand things better. And then there¡¯s Zheng Huimin next door. She¡¯s now bustling about every day, focused on making money. But Su Jinlai, well¡­"


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Maybe Su Jinlai was already too old by then? Hard to change."


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t agree with that. She said, "What about Aunt Zhou? She¡¯s much older, and her personality was already set. But after spending a few months in detention, she came back with a much better understanding of the law and became more reasonable. And then there¡¯s Madam Yu. Let¡¯s be honest, she¡¯s improved a lot compared to before, right? She even sold her house to pay for her grandson¡¯s medical treatment, and that¡¯s not something just anyone would do. And when it comes to the younger ones, Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou were both quite unreliable before, but after going through a few things, they¡¯ve gradually improved too. But Su Jinlai, well¡­ He¡¯s been to juvenile detention twice, and while he¡¯s become a bit more timid, he still hasn¡¯t changed much. He doesn¡¯t dare to do anything major, but he¡¯s still causing minor annoyances. Remember when he went to the countryside and stole pig tails, forcing Wang Xiangxiu to travel all the way to plead for leniency and pay compensation? And now, after returning to the city, while other returning youths are finding jobs, he¡¯s still just lazing around. I really don¡¯t get it."


    To be fair, Su Jinlai has faced setbacks too. He¡¯s been to juvenile detention twice, but aside from becoming a bit more timid, he hasn¡¯t changed in any other way.


    The last time, when he almost got into serious trouble with some thugs, he cried so pitifully that Zhao Guihua thought he might turn over a new leaf. But no, he¡¯s still the same lazy, aimless person, good for nothing.


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled, "There¡¯s no rule in this world that says people must change for the better after going through something. As long as he doesn¡¯t make any major mistakes, just let him be. After all, it¡¯s not really our business."


    "Well, that¡¯s true," Zhao Guihua conceded.


    Hutou chimed in, "Grandma, don¡¯t worry about him. Worry about me! How about I go with you to set up the stall tomorrow?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Sure, if you want to, that¡¯s fine."


    Hutou had been spending the past few days in a state of anxiety and waiting, unable to focus on anything else. But now, with his college admission letter officially in hand, he felt much more relaxed. He said, "I¡¯ll help you out. From now on, I¡¯ll be there for you."


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "Alright, come and work for me, and I¡¯ll pay you."


    Hutou, ever the honest and straightforward one, replied, "No need for that. We¡¯re family¡ªwhat¡¯s money between us? I¡¯ll just pitch in wherever I can. I¡¯ve got plenty of strength."


    Zhao Guihua laughed again. Among her grandchildren, Hutou was the most straightforward. Whether in his past life or this one, he¡¯d always been a simple, open-hearted kid, never one to hide his thoughts.


    She said, "If you¡¯re working for your grandma, it¡¯s like getting a taste of the real world. Of course, I¡¯ll pay you. You can keep the money for yourself and don¡¯t give it to your parents. Save it as your own pocket money."


    Hutou replied cheerfully, "Alright, sounds good!"


    Just then, Zhuang Zhiyuan walked in and overheard his mother encouraging his son to save pocket money.


    Zhao Guihua, of course, wasn¡¯t fazed. No mother is ever afraid of her own son. As soon as she saw Zhuang Zhiyuan, she said, "Hutou got into college, so we need to throw a banquet. You and your wife need to decide on the dishes and figure out how many tables we¡¯ll need. We¡¯ll set it up in our courtyard. Once that¡¯s settled, I¡¯ll get some help."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan immediately agreed, "Alright."


    Such a big occasion naturally called for a celebration. It was practically an unwritten rule. Besides, how could they not celebrate such a joyous event? He picked up the almanac and checked it carefully, saying, "How about next Sunday, Mom? What do you think?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That works."


    She added, "I¡¯ll get everyone in the courtyard involved."


    If this were decades later, they might have just gone out to a restaurant for such an occasion. But not now. Back then, hosting a banquet at home was the way to show how much the family valued the event.


    Besides, while there were small eateries outside, they were all tiny places, hardly equipped to handle such a large gathering.


    Whether it was for a happy occasion or a somber one, most people held their banquets at home, which meant you had to call in favors from neighbors and friends. Zhuang Zhiyuan left all these arrangements to his mother, as she was highly respected in the neighborhood.


    He said, "My wife and I both have full-time jobs. Besides relatives and neighbors, we¡¯ll need to invite colleagues and others. It¡¯s going to be quite a crowd."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "That¡¯s fine. Our courtyard is big enough. We can use both the front and back yards, and there¡¯ll be plenty of space. You go ahead and finalize the menu."


    "Got it," Zhuang Zhiyuan said, then added, "I¡¯ll ask Zhixi for his input."


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, "Useless."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, unfazed, cheerfully went to find Zhuang Zhixi. While he was diligent at work, he was also a typical man when it came to household matters¡ªclueless about the finer details. He could talk about international politics or which leader had stepped down, and he could even chat about how hot Hainan was or how much snow had fallen in Xing¡¯anling. But when it came to planning a banquet menu, he was completely lost.


    In short, he was the kind of man who was all too common¡ªsomeone with average life skills.


    Even after being scolded, he happily went to find Zhuang Zhixi, who was busy doing accounts. Running a business might seem simple, but it still required careful bookkeeping. Seeing his older brother walk in, Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What¡¯s up?"


    You could tell he knew his brother well.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan said, "Hutou got into college, so we need to throw a banquet. I¡¯m a bit lost here. Can you help me figure it out?"


    Zhuang Zhixi glanced at his brother, his lips twitching, and said, "How many tables will you need for relatives, friends, neighbors, and colleagues?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, "I¡¯m not sure, but a college admission banquet is different from other celebrations. Families with kids usually want to share in the joy, so I expect quite a few people."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "First, tally up the number of guests. Our front and back yards can each fit eight tables. Any more than that would be pushing it. Assume ten people per table, and prepare around ten dishes per table. Since it¡¯s hot now, go for five hot dishes and five cold ones. For the hot dishes, you¡¯ll need braised pork¡ªthat¡¯s a must. Then, a chicken stew with mushrooms, a whole fish, and scrambled eggs with dried tofu. Add a roast duck¡ªyou don¡¯t need to cook that yourself; just buy it ready-made. For the cold dishes, do a cabbage salad with shrimp, a cucumber and century egg salad, and then¡­"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, "Good choices. All hearty dishes with plenty of meat."


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "One more thing¡ªmake sure the portions are generous. If they¡¯re too small, people won¡¯t get enough. Since it¡¯s such a happy occasion, there¡¯s no need to skimp. For the main course, go with steamed buns. Rice isn¡¯t as convenient. Also, before the meal starts, set out four small platters per table with snacks like melon seeds, peanuts, candies, and fried broad beans. Stock up on these so they don¡¯t run out too quickly. And make sure to coordinate with the store at the end of the alley. Each person should get at least one bottle of Beibingyang soda. As for liquor, you can decide on that."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded again, then sighed, "When you break it down like that, it¡¯s going to cost quite a bit."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "What, are you having second thoughts? This is your son¡¯s college admission we¡¯re talking about."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t put on airs with his brother. He admitted, "It does hurt the wallet, but no matter how much it costs, I¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s done properly. This is a big deal. I¡¯ve only got two chances to show off like this¡ªthis one and then when Xiao Yanzi gets married. Sure, weddings are also occasions for banquets, but how can they compare to a college admission celebration? I¡¯ve got to make this one as grand as possible."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "That¡¯s true."


    "Is there anything else you can help me figure out?"


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed. He realized his older brother was really¡­ how should he put it?


    At that moment, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit of sympathy for his sister-in-law, who he¡¯d always thought was a bit of a mismatch for his brother.


    He¡¯d often wondered how his brother ended up with a woman like her, but now he saw that she probably had her hands full.


    After all, even deciding on a banquet menu left his brother feeling overwhelmed.


    He spent half of the year traveling for work, often on trains. Although life on the train exposed him to all sorts of people and situations, it was still quite different from the lives of ordinary folks. As a result, he wasn¡¯t very familiar with many everyday aspects of life. His sister-in-law managed the household alone, which wasn¡¯t easy.


    He added, ¡°For bookkeeping, you can talk to Jiang Lu, and for on-site coordination, look for my grandfather. Oh wait, why am I even saying this? Mom will definitely arrange everything.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi reminded him, ¡°There will probably be a lot of people bringing their kids. I think it¡¯d be better to set up a separate table for the children. If one table isn¡¯t enough, make it two or three. Load the kids¡¯ table with more candies. That way, the adults and kids won¡¯t be mixed together, and the children will have a good time on their own.¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    He sighed in relief, ¡°I was feeling overwhelmed, but after what you said, it doesn¡¯t seem that complicated after all.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes, ¡°It was never complicated to begin with.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, stood up, and prepared to leave. Seeing the living room filled with flowers, he couldn¡¯t help but comment, ¡°Why do you, a grown man, have so many flowers?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°These are valuable. You wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan indeed didn¡¯t understand, but he didn¡¯t dwell on it. ¡°Hutou will probably follow Mom to sell stuff these days. Mom said she¡¯d pay him.¡±


    Since this was a joint venture between his mother and younger brother, Zhuang Zhiyuan felt the need to bring it up. However, Zhuang Zhixi waved it off casually, ¡°We know. Don¡¯t get involved.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: ¡°¡­¡±


    As he stepped out the door, he noticed a few strangers entering. He stopped and asked, ¡°Who are you looking for?¡±


    But before he could finish, he recognized one of them, ¡°Director Wang?¡±


    It was someone from the neighborhood committee.


    Director Wang introduced, ¡°Big Zhuang, these comrades are¡­¡±


    The leader of the group showed his credentials, and Zhuang Zhiyuan was surprised. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Director Wang explained, ¡°We¡¯re here to investigate the matter concerning Chen Yuan and his wife.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded, ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to Aunt Wang¡¯s place. We need to visit every household.¡±


    Although Zhuang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t work at the machinery factory, he was aware of Tao Yuyue¡¯s situation. That woman was truly something. The leader, Old He, asked, ¡°You can call me Old He. And you are?¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, ¡°Oh, I live in the backyard. My name is Zhuang Zhiyuan, and I work on the railway.¡±


    Old He nodded, ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re the one who swapped houses with them.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan confirmed, ¡°Yes, we swapped houses.¡±


    Old He instructed, ¡°Director Wang, could you find the person in charge of the courtyard? We¡¯ll split up and investigate separately.¡±


    He then turned to Zhuang Zhiyuan, ¡°Shall we talk first?¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan agreed, ¡°Sure.¡±


    He pointed to the house, ¡°The house we swapped is over there. Now that my family has split up, my parents live there. I live here. Come on in.¡±


    Old He entered Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s home, which was a bit messy. Zhuang Zhiyuan apologized as he tidied up, ¡°We¡¯ve been busy lately and haven¡¯t had time to clean.¡±


    Although he and his wife weren¡¯t involved in selling goods, Liang Meifen was busy with cooking and other chores, so the house was inevitably a bit untidy.


    Old He smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the procedures you went through earlier¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan began, ¡°Sure. Actually, this started ten years ago¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn¡¯t worried. Since the investigators were here, he naturally explained everything in detail. The matter had been going on for several days, and most of the relevant parties had already been questioned.


    Now they were visiting the less important connections. Since Tao Yuyue had lived in this courtyard, they needed to investigate here as well. Given the rarity of such cases, they were thorough in their investigation, digging deep into the past.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan sighed, ¡°I think Tao Yuyue must have planned this long ago. She was in a hurry to finalize the paperwork with me, which should¡¯ve been a red flag. Too bad I didn¡¯t catch on.¡±


    He felt regretful. If he had noticed something unusual back then, he could¡¯ve made a significant contribution!


    Their courtyard had accomplished many impressive things. If he had caught someone trying to flee, wouldn¡¯t that have been even more remarkable?


    Ah, what a missed opportunity.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s regret was so palpable that Old He¡¯s mouth twitched slightly.


    Old He composed himself and asked, ¡°How was Tao Yuyue¡¯s relationship with her husband?¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan replied, ¡°They moved away over ten years ago. I don¡¯t know much since I¡¯m not from their workplace. But back in the courtyard, it wasn¡¯t good. Chen Yuan used to beat his wife, but Tao Yuyue wasn¡¯t one to take it lying down. She fought back with a frying pan like a pro.¡±


    Old He asked, ¡°Weren¡¯t they newlyweds back then?¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan shook his head, ¡°Even then, their relationship was bad.¡±


    Old He nodded. This matched Tao Yuyue¡¯s past experiences. He didn¡¯t ask Zhuang Zhiyuan more questions, as the house swap had been clarified, and there wasn¡¯t much else to discuss.


    Although they seemed to be conducting a routine investigation, they had already screened the people beforehand. Zhuang Zhiyuan, as a train conductor, was often away from home and didn¡¯t interact much with others in the machinery factory.


    His younger brother, however, was quite sociable.


    ¡°Does your brother also live in the courtyard?¡±


    ¡°Yes, in the front yard. Do you want to talk to him? I¡¯ll take you there.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi had noticed the arrival of the investigators, led by Director Wang, but he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to go out. He was in the middle of calculating accounts and wanted to finish first. Just as he finished, his older brother brought the investigators over.


    Zhuang Zhixi greeted, ¡°Brother, who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°This is Old He. He¡¯s here to investigate Tao Yuyue.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi immediately understood, ¡°Oh, her. I know all about her. Why are you investigating here? She moved out ages ago.¡±


    He was quite talkative, ¡°Her running away must¡¯ve had a big impact on Vice Director Chen, right? I heard he might be removed from his position. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Oh, and did she divorce Chen Yuan before leaving?¡±


    Old He: ¡°¡­¡±


    This man was quite the gossip.


    He replied, ¡°These matters are still being handled. You were transferred from the medical office, right?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi confirmed, ¡°Yes, I was transferred before she came in as a temporary worker. If you think about it, she was lucky. She got a permanent position not long after.¡±


    Old He said meaningfully, ¡°Lucky, huh?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled but didn¡¯t directly say that Tao Yuyue¡¯s luck came from marrying well.


    ¡°From what I know, she didn¡¯t live in your courtyard for long. Did you have any interactions with her?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head, ¡°No. Tao Yuyue never came back after moving out. We didn¡¯t interact much at the factory either. She was quite proud, and since we¡¯d seen her in a vulnerable state, she probably didn¡¯t want anything to do with us.¡±


    ¡°Did they fight often?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡±


    ¡°Do you know the specifics of how they divided the house back then?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi frowned, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it a normal allocation? They were both employees, and dual-income households without housing had priority. Chen Yuan was from our factory office back then. He later transferred to avoid¡­ well, certain people.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou?¡±


    Old He asked, showing how precise their information was.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°Yes, but he was overthinking it. Neither Zhou Qun nor Bai Fendou had any interest in him. He was just adding drama to his life.¡±


    Old He asked, ¡°Did Tao Yuyue ever express any aspirations to go abroad?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi was baffled, ¡°She hardly even lived in the courtyard. How would she express that? Besides, who goes around talking about that kind of thing unless they¡¯re crazy? Oh, and about the house¡ªwas there something fishy about the allocation?¡±


    He was clearly intrigued.


    Old He: ¡°¡­¡±


    Who was interrogating whom here?


    It was clear that Zhuang Zhixi had a strong sense of curiosity.


    However, it¡¯s not surprising. As they investigated Tao Yuyue along the way, there were so many curious people. Everyone wanted to know if Tao Yuyue had gone mad, abandoning both her in-laws and her own family, only caring about herself.


    They were even more curious about what fate would befall the Chen family.


    He said, "Everything is still under investigation. It¡¯s not convenient to say more."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Then¡­"


    Old He quickly took over the conversation, asking, "Do you know much about Deputy Director Chen?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Deputy Director Chen?"


    By this point, he already understood. Although this was where Tao Yuyue used to live, she had moved away over ten years ago and hadn¡¯t stayed long, so she didn¡¯t have much contact with them. But they were all workers at the machinery factory.


    Coming here to investigate in such detail was probably because of Deputy Director Chen?


    Tao Yuyue¡¯s fleeing abroad might not have much else to investigate. Their visit here was likely due to issues found during the investigation into Deputy Director Chen. It might not be directly related to Tao Yuyue, but Deputy Director Chen had been in the lucrative position of head of logistics for many years.


    Who knows, who knows!


    He leaned in mysteriously toward Old He and asked, "Is there something wrong with Deputy Director Chen?"


    Old He: "What makes you think that?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It¡¯s hard to say. Probably¡­ well, it¡¯s just hard to say. He used to be the head of logistics, you know?"


    He winked at Old He, who responded, "¡­"


    Old He said, "You mean¡­"


    "I don¡¯t mean anything." He wasn¡¯t about to say anything that might cause trouble for himself. He shrugged and said, "Well, you know what I mean."


    Old He nodded: "I understand."


    He wasn¡¯t one to press people.


    Their visit was just routine, as neither side had deep connections to their compound. After asking a few more questions, they left. Everyone in the compound had been questioned, including Ming Mei, who had gone out and returned to chat with others in the courtyard.


    Once the investigators were gone, the residents gathered in the courtyard, chattering away.


    "Who would¡¯ve thought they¡¯d even investigate us."


    "It¡¯s not that strange. After all, they did live in our compound before. What¡¯s so great about abroad that Tao Yuyue would just run off like that?"


    "Who knows?"


    The gossip continued, and sure enough, the next day when Zhuang Zhixi went to work, he saw the factory notice: Deputy Director Chen had been removed from his position, and a thorough investigation into his embezzlement during his tenure would be conducted.


    After reading the notice, Zhuang Zhixi returned to the office and said, "So, Deputy Director Chen is done for, huh?"


    Sister Cui nodded: "No doubt about it."


    They had been discussing the matter earlier. Sister Cui, who was well-informed, said, "Deputy Director Chen and his wife are both under investigation now. They¡¯ve been in leadership positions for years and have been skimming money. Their home was robbed by Tao Yuyue. The reason Deputy Director Chen¡¯s wife didn¡¯t report it to the police was because they had a lot of money of questionable origin. It¡¯s said that Tao Yuyue stole 80,000 yuan in cash and some gold jewelry."


    Zhuang Zhixi was stunned: "Sister Cui, how do you know such confidential information?"


    Sister Cui: "Well, the investigators certainly wouldn¡¯t spread it around. It was Chen Yuan¡¯s grandmother who let it slip. She wanted to show off how wealthy they were, but it ended up trapping her own family. Even though Tao Yuyue is abroad, her family is technically the victim in this case. Whether Chen Yuan did anything or not, Tao Yuyue shouldn¡¯t have done what she did. But Deputy Director Chen¡¯s mother kept saying that Tao Yuyue stole 80,000 yuan and a lot of gold jewelry, which was a mistake. The Chen family, even though they¡¯re workers, shouldn¡¯t have been able to save up that much money. So, the source of that money is worth looking into. Was it embezzlement, or was he connected to foreign sources? No one can say for sure. Even though he¡¯s been diligent at the factory all these years, the fact that he had such a large amount of unexplained wealth is suspicious. I think Tao Yuyue dared to take their money because she knew they wouldn¡¯t dare report it."


    "And what about them¡­?"


    "They¡¯re locked up."


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed. What a mess.


    Old Huang, who had been listening, chimed in: "Their family is a mess. No one¡¯s innocent."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded in agreement.


    Old Huang: "By the way, there¡¯s a letter for you on your desk. Did you see it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh? Let me check."


    He went to his desk, saw the envelope, and said, "It¡¯s my submission."


    He opened the envelope and smiled.


    Old Huang: "What is it? Another acceptance?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yep."


    "You don¡¯t usually look this happy." Zhuang Zhixi submitted a lot of work and often got accepted.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "This time it¡¯s different. I wrote a few stories about how to avoid scammers and kidnappers, and my brother passed them on to the railway¡¯s publicity department. I thought if they were accepted, they¡¯d just let my brother know, but they actually gave me feedback and even paid me."


    "The railway department?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yeah, this kind of content isn¡¯t usually published in newspapers. I wrote it hoping to help people avoid being scammed. Trains are a big platform. I wrote about several common scenarios that happen on trains."


    Old Huang: "You¡¯ll have to let me read it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Sure."


    Sister Cui was curious: "What made you write about this?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "My mom went to Guangzhou recently, and on the train, she ran into scammers, thieves, and kidnappers. She came back really shaken by how eventful the trip was. She kept saying we should do something to warn others. As her son, I felt I had to step up. I¡¯m not a police officer, so I can¡¯t go catching criminals, but I can use my writing skills to do something about it."


    Sister Cui sighed deeply. It¡¯s funny how, even though they¡¯re both older ladies, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s mom is so much more spirited. Everyone knows Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s mom is the famous "Xidan Auntie."


    When it comes to selling things, she¡¯s absolutely top-notch.


    Of course, there are always people who talk behind her back. In those days, running a small business wasn¡¯t seen as respectable. Who would give up a proper job to set up a stall? Some even said Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t filial, or else why would his mom have to work a stall to make money?


    People will say all sorts of things.


    But those who said Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t filial were usually just jealous. Everyone knew his mom was a feisty old lady who wouldn¡¯t take any nonsense.


    Besides, their compound wasn¡¯t the only one with people running small businesses. Everyone had their own side hustle.


    There was some gossip at the factory, but gossip is just gossip. As long as they didn¡¯t care, the chatter couldn¡¯t overshadow their success.


    Sister Cui couldn¡¯t help but ask: "Zhuang, is running a stall really that profitable?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "It depends on who you ask. For us, it¡¯s just a way to make ends meet. We¡¯re not expecting to strike it rich overnight."


    Sister Cui: "I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s quite profitable. Aren¡¯t you doing it too?" They¡¯d all heard that Zhuang worked the stall after his shift.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you do it every day, it can be profitable. But I only do it for a bit after work, just to help my mom out. Otherwise, she¡¯d be working the stall all day. Young people have the energy to do it every day and make money, but my parents are older. They can¡¯t keep up with the younger crowd. It¡¯s lively, but they end up chatting with everyone, which is more about passing the time."


    Sister Cui nodded: "That makes sense."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t about to say how much he was making. That would just invite jealousy.


    He said, "Actually, it¡¯s just a way for the old folks to pass the time, but they¡¯ve really gotten into it."


    "I hear Zhou Qun¡¯s mom is doing really well too. Your compound is full of talented people."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "I don¡¯t know about talented, but I think it¡¯s great for them. They¡¯re always busy and seem really happy¡­"


    "Hey, when is your little story coming out? I¡¯d like to read it too." Old Huang wasn¡¯t interested in domestic gossip but was more curious about this.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sure thing."


    He said, "I¡¯ll give it to you as soon as it¡¯s out."


    While Zhuang Zhixi was discussing this, he had no idea that the railway department had already "released" these stories. As an important mode of transportation handling a large volume of passengers daily, the convenience of travel also made it a hotspot for criminal activity. Although the railway department had always been meticulous and diligent in their inspections, the sheer number of people made it inevitable for some to slip through the cracks.


    This often resulted in losses for passengers.


    What was even more alarming was that there were also human traffickers among them.


    So, as soon as they received the submission, they decided to publish it immediately. Zhuang Zhixi had written about twenty-four different scams and frauds, most of which were based on stories provided by his mother and elderly neighbors in the courtyard. Today, the first installment was released, focusing on human trafficking.


    To avoid sounding preachy, Zhuang Zhixi turned it into a story.


    The protagonist of the story was named Erhua. Erhua was traveling to visit relatives, and along the way, she encountered numerous scams and traps, all of which she managed to see through, eventually arriving safely at her destination. He had initially considered writing it in a straightforward manner but quickly realized that wouldn¡¯t work.


    The first issue was practicality. If written as a story, people would be more willing to listen, following the protagonist¡¯s emotional journey, gradually immersing themselves, and remembering the lessons. However, if it were just a dry explanation of various scams, many people might not pay attention or even listen at all, which would defeat the purpose of writing it in the first place.


    Thus, while the story was educational, it also had a touch of humor, even a bit of dark comedy.


    The railway department, after receiving the manuscript submitted by Zhuang Zhiyuan, not only printed it in their railway publication but also broadcasted it on several train lines as a new experiment. After all, at its core, everyone wanted the public to be more vigilant and safer when traveling.


    For example, this particular broadcast was on the train from Chang¡¯an to the capital.


    Shortly after the train started moving, the broadcast began. Passengers of all ages looked up, and one man remarked, "What¡¯s this? Are they telling us a story? This trip is worth it!"


    "''Erhua¡¯s Critical Moment''¡ªsounds like she¡¯s in trouble, huh?"


    "Let¡¯s listen."


    Everyone quickly tuned in. It was indeed a story about Erhua, a young rural woman traveling to visit her husband. As soon as she arrived at the train station, she encountered a frail old woman asking for directions. Erhua explained several times, but the old woman still didn¡¯t understand. Eventually, the old woman begged Erhua to take her there. Erhua, wanting to help, agreed, but when they arrived, she found several burly men waiting, intending to abduct her. It turned out these were human traffickers.


    Fortunately, a nearby police officer noticed and rescued her, arresting the criminals.


    The officer then explained: "This is a train station. Not only are there staff inside, but there are also police booths outside. Even if someone genuinely doesn¡¯t know the way, they should ask the staff or the police, not a young rural woman who isn¡¯t familiar with the area. It¡¯s highly suspicious for an elderly person to ask a young woman for help instead of the authorities. If you encounter someone like this, be cautious. Similarly, if someone asks for help in a public place where there are trustworthy officials available, but they choose to ask a seemingly vulnerable woman, they might have ulterior motives. Normally, people prefer to ask for help from those who appear stronger. Also, never follow strangers to unfamiliar places. Criminals don¡¯t wear signs on their faces. Always stay alert."


    This advice weighed heavily on Erhua.


    After resolving this incident, she boarded the train, only to encounter more trouble. As soon as she got on, she was harassed by a group of suspicious men. At the critical moment, a kind-hearted woman stepped in and saved Erhua. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two women stuck together, and the woman offered Erhua a steamed bun, praising Erhua¡¯s husband as a man worthy of respect.


    However, Erhua remembered the officer¡¯s warning and didn¡¯t eat the bun. The story continued...


    The twists and turns of the story left everyone shocked: "Holy cow, that woman and the suspicious men were in cahoots!"


    "I knew it! Why would a stranger be so generous as to give away a steamed bun? It must have been drugged..."


    "That¡¯s so evil!"


    The train conductor then chimed in: "When traveling by train, never accept food or water from strangers, especially if it seems too good to be true. Erhua encountered human traffickers, but others have had their children stolen or their money taken. If you encounter any problems, report them to the train staff immediately."


    "That¡¯s right. I have a neighbor who sells goods at the market. Once, when he was traveling to Pengcheng to stock up, someone offered him water, and he passed out. When he woke up, all his money was gone."


    "Oh no, what did he do?"


    "He ended up reporting it to the train police."


    ...


    The traffickers were caught, but Erhua soon fell into more traps: a "let¡¯s play cards to pass the time" scam, a "let¡¯s split this gold bracelet I found" scam...


    As the story unfolded, everyone¡¯s emotions rose and fell with Erhua¡¯s experiences.


    "Erhua¡¯s trip is so dangerous! How did she run into so many bad people?"


    "Don¡¯t just talk about Erhua. We all need to be careful when we travel."


    "Absolutely."


    "Did you hear what the conductor said? Thieves don¡¯t walk like normal people. Normal people look at the road, but thieves look at people¡¯s pockets."


    "That¡¯s so true."


    Everyone was discussing the story, feeling that it was really well done.


    They had no idea there were so many tricks criminals used. From now on, they¡¯d have to be more careful.


    Among the passengers were a few men and women in white shirts. Their demeanor made it clear they were university students. In this day and age, university students carried themselves differently from ordinary people.


    Indeed, these were teachers and students from a film academy.


    It was summer break, and the teachers had taken a few third-year students on a trip to gain experience by assisting with a film project. On their way back, they heard the broadcast.


    Even as professionals, they were captivated by the story.


    "Professor, this story is meant to remind people to stay vigilant, right?"


    "Of course."


    "I think the way the story is structured is excellent, and the pacing is great."


    "Absolutely. Look at how Erhua keeps running into bad people. She even jokes that she must have forgotten to check the almanac before leaving. But the police officer tells her that¡¯s not the case¡ªit¡¯s because she has a kind face. Criminals are opportunistic; they avoid those who look tough but prey on those who seem vulnerable because they think they¡¯re easy targets. Even criminals aren¡¯t reckless. The way the lessons are woven into the story feels so natural!"


    The students chatted excitedly, while the two teachers leading the group listened with smiles. Finally, one of them asked, "What do you think about adapting this into a movie?"


    "A movie? The story clearly has more content than a movie could handle."


    "I agree. If it were a movie, a lot of the details would have to be cut. But it¡¯s not impossible. Even if there¡¯s more, it probably wouldn¡¯t be too much..."


    "It would work better as a TV series. The story is too long for a movie."


    "Not necessarily. She¡¯s already encountered four groups of bad guys. How much more could there be?"


    "I think there¡¯s more. Just because we can¡¯t think of it doesn¡¯t mean others can¡¯t. Before hearing this, I had no idea about these kinds of scams. First, the bad guys show up, then their accomplices pretend to be good Samaritans¡ªit¡¯s all so interconnected..."


    Several female students expressed relief, glad they had listened to the story. Otherwise, they might have fallen for the same tricks Erhua did.


    "Professor, how much longer do you think the story is?"


    "Based on the pacing, I think there¡¯s more."


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????group immediately started debating again. Eventually, following the professor¡¯s suggestion, they went to find the train staff.


    When the group returned, they seemed a bit dazed.


    "What''s wrong?"


    The one who had always struggled to write anything lengthy was a bit confused and said, "The train attendant mentioned that there are twenty-four scams in total."


    Everyone: "..."


    Even their teacher was surprised, "That many?"


    The others nodded, "Yes, that many."


    Now he was intrigued, "That''s quite a sharp mind, to come up with twenty-four scams. It''s not easy. What''s more impressive is how well everything flows together, and the writing is good too. It''s rare to see someone who can balance all these aspects so well. Did you ask who wrote it?"


    "We did. They said it was written by Zhuang Zhixi. I haven''t heard of him before."


    The students hadn''t heard of him, but the teacher had. He smiled and said, "Zhuang Zhixi? I know him. He works in the propaganda department of the 49th City Machinery Factory. His articles are often published in newspapers. He''s written about many of the older workers'' achievements at their factory."


    "Ah, I remember now! A distant relative of mine is a retired soldier. He was injured while saving state-owned property and could only work as a gatekeeper afterward. It was a sad end for a hero, but then Zhuang Zhixi wrote about his story. After that, many people wrote letters to my relative, expressing their admiration. It really lifted his spirits, and he became more energetic. I even cried when I read the report back then."


    He muttered, "It''s hard to imagine. When he writes something touching, it''s really touching, and yet he can also write something humorous like this travel story just as well."


    "Talented."


    The teacher pondered for a moment and said, "This story is really suitable for being adapted into a TV series. Although the tone is light, it carries a lot of educational value..."


    He lowered his gaze and said, "I''ll contact the TV production center and try to buy the rights to his story. If the project gets started, I''ll need all of you to help out." Although he was a teacher, he also had a side job in the industry.


    After all, it had only been a few years since the college entrance exams were reinstated, and there was still a shortage of talent.


    "Ah!"


    The students were all excited, stammering, "T-teacher, this..."


    "Alright, when you listen to a story, don''t just enjoy the surface-level excitement. You should also learn from its strengths. A good storyteller is hard to come by. For ordinary people, after hearing this, they''ll know to be wary of people who seem suspicious. But for you, you need to think about why he handled the plot twists the way he did. For example, when the protagonist encounters the first group of swindlers, the police officer mentions the importance of vigilance, and this theme of vigilance runs through the entire story. It''s because of this vigilance that she manages to avoid the bad guys time and time again. That''s the core of the story. Why did he use a train as the setting? The train is a journey from one station to the next, much like life itself. It''s a metaphor for how, on the journey of life, we also encounter all kinds of people... And why is the protagonist named Erhua? That name isn''t random. It reflects her personality¡ªshe''s a bit ''er,'' which here means straightforward and a little naive. The ''hua'' (flower) represents two things: her good looks and her beautiful qualities, like a flower..."


    Blah blah blah. Zhuang Zhixi would never have imagined that someone could analyze his story so deeply.


    Little did he know, he had simply strung together a bunch of scams because his mother had encountered some bad people on the train, and he wanted to do something about it. If even one person listened and avoided being scammed, that would be a win.


    He had even written the story while sneaking some downtime at work.


    Yet, in the eyes of others, every detail was a metaphor, every choice deliberate.


    Even the name he casually came up with was seen as having deep meaning.


    Poor Zhuang Zhixi, small and helpless, had never intended any of it. If you asked him to analyze his own story, he wouldn''t be able to come up with half of what this Teacher Zou had. And Teacher Zou didn''t waste any time. As soon as he got off the train, he went to find Zhuang Zhixi.


    At that moment, Zhuang Zhixi was still sneaking some downtime at work...


    Well, if you''re not sneaking some downtime at work, can you even call it work?


    When he heard someone was looking for him, he was puzzled and went to the gate. His old buddy Zhang San said, "It''s a man who looks to be in his fifties, carrying luggage. He seems to be from out of town, but his accent is local. I checked his ID¡ªhe''s from some TV production center and is also a teacher."


    Zhuang Zhixi was confused, "???"


    He had no connections to the art world.


    He walked to the gate, still bewildered, but with a polite smile, "Hello, I''m Zhuang Zhixi..."


    Teacher Zou looked at Zhuang Zhixi in surprise. He hadn''t expected him to look so young. He vaguely remembered reading something by Zhuang Zhixi over a decade ago.


    "You''re Zhuang Zhixi? The Zhuang Zhixi from the propaganda department? Are there two people with that name in your unit? You''re..."


    This guy looked to be in his twenties. The age didn''t add up!


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, I''m Zhuang Zhixi from the propaganda department. I''ve been working here for over ten years. I joined the factory right after high school. Am I too young or something?"


    Teacher Zou: "..."


    He looked Zhuang Zhixi up and down, unable to resist asking, "How old are you?"


    It wasn''t that he doubted him, but the guy really looked like he was in his twenties. He was still in a daze.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I''m in my thirties. I think you''re looking for me. I''m the only one in our unit named Zhuang Zhixi."


    Teacher Zou: "..."


    He looked at Zhuang Zhixi with a mix of emotions, feeling a bit melancholy. He was only in his early forties, but everyone thought he was in his fifties. Meanwhile, this guy looked incredibly young. They were only about ten years apart, but he looked like he could be Zhuang Zhixi''s father.


    He was a bit down, but he quickly got to the point.


    "Actually, I came here because I''m very interested in one of your stories."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "Come in and talk."


    They couldn''t go to the office, so they sat down in the security booth. Teacher Zou said, "I came here because I think your story ''Erhua,'' which you submitted to the railway department, is very suitable for adaptation into a TV series. So I came directly to..."


    Before he could finish, someone knocked on the booth''s window. It was Aunt Zhou.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Aunt Zhou, what''s up?"


    Aunt Zhou: "I happened to see you, so I thought I''d let you know. Your mom asked me to tell you not to go to the train station to set up your stall after work. Instead, go to your in-laws'' place. Your wife''s uncle is in town from Jinling on a business trip. Go say hello, and don''t go empty-handed, okay?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Got it."


    Teacher Zou: "...You set up a stall?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was completely unfazed and not the least bit embarrassed. He nodded, "Yeah, I set up a stall near the train station every day after work."


    Teacher Zou frowned slightly, but then his expression brightened, and he nodded in admiration, "No wonder your writing feels so vivid and alive. Now I understand¡ªyou''re constantly creating and finding inspiration in life. I admire that. I always say that writing requires living life and gaining experience. It''s not just about learning; you have to experience things yourself. The more you experience, the better your writing will be. You''re even setting up a stall to experience life for the sake of your writing. If you don''t succeed, who will?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    What are you talking about?


    Are you sure you''re not mocking me?


    But when he looked at this guy, his eyes were full of sincerity. He truly believed what he was saying. He wasn''t being sarcastic at all.


    Zhuang Zhixi was momentarily at a loss for words...

 Chapter 202

    Good news brings a cheerful spirit.


    This saying couldn''t be more fitting for the Zhuang family.


    Recently, there has been a string of good news. Not only did Hutou get accepted into university, but Zhuang Zhixi also encountered a stroke of luck. Initially, he had only intended to write something to raise awareness, but unexpectedly, his work caught someone''s attention.


    Zhuang Zhixi was in a daze, but he still agreed to Teacher Zou''s proposal. Although the payment wasn''t much, it was an honor, and such opportunities didn''t come often. As the original author, Zhuang Zhixi was also invited to join the adaptation process. Teacher Zou enthusiastically extended the invitation, believing that the author''s involvement would add depth and appeal to the story.


    Every time Teacher Zou brought this up, Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but think, "You understand it better than I do."


    But he quickly swallowed those words. It wouldn''t be right to dampen Teacher Zou''s enthusiasm, would it?


    To be honest, Zhuang Zhixi hadn''t expected much from Teacher Zou, who seemed rather ordinary at first glance. But it turned out he was quite impressive. Not only was he the deputy director of the film academy, but he also held a position as a section chief at the television production center.


    Even though there was a shortage of talent at the time, holding such dual leadership roles was no small feat.


    Despite being a leader, Teacher Zou preferred to be addressed as "Teacher Zou."


    Although this was Zhuang Zhixi''s personal matter, the machinery factory was very cooperative. When the production center requested to borrow Zhuang Zhixi for a period of time, the factory didn''t hesitate and quickly arranged it. Before Hutou''s college celebration banquet could even be held, Zhuang Zhixi had already started working at the television production center.


    He arrived early in the morning to report, but Teacher Zou was already there, waiting for him. Teacher Zou guided him through the necessary procedures. Although Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t a permanent employee, he still needed a work pass for convenience, especially for entering and exiting the premises and using the cafeteria.


    After completing the formalities, Zhuang Zhixi was introduced to many of the staff members. Regardless of what people might have been thinking internally, everyone greeted him warmly on the surface.


    Zhuang Zhixi was assigned to a small office with five other people.


    After observing his surroundings, Zhuang Zhixi noticed that the staff in this office were relatively young, which gave him a rough idea of the situation. It was clear that Teacher Zou had been thoughtful in his arrangements.


    Sure enough, as soon as Zhuang Zhixi sat down, Xiao Ma, who was sitting across from him, struck up a conversation. "So, brother, you''re here mainly for the ''Erhua'' project, right?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yes, since I''m the original author, Teacher Zou thought it would be helpful for me to contribute and bring out more depth in the story."


    Since Zhuang Zhixi was on loan and didn''t seem to be staying permanently, his colleagues didn''t feel threatened by him. Xiao Ma smiled and said, "Well, when this project kicks off, I definitely want to be part of it. I read the content, and it''s really well-written. You''ve got so much material here¡ªI could never come up with so many deceptive tactics."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Actually, I gathered a lot of this information and consulted some older folks. By the way, what do you usually work on here?"


    "Ah, just organizing materials. It''s all about accumulating knowledge," Xiao Ma replied. Then he asked, "How old are you, by the way? You look really young."


    Zhuang Zhixi answered, "I''m thirty-two."


    Xiao Ma was stunned. "What? Then why did I call you ''brother''? You''re seven years older than me!"


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh.


    Xiao Ma sighed, "You really do look young. Oh, right, you''re from the machinery factory. I heard someone from your factory recently ran off?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yeah, it''s common knowledge in the city. There was indeed someone like that."


    "Speaking of which, your factory has had its share of drama. I remember years ago there was a guy named Bai Fendou, also from your factory. I was just a kid back then, but I still remember the stories. Wait¡ªdo you know him?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "He''s my neighbor."


    Xiao Ma was speechless.


    Another colleague, Xiao Zhao, chimed in, "Wait, so you''re from the same compound? Do you also know someone named Zhou Qun?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded again, "Also my neighbor."


    The room fell silent for a moment. It was undeniable that these were some remarkable people. Even though things had calmed down over the years, the legends from that compound in the city were still unmatched. Xiao Ma couldn''t help but ask, "Is that infamous toilet near your place still there?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, "Do you want to go see it?"


    Xiao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Ma quickly shook his head, "No, no, that''s not necessary."


    Then he added sincerely, "Now I understand why your writing is so vivid. You''ve got real-life experience. Not many people have that kind of insight."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, "That was all so long ago."


    "Doesn''t matter how long ago it was¡ªit was still a big deal. Nothing like that has happened anywhere else since. It''s legendary."


    "My relative works at the hospital near your compound. Every time your place is mentioned, they just shake their heads!"


    Zhuang Zhixi protested, "That''s not fair! It''s not like there''s that much going on."


    When Teacher Zou walked in, he found everyone gathered around Zhuang Zhixi, fascinated by the stories from his compound. They joked that there was enough material there for a 500-episode TV drama.


    Zhuang Zhixi was at a loss for words.


    Teacher Zou remarked, "You''re quite popular."


    Zhuang Zhixi could only smile awkwardly. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Teacher Zou seemed to have misunderstood the situation entirely.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly settled into his new role. Although the work was quite different from his previous job in the publicity department, he found it interesting and felt he was learning a lot. Even if he might not use this knowledge in the future, it was still valuable.


    As Zhuang Zhixi adapted to his new environment, the weekend arrived, and with it, Hutou''s college celebration banquet.


    Hutou had spent the week helping his grandmother at her stall, which left him tanned and a bit thinner. The Zhuang family had good genes, and Hutou''s sharper features made him even more handsome after losing some weight.


    Somehow, Teacher Zou had heard about Zhuang Zhixi''s nephew''s celebration and offered to come along to soak up some of the festive atmosphere, as his own child would be taking the college entrance exam the following year. Xiao Ma and Xiao Zhao, like two eager sidekicks, immediately volunteered to help out as well.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn''t blind¡ªit was clear that Teacher Zou had some influence, or else why would these two be so eager to tag along?


    But Zhuang Zhixi didn''t mind. After all, he wasn''t a permanent employee at the production center.


    Early in the morning, Teacher Zou arrived on his bicycle, flanked by his two loyal companions, heading toward Xinghua Lane.


    When Teacher Zou learned that Zhuang Zhixi was from Xinghua Lane, specifically the infamous Compound 44, he was genuinely surprised. It seemed that life experience truly enriched one''s ability to depict reality. As for attending the celebration banquet, he wasn''t just curious about the compound''s residents¡ªhe was simply eager to bond with his new colleague. Riding their bicycles into the lane, they immediately spotted the legendary public toilet, the site of the infamous "falling into the pit" incident.


    Teacher Zou quickly stopped his bike, put on his glasses, and circled the toilet twice, nodding thoughtfully. "This toilet has clearly been renovated. It must have collapsed back then."


    "Your eyes are sharp! You noticed it right away," Xiao Ma praised.


    Xiao Zhao added, "Of course! Teacher Zou is very observant."


    As the three of them stood there inspecting the toilet, Little Sister Yu emerged from it, eyeing them suspiciously. She glared at them, clearly suspecting they were up to no good. Xiao Ma and Xiao Zhao forced awkward smiles, trying to appear friendly.


    Little Sister Yu snapped, "Are you trying to be perverts?"


    They were taken aback.


    Xiao Ma and Xiao Zhao protested, "No, no, we were just being polite!"


    But Little Sister Yu wasn''t convinced. "You don''t look like decent people."


    Teacher Zou tried to intervene, "Comrade, you''ve misunderstood them."


    Little Sister Yu scoffed, "And you''re no better."


    This wasn¡¯t Little Sister Yu picking a fight. Anyone coming out of a restroom to find three grown men loitering around it, grinning oddly, would naturally feel uneasy. After all, Little Sister Yu had no idea about the rich history tied to that restroom.


    All three men were scolded by Little Sister Yu, and Xiao Ma naturally felt the need to explain quickly: "Comrade, we really mean no harm. It¡¯s just that there are a lot of rumors about this restroom, so we were curious and came to take a look."


    Little Sister Yu frowned, about to say more, when Wang Zizhen arrived. Wang Zizhen had also come out to use the restroom and, seeing the standoff, asked in confusion, "What¡¯s going on here?"


    She glanced at the three men¡ªcomplete strangers. In these times, one couldn¡¯t afford to let their guard down around strangers.


    Xiao Ma said, "We¡¯re here for a college celebration banquet. As we were passing by the alley, we remembered the stories about this restroom and stopped to take a look. We really mean no harm."


    Little Sister Yu retorted, "What stories could a restroom possibly have? It¡¯s just¡ª"


    Wang Zizhen tugged at Little Sister Yu¡¯s sleeve and whispered, "You don¡¯t know, but this restroom really does have a history."


    She added in a hushed tone, "Your younger brother, Yu Baoshan, once stomped so hard on it that it collapsed."


    Little Sister Yu: "¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­"


    After a long pause, she finally said, "I¡¯m sorry, I misunderstood. I just got back from the countryside and didn¡¯t know about all this."


    "It¡¯s alright, as long as we¡¯ve cleared things up."


    Once everything was settled, Wang Zizhen pointed to a courtyard in the middle of the alley and said, "Are you heading to the Zhuang family¡¯s place? The one with a bunch of kids at the entrance is theirs."


    "Thank you."


    "No problem."


    Xiao Zhao chuckled and said, "The women around here seem quite fierce. I¡¯ve heard¡­"


    He trailed off, prompting the other two to look at him. He continued, "I¡¯ve heard that Zhuang Zhixi is also afraid of his wife. It¡¯s quite famous in their machinery factory."


    "I¡¯ve heard that too."


    "I wonder if she¡¯s really that tough or if it¡¯s just rumors."


    Teacher Zou interjected, "Don¡¯t listen to such baseless gossip. Spreading rumors like that is no different from being a gossipmonger. Besides, I think being afraid of one¡¯s wife isn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. If the relationship isn¡¯t strong, why would there be any need to fear?"


    "Right, right."


    The three of them entered the main gate together. At the entrance, Jiang Lu was seated at a table collecting gifts. Since they were here to join the festivities, they naturally handed over their gifts and signed their names. Jiang Lu could tell at a glance that they weren¡¯t neighbors or factory workers.


    But she wasn¡¯t worried. Instead, she said warmly, "Feel free to take a seat inside."


    They were relatively early, arriving just as the neighbors had finished setting up the tables. Even the children had their own seats. Each table seated ten people, and there were a total of sixteen tables. Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Teacher Zou, thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."


    Since they were early, most of the adults hadn¡¯t arrived yet. A group of kids was already seated at the tables, playing Go, chattering away.


    "Do you have kids here?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Yes, those two who look alike¡ªthey¡¯re my twins."


    Teacher Zou glanced over and marveled at how adorable the two kids were. They were around ten years old but already quite tall, clearly destined to be tall adults.


    "Tuantuan, Yuanyuan, bring your friends over to say hello."


    The kids chirped in unison, "Hello, uncles!"


    Teacher Zou smiled, "Hello."


    "What are you playing?"


    "Go!"


    Teacher Zou said, "How about I play a round with you?"


    "Sure!"


    Tuantuan added confidently, "Don¡¯t feel bad if you lose."


    Xiao Ma, amused by the kid¡¯s confidence, asked, "What makes you so sure you¡¯ll win?"


    Tuantuan nodded with absolute certainty, "I¡¯m a pro."


    This made everyone laugh.


    Sure enough, the kid wasn¡¯t exaggerating. He was genuinely skilled, and Teacher Zou lost.


    Xiao Ma and Xiao Zhao tried to avenge Teacher Zou¡¯s honor but also lost.


    The three men fell into an awkward silence¡­


    Jiang Lu, who had been watching the whole scene from the entrance while collecting money, tried to stifle her laughter, pretending to mind her own business. Oh, this was too funny¡ªthey couldn¡¯t even beat a bunch of kids.


    But then again, were the kids in their courtyard just ordinary kids?


    Fortunately, the silence didn¡¯t last long. People began trickling in. This banquet was quite large, with three generations of the Li family working in the kitchen. Chef Li led Yang Lixin and Li Weiwei, who were all busy preparing the feast.


    The women, meanwhile, were helping out with the side tasks.


    Auntie Sui remarked, "This banquet is even better than my family¡¯s New Year¡¯s feast."


    Auntie Wang replied, "Well, the New Year¡¯s feast happens every year, but a college celebration banquet only happens once."


    "True, true."


    Such a joyous occasion was rare in their alley, so everyone had come early to join in the festivities. Soon, more people arrived, and the kids immediately ran out the door. Teacher Zou noticed Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun helping to greet the guests and couldn¡¯t help but stare curiously.


    The courtyard residents were used to them, but outsiders like Teacher Zou and his companions weren¡¯t.


    This was their first time meeting Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, both of whom were quite famous in their own right.


    And indeed, they were¡­ unusual.


    That Zhou Qun¡ªwasn¡¯t he a bit too effeminate?


    Why did he keep raising his pinky finger while talking?


    It was unsettling. And Bai Fendou¡ªwhy did he keep slinging his arm over people¡¯s shoulders while talking?


    With their preconceived notions, everything about them seemed off. They couldn¡¯t help but feel uncomfortable, yet they were also oddly fascinated¡­ and wanted to keep watching.


    At that moment, Hutou also came out to greet everyone. He was wearing a clean white T-shirt with a cute panda design and a pair of jeans¡ªa rare sight in those days.


    Even in Beijing, jeans weren¡¯t common, but with the recent airing of *The Man from the Bottom of the Atlantic*, they weren¡¯t entirely unfamiliar.


    Teacher Zou¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw Hutou. He wasn¡¯t opposed to new trends and, appreciating the aesthetic, nodded approvingly. "Your nephew is quite handsome. I haven¡¯t asked yet¡ªwhich university did he get into?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "The Film Academy. He¡¯s studying photography."


    Because Hutou was studying photography, Zhao Guihua had gifted him a camera as a reward for getting into college. Hutou had been over the moon these past few days. But on such an important day, he didn¡¯t dare get too carried away¡ªif he embarrassed the family, his grandma would give him a good scolding.


    He politely greeted, "Hello, Uncle."


    Teacher Zou was genuinely surprised, "You¡¯re from our school? You know, with your looks, you could even be an actor."


    Hutou was a humble kid. Though he was momentarily stunned to meet a teacher from his school, he quickly replied, "I¡¯m not cut out for acting. When I first decided to pursue the arts, I wanted to study performance. I even found a retired Teacher Wen to coach me, but he almost cried trying to teach me. I really had no talent. But he noticed that I had a knack for photography¡ªI could take decent photos just by fiddling with his camera. He thought I had a better sense for lighting and composition."


    Teacher Zou nodded, "Teacher Wen, yes, I know him. He just retired last year. He¡¯s a veteran performer and still occasionally takes on roles. But I¡¯ve rarely heard him say someone has no talent."


    Hutou scratched his head and laughed.


    He was so earnest that he offered, "Want me to act something out for you?"


    "Sure!"


    Hutou immediately launched into a performance, and within moments, Teacher Zou spat out his drink.


    Xiao Ma and Xiao Zhao, who were also drinking tea, started coughing uncontrollably.


    Teacher Zou said, "I get it now."


    He asked, "Do you regret not pursuing acting?"


    "Not at all. I¡¯m not good at acting, but I¡¯m good at other things. No one can be perfect at everything."


    Hutou¡¯s optimistic outlook earned him some admiration. Teacher Zou nodded, then glanced around and said, "You know, your family seems to have great genes. Everyone here is so good-looking. That young lady over there is quite pretty too."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked over and said, "That¡¯s my wife."


    Teacher Zou: "¡­"


    Xiao Ma and Xiao Zhao: "¡­"


    Wait, what? The rumors were completely off!


    The rumors painted Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s wife as a fierce, domineering woman¡ªa real battle-axe. But who could have imagined she¡¯d be this beautiful? With her oval face, big eyes, and youthful appearance, she looked nothing like the rumors suggested. If anything, it seemed like Zhuang Zhixi and his wife must have a pretty stress-free life.


    If life were stressful and filled with hardships, one wouldn¡¯t look so youthful, but the couple appeared young and vibrant, clearly indicating that their life wasn¡¯t too taxing.


    Ming Mei was also helping out, but since there were so many people, she was tasked with looking after the children. After all, though she seemed the most easygoing, she was the most effective at managing the kids. Children, after all, know who has the upper hand in terms of authority.


    Ming Mei greeted everyone with a smile and said, ¡°You must be Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s colleagues. I¡¯m Ming Mei, his wife. You can call me Xiao Ming.¡±


    Xiao Ming¡­


    It sounded a bit odd.


    ¡°Xiao Ming, you work at the bus station, right? I¡¯ve heard about you.¡±


    She was quite well-known in the city, to the point where petty thieves would steer clear of her.


    Ming Mei: ¡°Not anymore. I don¡¯t work at the bus station now. I¡¯ve moved to the Police Academy.¡±


    Xiao Ma and Xiao Zhao: ¡°¡­¡±


    Oh, no wonder Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t compete with her. It would¡¯ve been strange if he could.


    Teacher Zou: ¡°Then we¡¯re colleagues. I¡¯m also a teacher.¡±


    Ming Mei chuckled and nodded, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°By the way, what do you teach?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°I teach martial arts.¡±


    The three male colleagues immediately nodded and fell silent. They wouldn¡¯t dare underestimate her or assume she was all talk. The fact that she was so capable only proved she was the real deal.


    Better not say anything wrong and risk getting punched. Best to stay quiet.


    Noticing their sudden restraint, Ming Mei said, ¡°I¡¯ll go check on the kids.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Teacher Zou: ¡°Zhuang Zhixi, you go on too. We¡¯ll be fine here. No need to fuss over us.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°Alright then. I won¡¯t treat you like outsiders. Make yourselves at home.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    There were quite a few people around, and the children were all playing outside. The kids from their compound, along with some from the neighborhood, would all have lunch here together. The little ones were having a blast.


    The boys were running around, pretending to shoot, while the girls were jumping rope. Ming Mei stepped out to take a quick look, confirmed everything was fine, and then headed back inside.


    Yuanyuan: ¡°Mom!¡±


    Ming Mei turned around: ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°Is it time to eat?¡±


    Ming Mei: ¡°Not yet. We¡¯ll call you when it¡¯s ready. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Yuanyuan nodded immediately: ¡°Okay!¡±


    After Ming Mei left, she told her friends, ¡°We kids have our own table. We don¡¯t have to sit with the adults.¡±


    ¡°Really? Will there be enough space?¡±


    Yuanyuan nodded: ¡°If there isn¡¯t, we can have two tables. I know how it works.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! I love eating with other kids. When I eat with adults, my mom always nags me about this and that.¡±


    ¡°Same here.¡±


    While the kids were chattering, a little boy was quietly watching from a distance, his eyes filled with envy. This was Erlin, Little Sister Yu¡¯s second child. Erlin had been born with an illness. It wasn¡¯t untreatable, but a full cure required a lot of money. Coming from a poor village, they didn¡¯t have much, so they could only afford basic treatment. Even so, it had drained their savings, and his condition had worsened over time.


    Earlier this year, the hospital had even issued a critical condition notice. That was when Little Sister Yu decided to borrow money and return to the capital for treatment.


    Erlin, having been sick since childhood, didn¡¯t have many friends. His only companion was his older sister, but she was often busy with chores. Most of the time, he was alone. Now that they were in the capital, the adults felt out of place, but Erlin didn¡¯t feel much different.


    Back home, he was often confined indoors, so being here wasn¡¯t all that new. He was supposed to be hospitalized, but to save money, they were allowed to return home after initial treatments, which helped cut down on hospital fees. This was a small mercy for their family, as it was clear they were struggling financially.


    Despite his illness, Erlin was still a curious child. Hearing the laughter and chatter of the other kids, he couldn¡¯t help but peek out from behind the door. Back home, no one wanted to play with him.


    He wanted to reach out, but no one was willing to play with him.


    It wasn¡¯t because they were afraid of catching his illness¡ªthey knew it wasn¡¯t contagious. It was more about the fear of accidentally bumping into him or causing him harm. He was, after all, a fragile child. If something happened, who could take responsibility?


    So naturally, no one played with him.


    Erlin watched the other kids with longing but didn¡¯t dare approach. He knew they didn¡¯t like playing with him. As he rubbed his eyes, he missed his sister terribly.


    ¡°Hey, kid, come play with us!¡±


    Yuanyuan spotted the little boy peeking from behind the door and noticed he was crying.


    She waved: ¡°Do you want to join us?¡±


    Erlin froze, then quickly ducked back inside.


    Li Zhenzhen laughed loudly: ¡°Yuanyuan, he¡¯s scared of you. He doesn¡¯t want to play.¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°That¡¯s not it. He¡¯s just shy because he doesn¡¯t know us.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    As the two girls chattered, Erlin peeked out again. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped out of the yard. Yuanyuan grinned triumphantly: ¡°See? He does want to play with us.¡±


    She asked, ¡°Do you know how to jump rope?¡±


    Erlin shook his head softly: ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    He shuffled over to them, biting his lip, and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know how. Can I just watch?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°You can watch us play, or you can join the boys playing cops and robbers.¡±


    Erlin whispered: ¡°My mom said I can¡¯t run around. I might faint.¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°Oh?¡±


    Bai Qingqing leaned in and whispered: ¡°He¡¯s telling the truth. I heard my parents say his name is Erlin, and he¡¯s here for treatment.¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°Oh, right! I remember my grandma mentioning it too.¡±


    She immediately put on a serious face and asked, ¡°Your name is Erlin, right?¡±


    Erlin nodded.


    Yuanyuan: ¡°Then don¡¯t run around. Just watch us jump rope. When you¡¯re better, we¡¯ll play together.¡±


    Erlin quickly agreed: ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yuanyuan, noticing how thin he was, said, ¡°Everyone¡¯s coming to my place for lunch today. My brother got into university. You should come too, okay?¡±


    Erlin: ¡°Me? I¡­ I can come?¡±


    Yuanyuan wasn¡¯t sure, but she said, ¡°If you want to come, then come. We kids stick together. The adults don¡¯t bother us.¡±


    Erlin didn¡¯t fully understand, but he nodded eagerly, a smile breaking out on his face. He said, ¡°My sister knows how to jump rope too.¡±


    ¡°You have a sister?¡±


    Erlin nodded quickly: ¡°Yes, my sister is amazing. She can pick flowers, dig up vegetables, and jump rope. She knows so much.¡± His voice grew softer, and he rubbed his eyes: ¡°I miss her.¡±


    Yuanyuan suddenly understood¡ªthis little boy missed his sister.


    ¡°Then get better soon. Once you¡¯re cured, you can go home and see her.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    The kids decided to stop jumping rope and sat together, chattering away.


    When Little Sister Yu realized her son had wandered off, she panicked and rushed out to find him. She saw him sitting with a group of children, big and small, laughing happily.


    It had been a long time since she¡¯d seen her son laugh like that.


    She watched for a while as Li Zhenzhen skillfully made a flower crown and placed it around Erlin¡¯s neck. The little boy clapped his hands in delight.


    After all, he was just a four-year-old child.


    Little Sister Yu watched for a while, reassured, and then returned home to continue her busy work. Their family had started a small street food stall. The first couple of days were slow, and they had to bring home unsold food, which made her cry at night.


    But things quickly improved. Their rolled pancakes, filled with rice, vegetables, and optional eggs, were convenient and popular, especially near the hospital. Others were selling food nearby, but it didn¡¯t affect their business at all.


    After selling for just a few days, the couple felt full of energy. To earn money, they decided to sell twice a day, at noon and in the evening. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that no one would eat pancakes three times a day, they would have sold three times. They were even considering it.


    Little Sister Yu went home and continued working, kneading the dough with force, saying, ¡°Once we save up some money, we¡¯ll bring our daughter here.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡±


    This time, they had come for medical treatment, and it wasn¡¯t convenient, but Little Sister Yu had already made up her mind. She could apply for a temporary residence permit and stay here to earn money. If they went back home, she didn¡¯t know when they¡¯d be able to save enough to repay her parents. She had to stay.


    She also wanted her daughter to study here. All the children in this area went to school, even her brother and sister-in-law¡¯s child was studying. Her child couldn¡¯t fall behind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s work hard!¡±


    ¡°Good!¡±


    The couple busied themselves, unaware that Erlin had already followed some older kids into the No. 44 courtyard. He was unfamiliar with the place but curiously looked around. It wasn¡¯t mealtime yet, but the children came over to grab some candy. No child could resist the temptation of candy.


    If they could resist one piece, they¡¯d take two.


    Yuanyuan handed Erlin some candy, and Erlin smiled shyly, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll save this for my sister.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such a good little brother.¡±


    Erlin immediately puffed out his chest proudly.


    Zheng Huimin came out of the house and saw the children gathered together like little hamsters, stuffing candy into their pockets. She smiled and said, ¡°Yuanyuan, you¡¯re eating candy again. Have you forgotten about your toothache?¡±


    Yuanyuan had mostly lost her baby teeth, but there were still one or two left, and her little cavity would ache from time to time. Ming Mei had been keeping an eye on her, not letting her eat too much candy. But the little girl couldn¡¯t help herself.


    Yuanyuan pursed her lips and quickly defended herself, ¡°I¡¯m getting candy for my brother, not for me. Besides, my name is Yuanyuan, not Zhuang Yuanyuan. My name is Zhuang Chen.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Zhuang Yuanyuan.¡±


    Yuanyuan pouted. This Sister Zheng was really a bit annoying, always picking on kids. She stuck out her tongue at Zheng Huimin, who retorted, ¡°If you eat too much candy, I¡¯ll tell your mom. Then, hehe, it¡¯ll be bamboo shoots and pork for you.¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°!!!¡±


    See, there are always these kinds of older sisters.


    Yuanyuan muttered, ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell Brother Li Junjun.¡±


    As if she didn¡¯t know how to tattle either.


    Hmph!


    Zheng Huimin blushed and said, ¡°You little troublemaker, there¡¯s nothing between us.¡±


    Little Yuanyuan put her hands on her hips. ¡°Then why are you blushing? Hmph.¡±


    Even though she was just a child, she wasn¡¯t stupid. She could see what was going on.


    Zheng Huimin muttered, ¡°Kids these days are all so sharp.¡±


    She peeked around, looking for Li Junjun, and saw him helping out in the kitchen.


    Zheng Huimin immediately asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your sister? Where¡¯s your sister Xiao Yanzi?¡±


    Yuanyuan replied, ¡°She went out to get the roast duck.¡±


    They had ordered a roast duck dish from outside, and Xiao Yanzi had gone to pick it up that morning.


    Zheng Huimin breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    As long as Li Junjun wasn¡¯t with Xiao Yanzi, it was fine. Even though she was too busy making money to focus on romance, Zheng Huimin still liked Li Junjun. What girl wouldn¡¯t be moved by a hero saving the damsel?


    Though she wasn¡¯t as obvious about it as before, she still liked Li Junjun a lot.


    When she had liked Su Jinlai in the past, she had nothing, so she had clung to him desperately. But now, she liked Li Junjun differently. She had a job and could earn money, so she wasn¡¯t going to chase after him obsessively.


    She wanted Li Junjun to see how good she was.


    Of course, she was also too busy to bother with him right now.


    Li Junjun was important, but making money was even more important.


    Zheng Huimin rested her chin on her hand, watching Li Junjun. He really was great¡ªnot the most handsome, but definitely the most manly. No one else could compare to him. No one at all.


    Guan Hong came out and saw Zheng Huimin surrounded by pink bubbles. She scoffed and said, ¡°It¡¯s no use looking. He doesn¡¯t like you.¡±


    After living in the courtyard for a while, they could all see that Li Junjun had feelings for Xiao Yanzi. Thankfully, Xiao Yanzi didn¡¯t seem to feel the same way¡ªshe hadn¡¯t even noticed.


    This was¡­ perfect.


    Zheng Huimin said confidently, ¡°So what if he doesn¡¯t like me now? He¡¯ll come around eventually. As long as I keep improving myself, he¡¯ll see how great I am.¡± She glanced at Guan Hong and added, ¡°As for you, stop causing trouble for me.¡±


    Guan Hong shot back, ¡°What are you talking about? We¡¯re competing fairly.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s fair. But if you play dirty, you¡¯re a dog.¡±


    ¡°And if you play dirty, you¡¯re a pig.¡±


    The two of them glared at each other like fighting roosters.


    The three bystanders who had overheard the whole exchange: ¡°¡­¡±


    Are young people¡¯s relationships always this complicated these days?


    Today was particularly lively. Wang Xiangxiu had brought her son along to help. Su Jinlai didn¡¯t want to work, but his mom was a tyrant, so he was forced to come and tend the fire. He felt like Yang Paifeng¡ªfull of talent but reduced to a fire-tender.


    He was miserable.


    Just then, Li Junjun came out carrying a big pot of food. Both Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong rushed over, saying, ¡°Let me help!¡±


    Li Junjun: ¡°¡­No need!¡±


    Su Jinlai looked on with envy. Ugh, hadn¡¯t these two women given up on Li Junjun already? Why were they fawning over him again? His greatest wish was for them to focus on making money so they wouldn¡¯t have time to be Li Junjun¡¯s groupies.


    Su Jinlai sighed gloomily, feeling that life was particularly bleak.


    Tonglai glanced at him and warned, ¡°Don¡¯t cause any trouble, okay?¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°!!!¡±


    He protested, ¡°What kind of person do you think I am?¡±


    Tonglai replied, ¡°Whether you are or not, I¡¯m just reminding you. If you cause trouble here, Mom won¡¯t let it slide.¡±


    Su Jinlai sighed again. ¡°I get it!¡±


    The three bystanders, once again witnessing the drama: ¡°¡­¡±


    What on earth is going on here?


    The love and hate in this courtyard are a bit hard to follow.


    Their bewildered expressions were so obvious that Li Weiwei, who had just come out, kindly explained, ¡°It¡¯s pretty complicated. You wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    Xiao Ma quickly asked, ¡°So those two girls live together and like that burly guy?¡±


    Li Weiwei nodded. ¡°Yep.¡±


    That¡¯s right, they both like my brother!


    Though he figured they liked money the most. His brother was just second place.


    Xiao Ma asked again, ¡°What about the one tending the fire?¡±


    He¡¯s not bad-looking.


    Li Weiwei replied, ¡°Oh, Su Jinlai? Haven¡¯t you heard of him? His nickname is ¡®Big Bird.¡¯¡±


    The three bystanders: ¡°¡­¡±


    They¡¯d vaguely heard of it.


    Li Weiwei got excited. Though he was a young man, he had a soft spot for gossip. He said, ¡°So, these two ladies originally liked Su Jinlai, but then someone came looking for trouble, and Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t manly about it¡­ blah blah blah¡­ Then my brother, this guy here, he saved the day¡­ blah blah blah¡­ So the two ladies switched targets¡­ blah blah blah¡­ But my brother doesn¡¯t actually like either of them. He likes someone else, but that person doesn¡¯t like him¡­ blah blah blah¡­¡±


    Teacher Zou sighed, ¡°I should¡¯ve brought a pen and paper.¡±


    What great material! It¡¯s a shame not to write it down.


    He said, ¡°Go over it again, and I¡¯ll take notes.¡±


    Li Weiwei grinned. ¡°Oh, and I¡¯m part of the story too. I went on a date with her, but during the date, she ended up liking Su Jinlai¡­¡±


    Guan Hong couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°Li Weiwei, you gossipy fool! Why are you blabbing about something that happened ages ago? Do you have to tell everyone? What, you think you¡¯re so special? No wonder you can¡¯t find a wife!¡±


    Li Weiwei shot back, ¡°If I married someone like you, I¡¯d be doomed. That¡¯s why I¡¯m careful about finding a wife. I¡¯d hate to end up with someone like you.¡±


    Guan Hong was furious. ¡°And I don¡¯t want to end up with someone like you either! You¡¯re useless, not even as bold as a woman. Frankly, men without courage are trash!¡±


    The three bystanders: ¡°¡­¡±


    Everyone else who had been eavesdropping: ¡°¡­¡±


    Guan Hong shouted loudly, "All men are the same, useless and only good at boasting. They''re all trash!"


    Everyone: "..."


    This female comrade is quite fierce.


    Guan Hong didn''t seem to care at all. She glared at Li Weiwei, who couldn''t help but take a step back. Guan Hong snorted heavily, tossed her head, and walked inside.


    Li Weiwei: "Phew~"


    Zheng Huimin: "Big mouth!"


    Li Weiwei: "..."


    He stood pitifully in place as his grandmother called out, "Li Weiwei, have you lost your mind? A grown man gossiping about a female comrade outside, how shameless! Get back here now!"


    Li Weiwei scurried back without a moment''s delay.


    Once inside, the old lady didn''t hold back and smacked him twice on the back. Li Weiwei looked miserable but didn''t dare to say a word.


    He paid the price for his big mouth. Wuwu.


    The trio: "..."


    This courtyard is indeed unique.


    Teacher Zou: "Material, all material for storytelling."


    Su Jinlai lowered his head to tend to the fire, chuckling to himself. He felt balanced now, as long as someone was more pitiful than him, he could be happy.


    The joy of being human is just that simple.


    This little episode seemed intense to the trio, but to others, it was as ordinary as eating or drinking. Getting smacked or scolded a couple of times? No big deal.


    Totally normal.


    Even the children were calm. Yuanyuan and the other kids, seeing that the meal was almost ready, had already taken their seats at the table.


    Meanwhile, Little Sister Yu was at home, waiting and waiting for her child. She suddenly realized something and said, "Erlin couldn''t have gone to the Zhuang family''s place, could he?"


    Her husband, Yang Shulin, said, "I''ll go bring the child back. We didn''t bring a gift, so it''s not right for him to eat at their place."


    In their village, some families hosting banquets didn''t allow children to attend. Times were tough, and people were very particular about such things. The couple felt it was inappropriate and quickly got up. However, Old Lady Yu glanced at Little Sister Yu and said, "Go and give a gift. Just one mao will do."


    Little Sister Yu: "Huh?"


    She was confused. The two families hadn''t interacted much.


    Old Lady Yu: "I''ve cursed their family before, so they probably don''t like me. If I go, I might not get a warm welcome, and others might chase me away. I''ve cursed too many people; enemies are everywhere. But it''s different for you. You''ve been gone for over a decade, so there''s no awkwardness. Go ahead. Since we all live in the same alley, you should go and give a gift. Then you can take the child and eat there."


    Little Sister Yu: "Huh?"


    It wasn''t that she wanted to be surprised, but her mother had never participated in such events before because they required giving gifts. Her mother always thought it was a waste of money.


    Seeing her daughter''s shocked expression, Old Lady Yu smiled smugly and said, "For ordinary families, one mao is enough. I''ve seen their dishes; they''re really good. With one mao and bringing your child, you''re definitely getting a good deal. You won''t lose out. Go and eat! Besides, you can soak up some good luck. Who knows, maybe your two kids will also go to university someday."


    Little Sister Yu: "..."


    She knew her mother wasn''t the type to take a loss.


    Old Lady Yu: "Go on."


    Little Sister Yu: "But..."


    Old Lady Yu: "No buts. We''re not losing out by giving one mao, and they might not be completely losing out either. Besides, it''s rare for the child to play outside. Dragging him home wouldn''t be good. Kids need to interact with other kids, or they''ll get stifled. Go on, go on."


    Little Sister Yu felt extremely awkward, but Old Lady Yu quickly pushed her out the door.


    After hesitating for a moment, Little Sister Yu finally headed toward the Zhuang family''s place. She wondered how to bring up taking her child away. It felt inappropriate to just show up and join the feast when they weren''t familiar. She bit her lip, hesitating at the door.


    He Lan didn''t recognize Little Sister Yu and wasn''t familiar with her. She simply said, "Come in, come in, find a seat. The feast is about to start."


    Although there were many unfamiliar faces, He Lan assumed everyone coming was there for the celebration. Little Sister Yu, called in by He Lan, finally entered. Now it was even harder to leave, so she quickly went to register her gift.


    He Lan seated her at the women''s table. Little Sister Yu felt extremely awkward. She looked around but didn''t see her son. She quickly asked, "Comrade, have you seen a little boy? He''s thin, about three or four years old, wearing..."


    He Lan: "You mean Erlin?"


    She said, "He''s in the backyard with the other kids. If you''re worried, you can go check on him."


    Little Sister Yu thanked her, deeply impressed that her son had become so well-known in such a short time. She walked to the connecting area between the front and back yards and looked out. The kids were busy picking peanuts, chattering about school.


    Her son was among them, his little hands busy as he ate and asked questions. He said seriously, "I overheard my mom saying that when my sister comes, she''ll also go to school."


    His sister wasn''t in school yet.


    But all the older kids went to school, so his sister should too.


    Li Zhenzhen immediately said, "When your sister comes, I''ll take care of her. If anyone bullies her, I''ll gather the gang and beat them up."


    Erlin: "Ah, great!"


    He was overjoyed, feeling like he''d accomplished something big. He''d found a protector for his sister.


    "Is school fun?"


    "Sometimes it''s fun, sometimes it''s not. But when kids get older, they all have to go to school. If you don''t go, you won''t understand anything and will be illiterate," Yuanyuan said gloomily. "What I hate the most is that the PE teacher is always sick. If he''s always sick, why is he a PE teacher? But our Chinese and math teachers are always healthy and take over his classes."


    "Ugh!"


    All the kids shared the same lament.


    Erlin: "Oh, okay."


    He didn''t quite understand, but he made a mental note to tell his sister later.


    Little Sister Yu watched for a while, feeling reassured. Her heart warmed, and she became even more determined to bring her daughter over soon.


    But what she didn''t know was that at that moment, a skinny little girl of about seven or eight, with unevenly cut hair like it had been chewed by a dog, was sneaking onto a train, blending in with the crowd as if she were with an adult.


    She was thin and small, her clothes tattered, and her face bore red marks from scratches. But her eyes were bright and alert as she squeezed onto the train and tucked herself into a corner, warily watching the people around her.


    She listened carefully to the conversations. Someone asked, "Fellow villager, where are you headed?"


    "I''m going to the capital. My child is serving in the military there. I haven''t seen him in years, so he asked me to come."


    "Me too, I''m also going..."


    The little girl breathed a small sigh of relief.


    That''s right, this train was heading to the capital. She hadn''t boarded the wrong one.


    She was going to find her parents and her little brother.


    She didn''t want to stay here anymore!


    This was Little Sister Yu''s daughter, Xing''er. Though she had been left with her grandparents, they lived with her uncle''s family, who treated her poorly. She had to do endless chores and was often beaten.


    Her older cousin even deliberately scratched her face with a branch because she hated how Xing''er was prettier than her.


    Her aunt refused to feed her, saying she was no better than a beggar, and would secretly pinch her. Her grandparents saw it all but could only sigh helplessly. They told her that her mother, being an educated youth, would surely abandon her and her brother, never returning to the countryside.


    They also said her brother was sickly and wouldn''t live long, so she''d never see him again because sickly children were doomed to die.


    Little Xing''er was heartbroken. Last night, she was beaten again and cried alone outside. The Village Head''s wife secretly gave her a steamed bun, but Xing''er didn''t eat it. She saved it, and under the cover of night, she packed her small bundle and sneaked out, heading to the city. She was determined to make it to the capital on her own.


    She walked into the town and then managed to board a bus heading to the city. She had thought she would be discovered, but the ticket seller assumed the woman in front of her was her mother and didn¡¯t ask any questions. Just like that, Xing''er found a way to escape. No one would have imagined that such a young girl could be so bold, but she had done it. She made her way to the train station and, pretending to be a child traveling with her parents, followed some adults onto the train. As expected, no one questioned her.


    She was determined to find her family. Her uncle and his family were terrible people, and she refused to stay with them any longer.


    She had to go to the capital to find her parents. Only then would her little brother not die!


    Huddled in a corner, small and unnoticed, she felt a mix of fear and determination.


    As the train pulled away, she had no idea that back in her village, everyone was in an uproar searching for her.


    The Village Head was pointing at her uncle and aunt, scolding them harshly: "If we find this child, fine. But if we don¡¯t, you¡¯ll be eating prison food! I¡¯ve seen many cruel and heartless people, but none as bad as you two. Taking advantage of the parents¡¯ absence to abuse their child. Are you even fit to call yourselves her uncle and aunt? You should hide when it rains¡ªpeople as wicked as you deserve to be struck by lightning!"


    "She ran away herself, and now you¡¯re blaming us?" the old couple defended their son. "She¡¯s just a girl. If she¡¯s gone, she¡¯s gone."


    The old couple¡¯s words were as cruel as ever.


    "That girl and her sickly brother¡ªtheir parents should¡¯ve listened to me and had another child. Instead, they insisted on raising those two, and now look at the mess they¡¯re in. A girl can¡¯t carry on the family name, so what does it matter if she¡¯s gone? I always said she was a waste of food, and that little brother of hers is nothing but bad luck. Sick from birth¡ªno amount of money can fix that. Our son has his own life to live too."


    Their son chimed in, "Exactly! Did you expect me to babysit for free? We have our own work to do. Don¡¯t blame us."


    The Village Head spat, "Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know the truth. You weren¡¯t babysitting for free¡ªyou took their food and supplies while abusing the child. You deserve divine punishment!"


    A gossipy woman from the village added, "That girl of theirs is just as wicked. At such a young age, she¡¯s already jealous and deliberately scratched someone¡¯s face. Families with daughters better keep an eye on their kids. That girl is trouble¡ªbetter stay away from their family."


    Everyone looked at the family with disdain, their disgust evident.


    "You... you..." the family stammered, unable to defend themselves further.


    The Village Head cut in, "Enough! Let¡¯s focus on finding the child!"


    Deep down, he knew that even if they didn¡¯t find her, they couldn¡¯t have the police arrest the uncle¡¯s family. Such things had never happened before, and the older generation in the village wouldn¡¯t allow it.


    Besides, the family was adamant they knew nothing, leaving everyone helpless.


    But he was furious. How could people be so cruel, especially to their own relatives? It was despicable!


    He spat again and ordered, "Let¡¯s keep searching!"


    As the crowd dispersed, only two people remained. The Village Head¡¯s mother pulled him aside and said, "I saw Xing''er last night."


    The Village Head immediately asked, "Where is she?"


    The Old Lady replied, "They didn¡¯t feed her again, so I gave her a piece of cornbread. But I saw her heading toward her own house."


    "Her parents aren¡¯t home, and the house is locked. Why would she go there?"


    The Old Lady shook her head. "I don¡¯t know. Later that night, when I went out to use the restroom, I saw her again. She seemed to be carrying something and heading toward the edge of the village. At the time, I thought I was mistaken, but now I think it was her. That tattered little outfit¡ªit had to be her."


    Their house was close to the village entrance.


    The Village Head frowned. "If she left on her own, where could she go? They¡¯re so poor, none of their relatives in the village even talk to them."


    The Old Lady suggested, "Do you think she¡¯s trying to find her parents? That older daughter of theirs is always saying her brother is dead, and every time Xing''er hears it, her eyes well up with tears. Maybe she¡¯s heading to the capital?"


    The Village Head was shocked. "Damn it, how would she get there? She has no money, no food. A child that small traveling alone¡ªwhat if she runs into traffickers? Or gets lost? The more I think about it, the more worried I get."


    The Old Lady was equally concerned. "Exactly. We should ask around."


    "Alright."


    Compared to the Yang family, these strangers seemed far more humane. They genuinely didn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to the little girl. Meanwhile, the Yang family¡¯s eldest son and his wife were cursing and complaining, unwilling to help with the search.


    Boss Yang even said, "That damn girl. We should¡¯ve broken her legs to stop her from running away!"


    While the village was in chaos, the capital was bustling with excitement. It was Hutou¡¯s celebration for getting into a good school, and the atmosphere was lively. Although it was Hutou¡¯s party, the children were the ones being pushed to perform.


    Fortunately, the kids in their neighborhood were outgoing and happily sang a group song.


    Ming Mei sat in her chair, watching Tuantuan and Yuanyuan sing loudly and confidently. She gave them a thumbs-up, and the two children sang even louder, beaming with pride. They loved praise and wanted as much of it as they could get.


    The group sang together, but there was one little imposter among them: Erlin.


    Little Erlin stood among the children, happily humming along, even though he didn¡¯t really know the song. But singing with everyone was fun!


    When the song ended, all the children received enthusiastic applause and a small piece of cake. Their faces lit up with joy, each feeling like the most capable child in the world.


    Suddenly, Erlin, as if sensing something, said, "My sister is coming to find me. I¡¯m saving this cake for her."


    The adults didn¡¯t understand a child¡¯s intuition and simply said, "When your sister comes, we¡¯ll all play together."


    Erlin shouted, "Okay!"

 Chapter 203

    The children were on summer vacation, and they were absolutely ecstatic.


    Since the holiday began, they had been even busier than during school. Every day, they would grab their little nets and go out to catch cicadas. The kids thought they were being sneaky, but their parents were already well aware. However, they didn¡¯t expose the children¡¯s little secret.


    After all, every child deserves their own ¡°little secrets.¡± Everyone was like that when they were young.


    The kids had already sold their catches twice, and their confidence was soaring.


    Although their parents gave them pocket money, earning money themselves felt completely different. The children¡¯s faces were flushed with excitement.


    You see, this was their own hard-earned money.


    They were so happy, leaving the house on time every noon.


    Morning? Morning was for studying.


    The kids didn¡¯t mind the sun either. They braved the scorching heat and gathered outside the gate of the neighboring compound, calling out, ¡°Ye Siyuan!¡±


    The three Ye siblings came running out in a hurry, ¡°Coming, coming!¡±


    Wang Zizhen, watching the children rush like this, said, ¡°Next time, eat earlier so you don¡¯t miss out on playtime.¡±


    The kids grinned happily.


    Just as they were about to leave, they saw Erlin¡¯s parents rushing out the door, looking anxious. Yuanyuan, ever the little gossip, asked, ¡°Auntie, where are you going?¡±


    Little Sister Yu, who was already feeling flustered, replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to the train station to pick up a child.¡±


    She didn¡¯t have time to explain further and hurried onto the bus. Yuanyuan wondered aloud, ¡°Is Auntie Yu going to pick up Erlin¡¯s sister?¡±


    She whispered to her friends, who shook their heads. No one really knew. Tuantuan chimed in, ¡°Probably. They don¡¯t have any other kids, do they?¡±


    Yuanyuan was puzzled, ¡°Is the child coming alone on the train?¡±


    The group fell silent for a moment before someone said, ¡°Probably not.¡±


    ¡°Kids can¡¯t travel alone.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Tuantuan suggested, ¡°Should we go catch cicadas or play in the alley? We can wait and see if Auntie Yu is picking up Erlin¡¯s sister.¡±


    Li Zhenzhen exclaimed, ¡°Let¡¯s catch cicadas!¡±


    She was full of enthusiasm, ¡°I want to save money.¡±


    ¡°Save money?¡±


    Li Zhenzhen puffed out her chest proudly, ¡°I want to save a lot of money and buy myself a house.¡±


    Wow!


    The kids were stunned. You¡¯re that ambitious? You want to buy a house!


    That¡¯s a really big dream.


    Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°A house is so expensive!¡±


    Li Zhenzhen nodded, ¡°That¡¯s why I need to start saving now. By the time I grow up, I¡¯ll have a lot of money.¡±


    ¡°Zhenzhen, why do you want to buy a house?¡± Little Sitian scratched her head, confused. ¡°You already have a place to live.¡±


    Li Zhenzhen explained, ¡°But my house is too small. My two older brothers are already renting places outside.¡± She counted on her fingers, ¡°My grandparents said they¡¯ll buy a house for my brothers if they find a good one, but they didn¡¯t say anything about buying one for me. So, I need to save up for myself.¡±


    Yuanyuan pursed her lips.


    ¡°They won¡¯t buy one for you?¡±


    Li Zhenzhen shrugged, ¡°They didn¡¯t say they wouldn¡¯t, but they didn¡¯t say they would either.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t sure if they would, so she decided to save up herself. But houses were so expensive, really expensive.


    Tuantuan looked at her and said, ¡°I think your parents will buy you one. They¡¯re not saying anything now because you¡¯re still a kid. Kids take a long time to grow up, so there¡¯s no rush. But your brothers are adults, so they¡¯re in a hurry.¡±


    Li Zhenzhen whispered to her friends, ¡°Actually, my brothers aren¡¯t in a hurry. My eldest brother wasn¡¯t in a rush, and my second brother¡­ well, he used to be, but now he says, ¡®Women are tigers.¡¯ Only my grandparents and parents are anxious.¡±


    The little girl shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t know why.¡±


    Yuanyuan immediately said, ¡°I know, I know! It¡¯s like ¡®The emperor isn¡¯t worried, but the eunuchs are.¡¯¡±


    The kids: ¡°¡­¡±


    Li Zhenzhen frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t call my parents eunuchs!¡±


    Yuanyuan softened her tone, ¡°It¡¯s just a metaphor, a metaphor!¡±


    She said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go catch cicadas. I want to save money too.¡±


    ¡°What are you saving for?¡±


    Yuanyuan replied, ¡°I want to buy a badminton set so I can play badminton later.¡±


    The idea lit up the kids¡¯ eyes. Li Zhenzhen immediately said, ¡°That¡¯s awesome! I¡¯ll save up for badminton too!¡±


    Tuantuan asked, ¡°What about your house?¡±


    Li Zhenzhen waved it off, ¡°Houses cost a lot of money. There¡¯s no rush. I¡¯ll buy badminton first, then save up for the house.¡±


    The kids: ¡°¡­¡±


    Well, that makes sense.


    Tuantuan said, ¡°I have something I want to buy too. I want a basketball. My grandma says playing basketball is great exercise and helps you grow taller. Plus, if it¡¯s a basketball, we can all play together. It¡¯s convenient.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What should I buy? You all have something in mind. What should I get?¡± Ye Sijia panicked, feeling left out. He turned to his brother, ¡°Brother, what do you want to buy?¡±


    Ye Siyuan said, ¡°I¡¯m saving up to buy a roast duck for Mom and Dad¡¯s birthday.¡±


    Ye Sijia exclaimed, ¡°Oh! Then let¡¯s pool our money so I can contribute too.¡±


    Little Sitian, only six years old, chimed in, ¡°And me!¡±


    After everyone shared their plans, they all turned to Xiao Qijin, who hesitated before saying, ¡°I want to buy a dress as a gift for Qingqing.¡±


    Deadly stares.


    Li Zhenzhen, Yuanyuan, and Little Sitian, the three girls, glared at Xiao Qijin. They were all friends, but this was blatant favoritism! When it was their birthdays, he never mentioned wanting to buy them dresses.


    Li Zhenzhen put her hands on her hips, ¡°Am I not your best friend anymore?¡±


    Xiao Qijin stammered, ¡°You all are!¡±


    ¡°Then why is Qingqing special?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why?¡±


    Bai Qingqing, however, was beaming, ¡°Qijin is the best!¡±


    Xiao Qijin raised his chin and explained, ¡°Yuanyuan has a brother, Sitian has a brother, and Zhenzhen has a brother too. Your brothers will buy things for you. But Qingqing doesn¡¯t have a brother, and I don¡¯t have a sister. Of course, I¡¯ll buy something for her!¡±


    Bai Qingqing nodded, ¡°That¡¯s right! I¡¯m saving up to buy Qijin a pair of sneakers.¡±


    Li Zhenzhen muttered, ¡°Hmm, that kind of makes sense.¡±


    Yuanyuan pouted, ¡°But not entirely.¡±


    Little Sitian looked at her brothers with pleading eyes, ¡°Brothers, I want a pretty dress too¡­¡±


    What else could the brothers do?


    The two boys immediately felt the weight of responsibility.


    ¡°After we buy the cake, we¡¯ll save up to buy you a dress.¡±


    Little Sitian nodded eagerly.


    Ye Sijia mumbled under his breath, ¡°I want new sneakers too¡­¡±


    His voice was so soft it was almost inaudible. He glanced down at his tiny sister, who was even poorer than him, and sighed. He couldn¡¯t count on her¡­


    Yuanyuan also looked at Tuantuan with a longing gaze. Tuantuan declared firmly, ¡°I¡¯ll save up to buy it for you!¡±


    Yuanyuan immediately smiled.


    Tuantuan clenched his fist and said, ¡°Comrades, we¡¯re all so short on money. We can¡¯t waste any more time. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    The group chattered excitedly as they left. Meanwhile, Little Sister Yu and her husband, Yang Shulin, were nearing the train station. She never expected her daughter to have the audacity to run away from home. Her heart was in turmoil. The journey had taken several days by train, and she couldn¡¯t bear to think about how her daughter had managed it alone.


    She also didn¡¯t understand why no one from their hometown had contacted her about her daughter running away.


    Filled with worry and confusion, she hurried to the train station, feeling completely lost.


    Yang Shulin, trailing behind his wife, was even more clueless. After asking for directions, they finally found the station office. As soon as they entered, Little Sister Yu saw her daughter. The girl was even thinner than when they had left home. Her face bore the marks of scabbed wounds, her clothes reeked, and her hair was a tangled mess. She looked worse than a beggar.


    ¡°Xing''er!¡± Little Sister Yu cried out as soon as she saw her daughter and immediately rushed over. The little girl had been sitting cautiously on a chair, but upon hearing her mother¡¯s voice, she sprang up in an instant. Before she could react further, she was enveloped in her mother¡¯s embrace.


    Little Sister Yu held her daughter tightly, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed, ¡°How could you be so reckless, child? Sneaking off like this¡ªwhat if something had happened to you? Do you want to give your mother a heart attack?¡±


    The little girl, who had been anxious the entire journey, finally broke down upon seeing her family. She wailed loudly, her cries mingling with her mother¡¯s.


    Nearby, her father, Yang Shulin, was also wiping away tears. The sight of the family¡¯s emotional reunion was heart-wrenching.


    Little Sister Yu continued to scold her daughter through her tears, ¡°You naughty child! What if you had gotten lost? Losing you would have killed me! How could you be so thoughtless, huh?¡±


    She smacked her daughter¡¯s bottom several times, demanding, ¡°Will you ever do something like this again? Tell me, will you?¡±


    The little girl cried even harder after being spanked, but she clung tightly to Little Sister Yu¡¯s neck, refusing to let go. Little Sister Yu exclaimed, ¡°Where did you get such boldness? Who do you take after, being so daring?¡±


    She delivered a few more smacks to her daughter¡¯s bottom.


    The little girl¡¯s wails grew louder, prompting the onlookers to intervene. ¡°Sister, don¡¯t hit the child anymore. She¡¯s already been through so much on this journey. Just take her home now.¡±


    Little Sister Yu nodded gratefully, ¡°Thank you, thank you all.¡±


    Only then did she realize she hadn¡¯t properly thanked everyone. She quickly stood up and bowed to the crowd.


    ¡°No need, no need. It¡¯s our duty to serve the people. We¡¯re just doing what we should.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Anyone would help a little girl like her. Sister, your daughter is quite clever. If she hadn¡¯t remembered your address, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to find you.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s thanks to Brother Zhuang being here that we could locate you so quickly.¡±


    At this, Little Sister Yu turned her gaze to Zhuang Zhiyuan, who was standing in the room. Yes, it was Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    To tell the truth, it was truly fortunate that they had encountered Zhuang Zhiyuan. Otherwise, finding the little girl¡¯s family would have been no easy task.


    Earlier, after Xing''er ran away from home, the village head had reported her missing. However, nearly a full day had already passed by then, making it difficult to track her down. No one could have guessed that the little girl had managed to board a train to the capital. While authorities had notified all relevant trains to be on the lookout and conducted local searches, no one imagined that Xing''er had already left.


    The village head hadn¡¯t contacted Little Sister Yu and Yang Shulin because he didn¡¯t know how to reach them. They didn¡¯t have an address for the couple in the capital. Although Little Sister Yu was a sent-down youth, her family¡¯s address hadn¡¯t changed, and in theory, they could have been found. However, with the sent-down youth program long disbanded, even local offices had become defunct. Little Sister Yu had been sent down in the 1960s, and after so many years, digging through old records was no simple task. The village head hadn¡¯t thought of this, so contact was never established.


    Meanwhile, Little Sister Yu and Yang Shulin had no idea their daughter had left home.


    After boarding the train to the capital, Xing''er managed to get by on her own. Being small, she huddled in a corner, and while many passengers noticed her, no one paid much attention, assuming she was with her parents. After all, who would believe a child her age could travel alone?


    On the first day, she survived on a single cornbread bun. By the second day, her stomach growled loudly, but a kind soldier gave her a flatbread, which kept her going for a while longer. Fearing suspicion, she even changed train cars.


    It wasn¡¯t until the evening of the second day that a train attendant noticed something amiss. Though the train was crowded, the attendant¡¯s sharp eye caught that the little girl seemed to be alone. She was taken to the staff room.


    Xing''er refused to say which station she had boarded at, only stating that she was going to the capital to find her parents. With just over a day left until they reached the capital, the staff decided it was best to continue the journey rather than leave her at an unfamiliar station.


    The little girl, only eight years old, didn¡¯t remember her mother¡¯s family address clearly, only three words: Xinghua Lane.


    Her mother had been born in Xinghua Lane, which was why she was named Xing''er.


    Truth be told, finding someone with just a single place name like that would have been nearly impossible. But fortunately, it was Xinghua Lane and not some other obscure location.


    Xinghua Lane was actually quite famous. In the past, people visiting relatives in the capital would make a point to see the ¡°haunted¡± toilet in Xinghua Lane, which was the stuff of local legend.


    Because of its notoriety, the place was well-known, and the people there were also quite recognizable.


    When the station staff heard the little girl mention her grandmother¡¯s home was in Xinghua Lane, they immediately thought of Zhuang Zhiyuan, who lived there. They had recently attended a celebration at his place.


    As luck would have it, Zhuang Zhiyuan wasn¡¯t on duty at the time, so someone went to fetch him.


    At the station, Xing''er was less guarded than she had been on the train and quickly explained her parents¡¯ situation.


    ¡°My dad is Yang Shulin, and my mom is Little Sister Yu. My mom was a sent-down youth. My little brother is sick, and my parents took him to borrow money from my grandma for treatment. I only know they live in Xinghua Lane.¡± Though she provided a lot of information, finding her family still wasn¡¯t easy. The little girl clutched her clothes nervously, looking pitifully at Zhuang Zhiyuan.


    To his surprise, Zhuang Zhiyuan recognized the names. He asked, ¡°Your brother¡¯s name is Erlin, right?¡±


    The little girl¡¯s eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. ¡°Yes, yes! He¡¯s sick.¡±


    She grabbed Zhuang Zhiyuan¡¯s sleeve and asked anxiously, ¡°Uncle, do you know where my parents are? Is my brother okay? Are they all here?¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan reassured her, ¡°They¡¯re all here, all here.¡±


    He added, ¡°Wait here, and I¡¯ll get your mom to come pick you up.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan acted quickly, calling the local neighborhood committee, which was closer than going there himself. As expected, they rushed to the Yu family¡¯s home as soon as they heard the news.


    Looking at the little girl, Zhuang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sadness. He had a daughter of his own, and when she was Xing''er¡¯s age, life had been much harder, but his daughter had never been in such a state.


    The sight of the thin little girl, with only her large eyes standing out on her small face, was particularly pitiful. His gaze fell on her cheek, and he asked, ¡°What happened to your face? How did you get hurt? Let me take a look. We don¡¯t want it to scar.¡±


    Xing''er shrugged it off. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Uncle. It¡¯s nothing. My cousin scratched me.¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan frowned. ¡°When your mom comes, have her take you to the hospital to get some ointment. The area around it looks red¡ªit might get infected.¡±


    He then asked, ¡°Have you eaten?¡±


    The little girl pursed her lips and shook her head.


    But she quickly added, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. I ate enough this morning.¡±


    A young woman in the office suddenly exclaimed, ¡°I forgot! Let me check the canteen.¡±


    The little girl had arrived just after lunch, and in the rush to contact her family, they had overlooked her hunger.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t bother with the canteen. There¡¯s probably nothing left. Go buy her something to eat.¡±


    He handed her some money, and after a moment¡¯s hesitation, she agreed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go.¡±


    Xing''er sat quietly on the chair, not daring to speak, but she felt a sense of safety now. She looked up and asked, ¡°Uncle, did my brother go to the hospital?¡±


    Zhuang Zhiyuan nodded. ¡°Yes, he did. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    The little girl finally let out a sigh of relief. Despite her boldness in traveling such a long distance alone, she had been terrified by her cousin¡¯s words, fearing her brother might die.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Don''t worry, your parents will be here soon."


    "Lunch is here, I bought some meat buns."


    The little girl swallowed her saliva, and Zhuang Zhiyuan urged, "Quick, eat while it''s hot. By the time you finish, your parents will be here."


    "Okay."


    She had never eaten meat buns before. She lowered her head and ate voraciously, murmuring softly, "It''s so delicious."


    The people in the room watched with a tinge of sadness, saying, "If it''s delicious, eat more."


    The little girl nodded earnestly. She wanted to eat her fill so she would have the strength to work when she got home.


    Sure enough, Zhuang Zhiyuan was right. After the little girl finished her lunch, Little Sister Yu rushed in, and the mother and daughter embraced, crying bitterly. Little Sister Yu was terrified and scolded her child harshly, "You scared me to death, do you know that?"


    The little girl clung to her mother''s neck, feeling wronged but no longer afraid.


    She wailed, "Mom, Auntie said that once you go back to Sijiu City, you won¡¯t come back for me anymore. She said all the educated youths are like that. You¡¯ll be like Little Flower¡¯s mom and never return..."


    She continued, "Cousin said that my brother is going to die. She said his illness can¡¯t be cured, and he¡¯ll definitely die. Then I won¡¯t have a mom or a brother, and Dad will marry a new wife who¡¯ll be my stepmom."


    She kept crying, "Grandma also said that if you run away, she¡¯ll bring Auntie¡¯s sister to be my stepmom. They have a son who can have more sons, and then they¡¯ll marry me off for a dowry..."


    Though she was only eight years old, she was already very perceptive and remembered all these things clearly.


    Even though she tried to convince herself that these were all lies, meant to scare her, she couldn¡¯t help but worry that they might come true. That¡¯s why she ran away on her own. She didn¡¯t want a stepmom or another brother.


    The little girl cried bitterly, while Little Sister Yu trembled with anger. She turned and pinched her husband, saying, "Look at your family! How can they be so cruel? How can they treat us like this?"


    Yang Shulin¡¯s nose was red from crying, and he hung his head, expressionless, letting Little Sister Yu vent her anger.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan intervened, "Alright, now that you¡¯ve found the child, take her home. Also, make sure to inform your family back home so they don¡¯t worry."


    Little Sister Yu wanted to say that those people didn¡¯t care, and that they were more likely to cause harm than worry, but she held back in front of outsiders. She took a deep breath, thanked him, and then carried her daughter out. Yang Shulin quickly took the child from her, and Little Sister Yu pinched him again, scolding in a low voice, "Look at what your family has done! Even neighbors wouldn¡¯t treat a child like this, but your own family treats our child this way? Did you hear what they said? Is that even human? They deserve to be struck by lightning. Those heartless scoundrels! I used to let it slide because of you, but now they think they can push us around? They even want you to remarry? Go ahead, I¡¯m not afraid!"


    Little Sister Yu used to be somewhat timid. With her child still young and no support from her own family, she couldn¡¯t stand up to her sister-in-law in the village, whose family was always around. But now she felt differently. Even though her mother was still harsh and critical, she had sold their house to pay for Erlin¡¯s treatment¡ªsomething Yang¡¯s family would never do.


    Seeing her parents¡¯ attitude, Little Sister Yu now felt emboldened.


    "If you want to marry that widow, go ahead. I can raise the two children on my own, and my parents will help me. Don¡¯t think I¡¯m easy to bully. All these years, your parents have taken advantage of me because I didn¡¯t have my family¡¯s support, and I¡¯ve endured it. But they can¡¯t treat my daughter this way. This time, we came out to get treatment for our child. We didn¡¯t come empty-handed¡ªwe gave them food. But look at how they¡¯ve treated us! I used to tell myself that they were afraid of getting involved because we were poor from treating our child, and that the elderly had it hard too. But look at what they¡¯ve done! They¡¯re worse than my parents!"


    Yang Shulin¡¯s face turned red from the scolding, but he had no rebuttal. Over the years, because of their child¡¯s illness, the family had become dirt poor, and even rats avoided their home. He had grown used to being looked down upon by everyone.


    But hearing his daughter¡¯s pitiful words and seeing her like this, Yang Shulin couldn¡¯t help but feel furious. He could understand outsiders looking down on him¡ªhe was poor and had to borrow money. But for his own family to treat him this way was unbearable.


    His own family looked down on him more than outsiders ever did.


    He grabbed Little Sister Yu¡¯s hand and said, "We won¡¯t have anything to do with them from now on."


    He was resolute: "I don¡¯t have parents or brothers like that. Don¡¯t leave me. Our family shouldn¡¯t be torn apart because of them."


    Little Sister Yu snorted lightly. Meanwhile, Xing''er, who had been quietly listening from her mother¡¯s shoulder, chimed in, "I want to stay with Mom and Dad. Cousin also said that my brother is sickly, and I might not even get to see him before he dies."


    Yang Shulin trembled with anger. His niece was truly malicious.


    But she was just a ten-year-old child. She must have heard such things from the adults at home. He felt even more furious and cursed, "Those heartless scoundrels! They have no conscience!"


    Little Sister Yu sneered, "This is the wonderful daughter your dear brother raised. What a great child, huh?"


    She felt utterly disgusted and muttered, "Heartless scoundrels."


    Yang Shulin frowned deeply and said, "Let¡¯s just ignore them."


    The couple, filled with resentment toward their hometown, walked back home. Meanwhile, Xing''er, who had never been to a big city before, looked around curiously from her mother¡¯s shoulder. She had never even been to the town, let alone a city. This was her first time leaving the village, and it was also the bravest thing she had ever done. Though she had been scared the whole way, now that she was with her family, she felt safe enough to look around.


    She asked, "Mom, where are we going?"


    "To Grandma¡¯s house."


    "Will I see my brother there?"


    "Yes, he was taking a nap when we left."


    Xing''er smiled slightly, feeling a little happy.


    Even though no one played with Erlin, no one played with Xing''er either because their family was poor, and people were afraid of getting too close in case they¡¯d be taken advantage of. So the little girl had always been alone. She said, "Then I can play with my brother."


    Little Sister Yu replied, "There are lots of kids here. Your brother sometimes plays with them, and you can join in too."


    "Really?"


    Little Sister Yu said, "Let¡¯s get off the bus. We¡¯re almost there."


    They got off the bus and soon turned into an alley. They saw Ming Mei pushing her bicycle out and greeted her, "Ming Mei, are you going to work?"


    Ming Mei replied, "No, I¡¯m going back to my parents¡¯ house. I¡¯m on vacation right now."


    Her current job was more meaningful than her previous one, and it even came with winter and summer breaks. She was currently on holiday.


    Ming Mei looked curiously at the girl in Little Sister Yu¡¯s arms and asked, "Is this your daughter?"


    Little Sister Yu nodded, "Yes, Xing''er, say hello. This is Auntie."


    Xing''er looked at the woman in front of her and obediently greeted her, though her voice was soft, and she clung to her mother.


    Ming Mei was surprised and curious, "Wasn¡¯t your daughter back in your hometown? How did she get here?"


    Little Sister Yu sighed, "Don¡¯t even ask. This naughty child ran away on her own. Can you believe it? I¡¯ve never seen such a bold little girl. She sneaked onto the train all by herself. It¡¯s a miracle she didn¡¯t run into any bad people, or I¡¯d be crying my eyes out, not knowing what to do."


    Thinking about the fear she felt when she realized her daughter had run away, Little Sister Yu couldn¡¯t help but spank her daughter¡¯s bottom a few times.


    The little girl¡¯s eyes reddened, but she didn¡¯t cry out loud. She knew running away was wrong, but if it happened again, she¡¯d do it all over.


    The little girl stayed silent, clinging to her mother. Ming Mei noticed that Xing''er¡¯s clothes were tattered, with many patches. After traveling in the summer heat without changing, they were dirty and worn out in some places, giving off a sour smell.


    She said, "Your child came out alone, and didn¡¯t bring any extra clothes, did she?"


    Little Sister Yu replied, "Exactly. This girl only brought a small blanket when she left the house. She knew she needed to cover herself at night to avoid catching a cold, but she didn¡¯t prepare anything else, not even any food. She¡¯s really driving me crazy."


    Ming Mei glanced at the little girl¡¯s clothes and said, "She didn¡¯t bring any spare clothes either. If you don¡¯t mind, come to my house and take a look. My daughter Yuanyuan has some clothes that are too small for her now. They¡¯re stored in the warehouse. If your daughter can wear them, you can take them all. This way, you won¡¯t have to spend money buying new clothes for her. Kids grow so fast, and buying several new sets for them to change into isn¡¯t always practical."


    Little Sister Yu was stunned for a moment, then realized Ming Mei was trying to help her. She held back her tears and said, "Thank you so much."


    She didn¡¯t know what else to say, but she didn¡¯t refuse Ming Mei¡¯s kindness. Her family was saving money for their child¡¯s medical treatment and couldn¡¯t afford to buy anything extra.


    Ming Mei said, "Then follow me."


    Actually, many of Yuanyuan¡¯s clothes had already been given to Little Sitian next door. However, since the girls in the compound¡ªLi Zhenzhen, Bai Qingqing, and Yuanyuan¡ªwere all around the same age, they outgrew their clothes at almost the same time. Whenever their clothes became too small, they would pass them on to Little Sitian. But since Little Sitian was just one girl, she couldn¡¯t wear all the clothes from three older sisters. So, she would only pick the ones she liked.


    The rest were kept by Ming Mei.


    Ming Mei led Little Sister Yu over, while Yang Shulin stayed outside, too embarrassed to follow.


    Ming Mei asked, "How old is your daughter?"


    "Eight years old," Little Sister Yu replied.


    Ming Mei nodded. "That¡¯s about right. My daughter is eleven, so the clothes she¡¯s outgrown should fit your daughter."


    She continued, "These are all here. There are clothes for both spring and summer, as well as autumn and winter. I¡¯m not sure how long you¡¯ll be staying in the city, but you can take them all. You can pick what you need later."


    "This... this..."


    Little Sister Yu was overwhelmed. Such nice things were being given to them just like that?


    Even Xing¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Ming Mei chuckled and said, "My child has outgrown these clothes."


    Little Sister Yu said, "Thank you, really, thank you. I... I..."


    Ming Mei interrupted, "Why are you saying all this? It¡¯s common for kids to share clothes. My Yuanyuan also wears her older sister¡¯s hand-me-downs. Since we don¡¯t need these anymore, you can take them. If there¡¯s anything you can¡¯t use, just bring it back."


    This was how it was¡ªyounger kids wearing the older kids¡¯ clothes.


    "Alright!"


    Little Sister Yu thanked her again and carried the bag of clothes out.


    Yang Shulin quickly took the bag from her, looking surprised. Ming Mei didn¡¯t wait for them to say more words of gratitude. She got on her bike and pedaled away. She felt a bit embarrassed by all the thanks, and besides, this was just a normal thing to do.


    She left quickly, and Little Sister Yu rubbed her eyes.


    She said, "Let¡¯s go home, Mom will give you a bath, and we¡¯ll see which clothes fit you."


    "Okay."


    When the family of three returned home, they found Erlin sitting on the kang, staring blankly. As soon as he saw Xing¡¯er, he called out, "Sister! Big sister!"


    He immediately rushed toward her, and Xing¡¯er ran to him, calling, "Erlin!"


    The two children acted as if they hadn¡¯t seen each other in ages, hugging and jumping around excitedly, as if they could shake the heavens.


    Old Lady Yu glanced at the two children, her gaze lingering on the wound on Xing¡¯er¡¯s face. She pursed her lips but didn¡¯t say anything. Then she looked at the bag on the floor and asked, "What¡¯s this?"


    She pointed at the large woven bag and asked, "Where did you get this?"


    It certainly wasn¡¯t something the little girl had brought with her.


    "I ran into Brother Zhuang¡¯s wife. She gave it to me, saying it¡¯s for my daughter to change into."


    Old Lady Yu said, "That¡¯s wonderful."


    She started rummaging through the bag. There were indeed many clothes inside. Old Lady Yu exclaimed, "Oh my, I¡¯ve always said they spoil their child. Kids grow like weeds, and buying so many clothes for them is such a waste. They outgrow them in no time. But that family doesn¡¯t seem to care. They must have money to burn."


    She continued flipping through the clothes and said, "Oh, these are really nice."


    "They have so many clothes," Little Sister Yu and her husband were both a bit stunned.


    Old Lady Yu said, "This is just the tip of the iceberg. Wang Zizhen¡¯s daughter, Little Sitian, hardly ever buys new clothes. She¡¯s always wearing hand-me-downs from those three girls. It¡¯s really smart of Wang Zizhen to maintain good relations with the families in the compound. Look how much money she saves by having a daughter."


    Little Sister Yu didn¡¯t think it was just about Wang Zizhen being smart. It was more about genuine kindness being reciprocated. She had heard that they all got along very well. But she didn¡¯t argue with her mother. Instead, she turned around and noticed Xing¡¯er curiously looking at Old Lady Yu.


    Little Sister Yu slapped her forehead. She had forgotten to introduce them.


    She quickly said, "Mom, this is my eldest daughter, Xing¡¯er. Xing¡¯er, say hello to Grandma."


    "Hello, Grandma."


    Old Lady Yu nodded casually and said, "Give her a bath and change her clothes. It¡¯s summer, and her hair might have lice. If it does, just shave it all off and let it grow back slowly."


    Xing¡¯er looked at her grandma in horror. Why was she being told to shave her head right after meeting her?


    Little Sister Yu said, "Alright, I¡¯ll take care of it."


    Sure enough, Xing¡¯er did have lice. Although their life at home had been hard, they had never let their daughter get lice before. Little Sister Yu shaved Xing¡¯er¡¯s head and said, "Your hair is too dirty. It¡¯s hard to clean it properly, so we¡¯ll shave it off and let it grow back."


    Xing¡¯er replied, "...Okay."


    She was a bit upset, but she quickly cheered up when she put on the new clothes.


    Although she was eight years old, her malnutrition made her look more like six or seven. Many of the clothes fit her. There were also a few gender-neutral pieces, and Old Lady Yu said, "We can alter these for Erlin to wear. That¡¯ll save us from having to buy new clothes for him."


    Xing¡¯er put on a pink dress with little flowers for the first time. She looked down at her new dress, feeling a bit self-conscious.


    It was the first time she had ever worn such a pretty dress. No one in their village wore anything like this.


    Even though she knew these were hand-me-downs from an older sister, to her, they felt like brand-new clothes.


    Old Lady Yu glanced at the little girl and said, "This child looks a bit like me. She has some of the charm I had when I was young."


    Xing¡¯er looked at her grandma¡¯s wrinkled face and felt even more worried.


    Was she really that ugly?


    Did she really look like her grandma?


    Little Sister Yu also found a few smaller pieces that would fit her son, even though they were clearly girls¡¯ clothes. She thought, "Why are all the clothes for girls?"


    She remembered Ming Mei had a son. She wasn¡¯t being ungrateful, just curious.


    Old Lady Yu said, "Her son¡¯s clothes probably went to Ye Siyuan and Ye Sijia. Besides, boys are rougher on their clothes, so there are fewer of them. That¡¯s why I said Wang Zizhen is smart. Her kids hardly ever need to buy new clothes. Her eldest son is only a year younger than the other kids, so it¡¯s not too noticeable. Tuantuan and Xiao Qijin¡¯s old clothes all went to Ye Sijia. The three girls¡¯ clothes went to Little Sitian. They¡¯ve saved so much money. Ye Sijia is like a little monkey¡ªif they had to buy all her clothes, they¡¯d be patched up over and over. But now, they¡¯re saving a fortune."


    Little Sister Yu finally understood.


    Thanks to the bag of clothes Ming Mei had given them, both Xing¡¯er and Erlin were now wearing clean, new clothes. Their old patched-up clothes were taken off, and Yang Shulin immediately went out to wash them. Old Lady Yu glanced at them and said, "Wash them and use them as rags. Now that we have these clothes, there¡¯s no need to wear those patched-up ones anymore."


    Yang Shulin replied, "Alright."


    Erlin tugged at Xing¡¯er and said, "Sister, I have some candy. I saved it for you. It¡¯s really sweet. I¡¯ll take you to meet Yuanyuan and the others. From now on, you can play with them. No one here will laugh at us for being poor."


    Old Lady Yu asked, "Did people back home look down on you?"


    The child nodded.


    Old Lady Yu glared at her son-in-law and scolded, "You useless man, can''t even protect your wife and child. Let me tell you, when you go back, if you don¡¯t smash your elder brother¡¯s cooking pot, I¡¯ll look down on you. They¡¯ve bullied us too much, and we can¡¯t let this go. The kind are always trampled on, and the weak are always ridden over. If you can¡¯t protect them, you¡¯re not a real man."


    Yang Shulin nodded silently, letting out a heavy "Mhm."


    Old Man Yu, who had been quiet for most of the time, finally spoke up, "Son-in-law, later on, go to the scrap market and see if they have any second-hand bunk beds for sale. We need to buy one; otherwise, there¡¯s not enough space for everyone to sleep. It¡¯s too hot to squeeze together like this."


    "Alright," Yang Shulin replied.


    As Yang Shulin busied himself, Old Lady Yu finally asked about Little Sister Yu¡¯s in-laws and learned about the many disputes in their daily life, as well as the reason why Xing''er had run away from home. Furious, she stood at the doorway and cursed toward the direction of their hometown for a full two hours.


    The neighbors in the same courtyard: "..."


    Is this old lady about to start making "cursed dolls" again?


    Sure enough, she quickly found some old rags at home and began crafting a doll, saying, "You know your in-laws¡¯ and your brother-in-law¡¯s family¡¯s birth dates, right? I¡¯m going to curse them to death."


    Little Sister Yu: "..."


    Old Man Yu, however, was worried. "Old woman, you¡¯ve already been in trouble for this once before. Don¡¯t mess around with this again."


    Old Lady Yu insisted, "Nowadays, they¡¯re not so strict about feudal superstitions. Besides, the names I¡¯m writing aren¡¯t from around here, so they won¡¯t know who did it."


    After a pause, she added, "Once I¡¯m done, I¡¯ll throw it into the cesspool at the end of the alley. If it¡¯s not kept at home, no one will find out. Let them sink in filth, stinking for the rest of their lives, always surrounded by foulness."


    Old Man Yu: "..."


    Little Sister Yu: "..."


    Well, as long as it makes you happy.


    At least you¡¯re not keeping it at home, which is better than nothing.


    Old Lady Yu focused on making the "cursed doll" and said, "When you go to the hospital tomorrow, take your daughter with you to have her face checked. That niece of yours is truly despicable and shameless. How cruel, deliberately ruining a child¡¯s face¡ªutterly heartless. Even though I¡¯m not there to do anything to her, I can curse her to death."


    Old Man Yu sighed, "If this thing actually worked, our family wouldn¡¯t be in this mess..."


    Old Lady Yu retorted confidently, "It didn¡¯t work before because I didn¡¯t have their birth dates. Now that I¡¯ve written them down, it¡¯s guaranteed to work. And before, I kept it at home, which was no good. This time, it has to be thrown into the cesspool to bring them bad luck."


    Old Man Yu: "...Fine."


    Old Lady Yu stared at her daughter and said, "You¡¯re not allowed to tell your husband about this."


    Little Sister Yu replied seriously, "I definitely won¡¯t say a word."


    "That¡¯s good."


    While the adults were discussing "important matters" at home, Erlin took Xing''er around the courtyard, whispering to his sister, "This is Second Uncle¡¯s house, but Second Uncle doesn¡¯t get along with Grandma..."


    Though young, Erlin was more mature than most kids his age due to his poor health. He explained, "This used to be Grandma¡¯s house, but she sold it to Second Uncle to pay for my medical treatment. After that, Second Uncle stopped talking to us."


    Xing''er nodded gently. Children from poor families grow up fast; she understood.


    "First Uncle and Third Uncle also moved away."


    Xing''er nodded again.


    The two children stepped out of the courtyard, and Erlin said, "A few days ago, I... Oh, Yuanyuan and Zhenzhen!"


    Just then, a group of kids returned, and Erlin immediately waved at them, pulling his sister along as he ran over. "My sister¡¯s here!"


    The children all stared at Xing''er¡¯s shaved head, and she shyly took a step back, touching her head.


    Yuanyuan asked, "What happened to you?"


    Xing''er replied, "I was on the train for a long time and got lice. My mom said shaving my head would get rid of them."


    The kids nodded in understanding. Although their families were generally clean, some classmates had experienced lice before, and it wasn¡¯t uncommon for children to get them. Li Zhenzhen had once been infected but caught it early. She used medicine and a fine-toothed comb to clean it up, and now she looked at Xing''er¡¯s shaved head with sympathy, grateful that her own mother hadn¡¯t shaved her head. Otherwise, she would have been too embarrassed to go to school, fearing ridicule.


    She said sympathetically, "Your shaved head..."


    Xing''er replied, "It¡¯ll grow back soon."


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Erlin chimed in, "Yuanyuan, can my sister play with you guys?"


    Yuanyuan was very generous. "We¡¯re about to play hopscotch. Do you want to join?"


    Xing''er¡¯s eyes widened. No one had ever asked her to play before. She quickly nodded and said, "Yes!"


    The world of children is simple. In no time, the kids were all playing together, laughing and having fun. Xing''er knew how to play hopscotch, but she had never had anyone to play with before. Now, she quickly blended in with the other children.


    Her younger brother Erlin sat on a rock, watching and laughing along.


    Su Jinlai came out to use the restroom and immediately spotted the group of kids, feeling a headache coming on.


    Ever since he had been caught by the kids last time, he had been wary of them. He glanced at the little ones and noticed a few new faces, though that was normal since there were always plenty of children around the neighborhood.


    He quickly made his way to the restroom, not wanting to interact with the kids.


    Those little troublemakers always picked on him.


    He wasn¡¯t going to stoop to their level.


    Otherwise, he¡¯d have to teach them a lesson.


    In the restroom, he pulled out a cigarette butt from his pocket and took a couple of puffs, feeling melancholic. Su Jinlai had fallen so low that he was now smoking cigarette butts. How pathetic. Hu Huihui was such a hothead; if she weren¡¯t so stubborn, she would have come looking for him by now. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Why hadn¡¯t she come?


    Maybe he should go find her.


    After all, they were family. She couldn¡¯t just abandon him.


    Su Jinlai made up his mind. After leaving the restroom, he headed straight for the main street. However, Hu Huihui¡¯s office was quite a distance away, and when he reached into his pocket, he found no money.


    His mother was really something. He was a grown man, yet she still controlled his money. How ridiculous. But no matter how much he complained, he was still broke. Ever since the roasted chicken incident, he had fallen out of favor with his mother.


    His gaze fell on the group of children.


    Can you believe it?


    Even the kids had pocket money, but he didn¡¯t.


    A sly smile spread across his face as he approached the children, deciding to swindle some money from them.


    At the very least, he needed enough for bus fare.


    Heh, they had crossed him, so it was time to teach them a lesson.


    Su Jinlai walked up, scanning the group, and called out, "Yuanyuan~"


    He chose the Zhuang family¡¯s little girl first, mainly because she was the most spoiled and definitely had pocket money. Not only did she have her parents¡¯ love, but also her grandparents¡¯, her uncle¡¯s, her cousins¡¯, and even Old Man Lan¡¯s.


    Lan Sihai often secretly gave Yuanyuan candy, to the point where she had cavities.


    Su Jinlai had seen it happen several times. Old Man Lan was like that¡ªif he didn¡¯t like you, no amount of flattery would work, not even if you were family. But if he liked you, he¡¯d happily share his treats. Su Jinlai was envious.


    Even his younger brother Tonglai had gotten White Rabbit candies. How unfair was that?


    He had wanted one too, but the old man had told him to go eat dirt.


    So rude, truly rude.


    Su Jinlai shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside, and put on a wolfish smile. "Yuanyuan, are you playing hopscotch?"


    Yuanyuan looked at Su Jinlai in surprise and nodded.


    Today, Brother Jinlai seemed a bit strange.


    She was on her guard.


    Brother Jinlai wasn¡¯t just any ordinary brother¡ªhe was the kind who would steal a chicken and blame it on the kids. So, she had to be careful.


    Su Jinlai smiled. "Brother likes Yuanyuan the most. Yuanyuan..."


    "What do you want?"


    Tuantuan immediately stepped in front of his sister, glaring at Su Jinlai. "Brother Jinlai, don¡¯t even think about bullying Yuanyuan."


    "Yeah!"


    The kids all stood together, staring Su Jinlai down.


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    What¡¯s going on with these kids? He forced a smile and said, ¡°Big brother isn¡¯t a bad person. You guys are really breaking my heart. I just need to talk to Yuanyuan about something.¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°We¡¯re not close!¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    He took a deep breath and said, ¡°Kids, this isn¡¯t nice. It¡¯s very impolite.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡±


    Su Jinlai put on his sly fox expression again and said, ¡°Big brother is a good person. I love kids the most. How about this? You guys learn some manners from me, and I¡¯ll charge you just a tiny bit of tuition. Just a tiny bit! If it were anyone else, I wouldn¡¯t even teach them. You¡¯re getting a great deal here. Aren¡¯t you happy?¡±


    Are you really not falling for this?


    The kids stared at him as if he were a complete idiot. Yuanyuan looked at him with a mix of pity and exasperation. She said, ¡°Big brother, are you asking us for money?¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°How is it asking for money? It¡¯s not asking for money. It¡¯s collecting tuition.¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°It¡¯s clearly asking for money.¡±


    She said seriously, ¡°Brother Jinlai, this isn¡¯t okay. You¡¯re already an adult. If you don¡¯t work hard and just freeload, that¡¯s one thing, but how can you try to scam money from kids?¡±


    Su Jinlai awkwardly replied, ¡°It¡¯s not a scam¡­¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°We¡¯re young, not stupid.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, you¡¯re obviously trying to cheat us out of money.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should go find Aunt Wang.¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    Su Jinlai was fuming. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you kids? Why do you always go running to your parents at the drop of a hat? Is that how you should behave? When I was your age, I handled everything on my own. You¡¯ll make people look down on you if you keep this up.¡±


    Tuantuan: ¡°You¡¯re an adult trying to scam money from kids, and you¡¯re not afraid of people looking down on you. Why should we be afraid?¡±


    Tuantuan¡¯s logic was flawless.


    ¡°You don¡¯t feel embarrassed, so of course, we don¡¯t either.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    He sighed helplessly. ¡°You kids these days¡­ you¡¯re hopeless. So petty, so very petty¡­¡±


    Tuantuan: ¡°We are kids, after all. Calling us petty doesn¡¯t bother us.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    He was so angry. He deeply felt that this generation of kids was absolutely hopeless.


    ¡°You, you, you¡­¡±


    Tuantuan: ¡°Aunt Wang isn¡¯t off work yet. When she gets off¡­¡±


    Su Jinlai finally gave in. ¡°Fine, I surrender, okay? Why do you always have to tell your parents? Seriously, I admit I was wrong, alright? I was just joking. Alright, alright, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    He quickly made his escape, feeling utterly defeated.


    As soon as he left, the kids cheered in victory!


    Xing¡¯er: ¡°That uncle is so strange¡­¡±


    ¡°You can call him big brother,¡± Tuantuan said. ¡°He lives in our courtyard. My grandma said he doesn¡¯t have the guts to do anything really bad, but he does things that even kids find annoying.¡±


    Xing¡¯er: ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    Little Sitian swallowed and said, ¡°He stole a chicken once and roasted it. It smelled so good.¡±


    Everyone: ¡°¡­¡±


    Are you just hungry?


    Xiao Qijin poked Little Sitian¡¯s cheek and said, ¡°All you think about is food. You¡¯ve been gaining weight lately.¡±


    Little Sitian pouted. ¡°It¡¯s just baby fat.¡±


    Ye Siyuan: ¡°Brother Qijin, my sister isn¡¯t fat.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡±


    The kids quickly forgot about Su Jinlai, who went home feeling dejected. He lay down, thinking how hard his life was. He couldn¡¯t even outsmart a bunch of kids. How depressing. The only solution was to sleep it off.


    He lay down and decided to take a nap.


    Cover his head, close his eyes, and all his worries disappeared.


    Aunt Zhou looked out the window and shook her head. ¡°What kind of person is that?¡±


    She was always one to meddle, so she quickly went over to Zhao Guihua¡¯s place. ¡°Guihua, are you home?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Yes, what¡¯s up?¡±


    Aunt Zhou told her what she had seen and added, ¡°You should warn the kids not to let Su Jinlai scam them out of money. That guy has no shame, trying to cheat kids.¡±


    What¡¯s even more embarrassing is that he couldn¡¯t even succeed.


    What kind of future does he have?


    Zhao Guihua was also speechless and twitched her lips, but she nodded and said, ¡°I know. But they won¡¯t be fooled. My Tuantuan and Yuanyuan are pretty sharp. Even the most naive kid, Hutou, wouldn¡¯t fall for Su Jinlai¡¯s tricks.¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°That disgrace. It¡¯s strange how different he is from his brother.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded.


    They really weren¡¯t alike.


    ¡°Look at Yinlai, he¡¯s so hardworking.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°But at least they can take a break now.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    They had recently sold out all their stock and were waiting for Zheng Huifang¡¯s new shipment. Because of that, they could take a few days off. But it was strange how the market was like a monster, swallowing up whatever goods they had.


    It just showed how many people were willing to spend money.


    The two of them chatted for a bit. ¡°Do you think we should switch up our products after this batch? I¡¯m worried that selling just underwear and socks might not sell well forever.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°I think the market might be getting saturated, but let¡¯s keep selling and see. After all, we can¡¯t predict 100% what will sell well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Because everyone had made a good amount of money, the courtyard was unusually harmonious. No one had the time or energy to argue or cause trouble. If you thought about it, it was all because of poverty before. People would fight over a single green onion or garlic clove.


    When people are poor, even the smallest things can make them angry.


    Money isn¡¯t everything, but it does solve a lot of problems. Back then, everyone was struggling financially, so conflicts were inevitable. But now, with less financial pressure, people were much more relaxed.


    Besides, discussing how to make money together was much more productive than arguing over trivial matters.


    Aunt Zhou felt that this was the kind of life she had always wanted. Even though running a small business could be tiring, it was fulfilling. She felt that this path suited her perfectly. The reform and opening-up policy was great!


    It had given ordinary people a chance to live a better life.


    As long as you worked hard, life wouldn¡¯t be bad!


    She was in a good mood and said, ¡°I¡¯m thinking of buying some pork to make braised pork. Want to come?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go together.¡±


    The two old ladies called Aunt Wang, and the three of them set out with their bags.


    The most fashionable and well-off old ladies of Xinghua Lane were on the move!

 Chapter 204

    Zhao Guihua was going over the household accounts, feeling that time seemed to fly by as she got older. Just take her street vending business, for example. It felt like no time had passed since she started selling bell-bottoms, and half a year had gone by in the blink of an eye. The past six months had brought dramatic changes not only to her family but to the entire neighborhood as well.


    Zhao Guihua had purchased two properties and still had nearly ninety thousand yuan left after deducting the initial capital she had used from selling her jewelry. She estimated that she had made a net profit of around eighty thousand yuan. Comparing it to decades later, ninety thousand yuan now would be equivalent to over nine million yuan¡ªnot to mention the properties she now owned.


    She was truly wealthy!


    However, Zhao Guihua was well aware that as an elderly woman with little education, her ability to seize opportunities would only decline with time. Even if she recognized a profitable trend, her age would make it increasingly difficult to act on it.


    So, she had a simple plan: at her age, it was best to play it safe. Buying a few more properties and becoming a landlord would be a comfortable and stable way to live out her days.


    Old Man Zhuang noticed his wife lost in thought and asked, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°We now have eighty-eight thousand yuan in total.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang gasped. He had been helping his wife with the street vending business and had seen the daily earnings, but he hadn¡¯t realized just how profitable it was. In just a few months, they had amassed such a fortune. Street vending was truly lucrative.


    He held Zhao Guihua¡¯s hand and said, ¡°We¡¯re richer than landlords now.¡±


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. ¡°There are no landlords anymore.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang murmured, ¡°So much money¡­¡±


    He was almost overwhelmed. Zhao Guihua patted his hand and said, ¡°Let me tell you my plan. I¡¯ve thought it through. We can¡¯t just keep this money sitting around¡ªit¡¯ll lose value over time. It¡¯s better to invest in more properties and live off the rental income. That¡¯s more profitable than just earning interest.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang didn¡¯t fully understand these matters, but over the years, Zhao Guihua had always been the one making decisions for the family, and their life had only improved. He naturally had no objections. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it all to you,¡± he said.


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°I¡¯m not asking for your opinion. I¡¯m just letting you know.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Oh.¡±


    After a moment, he asked curiously, ¡°How much do you think our third son has earned?¡±


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment. ¡°We¡¯ve been partners all along. Except for the second round, where he took a smaller share, we¡¯ve split everything fifty-fifty. I¡¯d estimate he has around sixty to seventy thousand yuan.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang hesitated. ¡°What about our eldest son¡­¡±


    As parents, they couldn¡¯t help but worry about all their children. Some parents unconsciously ¡°rob the rich to help the poor,¡± often without even realizing it. In her previous life, Zhao Guihua had been guilty of this behavior.


    Looking back, she realized that it might have been their partiality that ultimately drove a wedge between their two sons.


    This time, however, as soon as Old Man Zhuang showed the slightest inclination toward favoring their eldest son, Zhao Guihua immediately stopped him. ¡°Listen, dear,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Each child has a different personality. Our eldest son isn¡¯t suited for business, and he¡¯s not interested in it either. Our third son, on the other hand, enjoys this kind of work. But even if he¡¯s doing well, it¡¯s because he¡¯s been putting in the effort after work every day. It has nothing to do with our eldest son. As parents, we must never try to balance the wealth between our children. Doing so will only drive them away from us. Each of them has their own path to walk, and they must make their own decisions. We can offer advice, but we can¡¯t make decisions for them. Do you understand?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang thought about it and found her reasoning sound, though he still felt a pang of sympathy for their eldest son. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying, and I know you¡¯re right. But isn¡¯t it a problem if the gap between our sons becomes too wide? I¡¯m not saying our third son should help our eldest, but maybe we could give our eldest some support?¡±


    Zhao Guihua gave him a long, searching look. ¡°No. If we help our eldest son, should we also help our second son? Zhi Xin is our child too. Should we only care about our sons? If we don¡¯t help our second son, wouldn¡¯t that still be favoritism? Think carefully. Does our eldest son not know how much we¡¯ve earned from street vending? He knows, but has he ever asked to join us? No, he hasn¡¯t. He¡¯s not interested. That¡¯s his decision. Don¡¯t just focus on how well our third son is doing. Just because he¡¯s doing well doesn¡¯t mean we should help our eldest son. Where¡¯s the logic in that? And if we do that, how will Zhi Xin and Zhi Xi feel? We don¡¯t have just one child. We can¡¯t risk hurting the others just to favor one. Besides, Zhiyuan hasn¡¯t even asked for anything. If we start favoring him now, it might only make him more entitled.¡±


    Zhao Guihua paused, thinking back to her previous life. Back then, the rift between her two sons had grown because of their parents¡¯ poor handling of such matters. She had eventually realized this, and this time, she was determined not to repeat the same mistakes.


    In her previous life, Liang Meifen had been calculating, but Zhiyuan hadn¡¯t been like that initially. It was only after they repeatedly favored their third son¡¯s family that things began to change. Back then, everyone had been poor, and the issues had seemed small. But over time, those small acts of favoritism had led to resentment.


    Similarly, Zhiyuan had gradually changed because of the constant ¡°favoritism,¡± coming to see it as his due. But this time, Zhao Guihua had avoided such behavior, and both Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen had remained respectful and well-behaved.


    It just went to show how important a parent¡¯s attitude could be.


    She was firm. ¡°I absolutely refuse to let you make any decisions that show favoritism. As long as we¡¯re alive, everything we have is ours, and I won¡¯t be giving too much to the children. They need to earn their own way. When we¡¯re old and can no longer manage, if we decide to divide our assets, it will be done equally among the three families. I won¡¯t favor any one of them. Of course, if any of them act foolishly or upset me, they won¡¯t get a single penny!¡±


    Although in her previous life, her two sons had grown somewhat distant and rarely interacted, they had both been filial. Still, Zhao Guihua felt it was important to make her stance clear.


    Old Man Zhuang didn¡¯t fully understand Zhao Guihua¡¯s perspective. In his view, it was natural for parents to sacrifice for their children. But he knew his wife well. In a few years, they would be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.


    She had always been better at handling matters than he was, and her reasoning was sound. In this situation, he would naturally defer to her.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the right attitude.¡±


    Having reached an agreement, Zhao Guihua smiled. ¡°It¡¯s not that we can¡¯t help them, but we can¡¯t let them take it for granted. Take Hutou, for example. He¡¯s been helping me, and I made sure he was fairly compensated.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. ¡°Hutou¡¯s a good kid. Unlike Jinlai.¡±


    Zhao Guihua scoffed. ¡°Why do you always compare people to the worst? Most people compare themselves to those who are better off, but you always pick the worst examples. If everyone were like Jinlai, I¡¯d break his legs.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang fell silent.


    Zhao Guihua added, ¡°Overall, the kids in our courtyard are quite motivated.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang muttered, ¡°Jinlai isn¡¯t. He¡¯s still sleeping at home in the middle of summer.¡±


    Zhao Guihua sighed. ¡°Are you just trying to argue with me?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang immediately stopped talking.


    Zhao Guihua glanced in the direction of the Su family¡¯s house and sighed deeply. Wang Xiangxiu, as a mother, had it tough. Dealing with an unreliable son like Jinlai was no easy task. She said sincerely, ¡°Compared to others in the courtyard, our family is relatively worry-free.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded in agreement. Their children were well-behaved, unlike some other families. Not that the other children were bad, but every family had its own concerns. For example, Aunt Wang was anxious about her grandsons finding partners, but Li Junjun and Li Weiwei were both rather lackluster.


    Li Weiwei used to think about finding a partner, but after experiencing the diversity of women, he became scared and decided to focus on his career for a few years first. He felt that at his age, he might not be able to handle relationships with women. As for Li Junjun, there''s no need to say more.


    Aunt Wang was happily making money, but Li the Cook was genuinely worried. Being of the older generation, he was very concerned about his grandson, believing that one should first settle down before pursuing a career. He thought that marrying early would motivate a man to strive harder. However, no one in the family listened to him.


    Aunt Wang shared the same mindset, but she was too busy making money to bother with these matters. She had worked diligently her entire life and had never seen so much money before. Naturally, she wanted to focus on earning more.


    As for Yang Lixin and Li Fang, Li Fang helped her mother with chores, while Yang Lixin was preoccupied with starting a breakfast stall. His mind was elsewhere, so despite Li the Cook''s constant nagging, no one paid him any attention. He could only vent his frustrations to his old friends.


    Old Man Zhuang was the first to bear the brunt of it.


    In his eyes, his own children were never a source of worry. No one expected Hutou to actually get into college. Now, every time Old Man Zhuang thought about it, he couldn''t help but feel proud. Hutou was his eldest grandson, and even though he had been the worst student in the family, he still managed to get into college. This gave Old Man Zhuang even more confidence in the others.


    Old Man Zhuang: "By the way, where are Tuantuan and Yuanyuan? Aren''t they supposed to skip the children''s palace today?"


    Zhao Guihua: "They went out to play. School starts the day after tomorrow, so they''ve been running around these past few days."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Kids love to play, it''s normal."


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re always making excuses for them."


    Old Man Zhuang: "They''re still young. When Hutou and the others were their age, they were always playing outside too. It''s not like now, where they have to go to the children''s palace."


    He didn''t quite understand this trend, but since the kids were willing to go and Mingmei insisted, he naturally kept his mouth shut. Old Man Zhuang''s personality was such that if you pushed, he would retreat, retreat, and retreat some more. He wasn''t good at arguing with people and always lost when he tried. He was a bit of a pushover, which was why he was called "Old Man Zhuang."


    Zhao Guihua: "There''s nothing wrong with kids learning more. Besides, they''re willing to go, so stop worrying about it. Go find somewhere cool to relax."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Oh."


    Zhao Guihua: "By the way, Hutou is starting school soon. You should take him to buy some daily necessities. Don''t let him use his own money for this."


    Old Man Zhuang immediately agreed: "Sure, sure, sure."


    He was more than willing to do something useful. Since retiring, he had felt a bit empty, so this was a good opportunity for him.


    "Grandpa! Grandma!"


    A clear, cheerful voice came from outside as two children ran in. Zhao Guihua looked at Tuantuan and Yuanyuan and asked, "What''s the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"


    Yuanyuan chattered away: "Grandma, Erlin is going to the hospital. We want to give him a gift together, but we kids don''t know how to bargain. Can you come with us?"


    Zhao Guihua was momentarily surprised, then smiled warmly. "Of course, I''d be happy to. When do you want to go? What kind of gift are you thinking of getting?"


    Yuanyuan looked at her brother, and Tuantuan said, "We all have different ideas. Can you help us decide?"


    Zhao Guihua chuckled. "Alright, call all your little friends over."


    The kids had actually been "hiding" at the door, and now they all rushed in, chattering away: "Grandma Zhao, I think we should get something practical, like clothes."


    "But clothes will get too small after a while. We should get something delicious. Erlin hasn''t eaten many good things," said Li Zhenzhen, who had a sweet tooth.


    "But I think we should get a toy."


    "Toys aren''t very practical."


    "But Erlin has never had a toy before. If we give him one, it would be really special."


    Zhao Guihua listened to the kids'' lively discussion and said, "I think a toy would be a good choice." She smiled. "Think about it, when Erlin is lonely in the hospital, he can play with the toy. Wouldn''t that be nice?"


    She continued earnestly, "Being in the hospital can be very lonely, especially for a child. There''s no one to talk to, and it can get very lonely. Having a toy to keep him company would make things much better."


    The kids nodded in agreement. "That makes sense."


    "Yes, it does."


    The children were quickly convinced. Yuanyuan, being an impatient little girl, said, "Let''s go buy it now. Grandma, you can help us bargain."


    "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ll take the kids out for a bit."


    "Sure."


    Old Man Zhuang beamed with joy. "My kids are all good, kind-hearted children."


    He watched them leave happily, while Zhao Guihua led the group of little ones outside. "Do you have money?"


    "Yes."


    Tuantuan opened his hand. "This is our money. It''s six yuan and seventy cents."


    This was the money they had earned over the summer by catching cicadas. They hadn''t divided it yet. Cicadas were quite expensive, selling for one yuan per pound, but they were also very light. Even though they had caught a lot, it took a long time to gather enough to make a pound. Fortunately, cicadas were plentiful, and they could catch enough in two or three days to sell.


    Originally, they had planned to split the money, but the kids decided to use it to buy a gift for their new friend. So, they decided not to divide it just yet.


    Zhao Guihua looked at the money and exclaimed, "Wow, you''ve saved up over six yuan!"


    She didn''t mention the cicadas. "You kids are amazing."


    The little ones immediately stood a bit taller, feeling proud. This was money they had earned through their own efforts. Each of them had contributed, even Si Tian, who had managed to catch one cicada when it had accidentally landed on her.


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re all so thoughtful."


    She teased them, "Aren''t you reluctant to spend the money?"


    The kids grimaced. Tuantuan: "Actually, we really are."


    The others nodded in agreement. They had plans for the money, but plans could change. Wuwuwu.


    Zhao Guihua: "But you''re still determined? Why not just split the money?"


    Tuantuan realized: "Grandma, you know we earned this money?"


    Zhao Guihua: "You''ve been going out early and coming back late. If I didn''t know, I''d be a fool. I''m the smartest person in the neighborhood, of course I know."


    The kids: "Huh?"


    They were shocked. "Then... then what about the others..."


    Zhao Guihua saw their expressions and laughed. "The others probably don''t know."


    The kids immediately relaxed.


    Zhao Guihua comforted the little ones. "This is money you earned through your own hard work. No matter who knows about it, no one has the right to take it from you. You''re all amazing. Many people your age aren''t as capable as you. So don''t feel embarrassed. This is a good thing."


    The kids blushed and smiled, feeling proud.


    Zhao Guihua: "As long as it doesn''t interfere with your studies or put you in danger, I support whatever you do. I''m your strong backup. If anyone bullies you, I''ll teach them a lesson. If I can''t handle it alone, I''ll call Grandma Zhou and Grandma Wang, and we''ll take care of it together. We''ll be unstoppable!"


    The kids giggled.


    Yuanyuan tattled: "Grandma, Jinlai tried to trick us out of our money."


    She pouted. "He''s such a bad guy."


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "He''s a bit of a troublemaker. I''ll go talk to him and make sure he doesn''t dare do it again."


    The kids laughed, feeling happy.


    Zhao Guihua: "He''s like a paper tiger. When it comes down to it, he doesn''t dare do much. But he''s always causing a ruckus, which is annoying. He can''t bully adults, so he picks on kids. But you don''t have to be afraid of him. If he tries to bully you, just stand together, and he won''t dare do anything." This guy was so weak that even a group of kids could handle him. What a pushover.


    "If it''s near our courtyard, it''s even simpler. You just call out¡ªcall me Granny Wang or Granny Zhou, or call his mom Wang Xiangxiu¡ªand he''ll behave in an instant."


    Everyone burst into giggles again.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let''s go, get on the bus."


    The children lined up and boarded the bus one by one. Yuanyuan asked, "Granny, where are we going? Are we going to the mall? Can we only buy something small with this money?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "No, we''re going to Xidan. That''s my territory. I''ll take you to find something more suitable."


    Even though wages aren''t high these days, the prices of such things aren''t cheap either. The prices at the mall are always jaw-dropping, but fortunately, there are also vendors selling toys at Xidan. And let me tell you, business is good! Whenever they see someone with a child... tsk tsk!


    Zhao Guihua had witnessed several incidents of kids throwing tantrums on the spot.


    Zhao Guihua led the children over, where the vendors were scattered around. As soon as they saw Zhao Guihua, they warmly greeted her. Zhao Guihua, in her element, greeted them back and led the children to a particular stall.


    The children exclaimed in unison, "Wow!"


    Even though they were around ten years old, they were still kids at heart, and they absolutely adored stuffed animals.


    The stall was filled with plush toys and all sorts of trendy playthings that the children had never seen before.


    "This is so nice!"


    The vendor immediately perked up when he saw so many kids, but when his eyes landed on Zhao Guihua, he quickly calmed down and said, "Auntie Zhao, are all these kids from your family?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Two of them are. The others are from our courtyard. They want to buy a toy as a gift, and I immediately thought of you."


    The vendor smiled, "That''s the right choice. The things I have here are just as good as what you''d find in the department store. Whatever they have, I have too. Take a look, the quality is guaranteed. I sourced these directly from Pengcheng. Pretty good, huh?"


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????children felt like their eyes couldn''t take it all in. In short, they wanted everything.


    They wanted it all.


    None of them could tear their eyes away. Zhao Guihua asked, "They want to buy a gift for a four-year-old boy. What do you recommend?"


    The vendor said, "A boy? Then this little frog is the best seller. Look, you just wind it up here, and after twisting it..."


    He placed it on the ground, and the metal frog hopped around.


    The children exclaimed, "Wow!"


    "This is amazing!"


    "This is so fun!"


    Even Si Tian started clapping, and all the children''s eyes lit up.


    The vendor grinned proudly. He knew no child could resist the charm of the little frog.


    He said, "Look, there are also these dolls and plush toys, but none of them sell as well as this little frog. This one actually moves. Most toys aren''t this impressive. Kids love this."


    The children nodded in agreement. They loved it too.


    Bai Qingqing glanced at the dolls but quickly looked away. They were expensive, very expensive. She couldn''t look. Even if she liked them, she couldn''t buy them.


    Tuantuan looked at the toy gun but also quickly averted his eyes.


    The children chattered away, and in the end, they all agreed that Erlin would love this gift.


    "Granny, we want to buy this."


    Zhao Guihua had stayed silent the whole time, letting the children make their own decision. Seeing that they had made up their minds, she asked, "How much is this?"


    The vendor said, "Eight yuan!"


    The children gasped, feeling like they were about to faint from the heat. How could it be so expensive?


    Zhao Guihua smiled calmly and said, "Eight yuan? That''s quite a bold ask. With that kind of money, you could buy a piece of clothing. I didn''t take the kids anywhere else and came straight to you because I know you have a good selection and you''re reliable. I just praised you for being honest, and now you''re trying to inflate the price? Give me a better deal. We''re all vendors here, and we know each other. Cut me some slack."


    "Auntie Zhao, eight yuan wouldn''t even buy a piece of clothing at your stall. Besides, I''m giving you a fair price. I''m not inflating anything. You know how much it costs to bring goods from the south. The transportation costs are high. If you''re serious about buying, I''ll give you a real deal¡ªseven yuan and fifty cents."


    Zhao Guihua said, "That''s still not a fair price. When I sell things, I don''t haggle over a few cents. Give me a better deal. We''re neighbors, selling in the same place. If you charge me this much, I''ll have to criticize you behind your back."


    The vendor gritted his teeth and stomped his foot, saying, "Seven yuan. I can''t go any lower. I''m really not making any profit here."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, "Are you really haggling over fifty cents? You''re not being honest. If I were buying, I wouldn''t bother haggling like this. But this time, it''s the kids'' own money. They''ve worked hard to save up and want to buy a gift for their friend. You''re practically an uncle to them. How can you charge them so much? It''s really disappointing."


    The vendor was speechless.


    He asked in surprise, "The kids saved up the money themselves?"


    Qijin, who was quick to speak, said, "We earned it over the summer. We want to give it to our friend Erlin. He''s going to the hospital."


    The vendor was even more surprised, "You kids are really something."


    As the saying goes, dragons beget dragons, and phoenixes beget phoenixes. The children of Zhao Guihua''s family have been earning money since they were little. Even though Qijin was the one who answered, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were Zhao Guihua''s grandchildren, so they were always together.


    He sighed deeply and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Alright, since it''s your own money, I''ll give you a special deal¡ªsix yuan! Now you can''t say I''m haggling over fifty cents. Fifty cents can buy half a pound of meat."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Four yuan."


    The vendor''s eyes nearly popped out of his head as he stared at Zhao Guihua in shock, stammering, "S-s-sister, that''s below my cost price!"


    His cost price was three yuan. He could still make a profit, but he couldn''t say that outright. Besides, he had never sold it for four yuan before. The lowest he could go was six yuan. These kinds of items didn''t sell quickly, but they could maintain a stable price.


    As the saying goes, when there''s only one vendor in the market, they can maintain the price. Even if there were a couple more vendors, the price would only drop slightly. As long as the market wasn''t flooded with them, the price wouldn''t go down.


    "No, no, that price is too low," he said, shaking his head like a rattle drum.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Four yuan. I just got a batch of jeans. Come take a look, and if you like any, I''ll give you a cost price too."


    She added, "I''m testing the waters with this batch, so there aren''t many. Come by my stall later."


    The vendor immediately understood. He made a pained expression but finally gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, four yuan it is."


    Wow! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The children had watched the entire negotiation and were completely shocked. They had never seen such intense haggling before. Li Zhenzhen rubbed her chin and said, "I feel like I''ve been overpaying all this time."


    Could you really haggle like this?


    She had been losing money all along.


    Zhao Guihua patted her head and said, "It''s different. If you tried to haggle at the supply and marketing cooperative, they''d kick you out."


    The vendor said, "Exactly. You won''t find someone as nice as me."


    He picked up the little frog and placed it in a paper box. Zhao Guihua said, "Give me a new one, and let me test it first."


    The vendor sighed, "Alright, alright."


    He tested it, and it worked perfectly. Zhao Guihua noticed some pretty wrapping paper on the side of the box. While others might not recognize it, Zhao Guihua did. Although it wasn''t commonly used in their area, it was still available. She said, "Throw in a piece of wrapping paper. The kids will need to wrap it up when they get home. That way, it''ll look like a proper gift."


    The vendor said, "...Auntie, I sell these for ten cents each."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "You''ve already saved a few yuan. What''s ten cents to you? Let the kids pick a nice one."


    The children cautiously looked at the vendor, who, despite grimacing in pain, said, "Fine. Go ahead and pick one, but be gentle. Don''t ruin it."


    The children said, "Okay."


    They were all a bit stunned. He was really letting them choose.


    The kids quickly picked one with a cute little forest pattern and said, "This one!"


    "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua, as the one in charge of finances, took the initiative to hand over the money. The vendor, grinning from ear to ear, said, "Next time you buy toys, remember to come to me."


    "Sure~"


    The children answered in unison. This uncle was so easy to talk to, of course they would come back to him. But his prices were a bit inflated too. Everyone successfully bought their gifts and was thrilled. Zhao Guihua noticed that the children''s foreheads were beaded with sweat, knowing they had been anxious. She smiled and said, "Come on, Grandma will take you to buy popsicles."


    "Wow, that''s awesome!"


    Zhao Guihua: "When we get back, I''ll show off my skills. I''m really good at wrapping gifts, and I can even make them look fancy."


    "Okay."


    Zhao Guihua felt proud.


    She used to help her great-granddaughter, Hutou''s daughter, wrap book covers. Later, when the girl entered middle and high school and exchanged gifts with friends, Zhao Guihua was the one who wrapped them. She was quite skilled. Zhao Guihua bought each child a popsicle. Even though it was almost September, the weather was still hot, and a popsicle was the perfect way to cool down.


    Zhao Guihua, like a mother hen, led her little chicks home. Everyone gathered around her as she deftly started wrapping the gifts. With her skillful hands, the wrapping paper was quickly done, and the corners were neatly folded with pleats, making it look particularly elegant.


    Bai Qingqing: "Grandma Zhao, can I learn how to do that?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Of course."


    Bai Qingqing: "It looks so pretty."


    Zhao Guihua chuckled and said, "Anyone who wants to learn can."


    "Grandma, you''re so nice."


    Zhao Guihua looked at the sweet little faces and said, "You''re all good kids, so of course I''ll be nice to you. If you were bad, I wouldn''t be so nice."


    The children laughed, each convinced they were indeed good kids.


    Tuantuan: "Let''s split the leftover money."


    "Okay."


    They quickly divided the remaining money, each holding a small amount but feeling incredibly happy.


    Tuantuan: "Earning money is so hard, but spending it is so fast. It really doesn''t last long."


    Zhao Guihua was curious: "If you''re so reluctant to spend it, why did you buy gifts?"


    The children nodded in unison, unwavering in their decision.


    Tuantuan thought for a moment and said, "We have to give gifts. We don''t want to regret it later."


    Zhao Guihua paused, then asked, "Have you... heard something?"


    The children''s eyes flickered, and Tuantuan was the first to speak: "Will Erlin... die?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head gently and said, "No, he won''t."


    The children breathed a sigh of relief.


    Zhao Guihua: "Who told you that?"


    The children chimed in: "Lots of people said it. They said if Erlin doesn''t get better this time, he might not make it. They also said his family is selling their house to pay for his treatment."


    Zhao Guihua: "That''s true. The adults aren''t lying, but the doctors also said that as long as he has the surgery and rests well, he can recover. It''s risky, but if nothing goes wrong, he''ll be fine. So you don''t need to worry."


    The children relaxed even more. Compared to outsiders, they trusted Zhao Guihua more.


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re all good kids."


    "Then we should give the gift to Erlin now."


    Zhao Guihua: "Go ahead."


    The children immediately dashed off. Zhao Guihua smiled, delighted by the children''s good character. She had watched these kids grow up, whether they were her own grandchildren or the neighbors''. Seeing them so thoughtful made her happy.


    Tuantuan, Yuanyuan, and the other children ran to the innermost courtyard. There weren''t many young children in this yard, so they hadn''t played here before. Unfamiliar with the place, they stood at the gate and called out, "Xing''er! Erlin! Erlin! Xing''er!"


    Xing''er ran out and said, "You''re here!"


    "Come out and play!"


    Xing''er: "Okay!"


    She quickly brought her brother out. Erlin was also eager. Xing''er used to help with chores at home, gathering firewood, digging for vegetables, picking fruit, and taking care of her brother. She was always busy.


    But since coming here, she had more free time.


    Now, she only needed to look after her brother. There were no chores to do here, no firewood to gather or vegetables to dig up. Xing''er felt a bit lost but also clearly noticed the difference between city and rural life.


    She felt a little empty, but fortunately, she had made many friends, which helped her feel less lonely and helpless.


    She wasn''t naturally fond of hard work, but the sudden change in lifestyle left her confused.


    However, with friends around, she gradually found peace.


    The children found a corner to squat down, and Tuantuan asked, "Erlin, are you going to the hospital soon?"


    Erlin nodded: "I''m going tomorrow."


    This was even earlier than when his older siblings started school. The little boy was scared, his face clouded with worry.


    Xing''er, his older sister, was also anxious, remembering her cousin''s harsh words. She pursed her lips, feeling both worried and upset.


    Tuantuan and the other children exchanged glances and said, "You''re going to the hospital, and we''re starting school soon. Once school starts, we''ll be busy and might not have time to visit you. So we bought you a gift to wish you a successful surgery! When you''re out of the hospital, we''ll play together again."


    Tuantuan handed the beautifully wrapped gift box to Erlin.


    Erlin: "!!!!!!!"


    His eyes nearly popped out of his head. He stammered, "Th-th-th-this is for me?"


    Tuantuan: "Yes, it''s for you."


    He added seriously, "We didn''t ask our parents for the money. We earned it ourselves, and everyone contributed."


    The children puffed out their chests proudly.


    Tuantuan: "We all saved up to buy this for you. Take good care of it, okay?"


    Erlin, his voice trembling with emotion, said, "Okay, okay, okay."


    Tuantuan patted Erlin on the shoulder and said, "You''re a boy, so you have to be strong. Don''t cry. When you get better, we''ll play together. You can jump rope with the girls or play cops and robbers with us. You can even play hopscotch."


    Erlin nodded vigorously.


    He held the little box, unsure what to do. It was the first time he had ever received a gift. Xing''er, standing beside him, rubbed her eyes, which were red.


    Yuanyuan: "Open it! See if you like it. We''ll show you how to play with it."


    Erlin bit his lip, reluctant to ruin the beautiful wrapping.


    Xing''er: "Let me do it. I won''t ruin it."


    She was very careful with her hands.


    Erlin trusted his sister and handed her the gift. Xing''er carefully began to unwrap it but then shook her head. "No, no, let''s take it home and let Mom and Dad open it. We can''t ruin it."


    "Okay."


    It was so pretty.


    Yuanyuan: "So, will you open it at home or play now?"


    Before the children could answer, Xing''er saw her parents pushing a snack cart out. She quickly called out, "Mom, look!"


    Little Sister Yu and her husband looked over, their eyes lighting up. "What''s this?"


    "This is a gift from Yuanyuan and the others for Erlin."


    Little Sister Yu: "This is too much, we can''t..."


    Though she was a city girl, she had never seen anything like this and hesitated to touch it.


    Yuanyuan said brightly, "Auntie, we earned the money ourselves."


    Little Sister Yu: "You kids are amazing."


    The children giggled.


    She looked at the children, unsure what to say, but seeing their sincere eyes, she turned away, wiping her tears. "I''ll help you open it."


    She was even more careful, though reluctant, and slowly unwrapped the gift without damaging it. Erlin eagerly opened the box.


    Inside was a small green tin frog.


    Qijin: "Here, here, you wind it up, and it hops on its own."


    He demonstrated, and Erlin quickly learned how it worked.


    "Wow!"


    "This is so cool!"


    Even Little Sister Yu and her husband were seeing such a toy for the first time. They had no idea such things existed.


    "This is really special."


    Even adults had never seen such a scene, let alone children. The children''s faces were all flushed with excitement, beaming with joy.


    "Little frog, ribbit ribbit..."


    Yang Shulin and Little Sister Yu watched for a while before pushing their cart away to continue their business, but their hearts burned even more passionately. Life was finally showing some promise. They needed to work even harder.


    The children squatted by the corner, playing, and soon saw Su Jinlai coming out again to use the restroom.


    Hmm, Jinlai Gege (Brother Jinlai) never seemed to have a job.


    It was just absurd.


    Erlin panicked: "Quick, quick, hide the little frog! He can''t see it. Bad people might steal it."


    Xing''er, standing nearby, also grew anxious.


    She used to go up the mountain to dig for vegetables, and whenever she found good fruit, she had to hide it quickly under the vegetables. Otherwise, some older kids would snatch it away. Sometimes it wasn''t just kids¡ªeven adults did the same. Her aunt had once taken her things, so Xing''er was naturally worried.


    Tuantuan reassured them: "It''s fine, don''t be scared. Jinlai Gege won''t steal anything."


    As Su Jinlai walked past without paying attention to the kids, Tuantuan whispered, "Jinlai Gege might seem unreliable, but he''s not a bad person. He''s just... useless."


    Su Jinlai, who was eavesdropping nearby: "..."


    Hearing that didn''t exactly make him happy.


    He thought these little brats seemed a bit off, pretending to act normal as he walked by. Sure enough, they were talking about him behind his back.


    Xing''er: "That older brother tried to scam money before."


    Tuantuan confidently replied, "Yeah, he did try to scam money, but he couldn''t even get money from kids. Doesn''t that make him useless?"


    After a pause, he added, "Besides, if he does anything bad, we can just tell his mom. That''ll work."


    Xing''er: "...Will telling his mom really help at his age?"


    "Of course it will."


    Xing''er thought for a moment and said, "I think I get it now."


    Despite being children, they all acted like little adults. Su Jinlai: "..."


    He, a grown man, was being laughed at by a bunch of kids. Was this even fair?


    "Actually, when Jinlai Gege tries to scam money, it''s just a few cents. He doesn''t dare ask for more," Yuanyuan chimed in, seeming to know a lot.


    "Oh?"


    Yuanyuan: "It''s true. Jinlai Gege is like that¡ªcowardly but thinks he''s the smartest. He''s actually really dumb. But he''s not a bad person. He doesn''t curse or hit kids. The worst he does is trick kids into eating his family''s chicken, which is just ridiculous. Last time, we even got him back."


    Xing''er: "..."


    Erlin: "Oh, oh."


    Su Jinlai: Yuanyuan, hearing you say that doesn''t make me feel any better. When you defend me, can you at least not point out my flaws?


    Hiding and eavesdropping, he felt a headache coming on. These kids really didn''t know how to talk.


    "That older brother doesn''t go to school, doesn''t work, and doesn''t do anything," Erlin said, already aware.


    Yuanyuan: "Yeah, I think..."


    She pondered for a moment and said, "I think Jinlai Gege doesn''t go to school because he''s bad at studying and can''t pass the exams. He doesn''t work because he''s useless and can''t find a job. As for not doing anything... maybe he''s just too dumb to do anything. He probably wants to, he really wants to, but he just can''t."


    Hearing this, even Yuanyuan felt a bit of sympathy. "See, that''s how tragic a useless man can be."


    The others: "Oh, so that''s how it is."


    "Is that possible?"


    "Maybe."


    "He really is useless."


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    I heard that. I heard all of it.


    What do you mean I can''t find a job? Su Jinlai can''t find a job?


    Su Jinlai felt like his whole body was steaming with anger, but he didn''t know how to vent it.


    If you said these kids were badmouthing him, they weren''t exactly. They were actually defending him, but in a way that was incredibly demeaning. How could he not feel frustrated?


    Su Jinlai took a deep breath, exhaled heavily, and snorted.


    He stomped off to the restroom, his mind filled with thoughts of how he couldn''t find a job. How could he not find a job? How could he not do any work? Was he really that bad?


    He was being looked down on by kids again.


    "Ah! Ah! Ah!" Su Jinlai screamed in the restroom.


    The men squatting in the stalls nearly fell in, startled. Thankfully, the restroom had been renovated, or who knows what might have happened.


    "Su Jinlai, what the hell are you screaming about?"


    "Damn it, you better watch out. If I fall into the toilet, I''ll strangle you."


    "You''re such a jerk! You piece of trash."


    Su Jinlai: "Ah! Ah! Ah!"


    He kept screaming, and as everyone cursed at him, he rushed up to one of them. The man was terrified: "Wh-what are you doing?"


    Su Jinlai said gloomily, "Can you find me a job?"


    Everyone present: "..."


    This guy must have been sleeping all day and lost his mind.


    Su Jinlai: "I don''t need much, just a hundred or so a month."


    "Get the hell out of here! If I had a job that paid a hundred, I''d take it myself. Why would I give it to you? Am I crazy? No, wait, you''re the crazy one. Are you out of your mind?"


    Everyone quickly left the restroom. Who knew if Su Jinlai might push someone in if things got heated?


    "Aren''t you always lazy as hell? Why do you suddenly want a job now?"


    "A hundred? People wouldn''t even pay you ten bucks. You''re good for nothing."


    "Exactly."


    Su Jinlai argued, "I''m actually really smart. Why can''t I earn more? If not a hundred, then fifty or sixty would do."


    Everyone looked at him like he was an idiot and finally stopped engaging with him. How could you even argue with someone like that? He wasn''t normal. They all walked away. Su Jinlai: "Hey, wait, don''t leave..."


    "Get lost."


    The children in the distance: "Jinlai Gege is being scolded again. He''s always being looked down on. So pitiful."


    Su Jinlai: "...Damn it, can you keep it down? Why do you always talk so loudly? I don''t want to hear it."


    Wuwuwu, so pitiful.


    "Su Jinlai, are you crazy? Can''t find a job and you''re yelling at kids? What did they do to you? Are you even a man? You''re nothing but trash. I look down on you!" Guan Hong, who had come back early from work, started scolding him as soon as she saw the scene.


    Su Jinlai: "You, you..."


    Guan Hong: "You what? Can you do anything? All you do is brag. Besides bullying kids, what else can you do? Oh right, you can steal your family''s chicken. How come Yinlai and Tonglai are so hardworking, but they have a brother like you? It''s such bad luck. They have to deal with so much gossip because of you. If I were you, I''d just bash my head against a wall. You''re a useless piece of trash with no manliness at all."


    Su Jinlai''s face turned red with anger. "You shrew, how dare you curse at me? Have you forgotten how you used to admire me? Back then..."


    "Spare me! Back then I was blind, thinking you were a decent person. I wanted a hero like Qiao Feng, but look at you. You''re nothing. A grown man still being supported by your family. It makes me sick. If I were your mom, I''d beat you to death."


    "You hag!"


    "You loser!"


    "You tiger woman!"


    "You weakling!"


    "You think you''re Qiao Feng? You''re more like Zi. You''ll never find a Qiao Feng. Someone like Qiao Feng would never look at you. You''re mean, vicious, and ugly!"


    "And you? You''re worse than You Tanzhi. At least he was devoted. You''re nothing but a freeloader. All you do is mooch off others. Your mom''s still working at her age, and you''re at home sleeping. You''re trash!"


    "You!"


    "You what!"


    Two people stood in the alley, hands on their hips, shouting at each other.


    The kids watching were utterly stunned.


    This kind of commotion happened often, but every time it was still astonishing to witness.


    "I-I-I, I''m a decent man who doesn''t fight with women. I won''t stoop to your level," one of them stammered.


    Guan Hong sneered, "Of course you don''t fight with women. When you can''t win, you always hide behind female comrades. How dare you even think of fighting a woman? You''re a loser! Trash! A bug!"


    She was in the middle of her tirade when Zheng Huimin also got off work. They were all in a hurry to get back home so they could go out together to set up their street stall. Although some people still looked down on their street vending, they knew exactly how much money they were making.


    They were all working hard.


    They also understood why everyone in the area was so motivated. Those who hadn¡¯t seen the money themselves had no idea how lucrative this business could be.


    Zheng Huimin said, "Guan Hong, why are you wasting your time arguing with him? Is he even worth it?"


    "You''re right, he''s not worth it."


    The two of them quickly headed back, loaded up their goods, and came out again. Su Jinlai, still fuming, hadn''t even calmed down yet.


    The two of them sped off on their bikes, and Su Jinlai, watching their retreating figures, shouted, "Just you wait! I''ll make money too! I won''t let you look down on me!"


    "Pah!" A distant sound of disdain floated back.


    Su Jinlai broke down in tears, wailing, "Wuwuwu... You''re all so mean! How can you female comrades be so cruel? Wuwuwu~"


    He cried pitifully, completely unaware that Li Weiwei had been secretly watching the whole scene. Li Weiwei, who worked in the kitchen and got off work a bit earlier, was on his way home when he stumbled upon this spectacle. Seeing Su Jinlai crying his heart out, Li Weiwei patted his chest and sighed repeatedly, "No rush to find a partner or get married. Really, no rush. I can''t handle it. I really can''t handle it."


    He was genuinely scared.


    These female comrades were not to be trifled with.


    Su Jinlai raised his head to the sky and howled, "Don''t bully the young and poor!!!"


    With a loud cry, he ran off toward his house.


    Li Weiwei: "..."


    This guy really knows how to make a scene, huh?


    "Li Weiwei?"


    Li Weiwei turned around and quickly greeted, "Auntie Lian, hello."


    Auntie Lian smiled, her eyes crinkling, "It really is you. Perfect timing. Come on, let''s go to your place. Last time I didn''t find anyone suitable for you, but this time I''ve got a good match..."


    Before she could finish, Li Weiwei started waving his hands, "No, no, I''m not in a hurry to find a partner."


    "What do you mean you''re not in a hurry? Weren''t you the one who was desperate? Don''t be shy with me, Auntie Lian knows all about you youngsters. Come on, let''s go to your place."


    Li Weiwei felt like crying, "I don''t want to!"


    He didn''t want to get married!


    He put on a serious face, "Auntie Lian, I''ve really thought about it. I''m still young, and this is the time to focus on my career. I''ve decided to help my dad with the street stall. I don''t have time for a relationship, and I''m definitely not in a hurry to find a partner."


    Auntie Lian: "..."


    She looked at him suspiciously.


    Li Weiwei insisted, "Really!"


    Auntie Lian: "Did something happen to you?"


    Li Weiwei: "No."


    Auntie Lian wasn''t about to let him off the hook. This was a favor Aunt Wang had asked of her, and she was determined to see it through.


    Auntie Lian strode into the courtyard, and Li Weiwei followed reluctantly, whimpering.


    Sure enough, Aunt Wang hadn''t heard Li Weiwei''s earlier protests. She glared at him and said, "What nonsense are you spouting? What street stall? Your dad has a perfectly good job, why would he need to set up a stall? And you, you''re at the perfect age to find a partner. Date for about a year, then get married. It''s the perfect timing. Your mom got married at your age, and look how well things turned out for her. The earlier you get married, the sooner you can settle down. Stop being so difficult!"


    Li Weiwei stood firm, "No!"


    Aunt Wang''s face darkened, "Don''t you dare upset me."


    Li Weiwei immediately clung to his grandmother''s leg, "Grandma, I really don''t want to get married! Please, don''t make me go on blind dates. I''m at an age where I just can''t handle it."


    "If you can''t handle it now, you won''t be able to handle it in a couple of years either."


    "Forced matches never work out."


    He just didn''t understand why his grandma wasn''t pressuring his older brother but kept pushing him instead.


    He was miserable!


    "Anyway, I won''t do it."


    Aunt Wang was furious, but Auntie Lian was puzzled, "Why don''t you want to? The girl I''m introducing this time, although she''s not from around here, is very pretty, gentle, and knows how to manage a household. She''s also very filial. If you meet her, you''ll see for yourself. She''s really outstanding."


    She added honestly, "The only downside is that she''s not a local, but that can be a good thing too. Since her family isn''t nearby, you won''t have to deal with in-law issues. Isn''t that great? Local girls are nice, but sometimes having in-laws close by can be troublesome. This girl is from Lianhua Village, and her name is Wen Lian. Just hearing her name, you can tell she''s someone you''d want to cherish."


    She continued, "The girl is really beautiful."


    Li Weiwei remained firm, "I don''t want to."


    "No, whether you want to or not, you''re going to meet her!"


    Aunt Wang was adamant, and Li the Cook, who had just arrived, was even more resolute. He directly ordered his grandson to meet the girl. They were determined to force him into it.


    Li Weiwei: "..."


    Misery!


    He looked at his family with a pitiful expression, feeling like they didn''t care about his feelings at all. He wasn''t some breeding pig that had to be paired up at a certain age to produce piglets.


    He shouted, "No! I absolutely refuse! If anyone wants to meet her, they can go! I''m not doing it!"


    With that, he ran off, and as soon as he dashed out the door, he saw a group of kids eavesdropping under his window.


    Oh no!


    They''d been caught!


    The group of kids, including Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, scattered immediately, "Run!"


    Li Weiwei: "..."

 Chapter 205

    Li Weiwei ultimately did not go on the blind date.


    He firmly refused, and Li the Cook couldn¡¯t force him to drink water by holding his head down, could he?


    Li Weiwei breathed a sigh of relief, but recently, his grandparents had been giving him the cold shoulder, making him feel like he had to tiptoe around the house every day. He left early and returned late, but this routine of coming and going actually allowed him to notice something interesting.


    Hmm, it had nothing to do with finding a partner.


    Instead, it was about setting up a small street stall. Ever since the uncle who used to fry dough sticks on their street moved away, no one in their alley had taken up the business. His father, Yang Lixin, had always considered it, but in these times, giving up a stable job to do something like that was seen as shameful.


    Even Li the Cook didn¡¯t agree, and Yang Lixin was torn inside.


    Li Weiwei, however, didn¡¯t feel much about it. But during these days of leaving early and returning late, he had observed something: the mobile food stalls actually made quite a bit of money.


    As a cook, he often followed Li the Cook and his father to cater banquets, so he knew the approximate costs. After a quick calculation, he realized this business was quite viable. Forget whether his father was tempted¡ªhe certainly was.


    Moreover, he had seen Little Sister Yu and her husband selling rolled pancakes at the hospital entrance. He had bumped into them while wandering around after work, too afraid to go home. At that time, Erlin was already hospitalized, and Little Sister Yu was taking care of the child while her husband set up the stall outside. Sometimes it was Old Man Yu, sometimes Old Lady Yu¡ªeveryone pitched in.


    Their business was surprisingly good, and Li Weiwei couldn¡¯t help but feel envious.


    Little Sister Yu¡¯s family weren¡¯t professional cooks, yet they managed to make it work. So, he felt his family could do it too. He wasn¡¯t a permanent employee at the machinery factory either. Although getting a permanent position was easier for him than for his older brother in the railway sector, it still wasn¡¯t something that would happen overnight.


    Li Weiwei began to entertain the idea of setting up his own stall. His skills weren¡¯t good enough for large banquets¡ªhe¡¯d definitely fail at that¡ªbut he thought he could handle selling simple snacks or serving breakfast items like fried dough sticks and tofu pudding.


    He had plenty of experience making these simple breakfast dishes, so he felt confident.


    The real challenge was convincing his family. After all, he had already upset his grandparents by refusing the blind date. Persuading his family now would be even harder. Besides quitting his job, he also needed capital.


    He had handed over most of his earnings to the family, keeping only a small amount for himself, which was nowhere near enough.


    Li Weiwei was deeply troubled, losing sleep night after night. His older brother worked shifts and wasn¡¯t always home, so Li Weiwei¡¯s sleeplessness didn¡¯t bother anyone. He just sat by the door, sighing heavily.


    ¡°Creak¡­¡± The door next door opened, and Li Weiwei turned to see Su Jinlai stepping out, dark circles under his eyes and looking equally unhappy.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you sleeping?¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°None of your business. You¡¯re not sleeping either, are you? What¡¯s the matter? Did you sleep too much during the day?¡±


    Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t pleased with this response. He said, ¡°Do you even know how to talk? What do you mean, ¡®slept too much¡¯? I didn¡¯t sleep at all during the day. I was out looking for a job.¡±


    Li Weiwei looked at Su Jinlai in surprise, finding it hard to believe that Su Jinlai had actually gone out job hunting.


    It was as unbelievable as a pig climbing a tree.


    ¡°You? Looking for a job?¡±


    Su Jinlai felt awkward. ¡°What? Is that so strange?¡±


    Damn it, he really couldn¡¯t find one.


    He was so worried that he asked, ¡°Do you have any cigarettes?¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°I don¡¯t smoke.¡±


    Li the Cook came from a long line of chefs who adhered to traditional values. Not only did he not smoke, but he also discouraged his apprentices from smoking. In his view, smokers carried the smell of tobacco, which not only affected the perception of food cleanliness but also interfered with the ability to judge the color, aroma, and taste of dishes.


    Smoking was out of the question. Anyone who smoked would get an earful.


    So, neither Li Junjun nor Li Weiwei smoked.


    Li Junjun wasn¡¯t a cook, but no one in the family smoked¡ªthere was no such environment.


    As for Li Weiwei, he definitely didn¡¯t smoke either.


    He looked at Su Jinlai with disdain and said, ¡°You don¡¯t have a penny to your name, yet you have quite the hobbies.¡±


    Su Jinlai was furious. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Can¡¯t you talk properly? Who said I don¡¯t have any money? My money¡¯s with my mom. Don¡¯t act like I¡¯m some deadbeat. Who do you think you¡¯re looking down on?¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°Heh heh heh.¡±


    Su Jinlai grew even angrier. ¡°Hey, what are you laughing at? That smirk of yours makes you look like no good. I just don¡¯t get it¡ªwhat did I ever do to you? You¡¯ve been giving me the cold shoulder for ages.¡±


    He snapped, ¡°I didn¡¯t bully you when we were kids, did I?¡±


    Sure, he and his buddies used to pick on others back then, but they never dared to mess with anyone from their compound. The people there were tough and wouldn¡¯t hesitate to cause trouble at his house.


    Plus, his family was wary of the compound¡¯s authority, so they never provoked Li Junjun or Li Weiwei.


    From Su Jinlai¡¯s perspective, he felt wronged, not understanding why Li Weiwei treated him so poorly.


    Seeing Su Jinlai¡¯s indignation, Li Weiwei widened his eyes. ¡°You think you¡¯re the victim here? Fine, let¡¯s talk about it.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. If you don¡¯t give me a good explanation, I won¡¯t forgive you.¡±


    ¡°Pfft, as if I need your forgiveness. Who do you think you are?¡±


    Li Weiwei didn¡¯t hold back either. ¡°Let¡¯s not beat around the bush. My biggest issue with you is that you brought those kidnappers here. If it weren¡¯t for everyone¡¯s vigilance and cooperation, would we have grown up safely? If it weren¡¯t for you, would they have been able to gather information about our families?¡±


    Su Jinlai was stunned, staring blankly at Li Weiwei. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°What am I talking about? Don¡¯t play dumb. I¡¯ve heard it all. They even targeted your younger brother. What, were you hoping your mom would give everything to you if Yinlai and Tonglai went missing? Would that make you happy?¡±


    Su Jinlai frowned even more deeply. ¡°What are you saying? I don¡¯t know anything about this.¡±


    Li Weiwei sneered. ¡°Stop pretending. It¡¯s about what happened when we were kids. Don¡¯t act clueless now. Go ask anyone¡ªthey all know. Back then, those kidnappers got their information from you¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait, hold on. Let me think this through.¡±


    Su Jinlai was getting more and more confused. He furrowed his brow, trying to recall the past. The kidnapping incident had happened while he was in juvenile detention, so he had only heard about it later. But now, how was it being tied to him?


    He had heard about it¡ªback then, a gang specializing in child abduction had targeted many in their neighborhood. Luckily, they were caught before they could succeed, thanks to the vigilance of the community. Everyone had banded together to catch the criminals.


    That was the version Su Jinlai had heard. But he truly didn¡¯t know that he was somehow involved. No one had ever told him that he played a part in it.


    Li Weiwei looked at Su Jinlai¡¯s puzzled expression and asked, ¡°You really didn¡¯t know?¡±


    Su Jinlai nodded earnestly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know. I really don¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on. Are you sure this isn¡¯t some misunderstanding?¡±


    Li Weiwei immediately retorted, ¡°How could it be a misunderstanding? It¡¯s all because of you. I heard it from the police officer who spoke to my grandma¡ªit¡¯s all your fault. One of the gang members had a younger sibling who ended up in juvenile detention. He befriended you there, but he was just pumping you for information. He didn¡¯t stay long and, after getting out, immediately worked with the adults to carry out their plans. Think carefully¡ªdidn¡¯t the police question you about this back then?¡±


    Yes.


    They really had.


    Su Jinlai had almost completely forgotten about it, but when Li Weiwei brought it up, the old memories came flooding back. Back then, someone had indeed come to investigate him, mainly about his connection with¡­ what was that guy¡¯s name again? He couldn¡¯t remember, but it was about whether he had leaked any information. However, since the police hadn¡¯t provided specific details, Su Jinlai had no idea that the person in question was part of the human trafficking gang that had come to their neighborhood, Xinghua Lane.


    He stammered, ¡°Are you saying¡­ they got the information from me and that¡¯s how they came to abduct people?¡±


    Li Weiwei replied, ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Su Jinlai pursed his lips and stayed silent.


    Li Weiwei pressed on, ¡°How could you not know? Why wouldn¡¯t you know?¡±


    Su Jinlai remained silent.


    No one had told him. No one had ever told him.


    He never imagined that the friendship he had genuinely offered had been exploited, that the person he thought was a friend had been scheming against him. They hadn¡¯t even spared his brother. Su Jinlai¡¯s expression darkened. He might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he wasn¡¯t completely clueless either. At this moment, he was filled with endless frustration.


    Li Weiwei said, ¡°You really didn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± With a creak, the door opened, and both of them looked up to see Uncle Zhuang stepping out. He was draped in a coat, his hands tucked into his sleeves, and it was unclear how long he had been eavesdropping.


    Li Weiwei and Su Jinlai exchanged glances.


    This didn¡¯t seem like the behavior of an elder.


    But both Su Jinlai and Li Weiwei were curious. Why was he here?


    Li Weiwei quickly made room beside him and said, ¡°Uncle Zhuang, come sit here.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi sat down and, seeing the two of them staring at him, remarked, ¡°You two seem really close, having a heart-to-heart under the moonlight. The moon is beautiful tonight.¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Brother, can you say something more substantial?


    Wait, no¡ªUncle.


    But looking at Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s face, calling him ¡°Uncle¡± didn¡¯t feel right.


    Both Li Weiwei and Su Jinlai were conflicted.


    Zhuang Zhixi, unaware of their internal turmoil, asked, ¡°Guess why no one ever told Su Jinlai about this?¡±


    Li Weiwei shook his head, and Su Jinlai himself was clueless.


    He had heard that traffickers had once come to Xinghua Lane, not only targeting little boys like Little Seven Jin but also trying to lure away older boys like Li Junjun, Li Weiwei, Yinlai, and Tonglai.


    When he was in juvenile detention, someone had also questioned him about his interactions with that guy from back then. It turned out that the guy had gotten into trouble again, apparently involved in human trafficking.


    Although both incidents involved traffickers, Su Jinlai hadn¡¯t connected the dots.


    Most people would have made the connection immediately, but Su Jinlai¡¯s mind was simple. Even when he wasn¡¯t as timid as he was now, he was still more brawn than brains. It never occurred to him that the place they were targeting was Xinghua Lane.


    He said, ¡°Uncle Zhuang, please tell me. I really want to know what happened. I can¡¯t keep being in the dark.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°It¡¯s actually quite simple. Everyone didn¡¯t want you to feel burdened or to act impulsively and make a mistake. Even though you weren¡¯t a good kid, you weren¡¯t intentionally malicious¡ªyou were just tricked by bad people. So, even though no one discussed it, everyone silently agreed not to tell you. At first, they didn¡¯t tell you because they were afraid of what might happen. If you had found out back then, when you were still young, they were worried you wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the shock. Besides, you were much more impulsive as a child. If you had known you¡¯d been deceived and that your brother had almost been taken, you wouldn¡¯t have let it go. We didn¡¯t know if the younger ones in that family were old enough to be jailed, but we couldn¡¯t risk it. If they had been detained with you, given your temper, who knows what you might have done? Even though it wasn¡¯t certain whether they¡¯d be sent to juvenile detention, we had to be cautious. You need to understand that theft is the least of the charges. If you had hurt someone in retaliation, you could have lost several more years of your life.¡±


    Su Jinlai pursed his lips and stayed silent.


    ¡°Your mother has always believed you would turn your life around, so she didn¡¯t want you to know. That¡¯s why no one told you back then, and after you got out, it became something that could be mentioned or not. At the time, the laws were strict. The main culprits in that family were executed, but the accomplices, especially the minors, weren¡¯t. Even though they were given heavy sentences, like ten or twenty years, your mother was afraid you¡¯d find a way to retaliate. Looking at you now, I think her worries were unnecessary. But back then, you were quite vengeful. She had her reasons to worry¡ªshe didn¡¯t want to outlive her child.¡±


    Su Jinlai remained silent, while Li Weiwei thought about it and realized it made sense.


    He recalled that Su Jinlai had been quite fierce as a child, a real neighborhood troublemaker. How had he ended up like this?


    Su Jinlai still hadn¡¯t said a word. Li Weiwei looked at him and said, ¡°Hey, say something.¡±


    Su Jinlai remained silent. Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t look at him either, instead gazing at the moon as if truly appreciating its beauty. He said, ¡°Even though the trafficking happened, and even though it was because of you that the traffickers got their information, neither your mother nor your brother blamed you. Even now, when you¡¯re so unreliable, they¡¯ve put up with you. Why? Because you¡¯ve been through thick and thin together since you were kids. You¡¯re family. I¡¯m not one for grand speeches, but since I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll say this: Money doesn¡¯t fall from the sky just because you lie around at home. The sky doesn¡¯t drop pies¡ªit drops traps. What good does lying around do? When you were a kid, you weren¡¯t exactly a model citizen, but you weren¡¯t as aimless as you are now. Of course, I¡¯m not telling you to go steal¡ªthat never ends well. Look at what happened to those two gangs of thieves recently¡ªthey¡¯re all behind bars. So, you really need to think about what you¡¯re going to do with your life.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t find a job,¡± Su Jinlai said, his voice tinged with frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking, but no one will hire me.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi looked surprised. ¡°Oh? You¡¯ve actually been looking for work?¡±


    Su Jinlai nodded, his mood heavy.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°If you can¡¯t find a job, keep looking. Even if it doesn¡¯t work out, why not help your brother with his business? You don¡¯t have to think about money right away¡ªjust assist him and get familiar with the work. Right now, your mom has to go with him after work. Why don¡¯t you take over for her? Think about it¡ªyour life is already better than a lot of people¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡±


    ¡°Of course it is. You were born in Beijing, your family has four rooms, and your mom¡¯s a factory worker. Just based on that, you¡¯re already better off than most people in the country. You were born with advantages that many don¡¯t have. Take the factory¡¯s movie screenings, for example. Do you go to every one?¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­Why would I go to every one? It¡¯s not that special.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°Well, tomorrow, go to the big compound and find Yang Xinger, the eldest daughter of Little Sister Yu. Ask her how many times she¡¯s been to the movies. She¡¯s eight years old¡ªsee how many times she¡¯s gone. Then think about your own childhood. You never lacked for anything, did you? How many movies did you watch growing up?¡±


    Su Jinlai stayed silent.


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, ¡°Then ask that little girl what she eats at home. Her family eats mixed-grain buns during the New Year. When you were seven or eight, you didn¡¯t live like that, did you? But for her, that¡¯s normal. Don¡¯t forget, there¡¯s over a decade between your childhood and hers. Even now, her life hasn¡¯t caught up to yours from back then. Being born here, with a family that has a worker and a house, is already better than most people¡¯s lives. Don¡¯t keep thinking you¡¯re poor¡ªthere are plenty of people worse off than you. Your life is already pretty good.¡±


    He finished speaking, stood up, and patted Su Jinlai on the shoulder, saying, "Think it over yourself. I''m going to bed. I''m such a good person, staying up late to guide someone lost in the night."


    "Don''t go. Uncle Zhuang, don''t leave."


    Su Jinlai grabbed Zhuang Zhixi''s arm. Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He said, "Help me think about it. What should I do?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Think for yourself. Your brain will rust if you don''t use it. I''m not you. I don''t know what suits you or what you can do. Maybe you don''t even know yourself. But changes in life always start with small steps."


    He spoke earnestly, "Start with small things first."


    He pulled his hand free, turned around, and headed home. He really was a good person, coming out late at night to guide a lost little lamb.


    Zap!


    Now he felt like eating hotpot mutton.


    Zhuang Zhixi rambled on for a while and left, but Su Jinlai, unusually, began to think. He sat there, as if frozen by some spell.


    Li Weiwei watched Su Jinlai and pondered Uncle Zhuang''s words. Suddenly, he felt they made a lot of sense. He turned to Su Jinlai and asked, "What are you thinking?"


    Su Jinlai stood up abruptly, ignoring Li Weiwei, and went home, slamming the door behind him.


    Li Weiwei: "???"


    What''s wrong with him?


    The weather in September was already a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings.


    Early in the morning, Wang Xiangxiu rubbed her head as she got up. She had been busy lately, working during the day and helping Yinlai set up a street stall after work. Sometimes Tonglai joined too, but when he had classes, it was just her.


    Fortunately, even when Tonglai had classes, he managed the household well.


    Since they started setting up the stall, no one in the courtyard raised chickens anymore. All the hens had turned into chicken soup, except for their family. Even though Su Jinlai had ruined one, they still kept the rest.


    Tonglai took care of them, so they didn''t need to buy eggs.


    Sizzle!


    The sound of oil frying came from the kitchen. Wang Xiangxiu got up, put on her clothes, and asked, "Tonglai, what are you making this morning?"


    Tonglai peeked out, his expression a mix of confusion and surprise, and said, "It''s not me."


    Wang Xiangxiu was startled and quickly went to the kitchen. To her surprise, it was Su Jinlai.


    Su Jinlai was frying eggs. He turned around and smiled, saying, "I steamed some buns, prepared some side dishes, and now I''m frying eggs. We can eat soon."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "..."


    She stared at Su Jinlai, unsure what he was up to.


    Tonglai was equally baffled. He had just woken up, still groggy, and was about to start his chores when he saw his elder brother already working. It was surreal.


    Honestly, it felt like seeing a ghost.


    No exaggeration¡ªit was like seeing a ghost.


    His brother usually didn''t get up until noon, glued to the bed as if stuck with super glue. But now, he was up and working. It was terrifying. Just then, Yinlai also woke up, stretching lazily. "I''m so tired... What the hell!"


    Why was his brother cooking?


    Was he trying to poison them all?


    No, no, no!


    He shouldn''t think that way about his brother.


    But still, it was shocking.


    He asked, "Has Brother been possessed?"


    Or maybe, "Has some demon tricked him?"


    Tonglai replied, "Don''t talk nonsense. Demons can''t become spirits after the founding of the nation."


    Wang Xiangxiu and her two sons watched as Su Jinlai skillfully handled the spatula. To be fair, Su Jinlai knew how to cook.


    How could he not? He had been sent to the countryside as an educated youth, where they took turns cooking. He didn''t want to participate, but no one indulged him.


    Besides, he could sneak a bite or two under the guise of "tasting the seasoning," so he didn''t mind cooking and actually knew how to do it.


    After preparing breakfast, he said, "Go wash up and eat."


    Everyone was still in a daze, unsure how they managed to wash up and sit down, but they all stared at Su Jinlai in confusion.


    Once seated, Su Jinlai said, "Let''s eat."


    Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t help but ask, "Jinlai, did a ghost touch you last night?"


    Su Jinlai widened his eyes and said, "Mom, what are you talking about? I''m a strong, healthy young man. Ghosts can''t get near me."


    Wang Xiangxiu frowned, "Then why are you making breakfast?"


    It was just too strange.


    Su Jinlai put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "Mom, I''ve caused you a lot of worry in the past, but from now on, I''m turning over a new leaf. You''ll see my progress."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "!!!"


    Su Jinlai then turned to Yinlai and Tonglai, "Second brother, third brother, I haven''t been a good elder brother. I even let bad people target you. But that won''t happen again. From now on, I''ll share the burden of this family."


    Yinlai and Tonglai: "..."


    Tonglai thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know about the kidnappers?"


    He was the smartest in the family and quickly grasped the key point.


    Su Jinlai looked guilty and said earnestly, "Yes, you should have told me. I was wrong back then. I didn''t recognize the true nature of those bad people. I''m sorry. I failed you as your brother."


    Yinlai and Tonglai were silent for a moment. Then Yinlai said, "Brother, what are you talking about? We''re family. It''s nothing."


    "Yeah, it''s nothing. If we work together, our family will thrive."


    Tonglai smiled and said, "Look, aren''t we doing well now?"


    He waved the bun in his hand. Su Jinlai nodded firmly, "Yes!"


    He declared, "From now on, you''ll see my efforts. When we were kids, the three of us were always together. It''ll be the same from now on!"


    "Alright."


    Yinlai and Tonglai agreed. Wang Xiangxiu looked at them and smiled, feeling a sense of relief. She said, "Alright, let''s eat!"


    "Sure!"


    Although the morning was a bit bewildering, Wang Xiangxiu was in a good mood.


    Su Jinlai said, "Go to work or school. I''ll do the dishes." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Last night, he had tossed and turned, thinking about many things¡ªhis childhood, the past years, and even his grandmother. All these memories hit him hard.


    He was both confused and strangely clear-headed.


    He also thought about everyone in the courtyard, especially Madam Zhou Li.


    Madam Zhou Li, known as Aunt Zhou, had even been to prison. Not a juvenile detention center like him, but real prison.


    After her release, Aunt Zhou had turned her life around and was doing well.


    What about him? Could he not do better than an old lady?


    Then there was Zhou Qun. When Zhou Qun''s scandals broke, Su Jinlai was about the same age as the twins Qi Jin and Tuan Tuan are now. He remembered everything¡ªZhou Qun''s mess. But Zhou Qun had also reformed.


    And Bai Fendou, his mother''s ultimate admirer, had married and built a good life for his family.


    Not to mention Auntie Zhao and Auntie Wang, whose families were thriving. Everyone was moving forward, except him. He was going downhill. Why should that be? He could work hard too. Su Jinlai wasn''t lacking in anything.


    His mother and brothers were working hard. Outsiders only saw the surface, but he saw the truth clearly. He took a deep breath and told himself, "Su Jinlai, from now on, you need to work hard. You can''t keep drifting aimlessly. Otherwise, even the ladies will look down on you."


    Well, mainly Guan Hong.


    That woman always scolded him whenever she saw him. Su Jinlai felt he couldn''t keep embarrassing himself like this.


    So, early in the morning, he started working. He went to the courtyard to fetch water and wash dishes. When Aunt Zhou saw him, it was as if she had seen a ghost.


    Wang Xiangxiu was shocked, and as a neighbor, Aunt Zhou was equally shocked. This was Su Jinlai, the kid who could have been a master thief, now doing chores?


    She stammered, "You... you... you''re actually working?"


    Su Jinlai replied, "Why can''t I work? It''s my family''s business."


    Aunt Zhou exclaimed, "Oh my! Are you pretending to be good to lower your mother''s guard and swindle her money?"


    Su Jinlai: "Damn, that''s too much. Am I really that kind of person? I''m a handsome, upright, and iron-willed man. How can you slander me like this? I''m definitely not that kind of person. You''re going too far by saying that."


    Aunt Zhou''s mouth twitched, her suspicious eyes scanning him up and down, but she remained silent.


    Su Jinlai let out a heavy snort.


    Before Aunt Zhou could finish her thoughts, Bai Fendou appeared. Seeing Su Jinlai washing dishes, he exclaimed, "Wow, what a surprise! Su Jinlai is actually doing some work!"


    Su Jinlai: "...What''s so surprising about that? Why do you all look down on me like that? Can''t I be hardworking? Not only am I washing dishes, but I''m also cleaning the windows today."


    Bai Fendou: "..."


    Who would believe that?


    He clicked his tongue, putting on an exaggerated look of shock, then turned and left.


    However, once he got home, Bai Fendou immediately whispered to He Lan in amazement, "You know what? Su Jinlai is actually doing chores. I wonder if he''s up to no good."


    He Lan: "It can''t be that bad, can it?"


    "Why not? I''ve watched him grow up since he was a kid. I know better than anyone how unreliable he is. I just don''t trust him much."


    After a pause, he added, "You should remind Yinlai to be careful with the money. Running a business is tough, working from dawn to dusk. We don''t want Jinlai to steal it."


    He Lan frowned and said, "Don''t say things like that. Maybe Jinlai has really changed. We''ve all heard stories of prodigals turning over a new leaf. Let''s not judge him too harshly. But I''ll mention it to Yinlai."


    Thankfully, their daughter Bai Qingqing had already left for school, or the couple wouldn''t have been able to speak so candidly.


    Bai Fendou: "People usually need a reason to change. He can''t just wake up one day and become a new person."


    He Lan: "Maybe it was just a small thing that triggered it."


    She smiled and said, "Stop being so suspicious. Think about it, even if Jinlai had bad intentions, does he even have the brains to pull it off?"


    Bai Fendou fell silent. Truth be told, he didn''t.


    Bai Fendou: "This is really... I wonder what got into him."


    He Lan: "It''s good that he''s changing. That''s what matters most. Sister Wang has finally seen some light after all her hardships."


    Although Bai Fendou had been infatuated with Wang Xiangxiu for over a decade, He Lan got along with her just fine. After all, by the time He Lan married Bai Fendou, he had already moved on from Wang Xiangxiu, especially after the whole incident with Guan Guiling. So, while He Lan knew about Bai Fendou''s past with Wang Xiangxiu, she didn''t feel jealous because the two had completely cut ties.


    Moreover, Wang Xiangxiu had changed drastically after her own struggles, and He Lan was genuinely happy for her.


    That morning, everyone was shocked to see Su Jinlai washing dishes. As people gradually left for work, He Lan glanced out the window and saw Su Jinlai holding a rag, starting to clean the windows.


    He Lan: "..."


    Zhao Guihua came out of her house and, seeing Su Jinlai working, said, "You''re really being diligent today."


    Hearing this, Su Jinlai instantly beamed with pride. After all, praise was rare for him in the courtyard, and this sudden compliment made him feel elated.


    He smugly replied, "Of course! I may not have many strengths, but I''m handsome, hardworking, reliable, and kind-hearted..."


    Zhao Guihua: "...I just said one thing, and you''re already adding a whole script for yourself."


    Su Jinlai: "Hehe."


    "Hello, Granny Zhao!" A little girl skipped into the courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua: "Xinger, here to study again?"


    All the kids in their courtyard had started school, even the youngest, Ye Sitian from the neighboring yard, had gone to kindergarten. This little girl was the only one left. She was eight years old and should have been in school by now, but due to some complications, her enrollment had been delayed for a few days.


    The girl had sneaked over because her household registration wasn''t in this area, so she couldn''t enroll directly. Her father had written to their hometown to get some documents sorted, but it would take time for the paperwork to go back and forth.


    As a result, Xinger had missed the start of the school term. On the bright side, since she had never attended kindergarten, she didn''t know much. These days, she was catching up at home.


    Her tutor? He Lan.


    Bai Qingqing had suggested it to her mother, and He Lan happily agreed. When He Lan wasn''t out selling at her stall, Xinger would come over to study. When He Lan was away, Xinger would review what she had learned. It wasn''t easy for her to absorb everything since she had never been to school before.


    Xinger carried a small hand-me-down backpack from Li Zhenzhen and said earnestly, "Yes, I''m here to study."


    She patted her backpack, looking a little proud.


    He Lan: "Xinger''s here? Come on in."


    The little girl followed He Lan inside. Aunt Zhou appeared out of nowhere beside Zhao Guihua and said, "This child is really eager to learn."


    Zhao Guihua: "She cherishes this opportunity. I heard from my grandchildren that many kids in her village don''t go to school. If she hadn''t come to the capital, she might not have had the chance either."


    "No school? Why not?"


    Su Jinlai, who was cleaning the windows, quickly chimed in.


    Zhao Guihua: "What else? Poverty."


    "School doesn''t cost much," Su Jinlai said, puzzled.


    "True, it doesn''t cost much, but even that little amount is too much for them. Little Sister Yu came to me for advice on setting up a stall, and we chatted for a while. Their family''s annual income is only a few dozen yuan. With all the daily expenses¡ªoil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar¡ªwhat''s left at the end of the year? And that''s for a normal family. Theirs is worse because they have to spend money on their child''s medical treatment every year. They''re even in debt to the village!"


    Hearing this, Su Jinlai recalled what Zhuang Zhixi had said the previous night.


    At the time, he hadn''t thought much of it, but now it struck him how right Zhuang Zhixi was. They were born in the capital, already better off than many others.


    Aunt Zhou: "Was it you who taught her parents how to set up their stall cart?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded.


    That was just how she was. She might not get along with Aunt Yu, but she could still feel sympathy for Little Sister Yu''s family. If she could help, she would. Even after selling their house, the family''s medical expenses were still a burden. Earning a little from the stall could ease their financial pressure.


    Thinking about how the child might have ended up like in her previous life, it was heartbreaking.


    She said, "The couple is hardworking. I think their business is doing alright. But running a food stall is tougher than our kind of work."


    Their stall wasn''t easy either, but selling food was even more exhausting.


    Aunt Zhou nodded in agreement. "That''s true. If it were me, I wouldn''t be able to handle it. I''m too old for that kind of hard work."


    Su Jinlai stood nearby, watching eagerly. Aunt Zhou turned to him and said, "Keep cleaning the windows."


    "Oh, right!"


    Su Jinlai immediately resumed his work, but curiosity got the better of him. "Auntie Zhao, Aunt Zhou, how much do you earn?"


    The two women replied in unison, "Why should we tell you?"


    This kid, daring to ask such a question?


    They couldn''t possibly reveal that. Money matters should be kept private, especially since this kid had a history of stealing.


    Aunt Zhou snorted to herself, thinking, *I won''t tell you. I''m already a ten-thousand-yuan household. Even better than that, but I''m not saying a word.*


    Su Jinlai sighed, "I was just curious. You''re so harsh."


    By now, he had finished cleaning the windows. He let out a huff, went back inside to tidy up the bedding, and soon returned to the courtyard to wash the bedsheets.


    Aunt Zhou: "..."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    What on earth had happened to make him so diligent?


    Zhao Guihua: "Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk!"


    "Yang Xinger, Yang Xinger..."


    Zhao Guihua immediately noticed a young man of about seventeen or eighteen standing at the door. The little girl, Xinger, quickly came out from the house. "I''m here, Second Cousin."


    This was her cousin from her second uncle''s family.


    Although the adults of the two families no longer interacted, the younger generation also harbored resentment toward their aunt for going home to borrow money, treating their family with disdain. However, they weren''t too harsh on the pitiful-looking siblings.


    "The postman just came. There''s a letter for your family. Here you go."


    Yang Xinger quickly said, "Thank you, Second Cousin."


    The Yu family boy waved his hand and left directly.


    Xinger looked at the envelope and said, "This is..."


    He Lan glanced at it and said, "It''s from your hometown."


    Xinger let out an "oh," her eyes lighting up. "It must be the recommendation letter and other documents. With these, I can go through the procedures and then apply for temporary enrollment."


    Wanting to go to school was really, really troublesome.


    But she was still overjoyed that she had the opportunity to attend school.


    In their village, not every girl had the chance to go to school. While boys were mostly able to attend, many families didn''t send their daughters to school. Although Xinger didn''t interact much with the villagers, she knew that going to school was both expensive and something to be proud of.


    Those who could attend school often showed off.


    She had always thought her family was too poor to afford school. Although she envied others, she never dared to mention it in front of her parents because nothing was more important than life itself. Erlin''s treatment required a lot of money. But unexpectedly, after secretly coming to Sijiu City, she now had the chance to attend school.


    Originally, her father wanted her to wait a year because their paperwork was incomplete, and they didn''t have the time to deal with her schooling. Besides, she had no foundation, so it would be better to wait until next year. But her grandfather and grandmother disagreed. They said not going to school was too shameful.


    In their area, no child skipped school, and they couldn''t bear the embarrassment.


    Because of this, Xinger was able to start school a year earlier.


    She took a deep breath and said, "This is great."


    He Lan patted her head.


    She smiled and said, "You little baldy, even going to school won''t make your hair grow faster."


    Xinger replied, "My hair grows fast, and besides, I don''t care!"


    As long as she could go to school, being teased for being bald didn''t matter.


    He Lan said, "So brave."


    Xinger smiled again, her little mouth curling up. To be honest, the girl was quite pretty, which was why her cousin had deliberately scratched her face out of jealousy. Now that the scab had fallen off, the mark was faint, and it was clear that with some care, it would fade completely.


    "Are you applying ointment to your face?"


    Xinger nodded. "The doctor gave me scar removal cream. It works really well."


    She swung her legs. Ever since she left home, she felt like she had met nothing but good people. Everyone was so kind, and Xinger was happy. "I want to grow up quickly and become a useful person."


    "Good. Then let''s start studying now."


    "Okay, okay."


    Su Jinlai was hanging quilts in the yard when he heard the sound of reading coming from inside the house. His head buzzed. How could anyone enjoy studying? He couldn''t understand it.


    Su Jinlai had been busy all day, cleaning the house spotless. He had washed clothes in both the front and back yards. When Wang Xiangxiu returned from work, she was a bit dazed. Jinlai said, "Mom, you stay home. Today, Yinlai and I will go out to sell things."


    Wang Xiangxiu hesitated.


    Yinlai said, "Big Brother, let''s go together."


    It was rare for the two of them to show initiative. How could she stop them?


    Su Jinlai immediately became excited. "Let''s go. When brothers unite, their strength can cut through metal."


    Yinlai: "..."


    There was no need to shout slogans.


    Yinlai was almost always the slowest to sell out. While others had no stock left, he still had goods. It wasn''t that he was lazy, but he genuinely had the least time. The two of them went out together and happened to run into Zhuang Zhixi. He smiled and said, "Good luck, young men."


    Watching the two ride off on their bicycles, Zhuang Zhixi lowered his eyes and smiled.


    Their compound was really getting better and better.


    He sighed in relief and was about to head back when he saw Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin also coming out. These two girls were quite diligent. He nodded in greeting. Seeing them heading in the same direction, Zhuang Zhixi thought, "I hope those two don''t end up fighting."


    The "two" he referred to weren''t Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong, but Guan Hong and Su Jinlai.


    Guan Hong hated Su Jinlai for using her as a pawn and would argue with him whenever they met.


    Hopefully, they weren''t going to the same place.


    Recently, the goods Zheng Huifang sent hadn''t arrived yet, so they could take a few days off. However, the patterns Zheng Huifang had chosen for them recently had been selling really well. It had to be said, she had a good eye for this.


    The Zheng sisters really had a knack for this when they put their minds to it.


    In fact, having a good eye for goods wasn''t just about talent; it also required learning. Zheng Huifang was like that. During her breaks, she never went out to play like the others. Instead, she visited large local malls to observe what sold well and also went to various shops. She spent a lot of time doing this.


    Because she never went out with the others, Zheng Huifang wasn''t very popular. Even those who shared the same dormitory subtly excluded her. After all, everyone else relaxed after work, while she spent her time reading.


    While everyone went out to play during their time off, she went to study goods and learn about fabric characteristics.


    This made her seem more ambitious.


    So, no one liked Zheng Huifang, but she didn''t care. Now, not only was she helping Zhao Guihua and others in their compound with goods, but she was also assisting others with sourcing, not just from Sijiu City, but also from Shenyang.


    The person who came to pick up the goods had encountered Zheng Huifang twice. She was wearing her factory uniform, but the amount of goods she ordered was larger than those who came to place orders. This naturally drew attention.


    When they found out that Zheng Huifang was helping others place orders and earning a small commission, they approached her.


    In fact, they could have placed orders directly with the factory, but there were some differences. First, ordering through Zheng Huifang was cheaper, not because she was an insider, but because she ordered in bulk. Only large quantities could secure better prices. They ordered a bit of everything, which seemed like a lot, but because it was scattered across different factories, they couldn''t get good prices.


    However, Zheng Huifang could combine their orders with others, increasing the volume and lowering the price.


    Second, the factory''s shipping process wasn''t as meticulous as Zheng Huifang''s. The factory would ship as long as the quality check passed, but Zheng Huifang added an extra step of checking the goods before shipping, ensuring an additional layer of quality control.


    Lastly, when ordering directly from the factory, once an order was placed, it was difficult to make changes. The factory wouldn''t accommodate small external orders with last-minute changes. But with Zheng Huifang, communication was much easier. Since she was present, she could handle adjustments on the spot.


    In addition to the client from Shenyang, there was also one from Jinling and one from Shanghai City. Zheng Huifang had already accumulated several clients, all introduced by the one from the provincial capital. Now, every time she handled an order, her commission was higher than her monthly salary.


    But she still worked diligently at her job.


    Although her dorm mates didn''t like her, thinking she was too ambitious and made them look lazy, the factory leaders appreciated Zheng Huifang. No one disliked a hardworking and studious person.


    Especially since the factory owners were self-made first-generation entrepreneurs who naturally admired such diligence.


    Not only did they admire her, but she also brought tangible benefits to the factory.


    Take T-shirts, for example. Their factory produced them, but so did others.


    If it was about purchasing goods, naturally, they could go to any supplier. However, since Zheng Huifang had become their "buyer," she would always place orders with their factory for any products they had in stock. This initiative to boost the factory''s profits was a great thing.


    Even ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????when Zheng Huifang occasionally needed to use the office phone, no one would give her a hard time.


    So, after work, Zheng Huifang went to the office to make a phone call before returning to her dormitory. She had been away from home for some time now, and she never expected so many things to happen back home.


    Her father was gone, and her mother had lost her mind.


    Zheng Huifang couldn''t quite describe how she felt. Even though they hadn''t treated her well, she wasn''t entirely unaffected. However, she ultimately decided not to go back. Even if she did, it would be too late, and compared to the bustling energy of the capital, she preferred the drive and ambition of this place.


    If she returned to the capital, although there were many factories, there were also many people. Formal factories were different from private ones, and without connections, she wouldn''t be able to get in. Even temporary jobs were out of reach because she wasn''t old enough. If she went back, she would only be a burden.


    So, she stayed.


    Her elder sister, Zheng Huimin, sent her a thousand yuan.


    Combined with her current income, she had already saved up fifteen hundred yuan.


    However, Zheng Huifang didn''t show it off. She still wore her factory uniform every day and rarely bought new clothes. But she did eat better than before. She was still growing and needed to eat more!


    When Zheng Huifang returned to the dormitory, she saw the other girls getting dressed up. As soon as they saw her, they exchanged glances and pursed their lips.


    One of them laughed mockingly, "Oh, our ''college student'' is back!"


    This was a sarcastic jab at Zheng Huifang for always reading, even though she hadn''t even graduated from elementary school. Did she really think she could become a college student?


    Zheng Huifang remained calm. "I''m studying hard. Who knows, maybe I really will go to college someday."


    She climbed up to her bunk, took out a bun from her pocket, and ate it while flipping through a magazine she had picked up from the office earlier. It was a magazine from Hong Kong, and some of their factory''s designs were based on it.


    She ate carefully, making sure not to drop any crumbs on the book.


    "Huifang, we''re going out. Do you want to come?" someone called out to her.


    Zheng Huifang shook her head. "I''m not going. I need to study. How else am I going to get into college?" She wasn''t without a temper; she wasn''t someone to be pushed around.


    Her words were equally sarcastic.


    "You never come with us. It''s not good to be so unsociable. When you''re away from home, you need friends. You can''t always be by yourself. Are you worried about spending money? Don''t worry, we''re going out on someone else''s dime. You don''t have to pay for anything, just don''t order anything yourself. Okay?" The speaker was smug, then added, "But we''re all benefiting from Chang. She''s pretty, so someone always treats her. So even if we don''t order anything, we won''t go hungry."


    This was actually why they always invited Zheng Huifang. They didn''t really want to hang out with her; they just couldn''t stand her being so ambitious. They were all factory girls, so why was she acting so special?


    But they couldn''t help but invite her, mainly because Zheng Huifang was pretty. If someone treated her, they could all freeload. Maybe they could even get some gifts out of it.


    As for whether Zheng Huifang would get harassed or taken advantage of, that wasn''t their concern.


    They didn''t like her anyway.


    "Huifang, come on! The more friends, the more opportunities. Look at Chang, she has so many friends. Did you see her gold bracelet? Someone gave it to her."


    Chang, who was nearby, proudly shook her wrist. "This cost almost two hundred yuan."


    The other girls gasped in awe. By this time, Zheng Huifang had finished her bun. She had already figured out why they kept inviting her. At first, she didn''t understand, but she was a smart girl. On the way here, she had heard Auntie Zhao Guihua and others talk about all sorts of strange things, so after a couple of times, she saw right through them.


    She shook her head. "I really can''t go. You guys have fun. I need to go upstairs to see Aunt Chen."


    "Aunt Chen? What do you want with her? That old woman is always so strict, always saying this isn''t good enough, that isn''t good enough."


    Zheng Huifang replied, "Aunt Chen is nice. I''m still new here, so I want to learn from her."


    Actually, that wasn''t the case. Aunt Chen had mentioned that a new batch of yarn had arrived, and they were going to make sweaters. Zheng Huifang wanted to ask about it and see if it was worth contacting Auntie Zhao and the others. In the north, sweaters were very useful.


    Zheng Huifang''s words left the room in silence for a moment. Finally, Chang sneered, "You don''t really plan to spend your whole life as a factory girl, do you?"


    Zheng Huifang replied, "There''s nothing wrong with that. Our factory treats us well, and the job is stable."


    The others burst into laughter.


    Chang said meaningfully, "If you''re pretty, there are plenty of ways to get ahead. You might even marry a rich man."


    Zheng Huifang remained calm. "I don''t want to marry a rich man. I want to become rich myself. These days, you can only rely on yourself."


    After witnessing her father''s behavior, Zheng Huifang didn''t trust men. No matter how good they seemed, it was all fake. She only believed in herself. What she earned through her own efforts was real. Relying on a man? Her mother was a prime example of why that didn''t work.


    The others were still laughing at her comment about becoming rich, as if it were the funniest thing they''d ever heard.


    Zheng Huifang asked, "What''s so funny?"


    Chang replied, "You''re still young. You don''t understand. Haha! You''re really delusional."


    Zheng Huifang didn''t argue back. She said, "I''m going upstairs. Are you guys coming back tonight?"


    "Of course not."


    Zheng Huifang said, "Alright, I''m off then."


    Without another word, she left.


    She left earlier than the others, heading straight upstairs. The girls watched her back and muttered, "Weirdo!"


    As Zheng Huifang walked upstairs, she wondered if she could ask the supervisor to help her switch dormitories.


    She wanted to move to a quieter dormitory. There were many female workers at the factory, but not everyone was like the girls in her current dorm. She was sure most people weren''t like that. It was just that a few troublemakers in her dorm kept dragging others into their antics, making everyone eager to go out and have fun.


    Although she was confident she wouldn''t be swayed, being constantly invited out was still annoying. And it was clear they had ulterior motives. She could see the malice in their eyes.


    Zheng Huifang pursed her lips, feeling a bit helpless.


    They weren''t as mature as her, a sixteen-year-old girl. How naive!


    To think they could meet a rich man in those shady places. Even if they did, those men wouldn''t treat them with any respect.


    But soon, Zheng Huifang brushed off these trivial matters and focused on the new batch of sweaters. They looked really good!


    She wondered if they would stock them.


    Zheng Huifang hadn''t been in the industry for long, but she felt she had a good eye for things, especially since she was always learning. She thought this batch of sweaters was great, though the price might not be low.


    If they could order in bulk, the price might come down.


    Zheng Huifang hoped the items she chose would sell well. It would prove her judgment was right.


    She took a deep breath and started making some notes...


    Keep working hard, Zheng Huifang!


    You can only rely on yourself!

 Chapter 206

    The autumn wind rustled, and before they knew it, winter had arrived.


    The autumn in Sijiu City was always surprisingly short, as if it had barely begun when a chill set in after just a few days. Counting the days, it was already the start of winter. Zhao Guihua led the courtyard comrades in their latest business venture: selling sweaters, both men''s and women''s styles, along with hats and scarves. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It¡¯s worth noting that wool was a precious commodity. In the past, when ration coupons were required, it wasn¡¯t something ordinary people could afford. But now, with more places not requiring coupons, even sweaters could be bought freely.


    This time, Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang, and Aunt Zhou all sourced the same goods. Previously, they had different stock because others had less capital and couldn¡¯t afford expensive items in large quantities. But now, after doing business for over half a year, everyone had some savings, so they all decided to buy the same items. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t mind. In business, what one person could do, another could do too. She wasn¡¯t the type to monopolize opportunities.


    It wasn¡¯t worth it.


    Since everyone was selling similar items, the prices were driven down.


    Zhao Guihua also ordered a batch of scarves. When the goods arrived, everyone gathered at He Lan¡¯s house to divide the stock according to their share. They then assigned each other to different locations. Among the group of women, Yinlai stood out like a crane among chickens, though he didn¡¯t seem the least bit embarrassed.


    Making money wasn¡¯t something to be ashamed of.


    After dividing the goods, he called out, ¡°Brother, brother¡­¡±


    Jinlai rushed out the door, ¡°I¡¯m here!¡±


    Yinlai said, ¡°Help me carry these back, will you?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Recently, Jinlai had become much more reliable than before. Although he still hadn¡¯t found a job, he had at least started helping out at home. Whether he did a good job or not, Wang Xiangxiu was happy. After all, turning over a new leaf was the best outcome.


    Jinlai helped Yinlai carry the goods back and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go set up the stall with you.¡±


    At this, Yinlai shuddered and quickly replied, ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    Jinlai, completely oblivious to his brother¡¯s hesitation, said cheerfully, ¡°It¡¯ll be better with me there. We¡¯ll have an extra pair of hands. What¡¯s wrong with that? When brothers work together, they can overcome anything.¡±


    Yinlai: ¡°¡­¡± He felt utterly miserable.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want his brother to come along, but¡­ it was just so frustrating!


    The trouble started when Jinlai suddenly decided to turn over a new leaf. At first, Yinlai was happy to see his brother improving.


    But then came the first day they went out together. They set up their stall near the textile factory, and coincidentally, Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin were also there. They weren¡¯t selling the same items, so even though they often ran into each other while doing business, there was no awkwardness. Everyone just minded their own business.


    But Guan Hong had a grudge against Su Jinlai. She immediately started mocking him, ¡°Well, well, look who it is! Isn¡¯t this the coward Su Jinlai? What, you¡¯re selling stuff now? Or are you just here to flirt with girls?¡±


    How could Su Jinlai take that?


    He fired back, ¡°What kind of person do you think I am? Mind your own business! Why are you picking a fight?¡±


    ¡°So what if I¡¯m picking a fight? I just don¡¯t like you! If you can¡¯t handle being called out, then don¡¯t act like a useless man. You call yourself ¡®Big Bird¡¯? Pfft, more like ¡®Little Sparrow¡¯!¡±


    Su Jinlai retorted, ¡°What does my nickname have to do with you? You¡¯re just jealous of my reputation. If you dislike me so much, why did you chase after me back then?¡±


    Guan Hong spat, ¡°Who hasn¡¯t had a moment of blindness? I thought you were good-looking, but you turned out to be all show and no substance. Look at you, a grown man who¡¯s worse than your younger brother. Trash! Useless! Idiot!¡±


    Su Jinlai trembled with anger, ¡°You, you, you¡­ You¡¯re completely unreasonable! That¡¯s all in the past. Why are you bringing it up now? Could it be¡­ you still have feelings for me? Is that why you¡¯re dredging up old grievances?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re delusional! Shameless! Arrogant! Do you really think you¡¯re worth it?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    The two of them started arguing, and soon a crowd of women gathered to watch the spectacle. Yinlai swore it was the first time he¡¯d ever been surrounded by so many onlookers. That day, he didn¡¯t sell much, but he was thoroughly embarrassed by the attention.


    Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong didn¡¯t make much money either.


    The gossip was so entertaining that no one bothered to buy anything. The day was practically a waste, with dismal sales.


    From the second day onward, Yinlai and Zheng Huimin reached an unspoken agreement: they would stay far apart to avoid another confrontation.


    So, on the second day, they moved to a different spot. Business was better, but then another problem arose. The promotion was ¡°buy ten, get one free,¡± meaning a pair, not a single item. But Jinlai miscounted and gave away an extra item. Fortunately, it was caught in time, and Yinlai smoothed things over with the customer.


    Jinlai muttered, ¡°Giving away a pair for free is such a loss. One item would¡¯ve been enough.¡±


    Yinlai thought, *Who does that?*


    He said, ¡°Then help me count the underwear.¡±


    Even though no one would buy ten pairs of underwear at once, people often bought in bulk, so they usually sold them in sets of ten. Surely, there wouldn¡¯t be another mistake, right? But Jinlai mixed up the sizes, giving away a large pair instead of a small one.


    The customer, realizing they¡¯d gotten a better deal, quickly left without a word. When they counted the stock that evening, Yinlai discovered they were missing three large pairs of underwear, one small pair, and three pairs of socks.


    His heart sank. Even on his first day of selling, he¡¯d only lost one pair of socks. But now¡­ it was like someone had knocked over a bottle of soy sauce, leaving a dark stain on his mood.


    Still, Jinlai was trying to help, and Yinlai couldn¡¯t bring himself to hurt his brother¡¯s feelings. After all, Jinlai genuinely wanted to improve. Yinlai gritted his teeth and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. No one¡¯s perfect on their first try. You¡¯ll get better with time.¡±


    *Wahhh¡­*


    Yinlai¡¯s heart was heavy, but he couldn¡¯t say a word.


    On the third day, Jinlai eagerly joined Yinlai again. Yinlai thought to himself, *First time¡¯s awkward, second time¡¯s familiar. It¡¯s the third day now. Surely, he¡¯ll do better.*


    Whether he was trying to encourage Jinlai or himself, he wasn¡¯t sure. But either way, he needed the morale boost.


    ¡°You handle the money. Don¡¯t make any mistakes, okay?¡±


    Jinlai replied confidently, ¡°No problem!¡±


    But that day, they lost three dollars. Yinlai was on the verge of tears.


    Running a business was hard enough, but with Jinlai¡¯s ¡°help,¡± it was becoming impossible. Jinlai didn¡¯t seem stupid, so why did he keep messing up?


    Jinlai asked cautiously, ¡°Yinlai, did I lose money for you?¡±


    Yinlai forced a smile and said through clenched teeth, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ fine! As long as you¡¯re trying to improve, that¡¯s what matters.¡±


    Jinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Jinlai seemed to understand his brother¡¯s distress. Tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged Yinlai tightly. ¡°Little brother, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll become your right-hand man. I know I haven¡¯t done well these past few days, but I¡¯ll keep trying.¡±


    Yinlai replied flatly, ¡°Okay.¡±


    *Give him one more chance. Just one more.*


    On the fourth day, they ran into competitors. Yinlai usually handled such situations calmly, either moving to a different spot or simply ignoring them. But Jinlai, eager to redeem himself after his poor performance, got into an argument and then a fight.


    The other party wasn¡¯t one to back down either. A punch was thrown, and Yinlai, trying to protect his brother, took a hit to the cheek.


    ¡°Yinlai!¡± Jinlai was furious. He already felt guilty for failing his brothers in the past, and seeing Yinlai get hurt because of him was too much. He swung a punch back, but Yinlai quickly stepped in to separate them. After some calming words, they managed to make it home without further incident.


    On the fifth day¡­ well, actually, there was no fifth day.


    Su Yinlai felt like his head was about to split open. On the fifth day, he had quietly gone to sell off the remaining items, and thankfully, there weren¡¯t many left. He managed to clear them out, finally freeing himself from having to set up a stall with his older brother. It wasn¡¯t that he was being overly sensitive¡ªit was just that he couldn¡¯t handle his brother¡¯s knack for causing trouble.


    He used to think it was impossible for someone to lose money by setting up a stall, but after watching his brother operate for a few days, Su Yinlai was absolutely certain that if his brother continued, they¡¯d be bankrupt in no time.


    Su Jinlai¡¯s situation served as a wake-up call for everyone. Although their business had been doing well, it wasn¡¯t a guarantee that everyone would make a profit. Some people just weren¡¯t cut out for it. They were lucky to be doing well, and it also showed that they had some talent for it. For a moment, everyone felt a sense of pride.


    Su Jinlai lamented, ¡°Why is it always me who gets the short end of the stick?¡±


    He looked miserable, but both Su Yinlai and Su Tonglai tried to comfort him. ¡°Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You might not have a knack for this, but who knows? You might excel in other areas. Don¡¯t sell yourself short.¡±


    In the past, no one would have bothered to comfort him. But now that everyone was trying to turn over a new leaf, they couldn¡¯t just ignore him.


    Everyone tried to cheer him up, and Su Jinlai asked eagerly, ¡°So, what do you think I¡¯m good at?¡±


    That question stumped Su Yinlai and Su Tonglai.


    The two of them exchanged glances: ¡°¡­¡± Can¡¯t you tell we¡¯re just trying to comfort you?


    Apparently not. This was truly worrisome.


    Everyone was feeling a bit down.


    Su Yinlai looked to Su Tonglai for help, and Su Tonglai took a deep breath before saying, ¡°You actually have a lot of good qualities. Like, you¡¯re handsome, and you have a good personality. Those are definitely strengths.¡±


    ¡°I have a good personality?¡± Su Jinlai sounded skeptical.


    Su Tonglai nodded earnestly. ¡°A good personality can mean different things. You¡¯re one of those people. For example, Guan Hong is always picking on you, but you never lose your temper or hold a grudge. That¡¯s a sign of a good personality, right? And remember when you were lazy and didn¡¯t want to work, and people talked behind your back? You never let it bother you or held it against anyone. That¡¯s also a sign of a good personality. Sometimes being thick-skinned is a form of resilience, and that¡¯s a good thing. Sure, you¡¯re lazy, but when people in the neighborhood ask you to help out, you never refuse. That¡¯s also a sign of a good personality, right?¡±


    Su Yinlai: ¡°¡­¡± Damn, his little brother really knew how to spin things. He had no idea these could be considered good qualities. But seeing his older brother nodding along, looking satisfied, Su Yinlai was at a loss for words. His brother actually believed all that?


    Such an outrageous explanation, and he bought it. His brother really was a simple-minded guy.


    Su Jinlai said confidently, ¡°Yes, I do have my flaws, but I also have many strengths. I¡¯m just not used to selling things yet. Once I get the hang of it, I¡¯ll do just fine.¡±


    ¡°Right, right,¡± the others chimed in.


    Su Jinlai¡¯s smile grew even brighter.


    Su Yinlai and Su Tonglai: ¡°¡­¡±


    Su Yinlai really didn¡¯t want his brother involved in his business again. He¡¯d rather have their mother, Wang Xiangxiu, help out. He thought she was much more capable than his brother. But saying something so harsh was difficult.


    Luckily, there wasn¡¯t much stock left, so they could take a break for a few days.


    While Su Yinlai was ¡°resting,¡± he still had to go to work. Su Jinlai, on the other hand, had nothing to do and took over cooking duties at home. He even sought out Li Weiwei for advice on how to make the food taste better.


    Li Weiwei: ¡°¡­You have no idea how much you annoy me.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°Why are you being so cold? We¡¯re neighbors and grew up together. We¡¯re practically brothers.¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°¡­I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m falling for this.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be so harsh. I¡¯m a good guy. Besides, if you teach me how to cook, I can help you out in the future. Don¡¯t you want to open your own restaurant? I¡¯ll be your assistant. How¡¯s that for being a good friend?¡±


    Li Weiwei¡¯s face instantly turned horrified. He knew better than to trust Su Jinlai. The guy couldn¡¯t even keep track of selling underwear¡ªwho in their right mind would hire him? Everyone in their neighborhood was into small businesses, and Su Jinlai was the first person he¡¯d ever heard of who could mess it up so badly.


    Thankfully, he was just helping out. If he were actually running the business, they¡¯d be bankrupt in no time.


    Li Weiwei was determined not to let Su Jinlai anywhere near his kitchen. Even if he had the capital to start a business, he¡¯d make sure to keep Su Jinlai at arm¡¯s length. The guy was toxic.


    Li Weiwei said firmly, ¡°Don¡¯t drag me down. I don¡¯t need your help. Besides, our family¡¯s cooking skills are a closely guarded secret. If my grandfather found out I was teaching someone outside the family, he¡¯d break my legs. Stop causing trouble.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°¡­I¡¯m not asking to be your official apprentice. Just give me a few tips. Why are you being so cold? We were friends when we were kids.¡±


    Li Weiwei¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°We were never friends.¡±


    He and Hutou were the ones who hung out together. Su Jinlai? They never played together.


    Li Weiwei was firm. ¡°No.¡±


    Su Jinlai: ¡°If you¡¯re going to be this cold, I¡¯ll just follow you around every day.¡±


    Remembering his brother¡¯s comment about his thick skin being a strength, Su Jinlai grabbed Li Weiwei¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°You¡¯re not getting rid of me, you jerk.¡±


    Li Weiwei: ¡°Ugh!!!¡±


    From that day on, Li Weiwei¡¯s life became even more difficult.


    Not only did he have to avoid his own family elders, but he also had to dodge his neighbor Su Jinlai. Life was truly miserable.


    Li Weiwei even took the opportunity to complain to Su Yinlai when Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t around. ¡°Can you please do something about your brother? He¡¯s been pestering me nonstop, just like Guan Hong used to pester him. I swear he learned it from her. My cooking skills are a family secret¡ªI can¡¯t just teach anyone.¡±


    Su Yinlai: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll talk to him. But he¡¯s been trying to improve lately, so I can¡¯t be too harsh. I¡¯ll do my best, though.¡±


    Li Weiwei sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for good news.¡±


    Su Yinlai kept his promise and tried to reason with Su Jinlai. After much thought and some advice from Su Tonglai, he finally managed to talk Su Jinlai down. But a few days later, Su Jinlai brought up the idea of helping out with the stall again.


    Su Yinlai regretted ever asking his brother for help. He shouldn¡¯t have done it!


    Su Jinlai was enthusiastic. ¡°This time you¡¯re selling sweaters. I definitely won¡¯t mix them up.¡±


    Su Yinlai: ¡°¡­¡±


    Dear heavens, save me!


    At that moment, Su Yinlai wished he could think as quickly as Su Tonglai. How should he refuse? How?!


    He truly believed Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t cut out for business. His incompetence showed in every aspect.


    Su Yinlai took a deep breath and said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until Mom and Tonglai get back. I¡¯m not sure if they need your help with anything. If they do, then¡­¡±


    Su Jinlai beamed. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize I was so important and in demand.¡±


    Su Yinlai: ¡°¡­¡± Whatever makes you happy.


    Honestly, dealing with his brother made him want to complain all the time.


    In the end, it was their mother, Wang Xiangxiu, who saved the day. When she came home from work, she resolved the issue effortlessly. The family held a rare family meeting.


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at her three sons and said, ¡°I have something important to discuss with you.¡±


    The three of them sat up straight. Wang Xiangxiu continued, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to let Jinlai take over my job. Do you have any objections?¡±


    Su Jinlai, Su Yinlai, and Su Tonglai were all shocked, but Su Yinlai quickly nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t have any objections.¡±


    Su Tonglai: ¡°Me neither.¡±


    Su Jinlai stammered, ¡°M-me? Why me?¡±


    Jobs were a big deal. In most families, people would fight over a stable job, but here they were, just handing it to him? Su Jinlai couldn¡¯t believe it as he stared at his mother.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "This job was your father''s, and I took over after him. By rights, it should be passed on to you. Jinlai, as the eldest son, it¡¯s only natural that it goes to you. Before, I was hesitant because you seemed unreliable, but now things are different. Since you¡¯ve shown you can change, I¡¯m more than happy to hand it over to you. Your temperament isn¡¯t suited for business, so it¡¯s better not to get involved with your younger brother¡¯s ventures. Besides, it¡¯s not fitting for a grown man to stay at home cooking and doing laundry. It¡¯s better to have a proper job. I¡¯ll give you the job, and I can handle the household chores just fine."


    Jinlai: "This... this..."


    "Your reputation isn¡¯t the best, and there might be some gossip at the factory, but I know you don¡¯t care about that. That¡¯s one of your strengths. Since that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s better for you to start working sooner. Having a steady job will help you settle down."


    Wang Xiangxiu was trying to encourage him. What "good attitude" and "not caring about gossip"? Nonsense! She knew her son better than anyone. Jinlai wasn¡¯t the type to brush things off easily, but since her younger son had been praising him, she, as his mother, had to play along. The more she hyped him up, the more likely he¡¯d start believing it himself. And wasn¡¯t that a good thing?


    Moreover, she had been considering giving the job to Jinlai for a while now.


    Yinlai already had a job and a side business, so he didn¡¯t need this one.


    As for Tonglai? Wang Xiangxiu firmly believed her son could get into university. Although he wasn¡¯t in the same grade as Hutong, academically, Tonglai was stronger. Besides, Tonglai was an arts student, and she had some confidence in him. Even if he didn¡¯t get in this year, she believed he could retake the exams. And if he had to look for a job, he¡¯d have more options than Jinlai.


    So, this job was really only suitable for Jinlai.


    While Jinlai seemed to have turned over a new leaf, no one could say for sure how long it would last. His change of heart came from guilt over the incident with the kidnapper, and his desire to become a better person. But how long would that desire last? Who could know?


    If he reverted to his old ways over time, she¡¯d be left worrying again.


    That¡¯s why Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s first thought was to "anchor" Jinlai with a proper job. She hadn¡¯t given it to him before because he seemed unreliable. When he first returned from the countryside, he was full of himself and looked down on everything. She didn¡¯t dare hand over the job then¡ªif he messed it up, it would be a huge loss.


    But now things were different. He wanted to change, so giving him the job was the right move.


    Besides, Wang Xiangxiu was struggling to balance her job and selling goods on the side. Handing the job over to Jinlai would allow her to focus on household chores and rest a bit. She¡¯d also have more energy to help Yinlai with his stall. Wang Xiangxiu had thought this through carefully, which was why she brought it up herself.


    Jinlai looked at his two younger brothers, stammering, "You... you agree with this?"


    "Of course we agree. Why wouldn¡¯t we?"


    "Exactly, big brother. If you take the job, you¡¯d better work hard. Don¡¯t embarrass our family."


    Jinlai: "Ah, this..."


    "Go on, go on."


    Who would¡¯ve thought? Wang Xiangxiu had decided to give her job to her eldest son ahead of time.


    The news spread quickly, causing quite a stir in the neighborhood. But at the same time, it felt like a logical move.


    Over at the Zhuang household, Ming Mei was chatting with Zhuang Zhixi. "Why do you think Wang Xiangxiu suddenly decided to give up her job? I thought she¡¯d hold onto it for her retirement."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "There are several reasons. Mainly, she¡¯s seen how the aunties in the neighborhood manage their lives. She¡¯s realized that you don¡¯t necessarily need a job to secure your retirement. You can do other things too. Besides, giving the job to Jinlai is also a way to keep him in check."


    Whether Jinlai would truly change for the better or if it was just a temporary phase, no one could say. But as long as he had the intention to change, supporting him in every way would help keep him on the right path.


    "That¡¯s actually a good thing," he said. "If their family wants to live well, they¡¯ll do just fine. After all, the kids are grown up now¡ªthey¡¯re proper working adults."


    "That¡¯s true," Ming Mei said lazily, leaning against Zhuang Zhixi. The weather had turned cold recently, and she particularly enjoyed snuggling up to him¡ªhe was so warm.


    She leaned on him and asked, "How¡¯s work been lately?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "The project has started. We¡¯ve set up a mock train carriage, and I¡¯ve been helping out there every day."


    He chuckled and wrapped his arm around his wife. "This job is really different from the propaganda department."


    Ming Mei: "Will you stay there?"


    "Ah, my silly wife, it¡¯s not that simple."


    Ming Mei blinked, and Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "Transferring isn¡¯t easy. We¡¯ll see how things go."


    "And what about you? What do you think?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I think doing business is more interesting."


    He spoke frankly. "Whether it¡¯s the propaganda department or this new role, the jobs are good, but compared to business, where I can see tangible benefits, I prefer the latter. I¡¯m just a simple person¡ªI like the feeling of money in my hands."


    Ming Mei nodded. "I get it."


    Who doesn¡¯t like money?


    She did too. And because of her dreams, she knew more than most and felt things more keenly. She said, "No matter what happens, I¡¯ll always stand by you."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I know."


    He leaned down and kissed his wife¡¯s forehead. Just then, their two children came home from school, bursting through the door and catching them in the act. The two kids turned away in unison, muttering, "Boys and girls in love, so embarrassing."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Hey, what¡¯s that supposed to mean? Why is it embarrassing? You didn¡¯t even knock before coming in¡ªthat¡¯s rude. Besides, this is my wife. It¡¯s perfectly normal for me to kiss her. You¡¯re too young to understand."


    "We understand," the kids protested.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Understand what? Go on, don¡¯t disturb me bonding with your mom. Who knows, we might even give you a little brother or sister."


    The two kids turned back, staring wide-eyed at their parents.


    Ming Mei burst out laughing. "Don¡¯t listen to your dad. We¡¯re perfectly happy with the two of you. Raising you is already a lot of work¡ªwe don¡¯t plan on having more kids."


    The kids blinked. "We¡¯re not that expensive."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Not expensive? Little Yuanyuan, those leather boots on your feet cost ten yuan a pair. And your backpack is four yuan. Your scarf... the milk we order for you every morning, the peach cakes you love, and..."


    "Mom, Dad, we¡¯re going to do our homework!"


    The kids didn¡¯t dare listen any longer. It did seem like they were quite expensive.


    The two of them quickly ran to their room. They shared Yuanyuan¡¯s room and did their homework together every day. At their age, they were always hungry. Yuanyuan opened a drawer and pulled out a box of cookies, munching away.


    "Give me one too."


    The siblings quickly finished the whole box.


    After eating, they looked at the empty box and couldn¡¯t help but sigh. "We really are expensive."


    Tuantuan nodded but smiled. "But Mom and Dad said kids need to eat well to grow tall and strong. So everything we eat is useful."


    "That¡¯s true."


    The two kids opened their notebooks and started studying.


    "Tuantuan, Yuanyuan!"


    Bai Qingqing came over to study with them, and soon other kids joined in.


    The room, which had been quiet with just the two of them, quickly became lively.


    Yuanyuan felt a little embarrassed. "We finished the cookies."


    "That¡¯s okay. I had a peach cake at home earlier."


    "Me too."


    Kids their age had fast metabolisms and were always hungry after school, so they usually ate something at home before coming over. They didn¡¯t want to freeload at the Zhuang household all the time.


    Everyone gathered together to study. Ye Sitian, who was still in kindergarten, held a picture book, while Li Zhenzhen suggested, "I wonder how Xing''er is doing with her studies. Should we invite her to join us next time?"


    "Sure."


    "Alright."


    "I''ll go call her now."


    "Go ahead."


    In no time, Xing''er came running over with her small backpack.


    Xing''er had also started school now, attending the same elementary school as them, in the first grade. Although she had started a few days late, the little girl was very diligent and had caught up with her classmates. Now, she was always excited to go to school every day.


    Back in her hometown, everyone knew her family was poor and that they had a sick family member, so people often avoided her. But here, the other children didn''t know much about her background and simply treated her as a new classmate, being friendly and kind.


    As a result, the little girl had visibly become much more cheerful.


    Moreover, Erlin was doing well in the hospital, which further eased her worries. Ever since Erlin was born, their family had been shrouded in sadness, but now things were finally different. Erlin''s illness was on the verge of being cured.


    The children sat together to study. Xing''er said, "We learned a lot today, and I understood everything."


    Li Zhenzhen reassured her, "It''s okay if you don''t understand everything. We can teach you. I''m in a higher grade now."


    "Yeah, yeah," the others chimed in.


    Xing''er nodded earnestly and hummed in agreement.


    Yuanyuan asked, "Xing''er, how is Erlin doing?"


    They all knew that Erlin was going to have surgery.


    Xing''er replied, "I visit him every day. He''s already had the surgery. The doctor said that as long as he rests well, he''ll gradually recover."


    The little girl swung her legs, feeling extremely happy. She said, "The doctor is the best, the very best."


    "That''s great! When can Erlin leave the hospital?"


    Xing''er answered, "It''ll still take some time. I don''t really know, but he should be able to come home around the New Year."


    "Ah, that''s still a long time."


    "Yeah, it''s almost winter break."


    "But it''s good too. Once he''s cured, you won''t have to worry anymore."


    "Exactly."


    Knock, knock, knock. A knocking sound came from the door. Yuanyuan called out, "Come in."


    It was Ming Mei, who entered with a smile. "I made some pear soup for you. Come, have some."


    "Thank you, Mom."


    Ming Mei warned, "Don''t spill it on your textbooks, or you won''t get this kind of treat again."


    "Okay, we''ll put our books away first before drinking."


    Ming Mei handed each child a cup and poured them some warm pear soup. It had a hint of sweetness from the rock sugar and a refreshing taste from the pears. The children loved it. Ye Sitian cooed, "Aunt Ming, I like you the most, the very most!"


    She snuggled up to Ming Mei and said, "Can I be your daughter?"


    Ming Mei burst out laughing.


    Ye Siyuan and Ye Sijia exchanged looks.


    So embarrassing.


    Their little sister always acted silly when there was good food around.


    "If you keep this up, we''ll tell Mom when we get home."


    Ye Sitian immediately straightened up and said, "I was just joking! You''re all big kids now, how can you believe that?"


    Everyone else: "..."


    Haha.


    Ming Mei laughed even harder and said, "You can''t be my daughter. Yuanyuan is my only daughter."


    Yuanyuan immediately puffed out her chest proudly. Mom loved her the most!


    Ming Mei gently tousled her daughter''s braids and added, "But little Sitian, when you grow up, you can be my daughter-in-law!"


    "Ah!"


    "Ah!"


    Two exclamations followed, and then: "No way!"


    Tuantuan and Ye Sitian spoke in unison.


    Ming Mei was thoroughly amused. "Why not? Hmm, didn''t you want to come to Auntie''s house, Sitian? Why don''t you want to? Is it because you don''t like Tuantuan?"


    Ye Sitian fiddled with her fingers. "Tuantuan is just like my brother, always bossing me around."


    A bossy brother was a noisy brother, and she didn''t want to marry a noisy brother.


    Tuantuan: "..."


    He never expected to be rejected by a little kid.


    He poked Ye Sitian''s cheek and said, "And you? You little foodie, if I married you, I''d never be able to afford to feed you. You eat way too much."


    Ye Sitian''s older brothers nodded in agreement. "She really loves to eat."


    Ye Sitian immediately turned to Li Zhenzhen. "Zhenzhen, look at them! They''re saying I eat too much!"


    Li Zhenzhen firmly declared, "Eating a lot is a blessing!"


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????loved eating too. Li Zhenzhen was practically a bigger version of Ye Sitian.


    "What''s wrong with loving good food?"


    "Exactly!"


    "Eating a lot means you''re blessed."


    "Exactly!"


    They were in perfect sync.


    Ming Mei laughed heartily. Under the children''s reproachful gazes, she quickly made her exit, but she was still thoroughly amused.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What are you laughing about?"


    Ming Mei replied, "I think the kids are so funny."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I think you''re even funnier."


    He took his wife''s hand and led her outside. Ming Mei asked, "Hey, where are you taking me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi explained, "Mom asked me to buy some lamb soup. It''s cold, so we''ll have some lamb soup tonight to warm up."


    Ming Mei said, "Oh."


    "Come on, keep me company."


    "Alright."


    The couple went out together, their relationship as strong as ever. They had been married for over ten years and had always been very sweet, with no major conflicts.


    As they walked out, they ran into Wang Zizhen, who was carrying some things. Ming Mei asked, "Oh? Where are you going?"


    Wang Zizhen replied, "I''m going to my mother-in-law''s place. Daqiang''s older brother''s daughter is getting married, so I''m going to deliver some gifts."


    Ming Mei nodded and said, "You''re going alone?"


    Wang Zizhen said, "Yes, Daqiang has to work overtime tonight. I''ll be back soon. Can you watch the kids for a bit?"


    Ming Mei said, "No problem, it''s nothing."


    Wang Zizhen smiled.


    Since marrying into the Ye family, her life had been relatively easy. Although her mother-in-law was cold toward her and didn''t offer much help, the lack of interference also had its benefits. Her mother-in-law didn''t meddle in their affairs, and that was fine by her.


    The couple lived a comfortable life. Although her mother-in-law clearly favored the eldest son, she didn''t demand much from them, which was good enough.


    They only had to pay a small amount for her support each year, and otherwise, they didn''t need to interact much.


    Honestly, Wang Zizhen had never seen this kind of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship back in her village, but after experiencing it, she found it quite nice. She was still puzzled as to why her mother-in-law was so cold toward them.


    It was said that the year Daqiang was born, his father had an accident. Although he survived, he lost most of his ability to work. A fortune-teller passing by at the time claimed that this son was bad luck for his father, so the elderly couple became cold toward their second son.


    Later, when Daqiang was scammed in a marriage and insisted on paying for the other person''s medical treatment, it further angered his parents, and they grew even more distant. Although they were family, their relationship remained cold.


    However, they still fulfilled their responsibilities. For example, when Wang Zizhen gave birth, her mother-in-law came to help during the postpartum period, staying exactly one month before leaving. When Wang Zizhen needed money for her business, her mother-in-law also lent her the funds, but with agreed-upon interest.


    Some people might not like this kind of relationship, but Wang Zizhen found it perfect. She was afraid of the kind of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships she had seen in her village, where the mother-in-law would torment the daughter-in-law for years before finally becoming the matriarch herself, refusing to let the family split up.


    This way was much better. Wang Zizhen got on the bus, waving goodbye to Ming Mei and her husband. Ming Mei sighed, "I almost forget what Zizhen was like when she first came here."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Why remember the bad times? She''s doing well now, isn''t she?"


    Ming Mei nodded. "You''re right."


    The couple didn''t have far to go for the lamb soup, so they didn''t need to take the bus. They bought a bucket of lamb soup and carried it back home.


    Although it was cold outside, the couple didn''t mind. They walked hand in hand, enjoying each other''s company. Thankfully, it was already getting dark, so no one could see them clearly. If it were broad daylight, someone might have accused them of being indecent.


    As they returned to the compound, they ran into Bai Fendou coming back.


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Brother Fendou, how was business today?"


    Bai Fendou chuckled with pride and said, "My business is doing just fine. If it weren''t for my wife worrying about me and insisting I come home for dinner, I would have worked a bit longer. The colder it gets, the more people take the bus."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "That''s true."


    The weather was indeed chilly, and no one felt like moving much.


    Bai Fendou hurried inside, where He Lan had prepared a hearty dinner of braised pork belly with pickled cabbage. She looked up with a smile and said, "You''re back? Go wash your hands and call your daughter home for dinner."


    Bai Fendou nodded, "Got it."


    He stepped outside and called out, "Bai Qingqing, come home for dinner!"


    Bai Qingqing immediately jumped up and ran over, her two little pigtails bouncing. "Coming!"


    Bai Fendou smiled and ruffled her pigtails. "Dinner''s ready. Your mom made something delicious."


    Bai Qingqing beamed, "I''ve been hungry for a while now!"


    Although they weren''t a dual-income household, He Lan''s stall business brought in more money than a regular job, so their standard of living was quite good. Bai Qingqing, growing up in the warmth of her parents'' love, chattered away, "Mom, today Aunt Ming Mei said she wanted Sitian to be her daughter-in-law, but both Sitian and Brother Tuantuan loudly said no! Hahaha..."


    She continued, "Erlin''s surgery is done, and Xing''er said he''ll be back by New Year. That''s such a relief. I was so worried he might not make it..."


    Bai Qingqing kept talking, "Today, Jiang Tao from my class wore a new scarf. It was so pretty! She said... Oh my gosh! Mom, is this for me?"


    The little girl was chattering away when her mom placed a new hat in front of her. It was her favorite shade of pink, a knitted pink hat. "It''s so cute!"


    He Lan laughed, "Try it on after dinner."


    "Okay!"


    Bai Fendou watched his daughter chatter away with a smile, feeling that home was the warmest place in the world.


    Deep down, he knew that he and He Lan weren''t exactly a perfect match. Someone like He Lan¡ªeducated, capable, and far more attractive than him¡ªcould have married anyone she wanted. Many couples with complicated backgrounds had split up after being rehabilitated, and the same went for many educated youths who had gone to the countryside. He had heard plenty of stories at work.


    But He Lan had never shown any signs of wanting to leave. She remained diligent in managing their household, treating him well and caring for him. Thinking about this, Bai Fendou felt a warm glow in his heart. He had truly found a good person.


    He didn''t even want to imagine what his life would have been like if he had settled down with Guan Guiling. He would have been in deep trouble.


    Life now was truly good.


    He happily sipped his pickled cabbage soup and ate the pork belly, saying, "Our life is getting better and better."


    He Lan replied, "Of course. I heard Auntie Zhao and Auntie Zhou say that as they get older, they can''t work much longer, and they don''t know how to invest their money. So, it''s better to play it safe and buy property. Once you own a house, you can rent it out, and the rental income will cover your daily expenses. The house will still be yours. I think that makes a lot of sense. I was thinking we should take advantage of the current housing prices and buy a house as an investment."


    Bai Fendou didn''t understand much about these things. "I''ll leave it to you."


    He Lan continued, "The population in Beijing is growing. All the people who went to the countryside are coming back, but the number of houses hasn''t increased much. Sure, there''s housing allocation, but how many people actually get that? So, housing prices are bound to rise."


    Bai Fendou agreed, "That''s true. I see so many people coming into the city every day at the train station. They all need somewhere to live."


    "Exactly."


    Bai Qingqing blinked her big eyes and asked, "Mom, are we buying a house?"


    He Lan replied, "Yes. If we work hard, we can rely on rental income in the future, and we''ll even have a house to leave for you."


    Bai Qingqing didn''t fully understand, but she still said, "Let''s buy it. I think buying a house is a good idea because everyone says so."


    Her friends had talked about it too.


    He Lan laughed, "I''m looking into it. We''ll buy when we find the right one."


    Bai Qingqing went home for dinner, and soon Qijin was called away too. The children gradually left, and Wang Zizhen returned to take her three kids home. As she led them back, Ye Sitian asked, "Mom, why are you so late? Everyone''s already gone home."


    Wang Zizhen replied, "I went to your uncle''s place. Your older sister is getting married."


    Ye Sitian said, "Oh."


    They didn''t live in the same district as their cousins, and there was a big age gap, so they didn''t interact much. The kids weren''t interested and asked, "Are we going home for dinner now?"


    Wang Zizhen answered, "Yes."


    She took the three children home and prepared dinner for them. Ye Sitian said, "We''re not hungry. We each had a bowl of lamb soup."


    Wang Zizhen asked, "You ate at your aunt''s place again?"


    Ye Sitian replied, "Yeah, Auntie said it was fine."


    Wang Zizhen shook her head with a smile and poked her daughter. "You little rascal."


    "Zizhen, are you home?"


    Wang Zizhen replied, "Yes, I''m here."


    She quickly stepped out. "Auntie Chen?"


    Auntie Chen lowered her voice and said, "I heard you were thinking about buying a house. Are you still interested?"


    Wang Zizhen nodded, "Come in. Yes, I am. As you can see, my three kids are crammed into one room. They''re getting bigger, and it''s getting inconvenient."


    Auntie Chen explained, "My child''s workplace allocated them an apartment, so they want us to move in with them. We''re thinking of selling our old house. Since we''ve been neighbors for over ten years, I thought of offering it to you first."


    Wang Zizhen''s eyes lit up. "Of course, I''m interested."


    Auntie Chen lived right next door, so buying her house would be perfect for Wang Zizhen''s family.


    Auntie Chen said, "As for the price..."


    The two quickly began discussing the details.


    It seemed like overnight, everyone wanted to buy a house.


    The kids didn''t pay much attention to these matters, but the adults were quick to act. Surprisingly, Wang Zizhen was the first to buy a house. She purchased two rooms next door and, before the cold set in, painted the walls and did some basic renovations. Ye Sitian was still too young to sleep alone, so Ye Siyuan and Ye Sijia finally got their own room. Previously, the family of five had shared one room, but now the two boys had their own space, and Ye Sitian would move into the other room when she was older.


    Interestingly, Wang Zizhen''s purchase didn''t just inspire their courtyard neighbors¡ªit also motivated Auntie Yu''s family.


    Auntie Yu had something to say about it. Look at Wang Zizhen, who had only been doing business for a little over half a year, and she could already afford to buy a house. If they worked hard, couldn''t they do the same? Her house would eventually come back to her.


    Although Auntie Yu had sold her house, she still felt a pang of regret.


    With this new hope, she threw herself into her daily tasks with renewed energy.


    While everyone was busy setting up stalls, looking at houses, and preparing for winter, Su Jinlai quietly took over his mother''s job at the factory. This came as quite a shock.


    After all, Su Jinlai was the most unreliable member of the family. It was surprising that Wang Xiangxiu would pass her job to her eldest son. But on second thought, it made sense. On his first day at work, Su Jinlai put on his uniform, and it gave him a completely different feeling.


    He, he, he¡ªhe was now a respected worker!


    Although he was just an apprentice, Wang Xiangxiu repeatedly reminded him, "The work here isn''t complicated. If you put in the effort, you''ll definitely get promoted. Don''t put too much pressure on yourself. Just focus on learning. Even someone as clumsy as me got promoted, so you can too."


    She added, "I know you and Guan Hong don''t get along well. She''s still upset with you, but a real man doesn''t argue with a woman. If she says something, just let it go. It''s embarrassing for a man to fight with a woman."


    Besides, you used her as a shield, so it''s natural for her to be angry when she sees you.


    Wang Xiangxiu continued, "And besides, even if you''re not together anymore, you should still remember the good times. She used to buy us breakfast and help out around the house. You should at least remember that and not pick fights with her."


    Su Jinlai nodded reluctantly, but he couldn''t help feeling that his mother had a point.


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Many people at the factory are our neighbors, so you probably know most of them. You should greet them when you see them, not like before. Your apprentice salary isn¡¯t high, so I won¡¯t take it from you. Save it for yourself. You¡¯re not young anymore; you should start saving some money."


    Su Jinlai: "Don¡¯t I still have money with you?"


    Wang Xiangxiu calmly replied, "But aren¡¯t you going to get married? If I give it all to you now, what will you do when you need it later?"


    After a pause, she added firmly, "And most importantly, you can¡¯t skip work, understand?"


    Su Jinlai nodded, "I understand."


    "And don¡¯t let Hu Huihui come looking for you either."


    Su Jinlai: "...How could she possibly come looking for me again?"


    "You never know. If she does, don¡¯t get involved in her schemes. If you do, I won¡¯t acknowledge you as my son anymore. Let me tell you, a man can¡¯t afford to be too reckless... Look at Zhou Qun, hasn¡¯t he already fallen apart?"


    This was a cautionary tale.


    Su Jinlai: "Wasn¡¯t it because Bai Fendou kicked him?"


    He even knew about that.


    Wang Xiangxiu pursed her lips, refraining from mentioning her brief three-second friendly encounter with Zhou Qun in the past.


    As a mother, she always wanted to leave a good impression on her son. After all, in his eyes, she was still a good mother.


    She said, "But he wasn¡¯t doing well even before that. There were rumors all over the street. Just listen to me, okay?"


    Su Jinlai: "Okay."


    Finally, Su Jinlai went to work without any issues, and Wang Xiangxiu breathed a sigh of relief. However, as if bound by some ill-fated connection, Wang Xiangxiu ran into Hu Huihui that very evening while setting up her stall.


    Hu Huihui was equally surprised to see Wang Xiangxiu. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Cousin, what are you doing with this kind of work? It¡¯s so unlike you."


    Their relationship as cousins had always been strained.


    With a mocking tone, Hu Huihui added, "What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t make ends meet anymore?"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "No matter how life is, I¡¯m living an honest life now, unlike you, who¡¯s still messing around."


    "Who¡¯s messing around?" Hu Huihui sneered. "Even if I am, am I as bad as your son? By the way, how¡¯s Jinlai? Still drowning in alcohol at home? What a legend¡ªjust like you!"


    She was the queen of sarcasm.


    Mentioning Jinlai, Wang Xiangxiu immediately said, "My Jinlai has started working. I gave him my job, and now he¡¯s working at the machinery factory. He¡¯s a proper worker now. So please, don¡¯t involve him in your activities anymore."


    After a pause, she added earnestly, "I¡¯m begging you, cousin."


    Hu Huihui was taken aback by this and looked at Wang Xiangxiu seriously. Wang Xiangxiu continued, "I don¡¯t expect Jinlai to achieve anything great. I just hope he doesn¡¯t cause any more trouble for the family and lives an honest life. That¡¯s all I ask. I know your line of work makes a lot of money, but it¡¯s too damaging. Every time he came back from working with you, he needed a long time to recover. Even though he¡¯s young, he can¡¯t handle that kind of strain. So, as your cousin, I¡¯m pleading with you¡ªdon¡¯t involve him anymore. He¡¯s simple-minded and easily tempted. I can¡¯t guarantee he won¡¯t fall back into bad habits if you keep calling him, but I hope he can stay on the right path."


    Hu Huihui stared at Wang Xiangxiu, who remained calm. "If I¡¯ve wronged you in the past, I apologize. But I just hope you¡¯ll leave Jinlai alone. He¡¯s finally turned his life around, and I want him to stay that way."


    Hu Huihui didn¡¯t respond immediately. After a long silence, she lit a cigarette, took a drag, and said, "Do you really think your son is some kind of prize? Whether I use him or not doesn¡¯t matter. I only gave him a chance to make some money. If you don¡¯t want that, fine. I¡¯d rather find someone else. I can even make a profit off them. I didn¡¯t earn anything by recommending him. Besides, his service isn¡¯t even good¡ªhe can¡¯t even say a few nice words. Do you think I¡¯m desperate to use him? If it weren¡¯t for our family ties, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered with him in the first place. Since you¡¯re being difficult, forget it. No one¡¯s lining up to work with Jinlai anyway."


    She chuckled, sizing up Wang Xiangxiu before saying seriously, "Since you¡¯re against it, I won¡¯t force it. I¡¯m not that kind of person."


    Wang Xiangxiu breathed a sigh of relief and said sincerely, "Thank you."


    Hu Huihui didn¡¯t acknowledge the thanks. Instead, she laughed and said, "You¡¯ve changed from before."


    For once, she spoke without malice.


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "People change."


    She looked directly at Hu Huihui and said, "You should straighten out your life too. Always walking the crooked path isn¡¯t sustainable. I know you look down on me, and I know I¡¯ve done things in the past that made people despise me. But isn¡¯t it possible for someone to turn over a new leaf? If I can change, Jinlai can too. You should stop being so careless. Some money isn¡¯t worth the risk. You can earn a decent living honestly. Look at me¡ªmy business is doing well. If it weren¡¯t for this, I wouldn¡¯t have dared to give my job to Jinlai. Your get-rich-quick schemes aren¡¯t as reliable as my steady income."


    Hu Huihui scoffed, "You really like meddling in other people¡¯s business, don¡¯t you? You can¡¯t even manage your own life properly, yet you¡¯re trying to lecture me. My life is stable¡ªunlike yours, which seems like a constant struggle. Besides, I¡¯m scamming foreigners. Isn¡¯t that payback? They¡¯ve taken so much from us. What¡¯s wrong with selling them some fake goods? Just focus on your own business and stop worrying about me. Don¡¯t think I¡¯m being nice just because I¡¯m giving you face. I don¡¯t like you."


    After a pause, she said, "Give me three sweaters¡ªtwo for men and one for women."


    Wang Xiangxiu: "Oh, don¡¯t worry about paying. These are on me. Consider it a thank you for helping Jinlai before..."


    Hu Huihui interrupted, "No need. I¡¯ve got money!"


    She added, "I¡¯m not going to haggle with you over this. I¡¯d rather buy from someone else than deal with you."


    She tossed the money on the counter, grabbed the items, and walked away.


    Wang Xiangxiu watched Hu Huihui¡¯s retreating figure and called out, "Come over for dinner sometime!"


    After a moment, she added with a smile, "This time, I won¡¯t cheat you out of your money."


    Hu Huihui shot back, "Pfft, not a chance!"

 Chapter 207

    Setting up a street stall is truly joyful.


    This sentiment is deeply shared by the folks in the courtyard. The feeling of handling crisp, white money is simply incomparable. However, setting up a stall in winter is much tougher than in summer, especially in the northern winters. On snowy days, it¡¯s particularly grueling, but no one suggests quitting. After all, what job isn¡¯t hard? What matters now is that they can earn money. This generation is known for their resilience and hard work. Not only are they all enthusiastic about running their stalls, but even Su Jinlai has been showing a lot of energy at work lately.


    Every day before heading out, he sings, "We workers have strength~"


    Humming the tune, he walks briskly, almost jogging. The family bicycle is reserved for Yinlai, as his factory is farther away. For Su Jinlai, whose workplace is closer, walking is the norm. Yet, he remains cheerful. Being a worker is a big deal, something many aspire to but can¡¯t achieve.


    "We workers¡­"


    "Pah, having someone like you in the workers'' ranks is downright shameful," Guan Hong retorted as she sped past on her bicycle, her words sharp.


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    He took a deep breath, reminding himself, "I won¡¯t stoop to her level. I¡¯m a good-tempered person, a decent man. I won¡¯t argue with a woman¡­"


    Guan Hong¡¯s bicycle was already far ahead. Su Jinlai exhaled, convinced himself, and continued on his merry way to work. Despite his somewhat questionable reputation, people generally treated him well. After all, he was a new guy, and no one went out of their way to give him a hard time. So, Su Jinlai adjusted smoothly. Sure, it was tiring, but it was a different kind of exhaustion compared to the drain he felt after his previous "side hustles." This was manageable, and he found himself settling into a routine¡ªpunctual at work, coming home to find dinner almost ready. His life became more structured, and he even seemed more energetic.


    Would you look at that? Su Jinlai, of all people, turning over a new leaf. How rare!


    Winter was cold, but the atmosphere was as lively as ever. Every winter was the same¡ªmaking padded clothes, stocking up on winter vegetables and coal briquettes. This year, on top of all that, they added street vending to their routine. Time flew by, and before they knew it, the year was coming to an end.


    Winter always seemed to pass faster than summer, perhaps because there was so much more to do. But before they could blink, summer rolled around again. The previous summer, catching cicadas felt like just yesterday. And now, it was the summer of 1983.


    Kids, of course, preferred summer over winter. Summer was livelier.


    They were still out and about every day, their schedules even busier than the adults''. Zhuang Zhixi, on his way home from work with two fish in hand, spotted the children playing hopscotch in the alley. Among them was Erlin.


    It had been a full year since the child arrived in the capital. A year ago, he was a sickly little thing, always on the verge of collapse. But now, after a successful surgery, though he still needed some rest, he was much more spirited and lively.


    As for his sister, Xing''er, with her two pigtails, she had also become more cheerful.


    "Dad!" Yuanyuan waved.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Dad bought fish. We¡¯re having fish for dinner."


    Yuanyuan nodded: "Great!"


    She happily announced, "We¡¯re having fish tonight!"


    "I wonder what we¡¯re having at our place¡­"


    Even at twelve years old, kids were still kids. They could chatter endlessly about what they were having for dinner, their voices filling the air with excitement.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled as he entered the courtyard, where his father and grandfather were engrossed in a game of chess.


    "Hey, how many games have you two played? Who¡¯s winning?"


    Lan Sihai smiled faintly: "You¡¯ve got eyes, don¡¯t you? Can¡¯t you see for yourself?"


    A glance revealed a one-sided match.


    Zhuang Zhixi sighed, looking at his father: "Dad, your skills are really lacking. You¡¯re like a chess amateur."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Let me take over. I¡¯ll avenge you."


    Old Man Zhuang firmly defended his spot: "Get lost! This is my place. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to. There¡¯s no room for you here."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh, come on."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Hmph!"


    Like father, like son!


    The kid just wanted to steal his spot to play chess.


    Not happening!


    He said, "You should go cook instead."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "No rush."


    Old Man Zhuang, noticing his son¡¯s cheerful expression, asked, "You¡¯ve been in a good mood lately. Work going well?"


    Zhuang Zhixi blinked innocently, a grown man acting coy with his dad: "Can¡¯t I just be happy? Besides, work is work. It¡¯s just normal."


    Since being temporarily assigned to the TV production center last year, Zhuang Zhixi had remained there. Technically, his assignment should have ended, but his performance was so good that they refused to let him go. The unit¡¯s staffing was limited, so they kept him on loan. His original workplace, the machinery factory, didn¡¯t mind. This kind of arrangement was common, with people frequently loaned between units. The machinery factory¡¯s propaganda department wasn¡¯t short-handed, so everything worked out.


    But Zhuang Zhixi found his current work much more interesting than his old job. The propaganda department was routine, but this was entirely different. The excitement of his new role showed on his face, and his father could tell.


    "You seem to really enjoy your work."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "Can¡¯t I be happy about other things? Grandpa, any new newspapers?"


    Lan Sihai glanced at him and tilted his head toward the house. Zhuang Zhixi went inside and spotted the "Gentleman Orchid News" on the table. Humming a tune, he sat down and began flipping through it. The reason for his joy? The skyrocketing prices of gentleman orchids.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????prices were soaring, and how could he not be happy? His family had quite a few of them¡ªeach one was money in the bank.


    Old Man Zhuang: "Your grin¡¯s reaching your ears."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯m in a good mood, Dad. There¡¯s so much good in the world, huh?"


    As Zhuang Zhixi continued reading, Lan Sihai looked up and said, "You think everything¡¯s great just from reading the newspaper?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Yeah."


    The news was indeed positive. As for the gentleman orchids, Zhuang Zhixi felt it was all a stroke of luck. When he bought his first plant, he never imagined it could become such a lucrative investment. It wasn¡¯t until his grandfather showed him a newspaper article that he realized these flowers could be a money-maker.


    Fortunately, the trend hadn¡¯t yet hit the capital, so he managed to buy quite a few at the flower market. Now, his family had over forty plants.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Grandpa, what do you think? Care to enlighten me?"


    He was always eager to learn from the older generation, especially those with wisdom. After all, they had more life experience than young folks like him.


    Listening to their advice was always beneficial.


    While the younger generation might be more in tune with trends, the elders weren¡¯t far behind.


    He asked, "What¡¯s your take on this?"


    "My take? I think it¡¯s not looking good."


    Lan Sihai spoke slowly, and Zhuang Zhixi straightened up, listening intently.


    Lan Sihai, pleased with his grandson¡¯s attentiveness, nodded and asked, "Tell me, do you really think gentleman orchids can bring people back from the dead as a medicinal herb?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head firmly: "Of course not. Even ginseng might not do that, let alone gentleman orchids. That¡¯s pure nonsense. I don¡¯t believe it for a second."


    "Then do you think keeping these flowers at home can beautify your skin or extend your life?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled: "I¡¯d have to be crazy to believe that."


    "Are gentleman orchids so rare and scarce that they¡¯re hard to come by?"


    Zhuang Zhixi still shook his head and said, "No, with enough effort, you can still cultivate something decent." Like him, for instance¡ªhe was also an amateur, yet he managed to grow something presentable, which shows that the technical skill required isn''t that high.


    Lan Sihai smiled meaningfully and nodded, saying, "Indeed, as long as you put in the effort to nurture it, you can always cultivate something decent. So, it¡¯s not really scarce. Maybe it¡¯s scarce in the short term, but in the long run, it definitely isn¡¯t. So, how can you be so sure its value will keep rising? Let¡¯s talk about the current craze over the price of Clivia. Look at the average wages nowadays. Isn¡¯t the price of Clivia exaggerated? Whenever something becomes this exaggerated, it¡¯s bound to be regulated eventually."


    Zhuang Zhixi believed this, but he added, "At the beginning of the year, there was a notice to cap prices, but instead, the prices kept soaring. What do you think about that?"


    Lan Sihai chuckled and said, "The last price cap didn¡¯t work because the impact wasn¡¯t significant enough yet, and they were just starting to gain momentum. But such operations have no solid foundation and absolutely cannot last. Last year, when I went back to my hometown for a wedding, I heard that in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, they were speculating on Five-Needle Pines, which is essentially the same as the Clivia craze in Changchun. It shows that the object itself isn¡¯t important¡ªwhat¡¯s important is the speculation. When I was an apprentice, my boss once told me about something called the Tulip Mania overseas. When you think about it, it¡¯s no different from the current Clivia craze. Would you like to hear about it?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Grandpa, don¡¯t leave me hanging. Of course, I¡¯d like to hear it."


    Lan Sihai replied, "Alright, this story goes like this¡­ Back then, the nobles¡­ When the bubble finally burst, prices plummeted, and everyone realized it was all for nothing. By the time no one cared about the prices anymore, it was all over."


    Lan Sihai was quite the storyteller. He narrated the Tulip Mania with such dramatic flair that even Old Man Zhuang was on the edge of his seat. Zhuang Zhixi, on the other hand, listened intently, furrowing his brows. After a long while, he said, "It really is quite similar¡­"


    Lan Sihai continued, "The Tulip Mania was like this, and so is the Clivia craze. It may seem like a blazing fire now, but when everyone starts speculating on it, it¡¯s usually not far from a price collapse. I can¡¯t say exactly how long this will last, but given the current frenzy, I¡¯d say another year or two at most, and the bubble will burst."


    Zhuang Zhixi listened carefully.


    Lan Sihai added, "Look, last year, it was only Changchun locals speculating, but this year is different. Sometimes when I go out for a walk, I overhear people talking about it. News of making money from this has even reached our capital. How long do you think this can last? But I¡¯m not going to advise you to sell. If you sell now and the prices keep rising, you might blame me. I¡¯m just reminding you that you¡¯re not a professional speculator. It¡¯s better to secure your profits at the right time than to chase the peak."


    Zhuang Zhixi looked at Lan Sihai. He knew very well that his grandfather-in-law had his best interests at heart. If it weren¡¯t for his sake, Lan Sihai wouldn¡¯t have bothered saying all this. If the craze could last another year or two, selling now might not be the best time. But he also felt that Lan Sihai was right¡ªwho was he to think he could sell at the absolute peak? If he tried to wait for the peak, he might not even be able to exit the market safely. After some thought, he said earnestly, "Grandpa, thank you for the reminder. I think you¡¯re right."


    Lan Sihai said, "As long as you think I¡¯m right, that¡¯s fine. If you sell, don¡¯t keep an eye on the prices anymore. Otherwise, you¡¯ll just feel regret if they keep rising."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed and said, "I know that much."


    He added, "I¡¯ll take leave from work and make a trip to Changchun."


    He was a decisive person. Once he made up his mind to sell, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate.


    Lan Sihai said, "Wait a moment."


    "Huh?" Weren¡¯t you just telling me to sell? Why wait now? Zhuang Zhixi looked at Lan Sihai, confused.


    Lan Sihai explained, "I¡¯ve also advised your father-in-law to sell his Clivia. In three months, he has a shipment going to Changchun, so he can take your flowers along with his. Just remember to take leave then. You¡¯ll have each other for support. How else are you going to transport them? Are you planning to take forty pots of flowers on the train by yourself? Do you think train travel is that safe? I don¡¯t think you realize how crazy the flower market is right now. Do you know how many of your flowers would go missing on the train? How can you manage forty pots alone? Even if you¡¯re not alone, what if you run into some desperate people? Haven¡¯t you read the news? There have been some terrifying stories¡ªpeople have even killed each other over Clivia."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "¡­You¡¯re right."


    He laughed and said, "So you¡¯ve already thought this through."


    Lan Sihai hummed in acknowledgment.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Alright then."


    The reason Lan Sihai brought this up three months in advance was to give Zhuang Zhixi time to come to terms with the idea. He had calculated the timing to prepare him mentally. To his surprise, Zhuang Zhixi was quite clear-headed. Lan Sihai nodded silently again, feeling that his granddaughter had made a good choice in her husband.


    Among all the younger generation in the family, Lan Sihai liked Zhuang Zhixi the most because he was quick-witted, sweet-talking, and open to advice. Such a person was bound to succeed. He glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, who immediately asked, "Grandpa, will you come with us?"


    Lan Sihai replied, "Of course not. These old bones of mine are over eighty. Do you really expect me to endure the hardships of a long journey? You¡¯re really considerate, aren¡¯t you?"


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled innocently.


    Lan Sihai said, "I¡¯m not going. You¡¯ll go with your father-in-law. I think your brother-in-law will probably go too."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "That¡¯s good. It¡¯s all family, so it¡¯s trustworthy."


    Lan Sihai glanced at him and said, "You have no idea how dangerous the road can be. Do you think all those long-haul drivers look fierce for no reason? It¡¯s because they¡¯ve been pushed to it by road bandits. Don¡¯t cause trouble for your father-in-law on the road."


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Oh, come on! I¡¯m not that kind of person. You¡¯re really hurting my feelings here. I¡¯m really not like that."


    Lan Sihai replied, "Hmph."


    Old Man Zhuang watched the two of them chat without interrupting. He was the type who didn¡¯t meddle in things he didn¡¯t understand. He could tell that everyone here was more capable than he was. He was just an ordinary factory worker.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly communicated with his father-in-law and set a departure date.


    Three months passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Zhuang Zhixi kept himself busy by preparing boxes for each of his flowers to make transportation easier. By mid-October, the weather had started to cool, and it was time for them to set off.


    This was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s first time traveling long-distance in a truck, and he already anticipated that the journey would be rough. Ming Mei had prepared a change of clothes and some snacks for him, but she still couldn¡¯t help feeling uneasy. She said, "I should¡¯ve taken leave and gone with you."


    She was starting to regret not taking time off.


    Zhuang Zhixi comforted her, saying, "Your dad and brother are coming. What do you need to worry about? Just relax. I know what I¡¯m doing. It¡¯ll be fine."


    Ming Mei was still a little anxious, and even Zhao Guihua expressed her concerns. She said, "On this trip, if anything happens, don¡¯t act on your own. You might be clever, but that won¡¯t help against desperate people. Listen to your father-in-law. He¡¯s been driving long-haul routes for years. He knows the roads and the potential dangers. Don¡¯t let your youth make you overconfident. Even when you get there, be careful. I¡¯ve heard how crazy the Clivia market is. With so many flowers in your hands, you need to be cautious. Don¡¯t run into any lunatics. Once you sell them, don¡¯t linger. Get out as soon as possible. Stay low-key. I trust you to handle this, but stay sharp."


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded again.


    He hugged his worried mother and then his wife, saying, "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll come back safe and sound."


    "Safe travels."


    This time, two men from the Ming family and their son-in-law were setting off together¡ªa first for them. Zhuang Zhixi loaded the flowers onto the truck, which was already filled with cargo.


    Zhuang Zhixi sat in the back seat of the truck. The front cabin had four seats, with Ming Xiangdong and Ming Cheng occupying the driver''s and passenger seats respectively. In the back, there was a box.


    ¡°Dad, big brother,¡± Zhuang Zhixi quickly greeted them.


    Ming Xiangdong said, ¡°That box is from your grandfather. He said it¡¯ll come in handy for your trip.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi opened it immediately and found a wig and a dress inside¡­ huh, disguise gear.


    How thoughtful.


    The two men nodded as the truck slowly started moving. Zhuang Zhixi remarked, ¡°What a coincidence! You¡¯re delivering goods to Changchun, and it just so happens to be perfect timing.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong replied, ¡°It¡¯s not a coincidence. I actively volunteered for this trip. Our routes are usually fixed¡ªI mostly drive around Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. I rarely take this route unless I¡¯m filling in for someone. I took this job specifically for the flower business. Honestly, the flowers could¡¯ve waited a few more days¡ªmaybe the prices would¡¯ve gone up. But opportunities to come this way don¡¯t come often. We¡¯re hitching a ride, so to speak. Otherwise, as your grandfather said, trying to transport so many pots of flowers alone would be suicidal.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here to make money, but not at the cost of our lives.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled.


    Ming Xiangdong was a rough man, not one for gardening. But Lan Ling, his wife, listened to her father¡¯s advice. When her father mentioned this business opportunity, she immediately started cultivating flowers. She now had forty to fifty pots. This time, the three of them¡ªfather, son-in-law, and son¡ªwere traveling together with over a hundred pots of flowers.


    That was no small number.


    As the truck drove out of the capital and headed north, Zhuang Zhixi, who was traveling this way for the first time, noticed how much more autumnal the scenery was. He sighed, ¡°Being a driver isn¡¯t easy. The journey is so monotonous.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong replied, ¡°It¡¯s not too bad.¡±


    He added, ¡°Actually, monotony isn¡¯t the problem. It¡¯s when things get *un*monotonous that trouble starts.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Although it was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s first trip, he understood immediately. ¡°Are there still people who block the roads?¡±


    Ming Xiangdong said, ¡°Of course there are. The capital has good security¡ªany crime gets thoroughly investigated. But out in the countryside, especially in remote mountain areas, things are different. Sometimes¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, they saw a woman holding a child by the roadside, waving at them. Ming Cheng said, ¡°Dad, there¡¯s someone.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong didn¡¯t even slow down. ¡°Keep going. These are just decoys.¡±


    He smirked and sped up as they passed the woman, kicking up a cloud of dust. The woman threw the ¡°child¡± aside, planted her hands on her hips, and started cursing at the truck. ¡°You damn fools! Are you rushing to a funeral? Driving so fast¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi leaned out the window to look back. The ¡°child¡± wasn¡¯t a child at all¡ªit was a fake.


    He was stunned, feeling like he¡¯d just gained a new perspective on the world.


    But he wasn¡¯t about to let her off easy. He shouted back, ¡°You hag! If you¡¯re not rushing to a funeral, why should we? Next time, stand right in the middle of the road¡ªwe¡¯ll send you straight to the afterlife!¡±


    Ming Cheng: ¡°¡­¡±


    His brother-in-law had no manners whatsoever.


    Ming Cheng was a civilized man, but Ming Xiangdong laughed and approved. ¡°Well said!¡±


    People like that didn¡¯t deserve any courtesy.


    Zhuang Zhixi, ever the flatterer, said, ¡°Dad, you¡¯re amazing! You spotted her from a mile away. How did you know she was trouble? You¡¯re like Sun Wukong with his fiery golden eyes, able to see through any disguise. Incredible!¡±


    Ming Cheng: ¡°¡­¡± What a suck-up.


    Ming Xiangdong laughed heartily. ¡°I¡¯ve been on this road long enough to know their tricks. Think about it¡ªwhat ordinary rural woman would dare to flag down a truck with three grown men inside? Even if something major happened, she wouldn¡¯t stop us. Someone standing there so boldly, without a hint of fear, is almost certainly a scout. That woman might be even fiercer than any man. If you fall for her act, she might stab you or force you to stop, and then you¡¯d be robbed.¡±


    They were used to this kind of thing. That¡¯s why the truck was equipped with knives and a hunting rifle¡ªfor self-defense.


    Robberies weren¡¯t uncommon, especially for big trucks like theirs. The cargo made them a target. Whether it was grain or machinery, it could all be sold for money.


    Ming Xiangdong added, ¡°There are all sorts of tricks on the road. Some people throw nails to puncture tires. If I ever get forced to stop, I don¡¯t hold back¡ªI take them down before they can do anything to me. If you show them any mercy, they¡¯ll bite you.¡±


    This was Ming Cheng¡¯s first long-distance trip with his father, and hearing all this made him feel uneasy. At nearly forty years old, he was finally realizing how hard his father had worked to provide for their family.


    Everyone said being a driver was a good job¡ªone of the ¡°four great professions,¡± along with being a soldier, a teacher, and a doctor. But only those who¡¯d done it knew how dangerous long-distance driving could be.


    Hearing about it was one thing; experiencing it was another. They drove on toward Changchun, a journey that would take two days. Fortunately, they didn¡¯t encounter any more trouble.


    The only incident was when someone set up a roadblock, but Ming Xiangdong simply plowed through it without a second glance.


    To Ming Xiangdong, this was a minor inconvenience, but Ming Cheng and Zhuang Zhixi were struck by how challenging life on the road could be. Still, after a long and dusty journey, they finally arrived in Changchun.


    Ming Xiangdong covered their flower crates with tarpaulin before unloading. This trip, they were delivering mechanical parts. After counting and verifying the shipment, they handed it over.


    Their company primarily transported goods for factories. Once the delivery was complete, the job was done. On the return trip, they¡¯d carry a different load. They never traveled empty-handed.


    Ming Xiangdong had three days before the next assignment. Technically, they could¡¯ve headed back the same day, but long-distance drivers needed rest. They checked into a small inn, and Ming Xiangdong made sure the truck was securely locked.


    Ming Cheng was a bit worried. ¡°Dad, is it okay to leave everything in the truck?¡±


    Ming Xiangdong replied, ¡°Just keep quiet. Why can¡¯t you be more like your brother-in-law?¡±


    Ming Cheng laughed.


    This was Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s first time in Changchun. Although it was also in the north, the cityscape was quite different from what he was used to. Exhausted from the journey and hungry, the three of them found a small restaurant. Just as they started eating, they overheard the conversation at the next table.


    The topic? The ¡°gentleman among flowers¡±¡ªthe *Clivia*.


    ¡°Did you hear? Two days ago, at the West Street flower market, an old man sold a pot of flowers for nine thousand yuan. He was so excited, he had a heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    ¡°Some people just don¡¯t know how to enjoy their wealth, huh?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    The discussion continued. Zhuang Zhixi perked up and asked, ¡°Big brother, what kind of flower is worth that much?¡±


    The locals glanced at him. ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. ¡°No, I just arrived. Everyone¡¯s talking about flowers, but I don¡¯t get it. What¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the *Clivia*. It¡¯s a fantastic flower¡ªit can prolong life, improve your complexion, and even bring the dead back to life. They call it ¡®plant gold.¡¯ If you¡¯ve got a pot, you¡¯re set for life.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, ¡°This flower can make you rich?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely! Brother, do you have one?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly waved his hands. ¡°No, no. I¡¯m just here on business. I don¡¯t have any flowers.¡±


    Whether they believed him or not, they chuckled and said, ¡°Lots of people come here on business and end up buying or selling flowers. Whether you¡¯re buying or selling, there¡¯s money to be made.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Hey, everyone, the newspaper¡¯s here!¡±


    At that, people rushed out of the restaurant, abandoning their meals. Even the shop owner didn¡¯t seem to care. The Ming family was dumbfounded, but Zhuang Zhixi was quick on his feet. He followed the crowd outside, where a young man was holding a stack of newspapers and shouting, ¡°Fresh *Clivia* news! Get your *Clivia* newspaper here!¡±


    ¡°Give me one!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take one!¡±


    ¡°Three copies for me!¡±


    ¡­


    Everyone rushed forward in a frenzy. Even though Zhuang Zhixi was quick on his feet, he still couldn¡¯t make it to the front. Just moments ago, the area had been empty, but with a single shout, people seemed to materialize from all directions, charging out with wild excitement. There were at least thirty or forty people.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, ¡°Holy crap.¡±


    ¡°One yuan, one yuan! One yuan per copy!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn¡¯t help but exclaim again, ¡°Holy crap.¡±


    What kind of newspaper was this? It was even more expensive than meat.


    Wasn¡¯t this just like robbing people? Despite thinking this, he still pushed his way through the crowd, handed over a yuan, and said, ¡°Give me one too.¡±


    Before the seller could hand him the newspaper, someone intercepted it, shouting, ¡°Give it to me! I¡¯ll give you two yuan!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s eyes widened. He could truly feel the frenzy now. He quickly grabbed a newspaper, tossed the money, and retreated. If he didn¡¯t hurry, they¡¯d be gone in no time. Some people were buying ten or eight copies at once. How many eyes did they even have? S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as Zhuang Zhixi finished his purchase, someone from the other end of the street yelled, ¡°Today¡¯s Flowers! Today¡¯s Flowers are here!¡±


    With a whoosh, the crowd that had just been here rushed over there.


    Zhuang Zhixi cursed again, ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    Though he was swearing non-stop today, no other words could accurately describe his current state of mind. This was just too absurd.


    Without a second thought, Zhuang Zhixi sprinted over. It felt like he was crossing mountains and fording rivers just to buy a copy of Today¡¯s Flowers. By the time he got back, his already wrinkled clothes were even more disheveled.


    Carrying two newspapers, he returned to the restaurant, where Ming Xiangdong and Ming Cheng stood at the entrance, utterly stunned.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s finish eating.¡±


    As he returned, other newspaper sellers also trickled back in.


    The restaurant owner, completely unfazed, smiled and said, ¡°You¡¯re not afraid we¡¯ll just run off without paying, huh?¡±


    The owner chuckled, ¡°Why would I be afraid? This business is just a side gig. My main goal is to exchange information about Clivia with everyone.¡±


    He smiled warmly and asked, ¡°Are you here to sell flowers?¡±


    The probing had begun.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Not really. We¡¯re here on business, but with everyone buying and selling flowers, I can¡¯t help but feel tempted. Who doesn¡¯t want to make money?¡±


    ¡°True, true.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do some research first, figure out what¡¯s good. If I can¡¯t afford the flowers, I¡¯ll buy some seeds, cultivate them, and sell them later. That¡¯s not a bad idea either.¡±


    The owner nodded, ¡°Then you¡¯d better study the newspapers carefully. There¡¯s new information every day.¡±


    Everyone was engrossed in their newspapers, and Zhuang Zhixi also lowered his head to read. The content was surprisingly monotonous, mostly hyping up how well Clivia was selling, where the highest prices were being recorded daily, and incidents caused by people fighting over Clivia.


    However, the Clivia Newspaper seemed slightly more serious compared to Today¡¯s Flowers. It described the current popular styles of Clivia, unlike Today¡¯s Flowers, which was filled with various stories.


    After reading it twice, Zhuang Zhixi joined the lively conversation. People were devouring the newspapers, and soon, excited voices erupted: ¡°I told you it¡¯s going to keep rising! You didn¡¯t believe me last month, and now you regret selling, don¡¯t you? Look here, this place says a Willow Leaf Clivia sold for 13,000 yuan on North Street just the other day.¡±


    Just thinking about it made their hearts race.


    The person who had sold their flowers earlier wailed, ¡°I lost out! I lost out!¡±


    ¡°I told you not to sell.¡±


    ¡°Of course you shouldn¡¯t sell! You know what happened recently, right? A Hong Kong businessman offered a Crown sedan in exchange for a pot of flowers from Mr. Guo, and he refused. That shows how valuable this is!¡±


    ¡°Right, right, right.¡±


    The discussion was electric.


    Zhuang Zhixi listened for a while, then noticed that his father-in-law and brother-in-law were also dumbfounded. He asked, ¡°Shall we go?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah.¡±


    The three of them paid the bill and stepped outside. The cold wind hit them, and they finally felt like they were coming back to their senses. The heated atmosphere inside had been almost suffocating. Ming Cheng lit a cigarette, his hands trembling, and said, ¡°This is just too damn crazy.¡±


    Even as a cultured man, he was starting to swear.


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, then said seriously, ¡°You really don¡¯t know how wild it is until you see it for yourself. Coming here, I finally understand why Grandpa was so worried.¡±


    The Ming father and son paused, then looked at Zhuang Zhixi.


    Truth be told, even they had felt the overwhelming urge to strike it rich, their minds bubbling with excitement. But surprisingly, Zhuang Zhixi, who had been the most engaged and attentive, was the one who remained calm.


    He said, ¡°You¡¯ve heard of the Tulip Mania, right?¡±


    At this, the Ming father and son quieted down. Ming Cheng rubbed his face and said, ¡°Yeah, I almost got swept up too. This environment is terrifying.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°Definitely. Let¡¯s walk around a bit more.¡±


    They hadn¡¯t gone far when someone stopped them, ¡°Hey, buddy, are you selling that newspaper?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    He said, ¡°It¡¯s already been read.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll buy it at the original price.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°¡­Alright.¡±


    He had already read it, and he had spent two yuan on the newspapers. Now, he was getting that two yuan back. Even newspapers related to Clivia were skyrocketing in value? This was just¡­


    ¡°Thank you, thank you! You¡¯re such a good person.¡±


    The man took the newspaper, beaming with joy as if he¡¯d found a treasure.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I spilled some soup on that newspaper earlier,¡± Ming Xiangdong said, speechless.


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°He doesn¡¯t care.¡±


    In a city where the average monthly salary was only thirty or forty yuan, Clivia prices reaching thousands naturally drove many people into a frenzy. It was almost frighteningly manic. And they hadn¡¯t even visited the flower market yet.


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, ¡°Shall we check out the flower market?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The three of them headed to the nearest flower market. Due to the craze, the city now had multiple flower markets, and the one they went to wasn¡¯t even the largest. As soon as they arrived, they were hit by the deafening noise of the crowd.


    ¡°Three thousand! Will you sell for three thousand?¡±


    ¡°Three thousand five! I¡¯ll pay three thousand five!¡±


    ¡°Four thousand¡­¡±


    On one side, bidding was still going on, while on the other, a man clutching a flowerpot was shouting like a madman, ¡°No! I won¡¯t sell! I¡¯m going to trade this for a refrigerator!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll trade with you! I can trade with you! I¡¯m the manager of the department store. Come with me¡­¡±


    The scene was chaotic. Everyone was shouting at the top of their lungs, and Zhuang Zhixi felt like even the busiest holiday shopping season couldn¡¯t compare to this madness. People¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, as if they were completely consumed by the frenzy.


    Everyone was on the verge of losing their minds.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, was the type who grew calmer the more chaotic things got. He pulled his father-in-law and brother-in-law around for a bit, then, seeing that the heated bargaining showed no signs of stopping, said, ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    Ming Cheng: ¡°Huh?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°If we don¡¯t leave soon, even men might end up pregnant from all this crowding.¡±


    They squeezed their way out, gasping for air.


    Ming Cheng looked back, still shaken, and said, ¡°Why do I feel like these people have gone completely insane?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°They¡¯re not just acting insane. They really are insane.¡±


    He made a decisive call, ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong and Ming Cheng followed Zhuang Zhixi. Although Ming Xiangdong had been in charge on the way here, once they arrived, it was Zhuang Zhixi who took the lead. The Ming father and son had been completely overwhelmed by the city¡¯s Clivia mania.


    Ming Xiangdong, who prided himself on having seen the world, was still utterly shocked by this scene. It was truly mind-blowing.


    They returned to the hotel, all three sharing a room. Ming Xiangdong was breathing heavily, almost panting, as he said, ¡°This is just too profitable.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, remained calm. ¡°I brought some things with me. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll disguise ourselves before going out. Let¡¯s start by selling a few ordinary pots to test the waters. We have a lot of flowers, and since we¡¯re short on time, we¡¯ll need to sell them in batches.¡±


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll follow your lead.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "After selling the flowers, take a few detours, change your outfit, and then come back. Don¡¯t let anyone follow you. I believe that since the flower market is so hot, there must be some people trying to take advantage of the chaos."


    He spoke earnestly, "You¡¯ve seen it too¡ªthere are plenty of stories in the newspapers about flower snatching. We need to be cautious not just about the flowers being stolen, but also about our money. We¡¯re outsiders here, so we have to be extra careful."


    "Got it."


    Ming Xiangdong, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s father-in-law, agreed wholeheartedly. As someone who had spent a lot of time traveling, he was well aware of how chaotic things could get outside. He had even encountered road robbers before. Given how bustling the flower market was, it was impossible that no one would be tempted to cause trouble.


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "Let¡¯s go downstairs and take a few rounds to check out the surrounding area. We should also scope out the environment around the flower market."


    "Alright."


    After discussing, the group felt their hearts racing with excitement. It was hard not to feel exhilarated¡ªthe market was just that lively.


    Zhuang Zhixi, whether speaking to his father-in-law or to himself, kept repeating, "Stay calm, you have to stay calm. As long as you stay calm, you¡¯ll succeed."


    By around 4 p.m., with only an hour left before closing, the flower market showed no signs of cooling down. At that moment, a woman with wavy hair, wearing a floral-patterned cotton jacket and sunglasses, squeezed into the market. To prevent her glasses from falling off, she had tied a string around them, which looked rather comical.


    She pushed her way through the crowd, shouting, "Make way, make way! I¡¯m selling flowers!"


    Instantly, a group of people surrounded her. "You¡¯re selling flowers? What kind do you have? Let me see! How much are you selling them for?"


    The woman with wavy hair took a deep breath and said, "Don¡¯t crowd around my flowers!"


    She opened her box, and everyone let out a collective sigh. The flowers weren¡¯t particularly rare¡ªthey were quite ordinary. However, even ordinary flowers could easily fetch a four-digit price if they looked healthy.


    The woman with wavy hair declared, "Eight hundred!"


    Hearing this, several people were immediately tempted, thinking to themselves that this woman was clearly naive and didn¡¯t know the true value of her flowers. Eight hundred wasn¡¯t a high price at all.


    Little did they know, this "woman" was none other than Zhuang Zhixi. If Bai Fendou could disguise himself as a woman, why couldn¡¯t Zhuang Zhixi? After all, there was no shame in doing whatever it took to make money.


    He had set the price at eight hundred as a test. Since he knew nothing about the market and was only relying on a few newspaper articles, rumors, and observations, he decided to test the waters himself.


    Sure enough, as soon as he shouted "eight hundred," several voices chimed in from all directions:


    "I¡¯ll take it!"


    "I want it!"


    "Are you trying to steal it from me?"


    "Whoever gets it first wins! I¡¯ll offer nine hundred!"


    "One thousand!"


    "Miss, don¡¯t sell it to them. I¡¯ll take it for one thousand one hundred."


    "Don¡¯t fight with me! One thousand two hundred!"


    "Are you out of your mind? This flower is only worth a little over a thousand. You¡¯re offering one thousand two hundred?"


    "I don¡¯t care!"


    "One thousand three hundred!"


    Whoosh!


    The bidding heated up the atmosphere even more, but one thousand three hundred was indeed a high price. No one continued to bid after that. The person who offered one thousand three hundred quickly counted out the cash¡ªbundles of ten-yuan bills¡ªand handed them to Zhuang Zhixi. "Miss, take a look."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Flowers for cash, cash for flowers."


    He took the money, counted it on the spot to confirm it was correct, stuffed it into his pocket, and then squeezed his way out of the crowd.


    It was clear that a price of one thousand three hundred wasn¡¯t considered a big deal in this market, so his transaction didn¡¯t cause much of a stir. Zhuang Zhixi held onto the money as he casually took a couple of detours, making sure no one was following him.


    Hmm, it seemed that in this market, people were only interested in big spenders. A transaction of a thousand yuan or so was already beneath their notice.


    Not long after Zhuang Zhixi returned, Ming Xiangdong and Ming Cheng also came back. Ming Xiangdong had hunched over and disguised himself as an elderly man, while Ming Cheng had simply dressed up as an old man.


    As soon as the three of them met, they asked, "How did it go?"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I sold one for one thousand three hundred."


    Ming Cheng replied, "Mine didn¡¯t do as well. I got exactly one thousand, and no one bid higher."


    Ming Xiangdong, however, chuckled and said, "I sold mine for two thousand one hundred."


    While they were pleased with their earnings, they couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how much money people were willing to spend on flowers. If the bubble were to burst one day, it would be terrifying to think about.


    Zhuang Zhixi remained calm. He said, "It¡¯s hard to say. Some people, like us, will cash out early, while others will get too caught up and won¡¯t be able to pull out. It all depends on the individual. We don¡¯t need to worry about others. Everyone chooses their own path. If you think about it calmly, isn¡¯t this scene terrifying? If people aren¡¯t scared in a situation like this and still expect prices to keep skyrocketing, then they can¡¯t blame anyone else when they¡¯re swallowed up."


    Ming Xiangdong nodded, "You¡¯ve got a point there, kid."


    Zhuang Zhixi continued, "We still have a lot left. Let¡¯s continue tomorrow. I plan to visit every flower market. We have a lot of stock, so we need to sell it as quickly as possible."


    After a pause, he added, "If we come across a good opportunity, we can sell the ordinary ones in bulk. We¡¯ll keep the better ones. I heard they¡¯re going to hold a competition. If we enter and win, we¡¯ll make even more money."


    "That makes sense."


    "However, we should also consider the reality of the situation. If we can sell them individually, there¡¯s no need to rush into bulk sales. After all, finding a reliable buyer isn¡¯t easy. Even if we¡¯re strong, we can¡¯t overpower the locals. And let¡¯s face it, we¡¯re not exactly the strongest players here. So, we¡¯ll have to play it by ear. If we can sell, great. If not, we¡¯ll take our time. Safety comes first."


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "You¡¯re right, Dad. Let¡¯s discuss this further¡­"


    The next day, Zhuang Zhixi once again disguised himself as the woman with wavy hair. His grandfather¡¯s collection of props sure came in handy. Disguises were incredibly useful when traveling.


    Zhuang Zhixi swayed his hips as he went to sell flowers again. This time, he managed to sell one for a staggering two thousand nine hundred. Although it wasn¡¯t as high as the tens or hundreds of thousands mentioned in the newspapers, Zhuang Zhixi was satisfied.


    After all, his cost was only a few yuan or a little over ten yuan. This was already a huge profit.


    He didn¡¯t change his outfit this time. Instead, he went directly to another market and sold another pot. Then he changed again and sold yet another.


    The Ming father and son followed the same strategy. When Zhuang Zhixi was selling his third pot of the day, a buyer offered four thousand. This man was dressed very elegantly and approached Zhuang Zhixi with a smile, saying, "Miss, I¡¯ve been watching you for a while."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised his hand in a delicate gesture and said, "Pervert, get lost."


    The short, chubby man chuckled and said, "Oh, that¡¯s not what I meant. I saw you at another flower market this morning. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s fate? Miss, let¡¯s talk somewhere quieter."


    Zhuang Zhixi hesitated for a moment but eventually followed the man to a slightly quieter spot. "What do you want to say?"


    The chubby man asked, "Miss, do you have more stock?"


    Zhuang Zhixi hummed, neither confirming nor denying.


    The chubby man quickly added, "I¡¯m from Bai Xiang Flower Company. Here¡¯s my business card."


    "Hong Kong businessman?"


    "That¡¯s right!"


    Zhuang Zhixi asked, "And?"


    The chubby man explained, "Our company offers the fairest prices. If you¡¯re willing, we can buy everything from you. We¡¯ll definitely give you a price you¡¯ll be happy with."


    Zhuang Zhixi waved his hand, "No, no."


    He flicked his wrist delicately and turned to leave, but the chubby man quickly followed. "I¡¯m serious. Our company is very well-established. If you have the flowers ready, we¡¯ll pay you in one lump sum. We¡¯ve been buying in this area for a long time. You can ask around¡ªwe¡¯re completely trustworthy."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Go away."


    "Our prices are fair and honest. You can ask anyone. We¡¯re really¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi stopped and asked, "Really?"


    "Of course."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I¡¯ll go back and discuss it with my family."


    "Alright, alright. Please consider our company. I¡¯ll be waiting here for you. I¡¯ve seen you sell several pots already. Selling them individually is much more troublesome than selling them all to us at once. I¡¯m not trying to lowball you¡ªI¡¯ll offer a very reasonable price."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I¡¯ll think about it."


    He quickly left, relieved to be done with the high-pitched voice he had been using. It was exhausting to maintain.


    Fortunately, northern women tended to be tall, and there were even some Soviet women in the area who were even taller and more robust. So, while Zhuang Zhixi stood out, he didn¡¯t look completely out of place as a woman. After all, who would suspect that he was a man in disguise?


    After selling a round, the three of them had already made relatively quick deals, but they still had quite a bit left in hand. Zhuang Zhixi inquired around about this Baixiang Flower Company and managed to get a bit of background. The guy claimed to be a Hong Kong businessman, but that was a lie. However, no one really knew what his actual background was. Despite the lack of clarity, the company had a decent reputation in the flower market, having bought a lot of Clivia plants. They were fair in their dealings, so Zhuang Zhixi decided to contact them directly. They arranged to meet at a hotel.


    Zhuang Zhixi sold fifty pots in one go.


    Regardless of quality, each pot was priced at four thousand yuan. Of course, some were worth more than that, while others were worth less. In total, it was a transaction worth two hundred thousand yuan¡ªa truly enormous sum of money. Both Ming Cheng and Ming Xiangdong were extremely nervous because Zhuang Zhixi had been the one handling the negotiations while they stayed hidden as backup.


    They didn¡¯t appear together, and the hotel Zhuang Zhixi booked was right across from the police station. Since they were conducting legitimate business, they wanted to ensure everything was secure. What could be safer than this location?


    The chubby man didn¡¯t expect Zhuang Zhixi to choose this spot. From Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s perspective, this was a big deal, and he was being extremely cautious. However, the chubby man remained calm throughout. He came alone, inspected each pot of flowers one by one, and then they exchanged money and goods.


    To an outsider, it might have looked like some secret, high-stakes transaction.


    Who would have thought that all this tension was just over selling flowers?


    In reality, both sides were taking a gamble. There were risks involved, not just the risk of being swindled, but also the quality of the flowers. Zhuang Zhixi was worried that the other party might try to pass off inferior flowers, but fortunately, neither side played any tricks.


    In the Clivia market, although prices were high, it wasn¡¯t considered a huge business since the price per pot wasn¡¯t astronomical. After all, the most expensive ones could sell for six figures. So, the chubby man didn¡¯t say much and instead smiled amiably. Both sides were pleased with the transaction.


    The chubby man, Old Zeng, smiled and said, ¡°Young lady, I won¡¯t ask for your name. I¡¯m Old Zeng. If you have more in the future, you can come find me. This transaction should show you that our company is top-notch. Besides, in this industry, you see how many people buy and sell flowers every day. If no one kept their word, the market would have collapsed long ago. It¡¯s not like that, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded.


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly left with the money. He walked out the door, crossed the street, hailed a taxi, and made a detour. He got out at a restaurant, entered through the front door, and exited through the back, changing his appearance along the way. When he returned to their small inn, Ming Xiangdong and Ming Cheng were already back.


    Zhuang Zhixi flopped onto the bed, exhausted, and said, ¡°I was so nervous, I felt like a spy during the war. Look at me, my back is soaked with sweat. I was really on edge.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong said, ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll handle the selling.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°It¡¯s better if I do it since they approached me first. I don¡¯t want you guys to get involved too much. It¡¯s safer this way.¡±


    The old saying goes, ¡°Don¡¯t harbor ill intentions, but always be cautious.¡± If everyone were truly good, then who would all those stories in the newspapers be about? They hadn¡¯t felt it much when they were in their hometown, but being here, they realized how intense the atmosphere was.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t that everyone was obsessed, but it was definitely a flower-crazy society.


    It felt like if you didn¡¯t talk about flowers, you were out of touch.


    Some people improved their family¡¯s lives by growing flowers, while others were just speculating.


    As Zhuang Zhixi caught his breath, Ming Xiangdong was busy counting the money, feeling dizzy from the sheer amount. It was the first time they had seen so much cash.


    Ming Cheng sighed, ¡°Going to the flower market makes me feel like money isn¡¯t money anymore. My monthly salary is over sixty yuan, which I thought was pretty good¡ªalmost seventy. But here, people are throwing around thousands like it¡¯s nothing. My annual salary isn¡¯t even enough to buy a single pot of flowers.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, ¡°What do you need flowers for? They¡¯re not edible or drinkable. Do you really believe they¡¯ll make you live longer? That¡¯s just a dream.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it, I¡¯m just marveling at it,¡± Ming Cheng replied.


    It had only been three days since they arrived, but it felt like they had been here forever. This state of mind was hard to describe.


    ¡°Dad, should we head back tomorrow or the day after? We still have flowers left to sell.¡±


    They hadn¡¯t sold everything.


    Ming Xiangdong said, ¡°I¡¯ll call the company and ask for a couple more days.¡±


    ¡°That works.¡±


    They still had a lot left to sell, and while they could have sold everything to the flower company, being newcomers, they wanted to keep some as a backup. Who could say they trusted someone completely? Certainly not Zhuang Zhixi.


    He said, ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll change our appearance and keep selling. Oh, and we¡¯ll also attend that Clivia competition. I¡¯m sure if we win a ranking, someone will buy them. I¡¯ve seen how crazy these flower speculators are¡ªcarrying thousands or even tens of thousands in cash, ready to spend it all at once. It¡¯s terrifying.¡±


    Ming Cheng agreed, ¡°Absolutely. The most I¡¯ve ever carried in my pocket is ten yuan.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, ¡°We¡¯re just honest folks.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong looked at their tired but still cautious expressions and said, ¡°Get some rest. We need to conserve our energy for tomorrow¡¯s sales. Zhixi, you should probably change your look again, right?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll change my hairstyle tomorrow. I¡¯ve got a few outfits ready.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong: ¡°¡­¡±


    His son-in-law really knew how to put on a show. But thinking about it, it was probably for the best. If someone recognized them and tried to rob them, what would they do? This was a lot of money¡ªa huge amount.


    He sighed, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for selling Clivia, I¡¯d never make this much money in my lifetime.¡±


    Ming Cheng nodded in agreement.


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, said confidently, ¡°I definitely could. I¡¯m not like you guys¡ªI¡¯m very ambitious.¡±


    The tense atmosphere immediately lightened. Ming Xiangdong looked at his shameless son-in-law and spat out one word: ¡°Pah!¡±

 Chapter 208

    Zhuang Zhixi dressed up as a woman again, but this time, she looked nothing like the woman from yesterday. If you didn¡¯t get close enough to examine her carefully, you¡¯d never think it was the same person. This time, she had curly hair and looked at herself in the mirror, asking, ¡°How do I look?¡±


    The Ming father and son stared at him, utterly speechless. After a long pause, they nodded.


    Ming Xiangdong looked at his son-in-law, hesitated for a moment, and finally said, ¡°You should stop learning all that nonsense from your grandfather.¡±


    A real man should have a strong, masculine aura. Dressing up as a woman like this was just embarrassing. Ming Xiangdong, a nearly six-foot-tall burly man, felt extremely uncomfortable watching this. But Zhuang Zhixi turned around with a smile, exuding an unexpected charm.


    Ming Xiangdong covered his face, muttering, ¡°Oh my god.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi, however, remained calm. He said, ¡°Dad, if I can¡¯t even fool you, how am I supposed to fool anyone else? Besides, I didn¡¯t learn this from Grandpa.¡±


    Although his grandfather had provided the materials, it wasn¡¯t entirely accurate to say Zhuang Zhixi learned everything from him. In fact, he owed a lot to his mentor, Teacher Zou. Yes, Teacher Zou, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s latest benefactor.


    Teacher Zou had borrowed Zhuang Zhixi for a project, making full use of his talents. As one of the screenwriters, Zhuang Zhixi stayed with the crew throughout the production. After all, he was not only the screenwriter but also the original author, so he could better convey the intended emotions. With him around, the director¡¯s job became much easier, and things progressed smoothly.


    Zhuang Zhixi had been learning a lot while working with the crew. He picked things up quickly. Watching the director coach the actors, he picked up some skills himself. Don¡¯t underestimate the crew¡ªthese days, roles weren¡¯t strictly defined, and everyone multitasked on set. Zhuang Zhixi was easygoing, so people often asked him for help, and he even learned a bit about makeup.


    That¡¯s just the kind of person he was¡ªalways eager to learn new skills. He believed that having more skills never hurt, even if they weren¡¯t immediately useful. It was just a way to have fun and keep life interesting as he got older. Despite being there as a screenwriter, he ended up picking up all sorts of miscellaneous skills.


    He smiled coquettishly. Although he didn¡¯t have a feminine appearance at all, his makeup and posture made it hard for anyone to doubt his disguise.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°You see, if someone wants to target us, they¡¯d look for a woman. Why would they bother with a man like me?¡±


    He added earnestly, ¡°Spending an extra half hour in the morning might save us a lot of trouble later.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong looked at his son-in-law, feeling a mix of emotions. ¡°Now I understand why your grandfather adores you. Your personality is just like his. You¡¯re curious about everything, seem carefree, but you¡¯re actually very cautious when it comes to getting things done.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°How could I not be cautious? This involves a lot of money. You should be careful too. Don¡¯t come straight back after selling the goods. Take a detour.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong said, ¡°I know that better than you. I was dodging the authorities while you were still playing with mud at home.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: ¡°...¡±


    But thinking about it, it was true. As truck drivers, they often had to deal with moving goods around, so they were familiar with places like the black market. Avoiding trouble was second nature to them.


    The one who might struggle the most was probably his brother-in-law, Ming Cheng.


    Coincidentally, Ming Xiangdong thought the same thing and turned to his son, saying, ¡°You need to be careful too. Stay safe.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded in agreement with his father-in-law.


    Ming Cheng: ¡°...¡±


    He said, half-laughing, ¡°Am I really less reliable than Zhuang Zhixi?¡±


    Ming Xiangdong and Zhuang Zhixi replied in unison, ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Ming Cheng: ¡°...¡±


    He complained, ¡°Who¡¯s the real son here?¡±


    Ming Xiangdong comforted his son, ¡°What I mean is, you¡¯re not as cunning as he is.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi protested, ¡°Who compliments someone like that?¡±


    He added seriously, ¡°Dad, Brother, don¡¯t gang up on me just because you¡¯re father and son. If you bully me, I¡¯ll go tell my wife and have her stand up for me.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong was so exasperated that he kicked at Zhuang Zhixi, who dodged quickly, laughing.


    Ming Xiangdong: ¡°...¡±


    If this were his own son, he¡¯d have slapped him to teach him not to be so cheeky.


    He snorted and said to Zhuang Zhixi, ¡°Behave yourself. This is serious business.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Okay, okay.¡±


    He turned to Ming Cheng and said, ¡°Brother, come here. Let me touch up your makeup. We need to change our looks a bit. Safety first.¡±


    Ming Cheng: ¡°...¡±


    He asked sincerely, ¡°Why did you even learn this? Isn¡¯t this something women do?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. Why should only women learn makeup? Didn¡¯t you read about the ancient tradition of men painting their wives¡¯ eyebrows? There¡¯s nothing wrong with men learning new skills.¡±


    Ming Cheng: ¡°...¡±


    He was out of arguments.


    He couldn¡¯t keep up with his brother-in-law¡¯s chatter.


    He stayed silent, but Zhuang Zhixi kept going, ¡°Let me tell you, it¡¯s always good to have more skills. Look at Grandpa¡ªeven at his age, he finds joy in learning new things. That¡¯s just how life should be. If...¡±


    Blah, blah, blah.


    Ming Cheng¡¯s head was spinning. He really couldn¡¯t understand how someone could talk so much.


    How could his sister have fallen for someone like this? Her taste was questionable.


    Fortunately, they finally left the house, and Ming Cheng felt like he could breathe again.


    Today, Zhuang Zhixi brought two pots of high-quality Clivia to an appreciation event. This event was organized by Mr. Guo, a local flower enthusiast. Although Mr. Guo was the main organizer, many official institutions were co-sponsors, making it a significant event, not just a casual gathering.


    The event had just started today. Zhuang Zhixi and his group had learned about it on their first day in town and had kept some of their best flowers for this occasion. It was only now that Ming Cheng realized, ¡°Are all these people buying flowers because of this appreciation event?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°...You just figured that out?¡±


    Ming Xiangdong also looked at his son with pity. How had he only just realized this? Clearly, his son wasn¡¯t as sharp as he was.


    Ming Xiangdong might seem rough and reckless, but he was actually quite meticulous. After all, driving long distances required constant vigilance. If he were careless, he¡¯d have gotten into trouble long ago. At home, he might seem easygoing, but outside, he was sharp and alert.


    ¡°We need to sell these flowers quickly at the market, but once we get a good price, we¡¯ll definitely attract attention. That¡¯s why our disguises are so important. Remember what we rehearsed last night.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    The three of them quickly split up, each carrying two pots of flowers. By now, they had removed the original packaging to avoid drawing attention.


    The Clivia appreciation event was held at the largest local flower market. It was hard to believe how passionate people were about Clivia, but the place was buzzing with activity. The event started early in the morning, with firecrackers going off before Zhuang Zhixi and his group even arrived.


    Zhuang Zhixi hurried over just as the speeches by the officials ended. He sighed in relief¡ªperfect timing.


    Everyone was entering the venue, but to participate in the appreciation, you had to register. A ticket cost five yuan, but the good news was that it was per person, not per pot. So, if you were carrying two pots, you still only paid five yuan.


    Saving half the cost wasn¡¯t bad!


    Zhuang Zhixi swayed his hips as he made his way to the ticket booth, calling out, ¡°Excuse me, excuse me!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re pushing me!¡± A tall, burly man with a scarred face turned around, looking fierce. He snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to respect your elders?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi shot back, ¡°Respect? Why should I respect someone like you? You look like you could knock out a whole group with one punch. Meanwhile, I¡¯m just a delicate woman. Can¡¯t you make way for me?¡±


    ¡°Pfft, take a look in the mirror. Do you really think you¡¯re delicate? You¡¯re taller than most men. Delicate? Give me a break. Oh, and you¡¯re carrying two pots of flowers, huh?¡±


    He glanced at them and said dismissively, ¡°They don¡¯t look like much.¡±


    This remark seemed to step on Zhuang Zhixi''s tail, as he jumped up in protest: "I think your two pots are nothing special. If you don¡¯t know how to judge, then step aside. Let me tell you, my flowers are destined to win the top prize."


    "That¡¯s hilarious. If yours can win, then mine definitely can."


    "You''re just bragging!"


    "You''re the one talking nonsense!"


    The two of them started arguing, and a small man wearing glasses pushed his glasses up and said, "Could you two make some room? I¡¯d like to buy something too..."


    "No, get lost!"


    The small man, though not short in stature, shrank to the side, not daring to provoke them. Whether it was the scar-faced old man or the tall, imposing woman, neither seemed like someone to mess with. The onlookers started egging them on: "Why don¡¯t you two compete? There¡¯s a judging event happening right now. Perfect chance to see whose flowers are better."


    "Yeah, exactly."


    "I think this lady¡¯s flowers are great. They look rare and well-cultivated. Look how lush the leaves are."


    "I disagree. I think this old man¡¯s flowers are better. You can see his vigor and sharpness in the way the flowers grow!"


    It was just a pot of flowers, but the way they described it, you¡¯d think they were talking about characters from a martial arts novel.


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow: "Fine, let¡¯s compete. I¡¯m not afraid of you."


    "Bring it on."


    The scar-faced old man was even more aggressive: "I¡¯m buying a ticket first. I¡¯ll be the first."


    "No, I¡¯m first."


    "I¡¯m first..."


    After some bickering, they finally bought their tickets. Everyone lined up to enter the venue, where Mr. Guo, the head judge, and a few other self-proclaimed experts were seated at the front. Whether they were truly experts or not, they were at least well-known cultivators, sitting there with an air of profound knowledge.


    The craze for orchids was so intense that even the cultivators were riding the wave of popularity. As long as you were considered an expert, you had status.


    The scar-faced old man quickly presented his two pots of orchids to the judges. The judges took out magnifying glasses and examined them carefully, turning them left and right before giving them a "Grade B" rating. The ratings were divided into Grades A, B, C, and D, with Grade A being eligible to compete for the top prize.


    The old man was instantly displeased: "How is this only a Grade B? Everyone outside says my flowers are excellent. Are you even qualified to judge? Or are you deliberately downgrading others to inflate your own prices?"


    His words drew sharp gazes from the crowd, all directed at the judges¡¯ table. The judges looked uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny, but Mr. Guo managed to maintain his composure. He quickly explained the reasoning behind the rating and pointed out that the flowers were actually quite good¡ªjust a step away from Grade A.


    The old man wasn¡¯t convinced but shouted, "I¡¯ve got more at home. I¡¯ll bring an even better one next time. I refuse to believe I can¡¯t get a Grade A."


    He carried his two Grade B pots out, and Zhuang Zhixi scoffed mockingly: "See? Not good enough. Watch this."


    Zhuang Zhixi strutted forward like a proud peacock and took his seat. But the result was... "Grade B."


    Perhaps because Zhuang Zhixi looked fierce and troublemaking¡ªafter all, he was dressed as a woman¡ªthe judges gave a detailed explanation of why his flowers were rated Grade B. When Zhuang Zhixi came out, he immediately clashed with the old man again. After exchanging a few insults, they both shouted, "Who says I only have one pot of flowers? I was just testing the waters today. Wait and see¡ªI¡¯ll bring something better next time. Let¡¯s compete properly."


    "Who¡¯s afraid of you? Bring it on. I¡¯m not going to lose to a woman."


    "Ha! And I¡¯m not going to lose to an old man."


    Both were fuming, and the crowd was thoroughly entertained. Some were amused by the ratings, while others enjoyed the heated argument.


    However, a shrewd observer chimed in, "Miss, are you selling your flowers? I heard you have more at home. Why not sell this one? I¡¯ll give you ten thousand yuan."


    It was worth noting that after watching for a while, only these two stubborn individuals had received Grade B ratings. Most others were stuck with Grades C or D. Moreover, the Grade B flowers were said to be just a step away from Grade A¡ªwith a bit more cultivation, they¡¯d surely reach the top tier. Naturally, some people were eager to buy.


    Zhuang Zhixi narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.


    The man¡¯s offer seemed to trigger a chain reaction. Someone immediately shouted, "I¡¯ll give you eleven thousand!"


    "Twelve thousand!"


    "Thirteen thousand! I¡¯ll pay thirteen thousand!"


    Others quickly surrounded the scar-faced old man: "Old man, will you sell to me? Are you selling? Are you selling?"


    The old man snorted and shot a challenging look at Zhuang Zhixi: "I¡¯ll sell! I¡¯ve got more at home, unlike some people who talk big but have nothing to show for it."


    Zhuang Zhixi retorted, "Oh, really? I¡¯ll sell too, but the price has to be right. Are you colluding with the buyers to trick me into selling?"


    "You¡¯ve got no shame!"


    They started arguing again, while others kept raising their offers: "Stop arguing! Old man, thirty thousand yuan! I¡¯ll take both pots!"


    He turned to Zhuang Zhixi: "Miss, I¡¯ll give you thirty thousand too!"


    "Why should I get the same as him?"


    "Thirty-one thousand."


    Another bidder chimed in, "I¡¯ll give thirty-two thousand for both pots!"


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Deal. Cash only! I¡¯m not wasting time. I¡¯ve got to go home and get more. Old man, whoever doesn¡¯t come back is a coward."


    "Afraid of you?"


    Both of them sold their flowers on the spot. The difference in quality between the good and the average was clear in the prices.


    Zhuang Zhixi felt his heart racing. Yesterday¡¯s two hundred thousand yuan was one thing, but today was another. He had seen money before from selling goods, but there was a stark difference between earning money through hard work and striking it rich through speculation.


    In a way, Zhuang Zhixi began to understand the frenzy. It seemed like you could ascend to heaven in an instant with just one pot of flowers.


    After selling his flowers, he noticed a few people following him. Zhuang Zhixi spat in disdain but didn¡¯t confront them directly, choosing to slip away instead. Meanwhile, the scar-faced old man waved his fist at his followers, who quickly backed off.


    They soon returned with more flowers, but this time, the results were the same¡ªGrade B. Although still Grade B, the quality was slightly inferior to the previous batch.


    The person who had bought four pots earlier was feeling quite pleased, but Zhuang Zhixi and the old man exchanged more insults and vowed to continue their competition. During their absence, the crowd noticed how strict the judging was. Only three Grade A flowers had been awarded so far, and Grade B was rare, making it a highly promising category. Amidst the flattery, both of them sold their flowers again.


    Zhuang Zhixi declared boldly, "Unless it¡¯s Grade A, I won¡¯t keep any Grade B flowers. I dare to say that. Do you?"


    The scar-faced old man shot back, "You think I don¡¯t dare? Ha!"


    They went back and forth several times, their rivalry growing more intense. The atmosphere at the venue was already electric, but their competition seemed to push everyone into a state of frenzy.


    Every time someone finished being judged, people would swarm around asking if they were selling their flowers, especially for Grades A and B. The scene was chaotic.


    However, since these two had already gone through several rounds, most of the attention was on them. The crowd watched as these two impulsive fools kept selling their flowers out of sheer stubbornness. Many felt they were getting a bargain and secretly rejoiced.


    Finally, Zhuang Zhixi managed to get a Grade A rating. People immediately surrounded him, showering him with praise. After some hesitation, Zhuang Zhixi sold his flower but soon showed signs of regret. This wasn¡¯t unusual¡ªthe flower market was always like this. Some people couldn¡¯t resist the temptation to sell, only to regret it later.


    Perhaps spurred by Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s success, the old man brought out two pots this time, both of which received Grade A ratings. A crowd rushed forward, and the old man couldn¡¯t resist selling his flowers. Despite having money in hand, he seemed less eager to continue the competition.


    As he stumbled out, Zhuang Zhixi called after him, "Wait for me. I¡¯ve got one last pot at home. I won¡¯t lose to you."


    This time, the old man didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he said, "Go ahead. Bring it. I wasn¡¯t going to bother with you anymore, but since you¡¯re so persistent, let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got."


    Zhuang Zhixi quickly returned, having indeed secured a top-grade rating for her flowers. Like the old man, she couldn¡¯t resist the temptation and quickly sold her blooms. The old man, seemingly spurred on by the competition, said, ¡°You wait here. My daughter has a few more pots at home. I¡¯ll bring them over and we¡¯ll see who¡¯s better.¡±


    Those who arrived later didn¡¯t understand what these two were competing over, but the early onlookers were more than happy to explain.


    It all started with a minor disagreement during ticket purchasing earlier that morning. While such a rivalry might seem odd elsewhere, it didn¡¯t seem out of place here. Both claimed they were going back to fetch more goods, but this time, they had no intention of returning.


    Zhuang Zhixi took several detours to shake off the tail following her. As she walked, she removed her wig, took off her large glasses, and quickly changed into men¡¯s clothing, wiping off her makeup. Once transformed, she completely lost her pursuers and soon returned to the inn, where Ming Xiangdong and his son had already arrived.


    By now, Ming Xiangdong had washed off the fake scar on his face, and Ming Cheng had transformed from a hunched, timid old man into a regular middle-aged man. This was all part of their plan. To quickly turn their flower sales into cash, they needed to put on a show. Selling quietly without any fanfare might not get them past the sixth round. Selling two or three rounds might attract unwanted attention, and being followed or robbed wasn¡¯t out of the question. They weren¡¯t being overly paranoid¡ªsuch incidents were common.


    Their boldness drew a lot of attention, but it also made it harder for those with ill intentions to act. Even if they shook off their pursuers, the fact that they might ¡°return¡± kept people from chasing them too aggressively. They couldn¡¯t risk admitting they weren¡¯t coming back, as that would only make them more of a target. After all, they had made a significant amount of cash over the past few rounds.


    The group had agreed on their roles, and Ming Cheng had placed flowers in several small inns as planned. Although renting rooms cost money, it saved them trouble. They booked rooms on different floors of various inns, ensuring they never retrieved flowers from the same room twice.


    Though they were just selling flowers, it felt like they were staging a spy thriller.


    Meanwhile, while everyone was distracted by their antics, Ming Cheng quietly sold several rounds of top-grade flowers himself. Some noticed him, others didn¡¯t, but regardless, he managed to sell quite a few. In fact, he sold just as many as Zhuang Zhixi and the others, but because they were drawing all the attention, Ming Cheng had an easier time.


    Once they had sold all their flowers, they looked at the sack of money they had earned, feeling as though it wasn¡¯t real¡ªjust a pile of paper.


    Ming Cheng said, ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see the day when someone would carry money in a sack.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Well, now you have.¡±


    He then asked, ¡°Father-in-law, have the goods been loaded onto the truck?¡±


    Ming Xiangdong nodded. ¡°They were loaded the day after we arrived.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed. ¡°Then let¡¯s check out and leave now. What do you think?¡±


    They had flooded the market with nearly a hundred pots of flowers. While it seemed like a lot, in such a massive market, it wasn¡¯t particularly noticeable. Still, they had sold fifty pots earlier, and today the three of them had cleared dozens more. While the sales were spread out, someone sharp might still catch on.


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t willing to bet on others¡¯ observational skills. Earlier, she had spotted a short, stocky man at the scene¡ªone of the experts was even from his company. The situation was subtle, but whether it was subtle or not, it didn¡¯t concern them. With tens of thousands in their hands, they needed to leave before anyone figured them out.


    He said, ¡°We¡¯ve got a lot of money. Even though we think we¡¯ve shaken off our tails, what if we haven¡¯t?¡±


    Ming Xiangdong nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    Ming Cheng thought about it and felt a bit of fear. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We should leave now.¡±


    Without delay, they headed out. While they had earned their money honestly, the sheer amount was bound to attract attention, especially in a place where people were so obsessed with flowers. It wasn¡¯t safe to linger.


    Though it was already dark, they didn¡¯t rest. Instead, they drove out of the city. Ming Xiangdong said, ¡°Driving at night isn¡¯t safe. Let¡¯s drive to the outskirts and sleep in the car. We¡¯ll leave at dawn.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Luckily, the weather wasn¡¯t too cold yet. With thick blankets, they could manage sleeping in the car.


    As they drove to the outskirts, Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°You two sleep. I¡¯ll keep watch. When you drive tomorrow, I¡¯ll rest.¡±


    Ming Xiangdong agreed. ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the time for unnecessary niceties.


    Unbeknownst to them, their flower-selling activities had indeed attracted attention. Fortunately, their disguises had kept them from being recognized. However, people had already started searching the inns where they had stored their flowers.


    As Zhuang Zhixi had said, they thought no one had noticed, but who could be sure?


    Their strategy had been to book one room on each floor of the inns and place two pots of flowers in each. Even if someone followed them, they would find the flowers already gone. Once a room was checked, it wouldn¡¯t be revisited, but they always headed in the same direction.


    The three of them had used similar tactics.


    Thankfully, the flower market was bustling, and many out-of-town guests were staying in the inns. The staff didn¡¯t check IDs or letters of introduction too carefully, and with so many people booking rooms, it was hard to pinpoint them.


    After their initial arrival, Zhuang Zhixi and the others never traveled together. Even when returning to their own room, they went one by one, so no one knew they were staying together.


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others had left, but many were still looking for them.


    ¡°I think that old lady and the old man were in cahoots. They deliberately argued to sell their flowers. Look at how much they made!¡±


    ¡°Second Brother, did you calculate how much they earned?¡±


    ¡°Tens of thousands, for sure.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    They were stunned.


    ¡°Damn it! How did they make so much money? They must have more flowers at home. Find out where they live.¡±


    ¡°Got it, Boss. What if they don¡¯t have any more flowers?¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll just take the money. There¡¯s a lot of it.¡±


    ¡°True!¡±


    The frenzy around the flowers had attracted not just speculators but also those looking to profit through less honest means. Robberies after flower sales weren¡¯t uncommon.


    Some even stole the flowers directly, though this was usually done by acquaintances. After all, no one would openly advertise that they had high-quality flowers at home.


    While these malicious individuals were searching, others were also looking for them. Some weren¡¯t as clever and didn¡¯t realize they were working together, but finding even one of them would be a win.


    Aside from these ill-intentioned groups, others had complaints too.


    The judging panel for the flower competition, for example, was unhappy. One person submitting so many flowers made it hard for them to maintain control. On the first day, they had already awarded so many top grades. How were they supposed to judge the rest?


    Each judge had their own favorites to protect, but since the initial ratings were second-grade, they couldn¡¯t deny top grades to clearly superior flowers. They had their own agendas, but they couldn¡¯t be too blatant about it. Losing credibility would be disastrous.


    ¡°If these people come back tomorrow, we¡¯ll have to impose some limits. We can¡¯t let them flood the market like this.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to tighten things up a bit tomorrow.¡±


    "Right, I also think we should be stricter. Today, we selected over ten top-grade flowers, and this event still has six days to go. This won''t do. If so many top-grade flowers flood the market, how will we set the prices? What if it causes a price drop?"


    "Yes, we can''t be the ones to cause such a problem."


    "Starting tomorrow, we''ll be stricter."


    "Right, right, right."


    They were considering their own interests, but others were also thinking differently. For instance, the short, stocky man from the flower company was discussing with his colleagues: "The woman today looks a lot like the one who sold us the Clivia yesterday. Although their faces don''t resemble each other, their figures do. I can''t help but suspect they''re the same person."


    "Boss, they don''t look alike. Sure, their figures are similar, but their faces are different."


    "Exactly. Besides, yesterday she had big wavy hair, and today it''s straight. How could she change her hairstyle so quickly? If it were the other way around¡ªstraight hair yesterday and wavy today¡ªit might make sense, but this doesn''t add up."


    The stocky man: "I''m not saying they''re the same person, but maybe they''re sisters? Think about it, their outlines are somewhat similar. Especially that tall woman¡ªshe''s unusually tall, even for a northern woman. And her accent, it has a slight resemblance too."


    "You might be onto something..."


    "That woman must have made a fortune. They''ve been selling a lot these past two days. I heard they still have more in stock."


    The stocky man wasn''t sure, but regardless of whether they had flowers or not, that woman had a lot of money. His eyes gleamed as he said, "You guys keep an eye on her, and that scar-faced old man too. They''re definitely working together. This whole thing is an act."


    "Why would they put on an act just to sell something?"


    "To throw people off, of course."


    The stocky man chuckled, "I think they''re quite cunning. They might even be in disguise, but it doesn''t matter. A woman that tall would be easy to spot, even if she''s disguised. Keep looking carefully."


    "Got it."


    Many people were now keeping an eye on Zhuang Zhixi and his group, though Zhuang Zhixi himself was unaware. At the moment, it was just before dawn, and Ming Xiangdong got up to take over driving from Zhuang Zhixi: "Get some sleep. I''ll drive us out of here."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."


    He had been up for over a day and was exhausted. Staying up wasn''t the issue; it was the constant excitement since they arrived. The first day, they sold retail, the second day wholesale, and the third day was the judging. Every day, he had been on edge. Being in unfamiliar territory, the pressure was immense. He muttered, "I''m really tired."


    He lay down in the back seat, covering himself with a blanket, and mumbled, "I wonder what my wife is doing at home."


    Ming Xiangdong chuckled at Zhuang Zhixi''s muttering.


    The car started quickly, and Ming Xiangdong pulled out the meat pie he had bought the night before. Though it was cold, it was still edible. He ate it bite by bite, wiped his face, and felt a renewed sense of energy.


    This time, they had made over 900,000 yuan. Although Ming Xiangdong''s family had more flowers than Zhuang Zhixi''s, the quality wasn''t as good. If they were to sell them all, the final prices would likely be similar.


    So, they had agreed to split the profits fifty-fifty.


    Even with the split, it was a substantial amount of money.


    Ming Xiangdong drove with utmost concentration, but in his heart, he was deeply grateful to his father-in-law. If it weren''t for his advice, they would never have thought that growing flowers could be so profitable. It was almost unbelievable. Reflecting on everything that had happened during this trip, it all felt so surreal.


    You''d think such a thing could never happen, but here it was, happening right before their eyes.


    Who would have thought that a small pot of flowers, costing only a few yuan to produce, could sell for such an astonishing price? He was both amazed and thrilled. They had truly seized an incredible opportunity.


    As he focused on driving, he was unaware that because of their flower sales, local thugs and desperate individuals were frantically searching for them. Everyone knew they were carrying a fortune.


    If they could get their hands on that money... they''d be set for life.


    Of course, some were also targeting the buyers, but the buyers were quick to leave after their purchases, keeping a low profile.


    The flower market was booming, but Zhuang Zhixi and his group were already on their way back.


    This trip had been a huge shock to them, something the people back in Beijing couldn''t possibly know. Ming Mei counted the days, anxiously waiting for her family to return. She was constantly worried, even though she hadn''t had any nightmares¡ªusually a sign that everything was fine. But she knew she couldn''t rely solely on dreams.


    After all, this was a long journey, and all three travelers were her loved ones.


    Zhao Guihua tried to comfort her: "Don''t worry. Your father is used to long trips, and Zhuang Zhixi is smart. Together, they''ll be fine."


    Ming Mei: "I know, but I can''t help feeling a little anxious."


    Zhao Guihua: "If you''re so worried, why not distract yourself with something else? I think you''re just under too much pressure."


    She reassured her daughter-in-law, "There''s a Siheyuan (courtyard house) for sale near the Second Ring Road. It''s a proper three-section mansion, said to have belonged to an official''s family. For years, it was used as a warehouse by the cultural relics department, so it''s in great condition. It''s a fantastic property, but the price is a bit high. If we buy it now, it might delay our stock purchases. Would you like to go take a look?"


    Ming Mei: "I already have a place to live."


    But then she immediately thought about her dreams, where such courtyard houses became incredibly valuable. In a few years, they could sell for astronomical prices.


    Zhao Guihua: "You''re being short-sighted. Sure, you have a place to live, but can you ever have too many properties? Besides, Siheyuan like this are rare. If we miss this chance, we might never find one as good again."


    She laughed, "Look at me, I was just suggesting you take a look, and now I''m trying to convince you to buy it. But honestly, it''s a good investment."


    Ming Mei: "Then let''s go see it."


    "Alright."


    Ming Mei: "Mom, did you recently buy another house near the train station?"


    The old lady nodded, "Yes, why?"


    Ming Mei gave a thumbs-up: "You''re really bold."


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, it''s nothing special. It''s in the same compound as Zheng Huimin''s old house. I bought their place, and now another family in the same courtyard is selling. They lowered the price recently, so I bought it."


    Ming Mei: "You''re becoming a landlord."


    Zhao Guihua smiled, "As I get older, I can''t keep hustling forever. Even if I have the energy, you all wouldn''t feel at ease, right? Being a landlord doesn''t bring in a lot, but it''s stable income."


    She added, "It''s a steady stream of earnings."


    Ming Mei: "You''re absolutely right."


    Her mother-in-law was never wrong.


    Ming Mei muttered, "I should tell my mom to buy some properties too. Even if we rent them out, it''s a good way to make money."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "That''s the way to go."


    "Guihua, there''s someone selling cabbage at the street corner. Go take a look."


    Aunt Wang walked back carrying a few baskets of cabbage. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Look how fresh these cabbages are. Buying more won''t hurt."


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes lit up, "I''ll go see."


    Li Weiwei darted out of the house, "Grandma Zhao, I''ll go with you."


    Zhao Guihua: "Sure."


    Aunt Wang: "Buy some more while you''re at it."


    Li Weiwei: "Got it."


    As they walked out, Zhao Guihua asked, "What do you want?"


    Li Weiwei grinned, "How did you know I had something to ask?"


    Zhao Guihua: "I''ve watched you grow up. I know what you''re thinking before you even say it. Spit it out!"


    Li Weiwei scratched his head, a little embarrassed, "Grandma Zhao, could you talk to my grandma for me? I want to start a stall. I really don''t want to work at the factory anymore."


    He said earnestly, "I think someone as young as me shouldn¡¯t waste my life in the factory. Besides, I¡¯m just a kitchen helper in the canteen. There are so many cooks there¡ªwhen would it ever be my turn to shine? I want to strike out on my own. But my grandparents don¡¯t agree. Could you help me persuade them?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Are you sure about this? I can help you talk to them, but you should know that not every business venture is profitable. Take Jinlai, for example¡ªhe¡¯s not making any money."


    Li Weiwei nodded. Of course, he knew that. Otherwise, Su Jinlai wouldn¡¯t have ended up working in the factory. It¡¯s strange how things turn out. Su Jinlai actually seems to be doing quite well in the factory now¡ªgo figure.


    "I know," Li Weiwei said, "but I want to give it a try. My dad is too old to take risks, but I¡¯m young. I think I can do it."


    Zhao Guihua looked at him and said, "I¡¯ll speak up for you."


    Li Weiwei immediately broke into a smile. "Thank you so much!"


    Zhao Guihua waved him off. "No need to thank me. You call me Grandma Zhao, so it¡¯s only right that I speak up for you."


    Li Weiwei was overjoyed. "This is great! I really want to start a business. Oh, by the way, my brother just got a permanent position."


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes lit up. "That¡¯s wonderful!"


    Li Weiwei nodded. "Right? Even he didn¡¯t expect to be so lucky. Hehe."


    Li Junjun¡¯s promotion wasn¡¯t really a surprise. He had the qualifications, worked hard, and had been at the factory for a couple of years. He was familiar with everyone, so when a permanent position opened up, they naturally informed him right away. That¡¯s why he got it so smoothly.


    "I¡¯m not as steady as my brother, but if I set up a stall, I¡¯ll work hard at it."


    Zhao Guihua patted his shoulder. Li Weiwei added, "By the way, Hutou hasn¡¯t been back lately."


    Hutou was now in college and living on campus. At that time, students weren¡¯t allowed to commute¡ªthey had to live in the dorms. It was Hutou¡¯s first time away from home, and it took some getting used to, but now that he was in his second year, he had fully adjusted.


    But he hadn¡¯t been back for the past two weeks.


    Zhao Guihua explained, "He¡¯s been going to the suburbs every weekend. They¡¯re filming a TV series there, and Hutou managed to get a chance to learn through Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s connections. He goes every weekend to help out."


    The classes he took were mostly theoretical, but on set, he could see how things actually worked and how to handle different situations. Hutou was lucky¡ªZhuang Zhixi had been temporarily assigned to the production and had connections, so he arranged for Hutou to help out on weekends.


    He couldn¡¯t do much in just two days, but Hutou was diligent. Even as a helper, he was learning a lot.


    "Hutou is really hardworking. Tonglai is too. I¡¯m not like that¡ªI can¡¯t handle studying."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Everyone has their strengths. You have yours too."


    This made Li Weiwei happy.


    They arrived at the cabbage truck, where a crowd had gathered. Even Zheng Huimin was there. She greeted everyone but seemed a bit down. Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow, and Li Weiwei whispered, "She must have gone to see her mom."


    Guan Guiling had gone mad¡ªbut not completely.


    She was now living in a mental hospital, and Zheng Huimin visited her every two weeks. In a place like that, that was considered quite frequent. But every time she went, Zheng Huimin came back feeling upset.


    Today was no exception. Li Weiwei had guessed correctly¡ªZheng Huimin had just returned from the mental hospital.


    Every time Guan Guiling saw her, she would curse her with venomous words. Zheng Huimin had grown used to it, but it still left her in a bad mood. She bought some cabbage and headed home, shaking her head as she thought about her mother¡¯s hysterical curses.


    Her mother might be confused, but she still harbored resentment.


    She would scream, "You heartless wretch! If you had just listened and gotten married, our family wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this! If I had known you¡¯d turn out like this, I should¡¯ve drowned you at birth! You vile, wretched girl!"


    It almost sounded like she was lucid.


    But then she would start shouting again, "Yufeng, Yufeng, I know you love me the most. We¡¯ve been through so much together¡ªour love is unbreakable. No one can take you away from me¡­"


    Then she would start banging on the walls, completely deranged.


    "No one can take Yufeng away! No one! He¡¯ll always be with me¡­"


    It was the same cycle every time.


    Guan Hong noticed Zheng Huimin¡¯s gloomy expression when she came in. "Did she curse at you again? I don¡¯t know why you keep going back. Don¡¯t you get tired of being yelled at?"


    Zheng Huimin replied, "If I keep visiting, they¡¯ll know our family hasn¡¯t abandoned her. They¡¯ll treat her better. I can¡¯t have a dangerous lunatic at home, but at least I can make sure she¡¯s not mistreated."


    She sat down and said earnestly, "I really don¡¯t think marriage is an easy thing. Look at my mom¡ªshe gave everything for my dad, and this is how she ended up. It¡¯s heartbreaking."


    Guan Hong agreed, "Your dad is a scoundrel."


    To run off with another woman¡ªand his niece at that, even if they weren¡¯t related by blood¡ªwas just too much.


    "So when it comes to finding a partner, character matters most."


    Both of them glanced toward the Li family.


    Zheng Huimin said, "Jun will realize sooner or later that I¡¯m the one who¡¯s best for him. Xiao Yanzi isn¡¯t right for him."


    Guan Hong chimed in, "I¡¯m the better fit."


    But she agreed, "I don¡¯t think Xiao Yanzi suits him either. Too bad he doesn¡¯t see it yet."


    "Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯ll figure it out eventually."


    The two lovelorn girls were feeling a bit melancholy. What¡¯s the best cure for melancholy? Making money!


    Making money is the happiest thing.


    "Let¡¯s go set up the stall."


    "Alright!"


    "How about we go to the train station today?"


    "Sounds good."


    Life in the courtyard continued as usual. Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi and the others were still on their way back. Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t know how to drive, but both Ming Xiangdong and Ming Cheng did. Although Ming Cheng wasn¡¯t a professional driver, he had learned from his father since he was young. When they reached a smoother stretch of road, Ming Xiangdong handed the wheel over to him and took a break.


    After two or three days of traveling, they finally arrived back in Beijing, dusty and exhausted. It was a huge relief to be back, especially since they had a sack of cash in the car.


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, "Finally, we¡¯re back!"


    "Yeah!"


    Even though their trip to Changchun was just a few days ago, it felt like a distant memory now.


    Ming Xiangdong drove off to deliver the goods, while Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Cheng got out with their luggage. Zhuang Zhixi called out, "Honey, I¡¯m home!"


    It was evening, and Ming Mei had already returned from work. She was washing clothes in the yard when she heard Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s voice. She paused for a moment, then rushed outside, calling, "Zhixi!"


    She threw herself into Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s arms, and he happily hugged her back. "Did you miss me?"


    Ming Mei nodded without hesitation. "Of course I did. How are you? You¡¯ve lost weight."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Yeah, we were in a hurry to get back. We didn¡¯t eat or sleep well, but thinking about seeing you made it all worth it."


    Ming Mei smiled brightly.


    She said softly, "You¡¯ve worked so hard."


    Then she turned to Ming Cheng. "Brother, come in and rest."


    Ming Cheng teased, "I thought you didn¡¯t see me. I¡¯m standing right here, and you only just greeted me. And here I thought I was your favorite."


    Ming Mei laughed and said playfully, "Brother, you¡¯re being silly. Of course I saw you! I was just so happy. I¡¯ve been worried about you all this time."


    No matter how old you are, you can always act like a child around your family.


    Ming Mei urged, "Come on in."


    At that moment, the little ones came running out. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan shouted, "Dad, you¡¯re back! Uncle¡¯s here too¡­"


    The two of them were twelve now, but they were as energetic as ever. They ran over and hugged Zhuang Zhixi, saying, "Dad! You¡¯re finally back!"


    "Yeah! Mom¡¯s been so distracted lately."


    "Totally."


    Ming Mei put her hands on her hips. "You little rascals, are you trying to embarrass me?"


    The kids giggled. "We¡¯re just kidding!"


    Ming Mei let out a heavy snort and said, "I think you guys are really bold."


    She waved her fists at the two children, who were so frightened that they ran away immediately, though they couldn''t stop laughing.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Cheng entered the Zhuang household together. Ming Mei asked, "Did Dad go to return the car?"


    "Yes."


    Since it was closer to this place, they had been dropped off here. Ming Mei held Zhuang Zhixi''s hand and asked seriously, "Was the journey smooth?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "With my father-in-law around, how could it not be smooth? It went very smoothly."


    He actually let out a sigh of relief and said, "We made quite a haul this time, but it was also quite risky."


    Ming Mei immediately asked, "How so?"


    Ming Cheng rolled his eyes, "Don''t listen to him brag. It was actually very smooth, nothing risky."


    Zhuang ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhixi said, "Someone was following us. Isn''t that risky? If we hadn''t been careful all along, we might have been caught. You have no idea, honey. Only when we got to the scene did we realize how intense it was."


    Ming Mei couldn''t quite imagine it, but judging by Zhuang Zhixi''s demeanor, she could tell that things were probably not as simple as they seemed.


    Since Zhuang Zhixi had returned, everyone in the courtyard came over to join in the excitement. Zhuang Zhixi exchanged a few pleasantries with everyone, but seeing that he looked a bit worn out, they didn''t stay long and soon left. However, Ming Xiangdong stayed for dinner after arriving.


    The family gathered to divide the money, but Zhao Guihua didn''t participate at all. She didn''t even show up.


    Not only did she not get involved, but she also took the two little ones away. Even though it was her own son, the son''s money wasn''t the mother''s, so Zhao Guihua stayed out of it.


    The four of them closed the doors and windows and started counting the money. It took them a full four hours to count the large sum, which amounted to 920,000 yuan.


    They all looked at each other, somewhat in disbelief. They had expected to make a good profit, but they hadn''t anticipated making this much.


    Ming Mei felt her breath quicken. She finally understood Zhuang Zhixi''s excitement. This was truly, incredibly exaggerated. She couldn''t believe that a few pots of flowers could sell for so much, but apparently, they could.


    In reality, they had 923,000 yuan, but there were 3,000 yuan in counterfeit bills, which was downright shameless.


    Ming Mei cursed, "How heartless! Using counterfeit money to cheat people, that''s just despicable."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Let''s burn it."


    Ming Mei nodded. Such things couldn''t be kept. If they accidentally used the counterfeit money, it would cause trouble. Ming Mei decisively threw it into the stove and set it on fire. Although the 3,000 yuan in counterfeit bills was disappointing, in the face of over 900,000 yuan, it seemed insignificant.


    They quickly divided the money, and Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei got half, which was 460,000 yuan.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei looked at each other, "This is the first time in our lives we''ve seen so much money, and it''s all ours."


    Not just them, but Ming Xiangdong and his son felt the same way.


    After Ming Xiangdong and his son left, the couple washed up and lay down on the kang, still unable to calm down for a long time.


    Ming Mei temporarily hid the money in the kang''s hidden compartment, but she still felt uneasy. She couldn''t help but sit up and say, "What are we going to do with so much money?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "Are you nervous?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "Aren''t you nervous with so much money? This is hundreds of thousands, hundreds of thousands!"


    Before, she had thought of herself as a fairly wealthy little rich woman. Later, when she started selling clothes, she made thousands, even tens of thousands, and she felt like she had seen big money. But just like Zhuang Zhixi, that money was earned through hard work. This was different.


    Making money through speculation was... easy, but terrifying.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "It''s okay, we need to stay calm. You mentioned that Mom told you about a really nice courtyard house? Should we take a look and buy it?"


    Ming Mei said, "The one Mom mentioned costs 55,000 yuan. I used to think it was so expensive, but now I suddenly feel like we can actually afford it."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed.


    Ming Mei said, "But if we buy it, we''ll just leave it empty. Moving out would be scary. Think about it, there are so few of us, and we''d be living in a three-section courtyard. It would feel so empty. I like it lively."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I like it lively too, but leaving it empty isn''t a big deal. We can just save it for the kids."


    "That''s true."


    Ming Mei chuckled sweetly.


    She sat cross-legged and muttered, "Actually, we could buy a shop. That way, we could sell our stuff there."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "That''s a good idea. I''ll look into it."


    Ming Mei said, "But if we think about it, the money we have isn''t that much. Shops are expensive too."


    She said, "We could buy several and rent them out."


    She was... what was that phrase again?


    Oh right, someone with a "golden finger."


    She didn''t know what the future held, but her mother-in-law did. If her mother-in-law said these things were valuable, then she would just follow her lead.


    Ming Mei giggled.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "You seem quite pleased with yourself."


    Ming Mei nodded, "I feel like our family''s life is really getting better and better."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "It has to be."


    He pulled his wife closer, and his hands started to wander...


    "I missed you..."


    Ming Mei reached out and pulled the lamp cord, letting out a soft laugh.


    Although it was already late at night, the room soon grew heated...


    At the same time, the train pulled into the station, and a man and a woman got off. Both were older, the man looking sullen and exhausted, while the woman had a sharp, mean expression. They carried their bags and stepped off the train.


    Perhaps because they had been on the train for so long, the man stumbled as he got off.


    The woman quickly supported him and asked, "Are you okay?"


    The man, however, was not polite. He immediately slapped her and said, "How could you let me fall like that?"


    He stepped off the train, stood at the station, and let the wind blow against his face as tears streamed down. "I''m finally back!" he exclaimed.

 Chapter 209

    Late at night, the train station was chilly, and the people getting off the train all tightened their clothes, hurrying along with anxious steps.


    In no time, only a man and a woman remained on the platform. Both had streaks of gray in their hair, bearing the marks of time. The woman supported the man and asked, "Why didn¡¯t our son come to pick us up?"


    As soon as she finished speaking, the man slapped her again, furious. "It¡¯s all because of the ungrateful brat you raised!"


    A cold wind blew, and he coughed before saying, "Let¡¯s go home."


    This man was none other than Vice Director Cai, who had once been a prominent figure in the political arena. Back then, he had been the feared Vice Director Cai of the Mediterranean, but now he was just an ordinary man. He had made a mistake that many men make, and as a result, he was transferred out of the capital. At the time, he had thought it would be temporary, that he could return once things cooled down. But after being relocated, he realized it wasn¡¯t so simple. Getting back to the capital? That was easier said than done.


    Moreover, in his new post, he wasn¡¯t given any significant responsibilities. A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake, and everyone knew he had been sent down due to his mistakes. Naturally, no one took him seriously.


    For over a decade, he had been stuck as a minor official in a small county town. To many, this might have seemed like a decent position, but for Old Cai, it was a crushing blow.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for that incident, he would still be living the high life in the capital, enjoying the perks of his position. He had been a Vice Director, after all. And if things had gone differently, he might even have risen to Director.


    But alas, he had fallen victim to a honey trap set by that wretched woman, forcing him to leave his home and live in obscurity for over a decade. Now retired, he had returned under the guise of visiting family. And the woman by his side?


    It was Jiang Baohong.


    Jiang Baohong had initially divorced Old Cai to avoid trouble, but life in the capital hadn¡¯t been kind to her either. She had a reputation for stealing credit and stepping on others to climb the ladder. With Old Cai no longer in power, she became a target herself.


    Later, she clashed with Guan Guiling and lost. Pressured by her son and daughter-in-law, she gave up her job to her daughter-in-law and went to find her ex-husband with a letter of introduction. But once she arrived, she regretted it. Life there was nothing compared to the capital.


    Old Cai, still bitter about the past, often took his anger out on her.


    Jiang Baohong wanted to leave, but she had no money. Her letters to her son went unanswered, so she endured. Years passed, and now that Old Cai had retired, they had finally returned. Her heart was filled with excitement.


    Unable to contain herself, she exclaimed, "Heavens, I¡¯ve finally come back!"


    A train attendant passing by, seeing the couple¡¯s emotional state, kindly said, "Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s late. You should hurry home."


    But Jiang Baohong snapped back, "Mind your own business, you little brat!"


    The attendant, her eyes red with anger, retorted, "How can you talk like that? I was just trying to help. You¡¯re so mean!"


    Jiang Baohong put her hands on her hips. "I¡¯ll say what I want. It¡¯s none of your business!"


    Before she could gloat further, Old Cai slapped her across the face. "Shut up! Can¡¯t you go a day without causing trouble?"


    Seeing the look on Old Cai¡¯s face, Jiang Baohong shrank back and didn¡¯t dare to argue anymore.


    The attendant wanted to say that hitting someone was wrong, but one look at Jiang Baohong¡¯s spiteful face made her turn and leave. The pitiful often have their own faults, she thought.


    Old Cai dragged Jiang Baohong out of the station. The early morning streets were deserted, with not even a pedicab in sight. Old Cai cursed, "Why did you book such a lousy train ticket? What bad luck!"


    Jiang Baohong whispered, "We were supposed to arrive four hours earlier, but the train was delayed."


    "Don¡¯t talk back!" He slapped her again. "What use are you? You¡¯ve brought me nothing but trouble. If it weren¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t be in this mess!"


    If not for this woman, he might have risen higher, become wealthy, and even rid himself of his wife.


    Jiang Baohong bit her lip, picking at her fingers. "It¡¯s not my fault. It¡¯s that vixen¡¯s doing¡­"


    Old Cai raised his hand to strike her again, but Jiang Baohong dodged and pleaded, "I was wrong! Don¡¯t hit me! When we get to our son¡¯s place, what will he think if he sees me like this?"


    "You¡¯re worried about what he¡¯ll think? You couldn¡¯t even handle one woman in the capital, and now you¡¯re embarrassed? You had to slink back to me after being swindled, and you¡¯re worried about saving face?" Old Cai snarled. "You¡¯re useless. Get out of my sight!"


    He shoved Jiang Baohong aside and started walking toward their old house. Jiang Baohong quickly grabbed his arm. "Old Cai, we don¡¯t live there anymore."


    She hesitated before explaining, "Back then, when you were transferred because of your¡­ indiscretions, the authorities took our house. I had to fight tooth and nail just to get us a smaller place¡­"


    Old Cai stood frozen, trembling with rage. After a long moment, he spat out, "You¡¯re so useless. I divorced you to protect our assets, and you couldn¡¯t even do that. What good are you? And you never even told me! What else are you hiding?"


    Jiang Baohong quickly said, "Nothing! I swear, there¡¯s nothing else."


    Old Cai glared at her, and Jiang Baohong shrank under his gaze. "I¡¯m not lying. Really, there¡¯s nothing else."


    He sneered, "I hope so!"


    Looking at Jiang Baohong, his anger only grew. His eyes burned with hatred. "Revenge is a dish best served cold. It¡¯s been over a decade, but now that I¡¯m back, I won¡¯t let that bitch Wang Xiangxiu get away with it."


    If it weren¡¯t for that woman, he wouldn¡¯t have fallen so low.


    Jiang Baohong timidly suggested, "Let¡¯s go home."


    For once, they didn¡¯t argue as they walked together. Jiang Baohong trailed behind Old Cai, silently scheming. Her husband was a capable man. He had only fallen because he had been tricked by a woman. But given the chance, he could rise again. He had spent years building connections in the capital. Even though he had been gone for over a decade, some of those ties must still exist. Once they reestablished themselves, their family would prosper once more.


    And those who had looked down on them? She would make sure to trample them underfoot.


    As for Guan Guiling, she would never forgive her.


    If there was one person Jiang Baohong hated most in the capital, it was Guan Guiling. That wretched woman had betrayed her, costing her dearly. This time, she wouldn¡¯t let her off easy.


    Wang Xiangxiu and the others could wait. Guan Guiling was her primary target.


    Jiang Baohong had been away for five or six years, and as she looked around, everything felt unfamiliar. The changes were immense. If she felt this way after a few years, how much more so for Old Cai, who had been gone for over a decade?


    Everything felt foreign.


    While Jiang Baohong¡¯s hatred was focused on Guan Guiling, Old Cai¡¯s loathing was reserved for Wang Xiangxiu, the woman who had trapped him in a honey trap.


    If it weren¡¯t for her, he would never have left the capital. He might have been a high-ranking official by now¡­


    The couple walked unsteadily, their hearts filled with bitterness. After more than an hour, they were exhausted. Old Cai snapped, "How much farther?"


    Since his career had taken a downturn, he had become short-tempered and prone to anger. Every time he saw Jiang Baohong, his resentment grew. While he hated Wang Xiangxiu, he also blamed Jiang Baohong. If it hadn¡¯t been for her fight with Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s child, none of this would have happened.


    So he vented his frustrations on her, lashing out at the slightest provocation. Over the years, Jiang Baohong¡¯s life had been miserable.


    Jiang Baohong listened to the man''s harsh voice and said, "We''re almost there, just ahead."


    She pointed the way and said, "This way."


    After walking for another hour or so, Old Cai''s gaze was like a venomous snake, cold and piercing as he stared at Jiang Baohong. "This is what you call ''almost there''?"


    Jiang Baohong didn''t dare to speak. Finally, the two arrived at the residential building. By then, the sky was already beginning to lighten. They went upstairs together. Their home was on the top floor, and as one might expect, the apartment they had been assigned wasn''t anything great.


    Sure enough, Old Cai''s face darkened again.


    Early in the morning, they knocked loudly on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    After a long while, someone with a hint of morning grumpiness opened the door, their tone not particularly friendly.


    Jiang Baohong said, "It''s us."


    The footsteps inside paused for a moment, and after a long hesitation, the door was opened. A woman''s face appeared, her expression tinged with disdain as she looked at the people at the door. She pursed her lips and reluctantly called out, "Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?"


    Though Jiang Baohong was timid in front of her husband, she was anything but in front of her daughter-in-law. She pushed the young woman aside and said, "What are we doing here? Can''t we come? This is your father''s and my house. Of course, we can come back."


    They entered directly. Jiang Baohong noticed the young woman was draped in a robe, looking quite comfortable, which only fueled her anger. Without warning, she slapped her¡ª"Smack!"


    She shouted, "You little wretch! Knowing we were coming back today, not only did you not come to pick us up, but you were also sleeping at home. Is this how a daughter-in-law should behave? Did you think just because I left the capital, I couldn''t teach you a lesson?"


    The young woman was stunned by the sudden slap. She looked up at her mother-in-law in disbelief, then at her father-in-law, who was glaring at her with a dark expression, clearly approving of the action. Biting her lip, she said indignantly, "Mom, ever since you left the capital, you''ve turned into a shrew, hitting people for no reason. This is too much... Ah!"


    Before she could finish, she was struck again.


    This time, the young woman couldn''t hold back her tears. She cried out, "Little Cai, come out here! Look at your mom, hitting me as soon as she gets back. Is this how a mother-in-law should act? I''ve been serving you and your family all this time, and even if I haven''t done much, I''ve still worked hard. And this is how you treat me? I can''t take it anymore, I just can''t!"


    She wasn''t the type to suffer in silence. Wailing, she called for her husband. Finally, Old Cai''s son, Little Cai, shuffled out in his slippers and said, "What are you all doing? Do you want the whole neighborhood to know how messed up our family is?"


    He plopped down on the sofa and said, "Why are you back?"


    There was no warmth in his tone.


    Old Cai was furious. "Can''t I come back? This is my home. After all these years, is this how you greet me? Why didn''t you come to pick us up?"


    He berated his son, but Little Cai remained calm. "Why should I pick you up? Why did you even come back? Aren''t you afraid of embarrassing yourselves? If you''re not ashamed, I am."


    "You!" Old Cai raised his hand to strike, but Jiang Baohong quickly stopped him. "What are you doing? Why are you picking a fight with your son right after coming back? This is no way to start."


    Little Cai stood up. Compared to his balding, short father, he was tall and imposing. He stepped forward aggressively. "Hit me? Go ahead, hit me! Come on, do it! You think I''m afraid of you?"


    He spat out bitterly, "You''re such great parents. You couldn''t make it in the capital, so you ran away like rats, leaving us here to suffer the shame. And now you have the nerve to come back? Have you even seen how I''m living?"


    He had once been a golden child, but now he was treated like a pariah, and the resentment burned deep within him.


    If anyone had more hatred than Old Cai and Jiang Baohong, it was him. He glared at his parents and said, "If I were you, I''d just die. What''s the point of living? Wasting food? Embarrassing yourselves?"


    "You¡ªyou¡ªyou!" Old Cai stammered. "How did you become like this?"


    "Why shouldn''t I be like this? You ruined my good life, so this is who I am."


    As their only son, Old Cai and Jiang Baohong had spoiled Little Cai rotten, but they never expected it would turn him into a selfish, petty man. Of course, as parents, they couldn''t see their son as anything but perfect. In that moment, Old Cai''s hatred for Wang Xiangxiu grew even stronger. "That bitch Wang Xiangxiu ruined our family''s life!"


    He roared in anger.


    Hearing this, Little Cai''s expression turned malicious. "Dad, you fell right into her trap back then."


    Old Cai had no doubt about that. It was all that woman''s scheme.


    "I know. I underestimated her."


    He had thought she only wanted to save her son, but he hadn''t anticipated all the complications that followed.


    "No!" Little Cai said bitterly. "That''s not what I meant. We were caught in a much bigger trap."


    Little Cai''s voice was filled with venom. "You probably don''t know this, but do you know who Wang Xiangxiu really is?" Without waiting for Old Cai to respond, he continued, "Wang Xiangxiu has a cousin named Hu Huihui, and Hu Huihui''s husband is Deputy Director Zheng, the man who competed with you for the director position back then. After you were taken down, Deputy Director Zheng was promoted. Do you think that''s a coincidence? I don''t. It was all a setup to get you out of the way so he could take your position. Dad, you don''t know this, but Deputy Director Zheng is living large now. While so many people were purged, he wasn''t touched. How is that fair? His family is thriving, living comfortably, while we''re left like this. Tell me, why should they have all this while we suffer?"


    Little Cai vented his anger. Even though the events had happened long ago, the resentment still burned fiercely within him. He felt he should have been living a life of luxury.


    Hearing this, Old Cai''s face turned ashen. He clutched his chest and asked, "Is all of this true?"


    "Why would I lie?" Little Cai snapped. "Of course, it''s true. I only found out later. When you got into trouble, Hu Huihui was even staying at Wang Xiangxiu''s place. Do you really think there''s no connection between them? Afterward, they pretended not to be close, but do you think no one knew about their relationship? I have friends in the neighborhood. Once, I saw Hu Huihui with a young man, and I thought she was having an affair. But when I asked around, I found out it was her nephew, Su Jinlai. Do you remember that name? That little brat is the one who started the fight with Mom, which led to everything else."


    "That little bastard!" Jiang Baohong also gritted her teeth in hatred.


    "Their families might seem distant now, but they were definitely in cahoots back then. It was all a setup to bring you down, Dad!"


    Old Cai''s face darkened further, his heart heavy. He asked, "Do you know anything about them now?"


    Little Cai said, "A little. I ran into them once and did some digging. Turns out Wang Xiangxiu is doing quite well for herself. Her three sons are all doing fine. Damn it, while we lost everything, their family is thriving. They''re even running a street stall now, and it''s apparently quite profitable."


    Mention of money only made Little Cai angrier. He hated the thought of others having money.


    If his father hadn''t been brought down, their family would have been wealthy.


    He said bitterly, "Their family must be doing well financially. Everyone in their neighborhood is running stalls. Dad, do you remember Bai Fendou? That bastard who ruined your happiness back then? He''s from their compound too. He married a beautiful wife and is living comfortably. They''re all running stalls and making good money."


    People are like that. Just moments ago, they were bickering and fighting, but when it came to a common enemy, they suddenly became united. Little Cai gritted his teeth. "They''re all doing well, probably making a fortune."


    Old Cai: "Damn it, if I were still in power, I could have made more than them."


    "Exactly."


    This father and son, though not much to look at, certainly had grand ambitions.


    "Cutting off someone''s wealth is like killing their parents. They have an irreconcilable feud with me."


    Jiang Baohong thought of that compound and quickly asked, "What about Ming Mei? There''s a Ming Mei in that compound, right? She used to work in the same unit as me." Jiang Baohong deeply envied Ming Mei. In this regard, she and Guan Guiling were in complete agreement. Even though Ming Mei had never done anything to them, or even interacted much with them, they still harbored intense jealousy and hatred toward her.


    Because Ming Mei had a good life¡ªshe was the most carefree and well-off among the young wives they knew. This made people envious, wishing they could teach her a lesson. Why was it that Ming Mei''s parents didn''t favor sons over daughters? Why did she have a young, handsome, and devoted husband? Why did she lack neither money nor love? And why were her in-laws not harsh toward her?


    Why, just why?


    Jiang Baohong asked jealously, "What about her?"


    "Ming Mei? I don''t know! Why should I care about Ming Mei or any other woman? It''s none of my business. Why would I pay attention to someone I don''t even know?" Little Cai looked at his mother, feeling she was utterly foolish. Having such a mother was truly embarrassing. If it weren''t for her stupidity, getting into fights with children, none of the later events would have happened.


    So, if anyone was to blame, he hated his mother the most, followed by his father.


    If they ruined his good life, even his parents wouldn''t be spared. He glared at his mother and said, "All you ever think about are these petty squabbles between women. You''re useless."


    Jiang Baohong, scolded by her son, didn''t dare to respond.


    Old Cai, seeing her downcast expression, thought she was both ugly and disgusting. He snorted and said, "She''s always been useless. She couldn''t even deal with that bitch Guan Guiling, slinking away from the capital in shame."


    Jiang Baohong quickly asked, "Son, you promised to teach Guan Guiling a lesson..."


    Little Cai: "On the day you left, I got some friends from the streets to beat her up, stripped her naked, and threw her out on the street. She was humiliated."


    Hearing this, Jiang Baohong''s eyes lit up with joy. "That''s great! She deserved it for betraying me and trying to swindle me. Serves her right! That bitch finally got what was coming to her. Did her husband leave her?"


    Little Cai: "No, he took her back and comforted her."


    "What!"


    Jiang Baohong couldn''t believe it. How could Guan Guiling''s husband still want her after all that?


    Little Cai impatiently replied, "Her husband relies on her to make money, so he won''t abandon her. But Guan Guiling has become quite infamous¡ªshe''s gone mad."


    He hadn''t gone out of his way to inquire about Guan Guiling''s situation. The feud between her and his mother didn''t interest him in the slightest. These petty conflicts between old women were utterly pointless. He didn''t even want to hear about them.


    But Guan Guiling had become too notorious to ignore.


    In these times, it was rare for a woman to become so well-known. Usually, it was through scandalous affairs, but Guan Guiling was different. She had gained fame by scamming men to support herself.


    Not only that, but when she fell from grace, the man she had been supporting tried to abandon her, leaving her with the mess he had created, ultimately driving her insane.


    "Guan Guiling''s husband stole money and planned to run away with another woman and their child. But while trying to escape, he was accidentally pushed to his death. Guan Guiling witnessed the whole thing and went mad on the spot."


    "What!!!"


    They were completely stunned.


    Jiang Baohong hadn''t expected that after only a few years away from the capital, her old rival Guan Guiling had gone mad?


    She suddenly burst into laughter, a wild, triumphant laugh. "Karma! It''s karma! I always said her husband couldn''t possibly love her deeply. This is perfect. She dared to oppose me, and this is the result."


    She sat down. "Tell me, what exactly happened?"


    Little Cai wasn''t particularly interested, but the story was so bizarre that it had spread throughout the capital. After all, how could someone die from falling down such a short flight of stairs? Many believed it was divine retribution, which only fueled the rumors.


    No matter the era, such sensational, almost mystical stories always captured people''s attention.


    The three of them chatted enthusiastically about it.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Lanhua, Little Cai''s wife, watched the family''s behavior with disdain. She saw her two sons rubbing their eyes as they came out and immediately said, "Go back to sleep. You still have school later. Get some more rest."


    She didn''t want her children to have anything to do with these old fools. What a bunch of trash.


    Fortunately, the family was so engrossed in their gossip that they didn''t notice her. Zhang Lanhua went back to her room and closed the door. These people were nothing but trouble.


    Old Cai and his family were unaware of their daughter-in-law''s contempt and continued talking.


    "Guan Guiling got what she deserved. This is fantastic. I can''t wait to see what she looks like now." Jiang Baohong was overjoyed. This was so satisfying.


    Old Cai: "You''re satisfied, but what about me? Revenge is a dish best served cold. When I left the capital, I swore I''d get back everything I lost. Whether it''s Wang Xiangxiu or Bai Fendou, they schemed against me back then, and now I won''t let them off the hook."


    He paused, then added, "And Deputy Director Zheng. He set me up to get the director''s position. Now that I''m back, I''ll make sure he pays."


    He said darkly, "These people must die. Only then will my hatred be satisfied."


    Many might think he hadn''t done too badly over the years. After all, he was still a section chief in a small town. But in his heart, it was a disgrace. A small-town section chief was nothing. He wanted immense wealth and power. He wanted to seize the paintings, antiques, gold, and jewelry of the capitalists. That''s what he desired.


    He wanted to rise to great heights, to achieve high status and wealth.


    Being a small-town section chief had left him bitter and resentful. No one in that small town respected him, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became. When he first left, he had been hopeful, believing he could return to the capital soon. But being sidelined in that small town shattered his self-esteem. They knew why he had been demoted and looked down on him, leaving him with a meaningless position where he was excluded from everything.


    He had also lost the pleasures of being a man, unable to find any enjoyment.


    Over the past decade, though his life had been uneventful, his mind had become twisted and dark.


    "This time, I''m back to take revenge."


    Little Cai''s eyes lit up. "You really mean it?"


    Old Cai nodded.


    Little Cai thought for a moment and said, "Dad, to be honest, I can''t stay in the capital anymore. Everyone knows I''m your son. They pretend to be friends, but they look down on me. My life here isn''t going well."


    He didn''t even have a proper job anymore. He used to, but he was lazy and unreliable. Back then, people tolerated him because his father was a vice director of the revolutionary committee. But after Old Cai fell from power, Little Cai''s behavior got him fired.


    Now he survived on odd jobs. His wife had taken over his mother''s position, but they had children to raise, so she didn''t give him any of her salary. He didn''t even have enough money for his own entertainment.


    He said, "Why don''t we get some money and go abroad? I''ve heard that overseas, the streets are paved with gold. There was even a woman from Wang Xiangxiu''s factory who ran off during an overseas inspection. It caused quite a stir."


    Old Cai: "Huh?"


    Little Cai: "Let''s get some money and leave. With money, we can escape anywhere. What do you think?"


    Old Cai: "Go abroad?"


    Little Cai enthusiastically replied, "Yes! If a woman can do it, why can''t we?"


    Old Cai: "But how do we get the money?"


    The two of them quickly hit it off, and Little Cai was practically drooling as he said, "Wang Xiangxiu and the others in that courtyard, they all set up stalls and make a lot of money. And that Hu Huihui, she even rides around in a car now. How can we just let it go¡­"


    "Exactly! The good life they''re living now should have been ours."


    "Right."


    The father and son quickly reached an agreement.


    Little Cai wasn''t as resentful as before and said, "Dad, you should stay here for now. We''ll make some proper plans during this time."


    "Of course."


    Jiang Baohong chimed in, "And me, I''ll join you too."


    Little Cai nodded, "Alright. Mom, you can start by keeping an eye on them and gathering some information about these people. We''ll figure out the next steps later."


    "Okay."


    He called out, "Wife, wife, get some things ready for my parents. They''re staying here."


    Zhang Lanhua came out, frowning, "We only have two rooms. Where are they going to stay? How can we possibly fit everyone?"


    Little Cai cursed at her, "You useless woman! How can we not fit them in? Can''t we make do? These are my parents! Are you suggesting they sleep under a bridge? What kind of daughter-in-law are you?"


    "I don''t agree. Your parents can''t stay here. Look at how small our place is! And look at them¡ªdirty and smelly, and not exactly good people either. I''m worried they''ll be a bad influence on our son."


    *Slap!*


    A sharp slap landed on her face. Sometimes, violence is inherited.


    Little Cai glared at her, snarling, "You can stay if you want, or you can get out. Who do you think you are? You were happy to enjoy the good life with my family, but now you''re badmouthing my parents? I''ll beat the disrespect out of you!"


    Jiang Baohong cheered, "Yes, hit her! Beat her to death!"


    She was delighted, having always disliked her daughter-in-law for her lack of respect.


    "This kind of woman really needs to be taught a lesson."


    Encouraged by the two elders, Little Cai didn''t hold back, throwing punches left and right.


    "Don''t hit my mom! Stop hitting her!"


    "Dad, what are you doing?"


    The two boys, both in their early teens, knew right from wrong. They naturally sided with their mother, who had always taken care of them, while their father was unreliable, only interested in drinking and causing trouble.


    "Don''t hit my mom!"


    Little Cai pointed at their noses and shouted, "Get out! I''m your father, and if you have a problem with it, you can leave with your useless mother. I don''t need to put up with this! Don''t live in my house if you don''t like it! Let''s see who would take you in!"


    He sneered coldly, his tone threatening.


    Zhang Lanhua, bruised and battered, struggled to her feet and said, "Fine, we''ll leave. Boys, pack your things. We''re going to your grandma''s house."


    Her family wasn''t wealthy, but they wouldn''t stand by and watch her suffer.


    "Mom~"


    Zhang Lanhua said firmly, "Let''s go!"


    Her eyes were sharp and resolute.


    "?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Okay!"


    Early in the morning, the three of them packed their belongings and left without looking back.


    Zhang Lanhua quickly led her two sons out of the house. She had married young, and her eldest son was already fourteen, quite mature for his age. He said, "Mom, if we leave like this, Dad won''t let us come back."


    He sounded worried.


    At the same time, he couldn''t help but feel resentful toward his grandparents for stirring up trouble. He barely remembered his grandfather, who had left when he was just a toddler. As for his grandmother, his only memories of her were of her picking on his mother. Between her and his mom, he''d always choose his mother, especially since Jiang Baohong was always causing trouble.


    His younger brother, only eight years old, felt the same way. He barely remembered his grandfather and had little affection for his grandmother.


    Both boys naturally followed their mother, but the older one was still concerned. "Mom, is it really okay for us to leave like this?"


    Zhang Lanhua was firm, "We have to leave. If we stay, we''ll just get dragged into whatever trouble your father and his parents are planning."


    She hadn''t heard everything clearly, but she had caught enough to know they were up to no good. "They''re probably planning something shady. It''s better to stay far away, or we''ll end up suffering too. I''ve seen enough of your father¡ªhe''s worthless, only taking his anger out on his wife and kids. He never contributes to the family, and now that his parents are back, he''ll only get worse. Who knows what he''ll do? We can''t get caught up in it. It''s better to leave now than to get stuck in their mess."


    Her earlier harsh words had been a deliberate attempt to provoke a breakup, but she hadn''t expected Little Cai to resort to violence. She laughed bitterly, realizing she hadn''t been wrong about him¡ªhe was nothing but trash.


    The mother and her two sons carried their bags as they left, running into an early-rising neighbor who was startled by Zhang Lanhua''s appearance. "Goodness, what happened to you?"


    Noticing the bags, the neighbor asked, "Where are you going?"


    Zhang Lanhua replied, "My husband''s parents came back from out of town, and there''s not enough room in the house. My husband kicked us out¡­ Oh, no, I mean, I thought it would be better to take the kids to my parents'' place for a while."


    The neighbor understood immediately, "How could he do that? Even if he wanted you to go back to your parents, he shouldn''t have hit you¡­"


    Then, with a gasp, the neighbor exclaimed, "Jiang Baohong is back?"


    Zhang Lanhua forced a bitter smile, "Yes, both of them are back. I can''t handle the three of them. It''s better to just go back and avoid more beatings."


    "That''s outrageous! If he hits you again, you should go to the Women''s Federation. This is unacceptable¡­"


    Zhang Lanhua shook her head, "No, if I do that, he''ll just hit me harder next time. Besides, if I stay, they''ll accuse me of being unfilial, and I''ll have no way out."


    She wasn''t a foolish woman; she knew the importance of public opinion, and everything she said was true.


    "I''m leaving," she said.


    "But you''re taking the kids with you¡­"


    "My dad told us all to get out," the eldest son spoke up bluntly.


    The neighbor was shocked. She had seen selfish people before, but never to this extent. Still, considering Little Cai''s neglect of his family and his self-centered nature, it wasn''t entirely surprising. The neighbor shook her head silently as Zhang Lanhua led her sons away.


    The old woman watched them go and quickly went to tell her friends, "You won''t believe this. Jiang Baohong and her husband are back, and they''ve already driven their daughter-in-law out of the house. They really know how to make an entrance."


    With Zhang Lanhua and her sons gone, Jiang Baohong hesitated, "It''s one thing to drive Zhang Lanhua out, but why kick out the grandchildren too?"


    She still cared about her grandsons.


    After all, they were the family''s future.


    Little Cai waved it off casually, "Once I have money, I can find any woman I want. As long as there are women, I can have as many children as I want."


    He was completely indifferent. "That''s just how I am¡ªwhen I''m poor, I keep to myself, but when I''m rich, I''ll have a whole harem."


    Jiang Baohong laughed, "You''re really living like a wealthy man."


    Little Cai said, "If Dad hadn''t gotten into trouble, we would have been a wealthy family."


    "That''s true."


    The family was full of themselves.


    Little Cai added, "It''s better to get rid of that woman and the kids. They''ll just get in the way of our plans. Even if we do make money, I don''t plan on taking them with me. Why waste the resources? I can always remarry. Taking care of them is a waste of food. I''ll find some helpers and figure out what to do next."


    "Alright, it''s settled then."


    The family reached an agreement, their faces filled with greed.


    While they wanted revenge, the thought of making money made them even more excited.


    "Are they really rich?" Jiang Baohong asked again, her lips pursed. "Are you sure you''re not mistaken?"


    Little Cai looked at his mother with disgust, thinking how stupid she was. If it weren''t for her usefulness, he wouldn''t have been so polite to her. Zhang Lanhua wouldn''t listen to him, but his mother would.


    He impatiently said, "Of course, there''s no mistake. Their street-side vending is quite famous."


    He continued, "How can street vending not make money? If it didn¡¯t, would they keep doing it? They¡¯d have quit long ago."


    "You''re right," someone agreed.


    Jiang Baohong rubbed her hands together eagerly.


    Old Cai chuckled darkly, "Let them earn money. The more they earn, the more they¡¯re saving for us. Whether it¡¯s Hu Huihui, Wang Xiangxiu, or Bai Fendou, I won¡¯t let any of them off."


    "That whole area is rich. If we really want to make money, we should go for a big score," Little Cai chimed in. He had long wanted to make money but couldn¡¯t do it alone. Now that his father was back, he suddenly had two reliable helpers, and his heart was racing with excitement.


    Old Cai didn¡¯t hesitate. "If there¡¯s money to be made, we¡¯ll do it! Damn it, if this were a few years ago, these people would¡¯ve been raided. They¡¯re all walking the capitalist path. Good laboring folk wanting to be capitalists? They should be dragged out and criticized, their property confiscated!"


    Jiang Baohong nodded, "Exactly. They¡¯re all clueless. With so much money, they should help us, the ones who¡¯ve been wronged."


    The family continued to mutter venomously.


    ...


    Early in the morning, every household was up and about, washing up. Although each home now had its own faucet, people still preferred to use the communal sink in the courtyard¡ªa habit formed over many years. Zhuang Zhixi got up feeling refreshed, with none of the fatigue from the previous day.


    Standing at the sink brushing his teeth, he noticed Su Jinlai¡¯s dark circles and asked, "What were you up to last night? Those dark circles are huge."


    He himself had only slept three or four hours but didn¡¯t look nearly as bad.


    Since starting his job, Su Jinlai had been clocking in and out on time every day. Though he sometimes felt the itch to chase bigger money, he also didn¡¯t want to disappoint those who believed in him.


    Back and forth, he managed to stick with it.


    Perhaps because he hadn¡¯t caused any trouble, the courtyard residents had started greeting him.


    Su Jinlai rubbed his face, splashing cold water on it. He wiped it off and said, "I had a nightmare."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. "Couldn¡¯t sleep because of it?"


    Su Jinlai shuddered at the memory. "I dreamt that several venomous snakes were chasing me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn¡¯t wake up. I slept so badly that I felt like I¡¯d fallen into a pit of demons this morning."


    Zhuang Zhixi joked, "You should go and pay your respects. Maybe ask Auntie Lian for advice?"


    Su Jinlai pursed his lips and leaned closer to Zhuang Zhixi, whispering, "Auntie Lian¡¯s a fraud. I once told her my luck was bad and asked her to take a look. Since I didn¡¯t pay her, she said I was lacking in virtue and wouldn¡¯t get better."


    Zhuang Zhixi burst out laughing. "Pfft!"


    Su Jinlai was indignant. "How am I lacking in virtue? I just didn¡¯t have money at the time. If I had any, I definitely would¡¯ve paid. She wouldn¡¯t even let me owe her. Her reading must be wrong."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave Su Jinlai a look. Though the guy was holding down a job now, there were still moments when his oddness shone through.


    Still, Su Jinlai was the kind of person who was easily swayed. If you encouraged him to improve, he¡¯d genuinely believe he was an ambitious person and would work hard. People this easy to influence were rare.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "Dreams are the opposite of reality."


    Su Jinlai nodded. "I think so too."


    He snorted, "I¡¯m not afraid of those things. I just find them disgusting."


    A feeble attempt to save face.


    "Mm, I know," Zhuang Zhixi agreed. Su Jinlai immediately brightened up, finished washing, and trotted home. Bai Fendou, who had watched the whole scene, finally couldn¡¯t hold back. "That guy doesn¡¯t seem to have much of a brain, does he?"


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow. "Isn¡¯t that a good thing?"


    He carried his tea mug back home.


    Bai Fendou splashed water on his face as he washed up. A child came over with a basin, calling out, "Hello, Uncle Bai!"


    Bai Fendou turned around. "Erlin, why are you carrying that?"


    Erlin replied cheerfully, "I¡¯m here to deliver breakfast."


    He shouted, "Grandma Zhao, Grandma Zhou, Grandma Wang, your breakfast is here!"


    Zhao Guihua came out of her house. "Oh, Erlin¡¯s here. You¡¯re such a capable boy."


    After a year, Erlin had become familiar with everyone on the street. He smiled and said, "Grandma Zhao, I¡¯ve brought your breakfast."


    Zhao Guihua took it. "Thank you."


    Little Sister Yu and her husband ran a stall at the hospital entrance, and business was good. They didn¡¯t open in the morning but had started a breakfast delivery service. If anyone wanted pancakes, they could order in advance, and the family would deliver in the morning.


    Zhao Guihua and others sometimes didn¡¯t feel like making breakfast and would order instead. Eating soy milk and fried breadsticks every day got boring, so a change of taste was welcome. Zhao Guihua had ordered a few times. It wasn¡¯t the traditional Beijing flavor, but the pancakes were chewy and delicious.


    She was one of the first to start ordering, followed by Aunt Zhou. Now even Aunt Wang joined in. Though her household had several cooks, that didn¡¯t mean she didn¡¯t want to try new flavors from outside.


    This made Li the Cook quite anxious, feeling his position as the household chef was being challenged. But Aunt Wang didn¡¯t care.


    She was the head of the household, and now that she was earning money and controlling the family finances, she had the final say.


    After all, in a marriage, the one who earns more has the louder voice at home.


    Everyone collected their breakfast. He Lan also came out. "I ordered three pancakes too."


    Bai Fendou peeked over. "Why are there five here?"


    The pancakes had a crispy, golden crust, filled with bean sprouts and eggs, looking irresistibly delicious.


    Erlin explained, "These are for Aunt Wang in the next courtyard."


    He took the money and stuffed it into the small bag slung across his shoulder, then called out, "Thank you for your business!"


    With that, he dashed off to the next courtyard.


    Bai Fendou remarked, "Hey, this kid¡¯s young, but he¡¯s quite capable."


    Zhuang Zhixi came out to eat at his mother¡¯s place and nodded. "Of course. The kid¡¯s been raised well."


    Though Little Sister Yu¡¯s parents were a bit eccentric, her daughter Little Sister Yu wasn¡¯t like them, and her grandchildren were even less so. Xing''er and Erlin were both very sensible, likely because they¡¯d experienced hardship before. Both children were eager to help out at home.


    Erlin had undergone surgery at the end of last year and was still recovering. He hadn¡¯t started kindergarten yet but was enthusiastic about helping out. Delivering breakfast to households in the morning was something he did very well.


    The little boy collected the money, happily carrying the basin back home, then filled it up again and made another round of deliveries.


    It wasn¡¯t just Zhao Guihua and the others who ordered breakfast. Many others did too. When people earned more, they were willing to spend on food and drink. In the past, they wouldn¡¯t have dared, but poverty had held them back. Erlin made three trips early in the morning, returned the money, and not a single cent was missing.


    Little Sister Yu didn¡¯t really need her son to work, but the child was eager to contribute, so she didn¡¯t stop him. She remembered the doctor¡¯s advice: don¡¯t treat him like a patient. While caution was necessary, going overboard could put pressure on the child.


    Though he¡¯d had surgery, proper recovery required a relaxed environment.


    So Little Sister Yu didn¡¯t mind Erlin helping out.


    She said, "Erlin¡¯s so great. The money¡¯s all correct."


    Erlin beamed. He climbed onto the kang and saw his sister already had her school bag on. He asked, "Mom, when can I go to school?"


    Little Sister Yu replied, "Next summer. You¡¯ll be six then, and you can start kindergarten."


    Erlin¡¯s lips curled into a smile. "That¡¯s great!"


    Xing''er, munching on a pancake, said, "Don¡¯t rush, little brother. Once you start school, you won¡¯t have as many holidays."


    She was now a second-grader, different from before. Her face had filled out, and she had a cute bob haircut. The small scars from her injuries last year were completely gone. She was a delightful little girl.


    No one would have guessed that this cheerful child was the same bruised and battered girl who had been begging on the streets just a year ago.


    She took a few bites, then grabbed her pancake and headed out the door, calling out cheerfully, "Mom, I''m off to school!"


    Little Sister Yu replied, "Go on, be careful on the way."


    "Got it!"


    She quickly arrived at Courtyard No. 44 and called out, "Qingqing! Tuantuan! Yuanyuan!"


    Bai Qingqing poked her head out. "Coming!"


    The children gradually emerged, each carrying their backpacks and holding similar breakfasts. They soon gathered together, a group of about ten kids, all with their little backpacks, looking incredibly united as they headed to school.


    Along the way, the children chattered excitedly. Yuanyuan chirped, "Did you guys watch TV last night? The one about Erhua?"


    Qijin chimed in, "Yeah, I watched it!"


    Yuanyuan said proudly, "My dad is the screenwriter, you know."


    She already understood what a screenwriter was¡ªthis story was written by her father.


    Qijin also boasted, "I know! My grandma said some parts of the story came from what she told Uncle Zhuang."


    "I know, I know! I remember that too. They met some bad guys last year while getting supplies, and they wanted to write about it to warn others," Bai Qingqing added.


    Everyone seemed to know the story well. Although not every household had a TV yet, those who did often had a crowd gathered around. Even Xing''er said, "I peeked through the neighbor''s window and caught a bit of it."


    Qijin offered, "You can come to my house to watch today. We have a TV, and Siyuan and the others always watch at my place."


    Yuanyuan quickly added, "My family¡¯s getting a TV too! I heard my parents talking about it yesterday. They¡¯re going to buy one today, so we won¡¯t have to go to Grandpa¡¯s house to watch anymore. Dad said he¡¯s getting a big one. Hehe. You guys can come to my house too!"


    "Wow, that¡¯s awesome!"


    "Of course," Yuanyuan said, puffing out her chest proudly.


    Li Zhenzhen sighed, "You¡¯re all getting TVs. My parents haven¡¯t said anything about buying one yet."


    Yuanyuan linked arms with Li Zhenzhen. "You can come to my house to watch. My parents don¡¯t mind having kids over, and they¡¯re not too strict."


    "Your mom isn¡¯t strict?"


    Yuanyuan blinked. "Well, she can be, but not about everything. Some things she doesn¡¯t really care about."


    "Right, right," the others agreed.


    Tuantuan asked, "Did you guys finish watching last night? I didn¡¯t get to see the end."


    "We didn¡¯t either. Mom said we had school today and wouldn¡¯t let us stay up too late."


    "Same here!"


    "Me too!" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The children grumbled, all feeling the same frustration. Their parents were always so controlling, even though they could have finished the show.


    Li Zhenzhen sighed, "My mom said if I¡¯m not in bed by nine, she¡¯ll spank me."


    She lamented, "I¡¯m already thirteen, practically a grown-up!"


    Li Zhenzhen was a year older than the others, but it didn¡¯t feel like much of an advantage. Her birthday was in late December, so she was only about ten days older than Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, but it still counted as a whole year.


    Still, she considered herself a big sister and sighed, "I¡¯m thirteen, and my parents are still talking about spanking me."


    Yuanyuan, however, was unfazed. "My parents said even if I¡¯m thirty, if I misbehave, they can still spank me. That¡¯s just how it is when you¡¯re a kid."


    Li Zhenzhen groaned, "I can¡¯t wait to get married so I can spank my own kids."


    The others stared at her.


    "Wow, what a goal," someone muttered.


    Li Zhenzhen laughed. "Just kidding!"


    "Yeah, sure," they replied dryly.


    As they walked, they weren¡¯t exactly well-behaved, kicking small stones along the way.


    Little Sitian said, "The show was good, but there were so many bad guys."


    The conversation turned to the plot, and the children chattered on, each sharing their thoughts. "It turns out adults can run into bad guys too, so we kids have to be even more careful. If someone looks suspicious, we have to stay alert."


    "Right, right."


    "Boys are more likely to run into bad guys when they¡¯re kids, but when they grow up, it¡¯s girls who have to be careful," Tuantuan explained knowingly. "Some people can¡¯t afford a wife, so they try to kidnap one. They¡¯re the worst."


    "Our teacher talked about it too. She said never go with strangers."


    "I know that too," Xing''er chimed in. "Back in my hometown, there was a kidnapper who came to the village. Luckily, the villagers were alert, and they caught her. She didn¡¯t look like a bad person at all, but she was. So you can¡¯t judge by appearances."


    "You saw her?" someone asked.


    Xing''er nodded seriously. "I saw her. She looked like a kind old lady, but you couldn¡¯t tell she was evil. Though maybe it was because she got beaten up, but her eyes looked really mean. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so we should look at people¡¯s eyes."


    "I don¡¯t think that¡¯s always true. Sometimes eyes can be deceiving too. We just have to stay alert no matter what."


    "You¡¯re right. Staying alert is the most important thing."


    "We¡¯ll stick together. That way, we¡¯re not afraid."


    "Actually, there was a kidnapper in our neighborhood once, but we were too young to remember. The older kids in the courtyard saw it, though. A bunch of people caught the bad guy, beat him up, and handed him over to the police."


    "What should we do if we ever run into a bad guy?" Bai Qingqing asked.


    The topic shifted easily, as children¡¯s conversations often do. Even though bad guys felt far away, it didn¡¯t stop them from discussing it.


    Tuantuan said, "First, find an adult. No matter what, adults are more capable than us. But if it¡¯s urgent, we have to stick together. We¡¯re just kids, so we can¡¯t fight adults head-on."


    Yuanyuan added, "Right, the TV show said sometimes you have to pretend to go along with them, then strike when they least expect it."


    Qijin declared, "If there¡¯s a bad guy, we take him down!"


    "Yeah! We¡¯ll work together and fight back!" Ye Sijia waved her fist.


    Still chattering, they arrived at school and filed through the gates...


    If they ever did run into a bad guy, they¡¯d definitely stick together and fight back!

 Chapter 210

    Zhuang Zhixi had struck it rich this time.


    Having a few hundred thousand in this era was truly something to celebrate, and he had to keep his nerves tightly wound to avoid getting carried away. Whether you had money or not, the way you carried yourself was different. Though he tried hard not to act too smug, he couldn''t resist buying a color TV. In those days, most people opted for practical black-and-white TVs, so Zhuang Zhixi''s purchase of a color one was quite rare. But, well, he just couldn''t help himself.


    Even Ming Mei thought, since they were buying a TV anyway, why not go for the color one? After all, it was more enjoyable to watch, wasn''t it?


    Initially, the couple had planned to put the TV in Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua''s room, but the elderly couple firmly refused. Zhao Guihua waved her hand dismissively, saying with calm assurance, "I can buy one myself if I want. I don''t need you to butter me up."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Mom, we all know you''re just trying to save us the expense. You¡¯re all tough on the outside but soft on the inside. If we didn¡¯t know you better, we might actually misunderstand you."


    Zhuang Guihua shot him a sideways glance. "Oh, you think you know me so well, huh?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged with a grin.


    Zhao Guihua insisted, "I''ll buy my own."


    As a proud member of the "reborn" crowd, Zhao Guihua might not have been as successful as some of the characters in novels, but buying a TV was well within her means. She snorted, "We''ll buy one ourselves soon enough. We don¡¯t need you to provide for us."


    Liang Meifen, who was standing nearby, twitched her lips as if she wanted to say something but ultimately didn¡¯t dare.


    Since the elderly couple refused, Zhuang Zhixi decided to install the TV in his own room. The kids, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, were over the moon. They had been longing for a TV at home for ages. Though they could watch TV at their great-grandfather¡¯s place, it wasn¡¯t the same as having one in their own home. Now, they were absolutely thrilled.


    Bai Fendou, seeing how envious his daughter Bai Qingqing looked, declared confidently, "Don¡¯t worry, sweetheart. By the end of the year, we¡¯ll have one too. We¡¯ll watch the Spring Festival Gala at home this year."


    Bai Qingqing¡¯s eyes lit up instantly, and she jumped up and down excitedly, exclaiming, "Really? That¡¯s amazing!"


    Bai Fendou laughed. "Of course it¡¯s true."


    Ye Siyuan, on the other hand, was more straightforward. The little boy sat on the edge of the kang, swinging his legs, and said, "Our family definitely won¡¯t be buying one this year. We just bought a house last year."


    Even though the kids were young, they had a pretty good understanding of their family¡¯s financial situation.


    "There¡¯s no rush. You¡¯ll get one sooner or later. You¡¯re welcome to come over and watch TV anytime," Zhuang Zhixi said warmly to the kids. Zhao Guihua watched this with indifference. In a few decades, such neighborly closeness would be rare.


    But ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????in those days, it was common for kids to snack at each other¡¯s houses or watch TV together. As long as you weren¡¯t overly stingy, no one really minded. Especially in dual-income households, where parents often couldn¡¯t look after their kids all the time, it was normal for children to have a meal at a neighbor¡¯s place.


    You¡¯d eat at mine, and I¡¯d eat at yours¡ªit wasn¡¯t something people kept strict tabs on.


    Ming Mei asked, "Siyuan, is your mom home? I want to roast some peanuts."


    Ye Siyuan replied, "She is."


    Ming Mei nodded and headed out with a bag, saying as she left, "Wait for me. I¡¯ll bring back some roasted peanuts for you all."


    "Okay~"


    Wang Zizhen¡¯s roasted peanuts were as good as Chef Li¡¯s, and Ming Mei always preferred to ask her for help.


    She left cheerfully, while Zhuang Zhixi finished setting up the TV. "Let¡¯s see how the picture quality is," he said.


    "Wow!"


    Whether it was good or not, the kids were enthusiastic, letting out a collective "wow." Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "Now we¡¯ll finally know what color everyone¡¯s clothes are."


    Everyone gathered around to watch, adults and kids alike. Though this wasn¡¯t the first TV in the courtyard, it didn¡¯t stop people from being curious. The kids crowded onto the kang¡ªthankfully, it was a kang and not a bed, or there wouldn¡¯t have been enough space.


    After work, no one was in a hurry to go home. Instead, they all gathered here. Ming Mei, however, wasn¡¯t too interested in watching TV. She took her bag and headed to the neighboring courtyard. As she entered, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye. She stopped and looked around, but upon closer inspection, there was no one there.


    Ming Mei poked her head out for a better look but still saw no one. She shrugged it off and went inside.


    What Ming Mei didn¡¯t know was that the person hiding was none other than Jiang Baohong. Jiang Baohong hadn¡¯t expected to almost run into Ming Mei on her very first day of scouting the area. Truth be told, she wasn¡¯t familiar with the people here. Though there had been some drama in the past, that was ages ago, and most people¡¯s memories weren¡¯t that good.


    So, it wasn¡¯t strange for Jiang Baohong to come and scout the place.


    But she really hadn¡¯t anticipated running into Ming Mei. Others might not recognize her, but Ming Mei definitely would. After all, they had worked in the same unit for years. Though they weren¡¯t in the same office, Ming Mei wasn¡¯t suffering from dementia¡ªshe¡¯d remember her.


    The moment Jiang Baohong was spotted, she felt like her soul had left her body. She quickly ducked into the restroom, pressing herself against the wall as she gasped for breath. After a while, she finally calmed down. But when she turned around, she found herself face-to-face with several men¡­


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    A chorus of screams erupted¡ªboth male and female¡ªas everyone screamed in unison.


    The men quickly covered their private parts, their eyes bulging. "Catch the pervert!!!"


    Jiang Baohong hadn¡¯t expected this. She had just wanted to hide, but she had accidentally stumbled into the men¡¯s restroom. As a woman nearing fifty who had been married for a long time, it wasn¡¯t like she hadn¡¯t seen it all before. Her scream was purely out of shock at finding so many people in the restroom. But why were these young men screaming?


    Before she could react, the young men in the restroom started wailing as if they¡¯d been wronged. Among them were Hutou and Li Weiwei. It was after work and school, and coincidentally, it was the weekend.


    Hutou hadn¡¯t even made it home yet. He had thought he¡¯d use the restroom first, but who could have guessed that he¡¯d run into trouble? This woman had barged in, scaring them half to death. Hutou cried out, "Oh my heavens! My innocence!"


    Next to him, Li Weiwei was no less vocal, shouting, "Catch the pervert! Catch the woman who barged into the men¡¯s restroom!"


    He was just as terrified as Hutou. They were young men, after all!


    To think that a middle-aged woman had seen them like this¡ªit was enough to make them want to cry.


    Li Weiwei couldn¡¯t hold back his tears. "Oh, mother!"


    His wails were even louder than Hutou¡¯s. The two young men¡¯s cries of distress quickly spread, and the other men, caught up in the hysteria, also started covering themselves and screaming, "Mom, someone come quick!"


    They frantically pulled up their pants, looking at Jiang Baohong as if she were some kind of villain.


    "Someone help!"


    "Save us!"


    The men¡¯s frantic cries drew people from all over the courtyard. Jiang Baohong, realizing she needed to escape, bolted. If she were caught, their revenge plan would be ruined. She dashed out, but the men shouted, "Catch her!!!"


    The commotion drew even more onlookers. As Jiang Baohong ran out, she saw Ming Mei again. Damn it, why was it always Ming Mei?


    Why couldn¡¯t she just stay at home instead of always coming out to gawk at the drama? Though Jiang Baohong cursed her in her heart, she didn¡¯t hesitate to duck back like a turtle. She couldn¡¯t let Ming Mei see her.


    Just as the men were about to chase her, the "pervert" suddenly dashed back in.


    Hutou cried, "Ah! What do you want now?"


    Yang Shulin shouted, "You young men, hide behind me! Quick!"


    Yes, Yang Shulin was there too¡ªLittle Sister Yu¡¯s husband.


    He had originally gone out to use the restroom and was about to head home to prepare for his stall, but he never expected the city folks to be so wild. In broad daylight, under the clear sky, someone actually dared to do such a thing¡ªit was utterly despicable.


    He had never encountered a female hooligan before, but he felt that, as a grown man, he couldn¡¯t just stand by while the younger guys were so frightened. He stood firm and said, ¡°Step back.¡±


    Several of the younger ones immediately retreated, while the older ones felt it was their duty to hold their ground.


    ¡°You, you, you! What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°What am I doing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, what are you doing?¡±


    Jiang Baohong, desperate and panicked, barged in again. Seeing the anger in everyone¡¯s eyes, she was momentarily flustered. It was like being caught between a rock and a hard place.


    She tried to put on a tough front, shouting, ¡°What¡¯s the big deal about looking? Are men afraid of being seen?¡±


    The group of men huddled together, staring at this woman who had boldly stormed into the men¡¯s restroom, looking like a bunch of startled quails.


    Jiang Baohong continued to yell, ¡°I¡¯m doing you a favor by looking at you! I¡¯ve seen plenty in my time!¡±


    The men were stunned. ¡°!!!¡±


    She really was a seasoned female hooligan!


    Jiang Baohong sneered, ¡°If you know what¡¯s good for you, get out of my way.¡±


    Yes, yes, if everyone stepped aside, she could avoid Ming Mei¡¯s gaze and quickly deal with the situation.


    Yang Shulin trembled with anger. They had seen their share of troublemakers, but never one as brazen as this. He scolded, ¡°We¡¯re not afraid of you. Don¡¯t think you can strut around here like you own the place.¡±


    After a pause, it suddenly dawned on him. This was their turf! Why should they be intimidated by a woman in their own territory? He raised his voice, ¡°Brothers, for the sake of our dignity, let¡¯s grab her!¡±


    He shouted, ¡°She¡¯s just one person, and a woman at that. What are we afraid of? Let¡¯s get her!¡±


    This rallying cry snapped everyone out of their daze. That¡¯s right, no matter how bold she was, she was still alone. They immediately charged forward, yelling, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about running!¡±


    Jiang Baohong cursed under her breath, ¡°What the hell!¡±


    As a few men lunged at her, Jiang Baohong swung her arms wildly, spinning them like windmills. Hearing the commotion and footsteps outside the restroom, she knew it was time to make a quick exit.


    Spotting a piece of fabric sticking out of one young man¡¯s pocket, she grabbed it, pulled it over her head, leaving only her eyes exposed, and bolted out the door.


    She bumped into someone who was about to enter the restroom, sending them stumbling, but Jiang Baohong didn¡¯t care. She didn¡¯t even look around, just kept her face covered and dashed out of the alley.


    ¡°After her!¡±


    By the time the men gave chase, they were already too late. It wasn¡¯t their fault for hesitating¡ªwho wouldn¡¯t be shocked seeing a woman snatch a pair of underwear and sprint off with it on her head?


    The brief moment of stunned silence was a natural reaction.


    ¡°Hurry, chase her!¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, that was my new pair of underwear! She not only barged into the men¡¯s restroom but also stole my underwear!¡±


    The young man who had his underwear stolen was none other than Li Weiwei.


    He wailed in despair.


    By now, many people from the compound had come out, but they were too late. The woman had already run far ahead, and there was someone on a bicycle waiting to whisk her away. It turned out this shameless woman had an accomplice.


    After chasing for a while without catching her, everyone returned dejected, looking as wilted as frostbitten eggplants.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I heard someone yelling about catching a hooligan. What¡¯s the story?¡±


    Everyone started chattering, asking questions. Hutou quickly explained, ¡°We were all in the restroom when a woman suddenly barged in. I was so scared I covered myself up, but she was terrifying. Not only did she barge in, but she also stole Li Weiwei¡¯s underwear.¡±


    The crowd gasped, ¡°Whoa!¡±


    Li Weiwei cried, ¡°It¡¯s true! She was about fifty years old, with piercing eyes that felt like they were nailed to us. It was so scary, boo hoo!¡±


    He felt the most wronged because he had lost a pair of underwear.


    ¡°Did she strip you of your underwear?¡±


    Everyone turned to stare at Li Weiwei, who quickly clarified, ¡°No!¡±


    He looked around, realizing the misunderstanding, and hurriedly explained, ¡°It wasn¡¯t the underwear I was wearing. It was a spare pair in my pocket. My family runs a stall, and a guy from our factory bought a pair and asked me to deliver it. But he got sent on an errand today, so I hadn¡¯t given it to him yet. It was just in my pocket¡­¡±


    He had to explain clearly, or else rumors would spread that he had been stripped by a hooligan.


    He sobbed, ¡°It was brand new! A big pair of underwear, worth fifty cents! Boo hoo!¡± What a loss¡ªthat could have bought half a pound of meat!


    Yang Shulin was also shaken. He had never expected to encounter such a bold person in the city. Even the women in his village who talked tough were nothing like this. To charge into a men¡¯s restroom¡ªwhat kind of madness was that?


    She was truly terrifying.


    He added, ¡°I was scared too, but I stepped up to protect the younger guys. Thankfully, she ran off after stealing the underwear, but if she hadn¡¯t, we would¡¯ve caught her.¡±


    He grew angrier the more he thought about it, feeling he hadn¡¯t acted decisively enough. He should¡¯ve grabbed her right away. How could he have let her get away?


    The other men were equally furious. They had never encountered someone like this before and had panicked. If they had stayed calm, they could¡¯ve stopped her. The men were seething, and the onlookers shook their heads in disbelief.


    Old Man Zhuang sighed, ¡°Times have changed. Women these days are so bold.¡±


    Aunt Wang pushed through the crowd and said, ¡°We can¡¯t let this go. Tell us exactly what she looked like. We need to report this to the neighborhood committee and the police station. We have to catch her before she strikes again. What if she comes back?¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded, ¡°You adults were scared. What if she frightens the children? There are plenty of young boys on this street.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go report it.¡±


    ¡°The world is full of strange things.¡±


    ¡°So don¡¯t think only women are in danger. Men need to be careful too. You never know how bold some perverts can be.¡±


    ¡°Our neighborhood had been so quiet lately. Who knew a troublemaker would show up again?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the truth?¡±


    Everyone was both excited and fearful, their emotions tangled.


    Ming Mei, however, asked thoughtfully, ¡°You all saw her. What did she look like?¡±


    Hutou answered, ¡°Aunt Ming, she was about fifty, with graying hair, sharp triangular eyes, high cheekbones, and a thin, stern face. She was quite skinny, with tightly pursed lips and deep wrinkles around her mouth. She was about five-foot-five.¡±


    He described her in detail, as someone skilled in photography, his observations were sharp.


    ¡°She was wearing ordinary clothes, nothing special, but her hands were bony, with prominent veins, like chicken claws.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, don¡¯t say that. Now I won¡¯t be able to eat chicken feet,¡± someone groaned.


    Another person remarked, ¡°Hutou, you¡¯ve got a good memory. How did you notice so much in such a short time?¡±


    Hutou chuckled softly, ¡°If you¡¯d encountered a terrifying pervert barging into the men¡¯s restroom, you¡¯d remember her too.¡±


    Ming Mei tilted her head, ¡°I feel like the woman you described is familiar, but I can¡¯t quite place her.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just Hutou¡¯s description. Earlier, she had caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of her eye. Though it was just a flash, she felt she had seen someone familiar. Ming Mei pondered, muttering, ¡°Who could it be?¡±


    Zhao Guihua grew serious, ¡°You think she¡¯s familiar?¡±


    Ming Mei nodded.


    Zhao Guihua gasped, ¡°Oh no, could she be some kind of wanted criminal?¡±


    Ming Mei chuckled, "It''s not that serious, but we should still be careful."


    "I agree."


    "I wonder why, as life gets better, some people become worse."


    "It''s the prosperity that''s getting to them."


    "Exactly."


    "Let''s go, let''s all head to the neighborhood committee. This matter can''t be ignored."


    The group marched towards the neighborhood committee, deeply disgusted by the appearance of female hooligans. Meanwhile, Jiang Baohong, who had barely managed to escape, was gasping for breath, on the verge of collapsing. If it weren''t for her son coming to her aid, she might not have made it.


    Even so, once she got home, she collapsed on the floor, saying, "I''m exhausted, I can barely breathe."


    In her younger days, she had been the wife of a leader. Although she had faced some hardships later, she never had to work, just took care of the household, so it wasn''t much. She had never done any heavy labor, so this ordeal left her completely drained, unable to get up.


    She had taken several punches in the bathroom, her hair was a mess, and she looked like a madwoman.


    Old Cai glared at her darkly, "You useless thing, I sent you to scout, and you made it known to everyone. Are you trying to let everyone know what we''re planning? How did I end up with such a waste? You can''t accomplish anything, only drag us down. You''re worse than trash."


    Jiang Baohong shrunk her neck, not daring to speak.


    Little Cai also looked at his mother with irritation, thinking his father was right¡ªshe was utterly useless. Anyone else would have done a better job.


    But he knew it was pointless to argue now. Sitting on the sofa, he said, "Alright, Dad, that''s enough. What''s the use of saying more? We need to focus on how to handle the current situation."


    Jiang Baohong quickly added, "Exactly, exactly. I actually had a good plan, to go and gather some information, but who knew I''d run into Ming Mei? You know she recognizes me. What if she became suspicious? Ming Mei is very righteous; she''s caught thieves several times at the bus station. I was afraid she''d recognize me and catch me. Then I wouldn''t be able to explain myself. Don''t we have bigger plans?"


    Old Cai fumed, "You''re just a useless wretch. Back when you were transferred to the bus station, you should have crushed her under your feet, made sure she never rose again. Why fear her now? I told you, you''re no good at anything. You focus on the wrong things. Why were you so obsessed with Guan Guiling, that lunatic? You should have used Ming Mei''s personality to climb over her and gain power. The higher your position, the less people would dare to cross you. Now look, you''ve ruined a perfectly good leadership position."


    Jiang Baohong hung her head, muttering defiantly, "By the time I got there, she had already been transferred to another department. Besides, after you stepped down, I was targeted too. How could I crush her? She''s not easy to deal with."


    Speaking of Ming Mei, Jiang Baohong also disliked her.


    She grumbled, "That woman is not easy to bully."


    "This one''s not easy to bully, that one''s not easy to bully, so the easiest one to bully is you, huh? Look at you. I told you to climb over Ming Mei, and you couldn''t do it. I told you to teach Wang Xiangxiu a lesson when things calmed down, and you ignored it. All you know how to do is tangle with that lunatic Guan Guiling, right? Oh, and you couldn''t even handle her. You slunk away from the capital in disgrace. Other men marry wives who are helpful, but I ended up with you, a useless waste. You''re good for nothing, only dragging me down. I must have been cursed in a past life."


    Old Cai vented his resentment.


    Jiang Baohong wanted to argue but, seeing Old Cai''s furious expression, she didn''t dare speak. She couldn''t afford to offend her husband and son. What if they decided to leave her behind?


    They had already decided not to take Zhang Lanhua and the children. She couldn''t risk angering them.


    Though she felt unjustly treated and thought Old Cai was asking too much, she still blamed Ming Mei. If only Ming Mei had let herself be manipulated, Jiang Baohong could have climbed higher and wouldn''t have had to leave the bus station in such a disgraceful manner.


    If she were still a leader, Guan Guiling wouldn''t have dared to cross her.


    So, it was all Ming Mei''s fault.


    After all, Ming Mei was so eager to catch bad guys. What was wrong with letting her catch them and giving the credit to Jiang Baohong? Ming Mei had even requested a transfer because she was pregnant¡ªhow selfish! She deserved to die!


    Jiang Baohong cursed Ming Mei in her heart.


    At this point, they didn''t stop to consider how unreasonable or absurd their thoughts were. They simply believed that others owed them something, and anyone who didn''t give them what they wanted deserved to die. Jiang Baohong had climbed over others before, so she saw nothing wrong with it.


    She cursed Ming Mei in her heart and out loud, "That little bitch Ming Mei seems to be doing well. She was wearing a nice coat, looking so dignified. I don''t even have clothes that nice."


    She hadn''t bought decent clothes in over a decade. In the past, she wouldn''t wear anything but new clothes, and people would gift her things.


    Thinking back to those days, she felt like the good life was within reach.


    She said, "Since we have plans, why not include Ming Mei''s family?"


    She spoke with a dark, unreasonable tone, "They have money, so they should give us some. We''re in this situation because of them. Since they''re responsible, they should compensate us."


    Old Cai snapped, "You almost got caught today, and you''re still spouting nonsense?"


    Jiang Baohong didn''t dare respond. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Little Cai said, "Let''s lay low for now. Wait a few days until things calm down, then we''ll tail them quietly. We need to scout the area properly before making any moves. This has to be a one-shot deal. We can''t act recklessly, or they''ll be on guard."


    "Right, right. Ming Mei is quite skilled. It''s best to strike when she''s not home."


    "How should we do it?" Old Cai asked, but then added, "We must get the money, but I also want Wang Xiangxiu and her son dead. And that Bai Fendou¡ªsince he dared to injure me, I won''t let him off this time."


    Little Cai nodded impatiently.


    His father was focused on revenge, but Little Cai wasn''t as concerned. He was mainly after money. He had tasted the good life before, and the past decade had left him deeply frustrated.


    All he wanted was money¡ªto live a lavish, carefree life. That was his goal.


    As for revenge, it wasn''t that important to him.


    But clearly, his father felt differently.


    He was consumed by hatred for those people.


    Little Cai said, "Of course, we''ll take revenge, but let''s get the money first. With money, we can leave smoothly after settling the score. Right?"


    Old Cai nodded. This was crucial to him, a decade-long obsession. He had always fantasized about making those who drove him out of the capital pay dearly. He said, "And we can''t let Zheng Yufeng and Hu Huihui, those two masterminds, off the hook either."


    "I know, we won''t let them go."


    These two were wealthier than the people in the courtyard, so he couldn''t afford to spare them.


    "Dad, I''ve thought about it. We should gather a few people, scout the area, and empty their compound when they''re not home. What do you think?" Little Cai''s first thought wasn''t to fight to the death¡ªwhat was the point of that?


    He just wanted the money to live well. As for revenge?


    Once he had the money, he wouldn''t care. If his father wanted to throw his life away, that was his problem. Murder and theft were different crimes. Even if he thought he wouldn''t get caught, he had to be realistic and leave himself an out. He couldn''t be as reckless as his father.


    How stupid!


    "Dad, what do you think of my plan?"


    Old Cai asked, "What about revenge?"


    It was his unshakable obsession.


    He refused to believe it was all a coincidence, convinced that what happened back then was a setup.


    Little Cai brushed him off, saying, "Let''s focus on getting money first. Once we have the money, we¡¯ll plan our escape route, and then we can think about revenge. That way, we can leave immediately after. If we go for revenge first, we¡¯ll alert them, and without money, escaping won¡¯t be easy. Don¡¯t you agree?"


    Old Cai nodded. "You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll follow your lead."


    Little Cai replied, "Alright, let¡¯s refine the plan over the next few days."


    Jiang Baohong chimed in, "There are a lot of people in their compound who don¡¯t go to work. How easy do you think it¡¯ll be to steal when no one¡¯s around?"


    Little Cai responded, "That¡¯s why I said we need to find the right opportunity. Of course, if it comes down to it, kidnapping one or two people isn¡¯t out of the question. We need to be prepared for everything. Here¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking: the people living in that courtyard are just ordinary folks, not particularly sharp or capable. They¡¯re small-minded and lack experience. We¡¯ll deal with them first, take their money, and they probably won¡¯t suspect us right away. Then, we¡¯ll strike Hu Huihui immediately after. That way, we¡¯ll catch both Old Zheng and Hu Huihui off guard. But if we go after Hu Huihui first, they¡¯re seasoned and will pick up on any clues instantly. They¡¯ll lock onto us, and our next steps will be much harder. Why give them the upper hand? Let¡¯s focus on the money first, then deal with revenge. If we can¡¯t even get the money, what¡¯s the point of revenge?"


    Jiang Baohong quickly nodded. "My son is right."


    Old Cai slapped her across the face. "You stupid woman, who asked for your opinion?"


    Jiang Baohong shrunk back, humiliated.


    Little Cai said, "Mom, go make dinner."


    Jiang Baohong replied meekly, "Okay."


    Old Cai grumbled, "Your mother is useless. We¡¯re short on people. It¡¯s just the two of us, and she¡¯s only half a person at best. It¡¯s not enough."


    Little Cai smiled faintly. "I know someone who might be useful."


    Old Cai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"


    Little Cai explained, "His name is Fan Debiao. He used to run a street stall. I met him around the neighborhood. We¡¯re not close, but he could be useful now. Remember when I told you about Guan Guiling¡¯s husband? He¡¯s the one who accidentally killed him. Guan Guiling and her husband, Zheng Yufeng, cleaned out Fan Debiao¡¯s home, which led to everything that happened afterward. But because the Zheng family forgave him and considering the circumstances, he only got a year in prison. He just got out recently. I plan to ask him for help. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll agree. Think about it¡ªhe suffered for no reason. Wouldn¡¯t he hate the Zheng family? And Zheng¡¯s eldest daughter lives in that compound. It¡¯s perfect."


    This idea of making money wasn¡¯t new to him. He had long resented Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou, blaming them for ruining his family¡¯s prosperity. He had kept an eye on them for a while.


    But he was a selfish man, only looking out for himself. He wouldn¡¯t risk everything for revenge.


    Why should he? It wasn¡¯t worth it.


    However, watching them had made him envious. He noticed how well-off they were, especially after seeing how much money they made from their street stalls and Hu Huihui¡¯s shady dealings. He couldn¡¯t help but covet their wealth.


    This was why he had been thinking about how to get money. At first, he only had the desire but not the courage. But now that the old couple was back, it unleashed his malicious intentions. He had thought it through: if Zheng Yufeng could use Guan Guiling to fight his battles and reap the rewards, why couldn¡¯t he?


    He wasn¡¯t any worse than Zheng Yufeng. In fact, he was better.


    Zheng Yufeng had failed because of a woman. He didn¡¯t trust women and wouldn¡¯t let any woman lead him astray.


    Zheng Yufeng had failed, but he wouldn¡¯t.


    Thinking this, he smirked. "Fan Debiao can be used."


    He went into detail about Fan Debiao¡¯s grudge with the No. 44 Courtyard and his time in prison. "Back then, Fan Debiao caused trouble at the courtyard and got detained, which led to everything else. I don¡¯t believe he doesn¡¯t hold a grudge. Plus, he paid the Zheng family to get a lighter sentence. He¡¯s used to living comfortably, and now he¡¯s broke. He won¡¯t be able to handle it. I think he¡¯ll be willing to join us, no matter how you look at it. I know him¡ªhe¡¯s petty and vindictive. Even though he paid the Zheng family back then, he must still hate them. If it weren¡¯t for all this, he wouldn¡¯t have gone to prison. He¡¯d still be living the good life."


    He added, "Now we¡¯re giving him a chance. He¡¯ll take it."


    "Would he betray us?"


    Little Cai replied, "I don¡¯t think so. He has a score to settle with those people. He¡¯ll join us. Even if he doesn¡¯t, wouldn¡¯t he enjoy seeing his enemies suffer?"


    "You¡¯re right."


    "Then I¡¯ll reach out to him."


    "Alright. I¡¯ve been gone too long, so I¡¯ll leave this to you."


    Little Cai smiled. "Of course."


    *Bang!* Jiang Baohong accidentally dropped the pot lid. Old Cai instantly lost his temper and started beating her, shouting, "You useless woman, can¡¯t even cook properly! What good are you?"


    Jiang Baohong covered her head. "Stop, please stop!"


    Little Cai looked at his father with disgust. Ten years ago, when they had lived together, Old Cai had been the head of the household, a confident leader who didn¡¯t resort to violence. But a decade of frustration and failure had turned him into a bitter, violent man who lashed out at the slightest provocation.


    And Little Cai could tell that Old Cai¡¯s mood had been getting worse lately. He asked, "Dad, haven¡¯t you been visiting your old friends these past few days¡­"


    At this, Old Cai spat, his eyes red with rage. "Those bastards! None of them treat me like a person anymore. Back then, I was a deputy director. So many people came to me for favors, flattering me. Now they pretend not to know me. Damn them¡­"


    Little Cai thought to himself, *You¡¯ve been gone for over a decade. Of course they¡¯ve moved on.*


    "Those ungrateful scum. One day, I¡¯ll make them pay."


    Little Cai ignored him.


    He didn¡¯t bother with the old man¡¯s bitter ramblings and went straight to his room to sleep. As for stopping his father from hitting his mother? Not a chance. Why bother? She deserved it.


    Little Cai went to bed.


    Old Cai continued cursing, while Jiang Baohong, filled with resentment, dared not fight back. She knew they wouldn¡¯t take Zhang Lanhua with them, and she couldn¡¯t end up like her. A woman without a man had no hope.


    Her husband and son were capable men. They were just unlucky, having been sabotaged by petty people. But dragons and phoenixes would rise again. Jiang Baohong firmly believed that one day, they would make a comeback.


    What they lacked now was capital.


    Old Cai yelled, "What kind of slop is this? There¡¯s not even a bit of meat in the house. Who can eat this?"


    He had more to say.


    Jiang Baohong whimpered, "But we don¡¯t have any¡­"


    *Slap!*


    "How dare you talk back!"


    Old Cai grew even more irritated with Jiang Baohong. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him. An old woman on the stairs, about to go down, quickly retreated when she saw him, waiting until he was gone.


    Everyone knew how mean the old man was, quick to hit anyone who crossed him.


    He was truly a fierce one.


    Old Cai wandered out, heading toward Xinghua Lane.


    Though the real culprits might be Old Zheng and Hu Huihui, the person he hated most was still Wang Xiangxiu.


    After all, it was Wang Xiangxiu who had betrayed him. He had carried this hatred for over a decade, and it wasn¡¯t easy to let go. He walked to Xinghua Lane, though he had never been there before and didn¡¯t know where Wang Xiangxiu lived. He looked around, searching.


    It was already dark, and there weren¡¯t many people on the street. He silently walked into an alley. The temperature difference between day and night was significant now, and the evening chill had driven the children indoors to watch TV instead of playing outside.


    The alley was quite empty. Old Cai walked toward a public restroom, and on a whim, he decided to go inside. Ever since he had become impotent, he had developed a new hobby¡ªpeeking into restrooms.


    Even though he couldn¡¯t do anything, he still enjoyed this secretive pleasure.


    Besides peeking into restrooms, he also liked wearing a long coat with nothing underneath. Whenever he encountered a single woman, he would open his coat.


    In other words, he was what people commonly referred to as a pervert.


    That¡¯s just the kind of person he was, but he didn¡¯t see anything wrong with it. After all, he couldn¡¯t actually do anything, so what harm was there in having a little fun?


    Old Cai walked to the back of the restroom and tested the ground with his foot. Even after all these years, he still remembered the horrifying incident of someone falling into the restroom pit, so even when peeking, he always made sure he wouldn¡¯t fall in.


    He stepped on the ground a few times to confirm it was solid, then stood on the stone slab over the pit, trying to peer inside. However, whoever had built this restroom had placed the window at an unusually high position.


    Damn it!


    As he looked around, he suddenly remembered that this restroom had been built by their Revolutionary Committee. Back then, he had been a member of the committee. There was a rumor that one of their colleagues, Yu Baoshan, had secretly hidden a stash of gold and jewelry, possibly in the restroom. So, everyone had come here to search for it. At the time, Old Zheng had organized a team to dig up the restroom and then rebuild it.


    That damn guy.


    That bastard, why did he have to build it so high?


    Even someone as tall as Old Cai, at 1.7 meters, couldn¡¯t see inside!


    Old Cai looked around and found a rock to stand on. Damn it, he still couldn¡¯t see.


    He added another rock, but still no luck. His frustration grew inexplicably, and he became angrier. Even this restroom was making him unhappy. He added yet another rock.


    After stacking three rocks, he still couldn¡¯t see inside.


    ¡°That damn Old Zheng, that unlucky bastard! It¡¯s not like he was building a restroom for his own home. Why did he have to make it so fancy? He never did anything properly at work, but when it came to building a restroom, he went all out. Damn it, why doesn¡¯t he just eat shit!¡±


    Furious, he added a fifth rock, teetering precariously. Finally, he stood on the rocks, but even with so many stacked up, he still couldn¡¯t reach the window. He stood on his tiptoes, straining to see inside. ¡°Damn it, I still can¡¯t see anything.¡±


    While Old Cai was busy with his antics, Zhao Guihua came out to use the restroom, her hands tucked into her sleeves. She had been bothered by what Ming Mei had mentioned earlier¡ªthat the person they saw today seemed somewhat familiar. For some reason, Zhao Guihua felt a vague sense of unease.


    She tried to recall her past life, but her memory was completely blank on this matter. In other words, there had been no such person in their neighborhood in her past life. After all, it was more common for male perverts to peek into women¡¯s restrooms. Female perverts peeking into men¡¯s restrooms were extremely rare.


    If there had been one, she would have remembered.


    Since there hadn¡¯t been one in her past life, but there was one now, Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but worry that something might have gone wrong.


    She shook her head and entered the women¡¯s restroom. Coincidentally, the only person inside was Old Lady Yu, the mother of Yu Baoshan and Little Sister Yu.


    Although their children played together and Little Sister Yu got along with everyone, the adults in the neighborhood still didn¡¯t like Old Lady Yu. After all, the things she had done were a bit¡­


    As soon as Zhao Guihua entered, she saw Old Lady Yu furtively throwing something into the restroom pit.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­???¡±


    What was this old woman up to now?


    Old Lady Yu had come here to curse her in-laws¡ªthough she had other people she disliked too, not everyone had given her their birth dates. She had managed to extract the information from Yang Shulin.


    She quickly tossed a cloth doll into the pit and chuckled, saying, ¡°What a coincidence, you¡¯re here to use the restroom too?¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­¡±


    She was absolutely certain that Old Lady Yu was up to no good.


    She replied, ¡°Since you¡¯re here to use the restroom, of course I am too. It¡¯s not like someone else can do it for me.¡±


    Old Lady Yu: ¡°Hehe, hehehe.¡± She didn¡¯t see me throw the curse doll. She definitely didn¡¯t see.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Hehe, hehehe.¡± Is this old woman cursing someone again? Is she hiding stuff in the restroom now?


    Both women had their own thoughts and exchanged awkward laughs.


    Zhao Guihua was about to find a spot to squat when suddenly, she heard a loud thud. She immediately stopped and exchanged a glance with Old Lady Yu.


    Old Lady Yu had also heard it: ¡°What was that?¡±


    They both realized it was the sound of someone falling, and it came from behind the restroom. But behind the restroom was the pit!


    Without hesitation, they both ran to the back of the restroom. In just a few steps, they saw a pile of rocks that had toppled over, and a balding old man lying on the stone slab. Thankfully, he hadn¡¯t fallen into the pit.


    Zhao Guihua and Old Lady Yu exchanged a look and immediately understood.


    ¡°Pervert! Catch the pervert!¡±


    They were both seasoned veterans of the neighborhood. It was obvious this man had been trying to peep!


    They rushed forward. It had to be said, they were much quicker to act than the men in the neighborhood. While the men often hesitated, these old ladies were efficient. In no time, they had Old Cai pinned down and dragged him out.


    Old Cai hadn¡¯t expected to fall off the rocks before seeing anything.


    He cried out, ¡°It¡¯s a misunderstanding! This is all a misunderstanding!¡±


    Old Lady Yu wasn¡¯t having any of it. She slapped him twice across the face and said, ¡°You dare peep at me? Don¡¯t you know who I am? I¡¯m not someone to be trifled with! How dare you peep at me? You must have a death wish, you pervert! You think you can get away with this? Even though I¡¯m old, I still have my charm, but that doesn¡¯t mean you can peep! I¡¯m going to teach you a lesson today.¡±


    Old Lady Yu punched him twice more, leaving him with black eyes.


    Even a panda wouldn¡¯t have eyes as dark as his.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t hold back either. She punched him in the stomach, and Old Cai immediately crumpled to the ground.


    ¡°You pervert! How dare you peep into the women¡¯s restroom? This is unacceptable! Do you think we¡¯re pushovers in Xinghua Lane?¡±


    Zhao Guihua grabbed his hair and yanked hard. The already sparse hair on his balding head came out in clumps. Old Cai howled, ¡°It¡¯s really a misunderstanding¡­ Please let me go!¡±


    ¡°A misunderstanding? I don¡¯t think so. Tell us, who are you? Are you the accomplice of that woman who was peeping into the men¡¯s restroom earlier? Speak!¡± Zhao Guihua remembered that the young man they had chased earlier said the female pervert had been taken away by a man on a bicycle.


    ¡°Is it you? Speak!¡±


    Old Cai was on the verge of tears. He hadn¡¯t expected his luck to be so bad, running into these two vicious old ladies. Their beating was brutal. He wailed, ¡°Please let me go¡­ I¡¯ll never peep again!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Oh, so you admit it! This definitely isn¡¯t your first time, is it?¡±


    Slap! Slap! Slap!


    She grabbed his hair and slapped him repeatedly.


    People like him deserved to be beaten to death.


    Old Lady Yu unleashed a flurry of kicks aimed at his lower body.


    It had to be said, the people on this street had plenty of experience in fighting.


    Old Cai was beaten to a pulp, crying and snotting all over the place. ¡°I was wrong! I was really wrong!¡±


    The two women dragged him from behind the restroom to the front of the alley. By now, more people had heard the commotion and came out to watch. They were all puzzled. Why were these perverts so obsessed with restrooms? Another one had shown up.


    Oh, and it wasn¡¯t the same person as before.


    Were they working as a team?


    Seeing the crowd grow larger, Old Cai knew that if he didn¡¯t escape now, he¡¯d be in serious trouble. He cursed himself for coming here at this time and hated these two old ladies for being so ruthless.


    Those shameless women, what¡¯s so good about them?


    What he really wanted to see was the young wife.


    He watched as Old Lady Yu stood with her hands on her hips, shouting, ¡°We caught a pervert, he¡­ Ah!¡±


    Suddenly, Old Cai shoved Old Lady Yu hard, sending her stumbling into Zhao Guihua. Both women staggered, and Old Cai took off running. He knew if he didn¡¯t run now, he¡¯d never get away. He sprinted like mad, his feet barely touching the ground.


    But he wasn¡¯t as lucky as his wife. This time, a few young men from the courtyard were hot on his heels, including Zhuang Zhixi. They chased him relentlessly. Old Cai ran with all his might, but no matter how fast he went, he couldn¡¯t shake them off.


    He¡¯d already been beaten to a pulp, his whole body aching, but if he stopped now, he was done for.


    He darted into an alley, and Zhuang Zhixi caught up shortly after. But once he entered the alley, he was baffled. ¡°Where¡¯d he go? How¡¯d he just disappear?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s look around.¡±


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s check if he¡¯s hiding nearby.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he ducked into one of the houses.¡±


    They searched for a while but found no trace of him. Zhuang Zhixi scratched his head, muttering, ¡°What the hell? Did he just vanish into thin air?¡±


    He looked around. There were two paths leading out of the alley, but given the man¡¯s speed, it was impossible for him to have gotten far. Unless, of course, he¡¯d hidden in one of the nearby houses. But they couldn¡¯t just barge into people¡¯s homes demanding to search.


    ¡°Zhuang Zhixi, what do we do?¡±


    Da Qiang asked, ¡°Damn, that old bastard¡¯s fast. How¡¯d he just vanish like that?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi scanned the area and said, ¡°He¡¯s gotta be nearby.¡±


    He was sure the man was hiding, but finding him would be tough.


    Zhuang Zhixi spat in frustration. ¡°That old geezer got lucky this time. Next time, I¡¯ll break his legs.¡±


    Peeping in the restroom? That¡¯s not normal. Something¡¯s wrong with him.


    ¡°Next time we catch that pervert, we¡¯ll make sure he can¡¯t ever do it again,¡± one of the men growled.


    Meanwhile, Old Cai, who had successfully hidden himself, listened to every word, trembling with fear. But soon, his fear turned to defiance. He was already at rock bottom¡ªwhat more could they do to him? He crouched in his hiding spot, listening to their curses.


    ¡°Our neighborhood¡¯s restroom¡¯s a mess. Two perverts in one day?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go back and discuss organizing a patrol. Otherwise, people won¡¯t even feel safe using the restroom.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    ¡°Should we organize it ourselves or go through the neighborhood committee?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Let¡¯s do it ourselves and just inform the committee to avoid misunderstandings.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    With that, the group finally left, but Old Cai didn¡¯t dare come out. He knew better than to fall for their tricks. They might be waiting just around the corner, ready to pounce. So he stayed hidden, curled up in his spot.


    In truth, Zhuang Zhixi and the others hadn¡¯t gone far. They stood at the alley entrance, watching for a while. When no one emerged, Zhuang Zhixi muttered, ¡°That old bastard¡¯s got some nerve, hiding like that.¡±


    ¡°Zhuang Zhixi, what now?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡±


    Da Qiang asked, ¡°Zhuang Zhixi, what if that old bastard heard us talking about the patrol?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied calmly, ¡°If he¡¯s around, he¡¯ll hear. And that¡¯s good. He¡¯ll know our neighborhood¡¯s not an easy target. It¡¯ll keep things safer.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    They walked back, frustrated that they hadn¡¯t caught him.


    But it wasn¡¯t their fault they couldn¡¯t find him. When Old Cai had run into the alley, he¡¯d accidentally fallen into an open manhole. The cover hadn¡¯t been properly secured, and as soon as he fell, he quickly pulled the cover back over him. He hid in the sewer, surrounded by filth and stench, but he didn¡¯t care. He curled up, holding his breath.


    He didn¡¯t know how long he¡¯d been hiding, but his legs were numb, and he was freezing. Still, he didn¡¯t dare come out, fearing the men were still lurking outside. Old Cai was a man of pride¡ªhe¡¯d been a deputy director, after all. If he got caught peeping in a restroom, his reputation would be ruined.


    Besides, his wife hadn¡¯t been caught. How could he, a man, be worse than her?


    Thinking of Jiang Baohong filled him with resentment. If she hadn¡¯t alerted everyone, he wouldn¡¯t have been discovered. It was all her fault.


    He didn¡¯t dare curse aloud, but in his heart, he was tearing Jiang Baohong and the two old women to shreds. Those old hags.


    Furious but helpless, he endured the cold. For some reason, it was getting colder by the minute. Finally, he couldn¡¯t take it anymore and decided to climb out. ¡°Ugh!¡±


    But it wasn¡¯t easy. He gritted his teeth, struggling to pull himself up. The distance was too great, and he couldn¡¯t get enough leverage. He tried again and again¡­


    Heave-ho! Heave-ho!


    He could do it. He could climb out¡­


    After what felt like an eternity, he finally managed to push the manhole cover aside and pull himself up. Covered in filth and stinking to high heaven, he barely got his head out when he heard a scream: ¡°A ghost!!!¡±


    A drunkard, startled by the sight of a mud-covered figure emerging from the ground, kicked him back down.


    Old Cai fell back into the sewer, his body aching all over. The drunkard ran off, screaming, ¡°A ghost! A ghost!¡±


    In the dead of night, seeing a mud-covered man crawl out of the ground, anyone would think they¡¯d seen a ghost.


    ¡°Help! Help!¡±


    The drunkard ran off, and Old Cai took a deep breath, mustering all his strength to climb out again. ¡°Damn it, damn it¡­ How did I, Old Cai, end up like this? Heaven¡¯s so unfair!¡±

 Chapter 211

    Old Cai finally crawled out of the sewer, stumbling and staggering.


    That sewer was no place to be. He was covered from head to toe in black, slimy grime, and it had taken every ounce of his strength just to get out. He lay by the manhole cover, tears streaming down his face as he dry-heaved.


    If you looked closely, you might have mistaken him for an African brother.


    Furious, he cursed, "I swear I''ll get revenge for this!"


    Old Cai was seething, blaming the whole ordeal on those two old women. Who did they think they were, daring to hit him? He pounded the ground in anger, about to get up, when he heard a commotion approaching.


    The voice sounded familiar¡ªit was none other than that Alcoholic.


    The man was wailing, "I told you there was a ghost! A real ghost! A sewer ghost! Waaah..."


    Old Cai looked up in panic. To his horror, the Alcoholic had brought a crowd with him, including a few familiar faces¡ªyoung men who had chased him before. Old Cai''s heart raced. He couldn''t let them catch him. Without a second thought, he jumped back into the sewer, yanking the manhole cover shut behind him.


    He landed with a thud, his buttocks feeling like they''d split into four pieces.


    "Ahhh! Did you see that? That black ghost just vanished!" the Alcoholic screamed. He wasn''t a young man anymore, but he''d seen too much. The ghosts of Xinghua Lane had all made their appearances to him.


    "That''s no ghost! It''s a manhole cover thief!" someone shouted.


    "Yeah, he was definitely trying to steal the cover. That''s a thief for sure!"


    The Alcoholic hesitated, "But... he disappeared in a flash..."


    "He jumped down! Let''s go after him!"


    The crowd rushed over. Old Cai, hearing their voices, knew he''d been spotted. If he didn''t run, he''d be caught and branded a thief. He couldn''t bear that humiliation. Without a second thought, he groped his way forward in the pitch-black sewer, ignoring the slimy, sticky ground beneath his feet.


    The city''s sewer system was a labyrinth. Old Cai kept moving, his heart pounding as he heard the sound of the manhole cover being lifted. Terrified, he ran faster. If he got caught now, his reputation would be ruined forever. He stumbled in the dark, falling hard and feeling every inch of his body scream in pain.


    But the voices sounded closer than ever.


    "That old man''s a thief, alright. Look how fast he''s running!"


    "Did you hear that? He''s running deeper inside!"


    "Should we chase him?"


    "How? It''s a maze down there. Who knows where he went? It''s pitch black, and it''s nighttime. If we go down, we might get lost ourselves."


    "Yeah, you''re right."


    Their voices were so close it felt like they were about to catch up. Old Cai scrambled to his feet and kept running, his heart ready to burst. By now, he couldn''t hear anything but his own ragged breathing.


    He was terrified.


    The narrow path ahead offered no light. Clenching his fists, he pressed on, too scared to turn back. He had no idea if he could even find his way out.


    Old Cai walked for what felt like an eternity, his anxiety growing with every step. He fell several times, his body battered and bruised. Finally, alone in the darkness, he broke down and cried, "Heaven, why are you treating me like this? I''m a good man, Old Cai! Why are you doing this to me?"


    Tears streaming down his face, he vented his grievances, "I come from a working-class family. I''ve never done anything truly evil¡ªno murder, no arson, no scams. Sure, when I was a deputy director, I took revenge on a few enemies, but I didn''t kill them! And yes, I embezzled some money during the confiscation campaigns, but I didn''t spend it on myself! And okay, I might have peeked into the women''s restroom a few times, but did I really do anything that bad? I didn''t! Waaah! Why are you picking on me? I''m so wronged, so bitter, so miserable! Why am I so unlucky?"


    His sobs echoed in the sewer, amplifying his despair. As he stumbled forward in the dark, he felt like there was no end in sight. Wiping his nose, he smeared snot on the wall and muttered, "I was in my prime when they made me a eunuch. I can''t even find a woman now. What''s wrong with taking a peek? What''s wrong with that? I didn''t hurt anyone! Waaah! Every time I got caught, I paid compensation! I paid so much money! Why are you still targeting me? Waaah!"


    The more he walked, the more scared he became. Finally, he sat down, only to plop right into a puddle. "Damn it!"


    He scrambled to his feet, now not just scared but freezing cold. A wind had picked up in the sewer, and he shivered uncontrollably. He had to find an exit soon, or he''d freeze to death.


    Gritting his teeth, he stood up and kept walking.


    Meanwhile, the people above had no idea of Old Cai''s plight. They were discussing, "That thief must know the sewers well. Even if we go down, we probably won''t catch him."


    "So we just let him go?"


    They debated, but no one was eager to venture into the sewers. It wasn''t that they didn''t want to do the right thing¡ªif it were a real criminal, they''d step up. But a manhole cover thief? He probably knew the sewers like the back of his hand. Without flashlights or familiarity with the area, it was too risky.


    The leader said, "Let''s just leave. But I''ll report this to the police station. That thief must be stealing covers to sell as scrap metal."


    "Those people have no morals. They make money by destroying public property. What if someone falls in? That''s just evil."


    "Yeah, totally."


    After some discussion, the leader headed to the police station while the others went home. Among them was Da Qiang, who had joined the group after stepping out to use the restroom. Since they hadn''t caught the thief, they comforted the Alcoholic before dispersing.


    The Alcoholic sighed, "I''ve endured so much alone."


    He really had it rough. How could he keep running into these kinds of things?


    As everyone went their separate ways, Da Qiang returned home to find his wife, Wang Zizhen, doing the accounts. Their three children had finished their homework and were already asleep. He walked over and asked, "How''s it going?"


    Wang Zizhen smiled, "It''s good."


    She said, "Look, our income this year is better than last year."


    Life was getting better for them, and she was full of hope. She suggested, "If things go well by the end of the year, maybe we can buy a TV."


    Da Qiang nodded, "Whatever you say."


    He usually left household decisions to his wife.


    He smiled, "A TV would be nice. The kids have been wanting one for a while."


    Wang Zizhen nodded, "I know."


    She had noticed the kids'' excitement and thought a TV, though expensive, would be a worthwhile investment. She got up to fetch hot water for foot washing, and Da Qiang joined her, their feet soaking together.


    It was then that Wang Zizhen remembered, "You were gone for a while when you went to the restroom earlier. What happened?"


    Da Qiang: "Earlier, the Alcoholic said there was a ghost, so I went to catch it. Turns out, it wasn¡¯t a ghost at all¡ªit was a thief stealing manhole covers. These scoundrels are getting more and more brazen. First, there was the one who dared to sneak into the restroom, and now this guy stealing manhole covers. What kind of people are these?"


    Wang Zizhen: "Stealing manhole covers?"


    She was utterly disgusted: "Such lowlifes."


    "Exactly, these lazy good-for-nothings," Da Qiang replied.


    After washing their feet, Da Qiang went out to dump the water. The couple had a good relationship. Though Da Qiang wasn¡¯t much of a talker and was a bit reckless, he truly cared for his wife. After dumping the water, he came back and started kneading dough, saying, "I¡¯ll make you noodles for breakfast tomorrow."


    Wang Zizhen: "Alright."


    Soon, they turned off the lights and went to bed.


    Meanwhile, the thief was still rummaging around in the sewer, looking for a way out.


    Over at the Cai household, Jiang Baohong was pacing anxiously. It was already 10 p.m., and Old Cai still hadn¡¯t returned.


    "Your dad¡¯s not back yet. Shouldn¡¯t you go out and look for him?" she asked.


    Little Cai, however, was indifferent. He was already half-asleep and said, "Why bother? He¡¯s a grown man, not a child. He¡¯s not going to get lost."


    "But he hasn¡¯t eaten yet," Jiang Baohong fretted.


    She was worried about her husband. Even though they had divorced, it had been a temporary arrangement.


    "Your dad has nowhere else to go. He¡¯s been away from the capital for over a decade. What if he got lost?" she said.


    Little Cai couldn¡¯t help but laugh. "Are you out of your mind? He¡¯s not a three-year-old. How could he get lost? He¡¯s probably sleeping with some shady woman. Stop worrying so much."


    This comment made Jiang Baohong¡¯s face darken. Everyone knew what "shady women" were, and she despised such people.


    Despite her displeasure, she still defended her husband. "Don¡¯t talk nonsense and ruin your dad¡¯s reputation," she said.


    Little Cai sneered. "Ruining his reputation? If he hadn¡¯t slept with Wang Xiangxiu and gotten caught in that honey trap, we wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. Now he acts like some innocent saint. It¡¯s no surprise he¡¯d visit those shady places."


    Little Cai was blunt.


    He felt that losing his privileged status as a "second-generation" elite, unable to flaunt his wealth like the other spoiled kids in the capital, was all because his father had fallen for the honey trap. Otherwise, the money they could¡¯ve made would¡¯ve been endless. But instead, his father had to use most of the money he¡¯d earned to settle the scandal, leaving them penniless now.


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. He glared at his mother and said, "If it weren¡¯t for you, none of this would¡¯ve happened."


    He blamed Jiang Baohong too.


    Jiang Baohong stammered, "I¡¯m innocent too. Who could¡¯ve known that woman was so shameless? Son, please go look for your dad. He really wouldn¡¯t go to those shady places. After what that Bai guy did to him, he¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s not capable of that anymore."


    This was why she was certain Old Cai wouldn¡¯t visit such places.


    Little Cai: "I¡¯m not going. Even if he didn¡¯t go there, he could¡¯ve gone somewhere else. Stop bothering me, or I won¡¯t be nice."


    He turned over, feeling restless and lonely in the middle of the night.


    He sat up abruptly.


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s eyes lit up. "Are you going to look for your dad?"


    Little Cai didn¡¯t answer. He got up, put on his coat, and left. Since the old man was useless, he might as well go find some "shady women" himself. He knew a few women who secretly offered such services. With Zhang Lanhua gone, it was the perfect time for some fun.


    Jiang Baohong: "Should I come with you?"


    Little Cai: "Get lost!"


    He had no patience for his mother and didn¡¯t bother explaining where he was really going. He left without another word.


    Jiang Baohong was moved to tears. "I knew it. I knew you still cared about your dad."


    Her child couldn¡¯t possibly be bad. She knew her son better than anyone. He might have a sharp tongue, but he had a kind heart.


    Finally at ease, she went back to her room to sleep. She could rest peacefully now.


    The autumn night was particularly cold, and the early morning temperature hadn¡¯t risen. Instead, the wind had picked up, making the courtyard feel even chillier. But everyone was already up and busy, the sounds of pots and pans clanging filling the air.


    Ming Mei had gone out early to buy soy milk and fried dough sticks. On her way back, she ran into Jiang Lu heading the same way.


    Nowadays, few people in the courtyard made their own breakfast. What used to be a luxury¡ªeating soy milk and fried dough sticks¡ªwas now something every household could afford.


    Jiang Lu: "How¡¯s the fried dough today?"


    Ming Mei: "Pretty good."


    She headed home, warning her kids, "When you¡¯re out playing after school, watch your step. There¡¯s been a thief stealing manhole covers around here. If you accidentally fall into a sewer, not only will you be scared, but you¡¯ll definitely get hurt. Be careful."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan nodded. "Got it, Mom."


    The two kids started washing their hands and getting ready for breakfast. Zhuang Zhixi came over and asked, "What¡¯s this about a manhole cover thief?"


    Ming Mei: "I heard about it when I went out to buy breakfast. Apparently, they caught someone last night trying to steal a manhole cover nearby. It was close¡ªthey almost got away with it."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Nearby? Could it be the next alley over?"


    Ming Mei nodded. "Yeah, why?"


    Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his chin. "Yesterday, when we caught that peeping Tom in the restroom, he ran off toward that alley. I thought he¡¯d hidden in one of the courtyards, but now I¡¯m thinking¡ªthere¡¯s a sewer there. Maybe he hid down there. It¡¯s possible the manhole cover thief is the same guy."


    Ming Mei: "Whoa!"


    She said, "If it¡¯s the same guy, he¡¯s in for it. I heard he escaped through the sewer. It¡¯s pitch black down there. He¡¯s going to suffer."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Doubt it. Someone like him, doing dirty work, wouldn¡¯t go without a flashlight. It was already getting dark when he was peeping in the restroom. He¡¯d have come prepared. These scoundrels don¡¯t half-ass their tools."


    "That¡¯s true," Ming Mei said. "They say the wicked live long. He¡¯s probably already escaped. If only karma would strike and trap him in the sewer. He deserves to suffer."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled. "Wishful thinking."


    The family ate breakfast together, and Zhuang Zhixi reminded the kids, "When you¡¯re using the restroom in the alley, keep an eye out for each other. There are a lot of creeps around lately. Be careful."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan nodded. "Got it."


    It was still early, and the kids were getting ready for school. Today¡¯s hot topic was the "Restroom Pervert."


    Whether male or female, the term wasn¡¯t flattering, but by that morning, they¡¯d all settled on calling him the "Restroom Pervert."


    Tuantuan said, "From now on, when you girls go to the restroom, call us. We¡¯ll keep watch for each other. It¡¯s safer that way."


    Yuanyuan nodded solemnly, and the other kids agreed. Whether boys or girls, everyone was on edge. After all, no one wanted to run into the Restroom Pervert.


    Li Zhenzhen clenched her fists in anger. "If I catch that scoundrel, I¡¯ll teach him a lesson. My brother came home crying yesterday. He even lost a pair of underpants worth fifty cents!"


    Yuanyuan chimed in, "My brother too."


    She was fuming. "My brother, Hutou, was so mad he kept cursing when he got home. He said he¡¯s a decent young man, and yet an old lady saw him like that. He¡¯s never been so humiliated in his life!"


    The kids were all very serious. Xing''er said, "My grandma said the pervert deserves to die. He even peeked at her, but my grandma¡¯s tough. She beat him up. My dad said he¡¯s joining the patrol to catch that troublemaker as soon as possible, so we don¡¯t have to live in fear."


    "Exactly," someone agreed.


    "My dad said there¡¯s also a manhole cover thief around lately. It seems like there are more bad guys popping up these days," Ye Siyuan added.


    Yuanyuan immediately exclaimed, "I know this! My dad said the toilet maniac and the manhole cover thief are probably the same person because yesterday the toilet maniac disappeared right around there."


    "Ah! So the toilet maniac also steals manhole covers?"


    "Bad guys do all kinds of things."


    "Exactly."


    "Huh?" Yuanyuan suddenly stopped in her tracks. She pointed at a manhole cover in the distance that seemed to be moving. "Look, that manhole cover seems to be moving."


    "Huh? It really does seem like it."


    The kids quickly ran over.


    By this time, Old Cai had been freezing all night, cold and miserable, feeling like life had no hope left. He cursed the old lady who had beaten him, the strong men who had chased him, and finally his wife and son for not coming to look for him. "No conscience at all, leaving me out here like this," he muttered.


    All night, he had been hungry and cold, feeling like his life was falling apart. He kept walking, unable to find an exit, utterly exhausted and on the verge of collapse. Finally, he saw a glimmer of light¡ªit was coming from a loose manhole cover.


    Overjoyed, he rushed over and pushed against the manhole cover. Fortunately, it wasn''t too high, and with a bit of effort, he managed to push it open. He was finally going to get out!


    "Look, this manhole cover is moving!"


    "Is there someone underneath?" Bai Qingqing spoke up.


    The kids all froze for a moment, then quickly focused on the manhole cover. Xing''er said, "Could it... could it be the manhole cover thief down there?"


    They all took a step back. Just then, Tuantuan quickly called out, "Uncle, Uncle! The manhole cover is moving. Could there be a thief down there?"


    Tuantuan grabbed a passing worker, who paused and said, "A thief?"


    Tuantan wasn''t sure but said, "There was a thief in our area yesterday."


    The worker chuckled, "Kids, thieves don''t usually operate in broad daylight like this. I think you might be imagining things. Let me check¡ªit''s probably just a big rat." As he spoke, he walked over and lifted the manhole cover¡ª"Ahhh!"


    He screamed.


    Who would have thought there really was someone under the manhole cover? A grimy figure, so dirty you couldn''t make out his face, just a pair of eyes that looked terrifying.


    The worker''s scream scared Old Cai too.


    He yelped, turned around, and ran.


    At this point, getting out didn''t matter¡ªsurvival was the priority.


    "Damn, there really was someone down there!"


    "What''s going on? What''s happening here?"


    "Someone was down there just now. Oh my god, I nearly had a heart attack..."


    Tuantuan said, "There really was someone down there."


    "No kidding!"


    The kids gasped, "Oh my goodness!"


    This was genuinely a bit scary.


    Everyone exchanged glances, wide-eyed. A concerned onlooker said, "Kids, don''t hang around here. Hurry up and go to school. Leave catching the bad guys to us adults."


    The kids nodded solemnly.


    The crowd discussed the situation. "Did he get away again?"


    "Yep, like a rat, scurrying away so fast, as if the sewers were his home."


    "I''ll stay here and keep watch. You go call the police. That old guy''s probably running around down there, waiting for a chance to steal another manhole cover."


    "Right."


    "Call the cops."


    Once they had a plan, they noticed the kids were still lingering. "Kids, hurry up and go to school."


    The kids finally left, though they walked away with a sense of pride. They had discovered the bad guy, even if they hadn''t caught him. But it was clear he was still lurking around.


    "Next time, we''ll catch him for sure."


    "Our teacher always describes bad guys as rats in the gutter. Now I see it''s true," Xiao Qijin remarked.


    The other kids nodded in agreement. It really was like a big rat.


    Meanwhile, the "big rat" they were talking about continued to flee through the sewers. Old Cai''s stomach growled from hunger, and he felt cold and sore all over. He thought he might die trapped in the sewers.


    Why hadn''t he realized how complicated the sewer system was before?


    Someone, please save him!


    He''d even be willing to offer himself in marriage!


    Blindly stumbling forward in the darkness, he started singing, "Little cabbage, wilted and yellow, your name is Old Cai..."


    He was so miserable, overwhelmed by the endless hardships of life. He felt like the heavens were testing him. Why else would he be the only one going through all this?


    "Heaven assigns great tasks to those it favors, but first..."


    Old Cai wiped his tears, singing and walking, hoping to find another way out.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang, and the other elders had gone to the neighborhood committee. With all the recent incidents, bad guys were starting to show up more frequently. They were discussing forming a patrol team. Fortunately, the committee supported the idea but reminded them, "You can organize a patrol team to catch thieves, but make sure it''s voluntary. Don''t force anyone to join, or it could cause problems."


    All the elders nodded in agreement. Zhao Guihua spoke up first, "We don''t necessarily need the men to patrol. What''s wrong with us old ladies? Back in the day, we were just as good at catching thieves. Even if it''s been a while, you haven''t forgotten, have you? When it came to catching thieves, those young folks weren''t always better than us."


    Aunt Wang chimed in, "Exactly. We were top-notch back then, and we''re still just as capable now."


    "Absolutely. As modern elderly women, we''re both cultured and skilled."


    The committee director couldn''t help but laugh at their confidence. "If you all feel this way, I trust you. After all, you''re seasoned veterans. You probably have better judgment and observation skills than the younger folks."


    "That''s definitely true."


    The director also wondered, "It''s strange, though. Why do these petty thieves keep targeting the toilets in your area? What''s so magical about the toilets?"


    Zhao Guihua quipped, "Maybe they just have a deep love for toilets."


    The director was speechless but nodded silently.


    It did seem that way. Every thief seemed to get caught up in toilet-related incidents.


    Still, she reminded them, "Whether you''re patrolling or just going about your day, be careful. I know you''re all capable, but safety comes first. We can''t let anyone get hurt trying to catch a thief."


    "We know. We''re not stupid."


    "Good."


    With that settled, everyone headed back. The adults weren''t too worried about encountering the toilet maniac themselves, but they were concerned about scaring the kids.


    "That guy needs to be caught soon."


    "Absolutely!"


    As they walked back, they discussed their plans. "We can set up stalls during the day, but the real issue is at night."


    "Right."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Can everyone contribute someone to patrol?"


    "Of course. My family has plenty of people. We can take turns patrolling," Aunt Wang said confidently. Aunt Zhou added, "My son Zhou Qun has nothing better to do. I''ll send him too."


    As the elders walked back, Zhao Guihua muttered, "Our alley is famous far and wide. How dare anyone come here to cause trouble? They must not know who they''re messing with."


    "Exactly. They''re just asking for trouble."


    "Zhao Guihua!"


    A young man hurried over from the alley, calling out, "Zhao Guihua!"


    Zhao Guihua stopped. "What''s going on?"


    Young Man: "The kids from your compound spotted a thief this morning while heading to school. It''s the same guy who stole the manhole cover last night. Unfortunately, we didn''t catch him. As soon as he noticed any movement, he bolted and disappeared again."


    Zhao Guihua: "!!!"


    She was shocked: "Is that guy still down there?"


    "Exactly."


    Zhao Guihua: "..."


    Aunt Wang: "What a shame we didn''t catch him!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Wait, if he''s been down there all night, could he have gotten lost?"


    "Well..." No one could say for sure, but it did seem plausible. After all, who would spend an entire night wandering around down there? For a moment, everyone began to deeply question the thief''s intelligence.


    As expected, a foolish thief is bound to be incompetent.


    Aunt Zhou: "I''ve never seen someone so dumb."


    Zhao Guihua: "Well, now you have."


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    "By the way, are you setting up your stalls today?" Aunt Zhou asked.


    While catching the thief was important, making money was equally crucial. They were seasoned stall owners now, and quite skilled at it too.


    Zhao Guihua: "Not this morning. The lease on my place is up, so I need to go collect the rent."


    Aunt Zhou: "That''s really nice."


    She genuinely envied Zhao Guihua. While the income might not be huge, it was stable, and the property was hers. It further solidified her determination to buy a house. After all, when she got too old to run a stall, this would be a reliable source of income. It was far better than having to rely on her son and daughter-in-law for money.


    "I ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????should start looking into it more seriously too," she said.


    Soon, they put the manhole cover thief out of their minds.


    Meanwhile, the foolish thief was still scurrying through the sewer, tears nearly dried up, feeling utterly hopeless. He continued to trudge forward in the darkness. The morning sun was shining brightly outside, but down in the sewer, he couldn''t see a thing.


    Little Cai had enjoyed himself the previous night and was humming a tune as he walked home. When he arrived, he found his mother, Jiang Baohong, still in bed. He immediately got angry and started banging on the door. "Mom, get up! It''s already past nine. How can you be so lazy? Get up now!"


    He glanced at the clock and added, "It''s almost ten, and you''re still sleeping. I''ve never seen a woman lazier than you."


    Jiang Baohong sat up groggily, feeling a headache coming on. She stood up weakly and walked to the door, saying, "I might be sick. I don''t feel well."


    The previous day''s chaos had drained her energy, and the shock combined with the beating she received had left her feeling like she''d been hit by a sudden illness.


    She asked, "Where''s your dad?"


    Little Cai rolled his eyes. "How should I know? He''s always up to something. Do I look like I keep track of his whereabouts? I''m hungry. Make me something to eat."


    Jiang Baohong leaned against the door and said, "I really don''t feel well."


    "What does that have to do with me? Did I make you sick? I told you, you''re always running around doing who-knows-what, and now you''re sick. Don''t expect me to pay for your medicine. I don''t have the money," Little Cai retorted harshly.


    Jiang Baohong felt miserable. "How can you talk to me like that? I know you''re just harsh on the outside but soft on the inside. But..."


    "Enough already. Are you going to cook or not? If not, I''ll just eat out."


    Jiang Baohong didn''t blame her son. Instead, she was upset with herself for being a burden. She said, "Go ahead. I really don''t have the energy. By the way, didn''t you go looking for your dad last night?"


    Little Cai: "Who knows where he went to have fun? Even though he can''t do much, that doesn''t stop him from trying."


    Though he knew his father wasn''t capable of much, Little Cai didn''t hesitate to make such comments. He impatiently said, "I''m leaving."


    Little Cai had just returned home and was already heading out again, showing no concern for his father. Jiang Baohong called after him, "You should at least try to find out where your dad is..."


    Before she could finish, Little Cai interrupted, "Dad''s a grown man. Does he need me to look after him? He''ll be fine. You''re the one who''s always worrying for no reason. I need to go find Fan Debiao. I don''t have time for this."


    Jiang Baohong: "Alright, go ahead."


    Little Cai went to find Fan Debiao with the intention of winning him over. He had been gathering information about Fan Debiao over the past few days. Under the circumstances, it was clear to everyone that Fan Debiao had been an innocent victim, and the Zheng family had been at fault initially, which was why he had received a light sentence.


    However, even with a light sentence, he had still lost money and spent time in jail. Little Cai was certain that Fan Debiao harbored resentment, and as long as there was resentment, they could work together.


    Little Cai didn''t care about grudges or revenge; all he wanted was money.


    But he had no problem using someone else''s hatred to his advantage. That was just how things worked.


    Little Cai stopped at a small shop to eat some steamed buns. As for his sick mother back home? He didn''t give her a second thought. After all, skipping one meal wouldn''t kill her. After breakfast, he headed straight to Fan Debiao''s place. Fan Debiao had only returned a few days ago and was still in a slump. When Little Cai entered the courtyard, an old woman stopped him. "Who are you looking for?"


    Little Cai thought to himself how nosy these old ladies were. Who he was looking for was none of their business.


    But to avoid trouble, he simply said, "I''m looking for Fan Debiao."


    The old woman gave him a suspicious once-over and then gestured with her chin. "He''s over there."


    Little Cai didn''t bother responding and went straight to knock on the door. "Fan Debiao, are you home?"


    Fan Debiao had been lying in bed, motionless. Hearing the noise, he got up and saw someone he didn''t quite recognize. "You are...?"


    "I''m Little Cai. Remember me?"


    Fan Debiao thought for a moment and finally recalled who he was. "Ah, it''s you. It''s been a while." Since his time in jail, his old friends had stopped coming around. Even though they were all small-time troublemakers, there was still a difference between those who had been in jail and those who hadn''t.


    He asked, "What brings you here?"


    Little Cai: "Can we talk inside?"


    Fan Debiao nodded, and they went in. As soon as Little Cai entered, he was struck by how bleak the place looked. The house wasn''t small, but aside from a bed, there was practically nothing else. The emptiness was almost pitiful.


    Fan Debiao: "You can sit on the bed. There''s nowhere else to sit."


    He didn''t seem to care about appearances and just sprawled on the bed. "So, what''s up?"


    Seeing Fan Debiao''s defeated state, Little Cai couldn''t help but say, "Brother Fan, are you just going to stay like this?"


    Fan Debiao gave Little Cai a wary look. "What else am I supposed to do?"


    He narrowed his eyes slightly, waiting to hear what Little Cai had to say. They weren''t close, and they hadn''t interacted much in the past. But now, here was Little Cai showing up and saying such things. Clearly, he had an agenda. Fan Debiao had been involved in the black market and had done business before.


    He knew how to play this game. He had to stay calm and maintain control of the situation, waiting to see what this guy was really after.


    Little Cai: "Brother Fan, of course you should seek revenge and make a comeback. Otherwise, how can you make up for everything you''ve suffered this past year?"


    Now Fan Debiao understood. He smiled meaningfully and said, "Revenge? Who am I supposed to take revenge on? Zheng Yufeng is dead, and the Zheng family was decent enough not to push for a harsher punishment. Who should I go after now? Guan Guiling? She''s already gone mad."


    He wasn''t without resentment, but he wasn''t foolish enough to let someone else use him as a pawn. Besides, this guy showing up out of the blue with such talk¡ªhe couldn''t trust him. Who knew what Little Cai was really up to?


    Fan Debiao pretended to have turned over a new leaf and said indifferently, "I was at fault back then too. Otherwise, things wouldn''t have escalated so much. While I feel wronged, the Zheng family has already fallen apart. What''s the point of holding onto a grudge?"


    Little Cai cursed in his heart but put on a pained expression, saying, "Brother Fan, you''re being foolish. How can you just let these things slide? They''ve done so much to you; you should make them understand you''re not to be trifled with. If you let it go, won¡¯t others think they can walk all over you too? Besides, who has it easy making money these days? Look at your home¡ªit¡¯s so empty even the rats don¡¯t bother coming. All of this is thanks to the Zheng family. Even though the Zheng family is ruined, Zheng Huimin is still living well in the city. She¡¯s taken over her mother¡¯s job at the bus station and even runs a stall on the side. She¡¯s living comfortably, stepping over you to get ahead. Are you really going to let that slide? If you can truly tolerate this, then fine, but forgive me for saying so¡ªthis makes you seem spineless, not a real man at all."


    Fan Debiao had already figured out that this guy wanted him to go after Zheng Huimin. But why? They shouldn¡¯t even know each other, right?


    Fan Debiao pretended to be utterly defeated and said, "Say what you want. I don¡¯t want to deal with Zheng Huimin."


    In truth, he hated Zheng Huimin to the core. If she had just married him back then, none of this would have happened. Even though Zheng Huimin had written a letter of forgiveness, he believed it was only because he had been quick to part with his money. Otherwise, the Zheng family might not have forgiven him.


    As for Zheng Huimin claiming she understood the root of the problem lay with her parents, Fan Debiao dismissed it as nonsense. Zheng Huimin, deep and righteous? She was just a foolish woman. He was convinced it was his money that had saved him. But why did Little Cai care so much about his hatred for the Zheng family?


    Fan Debiao wasn¡¯t biting, and Little Cai was growing impatient. He couldn¡¯t understand why this guy was so useless.


    Taking a deep breath, Little Cai spoke earnestly, "Do you still have feelings for her? I know she used to chase after Su Jinlai, and now she¡¯s after Li Junjun. She never once thought about being faithful to you. And if it weren¡¯t for your detention, your family wouldn¡¯t have been stripped bare. Whose fault is that? Can you really forgive the people who put you in there?"


    Fan Debiao asked, "Are you hoping I¡¯ll go after the people in that compound?"


    He laughed, "Little Cai, we¡¯re both old foxes. Let¡¯s skip the theatrics. Just say what you mean. I¡¯m not easily manipulated. I¡¯ll decide for myself whether to agree or not, but I won¡¯t let someone use me as a pawn."


    After some probing, Little Cai realized he couldn¡¯t hide his intentions from Fan Debiao and finally admitted, "Actually, I have some grievances with that compound too. My family has a score to settle with Guan Guiling. She swindled my mother several times in the past."


    Fan Debiao narrowed his eyes slightly.


    "My parents came back from out of town this time to seek revenge."


    Fan Debiao said, "Guan Guiling is already in a mental hospital. What more do you want to do? Besides, the hospital won¡¯t just let strangers see her."


    Little Cai replied, "Guan Guiling has already gotten her comeuppance. I don¡¯t plan to do anything more to her, but..."


    He dragged out his words and smiled, "They should compensate us for our financial losses. I know that many people in the compound where Guan Guiling¡¯s daughter lives run stalls. They¡¯re doing quite well. Besides Guan Guiling¡¯s daughter, there are a few others in that compound who¡¯ve wronged my family. If it weren¡¯t for them, I wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. Since they¡¯re so well-off, why not take some of their money for ourselves?"


    Fan Debiao remained silent.


    He could see right through this. All this talk of revenge was just a smokescreen. At the end of the day, Little Cai just wanted money.


    "What do you plan to do?"


    Little Cai said, "I want to target their compound. We¡¯ll scout it out first, then wait for a time when most of them are away and raid the place."


    He spoke with excitement, "Besides this target, I have another one. If we work together, we¡¯re guaranteed to strike it rich."


    Fan Debiao asked, "...Do you know how serious the crime of robbery is?"


    Little Cai chuckled, "We¡¯ll take the money and leave. Are we going to wait around to get caught? And don¡¯t you want revenge?"


    He added seriously, "Think about how much money you¡¯ve lost this time. If we can get it all back at once, we can just leave town. Honestly, I want to get out of here too. You see, even a woman from the machinery factory managed to run away. Why can¡¯t we?"


    Fan Debiao¡¯s eyes widened.


    Little Cai continued, "You¡¯ve been inside for a year, so you don¡¯t know how well their business is doing. Even Zheng Huimin is making money now. Do you really want to watch them live comfortably? Whether you have a grudge against Zheng Huimin or the people in that compound, it doesn¡¯t matter. They¡¯re loaded. If we take some of their money, isn¡¯t that a good thing?"


    Fan Debiao might not care much about other things, but this idea struck a chord with him.


    He really did want to make some quick cash.


    Little Cai said, "I¡¯ll be honest with you. I¡¯ve been watching that compound for a while now. Almost every household there runs a stall. You used to be in business yourself, so you know how profitable that can be. Forget about old grudges for a moment¡ªwhy not just go for it? Besides them, I have another target in mind. He¡¯s a former committee director who¡¯s made a lot of shady money and is still working as a middleman. If we hit both targets, the money will be ours for the taking."


    Fan Debiao said, "I¡¯ll think about it."


    "What¡¯s there to think about? Do you even have the capital to start a stall now? Even if you did, how long would it take to save up? But if we do this, we could make years¡¯ worth of money in one go. At the very least, we¡¯d be living the high life for a long time." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fan Debiao hesitated, "But robbery isn¡¯t that easy."


    Little Cai replied, "We don¡¯t have to wait for the compound to be completely empty. If there¡¯s one or two people around, we can just tie them up. As long as we don¡¯t kill anyone, it¡¯s not a big deal."


    He spoke with the confidence of someone who knew nothing about the law, "You killed someone and only got a year. We¡¯re just taking some money¡ªit¡¯s not a big deal."


    Fan Debiao: "..."


    Honestly, this guy didn¡¯t seem reliable at all.


    But he couldn¡¯t deny that the idea was tempting.


    Little Cai had hit a nerve. Fan Debiao didn¡¯t have much capital to start anything now. If only... He pursed his lips and said, "I need to think it over carefully."


    Little Cai said, "Fine, take your time. But don¡¯t take too long. If you¡¯re not interested, I¡¯ll find someone else. I¡¯m sure plenty of people would jump at the chance to make some money. The only reason I came to you is because we both have a score to settle with them. That makes our partnership more solid."


    Fan Debiao nodded, "I understand."


    He added, "I¡¯ll give it serious thought."


    Little Cai said earnestly, "Come find me at my place when you¡¯ve made up your mind."


    "Alright."


    Little Cai didn¡¯t stick around much longer. It was almost noon, and he certainly wasn¡¯t going to have lunch with this guy. Who would pay for it? So he left without hesitation. He wasn¡¯t about to spend his money on this.


    Besides, he was confident that someone like Fan Debiao would see reason. With his hands in his pockets, he walked out, feeling a bit more relaxed, and began to daydream about a brighter future.


    With money, he could do anything.


    Hands in his pockets, he strolled leisurely down the street when suddenly, his expression changed. He caught sight of a familiar figure¡ªoh no, it was Zhao Guihua!


    Having kept an eye on the Xing¡¯er Lane compound for a while, he recognized most of the people there. This one was unmistakable¡ªZhao Guihua, the legendary stall-running expert known as the "West Gate Auntie."


    She was the mother-in-law of Ming Mei, the woman his mother envied the most.


    The moment he saw the old lady, a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. This was bad, really bad! Why was Zhao Guihua here?


    Was she... following him?


    Had she already caught onto him?


    Why would she be onto him?


    Had his mother slipped up yesterday?


    His dad?


    His dad hadn¡¯t come back yet. Could it be that after being caught, he had spilled the beans on him?


    It was possible, really possible.


    After all, he couldn¡¯t count on his father to be reliable. If his parents were reliable, pigs could climb trees.


    He couldn¡¯t trust them!


    Even though the weather was cold, he was already sweating profusely.


    An endless sense of unease washed over him, especially when he saw the sharp-eyed old lady staring at him. She was a cunning one!


    No, he had to escape!


    This old lady had followed him here, and he had to shake her off!


    He took off running.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Huh?¡±


    She had come to collect rent, but as soon as she entered the alley, she saw a young man staring at her with a pale, ghostly expression. He looked absolutely terrified, as if he had seen a ghost. Naturally, she was confused and couldn¡¯t help but take a closer look.


    It was broad daylight¡ªcould he really have seen a ghost?


    Who would have thought the guy would just bolt like that!


    He didn¡¯t even hesitate.


    Zhao Guihua immediately gave chase.


    If someone was this scared, they must be a thief. No decent person would act like this.


    Without a second thought, Zhao Guihua started running after him. Little Cai was sprinting for his life.


    Zhao Guihua shouted, ¡°Stop the thief!¡±


    ¡°Where? Where?¡±


    ¡°That guy up ahead¡­¡±


    Seeing the young man run even faster, Zhao Guihua was convinced: ¡°This little thief ran as soon as he saw me. He¡¯s definitely up to no good¡­¡±


    At this time of day, most people were at work, but a few elderly ladies joined the chase. Despite their usual gossipy tendencies, when it came to doing the right thing and standing up for justice, they didn¡¯t hold back.


    They quickly closed in on the young man. Little Cai ran desperately, gritting his teeth: ¡°I knew Zhao Guihua had found me out!¡±


    He muttered, ¡°Zhao Guihua really was following me.¡±


    He cursed, ¡°I don¡¯t know if it was my dad or my mom who slipped up.¡±


    He ran frantically, but the road ahead was running out. Sweat poured down his face.


    What to do, what to do, what to do!


    He had to escape. The high wall of some unit blocked his path, impossible to climb. He paced around anxiously, just as the old lady brigade was about to catch up. He glanced around and suddenly spotted a manhole cover.


    Like father, like son.


    When faced with a problem, they came up with the same solution.


    He quickly lifted the manhole cover and slipped inside.


    Zhao Guihua and the others arrived just in time to see this: ¡°Holy crap!¡±


    Why did all the little thieves these days have a thing for manholes?


    Zhao Guihua shouted, ¡°You¡¯re not getting away!¡±


    Little Cai wasn¡¯t about to listen¡ªonly a fool would. He wasn¡¯t stupid. He jumped into the sewer and, without a clear sense of direction, took off running. By the time Zhao Guihua and the others reached the manhole, it was empty. The young man had already escaped.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    ¡°That thief ran way too fast.¡±


    ¡°We should report this to the neighborhood committee.¡±


    ¡°Right, right.¡±


    ¡°You know, I think that guy might be looking for Fan Debiao,¡± one of the old ladies said, feeling like the young man looked familiar.


    ¡°Fan Debiao?¡±


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips. She knew Fan Debiao.


    ¡°Was he looking for Fan Debiao?¡± Zhao Guihua felt like something had flashed through her mind, but it was too quick to grasp.


    ¡°I think so, but I¡¯m not sure. These thieves are getting bold, daring to steal in broad daylight.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the neighborhood committee.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time. Last night, there was another one in our area, and another this morning. I wonder if it¡¯s the same person.¡±


    ¡°What? Could it be a gang?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡±


    ¡°We need to report this and take it seriously.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to chase him down into the sewers. Whether it was last night or now, it was just too difficult. The sewers were a maze, with countless paths. Once you went down, you might not end up on the same route, and it was pitch black down there. Without proper lighting, you could easily walk into an ambush.


    It was hard enough to catch someone, and the risk of being ambushed was too high. So, no one considered going down after him.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Let¡¯s go to the neighborhood committee. If this really is a gang, we need to take it seriously.¡±


    ¡°These thieves are scum.¡±


    They agreed to report it to the police station. Meanwhile, Little Cai followed in his father¡¯s footsteps, running wildly through the sewers.


    No matter what, he couldn¡¯t be caught. He had big plans.


    If he got caught, what would happen? How would his future plans come together?


    ¡°Those two old fools couldn¡¯t even save money for me, and now they¡¯ve messed up the one thing I asked them to do. They¡¯ve got Zhao Guihua on my tail. Damn it, they¡¯re so useless.¡±


    After running for a while, his legs started to feel weak. After all, he¡¯d been ¡°busy¡± the night before, and his legs were still sore. He leaned against the wall, feeling the sticky filth of the sewer.


    Little Cai cursed, ¡°Damn it!¡±


    That Zhao Guihua was such a pain. She actually tried to corner him. Luckily, he was smart enough to escape in time.


    He knew he was favored by the heavens. Look at how perfectly this sewer had appeared, allowing him to escape. Little Cai chuckled smugly, feeling like he had some luck on his side.


    Thinking this, he snorted, ¡°Trying to catch me? Not a chance!¡±


    He lifted his head proudly, ¡°I¡¯m not someone who gets caught so easily.¡±


    He walked through the sewer, but after a while, he started to feel tired. He cursed, ¡°Damn it, why are all these manhole covers so tightly sealed? I can¡¯t even tell where they are. How am I supposed to get out?¡±


    Squeak, squeak, squeak!


    A noise startled him. Little Cai: ¡°What the hell?¡±


    He kicked in the direction of the sound, then suddenly realized: ¡°Ahhh! Rats!¡±


    He had grown up pampered and couldn¡¯t handle this. He screamed and ran, feeling utterly miserable: ¡°Ahhh! Get away from me! Get away!¡±


    Those filthy things were the worst.


    Even poop wasn¡¯t as disgusting as rats.


    He ran wildly, not sure how long he¡¯d been running. It felt like he¡¯d finally shaken off the rats, but maybe he hadn¡¯t. He shivered in fear, surrounded by darkness. He started to panic: ¡°This damn place is like hell. It¡¯s all Zhao Guihua¡¯s fault. Why did she have to chase me?¡±


    Suddenly, he stopped, his face freezing in realization.


    ¡°Wait, no¡­ Zhao Guihua doesn¡¯t even know me¡­¡±


    So, why did I run?

 Chapter 212

    Old Cai kept walking and running through the sewer, not knowing how long it had been or how far he had gone, until he finally saw a glimmer of light again.


    Only after being trapped did he realize how much he longed for light.


    He used all his strength to climb out. This time, it was much smoother than the previous two attempts. Shivering, he crawled out, cold, hungry, and in pain.


    But the joy of escaping made him almost forget all that. He felt as if his life had been elevated.


    He had finally made it out.


    It was already evening, past the usual time for people to return home from work. The sun had set, and the sky was filled with the glow of dusk. Even though it wasn¡¯t very bright, Old Cai burst into tears, feeling both aggrieved and relieved, excited and happy. ¡°I¡¯m out, I¡¯m really out. Heaven has eyes!¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was covered in mud from head to toe. Struggling to his feet, he looked around and began stumbling toward his home. His appearance was a mess, and he staggered weakly. Fortunately, there weren¡¯t many people around at this time, so he dragged his exhausted body home.


    It turned out he had been trapped for a full day and night.


    No wonder it felt like an eternity, as if he had endured endless darkness.


    Wuwuwu!


    He had suffered so much.


    This ordeal had truly tested his mind and body. He must be destined for great things.


    As he walked home alone, though there weren¡¯t many people on the road, those who passed by stared at him strangely, covering their noses. The stench from the sewer was no different from that of a cesspool. It was utterly revolting.


    At a glance, most people couldn¡¯t tell whether he had fallen into a cesspool or crawled out of a sewer. But his mud-covered body and the overwhelming stench were enough to make people avoid him, wishing they could take a detour.


    The smell was unbearable.


    He was utterly disgusting.


    Old Cai cried as he walked, completely ignoring the pointing and whispering of others. After all, no one could recognize him in this state, so he didn¡¯t care. He felt that the day and night he had endured were the worst suffering of his life. He had never been so unlucky before, even though he had experienced many things. None of them could compare to this.


    Absolutely incomparable!


    Old Cai cried as he walked home. He didn¡¯t know how long it took, but he finally saw the residential compound. He was so weak from hunger and cold that he could barely drag himself upstairs. As he climbed, he heard voices from other households in the building.


    ¡°What¡¯s that smell? Who¡¯s doing something so disgusting at home?¡±


    ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s revolting. Who¡¯s cooking poop?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the smell of cooking poop. It¡¯s way worse.¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡±


    ¡°Whoever it is, they¡¯re cursed. Someone¡¯s going to die.¡±


    Someone opened a window and started cursing.


    Ignoring the comments, Old Cai banged on his door. After knocking for a while, no one answered.


    He shouted angrily, ¡°Open the door! Open the door! I know someone¡¯s home!¡±


    Though he was furious, his voice was weak and strained.


    ¡°Open the door!¡±


    Jiang Baohong had a cold and was in a daze. She hadn¡¯t eaten all day and was too weak to move. She had been sleeping at home all day and had just woken up. She struggled to get up and went to open the door. As soon as she opened it, she screamed, ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    She fainted on the spot.


    She had seen a ghost!


    A real, living ghost.


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s screams alerted the neighbors, who quickly opened their doors to look. When they saw Old Cai, they also screamed, ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Who¡­ who are you? I¡¯m warning you, this is a modern society. Ghosts and demons can¡¯t come out to cause trouble!¡±


    Old Cai snapped, ¡°What are you screaming for? It¡¯s me, Old Cai!¡±


    He thought these people were making a fuss over nothing. He had endured so much suffering without screaming, yet they were the ones making such a racket. He looked at his neighbors with disdain, feeling they lacked class. Anyone with a bit of decency wouldn¡¯t act like this.


    He stormed into his house and slammed the door shut.


    ¡°What the hell happened to that old man? How did he end up like that? It¡¯s disgusting!¡±


    ¡°No wonder the whole building stinks. It¡¯s all because of him, that bastard.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go confront him¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Everyone gathered at the Cai family¡¯s door and started knocking. They all lived in the same building, and no one had ever done something like this before. It was outrageous! They banged on the door, and Old Cai, hearing the noise, kicked Jiang Baohong twice. Jiang Baohong groaned and slowly woke up. ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    She screamed again.


    Old Cai scolded her, ¡°It¡¯s me, you idiot! What are you screaming for? Do you want me dead?¡± He kicked her again, though he was too weak from being trapped for a day and night to do much damage. Jiang Baohong managed to sit up.


    Knock, knock, knock.


    The neighbors were still pounding on the door. Old Cai, annoyed, said, ¡°Go open the door.¡±


    These people had no sense of timing. Couldn¡¯t they see how miserable he was? What were they doing at his house now?


    Jiang Baohong struggled to open the door. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Aunt Jiang, what happened to your husband? The smell is so bad it¡¯s filling the whole building. Shouldn¡¯t he go take a bath?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, how are we supposed to live like this?¡±


    Someone peeked inside and saw Old Cai slumped on the sofa, looking half-dead.


    ¡°Aunt Jiang, your husband really needs to clean up. If he doesn¡¯t, the whole building will stink. You¡­¡±


    Jiang Baohong cut them off, shouting, ¡°What¡¯s it to you? Is this building yours? It¡¯s a public space. We can do whatever we want in our own home. Mind your own business! Get out of here, all of you!¡±


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s not fair. How can you be so unreasonable?¡±


    Jiang Baohong put her hands on her hips. ¡°This is who I am. If you don¡¯t like it, hit me. I¡¯ll just lie down in front of your door. How dare you bully an old person? Don¡¯t you know how to respect your elders?¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you!¡±


    Jiang Baohong sneered, ¡°If you don¡¯t back off, I¡¯ll pour dirty water all over your doorstep.¡±


    She gloated, ¡°Go ahead, hit me if you dare.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re shameless!¡±


    ¡°How can you be so despicable?¡±


    ¡°Hey, how can you act like this¡­¡±


    The neighbors were trembling with anger. They had never seen someone so shameless.


    Everyone was speechless. No wonder Zhang Lanhua had left with her children as soon as her in-laws arrived. Living with someone like this would drive anyone insane. This woman was a lunatic, utterly shameless.


    ¡°We won¡¯t stoop to your level.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t stoop to yours either.¡±


    She proudly put her hands on her hips, finally understanding the twisted joy of Guan Guiling¡¯s troublemaking.


    ¡°Enough dawdling. Hurry up and make me some food. And heat water for a bath. Do you want me to starve or freeze to death?¡± Old Cai barked impatiently.


    Jiang Baohong replied, ¡°Coming.¡±


    She slammed the door shut.


    The neighbors outside were shaking with anger, unable to believe how shameless and unreasonable these people were. To think they had to live next to such vile individuals¡ªit was truly a stroke of bad luck. They had never encountered such despicable people before.


    ¡°Forget it, this family is just shameless and impossible to reason with.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it stinks. Let¡¯s just leave.¡±


    Despite being sick, Jiang Baohong was diligent in serving her husband. Though she was miserable, she managed to make a pot of porridge and heat water for Old Cai¡¯s bath. Thankfully, the hot water helped loosen the mud. Old Cai didn¡¯t care about anything else at this point. He gulped down the porridge, finally feeling the burning hunger in his stomach subside. He was freezing, so he turned the water as hot as he could and poured it over himself¡ªah, what a relief!


    He felt better, but the hot water hitting the mud only intensified the stench in the building.


    The foul odor, combined with the heat, became even more unbearable.


    Many households sealed their windows and doors. Even a decade-old sewer couldn¡¯t produce such a smell.


    Little ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????did they know, Old Cai had just crawled out of a sewer.


    Some children in the building were crying, ¡°Stinky, stinky¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to stay at my parents¡¯ house tonight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come with you.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s too bad, maybe we can stay with relatives for the night. This smell is like a poison gas attack!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s disgusting. That damned Cai family deserves to be struck by lightning. They¡¯ve brought nothing but trouble.¡±


    ¡°What a curse.¡±


    Everyone was furious but helpless. What could they do against such shameless people?


    After Old Cai took a hot shower, it became clear that he was covered in injuries¡ªbruises from being beaten, scrapes from falling, and even some frostbite in certain areas. Jiang Baohong''s heart ached as tears streamed down her face: "What on earth happened to you? Who did this to you? Tell me, and I''ll go after them!"


    Old Cai awkwardly replied, "They mistook me for a manhole cover thief. In my panic, I fell into the sewer."


    Of course, he wouldn''t admit that he had been lurking around a public restroom. He coughed and put on a stern face, saying, "Why are you prying so much? What about you? I was gone for a whole day and night, and you didn¡¯t even bother to look for me. How unlucky am I to have ended up with such a heartless woman? Don¡¯t you care about me at all? If you had searched for me earlier, I wouldn¡¯t have suffered so much!"


    The more he spoke, the angrier he became, and in a fit of rage, he slapped Jiang Baohong, sending her tumbling to the side.


    Jiang Baohong covered her face, sobbing, "I wasn¡¯t feeling well, so I didn¡¯t go out. But our son went looking for you last night and again today. He hasn¡¯t come back yet. Oh no, where did he go to look for you?"


    Old Cai snorted, "At least he has some conscience. They say raising a son ensures support in old age. I guess I didn¡¯t raise him for nothing."


    "But our son still isn¡¯t back¡­"


    Old Cai waved her off, "He¡¯s a grown man; he¡¯ll find his way back. I¡¯m exhausted. I need to rest."


    After the ordeal he had been through over the past day and night, all he wanted was to recover.


    Jiang Baohong hesitated, "But¡­"


    "Get out!"


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s eyes reddened with grievance, but she understood that her husband was injured. She asked with concern, "Shouldn¡¯t we take you to the hospital? Your injuries are serious. Staying home isn¡¯t a good idea."


    "No need!" How could he explain his injuries at the hospital?


    He snapped viciously, "Stop bothering me. I need to sleep."


    Exhausted, he headed straight to his room and added, "Bring me our son¡¯s blanket too."


    Jiang Baohong nodded, "Alright."


    He needed two blankets to keep warm.


    As for their son?


    Who cared?


    He wouldn¡¯t get lost.


    Old Cai couldn¡¯t be bothered.


    Jiang Baohong sat in the living room, sighing. Now that the father was back, the son was missing. It was like a set of Russian nesting dolls¡ªone comes back, and the other disappears.


    Would their grand scheme to make money ever succeed?


    She leaned back on the sofa, feeling her headache worsen.


    Her life was truly more bitter than Coptis chinensis.


    While her life was filled with bitterness, the people in the courtyard house were enjoying their sweet and lively days.


    Everyone had gathered to watch TV together. Since Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s family owned a color TV, all the children were there. Yuanyuan was chattering excitedly to her mother, Ming Mei, about how she had noticed something suspicious. She said, "My eyes are so sharp! I spotted something wrong right away. There were bad guys down there, but the adults made us go to school, so we didn¡¯t see how it ended."


    Ming Mei replied, "They probably didn¡¯t catch them."


    "What a shame."


    Ming Mei added, "Those kinds of people will get caught eventually. But if you ever encounter bad guys, don¡¯t chase after them. It¡¯s not safe down there."


    "I know that," Yuanyuan said confidently.


    Ming Mei smiled, "Good. We don¡¯t need to show off."


    Although Ming Mei had been a daring little girl herself, she didn¡¯t want her children to be the same. After all, they were still young. She said cheerfully, "You¡¯re so well-behaved. Should I get you some treats?"


    Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes lit up, "Yes! What do you have?"


    Ming Mei chuckled, "I bought some sugar-coated snowballs today."


    She pulled out a bag and said, "Here, everyone can have some."


    The children cheered, overjoyed. No child could resist snacks, especially something sweet and tangy like sugar snowballs.


    Li Zhenzhen chimed in, "I¡¯ve seen sugar-coated hawthorn being sold on the streets. I think sugar-coated hawthorn is just as good as sugar snowballs."


    Though both were made of hawthorn coated in sugar, there was a slight difference.


    Yuanyuan said, "Grandma mentioned that she likes yam bean candy, but I¡¯ve never seen it before."


    "Me neither."


    "Same here."


    Even Ming Mei shook her head, "I don¡¯t know where your grandma found that. I¡¯ve never tried it either." Now that they mentioned it, she felt a little craving. Ming Mei said, "Next time I see it, I¡¯ll buy some for everyone to try."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan exclaimed, "Mom, you¡¯re the best!"


    Li Zhenzhen added, "Auntie, I like you the most!"


    "Me too!"


    The children¡¯s flattery was pure and genuine.


    Ming Mei beamed with joy. Who didn¡¯t love hearing compliments?


    Zhao Guihua came over to watch TV and, hearing the commotion at the door, asked, "What are you all talking about?"


    Ming Mei explained, "We were discussing yam bean candied hawthorn. I wonder what it tastes like."


    Zhao Guihua said, "That¡¯s easy. I¡¯ll find some yam beans and make it for you. It¡¯s not that hard."


    Older folks like her knew how to make all kinds of snacks.


    ¡°Grandma, I love you the most!¡± Yuanyuan immediately started acting cute.


    Ming Mei teased, "Oh, look at you, switching sides so quickly."


    Yuanyuan, noticing her mother¡¯s expression, quickly added, "I love you too, Mom."


    Ming Mei smiled, "That¡¯s more like it."


    Zhao Guihua shot her a look, "Aren¡¯t you a bit old to be jealous?"


    Ming Mei laughed, "You¡¯re never too old for that."


    Zhao Guihua suggested, "While we¡¯re at it, let¡¯s buy some hawthorn and make more snacks to share with everyone."


    Ming Mei agreed, "Sure."


    She suddenly remembered something and said, "There used to be an old man near the bus station who sold hawthorn. He was really good. I¡¯ll go check tomorrow. If he¡¯s there, I¡¯ll buy a lot. We can even make hawthorn cake. Actually¡­ oh, oh!"


    Ming Mei paused, her eyes widening, "I just remembered!"


    She was so excited, "I finally remembered who that woman was!"


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Who?"


    Ming Mei said, "I thought the woman I saw that day looked familiar. It was Jiang Baohong!"


    If it hadn¡¯t been for the mention of the bus station, she wouldn¡¯t have remembered. But now it clicked. She said, "The female thug I saw near the restroom the other day was her."


    Zhao Guihua was startled, "Her? I thought she left the city. Did she come back? What¡¯s she doing here? She must be up to no good." She quickly added, "No wonder she covered her face and ran. She was afraid you¡¯d recognize her. That woman is definitely scheming something."


    It wasn¡¯t that Zhao Guihua was being overly suspicious, but Jiang Baohong¡¯s behavior was just too strange. No one would believe she didn¡¯t have ulterior motives.


    Ming Mei shared the same sentiment. She said, "I¡¯ll look into her situation. If she¡¯s planning to cause trouble here, she¡¯s in for a rude awakening. This isn¡¯t a place for her to mess around."


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Do you think she¡¯s here to scout the area?"


    "What for?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "There are plenty of things she could be after. Who knows? Jiang Baohong isn¡¯t a good person."


    Ming Mei nodded, "She¡¯s definitely no saint."


    "Absolutely."


    Zhao Guihua grew more concerned, "I¡¯ll warn everyone to be on guard. We can¡¯t afford to be caught off guard. There are plenty of people in this courtyard who don¡¯t get along with her."


    For example, Ming Mei and Jiang Baohong merely disliked each other, which was minor compared to others.


    There were real feuds, like with Wang Xiangxiu, Bai Fendou, and Zheng Huimin.


    Zhao Guihua went around the courtyard, and soon everyone knew that the recent female troublemaker was Jiang Baohong. They gathered in the courtyard to discuss. Tonglai suggested, "Should we call the police?"


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, "Ming Mei only recognized her. We didn¡¯t catch her in the act. She could just deny it."


    That was true.


    Li Weiwei gritted his teeth, "That pervert not only peeked at me but also stole my underwear. If she dares to come back, I won¡¯t let her off easy."


    He was still furious about his underwear being stolen.


    Thankfully, Hutou was back at school. If he had been home, he would have made similar bold declarations.


    The hearts of young men were easily wounded.


    Zheng Huimin said, "My mom used to extort her. She probably hates my mom. I wonder if she¡¯ll come looking for trouble."


    Although Guan Guiling hadn¡¯t treated them well, Zheng Huimin still remembered that she was her biological mother. Now that her mother had gone mad, it wasn¡¯t right to hold a grudge against someone who was mentally ill.


    ¡°It probably won¡¯t come to that.¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡±


    Zheng Huimin felt uneasy and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go see my mom tomorrow and remind them not to let just anyone visit her.¡±


    Guan Hong: ¡°Are you going alone?¡±


    The mental hospital where Guan Guiling was staying wasn¡¯t nearby; it was in the suburbs. So Guan Hong couldn¡¯t help but remind her. Not that she cared about Zheng Huimin or anything¡ªdefinitely not¡ªshe just didn¡¯t want anything bad to happen. Just a reminder, that¡¯s all.


    Just a reminder!


    Zheng Huimin pursed her lips: ¡°I¡­¡±


    She glanced at Li Junjun and decisively made her move: ¡°Brother Junjun, are you free tomorrow? Could you accompany me to the mental hospital? I won¡¯t take up too much of your time¡ªjust visit my mom and then we¡¯ll come back.¡±


    She twisted her hands together and added, ¡°I¡¯m just really worried. I¡¯m afraid of running into bad people. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t trouble you.¡±


    Li Junjun hesitated for a moment but then nodded: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    Zheng Huimin immediately beamed: ¡°Great, thank you so much!¡±


    Li Junjun: ¡°No problem.¡±


    Guan Hong: ¡°!!!¡±


    She widened her eyes and said, ¡°This is so infuriating!¡±


    If she had known this would happen, she wouldn¡¯t have reminded her. Now, not only did Zheng Huimin take the opportunity, but she also managed to get Li Junjun to go with her. How annoying! How could something like this happen? She had spoken too much! She puffed out her cheeks like a fish.


    Seeing Guan Hong so angry, Li Weiwei quietly took a step back.


    This was exactly why he kept his distance from women.


    They were just too unpredictable.


    All these subtle exchanges among the young people didn¡¯t escape Zhao Guihua¡¯s notice. She shook her head silently, thinking that Li Junjun was a good kid, but he was too much of a pushover. Thinking back to his past life, it was the same¡ªhis overly kind nature had caused quite a few misunderstandings. Not that he was a bad person¡ªhe was genuinely sincere and never refused anyone who asked for help.


    But precisely because of this, his wife had been deeply unhappy.


    Zhao Guihua glanced over again and saw Zheng Huimin happily saying, ¡°Let¡¯s leave early tomorrow. We can stop by Qianmen Street first¡ªI¡¯ll buy some pastries to bring to my mom.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Li Junjun agreed.


    Li Weiwei shook his head again on the side. He thought his brother was nothing like him¡ªnot as shrewd. Nowadays, men as sharp as him were rare. Look at his brother¡ªthe moment a woman showed a bit of vulnerability, he rushed to help. He¡¯d be trapped sooner or later.


    He couldn¡¯t help but glance at Xiao Yanzi, who was standing with her arms crossed, completely ignoring Li Junjun and Zheng Huimin. Instead, she was mumbling to herself, reciting something like a spell. He quietly moved closer and realized she was actually reciting classical literature!


    Li Weiwei: ¡°!!!¡±


    What a weirdo!


    No wonder Xiao Yanzi was such a good student!


    The way a top student thought was completely different from a slacker¡¯s. Looking at his brother again, he felt even more convinced that his brother and Xiao Yanzi were not a good match. His brother would probably fall asleep while reciting, but Xiao Yanzi was full of energy.


    There was just no comparison.


    Li Weiwei felt he was the most clear-headed one here.


    His gaze accidentally met Zhao Guihua¡¯s, and he straightened up proudly, giving her a confident smile.


    He was the epitome of clarity.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­¡±


    What an idiot.


    He¡¯d be the worst at finding a wife.


    But at least it seemed like he was different from his past self.


    Everyone had their own little dramas going on. Bai Qingqing came running out to use the bathroom, and He Lan accompanied her daughter. Although most families used chamber pots at night, it wasn¡¯t too late yet, and everyone was still in the yard, so the little girl naturally refused.


    He Lan took her daughter out to the bathroom, while Zhao Guihua remembered something and said, ¡°Fendou, you¡¯ve had some issues with Jiang Baohong before. If they can¡¯t get to you, they might target the kids. Keep an eye on them.¡±


    Bai Fendou immediately widened his eyes like a bull: ¡°If they dare lay a finger on my kids, I¡¯ll beat them to death!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Better safe than sorry. I¡¯ll also remind the kids to stick together and not wander off alone.¡±


    She shrugged: ¡°Maybe nothing will happen, and we¡¯re just overthinking it.¡±


    Aunt Zhou couldn¡¯t agree with that.


    She said, ¡°That person doesn¡¯t even live around here. If she¡¯s sneaking around, no one would believe she¡¯s up to any good.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, I think so too,¡± Aunt Wang chimed in.


    The kids were inside watching TV, but Tuantuan had opened the window, so they could hear the adults talking in the yard. He multitasked, saying, ¡°We¡¯ll stick together and make sure we don¡¯t get taken advantage of.¡±


    The other kids nodded.


    Erlin asked curiously, ¡°Who is that person?¡±


    Tuantuan: ¡°Definitely not a good person.¡±


    Erlin nodded seriously.


    Tuantuan: ¡°That bad person might be trying to get revenge, so we need to be careful.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Xing¡¯er chimed in, ¡°I know about this kind of thing. In our village, someone got revenge, and their house was burned down. It was really scary.¡±


    Li Zhenzhen: ¡°Oh my, that¡¯s terrifying.¡±


    She tilted her head and asked, ¡°Xing¡¯er, will you go back?¡±


    Xing¡¯er shook her head: ¡°I¡¯m not going back.¡±


    Although her parents hadn¡¯t explicitly told the kids, this little girl was sharp and had overheard their conversations. She said, ¡°My parents said they want to save up money to buy a house here so we can stay. My mom also said she¡¯s trying to see if we can get our household registration moved back. That way, it¡¯ll be easier for us to go to school.¡±


    The little girl continued, ¡°My mom also said that my grandparents and Elder Uncle¡¯s family back home aren¡¯t good people, so we won¡¯t go back or have anything to do with them. My dad even wrote a letter to Village Head Uncle¡ªwe¡¯ve rented out our land.¡±


    Everyone nodded in understanding. Yuanyuan said, ¡°We don¡¯t have any land.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re city folk. Of course, you don¡¯t. But farming doesn¡¯t make much money. My parents worked so hard every year, and it was exhausting, especially around this time. The harvest season had just ended, and it was even busier afterward. The crops had to be threshed and processed, which took a long time. We also had to gather firewood and dig for vegetables. We didn¡¯t have coal to buy. My mom said even if we did, we couldn¡¯t afford it. Everyone was so busy, and we were so tired, but we hardly had any money left¡ªnot even enough to pay for Erlin¡¯s medical bills.¡±


    The little girl kept chattering, and the other kids listened with wide eyes.


    Even though they were smart kids, they were still city children who didn¡¯t know much about rural life. They had never seen it before. If Zhao Guihua had been there, she would¡¯ve sighed at how big the gap between urban and rural areas was in the 1980s.


    ¡°You had such a hard life,¡± one of the kids said.


    Xing¡¯er nodded: ¡°Yes, I helped out at home too. The only one who didn¡¯t work was my eldest cousin. My nasty Elder Uncle¡¯s Wife said my cousin needed to stay fair-skinned so she could marry into a good family.¡±


    The kids couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°How old is your cousin? Was she the one who scratched your face?¡±


    Xing¡¯er: ¡°She¡¯s sixteen now.¡±


    Yuanyuan: ¡°That¡¯s so old! And she still bullied a kid? How awful.¡±


    Xing¡¯er had come here last year when she was eight, and her cousin was fifteen at the time. Fifteen was already quite old, and yet she had deliberately scratched her younger cousin¡¯s face out of jealousy. It showed just how cruel she was.


    ¡°People like that will definitely get their comeuppance.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Whether Xing¡¯er¡¯s cousin would face retribution was still up in the air, but Little Cai was already suffering. He was crawling through the sewer, but no matter how much he crawled, he couldn¡¯t find a way out. He couldn¡¯t help but share the same thought as his father: Who had sealed the manhole cover so tightly?


    It was a real nightmare.


    He couldn''t find a way out and felt as if rats were "chasing" him. He felt as though all his strength was being drained away, and he thought he might be done for. How could someone suffer so much? He had never endured such hardship since he was a child.


    He sobbed, cursing his parents in his heart. Those two old fools didn¡¯t even bother to come looking for him, did they? Didn¡¯t they realize their son hadn¡¯t come home?


    What a cold-hearted couple! He wouldn¡¯t count on them in the future, nor would he take care of them when they were old. No way, absolutely not!


    This time, when he escaped, he wouldn¡¯t take them with him. Once he got the money, he¡¯d run far away alone. Let his parents and Fan Debiao stay behind and take the fall for him. If Zheng Yufeng could do it, so could he.


    He could do even better than Zheng Yufeng.


    He could!


    "Damn them all. If they don¡¯t treat me well, don¡¯t expect me to treat them well either."


    He kept walking, unsure how long he had been walking or whether it was day or night outside. He reached out, feeling around above him, hoping to find a manhole cover. Wuwuwu, he was so miserable.


    Little Cai felt utterly wretched. At the same time, Fan Debiao was also feeling miserable.


    To put it bluntly, Fan Debiao was a petty man. Although he had compensated quickly earlier, deep down, he was seething with resentment. How could he not be? He had lost so much money for no reason and even spent a year in jail. The anger inside him was bubbling up like flames.


    He had been in jail for a year, and with the time wasted before and after, it had been over a year. By the time he got out, the money-making opportunities he once had were already taken by others. Now, he had no money and no allies.


    So, when Little Cai approached him, he was quickly tempted. But being tempted was one thing; trusting Little Cai was another. He wasn¡¯t someone who could easily be trusted. What if he turned around and betrayed him?


    Fan Debiao was also afraid of being used as a pawn. He even considered going solo but knew he couldn¡¯t gather people to follow him. In the past, he had been arrogant, and people only gathered around him for money. Now that he had none, no one would follow him.


    Besides, this year¡¯s crackdown had sent many in the underworld to jail, and those who remained were lying low. Even if he tried to lure them with benefits, they might not join him. Not everyone was willing to take such risks.


    He pursed his lips, thinking, "Do I really have to team up with Little Cai?"


    He was sure Little Cai wasn¡¯t acting alone.


    Fan Debiao tossed and turned, unable to sleep. After a long while, he suddenly sat up, punched the bed, and shouted, "Let¡¯s do it! At worst, I¡¯ll go back to jail! It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t been there before! What¡¯s there to fear? Once we get the money, we¡¯ll flee abroad. I refuse to believe there¡¯s no way out!"


    Compared to living a mediocre life, he missed the days of luxury.


    Who, after getting used to a good life, would want to live a bad one?


    Fan Debiao got up and silently left the house. Little Cai had left him an address, so he headed straight there. As soon as he left, someone in the courtyard spat at his back.


    They weren¡¯t fools. The person who had escaped earlier was his friend, and he had come looking for Fan Debiao that day. Since they hadn¡¯t caught the fugitive, they naturally turned to Fan Debiao, but he had firmly denied any involvement.


    The people in the courtyard were thoroughly disgusted with him.


    Fan Debiao walked alone, hands tucked into his sleeves, to the Cai family¡¯s place. As he approached the building, he was hit by a pungent smell that almost knocked him over. He hesitated, about to step inside, but the stench was unbearable. He took a deep breath¡ªugh!


    Don¡¯t breathe in!


    He quickly backed away, staring at the "pleasant"-smelling residential building. After some thought, he convinced himself, "It¡¯s not urgent. I¡¯ll come back tomorrow."


    After a pause, worried the smell wouldn¡¯t disappear, he muttered, "Maybe I¡¯ll wait a couple more days."


    With that, he hurried away.


    That smell¡ªhe couldn¡¯t handle it!


    He retreated quickly, not realizing that Jiang Baohong had seen him. Of course, she didn¡¯t recognize Fan Debiao. She stood by the window, watching for her son. She looked left and right but didn¡¯t see him. She sighed worriedly.


    Where had he gone?


    Had he gone to scout the area?


    Jiang Baohong thought it was quite possible. Her son was very capable, smarter and more resourceful than most. If it weren¡¯t for that incident years ago, he could have been a leader by now.


    At the very least, he¡¯d be a minor official.


    It was their fault for holding him back.


    Jiang Baohong waited and waited, but her son didn¡¯t return. She hesitated, glancing back at the door. Her husband was still asleep. Should she go out and look? Jiang Baohong believed her son was more reliable than her husband.


    Though she had a headache from her cold, she could still manage.


    Jiang Baohong covered her nose, thinking it was a good excuse to leave since she couldn¡¯t stand the smell.


    Clearly, Jiang Baohong couldn¡¯t handle it either.


    If it had been like last night, she wouldn¡¯t have bothered searching. But tonight, going out wasn¡¯t a bad idea. With that in mind, Jiang Baohong put on a thick coat, grabbed a flashlight, and headed out. She wandered alone, making her way to Xing''er Lane.


    Her son must have gone to Xing''er Lane to scout. She was sure she¡¯d find him there.


    It was the dead of night, pitch black with no moon in sight. As Jiang Baohong walked, she felt the place was unlucky, bringing her no good fortune. She had been here twice before, and nothing good had come of it.


    Halfway there, she stopped.


    This place wasn¡¯t good for her. The night was heavy with a dark aura. What if something happened?


    For a moment, she was at a loss.


    She stood there, unsure whether to go forward or turn back, filled with worry. But soon, she recognized a familiar spot. This area wasn¡¯t far from her old workplace, the bus station. There was an alley nearby where she and Guan Guiling had almost been abducted once.


    She looked at the alley, remembering the days when she worked there. Back then, even though Old Cai had already left, her life was still better than it was now. If it weren¡¯t for Guan Guiling meddling, her life would have been decent.


    Her life had taken a turn for the worse after leaving the capital.


    If it weren¡¯t for Guan Guiling, she wouldn¡¯t have had to leave the capital. It was all Guan Guiling¡¯s fault. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. She turned around and headed in the direction of Guan Guiling¡¯s house.


    Xing''er Lane was too unlucky for her. She¡¯d go to Guan Guiling¡¯s place instead. She had heard Guan Guiling had gone mad, but she hadn¡¯t seen what a madwoman looked like. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to mock her a little. She felt she needed to vent her anger on Guan Guiling.


    Besides, she didn¡¯t want to go home and smell that stench.


    Jiang Baohong arrived at Guan Guiling¡¯s place in the middle of the night. Every household had their doors tightly shut.


    Guan Guiling, without any hesitation, banged on the door loudly: "Guan Guiling! Guan Guiling, are you home?"


    She shouted, "Guan Guiling!"


    Her yelling quickly woke up the neighbors, who started cursing.


    "Who is it? What idiot is causing trouble at this hour?"


    "Are you trying to die? It¡¯s the middle of the night!"


    "Damn it, it¡¯s 1:30 AM! Who¡¯s being such a jerk?"


    This was a crowded courtyard, so knocking on the main gate woke up almost everyone. A burly man came out shirtless, furious: "Who the hell is it?"


    He opened the courtyard gate and roared, "Are you insane? If you¡¯re sick, go take your medicine! Don¡¯t disturb people here. What¡¯s wrong with you, banging on doors in the middle of the night? Do you want to die? I¡¯ll beat you to death!"


    Jiang Baohong was startled. Seeing how big and intimidating the man was, she quickly backed away, stammering, "I-I-I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ I¡¯m looking for Guan Guiling."


    She knew she couldn¡¯t win against him.


    Her earlier boldness had vanished.


    "You¡¯re looking for who? Guan Guiling?"


    Jiang Baohong nodded. "Yes, I¡¯m looking for Guan Guiling."


    She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I want to find Guan Guiling."


    The big man looked her up and down and said, "Guan Guiling doesn''t live here anymore. Her family sold the house, and now she lives in the psychiatric hospital in the south of the city."


    "What?!"


    Jiang Baohong exclaimed in shock. She had thought Guan Guiling was being kept at home after going mad.


    "Go away!" The big man slammed the door shut, then opened it again and cursed, "I''m telling you, if you disturb people''s sleep again, I''ll beat you to death."


    Bang!


    The door was closed, and curses echoed from the yard¡ªnot aimed at the man who closed the door, but at Jiang Baohong.


    Jiang Baohong''s face turned pale and then flushed red.


    She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should go see Guan Guiling.


    She glanced at the weather. Since she had nothing else to do, why not go now?


    She had slept all day because she felt unwell, so she was quite energetic at night. She didn¡¯t want to smell the stench anyway, so this was perfect. She had thought Guan Guiling was locked up at home, but now that she knew she was in a psychiatric hospital, she felt even more compelled to see her.


    She wanted to witness Guan Guiling''s misery.


    Let her keep showing off, let her cheat me¡ªnow she¡¯s finished, isn¡¯t she?


    Serves her right!


    Jiang Baohong had plenty of time to spare. Late at night, she headed straight for the outskirts of the city. She knew where the psychiatric hospital was. She walked all the way there, undeterred by the cold or fatigue. The thought of seeing Guan Guiling in pain filled her with joy.


    Driven by this thought, Jiang Baohong kept walking until she reached the psychiatric hospital at dawn. She had no sense of time and went straight to knock on the door.


    "Is anyone there? Is anyone there? I¡¯m here to visit a patient."


    She knocked for a long time before someone finally opened the door. The old gatekeeper looked at her as if she were the one who belonged in the psychiatric hospital.


    "Who are you here to visit?"


    Jiang Baohong immediately said, "I¡¯m here to see Guan Guiling."


    The old man muttered, "Why are you coming at this hour?"


    His tone was far from friendly.


    Jiang Baohong forced an awkward smile. In the past, she would have cursed him out¡ªhow dare a mere gatekeeper talk to her like that? But over the years, she had learned her lesson. She knew she couldn¡¯t act too boldly anymore. Her connections were gone, and no one would give her face now.


    She smiled awkwardly and said, "I¡¯m an old colleague of Guan Guiling¡¯s. I¡¯d like to see her."


    The gatekeeper said, "Wait here. Visiting hours start at 7:30. Come back then, register, and you can go in."


    This wasn¡¯t a regular hospital. There were strict visiting hours.


    "What? I came all this way, can¡¯t you just let me see her now?" She was genuinely frustrated. "It¡¯s still so early. I¡¯ll have to wait forever. I¡¯m already here¡ªcan¡¯t you make an exception?"


    "No."


    "You!" Jiang Baohong was furious. How dare this old man refuse her? She shouted, "You¡¯re just a gatekeeper! How dare you disrespect me? Do you even know who I am? You don¡¯t know how powerful I am!"


    Bang!


    The door was slammed shut again.


    Jiang Baohong yelled, "Open the door! Open the door, you¡ª"


    "If you cause any more trouble, I¡¯ll call security. This is a psychiatric hospital, not a place for you to make a scene. If you can¡¯t control yourself, maybe you should get checked for mental illness too."


    The old man pulled open a small window in the door and spoke coldly.


    Jiang Baohong shouted, "You¡ª!"


    She felt deeply wronged. Why were people treating her like this?


    But Jiang Baohong knew that times had changed. She wasn¡¯t who she used to be. All she could do was wait. She sat down at the entrance. This area was quiet, with few visitors. A long time passed before the gate finally opened.


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s legs were numb from sitting. She stumbled to her feet and said, "Can I visit now?"


    The gatekeeper said, "Write down your name, ID, address, and relationship to the patient."


    The old man didn¡¯t hold a grudge. He thought this woman wasn¡¯t quite right in the head either. After all, he dealt with mentally ill people every day, so he had some tolerance.


    Jiang Baohong quickly filled out the form. Once she was done, a nurse led her inside. It was her first time in such a place, and it didn¡¯t seem any less oppressive than a prison. The surrounding walls were topped with barbed wire.


    It looked eerie.


    She followed the nurse inside. The nurse said, "Wait here."


    This was the visitation room. Anyone visiting a patient would be brought here.


    Jiang Baohong sat down, feeling a mix of excitement. She felt she could finally look down on Guan Guiling. Thinking back, the only reason Guan Guiling had always been able to outdo her was because Guan was willing to go to extremes.


    If it weren¡¯t for that, Jiang Baohong wouldn¡¯t have suffered so much.


    She had been too kind.


    Her excitement grew as the nurse brought in Guan Guiling, who now had short hair.


    To be honest, Guan Guiling looked better than before.


    In the past, her face had been sallow, like a ghost, and her features had been sharp and harsh. But now, her cheeks had filled out a bit. Considering this was a psychiatric hospital, it was clear how terrible her life with Zheng Yufeng had been.


    It was worse than being in a psychiatric hospital.


    Guan Guiling had gone mad after witnessing Zheng Yufeng¡¯s death. Her entire life had revolved around him. She had done everything for him and couldn¡¯t bear his loss.


    She had forgotten most of her memories, as if everything had stopped at the time of her marriage. She only remembered those early days.


    Back then, she and Zheng Yufeng had been happy. He had been a bus driver, and she had stayed home to take care of their child. Since their firstborn was a son, she had been very proud. Those were her happiest days.


    Perhaps because that period was the best in her life, her memories now lingered there. The later years were a blur, though certain triggers would remind her of Zheng Yufeng¡¯s betrayal and death.


    And Fan Debiao.


    Every time she remembered, she wished she could kill Fan Debiao, tear him apart, and drink his blood!


    But at this moment, she wasn¡¯t having an episode. She wore a gentle smile and seemed quite friendly.


    The nurse said, "This is an old colleague of yours. She came all the way from out of town to see you."


    Since Jiang Baohong had left the city long ago, her household registration had been moved. The nurse assumed she was from out of town.


    Jiang Baohong looked at Guan Guiling and felt a surge of anger.


    Why?


    How could she be doing so well?


    Guan Guiling¡¯s smile was like a thorn in her eye.


    Guan Guiling said softly, "An old colleague? Thank you for coming all this way to see me."


    Jiang Baohong: "!!!"


    She found Guan Guiling¡¯s gentle smile even more irritating.


    She forced herself to say, "Can we talk alone for a moment?"


    The nurse glanced at Guan Guiling, who seemed stable enough. After all, this was a psychiatric hospital, not a prison. She nodded, "Sure."


    Once the nurse left, Jiang Baohong¡¯s expression changed.


    She had come to see Guan Guiling in agony, not living a peaceful life. She was furious and lashed out, "Guan Guiling, I never thought you¡¯d end up like this. Serves you right! You deserve it!"


    Guan Guiling: "???"


    Jiang Baohong spat venomously, "Tsk tsk, look at you, you¡¯re such trash. No wonder your man ran off with someone else. A woman like you deserves to end up like this. I always knew you¡¯d get your comeuppance. That scoundrel, hahaha, didn¡¯t you love him so much? I heard he had someone else. He never wanted to stay with you. He used you. And he left you. Hahaha, he died and still left you."


    She grew more excited, gesticulating wildly. "You¡¯re such a failure. A complete failure."


    She poked Guan Guiling¡¯s forehead. Guan Guiling said, "You..."


    She bit her lip, tears falling. "Why are you saying this?"


    "Loving your man won¡¯t change anything. He¡¯s dead, hahaha, good riddance. He left you. I heard your son¡¯s running off too? Look at you, such a failure! You¡¯re nothing!"


    "Ah!"


    She was in the middle of a furious tirade when Guan Guiling suddenly couldn''t take it anymore. Guan Guiling was the type of person who couldn''t handle being provoked, and Jiang Baohong was pushing all the wrong buttons. In an instant, Guan Guiling snapped. She let out a piercing scream and lunged at Jiang Baohong, grabbing her hair and yanking hard. "Fan Debiao, I knew it was you! You''re the one who ruined my Yufeng, you!"


    Jiang Baohong: "Huh?"


    Guan Guiling''s eyes were bloodshot as she clung to Jiang Baohong, slapping her repeatedly. Jiang Baohong stammered, "You... you..."


    Guan Guiling dragged Jiang Baohong to the wall and slammed her against it, screaming, "Fan Debiao, you killed my Yufeng! This time, I''ll make you pay with your blood! You deserve to die!"


    Jiang Baohong was dazed from the impact, but she still managed to shout back, "Guan Guiling, you wretched woman! No wonder your husband left you. No one would want a harpy like you! You deserve to go mad. It''s karma!"


    Just then, a nurse rushed in, alarmed by the commotion. "Don''t provoke her!" she warned.


    How could Jiang Baohong be so reckless? She was already in Guan Guiling''s grasp, yet she still had the audacity to insult her.


    Sure enough, Guan Guiling, upon hearing Jiang Baohong''s words, unleashed a flurry of scratches and slaps, slamming Jiang Baohong into the wall several more times.


    The nurse was on the verge of fainting from panic. She quickly pressed the emergency button installed to handle such situations, which was used several times a year. She didn''t dare to intervene directly, so she could only watch as Guan Guiling continued to pummel Jiang Baohong, screaming, "Fan Debiao, you deserve to die! Give me back my man! Give him back!"


    Jiang Baohong finally started to panic. "Oh, my god! Let me go! I''m not Fan Debiao, I''m Jiang Baohong!"


    Now she was truly scared. How could this madwoman be so strong?


    "I''m Jiang Baohong!"


    "Jiang Baohong? I don''t know any Jiang Baohong. You''re Fan Debiao! You deserve to die!"


    Guan Guiling slapped Jiang Baohong repeatedly, yanking at her clothes. "Don''t try to fool me! You think growing your hair long makes you a woman? No way! I won''t fall for it!"


    She tugged at Jiang Baohong''s hair. "Take off that wig!"


    Jiang Baohong was in tears, her face a mess of snot and blood.


    "Please, let me go! I shouldn''t have come to provoke you, shouldn''t have come to laugh at you!"


    She never expected that even when Guan Guiling was sickly, she couldn''t beat her. Now that Guan Guiling was a madwoman, she was even more unstoppable. It was just unfair.


    Jiang Baohong screamed in agony.


    Guan Guiling showed no mercy, pinching, hitting, and slamming Jiang Baohong''s head into the wall repeatedly. Jiang Baohong felt like she was about to pass out.


    "Help! Help!"


    It felt like an eternity before security finally rushed in and separated the two. A doctor quickly arrived and restrained Guan Guiling, administering a sedative. Guan Guiling, still struggling, glared at Jiang Baohong and muttered, "Give me back my man... give him back..."


    Jiang Baohong, now collapsed on the floor, spat out, "Your man is dead! He''s dead, and it serves you right! Even if he were alive, he''d be disgusted by you! It''s karma! Karma!"


    Despite being restrained, Guan Guiling managed to bite Jiang Baohong''s wrist.


    "Ahh!" Jiang Baohong screamed.


    "Let go! Let go!"


    Everyone scrambled to pull Guan Guiling away. Jiang Baohong wailed, "Ahhh! She bit through my wrist!"


    She sobbed uncontrollably, but with the combined efforts of the staff and the sedative taking effect, Guan Guiling slowly loosened her grip and closed her eyes.


    Jiang Baohong was in a pitiful state. Her hair was torn out in patches, making her look like she had alopecia. Blood streamed from her forehead and mouth, and her clothes were ripped to shreds. Her wrist was bleeding profusely.


    "Quick, get her treated!"


    Jiang Baohong shouted, "Stay away!"


    The doctor insisted, "Your wounds need attention..."


    Jiang Baohong cried, "I shouldn''t have come here to stir up trouble!"


    Despite her severe injuries, she could still speak. She wailed, "I shouldn''t have come to mock her. She''s a lunatic!"


    She cried even harder. "I just wanted to come and laugh at her, to provoke her and get revenge for the past. Who knew she''d be this terrifying? Waaah!"


    The nurse was furious. "I told you not to provoke her! She''s a madwoman, not a normal person! Look at what you''ve done to yourself!"


    Jiang Baohong whimpered, "I didn''t know it would turn out like this."


    How could a madwoman be so terrifying?


    Everyone looked at Jiang Baohong disapprovingly. She had brought this upon herself.


    The doctor said, "You have quite a few injuries. Let me contact the patient''s family to discuss compensation..."


    "No!" Jiang Baohong suddenly screamed, "No compensation! I don''t want to see the family!"


    If she met with Guan Guiling''s family, they might uncover something suspicious. They still had a big plan in motion.


    If she got involved with the Zheng family''s daughter and they caught wind of it, their scheme would be ruined. That was their grand plan.


    She couldn''t risk it!


    Jiang Baohong insisted, "No! Absolutely not!"


    Despite her severe injuries, she only allowed minimal treatment before saying, "I need to leave. I have to go."


    The staff exchanged suspicious glances. Why was she so afraid of meeting the family?


    "What''s going on? Even if you provoked her first, she injured you. At the very least, she should cover your medical expenses..."


    Jiang Baohong blustered, "What''s there to explain? I won''t stoop to her level. She''s like this, so why should I hold a grudge? I''m being magnanimous! I need to leave!"


    She couldn''t let the Zheng family see her.


    After all, it was said that the Zheng family''s eldest daughter lived in Xing''er Lane. If they were planning to target Xing''er Lane, they couldn''t afford to raise any suspicions. It was best if no one knew they were back.


    That way, if anything happened, it wouldn''t be traced back to them.


    Gritting her teeth, Jiang Baohong struggled to her feet, swaying unsteadily. "All of you, move aside! Don''t try to stop me!"


    Suddenly, she bolted out the door, running faster than a madwoman.


    Everyone was stunned. Honestly, they were used to dealing with unstable people, but this woman seemed just as unhinged.


    "What the...?"


    "Should we chase her?"


    "Do you think she''ll cause trouble outside?"


    "Come on, she''s not a madwoman. What trouble could she cause?"


    "But she looks like one. Who runs off with injuries like that without seeking compensation? If she''s not crazy, she''s definitely up to no good and afraid of being seen."


    The leader hesitated, then said, "Forget it. Don''t chase her. But mark my words, someone like her might end up back here sooner or later..."


    Jiang Baohong had no idea what they were saying. She ran as fast as she could, feeling a wave of relief. "Thank goodness!"


    She was in pain, but she was determined. "The plan comes first!"

 Chapter 213

    The weather in late autumn, though called late autumn, had already entered winter according to the solar terms.


    The days were changing rapidly. Yesterday had been warm, but today was cold. A single rain could drop the temperature by several degrees. As the saying goes, "One autumn rain brings one chill," and it truly felt that way.


    While others could simply add a layer of clothing when it got cold, Little Cai wasn''t so lucky. Trapped in the sewer, he cried out to the heavens and the earth, but no one answered. His teeth chattered from the cold, but fortunately, the rain had one small benefit: it helped him find a manhole cover through the leaking water. He finally pushed it open and escaped.


    Stumbling out, he looked around, momentarily disoriented. It was the dead of night, and the streets were empty. The fine rain was mixed with tiny hailstones, or perhaps snowflakes, falling on him and making him stagger.


    He had been trapped for over a day and night, truly an unlucky soul. If he hadn''t gotten out soon, he might have fainted from hunger. Thankfully, the rain had helped him escape. He could barely stand, shivering as he crawled. Where was he?


    Looking around, he realized he wasn''t far from Xinghua Lane. Though the area was unfamiliar, he vaguely recognized the sign of the machinery factory. Struggling to his feet, he hadn''t taken a step before he noticed a few shady characters attempting to climb over a wall.


    Little Cai was so startled that he fell with a loud thud. The figures turned at the noise, and Little Cai immediately tried to run. But before he could, they screamed, "A ghost!!!"


    Indeed, who wouldn''t be terrified encountering such a scene in the middle of the night? They screamed and fled in all directions.


    Little Cai reached out, "Wait..."


    But no one paid him any attention. As they scattered, a few security guards from the machinery factory emerged, shouting, "You little brats, what are you up to?"


    Little Cai lay on the ground, not daring to move. Fortunately, there were no lights, so he played dead. As the guards chased after the teenagers, he summoned all his remaining strength, jumped up, and bolted.


    "Hey, there''s another one over here!"


    "Chase him, quick!"


    Little Cai ran as fast as he could. Luck was on his side¡ªthe teenagers had bought him some time, and he managed to lose his pursuers. Though he ran aimlessly, he eventually found a hiding spot and avoided capture.


    In those days, the factory security was almost as formidable as the police, and they didn''t hesitate when it came to catching troublemakers.


    Having narrowly escaped, Little Cai was completely exhausted. The cold rain pelted his face, and he felt utterly miserable.


    Though he had no strength left, he knew he couldn''t stay hidden. Given the weather, staying out all night would surely lead to hypothermia. Besides, he was starving, his stomach burning with hunger.


    He could endure pain and cold, but hunger was another matter. He hadn''t eaten in several meals. Looking up at the sky, he silently wept, "Heaven, why are you treating me this way? Why!"


    He felt that this was the most painful experience a person could endure.


    He tried to get up but had no strength left.


    "Girls at eighteen are like flowers..."


    As Little Cai struggled to rise, he heard someone singing a tune. He immediately froze, not daring to move. The person hummed and swayed as they walked by. Little Cai held his breath, terrified of being discovered. Life was truly difficult for him.


    Just as he thought the heavens were mocking him again, he suddenly exclaimed, "Ah!"


    Overjoyed, he cried out, "Fan Debiao!"


    Fan Debiao was returning from a visit to a certain widow''s house, feeling quite pleased with himself, when suddenly someone leaped out at him, screaming, "Fan Debiao!"


    Fan Debiao shouted, "What the hell!"


    He kicked out, and Little Cai fell to the ground with a thud.


    Lying there, Little Cai cried, "Fan Debiao, it''s me, Little Cai!"


    Fan Debiao felt a chill run through him, thinking he''d seen a ghost. But ghosts probably weren''t this weak.


    He stared at the figure as Little Cai shivered and sobbed, "Why did you kick me? It''s me!"


    Fan Debiao quickly pulled out a flashlight and shone it on the figure. The person before him was covered in filth, as if he''d just crawled out of a mud pit. Suddenly, Fan Debiao recalled the rumors of a thief escaping into the sewers.


    So it was him.


    Stammering, Fan Debiao asked, "H-how did you end up here?"


    Interestingly, ever since the incident where he accidentally killed Zheng Yufeng, Fan Debiao''s stutter had mostly disappeared. He spoke normally most of the time, though in critical moments, it still resurfaced.


    He continued, "D-did you just crawl out of the sewer?"


    Little Cai nodded vigorously, "Brother, I''ve suffered so much!"


    Fan Debiao looked at Little Cai''s pitiful state and thought that even during his time in prison, he''d been more presentable than this guy.


    Calming himself, Fan Debiao said, "Since you''re out, you should go home. What are you doing here?"


    Little Cai looked at him with pleading eyes, "Can you take me home? I don''t have any strength left."


    If left to his own devices, he wouldn''t even be able to crawl back. Desperate, he begged, "If you help me, I''ll give you a bigger cut when we split the profits later."


    He wept, "I''ve had such a terrible time."


    Fan Debiao''s eyes flickered as he thought to himself: If they really worked together, he had no intention of sharing the spoils with this old fool. He always played dirty.


    Anyone who tried to take a share from him was out of luck.


    But for now, he needed to play nice and keep up appearances.


    Hiding his disgust, Fan Debiao stepped forward, "Hey, we''re like family. In fact, if I hadn''t run into you today, I was planning to look for you. I''ve decided to team up with you. From now on, we''re partners."


    Hearing this, Little Cai was overjoyed, "You''ve decided to work with me? That''s great! I knew you were a smart guy. Smart people know how to seize opportunities. We''ll make a fortune together."


    "Right."


    Fan Debiao felt sick to his stomach but forced himself to help Little Cai up, "Brother, I''ll take you home."


    Little Cai was moved to tears, "Thank you. But..."


    He looked at Fan Debiao hopefully, "Do you have any food on you?"


    Fan Debiao''s expression darkened, "It''s the middle of the night. Why would I have food on me? Let''s get you home quickly."


    He had spent his last bit of savings earlier and hadn''t eaten dinner himself.


    He could go a day without food, but not a day without his vices.


    If he took Little Cai home, he might at least get a meal out of it. Helping this stinking guy was worth it if he could get something in return. With that in mind, he said, "Let''s hurry. The sooner we get you home, the less you''ll suffer from the cold. The weather''s really bad today."


    "Thank you, Brother Fan."


    "Hey, we''re brothers. No need to be so formal."


    Fan Debiao held his breath as he helped Little Cai up, but the guy didn''t even try to support himself, leaning heavily on Fan Debiao. The stench was overwhelming, and Fan Debiao gagged several times. He cursed Little Cai in his heart, wondering how someone could be so shameless.


    Little Cai, on the other hand, wasn''t intentionally relying on Fan Debiao. He simply had no strength left. Leaning on Fan Debiao wasn''t comfortable for him either.


    Finally, he said, "Brother Fan, why don''t you carry me on your back?"


    Fan Debiao''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. What the hell? Who did this guy think he was? Why should he carry him? Fan Debiao''s anger flared.


    This guy had no shame at all.


    Suppressing his rage, Fan Debiao forced a smile, "It''s not that I don''t want to carry you, but I don''t have much strength either."


    Fan Debiao added, "Besides, it''s raining. If I carry you on my back, you won''t be comfortable either. I''m wearing a raincoat, so you''ll definitely end up soaked."


    Little Cai glanced at him and said, "It''s fine, I don''t mind."


    Fan Debiao thought to himself, "You don''t mind? Guess if I mind or not?"


    He was internally disgusted but didn''t say it outright. Instead, he forced a smile and said, "My legs are weak. If I carry you and fall..."


    Even after he said that, Little Cai still didn''t get the hint. Having grown up in good conditions, despite the hardships of the past decade, his personality hadn''t changed. He couldn''t read between the lines and simply said, "It''s fine. If you drop me, I''ll explain it to my parents. They won''t give you a hard time."


    Fan Debiao widened his eyes: "Damn (a type of plant), you''re still thinking about giving me a hard time?"


    He looked at the person in front of him, deeply doubting whether it was a good idea to associate with him. This guy had no sense of awareness or boundaries, and he didn''t seem capable of handling much. This clearly wasn''t going to work! Fan Debiao was fuming, but Little Cai kept babbling, "I''m getting dizzier and dizzier. I have no strength left. Please, Brother Fan, help me..."


    After saying that, he looked like he was about to pass out, whether from hunger or cold.


    Fan Debiao cursed inwardly, his mind filled with colorful language. But seeing Little Cai on the verge of collapse, he finally gave in and said, "Fine, I''ll carry you."


    He swore to himself that he would definitely take advantage of this situation later. This family wouldn''t get a single benefit from him.


    Grumbling, he hoisted Little Cai onto his back. Carrying him, Fan Debiao noticed the smell was even worse.


    In fact, it was thanks to the rain. If it hadn''t been raining, Fan Debiao wouldn''t have been able to carry Little Cai for more than a few steps without passing out from the stench. Even so, Fan Debiao suffered a lot, and he wasn''t lying when he said he was out of strength.


    He had gone to that kind of place earlier, naturally wanting to enjoy himself to the fullest. Otherwise, why would he have spent the money? He had gone several times, and now his legs were like jelly. He cursed himself, thinking, "Why didn''t I just spend an extra fifty cents to stay the night? Why did I have to save that fifty cents and walk back? If I hadn''t walked back, I wouldn''t have run into this mess."


    He regretted saving that fifty cents a thousand times over, but he also knew he was truly broke. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have gone out in the rain, saving that fifty cents for a night''s stay.


    Carrying Little Cai, Fan Debiao walked slowly, almost falling several times. By the time he reached the Cai Family''s building, his legs were completely weak. He forced himself to climb the stairs and finally stopped at the Cai Family''s door. By the time he knocked, he felt like he was on his last breath.


    Knock knock.


    Knock knock knock.


    Knock knock knock knock!


    No one answered after several knocks, and Fan Debiao''s anger grew.


    He banged on the door furiously, shouting, "Old Cai! Mrs. Cai! Open the door! Old Cai...!!!"


    His voice was so loud it woke up the neighbors upstairs and downstairs, but still, no one came to the door. Fan Debiao''s anger boiled over: "Open the door! Open the damn door!"


    He started pounding on the door.


    "What are you doing? Can''t you let people sleep?"


    "Who''s making such a racket in the middle of the night?"


    "Damn, that stench is back. Didn''t it clear up earlier this evening?"


    "Stinky, stinky! Baby doesn''t want stinky!"


    Finally, someone came out and said, "Hey, what are you doing in the middle of the night? Can''t you let people sleep?"


    Fan Debiao, already fuming, snapped back, "If you can''t sleep, then don''t sleep. What''s with all the nonsense? Did I knock on your door?"


    His temper was flaring, and the neighbors who had been woken up were equally angry. A heated argument broke out, and Fan Debiao held his ground, not backing down. This wasn''t like the old days when he used to stutter and lose arguments. Now, he was sharp-tongued and quick-witted.


    He argued with gusto, feeling proud of his eloquence.


    As the argument grew more heated and it seemed like things might turn physical, the door finally opened. Jiang Baohong, with her patchy bald head and bruised face, came out yelling, "Can''t you let people rest?"


    Fan Debiao was equally furious: "If there''s someone at home, why didn''t you open the door? Are your ears stuffed with donkey hair? Do you have any idea how much I suffered bringing him back? Do you think this was easy for me? I must have been cursed in a past life to do a good deed and end up with this mess."


    Only then did everyone notice the muddy figure of Little Cai.


    It was baffling. What were these two doing outside? First, Old Cai came back in a mess yesterday, and now Little Cai was in the same state today.


    The neighbors didn''t hold back: "Jiang Baohong, what''s going on with your family? Are you trying to disgust us on purpose? First yesterday, and now today. Do you think we''re pushovers? We let it slide yesterday, but now you''re doing it again?"


    Jiang Baohong didn''t respond. Instead, she cried out, "My son! My poor son! What happened to you? Who did this to you? Was it you?"


    She grabbed Fan Debiao.


    Fan Debiao cursed, "Damn it, you old hag."


    He finally lost his temper and slapped Jiang Baohong across the face: "I was kind enough to bring him back! Little Cai, say something! Stop pretending to be dead!"


    "You hit me! I can''t live like this anymore!" Jiang Baohong sat down on the ground and started wailing.


    In her distress, she accidentally sat on someone''s head.


    Little Cai, barely conscious, murmured, "Hungry..."


    Jiang Baohong jumped up, suddenly remembering that the muddy figure on the ground was her son.


    "My son! My poor son! What happened to you? Everyone, move aside! Don''t you have any sympathy? Help me carry him inside!"


    But no one was going to help her. The neighbors, having just been in a heated argument, quickly retreated to their homes, locking their doors and opening their windows. They''d rather endure the cold than deal with the foul stench. Help her? Not a chance.


    They wouldn''t help even if their lives depended on it.


    The saying goes that distant relatives aren''t as good as close neighbors, but the Cai Family was too much. They were unreasonable and caused too much trouble. If they helped and ended up being blamed, it would be unbearable. No way.


    Didn''t they see that even Jiang Baohong got slapped? Who knows who she offended outside to get beaten up like that. Some even thought the Cai Family must have bad luck. First, Old Cai came back injured, then Jiang Baohong, and now Little Cai. What did they do to deserve this?


    Better stay away from them.


    What bad luck!


    No one lifted a finger to help. In the end, it was Fan Debiao who helped carry Little Cai inside. He was panting heavily and didn''t care about the state of the house. He just plopped down on the couch, which didn''t look clean either. Fan Debiao looked at Jiang Baohong and thought she was a sorry sight.


    How did she get beaten up like that?


    But then again, considering her nasty attitude, maybe she deserved it.


    He sat down, and Little Cai, now delirious, kept muttering, "Hungry... hungry..."


    Despite all the commotion outside, Old Cai was still lying in bed like a dead man. He had caught a cold and was running a fever, unable to get up. Despite being more severely beaten than Old Cai and Little Cai, Jiang Baohong was a tough woman and managed to hold herself together.


    She struggled to get her son onto the couch and ordered Fan Debiao, "There''s some mixed flour in the cabinet. Make some porridge."


    Fan Debiao widened his eyes: "What?"


    Jiang Baohong, trying to get Fan Debiao to help, softened her tone for once: "Look at my injuries. His father is burning up with fever. We really don''t have the strength. Please, brother, help us out. When we recover, we''ll definitely come to thank you properly. Please, just this once."


    Fan Debiao looked at her face, which was scratched up like shredded potatoes, and her patchy bald head. She didn''t seem to be lying, so he finally relented: "Fine."


    He got up and went to the kitchen, noticing that there wasn¡¯t much of the mixed flour left. He hadn¡¯t eaten yet, so naturally, he wanted to make a thicker porridge to enjoy himself. He immediately started cooking.


    Jiang Baohong was crying beside her son, ¡°How did you end up falling into the manhole? Which deity have we offended in this family? It¡¯s just so pitiful.¡±


    She wept and then looked up, ¡°Boil some water, he needs to take a bath.¡±


    Although Little Cai was in worse shape than his father, he wasn¡¯t as dirty since the rain had washed some of it away. Jiang Baohong didn¡¯t hesitate to order Fan Debiao around, ¡°Boil some more water. The kettle is over there. Oh, my son, what have you suffered? Why is our family so unlucky, facing one blow after another?¡±


    Her wailing made Fan Debiao¡¯s ears ring.


    Jiang Baohong: ¡°Medicine, I¡¯ll get you some medicine.¡±


    Fortunately, she had gone to get some medicine for Old Cai earlier and had picked up some cold medicine. She quickly rummaged through it and said, ¡°Take some.¡±


    There was no time to waste; her son needed to take the medicine first.


    Little Cai was so feverish that he swallowed the pill as Jiang Baohong handed it to him. By then, Fan Debiao had finished cooking. He said, ¡°It looks good, it¡¯s ready to eat.¡±


    The mixed flour porridge was quick to make. Jiang Baohong watched as the man brought out two bowls. She didn¡¯t think the bowls were for her and her son. She pursed her lips and said, ¡°Comrade.¡±


    Fan Debiao: ¡°What?¡±


    Jiang Baohong: ¡°Come here, I need to talk to you.¡±


    Fan Debiao was puzzled but walked over to her. Jiang Baohong moved to the doorway and said, ¡°Come closer.¡±


    Fan Debiao grunted, unsure of what this woman wanted to say. As he approached, Jiang Baohong spoke stiffly, ¡°It¡¯s getting late, so I¡¯ll see you out. We have too many sick people here, so I won¡¯t keep you.¡±


    With that, she opened the door and shoved Fan Debiao out before he could react.


    Fan Debiao: ¡°What the hell! You¡ª¡±


    This woman had truly kicked him out after using him.


    But Jiang Baohong made it clear she wasn¡¯t giving him a chance to stay. With a loud bang, she shut the door.


    Fan Debiao stood dumbfounded outside, unable to believe he¡¯d been played by an old woman. He, Fan Debiao, a man of stature, reduced to this? He gritted his teeth in anger, muttering, ¡°Damn it, you ungrateful, despicable, shameless wretch. You old hag¡­¡±


    No matter how much he cursed, it was useless. Jiang Baohong snorted and retorted, ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? It¡¯s the middle of the night, and you¡¯re still here. Are you trying to take advantage of me? What¡¯s wrong with me telling you to leave? Don¡¯t think just because you did my son a small favor, you can strut around here. I see right through you. You¡¯re interested in me? Save it. Don¡¯t think you can get anything from me.¡±


    Fan Debiao was so furious he could barely breathe. He never expected to be accused of such things. He had standards when it came to women, and someone like her was never in his consideration.


    He spat out angrily, ¡°Damn it, take a look at yourself in the mirror. You look like Pig Bajie¡¯s aunt, ugly as sin, and yet you think you¡¯re something special. Who¡¯d want you? Am I blind? No one would ever want a hag like you!¡±


    Jiang Baohong, meanwhile, brought two bowls of porridge to the table and started feeding her son. She kept talking, ¡°Even if I¡¯m ugly, you¡¯re still the disgusting one lusting after me. Get lost! If you¡¯re not leaving, you must be trying to harass me.¡±


    Fan Debiao: ¡°You!!!¡±


    He was trembling with rage. The women he liked were young and beautiful, like the Fan sisters. What was this old hag thinking, acting so self-important? He was so angry. He had hoped to get a meal out of this, but instead, he ended up with nothing. He had tried to take advantage but ended up losing out.


    After helping so much, he was met with such shameless accusations and kicked out.


    ¡°You vile woman, you¡­¡±


    The two of them continued to exchange insults. Fan Debiao looked up and noticed many neighbors peeking through their doors, watching the scene. He felt utterly humiliated, being mistaken for having some kind of relationship with this woman. It made him sick to his stomach.


    ¡°Patience is key to great plans.¡±


    Fan Debiao couldn¡¯t take it anymore but took a deep breath and turned to leave.


    He couldn¡¯t stay and continue to be humiliated. The Cai Family would pay for this sooner or later.


    Neither Little Cai nor his mother would get off easy.


    He stomped away, seething with anger.


    Jiang Baohong heard him leave and chuckled smugly, ¡°Thinking you could eat our food? Dream on.¡±


    She fed her son a large bowl of thick mixed flour porridge, watching him gulp it down. Tears streamed down her face as she said, ¡°Oh, my son, you¡¯ve suffered so much.¡±


    After feeding her son, she turned to feed Old Cai. With two sick people in the house, she could only do her best to care for them. In truth, she was in pain all over and could barely move. After feeding both patients, she dragged herself to the kitchen and saw there was still some porridge left. She cursed, ¡°That scoundrel, wasting our food like it¡¯s nothing. He¡¯s got no good intentions.¡±


    She bent down and started eating. She hadn¡¯t eaten all day and was in agony.


    ¡°More, more¡­¡±


    Little Cai mumbled. He hadn¡¯t eaten in so long that one bowl wasn¡¯t enough. Seeing there was more, Jiang Baohong fed him another portion.


    The three of them, all sick, were a pitiful sight. At this point, Jiang Baohong began to regret her actions.


    With all three of them in such a state, maybe she should have kept Fan Debiao around. If she had, he could have helped take care of them. Or perhaps she could call her daughter-in-law back? How dare Zhang Lanhua stay at her parents¡¯ home instead of serving her mother-in-law?


    What daughter-in-law doesn¡¯t follow her mother-in-law¡¯s rules?


    She pursed her lips, displeased, and decided to make Zhang Lanhua come back and serve them. With the family in such a state, she couldn¡¯t shirk her duties. Besides, it was a chance for Zhang Lanhua to prove herself.


    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t know how to show filial piety.


    With that thought, Jiang Baohong smiled again.


    However, Jiang Baohong was overthinking things. She was too injured to go out herself, and when she tried to send someone to deliver a message, no one paid her any attention. The Cai Family was so disliked that no one wanted to get involved.


    Later, when she felt a bit better and went to find her daughter-in-law, Zhang Lanhua showed her no respect. Zhang Lanhua was terrified of being tied to the Cai Family. If it weren¡¯t for the stigma of divorce, she would have left long ago.


    This family was unreliable.


    Zhang Lanhua refused to have anything to do with the Cai Family.


    But as the saying goes, ¡°The wicked live long.¡± Despite the family¡¯s suffering, they were surprisingly resilient and managed to recover. Even so, it took Old Cai and Little Cai about a month to get better, while Jiang Baohong took nearly two months.


    They hadn¡¯t even gone out, but their savings had taken a hit.


    The family finally recovered, but the illness had dragged on for a long time, and now it was almost New Year¡¯s Day.


    After Little Cai recovered, he went to find Fan Debiao, saying all sorts of nice things to win him back. Fan Debiao, ¡°magnanimously,¡± didn¡¯t hold a grudge, but both of them were scheming. Fan Debiao planned to use the Cai Family as pawns and then double-cross them.


    Little Cai, on the other hand, wanted to keep all the money for himself, with no intention of sharing it with his parents or Fan Debiao.


    Even Old Cai was thinking about how to get all the money for himself. Among them, Jiang Baohong was the most naive, genuinely wanting to get money, share it, and seek revenge. But the others had different plans.


    After two or three months, the group sat together again, the atmosphere awkward.


    Although Fan Debiao had "magnanimously" forgiven Jiang Baohong, there was still a noticeable chill between them when they met again. However, Jiang Baohong, having been advised by Little Cai, took the initiative to extend an olive branch: "Fan Debiao, I know some of the things I did in the past upset you. Don¡¯t hold it against me. I didn¡¯t mean any harm."


    Fan Debiao cursed her in his heart but still played the role of the good-natured man, saying, "Forget it. Since it was just a misunderstanding, I won¡¯t hold a grudge. Let¡¯s talk about the plan instead."


    But whatever was said, it was all secondary.


    The primary goal now was to make money.


    And this opportunity had been meticulously planned over the past few days. Little Cai had been constantly seeking out Fan Debiao and even brought his father, Old Cai, into the discussion. The three of them had gone over the details thoroughly.


    Little Cai laid out his idea: "I¡¯ve found out that the machinery factory is organizing a large-scale New Year¡¯s performance. Everyone in the compound will likely go to watch the show, leaving the place empty. That¡¯s our chance."


    Old Cai added, "The factory will probably set off firecrackers, which will help cover any noise we make."


    Little Cai nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Even if some neighbors stay behind, they probably won¡¯t pay much attention to what¡¯s happening in the compound. But we should still be prepared. If anyone is still around, we¡¯ll have to act quickly¡ªtie them up and lock them in the cellar. Then we¡¯ll search the compound from the outside in. We can¡¯t miss a single house. Check every drawer, every cabinet, and even the walls. Knock on them to see if there are any hidden compartments."


    He paused to take a sip of water before continuing, "Besides those places, we should also check the rafters and the kang (heated brick beds). If we find anything, it¡¯s ours. Once we get the money, we¡¯ll leave immediately. But that¡¯s not the end of it. After we stash the money, we¡¯ll move on to our second target¡ªthe Zheng Family and Hu Huihui. They¡¯re likely wealthier than the people in the compound. Their place is in a residential building, which is riskier, so we¡¯ll hit the courtyard houses first. They¡¯re easier to control if something goes wrong. After that, we¡¯ll target Hu Huihui¡¯s family."


    "Agreed," everyone said.


    "During the second operation, we¡¯ll probably attract some attention, so we¡¯ll need to move fast. We¡¯ll regroup at my place afterward and divide the spoils. How does that sound?"


    Old Cai chimed in, "And don¡¯t forget about settling scores."


    Little Cai¡¯s eyes flickered as he said, "After we get the money, we¡¯ll plan our escape route. Then, the day before we leave, we¡¯ll take care of the revenge. No need for finesse¡ªjust a quick stab and we¡¯ll be out of the city in no time."


    "Sounds good," Old Cai said, feeling more at ease.


    Fan Debiao noticed Little Cai¡¯s dismissive attitude and didn¡¯t believe for a second that he was serious about revenge. It was clearly just a way to buy time. But Fan Debiao didn¡¯t say anything¡ªwhat did it matter to him?


    Though he harbored resentment, revenge wasn¡¯t his priority. Money was.


    As long as he got money, that would be the greatest compensation. Revenge could wait. If he had to choose between the two, he¡¯d pick money without hesitation. He hated the Zheng Family and those who had him detained, but compared to money, those grudges weren¡¯t as important.


    He said, "Let¡¯s go over the details again."


    "Agreed."


    "With just the four of us, aren¡¯t we a bit short-handed?"


    Little Cai replied, "We may be few in number, but as long as we can control the situation, it¡¯s not a problem. Fewer people mean fewer shares to divide. It¡¯s better this way¡ªmore for each of us."


    "True," everyone agreed. They all wanted a bigger cut.


    "Quality over quantity," someone said.


    "Exactly," the others echoed.


    With the plan settled, everyone felt more at ease. "Tomorrow is New Year¡¯s Day. Let¡¯s get some rest tonight and be ready for action early tomorrow."


    "Wait a minute!" Jiang Baohong interrupted. "Shouldn¡¯t we discuss how to split the money?"


    The others exchanged glances. None of them had actually planned to share¡ªeach was secretly hoping to keep everything for themselves. Only Jiang Baohong genuinely believed they would divide the spoils fairly.


    Little Cai¡¯s eyes flickered again as he said, "Of course, we¡¯ll split it equally among the four of us."


    After all, it was all his anyway.


    Fan Debiao, who also planned to keep everything for himself, still felt uneasy hearing this. "How is that fair? Your family would get three-quarters, and I¡¯d only get a quarter. That¡¯s not right."


    "That¡¯s not how it works. You¡¯re only one person, and there are three of us."


    Fan Debiao argued, "But I¡¯m putting in a lot of effort. I¡¯m a grown man. Your parents are older, and Jiang Baohong is a woman. They won¡¯t be much help."


    "That¡¯s not true. I think..."


    The group began bickering, even though they hadn¡¯t even started the operation yet. They were already fighting over the money they hadn¡¯t stolen.


    Fan Debiao thought to himself, *I have to pretend to argue, or they¡¯ll suspect me. I can¡¯t let on that I plan to double-cross them.*


    Coincidentally, Little Cai and Old Cai were thinking the same thing.


    Only Jiang Baohong was sincerely fighting for her share.


    After a heated debate, Jiang Baohong finally secured a quarter of the spoils and smiled triumphantly. "That¡¯s more like it."


    The others remained silent.


    Little Cai said, "Alright, Fan Debiao, you¡¯ll stay at my place tonight. We¡¯ll act together tomorrow. No one leaks a word."


    "Got it," Fan Debiao replied.


    The neighbors, seeing Fan Debiao back again, shook their heads. *This family is always fighting one day and making up the next. It¡¯s hard to keep up.*


    But the "Cai Family" was in good spirits. Although they had been delayed due to injuries, they felt it was fate that they had this opportunity right before New Year¡¯s.


    They were all eager to make their move the next day.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the story, Jiang Baohong¡¯s visit to the mental hospital had caused quite a stir in the compound. Zheng Huimin and Li Junjun had gone to visit Zheng Huimin¡¯s mother that day, only to be told that Guan Guiling couldn¡¯t see anyone because she had had an episode.


    Upon further inquiry, they learned that Jiang Baohong had triggered the episode.


    But before Zheng Huimin could worry, she heard that Jiang Baohong had been beaten badly. Strangely, Jiang Baohong had left without demanding compensation, despite her injuries. Zheng Huimin couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    What was that saying again?


    *She came all this way just to deliver herself to the enemy.*


    Her mother was a madwoman, and this old lady had the audacity to provoke her. She must not have known what she was getting into.


    Of course, she paid the price.


    Although Guan Guiling wasn¡¯t harmed, the episode was still terrifying. Zheng Huimin reminded the staff that visitors should be carefully screened in the future.


    After all, Guan Guiling¡¯s mental illness made her extremely dangerous when she had an episode.


    The hospital staff took the warning seriously and promised to be more cautious.


    Mental illness comes in many forms, and Guan Guiling¡¯s was particularly volatile, requiring extra care.


    Zheng Huimin left the hospital without seeing her mother but left her belongings behind. As she walked away with Li Junjun, her brow furrowed in worry.


    Li Junjun comforted her, "Don¡¯t worry. Your mother is in a proper institution. Jiang Baohong can¡¯t cause any trouble here. And given your mother¡¯s condition, she won¡¯t be taken advantage of." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had heard about it¡ªJiang Baohong had been beaten up pretty badly.


    He said, "Your mom may not have freedom here, but at least her life is stable. She can''t hurt others, and others can''t hurt her. Isn''t that good?"


    These days, not many people with mental illnesses are sent to psychiatric hospitals; most are kept at home. But Zheng Huimin couldn''t do that. She had to work, and even if she didn''t run her stall, she couldn''t take care of her mother full-time.


    Her mother would become violent and harm others when triggered. Such a violent mental illness couldn''t just be left at home¡ªit was too easy to cause trouble, and no amount of money would be enough to cover the damages. So, she had no choice but to send her mother away. To be honest, if Jiang Baohong hadn''t come looking for trouble herself, she wouldn''t have ended up in such a state.


    After all, even Guan Guiling had been locked up.


    Zheng Huimin pursed her lips and sighed, "I know, I know. I''m not worried about my mom¡ªshe''s actually fine here. What I''m thinking about is why Jiang Baohong came looking for trouble as soon as she returned. Why did she show up in Xinghua Lane?"


    She whispered, "Could it be that she couldn''t find my mom and came to take revenge on me?"


    Li Junjun replied, "Not necessarily. She might also be looking for Aunt Xiu and Uncle Fendou."


    Zheng Huimin: "..."


    As an outsider back then, she only had a vague understanding of what had happened. Naturally, she wanted to ask more questions. Li Junjun hesitated for a moment but eventually gave her a brief rundown of the events. Though it was a simplified version, it was still more than what Zheng Huimin had known.


    He was young back then, so he couldn''t explain it in great detail.


    After hearing it, Zheng Huimin was amazed. "It''s so complicated."


    "Exactly," Li Junjun agreed.


    As they walked back, the first thing Zheng Huimin did upon returning was share the news that Jiang Baohong had indeed come back. Everyone felt a bit uneasy, not because they were being paranoid, but because this troublemaker had shown up right after her return and started causing chaos. She was the infamous "toilet troublemaker," after all.


    So, no one believed she had good intentions.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "I''ll go find out more and see what''s going on with them."


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "Alright, leave it to you."


    Zhuang Zhixi was quick to act and soon found out the details. To be honest, he was a bit stunned. This family was just so unlucky. When he went to investigate, he learned that all three members of the family were sick at home, and it sounded pretty miserable.


    But, their neighbors were furious.


    After all, this family had caused trouble for others too. However, this also confirmed that they were indeed the infamous "sewer troublemakers." Everyone had kept a close eye on them for a while, but gradually, they let their guard down.


    It wasn''t that they weren''t vigilant, but the family members were mostly bedridden and rarely left the house. Over time, they naturally stopped being a focus of attention.


    Though people remained somewhat wary, life went on peacefully. The family was recovering at home, so everyone gradually returned to their normal routines and stopped worrying about them.


    As the end of the year approached, everyone got busier.


    The machinery factory had been doing quite well these past two years. Last year, they didn''t hold any events, but this year, they decided to organize one. Zhuang Zhixi, who had been temporarily transferred elsewhere, was called back to help. He was running back and forth, exhausted.


    To be honest, Zhuang Zhixi loved participating in such events. After all, it was because of a similar opportunity that he had been transferred from the clinic to the publicity department.


    Not that the clinic was bad¡ªit was actually quite good¡ªbut he wasn''t trained in medicine, so he wasn''t much use there. Moving to the publicity department suited him better, even though promotions were hard to come by due to the hierarchy and favoritism. But the same was true in the clinic.


    The publicity department was a better fit for his personality.


    So, Zhuang Zhixi was grateful for that performance opportunity back then, as it had allowed him to transfer.


    This time, even though he was juggling two places, he put in his best effort. Zhuang Zhixi was swamped, and so were others. Ming Mei was busy with her end-of-term exams, while Jiang Lu, who worked in the factory''s women''s federation, also had to pitch in for the year-end event.


    It was the same for everyone with a job.


    But even those without jobs were busy. With the New Year approaching, people were starting to buy new clothes for the holidays, so the stall business was booming. Although the malls had a wide variety of styles, the stalls weren''t far behind.


    Plus, the prices were more competitive, and the service was better, so many people still preferred shopping at the stalls.


    This year, the New Year wasn''t particularly early¡ªit was in February¡ªbut no one wanted to wait until the last minute to buy clothes, fearing they''d only get the leftovers. Everyone was in a hurry. Zhao Guihua and the others had to leave early in the morning, and they were exhausted.


    But despite the fatigue, they were happy¡ªcounting money until their hands cramped.


    No one dislikes money, after all.


    While the adults were busy, the kids were too. They had a New Year''s Day performance at school, with a morning party. Most of the kids from the compound were in the same class, except for Ye Siyuan, who was a year younger and lived next door, along with his younger siblings.


    But even if they weren''t in the same class, each class had its own program.


    The kids, however, had their own little complaints. The machinery factory was also holding an event on New Year''s Day morning, and they wanted to go see the fun. The little ones were grumbling about it.


    But there was nothing they could do.


    Tuantuan said, "I heard the machinery factory''s event is really good too."


    Yuanyuan nodded but added, "But we won''t have time to go after school."


    Everyone agreed that was true.


    Bai Qingqing chimed in, "My mom said I should go straight home after school and not go to the machinery factory. It''ll be too crowded, and we might get trampled."


    "Actually, my mom said the same thing," Yuanyuan sighed.


    It seemed all the parents were on the same page.


    But they did have a point.


    Ye Siyuan, however, was feeling particularly glum. His little face was scrunched up in distress. "You guys don''t have to wait for us after school tomorrow."


    "Why?"


    Ye Siyuan sighed, "I have a cavity, and my mom said she''s taking me to get it pulled tomorrow after the school party. I have to go to the hospital."


    Wang Zizhen had to run her stall every day and didn''t have much free time. Since all the factories were holding events tomorrow, she couldn''t work, so she decided to take her son to the hospital. Ye Siyuan, usually a little adult, was unusually melancholy. "It''s New Year''s Day, and I have to go to the hospital."


    The other kids looked at him sympathetically.


    Yuanyuan asked, "What about Sijia and Si Tian?"


    The two younger kids looked at Yuanyuan with the same worried expression. Si Tian said softly, "Mom said we have to go too."


    "Why?" Yuanyuan was puzzled.


    Si Tian looked at her brother sadly.


    Ye Siyuan explained, "Mom said we''ve been eating too much candy these past couple of years and not being careful. We all have cavities, and that''s not good. So, while I get my tooth pulled, they have to come along too."


    He paused, then added gloomily, "It''s like killing the chicken to scare the monkeys."


    "Pfft!"


    The kids burst out laughing.


    They looked at the Ye siblings and felt truly sorry for them.


    Si Tian pointed at herself and said, "I''m the monkey."


    Sijia added, "Me too."


    The kids laughed again¡ªtwo little monkeys indeed.


    Xing''er also spoke up, "I won''t be with you guys tomorrow either. Erlin has a check-up, so we''re going to the hospital."


    Erlin leaned on his sister''s shoulder and said, "My sister will come with me."


    He was scared.


    But if his sister was there, he felt like he had backup.


    Li Zhenzhen said, "Huh, so tomorrow it''s just us from the compound."


    "Yep," everyone agreed.


    "Then let¡¯s watch TV after school. Grandpa added an antenna to our TV, so we can get two more channels now. One of them plays cartoons at noon, and they¡¯re really good," Yuanyuan suggested.


    "Oh, that¡¯s great!"


    "Yeah, it is!"


    The kids were immediately excited. Even though they were around ten years old, they were still just kids.


    Their favorite thing was cartoons. TV dramas were nice too, but they couldn¡¯t compare to cartoons. Soon, they were all chattering away about the cartoons. Tuantuan said, "After the school party tomorrow, let¡¯s come back and watch cartoons together, and then go ice skating at Houhai in the afternoon. How about that?"


    Ye Siyuan chimed in, "I¡¯m in for ice skating. I¡¯ll be free in the afternoon."


    "Me too, me too!"


    Xing''er and the others weren¡¯t sure if they¡¯d have time in the afternoon, but they said, "If we come back, we¡¯ll let you know at your compound. If we don¡¯t show up, it means we¡¯re not back, and we won¡¯t join you."


    "Okay."


    "Sure."


    The kids started chattering again: "What performances does your class have?"


    "We¡­"


    Once they had everything planned out, they realized that even as elementary school students, they had quite a lot going on.


    As the kids gathered and chattered, Ming Mei came home from work and couldn¡¯t help but comment to Zhuang Zhixi, who had also just returned, "Kids are so carefree."


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled, "Aren¡¯t you carefree too?"


    Thinking about it, Ming Mei realized that she really hadn¡¯t encountered much hardship in her life. She had always lived comfortably¡ªbefore marriage and after. She had been fortunate both before and after marrying into the family.


    Ming Mei said, "You know what? It¡¯s true. I¡¯ve always had an easy life. I¡¯m so glad I met you and your family. Everyone says your mom is a strict mother-in-law, but I know better¡ªshe¡¯s really kind. I¡¯m so lucky."


    She had been married for over ten years and had never had any conflicts with her mother-in-law. Unlike other families where there were often tensions between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law, she and her mother-in-law got along perfectly. Even Liang Meifen didn¡¯t dare cause any trouble. Life in this family was truly comfortable.


    If she had married into a different family, things might not have been so easy.


    After all, even if she could dream, she might not always encounter a mother-in-law like hers.


    You have to understand, her mother-in-law was a *reincarnator*!


    Reincarnated!


    It was something unheard of and unseen, and it was pretty amazing.


    "I really love this family."


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "If you keep saying that, I¡¯ll get a big head."


    He ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????snuggled up to his wife and said, "You¡¯re so wonderful, everyone gets along with you. Our family is the lucky one to have you. How did I get so lucky to marry such a great wife? You¡¯re beautiful, kind, and tough. I feel so secure with you."


    Ming Mei playfully pushed him and laughed, "Stop talking nonsense."


    Zhuang Zhixi insisted, "It¡¯s not nonsense. My wife really is the best."


    The two of them were being all lovey-dovey when Tuantuan came out to get some water. Seeing them, he turned around quietly and muttered, "Boys love girls."


    Then, without batting an eye, he took the water jug back inside.


    Ming Mei called after him, "Tuantuan, just drink water. Don¡¯t put sugar in it, okay?"


    Tuantuan froze, pouted, and dragged out his response, "...Okay."


    Even though he was a boy, he really liked sweets.


    In those days, what kid didn¡¯t love candy?


    Tuantuan went back inside and shrugged at the others. Everyone sighed¡ªsugary water was just so much better.


    Ye Siyuan tried to console himself, "It¡¯s good not to drink sugary water. I already have cavities."


    The "cavity crew" all silently covered their mouths.


    At least they were still losing their baby teeth.


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t pay much attention to the kids¡¯ little worries. She felt like these little ones needed some discipline¡ªthey were always drinking sugary water. It was true that life had gotten better in recent years, and the kids could feel it too. They were living comfortably.


    Every time they got some pocket money, they¡¯d spend it on candy. Their teeth weren¡¯t in great shape, but thankfully, these kids were losing their baby teeth late. Otherwise, it would have been a disaster!


    Ming Mei said, "It¡¯s time to start keeping an eye on them."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Your words carry weight."


    Even though Ming Mei always had a smile on her face, her words were taken seriously. After all, everyone had seen her in action. In the neighborhood, whether it was adults or kids, from eighty-year-olds to eight-year-olds, no one dared to cross her. No matter how friendly she seemed, just the mention of her name was enough to keep people in line.


    It couldn¡¯t be helped¡ªseeing was believing.


    They had all witnessed it firsthand.


    And because they had seen it, they didn¡¯t dare to challenge her.


    So, with just one word from Ming Mei, the kids didn¡¯t dare to argue.


    Zhuang Zhixi gave his wife a thumbs-up, and Ming Mei responded with a playful huff.


    As they were talking, they heard a chorus of "Wow!"


    "It¡¯s snowing!"


    "It¡¯s snowing again!"


    "We can build a snowman!"


    "Yeah, yeah!"


    Snow wasn¡¯t a rare occurrence in the north, but the kids were always full of enthusiasm, getting excited over everything. A little snow had them exclaiming nonstop. Ming Mei stood at the door and looked outside, saying, "The snowflakes are pretty big."


    Zhuang Zhixi added, "Who knows how long it¡¯ll keep snowing? We¡¯ll have to be careful on the way to work and school tomorrow so we don¡¯t slip."


    Ming Mei watched the snow falling heavily and said, "I think it might snow for a while."


    Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, "Who knows?"


    As it turned out, Ming Mei was right. The snow kept falling all night, and by morning, it had piled up quite a bit. When Zhuang Zhixi opened the door, he found the snow was already over an inch deep.


    It was clear the snow hadn¡¯t stopped all night.


    The windows were covered in frost, and icicles hung precariously from the eaves.


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped outside, blew on his hands, and put on his gloves to start shoveling snow. Other men from the neighborhood came out too, including Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun. The younger guys were out as well.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "With this much snow, a lot of people are going to have a tough time today."


    ******


    "The Meal" Family: Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!


    Somehow, they felt a curse coming their way.

 Chapter 214

    The new year began with a snowfall as heavy as goose feathers.


    New Year''s Day was a time for celebration, and every household rose early to sweep the snow in their yards. In no time, the snow was piled up in one spot. Yuanyuan came bouncing out, shouting, "Daddy, don¡¯t shovel the snow away! We still need to build a snowman!"


    It seemed like her wish had come true. Just yesterday, she had been hoping for enough snow to build a snowman, and today, the snow was exceptionally heavy. The little girl happily swung her twin pigtails, lively as a little magpie.


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, "Alright, we¡¯ll pile it all here."


    The father couldn¡¯t refuse his daughter. On such a cold day, everyone craved something warm. Ming Mei had gotten up early to prepare black sesame paste, while Zhuang Zhixi went out to buy deep-fried dough sticks. Whether it was the dough sticks or crispy rings, they couldn¡¯t get enough of them.


    Though it wasn¡¯t the Lunar New Year, the atmosphere was still festive. Early in the morning, the two children put on their bright red sweaters, as there was a performance scheduled for the day. Strangely enough, even though Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were twins, as they grew older, they didn¡¯t look as similar as they once had.


    Of course, if you saw them together, you¡¯d still guess they were siblings, but they didn¡¯t quite look like twins anymore. Tuantuan had a more refined appearance, while Yuanyuan took after her mother, with a charming, sweet look. However, dressed in their matching red sweaters, they resembled the adorable children often depicted in traditional New Year paintings.


    The two had a natural rapport. As soon as Yuanyuan raised her hand, Tuantuan handed her a tea egg. The little girl ate heartily, mumbling, "Mom, can we go to the factory after school today?"


    Though she knew the answer was likely no, she couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Ming Mei replied, "You two go straight home. Didn¡¯t you want to build a snowman? After you finish at home, we¡¯ll all go to Donglaishun for hotpot together. How does that sound?"


    The two children immediately nodded with joy. A snowy day was perfect for hotpot.


    Not only was Donglaishun delicious, but even Grandma Wang¡¯s Northeastern-style pickled cabbage and pork belly hotpot was incredibly tasty. Yuanyuan declared seriously, "Hotpot is my favorite food, ranked number one on my list."


    Ming Mei teased her daughter, "Last year, you said your favorite was roast duck."


    Yuanyuan pouted, "But people can change their minds!"


    Ming Mei chuckled and tapped her little nose. Yuanyuan grinned and asked, "Mom, will Grandma and Grandpa come with us?"


    Ming Mei nodded, "Of course! We¡¯ve already arranged it. Your brother Hutong and sister Xiaoyanzi will be there too."


    Yuanyuan let out a long "Oh," her excitement growing. Ming Mei¡¯s school also had a New Year¡¯s celebration, and she glanced at the time, saying, "I have to go now, or I¡¯ll be late."


    Zhuang Zhixi offered, "I¡¯ll take you."


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan looked at their father with pleading eyes. Zhuang Zhixi smiled, "We¡¯ll all go together. I¡¯ll drop you off at school, then take your mom, and finally head to work. How¡¯s that? Isn¡¯t Daddy the best?"


    The two children burst into giggles, clearly delighted.


    Of course, this was perfect.


    The family of four stepped outside, and as soon as they reached the gate, they heard Aunt Zhou¡¯s loud voice asking, "Xiao Zhuang, what time does the Mechanical Factory¡¯s cultural performance start?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "At nine. Don¡¯t go too early; it¡¯s too cold."


    "Got it!"


    He added with a smile, "Should I find you a good spot?"


    Aunt Zhou waved her hand, "No need. Jiang Lu invited us to her office. We can watch from the window¡ªno cold, no crowds. Hehe."


    The old ladies had plenty of connections.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Alright, then please take care of my parents."


    After the small talk, the children gathered, and Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei led the little troop to school. The snow hadn¡¯t stopped falling, and flakes landed on their heads and shoulders, eliciting laughter from everyone. The roads were covered in snow, and the narrow alleys hadn¡¯t been cleared yet, leaving deep footprints with every step.


    The kids deliberately chose the uncleared paths, stomping through the snow.


    Yuanyuan, ever the mischievous one, spotted a snow pile from a distance, took a running start, and leaped into it, covering her legs in snow.


    "Wow! So cool!"


    "I can do it too!"


    The children clapped and cheered, thoroughly impressed.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei exchanged a look.


    Now they knew why Yuanyuan¡¯s clothes always got dirty so quickly.


    Zhuang Zhixi teased, "Sweetheart, do you jump into puddles in the summer too?"


    Yuanyuan puffed out her chest, "Of course! I¡¯m really good at it!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Ming Mei: "Pfft!"


    Tuantuan quickly tugged at his sister¡¯s sleeve. Yuanyuan glanced at her parents, saw they weren¡¯t upset, and laughed brightly, her voice like a silver bell. Growing up in such a loving family, she was naturally cheerful and happy.


    The little ones soon started running and jumping again, making the walk to school much longer than usual.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei dropped them off, reminding them, "Go straight home after school. It¡¯s crowded everywhere today, and the snow is heavy. Don¡¯t wander off."


    "Okay!" The children responded in unison.


    Zhuang Zhixi turned to Ming Mei, "Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll take you. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve done that."


    Ming Mei teased, "You¡¯ll have to do better. This isn¡¯t good enough."


    Zhuang Zhixi grinned, "I promise to improve in the future."


    He set off with his wife, pushing the bicycle instead of riding it to keep pace with the kids.


    Ming Mei warned, "Be careful. Ride slowly; the roads are slippery today."


    "I know."


    Like every working family in the city, Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei left home early, bustling with activity as they headed to their respective workplaces. Some had work to do, while others had events to attend. For some reason, many units were holding activities this year, and the Mechanical Factory¡¯s event attracted quite a crowd of family members.


    Though it was held outdoors in the freezing cold, it didn¡¯t dampen anyone¡¯s enthusiasm.


    What¡¯s a little cold compared to the joy of the occasion?


    Even though the event didn¡¯t start until nine, people were up early, dressed and ready. He Lan, for instance, had put on her padded coat by seven in the morning and was pacing around the yard. Zhao Guihua came out to pour water and asked with a smile, "It¡¯s still snowing. What are you doing out here?"


    He Lan replied, "I¡¯ve got nothing else to do. Everyone¡¯s either at work or school. I¡¯m just waiting to go to the Mechanical Factory. They¡¯re starting so late¡ªnine o¡¯clock feels like mid-morning already."


    Zhao Guihua, having attended several such events, had some insight.


    She explained, "It¡¯s for the leaders¡¯ convenience. At the end of the year, leaders visit various factories, and heavy industry factories like the Mechanical Factory are especially important. Starting too early wouldn¡¯t work. If it ended too soon, the leaders wouldn¡¯t have time to show their support."


    "That makes sense."


    Having been a homemaker for so long, He Lan wasn¡¯t used to these things.


    Though the Mechanical Factory didn¡¯t hold events every year, He Lan had attended enough to know they usually started around nine or ten. Still, she hadn¡¯t thought to ask why until now.


    Zhao Guihua said, "I¡¯ll boil some ginger tea and pour it into a thermos. It¡¯ll be nice to have something warm after the event. With this snow and no sign of the sun, we might catch a cold."


    Heeding her advice, He Lan hurried home to prepare some ginger tea for when her daughter returned from school.


    The group of elderly neighbors set out together, bundled up against the cold. Lan Sihai, ever the eccentric, carried a small water bottle filled with ginseng slices and other herbal roots, clearly a tonic. The other old men glanced at it, impressed.


    Lan Sihai, as usual, declared, "In life, you¡¯ve got to take care of yourself."


    His wife nodded in agreement by his side.


    Some people, you see, are just interesting regardless of their age. Living with them always brings a different flavor to life. Lan Sihai is one of those people. Although he hasn¡¯t had much formal education, there¡¯s nothing he can¡¯t do except studying. And he makes everyone around him feel comfortable.


    ¡°Old brother, I really have to learn from you,¡± Old Zhuang and the others sighed in admiration.


    Lan Sihai: ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll take you out to see something interesting tomorrow. I recently met an old man who¡¯s really into raising pigeons. It¡¯s quite fascinating¡­¡±


    ¡°That sounds great¡­¡±


    The men chatted and laughed together, and the women were no different. There was no generational gap, whether they were older or younger.


    Wang Xiangxiu had now joined the elderly crowd. In the past, though she seemed friendly, there was always a bit of distance, mainly because of all the old scandals. She used to feel a little embarrassed, but since Jinlai took over the family duties, she¡¯s had more time at home and has gradually warmed up to everyone.


    Now, she¡¯s part of the elderly group, though she¡¯s one of the younger members. Compared to Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang, and Aunt Zhou, she¡¯s still part of the younger generation. And compared to Old Lan, she¡¯s two generations younger. In this group, she¡¯s considered middle-aged, alongside He Lan and Wang Zizhen.


    With her hands tucked in her sleeves, she said with a hint of pride, ¡°Today, our Jinlai has a performance.¡±


    She had been keeping it a secret for days, wanting to surprise everyone.


    ¡°Oh! What¡¯s he performing?¡±


    ¡°Is he singing, dancing, or doing a skit?¡±


    ¡°That boy¡¯s got good looks. He¡¯s perfect for the stage.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu beamed with pride and said, ¡°He¡¯s doing a skit, playing a pretty boy. It¡¯s basically him playing himself.¡±


    Everyone: ¡°¡­¡±


    You¡¯re really his mother.


    How could you say that so bluntly?


    But it¡¯s also spot on.


    ¡°Being able to perform on stage is an honor. If you¡¯re not good-looking, you wouldn¡¯t even qualify to play a pretty boy. Only the good-looking ones can do it. It¡¯s actually a compliment,¡± Zhao Guihua chimed in.


    Wang Xiangxiu looked at Zhao Guihua in surprise and after a while said, ¡°You sound just like my Tonglai.¡±


    Zhao Guihua burst out laughing. It was clear that Tonglai had been trying to comfort his older brother.


    But who would have thought that someone like Jinlai, who¡¯s usually so stubborn, would actually listen and start behaving better? People are hard to predict. After all, in his past life, he never changed even in old age.


    Everyone locked the courtyard gate and left together. On a day like this, the courtyard was completely empty.


    Even Aunt Sui and the others went out. When else would you go out to see the excitement if not on a day like this? Everyone walked out together, unaware that several pairs of eyes were silently watching them.


    Yes, these weren¡¯t just any eyes. They belonged to the ¡°Meal Gang,¡± a group that had been planning for months and had been lying low due to injuries.


    The group had gathered behind the toilet, pressed tightly against the wall, afraid of being seen. Luckily, it had snowed heavily early in the morning, and the weather was freezing, so there weren¡¯t many people wandering around outside.


    They had left at the crack of dawn, heading straight here to hide.


    They all agreed that this was the best plan. Why? Because it was early, and being early meant they were less likely to be noticed. If they had come later, when everyone was heading out, it would have been too risky.


    After all, the neighborhood¡¯s elderly surveillance squad was no joke. These old ladies could spot outsiders from a mile away. By coming early, they avoided that problem, even if it meant freezing their tails off. But as they say, no pain, no gain.


    The suffering they were enduring now was all for the sake of future prosperity.


    So, they could endure it.


    They had arrived at five in the morning, sneaking around like ghosts, and had been waiting here ever since, turning into snowmen, nearly frozen stiff.


    But they could endure it. They *had* to endure it.


    The four of them gritted their teeth, enduring the cold, pressed against the wall, not daring to chat, silently waiting. They had even endured the smell of people coming out to use the toilet or empty their chamber pots.


    Sure, the smell wasn¡¯t great, but it was winter, so it wasn¡¯t too bad!


    Compared to their previous sewer escapade, this was nothing.


    As they watched wave after wave of people pass by, they grew more and more frustrated. Where were the people from House No. 44? They were seething with anger. Those people really deserved to die!


    They were determined to rob them blind.


    Just as they were about to freeze into icicles, they finally saw the people from the courtyard come out, including Wang Xiangxiu.


    Old Cai¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He hated Wang Xiangxiu with a passion. Whether or not others were involved, she was the one he hated the most. It was this woman who had cost him his power.


    He almost lost control and rushed at her, but Little Cai, who had been keeping a close eye on his father, quickly grabbed him. Old Cai turned around, glaring.


    Little Cai shook his head, trying to calm him down.


    Old Cai clenched his teeth.


    His enemy was right there, within reach.


    Fan Debiao saw the situation was getting out of hand and quickly restrained Old Cai. If this old man ruined their plan, he¡¯d kill him. With the two younger men holding him back, Old Cai couldn¡¯t go after Wang Xiangxiu.


    After a while, when Wang Xiangxiu was gone, Old Cai growled, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me take my revenge?¡±


    Little Cai said seriously, ¡°Dad, if you take revenge now, you¡¯ll alert them. We have bigger plans. Don¡¯t you understand the importance of the bigger picture? You were a leader. You know better than to act rashly.¡±


    This struck a chord with Old Cai. He had indeed been a leader with vision.


    But it was all that bitch Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s fault.


    He muttered, ¡°That woman¡¯s son is actually doing well now. Damn it, the world is so unfair.¡±


    Little Cai said, ¡°Dad, if you think it¡¯s unfair, then we should work harder. Making them lose everything would be the best revenge, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Hearing this, Old Cai immediately said, ¡°Let¡¯s go now.¡±


    ¡°Wait, just a little longer,¡± Fan Debiao said, feeling increasingly annoyed. He really couldn¡¯t stand these two old fools. If it weren¡¯t for the money, he wouldn¡¯t give them the time of day.


    He forced himself to stay calm and said, ¡°There are still people in the alley. Let¡¯s wait until the event over there starts and confirm that there are fewer people around before we make our move. If we go now and someone sees us breaking in, what then? We need to take the smallest risks to achieve the biggest results.¡±


    They were here to do something big, something truly significant.


    ¡°Right, we need to be steady. Dad, don¡¯t rush. I have experience with this. They start late and end late.¡±


    Old Cai continued to wait, but Jiang Baohong was already feeling miserable. The last time she had been in a hurry and hadn¡¯t paid much attention, but this time, seeing all these familiar faces, she felt like she was going crazy.


    Back when she worked at the bus station, her life had been pretty good. Her clothes weren¡¯t any worse than Ming Mei¡¯s. But now she was wearing an old cotton-padded jacket, which, though not patched, had worn-out cuffs and elbows. It had been years since it kept her warm. Her cotton shoes were also several years old, already repaired multiple times.


    But when she looked at Ming Mei, wearing a brand-new sand-colored mid-length cotton-padded jacket, a style she had never seen anyone else wear, and knee-high leather boots, her heart ached.


    How could this be? Why?


    How could she live so well?


    Jiang Baohong was already feeling terrible, but then she saw a girl with braids riding a bicycle. Coincidentally, she recognized her too¡ªit was Guan Guiling¡¯s eldest daughter. Even though it had been four or five years since she last saw her, Jiang Baohong remembered Guan Guiling¡¯s family clearly, especially since she hated Guan Guiling so much.


    Plus, she already knew Guan Guiling¡¯s eldest daughter lived around here, so she recognized her immediately. The girl was dressed just as well as Ming Mei, wearing a bright pink wool coat.


    Jiang Baohong''s eyes were bulging with jealousy.


    Such a beautiful color¡ªshe should have one too. Everyone else was dressed well, even Wang Xiangxiu looked decent.


    Come to think of it, it had been over a decade since she last saw Wang Xiangxiu. The last time was at the hospital, where she had been consumed with hatred for this woman who had seduced her man, leading to a physical fight. But back then, things had gotten so chaotic that she hadn¡¯t even noticed what Wang Xiangxiu looked like.


    Now, seeing her again, Wang Xiangxiu hadn¡¯t aged much. Compared to Jiang Baohong¡¯s own weathered appearance over the years, Wang Xiangxiu, though clearly older, still looked younger than her peers. She seemed lively, as if she had been living a good life all this time.


    Jiang Baohong gritted her teeth, feeling as if her heart were being wrung dry by an invisible hand.


    Why was her life so bitter?


    ¡°Mom, Mom,¡± Little Cai nudged Jiang Baohong twice before she snapped out of her thoughts and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Little Cai frowned and said, ¡°It¡¯s almost time.¡±


    None of them had watches, but the others had already left for a while, and they could faintly hear the constant sound of firecrackers from the machinery factory. It seemed the event had already started.


    He said, ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Oh, right, okay.¡±


    Jiang Baohong immediately tensed up, scrambling to stand. But having crouched for so long, her legs were numb, and she stumbled, falling right onto Fan Debiao, pinning him down completely.


    Fan Debiao let out a muffled groan, his face darkening. ¡°Are you trying to take advantage of me on purpose?¡±


    Jiang Baohong¡¯s face flushed red. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? I¡¯m not that kind of person.¡±


    Though she said that, her eyes lingered on Fan Debiao. Admittedly, Fan Debiao wasn¡¯t much to look at¡ªshort and not particularly handsome¡ªbut he was still a man. As for her husband, Old Cai¡­ Jiang Baohong pursed her lips. He wasn¡¯t much of a man at all.


    Truth be told, she looked down on Old Cai, but she also felt that she couldn¡¯t survive without a man to lean on. So, even though Old Cai treated her poorly, she stayed by his side without complaint.


    But now, something stirred inside her. She gave Fan Debiao a suggestive glance.


    Fan Debiao shuddered and quickly dodged her gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ve got important business to attend to.¡±


    In his heart, he cursed Jiang Baohong relentlessly. How could she, at her age, even think of coveting a strong man like him? Not a chance!


    This little exchange between them went unnoticed by Old Cai and Little Cai. Old Cai was still seething with hatred, wishing he could kill Wang Xiangxiu, while Little Cai was busy scouting the area, preparing to pick the lock.


    Little Cai felt bitter. Out of the four of them, he was the only one actually putting in the work.


    He quickly said, ¡°Let¡¯s go now.¡±


    ¡°Wait, my legs are still numb.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so troublesome? You¡¯re useless and yet you insist on tagging along, only to hold us back. Let¡¯s go first, you¡­ uh, my legs are numb too.¡±


    Old Cai, who had just been berating Jiang Baohong, suddenly realized his own legs were numb.


    They had been crouching for so long; of course, their legs were numb.


    Little Cai sighed. ¡°Rub your legs and get the blood flowing. We¡¯ve got time, don¡¯t panic. Stay calm! We can do this!¡±


    All four of them rubbed their legs, trying to get the feeling back. After a while, they finally managed to stand. Little Cai pulled out a scarf, folded it to cover his face, leaving only his eyes exposed. ¡°As we agreed, my codename is Red Hook. To avoid being discovered, we¡¯ll only use codenames from now on. No real names, got it?¡±


    ¡°You little brat, daring to give orders now?¡± Old Cai smacked Little Cai on the head. ¡°What do you take me, Club King, for?¡±


    Little Cai retorted, ¡°Straighten out your stone.¡±


    The character for ¡°club¡± and ¡°K¡± were not the same thing.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Fan Debiao was also exhausted by his companions¡¯ incompetence.


    He said, ¡°Stop arguing. Club King it is! It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    He took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m Ace of Spades.¡±


    Jiang Baohong quickly added, ¡°I¡¯m Circle of Diamonds.¡±


    ¡°Good. On my command, let¡¯s move.¡±


    They all pulled out their makeshift face coverings. Jiang Baohong grabbed a stolen pair of underpants¡ªwhatever worked, it didn¡¯t matter what they were originally for. They crept silently toward Compound 44.


    Sure enough, the street was eerily quiet. With the machinery factory¡¯s residential area nearby, everyone had gone to watch the festivities.


    They quickly got to work. Little Cai said, ¡°I¡¯m not good at picking locks. Ace of Spades, you handle it.¡±


    Fan Debiao: ¡°¡­¡±


    Damn it!


    They had planned everything meticulously, but they hadn¡¯t accounted for the fact that none of them knew how to pick a lock. Talk about amateur hour.


    Fan Debiao frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try.¡±


    Even though he had no idea what he was doing, he grabbed a piece of wire and started jabbing at the lock¡­ which remained stubbornly closed.


    They clearly hadn¡¯t inherited any thief genes. Incompetence was written all over them.


    After poking at the lock for a while, Fan Debiao¡¯s hands were starting to cramp, but the lock hadn¡¯t budged.


    He cursed, ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Old Cai sneered, ¡°Useless.¡±


    Fan Debiao was about to explode, but Little Cai intervened. ¡°Let¡¯s just break it open. We don¡¯t have time for infighting. Dad, cut it out. If you¡¯re not going to contribute, at least stop causing trouble. We¡¯re here to make money and get revenge, not listen to your complaints. Change your attitude.¡±


    Just as Old Cai was about to retaliate, Fan Debiao suddenly reached out and slapped him across the face. ¡°Damn it, you old fool. I¡¯ve had enough of you. Do you think I¡¯m some pushover? I was making money when you were still in some backwater village. Don¡¯t act all high and mighty with me. If it weren¡¯t for Little Cai, I wouldn¡¯t even be working with you. Either shape up or I¡¯ll finish you off. Don¡¯t think I¡¯m someone you can mess with.¡±


    He pulled out a knife and waved it menacingly.


    Old Cai immediately backed down, covering his face and not daring to argue.


    That¡¯s how people like him were¡ªall bark and no bite when faced with real danger.


    Little Cai gave Fan Debiao a wary look, his eyes lingering on the knife for a moment. But he quickly said, ¡°Enough. No more fighting.¡±


    Old Cai stammered, ¡°I-I was just joking.¡±


    Fan Debiao snorted. ¡°From now on, you all follow my lead.¡±


    Little Cai protested, ¡°You haven¡¯t been scouting as long as I have. You don¡¯t know the area¡­¡±


    Fan Debiao sneered, ¡°I¡¯ve been here before. I¡¯ve even fought here. Have you? Can you handle your useless parents? I must have been out of my mind to team up with you. All you do is talk nonsense without any real skills.¡±


    Little Cai: ¡°You!¡±


    He felt humiliated but knew he had no other options. Fan Debiao wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with.


    He took a deep breath. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll follow your lead.¡±


    He glanced at the knife again, his suspicion of Fan Debiao growing. He had wanted to use Fan Debiao, but he didn¡¯t want to be used in return. After all, he planned to take the money and run. The last thing he wanted was for someone else to have the same idea.


    He could think that way, but others couldn¡¯t.


    That just wouldn¡¯t do.


    His head was spinning, but he took a deep breath, deciding to focus on the bigger picture. It was too early to make any decisions. First, they needed to get the money. He said, ¡°Let¡¯s break the door down.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    They started smashing the door. Fan Debiao was furious, thinking how utterly useless his companions were. Even breaking down a door fell to him. And what was with this compound? Why did they need such a heavy lock?


    He was so annoyed. Bang! Bang! Bang!


    He turned and barked, ¡°Stop standing around and help me!¡±


    The others quickly joined in. Fortunately, it seemed no one was around to hear the commotion. After what felt like an eternity¡ªprobably ten or twenty minutes¡ªthey finally managed to break the lock open.


    The group took a deep breath, quickly removed the lock, and pushed the door open. The Cai family was unfamiliar with this place, but Fan Debiao seemed somewhat acquainted with it, having been detained here the last time he caused trouble.


    Even though he was the one who got beaten up.


    Just thinking about it made him furious. He glanced in the direction of the Zhuang family, sneered, and said, "Hurry up and close the door. Let''s get started."


    The group shut the door behind them and tossed the heavy lock aside. This was their first time doing something like this, and they were both excited and nervous, unsure of how to proceed.


    Old Cai took a deep breath and said, "Let''s split up. Each of us takes one room."


    Fan Debiao disagreed, "We shouldn''t split up. It''ll be faster if we stick together, searching room by room. If someone happens to come back, we can quickly subdue them. If we split up and run into trouble, we''ll be at a disadvantage."


    He didn¡¯t want them to separate. If they did, someone might hide things for themselves. It was better to stay together.


    Little Cai shared the same sentiment and nodded in agreement, "Right."


    "Alright, let''s start. We''ll begin with the Zhuang family."


    That little woman from the Zhuang family had dared to lay a hand on him. This time, he was determined to clean out their house completely.


    "No, I disagree. I can''t agree with that. We have to start with Wang Xiangxiu''s house. We must!" Old Cai harbored deep resentment toward Wang Xiangxiu.


    Fan Debiao suppressed his frustration but didn¡¯t argue. After all, it didn¡¯t matter whose house they emptied first; they wouldn¡¯t leave anyone untouched in the end. He said, "Fine."


    Old Cai immediately felt smug, thinking that Fan Debiao still showed him some respect.


    The group quickly headed toward Wang Xiangxiu''s house, banging on the door with all their might. Damn, this was when they realized the importance of having some lock-picking skills. If only they knew how to pick locks, it would have saved them so much trouble.


    After much effort, they finally managed to break the door open and squeezed inside.


    The room was sparsely furnished: a bunk bed, a set of cabinets, a square table in the middle with only two chairs. Bedding was thrown haphazardly on the bed, along with some dirty clothes. Coal briquettes were piled up in the corner, making the place look messy and unkempt.


    "Is this Wang Xiangxiu''s house?"


    "Yes, I''m sure. The four main rooms here belong to Wang Xiangxiu. I checked beforehand. This is the compensation she got after her husband and father-in-law died. It¡¯s definitely her place. Probably her sons live here."


    "Alright, let''s start searching."


    "Wang Xiangxiu''s youngest son is still in high school. I think her older sons live here together."


    "Stop worrying about who lives here and just get to work."


    They immediately began rummaging through the room, searching high and low. However, their progress was frustratingly slow. The room was as clean as a whistle¡ªnot a single penny to be found. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Little Cai frowned, "How is it possible there''s no money at all?"


    Fan Debiao replied, "The fact that there''s no money here actually proves that this is where they¡¯ve hidden it. Even the poorest family would have some cash lying around. The absence of money here means it¡¯s been deliberately hidden."


    "Right, the money must be hidden. Search carefully."


    "Her family is so sneaky, hiding the money so well. Even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we¡¯ll find it."


    "Exactly!"


    The group responded enthusiastically, searching everywhere¡ªunder the bed, inside the pillows, in the pockets of dirty clothes... Still, nothing. They checked the table, chairs, beams, and cabinets¡ªnothing anywhere.


    "Damn it..."


    No matter how much they cursed, it was useless. The four of them spent over half an hour searching a room less than twenty square meters and came up empty-handed. How the hell could they find nothing?


    "Nothing. What do we do now..."


    They were all stumped.


    Fan Debiao didn¡¯t want to give up, but there were still so many houses left to search.


    He said, "If we can¡¯t find anything here, let¡¯s move to the next house. Let¡¯s go next door!"


    The next room was slightly cozier than the last, but the clothes looked outdated. Jiang Baohong sneered, "They pretend to be decent when they go out, but at home, it¡¯s all rags."


    No one paid her any attention as they continued searching. This room had more stuff than the last, so they searched more thoroughly. But still... nothing. Damn it, how were they hiding the money? Even rats weren¡¯t this good at hiding things!


    Nothing is more discouraging than a bad start, and this was exactly what they were experiencing. Their morale was plummeting. At this point, they didn¡¯t care about being methodical anymore. They just started breaking into other doors randomly.


    "I found something!" Little Cai shouted excitedly.


    Normally, he would have kept it quiet, but their terrible start had been so frustrating that this felt like a small victory. "There¡¯s money in this drawer."


    Although it was mostly loose change, it added up to about thirty or forty yuan.


    He was thrilled, "Not bad!"


    Finding any money was a good sign, but Fan Debiao wasn¡¯t satisfied. In his mind, a successful raid meant looting at least five figures. A few dozen yuan meant nothing to him. He said, "Hurry up and keep searching. Here¡¯s the plan: Caohua Kai, you focus on breaking the doors. Smash them all open, and we¡¯ll search each one."


    "Got it."


    Old Cai knew better than to argue with Fan Debiao at this point. They were off to a terrible start, and they needed to pick up the pace. He wasn¡¯t the strongest, but he still put all his effort into breaking down the doors. By the time he was done, he was completely exhausted.


    He collapsed onto the ground, panting.


    Little Cai pulled him up, "This isn¡¯t the time to rest. We¡¯ve already wasted too much time."


    They had indeed wasted a lot of time. As he turned his head, he caught a glimpse of light reflecting off a nearby window. He walked over and saw a clock in the room. It was already 10:40. They had spent so much time just breaking the locks.


    Little Cai said, "This is taking longer than we expected."


    "Let¡¯s hurry up."


    At this point, they didn¡¯t care about sticking together anymore. They split up to search separately.


    Even the two who had wanted to keep things for themselves didn¡¯t object. With so much time wasted and the money so hard to find, they were all feeling the pressure. They didn¡¯t have the luxury of being picky anymore.


    They quickly found the nearest room and rushed inside.


    Meanwhile, a group of elementary school kids were walking home after school. Unlike the adults, who had started their activities at nine, the kids had been out since eight. Their fun was already over.


    Yuanyuan said, "Watching TV, setting off firecrackers, building snowmen, eating hotpot¡ªso many plans for today!"


    Everyone laughed. Qijin warned, "Yuanyuan, you¡¯d better be careful. If the adults find out we bought firecrackers instead of sparklers, we¡¯re going to get in big trouble."


    Yuanyuan replied softly, "I know, don¡¯t worry. We won¡¯t let them find out. Hehe."


    Everyone chuckled, enjoying the thrill of doing something mischievous.


    As they reached the entrance, Yuanyuan frowned, "Huh? Why is the gate unlocked? Did someone not go to the festivities?"


    Li Zhenzhen said, "I heard everyone went."


    The kids pushed the gate open and stepped inside. Immediately, they noticed something was wrong. The courtyard was a mess. The snow had been falling on and off all day, so the path they had cleared in the morning was covered again, with messy footprints all over.


    And all the doors to the houses were wide open.


    It was clear that they had been forced open, not simply unlocked.


    The kids¡¯ faces turned pale.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Just then, Tuantuan remembered something. "There were a lot of scratch marks on the gate earlier..." Before he could finish, Jiang Baohong burst out of one of the houses. She let out a sharp cry, "Quick, someone! The kids are back!"


    She lunged at the children, grabbing Bai Qingqing, who screamed in terror, "Ah!"


    Without hesitation, Qijin charged forward and bit Jiang Baohong''s hand. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan quickly stepped on Jiang Baohong, who cried out in pain and let go. Li Zhenzhen immediately pulled Bai Qingqing over. Just as the children were about to run, they turned around to see Old Cai slamming the gate shut. He had been at Bai Fendou''s house, which was closest to his own, and upon hearing the commotion, he had rushed out and shut the door.


    If the kids managed to run out and call for help, it would be over.


    He grinned menacingly and said, "You little brats, still trying to run?"


    "Damn it, let''s beat these little bastards to death! How dare they bite me!"


    At that moment, two more people emerged, effectively surrounding the children.


    The kids trembled in fear, but Tuantuan quickly shouted, "Grandpa Lan!"


    Thinking someone had returned, the adults reflexively glanced at the door. Li Zhenzhen took the opportunity to charge at Jiang Baohong, and the sturdy little girl managed to knock her off balance. The children quickly dashed toward the backyard, where Little Cai stood at the connecting point between the front and back yards. He wasn''t afraid at all; instead, he wore a mocking expression, like a cat toying with mice. He had just come from Grandpa Lan''s house.


    The kids running toward him were practically walking into a trap.


    There was no way he would let them reach the backyard. He cackled with a sinister grin, his face full of malice.


    "I suggest you all behave. If you do, I''ll just tie you up and throw you in the cellar. You''ll still have a way out. But if you piss us off, I''ll take your lives! You don''t want to mess with me."


    He continued to cackle, but Tuantuan and the others didn''t stop. Yuanyuan leaped forward and kicked him. Despite her young age and lack of strength, she had some martial arts training. Little Cai, on the other hand, was lazy and did nothing all day, so he wasn''t particularly strong either.


    Add to that the fact that he had just recovered from a serious illness, and this grown man was actually knocked back several steps by the little girl. Before he could react, Tuantuan rushed up and kicked him.


    Well, boys know best where to hit a man.


    Or rather, little boys know best where to hit a man. He aimed straight for the most vulnerable spot¡ªa skill passed down through generations in the courtyard.


    Little Cai let out a piercing scream: "Ahhh!"


    He clutched the injured area and crouched down. The kids didn''t press their advantage. Instead, as the others closed in, they dashed into Lan Sihai''s house. Tuantuan quickly bolted the door from the inside.


    "Damn it, damn it, damn it! These little brats, I''ll make them pay!"


    The children rushed into the room, their faces filled with fear. They never expected the bad guys to be bold enough to break into their home.


    "What do we do?"


    The adults were already at the door, starting to pound on it.


    Fan Debiao shouted, "Break the windows!"


    At his command, they sprang into action.


    Little Cai was still crouched on the ground, his eyes wide with rage. "Those little bastards! I''ll kill them! I swear I''ll kill them!"


    Jiang Baohong, also injured, was furious. Bang! Bang!


    The window shattered.


    "What do we do?"


    Bai Qingqing and Li Zhenzhen were crying, and the other kids'' eyes were red with fear. Seeing that the adults were about to break through the window, Tuantuan said, "We can''t let them in!"


    He took a deep breath, ran to the corner, and found two ice picks¡ªtools Lan Sihai used for ice sledding. He handed them to Qijin and Li Zhenzhen. "You two stand by the window. If they stick their hands or heads in, stab them!"


    "Huh?"


    Tuantuan shouted, "Hurry! Do you want to live or not?"


    Li Zhenzhen wiped her tears and rushed over, with Qijin following close behind.


    Tuantuan continued, "Little sister Qingqing, come help."


    The two girls didn''t hesitate. Though terrified, they had grown up together and had a deep understanding of each other.


    The reason Tuantuan had immediately run to Lan Sihai''s house was that he knew it was full of strange tools that could be used to fend off the bad guys. The row of boxes in the corner contained all sorts of useful items.


    Yuanyuan found some rope and a small rake that could hook onto the wall, stuffing them into her pockets for later use.


    "Ah!"


    Qijin stabbed Old Cai''s hand, and he let out a scream. Why was it always his family getting hurt?


    Tuantuan yelled, "Hold on! We''re coming to help!"


    He found two mousetraps and gave Bai Qingqing a meaningful look. She quickly placed them by the door.


    Tuantuan finally found something even more important. Yuanyuan rushed over, and together they set it up by the door. Tuantuan started cranking it, and soon smoke began to fill the room. He then unbolted the door.


    He turned back and pulled out the firecrackers they had secretly bought earlier.


    Originally, they had planned to play with them, but now they came in handy.


    He pulled out a match and said, "On the count of three, light them and throw."


    He lowered his voice. "We don''t have many, so throw them slowly."


    "Okay."


    The four adults hadn''t gained the upper hand against the kids and were now furious. However, they were still adults, and it was impossible for the children to hold them off forever. Just as they were about to break through the window, the men sneered, "You damn brats, just wait till we get our hands on you..."


    Li Zhenzhen sobbed but shouted through her tears, "I''m not afraid! I won''t be scared!"


    The room was now filled with smoke, making it hard for the people outside to see clearly.


    Fan Debiao cursed, "What the hell is this?"


    At that moment, the door suddenly swung open, and Fan Debiao felt something being thrown at him. He reflexively dodged and laughed, "You think you can kill me with that? You little... Holy crap!"


    Bang! Boom!


    The firecracker made a loud noise, sparks flying everywhere.


    Although Fan Debiao had dodged, it still landed on his foot and exploded. The blast wasn''t powerful, but... damn, it still hurt!


    Fan Debiao shouted, "Holy crap! You damn brats!"


    He charged forward, ready to strike¡ªSnap!


    "Ah! Ahhhh!"


    The powerful mousetrap snapped shut. Even Su Jinlai had experienced its bite. Fan Debiao felt one snap on his foot and jumped in pain¡ªSnap!


    "Holy crap! Ahhhh! Help!"


    Fan Debiao was caught again.


    Life''s greatest tragedy is thinking you''re a king when you''re actually a useless weakling.


    Both his feet were caught in mousetraps, and he fell backward, crashing into a chamber pot by the door. The pot tipped over, and though it was empty, it was still disgusting.


    Before he could react, another firecracker was thrown at him, landing on his body and blowing a hole in his cotton-padded jacket.


    The exposed cotton caught fire.


    "Holy crap! Roll on the ground!"


    "Quick, roll!"


    Fan Debiao felt pain in his back and feet. Tears and snot streamed down his face as he cried, "Help me, quick..."


    The Cai family, of course, wouldn''t lift a finger. They were too afraid the fire might spread to them. No way they''d get involved.


    Little Cai said, "We''re after the kids. Just keep rolling."


    He charged toward the door but hesitated, afraid of suffering the same fate as Fan Debiao. Who knew if there were more mousetraps inside?


    The Cai family refused to help, and Fan Debiao rolled around in the snow, finally extinguishing the flames. But the pain remained. He felt like his feet were going to fall off, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t pry the mousetraps open.


    "Help me!"


    He screamed, but Little Cai ignored him, too scared to charge in himself. He ordered his parents, "You go!"


    Old Cai: "..."


    Jiang Baohong: "..."


    Neither of them was eager to comply.


    Who knew what else was waiting inside?


    They all gathered at the door, while Li Zhenzhen and Qijin finally breathed a sigh of relief. They had been so scared!


    Tuantuan quickly lit another firecracker and threw it straight at Little Cai.


    Little Cai: "Holy crap!"


    He dodged, but unexpectedly grabbed the firecracker. Seeing the sparks sizzle, he let out a scream and quickly threw it away¡ªBANG!


    "Ah!"


    Fan Debiao screamed again¡ªit had landed on him!


    Though it wasn¡¯t a grenade, throwing it like that was bound to cause an explosion. Even if the firepower wasn¡¯t strong, it could still send cotton flying and cause minor injuries.


    "Damn it, Little Cai, you bastard! Can¡¯t you tell friend from foe... you jerk!"


    Little Cai: "It wasn¡¯t on purpose!"


    He wasn¡¯t actually hurt, just scared.


    But now he was even angrier. These kids were really getting out of hand.


    He shouted, "Come out, you... ah!"


    What the hell was thrown this time?


    He quickly dodged¡ªfirecrackers again!


    Did their courtyard buy firecrackers this early? And keeping them at home was so dangerous! They must be crazy!


    Little did he know, the kids had secretly bought them to play with.


    Though Fan Debiao was useless now, the other three were adults. But as selfish adults, none of them were willing to charge in. They weren¡¯t fools¡ªFan Debiao had already tried, and what happened?


    He got his foot caught in a mousetrap.


    The kids had deliberately created a smokescreen to make it hard for them to see where they were stepping.


    These adults were smart¡ªthey weren¡¯t falling for it.


    By now, the commotion had died down, and the kids huddled together, frowning.


    Tuantuan gestured a few times, and the other kids nodded solemnly without saying a word.


    The fact that no one from the surrounding courtyards had come to check on the noise meant they were probably on their own. They just had to hold out until around midnight when the adults would return.


    It was already nearly eleven¡ªjust one more hour to go!


    Everyone bit their lips. Tuantuan gestured again, first pointing at Yuanyuan, then at himself, and then at each of the others, making a "keep going" motion. Everyone¡¯s resolve hardened.


    Yes, they could do this!


    They had to be brave!


    Tuantuan pointed to the roof, then outside. Yuanyuan, her little face serious, nodded firmly.


    Tuantuan went back to the door to distract them, while Yuanyuan peeked out the window. No one noticed her as she pulled out a small rake, climbed onto the wall, and made her way to the roof. Once up, she threw down a rope, even sending the rake down. Tuantuan handed the firecrackers to Qijin, grabbed a kitchen knife and hammer, and quickly climbed up too.


    If the adults had been more cautious or coordinated, they might have noticed, but Fan Debiao was already in the corner, unable to see what was happening. He was yelling, trying to pry the mousetrap off his foot, but it was no easy task.


    The other three were still dodging at the door, none willing to charge in, afraid of stepping on a mousetrap.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, now on the roof, quickly lowered the rope. With the help of the rake and their combined strength, Li Zhenzhen climbed up, followed by Bai Qingqing. All of them were now on the roof.


    Tuantuan left the kitchen knife and hammer behind, lowered the rope, and went back to the door to let Qijin out. Li Zhenzhen, being strong, helped pull Qijin up with the other girls. Seeing their friends escape, Tuantuan took a deep breath. They were out of firecrackers.


    He steeled himself, quickly poured oil on the ground by the door, and then rushed to the window, climbing up in a flash.


    "Damn it!"


    Little Cai finally saw him and shouted, "That little brat¡¯s getting away!"


    "Grab him!"


    All three rushed over, but Tuantuan was already on the roof. They didn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of him.


    If it had been Qijin or one of the other kids, they might have been caught, but Tuantuan had been trained in martial arts. He wasn¡¯t as lively as his sister, but that didn¡¯t mean he wasn¡¯t capable. Now all five kids were on the roof, the snow still falling. Yuanyuan immediately ran over and hugged her brother, saying, "Brother!"


    Tuantuan patted her head and said, "Victory assembly!"


    The kids all nodded, and the five of them hugged each other, chanting, "Keep going!"


    Their antics had thoroughly infuriated the adults below. They couldn¡¯t believe they were being outsmarted by a bunch of kids.


    "You damn brats..."


    "You¡¯re the ones who should die! You bad guys are still alive, so we¡¯ll be fine!"


    Tuantuan wasn¡¯t holding back.


    He grabbed the small hammer he¡¯d prepared and started chipping away at the icicles hanging from the eaves.


    Old Cai: "You little brats, come down here! Come down!"


    Qijin shot back, "You old bastard, come up here!"


    By now, the kids weren¡¯t as scared anymore. Earlier, they¡¯d been trapped, but now they were on the roof¡ªthey had the upper hand! Though the weather was cold, their hearts were burning with determination.


    "You little devils..."


    Old Cai was hopping mad, but Tuantuan had already broken off an icicle. It fell with a crack, and Old Cai yelped as he dodged, crashing into Jiang Baohong. The icicle didn¡¯t hit them, but... they both fell on their backsides.


    Yuanyuan: "Make snowballs! Hit them!"


    "Yeah, hit them!"


    The kids on the roof quickly started their counterattack.


    "Oh my god!"


    "These little troublemakers..."


    Old Cai: "Damn it, get up!"


    Jiang Baohong rubbed her back, saying, "I-I-I... I threw out my back."


    She wasn¡¯t young anymore, and a fall like that wasn¡¯t doing her any favors.


    Old Cai: "You¡¯re useless! You can¡¯t do anything right."


    "Stop fighting among yourselves!"


    "Ah!"


    "What now?"


    Old Cai slipped, falling flat on his face again.


    Old Cai cursed, "I hate snowy days the most!"


    The kids stood on the roof, hands on their hips, laughing at the scene below: "Old turtle, flipped on its back!"

 Chapter 215

    The children were all standing on the rooftop, hands on their hips, laughing and mocking those below.


    This infuriated Old Cai¡ªwhen had he ever suffered such humiliation?


    He shouted angrily, "I won''t let you off easy!"


    Yuanyuan stuck out her tongue, "Nyah nyah~"


    She shook her leg and said, "You bad people came to steal, but now you''ll see how tough we kids can be! Don''t think we''re easy to mess with!"


    Old Cai trembled with rage, "Son, go beat them up, beat them to death!"


    What kind of code name was he even calling now?


    To hell with it!


    He had completely lost his composure. At that moment, Li Zhenzhen suddenly pointed at Jiang Baohong and exclaimed, "Ahhh! I know who she is! It''s Jiang Baohong, that Jiang Baohong!"


    Jiang Baohong was startled. She hadn''t expected to be recognized, especially since they were all covering their faces. Frantically, she reached up to check if her disguise was still intact. Yes, it was still there¡ªit hadn''t fallen off.


    How had that brat recognized her?


    Yes, how had she recognized her? She shouldn''t know who I am!


    Before Jiang Baohong could react further, Li Zhenzhen shouted even louder, "Look at her face! That underwear she''s wearing was stolen from my brother!"


    Li Zhenzhen remembered it clearly. Even now, her brother would curse this woman for being shameless. That''s why the little girl remembered Jiang Baohong, the toilet bandit and underwear thief, so vividly.


    She didn''t know what Jiang Baohong looked like, but she remembered the underwear and the name.


    "Ah, it''s her?"


    "It''s her, it''s her, it''s her!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Baohong protested, "It''s not me, it''s not me!"


    "It is you, it is you!"


    At this point, not even a three-year-old would be fooled.


    Old Cai was seething. Despite seeing stars from his fall, he turned around and slapped Jiang Baohong, "You useless woman! I told you to find a scarf, but you insisted on using underwear. Now you''ve been recognized, haven''t you? You''re nothing but trouble. How did I end up with a wife like you? You''re good for nothing except causing me problems!"


    Jiang Baohong was also upset. How could she have imagined that these people would recognize her just by her underwear? And how did they even know she had barged into the men''s restroom? Jiang Baohong covered her face and whimpered.


    If she were a young wife, her tears might have been pitiable, but at her age, it only disgusted everyone present.


    Little Cai said, "Mom, that''s enough."


    "Exactly!"


    While they were bickering, the children quickly prepared snowballs. They huddled around Qijin and whispered a few words into his ear. Qijin silently stepped back, then crouched and moved carefully along the edge of the roof, holding onto the tiles for support. He moved very cautiously.


    Although their courtyard houses were mostly tiled, some connecting sections weren''t. For example, Lan Sihai''s house was in the middle of a connecting section, which was a small flat-roofed area. There was also a small side room in the Zhuang family''s house that didn''t have tiles, as they used it to dry salted fish.


    The main houses were all tiled, but the connecting sections weren''t¡ªthis was a common feature of old-style courtyards, designed to make repairs easier.


    Tuan Tuan had run to the Lan family earlier, not just because they had tools that could help, but also because he had calculated that the flat roof would be a good place to stand. Don''t underestimate the kids¡ªthey were clever. Standing on the roof, they shouted at the people below, "Old turtle, you''re so rotten you''re smoking! Can''t get up here, can you? Serves you right! Ha, you can''t hit us! We''re driving you crazy!"


    While the kids were taunting them, they also threw snowballs. The snowballs didn''t hurt much, but they were incredibly insulting.


    The Cai family of three was furious, "You little brats! When we catch you, we''ll chop you up! You little devils!"


    "You''re the thieving old devils! You think we''re scared of you? Come up here if you dare! Nyah nyah, you can''t!"


    "You!"


    "What about me? You look like you''re cursed with bad luck¡ªnothing good will come to you!"


    The children chattered away, each word more infuriating than the last.


    Jiang Baohong screamed, "I''ll kill you! I swear I''ll kill you all and empty your house! I... damn it! Ah!"


    Just as Jiang Baohong was shouting at the kids, an icicle from the edge of the roof broke off and crashed onto her face. She let out a bloodcurdling scream, her face now smeared with blood.


    "Damn it!"


    "Don''t stand under the roof edge!"


    "Right, get out of the way!"


    They scrambled to move. Out of the corner of their eyes, Tuan Tuan and the others noticed that Qijin had already made it past his house and was now near the Bai family. He moved slowly and carefully, as the tiles were slippery and hard to grip. If it weren''t for the small rake he was holding, which he used to steady himself, he wouldn''t have dared to move at all.


    Tuan Tuan quickly looked away and continued to distract the adults. Yuanyuan and the other girls'' faces were flushed from the cold, but they kept throwing snowballs, hitting the bad guys and making them even angrier.


    Yuanyuan shouted loudly, "The kids'' counterattack has begun! Your doom is near, bad guys!"


    Her shouting made the "Cai Fan" gang even more furious. Where did this arrogant little brat come from?


    While Yuanyuan drew their attention, Tuan Tuan glanced over again and felt relieved. Qijin had reached the edge and slid down!


    He shouted even louder, "You can''t get up here! Ha, it''s driving you crazy!"


    Meanwhile, Qijin tied a rope to the side, tugged on it to make sure it was secure, and then slowly slid down the wall. Luckily, the kids were used to climbing trees and playing in rivers, so this wasn''t too difficult for him.


    Once he landed safely, he quickly found a stick and tiptoed to the gate. The gate was closed, and the lock had been smashed. Following Tuan Tuan''s instructions, he wedged the thick stick between the two copper handles.


    This made it much harder to open the gate from the inside.


    After securing the gate, he took off running.


    He had a big mission: not only to lock the gate and trap the people inside, but also to call the police. He wasn''t worried about anyone removing the stick¡ªany sane person would realize something was wrong with the gate.


    He ran as fast as he could. He had to bring the police back to save everyone!


    As he ran off, Fan Debiao suddenly noticed something was wrong. He had been too focused on his own pain, but now he realized that one of the kids was missing. They had been making noise for so long, but there was one less boy.


    His face changed, and he shouted, "Oh no!"


    "What?"


    Fan Debiao, forgetting about their internal conflicts, yelled, "One of the kids is missing! Did he go to call for help?"


    "Ah!"


    Of the four, only Little Cai was still in decent shape. He rushed to the gate and pulled on it, but his face immediately turned pale.


    The gate wouldn''t open!


    Little Cai turned back, trembling, and said, "It''s over. It won''t open!"


    His face was as white as a sheet.


    They had always heard that stealing and robbing were supposed to be easy. Why were they having such a hard time?


    He felt like all the strength had been drained from his body, and he collapsed to the ground, wailing, "Why is my life so miserable?"


    "Why are you crying? Hurry up and pull the gate open! We need to get out of here, or we''ll be trapped like turtles in a jar!"


    They had thought they were the ones trapping the kids, but now it seemed the tables had turned. The little brats were much cleverer than they had expected. Fan Debiao shouted, "Come help me get this mousetrap off! If I can''t run, none of you will get away either!"


    "You! You dare betray us?" Old Cai, seeing that Fan Debiao was now a toothless tiger, slapped him hard, "Who do you think you''re threatening? Do you think I''m still easy to push around? When I was deputy director, you were still a poor nobody. How dare you compare yourself to me?"


    He slapped him again with the back of his hand, instantly feeling a surge of relief.


    He said angrily, "You better behave, or else we won''t care about you!"


    Fan Debiao never expected that, having fallen from grace, he would be bullied by a dog and even get slapped by this old geezer. He clenched the knife in his arms, wishing he could just stab him right then and there. But... he took a deep breath and held back.


    If he didn¡¯t rely on the Cai family, he wouldn¡¯t be able to escape.


    He had to endure the humiliation!


    In order to escape, he forced a smile and said, "Uncle, I was wrong. Please help me. With one more person, I can be of use to you. The more people we have, the stronger we¡¯ll be. What else can we do? If we get caught, none of us will come out of this unscathed, right?"


    Old Cai looked at him arrogantly and snorted.


    Fan Debiao: "I was wrong, I really was. Please forgive me. I¡¯ll serve you like a slave!"


    Old Cai was still trying to assert his authority, but Little Cai realized that Fan Debiao was right. Having one more person would indeed increase their strength, and they couldn¡¯t afford to waste any more time. He said, "I¡¯ll help you!"


    He continued, "Dad, don¡¯t delay. Hurry up, we need to find a way to leave quickly. At this moment, we need to stick together! We must unite!"


    Li Zhenzhen: "You bad guys won¡¯t get away. The police will catch you and make you pay for your crimes."


    "Shut up!"


    Old Cai roared, "You little brat, don¡¯t let me catch you, or I¡¯ll sell you to some remote mountain village, you... Achoo!"


    It seemed to be getting even colder. He slipped several times, and his cotton-padded jacket had small holes burned into it from the sparks of firecrackers. He wasn¡¯t as badly off as Fan Debiao, who had been hit directly, but he wasn¡¯t doing great either.


    He tightened his clothes and immediately thought of going inside to find more clothing.


    It was too cold to bear, and the smoke in the room had started to clear. He glanced around and, seeing no mousetraps, strode inside. Just as he entered¡ªwhoosh! His foot slipped, and with a loud thud, he fell hard, his head hitting the door. With another thud, he... passed out!


    "Dad!!!"


    Little Cai screamed. Trembling, he approached and couldn¡¯t help but reach out to check if the old man was still breathing. He was.


    This was expected. After all, not everyone was as unlucky as Zheng Yufeng, who had died instantly after falling down the stairs.


    Back in the day, Bai Fendou had gone through countless injuries and was still alive and kicking.


    These things really depended on luck. Generally speaking, it wasn¡¯t likely to be this unlucky.


    He breathed a sigh of relief. As long as his father wasn¡¯t dead, it was fine.


    Since his father was okay, he didn¡¯t bother with him anymore and went to help remove the mousetrap. He was his father¡¯s filial son, after all.


    Not only was Jiang Baohong confused, but even the kids standing on the roof were baffled. This guy didn¡¯t care about his own father?


    Little Cai didn¡¯t care what others thought. He knew they were in a critical situation. If they didn¡¯t rescue Fan Debiao, it would be impossible for just him and his mother to escape. It was too difficult.


    Little Cai was on the verge of tears, feeling utterly helpless. Why were they so unlucky? He couldn¡¯t understand how things had gone so wrong. They had been busy all morning and hadn¡¯t even found fifty dollars, and now they were trapped here.


    What should they do? What could they do?


    Fan Debiao: "What¡¯s going on with this mousetrap? Why can¡¯t we get it open?"


    No matter what he tried, it didn¡¯t work. As time dragged on, Fan Debiao began to feel that things were going south. They were trapped here, and the missing kid had clearly gone to call for help. They were doomed.


    If they didn¡¯t escape soon, they would be in big trouble. It wasn¡¯t about finding money anymore¡ªthey might get caught. Everyone was getting nervous. Fan Debiao and Little Cai exchanged glances, and Little Cai whispered, "What should we do?"


    Fan Debiao was also at a loss, but he was in a worse position than Little Cai. He had to think of something.


    His eyes darted around, and he whispered, "Go up and grab those kids. If we have hostages, the people in this compound won¡¯t dare to act rashly. We can figure out the rest later. If we¡¯re caught, it¡¯ll be bad. This compound has too many connections with the police station and the neighborhood committee. If we¡¯re handed over directly, we¡¯re finished."


    "You¡¯re right," Little Cai said, standing up immediately. But after a second, he turned back, worried, and whispered, "I can¡¯t get up there."


    Without a ladder, how could he climb?


    Fan Debiao widened his eyes. "They can get up there, but you can¡¯t?"


    He couldn¡¯t believe it. If it were him, he could definitely climb up. What was so hard about it? Surely he wasn¡¯t worse than a bunch of ten-year-olds? That didn¡¯t make sense. He looked at Little Cai and once again felt that teaming up with them had been a mistake.


    Even though he had been to prison, he had started from nothing back in the day. What was he lacking now? He could start over if he had to. Even Zheng Huimin had sold her house. Didn¡¯t he, a grown man, have the guts to do the same? But now, teaming up with Little Cai, he had gained nothing and suffered plenty.


    He regretted it, deeply regretted it.


    But now that they were in this deep, having boarded this pirate ship, he couldn¡¯t just abandon them.


    He took a deep breath and said, "Look for a ladder. If there isn¡¯t one, try to trick them down. They¡¯re just kids. How hard can it be to fool them?"


    Little Cai glanced at Fan Debiao and said, "Alright."


    He immediately whispered to his mother to look for a ladder, while he went under the eaves to coax the kids. "Kids, the snow is getting heavier. Why don¡¯t you come down? If you catch a cold, we won¡¯t be able to afford the medical bills. We¡¯re here to steal, but we¡¯re only after money. We don¡¯t mean you any harm."


    He put on a wolf-in-sheep¡¯s-clothing expression. "I¡¯m actually a good person."


    Yuanyuan: "You look like a bad guy. My great-grandfather said that people with narrow foreheads, thin lips, squinty eyes, hooked noses, and sharp faces are untrustworthy and mean."


    Little Cai: "!!!"


    Fan Debiao nodded. Hmm, there was some truth to that.


    Yuanyuan added, "Don¡¯t think you can trick us into coming down. We¡¯re young, but we¡¯re not stupid."


    Li Zhenzhen: "Yeah, who do you think you¡¯re fooling? You just want to take us hostage."


    Bai Qingqing: "You¡¯re already in this mess, and you can¡¯t escape. You might do something desperate, so we¡¯re not coming down."


    Tuantuan nodded. "Everyone¡¯s right."


    Did they think these kids were clueless?


    They had seen the world.


    Little Cai forced a smile and said, "You¡¯ve misunderstood me. I¡¯m not that kind of person. If I were, I would¡¯ve done something to you as soon as you came in. Think about it¡ªdidn¡¯t I just say I¡¯d tie you up?"


    He realized these kids weren¡¯t easy to fool, so he kept playing the nice guy.


    "We¡¯re really only after money. You¡¯re overthinking it."


    "Nah, only a fool would believe you!"


    "Exactly, only a fool would believe you!"


    A snowball flew out and hit Little Cai right in the mouth as he was about to speak. Little Cai: "Damn it!"


    He finally lost his patience and said, "You little brats, don¡¯t let me catch you. If I do, I¡¯ll make you regret it, you damn kids!"


    He shouted, "Mom, did you find the ladder?"


    Jiang Baohong was holding her waist, walking slowly. She had thrown out her back.


    She said, "I¡¯m still looking. There isn¡¯t one! Who knows where people in this compound keep their stuff?"


    She was used to living in apartments.


    "Check the cellar. I remember that in these compounds, cellars are used for storage."


    Jiang Baohong finally found the cellar and said, "The cellar¡¯s here. I¡¯ll go down and take a look."


    She descended the steep steps and reached the bottom. Uh... she was stunned. This wasn¡¯t the kind of cellar she had imagined. The cellar had small rooms, and they were all locked!


    Jiang Baohong felt a moment of confusion, but soon, she was overwhelmed with joy. She suddenly realized why they hadn¡¯t found any money after searching several houses in the compound. Their money must have been hidden away.


    But where could it be hidden?


    Naturally, it had to be here!


    Otherwise, why would a mere cellar be locked?


    She felt she had grasped the truth of the matter!


    Excitedly, she called out, ¡°Son, I¡¯ve found where they¡¯ve hidden the money!¡±


    Little Cai¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. Though they looked disheveled now, their goal was the money. He had already made up his mind¡ªif things went south, he would climb over the wall and run alone. After all, he wasn¡¯t badly injured.


    As for whether he¡¯d be pursued later, he¡¯d worry about that after escaping.


    Now, hearing about the money, he was even more excited. With money, he could run even farther.


    He rushed over, ¡°Where is it?¡±


    Fan Debiao exclaimed, ¡°Oh no!¡±


    This old guy was planning to ditch him and take the money for himself!


    At this moment, Fan Debiao summoned all his strength and, despite the pain from the mousetrap on his foot, stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯m coming too!¡±


    His foot was killing him, but for the sake of money, he could endure it!


    Little Cai was faster and went down first. Fan Debiao leapt after him, but he hadn¡¯t expected there to be steps. Clatter, clatter¡ªthud!


    He fell headfirst, hitting his head and bleeding profusely. But¡­ there was a silver lining. The mousetrap on his foot, which had been impossible to remove, finally snapped off.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Baohong was ecstatic. She said, ¡°Look, who would lock their cellar like this, section by section? This is clearly suspicious. They must have hidden the money here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Little Cai agreed with his mother, and even Fan Debiao, despite his bleeding head, thought the same.


    But they had no idea that the locks were there because, years ago, the Su brothers, who were notorious for stealing, lived here.


    Of course, they had since reformed, but the partitions had been there for over a decade, and tearing them down would be a waste. So, they were overthinking it!


    Their eyes gleamed as they said, ¡°Let¡¯s smash it!¡±


    ¡°Agreed!¡±


    They started banging away in the cellar, making such a racket that the children on the roof were utterly bewildered.


    Once again, they were baffled.


    Why did these people think there was anything good in the cellar? All that was there were cabbages and radishes.


    Who doesn¡¯t store vegetables for the winter?


    Tuantuan, ever cautious, said, ¡°This might be a trap to lure us down. Let¡¯s not go.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Yuanyuan moved closer to her brother and said, ¡°It¡¯s a bit cold.¡±


    Tuantuan rubbed his sister¡¯s face and said, ¡°Go over there, near the tiled house. It¡¯ll block the wind.¡±


    He added, ¡°All of you, go over there.¡±


    They crouched by the wall, and Tuantuan peered down. Just then, Old Cai groggily woke up. He rubbed his head, trying to stand, but slipped on oil and fell again.


    ¡°Damn it, damn it, you little brats!¡±


    He cursed, wanting to vent his anger, but a cold breeze swept past, sending a shiver down his spine. He looked around and realized there was no one else. Panic set in¡ªhad the others abandoned him and run off?


    Those heartless scoundrels!


    He cursed, ¡°Those damn brats, abandoning their own father, utterly shameless, they¡­¡±


    His curses were endless.


    Before he could finish, he heard the sound of something being smashed below. Struggling to his feet, he staggered over and shouted, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Old Cai, come quick! They¡¯ve hidden the money down here!¡±


    Old Cai rushed over without hesitation.


    Rolling, rolling, he tumbled down.


    Tuantuan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Men die for wealth, birds die for food!


    He had truly witnessed it.


    But he didn¡¯t trust these people one bit. His mother had always said that his safety was the most important thing.


    All four of them had scrambled into the cellar, and the sound of clattering echoed from below. Yuanyuan peeked over and asked, ¡°Brother, should we go down?¡±


    Tuantuan: ¡°No, it¡¯s not safe. Let¡¯s stay here. What if it¡¯s a trap? We need to be cautious.¡±


    He took a deep breath and said, ¡°Mom and Dad said that if we ever encounter bad people, we need to stay calm. We can¡¯t take risks unless we¡¯re absolutely sure it¡¯s safe. Kids aren¡¯t as strong as adults, and even if we¡¯ve practiced martial arts, we shouldn¡¯t get cocky and think we¡¯re invincible.¡±


    At this moment, he fully embraced his role as the big brother, handling things methodically.


    He glanced up at the sky. The snow hadn¡¯t stopped all day.


    He said, ¡°Qijin should be back soon.¡±


    He was right. At that moment, Qijin was leading several police officers back to the scene. Hearing that something had happened, the officers had immediately dispatched a dozen men. They didn¡¯t think the kids were making things up.


    Qijin was already a ten-year-old, after all.


    They raced through the alley and saw Ming Mei riding her bike back. Qijin called out, ¡°Auntie! We¡¯ve run into some bad guys!¡±


    Ming Mei¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°What!¡±


    Without asking any questions, she sped back home.


    The others followed closely behind, equally anxious. They were all worried about the children. Who could have imagined that on their way home from school, the kids would encounter such ruthless criminals?


    Meanwhile, the criminals had managed to break into a storage room, only to find it filled to the brim with cabbages and radishes¡ªno money in sight.


    Little Cai looked around and insisted, ¡°They must have hidden it. These vegetables are just a decoy. Think about it¡ªthe people here are well-off. Why would they lock up cabbages and radishes?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s keep looking.¡±


    ¡°The walls are built up. Knock on them and see if there¡¯s anything hidden in the cracks. I bet there¡¯s something.¡± Fan Debiao, drawing from his own experience of hiding money, offered his advice. At this point, there was no time for secrets.


    If they didn¡¯t find the money soon, they¡¯d leave empty-handed.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Hurry!¡±


    They worked frantically. Little Cai said, ¡°Split up and search!¡±


    Jiang Baohong said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you.¡±


    The cellar was dim and gloomy. As their eyes adjusted to the darkness, they couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit scared.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Though they were all in rough shape, they felt that success was within reach. They¡¯d grab the money, take the kids hostage, and then¡­ heh heh heh.


    Their plan sounded great, but in reality, things were far from certain.


    They had no idea that the police and Ming Mei had already reached the alley. Still excitedly searching for money, they kept knocking away. Suddenly, Fan Debiao felt something give way. He exclaimed, ¡°I think I¡¯ve found something!¡±


    Everyone rushed over. Jiang Baohong was thrilled. ¡°I knew it!¡±


    She felt like a hero and jumped up in excitement. ¡°When we split the money, I should get¡­ Ahhh!!!¡±


    In her elation, she didn¡¯t notice the ground shaking slightly. Before she knew it, she was falling. In a panic, she grabbed Fan Debiao, who yelled, ¡°Oh my god!¡±


    Not one to sacrifice himself for others, he reached out and grabbed Little Cai.


    Little Cai, in turn, grabbed Old Cai. It was like a set of nesting dolls.


    The nesting doll group tumbled down¡­


    Ming Mei had already opened the gate. As soon as she stepped inside, her heart sank at the sight of the chaotic yard.


    She called out urgently, ¡°Tuantuan! Yuanyuan!¡±


    Tuantuan peeked out and immediately cried out, ¡°Mom¡¯s back!¡±


    The three little girls also stood up excitedly. ¡°Mom!¡±


    ¡°Auntie!¡±


    Yuanyuan was so excited she was about to jump down, but Ming Mei quickly stopped her. ¡°Be careful! Come down one at a time! Where¡¯s the ladder? The ladder!¡±


    Tuantuan said, ¡°Mom, it¡¯s under the snow pile. Dad swept the snow there this morning.¡±


    Ming Mei quickly found the ladder. It was just bad luck for the "Meal Team" quartet that they hadn¡¯t noticed it earlier. Ming Mei set up the ladder, and the children climbed down one by one. Yuanyuan threw herself into her mother¡¯s arms, her eyes wide and unafraid, grinning proudly as she exclaimed, "Mommy, the bad guys didn¡¯t catch us!"


    At that moment, the police officers arrived, having chased after Ming Mei but failing to catch up.


    Qijin rushed over, stammering, "I-I-I brought help!"


    The children immediately huddled together, hugging and cheering, "We¡¯re saved!"


    "But where are they?"


    "The cellar, they went into the cellar¡­" Before Tuan Tuan could finish, the ground of the courtyard suddenly shook.


    Ming Mei shouted, "Be careful!"


    She immediately shielded the children. The police officers, unsure of what was happening, panicked briefly before rushing outside to the street. The shaking stopped quickly, leaving everyone shaken and exchanging nervous glances.


    "Was that an earthquake?"


    "Probably."


    "Everyone, stay outside and don¡¯t move around."


    Though no one was sure what had happened, it seemed like an earthquake. The children gathered around Ming Mei, trusting her more than anyone else. She patted their heads and reassured them, "Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here."


    The children nodded, and Tuan Tuan said, "Mommy, we¡¯re not scared."


    With their mother there, they felt completely safe.


    Because of the earthquake, no one rushed back inside to catch the intruders. Instead, they waited a few more minutes. The shaking had been brief, and soon everything was calm again, making it unclear whether it had actually been an earthquake.


    "What should we do?"


    "Let¡¯s go check."


    Ming Mei was uneasy and said, "What if there¡¯s another earthquake while you¡¯re inside?"


    She suggested, "Maybe we should wait a bit longer."


    The lead officer shook his head. "It¡¯s fine. We need to go in, arrest them before they use the chaos to escape, and handle any issues as soon as possible."


    Ming Mei didn¡¯t fully agree but didn¡¯t object, knowing it wasn¡¯t her place to argue. She simply said, "Be careful."


    Ten officers went to the cellar, leaving four behind. Ming Mei and the others watched anxiously, but strangely, there were no further tremors, making it seem like the earlier shaking had been an illusion.


    The police officers reached the cellar entrance and called out, "Is anyone there?"


    No response.


    "Is anyone inside? Are you hurt?"


    Still no answer.


    The officers exchanged glances and descended into the cellar. They found the locks broken and one door wide open. Peering inside, one of them exclaimed, "Holy cow!"


    Even with their experience, they were shocked by what they saw.


    "Check if they¡¯re hiding in other cellars. If not, they might have fallen in."


    After a quick search, they confirmed, "They¡¯re not here!"


    "What¡¯s this hole?"


    "It looks like a collapse. Maybe it wasn¡¯t an earthquake but this cave-in causing the shaking."


    "Not sure. Let¡¯s report it."


    "Is anyone down there? Hello?"


    Still no response.


    Ming Mei and the others soon saw the officers return. They explained the situation, and Ming Mei was speechless.


    The children¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "They fell into a hole? There¡¯s a hole in our cellar?"


    "Wow, that¡¯s so dangerous!"


    Ming Mei sighed in relief. "Thank goodness they fell in. Imagine if one of us had fallen in someday. What bad luck that would¡¯ve been. Thank goodness."


    The officers exchanged awkward glances. She wasn¡¯t wrong, but she didn¡¯t have to say it so bluntly.


    "Daughter-in-law! What¡¯s going on?"


    The morning¡¯s chaos had even disrupted the mechanical factory¡¯s performance. Zhao Guihua and her group had left early to avoid the crowd, but when they returned and saw the police, they grew tense.


    "What happened?"


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Before Ming Mei could explain, the children rushed over, chattering excitedly.


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s heart raced as she listened, breaking into a cold sweat. She hugged the children tightly. "You little rascals scared me to death! Let me check you. Are you hurt?"


    She examined them thoroughly, but the kids were unfazed. "We¡¯re fine! We stuck together and weren¡¯t scared of the bad guys. They¡¯re the ones who got hurt!"


    "Yeah, they¡¯re the ones who got hurt! I set up two mousetraps, and they got caught. Hehe!" Bai Qingqing boasted, while He Lan hugged her daughter and cried. "You little thing, you¡¯re going to give me a heart attack!"


    Meanwhile, Aunt Zhou and Jiang Lu hugged Qijin, and Li Fang tightly held her daughter¡¯s hand.


    Everyone was shaken. Though they always cared deeply for their children, no one could have anticipated a home invasion. The entire courtyard was terrified, but their fear quickly turned to anger.


    Zhao Guihua was furious. "Those scoundrels! They¡¯ve got a death wish, daring to rob our home! Do they think we¡¯re pushovers? I¡¯ll beat them to death!"


    She stormed inside, still shaken despite the children being safe.


    The others felt the same. The elderly women were livid, and the men were equally enraged. They clamored to catch the intruders. Zhao Guihua declared, "If I don¡¯t beat them to death today, I¡¯m a coward!"


    "Damn it! I¡¯ll find them¡­"


    Bai Fendou rolled up his sleeves. "They¡¯ve messed with the wrong person! Wife, take care of our daughter. I¡¯m going to fight them to the death!"


    "Me too!"


    Even Zhou Qun, usually mild-mannered, was fired up. With only one child per family, they couldn¡¯t afford to take risks. He grabbed a shovel, and the crowd grew more heated.


    "Uh¡­ revenge might be a bit tricky right now," Ming Mei finally interjected.


    Everyone turned to her.


    Ming Mei explained, "They fell into a hole."


    "What?"


    "They somehow made a hole in the cellar and fell in."


    She added, "It¡¯s not 100% confirmed, but that¡¯s the most likely scenario. The kids saw them go into the cellar, and they never came out. There¡¯s just a big hole down there."


    Aunt Zhou was furious. "They even dug a tunnel? How long have they been planning this?"


    The officer clarified, "Uh, no. They didn¡¯t dig the hole."


    He quickly added, "Take care of the kids and check your homes for any losses¡ªmoney or items. We¡¯ve already arranged for someone to go down and investigate."


    "Uncle, we¡¯re fine!"


    "Yeah, we¡¯re tough!"


    "They¡¯re the ones who got hurt!"


    The children were surprisingly brave, showing no signs of fear after the encounter.


    The parents fetched thick clothes for the kids, and Zhao Guihua remembered the ginger tea she had prepared. "I¡¯ll get you some tea to warm up."


    The children had been on the roof for a while, and she didn¡¯t want them catching a cold.


    The scene was chaotic. Zhuang Zhixi returned late, and by the time he arrived, the area was already cordoned off. The police had sent in reinforcements, and his face turned pale as he rushed forward, asking, "What happened?"


    Fortunately, it was Director Wang who arrived. He was now the bureau chief and had come personally after being informed about the situation. Seeing Zhuang Zhixi, he said, "Come in."


    While onlookers were barred from entering, Zhuang Zhixi, as someone involved, was allowed in. After a brief explanation from Director Wang, Zhuang Zhixi hurried into the courtyard and immediately hugged his children, who were still sitting on small stools, chattering away.


    Yuanyuan asked, "Dad, what are you doing?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "You scared me to death."


    He had been delayed because he was responsible for the aftermath as part of the preparation team. He hadn¡¯t expected such a major incident to happen at home. He held onto the children tightly, and the police officer conducting the interview didn¡¯t rush him. Once Zhuang Zhixi had calmed down a bit, the officer said, "Kids, shall we continue?"


    Tuantuan, acting like a little adult, patted his father and said, "Dad, we¡¯re fine."


    The officer asked, "Kids, we noticed bloodstains near the Lan family¡¯s door. Do you know what happened?" They already knew that none of the children were injured, so the blood must have come from an injured intruder.


    Tuantuan explained, "I know. I spilled oil on the ground, and that uncle slipped. He crashed into the doorframe with a loud thud. He almost died, and his son didn¡¯t even care about him."


    "His son? Are you sure?"


    Tuantuan nodded, pursing his lips. "There were four bad guys in total. They were all masked, but one of them was Jiang Baohong. She once barged into the men¡¯s bathroom here before. She¡¯s a bathroom maniac and even stole Li Weiwei¡¯s underwear. Li Zhenzhen recognized her."


    Li Zhenzhen quickly added, "Yes, yes, I recognized her."


    The officer asked, "Jiang Baohong, and who else?"


    Tuantuan continued, "There were two other criminals: Jiang Baohong¡¯s husband and her son. The three of them are a family. Besides them, there was another man, about 1.7 meters tall. He didn¡¯t show his face or say his name, but he should be easy to find because both his feet were caught in large rat traps. He was injured and could barely walk. But he was so desperate for money that he thought there was cash in the cellar. Even with his injuries, he rushed down, stumbling and crawling."


    "So, out of the four intruders, two were injured?"


    Tuantuan shook his head. "No, three. Jiang Baohong slipped and hurt her back, and then an icicle fell from the roof and hit her head. There was a lot of blood."


    The officer was speechless. No wonder there were bloodstains under the eaves. He couldn¡¯t help but think that with such bad luck, they should¡¯ve just stayed home instead of causing trouble.


    "Do you know anything else?"


    "Yes."


    "The son might have been slightly injured too. When we were escaping, we kicked him in the groin. He recovered a bit, but he still walks like a duck, all wobbly."


    The officer was again at a loss for words.


    Zhuang Zhixi sneered, "They deserve to be crippled."


    Ming Mei nodded in agreement. "They¡¯re utterly despicable. They don¡¯t deserve to live."


    The children from various families were gathered together, and the adults had also congregated in the area.


    "Have you tallied up the financial losses?"


    "We didn¡¯t lose much cash, but look at the mess they made..."


    The officer assured them, "We¡¯ll calculate the damages based on the actual value."


    Director Wang, formerly Officer Wang, stood to the side, observing the children. He couldn¡¯t help but admire them, thinking they were truly remarkable. Although the kids had taken some risks, they had shown both courage and intelligence.


    "Director Wang, we¡¯re almost ready here. We can proceed."


    Director Wang said, "I¡¯ll go take a look."


    The scene had already been thoroughly investigated.


    Although the intruders were injured, no one felt sorry for them. Instead, everyone was worried about the children. If the kids had been caught, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Fortunately, the children had escaped, and no one dared to imagine what might have happened otherwise.


    Despite the cold weather, no one was afraid. Everyone stood up, eager to see what was going on.


    In truth¡­ if those four scoundrels were rescued, they were ready to give them a beating they¡¯d never forget.


    "You don¡¯t all need to come. We can¡¯t assess the situation yet. If too many people gather, it could cause another collapse, and someone might get hurt. Please stay back. We¡¯ll handle this."


    The crowd pursed their lips, thinking to themselves that they were worried the police would stop them from beating those scoundrels.


    But it was Zhao Guihua who spoke up, saying, "Alright, then be careful when you go down."


    Having lived here for so long in her past life, she had no idea their courtyard had such a situation. It was completely unexpected.


    Yuanyuan asked, "Was that an earthquake just now?"


    "No, it was just a small tremor caused by the collapse."


    The children patted their chests, feeling relieved.


    But then they realized how terrifying it was that the ground had just collapsed like that.


    The kids started chattering again, while Ming Mei sat quietly. Besides feeling fear and anger, she was also shocked. This time, she hadn¡¯t had any premonitory dreams. Usually, she would dream about things before they happened.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were her children; she should have dreamed about this. But she hadn¡¯t.


    She remembered when Yuanyuan was in second grade and broke her leg during a sports day. Ming Mei had dreamed about it beforehand and taken precautions, so her daughter was unharmed.


    Another time, she dreamed that the children had gone ice-skating with their grandfather and fell into the lake. She had stopped them from going, and sure enough, the ice had cracked. Thankfully, no one fell in.


    She had dreamed about all these things, but this time, there was nothing.


    Although her premonitory dreams had become less frequent over the years, it was still strange that she hadn¡¯t dreamed about this at all.


    "Grandma, let me tell you, we were so brave and clever. We didn¡¯t even need to discuss anything; we just knew what to do. Those idiots didn¡¯t even realize we had climbed onto the roof."


    "That son tried to trick us into coming down, treating us like little fools. But we¡¯re not stupid."


    "He probably wanted to take us hostage, but we weren¡¯t falling for it. They were all injured and looked so pathetic, haha."


    The children continued to chatter excitedly, seemingly unfazed by the scare. Ming Mei watched them and suddenly realized why she hadn¡¯t dreamed about this. Even without her intervention, the children wouldn¡¯t have been harmed.


    Was that why she hadn¡¯t dreamed about it?


    Ming Mei finally felt a bit more at ease. Although she knew relying solely on premonitory dreams wasn¡¯t good, it was still an extra layer of reassurance. She pursed her lips.


    Zhuang Zhixi, noticing how quiet she was today, held her hand and said, "It¡¯s alright."


    Ming Mei nodded. "I know."


    While they were still shaken but relieved, several police officers, equipped with ropes, headlamps, and flashlights, descended into the hole¡ªor rather, the pit.


    Only one person could go down at a time. The first officer to descend surveyed the area. The ground was covered in a thick layer of soil, likely from the collapse, but there was no sign of the intruders. However, there were traces of a fall, bloodstains, and footprints, indicating that the intruders had fled through the tunnel.


    After landing, the officer followed the tunnel, turning a corner and walking for about ten minutes until he reached a hole roughly the size of a person. Crawling through, he found that it connected to the city¡¯s sewer system.


    Bloodstains were still visible on the ground, showing that the intruder had escaped through here after falling.


    The next officer followed, and after inspecting the area, two continued forward while two went back. Once they climbed back up, they reported their findings.


    "This is an underground tunnel, likely dug a long time ago. Judging from the scene, it might have been decades ago. No one could hide in there. If you follow it, it leads directly to the sewer. The cellar was in normal use before, and no one ever fell into it, so they probably didn¡¯t even know it existed. Today, those guys were jumping around and tapping everywhere, and with the tunnel being old and poorly maintained, they fell through. As for who dug this tunnel and why, that¡¯s something we¡¯ll have to investigate. But one thing¡¯s for sure¡ªthey¡¯ve escaped."


    "Damn it, those bastards got lucky," Zhuang Zhixi, who had been eavesdropping, suddenly chimed in. Seeing Officer Wang turn around, he continued confidently, "Do you think they knew about this tunnel beforehand and planned to escape through it? A few months ago, we had that sewer troublemaker incident. Could it be them?"


    Officer Wang nodded, "I¡¯ve heard about that. What you¡¯re saying makes sense."


    The others also thought it was a strong possibility. Could it be that these people had planned this all along, scouting the area in advance? Otherwise, how could they dare pull off such a "big job"? And why were they still looking for money even after being trapped? It didn¡¯t add up.


    Everyone agreed it was unreasonable and concluded that they must have known about the tunnel beforehand.


    The police immediately began investigating whether anyone knew about the tunnel. Aunt Zhou said, "I¡¯ve never heard of it. I¡¯ve lived in this courtyard for a long time, and I¡¯ve never heard anything about it. I think it must have been dug before Liberation. Most of us in this courtyard were assigned here by the neighborhood committee and the machinery factory after Liberation."


    The older residents of the courtyard, like Aunt Zhou, Aunt Wang, and Zhao Guihua, had been there the longest. Families like the Suis moved in later, and some even more recent.


    Aunt Zhou added, "But if you think about it, having a tunnel leading out isn¡¯t that strange."


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement, "That¡¯s true. I¡¯ve heard that before Liberation, some families dug secret rooms to hide from bad people. This courtyard used to house minor officials back in the day, so it¡¯s possible they dug a tunnel for self-defense. If something happened, they could escape through it. But how Jiang Baohong and the others knew about it is anyone¡¯s guess."


    Now, no one believed their escape was accidental. They were convinced that the group had known about the tunnel and had been scouting the sewers for this very purpose.


    Sewers¡­


    Zhao Guihua suddenly had a thought, "There were four of them. Could the fourth one be Fan Debiao?"


    She continued, "A while back, when I was collecting rent, I ran into a thief who was also using the sewers. The woman who helped me catch him said the thief was looking for Fan Debiao."


    The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. "You know, it really could be him. Fan Debiao is about 1.7 meters tall, and from the description, the build matches. Also, he¡¯s had a feud with Zheng Huimin from our courtyard. He once accidentally killed Zheng Huimin¡¯s father and went to prison for it. If he¡¯s holding a grudge and came back to cause trouble, it¡¯s not impossible. And he doesn¡¯t get along with me either."


    "Could be."


    "Yeah, that¡¯s possible."


    Officer Wang ordered, "Get on it right away. Investigate Fan Debiao and see if he¡¯s connected to this. Also, what¡¯s the update on Jiang Baohong¡¯s family?"


    The investigation team had already been sent to Jiang Baohong¡¯s house when the child first mentioned her name.


    Just then, the investigators returned, out of breath, "We¡¯ve looked into it. Jiang Baohong¡¯s family has been crawling through the sewers multiple times. The stench from the sewers caused a lot of complaints from their neighbors. When we went there today, the neighbors gave us plenty of leads. They¡¯re major suspects."


    They must have been scouting the place!


    They knew the sewers led to the courtyard all along!


    How sneaky and despicable!


    Even though this incident didn¡¯t result in major losses or casualties, it was still a serious crime. On a peaceful holiday like New Year¡¯s Day, they barged in, ransacked the place, and even tried to control the children. The case was extremely malicious.


    This year, the authorities have been cracking down hard on crime, and they¡¯ll face severe punishment for this.


    The police quickly finished their on-site investigation and brought in two experts to confirm that the tunnel was at least forty years old, dating it back to pre-Liberation times. The tunnel was sealed off¡ªnot just patched up but filled with soil so they couldn¡¯t come back the same way. Even if they tried, they¡¯d be trapped.


    Once everything was handled and documented, it was discovered that only Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s room had been robbed of thirty-nine yuan.


    The other losses weren¡¯t monetary but involved property damage, with Lan Sihai¡¯s house being the most affected. Of course, the culprits would have to compensate for the damages. Don¡¯t think the amount is small¡ªonce they¡¯re caught, the charges will be serious.


    They were attempting a full-scale "raid," which is different from ordinary theft or robbery.


    If the children hadn¡¯t delayed them, every household could have suffered significant losses. Even the children were nearly taken hostage. The whole courtyard was furious, and the news spread quickly. Not just their courtyard¡ªwho wouldn¡¯t be angry?


    No one can guarantee their home is always occupied. Breaking in like that is utterly brazen.


    And they ran into the kids. Thankfully, the kids were resourceful, or things could have gone very wrong.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be scared?


    Not only were the police on the move, but the neighbors also started keeping an eye on the manhole covers. You think you can escape through the sewers? Well, stay down there then. Word spread fast, and soon, other areas joined in.


    They¡¯re just ordinary people with families and children. Who wouldn¡¯t fear something like this?


    These criminals must be stopped!


    The whole community was mobilized, leaving no room for escape.


    The "Meal Gang" of four had no chance of getting away now.

 Chapter 216

    The "Food Squad" believed they were blessed with a bit of luck. Without it, how could they have escaped such a dangerous situation?0


    Clearly, they were the chosen ones.0


    Each of them thought they had the best luck, and the others were just useless hangers-on benefiting from their good fortune.0


    The moment they fell, one after another like a set of nesting dolls, they were certain they were doomed. But as they hit the ground, with one person piled on top of another, Jiang Baohong, at the bottom, nearly got crushed. However, they soon discovered that they had landed in a hidden cave. Though they were disoriented, they couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of joy.0


    Though their attempt to steal money had failed, escaping alive was still a victory.0


    All of them were injured to varying degrees, but now wasn¡¯t the time to argue over who had dragged whom down. The priority was to get out of there. Little Cai was the first to steady the group¡¯s morale: "Even though we failed here, we still have our second target. Hu Huihui¡¯s family is even wealthier than the compound. We won¡¯t lose out. Once we escape and recover, we can deal with Hu Huihui. The money will be ours for the taking. No matter what happens, as long as we get the money, we¡¯ll live comfortably. We haven¡¯t failed yet. Sure, there were some missteps, but those were just tests from the heavens to prepare us for greater success. If we endure, we¡¯ll triumph!"0


    "My son is right," Jiang Baohong was the first to agree. "So what do we do now?"0


    Little Cai urged, "Let¡¯s move. We can¡¯t stay here."0


    "Right, they¡¯ll come down eventually."0


    Thanks to the people above mistaking their escape for an earthquake, they had bought themselves some time. Supporting each other, they stumbled away. Despite their injuries, their spirits were high. After all, surviving such a close call was proof of their incredible luck.0 Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Little Cai, in particular, was feeling invincible. He believed he was the true chosen one, the most favored by fate. In his darkest moments, the heavens would surely pave a path for him.0


    So he wasn¡¯t worried at all.0


    Jiang Baohong asked, "Son, why is it so dark here?"0


    Little Cai snapped, "What do you expect in a sewer? A bright, sunny day? Use your brain! What¡¯s it even for if not to think? Just for eating?"0


    He found his mother utterly foolish. On this mission, she had been nothing but a burden. And his father? Just as useless. Even Fan Debiao had been a disappointment from the start.0


    He had brought three helpers, but none had been of any use. It was frustrating to think about.0


    He regretted his choices. Useless helpers, worthless burdens.0


    But now wasn¡¯t the time for blame. They had to keep moving. Compared to their last sewer ordeal, having four people together made it less terrifying. Still, they couldn¡¯t move quickly, especially with three of them severely injured.0


    Worried about being caught, Little Cai urged, "Hurry up!"0


    Fan Debiao cursed, "I¡¯d love to move faster, but look at my leg! Do you think I¡¯m not trying?"0


    He was in terrible pain, his injuries compounding with every step. The others were hurt too, but their wounds weren¡¯t on their legs, so they could still walk. Fan Debiao, however, relied entirely on their support. Without them, he couldn¡¯t even crawl.0


    Fan Debiao was in a foul mood. Little Cai thought he was useless and a drag, but Fan Debiao blamed the Cai family for their bad luck. From the moment they left that morning, nothing had gone right. Their plan had fallen apart completely.0


    If it weren¡¯t for Fan Debiao¡¯s good luck, they would¡¯ve been caught long ago.0


    It was his luck that had saved them all.0


    Still, he didn¡¯t dare offend them too much. After all, he needed their help to walk.0


    "How much longer do we have to go?"0


    His leg was throbbing with pain. What was wrong with this compound? Were they trying to catch a giant rat? The traps were ridiculously large. He muttered curses under his breath, and Jiang Baohong shot him a disdainful look. She found him unmanly, whining more than a woman.0


    Her earlier flicker of attraction to him had completely vanished. Now, she was thoroughly disgusted by Fan Debiao.0


    Even Old Cai was fed up. He slapped Fan Debiao and growled, "Shut up! Focus on finding a way out, you useless waste!"0


    Fan Debiao¡¯s lip bled from the blow. In the darkness of the sewer, his expression was unreadable, but his heart was as cold as a winter wind. If there was anyone he hated most, it was these people.0


    If it weren¡¯t for their persuasion, he wouldn¡¯t be in this mess.0


    They relied on him, yet now that he was injured, they treated him like trash. He despised them for looking down on him.0


    Just wait, he thought. One day, he¡¯d have his revenge.0


    "What are you staring at, you good-for-nothing? If it weren¡¯t for us, you¡¯d be dead in this sewer," Old Cai barked. He was clearly agitated. "Why are we even dragging him along? If he gets caught, it¡¯s his problem. We can just deny everything."0


    Little Cai took a deep breath and said, "We¡¯re in this together. We share the good and the bad." If Fan Debiao got caught and ratted them out, it would be a disaster. Besides, he still had a use for Fan Debiao. As if on cue, he spotted a faint light ahead.0


    He exclaimed excitedly, "We¡¯ve found the exit!"0


    They hurried toward it. Without hesitation, Little Cai said, "Mom, help me support him. We need to get him up first."0


    Jiang Baohong protested, "I¡¯ll go up first!"0


    She was eager to escape, her fear driving her impatience.0


    But Little Cai stopped her. "Let Fan Debiao go first. He¡¯s injured."0


    His show of magnanimity made him seem like the ideal partner.0


    Old Cai and Jiang Baohong weren¡¯t pleased, but Fan Debiao saw through Little Cai¡¯s act. He sneered, "Stop pretending to be so noble. You¡¯re sending me up first to scout. If there¡¯s trouble, you¡¯ll abandon me, right?"0


    His voice dripped with resentment.0


    Little Cai wasn¡¯t fazed. To him, Fan Debiao was a toothless tiger, no longer a threat.0


    He smirked coldly. "Exactly. What are you going to do about it? You¡¯re only good for this now. Why else would we keep you around?"0


    The earlier pretense of camaraderie was gone, replaced by blunt ruthlessness.0


    Little Cai wasn¡¯t afraid of Fan Debiao and made no effort to hide his intentions. "Mom, Dad, we¡¯ll use him to test the way."0


    Old Cai¡¯s eyes lit up. "Good thinking, son. You¡¯re a smart one, just like me!"0


    Jiang Baohong nodded in agreement, smiling with satisfaction.0


    As they reached the faint light, Little Cai said, "Dad, push it open."0


    Old Cai obliged. "Got it."0


    He whispered, "If something¡¯s wrong, we run immediately."0


    They had been on the move for hours. It was mid-afternoon, and though the sun was out, snow was still falling. The cold was biting, and they were shivering in the sewer. Together, they pushed Fan Debiao upward.0


    Fan Debiao, meanwhile, clutched a dagger in his hand. With his injured leg, he was at their mercy, but his hatred for the Cai family burned fiercely. Once they helped him get home and he recovered, he¡¯d make them pay.0


    Fan Debiao struggled to climb up, unaware that someone nearby had already spotted him. Guan Hong, like everyone else, had been keeping an eye on the manhole cover. They were close to the compound, and logically, they shouldn¡¯t have emerged here. They should¡¯ve gone farther away, but the underground tunnels were a maze, and after circling around, they ended up back where they started, leading to this cover-up.0


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin had also joined the search for the villain. Being women, they were patrolling nearby. Just as Zheng Huimin had gone to the restroom, she sensed something was off.0


    Sure enough, Fan Debiao soon popped his head out.0


    Guan Hong couldn¡¯t help but let out a scream: ¡°Ah!¡±0


    Fan Debiao had just emerged, and the people below, hearing the scream, didn¡¯t wait for him. They took off running!0


    Fan Debiao knew he had to act fast, or he¡¯d be caught for sure. He didn¡¯t have time to think. Ignoring the pain in his foot, he mustered all his strength, took a few steps forward, and brandished a knife, aiming directly at Guan Hong.0


    She had to be silenced.0


    She had to die!0


    ¡°Die!!!¡±0


    His eyes were bloodshot and fierce. Though he barely knew Guan Hong, for the sake of escaping, he didn¡¯t hesitate to pull out the knife and stab at her with vicious intent.0


    Guan Hong: ¡°Ahhh!¡±0


    Though she was usually a fierce and bold girl, in this critical moment, she was paralyzed with fear, unable to move. As the knife came toward her, she felt certain she was done for.0


    Her mind went blank, but suddenly, a force pushed her aside!0


    Guan Hong: ¡°Ah!¡±0


    Su Jinlai had also been wandering nearby. Hearing the scream, he rushed over and saw the terrifying scene. Guan Hong was frozen in fear, unable to move. Su Jinlai, though terrified himself, managed to push her out of the way with all his might.0


    Guan Hong fell to the ground with a thud, but she dodged the knife.0


    Fan Debiao, already injured, had put everything into that desperate stab.0


    With Guan Hong dodging, he stumbled forward, crashing into the wall and collapsing to the ground. Su Jinlai, fearing a counterattack, quickly dragged Guan Hong back, screaming at the top of his lungs: ¡°Help! Murder! Fan Debiao is trying to kill someone!¡±0


    Guan Hong¡¯s legs were weak, but she managed to retreat with Su Jinlai¡¯s help.0


    Fan Debiao, having missed his target and unable to stand due to his injured foot, was filled with rage but couldn¡¯t get up. Su Jinlai, seeing this, felt a bit more at ease but kept pulling Guan Hong away, moving swiftly.0


    The commotion quickly drew the attention of others, and soon a group of people armed with wooden clubs rushed over.0


    Before Fan Debiao could retaliate, he was surrounded. The wooden clubs rained down on him: ¡°You scoundrel! After all the evil you¡¯ve done, you still want to kill someone? Beat him!¡±0


    ¡°Yeah, beat him to death!¡±0


    ¡°A villain like this deserves to die!¡±0


    ¡°We¡¯re ridding the world of scum!¡±0


    ¡°Beat the crap out of him!¡±0


    ¡°He¡¯s a disgrace to the men of our city. Finish him!¡±0


    The wooden clubs came down hard and fast. When Zhao Guihua and her elderly squad arrived, they saw Fan Debiao curled up in a corner, covering his head, already beaten to a pulp.0


    She shouted: ¡°Let everyone vent their anger, but don¡¯t kill him! We don¡¯t need to get into trouble over scum like him!¡±0


    She added: ¡°A vicious criminal like this deserves to rot in prison!¡±0


    ¡°He¡¯s getting what he deserves!¡±0


    ¡°Arrest him! Arrest him!¡±0


    The cries rose and fell.0


    By then, Zheng Huimin had returned. She helped Guan Hong up and, though unaware of what had happened, glared at Su Jinlai: ¡°You jerk, did you drag Guan Hong into danger again?¡±0


    It looked like Zheng Huimin was about to scratch him.0


    Su Jinlai, who had been loudly demanding punishment for Fan Debiao, was stunned by the accusation.0


    He felt more wronged than Dou E! Sure, he¡¯d done something like that before, but this time, he¡¯d saved her!0


    Indignant, he said: ¡°What are you talking about? If it weren¡¯t for me, she¡¯d be a corpse right now! Instead of thanking me, you¡¯re blaming me? What kind of people are you? That¡¯s just wrong!¡±0


    Zheng Huimin: ¡°You¡­¡±0


    Guan Hong, finally calming down, said: ¡°He saved me.¡±0


    She took deep breaths, gradually regaining her composure. Everyone reacts differently in danger, and Guan Hong had been momentarily paralyzed with fear. She didn¡¯t know why she¡¯d frozen like that, but the moment had been truly terrifying.0


    She took another deep breath and looked at Su Jinlai with a mix of emotions. Who would¡¯ve thought that Su Jinlai would save her?0


    She pursed her lips and awkwardly said: ¡°Thank you.¡±0


    After all, Su Jinlai had once used her as a shield, and ever since, she¡¯d been hostile toward him, whether at the factory or in the compound. She never expected him to save her.0


    Su Jinlai, puffing up with pride, snorted and said: ¡°I wronged you once, and now I¡¯ve helped you once. We¡¯re even, okay? Don¡¯t keep bringing up the past. Be nicer to me from now on.¡±0


    Guan Hong clenched her jaw, then finally said seriously: ¡°We¡¯re even.¡±0


    Su Jinlai: ¡°Right, we¡¯re even.¡±0


    Both of them seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.0


    Zheng Huimin looked back and forth between them, finding it hard to believe.0


    Who would¡¯ve thought that Su Jinlai would save someone?0


    This was truly¡­ eye-opening!0


    As she pondered this, Su Jinlai turned to her, hands on his hips: ¡°Comrade Zheng, why did you accuse me without even asking? You can¡¯t judge me by my past mistakes! Sure, I used to be a bit unreliable, but you can¡¯t just assume the worst! Besides, I¡¯ve been doing well lately. Everyone says I¡¯ve turned over a new leaf!¡±0


    Zheng Huimin, feeling awkward, said: ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I misunderstood you.¡±0


    Su Jinlai puffed out his chest proudly and snorted.0


    Zheng Huimin¡¯s lips twitched.0


    Su Jinlai ignored them and quickly ran over to Zhao Guihua: ¡°Auntie, what should we do with him?¡±0


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Take him to the police station.¡±0


    By now, Fan Debiao was a beaten and battered mess. The crowd showed him no mercy. Hearing that he was finally being taken to the police station, he burst into tears. At least prison would be safer. He¡¯d suffered enough.0


    ¡°Lock him up! Lock him up! At least in prison, I won¡¯t have to face this!¡±0


    He sobbed pitifully.0


    Meanwhile, the children had come running. Though the adults had forbidden them from wandering around, they begged to come out and see the excitement. Not just the kids from their compound, but also the Ye Family Siblings, Xing¡¯er and her brother, and a group of about ten children.0


    They all came to see the villain.0


    ¡°Whoa!¡±0


    They hadn¡¯t expected the villain to look so pathetic.0


    But no matter how pitiful he looked, he didn¡¯t deserve sympathy.0


    Su Jinlai quickly warned: ¡°Don¡¯t get too close! He has a knife!¡±0


    ¡°Over here!¡±0


    Zhao Guihua spotted it immediately. During the beating, Fan Debiao¡¯s knife had fallen to the ground. She kicked it away.0


    Fan Debiao didn¡¯t even seem to notice. He just kept crying, louder and more pitifully, as if he were the most wretched person in the world. Between sobs, he even started complaining.0


    "I must have been out of my mind, completely out of my mind! I shouldn''t have gotten involved with Little Cai and his gang, wuwuwu..." He cried so hard that he started hiccuping: "If I hadn''t mixed with them, I could have made a comeback. But ever since I joined them, I''ve been so unlucky. Unlucky to the extreme. We arrived before five in the morning, in the freezing winter, and I was shivering from the cold. That Jiang Baohong kept rubbing against me¡ªshe¡¯s after my body, ah! She¡¯s harassing me! Wuwuwu, why am I so unlucky? All I wanted was to make some money. Why do I have to suffer like this? They said we were going to rob, but they couldn¡¯t even pick a lock. We spent ages breaking down the door, and when we finally got in, there was no money to be found. Wuwuwu, even a child could handle us. My foot... oh, my foot! A huge, enormous rat trap clamped down on it! It hurts so much! The sewer was so dark, and rats were scurrying around. My legs were soaked in filthy water... I¡¯ve suffered so much! Why did I agree to Little Cai¡¯s plan? I must have been out of my mind. I shouldn¡¯t have trusted him. I should have known his family was unreliable! How could I have believed him? I¡¯m such an idiot!"0


    Fan Debiao was truly broken. He felt like the most miserable person in the world.0


    He cried pitifully, but everyone¡¯s expressions were hard to describe. What? You¡¯re miserable? Did anyone force you to do these bad things? If you do bad things, you should be prepared to fail.0


    He cried bitterly, but Guan Hong wasn¡¯t having any of it: "Stop pretending to be pitiful! You weren¡¯t like this when you were trying to kill me earlier."0


    She still felt a chill thinking about it. If Su Jinlai hadn¡¯t pushed her out of the way, that knife would have gone straight into her heart. The thought made her even angrier: "When you tried to kill me, you aimed right for my heart. You wanted to take my life, and now you expect sympathy?"0


    Everyone immediately became more resolute. That¡¯s right, this guy showed no mercy when he was trying to harm others.0


    Fan Debiao: "I didn¡¯t actually stab you, did I? Can¡¯t you let it go? Can¡¯t you be a little more forgiving?"0


    "You bastard... how can you have the nerve to say something so shameless!"0


    Guan Hong was furious. She rushed forward, kicking and punching Fan Debiao without holding back. Her anger boiled over as she thought about how despicable and shameless he was.0


    Fan Debiao: "Ah!"0


    "He deserves to be beaten to death!"0


    "That¡¯s right, he deserves it!"0


    "Beat him up! How dare he say something so shameless!"0


    "These are the kind of people who rob and kill. Did you expect them to be good?"0


    "Exactly!"0


    Fan Debiao: "Ahhh!"0


    Guan Hong vented her anger by hitting him, while everyone else watched coldly, not lifting a finger to stop her. People like him deserve it!0


    "The police are here."0


    No one knew how long Guan Hong had been hitting him when the police arrived, jogging over. Before they could even ask, everyone started talking all at once. The police officers looked at Fan Debiao with disdain.0


    A grown man should take responsibility for his actions. How could he say something so shameless?0


    By this point, Fan Debiao was unrecognizable. Even his own mother wouldn¡¯t have known him. His face was swollen like a pig¡¯s head, covered in bloody streaks. His foot was swollen like a pig¡¯s trotter, dripping with blood, and his body was in a similar state.0


    In short, it was a sight too gruesome to look at.0


    But no one felt sorry for him.0


    This is the kind of fate that bad people deserve.0


    "Take him away."0


    Fan Debiao was quickly taken away, and his dagger was collected as evidence.0


    His arrest confirmed that the four-person robbery gang consisted of the Cai family¡ªfather, mother, and son¡ªplus Fan Debiao. Although they had covered their faces earlier, their scarves fell off when they fell into the sewer.0


    Even if they hadn¡¯t, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to keep their faces covered once they emerged, so they were recognized immediately.0


    With Fan Debiao in custody, the search intensified. There were already three teams tracking them in the sewer. In theory, it should have been easy to follow the blood trails from their wounds.0


    But the problem was the sewer itself.0


    The sewer was a maze of interconnected tunnels, with narrow, confusing paths. While the police could follow the municipal blueprints, the criminals were wandering aimlessly.0


    The sewer was also filled with foul odors and filth, with puddles of stagnant water and mud everywhere. Even if there were blood trails, they were hard to spot. The stench made tracking even more difficult.0


    The unfavorable conditions, combined with the time gap between their escape and the pursuit, made it hard to locate the remaining criminals.0


    Fan Debiao¡¯s arrest was good news.0


    Although the Cai family was still down there, they couldn¡¯t stay hidden forever. They would have to come up eventually, and when they did, the chances of catching them were high. The police reminded everyone: "We know you all want to help, and we¡¯re grateful for your efforts in keeping watch near the manhole covers. But we must remind you to be careful and prioritize your safety. Don¡¯t go alone. As you¡¯ve seen, these people are armed and desperate."0


    "Understood."0


    "We know. We¡¯re not trying to be heroes."0


    "Right."0


    The police officer added: "Please be careful and stick together."0


    He turned to the children and said, "You kids should go home. We know you¡¯re brave, but you¡¯re still children. Don¡¯t take risks, okay? You¡¯re the future of our country. You mustn¡¯t get hurt."0


    The children nodded and murmured in agreement.0


    The police quickly returned to their duties, and Zhao Guihua gathered everyone: "I think the officer is right. If you want to help, don¡¯t go alone."0


    "Right, we¡¯ll listen to you."0


    They quickly paired up. Zhao Guihua said to Guan Hong, "You took a fall earlier and were scared. Why don¡¯t you go home and rest?"0


    Guan Hong refused: "No, it¡¯s nothing. I wasn¡¯t scared at all. Besides, what are the chances of something like that happening again? And if it does, even better. I was too timid the first time. Next time, I¡¯ll teach those shameless scoundrels a proper lesson. I¡¯m not easily frightened!"0


    Zheng Huimin chimed in: "We¡¯ll stick together. It¡¯ll be fine."0


    Zhao Guihua hesitated: "Two women?"0


    Su Jinlai had been planning to go home. After all, he had been heroic today, acting bravely and doing the right thing. He deserved to be praised, so he could go home now...0


    It wasn¡¯t because his legs were still shaking from fear.0


    But with all the women refusing to go home, it would look bad if he left. He couldn¡¯t be less brave than the women, could he? Reluctantly, he decided to stay.0


    He waved his hand and said, "I¡¯ll go with you."0


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin agreed without hesitation: "Deal."0


    After all, they had put their differences aside.0


    Everyone paired up and continued patrolling near the manhole covers. The children headed home, with Yuanyuan holding up one finger: "One caught."0


    "Three more to go, but they won¡¯t last long," Tuantuan said confidently. With everyone searching for them, how could they hide for long?0


    He added, "It¡¯s freezing today. If they¡¯re caught, it¡¯s their luck. Otherwise, they¡¯d freeze to death."0


    "That¡¯s true. It¡¯s really cold," Bai Qingqing rubbed her arms. "Let¡¯s go to my house. My mom lit the stove."0


    Yuanyuan suggested, "No, come to my house. We have the stove and the kang heated up. We can watch TV together."0


    The children quickly agreed: "Alright, let¡¯s go to your house."0


    "TV, TV!" Xiao Qijin shouted, but then scratched his head: "Actually... I¡¯m not really in the mood to watch. I want to know when they¡¯ll catch the bad guys."0


    They had all been so brave today.0


    "Me too."0


    "They¡¯ll catch them sooner or later."0


    They walked into the courtyard with their hands tucked in their sleeves. By now, the courtyard had been tidied up. Although the visitors had caused quite a ruckus, each household had managed to restore order. Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t join the others in blocking the manhole covers. Instead, he quickly went to the Lan Family to replace the broken glass and took care of the mess there. After all, the children had fought back in that area.0


    Lan Sihai, surprisingly, wasn¡¯t the least bit annoyed. Instead, he smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s no big deal, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± It was rare for him not to speak sarcastically. On the contrary, the old man nodded approvingly and said, ¡°These kids have the same spirit I had when I was young.¡±0


    Luo Xiaohe chimed in, ¡°Don¡¯t encourage them like that! It¡¯s too frightening! They¡¯re so young; they should run and hide if something like this happens again¡­ Oh no, forget that! They¡¯ll never encounter such things again!¡±0


    Lan Sihai replied, ¡°The kids are fine.¡±0


    Since they were older, they didn¡¯t go out. He suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the supply and marketing cooperative to see if they have any glutinous rice balls? Buy some and cook them. It¡¯s freezing outside, and everyone will appreciate something warm to eat when they come back. Besides, the kids love them.¡±0


    Luo Xiaohe agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll go right away.¡± She wasn¡¯t stingy either. She opened the drawer, took out some money, and left. Lan Sihai called out, ¡°Wait, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±0


    ¡°Alright.¡±0


    The elderly couple headed out. If you think about it, those foolish thieves had terrible luck. They had gone to Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s house first. If they had gone to Lan Sihai¡¯s house instead, they might have found some money.0


    But their luck was just that bad. Little Cai did enter Lan Sihai¡¯s house, but as soon as he stepped in, the children returned, leaving him no time to search. The first place they ransacked was Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s house, but they ended up searching the rooms of Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, the two grandsons of Old Li.0


    Li Junjun and Li Weiwei had handed over their salaries to their mother, keeping only a small allowance for themselves, which they carried with them. Naturally, there was no money in their rooms. As for the adjacent room, it wasn¡¯t Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s but Aunt Zhou¡¯s. Elderly people like Aunt Zhou didn¡¯t trust banks much, but even though she didn¡¯t deposit her money there, she didn¡¯t dare hide it in the rented house either. She felt uneasy about it.0


    Her money was hidden in her grandson Xiao Qijin¡¯s room, so naturally, there was nothing in her room either.0


    To sum it up, Little Cai only found about thirty yuan in Wang Xiangxiu¡¯s drawer. The rest¡­ they didn¡¯t find anything. Some places they didn¡¯t even get to search, like Bai Fendou¡¯s house. He Lan, being younger, wasn¡¯t as old-fashioned as Aunt Zhou and the other elderly folks who were afraid to deposit money in banks.0


    Being younger, she kept most of her money in the bank, except for some cash for daily expenses. The amount of money at home was small and well-hidden, making it hard to find. Before they could locate it, they were interrupted. So, Old Cai, who was searching there, also came up empty-handed.0


    However, if they had searched Lan Sihai¡¯s drawer, they would have found fifty yuan.0


    The Lan Family kept their monthly living expenses in the drawer, so those thieves were really out of luck. Meanwhile, the unlucky family was still running through the sewer. Without Fan Debiao as a burden, they were moving much more easily.0


    Jiang Baohong said, ¡°Son, it¡¯s a good thing you were smart and used Fan Debiao as a decoy to buy us some time.¡±0


    Little Cai smirked, ¡°Of course. Did you think I was a fool? I kept that useless guy around for a reason. Otherwise, why would I bother with such deadweight? But I can tell he¡¯s not a loyal person. He¡¯ll probably betray us. We¡¯ll have to lay low for a while.¡±0


    ¡°Lay low? Are you saying I have to live like this?¡± Old Cai protested. He always had trouble reading the situation.0


    Little Cai was annoyed and said, ¡°We¡¯ll lay low for a bit, deal with Hu Huihui, and then try to leave as soon as possible.¡±0


    Originally, he thought he could use a few people as shields, but now the situation didn¡¯t look good. He glanced subtly at his parents, wondering how to use them to buy more time.0


    ¡°We must deal with Hu Huihui. How dare they live so comfortably,¡± Old Cai grumbled.0


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Little Cai agreed.0


    As they were talking, they heard a faint noise.0


    Old Cai snapped, ¡°Is it those damn rats again?¡±0


    To be fair, even though it was pitch black, he had adapted somewhat. After all, he had been trapped in the sewer before, so he had some experience.0


    ¡°Jiang Baohong!¡±0


    A voice called out, and Jiang Baohong instinctively responded, ¡°Who¡¯s calling me?¡±0


    As soon as she answered, she realized her mistake. Before she could react, two police officers rushed in. Jiang Baohong screamed, ¡°Ah!¡±0


    In a critical moment, she shoved the person next to her and turned to run. Old Cai, pushed with great force, stumbled forward and crashed into the two officers, buying the others some time. Jiang Baohong fled, and Little Cai also sprinted away.0


    Old Cai roared, ¡°Damn you!!!!¡±0


    His voice thundered, filled with hatred. ¡°Officers, catch them! You must catch them!¡±0


    Though not the sharpest tool in the shed, he realized that the people coming to arrest them must be the police. One of the officers restrained Old Cai while the other chased after the fleeing pair. With only one officer chasing two people, he had to choose one to pursue. He followed the sound of footsteps and quickly caught up with Little Cai, pinning him down.0


    Both father and son were furious. ¡°Jiang Baohong, that bitch! She¡¯s a real bitch!¡±0


    The whole situation was a mess. Though they were part of the same gang, if you asked Fan Debiao who he hated most in the world, it would undoubtedly be the Cai family. Not only had they attacked him and humiliated him, but they had also abandoned him at a critical moment. If they hadn¡¯t used him as a decoy, he wouldn¡¯t have been the first one caught.0


    So, if you asked Fan Debiao who he hated most, it was the Cai family.0


    And if you asked Old Cai and Little Cai who they hated most now, their answer would be the same: Jiang Baohong.0


    Old Cai had originally hated Wang Xiangxiu the most, but now Jiang Baohong topped the list. She had led the police to them and even used him as a shield to escape. His hatred burned fiercely¡ªafter all, the betrayal of someone close cuts the deepest.0


    He cursed, ¡°That bitch! I¡¯ll kill her one day. I swear I¡¯ll kill her!¡±0


    He kept ranting and raving.0


    Little Cai was no less furious. He couldn¡¯t believe he had been caught.0


    Wasn¡¯t he the chosen one? Wasn¡¯t he favored by the heavens? Wasn¡¯t he destined for greatness? Why had this happened? He also blamed Jiang Baohong deeply. Why had she answered that call?0


    If it weren¡¯t for her, he would have escaped.0


    He wouldn¡¯t have been caught, he wouldn¡¯t have been caught!0


    The father and son were both escorted out of the sewer by the police. As they emerged, they saw Zhao Guihua and a group of others waiting. The police had a system¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t bring anyone up without backup, as they couldn¡¯t risk anyone escaping.0


    They found a manhole cover and pushed it open but didn¡¯t rush to climb out. Instead, they signaled for backup.0


    Unlike Old Cai and his gang, who were like headless chickens running blindly in the dark sewer, the police officers had flashlights and quickly located the cover. After signaling, they waited for reinforcements before bringing the two men up one by one.0


    Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun, along with a few other men, had heard the signal and arrived. As soon as Little Cai¡¯s head popped out, Bai Fendou grabbed him and hauled him up. He slapped him hard across the face. Little Cai cried out, ¡°Ah!¡±0


    Before he could react, another slap landed on him.0


    Little Cai stammered, ¡°You¡­ you¡­ why are you hitting me?¡±0


    ¡°Damn right, I¡¯m hitting you!¡±0


    Old Cai hesitated at the entrance of the sewer, too scared to climb up. However, Zhou Qun and Zhuang Zhiyuan were pulled up by others. Zhou Qun didn¡¯t hold back; he was the only son in his family, and he couldn¡¯t have any more children. If anything happened to his son¡­0


    His anger flared up instantly, and he punched Old Cai right in the eye. Old Cai let out a scream, but neither Zhou Qun, Bai Fendou, nor Zhuang Zhiyuan showed any mercy. They pounded him relentlessly, as if trying to beat the life out of him.0


    ¡°You piece of trash! Who do you think you are? You dare to rob our compound? You dare to lay a hand on my child? Damn it, I¡¯ll show you who¡¯s in charge here!¡±0


    ¡°Beat him!¡±0


    ¡°Yeah, beat him!¡±0


    The police officers tried to intervene, but their efforts were half-hearted. These people had done something despicable, and the victims wanted to vent their anger. The officers couldn¡¯t openly stop them, but they also couldn¡¯t ignore the rules entirely. So, they pretended to intervene, but it didn¡¯t make much difference.0


    As for the two officers in the sewer, they climbed up in slow motion, clearly in no hurry to get out. After all, coming up would mean having to stop the beating.0


    The Cai father and son were howling in pain, their faces swollen and bruised. They had lived a life of comfort, far removed from the hardships of ordinary workers. Their biggest downfall had been getting trapped in the sewer, and now they were being beaten like never before. They were on the verge of collapsing, and after a while, they were too weak to even cry out. Finally, the beating stopped.0


    Old Cai was still muttering deliriously, ¡°Jiang Baohong, I hate you¡­¡±0


    Bai Fendou chimed in, ¡°Oh right, both of them got caught. What about their woman? Did she get away?¡±0


    ¡°She betrayed me, she betrayed me¡­¡± Old Cai¡¯s voice was weak, but the hatred in his words was unmistakable. ¡°I hate her¡­¡±0


    Everyone exchanged glances, and one person explained, ¡°Jiang Baohong used him as a shield and ran away.¡±0


    The crowd gasped. ¡°Wow!¡±0


    It truly was a case of ¡°husband and wife are like birds in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly in different directions.¡±0


    ¡°You really can¡¯t marry someone like that.¡±0


    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t this the second time Jiang Baohong has abandoned him?¡± Zhou Qun, the gossip enthusiast, seemed to know a thing or two about Jiang Baohong¡¯s past. Of course, it wasn¡¯t because he knew her personally, but because her story was connected to Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou.0


    So, everyone had heard about it. Back then, Old Cai had been transferred to another city, and Jiang Baohong had divorced him. They had only remarried a few years ago, so if you counted this time, Jiang Baohong had truly abandoned Old Cai twice.0


    Zhou Qun added, ¡°There was the divorce before, and now this.¡±0


    ¡°Ah, ah¡­ Jiang Baohong, I hate you!¡± Hearing this, Old Cai broke down even more. Back then, they had agreed to divorce to preserve their strength, but now he didn¡¯t see it that way. He wailed, feeling utterly wronged, and shouted, ¡°Jiang Baohong, I¡¯ll never forgive you!¡±0


    ¡°Stop crying. You¡¯ll get used to it. She abandoned you once, twice, and there¡¯ll be a third and fourth time,¡± Zhou Qun said, twisting the knife.0


    Old Cai¡¯s eyes turned red with rage. ¡°Shut up! Just shut up!¡±0


    ¡°I won¡¯t shut up. I¡¯ll keep saying it! You¡¯ve been abandoned twice. Who knows how many green hats she gave you during those years you were divorced? You were in different places, so you¡¯d never know. Heh.¡±0


    Zhou Qun really knew how to hit a man where it hurt.0


    He continued, ¡°You¡¯re so pathetic. Your wife betrayed you, and even your son didn¡¯t protect you when you were getting beaten. How did you end up like this?¡±0


    ¡°Ahhh¡­¡± Old Cai was seething with anger.0


    Zhou Qun turned to Little Cai, ¡°This is your son, right? I heard he has two sons. Don¡¯t worry, when you go to jail, your wife will definitely remarry, and someone else will sleep with her and beat your kids. You¡¯ll be thrilled!¡±0


    ¡°You bastard! Ahhh!¡± Little Cai also lost it.0


    People can break down so easily.0


    Seeing that the Cai father and son were on the verge of losing their minds, the police officers said, ¡°Take them away.¡±0


    The two were dragged off like lifeless dogs, completely drained of energy.0


    Everyone sighed, ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought the last one to escape would be Jiang Baohong?¡±0


    The news quickly spread back to the compound. The children were eating black sesame dumplings. Tuantuan held up two fingers, ¡°Two, three.¡±0


    ¡°One more to go,¡± Yuanyuan said, taking a bite of the sesame filling. ¡°Mmm, so delicious.¡±0


    Sweet, fragrant, and utterly delicious.0


    Yuanyuan added, ¡°Great-grandpa¡¯s dumplings are the best.¡±0


    Each child held a small bowl, happily enjoying the treat. Xing''er¡¯s eyes squinted with delight, feeling like she could swallow her tongue along with the dumplings. Last spring, she was still in her hometown, where she couldn¡¯t even eat a simple cornmeal pancake. Her family could only afford coarse cornmeal, and even that wasn¡¯t always enough.0


    She had often seen her father drinking water to stave off hunger. Back then, her family was truly poor.0


    But now, she could go to school, her younger brother had recovered from his illness, and they could even sit in their neighbor¡¯s house, watching TV and eating dumplings¡ªdelicious, sweet dumplings. Xing''er puffed out her cheeks and said, ¡°I¡¯ve never eaten anything so delicious.¡±0


    ¡°I think it¡¯s delicious too.¡±0


    ¡°Yeah, so sweet.¡±0


    Dumplings were a rare treat, not something you could eat outside of the Lantern Festival. Only families with good conditions could afford such luxuries. Everyone happily ate their dumplings, and the conversation soon turned back to the earlier events.0


    ¡°Guess when Jiang Baohong will be caught?¡±0


    ¡°Hard to say.¡±0


    ¡°Let¡¯s bet on it. The loser has to wash the winner¡¯s socks.¡±0


    ¡°Sure!¡±0


    Everyone laughed and started making predictions.0


    Tuantuan asked, ¡°Who¡¯s first?¡±0


    Yuanyuan volunteered, ¡°Me! I bet it¡¯ll be today.¡±0


    She had her reasons. ¡°All her accomplices have been caught. She¡¯s probably panicking and scared. She won¡¯t last long. Plus, the police are really good at their job. They¡¯ve been searching the sewers, so they¡¯ll find her soon.¡±0


    ¡°I think it¡¯ll be tomorrow. The fewer people there are, the easier it is to hide. She¡¯s alone, so she¡¯ll be harder to find,¡± Ye Siyuan chimed in.0


    Most of the kids guessed today or tomorrow, with no one betting on the day after. They quickly split into two groups.0


    The two teams made a bet about washing socks, and the excitement grew. Yuanyuan said, ¡°She has to be caught soon. Victory is within my grasp!¡±0


    Ye Siyuan teased, ¡°If you lose, you¡¯ll have to wash my socks.¡±0


    Yuanyuan snorted, ¡°I won¡¯t lose. I¡¯ll win.¡±0


    ¡°Yuanyuan will win! I¡¯ll win too!¡± Li Zhenzhen shouted. She had also guessed today.0


    Ming Mei watched the children from the doorway, secretly observing. She was relieved to see that the kids weren¡¯t scared at all. If it were other children, they would¡¯ve been crying after such a big incident, but these kids were acting like nothing had happened. They were even making bets.0


    You had to admit, they were really carefree.0


    But as a mother, she was glad. Being carefree had its advantages.0


    Not being scared was a good thing.0


    However, the kids¡¯ reasoning made sense. Jiang Baohong, now alone, was even more terrified. She had never been particularly capable; her tough exterior had always been a facade. Her power had come from being Old Cai¡¯s wife. Once Old Cai fell from grace, she couldn¡¯t even compete with Guan Guiling, which said a lot.0


    She wept as she stumbled through the sewer, feeling like she was on the verge of a breakdown. She didn¡¯t even know how she had ended up in this situation. If she thought about it, the person to blame was Old Cai.0


    If he hadn¡¯t messed around, they wouldn¡¯t have been framed and transferred. If he hadn¡¯t been transferred, she wouldn¡¯t have fallen from grace. If Old Cai had kept his pants on, she would still be the wife of a leader.0


    At the very least, she could have ended up like Hu Huihui, with her whole family escaping unscathed, now living a life of luxury, and Hu Huihui even running her own company.0


    Thinking of this, Jiang Baohong felt that this was the kind of life she should have been living. Her current misery was all because of Old Cai, everything was Old Cai''s fault. The more Jiang Baohong thought about it, the more hatred she felt. She cursed, "A man who can''t control his urges is no better than a rotten cucumber!"0


    She angrily shouted, "You deserve to be useless now! Damn bastard!"0


    She continued to trudge forward in the underground tunnel, not knowing where she was going, but still moving forward. "Damn it, you couldn''t even stand up for me before, and now you dare to hit me?"0


    She recalled how Old Cai had laid hands on her, and her anger only grew.0


    When the two of them were together, she wouldn''t think about these things, but now, in this desperate situation, everything seemed to be falling apart. Alone in this environment, her mind was in complete chaos.0


    "Since I married into the Cai family, I''ve always been good to them, but they''ve treated me poorly. Damn them, they all deserve to die..." Her legs grew weaker as she walked, and she cried out, "I''m a leader too, I should be a leader..."0


    Jiang Baohong was going crazy in the sewer, but no one knew. The search continued until evening, but no one found her. They didn''t push themselves too hard and went home for dinner.0


    After all, today was New Year''s Day. Who could have imagined that the first day of the year would be so eventful?0


    What a complex and dramatic day it had been!0


    No New Year''s Day in recent memory had been like this one, with everyone banding together to catch a criminal. The weather was cold, but their hearts were burning with determination.0


    "Where do you think she''s hiding?"0


    "Who knows? If she''s a woman, she should just come out and surrender. There''s no way she can escape."0


    "Exactly, she''s trapped in the sewer. Without food or water, she won''t last long. Does she really think she can survive like this?"0


    "That''s what I''m saying!"0


    Everyone had their own thoughts and couldn''t understand why Jiang Baohong was holding out for so long. But the truth was, Jiang Baohong wasn''t trying to hold out¡ªshe was terrified and wanted to come out. However, finding an exit was difficult, and the police hadn''t found her yet. She found a corner and sat down. The ground was damp and muddy, and she felt pain all over her body. She had already injured her back earlier, and now she was just enduring the pain.0


    She covered her face and sobbed, "I''m a leader, I''m supposed to be a leader..."0


    She cried in a daze, but no one found her. She was in pain, hungry, cold, and miserable. At this moment, she even thought of Guan Guiling, feeling that her life was worse than that of a mentally ill person.0


    She would rather live in a mental hospital.0


    At least the environment there was decent.0


    Wailing, she cried, "Jiang Baohong..."0


    A faint voice called out. Jiang Baohong froze for a moment, then felt a surge of excitement. "It''s me, it''s me! I''m here, come find me, please, I''m here!"0


    Before, she had hoped not to be found, but now Jiang Baohong desperately wanted to be rescued. She couldn''t take it anymore.0


    "Jiang Baohong..."0


    "I''m here!" she shouted, running towards the sound. After a while, she finally saw the police officers. They had flashlights, and she shielded her eyes from the blinding light. "Arrest me, arrest me! Get me out of here, I''m so cold, hungry, and in pain!"0


    The police officers were speechless.0


    Jiang Baohong had been caught.0


    Or rather, she had been saved. If she had stayed in the sewer any longer, given the current weather, she would have either died or suffered greatly. Fortunately, the police had kept searching and eventually found her.0


    Jiang Baohong was pulled out, and she pleaded excitedly, "Take me to a mental hospital. I don''t want to go to jail. I have a mental illness."0


    She thought that compared to prison, a mental hospital would be much better. Hadn''t she seen how Guan Guiling had gained weight?0


    She remembered the environment there from her last visit¡ªit wasn''t bad at all.0


    The police officers looked at Jiang Baohong, completely baffled.0


    This woman was ugly, but her thoughts were quite bold.0


    She wanted to go to a mental hospital?0


    Who did she think she was?0


    Someone like her deserved to be sent for labor reform.0


    Seeing that no one was responding, Jiang Baohong grew more agitated. "Listen, I''m telling you, sending me to a mental hospital would be a loss for me. You don''t want me causing trouble, do you? If you know what''s good for you, send me to a mental hospital. Otherwise, I''ll report you to your superiors. You''ll regret it!"0


    "Whether you go to a mental hospital or not isn''t up to you. Don''t think you can slip through the cracks."0


    Everyone was disgusted by this woman. "Take her away."0


    "How dare you treat me like this! I, Jiang Baohong, have some influence in this city. I used to be a leader at the bus station. How dare you disrespect me?"0


    She could even say such absurd things.0


    But now, everyone remained silent, ignoring her. Who knew if she was just pretending to be crazy to escape punishment? They had never seen someone like her before, trying to feign insanity to avoid the law.0


    Not a chance!0


    Just as they were about to take her away, Jiang Baohong suddenly shouted again, "I want to go to the compound! I want to go to Ming Mei''s compound! I want to ask how they raised their children. Those little brats have no manners!"0


    Jiang Baohong truly believed this, but she also knew it wasn''t something she should say. Saying it would definitely invite criticism. But she didn''t care¡ªshe just wanted to cause a scene. If she acted crazy enough, maybe they''d think she was mentally ill. Then she wouldn''t have to go to jail, right?0


    She felt she didn''t deserve to go to jail.0


    All of this was planned by three men. She was just following along. How could a woman control her husband when he wanted to do something big? She had no choice but to go along with it. She was the victim here. She was innocent.0


    Now that she had been caught and there was no way to escape, she might as well act crazy. That way, she could avoid punishment.0


    Jiang Baohong thought she was so clever, so cunning. But the truth was, the others saw right through her. They had dealt with many criminals before and knew all the tricks. They weren''t surprised by Jiang Baohong''s schemes.0


    People like her, trying to use mental illness to escape punishment, weren''t the first, and they wouldn''t be the last.0


    But things wouldn''t go the way she wanted.0


    Did she think she could just declare herself mentally ill and avoid punishment?0


    That wasn''t up to her.0


    "I want to go to the compound! I want to go to the compound! Otherwise, I''ll roll on the ground!" Jiang Baohong was getting into the act, but before she could start rolling, she heard an angry shout: "Toilet maniac! Give me back my underwear!"0


    Li Weiwei charged forward with a broom in hand...0

 Chapter 217

    The "Meal Robbery" gang of four was finally apprehended.


    The last to be caught was Jiang Baohong, who was beaten with a broom by Li Weiwei before being subdued and taken away. The incident was significant enough to shock the entire city, but the shock was quickly replaced by fear. Petty theft was something people had heard of, but such a brazen home invasion robbery was unheard of.


    Families with children left alone at home were particularly anxious. Whether living in apartment buildings or courtyard homes, neighbors banded together. This was when the value of good neighbors truly shone.


    As the saying goes, "Distant relatives are not as helpful as close neighbors." Everyone kept an eye out for one another, making it difficult for criminals to strike.


    That year, the public security in the city improved significantly.


    Given the ongoing crackdown on crime, it was no surprise that such audacious behavior would be met with severe punishment. Jiang Baohong had hoped to feign insanity to escape legal consequences, but she was out of luck.


    Her plan was well thought out, but it was unlikely to succeed.


    As for her accomplices, they were no different. Just like her, they would face harsh penalties. None of them were particularly tough, and once inside, they quickly spilled all the details.


    Besides the robbery, there was also a revenge plot.


    Wang Xiangxiu, Bai Fendou, and Hu Huihui''s family were all targets.


    Hu Huihui was particularly shaken when she learned of the plot. Her husband was equally terrified, his legs going weak at the thought. Fortunately, the gang had been caught in Xinghua Lane before they could act.


    He admitted that he wouldn''t have been able to handle the situation on his own.


    After returning home from the police station, the couple sat in silence. Old Zheng pondered for a while before saying, "Buy something and go visit your cousin."


    Hu Huihui pursed her lips and agreed.


    This time, they truly owed their safety to their neighbors.


    Hu Huihui wasted no time. She soon arrived at the courtyard house, this time not by taxi but by a tricycle loaded with goods. The tricycle pulled up to the entrance of No. 44 Xinghua Lane, where children were setting off firecrackers. A little girl named Yuanyuan asked, "Auntie, who are you looking for?"


    Hu Huihui replied, "I''m looking for the adults. Third Brother, bring the apples in."


    A burly man accompanying her began unloading the goods, drawing the attention of the children. It was a Sunday, and the courtyard was unusually lively. Hu Huihui''s arrival caused quite a stir. Wang Xiangxiu was surprised. "What brings you here?"


    Although the two families were related, they hadn''t interacted much.


    Now that Jinlai was trying to turn over a new leaf, Wang Xiangxiu was wary of Hu Huihui trying to influence him again. Her eyes showed a hint of suspicion.


    Hu Huihui, being a businesswoman, noticed this immediately. She chuckled softly and said, "Cousin, I heard about the incident in your courtyard and came to check on you."


    She got straight to the point. "The police contacted me. The gang had planned to rob me after they were done with you. Thankfully, they were caught here first. Otherwise, I would have been..."


    She shrugged and continued, "I brought some gifts for the courtyard. Could you help me distribute them?"


    Wang Xiangxiu hesitated, but Hu Huihui crossed her arms and said, "What? Do you look down on family now?"


    Wang Xiangxiu quickly denied it.


    Hu Huihui smiled. "Then help me out. To thank the courtyard for catching the thieves, I''ve brought gifts for everyone. Each household gets a box of apples, a box of pears, a box of peach cakes, and a tin of malted milk. It''s not much, but it''s my way of showing gratitude."


    Such gifts were rare, even for families that had recently improved their financial situation. Wang Xiangxiu was stunned by Hu Huihui''s generosity, but Hu Huihui knew that while the gifts were substantial, they were nothing compared to the potential danger they had avoided.


    She understood the value of what she was giving and saw it as a small price to pay for safety. "Cousin, please help me out!"


    Wang Xiangxiu replied, "Honestly, this isn''t necessary. We caught the thieves for our own sake. Since nothing happened to you, there''s no need to go to such lengths."


    Hu Huihui insisted, "It''s the least I can do!"


    Ignoring Wang Xiangxiu''s protests, Hu Huihui headed straight to Aunt Wang''s house. Aunt Wang was still the courtyard manager and had interacted with Hu Huihui during her time living there. After a brief exchange, Hu Huihui moved on to the Zhuang family, the Zhou family, the Sui family¡ªessentially every household in the courtyard.


    No one was left out.


    The families were embarrassed to accept the gifts, but Hu Huihui was persistent. They couldn''t refuse, especially since the goods had already been delivered.


    Hu Huihui explained earnestly, "I know you don''t like accepting things for no reason, but to me, you''ve done me a huge favor¡ªpossibly even saved my life. What might seem insignificant to you is a great kindness to me. Old Cai and his gang may seem like foolish thieves, but they were armed and had a grudge against me. The police told me Old Cai intended to kill me. So, I truly benefited from your actions. Please don''t refuse these gifts. If you don''t accept them, I won''t feel at ease."


    Her words were sincere and well-received. After some thought, each household accepted the gifts.


    Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou''s families were particularly relieved. According to Old Cai''s confession, the gang had planned to seek revenge after the robbery. The targets included those involved in a past incident.


    With the gang apprehended, they could finally breathe easy.


    Hu Huihui''s visit brought everyone together at Wang Xiangxiu''s house, where they discussed the recent events. Zhao Guihua and her daughter-in-law were among them. Unlike in later decades, investigations at the time were less confidential, and as involved parties, they had the right to know the details.


    Hu Huihui shared, "When the police called me in, I was completely stunned. If they hadn''t mentioned it, I would have forgotten about Old Cai entirely."


    It had been over a decade since Old Cai left, and his son was no threat, so Hu Huihui had no idea about their return. But Old Cai hadn''t forgotten them and had come back seeking revenge.


    She sighed, "Honestly, wasn''t it his own lack of self-control that caused all this? If he couldn''t keep himself in check, they were bound to exploit it."


    She added, "Old Cai is completely deranged."


    Speaking of derangement, she quickly mentioned, "I heard Jiang Baohong tried to feign insanity to avoid punishment, but experts evaluated her twice and confirmed she''s sane. It''s not easy to get into a mental hospital."


    Even mental hospitals aren''t places you can just check into.


    Zheng Huimin chimed in, "When she visited my mother a few months ago, she must have been gathering information about the mental hospital. She had ulterior motives."


    As a recent tenant, Zheng Huimin wasn''t very familiar with the courtyard residents or Hu Huihui, having only seen her a couple of times when she visited Jinlai. But this time, she also received a gift. She felt awkward accepting it, but Hu Huihui was thorough and ensured no one was left out¡ªwhether it was tenants like Zheng Huimin, elderly residents like Lan Sihai, or families like the Sui''s who hadn''t contributed much.


    Regarding the mental hospital, Zheng Huimin had more to say. She remembered Jiang Baohong visiting her mother there months ago, likely preparing to feign insanity if things went south.


    Despite Jiang Baohong''s denials, the facts spoke for themselves.


    Similarly, Old Cai and his son denied scouting the area through the sewers, but the evidence was clear. Their denials were irrelevant, as these details played a minor role in the case.


    Everyone shared the same thoughts as Zheng Huimin. You say it was a coincidence, but how could it be so coincidental? No one believed it, no matter how you spun it. Such a coincidence just didn¡¯t seem possible.


    In reality, however, both incidents were indeed coincidences.


    But did anyone believe that? No!


    In the end, it wasn¡¯t even that important anymore.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Whether it was a coincidence or not, they won¡¯t be able to escape this time. This year has been particularly strict, and they¡¯ve made such a big scene. They¡¯ll definitely face severe consequences.¡±


    Although they didn¡¯t actually harm anyone, the social impact was extremely negative.


    Moreover, this wasn¡¯t just petty theft¡ªit involved attempted injury and even attempted murder.


    This wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. Fan Debiao had stabbed Jiang Baohong in the heart with a knife. This wasn¡¯t something that could be brushed off as an ¡°accident.¡± If Su Jinlai hadn¡¯t pushed Jiang Baohong out of the way, she might already be dead.


    Everyone who spoke about these people was filled with disgust.


    Hu Huihui said, ¡°They¡¯re too bold. What era do they think this is? Thinking they can get away with violent robbery¡ªthey must be out of their minds.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded in agreement, saying, ¡°It¡¯s like a mouse trying to be a cat¡¯s companion¡ªrisking their lives for money.¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    Everyone burst out laughing.


    Zhao Guihua glared at them. ¡°What are you all laughing at? Am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, no, you¡¯re absolutely right, ma¡¯am,¡± they replied.


    Hu Huihui chuckled and asked, ¡°By the way, where are my nephews? Why aren¡¯t Jinlai and the others at home?¡±


    Wang Xiangxiu explained, ¡°All the men in the compound went out to buy New Year¡¯s supplies. An old friend of Uncle Lan introduced a place in the suburbs, and Ming Xiangdong helped by driving them there. As soon as the boys heard they¡¯d be riding in a car, they all jumped at the chance.¡±


    Hu Huihui suddenly understood. ¡°No wonder,¡± she said.


    Hearing this, the children who had been crouching under the window eavesdropping and watching the commotion felt a wave of disappointment. They wanted to go too, but the adults didn¡¯t take them. It was so unfair! They were really bummed out.


    But no matter how much they sulked, they had to stay home. Ever since the big incident a few days ago, their families had been keeping a close eye on them. It wasn¡¯t just their household¡ªwhen they went to the children¡¯s center, they noticed that other kids were in the same situation.


    Parents all over the city had become much stricter, terrified that their children might encounter bad people. Recently, the kids had even been picked up by adults everywhere they went. It was frustrating.


    With adults around, they couldn¡¯t sneak off to do anything fun.


    Oh, and their secret purchase of firecrackers had been discovered.


    After all, they had used firecrackers to prank people, and that kind of thing couldn¡¯t stay hidden for long. Since the family hadn¡¯t started buying firecrackers yet, well¡­ it was obvious where they came from.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, both twelve years old, almost got spanked by their parents. It was pitiful.


    The group of kids crouched under the window for a while, but when they realized there wasn¡¯t much going on inside, they decided to go outside and play. They gestured to each other and ran to the front gate. Although the incident had happened a few days ago, life had mostly returned to normal.


    However, they still couldn¡¯t venture too far. The kids didn¡¯t mind the cold, but going to distant places to play was out of the question.


    The last snowfall had mostly melted, so they couldn¡¯t build snowmen anymore. Instead, they braved the strong north wind to play hopscotch by the gate. Kids really don¡¯t feel the cold, do they?


    Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi and his group, along with Lan Sihai and Ming Xiangdong, drove a truck to the outskirts. The village Lan Sihai had mentioned was quite far. It would have taken a long time to bike there, but driving made the trip much easier.


    They were in good spirits as they traveled.


    Although it was the end of the year and everyone was busy preparing for the New Year, some families were also selling their goods. The village they were visiting was one such place. Almost every household raised chickens and pigs, and by the end of the year, they needed to clear out their stock.


    Selling in the city wasn¡¯t easy for them, so they mostly set up stalls at nearby markets. Having buyers come to them saved a lot of trouble¡ªthey didn¡¯t have to brave the cold at the market, and if they sold more, they could save time too. Similarly, Zhuang Zhixi and his group benefited from coming here.


    The prices in this village were slightly lower than those in the city¡¯s markets, and they might even come across some rare mountain goods that could be bought on the spot. Some of these rare items sold out before they even reached the city, making them hard to find in the markets.


    With the New Year approaching, everyone was in a buying frenzy.


    As they drove into the village, the local children came running out to see the commotion, and even the adults came out to take a look. In those days, a car was a rare sight. Ming Xiangdong drove straight to the village committee.


    The truck¡¯s cabin only had four seats, but somehow thirteen or fourteen people had squeezed in. As they jumped out of the truck, Lan Sihai grumbled, ¡°Who stepped on my foot just now? You rascals.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others scratched their noses, none of them willing to admit it.


    The village head came out, looking puzzled. ¡°What brings you all here?¡± he asked.


    Lan Sihai explained, ¡°We¡¯re from the city. Chen Baoguo recommended your village to us. He¡¯s an old friend of mine and mentioned that your village raises a lot of chickens and pigs. Since it¡¯s almost New Year, we came to buy some supplies.¡±


    The village head¡¯s face lit up with understanding. ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re Uncle Lan! Old Chen told me about you. Thank you so much for coming.¡±


    He was thrilled. Although this wasn¡¯t a bulk purchase from a factory, any sales were good news¡ªit saved the villagers a lot of trouble. He was quick to offer his assistance, ushering them inside. Lan Sihai waved his hand and said, ¡°No need for that. We¡¯ll need your help to figure out who¡¯s selling what¡­¡±


    The village head replied, ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. You¡¯re saving us a lot of work, and we¡¯re grateful for that.¡±


    Curious, he asked, ¡°Are you looking to buy chickens or pork? We have people slaughtering pigs every morning. If you¡¯re interested, we can help you with that.¡±


    Lan Sihai glanced at the others, and Zhuang Zhixi quickly spoke up. ¡°Uncle Village Head, we¡¯re planning to buy three pigs and take them back to slaughter ourselves. We¡¯ll make some pork dishes, and the kids will be thrilled.¡±


    The village head chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re going to slaughter them yourselves? That¡¯s fine. Do you know how? We have a butcher in the village who can come along to help. Actually¡­¡± He paused mid-sentence and asked, ¡°How many did you say you wanted?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, ¡°Three. We want three, preferably fattier ones with more meat.¡±


    The village head was surprised. ¡°That many!¡±


    He hadn¡¯t expected them to buy three pigs. This was a big deal for the village.


    He assured them, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to pick the best ones for you. You¡¯re here on Old Chen¡¯s recommendation, and we¡¯re grateful for your support. Come, I¡¯ll take you to see the pigs. Almost every household in the village raises pigs, but my in-law¡¯s family raises the best ones. They have about seven or eight pigs, and you¡¯ll see¡ªthey¡¯re all big and fat¡­¡±


    As he boasted, the group followed him, looking around curiously. The village was relatively prosperous, especially for one near the city. Its geographical location gave it an advantage.


    Moreover, the villagers were hardworking. As they walked through the village, they saw chickens, ducks, and pigs in almost every household, a clear sign of their diligence.


    Even so, this relatively prosperous village still couldn¡¯t compare to life in the city.


    Jinlai, who had been sent to the countryside before, had lived in a much poorer area. He explained to the younger ones in the group, ¡°This village is actually quite well-off for a rural area.¡±


    ¡°Well-off?¡± Yinlai was surprised.


    Jinlai glanced at him. ¡°What did you expect? This place is considered wealthy. The village I was sent to was much poorer than this.¡±


    Hutou, who was on winter break, nodded in agreement. Although he was a city boy and had never been to the countryside, he had classmates from all over the country. He knew firsthand that some places were very poor¡ªsome of his classmates couldn¡¯t even afford to eat their fill.


    Unlike his family, where food was always plentiful, some of his classmates didn¡¯t dare to eat their fill, even when it came to simple cornbread. He knew that much.


    In their compound, because of age, Jinlai was the only one who had actually gone to the countryside, so he had a lot of say in the matter. The others could only rely on hearsay or indirect knowledge, which was quite different from firsthand experience.


    Jinlai: "Back when I was in the countryside, many people couldn¡¯t even eat meat once a year. The houses were made of mud bricks, and so were the dormitories for us educated youth. Every time it rained heavily, I was worried the roof would collapse."


    Yinlai and Tonglai glanced at their older brother, finally understanding why he never talked about his time in the countryside and why he never wanted to go back.


    Those days were just too harsh.


    However, Yinlai and Tonglai were overthinking it. Jinlai didn¡¯t want to go back not because of the hardships, but because... it was embarrassing. During his time in the countryside, he had been involved in petty theft and shirking responsibilities. Thinking back on it now, it was shameful. No, he absolutely couldn¡¯t go back.


    Those were dark chapters of his life.


    Hutou: "I have a classmate who also said his family lived in a mud-brick house. They had eight children."


    Truthfully, he didn¡¯t understand why they kept having children when they were so poor, but his confusion didn¡¯t matter¡ªthat¡¯s just how it was. Hutou, however, firmly believed that having too many kids was pointless. From what he had seen growing up, families with fewer children lived more comfortably, while those with more kids struggled more.


    "Zhuang Yang?"


    Hutou heard someone call his name and turned around to see a young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes smiling at him. Hutou was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed in delight, "Lan Yu? Do you live in this village?"


    The young man was indeed Hutou¡¯s classmate. Though they weren¡¯t in the same department, they were in the same school and lived on the same dormitory floor, so they knew each other. He smiled and said, "Yeah, my family lives here. What are you doing here?"


    Hutou: "I¡¯m here with my family to buy some things."


    Lan Yu: "Preparing for the New Year?"


    "Exactly."


    Even though winter break had just started, running into a classmate was always a joyous occasion. Hutou chuckled and said, "Aren¡¯t you supposed to be helping your family prepare for the New Year? What are you doing wandering around the village?"


    Lan Yu: "I heard there were outsiders in the village, so I came out to see what was going on. I didn¡¯t expect it to be you!"


    Su Jinlai, who was never one to read the room, leaned over to Hutou and asked, "Is this the family with eight kids?"


    Hutou: "..."


    He was speechless for a moment, then quickly clarified, "No, I was talking about another classmate¡¯s family with lots of kids, not his."


    Su Jinlai: "Oh."


    Lan Yu: "What are you buying? Come on, I¡¯ll help you pick things out."


    With a local guide, the group became even livelier. Despite the village head¡¯s boasting, he wasn¡¯t exaggerating¡ªhis in-laws¡¯ family really did raise some impressively fat pigs, which were particularly eye-catching.


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t hold back and quickly settled on a price. Once the pig was tied up, it was loaded onto the truck.


    "How many people are you splitting this among? You¡¯re buying so much!" Lan Yu, Hutou¡¯s classmate, was astonished.


    Hutou: "Two of the pigs are for our compound to share, and one is for my grandfather."


    The "grandfather" he referred to was Ming Xiangdong, whom he called that following his younger siblings¡¯ lead.


    "Is that your grandfather? He looks quite young, though a bit intimidating." In truth, he looked a bit shady, but Lan Yu didn¡¯t say that outright.


    Hutou: "He¡¯s not my actual grandfather; he¡¯s my cousins¡¯ grandfather."


    "Oh, I see."


    No wonder he didn¡¯t look that old¡ªit was calculated that way.


    "How many chickens are you getting?"


    "We¡¯re getting forty in total."


    Lan Yu: "What? Are you guys a family of weasels? Specializing in eating chickens?"


    Hutou: "There are a lot of us, so we need to split them."


    When people came to the village to buy New Year¡¯s goods, they naturally wanted a variety of items. While the village head didn¡¯t concern himself with the finer details, Lan Yu was more knowledgeable. As soon as he heard Hutou¡¯s uncle ask about dried mushrooms, he immediately said, "I know who has some. We live by the mountains, so while we don¡¯t have fish or shrimp, we¡¯ve got plenty of mountain goods. My family has some. Would you like to take a look? Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll charge the same as the market price¡ªwe won¡¯t rip you off. Hutou and I are classmates, after all."


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled: "That¡¯s great. I love mushrooms, so bring as many as you can."


    Lan Yu led the group around to collect mushrooms. Many villagers gathered mushrooms, dried them, and stored them¡ªnot only as a dish but also to sell for extra money. However, since everyone could gather mushrooms from the mountains, the price wasn¡¯t very high.


    But Zhuang Zhixi loved them. His favorite dish was chicken stewed with mushrooms.


    Lan Yu naturally hoped they would buy from his family. In spring, summer, and autumn, the mountains were full of mushrooms, so selling them now was better¡ªthey could always gather more later. For rural families, opportunities to earn money were scarce.


    Zhuang Zhixi could tell Lan Yu wanted to sell his goods, but he didn¡¯t mind. As long as the price was fair and the quality good, it didn¡¯t matter who they bought from.


    The group split up, with Zhuang Zhixi going to check out the mushrooms. The younger ones eagerly followed him, happy to stick with Zhuang Zhixi. Lan Yu¡¯s parents were honest folks. When they heard someone wanted to buy dried mushrooms, they happily brought out their stock. Zhuang Zhixi, being tall, spotted some dried wood ear mushrooms and immediately asked, "Do you sell these wood ears?"


    Lan Yu¡¯s father was delighted: "Yes, yes, we do!"


    Of course, they¡¯d sell them¡ªit was all about making money. Lan Yu added with a smile, "We also have salted duck eggs. Do you want some? My sister made them, and they¡¯re delicious."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, we¡¯ll take them!"


    Lan Yu hesitated for a moment, then said, "I¡¯ll go get them."


    He had only meant to offer, but he hadn¡¯t expected Zhuang Yang¡¯s uncle to want everything!


    This was fantastic!


    At the same time, Zhuang Zhixi was thinking: This is fantastic!


    In previous years, these tasks would have been done at home. Everyone knew how to pickle salted duck eggs, but in the past couple of years, his family hadn¡¯t been able to do these things themselves. Not just his family¡ªthe entire compound was the same.


    Everyone was busy with business, and every household was swamped.


    There simply wasn¡¯t time for these things. Why waste time on such small tasks when you could be earning money?


    So, being able to buy ready-made items was a relief for Zhuang Zhixi. His gaze fell on a large jar, and he asked, "Huh? Did your family pickle cabbage?"


    Lan Yu: "...?"


    He then nodded: "Yes, do you want some?"


    Who buys pickled cabbage these days?


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Pack some for me, and make it a lot."


    Lan Yu hesitated and looked at his parents. Lan Yu¡¯s parents were thrilled: "Sure, take as much as you want."


    In fact, not every household in the city pickled cabbage¡ªit was more of a northeastern Chinese habit. But in their compound, there was an Aunt Wang from the northeast who had gotten everyone hooked on it. Over the years, it had become a staple.


    This year, however, everyone had been too busy with their stalls to pickle cabbage. They hadn¡¯t seen much of it at the market either, so when Zhuang Zhixi spotted it today, he jumped at the opportunity. He said, "How about I take this whole jar? I¡¯ll transfer it to my own containers and bring the empty jar back tomorrow."


    "Sure!"


    Lan Yu: "..."


    Our family won¡¯t have any left. What are we going to eat?


    Lan Yu¡¯s father, seeing his son¡¯s expression, pulled him aside and said, "We¡¯ll just eat regular cabbage. It¡¯s not like we can¡¯t eat that. Making money is more important."


    Lan Yu: "..."


    The group bought quite a lot in the village. Ming Xiangdong had driven a large truck, and it was now packed to the brim. Just from Lan Yu¡¯s family alone, they had spent nearly a hundred yuan.


    This would definitely help their family have a good New Year.


    In the city, this amount would be two or three months¡¯ salary for a worker.


    It was a significant sum.


    Zhuang Zhixi and his group were also pleased. They had bought so much that they even got some discounts and had the prices rounded down. Most importantly, it saved them a lot of hassle at home. Otherwise, pickling cabbage and gathering dried mushrooms would have taken up a lot of time.


    In the past, when supplies were tight, they had no choice but to gather mushrooms themselves. But now, with everyone so busy, it wasn¡¯t worth the effort. It was better to spend a little money and save time. Both sides felt they had gotten a good deal, and it was a win-win situation.


    As they were loading the truck and preparing to leave, Zhuang Zhixi¡¯s gaze suddenly paused. He looked toward someone hiding behind a tree in the distance, peeking in their direction, and his lips tightened.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, his elder brother, asked curiously.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Do you see that woman over there? Is that Su Pandi?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan followed his brother''s gaze and saw the woman quickly dart away and hide. However, he caught a glimpse of her and said, "It really is her."


    Neither of them had expected to run into Su Pandi here. Their conversation caught the attention of Zhou Qun, who exclaimed in surprise, "You saw Su Pandi? Where is she?"


    He looked around and just as he did, his eyes met Su Pandi''s. "Damn, it really is her. Wasn''t she in prison?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you calculate the time, she should have been released by now, right?"


    "But why hasn¡¯t she gone home?" Zhuang Zhiyuan wondered.


    Zhuang Zhixi and Zhou Qun both looked at him, thinking he was being a bit naive. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Where would she go? She¡¯s divorced. Her ex-husband left Si Jiu City to avoid the gossip. Even if he hadn¡¯t left, he wouldn¡¯t want anything to do with her."


    Zhou Qun: "Exactly. Back then, to get a lighter sentence for her mother, she took all the blame herself. Her children knew about it too. The whole of Si Jiu City was buzzing with the news. How could they not have heard?"


    Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment and called over Lan Yu, asking, "Lan Yu, who is that woman over there? She looks familiar."


    Lan Yu glanced over and said, "Oh, that¡¯s Old Song¡¯s wife from our village. She¡¯s been married to him for about five or six years now."


    Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow as Lan Yu continued, "I heard she came here as a refugee, just looking for a place to settle. When she arrived in our village, Old Song took her in. They have a child together, a four-year-old boy. Do you know her?"


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, "She just looks familiar, but I must be mistaken."


    Lan Yu didn¡¯t think much of it either. He figured it was just a case of mistaken identity. After all, Aunt Song was a refugee, while the Zhuang family were locals. It must have been a mix-up. He then joined Hutou and the other young men, chatting idly with them.


    Zhuang Zhixi noticed that the car was almost fully loaded and said, "I¡¯m going to use the restroom, and then we¡¯ll leave."


    "Alright."


    Zhuang Zhixi headed to the village¡¯s public restroom. It wasn¡¯t used much and was a bit run-down, creaking as he entered. He quickly finished his business and as he stepped out, he saw Su Pandi waiting for him. It was clear she had been waiting there specifically for him.


    Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself, *Why are you waiting for me? We don¡¯t have any connection.*


    Su Pandi wasn¡¯t specifically waiting for Zhuang Zhixi. She would have approached anyone¡ªZhuang Zhiyuan or Zhou Qun¡ªbut it just happened to be Zhuang Zhixi who showed up.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Were you waiting for me?"


    Su Pandi nodded.


    From a distance, she had looked older, but up close, the years had taken an even greater toll on her. Her hair was streaked with gray, her face gaunt, and her features somewhat sharp, a far cry from the woman she had been over a decade ago. Back then, though thin, she had still carried a certain charm. Now, that was gone.


    Her patched cotton jacket and anxious expression made her seem even more worn.


    "Is there something you need?"


    Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t feel the need for small talk. They had never been close. Su Pandi took a deep breath and said, "I¡¯m doing well now."


    Zhuang Zhixi was puzzled.


    Su Pandi spoke again, "I don¡¯t want anyone to ruin my life."


    She clenched her fists, took another deep breath, and said, "The people here don¡¯t know I¡¯ve been to prison."


    Zhuang Zhixi suddenly understood. He said, "I won¡¯t go around talking about your past. You can rest assured."


    Su Pandi visibly relaxed. She had been terrified of being recognized, of having her life unraveled. She bit her lip and said, "But your brother and Zhou Qun¡­ they seemed to have seen me¡­"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I can¡¯t control what they do. I can only promise not to say anything myself. But you should know, my brother is always busy, often traveling for work. He probably won¡¯t have the time or interest to bring up your past. And Zhou Qun is the same. We¡¯re all just passing acquaintances. No one¡¯s going to go out of their way to disrupt your life."


    Su Pandi: "Zhou Qun isn¡¯t a good person."


    She trusted the Zhuang brothers, especially Zhuang Zhiyuan. In her younger days, she had even had a crush on him, though she knew her mother would never have approved. Back then, the Zhuang family wasn¡¯t well-off, and they couldn¡¯t afford a hefty dowry.


    Regardless of whether it was good or not, she had to marry someone who could provide a substantial dowry.


    Though nothing had come of it¡ªZhuang Zhiyuan had never even known¡ªshe still held a deep trust in his character.


    "Times have changed. Zhou Qun is busy with his own life now. He won¡¯t have time to meddle in your affairs. But you should know, there are no secrets that stay buried forever. We may not say anything, but you¡¯re living relatively close to Si Jiu City. The scandal back then was huge. Sooner or later, someone will find out." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Su Pandi: "I know. But I¡¯ll take it one day at a time."


    She said, "You don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to be pointed at and whispered about. I just want a stable life now. I¡¯ve worked so hard to get here. I don¡¯t want it ruined."


    Though she now lived in the countryside, working hard for little pay, her life was actually better than before. Back then, she had always been supporting her family, saving every scrap to send back to them, leaving herself with nothing. Even though her husband had been a factory worker, their life had been so poor that even the rats avoided their home.


    Now, though they were farmers with little income, they no longer had to send money back to her family, and their situation had improved slightly. Su Pandi cherished this stability and didn¡¯t want it disrupted.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "If you¡¯re happy, that¡¯s all that matters."


    He turned to leave, but Su Pandi quickly stopped him, asking, "How is the Su family doing?"


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised. He suddenly realized that Su Pandi hadn¡¯t recognized the three Jinlai brothers, who had also come along. She hadn¡¯t recognized them at all. Zhuang Zhixi decided not to mention it and simply said, "The children have all straightened out."


    Su Pandi breathed a sigh of relief, a hint of joy in her voice. "That¡¯s good. My brother would be at peace knowing that."


    Zhuang Zhixi had seen people who were overly devoted to their families, but someone like Su Pandi was rare. His sister-in-law, Liang Meifen, had also been overly attached to her family, but she had eventually come to her senses. Su Pandi, however, seemed to still be stuck in the past.


    If Su¡¯s mother were still alive, and if she hadn¡¯t had a falling out with Wang Xiangxiu, things might have been different.


    Thinking of Su¡¯s mother, Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Is Su¡¯s mother still in prison?"


    It had been years since anyone had mentioned her.


    Su Pandi¡¯s expression darkened. "My mother passed away."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t surprised. Su¡¯s mother had been quite old when she went to prison, and over a decade had passed since then. His own child was already twelve. It was only natural that she had passed away. He said, "My condolences."


    Su Pandi gave a bitter smile. "She¡¯s been gone for years. I didn¡¯t tell the Su family."


    She paused, then added, "Wang Xiangxiu hated my mother so much. I don¡¯t trust her."


    She was terrified that Wang Xiangxiu might desecrate her mother¡¯s grave, scattering her ashes.


    So even when her mother died, she hadn¡¯t dared to tell the Su family or reach out to Wang Xiangxiu.


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    He understood Su Pandi¡¯s fears but thought she was overreacting. Even if there was hatred, it wouldn¡¯t go that far. But Su Pandi was a stubborn person. Once she made up her mind, she wouldn¡¯t budge.


    She whispered, "This is for the best. We¡¯ll each live our own lives and not interfere with each other. By the way, has Wang Xiangxiu remarried?"


    Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "No, she hasn¡¯t remarried. She gave her job to her son."


    Su Pandi was taken aback, her eyes welling up with tears. She rubbed her eyes and said, "At least she has some conscience, knowing she should leave the job to someone from the Su family. My mother¡­ she wasn¡¯t wrong about her. Wang Xiangxiu has always been loyal to the Su family."


    She added softly, "When you go back, don¡¯t tell the Su family you saw me. It¡¯s better if we all live our lives separately."


    Zhuang Zhixi truly couldn¡¯t understand Su Pandi anymore.


    He said, "Alright."


    He added, "Is there anything else? I should get going."


    Su Pandi: "No, that¡¯s all."


    As Zhuang Zhixi walked away, Su Pandi suddenly remembered something and asked, "How are my ex-husband and his children doing?"


    She had finally remembered. She had children of her own, yet she cared more about the Su family''s children than her own. Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but feel that the two children she had previously given birth to were undervalued. He turned back and gave Su Pandi a deep look, saying, "They left long ago. The year after you were sentenced, your ex-husband applied for a transfer. They moved to another city, and it''s said they''ve never returned since."


    Su Pandi''s gaze grew distant, and she murmured softly, "They left... they left..."


    She could barely remember those days now, but soon she rubbed her eyes and said, "It''s better that they left."


    She hung her head low. "Without my reputation dragging them down, they can live a little more freely."


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Just focus on living your life well. Whether it''s the Su family or your ex-husband''s family, they have nothing to do with you anymore."


    Su Pandi was quite a bit older than Zhuang Zhixi. To put it bluntly, if she had married earlier, she could have had a child as old as him. Although they lived in the same compound, they rarely interacted. This was the most they had ever spoken.


    But she knew Zhuang Zhixi was right.


    Her eyes grew distant again, but she quickly regained her composure and said earnestly, "Yes, they have their own lives, and I have mine. I need to focus on living well with my husband and children."


    Zhuang Zhixi said nothing more and turned to leave.


    He soon returned home, and on his way back, he quietly reminded Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhou Qun not to spread any rumors. Both promised they wouldn''t. In the past, it might have been hard to say, but now, Zhou Qun didn''t have the time for such things.


    Although he loved to gossip, he knew better than to stir up trouble. If he messed with Su Pandi''s life, what if she came after him? Now, he was like a porcelain vase¡ªfragile and valuable.


    She, on the other hand, was like a clay pot¡ªnothing to lose.


    As the saying goes, those with nothing to lose aren''t afraid of those who do. Now, he was the one with something to lose.


    It wasn''t worth it, truly not worth it.


    Besides, wouldn''t it be better to spend that time earning money?


    After helping his mother at her stall for a while, though he wasn''t paid, he had learned a lot. And he had realized just how profitable it could be. The money came in so quickly.


    No wonder the old ladies and women in the compound were becoming more assertive. Money gives you confidence.


    No matter the era, whoever earns the money holds the power at home.


    So he decided that after the New Year, he would start his own stall, starting small but believing it would grow. After all, even Aunt Zhao Guihua was planning to buy a shop.


    And that little rascal Zhuang Zhixi was also buying a shop¡ªproof that running a stall was lucrative.


    He couldn''t afford to miss out!


    Even Bai Fendou was getting ahead now; he couldn''t fall behind.


    Zhou Qun was now fully focused on making money, and his wife, He Lan, approved. She thought it was good for him to have something to occupy his time, or else he''d be gossiping more than the women in the neighborhood. It was exhausting.


    Zhou Qun didn''t know it, but his wife was well aware of his nickname: "Auntie Zhou."


    Just think about it¡ªhow embarrassing!


    It was almost like he was on the same level as his mother-in-law.


    Zhou Li, now referred to as "Auntie Zhou" in the new society, was slowly getting used to the modern way of addressing people. But Zhou Qun was called "Auntie Zhou," almost putting him on par with his mother. The reason was obvious.


    It was truly frustrating.


    So He Lan was happy to see Zhou Qun working. She didn''t expect him to earn much¡ªjust enough to be like Bai Fendou.


    Bai Fendou, after work, would go to the station to run a pedicab, earning at least fifty yuan a month, almost matching his salary. Plus, being busy meant less time for gossip. That was a good thing.


    Once he was busy, no one would talk about him anymore. Didn''t they see? Bai Fendou''s gossip had already decreased. Everyone was saying he was a reformed man.


    Meanwhile, Bai Fendou was at home organizing things. They had bought quite a lot recently.


    Bai Fendou had also bought three chickens. Instead of raising them, he slaughtered and cleaned them, hanging them from the rafters to prepare for the New Year. He also stored away some dried mushrooms and wood ears they had purchased.


    Noticing the extra fruit at home, he asked in surprise, "Where did this come from?"


    He Lan replied, "Hu Huihui brought it today. Every household got some as thanks for catching the thieves. You didn''t know, but those scoundrels had also targeted Hu Huihui and her husband, planning to rob them after us."


    Bai Fendou exclaimed, "Damn, those guys were insane!"


    He Lan agreed, "Absolutely. They were ready to risk their lives for money."


    Bai Fendou said, "Thank goodness they were caught. Otherwise, we''d always be on edge."


    He couldn''t afford to get into trouble; his wife and child depended on him. Although their family wasn''t like most, lacking certain conventional aspects, their bond was strong, and they relied on each other deeply.


    Neither he nor He Lan were particularly passionate about certain things, but they both wanted a family. This was the best they could hope for.


    Bai Fendou knew He Lan wasn''t the strongest, so he had to stay alive to take care of her and their child. Their daughter, Qingqing, was doing well in school, and he wanted to see her get into university. If those lunatics had sought revenge, it would have been disastrous.


    He said, "Now that they''re locked up, we don''t have to worry anymore."


    He Lan nodded gently and smiled softly. "By the way, did you know Aunt Wang is planning to buy a house?"


    Bai Fendou was surprised. "What? Her family too? Where?"


    It seemed like everyone was buying houses these days. He Lan explained, "It''s on our street, in the compound where Xing''er lives. One family is selling, and Aunt Wang plans to buy it for her grandsons, Li Junjun or Li Weiwei, to use when they get married."


    She paused and chuckled. "Aunt Wang said whoever gets married first gets the house. Neither Li Junjun nor Li Weiwei were interested, but Zhenzhen was. She asked Qijin if he would marry her."


    She laughed even harder. "Qijin said he wanted to marry Qingqing."


    Bai Fendou laughed and scolded, "That little rascal! He knows who''s better. But if he thinks he can marry my daughter, he''s got another thing coming. Just because of his father, I wouldn''t allow it."


    He Lan rolled her eyes. "What nonsense are you saying? The kids are just joking around. They don''t understand love. Didn''t Qijin turn Zhenzhen down? Then Zhenzhen asked Tuantuan, but Tuantuan refused. Now Zhenzhen has found Erlin. She gave Erlin an apple, and he agreed..."


    Bai Fendou burst out laughing. "That kid''s too cheap! An apple was enough to win him over?"


    He Lan said, "They''re just kids. Don''t take it seriously. They don''t understand these things."


    Bai Fendou nodded. "I know."


    He Lan added, "Oh, and today Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhao suggested that we all get together for New Year''s Eve. Each family could prepare a few dishes, and we''d all eat together while watching the Spring Festival Gala. What do you think?"


    Bai Fendou''s eyes lit up. "Of course! That sounds great!"


    He was excited. "Our family is just three people. It''s much more fun with everyone together. The kids can play, and it''ll be lively."


    They both enjoyed the hustle and bustle. That was what made the New Year feel special¡ªbeing surrounded by family and friends.


    "I''ll agree to it then!"


    "Sure."


    Actually, He Lan had already agreed, but she pretended to consult her husband. After all, he was the head of the household.


    Bai Fendou asked, "Whose place will we gather at?"


    He Lan replied, "We decided on Ming Mei''s place. She has a color TV, so it''ll be perfect for watching the Spring Festival Gala together."


    Mentioning the TV, Bai Fendou slapped his forehead. "I promised Qingqing we''d buy a TV before the New Year. Should we go get one in the next few days?"


    He Lan agreed readily. "Sure!"


    Having a TV at home would make things livelier, but color TVs were too expensive. They planned to buy a black-and-white one first and upgrade in a couple of years. He Lan asked, "How about tomorrow?"


    Bai Fendou: "Alright, then I''ll head over early tomorrow morning to request leave first."


    "Okay."


    While their family was discussing this matter, others were also making plans. Wang Zizhen from the neighboring courtyard was talking to Da Qiang: "This year, let''s spend New Year''s Eve next door. Everyone will gather together, and it''ll be lively."


    Da Qiang: "We¡¯re not going to my mom¡¯s place?"


    Wang Zizhen: "We¡¯ll send over New Year gifts. We¡¯ll fulfill all the proper etiquette, and your mom won¡¯t complain. After all, our neighborhood just wants to have some fun. Your mom understands."


    Truth be told, Da Qiang¡¯s mother and his elder brother were actually relieved they weren¡¯t coming. With too many people, the place would be cramped, and they wouldn¡¯t have enough room to sit or manage everything. They only saw each other a few times a year during holidays, so they weren¡¯t close and didn¡¯t have much to talk about. There wasn¡¯t any animosity, but there just wasn¡¯t much common ground.


    Da Qiang¡¯s elder brother¡¯s family still looked down a bit on their small business. So, not being together was actually better for everyone. As long as everyone maintained face, it was a win-win situation.


    As for Da Qiang¡¯s mother, the old lady was very clear about her preference for her eldest son. She gave more to her eldest son and lived with him too. She gave less to her second son, Da Qiang, and also didn¡¯t burden him with tasks.


    It was a simple principle: I give as much as I receive. If I don¡¯t give much, I won¡¯t ask for much either. She was a clear-headed old lady.


    Wang Zizhen felt she must have been a great philanthropist in her past life to be so lucky in this one. Although her own parents weren¡¯t reliable, she had encountered good people after leaving home, including her godmother and her mother-in-law, who was also kind. At least, she thought her mother-in-law was good.


    This somewhat distant family relationship was exactly what Wang Zizhen preferred. She didn¡¯t want a mother-in-law hovering over her. Others might think her mother-in-law wasn¡¯t helpful enough, but Wang Zizhen was genuinely happy with the arrangement.


    She¡¯d rather work a bit harder herself than have her mother-in-law meddling in everything.


    She said, "Look, this year I bought a set of clothes for your mom and a scarf for your sister-in-law. We¡¯ll also add a chicken and a fish. That¡¯s not bad, right?"


    Da Qiang nodded: "That¡¯s more than enough."


    Wang Zizhen smiled: "I also bought a pair of leather gloves for each of your brother¡¯s kids."


    Doing this once a year during the New Year saved her a lot of trouble, and Wang Zizhen was more than happy with it. Moreover, Da Qiang was deeply moved by her efforts.


    "Wife, you¡¯re really amazing."


    Wang Zizhen chuckled softly: "You¡¯re good to me too. It¡¯s mutual. You treat me well, so I¡¯m naturally happy to treat your family well."


    Although Da Qiang¡¯s elder brother and sister-in-law looked down on their small business, they never said it out loud. When they received gifts, they would reciprocate. So, the relationship was harmonious, albeit distant. It wasn¡¯t like the lively atmosphere of their own courtyard.


    She said, "Since it¡¯s settled, let¡¯s stick to the plan. Also, we have enough money. I¡¯m thinking of buying a TV. What do you think?"


    Da Qiang was thrilled: "That¡¯s a great idea. Let¡¯s do it."


    Nowadays, anyone with a bit of savings was trying to buy a TV, and they were no exception.


    "I¡¯ll ask He Lan. Their family is also planning to buy a TV soon. If we both go, we can help each other make a better decision."


    "Sounds good to me."


    The three children, hearing their parents discuss this, couldn¡¯t hide their excitement. Their family was going to buy a TV! What kid wouldn¡¯t love that? They exchanged glances, and Ye Siyuan cleared his throat, asking, "Mom, can we go with you tomorrow to buy the TV?"


    Wang Zizhen: "No, you¡¯ll stay home and play. The malls are crowded during the holidays, and I can¡¯t keep an eye on all of you. What if you run into trouble? I wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it."


    Ye Siyuan: "We¡¯ll be careful."


    Wang Zizhen: "You¡¯re still kids. Go play next door. When the TV arrives and we set it up, I¡¯ll call you."


    Seeing the kids¡¯ disappointed faces, Wang Zizhen thought for a moment and added, "You can have the TV¡¯s packaging. You can sell it for scrap paper and keep the money for yourselves."


    "Yay!"


    Wang Zizhen laughed, and Da Qiang gave her a thumbs-up. It only cost a few cents, but it made the kids so happy.


    To the kids, though, it was a big deal. They loved earning even small amounts of money.


    While everyone was preparing for the New Year, Zhuang Zhixi was at home whispering to his mother, Zhao Guihua. He wouldn¡¯t spread rumors, but he did quietly tell her about Su Pandi¡¯s situation.


    Zhao Guihua was shocked: "Su Pandi passed away?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Yeah, she wasn¡¯t young anymore. It¡¯s not surprising she couldn¡¯t hold on in there."


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips. It was normal, but she was still surprised because, in her previous life, Su Pandi had lived a long time. They had been about the same age. But now, in the 1980s, Su Pandi had already been gone for several years.


    It just showed how different environments could affect a person¡¯s health.


    But then again, her own husband was doing just fine now.


    It really highlighted how important lifestyle and environment were.


    Thinking this, Zhao Guihua said, "In life, we should focus on enjoying ourselves."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "...?" Where did that come from?


    Zhao Guihua: "Wang Zizhen and He Lan are going to buy a TV tomorrow. I¡¯m planning to buy a washing machine. It¡¯ll make life so much easier."


    Zhuang Zhixi gave her a thumbs-up: "Mom, you¡¯re so trendy."


    Zhao Guihua smiled slightly. You don¡¯t understand life!


    I do!

 Chapter 218

    To be honest, home burglaries are quite rare, and they¡¯ve become a hot topic of discussion in the neighborhood.


    However, despite all the chatter, it hasn¡¯t stopped everyone from preparing for the New Year. This year, the Spring Festival falls on February 2nd, so people are busy stocking up for the festivities.


    Surprisingly, even though there are only about ten days left until the New Year, Zhao Guihua and her group¡¯s business has been booming.


    Originally, due to the burglary incident and it being the end of the year, they had planned to close up shop and resume business after the holiday. But reality had other plans. Customers actually came looking for them at their compound.


    Well, as they say, turning down money is just plain foolish.


    Several groups of customers came by to buy their goods, leaving the residents of the compound no choice but to ¡°reluctantly¡± continue making money. Unexpectedly, their stock sold out in just a few days. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was truly¡­


    Many of these customers came specifically to buy from them, drawn by their reputation. Some genuinely wanted to make purchases, while others were just there to see what the fuss was about.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°We¡¯re completely out of stock, really, there¡¯s nothing left.¡±


    ¡°But you can always restock, right? You could place another order.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, just place another order. As long as we can get it before the New Year, that¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Even though they were out of stock, some customers insisted on buying, urging Zhao Guihua to restock and make more money. They seemed even more enthusiastic than Zhao Guihua herself.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­¡±


    Fortunately, she stood her ground. After much discussion with her team, they managed to convince the customers to leave. It wasn¡¯t easy. The issue wasn¡¯t just that Zhao Guihua was out of stock¡ªeveryone in the compound had sold out.


    Normally, they would expect to have some leftover stock by the end of the year, but this time, they sold out more than ten days early. Everyone had wrapped up their tasks ahead of schedule. Aunt Zhou rubbed her hands together, muttering, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we restock?¡±


    She noticed how much people seemed to like their products. Their main items were sweaters and jeans.


    While older folks might not appreciate these unconventional pants, young people were crazy about them. A recent TV drama featured characters wearing these jeans, and they had made quite an impression.


    Their sales had been excellent.


    Seeing Aunt Zhou¡¯s eagerness, Zhao Guihua said, ¡°After the New Year, business tends to slow down, especially for clothing. People have already bought what they need for the holiday. Besides, if you order sweaters now, they¡¯ll probably arrive three or four days before the New Year at the earliest. How much could you sell in that time? Whatever doesn¡¯t sell will just sit there, and once the weather warms up, you¡¯ll be stuck with inventory. When the capital isn¡¯t particularly large, it¡¯s better to be cautious.¡±


    Aunt Zhou: ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    She was quickly convinced by Zhao Guihua.


    After all, she wasn¡¯t short on money, so she decided to take a break. She said, ¡°Your family¡¯s doing well this year. You even bought a washing machine.¡±


    Zhao Guihua had recently purchased a washing machine and was thrilled with it. She said, ¡°It¡¯s fantastic¡ªit¡¯s completely freed up my hands. It¡¯s such a time-saver.¡±


    Aunt Zhou had already seen Zhao Guihua using the washing machine and was quite impressed. She said, ¡°I¡¯m thinking of buying one too. It¡¯s really a great appliance.¡±


    She regretted not buying one earlier when Zhao Guihua did.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°The sooner you buy it, the sooner you can enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°I like the sound of that. It¡¯s true¡ªhaving a washing machine in winter makes a huge difference compared to not having one.¡± Aunt Zhou grew more and more tempted and said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask Wang Zizhen to come with me.¡±


    Action speaks louder than words, so off she went.


    Zhao Guihua waved her off.


    Recently, their compound had acquired quite a few new items. Bai Fendou and He Lan, a married couple, bought a TV. Zhao Guihua¡¯s family bought a washing machine, and Old Man Lan Sihai, seeing how good the washing machine was, bought one for himself that very afternoon.


    Then there was Wang Zizhen from the neighboring compound, who also bought a TV.


    In the past, people didn¡¯t have much money, so they had to be frugal. But now that life has improved and everyone has more disposable income, it¡¯s only natural to indulge in some shopping.


    The joy of shopping is something that captivates everyone, young and old, men and women alike. When it comes to daily life, adding some ¡°big-ticket items¡± that are actually useful is always a good idea.


    No hesitation there!


    Every household was busy preparing for the New Year.


    Since this year they were celebrating together, the excitement was even greater. Every day, each family was bustling with activity, getting ready for New Year¡¯s Eve. The idea of a group reunion dinner was Zhao Guihua¡¯s suggestion. She didn¡¯t have any grand plans¡ªshe just thought it would be more lively if everyone got together.


    As you get older, you start to appreciate a lively atmosphere.


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang were making plans at home: ¡°We¡¯ve agreed that each family will contribute some ingredients, and Li the Cook will handle the cooking. No one else is up to the task. That old guy¡¯s skills have really improved over the years. So, we¡¯ll buy a few more bottles of liquor and a few crates of Beibingyang soda. The women and children can drink the soda.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°Whatever you say.¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°Let¡¯s think about what else we need¡­¡±


    Old Man Zhuang smiled: ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? We¡¯ve got plenty of people. If something¡¯s missing, we¡¯ll figure it out together. It¡¯s no big deal.¡±


    Zhao Guihua realized he was right.


    She said, ¡°You¡¯ve got a point.¡±


    Even so, Zhao Guihua quickly got back to work, saying, ¡°Try on the outfit I bought for you. Let¡¯s see how it looks.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang didn¡¯t hesitate and cheerfully agreed. He was always easygoing, the kind of person who usually stayed in the background. But Zhao Guihua appreciated his good nature.


    When two people live together, it¡¯s no good if they¡¯re always butting heads.


    The old couple quickly tried on their new clothes. This New Year, they were decked out from head to toe in brand-new outfits. In the past, their financial situation had been decent, but in recent years, it had improved dramatically.


    Zhao Guihua was particularly festive in a bright red sweater. She asked, ¡°How do I look in this? Pretty stylish, right?¡±


    She had Old Man Zhuang try on his clothes while she did the same. He gave her a thumbs-up and said, ¡°You look absolutely stunning.¡±


    Zhao Guihua beamed with pride. She had seen a lot in her lifetime. She said, ¡°Well, of course! I was quite the beauty in my youth. Even now that I¡¯m older, I can¡¯t let myself go.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang¡¯s face crinkled with laughter, thinking his wife was quite the exaggerator.


    But he didn¡¯t say anything. Zhao Guihua continued, ¡°Do you remember when we were young?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. He said, ¡°I remember it vividly.¡±


    To be honest, the two of them had a love marriage, which was quite unusual for their generation. They had spent time together, developed feelings, and then decided to build a life together. Thinking back on those days, Old Man Zhuang felt as if it had all happened just yesterday.


    He said, ¡°Back then, I even gave you a bun.¡±


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes: ¡°And I repaid you by saving your life. I didn¡¯t hesitate to crack that bully¡¯s skull open for you.¡±


    When Zhao Guihua was a teenager, her family had passed away, and her relatives were struggling to survive themselves, so they couldn¡¯t help her. She wasn¡¯t from far away¡ªjust a rural area nearby¡ªbut back then, poverty was rampant. Her family was so poor they didn¡¯t even have a single bun to their name.


    At that time, everyone was struggling, and no one could afford to help others. She packed her bags and went to the city to find work, but for several days, she couldn¡¯t find any. She was so hungry her vision started to blur. Kids today wouldn¡¯t understand the hardships they endured back then. Even scavenging for food was nearly impossible.


    Old Man Zhuang was working as a kitchen hand in a restaurant at the time. When a wealthy customer left behind a bun, he quickly pocketed it. During a lull, he went to the back alley to eat it and found Zhao Guihua crouched in a corner, nearly fainting from hunger and drooling. He hesitated for a long time, but in the end, his kindness won out. With a sigh, he gave her the bun, and that¡¯s how their story began.


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°You could say I traded a bun for a wife.¡±


    Zhao Guihua scoffed: ¡°Oh, stop it.¡±


    She snorted and then said, ¡°You¡¯re lucky to have me.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang thought about it and realized it was true. He smiled and nodded sincerely, "If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t be here anymore."


    Zhao Guihua replied with a hint of pride, "Of course."


    Not to mention decades ago, even now, if she hadn''t been so determined to eat well, drink well, and take good care of the whole family, would he still be this healthy? Not a chance.


    Zhao Guihua said earnestly, "You must take good care of yourself, and I¡¯ll do the same. Let¡¯s both live to be a hundred years old."


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "Alright! I¡¯ll try my best."


    "Don¡¯t just say you¡¯ll try, you must do it."


    "Okay, I¡¯ll listen to you. I¡¯ll definitely do it."


    Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "Alright, take off the new clothes and save them for the New Year. Don¡¯t get them dirty. Oh, I just remembered, I haven¡¯t bought any roasted peanuts yet. I¡¯ll go get some."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I¡¯ll go with you."


    "Great."


    The two of them went out together. Hutou came out of the house and saw them about to leave. He asked, "Grandpa, Grandma, where are you going?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We¡¯re going to buy some roasted peanuts. What about you?"


    Hutou said, "Li Weiwei asked me to go out with him. We have something to do."


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t press further and just nodded, "Alright."


    As soon as Hutou saw his grandma leave, he went over to Li Weiwei¡¯s place. Li Weiwei stuck his head out of the window and said, "You scared me."


    Hutou entered the room and said, "If you dare to do it, why are you afraid of people finding out? Besides, once you set up your stall, everyone will know about it anyway."


    Li Weiwei replied, "But I still have to do it."


    He was very determined this time. "I¡¯m definitely going to set up a stall, but my grandpa is so stubborn. When my dad wanted to do it, he disagreed. Now that I want to do it, he¡¯ll definitely disagree even more. I¡¯ve been secretly saving money for a year. Of course, I¡¯m going to do it."


    To avoid being discovered, he still had to give money to his mom as usual, living very frugally.


    "Alright then. Just don¡¯t rat me out if they beat you up, okay?"


    Hutou took out his private savings and handed it to Li Weiwei. Li Weiwei happily put his arm around Hutou¡¯s shoulder and said, "I knew you were the most loyal."


    Hutou said, "Cut it out. Count it. It¡¯s five hundred yuan."


    Li Weiwei exclaimed, "This is great!"


    He was excited. "You have more private savings than my brother."


    Hutou said proudly, "Of course. I work odd jobs for my grandma every summer to earn money."


    If it weren¡¯t for the five hundred yuan he had locked in a three-year fixed deposit last year, he could have had another five hundred.


    Li Weiwei said, "It¡¯s fine. With this five hundred, I¡¯ll have enough."


    He added, "Let¡¯s go."


    He had been saving for a year, but he still didn¡¯t have as much as Hutou¡¯s private savings. However, he had managed to gather a total of one thousand yuan. He planned to order some equipment, quit his job in the last few days of the year, and start setting up his stall after the New Year.


    He had already thought it through. In the morning, he could sell soy milk and fried dough sticks at the entrance of the alley. Then, in the late morning, he would pack up and sell fried pancakes near the train station. He had done his research and found that it was a great spot for business.


    So, he dragged Hutou along to order pots, stoves, and some simple tables and chairs. They wouldn¡¯t need these near the train station, but they would be useful for selling breakfast in the morning. Li Weiwei said, "I¡¯ll definitely get beaten up, but it¡¯s fine. If I get beaten, so be it. I¡¯m a man, after all. Can¡¯t be afraid of a little beating. I can take it."


    He kept rambling on, and Hutou turned to look at him, saying, "You¡¯re actually a little scared, aren¡¯t you?"


    Li Weiwei chuckled, "Hehehe."


    Hutou said, "Just run if they beat you."


    Li Weiwei said firmly, "I won¡¯t run. If they beat me, they beat me. I¡¯ll still do it!"


    He had wanted to set up his own stall for a long time. Now that he had a goal, what did a beating matter? He was rarely this courageous.


    Hutou said, "I support you."


    They had been friends since childhood. No matter what, he supported Li Weiwei¡¯s decision. Besides, Hutou felt that Old Man Li was too stubborn. It was a new era now, and people could do anything. It wasn¡¯t necessary to stick to being a factory worker.


    In the past, they didn¡¯t understand this and always thought that having a stable factory job was the way to go. But over the past two years, they had seen how much money could be made from setting up stalls. If it made good money, then why not?


    Most importantly, Li Weiwei was passionate about it.


    He had been dreaming about doing this for a long time, so as a good friend, Hutou firmly supported him and even took practical action by lending him money.


    He just hoped that Aunt Zhou and Li the Cook wouldn¡¯t find out he had lent money, or he would definitely get scolded. Hutou shrugged, feeling a little cowardly. The two of them went out together and saw children setting off firecrackers at the entrance, the sound crackling in the air.


    Hutou immediately warned the kids, "Tuantuan, be careful. Don¡¯t hurt anyone."


    Tuantuan replied, "Got it!"


    His voice was clear and bright. He blinked his big eyes and asked, "Big brother, where are you going?"


    Hutou said, "We¡¯re going to buy something. Don¡¯t ask so many questions, kid."


    Tuantuan replied, "..."


    He "whispered" to his younger sister, "Big brother is definitely up to no good."


    Hutou stumbled and immediately said, "I¡¯m a good person."


    Everyone burst out laughing, their laughter full of meaning, as if they didn¡¯t quite believe him.


    Hutou said, "...I¡¯m really being wronged here."


    He was a good person, after all.


    Li Weiwei, feeling guilty, tugged at Hutou and said, "Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go."


    It ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????was like trying to cover up something obvious.


    The kids, including Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, thought to themselves, "These two brothers are so transparent. Everything¡¯s written on their faces."


    Hutou and Li Weiwei quickly made their escape, walking briskly. Yuanyuan leaned over to her brother and said, "Should we follow them?"


    Tuantuan replied, "...I don¡¯t think that¡¯s necessary."


    He added, "Let¡¯s just leave them alone."


    Yuanyuan blinked her big eyes and said, "I¡¯m just curious!"


    But she didn¡¯t ask any more questions and instead went back to setting off firecrackers¡ªor rather, watching others set them off.


    Although Yuanyuan was quite bold and could climb trees without hesitation, she was still a little afraid of lighting firecrackers herself. On the other hand, Li Zhenzhen was fearless and lit them quickly. She craned her neck to watch the direction her brother had run off in and said thoughtfully, "My second brother has been acting weird lately. I wonder what he¡¯s up to."


    "Kids their age always have little secrets," Yuanyuan said in a grown-up tone, mimicking her grandma¡¯s voice.


    Li Zhenzhen agreed, "That¡¯s true. My parents always say that kids grow up and stop listening to their parents. Once they¡¯re grown, you can¡¯t control them anymore."


    Yuanyuan didn¡¯t believe it. She said, "Adults always lie. They say they can¡¯t control us, but if we mess up, they¡¯ll still beat us."


    "I believe it," Li Zhenzhen said decisively.


    Everyone laughed.


    They had seen through the adults. They always talked like this, but in reality, they would still punish them when necessary.


    The kids continued setting off firecrackers when Su Jinlai came out with his hands in his pockets. Su Jinlai said, "Oh, setting off firecrackers, huh? Let me tell you, this is boring."


    Yuanyuan immediately asked, "Then what¡¯s fun?"


    She was eager to learn.


    Su Jinlai said, "When we were kids, we didn¡¯t just set off firecrackers like this. We used to throw them at wild dogs¡¯ tails and even into outhouses. Boom! The manure would fly everywhere!"


    The kids all thought, "..."


    That description was just disgusting.


    Tuantuan said sincerely, "Brother Jinlai, you must not have been very popular as a kid."


    Su Jinlai¡¯s face darkened. "What are you talking about, kid? I was loved by everyone when I was young."


    The kids all felt nauseated. They really couldn¡¯t believe it.


    Su Jinlai continued, "When I was a kid..."


    "When you were a kid, you blew up a wild dog¡¯s tail and almost got bitten. You also fell into a manure pit," Xiao Yanzi, who was carrying a small backpack, interrupted him.


    Su Jinlai jumped in anger. "Xiao Yanzi, what¡¯s wrong with you? Don¡¯t air people¡¯s dirty laundry. Why are you saying all this?"


    Xiao Yanzi said loudly and confidently, "Who told you to teach my little brother and sister to throw firecrackers into manure pits? What¡¯s wrong with exposing you?"


    Su Jinlai thought, "..."


    He really couldn¡¯t win against her.


    "You fell into a manure pit too?" Guan Hong, who had just come out, overheard this and immediately perked up, full of curiosity. "How did you fall in? What position were you in? What happened?"


    Su Jinlai thought, "..."


    He took a deep breath and said, "That was an accident. Why bring it up?"


    He continued, "It''s almost New Year''s. Why aren''t you going home?"


    Guan Hong retorted, "None of your business."


    She snorted and said, "I''m staying here for New Year''s too. You all are having such a lively time, why should I go home?"


    This year, their wages were paid early, and the holiday started early too. Today was the first day of the New Year holiday, and her mood was genuinely good. Recently, she had sold out all her goods, and her wallet was practically bulging. This was her most prosperous year yet. Although she had started doing business with Zheng Huimin last year, they had only worked together for less than half a year. This year, however, they had worked the entire year. It was... hehehe.


    She swung her long braid and said, "I''m going to buy New Year goods. I asked Aunt Zhao and Aunt Wang, and they both said I could stay."


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    This fierce woman was still here. Unbelievable.


    Although the two of them had once shared an extraordinary relationship, they still tended to bicker like roosters.


    Of course, their past grievances were water under the bridge now, as they had settled their scores.


    Still, whenever they met, they couldn''t help but argue. He said, "You''re such an unfilial daughter, not even going home for New Year''s."


    Guan Hong smiled smugly and snorted, "My parents agreed to let me stay. What''s it to you?"


    In previous years, her family would spend New Year''s at her grandmother''s house in the countryside. Not only did she not want to go, but her mother wasn''t keen on it either. However, they had no choice but to go. But in the past two years, Guan Hong had fallen out with her family and moved out. Although they had since reconciled, she still didn''t want to move back home. Living on her own was so much easier¡ªno one to nag her. So, she had stayed away. Besides, she was now living with Zheng Huimin, which made doing business much more convenient.


    She was quite the go-getter, so her parents had grown accustomed to her ways.


    Guan Hong was now free and unrestrained. She said proudly, "I''d much rather stay here for New Year''s than go home and face my grandparents'' blatant favoritism toward boys over girls."


    Su Jinlai warned, "You shouldn''t say that in public."


    If others heard her, they would surely think Guan Hong was unfilial and gossip about her. But Guan Hong was carefree and unbothered. She said, "So what? It''s the truth. My grandparents don''t like my mom or me, so why should I go home and ruin my New Year''s? I''m perfectly fine here. Zheng Huimin and I will spend the holiday together, and we can even plan next year''s business. By the way, where are you headed?"


    Su Jinlai replied, "My mom asked me to buy some firecrackers."


    They didn''t need to buy chicken, duck, or pork, as they had already bought plenty from the village earlier. The quality was excellent, and the prices were much better than in the market. Su Jinlai was now reaping the benefits of being part of the community. If he had gone to the market himself, he wouldn''t have gotten such a good deal.


    Remembering this, he quickly reminded her, "You''re going to buy New Year goods, right? Don''t buy pork. We''re slaughtering a pig tomorrow."


    Guan Hong already knew this and nodded, "I know."


    She said, "I''m just going to buy some snacks and fish to send to my parents."


    "Shall we go together?"


    "Sure, let''s go."


    Just moments ago, they had been at odds, but now they walked side by side, chatting about the pig slaughtering. Neither of them had ever seen a pig being slaughtered, so they were both quite excited. Well, their camaraderie was entirely thanks to the upcoming pig slaughter.


    "Have you ever seen a pig being slaughtered?"


    "No, where would I have seen that? We hardly ever eat pork. But I''ve heard it''s quite interesting."


    "Me too. Early tomorrow morning, we''ll slaughter the pig. Bai Fendou said he knows how to do it."


    "Are you calling him Uncle Fendou now?"


    "None of your business."


    ...


    As they chatted and walked, a group of children exchanged glances and sighed, "Adults are so complicated."


    "Definitely. Their relationships are so messy. They can be friendly one day and at each other''s throats the next. It''s so hard to understand."


    "If we could understand, we''d be grown-ups. But we''re still kids."


    "True."


    However, the children soon got excited about the pig slaughtering the next day. It was Little New Year, after all.


    Xing''er widened her eyes in curiosity and asked, "You''re slaughtering the pig tomorrow. Can Erlin and I come watch?"


    "Of course you can."


    Li Zhenzhen said, "We''re having a pig feast tomorrow at noon. You two should come too."


    Xing''er quickly shook her head. Even though they were kids, they knew this was a big deal. But the other children chimed in, with Yuanyuan saying, "You can come. My parents said kids don''t eat much, so you shouldn''t worry about it."


    "My parents said the same."


    "My grandma even told me to invite you in advance," Li Zhenzhen said cheerfully. "You two should come. It''s a big fat pig that our courtyard bought from the village. It''s really good."


    Erlin looked around and asked, "Where is it being kept?"


    "It''s outside. We''ll slaughter it tomorrow."


    They had planned to slaughter it a few days ago, but everyone was busy with work and didn''t have time. Now that the factory was on holiday, everyone had more free time, so they decided to have the feast tomorrow.


    "We have two big fat pigs. Everyone pitched in to buy them."


    "Wow..."


    "Did you buy New Year clothes?"


    "Yes."


    "My family did too."


    For the children, life revolved around food and clothes¡ªnothing more.


    Xing''er said, "I bought new clothes too. They''re really nice. Erlin also bought some."


    Although their family had moved to the capital last year, they hadn''t bought new clothes then. Last year, Erlin had been sick, and the family didn''t have much money left. Still, last year''s New Year was the best they had ever had.


    This year was even happier. Xing''er didn''t know if her parents had made more money, but she felt they had.


    Her parents seemed happier every day, and the family could afford to eat meat every now and then.


    Xing''er thought that the amount of meat they had eaten this year was more than what they had eaten in many, many years combined. She said, "Life is really good now."


    "Yeah."


    "Xing''er, Xing''er."


    Old Lady Yu called from the alley. Xing''er immediately responded in a clear voice, "Grandma, we''re here."


    Old Lady Yu said, "I made some fried rice cakes. Come take some to eat."


    She wasn''t trying to butter anyone up. She just felt that her two grandchildren were always eating other people''s food, which wasn''t entirely proper. Relationships between adults were about give and take, and the same went for children. Even if they couldn''t give much, a little something was better than nothing. Otherwise, people might look down on her two grandchildren.


    Xing''er and Erlin mustn''t be looked down upon.


    Old Lady Yu felt that her grandchildren were more affectionate than her own children. Naturally, she wanted to treat them well. The old woman was like that¡ªalways biased. She favored some of her children over others, and the same went for her grandchildren. It was quite obvious.


    She didn''t see anything wrong with it. After all, even the five fingers on a hand are of different lengths. Why shouldn''t she have her favorites?


    Besides, her things were hers to give to whomever she pleased.


    She called, "Xing''er."


    Xing''er replied, "Coming!"


    She ran home and soon returned with a small basket, saying, "We have rice cakes! My grandma added sugar to them."


    "Wow, let me try some."


    "Me too."


    The children didn''t hold back and eagerly reached for the freshly fried rice cakes, which were still hot. But kids didn''t mind the heat.


    "Delicious."


    "Mmm, so good."


    Ming Mei came out pushing her bicycle and asked curiously, "Where did you get these? Let me try one."


    She took a bite and said, "Not bad."


    "My grandma made them," Xing''er said proudly.


    Ming Mei smiled and said, "They''re really good."


    Ming Mei didn''t have much interaction with Madam Yu. Although there was some tension between them, she wouldn''t say anything in front of the children. She smiled and said, "Make sure you come tomorrow for the pig slaughtering."


    Xing''er hesitated for a moment, but seeing Ming Mei''s expression, she nodded earnestly, "Okay."


    Ming Mei rubbed the little one¡¯s head. If we¡¯re being honest, the children in their neighborhood were all very well-behaved. Compared to how mischievous Jinlai and the others were when they were kids, the children nowadays, though still playful, didn¡¯t cause any trouble. They were sensible and knew their limits, which made the adults feel at ease.


    This wasn¡¯t just about their courtyard; most of the kids in the area were quite well-mannered.


    Of course, everyone largely had the Su brothers to thank for this. If it weren¡¯t for their antics, which had genuinely scared the neighbors, people might not have been so diligent in disciplining their children. Thanks to the parents¡¯ efforts, the kids were all well-behaved and sensible.


    Ming Mei said, ¡°You guys play. I¡¯m heading out now.¡±


    Yuanyuan quickly asked, ¡°Mom, where are you going?¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to your grandparents¡¯ place. Your uncle sent over some delicious treats, and I¡¯m going to bring some back.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Mom, I want to go too!¡±


    Yuanyuan loved visiting her grandma¡¯s house. Every time, her grandma would prepare lots of tasty snacks, and the little girl couldn¡¯t help but salivate at the thought.


    Ming Mei poked her chubby cheek and said, ¡°Look at you, you¡¯ve gained weight over the winter break. Why do you want to go? I know you too well. Stay home and behave.¡±


    Yuanyuan pouted.


    Ming Mei added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll bring back plenty of treats for you. Don¡¯t cause any trouble. Play with your friends.¡±


    Yuanyuan whined, ¡°Okay then.¡±


    She swayed gently and said, ¡°But Mom, come back soon.¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°I will.¡±


    While the kids were all gathered at the entrance like little gatekeepers, the adults were busy preparing for the New Year. Ming Mei rode off on her bike, and others from the courtyard also started leaving one after another, each with their own errands to run.


    The little gatekeepers, however, were more like inspectors, keeping tabs on who was going out and for what.


    But the kids didn¡¯t care much about that. What they were really looking forward to was the big event the next day¡ªthe pig slaughter!


    The most important pig slaughter!


    With the kids¡¯ eager anticipation, the next morning arrived quickly. It was Little New Year¡¯s Day, and early in the morning, they brought back the big fat pigs. Although they had bought three pigs in total, one of them belonged to Ming Mei¡¯s parents, so it wasn¡¯t mixed in with the others.


    Before dawn, everyone was already up and about, wide awake despite the early hour.


    Both adults and children were bundled up in thick coats, buzzing with excitement.


    Zhuang Zhixi and the other men brought the pigs back, announcing happily, ¡°Time to slaughter the pigs!¡±


    In an instant, people from every household came out, all in high spirits. Zhuang Zhixi double-checked, ¡°Brother Fendou, are you sure you can handle this?¡±


    Bai Fendou confidently replied, ¡°What¡¯s there to not know? I¡¯m totally¡ªah!¡±


    The pig, sensing its life was in danger, suddenly kicked out like a donkey, startling Bai Fendou and causing him to stumble backward. He wiped imaginary sweat from his brow and said, ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of a pig kicking like that before.¡±


    He Lan worriedly said, ¡°Be careful. Don¡¯t let the pig kick you.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know.¡±


    Truth be told, no one in their courtyard had much experience with pig slaughter. Despite Bai Fendou¡¯s bravado, he was already shaken by the pig¡¯s ferocity before even starting.


    As for the pig¡¯s strength, no one knew it better than the Su brothers.


    Yinlai, his face pale with fear, said, ¡°Maybe we should get someone else to do it. What if someone gets hurt? You can¡¯t underestimate these animals. They¡¯re really fierce.¡±


    Yinlai had been trampled by a pig before, and his health still hadn¡¯t fully recovered.


    Some people are afraid of mice, others of snakes, and some of cockroaches, but for Yinlai, his greatest fear was pigs. It was a genuine, deep-seated fear, no exaggeration.


    While others stood in the courtyard watching the commotion, Yinlai stayed inside, peeking out through the window. Going outside?


    No way. Who knew if the pig might go berserk?


    He said, ¡°Tuantuan, Yuanyuan, all you kids should come inside. It¡¯s too scary out there.¡±


    ¡°Brother Yinlai, we¡¯re not scared,¡± Tuantuan said boldly. Unlike his sister, who was more excitable, Tuantuan was braver.


    Yinlai pleaded, ¡°You don¡¯t understand. I was trampled by a pig when I was a kid. They¡¯re really terrifying.¡±


    Jinlai, who had also been hurt by pigs multiple times, nodded vigorously in agreement.


    If the pig could talk, it would have something to say too. After all, if Jinlai hadn¡¯t secretly cut off its tail back then, none of this would have happened.


    Seeing the Su brothers¡¯ obvious fear, the adults also started to think twice. They urged, ¡°Maybe you kids should go inside.¡±


    Though reluctant, the children were herded indoors. They all crowded into Yuanyuan¡¯s house, pressing their faces against the window. This was the kids¡¯ favorite hangout spot. Even though Xiao Qijin and Bai Qingqing lived in the front yard, their rooms only had beds, which weren¡¯t as spacious as Yuanyuan¡¯s kang bed.


    In winter, the kang was especially warm, and in summer, it was just as comfortable. The kang was large enough for everyone to sit together and even play cards.


    This was their happiest base.


    The kids pressed against the window, watching as the adults struggled to handle the pig.


    ¡°Yuanyuan, we¡¯re here!¡±


    Ye Siyuan¡¯s family arrived, with Xing¡¯er and Erlin in tow. They had met at the entrance. The siblings had been so excited the night before that they couldn¡¯t sleep, eager to watch the pig slaughter.


    While kids loved eating meat, watching a pig being slaughtered was also a rare and thrilling ¡°event.¡±


    They had never seen it before.


    The children all gathered, their eyes wide with anticipation.


    Yuanyuan called out, ¡°Come on over. It hasn¡¯t started yet, but it looks like they¡¯re having trouble.¡±


    ¡°I think so too¡­¡±


    Everyone pressed against the window.


    Finally, the adults managed to pin down the pig. Bai Fendou, holding a knife, was sweating profusely. He stammered, ¡°I-I-I think I can¡¯t do it¡­¡±


    ¡°Damn it, you chicken out at the last moment? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Bai Fendou grimaced, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the pig to be this fierce.¡±


    His bragging had come back to bite him.


    Meanwhile, the pig continued to squeal and thrash, which was quite frightening.


    ¡°You guys better hold it tight. Don¡¯t let it get away.¡±


    ¡°We know, we know.¡±


    ¡°Oink¡­¡± The pig kept screaming and twisting. Thankfully, there were enough men in the courtyard, or this would have been a disaster. Finally, Li the Cook stepped in and said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    He glared at Bai Fendou and said, ¡°You useless idiot. What are you even good for? You think bragging doesn¡¯t cost anything, huh?¡±


    Bai Fendou grimaced, ¡°Uncle Li, I¡¯m sorry, okay?¡±


    The countless stories from the courtyard proved that experience mattered. This time, it was Li the Cook who saved the day. If it had been left to Bai Fendou, it would have been a total failure. Thankfully, Li the Cook skillfully handled the knife.


    As a cook, he wasn¡¯t afraid of such things. Besides, Li the Cook had slaughtered pigs before, though not often. He at least had more experience than the others. He called out, ¡°Quick, bring a basin to catch the blood!¡±


    The women quickly stepped forward. The blood wasn¡¯t flowing too fast, and Zhao Guihua was the first to act.


    The children watched as the pig, now subdued, struggled weakly. They murmured, ¡°This is so scary.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Are you scared of eating pork now?¡±


    ¡°No way! We can¡¯t give up pork. It¡¯s the best.¡±


    ¡°I love pork cracklings. They¡¯re so tasty.¡±


    Yuanyuan excitedly told everyone, ¡°My grandma said she¡¯ll fry some for us later.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s amazing!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Even though they hadn¡¯t started eating yet, everyone was already salivating.


    As Zhao Guihua finished collecting a basin of pig''s blood, Aunt Zhou quickly stepped in to continue, one after another.


    Xing''er said, "Back in our village, the brigade would slaughter pigs at the end of every year. The adults would always crowd to the front, so we kids couldn¡¯t see much. But I know they¡¯d fight over the pig''s blood every year."


    "Fight?"


    Everyone was curious. Xing''er nodded and said, "Yes, the pig''s blood was free and didn¡¯t require any ration tickets. If anyone wanted some, they could go and collect it. But every year, people would argue over who got more or less, and fights would break out. That¡¯s why my parents never let us go near¡ªthey were afraid we¡¯d get caught up in the scuffle and get hurt."


    "Really?"


    "That¡¯s so extreme."


    Xing''er nodded again. "That¡¯s just how it was. Everyone was poor. The pork was distributed based on work points, but the blood was free for the taking. Of course, people would fight over it."


    Xing''er felt proud that, even though she was from the countryside, she knew a lot more than her city friends.


    "How much could each family get?"


    Xing''er replied, "My family would get about half a pound each year. But my grandparents always tried to take some, so my parents would hide the meat and refuse to give it to them. It was a battle of wits every year."


    "Your grandparents are that bad?"


    Xing''er thought for a moment and said firmly, "They¡¯re terrible. They¡¯re always trying to convince my dad to divorce my mom. My grandma says they¡¯re wicked and will come to no good."


    She added, "My grandma even said that if she ever saw my grandparents, she¡¯d scratch that old hag to death."


    The kids exclaimed, "Wow!"


    That sounded fierce.


    But the kids weren¡¯t too fazed¡ªthere wasn¡¯t a single elderly woman in their neighborhood who wasn¡¯t tough.


    While the children chattered away, the second fat pig was dealt with by Li the Cook. He glanced back at the group of clueless middle-aged and young men, shaking his head slightly. "You all still have a long way to go. You¡¯re just not up to par yet."


    Zhuang Zhixi, ever the smooth talker, chimed in, "Uncle Li, how could we ever compare to you? You¡¯ve been a cook for decades¡ªthis kind of work is second nature to you. It¡¯ll take us at least a few more decades to reach your level. We all know how amazing you are."


    Li the Cook chuckled. "You¡¯ve always got a way with words."


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "It¡¯s not just words¡ªit¡¯s the truth! Come on, let¡¯s get to work. Uncle Li, we still need your guidance here. We¡¯re not up to the task, but we can assist you. Just tell us what to do."


    Li the Cook nodded. "Alright."


    He began giving instructions. "Zhou Qun, you and Bai Fendou keep holding the pig down until it¡¯s completely still. Old Zhuang, go prepare the basins. I¡¯ll start cutting the pig. Son-in-law, take Li Weiwei and go prepare the blood sausage. We¡¯ll need a dish of pickled cabbage stewed with blood sausage for lunch¡ªit¡¯s not a proper slaughter feast without it."


    "Got it."


    "Uncle, what about me?"


    Zhuang Zhixi asked.


    Li the Cook said, "You¡¯ll be in charge of dividing the meat. Separate it according to what each family ordered. Make sure everyone gets their share. We¡¯ll need it for New Year¡¯s gifts later."


    He added, "Old ladies, you all get to frying the pork cracklings. Give the kids some first¡ªthey haven¡¯t had breakfast yet. Let them snack on something."


    "On it!"


    Everyone sprang into action, and the courtyard quickly became a hive of activity. Though it wasn¡¯t New Year¡¯s yet, the atmosphere was just as lively. Li the Cook took charge, issuing more orders. "You young wives, take the girls and start making dumplings. It¡¯s Little New Year¡¯s today¡ªwe can¡¯t do without dumplings."


    "Fresh pork is perfect for dumplings," Ming Mei said cheerfully. "Should we add cabbage?"


    "Of course! Cabbage means wealth. We must have cabbage dumplings for the New Year."


    Zhao Guihua looked up. "We¡¯ve got leeks too."


    "Then let¡¯s make two kinds¡ªsome with cabbage and some with leeks¡­"


    "Got it!"


    The lively atmosphere grew even more festive¡­


    Today was just a warm-up for the New Year celebrations.


    Soon, the mouthwatering aroma of food filled the air, wafting through the courtyard and even tempting the neighbors to peek over.


    The smell of meat is always irresistible.


    Zhao Guihua declared, "Next year, we¡¯ll slaughter pigs together again!"


    "Sounds good to me."

 Chapter 219

    "On the 23rd, sticky candy melons; on the 24th, sweep the house... On the 28th, knead the dough; on the 29th, steam the buns; on the 30th, stay up all night; on the first day of the new year, twist and turn. Dumplings are a must for New Year''s Eve."


    Early in the morning on New Year''s Eve, the sound of firecrackers crackled non-stop. Children, dressed in new clothes, hopped and skipped through the alleys, singing nursery rhymes loudly, as joyful as little magpies.


    Ever since the pig slaughtering on Little New Year, their courtyard had been bustling with activity, and the festive atmosphere had lingered until today. The New Year was indeed a busy time. Every household, aside from thorough cleaning, had prepared an abundance of delicious food. This New Year was filled with non-stop feasting, with the aroma of fried pork fat lingering in the alleys, tempting the children, who circled around the stoves every day.


    In just a few days, the children''s cheeks had rounded out. After all, how could one not let the kids taste the delicious food being prepared? The New Year was undoubtedly the time of the year with the most indulgence. Even the most struggling families would have at least one meal of dumplings.


    A group of children gathered in the alley to set off firecrackers, attracting kids from neighboring alleys. On a day like this, every child had firecrackers in hand, and they played together, the sounds rising and falling in waves.


    When Xing''er and Erlin arrived, the fun had already begun. The two little ones ran over on their short legs, shouting, "We''re here!"


    Erlin excitedly shook the firecrackers in his hand, saying, "Look, I have some too."


    The older kids had their own way of playing, which was loud and boisterous, while the younger ones preferred smaller, less intimidating firecrackers. Xing''er was also proud, wearing the same expression as Erlin, shaking her firecrackers and saying, "I have some too, I have some too."


    The girls still preferred the small firecrackers that didn''t require lighting. The loud ones were exciting, but they were also a hassle.


    Yuanyuan said, "Mine are the loudest, the loudest among all the small firecrackers."


    "Come on, give it a try."


    Yuanyuan happily threw her firecracker, eliciting a chorus of "Wow!" from the kids. Li Zhenzhen cheered, "I''ll do it too, I''ll do it too!"


    She jumped up and down, saying, "My brother bought me so many this year."


    Having two older brothers who were already working certainly made her the envy of the other kids. But soon, Yuanyuan lifted her chin and declared, "My parents will buy me and my brother lots and lots too."


    "Me too."


    "Me too, me too."


    The children quickly shook off their envy and started hopping around again. After all, their parents would buy them firecrackers too. Bai Qingqing, however, turned to Xing''er and said, "Xing''er, your hat is so pretty."


    She was a little girl who loved pretty things, and this caught her attention.


    Xing''er immediately replied, "My mom knitted it herself. Do you like it?"


    The girls'' eyes sparkled as they nodded in unison, "It''s beautiful!"


    They all burst into laughter, and Xing''er said, "I watched my mom knit the hat. I learned how to do it, and I''ll teach you all."


    Her mom''s knitted woolen hat looked perfect for winter.


    She loved it too.


    "I want to learn."


    "Me too."


    "Great, let''s all learn together."


    As they were playing and laughing, snowflakes began to fall from the sky. Large snowflakes landed on the children''s hats. Yuanyuan looked up, and a snowflake landed on her face. She shouted, "It''s snowing!"


    The kids cheered and jumped up and down, shouting, "Let''s have a snowball fight!"


    "Okay, let''s wait until there''s more snow, then we''ll have a snowball fight..."


    Yuanyuan''s clear voice drew everyone out of their houses. During the previous pig slaughtering feast, everyone had their own tasks, and they had gained some experience. Today, they were even more at ease. The sound of chopping on cutting boards, the loud chatter of the elderly women gossiping, and the men''s bragging all stopped as everyone stepped outside to look at the snow. In no time, the ground was covered in a thin layer of white.


    Zhao Guihua exclaimed, "Oh, it''s snowing!"


    Old Man Zhuang said, "A timely snow promises a good harvest. Our lives are getting better and better."


    "Absolutely, it''s a good omen."


    Aunt Zhou smiled and said, "Do you remember? The day you moved in, I was sitting at the door sewing shoe soles. You were pushing a broken tricycle into the courtyard, and the snow was so thick that day."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "How could I forget? You asked me why I was moving on such a snowy day."


    The older they got, the clearer they remembered the past.


    Aunt Zhou squinted and said, "My child had just learned to walk back then and accidentally knocked over your bowl. You made me pay for it."


    Zhao Guihua put her hands on her hips and said, "We were so poor back then. We only had two bowls. If you didn''t pay for it, how was I supposed to eat? Besides, have you ever heard of someone breaking a bowl on the day they moved in? I could have beaten you up, but I didn''t."


    Aunt Zhou retorted, "It wasn''t on purpose. What does a one-year-old child know?"


    "A one-year-old doesn''t know anything, so I held you accountable. If the child doesn''t know, shouldn''t the adult? Even if it wasn''t on purpose, you shouldn''t break someone''s bowl on their moving day. You didn''t even want to pay me back at first. I was so annoyed with you."


    "Me too. I thought you were being too petty."


    Mutual dislike ¡Á2


    That''s how it was back then¡ªthey simply didn''t get along.


    This was also why Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou had been at odds from the start. As they reminisced, both of them laughed. Zhao Guihua said, "We were so poor back then."


    Aunt Zhou nodded, "Absolutely. We were really poor. We had to count every little thing, or we wouldn''t have enough to eat."


    "Life is so much better now. It keeps getting better every day."


    "Who could argue with that?"


    Aunt Wang, seeing the two of them reminiscing, said, "What are you two standing at the door chatting about? Come inside and help with the vegetables. My husband may be the chef, but we all need to pitch in. We can''t let him do all the work."


    "Oh, oh, oh!"


    Everyone laughed meaningfully. Aunt Wang said, "You don''t understand. We''re old companions."


    Wang Zizhen was quite familiar with the people in the courtyard and didn''t hold back, saying, "Aunt Wang, you''re from the Northeast, and Uncle is from Beijing. How did you two end up together? It''s truly a case of fate bringing people together from afar."


    The others pricked up their ears. Ming Mei and the others'' eyes lit up, their ears perked up, their faces full of "I want to hear the gossip." Their generation mostly met through arranged marriages, but it was clear that the older generation had a different story.


    Everyone was intensely curious.


    It wasn''t just the women who were interested; even the men were the same. Zhuang Zhixi grabbed a stool and sat down next to his wife, joining the women''s gossip circle.


    Zhou Qun quickly joined in too; he never missed out on gossip.


    Bai Fendou looked around, feeling like he should act more like a man and not join the women. He decided to stay with Zhuang Zhiyuan and Yang Lixin. But... he was really curious too!


    Although he didn''t openly join the group, he still listened intently.


    They had never talked about this before, and he really wanted to hear it!


    Aunt Wang, noticing that the chatter had quieted down and everyone was looking at her, felt a little embarrassed.


    "It''s just how we met."


    Ming Mei, ever the gossip, pressed, "How exactly did you meet?"


    Everyone nodded eagerly, saying, "Yeah, how exactly? Tell us! Even though both of you are from the North, there''s still some distance between the Northeast and Beijing."


    Aunt Wang: "I was only twelve or thirteen when I came here. Back then, my hometown was in chaos because of the Little Guizi, and life was always on thin ice. Coincidentally, we had a relative in the capital who was said to be doing well, so our whole family came to seek refuge. But when we arrived, we found out that our relative had been killed. It turned out he had deliberately infiltrated the enemy ranks¡ªhe was part of the resistance against the Japanese. Because of this, his entire family was executed. The neighbors took pity on us and quickly warned us never to reveal our connection to that family. We were fortunate to meet kind-hearted people; otherwise, if we had carelessly announced our ties, we might have been arrested too. That kind-hearted person was my mother-in-law."


    "Ah?"


    Aunt Wang laughed and continued, "Later, with her help, our family rented a place in a large courtyard and settled down. Years passed in the blink of an eye. By then, her family was already working as cooks. Even during famine years, cooks never starved, so their family was doing alright. To be honest, at first, their family didn¡¯t take a liking to me. He could have found someone better, given his circumstances. Our family had fled here as refugees, with no real roots. Families with some standing weren¡¯t keen on marrying into ours. We knew our place and didn¡¯t dare aim too high. But as they say, life is full of uncertainties. Later, an air raid hit, and both our families lost people. At that time, everyone was struggling, so we leaned on each other for support and encouragement. Eventually, we got married."


    Situations like this were quite common in their era. The social environment was harsh, and life was incredibly difficult for ordinary people. Every day was a gamble, and they relied on each other to get through those tough times.


    "It wasn¡¯t easy for you and Uncle Li either."


    Aunt Wang: "You¡¯re absolutely right!"


    She added, "The good life we have now didn¡¯t come easily. We must cherish it."


    "Absolutely, absolutely."


    Zhao Guihua: "It¡¯s the New Year; let¡¯s talk about something festive. Who¡¯s going to chop up this chicken?"


    "Pfft! Is killing a chicken a festive thing?"


    Zhao Guihua glared: "Why isn¡¯t it festive? Killing a chicken is festive! Eating meat is festive! This is what wealthy people do."


    "Right, right."


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    "This chicken meat is really something special."


    "I love chicken meat the most."


    Li the Cook: "You all handle this old hen, and today I¡¯ll make you a proper old hen soup. Just wait and see¡ªmy cooking skills won¡¯t disappoint."


    Zhao Guihua: "Are you adding radish slices?"


    "Yes!"


    Adding a few radish slices to the soup¡ªslurp~ the flavor is just incredible.


    You wouldn¡¯t trade it for being an emperor.


    "Sir, I¡¯ve prepared this dish." Li Weiwei went to cut the meat. Braised pork belly was also a must.


    This was the pork belly from the pig they slaughtered a few days ago. The meat was perfectly marbled, looking absolutely top-notch. As a cook, Li Weiwei couldn¡¯t help but marvel, "This meat is truly excellent. If we went out to buy meat, we might not find anything this good."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Although buying a whole pig meant some parts were average, each cut had its own way of being prepared, offering different options. He finished preparing the pork belly and then sliced a piece of lean meat, salted it, and coated it with flour, saying, "We¡¯ll fry the crispy pork last."


    Li the Cook and Yang Lixin were in separate rooms, each managing their own cooking stations. Everyone else was helping out, except for Old Man Zhuang, who couldn¡¯t do much and was playing chess with Lan Sihai. This was their usual routine every New Year¡¯s Eve.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, as usual, was watching the commotion.


    He sighed deeply, "Dad, you¡¯re really terrible at chess."


    Old Man Zhuang shot him a look, "It¡¯s the New Year. Even children know to say nice things. Don¡¯t you know that?"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan laughed and immediately clasped his hands in apology.


    Old Man Zhuang: "A true gentleman watches chess in silence. Don¡¯t cause trouble here. Go, go watch the kids set off firecrackers. Don¡¯t disturb me."


    With so many people around, some help was just unnecessary.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan was shooed away and happily went to the gate to watch the children set off firecrackers. As he reached the entrance, he saw a row of young men squatting by the doorframe¡ªLi Junjun, Hutou, and the Su brothers were all there. They were watching the kids set off firecrackers with great enthusiasm.


    Su Jinlai: "These kids don¡¯t know how to have fun. Just setting off firecrackers is boring. There should be some stakes involved!"


    "Setting off firecrackers with stakes?" Zhuang Zhiyuan asked curiously. Su Jinlai, not realizing who had asked, replied smugly, "Yeah, like blowing up a dung pit!"


    Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."


    His mouth twitched. This brat really had no sense of decency.


    It was then that Jinlai realized who he was talking to. He turned around and saw Zhuang Zhiyuan, immediately feeling embarrassed. "Uncle Zhuang, I was just joking, haha, hahaha."


    Zhuang Zhiyuan pointed at him from a distance, "You better watch yourself. Don¡¯t teach the kids bad habits, or I¡¯ll tell your parents."


    Sometimes, the simplest threat works best¡ªtelling the parents!


    Su Jinlai panicked instantly, "I-I-I¡­ I wasn¡¯t encouraging the kids to cause trouble! I was just joking, really, just joking. If the kids dared to blow up a dung pit, I¡¯d definitely stop them, for sure."


    Who would dare provoke Aunt Ming Mei? S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He wasn¡¯t crazy.


    He even suspected he couldn¡¯t beat Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan.


    Upon hearing this, Tuan Tuan, Yuan Yuan, and the other kids immediately shouted, "We never planned to do that! Brother Jinlai always tries to egg us on. This isn¡¯t the first time. He¡¯s such a bad brother. We¡¯re good kids."


    "Yes, we¡¯re good kids!"


    "Good kids!"


    They all chimed in.


    Su Jinlai chuckled, "¡­Okay, my bad. You think I¡¯m encouraging you to do bad things, but actually, I was just testing you, hehe, testing to see if you¡¯re sensible kids. I wasn¡¯t really trying to get you to do that."


    The kids all made strange noises, "Eww~~~"


    Brother Jinlai¡¯s words weren¡¯t trustworthy.


    Su Yinlai sighed sincerely, "Brother, how did you end up like this? Even the kids don¡¯t trust you."


    Su Jinlai snorted, puffing out his chest, "They¡¯re still young. They don¡¯t understand the charm of a humorous man like me."


    "Eww~~~"


    This time, everyone joined in. It was no wonder the kids disliked Su Jinlai. He was utterly unreliable.


    Su Jinlai: "Hehehe."


    At this point, Zhuang Zhiyuan did notice one good thing about Su Jinlai. To be honest, the guy had plenty of flaws and almost no redeeming qualities. But today, he found one¡ªthis guy had a really good temper. No matter what anyone said, he could just grin foolishly.


    But then again, maybe that was for the best. If he didn¡¯t have at least one good trait, how would he ever find a wife? His two admirers¡ªone had turned against him, and the other had fallen for Li Junjun. Zhuang Zhiyuan almost felt a pang of sympathy for Su Jinlai.


    Wait, no, actually, he didn¡¯t deserve any sympathy.


    The guy brought it all on himself.


    "By the way, I didn¡¯t see Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin this morning." He remembered they usually spent the New Year together.


    Everyone shook their heads. Indeed, they hadn¡¯t been seen.


    This was the time to ask the all-knowing children: "Yuan Yuan, did you see Guan Hong and the others? Aren¡¯t they supposed to have lunch with us?"


    Yuan Yuan nodded, "Yes, Sister Guan Hong and Sister Zheng Huimin went out early this morning to buy sugar-coated haws."


    She added, "Sugar-coated haws taste best when they¡¯re freshly made."


    Speak of the devil.


    Just as they were talking, Guan Hong rode back with Zheng Huimin on her bicycle. Zheng Huimin was carrying a large bag, "Kids, I¡¯ve got all kinds of sugar-coated haws!"


    She happily jumped off the bicycle, "Come and share."


    "Wow!"


    Everyone gathered around. Yuan Yuan asked, "What flavors do you have?"


    "Hawthorn, and the yam ones you¡¯ve been dreaming about."


    The kids were buzzing with excitement. Although Zhao Guihua had made them once before, the kids were eager to try the yam sugar-coated haws sold outside. They had been disappointed when they couldn¡¯t find any.


    It was Zheng Huimin who had discovered an old master who made them, but he had been on a break. It was only after Zheng Huimin persuaded him that he agreed to make a batch for New Year¡¯s Eve.


    Zheng Huimin: "Come on, try it and see if it''s good."


    "Okay~"


    The children happily went over to grab some.


    Zheng Huimin: "Everyone gets one yam and one hawthorn stick. Help yourselves."


    "Thank you, sister."


    Guan Hong and Zheng Huimin both laughed. After handing out the candied haws to the kids, they distributed them to the others. Hutou didn¡¯t hold back, saying, "Thanks."


    Su Jinlai, shaking his leg: "So, all you did this morning was go buy candied haws?"


    Guan Hong snapped: "If you don¡¯t want to eat it, then don¡¯t! Stop with the nonsense!"


    Su Jinlai: "..."


    This woman is so fierce. Turns out her previous gentle smiles were all an act. Women are really good at deceiving people.


    He decided not to argue with her, but his body betrayed him as he reached out and grabbed two sticks of candied haws. Well, no harm in eating them.


    He took a bite: "Mmm, delicious."


    Zheng Huimin then moved closer to Li Junjun and said, "Brother Junjun, here you go."


    Li Junjun: "I don¡¯t really like sweet things."


    "You¡¯re lying. Who doesn¡¯t like sweets? Just eat it, why are you putting on airs?" Su Jinlai scolded him. This guy was always putting on a show, pretending to be a gentleman. What a schemer.


    Can¡¯t you see? Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong have both shifted their affections.


    Although, although he also wanted to get along with them, he couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit down.


    Hmm, Li Junjun is really cunning.


    Su Jinlai: "What a scheming guy."


    Li Junjun: "...???"


    What¡¯s wrong with Su Jinlai now? But then again, it would be strange if Su Jinlai wasn¡¯t acting up. He didn¡¯t bother with the guy and looked up at Zheng Huimin, who was smiling brightly. "Try it, maybe the ones I bought are especially delicious."


    She wasn¡¯t one to beat around the bush. If she liked someone, she¡¯d show it directly.


    Usually busy with work and making money, she didn¡¯t have much time to get close to Li Junjun, but this rare break gave her the chance. Well, money was the most important thing, but after that, Li Junjun came next.


    She said, "I¡¯ll pick one with less sugar for you."


    "Don¡¯t listen to him. He loved sweets when he was a kid. Now he says he doesn¡¯t like them? He¡¯s just trying to get your attention," Su Jinlai piped up again.


    Zheng Huimin couldn¡¯t take it anymore and said, "Shut up! No one thinks you¡¯re mute if you don¡¯t talk. Be careful, or I¡¯ll poison you!"


    Su Jinlai: "!!!"


    Li Weiwei, who had just come out to pour water: "..."


    Indeed, women are scary, really scary. He couldn¡¯t handle them. At his age, he should focus on his career. No matter what his grandparents said, he was determined not to go on blind dates. Absolutely not. A young man like him couldn¡¯t handle women.


    Li Weiwei quickly slipped back inside, thinking that work was the only thing he could rely on.


    He entered the room looking a bit flustered. Zhao Guihua asked, "What¡¯s wrong with you?"


    Li Weiwei: "Women are not to be messed with."


    Zhao Guihua: "???"


    But soon, she laughed and said, "You should focus on what¡¯s in front of you first."


    Li Weiwei: "You¡¯re right."


    Zhuang Zhixi wasn¡¯t like his older brother, who wandered around everywhere, nor was he like the other guys who sat at the entrance watching the commotion. Instead, he stayed inside helping with the vegetable prep. He smiled and said, "Weiwei, you really should think about the present..."


    There was a hint of something deeper in his words. Li Weiwei scratched his head, confused: "What do you mean?"


    When he looked up, he saw Li the Cook staring at him with a death glare. This made Li Weiwei gulp and say, "Grandpa, what¡¯s wrong?"


    Li the Cook let out a cold laugh. "What¡¯s wrong? You think I¡¯m too old to handle things? How dare you make decisions on your own!"


    Li Weiwei: "What?"


    Li the Cook was furious: "Tell me, did you quit your job?"


    He couldn¡¯t believe his grandson had quit. Although he hadn¡¯t yet become a full-time employee, it was only a matter of a couple of years. But to his surprise, the kid had gone ahead and quit without a word. If Zhou Qun hadn¡¯t accidentally let it slip, he wouldn¡¯t have even known.


    How infuriating!


    He shouted, "You little brat, you¡¯re getting bolder by the day. Tell me, why did you quit? Oh no, I¡¯m going to beat you up, you..." Before Li the Cook could even move, Li Weiwei bolted out the door, fast as a rabbit.


    He wailed, "Help! Don¡¯t hit me! You can¡¯t hit kids during the New Year!"


    He howled as Li the Cook chased after him, wielding a spatula. "You little rascal! How dare you quit your job? What do you think you¡¯re doing? Do you know how hard it was for me to get you that job? You just up and left without a word. Do you think I¡¯m too old to handle you now, huh?"


    Li Weiwei: "Ahhh!"


    The kids, hearing the commotion, quickly ran inside, and everyone else stood up.


    "Tell me, what do you think you¡¯re doing!"


    Li Weiwei: "I want to set up a stall! I don¡¯t want to work a regular job!"


    "You... you useless brat!"


    He was about to charge at Li Weiwei again, but everyone quickly stopped Li the Cook. Zhao Guihua said, "What are you doing during the New Year? It¡¯s bad luck to hit someone during the holidays."


    "But... but..."


    "Enough with the ''buts.'' The kid¡¯s been thinking about this for two years. You can¡¯t stop him forever. It¡¯s better to let him try sooner rather than later. You¡¯re not listening, so he had to take matters into his own hands. But you should also reflect on your own responsibility in this." Zhao Guihua was the first to step in and mediate.


    "What responsibility do I have?" Li the Cook huffed, his beard bristling.


    "They¡¯re adults, not kids anymore. You can¡¯t expect them to live exactly as you do. Times have changed. If the kids have ideas, you shouldn¡¯t stand in their way. The more you stop them, the more they¡¯ll want to do it. I say, let him try. If he succeeds, it means the times are different, and our old ways don¡¯t work anymore. We have to trust the younger generation¡¯s judgment. If he fails, well, it just proves that young people are still inexperienced, and he¡¯ll realize that the older generation¡¯s advice holds more weight. He¡¯ll listen more in the future."


    Li the Cook: "Huh?"


    Zhao Guihua: "Think about it. Doesn¡¯t that make sense?"


    Aunt Zhou chimed in: "Exactly, what era are we living in? You can¡¯t just dictate everything. The kids have their own ideas, and you need to respect that. You can¡¯t just do whatever you want. If you keep acting like a tyrant, I¡¯ll have to call you out. You¡¯re not more enlightened than an old lady like me? Besides, I don¡¯t see anything wrong with Weiwei wanting to set up a stall. We all do it. I earn more in a month than you do in a year. You¡¯ve never done it, so you don¡¯t get to criticize. Stop acting like you know everything just because you¡¯re old."


    Aunt Wang: "Old man, stop getting so angry. Since he¡¯s already quit, let him try his hand at setting up a stall."


    Li the Cook: "What, you¡¯re siding with him too..."


    He grumbled, but Aunt Wang was practical: "I just think everyone¡¯s making good points."


    Zhou Qun, who had accidentally caused the trouble earlier, quickly tried to smooth things over: "I think it makes sense too. Setting up a stall is a good idea. After the New Year, I¡¯m thinking of doing it on weekends too. Uncle Li, you need to keep up with the times."


    "So you¡¯re saying I¡¯m outdated?"


    "No, no, no."


    Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward and put an arm around Li the Cook. "Alright, Uncle Li, I know deep down you agree. You¡¯re just feeling a bit embarrassed, but it¡¯s really nothing. Parents can¡¯t always control their kids. If you love them, you¡¯ll let them try their ideas. It¡¯s worth a shot, don¡¯t you think? Besides, let¡¯s see how it goes. Maybe it¡¯ll turn out great. Looking at Weiwei¡¯s face, I can tell he¡¯s a lucky kid. I predict he¡¯ll do well. He won¡¯t let you down."


    Li the Cook couldn¡¯t help but laugh. "Cut it out. You don¡¯t know the first thing about fortune-telling."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "I just learned it. It came to me in a flash of inspiration."


    "Pfft!"


    "You¡¯re full of nonsense."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "How could that be? Come on, let¡¯s go inside and continue cooking. Weiwei, you come too. Your grandpa won¡¯t hold it against you. Uncle Li, it¡¯s not auspicious to hit or scold people during the New Year, is it?"


    "Exactly."


    Li the Cook: "You little rascal!"


    He snorted and said, "I¡¯m letting it go this time, for everyone¡¯s sake."


    Li Weiwei was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. He began flattering his grandfather profusely: "Grandpa, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll work hard and won¡¯t let you down. I¡¯ll make sure to do well and grow the business."


    Zhao Guihua suddenly thought of a phrase and said, "Make it big and strong, and create even greater glory."


    "Pfft!"


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    Li the Cook finally softened. As his grandson approached, he gave him a light kick. Li Weiwei: "Ouch!" He clutched his backside.


    Li the Cook said awkwardly, "You better work hard! Don¡¯t mess around with the neighbors. When it comes to food, keep it clean; when it comes to business, be honest."


    Li Weiwei nodded immediately, saying, "I know, I know."


    He raised his hand in a pledge: "I¡¯ll work hard for sure."


    Li the Cook finally stopped scolding him. Meanwhile, Yang Lixin looked at his son with envy, stepped forward, and patted the boy on the shoulder, saying, "You¡¯ve got more guts than your dad."


    Li Weiwei chuckled and scratched his head. He had expected a storm of anger and a beating when his secret was revealed, but to his surprise, everyone managed to calm his grandpa down. He never expected things to turn out this way.


    If he had known, he would have done this sooner. Why wait so long? He happily trotted inside, saying, "Grandpa, I¡¯ll get to work!"


    Li the Cook: "Hmph."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed: "Stop huffing. It¡¯s not good to be grumpy during the New Year. Let¡¯s be happy."


    Li the Cook: "You¡¯re always so carefree. By the way, have you sold all your Clivia plants?"


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "Sold them all. I¡¯m done with that."


    He said, "The market¡¯s too volatile now. Keeping those Clivia plants around is just too risky. Better to cash out."


    "You¡¯ve got a good head on your shoulders."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, since I sold the Clivia, I¡¯m thinking of buying a shop. That way, I won¡¯t have to deal with the wind and rain anymore. Having a shop makes things much more convenient."


    "That makes sense, but buying a shop is a big expense. You can still sell stuff outside..."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It¡¯s not the same. With a shop, you don¡¯t have to suffer from the elements. Plus, the shop itself is an asset. If I ever stop using it, I can rent it out for extra income. How much interest do you get from keeping money in the bank?"


    Hearing this, Li the Cook found it quite reasonable.


    He said, "You¡¯re right."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "So, saving up to buy a shop is really important."


    "Buying a house is important, buying a shop is important. Looks like we¡¯ve got to earn more money."


    "Absolutely."


    Li Weiwei watched his grandpa chatting with Uncle Zhuang and couldn¡¯t help but think that his grandpa, who usually seemed as stubborn as an ox, was surprisingly easily swayed by Uncle Zhuang. It seemed that in the future, if he had any problems, he should turn to Uncle Zhuang.


    Of course, Aunt Zhao and Aunt Zhou were also great. They always had good advice too.


    Lan Sihai and Old Man Zhuang were playing chess and joined the conversation. Lan Sihai said, "You did the right thing by selling them. If people found out you had so many Clivia plants, you might get robbed."


    Everyone turned to look at Lan Sihai, who continued, "You don¡¯t follow the news much, but I read the papers regularly. There have been quite a few violent incidents over Clivia plants. They¡¯re worth a fortune, and money can drive people to do terrible things. Just the other day, a man¡¯s younger brother led a group to rob his older brother¡¯s family for their prized Clivia. The older brother¡¯s family was attacked, and the neighbors called the police. They caught the culprits on the spot. There are many stories like this, so selling them was the right move. Spending the money is better. No one can steal a shop from you, but keeping cash or valuables at home isn¡¯t safe."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Ever since their courtyard was burglarized, even Aunt Zhou opened a bank account. These days, the only place you can trust is the bank. Keeping money at home is just too risky.


    "We live honest lives and work hard for our money. We can¡¯t let thieves profit from our efforts."


    "Exactly."


    "By the way, what¡¯s the latest on Jiang Baohong and the others?"


    Zhuang Zhixi knew about this. He had been following the case closely, checking on the progress every few days. After all, he wouldn¡¯t be satisfied unless those people served long prison sentences. They had nearly harmed his family¡¯s children.


    And that bizarre Jiang Baohong¡ªthey had barely any interaction, but she had been fixated on his family out of jealousy. She even joined in on the robbery. It was beyond intolerable.


    Trash like her deserved to be behind bars.


    He said, "The case isn¡¯t too complicated. They¡¯ll probably be sentenced in the first half of next year. Jiang Baohong applied for a mental evaluation three times, but each time she was deemed sane. She tried to use insanity as an excuse to avoid prison, but the law is just. It didn¡¯t give her that chance."


    "Good."


    "How long will they get?"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "It¡¯ll be a heavy sentence. Their actions were particularly egregious."


    "That¡¯s for the best."


    Wang Xiangxiu breathed a sigh of relief. After all, her family had been targeted. If those people were released after just a few years, she would have been terrified. That old man Cai hated her and would probably seek revenge.


    She said, "It¡¯s best if they never get out."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "He¡¯s already quite old. Even if he does get out, he¡¯ll be in his twilight years. Who knows if he¡¯ll even live that long?"


    "That¡¯s true." Wang Xiangxiu thought of her mother-in-law. Although she never mentioned it, she knew about Gou Lanxiang¡¯s death. When someone passes away, the family is always notified, so how could Wang Xiangxiu not know?


    She just chose not to bring it up and pretended not to know.


    She really didn¡¯t want anything to do with that woman, nor did she want her son to have any connection to her, even in death.


    Just as Su Pandi had thought, Wang Xiangxiu wished she could grind Su¡¯s mother¡¯s bones to dust. Even though she knew she might have made mistakes in the past, it¡¯s always easier to forgive oneself and hold grudges against others to feel better.


    So Wang Xiangxiu really didn¡¯t want to talk about her. She cleared her throat lightly and said, "Where did we put the mackerel?"


    Life was good now. The children had turned over a new leaf, and she was working hard, saving up some money from her stall. There were many days ahead, and she needed to keep going. Wang Xiangxiu quickly regained her composure and said, "I¡¯ll go prepare the fish. Aren¡¯t we making fish dumplings for dinner?"


    "No rush. You can handle the fish this afternoon. For now, chop up the rabbit, and we¡¯ll stir-fry it with chili later."


    "Got it!"


    The sounds of frying, boiling, and chopping echoed from several rooms. Everyone was busy, but their faces were filled with joyful smiles. Zhao Guihua said, "The shrimp we bought this year is really good. Look how fresh it is."


    Aunt Zhou proudly said, "Of course. Jiang Lu and I picked them out at the market. We spotted them right away. They were a bit pricey, but it¡¯s the New Year¡ªgood food is what matters most."


    "The old hen is nice and plump too," Aunt Zhou added, praising the chicken.


    "Well, of course. We wouldn¡¯t buy it if it weren¡¯t. Let¡¯s cut some up for fried chicken snacks for the kids this afternoon."


    "Weren¡¯t we going to make crispy pork?"


    "We¡¯ll do both. The kids can have some, and so can we. Why should they get all the good stuff? There¡¯s enough for everyone."


    "Then let¡¯s make a bit more..."


    "Ah, who would¡¯ve thought that life would get better as we got older? Tonight, we¡¯ll watch the Spring Festival Gala on your color TV. I wonder who¡¯s performing this year? I love the singing and dancing performances. It¡¯s so different from listening to the radio."


    "I¡¯m a big fan of Zhao Zhongxiang. His presence, his voice, his face¡ªhe¡¯s so handsome," Aunt Zhou said, her eyes sparkling.


    "I love ¡®Unforgettable Tonight.¡¯ They sang it last year, and it was wonderful. I wonder if they¡¯ll do it again this year."


    "..."


    The morning was bustling and lively. Although everyone was busy, no one felt tired¡ªjust happy. As noon approached, Zhao Guihua stood in the yard and called out, "Kids, it''s time to eat!"


    "Coming!"


    The children responded, dashing home in a flash.


    Li Zhenzhen muttered, "Xing''er''s family already called them to eat. We''re getting impatient."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    Zhao Guihua urged, "Let''s go, let''s go."


    The courtyard was packed with people, all gathered together, squeezing in tightly. Despite the cold weather, the atmosphere was warm and lively. Everyone was in high spirits, and the crowding didn''t matter¡ªit only added to the festive vibe.


    "Everyone, find a seat and sit down. Squeeze in a little."


    "Hey, kids, come sit on the kang."


    "Coming!"


    "Hutou, Xiao Yanzi, Su Yinlai, Su Tonglai¡ªyou''re all still kids, come over here."


    "Okay~"


    "Guan Hong, come over here."


    "Coming, coming!"


    She loved this kind of atmosphere. Ever since she moved into the courtyard, initially because of Su Jinlai, she had grown to adore this lively environment and the thriving way of life.


    Everyone squeezed in, divided into several tables, and finally settled down.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Old Man Lan, you''re the eldest in our courtyard. Would you like to kick things off?"


    Lan Sihai smiled and stood up. This wasn''t the time for sarcasm or teasing¡ªhe had mellowed a lot over the years.


    The old man cleared his throat and began, "Ladies and gentlemen, it''s a rare honor for me to start things off today, and I''m truly happy. Although I''m the oldest in this courtyard, I still feel young at heart. So, in the new year, I''ll continue to hold myself to the standards of a young person."


    The crowd burst into laughter.


    Lan Sihai continued, "If an old man like me can set such a standard, none of you should slack off either. Learn from me¡ªstay young, stay healthy, and live freely. That''s how you find happiness. I''ve been in this courtyard for over a decade now, and as you all know, Ming Mei is my granddaughter. I originally came here for her. Back then, the machinery factory wanted to arrange better accommodations for me, but I thought, ''Wherever I live, I might as well live close to my little girl in this courtyard, so I can keep an eye on her. If the Zhuang family ever mistreated her, I''d give them a piece of my mind.'' But thankfully, they''ve been a loving couple, and their lives have been thriving. My hope is that every family in this courtyard can be as harmonious as Ming Mei and her husband. In the new year, may everyone continue to prosper¡ªmay money flow in abundance, and may everyone stay healthy and strong. I also hope the children grow up healthy, happy, and excel in their studies. People of my generation didn''t have many opportunities for education, so you must cherish the opportunities you have today. I''ll be honest with you¡ªif I had the same conditions as you when I was your age, I would have already become a renowned scientist. My mind is sharp as ever."


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh and said, "Grandpa, you''re really boasting about yourself now."


    Lan Sihai retorted, "If you can brag about yourself, why can''t I? Anyway, may everyone embrace new beginnings in the new year, and may your fortunes rise like sesame flowers, higher and higher!"


    The crowd immediately applauded. Lan Sihai sat down, but soon stood up again. "Oh, one more thing¡ªlet''s also thank today''s chefs, Li the Cook and Xiao Yang. Everyone, eat well and drink well!"


    "Let''s raise a toast!"


    "Cheers, cheers!"


    Everyone clinked their glasses and shouted, "Cheers!"


    "Cheers!"


    The atmosphere quickly heated up, and everyone dug in. The lunch spread was lavish, with all kinds of hearty dishes.


    As everyone ate and drank, the children eagerly reached for the food. Although life had already improved, such a feast was still a rare treat. Yuanyuan chirped, "This braised fish is delicious!"


    "Be careful of the fish bones."


    "Got it."


    Ye Sitian said, "I want to eat braised pork."


    Her older brother, Siyuan, quickly picked up a large piece of pork and placed it on her plate. The little girl couldn''t finish it in one bite, and her mouth was soon shiny with grease. Outside, the sound of firecrackers continued. Zhuang Zhixi said, "We''ll set off fireworks tonight. I bought a big one."


    "The big ones are the best!"


    "Exactly."


    "I love them!"


    Ye Sitian asked, "Can we come watch the fireworks tonight too?"


    "Of course! We''ll also eat dumplings together and watch the Spring Festival Gala."


    "Wow!"


    "The Spring Festival Gala starts at 8 PM. How about you kids perform a little show for us beforehand?"


    "Okay!"


    The children eagerly agreed, patting their chests without a hint of shyness. Everyone laughed.


    "Su Tonglai, you''re taking the college entrance exam this year, right?"


    Su Tonglai nodded, "Yes."


    "Then you should perform first. You''re studying acting now, so you can''t hold back."


    Su Tonglai smiled, "Alright, I''ll lead the kids and put on a good show for everyone. If we do well, you have to give us New Year''s money!"


    The children''s eyes lit up, and they chimed in, "Yeah, yeah!"


    Xiao Yanzi said, "I want to join too. I''m still a high school student, so I count as a kid..."


    "Pfft, you really are..."


    Hutou teased, "Little sister, you looked so money-hungry just now."


    Xiao Yanzi tossed her head, "I don''t care!"


    Everyone burst into laughter, and the festive atmosphere carried on into the afternoon. The day remained busy. As winter days are short, it grew dark early. By evening, the TV was on, showing last year''s Spring Festival Gala. Everyone laughed and chatted as they wrapped dumplings.


    Zhuang Zhixi led the children outside to set off fireworks.


    "Whoosh... bang~"


    The sound of fireworks filled the air, and the children squealed with delight, unfazed by the cold. Earlier in the afternoon, they had built a snowman in the yard. Despite the howling north wind and drifting snowflakes, their enthusiasm remained undiminished as they ran around, their breath visible in the chilly air.


    Tuantuan ran around wildly and suddenly bumped into someone at the entrance. He took a few steps back and shouted, "Sister, I''m sorry!"


    A girl in a coat, carrying a handbag, rubbed Tuantuan''s head and said, "It''s okay."


    She smiled and asked, "Is this Courtyard 44?"


    It was too dark to see clearly.


    Tuantuan said, "Yes, it is."


    He tilted his head and asked, "Sister, are you looking for someone?"


    The girl nodded, "Yes, I''m looking for Zheng Huimin. I''m her younger sister, Zheng Huifang."


    The newcomer was none other than Zheng Huifang, who had returned for the New Year. Her train had been delayed, and she had rushed to make it back by evening. Though travel-worn, her cheeks were flushed with excitement.


    She was finally home.


    Tuantuan called out, "Zheng Huimin, Sister Zheng, your sister is here to see you..."


    He added, "I know you, Sister. You''re the one from Guangzhou who sends us all the goods."


    Zheng Huifang looked at him in surprise and said, "You''re so smart."


    Tuantuan replied, "I know everything."


    He called out again, "Sister Zheng, your sister is here!"


    Zheng Huimin, who had been inside wrapping dumplings, froze for a moment upon hearing this. She didn''t even bother to put on her shoes and rushed out, her eyes red with emotion. "Huifang!!!"


    Zheng Huifang cried, "Elder sister!"


    The two sisters ran toward each other and embraced tightly. Though they used to bicker constantly when they lived together, their bond had grown much stronger since their family had gone through so much.


    Both of them were crying¡ªthey hadn''t seen each other in two years!


    Zheng Huimin held her sister and said, "It''s so good to see you. Why didn''t you let us know you were coming?"


    Zheng Huifang, equally emotional, replied, "I thought I wouldn''t make it back. Time was tight, but the factory finished early, so I hurried to buy a ticket. I figured contacting you would take too long, and writing a letter wouldn''t be fast enough, so I decided to just come back."


    "This is wonderful. We''ll talk all night."


    "Okay."


    "Come on, let me introduce you to everyone. These are all the people from our courtyard. We''re celebrating the New Year together¡ªit''s so much fun."


    Everyone in the courtyard was curiously watching Zheng Huifang, as many had never seen her before. However, Zheng Huifang recognized several people herself. She quickly walked over and hugged Aunt Zhao, who was standing at the doorway, saying, "Aunt Zhao, I¡¯ve missed you so much."


    She then turned and hugged Aunt Zhou, embracing each one tightly and not letting go. Finally, she hugged Wang Zizhen, exclaiming, "Sister, thank you."


    Wang Zizhen smiled and patted her back, while Zheng Huifang was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes.


    The aunties advised her, "It¡¯s the New Year, don¡¯t cry! The New Year is supposed to be full of joy."


    Zheng Huifang nodded firmly and said, "Okay!"


    "Great! Now that you¡¯re back, we must celebrate the New Year together. Come on, you must be freezing. Let¡¯s go inside. We¡¯ll introduce everyone properly once we¡¯re warm."


    Zheng Huimin followed behind, smiling and remarking, "My sister is more popular than I am."


    Guan Hong teased, "It¡¯s obvious. Everyone¡¯s drawn to her looks. Your sister is really pretty."


    "Stop it! It¡¯s not about looks. My sister is just a good person."


    "Whatever~"


    "Come on, everyone, let¡¯s go inside. Zheng Huimin, put on some socks. Your feet must be freezing¡­"


    Amid the chatter, Zheng Huimin felt the warmth of their concern and blushed, saying, "I know, I know!"


    Just then, Aunt Wang called out, "Come inside! The dumplings are about to be cooked!"


    "The dumplings are going in the pot~"


    With that, the men from each household hurried out to light firecrackers¡­ *Bang! Bang! Bang!*


    The sound of firecrackers echoed continuously, one after another, as the louder they were, the more festive it felt. This was the time when the men of the households truly shined, setting off firecrackers nonstop.


    The deafening sound of firecrackers filled the air, and both adults and children were beaming with joy.


    After what felt like an eternity, a voice called out from inside, "Dinner¡¯s ready~"


    "The dumplings are done!"


    The men and children quickly rushed inside. At that moment, the evening news was on, showing the national leader visiting various workplaces to extend New Year¡¯s greetings to the working people. Across the country, there was an atmosphere of celebration and harmony.


    Zhao Guihua organized everyone, saying, "Sit where you were sitting at noon. Huifang, sit next to your sister. Everyone, take your seats."


    "Come ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????on, sit down, sit down¡­"


    Everyone gathered around the table, their faces glowing with happiness. This year, their courtyard had seen its share of events, but the bad ones were few, and the good ones were plenty. This year had been even better than the last, with every household earning more money and living more comfortably.


    Many had bought new houses, and others had acquired new furniture. Life had simply gotten better.


    These were truly wonderful times.


    Everyone exchanged cheerful words, raising their glasses in celebration. As they did, the clock struck eight. A lively and jubilant opening dance began, and the hosts took the stage one by one: "Dear viewers, friends across the nation, hello! The 1984 Spring Festival Gala is now beginning! In this new year, we wish you all a happy family reunion and boundless happiness¡­"


    The blessings poured out endlessly.


    Zhao Guihua stood up and took the lead, saying, "Let me, Zhao Guihua, start us off. As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, the entire Zhuang family wishes you all a Happy New Year in advance."


    "Happy New Year!"


    "What was it that Uncle Lan said at noon?"


    "Sesame blossoms, rising higher and higher!"


    "That¡¯s right! Sesame blossoms, rising higher and higher. Life will only get better!"


    "May everyone prosper, everyone¡­"


    "May we all strike it rich in the New Year!"

 Chapter 220

    Hello, 1997.


    Time flies, and as the 1980s pass, the 1990s come rushing in. Compared to the hardships of the 1970s and the reform and opening-up of the 1980s, the 1990s brought even more changes. Things like televisions and bicycles were no longer rare items; people''s standards of living had improved, with taxis replacing pedicabs, and dining out becoming more common. It was also a time when the once-prominent machinery factories had vanished.


    The once-glorious state-owned enterprises, which had been the envy of many, had now completely shut down, and their workers had been laid off. The machinery factories of the 1970s and 1980s were highly sought-after workplaces, offering good benefits and high efficiency. However, they couldn''t withstand the tides of change, and by the early 1990s, they began to decline. After struggling intermittently, they finally closed their doors in 1996. The once-thriving factory, which had employed tens of thousands, had come to an end.


    Although the machinery factory officially closed in 1996, its decline had begun in the early 1990s. Those with connections and resourcefulness had already started looking for new opportunities. Compared to the wave of layoffs in other enterprises across the capital, the machinery factory''s situation wasn''t the worst, but it certainly wasn''t the best either.


    Despite the lingering bitterness, life had to go on. A year wasn''t enough to heal the pain of being laid off, but people had grown accustomed to it. Fortunately, the neighborhood of Xinghua Li wasn''t hit too hard. While the loss of the factory, where many had devoted their entire lives, was deeply felt, it didn''t leave people destitute. This area, which was essentially the old residential quarters of the machinery factory, was full of hardworking people, thanks in part to Zhao Guihua and others. As early as the 1980s, the residents had started "hustling," and anyone who didn''t take on side jobs was labeled "lazy."


    In this environment, the people here were relatively well-off. The money earned in the 1980s had real purchasing power. People tend to follow the crowd, and with role models to emulate, the neighborhood thrived and prospered. Even though the layoffs were painful, they were still better off than many others.


    At this point, many were grateful they had saved money over the years and worked hard, or else they would have been left in the dark.


    Now, more than a year later, people had gradually adjusted to life after the layoffs.


    Just like ten or twenty years ago, the courtyard was bustling with noise early in the morning¡ªcoughing, the sound of water running, and parents scolding their children filled the air.


    The young people of the past had become middle-aged, and the young couples had settled down and started families.


    Thirteen years had passed, and the courtyard had seen many changes. Lan Sihai had passed away three years ago at the age of 93, which was considered a blessed age. According to his wishes, he left his house to his wife, Luo Xiaohe. Luo Xiaohe had lived a difficult life in her earlier years, but her later years were much easier. With Lan Sihai, she had truly found joy in life.


    Over the years, she had become close with Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang, and Aunt Zhou, forming a new group of "four aunties."


    After Lan Sihai''s passing, Luo Xiaohe''s nieces, nephews, and other relatives had offered to take her in, but she declined. She had grown accustomed to life in the courtyard. Though she was quiet and seemingly unremarkable, Luo Xiaohe was an integral part of the new "four aunties."


    She got along well with everyone and enjoyed her life there. She had no desire to move in with her younger relatives, knowing that distance often makes the heart grow fonder, and living together might lead to conflicts. She had her own place and savings, so why would she want to live with others? It might not turn out well.


    Now, Luo Xiaohe spent her days with Zhao Guihua, Aunt Wang, and Aunt Zhou. They danced in the square, strolled around looking for anything suspicious, and then returned to drink tea, eat snacks, and gossip. Life was good.


    While Luo Xiaohe stayed, others had moved away. One family, the Zhaos, who lived in the backyard, had quietly left. They had seen the factory''s decline and found a way out, transferring to another unit. Since it was too far from the courtyard and they had some savings, they bought an apartment and moved out. They sold their two rooms in the courtyard, and no one competed with Aunt Wang, who, along with Li the Cook, bought the rooms for their grandsons. The other room they had bought outside was now rented out, but the property had been given to Li Zhenzhen.


    In addition to the Zhao family, the Sui family had also moved away.


    The Sui family was large, but their children had done well for themselves. After getting married, they sold their rooms in the courtyard and moved their parents out, leaving even earlier than the Zhao family. The Sui family''s three rooms were sold to Wang Zizhen.


    Wang Zizhen had also moved from the neighboring courtyard, renting out her three rooms there. She had always been close with the residents of this courtyard, and everyone was used to her presence.


    Now, Zhao Guihua and the others were in their seventies, no longer hustling like they had in their younger days. The old ladies were in good spirits, with money in their pockets and a spring in their step.


    Over the past decade, the courtyard had seen many changes, but in some ways, it remained the same. The children had grown up, but a new generation had arrived, keeping the courtyard lively. Early in the morning, someone was already scolding a child, with Guan Hong shouting:


    "You''re just like a lazy donkey¡ªfull of excuses. Whether you like it or not, you''re going to kindergarten today. Crying won''t help."


    "Waaah, I don''t want to go to school! I don''t want to go to kindergarten!" The chubby little boy rolled on the ground, while his mother stood with her hands on her hips, saying, "If you keep rolling around, you won''t get any candy or meat for a while. You''ll only eat vegetables."


    "Waaah, I don''t want to eat vegetables! I''m not a rabbit, I don''t eat greens! I want meat..."


    "Then go to school! Don''t think you can get out of it!"


    "I don''t want to... Waaah, Daddy, save me..."


    Su Jinlai couldn''t help but whisper, "Maybe let him take the day off? It''s just kindergarten¡ªit''s not like he''s learning much. Look how upset he is..."


    The little boy immediately looked at his mother with pleading eyes.


    Guan Hong glared at the child and then turned to Su Jinlai, snapping, "Su Jinlai, are you trying to undermine me? Didn''t I tell you to stay out of it when I''m disciplining the child? Stop playing the nice guy. Where else is he supposed to go if not kindergarten? If he doesn''t learn anything now, how will he keep up in elementary school? Besides, it''s not his first day at kindergarten. You''re going to give in just because he''s crying? Are you even a man?"


    After this tirade, Su Jinlai quietly retreated into the house.


    Guan Hong stood firm, hands on her hips. "Get up! Don''t think your dad can save you. No one can help you now!"


    The little boy finally realized he had no choice but to go to school. Waaah!


    Poor kid, off to school he went.


    Mothers really need strong hearts. Guan Hong grabbed her son by the collar, lifting him like a little puppy, and marched off.


    The child cried and cried, but there was no escaping kindergarten.


    Yes, Guan Hong and Su Jinlai had gotten married. This had come as a surprise to many, but they had gone through a lot together. Although they had met back in 1982, they didn''t marry until 1992.


    Ten years had passed in between. Su Jinlai was good-looking and had a stable job, though there had been many rumors about him in the past. But as the saying goes, a reformed man is worth his weight in gold, and society tends to be forgiving of men. He had dated several women, but none of the relationships lasted long.


    Su Jinlai was a bit of an odd character. While he had some redeeming qualities, his personality wasn''t exactly charming. Every relationship started off well, but over time, things fell apart.


    On top of that, his mother, Wang Xiangxiu, didn''t seem easy to get along with, which scared off many potential partners.


    Su Jinlai had dated more than ten women, but he was always the one who got dumped in the end.


    The situation had gotten so intense that even the machinery factory started taking bets¡ªspeculating on when Su Jinlai would finally get married and how many times he would be dumped. Over this, Su Jinlai cried himself to sleep at night, biting his blanket in despair.


    Meanwhile, Guan Hong had truly taken a liking to Li Junjun. Both she and Zheng Huimin were interested in him, but Li Junjun had always harbored feelings for Xiao Yanzi since childhood. After all, some things are hard to change.


    However, during her third year of college, Xiao Yanzi started dating a classmate of hers.


    From that point on, Li Junjun somewhat gave up, but Guan Hong still didn''t succeed in winning him over. Even though Xiao Yanzi didn''t like Li Junjun, Li Junjun also didn''t have any feelings for Guan Hong. He wasn''t the type to be indecisive¡ªwhether it was Guan Hong or Zheng Huimin, he made it clear from the start that he wasn''t interested.


    If they needed help with something, he was willing to lend a hand, but he definitely didn''t have any romantic intentions.


    Xiao Yanzi was already in a relationship, and Li Junjun had moved on, but he still didn''t choose Guan Hong. Guan Hong, too, stopped being persistent. She had been introduced to several potential partners, but all the relationships fizzled out quickly.


    Society tends to be harsher on women than on men. Guan Hong was considered late in finding a partner, being in her late twenties, which many saw as too old. Most of the men introduced to her were, frankly, less than ideal¡ªfull of nonsense, yet demanding and controlling, even wanting to manage Guan Hong''s finances. Guan Hong, not one to tolerate such behavior, always stood her ground, and several of these matchmaking attempts ended in disaster.


    Of course, there were also men who actively pursued Guan Hong, some with decent looks and good conditions. But Guan Hong didn''t continue any of these relationships either. Having been in business for many years and surrounded by shrewd older women, even if she wasn''t close to them, she had picked up a thing or two. She knew that freeloaders were never in short supply, especially since everyone knew she had a fair amount of money. Some men would come sniffing around, drawn by the scent of wealth.


    It wasn''t just some men¡ªeven her own family was like this.


    For instance, Guan Hong''s parents once asked her to hand over her income so they could save it for her.


    Guan Hong refused. She wasn''t incapable of saving money herself¡ªwhy should it go through someone else''s hands?


    Her mother was somewhat better, but her father even asked to borrow money from her to buy a house for her brother. Guan Hong refused that too. Her brother wanted to buy a house worth 80,000 yuan and asked her for 80,000, while he himself only had 1,000 yuan in savings. Seriously, did they think she was a fool?


    Her younger brother also wanted to borrow 10,000 yuan to buy a job, but Guan Hong didn''t lend him the money either.


    She might have a bad temper, but she wasn''t stupid. Even Aunt Wang Zizhen had managed to find a way out of the mountains and carve a path for herself. Why should Guan Hong become a "brother-sustaining machine"?


    Because she refused to lend money to her brothers, her relationship with her family had deteriorated over the years.


    In the courtyard where she lived, many people''s lives had improved because they had money¡ªbetter living conditions, more harmony, and fewer conflicts. But for Guan Hong, it was the opposite. Her wealth had strained her relationship with her family.


    Back when she didn''t have much money, she worked a stable job and handed over half her salary to her family for living expenses, keeping the rest for herself. Her parents seemed fair at the time, and she was quite carefree. But after she became wealthy, things changed. Her parents expected her to contribute all her income to support the family.


    Both her older brother and younger brother hoped to get money from her, and her parents were no different.


    Ironically, their family bonds had become fragile because of money.


    Both Su Jinlai and Guan Hong had struggled with relationships and matchmaking, but neither of them was particularly troubled by it. After all, their personalities weren''t the type to dwell on such things.


    No matter what outsiders said or thought, they both acted as if nothing was wrong.


    Logically, they might not have ended up together, especially since they had already cleared the air years ago. But sometimes, fate is unpredictable. Guan Hong''s sister-in-law, upset about not being able to take advantage of Guan Hong, came to cause trouble. Su Jinlai happened to be there when it happened.


    Su Jinlai, a man with no manners whatsoever, didn''t care that the troublemaker was a woman. Guan Hong was part of their courtyard community, and they were all in the same boat. How could he let someone come and bully her? No way!


    The people in their courtyard didn''t take kindly to being taken advantage of.


    Su Jinlai stood up for Guan Hong, not only shutting down the troublemaker but also putting an end to the gossip. Guan Hong... well, she felt that old spark reignite.


    She had a bit of a "knight in shining armor" complex, and after a few more interactions, she found herself drawn to Su Jinlai again. She made the first move, and Su Jinlai, not exactly the most disciplined man, went along with it. In the end, they ended up together.


    Their relationship surprised many people, as they had been at odds for so long.


    But on second thought, it wasn''t that strange. After all, Guan Hong had been interested in Su Jinlai before, so it wasn''t entirely unexpected for her to fall for him again.


    Wang Xiangxiu was in her fifties now. By the time Zhao Guihua was her age, her eldest grandson was already seven or eight years old. But Wang Xiangxiu''s son still hadn''t married. Over the years, she had come to realize that her eldest son truly had a hard time settling down.


    So when Guan Hong expressed interest, Wang Xiangxiu was more than happy.


    Su Jinlai and Guan Hong got married on May 1st, 1992, and had a child around May the following year. Their chubby little boy was now four and a half, in kindergarten, and struggling with school.


    Every morning, his loud cries could be heard, like a punctual alarm clock.


    Now, Guan Hong was dragging her son to kindergarten. Although his grandmother felt sorry for him, she didn''t stop them. After all, going to school was a good thing¡ªshe understood that. Her own three sons had caused so much trouble when they were young.


    It just goes to show that children need to be educated from a young age.


    Speaking of which, Wang Xiangxiu''s three sons were all doing quite well now. The eldest couple had both been employed, but at the end of 1993, when one of them had to be laid off, Guan Hong volunteered to leave, receiving a severance package. She then focused entirely on her business.


    She used the money to open a clothing store, and with the two stalls she already had in the mall, she was earning much more than she ever did at her job. When the machinery factory went bankrupt, Su Jinlai lost his job, but he wasn''t worried. Unlike others who panicked about being laid off, he wasn''t fazed.


    This was largely because his wife was the breadwinner. Many people whispered behind his back about Su Jinlai being a freeloader, but he took pride in it. He believed those gossiping were just jealous. After all, who wouldn''t want to live the easy life if they could? S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Only those who had to work hard knew how tough it was.


    Guan Hong didn''t dare let Su Jinlai get involved in her business. He wasn''t cut out for it¡ªhis past failures were still fresh in her mind, even after more than a decade. Back then, it was rare to lose money in business, but Su Jinlai had managed to do just that.


    So Guan Hong kept him out of her business but didn''t let him stay idle at home either. She set him up with a small bookstore selling books and audio-visual products. The shop wasn''t big, but because it was near a university, business was decent. The store was manageable for one person, and the income was higher than what Su Jinlai had earned at his old job. Even though it was summer break and the student crowd had thinned, the monthly income was still better than before.


    Su Jinlai went to the shop every day, happily calling himself "Boss Su."


    Wang Xiangxiu couldn''t help but chuckle and shake her head as she watched him head off to work.


    Her three sons were all doing well in their careers, but their love lives hadn''t been as smooth. Su Jinlai had married in his thirties, and so had Su Yinlai. Su Yinlai had started selling goods early on and had accumulated some wealth. He had bought a few shops and even started a small clothing factory, which was doing quite well. He had taken a leave of absence from his job long ago.


    Thanks to Su Tonglai''s connections, his clothing factory also got contracts for making costumes for film and TV productions, so business was really good.


    Su Yinlai had married in the same year as Su Jinlai, but he had been in a relationship for many years before that. His wife was Su Tonglai''s classmate, who had stayed on as a teacher after graduating. They had met during a gathering at their house, and she had pursued him for years before they finally got married.


    If we were to talk about it, their courtyard really has quite a few people who are teachers. Ming Mei teaches at the police academy, and although Su Yinlai didn¡¯t even finish elementary school, his wife is a teacher at the film academy.


    Similarly, Hutou also stayed at his university to become a teacher after graduating. He¡¯s a colleague of Su Yinlai¡¯s wife. Besides them, Xiao Yanzi and her husband also became teachers at a prestigious high school. It¡¯s clear that their courtyard can truly be called a scholarly community.


    Su Yinlai and his wife have a little girl, who is two years old this year and hasn¡¯t started kindergarten yet.


    The little chubby kid doesn¡¯t want to go to kindergarten because he wants to stay home and play with his little sister.


    If we¡¯re talking about who¡¯s the most successful in their family, it¡¯s Su Tonglai. In the 1980s, the value of a university degree was still very high, and the same was true for the film academy. Su Tonglai is now a household name. Unlike his two older brothers, he didn¡¯t marry late. He got married the year after he graduated, but the marriage only lasted a year before they divorced. His ex-wife went abroad to pursue her dreams, and they parted amicably. They have a son who is now in elementary school and lives with them. Wang Xiangxiu takes care of the child, and when Su Tonglai is filming locally, he comes home almost every day. The father and son have a very good relationship.


    Su Tonglai doesn¡¯t mess around, but over the years, he¡¯s had a steady stream of girlfriends. According to Zhao Guihua, it¡¯s not surprising given the environment he¡¯s in. As long as he¡¯s not juggling multiple relationships or being unfaithful, dating and breaking up is considered normal.


    The Su family is doing well these days. Wang Xiangxiu has her own shop. Unlike Zhao Guihua and others who are in their seventies, she¡¯s only in her fifties and still very capable. Plus, her work doesn¡¯t expose her to the elements.


    Although they all live in a courtyard house, each family has some ¡°assets¡± outside.


    They¡¯ve got plenty of property.


    Of course, this is largely thanks to Zhao Guihua. She¡¯s set an example for everyone. She¡¯s the type who buys property whenever she has money. In fact, Zhao Guihua herself knows that the 1980s and 1990s were big opportunities, with many industries that were just as lucrative as real estate.


    Although housing prices in the capital have been steadily rising, they really took off after the millennium, especially in the early 2000s, when the increase was staggering. Even now, prices are still rising, and it¡¯s no exaggeration.


    Some industries are actually just as good as buying property.


    But at their age, it¡¯s better to play it safe.


    Zhao Guihua is all about stability, buying property left and right. And in fact, having the experience of a past life gives her an edge over ordinary people. Most of the properties Zhao Guihua chose were near Zheng Huimin¡¯s old house. That area turned out to be a goldmine, with rumors of redevelopment starting as early as 1988. The following year, the area was officially redeveloped. Zhao Guihua had thirteen properties there. Instead of taking compensation, she added money and exchanged all of them for more properties.


    Because she owned so many properties, the developers approached her first. After some back-and-forth, Zhao Guihua added more money and, without hesitation, took an entire building. She chose a building in the front row of the development, ten stories high with four units per floor.


    That¡¯s forty properties in total.


    Zhao Guihua is now a bona fide landlady. The rent from these forty properties alone is enough to keep her and Old Man Zhuang living comfortably. Seeing how Zhao Guihua benefited so much from the redevelopment, everyone else became even more eager to buy property. If you didn¡¯t have at least one or two extra properties, you¡¯d feel uneasy.


    That year of redevelopment, others also reaped benefits. After all, everyone followed Zhao Guihua¡¯s lead and bought properties in that area. While they didn¡¯t end up with forty properties like Zhao Guihua, they still made gains.


    Quietly getting rich!


    The first time, they followed Zhao Guihua into street vending and made money. The second time, they followed her in buying property in that area and made money again from the redevelopment. Just these two instances were enough to make everyone eager to follow her lead.


    People naturally tend to follow the crowd, especially after seeing Zhao Guihua¡¯s capabilities. In this area, Zhao Guihua has a strong influence. She¡¯s truly an impressive old lady. Zhao Guihua also bought a few commercial properties, and everyone followed suit.


    It¡¯s not about being smart; it¡¯s about having someone shrewd to learn from.


    Following someone like Zhao Guihua, how could you not get rich?


    Even Aunt Wang, Aunt Zhou, and Luo Xiaohe each have a property they rent out. The rent is enough to support their lives. Although they don¡¯t have pensions, their lives are no worse than those who do.


    Sometimes, you really can¡¯t ignore the importance of self-care. In his past life, Old Man Zhuang worked diligently and was extremely frugal, never spending on himself, which took a toll on his health. But since Zhao Guihua¡¯s rebirth, they¡¯ve been living more comfortably, not skimping on food, clothing, or comfort. As a result, Old Man Zhuang is in great shape. Although he¡¯s in his seventies and has some minor health issues, he¡¯s still doing well.


    If it were his past life, the grass on his grave would already be tall.


    But in this life, he and Zhao Guihua are doing great. In the evenings, they even take walks together. The old lady dances in the courtyard, and Old Man Zhuang is always there to provide the music. He learned a lot from Lan Sihai after retiring. He and Li the Cook often hang out with the old ladies, and sometimes they even go on trips together. They¡¯re quite the trendsetters.


    Li the Cook has now fully retired.


    How could he not? He¡¯s getting on in years.


    The elderly in the courtyard are the happiest. Every now and then, they sign up for senior group tours and travel together. Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang, Li the Cook and Aunt Wang, Aunt Zhou, and Luo Xiaohe¡ªsix of them often travel together.


    The younger generation is as busy as dogs, and their lives can¡¯t compare to the elderly¡¯s.


    Life ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????is good!


    The Zhuang family is doing the best in the courtyard, thanks to Zhao Guihua¡¯s leadership. But they¡¯ve also worked hard themselves. Zhuang Zhiyuan is still working in the railway department, though he¡¯s no longer on the trains. He¡¯s now a department head. Liang Meifen, on the other hand, lost her job and, with the help of their son Hutou, became a dorm supervisor at his school.


    Although her income can¡¯t compare to many of the women in the courtyard, Liang Meifen is quite content these days. Unlike others who are always striving for more, she and her husband are more laid-back. They¡¯re happy with their lives and don¡¯t feel the need to constantly compare themselves to others. It¡¯s too exhausting.


    In her twenties and thirties, she couldn¡¯t see past the need to be the best. But now that she¡¯s almost fifty, she¡¯s become much more open-minded.


    Besides, the elderly in the family support them quite a bit, so they¡¯re satisfied.


    Liang Meifen is now working as a dorm supervisor in the girls¡¯ dormitory at the film academy, and she¡¯s thriving.


    Oh, the gossip there is no less than what they had in the courtyard back in the day. She¡¯s sharp-eyed and sees everything clearly. Liang Meifen is always energetic at work. It¡¯s pure joy.


    Every day, there¡¯s new gossip from the entertainment industry.


    She comes home every day eager to hold a family meeting and share the latest gossip.


    After all, she doesn¡¯t have much else to do. Their family life is really relaxed and carefree.


    Hutou and Xiao Yanzi are both married now.


    Hutou married his classmate, and Xiao Yanzi did the same.


    If we¡¯re talking about it, Xiao Yanzi is the only one in the courtyard who followed the same path as her past life, marrying the same person. Everyone else¡¯s lives have changed completely. Hutou started dating his classmate during university, and they¡¯re doing well. He married early, right after graduating. His child is the oldest in the courtyard, now ten years old and in elementary school.


    Even though Hutou was allocated a house after starting work, he still prefers to live in the courtyard, and his wife doesn¡¯t mind. Although Hutou is easygoing and not competitive, whether in this life or his past one, he¡¯s always been the decision-maker at home.


    His wife doesn¡¯t fuss over these things.


    It must be said that in the eyes of the older generation, Zhuang Zhiyuan and Liang Meifen had the easiest life. They lived comfortably, and their children were stable. Everyone knew that doing business could make money, but having a secure job was also good. The whole family worked as teachers, earning respect from others.


    Moreover, their two children didn¡¯t need to be pressured into marriage. They both married their classmates right after graduation. Others weren¡¯t so lucky; the elders always considered marriage a big deal, but in the compound, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were the most fortunate in this regard.


    The situation in the Su family was another story, and even Aunt Wang¡¯s family didn¡¯t have it as smooth.


    Li Junjun, of course, was no exception. He had a crush on Xiao Yanzi for years, and everyone knew about it except Xiao Yanzi herself. In the end, he never even confessed. Years passed, and by the time he was almost thirty, he finally ended up with Zheng Huimin after much back and forth.


    Yes, Zheng Huimin.


    This was as surprising as Guan Hong and Su Jinlai getting together, but upon closer thought, it made sense. Zheng Huimin had pursued Li Junjun for years¡ªnot in an overly clingy way, but she never hid her feelings either.


    Li Junjun didn¡¯t get together with Zheng Huimin right after Xiao Yanzi got married. There was a gap of two or three years, but eventually, when Zheng Huimin decided to leave, Li Junjun finally realized his feelings. Over the years, they had developed a genuine connection.


    Li Junjun and Zheng Huimin eventually found their way to each other. Both had stable jobs, and Zheng Huimin also ran a small business. The couple lived a comfortable life. Since most of their peers married late, their children grew up together as playmates.


    In their compound, the kids grew up in batches, always playing together.


    Li Weiwei started by selling soy milk and fried dough sticks from a street stall, and now he owned three restaurants. He married even later than his older brother. His wife was the youngest daughter of the fat butcher from the backstreet. When they were kids, there was a kidnapping scare in their neighborhood, and the culprit was caught on the spot.


    A little chubby kid was also caught in the commotion, and his father went on a rampage to protect him¡ªthat was their family.


    The girl was about four or five years younger than Li Weiwei, but they were a good match.


    One was the son of a cook, and the other was the daughter of a butcher¡ªwhat could be more fitting? They always had plenty to talk about.


    As someone who knew the past life well, Zhao Guihua truly believed that the younger generation¡¯s marriages were happier in this lifetime. Perhaps it was because they all married for love, having gone through many experiences together, which gave them a stronger emotional foundation.


    In the past life, many people married through arranged matches, where conditions were laid out on the table, and compatibility was judged solely on paper. Without spending time together, how could anyone truly know each other¡¯s personalities?


    This often led to unhappiness or misjudgments.


    But when people actually spent time together, it was different. There was a real emotional foundation.


    The children of this generation had all married, while the younger ones hadn¡¯t yet. After all, it was 1997, and even Hong Kong had returned to China. It wasn¡¯t like the old days when people married in their early twenties. Nowadays, marrying a bit later was quite normal.


    Besides, young people were busy building their careers.


    Compared to the stability of the eldest Zhuang family, Zhuang Zhixi was much more flexible. No one expected him to quit his job and venture into business as early as 1988. Over the years, he had bought quite a few properties, including one near the train station during the demolition period.


    However, Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t put all his eggs in the real estate basket like his mother. He opened a car dealership, initially selling bicycles and motorcycles in the early years. By the 1990s, he shifted to mainly dealing with cars, though he still handled bicycles and motorcycles, which were now a separate business. He started early and had a sharp mind, making him the largest car dealer in the city.


    He not only ran the dealership but also owned a repair shop. No one expected him to go into this line of work, but he did.


    It wasn¡¯t a coincidence; Zhuang Zhixi had thought it through carefully. And it turned out to be a great decision.


    Even his mother, Zhao Guihua, didn¡¯t know exactly how much money Zhuang Zhixi had. He was shrewd and knew better than to flaunt his wealth. Zhao Guihua never asked, and he never volunteered the information. In the compound, no matter how rich someone was, they were still just someone¡¯s son, especially since the parents were still in charge.


    But he didn¡¯t mind. After all, the compound also had grandchildren now!


    Real grandchildren.


    Currently, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were not in the country. Both had gone abroad for university and were now pursuing postgraduate studies. They were set to graduate this year but hadn¡¯t returned yet, as they needed to say goodbye to their classmates, teachers, and friends, and tie up loose ends after many years abroad.


    The 1990s were a time of studying abroad fever, but the twins¡¯ decision wasn¡¯t just following the trend. They had thought it through carefully and believed it was the best path for them. While studying abroad, they had achieved quite a bit. Tuantuan¡ªnow known as Zhuang Xing¡ªhad gained quite a reputation among international students at prestigious universities. He co-founded a website, which he considered more of a practice project than a real business, but it still earned him recognition.


    His sister, Zhuang Chen, was no less impressive. She studied finance and excelled academically. Even before graduating, she had received offers from Wall Street. Both siblings were highly capable.


    Many of the foreign car brands Zhuang Zhixi now represented were negotiated by the twins abroad. Not only did this broaden their horizons and skills, but it also helped the family business.


    Some people even thought their names should be switched¡ªZhuang Chen for the brother and Zhuang Xing for the sister¡ªas it might sound better. But as twins, ¡°Xing Chen¡± (stars) still sounded lovely.


    Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were capable children, and both Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei were incredibly proud of them. Ming Mei still worked as a university teacher, and every new class of students had to endure her ¡°lectures.¡±


    This was the downside of judging people by appearances.


    Although Tuantuan and Yuanyuan studied abroad, they weren¡¯t the only ones. Ye Siyuan also went abroad to study the same major as Tuantuan, and the three of them looked out for each other.


    The rest of their group of friends didn¡¯t go abroad, but even though they were separated, they would return every year during holidays. Having grown up together, their bond remained as strong as ever.


    All the kids in this generation did well in school.


    It wasn¡¯t just them, though. In the Xinghua neighborhood, especially among their age group, there were very few who didn¡¯t excel academically. This was largely due to the ¡°good deeds¡± of Su Jinlai and his two brothers.


    Because of them, parents became stricter with their own children, ensuring they all studied hard.


    Xiao Qijin and Bai Qingqing attended Tsinghua University, while Li Zhenzhen surprised everyone by choosing to study medicine. She had always been a bold child.


    Her father was a cook who wielded a knife, and now she wielded a scalpel.


    She was still studying and hadn¡¯t graduated yet.


    Now, Li the Cook often boasted about his granddaughter, as she was the most accomplished of his grandchildren.


    Although Li Weiwei was the wealthiest among his siblings, the old man believed that having enough money was sufficient. The elderly couple wasn¡¯t poor themselves, but they took greater pride in their academically successful grandchild. To them, Li Zhenzhen had brought honor to the Li family.


    In ancient times, it would have been like her passing the imperial exams!


    Li the Cook was most proud of Li Zhenzhen.


    Bai Qingqing didn¡¯t pursue postgraduate studies after graduating. Instead, she started a business with her boyfriend¡ªyes, her boyfriend. Bai Qingqing and Qijin had been dating since high school, and Tuantuan, Yuanyuan, Li Zhenzhen, and the other kids had covered for them, keeping their relationship hidden from their parents.


    Even someone as sharp as Zhuang Zhixi didn¡¯t notice.


    Not even Zhao Guihua, the reincarnated old lady, saw through it.


    These kids were truly clever.


    The younger generation was indeed surpassing the older one!


    It wasn¡¯t until after they started university that the two of them were discovered¡ªnot right after starting university, but in their third year, when He Lan accidentally found out. He Lan was really¡­ well, as expected.


    They ended up together, having grown up as childhood sweethearts. It wasn¡¯t surprising, really, since the two kids had always been close. However, Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun had dueled over it a hundred and eight times. Both of them felt their own child was getting the short end of the stick.


    Every time they met, it was like two roosters squaring off.


    But they were good to the kids¡ªit was just that they couldn¡¯t stand the unlucky in-laws.


    ¡°That eunuch!¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡±


    Both sides thought the same about each other!


    Meanwhile, Jiang Lu and He Lan remained calm. Only fools would bother with these foolish men.


    They were all workers at the machinery factory. When the layoffs came, they were lucky that each family had their own businesses, so their lives weren¡¯t affected much. Of course, there was sadness and a sense of loss. After all, it was a place they had worked at for decades. They were used to that environment, where everything followed a set routine. The sudden change hit everyone hard¡ªeven Jiang Lu, Zhou Qun, and Bai Fendou fell ill for a while.


    But after recovering, seeing how some of their former coworkers were struggling, they couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful that they had started their businesses early. Otherwise, not only would they be emotionally distressed, but their lives would have been much harder.


    They were all deeply affected, and so was Da Qiang, who had also worked for decades. Thankfully, Wang Zizhen comforted him, and he gradually recovered. Helping out at his wife¡¯s shop kept him busy, and over time, he stopped dwelling on the sadness.


    The layoffs were part of the era¡¯s great wave, but they still left people feeling deeply unsettled.


    Fortunately, they had prepared early. Otherwise, life would have been incredibly difficult. Looking back, who wouldn¡¯t be grateful for Zhao Guihua and the others in the courtyard who started setting up stalls back then? At the time, many people gossiped behind their backs, but they couldn¡¯t help but join in, competing fiercely.


    But it had truly paid off. The hard work back then had laid a solid foundation for today.


    Otherwise, how would they have gotten by?


    Zhao Guihua could feel it¡ªlately, everyone had been treating her with extra respect.


    But Zhao Guihua just smiled to herself, thinking, ¡°This is just the beginning!¡±


    Sometime this year, their courtyard was going to be demolished!


    Finally, they would understand the benefits of owning multiple properties.


    This kind of windfall wasn¡¯t common.


    It was like a pie falling from the sky!


    When the time came, they would realize that this old lady wasn¡¯t just any ordinary person.


    Although her rebirth hadn¡¯t led to earth-shattering changes, she had used her ¡°rebirth¡± advantage to live a comfortable life and even helped everyone become prosperous.


    Just wait and see!


    Zhao Guihua felt like she knew far too much. She strolled around the courtyard with her hands behind her back, smiling faintly, though she couldn¡¯t quite remember the exact date.


    As if her thoughts had summoned it, while she was walking, she heard the sound of a bicycle clattering, its pedals practically sparking. Rushing in was Bai Fendou. Even at nearly fifty, this guy was still as impulsive as ever.


    In his youth, he was an impulsive teenager; later, an impulsive young man; and now, an impulsive middle-aged man.


    Bai Fendou threw his bike aside and shouted, ¡°Aunt Zhao, have you heard? Our place is going to be demolished!!!¡±


    He was beyond excited: ¡°We¡¯re going to be demolished!!!¡±


    They were going to strike it rich!

 Chapter 221

    The scorching summer evening was still and windless, with cicadas chirping incessantly. It was a night like any other, utterly ordinary, no different from the countless nights before. Yet, this night was also unlike any other. Everyone who could return had returned, and the entire courtyard was gathered together, their faces flushed with excitement. If you looked closely, you could see just how thrilled they were¡ªand who wouldn¡¯t be? This was a monumental occasion.


    They sat there, glancing at one another, until Zhao Guihua cleared her throat and broke the silence, ¡°Why is everyone so quiet?¡±


    Her words instantly heightened the excitement. Aunt Zhou chimed in, ¡°Is the news about the demolition real? Could it just be a rumor?¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, Aunt Zhou, don¡¯t you trust my sources? An old customer of mine is involved in this. He said it¡¯s almost certain¡ªeven the household registrations have been frozen. You can¡¯t transfer your hukou now even if you wanted to.¡±


    Zhou Qun nodded in agreement, ¡°I heard the same. I even went to the neighborhood office to ask, and they said the same thing¡ªno transfers allowed. Think about it, this is definitely happening.¡±


    ¡°Then it must be true. This is incredible news!¡± Aunt Wang began calculating. She owned several properties in the area¡ªsix houses in total!


    She had three houses herself, plus one each for her two grandsons, and Li Zhenzhen had another one on the backstreet. This was a windfall! She was practically floating with joy. The others weren¡¯t doing too badly either. Zhao Guihua, not counting her children¡¯s properties, owned one house in the courtyard and several others nearby. She had built up quite a fortune over the years, having been in business for over a decade during its heyday.


    She was one of the earliest street vendors in the capital. Even now, if you go to Xidan, many people still recognize her.


    What¡¯s that?


    Prestige!


    After years of business, she had saved up quite a bit. Bank interest rates were meager, and at her age, she wasn¡¯t interested in luxury goods. Instead, she invested in property. ¡°Everyone says apartments are better, but look at us¡ªwe¡¯re doing just fine,¡± she said proudly.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± someone agreed. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Aunt Zhao! Aunt Zhao¡­ Oh, you¡¯re all here.¡± Little Sister Yu hurried over and asked eagerly, ¡°Aunt Zhao, I heard our area might be up for demolition. I came to ask you about it.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°That¡¯s right. We were just talking about it. Grab a seat.¡±


    ¡°Alright, thanks.¡±


    Little Sister Yu found a spot and sat down, listening intently. She knew this courtyard was always well-informed. Zhou Qun added, ¡°I heard that last year, when the shantytown near the textile factory was demolished, they compensated based on property deeds¡ªone square meter for two.¡±


    ¡°Wow, so my 65 square meters would become 130? That¡¯s not bad at all!¡± Bai Fendou calculated, clearly pleased.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act all innocent, Bai Fendou. Everyone knows you¡¯ve got two other properties nearby.¡±


    Bai Fendou smirked, ¡°Well, that¡¯s true. But you can never have too much money. I¡¯ve got to save something for my daughter, after all.¡±


    ¡°Look at you, so smug. As if no one else has properties.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I remember back in ¡¯88, when Zhao Guihua¡¯s area was demolished, they offered 2.5 times the area. Why is it less now?¡±


    ¡°Auntie, these things are negotiable. This isn¡¯t the final offer. We¡¯ll have to discuss it, and we¡¯ll need to stand united,¡± Zhou Qun said, suddenly sounding quite shrewd.


    Li Junjun added, ¡°Our courtyard owns quite a few properties in this area. We¡¯ve got a significant stake. We¡¯ll need to act as one.¡±


    Zhao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Guihua agreed, ¡°Absolutely. If it¡¯s for public facilities, we¡¯ll take whatever they offer, as long as we¡¯re not shortchanged. But this is being sold to some foreign investor. Why shouldn¡¯t we take advantage?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Who would turn down more money?¡±


    ¡°Aunt Zhao, what do you think we should do?¡±


    This was a matter for Zhao Guihua to decide.


    These days, there wasn¡¯t much talk of courtyard management, but everyone still turned to Zhao Guihua for advice. She was a sharp one¡ªwhile the younger generation was still figuring out the internet, she had already ventured into cyber cafes.


    She was said to have visited the first internet caf¨¦ in the country¡ªa one-of-a-kind place charging five yuan an hour. She spent two hours there, leaving the youngsters in awe of her tech-savviness.


    This was a modern-day granny, ahead of her time. Naturally, everyone valued her opinion. Li Weiwei asked, ¡°Grandma Zhao, do you think it¡¯s better to take money or property? With such a large area being bought by this Hong Kong investor, what if we ask for too much and they refuse to negotiate?¡±


    Zhao Guihua chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. They¡¯re the ones who need to negotiate with us, not the other way around. If their offer isn¡¯t good enough, we don¡¯t have to move. Do you think they¡¯d dare to force us out in the capital? Besides, we¡¯re not being unreasonable¡ªwe¡¯re just looking out for our own interests. If they¡¯re not happy, they can¡¯t just kick us out. We¡¯ll stay put, and who knows? In a few years, someone else might come along with a better offer. Back in ¡¯88, how much was a square meter worth? Look how much it¡¯s gone up since then.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    Zhao Guihua knew the Hong Kong investor who had bought the land planned to develop it into a residential area. But they dragged their feet for over five years before barely starting construction. What should have taken two years stretched into nine. Talk about dragging things out!


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°This demolition process is going to take years. I¡¯m not planning to take property this time. I¡¯ll push for a fair compensation and take the money. Why wait for them to rebuild when I can buy a new place elsewhere?¡±


    ¡°Huh? You¡¯re not taking property this time?¡±


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, ¡°If it¡¯s demolition, I¡¯m not taking property. I¡¯ll fight for the best compensation and buy a new place. Why stretch things out with them when I can get something solid?¡±


    ¡°Aunt Zhao, whatever you decide, we¡¯ll follow. We¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, we¡¯ll follow your lead.¡±


    Aunt Zhou even went so far as to grab Zhao Guihua¡¯s arm, saying, ¡°Old Zhao, we¡¯ve been friends for over fifty years. That¡¯s half a lifetime! If we were married, we¡¯d be celebrating our golden anniversary. You can¡¯t leave me behind. Wherever you go, I¡¯m going too.¡±


    The younger generation cringed at the sight, unable to handle such a display.


    Aunt Wang pulled Aunt Zhou away, saying, ¡°She¡¯s my old friend, not yours. I¡¯m sticking with you.¡±


    She looked firmly at Zhao Guihua and said, ¡°Guihua, we¡¯re family.¡±


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you all?¡±


    She added, ¡°When the time comes, we¡¯ll discuss everything together. I¡¯m just an old lady¡ªI might not always see things clearly.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Zhao, we trust you. If you can¡¯t see things clearly, then we¡¯re even worse off. Look at how much we¡¯ve all benefited from following your advice on buying property.¡±


    Zhao Guihua waved this off, ¡°You earned your money yourselves. Don¡¯t credit me. Everyone knew I was buying property back when I was running my stall. But not everyone followed suit. You made your own decisions, so thank yourselves, not me.¡±


    She glanced at Su Jinlai, who protested, ¡°I didn¡¯t lose money! That¡¯s ancient history. My business is doing great now. Don¡¯t judge me by the past.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about you. Even those who made money didn¡¯t necessarily buy property. So don¡¯t say it¡¯s all because of me. Everyone makes their own decisions. Be grateful to yourselves, not others.¡±


    ¡°Auntie Zhao, you¡¯re being too modest.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, if it weren¡¯t for you buying a house, I wouldn¡¯t have bought one either.¡±


    When it came to buying houses, everyone really hadn¡¯t paid much attention at first, until¡­ Zhao Guihua¡¯s property was demolished. Demolition! With housing prices these days, just thinking about it and then looking at Zhao Guihua, this old lady is ridiculously wealthy now.


    It¡¯s not too late to learn from her, and now, she¡¯s reaping the benefits.


    Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said, ¡°Alright, everyone, stop flattering my mom. Can¡¯t you see she¡¯s about to float away with all this praise?¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot back, ¡°Mind your own business.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t today¡¯s topic supposed to be about the demolition?¡±


    ¡°Right, right, it¡¯s about the demolition.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, we need to stick together on this.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Aunt Zhou chimed in, ¡°All I¡¯m saying is, wherever you live, I¡¯ll live too.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Oh my, you¡¯re such a nag. I¡¯m richer than you. You probably couldn¡¯t afford to live where I do.¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop boasting. You¡¯d love to live in a big, standalone courtyard, but wouldn¡¯t you find it too lonely? Think about it, it¡¯d be so dull. If we¡¯re together, we can even play mahjong.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, we¡¯ve got to keep the mahjong games going.¡±


    And just like that, the topic drifted again.


    They started chattering about everything from the five-cent mahjong games to whether Zhao Zhongxiang would appear on this year¡¯s Spring Festival Gala. Aunt Zhou said, ¡°My current idol is Uncle Zhao Benshan. I just love his style, that face of his, ha!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a big fan of Andy Lau. That guy is so handsome.¡±


    The younger folks just sat there in silence.


    ¡°Wife?¡± Yang Shulin came over looking for his wife, and Little Sister Yu waved him over, saying, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Yang Shulin quickly sat down and joined the conversation.


    Little Sister Yu had saved up money from running a street stall and had bought a house on the same street. It wasn¡¯t in the same compound as her parents¡¯ place, but it wasn¡¯t far either. They had been in business for many years and could have easily bought an apartment, but they chose to stay nearby to take care of the elderly.


    It¡¯s hard to say sometimes. Back then, Old Yu and his wife had favored their son and neglected their daughter, but in their old age, it was their daughter and son-in-law who took care of them. The old couple had passed away two years ago, in their eighties, which is a decent age.


    But no matter who you ask, everyone agrees that Little Sister Yu and her husband were right to take care of them. After all, if it weren¡¯t for the old couple selling their house, their son Erlin wouldn¡¯t have grown up so well. Now he¡¯s a capable young man, studying medicine, just like Li Zhenzhen, who was his senior.


    Perhaps because of his childhood experiences, he has a natural reverence for the medical profession.


    After the old couple passed away, they left their house to their daughter in their will. Now, Little Sister Yu¡¯s family is doing well. They had already bought a house and settled down long ago. Ever since she found out how her in-laws treated her daughter, she had never taken her children back to her husband¡¯s family home.


    Her husband, Yang Shulin, did go back once to handle some family matters and transfer the household registration before leaving for good.


    Perhaps because of the contrast between his in-laws and his own parents, he was truly disappointed in his parents. He would still send them the required support money, following the standard practice in their village, but he didn¡¯t send it directly to them. Instead, he sent it to the village office, and the village distributed it.


    He trusted the village chief¡¯s integrity but not his parents¡¯. Later, when the village chief¡¯s granddaughter got into a university in the capital, Yang Shulin and Little Sister Yu would sometimes look out for the girl. The village chief had helped their family a lot back in the day.


    Xing''er also remembered Sister Xiaozao. It was Sister Xiaozao¡¯s great-grandmother who would secretly save food for her when she had nothing to eat. Xing''er never forgot that.


    Over the years, Yang Shulin¡¯s family never really knew how they were living in the capital. They didn¡¯t think the family had gotten rich, especially since Erlin had been sickly as a child and needed constant medication. Back in the village, they had been the poorest family.


    Now that they were in the capital, the villagers assumed that Little Sister Yu¡¯s parents had sold their house to pay for Erlin¡¯s treatment. They didn¡¯t know if he had recovered, but they figured that someone who needed constant medication couldn¡¯t be living well.


    The old couple had stayed in the village with their eldest son, who turned out to be unfilial. When they were young, the son and his wife had fawned over the old couple, hoping for their support. But once the old couple grew too old to work, they were no longer welcome. Even though life in the village was improving, the old couple¡¯s lives had gotten worse. They didn¡¯t last many years before passing away. Little Sister Yu didn¡¯t even attend their funeral.


    She didn¡¯t let her children go back either. Back then, they had entrusted Xing''er to her in-laws, but they had abused her, not feeding her properly and even intentionally scarring her face. If Xing''er hadn¡¯t run away, Little Sister Yu couldn¡¯t bear to think if her daughter would still be alive.


    She couldn¡¯t imagine her daughter traveling alone all the way to the capital. What if she had encountered bad people along the way?


    She could endure anything herself, but harming her children was an unforgivable act.


    As for Erlin, he had been born with a chronic illness, so his grandparents had never paid much attention to him or cared for him.


    Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Yang, once famously said, ¡°He¡¯s going to die anyway, why waste any affection on him?¡±


    So Little Sister Yu never let her children go back. They had no affection for her children, and she wouldn¡¯t let her children waste even a shred of emotion on ¡°people who don¡¯t matter.¡±


    Little Sister Yu was the head of the household. Yang Shulin had occasionally thought about taking the children back, but remembering how his parents had treated his wife and children, he sighed and gave up on the idea. After his parents passed away, he truly had no ties left to his hometown.


    As for his older brother?


    Yang Shulin couldn¡¯t even stand to look at him. He remembered the first time he went back to handle the household registration. His niece had come up to him and asked, ¡°Uncle, is Xing''er going to school now? Has her face healed?¡±


    The malice in her tone made him slap her right across the face.


    His brother, sister-in-law, and nephew tried to fight him, but Yang Shulin held his own against the four of them. He didn¡¯t come out on top, but he didn¡¯t lose either.


    Cowards.


    Since then, he and his wife had stayed in the capital. Over the years, they had worked hard. They weren¡¯t rich, but they were comfortably middle-class. Their children were both university students, while that wretched niece of his was still in the village, squabbling over trivial matters and gossiping about everyone.


    Now, their house was about to be demolished, and life was only getting better.


    Yang Shulin took his wife¡¯s hand, both of them filled with excitement. Little Sister Yu whispered to him, ¡°Wherever everyone buys a house, we¡¯ll buy one there too. It¡¯s more fun to stay with our old neighbors.¡±


    Yang Shulin agreed, ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    He had heard that some people lived in the same building but didn¡¯t even know their neighbors. He found that hard to imagine. A lively, close-knit community was much better. As the two of them whispered, the conversation finally circled back from the Spring Festival Gala to the original topic.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, ¡°I have a friend who¡¯s a real estate developer. They¡¯ve developed a neighborhood nearby called Xinghua Li Community. It¡¯s not too far from here. They haven¡¯t started selling yet, but if you¡¯re interested, I can arrange for you to take a look and maybe even get you a discount.¡±


    Nowadays, besides the flashy, auspicious names, many neighborhoods were named after the streets or communities they were in. Their area was called Xinghua Li because of a lane that ran through it, and the entire area was known as Xinghua Li Lane.


    The new neighborhood was a bit further away but still within Xinghua Li Lane, so it was named Xinghua Li Community.


    Zhuang Zhixi added, ¡°Since you¡¯re planning to take the money instead of relocating, you might as well consider that area. I think it¡¯s quite nice. It¡¯s next to a park, and the landscaping in the community is well done. It¡¯s a six-story building with an elevator. You don¡¯t see many of those these days; everyone¡¯s building skyscrapers.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that sounds great. I don¡¯t like those tall buildings; they make me dizzy just looking at them.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Uncle Zhuang, why didn¡¯t they build a high-rise? Everyone¡¯s building tall buildings these days. It¡¯s rare to see something like this.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi: "They''re near the park, but the zoning regulations don¡¯t allow taller buildings, so they can only build up to six floors, with two units per floor and private elevators for each unit. It¡¯s really nice. It might not be the best for investment, but it¡¯s great for living."


    "What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s go check it out."


    "Yeah, we should go take a look too."


    The group quickly got excited again.


    Zhao Guihua: "Third Son, call your sister and let Dabao and Erbao know too."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, I got it."


    Although his sister still lived on the island, she also owned a place in this compound. Not only did he have a place, but even Dabao and Erbao did too. When the two boys came to Si Jiu City to attend military school, their household registration was transferred to the school. When they graduated and needed to transfer it out, Zhao Guihua gave each of them a house, allowing them to settle their household registration smoothly.


    Zhao Guihua believed that while household registration might not seem important, it could be crucial at critical moments.


    At the very least, the difference between studying in Si Jiu City and on the island was like night and day. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t buy properties far away; they were all nearby. This time, everything was within the area. With her sharp memory from her past life, she knew there were many places in Si Jiu City that could be demolished, but she chose this area to strengthen her position.


    One or two houses might not mean much, but having more made a difference.


    The old lady had always been fair. Dabao and Erbao had houses, and so did the eldest son¡¯s and third son¡¯s families. Each of the six children had a house, a gift from the old lady in advance.


    A wealthy old lady was quite different from a poor one. A wealthy old lady was always more popular. Although Zhao Guihua believed her children were all filial¡ªafter all, even in her past life when they had no money, the kids were sensible¡ªfrom her own perspective, she knew she¡¯d prefer a wealthy old lady too.


    Zhao Guihua: "Eldest daughter-in-law, call Hutou and let him know. Tell them to come back when the time comes."


    Liang Meifen was so excited she nodded vigorously: "Got it!"


    Who would¡¯ve thought that a stroke of luck like this would finally land on Liang Meifen¡¯s lap? Hehehe!


    Sometimes, things were just hard to predict. Back then, their family had exchanged their house for an apartment, and it seemed like they got the short end of the stick. But now, twenty years later, even the kids had grown up, gotten married, and started their own families. She even had grandchildren now. The compound they lived in was being demolished, but no one had ever heard of the house they exchanged being torn down.


    So, they had good fortune after all.


    Thinking back, it was her brother-in-law who had helped broker the house exchange back then. Liang Meifen was filled with gratitude and said sincerely: "Third Son, it¡¯s all thanks to you! I really don¡¯t know how to thank you. You¡¯re such a good person!!!"


    Zhuang Zhixi: "..."


    Was his sister-in-law going through menopause or something? What was going on now?


    Suddenly acting like this¡ªwell, the words were nice, but they gave him goosebumps.


    Liang Meifen: "Over the years, I haven¡¯t treated you all that well. Please don¡¯t hold it against this foolish person."


    Zhuang Zhixi: "???"


    He said sincerely: "Sister-in-law, just act normal. That¡¯s the best thing you can do."

 Chapter 222

    The residents of Xinghua Lane quickly received the notice of demolition.


    Compared to the previous rumors, this was now an official document. It was said that this area would be demolished and rebuilt into a large community. Nowadays, the first thing everyone said when they met was, "What do you think about it?"


    Although most people were looking forward to it, hoping to make a fortune, there were also those who were genuinely unhappy, especially the older folks. The machinery factory was a place where many had worked and dedicated their entire lives. Suddenly, it had gone bankrupt, and now it was being sold off. Just thinking about it made them feel uneasy.


    This was a deep-seated sadness.


    There were all sorts of rumors circulating in the area, and discussions were rampant every day. The courtyard where Zhao Guihua lived was also bustling, with people coming and going as if it were a city gate. It wasn''t that they needed advice, but rather, everyone gathered together to talk things over, feeling more assured.


    Zhao Guihua was there every day, and because she knew more, she shared a lot of information about the developer with everyone. Although it wasn''t particularly useful, it gave everyone a sense of confidence.


    The demolition began quickly, with the first step being a collective meeting.


    The neighborhood office assisted the developer in distributing notices, going door-to-door to inform people about the meeting at the machinery factory. Although the factory had only been abandoned for a year, it was already overgrown with weeds and looked quite dilapidated. Back when everyone was working there every day, they hadn''t noticed it, but now that it was devoid of human activity, it felt desolate.


    In recent years, many factories had gone bankrupt, and they weren''t the first nor the last. But after just a year, everyone was back, albeit for different reasons. Even if they were happy, there was still a lingering sense of unease.


    The residents of Zhao Guihua''s area mobilized en masse, setting off together in a grand procession. Although Zhao Guihua wasn''t from the factory, she was quite well-known in the area. And it wasn''t just her; their courtyard had many capable people.


    Back in the day, who hadn''t heard of Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun, the "hot topics" of the factory?


    Although the old days were gone and times had changed, they were still legendary figures on the "list of famous people." Wherever they went, they stirred up some excitement. Everyone came to the meeting, exchanging greetings.


    Even though they all lived in the same area, Xinghua Lane was quite large, and not everyone saw each other every day.


    Zhuang Zhixi accompanied his mother, with his brother standing on either side of their parents, like two eunuchs. Ming Mei was also there¡ªno one was missing.


    "We don''t know what''s going to happen with this demolition. I heard..."


    "Our factory was so good. How could it just go bankrupt like that? Now that it''s being sold, there''s nothing left..."


    "Exactly."


    ...


    Wang Xiangxiu had already started chatting with the people around her. Although she hadn''t gotten along with her female colleagues when she was younger, and many had disliked her behavior, Wang Xiangxiu had since turned over a new leaf and gradually bridged some of the gaps. However, she still wasn''t particularly close to anyone.


    But after not seeing each other for several years, they were now quite friendly.


    Over there, Liang Meifen was also chatting with someone: "Your child is married, right? I really envy you. Your children are so successful, and their jobs are so respectable. Not like mine..."


    "Yours aren''t bad either. The last time I saw him..."


    Blah blah blah.


    They exchanged compliments and flattery, creating a harmonious atmosphere.


    Ming Mei looked around and whispered, "I don''t know anyone. I feel like I can''t even find someone to chat with."


    Zhuang Zhixi couldn''t help but laugh. "Then chat with me."


    Ming Mei rolled her eyes at him. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Look at you, I..."


    "Zhuang Zhixi."


    Zhuang Zhixi turned around and was stunned. He hadn''t expected to see Chen Yuan here. Chen Yuan had come alone, and his hair had turned completely white. Chen Yuan and Zhuang Zhixi were of the same generation, much younger than Bai Fendou and Zhou Qun.


    They were both around forty-five, which wasn''t particularly old.


    But Chen Yuan looked even older than Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou. Even though it was summer, he was wearing a knitted shirt and a pair of yellowed old sandals.


    Zhuang Zhixi said, "Chen Yuan, it''s been many years."


    Back then, hadn''t the factory taken back the Chen family''s house?


    If we''re being honest, ever since Tao Yuyue left, the Chen family had completely fallen apart. It wasn''t entirely because of Tao Yuyue, but she was certainly a factor.


    Although Chen Yuan''s father had arranged for Tao Yuyue to go abroad for an inspection, which was a violation of discipline, he hadn''t anticipated the outcome. The real problem with Chen Yuan''s father was that he was corrupt. He wasn''t a womanizer, but he loved money. As the head of the logistics department, he had embezzled quite a bit over the years.


    Originally, he might not have been investigated. Despite Chen Yuan''s bravado, his father had always been good at hiding his true nature. At the very least, no one at the factory had seen through him, and everyone thought he was a diligent and kind man. But when Tao Yuyue fled to the other side of the ocean, things became complicated.


    No matter what, an investigation was necessary, and during the investigation, they discovered that Tao Yuyue had stolen money. Although the Chen family insisted that not much had been taken, no one believed them. One thing led to another, and a lot of dirt was uncovered.


    Tao Yuyue''s escape would have only resulted in a disciplinary action for Chen Yuan''s father, but the discovery of embezzlement changed everything. Chen Yuan''s father was detained and soon sentenced to eight years for corruption and bribery. Their house was also reclaimed by the machinery factory.


    Zhuang Zhixi''s expression remained unchanged. Chen Yuan rubbed his hands together and said, "It''s been a long time. I think... it''s been over ten years since I last saw you. You still look young."


    Zhuang Zhixi joked, "Wasn''t I quite handsome when I was young?"


    Chen Yuan nodded. "Indeed, you were always good-looking."


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed. "Two grown men discussing looks? This feels a bit strange."


    Chen Yuan smiled. "You''re right. Do you know what the policy is for this demolition? Have you heard anything?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I''m not sure. They''ll probably talk about it today. Didn''t your family move away?"


    He asked directly, but Chen Yuan didn''t seem embarrassed. Over the past decade, he had heard much worse. He said, "Our house at the machinery factory was taken back. We had to stay with relatives, and later we bought the house we''re in now. This demolition is actually good timing for us."


    To be fair, Chen Yuan''s father had been quite well-liked. He had helped many relatives get jobs at the machinery factory. When the Chen family fell on hard times, a relative who worked at the factory took them in.


    Well, it was mostly just Chen Yuan. His parents had both been imprisoned for corruption. His grandfather had beaten his grandmother after she made a scene, and she had been bedridden ever since. When news of their sentencing came out, both of them passed away from the shock.


    Chen Yuan''s "girlfriend" at the time had also dumped him without hesitation.


    "This demolition is a good thing," Chen Yuan said.


    Zhuang Zhixi nodded. "It certainly is. Your family finally has a way out."


    Although the Chen family had gone through a lot, Chen Yuan''s job at the food factory hadn''t been affected. After all, he had nothing to do with the embezzlement, and he had no idea about his wife''s actions. In that sense, he was innocent. His job remained secure.


    However, after the scandal, he became a pariah at the food factory. Even though he kept working, it was a miserable experience, with everyone avoiding him. A few years ago, the food factory went bankrupt, and he was laid off. Now, he worked as a night watchman.


    "Over the years, have you heard anything about Tao Yuyue?" Chen Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    Zhuang Zhixi was surprised. "You don''t know, and you expect us to? We haven''t heard anything."


    Chen Yuan nodded and let out a sigh.


    The two of them didn''t have much else to say. After all, Chen Yuan wasn''t close to anyone from the machinery factory, and even if he had been, he knew how much people disliked him. His father''s corruption was something everyone at the factory despised.


    Actually, his father had already been released and was now living with him, but this time, during the demolition, he didn¡¯t show up.


    ¡°It¡¯s about to start¡­¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi was talking to Chen Yuan, but many people were eavesdropping on their conversation.


    At that moment, an old man looked at Chen Yuan and asked, ¡°You don¡¯t know about Tao Yuyue¡¯s situation?¡±


    Chen Yuan shook his head, ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    He really wanted to know about Tao Yuyue. In this lifetime, Chen Yuan hated no one more than her. Although outsiders thought his family¡¯s downfall was self-inflicted, he believed that if he hadn¡¯t married Tao Yuyue, none of this would have happened.


    If that woman were standing in front of him now, he would rather die than stab her to vent his hatred.


    ¡°Old man, do you know?¡±


    The old man chuckled, giving Chen Yuan a disdainful look, and then said, ¡°My son works abroad. About six or seven years ago, he once saw Tao Yuyue in a restaurant, saying she was washing dishes there. She wasn¡¯t doing too well.¡±


    Chen Yuan was stunned, ¡°Washing dishes?¡±


    The old man nodded, ¡°Yes, in the kitchen of a restaurant. If it weren¡¯t for the big fuss she caused when she ran away, my son wouldn¡¯t have remembered her.¡±


    ¡°Did she remarry?¡± Chen Yuan immediately pressed.


    Zhuang Zhixi and the others listening nearby couldn¡¯t help but twitch their lips, thinking this guy¡¯s brain was as useless as ever.


    The old man replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know. They only met once, and there was no further interaction. Later, when my son went back, he didn¡¯t see her again.¡±


    ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t know? How can you not know?¡±


    The old man retorted, ¡°Why should I know? Tao Yuyue isn¡¯t someone important.¡±


    Chen Yuan pursed his lips, standing there in a daze for a long time before suddenly letting out a cold laugh, ¡°Serves her right, serves her right to live like that. It¡¯s what she deserves.¡±


    Seeing his almost deranged state, everyone took a few steps back, keeping their distance.


    Zhao Guihua, who had been watching the whole scene without saying a word, finally spoke softly, ¡°Admittedly, Tao Yuyue left out of greed for vanity and admiration for foreign things, but I think Chen Yuan¡¯s parents being involved in corruption and bribery was also one of the reasons she left.¡±


    Back then, no one had really thought about it, but now, looking back, Tao Yuyue might have been afraid of the Chen family getting into trouble, which is why she gave up her stable life here and fled. Of course, that doesn¡¯t mean what she did was right¡ªit was still despicable.


    But with Chen Yuan¡¯s parents involved in corruption, she must have been scared of being implicated.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head, feeling that this whole family was full of bad people.


    Even Chen Yuan wasn¡¯t a good person. He didn¡¯t embezzle money or flee overseas, but if he hadn¡¯t hit Tao Yuyue or had affairs outside, she might not have made the desperate decision to leave.


    So, really, none of them were good people.


    Zhao Guihua warned her son, ¡°Don¡¯t learn from people like that. You have money now, and there are many temptations. If you dare to follow their example, I¡¯ll break your legs.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi laughed awkwardly, ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of person. Besides, why would I need to? My wife is so beautiful.¡±


    Ming Mei scoffed, ¡°Hmph!¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi added, ¡°I may like to watch drama, but I don¡¯t want others to watch my family¡¯s drama. Besides, my wife and I have a great relationship. I wouldn¡¯t do something like that.¡±


    Ming Mei said, ¡°Good for you.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi put his arm around Ming Mei¡¯s shoulders and said, ¡°Honey, you can¡¯t doubt our relationship. You¡­ holy crap!!!¡±


    Ming ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Mei asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi exclaimed, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have mentioned her! Look over there, isn¡¯t that Tao Yuyue?¡±


    Ming Mei followed his gaze and widened her eyes in shock. Although the person had changed a lot, it was indeed Tao Yuyue. She looked much older, far beyond her actual age.


    Tao Yuyue had worked in the machinery factory for over a decade, so many people recognized her. As soon as they saw her, others noticed too, and the crowd immediately buzzed with chatter.


    The demolition couldn¡¯t compare to the drama unfolding before them.


    ¡°Is that Tao Yuyue? Why is she back?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s her, it¡¯s her. How did she get so old? She used to be the belle of the factory.¡±


    ¡°Forget being the belle, why isn¡¯t she being arrested?¡±


    ¡°Why is she with the developers?¡±


    ¡­¡­


    The murmurs rose and fell.


    Even Zhao Guihua frowned, looking surprised. This was something that hadn¡¯t happened in her past life.


    Chen Yuan heard the commotion and followed the crowd¡¯s gaze. Sure enough, he saw Tao Yuyue. She was wearing a professional outfit, looking quite put-together, but the sight of her instantly enraged him. Without thinking, he charged forward.


    The crowd quickly made way for him, and without hesitation, amidst everyone¡¯s shocked gasps, he rushed up and punched Tao Yuyue in the face, shouting, ¡°You bitch, how dare you come back!¡±


    Tao Yuyue was standing next to the podium, feeling emotional, when she was suddenly struck.


    She had expected to encounter the Chen family upon her return, but she thought they would grovel at her feet, given how much she had changed. But she didn¡¯t expect Chen Yuan to attack her right at the entrance. Chen Yuan didn¡¯t hold back, landing several more punches, and Tao Yuyue fell to the ground, screaming, ¡°Help! Someone help! He¡¯s trying to kill me!¡±


    The crowd gasped, ¡°Oh my god!¡±


    Chen Yuan pinned Tao Yuyue down and continued hitting her as she screamed and tried to dodge.


    After a brief pause, someone finally reacted and rushed forward to pull them apart.


    Chen Yuan shouted, ¡°You bitch, how dare you come back! You ruined my family, you deserve to die¡­ Why did you come back? Are you here to cause trouble? Didn¡¯t you sneak off abroad? Coming back now can¡¯t be for anything good. You¡¯re a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing, and you¡¯ll pay for this, you¡­¡±


    He kept yelling, and the scene quickly descended into chaos.


    It was worth noting that this demolition meeting wasn¡¯t just attended by Hong Kong businessmen but also many officials from relevant departments. No one could have predicted that a fight would break out here.


    ¡°Exactly, how can someone like Tao Yuyue, who sneaked off abroad, just waltz back like this?¡±


    ¡°Why is she here?¡±


    ¡°She betrayed her in-laws. Could she be here to scheme against the whole factory?¡±


    ¡°Arrest her! Someone like Tao Yuyue should be arrested!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    The scene was in complete disarray.


    Zhuang Zhixi muttered, ¡°Holy crap.¡±


    Seeing everyone in such a frenzy, he made a quick decision, ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go back first. Everyone¡¯s too worked up. We don¡¯t want a stampede or something.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    They quickly made their way out. Zhao Guihua had some reputation in their neighborhood, so when they left to avoid trouble, many others followed. What was supposed to be a smooth demolition meeting turned into complete chaos as Chen Yuan was arrested and Tao Yuyue was taken away.


    ¡°Tao Yuyue actually dared to come back. Is that woman crazy?¡± After returning to their courtyard, the neighbors didn¡¯t go home but instead gathered in the yard to chat. Everyone was huddled together.


    ¡°Zhuang Zhixi, you¡¯re well-connected. Go find out what¡¯s going on, will you?¡±


    Zhuang Zhixi agreed, ¡°Sure.¡±


    The urge to gossip was irresistible.


    Zhuang Zhixi dashed out like a gust of wind.


    The others were equally eager for the latest scoop. Since everyone was present, some of the younger ones who didn¡¯t know the full story eagerly pressed for details. Zhou Qun said, ¡°Let me tell it, let me tell it¡­¡±


    Aunt Zhou pushed her son aside, ¡°Get lost, I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    Bai Fendou chimed in, ¡°I can tell it too. I know a lot about this.¡±


    ¡°Step aside!¡±


    The group quickly became lively. Oh, this was getting even more interesting.


    They soon started discussing the love-hate saga between Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue. Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhixi returned after gathering information. He rushed back, saying, ¡°I asked around and finally found out what¡¯s going on. After Tao Yuyue went abroad, she got married and changed her name. But it seems she didn¡¯t have a good life. She worked odd jobs in her early years and later became a nanny as she got older. She came back with the family she works for. Her employer is a high-ranking executive who came to Beijing on a business trip and brought their child. She came along to take care of the kid.¡±


    "Huh? Why did she come along today?"


    Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I heard she followed them on her own. Probably to show off. Flaunting her triumphant return? Or maybe she wanted to prove that coming back wasn¡¯t a big deal? Or perhaps she wanted to boast about how well she¡¯s been living abroad? But with Chen Yuan hitting someone, they¡¯ll definitely make a fuss again. It¡¯s a messy situation."


    The older generation had a strong sense of patriotism, and they absolutely despised people like Tao Yuyue.


    Li the Cook chimed in, "What kind of person is she? How does she even have the nerve to come back?"


    "Exactly! A trashy foreign-worshipper," Old Man Zhuang added, clearly unimpressed.


    Everyone was disgusted by her. The younger generation, however, couldn¡¯t understand it. What was there to show off about working as a maid or washing dishes abroad? It just didn¡¯t make sense.


    Zhao Guihua said, "She¡¯s been gone for over a decade. Maybe she still thinks we¡¯re as poor as we used to be. She probably believes that even washing dishes or working as a maid abroad earns her more money. But she hasn¡¯t considered how fast our capital city has developed."


    "That¡¯s true," someone agreed.


    As they discussed Tao Yuyue, no one could quite figure out what was going through her mind.


    However, within a few days, it was rumored that she had left again. This time, it was a normal departure, but she still left quietly, almost shamefully. As for Chen Yuan, since Tao Yuyue didn¡¯t press charges, he got off scot-free. The whole drama had just started to get interesting, but it ended abruptly.


    It left everyone feeling unsatisfied.


    But then again, Tao Yuyue wasn¡¯t an important figure. What really mattered was the ongoing demolition and relocation process.


    Although the first demolition meeting was disrupted by Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue, the second mobilization meeting happened quickly. After all, the capital city operates with rules and order, so the demolition process was proceeding steadily, with repeated negotiations and discussions.


    These matters were handled by the elders in the family. Even though younger members like Hutou also owned property, it was their grandmother who took charge. The younger generation didn¡¯t have much to do with it, as the elders were the ones making the decisions.


    If the family called them back to sign papers, they¡¯d come. If not, they¡¯d wait. They trusted their elders not to let them suffer any losses.


    Interestingly, the older women in the neighborhood, who had been living quiet, uneventful lives, suddenly became full of energy. Dealing with the developers, negotiating back and forth, they were like chickens pumped with adrenaline. It was as if they had found a new lease on life.


    Zhuang Zhixi wished the demolition process could drag on a bit longer. He wasn¡¯t hoping to make more money, but he could see how much his parents were enjoying the hustle and bustle. It kept them active and engaged. For the elderly, having something to focus on was crucial. As long as they were busy, Zhuang Zhixi felt like his mother could live another five hundred years!


    Zhao Guihua, Aunt Zhou, and the other older women were indeed full of energy, bustling about every day. And it wasn¡¯t just them¡ªmany of the elderly in the neighborhood who had decision-making power joined in. There was strength in numbers.


    The courtyard was always lively. The younger generation hadn¡¯t moved out, but many of them had other homes elsewhere. For example, Qijin and Bai Qingqing lived outside the courtyard. They had started a company together and were busy with their entrepreneurial endeavors. They came back every weekend to avoid worrying their families.


    As for Li Zhenzhen, she was still in school and lived on campus.


    But on weekends, everyone would come back. Qijin would drive around to pick them up. Every weekend, he¡¯d make the rounds, picking up Li Zhenzhen and Erlin from school. Li Zhenzhen was about to graduate with her master¡¯s degree, while Qijin was only a freshman. Still, they attended the same university, so Qijin would drive over to fetch them both, then head to the police station to pick up Ye Sijia. As a child, Ye Sijia had been as lively as a monkey, but now he was a police officer, having just started his job a year ago.


    After picking up those three, Qijin would swing by the magazine office to get Xing''er. Xing''er had graduated this year and was working at the magazine. Finally, he¡¯d pick up Ye Sitian, who was still in college. With seven people in the car, it was a full house.


    Qijin often joked that he was glad he had a seven-seater car; otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t all fit.


    But when Tuantuan, Yuanyuan, and Siyuan came back, there definitely wouldn¡¯t be enough space.


    On one of these drives, after picking up Ye Sitian, Qijin noticed Xing''er sprawled out in the back seat. Of course, the term "Ge You slouch" didn¡¯t exist yet, but she looked utterly exhausted.


    "Xing''er, what¡¯s wrong?" Qijin asked.


    Xing''er let out a long sigh. "Work is so tiring," she said.


    Ye Sitian chimed in, "Is your magazine really that busy?"


    "It¡¯s a shallow pond with too many turtles," Xing''er replied, using a Chinese idiom to describe the petty politics at her workplace.


    She sighed again, "Working at a fashion magazine is just... ugh."


    Everyone laughed. Bai Qingqing teased, "If it¡¯s that bad, why don¡¯t you quit and join us in our startup?"


    Xing''er shook her head firmly. "No way. I¡¯m not cut out for what you guys do. The magazine is a good fit for me. I refuse to believe I can¡¯t handle this."


    "That¡¯s the spirit," someone said.


    Xing''er lifted her chin proudly. "Of course."


    Despite her complaints and exhaustion, Xing''er was doing well at work. She said, "Our editor-in-chief really believes in me. She says I remind her of herself when she was younger."


    "Wow, she¡¯s really hyping you up," someone joked.


    Xing''er laughed. "It¡¯s not hype. I really am that good."


    She then asked, "By the way, why haven¡¯t Tuantuan and Yuanyuan come back yet? They¡¯re really dragging their feet."


    Qijin, who kept in touch with them regularly, explained, "Tuantuan has some work to finish before they can come back. It¡¯s been so many years since they left. It¡¯s about time they finally returned."


    Time really flies. They had all grown up from being kids to adults.


    "Yeah, it¡¯s crazy," someone agreed.


    "Your brother isn¡¯t coming back with them this time, right?" someone asked, looking at Ye Sijia and Ye Sitian.


    Ye Sijia replied, "He¡¯s coming back next year."


    Siyuan and Tuantuan had studied the same major, but Siyuan was a year behind.


    Ye Sijia added with a smile, "My brother even said, ¡®Tell them to hold off on getting married this year. I have to be a groomsman next year.¡¯"


    Qijin laughed. "We don¡¯t even have time for that right now. Besides, if I went home and said I wanted to get married, Bai Qingqing¡¯s dad would kill me."


    Bai Qingqing shot him a look. "You¡¯re one to talk. Your dad complains about it all the time too."


    Qijin grinned. "Let¡¯s be honest here. My dad isn¡¯t complaining about you. He actually really likes you as his future daughter-in-law. He just loves picking fights with your dad. It¡¯s a habit at this point."


    "That¡¯s true," Bai Qingqing admitted.


    Although they had all grown up together, Qijin and Bai Qingqing were the only couple among them. Everyone was happy for them, including their families.


    Jiang Lu and He Lan were particularly pleased.


    After all, they had watched these kids grow up. They knew them inside and out, and they were well aware of each other¡¯s family backgrounds. If they had chosen partners from outside their circle, it might have been harder to understand them so deeply.


    Moreover, both families were well-matched in terms of social standing. It was a classic case of childhood sweethearts and marrying within one¡¯s social class. Their relationship had everyone¡¯s blessing.


    As for Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou, their constant bickering was purely a personal feud.


    As Jiang Lu and He Lan put it, "Those two are just bored."


    But deep down, Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou enjoyed their little rivalry. Everyone understood that.


    Qijin smiled at Bai Qingqing. "So, when are we getting married?"


    Before Bai Qingqing could answer, Li Zhenzhen interjected, "Are you even serious? If you¡¯re going to propose, shouldn¡¯t it be more formal? This casual question doesn¡¯t count. As your older sister, I have to call you out on this. You can¡¯t just ask like that."


    Qijin laughed. "Of course, I¡¯ll do it properly. But I need to give my dear a heads-up and get her opinion first. What if she doesn¡¯t like it? What if she¡¯s not ready to get married yet?"


    He added with a smile, "I¡¯m not the type to make decisions unilaterally." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Zhenzhen nodded. "That¡¯s more like it."


    Bai Qingqing said, "Let¡¯s not rush it this year. We¡¯ll talk about it next year. We can¡¯t leave Siyuan out. He¡¯d definitely make a fuss if we did."


    "That¡¯s true," Qijin agreed.


    "Hold on, I¡¯m stopping to grab some stewed pork offal," Qijin said, pulling over.


    He stopped the car and asked, "Who else wants some?"


    "I do."


    "Me too."


    Qijin: "Alright, one portion each."


    Xing''er joked, "Li Zhenzhen, your family has several chefs."


    Li Zhenzhen calmly replied, "If you eat the same thing day in and day out, you''d get tired of it too."


    "Pfft!"


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    Bai Qingqing: "I''ll get out and join you."


    Qijin: "That''s my wife for you."


    The young couple went off together to buy some food, while the others lounged around like they were in a "Ge You slouch" pose. If you were to talk about the temperament of the girls in their little group, Bai Qingqing was definitely the most easygoing. Whether it was Li Zhenzhen, Yuanyuan, or Xing''er, they all had their fiery sides.


    Even Ye Sitian, who seemed soft-spoken, had the typical strong-willed personality of a Beijing girl. But Bai Qingqing was gentle, more like He Lan.


    "Big sis, when I went back home the other day, I heard from Mom and Dad that Grandpa and Grandma''s graves are leaking. Uncle wants to fix them up and asked Dad to come back and discuss it," Erlin reported to his sister. Xing''er immediately glared and said, "Fix them up, my foot. That old man just wants money."


    Back in the day, they didn¡¯t know their family was well-off, and there wasn¡¯t much interaction between them. But over the years, rumors had spread in their hometown about how well their branch of the family was doing in Beijing. Naturally, their uncle had started scheming. But he also knew the strained relationship between the two families, so expecting to get money for free was out of the question. Trying to use their parents to squeeze money out of them? The grass on their grandparents'' graves was already a meter tall.


    Since that wasn¡¯t going to work, he¡¯d turned his attention to the graves instead.


    Xing''er snorted and asked, "Will Dad go back?"


    Erlin: "I don¡¯t know, but I think he might. If the graves are leaking and he doesn¡¯t go back to check on them, it¡¯s just... well, it¡¯s hard to justify from any angle."


    Xing''er: "Uncle¡¯s family is really no good. I¡¯ve never seen such shameless people."


    She still remembered what happened when she was a kid. Don¡¯t think she was too young to remember¡ªshe remembered everything crystal clear. And because she remembered so clearly, she had no good impressions of them: her grandparents, her uncle¡¯s family, and her older cousin¡¯s attitude. Ugh!


    Xing''er couldn¡¯t help but pull out a small mirror to check her face. Smooth and fair, with delicate willow-leaf eyebrows. She nodded in satisfaction and said, "My older cousin once scratched my face."


    Luckily, she¡¯d gone to the hospital and used scar-removal cream. If she¡¯d just let it heal on its own, it would¡¯ve left a scar. Xing''er didn¡¯t understand back then, but the older she got, the more she realized how malicious her cousin¡¯s actions had been.


    She said, "I¡¯ll have to talk to Dad when I get back. We can¡¯t give them any face."


    "Yeah, I think so too."


    Turn the other cheek?


    Sorry, but they were only in their twenties. They didn¡¯t have that kind of magnanimity.


    Maybe when they were older, they¡¯d be able to let go of these childhood grudges, but at just over twenty, that wasn¡¯t happening anytime soon.


    At that moment, Qijin came back with the braised food. "Here, catch this. Damn, Ye Sijia, how are you already asleep?"


    Ye Sijia: "I¡¯m exhausted. I¡¯ve been working non-stop at the police station."


    "Go home and sleep. I¡¯ll drive faster."


    "Still, be careful."


    "Of course!"


    They all piled into the car and headed home. When they got back, they saw a crowd in the courtyard. Qijin: "Huh? A meeting?"


    Aunt Zhou: "Our big grandson¡¯s back! We¡¯re discussing the relocation policy. The developer wants us to move back after the demolition. If we agree to move back, they¡¯re offering really good terms. But Old Zhao analyzed it for us¡ªthis developer has a bad habit of buying land and then sitting on it for years without doing anything. If that happens, we¡¯d be stuck waiting for years, and that¡¯s not good for us. We¡¯re debating whether to stick to our original plan or agree to move back."


    The generous terms for moving back had made everyone a bit tempted.


    But they¡¯d also looked into the developer¡¯s background. This Hong Kong businessman had a history of acquiring land at low prices using favorable conditions and then holding onto it to drive up prices. His reputation wasn¡¯t exactly trustworthy.


    So, it was a tough decision.


    Qijin didn¡¯t think there was much to understand about this kind of thing. It all came down to luck.


    He said, "They say the older generation is wiser. I don¡¯t really get this stuff either, so we¡¯ll just listen to you elders. Whatever you decide is fine with us."


    "You sure know how to talk."


    Qijin laughed. "I mean it."


    The younger generation didn¡¯t get too involved, and everyone else followed the lead of the older folks. The middle-aged people in their courtyard, while influential, didn¡¯t offer much input either. No one had any particularly unconventional ideas.


    Liang Meifen turned to her sister-in-law, Ming Mei, and asked, "What do you think about this, Ming Mei?"


    Ming Mei looked at Zhao Guihua with unwavering determination. "Whatever Mom says goes. I¡¯ll follow her lead."


    She smiled. "I think Mom is the smartest. She has such foresight. If it were up to me, I¡¯d never manage. I¡¯ll just follow Mom¡¯s footsteps." As she spoke, she walked over and put an arm around Zhao Guihua¡¯s shoulders. "Mom, whatever you say, I¡¯ll do. You point, and I¡¯ll go!"


    Zhao Guihua: "Oh, stop it."


    Liang Meifen: "..."


    Her sister-in-law really was the same as ever when it came to flattery.


    She shouldn¡¯t have said anything¡ªit just gave her another chance to butter up Zhao Guihua.


    Liang Meifen, not wanting to be outdone, said, "I¡¯ll follow Mom¡¯s lead too."


    She wanted to say more to flatter Zhao Guihua, but she didn¡¯t know what else to add. She sighed sadly, realizing that flattery really was a talent.


    But, to be fair, following the older generation¡¯s lead was the right move. With their silver tongues and extensive property holdings, Zhao Guihua and her group managed to secure the favorable compensation terms they wanted.


    This kind of thing wasn¡¯t about taking advantage. As long as both sides agreed, there was no question of who was benefiting more.


    And so, every household agreed to sign the contracts together.


    But when it came time to sign, there was a tinge of sadness.


    After all, this was a place where many of them had lived their entire lives. Back in those fiery years, life was hard for everyone, and conflicts were constant. Some feuds started over something as trivial as a green onion or a clove of garlic.


    Looking back now, it seemed unbelievable, but back then, it was just how things were. Everyone was poor. When they worked, earning thirty yuan a month was considered a good salary. Five yuan per person for living expenses was the poverty line¡ªsomething unimaginable today.


    Life now was truly better.


    Many people had spent their whole lives here, and even more had been born and raised in this alley. Every corner was filled with memories. From babbling as toddlers to growing up, getting married, and having children.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan, Zhou Qun, Bai Fendou, and Zhuang Zhixi¡ªthese middle-aged men, weren¡¯t they all born in this courtyard?


    Back then, giving birth at home was the norm. Hospitals weren¡¯t really a thing.


    Later, the grandchildren were born, and then the great-grandchildren.


    This alley, this courtyard, was brimming with human connections.


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang sat at their doorstep, looking at every plant and tree in the courtyard. Suddenly, Zhao Guihua said, "Let¡¯s take out the camera and take lots of photos as keepsakes. Even though this place will be gone, looking at these photos will remind us of the good old days. It¡¯ll be a beautiful memory."


    Old Man Zhuang: "That¡¯s a great idea!"


    The old couple dug out their camera and started fiddling with it. They took pictures of every nook and cranny, inside and out. When they lived here, they hadn¡¯t noticed, but now they realized how much they loved every part of it. Zhao Guihua stood at the gate and said, "Do you remember when we first moved here? We were so happy back then."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. How could he forget?


    They got married, and on the very same day, they moved here without even having their wedding night.


    The day they got married was the day they moved in.


    In the blink of an eye, it had been over fifty years¡ªalmost sixty.


    Old Man Zhuang: "How did time fly by so fast?"


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t believe how quickly time had flown by. She had lived two lifetimes, and both had passed in the blink of an eye. She gazed at the eaves of the courtyard gate, then turned to Old Man Zhuang and said, ¡°Whether time passes quickly or slowly, we must take care of ourselves, live well, and strive to live many more years. We still have so many good days ahead of us.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled and said, ¡°We¡¯re already in our seventies.¡±


    Zhao Guihua glared at him. ¡°So what if we¡¯re in our seventies? We¡¯re still in our prime. I¡¯m aiming for a hundred years, and you better not fall behind.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang widened his eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve got such ambition¡ªa hundred years, huh?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Of course. And you¡¯re coming with me, got it?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang looked at her seriously and nodded. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    The old couple held hands, and Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°I suddenly remember when we first met. You weren¡¯t so fierce back then.¡±


    Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? What was I like?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang smiled. ¡°You were wonderful.¡±


    Zhao Guihua tilted her chin up proudly and laughed.

 Chapter 223

    In the 29th year of the Republic of China.


    In the outskirts of Zuojiazhuang, a frail young girl knelt on a patch of open ground, her back straight.


    Surrounding her was a crowd of ragged men, women, and children, all shivering in their thin clothes. It had only been a few days since the Qingming Festival, and the April weather was far from warm. Everyone rubbed their hands together, glancing at the girl before turning their eyes to a gaunt, emaciated old man.


    This old man was the Village Head.


    His eyes were clouded with age and hardship, and he let out a deep sigh. "Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter, you''re asking for the impossible," he said, his voice heavy with worry. "We''re all poor here. If we help you, who will we help next? You''re an outsider here, and you can''t compete with the locals. There are so many people in Zuojiazhuang with the surname Zuo that we can''t even help them all. How can I justify helping you, an outsider? The people of Zuojiazhuang would never let me hear the end of it. But where would we even find the means to help you?"


    The girl clenched her fists tightly, her teeth gritted. She looked up and said, "I understand your difficulties, Village Head. I won''t ask for your help without giving something in return. I''ll trade my house. As long as someone helps me bury my parents, I''ll give them my house. I don''t need it anymore!"


    "What!"


    "Trade the house?"


    "Your house isn''t much to begin with, just an old mud-brick shack. And it''s been standing for so many years..."


    The crowd buzzed with chatter, everyone offering their own opinion. But the girl remained firm. "No matter how poor my house is, it''s still worth at least a simple coffin. It''s a house, after all! And there''s a small vegetable garden in front of it. It''s been fertile land for years."


    At this, the crowd paused to consider her words, and many nodded in agreement. It wasn''t a bad deal.


    But there were still some things left unsaid... Everyone turned their eyes back to the Village Head.


    "But if you trade your house, where will you live?" the old man asked.


    The girl''s voice was steady. "No matter what, I have to bury my parents first. I''ll figure out the rest later."


    A wave of sighs rippled through the crowd, not just out of sympathy for the girl, but also for themselves. If they were ever in her position, they might end up the same way. Life was just that cruel these days.


    For ordinary folks like them, just staying alive was hard enough.


    The people exchanged glances, knowing the deal was fair, but unsure of how much a simple coffin would cost. They were afraid of losing even a single coin.


    "Selling your house isn''t the solution," an old woman with a bun in her hair spoke up, her yellowed teeth showing as she grinned. "You''d be better off selling yourself in the city. Not only would you find a way out for yourself, but you could also give your parents a proper resting place. My son works in the city, and if you''re willing, he can help you find something. You know he''s a capable man."


    The girl glanced at the old woman, who smiled back at her, her wrinkled face twisting into an expression that seemed both cunning and mean.


    The girl shook her head firmly. "No, I''ll sell the house."


    She looked around at the crowd and declared, "I won''t take anything from the house. Everything inside will belong to the buyer."


    "Nothing at all?"


    "What does she even have? Just a broken cabinet, and that''s about it."


    The girl replied, "The cabinet may be old, but it''s still usable. Building a new one would cost money. And we have a cast iron pot too. You can''t just buy one of those anywhere."


    The crowd fell silent, increasingly convinced that the deal was a good one. But they held their tongues, waiting to see if the girl would offer more. Some, however, knew that her family had nothing else to give. They were all poor¡ªwhat more could she possibly have?


    A middle-aged man standing toward the back spoke up. "I''ll trade with you."


    Everyone turned to look at him. The man asked, "Do you mean what you say?"


    The girl nodded. "I mean it."


    "Xiangzi, you''re really going to trade with her?"


    Xiangzi nodded. "I have five sons, and we''re running out of space. An extra room would save me the trouble of building a new house."


    He had done the math. A mud-brick house, a cabinet, a cast iron pot, and a small vegetable garden¡ªall in exchange for a simple coffin. It was a fair deal. Xiangzi''s family sometimes sold goods at the market in the city, making them relatively well-off compared to the rest of the village.


    The girl kowtowed to Xiangzi, her forehead hitting the ground with a series of thuds.


    Xiangzi waved her off. "No need for that. Just sign the transfer papers, and I''ll have my sons cut some wood to make the coffin."


    In the countryside, life was hard, and people rarely went to professional coffin makers. They made their own coffins, and as long as it was passable, it would do. The girl understood this and nodded silently, kowtowing again. "Thank you, Uncle Xiangzi."


    The crowd, seeing that the deal was done, began to chatter among themselves. The Village Head shot Xiangzi a disapproving look, while the old woman who had suggested the girl sell herself rolled her eyes in disgust.


    But Xiangzi wasn''t afraid of them. He had five sons, all strong young men, and four brothers of his own. His family was full of capable men, and even in these harsh times, they managed to get by better than most because they stuck together.


    And, of course, Xiangzi had his own plans.


    Both the girl and Xiangzi had their own calculations, but for now, it was best not to say too much.


    The girl showed no emotion as she watched Xiangzi''s family get to work. She stood up, her legs unsteady from kneeling for so long, but she bit her lip and remained resolute.


    With the matter settled, it didn''t take long. By the end of the day, Xiangzi''s family had finished the coffin, and the bodies of the girl''s parents were laid to rest together, finally at peace.


    Throughout the entire process, the girl didn''t shed a single tear.


    She knelt before the grave, kowtowing repeatedly. Those who had come to help with the burial watched her and shook their heads.


    This girl was none other than Zhao Guihua in her youth.


    In her old age, Zhao Guihua would become thin and sharp-featured, but in her youth, she had been a delicate and pretty girl. Though she was pale and skinny, looking as if a strong wind could blow her away, she was still considered one of the prettiest girls in the village.


    She was the belle of the surrounding villages.


    With her parents buried and her house traded away, the old woman with yellow teeth approached her again. "Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter, now that you''ve given your house away, what will you do? You don''t even have a place to stay. We''re all from the same village. Tell me, what are you thinking? What are your plans? Why don''t you come stay with me? I''m a kind person, and I can''t bear to see someone suffer like this. I..."


    Zhao Guihua cut her off with a glance. "I haven''t thought about it yet."


    The old woman''s eyes darted around, but before she could say more, Xiangzi spoke up. "Even though you''ve traded your house to me, we''re all from the same village. I''m not the kind of person to leave someone in dire straits. You can stay for a few days while you figure things out. Just let me know when you''re ready to leave."


    The crowd praised Xiangzi for his kindness, and Zhao Guihua rubbed her eyes, thanking him sincerely.


    The old woman''s face darkened once more.


    As the group dispersed, Zhao Guihua made her way home. Once everyone was gone, she sat down on the kang, her legs giving out beneath her. Tears? She had cried them all already. Her family had once been whole.


    She had grandparents, parents, and two younger brothers. She was Zhao Daya, the eldest daughter of the Zhao family. Born in August when the osmanthus flowers were in full bloom, she had been given the formal name Zhao Guihua. But in these times, life was merciless.


    First, her two younger brothers had been killed while selling vegetables in the city. Then, her grandparents, unable to bear the loss, passed away one after the other. What had once been a happy family was now reduced to just her and her parents.


    With only the three of them left, tragedy struck again a few days ago. During an air raid, her parents had been working in the fields when they were caught in the blast. They were badly injured, and with the family already destitute from previous funerals, her parents chose to end their lives rather than be a burden to her.


    Now, they were gone too.


    Zhao Guihua had sold everything she had to give her parents a proper burial. Now that they were finally at rest, she felt a sudden emptiness. What was she supposed to do next?


    Although she was just a girl, Zhao Guihua was far from foolish. She naturally knew that some people had ill intentions, and the Village Head¡¯s refusal to help was merely a ploy to exploit her family¡¯s vulnerable situation. Whether she buried her parents in a coffin or simply wrapped them in a straw mat, he wouldn¡¯t care. Once her parents were gone, she, Zhao Guihua, the only daughter left in the family, would find it nearly impossible to escape his grasp. He was scheming to take their house without spending a single penny. Zhao Guihua was a clever girl, and her father had warned her about the true nature of the villagers before he passed away.


    While her parents were alive, everyone had been friendly and cordial, even addressing her father affectionately as "Young Zhao." But now that he was gone, things had changed.


    As for the yellow-toothed old woman, her intentions were even more malicious. She had made it clear that she wanted to manipulate Zhao Guihua, offering her son¡¯s help and suggesting she sell herself. It was obvious that the old woman planned to profit from selling her off and then seize her family¡¯s property. The thought of that vile woman¡¯s greed made Zhao Guihua¡¯s blood boil.


    She knew that trading her family¡¯s meager possessions for a simple coffin was a poor deal, but she had no other choice. If she didn¡¯t act, others would exploit her family¡¯s misfortune. At least this way, she could ensure her parents were buried with some dignity.


    Now, she was truly alone.


    Zhao Guihua got up and steamed a few black flour buns. Even these buns were a luxury, as the family¡¯s remaining grain was only enough for one batch. Her family was destitute, with nothing left to their name.


    As she ate the buns, Zhao Guihua pondered her next steps. The road ahead was uncertain and fraught with challenges, but she was determined to press on. She had to be strong. Her father had told her that she was the last of the Zhao family line, and no matter what, she had to survive.


    With a resolute heart, Zhao Guihua began packing her few belongings. She didn¡¯t have much¡ªjust a change of clothes and a thin cotton jacket that had belonged to her mother. She gathered the family¡¯s meager possessions: her grandparents¡¯, parents¡¯, and younger brother¡¯s clothes.


    The family only had two thin cotton coats, which were barely enough to keep anyone warm. In the winter, whoever went out would wear them, while those staying indoors had to make do without. Zhao Guihua carefully took apart the coats and the two thin quilts, using the material to make herself a set of padded clothes.


    Once she put them on, she felt a little warmer.


    She folded the remaining scraps of fabric neatly. Even though they were tattered, they were still valuable to her family. She packed them carefully, along with the ten copper coins that were all the money they had left.


    She had been to the city with her father before and knew that a bowl of plain noodles cost eight copper coins. With what they had, she could only afford two mixed-flour buns. Her family¡¯s poverty was stark and unrelenting.


    As she finished packing, Zhao Guihua felt the weight of her family¡¯s destitution even more acutely. Her mother had once owned a silver hairpin, a family heirloom passed down from her grandmother. But it had been pawned to pay for her grandparents¡¯ coffins.


    Now, this was all that remained.


    Zhao Guihua had no intention of staying in the village any longer. Although Xiangzi had offered to let her stay for a while, she knew she couldn¡¯t take advantage of his kindness.


    She glanced outside. The sky was already growing dark. She had been busy all afternoon, and now she decided to bid Xiangzi farewell. Early the next morning, she would leave.


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t sure where she would go, but she thought of heading to the city. Even if she had to beg on the streets, it would be better than staying in the village with no future. The village was poor, and she had nothing¡ªno home, no prospects.


    She stepped outside. It was already April, but the weather was still bitterly cold. The villagers had all retreated indoors, and the streets were empty. Zhao Guihua made her way to Xiangzi¡¯s house. Xiangzi and his brothers lived in a row of houses they had built together.


    As she approached the fence, she overheard a conversation inside.


    ¡°Husband, why do you want to buy Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter¡¯s house? She¡¯s just a young girl. If she doesn¡¯t sell it, how can she keep it? Our family is large, and if we take it, who in the village would dare to challenge us?¡±


    It was Xiangzi¡¯s wife speaking.


    Xiangzi scolded her, ¡°You¡¯re being shortsighted. You only see part of the picture. Haven¡¯t you noticed that the Village Head also wants it? Otherwise, why would he delay helping her? And that Tooth Auntie¡ªshe¡¯s clearly got her eyes on Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter too.¡±


    At this, Xiangzi¡¯s wife chimed in, ¡°Tooth Auntie has had her sights set on Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter for years. A couple of years ago, she tried to convince Wang Er¡¯s wife to sell her daughter, but Wang Er¡¯s sons drove her out. She¡¯s held a grudge ever since.¡±


    Xiangzi¡¯s wife¡¯s tone was laced with glee as she added, ¡°Not long after, those two boys got into trouble in the city. I heard Tooth Auntie¡¯s son had something to do with it.¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s fingers clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She fought the urge to burst in and demand answers, instead pressing herself closer to the wall to avoid being seen. Her lips were bitten until they bled, and her eyes burned with hatred.


    But she stayed still, listening intently.


    Xiangzi¡¯s wife continued, ¡°But what does this have to do with us? We could just take the house for free, but instead, we¡¯re offering a coffin. Cutting down trees is hard work, and the nails cost money! And our son did all the labor.¡±


    Xiangzi sighed, knowing his wife lacked foresight. ¡°You¡¯re only seeing the surface. Think bigger. We¡¯re not losing out on this deal. Besides, we¡¯ll earn Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter¡¯s gratitude. I¡¯ve been thinking¡ªwhile she¡¯s staying here, we can have our eldest son go over and¡­ well, make sure things are settled. He¡¯ll have a wife, and even if her family is poor, there¡¯s bound to be something of value we can take.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re planning to¡­¡±


    Xiangzi chuckled smugly. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m not calculating? Our sons are getting older, and they need wives. But marrying costs money.¡±


    His wife muttered, ¡°Not all marriages cost money.¡±


    ¡°True, but those women are strangers. Who knows if they¡¯re trustworthy or even pure? But Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter is different. She grew up in the village¡ªwe know her well. She¡¯s a pretty girl, hardworking, and spirited. If she marries into our family, she can handle all the household chores. And since we¡¯re helping her now, she¡¯ll owe us. With no family to back her up, we¡¯ll have complete control. If times get tough, we can always sell her for some grain to survive.¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s heart turned to ice as she listened. She had never imagined that Xiangzi, who had always seemed like a decent man, could be so cruel.


    ¡°If you think it¡¯s a good plan, why not just propose to her directly?¡±


    ¡°Her parents just died. She might not agree. It¡¯s safer to¡­ settle things first.¡±


    ¡°Dad, why wait? Let¡¯s do it tonight.¡±


    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re only thinking about Eldest Brother. What about me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what about us?¡±


    The family began arguing over who would benefit from the scheme. Zhao Guihua clenched her fists, seething with anger. The Xiangzi family was despicable, and Tooth Auntie was no better.


    Suppressing her rage, Zhao Guihua quickly left. She ran back home, her breath coming in short gasps.


    She couldn¡¯t stay here any longer. Who knew if the Xiangzi family would act tonight?


    Her father had anticipated the Village Head¡¯s greed and Tooth Auntie¡¯s schemes, but he hadn¡¯t foreseen that Xiangzi, who had always seemed like a good man, would be just as treacherous. Zhao Guihua looked at her packed belongings and steeled herself. She ate another bun.


    She would have to travel through the night and couldn¡¯t afford to be weak.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t dare stay a moment longer. Under the cover of darkness, she set off, moving quickly and without pause. She estimated that Xiangzi¡¯s eldest son would come for her later that night, but he likely wouldn¡¯t arrive until the dead of night. That gave her some time to escape.


    Zhao Guihua carried her bundle, walking briskly. Tooth Uncle, Xiangzi''s uncle... she would one day surely take revenge!


    Her heart burned with hatred, but she knew better than to act recklessly. She was alone and weak; confronting them head-on would only lead to her demise. She had to bide her time. Zhao Guihua moved quickly, unaware of the time, only knowing that she had to keep moving forward.


    Unbeknownst to her, shortly after she left, Xiangzi''s second son arrived at the Zhao household, loitering outside the courtyard.


    "Why should his elder brother get to marry first? I should be the one to take the lead," he thought. As he pondered how to enter, the third son arrived. The moment they saw each other, they instantly understood each other''s intentions and immediately came to blows.


    Not long after, the eldest son showed up as well.


    The three of them fought fiercely, drawing the attention of the villagers. The onlookers exchanged knowing glances; the villagers weren''t fools. The commotion grew louder, and after what felt like an eternity, someone finally realized: Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter hadn''t come out at all.


    When they opened the door and entered the house, they found it empty. Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter was long gone, leaving nothing but an empty shell.


    Xiangzi''s wife wailed and cursed, "That wretched girl ran away! Chase her, everyone, chase her!"


    The villagers looked at her with disdain. "She sold the house and left. How is that running away? She has no ties to your family."


    The Village Head waved his hand dismissively. "Enough, everyone, go home."


    He had only been after the house, but this family wanted both the property and the girl. Their greed knew no bounds. He wasn''t about to help them now that the girl was gone. He hadn''t even blamed them for meddling in his affairs.


    With a forced smile, he said, "It''s late, and it''s pitch dark. We''re not going to help you search for her. Besides, there''s no point. Maybe the girl left because she saw through your schemes."


    "What schemes? Don''t talk nonsense!"


    "Ha! All three of your sons were at her doorstep. Do you think no one noticed?"


    The group erupted into argument. Xiangzi, his face dark, finally snapped, "Enough! Let''s go home. What''s wrong with you three? We were just buying the house. Don''t make a scene here. With our family''s status, finding a wife isn''t hard. What are you all doing? Let''s go."


    He stormed off, turning back after a few steps. "Aren''t you coming?"


    The others quickly followed.


    Once they were out of earshot, Xiangzi muttered under his breath, "Why are you wasting time with them? Go after her immediately. That wretched girl actually ran away. How dare she!"


    His sons immediately replied, "Yes!"


    They set off in pursuit, but by then, Zhao Guihua had been gone for several hours. She hadn''t dared to stop, driven by sheer willpower. Fortunately, as a country girl used to hard labor, she had the stamina to keep going. After walking all night, she finally reached the city of Sijiu by mid-morning. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Guihua exhaled in relief and joined the queue to enter the city.


    As she waited in line, she noticed that the girls ahead of her were being groped by the guards. She seethed with anger, wishing she could strangle those scoundrels.


    But she had to endure it.


    Zhao Guihua had been busy caring for her ailing parents in recent days. After their passing, she had set off on her journey without a moment''s rest, leaving no time to clean herself. She reeked of sweat and grime. The guard at the gate didn''t even glance at her, waving her through dismissively.


    "Where did this beggar come from? Disgusting."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t dare complain. She hurried into the city, which was a world apart from her village. Despite the chaos of the times, the city was bustling with life. Rich and poor alike filled the streets.


    Zhao Guihua knew she had to find a place to settle first.


    She approached several shops, asking, "Boss, are you hiring?"


    "Boss, do you need help?"


    "Boss, I can work as a server..."


    She was turned away from every shop she visited, but Zhao Guihua didn''t lose heart. She kept asking. Jobs in the city were scarce, especially for women. Most businesses only hired male workers. For women, aside from working in textile mills, the only options were taking in laundry or other odd jobs at home.


    But Zhao Guihua, a country girl new to the city, knew nothing of this.


    After three or four days of searching, she still hadn''t found work.


    At night, she huddled in a corner, just like countless other beggars on the street. Even then, she was often chased away. In just a few days, the little money she had was gone, and the few black buns she had brought were all eaten.


    When she first arrived in the city, Zhao Guihua had thought that with hard work, she could at least manage to feed herself. After all, a few girls from her village had found work in the city and seemed to be doing alright. But now she realized how difficult it was to find a job here.


    Her stomach growled loudly. Zhao Guihua hadn''t eaten all day. If she didn''t find work soon, she didn''t know what she would do. The hunger gnawed at her like a burning fire. She found a secluded spot in an alley behind a restaurant, tucked away in a corner.


    It was a good spot¡ªsheltered from the wind and free from competition.


    A few days earlier, she had tried squatting near a wealthy household, only to be chased away by the steward with a broom. Later, she was driven off the street by other beggars. Even beggars had their territories.


    This alley was her refuge. She crouched in the corner, her stomach growling incessantly.


    Suddenly, she saw someone push open the back door of the restaurant and look around. The man pulled out a bun.


    Zhao Guihua''s mouth watered.


    It was Old Man Zhuang, in his younger days.


    Old Man Zhuang heard the growling and muttered, "I ate this morning. Why is my stomach making such a noise?"


    He was about to take a bite when the growling came again. Only then did he realize it wasn''t his stomach. He looked around and spotted a small, scrawny figure in the corner¡ªa young girl.


    He turned away, determined to eat the bun. But the growling only grew louder.


    He moved further away, resolute.


    This bun was a rare treat. Even as a lowly worker at the restaurant, he rarely got such good food. If it weren''t for a customer leaving in a hurry and the boss not noticing, he wouldn''t have had this chance.


    He quickly hid the bun in his clothes, planning to eat it secretly while washing dishes.


    He couldn''t give it to anyone else.


    But the growling persisted.


    Every time he was about to take a bite, the sound interrupted him. Finally, he couldn''t ignore it anymore. He looked at the girl in the corner, her eyes wide with hunger, saliva nearly dripping from her mouth.


    Old Man Zhuang closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and steeled himself to take a bite.


    But in the end, he couldn''t do it. He sighed and said, "I must have forgotten to check the almanac today."


    He walked over to the girl and handed her the bun. "Here."


    Zhao Guihua was stunned. She hadn''t expected this man to give her the bun. He had clearly been reluctant to part with it.


    But she was so hungry, so very hungry.


    She grabbed the bun and devoured it in a few bites, nearly choking in her haste.


    Even when her parents were alive, she hadn''t eaten a meat bun in three or four years.


    Old Man Zhuang watched her, saying, "Slow down."


    Then, unable to resist, he asked, "Is it good?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded vigorously.


    Old Man Zhuang smiled. "I knew it would be. I saw the chef chopping the filling¡ªthere was a big piece of meat in it. This bun costs eighteen coppers."


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes widened. "So expensive!"


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. "Indeed!"


    "Old Man Zhuang, where are you? Damn it, I told you to wash the dishes! Do you want to lose your job?"


    Old Man Zhuang quickly replied, "I''m here!"


    He hurried off, leaving Zhao Guihua to watch his retreating figure.


    The meat bun had done its job. Her stomach no longer felt like it was on fire.


    She touched her belly, her phoenix eyes shining brightly¡ªthis was a meat bun.


    Old Man Zhuang had given it to her.


    Zhao Guihua rubbed her belly again, planning to continue looking for something to do. She got up and walked out of the alley. She saw many people heading toward one end of the street, and from time to time, she could hear murmurs: "The new branch of Keyuan is opening this year, and they''re scattering copper coins at the entrance. Hurry up!"


    "The boss of Keyuan is so generous."


    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua quickly ran in that direction. As soon as she arrived, she heard the sound of firecrackers and saw people scattering money. She rushed in, shouting, "Move aside! This is mine!"


    "Get out of the way! It''s mine!"


    "Go away!"


    "Ah! How dare you bite me, you little brat!"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t care about the commotion. She fought fiercely, managing to grab more than a dozen copper coins.


    "Grand opening, wishing prosperity and longevity! Our boss is kind-hearted, giving out golden steamed buns¡ªfirst come, first served!"


    Zhao Guihua pounced like a little leopard, quickly snatching a bun. The people around her glared, but she stuffed it into her mouth without hesitation. Soon, all the buns were gone, and Zhao Guihua felt a sense of relief with food in her stomach.


    She found a corner and squatted down.


    Though she had only been a little beggar for a few days, she was already getting used to it.


    Leaning against the wall, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure. It was Tooth Uncle, the son of Granny Tooth. Granny Tooth was known as the matchmaker in the village, and her son, Tooth Uncle, was a respected and capable man in the village.


    He worked as a waiter in the city, in a rather large shop.


    No one else could compare.


    Seeing Tooth Uncle, Zhao Guihua immediately thought of Xiangzi''s words. Although Xiangzi and his family had ulterior motives, Zhao Guihua knew that in those circumstances, her parents'' burial had been a miracle. So, while she hated that family, she couldn''t match Granny Tooth''s influence.


    According to Xiangzi and his wife, her brother''s death was related to Granny Tooth, but since Granny Tooth stayed in the village all year round, if there was any connection, it had to be Tooth Uncle.


    Without hesitation, Zhao Guihua followed him.


    She trailed behind Tooth Uncle. Compared to the ragged clothes of the villagers, Tooth Uncle was dressed quite well. His clothes were old but without patches, a sign that he was managing to get by in the city.


    Zhao Guihua quietly followed him as he made his way to the Eight Alleys.


    At first, Zhao Guihua didn''t understand, but after a quick glance, she got the gist of it. She watched as Tooth Uncle walked familiarly into one of the houses. Unable to follow inside, she circled around to the alley, climbed over the wall, and jumped into the courtyard.


    Once inside, she saw a caretaker in the yard. Zhao Guihua tiptoed along the wall to a window. Coincidentally, there were people inside.


    She wasn''t lucky enough to be under Tooth Uncle''s window, but she could clearly hear the voices of two young women inside.


    One of them said, "Tooth Uncle is here again. I hate dealing with him. Every time he comes, I have to serve him. It''s disgusting."


    "Who told you he''s the madam''s favorite? He''s sold seven or eight girls to her. The madam dotes on him. He charges low prices and just wants to have fun without paying. Of course, the madam spoils him."


    "Ugh, he¡¯s a fraudster. Anyone who crosses paths with him is cursed for eight lifetimes."


    "There''s nothing we can do. Don''t provoke him, I''m telling you. He''s ruthless. He''s in cahoots with Wang Er from the streets. We don¡¯t have the means to mess with him."


    "I know!"


    The two whispered, but outside the window, Zhao Guihua was seething with rage.


    Wang Er¡ªshe knew that name. It was because of him that her brother had died. Her two brothers had caught a wild rabbit and a pheasant in the mountains and brought them to the city to sell. They got into an argument with Wang Er during the transaction.


    Both were severely beaten and died shortly after returning home.


    When her family reported it to the authorities, no one cared. In those times, no one cared about the lives of the poor.


    But Zhao Guihua had etched Wang Er''s name into her heart. Now, hearing that Wang Er was connected to Tooth Uncle only confirmed Xiangzi''s words. It made sense¡ªher brothers were honest villagers. How could they have started a fight?


    Even in their final moments, they insisted they hadn¡¯t provoked anyone.


    They kept saying they hadn¡¯t caused any trouble.


    Zhao Guihua clenched her fists, gritting her teeth. She didn¡¯t dare stay long; there were many guards around. But Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t a coward. She sneaked around the courtyard and soon found the kitchen. The place wasn¡¯t large, and the kitchen was cold, with no fire lit.


    There was some prepared food, but it had gone cold. It was clear this wasn¡¯t a place for proper meals.


    But Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t mind. She ate quickly. Though the food was cold, it was much better than what she usually had. After finishing, she stuffed two steamed buns into her clothes and grabbed a kitchen knife before climbing back over the wall.


    She didn¡¯t do anything inside. Instead, she waited at the entrance of the alley, quietly keeping watch. After some thought, she picked up a large rock.


    Though she hated Granny Tooth and her family, she couldn¡¯t risk seeking revenge in the village. If she failed, she wouldn¡¯t get another chance, and everyone knew her name. She¡¯d be arrested or hunted down.


    Then, she¡¯d never get her revenge.


    But now was different. It was already evening, and even if it weren¡¯t, no one in the city would suspect her if something happened.


    Zhao Guihua held her breath.


    She hadn¡¯t been waiting long when Tooth Uncle came strolling down the alley, humming a tune and swaying as he walked, clearly in high spirits. The more Zhao Guihua looked at him, the more hatred burned in her heart. She tightened her grip on the kitchen knife.


    No matter what, she would have her revenge.


    Tooth Uncle, oblivious, continued humming as he approached. Just as he turned the corner, a rock smashed into the back of his head. Zhao Guihua had put all her strength into the throw. Tooth Uncle cried out and fell to the ground. "Who¡¯s there?"


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t hesitate. She jumped on him and hit him twice more.


    Blood streamed from Tooth Uncle¡¯s head. He shouted, "Who is it? Who are you?"


    Zhao Guihua struck him twice more. Seeing him try to resist, she smashed his hand. "Ahh!"


    In a low voice, Zhao Guihua demanded, "Where does Wang Er live?"


    Tooth Uncle was stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected Wang Er¡¯s enemy to come after him. He didn¡¯t recognize Zhao Guihua¡¯s voice, and even if he saw her, he wouldn¡¯t have known her. He rarely went back to the village.


    Zhao Guihua struck his other hand. "I¡¯ll ask you again. Where is Wang Er?"


    "He lives in Li Family Alley, number two. Go find him. He¡¯s your enemy, not me. We¡¯re just drinking buddies. Don¡¯t come after me!"


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t satisfied. She pressed further, "How many people are in his family?"


    "Three brothers. The three of them live together. Please, spare me!"


    Zhao Guihua struck his head again. "You¡¯re lying."


    She was bluffing, but Tooth Uncle cried out, "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯ll tell the truth. There are four. Four people."


    Zhao Guihua sneered. She had expected his deceit. Without mercy, she hit him again. "Tooth Uncle, do you really think I¡¯m a fool? Why should I trust you?"


    She struck him several more times.


    Tooth Uncle hadn¡¯t expected such ferocity from a young girl. He cried, "Who are you? Who are you?"


    Zhao Guihua dragged him into the alley. "You and Wang Er conspired to harm my family, and now you don¡¯t even know who I am. You destroyed my family. Who do you think I am?"


    "Are you...?" Tooth Uncle finally realized. "Are you Xiaocui? Are you Xiaocui? How did you escape?"


    Zhao Guihua sneered.


    Tooth Uncle quickly added, "No, no? Are you Ahe? Ahe?" Hearing no response, he continued, "No, no... Are you Li Feng? No, no... Ah, I know! You¡¯re the Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter, aren¡¯t you? Are you the Zhao Family''s Eldest Daughter?"


    Zhao Guihua sneered and said, "So it was you who did this to my brother!"


    "No, it wasn''t me, it wasn''t... ah!"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t hold back and continued to strike him.


    To be fair, Zhao Guihua had chosen her timing well. The man had just come out of the Eight Great Alleys, his legs still weak. She hit him squarely and didn''t stop, delivering several more heavy blows, quickly taking control of the situation. Otherwise, it would have been nearly impossible for a young girl to overpower a grown man.


    Zhao Guihua: "You deliberately harmed my brother, and today I will avenge him!"


    "No, no, we didn''t mean to. I just wanted to teach them a lesson. Who told them to call my mother a brothel madam, saying she''d come to no good end? We were doing it for your own good, trying to find a way out for you. But you didn''t appreciate it, and instead, you stirred up trouble. Your brother didn''t know his place... ah!"


    Zhao Guihua''s eyes were red, tears streaming down her face, but they were filled with hatred.


    She raised the kitchen knife, its cold steel glinting. Tooth Uncle suddenly dodged, barely managing to avoid the blow. He stumbled to his feet. Zhao Guihua chased after him, and he quickly darted into the street, shouting, "Help! Someone help me! She''s trying to kill me!"


    Ordinary people hearing this quickly scattered.


    Zhao Guihua, still holding the kitchen knife, chased after him. Just then, she saw a group of patrolmen with turtle-shell shields on their backs.


    Tooth Uncle quickly cried out, "Help me, this wretched girl is trying to kill me!"


    Seeing the situation, Zhao Guihua didn''t hesitate for a moment. She lunged forward, grabbing Tooth Uncle from behind by the collar and slashing at him while pulling him back. The city was in chaos, and such street violence was not uncommon.


    The patrolmen immediately raised their shields but stayed rooted to the spot. It was just a job, and no one was willing to risk their lives for something like this. That would be madness. It wasn''t their problem.


    Still, they shouted, "Hey, you up there! Drop the knife! Surrender!"


    Zhao Guihua dragged the man along without a word.


    Tooth Uncle, choked and dazed, felt pain all over his body. He struggled to break free, but Zhao Guihua had hit him with a rock too many times, and he was weak from blood loss. Seeing that the patrolmen weren''t taking things seriously, he realized they were just going through the motions.


    If he waited for them to save him, he''d be dead for sure.


    At this point, he didn''t care anymore. His eyes darted around, and he came up with a wicked idea. He shouted, "Catch the underground party member! Catch her! She''s an underground party member! Don''t let her escape. You''ll get a reward for catching her!"


    As ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????soon as he said this, the patrolmen hesitated, exchanging glances. Then, almost immediately, they charged forward. Some even loaded their weapons, preparing for action.


    In this critical moment, Zhao Guihua knew she had to gamble. She shouted, "Go ahead, shoot me if you dare!"


    Her voice rang out.


    The scene was chaotic, and one of the patrolmen, unable to resist the provocation, pulled the trigger.


    Bang!


    Zhao Guihua had been staying behind Tooth Uncle the whole time. After shouting, she held on even tighter. Tooth Uncle realized her plan, but the girl''s grip was surprisingly strong. Dizzy and disoriented, he was pushed forward by Zhao Guihua.


    The gunshot rang out, and blood splattered.


    Zhao Guihua took off running. Another shot was fired, but by then it was already dark, and the alley had no streetlights. Taking advantage of the night, Zhao Guihua quickly scaled a wall. Growing up in the countryside, she was used to climbing trees and walls, and she scrambled over with ease, fleeing for her life.


    The gunshots continued, but whether the patrolmen weren''t trying very hard or Zhao Guihua was just lucky, she managed to escape. She ran for what felt like an eternity, finally losing her pursuers. Gasping for breath, she leaned against a door, wiping her face.


    It was covered in blood.


    Creak...


    Just as Zhao Guihua was catching her breath, the door she was leaning against suddenly opened. Her heart skipped a beat, and before she could say anything, she turned around and saw her savior¡ªOld Man Zhuang!


    "It''s you!"


    They both recognized each other.


    The noise from the street grew louder. Without a word, Old Man Zhuang grabbed Zhao Guihua, pulled her inside, and shut the door with a click. He put a finger to his lips and whispered, "Shh..."

 Chapter 224

    Old Man Zhuang pulled the person inside and immediately recognized her¡ªit was the little beggar girl.


    Both of them pressed against the door, listening to the sound of footsteps running outside. It seemed someone was being chased. Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t dare move, and neither did Old Man Zhuang beside her. After a while, the outside finally seemed quiet. He turned to look at her and only then noticed that she was covered in blood.


    Old Man Zhuang was an honest man, an ordinary commoner. Faced with such a situation, he was startled. He stammered, ¡°Y-you¡¯re hurt?¡±


    Zhao Guihua took a deep breath and said, ¡°No, this is someone else¡¯s blood.¡±


    Her heart was racing. She rubbed her eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave soon. I won¡¯t get you involved.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang pursed his lips, unsure of what to say.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua looked around and noticed they were in a small courtyard. A single light was on in the small building, and the surroundings were very quiet. She asked in surprise, ¡°Is this your home?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang shook his head. ¡°No, I¡¯m just watching the house for someone.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t afford such an expensive place. He didn¡¯t own a house and had previously rented a single room. Recently, he¡¯d taken up the job of house-sitting for this family, so he¡¯d given up his rental to save money. Old Man Zhuang lived alone and was always frugal.


    He glanced down at Zhao Guihua, his gaze lingering on the bloodstains on her clothes. He hesitated but ultimately didn¡¯t say anything.


    The two of them stood there, staring at each other, until a loud rumble echoed in the distance. The sky had turned gloomy, and it looked like rain was coming.


    Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°You have to leave by tomorrow morning.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was taken aback but quickly realized he was letting her stay until then. She nodded eagerly.


    She followed Old Man Zhuang inside. Since he was only the caretaker, he lived in the small gatehouse by the entrance. He didn¡¯t dare let her into the main house. He said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to make do here for the night.¡±


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips and nodded lightly.


    Old Man Zhuang asked, ¡°Do you want some hot water?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    She was straightforward, and Old Man Zhuang glanced at her again before pouring her a cup of water. ¡°Here.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was filthy from head to toe. She had the sense not to sit anywhere and instead sat on the floor in the corner, cradling the cup and sipping the water. She had run so hard earlier that her throat felt scorched. Now, the warm water brought her some relief.


    Thinking back to what had just happened, her heart raced. She knew she had taken a huge risk¡ªone wrong move, and she could have lost her life. But in that moment, her hatred had been too strong. She had been willing to risk everything for revenge, even if it meant being caught. Now, though, she realized how reckless she had been.


    Sitting in the corner, she thought about the gunshots and felt a wave of fear. She was a bold girl, but she had never experienced anything like this before. How could she not be scared? She tried to distract herself.


    She looked up at the electric light and asked, ¡°Is this an electric lamp?¡±


    It was her first time in a room with electric lighting, and she couldn¡¯t help but stare curiously.


    Old Man Zhuang nodded and hummed in response. He sat on the edge of the bed, head bowed, lost in thought.


    Outside, thunder rumbled continuously, and rain began to pour down, pelting the eaves with a loud, rhythmic patter. Zhao Guihua felt a wave of gratitude toward this kind stranger who had taken her in.


    If it weren¡¯t for him, she would have been caught in the heavy rain with nowhere to take shelter. She might have caught a cold or worse.


    Feeling thankful, she glanced at Old Man Zhuang again. He remained silent, head still bowed. Zhao Guihua leaned against the wall, feeling a sense of peace.


    In truth, Old Man Zhuang was also terrified. Though the little beggar girl was just a scrawny kid, she was covered in blood and had been chased. She was clearly no ordinary person. How could he not be afraid?


    Old Man Zhuang wasn¡¯t a brave man. He had taken her in out of pity, but now that they were inside, he felt uneasy. He sat on the bed, not daring to move. He stole a glance at her. Her face was so dirty that her features were indistinguishable, but her eyes were bright and lively.


    The rain continued to drum against the roof. He shivered and pulled his shoulders in.


    Neither of them asked the other¡¯s name or what had happened. They simply sat in silence. After what felt like an eternity, Old Man Zhuang grew drowsy and said, ¡°Here¡¯s a blanket for you.¡±


    Zhao Guihua looked at the blanket and then at her filthy self. ¡°No, I¡¯ll dirty it.¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Old Man Zhuang glanced at her. She was indeed filthy, but he insisted, ¡°Take it. It¡¯s cold.¡±


    He got up and handed her the blanket. Zhao Guihua hesitated, her lips twitching. She wasn¡¯t used to such kindness from strangers. She rubbed her face and said, ¡°I¡¯m covered in blood.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang sighed. ¡°Then¡­ put my coat over it. That way, when you leave tomorrow, you won¡¯t be spotted because of the blood on your clothes.¡±


    Zhao Guihua blushed, though her face was too dirty for it to show.


    Once everything was settled, Old Man Zhuang turned off the light, and the room quickly darkened. He curled up on the bed, wrapping himself in a blanket. Feeling a chill, he draped another coat over himself.


    Zhao Guihua whispered, ¡°I¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t know what to say and fell silent again.


    The blanket was warm. Though she was sitting on the floor, it made her feel much more comfortable. She tugged the blanket around her, feeling grateful. She had met a kind soul.


    In the cold, rainy night, Zhao Guihua felt a warmth in her heart. She rested her head on her knees and closed her eyes. She would rest for just a little while¡­ She didn¡¯t know when she fell asleep, but when she woke up, it was already morning. The sun was out, and the heavy rain from the night before had left the air fresh.


    The weather was exceptionally nice that day.


    Old Man Zhuang had woken up a little earlier. He had dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn¡¯t slept well. He looked at Zhao Guihua and said, ¡°Here.¡±


    Zhao Guihua saw he was holding a black steamed bun.


    She quickly shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    She patted her stomach. ¡°I ate enough yesterday.¡±


    She had stolen some food in the Eight Great Alleys the day before.


    Old Man Zhuang insisted, ¡°Take it. You can eat it today or save it for tomorrow.¡±


    In these times, beggars didn¡¯t get much to eat. It wasn¡¯t as easy as one might think.


    Seeing his determined expression, Zhao Guihua hesitated before finally accepting the bun. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She bowed deeply. ¡°Thank you for helping me.¡±


    At this moment, Old Man Zhuang revealed a faint smile and said, "No need to thank me. We''re all poor folks. If I can help, I will. But there''s only so much I can do."


    He scratched his head and added, "Be careful from now on and live well."


    Zhao Guihua bit her lip and nodded firmly.


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled again. He seemed like a kind and honest young man. Zhao Guihua, clutching the steamed bun, said, "I''ll be going now."


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "Take care on your way."


    Zhao Guihua let out a soft laugh and said, "I will."


    The two of them walked to the door together. Old Man Zhuang opened it and glanced around before saying, "There''s no one outside."


    Zhao Guihua slipped out quickly and ran off as soon as she stepped outside. She turned a corner and disappeared. Last night, she hadn¡¯t noticed, but today she realized that the alleys here were the back doors of wealthy households. She must have been leaning against one of those back doors yesterday.


    When she reached the main street, she suddenly remembered that she had forgotten to return the clothes to Old Man Zhuang. Though she didn¡¯t even know his name, she knew he was a good person. Zhao Guihua turned around to go back but quickly stopped in her tracks.


    If she returned the clothes, she would have to wear her own, but her clothes were stained with blood. That wouldn¡¯t do.


    After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Guihua decided not to go back. She would focus on revenge first; everything else could wait. Last night, she hadn¡¯t dared to think too deeply about these matters, but today she mustered her courage and headed toward the Eight Alleys. Sure enough, some people were gossiping about last night¡¯s events.


    "Did you hear? Last night, the patrolmen shot and killed someone."


    "Who knows what really happened? The guy was also slashed multiple times."


    "Your information is outdated. That¡¯s not how it went. I heard a man went to the Eight Alleys for some fun and got robbed on his way out. Whether he was lucky or unlucky, he shouted for help, and the patrolmen came to check. But the robber was vicious and pushed the man right into the line of fire. Just like that, he was gone. I heard he didn¡¯t have any family, so no one even came to claim the body."


    "Didn¡¯t the patrolmen do anything?"


    "What are you thinking? Those dogs wouldn¡¯t lift a finger. They don¡¯t care."


    "That guy was really unlucky."


    "You can say that again."


    "What happened to the body?"


    "They dragged it away. If no one claims it in a day or two, they¡¯ll dump it in the mass grave outside the city."


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua was momentarily surprised but quickly realized that the man hadn¡¯t been robbed by her but likely by those patrolmen. Serves him right!


    She confirmed that the man was dead and felt a sense of relief. He was her enemy, and she naturally wished him dead to avenge her hatred.


    Zhao Guihua wiped her face and shifted her focus to her other enemies¡ªthe four Wang brothers.


    They had beaten her brother to death, and now she couldn¡¯t let them go either. Zhao Guihua turned to leave but immediately saw some pimps running out, brandishing wooden sticks and shouting, "Chase her! That little wretch Gou Lanxiang can¡¯t have gone far!"


    "Damn it, if we catch her, we¡¯ll kill her!"


    "Hurry, she ran off with the money¡­"


    They shouted as they ran, their eyes filled with malice. Ordinary folks had never seen such a scene and quickly scattered. Zhao Guihua also ducked into a corner, watching as the men ran past. Once they were gone, she slipped away.


    She wondered who these pimps were chasing.


    But she hoped they wouldn¡¯t succeed.


    Pimps were no good, so the person they were chasing couldn¡¯t be bad.


    Zhao Guihua thought naively but didn¡¯t dwell on it. She had her own matters to attend to and couldn¡¯t be bothered with strangers.


    Little did she know that she would one day become neighbors with this person for decades, but for now, the name was just a fleeting thought. She quickly asked for directions and figured out the Wang brothers¡¯ situation.


    From what she learned, the Wang brothers were truly wicked. In these chaotic times, such scoundrels thrived. They didn¡¯t dare mess with the well-known figures on the streets but took advantage of their strength to bully the poor, oppressing men and women alike.


    It was said that they had abducted a girl who had come to the city to visit relatives. When she resisted, they beat her half to death, violated her, and then sold her to a brothel.


    It was said that when they saw a man in the tenement yard buy a rickshaw, they tricked him out of the city, killed him, and stole the rickshaw.


    It was said that they had discovered a teacher named Chen, who was renting in the alley, was an anti-Japanese activist. They secretly reported him and led others to capture him. Teacher Chen was shot dead on the spot.


    And it was said¡­


    In short, these four brothers were utterly despicable, committing countless evil deeds and harming many people.


    Zhao Guihua became even more determined to find a way to eliminate these wicked men¡ªnot just for revenge but also to rid the world of their evil.


    She pursed her lips, pondering. Although she had managed to kill Tooth Uncle, it wasn¡¯t because she was particularly skilled but because she had been lucky. If she had made even the slightest mistake, she would have died on the spot.


    A man with no particular strength had been difficult enough to deal with, let alone four strong men.


    She needed to outsmart them!


    Zhao Guihua began to scheme. She quickly sneaked near the Wang brothers¡¯ house and hid in a corner to keep watch. The streets were full of beggars, and one more or less wouldn¡¯t attract attention. Zhao Guihua observed for two days. The brothers were tall and strong; poisoning them seemed like the only viable option.


    But where could she get poison?


    And how could she trick them into consuming it?


    Zhao Guihua pondered again, crouched in the corner, her eyes darting around¡­ Wait!


    Just as she was struggling with her thoughts, she suddenly spotted a familiar face¡ªAunt Tooth.


    In the village, people called her Aunt Tooth, and the children referred to her as Granny.


    The woman had a set of yellowed teeth, which earned her the nickname Aunt Tooth.


    Aunt Tooth hurried over with a small bundle and knocked on the Wang brothers¡¯ door. Zhao Guihua perked up. What was this old woman doing here?


    Aunt Tooth knocked repeatedly, and Wang Yi opened the door, his tone unfriendly, "Who is it?"


    Aunt Tooth replied, "It¡¯s me. Wang Yi, it¡¯s Aunt Tooth."


    Wang Yi opened the door but didn¡¯t let her in. Instead, he lazily asked, "What do you want? How did you find this place?"


    Aunt Tooth quickly said, "Wang Yi, tell me, where¡¯s my son? I went to look for him, and many people said he¡¯s dead. That¡¯s a lie, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s a lie, right?"


    She grabbed Wang Yi¡¯s arm, unable to believe it.


    Wang Yi shook her off and said, "You old hag, you come here looking for your son? Your son was killed by some bastard. Go collect his body. If you don¡¯t hurry, they¡¯ll dump him in the mass grave."


    "What!"


    Aunt Tooth was deeply shocked and in disbelief, exclaiming, "Nonsense! You''re lying! How could he possibly..."


    "How could he not? That good-for-nothing can''t do anything right, and yet he got ambushed. Get out of here, stop bothering me!"


    Since Tooth Uncle was already dead, Wang Yi paid no attention to Aunt Tooth. What use was this old woman anyway? Aunt Tooth could tell exactly what he meant. She clung to Wang Yi, wailing, "Don''t chase me away! Come with me, come with me to collect his body. My boy was your brother. You can''t just turn a blind eye now!"


    Wang Yi sneered, "Brother? Money makes brothers, not empty sentiments. Get lost!!!"


    Aunt Tooth refused to let go. Seeing Wang Yi''s coldness, she cried out, "You can''t be so heartless! He did so much for you, and I helped you too. How can you turn your back on us now? You... Ah!!!"


    Wang Yi punched her, knocking out several of her teeth.


    He cursed, "Get out of here! Don¡¯t cause trouble around me. This isn¡¯t the place for your nonsense."


    With a loud bang, he slammed the door shut. Aunt Tooth clawed at the door, screaming, "You heartless monsters! My son and I did so much for you, and now you betray us! You¡¯ll die a terrible death! Give me my son¡¯s share!"


    Wang Yi yanked the door open again, demanding, "What are you talking about? What share?"


    Aunt Tooth replied, "My son helped you deal with opium. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know..."


    Zhao Guihua, hiding in a corner, pricked up her ears, thinking to herself how utterly wicked these people were. To think they¡¯d stoop to such things! As she pondered this, Wang Yi said, "Since you know, I¡¯ll give it back to you."


    His eyes flickered as he added, "Come inside."


    Aunt Tooth¡¯s heart leapt with hope. No matter what, her son was gone, but she needed the money back. She still had a grandson to take care of. She hurried inside, but the moment she stepped in, she let out a blood-curdling scream.


    "Ah!"


    Zhao Guihua shuddered and cautiously peeked out, but she couldn¡¯t see anything.


    Soon after, she heard faint, gasping sounds. Zhao Guihua thought, "..."


    Aunt Tooth was likely beyond saving.


    Zhao Guihua felt no sympathy for such people. They had harmed many, and now they were merely reaping what they had sown. However, this only deepened her worries. Today¡¯s events showed just how ruthless and cautious Wang Yi and his family were. Aunt Tooth had merely spoken out, and they had silenced her permanently.


    If Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t deal with them decisively, it would be nearly impossible.


    After some thought, she remembered a story she had heard in the village¡ªabout poison.


    She could use poison to kill them.


    Zhao Guihua immediately set her sights on a herbal medicine shop on the street. She couldn¡¯t just walk in and buy poison; they¡¯d never sell it to her. So, she disguised herself as a bandit, waited until evening when only an old shopkeeper was on duty, covered her face, rushed in, grabbed a packet of poison, and fled!


    The old shopkeeper was stunned. "!!!"


    He had seen people rob money, but never poison.


    But he quickly realized that this person was up to no good. Trembling with fear, he didn¡¯t dare report it to the authorities.


    The officials these days were no good. If he reported it, he¡¯d likely be skinned alive, whether he was the victim or not. The old shopkeeper didn¡¯t dare tell anyone. Meanwhile, Zhao Guihua, taking advantage of the empty house, climbed over the wall and sneaked in. She had been observing for several days and confirmed that only four men lived there. As soon as she landed in the yard, she noticed the soil in the corner had been disturbed.


    Thinking of the missing Aunt Tooth, Zhao Guihua was certain she had been buried there. But she didn¡¯t care about that. Silently, she slipped inside. The house was filled with valuable items, clearly belonging to a wealthy family. Unmoved, Zhao Guihua headed straight for the kitchen. In the cupboard, she found some leftover dishes. Spotting a plate of stir-fried pork intestines with chili, she poured the poison into it. She also sprinkled some into the other dishes, though not as much.


    After finishing her task, Zhao Guihua mustered her strength and climbed back out.


    In the past, when her family was still around, she had never even killed a chicken. But now, she was ready to kill. If it weren¡¯t for her brother¡¯s murder, her family wouldn¡¯t have come to this. Zhao Guihua hated these people to the core. She hid under the wall, watching as Wang Yi and his gang returned.


    To her surprise, they had even bought a piece of braised beef. Her stomach growled uncontrollably.


    She had only eaten one black steamed bun that day, bought with a copper coin she had picked up during a shop opening. If not for that stroke of luck, she would have starved to death by now.


    But she was also worried. If they had bought braised beef, would they still eat the leftovers?


    Zhao Guihua was anxious but relieved that she had kept half of the poison.


    If this didn¡¯t work, she could try again.


    She pursed her lips as the men inside began heating the dishes and sitting down to eat. Wang Yi remarked, "Does this dish taste a bit off?"


    "Pork intestines always have a strong smell. It¡¯s not hot enough for the food to spoil."


    "It¡¯s only been a day. It can¡¯t be bad."


    The men quickly dug in. Wang Yi cursed, "I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because of that dead old woman buried in the yard, but our money-making opportunities have been fewer lately."


    Their business wasn¡¯t legitimate¡ªthey distributed opium, stole, cheated, and even targeted rebellious girls, checking if they were anti-Japanese activists. If they were, they could claim a reward.


    That was how they made their money. Occasionally, they¡¯d rob or kill, but such "opportunities" weren¡¯t always available.


    As they ate, they discussed their plans.


    "That Rongbaozhai shopkeeper has been acting suspiciously lately. He might actually be involved in that. Should we report him?"


    "Let¡¯s wait. We need solid evidence."


    "Aunt Tooth and Tooth Uncle are dead. Their daughter-in-law and kids are still in the countryside. Should we go there and trick them into coming out? We could sell them for money."


    "Good idea. Their family has some savings."


    "I¡¯m in."


    They chatted merrily, oblivious to the strange taste of the food¡ªor perhaps they noticed but didn¡¯t care. After all, food could taste a bit off in hot weather, and they weren¡¯t living lavishly enough to waste anything.


    Little did they know, they had all ingested poison...


    Zhao Guihua stayed outside all night, waiting until noon the next day. No one had come out of the house, which was unusual since they usually left early. Zhao Guihua wondered if she had succeeded.


    She waited until evening, then gritted her teeth and climbed over the wall again.


    She had thought it through. If this was a trap they had set for her, she would fight to the death!


    But revenge¡ªthat was non-negotiable!


    Zhao Guihua climbed over the wall into the courtyard, which was eerily quiet. She tiptoed to the door and peered through the window. To her shock, several people were slumped over the table, blood trickling from their mouths. Zhao Guihua clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and cautiously entered the room. She slowly approached, reaching out to check their breathing...


    They were all lifeless.


    Zhao Guihua collapsed to the ground, unable to hold back her tears.


    Though she had been holding herself together these past days, the fear inside her was something only she could understand. She was still young, after all. Zhao Guihua cried even harder, rubbing her eyes. Her face, already streaked with dirt, now looked even more disheveled.


    Her sobs were uncontrollable, but after a while, she finally calmed down. Her stomach growled loudly.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at the food on the table but dared not touch it. She had no idea if it had been contaminated. She stood up and carefully inspected the room, then searched the bodies of the deceased. To her surprise, she found two silver coins and a handful of copper coins.


    Without hesitation, she pocketed them.


    She wasn¡¯t one to be inflexible.


    If she didn¡¯t take the money, it would surely end up in the hands of those scoundrels.


    Her stomach growled again. Zhao Guihua rummaged around and found a small bag of flour.


    Despite the four corpses in the room, Zhao Guihua was a bold girl. She fearlessly lit a fire and steamed some buns. While the buns were cooking, she didn¡¯t need to watch them constantly, so she quickly went into the inner room to search further.


    After a thorough search, she finally discovered a small box. Inside, neatly stacked, were thirty silver coins. Zhao Guihua¡¯s breathing quickened. In all her life, she had never seen so much money.


    Even in the best of times, her family had never managed to save even one silver coin.


    Zhao Guihua knew these people had earned their money through nefarious means. She spat in disgust and continued searching. To her astonishment, she found another box hidden in the rafters. Inside was a small pouch containing four small gold bars, each about the length and thickness of a man¡¯s finger.


    Trembling, she placed the silver coins and gold bars into a bag. When it became too full, she tore off a piece of cloth, wrapped everything together, and tied it securely. By then, the aroma of steamed buns wafted into the inner room. Zhao Guihua¡¯s stomach growled even louder. She hurriedly opened the pot and, despite the heat, began devouring the buns.


    Mmm, delicious!


    Zhao Guihua had never tasted such delicious buns. She was starving and ate four in a row before feeling full.


    Truthfully, she could have eaten more.


    But Zhao Guihua held back, fearing she might overeat or stretch her stomach. What would she do if she couldn¡¯t find such abundance later? She packed the remaining buns and steamed another batch. Then, she heated some water and took a bath.


    It had been a long time since she last bathed. She was practically reeking.


    Her head was infested with lice, so she shaved it clean. She washed her clothes and tidied herself up. After staying in the house for three days, the smell of decay was becoming unbearable. With her clothes clean and herself refreshed, Zhao Guihua gathered everything she could carry, including the daggers from the deceased, and packed them into a large bundle. In the early hours of the morning, she quietly opened the door and slipped away unnoticed.


    Zhao Guihua carried her bundle with determination, heading straight for the place where her savior lived. The man had helped her twice, and now that she had money, she intended to repay him.


    She knew that neither of them was wealthy. Her savior was also from a poor family. Having taken the ill-gotten money from those villains, she felt compelled to visit him.


    Zhao Guihua made her way to the small restaurant, her clothes clean and her appearance tidy. Who would have thought she had spent three days in a house with corpses? She arrived at the restaurant, her stomach full, and stood at the entrance, looking around.


    She realized she had forgotten to ask her savior¡¯s name.


    Zhao Guihua stood there for a while until a young waiter came out to dump dirty water. She quickly approached him and asked, ¡°Excuse me, could you tell me where the other waiter is? The one who¡¯s about a head taller than me, very thin and dark, with short hair? Oh, and he wears a felt hat.¡±


    The waiter replied, ¡°Are you talking about Old Man Zhuang?¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I don¡¯t know his name.¡±


    The waiter nodded, ¡°There are only four of us on rotation here. It must be him. He was fired by the boss.¡±


    Zhao Guihua exclaimed, ¡°What?¡±


    She looked at the waiter in shock. The waiter, being a friendly sort, explained, ¡°He caught a cold and had a fever a few days ago. He accidentally broke one of the boss¡¯s plates, and the boss thought he was bad luck, so he fired him.¡±


    Zhao Guihua was stunned. ¡°A cold?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± the waiter continued, ¡°The boss saw how sick he was and was afraid he¡¯d slow down the work, so he fired him. Because he broke a plate, he didn¡¯t even get paid for the last ten days.¡±


    Zhao Guihua frowned.


    ¡°So he just left?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the waiter said, looking curiously at Zhao Guihua. ¡°What¡¯s your relationship with him?¡±


    His gaze lingered on her shaved head. Zhao Guihua casually replied, ¡°I¡¯m his distant cousin. I just left the monastery.¡±


    The waiter looked at her in awe, clearly impressed.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I¡¯ll go find him.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where he lives?¡±


    Zhao Guihua asked, ¡°Wasn¡¯t he working as a gatekeeper?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that was before. The homeowner returned from out of town a couple of days ago. Seeing him so weak and sickly, they were afraid he might infect the family. They scolded him and kicked him out.¡±


    Zhao Guihua urgently asked, ¡°Do you know where he is now?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s quite ill. No one wants to rent him a room for fear he might die and bring bad luck. He¡¯s staying in the dormitory at the southern end of the city. If you want to find him, go there.¡±


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She thought for a moment, then pulled out a few copper coins from her pocket and handed them to the waiter. ¡°Thank you so much.¡±


    The waiter¡¯s face lit up with a smile. He hadn¡¯t expected such a reward and immediately offered, ¡°Do you know the way? If not, I can take you there after my shift.¡±


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t want to delay and quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll find my way. Thank you again.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± the waiter replied.


    Zhao Guihua hurried off, heading straight for the southern part of the city.


    He must have caught a cold from sleeping without a blanket a few nights ago. It had rained that night, and the chill was unbearable. She had been wrapped in a blanket, feeling warm and cozy, but he hadn¡¯t been able to withstand the cold.


    It was all her fault.


    Zhao Guihua soon arrived at the southern dormitory. Before she could even enter, she heard shouting and the sound of a scuffle coming from the alley. She casually glanced over, but what she saw made her blood boil.


    The one being beaten was none other than the benefactor she had been searching for.


    Zhao Guihua immediately shouted, "What are you doing!"


    She pulled out a knife and charged forward without hesitation.


    The group of men who had been kicking and punching Old Man Zhuang were startled by her sudden appearance. One of them yelled, "Mind your own business, you¡ªah!"


    Zhao Guihua swung her knife, and the man screamed as he dodged.


    She continued to brandish the knife, charging at them relentlessly. She knew she was no match for three men alone, but by taking the offensive, she hoped to intimidate them and make them back down.


    Zhao Guihua swung the knife, recalling how the women in her village fought. Without a word, she aimed a kick at the most vulnerable spot.


    "Ah!"


    Men were always most afraid of attacks to their weak spots. Zhao Guihua fought fiercely, roaring like a wild beast. As the saying goes, the weak fear the strong, and the strong fear the ruthless. Zhao Guihua was exactly that¡ªruthless. Wielding the knife as if she wasn''t afraid to kill, she successfully scared off the three men. They stumbled away, shouting, "You just wait! We''ll be back!"


    Zhao Guihua spat on the ground. "Hmph!"


    She hurried over to help Old Man Zhuang up. His face was pale, a stark contrast to his usual dark complexion. He looked weak and frail. "You..."


    Zhao Guihua said, "It''s me. Remember? The buns."


    Old Man Zhuang managed a faint smile, though it was clear he was too weak to even do that properly. "I know," he said.


    He recognized her eyes.


    Zhao Guihua insisted, "Come on, let''s go see a doctor."


    Old Man Zhuang staggered to his feet, swaying unsteadily. "No, it''s fine. I''ll recover on my own..."


    Zhao Guihua was firm. "You have to see a doctor."


    She spoke with authority. "You need to listen to me."


    "But I..."


    "But nothing! If you hadn''t given me your blanket, you wouldn''t have caught this cold, and you wouldn''t have been fired."


    Truth be told, it was all her fault.


    Without another word, Zhao Guihua helped him along, and they soon found a clinic. Old Man Zhuang had been suffering from a cold for several days and was running a fever. On top of that, he had just been beaten and was covered in injuries.


    The doctor looked at Zhao Guihua and asked, "Do you need medicine?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Yes, we need medicine."


    The doctor nodded in return. Medical treatment was expensive at the time, and Old Man Zhuang''s condition had worsened due to the delay. The doctor first treated his wounds and then prescribed some medicine. "This medicine needs to be taken three times a day for at least three days. To be safe, it''s best to take it for five days."


    Zhao Guihua was resolute. "Then give us five days'' worth."


    Old Man Zhuang protested, "No, I..."


    "Listen to me!"


    Zhao Guihua''s tone left no room for argument. The doctor nodded and followed her instructions.


    She then asked, "Doctor, can he rest here for a while?"


    The doctor nodded. "Of course. Take your time before leaving."


    Zhao Guihua helped Old Man Zhuang sit down on a chair. "Rest here for a bit. I''ll go find us a place to stay and come back for you."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "You don''t have to worry about me."


    He looked at Zhao Guihua, his eyes dull but also filled with guilt. He felt bad for making her spend her money.


    Zhao Guihua said earnestly, "Don''t talk nonsense. If it weren''t for helping me, you wouldn''t have gotten sick!"


    She continued, "I can''t just leave you like this."


    Old Man Zhuang coughed and said, "No, it''s not your fault. My health has always been weak. I''m the one dragging you down..."


    "You''re not dragging me down," Zhao Guihua interrupted. "I don''t see you as a burden, and neither should you. Have you been eating properly these past few days? Here, I have a bun."


    She took a bun out of her bag and handed it to Old Man Zhuang. "Eat this. Once you recover, I''ll feel better too."


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????tied up her bag again and said, "I''ll go find us a place..."


    "Miss, are you looking to rent a room?"


    Zhao Guihua looked up at the elderly doctor, who smiled and said, "I have a room for rent at my place. Would you like to see it?"


    Zhao Guihua was surprised. "Really?"


    The doctor explained, "I have a courtyard on the back street with separate rooms for rent. There''s one room left. If you don''t mind, you can take a look."


    He glanced at the young man and woman and added, "If you feel it''s too cramped, you can always divide the room."


    He quoted a price, and Zhao Guihua, unsure if it was fair, turned to Old Man Zhuang. "What do you think? Is the price reasonable?"


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. "It''s a fair price."


    The doctor smiled. "Of course it is."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Then let''s go take a look."


    The doctor agreed. "Alright."


    The place he led them to was a large, bustling courtyard with seven or eight families living there. Despite the crowded conditions, Zhao Guihua quickly decided to rent the room. They needed a place to stay. After signing the lease, Zhao Guihua helped Old Man Zhuang inside. "We''re lucky. Who would have thought we''d find a place to rent while seeing the doctor?"


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. He knew that many people were reluctant to rent to someone who was sick, fearing bad luck if the person died in their property. That was why he had ended up in a communal dormitory for laborers.


    Zhao Guihua looked around the small room. It was indeed tiny, with just enough space for a small stove and a modest kang (heated bed).


    She pursed her lips, and Old Man Zhuang, following her gaze, blushed deeply. He stammered, "I-I-I can sleep on the floor. I..."


    Zhao Guihua said, "You can stay here for now. We''ll divide the room in the middle."


    Old Man Zhuang whispered, "People will talk."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "We''ll manage for now. Once you''re better, we''ll go our separate ways. What others say doesn''t matter. We don''t even know each other well. This is just a temporary arrangement."


    Old Man Zhuang fell silent.


    Zhao Guihua then asked, "By the way, I never asked your name. I heard people call you Old Man Zhuang?"


    Old Man Zhuang said, "My name is Zhuang Haoren. ''Hao'' as in noble, and ''ren'' as in benevolence. But I''m a bit of a pushover, so everyone calls me Old Man Zhuang. What''s your name?"


    He looked at her eagerly. Zhao Guihua replied cheerfully, "I''m Zhao Guihua. I was born in August when the osmanthus flowers were in full bloom, so my family named me Guihua."


    "Zhao Guihua... That''s a beautiful name," Old Man Zhuang said softly.


    Zhao Guihua blushed slightly but still spoke confidently. "Of course it is."


    After this exchange, they both fell silent, unsure of what to say next. After all, they weren''t very familiar with each other. But Zhao Guihua could tell that Old Man Zhuang was a good person. After all, who else would go out of their way to help someone and end up in such a state?


    She finally broke the silence. "By the way, I never asked¡ªwhy were those men beating you earlier?"


    Mentioning these incidents, Old Man Zhuang no longer blushed and said, "They wanted to rob me of my money. I was seriously ill and alone, and they thought I was weak and easy to bully, so they set their sights on me. Today, they lured me out and then attacked me. When I refused to hand over the money, they beat me."


    He spoke with a hint of anger, "One of them used to be a worker at the place where I worked before."


    Zhao Guihua widened her eyes, "How despicable!"


    "Yes," he replied.


    Zhao Guihua declared, "If I ever see them again, I¡¯ll definitely give them a beating!"


    Old Man Zhuang, recalling Zhao Guihua¡¯s fierce demeanor earlier, thought for a moment and said earnestly, "You¡¯re strong, but it¡¯s better not to confront them directly. We¡¯re outnumbered, so it¡¯s wiser to be cautious."


    Zhao Guihua muttered, "I have a knife, though."


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled and said, "Still, be careful. Once I recover, I¡¯ll go and ambush them."


    Zhao Guihua was momentarily surprised, not expecting Old Man Zhuang to say such a thing, but she quickly laughed.


    She said brightly, "Alright, let¡¯s go together. We won¡¯t let those scoundrels get away."


    "Agreed!" Old Man Zhuang replied with determination.


    After finishing her words, Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "You should rest for a while. I¡¯ll tidy up the house. Since we¡¯re staying here, it should be clean and comfortable."


    Old Man Zhuang, looking at the already tidy young woman, nodded and said, "Alright, I¡¯ll help you clean up."


    Zhao Guihua protested, "You need to rest¡­"


    Old Man Zhuang insisted, "It¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll do it together. I¡¯ll take my medicine and recover sooner."


    Zhao Guihua relented, "Alright, together then!"


    The two exchanged smiles¡­

 Chapter 225

    Zhao Guihua was sharing a room with a strange man for the first time, and she felt a bit uneasy. However, when she thought about how this man had ended up in such a state because of her, she steeled herself and decided to stay. After all, she had even dared to use arsenic¡ªwhat was there to fear from a sickly man?


    Besides, she stole a glance at Old Man Zhuang and felt that he was a good person, someone she could trust.


    At just sixteen years old, Zhao Guihua hadn¡¯t met many people or experienced much in life, but she believed she had a good sense of character. Looking at the somewhat timid Old Man Zhuang, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s start cleaning up.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Old Man Zhuang replied, his face flushed. It was unclear whether it was from the fever caused by his illness or from embarrassment, but his cheeks were burning red. He got up and helped Zhao Guihua tidy up the small space. After a while, Zhao Guihua suggested, ¡°Later, we¡¯ll hang a curtain in the room to divide it into two halves.¡±


    She paused, then added seriously, ¡°I¡¯m only doing this because I trust you. But if you try anything inappropriate, I¡¯ll chop you up!¡±


    Old Man Zhuang quickly shook his head. ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± he said earnestly. At this point, Old Man Zhuang was just a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old boy. Though his skin was tanned from the sun, he still looked young and innocent. He straightened up and said, ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of person. I know you¡¯re helping me, and I¡¯m grateful.¡±


    Zhao Guihua let out a soft hum and gave him a once-over before nodding.


    Old Man Zhuang hesitated. ¡°What about¡­ outsiders?¡±


    ¡°Why bother about outsiders? We¡¯ll just tell people we¡¯re cousins. If anyone dares to gossip, I¡¯ll slap them silly.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang blinked. ¡°Oh.¡±


    Zhao Guihua continued, ¡°Just listen to me. We¡¯ll stay here for now. Once you¡¯re better, you can either find another place, or I¡¯ll move out and leave this place to you. How does that sound?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded again, though for some reason, her words left him feeling a little unsettled. Still, he replied firmly, ¡°I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled faintly. She was quick and efficient with her work, and even though Old Man Zhuang was sick, the small space was soon cleaned up. As she worked, she asked, ¡°Is it just you in your family?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s just me. My family¡¯s all gone.¡±


    Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t surprised. These were tough times, and many families had been torn apart, leaving people to struggle on their own. She herself was in a similar situation. Softly, she said, ¡°I¡¯m the only one left in my family too. I came here from the countryside all by myself to make a living.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t unexpected. If she still had family, she wouldn¡¯t have been reduced to begging on the streets.


    Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°I used to live in Nanluoguxiang. After my father got sick, we sold the house to pay for his treatment, but it didn¡¯t save him. After that, I was on my own.¡± He added with a touch of pride, ¡°My father was a scholar. Do you remember the house we looked at the other day? The man who owns it was my father¡¯s classmate.¡±


    Zhao Guihua recalled what the restaurant worker had said. ¡°And they still kicked you out?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang looked a little embarrassed. ¡°They helped me as much as they could. I got sick, and they were afraid it was contagious. It¡¯s understandable.¡±


    He seemed content, saying, ¡°They gave me the job out of a bit of goodwill. My father¡¯s been gone for four years now, so any ties have faded. Besides, I saved three months¡¯ rent by staying there.¡±


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but think he was too easy to take advantage of. She pressed, ¡°How much did they pay you?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang replied, ¡°Thirty copper coins a month. We agreed they¡¯d pay me when they returned, but when I got sick, the lady of the house said I had a contagious disease and insisted on throwing me out. In the end, I didn¡¯t get a single coin.¡±


    He didn¡¯t mention the harsh words they¡¯d hurled at him¡ªcalling him a freeloader and worse.


    Zhao Guihua could tell from his expression and rolled her eyes. ¡°So they just took advantage of you,¡± she said bluntly.


    She added crisply, ¡°I bet they never intended to pay you in the first place. They just wanted you to watch their house for free.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang defended, ¡°Uncle Li is a good man¡­¡±


    ¡°Did he stand up for you when they kicked you out?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang¡¯s lips tightened. ¡°His wife runs the household. He couldn¡¯t go against her. She¡¯s from a scholarly family, but she¡¯s quite fierce¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua snorted. ¡°You really don¡¯t understand anything, do you? You¡¯re such a fool.¡± She rolled her eyes again. ¡°This kind of thing happens all the time in my village. It¡¯s just a game of good cop, bad cop. A lot of men are cowards. They think the same way but want to keep up appearances, so they let their wives do the dirty work. The women get the bad reputation, while the men stay clean and honorable. If anyone brings it up, they¡¯ll just say, ¡®A good man has a bad wife.¡¯ But I see right through it. They¡¯re all in on it¡ªthey just use their wives as shields.¡±


    She had learned this from observing Uncle Xiangzi back in her village.


    The man had a decent reputation, which was why Zhao Guihua had been so surprised when he turned out to have ulterior motives. His wife, on the other hand, was widely known as a shrew who did nothing good.


    But now Zhao Guihua saw the truth: Uncle Xiangzi was just using his wife as a front. He was no better¡ªor perhaps even worse.


    She had seen other families in her village operate the same way. The women were blamed for all the bad deeds, but the men were quietly benefiting behind the scenes.


    Zhao Guihua spoke with conviction, while Old Man Zhuang stared at her, stunned. ¡°It¡¯s really like that?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Of course. You¡¯ve clearly never had much life experience.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang scratched his head and chuckled.


    ¡°They probably never really helped you or stayed close to you before,¡± Zhao Guihua added.


    This time, Old Man Zhuang was even more surprised. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he admitted.


    Thinking back, he realized it was true. When his father was alive, Uncle Li had been on good terms with him. But after his father passed away, the two families had drifted apart. He knew Uncle Li worked at a restaurant not far from here and sometimes came in to eat, but he had never acknowledged Old Man Zhuang. It was only a few months ago that Uncle Li had approached him, offering to help by giving him a job.


    At the time, Old Man Zhuang had been deeply grateful.


    But now, reflecting on it, he realized Zhao Guihua was right.


    However, after thinking it over, he sighed and said, "Forget it. Even if they deliberately tricked me into being a doorman, I still saved three months'' rent. Their gatehouse has electric lights, which is better than staying in a hotel."


    He added, "Although they had ulterior motives, I still gained something from it."


    Zhao Guihua gave him a deep look, feeling deeply moved by his simplicity and his tendency to see the good in people.


    She then asked, "Alright, so even if they didn''t pay you, you could say you stayed there for free. But what about the restaurant? Why didn''t they pay you? Just because you got sick?"


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "I broke a plate, and the boss said it was worth more than ten days'' wages."


    He honestly admitted, "I worked there for several years, and the boss often found excuses to dock my pay. This time, it was a bit harsh, but it was indeed my fault. After all, no one wants to see a sick person wandering around when they''re eating. People are afraid of getting infected."


    Zhao Guihua tilted her head and looked at Old Man Zhuang, utterly baffled by his overly kind nature. People like him, she thought, would be taken advantage of until there was nothing left. She pursed her lips and said, "It''s a miracle you''ve survived all these years..."


    Old Man Zhuang smiled gently and said, "Good or bad, it''s just another day. Whether I''m happy or not, life goes on. I don''t want to make things harder for myself."


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips again and said, "You really are..."


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????wanted to say more but didn''t know how to describe this young man. She looked up at his face and noticed some sweat on his forehead. "Lie down," she said. "You''re like this because of me. I''ll take care of you these next few days."


    Old Man Zhuang insisted, "I already told you it''s not because of you. Don''t keep blaming yourself. My health has never been particularly strong, and catching a cold is normal. It''s not because I gave you my blanket."


    Zhao Guihua didn''t argue but instead said, "Stay at home. I''ll go out and buy some necessities. Oh, by the way, your belongings are still at the footmen''s dormitory, right? I''ll go get them for you."


    Old Man Zhuang immediately said, "I''ll go myself. I don''t feel comfortable letting you go there. It''s full of men." He glanced at Zhao Guihua''s delicate face. Even though she had shaved her head, she still looked like a pretty young girl.


    The world was chaotic, especially in places like that.


    He firmly said, "I''ll go myself."


    He asked, "Where are you going?"


    Zhao Guihua didn''t press him and said, "Then I''ll go get my things. I have some stuff hidden behind the restaurant."


    After a pause, she asked, "How much does the restaurant owner owe you?"


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "Forty copper coins, but it was all deducted for the broken dishes. You..." He hesitated, "Are you planning to ask for it? Don''t. The boss has connections. If we provoke him, it''s always people like us without any backing who end up suffering."


    He knew he sounded cowardly, but that was the reality of these troubled times.


    What justice could you expect?


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips and said, "We''ll talk about that later. First, I''ll go buy some things."


    "Here!"


    Old Man Zhuang reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver dollar. His eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and embarrassment as he said, "Use this to buy things for the house."


    He blushed slightly as he used the word "house," unsure if she had noticed.


    Zhao Guihua... Zhao Guihua hadn''t noticed at all. Instead, she asked curiously, "How do you have a silver dollar?"


    Then she added, "If you have money, why didn''t you use it to see a doctor?"


    She looked at Old Man Zhuang as if he were a complete fool. How could someone be so naive?


    Old Man Zhuang blushed and said, "This is all the money I have. I didn''t dare spend it recklessly." Realizing how that sounded, he quickly added, "It''s not that I''m unwilling to spend it. I was afraid that if I showed I had money, I''d be in even greater danger."


    He explained, "I took two doses of medicine, but I wasn''t fully recovered when I was kicked out. I couldn''t find a place to stay, so I had to go to the footmen''s dormitory. That place is full of laborers and lowlifes. Some of them are outright scoundrels. As soon as I arrived, people started probing to see if I had any money. If I started buying medicine, they''d know I had some cash, and they might have targeted me. I''ve worked as a waiter for years and heard all sorts of stories. That''s why I toughed it out. I don''t know if I made the right choice, but I thought that if I could endure the cold, I might recover. But if I showed even a hint of wealth, I might have been harmed."


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips. She was from the countryside and didn''t realize the city could be so dangerous, but it didn''t entirely surprise her. With Japanese soldiers, warlords, and traitors everywhere, there were plenty of people who would do anything for money. She nodded slightly and said, "I don''t know if you made the right choice, but since this money is your hard-earned savings, you should keep it. You''ve helped me twice already. Now it''s my turn to help you. Besides, if it weren''t for me, you wouldn''t have lost your job."


    "It''s fine. I''ll find another job once I recover," he quickly said.


    "Take it," he insisted, "You..."


    Zhao Guihua held his hand as he tried to give her the silver dollar and said, "Listen to me! You''re a patient, so you should do as I say."


    Old Man Zhuang: "..." What did being sick have to do with it?


    But seeing how determined Zhao Guihua was, he became stubborn too. "If you don''t take it, I''ll leave. I can''t burden a young girl like you. Besides, do you even have any money?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded, "I do."


    She half-truthfully said, "I came to the city not just to make a living but also to collect a debt. I''ve already gotten it."


    Old Man Zhuang suddenly understood and said, "Even if you have money, I can''t let you support me."


    His face turned red again as he said, "If you don''t take it, I''ll leave."


    Zhao Guihua looked at him, and the two were at an impasse. Finally, after a long pause, Zhao Guihua relented and said, "Fine, I''ll take it."


    Old Man Zhuang immediately brightened up and said, "That''s more like it. Here."


    Zhao Guihua took the silver dollar and put it away. She set down her bundle, keeping only a small bag tied to her body, and said, "I''m heading out now."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded quickly and said, "Be careful."


    Zhao Guihua hummed in acknowledgment and left. She didn''t dare leave her money behind. As the saying goes, it''s better to be safe than sorry. Although she didn''t think Old Man Zhuang was a bad person, she had been betrayed by people she had known all her life in the village. She couldn''t fully trust outsiders.


    Zhao Guihua walked out alone. Whether they were living together temporarily or planning to stay long-term, the house needed some essentials. Without hesitation, she headed straight for Wang Er''s place¡ªyes, the same Wang Er whose four brothers she had poisoned with arsenic.


    Zhao Guihua went over to take a look, and sure enough, she discovered that this place had not yet been found out. She had already figured out that Wang Er and his gang were disliked by everyone, and most people avoided them. That was precisely why she had dared to stay at their house for a few days earlier. But now...


    She climbed over the wall and entered. The last time she left, she had used up all the flour to make steamed buns, and she had also taken all the money. This time, she had come with a different purpose in mind. Zhao Guihua herself felt that her courage had grown as wide as a moat.


    But she was bold, after all.


    Fortunately, the weather wasn¡¯t too hot at the moment. Although there was a foul smell inside the house, it wasn¡¯t easily detectable from outside. Zhao Guihua covered her nose and mouth before entering. She gathered up the clothes and bedding, tying them into a bundle, and then collected some pots, pans, and utensils. It had to be said, there wasn¡¯t much in this house. These people weren¡¯t the type to live properly, so naturally, there wasn¡¯t much to take.


    Zhao Guihua rummaged around for a while longer and was about to leave when she suddenly tripped over a stool, crashing into a cabinet.


    Zhao Guihua: "Ouch!"


    She rubbed her forehead¡ªit hurt so much.


    She spat and said, "I¡¯m not afraid of bad people like you!"


    She was about to leave but suddenly stopped. The impact had caused the cabinet to reveal a slight crack. Zhao Guihua: "Huh?"


    She pushed with all her might, and the entire cabinet shifted aside. Zhao Guihua looked inside: "Well, isn¡¯t this a secret room?"


    She poked her head into the entrance of the secret room. There was no sound inside. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed a kitchen knife and moved the cabinet to block the entrance before descending. Thankfully, she had come back again; otherwise, she would never have discovered this.


    Zhao Guihua entered the secret room. It wasn¡¯t complicated or large. With the cabinet open, the daylight allowed her to see everything clearly. She looked around and saw bags of grain on the floor. It seemed they had stored these as a backup for themselves.


    After all, in these times, grain was the most important thing.


    Zhao Guihua examined it more closely and was surprised to find rice.


    Two bags of rice, two bags of flour, and six bags of mixed grain.


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s heart raced. Next to the bags of flour was a smoked pork leg. She was so excited¡ªit was like a poor person suddenly striking it rich. In all her years, she had never seen such good food. She rubbed her eyes, feeling like she might cry again.


    Her family had worked hard all their lives, barely managing to scrape by, only to encounter evil people who destroyed their home and left them with nothing. Yet, these wicked individuals had managed to store so much life-saving food. Zhao Guihua felt a pang of bitterness in her heart.


    She wanted to say the world was unfair, but she also felt that finding these supplies was a rare stroke of luck.


    She looked around the secret room. There was nothing else here, no money, just a small space dedicated to storing food. However, she did find a few pounds of salt in one of the bags. These were essential items.


    Though these villains weren¡¯t the type to live properly, they were certainly shrewd, knowing exactly what to store.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t hesitate. She carried out all the supplies, one bag at a time. She couldn¡¯t stay here long; the longer she delayed, the more dangerous it would become. Zhao Guihua pondered how to move everything, but as luck would have it, heaven always stood on the side of justice and never left people in dire straits. She soon noticed a cart in the yard. Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes lit up¡ªwhat a coincidence! It was like the heavens had answered her prayers. She loaded everything onto the cart, tied a scarf around her head, and put on an old coat belonging to one of the villains. Once everything was ready, she knew she couldn¡¯t come back again. She grabbed the lock, peeked outside to make sure no one was around, and quickly pushed the cart out, locking the gate behind her.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t dare to delay. She quickly disappeared into the alley, pushing the cart all the way back to the courtyard. By the time she arrived, it was already evening.


    Though it was dark, poor families couldn¡¯t afford to waste even a moment. People were just returning home from work to cook dinner. Zhao Guihua pushed the cart into the courtyard and stopped it in front of her house. At this time, no one was around. She carried the supplies inside.


    Old Man Zhuang was feeling drowsy. He had taken some medicine at the clinic earlier and, after running into Zhao Guihua, felt much better. However, after she left in the afternoon, he had gone out too, returning to the docks to fetch his luggage. The back-and-forth had left him feeling exhausted again. His illness had dragged on for over a week now, and his heart sank as he feared he might end up like his father, never recovering. He felt a mix of emotions¡ªhe was afraid Zhao Guihua wouldn¡¯t come back, but he also scolded himself for doubting her. She might have a sharp tongue, but she was a good-hearted woman.


    He had only helped her a little, yet she had come back to him and was helping him in return. He had never met such a kind woman before.


    As he was lost in thought, he heard the door open. Zhao Guihua called out, "Come and help me."


    Old Man Zhuang was startled but quickly replied, "Alright."


    He hurried over and helped carry the bags inside without asking where they came from. Once everything was settled, Zhao Guihua said, "You¡¯re sick. Let¡¯s make some rice porridge tonight."


    Old Man Zhuang¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn¡¯t help but say, "Please don¡¯t do anything dangerous. You¡¯re a woman. If things get really bad, I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to help."


    Zhao Guihua blinked, and Old Man Zhuang¡¯s face turned red again.


    Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but tease, "You really blush easily."


    Old Man Zhuang stammered, "I¡¯m just sick."


    He looked at her earnestly and said, "I don¡¯t want you to take risks for my sake. If you do, I won¡¯t be able to rest easy."


    Zhao Guihua tilted her head, watching him. Old Man Zhuang avoided her gaze, his face growing even redder. He said, "In any case, you mustn¡¯t get hurt. If anyone has to do something bad, it should be me." He took a deep breath. "I¡¯m already so grateful that you came back to me."


    Zhao Guihua, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, suddenly felt her own face heat up. She mumbled, "I didn¡¯t take any risks."


    Her gaze wandered as she added, "I just... emptied out the bad guys¡¯ house."


    She looked up and asked, "Do you think what I did was wrong?"


    Old Man Zhuang didn¡¯t hesitate. Firmly, he said, "If they¡¯re bad people, then it¡¯s not wrong at all. My father used to say that kicking a bad person is like giving a good person one more chance. So, we shouldn¡¯t feel any sympathy for the wicked."


    Zhao Guihua: "!!!"


    She pondered his words and said, "That makes a lot of sense."


    Old Man Zhuang raised his head proudly. "Of course. My father was educated."


    Zhao Guihua sighed with envy. "That¡¯s wonderful."


    Curious, she asked, "What about you?"


    Old Man Zhuang: "I¡¯ve also studied, but only for a short while. I stopped when I was eleven because my father fell ill. After that, he couldn¡¯t take care of me anymore, and I never went back to school. Then, when my father passed away, I lost any chance to continue my education."


    Zhao Guihua: "No one in my family has ever studied."


    She thought for a moment and decided to share a bit of the truth.


    She said, "There were three children in my family¡ªme and my two younger brothers. But when they went into the city to sell goods, they were tricked and killed. My grandparents couldn¡¯t bear the loss and passed away soon after. Then, my parents died in an air raid¡­ This time, when I went into the city, I found the people who harmed my family. These things I brought back were taken from their house."


    Old Man Zhuang suddenly understood. He said, "You¡¯re talking about settling a debt¡­"


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "A debt of lives must be repaid with lives!"


    Old Man Zhuang fell silent for a moment, then nodded seriously. "You¡¯re right."


    In another era, Zhao Guihua might not have been so quick to confess. But these were chaotic times, with the Japanese still causing trouble and society in disarray. If someone died and no one with influence or money pursued the matter, it was unlikely anyone would step forward.


    This was also why her family had been powerless when her brothers died. Even if they had spent money, it would have been a bottomless pit. Moreover, the other side wasn¡¯t easy to deal with¡ªthey also had the means to settle things with money. That¡¯s why Zhao Guihua felt she could speak openly now. People like that¡ªwell, if they died, they died.


    It all came down to whether one had the courage to do it.


    Zhao Guihua: "I¡¯m fierce."


    Old Man Zhuang: "In times like these, those who aren¡¯t fierce get bullied."


    Zhao Guihua immediately broke into a bright smile and said, "Then you rest for a bit. I¡¯ll make some food."


    "I¡¯ll help you."


    Zhao Guihua: "Are you sure you¡¯re up to it?"


    After a moment¡¯s thought, she added, "You should rest properly. The sooner you recover, the better."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded earnestly. "Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you."


    Both of them were unfortunate souls, ordinary people living in difficult times. Many families were in similar situations, no better off than they were. Together, they cooked porridge, and Zhao Guihua sliced some salted meat to add to it.


    It was a rare treat, and after finishing the porridge, Zhao Guihua sat near the door, brewing medicine for Old Man Zhuang. She said, "Drink this. It¡¯ll help you recover faster."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Thank you."


    Zhao Guihua smiled brightly. "No need to thank me."


    Though they hadn¡¯t known each other for long, they had already shared a room together. This time, despite their shyness, they both tried to act "natural."


    Zhao Guihua placed some old clothes between them as a divider, and they slept fully dressed. Fortunately, she had taken some blankets from Wang Er¡¯s place, so they were warm. The people might be bad, but the blankets weren¡¯t.


    Zhao Guihua made do for the night, and early the next morning, she got up to cook more porridge. The good food was running low, but a sick person needed proper nourishment. She decided they could eat coarse grains later¡ªfor now, they would have something better to build up their strength.


    She rose early, ate a bowl of porridge herself, and then headed out. Old Man Zhuang asked, "What can I do?"


    Zhao Guihua, already at the door, said, "Take apart the bedding. We¡¯ll wash it. It feels unclean otherwise."


    "Alright."


    Old Man Zhuang, happy to have a task, set to work eagerly.


    Zhao Guihua went out alone, nodding politely to people in the courtyard but not engaging much. In these times, everyone was preoccupied with survival. She made her way to the back alley of a restaurant, where she had hidden her bundle. Thankfully, no one had discovered it.


    While the items might be useful to beggars, most people with a decent living wouldn¡¯t consider them valuable. Zhao Guihua glanced at the restaurant, thinking about how the owner was harsh and exploitative. She snorted, already hatching a plan for revenge.


    But today was too late. Another day, she would come back to help Old Man Zhuang settle his score. The man was too honest for his own good¡ªno wonder people took advantage of him. She had heard stories of him being cheated out of his wages multiple times.


    Carrying her bundle, Zhao Guihua returned to find Old Man Zhuang had already taken apart the bedding and was fetching water. She quickly called out, "What are you doing? Let me handle it."


    Old Man Zhuang: "I¡¯m fine."


    Zhao Guihua glared at him, and seeing her displeasure, he immediately said, "I won¡¯t do it again."


    Zhao Guihua: "If you don¡¯t rest properly, how will you recover? Don¡¯t push yourself like this. Honestly, what¡¯s wrong with you?"


    Old Man Zhuang listened to her scolding, his face red but smiling. Zhao Guihua quickly got to work and said, "I¡¯ve been thinking. The things from that family are tainted. Besides¡­"


    She lowered her voice, "I¡¯m worried someone might recognize them. I plan to sell everything at the pawnshop. We don¡¯t need that much anyway."


    Old Man Zhuang: "Alright."


    Zhao Guihua disguised herself, covering her face, before heading out again. Her own patched-up clothes weren¡¯t worth much¡ªa single copper coin was already generous. But the clothes from those scoundrels were in decent condition, with no patches and still fairly new. They might fetch a better price.


    She bundled up the bedding, pots, pans, and other items, loading them onto a cart. Though the pawnshop offered low prices, Zhao Guihua managed to get some money, especially for the cart, which was more valuable. With the money, she bought a large piece of cloth, two sets of bowls and chopsticks, and returned home.


    Zhao Guihua was like a busy little bee. Instead of making the bedding herself, she went to have the cotton fluffed. Another day passed, and she transformed the decent bedding from Wang Er and his brothers into two sets, saving some of the cotton to make herself a padded jacket.


    She spent some money today, but it was from selling the items, so it balanced out.


    Old Man Zhuang watched with some concern and said, "Do you have enough money? I¡¯m feeling much better. I could go out and find some work¡­"


    Zhao Guihua: "Can you stop fussing? You¡¯re a grown man¡ªwhy do you keep repeating yourself? Just focus on recovering. Don¡¯t keep nagging about it."


    Her sharp tone made Old Man Zhuang quickly focus on his dinner, not daring to say another word.


    Zhao Guihua: "Am I being too harsh?"


    Her grandmother and mother were both strong-willed women, so she had grown up with a fiery personality, unlike the gentler girls. As the eldest sister, she had taken care of her younger brothers, which had further shaped her into a tough and assertive person.


    In the village, she had tempered herself somewhat, but Old Man Zhuang wasn¡¯t particularly strong-willed, so Zhao Guihua naturally took the lead. However, when he fell silent, she realized he wasn¡¯t like her younger brothers, who would just laugh and let her scold them.


    She poked at her rice bowl and said, "I didn''t mean to..."


    Before she could finish, Old Man Zhuang interrupted her with a smile, saying, "I don¡¯t mind being scolded by you."


    Zhao Guihua blushed instantly.


    Old Man Zhuang also turned red, glancing at her cautiously, afraid she might be upset. But he spoke earnestly, "Ever since my father passed away, no one has treated me this well."


    Zhao Guihua pursed her lips, and Old Man Zhuang continued, "Even when you¡¯re fierce, it¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t mind being nagged. I know it¡¯s all for the sake of us, for our life to be better."


    He looked at her with bright eyes, and Zhao Guihua suddenly felt flustered. She lowered her head and took a bite of rice, saying, "I¡¯m not anyone special to you... It¡¯s not right for me to nag you like this."


    Old Man Zhuang was momentarily stunned, then quickly replied, "You¡¯re my cousin, aren¡¯t you?"


    Zhao Guihua burst out laughing, "What kind of relative is that?"


    Old Man Zhuang said, "You said it yourself."


    Zhao Guihua mumbled something, and Old Man Zhuang kept his eyes on her. Seeing she wasn¡¯t upset, he relaxed and grinned.


    They ate in silence. After finishing, they both lay down. Wang Er and the others had sold their clothes, so Zhao Guihua hung up her and Old Man Zhuang¡¯s old clothes and set up a divider in the middle of the kang. They lay down on either side. Old Man Zhuang said, "Once I¡¯m better, I¡¯ll go find a job."


    He added, "I can pull a rickshaw, work as a waiter, or even get a job at a factory."


    Zhao Guihua wanted to say that once he recovered, they would go their separate ways. But hearing Old Man Zhuang talk so happily about the future, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to dampen his spirits. She asked, "Do you think I could work at a factory too?"


    Old Man Zhuang thought for a moment and said, "It¡¯s hard. Right now, only the silk factory is hiring, but you might not be able to do it."


    Zhao Guihua sat up indignantly, "Why can¡¯t I? Are you looking down on me?"


    Old Man Zhuang quickly explained, "No, no, that¡¯s not what I meant. The silk factory only hires experienced female workers, and they usually get in through referrals. You¡¯re from out of town, so they probably wouldn¡¯t take you."


    He added, "Besides, the silk factory prefers women with delicate hands. I¡¯ve... I¡¯ve seen your hands. You¡¯ve done farm work, so they wouldn¡¯t want you."


    He grew embarrassed as he mentioned having looked at her hands.


    Zhao Guihua fell silent, pouting in frustration, but she knew Old Man Zhuang was right. She said, "I¡¯ve had to do farm work in the countryside, so of course my hands are rough."


    This was the difference between city girls and country girls. Even the poorest city girls had to work, but their hands were still much smoother than those who had done farm work. The silk factory was particular about this, afraid that rough hands would snag the delicate threads.


    She sighed helplessly, "Finding a job is so hard. When I first came to the city, I was sure I¡¯d find work, but it¡¯s just not possible."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Of course. Even with my job as a waiter, if I weren¡¯t willing to put up with deductions from my pay or being scolded, I¡¯d have been fired long ago. There are too many people looking for work. It¡¯s a dog-eat-dog world, and you have to endure being bullied."


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes flickered, and she said, "Let¡¯s get revenge."


    Old Man Zhuang asked, "Huh?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "We won¡¯t confront them directly. Let¡¯s dump manure at their doorstep and make them miserable!"


    She was fuming, "They¡¯ve bullied you for too long."


    Old Man Zhuang stared blankly at the curtain for a long time, then said seriously, "Alright, let¡¯s do it together."


    In truth, he had been bottling up his anger for years, but he had no one to rely on and no real ability to fight back. His father had always taught him to keep his head down. He was alone, young, and had no choice but to endure.


    Over the years, he had grown used to being bullied. But now, hearing Zhao Guihua¡¯s anger on his behalf, he felt an unusual warmth in his heart.


    He sat up and said, "I¡¯m really glad I met you."


    Zhao Guihua felt her face grow warm. She tried to sound casual as she said, "We¡¯re just fellow wanderers. You helped me, so I¡¯ll help you too."


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled and nodded firmly.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Zhuang Haoren, Zhuang Haoren, ¡®pretending to be a good person.¡¯ Your name is actually quite strange."


    Neither of them could sleep, so they chatted.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I know. That¡¯s why I prefer being called by my nickname."


    "Haoren" sounded nice enough, but paired with his surname, Zhuang, it was... He scratched his head and said, "Naming in my family wasn¡¯t easy."


    Zhao Guihua laughed again. Since the troubles at home, she hadn¡¯t smiled much, but being around Old Man Zhuang had brought more laughter to her life. She said, "It¡¯s also strange for a young guy like you to be called ¡®Old Man.¡¯"


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "It¡¯s not so bad. Better than being called ¡®pretending to be a good person.¡¯ That always makes people look at me twice, and it¡¯s kind of embarrassing."


    Zhao Guihua said, "True."


    She turned over and said, "Let¡¯s get some sleep. We¡¯ve got mischief to do tomorrow morning."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Alright."


    It was his first time planning to do something like this, and he felt oddly excited. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "Are you okay?"


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I¡¯ve never done anything like this before."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Neither have I, but there¡¯s a first time for everything."


    She said firmly, "If we can¡¯t confront them openly, at least we can make them suffer a little."


    "Right."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "The boss is really terrible. Not only does he mistreat us, but he also cheats customers. He waters down the wine, buys cheap dead chickens to make soup, and even..."


    Zhao Guihua said, "That¡¯s awful."


    Old Man Zhuang said, "When I first started working, I was young and didn¡¯t know any better. I secretly told a customer about it. The customer got really angry and argued with the boss. In the end, the customer got twenty copper coins as compensation and left smugly, calling me an idiot. I was shocked. I couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d say that about me. Because of that, the boss beat me up. If it hadn¡¯t been for an old friend of my father¡¯s pleading for me, I¡¯d have been fired. I was so naive back then."


    "Your father¡¯s old friend? Was it Uncle Li?"


    "No, it was someone else. But he¡¯s gone now too. He was killed. He was..."


    Old Man Zhuang didn¡¯t finish, but Zhao Guihua understood.


    She said seriously, "They were all so brave."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded and said, "I could never be like that..."


    Zhao Guihua said earnestly, "We might not be that brave or that strong, but we can live our lives well and not go easy on bad people. That¡¯s enough."


    "Right!"


    "Let¡¯s sleep. We¡¯ve got manure to dump tomorrow..." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Where are we going to get it?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "I know. I¡¯ve been sleeping near your back door for a few days. Around four in the morning, a manure cart passes by and stops not too far away. We¡¯ll just steal a bit, hehe."


    She was the kind of person who would repay grievances with grievances and debts with debts¡ªquick to act and decisive in her retribution.


    Old Man Zhuang looked at Zhao Guihua with admiration and said earnestly, "You''re the most capable girl I''ve ever met."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Just for that, you better watch and see what I can do."


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled.


    A young man and woman sharing a room, even with a curtain between them, gradually grew familiar through their late-night conversations. As for the so-called boundaries between men and women, they existed, of course, but when you''re poor and struggling to make ends meet, such concerns tend to fade.


    In this neighborhood, everyone was dirt poor. Many families slept together on the same kang, old and young alike.


    Some had makeshift beds to separate themselves, but it all depended on how they managed their lives.


    These two young people chatted more than most, but neither was afraid. They weren''t planning to stay here long anyway¡ªwho would remember them?


    As they lay on the kang, unmoving, a faint noise suddenly came from outside the door, as if someone was trying to pry it open. Zhao Guihua immediately sat up. Old Man Zhuang also sensed it and quickly got up, pulling the curtain aside to look at her.


    Zhao Guihua gestured silently, and Old Man Zhuang nodded. They tiptoed off the kang, with Zhao Guihua grabbing a kitchen knife and Old Man Zhuang picking up a fire poker.


    With practiced coordination, they positioned themselves on either side of the door. Just as they set their trap, the door was forced open, and a figure crept inside. The moment the intruder stepped in, Old Man Zhuang swung the poker with all his might. "Ah!!!"


    A sharp scream pierced the air as Zhao Guihua slashed with her knife.


    A flash of cold steel, and the intruder stumbled back, falling to the ground. The person behind him froze for a moment, then raised a foot to kick at Zhao Guihua, but before he could land the blow, she hacked at him with her knife. He dodged clumsily, ending up in a split on top of his companion. Old Man Zhuang immediately followed up, raining blows with the poker while Zhao Guihua kicked without mercy.


    "What''s going on? What happened?"


    "Why are they fighting?"


    People in the courtyard began to gather, one of them holding a club for protection. Zhao Guihua stepped forward and said, "Give it to me."


    The man hesitated, then handed it over. "Oh, okay."


    Zhao Guihua took the club, much thicker than the fire poker, and swung it relentlessly. Thud! Thud! Thud!


    "Ah!"


    "They''re going to kill someone!"


    The two thieves screamed in unison. Old Man Zhuang recognized them and said, "They''re from the same room I stayed in at the foot port. That one¡ªhe''s with the guy who tried to rob me yesterday."


    Zhao Guihua sneered, "So they came here to steal from us, huh? These kinds of thieves will rob anyone they can. They deserve to die!"


    "Ah!"


    Zhao Guihua showed no mercy, her strikes unrelenting. She knew that if she didn''t make an example of them, they''d think she was an easy target and come back. It was also a warning to anyone else who might get ideas.


    They had just moved here and didn''t know anyone. A reputation as a fierce woman might not sound good, but it was effective.


    Zhao Guihua swung the club again and again, while Old Man Zhuang continued his assault.


    The two thieves were thoroughly beaten, and by now, the entire courtyard had come out to watch. They were stunned by the sight of this young woman, wielding a kitchen knife in one hand and a club in the other.


    "I was wrong! I''ll never do it again! Please spare me, spare me!"


    "They''re going to kill us! We just wanted to steal a little something..."


    The onlookers murmured among themselves. No one stepped in to stop the beating, but no one called for their deaths either.


    "You just wanted to steal a little something? Your buddy almost killed me yesterday! Don''t tell me you were only after money. Why don''t you go rob the rich instead? Those greedy bastards with mountains of gold and silver¡ªwhy don''t you go after them? No, you only pick on the poor, the weak, people like me who are just trying to get by. You think we''re easy targets, don''t you? How much money do you think I have? You''re just heartless."


    Old Man Zhuang wasn''t weak or spineless. His words immediately turned the crowd against the two thieves.


    Yes, they were all poor people here.


    And the truth was, as he said, these thieves only dared to prey on the vulnerable, not the strong.


    Zhao Guihua snapped, "Why waste your breath on them? Just kill them! They broke into our home¡ªthey brought this on themselves!"


    She wouldn''t actually kill them in front of everyone, but she had to make a statement.


    "Ahhh! Sis, I was wrong! I swear I won''t do it again! Please, let me go!"


    "If you let us go, we''ll do anything for you! We''ll never dare to do this again!"


    "We live nearby too! I never meant to hurt anyone, I just wanted some money... waaah!"


    As they wailed, someone in the crowd recognized them. "Aren''t you Old Zhang''s cousins from the back street? You two little brats, always up to no good, breaking into houses. Shame on you!"


    "Even rabbits don''t eat the grass by their burrows. How could you steal from your own neighbors?"


    "Waaah! We were wrong! We won''t do it again, we swear!"


    Since they were recognized as neighbors, someone finally spoke up. "Brother, sister, these kids live nearby. They''re foolish, but they''re not evil. Please give them a chance."


    "Yeah, they''re from the back street..."


    Zhao Guihua put her hands on her hips. "If I let them go, what''s to stop them from coming back for revenge?"


    "We won''t! I swear we won''t!"


    "I swear too! I''ll never dare again... waaah!"


    Zhao Guihua pretended to hesitate, and Old Man Zhuang naturally stood by her side. The person who had first spoken up said, "How about this? I''ll go get their families. We''ll make sure you get a proper resolution."


    Zhao Guihua gave a reluctant "Hmph."


    She and Old Man Zhuang exchanged a glance, a new understanding passing between them...

 Chapter 226

    Zhao Guihua truly didn¡¯t expect that someone would come to break into her house in the dead of night, but such was the way of the world. If her family let it slide, others would only think they were easy to push around.


    Without a second thought, she started hitting them, leaving the two intruders looking like swollen pigs.


    Truth be told, everyone despised such behavior. After all, they were all poor folks. Stealing wasn¡¯t just stealing¡ªit was practically a matter of life and death. Still, since they were neighbors, the family of the thieves was called over. The old woman from that family arrived crying, ¡°My dear grandson! Who did this to you?¡±


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°I did it. So what? Sneaking around and breaking into houses¡ªthey¡¯re lucky I didn¡¯t kill them!¡±


    She stood with her hands on her hips, her wooden stick thudding heavily against the thieves¡¯ bodies. ¡°You think stealing is justified? How dare you raise your voice here! Think you can bully us just because we¡¯re young? Well, I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡±


    She was fierce, showing no mercy.


    Old Man Zhuang, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. ¡°Exactly. Breaking in at this hour¡ªwho knows if they¡¯re just after money or planning something worse?¡± He pointed at one of them. ¡°This guy teamed up with others to rob me just yesterday. This isn¡¯t the first time. If they can steal from me today, they¡¯ll steal from you tomorrow. If you¡¯re siding with them, think about how much you can afford to lose.¡±


    The crowd murmured in agreement.


    ¡°Stealing is definitely wrong.¡±


    ¡°I always thought that guy looked shifty, always loitering around. He must¡¯ve been eyeing the neighbors. What this young man says is right¡ªif they can steal from the newcomers, they can steal from us too.¡±


    ¡°My jar of pickled cabbage went missing the other day. I wonder if it was them¡­¡±


    ¡°Hard to say.¡±


    The old woman, who had come to ¡°rescue¡± her grandson, was now at a loss. She had thought the victims were just two young people she could intimidate, but she hadn¡¯t expected them to be so tough.


    As Zhao Guihua raised her stick again, the old woman cried out, ¡°Stop! Please stop! He¡¯s my only grandson. If you keep hitting him, he¡¯ll be ruined! How can you be so ruthless, young lady?¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot back, ¡°What¡¯s it to you? I¡¯ve never heard of anyone going easy on thieves. And don¡¯t talk about me being ruthless¡ªwhat about you when you¡¯re doing bad things? Look at my cousin¡ªthey didn¡¯t hold back when they robbed him. Now you¡¯re playing the victim?¡±


    When the old woman lunged forward to grab her, Zhao Guihua pushed her back with the stick, her voice icy. ¡°Listen here, I don¡¯t care how old you are. This world doesn¡¯t tolerate troublemakers. If you dare come at me, I¡¯ll hit you too. I¡¯m not afraid of you. I¡¯ve been training for years¡ªbring your whole family if you want, and I¡¯ll take you all on!¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s boldness was convincing. She looked every bit like a seasoned fighter.


    The men who had gone to fetch the family earlier now looked uncomfortable¡ªnot at Zhao Guihua and her companion, but at the old woman. They were decent folk and couldn¡¯t side with thieves. They thought, ¡°If it were our house being robbed, would she be just as unreasonable?¡± What had started as an attempt to mediate now felt like a slap in the face.


    The atmosphere grew tense, and some of the hot-tempered ones began cursing.


    The man from the thieves¡¯ family quickly pulled his mother back and apologized profusely. He kicked his son and scolded, ¡°You little brat! Look at the mess you¡¯ve made!¡± After berating the two boys, he turned to Zhao Guihua and said, ¡°Miss, this is our fault.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s our fault, all our fault. Please stop hitting them,¡± the two thieves sobbed.


    Zhao Guihua snorted, while Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°I don¡¯t get it. There are plenty of rich villains out there. Why not go after them instead of picking on a poor man like me over and over again? Does that seem fair?¡±


    Zhao Guihua added fiercely, ¡°Tell us! Why keep targeting him?¡±


    The two thieves, neither of whom were particularly brave, were thoroughly intimidated by Zhao Guihua. One of them whimpered, ¡°We thought you looked weak and easy to handle¡­¡±


    The crowd grew even angrier.


    ¡°How could you do such a thing?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really something.¡±


    ¡°This young man¡¯s right. If you¡¯ve got the guts, go after the corrupt rich people. What¡¯s the point of bullying the poor and sick?¡±


    Though the family had only moved in two days ago, everyone knew they were dealing with illness. The strong smell of medicine wafted through the air three times a day, which was why none of the neighbors had come to greet them. Who wanted to risk getting involved with a sick household? What if they needed to borrow money for treatment?


    With that in mind, though everyone knew new neighbors had arrived, no one had made an effort to reach out.


    ¡°We¡¯ll never do it again! Waaah!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, we¡¯ll never do it again! If you catch us stealing nearby, you can break our legs! Waaah¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Not stealing nearby? So you¡¯ll go farther away?¡± She rolled her eyes but said nothing more as the two cousins continued wailing.


    The man from the family stepped forward and said, ¡°Miss, I know this is my boys¡¯ fault. They¡¯re young and foolish, but I promise this is the first and last time. If anything like this happens again, I¡¯ll break their legs myself! Please, I beg you.¡±


    The middle-aged man knelt down. He could tell that, while men usually took charge in families, this young woman was clearly the one calling the shots here.


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Uncle!¡±


    The man spoke earnestly, ¡°I also promise our neighbors that I¡¯ll keep a close eye on these two troublemakers. I won¡¯t let you down or cause you any more trouble.¡±


    Zhao Guihua paused and glanced at Old Man Zhuang.


    Old Man Zhuang sighed and said, ¡°Let it go this time.¡±


    He looked at the kneeling man and added, ¡°This is the only chance.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, thank you so much. I¡¯ll make sure these brats behave¡­¡±


    Zhao Guihua snorted and lowered her stick. The old woman hurried to help the two thieves to their feet.


    Zhao Guihua turned to Old Man Zhuang and muttered, ¡°You¡¯re too kind¡­¡±


    Old Man Zhuang was silent for a moment before saying softly, ¡°I was thinking of my father. If he were still here, he¡¯d have stood up for me like this too.¡±


    The scene fell silent for a moment.


    Zhao Guihua fell silent upon hearing these words. If her father were still alive, he would have stood up for her. Despite being a girl, her father had treated her and her brother equally well. Zhao Guihua sighed and said, "Forget it."


    The middle-aged man was genuinely afraid of this little nun losing her temper. Seeing her let it go, he quickly stepped forward to help the two young men, both of whom had been beaten black and blue. They wouldn¡¯t recover without resting for at least a month.


    Still, he felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, he had acted decisively; otherwise, this little nun might have killed someone. She was truly fierce.


    They apologized repeatedly and hurriedly left.


    After the others had gone, the people in the courtyard also dispersed. They had work to do the next day and couldn¡¯t afford to waste more energy. Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang went inside the house. Zhao Guihua lit a candle and asked, "How are you feeling?"


    Old Man Zhuang coughed and said, "I¡¯m fine."


    In fact, he found it quite strange. Just a few days ago, he had felt so ill that he thought he wouldn¡¯t make it, his mind foggy and dizzy. But ever since she came back to find him, he felt like he was recovering much faster.


    He believed that Zhao Guihua was his lucky star, the best thing that had ever happened to him.


    He had never met such a wonderful girl before.


    He sat down on the kang, still a bit uneasy, and asked, "Do you think they¡¯ll come back for revenge?"


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said, "Probably not. Those two don¡¯t seem like the bold type. Besides, that man seemed reasonable¡ªthough, of course, he might have been pretending. But since they¡¯re living in this area, even if he¡¯s faking it, he wouldn¡¯t go too far. So we don¡¯t need to worry too much."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded. "I think so too. It¡¯s just that old lady in their family who¡¯s a bit troublesome."


    Zhao Guihua snorted. "I¡¯m not afraid of her. There are plenty of unreasonable old ladies like that in our village. My grandma always said not to give them any face. If it comes to a fight, so be it. Who¡¯s afraid of whom?"


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled softly.


    Zhao Guihua felt a little embarrassed by his laughter but tried to play it off. "Let¡¯s sleep early. We won¡¯t get up too early tomorrow. We¡¯ll go deal with that restaurant in a few days."


    Old Man Zhuang laughed again, though he wasn¡¯t sure why he was so happy. He just kept grinning foolishly. "Alright," he said.


    He glanced at Zhao Guihua, then at her shaved head, and whispered, "You sure know how to talk big."


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s face turned slightly red. "If I talk big, people won¡¯t dare to cause trouble. Isn¡¯t that good?"


    She lay down on the kang as well. Last night, there had been a bit of tension between them, but after the fight today, she felt more relaxed and at ease. She said, "My reputation for being fierce is going to spread now."


    Old Man Zhuang smiled. "I know. You¡¯re actually really kind-hearted."


    Zhao Guihua pouted but soon asked curiously, "Is it just you and your dad in your family? I¡¯ve never heard you mention your mom."


    Old Man Zhuang replied, "She passed away when I was little. She lost a lot of blood giving birth to me, and her health was never good after that. She didn¡¯t last more than a couple of years. I was too young to remember much. I grew up with my dad. There¡¯s no one else in our family."


    Zhao Guihua softly said, "Oh."


    Old Man Zhuang continued, "I need to rest and recover these next few days, then find a job. We can¡¯t just sit around and do nothing."


    Zhao Guihua twitched her lips, wanting to say something but holding back.


    Old Man Zhuang added, "I¡¯ve been thinking. I can¡¯t keep working as a waiter. It¡¯s not a long-term solution. I need to find something more stable, something I can do for a long time." Originally, he had thought any job would do, but now he had bigger plans. Being a waiter was too unstable.


    In the future... he couldn¡¯t help stealing a glance at Zhao Guihua. If they were to start a family, having a proper skill would be much better. Otherwise, he could be fired at any moment, and how would he support a wife and children?


    A man had to be able to provide for his family.


    He blew out the candle, and the room fell quiet, but Old Man Zhuang could still feel Zhao Guihua¡¯s gaze.


    Zhao Guihua blinked at him. He said, "When I earn money, I¡¯ll give it to you." As he spoke, he glanced at her, his face burning hot. He was glad he had blown out the candle; otherwise, she would have seen how red his face was. He didn¡¯t need a mirror to know he was blushing furiously.


    Zhao Guihua tilted her head. "Why would you give me your money?"


    Old Man Zhuang mumbled something incoherent. Zhao Guihua raised her voice slightly. "I can¡¯t hear what you¡¯re saying."


    Old Man Zhuang looked at her again and, after some thought, found an excuse. "You paid for my treatment and rented this place for us to live. I need to pay you back."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Oh."


    Old Man Zhuang thought for another moment and added, "I should pay you back double. You¡¯ve also been cooking for me, all those good meals I haven¡¯t had in years."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Oh, oh."


    Seeing that she didn¡¯t object, Old Man Zhuang laughed, feeling extremely happy. "I¡¯ll definitely recover quickly."


    Zhao Guihua said, "Mm."


    She glanced at him, noticing how his joy was written all over his face. Even without the candle, the moonlight revealed his happiness. Zhao Guihua pursed her lips and, for some reason, smiled softly too. Then she scratched her head, feeling a strange, indescribable emotion, and closed her eyes.


    Perhaps because they had slept late, it was already noon when they woke up the next day. Zhao Guihua, with her shaved head, came out to cook and prepare medicine. By then, the neighbors in the courtyard had come over to greet them. After last night¡¯s events, they were all acquainted now.


    "Miss, what¡¯s your name?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I¡¯m Zhao Guihua, and that¡¯s my cousin, Zhuang Haoren. He¡¯s got a nickname¡ªOld Man Zhuang."


    Since they were bound to ask, Zhao Guihua decided to volunteer the information.


    "What¡¯s wrong with your cousin?"


    Zhao Guihua said, "It¡¯s just a cold, but it got worse after being neglected for a few days. It¡¯s nothing serious, though. He¡¯s been taking medicine and is already feeling much better."


    In no time, Zhao Guihua had struck up a rapport with the neighbors, and she managed to gather quite a bit of information about the area. As the eldest in her family, Zhao Guihua had a natural knack for dealing with people, her straightforwardness shining through.


    She asked about others but also shared a bit about her own family.


    She didn¡¯t say much, but the neighbors learned that Old Man Zhuang had been working as a waiter but was fired because of his illness and even lost his place to live. This led to some sympathetic grumbling.


    These were the kinds of hardships poor families like theirs often faced.


    Zhao Guihua said, "He had nowhere to go. The inn thought his illness was bad luck, so they kicked him out. He ended up staying at a porter¡¯s lodge, but because he was so sickly, he got targeted. Honestly, families like ours don¡¯t have much money. It¡¯s the landlords who are truly rich."


    "Exactly," someone agreed.


    After Zhao Guihua finished preparing the medicine and brought it inside, the others went about making lunch, and the gathering dispersed.


    Zhao Guihua had prepared a meat porridge, but fortunately, the strong medicinal smell masked the aroma of the porridge. She took out some steamed buns she had made a few days earlier and ate them with the porridge. Old Man Zhuang asked, "Are the people in this courtyard easy to get along with?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "It''s fine. Everyone minds their own business."


    Old Man Zhuang sipped the porridge carefully and said, "You''re right."


    After a pause, he added, "This porridge is really delicious."


    Zhao Guihua responded, "Of course it''s delicious. It''s made with white rice and has meat in it. Back in my family, we could only have this kind of porridge on New Year''s mornings, and even then, there wasn¡¯t as much rice as this."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "Indeed, rice that¡¯s not good doesn¡¯t taste nice."


    Truth be told, both Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang felt a pang of guilt. This was fine grain, after all. But Zhao Guihua knew that Old Man Zhuang was ill and needed good food to recover. If he was eating well, how could she settle for anything less?


    She believed that she, too, needed to nourish herself. Being strong and healthy would allow her to live a better life. Without strength, what could she possibly achieve?


    As a young woman, she had to be able to protect herself. She had always acted tough and fierce, which was her way of self-preservation. Otherwise, as a lone girl, anyone could take advantage of her.


    Now, things were different. Because of her tough demeanor, people spoke to her with a certain level of respect.


    After lunch, Old Man Zhuang dutifully took his medicine.


    As the old saying goes, "Illness strikes like a landslide, but recovery is as slow as pulling silk." This was certainly true for Old Man Zhuang. Previously, he had been lethargic and weak every day, but after taking his medicine seriously for three to five days, he quickly improved.


    Although he had recovered, their meals remained hearty. Zhao Guihua earnestly said, "The doctor mentioned that both you and I are physically depleted. If conditions allow, we should eat well and nourish ourselves."


    Since Old Man Zhuang had recovered, it was time to check his pulse again. Zhao Guihua also had her condition examined, and unsurprisingly, she too was physically depleted.


    In these times, who wasn¡¯t depleted?


    But Zhao Guihua decided to focus on nourishing herself. Since she hadn¡¯t brought up the topic of him leaving, Old Man Zhuang was quite pleased.


    Once he recovered, he immediately started looking for work. Jobs were hard to come by these days, and after several days of fruitless searching, Old Man Zhuang felt disheartened. He said, "If nothing else, I¡¯ll go back to being a shop assistant."


    Such jobs were relatively easier to find, especially since he had experience.


    Zhao Guihua said, "Let¡¯s wait a bit longer."


    After a pause, she looked at Old Man Zhuang and asked, "When are you planning to leave?"


    Old Man Zhuang froze, pursed his lips, and lowered his head like a forsaken dog. Seeing him so dejected, Zhao Guihua felt a bit uneasy. But¡­ they were merely strangers who happened to cross paths, not real relatives.


    She poked at her food, her mind in turmoil.


    If she didn¡¯t bring it up, he would still have to leave eventually.


    Zhao Guihua remained silent, and Old Man Zhuang felt a chill in his heart. He pursed his lips and said, "I¡­ I still owe you money. I need to repay you before I leave. Can I stay until then?"


    He had finally found an excuse.


    Zhao Guihua was silent for a long time before softly murmuring in agreement. Although she had initiated the conversation, she too felt uncomfortable. Hearing that he had a "reason" to stay a little longer, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Then let¡¯s wait a bit longer."


    Old Man Zhuang immediately nodded, also relieved.


    He lowered his head and continued eating, saying, "I¡¯ve been eating so well every day. I should pay for my share of the meals. I owe you so much money, so much."


    He hoped it would be an amount he could never fully repay, so he wouldn¡¯t have to leave.


    Zhao Guihua grunted softly, "Well, alright then."


    While Old Man Zhuang diligently searched for work, Zhao Guihua quietly wandered near Wang Er¡¯s house. There, she noticed that the door had been sealed. She lowered her eyes, realizing that the place had been discovered.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising, though. It had been kept hidden for long enough.


    It was impossible to keep it completely under wraps.


    Although people died every day in the city, this incident had caused quite a stir in the neighborhood. The family had been notorious for their cruelty, and everyone knew they were no good. Now that they had been dealt with, it brought a sense of justice to many.


    People chatted about it with glee. Who wouldn¡¯t be happy when a menace was removed?


    The brothers had been truly wicked. It was said that a body had even been dug up from their courtyard.


    Zhao Guihua thought, "...So Aunt Tooth was buried in the courtyard after all."


    But Zhao Guihua could only say they deserved it. When they were scheming against others, they probably never imagined they¡¯d be silenced like this.


    There were all sorts of rumors about what had happened¡ªsome said it was revenge, others claimed it was a robbery, and some even believed it was the work of vengeful spirits. But the most popular theory was robbery, as the house had been ransacked.


    Zhao Guihua thought to herself, "...It was me."


    She had many thoughts, but since the place had been discovered, she would never return. After buying groceries, she headed home and found Old Man Zhuang waiting for her, his face beaming with joy. "Guihua, I found a job!" he exclaimed excitedly.


    He was overjoyed and said, "I heard that the machinery factory is hiring apprentices, and I got accepted!"


    Zhao Guihua was curious, "What does the machinery factory do?"


    Old Man Zhuang explained, "They make mechanical parts. I don¡¯t really know the specifics yet, but as an apprentice, they¡¯ll teach me everything from the start."


    Zhao Guihua, being from the countryside, wasn¡¯t familiar with such things, but Old Man Zhuang, being a city dweller, knew about the factory. He said, "The factory is owned by Master Zhang. He¡¯s a good man, well-known in the city for his kindness and fair treatment of workers. Getting accepted there is really lucky."


    Zhao Guihua was infected by his joy and said, "That¡¯s wonderful."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, "Absolutely. The conditions there aren¡¯t harsh either. As an apprentice, I¡¯ll earn ten copper coins a month, and they¡¯ll provide three meals a day. Once I¡¯ve learned the trade, not only will my salary increase, but I¡¯ll also be able to rent factory housing at a discount."


    Ten copper coins were very little, but for an apprentice, it was already fortunate to receive any payment, let alone three meals a day. In many places, apprentices weren¡¯t paid at all and had to work for their masters for three years before earning anything.


    So this was truly a great opportunity.


    However, some poorer families couldn¡¯t afford to take the risk, as they couldn¡¯t predict how long it would take to become a full-time worker. Going months without contributing to the household income was untenable for them. Fortunately, Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang were in a position to manage.


    Many households have fixed monthly incomes, barely making ends meet, with no room for error. Only those with relatively stable conditions, or families with other breadwinners, could afford to send someone to become an apprentice.


    Being an apprentice is a good opportunity, but not everyone has the chance.


    Old Man Zhuang was willing to take this step, almost as a last resort. He believed that enduring a period of hardship would lead to a better life in the future, and that was all he hoped for. Moreover, he had already thought about finding ways to supplement the family income.


    He said earnestly, "I will work hard as an apprentice and strive to become a full-time worker as soon as possible."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Good."


    Old Man Zhuang continued, "This apprenticeship doesn¡¯t pay much. I¡¯ve thought about it, and I¡¯ll go to the outskirts of the city after work every day to help carry manure. There¡¯s always work like that, so we can earn a bit more." His eyes sparkled as he said, "I can support¡­ support the family."


    Hearing this, Zhao Guihua¡¯s face flushed slightly. "What are you talking about? Supporting the family?"


    Old Man Zhuang looked at her rosy cheeks and couldn¡¯t help but say, "We¡¯re a family."


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s face turned even redder as she retorted, "Who¡¯s a family with you?"


    For once, the usually bold Zhao Guihua displayed a hint of girlish shyness.


    Old Man Zhuang lowered his head, embarrassed, and stammered, "I¡­ I¡­ I¡­"


    He gathered his courage and blurted out, "I like you."


    Zhao Guihua looked up abruptly and saw his bright eyes, his face red with anticipation. He seemed to be holding his breath, as if he might faint at any moment.


    Zhao Guihua mumbled, "What do you like about me? I¡¯m so fierce."


    "I just like you. I don¡¯t even know why, but I just think you¡¯re great. I like how capable you are, even when you¡¯re fierce. I like how kind-hearted you are, always helping me. And I like how¡­ how pretty you are." Old Man Zhuang felt like he was burning up, but he kept his gaze fixed on Zhao Guihua.


    Though he was usually timid, he was resolute when it came to important matters. He repeated earnestly, "I really like you. You¡¯re so beautiful and so kind."


    Zhao Guihua twisted her fingers together and said, "How do I know if you¡¯re telling the truth?"


    "It¡¯s true!" Old Man Zhuang quickly replied. "If I¡¯m lying, may I be struck by lightning. I¡¯m not lying to you. I mean every word."


    Zhao Guihua looked into his eyes and said, "I¡­ I need to think about it¡­"


    She was actually quite flustered.


    This was the first time someone had said such things to her. Was she¡­ really pretty?


    She bit her lip, her heart a mess of emotions¡ªnervousness and a small, secret joy. She didn¡¯t know why she felt this joy, but she couldn¡¯t help smiling. She bit her lip harder to suppress the grin.


    Old Man Zhuang nodded seriously. "Okay, take your time. I won¡¯t pressure you. But¡­ but you know how I feel."


    He gave a silly smile and added, "I¡¯ll work hard."


    Zhao ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Guihua looked up. "Don¡¯t go to the outskirts to carry manure anymore."


    She said, "You¡¯ve just recovered from your illness. Don¡¯t overwork yourself."


    Old Man Zhuang grew anxious. "If I don¡¯t go, we won¡¯t have enough for the rent each month. It¡¯s hard for you to find work, and I¡­"


    Before he could finish, Zhao Guihua interrupted, "Didn¡¯t you give me a silver dollar? I still have some savings. The rent is covered for a few months. As for food, we have enough at home. You also get three meals at the factory. If we calculate carefully, our expenses are minimal. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m worried about you, but¡­ but if you push yourself too hard and get sick again, what then? Medical treatment is expensive. Besides, if you¡¯re exhausted after work, you won¡¯t be able to focus on your studies, and that will slow down your promotion. It¡¯s better to put all your energy into learning and aim for an early promotion. Once you¡¯re promoted, you¡¯ll earn more."


    She twisted her fingers even more tightly, her hands entwined. "If your health fails, I won¡¯t marry you."


    Old Man Zhuang was stunned for a moment, then immediately beamed with joy. "I knew it! I knew you liked me too. You¡¯re even thinking about marriage."


    Zhao Guihua: "¡­"


    Her face turned red as she spat out, "Who¡¯s thinking about that? Stop talking nonsense."


    She waved her fist. "If you keep talking nonsense, I¡¯ll hit you."


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled, his laughter filled with delight. When he finally stopped, he said seriously, "I¡¯ll work hard and strive for an early promotion."


    Zhao Guihua: "Hmm."


    She added firmly, "Don¡¯t go carrying manure. Focus on your studies. That¡¯s what really matters."


    Old Man Zhuang thought for a moment and nodded vigorously. "Okay."


    He did the math. Although skipping odd jobs while being an apprentice would make things tighter, Zhao Guihua was right. If he ruined his health, it would all be for nothing. He knew how important a healthy body was.


    After all, he had been fired from his previous job because of his illness.


    So he found Zhao Guihua¡¯s reasoning very sound.


    She was really smart.


    Though he had some education, he felt Zhao Guihua was even smarter.


    Zhao Guihua said, "We have enough grain at home, and we can cut back on buying vegetables. I can gather some wild greens. Other than that, the main expense is the rent. It¡¯s not too bad, actually."


    She didn¡¯t mention the small gold bars and silver dollars she had stashed away.


    Though she trusted Old Man Zhuang, they hadn¡¯t known each other for long. It was better to be cautious. Those were her safety nets, to be used only in desperate times.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "Then I¡¯ll start gathering firewood when I have time. We can stockpile it slowly, so we won¡¯t have to worry in winter."


    Zhao Guihua: "Good."


    The two quickly came to an agreement, and Old Man Zhuang soon started his apprenticeship. He was assigned to riveting work. He was diligent and learned quickly. In most places, becoming an apprentice required currying favor with the master.


    Without offering cigarettes or alcohol, one wouldn¡¯t learn much.


    Fortunately, Master Zhang¡¯s workshop had a good atmosphere. He wouldn¡¯t tolerate anyone withholding knowledge, as skilled workers were essential for high productivity. If a senior worker tried to play games, Master Zhang would make sure they regretted it.


    Though Master Zhang was known as a kind man, he was still a businessman.


    In these times, those who made big money were no saints.


    Old Man Zhuang seized this opportunity and became a skilled worker in just three months. As for finer skills, those would come with time and practice. But as a first-level worker, Old Man Zhuang had achieved that in three months.


    Among those who joined the factory at the same time, he was the fastest learner and the first to be promoted. Now that he was no longer an apprentice, his income increased significantly. He truly realized how right Zhao Guihua had been. His new salary was double what he had earned as a waiter.


    He received the news of his early promotion and was so overjoyed that he couldn¡¯t help but dance around, a rare moment of losing his composure. After finishing work, he immediately rushed back home. Zhao Guihua had gone out during the day to forage for vegetables, as she had truly come to understand the hardships women faced after moving to the city.


    She had always heard that there were plenty of jobs in the city, but in reality, there were hardly any opportunities for women.


    The next day, she busied herself with household chores. After gathering the vegetables, she dried some of them to prepare for the winter.


    ¡°Guihua, Guihua, I¡¯m back!¡±


    Old Man Zhuang rushed in, brimming with excitement. ¡°Listen, I¡¯ve been promoted! From now on, I¡¯ll have a steady income. I¡¯ll have money!!!¡±


    Zhao Guihua was overjoyed to hear this. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s wonderful!¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded vigorously. ¡°We won¡¯t have to struggle so much anymore.¡±


    Heaven knew how anxious he had been, but now, everything was finally looking up.


    Zhao Guihua was infected by his joy and began to bounce around with him. ¡°You¡¯re really amazing.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°I only got promoted so quickly because I listened to you!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s capable. What did I have to do with it?¡±


    ¡°Of course you did! You¡¯re the one who told me to focus all my energy¡­¡±


    He rambled on, and Zhao Guihua couldn¡¯t help but smile. Old Man Zhuang was speaking with great enthusiasm, but suddenly, he became a bit shy. He seemed embarrassed yet earnest as he said, ¡°Now that I¡¯ve been promoted, what about¡­ what about us?¡±


    Zhao Guihua was a straightforward girl. Truth be told, she had long held feelings for Old Man Zhuang.


    Old Man Zhuang thought she was kind and wonderful, but she felt the same way about him.


    She had been in the city for many days, and he was the only one who had extended a helping hand to her. Even when the situation was unclear, he had let her into his home despite her being covered in blood. When he was fired from his job because she had fallen ill with typhoid, he never complained.


    If anyone was kind, she believed it was Old Man Zhuang.


    She looked up at him, noticing how nervous he was. For some reason, his nervousness made her feel calm. She smiled softly and said, ¡°You won¡¯t regret it, will you?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°Only a fool would regret it.¡±


    Then he quickly realized what she meant and stammered, ¡°Y-you¡­ you¡¯re saying yes, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯re agreeing, right?¡±


    Zhao Guihua burst into laughter. When she finally stopped, she said softly, ¡°I agree.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang was ecstatic, almost running out the door in his excitement. He babbled incoherently, ¡°This is amazing, truly amazing! I knew it, I knew you liked me. I like you too. We¡¯ll have a good life together. We¡­ we¡¯ll¡­¡±


    His words were a jumbled mess, but his joy made his feelings clear.


    Zhao Guihua was also incredibly happy. Now that everything was out in the open, she felt a sense of clarity and relief.


    She hadn¡¯t expected to find a man to marry so soon, but meeting Old Man Zhuang had brought her unexpected happiness. She smiled, her heart and eyes filled with joy.


    However, she soon thought of something and spoke up.


    She said seriously, ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been a year since my parents passed away. I need to observe the mourning period for a full year. Even if we marry, it will have to be next year.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang understood her meaning immediately and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you. Once the mourning period is over, we¡¯ll get married. We¡¯ll get married, okay?¡±


    Now that their feelings were out in the open, marriage was the natural next step.


    He looked at Zhao Guihua carefully, afraid she might refuse, and assured her, ¡°I¡¯ll work hard to improve my skills, earn more money, and take good care of our family.¡±


    Zhao Guihua puffed out her cheeks and nodded firmly.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    She said resolutely, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang immediately broke into a wide smile.


    Both of them were ordinary, hardworking people, struggling to make ends meet. Yet, they both felt a renewed sense of purpose in life. Old Man Zhuang had been alone for many years, his days monotonous and without much hope. It felt like he was just counting the days, unsure of the future. But after meeting Zhao Guihua, his life suddenly became vibrant. He began to imagine a better future and looked forward to it.


    As for Zhao Guihua¡­ she was the same. Her family had suffered a great tragedy, and for a long time, her desire for revenge had kept her going. In her most desperate moments, it was Old Man Zhuang who had extended a helping hand. She had never said it out loud, but she had always been moved by him. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been so determined to return to him.


    In this era, there wasn¡¯t much room for grand romances. Both of them were alone, and their mutual affection quickly blossomed into love. They leaned on each other and found solace in their companionship. Though there weren¡¯t many sweet words exchanged, both of them felt a deep sense of security.


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°The factory also has housing for rent, but there¡¯s a waiting list. Now that I¡¯ve been promoted, I can sign up. Once it¡¯s our turn, we can rent a cheaper place.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang continued, ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll earn half a silver dollar a month. We¡¯ll be able to live comfortably and have enough to eat.¡±


    He added, ¡°Once the mourning period is over next year, we¡¯ll get married. We¡¯ll buy some red fabric to make our wedding clothes.¡±


    Zhao Guihua listened to his endless chatter without feeling annoyed. Instead, she smiled and said, ¡°I understand. We¡¯ll need to save some money and stock up on food. Even the bad guys know to store grain. We should have some too, just in case.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Old Man Zhuang said. ¡°When I have time off, I¡¯ll go with you to the countryside. We¡¯ll pay our respects to your parents and your family.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded. ¡°Okay, and I¡¯ll go with you to visit your parents¡¯ graves too.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang looked at Zhao Guihua, mustered his courage, and reached out to hold her hand. He said, ¡°From now on, as long as we¡¯re together, we¡¯ll be able to build a good life.¡±


    Zhao Guihua looked up at Old Man Zhuang. Instead of pulling her hand away, she smiled and nodded firmly. She looked at the man before her and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    With a smile, she said resolutely, ¡°I¡¯ll follow your lead.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang: ¡°Our home will follow your lead. I¡¯m not very capable, so you¡¯ll be in charge. You point, and I¡¯ll follow. I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    Zhao Guihua burst out laughing, and Old Man Zhuang raised his eyebrows innocently.


    Zhao Guihua teased, ¡°So you¡¯ll listen to me in everything? I¡¯ll be the one making all the decisions?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang was completely serious. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you in everything!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°What if I ask you to give me all your wages?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang looked at her strangely. ¡°Didn¡¯t we already agree on that? I don¡¯t know how to spend money anyway. It¡¯s all yours! From now on, I¡¯ll earn the money, and you¡¯ll manage our lives.¡± sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He said, "I wasn¡¯t joking before, nor was I saying it just to be nice. I meant it sincerely. I¡¯m willing to give you all my money."


    After a pause, he scratched his head, speaking with a mix of shyness and sincerity, "You¡­ you don¡¯t mind if I don¡¯t earn much, do you¡­?" At this point, he couldn¡¯t help but glance up quickly, adding in defense, "But I¡¯ll work hard, I promise I¡¯ll earn more in the future¡­"


    Zhao Guihua bit her lip, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She replied, "Then I¡¯ll take good care of our home."


    Her voice was clear and bright as she added, "From now on, we¡¯ll live a good life together."


    "Yes, a good life together!"

 Chapter 227

    *Click, click.*


    Two red stamps were pressed onto the marriage certificate.


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang, both young and flushed with excitement, carefully received the marriage certificate and tucked it away with great care.


    In those days, marriage certificates were a thing. Some couples formally obtained them, while others simply held a wedding ceremony and called it a day. Since the young couple had no living relatives, even a wedding ceremony would have been without witnesses. By obtaining the marriage certificate, they finally felt truly married.


    Old Man Zhuang grinned from ear to ear, saying, ¡°We¡¯re married now. It¡¯s wonderful. We¡¯re finally married!¡±


    Now he had a family of his own. Zhao Guihua also smiled, her joy uncontainable. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll move our things today,¡± she said.


    Old Man Zhuang hesitated. ¡°Are we really moving today? It¡¯s our wedding day. Won¡¯t it be too tiring?¡±


    He had applied for housing at the factory, and after waiting for over half a year, he was finally assigned a place¡ªa small courtyard house in Xinghua Lane. He had just received the keys the day before. ¡°We could move tomorrow¡­¡± he suggested.


    Zhao Guihua shook her head. ¡°I asked Blind Li from the alley. He said today is an auspicious day¡ªperfect for both marriage and moving. Besides, we don¡¯t have much else to do. Let¡¯s move today and settle in early. It¡¯ll save us trouble later.¡±


    Seeing her determination, Old Man Zhuang nodded in agreement. ¡°Alright.¡±


    The newlyweds didn¡¯t linger. They quickly returned to their rented place to gather their belongings. Their possessions were few, so they rented a flatbed cart and loaded everything onto it. Two trips would be enough to move everything. Together, they pushed the cart and soon arrived at No. 44 Xinghua Lane.


    At the entrance, Zhao Guihua took a deep breath as she looked at their new home. It was far better than their rented room. The house was larger and more comfortable, yet thanks to Old Man Zhuang¡¯s position at the machinery factory, the rent was even cheaper.


    Overwhelmed with joy, Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    As they pushed the cart into the courtyard, a sharp voice called out, ¡°Who are you looking for?¡±


    A woman holding a baby stood there, eyeing Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang. Zhao Guihua glanced back, taking in the woman¡¯s fiery demeanor. She replied crisply, ¡°We¡¯re the new tenants. This is my husband.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang, far from the old man he would become decades later, was a clean-cut young man. Though age would later take its toll, in his youth, he and Zhao Guihua were quite a handsome pair. Not stunningly beautiful, but certainly pleasant-looking.


    It made sense, as the Zhuang family¡¯s three children were all good-looking, clearly taking after their parents. Despite their attractive appearances, Zhao Guihua¡¯s sharp gaze hinted that she was not someone to be trifled with.


    As Zhao Guihua observed the woman, the woman did the same. After a moment, the woman introduced herself, ¡°My husband¡¯s surname is Zhou. He works at the machinery factory too. My name is Li. Some call me Sister-in-law Zhou, others Madam Li or Madam Zhou Li. This is my son. He¡¯s seven months old.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded. ¡°Sister-in-law Zhou, we¡¯ll catch up later. We¡¯re still in the middle of moving.¡±


    They found their new home¡ªa side room in the front courtyard. It was a single room, but larger than their previous rental. Zhao Guihua stepped inside, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction. ¡°This is great. We can even divide this into two rooms,¡± she said.


    Old Man Zhuang nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Absolutely. We can build a partition here and add a door. The inner room can be for sleeping, and the outer one for cooking and eating. It¡¯ll be perfect.¡±


    He looked at his wife with bright eyes. ¡°What do you think? We can start working on it today.¡±


    Zhao Guihua agreed. ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go get the rest of our things. You stay here and rest.¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Of course, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    They had known each other for a year now. Though they hadn¡¯t been married before, they had lived together under the same roof, relying on each other. He had always been good to her, and she wasn¡¯t the type to take advantage of his kindness. She wouldn¡¯t let him shoulder the heavy work alone.


    ¡°Pushing the cart alone is too much for you. I¡¯ll help. It¡¯ll be easier for both of us. Let¡¯s go,¡± she said decisively.


    Old Man Zhuang was touched but didn¡¯t know how to express it. He simply nodded and followed her out. As they left, they encountered a pregnant woman stepping out of her house. Her belly was large, and she looked as though she could give birth any day. She had a delicate, almost timid demeanor. Seeing them, she offered a soft, shy smile and asked in a gentle voice, ¡°Are you the new neighbors?¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded and introduced herself again. The pregnant woman, Sister-in-law Su, said softly, "My husband''s surname is Su, so you can call me Sister-in-law Su." She didn¡¯t mention her own name at all.


    The two of them didn¡¯t linger to chat with others and soon headed out again. Meanwhile, Sister-in-law Zhou and Sister-in-law Su gathered together to discuss the new neighbors. However, what they talked about, Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t know, and even if she had known, she wouldn¡¯t have cared much.


    They quickly finished their second trip moving and handed the house keys to the landlord, who happened to be the old doctor from Huichun Hall. His house was always in demand, so he happily congratulated the young couple and accepted their wedding candies.


    Nowadays, candies were quite expensive. Even for their wedding, the couple had bought only a small amount, distributing them sparingly to a few acquaintances. As they pushed their cart back, they noticed that more people had gathered in the Apricot Blossom Courtyard. Among them, a tall, cheerful woman with a big smile said, "I live in the backyard. My husband¡¯s surname is Li, and my surname is Wang. My name is Wang Xiaocao."


    She was also pregnant, though not as far along as Sister-in-law Su, likely a few months behind.


    Zhao Guihua smiled and greeted her, preparing to leave, when suddenly there was a loud clatter¡ªsomething had fallen and shattered.


    Everyone turned to look and saw Sister-in-law Zhou standing by the cart, rummaging through their belongings. She hadn¡¯t broken anything herself, but her son, whom she was carrying, had knocked over a box with his little hands, causing a bowl to fall to the ground and shatter.


    The scene fell silent instantly. Zhao Guihua immediately turned her gaze to Sister-in-law Zhou.


    Sister-in-law Zhou looked somewhat embarrassed but tried to play it off casually, saying, "Look at how carelessly these things are placed. It just fell on its own¡ªwhat a fright!"


    She was quick to shift the blame.


    But Zhao Guihua wasn¡¯t one to be trifled with. If she let herself be pushed around right after moving in, it would never end.


    She sneered and said, "A fright? That¡¯s a bit of a stretch, don¡¯t you think? Are you trying to bully us just because we¡¯re new here? My things were perfectly fine on the cart¡ªwhat business did you have touching them? You¡¯re the one who caused this mess, and now you¡¯re trying to play the victim? Look at this bowl¡ªit¡¯s practically brand new, not a single chip on it, and you¡¯ve gone and ruined it. I don¡¯t want to make a big deal out of this since I¡¯m new here, but you owe me the cost of this bowl."


    Sister-in-law Zhou¡¯s face turned pale, then red with anger. She snorted sharply and retorted, "What¡¯s wrong with you? Accusing me right off the bat? You¡¯re so unreasonable!"


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t back down. "You broke my things, and now you¡¯re calling me unreasonable? Do you think being loud makes you right?"


    She rolled up her sleeves and said, "It¡¯s true that I¡¯m new here, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll let anyone push me around."


    "You¡ª!"


    At this point, Sister-in-law Li, Wang Xiaocao, stepped in. "Sister-in-law Zhou, I saw it all. It was your Little Zhouqun who knocked over the bowl. Just pay up and be done with it. Times are tough for everyone¡ªyou can¡¯t just damage someone¡¯s things and not make it right."


    Sister-in-law Zhou was furious. "Whose side are you on? We¡¯re neighbors! And besides, what does a child know?"


    "Children may not know better, but it¡¯s the adults who set the example. If the adults had any sense, they wouldn¡¯t be causing trouble like this," Zhao Guihua shot back without hesitation.


    Wang Xiaocao also chimed in, "You¡¯re my neighbor, and so is Zhao Guihua. I¡¯m just speaking the truth. Fair is fair."


    Sister-in-law Zhou was seething. She had hoped to rally the other women in the courtyard to put the newcomers in their place, but before she could even get started, Wang Xiaocao had already switched sides.


    "Fine! I won¡¯t pay a single cent! What are you going to do about it? You shouldn¡¯t have left your things in the courtyard anyway!" Sister-in-law Zhou sneered, glaring at Zhao Guihua.


    Without a second thought, Zhao Guihua marched straight to Sister-in-law Zhou¡¯s house and smashed a window with a loud crash.


    Sister-in-law Zhou stared in disbelief, then flew into a rage. She set her son down and charged at Zhao Guihua, screaming, "How dare you break my window!"


    She lunged forward, trying to scratch Zhao Guihua, but Zhao Guihua grabbed her by the hair and punched her squarely.


    "Damn!"


    "Stop fighting!"


    "Oh my goodness!"


    "What are you doing?!"


    "You can¡¯t just hit people! That¡¯s not right!"


    "Yeah, people like this shouldn¡¯t be allowed in our courtyard!"


    The commotion drew the attention of the entire courtyard. A dark-skinned woman from the house next to the Zhou family peeked out, saw the fight, and quickly ducked back inside.


    Zhao Guihua stood in the courtyard, neither submissive nor overbearing, her voice clear and crisp: "We moved here with the factory''s permission. It''s our first day moving in, and you all are already ganging up to bully us? So this is how the old-timers treat newcomers, huh? What? She smashed our family''s rice bowl, refused to compensate, and now I can''t even retaliate? Is it fair that the officials can set fires while the common folk aren''t even allowed to light a lamp? She just yelled at me and bullied me, and you all turned a blind eye. Well, I won''t let it slide. I don''t need her to compensate for the rice bowl anymore. But I¡¯m making it clear: whoever breaks my rice bowl, I¡¯ll break their window. Tit for tat. As for hitting people¡­ she threw the first punch. Am I just supposed to take it? Is that how the world works?"


    Old Man Zhuang nodded beside her and said, "My wife is right. Everyone knows moving day is carefully chosen. Smashing our rice bowl on the very first day? Is that a good omen? If this happened to you, would you be okay with it? Even if my wife hadn¡¯t hit her, I wouldn¡¯t have let it go. We moved into the workers'' compound, not a den of bandits. What, you all want to gang up and bully the new neighbors? That¡¯s not how it works."


    "You¡­" Sister-in-law Zhou, who had taken a punch and had her window smashed, could see that this young couple wasn¡¯t the type to be pushed around. She was so angry she started crying.


    Wang Xiaocao chimed in, "Why are you crying? Who smashes someone¡¯s rice bowl on moving day? That¡¯s just bad luck."


    Her words struck a chord with everyone, and they all agreed it was indeed an unlucky thing to do.


    Wang Xiaocao continued, "You¡¯re the type to stir up trouble but can¡¯t handle the fallout. I see both sides are heated, but we¡¯re neighbors, after all. We¡¯ll be living in the same compound, so let¡¯s not make a big deal out of this. Let¡¯s just call it even¡ªyou broke their rice bowl, they broke your window. We¡¯re all from the same factory, coworkers who¡¯ll see each other every day. There¡¯s no need for this. Can¡¯t we just take a step back?"


    It had to be said, Wang Xiaocao was already showing signs of being a natural mediator. She managed to calm everyone down, saying, "Distant relatives aren¡¯t as helpful as close neighbors. Who knows when we might need to rely on each other? Let¡¯s not ruin the mood over something like this. Zhao Guihua, right? Moving is supposed to be a happy occasion. Sure, the bowl¡¯s broken, but it¡¯s a small thing. Let¡¯s not turn a joyful event into a fight. Don¡¯t take it to heart with Sister-in-law Zhou. She¡¯s always been like this."


    Then she turned to Sister-in-law Zhou and said, "You were in the wrong first. What¡¯s the point of denying it when everyone saw what happened? You can¡¯t just argue your way out of it. Look at you, arguing and ignoring your child. What¡¯s more important than your kid? I¡¯ll watch your child for you. Go get your window fixed. You can¡¯t leave it like that overnight. It¡¯s cold, and you¡¯ll just end up spending more money if someone gets sick."


    It was May, but the nights were still chilly.


    Sister-in-law Zhou stomped her foot, snorted, and said, "Fine, I¡¯ll go buy a new pane of glass."


    Zhao Guihua also snorted. At this time, Zhao Guihua was still a young woman, full of youthful vigor. She retorted and then started moving their belongings inside. Old Man Zhuang whispered, "Do you think we made too big a deal out of this?"


    Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and shook her head. "No, she was in the wrong from the start. She had no right to blame us. If we¡¯d backed down, it would¡¯ve never ended. But now that I¡¯ve fought back, they¡¯ll think twice before messing with us again. At least they¡¯ll know we¡¯re not easy to bully, even if we¡¯re young."


    Old Man Zhuang nodded, agreeing with his wife.


    That¡¯s just how it was. If you showed any weakness, countless leeches would swarm you. That was the harsh reality of the old society.


    Even if making a scene didn¡¯t look good, it was better than being a pushover.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "I¡¯ll go buy some bricks and divide the room into two sections."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Good. I¡¯ll stay here and tidy up."


    The two quickly divided the tasks. Wang Xiaocao, holding her belly, came over and said, "We¡¯re all neighbors, not unreasonable people. If you need anything in the future, just call me. My husband works as a cook in the machinery factory. Your husband¡¯s in the workshop, right?"


    Zhao Guihua nodded. "Yes, he¡¯s a riveter in the workshop."


    She looked at Wang Xiaocao curiously and asked, "How far along are you?"


    Wang Xiaocao smiled. "I¡¯m six months pregnant."


    Zhao Guihua said, "I see there¡¯s another pregnant woman in the courtyard¡­"


    "Oh, she¡¯s almost due. She¡¯ll give birth in less than a month. Be careful not to bump into her."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Got it."


    She smiled and said, "Am I really that impulsive?"


    "You? Impulsive? You''re the most impulsive little wife I''ve ever met," Wang Xiaocao said with genuine sincerity. "You''re something else."


    Zhao Guihua scratched her head. "Do I come off like a shrew?"


    "Not at all. Since when do shrews look as good as you?"


    Zhao Guihua burst into laughter, and Wang Xiaocao joined in. Though it was their first meeting, their straightforward personalities made them feel like old friends. From that day on, their friendship lasted for decades.


    "Honestly, being a bit fierce is the right move. Sister-in-law Zhou is the type who bullies the weak but fears the strong. If you show her you''re not to be messed with, she won''t dare bother you again. But if she senses weakness, she''ll never let up."


    As neighbors, Wang Xiaocao was well aware of Sister-in-law Zhou''s temperament.


    Zhao Guihua asked, "So, I did the right thing?"


    "Absolutely."


    The two quickly fell into conversation, and before long, Zhao Guihua had a good grasp of the courtyard''s dynamics. It turned out that almost everyone in the courtyard worked at the machinery factory. Next door to her was an elderly master craftsman and his family.


    Next to them was the Su family, who had gotten married the previous year. It was said that the young wife had fled from famine.


    Then there was the Zhou family, a household of three, and next to them was another family with a three-month-old son named Bai Fendou. The backyard was also home to several families, though none of them were particularly large.


    In these chaotic times, it was common for families to lose loved ones. Even Wang Xiaocao''s family had suffered losses.


    With a better understanding of the courtyard, Zhao Guihua felt more at ease. Compared to the chaotic large compound they had lived in before, this place was less complicated. Although there were more households here, with both front and back courtyards, the situation was simpler.


    Most families here were workers at the machinery factory. Though they were poor, having a stable income made a big difference.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????poorer the place, the more disorderly it tended to be¡ªthat was inevitable.


    In her previous courtyard, there had been incidents of stolen vegetables. Zhao Guihua never left her belongings outside, and her fierce reputation had kept her safe. Others weren''t so lucky. She had heard of families losing their dried vegetables.


    She could only hope things would be better here.


    As they talked, Old Man Zhuang returned with a cart of bricks. Not wanting to get in the way, Wang Xiaocao excused herself, and the couple immediately set to work. With their combined effort, they quickly tidied up the house.


    Zhao Guihua folded the quilts and placed them neatly in a corner of the kang (a heated brick bed). Truth be told, they weren''t short on bedding, thanks to Zhao Guihua''s "raid" on the Wang family. With four men in that household, there were plenty of quilts, all thick and well-stuffed.


    In addition, Old Man Zhuang had his own quilt. After re-fluffing the cotton, they even managed to make two padded jackets and pants. Both Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang had their share. Thankfully, the Wang family had plenty to spare.


    Once everything was in order, Zhao Guihua turned to see Old Man Zhuang shyly placing two red candles on the table. Catching her gaze, he quickly explained, "I didn''t waste anything. I just thought, today''s our wedding day¡ªwe can''t do without red candles."


    He pursed his lips, and Zhao Guihua couldn''t help but laugh. "You''re so thoughtful," she said.


    Old Man Zhuang''s face lit up with pride. "I asked around and made sure we had everything we needed for the wedding. Even though we don''t have family here, we shouldn''t miss out on the essentials."


    Zhao Guihua nodded firmly. "Mm."


    Old Man Zhuang continued, "From now on, this is our home."


    Zhao Guihua nodded even more emphatically. Seeing that her hair was a mess, Old Man Zhuang stepped forward to fix it. Zhao Guihua had shaved her head the previous year, and now her hair was only long enough to tie into two little bunny tails below her ears.


    Old Man Zhuang said, "The wall''s done, but I couldn''t find a door. For now, we can use some old clothes as a curtain. What do you think?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I''ll take care of it. Leave the windows and doors open so the wall dries faster."


    "Alright."


    As they busied themselves, Sister-in-law Zhou returned with someone to replace the broken glass. She was beside herself with regret¡ªglass was far more expensive than a bowl. She considered demanding compensation but hesitated. The saying "bullies fear the strong" rang true.


    This young wife had just arrived and already dared to stir up trouble. Sister-in-law Zhou wasn''t sure she could handle a direct confrontation. Earlier, she had gone to their old neighborhood to ask around.


    As expected, Zhao Guihua had a reputation as a shrew.


    Rumors said she and her husband had nearly beaten a thief to death, and the woman wasn''t afraid to wield a kitchen knife. The more Sister-in-law Zhou thought about it, the more she realized she was out of her depth. People called her feisty, but this level of ferocity was beyond her.


    Moreover, it was said that this young woman was even fiercer than her husband, as she had trained specifically for it. After Sister-in-law Zhou heard all this, she truly didn¡¯t dare offend them anymore. She gritted her teeth, feeling that she had handled things poorly today and had come out at a loss.


    She was someone who couldn¡¯t keep things to herself, and soon everyone in the compound knew about it¡ªthe newly arrived couple was quite formidable. That Zhao Guihua, she was even trained in martial arts.


    Who would have known that Zhao Guihua shaved her head just to get rid of lice? No one knew. But under her own misleading, she had turned into a legendary master. Well, you know how it goes¡­


    After all, bragging isn¡¯t against the law!


    Before the day was over, the entire compound knew their ¡°secrets,¡± and Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang had bought some pork head meat and a roasted chicken. Zhao Guihua also made dumplings.


    Today wasn¡¯t just their housewarming celebration; it was also their wedding day. Both of them dressed up in their finest clothes. Zhao Guihua wore a red blouse, and Old Man Zhuang put on his newly tailored outfit.


    Old Man Zhuang happily touched his new clothes and said, ¡°Wife, you¡¯re so good to me.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smirked slightly. Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua made dumplings together. The flour they used was what Zhao Guihua had brought back last year. Except for the time when she was sick, they didn¡¯t eat it every day. Apart from festivals and special occasions, they only improved their meals two or three times a month.


    Now, they still had a bag and a half left.


    They had a bag and a half of rice and flour each, but they had eaten quite a bit of mixed grain flour.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Put the grain under the kitchen stove.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    This was a small hidden compartment they had built while repairing the wall. It wasn¡¯t big enough to hide a person, but it was perfect for storing a few bags of grain. Zhao Guihua had learned this from her grandmother. Those who had lived through hard times knew how to hide food. It could save lives.


    Not just her family, even troublemakers like Wang Er knew to stash some grain for emergencies.


    When Zhao Guihua gave the order, Old Man Zhuang understood immediately.


    Back when his father was raising him, they had done similar things. He stored the grain and locked the small cabinet, with the key hidden in a corner. Unless someone dug it out, it would be hard to find.


    He said, ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll work harder and earn more money to fill this hidden compartment to the brim.¡±


    Zhao Guihua gave him a look that was both amused and reproachful. Old Man Zhuang muttered, ¡°Even though we spent some money this time, don¡¯t feel bad about it. I¡¯ll work even harder to earn more. We only get married once, so we should celebrate properly. Otherwise, we¡¯d regret it later.¡±


    He was worried that Zhao Guihua might feel sorry about spending the money.


    Zhao Guihua glanced at him and said, ¡°Oh, you.¡±


    By then, she had finished making the dumplings. She wiped her hands and reached into the pillow, pulling out a small bag. ¡°Take a look,¡± she said.


    Old Man Zhuang opened it curiously and looked inside. His eyes nearly popped out of his head. ¡°Th-this¡­ this¡­¡±


    He stammered, lowering his voice. ¡°H-how do you have so much money?¡±


    Zhao Guihua took the bag and counted it out for him. ¡°There are thirty-one silver coins and four small gold bars here. One of the silver coins is the one you gave me before. The rest I took from my enemy¡¯s house.¡±


    By now, Old Man Zhuang knew the full story of what had happened to Zhao Guihua¡¯s family. He didn¡¯t think his wife¡¯s actions were too harsh. Despite being a quiet and unassuming man, he had a strong sense of justice.


    He wouldn¡¯t feel the slightest bit of pity if bad people died a thousand times. On the contrary, he believed that the death of such people gave good folks a better chance at life. So, he fully supported Zhao Guihua¡¯s actions. The only thing that worried him was that she hadn¡¯t been caught.


    But he hadn¡¯t expected her to bring out so much money.


    Zhao Guihua didn¡¯t feel embarrassed about it. She said straightforwardly, ¡°I didn¡¯t fully trust you before, so I never mentioned it. I didn¡¯t spend a single coin of this money. It¡¯s all here. Now that we¡¯re married, I should tell you.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded seriously. ¡°You did the right thing.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smirked. ¡°Of course I did.¡±


    She added, ¡°I¡¯m very good at managing our life. All our daily expenses and living costs have been covered by your wages. There¡¯s even some left over. So, I didn¡¯t touch this money. It¡¯s for emergencies.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang nodded again. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    He looked curiously at the gold bars. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve ever seen gold bars.¡±


    Even though each bar was only about the thickness of a finger, it was still something ordinary folks like them had never owned.


    Four of them!


    This was really something.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°I¡¯ll put them away for now. If we ever run short of money or food, we can exchange them. They¡¯ll be very useful in critical times.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang quickly agreed. ¡°You¡¯re in charge of this. Go ahead and put them away.¡±


    Neither of them had expected that the saved silver dollars and small gold bars would play such a crucial role. During the famine around the 1960s, and the fact that all three of their children were able to graduate from high school, it was all thanks to this little nest egg.


    Of course, no one could have foreseen the future, but that¡¯s a story for later.


    He whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s not get caught. Be careful.¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°Of course, I know.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang had no idea that their ¡°family savings¡± were so substantial, but he was well aware of the importance of not flaunting wealth. He said softly, ¡°We don¡¯t know our neighbors well yet, and we¡¯re not sure what kind of people they are. Since we¡¯ve just moved here, don¡¯t go digging for vegetables. Stay at home more.¡±


    Zhao Guihua nodded, ¡°I understand.¡±


    She had her own plans. She said, ¡°I¡¯ll take on some work from the match factory, like pasting matchboxes, to earn a little extra money for the household.¡±


    In the past, it had been incredibly difficult for women to find work, but now that life was settling down, some odd jobs were becoming available. Even though it was mostly home-based work, it still helped with the family¡¯s expenses.


    Old Man Zhuang agreed, ¡°That¡¯s fine, but don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡±


    Zhao Guihua shot him a look and said, ¡°I used to do a lot of work in the countryside. I¡¯m not afraid of hard work. We¡¯re common folks, and if we want to live well, we have to be diligent. Otherwise, how would we survive without food or drink?¡±


    Old Man Zhuang smiled, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    Zhao Guihua put the money away and then got up to cook dumplings. The couple had also bought a small bottle of wine, a tiny one. Old Man Zhuang poured two cups, closed the doors and windows, and lit two large red candles.


    When the dumplings were ready, Zhao Guihua brought out the sliced pig¡¯s head meat and roast chicken she had prepared. The two of them sat on the kang, facing each other, and bowed three times to the heavens and earth under the glow of the red candles.


    Then they bowed to each other as husband and wife. Old Man Zhuang looked up and took Zhao Guihua¡¯s hand, smiling warmly. ¡°From now on, we¡¯re officially husband and wife.¡±


    Zhao Guihua laughed, ¡°We¡¯ve always been husband and wife. We even went to the public office this morning to get our marriage certificate.¡±


    It was all very official.


    ¡°Right, right,¡± Old Man Zhuang agreed.


    Zhao Guihua said, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Old Man Zhuang replied, ¡°Alright.¡±


    The meal was a rare treat for them. Old Man Zhuang tore off a chicken leg and handed it to Zhao Guihua, saying, ¡°Here, have this.¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled, ¡°You eat too. There¡¯s plenty¡­¡±


    The two of them quickly dug in. Though they were tired from moving, their hearts were filled with joy. Despite the chaos of the world, they finally had each other to rely on. They were no longer alone.


    Old Man Zhuang and Zhao Guihua had officially become husband and wife, and though they already felt like an old married couple, Old Man Zhuang felt even more motivated.


    Since they had moved to a new place, their rent was lower, and they were able to save more each month. On the day they moved in, Zhao Guihua had a disagreement with Sister-in-law Zhou, so the neighbors weren¡¯t particularly warm toward her.


    However, there weren¡¯t any major conflicts either. Everyone was busy with their own lives and didn¡¯t have time for petty squabbles or forming cliques.


    Every day was a struggle just to put food on the table, so who had the energy for gossip?


    Wang Xiaocao, however, got along well with Zhao Guihua, and the two of them spent more time together.


    The couple quickly settled in and gradually integrated into the courtyard community. People came and went, some moved away, and others moved in, but Sister-in-law Zhou and a few others stayed, and over time, they began to get along.


    Although Zhao Guihua and Sister-in-law Zhou had clashed on the first day, Sister-in-law Zhou¡¯s husband didn¡¯t say much, and as time went on, they managed to coexist peacefully. The men in the courtyard even went fishing together by the river to improve their meals, and things remained relatively harmonious.


    It¡¯s no wonder people in those days preferred having sons, and lots of them. There was strength in numbers.


    If it were just one or two people, they might only manage to catch a few fish, and even then, there were always bullies trying to take advantage. But with a group of men casting nets together, they were sure to have a good catch. They could divide the fish among themselves, either to eat or sell for extra cash.


    Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang weren¡¯t very skilled at cooking freshwater fish, but luckily, Wang Xiaocao¡¯s husband, Li the Cook, was a professional chef with excellent skills. He didn¡¯t teach them how to cook, but at least he could give them tips on how to remove the fishy smell.


    If all else failed, they could salt the fish and turn it into a hearty dish.


    As the days went by, Zhao Guihua and Old Man Zhuang hadn¡¯t expected to stay in their new home for long, but before they knew it, several years had passed. Life had settled down, and perhaps because of that, their family began to thrive.


    In the blink of an eye, many changes had taken place in the courtyard, and their family was no exception.


    They had gone from two people to four, and from one room to two. They even rented the adjacent room for their children to live in.


    Zhao Guihua had already given birth to her eldest son, Zhuang Zhiyuan, and her second daughter, Zhuang Zhixin. The two little ones were still too young for school and spent their days hopping and skipping around the courtyard. The compound was full of children, many of them around the same age.


    The kids were playing hopscotch in the yard, including the three Su siblings, Little Zhouqun, Little Fendou, and Little Lifang. Lifang was teaching Zhuang Zhixin how to play cat''s cradle. The children were lively and noisy, while the adults were all busy. Zhao Guihua was pasting paper boxes, as were the other women in the compound. After all, this was how they made money.


    Though the weather was cold, no one minded. They gathered together to work, chatting about the latest gossip in the neighborhood and at the factory. Over the years, despite their underlying differences, they had grown outwardly harmonious. After all, they were neighbors who saw each other every day.


    As they chatted, a sudden burst of loud noises came from outside. Everyone was startled, but they quickly recovered. Having lived through many chaotic times, they knew what to do. Without hesitation, they gathered their things, called their children, and shut their doors and windows. Some even barricaded their doors in panic.


    Zhao Guihua hurried her two children inside, warning them not to run around. She peered out the window, anxiously waiting for her husband, Old Man Zhuang, who was still at the factory.


    "Mom..." the children called out.


    Zhao Guihua replied, "Just play by yourselves."


    After a moment of hesitation, she went out to close the gate but didn¡¯t lock it. After all, none of the men had returned yet.


    Back inside, Zhao Guihua felt a cold breeze and shivered. "I¡¯ll light the stove," she said, trying to steady her nerves.


    The two children looked up at her with wide eyes. Zhao Guihua forced a calm smile and said, "It¡¯s okay. Mom¡¯s here. Nothing bad will happen."


    The children scooted closer to her, and she gently patted their heads. Though they were just ordinary folks, they knew that fighting was happening in Tianjin. Beyond that, they had no idea what was going on.


    Everyone was filled with a mix of fear and anticipation. But no matter how scared they were, no one dared to visit their neighbors. They all stayed quietly at home, waiting for some kind of resolution.


    The morning passed in a haze of anxiety for Zhao Guihua. She didn¡¯t know how long this situation would last, only that ordinary people like them had no choice but to wait at home. Though she was nervous, she tried her best to appear calm for the sake of her children.


    Her distraction was evident when she forgot to add salt to the lunch she prepared. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as the tension in the compound reached its peak, Zhao Guihua heard the sound of the gate opening. She rushed to the door and saw the men from the compound returning from work. They were visibly excited, shouting, "We¡¯re liberated! Liberation has come! Everyone, come out!"


    "The Xizhimen garrison has changed hands! Liberation is here!"


    "The People¡¯s Liberation Army will enter the city in a couple of days!"


    Hearing this, the residents of the compound poured out of their homes, their faces flushed with excitement and disbelief. "Is it true? Is all of this really happening?" they asked.


    "Are you sure? You didn¡¯t mishear or missee anything?"


    "No mistake at all! The streets are packed with people celebrating. It¡¯s wonderful, truly wonderful!"


    Old Man Zhuang ran to his wife, Zhao Guihua, and grabbed her hands, his voice trembling with emotion. "No one will oppress us anymore. We can finally live a good life... This nightmare is over. It¡¯s all over."


    Tears streamed down Zhao Guihua¡¯s face, but she couldn¡¯t stop smiling. "It¡¯s so good, so good," she murmured, wiping her eyes.


    Though her family members were no longer around to see this day, she vowed to live well on their behalf.


    "It¡¯s so good, so good," she repeated softly. Old Man Zhuang, overcome with emotion, picked her up in a tight embrace, not caring that they were outside. "From now on, our family will never have to be afraid again! We can live in peace and happiness!"


    Zhao Guihua laughed, despite being squeezed tightly. "Yes, no more fear. Only good days ahead."


    "Daddy, Daddy, pick me up too!" Zhuang Zhixin cried, running over. Old Man Zhuang lifted his daughter into his arms, then scooped up his son as well, holding both children high in the air. The kids, infected by their parents¡¯ joy, squealed with delight.


    Old Man Zhuang laughed heartily. "Tonight, we¡¯ll have dumplings!"


    "Yay!"


    "I want some! I want some!"


    "Our family will have them too!"


    The children were exceptionally lively, and the adults in the courtyard were even more so. They understood better than the kids how this wonderful day had come to be, and they were so overwhelmed with emotion that they ran around, laughing and crying. Regardless of any past minor conflicts or disagreements, everyone could now embrace each other, celebrating with excitement and joy.


    Old Man Zhuang held his wife and lifted their child, then suddenly turned to look at her. He spoke earnestly, "My dear, let¡¯s have another child. If we have another, they¡¯ll be born in the New China."


    His voice was filled with hope and anticipation as he added, "We¡¯ll name them Zhuang Zhixi¡ª''Zhixi'' meaning ''hope.'' Whether it¡¯s a boy or a girl, we¡¯ll call them that, alright?"


    Zhao Guihua¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight, and she nodded vigorously. "Yes!" she replied.

 Chapter 228

    Zhuang Zhixi was born in New China.


    Although life was tough and at times poor, it was not as chaotic as it had been in the old society. He grew up healthy and happy, graduating from high school. If it weren''t for the policies at the time, he would have likely gone on to a good university to continue his studies.


    However, even though he didn¡¯t attend university, he joined a machinery factory right after high school, just in time to miss the "Down to the Countryside" movement. His life continued smoothly. Among the children in his family, both in his parents'' and his own generation, Zhuang Zhixi was the only one who happened to be the right age to avoid being sent to the countryside. The others were either too old or too young to be affected.


    It could be said that the three children of the Zhuang family were quite fortunate and lived well during their time.


    If he had been sent to the countryside, Zhao Guihua would have been worried sick.


    Fortunately, it didn¡¯t happen.


    The morning sun was particularly bright, and the cicadas were chirping loudly. Despite the thick blackout curtains, a few rays of sunlight managed to "sneak" into the room, bringing a touch of warmth. When Zhao Guihua woke up, she felt a bit disoriented, but she quickly regained her composure.


    It turned out she had been dreaming.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but she had dreamed of the old days, of the time when she and Old Man Zhuang had just met. Back then, people were so simple. A little mutual support was enough to spark feelings that lasted for decades, remaining as strong as ever. It was quite different from the way young people today approached relationships.


    She rubbed her eyes and sat up. It was summer, and even though the air conditioning was on, she still felt a bit warm. She stretched her legs and got up to pour herself a glass of water, gulping it down in one go. After that, she went to the bathroom to freshen up and changed into a cotton T-shirt. Nowadays, there were so many types of fabrics¡ªsilk, chiffon, linen¡ªbut Zhao Guihua still preferred cotton T-shirts. No matter how nice other materials were, she just didn¡¯t like them.


    Deep down, she was a very nostalgic person. Zhao Guihua put on a pair of loose cotton pants before opening the door and muttering, "Where has that old man gone off to again?"


    Her family lived in an old quadrangle courtyard, which was said to have been the residence of a prince during the Qing dynasty. The courtyard had five sections, with a small garden in the middle, covering a large area. It was spacious and comfortable, making it a very pleasant place to live.


    This courtyard had been bought by her youngest son, Zhuang Zhixi, in the 1980s. He used the money he made from selling orchids, spending nearly 100,000 yuan.


    Although this amount might sound like a joke now, in the early 1980s, it was a huge sum of money. Not everyone could afford it, and even if they could, many wouldn¡¯t be willing to spend it. Back then, buying property wasn¡¯t common, so Zhuang Zhixi had gotten a great deal. What was even more remarkable was that the courtyard had been well-preserved. Although it had undergone some minor renovations and modifications over the years to make it more livable, it still retained its ancient charm. Zhao Guihua absolutely loved it.


    Nowadays, this kind of property would cost hundreds of millions, which was almost unimaginable.


    Zhao Guihua and her family had originally lived in a large compound in Xinghua Lane, but it had been demolished over a decade ago. All the old neighbors had moved into apartment buildings, and Zhao Guihua had lived in one for a few years as well. However, having spent her entire life in a courtyard, she found it hard to adjust to apartment living.


    Her husband, Old Man Zhuang, felt the same way.


    Of course, living in an apartment had its advantages, especially in terms of comfort, but as they got older, they preferred a more grounded lifestyle, with a courtyard. Seeing that his parents were feeling a bit stifled, Zhuang Zhixi decided to renovate the quadrangle courtyard, and the whole family moved in.


    For this, Aunt Zhou and others teased Zhao Guihua and her husband, saying they didn¡¯t know how to enjoy life. After all, living in an apartment was so much better.


    But Zhao Guihua thought they just didn¡¯t understand. As people age, they crave a life that feels more connected to the earth, more grounded. After moving into the quadrangle courtyard with their son¡¯s family, the old couple immediately perked up. Despite their age, they wasted no time in turning part of the courtyard into a vegetable garden.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that the grandchildren still loved flowers, Zhao Guihua and her husband would have long since replaced the flower beds with more vegetables.


    In their opinion, growing vegetables was far superior to growing flowers.


    In short, growing vegetables was the way to go.


    With the vegetable garden to tend to, the old couple became full of energy. Even in their eighties, they were in great health, often more spirited than their own children. Zhao Guihua walked along the covered corridor to the central courtyard, where Old Man Zhuang was playing chess with their eldest son, Zhuang Zhiyuan. After retiring, Zhuang Zhiyuan came over every day. He lived in the same neighborhood as Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou, just a fifteen-minute walk away.


    Zhuang Zhixi had actually invited his older brother and sister to move in as well. The courtyard was large enough to accommodate everyone, but both had declined, not wanting to take advantage of their younger brother.


    Besides, everyone had their own living habits.


    Even though they didn¡¯t move in, they visited almost every day. As their parents aged, the children naturally wanted to spend more time with them, especially Zhuang Zhixin. She had married young and followed her husband to a military base on an island, meaning she hadn¡¯t been able to care for her parents much over the years. She only returned home every two or three years, and even then, only for a few days. Most of the responsibility for their parents had fallen on her brothers. Even the fact that her two sons owned homes in the capital was thanks to her mother¡¯s support. Zhuang Zhixin felt deeply guilty about this. Now that she and her husband had retired, they had returned to the capital. Even though they had spent most of their lives on the island, they felt that this was where their roots were.


    They were both natives of the capital, and as they grew older, they longed to return to their hometown. Besides, their family was here.


    The couple had their own house in the city, bought with the money from the demolition of their old home. The hundred-square-meter apartment was just right for the two of them. Zhuang Zhixin lived in the same building as her older brother, Zhuang Zhiyuan, and they would come over together every morning to visit.


    Zhuang Zhiyuan came without fail, rain or shine, and Zhuang Zhixin was no different.


    When Zhao Guihua pushed the door open and walked in, Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Mom, you¡¯re up late today."


    Zhao Guihua retorted, "At my age, can¡¯t I sleep in a little?"


    She snorted and added, "I dreamed about the time when your dad and I were young."


    At this, Old Man Zhuang chuckled and said, "I was quite the dashing young man back then."


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, "If you hadn¡¯t been, I wouldn¡¯t have looked twice at you."


    "Who wouldn¡¯t you have looked at?"


    Zhuang Zhixi and his wife had also arrived. The couple had aged well. Even though they were almost sixty, they could easily pass for forty. They looked much younger than their actual age.


    Having lived a life free of hardship, it showed in their faces. Time had left almost no trace on them.


    Ming Mei had already retired. She retired at the normal age of fifty-five. Actually, the school had wanted to rehire her, but she herself declined. She had worked her whole life, and now that she had reached retirement age, it was time to enjoy life rather than forcing herself to prove her worth.


    Besides, one¡¯s worth isn¡¯t measured by whether or not they¡¯re working.


    However, since retiring, Ming Mei had been spending more time with Zhao Guihua. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo had been causing quite a stir, to the point where Zhuang Zhixin often wondered if Ming Mei was actually Zhao Guihua¡¯s biological daughter. The two of them really got along like a house on fire.


    With Ming Mei, a "mastermind," backing her up, Zhao Guihua now walked around like a crab¡ªsideways and full of confidence.


    Fortunately, the old lady was still somewhat reasonable, or else things would have been unbearable.


    Zhuang Zhixin followed behind her younger brother and sister-in-law, carrying breakfast in her hands¡ªa traditional breakfast from old Beijing, the kind you never get tired of. The family sat down, and for the moment, they didn¡¯t continue the earlier topic. Zhao Guihua looked around and asked, ¡°Where are the little ones?¡±


    Ming Mei replied, ¡°With the Olympics coming up, the little one has a performance and went to practice early in the morning.¡±


    Yes, it was 2008, the year of the Olympics.


    Zhuang Zhixin nodded. Both Tuantuan and Yuanyuan were married, and the ¡°little ones¡± Zhao Guihua was referring to were their children. Tuantuan had married at thirty, tying the knot with a university junior he met abroad. The girl was also from Beijing. She had come to intern at Tuantuan¡¯s company after graduating, and over time, the two had gotten together. They had twins in the same year they married, and now the kids were six years old, about to start first grade in two months.


    Yuanyuan, on the other hand, had married Ye Siyuan, which had been quite a shock to everyone. After all, growing up, the two had never shown any signs of being more than ordinary friends. Among their group of childhood companions, their relationship had always been very proper¡ªlike affectionate siblings.


    Even little Si Tian knew to cling to Tuantuan and ask for candy, but Ye Siyuan and Yuanyuan had never been particularly close. It was as if they were just loving siblings.


    But sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Despite there being no obvious signs, the two had ended up together. If there was one person who wasn¡¯t surprised, it was Tuantuan. Maybe others found it hard to understand, but Tuantuan could see it clearly. After graduating high school, the three of them had gone abroad to study, and in a way, they had relied on each other for support.


    That might be an exaggeration, but the three of them had lived together, and everything they did, they did together. Some relationships are love at first sight, but theirs was more of a slow-burning affection. Others might not have seen it coming, but Tuantuan wasn¡¯t surprised at all.


    When they first arrived abroad, they were all quite young. Though they appeared bold, deep down they were all a bit nervous. It was the same for both men and women¡ªthey weren¡¯t as tough as they thought they were.


    Sometimes, they were a bit fragile.


    Yuanyuan was beautiful and had quite a few suitors. Ye Siyuan had helped her fend off a lot of trouble, and in turn, Yuanyuan had helped him avoid some unwanted attention.


    So, it was only natural that the two developed feelings for each other under such circumstances. They had spent years together, from university to graduate school, and naturally, they had grown close. They had started dating before returning to China, though neither of them had said anything about it. It wasn¡¯t until Ye Siyuan returned to China a year later that they made their relationship public.


    After going public, they dated for another two years. Yuanyuan ended up marrying earlier than her brother, but her child was the same age as Tuantuan¡¯s. Now, Yuanyuan and Ye Siyuan also lived nearby.


    Yuanyuan was very attached to her family. Since there was plenty of space at home, her grandparents, parents, and brother were all more than happy to have her stay. Yuanyuan didn¡¯t hesitate at all, and Ye Siyuan went along with her wishes.


    It had to be said that the women in their family, while appearing gentle, had a certain strength in their bones.


    Zhuang Zhixin was a bit of a romantic, but her husband had risen to a high position, and she was still the one calling the shots at home. The same went for Little Swallow and Si Tian. Zhao Guihua felt quite pleased. Being a romantic wasn¡¯t a bad thing¡ªwhat was dangerous was being completely devoid of thought and reason.


    Her children had both.


    Zhuang Zhixin: ¡°Since they¡¯re not here, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Zhao Guihua, munching on a fried dough stick, asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your husband?¡±


    Liang Meifen didn¡¯t come every day, but Zhuang Zhixin¡¯s husband visited quite frequently.


    Zhuang Zhixin: ¡°He was called away early this morning. His old comrades wanted to get together.¡± She smiled helplessly. ¡°He took all the liquor from the house with him. At his age, he really shouldn¡¯t be drinking like that. It¡¯s worrying.¡±


    After a pause, she added, ¡°Oh, by the way, on my way over this morning, I saw some foreigners taking pictures outside. Is that okay?¡±


    With the Olympics going on, Beijing was more crowded than ever. Historic places like their old courtyard house, with its traditional charm, were attracting a lot of attention, and many people were coming by to take photos.


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°It should be fine. I¡¯ll go out and take a look later.¡±


    Zhuang Zhixin: ¡°Alright.¡±


    With the Olympics in full swing, the city was bustling with activity. There were crowds of people and volunteers everywhere, and the neighborhood committees were busier than ever. Many of the local aunties who knew the area well were also pitching in. Zhao Guihua and her friends wanted to join in, but they were considered too old, and the neighborhood committee didn¡¯t dare to use them. It really frustrated the old lady.


    They wanted to contribute to the Olympics too.


    Even though the neighborhood committee didn¡¯t enlist them, they were still quite capable. They organized themselves into a spontaneous team.


    Zhao Guihua, Aunt Zhou, Aunt Wang, Luo Xiaohe, Old Man Zhuang, Li the Cook¡ªnone of them were left out. Jiang Lu and the others who had retired also joined in. Though they had been laid off over a decade ago, they had managed to transition smoothly because they owned their own businesses. Now, they were getting on in years and had passed their shops on to their children. Jiang Lu and her husband, Bai Fendou and his wife, Wang Zizhen and her husband, Li Fang and her husband, as well as the Zhuang family members¡ªeven Little Sister Yu, Wang Xiangxiu, and others¡ªall joined the impromptu squad. They roamed the neighborhood, ready to help anyone who needed directions or information. After all, as long-time residents of old Beijing, they knew the area like the back of their hands.


    If they spotted anyone suspicious or up to no good, they were quick to act.


    Heh, these were people who had seen it all. They could spot trouble a mile away and deal with it in no time. No petty thief stood a chance in Xinghua Lane.


    Trying to slip through the net?


    Not a chance.


    Oh, right, this was still Xinghua Lane. Though it was a bit of a distance from where they used to live, it just so happened that this area still fell under Xinghua Lane. Even before the Olympics, they had spent a lot of time roaming around here.


    They had taken down two theft rings, caught three robbers, and reported four drug users.


    Yeah, they were pretty well-known.


    As a native of the old Beijing city, you might not love the taste of fermented bean juice, but you can''t not know how impressive Aunt Zhou from Xing''er Lane is¡ªshe''s just that remarkable.


    The public security in their neighborhood is truly top-notch.


    Just as Zhao Guihua and her family finished breakfast, the doorbell rang. It was Aunt Wang and the others arriving. The elderly ladies had made matching outfits for themselves and were wearing little red hats, which were quite necessary for sun protection.


    Though their little group had quite a few members, not everyone could make it every day. For instance, He Lan wasn''t there today. Zhao Guihua peeked out, and Jiang Lu explained, "He Lan went to the school. Linlin got into a fight and knocked out someone''s tooth."


    Linlin is the child of Qijin and Bai Qingqing. The two got married the year Ye Siyuan returned to the country, making them the first among their peers to tie the knot. They had a child the following year, and now the little one is in elementary school, mischievous enough to cause chaos.


    The kid is also quite loyal. Sometimes, even when it¡¯s not his fault, he gets into fights for his classmates or friends. As a result, his parents have had to visit the teacher more times than they can count.


    Every year during festivals, Bai Qingqing and her husband bring gifts to the teacher. It¡¯s not that they hope for special treatment, but they genuinely feel bad for causing the teacher so much trouble.


    They feel that being a teacher for their child must have added a few more gray hairs to the teacher¡¯s head, and they can''t help but feel helpless about it.


    Now that the little rascal has caused trouble at school again, they take turns going to get scolded. It¡¯s not always Linlin¡¯s fault, but he always seems to come out on top in fights, which leaves his parents feeling awkward.


    Luckily, they only have one child, so they can take turns dealing with the embarrassment.


    Today, it was He Lan¡¯s turn, and Jiang Lu visibly sighed in relief, saying, "I don¡¯t remember Qijin being like this when he was a kid."


    Zhao Guihua replied, "It¡¯s not the same. Back then, kids were raised more roughly. Now, with only one child per family, they¡¯re raised with so much care. Kids are treated like treasures."


    "Linlin is just at that mischievous age. It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ve seen plenty of kids, and many are even more mischievous than him. My great-grandson is doing just fine. Mischievous kids are smart," Aunt Zhou said, clearly protective.


    Everyone laughed.


    Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, "You¡¯re really something¡­"


    Aunt Zhou shot back, "Aren¡¯t you the same? Back in your younger days, you¡¯d stand up for your kids too."


    Zhao Guihua thought about it and realized it was true, but she didn¡¯t falter. "I was on the side of justice. If my child wasn¡¯t in the wrong, of course I¡¯d defend them."


    "See, see?"


    Everyone laughed again.


    Bringing up the past, they couldn¡¯t help but reminisce. As people age, they tend to look back on old times. Aunt Zhou said, "You always have to be right, don¡¯t you?"


    Zhao Guihua replied, "I am right."


    "I¡¯m on Zhao Guihua¡¯s side. She¡¯s the best," Bai Fendou chimed in, his tone dripping with flattery.


    "Tsk tsk," Zhou Qun expressed his disdain for his in-law, but he also added, "Zhao Guihua really is impressive."


    They all genuinely believed that Zhao Guihua had foresight, especially when it came to two major events: Bai Qingqing and the relocation ten years ago.


    The story of Bai Qingqing is a long one.


    The reason Bai Fendou was so obsequious was because of Zhao Guihua¡¯s planning back in the day, which had truly paid off. Bai Fendou never expected things to turn out this way. He Lan¡¯s ex-husband, Fan Jianguo, actually came back to claim his daughter.


    Back then, Fan Jianguo was arrested for robbery, and another robbery he was involved in had resulted in a death. Combined with his gambling habits, he was sentenced harshly during the crackdown the following year. He was initially facing a death sentence, but because he exposed details about the gambling ring and helped arrest several people, he was given a life sentence instead.


    Over the years, Fan Jianguo had behaved well in prison, earning repeated sentence reductions. After serving twenty-five years, he was released early at the end of last year. By the time he got out, his parents had long passed away. Some of his brothers had moved south and lost contact, while the rest were struggling and resented his return.


    Fan Jianguo was now old. His early release was partly due to his good behavior but also because of his age. He was only a few years younger than Bai Fendou and the others, now in his sixties and approaching seventy.


    With no home, no money, and poor health, he turned his attention to the daughter he had left behind. He knew he had nothing to offer and couldn¡¯t find He Lan on his own, so he sought help from the media. Unfortunately, there are always those who will do anything for a story.


    After some back-and-forth, he actually managed to track down He Lan. Of course, finding her didn¡¯t do him much good. They had never officially registered their marriage, and all he really wanted was to find his daughter and have her support him in his old age.


    She was his child, and even if he hadn¡¯t raised her for a single day, she owed him that much.


    When Fan Jianguo finally found He Lan and learned about Bai Qingqing, he was overjoyed. Bai Qingqing was wealthy, and he immediately brought the media along to confront her, infuriating He Lan. Looking back, it was a good thing Zhao Guihua had warned them. Seeing Fan Jianguo¡¯s face, He Lan couldn¡¯t help but think that even after twenty-five years in prison, a scoundrel remained a scoundrel.


    Some people might have done bad things because they were poor or because of the times, but Fan Jianguo was just plain despicable.


    She almost spat in his face in front of everyone, saying, "How dare you come looking for me? That child died right after leaving the Fan family. If it weren¡¯t for the abuse we suffered at your hands, my daughter might have lived. And now you have the audacity to show up¡­"


    He Lan looked at the man, now aged beyond recognition, and felt no fear. She raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. "This slap is for my father, who trusted you and was swindled by your family for money!"


    Without hesitation, she delivered another slap. "This one is for me. I endured your family¡¯s abuse back then, and now I¡¯m giving it back to you."


    A third slap followed. "And this is for my daughter, who your family tried to kill just because she was a girl. You succeeded, didn¡¯t you? How dare you come looking for a daughter now? Have you forgotten how you threw us out in the freezing cold while she was sick? Did she even stand a chance?"


    Bai Qingqing stepped out from behind He Lan, her face pale. She supported her mother and said, "Mom, let¡¯s not waste our breath on them."


    She had actually heard such rumors when she was a child, but her friends had always been kind to her and encouraged her, so she didn¡¯t take it to heart. However, she never expected that this person would come looking for her. She had heard a bit about her mother¡¯s past and had developed a deep dislike for the Fan family.


    Fan Jianguo¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw Bai Qingqing. ¡°My daughter, I¡¯m your father! I¡­¡±


    This He Lan, still trying to lie?


    Isn¡¯t the child right here?


    She must take care of him in his old age.


    He Lan laughed and said, ¡°Qingqing was born after I remarried. I know you¡¯re desperate to find someone to take care of you in your old age, so you¡¯re claiming she¡¯s your daughter. But you can investigate this. Go to the police station and check the original records. Qingqing was born after I married my husband; she¡¯s a legitimate child. Maybe because I had a daughter before and then gave birth to another in the same year, some people assumed Qingqing was the child I brought from the Fan family. But that¡¯s not the case. I don¡¯t need to say much; you can go check the records yourself. You¡¯ll see the truth.¡±


    Bai Qingqing looked at her mother in shock. She had always thought she wasn¡¯t her father¡¯s biological child, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding. Her heart leapt with joy.


    He Lan remained calm. She knew very well that she had been careful when registering the household at the time. It wasn¡¯t something that was changed later; it had been that way from the start, so there was no need to worry. She said bluntly, ¡°When I left the Fan family, it was still cold, just around early spring. But my daughter was born at the end of the year. Are you still trying to force a connection?¡±


    Fan Jianguo stammered, ¡°Impossible, this can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    He Lan sneered, ¡°Go investigate then.¡±


    At this point, even the journalist accompanying Fan Jianguo was speechless. Although he knew Fan Jianguo had exaggerated and added many lies, he never expected the situation to be completely different. Since He Lan was so confident, it was likely that Bai Qingqing and Fan Jianguo truly had no connection.


    Fan Jianguo muttered, ¡°How is this possible? How¡­¡±


    The journalist suggested, ¡°We could do a DNA test¡­¡± S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was hoping for a bigger news story.


    Bai Qingqing scoffed, ¡°Why should I do a DNA test with some strange old man? Just because he says we¡¯re related, we are? My parents were married for nearly a year before I was born. Are you implying my mother was unfaithful? Who do you think you are?¡±


    ¡°Get out of here! If you come back, I¡¯ll call security¡­¡±


    Bai Fendou was itching to come out and punch someone, but He Lan had stopped him earlier, forbidding him from getting involved.


    He Lan raised her chin and said, ¡°If you¡¯re here to create a news story or take advantage of us, forget it. We¡¯ve never had any connection with you.¡±


    Fan Jianguo and the journalist didn¡¯t get the result they wanted. They even used their connections to investigate, only to find that Bai Qingqing was indeed born at the end of that year. No matter how you looked at it, she couldn¡¯t possibly be Fan Jianguo¡¯s child.


    Not only was she not the child from earlier, but even the claim that He Lan was pregnant before marrying Bai Fendou didn¡¯t hold up because the timeline didn¡¯t match.


    Fan Jianguo was at a loss, utterly dejected.


    Similarly, the journalist, who had failed to create a sensational story, was also disappointed. Bai Qingqing was a somewhat well-known entrepreneur, and he had hoped to make a big splash with this story. As for whether Bai Qingqing would be harassed by a leech, that wasn¡¯t his concern.


    However, he didn¡¯t fare well either. A few days later, he was inexplicably fired.


    On his way back, still fuming, he got into a fight over a seat on the bus and ended up having his arm broken by an irate old man. Then, while his arm was still healing, he got caught in a fight between some young men, who pushed him down the stairs and broke his leg.


    Although he received compensation each time, he knew deep down that someone was teaching him a lesson.


    When the third ¡°accident¡± happened, he finally understood: if you have no principles, others won¡¯t show you any either. He went to apologize sincerely, and after that, the ¡°accidents¡± stopped. He realized what was going on and blamed Fan Jianguo for dragging him into this mess. In retaliation, he beat Fan Jianguo up!


    That¡¯s the kind of person he was.


    As for Fan Jianguo, no matter how you looked at it, Bai Qingqing had nothing to do with him.


    His daughter, who could have taken care of him in his old age, had passed away. Now he had to scavenge to make a living, following the same path as his unscrupulous mother before her death.


    He did consider trying to extort money from He Lan or cling to Bai Qingqing, but without any proof of a biological connection, he was detained for three months for harassment. After his release, the journalist, who now hated him, beat him up.


    Fan Jianguo looked at this completely changed society and finally gave up.


    Times were different now.


    He disappeared completely from the lives of He Lan and Bai Qingqing.


    Although Bai Qingqing and her family had encountered a nasty situation, they dealt with it quickly and efficiently. Bai Fendou was extremely grateful to Zhao Guihua, feeling that Aunt Zhao was truly far-sighted. Decades ago, she had foreseen this day.


    If they hadn¡¯t delayed registering the household back then, they might have been entangled in this mess.


    But now, thanks to the confusion over the birth date, the problem was completely avoided.


    Bai Fendou now looked at Zhao Guihua with admiration, thinking, ¡°Aunt Zhao is amazing!¡±


    Absolutely amazing!


    Moreover, they had another profound realization: during the relocation eleven years ago, instead of choosing to move back, they had taken the money and left. Because they had multiple properties and stuck together, they received a substantial amount.


    Usually, those who took the money instead of relocating got less, but they managed to get an equal deal.


    After receiving the money, most of them bought properties in the development recommended by Zhuang Zhixi. Almost everyone from their old neighborhood, young and old alike, ended up in the same community. As property prices soared like a rocket, they all felt incredibly fortunate.


    What¡¯s more, they were glad they hadn¡¯t chosen to relocate. The real estate developer from Hong Kong turned out to be untrustworthy. From the start of the demolition to the official move-in, it took nearly nine years. Those who chose to relocate only moved back at the beginning of last year, which was utterly ridiculous.


    Over the years, they had truly benefited greatly.


    Now, whenever they thought about it, they wanted to shout: ¡°Follow Aunt Zhao, and you¡¯ll have meat to eat! Follow Aunt Zhao, and you¡¯ll never lose out! Follow Aunt Zhao, and you¡¯ll never go wrong¡­ Howl! Just follow Aunt Zhao, and you¡¯ll be right!¡±


    Recalling the recent events, Bai Fendou sighed with admiration, ¡°Aunt Zhao, how are you so amazing?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°What do you mean? Can your brain compare to mine? My brain is for deep thinking and planning, while yours is just for decoration.¡±


    Bai Fendou scratched his head and chuckled, not taking it to heart.


    Everyone laughed along with him.


    Zhao Guihua also laughed heartily. She never expected that her advice from years ago would come in handy now, but she was genuinely happy that her efforts hadn¡¯t gone to waste. Now, Bai Qingqing was always cheerful and carefree.


    She had once harbored some doubts, but now, because of the birthday incident, she was completely reassured. At the same time, she felt like a fool¡ªhow could she have believed the rumors? She had never even considered that she was born nearly a year after her parents got married. Naturally, she couldn¡¯t possibly be a child brought in from outside.


    What a shame for her prestigious education¡ªshe didn¡¯t even think about the timeline. Truly, when emotions are involved, logic goes out the window.


    Her father treated her so well; how could she possibly be a child of the Fan family?


    Bai Fendou was incredibly doting on his daughter.


    So Bai Qingqing no longer had any doubts. This secret was kept for a lifetime¡ªBai Qingqing never found out that Bai Fendou wasn¡¯t her real father. Similarly, Zhou Qun and Qijin, father and son, were also kept in the dark for their entire lives.


    Jiang Lu, having shed her romantic naivety, became extremely shrewd. Over the years, she never slipped up. She always felt that the heavens were on her side¡ªQijin was born prematurely, so the timing wasn¡¯t suspicious.


    Similarly, Qijin¡¯s blood type wasn¡¯t an issue either.


    Qijin shared her blood type and resembled her, so no one ever questioned his parentage.


    She kept this secret tightly under wraps.


    Both Qijin and Bai Qingqing had doting parents and lived very happy lives. Although they were part of the post-70s generation, their lives were prosperous and fulfilling.


    The two of them got married, while Li Zhenzhen married her colleague. Sijia and Si Tian, Xing¡¯er and Erlin¡ªall of them found their own paths to happiness.


    Now, they still gathered regularly, usually at the Zhuang family home. Just like when they were kids, huddled together in Tuantuan and Yuanyuan¡¯s room, they now brought their own children to the courtyard and let them run wild. The place was spacious enough for the little ones to play to their hearts¡¯ content. They played cards, chatted about work and life, or shared gossip¡ªit was a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind.


    They also loved gathering around Grandma Zhao and Aunt Ming Mei. Even though they were retired, their lives were full of amusing stories. Recently, the elders had been patrolling the neighborhood and came across quite a few bizarre incidents.


    There was no shortage of entertainment.


    The Zhao Guihua squad was always on the move.


    To keep up with the times and showcase the positive spirit of the Chinese people, as well as the warm hospitality unique to Beijingers, Zhao Guihua even organized a small English class for everyone.


    That way, if foreign tourists asked for directions, they wouldn¡¯t be at a loss.


    Every day, they went out with great enthusiasm, full of energy.


    Zhao Guihua led her squad on patrols around Xinghua Lane, covering both the old courtyard houses and the residential area across the street¡ªeverything fell under the jurisdiction of Xinghua Lane.


    They had lived and worked here their entire lives, and even after the relocation, they never left Xinghua Lane.


    ¡°Excuse me, how far is the Forbidden City if we walk from here?¡±


    Zhao Guihua replied, ¡°You should take the bus¡­¡±


    ¡°Hello, could you tell me which bus to take to get to the Great Wall?¡±


    Zhao Guihua explained, ¡°First, you¡¯ll need to take a bus to¡­ and then transfer to a direct bus from there¡­¡±


    ¡°Granny, you look so youthful! Do you live around here?¡±


    Zhao Guihua smiled and said, ¡°No need to admire me. When it comes to skincare, if I dare say I¡¯m second, no one would dare claim first place¡­¡±


    Old Man Zhuang chuckled beside her, while Aunt Wang and the others pouted. Ming Mei held back her laughter, enjoying the scene.


    Perhaps because they were all wearing matching uniforms, many people approached them for directions, even foreigners. A young blond man with a camera came over and asked eagerly, ¡°Hello~ I was wondering, is there a haunted toilet around here? In Xinghua Lane? A haunted toilet?¡±


    He looked at them with wide-eyed curiosity, gesturing dramatically. ¡°A haunted one! Boo! Ghosts!¡±


    Zhao Guihua: ¡°¡­¡±


    Everyone ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????around them froze for a moment.


    Then, unable to hold it in any longer, they burst into laughter¡­